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Bankruptcies

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Bankruptcies Departments

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

Agapov, Sergei
7 Danielle Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

Archuleta, David A.
70 Sroka Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

Ayala, Yolanda
31 Oswego 4B
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Beaudry, Matthew C.
11 Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Brown, Stephen J.
Brown, Melissa S.
216 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Caldwell, Ora H.
39B North Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/13

Campbell, Eileen
339 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Carrasquillo, Jorge L.
Carrasquillo, Adelaida
35 Driftwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

Castro, Jason Michael
12 Chmura St., Apt. D
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Charest, Todd Michael
Charest, Kimberly Lynn
a/k/a Thoren, Kimberly L.
a/k/a Norton, Kimberly
201 Dorset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Cintron, Alexandra R.
a/k/a Barros, Alexandra
a/k/a Cintron, Alexandra Rocio
2 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Colvin, Beverly M.
400 Allen Park Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Corbett Home Improvement
Corbett, Edward T.
4 Reed St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Daniels, Sarajane
a/k/a Hubley, Sarajane
P.O. Box 108
Montague, MA 01351
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Davidovich, Veronica Jean
a/k/a Lees, Veronica
404 Southwick Road #25
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Dean, Brandi L.
1231 North Hoosac Road, Apt. 302
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

DeSouza, Lorraine R.
18 Dalton Place
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/13

Dubuque, Christopher D.
Dubuque, Brenda M.
a/k/a Lanney, Brenda M.
108 Nelson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Earle, Diana C.
10 Riley Switch Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Encarnacion, Mayra D.
206 Pearl St., Apt. 4
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

English, Patricia A.
25-27 Van Ness St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

ERA Classics Real Estate
Weber, Sheila R.
48 Jefferson St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Feliciano, Edwin J.
Feliciano, Chang San
20 Arlington St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Fortier, Ronny E.
81 Conz St.
Apartment 608
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Fortunato Entertainment
Fortunato, John Francis
170 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Gamble, Tracy M.
a/k/a Steadman, Tracy M.
37 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Garrafa, Evelyn
25 Judson St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Guarnera, Jessica L.
62 Searles St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

Illig, Brenda K.
52 Yvette St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Johnson, Jessica C.
78 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Jones, Crystal L.
33 Eckington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Kalagher, Erin Marie
100 Hillside Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Kaminski, Keith K.
74 Breakneck Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/13

King, Kathleen R.
117 Leitch St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Leclerc, James T.
Ames-Leclerc, Tammy L.
340A Porter Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Lightcap, John C.
114 Lantern Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Lucky Charm Daycare
Stebbins, Dennis P.
Stebbins, Elizabeth J.
220 Arcade St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

MacKay, Judith Ann
115 Brookside Circle
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Maruco, Bryce J.
45 North St., 2nd Fl.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/13

Matos, Janet
68 Savoy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/13

Moran, William P.
Moran, Kathleen F.
655 West Cherry St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Murphy, Mary Ann
577 Pinedale Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Muzzy, John Robert
98 Allston Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Nash, Carole E.
a/k/a Yeramian, Carole
23 Claremont Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Nguyen, Andy
P.O. Box 80342
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

O’Connor, Ellen B.
66 Harkness Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Osborne, Bradford G.
181 Elm St., Apt. 12
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Ouellette, Stephen
1 Darby Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Peck, Jacqueline Nancy
35 Bald Mountain Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Peffer, Theresa M.
20 Oak St.
Gill, MA 01354
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Pellerin, Edward J.
54 Ball St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Petersoli, Kimberly
331 Bradley St., Lot 1
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Piubeni, Jeffrey S.
19 Pheasant Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/27/13

Pizarro, Aisha A.
Vazquez, Arleen E.
5 East Laramee Green Way
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Powers, Rachel Irene
a/k/a Craig, Rachel Irene
1747 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Reome, Chris
Reome, Deborah
414 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Roberts, Kenneth J.
40 Wilson Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

Rodman, Todd E.
Rodman, Nancy J.
403 Pochassic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Rodriguez, Margarita
29 Wentworth St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/23/13

Romain, Tracy C.
PO Box 191898
Boston, MA 02119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/18/13

Rusinque, Hector
Rusinque, Idalia
114 Hampden St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Sanchez, Jessica
131 Meadow St., Rear
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Sepulveda, William A.
Sepulveda, William B.
14 State St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Serwanski, Ian R.
Serwanski, Susan A.
a/k/a Plouffe, Susan A.
24 Hilton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/28/13

Shepardson, Robert J.
Shepardson, Margaret A.
2154 Main St
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/29/13

Smith, Gerard A.
6 Bates St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/22/13

Soto, Raymond L.
138 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Steadward, Gail M.
19 Sherwood St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

Sutter, Jason Lee
29 Worthy Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Swan, Sarah F.
507 E. Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/20/13

The Charles E. Talbot Building
2071 Page Blvd.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Thomas, Mary
a/k/a Fitzgerald, Mary
72 Chesterfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/19/13

Torres, Teresa P.
P.O. Box 208
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Velez, Epifanio
43 Davis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/26/13

Wager, Jennifer R.
58 Livingston Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/25/13

Wells, Kristi L.
124 Birch Grove Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/21/13

Real Estate Transactions

By
Departments Real Estate

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

FRANKLIN COUNTY

BERNARDSTON

167 West Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Scudder Bay Capital LLC
Seller: Thomas R. Scott
Date: 03/21/13

BUCKLAND

18 Orcutt Hill Road
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Mark A. Amstein
Seller: Mark E. Pichette
Date: 03/20/13

70 Upper St.
Buckland, MA 01338
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Luarie M. Benoit
Seller: FNMA
Date: 03/15/13

CHARLEMONT

215 Main St.
Charlemont, MA 01339
Amount: $184,500
Buyer: Jodi M. Tanguay
Seller: Robert M. Gritzner
Date: 03/11/13

DEERFIELD

4 Braeburn Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $135,200
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Helan E. Page
Date: 03/18/13

34 Mathews Road
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Jaime Recore
Seller: Tsay F. Jenn
Date: 03/21/13

GREENFIELD

103 Burnham Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Carrie H. Dubino
Seller: Morrison, Helen D. (Estate)
Date: 03/18/13

340 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Comfort Mechanical Inc.
Seller: RAM Construction LLC
Date: 03/18/13

106 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $141,000
Buyer: Darry C. Madden
Seller: Paul Ferrini
Date: 03/18/13

24 Linden Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Joshua S. Breitner
Seller: Gibson INT
Date: 03/15/13

54 Oak Hill Acres
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Terrence P. Monahan
Seller: US Bank NA
Date: 03/22/13

4 Spring Terrace
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $147,000
Buyer: David A. Wemhoener
Seller: US Bank
Date: 03/21/13

44 Verde Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Greenfield Coop Bank
Seller: Scott McCoy
Date: 03/15/13

MONTAGUE

41 Millers Falls Road
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $159,900
Buyer: Michelle L. Lefebvre
Seller: Elizebeth A. Prasol-Tyler
Date: 03/15/13

WARWICK

91 Hastings Heights Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: John W. Bradford
Seller: Michael J. Matilainen
Date: 03/14/13

95 Shepardson Road
Warwick, MA 01378
Amount: $132,822
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Patrick F. Warner
Date: 03/12/13

WHATELY

48 Claverack Road
Whately, MA 01373
Amount: $193,670
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Michael S. Snyder
Date: 03/19/13

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

16 Belle St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Maryna A. Shalypina
Seller: David P. McDonough
Date: 03/18/13

279 Maynard St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $202,000
Buyer: Sean P. Burke
Seller: Torino, Barbara G. (Estate)
Date: 03/15/13

17 Stevenson Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Drew J. Smith
Seller: Alan R. Gates
Date: 03/20/13

33 Zacks Way
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $385,000
Buyer: Margaret A. McCarthy RET
Seller: T. Russo Construction Corp.
Date: 03/19/13

CHICOPEE

3 Elizabeth St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Norman P. Avey
Seller: Kenneth R. Riverin
Date: 03/22/13

63 Farmington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $144,500
Buyer: Erick Vazquez
Seller: Doris B. Raney
Date: 03/13/13

155 Holyoke Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $253,000
Buyer: Regina L. Lecours
Seller: Karen R. Fontaine
Date: 03/22/13

25 Juliette St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: James T. Griffin
Seller: Petro Boyko
Date: 03/15/13

20 Olivine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Gabriel M. Liaigre
Seller: Juliette A. Guertin
Date: 03/22/13

23 Olivine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Miriam A. Santiago
Seller: Andre Houle
Date: 03/15/13

68 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $125,500
Buyer: Pedro L. Olivo
Seller: Arthur Ladue
Date: 03/15/13

23 Sunset Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $188,900
Buyer: Trever J. Cardaropoli
Seller: Ashtons Acquisitions LLC
Date: 03/13/13

EAST LONGMEADOW

175 Braeburn Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: James M. Adcock
Seller: Roosevelt Hill LLC
Date: 03/18/13

55 John St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Neil J. Maloney
Seller: Norman Bolton
Date: 03/12/13

71 Wood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $162,500
Buyer: Christina M. Fiore
Seller: Stone Financing LLC
Date: 03/22/13

HAMPDEN

134 Glendale Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jamie L. Shepard
Seller: Richard C. Armida
Date: 03/22/13

283 Somers Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $850,000
Buyer: Craig J. Morel
Seller: Charles P. McCarthy
Date: 03/21/13

HOLLAND

130 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Holland RT
Seller: David L. Hansen
Date: 03/12/13

154 Mashapaug Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: James H. Gagne
Seller: Richard E. Hoyt
Date: 03/14/13

HOLYOKE

355 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Shamika Santos
Seller: Holyoke Housing Authority
Date: 03/15/13

357 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ana S. Perez
Seller: Holyoke Housing Authority
Date: 03/12/13

12 Crescent St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Barbieri Realty LLC
Seller: Stephen F. Bakos
Date: 03/22/13

284 High St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $143,700
Buyer: Betty Kaplowitz
Seller: Samantha J. Mjenzi
Date: 03/15/13

LONGMEADOW

62 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Corinne Ewing
Seller: Robert M. Thomas
Date: 03/19/13

68 Fairhill Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $309,600
Buyer: Daniel F. O’Malley
Seller: Bank of America NA
Date: 03/12/13

621 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Gordon E. Deshaw
Seller: Tatyana Shvakhman
Date: 03/11/13

244 Overbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $790,000
Buyer: Gregory S. Schneider
Seller: Denis V. Laflamme
Date: 03/12/13

450 Pinewood Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Leo Judge
Seller: Louis Durkin
Date: 03/11/13

7 Porter Lake Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $271,100
Buyer: Alison E. McDonough
Seller: Kenneth W. Moffett
Date: 03/12/13

Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Kenneth S. Ross
Seller: Mary L. Mehrtens
Date: 03/11/13

10 Wildwood Glenn
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,500
Buyer: Alesia H. Days
Seller: Robert J. Greeley
Date: 03/14/13

LUDLOW

145 Booth St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Henrique Baltazar
Seller: Antonio Fernandes
Date: 03/22/13

114 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Arlindo Valadares
Seller: Bernadette Bourbeau
Date: 03/22/13

Cislak Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $152,000
Buyer: Paul R. Dias
Seller: Andrew Tomaszewski
Date: 03/13/13

135 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $345,000
Buyer: Bruno A. Coelho
Seller: Tina M. Pellegrini
Date: 03/15/13

43 Manor Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $260,000
Buyer: Jeremy M. Laduke
Seller: Timothy E. Moriarty
Date: 03/18/13

33 Marion Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $182,000
Buyer: Jennifer L. Luszcz
Seller: Andrea D. Leite
Date: 03/18/13

266 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $145,664
Buyer: Vantium Reo Capital Mark
Seller: James H. Houle
Date: 03/11/13

40 Minechoag Hts.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $253,500
Buyer: Domingos G. Barroso
Seller: Jose A. Aguiar
Date: 03/20/13

126 Nash Hill Road
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $229,600
Buyer: Leslaw G. Jasinski
Seller: Bruno A. Coelho
Date: 03/15/13

15 Philip St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $209,000
Buyer: Michael E. Pietras
Seller: Jeffrey S. Pietras
Date: 03/12/13

MONSON

53 Bunyan Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $402,000
Buyer: Richard C. Armida
Seller: Roger W. Barnes
Date: 03/22/13

17 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Laurent R. McDonald
Seller: Michael A. Foster
Date: 03/22/13

32 Zuell Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Robert L. Carlson
Seller: Wini C. Findon
Date: 03/20/13

PALMER

119 North St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Michael V. Critelli
Seller: Jeffrey A. Sansoucy
Date: 03/15/13

SOUTHWICK

1 Brookview Dr.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: William H. Berthiaume
Seller: Todd M. Wilson
Date: 03/15/13

11 Maple St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Brittany N. Castagna
Seller: Revampit LLC
Date: 03/15/13

68 Mort Vining Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Terrence J. Welch
Seller: Terrence J. Welch
Date: 03/14/13

SPRINGFIELD

252 Corcoran Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $148,400
Buyer: Terrance O’Connell
Seller: Christopher G. Valiquette
Date: 03/11/13

99 Dewitt St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Claudia S. Ribeiro
Seller: Glenn M. Spadoni
Date: 03/14/13

267 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $123,000
Buyer: Amy F. Broderick
Seller: Stephen B. Rose
Date: 03/15/13

46 Gates Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Kyle Chase
Seller: Patricia H. Clancey
Date: 03/15/13

57 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Philip S. Cruz
Seller: Elaine C. Graham
Date: 03/18/13

11 Jefferson Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $132,500
Buyer: Maria A. Colon
Seller: North End Housing Initiative Inc
Date: 03/18/13

14 Jennings St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Deyanira M. Garcia
Seller: Kenneth Fitzgibbon
Date: 03/12/13

59 Laurence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $173,936
Buyer: TD Bank NA
Seller: James J. Marrin
Date: 03/14/13

188 Mallowhill Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Orlando S. Rosado
Seller: Natalie S. Thomas
Date: 03/13/13

28 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $134,000
Buyer: Nelson D. Otero
Seller: James W. Fiore
Date: 03/12/13

9 Montcalm St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: KAC Props. LLC
Seller: Shu Cheng
Date: 03/22/13

308 Orange St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Rafael Vargas
Seller: Marth E. LLC
Date: 03/21/13

41 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Brian Wood
Seller: Ricardo Gomez
Date: 03/15/13

58 Senator St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $174,000
Buyer: David Deshais
Seller: Deborah M. Tracy
Date: 03/21/13

5 Squire Lane
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: Luis A. Gonzalez
Seller: Douglas D. Smith
Date: 03/18/13

258 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Enyoc Inv. Props. LLC
Seller: Benjamin M. Coyle
Date: 03/15/13

33 Thorndyke St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Robert J. Tudryn
Seller: Matthew H. Ferri
Date: 03/11/13

13 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $227,059
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Jeannette Cortes
Date: 03/14/13

1241 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Richard J. Mack
Seller: Luis N. Costa
Date: 03/22/13

WEST Springfield

95 Birnie Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Christopher W. Welch
Seller: Walter Zabik
Date: 03/14/13

297 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank NA
Seller: Barbara A. Boothe
Date: 03/11/13

42 Oakland St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Gary P. Moakler
Date: 03/15/13

764 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: John Huang
Seller: Barcomb Trowbridge 6714
Date: 03/15/13

72 Summit St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Jonathan Rosado
Seller: Sergey Savonin
Date: 03/14/13

WESTFIELD

43 Cross St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $175,250
Buyer: Kostyantyn Kozhushok
Seller: Mary A. Chamberland
Date: 03/15/13

40 Maple Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $153,000
Buyer: Ashley R. Diduk
Seller: Susan E. Hentnick
Date: 03/11/13

9 Palma Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $270,500
Buyer: Lisa M. Wirth
Seller: Tina G. Lemire
Date: 03/15/13

168 Prospect St., Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $173,703
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Walter F. Osowski
Date: 03/12/13

54 Orange St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: David C. Fazzino
Seller: Anatoliy Kulyak
Date: 03/22/13

54 Otis St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $124,000
Buyer: Pamela A. Bain
Seller: Askins, Michael (Estate)
Date: 03/18/13

94 Sandy Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: Jacqueline M. Ayr
Seller: Jeffrey S. White
Date: 03/14/13

120 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $269,925
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Butcher
Seller: Stephen C. Strebel
Date: 03/21/13

Whitaker Road #3
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Keith M. Richards
Seller: Eric F. Laizer
Date: 03/12/13

57 Woodcliff Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $255,000
Buyer: Jeffrey S. White
Seller: William D. Murray
Date: 03/14/13

WILBRAHAM

36 Burleigh Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Jon A. Rich
Seller: Susan M. Barnes
Date: 03/22/13

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

38 Lessey St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $348,000
Buyer: Leslie Dubinsky
Seller: Timothy B. Soules
Date: 03/11/13

36 Morgan Circle
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $359,900
Buyer: E. S. Hopton
Seller: Servicenet Inc.
Date: 03/12/13

203 Rolling Ridge Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $425,000
Buyer: Daiheng Ni
Seller: Leonard Strauss
Date: 03/18/13

BELCHERTOWN

234 Barton Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Bryan F. Hauschild
Seller: Dahila Dev. Ltd
Date: 03/19/13

111 Daniel Shays Hwy.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Beverly M. Jackson
Seller: Summer Hill Estates Development LLC
Date: 03/19/13

396 Rockrimmon St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $229,000
Buyer: Lindsay Lacoille
Seller: Andrew J. Deren
Date: 03/15/13

151 Sargent St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Christopher D. Carlson
Seller: Jesse A. Ritter
Date: 03/15/13
40 South Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $307,000
Buyer: Kenneth H. Pincince
Seller: Lou A. Sirois
Date: 03/20/13

CHESTERFIELD

17 Farmhouse Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $254,000
Buyer: Elizabeth A. Slona
Seller: Joan E. Slowick
Date: 03/15/13

270 Main Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Sherry D. Quimet
Seller: Michael L. Welch
Date: 03/19/13

EASTHAMPTON

25 Brook St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $370,000
Buyer: Jesse S. Harrison
Seller: Robert B. Riggs
Date: 03/15/13

25 Meadowbrook Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $218,750
Buyer: Shane M. Calabrese
Seller: Alice P. Linnell
Date: 03/15/13

49 Ridgewood Terrace
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Laura F. Arbeitman
Seller: Steven Hawley
Date: 03/22/13

GOSHEN

197 South Chesterfield Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Mary E. Witt
Seller: Thomas J. Fitzell
Date: 03/22/13

GRANBY

164 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Buyer: Stephen F. Marion
Seller: Mitchell, Ruth E. (Estate)
Date: 03/11/13

HADLEY

70 Chmura Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $562,500
Buyer: Bhavnaben S. Parmar
Seller: Laxman Parmar
Date: 03/11/13

325 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: 325 Rocky Hill LLC
Seller: James Aronson
Date: 03/22/13

117 Russell St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Dennis J. Hukowicz
Seller: Edward J. Hukowicz
Date: 03/21/13

HATFIELD

151 Elm St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Jeffrey G. Zgrodnik
Seller: Sadie H. Kochan
Date: 03/12/13

NORTHAMPTON

69 Brookwood Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $193,800
Buyer: Ronald K. Bachang
Seller: Tina Gagne
Date: 03/20/13

90 Haydenville Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $396,000
Buyer: SSTT LLC
Seller: Pierre R. Brisson
Date: 03/20/13

203 King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $1,998,176
Buyer: G&G Real Estate Inv. LLC
Seller: Taco Bell of America LLC
Date: 03/15/13

23 Lilly St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: May C. Chan
Seller: H. G. Labrage
Date: 03/15/13

57 Longview Dr.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Robert M. Kuzmeski
Seller: Kuzmeski IRT
Date: 03/21/13

28 Maple Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Mark A. Sayre
Seller: Louise Farrelly
Date: 03/22/13

219 North Main St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $136,140
Buyer: Jonna Sciacca
Seller: Florence Savings Bank
Date: 03/20/13

18 Powell St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $188,000
Buyer: William A. Hansen
Seller: Dale W. Aldrich
Date: 03/15/13

SOUTH HADLEY

7 Joan St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $186,500
Buyer: Claude D. Lambert
Seller: Jane H. Bubnis
Date: 03/11/13

31 Lincoln Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $152,500
Buyer: Michael C. Cote
Seller: Jeffrey W. Jenks
Date: 03/18/13

32 Lorraine Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $168,200
Buyer: Kevin M. Quesnel
Seller: Michaeline S. Davidson
Date: 03/15/13

3 Pleasant St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Sheila D. Pennell
Seller: Pleasant St. South Hadley NT
Date: 03/22/13

5 Skinner Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $299,000
Buyer: Terry W. Monkaba
Seller: Mary J. Kocot
Date: 03/15/13

SOUTHAMPTON

104 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $405,000
Buyer: William A. Tormey
Seller: James F. Boyle
Date: 03/15/13

8 Jonathan Judd Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $198,000
Buyer: Ashton Acquisitions LLC
Seller: Barry J. Sullivan
Date: 03/22/13

81 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: Jason T. Millay
Seller: Ann M. Sarafin
Date: 03/15/13

5 Sara Lane
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Pawel J. Robak
Seller: Edward H. Gwinner
Date: 03/15/13

117 White Loaf Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Olla N. Al-Shalchi
Seller: Czelusniak Custom Homes
Date: 03/15/13

WARE

290 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $205,900
Buyer: Jennifer L. Bernier
Seller: Richard B. Rose
Date: 03/21/13

WILLIAMSBURG

18 Fort Hill Road
Williamsburg, MA 01039
Amount: $430,000
Buyer: Michael M. Ban
Seller: Carl W. Rohrberg
Date: 03/22/13

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of April 2013.

