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Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff January 17, 2012

Opinion

Work in Progress: Glacial Improvement on Jobs

The December jobs numbers are good news — sort of — for the economy and the Obama re-election campaign. The economy added 200,000 new jobs, and the duration of unemployment is down slightly. Wages and hours worked are up, too. We can anticipate continuing progress between now and November.
But the bad news is that, though the trend is in the right direction, the progress is glacial. As Heidi Sherholz of the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) reports, the deficit of jobs needed to keep up with the normal growth of working-age population is still upwards of 10 million. Even at December’s modestly improved rate of net job creation, it will take until 2019 for the U.S. to recover its pre-recession rate of unemployment.
Moreover, as EPI points out, if we factor in workers who have dropped out of the labor force by looking at the ratio of employment to population (which is still down almost five percentage points since the beginning of 2007), the adjusted unemployment rate would be 9.5%.
The other problem is wages. As the New York Times keeps reporting in its fine “Working for Less” series, some jobs are coming back, but the wages are down by as much as half. And as long as that is the case, the measured unemployment rate can drop, but people still feel as if their own personal economy is in a deep recession. Between June 2009 — when the recession officially ended — and June 2011, inflation-adjusted median household income fell 6.7%, to $49,909, according to a study by two former Census Bureau officials.
This trend has only begun to reverse. Worker productivity is actually increasing at a rapid rate, but nearly all of these gains have been captured by corporate profits rather than worker wages.
As long as household income is down, there is not enough purchasing power to drive a recovery strong enough to generate enough good jobs at good wages. At the bottom of this problem are deep structural trends compounded by the financial collapse. They include a chronic trade deficit, the weakness of labor unions, and economic deregulation that gave corporations the power to batter down wages.
Since the financial crash, these longer-term trends have been compounded by the deflationary drag of the housing collapse and misplaced austerity fever. While the private sector is belatedly adding jobs, a public sector that should be leaning against the winds is still cutting net jobs.
So while the December jobs report is cautiously hopeful news both politically and economically, the administration, should President Obama win a second term, will have to do a great deal more to restore an economy of good jobs at good wages.

Robert Kuttner is co-founder and co-editor of the American Prospect.

Editorial: A Victory on Many Levels

By BusinessWest Staff January 17, 2012

Opinion

Thing5 Move Downtown Spurs Momentum in Springfield

The recent announcement that Thing5 LLC will be creating a new call center in One Financial Plaza, thus bringing 500 new jobs to Springfield, is a positive story for the city and the region — on a number of levels.
Let’s start with the jobs. That’s priority No. 1 in the Greater Springfield area, and it has been for many years now. Some might look at this and say, ‘it’s only call-center jobs,’ or words to that effect, but these opportunities come on many levels, from entry positions to management slots, and, in many cases, they can be handled by those who do not possess a college education. The region needs those high-quality jobs (call them white-collar, if you like), but it also needs employment opportunities like these, especially in such large volume.
Beyond the employment factor, there are many other aspects to this story, all of them positive. First, this company started here, in the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College — which was created to spur this kind of tech-related enterprise — and thus provides solid evidence that we can incubate ventures and grow them into major employers.
Also, this company stayed here. Indeed, when it reached that proverbial next level, there were, quite obviously, opportunities to take Thing5 almost anywhere — because there isn’t a city or town in the Commonwealth or well beyond it that wouldn’t fight, and fight hard, for 500 jobs. But management chose to stay in the City of Homes, largely because of the lower cost of living, available workforce, access, quality of life, and affordable commercial real estate.
This shows that our various assets are tangible — and sellable.
But perhaps the biggest benefit will come in the form of greater momentum downtown. First, this move gives a substantial boost to the office tower known as One Financial Plaza, which has had several dark floors for many years, but has been staging something of a comeback recently.
Beyond that, though, the 500 new employees working downtown will provide a larger critical mass of people needed to spur additional investments, be they in support businesses, hospitality-related ventures such as restaurants and clubs, or badly needed retail.
And there is another component — the possibility that some of these employees may soon be working and living downtown, thanks to a program that will offer reduced lease rates to Thing5 employees at the nearby Morgan Square apartments, managed by the same company (Samuel D. Plotkin) that also manages One Financial Plaza. This additional residential piece could further stimulate investment in the central business district and be a key contributor to the kind of vibrancy that other Northeast cities have enjoyed.
As we said, there are many angles to this positive story for Springfield and its downtown. The headlines were all about the jobs coming to the city — and that’s an important aspect of this — but there are many other elements that bode well for the City of Homes.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Company Notebook Departments

Hampden Bank Donates $150,000 to Develop Springfield
SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently granted $150,000 to support the plans and objectives of DevelopSpringfield. “We not only see this as an opportunity to help build a better, more vibrant community, but, as a corporate citizen and a purpose-driven organization headquartered in Springfield since 1852, we also consider this is a major responsibility,” said Thomas Burton, president and CEO of the bank. “We are proud to be part of this significant effort to move Springfield forward.” DevelopSpringfield is a private Massachusetts nonprofit 501(c)(3) formed in 2008 to advance development and redevelopment of commercial real-estate projects, stimulate and support economic growth, and expedite the revitalization process within the City of Springfield. In recent months, Mayor Domenic Sarno requested that DevelopSpringfield, in partnership with the Springfield Redevelopment Authority, expand its role to lead the city’s multi-year planning and redevelopment activities for areas impacted by the tornado of June 1. “Throughout the years, and regardless of the challenges facing our community, we have always been able to count on Hampden Bank to support important community needs in Springfield,” said Nicholas Fyntrilakis of Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co., and chair of DevelopSpringfield’s 14-member board. “Supporting DevelopSpringfield is the latest example of their commitment to our community.”

United Bank Named Top SBA Lender to Women
WEST SPRINGFIELD — United Bank was recently named the state’s #1 Lender to Women in fiscal 2011 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). United Bank approved the highest percentage of total loans to women of all participating SBA lenders. Joanne Sheedy, RCA portfolio manager, accepted the award on behalf of United Bank at a recent meeting of SBA participating lenders in Boston. Robert Nelson, Massachusetts district director, applauded lenders for supporting SBA loan programs, which he called a “tremendous benefit to our businesses and economic recovery in Massachusetts.”

WMECo Completes Largest Solar Facility in Region
SPRINGFIELD — Western Massachusetts Electric Co. (WMECo) celebrated the completion of its second large-scale solar-energy facility on Dec. 21 in the Indian Orchard section of the city. The facility features 8,200 solar panels and produces 2.3 megawatts (MW) of electricity. WMECo representatives joined local and state officials in celebrating the transformation of the former foundry site into a clean, renewable energy facility. The Indian Orchard facility joins WMECo’s Silver Lake Solar facility in Pittsfield as one of the largest in the Northeast region, and is the largest in New England. The project brought nearly $12 million of new construction to the region and will contribute $400,000 of annual property tax revenue to the City of Homes. Springfield is one of the two Gateway Communities in WMECo’s service territory, and is home to approximately 65,000 WMECo customers. The Commonwealth has a goal to install 250 MW of solar generation by 2017. Under the landmark Green Communities Act, each Massachusetts electric utility may own up to 50 MW of solar, subject to approval by the Department of Public Utilities.

Bay Path Receives
$25,000 Award
LONGMEADOW — Bay Path College recently received a $25,000 scholarship award from the Petit Family Foundation during its first Evening Honoring Women in Science event at the Connecticut Science Center. The award will be used to provide financial support for students who are pursuing careers in the sciences. Bay Path currently offers undergraduate majors in biology, biotechnology, and forensic science, and will be introducing programs in biochemistry and neuroscience in the fall of 2012. The Petit Family Foundation honors the memories of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, Hayley Elizabeth Petit, and Michaela Rose Petit by continuing the kindness, idealism, and activism that defined their lives. The foundation’s funds are given to foster the education of young people, especially women in the sciences, to improve the lives of those affected by chronic illnesses, and to support efforts to protect and help those affected by violence. “On behalf of the college, I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Petit Family Foundation,” said Bay Path President Carol Leary. “With this scholarship award, our students will have the opportunity to study and excel in the sciences, pursuing meaningful and rewarding careers.”

CHD Elder Care Program Receives $10,000
SPRINGFIELD — The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently awarded the Center for Human Development’s Hawthorn Elder Care program a $10,000 grant to fund performances of Talking with Dolores, a one-act play that takes a serious look at depression and suicide among the elderly. The award is part of NEA’s Challenge America Fast Track program, which supports extending the arts to underserved audiences. The funding targets elder Latino audiences in Massachusetts and Connecticut. CHD is one of 162 organizations nationwide to receive this award. “We’re thrilled about the grant award because we will be able to reach more people with an important message,” said Jim Callahan, vice president of CHD Hawthorn Elder Care, in a statement. “The play tackles serious issues, but it does so in a very creative way. More than anything, it’s an effective way to get the community at large to talk about issues that are often times uncomfortable to discuss.” The NEA grant also enables Hawthorn to fund Hablando con Dolores, a Spanish-language production of the play.

Big Y Adds 38th Pharmacy
GUILFORD, CT — Big Y Foods Inc. recently opened its 38th pharmacy in a World Class Market in Guilford. Paul Dimmock, R.Ph., is the pharmacy manager, assisted by Robert Frye, R.Ph., and Jane Gray, R.Ph. Big Y pharmacies also conduct special wellness events throughout the year, including flu shots and cholesterol, osteoporosis, and blood-pressure screenings.

People On the Move

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Departments People on the Move

Florence Savings Bank announced the following:

Erin L. Couture

• Erin L. Couture has been elected Vice President, Commercial Lending Officer of the Commercial Lending Department; and

Nancy D. Mirkin

• Nancy D. Mirkin has been elected Vice President, Commercial Lending Officer of the Commercial Lending Department.
•••••
Attorney John G. Bagley, Partner at Morrison Mahoney in Springfield, has been admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers. He is the first person in the 63-year history of the firm to be inducted into the American College of Trial Lawyers. Bagley’s practice focuses on medical, dental, and legal malpractice; professional liability; product liability; commercial litigation; construction liability; employment litigation; and general negligence.
•••••
Karina L. Schrengohst, Esq. has been elected to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of Community Enterprises Inc. She is an Associate at Royal LLP, a management-side labor- and employment-law firm.
•••••
TD Bank announced the following:
• Gregg P. Desmarais has been appointed Store Manager at the TD Bank branch at 60 Main St., Westfield. He is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, managing personnel, and overseeing the day-to-day operations; and

Derrick P. Feuerstein

• Derrick P. Feuerstein has been named Store Manager of the TD Bank Hadley store, 140 Russell St. An Assistant Vice President, he is responsible for new-business development, managing personnel, consumer and business lending, and overseeing daily operations.
•••••
Six-Point Creative Works in Springfield announced the following:
• Meghan Lynch has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. In her new role, she is responsible for business and client development, and continues to manage day-to-day agency operations; and
• Marsha Montori will serve as Chief Strategist for client accounts.
•••••
Bacon Wilson, P.C. of Springfield announced that eight attorneys have been distinguished as New England “SuperLawyers,” and six of its attorneys have been distinguished as “Rising Stars” in the November issue of Boston magazine:

Paul R. Salvage

• Attorney Paul R. Salvage is the Co-chairman of the Insolvency Department. His practice deals with creditors, individuals, and companies facing financial difficulties. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Gary L. Fialky

• Attorney Gary L. Fialky is Chairman of the Corporate Department. His practice is concentrated in business and banking law, with an emphasis on business formations, mergers, and acquisitions. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Michael B. Katz

• Attorney Michael B. Katz is Co-chairman of the Bankruptcy Department. His practice is concentrated in business and insolvency law. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Paul H. Rothschild

• Attorney Paul H. Rothschild is Chairman of the Litigation Department. His practice is concentrated in general litigation, as well as personal injury, product liability, medical malpractice, and employer/employee disputes. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Hyman G. Darling

• Attorney Hyman G. Darling is Chairman of the Estate Planning and Elder Law departments. His areas of expertise include all areas of estate planning, probate, and elder law. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Michael J. Coyne

• Attorney Michael J. Coyne is a member of the Litigation Department with experience in commercial litigation, motor-vehicle franchising, banking litigation, lender-liability defense, franchise-litigation defense, municipal-law litigation, and government-contracts litigation. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Francis R. Mirkin

• Attorney Francis R. Mirkin specializes in commercial and residential real estate and general business matters, as well as commercial-loan documentation. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Stephen B. Monsein

• Attorney Stephen B. Monsein is a member of the Domestic Relations and Litigation departments. His work is concentrated on divorce cases, but he also handles personal-injury cases and does OUI defense work. He was named a SuperLawyer;

Gina M. Barry

• Attorney Gina M. Barry is a member of the Estate Planning/Elder Law Department whose practice includes estate-planning issues as well as pet estate planning. Additional areas of focus include guardianship, conservatorship, planning for long-term care, and residential real estate. She was named a Rising Star;

Justin H. Dion

• Attorney Justin H. Dion focuses on insolvency, business, and financial matters. In addition to handling Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcies, he also does financial planning, conducts foreclosures, and handles collection matters for lenders, as well as practicing nonprofit and real estate law. He was named a Rising Star;

Adam J. Basch

• Attorney Adam J. Basch is a member of the Litigation Department whose areas of practice include construction litigation, personal injury, general litigation, and commercial litigation. He was named a Rising Star;

Todd C. Ratner

• Attorney Todd C. Ratner is a member of the Estate Planning/Elder Law Department whose practice includes estate-planning issues. Additional areas of practice include commercial and residential real estate together with general business and corporate law. He was named a Rising Star;

Benjamin M. Coyle

• Attorney Benjamin M. Coyle is a member of the Business and Corporate, Estate Planning and Elder, Litigation, and Municipal departments. He was named a Rising Star; and

Kevin V. Maltby

• Attorney Kevin V. Maltby concentrates his practice on litigation and employment law. He was named a Rising Star.
•••••
The YMCA of Greater Springfield announced five new board members. They are:
• Ray Berry;
• Jules Gaudreau;
• Brendon Hutchins;
• John Koomson; and
• Sarah A. Williams.
The addition of these new members brings the total number of board members to 26.
•••••
Freedom Credit Union announced the following:
• Amy E. Fyden has been appointed Branch Officer of the Easthampton branch; and
• Beverly Walz has been appointed Branch Officer of the Sixteen Acres branch in Springfield.
As branch officers, both women oversee the financial and lending operations of their branch, develop new business opportunities with individuals and businesses, and promote financial literacy at area schools.
•••••
SABIC in the Americas, based in Pittsfield, announced the following:
• Innovative Plastics Executive Vice Presi-dent Charlie Crew will retire on Jan. 1; and
• Keith J. Smith, formerly of DuPont, will succeed Crew. Smith joined the company in December to plan for the transition.
SABIC acquired GE Plastics in 2007 and integrated it into its diverse portfolio as the Innovative Plastics strategic business unit.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Chamber Corners Departments

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

• Jan. 4: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. at the Sherato• Springfield. The monthly breakfast pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions that reflect honor o• the region. The chamber breakfast gives your company exposure to business owners, upper management, and salespeople. Each month, September through June, the event is hosted at a different locatio• throughout the ACCGS community. To reserve tickets, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

• Jan. 4: After 5, 5-7 p.m. Network, build relationships, and forge strategic partnerships. The ACCGS After 5, held the second Wednesday of certai• months September through June, offers business professionals from diverse industries a• opportunity to exchange business leads while socializing i• a casual atmosphere. For more information, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

Amherst Area
Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

• Jan. 11: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott. Tickets: $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

• Jan. 25: Amherst Area Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. Cost: $5 for members; $10 for non-members. The new chamber Web site will debut.

