2024 - Page 13 of 42 - BusinessWest

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff September 11, 2024

Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Gary’s Sweeping Service Inc., 47 Russo Circle, Agawam, MA 01001. Gary Megliola, 121 Fairview St., Agawam, MA 01001. Purchase, sale, holding, and management of equipment, goods, chattels, and other personal property.

BELCHERTOWN

Mission Cantina Amherst Inc., 24 Nathaniel Way, Belchertown, MA 01007. Walter Pacheco, same. Restaurant.

CHICOPEE

Pure Cleanse Co., 528 Springfield St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Haylee Wajda, same. General cleaning services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Meadows Staffing Group Inc., 8 Oxford Lane, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Rachel Retchin, same. Staffing company.

FEEDING HILLS

RA Construction Services Co., 42 Red Fox Dr., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Andrey Fedotov, same. Home-improvement services.

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Convenience Store Inc., 50 Holyoke St., #B216, Holyoke, MA 01040. Mittalben Patel, same. Convenience store.

INDIAN ORCHARD

New England ATV Fest Inc., Yanitza Roman Vazquez, 1978 Page Blvd., Indian Orchard, MA, 01151. Yanitza Roman Vazquez, same. Community activities for ATV drivers.

LEE

Sage Movement Therapy Corp., 230 East Center St., Lee, MA 01238. Sage Brody, same. Psychotherapeutic use of movement.

MONSON

Monson Community Cupboard Inc., 209 Wales Road, Monson, MA 01057. Kristine Duval,143 Wilbraham Road, Monson, MA 01057. Serves the community of Monson by providing help with, but not limited to, food, hygiene, and clothing necessities.

NORTHAMPTON

Leo’s Home Inc., 112 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060. Brian Megliola, 11 Cronin Hill Road, Hatfield, MA 01038. To provide education and support in pursuit of actualizing the dream of homeownership for all, including marginalized and vulnerable populations.

PITTSFIELD

Community Haul Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Hannah Conley, same. Provides connection of disadvantaged people and families to tangible goods and needs that support a healthy, happy lifestyle in their local communities.

Good Grains Distribution Inc., 228 Partridge Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Michael Trong, same. Delivers bread to retailers.

Mayili Technologies Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mohandas Shanmugam, same. Software consultation.

Rudewicz and Company Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Peter Rudewicz, same. Musical-instrument restoration and manufacturing, as well as specialty rigging and transportation work for capital equipment.

The Skye High USA Foundation Limited, 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Emily Cann, 34 Oxford Crescent, New Malden, Great Britian. Foundation established to provide support to families during and after the loss of a twin, triplet, or multiples, by providing hospitals with cards and posters and providing families with memory packs.

SPRINGFIELD

7 Arts Latino Foundation Inc., 191 Chestnut St., Suite 3B, Springfield, MA 01103. Jorge Martinez, same. Nonprofit organization established to encourage people to participate in the electoral process, such as voter registration and get-out-the-vote drives.

CTC Atlantic Inc., 399 South Branch Parkway, Springfield, MA 01118. Christopher Collins, same. Property and management consulting.

The Royals Inc., 1551 Allen St., Apt 1, Springfield, MA 01118. Imani Brown Taylor, same. Nonprofit organization providing comprehensive programs and resources that support the development of self-worth, confidence, resilience, and overall empowerment among young women as they transition into adulthood.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

56 Transport Inc., 66 Larchwood St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Zaid Jalil, 122 Garnet St., Springfield, MA 01129. Transportation.

WILBRAHAM

Empire Acquisition Inc., 9 Woodsley Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Michael Chechile, same. To import and sell office supplies and conduct any other businesses or activities which may be lawfully conducted by a corporation under the Massachusetts Business Corporation Act.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff September 11, 2024

DBA Certificates

The following business certificates and/or trade names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2024.

BELCHERTOWN

Heirloom Catering
251 Green Ave.
Brandi Parker

Johnny’s Worx
6 River St.
Johnathan Oey

PW Home Improvements
45 Jabish St.
Pierre Willems

Sanderson Snap One Shoot Studios
272 Aldrich St.
John Gelinas, Austin Endelos

Snow Fall Studios
251 Green Ave.
Yachaleef Rivera

Torna and Associates LLC
30 Plaza Ave.
Erik Torna

Transform Your Lifetime
251 Green Ave.
Brandi Parker

GREAT BARRINGTON

After Hours
8 Meadow Lane
Kevin Kelly

Alvastra Building
24 Silver St., Apt. 1A
Tobias DeRis

Ayuda Wellness
287 Main St.
Christina deRis

Berkshire Bodywork
33 Rossetter St.
Cory Schifano

Café Holli
200 Main St.
Holli Stanton

Edward Bevan, PsyD
321 Main St., Suite 201
Edward Bevan

Farnsworth
126 Main St.
Alexander Farnsworth

Jose’s Mini Latino Market LLC
175 Main St.
Jose Gonzalez

Nina Pick LLC
434B Stockbridge Road
Nina Pick

Spotlight Cup and Cone
109 Stockbridge Road
Robin Morrison

Tractor Supply Co.
356 Stockbridge Road
Tractor Supply

HOLYOKE

Borochin Quality Audit
36 Farnum Dr.
Leonard Borochin

K. Cavagnac Painting
56 George St.
Kevin Cavagnac

Keycap IT Solutions
38 King St.
Christopher Saunders

SOUTH HADLEY

Creative Crafts & Calligraphy by Nancy
4 Wellesley Circle
Nancy Holden

Diamond Automotive
180 Willimansett St.
Diamond Tools & Equipment Inc.

Three Anvil Forge
435 Granby Road
Michael Izatt

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff September 11, 2024

Bankruptcies

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

19 Suffolk Street Chelsea, LLC
183 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 11
Date: 08/08/2024

Adams, Charles
5 Morin Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/07/2024

Alatea, Ali Y.
a/k/a Atea, Ali
106 Medford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/02/2024

Alfano, Daniel C.
85 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057-9786
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/07/2024

Alicea, Nelson
332 Grove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2024

Asher, Jeffrey
48 Taylor St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/06/2024

Berube, Daniel P.
Berube, Candice T.
58 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2024

Currier, Peggy F.
64B Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2024

Darragh, Lisa L.
1167 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2024

Deerfield Car and Shuttle
Traina, Vincent P.
78 Hillside Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/09/2024

Espada, Jose R.
Epada, Emily
80 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/09/2024

Faucher, Jamie R.
298 Oakham Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/02/2024

Gougeon, David
10 Lewandowski Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/14/2024

Granny’s Place
Seldomridge, Jody L.
Seldomridge, Ricky R.
844 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/07/2024

Gulland, Janice L.
8 Stockwell Road, Apt. 2
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/12/2024

Haselkorn, Scott
Haselkorn, Megan
60 Emerson Way
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/13/2024

Himmelman, Julia Moore
26A East St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/12/2024

Howard, Michael
Howard, Sophia
57 Allen Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/31/2024

MacDonald, William J.
19 Griswoldville St.
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Date: 07/31/2024

MacNeil, Stephen M.
119 Industrial Dr., No. 161
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Date: 07/31/2024

Martin, Denise
36 Taber St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/06/2024

Mobley, Kevin R.
15 Hawley Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 13
Date: 08/01/2024

Moriarty, Marshall Theodore
c/o Moriarty Law Firm, Inc.
21 Mountainbrook Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/15/2024

O’Brien, Noah
26 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/14/2024

Owusu-Mensah, Emmanuel
58 Savoy Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/07/2024

Page, Anita Marie
340 Dale St., Unit B
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/01/2024

Rijo, Raquel
47 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/14/2024

TCI Holdings, LLC
64 Bartlett Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 11
Date: 08/14/2024

White, Cristy Lee
23 Gay St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/13/2024

Zak, Sara M.
1 Leclair Ter., 1st Fl.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Date: 08/03/2024

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff September 11, 2024

Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

230 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Daniel W. Finn
Seller: Jessica Shepley
Date: 08/15/24

BUCKLAND

89 State St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $604,000
Buyer: Keth A. Pelletier
Seller: DC Cote Properties LLC
Date: 08/16/24

CHARLEMONT

120 Hawk Hill Road
Charlemont, MA 01370
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: James M. Kemp
Seller: Michael J. Taylor
Date: 08/07/24

104 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Sarah L. Grinnell
Seller: Doray Int.
Date: 08/06/24

COLRAIN

55 Heath Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Keith Mezzanotti
Seller: Kevin L. Scala
Date: 08/07/24

CONWAY

820 East Guinea Road
Conway, MA 01096
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Barose Projects LLC
Seller: Wicked Deals LLC
Date: 08/13/24

133 Sabans Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $419,000
Buyer: Richard Green
Seller: Katheryn L. Wilkes
Date: 08/05/24

DEERFIELD

4 Industrial Dr.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $1,700,000
Buyer: Industrial Dr. East LLC
Seller: Pro Pel East LLC
Date: 08/14/24

200 Lower Road
Deerfield, MA 01342
Amount: $752,000
Buyer: Christian B. Sikora
Seller: J. R. Detweiler
Date: 08/13/24

106 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Michael E. Ramon
Seller: Douglas S. Hammond
Date: 08/15/24

51 Sugarloaf St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Brian Scully
Seller: Corrine Sysun
Date: 08/05/24

36 Thayer St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $427,500
Buyer: Samuel J. Ovitt
Seller: Anujkumar Dhamija
Date: 08/15/24

GREENFIELD

237 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Phillip N. Bascom
Seller: Art Deviation LLC
Date: 08/15/24

348 Federal St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Kongkea Sereyvith LLC
Seller: 346-348 Federal St. RT
Date: 08/05/24

36 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $367,429
Buyer: Sidney J. Palmer
Seller: A. P. Shallers
Date: 08/14/24

672 Lampblack Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Jessica Duplin
Date: 08/16/24

96 Maple St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $341,000
Buyer: Michael Lovett
Seller: Deborah J. Drew
Date: 08/07/24

716 Mohawk Trail
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $886,500
Buyer: Adrienne T. Kimball RET
Seller: Arthur W. Dahowski
Date: 08/15/24

18 Newell Pond Place
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Pamela L. Grey
Seller: Bednarski, John F., (Estate)
Date: 08/09/24

20 Orchard St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Lyndi J. Antic
Seller: Edward F. Berlin
Date: 08/16/24

60 Overland Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Amanda L. Anderson
Seller: Sjl Nt
Date: 08/14/24

HAWLEY

7 Grout Road
Hawley, MA 01339
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Alyssa J. Tanner
Seller: Nelson R. Oliveira
Date: 08/15/24

HEATH

223 Number 9 Road
Heath, MA 01367
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Christina Diaz
Seller: Gougeon, Jack A., (Estate)
Date: 08/08/24

141 Sumner Stetson Road
Heath, MA 01346
Amount: $570,000
Buyer: Son Treme
Seller: Charles R. Ryan
Date: 08/08/24

LEYDEN

5 Stephen Lane
Leyden, MA 01301
Amount: $530,000
Buyer: Margaret A. Arroyo
Seller: Loven, Cherles A., (Estate)
Date: 08/06/24

MONROE

125 River Road
Monroe, MA 01350
Amount: $266,900
Buyer: Richard Fries
Seller: 38 Margierite St. NT
Date: 08/16/24

MONTAGUE

5 Crocker Ave.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $430,320
Buyer: Douglas A. Shuga
Seller: Anne E. H. Stuart RET
Date: 08/13/24

12 Federal St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Ina Pouliot
Seller: Christal L. Cutler
Date: 08/07/24

443 Turners Falls Road
Montague, MA 01351
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Meredith S. Savage
Seller: Pasha Realty LLC
Date: 08/16/24

ORANGE

39 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $346,000
Buyer: Pattyann Spanner
Seller: Daniel S. Jeffrey
Date: 08/16/24

25 Marjorie St.
Orange, MA 01331
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Lucas Upham
Seller: Zackary P. Adams
Date: 08/08/24

9 Rogers Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Ayla C. Sabacinski
Seller: David C. Simpson
Date: 08/15/24

185 Royalston Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $660,000
Buyer: John M. Grigas
Seller: Emma Ellsworth
Date: 08/05/24

330 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $318,000
Buyer: Donald F. Hurld
Seller: Robert A. Woodard
Date: 08/08/24

ROWE

228 Zoar Road
Rowe, MA 01367
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Teresa Aguinaldo
Seller: Simon J. Zelazo
Date: 08/14/24

SUNDERLAND

170 Old Amherst Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Jamroth LLC
Seller: Sunderland Rentals LLC
Date: 08/07/24

67 South Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $412,000
Buyer: Hongyan Wu
Seller: Christian D. Houlden
Date: 08/07/24

WARWICK

686 Old Winchester Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Donald Kitzmiller
Seller: Anne B. Kitzmiller
Date: 08/09/24

WHATELY

161 Christian Lane
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $895,000
Buyer: Neal Sadler
Seller: Troy T. Martin
Date: 08/06/24

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

30 Bradford Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Joseph Kratochvil
Seller: Rachel M. Seddon
Date: 08/14/24

18 Candlewood Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Thomas Batchelor
Seller: Kristi B. Rosati
Date: 08/15/24

406 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Lisa M. Cernak
Seller: Mary A. Marzano
Date: 08/15/24

148 Liberty St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Plaza LLC
Seller: Beaver Real Estate LLC
Date: 08/08/24

1810 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Axel TR
Seller: Sheryl D. Nutbrown
Date: 08/08/24

4 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Nyasia A. Colby
Seller: Teresa M. Klein
Date: 08/06/24

912 North St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Naples Home Buyers TR
Seller: Marie T. Schlichting
Date: 08/06/24

Poplar St., Lot 3
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Vladimir P. Kozlov
Seller: Andrey Nemchinsky
Date: 08/09/24

85 Red Fox Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Michael D. Johansen
Seller: Lowell P. McLane
Date: 08/05/24

47 Rosie Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jan Misiak
Seller: John V. Ivanov
Date: 08/15/24

156 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $152,950
Buyer: William B. Gabel
Seller: Gabel FT
Date: 08/09/24

310-314 Springfield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Hima LLC
Seller: Cjn LLC
Date: 08/09/24

72 Thalia Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Igor Divizinschi
Seller: Joseph M. Kratochvil
Date: 08/14/24

134 Wagon Wheel Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Matthew J. Kele
Seller: Matthew J. Kele
Date: 08/14/24

CHESTER

85 Lyman Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Alain Corriveau
Seller: John M. Vanheynigen
Date: 08/08/24

78 Lyon Hill Road
Chester, MA 01011
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Kimberly Edwards
Seller: Thomas W. Balukonis
Date: 08/16/24

CHICOPEE

226 Asselin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Wicked Deals LLC
Seller: William R. Mahoney
Date: 08/14/24

51 Beaumont Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Jtt Realty LLC
Seller: Geraldine P. Stone
Date: 08/15/24

444 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Shawn M. Gagnon
Seller: Rossana Sandoval
Date: 08/07/24

12 Cadieux Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Frederick R. Devault
Seller: Amber L. Mastej
Date: 08/16/24

11 Calvin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: John C. Pagan-Arroyo
Seller: Elizabeth A. Sawyer
Date: 08/16/24

125 Chateaugay St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Badria A. Hanna
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 08/16/24

200 Exchange St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Manish J. Patel
Seller: R. L. New Life LLC
Date: 08/12/24

43 Falmouth Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Castle Bay Holdings LLC
Seller: Hpp Property LLC
Date: 08/08/24

52 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joseph Manolakis
Seller: Robert A. Socha
Date: 08/09/24

308 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Zachary Singleton-Havner
Seller: John C. Pagan Arroyo
Date: 08/16/24

169 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Sandra Corbeille
Date: 08/05/24

98 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Elving Rosado
Seller: Erin L. Brault
Date: 08/13/24

39-47 Perkins St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $800,000
Buyer: Manish J. Patel
Seller: R. L. New Life LLC
Date: 08/12/24

