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Outlook 2013

Outlook2013-124Outlook2013-133Outlook2013-110Outlook2013-53The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield recently staged Outlook 2013, the organization’s annual winter gathering of area business and civic leaders, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event, staged on Feb. 25, drew more than 800 attendees, who had the opportunity to network, receive an update on the chamber’s legislative agenda, and hear from a host of speakers on the state of the economy locally, regionally, and nationally. From top: U.S. Rep. Richard Neal delivers his annual address on the federal economic outlook; keynote speaker Mark Shields, a nationally known columnist and commentator, delivers his talk, titled “How Will History Judge Today’s Headlines?”; Daniel Hodge, director of Economic and Public Policy Research at the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, offers his forecast for the regional economy; and the scene in the packed banquet hall at the MassMutual Center.

Agenda

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Agenda Departments

St. Patrick’s Breakfast

March 13: The St. Patrick’s Business Breakfast of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce will be held at 7:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. The event, sponsored by PeoplesBank and Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, will begin with the serving of a full Irish breakfast. Attorney Jay Driscoll of Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll will serve as greeter.  He will be introduced by Jeffrey Sullivan of United Bank, who will preside, and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse will kick off the program with a special St. Patrick’s Day welcome. The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, to be held on Sunday, March 17, will be in the spotlight, along with the Parade Committee and all winners of committee awards. Also recognized will be the chamber’s new members: Dean Nimmer Arts, Easthampton Savings Bank, Eco-Tints Expert Window Tinting, EmbroidMe of Holyoke, Hobby Lobby, South Street Laundromagic, S. Pierce Photography Studios, VertitechIT Inc., and Victory Home Healthcare Inc.  Guests will have an opportunity to purchase The Irish Legacy, the first book in the Republican’s new Heritage series, as well as the chamber’s “Luck of the Irish” raffle tickets. Breakfast tickets are $25 and may be obtained in advance by contacting calling (413) 534-3376 or by ordering online at holyokechamber.com.

 

Business Plan Basics

March 14: The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network’s Western Regional Office will present “Business Plan Basics” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Mass Venture Center, Room 113, 100 Venture Way, Hadley. The workshop — to be presented by Lyne Kendall, the office’s senior business analyst — will focus on management fundamentals from startup considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $25. To register, call (413) 737-6712 or register online at www.msbdc.org/wmass/training.html.

 

Women’s Fund Celebration

March 14: The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts will celebrate its 15th anniversary by honoring 16 local women with the first-ever Standing on Her Shoulders Awards. The celebration, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and photographic exhibit of the award recipients and a showcase of the Women’s Fund grantees. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with a musical performance, presentation of the Standing on Her Shoulders Awards, and a speech by Luma Mufleh, founder and coach of a soccer team called the Fugees, short for refugees.  An immigrant from Jordan and a Smith College graduate, Mufleh has created several businesses to employ refugees and immigrants in her community. That will be followed by an after-party and dancing from 8:45 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $100. RSVP by March 7 to Julie Holt at (413) 529-0087, ext. 10, or register online at www.womensfund.net. The Women’s Fund is a public foundation that has reached over 80,000 people through $2 million in grant awards. More than 100 women have participated in the Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political and Pubic Impact. The 16 Standing on Her Shoulders Award recipients include Elaine Barkin, Ethel Case, Claire Cox, Verda Dale, Ruth Hooke, Vera Kalm, Gail Kielson, Susan Lowenstein Kitchell, Gloria Lomax, Ruth Stewart Loving, Ruth Moore, Venessa O’Brien, Lorna Peterson, Linda Slakey, Marlene Werenski, and Angela Wright.

 

Mother/Daughter Night

March 15: Cooper’s Commons, located at 159 Main St. in Agawam, will host a Mother & Daughter Night Out from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital while also highlighting local businesses. For a $10 donation, each mother-daughter duo will enjoy 10%-off shopping in Chasam Boutique, Sweet September Baby & Children’s Boutique, and Cooper’s Gifts, Curtains & Furnishings. In addition, guests will be treated to complimentary carnations from Floral Concepts by Tom, hot beverages from Squire’s Bistro, hair updos from Shear Techniques, nail-polish changes at the Skin Salon, and chair massages at Knots Kneaded. Mother-daughter duos are also invited to visit LHQ Danceforce to sign up for one free dance class for each, and mother-daughter portraits will be available from photographer Paula Tingley. “We are looking forward to a wonderful night of pampering, shopping, and fun, all for a terrific cause,” said Kate Gourde, owner of Cooper’s Commons, which was recently renovated and subdivided into many specialty shops and services. “The Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital has special meaning to all of us.” Tickets are available in advance at any business within Cooper’s Commons, or at the door the night of the event. If the weather is inclement, the event will be postponed to March 22.

 

Difference Makers 2013

March 21: The annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House starting at 5 p.m. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s honorees include Springfield’s C3 Policing program; John Downing, president of Soldier On; Bruce Landon, president and general manager of the Springfield Falcons; the Sisters of Providence; and Jim Vinick, senior vice president of investments at Moors & Cabot Inc. Their stories were told in the Feb. 11 issue of BusinessWest and may also be read online at www.businesswest.com. The March 21 gala will feature butlered hors d’oeuvres, lavish food stations, introductions of the Difference Makers, and remarks from the honorees. Tickets cost $55 per person, and tables of 10 are available. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com. Event sponsors include Baystate Medical Practices, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, Northwestern Mutual, Royal LLP, Sarat Ford Lincoln, and Six-Point Creative Works.

 

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 register online at 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].

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

Editorial

By
Opinion
Let’s Not Forget What’s Really Important

The formal program for the Affiliated Chambers’ Outlook Luncheon was only a few minutes old when Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno stepped to the microphone.

He started with some humor — a joke about how Big E President Eugene Cassidy had said the mayor was there that day to formally endorse the Hard Rock casino proposed for the Big E grounds — and then snuck in a little poignancy.

It was rather innocuous, something about how the casino issue was “sucking all the life out of the room.”

He moved on quickly, but the point was made — casinos are, in fact, sucking the life out of the room, and they’re drawing needed attention and energy away from other things. That’s not exactly a news flash, but it is relevant and certainly worth remembering.

The casino is a huge, 800-pound, $800 million gorilla or elephant in the room (take your pick), and the identification of the winner of the Western Mass. casino license will be the biggest news story in decades; it’s been that long since the Republican has used 120-point type on a page 1 headline, but the paper might just put it to use in this case.

But while that story plays out, we can’t forget everything else that’s happening in this region from an economic-development perspective. That’s because it will take four years for a casino to open its doors, and when it does open, it will not magically transform this region or even the host city into a thriving center for business.

This issue of BusinessWest provides some timely and pertinent matters that this region can’t forget about while the casino sweepstakes plays itself out.

For starters, there’s the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute (page 6) and, more importantly, some of the work it’s doing — to gauge the need for and the benefits to be derived from enhanced passenger rail service; to identify strategies for expanding the manufacturing sector in the Berkshires; and to chart the needs of small and mid-sized businesses across the region and suggest ways of meeting them, among many other initiatives.

There’s also the work taking place in the city of Holyoke (page 13) to reinvent that community and diversify its economy — through the arts, technology, and other sectors — without a casino within its boundaries. There are other stories involving this region’s two largest sectors — education (page 27) and healthcare (page 44) — which emphasize the need to focus on ways to keep these industry groups vibrant and growing.

And then’s there’s Delcie Bean.

The 26-year-old serial entrepreneur, and now owner of one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country, is one of the rising stars in the region’s business galaxy, and a prime example of where this region really needs to focus its efforts.

Success in stimulating the creation and growth of more small businesses like Bean’s Paragus Strategic IT will ultimately be more important to the long-term vibrancy of this region’s economy than the casino that will eventually open its doors somewhere within the 413 area code. That’s because a gaming complex won’t change the complexion of dozens of cities and towns in the four western counties nearly as much as jobs like the 27 (and counting) that Bean has created.

We can easily understand why casinos are sucking the life out of the room, as Sarno mentioned. This development is exciting — several companies want to spend $800 million in Western Massachusetts! — and there are countless parties that have huge stakes in the outcome of that competition.

But we can’t wait until that contest is over, and we certainly can’t wait until the casino opens its doors, to save most of our attention for those matters that will ultimately have a much greater impact on the long-term health of this region.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• March 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, 350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

• March 20: 19th Annual Table Top Expo & Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Chicopee, Holyoke, Northampton, and Easthampton chambers of commerce. The event will feature more than 180 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors. Cost to attend: $5 pre-registered, $10 at the door. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

 

• March 22: Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by the Hallmark Institute of Photography, Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls. Presentation by Robert McBride, founding director of the Rockingham (Vt.) Arts and Museum Project. He will share RAMP’s five-pronged approach to integrating the arts into a community-revitalization effort and long-term sustainability strategies. Sponsored by Franklin County Community Development Corp. and HitPoint Studios. Cost is $12 for FCCC members, $15 for non-members.

• March 22-23: Creative Economy Summit IV, a two-day seminar for artists, art lovers, business supporters, and everyone related to the creative economy. Registration fees and program details available at www.creativeeconomysummit.com.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• March 14: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange and Chamber Open House, 5-7 p.m., Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, 33 Union St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Innovative Business Systems and TechCavalry. Door Prizes, hors d’ouevres, host beer and wine. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for future members.

• March 20: 19th Annual Table Top Exposition and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Easthampton, Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, and Greater Northampton chambers of commerce. Exhibitor table fee: $100 (must be a member). Contact the participating chambers for information. Attendee-only tickets: $5 in advance, $10 at the door.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• March 1-29: St. Pat’s Luck of the Irish Raffle. First prize, sponsored by Fln-Mar Rubber and Plastics: Red Sox Weekend Getaway for July 20 game vs. Yankees. Includes two game tickets, overnight stay at Boston Sheraton Back Bay Hotel, Peter Pan bus transportation, and $100 spending money. Second prize, sponsored by PeoplesBank and Pioneer Valley Railroad: Apple 32GB iPad Mini and case. Third Prize, sponsored by Mountain View Lanscapes, Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, and Aubrey, Dixon &Turgeon LLC: $500 spending spree at Holyoke Mall. Drawing to be held March 20 at the Table Top Expo at the Log Cabin. Tickets are $5 each or book of three for $10. Tickets are available for purchase online, at the chamber, and at each chamber event through March 20.

• March 13: St. Pat’s Salute Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by PeoplesBank and Holyoke Mall. Tickets are $25. Call the office for reservations at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• March 20: Table Top Expo, 4:30-7 p.m., the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, and Northampton chambers of commerce. The public is invited. Admission: $5 in advance, $10 at the door; vendors: $100 per table. Corporate sponsor: the Log Cabin-Delaney House; Platinum sponsors: Taylor Rental of Holyoke, the Republican, Westover Job Corps Center, BusinessWest, Florence Savings Bank, and the Daily Hampshire Gazette; Gold Sponsors: Holyoke Community College, United Bank, Guenther Associates, Hadley Printing, the Valley Advocate, Northampton Rental, Charter Business, First Niagara Bank, and Harrington Insurance; Silver Sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Elms College, Freedom Credit Union, Hampden Bank, Health New England, Loomis Communities, Mountainview Landscape, PeoplesBank, New England Public Radio WFCR-WNNZ, TD Bank, Reminder Publications, United Personnel, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Peoples United Bank, and Valet Park of America. Call (413) 534-3376 or the participating chambers to reserve a table or to order admission tickets. Snow date: March 27.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

 

• March 20: March 2013 Meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Basketball Hall of Fame, MassMutual Room. Catered by Max’s Tavern. Speaker: Hope Margala Klein, executive vice president of Brand, Innovation & Merchandising, Yankee Candle. Her program is titled “My Journey Through the Glass Ceiling.” Tickets: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• March 13: March WestNet, 5-7 p.m., First Niagara Bank, 664 College Highway, Southwick. Come join us for a couple of hours to socialize and network with local businesses. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Walk-ins welcome. Cost: members, $10 in advance or cash at the door; non-members, $15 cash. To register, contact Pam Bussell at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] by March 11.

• March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. Registration is at 7:15, the breakfast begins at 7:30, and the program begins at 8. Judy Dumont, MBI director, will speak on Massachusetts 123, a project to bring high-speed broadband to every corner of the Commonwealth. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. To register, contact Pam Bussell at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected]. RSVP for this event by March 11.

 

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

www.springfieldyps.com

 

• March  21: Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at Nadim’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Grill, 1390 Main St., Springfield. Go to www.cafelebanon.com for more information about the restaurant.

Opinion

By
Opinion
The Case Against Required Paid Sick Leave

For several years, the idea of mandating every business to offer paid sick leave to their employees has been debated in the Statehouse. The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) has opposed the resulting legislation.

Does opposition to mandated-leave legislation make the ACCGS and its members mean people? Quite the opposite. We simply believe that mandated paid sick leave is an intrusion by government into the relationship employers have with their employees. We believe it is not only wrong but could be counterproductive.

The ACCGS represents roughly 800 businesses, and the vast majority of those businesses offer paid sick leave as part of their overall benefits package. Every member of the ACCGS realizes that their employees are their most vital assets. Whether on the front line of service or in the back rooms for support, the employees of our members are valued by their employers. As such, benefit packages are always under review, either because of employee requests for certain benefits, or because of the escalating costs associated with some benefits. There is a delicate balance for employers when developing benefits packages, but this balance should be settled between employees and employers, not the government.

How does government know the bottom line of a business? How does government know what gives one business in our area a competitive advantage over another business perhaps in a neighboring state? Government-mandated paid sick leave would take the flexibility out of the design of benefit packages intended to suit the distinct needs of a business and its employees. Many companies have best practices that allow their employees leave when ill with no adverse consequences, while providing that business with the flexibility it needs to continue to successfully operate, seen especially in the service sector when maintaining a full staff is crucial.

Many businesses in our region, and around the country, are finding creative ways of providing all types of days off: vacation, sick, personal, or ‘paid time off’ which can be used as best fits the employee’s situation. A state-mandated effort to disrupt those types of agreements would be a move in the wrong direction.

Legislated paid sick leave has once again surfaced, and the ACCGS will once again oppose this effort. While we continue to believe that government intrusion into this issue is simply wrong, we contend that it could also impact continued economic recovery. Our region’s economy is recovering, but our members still express uncertainty over the future as they watch the activities in Washington. State-mandated paid sick leave adds to this uncertainty. It causes businesses to hesitate on increased hiring and to spend more of their focus on developing plans to survive these mandates rather than on working to thrive in this economy. Our legislators have enacted some successful legislation to assist our economic recovery, including the passage of the jobs bill last year and changes to small-business regulations; however, this specific piece of legislation could counteract much of those efforts.

With the strong relationships our members have with their employees, the ACCGS believes the dialogue over paid sick leave should be left to the employer and employee so as to ensure flexibility and promote activity and creativity when developing benefits packages. Let these parties determine what the right benefits are for their individual business models and the specific needs of their employee population rather than through legislation written with no real understanding of the existing relationships between employee and employer.

 

Jeffrey S. Ciuffreda is president of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield.

Company Notebook

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Company Notebook Departments

Grant from MassMutual to Facilitate Local Junior Achievement Programs

SPRINGFIELD — Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts recently announced a grant from Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) that will help deliver critical personal-finance skills to the next generation of Western Mass. youth. Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts was one of four JA Areas across the nation selected to receive a MassMutual grant. “We are thrilled to receive this gift on behalf of our local students,” said Jennifer Connolly, president of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts. “MassMutual has given tangible proof of its practical commitment to giving young people advantages through financial literacy.” The grant will provide additional elementary- and middle-school programs for students in the community. JA programs help young people gain the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. Additionally, MassMutual employees will serve as JA volunteers, teaching the JA curriculum and sharing their personal and professional experiences with students. The Junior Achievement mission is a direct correlation with MassMutual’s mission to help families become more confident in their financial decisions and empower them to take control of their financial situations. According to the Council for Economic Education’s “Survey of the States 2011: The State of Economic and Personal Finance Education in our Nation’s Schools,” only 13 states require its schools to teach personal-finance skills to its students. “It is critical to teach our children the skills they need to manage their finances. Learning to make smart financial decisions early in life can help them make the transition to college and financial independence later in life,” said Nick Fyntrilakis, vice president, Community Responsibility. Indeed, college debt is a major concern for the next generation. Currently, more than 60% of all students take out loans, and the average college graduate has more than $24,000 in debt upon graduation, according to the New York Times.

