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Big Y Relaunches Education Express

WILBRAHAM — Citing a passion for education and a belief that strong schools build strong communities Big Y World Class Markets recently announced the return of the Big Y Education Express Program beginning Oct. 4. Through the program, shoppers help schools receive supplies such as new computers, software, books, math and science materials, sports equipment, and other items. Shoppers can sign up to support the school of their choice beginning Sept. 6, and points will accumulate from Oct. 4 through Jan. 1, 2014. Sign up is available online at bigy.com/educationexpress, through Facebook, or by filling out a form at the customer-service desk or any register at a Big Y store. When shoppers purchase participating products, marked with a school-bus logo on the shelf sign, and present their Big Y Express Savings Club or Silver Savings Club card, they earn points for the school of their choice. Schools can then redeem the points for free educational supplies. Customers can track individual contributions online, and schools receive point updates weekly and can redeem points at any time during the program. Since 1993, Education Express has awarded more than $13 million worth of teaching materials and classroom equipment to more than 2,000 schools in Big Y’s market area.

 

HCC Foundation Awarded Grant

HOLYOKE — The Holyoke Community College Foundation has been awarded a $200,000 grant from Urban Research Park CDE, LLC, to launch a technology career pathways program in partnership with Dean Technical High School and the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center (MGHPCC). The collaborative project, called Career Pathways in Technology for Holyoke, is designed to enhance technology education for Holyoke and area residents by establishing a CISCO Academy at HCC and Dean Tech while leveraging educational opportunities through the MGHPCC. CISCO, a corporate sponsor of the MGHPCC, licenses its CISCO Academy curriculum to offer training and professional certifications in the latest technology to help prepare students to fill the global demand for networking professionals. The three-year grant will serve at least 150 students, 25 a year at Dean and 25 a year at HCC. Classes are expected to begin in January 2013, with the program in full operation at both Dean and HCC by September 2013. Career Pathways in Technology for Holyoke will offer both non-credit and credit courses. Non-credit courses will offer certifications that can lead to job placement and are expected to serve the region’s current workers seeking entry-level jobs or job advancement. Dean students will also have the opportunity to enroll in credit classes at HCC in Computer Information Systems to obtain a certificate or associate degree. “One of the goals is to create an educational pathway from Dean Tech to both the credit and non-credit opportunities available at HCC and ultimately into the workforce or toward further educational opportunities,” said Jeffrey Hayden, vice president for Business and Community Service at HCC.

 

Impressions Academy of Dance Performs at WDW

FEEDING HILLS — Members of The Impressions Academy of Dance recently traveled to Downtown Disney at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida to take part in a Disney Performing Arts Program. Dance groups, choirs, ensembles, and marching bands from around the world apply to perform each year as part of Disney Performing Arts at both Disneyland in California and Walt Disney World. Once selected, groups are given the opportunity to perform at the resort for an international audience of theme-park guests. Millions of performers have graced the stages of the Disney parks in the more-than-25-year history of the program. Disney Performing Arts offers band, choral, dance, and auxiliary performers the opportunity to learn, perform, and compete at the Disney World resort.

 

Springfield College Ranked by Magazine

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College was recently ranked in the top tier of the Best Regional Universities – North Region category in U.S. News & World Report’s 2013 edition of “Best Colleges.” The ratings are based on such variables as peer assessment, graduation and retention rates, student selectivity, class size, alumni giving, and student-faculty ratio. “We take pride in this recognition,” said SC President Richard Flynn. “Springfield College is committed not only to academic excellence, but to providing an affordable private education. This latest ranking again confirms that our outstanding faculty and staff remain committed to providing a top-notch education for our students.”

 

Tighe & Bond Awards Scholarships

WESTFIELD — Through the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Tighe & Bond Inc. recently awarded its yearly scholarships to three local college students pursuing engineering degrees. According to David Pinsky, president of the civil- and environmental-engineering firm, “Tighe & Bond firmly believes in the importance of higher education for promising students who have the desire to pursue degrees in engineering. It also offers us a tangible way to support the future of the engineering practice which is essential to problem solving and the well-being of our society.”

Recipients include Johnniel Gomez, a 2012 graduate of Roger L. Putnam Vocational High School, who will attend UMass Dartmouth and study Civil Engineering and received the Philip W. Sheridan – Tighe & Bond Scholarship; Jason Arble, a 2012 graduate of Holyoke High School, who plans to study Electrical Engineering at UMass Amherst and is the recipient of the Edward J. Bayon Memorial Scholarship; and Aaron Sabbs, a 2009 graduate of South Hadley High School, who will be a senior at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, where he is majoring in Civil Engineering, and is a recipient of the George H. McDonnell Scholarship for the fourth year running. All of the scholarships awarded are in memory of past Tighe & Bond presidents.

 

Winstanley Partners Revamps Race Website

LENOX — Winstanley Partners recently revamped the website for the annual Josh Billings Run Aground Triathlon, also simply known as the Josh, which occurred on Sept. 16. Founded in 1976, the race draws more than 500 teams, from weekend warriors to full-fledged Ironmen and Ironwomen, who converge at the Stockbridge Bowl with bicycles, kayaks or canoes, and running shoes. Phil Cohen, project manager at Winstanley Partners, explained that the agency worked in tandem with Race Director Patty Spector to switch joshbillings.com over to the WordPress content-management system, which makes additions and updates simpler and allows race coordinators and the all-volunteer staff to revise information throughout the year. The new site will also keep race enthusiasts informed and attract more athletes and spectators who routinely check race locations, routes, and results.

Court Dockets

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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

Easthampton Savings Bank v. JRE Masonry & Restoration Inc. and Amanda and Jerome Ezold

Allegation: Failure to make payment on a revolving line of credit: $74,711.84

Filed: 7/17/12

 

Forish Construction Co. v. Dallaswhite Corp. and DeNardo Realty, LLC

Allegation: Defendant has failed to pay for services rendered and materials supplied: $132,329

Filed: 8/9/12

 

J.D. Contracting Inc. v. Seaver Construction Inc. and Berkley Surety Group, LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract for services, labor, and materials: $439,163.54

Filed: 7/31/12

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Akiva Cahn-Lipman v. Smith College

Allegation: Breach of employment contract: $86,293.92

Filed: 8/2/12

 

DGA Realty, LLC v. University Motors, LLC

Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $100,000

Filed: 7/12/12

 

M.J. Moran Inc. v. Standard Builders Inc., Amherst Inn Owner, LLC, and Amherst Inn Co.

Allegation: Breach of contract on construction project: $703,754.55

Filed: 7/16/16

 

Safe Environment of America Inc. v. G.V.W. Inc. and Berkley Regional Insurance Agency

Allegation: Failure to pay for asbestos and other environmental services provided: $600,000

Filed: 7/10/12

 

Collins Electric Co. Inc. v. Standard Builders Inc., Amherst Inn Owner, LLC, and Amherst Inn Co.

Allegation: Breach of construction-project contract: $811,503.44

Filed: 7/16/12

 

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Easthampton Savings Bank v. Core Chiropratic Clinic

Allegation: Default on revolving business credit note: $12,014.66

Filed: 7/6/12

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Dolliff & Co. Inc. v. Hampden Structural Systems Inc.

Allegation: Balance due for brokerage Services provided: $8,424.32

Filed: 8/9/12

 

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Performing Arts Building and Renovation

Allegation: Non-payment on workers’ compensation policy: $6,442.04

Filed: 8/10/12

 

Patmar Supply Inc. v. Duziem Laboratories

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,375.16

Filed: 8/7/12

 

TD Banknorth, N.A. v. Vins Inc. and James Rothera Jr.

Allegation: Default on promissory note: $20,098.34

Filed: 8/6/12

 

United Rentals v. Hergon Design Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment for materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $10,240.40

Filed: 8/14/12

 

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Tighe & Bond Inc. v. Fortis Property Group, LLC

Allegation: Breach of contract and balance due for engineering services rendered: $12,435.91

Filed: 8/9/12

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Coyote Realty, LLC

1340 Springfield St.

$750,000 — Construct new Wendy’s restaurant

 

Polish American Club

139 Southwick St.

$54,000 — Repair damaged roof trusses

 

AMHERST

 

Amherst College

Seligman Dorm

$35,000 — Renovations

 

Guidera Realty Trust

446 Main St.

$7,000 — New roof

 

Hampshire College

Lemelson Art Building

$55,000 — Renovation of existing office space

 

Holyoke Property Management

160 Old Farm Road

$70,000 — Install two new generators

 

CHICOPEE

 

Chicopee Crossing, LLC

536 Memorial Dr.

$38,000 — T-Mobile fit-out

 

D&D Chicopee Realty, LLC

49 Highland Ave.

$17,000 — Interior renovation

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

Interland Real Estate, LLC

180 Pleasant St.

$40,000 — Repairs for second-floor AC system

 

Jeanne Moore

69 Ferry St.

$25,000 — Install three antennas

 

Williston Northampton School

11 Payson Ave.

$10,000 — Exterior repairs

 

HOLYOKE

 

Baystate Health

361 Whitney Ave.

$72,000 — Tenant fit-out

 

Daughters of the Heart of Mary

1365 Northampton St.

$13,000 — Renovate existing chapel

 

Suffolk Realty Associates, LLC

56-58 Suffolk St.

$40,000 — Install three new wireless antennas

 

NORTHAMPTON

 

Robert Defresne

155 Industrial Dr.

$115,000 — Renovate office and enlarge break room

 

Smith College

44 College Lane

$290,000 — Reconstruct stairs and ramps

 

Smith College

Green St.

$101,000 — Divide classroom into four offices

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

Integrity Development and Construction

216 Pearl St.

$83,000 — Construct garage

 

SOUTHWICK

 

Shatz, Schwartz, and Fentin PC

22 Industrial Park

$1,500 — Three upgraded antennas

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Briarwood Seven, LLC

11-31 Park St.

$230,000 — Exterior renovations

 

Buckley, Richardson and Gelinas

1500 Main St.

$1,161,000 — Office renovations on the 26th and 27th floors

 

CBRE

1316 Carew St.

$30,000 — Convert drive-thru teller to ATM

 

Paperchine

40 Progress Ave.

$113,000 — Renovation of an office and addition of a conference room

 

Ronald McDonald House

34 Chapin Terrace

$162,000 — Renovate kitchen

 

TD Banknorth

1360 Carew St.

$57,000 — Renovation of ATM room

 

Valley Psychiatric Services

505 East Columbus Ave.

$108,000 — New office space and break room

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Costco Wholesale

119 Daggett Dr.

$779,000 — Erect 2,995-square-foot addition to the northwest corner of existing commercial building

 

John Salema

95 Memorial Ave.

$70,000 — Renovate donut shop sales area

 

Leslie’s Swimming Pool Supplies

3925 East Broadway

$120,000 — Renovate 3,556 square feet of existing space

Editorial

By
Opinion
It’s Time to Be Very Smart About Things

We were encouraged to read recently that Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno has backed off on his stance that only one casino proposal involving the city would be forwarded to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission for consideration.
“I have instructed our city departments and our consultants to conduct an open, fair, and robust competitive process that will allow me to choose the project or projects that best meet the city’s selection criteria,” said the mayor in a prepared statement issued a few weeks ago, one that used the words that should define this process until it is concluded: open, fair, and robust.
And it is with those words in mind that we applaud that decision and offer another strong reminder that, given the gravity of the situation, city officials must be extremely diligent in every decision made involving this matter, because mistakes can be costly, and in a number of ways.
And there is already ample evidence that the city hasn’t done that kind of diligence before making some rather critical decisions involving the casino issue.
But first, regarding the mayor’s decision to allow casino proposals, in the plural, to move on to the Gaming Commission: this makes all the sense in the world, because it heightens the competition, improves the city’s odds of eventually landing a casino within its borders, and brings a much higher level of integrity to the process.
Indeed, singling out one proposal would put too much power in the hands of the Springfield Casino Site Committee — when it belongs with the state Gaming Commission — and raise questions about the overall integrity of the process, given that this panel was selected by city councilors that have more than a passing interest in where the casino goes.
Initially limiting the Springfield casino sweepstakes to one horse is one of those decisions that apparently were not thought through by those who have been making them. And there are more examples of this.
Such as the hiring of the Chicago-based law firm now consulting for the city on the casino matter. That firm, Shefsky & Froelich, is a lobbyist in Illinois for MGM Resorts and Penn National Gaming, two of the casino companies vying to place a facility in the City of Homes.
Officials with Ameristar Casinos, another company that wants to build in the city, have raised questions about whether the consultant’s relationship with its competitors indicates a possible lack of neutrality on the matter, and they are right to do so. Shefsky & Froelich is now asking for a ruling on the matter from the state Ethics Commission, and Stephen Crosby, chairman of the state Gaming Commission, has gone so far as to ask Sarno to postpone the process for selecting a casino until the matter of a potential conflict of interest is resolved.
It seems logical that these questions should have been answered before the firm was hired, because failure to do so raises more questions about competence and integrity.
Meanwhile, there are questions about the Springfield Casino Site Committee itself, mainly about why the general manager of a local television station (Bill Pepin, of WWLP-TV 22) is a part of that mix.
MGM Resorts has already spent thousands of dollars with the station, and other players will likely do the same, creating what would by all accounts be a huge conflict of interest. Pepin is a very intelligent, thoughtful individual who has done a lot for Springfield over the years, but he simply shouldn’t be on this committee and accepting advertising dollars from casino companies at the same time.
In defense of those who have made these decisions over the past several months, they are maneuvering through uncharted waters; the state and this city have never gone through a process like this before. Meanwhile, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find an individual or company that doesn’t have some stake in the outcome of this casino contest.
That said, though, it’s critical that all those involved with this matter be extremely thorough, fair, and transparent in everything they do in order to ensure a process that is above reproach.

Doing business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2012.

 

AMHERST

 

ADG Contracting

18 Edgehill Place

Douglas Olsen

 

Cat and Dog Housecall Practice

760 Station Road

Christine Massaro

 

Clearpoint Communications

72 Pelham Road

Eddy Goldberg

 

Gamer Geek Heroes

34 Pomeroy Lane

Phillip Lanson

 

Hawkins Meadow

370 Northampton Road

Lucy Carlson

Quantum Breakthrough

401 Main St.

Deborah Maclin

 

Voice Male Magazine

44 North Pleasant St.

Emily Danielle

 

CHICOPEE

 

Precisions Barbershop

97 Main St.

Benjamin F. Lester III

 

Renewed Strength

222 Langevin St.

Dawn Jarrell

 

Re-Threads

246 Montcalm St.

Kelly Bicket

 

EASTHAMPTON

 

One Match Films

1 Cottage St.

Jeff Derose

 

Paint and Pixel

12 Fox Run

Margrette Twardowski

 

HADLEY

 

Comfort Inn

237 Russell St.

Laxman Parmar

 

ECO ATM Inc.

367 Russell St.

Drew Spayenta

 

Hartsbrook School

193 Bay Rd.

Stephen Volkmann

 

HOLYOKE

 

Belden Jewelers

50 Holyoke St.

George Frankovich

 

China House

322 Appleton St.

Hong Z. Wang

 

Kay Jewelers

50 Holyoke St.

George Frankovich

 

M.J. Transcriptions

20 Easthampton Road

Katie Jones

 

Patalarga Auto Repair

63 Commerical St.

Pablo Guerrero

 

NORTHAMPTON

 

Alexis Design

5 Strong Ave.

Alexis Neubert

 

Blue Ox Greenscapes

11 Franklin St.

Michael Felbeck

 

Easthampton Pet Sitting

726 Park Hill Road

Anne Pilewsky

 

Great Specs

15 Hawley St.

Jeffrey Bostian

 

JB Auto

605 North King St.

Joseph Barker

 

Local Lead Solutions

45 Maple St.

Garrett Fitzgerald

 

Lovelight Designs

44 Ridgewood Terrace

Joseph Sandler

 

Robinson Real Estate

35 State St.

Steven Slezek

 

Tech Cavalry

355 Bridge St.

Brian Scanlon

 

PALMER

 

Ken Wheelock Painting

54 South St.

Kenneth Wheelock

 

Lazy Lady Farm

60 Olney Road

Paul Lukaskiewicz

 

Milltown Inc.

3033 Main St.

Lance Ferrell

 

P-Madrid Human Services

44 Squire St.

Margaret Warrington

 

Palmer Package Store

1015 North Main St.

Jorge Martins

 

Pawhead Produce

3090 Palmer St.

Robert Schoonover

 

POS

51 Squire St.

Jay Heinicke

 

The NR Group

43 French Dr.

Nathan Olson

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Short Line Track Inspection

5 Louis Road

James Anthony

 

A Touch of Class Remodeling

760 Sumner Ave.

Eddie Alicea

 

Aaron’s

1275 Liberty St.

Ray Simmons

 

Acorn Learning Center

62 Noel St.

Rita Panasian

 

Action Center

1 Armory Square

Bob Giannino-Racine

 

Ambassador Car Wash

1095 State St.

Jaime Rodriguez

 

BBP & Fast Transport

17 Olmsted Dr.

Ricky D. Boone

 

Bamboo House

676 Belmont Ave.

Hieu Le

 

Bezalel Prophetic Art

1676 Carew St.

Triny E. Vargas

 

Calvin Auto Repairing

170 Massachusetts Ave.

Calvin Fearing

 

Chestnut Transport

238 Rear Chestnut St.

Christopher J. Ortega

 

Color Your World Painting

2207 Page Blvd.

Johnson H. Lamont

 

CS-MA LLC

34 Rocus St.

Shawn P. Carroll

 

Delicias Caribenas

127 Stafford St.

Otero A. Luis

 

Ermosa Hair Design

20 Arnold St.

Carmen M. Silva

 

Ferrero Plumbing & Heating

200 Abbott St.

Jason M Ferrero

 

Gold Pizza

459 Main St.

Turkmen Tayfun

 

Gugies Trucking

36 Beauregard St.

Steven A. Gugenberger

 

IBS Electronics

225 Armory St.

Jonathan J. Waitt

 

International Health Services

604 Cottage St.

Margarita Blanter

 

J3T Set Design Group

108 Upton St.

James Frances

 

JBL Construction Company

100 Progress Ave.

Teixeira Carlos

 

WESTFIELD

 

Hair by Julie

34 School St.

Julie Ryan

 

JEP Distributing

18 Gladwin Dr.

James Schiep

 

Southern States Cooperative Inc.

323 Lockhouse Road

Wayne Sine

 

Westfield School of Music

347 Elm St.

Isabelle Boggs

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Colmatt Associates

50 Wishing Well Way

Sandra M. Fletcher

 

El Safi Supermarket

532 Main St.

Ashraf M. Galal

 

Haireast Inc.