AGAWAM

David St. John
441 Silver St.
$35,000 — Exterior renovation

Joseph Walz, DMD
302 Suffield St.
$3,000 — Siding repair

Pioneer Tool
40 Bowles Road
$33,000 — Re-roof

RHM Realty
207 Bowles Road
$10,000 — Renovations

AMHERST

Amherst Presidential Village, LLC
950 North Pleasant St.
$8,000 — Insulate attic and weather stripping

Bank of America
1 South Pleasant St.
$35,000 — Provide new ADA compliant ramps and sidewalks

IAT Partnership, LLC
49 Boltwood Walk
$5,000 — Interior renovations

CHICOPEE

Fannie Mae
607 Burnett Road
$12,500 — Strip and re-roof

IB Investments, LLC
64 Ames St.
$19,000 — Replacement windows

Our Lady of Elms
291 Springfield St.
$388,000 — Duct system for new science center

Van Guard Consignment
450 New Ludlow Road
$12,800 — Install new roof

River Valley Council Inc.
247 Exchange St.
$70,000 — Renovation for new mental health office

HADLEY

Justin Hoehn
206 Russell St.
$7,500 — Replace roof

Stephen Smith
367 Russell St.
$10,000 — Install new storefront

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Hospital
6 Isabella St.
$9,000 – Bathroom renovations

Mass Housing Finance
346 Maple St.
$10,000 — Replace windows

NORTHAMPTON

518 Pleasant Street, LLC
518 Pleasant St.
$50,000 — Replace roof

Atwood Drive, LLC
8 Atwood Dr.
$240,000 — Build out third floor

Chamisa Corporation
25 Main St.
$10,500 — Renovate Veracruzana loading dock

Coolidge Center, LLC
47 Pleasant St.
$47,000 — Renovate second floor

Serio Cosimo
69 State St.
$7,000 — Strip and shingle roof

SOUTH HADLEY

Pioneer Valley Photo Voltaics
11 Parker St.
$42,000 — Install solar panels

SPRINGFIELD

Freedom Credit Union
1985 Main St.
$67,000 — Tenant fit out

JRH Realty Inc.
1673 Main St.
$8,000 — Minor renovations for take-out restaurant

Robert Allen
1819 Page Blvd.
$71,000 — Build out front offices

Steve’s Alignment
170 Taylor St.
$16,000 — New roof

The MRI Centers of NE
3640 Main St.
$48,000 — Interior remodel

United Bank
1946 Wilbraham Road
$1,020,000 — Construction of a new bank branch

Yukon Group, LLC
101 Wason Ave.
$683,000 — Interior fit out for new tenant

WESTFIELD

Falcone Retail
66 Main St.
$9,000 — Interior renovation

FHB Realty
36 Elm St.
$18,000 — Renovation

WEST SPRINGFIELD

1275 LLC
1275 Elm Street
$49,000 — Renovate 2,450 square feet of office space

Bertera Fiat
657 Riverdale St.
$965,000 — New 12,054-square-foot pre-engineered steel building

Mercier Carpet
1343 Riverdale St.
$279,000 — Rooftop mounted solar array

Editorial

By
Editor's Corner Opinion
40 More Reasons to Feel Positive

EditorialBWlogoBusinessWest launched its 40 Under Forty program in 2007 with a number of goals in mind. Identifying young leaders was the primary mission, and we have certainly done that, especially with the Class of 2013, which we introduce in this issue.
But through their stories, we wanted to inspire others to become leaders themselves, and in the process, show that, contrary to what might be popular belief, young people don’t have to leave this market to enjoy success in business, find fulfillment in their work, and make their mark in the community.
Like the six groups that came before, the Class of 2013 provides plenty of examples of people who are not only excelling in their fields, but also giving back to the cities and towns in this region, often with work that involves the young people who will shape this region’s future. Here are just a few examples:
• Tim Allen, the principal of the new South End Middle School in Springfield. Under his leadership, this facility, which serves lower-income children, many of whom are English Language Learners, has recorded more improvement on the English portion of the MCAS tests in its first year than any of the other six neighborhood middle schools in the city. Allen also does a considerable amount of mentoring, and gives time and energy to Big Brothers Big Sisters;
• Adrian Bailey Dion has developed imaginative — and entrepreneurial — strategies to enable the Grinspoon Foundation, which she serves as COO, to dramatically increase the number of books it distributes through its PJ Library, which supports literacy and values development in children ages 1-8 through the purchase and delivery of age-appropriate Jewish books. She also supports area food pantries and kitchens in their work to feed area residents in need;
• Melyssa Brown, an accountant with Meyers Brothers Kalicka in Holyoke, has made her mark professionally, as the youngest manager in the firm’s Audit & Accounting Division. But it’s her work in the community that is really adding up (figuratively speaking). She’s one of the prime movers with a new Girls Inc. initiative called Eureka, in which girls ages 12-15 spend four weeks each summer on a college campus to learn about math, science, computers, sports, and both personal and career development;
• Kam Capoccia is a pharmacist who is changing the way people might think about those in that profession. While she still dispenses pills during weekend shifts at a local Walgreens, she spends much of her time dispensing information, as an associate professor of Pharmacy at Western New England University, but especially as the director of the Consultation and Wellness Center at the Big Y on Cooley Street in Springfield. There, she’s assisted countless individuals with issues ranging from Type 2 diabetes to high blood pressure to problems with obesity;
• Walt Tomala Jr. knows what it’s like to triumph over adversity. He suffered third-degree burns over 60% of his body in a flash explosion that occurred when a sanding machine malfunctioned while he was remodeling a bowling center. He spent a year in recovery and rehab, and eventually started his own construction company, one that has played a lead role in helping others achieve a higher quality of life, through work on everything from blitz-build projects for Habitat for Humanity to construction of homes for severely wounded veterans. He’s also been a steady supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Space doesn’t permit us to tell all 40 stories here, but these five serve as effective examples of how this entire class is the embodiment of professional excellence, community activism, and true leadership.
Their stories begin on page A6. Read, enjoy, and become inspired.

Guest Perspective

By
Opinion
What Would Horace Moses Do?

At one time, Horace Moses may have been best known as the president of the Strathmore Paper Co. in West Springfield, but his legacy is much bigger than that.
In 1919, Moses founded Junior Achievement, the worldwide financial training program for young people. Growing up on his family’s farm, Moses acquired the habits of fiscal responsibility and entrepreneurship. He not only worked the fields, but networked with a variety of business owners to sell the farm’s products.
Moses was quick to learn that through hard work, determination, and ambition, one can achieve the American Dream. His philosophy wasn’t limited to personal gain, however. Moses donated his time and wealth to a variety of worthwhile causes. One initiative close to his heart was ensuring that children develop the skills to secure their own economic success. It was this goal that led Moses and Theodore Vail, president of American Telephone & Telegraph to found Junior Achievement right here in Western Massachusetts.
Today, JA is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. Although born of humble beginnings on the Big E fairgrounds, JA reaches more than 4 million students each year across the United States, and another 6 million in countries around the world. JA’s volunteer-delivered K-12 programs help prepare students for the real world by showing them how to effectively manage their finances, generate wealth, and help build robust communities.
Moses and Vail realized the importance of teaching young people that thrift, economy, and industry are necessary to sustain the American vision. Almost 100 years later, nothing has changed.
Each year, roughly 1.3 million students drop out of school. Each dropout costs society approximately $200,000 in lost tax revenue and government expenditures over his or her lifetime. The personal cost of dropping out of school isn’t just economic — there’s a psychological price, as well. As someone who’s gone from high school dropout to college graduate, I can tell you that being a dropout can be debilitating. The lack of skills eventually damages your self-confidence, resulting in a social paralysis. You feel trapped in your situation. You want to work, to achieve, but lack the foundation and support system to overcome your circumstance.
Horace Moses knew that it doesn’t have to be that way, and that by investing in our children we could help them become productive participants in our national economy.
Addressing the dropout population is only part of the solution. Approxinately 45% of today’s college graduates don’t have the skills to advance past an entry-level job. Managers at more than 53% of large companies and 67% of small companies say it’s difficult to recruit employees with the skills, training, and education their companies require. In time, this skills gap will invariably weaken our ability to compete in the global marketplace. Helping our children aspire to succeed is not only imperative to their own well-being, but to our own economic and entrepreneurial survival.
What would Horace Moses do in the face of today’s problems? He would commit his resources to find a solution. That’s why he co-founded Junior Achievement. JA supports youth development by fostering the spirit of entrepreneurship, and by instilling and modeling key business and work-readiness concepts such as leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking.
I encourage you to join me in following his example by making an investment in the youth of Western Mass. We don’t need to dedicate the time or resources Moses had at his disposal. We already have a structure, it just needs caring professionals, community leaders, and supporters. Find out how you can empower students to stay in school, develop the skills necessary for economic success, and live the life each of us hopes for for our own children.
Get involved with Junior Achievement of Western Mass., your local school system, or other worthwhile cause. You can change the direction of a generation. That’s what Horace Moses would do.

Thom Fox is the community outreach director at Cambridge Credit Counseling and vice chairman of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. He also serves as a start-up mentor at Valley Venture Mentors, member of the National Academy Foundation STEM-21 Advisory Board at Sci-Tech, and member of the Financial Stability Network of Hampden County; (413) 330-5254; [email protected].

PictureThis

By
PriorAward
Departments Picture This

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

A Living Treasure

PriorAwardThe annual Dorothy Jordan Pryor Award and Lecture at Springfield Technical Community College honors a “living treasure” such as Pryor, the former English teacher, Affirmative Action officer, and trustee. The 2013 recipient, Setta McCabe, retired director of Public Relations and Publication and current WTCC-FM board member, spoke on the history of the college and the radio station.

Sports Minded

GSCVBThe Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) recently launched the new Western MA Sports Commission, which will purse, attract, and support sporting events and sports-related business opportunities that positively impact the Western Mass. economy. During ceremonies at the MassMutual Center, a new logo was unveiled, and John Heaps, president of Florence Savings Bank, was introduced as chairman of the commission, Other members of the board, seated from left, are: Thomas Burke, Granby High School Coach; Steve McKelvey, associate professor and graduate program director at UMass Amherst; Shannah McArdle, director of sports marketing for the Mass. Office of Travel and Tourism; Louise Hines, director of sports and event marketing for the MassMutual Financial Group; John Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; Paul Dinn, president of Dinn Brothers Trophy, Inc.; and J. Adam Filson, general counsel of Jiminy Peak Family of Companies. Other commission members not pictured include Kenneth Sinkiewicz, deputy director, of the Mass. Convention Center Authority, and Henry Thomas III, president & CEO of the Urban League of Springfield.

Naming Rights

EDnamedforGrinspoonandTrodermanBaystate Medical Center’s adult emergency department recently benefited from a  $1 million gift from local philanthropic leaders Harold Grinspoon and wife, Diane Troderman. In appreciation, the Level 1 adult trauma facility’s new name will be the Harold Grinspoon & Diane Troderman Adult Emergency Department at the Baystate Medical Center Emergency & Trauma Center. It joins the Sadowsky Family Pediatric Emergency Department as the two named elements of the new Emergency & Trauma Center at Baystate, which opened in December 2012. The Emergency & Trauma Center encompasses more than three times the size of the hospital’s former emergency room, with twice the number of private, adult patient-care spaces. Grinspoon established the Harold Grinspoon Foundation in 1993 in Springfield, and Troderman has been his active partner in all of his philanthropic activities. Pictured (from left) during the announcement event are: Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health; James Sadowsky of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees; Grinspoon; Troderman; John Davis of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees; Dr. Benjamin Liptzin, chair of the Department of Psychiatry, Baystate Health; and Dr. Richard Engelman, chief of Cardiac Surgical Research at Baystate Medical Center.

Unlimited Pride

20130411hru011220130411hru010120130411hru0105Human Resources Unlimited recently staged its annual Recognition and Fundraiser event at Springfield Country Club. Employer partners and volunteers were honored and successful program members were recognized. At top, from left, accepting the 2012 Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year award is Jeff Lander, center, founder of Appilistic, flanked by (from left) Susan Smith, senior employment coordinator, Forum House; Renee Kosciusko, daughter of Armand Tourangeau; Carol Tourangeau, wife of Armand Tourangeau; and Susan Beckwith, program manager, Forum House. Middle left, 2012 Rookie Employer Award recipients (from left), Jackie Huntley, Tradewinds program member; Deb Post, HR manager, and Russell Prentiss, general manager, both of the Sturbridge Host Hotel & Conference Center; Michael Forest, program manager, Tradewinds; and Winnie Siano, senior employment coordinator, Tradewinds; Bottom, Donald Kozera, President of Human Resources Unlimited (second from right) poses with the winners of the Employer of the Year Award, representing Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Westfield. From left are: Arlie Meade, sales manager; Nathan Byrd, general manager, Ashish Patel, president, and Jacquie Clayton, guest services manager.
Photos by Paul Schnaittacher

Engineering Excellence

Tighe&Bond_MAACECAwardThe American Council of Engineering Companies of Massachusetts (ACEC/MA) presented Westfield-based engineering firm, Tighe & Bond, with a Gold Award during its 2013 Engineering Excellence and Awards Gala in Cambridge. The annual competition recognizes recent engineering achievements that demonstrate the highest degree of merit, ingenuity, complexity, and client satisfaction. This Gold Award recognized innovative upgrades that Tighe & Bond recently completed for the town of Sturbridge’s wastewater treatment facility, which became the first full-scale combined BioMag/CoMag wastewater system in the nation. The implementation of two new cutting edge and effective treatment processes, BioMag and CoMag, have increased wastewater treatment efficiency, improved water quality, as well as reduced costs and overall environmental impact. Sharing a moment after the awards ceremony are, from left, Ko Ishikura ACEC/MA president; Gregory Morse, Sturbridge DPW director; Ian Catlow, Tighe & Bond senior project manager; Mike Becker, Tighe & Bond construction observer; Peter Piattoni, ACEC/MA Awards chair; and Shaun Suhoski, Sturbridge town administrator.

Not Just Business as Usual

DSCF0153DSCF0165The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation hosted its fourth annual Not Just Business As Usual event on April 4 at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In celebration of 40 years of excellence in Nursing at STCC, keynote speakers included “The Three Doctors,” Dr. George Jenkins, assistant professor of the Clinical Dentistry Section of Adult Dentistry at Columbia University; Dr. Rameck Hunt, board certified internist at University Medical Center at Princeton and assistant professor of Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; and Dr. Sampson Davis, board certified emergency medicine physician at St. Michael’s Medical Center, Raritan Bay Medical Center and Easton Hospital, and assistant medical director of the Emergency Department at Raritan Bay Medical Center. As teenagers surrounded by negative influences with few positive role models growing up on the streets of Newark, N.J., the three friends made a pact to stick together, graduate college, and achieve their dreams of becoming medical doctors. All are now well known for their work in delivering messages of hope and inspiration. Over the past two years, the STCC Foundation event has provided more than $100,000 to support college and student needs. At top (from left) Drs. Davis, Hunt, and Jenkins sign copies of their books, The Pact, We Beat the Street, and The Bond. Bottom, above, Ira Rubenzahl, president of STCC, poses with Frank Colaccino, CEO at Colvest Group (center), and John Heaps, Jr., president of Florence Savings Bank.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Daiana Narvaez and Maria Fuentes v. T.G. Lawler Insurance Agency and Joshua Jimenez
Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $2,379
Filed: 3/25/13

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Backyard Farms, LLC v. Hampden Structural Systems d/b/a Private Garden Greenhouse Systems, Joseph Michael Hickson, Jr. and Katherine Joyce Hickson
Allegation: Breach of contract, negligent performance of work, and misrepresentation: $20,758.40+
Filed: 3/11/13

Juliana Gore v. Baystate Medical Center, Stanley Access Technologies, LLC and John Doe Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property: $28,500
Filed: 3/21/13

Law Office of Michael D. Facchini v. Joe Smith d/b/a Joe’s Remodeling
Allegation: Breach of contract for construction services: $26,000+
Filed: 3/12/13

Oil Recovery Corporation v. Responsive Trucking Inc.
Allegation: Negligent repairs: $27,000
Filed: 3/15/13

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Kaleigh Ward v. Bino, Inc., BCC Realty, Inc., 265-271 Dwight Street Inc., and James and Helen Santaniello
Allegation: Negligence in service of alcohol: $540,388.86
Filed: 3/7/13

Matthew Boudreau and Shaylene Greenwood v. Affiliated Construction Services, Craig Urn and Ernie Austin
Allegation: Breach of contract for renovation services: $25,000+
Filed: 3/21/13

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
George Robert v. Kimball’s Auction and Estate Services
Allegation: Breach of contract: $25,000
Filed: 4/5/13

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
J. D. Contracting v. Premier Equipment
Allegation: Plaintiff rented equipment from the defendant that did not work as contracted: $12,640.00
Filed: 2/27/13

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Jacques J. Chicoine v. Star Pizzeria and Turkmen Lac Inc.
Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing injury: $6,508
Filed: 3/14/13

Natasha Clark, as parent and next friend of Tianna Hillman v. Springfield Housing Authority
Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing injury: $8,793.16
Filed: 3/13/13

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Constellation Newenergy Inc. v. Mary C. Donahue d/b/a M&M Restaurant
Allegation: Non-payment of energy services: $7,814.94
Filed: 3/13/13

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Obamacare and Employers
April 24, May 2, May 9: Royal LLP — a law firm specializing exclusively in management-side labor- and employment-law litigation and preventative practices to avoid litigation — will join experts on the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (known as Obamacare) in presenting an informational series of workshops that will provide an interactive, step-by-step analysis of how the act applies to both small and large employers, including what employers should be doing now to prepare for the 2014 mandates. All sessions will be held at the Hu Ke Lau in Chicopee. Session 1, which will be held on April 24, will provide a general overview of the law, including key components, potential implications, and impact on employers. Session 2, which will be held on May 2, will address the shared responsibility requirements. Session 3, which will be held on May 9, will detail the impact of the law. For more information, contact Ann-Marie Marcil at (413) 586-2288 or [email protected].

Elevator Pitch Competition
April 24: Five local community banks will sponsor a live elevator pitch competition at the awards banquet for the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation’s Entrepreneurship Initiative, starting at 5 p.m. at Log Cabin in Holyoke. Representatives from each bank — Berkshire Bank, Country Bank for Savings, First Niagara Bank, PeoplesBank, and United Bank — will also serve as judges. An elevator pitch is an overview of an idea for a new business. The name reflects the fact that an elevator pitch can be delivered in the timespan of an elevator ride. The term is used when an entrepreneur pitches an idea to a venture capitalist to receive funding. The competition will feature a student representative from each of the participating local colleges: American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path College, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass Amherst, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. The judges will choose the top three students, who will receive cash awards. All participants will receive a stipend for participating. This is the eighth year that an elevator pitch competition will be held at the event. Other program highlights include keynote speaker Stanley Kowalski, founding CEO and chairman of the board of FloDesign in Wilbraham; an Entrepreneurs & Awardees Exhibit featuring 59 student entrepreneurs from area colleges; and the announcement of the Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Alumni Spirit Award. For more information about the banquet, e-mail Cari Carpenter at [email protected].

Strategic Investments in Owner-Operated Companies
April 25: Peter Doyle, chief investment strategist at Kinetics Mutual Funds, will deliver a presentation titled “A New Paradigm: Strategic Investments in Owner-operated Companies” at 4 p.m. at the Colony Club in Springfield. The event, sponsored by Martinelli Discenza Investment Counsel, was postponed from its original date of Feb. 25. Owner-operators are broadly defined as corporate management teams that have considerable personal wealth invested alongside their shareholders. The actions of these management teams over the past several years — actively allocating capital into attractive opportunities and engaging in various actions to enhance shareholder value — stand in stark contrast to those of agent managers, who have focused on cost-cutting measures to maintain margins at the possible expense of future growth. To RSVP for the event, call Lisa Kozak at (413) 567-8411.

EANE Management Conference
April 25: The Employers Association of the NorthEast will hold its ninth annual management conference, “Leadership and Mentorship in Action,” at the Holiday Inn in Enfield, Conn. The conference will address the direct impact of mentoring and leadership development on the growth and success of organizations. Keynote speaker Doug Dvorak, a contributing author to the bestselling book The Masters of Success, will present his popular program “The Magic of Mentoring.” Additional presenters include Ravi Kulkarni and Lynn Turner of ClearVision Alliance. A panel of representatives from area companies will discuss next-generation mentoring. Conference breakout sessions include “Leadership Behavior and Employee Engagement,” “Building Effective Teams,” and “DiSC Work of Leaders.” For more information about the conference, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444 or [email protected]. To register, call (877) 662-6444 or visit www.eane.org.