167 Rolf Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Rafea Jabbar
Seller: Hannah Melendez
Date: 08/07/24

94 Shepherd St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Teresa L. Peterson
Seller: Romanski, Deborah A., (Estate)
Date: 08/16/24

944 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Amount: $940,000
Buyer: Wreckers LLC
Seller: Tgtbt 2 LLC
Date: 08/16/24

60 Walnut St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Phantom Holdings LLC
Seller: Donald A. Giguere
Date: 08/08/24

95 Warregan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Ibwe
Seller: Clifford A. Madru
Date: 08/15/24

15 Western Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Stephanie J. Covill
Seller: Covill, Louis B., (Estate)
Date: 08/09/24

50 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Manuela Olivares
Seller: Jjj17 LLC
Date: 08/14/24

EAST LONGMEADOW

47 Autumn Ridge
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $675,000
Buyer: Ilana Kasal
Seller: Michelle A. Solomon
Date: 08/15/24

9 Crescent Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Swacey A. Tucker
Seller: Equity Trust Co.
Date: 08/13/24

48 Deerfoot Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: John W. Winslow
Seller: Angela C. Bourget
Date: 08/16/24

Happy Acres Lane, Lot 7
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $199,000
Buyer: Kyle Quinn
Seller: Happy Acres LLC
Date: 08/05/24

1 Jeffrey Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01095
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Best Home Builders LLC
Seller: Southern NE Real Estate Development Inc.
Date: 08/12/24

27 Lee St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $457,000
Buyer: James Deschenes
Seller: Cynthia L. Sugrue
Date: 08/09/24

89 Nottingham Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $775,000
Buyer: Wei N. Ni
Seller: Pryor FT
Date: 08/15/24

14 Princeton St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Jamie Devine
Seller: Galina Burova
Date: 08/08/24

8 Savoy Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Samantha E. Kastrati
Seller: Kevin D. Matheny
Date: 08/15/24

33 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $401,500
Buyer: David W. Pekarski
Seller: Arthur P. Loughman-Bull
Date: 08/12/24

271 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Brian Buckley
Seller: Robert I. Safford
Date: 08/06/24

177 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Michael Carabetta
Seller: Patricia Aleks
Date: 08/16/24

69 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $328,000
Buyer: Theodore Kirby
Seller: Nancy J. Heath 2022 RET
Date: 08/06/24

78 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Montesino Property Mgmt. RT
Seller: Bennett RET
Date: 08/09/24

GRANVILLE

38 Sodom St.
Granville, MA 01034
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Gary A. Prentice
Seller: Lori Conley
Date: 08/16/24

HAMPDEN

4 Colony Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Christopher D. Draper
Seller: Gina Dunn
Date: 08/16/24

16 Oak Knoll Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $216,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Satienpoch, Mary A., (Estate)
Date: 08/07/24

HOLLAND

24 Lakeshore Dr.
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: David Lecours
Seller: Bryan P. Ward
Date: 08/08/24

241 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Paul J. Tortolani
Seller: 241 Mashapaug Road RT
Date: 08/08/24

36 Stony Hill Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $449,000
Buyer: David Bourbeau
Seller: Say Family LLC
Date: 08/09/24

HOLYOKE

72 Elmore St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Daniel P. Boyle
Seller: Robert J. Dempsey
Date: 08/09/24

138 Michigan Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jennifer M. Martinez
Seller: Summer R. Turner
Date: 08/15/24

59 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Ghaife Mohamed
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 08/09/24

66 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Luis Rosado
Seller: Efrain Torres
Date: 08/12/24

521 Pleasant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Marie Y. Pierre
Seller: Germania N. Gonzalez
Date: 08/16/24

88-90 Saint James Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Alvaro Ortiz
Seller: Walfrido Marquez
Date: 08/15/24

LONGMEADOW

233 Ardsley Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $728,000
Buyer: Eric Samuels
Seller: Demirjian FT
Date: 08/09/24

87 Cobblestone Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $478,000
Buyer: Ping Jian
Seller: Micki J. Choi
Date: 08/09/24

32 Lincoln Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Alison K. Anderson
Seller: William C. Loiselle
Date: 08/13/24

110 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Gregory M. Gould
Seller: Nathaniel Hammond
Date: 08/09/24

690 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,135,000
Buyer: Sheri R. Gray
Seller: Ryan N. Shanks
Date: 08/13/24

21 Massachusetts Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $366,000
Buyer: Thuy T. Vu
Seller: Steven S. Christenson
Date: 08/14/24

100 Pleasantview Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Michael Wood
Seller: Laura H. Jenkins
Date: 08/16/24

90 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $462,500
Buyer: Daniel Stapleton
Seller: Donna L. Dyer
Date: 08/16/24

130 Woodside Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Rachel J. Berezin
Seller: Mark A. Jackowitz
Date: 08/06/24

17 Yarmouth St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Cltj Realty LLC
Seller: Michael A. Wysocki
Date: 08/15/24

29 York Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: David Wartman
Seller: Jaimee A. Zick
Date: 08/15/24

LUDLOW

Balsam Hill Road, Lot 65
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $177,900
Buyer: Binaya Basnet
Seller: Whitetail Wreks LLC
Date: 08/09/24

608 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $435,900
Buyer: Center For Human Development Inc.
Seller: P. & E. Properties Inc.
Date: 08/14/24

789 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $332,500
Buyer: Shannon Curto-Grimm
Seller: Eric Wegiel
Date: 08/06/24

982 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Donald E. Moran
Seller: Gregory G. Demone
Date: 08/13/24

9 Elaine Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Paul Jandrow
Seller: Cory J. Mills-Dick
Date: 08/05/24

25 McDonald Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $502,500
Buyer: David Goncalves
Seller: Rosa Cordiano
Date: 08/15/24

15 Nash Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Martins, Jacqueline P., (Estate)
Date: 08/07/24

Sawmill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Donald E. Moran
Seller: Gregory G. Demone
Date: 08/13/24

695 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $433,000
Buyer: Mary T. Tzambazakis
Seller: Michael A. Morais
Date: 08/15/24

695 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Michael A. Morais
Seller: William L. Laughlin
Date: 08/14/24

27 Wilno Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $329,999
Buyer: Todd A. Frederick
Seller: Jamie Devine
Date: 08/08/24

MONSON

77 Carpenter Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $476,249
Buyer: Paul McDermott
Seller: Donald Henderson
Date: 08/09/24

3 Heritage Lane
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $480,000
Buyer: Liam Ferguson
Seller: Brent Ketner
Date: 08/15/24

170 Hovey Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $755,000
Buyer: Christopher D. DeSantis
Seller: Barbara Clay
Date: 08/09/24

380 Lower Hampden Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Christopher E. Skutnik
Seller: Stone, Suzanne L., (Estate)
Date: 08/16/24

10 Zuell Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $445,000
Buyer: Isaac Gomez
Seller: Peter M. Barnett
Date: 08/16/24

PALMER

331 Burlingame Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Charlene Ocampo
Seller: Eric Kerr
Date: 08/08/24

5-7 Crest St.
Palmer, MA 01056
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Adam L. Bressette
Seller: Tassinari Construction Inc.
Date: 08/06/24

2010 High St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Erica Veary
Seller: Daniel Delisle
Date: 08/13/24

4042-4044 Pine St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $391,000
Buyer: Eric Riesmeyer
Seller: Avyanna Cruz
Date: 08/16/24

3038 Pleasant St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: David Reddy
Seller: Donald R. Wood
Date: 08/09/24

12 Riverview Pkwy.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Nolan Spiers
Seller: Donald Hall
Date: 08/14/24

RUSSELL

54 Fairview Ave.
Russell, MA 01085
Amount: $387,000
Buyer: Jack-Thomas Hovey
Seller: Valentin Salagornik
Date: 08/07/24

1190 Huntington Road
Russell, MA 01050
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Crescent Mills LLC
Seller: Westfield River Assocs. LLC
Date: 08/09/24

SPRINGFIELD

58-60 Albemarle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Margarita Rodriguez
Seller: Lilian Miller RET
Date: 08/09/24

168 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

3-5 Angelo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $372,000
Buyer: Donnalee Reid
Seller: Edwin Alvarado
Date: 08/12/24

36 Arvilla St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Gregory C. Fitzpatrick
Seller: Paul A. Maguire
Date: 08/14/24

187 Ashland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $296,000
Buyer: Kayleen Whitaker
Seller: George Doty
Date: 08/13/24

56 Audley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $410,000
Buyer: David K. Kang
Seller: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Date: 08/09/24

18 Bamforth Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Rossana Chum
Seller: Meka Projects LLC
Date: 08/15/24

65 Bartels St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Jillian L. Bowyer
Seller: Matthew P. Dibiaso
Date: 08/16/24

476 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Ana D. Irizarry
Seller: Unlimited Property Services LLC
Date: 08/16/24

123 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Roger D. Gore
Date: 08/12/24

6 Capitol Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Kianna M. Rodriguez
Seller: Emily A. Boucher
Date: 08/12/24

74 Cherry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

22-24 Chester St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

43-45 Claremont St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Joseline E. Mercedes
Seller: Giselle M. Ojeda
Date: 08/14/24

106-108 Clifton Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Ginette Fanfan
Seller: Springfield Ventures RT
Date: 08/16/24

14-16 Cloverdale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Muayyad Realty LLC
Seller: 14-16 Cloverdale Street TR
Date: 08/14/24

56 Colonial Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Numeric Capital Investors LLC
Seller: Scudder Bay Capital LLC
Date: 08/12/24

363 Cooley St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Duy K. Do
Seller: Adams, Joseph Edmund, (Estate)
Date: 08/05/24

23 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Nres LLC
Seller: Little Eagle LLC
Date: 08/14/24

30 Corona St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Salomon A. Mateo
Seller: Kyle A. Watt
Date: 08/13/24

36-38 Dearborn St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Roger D. Gore
Date: 08/12/24

1361-1363 Dwight St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

105 East Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Paulette Luma
Seller: Real Estate Investments Northeast LLC
Date: 08/09/24

125 East Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Mark Tomas
Seller: Denise M. Ford RET
Date: 08/12/24

23 East Hooker St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

293 Eastern Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

6 Ellendale Circle
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $301,000
Buyer: Isabel Santiago
Seller: Kenneth S. Ross
Date: 08/16/24

235 Emerson St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $310,000
Buyer: Justin Drengberg
Seller: Christina M. Stelzer
Date: 08/13/24

38 Fallston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Michael Tanski
Seller: Cynthia A. Seamans
Date: 08/06/24

31 Fieldston St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $224,000
Buyer: Shelton J. Brown
Seller: Randall R. Jarry
Date: 08/16/24

153 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $390,000
Buyer: Eleanor Andrews
Seller: Nicholas Malafronte
Date: 08/07/24

202 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Clara Coly
Seller: Visionary Homes LLC
Date: 08/08/24

452 Franklin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

72 Gail St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Shahkar M. Fatemi
Seller: Sandra J. Grenier
Date: 08/07/24

105 Geneva St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $270,100
Buyer: Marisa A. Figueroa
Seller: Scott R. Hastings
Date: 08/14/24

162 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $414,900
Buyer: Kevin R. Echavarria
Seller: Viktor Savonin
Date: 08/12/24

92 Girard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $187,680
Buyer: 127 Marion Street RT
Seller: Donald Beckett
Date: 08/09/24

25 Gladstone St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $255,491
Buyer: 25 Gladstone St. IRT
Seller: Christian S. Rodriguez
Date: 08/05/24

3-5 Glendell Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

18 Goodwin St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Jose M. Gonzalez
Seller: Avery Webber
Date: 08/16/24

21-23 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Roxanna Contreras
Seller: Kelnate Realty LLC
Date: 08/16/24

47-49 Governor St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Roger D. Gore
Date: 08/12/24

45 Greenleaf St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $299,900
Buyer: Emmanuel S. Owusu
Seller: Linda L. Richardson
Date: 08/07/24

250 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Post Investments LLC
Seller: Wilson, Venice Daphnie, (Estate)
Date: 08/07/24

35-37 Hall St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

132 Hamburg St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $291,000
Buyer: Julio R. Ortiz
Seller: Amaurys Amadis
Date: 08/16/24

93 Hancock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

30 Hawthorne St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

20 Hebron St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

15-17 Huntington St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Cesar G. Ogando
Seller: Tascon Homes LLC
Date: 08/08/24

30 Irvington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $403,000
Buyer: Tristan H. Cohen
Seller: Marcello Deiulis
Date: 08/15/24

28 Johnson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

119 Kane St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Kathleen E. Saunders
Seller: Aida M. De La Cruz
Date: 08/16/24

32 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $169,369
Buyer: Federal National Mortgage Assn.
Seller: Rennard R. Johnson
Date: 08/16/24

206 King St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $1,190,909
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: A2zlh Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

84-86 Lebanon St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $292,500
Buyer: Sabine T. Fleury-Germain
Seller: Hourglass Property Solutions LLC
Date: 08/06/24

37-39 Los Angeles St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Laing Services LLC
Seller: Eugene D. Smith
Date: 08/08/24

39-41 Lyndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Lillian Colman
Seller: Waiwai RT
Date: 08/05/24

28 Marengo Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Abram Kirby
Seller: Luis M. Rosado
Date: 08/06/24

127 Marion St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $187,680
Buyer: 127 Marion Street RT
Seller: Donald Beckett
Date: 08/09/24

87 Mayfield St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $302,000
Buyer: Bernader Abel
Seller: Yinet S. Rodriguez
Date: 08/09/24

9 Meadowbrook Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Sherwood T. Vaillancourt
Seller: Charlene Ocampo
Date: 08/08/24

289 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Aleksandr Chuduk
Seller: Ricardo Miranda
Date: 08/16/24

291 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Aleksandr Chuduk
Seller: Ricardo Miranda
Date: 08/16/24

71 Morningside Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $343,000
Buyer: Edgar Fisher
Seller: Katherine Wong
Date: 08/06/24

48 Morris St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $305,900
Buyer: Richard M. Johnson
Seller: Luis A. Rosa-Martinez
Date: 08/14/24

74-76 Noel St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Renald Saintil
Seller: Paula N. Arestedes
Date: 08/09/24

97 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

107 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $2,084,091
Buyer: Emtay Inc.
Seller: Springfield Portfolio Holding LLC
Date: 08/05/24

1909 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $118,000
Buyer: Sergey Privedenyuk
Seller: Negron Jr., William R., (Estate)
Date: 08/08/24

1599 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $389,900
Buyer: B. B Cassin
Seller: Coalie RT
Date: 08/16/24

1882 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Dany Nguyen
Seller: Peter J. Mancuso
Date: 08/16/24

366 Peekskill Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Ismael L. Garcia
Seller: Jean Achatz
Date: 08/05/24

109 Pineywoods Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $542,000
Buyer: Matthew Certain
Seller: Todd M. Lemieux
Date: 08/15/24

524-526 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Brandon Lopez
Seller: Emily M. Lamica
Date: 08/16/24

16 Rogers Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Flores
Seller: Maria Castro
Date: 08/16/24

139 Prouty St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jennifer R. Mei
Seller: Karen E. Illingsworth
Date: 08/07/24

30 Sachem St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Saint M. A. Boui
Seller: Round Two LLC
Date: 08/16/24

117 Saint James Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Julitza Rivera
Seller: Marion B. Rogers
Date: 08/07/24

205 Saint James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Adister Pineda
Seller: Larkin, Andrew B., (Estate)
Date: 08/09/24

18 Shirley Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $305,000
Buyer: Kevor S. Hunter
Seller: Glenda L. Delgado
Date: 08/08/24

14 Springfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Matheus E. Ramos
Seller: Mark Hebert
Date: 08/12/24

142-144 Suffolk St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Chelsea Wilson
Seller: Malia Homebuyers LLC
Date: 08/15/24