8 Chestnut St.

Jennifer Gamelli

 

Metamorphosis Massage

201 Westfield St.

Kathleen A. Cullinan

 

NTB

400 Memorial Ave.

Orland Wolford

 

Park Street Convenience Store

54 Park St.

Pravinbhai Patel

 

Rehab Resolutions Inc.

1111 Elm St.

Sofia Zanzarella

 

Stop & Save

2011 Riverdale St.

Alqaim, Inc.

 

The Courtyards

1139 Westfield St.

Mass Courtyards

 

Westside Aikido

452 Main St.

Lorraine Dianne

 

Wingate at West Springfield

42 Prospect Ave.

Michael S. Benjamin

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

STCC, Eastern States Exposition Partner on Internship Program

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) recently announced a scholarship that creates internship opportunities for STCC students in the Civil Engineering Technology program. Through a donation from Eastern States Exposition, the college created the STCC Civil Engineering Excellence Fund this past June to support a Civil Engineering Learning Laboratory at the exposition facilities. The laboratory will provide STCC students with the opportunity to apply classroom skills outside the campus in a working environment. The partnership between STCC and the ESE will provide a unique learning opportunity to STCC students. Selected interns will receive a scholarship and be recognized at the annual STCC scholarship and awards ceremony. Students will develop project organization, management, and communication plans; catalog, review, and digitally archive historical blueprints and engineering documents; interview and gather facility development history; locate the exposition site’s structural, sewer, electrical, and roadway systems; provide updated digital schematics and renderings of the site using industry-standard software; and recommend areas for consideration for future analysis and verification. “It’s a unique opportunity for our students because it allows them to have a historical perspective of what they are working on,” said STCC Foundation Interim Director Robert LePage. “It’s a really great hands-on learning experience.” STCC student Carlos Cruz is the first student to participate in the program and began work this summer. Under the supervision of STCC Adjunct Professor of Civil Engineering Technology Robert Vetrano, Cruz already has scanned more than 600 of the exposition’s drawings, converted them into TIF format, cleaned the images, and finally converted them into PDF format. Next summer, LePage said he hopes to have at least three or four additional interns to help with the project, and credits the Eastern States Exposition with stepping forward to become the first local organization to support the scholarship program. “It’s an interesting project,” said LePage. “And it’s nice to support and partner with an organization like the Eastern States Exposition, with such a strong mission and focus on education.” LePage noted that, while the ESE is the first organization to step forward to contribute to the STCC Civil Engineering Excellence Fund, there are opportunities for other area businesses to get involved.

 

Colony Hills Capital Announces Acquisition

WILBRAHAM — Colony Hills Capital, LLC (CHC), a Wilbraham-based real-estate-investment firm, recently closed on the $14 million purchase of Wynthrope Forest Apartments, a 270-unit, garden-style community located in Riverdale, Ga. Wynthrope Forest, built in 2000, occupies 28 acres of land. “Because Wynthrope Forest was an REO, we were able to acquire this tremendous asset at an excellent cost basis and significantly below replacement cost,” said David Kaufman, vice president with CHC. “With minor capital improvements and instituting best-in-class management disciplines, I believe our investors will be rewarded with strong risk-adjusted returns.” CHC was joined by equity partners Plymouth Opportunity REIT and Redwood Real Estate Partners in the investment, as well as Morgan Stanley, which provided the mortgage financing on the property.

 

Big Y Opens Latest Store

in Franklin

SPRINGFIELD —  Big Y recently opened its newest World Class Market at 348  East Central St. in Franklin. The 56,866- square-foot market boasts many new innovations both inside and outside of the store. Bowdoin Construction Corp. served as the general contractor for this location, in conjunction with several local subcontractors, such as Tom Gioloso Construction Inc., for the completion of this $14.5 million investment that began in September 2011. “All of us at Big Y are excited to offer the Franklin community with a brand-new shopping experience and a new option for their grocery and lifestyle needs,” said Big Y’s president and chief operating officer, Charles D’Amour.

 

AJE Financial Services Moves into New Quarters

LUDLOW — AJE Financial Services in Ludlow recently moved into new offices at 588 Center St. in Ludlow. Previously located on 364 East St. in Ludlow, the company had outgrown its former location. Owner and President Robin Wdowiak said he is pleased to be able to keep the business in town. “AJE Financial Services has been a part of the Ludlow business community for 17 years, and we are thrilled that we were able to find a  suitable location right here in town,” said Wdowiak. “I grew up in Ludlow and know many of the residents here, so there is always a neighbor-helping-neighbor feeling to the services that we provide.” The company staged an open house on Sept. 6.

People On the Move

By
Allison Ebner
Departments People on the Move

Allison Ebner

Allison Ebner

FIT Solutions, a Springfield-based information-technology staffing firm, announced the appointment of Allison Ebner as Director of Recruiting. Ebner has worked in staffing and recruiting for more than 15 years previously, serving as a vice president for United Personnel. Since earning her bachelor’s degree in Marketing from Ithaca College, she has provided resources to a variety of industries, including the marketing, manufacturing, retail-distribution, and healthcare sectors. Ebner is experienced in managing large-volume staffing projects and has assisted client companies in planning for their annual strategic staffing initiatives.

•••••

MassMutual Retirement Services Division recently announced the addition of Christopher Stout as Sales Director to support its growing presence in the Southeast region. Stout joined the division on Aug. 1 and will be responsible for business development and sales support of MassMutual’s third-party and dedicated distribution channels focusing on retirement plans in the small-plan market.

•••••

Todd Kirton

Todd Kirton

Tighe & Bond announced that Todd Kirton, a Senior Hydrogeologist with the firm for 17 years, has earned his Licensed Site Professional credential. Experienced in the cleanup of oil and hazardous-material contamination, he will also be responsible for developing and executing services for clients that satisfy the Mass. Department of Environmental Protection requirements.

•••••

Sean West has been promoted to Manager of Ticket Sales for the Springfield Falcons, an AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets. West was initially hired by the Falcons as an account executive following the 2011-12 season. He will oversee the ticket department, working closely with team staff and the local community to increase both season and group ticket sales.

•••••

Suzanne Beck, Executive Director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce and the interim director for the emerging regional Hampshire County Chamber of Commerce, and the founding directors of that new organization recently announced the addition of two additional new Founding Directors:

Molly Keegan

Molly Keegan

• Molly Keegan, a Financial Planner with the Davis Financial Group of Hadley and a board member of the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce; and

Ruth Constantine

Ruth Constantine

• Ruth Constantine, Vice President for Finance and Administration at Smith College.

Both will offer increased geographical representation as well as a voice for the area’s local chambers and its colleges and universities. The formation of the regional chamber was announced in March, and founding directors and regional organizations have invested over one-third of the $400,000 needed over two years to bring the concept to fruition.

•••••

The Sisters of Providence Health System recently named Dr. Mary Tarail Chief Medical Officer for Providence Behavioral Health Hospital. Tarail, who previously served as the Associate Medical Director of Geriatric Psychiatry at Providence, will now be responsible for the medical leadership at the facility, including the coordination of all patient care and safety, quality assessment, risk management, patient satisfaction, and improvement in health care programs, and will serve as a liaison between the medical staff and administration. Previously, Tarail served as the Inpatient Unit Chief for Geriatric Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai Hospital in New York and was also the Director of the Geriatric Psychiatry Clinic at the Bronx Veterans Administration Hospital. She is fellowship-trained in the psychiatric treatment of older adults and is sub-specialty board-certified.

•••••

FieldEddy Insurance recently appointed Michael Collura as Account Executive, Commercial Lines. Collura, a Certified Insurance Service Representative in Massachusetts, will advise new and existing clients on insurance risk-management techniques.

•••••

Hospice Services of Western Mass. announced that David McDougall, D.O. has become the Medical Director for its Feeding Hills office. McDougall graduated from the University of Osteopathic Medicine & Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa in 1995. His post-graduate training was done at Sisters of Charity Hospital in Buffalo, New York followed by a residency with Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He is board-eligible in internal medicine and is a member of the Long-Term and Sub-Acute Team at Hampden County Physician Associates caring for patients in local skilled-nursing facilities.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Auction and Wine, Beer & Spirit Tasting

Sept. 13: Wine tasting is a spirited, thirst-quenching and good-natured adventure. And when it is the annual Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Auction & Wine, Beer & Spirit Tasting Event, it is also a fund-raiser for a not-for-profit community resource that supports local businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the overall development of the region. Chicopee Savings Bank is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event, to be held at the Log Cabin from 6 to 9 p.m. William Wagner, president of Chicopee Savings Bank, and John Baran, station manager of WWLP-22 News, will serve as emcees. The event will include gourmet food stations. and wine, beer, and spirit samples will be available from Berkshire Brewing, Commercial Distributing, Commonwealth Wines & Spirits, Opa-Opa, V1 Vodka, and Williams Distributing. The event will also feature a silent auction, and the Eric Bascom Jazz Trio will also provide music. Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. The general public is invited. To reserve tickets, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or www.chicopeechamber.org.

 

The Big E

Sept. 14-30: From live music and parades to sea lions and a circus, there’s something for everyone at the Big E. Country music artist Rodney Atkins will play a concert at the outdoor Comcast Arena Stage on Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Big E’s Mardi Gras Parade returns to the fair with eight custom-made floats specially designed and built by the Kern Companies of New Orleans. The Big E Super Circus features aerial daredevils the Marinofs, the wonder dogs of David Rosaire’s Perky Pekes, the equilibristic ability of Dany Daniels and Edina, comedy, and more. In addition, the Big E will feature a show with the Peking Acrobats, horse shows, the U.S. Freestyle Motocross National Championship series, hypnotist Catherine Hickland, the Sea Lion Splash show, and much more. Look for details and show times at www.thebige.com. Gates open each day at 8 a.m., and building exhibits are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Avenue of States is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Storrowton Village is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Craft Common is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Midway is open Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 

Reading and Book Signing

Sept. 17: Author and education advocate Jonathan Kozol will read from his latest book on at 7 p.m. in the Leslie Phillips Theater at Holyoke Community College. The event is free and open to the public. After the reading, Kozol will discuss and sign copies of Fire in the Ashes: Twenty-five Years Among the Poorest Children in America. He is an author and educational activist known for his non-fiction books on public education in inner-city schools, beginning with Death at an Early Age in 1967, which he wrote after working as a teacher in the Boston public-school system where he was fired for teaching a poem by Langston Hughes. The book won a National Book Award. In Fire in the Ashes, Kozol revisits the schools and children he first wrote about in his books Amazing Grace and Rachel and her Children. For more information, contact Liz Golen, HCC Student Activities coordinator, at (413) 552-2418 or [email protected].

 

‘All Souls’ Author

to Discuss Memoir

Sept. 21: As part of the Ovations series, sponsored by the Chicopee Savings Bank Endowment for Academic Excellence, the STCC Office of Academic Affairs, and the STCC Honors Program, Michael Patrick McDonald will discuss his coming-of-age memoir All Souls. There will be two performances, at 10:10 and 11:15 a.m., in Scibelli Hall. Both are free and open to the public. All Souls is an account of McDonald’s upbringing in South Boston during the turbulent 1970s. MacDonald, the ninth child in a family of 11, was raised by his mother. Four of his siblings died tragically, two of whom were associated with Whitey Bulger, the notorious crime czar of South Boston. Much of All Souls deals with the power Bulger held over South Boston and the tragic effects that had on MacDonald’s family. MacDonald will return to STCC, where he captivated the audience three years ago, to talk about Whitey Bulger and the legacy Bulger leaves behind. USA Today calls MacDonald “a born rabble-rouser whose emotional power numbs the reader’s reason.” For additional information about the Ovations series, contact Philip O’Donoghue at (413) 755-4233 or [email protected].

 

World Affairs Council Annual Meeting

Oct. 10: Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash will speak at the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Annual Meeting & Dinner in the Mahogany Room of the Springfield Sheraton Hotel in downtown Springfield. More details will be forthcoming. Lash is an internationally recognized expert on practical solutions to global sustainability and development challenges. Before he became president of Hampshire College in 2011, he served as president of World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank with offices in eight countries and partners in more than 50 countries. WRI is an international leader on issues ranging from low-carbon development to sustainable transportation. From 1993 to 1999, Lash was co-chair of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development, a group of government, business, labor, civil-rights, and environmental leaders appointed by Bill Clinton that developed visionary recommendations for strategies to promote sustainable development. He played a key role in the creation and success of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, which in 2007 issued the highly influential “Call to Action” on global warming. Prior to WRI, Lash held posts as director of Vermont Law School’s Environmental Law Center, Vermont secretary of Natural Resources, and Vermont commissioner of Environmental Conservation, as well as a federal prosecutor. For more information on the event, call (413) 733-0110.

 

Western Mass.

Business Expo

Oct. 11: BusinessWest will again present the Western Mass. Business Expo. The event, which made its debut last fall at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, will feature more than 180 exhibitors, seminars, special presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the year’s most extensive networking opportunity. Comcast Business Class will again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Details, including breakfast and lunch agendas, seminar topics, and featured speakers, will be printed in the pages of BusinessWest over the coming months. For more information or to purchase a booth, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

 

Novelist, Playwright

to Speak at STCC

Oct. 12: Andrea Hairston, novelist and playwright, will visit the region as part of the Ovations series, sponsored by the Chicopee Savings Bank Endowment for Academic Excellence, the STCC Office of Academic Affairs, and the STCC Honors Program. There will two performances, at 10:10 and 11:15 a.m., in Scibelli Hall. Both are free and open to the public. Hairston is the Artistic Director of Chrysalis Theatre. For more than 30 years, Hairston has created original music, dance, and mask productions. In 1997, Hairston turned her interest to science fiction and wrote a sci-fi theatre jam, Archangels of Funk. She also published her first sci-fi novel, Mindscape, which won the Carl Brandon Parallax Award. Tony Award winning playwright Pearl Cleage said, “Andrea Hairston’s Mindscape starts with a vision of the way things ought to be and then takes us along on the amazing journey that must be undertaken to make that vision a reality.” Hairston has spent her career exploring the links between arts and science. This multi-faceted presentation will feature readings, music, and performance. For additional information about the Ovations series, contact Philip O’Donoghue at (413) 755-4233 or [email protected].
An Evening of

Classical Music

Oct. 19: The New England Farm Workers’ Council, the North End Educational Development Fund, the Student Prince & Fort Restaurant, and the Puerto Rican/Latino Leadership Council will present “Diversecity,” an evening at Springfield’s Symphony Hall with the internationally renowned Puerto Rico Philharmonic Orchestra, featuring 70 musicians and guest singers. The symphony will be conducted by Maestro Rafael Enrique Irizarry III, with special guest Kevin Rhodes. The event, starting at 7:30 p.m. and hosted by Bax & O’Brien of Rock 102, is intended to bring local residents together in celebration of the strength, diversity, and cultural richness of this region and its people. Tickets may be purchased at symphonyhall.com or ticketmaster.com.

 

Writer, Essayist to Speak

Nov. 5: Anne Fadiman, a writer, essayist, and author whose first book, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, won her a National Critics Book Circle Award, will visit the region as part of the Ovations series, sponsored by the Chicopee Savings Bank Endowment for Academic Excellence, the STCC Office of Academic Affairs, and the STCC Honors Program. There will two performances, at 10:10 and 11:15 a.m., in Scibelli Hall. Both are free and open to the public. The Washington Post called Fadiman’s book “an intriguing, spirit-lifting, extraordinary exploration.” The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down tells the story of Lia Lee, the daughter of Hmong immigrants from Laos, who was diagnosed with epilepsy in 1981. What follows is the story of a clash of cultures as well as an examination of the U.S. healthcare system. The book is often taught in university literary journalism courses across the country and serves as a casebook for cross-cultural sensitivity. Fadiman also is the author of Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader and At Large and At Small: Familiar Essays. She currently resides in Whately and is a professor of English and writing mentor at Yale University. For additional information about the Ovations series, contact Philip O’Donoghue at (413) 755-4233 or [email protected].

 

40 Under Forty Reunion

Nov. 8: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program. Details on the event will be forthcoming. What is known is that it will be staged at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, and will be open only to 40 Under Forty winners, sponsors, and their guests, as well as judges of the first six contests. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected].

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• Sept. 13: ACCGS Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m. Location TBD.

• Sept. 14: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, 8-9 a.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

• Sept. 19: ERC Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m. at the Gardens of Wilbraham.

• Sept. 28: ERC5 Chamber Annual Golf Classic, at the Country Club of Wilbraham. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with a 12:15 shotgun start. Cost is $110 for golfers. To register and for sponsor information, contact Roberto Nieves at (413) 755-1318.

 

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

 

• Sept. 25: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. at the Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. Introducing UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, who assumed his role on July 1. He is the 11th chancellor of the flagship campus. Tickets are $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• Sept. 13: The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction and Wine, Beer & Spirit Tasting, 6-9 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Music by the Eric Bascom Jazz Trio. Bid on great auction items including Red Sox tickets, restaurant gift certificates, golf clubs, massages, gift baskets, and more. Sample wine, beer, and spirits from Berkshire Brewing, Commercial Distributing, Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, Opa-Opa, V1 Vodka, and Williams Distributing. Discounted tickets at $35 must be purchased in advance by calling (413) 594-2101 or online at www.chicopeechamber.org. Tickets will be $40 at the door.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

 

• Sept. 21: Chamber Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., at the Franklin County Tech School, Turners Falls.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• Sept. 13: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange “Fall Fling,” 5-7 p.m. at Opa-Opa Steakhouse & Brewery, 169 College Highway, Southampton. Sponsored by All About You, LLC. Door prizes, Hors d’ouevres. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

• Sept. 14: Karrin Allyson & Amherst Jazz Orchestra Bear Fest 2012 Concert, 7 p.m. at the White Brook Middle School, 200 Park St., Easthampton. Sponsored by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $15 for general admission. For tickets and more Bear Fest info, visit www.easthamptonbearfest.com

 

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www. holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• Sept. 12: Legislative Coffee Hour, 7:45-9:15 a.m. at the Summit View, 555 Northampton St. Sponsored by Dowd Insurance Agency and Loomis Communities.
Featuring local elected officials discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth, Holyoke, and our businesses in the months ahead. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Call Wanda Zabawa at (413) 534-3376 for reservations, or register online at holyokechamber.com.

• Sept. 19: Holyoke Chamber Clambake, 5-7:30 p.m. at Holyoke Country Club
Presented by United Water and sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and Westfield Bank, this seafood feast features lobster, steamers, clam chowder, make-your-own strawberry shortcake bar, and much more. Raffle prizes; $1,000 cash prize putting contest; and 50/50 Raffle. Get ninne holes of golf and a cart for only $15. Tickets are $30. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to reserve tickets, or register online at holyokechamber.com.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Sept. 12: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m. at the Northampton Athletic Club, 306 King St., Northampton. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsored by United Bank, United Personnel, and Dietz & Co. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY

www.thenayp.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Sept. 13: September Networking Social. Location TBD.