A Heart Healthy Toast
April 26: Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a recreational wine drinker, you will find something pleasing to your palate at “A Heart Healthy Toast,” sponsored by the Holyoke Hospital Auxiliary Assoc. from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamel’s Summit View Banquet House in Holyoke. The tasting will spotlight a variety of wines from around the world that have been carefully selected by Liquors 44. Everyone attending will be provided with a personal program booklet where notes can be taken for each wine, noting likes and dislikes. Vendor representatives will be available to give their tips for using all the senses to taste wine and how to call out subtle variations. The funds raised will be used toward the “Extreme Makeover” of the Work Connection located at Holyoke Medical Center. The Work Connection is an occupational health clinic located at the medical center that provides health services to local businesses in the area. Tickets for the wine tasting are $40 per person and will include a selection of Hamel’s hot and cold appetizers, fruit, and cheeses. Call Deborah Long Smith at (413) 534-2568 to order tickets.

EASTEC 2013
May 14-16: EASTEC, the premier manufacturing exposition in the Northeast will be held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on May 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer a variety of exhibitors, educational offerings, tours of nearby facilities, and much more. For more information and to register to attend, visit www.easteconline.com.

40 Under Forty
June 20: BusinessWest will present its seventh class of regional rising stars at the annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The event will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners, who are profiled at length in this issue. Look for event details in upcoming issues of BusinessWest, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100 for more information.

Western Mass Business Expo 2013
Nov. 6: Planning is underway for the Western Mass Business Expo 2013, a day-long business-to-business event to take place at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. This fall’s show, the third edition of the Expo, which is again being produced by BusinessWest, will feature more than 100 exhibitors, seminars on timely issues of the day, special Show Floor Theater presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the wrap-up Expo social, which has become a not-to-be-missed networking event. Details of the specific programming will be printed in upcoming editions of BusinessWest, and can also be seen online at www.wmbexpo.com or www.businesswest.com. For more information on the event or to reserve booth space, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• April 24: Join us for the chamber’s annual Beacon Hill Summit, hosted by state Sen. Gale Candaras, starting at 7 a.m. Join with other members of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. and the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce for a unique opportunity to hear directly from top legislators and members of the Patrick-Murray administration and an opportunity to voice your opinions, ideas, and concerns during the day’s formal sessions and social events. Speakers will include: Secretary of Administration and Finance Glen Shor, Senate President Therese Murray, Stephen Brewer, chair of the Senate and Joint Committees on Ways and Means, Mass. Taxpayers Foundation President Mike Widmer, and many others. The all-inclusive payment includes continental breakfast, transportation, and lunch at the Omni Parker House with members of the local delegation, a wrap-up reception at the 21st Amendment, and all materials. Buses depart at 7 a.m. from the Plantation Inn at Exit 6-off the MA Turnpike, and return at 7 p.m.
• May 1: Business@Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Delaney House, One Country Club Road, Holyoke. Mayor’s Forum. The monthly Busness@Breakfast series pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions that reflect honor on the region. To reserve tickets, contact Cecile Larose at [email protected].

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• April 24: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the UMass Fine Arts Center. Sponsored by: Yankee Candle. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. RSVP to [email protected]
• April 30: ‘Making Green Sexy’ — Chamber Brown Bag luncheon, noon-1:30 p.m., in the Woodbury Room of the Jones Library at Amherst College. The program, focused on green marketing/green business profitability, will be presented by Shel Horowitz, president of Accurate Writing and More. Using examples as diverse as toilet paper, the Empire State Building, ice cream, and a community organizing campaign, Horowitz’s presentation will look at the different message styles you need to move both green and non-green audiences to action. For more information, visit http://greenandprofitable.com/.

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• May 15: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Elms College, 291 Springfield St. in Chicopee. To reserve tickets, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or [email protected].
• May 22: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Berkshire Bank, 1339 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or [email protected].

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• April 25: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m., at the new Easthampton High School, 70 Williston Ave. Tour and experience this new 21st century educational facility. Sponsored by Canon Real Estate Inc., Hors d’ouevres by the E.H.S. Culinary Department; door prizes. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for future members
• May 9: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m., at Amy’s Place Bar & Grill, 80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank; hors d’ouevres; door prizes; cash bar. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• May 17: Wine & Microbrew Tasting,  6- 9 p.m., at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Enjoy more than 50 wines and microbrews, fine food, and an extraordinary raffle. Major Sponsor: Easthampton Savings Bank; Event Sponsor: Five Star Building Corp.; Wine Sponsor: Westfield Spirit Shop; Microbrew Sponsor: Big E’s Supermarket; Food Sponsor: Log Rolling @ The Log Cabin/Delaney House. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at door. Call (413) 527-9414, or visit or www.easthamptonchamber.org.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• May 10: Ask a Chamber Expert Series: Hiring the Right Talent, 8:30- 10 a.m., at the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Conference Room, 177 High St. Join us for our second ACE (Ask a Chamber Expert) event with guest speaker Peter Brunault, senior professional in Human Resources (SPHR) of Employers Association of the NorthEast. Admission: $10 for members, $25 for non-members. Price includes a continental breakfast. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up or register at holyokechamber.com.
• May 15: Legislative Luncheon featuring State Treasurer Steven Grossman, starting at 11:30, at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road. Sponsored by Dowd Insurance and Goss & McLain Insurance. Admission: payment in advance, $30; payment at door, $40. Open to the public. For reservations call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376, or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 20: 45th Annual Chamber Cup 2013 Golf Tournament, at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 10:30 a.m. Tee off at noon (scramble format); dinner following the golf with elaborate food stations catered by the Log Cabin. Cost is $125 per player, and includes lunch, 18 holes of golf, cart, and dinner. Dinner only, $25. Winner awards, raffles, and cash prizes follow dinner. Tournament Sponsors: Log Cabin and PeoplesBank. Corporate Sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Goss & McLain Insurance Agency, Holyoke Gas & Electric, Mountain View Landscapes, Holyoke Medical Center, People’s United Bank, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. For reservations call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 21: Chamber Business Connections, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored and hosted by Sovereign Consulting, 4 Open Square Way, Suite 307. If you are in the architecture, engineering, or development industries, attend as the chamber’s guest, Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members.
Presented by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Committee. Join your friends and colleagues for this informal evening of networking.
• May 29: Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, starting at 5 p.m. at the Delaney House in Holyoke. Program followed by a grand reception, including Fifield Awards. Sponsored by the Greater Holyoke Chamber Corporate Leaders. Cocktails from 5 to 5:30 p.m.; annual meeting at 5:30 p.m. Dinner begins at 6. Admission: payment in advance, $30; payment at door, $40. Open to the public. The chamber will also honor chamber member retirees, Rosalie Deane, Holyoke Housing Authority; David Dupont, superintendent of Holyoke Public Schools; and John Kelley, Peoples United Bank.

MASSACHUSETTS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
(413) 525-2506

• July 22: Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Tekoa Country Club, Westfield. Shotgun start at 11 a.m. Cost: $100 per golfer.
For more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities, contact the chamber office at (413) 525-2506, or e-mail to [email protected].

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• May 1: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m., at the Eric Carle Museum, 125 West Bay Road, Amherst. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends.  Sponsored by: Wells Fargo Advisors, Johnson & Hill Staffing Services, and United Bank. Admission: $10 for members; $15 for non-members

PROFESSSIONAL WOMENS CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• June 6: Women of the Year Banquet, 5:30-8 p.m., at the Cedars Banquet Hall, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield. Join us as we honor our Woman of the Year, Jean Deliso, Deliso Financial & Insurance Services To reserve tickets, contact Cecile Larose at [email protected].

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• April 25: Powerful Speed Networking Business After Hours with 3 Chambers, 5-7 p.m., at Chez Josef in Agawam. Featuring the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Chamber of Commerce , and North Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. Free for chamber members, $10 for non-members. (Event is open to the public; must pay at the door if you’re a non-member). For more information contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail to [email protected].
• May 1: West of the River Chamber of Commerce Membership Drive, at the
Holiday Inn, Enfield, Conn. Two shifts — 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. This is a great opportunity for you to network with other members while helping to grow your chamber. More members means more opportunity to grow your business. For more information contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail to [email protected].
• May 1: Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m. Hosted by Holiday Inn.
Free for chamber members, $10 for Non-members (event is open to the public-must pay at the door if you’re a non-member). Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to social network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail to [email protected].
• August 19: West of the River Chamber of Commerce 10th Annual Golf Tournament at Springfield Country Club, West Springfield. Cost: $125 per-golfer. For more information on registration and sponsorship opportunities, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail to [email protected].

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• May 6: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8- 9 a.m., at the Holiday Inn Express, 39 Southampton Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Join the chamber and Mayor Dan Knapik for a meet-and-greet about the city. Free and open to the public. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail to [email protected].
n May 8: May WestNet Connection, 5- 7 p.m., at Amelia Park Children’s Museum, 29 South Broad St. Sponsor: Westfield YMCA. Cost: Members, $10, non-members, $15cash at the door. To register, call Pam at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail to [email protected].
n May 13: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce’s 52nd Annual Golf Tournament, at the The Ranch Golf Club, 65 Sunnyside Road, Southwick.
Schedule: 10 a.m., registration/lunch; 11 a.m., shotgun start; 11 a.m.-5 p.m., on-course refreshments; 4 p.m., cocktail hour; 5 p.m., dinner Great Sponsorship opportunities still available. Cost: foursome with dinner, $600; tee sign, $150; dinner only, $35. For sponsorship opportunities, to register or to donate a raffle, contact Pam at the Chamber office at (413) 568-1618, or e-mail to [email protected].

YPS-Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

• May 16: May ‘Third Thursday,’ 5-7 p.m. at Lattitude Restaurant, 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield.

People On the Move

By
April Kearse
Departments People on the Move

Joseph Kulig

Joseph Kulig

United Bank announced that Joseph Kulig has joined the bank as Vice President of Commercial Lending in the Springfield Region. Kulig has more than 20 years of commercial banking experience, most recently as relationship manager with TDBank in Springfield. Previously, he served as a commercial loan review officer with SIS Bank in Springfield following six years as principle bank examiner with the Massachusetts Division of Banks in Boston. He holds an MBA from Western New England University, and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.Kulig has been an active member of the community serving on the board of Rebuilding Together Springfield since 1997 and the West Springfield Youth Soccer Club since 2012. He has coached youth baseball, soccer, and basketball in West Springfield.
•••••
American International College announced the following promotions:
April Kearse

April Kearse

Esta Sobey

Esta Sobey

Nick Young

Nick Young

Dina Ditmar

Dina Ditmar

Dahimeli Mercado

Dahimeli Mercado

Danielle Wisniowski

Danielle Wisniowski
















• April Kearse, was named Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Advising. Prior to this new role, Kearse served as Director of Student Support Services (ACE Program) and Assistant Director of Multicultural Admissions. She has a master’s degree in Educational Psychology, and will graduate from AIC with her Ed.D. in Educational Leadership in May 2014,
• Esta Sobey, was named Associate Dean of the AIC Education Department. Previously, she served as chair of the department, Director of Field Experiences, and Director of Middle/Secondary Education. She earned bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook and two graduate degrees from Columbia University,
• Nick Young was named Dean of Low Residency Programs. He previously served as associated dean of the Ed.D. program at AIC. Young received his bachelor’s degree from Austin Peay State University, an MBA from Western New England University, an Ed.D. from AIC, and a Ph.D. from Union Institute and University. Young currently serves as superintendent of schools in South Hadley,
• Dina Ditmar was promoted to Learning Resource Center and Simulation Faculty Coordinator. Ditmar started at AIC in 2005, serving as an adjunct clinical faculty member, and was named Learning Lab Coordinator in the fall of 2010. She received her BSN at Elms College and her MSN at AIC,
• Dahimeli Mercado was named Student Accounts Analyst. A graduate of AIC, Mercado previously served as a Student Accounts Representative. She earned her bachelor’s degree at AIC and is currently enrolled in the MSAT program at AIC; and
• Danielle Wisniowski was promoted to Assistant Director of Undergraduate Admissions. Previously an admissions counselor at AIC, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Newbury College and a juris doctorate from WNEU School of Law.
•••••
Monson Savings Bank announced the following:

Christina Bordeau

Christina Bordeau

Claire Ladue

Claire Ladue

• Christina Bordeau has been named Branch Manager for the bank’s Hampden branch. She brings more than 15 years of retail banking experience to Monson Savings, having held previous management positions at Citizens Bank and Bank of America.
• Clare Ladue has named branch manager of the Ware branch, scheduled to open this spring. Previously, she managed the Hampden location.
•••••
John Shea

John Shea

The Springfield office of Boston-based Morrison Mahoney LLP announced that Attorney John Shea had joined the staff. Shea’s concentration in estate planning, wills, durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, revocable and irrevocable trusts, and related services, will be added to the firm’s trial and litigation and medical malpractice defense services. Shea was previously in private practice concentrating in all areas of estate planning and administration as well as business and real estate transactions, and has advised clients in the formation of small, family-owned and franchise businesses. Shea holds a Master of Laws with a concentration in estate planning and elder law, from the Western New England University School of Law, a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School in Boston, a Master of Science in labor studies from UMass Amherst, and a Bachelor of Arts in government from Connecticut College.
•••••
Dr. Ronald Burkman, Jr

Dr. Ronald Burkman, Jr

Dr. Ronald Burkman, Jr., a board certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology with Baystate Wesson Women’s Group Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baystate Medical Center, was recently named by more than 1,100 Hampden District Medical Society peers as the district’s 2013 Community Clinician of the Year. The award was established in 1998 by the Massachusetts Medical Society to recognize a physician from each of the Society’s 20 district medical societies who has made significant contributions to patients and the community and who stands out as a leading advocate and caregiver. From 1995 to 2007, he was chairman of the department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Baystate Medical Center. Since 1995, he has been a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Long active in the Massachusetts Medical Society, Burkman has served on its committees on professional liability, maternal and perinatal welfare, and managed care. The award will be presented at the district society’s annual meeting April 30 at the Delaney House in Holyoke.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Urgent Care of Wilbraham Opens Its Doors
WILBRAHAM — Urgent Care of Wilbraham, PC recently opened its doors at 2040 Wilbraham Road. The facility, owned and operated by Richard J. Freniere and Rock Jean-Guillaume, both board-certified emergency medicine physicians, provides professional medical care without an appointment. The clinic is equipped to handle a wide range of health-related issues, including aches and pains, allergies, asthma, bites and burns, bone injuries and fractures, cuts and laceration repairs, earaches, fevers, infections, pediatric illness, sprains and strains, sore throats, upper respiratory illnesses, vomiting and diarrhea, and other urgent illnesses or injuries. The facility is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, www.UrgentCareofWilbraham.com.

AIM Honors LENOX with Global Trade Award
EAST LONGMEADOW — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts International Business Council (AIM-IBC) announced that LENOX, based in East Longmeadow, is one of three winners of its18th annual Global Trade Awards, which recognize Massachusetts firms, institutions, and public agencies of all sizes that have demonstrated excellence in international trade. The other winners are Millipore, in Billerica, and Kinefac, in Worcester. The three companies will be honored at AIM’s 98th Annual Meeting on May 10 at the Waltham Westin Hotel. The event will include a keynote address by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. Originally known as the American Saw & Manufacturing Company, LENOX, winner of the Ambassador’s Award, has been a leader in premium-performance tools such as band saw blades and power tool accessories since its founding in 1915. LENOX counts 900 employees worldwide, including over 600 in Massachusetts. Nearly half of production is exported around the world, to China and Asia, Brazil and Latin America, and Europe. LENOX has continued to grow by understanding its customers’ needs and adapting its products and services for new industries in global markets. Over the past 10 years, LENOX has invested $100 million in new capital for its only manufacturing facility worldwide, located in East Longmeadow. The company has hired more than 120 people in Western Mass. in the past two years. LENOX is part of Newell Rubbermaid, the global marketer of consumer and commercial products. “Our Global Trade Award winners are exemplary Massachusetts businesses that don’t think in terms of boundaries or borders, but in terms of opportunity,” said Richard Lord, president and CEO of AIM. “Taking advantage of all that Massachusetts has to offer positions companies like our winners for exceptional global success.”

United Bank Foundation Awards $43,000 to Area Non-profits
WEST SPRINGFIELD — The United Bank Foundation announced recently that it has awarded $43,000 to 11 non-profit organizations in the Springfield region in its most recent round of funding. The grants covered a variety of programs and initiatives throughout the Springfield area:
• The foundation awarded $10,000, to be paid over two years, to Elms College in Chicopee toward the construction of a Center for Natural and Health Sciences;
• The Gateway Education Foundation Inc., based in Huntington, received a grant of $5,000 for its “Funds for Learning Program.” The program supports school projects that fall outside of the budgets of the seven schools in the Gateway school district;
• Human Resources Unlimited Inc. in Springfield received $5,000 for its Changing Habits Transforming Lives job readiness and placement program;
• WestMass Eldercare was awarded $5,000 to fund services for low- income elders in Holyoke, South Hadley, Chicopee, and surrounding areas;
• Junior Achievement (JA) of Western Massachusetts was awarded $4,000 to expand programs in Holyoke, Northampton, and East Longmeadow;
• The Western Mass. Council, Boy Scouts of America received $3,500 for the continuation, enhancement, and expansion of the Scoutreach programs in Springfield;
• In Holyoke, the Public Library received $2,500 from the foundation to support the month-long series “Holyoke Points of View” in April;
• Springfield Partners for Community Action was awarded $2,000 for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Earned Income Tax Credit Program for low income individuals;
• The Westfield Public Schools received $1,000 to fund the purchase of materials needed for the high school science fair and advancement to the regional and state finals.
• The foundation awarded $2,500 to World Is Our Classroom to fund the Westfield Manufacturing Education initiative at Mestek Inc., a collaboration with the Westfield Public Schools to offer fifth-grade students a hands-on application of science and technology in a real life manufacturing plant setting; and
• In West Springfield, the foundation awarded $2,500 to the high school to fund the purchase of the National Archery in Schools curriculum.
The United Bank Foundation has awarded more than $1.7 million in grants since it was established in 2005 as a permanent source of funding to benefit communities in United Bank’s market area. The Foundation board of directors meets quarterly to review requests submitted by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in cities and towns served by United Bank branches. The foundation’s four primary funding areas of interest are education, health and human services, youth development and cultural programs. Foundation guidelines can be found online at bankatunited.com.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Volunteers to Renovate 25 Houses in One Day
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield affiliate of Rebuilding Together has announced that a unique ‘cluster rebuild’ of 25 homes, all on contiguous streets in the Old Hill neighborhood of Springfield, will take place April 27, which is the organization’s National Rebuilding Day. The homes will be renovated with an eye on improved health and energy efficiency. About 1,000 volunteers will pour onto Tyler and Quincy streets to assist in the renovations, which will include a conversion from oil heat to natural gas, with street hookups included as an in-kind donation by Columbia Gas, as well as new and proper insulation of all homes and apartments. Other work to be undertaken includes new roofs, energy-efficient windows and doors, proper ventilation, painting, age-in-place modifications, electrical and plumbing repairs, CO2 and smoke detectors, deadbolt locks, vinyl siding and ramps, and outdoor work including yard cleanup, fencing, landscaping, and shrub and flower planting. Improvements will also be made to the neighborhood as a whole, including the fixup of a neighborhood playground, the creation of a community garden for growing fresh fruit and vegetables, improvements to the Old Hill Neighborhood Council office at Eastern Avenue and Quincy Street, and improvements to the Masonic Lodge on Tyler Street. TD Bank will sponsor a cookout on Tyler Street at the end of the day. Many of the families benefiting from the renovations have seen their share of hardship; one of the residences is Oscar and Carol Granado’s home at 163 Tyler St., where they have lived for 32 years and raised a family. Carol was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012, and Oscar is still working at age 72 to pay for health insurance to cover her medical costs. Donors and event sponsors are pitching in to get the Granados a new roof; electrical, carpentry, and plumbing repairs; mold removal; and an exterior facelift. “It’s great to see everybody happy,” Carol said of the neighborhood excitement surrounding the cluster rebuild. “Everyone is having things done that they can’t afford to get done, or can’t do themselves. We will never forget this day.” Rebuilding Together Springfield is in its 21st year of existence and completed the rebuilding of 71 homes in Springfield in the past year, with help from some 5,000 volunteers.

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

New England Intermodal Services Inc., 57 Barn Road, Agawam, MA 01001. Cynthia Herring, same. Trucking company.

AMHERST

Notch Consulting Inc., 535 West St., Amherst, MA 01002. Paul Ita, same. Market research and consulting.

CHICOPEE

Kelly’s Inc., 621 Center St., Chicopee MA 01013. Leo Buono, 44 Oak Hollow Road, Springfield, MA 01128. Lounge.

Mija Inc., 95 Ward St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Michael Gibson, same. Adult entertainment web cam.

EASTHAMPTON

Molly Montgomery Painting Inc., 69 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Molly Montgomery, same. Painting.

GRANBY

M.R. Cote Inc., 71 Kendall St., Granby, MA 01033. Michael Cote, same. Electrical contracting and carpentry.

HADLEY

Mathematical Staircase Inc., 278 Bay Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Sarah-Marie Belcastro, same. To educate mathematically talented secondary and tertiary students.