24 Terrence St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: Esther Onwukwe
Seller: Jose Rivera-Portillo
Date: 08/16/24

118 Tyler St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: M. A. Santaliz-Aguilar
Seller: In The Moment Investing LLC
Date: 08/14/24

162-164 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Emily Real
Seller: Aura M. Recinos
Date: 08/08/24

287 Walnut St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Marolis A. Cruz
Seller: Dorothea E. Mozell
Date: 08/16/24

16 Weymouth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Nicholas M. Abraham
Seller: Megan Schwartz
Date: 08/16/24

37 Wilber St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $178,000
Buyer: Sareen Properties LLC
Seller: Loiselle, Katherine H., (Estate)
Date: 08/07/24

1271 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Chenevert Properties LLC
Seller: Brvs LLC
Date: 08/09/24

SOUTHWICK

717 College Hwy.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $435,000
Buyer: Alberto Morales
Seller: Joanne Cagliostro
Date: 08/09/24

13 Concord Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Diana Huynh
Seller: Nicholas Sonsini
Date: 08/16/24

82 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $385,500
Buyer: Mahmoud Jnaed
Seller: Pah Properties LLC
Date: 08/13/24

11 Southwick Hill
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $427,000
Buyer: Casey Savino
Seller: Kyle P. Kelleher
Date: 08/07/24

64 Tannery Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: S. A. Mastroianni FT
Seller: James P. Lombella
Date: 08/09/24

WALES

4 Lake Shore Dr.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: George R. Lebeau
Seller: Richard J. Kszaszcz
Date: 08/16/24

61 Main St.
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $241,500
Buyer: Deena Alvarez
Seller: Karen A. Crowley-Keen
Date: 08/15/24

224 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Toni Dailey
Seller: Michael E. Milanese
Date: 08/09/24

WEST SPRINGFIELD

21 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $2,150,000
Buyer: 21 Baldwin Street LLC
Seller: Shreeji Properties LLC
Date: 08/09/24

15 East School St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Genesis M. Arzon
Seller: Blackrock SH Group LLC
Date: 08/15/24

695 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Nilson A. De Sa
Seller: Oza, Shruti B., (Estate)
Date: 08/15/24

215 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $340,900
Buyer: Anderlee Y. Lopez-Briceno
Seller: Michael J. Whalen
Date: 08/09/24

279 Morton St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $438,000
Buyer: Yaritza Gonzalez
Seller: Campagnari Construction LLC
Date: 08/16/24

94 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Brendan Daley
Seller: Catherine A. Hill
Date: 08/13/24

251 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $217,500
Buyer: Altostratus LLC
Seller: Revampit Holdings LLC
Date: 08/08/24

WESTFIELD

18 Belleview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: David M. Helems
Seller: Ryan M. Chenevert
Date: 08/05/24

64 Colony Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $475,000
Buyer: Ryan M. Chenevert
Seller: Matthew Marshall
Date: 08/05/24

168 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $352,000
Buyer: Cassandra Rose
Seller: Gail Foley
Date: 08/15/24

182-R Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Paul Curro
Seller: Gonzales, Eleanor M., (Estate)
Date: 08/09/24

288 Russell Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Pah Properties LLC
Seller: Reed, Therese F., (Estate)
Date: 08/09/24

39 Rachael Ter.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $704,999
Buyer: Douglas Tilden
Seller: Vinodkumar Patel
Date: 08/12/24

37 Shepard St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Aaron Baillargeon
Seller: Kathleen A. Daly
Date: 08/13/24

27 Summit Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Timothy R. Taylor
Seller: Brooke Miller
Date: 08/13/24

27 Sunbriar Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Survivors T. Under Machint
Seller: Janette J. Kosior
Date: 08/12/24

12 West School St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Thomas P. Pepek
Seller: Svitlana Fedotov
Date: 08/15/24

109 Westwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Alan Gregg
Seller: Priscilla L. Chapman
Date: 08/09/24

18 Whispering Wind Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $765,000
Buyer: Younes Farouk
Seller: Corey E. Clemente
Date: 08/05/24

WILBRAHAM

21 Delmor Ave.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $365,000
Buyer: Adam Lopez
Seller: Donna P. Bartlett
Date: 08/14/24

3 Hilltop Park
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $1,700,000
Buyer: Ngozi E. Bolin
Seller: Robert A. Bonsall
Date: 08/07/24

743 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $455,000
Buyer: Molly M. Ronan
Seller: Gerald Small
Date: 08/16/24

243 Manchonis Road, Ext.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $465,000
Buyer: Betty J. Bustamante
Seller: Judy Bergdoll
Date: 08/15/24

505 Mountain Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $374,900
Buyer: Positive Spin Real Estate Investments Inc.
Seller: Samantha D. Burns
Date: 08/14/24

8 Primrose Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Christopher Pittsinger
Seller: Fusco Jr., Neal G., (Estate)
Date: 08/12/24

22 Victoria Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Anthony Bourget
Seller: Stewart L. Bromberg
Date: 08/16/24

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

272 Amity St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $875,000
Buyer: Sara K. Towsley
Seller: Debra U. Gold
Date: 08/09/24

15 Carriage Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $478,000
Buyer: Tatsuki Motoyoshi
Seller: Marc Houlihan
Date: 08/08/24

55 Cherry Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $726,000
Buyer: Margaret L. Devecchi
Seller: Jody J. Goodell
Date: 08/05/24

Cold Hill Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Tomasz Sroka
Seller: Stephen R. Katigbak
Date: 08/16/24

158 Flat Hills Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $741,000
Buyer: Joanna F. Morse
Seller: Kristina Stinson
Date: 08/12/24

22 Indian Pipe Lane
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $950,000
Buyer: Karen B. Porter
Seller: Michael W. McClurg
Date: 08/09/24

1611 South East St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $960,000
Buyer: John & Deborah May FT
Seller: David R. Buchanan RET
Date: 08/12/24

51 Tanglewood Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $975,000
Buyer: John Kneeland
Seller: Yuh-Fang Hsiao
Date: 08/07/24

BELCHERTOWN

252 Amherst Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: QS Lending Two TR
Seller: Hallys Homes LLC
Date: 08/14/24

18 Chartier Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $485,000
Buyer: Trevor Tattersall
Seller: James R. Rattell
Date: 08/05/24

91 Clark St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $382,000
Buyer: Matthew C. Hulett
Seller: Dennis H. Connor
Date: 08/09/24

11 Sherwood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Laurie L. Mills
Seller: R. A. Zuiema-Bloomfield
Date: 08/09/24

605 Warren Wright Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: James E. Powers
Seller: Vincent P. Hohreiter
Date: 08/13/24

CHESTERFIELD

9 North Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Jesse Lapinski
Seller: First Congregational Church of Chesterfield
Date: 08/09/24

74 Willicutt Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $193,088
Buyer: Ellsworth S. Matthias
Seller: Loren B. Sterman
Date: 08/06/24

EASTHAMPTON

1 Ashley Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $680,000
Buyer: Brooke F. Gerlach
Seller: Stephen J. Jadczak
Date: 08/06/24

23 Carillon Circle
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Brian C. Kelly
Seller: Sealander, Bruce G., (Estate)
Date: 08/12/24

45 Clapp St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: Gertrude Kaiser
Seller: Tryggvi S. Jonsson
Date: 08/05/24

6 Crescent St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $590,000
Buyer: Ryan D. Cox
Seller: Brian P. Heroux
Date: 08/12/24

24-30 Grant St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $670,500
Buyer: 24-30 Grant LLC
Seller: Ltl LLC
Date: 08/06/24

25 Lovefield St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $440,000
Buyer: Christopher J. Markowski
Seller: Regan Bishop
Date: 08/06/24

GRANBY

14 Cedar Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: John P. Sacco
Seller: Douglas M. Frechette
Date: 08/15/24

435 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jason Delano
Seller: Hill, Stanley W., (Estate)
Date: 08/16/24

111 Munsing Ridge
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $645,000
Buyer: Alison G. Fenton
Seller: Roger L. Cohen
Date: 08/09/24

51-53 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $820,000
Buyer: Vbc Rentals LLC
Seller: Jamroth LLC
Date: 08/08/24

33 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Catherine Nally
Seller: James D. Damours
Date: 08/05/24

34 South St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $962,500
Buyer: Elias D. Os
Seller: Eleanor J. Sexton
Date: 08/14/24

HADLEY

75 Lawrence Plain Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Tuckman LLC
Seller: Carl E. Johnson
Date: 08/07/24

North Branch Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $135,000
Buyer: Eleanor J. Sexton
Seller: Dennis F. Pipczynski
Date: 08/15/24

HATFIELD

17 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Jolynn E. Wells
Seller: Elizabeth Lafond
Date: 08/08/24

31 Depot Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $368,516
Buyer: Megliola Realty LLC
Seller: Adam J. Cialek
Date: 08/16/24

15 Gore Ave.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Arthur F. Rubeck
Seller: Joyce Arel
Date: 08/14/24

129 Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $540,000
Buyer: Bridget C. Bishop
Seller: Avet RT
Date: 08/06/24

NORTHAMPTON

581 Burts Pit Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $780,000
Buyer: Jesse R. Eisenberg
Seller: Margaret A. Arroyo
Date: 08/06/24

32 Clark Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Jared Starr
Seller: John H. Steidler
Date: 08/07/24

20 Cloverdale St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $632,000
Buyer: Keeney Wells FT
Seller: Griffin Reardon FT
Date: 08/13/24

28 Columbus Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,075,000
Buyer: Christine Doktor
Seller: Plata O. Plomo Inc.
Date: 08/16/24

30 Drewsen Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $420,000
Buyer: Carlos Oliva
Seller: Shauneen Kocot
Date: 08/15/24

65 Dunphy Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $332,000
Buyer: Brian Dipippo
Seller: Christopher J. Campbell
Date: 08/09/24

103 High St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $368,000
Buyer: Michele Ruschhaupt
Seller: Robert Kowalewski
Date: 08/09/24

22 Norfolk Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $869,000
Buyer: Stanley T. Thacker
Seller: Barbara Dafoe Whitehead TR
Date: 08/16/24

128 North St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,200,000
Buyer: Gennady Katsnelson
Seller: Hamp 2020 LLC
Date: 08/09/24

329 Riverside Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $460,000
Buyer: Lee Holmes
Seller: Northeast Asset Mgmt. LLC
Date: 08/16/24

84 Sandy Hill Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $335,000
Buyer: Liam H. McCann
Seller: Michael Korpita
Date: 08/14/24

Strong Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Strong Ave. LLC
Seller: Conway RT
Date: 08/06/24

23 Upland Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $867,000
Buyer: Robert A. Spence RET
Seller: Nancy A. Cheevers
Date: 08/05/24

95 Washington Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $450,000
Buyer: Abby W. McElroy
Seller: Morton, Michael C., (Estate)
Date: 08/05/24

PELHAM

40 Arnold Road
Pelham, MA 01002
Amount: $799,900
Buyer: Elizabeth Lutwak
Seller: Bisgaard, Sue E., (Estate)
Date: 08/15/24

PLAINFIELD

278 Main St.
Plainfield, MA 01330
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Robert J. Cole
Seller: Matthew H. Stowell
Date: 08/12/24

120 Pleasant St.
Plainfield, MA 01070
Amount: $701,900
Buyer: Patrick Walsh
Seller: Eric A. Light
Date: 08/13/24

SOUTH HADLEY

72 Ferry St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: Catherine Lecesse
Seller: Norman J. Moreau TR
Date: 08/15/24

5 Grove St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $350,000
Buyer: Neil E. Bergstrom
Seller: Michael Lynch
Date: 08/08/24

525 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Jeffrey P. Chateauneuf
Seller: Fitzgerald, Julie, (Estate)
Date: 08/05/24

38 Westbrook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: Lynn Boucher
Seller: Veteran Stan LLC
Date: 08/15/24

SOUTHAMPTON

138-C Fomer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $575,000
Buyer: Andrew Valles
Seller: Karena I. Dobiecki
Date: 08/15/24

169 Pomeroy Meadow Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $535,000
Buyer: Tenzin Shawa
Seller: Benjamin S. Fassett
Date: 08/14/24

WARE

17 Beech Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $398,000
Buyer: Charles W. Kane
Seller: Cristina Diaz
Date: 08/08/24

120 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $395,000
Buyer: Maxwell Labier
Seller: Christine E. Kent
Date: 08/16/24

1 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Christopher L. Fabrycki
Seller: Cassidy Connolly
Date: 08/16/24

2-A&B Mirabile Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Gregg Harrison
Seller: Janet M. Harrison
Date: 08/14/24

28 Pine St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Jackson A. Santiago
Seller: Angelique C. Cordeau
Date: 08/12/24

64 Pleasant St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Berkshire Property Buyer
Seller: Robert C. Darling
Date: 08/09/24

5 Towne St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $249,000
Buyer: Robert Darling
Seller: Gordon Duke
Date: 08/09/24

WESTHAMPTON

253 Kings Hwy.
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Thomas Stang
Seller: Jace M. Bryan
Date: 08/14/24

170 Laurel Hill Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $565,000
Buyer: Casey Sims
Seller: Thomas J. Moore
Date: 08/16/24

WILLIAMSBURG

2 Laurel Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $469,900
Buyer: Kaya R. Rose
Seller: Golden Mas LLC
Date: 08/09/24

WESTHAMPTON

61 Chesterfield Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $414,255
Buyer: Peter E. Montague
Seller: Matthew F. Montague
Date: 08/07/24

Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Elizabeth Walto
Seller: Gary Wickland
Date: 08/08/24

181 Northwest Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $630,000
Buyer: Beth Ramey
Seller: Barry G. Brandow
Date: 08/05/24

28 Pine Island Lake
Westhampton, MA 01027
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Roberta M. London-Levy
Seller: Lawrence B. Smith
Date: 08/08/24

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff September 11, 2024

Building Permits

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2024.

CHICOPEE

A3 Sheridan LLC
1040 Sheridan St.
$45,000 — Install concrete pad for future dry-ice silo

Dunkin’
1599 Memorial Dr.
$20,989.96 — Install commercial fire-alarm system

O’Leary-Vincunas LLC
2140 Westover Road
$45,000 — Framing, drywall, and replace windows and doors

EASTHAMPTON

Interland Real Estate LLC
180 Pleasant St., Suite 212
$30,701 — Remove doors, duct work and grills, install hot water, and modify sprinklers

Neari
203 East St.
$6,450 — Cut opening in block wall for double-hung window, install header

Nonotuck Properties LLC
40 Maine Ave.
$15,000 — Add interior partition walls, add raised floor, widen bathroom footprint, and add passageway from shop to back storage room

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
33 Adams St.
$46,000 — Roofing at Our Lady of the Valley Parish

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Fund Inc.
18 George St.
$3,600 — Install five new replacement windows

Jedko Properties LLC
199 South St.
$94,475 — Replace five gas-fired, packaged HVAC units on roof

Verizon New England Inc.
24 Federal St.
$2,487,931 — Roofing

Wahconah/Grove Street Nominee
25 Grove St.
$9,000 — Fire alarm

SPRINGFIELD

50 Century LLC
1003 St. James Ave.
$35,000 — Remodel interior space, remove overhead door, and install new door

1441 Main Street LLC
1441 Main St.
$47,000 — Alter tenant office space on second floor for Department of Early Education and Care

Behavioral Health Network Inc.
471 Chestnut St.
$22,500 — Remove and replace existing handicap ramp

Breakthrough Worship Center
133 Longhill St.
$120,000 — Roofing

City of Springfield
299 Sumner Ave.
$2,294,000 — Modifications and upgrades to Walker Grandstand at Forest Park, including masonry, roof covering, restrooms, plumbing, lighting, and accessibility ramps

Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
1000 West Columbus Ave.
$250,000 — Alter interior tenant office space on first floor for Liberty Mutual

Radha Swami 2351 LLC
1245 Boston Road
$9,208 — Replace three windows at Sunshine Dental

Restoration Worship Center
1492 Boston Road
$70,000 — Interior demolition

Springfield Technical Community College
1 Federal St.
$211,000 — Insulation and air sealing at STCC Technology Park

State 305 LLC
305 State St.
$25,346 — Roofing for Admire Dental

W.W. Grainger Inc.
790 Cottage St.
$58,880 — Install solar panels to roof

Recessions, Market Crashes, and What Those Terms Really Mean

By Contributor September 11, 2024

Wealth Management

Behind the Scary Words

By Zach Bass

When was the last time you heard about the term ‘recession?’ How about ‘market crash?’ Often, folks think of these as one and the same, and understandably so. These are posted all over the news. They can make you feel like you’re at your favorite amusement park, and you know that big drop is feet ahead. While both can cause fear and anxiety, understanding the difference between the two is crucial for making informed decisions and helping you sleep at night.