 

AIC Receives Gold Award for Viewbook

SPRINGFIELD — American International College recently received the Gold Award in the print communications category from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Lynn Saunders, Janelle Holmboe, and Scott Whitney of Florence were recognized for their work on the school’s admissions viewbook. CASE District I annually bestows its Excellence Awards on individuals and schools doing innovative work in the fields of special events, fund-raising, stewardship, volunteer engagement, alumni relations, student-alumni initiatives, advancement services, and communications. Saunders, AIC’s art director and project manager, said the messaging inspired not just the viewbook’s content, but also its visual messaging and editorial tone. “We kept in mind our target demographic and repositioned our piece to be more friendly, accessible, and true to who we are. The bold copy reinforces the visual elements and makes us stand out from many of the pieces we see from other area colleges.” Holmboe, dean of Undergraduate Admissions at AIC, said one of the goals of the viewbook was to reclaim AIC’s image by articulating what the school stands for as an institution of higher education. “We intended to underscore our egalitarian ethos, our history of catering to an underserved population, and our commitment to academic support that would ensure students’ success.” Jennifer Grossman, director of Marketing and Communications at AIC, said the viewbook was a true collaboration between both Enrollment and Marketing. “It is great to see hard work pay off, and for AIC’s accomplishments to be recognized by our peers.”

 

Armbrook Village Set

for April 1 Opening

WESTFIELD — Armbrook Village, the region’s newest senior-living community, announced that it will open its doors April 1. The facility will be managed by Massachusetts-based Senior Living Residences, with a local management team headed by Executive Director Beth Cardillo. Armbrook Village will feature independent senior apartments with concierge services, service-enriched assisted living, and a state-of-the-art Compass Memory Support Neighborhood, affiliated with Boston University’s School of Medicine’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center, featuring research-based treatment for those with memory loss. Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik, who recently toured the facility with other civic and business leaders, said the complex will be an important addition to the local landscape. “Armbrook Village will add vitality to Westfield and our surrounding communities — not just for our seniors, but for other age groups in our local community. The more than 120 residents of Armbrook Village will make use of area amenities such as the YMCA, Noble Hospital, our shopping centers, grocery stores, and restaurants. And they will be involved in the fabric of our community through volunteering and other social and cultural pursuits.”

 

MassMutual Named a FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Company

SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) announced that it has once again been named a FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Company in 2013 in the life and health insurance industry and in the state of Massachusetts. Ranked third overall, MassMutual is the most-admired mutual company in the life and health insurance industry category this year. The 2013 FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Company survey was conducted in the fall of 2012 among top executives, directors, and securities analysts in 57 industries. To be named to the World’s Most Admired list, a company’s overall score must rank in the top half of its industry survey. The survey assessed nine reputation drivers considered to be crucial to a company’s global success: financial soundness, long-term investment value, people management, social responsibility, use of assets, quality of management, quality of products and services, innovation, and global competitiveness. “We are honored to be a FORTUNE World’s Most Admired Company again this year, and especially proud to receive a top ranking in the social-responsibility category in recognition of our important contributions in communities across the U.S.,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “As a leader in an industry built on trust and accountability, we are pleased to be included among this elite list of admired companies.”

 

Monson Savings Bank Announces Winners of Community-giving Vote

MONSON — For the third year in a row, Monson Savings Bank asked the community to help plan the bank’s community-giving activities by inviting people to vote for the organizations they would like the bank to support during 2013. “We received nearly 900 votes for more than 60 different organizations doing community-service work in Monson, Hampden, Wilbraham, and Ware, where we will be opening a branch later this year,” said Steve Lowell, president of Monson Savings Bank. “We were pleased to hear from so many people. It really shows that we live in a community of concerned and committed citizens, and that feels great.” The top vote getters are:

1. River East School-to-Career Inc.

2. Homefront Equestrians

3. Link to Libraries

4. Replanting Monson Tree Committee

5. Monson Bellman Antique Fire Apparatus Club/Museum

6. Blue Star Equiculture

7. Scantic Valley YMCA

8. Greene Room Productions

9. Boy Scouts of Western Massachusetts

10. Two Town Trolley

The organizations have been notified of the good news and will be receiving checks from the bank in the next few weeks. According to Lowell, the list continues to change every year. “Just like last year, four of the 10 organizations were new to the list, and we learned about new groups that we didn’t even know were out there. That reinforces our decision to reach out to ask people for their input. We think that’s part of being a community bank.”

 

Development Proposals Sought for Allis House

SPRINGFIELD — The Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) has issued a formal request for development proposals involving the W.H. Allis House on the Mercy Medical Center campus. The request was initiated with the hope of creating a new use for the landmark, which was slated to be demolished to make way for construction of a $20 million medical office building at the northwest corner of the Mercy campus, near the intersection of Chestnut and Carew streets. Ground was broken for the project last October. The initiative is being developed by Carew Chestnut Partners, and under terms of a construction and land-lease agreement, Carew Chestnut Street Partners will develop and own the building. In recent weeks, discussions between SPHS and members of both public and private historicalpreservation groups have been conducted to gain input about methods for preserving the history of the building. “We remain mindful of the history of the W.H. Allis House and appreciative of the importance of effectively preserving that history, particularly as it relates to the legacy of care provided by the Sisters of Providence,” said Daniel Moen, president and CEO of SPHS. “At the same time, our ongoing role as stewards of our limited resources calls us to continue the transformation of the Mercy campus, ensuring our ability to continue to serve the needs of our community while furthering our mission.” A spokesperson for SPHS said that initial plans for this construction project called for the removal of four structures on the Mercy campus: the maintenance garage, the Mercy Hearing Center building, the St. Mary’s building, and the W.H. Allis House.  Three of these buildings are located within the footprint of the medical office building project, while the W.H. Allis House is contiguous to it. “The decision to include the W.H. Allis House in the removal plan came after lengthy discussions and careful consideration,” the spokesperson said. “This difficult decision followed an internal evaluation that determined that the structure was unsafe and unusable, could not be renovated in a financially responsible way, and could not be used for patient care nor be adequately renovated for administrative functions. These findings were further validated by an outside engineering firm that SPHS engaged to assess the structural condition of the building. Steiger Engineering Inc. also determined that the renovation of the structure would be cost-prohibitive at $6 million to $7 million and would not result in a viable medical use. However, after discussions with Springfield city officials and members of the local historical-preservation community, SPHS has agreed to re-evaluate its position on demolition of the W.H. Allis House until such time as it can be reasonably determined if restoration is not only a workable option, but will not impede ongoing transformation of the Mercy campus.” To that end, SPHS was involved in the creation of a task force comprised of SPHS leaders, Springfield city officials, and private citizens who are members of the Springfield Preservation Trust and Preservation Massachusetts, and engaged the services of Greg Farmer, a leading expert on historical preservation, to advise SPHS and the task force on appropriate methods to preserve the history of the Allis House. The Task Force began its work on Jan. 23 and is investigating alternatives to the removal of the building, primarily focused on efforts to secure the involvement of an outside party who would be willing to invest in and oversee its restoration, the spokesperson explained.

 

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.

 

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.

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Kimball Brothers Realty, LLP v. Genco Cable, LLC Seminole Wire and Cable Company Inc., and Michael Genzel

Allegation: Breach of commercial lease: $500,000

Filed: 1/8/13

 

People’s Bank v. Stockbridge Bowl Affordable Acquisition Corp., et al

Allegation: Failure to pay on commercial loan: $856,131.32

Filed: 1/18/13

 

Westfield Auto Parts Inc. v. Auto Service Inc. d/b/a Brake King

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $97,929.35

Filed: 1/8/13

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Richard S. Paton Jr. and Bonnie Paton v. Robert C. Randin and GMTBP Inc. d/b/a Antonio’s Pizza

Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $95,778.

Filed: 1/14/13

 

West Cummington Congregational Church v. Chase, Clark, Stewart, and Fontana Inc., James H. Stewart, and Utica Insurance Group

Allegation: Inadequate coverage caused by agent negligence and misrepresentation: $200,000

1/8/13

 

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Berlin Industries, LLC v. Motherwear International Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $14,450.59

Filed: 11/19/12

 

 

 

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Jon Kostek and Jennifer B. Margolis v. D. Jondrow Landscaping Inc.

Allegation: Failure to complete work, performance in an unworkmanlike manner, and unfair and deceptive trade practices: $15,000; Filed: 1/25/13

 

Peter Wilson and Harold Wilson d/b/a Wilson Construction v. Bowl New England Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment of snow-removal services provided: $22,650

Filed: 1/9/13

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Douglas Industries Inc. v. New England Upholstery and Design and Paul Vento

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,279.58

Filed: 1/25/13

 

Forbo Flooring Inc. v. Complete Flooring Solutions and Kenneth G. Matthews Jr.

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,805.21

Filed: 1/22/13

Francisco Ortiz v. Vinnie Shah d/b/a Super Convenience Mart

Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $24,999.99

Filed: 1/25/13

 

Preferred Mutual Insurance Co. as subrogee of James and Julie Jaron v. Home Depot, USA Inc. and Giagni Enterprises, LLC

Allegation: Negligent design and manufacture of faucet sold at Home Depot causing extensive water damage to the plaintiff’s property: $27,985.74

Filed: 1/17/13

 

Soaring Capital, LLC v. Dey Homeworks and Daniel Torres

Allegation: Unpaid balance due for money loaned: $3,494.09

Filed: 1/8/13

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

TBF Financial, LLC v. Pavel Shevchuk d/b/a Seven Colors Painting

Allegation: Breach of promissory note: $12,506.55

Filed: 1/14/13

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Business-law Basics

March 12, April 16: Get the business-law basics that every small-business owner and entrepreneur needs to know from the legal experts at the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Western New England University. This series of free information sessions is focused on key topics to help plan and grow a small business. Sessions will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Western New England University School of Law, in the Blake Law Center. The events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. The dates, topics, and presenters are: March 12, “Intellectual Property Law Basics,” with attorneys Peter Irvine of Peter Irvine Law Offices, Leah Kunkel of the Law Offices of Leah Kunkel, and Michelle Bugbee of Solutia Inc.; and April 16, “Bankruptcy,” with attorneys George Roumeliotis of Roumeliotis  Law Group, Justin Dion of Bacon Wilson, and Kara Rescia of Eaton & Rescia. To learn more about upcoming events, visit www.wne.edu/cie.

 

Women’s Fund Celebration

March 14: The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts will celebrate its 15th anniversary by honoring 16 local women with the first-ever Standing on Her Shoulders Awards. The celebration, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and photographic exhibit of the award recipients and a showcase of the Women’s Fund grantees. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with a musical performance, presentation of the Standing on Her Shoulders Awards, and a speech by Luma Mufleh, founder and coach of a soccer team called the Fugees, short for refugees.  An immigrant from Jordan and a Smith College graduate, Mufleh has created several businesses to employ refugees and immigrants in her community. That will be followed by an after-party and dancing from 8:45 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $100. RSVP by March 7 to Julie Holt at (413) 529-0087, ext. 10, or register online at www.womensfund.net. The Women’s Fund is a public foundation that has reached over 80,000 people through $2 million in grant awards. More than 100 women have participated in the Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political and Pubic Impact. The 16 Standing on Her Shoulders Award recipients include Elaine Barkin, Ethel Case, Claire Cox, Verda Dale, Ruth Hooke, Vera Kalm, Gail Kielson, Susan Lowenstein Kitchell, Gloria Lomax, Ruth Stewart Loving, Ruth Moore, Venessa O’Brien, Lorna Peterson, Linda Slakey, Marlene Werenski, and Angela Wright.

 

Mother/Daughter Night

March 15: Cooper’s Commons, located at 159 Main St. in Agawam, will host a Mother & Daughter Night Out from 6 to 8:30 p.m. to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital while also highlighting local businesses. For a $10 donation, each mother-daughter duo will enjoy 10%-off shopping in Chasam Boutique, Sweet September Baby & Children’s Boutique, and Cooper’s Gifts, Curtains & Furnishings. In addition, guests will be treated to complimentary carnations from Floral Concepts by Tom, hot beverages from Squire’s Bistro, hair updos from Shear Techniques, nail-polish changes at the Skin Salon, and chair massages at Knots Kneaded. Mother-daughter duos are also invited to visit LHQ Danceforce to sign up for one free dance class for each, and mother-daughter portraits will be available from photographer Paula Tingley. “We are looking forward to a wonderful night of pampering, shopping, and fun, all for a terrific cause,” said Kate Gourde, owner of Cooper’s Commons, which was recently renovated and subdivided into many specialty shops and services. “The Children’s Miracle Network at Baystate Children’s Hospital has special meaning to all of us.” Tickets are available in advance at any business within Cooper’s Commons, or at the door the night of the event. If the weather is inclement, the event will be postponed to March 22.

 

Difference Makers 2013

March 21: The annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House starting at 5 p.m. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. This year’s honorees include Springfield’s C3 Policing program; John Downing, president of Soldier On; Bruce Landon, president and general manager of the Springfield Falcons; the Sisters of Providence; and Jim Vinick, senior vice president of investments at Moors & Cabot Inc. Their stories were told in the Feb. 11 issue of BusinessWest and may also be read online at www.businesswest.com. The March 21 gala will feature butlered hors d’oeuvres, lavish food stations, introductions of the Difference Makers, and remarks from the honorees. Tickets cost $55 per person, and tables of 10 are available. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com. Event sponsors include Baystate Medical Practices, First American Insurance Agency, Health New England, Meyers Brothers Kalicka, Northwestern Mutual, Royal LLP, Sarat Ford Lincoln, and Six-Point Creative Works.

 

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 and 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. Businesses interested in purchasing a table may contact Robert LePage at (413) 755-4477 or [email protected].

 

Live Comedy Night to

Help Children’s Charities

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.

 

DevelopSpringfield Gala

April 12: DevelopSpringfield will host its 2nd annual gala in celebration of Springfield, the community’s recent accomplishments, 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 on the event, visit www.developspringfield.com, or contact Diane Swanson at (413) 209-8808 or [email protected].

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.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• March 5: ERC5 March 2013 “High Five” Five-year Anniversary Event, 5-7 p.m., Spoleto Restaurant, 84 Center Square, East Longmeadow. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected]

• March 6: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., the Cedars, 375 Island Pond Road, Springfield. Guest speaker: Suzanne Bump, Massachusetts state auditor. The event will feature a salute to the YMCA of Greater Springfield on its 145th anniversary. For more information and to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

 

• Feb.  27: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., Hampshire Athletic Club, 90 Gatehouse Road, Amherst. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information, visit www.amherstarea.com.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 27: February Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at NUVO Bank & Trust Co. Admission is $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

• March 1: Shining Stars Banquet, Castle of Knights, Memorial Drive, Chicopee. The event will recognize the Business of the Year — Birch Manor Rehabilitation & Skilled Nursing; Citizen of the Year — Lorraine Houle of Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry; and Chamber Volunteer of the Year — Earl LaFlamme III of Marcus Printing. Diamond Sponsor is Chicopee Savings Bank; Gold Sponsors are Dave’s Truck Repair Inc., Hampden Bank, NUVO Bank & Trust Co., Pioneer Packaging Inc., Teddy Bear Pools Inc., the Gaudreau Group Inc., and Valley Opportunity Council. Silver Sponsor is MicroTek Inc. Tickets are $60 per person.

• March 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, 350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members.