HATFIELD

Jessica Marie Photography Inc., 22 North Hatfield Road, Hatfield, MA 01038. Jessica Marie Kacsenski, same. Photography service.

HOLYOKE

La Copa Inc., 447 Main St., Holyoke, MA. Aida Dejesus, 34 Britton St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Bar and restaurant.

Movimiento Pentecostal Poder Y Uncion, 77 Hamilton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Organization of churches within the United States and abroad.

LUDLOW

JW Dobiecki Consulting Inc., 70 Applewood Dr., Ludlow, MA 01056. John Walter Dobiecki. Consulting services.

L&L Supply and Mechanical Inc., 399 Fuller St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Lindsay Lemek, 425 Fuller St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Equipment and materials for water and sewer mains.

MONSON

J & T Sisley Corporation, 194 Moulton Hill Road, Monson, MA 01057. Joan Lowbridge-Sisley, same. Information-technology consulting.

PALMER

M. Scott Construction Inc., 21 Wilbraham St., Office #203, Palmer, MA 01069. Michael Scott, 93 Hovey Road, Monson, MA 01057. Trucking and consulting.

PITTSFIELD

Jesters Inc., 35 Grant St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Christina Gillette, same. Food services.

SPRINGFIELD

Julie’s Hollywood Café Inc., 374 Allen Park Road, Apt. 374, Springfield, MA 01118. Julie Ratzenberger, same. Food and beverage service — bar.

Karss Inc., 1324 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Muhammed Warasat, 30 Wyndward Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Restaurant.

Mamarazzi Photography Inc., 6 Kenway Dr., Springfield, MA 01104. Jacqueline Slattion, 83 McKinley Ave., Ludlow MA 01058. Photography.

Marden Homes Inc., 86 Milford St., Springfield, MA 01107. Marshal Walden, same. To buy repair and sell real estate.

Maroon Corporation, 78 Randolph St., Springfield, MA 01108. Brennan Tougias, same. Food service.

Newton Road Press Inc., 986 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01118. Daivd Karwoski, same. Books and written materials.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

New Era Inc., 39 Rochelle St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Arshad Imam, same. Gas station.

WESTFIELD

Jayco Manufacturing Inc., 121 Summit Lock Road, Suite #1, Westfield, MA 01085. Joseph Michonski, 86 Joseph Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Manufacturing of precision aerospace parts for various local businesses.

New England Eating Disorders Alliance Inc., 7 Fairview St., Westfield, MA 01085. Viktoria Filev, same. To prevent eating disorders through education, awareness, and support in recovery.

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of and April 2013.

AGAWAM

Che-Bella Salon
833 Springfield St.
Kaitlin Joslyn

Empire Music Group
33 Norman Terrace
Jermaine Norfleet

Nomnom Hunt
67 Hunt St.
Marcy Megarry

AMHERST

Fit Women
6 University Dr.
Megan Earle

Lyra Cleaning Services
170 East Hadley Road
Marise Lyra

South Amherst Family Dentistry
6 University Place
Richard Pastorello

The Good Life Collective
44 Amity Place
Kathleen Ahamed-Broadhurst

Whirlwind Fine Garden Design
29 Hartman Road
Christopher Baxter

CHICOPEE

Community Substance Abuse Center
628 Center St.
Matthew Davis

M2 Creations Balloons
51 Springfield St.
Michelle Martinez

Psychibilities
188 Chicopee St.
Kathi Munson

Quick Stop Convenience
1177 Granby Road
Maroot Ahmed

Rivoli’s
43 Springfield St.
Konrad Wargulenski

HADLEY

Botanica Ramses
206 Russell St.
Bernardo Galvez

Debra Rusenko
8 Goeffe St.
Debra Rusenko

OcteVue
6 Kosier Dr.
Mark B. Ketchen

Peter’s Farm
112 East St.
Clinton Peters

Split Excavating Inc.
8 Mill Valley Road
Brenda Fydenkevez

Spruce Hill Motors
235 Russell St.
Randy Izer

HOLYOKE

Cake Lady
123 High St.
Rosa Burgos

Carolina Bedding of Western Mass
68 Cherry St.
Daniel Wells

Charlene’s Boutique
50 Holyoke St.
Charlene Naylor

Consumer Auto Parts
239 South St.
Davio Gerry

Extreme Auto Body, LLC
170 Main St.
Porfirio Santiago

Hobby Lobby Creative Center
50 Holyoke St.
Lisa Q. Ley

Kim’s Nail Salon, LLC
98 Lower Westfield Road
Kimchi Huynh

Nextdine, LLC
330 Whitney Ave.
Gregg Hartman

Star Dancer’s Unity
671 High St.
Alexcelin Saldana

NORTHAMPTON

Born Perfect
72 Center St.
Jaye McElroy

Center for Healthy Bones
766 North King St.
Mary P. Roy

Community Substance Abuse Center
297 Pleasant St.
Matthew Davis

Heart House Studio
68 Cherry St.
Kendra Rosenblatt

Purple Run for a Cure
33 Liberty St.
Thomas McCusker

Push Public
2 Conz St.
Mauricio Abascal

Repair Collective
20 Linden St.
Timothy McNevney

SOUTHWICK

ABC Masonary & Waterproofing
32 North Longyard Road
David Turner

BD Bookkeeping
27 Honey Pot Rd.
Brian Deslauriers

FJ Auctions
58 Fred Jackson Road
Francis Jacquier

The Crack Man
13 Ed Holcomb Road
Ian Dudek

SPRINGFIELD

Lilly’s Closet
33 Fairhaven Dr.
Tonya Foggs

Mass Elite Dance Team
431 White St.
Tyrone Humphries

Mass Mobile Communication
542 Page Blvd.
Ismael Bernabel

Mei Management, LLC
90 Merrill Road
Mei N. Li

Mema’s II Family Childcare
45 Valley Road
Lakisha Marie

Mill Work Carpentry
125 Oakland St.
Jorge E. Gomez

Motivate-Educate-Graduate
79 Villa Parkway
Neel P. Abdul-Hameed

Mourad Hussein
435 Dwight St.
Hussein H. Mourad

MPS Solutions
22 Candice Circle
Christopher Decoteau

Nails Model
459 Main St.
Tran X. Nguyen

New England Landscaping
837 State St.
Chauncy Rayvon

New England Wholesalers
724 Page Blvd.
Carlos G. Dias

Olympus House
280 Sumner Ave.
Michael Schneider

Oriental Mini Market
405 Dickinson St.
Hiep Q. Ngo

Pioneer Valley Electrolysis
1188 Parker St.
Dawna L. Brisebois

Professional Handy Services
25 Barnet St.
Robert V. Tyler

Punderson Oil
80 Hannon St.
Suburban Heating Oil

R.E.D. Roofing
53 Bristol St.
Ruben Gonzalez

Rosario’s Junk Removal
60 Glenwood St.
Carlos Rosario

Samuel Cardona
31 Wilton St.
Samuel Cardona

Sherwin-Williams Company
670 Boston Road
Scott Sikon

Springfield Donuts Inc.
1761 Allen St.
Derek Salema

Talco CNC Solutions
34 Front St.
Thomas A. LeMay

Targeted Biostrategies
106 Bellevue Ave.
Merribeth J. Morin

The Detail Shop
36 Amity Court
Jeremiah Nolan

The Last Detail Complete
23 Morgan St.
Angel L. Torres

Tom Tom Painting
151 Forest Park Ave.
Thomas E. Sattal

Tyler John Inc.
28 Verge St.
Samuel J. Wilson

Universal Real Estate Services
115 State St.
Daniel D. Kelly

Visionary Investments
49 Daviston St.
Jonathan Thurrott

Visual Memories
102 Elm St.
Shannon Cigal

Western MA Marketing
903 St. James Ave.
Mary K. Garvey

Whip City Pool & Spa Service
31 Valley View Dr.
Jeffrey P. Roberts

Writeturn
161 Newhouse St.
Valentino Larese Jr.

WESTFIELD

551 Salon
551 North Road
Gay K. Smith

Comfort Air
21 Barbara St.
Vladimir F. Lesnik

D & D Cleaning Services
322 Papermill Road
Deborah A. Gaudette

Dynamic Fitness
77 Mill St.
Daniel Oleksak

Frugal Fashionista Consignment
1029 North Road
Jean-Marie Aubin

Humacao Auto Detailing & Floors
507 Southampton Road
Angel Villanueva

L.C. Landscaping & Property Maintenance
291 Russellville Road
Leroy Clink

Letourneau & Sons Painting
30 Crown St.
William R. Letourneau

Squid Decals
30 Bush St.
Emily Anton

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Best Painters
19 Hill St.
Daniel Santiago

Caspian Transportation
34 Craig Dr.
Seymur Musayev

Fab 247
51 Van Deene Ave.
Vanessa M. Jackson

Glam Buttons
19 Wishing Well Way
Renee Reed

J & L Medical Services
201 Park Ave.
John Loyer

Max Enterprises
35 Prospect St.
Cuong Le

Natural Nails
244 Memorial Ave.
Cam Pham

Premier Coaching
946 Amostown Road
Meiron George

The A.P. Sabourin Studio
51 Ridgeview Road
Andrew P. Sabourin

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

State Approves Projects Aimed at Boosting Jobs

BOSTON — The state Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) recently approved nine projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP), which are expected to create 1,209 new jobs and retain 5,935 existing jobs, in addition to leveraging nearly $267 million in private investment and supporting construction projects across the Commonwealth. Among the eight approved projects are four manufacturing companies and five projects located in Gateway Cities. The EDIP program helps reduce the cost of business for these companies, which is one of the five main focuses of the Patrick-Murray administration’s long-term economic-development plan. These are the first projects approved in 2013 by the Coordinating Council, which meets on a quarterly basis to review applications. “Supporting companies that are choosing to grow in Massachusetts is an important part of our effort to create economic opportunity for everyone,” said Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki. “These investments will help these businesses expand here and fit with our overall economic-development strategy of making our businesses and communities stronger in the long term.” Two of the projects are based in Western Mass., at MassMutual in Springfield and Crane & Co. in Dalton. Last fall, MassMutual purchased the retirement plan portfolio of the Hartford Insurance Co., and will be moving back-office jobs from Connecticut to Springfield. The expansion at the Springfield facility will create 250 jobs while retaining 3,352 existing jobs. This project represents a private investment by the company of $59.4 million. The EACC has approved $3.75 million in EDIP investment tax credits (ITCs) to support MassMutual’s efforts and investments. Meanwhile, Crane & Co. is a seventh-generation, family-owned paper manufacturer that acquired a Kennebunk, Maine, company, William Arthur Inc., in late 2012. Crane & Co. will incorporate the Maine operations into its existing stationary operations located in North Adams. This project represents an investment of $5 million and will create 74 new jobs in Massachusetts while retaining 206. North Adams has awarded Crane a five-year special tax assessment valued at $291,030.

 

Sarno Argues Against Law That Limits Casino Tax Revenues

BOSTON — Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno recently asked state lawmakers to approve legislation that would exempt a proposed casino’s land from the state’s tax-limiting law, allowing Springfield to collect an additional $15 to $20 million in annual property taxes. Sarno and his aides met with the chief of staff for House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Sen. Stephen Brewer, chairman of the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Sarno also testified on the bill before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Revenue. Under Proposition 2 ½, Springfield cannot collect property taxes from ‘new growth,’ Sarno noted. “The Legislature has provided for a potentially huge economic driver in our city in the form of a casino,” he told members of the committee. “We all know that the benefits of a casino are still a few years away, but if we are lucky enough to have one, our benefits are even further away than you think due to the constraints of Proposition 2 ½ and its rules around how new growth is calculated.” Sarno is currently negotiating with two casino companies that are each proposing estimated $800 million casino resorts for Springfield. MGM Resorts International is planning a casino in the South End, and Penn National Gaming is planning a casino in the North End.

 

Springfield Wins $21.9M for Disaster Recovery

SPRINGFIELD — The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced that it is allocating $21.9 million to the Springfield to aid its recovery from weather disasters in 2011.
The funding is in response to the June 1 tornado that swept through Springfield and surrounding communities, as well as Hurricane Irene, which brought flooding to many communities two months later; both events were declared federal disasters.
The funds are part of $514 million allocated among nine states nationwide through HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program.
“In the last two years, many communities have had to deal with the reality of our changing climate and the increasing severity of natural disasters,” said Shaun Donovan, HUD secretary. “HUD is continuing to work closely with state and local partners to help them realize a locally driven vision for restoring and rebuilding housing, infrastructure, and businesses that have been affected.”

 

Springfield Unemployment Declines in February

SPRINGFIELD — The city’s unemployment rate fell in February to 10.6% from 11.7% in January. Springfield’s unemployment rate was 11.4% a year ago in February 2012, according to figures from the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. As a region, Greater Springfield’s unemployment rate was 8% in February, down from 8.8% the previous month and 8.5% a year ago in February 2012. At the same time, the number of employed Springfield residents rose from 57,039 in January to 57,566 in February. The numbers are not adjusted for seasonal changes in the economy, and unemployment rates typically spike in January as holiday-season jobs end before spring construction jobs begin. The statewide unadjusted unemployment rate was 6.8% in February. Adjusted for inflation, the unemployment rate was 6.5%. The national average, adjusted for seasonality, was 7.7% in February. Meanwhile, Massachusetts has surpassed pre-recession job levels statewide. Revised numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed 3,318,500 jobs in February, compared to 3,304,300 in April 2008.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

V-One Founder Wins Entrepreneurship Award

HADLEY — Valley Vodka Inc., a Western Mass.-based company, announced that Paul Kozub, owner and founder of V-One Vodka, was one of three winners of the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the 2013 Nightclub & Bar show in Las Vegas. Nightclub & Bar Media Group announced the winner of the first annual Nightclub & Bar show in late March. The national awards program celebrates emerging small businesses producing innovative products for the nightlife industry. Nightclub & Bar set out to find the next big company to take off in 2013. The Entrepreneurs Program is a unique opportunity for new companies to be recognized for their outstanding innovation and awarded with a complimentary booth at the 2013 Nightclub & Bar Convention and Trade Show, which took place in Las Vegas March 19-21. Companies that qualified submitted their brand, company, product, or new innovation to a panel of industry judges for review. “This is our first event outside of the New England market, so I was thrilled to be recognized on a national level,” said Kozub. “The Nightclub & Bar Show is the largest of its kind, with over 900 exhibitors. We are very humbled to be chosen out of this elite group of companies. The three winners are shining examples of originality and innovation in today’s tough marketplace.” The winners will be profiled on nightclub.com and highlighted in the BarIQ e-newsletter. V-One Vodka was started by Paul Kozub in 2005 as a way to honor his recently deceased Polish grandfather and his entrepreneurial father, who passed away a few months after Paul graduated from college. The V-One recipe was developed in the basement of his Hadley, home. V-One is now produced exclusively by Polmos Lublin in Poland. It is the only vodka made solely from 100% organic spelt wheat, the rarest and most expensive grain in the world. Today, a small amount of this wheat is grown in Hadley, while the majority is grown in Poland. BusinessWest named Kozub a 40 Under Forty honoree in 2007.

 

Greenough Packaging Certified as Minority and

Woman-owned Enterprise

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Greenough Packaging & Maintenance, a leading regional distributor of shipping, safety, break-room, janitorial, cleaning, and facility-maintenance supplies, was recently certified as a Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprise by the Mass. Supplier Diversity Office of the Commonwealth’s Operational Services Division. The OSD’s standard of certification is a rigorous process that includes an in-depth review of the business as well as a site inspection. The certification process is designed to confirm that the business is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled by a minority or woman. Greenough became a woman-owned business when controlling interest in the company was acquired by Sandy Cassanelli in 2003. As the majority shareholder and CEO of Greenough, Cassanelli provides strategic direction to the organization and oversees operations and accounting. “I am delighted that Greenough has been certified as a woman-owned business enterprise,” she said. “The certification will enable us to both expand our business and create new jobs as well as to better serve our customers by helping them meet their supplier-diversity initiatives.” By including woman-owned businesses among their vendors, corporations and government agencies demonstrate their commitment to fostering diversity and the continued development of their supplier/vendor diversity programs. The Mass. Operational Services Division (OSD) is the Commonwealth’s central procurement and contracting office. In 2010, Gov. Deval Patrick signed Executive Order 523, establishing a Small Business Purchasing Program (SBPP) in Massachusetts. The mission of the SBPP is to support the existence and growth of small businesses by directing state spending for non-construction goods and services to SBPP-participating vendors. The OSD is responsible for SBPP development and implementation, including policies, training, capacity building, and annual benchmarks. Greenough serves customers from a broad range of markets throughout the U.S., including manufacturing, education, property management, retail, medical, food processing, fulfillment, commercial cleaning, and distribution. In addition, it provides custom-packaging and food-packaging solutions.

 

People’s United Awards $5,000 to Gray House

SPRINGFIELD — The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced that it has awarded $5,000 to the Gray House in Springfield. The Gray House, a human-services agency, encourages neighbors in transition to achieve a more stable, safe, and productive life through education and community service. The grant from People’s United Community Foundation will support the Kids’ Club after-school and summer programs, which provide a safe, caring environment where children are served nutritious meals and participate in educational and creative activities. “The Gray House is honored to receive this grant from People’s United Community Foundation and continue our partnership,” said Dena Calvanese, executive director of the Gray House. “People’s United Community Foundation’s support helps us provide children opportunities to learn, engage in constructive activities, and have fun.” Timothy Crimmins Jr., officer of People’s United Community Foundation and president of the Massachusetts Division of People’s United Bank, said the Gray House is a valuable resource in the community. “We are proud to contribute to their success,” he continued. “By working together, we can truly build a better tomorrow for kids. The Gray House enhances the early-educational experience for many local children and supports the efforts of parents and caregivers in the community.” Established in 2007, People’s United Community Foundation was formed to help support programs and activities that enhance quality of life for citizens in the communities that People’s United Bank serves. It places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education, and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. The funding priorities of the foundation include community development, youth development, and affordable housing.

 

NAACP Backs Casino Plan

of MGM International

SPRINGFIELD — The general membership of the Greater Springfield NAACP voted recently to ratify the recommendation of its executive committee concerning a proposed casino in Western Mass. “Given the recent statements by city officials that they intend to only put one applicant on the ballot and intend to name that applicant in the coming weeks, this is the appropriate time to release our recommendation,” the organization stated in a release. While the branch did not vote to support gaming, it did take a position that the plan advanced by MGM International provides the best opportunities for African-Americans and other communities of color to be included in construction work, professional-services contracts, and employee hiring should it be selected to build a facility in the region.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• April 10: April After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. The event will feature the ERC5 Feast in the East. Join us for a culinary event sure to please your palate as dozens of local restaurants present their signature dishes. Proceeds benefit the ERC5 Scholarship Fund. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

• April 3: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Springfield Marriott, 2 Boland Way, Springfield. Guest Speakers will be Carol Leary, president of Bay Path College, and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College. They will speak on the subject “The Importance of Public and Private Higher Educational Institutions in Workforce Development.” Chief greeter: Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club Family Center. Salute: the Horace Smith Fund, for its 115th anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets for the breakfast event, contact [email protected].

 

AMHERST AREA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

 

• April 10: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Applewood at Amherst, 1 Spencer Dr., Amherst. Tickets: $17 for members, $20 for non-members. RSVP to [email protected] or register online at www.amherstarea.com.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• April 17: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Kittredge Center, Holyoke Community College. Tickets are $20 for members, $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• April 8: Meet Your Legislators, 5-8 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee. Meet the legislators who represent you and your business, and start a relationship and a partnership with the Commonwealth’s leadership. Your chamber membership affords you a valuable voice on issues that impact your bottom line. Sponsored by Mohegan Sun. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

 

• April 19: Chamber Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Program to be announced. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 773-5463.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• April 13: REACH Fest Day, starting at 10 a.m. REACH invites local and national artists to show in a multi-city exhibition of contemporary practitioners working in a variety of non-traditional formats. REACH promotes visibility, aims to bridge the arts and spaces in neighboring cities, encourages collaborative experimentation, and invites community members to participate in experiencing an array of contemporary art practices that are exhibited in a variety of traditional, non-traditional, and underutilized spaces throughout participating cities and towns. With more than 25 artist installations and exhibitions, a series of events are scheduled for REACH Fest Day. There will be performances in Easthampton and Holyoke by contemporary movement and sound artists and the One-Minute Vidfest, a film festival at Popcorn Noir in Easthampton featuring one-minute short films submitted by more than 80 artists from Easthampton to Serbia. All exhibitions will be open for visitation in Holyoke from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in Easthampton from 4 to 9 p.m., in conjunction with the monthly Art Walk Easthampton. For more information visit www.reachfest.com

 

GREATER HOLYOKE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• April 17: Chamber Business Connections, 5-7 p.m., Renaissance Manor on Cabot Street. members of nonprofit organizations may attend as our guest; limit two employees per organization. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information or to register, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or visit www.holycham.com.

 

• April 18: Accessing Workforce Training Funds, 8-10 a.m., in the PeoplesBank Conference Room in Kittredge Center on the campus of Holyoke Community College. Learn if your company qualifies and what you have to do to get a piece of the pie. Price includes a continental breakfast. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information or to register, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376 or visit www.holycham.com.