The good news is that, not only do these two terms not always go hand-in-hand, sometimes they can be exact opposites. That won’t have us glued to the news, though. It won’t make us feel like all of our hard-earned money is going to be gone tomorrow. And over the last decade, as Google has become a verb, more people fear losing money — or losing it all — than they fear death.

Zach Bass

“A dip is a small decline in the market. We normally experience these three to four times a year, where the market will fall roughly 5% from its most recent high. However, they are generally short-lived, lasting only a few days or weeks.”

What Is a Recession?

A recession is a decline in economic activity spread across the economy for two quarters in a row (six months). It is characterized by a decrease in real gross domestic product, rising unemployment, and reduced consumer spending. These events typically also last longer than market declines. The most important thing you should take away from this is that you cannot calculate if a country or economy is in a recession until six months after key events have already unfolded. This is like looking in your rear-view mirror.

What Is a Market Crash?

This is an interesting question because everyone has their own definition of a crash. However, there are three terms that we refer to in the financial industry: a dip, a correction, and a bear market. Now, these are normal activities, and if viewed correctly, could actually be positive. However, I would like to take a moment to tell you about the historic bear and bull symbols of Wall Street. They were chosen for the way these strong animals attack. The bull will thrust its horns up, while the bear swipes its paw down.

How are the three terms different?

• A dip is a small decline in the market. We normally experience these three to four times a year, where the market will fall roughly 5% from its most recent high. However, they are generally short-lived, lasting only a few days or weeks.

• A correction is 10% off the most recent high and occurs roughly every two years, generally lasting around four months on average.

• A bear market is a drop of 20% or more. These are much harder to determine the length and severity. I believe we all remember that thing called COVID? As the world shut down in March 2020, the market fell more than 30%. In July of that same year, we had returned to the previous all-time high.

Here is how rarely these events occur. Since Black Monday in 1987, when the U.S. stock market fell roughly 20% in one day, we have only seen four of these events:

• 2000-02: Y2K had passed, the dot-com bubble burst, 9/11 tossed us into a full-blown recession, and 2002 was the worst of the three years.

• 2007-09: Subprime mortgage and banking crisis.

• 2020: We have already discussed the arrival of COVID.

• 2022: A brief bear market driven by rising interest rates to combat inflation.

The stock market is driven by expectations. It is the front window to your car. When a company or an economy act as expected, everything is fine. When you do not meet your expectations, you are disciplined. When a company is disciplined, its stock price goes down.

Conclusion

I promised a for how you can benefit from these types of events. I want to remind you of the term ‘buy low, sell high.’ The financial markets are the only ‘store’ where, when there is a ‘sale’ sign, people run away. Yet, every year, people stampede into Black Friday sales. If gas was a $1 a gallon, the lines would be crazy. But in the markets, when everyone is panicking, it might be the right time to say, what should I be buying?

It is always a great idea to periodically review what you actually own and make sure you’re comfortable with it. Some folks love having a financial or investment advisor as a partner, while some love to do research and make all the decisions themselves. Having the appropriate amount of cash on the side, and a plan for when these events occur, is so important.

Zach Bass is a chartered retirement planning counselor (CRPC), a fee-only financial advisor and fiduciary. Securities offered through Osaic Wealth Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Osaic Wealth is separately owned, and other entities and/or marketing names, products, or services referenced here are independent of Osaic Wealth. Wealth Management Resource Group is independently owned and operated.

The Big E Has a Big Impact

By Editorial September 11, 2024

Opinion

Editorial

Depending on where you live, where you work, or where you operate a business, the Big E is either a big inconvenience or a big, as in big, and important engine for this region’s economy.

Actually, it’s both. But mostly, and to most people, it’s the latter.

Yes, it can be a disruptive force if you live within a mile or so of the fairgrounds, and especially if you do business on Memorial Avenue in West Springfield.

But mostly, it’s a powerful economic force, a 17-day fair that brings people, vitality, and various kinds of business to the region.

A 2019 economic impact study pegged the overall impact of the Big E at $681 million annually, a number that is now certainly much higher. It also brings thousands of jobs and millions in income-tax and sales-tax revenue.

There are dozens of business sectors, small businesses, and individuals that benefit from the Big E. That list includes hotels, motels, restaurants, and taverns; businesses that rent tents; gas stations and convenience stores; a certain casino in the South End of Springfield; and the businesses and residents around the Big E that devote their lawns and lots to fair parking.

It all adds up to a very large impact, one that can be measured in many different ways. Maybe the most effective is a glance back to 2020, the year when there wasn’t a Big E.

The negative impact was enormous. Hotels that booked rooms to visitors, vendors, horse-show participants, and more lost all of that. So did the restaurants, taverns, stores, and homeowners on the side streets off Memorial Avenue.

It was a crushing loss, something not covered by PPP or most any other form of relief.

So, when the Big E returned in 2021, those businesses, and this region as a whole, were all reminded of just how important the fair is to this region — not that anyone needed reminding.

As the 2024 fair continues, people are being reminded again. Those long lines of cars stretching down I-91 in both directions, and into downtown Springfield and deep into Agawam to the east and west, should be a very welcome sight, as much as they slow things down for area residents trying to get from here to there.

Those cars tell a story, a story not of traffic that is backed up, but one of a region getting a boost. A big boost.

Housing Stability for People with Disabilities

By Contributor September 11, 2024

Opinion

By Jennifer Gilbert and Angelina Ramirez

Massachusetts has a housing crisis. But we’re seeing how the push for solutions is having positive results.

The Massachusetts Legislature recently passed a housing bond bill designed to jump-start housing production and make housing more affordable. With this progress, now is a perfect moment to focus intentionally toward the needs of a population where housing instability can upend every facet of life: people with disabilities.

Turning our attention toward supporting this population is especially important because addressing the housing crisis for this population — about 12% of our Commonwealth’s households — requires distinct attention to distinct needs.

First, Massachusetts has some of the oldest housing stock in the country. We may be right to cherish our triple-deckers. They are, however, not easily converted for people who have mobility issues. Just a single step at an entrance or uneven floor levels can mean someone with a cane or walker or wheelchair cannot be housed. It is also a common reason people need to move: how many of us wonder how long we can climb the stairs?

In the western part of the state, there has been even less new housing production. New multi-family buildings are required to have accessible units, but we just don’t build that many. There is an opportunity with new housing production to address the range of needs of households with disabilities, with potential steps such as:

• Requiring, at the local planning level, that developers go beyond the federal housing requirement of at least 5% accessible units in new buildings;

• Requiring more universal access to address the fuller range of housing needs and aging in place; and

• Integrating processes that ensure people with disabilities are aware of and move into accessible housing once built.

Second, the goal must be both affordability and accessibility. Households with a disabled member are more likely to experience poverty. In line with national numbers, only about one-third of people with disabilities in Massachusetts are employed. Many rely on Supplemental Security Income, which is around $1,100 a month. For comparison, the median rent in Springfield is $1,047.

Stavros serves about 9,500 people a year in this population and helps about 200 new consumers a year find housing that works for them. In June, Housing Navigator Massachusetts released the first data on affordable and accessible housing in our state’s inventory of income-restricted housing — the very housing intended to serve low- and moderate-income households. The simple truth is that there is not much of this critical housing type, and the distribution is even more sparse outside Boston.

Even within the category of housing that is affordable and meets ADA access requirements, much is not affordable for the lowest-income households. This housing crunch is even more true for people who need a home that has two or more bedrooms, either because of a family or the need for an attendant or equipment. In Stavros’s service area, we identified only 950 affordable and accessible units, with only about one-third of those (337 units) serving people needing two or more bedrooms.

The data confirmed what many already knew: we need to build intentionally. We need to match dollars that lower the rent with homes in terms of location, layout, and other modifications that work for people with disabilities. Going forward, we must emphasize — down into the details that make the difference — housing that is both deeply affordable and accessible.

For everyone, a stable home is the foundation for everything we do. Now is the time to focus on housing that is affordable and accessible. These two measures add up to homes where people with disabilities have that same foundation and the opportunity to thrive.

Jennifer Gilbert is the founder and executive director of Housing Navigator Massachusetts, which offers a free online search tool and data about the Commonwealth’s affordable housing. Angelina Ramirez is the CEO of Stavros, a Western Mass. nonprofit that helps people with disabilities take charge of their own lives. She also serves on the Housing Navigator Massachusetts board of directors.

Easy Company Brewing to Bring the BUNKER! to the Big E

By BusinessWest Staff September 10, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Easy Company Brewing, a veteran-owned brewery whose mission is to help veterans and first responders by donating 100% of its profits to charities that do great work on their behalf, will be exhibiting at the 17-day Big E at a new beer garden called the BUNKER!

This will be a military-themed booth in front of the transportation building, behind the Maine building on the Avenue of States. Visitors to the BUNKER! will find several craft brews and swag — hats, sweatshirts, koozies, and more — the sale of which will support nearly a half-dozen charities that support veterans, first responders, and their families.

The beer garden will sell not only Easy Company Brewing’s two craft brews, but also Hanx Coffee, a new company created by actor Tom Hanks that has the same mission — to support veterans.

Co-founded by John DeVoie and Jeff St. Jean, friends and veterans who served together with the 104th Tactical Fighter Group in Westfield, Easy Company Brewing produces craft beers that celebrate chapters of the powerful story of Company E, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, known simply as Easy Company. This was the ‘band of brothers’ whose exploits during World War II are famously chronicled in the Stephen Ambrose book and HBO miniseries (produced by Hanks) that both took that name.

Easy Company Brewing now boasts several craft beers, including Currahee American Lager, named after Mount Currahee, which the men of East Company would scale nearly every day while training in Toccoa, Ga.; and Ald-Borne New English IPA, named after the small village in the south of England where Easy Company trained for the D-Day invasion.

The Easy Company Brewing story is unique not only because it blends beer with military history, but because, through its companion foundation, 100% of its profits go to support charities, specifically those that benefit veterans, first responders, and their families. These charity partners, all of which give a minimum of 80% of every dollar to boots-on-the-ground activities, are: the Fisher House Foundation, Homes for Our Troops, Operation Second Chance, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, and the Tunnel to the Towers Foundation.

The BUNKER! was created to bring attention to Easy Company Brewing and its unique mission — and to provide fairgoers with another intriguing craft-brew option, as well as Hanx Coffee.

“Our intent is to honor those who serve and have served with a kick-ass presentation,” said DaVoie, noting that the new beer garden will feature the flags of all the military services, a large American flag, sandbags, a Willys Jeep, and more. “We’ll be in a high-traffic area, so we hope we can attract large numbers of visitors to help us carry out our important mission.”

Added St. Jean, “we’ve had a presence at the Big E the past two years, and it has worked out well for us. With the help of the Big E and its president and CEO, Eugene Cassidy, we’re stepping up, moving to a larger, more visible space. We think this will help Easy Company Brewing gain more exposure and more support for the work carried out by the charities we partner with.”

Northampton Jazz Festival to Showcase More Than 50 Musicians on Sept. 27-28

By BusinessWest Staff September 10, 2024

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON—The Northampton Jazz Festival will bring more than 50 musicians from around the world to downtown Northampton on Friday, Sept. 27 and Saturday, Sept. 28.

The weekend’s events begin with two student jazz combos from the University of Connecticut and UMass Amherst performing at Pulaski Park the afternoon of Sept. 27, followed by an evening of live jazz at breweries, bars, and restaurants throughout downtown Northampton. Free performances will continue at five locations on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The full lineup of free Northampton Jazz Festival is available at northamptonjazzfest.org.

The headliner for this year’s festival is Anat Cohen Quartetinho, performing at the Academy of Music on Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Anat Cohen is a Grammy-nominated, award-winning clarinetist who has created an intimate and joyful sound with her ensemble, Quartetinho. The ensemble of virtuosos includes bassist Tal Mashiach, pianist/accordionist Vitor Gonçalves, and vibraphonist/percussionist James Shipp.

Her concert is the only ticketed event of the festival; tickets cost $35 to $55 plus ticketing fees, available at aomtheatre.com or at the Academy of Music box office Tuesday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. Student tickets cost $20 plus fees.

“Anat Cohen inspired us to bring artists from countries around the world to the festival this yearm” said Ruth Griggs, president of the board of the Northampton Jazz Festival. “The magic of Quartetinho’s music springs from Anat and Tal’s Israeli roots blended with Vitor’s Brazilian influence. Combined with their virtuosity and creativity as musicians, this results in absolutely delightful music.”

Griggs said the festival board wanted to build on this and represent as many nations as possible at this year’s event, so musicians will come from India, Argentina, Cuba, Palestine, and Cameroon to downtown stages. “So we’ve themed this year’s festival ‘Jazz Without Borders.’ We think it will be a meaningful and joyful experience to hear the voices of true world musicians.”

Leading up to festival weekend, the Northampton Jazz Festival will once again partner with the Downtown Northampton Assoc. in creating Jazzy Arts Night Out on Friday, Sept. 13. Five local musicians will play at downtown locations from 5 to 8 p.m. as follows: pianist Rob Fontana at CLICK Workspace (6 to 8 p.m.), guitarist Robby Roiter at Assemble, pianist Sonny Raymond and guitarist Charlie Mitkowski at Ten Thousand Villages, vibraphonist Bruce Kelly at Michaelson’s Gallery, and singer Elena Ciampa at PINCH.

The performance schedule for all events is subject to change.

Now in its 13th year, the Northampton Jazz Festival brings more than 2,000 visitors to the city of Northampton. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation funded by local businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals, which makes it possible to provide free live music to the general public.

“We are so appreciative of our local sponsors and donors for helping to make this festival happen each and every year,” Griggs said. “In this day of ever-increasing costs, we are committed to bringing the magic of live music to folks in downtown Northampton free of charge, hoping to lift spirits and bring some joy.”

Volunteers are needed to staff the Friday and Saturday events. To take part, visit northamptonjazzfest.org/volunteer.

Freedom Credit Union Seeking Donations in Support of Walk to End Alzheimer’s

By BusinessWest Staff September 10, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Throughout the month of September, Freedom Credit Union is accepting monetary donations at all its branches to benefit the Alzheimer’s Assoc. Walk to End Alzheimer’s, an event held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, making it the largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

According to the Alzheimer’s Assoc., one in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and more than 7 million Americans are living with the disease. This year alone, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the U.S. $360 billion — a number projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion by 2050.

“Alzheimer’s disease isn’t just a staggering statistic; for many of us, it’s deeply personal, taking away precious memories and connections with our loved ones,” Freedom Credit Union President Glenn Welch said. “That’s why we’re committed to supporting the Alzheimer’s Association once again by forming a team to walk and by raising funds for breakthroughs in the fight against dementia.”

Freedom Credit Union is accepting donations through Saturday, Sept. 30. Local walks in Western Mass. this year will be held in Adams on Saturday, Oct. 5, and at Holyoke Community College on Sunday, Oct. 20. The Freedom Credit Union team is participating in the walk in Holyoke.

