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YMCA Celebration at Basketball Hall of Fame

June 18:  A celebration of the YMCA’s 160th anniversary will be staged at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature a keynote address by sports and business leader Mannie Jackson and Boston Globe sportswriters and ESPN commentators Jackie MacMullan and Bob Ryan. MacMullan and Ryan, both Basketball Hall of Fame Award winners, will share their thoughts and experiences covering the celebrated Boston sports teams, with a special concentration on the Boston Celtics. Jackson is a former player for the Harlem Globetrotters who, after a successful business career, purchased the Globetrotters from near-bankruptcy and extinction, reinvigorating one of America’s most popular sports brands. He is now a philanthropist and author who recently released a book called Boxcar to Boardrooms: My Memories and Travels. Tickets to the June 18 celebration are available by contacting Peggy Graveline, development assistant at the YMCA of Greater Springfield, at [email protected], or by calling (413) 739-6951, ext. 179. Tickets are $160 each or $1,500 for a table of 10. All proceeds from the event will benefit the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s 2012 Annual Scholarship Campaign.

 

Health Care Expo and Career Fair

June 19: The Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce has partnered with Health New England to produce a Health care Expo and Career Fair to be held at The Castle of Knights on Memorial Drive in Chicopee, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. According to Gail A. Sherman, President of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, the Healthcare Expo has a multi-level purpose. “It is an opportunity for companies in the health care industry to promote their products and services; but it will also include what we are calling the “Corridor to Your Career” section where companies that have job openings in the healthcare industry will be there to welcome and meet job seekers in that field.” Companies that are in the health care industry can reserve a skirted-marketing table. If they are members of the Greater Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, the cost is $125. For non-members, the cost is $175. Admission to the event is free. Health New England’s Lynn Ostrowski, director of Brand & Corporate Relations, will launch the day’s event by teaching attendees how to effectively manage their energy throughout the day. Complimentary coffee, herbal tea and seasonal fresh fruit will be available until 9:30 a.m. To sign up or to learn more about this event, call Sherman at (413) 594-2101.

 

Elder Planning Seminar

June 20: Williamstown Commons Nursing & Rehabilitation Center will host “The Ins and Outs of Health and Long-Term Care Planning” at 6 p.m. Elder-law attorney James Sisto of the Berkshire Elder Law Center — a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and a certified public accountant — will discuss strategies for seniors in preparing for long-term care, financial planning, and estate planning. Certified senior adviser Kira Breard, branch manager of Interim Health Care, will discuss services designed to help with health and personal-care needs, as well as sharing information on a variety of programs and services available to seniors in Berkshire County. To RSVP for this program, call (413) 458-2111.

 

40 Under Forty

June 21: BusinessWest will present its sixth class of regional rising stars at its annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The gala will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $60 per person, with tables of 10 available. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or log onto www.businesswest.com.

 

WBOA 30th Anniversary

June 21: Chez Josef in Agawam will be the setting for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Women’s Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley (WBOA) at 6 p.m. The WBOA will recognize its 2012 Business Woman of the Year, as well as its 2012 Outstanding New Member, and will name its Top Women in Business in the Pioneer Valley. Renate Oliver, WBOA founder, will also be a featured speaker. The event will feature entertainment by Jeannie Pomeroy-Murphy, as well as a raffle fund-raiser. For more information or tickets, call (413) 525-7345 or visit www.wboa.org.

 

Walk for Miracles at Six Flags

June 23: Six Flags New England will host Walk for Miracles, a Children’s Miracle Network initiative to raise funds for patient-care programs at Baystate Children’s Hospital. “Six Flags New England is thrilled to be the sponsor of this incredible walk that benefits our local community,” said John Winkler, the park’s president. “We are proud of our commitment to our philanthropic work.” Registration for Walk for Miracles begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by step-off at 8:30 a.m. for a family-friendly stroll of about 1.5 miles inside the amusement park. Following the walk, from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., there will be a special celebration including music and entertainment, as well as a medal ceremony for Baystate Children’s Hospital’s “Miracle Kids.” Registration fee is $10 for all walkers and includes participation in the walk, a light breakfast snack, and a T-shirt, while supplies last. Walkers who raise $50 or more for their efforts will receive free admission to the park on June 23. Walkers who do not raise $50 are also welcome to enjoy the park at 50% off general admission. All proceeds will remain local and support pediatric needs throughout Baystate Health, including equipment, outreach programs, and services at Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, and Baystate Visiting Nurse Assoc. & Hospice. To register, visit helpmakemiracles.org/event/walkformiracles.

 

Party with the Animals

June 23: The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is holding its 10th annual “Party with the Animals” fund-raiser at 5:30 p.m. under the big tent at the zoo. The October snowstorm hit the zoo especially hard. “We suffered damage to almost every exhibit at the zoo, from falling limbs from the trees that surround the zoo,” said John Lewis, executive director. Fortunately, the zoo was able to open on schedule this spring, but some exhibits are still undergoing repairs and renovations. The Party with the Animals includes gourmet food prepared by Noble Feast, a full-service bar, and music provided by the Westfield High School Jazz Band. Attendees will enjoy close encounters with some very special animal friends. The live auction, with Ray Hershel of Channel 40 as auctioneer, always generates an entertaining bidding frenzy. This is an adult-only event, and dress is casual-elegant. Tickets are $100 and can be ordered at www.forestparkzoo.org, or by calling (413) 733-2251.

 

Fork It Over

June 26: From 5 to 7:30 p.m., Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts present Fork It Over, a competitive, culinary fund-raising event featuring some of the region’s top chefs, who create original appetizers and desserts using Girl Scout cookies and present their creations to the public and a panel of judges at Storrowton Tavern and Carriage House. Participants include Hofbrauhaus, La Cucina di Hampden House, Magic Spoon Catering, School Street Bistro, Cornerstone Café, Nadim’s Mediterranean, Chandler’s, Johnsens Catering, Hampden Country Club, Eighty Jarvis, Four Main Street Bar & Grill, McLadden’s Irish Publick House, Chez Josef, Dana’s Grillroom, and Great Grapes Catering. The panel of judges who will determine the winners in both sweet and savory categories is led by Peter Rosskothen of the Log Cabin and Delaney House, and includes Lon Breedlove of the Massachusetts Restaurant Assoc., Bon Appetit Contributing Editor Dede Wilson, and West Springfield Fire Chief William Flaherty. Attendees will vote for a people’s-choice favorite. Live music will be provided by Ethel Lee and her Jazz Ensemble, and a raffle will feature items from dozens of Pioneer Valley businesses. Tickets are $30 each or four for $100 for advance purchases, and are available online at www.gscwm.org or by calling (413) 224-4031. All tickets at the door on June 26 are $30 each.

 

NYC Bus Trip

June 30: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host a bus trip to New York City, leaving the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returning around 9:30 p.m. Participants are on their own for the day in New York City. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, contact Lynn at (413) 594-2101.

 

Massachusetts Chamber Business Summit

Sept. 9-11: The Massachusetts Chamber board of directors will conduct its annual Business Summit and Awards Ceremony Sept. 9-11 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.

 

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.

PictureThis

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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]


Woman of the Year

Freyman1Freyman2Ellen Freyman, attorney and shareholder at Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., was recently honored as Woman of the Year 2012 by the Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Massachusetts. The gala event, staged at the Springfield Sheraton, celebrated Freyman’s outstanding leadership, professional accomplishments, and many hours of service to the community. At top, Freyman shares a moment with John Doleva (center), CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and Paul Lambert, vice president of Programming & Guest Experience at the Hall. Bottom, Freyman celebrates with (from left) her son Stephen, her husband Richard, and her son Neal.














Groundbreaking Event

Elms College officials broke ground on June 2 for the school’s new Center for Natural and Health Sciences, which is projected to open in January 2014. Doing the honors are, from left, Mary Lou Wright, SSJ, professor of Biology; Linda Mansfield, chair of the board of trustees; Maxyne Schneider, SSJ, president of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Springfield; Elms College President Mary Reap, IHM; William and Cynthia Lyons, co-chairs of the campaign steering committee; John Flynn, trustee emeritus; and Kevin Chroback, project architect.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments
The following building permits were issued during the month of June 2012.

AGAWAM

Agawam CVS Realty, LLC
163 Silver St.
$95,000 — Alterations

O’Leary/Vincunas No. Two, LLC
200 Silver St.
$20,000 — Interior renovations

SBA/AT&T
850 South Westfield St.
$25,000 — Modify antenna facility

AMHERST

Dragonfly Health, LLC
17 Research Dr.
$1,933,600 — New two-story medical office building

Village Center North Amherst, LLC
83 Sunderland Road
$5,000 — Interior renovations to create sound-protected office suite

CHICOPEE

CDM Properties, LLC
924 Chicopee St.
$1,700 — Repairs caused by fire

Citizens Bank of MA
1283 Memorial Ave.
$70,000 — Repair interior finishes at bank

PJC Realty MA, Inc.
571 Meadow St
$123,000 — Interior remodel of Rite Aid

SCP 2002E-31, LLC
1616 Memorial Dr.
$103,000 — Remodel pharmacy area of CVS

GREENFIELD

Channing Beete
46 Greenfield St.
$15,000 — Install a tornado-approved room in lower bay of warehouse

Beth Reynolds
22 Riddell St.
$25,000 — New roof

Country Club of Greenfield
180 Country Club Road
$13,000 – Install new fire-alarm system

Elizabeth Dolby
306 High St.
$27,000 — Strip and re-roof

Rosenberg Property, LLC
311 Wells St.
$18,000 — Interior renovations

Second Congregational Church
16 Court Square
$30,000 — Replace rotten floor in chapel

Weldon Associates
54 High St.
$9,000 — Interior renovations

HADLEY

Frederic Englander
47 East St.
$25,000 — Install three antennas

I.M. Real Estate, LLC
10 Mill Valley Road
$195,000 — Construct a self-storage building

Pearson Hadley, LLC
380 Russell St.
$35,000 — Build out 800-square-feet of office space

Pearson Hadley, LLC
380 Russell St.
$4,000 — Second-floor renovations

HOLYOKE

CFM Buckley South, LLC
282 Cabot St.
$4,400 — Install storage shed

City of Holyoke Schools
222 Whiting Farms Road
$12,500 — Install solar array

Holyoke Boys Club
70 Nick Cosmos Way
$75,000 — Install new roof

Holyoke River Inc.
920 Main St.
$12,300 — Construct 18’ x 12’ structure

LUDLOW

Frank Baltazar
181 State St.
$21,000 — Reshingle

Mapletree Square Condo Association
200 Center St.
$82,000 — Siding

SOUTHWICK

Nicholas C. Ventrice
59 College Highway
$30,000 — Re-roof

SPRINGFIELD

Caring Health
1063 Main St.
$11,585,000 — Renovation of three buildings for use as a walk-in health center

C & W Realty
1200 Main St.
$42,000 — Replace existing first-floor windows

Dunkin Donuts
694 Page Blvd
$58,000 — Remodel

Maria & Silver Serra
673 White St.
$6,500 — Interior renovations for hair salon

Nick Recchia
988 Main St.
$246,000 — Renovations to retail store

Northeast Healthcare
200 Kendall St.
$33,000 — Interior renovations

Superbrush
800 Worcester St.
$79,000 — New roof

WP Realty Inc.
1377 Liberty St.
$65,000 — Interior remodel

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
33 Smith Ave.
$5,700,000 — Replace roof and windows

DevCon Enterprise
475 East Main St.
$67,500 — Create new Lil’ Caesar Pizza

Goodman Networks
14 Greif Way
$15,000 — Telecommunications tower

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Dirk Kidwell
98 Front St.
$10,000 — Renovation for beauty salon

Emilie’s LLC
1319 Riverdale St.
$19,500 — Renovate existing retail space

U-Name-It Self-Storage, LLC
203 Circuit Ave.
$300,000 — Replace roof

Editorial

By
Opinion
No One Said This Was Going to Be Easy

The casino era in Massachusetts is only seven months old, but we wouldn’t blame anyone if they thought it was closer to seven years. It certainly seems that way.

Indeed, since passage of the legislation approving Las Vegas-style gambling last November, after years of debate and near misses, things have proceeded in slow motion, according to many observers, who, citing many apparent missteps and controversies, predict only more of the same for the immediate future.

Experts and media representatives assessing what’s happened thus far — including everything from questions about a conflict of interest involving local Gaming Commission member Bruce Stebbins (a former Springfield economic-development administrator) to the embarrassing resignation of interim Executive Director Stanley McGee only three days after he was hired — have used the phrase ‘rocky start’ early and often.

And while they’re right to some extent — the Gaming Commission has often looked the gang that couldn’t shoot straight — should we have expected anything else? This is a huge, complex industry Massachusetts is entering, where the stakes are enormous and the scrutiny is intense.

Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby might have been glossing things over when he recently told the Boston Globe, “I think it’s gone really well,” in reference to the start of the casino era, but in some respects he’s not far off base. Anyone who expected a smooth, fast ride was not thinking realistically. Crosby hit the nail on the head, actually, when he also told the Globe, “we have to learn to be comfortable with the fact that controversy is inevitable.”

And for evidence of that fact, one need look no further than the rebuke — that’s the only word to describe it — administered to Crosby by state Rep. Joseph Wagner, a Chicopee Democrat and key player in the fashioning of the casino bill last year, after Crosby put forth comments that simply suggested that the commission might license fewer than three casinos and a slots parlor.

The legislation that Wagner helped draft clearly states “up to three” casinos and a slots parlor, but he looked between the lines at Crosby’s comments and reasoned that, if only two casinos were licensed, then it would be the Western Mass. license that would be most in jeopardy, and he was right to come to that conclusion. And he quickly called out Crosby for saying the commission would do essentially what it was empowered to do — look at all the data and make decisions that make the most sense for everyone in the Commonwealth.

This is the way it’s going to be for the next two years, or however long it’s going to take the Gaming Commission to do its analysis and render its decisions. Every word, every step, every bit of conjecture is going to be scrutinized, analyzed, and probably overanalyzed.

And in many ways, all that is good because, despite the urgent need for jobs and revenue in this state — those are the reasons why this measure was passed in the first place — the goal here is not to get this job done fast, but to get it done right, with the understanding that ‘right’ is most certainly a relative term and there will never be agreement on what that actually means, and that’s part of what makes this compelling and maddening.

The rocky, bumpy start for the casino era — if those terms are even appropriate — has certainly been eye-opening. As if there were any doubt, we have been reminded that there is probably nothing that is going to come quickly or easily in the process of bring casino gaming to Massachusetts.

As Crosby said, we all have to get comfortable with the fact that controversy is inevitable — and unavoidable.

Bankruptcies

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

 

Allen, Gerald G.

Allen, Laurie J.

3 Katie Way

Springfield, MA 01128

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Anderson, Oral-Hugh

74 Shattuck St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 05/11/12

 

Arroyo, Hector

26 Chapman Ave.

Easthampton, MA 01027

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/15/12

 

 

 

Barcomb, Robert M.

696 Bradley Road

Springfield, MA 01109-1425

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Bridges, Lynne B.

Bridges, Royal

115 Berkshire Ave.

Southwick, MA 01077

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 05/11/12

 

Cabrera, Juan

21 Grant St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/15/12

 

CJ Distributors

Coolidge, Christopher J.

1082 South Main St.

Athol, MA 01331

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/12/12

 

DeLaCruz, Ramon L.

DeLaCruz, Monserrate

41 Suffolk St.

Springfield, MA 01109

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Figueroa, Wilfredo

Santiago, Ilia

152 Pearl St.

Holyoke, MA 01040

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/15/12

 

Herrick, Charles R.

PO Box 427

760 South Main Road

Otis, MA 01253

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/11/12

 

Mema’s II Family Daycare

Elegant Prints

45 Valley Road

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/11/12

 

Moore, Larry James

27 Barry Wills Place

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/15/12

 

Pappas, Lisbeth L.

182 Applewood Dr.

Chicopee, MA 01022

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 05/15/12

 

Platt, Peter G.

39 Alfred Street

Agawam, MA 01001

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 05/13/12

 

Poulin, Richard L.

19 Saab Court, Apt. 505

Springfield, MA 01104

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Siano, Daniel J.

447 East St.

Chicopee, MA 01020

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Simula, Shawn C.

76 Main Road

Phillipston, MA 01331

Chapter: 13

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Springer, Diane

20 Blake St.

Springfield, MA 01108

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Stacy, Brandon Dennis

P.O. Box 814

Whately, MA 01093

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Thadison III, Edvertis E.

35 Juniper Dr.

Springfield, MA 01119

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

 

Tobin, Joseph F.

30 Benz St.

Springfield, MA 01118

Chapter: 7

Filing Date: 05/14/12

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments
The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of June 2012.

 

AGAWAM

 

A+ Services

1135 North Westfield St.

John J. Snide

 

C & C Installation

837 Springfield St.

Andrew Clough

 

My Tan Factory

850 Suffield St.

Samantha Cloud

 

The DHL Group

387 Springfield St.

Andrew Clough

 

The Skin Salon

159 Main St.

Debra Pazik

 

AMHERST

 

Food 2 Go Delivery Service

1040 North Pleasant St.

Webster A. Marfo

 

Hampshire Hospitality Group

220 North Pleasant St.

University Motor Lodge LLC

 

Hickory Ridge Golf Club

191 West Pomeroy Lane

David Wasenda

 

Integrated Therapeutic Massage

664 Main St.

Kristine Sullivan

 

Julian’s Home Renovation & Repair

52 Chapel Road

Julian Albo

 

CHICOPEE

 

444 Front Street LLC

444 Front St.

Neesha Patel

 

Diverse Academy of Martial Arts

155 Front St.

Stephen Majgier

 

First Class Cuts

55 Springfield St.

Luis Graceski

 

Forget Me Knot Funbooths

95 Wheatland St.

Craig Galipeau

 

Hank’s Variety

457 Granby Road

Priti Patel

 

J and P’s Lawn Service

16 Amherst St.

Julie Murphy

 

 

SVT

124 Exchange St.

Ali O. Kosfoglu

 

Video Game Castle

40 Center St.

Ralph Cotter

 

GREENFIELD

 

Deerfield River Recycle

116 Meridian St.

Richard Plotczik

 

Franklin Spectacle Shop

489 Bernardston Road

Brian W. Wadman

 

Healing Works Salon

55 Cleveland St.

Diane Morrison

 

Kleeberg’s Sugar House

343 Adams Road

Brian Kleeberg

 

HADLEY

 

Active Chiropractic

8 Goeffe St.

Bradford Eichwald

 

Dwight Home Improvement

27 Maple Ave.

Thomas Dwight

 

Hadley Coin-op Laundry

206 Russell St.

Richard Czarniecki

 

Mountainview Auto Sales

71 Lawrence Plain

Wayne Asselin

 

TD Bank

140 Russell St.

Derrick Feuerstein

 

HOLYOKE

 

Aeropostale

50 Holyoke St.

Harry Axt

 

Bunt Down

49 Calumet Road

Thomas Kelliher

 

CPL LLC

279 Cabot St.

Stuart Lindeman

 

Dollar World

237 South St.

Aisha Ghuman

 

Fresh Paint Design

67 Lawler St.

Filipe Medes

 

New York Nails

778 Homestead Ave.

Karen A. Spear

 

Red Robin

27 Holyoke St.

Phyllis R. Mercurio

 

Ronald E. Gillis Insurance Agency

290 High St.

James R. Gillis

 

PALMER

 

J.C. Construction

2124 Palmer Road

Justin J. Coyer

 

Majestic Masonry

11 Pearl St.

Jacob Gehlhausen

 

Patriot Consumer Services

63 Belanger St.

Jason C. Brooks

 

Russell Baker Realty

1700 Park St.

Russell Baker

 

The Yellow House Inc.