Frankli• County
Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

• Jan. 17: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m. at the Farm Table at Kringle Candle, Bernardston. Tickets: $5 for members, $8 for non-members.

• Jan. 27: Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m. at the Greenfield Corporate Center. Program TBA. Co-sponsored by F/H Career Center. Tickets: $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

Greater Easthampto•
Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

• Jan. 26: Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, 5 p.m. at Southampto• Country Club. Annual awards presentatio• for business, business person, and nonprofit members of the year. Also, a review of a successful, 2011, and a celebratio• of member milestones. Cost: $30 per person, inclusive. For more information, visit [email protected]

Greater Holyoke
Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

• Jan. 11: 2011 Winners Circle, 5-7 p.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampto• St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Dowd Insurance Agency; Holyoke Community College; Holyoke Medical Center; PeoplesBank; Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll; and Universal Plastics. Cost: $25. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376.

• Jan. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Mrs. Mitchell’s Kitchen, 514 Westfield Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Credit Union. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.

Greater Northampto•
Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

• Jan. 4: January Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., at Verizo• Wireless/Wireless Zone, 162 North King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Normandeau Communications Inc. Cost: $10 for members. Arrive@5 is a casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends.

Northampto• Area Young Professional Society
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

• Jan. 12: NAYP Monthly Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at the World War II Club, 50 Conz St., Northampton. Cost: free for members, $5 for guests.

Professional Women’s Chamber
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

• Jan. 18: Professional Women’s Chamber Business Expo, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Max’s Taver• at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Accepting reservations for the 14th Annual Tabletop Expo. Last year’s successful expo was a sellout. Sig• up today to showcase your company’s products and services or to attend the event. Display price includes a draped table and lunch for one. General admissio• tickets include specialty sandwiches, fruit, chips, and dessert. For more information, contact Lyn• Johnso• at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

Greater Westfield
Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Jan. 9: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Dunkin’ Donuts, 625 East Mai• St., Westfield. Cost: free.

• Jan. 18: WestNet networking event, 5-7 p.m., at Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick. Opportunity to meet other local businesses and chamber members. Cash bar and free hors’doeuvres. Tickets: $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Your first WestNet is always free.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Agenda Departments

Anthropologist Lecture
Feb. 22: Susan Darlington, a professor at Hampshire College, will discuss her latest book, The Ordination of a Tree: The Thai Buddhist Environmental Movement, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. Darlington has studied the work of Buddhist monks in Thailand who are engaged in rural development and environmental conservation. The science-based talks, at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, will also include insights into religion and social activism. The presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

Author Lecture
March 28: Internationally acclaimed author Tom Perrotta will read from his upcoming novel, The Leftovers, at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. The talks are free and open to the public. Two of Perrotta’s books, Election, and Little Children, have been made into movies, and five novels have been national bestsellers. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

Slam Poet Lecture
April 13: Taylor Mali, a former high-school teacher who has emerged from the slam-poetry movement as one of its leaders, will discuss his performances at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. The talks are free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

Difference Makers
March 22: BusinessWest will stage its fourth annual Difference Makers Celebration at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The program recognizes area individuals and organizations that are truly making a difference in this region. The winners will be announced in February. The awards ceremony will feature entertainment, butlered hors d’ oeuvres, and introductions of the winners. Tickets are $55 per person, with tables of 10 available. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail to [email protected], or visit www.businesswest.com.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

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
Edmund J. Demers v. Poet’s Seat Health Care Center
Allegation: Negligence and breach of duty of care causing injury: $16,638.93
Filed: 11/10/11

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Roma Food Service v. Bada Bings Bar and Pizzeria Inc. d/b/a Christina’s Pizzeria & Tavern
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,307.21
Filed: 10/20/11

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Adolfo’s Restaurant Inc. v. American Canvas and Aluminum and Lyman Conrad
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $100,000
Filed: 10/28/11

Brunelle Electric v. Supermedia, LLC
Allegation: Failure to provide services: $250,000
Filed: 10/28/11

East Baking Company, Danny & Idalina Serra v. Irwin I. Weitz, Esq. and Weitz & Weitz
Allegation: Legal malpractice: $750,000
Filed: 10/31/11

Mark Machine Co. v. Bronx County Recycling, LLC and Salvatore Cascino
Allegation: Non-payment of services, labor, and materials: $25,529.55
Filed: 11/10/11

Uneco Manufacturing Inc. v. Dow Roof Systems, LLC and Christopher Maurice d/b/a Commercial Construction Services
Allegation: Breach of contract: $45,000
Filed: 11/9/11

Western Mass Environmental, LLC v. Stamford Wrecking Co. and Douglas P. Fleming, LLC and VAMC Bedford
Allegation: Breach of contract: $213,061.68
Filed: 11/12/11

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Julie Szymanski v. Caceres-Ferez-Gomez Realty, LLC
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $7,000
Filed: 11/9/11

Meister Media Worldwide Inc. v. Hampden Structural Systems Inc. d/b/a Private Garden Greenhouse Systems
Allegation: Non-payment of previous judgment: $10,877.01
Filed: 9/17/11

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Cutter & Buck v. Fran Johnson’s Golf & Tennis
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $3,757.32
Filed: 11/22/11

Seaboard Drilling Inc. v. Atlantic Environmental Technologies
Allegation: Breach of contract for drilling services: $12,552.94
Filed: 11/15/11

U.S. Foodservice Inc. v. Compari’s Inc. and Tracy v. Mountain
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,928.75
Filed: 12/2/11

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Brian Bigelow v. City of Westfield
Allegation: Negligence in maintenance of sidewalk causing injury: $13,000
Filed: 11/30/11

Margaret Schimke v. Blanford Club Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing injury: $20,132.16
Filed: 11/29/11

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

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]

Pitching In

The Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently granted $150,000 to support the plans and objectives of DevelopSpringfield. Seen here, from left, are Nicholas Fyntrilakis, chairman of the board of DevelopSpringfield; Thomas Burton, vice chairman and CEO of Hampden Bank; Glenn Welch, president and COO of the bank; and Robert Massey, CFO, treasurer, and senior vice president of the bank.

Top Lender

United Bank’s Joanne Sheedy (center), RCA portfolio manager, recently accepted the bank’s award as the U.S. Small Business Administration’s #1 Lender to Women in 2011 from the SBA’s Robert Nelson, Massachusetts district director, and Jeanne Hulit, New England regional administrator.

Capital Idea

Polish National Credit Union recently donated $25,000 to the Chicopee Senior Center capital campaign. Seen here, from left, are: Ernest LaFlamme, co-chair of the capital campaign; James Kelly, president and CEO of Polish National Credit Union; and Richard Kos, co-chair of the capital campaign.

Holiday Party

More than 80 area children attended the annual Children’s Holiday Party on Dec. 17 hosted by WTCC-90.7 FM, the radio station of Springfield Technical Community College. DJ Fred (Flash) Layne, in his 13th year in the role, was Santa Claus. Station members personally donated more than $800 toward the event, according to committee chair Valerie King-Jackson. WTCC General Manager Denise Stewart said the event “helped these children to understand the love of a community.” Each child received a book donated by Barnes & Noble.

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Opinion

An Age of Demoralizing Debt

The number itself is daunting: $1 trillion in student debt. That means there is more student debt than credit-card debt in the U.S. And that the amount of student debt in this country is in the realm of the GDP of such nations as South Korea, Mexico, and Australia.
This issue has the potential to fray our social fabric. The Occupy Wall Street protests inspired the Occupy Student Debt campaign, which has been asking 1 million students nationwide to pledge not to repay their student loans. This is a lose-lose proposition — one with potentially harrowing long-term financial implications for anyone who might follow this course — and it’s for the better that the Occupy Student Debt pledge has not caught on.
Yet the basic impulse is entirely understandable. There was a time in the not-too-distant past when student debt didn’t exist. When I went to college in the 1960s, students could pay for a college education without borrowing. College costs were low enough that a family contribution and a summer or part-time job got you through. You graduated with a degree — not with a payment plan.
As an educator, I have spent my entire career at public universities. When I was a young chemistry professor at Towson University in Maryland in the 1970s, a shared-responsibility social contract prevailed in the world of public higher education. Government funded about 70% of the cost of education, and students and families came up with the remaining 30%. Students graduated with little or no debt.
This shared-responsibility model acknowledged that earning a college degree benefited the student but also paid great social and economic dividends for communities, states, and the nation.
Today, that funding model has changed considerably. Nationally, the split is now closer to 50-50; the public subsidy and tuition dollars are roughly equal. The reason for this ominous change is clear: decreased funding by states has shifted more of the burden to the student.
In Massachusetts, the shift is even more acute. A decade ago the Commonwealth provided 63% of the funding for general education expenses at UMass. This year the state is providing 45%; students and their parents are on the hook for 55%.
So we have gone from the days when students took on no debt, moved through a period of ‘manageable debt,’ and now stand poised at the edge of an era of destabilizing, demoralizing debt. UMass students now graduate, on average, with $24,000 in debt, up from $14,000 only four years ago. At private universities, where education costs are two and a half times what they are at public universities, the debt story is even more daunting. How do we fix this major national problem?
There is no easy fix. But there are steps that, taken together, could put us back on a sustainable course.
For one, the 50 states need to make their public universities and colleges a higher priority. Next year is the 150th anniversary of the Morrill Act, which led to the creation of UMass and the vast expansion of public higher education nationwide. States should mark the occasion by rededicating themselves to the public institutions that have educated millions of citizens over the years and that drive the national economy.
The federal government should do its part by providing more grant aid to students — a step that would benefit public and private institutions alike.
We in higher education need to step up by reducing administrative and academic costs. We also need to make sure that students graduate in four years — eliminating the need for more loans and more debt.
While ‘crisis’ is a greatly overused word, its use is completely warranted in this instance. While organized default is not a good option, we do need to take a number of imaginative and purposeful steps to make sure that the student-debt storm does not batter our economy and our society. We need to keep our bridge to the future — our educational bridge — open wide for all citizens. v

Robert Caret is president of the University of Massachusetts.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2011.

AMHERST

Amherst Pelham Regional School
170 Chestnut St.
$1,070,500 — Replace 400 windows and 30-40 doors

Deborah Eaton
15 High St.
$432,000 — Construct multi-family dwelling with six apartments

Knights of Columbus
37 North Pleasant St.
$7,300 — Replace water-damaged awning

CHICOPEE

Haynes Realty, LLC
60 Haynes Circle
$75,000 — Construct billboard

Richard Kida
1021 Memorial Dr.
$10,000 — Install pre-fab handicap ramp

US Tsubaki Inc.
106 Lonczak Dr.
$2,320,000 — Construct 23,200-square-foot addition

GREENFIELD

AR Sandri, Inc.
400 Chapman St.
$6,000 — Interior renovations

Clinical and Support Options
47 Franklin St.
$24,000 — New roof

Leo P. LaChance
487-489 Bernardston Road
$6,400 — Renovations to add 126 square feet of retail space

McDonald’s Corporation
285 Federal St.
$25,000 — New flat roof

Syfeld Greenfield Associates
259 Mohawk Trail
$225,000 — Renovations to existing retail area

Town of Greenfield
125 Federal St.
$285,000 — New roof

Town of Greenfield
402 Main St.
$23,000 — New roof and gutter repair

Shree Vinayak Inc.
125 Mohawk Trail
$13,000 — New roof

HOLYOKE

South Holyoke Housing Limited Partnership
534 South Bridge St.
$31,000 — Re-build parapet wall

LUDLOW

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
584 West St.
$69,000 — Construction of new pavilion

Chin’s Restaurant
12 Lakeside Ave.
$20,000 — Alterations

SPRINGFIELD

APG Properties
130 Eastern Ave.
$28,000 — New roof

Crown Atlantic/Crown Castle
20 Birnie Ave.
$15,000 — Replace six antennas

E. Brook, LLP
309 Fernbank Road
$24,000 — New roof

Global Signal/Crown Castle
50 Chapel St.
$15,000 — Replace six antennas

J.C. Williams Community Center
116 Florence St.
$21,000 — Remodel space

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$192,000 — Construction of new office space

Springfield Rescue Mission
19 Bliss St.
$14,000 — Two-room renovation

Springfield Rescue Mission
19 Bliss St.
$34,500 — New roof

WESTFIELD

Jeffrey Glaze
Arch Road
$13,500 — 2,581-square-foot renovation

Pride Limited Partnership
33-39 Southampton Road
$61,500 — New roof

Suffield Westfield Properties Group, LLC
39 S. Broad St.
$10,000 — Alterations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Paul Longtin
1268 Riverdale St.
$10,000 — Renovate existing restaurant

Town of West Springfield
26 Central St.
$243,000 — Renovate portion of third floor for United Bank

Town of West Springfield
425 Piper Road
$8,961,000 — Erect 258,000-square-foot high school facility

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Opinion

A Breath of Fresh Air in Holyoke

When people reference Alex Morse’s age, they do so slowly and with conviction.
They say ‘22 years old’ as if there was a verbal exclamation point behind the number and words. And it’s understandable — that’s a very young age to be walking around with a business card that says ‘mayor of Holyoke.’
But Morse is not like most recent college graduates, as anyone who has spent just five minutes talking with him can readily understand. He has confidence, poise, a plan — well, about as much as any mayor can have a plan — and a deep affection for his city.
He’ll need all of that and more as he moves into the corner office, because the challenges facing Holyoke and all other urban centers are considerable, and real progress is difficult to achieve and sustain.
But Morse will make you want to believe.
His election is certainly one of the most intriguing stories of 2011 locally, a real breath of fresh air in a city that is in many ways ahead of Springfield in terms of generating some positive vibes. And now, with Morse’s election, there is genuine excitement and optimism in the Paper City.
There’s something else, too — what could be real leadership.
BusinessWest has recorded a number of urban turnaround stories in recent years. Just last month, we told the story of Grand Rapids, Mich., the site of a City2City visit involving a large delegation from this region. A year earlier, that same program took us to Winston-Salem and Greensboro, N.C. A few years ago, we relayed the stunning recovery in Lowell, and we’ve been witness to real progress in Worcester, Pittsfield, and other cities.
There are common denominators with each of these stories, but the most critical is leadership, in the form of individuals who can set a tone and get people to follow them and work with them as they carry out strategic initiatives; leadership, in the form of people who can restore civic pride and get people to believe in their community again; leadership, in the form of people who can generate game-changers.
It’s very early in the game — the new mayor is still organizing the desk drawers in his office — but we believe he possesses such leadership skills, even at 22.
In simple terms, Morse has real potential to be the proverbial right person in the right place at the right time. The place is a city that is showing some signs of life after spending decades in retreat, and the time is a period when Holyoke is gaining a reputation as a ‘green’ city, a place where individuals and businesses want to be, at a time when most planners and economic-development experts tell us that people want to move back into the cities that were abandoned in favor of the suburbs 40 years ago.
The person is someone who appears to have the ability to get people to listen, follow, and take the lead when necessary.
In sports, analysts have a phrase they use when observers get excited about someone who has excelled or overachieved in their first exhibition game or spring-training tilt. They say, ‘don’t put him in the Hall of Fame yet.’ That appears to be what we’re doing with Morse, and it’s probably a little unfair — or more than a little.
But even though he hasn’t presided over his first ceremonial ribbon-cutting yet, it is clear that there is excitement in Holyoke, and he is the primary cause of it. What happens when the media hype from the election and its aftermath dies down is anyone’s guess, but we believe that in time, and probably not much of it, people will stop referencing how old Morse is. That’s because they’ll have better, more important things to talk about.