 

PROFESSSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

 

• Sept. 19: Professional Women’s Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m, at the MassMutual Room at Max’s Tavern. Keynote Speaker is Carla Oleska, CEO of the Women’s Fund. Tickets are $25 for PWC members, $35 for non-members.

 

QUABOAG HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.qvcc.biz

(413) 283-2418

 

• Sept. 14: 2012 QHCC Annual Golf Tournament, at Cold Spring Country Club, 336 Chauncey Walker St., Belchertown. Sponsored by Monson Savings Bank. Please consider sponsoring this event early. Enjoy a relaxing day of golf at the newest golf course in the area. Registration is at 10 a.m., shotgun start at 11. Dinner is at approximately 4 p.m. To register, contact [email protected], or call (413) 283-2418 for more information. Win this tournament, and your team can display the first QHCC championship trophy.

 

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.shchamber.com

(413) 532-6451

 

• Sept. 18: Beyond Business, 5-7 p.m., at the the Old Firehouse Museum, 4 North Main St., South Hadley. Honor our premier members. Invitations will follow with details.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

 

• Sept. 13: Programs Committee Meeting. Committee meets to discuss and develop WRC’s membership meetings, events, and promotions. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 13: Economic Development Committee Meeting. Committee meets to address how WRC can enhance the economic development of Agawam and West Springfield. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 20: Economic Development Committee Meeting.

• Sept. 21: Executive Committee Meeting. A closed committee meeting of the chairman of the board, vice chairman, previous chairman, secretary, and treasurer. If you have something you would like addressed at this meeting, e-mail [email protected].

• Sept. 25: Board of Directors Retreat. A closed meeting of the board of directors. If you have something you would like to see addressed at this meeting, e-mail [email protected], and your comments and questions will be forwarded appropriately.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• Sept. 13: Downtown Comes to Campus, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westfield State University will showcase 18 downtown vendors in the Tim & Jeanne’s Dining Commons to students, staff and faculty. The event is free. There will be giveaways, raffle prizes, and demonstrations. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 14: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce September Breakfast. Registration is at 7:15 a.m., and the program begins at 7:50. Hosted by the  104th  Fighter Wing, Air National Guard Base, 175 Falcon Dr., Westfield. Sponsors: Platinum Sponsor, Westfield Bank; Silver Sponsors: Easthampton Savings Bank, Field Eddy Insurance, Noble Hospital, United Way, Walmart, and Westfield Gas & Electric; Bronze Sponsors: Expert Tire and Renaissance Manor. Speaker: Brian Barnes, Airport Manager, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. Tickets are $25 for chamber members, $30 cash for non-members. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for tickets or for more information.

• Sept. 19: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce WestNet After 5 Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at Stevens 470 Marketing & Creative, 470 Southampton Road, Westfield. Speaker: Karen Rubin, executive director, Amelia Park Children’s Museum. Tickets: chamber members, $10, non-members $15 cash. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for tickets or for more information.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Sip, Clip & Go! Coffee Launched

SOUTH HADLEY — Karen Lynn, a South Hadley resident, recently announced the launch of  Sip, Clip & Go! Coffee,  a niche brand of coffee geared specifically for the cycling community. The coffee is 100% fair-trade and organic. Additionally, Lynn pledges that 1% of all coffee profits will be donated to Bikes Belong, a nonprofit organization that helps build bicycle-friendly communities. “I created Sip, Clip & Go! Coffee to cater specifically to the cycling community” said Lynn, an avid cyclist for 12 years and long-time coffee lover. “There is an intrinsic cultural link between coffee and cycling. I think part of it is that coffee and cycling accomplish the same thing — they inspire conversation, collaboration, and connection.  I’ve always enjoyed the sense of shared community that cycling has brought into my life, and Sip Clip & Go! Coffee seeks to pay homage and contribute back to that very community.” Lynn works with local roasters in the Pioneer Valley to create the various blends of Sip Clip and Go! Three blends are currently being offered, all with cycling-centric names: Crank Set, Off the Chain, and Carbon-Free Commuter. Additionally, ceramic mugs and stainless-steel tumblers are available to order on the Web site. Sip Clip & Go! Coffee is available for sale primarily through the Web site. Plans to place the coffee into bicycle shops are Lynn’s next step. “I’ll be reaching out to local bike shops over the coming weeks; after establishing the product locally, I’ll branch out from there.” The coffee retails for $12.99 for a 12 oz. bag of whole-bean or ground coffee, and Lynn plans to utilize social-media outlets like Twitter and Facebook to announce online coupons or promotional discounts. For additional information, or to inquire about carrying Sip, Clip & Go! Coffee in sport and bike shops, e-mail [email protected].

 

Springfield Museums Awarded $150,000 Grant

SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Museums have been awarded a highly competitive Museums for America grant of $150,000 from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) toward the creation and installation of “The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss,” an interactive, literacy-based exhibit for children. The 3,200-square-foot, bilingual exhibition is designed to instill a love of reading and introduce children and their families to the stories of Springfield-born author Theodor Seuss Geisel. “The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss” will provide opportunities to explore new vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking. Upgrades to a companion Web site, www.catinthehat.org, will provide interactive games for children as well as educational resources for teachers. When fund-raising for the project has been completed, the new exhibit will be installed on the first floor of the Pynchon Building, formerly the Connecticut Valley Historical Museum. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The grants are awarded through competitive peer review. Out of 470 applicants to the Museums for America program, fewer than one-third were funded. “The projects selected represent a wide spectrum of activities that will help museums serve their communities better through exhibitions and community-outreach programs, collections-management activities, and behind-the-scenes projects,” said IMLS Director Susan Hildreth. The Springfield Museums is a nonprofit organization that includes the George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum, the Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History, the Springfield Science Museum, the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts, the Pynchon Building, and the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden.

 

Hampden Bank

Reports 130% Increase

in Net Income

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, recently announced the results of operations for the three and 12 months ended June 30. The company had an $882,000 increase in net income for the three months ended June 30, to $909,000, or $0.16 per fully diluted share, as compared to $27,000, or $0.00 per fully diluted share, for the same period in 2011. The company had a $1.7 million, or 129.5%, increase in net income for the year ended June 30, 2012 to $3.0 million, or $0.51 per fully diluted share, as compared to $1.3 million, or $0.21 per fully diluted share, for the same period in 2011. The company’s total assets increased $42.6 million, or 7.4%, from $573.3 million at June 30, 2011 to $616.0 million at June 30, 2012. Securities increased $31.9 million, or 28.5%, to $143.9 million. Net loans, including loans held for sale, increased $9.2 million, or 2.3%, to $407.3 million at June 30, 2012. Due to interest-rate risk, the company has decided to sell the majority of its current originations of long-term fixed-rate mortgages and has sold $23.2 million of fixed-rate mortgages during the year ended June 30, 2012. Non-performing assets totaled $4.1 million, or 0.67% of total assets, at June 30, 2012 compared to $7.5 million, or 1.30% of total assets, at June 30, 2011. Total non-performing assets included $2.3 million of non-performing loans and $1.8 million of other real estate owned. From June 30, 2011 to June 30, 2012, commercial real-estate non-performing loans decreased $1.5 million, residential mortgage non-performing loans decreased $1.4 million, commercial non-performing loans decreased $769,000, and consumer — including home-equity and manufactured homes — non-performing loans decreased $294,000. Deposits increased $17.6 million, or 4.2%, to $434.8 million at June 30, 2012 from $417.3 million at June 30, 2011. Savings accounts increased $12.3 million, demand deposits increased $8.8 million, money-market accounts increased $7.7 million, and NOW accounts increased $4.5 million. Certificates of deposits decreased $15.7 million. During the year ended June 30, 2012, the company purchased 812,750 shares of company stock for $10.2 million, at an average price of $12.52 per share, pursuant to the company’s previously announced stock repurchase programs.

 

3 Area Companies Named Employers of Choice

EAST LONGMEADOW — Four Massachusetts businesses, including three from Western Mass., have been selected as Employer of Choice Award recipients by the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. The winners — People’s Bank of Holyoke, Sanderson-MacLeod Inc. of Palmer, Savage Arms of

Westfield, and Seven Hills Foundation of Worcester — will receive their awards at the chamber’s Business Summit in September at the Resort and Conference Center in Hyannis. Recognition as an Employer of Choice provides statewide visibility for companies that have developed a culture for transforming and rewarding employee performance. The categories of focus are company culture, training and development, communication, job, recognition/rewards, life-work balance, and Employer-of-Choice-related results. Debra Boronski, president of the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, said the three-step process ensures that only the best companies are selected. “After an initial application with basic questions relating to Employer of Choice, we select semifinalists and submit additional, more-detailed, questions. We narrow that down to a smaller group and conduct on-site interviews with all the finalists to verify and ultimately select the winners.” Employers who have been in business for at least three years and have a minimum of 25 employees are eligible to participate. The size of a company and its resources are taken into consideration in the screening and selection process. Awards are given in two sectors: Manufacturing and Non-manufacturing/Service. The Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Summit is a three-day gathering (Sept. 9-11) of business professionals from across the state, as well as state and local elected officials and representatives from the Mass. Office of Economic Development. This year, the summit will feature relevant panel discussions on health care cost containment, how to leverage social media, and an employer’s legal responsibilities. For more information and to register for the summit, contact Boronski at (617) 512-9667 or (413) 426-3850, or visit www.massachusettschamberofcommerce.com.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS

www.myonlinechamber.com

(413) 787-1555

 

• Sept.  5: Business@Breakfast, 7:15 a.m. – 9 a.m. at the Springfield Sheraton. Guest speaker will be George O’Brien, editor of BusinessWest magazine. Cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members.

• Sept. 13: ACCGS Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m. Location TBD.

• Sept. 14: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, 8-9 a.m. at the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

• Sept. 19: ERC Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m. at the Gardens of Wilbraham.

• Sept. 28: ERC5 Chamber Annual Golf Classic, at the Country Club of Wilbraham. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., with a 12:15 shotgun start. Cost is $110 for golfers. To register and for sponsor information, contact Roberto Nieves at (413) 755-1318.

 

AMHERST AREA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.amherstarea.com

(413) 253-0700

 

• Sept. 25: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. at the Lord Jeffery Inn, 30 Boltwood Ave., Amherst. Introducing UMass Amherst Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, who assumed his role on July 1. He is the 11th chancellor of the flagship campus. Tickets are $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.chicopeechamber.org

(413) 594-2101

 

• Sept. 13: The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce Annual Auction and Wine, Beer & Spirit Tasting, 6-9 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Music by the Eric Bascom Jazz Trio. Bid on great auction items including Red Sox tickets, restaurant gift certificates, golf clubs, massages, gift baskets, and more. Sample wine, beer, and spirits from Berkshire Brewing, Commercial Distributing, Commonwealth Wine & Spirits, Opa-Opa, V1 Vodka, and Williams Distributing. Discounted tickets at $35 must be purchased in advance by calling (413) 594-2101 or online at www.chicopeechamber.org. Tickets will be $40 at the door.

 

FRANKLIN COUNTY

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.franklincc.org

(413) 773-5463

 

• Sept. 21: Chamber Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., at the Franklin County Tech School, Turners Falls.

 

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.easthamptonchamber.org

(413) 527-9414

 

• Sept. 13: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange “Fall Fling,” 5-7 p.m. at Opa-Opa Steakhouse & Brewery, 169 College Highway, Southampton. Sponsored by All About You, LLC. Door prizes, Hors d’ouevres. Tickets are $5 for members, $15 for non-members.

• Sept. 14: Karrin Allyson & Amherst Jazz Orchestra Bear Fest 2012 Concert, 7 p.m. at the White Brook Middle School, 200 Park St., Easthampton. Sponsored by the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce. Tickets are $15 for general admission. For tickets and more Bear Fest info, visit www.easthamptonbearfest.com

 

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce

www. holycham.com

(413) 534-3376

 

• Sept. 12: Legislative Coffee Hour, 7:45-9:15 a.m. at the Summit View, 555 Northampton St. Sponsored by Dowd Insurance Agency and Loomis Communities.
Featuring local elected officials discussing the challenges and opportunities facing the Commonwealth, Holyoke, and our businesses in the months ahead. Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Call Wanda Zabawa at (413) 534-3376 for reservations, or register online at holyokechamber.com.

 

• Sept. 19: Holyoke Chamber Clambake, 5-7:30 p.m. at Holyoke Country Club
Presented by United Water and sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and Westfield Bank, this seafood feast features lobster, steamers, clam chowder, make-your-own strawberry shortcake bar, and much more. Raffle prizes; $1,000 cash prize putting contest; and 50/50 Raffle. Get ninne holes of golf and a cart for only $15. Tickets are $30. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 to reserve tickets, or register online at holyokechamber.com.

 

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.explorenorthampton.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Sept. 10: New Member Info Session, noon to 1 p.m. This is the chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you, meet other new members and learn how to make to the most of your chamber membership. A light lunch will be served. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected]. For more information, visit www.explorenorthampton.com.

• Sept. 12: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m. at the Northampton Athletic Club, 306 King St., Northampton. Arrive when you can, stay as long as you can. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Sponsored by United Bank, United Personnel, and Dietz & Co. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members.

 

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY

www.thenayp.com

(413) 584-1900

 

• Sept. 13: September Networking Social. Location TBD.

 

PROFESSSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER

www.professionalwomenschamber.com

(413) 755-1310

 

• Sept. 19: Professional Women’s Chamber Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m, at the MassMutual Room at Max’s Tavern. Keynote Speaker is Carla Oleska, CEO of the Women’s Fund. Tickets are $25 for PWC members, $35 for non-members.

 

QUABOAG HILLS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.qvcc.biz

(413) 283-2418

 

• Sept. 14: 2012 QHCC Annual Golf Tournament, at Cold Spring Country Club, 336 Chauncey Walker St., Belchertown. Sponsored by Monson Savings Bank. Please consider sponsoring this event early. Enjoy a relaxing day of golf at the newest golf course in the area. Registration is at 10 a.m., shotgun start at 11. Dinner is at approximately 4 p.m. To register, contact [email protected], or call (413) 283-2418 for more information. Win this tournament, and your team can display the first QHCC championship trophy.

 

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.shchamber.com

(413) 532-6451

 

• Sept. 18: Beyond Business, 5-7 p.m., at the the Old Firehouse Museum, 4 North Main St., South Hadley. Honor our premier members. Invitations will follow with details.

 

THREE RIVERS

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.threeriverschamber.org

(413) 283-6425

 

• Sept. 3: Chamber meeting, 7- 8 p.m., at the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce Office, 2376 Main St., Three Rivers.

 

WEST OF THE RIVER

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.ourwrc.com

(413) 426-3880

 

• Sept. 4: Membership Committee Meeting. Monthly committee meeting to dicsuss membership recruitment, retention, and incentive programs. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 5: Education Committee Meeting. Committee meets to address how the WRC will support and promote educational activities within Agawam and West Springfield. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 13: Programs Committee Meeting. Committee meets to discuss and develop WRC’s membership meetings, events, and promotions. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 13: Economic Development Committee Meeting. Committee meets to address how WRC can enhance the economic development of Agawam and West Springfield. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 20: Economic Development Committee Meeting.

• Sept. 21: Executive Committee Meeting. A closed committee meeting of the chairman of the board, vice chairman, previous chairman, secretary, and treasurer. If you have something you would like addressed at this meeting, e-mail [email protected].

• Sept. 25: Board of Directors Retreat. A closed meeting of the board of directors. If you have something you would like to see addressed at this meeting, e-mail [email protected], and your comments and questions will be forwarded appropriately.

 

GREATER WESTFIELD

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.westfieldbiz.org

(413) 568-1618

 

• Sept. 10: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m. at Tim & Jeanne’s Dining Commons, Westfield State University, 577 Western Ave., Westfield. The guest speaker will be Mayor Knapik, who will bring chamber members and guests up to date on the city of Westfield. The event is free, but a full-service breakfast and coffee is available for $3.50 cash (no debit or credit cards accepted) in the dining commons. The event is open to the public. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] to register or for more information.

• Sept. 13: Downtown Comes to Campus, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Westfield State University will showcase 18 downtown vendors in the Tim & Jeanne’s Dining Commons to students, staff and faculty. The event is free. There will be giveaways, raffle prizes, and demonstrations. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

• Sept. 14: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce September Breakfast. Registration is at 7:15 a.m., and the program begins at 7:50. Hosted by the  104th  Fighter Wing, Air National Guard Base, 175 Falcon Dr., Westfield. Sponsors: Platinum Sponsor, Westfield Bank; Silver Sponsors: Easthampton Savings Bank, Field Eddy Insurance, Noble Hospital, United Way, Walmart, and Westfield Gas & Electric; Bronze Sponsors: Expert Tire and Renaissance Manor. Speaker: Brian Barnes, Airport Manager, Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport. Tickets are $25 for chamber members, $30 cash for non-members. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for tickets or for more information.

• Sept. 19: Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce WestNet After 5 Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at Stevens 470 Marketing & Creative, 470 Southampton Road,

Westfield. Speaker: Karen Rubin, executive director, Amelia Park Children’s Museum. Tickets: chamber members, $10, non-members $15 cash. Contact Pam Bussell at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected] for tickets or for more information.

Editorial

By
Opinion
Moving Beyond the Pretty Pictures

MGM Resorts International staged a lavish press event at the MassMutual Center last week to announce its plans to build a casino and entertainment complex in Springfield’s South End. There was an overflow crowd, music, high-tech imagery, performers from Cirque du Soleil, and a full complement of media.

Springfield hadn’t seen anything quite like it before, but it will see something like it again, and probably very soon. Indeed, with the MGM event, the casino era in Western Mass. entered a new and intriguing phase. Let’s call it the ‘pretty pictures stage.’

Actually, they’re architect’s renderings, and there were a few on display in the packets being handed out at the MassMutual Center. They showed a South End teeming with people, lights, and vibrancy, a stark contrast to what exists now. Older buildings and properties damaged by last year’s tornado had been replaced by storefronts, restaurants, and attractive buildings for market-rate housing.

And along with the pictures came promises, in this case to connect the casino complex with downtown entertainment venues, such as the MassMutual Center, via a pedestrian walkway, thus eliminating one of the major complaints about casinos — that they keep people inside their walls and don’t spread the wealth. There were also pledges to incorporate existing downtown buildings, such as the former MassMutual headquarters at the corner of State and Main streets, and existing businesses, such as the Red Rose pizzeria, into the MGM complex.

There will be more of these press events, renderings, and promises in the weeks and months to come. There are casino plans unfolding for the North End of Springfield, involving the Republican building and other parcels, as well as the old Westinghouse complex in East Springfield, and perhaps another for a site in the middle of the central business district.

