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Autos

The ‘Attainability Factor’

Peter Wirth says the new A-Class presents a huge opportunity

Peter Wirth says the new A-Class presents a huge opportunity to showcase the attainability of several Mercedes models.

Since opening its doors roughly 16 months ago, Peter Wirth says, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield has met or exceeded most all of its stated goals and expectations.

Save one, perhaps.

Indeed, if it is lagging in any aspect of its multi-faceted operation, it is in the broad realm of educating customers across its broad service area that a Mercedes is affordable — or ‘attainable,’ the word he and the industry prefer to use.

It’s not from lack of trying, he said, before adding quickly that the company will try even harder, but probably more a function of the fact that there hadn’t been a Mercedes dealership in the 413 area for a full decade before this one opened on the site of the old Schine Inn just off Route 291 in Chicopee.

And this helps explain why residents of this area might not be as enlightened as those in other markets when it comes to the fact that ‘Mercedes’ and ‘affordable’ can co-exist in the same sentence.

“We missed out on all that communication, getting the cars into the marketplace, talking about them, and showing them,” he said of that 10-year hiatus, during which the carmaker greatly expanded and diversified its lineup.

But Mercedes now has an additional arrow in this quiver of attainability and another intriguing talking point, he said, with the introduction of the A-Class, which will begin rolling into showrooms, including the one in Chicopee, next month. It joins the CLA, introduced several years ago, and the GLA model SUV as Mercedes models that start at under $40,000, and Wirth expects it to be a significant addition to the portfolio.

“We feel that this is a unique opportunity for us to educate consumers in this market,” he said. “This is the first big launch of a car that’s going to shape the brand perception since we opened.”

That’s because the A-Class is about more than affordability, he told BusinessWest. It’s also about technology and a leap from traditional luxury to what Mercedes is calling ‘modern luxury,’ meaning features like MBUX.

“We feel that this is a unique opportunity for us to educate consumers in this market. This is the first big launch of a car that’s going to shape the brand perception since we opened.”

That stands for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which the carmaker, and Wirth, tout as the next generation of user-friendly technology. The MBUX user interface allows the driver to use voice commands to control everything from the radio station and the volume level to the temperature in the cabin.

“The system is easy to learn because it actually learns you,” said Wirth, adding that the technology comes to understand the driver’s habits, right down to the preferred radio stations and music. “This is something that will trickle up into the other cars over time, but it’s something we’re phasing in with the new entry point to the brand.”

The A-Class is equipped with MBUX, hailed as the next generation of user-friendly technology.

The A-Class is equipped with MBUX, hailed as the next generation of user-friendly technology.

It was explained — sort of — in a commercial that first aired during the Super Bowl. It wasn’t rated high in any of the ‘best of’ polls, but you might have seen it. A young, professional-looking male starts to see everything he says come to fruition, from an ATM spitting out money after he gives the command ‘make it rain,’ to an opera singer magically transforming into rapper Ludacris when he says ‘change the music.’

The trend continues when he gets behind the wheel of his Mercedes A-Class and voices several commands, including ‘change the color’ — and the dashboard lights do just that — as well as ‘make it cooler,’ and ‘play my music.’ The commercial ends with the ‘voice’ saying ‘if only everything in your life listened to you like your new Mercedes.’

Wirth gave similar commands as he gave a demonstration of the first A-Class to arrive at his dealership. Starting each conversation — because that’s what these are — with ‘hey, Mercedes,’ he proceeded to turn the heat up by merely saying ‘I’m cold,’ receive directions to a downtown Springfield business, and get a rundown on the restaurants within a mile’s radius of the dealership.

Meanwhile, the dashboard instrumentation can be changed electronically to display anything the driver wants, from the odometer and tachometer to things like speed limit and the range the car can go on the amount of gas left in the tank.

As for the affordability factor, the A-Class has a base sticker price of $32,000 (which includes a considerable amount of standard equipment, including a sunroof and the user interface), and most will price out at under $40,000.

That’s a number that wouldn’t surprise most people in other markets, who have had a Mercedes dealership to visit through this decade and have become aware of several models that fall into the ‘affordable’ category. But it might still surprise many in this region.

And with that, Wirth revisited another Super Bowl commercial, the one for the CLA model, which debuted at $29,000. It was a spot that turned some heads and put a Mercedes in driveways where one had never been.

“That was a big bang — that was eye-opening for many people,” he said, adding that the CLA, which remains popular, would go on to secure what’s known in the business as a ‘high conquest rate,’ meaning that people were opting out of the cars they were driving and into the new Mercedes model.

This is significant, he said, because, conversely, Mercedes has one of the highest loyalty rates within the industry, meaning that once they own or lease one, the Mercedes customer is very likely to go back for another.

“This is hugely important to us because we feel like we’re establishing a relationship with someone and giving exposure to our brand to people who will ultimately keep on doing business with us going forward,” he said. “They will have kids, they’ll maybe want an SUV at some point, so filling that pipeline with customers is important.”

The company is hoping for a similarly high conquest rate with the A-Class, which can turn heads not just with its styling and price tag, but also the user-friendly technology.

If they’re right, more people will be saying ‘hey, Mercedes,’ before and after they get in the car.

— George O’Brien

Manufacturing

On a Roll

Between 200,000 and 250,000 golf balls roll out of Callaway’s Chicopee plant every day.

Between 200,000 and 250,000 golf balls roll out of Callaway’s Chicopee plant every day.

The Callaway golf-ball-manufacturing facility in Chicopee has borrowed a famous page from the Chicago Cubs’ playbook.

When the Cubs win, a white flag with a large blue ‘W’ is flown atop the legendary hand-operated scoreboard in center field. (Of course, if they lose, a blue flag with a white ‘L’ goes up, but that’s another story.)

Back to Callaway. When a member of its team — comprised of players on the various professional tours who play Callaway balls and clubs — posts a win, a flag with a large script ‘C’ (the same one used for the Callaway brand) flies underneath the American flag on the pole outside on the facility on Meadow Street.

“The flag goes up the Monday morning after a win, and it flies until Friday that week,” said Vince Simonds, director of Global Golf Ball Operations for Callaway, adding that it’s been flying quite a bit recently.

Indeed, it was up just last week after the best-known member of the team, Phil Mickelson, prevailed at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Meanwhile, Xander Schauffele, a rising star on the PGA tour, has won twice over the past several months; Australian Marc Leishman won last fall, as did Spaniard Sergio Garcia; and Belgians Thomas Peters and Thomas Detry won the ISPS Handa Melbourne World Cup of Golf in late November.

Simonds told BusinessWest that the flag is one of many initiatives designed to raise awareness among those inside the plant about how the products they’re making are generating results at the very highest levels — and generating pride within that workforce as well.

“It’s part of something we call the ‘21 Initiative,’ a multi-year evolution to transform and re-engage as we bring on new machinery and new capacity capabilities,” he said, noting that ‘21’ is short for 2021. “We started putting the flag up because we’ve grown so fast that we need to re-engage with our employees and share our success with them.”

But Callaway also wants to bring attention to what’s going on inside the plant, which is on a winning streak itself.

Indeed, as the Callaway brand has risen to number two in overall sales within the golf-ball market behind Titleist, the Chicopee plant has doubled its workforce over just the past 18 months, from roughly 180 to more than 363 (the highest number in more than a decade), and is expected to surpass 400 later this year, making this one of the better manufacturing success stories to be written locally in recent years.

“We’re very bullish on 2019,” said Simonds, adding that this optimism is grounded in the company’s recent surge within the golf-ball market, fueled by the introduction of several new and somewhat groundbreaking products. These include the Tour Soft ball, which has become popular with professionals and amateurs alike. There’s also a version of that ball known as the Truvis, stamped with pentagonal images — and now a host of other options, from shamrocks to butterflies to other custom logos — that give the product a soccer-ball look.

“We started putting the flag up because we’ve grown so fast that we need to re-engage with our employees and share out success with them.”

The ‘win flag’ flies on the pole outside the Callaway plant

The ‘win flag’ flies on the pole outside the Callaway plant. It’s been flying quite regularly these days.

“The Truvis has really taken off; sales are very strong, and we’re booking a lot of business on the custom side of things,” said Simonds, adding that the portfolio of products is poised to grow with the addition of the ERC Soft, with those letters short for Ely Reeves Callaway, founder of the company.

Overall, somewhere between 200,000 to 250,000 balls, including the new ERCs, are rolling off the lines at the Chicopee plant each day, a slight increase from a year ago. More importantly, the mix has changed, said Simonds, noting that, while the plant supplemented its capacity with non-tour, lower-end products in the past, it no longer does that due to demand for the higher-end balls.

And as those numbers continue to increase, so too does the number of people clocking in at a plant that now runs 24/7.

These workers cover a broad spectrum, said Simonds, from engineers who have brought the new products to the assembly line to those on the shop floor to those in working in the warehouse.

Findng and retaining talent has become an issue, as it has for just about every manufacturer in the region, said Simonds, adding that the company is working with Springfield Technical Community College and area vocational high schools to create an adequate pipeline of workers.

For this issue and its focus on manufacturing, BusinessWest returns to the Callaway plant and a company that has been, as they in this sport, flag hunting, and has had a great deal of luck in those endeavors.

Core Products

As he offered BusinessWest a quick tour of the Callaway plant and showed off the latest of the new Truvis machines to be added over the past two years, Simonds introduced Les McCray, who’s been working at the Chicopee facility since Gerald Ford was in the White House.

“We try to find people who have the education and technical background, obviously, but also a passion for the game of golf.”

There are still a number of employees with considerable longevity still working at this sprawling plant, but a growing number have been there for months, not years. And while employment has spiked in recent months, it’s been trending upward for several years now, said Simonds.

There have been several milestones along the way that have brought us to this moment, including the introduction of the Chrome Soft, which dramatically altered the trajectory of Callaway’s ball division, and the emergence of the Truvis, which has added a new dimension — metaphorically if not quite literally — to golf-ball design.

Vince Simonds, left, with Les McCray

Vince Simonds, left, with Les McCray, who’s been working at the Callaway plant for more than 40 years.

“There is a functional aspect to this,” he said in reference to the alignment of the pentagons or logos and how it helps people improve their chipping and putting. “But mostly, it’s just a fun and unique way to mark a golf ball. The feedback we get from consumers is that they enjoy it because they can instantly recognize their ball in the foursome.”

The ERC Soft has something approaching that same quality because of a feature called Triple Track Technology — three lines engraved on the ball to help with putting alignment (Mickelson was using a dfferent Callaway ball with the same technology when he won at Pebble Beach). That’s just one innovative aspect to this latest addition to the portfolio, said Simonds, adding that this long but soft ball has a new ‘hybrid’ cover and graphene core and is designed for players with less than tour-level swing speeds.

It’s the latest in a string of advances and new products that have led to a surge in market share, said Simonds, adding that, according to Golf Datatech, which measures sales in pro shops and related outlets, Callaway has a 16% share of the market compared to 7% in 2012. But National Golf Foundation data, which also includes sales at large retail outlets like Dick’s Sporting Goods, gives Callaway a 23% market share based on dollar amount sold.

The Callaway Plant in Chicopee

The Callaway Plant in Chicopee is engaged in what it’s calling the ’21 Initiative,’ (short for 2021) a multi-year process of evolution and transformation as it brings on new machinery and scores of new employees.

This growth has led to more ‘C’ flag-raising ceremonies outside the Callaway plant, and more people working inside it, said Simonds, adding that the company has been adding employees on a regular basis over the past few years.

That’s due in part to a leveling off of production, meaning it’s more steady throughout the year as opposed to being more seasonal as it was years ago, geared toward peak sales at Christmas and especially Father’s Day.

“Our real production season is September to June, with maintenance in July, and then we begin to ramp up for new products in August and begin manufacturing in September and October,” he said. “We support the globe around here.”

And, as he noted, the new arrivals to the plant cross a broad spectrum, from process engineers who design the breakthroughs to skilled, unskilled, and semi-skilled positions on the plant floor. Finding them is, indeed, challenging, said Simonds, adding that, with the engineers and management personnel, the company recruits from where it can.

“We try to find people who have the education and technical background, obviously, but also a passion for the game of golf,” he explained, adding that the last ingredient is a key part of the mix. “We have an R&D team in Carlsbad, California that we work very closely with, but the scale-up and commercialization happens here; we have a team of 12 process engineers and technicians that work hard every day designing systems to make golf balls so people can play better golf. That’s not a bad way to make a living.”

“There is a functional aspect to this. But mostly, it’s just a fun and unique way to mark a golf ball. The feedback we get from consumers is that they enjoy it because they can instantly recognize their ball in the foursome.”

With machinists, Callaway, like most other manufacturers in the region, must compete for a limited number of qualified workers while also dealing with the retirement of Baby Boomers.

“We’re continuing to have dialogue with STCC, and we’re working closely with the trade schools in the area,” he said. “We’ve gotten some really good young people out of Putnam [Vocational-Technical High School] in Springfield — it’s been a really good pipleline for us. But they’re young, and they need training and development, so we’re doing that.”

With so many people coming in recent months, Simonds and his team are grinding, as they say in golf, to keep the growing workforce focused on the mission and the basic tenets, such as safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

“We’ve brought so many people on so fast that the connection with the employee is super important,” he said, referring to the broad 21 Initiative. “So we’re doubling down on our efforts in that regard.”

Banner Year

As noted, the Callaway flag flying after wins on the pro tours is a page taken from the Chicago Cubs’ script.

But in just about every other way, the story being written on Meadow Street in Chicopee is an original. The plot lines are engaging — new products and advances with intriguing names, like Triple Track Technology. And there are a host of stars, from Xander Schauffele and Phil Mickelson to Les McCray.

No one’s quite sure how this story will end, but right now, Callaway and its Chicopee plant are both on a roll, and, like the players on tour who have promoted the flag to fly, they’re winning big.

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

Employment

Ready or Not…

By Timothy M. Netkovick, Esq. and Daniel C. Carr, Esq.

Paid Family and Medical Leave is on the way in Massachusetts.

In order to implement the new program, the newly created Department of Family and Medical Leave has released drafts of the regulations that will govern this new type of leave. Public listening sessions are now being held to allow members of the public to provide input on the draft regulations.

Timothy M. Netkovick

Timothy M. Netkovick

Daniel C. Carr

Daniel C. Carr

Although there will undoubtedly be changes to the current draft before they are officially adopted, Massachusetts employers should be aware of the draft regulations so they can start planning for the implementation of Paid Family and Medical Leave now.

All employers will be covered by the new Massachusetts law. Although there are some similarities between the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the new Massachusetts law, some provisions of the new Paid Family and Medical Leave will require all employers to modify elements of their current practices. For example, if your company already qualifies for federal FMLA, it will also qualify for Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave.

However, you should not assume that your company will automatically be in compliance with the new law just because you already have policies and practices in place to comply with the federal FMLA. You will need to review your policies now because employers required to make contributions must begin doing so on July 1, 2019.

On Jan. 1, 2021, all employees in the Commonwealth will be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave. Paid leave will be funded by employee payroll contributions and required contributions from companies with an average of 25 or more employees.

If you are a seasonal business with a fluctuating workforce, how do you know if your company has an average of 25 employees for purposes of this law? The current draft regulations make it clear that the average number of employees is determined by counting the number of full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary employees on the payroll during each pay period and then dividing by the number of pay periods. If the resulting average is 25 or greater, your company will need to pay into the Family and Employment Security Trust.

“Although there will undoubtedly be changes to the current draft before they are officially adopted, Massachusetts employers should be aware of the draft regulations so they can start planning for the implementation of Paid Family and Medical Leave now.”

In one major variation from federal FMLA, Massachusetts Paid Family and Medical Leave will be administered by the state, unless an employer applies for an exemption to use a ‘private plan’ to administer the leave themselves or through a third-party vendor. If an employer wants to utilize a private plan, the employer will need to apply, and be granted the exemption, annually.

At this point, the only requirement for a private plan is that it must provide for the same or greater benefits than the employee would have if the program was being administered by the state. The required logistics of implementing a private plan are unclear. The logistics of implementing a private plan will likely be addressed in the final regulations and advisory opinions as the 2021 start date draws closer.

In addition to paid leave, there are also several other major variations from federal FMLA law. One major variation is the amount of leave available to employees. While federal FMLA allows for a total of 12 total weeks of job-protected leave during a 12-month period regardless of the qualifying reason, the Massachusetts law differentiates between types of leave.

For instance, under the Massachusetts law, employees are allowed up to 20 weeks for an employee’s own serious health condition; up to 12 weeks to care for a family member’s serious health condition; up to 12 weeks for the birth, adoption, or foster-care placement of a child; and up to 26 weeks in order to care for a family member who is a covered service member. While an employee is out on leave, the amount of their benefit is based upon the employee’s individual rate of pay, but with a cap of 64% of the state average weekly wage. This cap will initially be $850 per week.

Employers will need to begin assessing their responsibilities under this program as well as the steps necessary to comply with these requirements. Employers that are required to make contributions to the Family and Employment Security Trust will want to start the process of deciding whether they intend to utilize a private plan, and if so, they should consult with employment counsel as they prepare their plan to insure compliance with the unique provisions of the new Massachusetts law.