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Alvarez, Ivette
a/k/a Rivera, Ivette
300 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Barnes, Dale E.
Barnes, Melissa M.
9 Belanger Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Battles, Jennifer Nicole
a/k/a Grannells, Jennifer N.
51 Southview Terrace
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Benitez, Yoni F.
Liberato, Jenny
712 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/11

Boyer, Jason Allyn
Boyer, Kerrianne
a/k/a Wolske, Kerrianne
310 Birch Hill Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Bump, Carl E.
Neale-Bump, Doris B.
36 Joy St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/28/11

Burr, Shirley Anne
82 Darling St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Cameron, Lucretia D.
1259 Plum Tree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/11

Cherry, Ronald
Cherry, Patricia
19 Ford St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/11

Christianson, Leona F.
28 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/11

Columbia, Percy R.
a/k/a Columbia, Richard P.
205 West Granville Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Connors, Patricia
26 Fullerton St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/11

Cote, Patrick M.
34 Rockview St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/11

Cruz, Tamara M.
62 Warner St., Apt. 4L
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Davidson, David G.
P.O. Box 854
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Dickson, Diana S.
16 Beyer Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/11

Dubish, Edward S.
Dubish, Jennifer A.
77 Lombard St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/11

Fleagle, Jr., Robert D.
Fleagle, Christina J.
21 Raymond Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/11

Guertin Day Care
Guertin, Roger David
Guertin, Shirley Marie
495 Burts Pit Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/11

Harnden, Brian S.
263 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Harrop, Ronald L.
79 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Keefe, Joseph W.
30 Westwood Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Kolek, Kimberly A
a/k/a Gauthier, Kimberly A.
33 Dale Court
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/11

Kozlowski, Michael
24 Farquhar Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/11

Labarre, Brooke A.
a/k/a Miltimore, Brooke A.
360 Westfield Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/11

LaBonte, Deborah J.
451 Hapgood St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/11

Lacasse, Lincoln A.
Lacasse, Kimberly A.
a/k/a Gray, Kimberly A.
191 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/11

Lami, Dannielle M.
P.O.Box 1785
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/26/11

Lander, John J.
Lander, Jamie E.
128 Gale Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Laprade, Pierre F.
Laprade, Catherine A.
P.O. Box 564
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Leahy, Stephanie J.
35 Jeanne Marie Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/11

Loizeaux, Clyde R.
125 Pondview Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Lynes, Leonard A.
Lynes, Halina J.
647 Britton St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Mahony, Clark T.
Mahony, Candace Docimo
119 Old Pleasant St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/11

McCabe, Donald V.
McCabe, Mary F.
5 Wood Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Melanson, Edward R.
51 Village Hill Road, #14
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/26/11

Messer, Cami J.
197 Pasco Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/11

Murdock, Gloria D.
204 Denver St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/11

Nana’s Day Care
Ventura, Thomas F.
Ventura, Geraldine F.
Third Ave.
P.O. Box 73
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/23/11

Norway, Donna B.
61 Leslie St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/26/11

Omartian, Virginia N.
286 Bridge St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/21/11

Pantojas, Cruz N.
16 Manilla Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Picard, Jessie M.
288 Allen Park Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Pierce, Lorene L.
a/k/a Massey, Lorene L.
a/k/a Small, Lorene L.
164 Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/11

Praise and Glory Church
339 State St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 11/22/11

Pratt, Kenneth R.
43 Orchard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Rathbun, Richard R.
24 Apremont St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Recoulle, Karen M.
296 Granville Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Roy, James R.
Roy, Paula A.
43 Spruce Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Sanchez-Vega, Epifanio
127 Elijah St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Schaffrick, John A.
Schaffrick, Brenda V.
15 Walnut St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/26/11

Shea, Joseph E.
1 Springfield St., Apt. 207
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/11

Shufelt, Douglas G.
P.O. Box 813
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Simpson, Bradley
35 Barlett Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Stabach, Paige E.
24 North St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Staton, Tommy Eugene
Staton, Debbie Ann
a/k/a Russell, Debbie A.
8 Banbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/11

Stewart, Nadia V.
a/k/a Jarrett, Nadia V.
111 Fargo St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/11

Sylvester, Kathy H.
630 Chicopee St., # 513
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Talbot, Rene F.
52 Meadow St. Apt 2
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/11

Torres, Alisa
16 Cornwall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/11

Editorial: A Victory on Many Levels

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Opinion

Thing5 Move Downtown Spurs Momentum in Springfield

The recent announcement that Thing5 LLC will be creating a new call center in One Financial Plaza, thus bringing 500 new jobs to Springfield, is a positive story for the city and the region — on a number of levels.
Let’s start with the jobs. That’s priority No. 1 in the Greater Springfield area, and it has been for many years now. Some might look at this and say, ‘it’s only call-center jobs,’ or words to that effect, but these opportunities come on many levels, from entry positions to management slots, and, in many cases, they can be handled by those who do not possess a college education. The region needs those high-quality jobs (call them white-collar, if you like), but it also needs employment opportunities like these, especially in such large volume.
Beyond the employment factor, there are many other aspects to this story, all of them positive. First, this company started here, in the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College — which was created to spur this kind of tech-related enterprise — and thus provides solid evidence that we can incubate ventures and grow them into major employers.
Also, this company stayed here. Indeed, when it reached that proverbial next level, there were, quite obviously, opportunities to take Thing5 almost anywhere — because there isn’t a city or town in the Commonwealth or well beyond it that wouldn’t fight, and fight hard, for 500 jobs. But management chose to stay in the City of Homes, largely because of the lower cost of living, available workforce, access, quality of life, and affordable commercial real estate.
This shows that our various assets are tangible — and sellable.
But perhaps the biggest benefit will come in the form of greater momentum downtown. First, this move gives a substantial boost to the office tower known as One Financial Plaza, which has had several dark floors for many years, but has been staging something of a comeback recently.
Beyond that, though, the 500 new employees working downtown will provide a larger critical mass of people needed to spur additional investments, be they in support businesses, hospitality-related ventures such as restaurants and clubs, or badly needed retail.
And there is another component — the possibility that some of these employees may soon be working and living downtown, thanks to a program that will offer reduced lease rates to Thing5 employees at the nearby Morgan Square apartments, managed by the same company (Samuel D. Plotkin) that also manages One Financial Plaza. This additional residential piece could further stimulate investment in the central business district and be a key contributor to the kind of vibrancy that other Northeast cities have enjoyed.
As we said, there are many angles to this positive story for Springfield and its downtown. The headlines were all about the jobs coming to the city — and that’s an important aspect of this — but there are many other elements that bode well for the City of Homes.

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2011.

AMHERST

Amherst Family Chiropractic
228 Triangle St.
Lee Kane

Amherst Healing Light Acupuncture
479 West St.
Elaine Walsh

Bold Folds
2 Dwight Circle
Alex Gillat

Visual Concepts 123
170 East Hadley Road
Yvonne Mendez

CHICOPEE

AJ’s Gaming
425 East St.
Luigi M. Montefusco

Cool Limos
658 Fuller Road
John Garcia

Diana Sobieras Photography
140 Hendrick St.
Diana Sobieras

MCS
17 Mellen St.
Daniel S. O’Connor

Wackerbarth Deliveries
57 Carter Dr.
Matthew Wackerbarth

GREENFIELD

ABC Cab
305 Federal St.
James Shippee

Blissful Nails
42 Chapman St.
Angela D. Dobie

Buttonfoot
111 Davis St.
Cyrstal Kelleher

Family Dollar Stores of Massachusetts
10 Colrain Road
Joyce K. Thaggard

Goodwin, Shine, and Associates
20 Federal St.
Alfred B. Goodwin

Sweet Banana Berry
87 Hayward St.
Raymond Trombly

Thai Blue Ginger
298 Main St.
Kanok Ninsri

HADLEY

Ascent Audiology
104 Russell St.
Northland Hearing Inc.

Calendar Club
367 Russell St.
SRV LLC

Loonar Tattoo
206 Russell St.
Albert Valenta

HOLYOKE

Dock’s Classics
31 Jackson St.
James D. Perry

Dunkin Donuts
225 Whiting Farms Road
Derek Salema

Pretty Nails & Tan
2257B Northampton St.
Ngocgiao Dinh

LUDLOW

CJ Refrigeration
25 Parker Lane
Claudio Laneiro

Esteenz Skin Care LLC
733 Chapin St.
Carol Santini

Felt Well Woolies
33 Cady St.
Amy Brown

Mainely Drafts
1361 Lyon St.
Keith Ouellette

PALMER

Bechard Farms
149 St. John St.
Donald Bechard

Bumpers and More
21 William St.
William Tetrault

Labonte & Son
241 Wilbraham St.
Gary Labonte Sr.

Roadfox
136 Gates St.
Andrew Fox

Rondeau Entertainment
1300 Ware St.
Richard C. Rondeau

SPRINGFIELD

Majestic Barber Shop
444 Chestnut St.
Misael Colon

Maxim Seamless Gutters
21 Cluster Circle
Maksim Barabolkin

Mexico Express Packaging
2756 Main St.
Ady N. Rosario

New England Home Improvement
463 Page Blvd.
Anthony Becker

O.D. Trucking
34 King St.
Oscar Davila

Puerto Rican Master Barber
602 Page Blvd.
John W. Stevens

R & R Cleaning
21 Valley Road
Diana Mercedes

S.A.S. Trucking LLC
180 Warrenton St.
Sherlock Suban

Snow and Ice
88 Butternut St.
Deobrah A. O’Brien

Springfield Mobil
1828 Boston Road
Sanjay P. Patel

T.S. Services
24 Leatherleaf Dr.
Sean L. Walter

Thalia Nails Creation
27 Lyman St.
Yahaira Rodriguez

Thee Realm
396 Page Blvd.
Juan R. Guillen

Touch of NYC Hair Studio
167 White St.
Sophia C. Evans

Valhalla Ventures
805 White St.
John R. Henle

Zuny’s Family Daycare
367 St. James Ave.
Maria Pedemonte

WESTFIELD

Barry’s Painting
348 Elm St.
Kurt Barry

Central Transit
93 Sackett Road
Joseph Caputo

Cosmic Holdings LLC
302 East Main St.
Alan Flint

Igor’s Construction & Remodeling
134 Little River Road
Igor Kravchuk

New England EDM Service
22 Mainline Dr.
Theodore W. Macutkiewicz

Terry’s Barber Shop
48 Elm St.
John Symmons

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AAA Xtreme Paintball
683 Westfield St.
Edward J. O’Malley

Cellular Sales of Massachusetts
175 Memorial Ave.
Julie Dean

Fabulous Finds
209 Elm St.
The Home Staging Company LLC

Quick Stop Oil
75 Union St.
David J. Vickers

Storrowton Tavern
1305 Memorial Ave.
Vintage Inc. Corporation

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff January 3, 2012

Briefcase Departments

MassMutual Invests in BMC’s Future
SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) recently made a $3 million contribution to Baystate Medical Center’s capital campaign to support construction of its new facility. “At MassMutual, we recognize the importance of good health and well-being, as well as the benefits of leading a healthy lifestyle,” said Roger Crandall, chairman, president, and CEO of MassMutual. “So it’s only fitting that MassMutual does its share to contribute to this project, as our employees, agents, policyholders, and the community at large in this region will directly benefit from the outstanding care this great facility will provide.” In recognition of MassMutual’s commitment to Baystate Medical Center, Mark Tolosky, president and CEO of Baystate Health, announced the naming of its first phase of the building project; it will be known as the MassMutual Wing. “We are so grateful that MassMutual shares our vision of good health for the community and has so generously provided this support, which significantly helps us to replace an aging infrastructure and continue to meet the health care needs of the people of Western Mass. right here in Springfield,” said Tolosky. The first phase is on schedule and on budget for opening in March 2012. The MassMutual Wing will house the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center, which includes six surgical/endovascular suites to accommodate advanced, lifesaving cardiovascular procedures, and 32 cardiovascular critical care rooms that will support state-of-the-art medicine and at the same time provide ample room for the comforting presence of patients’ family members and friends. The $296 million project has made a significant economic impact on the region, with job growth for the construction industry benefiting from the addition of approximately 300 new jobs on site since breaking ground in 2009. Approximately 70% of the work on the project has been completed by local and regional businesses. In addition, Baystate expects to add more than 200 permanent clinical and medical positions.

Kennedy Named Chief Development Officer
SPRINGFIELD — Lifelong city resident Kevin Kennedy was recently tapped by Mayor Domenic Sarno to serve as the city’s new chief development officer. Kennedy will manage a consolidated Community Development Department created in 2008 under Springfield’s Finance Control Board. He also will oversee the city’s Housing, Neighborhood, Economic Development, Code Enforcement, and Planning departments, as well as staffing of the redevelopment and industrial-development financing authorities. Sarno described Kennedy in a statement as “exceptionally well-suited for the job of chief development officer.” Sarno added that Kennedy is a “seasoned professional who possesses the knowledge and experience to navigate the economic-development waters on the federal, state, and local levels as well as with the private sector.” Kennedy has served as the chief economic-development assistant to U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal since 1989. “Kevin Kennedy’s departure is a bittersweet occasion for me,” said Neal in a statement. “While I am sad he is leaving my congressional office, the city of Springfield will once again be the beneficiary of his considerable talents.” Neal cited Kennedy’s work on the State Street Corridor Initiative, the construction of the U.S. Courthouse, the new state data center, and the creation of the Neal Municipal Operations Center as areas where he has demonstrated effective leadership. In related news, Sarno announced that Christopher Moskal of Springfield, who has served as interim chief development officer, now will serve as director of the Springfield Redevelopment Authority. Moskal previously served as executive director of the Springfield Parking Authority. Sarno noted that the two appointments underscore his commitment to supporting the city’s planning and development functions to ensure they are optimally configured for maximum effectiveness. “The city’s ongoing investment in economic development will pay substantial dividends in terms of increasing development activity, stimulating job creation, and expanding our municipal tax base,” said Sarno. Both appointments are effective immediately. Kennedy will earn an annual salary of $125,000, and Moskal will receive an annual salary of $97,950.