The trouble with these images, however, is that they tend to blind people, create expectations, and, in many ways, distract them from any other form of economic development and urban revitalization.

Indeed, with the start of the pretty pictures stage, it is quite evident that Springfield, and this region as a whole, needs some form of resolution to the question of where the casino is going to go — and the sooner the better. That’s because nothing is going to get done until that $64,000 question is answered.

Look at what has happened in Palmer. Mohegan Sun started putting out pretty pictures of what a casino on the hill just off the turnpike exit would look like, and the town has been in what amounts to a trance since. Granted, there is nothing approaching a Plan B for job creation and overall economic development in that community, but nothing else will even be considered until the casino matter is resolved.

In Springfield, we’re starting to see signs of the same thing. The phrase ‘tornado reconstruction’ seems old and passé. The matter of rebuilding the battered South End is on the back burner, and it will stay there until the winner of the Springfield casino sweepstakes is announced.

The same is true for other areas of the city, including the North End and the center of downtown. Almost everything now seems to hinge on where the casino will go — if Springfield lands one at all — and what the plan entails.

So it is incumbent upon those who will be making the decisions locally and then on a statewide basis to be diligent, thoughtful — this could be, after all, the biggest development in Springfield since the building of the Armory more than 200 years ago — but also expeditious.

There are currently about as many casino plans for Springfield as there are for the rest of the state combined, and the longer we have to look at the pretty pictures, consider the possibilities, and speculate, the longer it will be before we can move this city forward.

PictureThis

By
Departments Picture This

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

Air Show Breakfast

Top, supporters fill one of the hangars of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee for the Great New England Air Show Kick-off Breakfast on Aug. 3. Middle, Bud Shuback, right, president of the Galaxy Community Council, presents a framed, commemorative show poster as recognition for air-show contributions to Jim Uliano, vice president of Marketing for Town Fair Tire. Bottom, Shuback presents a poster to Melissa Serra, promotions coordinator for Big Y World Class Markets, who also sang the National Anthem.







































Artistic Statement

On August 20, a 36-foot metal sculpture called “Birdicus Gigantium,” created by artist James Kitchen, was unveiled in the courtyard next to One Financial Plaza. The massive piece is one of more than 30 created by Kitchen now on display in downtown Springfield, as part of a collaborative effort involving the artist, NAI Plotkin, the Springfield Business Improvement District, and WGBY. At top, Evan Plotkin, president of NAI Plotkin, speaks at the unveiling. At center, Kitchen holds up a map showing where each of his 32 sculptures is located in a 26-block art installation.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

 

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT

Gary Lefebvre v. Lucky Strike Restaurant Inc.

Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance, causing slip and fall: $18,295

Filed: 7/23/12

 

Theresa Moran and Alison Berry v. Polished A Salon and Marisol Figueroa

Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $6,472

Filed: 7/18/12

 

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Summit Distributing, LLC v. B.G. Dupree Enterprises Inc. and Bryce G. Dupree

Allegation: Breach of promissory note and distribution agreement, and failure to make lease payments: $270,000

Filed: 6/19/12

 

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Coyote Realty, LLC v. Sprocket Realty, LLC, Spero Phillips, and Law Offices of Moir and Ross

Allegation: Slander of title: $200,000

Filed: 6/29/12

 

Constellation Newenergy Inc. v. Spring Street Super Grocery and Variety Corp.

Allegation: Non-payment of energy services provided: $28,791.18

Filed: 6/26/12

 

Dallaswhite Corp. v. John Carlo Woodworking Inc. and Clifton Street, LLC

Allegation: Breach of construction contract: $50,204.83

Filed: 7/9/12

 

Dallaswhite Corp. v. Pro Automotive Repair Inc. and Denardo Realty

Allegation: Breach of construction contract: $216,713.23

Filed: 7/6/12

 

Marilyn Wilson v. Gomes Construction Co. Inc.

Allegation: Plaintiff fell over a string used for framing a sidewalk: $500,000

Filed: 7/9/12

 

Roland Fils v. Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Allegation: Wrongful incarceration: $1,270,000

Filed: 7/13/12

 

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

A D Tool Co. v. Diecast Realty Holdings, LLC

Allegation: Failure to pay for products and services provided by the plaintiff: $15,741

Filed: 6/27/12

 

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Amy Santana v. Skyplex

Allegation: Negligence in facility maintenance, causing slip and fall: $4,840.69

Filed: 6/13/12

 

Cach, LLC v. East Coast Terminal Inc. and Daniel T. Rowe

Allegation: Breach of credit-card agreement: $17,008.09

Filed: 5/25/12

 

Capital One Bank v. Chez Josef Inc. and Linda J. Skole

Allegation: Breach of credit-card agreement: $9,524.59

Filed: 5/21/12

 

Hart Supply Co. Inc. v. The Griswold Corp.

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,314.73

Filed: 6/27/12

 

J & M Property Management v. Allied Waste Services of Springfield

Allegation: Negligence, causing property damage: $5,650

Filed: 6/11/12

 

Keystone Automotive Industries Inc. v. Tirrell Radiator Inc.

Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $18,325.15

Filed: 5/21/12

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Massachusetts Chamber Business Summit

Sept. 9-11: The Massachusetts Chamber board of directors will conduct its annual Business Summit and Awards Ceremony at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis. The two-day meeting allows participants to meet with business professionals from across the state, as well as listen to state and local elected officials who will discuss the future of business in Massachusetts. Additionally, representatives from the Mass. Office of Economic Development will discuss loans, grants, and tax incentives available to business owners. Industry experts will also be on hand to discuss topics such as leveraging social media, search-engine optimization, and health care cost containment. The winners of the Business of the Year Award and the Employer of Choice Award will also be announced during the summit. For more information, call (617) 512-9667 or visit www.masscbi.com.

 

The Big E

Sept. 14-30: From live music and parades to sea lions and a circus, there’s something for everyone at the Big E. Country music artist Rodney Atkins will play a concert at the outdoor Comcast Arena Stage on Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. The Big E’s Mardi Gras Parade returns to the fair with eight custom-made floats specially designed and built by the Kern Companies of New Orleans. The Big E Super Circus features aerial daredevils the Marinofs, the wonder dogs of David Rosaire’s Perky Pekes, the equilibristic ability of Dany Daniels and Edina, comedy, and more. In addition, the Big E will feature a show with the Peking Acrobats, horse shows, the U.S. Freestyle Motocross National Championship series, hypnotist Catherine Hickland, the Sea Lion Splash show, and much more. Look for details and show times at www.thebige.com. Gates open each day at 8 a.m., and building exhibits are open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Avenue of States is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Storrowton Village is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Craft Common is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and the Midway is open Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

 

World Affairs Council Annual Meeting

Oct. 10: Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash will speak at the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Annual Meeting & Dinner in the Mahogany Room of the Springfield Sheraton Hotel in downtown Springfield. More details will be forthcoming. Lash is an internationally recognized expert on practical solutions to global sustainability and development challenges. Before he became president of Hampshire College in 2011, he served as president of World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank with offices in eight countries and partners in more than 50 countries. WRI is an international leader on issues ranging from low-carbon development to sustainable transportation. From 1993 to 1999, Lash was co-chair of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development, a group of government, business, labor, civil-rights, and environmental leaders appointed by Bill Clinton that developed visionary recommendations for strategies to promote sustainable development. He played a key role in the creation and success of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, which in 2007 issued the highly influential “Call to Action” on global warming. Prior to WRI, Lash held posts as director of Vermont Law School’s Environmental Law Center, Vermont secretary of Natural Resources, and Vermont commissioner of Environmental Conservation, as well as a federal prosecutor. For more information on the event, call (413) 733-0110.

 

Western Mass.

Business Expo

Oct. 11: BusinessWest will again present the Western Mass. Business Expo. The event, which made its debut last fall at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, will feature more than 180 exhibitors, seminars, special presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the year’s most extensive networking opportunity. Comcast Business Class will again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Details, including breakfast and lunch agendas, seminar topics, and featured speakers, will be printed in the pages of BusinessWest over the coming months. For more information or to purchase a booth, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

 

40 Under Forty Reunion

Nov. 8: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program. Details on the event will be forthcoming. What is known is that it will be staged at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, and will be open only to 40 Under Forty winners, sponsors, and their guests, as well as judges of the first six contests. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected].

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of August 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Agawam Dogworks, LLC

860 Suffield St.

$50,000 — Interior renovations

 

Coopers Commons, LLC

159 Main St.

$10,000 — Renovation of existing space into restaurant

 

Crown Castle

628 Meadow St.

$15,000 — Upgrade antenna panels

 

CHICOPEE

 

200 Tillary, LLC

165 Front St.

$8,000 — Re-roof

 

First Central Baptist Church

50 Broadway St.

$7,000 — Interior renovation for chairlift

 

One Putt Inc.

1469 Granby Road

$12,000 — Addition at Soft Touch Auto Wash

 

Gotpac, LLC

13 Center St.

$15,000 — Outdoor bar pavilion foundation

 

GREENFIELD

 

American Tower Corp.

1385 Bernardston Road

$15,000 — Antenna upgrade

 

 

American Tower Corp.

180 Country Club Road

$15,000 — Antenna upgrade

 

Apple New England, LLC

141 Mohawk Trail

$35,000 — Perform cosmetic changes to the interior of existing Appleby’s

 

Baystate Franklin Medical Center

164 High St.

$10,000 — Construct north building separation

 

Baystate Franklin Medical Center

164 High St

$4,200 — Install new fire-rated door

 

Joel Tognarelli

85 Pierce St.

$12,000 — Office renovations

 

Leo P. Lachance

487-489 Bernardston Road

$36,000 — Change layout of rental space for new tenant

 

William Goly

286 Federal St.

$23,000 — New addition

 

LUDLOW

 

Aristides Nunes

387 East St.

$4,300 — Alterations

 

St. Paul Church

115-123 Hubbard St.

$21,000 — Reshingle

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

2nd Baptist Church

589 Granby Road

$15,000 — Remodel

 

R.E. Reynolds

480 Granby Road

$20,000 — New roof

 

SOUTHWICK

 

O’Leary Group Inc.

9 Sam West St.

$253,000 — New building

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

AIC

963 Main St.

$71,000 — 900-square-foot bathroom renovation

 

AIC

1067 State St.

$101,000 — 3,500-square-foot renovation at Cournioles Hall

 

C&W Real Estate Company

1200 Main St.

$100,000 — Renovation of second-floor suite

 

Picknelly Family Limited

One Monarch Place

$188,000 — Renovation of the 13th floor

 

WESTFIELD

 

7 B’s

1159 Southampton Road

$50,000 — Interior renovation for restaurant

 

Arrow Drug Store

427 North Elm St.

$23,000 — New roof

 

Mark Katz

587 East Main St.

$20,000 — Renovations for new tenants

 

New Corner Variety

2 Crown St.

$6,000 — Renovations for new deli center

 

St. Mary’s School

30 Bartlett St.

$25,000 — New roof over entrance

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Audrey Pelielko

751 Union St.

$10,000 — Renovate space into hair salon

 

CB Richard Ellis

225 Memorial Dr.

$28,500 — Install drive-thru ATM

 

ACMX Realty

622 Union St.

$48,000 — 3,000-square-foot renovation

 

Calabrese LLC

60 Chilson St.

$13,000 — 234-square-foot renovation to convenience store

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

 

 

Bass, Ronald R.

Bass, Joyce A.

137 Cloran St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

Beaudin, Paula J.

a/k/a Boyajian, Paula J.

374 West St.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Bedinger, Linda S.

96 Ridge Ave.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/29/12

 

Bell, Andrea Lee

a/k/a Gross, Andrea Lee

280 Elm St., 3rd Fl.

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Berry, Patricia A.

187 Conway St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/13/12

 

Blavackas, Ilona E.

P.O. Box 486

South Barre, MA 01074

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/11/12

 

Boulter, Richard A.

56 Meadow Lane

Ashfield, MA 01330

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

Bourassa, Gene A.

a/k/a Bourassa, Eugene A.

80 Housatonic St.

Lee, MA 01238

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/13/12

 

Brito, Nazario Elias

27 Cleveland St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/09/12

 

Carter, Leslie A.

30 Middle St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/09/12

 

Chapin, Justin C.

43 Depot St.

P.O. Box 36

Bernardston, MA 01337

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Choiniere, Robert Michael

342 Green River Road

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Christofori, William H.

1554 Memorial Ave., Apt 2

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/06/12

 

Claing, Francis L.

11 Butler Road

Wilbraham, MA 01095

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/09/12

 

Coffin, Kimberley F.

8 Cold Spring Road

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Colon, Jackeline

10 Chestnut St.

Springfield, MA 01103

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Cooper, Odessa

140 Chestnut St. #815

Springfield, MA 01103

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Cooter, Susan A.

49 Crow Lane

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/13/12

 

Cranston, Laurie A.

a/k/a Barbeau, Laurie A.

263 Federal St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

Creamer, Guillermo D.

1 Ladd Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

Daunais, Jeremy L.

55 Royal Lane

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Day, Joann

59 Nora Lane

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/05/12

 

DePaola, Mark A.

DePaola, Deborah S.

180 Highland Ave.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Forsyth, Curtis L.

54 Overland Road

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/11/12

 

Francisquini, Milagros

335 Beech St., Apt 2L

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/05/12

 

Garrity, Francis

P O Box 9

South Lee, MA 01260

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/11/12

 

Hall, Patricia Ann

582 Pleasant St., Apt. 2F

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Hallums, Johnny R.

791 Armory St.

Springfield, MA 01107

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/11/12

 

Harnden, Brian S.

263 Granville Road

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/02/12

 

Henderson, William

4 Knight Ave.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Hoppe, Peter M.P.

Hoppe, Jennifer A.

21 Pond Brook Road

Huntington, MA 01050

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/29/12

 

Jarvis, Mark D.

20 Clement St., Apt. B

Shelburne Falls, MA 01370

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/13/12

 

Johnson, Allen

8 Grout Circle, Apt. 1

Millers Falls, MA 01349

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

King, Christina M.

a/k/a Fillion, Christina M.

P.O. Box 224

Gilbertville, MA 01031

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/09/12

 

Lacaprucia, William C.

158 Overlook Dr.

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Laliberte, Donna M.

a/k/a Laliberte Arcoite, Donna M.

8 Birch St.

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/02/12

 

Lapalm, Julita

a/k/a Kalinowski, Julita

72 Corey Road

Springfield, MA 01128

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/29/12

 

Long, Tanya E.

171 Higher Brook Dr.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Madzunovic, Judy Ann

18 Cherry St.

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

McCaleb, Mark Spencer

4 Gross Lane

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

McCaughey, Donald M.

McCaughey, Flavia H.

56 Fiske Hill Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

McCormack, Kerry H.

57 Old Farm Road

Sturbridge, MA 01566

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/09/12

 

McHugh, Jama L.

5 Russell St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/13/12

 

Mestre, Monica

PO Box 495

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Miller, Michael J.

a/k/a Paradis-Miller, Kimberly G.

265 Prospect St. Ext.

Westfield, MA 01085

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/06/12

 

Monahan, James F.

Monahan, Susan C.

72 Merrick Ave.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/05/12

 

Nordquist, Michael J.

Nordquist, Brenda S.

24 Converse St

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

O’Neill, Roy F.

664 East Main St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/13/12

 

Palmer, Robert E.

Palmer, Charlene A.

109 Railroad Ave.

Great Barrington, MA 01230

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

Pananas, Leonidas

Pananas, Carol J.

1673 Suffield St.

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

Penna, Christopher M.

16 America St., Apt E

Chicopee, MA 01013

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Pinero, Amarilys C.

44 Colony Road

West Springfield, MA 01089

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Pitchford, Amanda J.

23 3rd St.

Turners Falls, MA 01376

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

Ranney-Blake, Robert S.

139 Sandgully Road

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

Ranney-Blake, Timothy E.

139 Sand Gully Road

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

RHP Subcontract Services

Patriquin, Richard H.

52 Plastics Ave.

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Rys, Robert M.

Rys, Priscilla A.

155 Ventura St.

Ludlow, MA 01056

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/11/12

 

Shaw, Robert A.

Shaw, Barbara A.

127 Burma Road

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 06/29/12

 

Shipp, Michelle D.

a/k/a Morton, Michelle D.

120 Moreland St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/12/12

 

Skillings, Travis Carl

118 College Hwy.

Southampton, MA 01073

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Smith, Randolph Mark

PO Box 1105

Chicopee, MA 01021

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Smith, Rebecca Anne

20 Union St., Apt. 4

Northampton, MA 01060

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/03/12

 

Stovall, Delana J.

15 Prince St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/11/12

 

Sullivan, Terry-Ray L.

Sullivan, Mary T.

PO Box 32

Colrain, MA 01340

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/06/12

 

Swiecanski, Edith Helen

a/k/a Miller, Edith Helen

a/k/a Durrell, Edith Helen

a/k/a Bastardi, Edith Helen

157 Riverboat Village Road

South Hadley, MA 01075

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Valle, Jo Ann

193 B North Main St.

South Deerfield, MA 01373

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/10/12

 

Walsh-Lopez, Lynn Ann

413 Batchelor St.

Granby, MA 01033

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 06/30/12

 

Weeden, Paul M.

Weeden, Lynn M.

224 Conway St.

Greenfield, MA 01301

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 07/06/12

 

Lopez-Gonzalez, Ada Iris

310 Stafford St.

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 06/29/12

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of August 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

Country Manor

59 South Westfield St.

Mass Country Manor LTD

 

JBC Homes

54 Roberta Circle

Johnny D. Boucher

 

Popoli Motor Sports

55 Ramah Circle

Jason Kodess

 

Spotless Cleaning Services

109 Regency Park Dr.

M. Diejuste

 

Squire’s Bistro

111 Cottonwood Lane

Frederick Withee

 

 

CHICOPEE

 

Affordable Classes

183 Baystate Road

Anthony Yacuzzo

 

On-Site PC Repair & Games

342 Front St.

Jose Aguilari Jr.

 

Spotless Cleaning Service

52 Dillon St.

Vyacheslav Paliy

 

Stop N’ Go

643 Prospect St.

Amir Paracha

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

AB Consultants for Education

300 Pease Road

Ann Marie D’Arco

 

MA Cheer Zone

80 Denslow Road

Catherine Reynolds

 

Punderson Landscaping

191 Pease Road

Bryan W. Punderson

 

GREENFIELD

 

Andrews Painting

46 Canada Hill Road

Michael Q. Andrews

 

Jason Cusimano Bath Fitter

1175 Bernardston Road

Jason Cusimano

 

Drop Zone

10 Fiske Ave.

Maureen Johnson

 

Greenfield Veterinary Clinic

18 French King Highway

Cindy A. Cole

 

Left Bank Consulting

278 Main St.

Joseph White

 

Mighty Clean Mutt

52 French King Highway

Megan Edson

 

The Junk Trunk

14 Chapman St.

Christopher Stevens

 

Thompson Excavating

366 Leyden Road

Milo M. Thompson Jr.