Paid Family and Medical Leave will continue to be a hot-button topic for the foreseeable future. It is important for employers to continually monitor the progress of the law as it is being implemented to ensure they will be ready to continue business with minimal disruption on Jan. 1, 2021.

Timothy M. Netkovick, an attorney at Royal, P.C., has more than 15 years of litigation experience, and has successfully tried several cases to verdict. In addition to his trial experience, he has specific experience in handling labor and employment matters before a variety of administrative agencies. He also assists employers with unionized workforces during collective bargaining, at arbitrations, and with respect to employee grievances and unfair labor practice charges; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

Daniel C. Carr specializes exclusively in management-side labor and employment law at Royal P.C. He has experience handling a number of labor and employment matters in a variety of courts and administrative agencies. He is also a frequent speaker on a number of legal areas such as discrimination law, employee handbook review, investigation strategies, and various employment-law topics; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

Franklin County

Connecting Past and Present

Philip Zea says Historic Deerfield paints an often-surprising picture

Philip Zea says Historic Deerfield paints an often-surprising picture of a large swath of the region’s cultural history.

It’s a grand reopening more than 200 years in the making.

Specifically, it’s a house in Deerfield, built in 1795, that operated as a tavern for roughly a decade.

“We know a lot about it, and because most Americans today travel, we thought it would be great to show the public how people back then lived, not when they were at home, but when they were out and about,” said Philip Zea, president of Historic Deerfield, the living-history museum that comprises more than 50 buildings on or near sleepy Old Main Street.

“Believe it or not, our tranquil street here, north and south, back in the day, was the equivalent of Interstate 91,” Zea went on, adding that Old Albany Road connected with the 18th-century equivalent of the Mass Pike, making Deerfield a sort of crossroads of New England, frequented not only by locals, but by travelers.

Refurbishing that tavern — it will open later this year — is the latest capital project undertaken at Historic Deerfield to expand the scope of the history the museum aims to convey across its 110 acres, he told BusinessWest. “We want to tell that story, what the country was like when it was on the move — not today, but in the 1790s and a little bit later.”

Upstairs from the tavern is a big assembly room that quickly became the largest public space in town, so the tavern keeper drew income from renting that space, for court proceedings, auctions, and balls. Deerfield Academy was founded in that room in 1797.

Zea can share countless historical details like that one in this complex that includes 28 houses built in the 1700s and another 14 that predate 1850. “The skyline is intact, if you will.”

“When people feel the need to know more about the past, we need to be more inventive about how we share it.”

So is business at Historic Deerfield, which opened to the public 71 years ago and has continued to evolve its programs and exhibitions to keep visitors returning and, crucially, keep attracting new generations at a time when it’s not always easy to turn young people on to history.

Knock, Knock

That ‘71 years’ may be an official statistic, as Historic Deerfield was indeed begun in 1947, and its first museum house, the Ashley House (built in 1733), opened its doors to visitors in 1948.

Yet, the street was a sort of unofficial museum well before that. The local library has correspondence, from the 1830s, from two Mount Holyoke College students who wanted to head north and visit Deerfield’s houses, which even then were old. One homeowner charged them a dime to come in and see the house. “That’s the business of history,” Zea laughed.

And it’s often significant history, he went on. During the early Colonial wars, Deerfield was the northwestern point of English settlements in the region, so while people lived and farmed there, it was also a military outpost. Around the time of the American Revolution, the town was an organizational point for troops moving north and west. The week before Benedict Arnold and Ethan Allen took Fort Ticonderoga in 1775, Arnold was in Deerfield, buying beef for the army. “That’s real history,” Zea said. “It happened right here.”

For decades, families, school groups, and others have trekked to Deerfield for both its palpable history and its reflection of a quintessential new England village, Zea said. “If someone visits New England, they might go to Fenway Park, or get a lobster in Maine, but if they want a feel for what it was really like long ago, they’ll come here.”

That’s true of Old Sturbridge Village as well, but he doesn’t believe Historic Deerfield is really in competition with that complex, because often visitors want to check out both sites. We’re quite different. They’re interpreting 1830s New England life; it’s all about process and how people made their livings. Rather than focusing on a specific time, we’re one-stop shopping if you want to look at history from the 1770s, or even earlier, to today. If you want to be in a place and feel the expanse of history, this is the place you want to come.”

To keep visitors returning, the museum — which boasts 61 full-time and 115 part-time employees — needs to make it relevant, and that’s not always easy.

“The apex of this kind of museum in America was back around the Bicentennial. That’s when the biggest crowds went to places like this. That was about patriotism, about the roots of the country, the roots of American democracy,” he explained.

“That’s still important,” he went on, “but when people feel the need to know more about the past, we need to be more inventive about how we share it. It’s not always political history; it’s not always military history. What we do here is more about the history of culture in the Connecticut River Valley and the roots of small-town America in a place like Deerfield.”

Even the colors of the houses tell a story. Today, paint colors cost pretty much the same, but back in the 1700s, blue pigment was derived from cobalt, which was expensive. “So, if you could paint your whole house blue, it was like parking a fancy car in the driveway.”

Maintaining the condition of the museum houses and other structures — and expanding the activities within them — accounts for some of Historic Deerfield’s $7.7 million annual budget, bolstered partly by a $49 million endowment and the 1,317-member Friends of Historic Deerfield, which supports the museum through annual gifts from individual and corporate donors.

“We’re finding ways to move forward on the programmatic front, as well as historic preservation,” Zea noted. “One of our problems is, we’ve got a pretty good-sized physical plant, a lot of which is old, by the nature of the place, so historic preservation is important for us; it’s part of our mission and part of our responsibility that requires a fair amount of cash to keep going.”

The other key is to expand the audience because, obviously, the more people who come, the better — both for the museum and the region at large.

“Deerfield’s a little different from other museums in that, while we charge admission to our buildings, it’s a gateless museum. You can come to Old Deerfield, walk around, have a great time, and I don’t get into your wallet,” said Zea, who used to work at Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, which operates under a similar structure on a larger scale. “But visitors, even visitors we really can’t count, are important not only to us, but to the regional economy, because we draw a lot of people to Franklin County.”

Lens to History

To keep drawing them, Historic Deerfield continues to expand both its programs and the physical space in which to present them. In the latter case, the organization recently purchased the home of 19th-century artist James Wells, built during the 1760s and known as Elmstead, to expand public programming and storage.

As for those programs, one ongoing lecture series, “Native Voices: Rediscovering American Histories,” which began with a well-attended event in January and continuing on Feb. 24 and March 24, aims to reframe the experience and perspectives of indigenous peoples into broader American narratives.

Then, on April 13 — the day that kicks off daily operations after the weekends-only winter schedule — Historic Deerfield will host its annual Patriots’ Day festivities, featuring a military re-enactment group from Connecticut and discussions about the impact of the Revolution on the people of Deerfield.

All of it, said Laurie Nivison, the museum’s director of Marketing, is intended to make history relevant to those who want to learn about it.

“With today’s audience, it’s telling the story and encouraging people to think about how it relates to their life and how their life might connect to one of the families who lived in the houses here,” she told BusinessWest. “When we bring people to come [give presentations] here, we want them to make that connection as well.”

Those connections can be powerful, Zea said, and visitors interact with the history in different ways. “Part of what a place like this peddles is nostalgia — what was it like then, or imagining how they did this and that. So, a big part of our constituency doesn’t want anything to change because that’s the nature of nostalgia.

“But then, there’s an equal part of our constituency that wants to learn more, learn different things, look at Deerfield in different ways,” he went on. “And there are so many ways to do that here because, while Historic Deerfield is a great institution, Old Deerfield is a great place in history. And we’re a sort of lens to that.”

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Employment

Checking the Rearview

By Erica E. Flores, Esq. and John S. Gannon, Esq.

Erica E. Flores

Erica E. Flores

John S. Gannon

John S. Gannon

The world of labor and employment law is constantly in flux. As attorneys who practice in this area, our business is to learn and help our clients solve problems in this increasingly complex environment.

So when we reflect on the past year, we ask ourselves how the law has changed for our clients, what new challenges were introduced, and what new guidance we can offer to help businesses navigate these ever-changing waters.

With that in mind, we bring you a summary of last year’s most significant employment-law changes for Massachusetts employers.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program

If there is one takeaway from 2018, it is that Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) will be a game changer for businesses across the Commonwealth. The new program, which will require tax contributions from employers starting in July 2019, will allow employees to take considerable paid time off — up to 26 weeks per year in the aggregate — in connection with their own medical condition or to care for family members who are suffering from a serious health condition.

Paid family leave is also available to bond with an employee’s newborn or newly adopted child. Employees can begin claiming PFML benefits in January 2021. Employees will be able to collect weekly wage replacement benefits that will vary depending on their average weekly wage. The maximum weekly benefit amount is currently capped at $850 per week, but will be adjusted annually.

“A lot has changed for employers over the past year. Business should be reviewing their practices, policies, and employment-related documents now to be sure they are in compliance with these new laws and regulations.”

Businesses will face substantial new burdens under the new law. In addition to planning for more frequent employee absences, businesses are required to fund the program through a new payroll tax. Employers will have the option to pass a portion of this tax contribution to employees, and smaller employers (fewer than 25 employees) are not responsible for contributing the employer’s share of the tax. A visual breakdown of how the tax will work can be found at www.mass.gov/info-details/family-and-medical-leave-contribution-rates-for-employers. We suspect that this program will be most burdensome for small businesses, which are not well-equipped for extended employee absences.

For those wondering where this significant new legislation came from, the genesis was a bill known as the grand bargain that was passed by the Massachusetts Legislature in June 2018. The bill not only creates the Paid Family and Medical Leave program, but also increases the minimum wage every year for the next five years, gradually eliminates mandatory overtime for retail employees who work on Sundays, and establishes an annual sales-tax holiday weekend.

Non-compete Reform

Also this year, the Massachusetts Legislature passed comprehensive non-compete reform. The law substantially narrows the circumstances under which employers can enter into non-competition agreements with employees, limits all such agreements to a maximum term of one year, and requires that non-competition agreements entered into with existing employees be supported by consideration beyond continued employment. The law also mandates that courts apply certain presumptions that have the effect of narrowing the scope of services and geographic territories employers can seek to protect with a non-compete.

Pay Equity Becomes Law

The amended Massachusetts Pay Equity Law took effect this past July, imposing significant responsibilities on businesses to ensure equal pay to employees of different genders for “comparable” work. And the first lawsuit alleging violations of the amended law was filed just a few days later.

Most importantly, the amended statute provides a broader definition of “comparable work” and limits the acceptable reasons for paying people of different genders differently to just six — bona fide seniority, merit and productivity systems, geographic location, job-related education, training and experience, and required travel. It also prohibits employers from seeking information regarding the salary history of job applicants. Employers hoping to reduce their risk of liability under the pay-equity law can earn the protection of a statutory affirmative defense if they complete a “good faith” self-evaluation of their pay practices, but they must demonstrate “reasonable progress” toward eliminating any wage differentials in order to avoid liability completely, and the defense is only good for three years.

Pregnancy and Related Conditions Are Now Protected Classes

In April 2018, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act became law in Massachusetts. In addition to adding pregnancy and conditions related to pregnancy (including lactation) as protected classes under the state’s anti-discrimination law, the statute also requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for an employee’s pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy unless doing so would pose an undue hardship to the business; prohibits employers from taking adverse action against or refusing to hire someone because she needs, requests, or uses such an accommodation; and prohibits employers from requesting documentation to support certain types of accommodations — specifically, more frequent breaks, seating, lifting restrictions, and a private, non-bathroom space to express breast milk.

As you can see, a lot has changed for employers over the past year. Business should be reviewing their practices, policies, and employment-related documents now to be sure they are in compliance with these new laws and regulations.

John S. Gannon and Erica E. Flores are attorneys with Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., one of the largest law firms in New England exclusively practicing labor and employment law. Gannon specializes in employment litigation and personnel policies and practices, wage-and-hour compliance, and non-compete and trade-secrets litigation. Flores devotes much of her practice to defending employers in state and federal courts and administrative agencies. She also regularly assists her clients with day-to-day employment issues, including disciplinary matters, leave management, and compliance.

Opinion

Editorial

On the surface, state Sen. Eric Lesser’s proposal to essentially pay remote workers and teleworkers to relocate to Western Mass. seems like an act of desperation.

And in many ways, it is. For decades now, this region has been touting (if not actively marketing) its many assets, including quality of life and affordable housing, and yet the area remains that proverbial best-kept secret.

Meanwhile, many young people, seeing few intriguing job opportunities developing in the 413, are opting for other area codes, especially those in the Boston area, where they’re finding jobs, but also a sky-high cost of living.

So why not incentivize people to do what Horace Greeley first suggested Americans do a century and a half ago — go west?

Lesser’s proposal is to create a $1 million pilot program that would provide up to $10,000 for people to move to this region, buy equipment for a home office, or rent co-working space. He has told media outlets he was inspired by the story of Boon and Caro Sheridan, who decided that, instead of trying to slug it out in Boston’s challenging rental market, they would relocate to Holyoke and eventually buy a converted church.

So why not incentivize people to do what Horace Greeley first suggested Americans do a century and a half ago — go west?

It’s a nice story, and one that can, indeed, be duplicated. And Lesser’s proposal might help, although, in this day and age, $10,000 isn’t enough to cover any of those three costs listed above, and that figure isn’t likely to turn anyone’s head. Triple it, or make it $50,000, and maybe we’d have something. Maybe.

But the actual dollar amount attached to this program is only part of the story. Lesser is right in his argument that if cities and regions can incentivize companies to move in — GE is a good example — and individual companies can incentivize individuals to work for them (happens all the time), why can’t we incentivize people to move to a region?

We can, but we have to offer them a lot more than covering their moving costs. Indeed, the best incentive to getting people to come to a region — or stay in one, as the case may be — isn’t a check from the state. It’s a much larger check from an employer.

And this is a much more complicated proposition.

While some companies have ‘found’ Western Mass. over the past several decades, most haven’t really bothered to look, opting to locate where they know the workers are — the Route 128 beltway, for example.

What’s needed are incentives for corporations — not merely the likes of Boon and Caro Sheridan — to want to move here. And as we said, that’s a much tougher assignment.

We applaud Sen. Lesser for thinking outside the box and creating a discussion that we need to have. His proposal is worth trying, and it just might incentivize some software designers and other creative professionals who can work at home to make their home here.

But with this proposal, as well as his work to build a high-speed rail line that would link Boston with the western part of the state, Lesser is focused on making this area a better place to live. That’s fine, but what we really need to do is make this more of a place to work, and not just remotely in a home office carved out of an old church or an old paper mill.

Lesser is right when he says incentives work and money spent luring large corporations might better be spent trying to bring people to the four counties west of Worcester.

But if we really want to change the landscape in Western Mass. and stem the tide of outmigration, the only solution is to create more quality job opportunities. Tens of thousands of them.

Opinion

Opinion

By Katie Holahan

Healthcare spending in Massachusetts grew less than a key state benchmark and less than the national average during 2017, but employers and workers are not yet seeing the benefits.

The annual Healthcare Cost Trends Report issued this month by the state Health Policy Commission (HPC) indicates that total per-capita healthcare expenditures in Massachusetts rose 1.6% during 2016, significantly less than the 3.6% benchmark set by the commission. The Massachusetts growth rate also fell below the national rate — 3.1% — for the eighth consecutive year.

But the health-insurance premiums paid by Massachusetts employers and employees increased 5.8% in 2017, leaving the average total premium for employer-based coverage among the highest in the country at $21,000 per year for a family plan and $7,000 for a single employee. These figures do not include out-of-pocket spending such as co-payments and deductible spending, which grew 5.9% in 2017 for commercially insured enrollees.

Premiums for smaller employers increased 6.9% and are now the second-highest in the country, according to the HPC. Fifty-seven percent of employees in small businesses are enrolled in high-deductible health plans.

Part of the reason employers are not seeing more benefit from moderating health spending may be the fact that commercial insurers in Massachusetts pay higher prices to providers than Medicare pays for the same services. For hospital inpatient care, average prices among the three largest Massachusetts insurers were 57% higher than Medicare prices for similar patients. Commercial insurers also paid much more for typical outpatient services, including brain MRIs, emergency-department visits, and physician office visits.

Premiums for smaller employers increased 6.9% and are now the second-highest in the country, according to the HPC. Fifty-seven percent of employees in small businesses are enrolled in high-deductible health plans.

The HPC attributed much of the overall increase health-care expenditures to spending on prescription drugs (4.1%) and hospital outpatient services (4.9%). The commission also found that medical bills can vary as much as 30% from one hospital or medical group to another with no measurable different in quality of care.

The HPC makes 11 policy recommendations to continue health spending moderation. Among the highlights:

• The Commonwealth should focus on reducing unnecessary utilization and increasing the provision of coordinated care in high-value, low-cost settings.

• Policymakers should advance specific, data-driven interventions to address the pressing issue of continued provider price variation in the coming year.

• The Commonwealth should continue to promote the increased adoption of alternative payment methods.

• The Commonwealth should authorize the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to establish a process that allows for a rigorous review of certain high-cost drugs, increasing the ability of MassHealth to negotiate directly with drug manufacturers for additional supplemental rebates and outcomes-based contracts, and increasing public transparency and public oversight for pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical-device companies, and pharmacy benefit managers.