1479 North Main St.

Bonny Rathbone

 

SOUTHWICK

 

David Sutton Heating

207 Mort Vining Road

David Sutton

 

Ham Hill Tents LLC

11 Ham Hill Road

Julie Servis

 

SPRINGFIELD

 

350 Grill

350 Worthington St.

Sherri L. Via

 

4King Edward Enterprises

20 Lemnos Lane

Keshawn Dodds

 

A2Z Convenience Store

115 Chestnut St.

Zaman Sajid

 

A.S.N.S. Landscape

64 Pasadena St.

Aramis Perez

 

Asian Market

19 Pomona St.

Truong Nguyen

 

 

Beautiful Lady Beauty

618 Belmont Ave.

Duane M. Dowd

 

Bedel Omar

685 State St.

Bedel A. Omar

 

Big Daddy’s Homemade Ice

955 Boston Road

Filomena Dibenedetto

 

Branandez Trucking

393 Water St.

Laura K. Brazier

 

C.J.D. Construction

23 Ingersoll Road

Carlo Dilizia

 

Cosmoprof

1726 Boston Road

Beauty Systems Group

 

County Chimney of Massachusetts

4 Berbay Circle

Edith Engelhard

 

Crafty Are We

52 Frederic St.

Carol A. Bissonnette

 

Darlene & Mary Sisters

76 Embury St.

Darlene D. Francis

 

Deals on Wheels

170 Main St.

Aramis Perez

 

Divalicious Salon

1601 Main St.

Javier Mulero

 

Economico T.V.

183 Pendleton Ave.

Rafael D. De Cola

 

Eight Residential LLC

32 Hampden St.

Daisy Sanchez

 

Exclusives Barber Shop

162 Boston Road

Dwayne R. Scott

 

Healthy Neighborhoods

50 Silver St.

Armando Roman

 

It’s a Snap Creative Photo

155 Lucerne Road

Richard R. Fullwood

 

J.J. Gleason Company

314 St. James Ave.

David J. Baker

 

Kaos to Kosmos

1655 Main St.

Luz S. Ramirez

 

Kishu Kali Corporation

823 Belmont Ave.

Kalpesh B. Patel

 

WESTFIELD

 

Creative Hairdressers Inc.

459 East Main St.

Michele Johnson

 

Follow Me

36 School St.

Gina Berte

 

Full Tilt Fabrication

121 Summit Lock Road

Michael Rossman

 

Liberty Lifting & Hoisting

7 Belmont St.

Thomas M. Johnson

 

M & Y Designs

404 Southwick Road

Shelly Hawley

 

Management Solutions Northeast

34 Country Club Dr.

Christopher W. Nagle

 

Santiago Family Restaurant

34 Franklin St.

Ismael R. Santiago

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

 

Asian Star

753 Union St.

Nar Rai

 

Cosmo Prof

464 Riverdale St.

Beauty Systems Group LLC

 

Five Guys Burgers and Fries

1268 Riverdale St.

Robert Zinck

 

J. Paier Carpentry

265 Lancaster Ave.

Joseph L. Paier

 

J & J Archery

1102 Riverdale St.

Balise Motor Sales

 

John’s Home Improvement

97 Chester St.

John E. Richard

 

Mind Body and Skin

117 River St.

Angela Lamothe

 

Native Lands

33 Terry Road

James D. Poteat

 

Natural Nails

244 Memorial Ave.

Lien A. Chen

 

New Day Church

864 Riverdale St.

Michael Sorcinelli

 

Shrub Man

120 Interstate Dr.

Thomas P. Mauer

 

Z Case to go Distributor

703 Westfield St.

Yuri Murzin


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.

 

CHICOPEE

 

Krishna Gopal Inc., 457 Granby Road, Chicopee, MA 01013. Priti H. Patel, 2 Smith Place, Williston Park, N.Y. 11596. Convenience store and liquor license.

 

FEEDING HILLS

Che Bella Salon & Spa Inc., 833 & 835 Springfield St., Feeding Hills, MA. Anna Lisa Martino, same. Beauty salon.

NORTHAMPTON

Wishbone Productions Inc., 43 Warburton Way, Northampton, MA 01060. Matthew McCloghry, same. Fundraising sales and marketing services.

RUSSELL

 

Russell Enterprise Inc., 265 Dickinson Hill Road, Russell, MA  01071. Nadezhda Burkovskiy, same. Truck leasing.

SPRINGFIELD

Metropolitan Insurance Union Inc., 251 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Lance D. Letourneau, same. Insurance company.

 

Goodness Outreach Ministries Inc., 145 Bay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Derrick Augustus Samms, 801 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Community outreach.

Re Green Springfield, Inc., 1441 Main St. Suite 601, Springfield, MA 01108.

Timothy J. Ryan, 72 Morningside Park, Springfield, MA 01108. Non-profit organization designed to include the development, creation, and implementation of sustainable planting, caring, and maintenance of trees and vegetation in the city of Springfield. This includes the development of programming and initiatives to raise and expend funds for the planting, care, and maintenance of trees and the urban forest on both public and private lands within the city of Springfield.

Iglesia Pentecostal Jesus La Rosa De Saroin Inc., 316 1/2 Bermont Ave., Springfield, MA 0110. Mercedes Figueroa, 44 Allen Park Road Springfield, MA 01118. Bible studies and religious services related to the church.

Bonneau Anesthesia Services, Inc., 69 Mashapaug Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566. Jean-Paul Bonneau, 69 Mashapaug Road Sturbridge, MA 01566. Nurse anesthesia services.

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ar-Rahman Co. Inc, 470 Main St., West Springfield, MA  01089. Abdulkadir Hussein, 483 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Grocery store.

Car Development Inc., 122 Doty Circle, West Springfield, MA 01089. James E. Balise, 122 Doty Circle, West Springfield, MA 01089. Financing and redevelopment of real estate.

Affordable Home Improvement By Paul Inc., 533 Elm St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Pavel Panasyuk. 533 Elm St, West Springfield, MA 01089. Home improvements.

 

WILBRAHAM

 

Lucmar Livery Inc., 2460 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Paul J. Martins, 16 Lembo Dr. Wethersfield, MA 06109.

 

 

 

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Springfield Parking Authority Reorganized

SPRINGFIELD — Mayor Domenic Sarno and Springfield Parking Authority (SPA) Chairwoman Mary E. McNally recently announced several changes at the Springfield Parking Authority. The SPA board has eliminated the position of executive director effective June 30, 2012. Harold King currently serves as the SPA’s Executive Director. Ehsanul Bhuiya will oversee day-to-day operations at the SPA on an interim basis. Springfield Redevelopment Authority Executive Director and former SPA Executive Director Christopher Moskal will temporarily provide management oversight for the SPA. In preparation for a refinancing of the SPA bonds due in June of 2013, and the issuance of a request for proposals (RFP) for the management of on and off street parking currently contracted to Republic Parking and expiring in early 2013, Sarno has directed the City’s Director of Internal Audit Cecilia Goulet, to undertake a review of the SPA’s current financial position and report back to him and the SPA Board of Directors within 60 days.
“Taking better advantage of the economic development capabilities of the Springfield Parking Authority as an essential element in our economic development delivery system is key to our continued success,” said Sarno. “With the current debt of the authority and the conditions of its facilities, especially the civic center garage, it is important for the city to make sure that there is a clear expectation of the SPA, better management and marketing of all on and off street parking in the downtown area and its return to its original role as an economic development tool for the city.” Since last year, the City has been working with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and MassDevelopment on the issue of parking in the downtown. A study was commissioned by MassDevelopment and was recently presented to the business community by Utile Inc. The study assesses the current parking inventory and demand in downtown as well as locations for potential new parking sites to replace the aging Civic Center garage in the central business district.

 

UMass Family Business Center Forges Partnership with BFF Affiliate Network

AMHERST — The UMass Amherst Family Business Center has joined the Business Families Foundation (BFF) Affiliate Network to work collaboratively on developing additional educational material, supporting business-family communities, and encouraging research in the field of family business. As a philanthropic organization, the BFF supports research and develops and disseminates educational material to family enterprises and professionals working with them to help them be aware of and address their unique growth and development challenges. It has been working for the past decade with a collaborative network of university-based centers for family enterprise and is welcoming new centers to join this affiliate network worldwide. These centers provide a wide range of courses, services, and activities to business family communities and are also providers of BFF’s “Road Map for Entrepreneurial Families” in-class program. “The UMass Family Business Center shares our values and those of our affiliate network members in their dedication and care in serving business-family communities in their region through quality continuous education,” said Dr. Pascale Michaud, president of BFF. Members of the BFF Affiliate Network contribute to the shared goal of increasing awareness of the unique features of family-owned enterprises and entrepreneurial families by offering educational and continuous learning options for business family members, those who advise them, and students in the field who may be helpful in anticipating and dealing with family business growth and development. For more information, contact Ira Bryck at the UMass Family Business Center at (413) 545-4545 or [email protected].

 

U.S. Family Wealth Shrank During the Recession

WASHINGTON — The Great Recession left the median U.S. family in 2010 with no more wealth than it had in the early 1990s, erasing more than two decades of accumulated prosperity, the Federal Reserve announced recently. The median family had a a net worth of $77,300 in 2010, compared to $126,400 in 2007, the Fed announced. The crash of housing prices explained three-quarters of the loss, which was compounded by the loss of income, as the earnings of the median family fell by 7.7% during the same period. The new data comes from the Fed’s release of its triennial Survey of Consumer Finance, one of the broadest and deepest sources of information about the financial health of U.S. families. The latest survey is based on data collected in 2010, and figures are reported in 2010 dollars. The survey underscores the fact that Americans are saving less for future needs and making little progress in repaying debt. The share of families saving anything over the previous year fell to 52% in 2010 from 56.4% in 2007.

 

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]

Doris’ Day

More than 200 friends, colleagues, and area business leaders turned out at the Delaney House on May 29 to honor Doris Ransford, who recently retired after 26 years as director of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. At top, Ransford is flanked by Robert Gilbert, president and CEO of Dowd Insurance, and Deborah Buckley, president of Goss & McLain Insurance. Bottom, she shares a moment with Peter Rosskothen, left, co-owner of Delaney House and the Log Cabin and former chamber board president, and state Sen. Michael Knapik, who represents Holyoke.











By the Book

Steven Bradley, a vice president at Baystate Health and a Link to Libraries Celebrity reader, recently read to grade 2 students at the William DeBerry Elementary School in Springfield. Bradley read the book Grace for President and shared with the students his experience, visit, and photograph with President Obama. He spoke to the students on the importance of reading 20 minutes every day, education, and being the best they can be. Each student received a donation of a new book and bookbag donated by Link to Libraries and supported by Baystate Health. Link to Libraries conducts more than 30 readaloud programs each school year throughout Western Mass. and Connecticut. For more information, visit www.linktolibraries.org.


Cutting the Ribbon

The Polish National Credit Union staged a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 24 to celebrate the grand reopening of its Granby branch at 34 West State St. The branch, one of PNCU’s busiest, has been completely renovated and expanded, doubling its size. It now includes a suite of private offices for mortgage originators and loan officers and a spacious lobby and expanded teller line. The six-month project was directed by general contractor Barber Associates of Ludlow. Cutting the ribbon are, from left, Edward Ryback, PNCU board of directors chairman; James Warren, representing state Sen. Gale Candaras’ office; Virginia Snopek, trustee chairperson of the Granby Public Library; and Lynn Trompke, PNCU Granby branch manager.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments
The following building permits were issued during the month of May 2012.

AMHERST

Amherst College
280 Main St.
$58,000 — Basement structural repairs

Dragonfly Health,LLC
17 Research Dr.
$86,000 — Foundation only for a two-story medical office

Northampton Co-Op Bank
390 College St.
$2,500 — Install night deposit

EASTHAMPTON

Berkshire-Easthampton, LTD
118 Northampton St.
$60,000 — Renovate pharmacy

David Pascoe
72 Union St.
$7,000 — Interior renovations

Interland Real Estate, LLC
180 Pleasant St.
$250,000 — Install equipment and fixtures to brewing, bottling, and distribution of beer and soda

J & J Elkins Properties
6 Industrial Way
$15,000 — Create lunch/break room for employees

Paul Sise
92 Cottage St.
$4,000 — Minor non-structural renovations

Riverside Industries Inc.
1 Cottage St.
$29,000 – New roof

HOLYOKE

City of Holyoke Dept. of Public Works
1 Berkshire St.
$37,500 — Remove existing roof and install new

Contemporary Apartments Inc.
59 Mosher St.
$250,000 — Replace rear porches

Fiesta Café
305-307 Main St.
$7,000 — Frame new walls

SBA Sites Inc.
29 Mt. Tom Ski Road
$20,000 — Modify wireless antenna

LUDLOW

Cumberland Farms
320 East St.
$3,000 — Alterations

Town of Ludlow School Central Office
63 Chestnut St.
$60,000 — Alterations

Englewood Properties, LLC
194 East St.
$11,000 — Alterations

Ludlow Housing Authority Community Room
48 Higher St.
$6,500 — Reshingle

Robin Wdowiak
588 Center St.
$104,000 — New construction

NORTHAMPTON

Cooper’s Dairyland of Northampton
51 State St.
$7,000 — Strip and re-roof

Erin McCarthy
14 Hatfield St.
$4,500 — Porch repair and replacement windows

Northampton City Hall
210 Main St.
$100,000 — Replace windows

Smith College
51 College Lane
$9,000 — Strip and shingle roof

SOUTHWICK

Greenhill Services
51 Lakemont St.
$36,000 — Exterior renovations

R.A.C. Builders
224 Sheep Pasture Road
$879,000 — Addition to church

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut St.
$26,000 — Expand supply room

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$20,000 — Upgrade antennas and cables

NEC Family Enterprise II
1095 Main St.
$20,000 — Renovate office space

New Hope Pentecostal Church
364 Central St.
$70,000 — Interior repairs

Springfield Housing Authority
231-239 Pine St.
$107,000 — Insulation and repairs

WESTFIELD

Frank DeMarinis
395 Southampton Road
$475,000 — Addition to medical building

Gulf Stream
31 Elise St.
$23,000,000 — Construction of a new hangar

SBA Communications
395 Southampton Road
$20,000 — Replacing antennas

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Chris Nekitopaulos
339 Bliss St.
$18,000 — Strip and re-roof

Paul Longtin
20 Crescent Circle
$320,000 — Renovations to existing restaurant

Sergei Starosielski
181 Doty Circle
$10,000 — Re-roof

Victory Temple Church
521 Union St.
$3,500 — New siding

Bankruptcies

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

Albert, Douglas R.
735 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Altro, Karin M.
15 Leclair Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Anderson, Theresa
174 Spear Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/29/12

Arroyo, April
132 Myrtle Ave., 1st Fl.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Aukstikalnis, Joan M.
163A Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Avery, Jason D.
Avery, Jennifer A.
76 Penncastle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/12

Avery, Michael L.
24 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/29/12

Bachelder, Todd C.
554 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/12

Balser, Erik R.
31 Ludger Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Balser, Jessica A.
a/k/a Antoine, Jessica Ann
a/k/a O’Leary, Jessica Ann
31 Ludger Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Batchelor, Tanza L.
414 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Bellucci, Anthony A.
13 Plum St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Bellunduno, Helen Rita
132 Lovefield St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Bergeron, Mary E.
104 Pearl St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Berthiaume, Nathan H.
413 Belchertown Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Biladeau, Diane Mary
2 Jones Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Botta, Roberto G.
Botta, Carmela
32 Green St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/20/12

Bowell, Robert A.
28 River Road
Apt. #147
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Bradford, James H.
P.O. Box 795
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/12

Brooks, Jason C.
63 Belanger St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Brooks, Kristy A.
a/k/a Francis, Kristy Ann
63 Belanger St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Brothers, Nelson W.
81 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/12

Cady, Gabriel
264 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Carney, John B.
a/k/a Carney, Burke
95 Davis St., Apt. 5
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Christianson, Robert L.
226 New Boston Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Clifford, Myla J.
22 Williams Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Coburn, Richard
PO Box 905
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Cochran, Adam W.
76 Enfield St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/12

Connor, Steven J.
19 Church St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Cook, Deborah D.
P.O Box 1017
Sheffield, MA 01257
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/12

Coppedge, James Darnell
Coppedge, Lakisha Marie
45 Valley Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/12

Coulombe, Alan J.
51 Amherst Road
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/12

Couture, Elizabeth E.
a/k/a Stevens, Elizabeth
11 Freyer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Cranstoun, Mary-Joan
22 Town Farm Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Creamer, Guillermo D.
1 Ladd Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Crocker, Douglas George
11 Giovina Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/25/12

Croteau, Judith G.
279 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/12

Cusson, Jarid C.
Cusson, Heather L.
833 Pendleton Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Danforth, Brenda L.
100 Elizabeth St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/12

Davis, Gary C.
Davis, Maryann
a/k/a Zelazo, Maryann
118 Belchertown St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Dean, Betsy E.
a/k/a Dean, Autumn
75 Lyman Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/12

DeJesus, Eva M.
74 Elmer Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Devine, Shawn P.
38 Louis Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/02/12

DeVree, Brett L.
36 Gillette Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Dixon, Marjorie M.
220 Maple St., #1
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/12

DLB Computer Technology
Couture, Duane Edward
Couture, Lori Ann
37 Rosie Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Drobiak, Richard P.
65 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Duplessis, Paula A.
459 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/12

Dupuis, Richard Robert
25 Kon Tiki Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Ehmann, Amy Nicole
20 Conz St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

F.I.T. Inc.
Leao, Linda N.
a/k/a Raina, Linda Leao
39 Shaw St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Fernet, Tabitha M.
23 Burrill Ave.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Figueroa, Emily
P.O. Box 663
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Flagg, Cory J.
PO Box 216
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Flores, Porfirio
84 Hockanum Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Foster, Merianne L.
a/k/a Myers, Merianne
a/k/a Thompson, Merianne
40 Partridge Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/12

Garziano, Leslieanne
18 Lyman Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/03/12