• March 20: 19th Annual Table Top Expo & Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., the Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Chicopee, Holyoke, Northampton, and Easthampton chambers of commerce. The event will feature more than 180 exhibitors and hundreds of visitors. Cost to attend: $5 pre-registered, $10 at the door. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

 

• March 22: Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by the Hallmark Institute of Photography, Industrial Boulevard, Turners Falls. Presentation by Robert McBride, founding director of the Rockingham (Vt.) Arts and Museum Project. He will share RAMP’s five-pronged approach to integrating the arts into a community-revitalization effort and long-term sustainability strategies. Sponsored by Franklin County Community Development Corp. and HitPoint Studios. Cost is $12 for FCCC members, $15 for non-members.

• March 22-23: Creative Economy Summit IV, a two-day seminar for artists, art lovers, business supporters, and everyone related to the creative economy. Registration fees and program details available at www.creativeeconomysummit.com.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• March 8: St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon, noon-2 p.m., Southampton Country Club, 329 College Highway, Southampton. Guest speaker: U.S. Rep. Richard Neal. Honored guest: Rachel Connell, Distinguished Young Woman of Greater Easthampton. Sponsored by the Easthampton Learning Foundation and Finck & Perras Insurance Agency. Tickets are $21.95 for members, $23.95 for non-members.

• March 14: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange and Chamber Open House, 5-7 p.m., Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, 33 Union St., Easthampton. Sponsored by Innovative Business Systems and TechCavalry. Door Prizes, hors d’ouevres, host beer and wine. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for future members.

• March 20: 19th Annual Table Top Exposition and Business Networking Event, 4:30-7 p.m., the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Easthampton, Chicopee, Greater Holyoke, and Greater Northampton chambers of commerce. Exhibitor table fee: $100 (must be a member). Contact the participating chambers for information. Attendee-only tickets: $5 in advance, $10 at the door.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• March 1-29: St. Pat’s Luck of the Irish Raffle. First prize, sponsored by Fln-Mar Rubber and Plastics: Red Sox Weekend Getaway for July 20 game vs. Yankees. Includes two game tickets, overnight stay at Boston Sheraton Back Bay Hotel, Peter Pan bus transportation, and $100 spending money. Second prize, sponsored by PeoplesBank and Pioneer Valley Railroad: Apple 32GB iPad Mini and case. Third Prize, sponsored by Mountain View Lanscapes, Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, and Aubrey, Dixon &Turgeon LLC: $500 spending spree at Holyoke Mall. Drawing to be held March 20 at the Table Top Expo at the Log Cabin. Tickets are $5 each or book of three for $10. Tickets are available for purchase online, at the chamber, and at each chamber event through March 20.

• March 7: Leadership Holyoke Program, sponsored by PeoplesBank. Presented by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Holyoke Community College. Speakers, discussions, classroom time, and field trips are included in this 11-week session. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for details or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• March 13: St. Pat’s Salute Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by PeoplesBank and Holyoke Mall. Tickets are $25. Call the office for reservations at (413) 534-3376 or sign up online at holyokechamber.com.

• March 20: Table Top Expo, 4:30-7 p.m., the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Presented by the Greater Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, and Northampton chambers of commerce. The public is invited. Admission: $5 in advance, $10 at the door; vendors: $100 per table. Corporate sponsor: the Log Cabin-Delaney House; Platinum sponsors: Taylor Rental of Holyoke, the Republican, Westover Job Corps Center, BusinessWest, Florence Savings Bank, and the Daily Hampshire Gazette; Gold Sponsors: Holyoke Community College, United Bank, Guenther Associates, Hadley Printing, the Valley Advocate, Northampton Rental, Charter Business, First Niagara Bank, and Harrington Insurance; Silver Sponsors: Dowd Insurance, Elms College, Freedom Credit Union, Hampden Bank, Health New England, Loomis Communities, Mountainview Landscape, PeoplesBank, New England Public Radio WFCR-WNNZ, TD Bank, Reminder Publications, United Personnel, Peter Pan Bus Lines, Peoples United Bank, and Valet Park of America. Call (413) 534-3376 or the participating chambers to reserve a table or to order admission tickets. Snow date: March 27.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

 

• March 20: March 2013 Meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the Basketball Hall of Fame, MassMutual Room. Catered by Max’s Tavern. Speaker: Hope Margala Klein, executive vice president of Brand, Innovation & Merchandising, Yankee Candle. Her program is titled “My Journey Through the Glass Ceiling.” Tickets: $25 for members, $35 for non-members. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact [email protected].

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

 

• Feb.  28: Legislative Breakfast presented by the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, 7-9 a.m., Springfield Country Club. The breakfast will have a panel of various legislatures: state Sen. Michael Knapik, state Sen. James Welch, state Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, state Rep. Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, and West Springfield Mayor Greg Neffinger. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information on ticket sales, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

• March 6: Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., Raymour & Flanigan, 895 Riverdale St., West Springfield. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events hosted by various businesses and restaurants. These events bring members and non-members together to network socially in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected]. Free for chamber members, $10 for non-members. Event is open to the public, but non-members must pay at the door.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• March 4: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Free and open to the public. To register, contact Pam Bussell at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected].

• March 13: March WestNet, 5-7 p.m., First Niagara Bank, 664 College Highway, Southwick. Come join us for a couple of hours to socialize and network with local businesses. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Walk-ins welcome. Cost: members, $10 in advance or cash at the door; non-members, $15 cash. To register, contact Pam Bussell at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] by March 11.

• March 15: St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Westfield State University, Scanlon Hall, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. Registration is at 7:15, the breakfast begins at 7:30, and the program begins at 8. Judy Dumont, MBI director, will speak on Massachusetts 123, a project to bring high-speed broadband to every corner of the Commonwealth. Cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members. To register, contact Pam Bussell at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected]. RSVP for this event by March 11.

 

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield

www.springfieldyps.com

 

• March  21: Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at Nadim’s Mediterranean Restaurant & Grill, 1390 Main St., Springfield. Go to www.cafelebanon.com for more information about the restaurant.

People On the Move

By
Melanie Skroski
Departments People on the Move

Audrey Rome

Audrey Rome

Audrey Rome has joined the Springfield-based law firm Cooley Shrair as a real-estate paralegal. Providing support in the Western Mass. real-estate field for more than 30 years, Rome will help to expand the firm’s real-estate department.

•••••

The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) announced the following:

• Michael Hurwitz has been appointed as Chairman of the board of directors, and will serve a two-year term. Hurwitz, a hospitality-industry veteran, has managed several restaurants in Western Mass., including Uno Chicago Grill, with locations in Springfield, Holyoke and Worcester; and Sonic in Springfield. He served on the GSCVB’s board of directors and executive committee in addition to his previous duties as Chairman of the Howdy Awards for Hospitality Excellence Committee.

• John Parsons has been named Sales and Marketing Coordinator. Parsons, a 2011 graduate of Western New England University, will promote membership within the GSCVB and assist with a number of marketing initiatives, with a special emphasis on sports.

Other officers were named by the GSCVB to serve a three-year term on its board of directors. They include:

• John Doleva, President of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, to serve as vice chairman;

• Barry Crosby of Freedom Credit Union to serve as treasurer;

• Robert Schwarz of Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc. to serve as secretary; and

• Robert Gilbert of Dowd Insurance to serve as compliance officer.

New members of the board to serve a three-year term are:

• William Messner, President of Holyoke Community College; and

• James Woolsey, Superintendent of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site.

•••••

Melanie Skroski

Melanie Skroski

Northampton-based Royal LLP recently welcomed Attorney Melanie Skroski to the management-side-only labor and employment law firm. With practical experience in management, Skroski counsels companies on the myriad state and federal employment laws impacting them, including employment discrimination and harassment, wage and hour, disability and leave, workplace safety, and affirmative action. Her other preventive work includes drafting employee manuals; preparing non-disclosure, non-solicitation, and non-compete agreements; and conducting management training. Skroski is a graduate of Trinity College and Western New England University School of Law.

•••••

TD Bank recently promoted Peter Simko to Store Manager of the branch located at 40 Springfield St. in Agawam. An Assistant Vice President, he is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, and managing personnel and day-to-day operations at the store, serving customers throughout the Greater Springfield area. With 13 years experience in banking, investments, real estate, and mortgages, Simko joined TD Bank in 2011. He most recently served at TD Bank as an Assistant Store Manager in Agawam. Prior to joining the bank, Simko served as an Investment Consultant at TD Waterhouse in Boston, Registered Principal at Scottrade Financial Services in Springfield, and General Partner at Center Exchange Associates, a realty-consulting firm in Chicopee.

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Antonuzzo, John R.

Antonuzzo, Christine M.

PO Box 418

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/30/13

 

Barbato, Eric D.

Barbato, Angela M.

31 Lincoln Ave.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Beaudry, Bernadette A.

a/k/a Zielinski, Bernadette A.

45 Amherst Ave.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Bourdeau, Kyle T.

415 Holyoke St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Brown, Melissa R.

20 Cranberry Dr.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/30/13

 

Buck, Ronald D.

Buck, Tammy L.

130 Donbray Road

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Burdeau, Theresa R.

3 Susan Dr.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Cappelli, Mark A.

Cappelli, Jessica M.

6 Blue Hill Road

Great Barrington, MA 01230

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Claudio, Sonia A.

111 Nassau Dr.

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/25/13

 

Claus, Dorothy M.

86B Sugarloaf St.

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/29/13

 

Colwell, John P.

Colwell, Dolores E.

176 Columbus Ave. Apt 724

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/30/13

 

Danalis, Stephen G.

Danalis, Sherry L.

59 Firglade Ave.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Darr, Steven A.

134 Union St., Unit 53

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Deal, Cora B.

90 Braddock St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/25/13

 

Denison, Christopher J.

8 Spring St., Apt. 3R

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/30/13

 

Garrity, Francis

745 Cape St.

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/17/13

 

Gaudreau, John P.

76 Hmpden St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Gorski, Peter J.

1069 Central St.

Palmer, MA 01069

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Gryszowka, Jonathan S.

18 Crestview Dr.

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/21/13

 

Hart, Charles

35 Fourth Ave.

Cheshire, MA 01225

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/18/13

 

Horniak, Nickolas J.

55 Alhambra Circle South

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/22/13

 

Humel, Steven E.

29 Mount Royal St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/25/13

 

Jones, Robert C.

17 Sumner Ave., Apt. 4

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/22/13

 

Jovan, Alexander

91 Lord Terrace

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Kimball, Philip H.

Kimball, Kathi L.

43 Perry Lane

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/28/13

 

Komssi, Michael J.

Komssi, Sarah A.

156 Wales Road

Brimfield, MA 01010

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Kozar, Steven

Kozar, Katarina

70 Greystone Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/30/13

 

Kulik, Juan C.

182 Brookfield Lane

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Lamy, Ralph G.

Baxendale-Lamy, Barbara A.

43 Shirley St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/25/13

 

Laplante, Keith W.

Laplante, Judith B.

18 Strong Farm Lane

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/21/13

 

M&N Trucking

Merzoian, Jerier B.

a/k/a Merzoian, Jerry

31 Biltmore St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/17/13

 

Martelli, Lisa

815 Willimasville Road

Barre, MA 01005

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Mcintosh, Henry C.

1081 Cascade St.

Mailing Box 714 01202

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/25/13

 

Menard, Roland

72 East Allen Ridge Road

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/29/13

 

Mitchell, Annika M.

a/k/a Markham, Annika M.

P.O. Box 794

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/17/13

 

Notre, Alan

44 Meadow Lane

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/18/13

 

O’Clair, Norma J.

414 Chestnut St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/18/13

 

Ortiz, Zoraida

990 Chicopee St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/21/13

 

Paradis, Russell S.

45B Colonial Circle

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/17/13

 

Provost, David Paul

Provost, Suzanne Marie

2118 Palmer St.

Three Rivers, MA 01080

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Rajpold, Adolf S.

Rajpold, Maria A.

122 Stedman St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/17/13

 

Rajpold, Robert J.

30 Sunnymeade Ave.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/17/13

 

Ralys, Thomas A.

Ralys, Cathy J.

191 Ashland St. #310

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Ryder, Donna M.

9 Wells St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Ryder, Robert J.

206 Intervale Ave.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/29/13

 

Sanders, Dreana C.

17 Brunswick St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/18/13

 

Sauer, Kevin C.

72 Howard St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/22/13

 

Sawin, Christine L.

a/k/a Martin, Christine L.

45 Johnson Road

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Sfakios, Kyriakos

a/k/a Sfakios, Charles

17 Bonnie View Road

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/22/13

 

Shah, Simon

P.O. Box 365

Deerfield, MA 01342

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/25/13

 

Simmons, James S.

Simmons, Jane F.

37 Somers Road

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/22/13

 

Slowik, John P.

46 Ashfield Road

Williamsburg, MA 01096

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Stavroulakis, Cecile P.

43 Sunapee St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/29/13

 

Sullivan, Barry J.

8 Jonathan Judd Circle

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/22/13

 

Szafranski, Cary L.

162 North Main St.

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/31/13

 

Therrien, Raymond A.

149 Mazarin St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/28/13

 

Trudell, Melinda A.

25 Charles St.

Three Rivers, MA 01080

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/30/13

 

Valentin, Lydia I.

86 Debra Dr., Apt. 2C

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Vanasse, Barbara Jean

110 1/2 Pleasant St.

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/24/13

 

Vazquez, Wanda

601 Hampden St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Vears, Ann Marie

122 Benton Place

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/28/13

 

Waterman, Patrick A.

45 Enterprise St.

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/18/13

 

Witholt, Wolter Daniel

59 Firglade Ave.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/23/13

 

Young, Garry L.

800 Franklin St., Apt. #3

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/28/13

Editorial

By
Opinion
The Casino Dilemma for Springfield

It’s certainly not surprising that Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has decided to negotiate a final host-community agreement with both MGM and Penn National Gaming, the two companies vying to place a casino in Springfield (see related stories, pages 17 and 23).

After all, there are still many details to be hammered out on both proposals, and, as we’ve said on several occasions, it behooves the city to keep this competition going as long as it possibly can. Doing so will create better proposals and inevitably create more benefits for the city, its business community, and area nonprofits.

So while this particular decision was a no-brainer in most respects, the next one is exponentially more difficult. It comes down to whether one or both proposals will go before the voters in the city and, eventually, to the Mass. Gaming Commission. (While it’s possible that neither proposal will advance beyond this point, we consider that highly unlikely given the many identified benefits to having a casino in the city.)

This is a difficult decision because there are many factors that go into it, but two real considerations. The first is that Springfield officials, and especially Mayor Domenic Sarno, do not necessarily want the city’s voters or the Gaming Commission deciding where a Springfield casino is going to go — they want to make that decision themselves based on a number of factors, but essentially their objective and subjective determination of which project works best for the city. Once matters go the Gaming Commission, the city has no control.

The second major consideration is that the city is in the contest for a Western Mass. casino license for one reason — to win it. And there are questions about whether Springfield will stand a better chance of doing that if it has one proposal being considered by the Gaming Commission or two.

Indeed, while a simple mathematical analysis would conclude that, if the city has two of the four casino proposals under consideration (the others being in Palmer and West Springfield), it has a 50% chance of winning the license, and only a 33% chance if it has only one proposal, that may not be the case. Gaming Commission members may become split on the Springfield proposals (as many in the city already are), thus theoretically allowing a rival plan to slip in with a majority of the votes.

So what is Springfield to do? Sending both proposals to the voters and then the Gaming Commission would be fair, and would certainly leave fewer questions about whether politics might be involved. But is there room for ‘fair’ in this ultra-high-stakes competition?

It is probably still too early in the process to even determine if both plans are worthy of going before the commission (although the Boston Globe has already endorsed MGM’s plan as the best for Springfield from an economic-development standpoint), but we would advise the city to let the voters and the Gaming Commission have a say on both plans.

Yes, the city stands a chance of looking divided, or not unified on one plan, but that is, in fact, the reality of the moment. This city is not unified on one plan, and it’s not going to become unified — there is simply too much at stake for the supporters of both proposals for that to happen.

And if the city isn’t going to become unified, it shouldn’t make any pretension that it is, even when the purpose for doing so would be to better its odds of winning the $800 million lottery.

For the next several months, there will be a heated debate about whether Springfield is better off with one casino proposal or two. There is no quick or easy answer to that question, but how it’s answered will be a critical matter for this city moving forward.