Common Capital
Unveils New Focus
HOLYOKE — The Western Mass. Enterprise Fund has expanded its mission, changed its name, and put more capital on the table for local community-development projects, according to executive director Chris Sikes. In a recent announcement at Open Square, Sikes presented the company’s new name, Common Capital, and revealed a new logo, along with the company’s newly expanded role in the region. “It is clear to us that there is ample capital available to fund major change in Western Mass.,” said Sikes. “The challenge is not to access the money, but to help the region absorb that capital and leverage it for the common good.” Common Capital’s new focus, according to Sikes, includes extending lending well beyond small-business microloans, significantly increasing the company’s capital base, and enlarging business-advisory services. To help guide investments, Common Capital has initiated a discovery process to document specific needs within local business and community-development networks. Sikes noted that the process will include a “listening tour” with potential collaborative partners throughout the region to reconfirm community needs and resources. “We have capital and are well-positioned to attract much more,” he said, adding, “our goal is to find new and better ways to put it to use creating jobs, stimulating community development, and improving the quality of life in Western Mass.”

Women’s Fund to Award $150,000 in Grants
EASTHAMPTON — Applications are now available from the Women’s Fund of Western Mass., which will award $150,000 in grants in 2012 to organizations or programs serving women and girls in the four counties of Western Mass. Grants will range up to $15,000. “We look for projects that truly address the root causes, that influence long-term social change for women and girls, particularly around education, economic development, and safety,” said Julie Kumble, director of grants and programs. “Our three grant categories make it easier for organizations to decide where they might best fit in — operating support, project support, and capacity-building grants.” Before applying for a grant, Kumble recommends that applicants listen to a webinar that describes the application process. For more information on the webinar or for an application, visit www.womensfund.net. Since 1998, the Women’s Fund has awarded $1.7 million in grants.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2011.

AGAWAM

A.D.E. Enterprises, LLC
916 Suffield St.
$160,000 — Interior renovations

Dollar Tree
830 Suffield Road
$6,200 — New sprinkler system

First Baptist Church
760 Main St.
$42,000 — New roof

AMHERST

Orchard Run Associates
1150 West St.
$346,000 — Install driven post-racking system to support 46 KW grid-tied solar array

PVP Holdings
36 Boltwood Walk
$2,500 — Interior renovation

Pioneer Valley Living Care Center
1 Spencer Dr.
$16,000 — Third-floor renovations

HADLEY

Aegis Real Estate, LLC
241 Russell St.
$293,000 — Rear addition to building

Dunkin Donuts
41 South Maple St.
$59,000 — Remodel interior

GGP Quality Enterprises, LLC
P.O. Box 1146
$2,500 — Interior renovations

HOLYOKE

Matthew Mainville
475 Maple St.
$151,000 — Renovate three apartments for ADA compliance

SBA Sites Inc.
29 Mt. Tom Ski Road
$646,000 — Install access road, tower, and foundations

SBA Sites Inc.
29 Mt. Tom Ski Road
$69,000 — Modify existing tower

NORTHAMPTON

6 Crafts Avenue, LLC
376 Pleasant St.
$37,000 — Exterior renovations

Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Inc.
30 Locust St.
$56,000 — Renovate meeting room for new chapel

Kelly Kristan
263 Main St.
$617,000 — Renovate second and third floor

New Frills Inc.
15 King St.
$11,600 — Replace rubber roof

Northampton Terminal Associate
1 Old South St.
$11,000 — Construct walls to create new offices

Ten Main Street Florence, LLC
10 Main St.
$85,000 — Renovation to medical office space

WAM, LLC
115 Industrial Dr.
$26,000 — New roof

Roman Catholic Bishop of Springfield
101 King St.
$74,000 — Repair and replace roof

Seven Bravo Two, LLC
152 Cross Path Road
$130,000 — Construct rooftop solar panel on storage building

SOUTH HADLEY

First Congregational Church
1 Church St.
$6,850 — Build storage rooms

SPRINGFIELD

APG Properties
130 Eastern Ave.
$78,000 — Re-roof

E. Brook, LP
309 Fernbank Road
$24,000 — New roof

Springfield Housing Authority
347-367 Central St.
$550,000 — Re-roof

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
28 West Silver St.
$1,976,000 — Alterations

David Schenna
845 Airport Industrial Park
$58,000 — New metal building

Engineer Realty Corporation
53 Southampton Road
$50,000 — Alterations

First Congregational Church
18 Broad St.
$112,000 — Alterations

Koziar Capital, LLC
66 Union St.
$115,000 — Alterations

Lower Mill Inc.
77 Mill St.
$564,000 — Alterations

Shell Oil Company
259 North Elm St.
$80,000 — Alterations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Creanza Realty
945 Main St.
$295,000 — New roof

E & K Realty Trust
60 Gary Dr.
$120,000 — Renovate 3,750 of office space

VFW
764 Riverdale St.
$14,000 — New roof

Victoria Temple Church of God
521 Union St.
$69,000 — Exterior renovation

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Abdou, David G.
Abdou, Andrea G.
322 Lyon St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Acevedo, Santos
59 St. Lawrence Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/01/11

Agure, Donna
34 Craig Dr., Apt. E 5
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Arpin, Cindy
6 Farragut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

B&B Landscaping and Excavating
Piccolo, Robert J.
260 East Center St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/11

Bak, Bruno M.
Bak, Patricia A.
95 Forest St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/11

BDF Property Improvements
Forgue, Jason R.
Forgue, Katharine M.
23 Bromley Road
Chester, MA 01011
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/11

Beamon, Tracy
37 Border St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/11

Benedetti, Sherri
Benedetti, Michael
180 Green River Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/11

Bessette, Kristen M.
a/k/a Jaskulski, Kristen M.
53 James St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Brown, Diana L.
49 Old Farm Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/11

Butler, William D.
Butler, Deborah A.
95 Westwood Dr.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Camp, Patrick W.
23 Windsor St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/11

Carter, Glenn T.
Carter, Constance A.
363 Bullard Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Champaca Journeys
Leupold, John Eric
35 New South St., #201
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Colon, Carole A.
a/k/a Hall, Carole A.
5 Bellwood Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Cook, Thomas B.
18-20 O’Connor Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Corbett, Elizabeth M.
189 Springfield Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Cosme, Marianne Nina
15 William St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/11

Cote, Gail P.
310 Stafford St., #151
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Crow, Karen A.
a/k/a Moorehouse, Karen
3 Jeane Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Cruz, Edith
100 Division St., Apt. 802
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Cruzado-Vila, Concepcion
938 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Delgado, Mark A.
494 School St. #303.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Dessources, Marie Kettelyne
616 Armory St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/08/11

DH Enterprises
Hescock, Danny L.
11 Oak St.
Gill, MA 01354
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Diaz, Luis A.
15 Morris St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Donnachie, Stephen M.
Donnachie, Diane
44 River Road
Worthington, MA 01098
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/02/11

Dyl, Stanley A.
350 Meadow St #69
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/11

Elser, David M.
35 Glenwood Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Etheridge, David R.
59 Sylvester St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Fernandes, Roberto
21 Jackson St., #2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Fontaine, Paul L.
873 Springfield St., Apt.#7
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Fontanez, Gilrolanel
500 Hancock St., Apt G
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Fortier, David L.
90 Main St., Apt. C
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Gaspari, Alexander
Gaspari, Fay A.
66 Kon Tiki Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/11

Gonzalez, Katrina Maria
331 Cold Spring Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/05/11

Goodwin, Roy J.
75 Birch St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/11

Griswold, Corinna M.
P.O. Box 514
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Griswold, Jr., Ronald J.
Griswold, Emmanouilla
106 Fenton Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Harper, Phillip V.
Harper, Jane V.
15 Webbs Ct.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/11

Harris, Diane Mary
PO Box 557
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Hart, Laurie A.
19 Greenwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Hilson, Arthur L.
Hilson, Cynthia L.
a/k/a Noyes, Cynthia
a/k/a Gonzalez, Cynthia L.
275 Gresham St.
Springfield, MA 01119-1469
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Hopkins, Marla Jean
30 High St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Hoynoski, Tina E.
62 Union St., Apt. 1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Hurst, Jeffrey R.
180 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Jopson, Mildred P.
41 Chestnut St., Apt. 514
Holyoke, MA 01040-4631
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Jurkowski, Kilean P.
Jurkowski, Nicole L.M.
60 Pleasant St., Apt. A
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Kabaniec, Cynthia A.
P.O.Box 1008
Ashfield, MA 01330
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/11

Kirkpatrick, Mark D.
40 Spruce St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Krause-Cote, Marie
22 Canal St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/11

Laporte, Marta B.
34 Schley St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Lauziere, Elizabeth E.
767 Beacon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Lefebvre, Brian K.
Lefebvre, Cathleen
a/k/a Normand, Cathleen
a/k/a Rios, Cathleen
90 Riverboat Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Lichtenberger, Lisa M.
1794 White Pond Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/11

Lizotte, Scott A.
166 West Main St., Apt. 3
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Lombard, John F.
166 West Main St., Apt. 3
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Lusty, William Joseph
430 Old Warren Road
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/01/11

Martinez, Ramiro
300 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/11

Martinson, Todd J.
22A Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Matos, Samuel
587 South Bridge St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/11

McCutcheon, Eric J.
555 Russell Road, Apt. J61
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/31/11

McHugh, Paul E.
519 East River St., Lot 29
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Mejias, Rolando
Mejias, Flor M.
59 David St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Michaels, Katie F.
a/k/a Colby, Katie F.
113 Brewster St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/01/11

Napravnick, Gina
18 Kent Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Nardin, Rosalie M.
P.O. Box 419
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Narvaez, Carmen M.
a/k/a Carmen, Narvaez
a/k/a Melendez, Carmen
43 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Nelson, Dianna L.
109 Marten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Nelson, Michael A.
76 Hazen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Noga, Peter E.
Noga, Erica L.
18 Laurel Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/09/11

O’Soro, Michael David
O’Soro, Noreen Bellmore
75 Strong Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/03/11

Paro, Tina M.
103 Doverbrook Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/07/11

Patenaude, Charles Raymond
Haire, Teresa Catherine
60 Purinton Road
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Peich, Milan P.
116 North Ridge Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Pichierri, Randall Vincent
10 Chamberlain Hill Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/11

Pioneer Tax & Business Service
Bistro 186
Hampshire Financial & Business
Lowney, Robert B.
P.O. Box 265
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/11

Rivadeneira, Carlos
15 Kelleher Dr.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Smith, Craig A.
64 Whitney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Smith, Melissa A.
15 James St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Snow, Jonathan K.
25 Norman Circle
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Spooner, William A.
118 Eagleville Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/11

Stec, Elizabeth M.
52 Casino Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Surprenant, Louise A.
42 Roberta Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/11

Theodorakis, Nickolas H.
71 Larchley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Torres, Magda
66 Pine St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/08/11

Vega, Jose L.
P.O. Box 955
Rutland, MA 01543
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Vittorino, JoAnn
190 Rolling Green Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Wegrzyn, Paul A.
Wegrzyn, Cassandra A.
PO Box 383
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/11

Widelo, John W.
157 West Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Williams, Daniel Christopher
21 Riverside Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/02/11

Wilson, James E.
Wilson, Annmarie R.
54 Chester St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/11

Yerrick, Kevin M.
49 Velma Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2011.

AMHERST

1Tek
310 Market Hill Road
Gregg Hutchins

Acupuncture Works
479 West St.
Linda Robinson-Hidas

Amherst Corner
18 North Plesant St.
Mohamed Nagooradumai

Integrated Strategies Group
88 Grantwood Dr.
Zvi Rozen

Moving Mentor Inc.
123 Maplewood Circle
Barbara Perman

Spyntegrity
35 South Pleasant St.
Lindsay Abbate

Stone House Farm
649 East Pleasant St.
Candace Tolley

The Flexible Farmer
55 High St.
Lydia Irons

HADLEY

63 East Realty, LLC
63 East St.
Babak Gojgini

Applebee’s
100 Westgate Center
Apple New England

Creamy Delights
71 Lawrence Plain
Patricia McCarthy

Gamestop
367 Russell St.
Gametop Inc.

Harvest Market
78 Comins Road
Peggy Thibbitts

Kentucky Fried Chicken
3 South Maple St.
Michael Houston

Longview Farm
14 Barstow Lane
Steven Barstow

M. Jolly Trucking
45 Knightly Road
Matt Jolly

Old Navy
339 Russell St.
Old Navy LLC

Twin Oaks Farm
116 Stockbridge St.
Linda Kingsley

HOLYOKE

Gary’s Specialgiftmerchandise.com
631 South Summer St.
Garrison Pollard Sr.

Las Chicken Market
341 Appleton St.
Lidia C. Rodriguez

M & E Barbershop
120 Suffolk St.
Militza Santos

Pett Operations Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Robert Pett

Sports Zone
50 Holyoke St.
James M. Dent

NORTHAMPTON

Cellu-Spray Insulation
55 Maple St.
Jonathan Tayer

Clarity Bodywork
16 Center St.
Sarah Hagedorn

Clinic Alternative Medicine
98 Main St.
Jennifer Nery

Comfort Heating & Cooling
7 Hinckles St.
Dale R. Simmons

Health FX
41 Locust St.
Timothy Molitoris

Island Homes USA
19 Tyler Circle
Alan M. Miller

Mad Capture Media
151 Media St.
Max Benjamin

Misty River Ballooning
82 Bliss St.
Donald LaFountain

My Garage
109 Bridge St.
Diane Todrin

Qi Internetics
241 King St.
John Zebrum

River of Grace Yoga
176 Crescent St.
Carole Bull

Vessel Coffee
28 Green St.
Rabeeh Saleh

Village Computers
18 Michelman Ave.
Aaron Clark

SPRINGFIELD

Julio C. Beltran Cleaning
87 Belle St.
Julio C. Beltran

LA Fitness
1150 West Columbus Ave.
LA Fitness

M. Clark Photography
75 Prouty St.
Maria F. Clark

Michelle’s Hair Salon
50 Hartley St.
Michelle R. Green

Palazzo Café
1350 Main St.
Luisa Cardaropoli

Primos Pizza
824 Worthington St.
Marie Melikian

School of the Noble
24 Schuyler St.
Ahmad A. Sharif

Smith & Wesson
2100 Roosevelt Ave.
Jeffrey D. Buchanan

Sunny Nails
801 Belmont Ave.
Van P. Nguyen

The Chicharron Restaurant
494 Central St.
Rafael Marte

Tools Home Improvement
42 Manhattan St.
Hector Quiles

Up’n Coming Artist
19 Layzon Brothers Road
Devin R. O’Connor

Vinh Chau Restaurant
409 Dickinson St.
Phuong Nguyen

WESTFIELD

Cassin Academy of Irish Dance
17 Castle Hill Road
Maura Cassin

Prolamina Corporation
132 North Elm St.
Joseph Kwederis

Utility Service New England
4 Coleman Ave.
David Miller

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Century Auto Service
1615 Riverdale St.
Peter R. Platanitis Jr.