Katie Holahan is vice president of Government Affairs for Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

Picture This

Business Community Photo Essay February 2019

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

Family Fun Day

Link to Libraries recently staged its Family Fun Day at Mill 180 in Easthampton. The event was a celebration of reading and a fun way to engage children of all ages in that all-important activity.

Link to Libraries board member Tammy Trudeau welcomes guests

Link to Libraries board member Tammy Trudeau welcomes guests

Longmeadow High School Key Club volunteers, from left, Emily Ibrahimov, Meghan Desrosiers, Sara Creapo, Kate Gelinas, Shirley Yuan, Abby Chiz, Olivia Anderson, and Miranda Vellenga

Longmeadow High School Key Club volunteers, from left, Emily Ibrahimov, Meghan Desrosiers, Sara Creapo, Kate Gelinas, Shirley Yuan, Abby Chiz, Olivia Anderson, and Miranda Vellenga

Meghan Desrosiers with two attendees

Author Megan Dowd Lambert, from Amherst, reads aloud to children

Meghan Desrosiers with two attendees

Meghan Desrosiers with two attendees

the children’s musical group Little Roots performs at the event

the children’s musical group Little Roots performs at the event

State of Entrepreneurship

On Feb. 7, Valley Venture Mentors (VVM), in partnership with the Western Mass. Economic Development Council’s Entrepreneurship Committee, presented the annual “State of Entrepreneurship in the Valley.” Staged at the recently opened Valley Venture Hub on Bridge Street in Springfield, the event brought together a host of players that collectively comprise the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, and featured a number of entrepreneurs speaking to the effectiveness of the ecosystem in helping them turn ideas into businesses.

A host of area leaders involved with VVM, the ecosystem, and entrepreneurship in general cut the ceremonial ribbon on the Valley Venture Hub

A host of area leaders involved with VVM, the ecosystem, and entrepreneurship in general cut the ceremonial ribbon on the Valley Venture Hub

Gregory Thomas, executive director of the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst, networks with Ray Berry, founder of White Lion Brewery

Gregory Thomas, executive director of the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at UMass Amherst, networks with Ray Berry, founder of White Lion Brewery

Kristen Leutz, CEO of VVM, offers some remarks

Kristen Leutz, CEO of VVM, offers some remarks

Roy Chan, a student at UMass, campus director of the Hult Prize, and past Innovation Challenge participant

Roy Chan, a student at UMass, campus director of the Hult Prize, and past Innovation Challenge participant

Sheila Coon, founder of Hot Oven Cookies, tell the audience how the ecosystem has helped promote entrepreneurship in the region

Sheila Coon, founder of Hot Oven Cookies, tell the audience how the ecosystem has helped promote entrepreneurship in the region

The band Turgeon Quintet entertains after the formal program

The band Turgeon Quintet entertains after the formal program

Court Dockets

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
Sharon Paice v. Hannaford Food and Drug
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $8,512.43
Filed: 12/4/18

New England Meetinghouse Design Inc. v. Saloomey Construction Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $37,820.63
Filed: 12/5/18

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT
American Builders & Contractors Supply Co. Inc. v. Alberto Salutari and Italian Roof Co. Inc.
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $5,963.08
Filed: 1/4/19

E. Osterman Propane Inc. v. Puerto Rican Flavors Inc. and Dakota Cotton Smith a/k/a Dakota Lamont Cotton-Smith
Allegation: Money owed for services provided: $3,200.26
Filed: 1/7/19

Beacon Sales Acquisition Inc. d/b/a Beacon Sales Co. v. JTJ Construction, LLC and Jared Thomas James a/k/a Jared James
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $27,330.35
Filed: 1/8/19

Beacon Sales Acquisition Inc. d/b/a Beacon Sales Co. v. Mr. Iceman Co., LLC and Robert Pierce
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $8,279.01
Filed: 1/10/19

Beacon Sales Acquisition Inc. d/b/a Beacon Sales Co. v. Albert C. Couillard d/b/a Evergreen Real Estate Trust
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $10,663.02
Filed: 1/11/19

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Todd Taupier v. Davol Inc., a Bard Company
Allegation: Products liability: $81,146.86+
Filed: 1/3/19

Evelyn Figueora v. Virato M. Fiallo, M.D., Maureen Pendergast Fuller, and Mercy Hospital Inc. d/b/a Mercy Medical Center and the Mercy Wound Care Center
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $770,656
Filed: 1/7/19

David Earl Leonard v. Loan USA
Allegation: Theft: $15,000,000
Filed: 1/11/19

Elaine Carlson v. CVS Pharmacy Inc. and CFCDS-16, LLC
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $86,000+
Filed: 1/14/19

Robert K. Johnson, Patricia Guerin, and Sheila Noe v. Baystate Noble Hospital Corp.
Allegation: Medical malpractice
Filed: 1/16/19

Weslee Sicard v. Friendly’s Restaurants, LLC
Allegation: Negligence; slip and fall causing personal injury: $210,246.70
Filed: 1/22/19

Andrew Finn v. Troy Industries Inc. and Stephen P. Troy Jr.
Allegation: Failure to pay wages owed, breach of contract, misrepresentation, breach of covenant of good faith and fair dealing: $85,384.61
Filed: 1/25/19

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Connecticut Winpump Co. v. John Paul Rodier d/b/a Rodier Irrigation & Landscape Lighting
Allegation: Money owed for goods sold and delivered: $6,284.94
Filed: 1/11/19

Gilbert & Son Insulation Inc. v. Bernard F. Berard d/b/a Jerico Builders
Allegation: Money owed for labor and materials: $8,833.83
Filed: 1/16/19

Agenda

Real-estate Sales Licensing Course

Feb. 20 to March 25: 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. Tuition costs $400 and includes the book and materials. The course curriculum includes property rights, ownership, condos, land use, contracts, deeds, financing, mortgages, real-estate brokerage, appraisal, fair housing, consumer protection, Massachusetts license law, and more. Classes meet Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. at the association office, 221 Industry Ave., Springfield. For an application, contact Joanne Leblond at (413) 785-1328 or [email protected] or visit www.rapv.com.

‘Living Contemplatively in a Busy World’

March 3: Elms College will host a day of reflection titled “Living Contemplatively in a Busy World” on Sunday, March 3 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Decice Hall at the Marian Center, 1365 Northampton St., Holyoke. “This day of reflections, personal exploration, and prayer invites you to respond, from the busy-ness of your days, to God’s desire for deeper life with you,” said Virginia Collins-English, a certified spiritual director, retreat director, writer, and psychotherapist who will lead the day of reflection. All are welcome, including those who are ‘spiritual but not religious,’ those who feel marginalized by the church, and those of all faiths. Attendees should bring a bag lunch. Beverages and dessert will be provided. Sponsored by the Religious Studies Department and the Institute for Theology and Pastoral Studies, this event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call (413) 265-2575 or e-mail [email protected].

 

Outlook Luncheon

March 4: Margaret Carlson, columnist for the Daily Beast, will be the keynote speaker at the Springfield Regional Chamber’s annual Outlook luncheon, to be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 pm. at the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Presented by Health New England, the Springfield Regional Chamber Outlook is the area’s largest legislative event, attracting more than 700 guests and presenting expert speakers on local, state, and federal issues. The event is sponsored by platinum sponsors Eastern States Exposition, Eversource, MassMutual Financial Group, and United Personnel; and gold sponsors Bulkley Richardson and Berkshire Bank. Program/reception sponsors are Comcast, Mercy Medical Center, BusinessWest, the Healthcare News, and the Republican, with Zasco Productions as sound sponsor. Carlson was formerly chief political columnist for Bloomberg News and White House correspondent for Time. She appeared on CNN’s Capital Gang for 15 years. Speaking about the federal outlook will be U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal, whose new role is chair of the powerful, tax-writing Ways and Means Committee. He will provide his insights into the committee’s work, the 116th Congress, and front-burner issues facing the American people. In addition, Massachusetts Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy will offer the state outlook. Tickets cost $60 for Springfield Regional Chamber members and $80 for general admission. Reserved tables of 10 are available. Reservations must be made by Wednesday, Feb. 20 by visiting www.springfieldregionalchamber.com or e-mailing [email protected]. No walk-ins will be accepted, and no cancellations will be accepted once the reservation deadline has passed.

Difference Makers

March 28: BusinessWest launched its Difference Makers program in 2009 to celebrate individuals, groups, organizations, and families that are positively impacting the Pioneer Valley and are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. The class of 2019 was profiled in the Feb. 4 issue and will be feted at the Difference Makers Gala on March 28 at 5 p.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Tickets are on sale now for $75. To reserve a spot, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or e-mail [email protected]. The presenting sponsor is Baystate Health/Health New England, and other event sponsors include Royal, P.C., Burkhart Pizzanelli, P.C., Development Associates, Tommy Car Auto Group, and Viability Inc.

Women’s Leadership Conference

March 29: In celebration of women everywhere knocking down doors and breaking through glass ceilings, Bay Path University will host its 24th annual Women’s Leadership Conference (WLC) at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. This one-day event, which has become the region’s prime women’s leadership event for professional networking and enrichment, will challenge women seeking to make career or life changes to look at the power within to make their dreams a reality, and to dare to ask “why not me?” instead of “why me?” Delivering the keynote address will be award-winning actress, dancer, and singer Rita Moreno, one of only four women who have achieved the EGOT, the grand slam of entertainment-industry awards, by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Throughout her 70-year career, Moreno has had memorable roles in the musical films The King and I and West Side Story, and in 2004 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America’s highest civilian honor. Mel Robbins, a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, life strategist, internationally recognized social-media influencer, and one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the world, will deliver the conference’s luncheon keynote. She is the CEO and co-founder of the Confidence Project, a media and digital learning company working with Fortune 500 brands to help employees build habits of confidence and courage. The conference’s opening keynote speaker will be announced soon. In addition to the three keynote speakers, breakout sessions focused on reimagining the narrative around women in leadership will be led by Cy Wakeman, drama researcher, global thought leader, New York Times best-selling author, and president and founder of Reality-Based Leadership; Kim Meninger, certified executive and leadership development coach and president and founder of Executive Career Success; Dr. Kristina Hallet, board-certified clinical psychologist, and associate professor of Psychology at Bay Path, executive coach, and best-selling author; and Kim Lear, founder of Inlay Insights, storyteller, writer, and researcher. For further information on the conference and to register, visit www.baypathconference.com.

Springfield Art Stop

April 26: The Springfield Cultural Partnership (SCP) announced the return of Art Stop, a pop-up gallery/street festival hybrid, from 5 to 8 p.m. The SCP is partnering with venues downtown to open galleries in unexpected spaces simultaneously. Additionally, several existing Springfield art galleries along this year’s route will also participate as stops along the Art Stop. Between the galleries, which will have the typical artist talks and receptions, there will be street performances. Art Stop was designed to activate underutilized community spaces with colorful art, create economic opportunity for artists, and bring communities together. Galleries will all be located in downtown Springfield. Each individual gallery opening will have an reception with the artist on site to both sell and talk about their work. This year, the SCP has also partnered with several downtown restaurants that will offer a discount on food to Art Stop attendees who present their Art Stop ‘passport’ on April 26. The SCP, along with organizing the curation of art in the pop-up spaces, is hiring unique buskers to encourage attendees to walk from place to place. Guides will be strategically placed to guide attendees along the Art Stop route. The performers will showcase an array of dance, music, and entertainment. All locations are within a walkable area.

Chamber Corners

1BERKSHIRE

www.1berkshire.com

(413) 499-1600

• Feb. 26: 1Berkshire Entrepreneurial Meetup. Looking to start up a business? Grow your network? Meet others with similar business interests? 1Berkshire is a countywide organization with an innovative approach to economic development. Get to know fellow entrepreneurs and business owners, rub elbows with local leaders, and share success stories at the monthly free Entrepreneurial Meetups. Free of charge. Register at www.meetup.com/1berkshire-alliance.

• Feb. 28: 1Berkshire February Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Barrington Stage Co. Wolfson Center, 122 North St., Pittsfield. Join us for the February Chamber Nite in partnership with Downtown Pittsfield Inc. Members of either organization get in for free. Stick around after the event for discounted tickets to the 10×10 play festival. Register at www.1berkshire.com.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

• Feb. 22: Monthly Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Greenfield Community College Cohn Family Dining Commons, One College Drive, Greenfield. Full breakfast will be served during the program, which will feature a panel on the ways businesses and secondary schools can benefit from each other and help the community. Sponsored by Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board. Register at franklincc.org or e-mail [email protected].

GREATER CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 22: Lights On Arts & Culture, 5-8 p.m., hosted by select downtown Chicopee businesses. Explore local art, meet the people, visit the places, and learn about the events that help to shape our city’s culture. Sponsored by the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, the Chicopee Cultural Council, and TDI Partner. Cost is free, but donations are welcome. Check out more information online at chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• March 5: CEO Power Hour Luncheon featuring Gina Kos of Sunshine Village, 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the Collegian Court. A quarterly luncheon series where CEOs tell how they rose to their positions. Series sponsored by Polish National Credit Union. Cost: $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org/events or call (413) 594-2101.

• March 8: Business After Hours, 4:30-6:30 p.m., a multi-chamber event hosted by Marcotte Ford. A celebration of Marcotte’s new, state-of-the-art dealership. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

• March 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House. Chief greeter: Karen Hansmann, Chicopee Cultural Council/chamber board. Keynote: Happier Valley Comedy, “5 Tips for Quieting Your Voice of Unhelpful Judgement.” Series sponsored by Westfield Bank, Holyoke Medical Center, N. Riley Construction Inc., Polish National Credit Union, USI Insurance Services, Spherion Staffing Services, and PeoplesBank. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events. Sponsor tables still available; call (413) 594-2101, ext. 102.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

• Feb. 19: In the Know, 5-7 p.m., hosted by New City Brewery, 180 Pleasant St., Easthampton. The first in a series of three panel discussions exploring the challenges and frustrations shared by business owners. Panelists will include Elizabeth Paquette from Rock Valley Tool, Mark Zatyrka from INSA, and Nate Costa from the Springfield Thunderbirds. There will be time for networking and noshing after the panel concludes. Cost: $15 for members, $30 for non-members. Pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• March 7: Networking by Night, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Puzzled Escape Games, Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St., Unit 141. An evening of intrigue and networking. See if you have the skills needed to escape. Cost: free for members, $15 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

• March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Lunch, noon to 2:30 p.m., hosted by Northampton Country Club, 135 Main St., Leeds. Enjoy a corned beef and cabbage luncheon and salute the St. Patrick’s Day committee award winners, Michael Callini, Steve Zsavisa, and Mr. & Mrs. Florek. Newly elected state Rep. Dan Kelly will be the keynote speaker. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for future members. Reservations are required, as space is limited. For more information and to register, visit www.easthamptonchamber.org or call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holyokechamber.com

(413) 534-3376

• Feb. 27: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Gary Rome Hyundai and Bresnahan Insurance. Gary Rome’s “Drink Pink” campaign comes to a close as he presents Rays of Hope with a donation check. Also, a local Girl Scout, Pearl, will be selling Girl Scout cookies, plus the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke will be selling Holyoke tartan. Come support our local businesses. Cost: $10 for members, $25 for non-members.

 

• March 6: Coffee Buzz, 7:30 a.m., hosted by Holyoke Hummus Café. Did you know Holyoke Hummus now serves breakfast? Join the Greater Holyoke business community as we indulge in fine vegetarian cuisine over a warm beverage. There will be plenty of coffee and connections to be had as Holyoke Hummus Café celebrates its second birthday. Cost: free.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.northamptonchamber.com

(413) 584-1900

• March 6: March Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Forget Me Not Florist, 114 Main St., Northampton. A networking event sponsored by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, Complete Payroll, and PeoplesBank. Cost: $10 for members.

• March 26: Workshop: “Excel Tips & Tricks, Part 1,” 9-11 a.m., hosted by the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. Presented by Pioneer Training. This workshop contains a variety of quick tips and tricks in Microsoft Excel that will save users hours of time. Learn how to add buttons to the quick-access toolbar, so the commands you want are at your fingertips. Learn how to view all the formulas in a worksheet and how to freeze rows and columns for easier viewing and navigation. Practice time-saving shortcuts for selecting, moving, and copying cells, and learn how to use autofill to create a series of numbers or dates or to copy formulas. Cost: $25 for members, $35 for non-members.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• March 4: March Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Westfield Gas & Electric at the Operations Center, 40 Turnpike Industrial Road, Westfield. Join us for coffee with Westfield Mayor Brian Sullivan. The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org/events or call (413) 568-1618 so we may give our host a proper head count.

• March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. Platinum sponsor: Westfield State University; small business sponsor: Puffer Printing; in-kind sponsor: Flowers by Webster. Join us for our annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast as we honor our 2019 Sons of Erin Colleen, Hannah Elizabeth Jury, and her court; Irishwoman of the Year Terri Broderick Hathaway; Irishman of the Year Jim Rood, and Parade Marshal Bo Sullivan. Cost: $25 for members, $40 for non-members. For more information and to register, visit www.westfieldbiz.org/events or contact the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

• March 20: Big Honkin’ Business After Hours, 4:30-7 p.m., a three-chamber event with the Greater Westfield, Greater Chicopee, and Greater Holyoke chambers, hosted by Marcotte Ford, 1025 Main St., Holyoke. Hearty appetizers, food stations, beer, and wine provided. Live jazz music and valet parking. Bring business cards to make connections and enter to win raffle prizes. A 50/50 raffle will benefit the chamber scholarship fund. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Pre-registration is recommended at www.westfieldbiz.org/events or by calling the chamber at (413) 568-1618.