And it must be answered correctly.

Opinion

By
Opinion
Developing a Skilled Workforce

Gov. Deval Patrick recently disclosed plans to include $112 million in the state budget for the MASSGrant college-scholarship program. It was no surprise he chose to make the announcement during a visit with students at Springfield Technical Community College’s Smith & Wesson Technology Applications Center. The center teaches precision machining and other skills needed in modern manufacturing.

The governor has strongly stated his intention to support the state’s fifth-largest employment sector, manufacturing. As states struggle with limited budgets, he recognizes manufacturing education as an investment in long-term growth. And that is why the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) is especially pleased to return to West Springfield this May for EASTEC, the largest manufacturing event in the Northeast.

Manufacturing education is in crisis. While the national unemployment rate remains near 8% (Massachusetts was at 6.7% in December), as many as 600,000 manufacturing jobs have gone unfilled because of a shortage of skilled workers. The question for state government executives is how to replace retiring skilled workers with the next generation of workers who can operate and maintain sophisticated machinery designed to speed production times and cut costs.

Massachusetts is already taking many of the actions SME outlines in its Workforce Imperative: A Manufacturing Education Strategy, including:

• Partnering with business. The state’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative is an excellent example of how business, government, and educators can identify the skills that are needed, understand and update the curriculum, and engage students in real-world projects through design-build competitions and internships.

• Access to education. The governor signed into law last year reforms of the state’s community-college system. The goal is to make community colleges “more responsive to the needs of businesses and help fill the skills gap that can often leave employers with a shortage of well-trained job prospects.” We hope the reform will also include national accreditation for schools and skills certification for students.

• Supporting STEM. The SME education strategy calls for building a strong foundation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Earlier this year, Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray announced the expansion of five programs across the state to prepare workers for careers in STEM fields. In addition to approximately $428,000 from the state’s STEM Pipeline Fund, the programs will leverage more than $1.3 million in matching funds from participating corporations, private foundations, and federal government sources.

A major challenge is to dispel the antiquated stereotypes students may have about manufacturing and STEM programs. A major focus of EASTEC will be a new “Dream It Do It” manufacturing student challenge. It gives students and educators the opportunity to see and experience the ‘wow’ factor in modern manufacturing — new, cutting-edge technologies that are transforming how we make things.

Massachusetts is leading the way on building a workforce prepared to tackle the challenges ahead of us. We hope other states will follow.

 

Mark C. Tomlinson, CMfgE, EMCP, is executive director and CEO of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME). SME, the organizer of EASTEC, is a leader in workforce-development issues in manufacturing, working with industry, academic, and government partners to support the current and future skilled workforce.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Dress Down for Animals

Feb. 15: Employers, are you looking for a fun way to engage your staff while helping local shelter animals? By participating in Dress Down for Animals Day, your business can help provide life-saving care to dogs, cats, and other small animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield. Through this program, employees will make a minimum donation of $5, $10, or whatever level the employer sets for the privilege of wearing whatever they wish to work on Feb. 15, with proceeds donated to the shelter. Prizes will be awarded based on donation total and number of employees participating. Businesses can compete for a a chair yoga session for up to 50 employees, a catered dessert party, a chance to introduce a business to 7,000 people on the Thomas J. O’Connor Facebook page, and more. To request a form to fill out and return with donations, call (413) 533-4817 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information about the adoption center, visit www.tjofoundation.org.

 

Business-law Basics

March 12, April 16: Get the business-law basics that every small-business owner and entrepreneur needs to know from the legal experts at the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Western New England University. This series of free information sessions is focused on key topics to help plan and grow a small business. Sessions will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Western New England University School of Law, in the Blake Law Center. The events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. The dates, topics, and presenters are: March 12, “Intellectual Property Law Basics,” with attorneys Peter Irvine of Peter Irvine Law Offices, Leah Kunkel of the Law Offices of Leah Kunkel, and Michelle Bugbee of Solutia Inc.; and April 16, “Bankruptcy,” with attorneys George Roumeliotis of Roumeliotis  Law Group, Justin Dion of Bacon Wilson, and Kara Rescia of Eaton & Rescia. To learn more about upcoming events hosted by the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, visit www.wne.edu/cie.

 

Women’s Fund Celebration

March 14: The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts will celebrate its 15th anniversary by honoring 16 local women with the first-ever Standing on Her Shoulders Awards. The celebration, at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, begins at 5 p.m. with a cocktail hour and photographic exhibit of the award recipients and a showcase of the Women’s Fund grantees. The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. with a musical performance, presentation of the Standing on Her Shoulders Awards, and a speech by Luma Mufleh, founder and coach of a soccer team called the Fugees, short for refugees.  An immigrant from Jordan and a Smith College graduate, Mufleh has created several businesses to employ refugees and immigrants in her community. That will be followed by an after-party and dancing from 8:45 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets cost $100. RSVP by March 7 to Julie Holt at (413) 529-0087, ext. 10, or register online at www.womensfund.net. The Women’s Fund is a public foundation that has reached over 80,000 people through $2 million in grant awards. More than 100 women have participated in the Women’s Fund Leadership Institute for Political and Pubic Impact. The 16 Standing on Her Shoulders Award recipients include Elaine Barkin, Ethel Case, Claire Cox, Verda Dale, Ruth Hooke, Vera Kalm, Gail Kielson, Susan Lowenstein Kitchell, Gloria Lomax, Ruth Stewart Loving, Ruth Moore, Venessa O’Brien, Lorna Peterson, Linda Slakey, Marlene Werenski, and Angela Wright.

 

Difference Makers 2013

March 21: The annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House starting at 5 p.m. Details on the event will be published in upcoming issues of the magazine. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. Several dozen nominations for the award were received this year, and the winners have been chosen. They will be announced in the magazine’s Feb. 11 issue. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

 

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].

 

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 gala 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 for more information.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 13: Murder Mystery! After Hours, 5-7 p.m. at City Place Inn and Suites, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. For reservations, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 755-1313.

 

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

• Feb. 27: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. at the Hampshire Athletic Club, 90 Gatehouse Road, Amherst. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information, visit www.amherstarea.com.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 20: February Annual Meeting/Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Castle of Knights. Tickets are $20 for members, $26 for non-members.

• Feb. 27: February Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at NUVO Bank & Trust Co. Admission is $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

• Feb.  28: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. Panel of elected officials will include state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga and Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, West Springfield Mayor Greg Neffinger, and state Sen. Michael Knapik. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

• Feb. 13: February WestNet, 5-7 p.m., at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield. Meet chamber members and bring your business cards. Sponsored by Ashton Services. Admission is $10 for chamber members, $15 for 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

• Feb. 21: February Third Thursday Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at Samuel’s Tavern, 1000 West Columbus Ave, Springfield. The event is free for members, $10 for non-members. For more information, visit www.springfieldyps.com/events.

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

Business Loan Center, LLC v. Hoop Mountain Academy, LLC and 202 Entertainment Ltd. Liability Co. and Catherine White

Allegation: Non-payment of remaining balance due on note: $617,301.12

Filed: 11/26/12

 

Catherine Kilgallen v. PNC Bank, N.A.

Allegation: Negligent property maintenance causing injury: $237,700.65

Filed: 11/7/12

 

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Soaring Capital, LLC v. Spuds in Buds Flower and Debra A. Pasienik

Allegation: Unpaid balance due for monies loaned: $7,879.77

Filed: 11/27/12

 

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

American Express Bank, FSB v. C-Tours and Walter D. Witholt

Allegation: Breach of contract and unjust enrichment: $63,300.78

Filed: 12/20/12

 

Margaret Bielen v. Depuy Ortho Inc. and Johnson/Johnson Services

Allegation: Plaintiff was implanted with a defective Depuy ASR hip: $63,216.88+

Filed: 12/20/12

 

Tighe & Bond Inc. v. 200 Tillary, LLC

Allegation: Mechanics lien for amount owed: $41,567

Filed: 1/2/13

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Zainab Abdi v. Academic and Behavioral Clinic Inc.

Allegation: Breach of contract and unpaid wages: $1,985

Filed: 12/24/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Harty Law Offices v. C.E. Pratt and Sons

Allegation: Non-payment of legal services: $14,000

Filed: 12/4/12

Editorial

By
Opinion
The Power of Passion Makes a Difference

When State Trooper Michael Cutone talks about the so-called C3P, or Counter Criminal Continuum Policing Program, now being implemented in Springfield’s Brightwood neighborhood, there is an unmistakable passion in his voice.

And it’s understandable.

Cutone, fellow State Trooper Tom Sarrouf, and John Barbieri, deputy chief of police in Springfield, are the three main architects of this program, which has enjoyed considerable success with the daunting task of taking neighborhood residents, once relegated to the role of spectators by fear and apathy, and making them a major force in a counter-insurgency effort that has gang members reportedly throwing their cell phones in the Connecticut River because they believe they’re bugged by police.

“Gang members and drug dealers are very savvy — they exploit the fact that people don’t want to engage with the police; they exploit that passive support,” Cutone told BusinessWest, adding that, while the program has a long way to go, it is succeeding with its broad goal of turning that base of support on its ear. And it is because of his passion for the program and its tactics — borrowed from work Cutone and Sarrouf employed with the Green Berets in Iraq — that it is enjoying solid results and bringing news media from across the country to see how it works.

This passion might be considered the prevailing common denominator among this year’s class of Difference Makers.

Indeed, there is passion in Bruce Landon’s voice when he talks about not only how, but why he has fought so hard to keep professional hockey in Springfield, assembling three different ownership groups. That same emotion is there as Sisters Kathleen Popko and Mary Caritas talk about the Sisters of Providence and their incredibly inspiring 140-year track record of finding new and much-needed ways to assist underserved segments of the population.

The passion is palpable as the remarkable John Downing talks about Soldier On and how it never stops working to find ways to improve the lives of those who have served their country. And it bubbles over when Jim Vinick talks about the Jimmy Fund, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and the myriad other causes and institutions he has attached his name to.

Thus, we may well attach the subtitle ‘the power of passion’ to this year’s stories, because it certainly sums things up. There are, indeed, many ways to effectively make a difference in a community, but the process of doing so begins with the requisite passion for a cause or a problem. And there is a lesson there for all of us — find something, or some things, we’re passionate about, and then use that emotion to change people’s lives.

Landon is often called ‘Mr. Hockey’ in Springfield, a fitting title for someone who played the game here and has held about every title in the front office. But there’s a big difference between liking a sport and devoting your life to keeping a team playing in downtown Springfield. The difference is the level of passion.

The same can be said of Vinick. Many people sit on multiple boards and donate time and money to causes. Vinick goes beyond, giving himself to those causes. That means he gives his love of his hometown and the game with which it is identified, and he gives his desire, born from great personal tragedy, to help all those who have seen their lives turned upside down by cancer.

Downing has a simple passion for helping any individual who would go fight and die for his or her country, and this is seen clearly in a career-long quest to help those who discovered that their fight wasn’t over when they returned home from service. And the Sisters of Providence have made a passion for caring service the trait that defines the congregation.

The stories of this year’s Difference Makers vary in some ways, but they all convey the same message: there really is no limit to what you can accomplish when you’re passionate about something, and when you find ways to channel that passion into solutions for others.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of January and February 2013.

 

 

AGAWAM

 

Coopers Commons, LLC

159 Main St.

$35,000 — Second-floor renovation

 

OMG, Inc.

57 Almgren Dr.

$150,000 — Construct interior partitions and renovate existing space

 

CHICOPEE

 

Doverbrook Estates

125 Greenwood Terrace

$16,500 — Replace vinyl siding

 

GREENFIELD

 

Greenfield Farmers Cooperative Exchange

264 High St.

$20,000 — Install new checkout and countertop

 

Home Depot U.S.A, Inc.

278 Mohawk Trail

$78,000 — Restroom renovations

 

YMCA

451 Main St.

$5,000 — Convert existing space to bathroom

 

HOLYOKE

 

Centro Properties Inc.

2217-2239 Northampton St.

$40,000 — Repair roof supports

 

City of Holyoke Park & Recreation

Community Field Road

$20,000 — Install concrete floor

 

KAM Industries

525-527 Dwight St.

$50,000 — Roof repairs

 

Pearson Bradley Development

9 Sullivan Road

$300,000 — Interior reconstruction

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Big Y

44 Willimansett St.

$15,000 — Renovation

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

AIC

99 State St.

$58,000 — Interior renovation

 

Carew Chestnut Partners, LLC

175 Carew St.

$7,875,000 — Construction of a three-story medical office building

 

Manfred Karori

32-34 Allen St.

$10,000 — Interior renovations

 

Roger DeRosier

578 Main St.

$4,000 — Install new ladies room

 

WESTFIELD

 

Sage Engineering

395 Southampton Road

$475,000 — Addition to medical center

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Crown Castle

120 Interstate Dr.

$20,000 — Replace two equipment cabinets at the base of the cell tower

 

Mercy Life Center

2112 Riverdale St.

$163,000 — New duct systems for lower level

 

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

Aucoin, Mary P.

a/k/a Gillis, Mary

25 Hamilton Ave.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Barnett, Ian K.

14 Marchioness Road

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Berns, Tracy Petit

a/k/a Proulx, Tracy D.

a/k/a Smalley, Tracy D.

PO Box 443

Thorndike, MA 01079

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/29/12

 

Boateng, Nana Y.

115 Main St.

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/09/13

 

Brandt, Roger D.

96 Gold St.

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/14/13

 

Chamberlain, Frederick W.

Chamberlain, Amy L.

5 Almon Ave.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Devio, John L.

16 Crossey Place

North Adams, MA 01247

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/03/13

 

Fuller, Matthew D.

15 Sawmill Plain Road

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/04/13

 

Gray, Stephen P.

86 Bowdoin St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/04/13

 

Grimaldi, Mallori L.

PO Box 35

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Iellamo, Jr., Paul A.

55 Windham Dr.

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Iron Kustoms Auto Body

Harris, John W.

PO Box 212

Orange, MA 01366

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/08/13

 

Jeffery, Jacquelyn M.

213 Tyler St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/14/13

 

Khawaja, Talat

Khawaja, Rukhsana

45 Montgomery St.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Koldys, Michael R.

45 Redwood Lane

Sheffield, MA 01257

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Kravchenko, Sergey N.

Kravchenko, Natalya P.

46 Grattan St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/11/13

 

Leary, Sarah

26 Greenwood Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Lopardo, Darlene M.

29 Irvington St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/10/13

 

MacAdams, Courtney David

50 Red Brook Lane

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Maigret, Lisa M.

97 Monrovia St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/11/13

 

Martineau, Daniel R.

14 Carmen St.

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Marzano, Frank

412 Island Pond Road

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

McHale, John D.

McHale, Kimberley J.

387 East River St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

McIntyre, Kathleen Jean

a/k/a Slattery, Kathleen Jean

17 Laurence Dr. West

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/04/13

 

McIntyre, Michael Lynn

285 Shaker Road

Enfield, CT 06082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/04/13

 

Nieves, Joselito

533 Wilbraham Road

Springfield, MA 01101

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

O’Donnell, Monique F.

153 Allen St., Apt. D

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/04/13

 

Ortega, Luz Maria

a/k/a Roldan, Luz Maria

142B Gresham St.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Palatino, Laurie A.

1286 Parker St.

Springfield, MA 01129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Payette, Stephen

Payette, Sherri

295 Elm St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Pishchenkov, Maksim

9 East Bartlett St.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/31/12

 

Reed, Matthew B.

Reed, Carol Anne

169 Allen St.

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/02/13

 

Rivas, Liza M.

172 Bacon Road

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/03/13

 

Rivera, Ivan J.

16 Johnson St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/14/13

 

Rivera, Marcos N.

Collazo-Rodriguez, Myrta

73 Wellington St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/14/13

 

Robinson, Gina M.

57 Webber St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/10/13

 

Salvidio, Rachel

555 Russell Road, Unit J62

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/07/13

 

Seldomridge, Ricky R.

a/k/a Seldomridge, Richard

Seldomridge, Jody L.

a/k/a Adams, Jody L.