Karen Provost Massage Therapy
698 Westfield St.
Karen F. Provost

Pavel Water Filtration
70 Windsor St.
Henry H. Pavel

Titan U.S.A.
140 Baldwin St.
Ralph S. Colby

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Briefcase Departments

Big Y Acquires Louis & Clark Locations
SPRINGFIELD — Louis & Clark Drug Stores have signed an agreement to sell the assets of two of their pharmacy locations to Big Y Foods Inc. The Louis & Clark Drug Stores at 471 Breckwood Blvd. in Springfield and 459 Main St. in Wilbraham will be operated as Big Y’s Louis & Clark Pharmacies. Louis & Clark will continue to operate their remaining locations. “As a family-owned and -operated company, we are excited to be working with another family-owned and -operated company to continue to serve the needs of our local community. Through our partnership with Big Y, we are able to maintain our local roots,” said Skip Matthews, president of Louis & Clark. Through our partnership with Big Y, we are able to focus our business efforts on the growing fields of home medical equipment and specialty pharmaceutical services, while Big Y focuses on its strength in retail pharmacy.” In addition, Big Y Pharmacies and Louis & Clark will work together to develop Louis & Clark’s ongoing home medical equipment division by offering referrals and consultations to Big Y customers through Louis & Clark’s Medical Supplies and Equipment located at 309 East St. at the corner of Page Boulevard in Springfield, and the satellite Louis & Clark location at 238 Northampton St. in Easthampton. Through the years, Louis & Clark has been one of the region’s premier independent pharmacy and health care solutions providers. This new relationship with Big Y will ensure that continuity of services for these two stores. Louis & Clark Drug Stores were founded in 1965 by Louis Demosthenous and Clark Matthews. The first store, based in Chicopee, was named Airline Drug, but customers and friends commented so frequently on the opportune names of the partners, Louis & Clark, that they soon named the company after the two explorers, Lewis and Clark, who traveled across America in 1804. All current Louis & Clark employees at both locations will have an opportunity to interview for employment with Big Y.

MassCBI Updates Name
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Chamber of Business and Industry recently announced its new identity, the Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce Inc. “At the Massachusetts Chamber, we strive to represent all business interests in and around the Commonwealth,” said Debra Boronski, president and founder of the organization. “While we serve business and industry, the purpose of a statewide chamber of commerce is to increase wealth and prosperity by facilitating the growth of existing businesses and fostering new ones. Simply put, the Massachusetts chamber’s focus is the Commonwealth’s economic well-being.” The organization provides legislative advocacy, marketing, networking, educational, and informational programs for businesses in the state. The chamber also provides managerial services for local chambers of commerce and professional organizations such as the West of the River Chamber of Commerce and the Realtors Commercial Alliance of Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.masscbi.com.

Construction Industry a Lagging Indicator
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The nation’s construction industry lost jobs for a second straight month, shedding 12,000 jobs in November, according to the Dec. 2 jobs report by the Department of Labor. During the past 12 months, the construction industry has added 18,000 jobs, an 0.3% increase. The construction unemployment rate slipped from 13.7% in October to 13.1% in November, and is down from 18.8% in November 2010. Non-residential building construction employment decreased by 1,200 jobs for the month, but has added 9,900 jobs, or 1.5%, from the same time last year. Residential construction building employment decreased by 3,000 jobs for the month and has lost 400 jobs, or 0.1%, compared to the same time last year. In related news, for the week ending Dec. 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 381,000, a decrease of 23,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 404,000. The four-week moving average was 393,250, a decrease of 3,000 from the previous week’s revised average of 396,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.8% for the week ending Nov. 26, a decrease of 0.2% from the prior week’s unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Nov. 26 was 3,583,000, a decrease of 174,000 from the preceding week’s revised level of 3,757,000.

Report: Corporations Paying Few State Taxes
BOSTON — A comprehensive new study, from the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) and the Massachusetts Public Interest Research Group (MASSPIRG), profiles the 265 consistently profitable Fortune 500 corporations, finding that 68 companies paid no state corporate income tax in at least one of the last three years, and 20 of these corporations averaged a tax rate of zero or less during the 2008-10 period. “Individual taxpayers and Main Street businesses end up having to pick up the tab when these corporations avoid paying their taxes,” said Deirdre Cummings, legislative director for MASSPIRG. The report, “Corporate Tax Dodging in Fifty States, 2008-2010,” was produced by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) and recently released in conjunction with MASSPIRG. It examines Fortune 500 companies that filed SEC filings with required information on total state taxes paid that year. Only companies that reported profits in all three years were included in the study. It includes EMC, Raytheon, and Staples, which are headquartered in Massachusetts. “Our report shows these 265 corporations raked in a combined $1.33 trillion in profits in the last three years, and far too many have managed to shelter half or more of their profits from state taxes,” said Matthew Gardner, executive director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, and the report’s co-author. “They’re so busy avoiding taxes, it’s no wonder they’re not creating any new jobs.” EMC is one company covered in the report. It reported annual profits each year from 2008 to 2010, netting over $2.3 billion during the period, and paid 0.3% in state taxes across the nation. Raytheon is another example, with annual profits netting over $8 billion but paying just 2.3% in state taxes across the country. The report finds that 68 of the 265 companies managed to pay no state income tax at all in at least one year from 2008 through 2010, despite telling their shareholders they made almost $117 billion in pretax U.S. profits in those no-tax years. Some companies, such as DuPont, Goodrich, International Paper, and Intel, paid no net state income tax over the full three-year period. MASSPIRG’s own study last year on the use of offshore tax havens found that household tax filers in Massachusetts pay on average $608 in additional federal taxes to make up for revenue lost due to use of offshore tax havens. “We need to level the playing field,” said Cummings. “Companies should thrive based on how productive and innovative they are, not based on their aggressive tax lobbyists and lawyers and their ability to devise elaborate tax-avoidance schemes.”

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Company Notebook Departments

Big Y Sponsors
Sack Hunger Program
SPRINGFIELD — In a chain-wide effort to help the hungry within their local communities, all Big Ys are participating in Sack Hunger, which utilizes large, green, reusable grocery bags filled with staple, non-perishable food items selected by the food banks. The sacks include corn flakes, instant rice, elbow macaroni, kidney beans, peanut butter, cut green beans, sweet peas, whole kernel corn, chunk light tuna, and quick oats. Customers purchase a pre-assembled bag of groceries for $10, and then Big Y distributes the bags to that region’s local food bank. In turn, the food banks distribute the filled sacks to area soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, day care centers, as well as many of their other member agencies. All the donated sacks will be distributed within the supermarket’s marketing area so every donation stays within the local community. Big Y’s Sack Hunger campaign began in November and runs through December.

UMass, State Open
Marine Research Station
AMHERST — UMass Amherst and the Mass. Division of Marine Fisheries recently celebrated the opening of a shared marine-science research center following a $400,000 renovation. The station investment, located on an Atlantic Ocean cove in Gloucester, seeks to promote sustainable fisheries and economic development. The research station assesses the behavior of fish and the size and health of fisheries, which are vital to the state’s economy. In 2010, the commercial Massachusetts fishing industry landed 282 million pounds of seafood valued at $470 million.

AIC Breaks Ground for Eastern Gateway Project
SPRINGFIELD — The first phase of the city’s Eastern Gateway project was launched recently with a groundbreaking ceremony in front of 1168 State St. The Eastern Gateway represents a joint venture between American International College (AIC) and DevelopSpringfield, the city’s nonprofit, 501(c)(3) economic-development corporation. The project seeks to create a mixed-use development that will include appropriate institutional, retail, and commercial uses; offer a pedestrian environment at the entrance of AIC’s athletic field complex, and serve both the college and the neighborhood. Also, by revitalizing the underdeveloped section between Austin Street and Roosevelt Avenue, the project aligns with the city’s efforts to continue strengthening the State Street corridor. The redevelopment program resulted from a study commissioned in 2008 by the State Street Alliance, an affiliation of more than 60 businesses, educational institutions, neighborhood councils, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits. The study identified near-term development opportunities for revitalizing the 3.2-mile-long corridor, and recommended several projects, including a supermarket to serve the Mason Square community and market-rate residential housing at 195 State St. — a project that is underway. Eastern Gateway is a multi-phase effort; phase 1 includes acquisition, remediation, and greening of the area, and phase 2 includes refinement of a site development plan, construction, and work to transform a marginal pedestrian environment into a vibrant, contemporary urban district.

Law Firm Earns
Top Ranking
SPRINGFIELD — Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. has recently been named in the 2011-12 edition of U.S. News – Best Lawyers as one of the “Best Law Firms” in America. The firm received Metropolitan First Tier Ranking for Banking and Finance Law, Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights/Insolvency and Reorganization Law, Corporate Law, Elder Law, Real Estate Law, and Tax Law. “While we very much value our clients, and our commitment to them is paramount, it is a thrill to have been recognized as one of the best law firms in America by our peers,” noted Gary Fentin, partner. “We have a very dedicated and talented team, and it is because of their hard work that we have been given, and accepted, this tribute.” Currently, the firm has 13 attorneys. Best Lawyers compiles lists of outstanding attorneys by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers, according to Fentin.

Comcast Launches Xfinity Phone Service in Granby
GRANBY — Comcast recently announced that residents and businesses in town now have access to innovative and reliable voice service, according to Mary McLaughlin, senior vice president of Comcast’s Western New England region. Comcast’s Xfinity Voice and Business Class Voice services for homes and businesses, respectively, are now available and can be combined for ‘triple-play’ packages that include cable television, Internet services, and phone services. McLaughlin noted that residents and businesses can switch to Comcast without changing their current phone numbers. “We’re excited to provide Granby with access to our full product suite and to also provide a new choice in quality phone service,” she added.

Bank Celebrates Customer Appreciation Week
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Bank celebrated its partnership with Legacy Banks during Customer Appreciation Week on Dec. 12-16. The weeklong celebration included a variety of special events and promotions, including an Android smartphone giveaway program. Additionally, members of the community were asked to vote for their favorite nonprofit organization to win a $1,000 grant from the Berkshire Bank Foundation –Legacy Region. A total of $11,000 will be provided to 11 community organizations as part of the initiative.

Big Y Again Will Sponsor Spalding Hoophall Classic
SPRINGFIELD — The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame recently announced that Big Y World Class Markets will continue its partnership as the presenting sponsor of the 2012 Spalding Hoophall Classic. The high-school basketball tournament is in its 11th year and has expanded to five days with 46 teams at Springfield College’s Blake Arena on Jan. 12-16. Seven of the nation’s top nine teams from the ESPN FAB 50 rankings will be participating. “We are extremely grateful for Big Y’s commitment to the Hall of Fame and the Spalding Hoophall Classic,” said John L. Doleva, president and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “Big Y has been a major participant in the Springfield community, and their support will continue to make an impact on hundreds of aspiring basketball players from New England and around the country.” Tickets are on sale at the Basketball Hall of Fame for $15 for adults and $10 for youths/students (18 and under). All patrons who present a Big Y World Class Market Savings Card will receive a $1 discount on each ticket purchased. For more information on the event, visit www.thehoophallclassic.com.

Northeast Realty Chooses Egan, Flanagan and Cohen
SPRINGFIELD — Northeast Realty Associates LLC, owner of a 152-acre parcel of land in Palmer where Mohegan Sun is proposing to develop a destination resort casino, has retained the law firm Egan, Flanagan and Cohen, P.C. The firm will offer a range of services for Northeast Realty, with attorney Stephen E. Spelman serving as lead counsel relating to the Palmer project. Spelman previously served as an assistant district attorney at the Hampden County District Attorney’s office, and has also worked for Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York City.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Departments People on the Move

The Board of Directors of Hampden Bancorp Inc., the holding company for Hampden Bank, has unanimously elected Glenn S. Welch President and Chief Operating Officer of the company and the bank effective Jan. 1, 2012. In addition, effective Jan. 1, 2012, Welch has been appointed as a director of the company and the bank. As president, Welch will succeed Thomas R. Burton, who, after serving 17 years as President and CEO, will remain on as the Vice Chairman and CEO of the company and the bank. “After conducting an extensive search that identified several superbly qualified candidates, we have decided that Glenn S. Welch is our choice to lead Hampden,” said Stuart F. Young Jr., Chairman of the Board. “It was extremely important that we find a new president who could build on the strong foundation already in place at Hampden — for which we are grateful for the leadership our current president, Tom Burton, has provided over the years.” In announcing Welch’s appointment, Burton commented, “as a purpose-driven organization, it is vital that we select a leader who not only understands the inner workings of the bank and the industry, but one who has a constant focus on our customers, our shareholders, and on the communities we serve. Glenn was the single candidate who demonstrated he could deliver on all counts. I am delighted with this decision.” Welch has been employed by Hampden since April 1998, serving most recently as executive vice president and division executive of Business Banking. He previously served as vice president of Commercial Loans from April 1998 to June 2002. Prior to joining Hampden, Welch served as vice president, Middle Market Group, at Fleet Bank. Welch is a graduate of Western New England University and earned his MBA from the University of Massachusetts. He currently serves as chairman of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS), chair of the board of the Scibelli Enterprise Center and Western New England University Business Advisory Board, Treasurer of the Exchange Club of Springfield, member of DevelopSpringfield, and participant in the City2City project.