 

Valley Vintage Goods

322 Deerfield St.

Susan Jamison

 

HOLYOKE

 

Fiscal Training Solutions

4 Open Square Way

Amy Grabowski

 

Greensfield Stamp Coin

1 Martin St.

David Heffron

 

In Home Remodeling

903 Hampden St.

Richard Ahlstrom

 

Mass Discount Inc.

116 High St.

Muhammad Sabir

 

Smoke & Pipe Deals

1504 Northampton St.

Syed R. Mobeen

 

Suffolk Tailors Shop

358 High St.

Irma Gourde

 

LUDLOW

 

Core Fitness

433 Center St.

John St. Sauveur

 

Expressions Salon

271 East St.

Ilda Rosa

 

PALMER

 

Lazy Lady Farm

60 Olney Road

Paul Lukaskiewicz

 

Panhead Produce

3090 Palmer St.

Robert Schoonover

 

PDS

51 Squire St.

Jay Heinicke

 

Poetry and Paint

157 Summer St.

Denise Fontaine-Pincince

 

Robin’s Auto Body

1780 North Main St.

Robin C. Lamica

 

Spraycraft International

21 Wilbraham St.

John C. Becker IV

 

The NR Group

43 French Dr.

Nathan Olson

 

Tyburski’s Countryside Bakery

4175 Pleasant St.

Thomas J. Tyburski

 

Yield Management Corp.

21 Wilbraham St.

Robert W. Brown

 

SOUTHWICK

 

Ablon Technologies

18 Sheep Pasture Road

John Parker

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Acres Dental Care

1954 Wilbraham Road

James E. Maslowski

 

Altisimo Barber Shop

12 Orange St.

Omar Soto

 

Bautista Grocery

306 Belmont Ave.

Gustavo Bautista

 

Bethania’s Market

2595 Main St.

Julio C. Rodriguez

 

Brother’s Market

106 Oak Grove Ave.

Christian Jimenez

 

Bytes Knight Technology

68 Cleveland St.

Irma I. Alvarado

 

Cedar Auto Sales LLC

173 Spring St.

Ali Mourad

 

 

Chabela’s Beauty Salon

158 Chesnut St.

Lucrecia Martinez

 

Chestnut Package Store

95 Chestnut St.

Ghassoub Mouneimneh

 

Cody DeCesare

140 Chestnut St.

Cody G. DeCesare

 

Cumberland Farms

798 Carew St.

John Daly

 

Dakin Pioneer Valley

171 Union St.

Valere J. Dahl

 

David Stansbury Photography

162 Chestnut St.

David A. Stansbury

 

Deb’s Jewelry Designs

35 Chalfonte Dr.

Deborah A. Morrissey

 

Devine Home Improvement

38 Louis Road

Shawn P. Devine

 

Dogg Shop Music Spot

463 State St.

Harry Valentin

 

DiLaura Soap Company

245 Roosevelt Ave.

Tunzala Eynula

 

El Caribeno Restaurant

858 State St.

Ramon E. Lopez

 

Fancy Nail

1655 Boston Road

Thi M. Tai

 

Fed Ex Office

1383 Main St.

Lady J. Swift

 

Fennix

397 Main St.

Manuel B. Ofonso

 

Forest Park Pet Sitters

151 Sumner Ave.

Jennifer Vose

 

Great Masonry

87 Tylor St.

Windell Westbrook

 

WESTFIELD

 

Kathy’s Nails Salon & Spa

85 Main St.

Katheryne H. Bernier

 

Northside Creamery

519 Southampton Road

Joseph Mancino

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Bargain Cellular

667 Westfield St.

Swostik R. Magar

 

Performance Rehabilitation of W.N.

124 Myron St.

James Biron

 

Pintus Indian Palace

25 Park Ave.

Sarabjit Chawla

 

Rent a Center

895 Riverdale St.

Ricardo Cordon

 

Speech & Language Center

171 Interstate Dr.

Deborah Mode

 

Westside Check Cashing

205 Elm St.

JMT Check Cashing Inc.

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

 

Amherst Baseball Inc., 21 Sacco Dr. Amherst, MA 01002. Stanley Ziomek, 180 Montague Road, Amherst, MA 01002. To support, organize, and promote youth baseball programs in the town of Amherst.

 

CHICOPEE

 

DX Express Inc., 172 Prospect St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Dmitriy Kudrya, same.

 

Powerclean Fitness Inc., 585 Sheridan St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Michael Zoliewicz, same. Provide services in the areas of personal and group training, exercise, and physical fitness for clients and the public.

 

Qualconcepts Inc., 1059 James St., Chicopee, MA 01022. Ariel Castro-Toro, same.

 

EAST LONGMEADOW

 

Western Mass Pest Services Inc., 30 High Meadow Circle, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Jeffrey C. McCorkindale, same. Pest-control-services business.

 

GREENFIELD

 

Northwestern Juvenile Fire Intervention, Response, Education, and Safety Partenership Inc., 412 Main St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Michael Winn, 67 West Mountain Road, Bernardston, MA 01337. Also known as “nofires” is organized exclusively to protect our youth, their families, and communities from dangerous and sometimes fatal juvenile fire-related behavior. Also provides fire-related and life-safety assessment, prevention, education, and intervention services

 

HADLEY

 

Connecticut River Valley Dentists, PC, 138 Russel St., Hadley, MA 01035. Ambreen Bawa DDS, same. General dental practice.

 

LUDLOW

 

Danmar Inc., 288 Woodland Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Daniel Dias, same. Real estate holding company.

 

NORTH ADAMS

 

Berkshire Organizing Project Inc., 61 Main St., Suite 218, North Adams, MA 01105. Wendy Krom, 45 Willow Lane, Cheshire, MA 01225. Established to unite religious, labor, and community organizations rooted in faith and democratic values; to strengthen their voice in decisions that shape the communities of the Berkshire region of Massachusetts.

 

NORTHAMPTON

 

Icon Wheelchairs Inc., 115 Bridge St., Northampton, MA 01060. Jeffrey Adams, same. Manufacturing and sales of wheelchairs

 

The Young Scholars Fund Inc., 92 Marian St., C/O David Cohen, Northampton, MA 01060. David Cohen, same. To provide incentive and continued support for selected school children to complete their education through college.

 

PITTSFIELD

 

Christophers Family Restaurant Inc., 256 Robbins Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Anthony Vito Maffuccio, same. Restaurant.

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

Bertelli Realty Group Inc., 838 Main St., Springfield, MA 01105. Brent J Bertelli, Same. Real estate.

 

Derribando Fronteras Con Canticos & Alabanzas Inc., 414 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01104. Fernando Hernandez, same. Non-profit religious ministry.

 

Globus Dental Care Springfield, PC., 1795 Main St., Suite 101, Springfield, MA 01103. Ranganayaki Chirumamilla, same. Dental care services.

 

Grind Life Music Inc., 182 Daviston St., Springfield, MA 01108. Chris Howard Jr., same. Promote the development of professional artists within the community and the Commonwealth.

 

Radhakrishna Enterprises Inc., 340 Cooley St., Springfield, MA 01128. Bipinkumar Patel, same. Dry cleaning and retail garment sales.

 

Rose Fashion Gallery Inc., 1655 Boston Road, Suite 128 Eastfield Mall, Springfield, MA 01129. Koon Kim, same. Retail sales of women’s accessories.

 

Whatarmy Inc., 819 Worcester St., Sprinfield, MA 01151. Christopher Merrill, 10 Balsam Dr., Bedford, MA 01730. Internet and IT services for small businesses.

 

SOUTH HADLEY

 

DJC Builders Inc., 21 Mountain View St., South Hadley, MA 01075. David J. Capriati, same. General contractor

 

SOUTH DEERFIELD

 

Playonbrother Inc., 2-B Duncan Dr., South Deerfield, MA 01373. Alan Evans, same. Music and entertainment touring company.

 

STURBRIDGE

 

Rousseau & Marino, P.C., 49 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566. Matthew S. Rousseau, 10 Governor Fairbanks Road, Brimfield, MA 01010. General law practice.

 

ORANGE

 

Dana Despres Construction Inc., 33 Summit St, Orange, MA 01364. Dana Despres, same. Construction services.

 

WARE

 

Growing a New Heart Inc., 97 Church St., Ware, MA 01082. Judith A Patrissi, same. Consulting with designing and facilitating victim-service projects.

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

John P. Frangie, M.D., P.C., 1132 Westfield St., West Springfield, MA 01089. John P. Frangie, same. Ophthalmology and eye-care services and treatments.

 

La Prestiges Inc., 553 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Yelena Ivanov, same. Beauty salon.

 

WINCHESTER

 

ISearch Systems Inc., 11 Charles Road, Winchester, MA 01890. Arpit Laddha, same. Staffing services.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

GSCVB Touts Discounts in Updated WOW Value Book

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) has produced a new edition of the WOW Value Book, a collection of discount coupons for several of the Pioneer Valley’s leading attractions, restaurants, shops, and more. Offers include discounted admission prices, free restaurant items with the purchase of entrée selections, and shopping discounts. More than 12,500 copies of the dollar-bill-sized book have been printed. Each of the offers highlighted in the coupon book are also available online by visiting www.valleyvisitor.com and clicking “Download WOW Values.” The book offers more than $100 in total savings. According to GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra, “we got a terrific response to the earlier edition of the WOW Value Book that we released several months ago, and it was our plan to have subsequent editions to allow our seasonal attractions to participate. We created the book for people who came to the region to attend conventions and meetings, to encourage them to visit our restaurants, shops, and attractions in their free time. It also came in handy for people who couldn’t download and print the coupons on our Web site.” Pioneer Valley residents who would like a copy of the WOW Value Book should email [email protected] and provide their name and mailing address, or call (413) 787-1548. The book’s participants include: Adolfo’s Ristorante, Artist Square Group Art Gallery, Bright Nights at Forest Park, CityStage and Symphony Hall, Frigo’s Foods, the Handbag Outlet, La Fiorentina Pastry Shop, Mana Iguana’s, Nadim’s Mediterranean Grill, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Petra Hookah Lounge, Springfield Museums, the Student Prince Café and the Fort Dining Room, Zonin’s Deli, and the Zoo in Forest Park, all in Springfield; the Pizza Guy and Six Flags New England in Agawam; the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the White Hut in Amherst; Lee Premium Outlets in Lee; the Loft Restaurant & Lounge in Northampton; Renew.calm, Storrowtown Tavern & Carriage House, and the White Hut in West Springfield; Horizons Restaurant & Bar in Wilbraham; the Connecticut Science Center in Hartford; and Friendly’s locations throughout the Pioneer Valley.

 

Survey: Employers Increase Health and Wellness Benefits

ATLANTA — More employers are offering benefits that encourage employees to improve their health, according to a survey released by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) at its 2012 Annual Conference and Exposition in Atlanta. Over the past five years, benefits that reward employees for improving their health have jumped — a sign that organizations are looking for ways to cut business costs and recognize that employees value these benefits. For example, the percentage of employers offering health and lifestyle coaching jumped from 33% in 2008 to 45% in 2012, and rewards or bonuses for completing a health and wellness program increased from 23% in 2008 to 35% in 2012. “Employers recognize that providing employees with the opportunity to improve their health can increase morale, confidence, and productivity,” said Mark Schmit, vice president of research at SHRM. “Organizations continue to look for ways to manage costs as the economy slowly improves. Benefits that encourage healthier behavior are a cost-effective way to keep up employee morale, while healthier employees also help decrease health care costs to employers and employees.” SHRM’s 2012 Employee Benefits Survey found that, while most employee benefits stabilized this year, 73% of HR professionals reported that the economic downtown negatively impacted employee-benefit offerings (11% to a large extent and 62% to some extent). This is more or less the same as in 2011, when 77% said the economy negatively affected benefits to some or a large extent. Because of the economy and recent employment-related legislation, many employers have switched to benefits that shift primary responsibility and control to employees. For example, more employers offer defined-contribution retirement-savings plans (92%) than defined-benefit pension plans (21%) in 2012, putting the impetus on employees to manage their own retirement savings instead of relying on employer-provided pensions. “By shifting primary responsibility in controlling certain health care and financial benefits, employers are recognizing a shift in workplace culture,” said Schmit. “The new plans allow employees have more control over how they save for retirement and manage their health, while reducing costs for employers. These plans are also more flexible, and thus more attractive, to employees who will likely not spend an entire career with one organization.” Employer spending on benefits remained stable this year, with organizations spending, on average, 19% of an employee’s annual salary on voluntary benefits, 18% on mandatory benefits, and 10% on pay for time employees did not work. Paid-time-off plans have become more  popular; more than half of organizations (51%) provide paid-time-off plans, a combination of traditional vacation time, sick leave, and personal days in one plan, up from 42% in 2009. For more survey data, visit shrm.org/surveys.

 

 

Construction Backlog Bounces Back in

Second Quarter

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) rose 4.3% in the second quarter of 2012 after declining the two previous quarters. Despite the quarterly expansion, CBI is 0.3 months, or 4.2%, below the second quarter of 2011, and progress in the Northeast region of the U.S remains sluggish. CBI is a forward-looking economic indicator that measures the amount of construction work under contract to be completed in the future. “The CBI accurately predicted both the broader economic softness experienced during the first half of 2012, as well as a flattening of the nation’s non-residential construction recovery,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The latest CBI data is now projecting gradual acceleration in non-residential construction spending, and perhaps a slight increase in the overall pace of construction activity going forward. Unfortunately, any improvement in non-residential construction activity is likely to remain modest given the ongoing uncertainty regarding America’s fiscal cliff — a number of tax increases and spending cuts that take effect at the end of the year — as well as European sovereign-debt issues and increasingly volatile energy prices. While there is pent-up demand for new construction in the power, manufacturing, and infrastructure segments, the level of economic and political uncertainty remains far too elevated to permit more aggressive non-residential-construction spending recovery in the near term.” During the second quarter of 2012, the Northeast had the smallest gain in construction backlog at 0.05 months for the quarter, and is now at 7.28 months. Across the U.S. average construction backlog rose for all monitored industry segments after declining the two previous quarters. The infrastructure segment registered the largest quarter-to-quarter construction backlog increase, up 1.4 months to more than 10 months — the first time infrastructure backlog has been above 10 months since the second quarter of 2010. Construction backlog in the heavy-industrial category is at its highest level since the first quarter of 2011, but at the lowest level of all the industry segments at 5.92 months. Construction backlog in the commercial and institutional segment is 0.85 months lower than one year ago, and now stands at 7.78 months.

 

Prices of Construction Materials Decline Again

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Prices of construction materials declined 0.7% in July, according to the Aug. 14 Producer Price Index report released by the U.S. Department of Labor. On a yearly basis, construction materials prices are down 0.6% — the first year-over-year decline since November 2009, when non-residential construction spending was at its lowest point. Non-residential construction materials prices also are down, falling 0.9% for the month and 1.2% for the year. Prices for iron and steel dropped 3.7% for the month and are 9.7% lower on a yearly basis. Softwood lumber prices fell 3.7% in July, but are still 5.9% higher than in July 2011. Steel-mill product prices decreased 2.8% for the month and are down 5.9% year over year. Prices for fabricated structural metal products slipped 1% for the month and are up 0.1% during the past 12 months. Prices for prepared asphalt, tar roofing, and siding surged 5.4% for the month, but are still down 3.8% year over year. Non-ferrous wire and cable prices increased 0.5% for the month, but are down 8.9% from July 2011. Prices for concrete products are up 0.3% for the month and are 1.8% higher year over year. Prices for plumbing fixtures and fittings inched up 0.1% in July and are 1.2% more expensive than one year ago. Crude-energy-material prices increased 0.6% in July, the first monthly increase since February 2012. Year over year, crude-energy-material prices are down 19.1%. Overall, the nation’s wholesale-goods prices increased 0.3% for the month and are 0.5% higher than in July 2011. The report “should be viewed by the non-residential construction industry as good news,” said Anirban Basu, chief economist at Associated Builders and Contractors. “Prices of a number of key inputs declined significantly last month, including steel-mill products, iron and steel, and softwood lumber. Lower construction materials prices translate into more attractive project pro-formas, which in turn make it more likely that a project will be financed and move forward. While it is true that last month’s decline in materials prices is a reflection of a still-sluggish economic environment, there are reasons for growing optimism. For example, much of the economy’s lackluster performance can be attributed to ongoing uncertainty emerging from Washington, D.C., including the looming fiscal cliff. If Congress acts soon to create greater certainty around federal budgetary and taxation issues, the level of business certainty would increase meaningfully. That would result in the availability of more risk-seeking capital to finance projects. Anecdotal and survey information indicate that bankers are becoming more aggressive in their lending. Lower and more stable materials prices are associated with less risky construction, and permanent loans and are more likely to attract capital to construction projects. This means that, for the first time in several months, more robust recovery in non-residential construction spending is conceivable. However, Congress and the administration still must act appropriately before capital becomes sufficiently risk-seeking.”

PictureThis

By
Departments Picture This

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

Gold Standard

Douglas Bowen, president and CEO of PeoplesBank, and Ludmilla Pavlova-Gillham, chair of the U.S. Green Building Council, Massachusetts Chapter – West Branch, display the LEED Gold certification for the bank’s year-old branch at 547 Memorial Ave. in West Springfield, which was constructed, and operates, in an environmentally friendly manner. It is the second PeoplesBank branch to receive LEED certification, the first building to be awarded a LEED certification in the town, and one of only two community banks in Massachusetts that has achieved LEED Gold status.

















Check, Please

Max Burger, the second upscale burger restaurant and ninth restaurant of the Hartford-based Max Restaurant Group, celebrated a grand opening in late July at its 684 Bliss Road location in Longmeadow. A portion of the evening’s proceeds, totaling $9,025, were presented a week later to the Longmeadow Excellence in Education Foundation (LEEF), a private, volunteer, nonprofit educational foundation that was created to enrich and enhance the quality of education in Longmeadow public schools. Pictured, from left, are Justin Dion, president of LEEF; Tim Taillefer, managing partner of Max Burger; and Todd Ratner, LEEF board member.