 

• April 25: Beacon Hill Summit. Buses depart at 7 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. Ticket cost of $180 includes transportation, breakfast, lunch with legislators, materials, and wrap-up reception. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for more details or to sign up.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• April 3: Arrive@5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St., Northampton. Sponsored by King And Cushman Inc. and ACME Auto Body & Collision Center. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can for a casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 584-1900 or visit www.explorenorthampton.com.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• April 10: WestNet Connection, 5-7 p.m., at Betts Piping Supply Co., 14 Coleman Ave., Westfield. Spend a couple of hours networking with local businesses. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 cash at the door for non-members. For more information or to register, contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected].

 

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

www.springfieldyps.com

 

• April 18: Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m., at Adolfo’s Restaurant, 254 Worthington St., Springfield. Join YPS at Adolfo’s, an Italian restaurant and bar situated across from historic Stearns Square in the heart of Springfield’s Entertainment District. The menu features a selection of traditional Italian dishes along with creative house specialties and a wide choice of wines to match.

Opinion

By
Opinion
Career Readiness Critical for Young People

School to Career Connecting Activities, a collaborative effort between public and private partnerships, is led by 16 local workforce-investment boards in Massachusetts, including the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County (REB).  The initiative provides high-school students with paid internship opportunities in a wide array of occupations and industries, from which students gain exposure to real-world work opportunities and learn professionalism, responsibility, and job-readiness skills that help them become attached to the workforce in the future.

Recent national surveys of employers and human-resource managers have found increasing concerns with the employability and skill deficiencies of young workers.

In 2007, connecting activities leveraged more than $45 million in employer wages, putting more than 17,500 students in internships at 6,500 employer sites. In 2012 alone, with funding at only $2.75 million, more than 9,800 students were placed in internships at 3,500 employer sites. With funding in the state budget for fiscal year 2013 at only $750,000, the program is facing extreme challenges.

In Hampden County, we were able to put 658 students into internships with 258 area employers in various industries, including WGBY, Big Y, Baystate Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Giggle Gardens, Holyoke Health Center, Polish National Credit Union, and many more.

The need for increased employment for the state’s teens is greater than in many years. According to a recent study by Northeastern University’s Center for Labor Market Studies, “in 2012, only 26% of the state’s teens found themselves able to obtain employment during an average month.” This was the lowest state teen-employment rate recorded over the past 50 years for which such data exists.  Fewer than one of seven low-income teens in high school in 2011 worked in Massachusetts.

The Center for Labor Market Studies has documented that those students who work during their senior year or in multiple summer jobs over their high-school years are more likely to transition into college or the labor market after graduation. The habits learned in the workplace, such as productivity, teamwork, collaboration, problem solving, management, and initiative, are paramount for the Commonwealth’s youth.

In Hampden County, the REB is working with 18 different schools through four lead school-to-career connecting-activities coordinators, who assist students and the school’s career facilitators to secure employment and optimize learning through internship opportunities. With the decreases in funding since 2007, we unfortunately cannot serve all the students who could benefit from an internship.

Student experiences speak for themselves. At Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, two youths who participated in the School to Career Connecting Activities Program had plenty to say about their experiences.

A senior named Hannah, who placed at the town’s Engineering Department, said, “I loved my experience. It was a great way to learn about your intended college major [Civil Engineering]. I learned what was like to work in an office and how to use office equipment. I gained a lot of skills working on the computers with different programs. I learned how to interact with customers and employees. I learned how to be more observant and make certain connections. I learned that it is OK to take risks and be wrong and how to voice my opinion and not hide my ideas.

Meanwhile, a senior named Matthew, who placed at FloDesign, an innovative business incubator that specializes in contract engineering and technology commercialization, noted that “my goal of learning about the field and solidifying my decision on becoming an engineer has been met. By working on various projects and doing things actual engineers do, I have learned more than enough to be sure that this is the type of career I am looking for. ”

School to Career Connecting Activities staff are dedicated to providing opportunities for youth to develop their career skills while in school. The investment by the state Legislature in expanding these career-building tools and experience for its youth will help strengthen future employment opportunities for the young people of Massachusetts. This is not only an investment in the students themselves, but also in the Commonwealth’s future workforce and its economic growth potential.

For more information, contact Bill Ward, REB president and CEO, at (413) 787-1547.

 

Joseph Peters is chair of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. Andrew Sum is director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

 

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

6 Woods Restoration Inc., d/b/a Rainbow International of Franklin County v. French King Realty Inc.

Allegation: Plaintiffs bring this action to establish and enforce a mechanics lien: $60,000

Filed: 1/7/13

 

Crop Produstion Services Inc. v. Scott and Wayne Hutkowski d/b/a Long Plain Farm

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $225,107.60

Filed: 1/15/13

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Agriconserve Rega v. D.F.S. International LTD

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $101,396.55

Filed: 2/22/13

 

Katie Graf v. Hospitality Mutual Insurance Co.

Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $117,300

Filed: 2/21/13

 

Stephanie Harris Redfield, as personal representative of the estate of Eurius Lamonte Redfield v. AMR Response of MA Inc., Richard A. Aldrich, Rebecca L. Jarvis, and Justin E. Quinlan

Allegation: Negative care and treatment and improper intubation causing wrongful death: $26,534

Filed: 2/22/13

 

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Angela C. Evans v. Government Employees Insurance Co. and Jennifer A. Beauregard

Allegation: Failure to effectuate a prompt, fair, and equitable settlement of claim: $3,830.05

Filed: 1/22/13

 

J.D. Contracting Inc. v. Premier Equipment Inc.

Allegation: Plaintiff rented equipment from the defendant that did not work as contracted: $12,640

Filed: 2/27/13

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Jamie Lynn Labier, PPA Vicky Melbourne v. Walgreen Eastern Co.

Inc.

Allegation: Overdose of phenobarbital causing hospitalization: $16,183.35

Filed: 2/13/13

 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Pinnick Construction and Associates

Allegation: Balance remaining on policy for workers’ compensation: $6,068.38

Filed: 2/14/13

 

Mark Schniers v. Ram Sai LLC, d/b/a/ Super 8 Motel

Allegation: Trip and fall at main entrance to motel causing injury: $7,792.40

Filed: 2/14/13

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Thomas Moran v. C.D.A. Roofing and Siding Contractors, LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract for work not completed properly: $2,125

Filed: 2/11/13

Editorial

By
Opinion
Some Bright Spots for the Region

EditorialBWlogoThere is quite a bit to like about the story surrounding the startup company SolaBlock, profiled on page 30 of this issue.

For starters, this is a venture involving renewable energy, one of the more potential-laden growth areas for this region,  and one where some of that potential is starting to be realized. Specifically, this initiative involves a new take on solar energy; instead of installing panels on rooftops, this company, founded by Patrick Quinlan, will build them right into cinderblocks, and then, hopefully, into walls of all kinds — for commercial and residential buildings, gardens, and even those built to block noise from highways. (There’s considerable potential there, because such walls are not usually obstructed by trees.)

The concept will be put to the test this summer — thanks to a $40,000 state grant — at a small building in the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College, just a stone’s throw (literally) from the Scibelli Enterprise Center, where SolaBlock is now a tenant.

And that’s the other aspect of this story that bodes well for this region.

Opened more than dozen years ago now, the Enterprise Center was launched by then-STCC President Andrew Scibelli with the hope that it would eventually become home to hundreds of startups that would generate commerce and, more importantly, create jobs across the region.

But while the center has played host to some success stories — in realms ranging from website design to a cross-border (Connecticut and Massachusetts) phone book that was eventually acquired by one of the larger players in that now-declining market — it has not lived up to its own vast potential.

However, it is enjoying what could be described as a renaissance under director Marla Michel, an executive STCC shares with UMass Amherst. Helped financially by another new tenant (Square One) that doesn’t exactly fit the startup description but needed accessible space after the June 2011 tornado leveled its headquarters building, the center is slowly building the tenant base in its business incubator.

Indeed, it now hosts ventures involved with everything from development of sporting goods to group sales for a wide range of shows and events.

But the center’s mission is obviously to offer much more than square footage to be leased. It also provides a wide range of support services and counseling designed to help fledging operations get off the ground and to that next level.

The center still has a ways to go to become the force within the local economy that its creators had in mind when the facility opened its doors in 2000. But it is certainly moving in the right direction after years of struggle following the Great Recession.

And this bodes well for Western Mass. because, as we’ve said many times, real growth and prosperity in this region is not going to come from a casino or through efforts to attract large employers. It will happen organically, through the development of new concepts and new companies that will create jobs and, hopefully, stay in this region and grow.

It’s too early to say how the SolaBlock concept will fare long-term — this summer’s testing of the product might yield some indication of its potential within the building industry. But at the moment, it’s an intriguing story in its own right, and part of another, more far-reaching story as well.

And they both involve building blocks that may yet change the landscape in Western Mass.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

James Kitchen Art Exhibit

April 8-25: Like the unusual and disparate metal objects from which they are forged, James Kitchen’s thought-provoking sculptures stand at the intersection of art, science, technology, business, literature, pharmacy, mathematics, physics, history, sustainability, and the human desire to create. His goal is to integrate art into public life with works that evoke emotion or inspire innovation. Kitchen’s sculpture “Einstein’s Onion” will be exhibited outdoors on the campus of Western New England University as the featured piece of his WNEU Art Gallery exhibit; it is the first large Kitchen sculpture to be displayed at a college or university in the region. The unveiling of “Einstein’s Onion” is slated for April 8 at 12 noon on the Campus Mall area, near the gazebo. The Art Gallery exhibit of Kitchen’s work will follow on April 14-18. A related Art Gallery talk is slated for April 25 at 7 p.m. at Sleith Hall, Room 100. For more information about Kitchen and his work, visit www.jameskitchen.com.

 

HRU Fund-raiser

April 11: Human Resources Unlimited (HRU) will stage its annual recognition and fund-raiser event at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This breakfast event is by invitation only and is limited to the first 200 registrants. HRU will recognize local employers that have distinguished themselves this past year through their commitment to hire individuals with a disability. In addition, the organization annually honors a special volunteer who has given of their time and talent to help advance HRU in achieving its mission. Two employers will be honored: the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Westfield is receiving the agency’s Employer of the Year Award, and the Sturbridge Host Hotel is being recognized with the Rookie Employer Award. Jeff Lander of Appilistic will receive the Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year Award for his efforts on behalf of HRU’s Westfield Service Forum House. Gold Sponsors for the event include FieldEddy Insurance and Meredith Management. The media sponsor is BusinessWest. Sponsorships for this event are still available and welcome. Annually, Human Resources Unlimited assists more than 1,200 individuals living with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or other disadvantages to increase their skills, return to work or school, and become productive, contributing members of the community. Sponsorships and donations assist the organization in advancing its mission. For further information or to make a reservation, contact Lynda at (413) 781-5359 or [email protected]. The suggested minimum donation is $100.

 

STCC Diversity Series

April 11: Steven Pemberton, business leader and child advocate, will speak at Springfield Technical Community College at 11 a.m. in Scibelli Hall (seventh floor). Pemberton is the chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens and was named one of Fortune’s top 20 chief diversity officers in corporate America, as well as one of Savoy’s top 100 influential African-Americans in corporate America. He is the author of a memoir, A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home, which chronicles his difficult path through foster care and determined search for his family. According to author and educator Stedman Graham, “Pemberton’s beautifully told story is a rags to riches journey — beginning in a place and with a jarring set of experiences that could have destroyed his life. But Steve’s refusal to give in to those forces, and his resolve to create a better life, shows a courage and resilience that is an example for many of us to follow.” The event is free and open to the public, and copies of Pemberton’s book will be on sale. For more information, contact Myra Smith at (413) 755-4414 or visit www.stcc.edu/diversity.

 

DevelopSpringfield Gala

April 12: DevelopSpringfield will be hosting its 2nd annual gala in celebration of Springfield, the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year, and the exciting new initiatives underway. The gala will take place at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Festivities will include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, dancing, and more. All proceeds will support DevelopSpringfield’s redevelopment initiatives, projects, and programs. An anticipated 400 attendees — including federal, state, and city officials; leaders from the business and nonprofit communities; and local residents — will come together in support of ongoing efforts to advance development and redevelopment projects, stimulate and support economic growth, and expedite the revitalization process in the city. Sponsorship packages as well as individual ticket opportunities are available. For more information, visit www.developspringfield.com, or contact Diane Swanson at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected].

 

Bankruptcy Seminar

April 16: As part of its series of free information sessions on business-law basics, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Western New England University will present a session on bankruptcy, featuring attorneys George Roumeliotis of Roumeliotis  Law Group, Justin Dion of Bacon Wilson, and Kara Rescia of Eaton & Rescia. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the WNEU School of Law, in the Blake Law Center. It is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. To learn more about upcoming events hosted by the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, visit www.wne.edu/cie.

 

STCC Open House

April 18: The public is invited to Springfield Technical Community College’s open house slated for 1-4 p.m. in the Scibelli Hall gymnasium.
The open house is the perfect opportunity to learn about the variety of career and transfer programs available at STCC. This event is free and open to the public, and registration is not required. Guests will have an opportunity to meet with representatives from academic programs, admissions, athletics, financial aid, and student-support services.
The open house will feature a variety of career-exploration demonstrations from programs including architecture, automotive technology, biotechnology, computer information technology, energy-systems technology, engineering, fine arts, law enforcement, massage therapy, nursing, occupational therapy, and many more.

“Our hope is to give prospective students an opportunity to not just see the campus but explore career pathways and options,” said Dean of Admissions Louisa Davis-Freeman.
Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is the only technical community college in Massachusetts, with an annual enrollment of more than 9,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students. For more information about open house, call (413) 755-3333 or visit www.stcc.edu.

 

Human Service Forum Breakfast

April 18: Michael Widmer, president of the Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation, will provide an overview of state finances in the wake of the global recession and efforts to close the federal deficit when he delivers the keynote address of the Human Service Forum Breakfast, from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. Widmer will comment specifically on Gov. Deval Patrick’s tax proposal and the House Ways and Means budget that will be released the week prior to the breakfast. The foundation’s analysis of Patrick’s tax proposal shows that the elimination of the personal income-tax exemptions and the additional corporate taxes account for most of the $1.9 billion in new revenues. The analysis also summarizes the 44 personal income-tax exemptions and deductions that he has proposed to eliminate. Widmer has been president of the foundation since 1992. The event cost is $25 for Human Service Forum members and $35 for non-members. Those interesting in attending may register online at www.humanserviceforum.org.

 

Creating Better Organizations

April 19: Disorganized, unproductive meetings … unclear roles and accountabilities … politics and poor decision-making. Does this describe your workplace? Is there an alternative? Experience and explore a real-world-tested social technology for agile and purposeful organizations at a ‘taster event’ sponsored by Leadership Pioneer Valley, UMass Family Business Center, and Bredenberg Associates, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the UMass Continuing and Professional Education classroom at 100 Venture Way, Hadley. This thorough and experiential introduction to ‘Holacracy,’ by the pioneer of the method, Brian Robertson, is a fast-paced, concise ‘taste’ in a single session. Holacracy is an organizational operating system that concretely embodies the new capabilities called for by many organizational thought leaders today. It radically changes how an organization is structured, how decisions are made, and how power is distributed. In this half-day training — designed for business leaders, consultants, boards of directors, and community organizers — participants will experience a transformative governance process that creates clear roles and accountabilities, even when dynamically evolving. Learn more by visiting holacracy.org.

 

EANE Management Conference

April 25: The Employers Association of the NorthEast will hold its ninth annual management conference, “Leadership and Mentorship in Action,” at the Holiday Inn in Enfield, Conn. The conference will address the direct impact of mentoring and leadership development on the growth and success of organizations. Keynote speaker Doug Dvorak, a contributing author to the bestselling book The Masters of Success, will present his popular program “The Magic of Mentoring.” Additional presenters include Ravi Kulkarni and Lynn Turner of ClearVision Alliance. A panel of representatives from area companies will discuss next-generation mentoring. Conference breakout sessions include “Leadership Behavior and Employee Engagement,” “Building Effective Teams,” and “DiSC Work of Leaders.” For more information about the conference, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444 or [email protected]. To register, call (877) 662-6444 or visit www.eane.org.

 

EASTEC 2013

May 14-16: EASTEC, the premier manufacturing exposition in the Northeast will be held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on May 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer a variety of exhibitors, educational offerings, tours of nearby facilities, and much more. For more information and to register to attend, visit www.easteconline.com.

 

40 Under Forty

June 20: BusinessWest will present its seventh class of regional rising stars at the annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The event will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Look for event details in upcoming issues of BusinessWest — including the must-read April 22 issue in which the class of 2013 will be profiled — or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100 for more information.

PictureThis

By
Departments Picture This

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

 

 

Bold Undertaking

0237_BayPath-0619_BayPath-0583_BayPath-0840_BayPath-More than 2,000 people crammed into the MassMutual Center on March 22 for the18th annual Bay Path Women’s Leadership Conference, which promotes skill building and personal growth. The theme for this year’s event was”Be Bold,” a tone reflected by the keynote speakers, including musician, author, actress, and entrepreneur Queen Latifah and those presenting educational breakout sessions. From top: morning keynote speaker Susan Cain, author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. Queen Latifah (fourth from left) with the Bay Path team that produces the event, from left, Stephanie Bradshaw, former assistant to the vice president for Planning & Student Development; Caron Hobin, vice president for Planning and Student Development; Briana Sitler, director of Special Programs; Stacey Perlmutter, assistant to Hobin; and Kendrah Bitgood, class of 2014, conference student assistant. Peggielene Bartels, known as ‘King Peggy’ — who in 2008 inherited the position of King of Otuam, Ghana, Africa, a position that for centuries had always been held by men — speaks to the packed house. Carol Leary, Bay Path College president, presents Queen Latifah with a school sweatshirt.

 

Table Top Talking

IMG_5308IMG_5323IMG_5322IMG_5317IMG_5316The 19th Annual Table Top Exposition & Business Networking Event took place at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House on March 20, hosted by the chambers of commerce of Greater Holyoke, Greater Chicopee, Greater Easthampton, and Greater Northampton.  Almost 200 vendors showcased their products and services to hundreds in attendance. From top: Susan Seaver, assistant vice president at People’s United Bank, left, and Grace Dias, broker/realtor and owner of Grace Group Realty. Patience Waah, right, owner, and Mashaa Westbrook, office support, represent Victory Home Healthcare in Holyoke. Sarah Etelman, left, development coordinator for Girls Inc. of Holyoke, speaks with Patty Delisle, a Bay Path College intern. Joel Morse, associate director of Corporate Support at WGBY, is flanked by Karina Schrengohst, left, and Melanie Skroski, associate attorneys at Royal LLP. Michelle St. Jacques, left, property manger of Open Square in Holyoke, and Peg Boxold, president of Elegant Affairs and the Electric Café at Open Square.

 

Business Basics

YPS-5289Eric Gouvin, attorney, professor of Law, and the founder of both Western New England University (WNEU) School of Law’s Small Business Clinic and the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, was the March speaker for the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield’s CEO Luncheon. The luncheon, a perk of YPS membership, allowed an intimate group of YPS members to learn about Gouvin’s experiences with WNEU’s Entrepreneurial Speaker Series, Extreme Business Makeover, and Basic Business Law for Small Businesses information sessions. Speaking with Gouvin after the presentation is Megan Brady, customer advocate at Farm Credit Financial Partners Inc. in Agawam.

 

 

Cutting the Ribbon

_NAN0142Accountable Care Associates (ACA) recently relocated its corporate headquarters in Springfield from Birnie Avenue to Monarch Place. Part of a growing trend in accountable-care organizations of doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, the company gives highly coordinated care to patients with the goal of avoiding unnecessary duplication of services and preventing medical errors to improve patient outcomes. ACA brings more than 100 employees to the downtown area and projects 30 more within the next year. Cutting the ribbon in the company’s 10th-floor headquarters are, from left, Paul Picknelly, president of Monarch Enterprises; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; and Dr. Philip Gaziano, chairman and CEO of ACA.

 

 

Day of Reading

mem-school-4mem-school-2Fourth-grade students at Memorial Elementary School in West Springfield joined Paul DiGrigoli, owner and CEO of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, on March 1 to celebrate Read Across America Day. The National Education Association’s Read Across America Day is celebrated annually on or around the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the beloved children’s author. In support of the nation’s largest reading celebration, DiGrigoli read Dr. Seuss’s Happy Birthday to You! to the students. At left, left to right, are Russell Johnston, West Springfield school superintendent; Donna Calabrese, Memorial Elementary School principal; Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries co-founder; DiGrigoli; and Susan Landry, Link to Libraries project director.