•••••

Stephen A. Roulier

Stephen A. Roulier has joined Springfield College as Director of the Marketing and Communications Department. He is responsible for strategic marketing, public relations, and brand management.
•••••
Michelle R. Crosby has been appointed Branch Manager at PeoplesBank for its East Main Street office in Westfield.
•••••

Rebecca Caplice

Rebecca Caplice, President and Chief Executive Officer of Greenfield Savings Bank, has been elected to the Board of Trustees of American International College in Springfield.
•••••

Michael P. Buckmaster

Michael P. Buckmaster has been named Vice President, Commercial Lending at NUVO Bank & Trust Co. in Springfield.
•••••
Freedom Credit Union of Springfield announced the following:

Amy E. Fyden

• Amy E. Fyden has been appointed Branch Officer of the Easthampton branch; and

Beverly Walz

• Beverly Walz has been appointed Branch Officer of the 16 Acres branch in Springfield. As branch officers, both Fyden and Walz oversee the financial and lending operations of their branch, develop new business opportunities with individuals and businesses, and promote financial literacy at area schools.
•••••
Laurie Norton Moffatt, Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, has been nominated into the National Arts Strategies’ highly competitive chief executive program. She is one of 100 executive leaders in the cultural sector chosen to participate in the program. During the next two years, she will engage in discussions with colleagues from the U.S. and abroad about issues including budgeting, financial stability, marketing and development, as well as abstract problems including the role of the arts in modern life and maintaining relevance in a diverse, rapidly changing world.
•••••
Attorney Diana Sorrentini-Velez recently engaged in a discussion with area high-school student peer mediators to enhance their understanding and knowledge surrounding effective mediation and conflict resolution. She is an attorney at Cooley, Shrair in Springfield, and concentrates her practice on mediation, divorce, family law, and special-education law. She also serves as a family-law mediator, having completed the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education-sponsored Family Law Meditation training program.
•••••
Thomas L. Plasse has been named Director of Finance of the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.
•••••
Nadia M. Baral has joined Westfield Bank as Vice President and Compliance Officer. A certified regulatory compliance manager, Baral is responsible for the bank’s overall regulatory compliance.
•••••
Mary MacIlvain has joined Dietz & Co. Architects as Marketing Coordinator.
•••••
Glenmeadow in Longmeadow recently announced new board officers and members. They are:
• Eric Fuller, Chairman;
• Suzanne Smith, Vice Chair;
• Paul Nicholson, Treasurer;
• Mary Downey Costello, Clerk;
• Mark Cress, new member of the board; and
• Christopher Gill, new member of the board. In addition,
• Lawrence Bernstein has been elected a Corporator;
• Suzanne Boniface has been elected a Corporator;
• Rabbi Amy Wallk Katz has been elected a Corporator; and
• David Carlson has been elected a Corporator.
Existing members of the board include William Burrows, George Keady, Peter Landon, Ellen McKenna, Mary Meehan, Ann Marie Rome, Joel Weiss, Rachel St. Onge-Boisseau, and Sr. Betsy Sullivan.
•••••
The Johnson Memorial Medical Center (JMMC) board of directors announced recently that David R. Morgan will lead JMMC as President and Chief Executive Officer, dropping the “interim” from his title. Morgan began his tenure at JMMC in 2008 as a consultant and in 2009 was named interim chief operating officer of the organization. During just those two years Morgan restructured the financial and revenue cycle operations of JMMC, and created and implemented an operations improvement program. Morgan continued to serve as JMMC’s chief operating officer until May of this year when he was named interim president and chief executive officer.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Chamber Corners Departments

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

Jan. 4: Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m. at the Sheraton Springfield. The monthly breakfast pays tribute to individuals, businesses, and organizations for major contributions to civic and economic growth and for actions that reflect honor on the region. The chamber breakfast gives your company exposure to business owners, upper management, and salespeople. Each month, September through June, the event is hosted at a different location throughout the ACCGS community. To reserve tickets, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

Jan. 4: After 5, 5-7 p.m. Network, build relationships, and forge strategic partnerships. The ACCGS After 5, held the second Wednesday of certain months September through June, offers business professionals from diverse industries an opportunity to exchange business leads while socializing in a casual atmosphere. For more information, contact Cecile Larose at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700

Jan. 11: Amherst Area Chamber Breakfast & Annual Meeting, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Courtyard by Marriott. Tickets: $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

Jan. 25: Amherst Area Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m. Cost: $5 for members; $10 for non-members. The new chamber Web site will debut.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463

Jan. 17: Business After Hours, 5-7 p.m. at the Farm Table at Kringle Candle, Bernardston. Tickets: $5 for members, $8 for non-members.

Jan. 27: Breakfast Series, 7:30-9 a.m. at the Greenfield Corporate Center. Program TBA. Co-sponsored by F/H Career Center. Tickets: $12 for members, $15 for non-members.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414

Jan. 26: Chamber Annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, 5 p.m. at Southampton Country Club. Annual awards presentation for business, business person, and nonprofit members of the year. Also, a review of a successful, 2011, and a celebration of member milestones. Cost: $30 per person, inclusive. For more information, visit [email protected]

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376

Jan. 11: 2011 Winners Circle, 5-7 p.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampton St., Holyoke. Sponsored by Dowd Insurance Agency; Holyoke Community College; Holyoke Medical Center; PeoplesBank; Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll; and Universal Plastics. Cost: $25. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376.

Jan. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., at Mrs. Mitchell’s Kitchen, 514 Westfield Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Credit Union. Cost: $10 for members, $15 cash for non-members.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900

Jan. 4: January Arrive@5, 5-7 p.m., at Verizon Wireless/Wireless Zone, 162 North King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Normandeau Communications Inc. Cost: $10 for members. Arrive@5 is a casual mix and mingle with your colleagues and friends.

Northampton Area Young Professional Society
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900

Jan. 12: NAYP Monthly Networking Event, 5-7 p.m., at the World War II Club, 50 Conz St., Northampton. Cost: free for members, $5 for guests.

Professional Women’s Chamber
www.professionalwomenschamber.com
(413) 755-1310

Jan. 18: Professional Women’s Chamber Business Expo, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at Max’s Tavern at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Accepting reservations for the 14th Annual Tabletop Expo. Last year’s successful expo was a sellout. Sign up today to showcase your company’s products and services or to attend the event. Display price includes a draped table and lunch for one. General admission tickets include specialty sandwiches, fruit, chips, and dessert. For more information, contact Lynn Johnson at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

Jan. 9: Mayor’s Coffee Hour, 8-9 a.m., at Dunkin’ Donuts, 625 East Main St., Westfield. Cost: free.

Jan. 18: WestNet networking event, 5-7 p.m., at Tucker’s Restaurant, 625 College Highway, Southwick. Opportunity to meet other local businesses and chamber members. Cash bar and free hors’doeuvres. Tickets: $10 for chamber members, $15 for non-members. Your first WestNet is always free.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

Opinion

Investment Key to a Resurgent Springfield

While visiting Grand Rapids, Mich. recently, several members of a delegation from Greater Springfield (see related story page 20) — participants in a program called City2City — engaged in a little game of ‘what if …’
“Suppose a group from Grand Rapids were to come to the City of Homes,” those initiating the exercise began. “Where would we take them, and what could we show them that would make them say, ‘wow!’”
There was some disagreement, but the general consensus was that such a delegation should certainly visit the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College and its Scibelli Enterprise Center, both unique facilities. Baystate’s Hospital of the Future (a $250 million initiative) would certainly be on a tour agenda, as well as the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, which the health system has developed in conjunction with UMass Amherst. The Quandrangle might warrant a visit (especially its new history museum, a tribute to Springfield’s industrial past). The Basketball Hall of Fame might make the itinerary, and perhaps the convention center, although every major city seems to have one of those.
So those playing this game concluded that, while Springfield has some things going on, there probably isn’t enough to fill a two-day visit with interesting stops, and thus certainly not enough to qualify Springfield for the same title Grand Rapids has earned: ‘resurgent city.’
It’s easy to see why Springfield is on the wrong end of the City2City tours: while those communities have successfully reinvented themselves and diversified their economies from strong manufacturing bases (or are well down that road), Springfield is still in the early stages of that process.
But there is something else missing as well. It was a word heard repeatedly in both Winston-Salem and Greensboro, N.C., visited by a City2City delegation a year ago, and again in Grand Rapids: investment. Individuals and corporations are investing in those three communities. Some are investing in Springfield (MassMutual, Baystate Health, and Big Y, for example, can’t be expected to do more), but simply not enough.
Instead, many businesses and individuals are dis-investing, by moving out of the city and especially its downtown, or by standing on the sidelines and hoping that someone else will take the lead in revitalizing Springfield. Such actions are still signs of the troubling times for the region’s largest city and unofficial capital.
The Grand Rapids city manager told the Springfield delegation that many of the professionals and businesses that had moved out of the Furniture City in the ’70s and ’80s have moved back in. The reason? Because they not only want to be there, but feel they need to be there. How many business owners can say the same about Springfield?
Not enough, certainly, and the reason is obvious: the city hasn’t given them enough cause to feel that way. Despite the many stops of interest listed above, Springfield is still lacking momentum, lacking what those in Grand Rapids called “game-changers,” and lacking investment.
The June 1 tornadoes and the vacant lots they’ve created in the South End and elsewhere provide opportunities for some investment, and the possibility for some true game-changers. In the meantime, there were plenty of vacant and underutilized properties before the twister struck, and a general lack of vibrancy on most days.
But Springfield is a classic chicken-and-egg case. Specifically, why would people invest in a city that lacks momentum and vibrancy? But how does a city gain vibrancy unless people are willing to invest?
Somehow, both things have to start happening at once. Most say this will occur when there’s a spark, something like the huge hotel renovation project in Grand Rapids or that city’s new downtown arena. Sparks are good, but what’s better is a general understanding that investments in Springfield are investments in this region — and investments in a better future for everyone.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff December 20, 2011

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]

Old Masters to Monet

More than 150 guests attended the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts’ preview reception for the exhibition “Old Masters to Monet: Three Centuries of French Painting” from the Wadsworth Atheneum. Guests included exhibition sponsors and major donors to the Springfield Museums. The exhibition of 50 masterpieces will be on view through April 29. “Old Masters to Monet” was organized by the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford. Presentation of the exhibition in Springfield is funded in part by the Michele and Donald D’Amour Fund, established in 2008 to bring world-class art exhibitions to the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts. From top: from left, Patricia Hambley, Mark Hambley, and Joanna Rosenthal: from left, Joanna Rosenthal, David Starr; Holly Smith-Bové, president of the Springfield Museums; and Peggy Starr; from left, Lyman Wood; Merrie Wood; Heather Haskell, director of the Springfield Art Museums; Julia Courtney, curator of art, Springfield Museums; Michele D’Amour; Dr. Eric Zafran, curator of European art at the Wadsworth Atheneum; and Donald D’Amour; Dr. Paul Friedmann looks over some of the paintings.

Food Fest West

The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) staged its Fifth Annual Food Fest West on Dec. 8 at Crestview Country Club in Agawam. Sponsored by Western Massachusetts Electric Co., First Niagara Bank, and OMG Inc., the event featured the foods of area restaurants including Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Casa di Lisa, Chez Josef, Crestview Country Club, Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative, Magic Spoon, Mama Iguana’s, Nina’s Cookies, Nora’s, O’Connor’s Pub & Grille, Partners Restaurant, Tekoa Country Club, and Tokyo Asian Cuisine. Restaurants competed to win awards and prizes for best food and best presentation during the course of the evening. A chef auction was also be held, where attendees could bid on meals provided by their favorite chefs. Proceeds raised by Food Fest West will go toward the Partnership for Education and the WRC Educational Fund, which provides grants to businesses for on-the-job training and continuing educational needs. Top, the team from the Magic Spoon. Bottom, some of the desserts that tempted attendees.

Award-winning Efforts

At Freedom Credit Union’s recent annual dinner, Ana Frasco, mortgage processor, top, received the President’s Award from Barry Crosby, Freedom president and CEO. The award recognizes her commitment to professional excellence. She was nominated by a colleague who recognized her exemplary attitude in her service to members and fellow employees, and her contributions to the success of the credit union. In addition, Julia Beaudoin, bottom, Freedom’s director of Human Resources, received a special Tribute Award from Crosby for her leadership actions taken during the tornado on June 1, 2011, ensuring the safety of employees and members at the Freedom branch on Main Street in Springfield.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Agenda Departments

Anthropologist Lecture
Feb. 22: Susan Darlington, a professor at Hampshire College, will discuss her latest book, The Ordination of a Tree: the Thai Buddhist Environmental Movement, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. Darlington has studied the work of Buddhist monks in Thailand who are engaged in rural development and environmental conservation. The science-based talks, at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, will also include insights into religion and social activism. The presentations are free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.
Author Lecture
March 28: Internationally acclaimed author Tom Perrotta will read from his upcoming novel, The Leftovers, at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. The talks are free and open to the public. Two of Perrotta’s books, Election and Little Children, have been made into movies, and five novels have been national bestsellers. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

Slam Poet Lecture
April 13: Taylor Mali, a former high-school teacher who has emerged from the slam poetry movement as one of its leaders, will discuss his performances at 10:10 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. in Scibelli Hall Theater, as part of the Ovations series at Springfield Technical Community College. The talks are free and open to the public. For more information, call (413) 755-4233.

Difference Makers
March 22: BusinessWest will stage its fourth annual Difference Makers celebration at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. The program recognizes area individuals and organizations that are truly making a difference in this region. Nominations are currently accepted for the prestigious honor, and will be taken until Dec. 30. (See form, page 19). The winners will be announced in February. The awards ceremony will feature entertainment, butlered hors d’oeuvres, and introductions of the winners. For more information or to order tickets, call (413) 781-8600, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.businesswest.com.

People On the Move

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Departments People on the Move

Meghan Lynch

Meghan Lynch has been appointed President and CEO of Six-Point Creative Works in Springfield. In her new role, Lynch is responsible for business and client development, while continuing to manage day-to-day agency operations for the advertising and brand-development agency.
•••••
Kimberly A. Camp has joined Capuano Care as Marketing Liaison. She will direct the agency’s communication with the medical community.
•••••
Melissa Nelson has been named Project Manager for Medvest LLC, the local franchise holder for Doctors Express Urgent Care Centers in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. In her role, she is responsible for supporting the development and management of Doctors Express Urgent Care Centers.
•••••