SOUTH HADLEY & GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.shgchamber.com

(413) 532-6451

• March 14: Business After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by: Johnny’s Tap Room, South Hadley. Located in South Hadley’s Village Commons, across the street from Mount Holyoke College, Johnny’s Bar & Grille has been serving up food and drinks since 2006. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To RSVP or for more information, e-mail [email protected], and mail a check, payable to the South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce, to 2 Lyman St., South Hadley, MA 01075.

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER

www.springfieldregionalchamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 28: Leadership Institute, hosted by TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. Presented in partnership with Western New England University College of Business with support from the Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation. The deadline to apply is Feb. 14. E-mail [email protected] for an application.

• March 4: Outlook 2019, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., hosted by the MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. Presented by Health New England. Featuring national columnist Margaret Carlson as keynote speaker, plus U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee. Cost: $60 for members in advance, $80 general admission in advance, $100 at the door.

• March 14: Fire & Ice Craft Cocktail Competition and Fundraiser, 5:30-8 p.m., hosted by Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. Sponsored by Florence Bank.

• March 19: “A New Wave,” 4-6 p.m., hosted by the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 Hall of Fame Ave., Springfield. A presentation by the city of Springfield Office of Economic Development in partnership with the Springfield Regional Chamber, highlighting new economic-development projects and updates on larger economic-development projects in the works. Includes reception with cash bar following. Admission is complimentary, but reservations are required.

Reservations for all Springfield Regional Chamber events may be made by visiting www.springfieldregionalchamber.com, e-mailing [email protected], or calling (413) 755-1310.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• Feb. 28: Mayoral Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Crestview Country Club, Agawam. Join us as we listen to an informative discussion with our mayors, who will update the guests on all that is going on in our towns individually and collaboratively. For sponsorships or to register online, visit www.ourwrc.com.

• March 21: Networking Lunch, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by Carrabba’s Italian Grill, West Springfield. Enjoy lunch while networking with fellow chamber members and guests of members. Each attendee will get a chance to offer a brief intro and company overview. You must be a member or guest of a member to attend. Cost: free for members; $10 for non-members. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

springfieldyps.com

• Feb. 21: February Third Thursday & Trivia, 5 p.m., hosted by Nathan Bills Bar & Restaurant. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Visit springfieldyps.com to register.

• March 21: YPS Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m., hosted by MGM Springfield Lobby Bar. Join us for our March Third Thursday. Cost: free for members, $10 for non-members. Afterward, we will enjoy the show at ROAR comedy club. For an exclusive discount on tickets to the show, visit springfieldyps.com.

People on the Move
Bernadette Nowakowski

Bernadette Nowakowski

Elms College has appointed Bernadette Nowakowski as its new vice president of Institutional Advancement, effective Feb. 1. Nowakowski has served in various roles in the college’s Institutional Advancement office since 1996. Her collaborative and collegial style embraces shared responsibility and accountability in creating a positive, team-oriented environment to achieve results. Her proven ability to engage and develop effective relationships with key constituency groups, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, has built a solid track record in solicitation of major gifts and strategic fundraising. Most recently, she has served as the assistant vice president of Institutional Advancement since 2017. She has been responsible for co-creating, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive development plan, as well as participating in intense fundraising planning. She also has provided leadership and strategic direction in IA through exploration of new fundraising options while overseeing major gifts, annual giving, and endowed-scholarship and planned-giving programs. Nowakowski is a current member of the Planned Giving Group of New England, the Assoc. of Fundraising Professionals, and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. She previously served on the board of Women in Philanthropy of Western Mass. as membership co-chair, as employee campaign coordinator at United Way of Pioneer Valley, and as a member of the Women in Philanthropy of Western Massachusetts and Cooperating Colleges of Greater Springfield Grants Group. She also served on Elms College’s presidential search committee in 2016-17 and its strategic planning (fiscal stability) committee in 2016. In her new role, Nowakowski will be responsible for the planning, management, and execution of a comprehensive advancement program, including oversight of all fundraising initiatives.

•••••

Michael Fenton

Michael Fenton

Attorney Michael Fenton was named a shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., the firm announced. Fenton concentrates his practice in the areas of business planning, commercial real estate, land use, and estate planning. He earned his law degree and MBA from Western New England University in 2012 and his bachelor’s degree in political science, cum laude, from Providence College in 2009. He is admitted to practice in Massachusetts and Connecticut. He has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2014, was named one of the Top 25 Up and Coming Attorneys in Massachusetts by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, and was honored by BusinessWest as a 40 Under Forty award recipient in 2012. Active in the Western Mass. community, he volunteers for several organizations and has served as a member of the Springfield City Council since 2010.

•••••

Ralph Abbott Jr.,

Ralph Abbott Jr.,

Susan Fentin

Susan Fentin

Marylou Fabbo

Marylou Fabbo

John Gannon

John Gannon

Amelia Holstrom

Amelia Holstrom

Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. announced that three of its attorneys, Ralph Abbott Jr., Susan Fentin, and Marylou Fabbo were selected to the 2018 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list in the field of employment and labor law. Additionally, attorneys 

and Amelia Holstrom were named to the 2018 Massachusetts Rising Stars list. Abbott has been selected to Super Lawyers for 14 consecutive years. With the firm since 1975, he is known throughout the legal community for his work representing management in labor relations and employment-related matters, providing employment-related advice to employers, assisting clients in remaining union-free, and representing employers before the National Labor Relations Board. Abbott also has numerous credits as an author, editor, and teacher, as well as a record of civic and community involvement. Fentin has been selected to Super Lawyers for 13 years and before that was named twice to the Rising Stars list. She has been with the firm since 1999. Her practice concentrates on labor and employment counseling, advising large and small employers on their responsibilities and obligations under state and federal employment laws and representing employers before state and federal agencies and in court. She frequently speaks to employer groups, conducts training on avoiding problems in employment law, and teaches master classes on both the Family Medical Leave Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act. She was also named one of the Top 50 Women in the Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2015. Fabbo has been selected to Super Lawyers for 10 years and before that was named twice to the Rising Stars list. She is a partner and heads the firm’s litigation team. She represents employers in employment litigation before state and federal courts as well as state and federal agencies in Massachusetts and Connecticut. She also has extensive experience working with employers to reduce the risk of legal liability as the result of illegal employment practices. She is a frequent speaker on employment-related topics and conducts extensive management-training and employment-practices audits. She is a published author and volunteers in the local community. Fabbo was also named one of the Top 50 Women in the Law by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly in 2016. Gannon and Holstrom have each been selected to the 2018 Massachusetts Rising Stars list for the first time. It is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5% of the lawyers in the state. Both defend employers against claims of discrimination, retaliation, harassment, and wrongful termination, as well as actions arising under the Family Medical Leave Act and wage-and-hour law. Gannon also regularly guides employers on compliance with state and federal laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Labor Standards Act, and Occupational Health and Safety Act. He is a frequent speaker on employment-related legal topics for a wide variety of associations and organizations and was selected by BusinessWest as a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2016. Holstrom frequently provides counsel to management regarding litigation avoidance strategies. She was selected by BusinessWest as a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2015 and was awarded the Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Community Service Award in 2016. In 2017, she was named an Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly at its Excellence in the Law event.

•••••

Jennifer Fischer

Jennifer Fischer

Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems, announced the appointment of Jennifer Fischer as chief experience officer at Holyoke Medical Center. Most recently, Fischer served as an account leader and coach for the Studer Group, an outcomes-based healthcare-consulting firm. In that role, she had a track record of six years of leading healthcare organizations in their service-excellence journeys, achieving targets for patient experience across multiple service lines, creating and sustaining leadership-development programs, and helping executive teams manage change. Fischer’s prior experience included director-level positions at Wuesthoff Health Systems in Rockledge, Fla., and Door County Memorial Hospital in Sturgeon Bay, Wis. She received her bachelor’s degree from Ripon College in Wisconsin, a master’s degree in arts management from Columbia College in Chicago, and her bachelor’s of science in nursing degree from the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. She also received a juris doctor degree from the John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

•••••

Linda Haley

Linda Haley

Andrew Tulis

Andrew Tulis

Andrew Tulis

Andrew Tulis

Florence Bank has hired a new bank officer and promoted two employees. Linda Haley will serve as commercial loan administration officer of the Commercial Loan Department in the main office in Florence, Andrew Tulis was promoted to assistant Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) officer, and Heidi Hoover was promoted to the position of assistant vice president, Compliance. Haley joined Florence Bank in October 2018 with more than 30 years of banking experience. She currently attends the New England School for Financial Studies at Babson College. Tulis joined Florence Bank in November 2011. Prior to his recent promotion, he had served as BSA administrator. Tulis earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from New York University and graduated with honors from the New England School for Financial Studies. Hoover joined Florence Bank in May 2015 with nearly 20 years of banking experience. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst. Prior to her recent promotion, she served as compliance specialist. She serves her community as a board member for the Western Massachusetts Compliance Assoc., a member of the Baystate Medical Practices Patient and Family Council, and a volunteer for Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity.

•••••

Michael Shea

Michael Shea

Pension & Benefits Associates Inc. announced the addition of Michael Shea to its team in the role of retirement consultant. He will focus on retirement business development, assisting plan sponsors and managing all aspects of clients’ retirement, including plan design, investment due diligence, and employee education. Prior to joining Pension & Benefits Associates, Michael Shea most recently worked as a defined contribution investment sales specialist for BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager. He also previously served as a regional sales director for Columbia Threadneedle Investments. A 2010 graduate of the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst, he started his corporate career as an implementation analyst for Empower Retirement.

•••••

After 27 years of service to the Pioneer Valley, Suzanne Beck announced that she will retire as the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce’s executive director. She cited the completion of the chamber’s strategic plan as the ideal time to pass the baton. The strategic plan, to be launched over the coming months, is a commitment to serve the health and vibrancy of the community at large as an extension of the growth and strengthening of the business and nonprofit communities under Beck’s leadership. Highlights of Beck’s accomplishments include working with Hampshire County business, nonprofit, and community leaders to create the first economic-development strategy serving all of Hampshire County; supporting a group of young professionals to form Northampton Area Young Professionals (NAYP), now in its 10th year supporting the career and community interests of emerging leaders; partnering with the United Way of Hampshire County to create Leadership Hampshire County (a precursor of Leadership Pioneer Valley) to connect, train, and support business and nonprofit leaders with a shared interest in community leadership; and partnering with the Three County Fair Assoc. and the city on redevelopment of the fairgrounds and construction of new barns.

•••••

Jasmin Hutchinson

Jasmin Hutchinson

Jasmin Hutchinson, associate professor of Exercise Science and Sport Studies and director for Sport and Exercise Psychology at Springfield College, recently had an article, titled “The Influence of Self-selected Music on Affect-regulated Exercise Intensity and Remembered Pleasure During Treadmill Running,” selected as the Sport, Exercise and Performance Psychology (SEPP) Paper of the Year for 2018. The award is given annually to the first author of an article published in SEPP based on the article’s innovation, methodological rigor, quality of data analysis, significance of the issue, and quality of writing. The award consists of free registration to the annual American Psychological Assoc. Convention and the presentation of a certificate of achievement at the convention. In addition, the paper appears as one of the sample papers on the journal website.

•••••

Daniel Danillowicz

Daniel Danillowicz

Westfield Bank announced the appointment of Daniel Danillowicz as assistant vice president and mortgage loan officer. He will be based at the bank’s 10 Hartford Ave. office in Granby, Conn., providing mortgage origination for customers throughout Connecticut as well as those in Westfield, West Springfield, and Southwick. Danillowicz has more than 25 years of mortgage lending experience, most recently as senior loan officer with Washington Trust in Glastonbury, Conn. and as a mortgage specialist with Farmington Bank in West Hartford, Conn. He received a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Hartford.

•••••

Pamela Sanborn

Pamela Sanborn

Arrha Credit Union President and CEO Michael Ostrowski recently welcomed Pamela Sanborn as its new assistant branch manager in West Springfield. She has more than 20 years of banking experience, and was recently assistant branch manager at Polish National Credit Union’s Westfield branch. Sanborn has served as ambassador at the Westfield Chamber of Commerce and an American Relay for Life volunteer as team captain, and is active in promoting awareness of bone-marrow disease and testing for donors. She graduated from Saint John’s School of Business.

Company Notebook

Johnson & Hill Staffing Cops ‘Best of Staffing’ Honors

WEST SPRINGFIELD —  Johnson & Hill Staffing, specializing in administrative, professional, legal, and accounting and finance staffing in the Western Mass. and Northern Conn. region, announced recently that it has won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards. Johnson & Hill achieved World Class status, a distinction reserved for firms who receive a 70% or higher net promoter score (on a scale running from –100 to +100). It received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 90.9% of its clients and 75% of its talent — significantly higher than the industry’s average in both categories. “At Johnson & Hill Staffing, we always strive to differentiate ourselves on service,” said Johnson & Hill President Andrea Hill-Cataldo. “We’re focused on relationships and the long term with our clients, and we push ourselves to offer the best possible experience to each candidate we meet. It’s very exciting to see our efforts recognized in this way.” All data is gathered through ClearlyRated and includes feedback both from clients and candidates Johnson & Hill has helped find jobs.

Mountain View Acquires Amherst Landscape & Design

CHICOPEE — Stephen Corrigan, of Mountain View Landscapes & Lawncare Inc., announced the recent acquisition of Amherst Landscape & Design Associates. Since 1976, Corrigan has spent the last 43 years offering landscape-maintenance and construction services throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and surrounding states. In 1979, Steve Prothers established Amherst Landscape & Design, providing the Pioneer Valley and beyond with creative design-build landscape installations. Focused on project development, Prothers will be dedicated to expanding the residential and commercial projects division of Mountain View Landscapes. Mountain View Landscapes and Amherst Landscape & Design have always held a strong belief that their team members are the cornerstone of the work that is accomplished and the success they achieve, Corrigan said.

SkinCatering Earns Women’s Business Enterprise Certficate

SPRINGFIELD — SkinCatering, LLC, an all-natural skincare brand with two spa locations in Springfield and Holyoke, announced it has been awarded the national WBENC Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certificate. WBENC’s certification validates that the business is 51% owned, controlled, operated, and managed by a woman or women. “We are making purposeful strides to create the foundation to allow women to own a franchise location of SkinCatering concept spas,” said Leanne Sedlak, owner, chief visionary officer, and lead massage therapist. “I believe this certification is important for any woman considering going into business with us and opening their own SkinCatering branch.” The application process was rigorous, including on-site visits, as the WBENC certification standard is the most relied-upon certification of women-owned businesses, Sedlak said.

Chicopee Savings Foundation Awards $17,000 Grant to MHA

SPRINGFIELD — The Chicopee Savings Charitable Foundation has awarded a $17,000 grant over two years to MHA Inc. to help upgrade and repair two of the nonprofit organization’s community-based residences for people with developmental disabilities. The scope of work provided through the grant targets two of MHA’s residential programs located in Chicopee and will provide a new wheelchair-accessible ramp and roof repairs. MHA’s developmental-disability homes based in Chicopee serve adults facing challenges such as severe developmental delays, cerebral palsy, autistic disorder, epilepsy/seizure disorder, and blindness.

Springfield College, YMCA Unveil Online Degree-completion Program

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College President Mary-Beth Cooper and YMCA President and CEO Kevin Washington recently signed a five-year agreement for an online degree-completion program, which provides staff, who have earned leadership certification through YMCA of the USA, an opportunity to turn that learning into college credits that can count towards their degree completion at Springfield College. The program’s participants represent the first class of students participating in full online courses at Springfield College. The inaugural class of 30 YMCA professionals representing the new degree-completion program recently visited the campus for their new-student orientation. The cohort will begin working toward earning their degrees through the Springfield College online courses starting immediately. These 30 students each received scholarship funding through a grant made possible by the Harold C. Smith Foundation.

Abington Bank to Merge with Pilgrim Bank, Expanding Hometown Financial Group

ABINGTON — Andrew Raczka, CEO of Abington Bank, announced that Abington Bank will merge with Pilgrim Bank, a member of Hometown Financial Group, MHC, the holding company that includes Easthampton-based bankESB. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of this year. Raczka will lead the merged bank as its CEO. Hometown Financial Group recently closed on its acquisition of Pilgrim Bank. “Pilgrim Bank was our entry point into the Eastern Massachusetts market,” said Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of Hometown Financial Group Inc. “From the start, we knew that finding the right mutual partner would be the key to our success with our acquisition of Pilgrim Bancshares Inc.” Following the transaction, Hometown Financial Group will have consolidated assets of $2.7 billion and 30 branches across Massachusetts and Northeastern Conn.