844 Main St.

Agawam, MA 01101

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/06/13

 

Servantez, Philip M.

Servantez, Judith A.

67 Horace St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Smith, Christie Marie

400 North King St.

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Suriner, Lea Ann

1 Tracie Ave.

Adams, MA 01220

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/04/13

 

Torres, Jose M.

P.O. Box 6636

Holyoke, MA 01041

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/14/13

 

Vicente, Andres

Rodriguez, Amparo

20 Gerard Way, Apt. G

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/10/13

 

Wheeler, Sandra L.

985 Florence Road

Florence, MA 01062

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/08/13

 

Wiles, Melanie Jeanne

49 Lunt Dr.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 01/15/13

 

Yell, Mary Elizabeth

12 Gaugh St.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 01/08/13

 

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the months of January and February 2013.

 

AGAWAM

 

Carefree Gourd Gallery

75 Simpson Circle

Ceclia Rossi

 

Fozzies Gourmet Bakery

694 Barry St.

Ellie Kozak

 

Real Estate Solutions

10 Abbey Lane

Jeff Dubiel

 

CHICOPEE

 

A.J. Chimney Services

32 Hajel Circle

Adolf Andruleonis

 

Cutting Edge Cuisine

100 Northwood St.

Jaime Duclos

 

Family Nutrition Consultants

335 Grattan St.

Sallie T. Czepiel

 

Midas

704 Memorial Dr.

Scott Gonyer

 

Olde Time Service

35 Glade Ave.

Brian Kennedy

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Nails by Kat

124 Shaker Road

Kateryna Derkach

 

Network Security Partners

132 Shaker Road

Eric Mance

 

Plouffe Realty Inc.

217 Shaker Road

Raymond Plouffe

 

R.E. LaPlante Construction Inc.

94 Maple St.

Ray E. LaPlante

 

Sayegh Jewelers Inc.

60 Shaker Road

Jamil A. Sayegh

 

Stephen Allen Jewelers

35 Maple St.

Stephen Lewis

 

GREENFIELD

 

Antonio’s Pizza

201 Main St.

Amy Long

 

Bill’s Auto Sales

330 Federal St.

William Redmond

 

Creek Massage Therapy

116 Federal St.

Heather Creek

 

Harmony Home Care

83 Thayer Road

Tammy Zellman

 

Harpers Store

404 Colrain Road

William Valvo Jr.

 

JC’s Market

259 Conway St.

Bruce Bednarski

 

Ravenous MMA

158 Main St.

Joseph Leonard

 

Ray’s Cycle Center Inc.

332 Wells St.

Theresa Pydych

 

Winterland Country Club

76 Hope St.

Joseph A. Poirier Jr.

 

HOLYOKE

 

Fashion Nails

293 High St.

Tai Do

 

Holyoke Sporting Goods

1584 Dwight St.

Elizabeth A. Frey

 

JD’S Transmission Auto Sales & Repairs

358 Main St.

Julio DeJesus

 

Melo Deli Grocery

512 South St.

Luis S. Melo

 

New Fashion

303 High St.

Rosimary Ramirez

 

Scents Remembered

540 County Road

Tom Paquin

 

LUDLOW

 

Pires Realty

160 East St.

John Pires

 

Poppi’s Pizzeria

351 West St.

Kevin Fonseca

 

Studio DCC

48 Pine Glen Dr.

Denise L. Catuogno

 

Superior Networking Solutions

476 East St.

Michael Richter

 

T-Clectic

194 East St.

Treena Peltier

 

PALMER

 

Ray Croteau Electric

244 Burlingame Road

Raymond Croteau

 

Stephens Tree Service

1022 Chestnut St.

Shane Stephens

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Minh Tai Inc.

308 Belmont Ave.

Tony M. Tai

 

Optical Expressions Inc.

1514 Allen St.

Shelia Gibbs

 

Rah’s Express, LLC

51 Maebeth St.

Raoul Harvey

 

Rocktenn CP, LLC

320 Parker St.

Angela Rosado

 

Rosario’s Scooters

74 Glenmore St.

Hector M. Rosario

 

Snack Time

423 ½ State St.

Jason L. Ocasio

 

Sovereign Investigative

67 Wollaston St.

Alexander Buor

 

The School Store

1089 State St.

Henry G. Cockett

 

The Traveling Toolbox

109 Carver St.

Alan G. Jarvis

 

Wholesale Auto Outlet

480 Central St.

Attilio Cardaropoli

 

WESTFIELD

 

A Time to Grow

6 Mainline Dr.

Cheryl Ouellette

 

BGK Clothing Company

12 Fowler St.

Joseph Bushior

 

Main Street Hair Company

32 Main St.

Megan Clauson

 

MG Snow Plowing

542 West Road

Michael Gogol

 

 

VCW Interior Solutions

29 Bayberry Lane

Vitaliy Shpak

 

Whip City Networking

89 Yeoman Ave.

Matthew Biegalski

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.

 

AMHERST

 

Atlantic Soccer Club Inc., 22 Whippletree Lane, Amherst, MA 01002. Non-profit soccer club.

 

ASHFIELD

 

West County Builders Inc., 215 Graves Road, Ashfield, MA 01330. Andrew Vivier, 14 Monroe Road, Sh elburne Falls, MA 01370. Residential construction.

 

BRIMFIELD

 

Brimfield Trail Association Inc., 37 Saint George Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. Robert Mahlert, 1485 Dunhamtown-Brimfield Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. To promote the public use and creation of recreational trails.

 

CHICOPEE

 

Wyman Petroleum Inc., 451 Grattan St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Robert Johnson, same. Gasoline service station and convenience store.

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Friends of Brown Farm Inc., 44 Mill Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Heather Cunningham, same. Dedicated to the preservation and renovation of the Brown Family Farm in East Longmeadow.

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

Hampshire Pediatrics P.C., 179A Northampton St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Susan Ray Lamond, same. Practice of pediatric medicine.

 

GREAT BARRINGTON

 

Greenagers Inc., 33 Rossetter St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. William Conklin, 203 Galvin Farm Trail, Sheffield, MA 01257. Non-profit to increase the involvement of local youth in their community and raise youth awareness of environmental issues.

 

GREENFIELD

 

Yes Exactly Inc., 289 Main St., Suite 5 Greenfield, MA 03101. Elizabeth Gadwa, 83 West St., Greenfield 01301. Custom website design and hosting.

 

HADLEY

 

Amherst Youth Lacrosse Inc., 9 Kennedy Dr., Hadley MA 01035. Robert Kuzmeski, same. To train and instruct youth in the sport of lacrosse.

 

Helping Hearts for Hadley Schools Inc., 341 River Dr., Hadley, MA 01035. Stacey Mushenski. To raise funds for the Hadley Elementary School and Hopkins Academy.

 

Lacomb Enterprises Inc., 191 Russell St., Hadley, MA 01035. Neal Lacomb, 134 Rachael Terrace, Westfield, MA 01085. Retail sales.

 

Learning Alternatives Properties Inc., 135 Russell St., Hadley 01035. Joshua Hornick, 94 Summer St., Amherst, MA 01002. Non-profit organization.

 

HOLYOKE

 

Dimples Event Planning Inc., 20 Easthampton Road, Apt. A9, Holyoke, MA 01040. Alesha Lanier, same. Low-cost event planning consulting services within the Commonwealth.

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

United Bank Named Area’s Top SBA Business Lender

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Richard Collins, president and CEO of United Bank, announced that the bank was named the top business lender in Western Mass. by the U.S. Small Business Assoc. (SBA). The Lender of the Year designation honors United Bank’s fiscal 2012 performance in the SBA’s 7(a) loan program, which helps startups and existing small businesses with financing guaranteed for a variety of general business purposes. SBA does not make loans itself, but rather guarantees loans made by participating lending institutions, according to Collins. “At United Bank, we’re doing everything we can to help improve the economic environment in the markets we serve,” he said. “Small businesses and startup companies are the key to the future; their success is everyone’s success.” With total consolidated assets of approximately $2.4 billion, the bank is the 11th-largest publicly traded bank headquartered in New England.

 

South End Citizens Council Endorses MGM Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Resorts International announced recently that its MGM Springfield proposal has received the exclusive endorsement of Springfield’s South End Citizen’s Council. Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts president and chief marketing officer and MGM Springfield president, said, “we are extremely proud to have received the exclusive endorsement of the South End Citizen’s Council. MGM believes in being a good corporate citizen, and this begins with working hard to earn the support and trust of those people whom we hope to soon call our neighbors.” Leo Florian, president of the South End Citizens Council, added, “we have had an open and honest dialogue with MGM from day one. The South End Citizen’s Council voted to exclusively endorse the MGM Springfield project because of the benefits the project would bring not only to our neighborhood but to the entire City of Springfield.” MGM officials have been meeting with South End residents and business owners for months to discuss the MGM Springfield proposal and answer questions. MGM hosted a neighborhood dinner prior to its August 2012 announcement detailing the uniquely urban and integrated downtown Springfield resort-casino proposal. The dinner was followed in November by a formal presentation to the South End Citizen’s Council. In addition to the South End, MGM Resorts executives and the MGM Springfield team have met with 11 other neighborhood councils across the city over the past several months. They plan to meet with the remaining councils in the weeks ahead. These neighborhood meetings and presentations have been a way to inform, educate, and hear from different communities throughout the entire city to better understand their needs and priorities. “We would never come into a community and presume to know what’s best for them,” said Hornbuckle. “By investing this time in listening to residents, business owners, and community leaders, we believe we’ve put forward a project that is worthy of this city and its people. Added Florian, “MGM has created a proposal that is respectful of our neighborhood’s unique fabric and history, and also will bring 3,000 much-needed permanent jobs, revenue, and vitality to this entire city. Their level of community engagement across this city has been unprecedented, and it clearly shows in the amount of care and detail that has gone into this proposal.” The endorsement was made official prior to MGM Resorts submitting its detailed response to RFQ/P Phase II of the city’s casino selection process. A copy of the endorsement letter was submitted earlier this month as part of MGM’s response and was kept confidential until the city made the Phase II responses public. MGM Springfield is proposed for about 10 acres of land between Union and State streets, and between Columbus Avenue and Main Street. MGM is seeking the sole gaming license in Western Mass.

 

UMass Astronomer, International Team Make Unique Observation

AMHERST — Just-forming stars, like growing babies, are always hungry and must ‘feed’ on huge amounts of gas and dust from dense envelopes surrounding them at birth. Now, a team of astronomers, including Robert Gutermuth, a UMass Amherst expert in imaging data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, reports observing an unusual ‘baby’ star that periodically emits infrared light bursts, suggesting it may be twins — that is, a binary star. The discovery is reported this month in Nature. The extremely young (in astronomical terms) object, dubbed LRLL 54361, is about 100,000 years old and is located about 950 light years away toward the Perseus constellation. Years of monitoring its infrared with the Spitzer instrument reveal that it becomes 10 times brighter every 25.34 days, Gutermuth and colleagues say. This periodicity suggests that a companion to the central forming star is likely inhibiting the infall of gas and dust until its closest orbital approach, when matter eventually comes crashing down onto the protostellar ‘twins.’ Gutermuth, who surveys star-forming molecular clouds with Spitzer to search for protostars, said, “the idea that this object is a baby binary system fits our data, so twins fit our data. In single protostars, we would still see matter dumping onto the star non-uniformly, but never with the regularity or intensity of the bursts we observe in LRLL 54361. The 25.43-day period is consistent with the orbital period we would expect from a very close binary star.” The protostar twins, embedded in a gas cocoon many times larger than our solar system, offer an unusual chance to study what looks like a developing binary-star system, he added. Because dense envelopes of gas and dust surround embryonic stars, the only detectable light to escape is at longer, infrared wavelengths. “Spitzer’s infrared camera is perfect for penetrating this cool dust to detect emission from the warm center,” said Gutermuth. “When you have two young stars feeding from the same circumstellar disk, the gravitational influence of the secondary companion can cause hiccups, an inhibition of infalling material from the disk. But when the orbital paths approach closely, that material can rush in, triggering feeding pulses for both stars and releasing a bright burst of light. The flash moves out from the center, reflecting off the disk and cavities in the envelope like an echo reverberating out from cave walls. We’ve seen the light flashes with Spitzer and have imaged the echo-tracing cavities in its envelope.”

People on the Move

By
Hector Toledo
Departments People on the Move

The Business Networking International (BNI) Western Massachusetts Executive Team recently chose Jason Turcotte, owner of Turcotte Data & Design, a website design and development business in Ware, as the 2012 Director of the Year for Western Mass. at the organization’s annual banquet at the Delaney House. The award recognizes one director for commitment and dedication to the organization and for accomplishments within the chapters each oversees. In June 2012, after two years as a director consultant, Turcotte became the managing director of the Western Mass. BNI region, which encompasses Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. In that part-time role, he oversees and provides continued structure, training, and support to the region’s chapters and members in Western Mass. to ensure that every chapter is following the BNI system, establishing goals, and keeping pace to achieve them.

•••••

Hector Toledo

Hector Toledo

Gov. Deval L. Patrick has reappointed Hector Toledo to the Springfield Technical Community College board of trustees, effective Jan. 16, 2013 through March 1, 2017.  Toledo, an alumnus of STCC, is Vice President and Sales Director at Hampden Bank and has served on the STCC board of trustees since 2008.  In June 2012, Toledo was appointed by Patrick to serve as the chair of the board of trustees.

•••••

Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C. recently announced that attorney Rebecca Thibault has joined the Springfield-based firm as an Associate. Her practice areas include general corporate, real estate, and environmental law. She was an intern of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Appeal and Dispute Resolution (Western Region) and was managing editor of Washington University Global Studies Law Review while in law school.

•••••

Felicity Hardee

Felicity Hardee

Felicity Hardee, a Partner with the regional law firm Bulkley Richardson who chairs its Real Estate and Environmental Law departments, has been elected President of the Valley Community Development Corp. The nonprofit corporation addresses the growing needs of low- and moderate-income people in the Pioneer Valley through developing and preserving affordable rental and ownership housing, cultivating economic self-sufficiency, and fostering community leadership. Hardee previously served as the organization’s vice president.

•••••

First Niagara Bank recently announced that First Vice President of Small Business Banking John Delgadillo and Vice President of Commercial Lending Allison Standish Plimpton have each been recognized as a New Leader in Banking by the Connecticut Bankers Assoc. and Connecticut Banking magazine. Delgadillo manages small-business relationships in the New England Region for the bank, while Standish Plimpton manages commercial relationships in the Greater Hartford and Greater Manchester area. The New Leaders In Banking awards recognize bankers who show promise and potential in the local banking industry. Honorees are chosen by an independent panel, which considers Connecticut bankers under the age of 50 who are judged to be outstanding employees, managers, or business leaders and who make a notable impact within their banks or their community.

•••••

Amherst-based New England Environmental Inc. (NEE) announced that Jack Jemsek has joined the company as a Senior Hydrogeologist. Jemsek is a Massachusetts licensed site professional, a Connecticut licensed environmental professional, a professional geologist in New Hampshire, and a certified geologist in Maine. He has a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science from the University of Notre Dame, and a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Joint Program in Oceanography. With more than 24 years of conducting environmental assessments, remedial investigations, hydrogeologic studies, and environmental permitting, Jemsek has been responsible for overseeing technical and regulatory aspects of environmental projects and project teams, directing and managing site investigations and risk characterizations, and designing and evaluating remedial actions for hazardous-waste disposal and brownfield sites throughout New England.