James D. Chadwell

Crear & Chadwell, P.C. announced that shareholder James D. Chadwell, Esq. has been selected as a 2011 Massachusetts Super Lawyer. He is the only Western Mass. defense attorney to have been chosen as a Super Lawyer based on his professional achievements in workers’ compensation, as well as a high level of peer recognition. Chadwell focuses 100% of his practice on representing insurers, self-insurers, and employers in their workers’ compensation requests. The objective of the Super Lawyers selection process is to create a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of outstanding attorneys that can be used as a resource to assist attorneys and sophisticated consumers in the search for legal counsel. In the Massachusetts Super Lawyers selection process, ballots are sent by Law & Politics to over 31,000 Massachusetts attorneys, each of whom must have been in practice for five years or more. Independent research is then conducted on each of the nominees, followed by a panel-review process. Only the top 5% of attorneys in each state are identified by Super Lawyers. Chadwell is well-known throughout Massachusetts as an expert workers’ compensation attorney, and was selected by Super Lawyers in 2005 as a Rising Star. He is a member of both the Hampden County and Massachusetts bar associations. Chadwell has been a member of, or very active in, local community and charitable organizations, including the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, the Springfield Technical Community College Board of Trustees, the Western Mass. March of Dimes Golf Tournament, and the Alzheimer’s Assoc.
•••••
Amy B. Royal, Esq. has been elected Vice Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the United Way of Hampshire County. She is Senior Partner at Royal LLP, a management-side labor and employment law firm in Northampton.
•••••
Gwen Orzel has joined King & Cushman Inc. of Northampton as a Personal Lines Insurance Representative. She is a licensed broker with a certified insurance service representative designation.
•••••
Attorney Gregory S. Bombard has joined the law firm of Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas as an Associate in its litigation and alternative dispute resolution department. His practice focuses on representing financial institutions in mortgage-related litigation and on general commercial and business litigation. The firm has offices in Springfield, Boston, and Amherst.
•••••
Environmental Compliance Services of Agawam announced the following:
• Mark C. Hellstein has been named President and CEO. Hellstein, the company’s founder, also serves as the chairman of the Board of Directors;
• Kevin C. Sheehan has been designated Corporate Operating Officer. He has been with the firm since 1989 and is a member of the board of directors. He also oversees the health and safety operations;
• Michael L. Fiorini has been named Senior Vice President, Business Development. He has been with the firm since 1989 and will continue to serve as treasurer and a member of the board of directors;
• Daniel W. Felten has been appointed Senior Vice President, Technology. Felten has been with the firm since 1999 and is a member of the board of directors. He is also responsible for the information-technology operations;
• Jon P. Berntsen has been designated Senior Vice President and Regional Manager. He has been with the firm since 2000 and will be responsible for the management of the company’s offices in Tampa and Jacksonville, Fla.; Charlotte, N.C.; and Columbus, Ohio. He is also a member of the board of directors;
• Douglas M. McVey will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer and Trustee but will now oversee the firm’s human resources department in addition to accounting. He joined the firm in 1999 and is a member of the board of directors; and
• William J. Alpine Jr. will continue to serve as Director of Cost Recovery and Internal Counsel but will now oversee real estate and facilities for the firm. He joined the company in 2005 and also serves as a member of the board of directors.
•••••
Linda S. Syniec, CPA of Holyoke, has joined the accounting firm of Sullivan, Poulin & Payne, P.C. of West Springfield (sppcpa.com). She has more than 25 years of public accounting experience. Her expertise is in providing tax services to clients in most every industry group including closely held private companies and high net worth individuals. Syniec graduated from Western New England University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.
•••••
Frederick L. Sullivan, founding Partner at Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn, has been named to the 2011 Irish Legal 100. The Irish Legal 100 is a network of distinguished and accomplished men and women of Irish descent in the legal profession.
•••••
Thompson & Thompson, of Springfield, has announced the following:
• Robert F. Hennessy has joined the firm as an Associate Attorney.
• Amos Nissenbaum has been promoted to Senior Paralegal.
•••••
Andrea Stalf has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra.
•••••
Claire Kenna has joined Park Square Realty in its Westfield office as a Sales Associate.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Court Dockets Departments

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

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Atlas Property Management Inc. v. Global Strategic Investment Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of fees for services provided: $114,450.42
Filed: 9/20/11

Francisco Ramirez Jr. v. Matuszko Trucking Inc.
Allegation: Unlawful misclassification as independent contractor and unjust enrichment: $100,000
Filed: 9/15/11

Holyoke Economic Development Corp. v. Specialty Loose Leaf Inc.
Allegation: Default of commercial note: $145,134.17
Filed: 9/16/11

Lawrence and Debra Baker v. Vertex Air Quality Services
Allegation: Property damages following mold exposure to entire home: $1,028,000
Filed: 9/21/11

Peoples United Bank v. Harleysville Worcester Insurance Co.
Allegation: Breach of insurance contract and negligence: $500,000
Filed: 10/25/11

TD Bank, N.A. v. Parthenon Inc. and Pananas Grill and Bar Inc.
Allegation: Breach of personal guaranty agreements relating to note and mortgage: $832,161.07
Filed: 9/21/11

Tyler Fisher v. Pursuit Marketing Inc. and Nick’s Sport Shop Inc.
Allegation: Product liability involving a paintball gun causing personal injury: $31,103.50
Filed: 9/21/11

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Carol Guenther v. Spoleto Inc. d/b/a Pizzeria Paradiso
Allegation: Chop Chop salad contained whole pits, and plaintiff sustained dental injury after biting into one: $12,258
Filed: 10/24/11

Marilyn Burns, administratrix of the estate of Henry Burns Jr. v. Daniel Paknia, D.P.M. and Decaro Total Foot Care Center
Allegation: Failure to properly treat medical condition causing death: $25,000+
Filed: 9/30/11

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Sarah Supernaw v. Travelers of MA
Allegation: Claim for unpaid benefits: $1,352
Filed: 9/26/11

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
Caravan Canopy International Inc. v. Valley Marketing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $14,426.84
Filed: 9/11/11

Mario International Corp. v. Precision Metal Goods
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $12,699.60
Filed: 9/28/11

Paciorek Electric Inc. v. LIT
Allegation: Non-payment of services and materials provided: $16,138.61
Filed: 10/6/11

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Hale Trailer Brake and Wheel Inc. v. Moosehead Harvesting Inc.
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement and unjust enrichment: $12,260.25
Filed: 10/25/11

MGA Cast Stone Inc. v. JRE Masonry and Restoration Inc. and Titeflex Corp.
Allegation: Breach of contract and enforcement of mechanics lien: $10,837.50
Filed: 10/25/11

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC v. EG Partners, LLC
Allegation: Default on retail installment sale agreement: $2,943.79
Filed: 11/2/11

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

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]

Resurgent Springfield

“Envisioning a Resurgent Springfield Metro” was the theme of HAPHousing’s annual symposium at the MassMutual Center on Nov. 16. The keynote address was delivered by Allen Joines, mayor of Winston-Salem, N.C., one of the cities visited by a delegation of Springfield-area business and civic leaders last fall as part of the City2City program. Top: from left, panelists Peter Gagliardi, HAPHousing executive director; Orson Watson, Community Revitalization Program advisor to the Garfield Foundation; Joines; David Dixon, principal at Goody Clancy; Gerald Hayes, vice president of Administration and Finance at Westfield State University; and Jeffrey Fuhrer, executive vice president and senior advisor at Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Bottom: from left, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Heriberto Flores, chairman of the New England Farm Workers’ Council; and Joines.

ACCGS Government Reception

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield staged its annual Government Reception at the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern on Nov. 16. More than 200 state and local leaders networked with area business leaders. Top: Carl Breyer (left) of Park Place Real Estate Development with West Springfield Mayor Edward Gibson. Bottom: from left, state Rep. Don Humason, R-Westfield; state Rep. Michael Knapik, R-Westfield; and state Rep. Michael Finn, D-West Springfield.

Bright Nights Ball

The Spirit of Springfield staged its annual Bright Nights Ball on Nov. 19 at the Sheraton Springfield. The event, which drew more than 500 business and civic leaders, featured dinner, dancing, a live auction and silent auction, and a salute to the Mass. Army National Guard. Top: from left, Donna Ross, senior vice president of Strategy and Business Development for Baystate Health; Frank Robinson, executive director of Partners for a Healthier Community, Baystate Health; and Dora Robinson, president and CEO of United Way of Pioneer Valley. 2nd from top: from left, Stephen Bryant, president of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts; Mary Ellen Scott, owner of United Personnel; and Peter Straley, president and CEO of Health New England. 2nd from bottom: from left, state Sen. James Welch; Judy Matt, president of the Spirit of Springfield; Maj. Gen. Joseph Carter, adjutant general of the Mass. Army National Guard. Bottom: from left, Maura McCaffrey, vice president of Marketing and Business Development for Health New England; Ross; Straley; and Amy Trombley, vice president and chief talent officer for Health New England.

Festival of Trees

Scenes from the Springfield Boys & Girls Club’s 11th Annual Festival of Trees at Tower Square in Springfield. Every tree donated helps the Springfield Boys & Girls Club provide programs and services to more than 1,500 inner-city youth who need it most.

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Opinion

Gas Tax Isn’t a Simple Cure for Transit Ills

The trial balloons keep coming for some sort of transportation revenue. There was Lt. Gov. Murray’s August trial balloon for a gas-tax increase. Then public discussions about needing four times more funding to maintain the Big Dig tunnels, and Gov. Patrick’s trip to attend President Obama’s press conference on federal transportation legislation. Make no mistake about it, there will be a push to raise transportation revenues, most likely through the gas tax, in the coming year.
But the administration faces a real uphill battle to get it passed.
Over the past two years, the Commonwealth massively restructured the state’s transportation agencies. A new entity, MassDOT, now oversees most major pieces of transportation infrastructure, including those formerly held by the now-dissolved Massachusetts Turnpike Authority. The 2009 law included additional reforms that held the promise of increased efficiency and lower costs.
The outcome of the reforms? We don’t know.
MassDOT was to report consistently on key performance measures. But they have not provided enough in terms of data content or informing the public. The department has done a far better job of communicating tactical successes — innovative projects and reform-related events. But these press events don’t say anything about progress on many key measures — measures that matter to the public.
Without this strategic communication, MassDOT will rightly struggle to make the public case that it is managing our assets and our money more wisely than in the past. For a public with Big Dig cost overruns and MBTA service failures lodged firmly in our collective psyche, changing a negative perception of transportation spending and management is a herculean task, made more challenging without a consistent method of communicating performance and accountability. And reports over the summer that senior engineers at MassDOT purposely avoided tracking maintenance issues do not help.
Any tax-increase proposal must be akin to a social contract — you taxpayers pay this, and we, the government, will give you value in return. Without refocusing the transportation agency on consumer-centered metrics, why would the public think that an increase in the gas tax will lead to service improvements?
A two-way request for more tax dollars paired with specific performance benchmarks — e.g. reduced congestion, increased on-time performance, and fewer structurally deficient bridges — might get us to that elusive destination called compromise, while a one-way offer to siphon more tax revenue into a black hole will land squarely in the breakdown lane.
A two-way contract with the public would change MassDOT’s focus from a strong emphasis on expansion to addressing long-term neglect of maintenance. Expansion projects that do not significantly address ‘customer-service’ issues and, in fact, further burden the MBTA with a crippling debt load, such as the multi-billion-dollar South Coast Rail project, would no longer be a priority.
Instead, the agency would focus on meeting the hundreds of millions of dollars in annual unfunded maintenance needs outlined in the state’s transportation capital plan. Subway riders and highway commuters know well what the neglect of maintenance means — delay, congestion, and aggravation.
The days of expanding the system without the finances to pay for or even operate it are gone. As Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff stated in Boston last year, “if you can’t afford to operate the system you have, why does it make sense for us to partner in your expansion?’’
If an increase in the gas tax means funding expansions that leave us in precisely the same situation 10 years from now, but with a larger portfolio of assets, you can forget about it. If it prioritizes maintenance and improves our current system’s operations, sustainability, and efficiency, then the politics might work.
That’s a tall order for the governor. Reshaping perceptions and the politics of transportation means lessening the emphasis on politically expedient (but financially disastrous) expansions. It means communicating to the public consumer-based goals and drilling them into agencies used to very different marching orders.
There’s no doubt that our transportation system is underfunded. But asking for more money to make the problem bigger is not the answer.

Steve Poftak is director of research at the Pioneer Institute.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Opinion

Making the Case for Community Colleges

Looking at it one way — maybe the way most community-college presidents choose to view things — it certainly was a tough stretch from a public-relations standpoint.
Indeed, the headlines following the release of two reports — from the Boston Foundation and the Commonwealth Corp. — were certainly not flattering. “Massachusetts Community Colleges Slammed Twice in One Week,” “Report: Massachusetts Community Colleges Fail in Preparing Students for Careers,” “Report Says Community Colleges Falling Short with Health Majors,” and “Mass. Community Colleges Slammed in 2nd Report This Week” were among the offerings (see story, page 18).
Like we said, not a good week PR-wise, at least on the surface. But we think there’s much more to these accounts — one of which says that many health care graduates are not fully ready for the careers they’ve chosen, while the other suggests that community colleges need to do more to close what the authors call a growing jobs-skills mismatch.
While most community-college presidents, including several in this market, got their backs up when the reports were released and spent most of their time defending their institutions and assailing the accounts (and some of that was and is warranted), we prefer to look at the week that was in late November in a very different way.
And that is from the perspective of opportunity, which we believe is buried in these reports somewhere amid several headline-grabbing suggestions — such as merging a few of the Boston-area community colleges, narrowing the mission of all 15 instituitions to workforce-related initiatives, and a centralization effort that would do away with the local boards of trustees.
That opportunity comes in the form of exposure, or recognition, regarding the vital role community colleges are playing and will continue to play in both economic development and workforce development across the state — and also the possibility that this recognition will eventually lead to greater support as the schools go about their work.
The Boston Foundation report notes that “Massachusetts is at a crossroads in its capacity to compete — and the ability of its residents to fully participate in the current economy and the rewards that employment brings,” and that community colleges will play a critical role in reversing many disturbing trends regarding the state’s skilled workforce. It suggests that several steps can be taken to make the schools more effective in that role. All this is much too difficult to cram into a short headline, and thus we are left with “Report Slams Community Colleges,” which isn’t entirely accurate but does catch the reader’s eye.
Over the past several years, community colleges have been involved in almost every major workforce-related initiative in this region, from the Healthcare Workforce Partnership of Western Mass. to the new Training and Workforce Options program involving Holyoke Community College and Springfield Technical College, to initiatives involving the area’s precision-machining sector and efforts to draw more people into that profession. And they have done their work extremely well, and under great duress in the form of reduced state funding in the wake of the recession.
None of this seems to have caught the attention of the Boston Foundation report’s authors, which is frustrating, but not the main point of this discussion. That point is that individuals and groups like the foundation and Commonwealth Corp. are finally waking up to the vital role being played by community colleges in this state, and that even more can and should be expected from them moving forward.
We can’t blame the community college presidents in this market for being defensive and critical of many of the recommendations in these reports. But most of those steps, especially the centralization of governance and a narrowing of the community-college mission, are not likely to happen any time soon, if at all.
But what might happen because of all this attention — and needs to happen — is for state leaders to adequately support these institutions, and in the many forms that the word ‘support’ connotes.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of November 2011.