Dream Car

Mike Balise (far left), vice president of Balise Motor Sales, shows off a Lexus LFA (sticker price: $454,000) at an unveiling celebration at the Lexus showroom on July 26. This model is one of only 500 (the 349th, to be exact) in the world, and one of only 50 with the specialty ‘Nürburgring package.’ The car, which has a V-10 engine, was tested at the famous German Nürburgring track and set the 10th-fastest time ever for a production vehicle. The orange racecar will be viewable at Balise Lexus and various promotional events in the New England area.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
Air Distribution Corporation v. Curry Realty, LLC and Curry Automotive, LLC
Allegation: Plaintiff asserts its mechanics lien rights for materials provided in a construction project owned/leased by the defendants: $20,330
Filed: 7/25/12

Lisa Pereira v. Hampton Inn
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing slip and fall: $3,343.12
Filed: 7/19/12

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Donald K. Carew v. Riverside Industries Inc. and Carolyn M. Dineen
Allegation: Motor vehicle negligence and personal injury: $45,906.85
Filed: 6/13/12

LaMountain Brothers Inc. v. Pan Am Southern, LLC
Allegation: Action to enforce a mechanics lien upon the property of the defendant: $91,733.33
Filed: 6/17/12

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Carol and John Walsh v. New Tradition Millwork Inc.
Allegation: Breach of construction agreement: $29,692
Filed: 6/21/12

Edward and Joan Haley v. Verizon New England Inc.
Allegation: Placement of utility poles without owner’s consent: $2,800
Filed: 6/28/12

Hampden Bank v. Patient Edu, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of promissory note: $1,175,000
Filed: 6/25/12

Isabel and Jose Sanchez v. Hani Haddad, M.D. and Valley Women’s Health Group, LLV
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $25,000+
Filed: 6/25/12

Lillian Colon, as administratrix of the estate of Jose Colon v. The Mardi Gras
Allegation: Negligence in security causing wrongful death when the decedent was shot and killed by another patron of the Mardi Gras: $1,000,000+
Filed: 6/26/12

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Camerota Truck Parts v. L.J.R. Trucking, Inc. and Robert Levesque
Allegation: Failure to pay for goods provided and breach of contract: $10,299.95
Filed: 7/6/12

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
A-Tech Commercial Parts & Service Inc. v. Kentucky Fried Chicken
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,483.22
Filed: 6/21/12

Baystate Elevator Company v. Western New England University
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials for repair and maintenance of elevators: $8,760.00
Filed: 7/31/12

Bradco Supply v. C.S. Alexander Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on promissory note: $3,910
Filed: 7/6/12

Perkins Paper Inc. v. Chez Josef Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,075.64
Filed: 6/25/12

Sesac Inc. v. Skyplex
Allegation: Breach of performance license agreement: $6,160.07
Filed: 7/5/12

Editorial

By
Opinion
New Restaurants Will Spice Things Up

Call it the coming burger battle.
That’s one way to describe the upcoming — and in some ways ongoing — change in the restaurant landscape in Greater Springfield.
Indeed, while every restaurant already has a good burger — or two, or three — on the menu, the Springfield area will soon be host to three restaurants specializing in so-called high-end burgers, and there are several other establishments already in the market that might fit that description, depending on how you define it.
It’s safe to say that no one will be asking that question from the early ’80s, ‘where’s the beef?’ It will all around us, and taking interesting names, like the Frankenstein, the Double-Double, Death by Burger, Fatty Melt, and a host of others.
But what does it all mean in the larger scheme of things when it comes to the economic health and well-being of this region? Maybe not much on the surface, but then again, it’s another piece of the puzzle, at a time when the region needs to be filling in those pieces.
As we’ve said on many occasions, the Greater Springfield economy is still in the process of reinventing itself from its days as a manufacturing hub. There are many facets to this reinvention, as the cities that have been through the process with a great deal of success — like Providence, Lowell, New Haven, and others — can attest.
Part of it concerns building vibrancy, creating a buzz, if you will, and making the area in question a destination — a place that people will want to visit, but also work, live, and start a business. High-end burger restaurants can’t do that alone, but they can be part of the broad solution.
As the story on page 6 explains, Max Burger, a category in the Max’s chain that has thrived in Connecticut, has opened in the Longmeadow Shops. Meanwhile, Plan B Burger, which has several locations in Connecticut, is opening in the Basketball Hall of Fame in a few weeks, and Luxe Burger, an operation with one existing restaurant in Providence, is opening in the former visitors center a block from the Hall.
With those latter two, people are already asking ‘where are they going to park all the cars?’ Good. Parking problems are actually a good thing; they connote vibrancy and the fact that people want to come to your city. Northampton has long had a parking problem that other cities and towns in this region would love to have.
The interest shown by these restaurant groups in Greater Springfield — and, more specifically, the city’s riverfront — is encouraging. It shows that this region has the demographics, and the ‘character,’ for lack of a better term, needed to inspire people to take a chance and make a large investment here.
And if these ventures succeed — and we have every reason to expect that they will — then they will likely prompt others to make similar investments. And if that happens, then this region, and Springfield in particular, will have more of that critical mass that will attract more young people, more empty nesters, more businesses, and more jobs. And this will prompt the construction of more market-rate housing that will help create an even more attractive demographic for businesses looking for a place to land or expand.
OK, three high-end hamburger restaurants are not going to do all that. But they can help. They can be part of the process of moving Springfield forward and closer to being the more vibrant city, the destination, that everyone wants it to become.
The burger battles are set to begin. Watch your cholesterol — please — and also watch and see if these new additions can help breathe more life into this area and, well, add some spice to the local economy.
We certainly hope they can.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

NEBA Golf Tournament
Aug. 26: New England Business Associates (NEBA) will host a golf tournament on at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit NEBA’s skills-training, supported-employment, academic-achievement, and self-employment programs for individuals with disabilities. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., and an awards and dinner ceremony will follow the finish. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and all golfers will have an opportunity to participate in contests and win prizes. To participate in the tournament and/or become an event sponsor, visit neba.eventbrite.com or contact David Parkinson, tournament director, at (413) 821-9200, ext. 145, or [email protected].

Massachusetts Chamber Business Summit
Sept. 9-11: The Massachusetts Chamber board of directors will conduct its annual Business Summit and Awards Ceremony at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis. The two-day meeting allows participants to meet with business professionals from across the state, as well as listen to state and local elected officials who will discuss the future of business in Massachusetts. Additionally, representatives from the Mass. Office of Economic Development will discuss loans, grants, and tax incentives available to business owners. Industry experts will also be on hand to discuss topics such as leveraging social media, search-engine optimization, and health care cost containment. The winners of the Business of the Year Award and the Employer of Choice Award will also be announced during the summit. For more information, call (617) 512-9667 or visit www.masscbi.com.

World Affairs Council Annual Meeting
Oct. 10: Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash will speak at the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Annual Meeting & Dinner in the Mahogany Room of the Springfield Sheraton Hotel in downtown Springfield. More details will be forthcoming. Lash is an internationally recognized expert on practical solutions to global sustainability and development challenges. Before he became president of Hampshire College in 2011, he served as president of World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank with offices in eight countries and partners in more than 50 countries. WRI is an international leader on issues ranging from low-carbon development to sustainable transportation. From 1993 to 1999, Lash was co-chair of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development, a group of government, business, labor, civil-rights, and environmental leaders appointed by Bill Clinton that developed visionary recommendations for strategies to promote sustainable development. He played a key role in the creation and success of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, which in 2007 issued the highly influential “Call to Action” on global warming. Prior to WRI, Lash held posts as director of Vermont Law School’s Environmental Law Center, Vermont secretary of Natural Resources, and Vermont commissioner of Environmental Conservation, as well as as a federal prosecutor. For more information on the event, call (413) 733-0110.

Western Mass.
Business Expo
Oct. 11: BusinessWest will again present the Western Mass. Business Expo. The event, which made its debut last fall at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, will feature more than 180 exhibitors, seminars, special presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the year’s most extensive networking opportunity. Comcast Business Class will again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Details, including breakfast and lunch agendas, seminar topics, and featured speakers, will be printed in the pages of BusinessWest over the coming months. For more information or to purchase a booth, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

40 Under Forty Reunion
Nov. 8: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program. Details on the event will be forthcoming. What is known is that it will be staged at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, and will be open only to 40 Under Forty winners, sponsors, and their guests, as well as judges of the first six contests. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected].

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700
• Aug. 15: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Amherst Brewing Co, 10 University Dr., Amherst. Joi• us for the debut of Live United 365 brew. Help the United Way of Hampshire County and network with chamber members at the same time. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
• Aug. 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Hamel’s Creative Catering at the Summit View Banquet and Meeting House, 555 Northampto• St., Holyoke. Admissio• is $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.
• Aug. 22: Summer Salute Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampto• St., Holyoke. Cost is $20 i• advance, $25 at the door.

QUABOAG HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418
 • Aug. 25: Community Celebratio• 2012, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Joi• Life’s Memories & More and the Collaborative for Community Health for a day of community celebration. Crafters, artisans, and vendors will be o• hand with a bounty of great items to view and purchase. Enjoy musical entertainment. Get a henna tattoo or treat yourself to one of the collaborative services like chair acupuncture, chair massage, or Reiki, and try some delicious food. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (413) 283-4448.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com  
(413) 426-3880
 • Aug. 20: 9th Annual Golf Tournament at Springfield Country Club. Proceeds will go toward the WRC Educational Fund, which supports the Business Educatio• Grant Program and student scholarships for Agawam and West Springfield Students. To register or for more information, contact the chamber at (413) 426-3880 or at www.ourwrc.com.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

$21 Million Approved for Union Station and PVTA
SPRINGFIELD — Congressman Richard Neal recently announced that nearly $21 million in federal funding has been formally approved for the planned renovation of Springfield’s Union Station, a historic landmark, and the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (PVTA). Of the $21 million, $17 million will help support the renovation of Union Station into a regional transportation center, which is estimated to cost $45 million. The remaining $3.9 million will be directed to the PVTA to help underwrite maintenance of the local public-transportation system. U.S. Secretary of Transportation Raymond LaHood visited Springfield in late July to tour the historic train station and meet with local officials to discuss the redevelopment project. Neal, who has spearheaded this project since the late 1980s, expressed his satisfaction with the recent funding approval and thanked LaHood for his attention and assistance. “I have been determined to turn Union Station into a modern intermodal transportation center for many years,” said Neal. “Restoring this historic structure and turning it into a thriving 21st-century transportation center has been a top priority of mine going back to my days as mayor of Springfield. I remain convinced that the successful renovation of Union Station can literally transform the northern blocks of downtown Springfield. The renewal of this local treasure has been confirmed with this announcement, and a new generation of travelers will soon be passing though its doors.” Neal reported that $72 million in federal funding is being used to renovate the Connecticut River rail line and bring high-speed rail to Western New England, and more than $100 million is being invested in the local infrastructure. The Springfield Redevelopment Authority owns Union Station, built in 1926. Demolition of a portion of the building will commence late this year, with construction for the new renovations expected in the spring of 2013.

Pro Springfield Media Launches Web Publication
SPRINGFIELD — Pro Springfield Media, a nonprofit organization that was established in 2011 with a campaign to encourage area residents to “say something nice about their city,” recently launched an online publication called Speaking of Springfield. The publication will feature good news about the city — upbeat, up-close, and uplifting stories about residents, businesses, and neighborhoods. A section entitled “Sensations” features city sights, sounds, and signs as part of the editorial content. The publication is being managed and produced by TSM Design with support from local writers, photographers, and videographers. Speaking of Springfield is a free public medium and is funded through the support of corporations, foundations, and individuals through grants, underwriting, and donations. Individuals are encouraged to subscribe to the e-zine in order to be notified when articles are posted by logging onto www.speakingofspringfield.org.

Incorporations

By
Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

Squires Bistro Inc., 161 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001. Frederick C. Withee, 111 Cottonwood Lane, Agawam, MA 01001. Bistro/restaurant.
 
ATHOL

North Quabbin Trails Association Inc., 100 Main St., Athol, MA 01331. Robert Curley, 329 Bearsden Road, Athol, MA 01331. To sustain and work toward outdoor trail development, maintenance, and improvements, and to create stewardship with other
outdoor organizations, groups, and individuals to further this goal.

CHICOPEE

Out of Wood Inc., 291 Burnette Road, Chicopee, MA 01020. Phil Karwonski Jr.,
55 Yvette St., Chicopee, MA 01020. To engage in the sale and service of bowling equipment and supplies.

Yankee Auto Sales Inc., 162 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Russel R. Foisy, 16 Lathrop St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Used auto sales.

GREENFIELD

Smith Ventures Inc., 73 River St., First Floor, Greenfield, MA 01301. Tyler S. Smith, same. E-commerce.

HOLYOKE

Gilburg Global Enterprises Inc., 88 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Karen L. Gilburg, same. E-commerce.

LEE

Genesis of Lee Inc., 980 Pleasant St., Lee, MA 01238. Khandubhai Patel, same. Hotel.

LUDLOW

HK Collections Inc., 78 Glenwood St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Hanil Kang, same. The operation of a debt-collection agency.

LONGMEADOW

Goldsmith, Katz & Argenio, PC., 1350 Main St., Suite 1505, Springfield, MA 01103. Jonathan R. Goldsmith, 104 Fairhill Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Law practice.
 
 
NORTHAMPTON

Igualidad as Friends of the Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School Inc., 67 Woodlawn Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Janet M. Sheppard, same. To provide educational and financial support to the children at the Paulo Freire Social Justice Charter School.

PITTSFIELD

J. Allen’s Clubhouse Grille Inc., 15 Marcella Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. David Powell, same. Restaurant.

SOUTHAMPTON

The Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Day Committee Inc., 22 Pomeroy Meadow Road, Unit 1, Southampton, MA 01073. Nancy L. Lech, same.

SPRINGFIELD

Accountable Care Clinical Services, P.C., 354 Birnie Ave., Springfield, MA 01107. Phillip F. Gaziano M.D.,16 Peak Road, Wilbraham, MA 01085. Practice medicine.

Campus Neighbors of Springfield MA Inc., 15 Birchalnd Ave., Springfield, MA 01119. Shawn Corbitt, 69 Ashland Ave, Springfield, MA 01119. Nonprofit corporation.

CHC Realty Manager Inc., 1145 Main St, Springfield, MA 01103. Elizabeth Glenn. 664 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Domestic profit corporation.

Hampden Investment Corporation II, 19 Harrison Ave., Springfield, MA 0110. Glenn S. Welch, 55 Rosewood Dr., Suffield, CT 06078. Security corporation status under Massachusetts general laws.

Hidden Capitol Group Inc., 1350 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Christopher Lessard, same.

Iglesia Pentecostal Jehova-Jireh Inc., 712 Dwight St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jaqueline Villanueva, 1375 Dwight St., Springfield, MA 01109. Church.

Keep Youth Dreaming and Striving Inc., 1498 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Latoya Bosworth, 43 Pearl St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Charitable organization dedicated to making contributions to tax exempt 501(c)3 organizations.

Naranjan Inc., 55 Briarwood Ave., Springfield, MA 01118. Sukhbrir Kaur, 22 Hopkins Dr., New Haven, CT 06512. Restaurant.

One Source General Contractors Inc., 36 Colonial Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Dennis Forbes, same. General contractor.

SOUTH HADLEY

IQRA Inc., 24 Michael Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. Amir Paracha, same.
 
LBLeasing Inc., 27 Hadley St., outh Hadley, MA 01075. Carol D. White, Same. Leasing of vehicles.

TURNERS FALLS

Humphrey Garden Design and Landscape Inc., 8 Burnett St., Turners Falls, MA 01376. Kevin Humphrey, same. Landscaping service.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

1st Stop Café Inc., 369 Walnut St. Ext., Agawam, MA 01001. Jennifer K. Haile, 55 Irving St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Coffee shop and restaurant.

F.T.N. Realty Inc., 1424 Piper Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Thomas J. Nault, same. Own, rent, lease, and manage real estate.

WESTFIELD

Bahre’s Cure Cancer Concerts, Corp., 40 Pinewood Lane, Westfield, MA 01085. Jason E. Bahre Sr., same. Non-profit organization established to host public concerts to raise money/donations, which will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

Complete Tax Service Inc., 85 Reservior Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Shelley Hope Lacross, same. Bookkeeping and tax-preparation services.

Mancino Farms Inc., 354 North Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Joeseph A Mancino, Same. Farming with retail sales.

TCIS Inc., 83 Ridgecrest Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. James C Tierney, Same. Private investigation services.

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of July 2012.

AGAWAM

Advantage Insulation Group
1057 Main St.
Rhiannon Eiffort

Crazy for Charms
409 River Road
Barbara Cross

Handyman Cleaning Services
204 Brookfield Lane
Helen Schuler

Patriot Auto School
301 Springfield St.
Anthony Spear

Smiling Stars Photography
569 Springfield St.
Matthew Hanlon

CHICOPEE

BCN Mechanical
100 Lawndale St.
Benjamin Nyzio

Jan’s Novelty Gift Shop
38 Oriole Dr.
Janice E. O’Connor

KNS Construction
83 Ingham St.
Keith Robitaille

Strong Backs Moving & Hauling
54 Warwick Road
Keith Godek

EAST LONGMEADOW

Dollar Tree
406 North Main St.
Rosalie Beaugard-Lee

Pride Market
13 North Main St.
Robert Bolduc

White Dog Services
191 Maple St.
Robert Nowak

GREENFIELD

Barlow Tree Landscaping & Excavation Inc.
77 Davis St.
Bryan Barlow

Floral Affairs
324 Deerfield St.
Rebecca Guyer

Goly’s Garage
286 Federal St.
James Byrne Jr.

Heart Boats Music Therapy
76 Hastings St.
Michael Williams-Russell

Metals Plus
23 Woodard Road
Lawrence Foster

Pale Circus
24 Franklin St.
Alexander Phillips

Shaw’s Mart
239 Main St.
NaxMart LLC

HOLYOKE

A-1 Nolan Realty LLC
580 Appleton St.
Patrick S. Nolan

Claire’s
50 Holyoke St.
Sonia Tejada

G & P, Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Rajat Ghosh

Hillside Holdings Inc.
80 Jarvis Ave.
Jeffrey S. Aldrich

Holyoke Towers Associates
582 Pleasant St.
James N. Sullivan

Milkman & Co. Inc.
16 Arden St.
Terril L. Mancuso

Sephora USA Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Sherman Hoo

LUDLOW

Bridge Premedia
45 Tyburski Road
Ann Lukasik

PALMER

Accu-Siding and Home Improvement
P.O. Box 127
Wayne Quinn

Awsstores.com
1581 North Main St.
Brian Green

Azaya Inc.
1059 North Main St.
Jitendra Changela

Baldyga Inc.
1221 South Main St.
Mark T. Baldyga

Buddy’s Cities Service
1150 Park St.
Arthur D. Tripp, Jr.