 

People on the Move

By
Departments People on the Move

Anthony Montemagni

Anthony Montemagni

UBS Wealth Management Americas (WMA) announced that Anthony Montemagni, CFP®, Vice President of Investments, has been named to its exclusive ‘Top 35 Under 35’ program. “The Financial Advisors recognized for this program have shown an outstanding level of dedication to their clients, our firm and the industry, “said Bob McCann, CEO, UBS Wealth Management Americas. “Their commitment to partnering with clients to provide the best advice and services sets us apart from our competitors.” Montemagni has more than 16 years of experience in the financial services industry, all with UBS. He has earned extensive professional recognition for his achievements over the years. He attributes much of his success by offering his clients a combination of trust, expertise and a comprehensive understanding of their needs. In addition to being one of a select group of UBS Wealth Advisors, he has completed intensive training and testing to be recognized as a certified financial planner™ professional. He is one of an exclusive group of approved advisors in the UBS Defined Contribution Plan Consulting Program, and he is a portfolio manager within the firm’s Portfolio Management Program. He is also a member of the UBS Director’s Council.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2013.

 

CHICOPEE

 

City of Chicopee

650 Front St.

$15,000 — Telecommunications maintenance

 

General Burring Inc.

480 Chicopee St.

$25,000 — Strip and re-roof

 

RLF Irrevocable Trust

1517 Memorial Dr.

$27,500 — New roof over Verizon office and beauty shop

 

Wrecker LLC

1660 Westover Road

$392,000 — Office addition and renovation of existing space

 

GREENFIELD

 

33 Riddell Street LLC

33 Riddell St.

$30,000 — Interior renovations

 

Baystate Franklin Medical Center

164 High St.

$3,000 — Miscellaneous safety improvements

 

Mark Zaccheo

30 Olive St.

$4,000 — Build cashiers counter and computer desk

 

YMCA

451 Main St.

$5,000 — Convert existing space to bathroom

 

HOLYOKE

 

Suffolk Realty Associates LLC

56-58 Suffolk St.

$40,000 — Install six wireless antennas

 

Wyckoff Associates LLC

233 Easthampton Road

$50,000 — Repair foundation and floor joists

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Co-Op Power

4 Ludlow Road

$3,000 — Insulation

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

City of Springfield

200 Trafton Road

$150,000 — New windows and doors

 

Cityview I, LLC

931 Worthington St.

$9,600 — Renovations for fire damage

 

Mass Development Finance Agency

1550 Main St.

$13,000 — Renovation to create office on first floor

 

Mercy Hospital

299 Carew St.

$140,000 — Reconfigure suite 301 to accommodate a new office layout

 

The MRI Center of New England

3640 Main St.

$48,000 — Interior remodel of suite 101

 

WESTFIELD

 

McDonald’s

299 East Main St.

$600,000 — Rebuilding existing restaurant

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

John Nekitopoulos

91 Union St.

$7,000 — Install handicap bathroom

 

Makol Realty

928 Riverdale St.

$75,000 — Partition off two exam rooms

 

Mercy Life Center

2112 Riverdale St.

$2,585,000 — Renovate 24,830 square feet of adult day care

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Baig, Izzat

Baig, Shehla

47 Broad St.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/05/13

 

Balland, Edward J.

Balland, Louise A.

80 Brushill Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/08/13

 

Barnes, Richard P.

65 Broadway, #3

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/05/13

 

Barr, Brian D.

Barr, Julie M.

253 Harkness Ave.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/13/13

 

Bilodeau, Joseph L.

15 Meadow St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/11/13

 

Bodley, Michael J.

Bodley, Sally A.

100 East Brimfield Holland

Brimfield, MA 01010

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/13/13

 

Bonavita, James Patrick

126 Royal St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/04/13

 

Brady, Christopher J.

Brady, Julie A.

PO Box 746

Sheffield, MA 01257

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Brady, Jody Marie

a/k/a Wright, Jody Marie

24 Harding St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/07/13

 

Bristol, Arnaldo

20 Gerard Way, Apt. H

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Cabral, Kevin T.

25 Lakeview Ave.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

Canizares, Julio E.

Ramos, Noelia

38 Seneca St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/01/13

 

Clark, Michael P.

133 Lake Shore Dr.

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/13/13

 

Cook, Kristine M.

30 Kane Brothers Circle

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/11/13

 

Cote, Elizabeth A.

42 Stephanie Circle

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/08/13

 

Crosby, John B.

Crosby, Kimberly E.

307 Pomeroy Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/11/13

 

Doppman, James P.

30 Middle St.

Florence, MA 01062

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

Fernandes, Roberto

21 Jackson St., Unit 2

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Fiddler-Stennett, Valerie J.

303 Morton St.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Friend, Carrie A.

8 Morris Ave

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Garcia, Nector

40 Silver St.

Springfield, MA 01107

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/05/13

 

Garrigan, Duane C.

Garrigan, Amy F.

a/k/a Noonan, Amy F.

10 Pleasant Green West

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Gifford, Craig Douglas

78 Brickyard Court

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 03/03/13

 

Graves, Judith

157 Old State Road, Apt. #3

Berkshire, MA 01224

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/08/13

 

Hall, Janis

174 Chapin Terrace

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Hartford, Shelley

15 Cranston St.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Holland, Cara Julia

a/k/a Grubert, Cara Julia

16 Lombard St.

Warren, MA 01083

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/13/13

 

Jerold, Donald J.

59 Gilmore St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Jerold, Jeanne M.

218 Robbins Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Jusino, Miguel A.

Jusino, Minerva

67 Falmouth Road

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Kaminski, Joseph A.

183 School St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/11/13

 

Keefner, Richard J.

138 Christian Hill Road

Great Barrington, MA 01230

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 03/13/13

 

Kiraly, Lois

8 Sampson Road

Huntington, MA 01050

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/01/13

 

Kiraly, Roger Michael

8 Sampson Road

Huntington, MA 01050

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/01/13

 

Lacroix, Christine

107B Brayton Hill Terrace

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Laughlin, Kenneth A.

769 Sandmill Road

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/07/13

 

Leger, Henri Armond

Leger, Sharon Ann

771 Conant Road

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Leone, Rebecca

28 Riverboat Village Road

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Lisak, Peter M.

PO Box 355

Three Rivers, MA 01080

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/04/13

 

Lopez, Arcadio

Lopez, Nancy M.

72 Barber St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

McMahon, Colleen T.

32 Tannery Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

MRK Landscaping & Stump Grinding

Karpeichick, Matthew R.

15 Narrow Lane

Phillipston, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Mylonakis, Mary Ann

34 Thayer Road

Monson, MA 01057

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/05/13

 

Noyes, Melissa M.

1129 North Main St.

Brockton, MA 02301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

O’Neil, Suzan F.

a/k/a O’Neil-Hogue, Suzane F.

a/k/a Dushanek, Suzane F.

32 Beaumont Dr.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/07/13

 

Palmer, Robert R.

Palmer, Dyanne E.

PO Box 213

Chesterfield, MA 01012

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

Petersen, Barbara A.

30 Mountain View Circle

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/05/13

 

Porcello, Diane K.

a/k/a Balderston, Diane K.

120 Colonial Circle, Unit C

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

Racine, Katherine Y.

156 Gresham St.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Rivera, Louis A.

209 Tyler St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Rodriguez, Maria Y.

a/k/a Rodriguez Jimenez, Maria Yolanda

596 Main St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Rumbolt, Robert J.

1 Stonehedge Road

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Scott, Dorothy Joan

P.O. Box 651

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/11/13

 

Sorge, Jana

22 Lessey St., Apt. 220

Amherst, MA 01002

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Stanbury, Doreen C.

72 Hilltop St.

Springfield, MA 01128

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Talmont, Joseph F.

Talmont, Rose M.

416 Goodwin St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/04/13

 

Teague, Debra L.

30 Summer St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/12/13

 

Tougas, Robert D.

21 Clinton Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Toulouse, Patricia Eileen

27 Lawler Dr.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/14/13

 

Tucker, Susan E

105 Laurel St., #12A

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

 

Vazquez, Ada

774 State St., #405

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/05/13

 

White, Ryan Charles

White, Christina Anne

a/k/a Mazzie, Christina Anne

194 Walnut St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/06/13

 

Windoloski, Frederick Julian

36 A Phins Hill Manor

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/01/13

 

Wyman, Gudrun I.

61 Bradford Dr.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 03/15/13

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of and March 2013.

 

AGAWAM

 

Alwayz Growing

1399 Suffield St.

Jezaida Lisella

 

 

Deb Hunter

339 Walnut St.

Deborah Hunter

 

EJW Associates

59 Reed St.

Edward Warzecka

 

Throttle Rocker Magazine

53 Fairview St.

Robert Alves

 

CHICOPEE

 

Beauty Rehab

559 East St.

Donna Bigos

 

IGM

30 Nye St.

Paul Poreda

 

Scentsational Marketing

59 Greenwood Terrace

David Girard

 

Somas Global Investment

221 Poplar St.

Amos Vmezuruike

 

GREENFIELD

 

Franklin Optical Shoppe

489 Bernardston Road

John P. Frangie

 

 

Lianna’s Pet Care Services

246 Wells St.

Joan James

 

Moose’s Gold, LLC

21 Mohawk Trail

Derrick Brooks

 

SS Floor Sanding

34 Franklin St.

Donald Schietroma

 

The Potter’s Touch

28 Chapman St.

Christine Hervieux

 

HOLYOKE

 

Fire Code & Education

540 County Road

Thomas G. Paquin

 

Pottery Barn

50 Holyoke St.

David R. King

 

Slainte Inc.

80 Jarvis Ave.

Debra Flynn

 

Swarovski

50 Holyoke St.

Emily Foster

 

LUDLOW

 

Hair On

733 Chapin St.

Maria Carvalho

 

Sosa Barber Shop

85 East St.

Antonio Sosa

 

 

T. Fiorentino Roofing

201 Cady St.

Thomas Fiorentino

 

PALMER

 

Rock Solid Landscape

128 River St.

Jacob Obrzut

 

S & S Food Mart

2019 Main St.

Syed Hashmi

 

Tebus at Crossroads

1701 Park St.

Paula Fitts

 

You Found Media

15 Cedar Hill St.

Paul Henry

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Latina & Co. Hair Designer

876 Sumner Ave.

Yanitza Nogue

 

Leary Consulting

84 Tulsa St.

Sharon Michelle

 

Lewis Brothers International

667 Dickinson St.

Lisa M. Lewis

 

M & R General Automotive

419 Taylor St.

Miguel Gonzalez

 

Mass Techies Group

269 Greenaway Dr.

Moses K. Moses

 

Men’s Wearhouse & Tux

1267 Boston Road

The Men’s Wearhouse

 

Neighborhood Foods

1500 Main St.

Peter S. Choi

 

Noel Cleaning Services

1655 Main St.

Shirma N. Ferguson

 

Northway Services

1601 Page Boulevard

Carl A. Jasmin

 

Picks Computer Consulting

35 Gresham St.

David J. Pickrell

 

Precision Contracting

117 Shady Brook Lane

Mark Patterson

 

Proud 2 Persevere

75 Albemarle St.

Andre Yarns Jr.

 

Quality Home Care

123 Fort Pleasant Ave.

Christine Whyte

 

Quang’s Forest Park Barber

529 Belmont Ave.

Tuyen Q. Nguyen

 

Santos Home Improvement

70 Mattoon St.

Juan C. Santos

 

Springfield United Sports

19 Wentworth St.

Richard T. Moultrie

 

Superior Fashion

301 Belmont Ave.

Jerry L. Mattey Jr.

 

T.U.C.

261 Jasper St.

Juan Santiago

 

Tru By Mi

324 Arcadia Blvd.

Migyon Forbes

 

V II Cleaning Industries

164 Belmont Ave.

Aida J. Santiago

 

Vietnam Travel

465 Belmont Ave.

Benjamin Nguyen

 

WESTFIELD

 

Chintos 2 Go

78 Franklin St.

Jacinto Blanco-Munoz

 

Hobgoblin Entertainment

16 Princeton St.

David Kennedy

 

Father & Sons Hardscaping & Landscaping

32 Rosedell Dr.

Taras Mikhalinchik

 

Mike Barna Building and Carpentry

360 Prospect St.

Michael Barna

 

Roman Empire Truck Detailing & Services

140 Union St.

Orlando J. Roman-Rodriguez

 

Stay & Play Deluxe Laundromat Inc.

65 Franklin St.

Eric Meyers

 

TC Enterprizes

32 Woodcliff Dr.

Danielle M. Todt

 

The Begoodkids

12 Fowler St.

Joseph Bushior

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Kitchen Resources

64 Sean Louis Circle

Susan Hoey

 

L.T.D. Investigating

181 Park Ave.

Luke Gelinas

 

Lawn Pro

161 Great Plains Road

William J. Paquette

 

Mark Pagios Construction

302 Rogers Ave.

Mark S. Pagios

 

Massage Envy Spa

935 Riverdale St.

Mark S. Sarrazin

 

Maxim Seamless Gutters

920 Memorial Ave.

Maksim Barabolkin

 

Men’s Wearhouse & Tux

1321 Riverdale St.

Claudia Pruitt

 

Mike’s Welding

55 Church St.

Miguel A. Cordero

 

Mind, Body, Skin

117 River St.

Kristen S. Strojvus

 

Mr. Rooter Plumbing

309 Woodmont St.

David Tourville

 

On the Border

33 Border Way

OTB Acquisition, LLC

 

Pension & Benefits Association

131 Wayside Ave.

Mark F. Shea

 

Quick Stop

20 River St.

Earlene Oberlander

 

Re-Energize Massage

36 Therese Marie Lane

Regina M. Amato

 

Red Carpet Inn

560 Riverdale St.

Rajendra Patel

 

Rental Remarketing Inc.

74 Baldwin St.

Michael M. Gentile

 

Sanditz Travel

1053 Riverdale St.

Henry Richard

 

Sorcinelli Real Estate

29 Sikes Ave.

Antonio Sorcinelli

 

Soulful Kreations Designs

20 Hummingbird Lane

Karen M. Palanjian

 

Spartak Home Remodeling

1153 Elm St.

Serghei Chitu

 

Spherion Staffing

68 Westfield St.

Corp. Stix Inc.

 

Suburban Janitorial

1900 Westfield St.

Ralph E. Figueroa

 

Sunny’s Convenience

2260 Westfield St.

Sunil R. Patel

 

Team Rehab & Wellness

753 Union St.

Adnan Dhadul

 

The Guardians

104 Kings Highway

George Colon

 

The Kid’s Place Inc.

915 Memorial Ave.

Scott L. Petersen

 

The Q Bar & Grill

885 Riverdale St.

Hannahneena Inc.

 

Tip Top Nails

239 Memorial Ave.

Hoa C. Thach

 

Twins II Hairstyling Salon

1421 Westfield St.

Elaine Stanek

 

Usi Insurance Solutions

123 Interstate Dr.

Dana Scribner

 

Westfield Bank

206 Park St.

Gerald P. Ciejka

 

Westside Auto Sales

194 Baldwin St.

Anthony Lafromboise

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

 

AGAWAM

 

Environmental Liquidity Fund Inc., 588 Silver St., Agawam, MA 01001. Douglas McVey, same. Provide liquidity for responsible parties for remediation of underground storage tank releases.

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Franklin Street Assisted Living Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 204, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Ernest Gralia. Management services.

 

GF Assisted Living Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 204, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Ernest Gralia, same. Management services.

 

Gianna & Gabby Inc., 37 Fenway Lane, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Christopher Arillotta, same. Pub and restaurant selling food and liquor.

 

Industrial Drive Management Co. Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 204, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Ernest Gralia, same. Management services.

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

Carrier Plumbing & Heating Inc., 15C Industrial Parkway P.O. Box 365, Easthampton, MA 01027. Scott Carrier, same. Plumbing and heating system installation and repairs.

 

Dependable Drywall Inc., 13 Northampton St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Lukas Rosov, same. Construction.

 

Full Tilt Auto Body Inc., 69 Ferry St., Unit 5, Easthampton, MA 01027. Zachary Ciaschini, 17 Sandra Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Auto body repair and refinishing.

 

FEEDING HILLS

 

Country Flowers and Gifts, 501 Springfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Barbara Viens, same. Flower and gift store.

 

 

 

GREENFIELD

 

Cole Ecological Inc., 15 Bank Row, Suite B, Greenfield, MA 01301. Michael Cole, 94B Laurel St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Aquatic ecological services.

 

Facey Plumbing and Heating Inc., 305 Wells St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Plumbing and heating.

 

HOLYOKE

 

Good Day Dining Inc., 930 Hampden St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Kimberly Foster, 54 Claremont Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Full-service restaurant.

 

MONSON

 

Cedar Mountain Contracting Inc., 332 Cedar Swamp Road, Monson, MA 01057. Any and all services related to an environmental remediation, mechanical installation, construction, demolition and general construction.

 

PITTSFIELD

 

Dewolf Electric Inc., 73 Emerson Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Mark Dewolf, same. Electrical contracting.

 

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Chicken Outlet Inc., 1208 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Zia Asharf View Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. To operate a restaurant.

 

Health New England Inc., One Monarch Place, Suite 1500, Springfield, MA 01144. Peter Straley, 66 Country Corners, Amherst, MA 01102.

 

Help Kahemba Inc., 4 Cypress Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Albertine Kampew, same. Provide financial aidfor services and support to the needy individuals of Kahemba, Africa.

 

Opinion

By
Opinion
Another Tax Hike Is the Wrong Course

T here they go again, the hordes of tax-hike advocates, spreading out across the Commonwealth to urge support for Gov. Deval Patrick’s $1.9 billion tax package.

I’ve met these kinds of advocates on the tax trail before, beginning in 1980 with their opposition to property tax limits in Proposition 2½. Now, though, I offer institutional memory on just the income tax.

In 1989, Gov. Michael Dukakis returned from the presidential campaign trail and demanded tax hikes to fund a billion-dollar budget increase; supporters rallied at the State House, some of them dressed as giant crayons, to protest potential cuts to the arts. The legislative leadership was able to get the votes for the tax package only after promising that the new income tax rate, increased from 5% to 5.75%, would be temporary. The Legislature raised the rate again the next year, ‘temporarily,’ to 6.25%.

In 1990, a coalition calling itself the Tax Equity Alliance for Massachusetts defeated a ballot question to repeal the Dukakis tax hikes. However, Bill Weld, who supported it, was elected governor and oversaw a reduction in the rate to 5.95% in 1992.

In 1998, despite opposition from a group now called the Campaign for Massachusetts’ Future, voters approved a reduction of the investment-income rate to the same rate as wage income, and in 2000 they approved a rollback of the income tax rate to 5% over three years. Two years later, the Legislature ‘temporarily’ froze rollback and investment rates at 5.3% after heavy lobbying by pro-tax groups. Then the Campaign for Our Communities was formed, calling for a return to the 5.95% income-tax rate.

Instead, in 2011 a formula created in 2002 dropped the rate to 5.25%, where it remains — 24 years after the first ‘temporary’ increase, and 12 years after the voters demanded a rollback to 5%.

Now Gov. Patrick is proposing to increase the income tax rate to 6.25% again, as part of a $1.9 billion tax package. The Campaign for Our Communities has been fanning out across the state in support, and held a huge rally this week at the State House.

Who are these teams and campaigns for equity, our future, and communities? The list is long, made up of the many public-employee unions, both national and statewide with their local affiliates; various human service providers; individual Democratic town committees; and city councils. For them, it seems, taxes will never be high enough.

Patrick’s offset offer of a reduction in the sales-tax rate is hard to credit from the governor who raised that rate from 5% to 6.25% just two years ago. Come the next fiscal crisis, the sales tax will likely be hiked again.

Personal exemptions have been increased in the past to sell a rate increase, only to disappear at the next fiscal crisis. Deductions come and go, depending on what special-interest lobbyists are doing on Beacon Hill.

The Massachusetts tax burden is the fourth-highest in the nation per capita, and the eighth-highest relative to personal income. The state is not suffering from a lack of taxes; it is suffering from a lack of accountability for the taxes already paid. The ongoing scandal over electronic-benefits cards is a maddening example of this.

With cuts coming from our dysfunctional federal government, there will be many pleas for revenue increases to address not only transportation but the operating budget and local aid. Eventually the easy ‘new revenue solution’ will be exhausted, and a better-managed state will be essential. Why not do the better management now?

Tax advocates carry signs saying ‘invest’ to hearings on new taxes. First we need to invest in respect for voters and taxpayers, who have been awaiting the return of the 5% income tax rate they were promised in 1989 and voted for in 2000. If they ever find reason to respect their government again, we as a Commonwealth will benefit.

 

Barbara Anderson is executive director of Citizens for Limited Taxation.

Editorial

By
Opinion
UMass Is Merely One Part of the Answer

EditorialBWlogoYou don’t have to read between the lines to get the gist of the message that UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy left during a lengthy interview with BusinessWest (see story, page 6).

What’s on those lines makes his sentiments clear enough.

Indeed, when you slice through his comments on everything from the university’s involvement in economic-development efforts to the ongoing project that has become known as the ‘Springfield Initiative,’ it’s clear that he believes people in this region have to manage their expectations when it comes to what the flagship campus can accomplish — especially given the current fiscal challenges the school is facing.

“We’re only one element in bringing about systemic change,” the chancellor told this magazine. “The local government, local business, the state government, and the private sector — they all have a role to play in this. We’re ready, and we have a track record of getting involved with social change and economic development, but we can’t do it without resources.”

There are two messages there, obviously. The first is that UMass can’t be expected to be the solution to this region’s still-sluggish economy, one that continually lags behind the rest of the Commonwealth when it comes to jobs and overall vibrancy. And the second is … well, give the university more resources.