Bay Path Awarded Grant to Connect Adult Women with Jobs

LONGMEADOW — Bay Path University was named a winner of a philanthropic funding contest by national nonprofit Strada Education Network. Bay Path was awarded $1,582,600 for a three-year project titled “Closing the Gaps: Building Pathways for Adult Women in a Technology-driven Workforce.” Implemented through the American Women’s College of Bay Path University, the project will address a critical national need for developing a digitally fluent workforce — applicable not only in cybersecurity and the tech sector, but in other fields as well — that is well-prepared with foundational 21st-century skills in digital technologies, coding, data science, and systems thinking, and the ability to apply these skills across different problems, settings, and industries. Bay Path will use its grant to undertake extensive employer research and engagement and to build capacity of the American Women’s College to scale enrollment of adult women and prepare them with core cybersecurity and information-technology competencies that meet the needs of employers, support them as they persist to degree completion, and assist them to successfully transition to careers in cybersecurity and IT-related employment.

ACC Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program Offers Opportunities for Free Tuition, Wage Reimbursement

ENFIELD, Conn. — Starting in March, Asnuntuck Community College is offering a new, free apprenticeship program that will provide employers an opportunity to both enhance their employees’ skills and receive wage reimbursements of up to $13,000 per participant. This two-year program has a $3,750 value per participant but will be entirely free for Connecticut businesses. The time commitment will be three hours per week (Mondays from 6 to 9 p.m.), with breaks for holidays and summer, and classes will occur evenings at Asnuntuck Community College. The Asnuntuck Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship will cover Applied Shop Math, Blueprint Reading (I and II), Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Overview of Mechanical Maintenance, Overview of Industrial Maintenance, OSHA 30 – General Industry, and Quality Control. Businesses seeking more information on this opportunity at Asnuntuck may contact Gary Carra at (860) 253-3128 or [email protected].

GCC Increases Job-related Technical Training in Region

GREENFIELD — Thanks to a recent Skills Capital Grant award from the Commonwealth, Greenfield Community College (GCC) will soon increase its capacity and upgrading its medical assistant certificate (MAC) program by offering additional training at its existing satellite location on the campus of Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School in Northampton. The Baker-Polito administration has awarded more than $52 million over the past three years through Skills Capital Grants across the Commonwealth. This round of grants focus on helping residents with barriers to employment, including those who are unemployed or underemployed, lack English proficiency, or do not have degrees or certificates and need new skills to obtain good-paying jobs. The grants cover a broad array of fields from construction and engineering to healthcare and hospitality. Greenfield Community College received $83,764 to purchase portable examination tables, patient simulation anatomical trainers, and medical instrument sterilization equipment. The expansion of GCC’s MAC program will provide greater access to technical education and training in Franklin and Hampshire counties to attract recent high-school graduates, incumbent workers looking to gain new skills, and displaced workers training for new careers in healthcare.

Briefcase

Nominations Open for Annual Ubora and Ahadi Awards

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums is seeking nominations for the 28th annual Ubora Award and the 10th annual Ahadi Youth Award. These prestigious awards — conferred by the African Hall Subcommittee — honor African-American people from Greater Springfield who have gone above and beyond in demonstrating commitment to fields of community service, education, science, humanities, and/or the arts. The African Hall Subcommittee is a volunteer group comprised of educators, business people, and community leaders from the African-American community. The nomination deadline for both awards is March 31. True to the Swahili word that comprises its name, the Ubora Award recognizes an adult of African heritage who exemplifies excellence in their commitment to creating a better community through service. In 2018, the Ubora Award was given to Keshawn Dobbs, who leads the Springfield Boys and Girls Club Family Center. Named for the Swahili word for ‘promise,’ the Ahadi Youth Award is presented to a young African-American who excels in academics and performs admirable service to the Greater Springfield community. Eligible candidates must be age 19 or younger, live in or have strong ties to the Greater Springfield area, and be currently enrolled in grades 10, 11, or 12. In 2018, the Ahadi Award was given to Karissa Coleman. The Ubora and Ahadi Awards will be presented at a ceremony at the Springfield Museums in September. Nomination forms can be downloaded by visiting springfieldmuseums.org/ubora. Nominations may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to African Hall Subcommittee, c/o Valerie Cavagni, Springfield Museums, 21 Edwards St., Springfield, MA 01103.

Monson Savings Bank Accepting Applications for Scholarship Program

MONSON — The 2019 Monson Savings Bank Scholarship application is now available to graduating high-school seniors residing in Hampden and Wilbraham. Applications are available at the Hampden office at 15 Somers Road, Hampden and the Wilbraham office at 100 Post Office Park, Wilbraham. The purpose of the Monson Savings Bank Scholarship is to promote the attainment of higher education for graduating seniors who reside within the bank’s footprint. Three $2,000 scholarships will awarded. Graduating seniors must be planning to attend an accredited college, technical school, or certification program. Scholarship awards will be based on the applicant’s financial need, academic performance, and extracurricular activities during and after school, work experience, as well as music, arts, and/or sports programs. Monson Savings Bank is proud to be an integral part of its greater community. A candidate for this scholarship should have demonstrated a commitment to his or her community. Please include an essay outlining that service and the impact you achieved through your contribution. The deadline for application acceptance is April 5. The completed application and required supporting documents will be accepted by mail or electronically. If you have any questions, contact Donna Easton-Vicalvi at (413) 725-4560 or [email protected].

Big Brothers Big Sisters Announces Partnership with Camp Glow It Up

AMHERST — CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County announced a partnership with Camp Glow It Up, a new summer camp for women. The first weekend camp brings the fun and energy of a kids’ sleepaway camp to adults and will be held March 29-31 at Nine Mountain Retreats in Plainfield. The all-inclusive wellness camp features activities like fitness classes, yoga, hiking, group circles, a campfire, singalongs, arts and crafts, and a glow-in-the-dark dance party. Nutritious meals will be prepared by an in-house chef. The camp promises to highlight the power of women as individuals while also creating space for bonding among friends and strangers turned friends. The partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters means a portion of Camp Glow It Up’s proceeds will help fund a program to send girls involved in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County to their own summer-camp experiences. “We believe in our shared responsibility to invest in the next generation of women leaders, and together, we will forage a path toward empowerment of women and girls,” said Katie Lipsmeyer, the camp’s founder. Added Jessie Cooley, director of CHD’s Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, “knowing Katie’s passion for helping to empower others, and the role that Big Brothers Big Sisters plays in igniting the potential of young people, it is exciting to think about the girls in our program who will benefit from empowering summer-camp experiences thanks to the generosity of Camp Glow It Up.”

Incorporations

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

BRIMFIELD

Agile Rhythms Inc., 1497 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Eric Jaeger, same. Leadership training, process improvements.

FEEDING HILLS

76 Liquors Inc., 228 Coyote Circle, Feeding Hills, MA 01089. Diana Elizabeth Eisenbeiser, same. Retail liquor store.

HUNTINGTON

Animal Control of New England Inc., 266 Goss Hill Road, Huntington, MA 01050. Paul Hewes, same. Animal control.

MONTGOMERY

Baystate Concrete Pumping Inc., 37 Main Road, Montgomery, MA 01085. Victor Sinigur, same. Sinigur concrete pumping service.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Roots Inc., 100 North St. Suite 405, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Albert S. Wojtkowski, same. Marijuana establishment.

SPRINGFIELD

ACMS Corp., 85 Wait St., Springfield, MA 01104. Robert E. Sullivan, same. General contracting and construction.

Boston Eye Group P.C., One Monarch Place, Suite 310, Springfield, MA 01144. Sam Goldberger, 223 Grant Ave., Newton, MA 02459. Render medical services.

STOCKBRIDGE

Aviva Romm Enterprises Corp., 27 West Alford Road, West Stockbridge, MA 01266. Aviva Romm, 630 Main Road, Monterey, MA 01245. Operating a medically oriented writing, speaking and publishing business.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

420 AU Inc., 4 Wilder Terrace, West Springfield, MA 01089. Michael Anthony Skowron, same. Jewelry, retail, advertising, marketing, and communications.

WESTFIELD

5 Star Logistics Inc., 342 Southwick Road, Apt. 135, Westfield, MA 01085. Islam Agayev, same. Long haul trucking.

WILBRAHAM

Brookline Hair Inc., 31 Glenn Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Maria J. Serra, same. Hair salon, day spa, buy and sell body treatments.

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the months of January and February 2019.

AMHERST

Bacon Wilson, P.C.
6 South East St.
Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Bacon Wilson, P.C./Monsein & MacConnell
6 South East St.
Bacon Wilson, P.C.

Deborah J. Hayes LICSW
433 West St., Suite 6
Deborah Bruno

pen & thimble
746 Bay Road
Gillian Freeman

SPJ
22 Lessey St., Suite 406
Allan Nolan II

Straight Path Jewlz
22 Lessey St., Suite 406
Allan Nolan II

Transformation in Action
1325 Bay Road
Annabelle Keil

EASTHAMPTON

Details
64 Phelps St.
James Gallivan

Harmonious
29 Lawler Dr.
Brian Dandrea

KAF Business Solutions
211 East St., #1
Kimberly Foster

Lotus Blossom Counseling, LLC
152 Northampton St.
Tara Haines

EAST LONGMEADOW

Impressions 2
43 Maple St.
Albert Tranghese, Theresa Tranghese

Powerhouse Training, LLC
80 Denslow Road, Suite 130
Jonathan Davis

VCA Shaker Road Animal Hospital
108 Shaker Road
VCA Shaker Road Animal Hospital

GREENFIELD

Action Based Therapeutic Solutions
25 Bank Row, Suite 25
Adam Barcroft

The Body Shop
38 Hope St.
Two Fathers, LLC

Community Health Care Inc.
177 Shelburne Road
Daniel Gutchensritter

Dahna Virgilio Real Estate Inc.
40 School St., Suite 11
Dahna Virgilio

Daniel J. Donoghue Properties
629 Bernardston Road
Daniel Donoghue

Docs Consult Medical, LLC
106 Federal St.
Kwesi Ntifoko

Dr. Elizabeth Peterson Chiropractic & Natural Health
474 Main St.
Elizabeth Peterson

Euroline Trucking, LLC
1109 Bernardston Road
Nick Georgitsa

Ford of Greenfield
1 Main St.
Two Fathers, LLC

Franklin County Community Development Corp.
324 Wells St.
John Waite

Galactic Brainiacs Productions
239 Main St.
Michael Gregoire, Eric Poulin

Innovintage Place
76 Hope St.
Lauren Mitchell Wellington

Ken’s Tax Prep
280 Main St.
Kenneth Lang

Network Chiropractic of Franklin County
21 Mohawk Trail
Wayne Garfinkel

Solar Store of Greenfield
2 Fiske Ave.
Claire Chang, John Ward

Toyota of Greenfield
1 Main St.
Greenfield Carmart, LLC

Unique Styles
21 Mohawk Trail
Angelique Menard

WantMySpot?
42 Chapman St., Apt. A
Michael Murphy

Yankee Mattress Factory
70 Mohawk Trail
Joseph Noblit

LUDLOW

Envision Wellness Acupuncture & Chinese Herbal Medicine
77 Winsor St., Unit 101
Cristina Carreira

Kubala Home Improvements
5 Pell St.
Patrick Kubala

Ludlow Eye Associates
200 Center St.
Katarzyna Babinski

Ludlow Smoke Shop & Convenience
246 East St.
Khaled Saleh

SDI Auto Repair
575B East St.
Vanda Barros

NORTHAMPTON

Diego’s Farm
140 Meadow St.
Diego Irizarry-Gerould

Hampshire Thai Boxing
297 Pleasant St.
Kemal Bamlatte

R-Kade Games
221 Pine St., Suite 143
Richard Kalin

PALMER

C & R Small Engine Repair
37 Ware St.
Corey Coulombe

St. Joe’s Club Inc.
1820 Commercial St.
Stephen Kosmider Jr.

The Stables at Burgundy Brook Farm
3092 Palmer St.
Brett Lord

SOUTHWICK

Balance Beauty Bar, LLC
535 College Highway
Florence Castonguay

Rail Trail Ale House
23-25 Point Grove Road
Patrick Lynch

SPRINGFIELD

DP Insurance & Financial Services, LLC
878 Liberty St.
DP Insurance & Financial Services, LLC

D’s Designs & Event Planning
104 Dunmoreland St.
Donnalee Stewart

DiLaura Naturals
245 Roosevelt Ave.
Tunzala Eynula

G & G Transport
49 Webster St.
Jonathan Guzman

Garcia Transport
66 Oswego St.
Engel Garcia

Gorkha Mart
712 Sumner Ave.
Sita Pathak

Jack Chen Chinese Restaurant
1193 Sumner Ave.
Jin Quan Chen

Jacob Roofing
413 Nottingham St.
Dimas Castaneda

Jon Rodri Films
230 Chapin Terrace
Jonathan Rodriguez

Pure Medicine
18 Pine Acre Road
Anthony Chechile

Rivera Home Remodeling, LLC
173 Tyler St.
Victor Rivera

Ross & Ross, P.C.
121 State St.
Ross & Ross Law

Sabis International Charter School
160 Joan St.
Crystal Hodge-Lizana

Simply Serendipity
1341 Main St.
Simply Grace, LLC

Smily Sevi and Abhi Inc.
1121 State St.
Sneh Kumar

WARE

Balicki Auto Body & Towing Inc.
29½ Maple St.
Michael Balicki, Peter Balicki, Philip Balicki

C & C Enterprises
32A Campbell Road
Robert Campbell

Clean Nest Earth Friendly Housekeeping
16 Greenwich Plains Road
Danielle Colapietro

Crystal Springs Dairy Bar
166 West St.
Yasser Fares

Pineda Real Estate
61 Babcock Tavern Road
Donna Pineda

SubaGuru of Massachusetts, LLC
105 West St.
Christopher Mendrek

Terrance W. Smith
78 Old Poor Farm Road
Terrance Smith

Villa’s Restaurant
123 Main St.
Efren Steve Kolenovic

Wessels Firearms Training
246 Belchertown Road
Randy Wessels

WESTFIELD

Cor’s Services
118 Bates Road
Cory Bruno

Cozy Socks
24 Old Holyoke Road
Michael Patton

Kai Chi Gifts
85 Hawks Circle
Cheng Tu

Michon Associates
102 Northridge Road
Sandra Michon

Trueast Entertainment
186 Main St.
Dustin Taudal

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Avis Budget Group
2161 Riverdale St.
Matt Rettura

Dave’s Delivery Service
1540 Memorial Ave.
David Marcy

Dr. Christine G. Whalen
1005 Elm St.
Christine Whalen

Fit Core by Laura
1343 Riverdale St.
Laura Ferguson

Hair of Fame the Salon and Spa
82 Elm St.
Maritza Rivera

WILBRAHAM

Brian McLaughlin Home Remodeling
29 Red Bridge Road
Brian McLaughlin

Elegant Nail & Spa
2400 Boston Road
Lam Hung Nguyen, Galang Hung Nguyen

Fieldcrest Brewing Co., LLC
2343 Boston Road
Adam Field

Ms. Nora’s Pet Boutique
123 Bartlett Ave.
Melissa Sullivan

Scibelli Snow Removal
42 Brainard Road
Mario Scibelli

Bankruptcies

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

Allstar Insurance Agency
Holt, Eric B.
14 Kowal Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/10/19

Billiel, Dennis M.
Shoram-Billiel, Tamara B.
16 Off Lariviere
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/19

Blackshear, Tina M.
43 Lyons St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/19

Boze, Jennifer L.
13 Oakdale Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/19

Costa, Gaery Aaron
15 Ellington St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/19

Deshaies, William T.
312 Drury Lane
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/19

Eastwood, Pamela J.
9 Cherokee Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/19

Glenn, William D.
16Bushwick Place
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/19

Guyette, Clarise
39 Ridge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/19

Hayden, Todd A.
513 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/19

Isacoff, Richard I.
DelSignore, Ann M.
433 North St., # 437
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/19

Johnson, Montel
29 Curtis St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/19

Maciejewski, Raymond P.
Maciejewski, Charlene A.
37 Bernard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/19

Maisonet-Colon, Denise Marie
116 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/19

Martinez, Mary L.
a/k/a Nunez, Mary
231 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/19

Mastromatteo, Samantha Dawn
a/k/a Roberts, Samantha
775 Springfield St., A
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/19

Medina, Sonia A.
197 S. Branch Pkwy.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/10/19

Ortiz, Reinaldo
Ortiz, Cari L.
235 Cabinet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/19

Papoutsakis, LaKisha Madora
a/k/a Carpenter, LaKisha
60 Commonwealth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/19

Rosario, Jessica
12 Roosevelt Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/19

Tippett, Jeanne Aline
37 Frederick St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/19

Tranghese, Jean I.
96 Mayfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/19

Vasquez, Cecile I.
6 Spring St., Apt 1A
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/19

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

BUCKLAND

77 State St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Patricia M. Heminger
Seller: Steven J. Andrews
Date: 01/18/19

CHARLEMONT

68 Colrain Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $404,900
Buyer: Chester T. Yazwinski
Seller: Janice Schechterle
Date: 01/15/19

COLRAIN

170 Stetson Brothers Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Le Chapeau RT
Seller: Beckley RT
Date: 01/15/19

271 Thompson Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Paula J. Perotti-Flanagan
Seller: Griswold, David E., (Estate)
Date: 01/23/19

CONWAY

936 South Deerfield Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $146,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Cleveland
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/16/19

DEERFIELD

13 Eastern Ave.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $261,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Harris LT
Seller: Eugene Olanyk LT
Date: 01/23/19

27 Lee Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $179,000
Buyer: David B. Grimes
Seller: Charles J. Sakowicz
Date: 01/24/19