Westfield State University Introduces Federal Business-development Program

By BusinessWest Staff September 9, 2024

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Westfield State University, in partnership with the Washington D.C.-based Parker Group Academy, announced the launch of a new federal business-development program beginning this fall.

The focus of this program is to provide participants with the skills and techniques needed to create compliant and compelling proposals that result in funding. Course participants develop strategies for maintaining successful government partnerships and delivering quality service. The program’s course content was developed by experts with a proven track record of securing government contracts.

With real-world industry and federal government experience, Parker Group’s expertise is expected to benefit students, industry leaders, civilian government personnel, active military, veterans, guard members, and more.

The federal business-development program consists of four consecutive month-long courses beginning Oct. 15 and ending Feb. 27. Individual classes will be held live online on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m.

For more information regarding this program or to register online for courses, visit www.westfield.ma.edu/businessdev.

Sen. Adam Gomez Announces Funds for Local Cultural Councils

By BusinessWest Staff September 9, 2024

Daily News

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gomez joined the Massachusetts Cultural Council in announcing two new grants awards coming to the Hampden district as part of the organization’s Local Cultural Council (LCC) program. In the first round of funding, the Springfield Cultural Council and Chicopee Cultural Council are set to receive $258,500 and $71,600, respectively, to support a broad range of local projects and programming.

“I am proud to see this funding come to an area that is rich in cultural wealth and looks to make even more improvements in the coming years,” Gomez said. “Our local cultural councils do a great job in representing the community and reflecting the values they hold in a beautiful way, and I am glad to support these organizations and their funding goals annually to ensure that they may continue to enrich our lives in turn.”

As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, the Massachusetts Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the creative and cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities. The agency pursues this mission through a wide range of grants, initiatives, and advocacy for artists, communities, organizations, and schools.

In FY 2025, the agency will invest $5.7 million into the LCC program, the nation’s largest volunteer-based, grassroots arts and cultural public funding network. In total, 329 local and regional cultural councils award annual grants, ensuring public investment in, and access to, arts and culture in every Massachusetts community. LCC grant awards, typically between $500 and $750, support a broad range of projects and programs, such as operating support, ticket subsidies, field trips, artist residencies, public art, fellowships, community events and programs, site-specific projects, and other activities, based on local priorities. Both individuals and organizations are eligible for funding.

bankESB to Host Two Free Shred Days

By BusinessWest Staff September 9, 2024

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — bankESB invites customers and members of the community to two free shred days at local offices. No appointment is necessary.

Events will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. (or until the truck is full) on Saturday, Oct. 5 at the 253 Triangle St., Amherst office, and on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the 241 Northampton St., Easthampton office.

Local residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements or bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information, and having them shredded safely and securely for free. A professional document destruction company will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per person.

AIC Awarded Life-sciences Grant to Modernize Science Labs

By BusinessWest Staff September 9, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s Workforce Development Capital Grant Program to support the renovation and upgrade of the college’s Old Science Building and fund the purchase of new equipment for life-sciences courses within the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences. Renovation work is scheduled to begin this fall.

The grant was part of a broader $13.1 million in funding announced on July 22 by the Healey-Driscoll administration.

“Our workforce remains our calling card in the life sciences and other key sectors thanks to our top-tier educational system and outstanding training and higher-education institutions,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said. “We are incredibly proud to support so many institutions, students, and teachers with these awards as we expand opportunity regionally and grow a talent pool that is the envy of the world for life-science employers.”

The Old Science Building, constructed in 1956, marked the beginning of a new era of development on AIC’s historic campus. Located on the eastern side of the main quadrangle and notable for its small greenhouse at the center of its façade, the brick building was originally designed to accommodate the biology and chemistry labs and classrooms, which had previously been housed in Olde Hall, a wooden structure built in 1892.

Today, the Old Science Building continues to serve as the venue for courses in biology and chemistry. The effort to secure this funding was led by Susanne Swanker, dean of the School of Business, Arts, and Sciences, along with a dedicated team of life-sciences faculty members who supported the grant application and will oversee the improvements.

“This grant represents a significant investment in the future of our students and the life sciences program at AIC,” Swanker said. “By modernizing the Old Science Building, we are not only preserving a piece of our history, but also providing our students with the innovative tools and environment they need to excel in an increasingly competitive field. We are grateful for the support of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and look forward to the enhanced learning opportunities this will create for AIC students.”

In addition to the physical upgrades, the funding will also help purchase new equipment for teaching labs in molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and microbiology. These state-of-the-art facilities will provide students with hands-on experience in settings that closely replicate real-world labs, enhancing their learning and ensuring the curriculum reflects current industry standards.

Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. Names Zach Kushner New President

By BusinessWest Staff September 6, 2024

Daily News

CHICOPEE — The Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts announced the appointment of Zach Kushner as its new president. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, having founded First Peak Construction.

Kushner is a graduate of UMass Amherst, where he earned a degree in building and construction technology. He then embarked on a successful career with Gilbane Building Co., one of the nation’s largest commercial construction firms. During his tenure at Gilbane, he was integral to the construction-management teams responsible for delivering numerous high-profile projects spanning various sectors, including healthcare, K-12 education, higher education, and underground infrastructure.

In his professional journey, Kushner has excelled in multiple roles, from project engineer to project manager to now running a successful commercial general contracting firm. This diverse experience has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of both project management and field operations. As a commercial property owner, he recognizes the importance of communication, organization, and transparency with clients, and is dedicated to overseeing every phase of the construction project life cycle, ensuring attention to detail from the initial concept to the final issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

“We are excited to welcome Zach Kushner to our leadership team,” said Andrew Crane, executive director of the Home Builders and Remodelers Assoc. of Western Massachusetts. “Zach’s extensive background in construction management, coupled with his passion for delivering outstanding results, aligns perfectly with our mission at the Home Builders Association.”

MCLA Education Department to Host Professional-development Evening at BIC

By BusinessWest Staff September 6, 2024

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — The MCLA Alumni Assoc. and the MCLA Division of Graduate and Continuing Education will gather at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) on Friday, Sept. 27 at 4:30 p.m. for an evening of professional development and networking. BIC is located at 45 Woodlawn Ave., Pittsfield.

Alumni and guests will hear insights from MCLA education experts on the latest trends, strategies, and innovations. Registration is free and requested by Sept. 16, and includes light bites and a drink ticket.

“We’re starting to combine events with alumni and our current educators in the field,” said Lynette Bond, dean of Graduate and Continuing Education at MCLA. “It’s great for everyone to have a chance to network and talk through challenges and opportunities about what’s happening in the field today.”

MCLA Associate Professor of Education Maggie Clark will present on the current and new programming at the college, while other presenters and educators will talk about developments in the field, including resources for educators working on emergency teaching licenses.

For more information and registration, click here or email [email protected].

Holyoke Mall to Host Get Hired Job Fair on Sept. 18

By BusinessWest Staff September 6, 2024

Daily News

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Mall invites area businesses to connect with eager job seekers during the Get Hired Job Fair, sponsored by Libertas Academy, 22 News, and 94.7 WMAS, on Wednesday, Sept. 18 from 1 to 4 p.m. on the lower level in Macy’s Court.

As the largest shopping destination in Western Mass., Holyoke Mall serves as a hub for the community, making it an ideal backdrop for employers to fill their open positions before the holiday season. Employers are invited to take advantage of this convenient opportunity to network with candidates at all skill levels and perform on-the-spot interviews and hiring.

The event is free for job seekers. Participating employers include Libertas Academy, PeoplesBank, Baystate Health, the Department of Developmental Services, ServiceNet, and more. Interested employers should contact James Geraghty, Advertising manager at the Holyoke Mall, at (617) 840-2998 or [email protected]. For full details and information regarding the Get Hired Job Fair, visit holyokemall.com.

Scientific Review Reveals Top Three Effective Ways to Stop Smoking

By BusinessWest Staff September 6, 2024

Daily News

AMHERST — A major new review of evidence by a team of scientists, including a UMass Amherst public-health researcher, has identified the three best strategies for quitting smoking:

• Varenicline, a prescription drug sold under the brand names Chantix and Champix, among others;

• Cytisine, a plant-based compound not widely available in the U.S. but sold as an over-the-counter natural health product (Cravv) in Canada and throughout Central and Eastern Europe, and available under prescription in the United Kingdom; and

• Nicotine e-cigarettes.

The review, published Sept. 4 in the journal Addiction, was conducted by the nonprofit Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group (CTAG) and led by senior author Jamie Hartmann-Boyce, assistant professor of Health Policy and Management in the UMass Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences, and lead author Jonathan Livingstone-Banks, a University of Oxford researcher in England.

Worldwide, smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, resulting in more than 7 million deaths per year.

“For people who smoke cigarettes, the single best thing they can do for their health is to quit smoking,” says Hartmann-Boyce, a Cochrane editor who conducted research at Oxford before joining UMass Amherst. “However, many people find it difficult to do so. Fortunately, there is strong evidence to support the use of a number of different ways to quit smoking.”

The three top strategies for quitting work best when combined with behavioral support, such as counseling, the review states. Bupropion and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) are also effective, especially NRT patches combined with fast-acting forms like gum. “For behavioral support, evidence is strongest for counseling and for programs that reward people for stopping smoking,” Hartmann-Boyce added.

CTAG’s new summary outlines the key findings from 14 Cochrane reviews that CTAG published between 2021 and 2023. Three Cochrane reviews included in this summary are particularly noteworthy:

• The updated Cochrane review on NRT for smoking cessation found high-certainty evidence that combining a fast-acting form of NRT (gum, lozenges, or sprays) with NRT patches helped more people to quit than single-form NRT alone.

• The Cochrane review of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation is a living, systematic review: review authors search for new studies monthly and update the review whenever new data emerge. The latest update concluded that there is high‐certainty evidence that e-cigarettes with nicotine increase quit rates compared with NRT, and moderate‐certainty evidence that they increase quit rates compared with e-cigarettes without nicotine.

• The 2023 Cochrane review of pharmacological and e-cigarette interventions for smoking cessation included all drugs licensed as treatments for smoking cessation anywhere in the world, as well as e-cigarettes with or without nicotine. The review included 319 studies (157,179 participants). The most effective interventions were nicotine e‐cigarettes, varenicline, and cytisine, all of which had high-certainty evidence, closely followed by combination NRT.

The updated Cochrane review on nicotine receptor partial agonists (varenicline and cytisine) for smoking cessation found that, in studies directly comparing cytisine and varenicline, there may be no difference between either medication for quitting smoking. The review included 75 trials.

“Our team will continue to review evidence on the best ways to help people quit smoking, as we know how vitally important this is to people who smoke and to public health,” Hartmann-Boyce said.

Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services Announces 2024 Family Reunion Weekend

By BusinessWest Staff September 5, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (MLKFS) will host its inaugural 2024 Family Reunion Weekend celebration on Sept. 7-8, at its Community Center.

“The Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services 2024 Family Reunion celebrates the historic, deep commitments and investments in the lives and futures of Springfield residents,” said Dr. Frank Robinson, 2024 MLKFS Family Reunion committee chair. “We also celebrate its new president and CEO, Shannon Rudder, and her bold vision for the future of MLKFS. In the spirit of family, she invites us all to join hands in continuing the legacy of service, unity, and empowerment that has defined this organization. Together, we can build on the foundation laid by those who came before us, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for generations to come.”

A FamilyFun Day will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will enjoy food from local vendors; invited to take Community Center tours; participate in spades, Scrabble, dominoes, and chess tournaments; and enjoy karaoke, family relay games, face painting, and an opportunity to share and archive their MLKFS legacy story.

Fellowship & Worship will be held on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. There is no MLKFS without the vision of Project Mustard Seed, and attendees will gather in that spirit and tradition with a worship service under the leadership the Rev. Terrlyn Curry Avery, pastor of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church, welcoming the Rev. Ronald Peters, Project Mustard Seed visionary leader. This celebration will also feature a MLK Community Choir under the direction of Elder Terrence Haynes, accompanied by Terrence Schider.

“Our fellowship is powerful,” Rudder said. “Together, we will gather to honor our ancestorial legacy leaders, the many who make up the fabric of MLKFS in our region, and the dreamers who are investing in the vision forward.”

For event details and to pre-register, click here.

Dietz & Company Architects Welcomes Two New Employees

By BusinessWest Staff September 5, 2024

Daily News

Shreya Sanghvi and Noel Aguilar

SPRINGFIELD — Dietz & Company Architects Inc. announced the recent addition of two new employees at the firm.

Noel Aguilar has joined Dietz in the role of project manager. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. He has worked for architecture firms in Texas, most recently in design and construction for retail-store development. He also has many years of experience working on the construction side of the industry. Aguilar specializes in design for medical office and industrial buildings and also has a particular interest in the hospitality sector.

Shreya Sanghvi has joined Dietz in the role of architectural associate. She recently completed her master’s degree in architecture and urban design at New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), where she completed her thesis focusing on design strategies to overcome the disconnection of a complex Brazilian neighborhood while also creating a sustainable environment. She also holds a bachelor’a degree in architecture from the Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture for Women in Pune, India. Sanghvi has experience working as a architectural designer and intern for firms in India and most recently as a graduate assistant in the Architecture Department at NYIT.

Bulkley Richardson Welcomes Andrew Loin to Firm

By BusinessWest Staff September 5, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Andrew Loin has joined Bulkley Richardson as an associate in the Real Estate department.

Loin graduated from Western New England University School of Law, summa cum laude, in 2024, where he was the editor in chief of the Western New England Law Review, a member of the Environmental Law Moot Court Team, and an Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. Scholar. He was also awarded the CATIC Foundation Award for Achievement in Real Property Coursework.

Loin was a summer associate at Bulkley Richardson in 2023. He completed internships with Green Miles Lipton and the Hampden Probate and Family Court. He also participated in Western New England’s real-estate practicum, where he was placed with CATIC and a local residential real-estate attorney’s office.

“We are ecstatic to have Andrew join our real-estate team,” said Kathy Bernardo, chair of the firm’s Real Estate practice. “As a practice that often supports other disciplines at the firm, the demands on real-estate lawyers continue to grow. Andrew has an exceptional work ethic and a service-minded approach that will help us to support the legal needs of our clients.”

Community Bank Hires Darcy Tarte as New England Regional Retail Banking Manager

By BusinessWest Staff September 5, 2024

Daily News

Darcy Tarte

WILLISTON, Vt. — Community Bank recently welcomed Darcy Tarte as regional Retail Banking manager. In her new role, Tarte will lead, oversee, and manage the Retail Banking team and retail banking relationships across the bank’s New England footprint in Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Tarte has 30 years of experience in the banking industry. Prior to joining Community Bank, she served as regional market manager at TD Bank and as market manager at People’s United Bank.

“I’m excited to welcome Darcy to Community Bank and look forward to Darcy and the New England team working together as we continue to build upon our efforts to grow the bank’s retail business across our New England footprint,” said Hal Wentworth, Community Bank’s senior vice president of Retail Banking and Marketing.

Tarte earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and banking from the New England College of Business and Finance. She serves on the board of the Addison County Economic Development Corp. in Middlebury, Vt.

Springfield Museums Announce 2024 Ubora, Ahadi Recipients

By BusinessWest Staff September 4, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The African Hall Committee of the Springfield Museums announced the recipients of the prestigious Ubora Award and Ahadi Youth Award, which will be presented at a ceremony at the Museums on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 6 p.m.

Rosemary Tracy Woods, executive director of Art for the Soul Gallery, is this year’s Ubora Award recipient, and Jackson Counsel-Watkins, a 2024 graduate of Central High School who is now a freshman at UMass Amherst, was chosen for the Ahadi Youth Award.

“This is an exciting opportunity to celebrate a phenomenal community leader and an outstanding scholar,” said Terry Powe, chair of the African Hall Committee. “Celebrate culture and excellence with us. This is an exceptional evening you do not want to miss.”