George, Starla C.
2205 Boston Road, #0147
Wilbraham, MA 01095-1164
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Germain, Michelle D.
41 Crest Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/12

Goggin, Stephanie Lee
a/k/a Miner, Stephanie L.
127 Balfour Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Guzman, Marta I.
1574 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Hall, LaTasha M.
a/k/a Hall-Fletcher, LaTasha M.
95 Dickinson St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Hanks, Kathleen E.
47 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Hanks, Russell F.
47 Huntington Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Harris, Teresa Ann
967 Worcester St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/12

Hayes, James E.
459 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Himmelreich, Herbert N.
Himmelreich, Debra A.
67 Theroux Dr. # 7F
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/12

Hinckley, Michael W.
57 Calumet St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Huot, Rodney R.
Huot, Ann-Marie
222 Freedom St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Ihedigbo, Joy C.
2082 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/21/12

Ireland, Debra Ann
48 Wimbleton Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Jacobson, Steven E.
1111 Hubbardston Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Joanides, Maria E.
a/k/a Martel, Maria E.
110 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/12

Jones, Candace E.
390 Montague Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

JR Simmons Group
Simmons, Jacqueline
a/k/a Betts, Jacqueline
45 Central St., Apt. A
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/12

JR Tower & Sons
Tower, James R.
Tower, Shirley P.
346 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Katand Inc.,
Katok, Andrew
a/k/a Katok, Andrei
19 Norman Ter. Ext.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Kelley, Susan J.
a/k/a Kelley-Thibault, Susan J.
46 Cleveland St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Krol, Stephen R.
15 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Kupiec, Freddie J.
Kupiec, Laurie Anne
4 Fern Hill Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Kuzmenko, Pavel
69 Line St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Lacoste, David D.
59 Orchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Lamorticelli, Dana J.
243 Cutt Off Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/29/12

Lamorticelli, Sherri L.
243 Cutt Off Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/29/12

Lemay, Edward A.
Reilly, Rose A.
31 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/18/12

Lesko, Alishia Lyn
a/k/a Baker, Alishia Lyn
136 Main St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Lind, Susan L.
547 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Little Explorers Learning
Poole, Cynthia L.
a/k/a Jochim, Cynthia L.
a/k/a Jochim-Poole, Cynthia L.
97 Klaus Anderson Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Lopez, Richard
126 W. Alvord St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Lorenz, Harry L.
Lorenz, Debra M.
132 Pine St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Lozada, Juana
29 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/12

Manarite, Thomas J.
58 Merriam St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Marcille, Barbara A.
P.O. Box 1485
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Martin, John M.
23 Cottage St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Martin, Kathy L.
26 Gay St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

McCann, Jason R.
McCann, Kimberly R.
161 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

McClain, Shawn A.
McClain, Lisa A.
41 Gould Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/12

Meredith, Sally
106 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Michalowicz, Carolyn
311 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Miller, Wayne A.
Miller, Wendy J.
a/k/a Nye, Wendy
a/k/a Cook, Wendy
1 Students Lane
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Mims, Edward
55 Dupuis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/12

Moore, Fannie Mae
27 Barry Wills Place
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/12

Moriarty, Daniel F.
88 Country Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Moya, Sandy Misael
PO Box 1333
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Newton, Heather M.
33 Center Dr.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Ogden, Charlotte H.
PO Box 13
West Springfield, MA 01090
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Olivo, Yanira
167 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Osei-Bonsu, Prince
24 Crystal Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Ostrowski, Christopher M.
311 Regency Park Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Ozdemir, Yasemin
24 McKinley Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/12

Pagios, Mark S.
302 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Parent, James C.
Mulvenna-Parent, Kristen M.
189 Hillcrest Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Parker, Brian J.
150 Cloran St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/12

Parker, Mary Jane
189 Stratton Road E4
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/12

Parker, Michael J.
Parker, Carolyn J.
37 Laconia St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/12

Pelkey, David J.
Bussiere-Pelkey, Beverly A.
86 Beacon Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/12

Perrier, Jeremy J.
Perrier, Laura L.
12 Madison St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/12

Piazza, Trina M.
81 Columbia Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Polite, Tracey
33 Metzger Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/25/12

Pomeroy, Frank E.
Pomeroy, Shirley M.
344 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/29/12

Porter, Aaron R.
2518 Chestnut Hill Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Quick Stop Package Store
Wes’s Package Store
Wes’s, Inc., LLC
Zachara, Wesley
Zachara, Marzena
P.O. Box 239
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Rapisarda, Clifford Ernest
62 Goss Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Raymond, Allan D.
Raymond, Cindy K.
a/k/a LaHair, Cindy K.
a/k/a Greenwood, Cindy K.
5 Highland Village, Apt.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Redmond, Jeremy L.
Redmond, Joanna R.
a/k/a Bruneau, Joanna R.
11 Acrebrook Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Rejouis, Jean Delix
P.O. Box 81371
Springfield, MA 01138
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/12

Rivera, Daisy
a/k/a Ortiz, Daisy
21 Nassau St., Apt. 1R
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Robienczak, Cheryl L.
133 Janet St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/25/12

Rock, Gilbert E.
Rock, Kimberly A.
40 Elizabeth St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Rooney, Krystle A.
a/k/a Renkie, Krystle Ann
21 Reed Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/24/12

Rousse, Toni F.
22-B Castle Hill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/12

Rowe, David J.
Prechtl, Mary E.
P.O. Box 80812
Springfield, MA 01138-0812
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Salvi, Michael A.
Salvi, Nichole D.
11 High Meadow Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Sanchez, Emmanuel
a/k/a Sanchez, Manny
31 Carlton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Santiago, Dionisio
41 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/12

Santiago, Jose M.
229 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Sargent, Jamie Roger
Sargent, Danielle Joy
a/k/a Ericson, Danielle J.
36 Lake Mattawa Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Sarno, Sara E.
81 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Schneider, Blanca I.
10 Wolcutt St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Schroth, Tonya L.
a/k/a Beaudry, Tonya L.
125 Marion St. Ext.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/12

Serrano, Eliezer
Serrano, Candida
20 Windermere Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Shurtleff, Arthur L.
Shurtleff, Anne M.
111 Wealthy Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Siciliano, Scott M.
50 Howland Ave.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Solivan, Ana
140 Chestnut St.
Apt. 614
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/03/12

Soucy, Roger L.
76 Apple Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Stephens, Shirley R.
124 Balis St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Still, Gary S.
60 Braddock St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Sullivan, Katie M.
15 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Supinski, Thomas R.
47 Kensington St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Suprenant, George N.
Suprenant, Mary Ann
282 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/19/12

Tatro, Brenda L.
429 Main Road
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/04/12

Thagard, Scott
20 Denwall Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Tompkins, Doreen Lynn
281 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/12

Twin Brook Farm
Wide Range Inv.
Giard, Paul Arthur
42 Purington Lane
Colrain, MA 01340
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/11/12

Vandall, Donna L.
770 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/12

Velez, Monica
353 Ingleside St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/07/12

Venne, Thomas R.
28 Pencasal Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/04/12

Walton, Lynne A.
42 South Park Ter.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/02/12

Watt, Cleveland W.
Watt, Gwenn P.
709 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/10/12

Westley, Anthony R.
Westley, Averil H.
269 B Roadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/22/12

Williams, Gary S.
Williams, Cynthia G.
30 Craig St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Willis, Irene
2 Cornwall Dr.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/26/12

Wiseman, William E.
Wiseman, Jannette K.
a/k/a Segona-Wiseman, Jannette K.
26 Brookside Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Wohllebe-Swider, Linda J.
65 South Tallyho Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/12

Wood, Christopher T.
Wood, Amanda L.
105 Agnes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/12

Young, Marty Neilson
62 Goss Hill Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/26/12

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.

BLANDFORD

N.E. Pat’s Franchise Investment Partners Inc., 239 Otis Road, Blandford, MA 01008. Wayne E. Yvon, 3641 Lone Wolf Trail, St. Augustine, FL 32086. Franchise business operations.

EASTHAMPTON

Ernest Inc., 72 Union St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Lynne Dunn, 43 Burt Road
Westhampton, MA 01027. Beauty Salon.

GRANBY

Swing Oil Brewery Inc., 34 Barton St., Granby, MA 01033. Thomas Pluta, same. Manufacturing.

HADLEY

Budget Auto Repair and Rentals Inc., 8 Pine Hill Road, Hadley MA, 01035. Kevin Michelson, 18 Grand Oak Farm Road, Hadley, MA 01035. Budget auto repair and rentals.

HOLYOKE

Los Masters Social Club Inc., 65 Commercial St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Beatriz Rodriguez, same. Operation of a social club.

INDIAN ORCHARD

Shyam Corp., 253 Pasco Road, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Chetan J. Patel, 65 Beverly Lane, Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Gas station and convenience store.

LENOX

Massachusetts Equine Welfare Council Inc., C/O Barbara E Kellogg , 431 New Lenox Road, Lenox, MA, 01240. Barbara E. Kellogg, same. To promote the welfare of equines; to provide assistance and education to equine owners and the public to ensure equine welfare; to foster and encourage and assist in the humane care and treatment of equines.

NORTHAMPTON

Hai Architecture Inc., 64 Gothic St., Northampton, MA 01060. Richard E. Katsanos 129 Southampton Road, Westhampton, MA 01027. Professional architecture and design services.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Lockshop Inc., 24 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. David Hicks, same. Locksmith services.

R & A Bertolino Inc., 43 Bellmore Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Robert M. Bertolino, same. Food services.

SOUTHWICK

Paul Martin Construction Corp., 23 Berkshire Ave., Southwick, MA 01077. Paul Martin, same. Construction services.

SPRINGFIELD

Charlene’s Boutique Inc., 114 State St., Springfield, MA 01103. Charlene S. Naylor, same. Beauty salon.

Easy Checks & Variety Inc., 494 Central St., Springfield, MA 01109. Rajesh R. Patel, 102 Sterling Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Convenience store and check cashin

People On the Move

By
James F. Truden III
Departments People on the Move

James F. Truden III

James F. Truden III

TD Bank has named James F. Truden III the Store Manager of the store located at 10 Center St. in Adams. An assistant vice president, he is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing the day-to-day operations at the store serving customers throughout Berkshire County.
•••••
In a third return engagement, Carol Cioe Klyman an attorney with Springfield-based Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. recently acted as co-chair of the 13th annual New England Elder and Disability Law Conference in Boston. Klyman, who concentrates her practice in the areas of elder law, estate and special-needs planning, estate settlement, guardianship, and trust and estate litigation, co-presented a workshop titled “The Hidden MassHealth: What You Need to Know That’s Not in the Rule
Carol Cioe Klyman

Carol Cioe Klyman

Book.” Klyman covered the unwritten rules of MassHealth long-term care policies and procedures, including the use of caregiver agreements and private annuities, transfer of assets issues, and the application process.
•••••
Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. has appointed Geno Auriemma as a Director of the company and of Berkshire Bank.Additionally, Berkshire Bank intends to enter into a marketing arrangement with Auriemma, subject to final approval, whereby he will serve as a spokesperson for the bank. Auriemma has been head coach of the University of Connecticut women’s basketball team since 1986, is a seven-time national Coach of the Year and has won or shared the Big East Coach of the Year award eight times. He has served as president of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Assoc., and is involved in the national V Foundation for Cancer Research.
•••••
Brad Larsen was recently named head coach of the American Hockey League’s Springfield Falcons by Columbus Blue Jackets Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations and General Manager Scott Howson. Larsen spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with Columbus’ AHL affiliate, and was an assistant coach for the Springfield Falcons prior to the start of the 2010-11 season after concluding a 13-year playing career in 2009-10 with the AHL’s Portland Pirates.
•••••
Lawrence B. Smith

Lawrence B. Smith

Lawrence B. Smith recently joined the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission as a senior planner. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the UMass Amherst Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning. Smith comes to PVPC with more than 30 years’ experience in municipal planning and community development serving numerous Western Mass. communities.
•••••
MassMutual recently named two individuals to senior vice president positions:
• Sri Dronamraju is the new Senior Vice President for Enterprise Technology and serves as MassMutual’s chief information risk officer, where he is responsible for developing and maintaining a multi-faceted approach for identifying and mitigating information risk, including strong policy, threat detection and deterrence, data-loss prevention, and employee education; and
• Scott Palmer was named Senior Vice President of Retirement Services Systems. He is responsible for managing information technology and systems for the corporate, union, nonprofit and governmental employers’ defined-benefit, defined-contribution, and non-qualified deferred-compensation plans for MassMutual’s Retirement Services division.
•••••
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office in Chicopee announced that Linda Blackburn has been added as a Sales Associate.  Blackburn will provide residential real-estate services in Chicopee as well as Belchertown, Palmer, Monson, Ware, and Warren.
•••••
John Henry has been named associate at the environmental firm of O’Reilly, Talbot & Okun Associates in Springfield. Henry is a Massachusetts- and Connecticut-licensed professional engineer with more than 20 years experience in the civil-engineering and environmental-consulting fields. Henry is very active in solar-power development projects as well as soil and groundwater remediation projects at airports, industrial and commercial facilities, schools, and religious institutions.
•••••
PeoplesBank in South Hadley recently named Jessica L. Wales Branch Manager.

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
Brandi Sabourin v. Stop & Shop Holdings Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of premises causing injury: $4,667.23
Filed: 4/25/12

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Alves Fuel Inc. v. W & I Construction Inc.
Allegation:  Non-payment of diesel fuel delivered: $26,414.52
Filed: 4/26/12

Delta Capital Group, LLC v. 66 Holyoke, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay outstanding fees for services rendered: $300,000
Filed: 4/17/12

Falcetti and Clark Electrical Supply v. Classic Envelope Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of electrical supply: $45,903.19
Filed: 4/18/12

James L. Hansmann v. Nationstar Mortgage, LLC
Allegation: Intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress: $10,155
Filed: 4/26/12

Kristine Morrison v. Wheely Fun Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property: $200,000
Filed: 4/12/12

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Credit Cash NJ, LLC v. University Motors, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay on credit-card agreement: $105,024.16
Filed: 3/29/12

Richard O’Riley v. Green Seal Environmental Inc., John Blaisdell, and Garrett Keegan
Allegation: Breach of contract: $37,000
Filed: 3/20/12

Roxanne H. Labonte, administratrix of the estate of Brian C. Labonte v. J.D. Rivet and Co. and New England Scaffolding Inc.
Allegation: Negligence on job site causing wrongful death of Brian C. Labonte: $25,000+
Filed: 3/22/12

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Reuben and Nicole Moore v. Lia Northampton Inc.
Allegation: Violation of Lemon Law: $14,740.86
Filed: 3/13/12

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
ABC Supply Co. Inc. v. West Side Builders and Peter J. Lingley
Allegation: Non-payment on merchandise sold and delivered: $4,796.35
Filed: 4/19/12

Bank of America v. Brothers Pizza, Nicholas and Catherine Markantoris
Allegation: Failure to pay small-business loan: $89,779.90
Filed: 4/24/12

Daniel Toniatti v. Weatherproofing Technologies Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay wages: $20,000
Filed: 4/2/12

Sherrill A. Simpson v. Travelers of MA
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay medical expenses and lost wages: $3,850
Filed: 4/4/12

Tamika Rivera v. Geico
Allegation: Failure to pay all PIP benefits due: $1,076.53
Filed: 4/19/12

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

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

• June 5: Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, noon-1:30 p.m., in the EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
• June 6: ACCGS June Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Springfield College. Cost: members, $20; non-members, $30.
• June 8: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
• June 12: ACCGS Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the MassMutual Center. Keynote speaker is state Attorney General Martha Coakley. Cost: members, $40; tables of eight, $300; non-members, $60.
• June 13: ACCGS After 5, at the Glass Room, Elegant Affairs, Springfield, Cost: members, $20; non-members, $30.
• June 20: ACCGS Ambassadors meeting, 4-5 p.m., in the EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
• June 21: ACCGS Executive Committee meeting, noon-1 p.m., in the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
• June 27: Professional Women’s Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting, 8-9 a.m. Hosted by the Professional Women’s Chamber.

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

• June 19: Health & Career Fair presented by Health New England, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Calling all businesses in the health care industry. Be an exhibitor: $125 for members, $175 for non-members. If you are in the health care industry and have job openings, be a part of the job fair that will be at this event in the section “Corridor to Your Career.” The event is free to attend, and the public is welcome. Complimentary coffee, herbal tea, and sliced fresh fruit will be available until 9:30 a.m.
• June 27: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Grandview Estates, located off of Granby Road in Chicopee. Cost: $5 pre-registered members; $15 for non-members.
• June 30: Bus trip to New York City, a day on your own in the city. The bus leaves the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returns around 9:30 p.m. Cost is $45 per person. Call (413) 594-2101 or sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• June 29: Annual Legislative Breakfast and Annual Meeting, 7:30-9 a.m. Attendees will be briefed on FY ’13 budget and business news from our delegation on Beacon Hill. Sponsored by People’s United Bank. Cost: $12 for members; $15 for non-members.

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

• June 14: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Network on Shop Row, Main Street, Easthampton. Sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, Silver Spoon Restaurant, and Taylor Agency Real Estate. Hors d’ouevres, door prizes, host beer and wine. Tickets: $5 for members; $15 for future members.

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

• June 6: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Hosted by Pioneer Valley Landscapes at the Garden House at Look Park, Florence. Sponsored by Finck & Perras Insurance Agency, United Bank, and Verizon Wireless/Wireless Zone. Catered by Captain Jack’s. This event will also be accompanied by the band Changes in Latitude. V-1 Vodka will be on hand for a martini sampling, and there will be door prizes, including a handheld leaf blower and a professional line trimmer donated by Pioneer Landscapes, and an iPad donated by Verizon Wireless/Wireless Zone.
• June 21: New Member Info Session, 8-9 a.m. A chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you, meet other new members, and tell you how to make to the most of your chamber membership. A light breakfast will be served. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

• June 13: Looking to stand out in the crowd? The Northampton Area Young Professionals are looking to help. Join us for a unique opportunity to meet with more than 20 local nonprofit organizations with upcoming board-level openings who are looking for their next leaders. In addition, they’ll showcase their organizations an discuss other volunteer opportunities. The event will be staged from 5-8 p.m. in the Smith College Conference Center. The event is free to members of NAYP and the Greater Northampton, Greater Easthampton, and Amherst chambers of commerce; $5 entry for all others. For more information, contact [email protected].

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• June 7: Woman of the Year, honoring Attorney Ellen Freyman, 6-9 p.m., at the Springfield Sheraton. Cost is $55 per person.

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• June 13: Beyond Business, 5-7 p.m. Sponsors: Big Wide Smiles and Chicopee Savings Bank. Entertainment by Berkshire Hills Music Academy. Refreshments available. Cost: $5. Reservations are encouraged by June 6 by calling (413) 532-6451 or e-mailing [email protected].