GREENFIELD

323 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $157,500
Buyer: Maureen E. Spaulding
Seller: Armand P. Prevost
Date: 01/25/19

27 Eastern Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Douglas J. Aspinwall
Seller: Charles F. Louison
Date: 01/24/19

106-108 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Q Ox LLC
Seller: Jeffrey W. Ainsworth
Date: 01/18/19

14 Frederick Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Michael J. Cachat
Seller: Carol A. Thurston
Date: 01/15/19

HAWLEY

136 West Hawley Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Christine L. Hicks
Seller: Germain D. Benoit
Date: 01/15/19

LEVERETT

4 Chestnut Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $275,001
Buyer: Anna D. Bingham
Seller: Jan Stuart
Date: 01/22/19

22 Long Hill Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Robert J. Sobieski
Seller: Craig S. Tornovish
Date: 01/18/19

Montague Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $237,600
Buyer: Ivy Mabius
Seller: Gregory L. Woodard
Date: 01/17/19

Putney Road
Leverett, MA 01054
Amount: $237,600
Buyer: Ivy Mabius
Seller: Gregory L. Woodard
Date: 01/17/19

MONTAGUE

15 Lake Pleasant Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Michael F. Szady
Seller: Tyler J. Mankowsky
Date: 01/18/19

44 Randall Wood Dr.
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $280,600
Buyer: Brendan P. Walsh
Seller: Robbin M. Terault
Date: 01/18/19

NORTHFIELD

225 Winchester Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Amy Neil
Seller: Maureen E. Spaulding
Date: 01/25/19

ORANGE

146 Butterworth Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Joshua D. Pincus
Seller: Diane L. Beers
Date: 01/15/19

320 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: David J. Godin
Seller: Richard L. Hames
Date: 01/14/19

149 Memory Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $189,000
Buyer: Dylan T. Smith
Seller: Amanda Lopez
Date: 01/15/19

92 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Crossroads Baptist Church
Seller: Elks Of USA Inc.
Date: 01/18/19

SHUTESBURY

75 January Hill Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $271,500
Buyer: Mark Cousland
Seller: January Hills RT
Date: 01/14/19

250 West Pelham Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: MTGLQ Investors LP
Seller: Stephen J. Fox
Date: 01/17/19

SUNDERLAND

55 Falls Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Brian Lempel
Seller: Marco Poletto
Date: 01/14/19

WENDELL

94 Locke Hill Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $183,000
Buyer: Brian Jones
Seller: Cynthia J. Freeman
Date: 01/17/19

WHATELY

342 Haydenville Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Nafis M. Azad
Seller: Robert H. Cumming
Date: 01/25/19

21 Laurel Mountain Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $372,500
Buyer: Colette Viadero
Seller: Philip D. Marciano
Date: 01/23/19

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

16 Barden St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $308,500
Buyer: Richard R. Stefanowicz
Seller: Cindi L. Green
Date: 01/25/19

75 Cleveland St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Raymond R. Langdon
Date: 01/15/19

17 Colonial Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Dena M. Cavallon
Seller: Steven A. Merklein
Date: 01/24/19

40 Nolan Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Robert L. Bell
Seller: Paul P. Tangredi
Date: 01/22/19

24 Senator Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Andrew J. White
Seller: James D. White
Date: 01/23/19

24 Tina Lane
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Joanne M. Roberts
Seller: US Bank
Date: 01/16/19

42 Woodside Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Brian F. Allegresso
Seller: David N. Pickett
Date: 01/25/19

CHICOPEE

137 Acrebrook Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Justin R. Ward
Seller: Michael A. Parker
Date: 01/25/19

460 Fuller Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Westover Metropolitan Development Corp.
Seller: Wojtowicz, Michael, (Estate)
Date: 01/16/19

40 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $169,500
Buyer: Ryan L. McLaughlin
Seller: Elizabeth Rivera
Date: 01/23/19

69 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $151,290
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Christopher D. Bates
Date: 01/17/19

46 Kaveney St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Jason R. Welch
Seller: Jonathan Burek
Date: 01/22/19

276 Mandalay Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Matthew R. Dahill
Seller: Richard A. Dahill
Date: 01/15/19

1400 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Sterling RT
Seller: Wolfhill Realty LLC
Date: 01/18/19

58 Polaski Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Jose M. Monzon
Seller: Premier Home Builders Inc.
Date: 01/23/19

54 Sherman Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $191,800
Buyer: Sarah Potter
Seller: Nicole L. Garrison
Date: 01/25/19

42 Stockbridge St.
Chicopee, MA 01103
Amount: $331,000
Buyer: Thomas F. Labak
Seller: Waycon Inc.
Date: 01/17/19

EAST LONGMEADOW

141 Dwight Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $162,900
Buyer: Stephanie Colella
Seller: Rebecca Hutchins
Date: 01/25/19

46 Lee St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Steven Paige
Seller: Francis N. Grant
Date: 01/22/19

103 Parker St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $312,500
Buyer: Alexander J. Crivelli
Seller: Albert A. Crivelli
Date: 01/15/19

85 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $245,100
Buyer: Jayson A. Roy
Seller: Man D. Nguyen
Date: 01/14/19

329 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $196,000
Buyer: Sarah J. Indomenico
Seller: Thomas B. Vaillancourt
Date: 01/18/19

519 Prospect St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Kiernan Rushford
Seller: Anthony P. Facchini
Date: 01/25/19

61 Prospect Hills Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $474,900
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Thomas A. Lucia
Date: 01/18/19

43 White Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Mikhail P. Lisovets
Seller: Yevgeny Yermakov
Date: 01/25/19

HAMPDEN

59 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Daniel T. Anderson
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/15/19

234 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: William P. Lee
Seller: Julia A. Lavoie
Date: 01/25/19

28 South Ridge Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Lindsay Luszcz
Seller: South Ridge Estates LLP
Date: 01/25/19

375 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Scott Pepoon
Seller: Emerald City Rentals LLC
Date: 01/25/19

HOLLAND

6 Brandon St.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Ryan Daponte
Seller: Maple Ledge Associates
Date: 01/18/19

53 Island Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Alexander E. Wisz
Seller: Jeremy Beu
Date: 01/15/19

21 Shore Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Robert F. Terbush
Seller: Ricky B. Lundin
Date: 01/18/19

116 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Joshua Kobel
Seller: RW Trigrof LLC
Date: 01/18/19

140 Stafford Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: Rebecca Barker
Seller: Roger W. Strange
Date: 01/25/19

HOLYOKE

94 Apremont Hwy.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $239,900
Buyer: Michael Catalano
Seller: River Valley Renovations
Date: 01/18/19

333-335 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: James A. Ryan
Seller: Katherine A. Ryan
Date: 01/15/19

193-195 Brown Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $125,460
Buyer: Wilmington Savings
Seller: Danil Porrata
Date: 01/14/19

676 Chicopee St.
Holyoke, MA 01013
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Grace James Realty LLC
Seller: Gary Toth
Date: 01/18/19

30 Dale St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jeffrey P. Czelusniak
Seller: Kelly A. Lacey
Date: 01/25/19

1373-1377 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Bryan J. Dargie
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 01/18/19

1552 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Syed Mobeen
Seller: Sagheer Nawaz
Date: 01/25/19

91 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Charlotte Dobiecki
Seller: Mark A. Caplette
Date: 01/18/19

1000-1002 Hampden St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $121,300
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Lisa A. Shea
Date: 01/22/19

79 Lawler St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $178,500
Buyer: Chelsea L. Gazillo
Seller: Timofey V. Potapov
Date: 01/22/19

115 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $137,000
Buyer: Alex B. Morse
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 01/18/19

40 Mayer Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $161,000
Buyer: Andrew M. Boryczka
Seller: John F. Boryczka
Date: 01/25/19

27 Olive Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Bryan J. Dargie
Seller: Alfred J. Albano
Date: 01/18/19

649 South Summer St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $580,000
Buyer: Grace James Realty LLC
Seller: CRF Realty LLC
Date: 01/18/19

35 Taylor St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $306,000
Buyer: Shawn E. Hainsworth
Seller: Partner City Properties
Date: 01/15/19

31 Temple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Jose A. Zambrana
Seller: William D. Velazquez
Date: 01/22/19

LONGMEADOW

23 Berwick Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Jenny A. Lehouiller
Seller: Brittany A. Roy
Date: 01/25/19

37 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Michael Sullivan
Seller: FNMA
Date: 01/14/19

58 Grassy Gutter Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Truong Vuong
Seller: Jennifer M. Carreto
Date: 01/22/19

106 Inverness Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joel Wun
Seller: Stratton Renovation LLC
Date: 01/18/19

82 Lincoln Park
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $341,552
Buyer: CIT Bank
Seller: Steven A. Jones
Date: 01/15/19

83 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Etabav RT
Seller: Poisson, Alan M., (Estate)
Date: 01/18/19

16 Villa St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Xiaoli Yang
Seller: John T. O’Leary
Date: 01/18/19

71 Woodsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,875,000
Buyer: 71 Woodsley Road LLC
Seller: Michael E. Freedman
Date: 01/17/19

LUDLOW

30 Amherst St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Susana Sousa
Seller: Anne M. Correia
Date: 01/18/19

101 Bridle Path Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Thomas M. Casey
Seller: Gary E. Chenaille
Date: 01/23/19

121 Loopley St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,150
Buyer: Jay M. Warzecki
Seller: William J. Kolodziey
Date: 01/14/19

Windwood Estates #6
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $384,000
Buyer: Bryan A. Chaplin
Seller: David H. Porter
Date: 01/18/19

MONSON

20 Ayers Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $274,003
Buyer: USAA FSB
Seller: Jason Burgener
Date: 01/23/19

80 Bethany Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Michael Scotton
Seller: Christopher J. Lemek
Date: 01/18/19

51 King St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $213,200
Buyer: Quicken Loans Inc.
Seller: Paul M. Arnold
Date: 01/15/19

MONTGOMERY

510 Main Road
Montgomery, MA 01050
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Jeffrey F. Greene
Seller: Daniel J. Webster
Date: 01/25/19

71 New State Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Kathi M. Cotugno
Seller: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Date: 01/23/19

PALMER

218 Boston Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Robert N. Manduke
Seller: Venture Community Service
Date: 01/25/19

24 Breton St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Kyle Pelissier
Seller: Jessy I. Salsbury
Date: 01/22/19

2 Norbell St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $248,900
Buyer: Jimmy L. Crapps
Seller: Jeffrey D. Ferreira
Date: 01/23/19

39 Taft St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $237,500
Buyer: Grant D. Young
Seller: Real Estate Restorations
Date: 01/25/19

SOUTHWICK

8 Gargon Terrace
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Marlayna H. Chriscola
Seller: Vitaliy Dubovoy
Date: 01/15/19

Sawgrass Lane #1
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Joseph H. Avonti
Seller: Fiore Realty Holdings LLC
Date: 01/18/19

27 Woodland Ridge
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Robert S. Garvey
Seller: Suzanne M. Gonthier
Date: 01/25/19

SPRINGFIELD

29 1st St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Haque LLC
Seller: First Page RT
Date: 01/17/19

50 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Andrea T. Lewis
Seller: Kerri P. Kane
Date: 01/14/19

37 Aberdeen Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Ruby Realty LLC
Seller: Taren C. Latta
Date: 01/16/19

71 Ashley St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Maridelva C. Dejesus
Seller: Real Estate Inv. Northeast
Date: 01/25/19

97-99 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Luis Flores-Delgado
Seller: TM Properties Inc.
Date: 01/15/19

77 Boyer St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $132,000
Buyer: Evaminerly Trehan
Seller: Ector Acevedo
Date: 01/25/19

18 Breckwood Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: John Jacquinet
Seller: Paula A. Lynch
Date: 01/14/19

24 Brighton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Allison M. Pesa
Seller: Constitution Properties
Date: 01/18/19

17 Brunswick St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Latasha Lowe
Seller: Properties R US & Investments
Date: 01/14/19

36 Canton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Ruben Lopez
Seller: Zoraida Burgos
Date: 01/24/19

1635 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $164,900
Buyer: Jenell M. Castro
Seller: Eagle Home Buyers LLC
Date: 01/14/19

11 Cherrelyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $156,900
Buyer: Tracy M. Flor-Norton
Seller: Jacqueline M. Diaz
Date: 01/25/19

190-192 College St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Heather M. McNaughton
Seller: Onota Rental LLC
Date: 01/25/19

16 Colonial Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $127,500
Buyer: Tomas Berrios
Seller: Hipolito A. Andino
Date: 01/24/19

34 Cornwall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $152,900
Buyer: Maria M. Rosa
Seller: Krista Hanson
Date: 01/25/19

570 Cottage St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $3,825,000
Buyer: SL 570 Cottage Street LLC
Seller: Rube Realty LLC
Date: 01/25/19

40 Crittenden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Frankie D. Torres
Seller: Betsy O. Rivera
Date: 01/23/19

15 Delaware Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Jacqueline M. Diaz
Seller: Wanda Lockett
Date: 01/25/19

26-28 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Ivan Moncrieffe
Date: 01/25/19

336 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Valerie Singh
Seller: Berkshire Land Co. LLC
Date: 01/23/19

124 Eddywood St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $156,750
Buyer: Rebecca Impionbato
Seller: Timber Development LLC
Date: 01/18/19

80 Fairfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Erik J. Sunny
Seller: Martha A. Long
Date: 01/17/19

164 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $156,000
Buyer: Waleed A. Cisero
Seller: Lanucha, Jacqueline K., (Estate)
Date: 01/18/19

176 Garland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Erica Williams
Seller: Kimberly E. Stone
Date: 01/24/19

11 Gillette Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jose O. Austin
Seller: Tuohey, Jacklyn A. (Estate)
Date: 01/18/19

47 Grant St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Trifera LLC
Seller: Lou W. Rodriguez
Date: 01/14/19

106 Greene St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $131,749
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: James Dickson
Date: 01/18/19

112 Groton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $143,500
Buyer: Douglas M. Senecal
Seller: Tom Makris
Date: 01/18/19

181-183 Hampden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Jose M. Goncalves
Seller: Maria G. Ferreira
Date: 01/22/19

185-187 Hampden St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Alana T. Rijo-Robles
Seller: Reynaldo D. Rodriguez
Date: 01/24/19

71 Jordan St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Nyaoga D. Muhombolage
Seller: US Bank
Date: 01/25/19

225-227 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $124,277
Buyer: Michael Donskoy
Seller: Wells Fargo Bank
Date: 01/23/19

51 Kenway Dr.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Louann Shepard-Bell
Date: 01/22/19

41 Kipling St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $311,000
Buyer: Pedro Martinez
Seller: William P. Lee
Date: 01/25/19

180 Laurelton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Patricia A. Sheehan
Seller: SA Capital Group LLC
Date: 01/25/19

107 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: William E. Oakes
Seller: Michael Pham
Date: 01/22/19

69 Lyons St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $126,000
Buyer: Yahaira Vega
Seller: Arnaldo Lassend
Date: 01/18/19

2000 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Amount: $3,300,000
Buyer: John A. Bruzzone Sr. Family
Seller: FRE Springfield MA Realty
Date: 01/15/19

48 Mellon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: David W. Nickerson
Seller: Sandra Dubay
Date: 01/18/19

33 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Mark C. Ryer
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 01/18/19

35 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Mark C. Ryer
Seller: Dionne Real Estate LLC
Date: 01/18/19

126 Osborne Terrace
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Wildally E. Colon
Seller: Fallah Razzak
Date: 01/22/19

2046-2048 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $211,000
Buyer: Carlos J. Zaragoza-Velez
Seller: Harry E. Santiago
Date: 01/16/19

2207 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $158,800
Buyer: Denise Valdes
Seller: Juan C. Lebron
Date: 01/18/19

59 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Urayoan Santiago
Seller: Eda Ema LLC
Date: 01/14/19

850 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $119,070
Buyer: 850 Parker Street RT
Seller: NRZ REO 7 LLC
Date: 01/24/19

391 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Ramon A. Troche
Seller: Sergey D. Voloshinov
Date: 01/18/19

1318 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Geneva N. Okon
Seller: Katie M. Crane
Date: 01/24/19

256 Rosemary Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Kojo Amartey
Seller: Bretta Construction LLC
Date: 01/25/19

85 Ruthven St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $123,225
Buyer: Nationstar Mortgage LLC
Seller: Richard A. Cocchi
Date: 01/16/19

130 South Tallyho Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Gary J. Merkel
Seller: Kathryn E. Pepoon
Date: 01/25/19

850 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $127,000
Buyer: Rolando C. Vasquez-Deleon
Seller: Jason A. Rhodes
Date: 01/25/19

127 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $163,400
Buyer: Aida Rios
Seller: MGC Realty LLC
Date: 01/24/19

41 Terrence St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Wanda I. Quinones
Seller: Extremely Clean LLC
Date: 01/17/19

290 Tremont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Odean Graham
Seller: Sara M. Sirard
Date: 01/24/19

51 Vadnais St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $143,299
Buyer: Sarah Dame
Seller: SA Capital Group LLC
Date: 01/25/19

401 Water St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $175,500
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: James R. Jasmin
Date: 01/25/19

266 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Oumar Keita
Seller: Fumi Realty Inc.
Date: 01/15/19

32 West Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $151,500
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Paula Fanuele
Date: 01/22/19