Named for the Swahili word meaning ‘excellence,’ the Ubora Award has been awarded annually since 1992 to an African-American adult who has demonstrated a commitment to Greater Springfield and exhibited excellence in the fields of community service, education, science, humanities, or the arts.

Rosemary Tracy Woods

Woods is known throughout New England as a passionate advocate for social justice. In her role at Art for the Soul, she has championed the transformative power of artistic expression, particularly for African-American and Latinx communities, Native American artists, and those with disabilities like the visually and hearing impaired.

Beyond exhibitions, Woods collaborates extensively with local and state cultural councils, cementing her role as a catalyst for arts advocacy. Her accolades, including being appointed by then-Gov. Deval Patrick as Advocate for the Arts in Western Massachusetts and prestigious awards like the 2021 Newell Flather Award and the 2024 Pan African Historical Museum Legacy Award, underscore her impact. She was appointed the Western Mass. coordinator for the creative economy with the assistance of the Springfield City Council, and also aided Anita Walker, former executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, in establishing the first cultural district in Western Mass.

Jackson Counsel-Watkins

Counsel-Watkins was selected to receive the Ahadi Youth Award, given since 2009 to an African-American student (age 19 or younger) who embodies the Swahili word for ‘promise’ and excels both in academics and service to the Greater Springfield community.

An outstanding student with a GPA of 4.0, Counsel-Watkins pursued a rigorous course load in high school, including multiple AP classes. She was also a member of the track and field team and the cheerleading squad. She also co-founded Central High School’s Black Student Union and served as its first president. In this role, she fostered an environment of inclusivity and empowerment for her peers. She was a two-year member of the Hampden County district attorney’s Youth Advisory Board, teen president of the Western Mass. chapter of Jack and Jill of America, and a member of the National Honor Society.

At UMass Amherst, Jackson plans to major in speech, language, and hearing sciences with the goal of becoming a speech-language pathologist. She credits her mother with inspiring her to work hard, be kind, and help others.

Sponsored by Baystate Health, the 2024 Ubora and Ahadi Awards ceremony is open to the public. To purchase tickets or donate to the Ahadi Scholarship Fund, visit springfieldmuseums.org/ubora.

McGill Hose and Coupling to Participate in NAHAD Hose Safety Awareness Week

By BusinessWest Staff September 4, 2024

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — McGill Hose and Coupling announced its full participation in the upcoming NAHAD (National Assoc. of Hose and Accessories Distribution) Hose Safety Awareness Week, taking place Sept. 8-14. As a leading provider in the hose and coupling industry, McGill Hose & Coupling is fully committed to ensuring the safety and reliability of every hose assembly that leaves its fabrication facility.

Throughout Hose Safety Awareness Week, McGill Hose and Coupling will shine a spotlight on a variety of products that address critical safety topics, offering insights into how solutions can help safeguard operations. This initiative underscores the dedication to the safety of customers’ facilities, equipment, and personnel.

The week’s activities will culminate in a vendor showcase and open house on Thursday, Sept. 12. Customers are invited to tour the state-of-the-art facility, engage with product experts, and meet with key vendors who provide the high-quality hose components that contribute to safer working environments.

McGill Hose & Coupling encourages anyone that is involved with the safety of operation of equipment within a facility to join in this effort to promote hose safety and discover how McGill Hose and Coupling can support businesses with reliable, safe, and efficient hose solutions.

Pro & Local Detailing’s Annual Charity Car Show to Benefit Veterans’ Home

By BusinessWest Staff September 4, 2024

Daily News

ENFIELD, Conn. — Pro & Local Detailing will host its fifth annual Charity Car Show at the Polish American Club of Agawam on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be free to attend, with donations required to enter a vehicle into the show. All makes and models are welcome. There will be food, drinks, and awards.

All proceeds will benefit the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke. Previous years have raised more than $7,500 for veterans, and owner Paul Frasco hopes to continue to make a local impact.

“Pro & Local has been passionate about our veterans and our local community since day on,” Frasco said. “We wanted to partner with the Veterans’ Home in Holyoke because we knew it was the best way to make a hyper-local impact in supporting our veterans.”

This year’s event is hosted by Pat Kelly of Rock 102 and sponsored by other local businesses in the area, including Mothers Polishes, the Springfield Thunderbirds, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, EMP, State Line Propane & Oil, Rick’s Auto Body, Mark’s Auto Parts Inc., GreatHorse Country Club, the Car Club of New England, and Cloud 9 Marketing Group.

Whip City Animal Sanctuary to Host Cruise Night on Oct. 13

By BusinessWest Staff September 4, 2024

Daily News

WESTFIELD — Whip City Animal Sanctuary will host its first Hogs & Horsepower Car & Bike Show on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 232 Montgomery Road, Westfield.

“We’re excited to host our first car show. There will be prizes, snacks, and adult beverages to purchase and, of course, lots of animals to visit,” the organization stated. “We’re looking for folks to bring their hot rods out for the day. Our entry fee is just $10.”

Event details can be found on the sanctuary’s website (www.whipcityanimalsanctuary.com) and Facebook page.

Whip City Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides long-term care for more than 100 abandoned, rescued, and surrendered farm animals. The sanctuary is open for public visiting hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon.

bankESB Named Among Most Charitable Companies in Massachusetts

By BusinessWest Staff September 3, 2024

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — For the 10th straight year, bankESB has received the 2024 Corporate Citizenship Award from Boston Business Journal, recognizing the bank as one of Massachusetts’ top corporate charitable contributors.

The magazine annually publishes this list to showcase companies that promote and prioritize giving back to their communities. Through its sponsorship and charitable-giving program, the Giving Tree, bankESB and the Easthampton Savings Bank Charitable Foundation support nonprofit organizations and causes throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties. In 2023, the Giving Tree donated nearly $635,000, and over the past decade, it has donated more than $3.6 million.

“It is with honor that we present our list of the top charitable contributors in Massachusetts, companies who gave $100,000 or more to Massachusetts-based in charities in 2023. Collectively, they gave $362 million in cash contributions — a true example of the business community coming together to help those in need,” Boston Business Journal Market President and Publisher Carolyn Jones said.

This year, 100 companies qualified for the distinction by reporting at least $100,000 in cash contributions to Massachusetts-based charities last year, as noted above. The honorees this year include companies from such industry sectors as financial and professional services, healthcare, technology, retail, and professional sports.

“We’re so proud to be recognized for the past decade as a good corporate citizen because it’s truly a reflection of our core values,” bankESB President and CEO Matthew Sosik said. “We strive to unlock potential in the communities we live and work in and hope we can solve our biggest problems by working together.”

Seven Bacon Wilson Attorneys Recognized by Best Lawyers in America for 2025

By BusinessWest Staff September 3, 2024

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Bacon Wilson, P.C., with offices in Springfield, Northampton, Amherst, and Westfield, announced that seven of its attorneys have been recognized in the 2025 edition of Best Lawyers in America, including recognition in the Ones to Watch category.

They include:

• Kenneth Albano, business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships);

• Gina Barry, elder law;

• Gary Breton, banking and finance law and business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships);

• Hyman Darling, elder law;

• Michael Katz, bankruptcy and creditor-debtor rights/insolvency and reorganization law;

• Tyler Humphrey (Ones to Watch), banking and finance law; and

• Daniel McKellick (Ones to Watch), real-estate law.

Two Bacon Wilson attorneys were named Lawyer of the Year in Springfield for 2025: Breton for business organizations (including LLCs and partnerships), and Darling for elder law.

Inclusion in Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America is determined through a comprehensive peer-review survey.

27th Annual MCLA Athletics Golf Classic to be held Sept. 23

By BusinessWest Staff September 3, 2024

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — The 27th annual MCLA Athletics Golf Classic will be held Monday, Sept. 23 at Wyndhurst Golf & Club in Lenox. The Golf Classic serves as a major fundraiser for the college’s Athletic Department. Over the years, the Classic has netted $25,000 to $40,000 annually to support MCLA’s student athletes.

“We are so grateful to our sponsors and participants, both those who are dedicated longtime supporters and those who are new this year,” MCLA Assistant Dean for Athletics & Recreation Laura Mooney said. “Their generosity and contributions allow the department to make facility upgrades and to enhance the student-athlete experience through new uniforms, team gear, and specialized equipment purchases. These items directly impact the recruitment, retention, and success of our students and student athletes.”

Each year, MCLA recognizes a deserving individual or business that has impacted MCLA Athletics. This year’s honoree is Jason Dohaney ’04, a financial advisor at MountainOne Investments and chair of the MCLA Foundation. This year’s Golf Classic premier sponsor is MountainOne.

The format for the event is an 18-hole scramble tournament. The entry cost includes greens fees, golf-cart rental, course snacks, a post-golf dinner, branded gifts, and more. Registration takes place from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.; the tournament starts at 11 a.m., and the awards dinner follows at 5 p.m.

Other leadership-level sponsors of the event include Alton & Westall Real Estate Agency; Adams Community Bank; Gajda, Arnold & McConnell, P.C.; Aramark; Berkshire Health Systems; October Mountain Financial Advisors; Casella Waste Systems; Premiere Transportation; Greylock Federal Credit Union; Adams Plumbing & Heating; Dartmouth Health-Southwestern Vermont Medical Center; Smith Watson & Co.; JH Maxymillian Inc.; Berkshire Bank; 1Berkshire; Interprint; Freight Yard Pub; Becks Printing; Burnham Gold Real Estate; and Tea & Boba Lounge.

MCLA Athletics thanks all sponsors for their continued support. Those interested in signing up for or sponsoring the event may do so at alumni.mcla.edu/pages/golf-classic-information-23. For more information, email [email protected] or call (413) 662-5001.

WooSox Recognize Country Bank’s Jodie Gerulaitis as Community Hero

By BusinessWest Staff September 3, 2024

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank is announced that Jodie Gerulaitis, vice president of Community Relations, has been honored as a Community Hero by the Worcester Red Sox, recognizing her commitment and dedication to serving the local community.

Gerulaitis’s passionate advocacy for educators and local nonprofit leaders through Country Bank’s partnership with WooSox Foundation programs has had a profound impact on the community.

Her support in recognizing leaders and educators throughout the region is evident through the Most Valuable Teacher program and the WooStars initiative. The Most Valuable Teacher program celebrates the achievements of nine exceptional teachers at their schools and the park. Similarly, the WooStars program recognizes the outstanding work of nine local nonprofit leaders. These programs, championed by Gerulaitis, exemplify her passion, dedication, and desire to make a meaningful difference in the community.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of our work in the community is our work with Country Bank,” WooSox President Charles Steinberg said. “Constantly, at the heart of each program, is the omnipresent Jodie Gerulaitis. Wherever we are in the region, trying to make an impact, she’s there already, welcoming us to join her. Her passion and pursuit of community impact is inspiring.”

MountainOne Insurance Named a Top Insurance Employer for Fifth Time

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2024

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MountainOne Insurance Agency Inc. has been recognized as a Top Insurance Employer by Insurance Business America for the fifth time. The company previously earned this title in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

This award is based on several key factors, including MountainOne’s workplace culture, employee benefits, and dedication to overall job satisfaction. It was also recognized for its commitment to fostering career growth and implementing forward-thinking strategies that position the company at the forefront of industry.

“Our inclusion in the 2024 Top Insurance Employer list once again is a testament to the culture we’ve built,” said Jonathan Denmark, president and chief operating officer of MountainOne Insurance. “Our goal has always been to create a work environment that supports our Mountaineers professionally and enriches them personally. By offering meaningful benefits, opportunities for career advancement, and a culture that values every individual, we’ve been able to attract and retain some of the top talent in the industry.”

Greenfield Cooperative Bank Launches Homegrown Heroes Mortgage Product

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2024

Daily News

GREENFIELD — Greenfield Cooperative Bank (GCB) announced the launch of its new Homegrown Heroes mortgage product, designed to provide special financing options for police officers, EMTs, RNs and CRNs, firefighters, school employees, and military personnel. This initiative aims to recognize the contributions of these dedicated individuals to their communities and offer them a helping hand in achieving their homeownership dreams.

The Homegrown Heroes program offers a variety of benefits, including reduced interest rates for eligible borrowers, making their monthly mortgage payments more affordable; and the flexibility to choose between a fixed-rate mortgage with predictable monthly payments or an adjustable-rate mortgage that offers potential interest-rate savings initially but may fluctuate over time.

“We are committed to supporting the brave men and women who serve our communities every day,” said Jane Wolfe, executive vice president – Residential Lending at GCB. “The Homegrown Heroes product is our way of honoring their service and making the dream of homeownership more accessible.”

To learn more about the Homegrown Heroes mortgage product and eligibility requirements, visit greenfieldcoopbank.com or contact a local GCB branch.

MCLA to Host 2024 Constitution and Citizenship Day with Electoral College Lecture

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2024

Daily News

NORTH ADAMS — MCLA will host the annual Constitution and Citizenship Day with a presentation for students and community members on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m. in Murdock Hall, Room 218. The federal holiday was established in 2004 and first celebrated in 2005, recognizing the signing of the U.S. Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787 in Philadelphia.

The presentation, “Understanding the Electoral College: Insights into 2024’s Presidential Election,” will be led by MCLA Associate Professor of Political Science Samantha Pettey. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Pettey will explore the historical origins and current controversies of the Electoral College, including the disparity between the popular vote and electoral outcomes and the influence of swing states. It will also cover best practices for interpreting polling data to help students and attendees critically analyze ‘hot-take’ headlines. A Q&A session addressing these topics and others will follow the presentation. This lecture is designed to empower students of democracy with the knowledge to understand and influence elections.

“Polling can be tricky to interpret responsibly, especially in the context of the Electoral College,” Pettey said. “The lecture will focus on some tips for reading and interpreting electoral news with polls and will allow time for questions about the broader election.”

Pettey has been interested in politics from a young age and has worked in the History and Political Science Department at MCLA since 2016. She teaches a range of courses on American government but is most passionate about teaching and researching Congress, state and local politics, and women in politics. Her current research focuses broadly on female candidates. She is particularly interested in the impact institutional features and demographic characteristics have on state-level candidate emergence and success.

OMG Inc. to Host Open House on Sept. 21

By BusinessWest Staff August 30, 2024

Daily News

AGAWAM — OMG Inc., a leading global manufacturer and supplier of specialty fasteners and products for commercial roofing and residential construction applications, is hosting an open house at its Agawam headquarters, located at 153 Bowles Road, on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The free event is open to the public and will include guided riding tours of its manufacturing facility, demonstrations of the company’s innovative products and construction technologies, a job fair with on-the-spot interviews, and a variety of activities for children, including pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house, and a photo booth. Vendors will be onsite offering breakfast and lunch during the event.

“OMG has changed the face of residential construction and commercial roofing through product innovation and advanced manufacturing, which we plan to showcase at this event,” said John Ashe, company president. “We offer one of the best places to work in Western Massachusetts, with an inclusive culture focused on our employees’ experience and career growth. We hope everyone in the area will bring their families on September 21 to see why Agawam is the fastener capital of America.”

OMG is headquartered in Agawam and operates two divisions, OMG Roofing Products and FastenMaster. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Steel Partners Holdings LP, operates manufacturing facilities in Massachusetts, Illinois, Minnesota, and North Carolina.

West Springfield Marks 250 Years, Looks to Future

By George O'Brien August 30, 2024

Community Spotlight

Allyson Manuel, seen here at one of the new sidewalks at the common on Elm Street, says there is renewed vibrancy in the downtown area.

Tyler Saremi calls it “cross-pollination.”

That’s how he chose to describe how the various businesses, government offices, and cultural institutions, especially the Majestic Theater, clustered in the downtown are supporting one another in a way that is bringing new vibrancy to the area and effectively turning back the clock in West Springfield’s central business district.