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

• June 5: Membership Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., Westfield Bank, Agawam.
• June 6: Education Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m. Hosted by Agawam High School and the Career Development Center, Agawam.
• June 6: Wicked Wednesday and Member Appreciation, 5-7 p.m., at the Hampton Inn of West Springfield. WRC invites you to join us on the first Wednesday of every month at businesses across Agawam and West Springfield. Get a little wicked with us and see what WRC is all about. These events are free for WRC members and $10 for non-members.
• June 7: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef in Agawam. Tickets are $25 for WRC members, $35 for non-members. The WRC hosts Seth Mattison of BridgeWorks, an organization dedicated to helping businesses successfully bridge the generational gaps they face in their workforce, as it announces its 2012-13 chairman and board of directors. This event is sponsored in part by Development Associates and Westfield Bank.
• June 14: Programs Committee meeting, 7:30- 9 a.m., at Management Search Inc., West Springfield.
• June 15: Executive Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Hampden Bank, West Springfield.
• June 21: Economic Development Committee meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Work Opportunity Center, Agawam.

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

• June 8: June Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., at the Ranch Golf Club. Guest speaker is Richard K. Sullivan Jr., secretary of the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Platinum Sponsor is First Niagara; Gold Sponsors are United Bank and Westfield State University; Bronze Sponsor is AIM. Tickets are $25 for members; $30 for non-members. For more information or to register, contact Carrie Dearing at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected]. The Ranch Golf Club is offering a golf special for those who attend the breakfast; $75 for 18 holes with a cart. Call (413) 569-9333 to make a reservation.
• June 12: Chamber WestNet, 5-7 p.m., at Maple Brook Alpaca Farm. Sponsors are AIM and Wal-Mart. Featured speaker is Sarah Tanner of the United Way of Pioneer Valley Inc. Attend the WestNet for business-connection opportunities; bring your business cards. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information or to register, contact Carrie Dearing at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].
• June 18: 51st Annual Golf Tournament, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., at East Mountain Country. Title Sponsor is Westfield Gas & Electric, Cart Sponsor is United Bank, and there are seven Eagle Sponsors: Air Compressor Engineering, Field Eddy Insurance, Peppermill Catering, Savage Arms, Wal-Mart, Westfield Bank, and the Westfield News Group. We are still accepting foursomes, sponsorships, and raffle prizes. Contact Kate Phelon at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].

Opinion

By
Opinion
The Education State, for Now

For many years, Massachusetts has enjoyed the unofficial title of the Education State. It is the mecca of American higher education with more than 50 universities and colleges in the Boston area alone. Bay State K-12 students rank first in national reading and mathematics test scores. High-school graduation rates may not be best in the country, but with four in five freshmen receiving diplomas within four years, it is toward the head of the class and well above the national average.
The rankings, however, do not tell the whole story. Although Massachusetts ranks first on the National Assessment of Educational Progress, half of the Commonwealth’s fourth graders scored below proficient in reading. Massachusetts also has a large achievement gap. One key to a happy ending is to support preschoolers and early education. Yet according to a landmark national study released recently by the National Institute for Early Education Research, Massachusetts continues to struggle in maintaining its commitment to state funding for high-quality pre-kindergarten. In the long run, this could threaten Massachusetts’s status as the Education State and its accompanying benefits as the achievement gap becomes insurmountable and costly.
The National Institute for Early Education Research’s 2011 report on the state of preschools ranked the state 23rd in funding for pre-kindergarten, compared to eighth a decade ago. It also trailed 27 other states in research-based quality standards, achieving only six of 10. The Universal Pre-Kindergarten grant program, which is designed to support and enhance quality, is currently funded at $7.5 million, down from $12.14 million in fiscal year 2009. The state currently contributes $7.5 million to Head Start, down from $10 million in fiscal 2009. The Department of Early Education and Care is currently funded at $495.16 million, down from $570.58 million in fiscal 2009. The institute’s calculations find a precipitous drop in dollars spent per pre-K child of nearly 45% over the past decade, and there has been little progress in enrolling more children in quality pre-K programs at a time when the need is escalating. These results are surprising for a state priding itself on its education system.
Massachusetts was one of nine states to win a federal Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge grant, a $50 million infusion to the state over the next four years. The award shows that the ideas and desire to keep young children in the forefront of education reform are present, even if the state’s allocation of resources is lacking.
Over the next four years, plans are to strengthen early education in Massachusetts by addressing quality, standards and assessment, family engagement, workforce development, data systems, and children’s mental health.
Unfortunately, Early Learning Challenge grant funds will not last. Neither are they to be used to supplant state investments. To build on the momentum created by the Early Learning Challenge, Massachusetts must increase investments in high-quality early education. Science and economics both confirm the benefits of investing in quality early education. An overwhelming body of research shows that high-quality pre-K prepares children to succeed in school, enroll in college or career training, and ultimately get better jobs in the increasingly competitive global economy.
For Massachusetts to retain its perceived advantage as the nation’s Education State, with the ensuing benefits of that title, policymakers need to change course and make prudent new investments in early education now.

Jim Squires is senior research fellow at the National Institute for Early Education Research.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Management Fundamentals Workshop
May 24: Lyne Kendall of the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network will present “Business Plan Basics” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Amherst Town Hall, first floor meeting room, 4 Boltwood Walk. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing and business planning. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

State of the Region
June 5: The Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership (HSEP) will stage its 2012 State of the Region Conference, from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Enfield-Springfield at One Bright Meadow Blvd. in Enfield. The event will have as its theme “State Collaboration and the Region’s Future.” Keynote speakers will be Catherine Smith, commissioner of the Conn. Department of Economic and Community Development, and Gregory Bialecki, Mass. secretary of Housing and Economic Development. Mary Ellen Jones, chair of the Connecticut Airport Authority, also will speak. There is no charge, but pre-registration is necessary.  For more information and to register, visit www.hartfordspringfield.com. The Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership is an interstate collaboration of regional economic-development, planning, business, tourism, and educational institutions that work together to advance the region’s economic progress.

YMCA CELEBRATION
June 18:  Given the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s history with the game of basketball, it is only fitting that a celebration of the organization’s 160th Anniversary will be staged at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event, to start at 6 p.m., will feature a keynote address by successful sports and business leader Mannie Jackson and Boston Globe sportswriters and ESPN commentators, Jackie MacMullan and Bob Ryan. MacMullan and Ryan, both Basketball Hall of Fame Award winners, will together share with guests their thoughts and experiences covering the celebrated Boston sports teams, with a special concentration on the Boston Celtics. Jackson is a former player for the Harlem Globetrotters who, after a successful business career, purchased the Globetrotters from near bankruptcy and extinction, reinvigorating one of America’s most popular sports brands. Jackson will share stories and insights from his life beginning with literally being born in a railway boxcar, to becoming the first African American player at the University of Illinois, to becoming the president of a unit of Honeywell Corporation, and his ultimate purchase of the Globetrotters and his experiences around the world with the team. Jackson is now a philanthropist and author, who recently released a book called Boxcar to Boardrooms; My Memories and Travels, that chronicles his inspiring journey. The book is on sale now www.boxcarholding.com with all proceeds donated to cancer research and the I-LEAP Academic Scholarship Program. “We are extremely honored to be joined by these three amazingly talented sports icons,” says Kirk Smith, President & CEO, YMCA of Greater Springfield. “I couldn’t ask for a better way to commemorate our 160th anniversary than with them at Center Court of the Basketball Hall of Fame.” Tickets to the June 18 celebration are available by contacting Peggy Graveline, Development assistant at the YMCA of Greater Springfield, at [email protected], or by calling (413) 739-6951, ext. 179. Tickets are $160/each, or $1,500 for a table of 10. All proceeds from the event will benefit the YMCA of Greater Springfield’s 2012 Annual Scholarship Campaign.

40 Under Forty
June 21: BusinessWest will present its sixth class of regional rising stars at its annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The gala will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $60 per person, with tables of 10 available. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or log onto www.businesswest.com.

WBOA 30th Anniversary
June 21: Chez Josef in Agawam will be the setting for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Women’s Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley (WBOA) at 6 p.m. The WBOA will recognize its 2012 Business Woman of the Year, as well as its 2012 Outstanding New Member, and will name its Top Women in Business in the Pioneer Valley. Renate Oliver, WBOA founder, will also be a featured speaker. The event will feature entertainment by Jeannie Pomeroy-Murphy, as well as a raffle fund-raiser. For more information or tickets, call (413) 525-7345 or visit www.wboa.org.

NYC Bus Trip
June 30: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host a bus trip to New York City, leaving the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returning around 9:30 p.m. Participants are on their own for the day in New York City. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, contact Lynn at (413) 594-2101.

Massachusetts Chamber Summit
Sept. 9-11: The Massachusetts Chamber board of directors will conduct its annual Business Summit and Awards Ceremony Sept. 9-11 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 Massachusetts 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.

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.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• June 1: ERC5 Town Chamber Annual Meeting, 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Country Club of Wilbraham. Cost: members, $20; non-members, $25.
• June 5: Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee, noon-1:30 p.m., in the EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
• June 6: ACCGS June Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at Springfield College. Cost: members, $20; non-members, $30.
• June 8: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., at the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
• June 12: ACCGS Annual Meeting, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the MassMutual Center. Keynote speaker is state Attorney General Martha Coakley. Cost: members, $40; tables of eight, $300; non-members, $60.
• June 13: ACCGS After 5, at the Glass Room, Elegant Affairs, Springfield, Cost: members, $20; non-members, $30.
• June 20: ACCGS Ambassadors meeting, 4-5 p.m., in the EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
• June 21: ACCGS Executive Committee meeting, noon-1 p.m., in the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
• June 27: Professional Women’s Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting, 8-9 a.m. Hosted by the Professional Women’s Chamber.

CHICOPEE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• June 19: Health & Career Fair presented by Health New England, 8:30-11:30 a.m., at the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Calling all businesses in the health care industry. Be an exhibitor: $125 for members, $175 for non-members. If you are in the health care industry and have job openings, be a part of the job fair that will be at this event in the section “Corridor to Your Career.” The event is free to attend, and the public is welcome. Complimentary coffee, herbal tea, and sliced fresh fruit will be available until 9:30 a.m.
• June 27: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Grandview Estates, located off of Granby Road in Chicopee. Cost: $5 pre-registered members; $15 for non-members.
• June 30: Bus trip to New York City, a day on your own in the city. The bus leaves the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returns around 9:30 p.m. Cost is $45 per person. Call (413) 594-2101 or sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

FRANKLIN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463
• June 29: Annual Legislative Breakfast and Annual Meeting, 7:30-9 a.m. Attendees will be briefed on FY ’13 budget and business news from our delegation on Beacon Hill. Sponsored by People’s United Bank. Cost: $12 for members; $15 for non-members.

GREATER EASTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
• June 14: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Network on Shop Row, Main Street, Easthampton. Sponsors: Daily Hampshire Gazette, Silver Spoon Restaurant, and Taylor Agency Real Estate. Hors d’ouevres, door prizes, host beer and wine. Tickets: $5 for members; $15 for future members.

GREATER NORTHAMPTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 6: Northampton Chamber Monthly Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m. A casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends. Hosted by Pioneer Valley Landscapes at the Garden House at Look Park, Florence. Sponsored by Finck & Perras Insurance Agency, United Bank, and Verizon Wireless/Wireless Zone. Catered by Captain Jack’s. This event will also be accompanied by the band Changes in Latitude. V-1 Vodka will be on hand for a martini sampling, and there will be door prizes, including a handheld leaf blower and a professional line trimmer donated by Pioneer Landscapes, and an iPad donated by Verizon Wireless/Wireless Zone.
• June 21: New Member Info Session, 8-9 a.m. A chance to tell us more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you, meet other new members, and tell you how to make to the most of your chamber membership. A light breakfast will be served. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900
• June 13: Looking to stand out in the crowd? The Northampton Area Young Professionals are looking to help. Join us for a unique opportunity to meet with more than 20 local nonprofit organizations with upcoming board-level openings who are looking for their next leaders. In addition, they’ll showcase their organizations an discuss other volunteer opportunities. The event will be staged from 5-8 p.m. in the Smith College Conference Center. The event is free to members of NAYP and the Greater Northampton, Greater Easthampton, and Amherst chambers of commerce; $5 entry for all others. For more information, contact [email protected].

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310
• June 7: Woman of the Year, honoring Attorney Ellen Freyman, 6-9 p.m., at the Springfield Sheraton. Cost is $55 per person.

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451
• June 13: Beyond Business, 5-7 p.m. Sponsors: Big Wide Smiles and Chicopee Savings Bank. Entertainment by Berkshire Hills Music Academy. Refreshments available. Cost: $5. Reservations are encouraged by June 6 by calling (413) 532-6451 or e-mailing [email protected].

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
• June 5: Membership Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., Westfield Bank, Agawam.
• June 6: Education Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m. Hosted by Agawam High School and the Career Development Center, Agawam.
• June 6: Wicked Wednesday and Member Appreciation, 5-7 p.m., at the Hampton Inn of West Springfield. WRC invites you to join us on the first Wednesday of every month at businesses across Agawam and West Springfield. Get a little wicked with us and see what WRC is all about. These events are free for WRC members and $10 for non-members.
• June 7: Annual Breakfast Meeting, 7-9 a.m., at Chez Josef in Agawam. Tickets are $25 for WRC members, $35 for non-members. The WRC hosts Seth Mattison of BridgeWorks, an organization dedicated to helping businesses successfully bridge the generational gaps they face in their workforce, as it announces its 2012-13 chairman and board of directors. This event is sponsored in part by Development Associates and Westfield Bank.
• June 14: Programs Committee meeting, 7:30- 9 a.m., at Management Search Inc., West Springfield.
• June 15: Executive Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Hampden Bank, West Springfield.
• June 21: Economic Development Committee meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Work Opportunity Center, Agawam.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• June 8: June Chamber Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., at the Ranch Golf Club. Guest speaker is Richard K. Sullivan Jr., secretary of the state Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. Platinum Sponsor is First Niagara; Gold Sponsors are United Bank and Westfield State University; Bronze Sponsor is AIM. Tickets are $25 for members; $30 for non-members. For more information or to register, contact Carrie Dearing at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected]. The Ranch Golf Club is offering a golf special for those who attend the breakfast; $75 for 18 holes with a cart. Call (413) 569-9333 to make a reservation.
• June 12: Chamber WestNet, 5-7 p.m., at Maple Brook Alpaca Farm. Sponsors are AIM and Wal-Mart. Featured speaker is Sarah Tanner of the United Way of Pioneer Valley Inc. Attend the WestNet for business-connection opportunities; bring your business cards. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information or to register, contact Carrie Dearing at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].
• June 18: 51st Annual Golf Tournament, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., at East Mountain Country. Title Sponsor is Westfield Gas & Electric, Cart Sponsor is United Bank, and there are seven Eagle Sponsors: Air Compressor Engineering, Field Eddy Insurance, Peppermill Catering, Savage Arms, Wal-Mart, Westfield Bank, and the Westfield News Group. We are still accepting foursomes, sponsorships, and raffle prizes. Contact Kate Phelon at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].

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]

Continuing the Legacy

The Sisters of Providence Health System staged its eighth annual Continuing the Legacy luncheon on May 4 in the Springfield Sheraton ballroom. More than 500 people attended the annual fundraiser, at which guests are inspired by, and educated about, the SPHS mission, services and advancements. The event introduces the multi-year giving society, Providence Circle, and invites guests to provide financial or other support. From top, Judith Danek, of Chicopee, tells the gathering about her family’s positive experiences at Mercy Medical Center; John E. Sjoberg, SPHS trustee and SPHS Foundation Board chair, speaks to attendees; and Daniel P. Moen, President and CEO, SPHS, (standing) is surrounded by members of the Sisters of Providence congregation; seated (from left) are Sisters Mary McGrath, SP, Ruth McGoldrick, SP, Margaret McCleary, SP, and Elizabeth Oleksak, SP. Standing (from left) are Sisters Mary Martin de Porres, SP, Priscilla St. Pierre, Joan Manning, SP, and Ann Horgan, SP.














Art of the Matter

Students from the UMass Amherst Commonwealth Honors College, none of whom are Fine Arts majors, showcased their artwork in a pre-concert gallery opening and reception in the lobby of One Financial Plaza on May 12. The students’ works were inspired by Gustav Holst’s The Planets, being performed that evening by the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. Top to bottom, exhibiting senior Rachel Mroz and guest Charlene Baiardi discuss a painting; parents Louise and Bernie Hartnett and Connoisseur Rosemary Tracy Woods view a recreation of Botticelli’s Primavera; James Vinick of Moors & Cabot Investments and Marjorie Koft contemplate an artist’s unique chimpanzee concept; Springfield City Councilor Timothy Rooke and Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt discuss the artists’ talent; and (from left) Professor John Simpson, Beverly Hill, Evan Plotkin, and Willie Hill Jr. celebrate the opening of the exhibit and gallery. The event was sponsored by UMass Amherst, NIA Plotkin, and Springfield Symphony Orchestra.





























Corridan Center Dedication

The Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) Technology Park dining commons courtyard was recently dedicated to Brian Q. Corridan, president and CEO of the investment firm Corridan & Co. Corridan was honored in recognition of his years of service to the STCC Board of Trustees, including several years as president, a lengthy tenure as chairman of the STCC Assistance Corporation Board of Directors, and strong record of community service. Top, Corridan (center) poses with former STCC President Andrew Scibelli and Gail Carberry, former STCC vice president and current president of Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester. Below, Corridan with his family in front of the plaque inside the center.








Greaney Award Winners

On May 1, the fourth annual John M. Greaney Awards were given out during the Hampden County Bar Association’s National Law Day Ceremony in the Springfield District Court. The awards are given to both an attorney and non-attorney who are deemed outstanding citizens of the Hampden County legal community. Here, Greaney, center, is seen with this year’s winners, Kevin J. Claffey, Esq., and Noreen E. Nardi.