•••••

Craig Melin, President and CEO of Cooley Dickinson Hospital, will join the founding board of the Hampshire County Regional Chamber, while the hospital has pledged a two-year, $15,000 investment to the developing initiative. Melin has been a longtime supporter of the idea of a Regional Chamber, saying it can help Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton avoid duplication of economic-growth efforts. Melin said he brings to the board a perspective on improving the health of the community, continuously improving the quality of the broader care system and helping to make healthcare more affordable.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

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

 

AGAWAM

 

Ellen Dave, LLC

151 Springfield St.

$116,000 — Convert space to sports facility

 

Keith and Kevin King

168 Elm St.

$105,000 — Construct loading dock and ramp

 

CHICOPEE

 

Doverbrook Estates

1140 Pendleton Ave.

$24,000 — Replace vinyl siding

 

GREENFIELD

 

31 Ames Street, LLC

31 Ames St.

$3,500 — Repair ceilings, walls, and floors on the first floor

 

FBBT/US Properties, LLC

137 Federal St.

$67,000 — Interior renovations

 

Franklin County Community Development Corporation

324 Wells St.

$107,000 — Replace insulation and siding

 

HOLYOKE

 

Holyoke Gas & Electric

30 Water St.

$20,000 — Install new flooring and replace cabinets and backboard

 

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.

50 Holyoke St.

$43,000 — Install new ‘cash wrap counter’ and lighting for Gap store

 

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.

50 Holyoke St.

$15,000 — Install new store signs for Hobby Lobby

 

SBA Communications

88 Southampton Road

$20,000 — Remove and replace electrical equipment cabinet and backboard

 

YMCA

171 Pine St.

$31,000 — Cosmetic update

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Interlock Industries

17 Lyman Ter.

$50,000 — New roof

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Eight Iron, LLC

145 Armory St.

$5,000 — New roof

 

Joseph Bonavita

1504 Allen St.

$49,500 — New roof

 

STCC

1 Armory Square

$17,000 — Renovation of 675 square feet in Building 6

 

WESTFIELD

 

Cellular Sales

495 East Main St.

$249,000 — Interior renovations for a store

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Tween Brands

935 Riverdale St.

$239,000 — Renovation of tenant space

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, Robert Charles

8C Maplecrest Circle

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/27/12

 

Allen, Sara Louise

a/k/a Borden, Sara

8C Maplecrest Circle

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/27/12

 

Barratt, William E.

9 Swamp Road

Montague, MA 01351

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/18/12

 

Bishop-Cook, Rachel D.

18 O’Connor Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/18/12

 

Blanchard, Bruce Gary

39 Andersen Road

Chicopee, MA 01022

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

Brooker, Mary

25 Coles Meadow Road

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/26/12

 

Cass, Richard Todd

Cass, Claudia V.

22 Alpine Trail

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/29/12

 

Chabot, Troy A.

85 Twin Oaks Road

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/26/12

 

Chichester, Richard J.

Chichester, Lee Z.

212 Captain Whitney Road

Becket, MA 01223

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/23/12

 

Cook, Kenneth J.

Cook, Susan J.

49 Phyllis Lane

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/18/12

 

Drobot, Jason J.

Drobot, Melanie Jane

a/k/a Grey, Melanie J.

PO Box 451

Chicopee, MA 01021

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/28/12

 

Fabrycki, Alexander W.

Fabrycki, Maryann

207 Munn Road

Monson, MA 01057

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/29/12

 

Fandreyer Electric

Fandreyer, Gerhard R.

210 Royalston Road

Phillipston, MA 01331

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 12/26/12

 

Godbolt, Josephine

65 Pendelton Ave.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/19/12

 

Gonzalez, Ismael

a/k/a Ramos, Ismael Gonza

12 Montclair St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

Gooden, Alwin A.

Gooden, Veronica C.

119 South Branch Pkwy.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/27/12

 

Gregoire, Lauretta

26 Gilman St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/26/12

 

Harwood, Arthur Holden

Harwood, Melissa Robin

7 Osgood St., Apt. 3

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/17/12

 

Hermanson, Melinda Morgan

219 Elm St.

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/19/12

 

Howard, Jeffrey S.

Howard, Michelle M.

447 Barre Road

Oakham, MA 01068

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/19/12

 

Jones, Icie B.

a/k/a McMullen-Jones, Icie B.

211 Crane Hill Road

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 12/29/12

 

Ladouceur, Joseph F.

Ladouceur, Tina L.

43 Montgomery Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

LaRose, Richard Albert

459 Fairview Ave

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/20/12

 

LaShier, Gary R.

LaShier, Sheila C.

214 Silver St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

Latorre, Juan F.

Colon-LaTorre, Myrna

216 Ellsworth Ave.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/20/12

 

Lungarini, Rita E.

54 Ionia St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/28/12

 

Narvaez, Rosa M.

12 Montclair St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

Orvis, Julie M.

a/k/a Marcinkiewicz, Julie O.

PO Box 189

Deerfield, MA 01342

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/29/12

 

Privedenyuk, Vadim P.

116 Berkshire St.

Indian Orchard, MA 01151

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

Rock, Richard Ernest

7 Howe St.

Belchertown, MA 01007

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/21/12

 

Savage, Joseph R.

14 Monument Court

Charlestown, MA 02129

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/17/12

 

Scibelli, Jamie J.

Scibelli, Jeanann M.

140 Prentiss St.

Orange, MA 01364

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/18/12

 

Sheppard, Christina Anne

56 K St. #2

Turners Falls, MA 01376

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/19/12

 

Smith, Daniel James

597 Westhampton Road

Florence, MA 01062

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/28/12

 

Statewide Mechanical Contractors

Dickson, Daniel D.

11 Greenwich Road

East Longmeadow, MA 01028

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/17/12

 

Szymonik, Edmund S.

Szymonik, Frances A.

41 Chestnut St., Apt 6

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/18/12

 

Torres, Elizabeth Maria

197 Westford Ave.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/28/12

 

Washington, Lyle D.

Washington, Kerri M.

178 County Road

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 12/28/12

 

Williams, David R.

51 Monson Turnpike Road

Lot #1069

Ware, MA 01082

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/26/12

 

Wolowicz, Donna Jean

39 Norris St.

Feeding Hills, MA 01030

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 12/19/12

 

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Paragus IT Makes Inc. 5,000 Ranking

HADLEY — Inc. magazine recently named Paragus IT to its annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing businesses. With a 232% growth rate between 2008 and 2011, Paragus is the second-fastest-growing outsourced IT firm in New England. Since CEO Delcie Bean founded the company at the age of 13, Paragus has grown from a one-man operation to a regional leader in business computer service, consulting, and information-technology support. And, despite a sluggish economy, Paragus IT continues to thrive and expand. The company now employs a staff of 24 and has recently added a satellite office in the backyard of its Russell Street headquarters to accommodate the growth.

 

United Bank Again Named Top SBA Lender to Women

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Richard Collins, president and CEO of United Bank, announced that the bank was named the state’s “#1 Lender to Women” by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This is the second consecutive year United has earned this honor. Of all participating SBA lenders, United once again approved the highest percentage of total loans to women in fiscal year 2012. “We are always eager to help women in business achieve their goals,” said Collins. “Their success is always significant to the growth of the economy, and their contributions are more vital than ever in today’s economic environment.” Barbara-Jean DeLoria, senior vice president of commercial and retail lending, said there is a reason for the bank’s success. “We have a team in place that is personally committed to making United Bank the number-one choice for local residents and businesses. We promise, and we deliver, the most responsive and attentive service, competitive rates, and fast answers.” United Bank has 16 branch offices and two express drive-up branches in the Springfield region of Western Mass.; six branches in the Worcester region of Central Mass., with a seventh branch to open in Northborough this month; and 15 branches in Connecticut’s Hartford, Tolland, New Haven, and Litchfield counties. The bank also operates loan-production offices in Beverly, Mass. and Glastonbury, Conn.

 

DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology Honored

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Modern Salon Media has named the 2012 class of Excellence in Education honorees in its annual program recognizing leadership and best practices among cosmetology schools. DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield was chosen to represent excellence in the category of ‘school culture.’ This category recognizes unique programs offered to enhance the cosmetology-school experience and to foster the personal development and growth of students. Modern Salon Publisher Steve Reiss announced the honorees during the 2012 AACS (American Assoc. of Cosmetology Schools) annual convention in Orlando last fall. Hundreds of entries were submitted from cosmetology schools across North America, in eight categories ranging from marketing to placement to school culture. Honorees were determined based on school size and number of locations, with one overall honoree chosen from a list of finalists within each category. “We are absolutely dedicated to providing our students with education at the highest level,” said Paul DiGrigoli, president and CEO of DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology. “Beyond the standard cosmetology curriculum, we offer ‘Life Skills’ personal-development classes and feature guest educators at the top of their respective fields within the beauty industry. We also offer business classes, such as ‘How to Own and Operate Your Own Salon,’ and much more. I am so proud of my dedicated team of instructors and administrators, who devote their very best to our students.”

 

AirFlyte Inc. Acquired by Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services

BEDFORD — Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services recently announced the acquisition of AirFlyte Inc. of Westfield, a full-service executive-terminal fixed-base operator with state-of-the-art maintenance and hangar facilities. “We’re pleased to welcome AirFlyte’s employees into the Rectrix family,” said Thomas Russell, executive chairman of Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services (RECAS). “The substantial reputation enjoyed by AirFlyte is consistent with our company’s mission of offering high-quality services to all aviation segments in which we operate. Further, this acquisition represents a strategic link in the East Coast expansion of RECAS.” Terms of the acquisition were for an undisclosed sum of cash. AirFlyte founder Gary Potts will remain as president of AirFlyte. The company maintains a respected FAA Part 145 certified repair station. AirFlyte’s capabilities include maintenance of most corporate jet aircraft within its 43,000-square-foot facility at Westfield’s Barnes Regional Airport. AirFlyte can fulfill other needs, such as professional photo shoots and interior restorations. AirFlyte’s premier FBO provides business suites, concierge services, crew lounge, quiet rooms, refueling services, aircraft de-icing, and the availability of a conference center. “AirFlyte has been providing premier service to the executive traveler since 1988. By becoming a part of the Rectrix family of companies, we have the opportunity to grow further and do even more for our loyal clients,” said Potts. “We are extremely excited about our future with Rectrix.”

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Mohegan Sun Taps Partner for Casino Project

PALMER — Mohegan Sun has announced a strategic partnership with Brigade Capital Management on its project to build a destination resort casino in Palmer. The agreement with Brigade — a $12 billion New York-based investment advisor — coincides with Mohegan Sun’s formal application for a casino license to the Mass. Gaming Commission.
“This is an important day for Mohegan Sun, for Western Mass., and the entire Commonwealth. Today, we take the next critical step in fulfilling our commitment to bringing new jobs and economic growth to the region,” said Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum, chairman of the Mohegan Tribal Council. “It’s our intent to be the first casino to open its doors in Massachusetts.”
Added Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority CEO Mitchell Etess, “Brigade Capital Management will be a great partner and important asset to this project. They are experienced as institutional investment partners on gaming projects in several states across the U.S., and understand the business that Mohegan Sun has been successful in for 16 years.” Through this agreement, Brigade will invest capital into the corporate entity that is being established to develop Mohegan Sun’s project in Western Mass. “Mohegan Sun is one of the most recognized casino gaming brands in the U.S., and they embody the proven model of success for gaming in New England,” said Don Morgan, managing member of Brigade. “This project will be built at the best location for a casino in Massachusetts, by a team with combined experience in multiple licensing jurisdictions, and managed by one of the premier gaming operators in the U.S. We are excited to be a partner in this endeavor and to have a role in establishing the Massachusetts casino gaming industry.”
Mohegan Sun is planning a world-class destination casino resort in Palmer that promises to create thousands of jobs and bring economic growth to Western Mass. Mohegan Sun established a storefront office in Palmer more than three years ago, and has conducted outreach to thousands of area residents through its Community Conversations series, appearances at other community meetings, a Mohegan Sun in Palmer newsletter and social-media outreach. Mohegan Sun is also far along in discussions with Palmer officials on a host community agreement, which is required under the Massachusetts casino-gaming legislation.
“Our project has distinct and unique advantages with regard to location, access, and infrastructure. Its rural setting on 150 acres — adjacent to other large parcels that present ancillary development possibilities — is ideal for creating the type of gaming facility that New England patrons are familiar with and have made successful over the past two decades,” Etess said. “Moreover, our host community of Palmer has been welcoming, motivated, and supportive. The community is excited about the jobs and economic development that Mohegan Sun will bring to the entire region.”

 

MGHPCC Awards $500,000

in Grants for Research

HOLYOKE — The Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC) has announced $500,000 in seed grants to six multi-university teams to support cross-institutional research among MGHPCC members.
The MGHPCC, which opened in November, is intended to promote research collaboration among the participating universities — Boston University, Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Northeastern University, and UMass — through high-performance computing, a pillar of major scientific research today. The seed grant program is intended to accelerate the MGHPCC’s mission of computational collaboration. This is the second round of seed grants awarded by the MGHPCC Consortium, and it brings the total amount of awards to $1.1 million. The six winners were chosen from a field of 26 applications by a committee of researchers from the participating universities. The funded projects are: “The CaterPillar Project: Exploring the Dark Matter Substructure of Milky Way Galaxies”; “Designing Cloud and Big Data Platforms for Scientific and HPC Applications”; “Strength and Fracture Mechanisms of Hierarchical Biological Materials”; “Computational Identification of Outcome-Associated DNA Alterations in Neuroblastoma”; “Genome-Scale Characterization of Chromosonal Aberrations Using Parallelizable Compression Algorithms”; and “Automated Segmentation of Vessel Network Structures in Large Image Stack Sets.” The grant amounts ranged from $52,000 to $131,000. The request for proposals sought “novel collaborative researchactivities addressing significant and challenging problems at the forefront of high-performance technical computing.” Proposals also had to include a strategy for followup research that would attract external funding.
“This year’s awards span basic astrophysics research, computer-systems innovation, and real-time clinical application, and highlight the richness of the region as a world leading center of gravity for academic discovery,” said Chris Hill, an MIT researcher who served on the committee.

 

MassDOT Releases

Transportation Plan

BOSTON — The Board of the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and Transportation Secretary and CEO Richard Davey have announced a plan for the next generation of transportation investment in the Commonwealth. The plan includes passenger-rail service connect Boston and Springfield, commonly known as the “Inland Route,” and the rehabilitation of infrastructure to support rail service between Pittsfield and New York City. A $362.4 million investment to fund the Inland Route will cover rehabilitation along the route, creating a second track, widening bridges, upgrading signals purchasing train equipment, and constructing or rehabilitating stations. This will also support future high-speed rail connection to New York City via Springfield. Another $113.8 million in funding for rail service between the Berkshires and New York City will include rehabilitation of track, signals, and structures between Pittsfield and the Massachusetts-Connecticut state line to support future rail service between Pittsfield and New York City. The current line is served by freight carriers and is not up to standards necessary for commuter service. The plan also includes a $32.2 million increase to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority in fiscal year 2014, a $3.2 million increase to the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), and a $1 million increase to the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA). The PVTA is receiving the largest increase of all regional transit authorities in the state. Additional Western Mass. investments in the plan, including funding for the 1-91 Viaduct in Springfield, reconstruction of Route 2 in Erving Center, and investments in the Mohawk bike and pedestrian trail in North Adams and the Skyline Trail in Hinsdale, promise to further ensure regional transportation equity, create jobs, and expand economic opportunity.  “We have parts of this Commonwealth whose opportunities are constrained by substandard service and lack of access. Our plan outlines increased investments in passenger rail in Western Mass. and regional transit authorities to unlock opportunities across the board,” said Gov. Deval Patrick. “Improving our transportation system is key to meeting our economic potential, for Western Mass. and every region of the Commonwealth.”

 

Hospitals Request Response to Community Health Survey

PIONEER VALLEY — The Coalition of Western Massachusetts Hospitals is conducting a community-health-needs assessment to identify and address the most pressing public health needs in the Pioneer Valley. Community members are encouraged to participate in this process by taking the Community Health Survey. The link to the survey can be found on the participating hospitals’ websites and at www.surveymonkey.com/s/masschna.
The coalition is a partnership between eight area tax-exempt hospitals: Baystate Medical Center, Baystate Franklin Medical Center, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Holyoke Medical Center, Mercy Medical Center, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Springfield, and Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers. The survey is currently available online in English and Spanish and will soon be available in Russian and Vietnamese (paper copy only).
The coalition began meeting to plan the process for this community-health-needs assessment in August, and is scheduled to have reports finalized by this spring. Its goal is to identify the health and safety assets of area communities and also to determine the potential concerns they face. They will do so by asking residents for their opinions about these issues, services presently available, their satisfaction with these services, and identification of others programs that may be needed. The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete and will be available through Feb. 15. Survey respondents will be identifiable only by ZIP code, and all individual responses will be kept confidential.
All survey respondents will have the option to enter a drawing for an iPad Mini and several gift cards. Personal contact information entered for drawing registration will be kept confidential and used solely for the purpose of this drawing and not for any marketing purposes.