And the chancellor is right in both respects.

First, the funding part. Public higher education in this state, and that includes the many campuses of the state university, have been woefully underfunded throughout most of their history. Maybe it’s the bevy of elite private institutions that we have in the Commonwealth that has created this attitude, and maybe there are other factors, but public colleges and universities have simply not been a priority in this state. But they must become one, because, while those private schools cater to students from around the globe, the community colleges, state colleges (they now like to be called universities), and UMass focus on people from around the corner, and these are individuals who will ultimately turn our economy around.

As for UMass Amherst and the matter of expectations, the chancellor is correct. In many ways, expectations for what the university can do and should do are not realistic, or in keeping with the current fiscal realities. There is a tendency in this region — and this magazine has been as guilty as anyone — to look at the Amherst campus not as a partner, but more as a cure-all when it comes to what’s ailing Western Mass. and its economy.

Nowhere is this more true than in Springfield, where talk of a UMass campus in the central business district has been described a potential catalyst for a revitalization in that area. This talk comes without any real verification of need — although it likely exists — and no real thought about the competitive balance in higher education in the city; there are already seven colleges within 10 miles of downtown Springfield (some only a mile or two away) that offer many of the same programs as UMass. And there is little thought about the school’s ability to fund something like this when it can’t even properly maintain the aging buildings on the Amherst campus.

But the thinking is typical of what we see in this region: ‘downtown Springfield needs a spark? Have UMass put a satellite campus there.’

Moving forward, it would seem that the region doesn’t need a huge attitude adjustment when it comes to the state university. Just a small one. The school has been and always will be a tremendous resource, an educational pillar for the entire state, and an economic engine that is not only one of the region’s largest employers, but a force in many areas of economic development, from research that can translate into jobs to assistance provided to area manufacturers that will help them be more competitive globally.

But it is not the answer. It is simply a big part of the answer.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of March 2013.

 

AGAWAM

 

Tom Jendrysik

367 North Westfield St.

$58,500 — Build partition walls on first floor

 

CHICOPEE

 

Chicopee Housing Authority

100 Debra Dr.

$630,000 — Replace section of roof and gutters

 

G&D Property Management

518 Chicopee St.

$75,000 — Renovations

 

Roman Catholic Bishop

566 Front St.

$29,000 – 4,400-square-foot roof replacement

 

Shawinigan Drive LLC

645 Shawinigan Dr.

$15,000 — Replace antennas

 

GREENFIELD

 

Country Club of Greenfield

244 Country Club Road

$20,000 — Install windows and doors

 

Franklin Medical Center

48 Sanderson St.

$383,000 — Renovate existing building, converting storage spaces to new would care center

 

Town of Greenfield

Glenbrook Dr.

$10,000 — Exterior renovations

 

Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield

133 Main St.

$190,000 — Basement renovations

 

HOLYOKE

 

Holyoke Hospital Inc.

6 Isabella St.

$9,000 — Interior renovations

 

Mass Housing Finance

346-350 Maple St.

$9,500 — Replace 15 windows

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Jan Woodworks

92 Alvord St.

$6,600 — Renovation

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

3640 Main Street, LLP

3640 Main St.

$189,000 — 1600-square-foot medical office build-out

 

DCR Properties LLC

545 St. James Ave.

$84,000 — New roof system

 

JB Auto Sales

48 Winter St.

$43,000 — Repairs due to gas explosion

 

Reeds Landing

807 Wilbraham Road

$357,500 — New dining food service area

 

The Republican

1860 Main St.

$130,000 — Install press-pad footing

 

WESTFIELD

 

Baystate Dental

29 Broad St.

$180,000 — Interior renovation for dental office

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Ashok Patel

55 Main St.

$20,000 — Exterior renovations

 

Costco Wholesale

119 Daggett Dr.

$35,000 — Renovate optical department

 

Willie J. Thomas

37 Oxford Place

$200,000 — Window replacement in buildings 1 and 4

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Allen, Scott P.

10 Cheney St.

Three Rivers, MA 01080

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/25/13

 

Allen-LaRhette, Michael D.

Allen-LaRhette, LeahJean

42 Cottage St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Arroyo, Braulio P.

Fernandez, Candida R.

57 Bevier St.

Springfield, MA 01107

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/22/13

 

Avant, Marise G.

161 South St., # 3

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Ayala, Denise

199 El Paso St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/21/13

 

Bell, Deborah A.

137 Mill Valley Road

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Blair-Kinnas, Charlene N.

39 Stratford Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/25/13

 

Boucher, Michael R.

Boucher, Leni-Sarah

794 Homestead Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Boucher, Terrance

20 Kateley Lane

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/22/13

 

Brantley, Catherine Y.

119 Groton St.

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/21/13

 

Burris, Beryl M.

107 Valier Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Burt, Margo M.

177 Flint St.

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Byrd, Judson

Byrd, Lisa

991 Granville Road

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Byrne, Joanne Patricia

a/k/a Flannery, Joanne P.

P.O. Box 150

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Clark, Douglas K.

Clark, Linda J.

519 East River St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Cook, Tammy J.

a/k/a Lyles, Tammy J.

a/k/a Dean, Tammy J.

1067 Worcester St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Corigliano, Sarah M.

103 Clough St.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/20/13

 

De La Cruz, Walter

91 Crossbrook Road

Amherst, MA 01002

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Diaz, Elizabeth

199 El Paso St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Faulha, Maria G.

280 Munsing St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Fisher, Touraine L.

106 Lionel Benoit Road

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Forfa, Brian K.

76 Bay State Road

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/25/13

 

Fryer, Matthew A.

Davidson-Fryer, Treasure R.

627 North Westfield St.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/20/13

 

Gaouette, Diana F.

27 Saybrook Circle

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Goodreau, Tricia J.

5 Lozier Ave.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Goodrich, Quentin T.

51 Monson Turnpike Road

Lot 1010

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Hardy, Michael D.

Hardy, Maria A.

20 Brien St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Hernandez, Sylvia C.

847 Main Road

Granville, MA 01034

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/25/13

 

Jamros, Katrina R.

65 Highview Dr., Apt. A

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Kennedy, Michael P.

Rooney-Kennedy, Roxanne G.

13 Adams St., 1st Fl.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Kenney, Richard F.

Kenney, Julie A.

65 Strong St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/16/13

 

Macey, Joseph

131 Podunk Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/24/13

 

Mackinnon, Jennifer M.

174 Birnie Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/25/13

 

Marr, Matthew J.

Marr, Alicia A.

a/k/a Laterreur, Alicia A.

100 Valier Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Monczka, Robert W.

Monczka, Faye L.

1545 East Mountain Road

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/20/13

 

North Hadley Motor Garage

Lesko, John Leon

24 Golden Court

Hadley, MA 01035

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Pelletier, Karen R.

93 Grochmal Ave., Lot 7

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Pollack, Jay

10 Greenfield Road

Turners Falls, MA 01376

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Raffa, Lorenzo R.

Raffa, Eyross J.

10 Miller St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/21/13

 

Rafferty, David B.

139 New Ludlow Road

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Rivera, Jose A.

29 Wentworth St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Robertson, Andrew K.

Robertson, Lauren N.

a/k/a Dodge, Lauren N.

4 North Plain Road

Sunderland, MA 01375

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/20/13

 

Rodick, Carol A.

75 Commercial St.

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/22/13

 

Rodriguez, Briseida

397 Page Blvd., 2nd Fl.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Salamon, Michael Gerard

Salamon, Christine Marie

112 Clairmont Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Santa, Maria

428 Berkshire Ave.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Schmidt, Carl R.

365 Main St., Unit 12

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Scully, Sean

Scully, Cynthia

55 Pleasant St.

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Severns, Angie P.

160 Dennison Lane

Southbridge, MA 01550

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Sfakios, Amy V.

a/k/a Leventry-Sfakios, Amy V.

236 Vininghill Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/28/13

 

Starcun, Jeffrey

242 College Highway

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Sumner, Rodney

60 Riverview Homes, Apt. 12

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/21/13

 

Taylor, Gayle L.

a/k/a Crochiere, Gayle L.

20 Lamb St., 2nd Floor

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/27/13

 

Thomas, Tarnesha L.

26 Hamburg St.

Springfield, MA 01107

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/26/13

 

Ware-Charles, Angelica B.

31 Bonnyview St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Whitman, Derek L.

80 Damon Road, #6102

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/20/13

 

Ziemba, David L.

16 Hartford St.

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/26/13

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

UMass Innovation Institute Forges Links Between Research, Industry

AMHERST — The UMass Innovation Institute (UMII) is accelerating connections between private business and advanced science and technology available in campus laboratories at UMass Amherst. Its most recent initiative is a five-year strategic partnership with BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, to develop new advanced materials for the automotive, building, construction, and energy industries. The new agreement was announced this week in Cambridge. The agreement between BASF and the UMII, along with Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, is called the North American Center for Research on Advanced Materials, and is expected to create 20 new postdoctoral positions at the three universities. In addition to the new agreement with BASF, the Innovation Institute, in its first year, hit an all-time high in generating $14.3 million in industry-research awards. The UMII, established in June 2011, expects to grow industrial supported research to about $30 million annually in five years and to become financially self-sustaining during this period. Additional income is anticipated from licensing and startups through the Office of Commercial Ventures and Intellectual Property. James Capistran, executive director at UMII, says his organization is well on its way to meeting the initial goals. “Our key task is to quickly and efficiently move the new technologies and scientific capabilities developed in our laboratories at UMass Amherst into the real-world economy,” he said. “We have streamlined the process so that all parties to our agreements can realize the maximum benefit in a time frame that is responsive to the markets and business cycles.” Capistran also noted that, in addition to linking the top-notch researchers and scientists at UMass Amherst to the many high-technology businesses in Massachusetts and the New England region, UMII also plays a key role in boosting the overall reputation of UMass Amherst. “A lot of people in business know we do good work, but now they know we can move rapidly when developing new ideas and products.”

 

Arbors Kids to Open

New Childcare Center

EAST LONGMEADOW — The Arbors Kids will open an additional location at 126 Industrial Dr. in East Longmeadow, across from the Post Office. This will be the company’s largest childcare center, with a host of indoor and outdoor facilities. The new complex provides a full range of programs and activities, all under one roof. The center will house classrooms with interactive smart boards, indoor basketball courts, a turf field, an arcade, a music room, a dance studio, a cafeteria, a lounge, and more. The expansive space outdoors includes an inground pool and waterslides, a basketball court, soccer fields, a baseball field, and play areas. The new childcare center and summer camp will be opening this fall, and enrollment dates will be announced soon. The Arbors Kids provides childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a safe and nurturing environment, with a caring and professional staff. In addition, it offers summer camps and before- and after-school programs at locations throughout Greater Springfield. For more information, visit www.arborskids.com.

 

Asnuntuck, Bay Path Sign

Joint-admissions Pact

Asnuntuck Community College and Bay Path College announced that a joint-admissions agreement has been approved by the two institutions. The agreement is designed to provide barrier-free movement from the associate’s degree to the baccalaureate and graduate degrees for students enrolled at ACC. The presidents of the two schools signed the agreement at the Asnuntuck campus on March 5. Multiple opportunities will be afforded to ACC students choosing to take advantage of the agreement. Students participating in the process will receive consideration for various merit-based scholarships, they will be able to obtain jointly supported advisement, and students will be afforded early and conditional acceptance into graduate-school programs.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• March 28: Lunch ‘n’ Learn, 11:45 a.m to 1 p.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. The topic will be “Implementation of the Healthcare Cost Containment Law: What Does It All Mean?” The guest speaker will be David Seltz, executive director of the Health Policy Commission. He will discuss the role of the Health Policy Commission and how the commission will develop policies to reduce overall cost growth while improving access to quality, ensuring accountable healthcare, and reforming the way healthcare is delivered and paid for in the Commonwealth. Tickets are $20, which includes a boxed lunch. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

• April 10: April After 5, 5-7 p.m., at Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow. The event will feature the ERC5 Feast in the East. Join us for a culinary event sure to please your palate as dozens of local restaurants present their signature dishes. Proceeds benefit the ERC5 Scholarship Fund. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

• April 3: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Springfield Marriott, 2 Boland Way, Springfield. Guest Speakers will be Carol Leary, president of Bay Path College, and Ira Rubenzahl, president of Springfield Technical Community College. They will speak on the subject “The Importance of Public and Private Higher Educational Institutions in Workforce Development.” Chief greeter: Sarah Tsitso, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club Family Center. Salute: the Horace Smith Fund, for its 115th anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

AMHERST AREA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

 

• April 10: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Applewood at Amherst, 1 Spencer Dr., Amherst. Tickets: $17 for members, $20 for non-members. RSVP to [email protected] or register online at www.amherstarea.com.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• April 17: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Kittredge Center, Holyoke Community College. Tickets are $20 for members, $26 for non-members. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

• April 8: Meet Your Legislators, 5-8 p.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr. in Chicopee. Meet the legislators who represent you and your business, and start a relationship and a partnership with the Commonwealth’s leadership. Your chamber membership affords you a valuable voice on issues that impact your bottom line. Sponsored by Mohegan Sun. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

 

• April 1: Medicare & Social Security Workshop, 4:30-6 p.m., at the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Learn how to prepare for healthcare expenses. If you are concerned about healthcare expenses in retirement, now is the time to start planning. This begins with an overview of Medicare to help you understand the way healthcare works in retirement and what decisions you need to make now. Next, learn how to maximize your Social Security retirement income. Find out what you need to make the most of your benefits. You will learn important rules and strategies for collecting your retirement benefits, maximizing your spousal benefits, and coordinating Social Security with other sources of retirement income. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 773-5463 or e-mail [email protected].

 

• April 19: Chamber Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Program to be announced. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 773-5463.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• April 13: REACH Fest Day, starting at 10 a.m. REACH invites local and national artists to show in a multi-city exhibition of contemporary practitioners working in a variety of non-traditional formats. REACH promotes visibility, aims to bridge the arts and spaces in neighboring cities, encourages collaborative experimentation, and invites community members to participate in experiencing an array of contemporary art practices that are exhibited in a variety of traditional, non-traditional, and underutilized spaces throughout participating cities and towns. With more than 25 artist installations and exhibitions, a series of events are scheduled for REACH Fest Day. There will be performances in Easthampton and Holyoke by contemporary movement and sound artists and the One-Minute Vidfest, a film festival at Popcorn Noir in Easthampton featuring one-minute short films submitted by more than 80 artists from Easthampton to Serbia. All exhibitions will be open for visitation in Holyoke from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and in Easthampton from 4 to 9 p.m., in conjunction with the monthly Art Walk Easthampton. For more information visit www.reachfest.com

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• April 3: Arrive@5, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, 80 Locust St., Northampton. Sponsored by King And Cushman Inc. and ACME Auto Body & Collision Center. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can for a casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. To register, call the chamber office at (413) 584-1900 or visit www.explorenorthampton.com.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• April 10: WestNet, 5-7 p.m., at Betts Plumbing, 14 Coleman St., Westfield. Come an enjoy a night of networking. Meet chamber members and bring your business cards for a great networking opportunity. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 non-members. Payment can be made in advance or at the door with cash or check. Walk-ins are welcomed. Call the chamber at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail Pam Bussell at [email protected]. Your first WestNet is always free.

 

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

www.springfieldyps.com

 

• April 18: Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m., at Adolfo’s Restaurant, 254 Worthington St., Springfield. Join YPS at Adolfo’s, an Italian restaurant and bar situated across from historic Stearns Square in the heart of Springfield’s Entertainment District. The menu features a selection of traditional Italian dishes along with creative house specialties and a wide choice of wines to match.

People On the Move

By
Departments People on the Move

American International College announced the following:

Heather Cahill

Heather Cahill

• Heather Cahill has been promoted to Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Serving as the Executive Director for Institutional Advancement for the past three years, Cahill brought much-needed organization to the fund-raising and alumni operations of the department. Cahill’s accomplishments during her tenure with AIC include the Inaugural AIC Run for Education; a $2.38 million HRSA grant, the largest grant in the college’s history; a grant from the Alden Foundation in support of a trading-room-style classroom; multiple federal grants in support of scholarships and equipment; an increase in professional training for current staff and phone-a-thon student employees, resulting in a strengthened commitment to the professional development of the staff; and the inaugural Cornerstone Society Brunch. Cahill also expanded the college’s communication to alumni through larger social-media presence and an increase in both circulation and production of Lucent magazine. Cahill received her BA and MBA from Boston University; and

Ellen Noonan

Ellen Noonan

• Ellen Noonan has been named Vice President for Graduate and Adult Education at American International College. Noonan had been serving as Associate Vice President for Educational Enterprise for Extended Campus Programs at AIC. In addition to her current supervision of Extended Campus Programs and Continuing Education, Noonan will oversee all master’s-degree programs in Education, Psychology, and Business. She will also be responsible for the doctoral programs in Education and Psychology, as well as the master’s program in Cairo, Egypt. Noonan received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from AIC.

•••••

The Center for Human Development (CHD) announced that Kirk Woodring, LICSW, has been named Vice President of Clinical Services. With 29 years of experience in human services and mental-health programs, Woodring will oversee CHD’s outpatient behavioral-health clinics, the Institute of Dynamic Living, early intervention, in-home therapy, and other program clinical services. Woodring most recently served as the Senior Director of Access, Evaluation, and Ambulatory Services for the Brattleboro Retreat in Vermont. Additionally, he served as the Director of the CHD Training Institute for three years and the Senior Program Manager of Behavioral Health Network for six years. Recognized as a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives and the National Registry of Certified Group Psychotherapists, Woodring holds an MSW from the Smith College School for Social Work and a BS in Public Administration from Western Michigan University. He teaches courses in group theory and advanced group practice at Smith College as an adjunct associate professor. In 2011, he co-authored and published the book Assessing the Risk: Suicidal Behavior in the Hospital Environment of Care.

•••••

R. Kirk Mackey

R. Kirk Mackey

The Dowd Agencies announced the appointment of R. Kirk Mackey as President of Dowd Financial Services LLC (DFS) and its Employee Benefits Division. DFS is a full-service financial division of the Dowd Agencies. Mackey, who has been in the financial-services industry since 1979 and with Dowd since 2005, was formerly a representative of New England Financial Group, LLC. He now specializes in corporate employee-benefit planning, including group health, life, and disability-insurance plans in addition to qualified retirement plans and selective executive-compensation arrangements. He received a BA in Business Administration from UMass in 1978, and a MBA with a concentration in Accounting from Western New England College in1987.

•••••

David Fedor, President of the West Springfield-based Fedor Financial Group, LLC, and an independent financial advisor affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network, was named to Commonwealth’s Winners Circle. The distinction recognizes only 10% of Commonwealth’s more than 1,400 financial advisors nationwide. Fedor will join his peers at the Winners Circle conference in April at the El Conquistador Resort in Fajardo, Puerto Rico.

•••••

Jean Deliso was recently named Agent of the Year in the Connecticut Valley General office of New York Life Insurance Co. Deliso received the award in recognition of outstanding sales achievement and exemplary client service and professionalism. A New York Life agent for 18 years, Deliso is a member of New York Life’s Chairman’s Council and is a consistent qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table, recognized throughout the industry as the standard of excellence in life-insurance sales performance, and is currently a 2013 Court of the Table member. Members of the elite Chairman’s Council rank in the top 3% of New York Life’s elite sales force of more than 12,000 licensed agents.

•••••

Jack Hibbard

Jack Hibbard

Monson Savings Bank announced the promotion of Jack Hibbard to Assistant Vice President and Controller and the election of four new corporators. Hibbard began his career in banking in operations and then as a branch manager more than 25 years ago. He joined the financial department of Monson Savings Bank in 2004 and was promoted to Controller in 2011. Hibbard left banking while he earned his BBA in Accounting from UMass and then worked for a Big Six accounting firm before returning to community banking. New Corporators are Lisa Fallon of Lisa Fallon CPA, PC; Art Ferrara, Co-owner of Landmark Realty; Kara Rescia, Attorney with Eaton & Rescia, LLP; and Elaine Korhonen, Certified Public Accountant.

•••••

Amherst-based New England Environmental Inc. (NEE) of Amherst recently promoted Jack Jemsek, to Vice President of NEE’s Hydrogeology and Remediation Group. Jemsek is a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional (LSP), a Connecticut Licensed Environmental Professional (LEP), a Professional Geologist in New Hampshire, and a Certified Geologist in Maine. He has B.S. in Earth Science from the University of Notre Dame, and a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Oceanography.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Understanding Financial Reports

March 29: The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network’s Western Regional Office will present “Understanding Financial Reports” from 9 a.m. to 12 noon at PeoplesBank, second-floor conference center, 330 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. The workshop will be presented by Robb Morton of Boisselle, Morton & Associates, LLP. If you are in business, financial statements are an essential tool. Knowing how to read your financial statements can help you understand what happened last year in your business and what is likely to happen this year. The cost is $40. To register, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass/training.html.