Dream Catchers
1440 North Main St.
Charles L. Hood, III

Flamingo Racing
2 Wilbraham St.
Eric W. Sanderson

Floormax Coating
21 Wilbraham St.
John C. Becker, IV

Friendly’s Ice Cream
1519 North Main St.
Shanna Rhoades

SOUTHWICK

Jericho Builders
6 Hidden Place
Bernard Berard

SUP Lake Congamond
49 Mort Vining Road
Diana M. Flynn

SPRINGFIELD

Griffin Consulting Firm
1592 Plumtree Road
Nicole Griffin

Heavenly Air
83 Kathleen St.
Michael R. Rock

Heavenly Essence
588 Carew St.
Hamzah A. Latif

Johnny’s Janitorial Service
51 Nelson Ave.
Johnny M. Kyles

Jupiter Consulting Group
97 Overlook Dr.
Moira Catherine

Kitchen Counsel
270 Maple St.
Michael L. Talmadge

Lamontagne Auto Body Inc.
33 Stafford St.
Glen Robert

Lyndale Garage Inc.
87 Warehouse St.
David E. Vedovelli

Mexico Money Express
2766 Main St.
Ady N. Rosario

N.Y.C. Variety
195 Pine St.
Johnnie Young

Nayab Enterprises LLC
273 Hancock St.
Muhammad Imtiaz

New England Export and Import
764 Main St.
Riswan Raufdeen

OSB and Services
346 Page Blvd.
Carlos E. Martinez

Platinum Image Luxury
57 Haskin St.
Tamika McKenzie

Real Talk Tee’s
34 Clarendon St.
Evelyn Bethea

Robert Valenti Design
25 Hilltop St.
Robert A. Valenti

Roberto’s Bar & Grill Inc.
80 Worthington St.
Paul Ramesh

Saigon Springfield LLC
398 Dickinson St.
Thomas Vuong

Silver Shield Security
185 Belmont St.
Gary L. Berte

TD Bank
1800 Boston Road
Diane Ryan

Vito’s Barber Shop
654 Page Blvd.
Ciro Ricciardi

Wingate at Springfield
215 Bicentennial Highway
Sec Springfield Inc.

Wolfetones Gaelic Football
33 Progress Ave.
John B. O’Reilly

Xtraordinary Recording
2 Chestnut St.
Tony A. Mebane

WESTFIELD

Sandy L. Design
39 Magnolia Terrace
Sandra Fiedler

Timber Ridge Tree Expert
217 Lockhouse Road
Christopher Rafus

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Flowers by Webster LLC
82 Elm St.
Gail Kelly

Friendly’s
1094 Riverdale St.
BDL Restaurant Inc.

K Brothers Construction
1111 Westfield St.
Yuriy Krasnov

Knightly Billing
126 Maple St.
Paul M. Corey

Mind, Body & Skin
117 River St.
Kelly L. Rondeau

Paul H. Boudo & Associates
519 Gooseberry Road
Paul H. Boudo

Power Washing
29 Neptune Ave.
Thomas M. Bienia

Bankruptcies

By
Bankruptcies Departments

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

Amoako, Kwame A.
128 Canon Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Athena’s by Sharane
Austin, Sharane A.
a/k/a Tierney, Sharane
1408 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Blair, John Reginald
Blair, Kathleen Anne
a/k/a Mason, Kathleen Anne
80 Royalston Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Bry, Rachel E.
41A Fearing St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/12

Camacho, Edwayra
10 Lombard St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/12

Campbell, Dennis Earl
Campbell, Donna Marie
32 Apache St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Condron, David W.
74 Dodge Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Daviau, Peter T.
33 Normand Terrace
Feeding Hills, MA 01030-1937
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Dickinson, Jason C.
416 Huckle Hill Road
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Dolby, Christine
15 Castle Hill Ave.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Emerson, Daniel J.
235 State St., #311
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/12

Fisher, Scott A.
181 West St., Apt. K5
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Fitzgerald, Corey J.
Fitzgerald, Angela J.
a/k/a Frey, Angela J.
58 Patrick Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Gasco, Grace
314 Taylor Hill Road
Hardwick, MA 01037
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Harrison, Matthew S.
PO Box 692
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Hebert-Dancik, Elaine
89 Sumner Ave., Apt. 4
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/12

Hover, Clifford J.
1155 Churchill St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Johnson, Christine D.
42 Cherryvale Ave., 1st
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/12

Johnson, William G.
139 Wyben Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/12

Labonte, Louise May
30 Stockbridge Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

LeBlanc, Darlene A.
40 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Magiera, Diane
223 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/12

McCarthy, Jeanne Ann
477 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

McElligott, Thomas
McElligott, Helen A.
32 Elizabet St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/23/12

Medeiros, Michele F.
155 Feltham Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/18/12

Metivier, Angela D.
42 Lowden St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Metivier, Francis E.
a/k/a Metivier, Frank E.
42 Lowden St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Mike’s Landscaping and Excavating
MJS Excavating
Snow, Michael J.
15 Clapp Road
Post Office Box 204
Hardwick, MA 01037
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Morrison, Vivienne N.
52 Fort Pleasant Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Nester, Ronald R.
64 North Maple St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/12

Newton, Forrest Lewis
Newton, Sharon Collins
79 Old State Road
Berkshire, MA 01224
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/19/12

O’Neil, Stephen C.
2 Kenlee Gardens
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Otero, Thomas
89 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/12

Pearl, Estrelita L.
a/k/a Lee, Estrelita N.
174 Blanchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/19/12

Pierce, David A.
a/k/a Daudelin, David
Pierce, Dorothy A.
a/k/a Parent, Dorothy
301 Skeele St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/24/12

Rideout, Jerry
Rideout, Anne C.
a/k/a Germain, Anne C.
28 Arlington St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Schoonmaker, Ward A.
Schoonmaker, Karen A.
343 Kelsey Road
Sheffield, MA 01257
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/21/12

Skubiszewski, Jack G.
Skubiszewski, Rebecca L.
53 Conway St.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Smith, Monroe
239 Merrimac Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Squaire, Phyllis
76 Breckwood Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/18/12

Swiatek, Michael J.
Swiatek, Holly M.
95 Railroad St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Velazquez, Juan R.
Irizarry, Nilda L.
320 Elm St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/22/12

Welch, Deborah J.
a/k/a Miller, Deborah J.
4 Leslie Lane
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/19/12

Whitman, Claude
23 McBride Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Wiernasz, Matthew P.
146 Elmar Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 06/20/12

Editorial

By
Opinion
Brownfield Challenges and Opportunities

The compelling photographs on page 42 tell an intriguing story about the redevelopment of the sprawling former GE transformer-manufacturing complex in Pittsfield — and about brownfield redevelopment in general.
There are always three tenses involved with such projects, of course: the past, present, and future. The past is represented by images, stories, and recollections of what once was. In this case, and in most all cases, it’s about a large corporation that employed generations of people and brought economic vitality to a neighborhood, city, or region, and often gave it an identity. The present is usually represented by images of idle land where factories that employed thousands of people once stood.
The future? Well, that’s the hard part. The really hard part.
It’s often difficult to imagine what it can be — although people try mightily — and even more difficult to make reality. We’ve seen it repeatedly, at places like the former Uniroyal complex in Chicopee, the former Westinghouse site in Springfield (now one of many locations under consideration for a Western Mass. casino), the former Chapman Valve complex in Indian Orchard, and, to a lesser extent, the Ludlow Mills complex, now in the hands of Westmass Area Development Corp.
While there has been some encouraging progress with the Ludlow initiative — two projects, a new HealthSouth rehab hospital and some senior housing, were announced earlier this year — there have been mostly speculation and frustration involving the others.
That’s especially true in Chicopee, where the Uniroyal site has been a nightmare for mayoral administrations for more than 30 years, and Chapman Valve has been equally frustrating, with only a large solar-power array to be put in the category of new ‘development’ (there aren’t many jobs attached to solar farms).
Still, these brownfield sites are important to the region, and for many reasons. First, there will eventually be a severe shortage of developable land in Western Mass., although the ongoing sluggish economy has kept existing supplies virtually intact. This means that, to attract and retain companies and bring jobs to the area, brownfield sites like those listed above are a critical part of the region’s economic-development strategy.
Equally important is the fact that most of these sites are in urban areas, cities that were former manufacturing hubs and are now in the complicated process of trying to reinvent themselves as something else. These brownfield projects could provide a key piece to that puzzle.
We’re encouraged by what is happening in Pittsfield, and believe officials there are on the right track. The GE complex was indeed a center of innovation, and the transformers built there helped light up the world — literally. The Pittsfield Economic Development Authority, the entity created to redevelop the sprawling complex, has landed one tenant, a financial-services company, and is forwarding plans to build a life-sciences complex that will house companies that have moved beyond the startup stage and are looking for a place to grow.
As we’ve said many times, it is through the nurturing of small businesses such as these — rather than trying to lure large employers from other parts of the country or the world — that the region is most likely to secure more of those good-paying jobs that every community wants and needs. It may take more time to do it this way, but the results may well be more permanent.
It will take a long time — years, if not decades — to fill in the land left vacant when the GE buildings were torn down, and create a third picture to go with the two on page 42. The same is true in Chicopee and Indian Orchard, and it may likely be the same if a casino isn’t built in East Springfield on the Westinghouse site.
But with some patience, imagination, and, yes, the kind of innovation that made these sites so important to the region 50 and even 100 years ago, they can again be key contributors to the area’s economy.
And maybe give some of these cities a new identity.

Opinion

By
Opinion
A Simple Remedy for a Wall Street Danger

Over the past several weeks, the financial community has paid rapt attention to trading losses at JPMorgan Chase, estimated to be anywhere from $2 billion to as much as $9 billion. The sudden emergence of such a large loss sent a disturbing tremor through an already-vulnerable economic landscape. The lesson to be learned here is emphatically not about the bank or its leadership, but about the structure of our financial system.
The loss by the much-admired bank was more than a case of a private-sector company taking a private-sector hit because of a private-sector error. First, if a bank this important were to become endangered, the contagion to global financial confidence would surely necessitate a bailout. Losses in institutions to which we entrust the soundness of our money, or where deposits are guaranteed, put the rest of us at risk. Second, and less widely appreciated, JPMorgan’s trading loss is a minuscule fraction of the bank’s more than $75 trillion in notional value of its current positions in derivative securities. The trading of derivatives — securities whose prices are dependent on valuations of underlying assets but do not represent direct ownership claims on those assets — is exempt from the sensible regulation of disclosure and leverage normally applied to stocks, bonds, and other direct claims. This is still, despite all recent attempts at financial reform, the Wild West of trading markets.
Banks say their trading positions are properly hedged by countervailing positions, leaving them little risk. They ‘prove’ this using statistical models anchored in past price behavior and by noting that market pricing indicates a proper balance between their opposing positions, leaving little residual exposure. The problem is that the models are oversimplifications. They rarely predict unfamiliar possibilities, sometimes called ‘black swans,’ or the impacts of external events such as geopolitical disruptions.
All three of the largest U.S. banks have open derivatives positions in excess of 24,000% of their equity capital. Neither models nor markets can protect them from small percentage imbalances. In addition, bank-trading relationships around the world are so interconnected that, if one goes down, all are threatened. No CEO or board of directors, however talented and honorable, can oversee trading at the multi-trillion-dollar scale with perspective and precision enough to assure the avoidance of systemic impairment. Nor can any government oversight body.
Bank lobbyists insist that all this trading is needed to facilitate commercial transactions, but don’t be fooled. The open derivatives positions at the three largest U.S. banks exceed twice the GNP of the world. Add in large European and Asian banks, and the commercial-hedging argument becomes a parody. Hedging is useful in commerce, but its systemic risk should never outweigh its commercial value.
Under present rules, banks are free to put us all at risk in derivatives trading without creating any offsetting cushion. Every derivatives transaction involves some basis risk (that two paired commodities will not continue to move in unison), some counterparty risk (that the trade will not be honored by the other party), and some human-error risk. Accountants and regulators know well that netting massive positions to zero cannot reflect true exposure.
Whenever a new position is taken, there should be a mandatory accompanying reserve or capital charge. This would have a twofold benefit. It would increase protection for both the public and the banks, and it would dull the appeal of hazardously oversized trading accounts. Although regulators should set the actual amounts, imagine that the charge was uniformly 0.1% of the notional position value. Open positions of $75 trillion in derivatives would require $75 billion put aside, an amount large enough to make that trading scale unappealing. Charges to match the risk created would bring trading volumes back to sensible size with a minimum of new regulations and no need to outlaw useful commercial practices. They would simply acknowledge that all derivatives positions, however useful, impose some risk on the holders and the public. Current scale imposes an unmanageable risk.

James M. Stone, former chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and commissioner of Insurance for Massachusetts, is CEO of the Plymouth Rock group of property and casualty insurance companies.

PicThis

By
Departments Picture This

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

Celebrity Read Aloud

Roderick Ireland, chief justice of the Mass. Supreme Judicial Court and a Springfield native, was the guest reader for the Link to Libraries Celebrity Read Aloud Program at William DeBerry School in Springfield. As a youngster, Ireland attended DeBerry School. He read to fourth-grade students and explained how important his education was and how much he enjoyed reading as a youngster and now as chief justice. The students presented him with a certificate of appreciation for attending their school and reading. Link to Libraries invites local and regional dignitaries to become part of its Celebrity Read Aloud Programs and read to area students. For more information, call (413) 224-1031, or e-mail [email protected].

Scholarship Winners

When Thomas E. Cosenzi passed away in 2009, it was not only ownership of the TommyCar Auto Group that passed to his children Carla and Thomas M., but his legacy of giving back to the community. That legacy was evident when the four recipients of a 2012 Tom Cosenzi Scholarship were recently awarded their checks for $1,000 at Country Nissan on Route 9 in Hadley. The scholarships, awarded each year to graduating seniors, helps students with demonstrated leadership and community involvement continue their education at either a two- or four-year institution. The program has expanded to other area high schools, with this year’s winners coming from Hopkins Academy in Hadley, Northampton High School, Shepherd Hill Regional High School in Dudley, and Greenfield High School. From left are: Nicole Himebaugh of Charlton; Anaisa Garcia of Florence; Carla Cosenzi, president of TommyCar Auto Group; Rita Pirozhkov of Greenfield; and Steven J. Keith of Hadley.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

CHICOPEE
DISTRICT COURT
TBF Financial, LLC v. JSLC Corp., and Sandra and Joseph Marlin
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $21,378.06
Filed: 6/15/12

HAMPDEN
SUPERIOR COURT
Aaryn Blain v. Porterhouse Media
Allegation: Breach of contractual agreement: $25,000+
Filed: 5/8/12

Country Development Corp. v. Colorful Creations Bead Co. Inc. and Patricia and Stanley Pawlowicz
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $77,643.88
Filed: 5/2/12

Jenco Property Maintenance Services v. ITT Power Solutions d/b/a Exelis
Allegation: Breach of contract for snow plowing: $450,000
Filed: 5/18/12

John J. Walczak v. Turley Publications
Allegation: Breach of contract: $25,000
Filed 5/31/12

Michelle Michaels v. Superior Oxygen Systems Inc. and Inova Lab Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay promissory notes: $150,000
Filed: 5/23/12

Rafal Lasiuk v. Liquor Town
Allegation: Action for monies had and received, unjust enrichment, and fraud: $96,817.50
Filed: 5/11/12

Shawntell Lee Waldon, administratrix of the estate of Aaron Lavanta Waldon v. Helsant Inc. d/b/a LACE
Allegation: Careless and improper security and maintenance at Club 418, causing wrongful death: $500,000+
Filed: 5/16/12

HAMPSHIRE
SUPERIOR COURT
Eclipse Manufacturing Inc. v. Gillespie Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of monies loaned: $60,000
Filed: 5/23/12

Felix Perez v. Anthony’s Dance Club
Allegation: Negligent hiring and supervision, causing personal injury: $40,000
Filed: 5/15/12

R.E. Laplante Construction Inc. v. Harold L. Eaton Associates Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract to supply land survey: $25,000
Filed: 5/29/12

NORTHAMPTON
DISTRICT COURT
American Express Bank FSB v. Pitt-singer P&H and Donald R. Pittsinger
Allegation: Non-payment on previous judgment: $10,759.23
Filed: 5/27/12

Constellation Newenergy Inc. v. Stop n’ Save
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $8,342.50
Filed: 5/17/12

Eastern Brothers, LTD, d/b/a Black River Produce v. Sunflower Inc., d/b/a Green Street Café and John A. Sielski
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,666.94
Filed: 6/14/12

Santa Buckley Energy Inc. v. Volkswagon of Northampton
Allegation: Non-payment of services and goods: $7,016.38
Filed: 6/1/12

WESTFIELD
DISTRICT COURT
Cach, LLC v. Daval Home Services Inc. and Keith G. Roy
Allegation: Breach of credit-card agreement: $16,840.11
Filed: 5/25/12

People On the Move

By
Kevin Hart
Departments People on the Move

Mark R. Tolosky

Mark R. Tolosky

Mark R. Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health, was recently awarded the prestigious 2012 William L. Lane Hospital Advocate Award from the Mass. Hospital Assoc. (MHA) in recognition of his “exceptional leadership.” During his 20-year tenure at one of the largest health systems in New England, Tolosky has helped transform Baystate Health into one of the Top 15 health care systems in the country, as recognized by Thomson Reuters. Lynn Nicholas, president and CEO of the MHA, noted that Tolosky “has driven the transformation of the North End of Springfield into a vibrant ‘medical mile,’ constructing new facilities, creating jobs, improving the local community, and contributing to the economic development of the city.” Nicholas added, “under Tolosky’s leadership, Baystate Health and Health New England are also nationally recognized for top levels of quality and safety, most notably through advances made in clinical care, the adoption of health-information technology, and the development of team-based and patient-centered medical homes.” Each year at the association’s annual meeting, the MHA publicly acknowledges one senior hospital executive who exemplifies exceptional leadership and the characteristics to which all hospital and health system leaders should aspire. Tolosky was nominated by Richard B. Steele Jr., chairman of the Baystate Health Board of Trustees, and his senior leadership team at Baystate Health. “Mark sets a stellar example as a CEO who tirelessly advocates for improvement, inclusion, responsibility, preparation, taking the high road, and the importance of collaborative, positive relationships,” noted one letter in support of Tolosky’s nomination. According to Nicholas, it was the first time in the nine-year history of presenting the award that the MHA executive committee was unanimous in its selection.
•••••