Opinion

By
Opinion
Rebuilding a Stronger Springfield

We all will remember where we were on June 1, 2011. Without a great deal of warning, an EF-3 tornado with winds of more than 160 miles per hour descended from the sky and tore a 6.2-mile path through Springfield, leaving behind a trail of damage unprecedented in the city’s history.
This devastation immediately impacted 40% of city residents and resulted in more than 350 city residents having to live in temporary shelter at the MassMutual Center, over 600 structures damaged, and 150,000 cubic yards of tree debris to be cleared from public ways.
While that was a truly historic event, what happened following the tornado was equally as significant. Neighbors helping neighbors, businesses helping businesses, our first responders and those assisting us from across the state, city employees and our federal and state partners responding in a swift and compassionate fashion demonstrated the true character of our city.
As we approach the one-year anniversary, we look back at what has been accomplished since that day. Beyond the crucial 24/7 emergency response that happened in the days and weeks after the tornado — homeless families being re-housed, streets being cleared and reopened, power being restored in 72 hours — it was clear that the community was going to need to work together on a plan to rebuild Springfield, and not just rebuild what was lost, but rebuild a stronger Springfield.
It was important to me that our entire community be represented in this process, and with that, the partnership of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority and DevelopSpringfield was established to help lead the process, truly making this a public-private partnership. To further ensure participation, the Rebuild Springfield Advisory Committee was formed, comprised of representatives from a wide spectrum of impacted residents, businesses, and organizations interested in the rebuild phase.
What followed was a phased planning process in each of the neighborhoods affected by the tornado, a process that, when completed, involved the participation of more than 3,000 city residents — the largest community planning process in the city’s history. It was inspiring to see the numbers of people taking time out of their days to come and bring their concerns, ideas, and input on how to make Springfield a better place.
And this didn’t mean the rebuilding was on hold. We saw people in their own lives rebuilding and doing it bigger and better. Since June 1, 2011, we’ve seen more than $22.5 million worth of rebuilding in the tornado-impacted areas. People are reinvesting in their community, and see the opportunity we have in Springfield. We saw more than 80 businesses that had either short-term closures due to power loss or long term disruption due to damage, rebuild, reopen, and our community has come back to support them. The city rebuilt and reopened while still planning for its future.
So we now have the completion of a grassroots plan — available at www.developspringfield.com — that does not sit on a shelf. Rather it becomes a living document, one that is led by our domain and district Leaders through DevelopSpringfield for implementation, including the hundreds of volunteers who indicated they wanted to be part of the implementation on a whole host of topics.
I couldn’t be more thankful for our business community through the recovery and planning process. Knowing the quality of our companies in Springfield, I know we can fully expect a similar wave of support as we enter into the important phase of implementation and rebuilding.
Institutions like MassMutual — which not only donated significant staff time to the process and emergency response resources, but also made a generous $1.6 million contribution toward rebuilding our city — have been nothing short of heroic.
Experiencing a tornado here at home is something we in Springfield never expected would have happened, but the silver lining in what has happened since that day, the work the community has done in helping each other and in planning for our future, has been truly inspiring.
The city will continue the rebuilding process in an effective, constructive, and compassionate manner and will fight tooth and nail to ensure we received every reimbursable dime that we are entitled to.

Domenic Sarno is mayor of Springfield.

Editorial

By
Opinion
Time to Put Young People to Work

It’s never been easy for young people to find summer employment, especially low-income youths from urban areas. It’s seemingly always been a case of too much competition and too few opportunities.
And this year, it appears that things will get even worse. Indeed, a recent study conducted by the Center for Labor Market Studies shows that this will likely be the most difficult year in the past two decades for young people to secure summer employment. And it is that dire prediction that led Bill Ward, president and CEO of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, to note that it will take a concerted effort of the private sector, working in partnership with local, state, and federal government, to secure something approaching adequate numbers of summer jobs.
He made that assessment at the recent launch of the REB’s annual YouthWorks summer jobs program, where he was joined at the podium by the mayors of Springfield and Holyoke, as well as other area leaders, all of whom made the case for employers and municipalities to be bold and creative and find ways to create summer job opportunities.
We hope the collective messages resonate, because, as we’ve stated on many occasions over the years, summer jobs (which are often first jobs for those fortunate enough to get one) are an important part of the overall learning process for young people, as well as another vehicle for building a solid workforce for the future.
In short, they’re very important for the continued growth and prosperity of the region.
Employers in both the public and private sectors understand this, but many are facing enormous challenges of their own. While the Great Recession is being talked about mostly in the past tense, there is lingering hardship, not to mention large amounts of doubt about whether the state’s economy will continue to rebound, and, if so, to what extent.
In this climate, it’s easy to see why employers would be cautious about adding any help — even a teenager making $8 per hour, 20 hours per week. In this environment, it would be easy for employers to say ‘no, not this year’ when it comes to expanding their payrolls.
We’re hoping that they can do what’s more difficult and say ‘yes,’ thus giving a young person a tremendous opportunity that they will long remember.
Summer jobs, especially first jobs, do many things. First, they can help take young people off the streets and perhaps keep them out of trouble at a critical juncture in their lives. They can also put a little money in their pockets and their bank accounts, and thus introduce them to the concepts of earning an income and, hopefully, proper money management.
But, perhaps more importantly, such jobs introduce people to the world of work. They can learn about what to wear, how to work with the public, what it’s like to have people count on you, and, if conditions are right, what it’s like to be part of a team.
What’s more, in some cases, summer jobs can open young people’s eyes to career possibilities and introduce them to companies they may want to work for years down the road.
Add it all up, and it’s evident that mostly good things happen when businesses consider young people to fulfill their summer hiring needs. It is our hope that companies across many sectors will heed the call and make this a summer to earn and learn for area young people.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

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

AMHERST

Amherst College
Johnson Chapel
$4,000 — Repair and cleanup of water damage

Amherst Colonial Village, LLC
200 South East St.
$13,000 — Roof repairs

Jan Eidelson
138 Sunderland Road
$1,500,000 — Build new structure for Amherst Survival Center

Peter Grandonico
23 North Pleasant St.
$25,000 — Interior renovations for Froyo World

EASTHAMPTON

City of Easthampton
19 Union St.
$1,500 — Repair granite steps at Council on Aging

David Boyle
422 Main St.
$200,000 — Construct 84 self-storage units

David Shelton
39 Union St.
$5,000 — Create new 3,000 square feet of gym space

Frank Basile
16 Industrial Parkway
$8,000 — Repair damaged trolley hoist-support system

Lisa Fusca
93-95 Main St.
$2,000 — Repair rear egress

HOLYOKE

Bayview Financial
345-363 Dwight St.
$200,000 — Emergency exterior repairs

Holyoke Boys Club
70 Nick Cosmos Way
$74,600 — Remove existing roof and install new

Sacred Heart Parish
427 Maple St.
$4,000 — Construct pergola

Verano Apartments, LTD
560-562 South St.
$40,000 — Repair structural columns

LUDLOW

Five Star Cleaners
433 Center St.
$3,500 — Alterations

Kapinos Mazur Funeral Home
64 Sewall St.
$40,000 — Reshingle

KUB Properties
4 Pell St.
$30,000 — Alterations

Oak Tree Inn
782 Center St.
$24,000 — Alterations

Richard Kelleher
44 Sewall St.
$40,000 — Reshingle

NORTHAMPTON

Colvest/Northampton, LLC
327 King St.
$383,500 — Construct new commercial bank with drive-up; foundation only

Easthampton Savings Bank
297 King St.
$34,500 — Relocate ATM

Look Park
300 North Main St.
$12,000 — Move building onto new foundation

Packaging Corp. of America
25 Mount Tom Road
$178,000 — New roof

SOUTHWICK

SBA Communications
686 College Highway
$20,000 — Replace six antennas

SPRINGFIELD

Diamond Affiliates, LLC
125 Paridon St.
$20,000 — Upgrade antennas

Diocese of Springfield
123 William St.
$84,000 — Exterior repairs

Golden Eagle Apartments
129-145 White St.
$17,000 — Renovations

MD Trading Corp.
19 St. James Ave.
$46,000 — Interior renovations

Springfield College
701 Wilbraham Road
$19,000 — Bathroom renovations

Stockbridge Court, LP
45 Willow St.
$10,000 — Rebuild handicap ramp

WESTFIELD

Ann Woodson
67 Elm St.
$7,600 — Interior repairs

University Housing, LLC
27 Washington St.
$2,500,000 — Construction of new student apartments for Westfield State College

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Century Investment
73 State St.
$14,000 — Interior fit-out for a doctor’s office

Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Dr.
$6,000 — Exterior repairs

Matthew Griswold
1838 Riverdale St.
$20,000 — Renovations to existing building

Robin Taylor
255 Interstate Dr.
$12,000 — Reroof

Doing Business as Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

4 U Siding & Roofing
605 Southwick St.
Dmitriy Bruskly

Agawam Wellness
430 Main St.
Nichole Hines

Custom Cabinet & Millwork Inc.
62 Suffield St.
Garrett Kimball

Tucano Applications
14 Mansion Woods
Leonardo D. Mascarenhas

Wargamers’ Terrain
73 Tobacco Farm Road
Joe Linares

AMHERST

Arise Pizzeria
28 Amity St.
Emily Wadham

Smoking Otter Furniture
13 Ridgecrest Road
Ben Paus-Weiler

CHICOPEE

Jonken Lawncare
1981 Memorial Dr.
Kevin Blanton

Kava Press
57 Springfield St.
Lyudmila Shumska

Knight Home Improvement
18 Mellen St.
Richard E. Knight Jr.

Renzo Services
70 Broadway St.
Carlos Carrero

Westover Tailor Shop
1512 Memorial Dr.
Cengiz Ihas

EASTHAMPTON

Brickyard Maintenance
142 Pleasant St.
James Wittmer II

Eastside Auto Recovery and Transport
3 West St.
Aneudi Bermudez

The Botaniste
101 Main St.
Corina Miller

Video 4 Good
116 Pleasant St.
Media Shower Productions

HADLEY

Interskate 91 North
367 Russell St.
William Hoeffer

Shaolin Kung Fu Center
231 Russell St.
Ryan Budny

Z Auto
105 East St.
Michael Zera

HOLYOKE

Dollar Rite
50 Holyoke St.
Sawkat Owali

Easy Pick Convenience
224 Lyman St.
Arfa Shaikh

NORTHAMPTON

Amulet Nine
225 Elm St.
Elisabeth Beller

Aqua View Design
16-20 Crafts Ave.
Yue Zhang

Harlowe Luggage
196 Main St.
Robert Murdick Jr.

Home Town Healthcare Store
142 North King St.
Heriberto Tapanes

Pho Vietnam
18 Main St.
Giang Nguyen

Sid Vantage
279 Main St.
Jill Boyce

The Laughing Tomato
20 Hampton Ave.
Armando Verea

Vend Magic
73 Bridge St.
Barbara Marsh

PALMER

Tenczar’s Food Store
2004 Main St.
Rejesh Patel

The Blue Veins Band
1028 School St.
Matthew Skowyra

SOUTHWICK

Conlin Interiors
17 Island Pond Road
Sonia Sube

Extreme Tree
9 Robin Road
Zachary Dougherty

Friends of the Southwick Rail Trail
454 College Highway
Roger Yargeau

Full Bobbin Quilting
27 Gargon Ter.
Catherine Barwikowski

Lunique Realm
160 Point Grove Road
Lynne Hartwell

SPRINGFIELD

Lil Divas Boutique
65 Sycamore St.
Elizabeth Matos

Lion Like it or Not
108 Yale St.
Sheldon Alexander

M.V.M. Balloon Design
172 Eastern Ave.
Benjamin Martinez

Mahigani Flava LLC
248 White St.
Yvette Anderson

Martin’s Barbershop
165 White St.
Martin Nieves

Mikey’s Pizza
89 Main St.
Mohammad M. Tajerha

One Stop Cuts
494 Central St.
Radalle Hubbard

P J & E Home Improvement
94 Draper St.
Paul Jeannenot

P.B. Remodeling
565 Riverside Road
Pedro Baez

Partnership Nest Egg Club
37 James St.
Tracey A. Maddix

PH Photography
115 Denwall St.
Anitra Brown

S & S Wholesale Corporation
90 Pinta Circle
Suraji S. Omar

Simply Divine Beauty Lounge
607 Dickinson St.
Kelly Rochelle

Small Repair / PC
45 Itendale St.
Fred L. Moskowitz

Something to Talk About
1500 Main St.
Diane Evans

Step in Styel
280 Oakland St.
Sean Brantley

Stop & Shop
415 Cooley St.
Stop & Shop

Sweet Start Family Childcare
36 Amanda St.
Germaris Pinero

Tamaz Inc.
32 Boston Road
Mazhar Iqbal

Universal Cuts
172 Eastern Ave.
Jossimarye Melendez

Velez Home Improvement
22 Wilmont St.
Evelio V. Garcia

Vessels of Silver and Gold
8 Navajo Rd.
Ingrid Ingram

War and Fantasy Games
20 Old Farm Road
Wayne Liggan

Xiuli Li Corporation
271 Belmont Ave.
Xiuli Li

Youth Logic
80 Congress St.
Experience Wellness

WESTFIELD

Complete Tax Service Inc.
85 Reservoir Ave.
Shelley LaCross

Design the Line Custom Clothing
246 Elm St.
Joshua Kelsey

Dine & Play Buffet
77 Mill St.
Michael Ventrice

Glitz, Glamour, N’Elegance
160 Elm St.
Stephanie L. Wesolowski

Westfield Vacuum Center
281 Notre Dame St.
Annette Barl

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Afterglow RV Auto Detailing
134 Orchard View St.
Michael J. Stefano

Cori’s K9 Clip
242 Elm St.
Cori Napolitan

Cornerstone Construction Co.
105 Hampden St.
Anatoliy Paliy

E. Scott Landscaping
320 Massachusetts Ave.
Eric Scott

Hale Channel Photography
124 Lincoln St.
Brian M. Hale

JJ’s Soft Serve & More
16 Chestnut St.
Montagna Enterprises Corporation

Lattitude
1338 Memorial Ave.
Inspirations Food

North Garden Chinese Restaurant
42 Myron St.
Raymond Kan

Peak Performance Exterior Home Improvement
103 Lower Beverly Hill
Eric Barkyoumb

Ready Motors
2405 Westfield Road
Victor Meyko

The Puppy Place
935 Riverdale St.
Richard Carty

Van Deene Medical Building Partner
75 Van Deene Ave.
Jonathan C. Sudal

Westside Checking
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.

AGAWAM

Cross Logistics Inc., 135 Brien St., Agawam, MA 01001. Mohamad M. Borhot, same. Transportation services.

Ecotek Print Solutions Inc., 417 Springfield St., #203, Agawam, MA 01001. Abdallah Ghalayini , same. Digital signage equipment and services.

Angels Take Flight Inc., 103 Lealand Ave., Agawam, MA, 01001. Tamara J. Blake, 136 Rosewell St., Springfield, MA 01109. A non-profit organization that provides luggage and transitional items to local children in foster care placements, hospital settings, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, or other safe homes.

BELCHERTOWN

21st Century Green Homes Inc., 368 Turkey Hill Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. James F. Bachand Jr., same. Real estate purchases, sales, and construction of residential homes.

CHICOPEE

Donald J. Ruel Electric Inc., 72 Parenteau Ct., Chicopee, MA 01020. Donald J. Ruel, same. Licensed electrician.

Rusin Services Inc., 76 Cote Ave., Chicopee, MA, 01020. John Rusin, same. General cleaning and maintenance services.

EASTHAMPTON

Rsk Media Inc., 116 Pleasant St., Unit 325, Easthampton, MA, 01027. Matthew B Harrison, 6 Pepin Ave., Easthampton, MA 01027. Photo and video production.

FEEDING HILLS

Extreme Enterprice Inc., 371 South Westfield St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Danny Acevedo, 336 Tokeneke Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Auto body.

GREENFIELD

Roundabout Books Inc., 16 West St, Greenfield, MA 0130. Raymond Joseph Neal II, 16 West St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Used book sales.

HOLYOKE

Imagine Philanthropy Inc., 591 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Tuti B. Scott , 591 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040.

Umoja Now Inc., 17 Old Jarvis Ave. Holyoke, MA 01040. Pascal Kelvin Akimana, same. To prevent all forms of violence and heal its effects. To promote gender equality. To build sustainable peace in local communities across the African continent.

INDIAN ORCHARD

K&O Corp., 1295 Worcester St., Indian Orchard, MA 0115. Orlando Ovalles, same. Grocery store.

LEE

Hannn Lerner, P.C., 184 Main St., Lee MA 01238. Jeremia A. Pollard, same. Legal services.

LENOX

Massachusetts Equine Welfare Council Inc., 431 New Lenox Road, Lenox, MA, 01240. Barbara E. Kellogg, same. To provide assistance and education to equine owners and the public to ensure equine welfare; to foster and encourage and assist in the humane care and treatment of equines.

NORTHAMPTON

Wishbone Productions Incorporated Inc., 43 Warburton Way, Northampton, MA 01060. Matthew McCloghry, same. Fund raising, sales and marketing.

PITTSFIELD

Berkshire Lockshop Inc., 24 Dalton Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. David Hicks, same. Locksmith services.

R & A Bertolino Inc., 43 Bellmore Dr., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Robert M Bertolino, same. Food services.

RUSSELL

Russell Enterprise Inc., 265 Dickinson Hill Road, Russell, MA 01071. Nadezhda Burkovskiy, same. Truck leasing.

SOUTHWICK

Paul Martin Construction Corp., 23 Berkshire Ave., Southwick, MA 01077. Paul Martin, same. Commercial construction and renovations.

SPRINGFIELD

Charlene’s Boutique Inc., 114 State St., Springfield, MA 01103. Charlene S. Naylor, same. Retail store-storefront; sales-clothing.

Easy Checks & Variety Inc., 494 Central St., Springfield, MA 01109. Rajesh R. Patel, 102 Sterling Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Check cashing.

Metropolitan Insurance Union Inc., 251 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01109. Lance D. Letourneau, same. Insurance center.

Goodness Outreach Ministries Inc., 145 Bay St., Springfield, MA 01109. Derrick Augustus Samms, 801 Chicopee St., Chicopee, MA 01013. To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Re Green Springfield Inc., 1441 Main St., Suite 601, Springfield, MA 01108. Timothy J. Ryan, 72 Morningside Park, Springfield, MA 01108. The corporation is organized for charitable, scientific purposes, which include the development, creation and implementation of sustainable planting, caring and maintenance of trees and vegetation in the city of Springfield.

Iglesia Pentecostal Jesus La Rosa De Saroin Inc., 316 1/2 Belmont Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Mercedes Figueroa, 44 Allen Park Road, Springfield, MA 01118. Bible studies and religious studies related to the church.

STURBRIDGE

Bonneau Anesthesia Services Inc., 69 Mashapaug Road, Sturbridge, MA 01566. Jean-Paul Bonneau, same. Nurse anesthesia services.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ar-Rahman Co. Inc, 470 Main St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Ulkadir Hussein, 3 Union St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Grocery store.

Car Development Inc., 122 Doty Circle, West Springfield, MA 01089. James E. Balise Jr., same. Financing and redevelopment of real estate.

WILBRAHAM

Lamontagne Auto Body Inc., 8 Fairview Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Glen Lamontagne, 8 Fairview Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Auto Body repairs.

Manny’s Olive Oil Inc., 1872 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Barbara J. Rovithis, 1872 Boston Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Manufacture, sales, and distribution of olive oil.