 

Not Just Business as Usual

April 4: The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Foundation will host its fourth annual Not Just Business as Usual event at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. A cocktail and networking reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the dinner program and keynote speaker from 7 to 9 p.m.
This year, in celebration of 40 years of excellence in nursing at STCC, speakers include ‘The Three Doctors’ — Drs. George Jenkins, Rameck Hunt, and Sampson Davis — who are well-known for their work delivering messages of hope and inspiration. As teenagers growing up on the inner-city streets of Newark, N.J., the three friends made a pact to stick together, go to college, graduate, and achieve their dreams of becoming medical doctors. They have been lauded by Oprah Winfrey as being “bigger than rock stars” and have been featured as medical experts on the Tom Joyner Morning Radio Show and CNN. The Three Doctors received the Essence Award in 2000 for their accomplishments and leadership, and a BET Honors Award in 2009. Over the past two years alone, the Not Just Business as Usual event has provided the STCC Foundation with more than $100,000 to support college and student needs. Funds help to provide STCC students with access to opportunities — through scholarships, technology, and career direction — to be successful future employees and citizens. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available. Individual tickets cost $175 each. If your business is interested in purchasing a table, contact Robert LePage at (413) 755-4477 or [email protected].

 

Live Comedy Night

April 6: Smith & Wesson will host a live comedy night to benefit to support two local children’s charities, the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House. The event will begin at 6 p.m. at the Cedars Banquet Hall, 419 Island Pond Road, Springfield, and includes a cash bar, raffles, games, music, and hot and cold hors d’oeuvres prior to the show. The laughs begin at 7:15 p.m. with Teddie Barrett of Teddie B Comedy emceeing the show and introducing comedians Mark Scalia, Chance Langton, and Mike Whitman. Scalia began his stand-up career in Boston in the early 1990s and is now an international headliner. Langton is a nationally known comedian, musician, actor, writer, and basketball player who has been entertaining in comedy clubs for more than 20 years. Whitman was voted Boston’s Best New Comedian in 2008. Tickets cost $30 and may be purchased in advance by contacting Elaine Stellato at Smith & Wesson, (413) 747-3371; Karen Motyka at Shriners Hospital, (413) 787-2032; or Jennifer Putnam at Ronald McDonald House, (413) 794-5683.

 

HRU Fund-raising Event

April 11: Human Resources Unlimited (HRU) will stage its annual recognition and fund-raiser event at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield from 7:30 to 9 a.m. This breakfast event is by invitation only and is limited to the first 200 registrants. HRU will recognize local employers that have distinguished themselves this past year through their commitment to hire individuals with a disability. In addition, the organization annually honors a special volunteer who has given of their time and talent to help advance HRU in achieving its mission. Two employers will be honored: the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Westfield is receiving the agency’s Employer of the Year Award, and the Sturbridge Host Hotel is being recognized with the Rookie Employer Award. Jeff Lander of Appilistic will receive the Armand Tourangeau Volunteer of the Year Award for his efforts on behalf of HRU’s Westfield Service Forum House. Gold Sponsors for the event include FieldEddy Insurance and Meredith Management. The media sponsor is BusinessWest. Sponsorships for this event are still available and welcome. Annually, Human Resources Unlimited assists more than 1,200 individuals living with developmental disabilities, mental illness, or other disadvantages to increase their skills, return to work or school, and become productive, contributing members of the community. Sponsorships and donations assist HRU in advancing its mission. For further information or to make a reservation, contact Lynda at (413) 781-5359 or [email protected]. The suggested minimum donation is $100.

 

DevelopSpringfield Gala

April 12: DevelopSpringfield will be hosting its 2nd annual gala in celebration of Springfield, the many accomplishments the community has achieved over the past year, and the exciting new initiatives underway. The gala will take place at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Festivities will include a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, dancing, and more. All proceeds will support DevelopSpringfield’s redevelopment initiatives, projects, and programs. An anticipated 400 attendees — including federal, state, and city officials; leaders from the business and nonprofit communities; and local residents — will come together in support of ongoing efforts to advance development and redevelopment projects, stimulate and support economic growth, and expedite the revitalization process in the city. Sponsorship packages as well as individual ticket opportunities are available. For more information, visit www.developspringfield.com, or contact Diane Swanson at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected].

 

Bankruptcy Seminar

April 16: As part of its series of free information sessions on business-law basics, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Western New England University will present a session on bankruptcy, featuring attorneys George Roumeliotis of Roumeliotis Law Group, Justin Dion of Bacon Wilson, and Kara Rescia of Eaton & Rescia. The event will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at the WNEU School of Law, in the Blake Law Center. It is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will be provided. To learn more about upcoming events hosted by the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, visit www.wne.edu/cie.

 

EANE Management Conference

April 25: The Employers Association of the NorthEast will hold its ninth annual management conference, “Leadership and Mentorship in Action,” at the Holiday Inn in Enfield, Conn. The conference will address the direct impact of mentoring and leadership development on the growth and success of organizations. Keynote speaker Doug Dvorak, a contributing author to the bestselling book The Masters of Success, will present his popular program “The Magic of Mentoring.” Additional presenters include Ravi Kulkarni and Lynn Turner of ClearVision Alliance. A panel of representatives from area companies will discuss next-generation mentoring. Conference breakout sessions include “Leadership Behavior and Employee Engagement,” “Building Effective Teams,” and “DiSC Work of Leaders.” For more information about the conference, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444 or [email protected]. To register, call (877) 662-6444 or visit www.eane.org.

 

EASTEC 2013

May 14-16: EASTEC, the premier manufacturing exposition in the Northeast will be held at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield on May 14 and 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on May 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will offer a variety of exhibitors, educational offerings, tours of nearby facilities, and much more. For more information and to register to attend, visit www.easteconline.com.

 

40 Under Forty

June 20: BusinessWest will present its seventh class of regional rising stars at the annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The event will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Look for event details in upcoming issues of BusinessWest — including the must-read April 22 issue in which the class of 2013 will be profiled — or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100 for more information.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

 

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Slack Chemical Co. Inc. v. Mountainview Products Inc. d/b/a Village Grain and Hardware

Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment for chemical products sold and delivered: $12,199.91

Filed: 2/14/13

 

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Craig and Cathy Barrows v. Rodney Hunt Co. Inc.

Allegation: Negligent failure to maintain a safe work environment resulting in severe and permanent injuries: $25,000+

Filed: 1/31/13

 

Orange and Realty Trust, as assignee of Quabbin Inc. v. Certain Underwriters of Lloyd’s of London

Allegation: Breach of commercial property and general liability insurance policy: $25,000+

Filed: 1/17/13

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Lutvija Katica v. Webster Bank, N.A.

Allegation: Employee discrimination: $25,000+

Filed: 2/19/13

 

Paige B. Scyocurka v. CFA Financial Corp. d/b/a CAN Insurance Cos. a/k/a Continental Co.

Allegation: Failure to settle a claim when liability and damages were reasonably clear: $5 million+

Filed: 1/31/13

 

TBF Financial, LLC v. Alternative Health Inc.

Allegation: Breach of promissory note: $80,632.96

Filed: 2/5/13

 

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Carl Diluzio v. Commerce Insurance Co.

Allegation: Failure to pay property claim: $3,607

Filed: 3/1/13

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Celeste Asikainen v. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc.

Allegation: Plaintiff suffered injury to her mouth when she bit into a mushroom containing a rock: $9,806

Filed: 2/25/13

 

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Fred Forgione d/b/a Revere Waterproofing and Restoration

Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services: $19,808.12

Filed: 2/14/13

 

R&B Services Inc. d/b/a/ Coverall of Southern New England v. Stockbridge Court, L.P.

Allegation: Non-payment of cleaning services: $2,777.82

Filed: 1/31/13

 

Trina Davis v. The Ratner Cos. d/b/a The Hair Cuttery

Allegation: Negligence causing hair loss: $25,000

Filed: 2/13/13

PictureThis

By
Departments Picture This

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

Grand Winners

IMG_5160IMG_5151IMG_5161IMG_5273F.L. Roberts and Co. staged its inaugural Managers Meeting and Awards Dinner on March 15 at the Premier Ballroom of the MGM Grand at Foxwoods. The fourth-generation, Springfield-based company operates gas station/convenience stores (including truck-refueling facilities and the Whately Diner), Golden Nozzle Car Washes, and Jiffy Lubes. Managers of these facilities were honored in sales and service categories. From top: the hosts for the evening, Georgianne Roberts and Steve Roberts. Attendees gather outside the Premier Ballroom. Front row (from left): Ann Cooper; Debra Smith; Richard Smith, vice president of Operations for F.L. Roberts; and Rachel Templen, Loyalty Services product manager; back row (from left): Bob Cooper, director of sales at Pine State Trading Co.; Susan Curren, account manager, the Ostler Group; Benji Burton, partner, Account Services, the Ostler Group; and Kalina Friendt, Retail Rewards product-support supervisor at Fidelity National Information Services. Roberts spins a wheel for an attendee prize with help from Nancy Goldstein of Amazing Celebrations LLC.

 

 










Redefining Possible

DSC_1966Boardshot1Carla-Gloria-et-alDSC_1916The Women’s Fund of Western Mass. (WFWM) recently staged its 15th anniversary celebration at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, an event that celebrated the organization’s many investments in women and girls across the region. Titled “Redefining What’s Possible,” the gala featured the  Standing on Her Shoulders awards and a presentation by Luma Mufleh, the inspirational founder and coach of the Fugees Family, a soccer team that includes players from 28 war-torn countries (Fugees is short for refugees). The team’s story is currently being made into a motion picture by Universal Studios. From top: the Accidentals (the Longmeadow Girls Choir) perform with honorees on stage. Women’s Fund board members (from left) Michelle Depelteau, business manager for United Personnel; Kathy Cardinale, president of Cardinale Design; and Shonda Pettiford, assistant director of Communications for the Commonwealth Honors College at UMass. Carla Oleska, CEO of the Women’s Fund; Dr. Joanna Kelly; and honoree Dr. Gloria Lomax, Holyoke Community College. Mufleh delivers her keynote address.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Mass. Career Development Institute to Close Sept. 1
SPRINGFIELD — The Mass. Career Development Institute (MCDI) has announced it will close this fall. In a statement, MCDI Executive Director Timothy Sneed said the agency is currently working to “transition its remaining programs to other community providers” and that the center will close on September 1. In addition to the “steadily declining” funding, Sneed said that “job-training programs that were once unique to MCDI are being duplicated in other places in the community.” MCDI has an annual budget of $2.7 million, of which 41% of funding comes from federal sources and 39% from the state. There are about 250 students currently enrolled in MCDI programs. Those students currently enrolled will be able to complete their training by the end of the academic year this spring. The center’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program will be available until Sept. 1. “The good news,” Sneed said, “is that no one in our community will be without the services, as our core programming, such as nurses-aide training, is available in the community-college system or the vocational education system.” Regarding the 29 people who will lose their jobs because of the closure, Sneed said, “our hope is that, by announcing our plans well in advance of the closing of all operations in September, these workers will have ample time to be absorbed into the workforce where their skills in job training can be utilized.” Founded in 1970, MCDI was created to raise educational-attainment levels and develop workforce skills for individuals as part of a comprehensive program. The goal was to graduate participants into the economy through employment, where they could advance their own economic prospects while contributing to the area’s economic development.

Construction Spending Declines in January
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction spending snapped a nine-month string of monthly gains with a sharp decline in January but still rose from year-ago levels, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America.  Association officials cautioned that across-the-board federal spending cuts known as sequestration, which took on March 1, along with a possible shutdown of the federal government later in March, could hit construction harder than most sectors and dampen demand for needed projects. “At first glance, January was a bad month for construction, with a sharp drop in private non-residential spending, along with small dips in residential and public construction,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.  “However, the January figure was higher than the year-ago level. Moreover, steep upward revisions … in the preliminary numbers for November and December suggest January may ultimately prove to have been positive as well.” Construction put in place totaled $883 billion in January, down 2.1% from the December total, which was marked up from an initial estimate of $885 billion to $903 billion on the basis of new data on power and energy construction. The January 2013 total was 7.1% higher than in January 2012. Private residential construction spending was flat for the month and up 22 percent year-over-year. Private nonresidential spending slumped 5.1% for the month but climbed 4.0% year over year. Public construction spending dropped 1.0% for the month and 3.0% over 12 months. “Once more complete data is available, power construction should prove to be a strong category in 2013, along with manufacturing, multifamily, and — at least in the first half of the year — single-family construction,” Simonson said. “But public construction, which has declined year over year for 28 straight months, appears to be headed still lower.” As for sequestration and its aftermath, association analysis suggests that an estimated $4 billion worth of federal construction projects will be cancelled this year alone. “These indiscriminate cuts run the risk of undermining the fragile recovery in demand many contractors are just now beginning to experience,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “It is hard to encourage major new private sector investments in capital projects when Washington can’t even find a way to avoid fiscal crises of its own making.”

MIT Urges Growth of ‘Industrial Ecosystem’
BOSTON — A new report by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology urgently recommends that the nation rebuild its “industrial ecosystem” of manufacturers, suppliers, research, and skilled labor to support multiple industries, not just clusters of companies dedicated to one particular sector. The report claims that manufacturers with the ability and talent to produce the ideas of entrepreneurs are in increasingly short supply, as U.S. corporations have shifted production offshore and outstourced many other functions, such as research and development, over the last 30 years. “Across the entire industrial landscape, there are now gaping holes and missing pieces,” the report says. “It’s not just that factories stand empty and crumbling; it’s that critical strengths and capabilities have disappeared that once served to bring new enterprises to life.” The report, compiled by 20 MIT faculty members notes that, for innovation and the invention and creation of new products to occur, startup companies and manufacturers must operate close by so that they may draw on each other’s expertise. The MIT task force studied more than 250 companies in several states to better understand how to improve the nation’s ability to manufacture and benefit from products invented, designed, and brought to market by American entrepreneurs and engineers. The U.S. has lost about one-third of the manufacturing jobs it had more than a decade ago. About 30 years ago, the report says, American corporations began shedding large-scale research and development and manufacturing operations, realizing that leaner operations drove their stock prices higher. Increasingly, cutting-edge research and innovation is instead taking place in universities, startups, and government labs, which face challenges moving ideas to commercial production. “The anxieties of the public connected with many of our own deep concerns at MIT about where the American economy is heading,” the report says. “Our question was: what kinds of production do we need — and where do they need to be located — to sustain an innovative economy?”

Life Sciences to Benefit from $9M in Grants
HOLYOKE — During a recent visit to Holyoke Community College (HCC), Gov. Deval Patrick announced more than $9 million in grants for capital projects related to life sciences in Western Mass. He said the grants, paid for with money from the sale of state bonds, fit in with his current budget and its emphasis on spending on infrastructure and especially on education. An educated workforce, he noted, “is as important to us as oil is to Texas and corn is to Iowa.” The grants include $3.8 million to Holyoke Community College for the creation of the Center for Life Sciences in the Marieb Building, in space to be vacated by moving nursing and radiology programs to the former Grynn & Barrett photo studio building the college recently purchased. The grant is the largest received in the institution’s history, said HCC President William Messner. In addition, the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke will receive $4.54 million for life-sciences work. Bay Path College in Longmeadow will receive a $50,000 planning grant, and Springfield Technical Community College will reap $150,000 in planning-grant money. Industries included in life sciences include pharmaceuticals, medical devices, research, and bio-informatics, or the study of complex data in the field of biology. Through the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, the Commonwealth is investing $1 billion over 10 years in the growth of the state’s life-sciences industry. These investments are being made under the Massachusetts Life Sciences Initiative, signed into law by Patrick in 2008. The governor also announced smaller grants for vocational and technical high schools and high schools in Gateway Cities in Western Mass.: Dean Technical High School and Holyoke High School with $195,000, Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy with $100,000, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School with $100,000, Taconic High School in Pittsfield with $88,000, and Westfield High School with $44,333. With the money, high schools will be able to invest in renovated labs and the latest equipment.

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

 

HOLYOKE

 

Premiere Staffing Services Inc., 476 Appleton St., Suite 7, Holyoke, MA 01040. Elisabel Rivas, same. Provide temporary employment services and employment placement to entities and individuals.

 

The Hillside At Providence Inc., 5 Gamelin St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Kathleen Popko, 53 Mill St., Westfield, MA 01085. Solicit and receive donation and grants from individuals and organizations.

 

INDIAN ORCHARD

 

Valish-Pro Inc., 237 Water St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Frank Santos-Diaz, same. Professional cleaning service.

 

PITTSFIELD

 

Joez Inc., 700 North St., Suite 3, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Joseph Zradi, same. Services printing.

 

Making The Grade Inc., 190 Cloverdale St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Lisa Lausier, same. To address the dropout crisis in Berkshire County.

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Philanthropy of Love and Service Inc., 124 Putnam Circle, Springfield, MA 01104. Manuel Medina, 1551 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01118. Organized to alleviate the needs of the neediest families in the community.

 

Quality Respite Services Inc., 37 Blodgett St., Springfield, MA 01108. Sarah Smith, same. Respite care services.

 

Solutions Financial Services Corp., 4 Langdon St., Springfield, MA 01104. Nathilda Ramirez. Tax services.

 

THREE RIVERS

 

Unitarian Christian Emerging Church & Ministries, 92 Maebeth St., Springfield, MA 01119. Religious organization.

 

Valley Casket Company, 145 Harvard St., Springfield, MA 01109. Jerry Car, same. Retail sales burial products.

 

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Baer, John C.

83 Wilshire

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/04/13

 

 

Bell, Deborah A.

137 Mill Valley Road

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Bommarito, Christopher A.

Bommarito, Mandy

a/k/a Lindsell, Mandy

118 Mount Pleasant St.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/11/13

 

Bonnayer, Michelle R.

P.O. Box 98

Conway, MA 01341

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/07/13

 

Brittman, Alison R.

71 Village Park Road

Amherst, MA 01002

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/03/13

 

Brown, Janet

35 Webber Road

West Whately, MA 01039

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/01/13

 

Brown, Jonathan Albert

39 Dewey St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/07/13

 

Bush, Jennifer L.

38 Munson St.

1st Floor Front

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Child Care

Simmons, Jacqueline

a/k/a Betts, Jacqueline

799 Sumner Ave.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/12/13

 

Ciociola, Constance

27 Wrentwood St.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/01/13

 

Clark, John C.

510 East State St.

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/02/13

 

Crocker, Lisa A.

11 Giovina Dr.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/13/13

 

Diemer, Charles S.

93 South Maple St.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Duval, Cheryl A.

47 St. Dennis St

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/04/13

 

Eastern Portal Roofing,

Jourdenais, Francis L.

219 River Road

Florida, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/11/13

 

Fisher, Touraine L.

106 Lionel Benoit Road

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Gold, Harry N.

1139 Westfield St.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/07/13

 

Govoni, Vincent R.

139 Silver St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Grimes, Gary A.

84 Mountainview St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/06/13

 

Hanson, Aimee

89 Miles Road

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Hardy, Michael D.

Hardy, Maria A.

20 Brien St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Hebert, Derrick G.

22A Montgomery Road, Unit 6

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Jimenez, Calvin O.

47 Crystal Ave.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/04/13

 

Kickery, Michael R.

Kickery, Christine G.

17 Hillcrest Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/07/13

 

Knightly, Shelley L.

a/k/a Moynihan, Shelley L.

33 Claremont Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/08/13

 

Kobzar, Daniel

27 Emily St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/06/13

 

Kobzar, Tatyana

27 Emily St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/06/13

 

Koncitik, Raymond P.

P.O. Box 3864

Springfield, MA 01101

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/12/13

 

Korsah, Flo

49 Newhall St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/11/13

 

Langlois, Dana M.

252 Prentice St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/12/13

 

Maggard, Robert L.

Maggard, Judith A.

494 East St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/04/13

 

Maria, Santa

428 Berkshire Ave.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

McCormack, Thomas D.

52 Whitmun Road

Longmeadow, MA 01106

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/08/13

 

Miller, Barbara

212 East St.

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/06/13

 

Mouser, Sarah E.

103 Davis St., Apt. B

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/05/13

 

Nicola, David P.

Nicola, Rosa E.

10 Dove St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/11/13

 

Nye, John M.

Nye, Judy A.

1661 White Pond Road

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Osborne, Jo-Ann K.

Osborne, David D.

9 Station St.

Montague, MA 01351

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/07/13

 

Pelletier, Karen R.

93 Grochmal Ave., Lot 7

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Polezhaev, Nikolai F.

90 McKinstry Ave., Unit 110

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/01/13

 

Pollack, Jay

10 Greenfield Road

Turners Falls, MA 01376

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Puia, Michael J.

18 McKinley Ter.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Rafferty, David B.

139 New Ludlow Road

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Rodriguez, Briseida

397 Page Blvd., 2nd Fl.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Scully, Sean

Scully, Cynthia

55 Pleasant St.

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/15/13

 

Shevchuk, Pavel B.

26 Hunters Slope

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Szostkiewicz, Daniel J.

Szostkiewicz, Debra L.

25 Sunnyside Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Thiebe-Hickson, Linda M.

39 Bridle Path Road

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 02/03/13

 

Tomasello, Vincent J.

Tomasello, Mary J.

72 Cathy Lane

Barre, MA 01005

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/06/13

 

Tower, Elizabeth S

46 Railroad St., Apt. LL3

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/01/13

 

Ware-Charles, Angelica B.

31 Bonnyview St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 02/14/13

 

Wilson, Angela R.

91 Bloomfield St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/31/13