173 Westbrook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Olga Bermudez
Seller: David B. Monk
Date: 01/25/19

90 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $760,000
Buyer: 90 Westminster LLC
Seller: Westminster Apartments
Date: 01/15/19

490-492 White St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Todd M. Eldredge-Rodowicz
Seller: Richard A. Henshaw
Date: 01/25/19

1480 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Erickberto Burgos
Seller: Tawana M. Davis
Date: 01/17/19

113 Winton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Joseph Depoutot
Date: 01/25/19

1289-1295 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: DNA Corp.
Seller: Kem Management LLC
Date: 01/23/19

3 Worthy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Richard J. Jackson
Seller: Rosa M. Sepulveda
Date: 01/16/19

WALES

20 Woodland Heights
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: William L. Haughey
Seller: Sally R. Sarnelli
Date: 01/25/19

WEST SPRINGFIELD

147 Allston Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: VSA Associates LLP
Seller: DMV LLC
Date: 01/15/19

136 Almon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Patrick W. Elmore
Seller: Ronald G. Schmidt
Date: 01/25/19

44 Amherst St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $167,000
Buyer: Flora Rivera
Seller: Gentile, Mary C., (Estate)
Date: 01/25/19

47 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Hecham Domani
Seller: Susan M. Clark-Konieczny
Date: 01/14/19

37 Appaloosa Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Baldevbhai P. Patel
Seller: Jose G. Salce
Date: 01/15/19

11 Beverly Terrace
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Joshua R. Benard
Seller: Osama S. Jalal
Date: 01/23/19

2 Dewey St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Vanity Bryant
Seller: JJROB Realty LLC
Date: 01/23/19

17 Larchwood St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $163,250
Buyer: Bradford H. Leveille
Seller: Cynthia J. Nolan
Date: 01/17/19

17 Maple St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $116,000
Buyer: Kweku Ofori
Seller: US Bank
Date: 01/25/19

232 Park St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Park Meadow LLC
Seller: Kids Dentist Realty LLC
Date: 01/25/19

123 Sikes Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Dennis Lawson
Seller: Arkad Kekelidze
Date: 01/18/19

68 Tiara Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Atif Khan
Seller: Hamelin Framing Inc.
Date: 01/15/19

WESTFIELD

22 Angelica Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Jessica L. Bishop
Seller: Minuteman Properties
Date: 01/18/19

15 Brimfield Way
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: High Point Finance LLC
Seller: Safeguard Credit Consulting
Date: 01/16/19

43 Court St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Alec M. Bewsee
Seller: Renzhen Yang
Date: 01/18/19

69 Deer Path Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $260,555
Buyer: Freedom Mortgage Corp.
Seller: Steven J. Beagle
Date: 01/24/19

1028 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Daniel G. Patrick
Seller: Patricia A. Curran
Date: 01/25/19

323 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $6,150,000
Buyer: SL 323 Lockhouse Road LLC
Seller: Richard Realty LLC
Date: 01/25/19

54 Mainline Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: 54 Mainline Dr. LLC
Seller: John A. Jeneral
Date: 01/15/19

5 Morgan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Megan C. Lococo
Seller: Stephen Buynicki
Date: 01/18/19

155 Paper Mill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Edward J. Cave
Seller: Seth Lamountain
Date: 01/23/19

43 Robinson Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joseph P. Nangle
Seller: Sylvia J. Corridan
Date: 01/16/19

13 Vincent Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $154,690
Buyer: JP Morgan Chase Bank
Seller: Jesse L. Rossi
Date: 01/16/19

741 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: John Schoenrock
Seller: Wright, Lauren C., (Estate)
Date: 01/18/19

WILBRAHAM

2660 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Morais Enterprises LLC
Seller: Henry J. Zola
Date: 01/15/19

17 Colonial Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Melissa A. Victor
Seller: Douglas F. Victor
Date: 01/25/19

17 Lakeshore Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Johnny Pelloso
Seller: Craig D. Swimm
Date: 01/14/19

5 Lebel Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $217,600
Buyer: Richard W. Houghton
Seller: Jeffrey C. Siekierski
Date: 01/18/19

9 Longfellow Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $309,900
Buyer: Joseph Rogers
Seller: Waseem Ahmad
Date: 01/25/19

552 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Wilbraham & Monson Academy
Seller: Valentino J. Scatolini
Date: 01/25/19

17 Mountainbrook Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Joshua M. Brodeur
Seller: Rousseau, Paul E. Jr., (Estate)
Date: 01/18/19

443 Soule Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $389,000
Buyer: Jessica Leblanc
Seller: Jeffrey Kuselias
Date: 01/24/19

905 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Deanna Pellegrino
Seller: Warner, Barbara P., (Estate)
Date: 01/25/19

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

107 Blue Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Ianni LT
Seller: Yonggui Su
Date: 01/25/19

24 Canton Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Kara Parks Fontenot RET
Seller: David F. Drake
Date: 01/15/19

35 Harlow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Emily L. Maling
Seller: Raymond, Meredith B., (Estate)
Date: 01/16/19

102 Lindenridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $788,000
Buyer: Walter A. Bell
Seller: Bercume Construction LLC
Date: 01/18/19

132 Northampton Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $407,000
Buyer: Valley Community Development Corp.
Seller: Jeffrey M. Keedy
Date: 01/18/19

BELCHERTOWN

291 Franklin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $339,900
Buyer: Elizabeth J. Cole
Seller: Brian K. Noyes
Date: 01/14/19

42 Hickory Hill
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Karl Bjorklund
Seller: Michael S. Burke
Date: 01/15/19

204 Munsell St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $490,000
Buyer: Shashi Sharma
Seller: Mark K. Gorman
Date: 01/25/19

EASTHAMPTON

7 Chapman Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: ZLS LLC
Seller: D&H Property Management
Date: 01/14/19

14 Davis St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Ibis Duo Holdings LLC
Seller: Paul J. Desrosiers
Date: 01/25/19

52-54 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $225,650
Buyer: Sarah J. Dalhaus
Seller: Sandra Mumblow
Date: 01/23/19

4 Keddy St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Brandon T. Dantonio
Seller: Ronald W. Rzeszutek
Date: 01/18/19

147 Loudville Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Keith A. Cotnoir
Seller: Tessier, Richard G., (Estate)
Date: 01/25/19

GRANBY

241 Chicopee St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $271,000
Buyer: Joseph C. Cox
Seller: Joanne Newcombe
Date: 01/25/19

138 Cold Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Donald A. Shewchuk
Seller: Nancy T. Venne
Date: 01/25/19

17 Lyn Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Ian A. Cooke
Seller: Wendy A. Richard
Date: 01/24/19

4 Pheasant Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Yolanta K. Dronski
Seller: James B. Kimball
Date: 01/25/19

76 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $239,000
Buyer: Victoria L. Sullivan
Seller: Eric C. Merullo
Date: 01/22/19

HADLEY

10 Breckenridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Andrew Blajda
Seller: Blajda, Mary A. (Estate)
Date: 01/14/19

HATFIELD

Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: William J. Skorupski
Seller: Lynn Wojewoda
Date: 01/25/19

HUNTINGTON

Harlow Clark Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Jeffrey F. Greene
Seller: Daniel J. Webster
Date: 01/25/19

510 Main Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Amount: $188,500
Buyer: Jeffrey F. Greene
Seller: Daniel J. Webster
Date: 01/25/19

NORTHAMPTON

23 Cahillane Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Matthew A. Motamedi
Seller: Stacie L. Ryan
Date: 01/14/19

93 Cahillane Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $244,000
Buyer: Stephen D. Sacco
Seller: Matthew A. Motamedi
Date: 01/25/19

46 Chapel St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: BSS 3 Properties LLC
Seller: McCutcheon Development LLC
Date: 01/22/19

48 Damon Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,750,000
Buyer: Cousins Investments LLC
Seller: Kerryman Partnership
Date: 01/25/19

Glendale Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Shasta Terra LLC
Seller: JKB Farms Inc.
Date: 01/24/19

66 Massasoit St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Mark Illingworth
Seller: Martha B. Clarke
Date: 01/24/19

400 North King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $347,000
Buyer: Laura A. Camp
Seller: Daniel J. Costigan
Date: 01/24/19

North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Southpaw Properties LLC
Seller: Southern New England Conference
Date: 01/15/19

19 Ormond Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: 58 Market Street LLC
Seller: Amberman, Edward L., (Estate)
Date: 01/17/19

20 Westwood Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $249,900
Buyer: Deborah A. Sullivan
Seller: W. Marek Inc.
Date: 01/18/19

PELHAM

100 Harkness Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Gavin T. Myers
Seller: Carolyn M. Monteiro
Date: 01/24/19

SOUTH HADLEY

604 Granby Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $169,900
Buyer: Rasean Y. Blyden
Seller: Irene A. Roy
Date: 01/17/19

15 Lexington Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Kirsti A. Wiemokly
Seller: Michael Schaeffer
Date: 01/25/19

Lithia Springs Road #4
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Timothy Waltz
Seller: Barbara J. Smith
Date: 01/16/19

299 North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Ryan C. Fernandes
Seller: Leo E. Fugler
Date: 01/17/19

6 Plainville Circle
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Michael Campbell
Seller: Lapierre, Richard R., (Estate)
Date: 01/25/19

4 Ridge Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Cristina T. Mitchell
Seller: Brenda L. Houle
Date: 01/25/19

24 Sunset Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Roger Strange
Seller: Robert W. Lynes
Date: 01/25/19

53 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $238,500
Buyer: Ellen M. Emmonds
Seller: Richard R. Stefanowicz
Date: 01/25/19

SOUTHAMPTON

81 Crooked Ledge Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $335,700
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Dynelle Longto
Date: 01/23/19

40 Strong Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Danielle H. Bozik
Seller: Brenda L. O’Donnell
Date: 01/17/19

WARE

34 Aspen St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $223,284
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: David W. Kalil
Date: 01/23/19

100 Bondsville Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $151,290
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Daniel J. Haworth
Date: 01/22/19

121 Glendale Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: Quabbin Wire & Cable Co. Inc.
Seller: Jarrod Dandurant
Date: 01/18/19

32 Park Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: Katelynn Gancorz
Seller: Suzanne Gomes
Date: 01/16/19

WILLIAMSBURG

6 Village Hill Ave.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Autumn H. Fournier
Seller: Delappe, Gemze, (Estate)
Date: 01/25/19

WORTHINGTON

2 Packard Park
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Aastha Bansri LLC
Seller: Michael P. Frazier
Date: 01/15/19

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the months of January and February 2019.

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Boys Club Inc.
580 Meadow St.
$1,500 — Add non-bearing walls to create lobby space within existing larger lobby

Dielectrics Realty Trust
300 Burnett Road
$15,000 — Construct steel framing for replacement HVAC system above existing roof system

JPNTT Real Estate, LLC
17 Asinof Ave.
$25,500 — Rewiring, sheetrock, change out kitchen cabinets

EASTHAMPTON

Autumn Properties, LLC
161-165 Northampton St.
$3,000 — Repair damaged siding

EAST LONGMEADOW

38 Center Square Trust
38 Center Square
$4,000 — Interior demolition, repair entry stairs

CHD
742 Parker St.
$25,000 — Foundation and deck repair, demolish pool

East Longmeadow Medical
96 Shaker Road
$18,065 — Remove partition wall

Shaker Bowl
168 Shaker Road
$37,500 — Replace kitchen hood

GREENFIELD

Arana Family Trust
115 Wildwood Ave.
$11,535.75 — Install handicap ramp on back of building

Town of Greenfield
1 Place Terrace
$13,000 — Install door holders for 21 fire doors, relays connected to fire-alarm system

HADLEY

Amherst Development Associates, LLC
400 Russell St.
$11,000 — Roofing at Holiday Inn

Parmar & Sons
340 Russell St.
$108,176 — Install ballasted, roof-mounted photovoltaic system

Town of Hadley
230 Middle St.
$4,000 — Roofing

W/S Hadley Properties II, LLC
337 Russell St.
$50,000 — Replace existing sliding doors in vestibule with new swing doors and extend vestibule inside store

SPRINGFIELD

300 State Street Realty Group, LLC
311 State St.
$49,500 — Minor alterations to existing floor plan

Albany Road Springfield Plaza, LLC
1355 Liberty St.
$10,000 — Install three antennas and remove radio units

Yvonne Cruz
132 Myrtle St.
$42,000 — Install 30 solar modules to roof

Marcom Realty, LLC
155 Brookdale Dr.
$8,774.28 — Install new alarm system

Multicultural Community Services of the Pioneer Valley Inc.
1000 Wilbraham Road
$49,830 — Install 39 replacement windows

WARE

Christopher DeSantis
84 Greenwich Plains Road
$80,000 — Construct metal garage for use as dog kennel

Deutsche Bank National Trust Co.
2-8 Ross Ave.
$8,000 — Repair and/or replace soffit and fascia around property

Muriel Gervais, Ernest Gervais
105 West St.
$10,000 — Signage, sheetrock, paint, and new floor coverings

Highland Ware Associates Limited
27 Boulder Dr.
$42,000 — Renovation of Unit 8A

Mary Lane Hospital Assoc.
85 South St.
$15,000 — Demolition of existing ICU

Sengen Properties, LLC
48-58 Park St.
$28,000 — Roofing

WILBRAHAM

Town of Wilbraham
859 Stony Hill Road
$37,584 — Foundation and first-floor support system at Wilbraham Country Club

Daily News

WESTBOROUGH — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts today announced that Mark Kempic will assume the role of president and chief operating officer, effective May 1.

“Mark will continue to focus on working with our customers, state and local leaders, and community stakeholders as he leads our gas business in Massachusetts,” said Pablo Vegas, executive vice president and president, gas utilities at NiSource, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts’ parent company. “This includes the next phase of the recovery effort in the Greater Lawrence area and continuing to meet our customer and community needs across the state.”

Steve Bryant, who has been serving as president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, announced his retirement, effective May 1.

Vegas went on to say, “Steve dedicated his career to the important work of providing gas service to his home state of Massachusetts. We thank Steve for his many years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”

Since January 2019, Kempic has served as chief operating officer for Columbia Gas of Massachusetts. From September 2018 to January 2019 he was a key part of the leadership team for the Greater Lawrence area restoration efforts.

He has more than 35 years of experience in the energy industry and has served in a broad range of functions, including information technology, engineering, gas supply, corporate planning and regulatory policy.

Most recently he served as NiSource Chief Transformation Officer (CTO), responsible for enhancing NiSource’s efforts to integrate processes and technology across the company’s seven-state footprint. He also previously served as president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland, responsible for ensuring safe, reliable, high-quality service to customers and delivering value for stakeholders through our programs.

He holds a law degree from Capital University School of Law, a bachelor’s degree in computer and information science from the University of Pittsburgh and an associate’s degree in solar heating and cooling engineering from Pennsylvania State University.

 

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SPRINGFIELD — Bay Path University has announced its 3rd Annual President’s Gala, “Dance a Mile in Their Shoes,” to take place on Saturday, April 27 at the Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel. 

Dancing with the Stars professional and season 25 champion, and So You Think You Can Dance fan favorite Lindsay Arnold will be lending her expertise for her second year in a row as the event’s celebrity judge. Arnold will be joined at the judges’ table by actor, producer, Springfield native and Bay Path alumna JoAnna Rhinehart ’78. Rhinehart is currently appearing in My Fair Lady on Broadway.

The Bay Path University President’s Gala will feature a “Dancing with the Stars”-style ballroom dance competition infused with telling the story of the University’s mission — empowering undergraduate women and graduate women and men to flourish in a constantly changing world. Last year’s event netted more than $315,000 in support of the Bold Women’s Scholarship and The Finish Line Fund. These scholarships are awarded to assist students in removing obstacles standing in the way of achieving their goal of receiving a college degree.

“We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to raise funds again this year for student scholarships,” said Allison Gearing-Kalill, Bay Path University’s Vice President for Development and Planned Giving. “The community understands that today’s student has many financial obligations. Businesses, alumni, and friends of Bay Path are incredibly supportive of the work we’re doing and want to help our students reach the goal of attaining a college education.”

This year’s featured dancers at the Gala are Lamont Clemons, Business Development for Secure Energy Solutions, executive vice President, S-Cel-O Painting, and Bay Path Trustee; Erin Hornyak, Bay Path Advisory Council member and Longmeadow resident; and Jillian Jusko, blogger and Longmeadow resident. Clemons, Hornyak, and Jusko are undergoing training with Daryll ’98 and Gunnar Sverrisson, ballroom dance champions and owners of Ballroom Fever (Enfield, Connecticut), as they prepare to compete to raise scholarship funds and take home the Mirror Ball Trophy.

In addition to the captivating performances, the President’s Gala will feature an auction, dinner, and live entertainment by the Boston-based band Protégé, ensuring an evening full of fun and dancing.

Carrie ’86 and Tim Burr, Lauren and Drew Davis, Tiffany ’11 and Ted ’11 Madru, and Carol and Rick Steele, Jr. are the Gala’s honorary chairs. The Mirror Ball Sponsor is MassMutual. Golden Waltz Sponsor is Dr. K. Francis & Melinda Lee. The Gala’s Silver Salsa Sponsors include Mercedes-Benz of Springfield and Andrew Associates. Entertainment Sponsor is Mary ’74 and David Bushnell. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. To learn more about how you or your company can become a sponsor of Bay Path University’s President’s Gala, contact Laura Ziomek at 413.565.1047 or [email protected].  