 

Chamber Seeks Input for

2013 Woman of the Year

SPRINGFIELD — The Professional Women’s Chamber, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, is seeking nominations for the 2013 Woman of the Year Award. This award has been presented annually since 1954 to a woman in the Western Mass. area who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community. The nominee’s achievements can be representative of a lifetime’s work or for more recent successes. Any woman in the Pioneer Valley is eligible for nomination, and a chamber affiliation is not required. A Woman of the Year nomination form may be obtained online at www.professionalwomenschamber.com or by emailing Nancy Mirkin, committee chair, at [email protected]. Nomination documents are due by Feb. 15.

 

Consortium Plans Program

to Train Casino Workers

SPRINGFIELD — In an effort to prepare local residents for future casino jobs, a consortium of community colleges from across the state, led by Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College (HCC), recently signed worker-training agreements with four prospective casino developers. The group, called the Community College Casino Careers Training Institute, gives casino developers a single point of contact to help develop their workforce. William Messner, president of HCC, said the consortium hopes to have a training program up and running sometime in 2015, about one year before any of the proposed casinos would open.

 

MassINC Program Aims to

Stimulate Gateway Cities

The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute, an entity run by MassINC, is proposing a $1.7 billion public investment in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities, which include Springfield, Holyoke, Pittsfield, and Westfield. The Gateway Cities Innovation Institute focuses on the 24 cities designated by the Massachusetts Legislature as Gateway Cities — midsize urban cities, typically former manufacturing centers — that anchor their regional economies but have had trouble attracting new growth and investment. MassINC predicts that its $1.7 million investment would stimulate at least seven projects totaling $3.4 billion of new development or reuse, which could in turn leverage nearly $7 billion in investments and create about 80,000 jobs. The money would be split between public funding and loan guarantees, tax incentives, regulatory reform, and technical assistance.

People On the Move

By
Jessica Ridley
Departments People on the Move

Jeffrey McCormick

Jeffrey McCormick

Jeffrey McCormick, a Partner at Robinson Donovan, P.C. in Springfield, who concentrates his practice in the area of civil litigation, has been named the 2013 President of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA). Formed in 1958, ABOTA is dedicated to the preservation of the Seventh-Amendment right to civil trial by jury, to the promotion of the legal profession and civility among the trial bar, and to the support of an independent judiciary and the rule of law. Applicants must have tried at least 20 civil cases to verdict and must practice with the highest ethical and professional standards of conduct. Massachusetts was the first colony in America to guarantee a right to a civil jury trial with the adoption of the Bodie of Liberties in 1641. McCormick, a past president of the Mass. Bar Assoc., is a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. He has taken more than 100 trials to conclusion and has settled, mediated, and arbitrated hundreds of other cases. Among other appointments and honors, he has served on the Mass. Judicial Nominating Commission, the Mass. Board of Bar Overseers, and the Supreme Judicial Court Committee on the Rules of Professional Conduct. He has consistently been listed in The Best Lawyers in America, and in the past has been named a Best Lawyer of the Year in the area of personal-injury litigation in Springfield. He has also been named a Massachusetts and New England Super Lawyer and has received the Super Lawyer designation of one of the top 100 lawyers in Massachusetts. He has been inducted as a fellow in the Litigation Counsel of America.

•••••

Bacon Wilson, P.C., with law offices in Springfield and Northampton, recently announced that Mark Tanner, Esq. has been named a Partner. Tanner, a trial lawyer, works predominantly out of the Northampton office and represents clients in court cases involving business disputes, serious personal injury, land use and zoning, will and estate disputes, and criminal defense. He is currently the president of the Northampton Soccer Club and serves on the Board of Directors of the People’s Institute Inc., the Franklin County Community Development Corp., and the Hampshire County Bar Assoc. A former president of the Hampshire County Bar Assoc. and recipient of the SuperLawyers Rising Stars award for five years, Tanner is also an author of numerous local articles and a member of BusinessWest’s 40 Under Forty class of 2007. Tanner earned his J.D. with honors from the University of Wyoming, his M.B.A. from University of Colorado, his B.S. cum laude from UMass, and his A.A. from New Mexico Military Institute, where he was commissioned as an officer in the Army Reserves.

•••••

Susan Kelly

Susan Kelly

Susan Kelly, CPC, was recently honored as the 2012 Corporate Consultant of the Year by Management Search Inc. (MSI), one of the largest privately held executive-search firms in New England. As Managing Partner, Kelly specializes in placing professional positions within manufacturing and service companies in the Northeast and has been instrumental in the company’s growth. She joined MSI in March of 1987, swiftly developing her client base in the manufacturing and service industry throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

•••••

David Cameron has joined the Northampton office of engineering and design firm Stantec. An environmental scientist with more than 20 years of experience, Cameron has particular expertise in evaluating and permitting the natural-resources impacts of land development related to electric generation and transmission projects. Cameron will serve as a Senior Project Manager on environmental permitting projects across New England and help support Stantec’s power projects across the country. Stantec employs more than 120 employees across Massachusetts.

•••••

Jessica Ridley

Jessica Ridley

TransFluenci Interpreting and Translations Services recently promoted Jessica Ridley to Partner. Ridley was formerly the Operations Manager and has been instrumental in the company’s growth and expansion over the past six years. She previously worked at Meadowbrook as Director of Admissions and Director of Marketing. Ridley will continue to add new customers, provide more languages, and oversee the selection of high-quality interpreters and translators who provide service to state agencies, hospitals, community clinics, school districts, and legal services.

•••••

The UMass Donahue Institute (UMDI), the public service, outreach, and economic-development unit of the UMass President’s Office, recently named Daniel Hodge as the new Director of Economic and Public Policy Research. An applied economist and lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Hodge brings to his position more than 18 years of experience assessing local, regional, state, and multi-state economies in terms of economic impacts, competitiveness, target industries, strategic plans, and infrastructure investments. Most recently, he was the principal and owner of Hodge Economic Consulting, and he has held prior positions at HDR Decision Economics, Cambridge Systematics, and Regional Economic Models Inc. His unique background combines rigorous, data-driven, quantitative economic analysis with significant experience developing strategic plans and policy initiatives, and his work has impacted major projects in Massachusetts, New England, and nationally. He was the project manager for the widely praised Innovation-based Economic Development Strategy for Holyoke and the Pioneer Valley, as well as a study for the Boston Redevelopment Authority on the Economic and Sustainability Benefits of Boston’s ARRA Investments. Most recently, he served as the on-call economist for the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Florida Department of Transportation. Hodge earned his master’s degree in Applied Economics and master’s in Public Policy from the University of Michigan, and holds a B.A. in Economics and Business from Lafayette College.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

HP Vendor Showcase

Feb. 5: Entre Computer and vendor partner Hewlett Packard (HP) will exhibit the latest technologies and products for 2013 from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event, hosted by Hewlett Packard and strategic partners, will introduce new information from Entre, Intel, and Microsoft, who will all be present to discuss the latest innovations from their companies, including the new HP Business Tablet featuring Windows 8 and Intel technology, HP point-of-sale products, and digital signage. The event will highlight HP’s innovation in personal computers and printing. Some of the educational topics covered will include mobile computing, Microsoft Windows 8, and a host of leading-edge solutions, followed by dinner and a partner technology exposition. Entre Computer invites all qualifying customers, businesses, healthcare providers, manufacturers, banks, and retailers to the exhibit, and all are welcome to a complimentary, self-guided tour of the Hall of Fame at the conclusion of the program. Attendance and seating are limited, and pre-registration is required by visiting hpbroadband.com. For additional information, contact Entre Computer at (413) 736-2112 or e-mail [email protected].

 

Essence Editor to Speak

Feb. 5: Susan Taylor of Essence magazine will speak at Springfield Technical Community College at 11 a.m. in the Scibelli Hall gym as part of the STCC Diversity Council Event Series. The presentation, which coincides with Black History Month, is free and open to the public. Taylor’s name is synonymous with Essence magazine, the brand she built as the magazine’s fashion and beauty editor, editor in chief, and editorial director. For nearly three decades, Taylor has been the driving force behind one of the most celebrated black-owned businesses of our time and a legend in the magazine-publishing world. For 27 years, Taylor authored one of the magazine’s most popular columns, “In the Spirit.” She is the only African-American woman to be recognized by the Magazine Publishers of America with the Henry Johnson Fisher Award, the industry’s highest honor, and the first to be inducted into the American Society of Magazine Editors Hall of Fame. Taylor also is the recipient of the NAACP President’s Award for visionary leadership and has honorary degrees from more than a dozen colleges and universities.
A fourth-generation entrepreneur and the author of four books, she supports a host of organizations dedicated to moving the black community forward, but her passion and focus today is with the National Cares Mentoring Movement, a call to action which she founded in 2006 as Essence Cares. The National Cares Mentoring Movement (www.caresmentoring.org) is a massive campaign to recruit 1 million able adults to help secure children who are in peril and losing ground. Taylor’s presentation is sponsored by PeoplesBank, Hampden Bank, the STCC Diversity Council, the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, Baystate Health, Health New England, MassMutual, and the United Way of Pioneer Valley.

 

Business-law Basics

Feb. 5, March 12, April 16: Get the business-law basics that every small-business owner and entrepreneur needs to know from the legal experts at the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Western New England University. This series of free information sessions is focused on key topics to help plan and grow a small business. All sessions will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. at Western New England University School of Law, in the Blake Law Center. All events are free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided. The topics and presenters are: Feb. 5, “Legal Issues in Finance,” with attorneys Scott Foster of Bulkley Richardson and Michael Sweet of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury and Murphy; March 12, “Intellectual Property Law Basics,” with attorneys Peter Irvine of Peter Irvine Law Offices, Leah Kunkel of the Law Offices of Leah Kunkel, and Michelle Bugbee of Solutia Inc.; April 16: “Bankruptcy,” with attorneys George Roumeliotis of Roumeliotis  Law Group, Justin Dion of Bacon Wilson, and Kara Rescia of Eaton & Rescia. To learn more about upcoming events hosted by the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, visit www.wne.edu/cie.

 

40 Under Forty Reunion

Feb. 7: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The event, open only to 40 Under Forty winners, event judges, and sponsors, will begin at 5:30 p.m. and feature a talk from Peter Straley, president of Health New England, about leadership and community involvement. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600 or e-mail [email protected].

 

 

Dress Down for Animals

Feb. 15: Employers, are you looking for a fun way to engage your staff while helping local shelter animals? By participating in Dress Down for Animals Day, your business can help provide life-saving care to dogs, cats, and other small animals at the Thomas J. O’Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center in Springfield. Through this program, employees will make a minimum donation of $5, $10, or whatever level the employer sets for the privilege of wearing whatever they wish to work on Feb. 15, with proceeds donated to the shelter. Prizes will be awarded based on donation total and number of employees participating. Businesses can compete for a $590 advertising package from Reminder Publications, a chair yoga session for up to 50 employees, a catered dessert party, a chance to introduce a business to 7,000 people on the Thomas J. O’Connor Facebook page, and more. To request a form to fill out and return with donations, call (413) 533-4817 or e-mail [email protected]. For more information about the adoption center, visit www.tjofoundation.org.

 

Difference Makers 2013

March 21: The annual Difference Makers award program, staged by BusinessWest, will be held at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House starting at 5 p.m. Details on the event will be published in upcoming issues of the magazine. Difference Makers is a program, launched in 2009, that recognizes groups and individuals that are, as the name suggests, making a difference in this region. Several dozen nominations for the award were received this year, and the winners have been chosen. They will be announced in the magazine’s Feb. 11 issue. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Opinion

By
Opinion
Mentoring Positively Impacts Two Lives

The beginning of the year is a time when people make resolutions and think about things they want to improve in their lives. From exercising more to eating healthier to making a career change, people use the new year to make a personal goal or commitment to they want to achieve.

The new year is also when we celebrate National Mentoring Month and raise awareness about mentoring and its impact in our communities. January is a time to highlight the importance of mentoring for young people while also putting a spotlight on the need for more caring adults to step up and become mentors. At a time when people are assessing their lives and identifying ways to improve them, mentoring a young person is a valuable option for impacting the community and oneself.

This year’s National Mentoring Month theme is ‘mentoring works.’ Research shows that the presence of a caring adult in the life of a young person helps prepare them for school, set them on a career track, and develop important life skills. All of these things also help to prevent many of the challenges that young people can experience, such as violence, substance abuse, and bullying. Spending consistent, quality time with a young person makes a big difference in their life, as it helps to give them guidance, support, and a caring role model to look up to.

What people might not realize is that mentoring actually impacts two lives. The impact for the young person is well-known, but the difference that mentoring makes for the mentor is an unknown benefit to most. The experience of spending time with a young person, listening to them, and building a friendship with them makes a huge impact on an adult and enables them to both learn and be a part of new things while sharing their skills and life experiences. Mentoring works by impacting both the mentee and the mentor, and when you stop to think about it, most of us have benefited by someone who mentored us along the way.

As the CEO of Mass Mentoring Partnership, with more than 15 years of management experience in nonprofits in Boston, I personally know the impact that mentors and caring adults have made in my own life. Growing up in a single-parent household with a mom who often worked two or three jobs just to support our family, mentoring was vital to my future path. As part of the first generation in my family to go to college and achieve things that others in my family never had the opportunity to experience, I remember those mentors who helped give me confidence and guided me down the right path. It was those caring adults that helped prepare me to go to college and think about the skills and lessons I needed to learn to get a job and plan for my future career.

They helped me figure out my path and plant the seed that my interest in giving back to others could turn into a nonprofit career. Their support and guidance enabled me to figure out what my interests were, what my goals could be, and what I could become.

My personal experience and life story proves to me that mentoring works. Professionally, there is so much we can do to help bring more caring adults into the lives of young people and give them that same chance at a brighter future. Using National Mentoring Month to highlight this issue is a great time for all of us to think about what we can do to impact young people and support this important prevention strategy in our communities.

As we march into this new year and reflect on those things we want to improve in our lives and changes we want to make, think about getting involved as a mentor and spending quality time with a young person. Not only can it impact and improve our communities, but it can make a big difference in your own life. Let’s resolve to invest our time, our energy, and our resources to close the mentoring gap and ensure that every young person who needs a caring adult in their life has one.

Marty Martinez is president and CEO of the Mass Mentoring Partnership.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• Feb. 6: Business@Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Springfield Marriott. The monthly Business@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. The Business@Breakfast gives your company exposure to business owners, upper management, and salespeople. For reservations, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 755-1313.

• Feb. 13: Murder Mystery! After Hours, 5-7 p.m. at City Place Inn and Suites, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. For reservations, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 755-1313.

 

AMHERST AREA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

 

• Feb. 13: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9:05 a.m., at the Hampshire College Red Barn. Features a Hampshire County Regional Tourist Council update. Cost is $17 for members, $20 for non-members. RSVP to [email protected] or register online at www.amherstarea.com.

• Feb. 27: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. at the Hampshire Athletic Club, 90 Gatehouse Road, Amherst. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information, visit www.amherstarea.com.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• Feb. 20: February Annual Meeting/Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Castle of Knights. Tickets are $20 for members, $26 for non-members.