Company Notebook

By
Company Notebook Departments

Hampden Bancorp Plans Cash Dividend
SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, recently announced it had a $624,000, or 246.6%, increase in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012, to $877,000, as compared to $253,000 for the same period in 2011. The provision for loan losses decreased $575,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2012 compared to the same period in 2011, due to decreases in delinquent loans, including non-accrual loans, declining impaired loans, and continued improvement in general economic conditions. In addition, the company’s total assets increased $37.8 million, or 6.6%, from $573.3 million at June 30, 2011 to $611.1 million at March 31, 2012. Securities increased $19.6 million, or 17.5%, to $131.5 million, and cash and cash equivalents increased $7.2 million, or 23.0%, to $38.3 million at March 31, 2012. Deposits increased $18.2 million, or 4.4%, to $435.4 million at March 31, 2012, from $417.3 million at June 30, 2011. The company has been focused more on obtaining core deposits than time deposits, according to Thomas R. Burton, CEO and vice chairman. “Economic conditions in our local economy continue to improve, as evidenced by a decline in delinquent and impaired loans as well as a nominal increase in loan growth,” he said. “We have reduced the provision for loan losses while continuing to maintain strong ratios related to our reserve coverage. Overall, we are pleased with the results but recognize that asset growth is necessary for continued financial improvement.” The board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.04 per common share, payable on May 31, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 16.

WMECo Launches Mobile Web Site
SPRINGFIELD — Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECo) recently launched a mobile Web site for customers who use smartphones. Using the new mobile site, customers can view their account, pay their bill, view current power outages, or report a new power outage, all from the specially designed Web site. “It’s important to us that our customers feel we are accessible,” said Peter Clarke, WMECo president and chief operating officer. “They have told us they want more and easier ways to manage their accounts and receive information from us, so this is a logical next step for us to deliver on that request.” The mobile Web site works with either an iPhone or Android device. When customers access wmeco.com from a smartphone, they will be automatically directed to the mobile-friendly Web site.  In addition, the mobile site puts customers one touch away from calling or e-mailing WMECo customer service and from accessing the company’s Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube pages. Customers may also click a link on the site to view the company’s full Web site. WMECo, a Northeast Utilities company, serves approximately 210,000 customers in 59 communities throughout Western Mass.

Whalley Selected for ITC47 Contract
SOUTHWICK — Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) was recently awarded the ITC47 contract, which will allow it to continue to sell technology products such as desktop computers, laptops, servers, storage devices, and numerous other related technology products to organizations that use the Massachusetts State Purchasing Contract as a purchasing tool. WCA, a leading supplier to Massachusetts K-12 schools, partners with 181 of the state’s 320 school systems to provide technology products, services, training, and consultation. WCA also works with 57 cities and towns, 36 law-enforcement departments, 19 public colleges and universities, and 12 state agencies. “I think the number of Massachusetts organizations that have selected us as their primary vendor validates our decision to remain a large, regional, locally owned business,” said Paul Whalley, vice president and a former elementary-school teacher. Whalley noted that WCA is the sixth-largest vendor of the prestigious Massachusetts Higher Education Consortium (MHEC) contract, which has 600 suppliers providing computers, books, vehicles, science materials, furniture, and nearly every other product required by public Massachusetts colleges and universities. “WCA is also unique in having an office in the western part of Massachusetts and another in Central and Eastern Mass.,” said Whalley. “This allows us to rapidly and easily service those organizations that have offices throughout the state.”

Tighe & Bond Ranked Among Top Design Firms
WESTFIELD — The Engineering News-Record (ENR) once again ranked Tighe & Bond among the top 500 design firms in the nation, according to David Pinsky, president. ENR ranks companies by the previous year’s gross revenue for providing design services to domestic and international markets. Tighe & Bond ranked 272 in ENR’s 2012 report, which exceeds last year’s ranking of 309 and reflects the firm’s 2011 annual gross revenue of $36 million. “Last year was a very successful and profitable year for us,” said Pinsky. “We saw growth in all of our primary business units and acquired a sixth office in Portsmouth, N.H., that enables us to better serve our clients in that state, Southeastern Maine, and Northeastern Mass. All of this is backed by our ongoing commitment to deliver the highest-quality services to our clients on time and within budget.” The Boston Business Journal also ranked Tighe & Bond as one of the largest engineering firms in Massachusetts, according to Pinsky. In its 2012 Book of Lists, the journal ranked the firm 12th out of 25 top-billing firms.

Columbia Gas Supports Link to Libraries
SPRINGFIELD — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has given a grant to Link to Libraries to help promote literacy and donate books to public elementary schools and nonprofit organizations in Western Mass. The funds will be used to supply all children entering kindergarten in Holyoke and Springfield with literacy bookbags. “We are tremendously honored that the Columbia Gas of Massachusetts has decided to join us in our mission,” said Susan Jaye-Kaplan, Link to Libraries co-founder. “This grant will have substantial economic impact in our mission to enhance early literacy and promote that all youth be proficient readers by grade 4.” Steve Bryant, president of Columbia Gas, noted that “Columbia Gas, as well as our employees, is committed to supporting families in need. Helping to provide books to kindergarten children is just one way we can help ensure that children get started on the right path to become lifelong readers.” Since its inception in 2008, Link to Libraries has donated more than 50,000 new books to area youth.

Big Y Adds 41st Pharmacy
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. recently opened its 41st pharmacy in the World Class Market at 700 Main St., Suite 2, in Great Barrington. Pharmacy Manager Helen Costello, R.Ph., will be working alongside pharmacist Julie Samale, R.Ph. and technician Raeven Fuller to bring added convenience to grocery shoppers in Southern Berkshire County. Pharmacy hours will be weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sundays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Big Y Pharmacies plan to conduct special wellness events throughout the next few months, including total cholesterol and blood-pressure screenings, glucose and body-fat-percentage testing, and skin analysis. Big Y currently operates pharmacies throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut.

People On the Move

By
Denise V. Laizer
Departments People on the Move

Denise V. Laizer

Denise V. Laizer

Denise V. Laizer, Senior Vice President and Chief Lending Officer for Easthampton Savings Bank, has been named a Community Bank Hero for 2012 by Banker and Tradesman magazine. Readers of Banker & Tradesman were asked to nominate individuals who work in a Massachusetts community bank, are respected industry professionals who have made a significant impact on those around them, and make outstanding contributions to their institution. Criteria for candidates also included giving back to the community and the industry with time, energy, and resources through volunteerism, community service, and charity. Laizer, who was one of 16 selected, will be honored at a special awards ceremony in Boston on May 23.
•••••
Michael Ravosa was recently elected to the Board of Trustees at American International College in Springfield. He is the Vice President for Investment for the RBD Wealth Management Group, UBS Financial Services.
•••••
United Fresh Foundation’s Center for Leadership Excellence has chosen John Heon, Produce and Floral Sales Manager, Big Y World Class Market in Great Barrington, as an honoree for its 2012 awards. Heon was honored among 25 produce managers representing 20 supermarket chains, commissaries, and independent retail stores within the U.S. and Canada. Winners were selected by a team of produce experts who examined efforts to increase produce consumption through everyday excellence in merchandising, special displays and promotions, community service, and commitment to total customer satisfaction. Heon has been with Big Y for 31 years.
•••••
North Brookfield Savings Bank announced the following:
• Rick Egan has been named Assistant Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer. He is responsible for developing new and existing commercial-lending relationships, advising business customers on available lending products, and helping borrowers achieve their financing goals.
• Lillian Carlson has been named Loan Officer. She is responsible for creating and maintaining relationships with existing and prospective loan customers as well as assisting customers with the mortgage-lending process and helping them find financing solutions.
•••••
Kim Bushey

Kim Bushey

Santander Holdings USA Inc. and Sovereign Bank, N.A., wholly owned subsidiaries of Banco Santander, announced the appointment of Kim Bushey as Senior Vice President and Business Banking Executive for Connecticut and Western Mass. Bushey, based out of the West Hartford, Conn. office, will be responsible for serving the needs of local businesses with annual revenue of $3 million to $20 million.
•••••
Attorney Danielle I. Nicklas has joined Cooley Shrair in Springfield as Associate Legal Counsel. Nicklas focuses her practice on health law, including health care compliance, risk management, Stark law, and anti-kickback regulations.
•••••
James M. Lavelle, General Manager of the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department, will receive the 2012 Henry A. Fifield Award for Voluntary Service to the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce. The late Henry Fifield was an Ampad executive who served the chamber in many capacities, including chairman of the board. Lavelle will be honored at the 122nd annual meeting of the Holyoke Chamber on May 30 at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. The award presentation and reception for Lavelle will be a highlight of the annual meeting, which will also include an election of officers and directors for the 2012-13 year.
•••••
David Fedor, an independent Financial Advisor affiliated with Commonwealth Financial Network and President of Fedor Financial Group in West Springfield, was named to Commonwealth’s Winners Circle. The distinction recognizes 167 out of Commonwealth’s 1,400 financial advisors nationwide.
•••••
The Hampden County Bar Assoc. announced the following:
• Attorney Kevin J. Claffey received the John M. Greaney Award during the association’s National Law Day Ceremony at Springfield District Court; and
• Noreen E. Nardi received the John M. Greaney Award during National Law Day. The annual awards are given to both an attorney and a non-attorney who are deemed outstanding citizens of the Hampden County legal community.
•••••
John Elder Robison was among 15 individuals recently selected to serve on the U.S. Health and Human Services Interagency Autism Coordinating Committee. Robison is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Elms College, Chicopee. He speaks publicly about his experience as a person on the autism spectrum, and is the author of Look Me in the Eye: My Life with Asperger’s and Be Different: Adventures of a Free-Range Aspergian.
•••••
Tighe & Bond of Westfield announced the following:
• Stephen Seigal, P.E., BCEE, has joined the firm as a Vice President, and will work out of the Worcester office. A civil engineer with 36 years of regional experience in the wastewater industry, Seigal has planned, designed, and provided construction-phase engineering services for more than 24 wastewater treatment facilities throughout the region.
• David Loring, P.E., LEED AP, has been named Technical Practice Leader for the Civil Practice Group. In this role, he will coordinate and advance the firm’s civil-engineering capabilities, oversee the continual advancement of relevant technical skills, and promote professional development of key staff. He will also ensure that the Civil Practice Group stays abreast of local, state, and federal regulations that impact clients. Loring is a licensed civil engineer and construction supervisor in Massachusetts, as well as a LEED Accredited Professional.
•••••
American International College in Springfield has named Dr. Cesarina Thompson Dean of the School of Health Sciences. Thompson will begin her duties on July 1. She was inducted as a Fellow in the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education for her research and scholarly activities focusing on advancing nursing education. She received a Ph.D. in Adult Education and a M.S. in Nursing from the University of Connecticut, and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport.
•••••
The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) announced the following election of directors and officers:
• Paul Robbins, Principal of Paul Robbins Associates and a gubernatorial appointee, was elected Chairman;
• Phillip W. Sweeney, Marblehead Municipal Light Department Commission Chairman, was elected to a two-year term on the board;
• Kevin P. Kelly, Groton Electric Light Department Manager, was elected to a three-year board term; and
• Peter D. Dion, General Manager of the Wakefield Municipal Gas & Light Department, was re-elected by the membership to his fourth one-year term as President of MMWEC.
Additional MMWEC officers for the coming year, as elected by the board, include:
• Ronald C. DeCurzio, CEO and Secretary;
•  Jeffrey B. Iafrati, Treasurer;
• Stephen J. Smith, Assistant Treasurer;
•  Nancy A. Brown, Assistant Secretary; and
•  Nicholas J. Scobbo Jr., General Counsel.
Other MMWEC directors, elected previously by the membership, include:
• Gary R. Babin, Director of the Mansfield Municipal Electric Department;
• Jeffrey R.  Cady, Manager of the Chicopee Muncipal Lighting Plant;
• Sean Hamilton, General Manager of the Sterling Municipal Light Department;
• Jonathan V. Fitch, Princeton Municipal Light Department Manager; and
• James M. Lavelle, Holyoke Gas & Electric Department Manager.
In addition to Robbins, Michael J. Flynn serves on the board as gubernatorial appointee. Flynn also represents the Town of Wilbraham on the board, with Luis Vitorino and John M. Flynn representing the towns of Ludlow and Hampden, respectively.
•••••
Big Y Foods Inc. of Springfield announced the following:
• Michael J. Galat has been named interim Senior Director of Employee Services. He will oversee the entire department, including employee policies and procedures, training and development, morale and engagement, recognition, progressive discipline, employee benefits, and wellness initiatives; and
• Sean S. Nimmons has been appointed a District Director for the eastern zone. He is responsible for managing all aspects of the 15-store zone, including employees, financial performance, merchandising, and operations.
•••••
Daniel R. Moriarty has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Monson Savings Bank. A member of the bank’s senior leadership team, he is responsible for leading the bank’s financial functions, operations, and reporting.

Building Permits

By
Building Permits Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Curry Realty
769 Memorial Dr.
$285,000 — Renovations at Curry Honda

Memorial Drive Assoc., LLC
1956 Memorial Dr.
$372,000 — Replace roof system and interior alterations

GREENFIELD

Country Club of Greenfield
244 Country Club Road
$1,000,000 — Construct new country club

Cynthia Nims
465 Colrain Road
$17,500 — Remodel carriage house

Greenfield Acres, LLC
10 Congress St.
$85,000 — New fire-alarm system

Jordi Harold
27 Bank Row
$2,500 — Install a new kitchen hood fire system

HOLYOKE

Fiesta Café
305-307 Main St.
$7,000 — Construct dividing walls

Light of Restoration Ministries Inc.
149 Chestnut St.
$25,000 — Construct office space

NORTHAMPTON

Elsa Vitols
41 North Main St.
$3,000 — Rebuild rear egress

Main Street, LLC
207 Main St.
$8,000 — Removal of non-load bearing partitions on second and third floors

Mark Moggio
22 Dewey Court
$4,000 — Porch renovations

Patrick Malone
132 Federal St.
$8,500 — Bath and kitchen renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

South Hadley Landfill
12 Industrial Dr.
$175,000 — Install solar panels

Village Commons
17 College St.
$4,000 — Renovations

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
46 Oakland St.
$34,244,000 — Interior renovations and roof overlay at school

Concord Heights, L.P.
22 Bayonne St.
$1,759,000 — Renovation to existing building

Concord Heights, L.P.
36 Saratoga St.
$5,000,000 — Construct new office building

Conklin Office Supply
162-168 Lyman St.
$30,000 — New roof

Hanna Kycherczyk
186 Main St.
$82,500 — Interior renovations to restaurant

Springfield Post Road Corp.
1420 Boston Road
$135,000 — Interior remodel of existing space

WESTFIELD

Appleby’s
441 East Main St.
$60,000 — Interior renovation

Jelly Belly Pool
77 Mill St.
$143,000 — Fire restoration

WEST SPRINGFIELD

1275, LLC
1275 Elm St.
$56,000 — Renovate 3,002 square feet of existing space

Emilie’s Bridal, LLC
219 Riverdale Road
$11,000 — Renovate space to become hypnosis center

Slavic Pentecostal Church
2611 Westfield St
$40,000 — Exterior renovation

Doing Business As Certificates

By
DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

A.J. Precision Inc.
25 Century St.
Nicole Goyette

C & M Heating and Air Conditioning
28 Merrell Dr.
Mark Chevalier

Crestview Country Club
281 Shoemaker Lane
Greg Lindencuth

Evergreen Lawn Care
40 Tower Terrace
Eric Luccardi

J.B. Construction
83 Hope Farms Dr.
John Bishop

JRK Precision Machine, LLC
25 Century St.
John Baginski

Omega Mortgage
430 Main St.
Brad Salerno

Pioneer Valley Productions
43 South West St.
Joseph Paul

U.S. Lawns of Springfield
55 Halladay Dr.
Richard McCaslin

CHICOPEE
Angel Wings Couriers
19 Lark Dr.
Margaret Tichey

Connections Real Estate
78 Lyman Road
Daniel Stamborski

JJ Artwood
23 Tolpa Circle
Mark Chouinard

Pressure Tech
150 Deslauriers St.
Anthony Maschi

Western Mass Blower Door & Duct Testing
165 Front St.
John Kosak

Wireless Solution & Accessories
232 Exchange St.
David Hale

EAST LONGMEADOW

Coyne Tax
53 Wellington Dr.
Jonathan Coyne

Embroidered Images
22 Glynn Farms Dr.
Anne M. Drapalski

Events by Jackie M
19 Kelsey St.
Jacqueline Marlucci

Ojays
83 Elm St.
Jason Zalewski

Sharpline Construction & Remodeling
17 Cosgrove St.
Michael Parker

Studio Nails
30 Shaker Road
Jennifer Nguyen

The UPS Store
444 North Main St.
Lawrence M. Crasnick

GREENFIELD

Different Stuff Bakery
2 Fiske Ave.
Debbie Herrick

Family Vacuum Store
28 Chapman St.
Kellie Hemingway

Greenfield Auto Wrecking
392 Deerfield St.
Antonio Siano

Indoor Action Sports Center
1585 Bernardston Road
Jeff Coulston

Personal Touch Pilates
278 Main St.
Nadya Kostch

Presa Republic
25 Laurel St.
Jeremiah McLenithan

Tapestry Health
80 Sanderson St.
Leslie Laurie

The Home Depot
264 Mohawk Trail
Home Depot USA Inc.