Eugene J. Cassidy

Eugene J. Cassidy became the seventh CEO of the Eastern States Exposition (ESE) in its 95-year history on June 27. He joined ESE as Director of Finance in 1993, and was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer in March 2011. He succeeded Wayne McCary, who retired June 26 after 21 years at the helm of the West Springfield institution. “The Big E is a balance of agriculture, industry, and entertainment all designed to move the core mission of the exposition forward while retaining the roots on which it was built,” said Cassidy. He is accredited as a certified fair executive by the International Assoc. of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) and is actively involved as a member of the budget and finance and program committees. He is a frequent presenter at IAFE meetings on the local, regional, and national levels and served as program chair of the organization’s International Convention in Las Vegas in 2010. Cassidy began his career at KPMG Peat Marwick in Springfield. He then served as treasurer of Chicopee Cooperative Bank and Colonial Mortgage Co. and was assistant vice president of Park West Bank and Trust Co., all wholly owned subsidiaries of Westbank Corp.
•••••
Andrea Robitaille, P.E., recently joined Tighe & Bond Inc. as a Project Engineer. She brings to that position eight years of professional experience with the firm’s expanding structural-engineering team. Robitaille has provided bridge design and inspection, construction design, and transportation-planning services for numerous clients and projects throughout New England.
•••••
David Kalman, M.D. was recently promoted to President of Springfield Medical Associates, a multi-specialty group gractice with locations in Springfield and Enfield. Kalman has been a practicing gastroenterologist since 1927.
•••••
Amy Royal

Amy Royal

Amy Royal, founding partner of Royal LLP, the Northampton-based woman-owned boutique, management-side labor and employment law firm, has been invited to speak at the ExecuSummit 7th Annual National Employment Practices Liability Insurance Conference at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. in October. She will present on minimizing emotional-distress damages in employment-litigation claims.
•••••
Danielle Nicklas

Danielle Nicklas

Danielle Nicklas, an attorney with the Springfield-based firm Cooley, Shrair P.C., has been appointed to serve on the Mass. Bar Assoc. (MBA) Health Law Section Council. Each council is charged with formulating and recommending policy and legislative positions, developing CLE program content for the MBA, and producing articles for Section Review and/or Lawyers Journal. Nicklas focuses her practice on the area of health law with a concentration in health care compliance, risk management, Start, and anti-kickback regulations.
•••••
Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart

Holyoke-based Mohawk Communications announced that Kevin Hart has joined the staff as Director of Operations. Hart has more than 15 years experience in the telecommunications field, from high-end PBX systems, to fiber installation, to managing communication networks for mid- to large-sized businesses. He will be managing the customer service department along with the outside technicians and various other projects.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

AMHERST AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
413-253-0700
• Aug. 15: Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., at the Amherst Brewing Co, 10 University Dr., Amherst. Join us for the debut of Live United 365 brew. Help the United Way of Hampshire County and network with chamber members at the same time. Admission: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
 • July 18: Summer Sizzle, 4:30-7:30 p.m., at the Chicopee Moose Family Center, 244 Fuller Road in Chicopee. This year’s theme is a Mexican Fiesta. More details to come. Sponsored by Freedom Credit Union and United Bank. Cost: $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
 
GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• July 27: The 28th Annual Golf Tournament (sold out), at Southampton Country Club. Check in is at 8 a.m., with a shotgun start at 9. Would you like to donate a raffle prize and/or to the golfer’s gift bag? Contact the chamber with your raffle prizE or gift donation.

GREATER HOLYOKE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
• Aug. 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Hamel’s Creative Catering at the Summit View Banquet and Meeting House, 555 Northampton St., Holyoke. Admission is $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.
• Aug. 22: Summer Salute Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampton St., Holyoke. Cost is $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

QUABOAG HILLS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418
 • Aug. 25: Community Celebration 2012, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Join Life’s Memories & More and the Collaborative for Community Health for a day of community celebration. Crafters, artisans, and vendors will be on hand with a bounty of great items to view and purchase. Enjoy musical entertainment. Get a henna tattoo or treat yourself to one of the collaborative services like chair acupuncture, chair massage, or Reiki, and try some delicious food. For more information, contact [email protected] or call (413) 283-4448.

THREE RIVERS
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425
• Aug. 6: Monthly meeting of the Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce, 7-8 p.m. at the chamber offices, 2376 Main St., Three Rivers. This meeting is open to the public.
 
WEST OF THE RIVER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com  
(413) 426-3880
 • July 18: Chairman’s Luncheon. WRC’s chairman and executive committee invite members to join them for lunch to discuss WRC activities, network, and discuss how WRC can bring greater value to its members.
• July 19: Economic Development Committee Meeting. This committee meets to address how WRC can enhance the economic development of Agawam and West Springfield. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.
• Aug. 1: Education Committee Meeting. This committee meets to address how WRC will support and promote educational activities within Agawam and West Springfield. If you would like to join this committee, e-mail [email protected] for more information.
• Aug. 1: Wicked Wednesday, West of the River Chamber of Commerce After Five.
• Aug. 20: 9th Annual Golf Tournament at Springfield Country Club. Proceeds will go toward the WRC Educational Fund, which supports the Business Education Grant Program and student scholarships for Agawam and West Springfield Students. To register or for more information, contact the chamber at (413) 426-3880 or at www.ourwrc.com.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• July 18: Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m. in the President’s Boardroom at Westfield State University.
• August 1: Fund Development Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m. at Air Compressor Engineering, 17 Meadow St., Westfield.
• August 8: Executive Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield, 8-9 a.m.
 
YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.springfieldyps.com  
• July 19: July Third Thursday, Great Lake Escape, 5-8 p.m. at Louie B’s Restaurant, 101 Point Road, Southwick. A sampling of Bud Light Lime will be provided by Williams Distributing. This event, as always, is free for for YPS members and $10 for non-members, and will include food and a cash bar.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

NEBA Golf Tournament
Aug. 26: New England Business Associates (NEBA) will host a golf tournament on at Tekoa Country Club in Westfield. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit NEBA’s skills-training, supported-employment, academic-achievement, and self-employment programs for individuals with disabilities. The tournament will begin with a shotgun start at 1 p.m., and an awards and dinner ceremony will follow the finish. Sponsorship opportunities are available, and all golfers will have an opportunity to participate in contests and win prizes. To participate in the tournament and/or become an event sponsor, visit neba.eventbrite.com or contact David Parkinson, tournament director, at (413) 821-9200, ext. 145, or [email protected].

Massachusetts Chamber Business Summit
Sept. 9-11: The Massachusetts Chamber board of directors will conduct its annual Business Summit and Awards Ceremony at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis. The two-day meeting allows participants to meet with business professionals from across the state, as well as listen to state and local elected officials who will discuss the future of business in Massachusetts. Additionally, representatives from the Mass. Office of Economic Development will discuss loans, grants, and tax incentives available to business owners. Industry experts will also be on hand to discuss topics such as leveraging social media, search-engine optimization, and health care cost containment. The winners of the Business of the Year Award and the Employer of Choice Award will also be announced during the summit. For more information, call (617) 512-9667 or visit www.masscbi.com.

World Affairs Council Annual Meeting
Oct. 10: Hampshire College President Jonathan Lash will speak at the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Annual Meeting & Dinner in the Mahogany Room of the Springfield Sheraton Hotel in downtown Springfield. More details will be forthcoming. Lash is an internationally recognized expert on practical solutions to global sustainability and development challenges. Before he became president of Hampshire College in 2011, he served as president of World Resources Institute (WRI), an environmental think tank with offices in eight countries and partners in more than 50 countries. WRI is an international leader on issues ranging from low-carbon development to sustainable transportation. From 1993 to 1999, Lash was co-chair of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development, a group of government, business, labor, civil-rights, and environmental leaders appointed by Bill Clinton that developed visionary recommendations for strategies to promote sustainable development. He played a key role in the creation and success of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership, which in 2007 issued the highly influential “Call to Action” on global warming. Prior to WRI, Lash held posts as director of Vermont Law School’s Environmental Law Center, Vermont secretary of Natural Resources, and Vermont commissioner of Environmental Conservation, as well as as a federal prosecutor. For more information on the event, call (413) 733-0110.

Western Mass. Business Expo
Oct. 11: BusinessWest will again present the Western Mass. Business Expo. The event, which made its debut last fall at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, will feature more than 180 exhibitors, seminars, special presentations, breakfast and lunch programs, and the year’s most extensive networking opportunity. Comcast Business Class will again be the presenting sponsor of the event. Details, including breakfast and lunch agendas, seminar topics, and featured speakers, will be printed in the pages of BusinessWest over the coming months. For more information or to purchase a booth, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

40 Under Forty Reunion
Nov. 8: BusinessWest will stage a reunion featuring the first six classes of its 40 Under Forty program. Details on the event will be forthcoming. What is known is that it will be staged at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke, and will be open only to 40 Under Forty winners, sponsors, and their guests, as well as judges of the first six contests. For more information on the event, call (413) 781-8600, or e-mail [email protected].

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Bell & Hudson Acquires Walsh/CDI Agency
BELCHERTOWN — Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency recently announced its acquisition of the Walsh/CDI Insurance Agency Inc. at 15 Central St. in West Brookfield. The West Brookfield office will continue to operate as Walsh Insurance Agency until Oct. 1, when it will take on the Bell & Hudson name. The office will continue at the same location and with the same staff, including Kathy Savary, long-time office manager for Walsh/CDI Insurance Agency. “We are pleased with this merger, as it enables us to continue offering the same level of local service our customers are familiar with, and also allows us to offer more insurance carriers,” said former owner Patricia Walsh. “Bell & Hudson is a respected independent insurance agency, and we are proud and pleased to be part of the team.” Led by President James Phaneuf and Vice President Matthew Phaneuf, Bell & Hudson now has 16 employees, including 12 licensed agents. The agency is one of only 28 independent insurance agencies in Massachusetts holding the coveted Five Star Award of Distinction presented by the Mass. Assoc. of Insurance Agents. In 2007 Bell & Hudson was named Business of the Year by the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, and in 2011 the Insurance Journal named Bell & Hudson the Best Independent Insurance Agency in the East to Work For. Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency offers property, casualty, life, group health, and accident insurance for businesses and families.

Holyoke Medical Center Ranks No. 1 in State for Stroke Care
HOLYOKE — The Stroke Collaborative Reaching for Excellence (SCORE), a voluntary, statewide quality-improvement collaborative administered by the Mass. Department of Public Health (DPH) that supports primary-stroke-service hospitals, recently ranked Holyoke Medical Center first out of 58 hospitals in Massachusetts, including large teaching facilities, for stroke care. Defect-free care is achieved when a patient receives the appropriate care based on clinical guidelines. “Holyoke Medical Center is proud that our hard work and passion for providing great care was recognized by this prestigious award from the DPH’s SCORE program,” said HMC Stroke Program Clinical Manager Angela Smith. “We strive to provide exceptional care to all of our patients. This award represents that every stroke patient that comes through our doors receives the highest quality of care.” The rating evaluated adherence to 10 stroke consensus measures and required that each stroke patient receive all 10 measures. Holyoke Medical Center had the highest score in the state. This was one of several awards the medical center received at the annual award ceremony of the American Heart/Stroke Assoc. and SCORE. The medical center also received awards for being the highest performer on the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale and the American Stroke Assoc. ‘Get With The Guidelines’ Gold, Gold Plus, and Target Stroke Honor Roll awards for consistently exceeding quality-care benchmarks for stroke and administering the clot-busting drug t-PA within 60 minutes of hospital arrival.

Elms College Social Work Program Reaccredited
CHICOPEE — The Social Work program at Elms College recently received Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) reaffirmation of accreditation through 2020. The accreditation is effective for all bachelor’s degree programs, including the traditional undergraduate degree, weekend college degree, and Social Work degree-completion program available through a partnership between Elms College and Springfield Technical Community College. Under the direction of Program Director Dr. Mary Brainerd, the Social Work department began a self-study in July 2011 that included three volumes addressing the 10 competencies as required by the CWSE’s Commission on Accreditation (COA). In February 2012, a COA representative made a site visit to the college and met with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the advisory board. In June 2012, the COA voted to reaffirm Elms College’s accreditation for eight years. “The accreditation is a lengthy, involved process, but it is very important for our program,” Brainerd said. “Without it, our students would not be able to sit for their Social Work licensing exam after graduation and would not be able to enroll in master of Social Work programs in advanced standing, which allows them to complete a graduate degree in one year.” Elms College began offering Social Work as a concentration in the Sociology Department in 1960. The program was first accredited by CWSE in 1982. It was the first accredited undergraduate social-work program in Western Mass. Today, the program offers a four-year undergraduate curriculum that educates students to become competent and effective entry-level generalist social-work practitioners. There are currently around 90 Social Work majors, including students who complete a bachelor’s degree on the STCC campus. The Social Work program has successfully gone through the reaccreditation process five times since 1982.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Paid Sick Leave Sent to Study by Lawmakers
BOSTON — Backers of a bill that would require certain employers to offer workers earned paid sick leave acknowledged in recent months that it would be an uphill battle to get the legislation passed this session. They were proven right when the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing sent the bill to a study, according to the House clerk’s office, effectively killing its chances of becoming law this session, with the Legislature planning to recess at the end of July. The paid sick-leave bill was drafted by state Rep. Cheryl Coakley-Rivera and released favorably this year from the Labor and Workforce Development Committee co-chaired by the Springfield Democrat. Paid sick-leave benefits for workers have become a perennial issue on Beacon Hill, backed by a broad coalition of organizations and lawmakers who argue that legislation would improve productivity, reduce turnover in the workplace, and drive down health care costs by allowing people to seek primary care during the day rather than visiting emergency rooms after hours. Many business groups, however, including the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, warn that forcing employers to provide certain benefits could discourage hiring at a precarious time for the economy. Coakley-Rivera’s bill would have allowed workers at companies with more than 10 employees to earn up to seven paid sick days a year, while employers with between six and 10 employees would have been required to allow employees to accrue up to five paid sick days. Business, however, strongly resisted mandating sick leave, warning the bill could cost the economy as many as 12,000 jobs and claiming that such policies are best established by employers.

Construction Employment Stagnates in June
ARLINGTON, Va. — Construction employment stalled in June as more former construction workers left the industry, according to an analysis of new federal data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. The lack of current job openings, along with the departure of experienced workers, suggests a potential skilled-labor shortage may be developing, construction association officials warned. “Employment in the construction industry has fluctuated within a very narrow range — 1% above or below the June level of 5.5 million — for more than two years now,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. While the latest figure was 14,000 higher than one year earlier, the June 2012 total was just 2,000 higher than in May and in June 2010. “Construction employment has essentially been stagnant for much of the past two years.” Meanwhile, the unemployment rate for former construction workers fell to 12.8%, the lowest June rate since 2008 and much better than the 15.6% rate in June 2011 or the 20.1% rate in June 2010, Simonson noted. He added that, over the past two years, nearly 750,000 experienced workers have either found jobs in other industries, returned to school, retired, or otherwise left the workforce. “It will be hard for construction firms to get those skilled workers back when demand picks back up.” There was little difference among construction segments in terms of recent job gains or losses, Simonson noted. Residential construction added 1,700 total jobs in June and 8,900 (0.4%) over 12 months. Non-residential construction firms lost 600 jobs in June but added 4,300 (0.1%) over 12 months. Within the residential segment, residential specialty trade contractors added 7,600 jobs for the month and 14,100 (1.0%) over the past year, reflecting ongoing strength in multi-family construction. In contrast, residential builders — mostly single-family homebuilders — lost 5,900 positions in June and 5,200 (–0.9%) over 12 months. Non-residential job gains for the year were concentrated among non-residential building contractors, which lost 1,000 jobs in the latest month but added 4,300 (0.7%) over 12 months. Heavy and civil-engineering construction firms shed 2,000 jobs in June and 1,800 (–0.2%) in the past year. Non-residential specialty trade contractors boosted employment by 2,400 since May but only 1,800 (0.1%) since June 2012. Association officials noted that one bright spot for the industry was the 27-month highway and transit bill the president recently signed into law. They said the legislation includes many significant reforms that will allow more existing transportation funds to be invested in highway and transit construction projects, as opposed to unrelated programs. “This measure will certainly help staunch the decline in construction employment among highway and transportation builders,” said Stephen Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Congress understands that investing in infrastructure is one of the best ways to support growth within the private sector.”

Summit Focuses on Academic Advising
SPRINGFIELD — More than 70 community-college faculty and advisors met at the Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) campus to participate in an academic advising summit on June 22 to focus on advising as a collaborative approach. The summit workshops explored national best practices in academic advising, apprised academic advisors of National Academic Advising Assoc. (NACADA) services and resources that support more effective academic advising, and detailed how to improve both individual academic-advising skills and overall campus academic programs. Sessions included topics about career exploration and advising tools, introduced advisors to the Advising Is Teaching program, and discussed important updates to advising software. Keynote speaker Susan Kolls, associate director of Student Account Services at Northeastern University and a member of the NACADA board of directors, said students today are faced with a variety of challenges. They work hard both in and outside the classroom balancing school, work, and families; they struggle with financial issues; and many are in the military, often finishing their schoolwork while in the combat zone. “We’re looking at the whole student,” said Kolls. “None of our students are only students, and if we don’t look at the things that impact them, if we only look at the academic side, we can’t help them with the things outside of school.” Knowing a student’s background, Kolls said, can help advisors understand how a student is better, or less, able to cope with their situation. Through her interactive session, Kolls questioned how to get faculty, staff, and advisors to think about all of the contributing factors that impact a student’s success. According to Kamari Collins, STCC’s director of Academic Advising, the summit allowed advisors from the region to get together and start a conversation. “It was a good way to have everyone focus and strengthen our campus as a whole, and it was a great opportunity for us to share our best practices with our colleagues at the other community colleges.” The summit, made possible through the Board of Higher Education’s Vision Project Performance Incentive Grant, was available to the four community colleges in the Western Mass. Vision Project Exchange: Berkshire Community College, Greenfield Community College, Holyoke Community College, and STCC. This was the first time STCC has hosted the summit.

Hiring Lukewarm in June
NEW YORK — Hiring was lukewarm last month, with employers adding jobs but not enough to bring the unemployment rate down. The economy added 80,000 jobs in June, the U.S. Labor Department reported, barely an improvement from the 77,000 jobs added in May. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate remained at 8.2%. Economists surveyed by CNN Money had expected to see employers add 95,000 jobs and the unemployment rate to remain unchanged. The labor market has been volatile this year, with job growth starting off strong in the first couple months of 2012. Then a disappointing slowdown in the spring led many to wonder whether the recovery was taking a turn for the worse. June’s weak growth added to those fears. The economy needs at least 125,000 jobs added each month just to keep up with population growth. Revisions from previous months also showed the economy gained 1,000 fewer jobs in April and May than originally thought. Overall, the job market has a long way to go to climb out of the deep hole left by the financial crisis. Of the 8.8 million jobs lost, only about 3.8 million have been added back. Roughly 12.7 million Americans remain unemployed, and 41.9% of them have been so for six months or more. Another 88 million out-of-work people were not even counted as unemployed because they didn’t look for a job in the last four weeks.