• Feb. 27: February Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at NUVO Bank & Trust Co. Admission is $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

GREATER HOLYOKE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• Jan. 28: Basics of Marketing Seminar, 8:30-10 a.m., chamber office. Learn some free and low-cost ideas on marketing your business. Cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members. A continental breakfast is included in the price. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to register or visit holyokechamber.com to sign up.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Feb. 6: Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m., at Easthampton Savings Bank, 241 Northampton St., Easthampton. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can; a casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Admission is $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

 

• Feb. 6: Wicked Wednesday, 5-7 p.m., at Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Free for chamber members, $10 for non-members. Wicked Wednesdays are monthly social events, hosted by various businesses and restaurants, that bring members and non-members together to network in a laid-back atmosphere. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

• Feb.  28: Legislative Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., at Springfield Country Club, 1375 Elm St., West Springfield. Panel of elected officials will include state Reps. Nicholas Boldyga and Michael Finn, Agawam Mayor Richard Cohen, West Springfield Mayor Greg Neffinger, and state Sen. Michael Knapik. Tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. For more information, contact the chamber office at (413) 426-3880, or e-mail [email protected].

 

GREATER WESTFIELD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• Feb. 4: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Miss Sweets, 4 Russell Road, Westfield. The mayor will share information about what’s happening in the city. For more information or to register, contact Pam Bussell at the chamber office at (413) 568-1618.

• Feb. 13: February WestNet, 5-7 p.m., at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road, Westfield. Meet chamber members and bring your business cards. Sponsored by Ashton Services. Admission is $10 for chamber members, $15 for 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

 

• Feb. 21: February Third Thursday Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at Samuel’s Tavern, 1000 West Columbus Ave, Springfield. The event is free for members, $10 for non-members. For more information, visit www.springfieldyps.com/events.

Editorial

By
Opinion
Gaming Panel Got Competition It Wanted

When Stephen Crosby, the chairman of the Mass. Gaming Commission, sat down for an interview with BusinessWest nearly a year ago in the restaurant at the Newton Marriott, he spoke at length about the process that would soon commence to identify casino operators who would be granted the coveted licenses to do business in the Bay State.

He used words like ‘public,’ ‘transparent,’ and ‘optimize’ to describe both this process and the goals for it. But the term he came back to repeatedly was ‘competition.’ Paraphrasing the so-called casino czar, he said the Gaming Commission didn’t want to merely award licenses, it wanted to create intense competition for them.

A year later, that goal has been accomplished, even though at times it didn’t look that way, especially in the eastern part of the state.

Indeed, by Jan. 15, the deadline to file extensive financial documents and pay a non-refundable $400,000 fee, there were 11 players in the mix, including four in the Western Mass. region, and two who have undetermined locations and could conceivably intensify the battle already taking shape within the 413 area code. Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette has a site at the Cabotville Industrial Park, for example, that could come into play.

What people will soon realize, if they haven’t already, is that, when it comes to the fight for a casino license, competition is a very, very good thing. Look at the battle taking shape in Springfield as just one example.

Already, MGM Resorts and Penn National Gaming Inc. (in partnership with Peter Picknelly) seem to be trying to outdo each other when it comes to who can do the most for Union Station, one of the economic-development priorities identified by city officials. MGM says it will lease 44,000 square feet in the long-dormant station for a training institute that includes a hiring center, training rooms, and a regional call center — and it is taking out full-page ads in the local paper to announce these intentions. Penn National, meanwhile, says it will be catalyst for new development in the station by leasing office, retail, and garage space, and linking the station to the casino complex with a skywalk. These plans can now be seen on the sides of Peter Pan buses.

But it goes much deeper than Union Station. The dueling casino operators are announcing their presence, and their intentions, with philanthropic initiatives that indicate that 2013 should be a great year for organizations ranging from the Spirit of Springfield to Square One to the Dunbar Community Center.

And now, the competition is truly regional. In addition to the two Springfield proposals, there is the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority’s plans for Palmer, and Hard Rock International’s recently released plans for a casino complex at the Big E. As a result, the Springfield proposals not only have to compete against each other, but also against the other area players.

This should prove very beneficial for the Western Mass. area as a whole because it should — that’s should — result in a casino project that takes a more regional approach, and becomes much more than a contest to see who can take the most square footage in Union Station or write the most checks to area nonprofits. The casino will be located in one city or town, but it will impact a number of communities, to one extent or another, and the final plans should reflect this.

People in business all say they love competition (although most would probably admit privately that it is more of a love/hate relationship) because it makes them try harder, never allows them to rest easily, and drives them to continually raise the bar.

As the battle for the coveted Western Mass. casino license reaches its next critical stage, this region will find out why Crosby placed such heavy emphasis on competition. It’s because, when it exists, there are far more winners than those who are granted the casino licenses.

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

Donna M. Billings v. Rick Greenfield, UC c/o Arin Realty Inc. and Walgreen Eastern Co. Inc.

Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing injury: $21,323.89

Filed: 11/26/12

 

Faye Ainsworth and Charles Chandler v. Vermont Mutual Insurance Co. Inc., Servpro Industries Inc., et al

Allegation: Unfair insurance-claims practices, unfair business practices, theft of property, and damages to home: $1,440,000

Filed: 12/5/12

 

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Matthew Boron v. Burt’s Bees Inc., the Clorox Co., and Target Stores Inc.

Allegation: Plaintiff purchased Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème and sustained injury after using the product, which contained glass shards: $8,443.02

Filed: 11/20/12

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Acme Site Work Inc. v. Geeleher Enterprises Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment for services, labor, and materials provided: $112,239

Filed: 12/14/12

 

 

Christine Greco v. Microtest Laboratories Inc.

Allegation: Plaintiff seeking damages for back pay: $27,592.80

Filed: 12/12/12

 

Philadelphia Indemnity Insurance Co., as subrogee of Springfield Library and Museums Assoc. Inc. v. Western Mass Electric Co.

Allegation: Defendant negligently failed to maintain, inspect, and update the distribution lines to the Elijah Blake House, resulting in a fire: $353,534.19

Filed: 12/17/12

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Donna Jacobs v. the Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., LLC, and the TJX Companies Inc., d/b/a AJ Wright Stores

Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $7,105.94

Filed: 12/21/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Midland Funding, LLC, as assignee of GE Money Bank/Toro Consumer v. Mario Landscaping

Allegation: Unpaid balance for monies loaned: $13,527.19

Filed: 12/17/12

PicThis

By
PicThis 0113bc
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]

 

Showing Off

PicThis 0113baPicThis 0113bbPicThis 0113bcThe Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts held their annual Table top Business Expo in the MassMutual Room at Max’s Tavern.  The room was filled with area businesses exhibiting their products and services.  From top, Caleigh Creighton and Kathleen Plante of Care@Home, Dawn Creighton of Associated Industries of Mass., and David Paquette from Community Enterprise; from left, Jeanne Filomeno, Rachel Ames, Lisa Piwcio, and Bonnie Nieroda of Marcotte Ford; from left, Patricia Faginski, Laurie Long, and Amy Santarelli of St. Germain Investments.

 

Photos by Denise Smith Photography

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.

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

D1 Mold & Tool, LLC v. Diecast Connections Co. Inc.

Allegation: Complaint on unpaid judgment: $79,964.82

Filed: 12/3/12

 

David A. Ratner and Ellendave, LLC v. Lampert, Hausler, & Rodman, P.C.

Allegation: Failure to discover restrictions while performing title search of land purchased by plaintiff: $500,000

Filed: 11/28/12

 

Kim Kauri v. Eastern Connection Operating Inc.

Allegation: Wrongful classification as independent contractor: $55,000

Filed: 11/26/12

 

Marr Scaffolding Co. v. Capco Steel Corp., NEI & FRC Construction, City View II, LLC, Northeast Interiors Inc., and City View Commons II, L.P.

Allegation: Breach of contract: $49,428.36

Filed: 11/9/12

 

Ralph Ridgeway v. Sang Ho Lee, DDS and Aspen Dental Management

Allegation: Negligent performance of a root canal causing injury and disfigurement: $161,500

Filed: 11/29/12

 

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

TTLR Inc. d/b/a Treasures and Thomas C. Kirkpatrick v. Charter Communications, Inc. and White Mountain Cable, LLC

Allegation: Damage to a sprinkler in a warehouse where plaintiff had stored property causing extensive damage: $100,000+

Filed: 12/10/12

 

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Catherine Durie, M.D. v. Clinical and Support Options Inc.

Allegation: Misrepresentation made by the plaintiff’s employer that it would provide Dr. Durie with professional liability insurance: $23,190.00

Filed: 11/19/12

 

Joseph Barron v. Walmart Inc.

Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing injury: $20,500

Filed: 12/13/12

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Biomaxx Inc. d/b/a/ PA Pellets v. George E. Dupuis d/b/a Turnpike Acres

Allegation: Breach of contract: $15,910

Filed: 11/23/12

 

EJ Associates Inc. d/b/a/ Auth Fuels v. Giggle Gardens Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment of heating oil and other services rendered: $8,890.44

Filed: 11/30/12

 

Jenny Rios v. United Plastics Group Inc.

Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $4,366

Filed: 11/5/12

 

John Kostek and Jennifer B. Margolis v. D. Johndrow Landscaping Inc.

Allegation: Failure to complete work, performance in an unworkmanlike manner, and deceptive trade practices: $15,000

Filed: 11/15/12

 

Kenneth Polastry v. HP Hood, LLC

Allegation: Failure to repair steel doors on a truck causing injury to the plaintiff while he was performing security services: $7,700

Filed: 11/5/12

 

Nelson Noyes v. Solutia Inc.

Allegation: Breach of employment agreement: $25,000+

Filed: 11/21/12

 

U.S. Foods Inc. v. Chef Lou’s Gourmet Foods, LLC d/b/a Abudanza, and Luis Maravilha

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $23,641.96

Filed: 11/12/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Christopher Pighetti v. Tommy D’s Court Yard Pub

Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing slip and fall: $24,500

Filed: 11/9/12

Opinion

By
Opinion
Banks Dodge Accountability for Collapse

 

Ruining the economy means never having to say you’re sorry. And it means never having to take ownership of, or even acknowledge, the desolation that has washed over the country over the last five years.

Most of the instigators of the 2008 financial collapse (the ones that survived the crash intact) have long since moved on. They were greatly aided by a government policy that extracted cash, but not admissions of guilt, as the price of walking away from the collapse. As a recent filing in a Manhattan courtroom shows, that policy continues to leave victims of the financial meltdown in the lurch years after the crisis itself.

The prominent hedge-fund manager John Paulson approached Goldman Sachs in late 2006, when the subprime-mortgage market was sputtering toward its inevitable end. Banks were acquiring, and reselling, flawed mortgages at a furious pace. Paulson told Goldman he wanted to bet against some of the worst mortgages the banks were pushing onto the market. The result was a mortgage instrument named Abacus 2007-AC1.

Goldman’s Abacus deal was like a rancid, $2 billion subprime sausage. The bank took risky slices of 90 subprime-mortgage bonds, stuffed them together, and sold the new mortgage instrument to investors. Normally, investors in deals like Goldman’s Abacus made money when their mortgages performed. Paulson laid a relatively modest bit of money on the other end of the deal, betting that the mortgages would fail; when they did, he’d make a killing.

Deals like Goldman’s Abacus were the worst stuff the financial crisis produced, since they concentrated the riskiest, lowest-rated bits of dozens of disparate mortgage bonds into a single instrument. That’s what Paulson’s fund was looking for: a loser of a deal to bet against. Paulson’s fund selected shaky mortgages to stuff into Abacus, then had Goldman sell the instrument to other clients.

The Abacus deal blew up months after it closed, netting Paulson’s firm a quick $1 billion. A Senate subcommittee investigating the financial crisis would later label Paulson’s role in crafting Abacus a massive conflict of interest; an executive at a rival investment bank compared it to a gambler betting against a football team after asking the team’s coach to bench his quarterback. The Securities and Exchange Commission sued Goldman in 2010 for allowing Paulson’s fund to craft the deal for itself, and extracted a $550 million settlement.

Goldman never admitted any wrongdoing connected to Abacus. That’s normal. Federal regulators’ most vigorous response to the 2008 financial collapse was to buttonhole financial firms into paying a civil fine, without ever making the firms admit that the fines represented punishment for grave misdeeds. Companies paid to make cases go away and never had to admit guilt. This arrangement enabled the SEC to issue press releases trumpeting multi-million-dollar fines against unpopular banks and mortgage companies, while shielding the companies from far greater liabilities that would follow the firms’ admission of securities fraud. So while Goldman conceded it made mistakes in not describing Paulson’s true Abacus role, the bank didn’t have to cop to any wrongdoing. For the ridiculously profitable bank, it’s as if the whole affair never happened.

Although Goldman didn’t get hit with a foul over Abacus, it certainly caused harm. Investors lost billions. A financial insurer called ACA Financial, which backed the safest half of Abacus and lost millions in the deal, sued Goldman over Abacus two years ago. ACA claims Goldman lied, telling the insurer Paulson was betting with the mortgage instrument, not against it. The insurer has been chasing Goldman for $120 million, and for two years, Goldman has been hiding behind the fine print in its SEC settlement.

The government’s Abacus settlement said that, while the SEC was happy to take the bank’s money, it wasn’t making it admit to doing anything wrong. That’s been enough to let Goldman dodge wider accountability from the customers, like ACA, that it put on the wrong side of a deal built to fail. Out of frustration, ACA’s lawyers moved last week to draw Paulson’s hedge fund into their suit against Goldman. But that effort is really just a leverage play to try to break Goldman — a firm that has danced away from Abacus thus far, because its federal regulator let it dodge accountability and contrition.

Paul M. McMorrow is an associate editor at CommonWealth Magazine.

Editorial

By
Opinion
A Chance for UMass to Make Connections

UMass Amherst will celebrate a major milestone this year, its 150th anniversary as a land-grant institution and the start of its role as the state university (see story, page 32).

It’s a chance to mark the school’s long history and effectively tell the story of how it has grown, matured, and become a national leader in many academic realms and a rising power in the research world. And that’s a story that definitely needs to be told, because far too many state residents, alums, state and regional economic-development leaders, and, yes, UMass trustees don’t know it as well as they should.

The 150th anniversary will provide an excellent opportunity to educate people on all that has happened in Amherst, and about the promise of much more to come.

But there is perhaps a much bigger, more important goal for the university as celebrates its beginnings at the height of the Civil War.

This would be the opportunity to re-connect with the alumni base and create more passion for the state university and its critical role in this state.

Indeed, for reasons that are somewhat difficult to articulate, there is a definite lack of passion when it comes to the university and its huge alumni base, at least when compared to the strong bond that graduates of institutions like Holy Cross, Boston College, Harvard, Amherst, Williams, and others have for their schools. And this level of passion also pales beside the fervor that graduates of other state universities across the country have for their schools.

Perhaps one of the reasons is sports — UMass does not have the high-profile programs of a Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, or Alabama. But, then again, Holy Cross and Amherst don’t have big-time sports, either. Perhaps it’s the fact that UMass must operate in the same small state as literally dozens of prestigious private institutions, including four within just a few miles of the campus. Perhaps it’s because UMass is the school that some people attend because they can’t attend those others.

Whatever the reason, the lack of a passionate alumni base has no doubt impacted the university, and not just in terms of the ridiculously low turnout for football games last fall at Gillette Stadium after the school made the risky and expensive leap to the Mid-America Conference and the so-called Football Bowl Subdivision — although that’s part of it.

This dispassion also affects donations to the school, thus limiting its overall growth opportunities, while it may also play a the role in the fact that UMass, like other public schools in the Commonwealth, has long been underfunded in comparison to institutions in other states.

A 150th-birthday celebration, even one on the huge scale that organizers are planning, is not going to change this equation overnight. But it can start to move the needle more in the desired direction.

If the university can succeed in drawing area alumni to the wide range of events on the Amherst campus, where they’ll see the cranes in the air and talk to current students, and if it’s able to attract alums from the eastern part of the state to events to be staged in Boston in October, then perhaps some important connections and reconnections can be made.

One of the sesquicentennial organizers used the phrase ‘light a fire’ to describe what he hopes might happen with the alumni base attending the various events to be staged. That’s being quite optimistic.

But it seems very realistic that the school can use this event to educate, inspire, and perhaps prompt alumni to scour their closets in search of maroon clothing. If it can do that, then maybe the passion level can start to rise.