“It’s nice to see the downtown become a downtown again,” said Saremi, vice president of Saremi LLP, a multi-faceted company that redeveloped the former headquarters for United Bank at 95 Elm St. into Town Commons, a mixed-use facility that includes, on its ground floor, Tandem Bagel and West Side Bar & Grill, two eateries that are drawing more people into the downtown area and effectively extending their stays.

Indeed, more people are now arriving an hour or two before the shows at the Majestic for dinner at some of the eateries in that area, such as the Italian restaurant bNapoli — and, on some nights, especially when there is live entertainment at West Side Bar & Grill, sticking around after the shows.

“It’s fantastic cross-pollination in the downtown right now, and it’s beautiful to see; it’s all working,” he said. “You have people coming to West Side Bar & Grill before a show at the Majestic, and then there are people walking over when we have live music on weekends — they’re walking to their cars from bNapoli, and they’re saying, ‘I saw the music; I just wanted to come in and have a drink.’ Everything is complementing other businesses, and it’s exciting to watch the downtown grow.”

Julie Quink, managing principal with the accounting firm Burkhart Pizzanelli, which has been based in a former elementary school on Park Street for more than 25 years now, has also noticed more energy — and widespread general improvement — in the community’s downtown.

She referenced everything from new businesses like Tandem Bagel and West Side Bar & Grill, as well as comprehensive infrastructure improvements to the roads in the downtown and the signature town common as reasons why the downtown is staging what would be considered a comeback.

“There is a strong need, but there is just not much land that can be developed, and when we do propose something, it’s not welcomed.”

“There are a lot of new businesses, which is good for everyone,” she said. “And there is more vibrancy in the downtown area.”

Mayor Will Reichelt, now in his ninth year in the corner office, said this downtown transformation is just one development the community is celebrating as it also marks its 250th birthday — an ongoing party that has included fireworks, a revitalized Taste of West Springfield, and a 5K, and culminated with a parade on Aug. 24.

Indeed, the town that calls itself a city is also celebrating (if that’s the right word) some important infrastructure projects — on Elm Street, Memorial Avenue, and (soon) on Riverdale Street — that are bringing some inconvenience now but substantial benefits … well, down the road.

Also in the infrastructure category is a long-sought and highly anticipated solution to the rail crossing at Front Street near the border with Agawam — a flyover that will alleviate traffic backups in that area and make it more attractive for economic development (more on that later).

And while there is progress on many fronts, there is less of it in one identified area of need — housing, said Reichelt, noting that, while this community has many assets, an abundance of developable land is not one of them.

Tyler Saremi sits at the bar at West Side Bar & Grill, one of the many new businesses creating what he calls “cross-pollination” in the downtown.

“There is a strong need, but there is just not much land that can be developed, and when we do propose something, it’s not welcomed,” he said, adding that options are being considered, including very preliminary talks with the owners of the Cinemark theaters on Riverdale about the massive back parking lot, which might be ideal for a public-safety complex and some mixed-use housing.

Still, there are a few housing projects in various stages of development, including a condominium development at the site of a nursery on Piper Cross Road, as well as another project being undertaken by Saremi LLP — redevelopment of a former nursing home on Westfield Street into multi-family housing, most likely of the over-55 variety.

When a Plan Comes Together

As plans for redevelopment of 95 Elm St. were being drawn up, Saremi said, it was viewed as a three-year project.

Instead, it took maybe 18 months to secure tenants to fill the property’s three floors, he explained, adding that the property is now home to a variety of tenants, including the Saremi company, which has several components, including a real-estate arm and a student health-insurance venture; Tandem Bagel and West Side Bar & Grill; Kindred at Home; the Worcester-based Seven Hills Foundation and Affiliates, which has made Westside its Western Mass. hub; and an engineering company.

These businesses are bringing people back to that property to work years after United Bank left, he said, adding that these workers, coupled with those already downtown — there are dozens of businesses along Park and Elm streets, as well as West Springfield’s town offices — have created a critical mass of people that not only support other businesses, but generate more overall vibrancy.

“When the bank took off and left all those offices vacant, it was very quiet in the downtown,” he noted. “Now, I can look out my office window at any time, and there’s people walking around; there’s foot traffic. People are going into Celery Stalk, walking out and eating on the picnic tables he has outside, or they’re going back to the town offices — it’s great to see.”

Quink agreed, and, like Saremi, she said the infrastructure work taking place downtown, which includes a roundabout at the former intersection of Elm and Westfield streets, new sidewalks, new lighting, and considerable work to make the town common more accessible and walkable, have helped make the area more of a destination.

“The mill buildings are sandwiched between the Westfield River and the train tracks, and you have to get over the train tracks to access them right now. So having that alternative access opens them up to a lot of different uses they’re not suitable for now.”

“The city is doing a good job of making the town common more appealing,” she noted. “They have events there, like the Taste of West Springfield and events for veterans; it’s a great asset for the community.

“The construction has been really challenging for some small businesses on Elm Street,” she went on. “But the end result is going to be good; we just have to get through this period.”

As noted earlier, this renewed vibrancy downtown is one of the many emerging storylines in West Springfield. Others include the year-long 250th celebration, which has brought residents and businesses together to mark the past and contemplate the future; a new Chick-fil-A going into the site of the former Friendly’s on Riverdale Street; and, of course, the upcoming 17-day Big E, which will bring more than 1.5 million people to the community, clogging many of its roads, but also providing a huge boost to its many hotels and other hospitality-related businesses (see story on page 15).

There’s also ongoing infrastructure work along the two main commercial arteries — Riverdale Street and Memorial Avenue. With the latter, a project due to be finished in 2026, crews are undertaking underground utility work, said Reichelt, adding that, in the next construction season, concrete work from the Memorial Bridge to the border with Agawam will be completed, along with new curbing and lane reconfigurations.

On Riverdale Street, utility work is also being undertaken, with repaving coming over the next few years, he said, adding that, while it is inconvenient to have both major arteries torn up at the same time, the town will benefit when the projects are completed.

Train of Thought

Then there’s the planned flyover at the rail crossing at Front Street, which will alleviate traffic backups that have been a problem for decades, the mayor said. Announced late last month, the project, which is expected to cost at least $20 million, came about after extensive and sometimes contentious talks between representatives of Agawam and West Springfield, CSX, state transportation officials, and U.S. Rep. Richard Neal.

The fix will not only alleviate traffic tie-ups, but eliminate a public-safety concern, said Reichelt, noting that ambulances now take alternate routes, not knowing if they will be delayed by a parked train.

Allyson Manuel, West Springfield’s town planner, agreed, noting that the flyover will also facilitate economic development in the area, especially with an old mill complex that has sat mostly vacant in part because of accessibility issues created by moving or parked trains.

“The mill buildings are sandwiched between the Westfield River and the train tracks, and you have to get over the train tracks to access them right now,” she said. “So having that alternative access opens them up to a lot of different uses they’re not suitable for now.”

West Springfield at a glance

Year Incorporated: 1774
Population: 28,835
Area: 17.5 square miles
County: Hampden
Residential Tax Rate: $14.81
Commercial Tax Rate: $29.80
Median Household Income: $40,266
Median Family Income: $50,282
Type of Government: Mayor, City Council
Largest Employers: Eversource Energy, Harris Corp., Home Depot, Interim Health Care, Mercy Home Care
* Latest information available

Like almost all communities in the region, West Springfield is in need of more housing, said Manuel, adding that, unlike most of those cities and towns, it does not have much open land on which to build.

Which is why a provision within the $5.16 billion Affordable Homes Act recently signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey, which will allow in-law apartments in all communities, could have a substantial impact in Westside, where they are currently prohibited.

“We’ll be looking at how to regulate that, and we obviously have some work to do on that because they are currently not allowed; it’s a pretty big change,” Manuel said, adding that, in the few weeks since the housing bill was signed, there have been numerous inquiries.

Meanwhile, there are some projects in various stages of development. These include the condo project on Piper Crossing Road; Heartstone Village, a 55+ project off Birnie Avenue, a project that has been years in the making; and preliminary talks concerning repurposing the former Cowing School at the corner of Park and Elm streets for housing, especially senior housing.

There’s also the former nursing home on Westfield Street, which has been vacant for more than 20 years and in recent years had become an eyesore, Saremi said.

“There was an opportunity to acquire it, and we decided to take it on,” he told BusinessWest, using those words to help explain the size and scope of the challenge and the fact that few, if any, were willing to take on this property.

“It was a nightmare cleaning that place out; it was very labor-intensive — crews had to wear full-body suits with respirators,” he said while detailing the level of deterioration of the building. “There were trees growing on the roof. Now, the interior is completely clean, and we’ve had a zone change go through.”

The most common-sense reuse is housing, either affordable or 55+, Saremi said, adding quickly that, while architectural plans are being developed, funding help will be needed from the state or federal government to take what is likely to be a $7 million project off the drawing board and make it reality.

“The cost to build has just skyrocketed,” he said, adding that he is hoping that the housing bill will include funds for projects like this one.

“We’re ready to go,” he said of the project, which would include 51 mostly efficiency and one-bedroom apartments. “We just need some sort of government assistance on the cost to build.”

Big E Set to Begin Its Annual 17-day Run

By George O'Brien August 30, 2024

Features

Ride of Passage

Gene Cassidy is hoping for less rain in 2024 — and the continuation of a trend whereby presidential election years have been good for large fairs.

Gene Cassidy says presidential election years are generally good ones, attendance-wise, for large fairs like the Big E.

As he explains it, the general population, bombarded with information about candidates, issues, and polls, is looking for a break from all that.

“They want to get out and get away from the news,” said Cassidy, president and CEO of the Big E, adding that this year, people may really want to get away from the news, considering the seemingly heightened tensions around this year’s race.

If they do, that would certainly help the Big E — which will take place Sept. 13-29 — bounce back from a somewhat down year in 2023 when it comes to attendance, due to seemingly relentless rain that started early in the fair, almost wiped out the middle weekend, continued through the 17-day stretch, and led to something Cassidy had never seen in his more than 30 years of involvement with the fair.

“It rained so hard one day, the midway never opened, and that had never, ever happened before,” he told BusinessWest as he quickly did some math in his head. “Let’s see, that’s 30 fairs times 17 days … that’s 510 days; one day out of 510, the midway was closed.”

Pulling out a white book in which he keeps detailed information about the weather, attendance, and other matters, Cassidy noted that the fairgrounds received 1.7 inches of rain the first Monday of the Big E’s 2023 run, and then on the middle weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) it received 5.1 inches of rain, a half-inch more than the region typically receives, on average, for the entire month of September.

“It rained so hard one day, the midway never opened, and that had never, ever happened before.”

Overall attendance was down about 11% from the year prior, he said, noting that it would have been a sharper decline had there not been a rise in attendance at night, generally after the rains had subsided. And had it not been for a 33% increase in the price of general admission — from $15 to $20, the first such increase in 13 years — 2023 would have been much worse for the Big E.

But enough about last year’s fair.

Fair food is one of the perennial draws of the Big E.
Photo courtesy of the Big E

The Big E has certainly turned the page, and Cassidy and others charged with presenting the event are buoyed by everything from those election-year stats to early results from other fairs around the country, to the sense that the weather can’t be as bad this year as it was last.

It can’t, right?

Cassidy said he can’t concern himself with the extended forecasts, or even what the three weather apps on his phone are telling him. He focuses on what he can control, specifically the product he presents those 17 days. And by product, he means everything from the music to the rides on the midway to, of course, the food.

He believes there’s a solid lineup — some new food offerings as always, and a mix of music that ranges from Ludacris to America; Chubby Checker (back by popular demand) to Average White Band — and that 2024 will be a year to maybe, just maybe, meet his long-set goal of topping the attendance of the Minnesota State Fair (more on that later).

For this issue, we look at the 2024 fair and how things are looking up — hopefully, not at more clouds and raindrops.

Fair Game

Speaking of presidential elections … each year Cassidy has been at the helm of the Big E, he has sent a handwritten letter to the sitting president inviting him to attend that year’s fair.

The letter generally goes out in late winter, he said, adding that the only president who has even responded to the missives — and he sent his regrets that he could not attend — is Donald Trump. (The only president to attend the Big E, and this was well before Cassidy’s time, was Dwight Eisenhower in 1953, who wanted to see how one of the cows he bred fared in competition.)

In keeping with tradition, Cassidy sent a letter to President Biden. He hasn’t heard back and doesn’t expect to, especially with recent events. Gov. Maura Healey is expected to make an appearance, though, as she did last year, Cassidy said, adding quickly that he is more focused on the general population than elected officials.

And he expects this year will be a solid one for the fair, despite widespread concerns about the economy and inflation, some rising COVID numbers, and ever-increasing competition for the family’s leisure and entertainment dollar.

“I won’t say the Big E, and fairs in general, are recession-proof. I don’t want to jinx myself; I know people are feeling the pinch,” Cassidy said, while hinting strongly that the fair can withstand economic headwinds, and has historically. “People may postpone a vacation, but they won’t postpone attendance at the fair.”

That track record includes the ticket-price increase, which, he noted, was met with little pushback.

“If you plug the $15 admission ticket in 2010 into an inflation calculator, it actually translated to $20.65 in 2023. We loathe raising our ticket prices, which is why we waited so long to do it, but it saved us; had we not had the increase in the ticket price, we would have had red ink last year.”

“If you plug the $15 admission ticket in 2010 into an inflation calculator, it actually translated to $20.65 in 2023,” he told BusinessWest. “We loathe raising our ticket prices, which is why we waited so long to do it, but it saved us; had we not had the increase in the ticket price, we would have had red ink last year.”

What the fair can’t withstand is rain like last year, which pushed attendance down to 1,427,234, off considerably from the 1,603,000 in 2022, the second-highest attendance on record, behind only 2019 at 1,629,000, Cassidy noted, adding, again, that the weather cannot be controlled.

The music lineup can be, but putting together a slate of performers is becoming increasingly difficult, due primarily to mounting competition for acts from casinos and other venues, and the subsequent rising demands from in-demand performers.

“Buying entertainment gets more difficult annually,” he said. “When I say difficult … prices are off the charts. And the type of talent that we foster today in the entertainment business is not unlike hiring people for entry-level jobs.

Kids of all ages will find rides to enjoy at the Big E midway.
Photo courtesy of the Big E

“Everyone wants a corner office coming out of college, and they want to work at home in their pajamas,” he explained, adding that, in the entertainment world, performers want what amounts to the equivalent. “They want gobs and gobs of money, and, because of the ubiquity of casinos everywhere, they’re used to having beautiful green rooms, lots of air conditioning, climate-controlled arenas, and more.”

The fair cannot provide those things, but it has still managed to put together a strong slate. The lineup for the Big E Arena includes Ludacris, Dustin Lynch with special guest Dylan Scott, Phil Wickham, America with special guest Jim Messina, the Brothers Osbourne, Public Enemy, and Big Time Rush. The Court of Honor Stage, meanwhile, will feature Asia, Debby Boone, Herman’s Hermits, and Wang Chung, among many others.

“We originally booked Ludacris back in 2008, but he was viewed at the time by the police chief as being so controversial that we can to cancel him,” Cassidy recalled. “There’s a new police chief, and time has softened Ludacris.”

As for food … Big E officials will keep the public in suspense a little longer, but there will be several new vendors and 44 new food offerings, with vendors featuring $3 items on Mondays, to be called ‘3-buck bites.’

Overall, with its lineup of entertainment, food, some new rides, new float animals, and more, the Big E is expected to follow the lead set by fairs that have already had their 2024 runs, said Cassidy, who closely monitors what’s happening elsewhere.

“Wisconsin closed recently; they had a bang-up fair and set a record at the same time as they were dealing with extraordinary heat — over 100 degrees for four days of the fair,” he noted. “Iowa opened strong … these numbers bode well.”