Verlando
18 Pond St.
Todd Verlander

HOLYOKE

Aeropostale
50 Holyoke St.
Harry Axt

American Eagle
50 Holyoke St.
Jamie Frey

Western Mass Speech Therapy
56 Suffolk St.
Sean Bochman

LUDLOW

Brad Willard Professional Painters
89 Woodland Circle
Brad Willard

Culinary Cuisine Demonstrations
226 Chapin St.
Walter Grohs

Salon 345
345 Holyoke St.
Liz R. Ramos

PALMER

Elite DJ Services
1330 Ware St.
Robert A. Roy

Fitness With a Fab
159 Wilbraham St.
Fabio Alica

Palmer Coop Center
1239 South Main St.
Paul Vautour

Sam’s Food Store
1078 Park St.
Shakeel Ahmed

Tricia’s Techniques
8 Knox St.
Patricia Woffenden

SPRINGFIELD

Kaine Compton Consulting
20 West Canton Circle
Kaine K. Leanetta

Len-Mer Realty
1333 East Columbus Ave.
Leonard S. Michelman

Lozada’s Auto Repair
111 Farnham Ave.
Samuel Lozada

Magic Pizza
882 Sumner Ave.
Murat Atasoy

Millennium Nails Salon
1655 Boston Road
Anh T. Diep

MJ’s Auto Sales
32 David St.
Dory M. Harika

Morganti, Aquadro, & Cerru
19 Surrey Road
The Morganti Group

Northeast Distribution
467 Cottage St. ,
Ana M. Menendez

Perfectly Paired
123 Mayfair Ave.
Shawnique Mitchell

Photography By Jhun Ciano
30 Springfield St.
Rodolfo Guiterrez

Precanico Landscape Service
95 North Branch Pkwy.
Christopher George

Prestige Planning
73 Meadowbrook Road
Sheree A. Denson

Puerto Rico Restaurant
152 Rifle St.
Israel Rodriguez

Que Carter
183 Tyler St.
Kisha Johnson-Grant

Quick Sign Service
199 Acorn St.
Blas Rosa

R&M Remodeling and More
112 Avery St.
Miguel Homs

Rose Nails
752 Sumner Ave.
Kristen Nguyen

Salem Siding and Roofing
159 Boston Road
Helen J. Salem

The Best Handyman Service
53 Warrenton St.
Rolando Cruz

Thelma’s Creations
85 Edgeland St.
Thelma R. Behler

Touch of Class Fashions
82 Westford Ave.
Patricia Touset

Tropical African Market
810 Main St.
Kwabena H. Ahenkang

Viren Entertainment
70 East Alvord St.
Shawn G. Santanello

Zona Mobile Wireless Store
355 Belmont Ave.
Maria Alban

WESTFIELD

Alternative Generator
60 Old Stage Road
Christopher Robare

Angelic Stones
12 Blueberry Ridge
Lisa Wilson

DT Knights Landscaping
37 Summit Dr.
Daniel Knights

Greengrass Guys
491 Russellville Road
Michael Clendenin

Hardwarez Store
112 Dry Bridge Road
Timothy Taylor

Kitchens by Prestige
63 Meadow St.
David MacIver

Jiffy Lube
88 South Maple St.
Richard C. Smith

Nicholas Collins
38 Taylor Ave.
Nicholas Collins

Spark-A-Arc Sheet Metal
104 Mainline Dr.
Greg Duda

Supreme Lawn Care
33 Woodcliff Dr.
Grant Williams

Western Mass Solutions LLC
1006 Southampton Road
Brian Wagner

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Afterglow RV Auto Detailing
134 Orchard View St.
Michael J. Stefano

Accurate Accounts
193 Wolcott Ave.
Lyudmila Renkas

Cori’s K9 Clip
242 Elm St.
Cori Napolitan

JJ’s Soft Serve & More
16 Chestnut St.
Montagna Enterprises Corporation

Peak Performance Exterior
103 Lower Beverly Hill
Eric Barkyoumb

Pompeii Pizza
9 Norman St.
Elvan Ozcelik

Ready Motors
2405 Westfield Road
Victor Meyko

Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church
23 Southworth St.
Brendan Crawley

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

Wistariahurst Concert
May 13: The Chamber Music Society at Wistariahurst returns to Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke, with a Mother’s Day program of romantic music by Robert and Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms. The program includes selections from the “Soirées Musicales” of Clara Schumann, early piano works from her years as a prodigy-virtuoso, performed by Tanya Blaich; songs, duets, and a vocal quartet by Robert Schumann, performed by the Wistaria Vocal Ensemble accompanied by Blaich; Brahms’ “Clarinet Sonata in E-flat Major,” performed by special guest clarinetist Michael Sussman and pianist Monica Jakuc Leverett; and Robert Schumann’s “Piano Quartet in E-flat,” performed by Jakuc Leverett, violinist Sarah Briggs, violist Delores Thayer, and cellist Volcy Pelletier. Admission is $20 at the door. Mother’s Day special offer: bring your mother for a discounted ticket of $10. Reservations are suggested. For more information, call (413) 322-5660.

Small-business Seminar
May 16: Local business owners will talk about what they have done to stay ahead of the many demands on their time and at the same time adjust for the economic environment during a workshop titled “Adapt, Diversify, Reinvent & Grow” at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Presenters include Paul DiGrigoli of Digrigoli Salon & School of Cosmetology; Tara Tetreault of Jackson & Connor; Kate Vishnyakov of Kate Gray Inc., and Rick Ricard of Larien Products. The 9 to 11 a.m. session is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development  Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

40 Under Forty
June 21: BusinessWest will present its sixth class of regional rising stars at its annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The June 21 gala will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $60 per person, with tables of 10 available. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com.

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, or e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

Court Dockets

By
Court Dockets Departments

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

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Faye Ferris v. Deerfield Academy
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of sidewalk, causing slip and fall: $157,500
Filed: 2/27/12

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Annmarie Lafreniere v. Wing Memorial Hospital
Allegation: Wrongful termination: $25,000+
Filed: 3/22/12

Beck Aluminum Corp. v. Diecast Realty Holdings, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $30,398.94
Filed: 3/28/12

James Marrin v. Tri-Lift Inc., Mitsubishi Caterpillar Forklift America Inc. and Jungheinrich
Allegation: Negligence in the design and manufacture of a pallet truck, causing it to malfunction and cause severe operator injury: $15,894.15
Filed 3/28/12

S & A Supply Inc. v. Statewide Mechanical Contractors Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on goods sold and delivered: $30,073.91
Filed: 3/22/12

Titan USA Enterprises Inc. v. RTS Cutting Tools Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and unfair and deceptive acts: $80,000
Filed: 3/21/12

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Raymond St. Hilaire v. C & L Restaurant Group
Allegation: Breach of duty of care and negligence in preparation and service of food, causing injury when plaintiff bit into an onion ring and fractured his tooth: $1,528
Filed: 2/1/12

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Capital One Bank v. Laura’s Cleaning
Allegation: Non-payment for credit advanced: $5,405.77
Filed: 3/5/12

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Berkshire Bank v. Quality Care Transportation, LLC and Hasapall Mohamed
Allegation: Default on small-business account: $10,304.79
Filed: 3/26/12

Constellation New Energy Inc. v. New Belmont Variety
Allegation: Breach of energy service agreement/price watch agreement and account annexed: $11,272.90
Filed: 3/29/12

Thomas Johnson v. Excellence Auto Exchange
Allegation: Breach of contract regarding the sale of a vehicle: $12,569.52
Filed: 3/2/12

Editorial

By
Opinion
The Vast Power of Mentoring

The many benefits of mentoring have long been understood by those who partake in that important practice. Any time adults can use their knowledge, experience, and compassion to help guide young people through the challenges they’re facing — and will encounter in the years to come — good things usually happen.
But MassMutual is taking this time-honored tradition a big step further with a new and somewhat unique mentoring model that we believe has vast potential to become a blueprint for other companies to follow, as well as a method for keeping more of this region’s young talent in the 413 area code.
As explained in the story beginning on page 6, this model, part of the company’s broad Career Pathways program, takes a traditional mentoring initiative and adds an important career element to it. The initiative pairs young people from high schools literally across the street from MassMutual with successful professionals who can provide needed assistance with challenges ranging from the SATs to nailing an interview for a part-time summer job. Moreover, it introduces them one of the region’s largest employers — and a host of career opportunities.
The philosophy behind this program is fairly simple, but the implications are far-reaching. MassMutual employees donate their time, energy, and experience to the task of keeping talented young people on the right path through the challenging last three years of high school, and, in doing so, they are possibly grooming employees for the immediate future, a time when companies large and small will face the daunting task of replacing retiring Baby Boomers.
It looks good on paper — even if it’s not officially down on paper yet — and we’re confident it will look good in reality, although we really won’t know that for some time.
For now, all the signs are quite positive, and it appears that MassMutual has fashioned a program — carried out in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Springfield School System — that will likely have many long-term benefits for the company and the region as a whole. This is an initiative worth emulating for those who have the resources and inclination to do so.
Start with the mentoring component. As we said at the top, this is an all-important exercise in this region, especially in urban centers where young people may not have many — or any — adults in their lives who act as effective role models and push them to reach higher, graduate from high school, and attend college. Many companies in this region encourage their employees to act as mentors and provide them with the time and flexibility needed to carry out those duties, and we applaud them for their efforts.
The MassMutual model adds a career-development component that could be of great benefit to this region at a time when we keep hearing two phrases — ‘skills gap’ and ‘brain drain.’ The first is used by companies that are having a difficult time finding qualified employees to fill open positions, and the second is used by economic-development leaders as they lament the number of area college graduates who leave this area to pursue a career in their chosen field.
Through this kind of career-pathways mentoring, employers can introduce young people to their companies and future jobs, motivate them to do the hard work that’s needed to attain those careers, and perhaps help build a workforce for the future.
MassMutual’s mentoring program recently won an award from the Mass. Mentoring Partnership for its success — and its vast potential. If all goes as expected, there will be even greater rewards down the line.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

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

• May 9: After5, 5-7 p.m., Elegant Affairs/the Glass Room, 1380 Mai• St., Springfield. Enjoy a night of food, drink, great company, and fantastic networking. Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Registratio• may be done online at www.myonlinechamber.com, or  e-mail [email protected].

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

• May 9: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Red Barn. Cost is $12 for members, $15 for non-members.
• May 22: Chamber After Five, 5-7 p.m., at the The Lord Jeffery Inn. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

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

• May 10: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Easthampto• Savings Bank and hosted by Amy’s Place Bar & Grill, 80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton. This event features hors d’ouevres, door prizes, and a cash bar. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• May 18: Wine & Microbrew Tasting, 6-8:30 p.m., One Cottage Street (corner of Cottage and Unio• streets) i• Easthampton. Sample more tha• 50 wines and microbrews and enjoy fine food and a• extraordinary raffle. Major sponsor: Easthampto• Savings Bank. Event sponsor: Innovative Business Systems. Wine Sponsor: Westfield Spirit Shop. Microbrew sponsor: Big E’s Supermarket. Food Sponsor: Log Rolling at the Log Cabin/Delaney House. Benefactor: Finck & Perras Insurance Agency. Tickets are $30 i• advance, $35 at the door. To order tickets or for more information, call the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or order online at www.easthamptonchamber.org.
• May 20: “For The Kids!” Easthampton’s 12th Annual Big Rig Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rai• or shine), at the Easthampto• Municipal Building & Public Safety Complex, Payso• Avenue, Easthampton. See trucks of all sizes — constructio• equipment, safety vehicles, and specialty cars and trucks. Free admissio• and parking. For more information, visit www.bigrigday.com.

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

• May 16: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Simplicity Salon, 1735 Northampto• St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Girls Inc. of Holyoke and Girl Scouts of Central and Wester• Mass. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. A marketing table is $25. Joi• your friends and colleagues for this informal evening of networking. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 21: The 44th Annual Holyoke Chamber Golf Tournament at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampto• Road, Holyoke. Registratio• and lunch at 11 a.m. Tee off at noo• (scramble format). Cost is $125 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, prizes, dinner buffet, gift bag, and foursome photo. Awards, cash prizes, and raffles will follow dinner, consisting of a• array of elaborate food stations. Call the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sig• up, or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 30: Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 4 p.m.,
at the Log Cabi• Banquet & Meeting House. Program followed by grand receptio• with assorted food stations. Sponsored by Goss & McLai• Insurance Agency; Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll; TD Bank; Dowd Insurance Agency Inc.; and PeoplesBank. Tickets are $25. Call  (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.

NORTHAMPTO• AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

• May 10: May Networking Event, 5-8 p.m., at Ibiza Tapas i• Northampton. Free to NAYP members, $5 for guests. Visit www.thenayp.com for details.

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• May 18: Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Orchards Golf Club, South Hadley. Sponsors: South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce. Special guests: legislative representatives. Tickets are $15 at the door. RSVP at (413) 532-6451 by May 11. Seating is limited.
• May 21: South Hadley & Granby Day at the Orchards Golf Club. Tee times, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsor: South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce. Opportunity to wi• a foursome at the Orchards. Cost is $65 per person, lunch included. For tee times and details, call Tony Giannetti at (413) 533-1784, or e-mail [email protected].

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

• May 10: Programs Committee Meeting, 7:30- 9 a.m., at Management Search Inc., West Springfield.
• May 17: Economic Development Committee Meeting, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at the Work Opportunity Center, Agawam.
• May 18: Executive Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Hampde• Bank, West Springfield.
• May 22: Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Captai• Leonard House, Agawam.

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

• May 16: WestNet Plus 1, 5-7 p.m. Hosted by Pioneer Valley Railroad, Old Montgomery Road, Westfield. Our monthly networking event will be held o• the Pinsly Railroad Dining Car and Caboose with a• opportunity to check out a locomotive i• the shop. Our sponsor this month is Comcast. The featured speaker this month is Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Wester• Massachusetts. It’s a great opportunity to make business connections, so bring your business cards. Cost is $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.springfieldyps.com

• May 17: 4th Annual Great Golf Escape, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., at Shaker Farms Country Club, Westfield. Non-member registrations opens April 1. Only 32 foursomes available.

Picture This

By
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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]

Entrepreneurship Initiative

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DSC_3430The 9th annual Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation Entrepreneurship Initiative Awards Ceremony and Banquet was staged April 25 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke. More than 45 students from area colleges were recognized for their entrepreneurial contributions during the event, which featured an elevator-pitch competition sponsored by six area community banks, a tabletop competition, and the announcement of the Grinspoon, Garvey & Young Alumni Spirit Award. The participating schools are American International College, Amherst College, Bay Path College, Elms College, Greenfield Community College, Hampshire College, Holyoke Community College, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College, Springfield College, Springfield Technical Community College, UMass, Western New England University, and Westfield State University. From top: Kissa Owens of Bay Path College with her son, Da’Din Davis, was one of three tabletop winners at the event for her venture, the Platinum Kids Health Center, which specializes in helping obese and overweight children; Zongfang Lin, a student at the UMass Isenberg School of Management and a tabletop winner for her company, KinVi Products, talks with Joe Bohan of SciDose LLC; elevator-pitch winner Abby Duncan explains her Daddy Go-To Kit; Katelyn Nadeau of Holyoke Community College holds up a sign for her venture, Razzle Dazzle.








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DSC_3527More scenes from the the 9th annual Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation Entrepreneurship Initiative Awards Ceremony and Banquet. Left, Mark Chamberlain addresses the audience of more than 500 people during the elevator-pitch competition. Middle, Sam Tulimat, a student at Mount Holyoke College, won a tabletop award for a venture he created, an online campus market business called Bizarit. Bottom, Harold Grinspoon, shares a laugh with UMass student Zongfang Lin.

Briefcase

By
Briefcase Departments

Youth Summer Jobs Campaign Underway
SPRINGFIELD — The Regional Employment Board (REB) of Hampden County Inc., in conjunction with the FutureWorks and CareerPoint one-stop career centers, is seeking summer-employment opportunities for youth between the ages of 14 and 21. “The demand for youth summer-employment opportunities is great, with so many young people in search of a chance to work, learn, earn, and possibly be mentored,” said Joseph Peters, chair of the REB board of directors, in a letter to area businesses on the Youth Summer Jobs Campaign 2012. There are three ways employers can help: hire a youth, donate money, or become a work site. All youths receive 10 hours of work-readiness skills training before employment. “Youths are referred to you, and you make the final selection,” noted Peters. Also, a minimum donation of $150 is welcome from organizations and businesses to help pay wages for one week for a youth working in a community-betterment project in a park, camp, or nonprofit agency. Peters added that businesses should consider being a work site, and the youth will be paid by the REB. “It’s another great way to cover for employee vacations,” he said. Last year, 205 employers were involved in putting more than 1,200 young people to work. “Your private dollars expand summer opportunities to youth who may not meet the eligibility requirements of government-funded summer-jobs programs, as well as to those with limited family income,” said Peters. For more information, call (413) 787-1547 or visit www.rebhc.org.

Community-wellness Grant Projects Launched
HOLYOKE — Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse recently joined several state legislators to celebrate the expansion of the Mass. Department of Public Health’s (MDPH) Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Program. There are now 53 municipalities across the state that participate in the program. The Hampshire Council of Governments was awarded the Mass in Motion grant in October and will be partnering with the SPIFFY Coalition to implement efforts around healthy eating, nutrition, and physical activity. The Tobacco-free Living Initiative will be the work of the Tobacco Free Community Partnership, a Hampshire Council of Governments’ program. Targeted communities for this grant are Amherst, Belchertown, Northampton, and Williamsburg. The expansion, funded by a Community Transformation Grant awarded to MDPH by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, adds Holyoke and communities from Franklin and Berkshire counties to the current Mass in Motion communities in Western Mass., which include Springfield, Lee, Lenox, and Stockbridge. Through unique partnerships and cross-department collaboration, communities will work to develop and implement prevention-based policies, systems, and strategies to encourage healthy eating and active living to help reduce obesity and promote tobacco-free living. Collectively, these initiatives will work with local schools to improve walkability and bikeability to area schools; establish community-design standards to make streets safe for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, and users of public transit; improve the nutritional quality of foods and beverages served or available in schools; increase the accessibility, availability, affordability, and identification of healthful foods by working with local retailers to promote healthier food and beverage options; and adopt policies to increase the number of multi-unit properties that are smoke-free. For more information on participating in the project, call Todd Ford of the Hampshire Council of Governments at (413) 584-1300, ext. 121, or Sue Cairn of the Hampshire Education Collaborative at (413) 586-4998, ext. 114.

Service Group Funding Replacement of Trees
SPRINGFIELD — Service Group Inc., the primary Clean and Safe contractor for the Springfield Business Improvement District (SBID), will fund the replacement of 11 trees in the downtown area damaged by last June’s tornado. Service Group, based in Malvern, Pa., is offering the trees as a gift to thank the downtown Springfield property owners who fund the SBID. “We walked the tornado-damaged areas over the summer, and saw that the void left by the lack of trees was stunning,” said Service Group executive Nick Bendistis. “This gift is a pretty obvious way of giving back to a community that we care deeply about. We are an engaged partner in Springfield’s revitalization.” Eleven trees throughout the downtown that were either damaged or destroyed by the tornado have been selected for replacement. The first tree to be replaced is outside of Tower Square by the CVS entrance at 1500 Main St.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By
Chamber Corners Departments

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

• May 2: Business@Breakfast, 7:15 at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House in Holyoke.  Breakfast Networking begins at 7:15. Panel discussion by Mayors Domenic Sarno of Springfield and Alex Morse of Holyoke. Jim Madigan of WGBY TV is the chief greeter and moderator. Sponsors include Freedom Credit Union, season ticket Sponsor; FastSigns, season sign sponsor; Verizon Wireless, coffee bar sponsor. Salutes go to MacDuffie School for 50 years of chamber membership, and Pioneer Valley Christian School on its 40th anniversary. Also, the Bell Ringers from the Pioneer Valley Christian School will be performing that morning. Cost is $20 for members, $30 for non-members. Register online at www.myonlinechamber.com or e-mail [email protected].
• May 9: After5, 5-7 p.m., Elegant Affairs/the Glass Room, 1380 Main St., Springfield. Enjoy a night of food, drink, great company, and fantastic networking. Cost is $10 for members, $20 for non-members. Registration may be done online at www.myonlinechamber.com, or  e-mail [email protected].