The President’s Gala will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a seated dinner at 7:30 p.m. The dancing competition will begin at 8:30 p.m., and at 9:00 p.m. guests will be invited to dance the night away. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.baypath.edu/gala.

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HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union staged its annual cold-weather clothing and blanket drive in itsHadley, UMass Amherst, Northampton, and Mercy Medical Center branches throughout the month of January.

There were more than 900 items collected and donated through the drive, including 185 warm coats, 103 sweaters, 189 hats, 168 pairs of gloves, and 21 blankets. These items were distributed to organizations close to the branches that collected the donations, including the Amherst Survival Center, Northampton Survival Center, and Friends of the Homeless in Springfield.

If you would like to donate to these organizations directly, you can find out more by visiting their websites at www.amherstsurvival.org, www.northamptonsurvival.org, and www.fohspringfield.org.

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AMHERST — Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors (CBUMR) announced the addition of REALTOR Diana Adair to its roster of professional real estate agents serving Franklin and Hampshire Counties.

Adair is a Western Mass. native and resides in Amherst. She started her real estate career 30 years ago, has purchased several homes, remodeled six properties, and bought investment rentals. In addition, she has accomplished millions of dollars in real estate sales.

She grew up in Belchertown, lived on a farm, and inherited her great love of land from her father, Howard Mann. In 1992, she started, owned, and operated Heartland Farm, in Amherst, where they gave lessons, held summer camps, and trained and sold hunter/jumpers. 

“We’re happy to have Diana on our team,” said Christine Aubrey, owner/broker of Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors. “She has an excellent background in residential sales and is extremely knowledgeable about real estate in the valley. She is known for her work ethic. She is organized and detail oriented and an experienced sales negotiator.”

Adair is a member of the REALTOR Association of the Pioneer Valley, the National Association of REALTORS and the Massachusetts Association of Realtors. As a REALTOR with Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont REALTORS, her primary focus will be residential real estate in Hampshire and Franklin Counties.

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SPRINGFIELDBusinessWest is issuing a last call for nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2019. The deadline for nominations is today, Feb. 15, at 5 p.m.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online by visiting www.businesswest.com, clicking on ‘Our Events,’ and then ‘40 Under Forty.’

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges. The selected individuals will be profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 20 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD — Robert Kelley has been named director of Operations at Eastern States Exposition. A graduate of Agawam High School, he continued his education at Holyoke Community College before starting his career at ESE in 1975.

Over the past 25 years, Kelley has served ESE as its contractor coordinator, overseeing numerous capital-improvement projects. Under his direction, 10 new buildings were constructed, including the Mallary Complex East and West, the food court, the Visitors’ Center East and West, the Transportation Center, the indoor warm-up horse ring, the Young Building and two wine and cheese barns now known as the Farmers Market.

He also supervised the installation of air conditioning in the Better Living Center and Young Building, and a heating system in Mallary Complex. Additionally, he directed projects involving moving all electricity from overhead to underground and the installation of a new sewer and storm-drain infrastructure.

As director, he will oversee all grounds operations, including maintenance, construction, landscaping, and contractors, and continue to supervise all building projects on the grounds.

“Bob knows the 175 acres of Eastern States Exposition better than anyone in the history of the company,” said Gene Cassidy, ESE president and CEO. “He is resourceful, conscientious, and has a vast knowledge of the infrastructure and operation of our physical plant and its many nuances and challenges.”

Added Kelley, “I am pleased to be named director of Operations at ESE. My goal is to continue to preserve and protect these historic grounds and incorporate 21st-century improvements to keep our facility viable for the fair and all of our year-round functions for years to come.”

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NORTHAMPTON — HCG announced the official start of the historic Hampshire County Courthouse restoration. This phase of the project consists of repairs to the roof, tower, as well as windows and masonry. The building is owned and occupied by HCG.

“The old courthouse building is an iconic staple of downtown Northampton and a beloved shared resource within the community,” said Todd Ford, executive director of HCG. “We are thrilled to see this restoration through and look forward to showcasing the building as it should be.”

Arlington-based Boston Bay Architects Inc. is overseeing the $1.8 million project, and Wesfield Construction Co. Inc. of New Hampshire won the bid for construction. The restoration will begin at the top of the southern facing tower with the replacement of terracotta roof tiles. Exterior repairs include masonry stone restoration and brick stabilization. The tower interior carpentry work will focus on roof, floor, stairs, and railings. At the completion of the tower, the work will continue down the southern façade with window repair and replacement to energy-efficient historical windows.

In October 2017, the Baker-Polito administration announced the release of Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) funds to HCG for this current phase of repairs. In 2015, DCAMM released $500,000 for safety repairs to the building’s steps and roof.

The Northampton Community Preservation committee has played an integral role in the plans for this phase of renovation, contributing $200,000 to the building restoration. Local Community Preservation Acts contributed an additional $10,000 from Hatfield and $8,000 from Goshen. Area banks have pledged $38,000, and the Hampshire Foundation Buy a Brick program provided $8,800 from local residents and businesses.

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GREENFIELD — USA Archery announced the coaches for its newly redesigned teen training program, the Regional Elite Development (RED) program. Kyle Forbes Bissell, owner of Amherst Archery Academy, has been appointed reserve coach for the Eastern Region.

Bissell will work with a head coach and three additional coaches with the goal of making this a successful training program for dedicated Olympic recurve archers ages 13 to 17. He founded Amherst Archery Academy in 2011 and now coaches archery full-time, year-round.

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HOLYOKE — The city of Holyoke has been awarded a grant of $398,205 from the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women for a period of three years to create and enhance services for older victims of domestic abuse. This will allow the city to create and design Project Combating Abuse in Later Life (CALL) to address domestic abuse for those aged 50 and older who reside in the city.

Project CALL will partner with the Holyoke Police Department, the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, Womanshelter Companeras, and WestMass ElderCare and receive advanced training on abuse in later life from the Office of Violence against Women, then conduct training to law enforcement, service providers, and residents to enhance effective service.

Project CALL will have an HPD Elder Affairs Officer team up with a victim advocate and conduct direct services and outreach to those designated as high-risk. This team will enhance victim safety by not only providing support and services to the victim, but finding community-based interventions for the abuser while simultaneously placing them on high-risk status and sharing their information with the CALL Task Force and across systems. The collaborative team aims to have contacts at points of abuse and arrests, and include direct support through the court process. This team will also be responsible for community-based monitoring, case management, and responding to emergency referrals and implementing safety plans for the victims. 

The CALL Task Force will also act as a wraparound support system responsible for identifying the underserved Spanish elderly population by developing, implementing, and distributing a safety-plan brochure in Spanish for elder victims of domestic violence.

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SPRINGFIELD — Clinton Mathias, associate professor of Pharmacology at Western New England University, was named the recipient of the American Assoc. of Immunologists’ (AAI) Distinguished Service Award for 2019. Mathias is being recognized for outstanding service to the immunology community as director of the AAI High School Teachers Summer Research Program in Immunology from 2012 to 2108. A formal award presentation will take place in May at the Immunology 2019 conference in San Diego.

Mathias is on the faculty of Western New England’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. For the past six years, he spearheaded the AAI’s efforts to support summer research for high-school teachers, connecting them with AAI mentors from coast to coast, many of them world-renowned scientists. Teachers emerge from the summer program with curricula based on their research experience they could then implement in the high-school classroom.

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EASTHAMPTON — Riverside Industries Inc., a nonprofit agency empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live rich and full lives, announced Susan Lapointe is the new director of Development and Community Relations.

In her new role, Lapointe oversees fundraising, development, public and community relations, and marketing for Riverside. Fundraising will include Riverside’s annual signature fundraiser auction event, as well as annual campaigns, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, cultivation, and stewardship.

An accomplished business owner, Lapointe comes to Riverside with a strong entrepreneurial background. Her recent career as owner and creative director of TurningLeaf Design included branding and marketing for many nonprofits and businesses in the Valley. In addition to running her business, her community involvement included serving as director and president of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, chairperson for the Hampshire County Regional Tourism Council, development and marketing chair for the Easthampton Cultural Council’s annual Cultural Chaos event. Her community development also included volunteer and marketing consulting for Riverside as well as serving as a board chair and member of Riverside for many years.

“Communicating the mission of Riverside,” she said, “is the key to the success of development for an organization that has successfully set the pace for integration and inclusion for the individuals we serve each and every day.”

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SPRINGFIELD — CRRC MA announced plans to build a 42,500-square-foot warehouse at its Page Boulevard factory to house large rail-car components like wheel and motor assemblies and HVAC components, the Republican reported.

The project is expected to be completed by August, according to Lydia Rivera, a CRRC MA spokeswoman.

CRRC is currently building 152 new cars for the MBTA’s Orange Line and will soon begin work on 252 new Red Line cars, at a total cost of $566 million. Following that, the plant will begin building another 120 Red Line cars, with production to begin in 2022.

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WARE — Country Bank reported that donations for 2018 exceeded $1 million. Through the bank’s established charitable-giving program, support is provided to local nonprofits throughout the region; in 2018, more than 400 organizations received generous contributions from the program. Among the organizations that received donations, the Salvation Army, the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the Springfield Rescue Mission, Friends of the Homeless, and the USO of Pioneer Valley each received $5,000, while the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and Christina’s House each received $10,000. 

The bank also teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to build a home in Springfield last September. “Spending the day helping a family to build their home was a meaningful experience for our staff members,” said Paul Scully, bank president and CEO.

Country Bank also has an employee charitable-giving program that raised more than $30,000 in 2018, through events such as jeans days, bake sales, and raffles.

“The staff at Country Bank understands the importance of supporting its local communities,” said Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president of Community Relations. “When we add an event to our volunteer calendar, it is filled instantly. This speaks volumes to our culture and our belief in helping others. In 2018, our team volunteered more than 1,100 hours of personal time at various events within the local communities. We served meals to the homeless, watered flowers throughout the summer for Ware in Bloom, and prepared meals for the children and families at the Ronald McDonald House, to name just a few.”

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Stabilizing financial markets and continued strong employment were not enough to brighten the outlook of Massachusetts employers during January as business confidence fell for the fifth time in seven months.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index (BCI) lost 0.9 points to 57.7, its lowest level since October 2016. Confidence has dropped 6.4 points during the past 12 months.

The retreat was led by a 7.3-point drop in employer views of the Massachusetts economy, and a 2.4-point drop in opinions about the national economy.

Overall confidence remains within optimistic territory, but every element of the AIM Index is now lower than it was a year ago.

A separate survey within the January Business Confidence Index found that while 71% of Massachusetts employers have seen some effect from the US government’s imposition of tariffs on goods form China and other nations, only 10 percent of companies characterize the effect as “significant” or a threat to the existence of their business.

The most common consequence of the tariffs has been an increase in raw-material prices, followed by changes to the supply chain, supply interruptions, products affected by retaliatory tariffs and loss of overseas customers.

“The Massachusetts economy grew at 2.1% during the fourth quarter of 2018 and continues to operate at near full capacity,” said Raymond G. Torto, Chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and Lecturer, Harvard Graduate School of Design.

“At the same time, employers continue to confront uncertainty surrounding trade policy, demographic constraints on the labor market and the implementation of a sweeping paid family and medical leave program in Massachusetts.”

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 has remained above 50 since October 2013.

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WEST SPRINGFIELD —  Johnson & Hill Staffing, specializing in administrative, professional, legal, and accounting and finance staffing in the Western Mass. and Northern Conn. region, announced recently that it has won ClearlyRated’s Best of Staffing Client and Talent Awards.

Thanks to its focus on providing exceptional service through building long-term relationships, Johnson & Hill achieved World Class status. This distinction is reserved for firms who receive a 70% or higher net promoter score (on a scale running from -100 to +100). It received satisfaction scores of 9 or 10 out of 10 from 90.9% of their clients and 75% of their talent — significantly higher than the industry’s average in both categories.

“At Johnson & Hill Staffing, we always strive to differentiate ourselves on service,” said Johnson & Hill’s President, Andrea Hill-Cataldo. “We’re focused on relationships and the long-term with our clients, and we push ourselves to offer the best possible experience to each candidate we meet. It’s very exciting to see our efforts recognized in this way. This award is truly an honor for us.”

All data is gathered through ClearlyRated, and includes feedback both from clients and from candidates Johnson & Hill has helped find jobs.  

“In today’s historically tight labor market, hiring managers and job seekers need a clear and reputable way to vet potential staffing and recruiting partners,” said ClearlyRated’s CEO Eric Gregg. “Best of Staffing winners have set themselves apart by demonstrating their commitment to client and candidate service, investing in a survey and feedback program that brings transparency to the client and talent experience at their firm. I’m thrilled to showcase these service leaders alongside their validated client and talent ratings on ClearlyRated.com!”

 

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SPRINGFIELD — The Valley Blue Sox announced today that former Major League pitcher Mike Trombley has been named “special advisor to the team.

“I am really excited to join the Blue Sox family,” said Trombley. “As a college player at Duke University, I enjoyed playing summer baseball in a top league similar to the [New England Collegiate Baseball League]. I’m thrilled to be part of that experience again.” Trombley, 51, spent 11 seasons in the majors with the Minnesota Twins, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Dodgers. A 14th round draft pick in the 1989 MLB Draft, the right-handed pitcher would go on to earn his undergraduate degree from Duke University in 1990. The Wilbraham native appeared in 509 major league games, primarily working out of the bullpen. Trombley logged a 4.48 earned run average in 795.2 innings of work while notching 44 career saves. He is the owner of Trombley Associates — Investment and Retiring Planning, and Trombley Associates — Bookkeeping and Payroll Services, located in Wilbraham.

In his new advisory role, Trombley will serve as a mentor to Blue Sox players both on and off the diamond. He will also assist the coaching staff and front office throughout the season.

“Mike has been a great representative of Western Massachusetts for many years,” said Fred Ciaglo, President of the Valley Blue Sox.

 

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PALMER — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts awarded Baystate Health Foundation a $26,000 Capital Grant to purchase two patient monitors for the recently opened Baystate Wing Hospital Emergency Department in Palmer.

The Phillips IntelliVue MX450 portable patient monitors will allow team members to quickly check vital signs on one screen, including blood pressure, oxygen levels, and heart rate. That data then moves with patients to their next phase of treatment, if required. 

“These new cardiac monitors will allow us to take care of critically ill patients while offering us greater flexibility in patient care and decreasing wait times in our Emergency Department,” said Dr. Robert Spence, chief of Emergency Medicine who oversees emergency care at Baystate Mary Lane Outpatient Center and Baystate Wing Hospital.

Currently, the emergency department has 13 patient monitors for its 20 treatment bays. The Baystate Health Foundation will continue to raise funds for the additional monitors, which will provide more usable bays and create improved lengths of stay for patients.

“The additional monitors further enable us to care for any patient in any room, improving our patient experience,” said Kim Davis, MSN, RN, CCRN, CEN, nurse manager for Emergency Services at Baystate Mary Lane and Baystate Wing Hospital.  

Baystate Wing Hospital’s new Emergency Department opened in September 2018. The new $17.2 million facility is three times the size of the old emergency department and can accommodate more than 24,000 visits annually.

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SPRINGFIELD — BusinessWestHCN’s sister publication, is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2019. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 15, and the region’s healthcare community is encouraged to participate.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online athttps://businesswest.com/40-under-forty-nomination-form/.

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges. The selected individuals will be profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 20 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. 40 Under Forty is presented by PeoplesBank and Health New England.

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HARTFORD, Conn. — United Bank and its two charitable foundations reported that, in 2018, they invested more than $1.2 million in nonprofit organizations, student scholarships, and corporate sponsorships in the communities they serve.

In 2018, the United Bank Foundation Connecticut and the United Bank Foundation Massachusetts made approximately $850,897 in grants and payments to more than 200 nonprofit organizations and student scholarship recipients. In addition, United Bank’s Community Sponsorships Program, which is separate and distinct from its foundation giving, delivered $420,000 in giving to several other organizations and sponsored events in 2018. Since 2005, the two foundations have together invested more than $10 million in the nonprofit community in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

“At United Bank, our core mission of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’ through exceptional customer service, first-rate banking products and services, and lasting community partnerships has been our sustained commitment since 1858. Once again, we’re proud to say this unwavering dedication to our communities grows stronger year after year,” said William Crawford IV, president and CEO of United Bank. “I would like to thank our employees and board of directors for their continued individual and collective generosity and selfless volunteerism in the communities we serve.”

Areas of focus for United’s corporate giving and community partnerships include neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, education, health and human services, various youth programs, and more. In compliance with the federal Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), United Bank also gives special consideration to charitable investments that directly benefit disadvantaged or low- to moderate-income individuals, families, and neighborhoods in cities and towns the bank serves. More than 55% of the bank’s total giving in 2018 was CRA-eligible.

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SPRINGFIELDBusinessWest is currently accepting nominations for the 40 Under Forty class of 2019. But time is running out, as the deadline for nominations is Feb. 15.

Launched in 2007, the program recognizes rising stars in the four counties of Western Mass. Nominations, which should be detailed in nature, should list an individual’s accomplishments within their profession as well as their work within the community. Nominations can be completed online HERE.

Nominations will be weighed by a panel of judges. The selected individuals will be profiled in the April 29 issue of BusinessWest and honored at the 40 Under Forty Gala on June 20 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.