The Minnesota State Fair comes later, and, as noted, Cassidy has long made it a goal to top that fair in attendance.

“They always beat us — they’re number 4, we’re number 5,” he said in reference to the country’s largest fairs. “We’ve been chasing Minnesota going way back to the very first fair in 1916. I want to challenge people to come to the fair so we can displace them.”

Meet Me Midway

Returning to his thoughts about election years and the attendance bump they generally provide, Cassidy acknowledged that, in this day and age, it’s very difficult to actually escape the news.

But people are likely to try, and the fair can provide that needed respite, he said, adding that this quality is one of many that can, and hopefully will, add up to a year where attendance records are approached and even threatened, and Minnesota’s numbers might even be eclipsed.

That’s if Mother Nature cooperates more than she did last year.

The Book on Handbooks

By George O'Brien August 30, 2024

Business Management

They Need to Be Current, and Employers Need to Abide by Them

“Less is more.”

Those three words comprise one of the many forms of advice that Elaine Reall has for business owners and managers when it comes to what’s written in employee handbooks.

She says it should apply to most all content, but especially references to laws and regulations regarding the workplace, including the state’s Paid Family and Medical Leave Act.

“Employers go on, page after page, explaining a very intricate statute,” said Reall, chief legal officer for the Springfield-based Royal Law Firm. “They don’t need to do that; they need to say, ‘you’re eligible under Massachusetts law for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, and here’s the hyperlink to the government’s site, which will take you through the entire process.’”

Reall has lots of other advice on handbooks, regarding everything from how they should be updated regularly — especially when there are important changes in laws or seismic shifts in the workplace — to how managers shouldn’t borrow a template off the internet, to … well, whether a small business even needs a handbook.

Elaine Reall

“A lot of employers don’t realize that the first or second document that a plaintiff’s attorney in the employment area looks for is the guidebook, handbook, or whatever is being put out there by the employer.”

Indeed, she noted, handbooks are increasingly being viewed as contracts.

“A lot of employers don’t realize that the first or second document that a plaintiff’s attorney in the employment area looks for is the guidebook, handbook, or whatever is being put out there by the employer,” she said. “And they’re looking to see if there are implied contractual commitments that they can use, because Massachusetts does recognize that you can create an implied contract not just with the whole handbook, but with portions of the handbook.”

For this reason, if a business is going to have a handbook, and if it is going to have content on certain subjects, its managers need to be sure they get it right, she said.

John Gannon, an employment-law specialist and partner at Springfield-based Skoler Abbott, agreed. He noted that handbook policies come in two categories — those for which employers are legally obligated to have a policy, such as the Bay State’s earned sick time law, and those that are recommended.

“You don’t have to have them, but you should have them,” he said, adding that policies in this category include everything from remote work (more on that later) to dress codes.

Overall, a handbook should help get everyone on the same page — figuratively, but also literally — and also protect the employer, said Gannon, adding that handbooks are not contracts, but they are, or should be, written in such a way to help protect the employer if there are complaints or legal actions taken by employees.

“One of the reasons you have a handbook — not the principal reason, but one of the reasons — is if there is some kind of litigation and someone is challenging the reasons they are separated from employment,” he explained. “They might say they were fired because of their age, for example; the employer says, ‘no, you violated this policy.’ It’s helpful to have a policy in writing, so you can say, ‘this is the policy, and this is how you violated it.’

John Gannon

“If you have it in writing, that’s good. If you don’t have it in writing, that’s bad. And what’s worse is to have the wrong policy in place, something that’s old and outdated.”

“If you have it in writing, that’s good. If you don’t have it in writing, that’s bad,” he went on. “And what’s worse is to have the wrong policy in place, something that’s old and outdated.”

But — and this is a big but — if an employer is going to put something in the handbook, then it must abide by it, or the company could open itself up to trouble, said Gannon, who has seen this happen on many occasions.

“The best advice I can give is to put it in writing — and follow it,” he said, adding that this is one of the key reasons why training of managers is so important. With training, they’re better able to know the policies and abide by them.

Reall agreed. “There’s a lot of litigation where handbooks show up and are used against employers,” she explained. “You don’t want to require your employees, in the context of your handbook, to do X or Y without recognizing that the courts will recognize that and say, ‘reciprocity — you’re binding their hands here. What about you, employer? If you’re going to make these requirements, then it’s up to you to uphold them.’”

For this issue and its focus on business management, we take an in-depth look at handbooks and how to make sure they do what they are created to do.

The Write Stuff

“Telecommuting is not designed to be a replacement for appropriate childcare. Although an individual employee’s schedule may be modified to accommodate occasional childcare needs, the focus of the arrangement must remain on job performance and meeting business demands. Prospective telecommuters are encouraged to discuss expectations of telecommuting with family members before entering a trial period as the employee should not undertake to provide primary care for a young child during at-home working hours. If a young child will be home during the employee’s at-home working hours, some other individual should be present to provide primary care.”

That’s a passage from a handbook that Gannon, who recommends handbooks for companies with six or more employees, helped craft for a client. It’s an example of being both current — remote work, while not necessarily new, has certainly become much more prevalent since the pandemic — and thorough, leaving little ambiguity when it comes to the employers’ wishes, policies, and expectations.

Indeed, the section on telecommuting in this particular handbook covers everything from eligibility to equipment; from safety to time worked, specifically with regard to overtime and those not exempt from the requirements set in the Fair Labor Standards Act. “Hours worked over those scheduled require the advance approval of the telecommuter’s supervisor,” it reads. “Failure to comply with this requirement may result in the immediate termination of the telecommuting agreement and other disciplinary action.”

The rise of remote work and the many issues associated with it provides a reminder that handbooks need to be updated regularly, said Gannon, suggesting every two years. And if that yardstick is used, the updates should be relatively minor in nature. If they aren’t, well, the opposite is true.

“If I reviewed someone’s handbook in 2002 and they bring it to me in 2024, there may be one or two new policies to add and a few things we need to tweak,” he said. “But it’s quick if you stay on top of it. I had someone who just sent me their handbook, which hadn’t been looked at since 2017, which means it’s missing quite a few things and may have policies that don’t even apply anymore.”

He said there are many topics, as well as changes in the social and workplace landscape, that should be addressed in handbooks — everything from the Bay State’s Crown Act, which expands the definition of discrimination based on race to prohibit discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles, to social media and the need to use gender-neutral pronouns with all policies.

Overall, there are many topics an effective handbook should cover, Gannon said, listing anti-harassment policies, the state’s sick-time and family-leave laws, meal breaks, what he calls a ‘code of conduct’ outlining proper behavior, and a workplace-violence policy, preferably one stating that the employer has zero tolerance for such violence “because that’s a scary thing these days.”

Reall agreed, but noted, again, that companies, and especially smaller ones, should think at least twice about whether they need a handbook and, if they determine they do, what goes in it.

“I tend to see more problems created by handbooks with smaller companies than positive outcomes,” she told BusinessWest. “It’s a tool, but it’s a tool that, if you don’t use it right, can burn you.”

She added that many of these smaller companies look for a template — a free handbook that shows up on Google — or copy another company’s handbook.

“Years ago, maybe not so much now, everyone used to steal MassMutual’s,” she recalled. “It was about 300 pages long and incredibly detailed; it read like an insurance contract, and it was absolutely what you didn’t want if you had 25 employees.”

Bottom Line

What employers do want is something that suits their sector and their specific business, Reall went on, adding that, if a company if going to have a handbook, it should enlist the help of an expert. And that employer should make it clear that the handbook is just a guide and that the employer reserves the right, unilaterally, to change anything in the handbook at any time.

“It’s got to look like an employer document and not an agreement between the employer and the employee,” she went on, adding that a handbook can, indeed, be a valuable tool — but only if it’s done right.

“You need to make sure that whoever crafts it knows what they’re doing. If you’re a small employer and you have no HR department, and you’re going to look at your handbook about once every 10 years, that’s very dangerous, and you would be best off not putting things in writing that will come back to haunt you.”

In short, when it comes to handbooks, employers should remember that less can certainly be more.

The Corporate Transparency Act

By Contributor August 30, 2024

Law

Why Compliance Is Crucial for Business Owners

By Russell F. Anderson, Esq. and James F. Martin, Esq.

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is a federal initiative to limit money laundering, tax evasion, and other illicit activities that took effect on Jan. 1, 2024. The CTA requires many businesses and their owners to register with the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).

Russell Anderson

James Martin

Persons and companies that violate the CTA’s reporting requirements by failing to report at all or by providing false information to FinCEN may be subject to civil penalties of $500 for each day the violation continues and may also risk additional criminal fines and imprisonment.

The reporting requirements of the CTA mainly apply to smaller entities that might otherwise slip under the federal government’s radar. These companies are classified as having a higher risk of abusing anti-money-laundering rules. While there have been legal challenges to the CTA, FinCEN has indicated that it will continue to enforce the law while these challenges are ongoing.

The CTA states that FinCEN must collect and maintain a federal database for beneficial ownership information (BOI) of companies. Unless there is an applicable exemption, all entities that are formed or registered to do business in the U.S. and have registered with the Massachusetts secretary of the Commonwealth’s office (or a similar office in a different state) need to register on the BOI database.

Exemptions

The CTA provides 23 different categories of exemptions, which include exemptions for entities that already make substantial public disclosures, such as financial institutions and tax-exempt charities. Most notably, there is also a more general exemption for larger organizations that have a physical presence in the U.S., employ more than 20 full-time employees, and report more than $5 million in annual revenue to the IRS.

No filing will be required if an entity is exempt, but compliance with the criteria will be determined on a continual basis. For example, if an entity drops below the 20-employee threshold, a prompt filing will be required.

Reporting

FinCEN’s reporting portal can be found at boiefiling.fincen.gov. Entities that are not exempt from BOI reporting must provide the following information for each “beneficial owner” of a company: full legal name, date of birth, current residential or business address, and a copy of an acceptable identification document (such as a driver’s license or passport).

A beneficial owner is considered to be an individual who exercises substantial control over the entity or owns or controls at least 25% of the ownership interests of the entity. Most C-suite officers (for example, CEOs, CFOs, COOs, and general counsel) will fall under the category of possessing substantial control over the entity.

To ensure the purpose of the CTA is being fulfilled, ownership is generally reported at an individual level and not through another reporting company. Thus, the reporting owner may be someone who is several levels up in a company’s organizational chart if holding companies are used.

Reporting ownership interests held by trusts may pose a challenge. A trust by itself is not subject to the reporting requirements under the CTA. However, if a trust holds a 25% or more ownership interest in an organization that is subject to the CTA, the trust’s grantors, trustees, and beneficiaries may all be required to be reported, depending on the specific terms of the trust.

For entities formed in or after 2024, at least one company applicant must also be identified for each entity. A company applicant includes the individual who controls the formation filing with the applicable secretary of state or the individual who actually submits the filing.

Compliance Is Key

For entities formed in 2024, the initial report must be filed within 90 days of formation. All entities that were created before the start of 2024 have until Dec. 31 to submit a BOI report to FinCEN. If there are changes in reported beneficial ownership information, the entity must file an updated report to FinCEN no later than 30 days after the date of the change.

Given the CTA’s draconian penalties, it is advisable to make your CTA registration a high priority and complete the required filing as soon as possible.

Attorneys Russell F. Anderson and James F. Martin are members of the Business and Finance practice at the law firm Pullman & Comley. Martin is based in the firm’s downtown Springfield office.

A New Posting Requirement for Massachusetts Employers

By Contributor August 30, 2024

Law

Salary Transparency

By Michael McAndrew, Esq.

In an effort to increase transparency and equity in wage payment, the Massachusetts Legislature passed, and Gov. Maura Healey signed into law on July 31, H. 4890, “An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency.”

The act is an extension of employee protections provided in the 2018 Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, a statute that made it unlawful for employers to discriminate on the basis of gender in the payment of wages and to prohibit employers from preventing, discouraging, or reprimanding employees who share wage information. Under the new act, covered employers no longer can keep secret from their employees and prospective employees pay information for positions within their company. The act has wide-ranging reporting and disclosure requirements of salary ranges.

The act’s provisions are twofold. First, it requires that employers disclose pay-range information to current and prospective employees. The act applies to ‘covered employers,’ which are defined as “any employer, public or private, that employs 25 or more employees within the Commonwealth.”

Michael McAndrew

“Under the new act, covered employers no longer can keep secret from their employees and prospective employees pay information for positions within their company. The act has wide-ranging reporting and disclosure requirements of salary ranges.”

Under the act, an employer must disclose the pay range for positions listed in job postings, disclose the pay range for positions offered to current employees as promotions or transfers, and disclose pay-range information to current employees upon request. The act prohibits employers from discharging or retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under the act.

Employers will be required to start complying with these provisions on Oct. 29, 2025. The attorney general is required to conduct, within six months of the act’s passage, a public-awareness campaign regarding the requirements of the act.

Second, the act sets forth a system whereby employers are required to submit annual wage-data reports to the state secretary. The exact type and timing of the report that must be filed with the secretary depends on the size and type of the employer.

For private employers that employ 100 or more employees in the Commonwealth at any time during the prior calendar year that are subject to federal filing requirements of EEO-1 data reports, the employers must submit a copy of the EEO-1 data report to the secretary annually by Feb. 1. Massachusetts employers that are required to file EEO-1 data reports will be required to make their first report under the act by Feb. 1, 2025. Other types of employers, such as public employers, face different filing deadlines and requirements under the act.

Next Steps

After employers submit copies of their EEO data reports, the secretary has until April 1 to report this information to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The Executive Office is then required to aggregate the information it receives from the secretary and post it on its website. It is important to know that, while aggregated salary information regarding certain professions will be available on the Executive Office’s website, individual employers’ EEO data reports will not be published. In fact, the act expressly provides that these records are not to be considered ‘public records.’

While this is administratively tedious, employers in Massachusetts must ensure that they comply with both the disclosure and reporting requirements of the act, or they will face heavy administrative fines. The attorney general has exclusive jurisdiction to enforce the wage-disclosure and annual reporting provisions in the act and can impose fines for an employer’s violation of the act and may obtain injunctive or declaratory relief for this purpose.

For a first offense, the employer will be given a warning. For a second offense, the attorney general can impose a fine of up to $500, and for third offenses, fines can be up to $1,000. For fourth and subsequent offenses, penalties are issued pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws chapter 149, section 29C, a violation of which can result in fines between $7,500 and $25,000.

For the first two years that the act is in effect, prior to levying fines for violation of the act, the attorney general is required to provide notice of the violation and give the subject employer two business days to cure the violation. For purposes of the attorney general’s enforcement of job postings, if multiple job postings are made after an initial job posting that violates the act, all posts for the same position that violate the act that are posted within 48 hours of the initial post will be considered a single violation.

Unlike the Massachusetts Equal Pay Act, “An Act Relative to Salary Range Transparency” does not provide for an employee’s private right of action for their unlawful discharge or retaliation by their employer for exercising their rights under the act. An employee may be able to assert such a claim under other discrimination laws or other causes of action. Further guidance on this and many other questions raised by the new law may be given once the provisions of the act become fully effective.

Michael McAndrew is an attorney in the Litigation and Employment Law practices at Bulkley Richardson.

Behind the Scary Words

What Is a Recession?

What Is a Market Crash?

How are the three terms different?

Conclusion

Editorial

Opinion

Community Spotlight

When a Plan Comes Together

Train of Thought

West Springfield at a glance

Ride of Passage

Fair Game

Meet Me Midway

They Need to Be Current, and Employers Need to Abide by Them

The Write Stuff

Bottom Line

Why Compliance Is Crucial for Business Owners

Exemptions

Reporting

Compliance Is Key

Salary Transparency

Next Steps

Daily News

News

Contact

Departments

Events