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

• May 9: Chamber Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Red Barn. Cost is $12 for members, $15 for non-members.
• May 22: Chamber After Five, 5-7 p.m., at the The Lord Jeffery Inn. Cost is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

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

• April 25: April Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at the Hampton Inn, Memorial Drive, Chicopee. Tickets are $5 for pre-registered members, $15 for non-members.
• April 18: April Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. Tickets are $19 for members, $26 for non-members. Chairperson: Ron Proulx, Dave’s Truck Repair, Inc. Chief greeter: Jeffrey Hayden, Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. Guest speaker: Trevor Smith, Laugh For No Reason Salutes: Ashland Water Technologies, 100-year anniversary; King Ward Coach Lines, 25-year anniversary; Marcotte Ford, 50-year anniversary; and Minuteman Press, new facility. Bows: the Arbors at Chicopee, 10-year anniversary; Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield, five-year anniversary.

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

• May 5: Spring Recycling Day, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Dispose responsibly of your old computer, monitor, TV, stereo, and/or home or office appliance. Location: Valley Recycling, 245 Easthampton Road, Route 10, Northampton. Recycling services courtesy of Duseau Trucking, Hatfield. This event is open to the public. Contact the chamber office for recycling fees; 100% of fees benefit chamber community programs.
• May 10: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank and hosted by Amy’s Place Bar & Grill, 80-82 Cottage St., Easthampton. This event features hors d’ouevres, door prizes, and a cash bar. Tickets: $5 for members, $15 for future members.
• May 18: Wine & Microbrew Tasting, 6-8:30 p.m., One Cottage Street (corner of Cottage and Union streets) in Easthampton. Sample more than 50 wines and microbrews and enjoy fine food and an extraordinary raffle. Major sponsor: Easthampton Savings Bank. Event sponsor: Innovative Business Systems. Wine Sponsor: Westfield Spirit Shop. Microbrew sponsor: Big E’s Supermarket. Food Sponsor: Log Rolling at the Log Cabin/Delaney House. Benefactor: Finck & Perras Insurance Agency. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door. To order tickets or for more information, call the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or order online at www.easthamptonchamber.org.
• May 20: “For The Kids!” Easthampton’s 12th Annual Big Rig Day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (rain or shine), at the Easthampton Municipal Building & Public Safety Complex, Payson Avenue, Easthampton. See trucks of all sizes — construction equipment, safety vehicles, and specialty cars and trucks. Free admission and parking. For more information, visit www.bigrigday.com.

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

• April 24: Business Person of the Year Award Dinner, 6 p.m., at the Delaney House, Country Club Road, Holyoke. The Greater Holyoke Business Community will honor Joseph L. Peters of Universal Plastics Corp. as Business Person of the Year. To register or for more information, call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• April 25: Beacon Hill Summit, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Members of area chambers, including Greater Holyoke, will participate in a one-day trip to the State House to meet with top leaders. Your payment of $180 covers coffee and danish, transportation to and from Beacon Hill, lunch with local legislators, a wrap-up reception, and legislative materials. Buses depart at 7 a.m. from the Plantation Inn at exit 6 off the Mass Pike and will return at 7 p.m. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376, or register online at holyokechamber.com
• May 16: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Simplicity Salon, 1735 Northampton St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Girls Inc. of Holyoke and Girl Scouts of Central and Western Mass. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. A marketing table is $25. Join your friends and colleagues for this informal evening of networking. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 21: The 44th Annual Holyoke Chamber Golf Tournament at Wyckoff Country Club, 233 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Registration and lunch at 11 a.m. Tee off at noon (scramble format). Cost is $125 per player, which includes 18 holes of golf, cart, lunch, prizes, dinner buffet, gift bag, and foursome photo. Awards, cash prizes, and raffles will follow dinner, consisting of an array of elaborate food stations. Call the Holyoke Chamber at (413) 534-3376 to sign up, or register online at holyokechamber.com.
• May 30: Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting, 4 p.m.,
at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House. Program followed by grand reception with assorted food stations. Sponsored by Goss & McLain Insurance Agency; Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll; TD Bank; Dowd Insurance Agency Inc.; and PeoplesBank. Tickets are $25. Call  (413) 534-3376 or register online at holyokechamber.com.

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

• April 27: Greater Northampton Chamber Auction, 6:30-9:30 p.m., at the
Clarion Hotel & Conference Center. Sponsored by Coca-Cola Refreshments. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door ($40 for donors). Bid to win your favorites from an inspired offering of more than 250 dining, shopping, travel, and entertaining choices. Visit www.explorenorthampton.com/auction for details. Dine all night long from an abundant, three-course meal of appetizers, mini-entrees, and desserts. Taste the season’s special V-One Vodka concoctions prepared by creator Paul Kozub. Sponsored by V-One Vodka and Eastside Grill.

• May 2: May Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., at North Country Landscapes (Route 66, Westhampton). Sponsored by Czelusniak Funeral Home. Cost is $10 for chamber members, $20 for guests.

NORTHAMPTON AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

• May 10: May Networking Event, 5-8 p.m., at Ibiza Tapas in Northampton. Free to NAYP members, $5 for guests. Visit www.thenayp.com for details.

PROFESSIONAL WOMEN’S CHAMBER
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• April 26: Professional Women’s Chocolate Affair, 6-9 p.m., at Chez Josef in Agawam. Event features elegant chocolate desserts, appetizers, cordials, and shopping at vendor booths. Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Proceeds will go to the Professional Women’s scholarship fund.

QUABOAG HILLS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

• April 27: Lasagna Dinner to benefit Elm Hill Center, 5-7 p.m., at
Brookfield Congregational Church, 8 Common St., Brookfield. Enjoy a lasagna dinner with a great crowd. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for children 12 years old and younger. The menu includes homemade lasagna, tossed salad, bread, beverages, and dessert. Make-your-own-sundaes will be available for a small additional cost. Take a chance in one of the great raffles. There is a family takeout meal deal for only $30. Proceeds will benefit therapeutic programming initiatives at Elm Hill Center. For more information, call Laurie Reynolds at (508) 347-8181, ext. 120.
n April 28: Volunteer Day at Elm Hill, 9:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., at the Elm Hill Center, 26 East Main St., Brookfield. Help at the spring cleanup of the Elm Hill grounds and mansion. Great for groups to work together. Refreshments will be available to thank all of the volunteers for their efforts in honor of National Volunteer Week. Proceeds will benefit therapeutic-programming initiatives at Elm Hill Center. For more information, call Ed LaPointe, (508) 347-8181, ext. 137, or visit www.rehabresourcesinc.org/elmhill/events.htm

SOUTH HADLEY/GRANBY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• May 18: Legislative Breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m., at the Orchards Golf Club, South Hadley. Sponsors: South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce. Special guests: legislative representatives. Tickets are $15 at the door. RSVP at (413) 532-6451 by May 11. Seating is limited.
• May 21: South Hadley & Granby Day at the Orchards Golf Club. Tee times, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Sponsor: South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce. Opportunity to win a foursome at the Orchards. Cost is $65 per person, lunch included. For tee times and details, call Tony Giannetti at (413) 533-1784, or e-mail [email protected].

THREE RIVERS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425

• May 7: Chamber meeting, 7-8 p.m., at the chamber office, 2376 Main St., Three Rivers.

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

• May 2: Wicked Wednesday, 5- 7 p.m, at the Holiday Inn, Enfield. WRC invites you to join us on the first Wednesday of every month at businesses across Agawam and West Springfield. Get a little wicked with us and see what WRC is all about. These events are free for WRC members and $10 for non-members.
• April 24: Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Captain Leonard’s House, Agawam.
• May 1: Membership Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Westfield Bank, Agawam.
• May 2: Education Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at the Agawam High School Career Development Center, Agawam.
• May 10: Programs Committee Meeting, 7:30- 9 a.m., at Management Search Inc., West Springfield.
• May 17: Economic Development Committee Meeting, 7:30-8:30 a.m., at the Work Opportunity Center, Agawam.
• May 18: Executive Committee Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at Hampden Bank, West Springfield.
• May 22: Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30- 8:30 a.m., at the Captain Leonard House, Agawam.

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

• May 16: WestNet Plus 1, 5-7 p.m. Hosted by Pioneer Valley Railroad, Old Montgomery Road, Westfield. Our monthly networking event will be held on the Pinsly Railroad Dining Car and Caboose with an opportunity to check out a locomotive in the shop. Our sponsor this month is Comcast. The featured speaker this month is Andrew Morehouse of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. It’s a great opportunity to make business connections, so bring your business cards. Cost is $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD
www.springfieldyps.com

• May 17: 4th Annual Great Golf Escape, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m., at Shaker Farms Country Club, Westfield. Non-member registrations opens April 1. Only 32 foursomes available.

Agenda

By
Agenda Departments

MCDI Career Showcase
April 26: The Mass. Career Development Institute will host an open house from 3 to 7 p.m. to showcase its extensive training programs. The event, the MCDI Career Showcase, will take place at 140 Wilbraham Ave. in Springfield. Instructors and staff will provide demonstrations and information about job-placement assistance and financial-aid programs available. MCDI programs include culinary arts, nurse’s aide/home health aide, sheet-metal fabrication and welding, medical office professional, and precision machining and manufacturing. To register or for more information, call (413) 781-5640.

Walk of Champions
May 6: The Goodnough Dike area of the Quabbin Reservoir will be the setting for the seventh annual Walk of Champions in Ware. Participants walk in honor or in memory of loved ones affected by cancer, with the determination to make a difference in those affected by the disease. The event offers a five-mile or two-mile walk, with entertainment and refreshments along the route. For more information, visit www.baystatehealth.org/woc or e-mail Michelle Graci, manager of fund-raising events at Baystate Health at [email protected].

Small-business Seminar
May 16: Local business owners will talk about what they have done to keep ahead of the many demands on their time, and at the same time adjust for the economic environment, during a workshop titled “Adapt, Diversify, Reinvent & Grow” at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Presenters include Paul DiGrigoli of Digrigoli Salon & School of Cosmetology; Tara Tetreault of Jackson & Connor; Kate Vishnyakov of Kate Gray Inc.; and Rick Ricard of Larien Products. The 9 to 11 a.m. session is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

Management Fundamentals Workshop
May 24: Lyne Kendall of the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will present “Business Plan Basics” from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Amherst Town Hall, first floor meeting room, 4 Boltwood Walk. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals from startup considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712 or visit www.msbdc.org/wmass.

NYC Bus Trip
June 30: The Chicopee Chamber of Commerce will host a bus trip to New York City, leaving the chamber parking lot at 7 a.m. and returning around 9:30 p.m. Participants are on their own for the day in New York City. Tickets are $45 per person. For more information, contact Lynn at (413) 594-2101.

40 Under Forty
June 21: BusinessWest will present its sixth class of regional rising stars at its annual 40 Under Forty gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The June 21 gala will feature music, lavish food stations, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $60 per person, with tables of 10 available. Early registration is advised, as seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 781-8600, ext. 100, or visit www.businesswest.com.

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, or e-mail [email protected], or visit www.wmbexpo.com.

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
Desiree K. Gibbons v. Zheng’s Garden, LLC
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing slip and fall: $9,337.60
Filed: 2/14/12

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Kathleen Hunter v. The Bank of Canton
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive trade practices regarding foreclosure on home: $269,000
Filed: 3/23/12

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Meadow Village, LLC v. City of Westfield
Allegation: Eminent-domain damage assessment: $35,000
Filed: 4/2/12

Northgate Medical, P.C. v. PSS World Medical Inc. f/k/a Physician Sales & Services Inc. and James Milewski
Allegation: Defendants converted business property belonging to plaintiff: $33,519.16
Filed: 3/15/12

TD Bank, N.A. v. NSS Contracting Inc. and Michael Scyocurka
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay: $26,071.71
Filed: 3/8/12

Varandas & Sons Contracting Inc. v. Geeleher Enterprises Inc. and Fidelity and Deposit Co. of Maryland
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials provided: $187,406.10
Filed: 3/13/12

Vulcraft of New York Inc. v. H.B.H. Steel Inc. d/b/a Metro West Steel
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $179,082
Filed: 4/2/12

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Tanya and Matthew Rogalski v. Gary Rome Hyundai Inc.
Allegation: The defendant failed to make the proper and required disclosures regarding the sale of an automobile: $22,907.89
Filed: 1/10/12

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Citibank N.A. v. Luzi’s Autobody Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on business-loan account: $24,796.13
Filed: 3/23/12

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Abide Inc. v. J.L.B. Enterprises and James L. Bent
Allegation: Balance remaining for asbestos-removal services provided: $5,740.49
Filed: 3/2/12

Dashaunna Porter v. Car Credit 1st
Allegation: Defendant sold the plaintiff a defective vehicle: $12,259.73
Filed: 3/9/12

Liberty Insurance Co. v. Xambioa Painting and Cleaning and Ivone Regina Freitas
Allegation: Non-payment on two workers’ compensation policies: $8,965.64
Filed: 3/8/12

Opinion

By
Opinion
Crowdfunding Could Spur Startups

The Great Depression led to the adoption of a series of laws designed to prevent individual investors from being fleeced by unscrupulous and fraudulent ‘businessmen.’ These laws provided the framework of securities laws that have been navigated by countless entrepreneurs since the 1930s seeking legitimate investment in their fledgling businesses. Conversely, the Great Recession has pushed Congress to adopt the Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act, signed into law by President Obama on April 5, which fundamentally changes the rules of the investment game for businesses of all sizes.
Perhaps the most significant change is allowing startups to use ‘crowdfunding” to raise capital. There is significant potential for a flourishing of startups as this new flavor of capital comes online. There is also the opportunity for regular Americans to get the same opportunity angel investors have had for decades — the small chance to make a lot of money and a much larger chance of losing every penny — investing in startups.
Crowdfunding is the modernization of an old process — raising small amounts of money from a large number of people — using the power and scope of the Internet. Crowdfunding via the Internet already exists in many different forms. Independent journalists fund investigative journalism not funded by the mainstream media via Spot.us; Kickstarter.com allows inventors and artists to raise funding directly from (and sell to) people passionate about the product; and Kiva.org assists developing-world entrepreneurs to connect directly to individual philanthropists to secure microloans.
Here’s how it usually works. Entrepreneurs create a ‘pitch’ profile on a crowdfunding Web site. The crowdfunding site reviews the profile to be sure it is appropriate and not fraudulent (with varying levels of success). The crowdfunding sites have an incentive to list only honest, worthy companies — otherwise, the ‘crowd’ will migrate to an alternate crowdfunding Web site. If the application is approved, the entrepreneurs use social media to promote their pitch to communities of people likely to be receptive to the idea. People who take interest review the profile, often engage in an online discussion with the entrepreneurs, and may make a financial contribution through the crowdfunding site.
The SEC will be finalizing the rules and restrictions on crowdfunding over the next 270 days; however, the JOBS Act already contains significant limitations on both the investor and the company seeking investments through crowdfunding. Companies can raise only $1 million every 12 months through crowdfunding (however, these companies still can — and many will — raise additional funds pursuant to the current, more traditional private-placement rules). Depending on the predefined target that the company establishes for its fund-raising round, the company will need to prepare detailed financial statements (audited if the target is more than $500,000) and deliver these to any prospective investor. The company must also provide both the SEC and prospective investors indepth information about the company and the offering, including the company’s business plan, the risks of the investment, and information about the officers, directors, or managers of the company.
Although any American can participate in crowdfunding as an investor, each crowdfunder will be able to invest only a limited percentage of their annual income (5% for individuals with income under $100,000, 10% for those over this threshold) in any 12-month period. Additionally, the equity that these crowdfunders receive will be restricted stock — it cannot be transferred for 12 months, with few exceptions.
The legalization of crowdfunding will also lead to the launch of a new kind of company — the fund-raising portal — as any company raising funds through crowdfunding must use these portals to act as the conduit between the company and the investors. These portals will exist only on the Internet — there will be no bricks-and-mortar storefront for these portals. The portal will need to register with the SEC and take reasonable steps to ensure that all participating in crowdfunding have followed all of the SEC’s rules — essentially the SEC will be ‘deputizing’ the portals to enforce the SEC’s rules. Companies using a portal should expect to pay 6% to 10% of the total funds raised as a service fee.
Congress and the president hope crowdfunding will lead to more startups obtaining critical funding early in their development, which should lead to more small businesses getting off the ground. However, the individuals investing in these early-stage companies need to be aware of the risks of these investments and remember the golden rule of investing: “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Attorney Scott Foster, Esq. and Paul Silva are co-founders of Valley Venture Mentors.

Editorial

By
Opinion
40 Reasons to Feel Good About the Future

When BusinessWest started its 40 Under Forty Program just over five years ago, there were expectations — and also some trepidation.
We knew we could identify some rising stars in the region’s business, nonprofit, and entrepreneurship realms, but there were always whispers — and sometimes loud doubts — about just how deep the talent pool was.
As we introduce the sixth class of 40 Under Forty winners, it’s clear that the pool is quite deep — and also very inspiring. For those looking for positive signs that this region will have the young leadership it will need to grow and take on the many challenges facing municipalities in this global, information-based economy, the profiles beginning on page A6 should provide them.
Each of these stories is unique, but there are many common denominators, especially the twin desires to excel and make a difference in the community. Here are just a few examples:
• Carla Cosenzi, the high scorer among the more then 100 nominees. In business, she and her brother, Thomas, are not only continuing the legacy established by their father in the automobile industry, but they’re building upon it with the addition of a Volkswagen dealership in Northampton. In the community, she’s continuing another tradition — the Thomas E. Cosenzi Driving for the Cure charity golf tournament (named after her father, who succumbed to cancer several years ago), which has to date raised more than $200,000 in support of brain-cancer research;
• Ben Einstein, the serial entrepreneur who is devoting considerable time and energy to the cause of helping others get businesses off the ground and to the next level though his involvement with the Idea Mill conference, which is likely to become an annual event in this region;
• Eric Hall, the Westfield police sergeant who became the first law-enforcement officer to join a 40 Under Forty class. His passions are fighting and preventing crime, and helping young people make smart choices. He can often be seen sharing lunch with elementary-school students, and is now chairman of the board at the city’s YMCA;
• Jason Tsitso, who has helped R&R Windows battle back from the rough patch resulting from the Great Recession and its crippling impact on the construction sector. In the community, he took his passion for bicycling and channeled it into a fun — and highly successful — fund-raiser for Habitat for Humanity called Trails for Nails.
• State Sen. James Welch, one of the few public-sector leaders to become a 40 Under Forty winner. He has mastered the art and science of constituent service, especially in the wake of the June 1 tornado, the path of which closely approximates the district he represents.
• Sheila Moreau, who, with her mother, has helped shape MindWing Concepts into one of the more intriguing entrepreneurial success stories in recent years. What’s more, she’s making good on a commitment to serve the community in a number of ways, especially as a volunteer with the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day parade. She even sings the national anthem at sporting events and community gatherings.
The other 34 stories are equally compelling, but these are representative of this year’s class. You won’t find the word in every profile, but the trait these young men and women share is passion — to achieve excellence, to innovate, to help others within our community, and, most importantly, to lead.
After reading these stories, you should feel at least a little better about the future of this region. Thanks to them, it looks very bright.