AGAWAM

Crown Castle
628 Meadow St.
$15,000 — Telecommunications maintenance

Six Flags New England
1623 Main St.
$1,500,000 — Form and pour concrete footing for Giant Inverted Boomerang Rollercoaster

WWLP TV
591 North West St.
$15,000 — Telecommunications maintenance

AMHERST

First Congregational Church
165 Main St.
$2,000 — Repair two front entry columns

Sean M. Clarke
531 Main St.
$6,000 — Roof repair

UMass
388 North Pleasant St.
$38,000 — New roof at Hiller House

HADLEY

E & A/I & G
1221 Main St.
$291,000 — Interior renovations

Hadley Housing Authority
Golden Court
$17,500 — New roof

Yoon Chun Suk
229 Russell St.
$4,700 — New roof

HOLYOKE

Fontaine Properties
20 Easthampton Road
$40,000 — Re-install roof

Holyoke Water Power Company
200 Northampton St.
$15,000 — Remove and replace six antennas

Pulaski Heights Inc.
76 Maple St.
$15,000 — Remove and replace six antennas

NORTHAMPTON

Atwood Drive, LLC
Atwood Dr.
$100,000 — Construct 13,000-square-foot foundation for medical/office building

Cooper’s Dairyland
55 State St.
$8,900 — Emergency structural repairs

Covest Northampton, LLC
327 King St.
$250,000 — Exterior renovations

Covest Northampton, LLC
327 King St.
$183,000 — Construct 1,750-square-foot addition

Daniel Polachek
335 South St.
$4,700 — Strip and shingle portions of roof

Joe Curran
72 Masonic St.
$5,000 — Add roof over entry deck

Julia Freedgood
15 Merrick St.
$17,000 — Strip and shingle roof

Searle Realty Trust
85 Easthampton Road
$120,000 — Construct new storage building

SOUTH HADLEY

Loomis Village
246 North Main St.
$19,000 — Build porch enclosure

SPRINGFIELD

CSM North
195 State St.
$750,000 — Interior renovations

East Springfield Family Restaurant
1003 St. James Ave.
$15,000 — Interior renovations

Springfield Rescue Mission
146 Taylor St.
$31,000 — New roof

WESTFIELD

Dennis Botticello
11 Summit Lock Road
$38,000 — Addition

F.L. Roberts & Company Inc.
90 South Maple St.
$575,000 — Construct new Jiffylube

National Industrial Portfolio
1111 Southampton Road
$25,000 — Addition

North Hartland Dry Kilns Inc.
Sgt. TM Dion Way
$140,000 — Construct new commercial building

Ronald Cecchini
591 North Road
$12,000,000 — Construct new building

Zak Francis
501 Southampton Road
$596,000 — New floor covering building

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bob Simpson
76 Westfield St.
$12,000 — Renovate 1,250 square feet of commercial structure

Cellular Sales of MA
6513 Kingston Pike
$100.000 — Commercial fit-out

Konover Corporation
380 Union St.
$12,500 — Pour concrete piers and lally columns

Mittineague Children’s Center
1840 Westfield St.
$1,000 — Erect two partition demising walls

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Acosta-Pacheco, Miguel
39 Ledyard St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Adamczyk, Michael T.
177 Farnsworth St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Ahern, Jeffrey
Ahern, Brenda M.
39 Jessie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Anuraj, Migdalia
337 Main St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Avila, Sonia I.
251 Beech St. #1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Bacigalupo, Nancy A.
310 High Knob Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Baez, Ramon M.
40 Suffolk St., Apt. 2F
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Barker, Scott T.
335 Barker Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Beany, Robert J.
27 Orile Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Beesen, Jens C.
Beesen, Marsha J.
177 Captain Beers Plain
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Bello, David
51 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/11

Benedict, Harold C.
531 South St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Bertram, Laura J.
295 Britton St., Apt.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Bode, Stephen R.
Bode, Christina A.
221 Lancaster Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Brooke, Kevin A.
2 Barker St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/18/11

Bruscoe, Jeffrey J.
108 West St.
West Hatfield, MA 01088
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/11

Burke, William D.
Burke, Rhianna M.
99 Cambridge Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Burris, Michael
1037 Shaker Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Canevari, Elizabeth J.
17 Ridgeview Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Canine Design
Levchenko, Svetlana D.
83 Doverbrook Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Clark, Joan R.
147 Rosemary Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/11

Clark, Todd Andrew
81 Conz St., Apt 311
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Cole, Nancy J.
95 Lasalle St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Coleman, Elizabeth Anne
a/k/a Mooney, Elizabeth Anne
2075 Old Keene Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/11

Cook, Tobye Jill
101 Lake St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Curtis, Sean D.
6 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

David, Rebecca Lynn
7 Jon Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Davis, Debra Asbury
158 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Davis, Jones Kirk
158 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Dawicki, John F.
Dawicki, Jannine M.
65 Fiske Mill Road
Shelburne, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Dieni, Daniel
13 Joanne Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Drummond, Edward N.
229 Mohawk Trail
Florida, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Ellard, Dawn M
a/k/a Plourde, Dawm M.
113 James St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Fleming, Jean Strain
42 Vadnais St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Foy, Kris James
Foy, Dorothy L.
1076 Berkshire Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Gauthier, Johanna E.
114 Dubois St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/11

George, Louis M.
George, Christy
1242 Dunham Town Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Giraldi, Denise
83 Crescent Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Gohr, Donna M.
40 Long Plain Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/11

Grayson, Kathryn Claire
33 Kellogg Ave. #37
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Gulluni, Anthony
20 Rockland St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Gurney, Christine L.
8 Brimfield Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Hamel, Debra Lenee
a/k/a Hamel-Kearney, Debra Lenee
P.O. Box 148
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Hartnet, Thomas D.
76 Lewis Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Hopkins, Joyce L.
12 Princeton Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Joseph, Tricia Ann
11 Yale St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/11

Keeler, Thomas J.
Keeler, Mary F.
82 Meadowbrook Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/11

Keough, Norma E.
46 H Prospect St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Kielbania, Jonathan Paul
Kielbania, Virginia Louise
a/k/a Barry, Virginia
a/k/a Miller, Virginia
a/k/a Richards, Virginia
81 Jacob St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

King, Stephen W.
95 Butternut Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Kozlowski, Marie J.
24 Farquhar Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Lavigne, Alfred H.
Lavigne, Lola D.
P.O. Box 333
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/11

LeClair, Rebecca J.
a/k/a Benoit, Rebecca J.
130 Main St., 2nd Floor
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

LeClair, Robert J.
64 Timothy Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Lukin, Mikhail P.
Lukin, Marya
26 Alfred St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Marcoux, Brian L.
115 Foch Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/11

Marion, Fred Robert
463 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/11

Marsh, Richard T.
Marsh, Patricia R.
15 Autumn Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Mascroft, Paula J.
a/k/a Dodge, Paula J.
216 Wheelwright Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Matias, Ramona
349 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/11

Miller, Brandon J.
476 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/11

Mulvaney, Sonya
P.O. Box 516
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Nissopoulos, Cleopatra A.
110 Somers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/11

O’Day-Prizio, Melissa
254 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Orenstein, Matthew J.
61 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Pacunas, Kristopher J.
121 Aldrich St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Pedigo, Donna Ruth
15 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Pellegri, Robert C.
56 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/11

Perusse, John E.
Perusse, Lucille B.
245 Johnson Road
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Polchlopek, Jennifer L.
72 Kendall St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Potvin, Paul E.
44 Kelley Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Reagan, James M.
Reagan, Joanne L.
1 Klondike Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/23/11

Reed, Jeffrey
Reed, Shelley
6 Terry Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Rivera, Arida
15 Valley Heights St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/11

Rodriguez, Lou W.
47 Grant St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Rogalski, Jane T.
a/k/a Rogalski Hill, Jane T.
79 Alfred St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Rooney, Mary H.
5 Pine St. Apt. 3
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/11

Sanderson, Brenda Lee
47 Thayer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Schryver, Harry J.
Schryver, Carole A.
46 Echo Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Sebastino, Gene P.
100 Bucklin Road
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Sherblom, Carol Jane
a/k/a Bullard, Carol J.
a/k/a Richardson, Carol J.
46 Seminole Ave.
Hubbardston, MA 01452
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/11

Silver Photography
Silver, David E.
Silver, Susan P.
21 Lower Beverly Hills
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

Skorupski, Scott M.
a/k/a Parchinskaya-Skorupski, Natasha
69 Lathrop St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/11

St. Louis, Daniel L.
138 West Silver St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/11

Steele, Dennis Robert
Steele, Susan Jean
162 North Hoosac Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/11

Swan, Linda J.
65 Wheeler St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/11

Taquino, Tammy J.
268 Palmer Road
Trailer 55
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Torres, Alexis J.
155 West St, Apt 2
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Turan, Faith
40 Editha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/11

Vega, Jorge L.
217 Merrimack Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/11

Wachta, Stanley J.
46C Valley View
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/17/11

Welch, Kevin
3 Vista Cir.
Rutland, MA 01543
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Wheeler, Deborah A.
103 Parkedge Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Williams, Roy Blane
184 Birch Bluffs Dr
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/19/11

Wilson, Duane E.
281 Chauncey St. Lot #566
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/11

Wright, Michael R.
444 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/11

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2011.

AMHERST

Amherst Chinese Medicine
409 Main St.
Xiaqiang Zhao

Amherst-Ideal Weight Loss
379 College St.
Jeanette Wilburn

Brigade
6 University Dr.
Kirsten Modestow

Ghoghoo Ghora
22 Southpoint Dr.
Shireen Chaudhy

Good & Healthy Inc.
1 Boltwood Walk
Robert Lowry

Thrada Design Studio
17 Walnut St.
Brian Devore

Valley Frameworks
534 Main St.
Archival Matters Inc.

HADLEY

Affordable Autos of Hadley
11 Railroad St.
Norman Wilber

Carey Farm
26 East St.
Cam Carey

Chinese Kung Fu Wushu Academy
206 River Dr.
Binh Q. Nguyen

Hadley Picture Framing
44 River Dr.
Thomas Vachula

Ken’s Catering
136 Russell St.
Ken Berestka

Payless Shoe
367 Russell St.
Cheryl Falk

River Drive Auto Body
81 River Dr.
Stephen Szymkowicz

Southern New England Spice
35 Lawrence Place
Diane Kirby

TJ’s Taylor Rental
301 Russell St.
James Falcone

HOLYOKE

All in One
92 Suffolk St.
Luis A. Arena

El Rincon Boricua Restaurant
216 Lyman St.
Virgen Lopez

K & C Cellphone Outfitters
166 High St.
Christopher Nieves

Schermerhorn’s Seafood
224 Westfield Road
Michael J. Fitzgerald

Southwest Crafts
50 Holyoke St.
Luis A. Chaguipuz

Wow Family Entertainment Center
50 Holyoke St.
Michael Fabrizi

NORTHAMPTON

Audobon Partners
118 River Road
Robin Fields

Burrows & Weiss
78 Main St.
Mikal Weiss

Chaput Marketing
152 Crescent St.
Christopher Chaput

Collaborative Restoration
239 State St.
Kevin Hayes

Gusakor Woodworks
23 Myrtle St.
William A. Wallace

Healthy Home Care
71 Gleason Road
Sarah Zabriskie

Industry Mint
97 State St.
Daniel Kates

Simona’s
74 South Main St.
Simona Pozzetto

Sullivan Companion Care
83 Maynard Road
Roberta Sullivan

The Botaniste
33 Summer St.
Corina Miller

SPRINGFIELD

Abdul Baki Exporting
8 Cherrelyn St.
Rayan C. Abdul

Alert Ambulance Service
1131 Boston Road
David George

Ambis
142 Dickinson St.
Tazeen Rafiq

Avtel Solutions
553 White St.
Moses L. Diaz

Barifamily Inc.
383 Belmont Ave.
Wahab Abari

Baystate Employee Assistance
50 Maple St.
Mark R. Tolosky

Bling Bling Style
625 Boston Road
Mian Ashiq

Calendar Holdings, LLC
1655 Boston Road
Felix A. Cordero

Chuk’s Bait-n-tackle
436 Boston Road
Carlos M. Ayala

Cost Cutters
370 Cooley St.
Regis Corporation

DJ Nails Supply
200 Dickinson St.
Tuan Dam

El Bohio Restaurant
809 Liberty St.
Luis R. Cotto

Gentle Family Dentistry
1206 Boston Road
David W. Chou

Grace Jewelry
1210 Main St.
Hwa Y. Kim

Honor Capital
1 Monarch Place
Founders Finance, LLC

WESTFIELD

Lifetime Tilers Inc.
565 North Road
Patrick Smith

ZING
104 Mainline Dr.
James Fogarty

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Infinity Auto Rental Inc.
52 Baldwin St.
Joseph Gallo

Olympia Ice Center
125 Capital Dr.
Massachusetts Skate I Corporation

Petsey Schreiber Transport
80 Brush Hill Ave.
Philomena Schreiber

Stone Installation Solutions
1029 Elm St.
Russell C. Kern

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Departments Incorporations

Incorporations were not available at press time. They will be printed in the next issue of BusinessWest.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff December 6, 2011

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
• Dec. 6: Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Directors’ meeting, noon-1 p.m. i• the EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
• Dec. 7: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, at the Delaney House i• Holyoke. Doors ope• at 7:15 a.m. Tickets: $20 for members; $30 for non-members.
• Dec. 9: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, 8-9 a.m. i• the TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
• Dec. 14: ACCGS After 5, 5-7 p.m., at WWLP TV-22, Chicopee. Tickets: $10 for members; $20 for non-members.
• Dec. 15: ACCGS Executive Committee meeting, noon-1 p.m., i• the TD Bank Conference Room, chamber offices.
• Dec. 21: ERC Board of Directors’ Meeting, 8-9 a.m., at The Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, 2 Lodge Lane, Wilbraham.
Dec. 21: ACCGS Ambassadors Meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.

AMHERST AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700
• Dec. 14: Amherst Area Chamber After 5/Holiday Party, 5-7 p.m. at the Amherst Brewing Company, 100 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Admission: $5 for members; $10 non-members. For more information, visit www.amherstarea.com

CHICOPEE CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
• Dec. 6: Holiday Party, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Hosted by the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce. Free to members.
• Dec. 21: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., at the Castle of Knights, Chicopee. Advance tickets: $19 for members; $26 for non-members; at the door: $21 for members; $28 for non-members.

GREATER HOLYOKE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
• Dec. 14: Holiday Salute Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., at the Yankee Pedlar, 1866 Northampto• St. Co-sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and Health New England. Tickets: $20 for members; $25 for non-members.
• Dec: 21: Holyoke Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke Tickets: $10 for members; $15 for non-members.

GREATER NORTHAMPTO• CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
• Dec. 7: December Arrive @5, 5-7p.m. at Thornes Marketplace. Sponsored by King Auto Body, Johnso• & Hill Staffing, and United Bank. Tickets: $10 for members
• Dec. 13: New-member lunch, noon-1 p.m. Hosted by the Northampto• Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton.

NORTHAMPTO• AREA YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900
• Dec. 8: NAYP monthly networking event, at the Hotel Northampton
36 King St., Easthampton. Featured nonrofit is the Food Bank of Wester• Mass.

WEST OF THE RIVER
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880
• Dec. 8: Food Fest West, 6-8 p.m., at Crestview Country Club, 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. Tickets: $25 i• advance; $30 at the door. All proceeds go to WRC’s Educational Fund, providing scholarships and business educatio• grants to West Springfield and Agawam. For more information, contact Tamara Fricke, [email protected] or (413) 426-3880

GREATER WESTFIELD
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
• Dec. 9: Holiday breakfast, 7:30-9 a.m. at Shaker Farms Country Club, 866 Shaker Road. Sponsors: Gold, Westfield Bank; Silver, Easthampto• Savings Bank and The Carso• Center for Huma• Services Inc. Highlights: the holiday benefactor this year is the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield; attendees are asked to bring unwrapped gifts for childre• ages 5-15; age-appropriate games and toys are desired. Tickets: $25 for members; $30 for non-members

YPS-Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com
• Dec. 15: Third Thursday, 5-7 p.m., Mckinney & Burbach Tavern, 1127 Mai• St., Springfield, 01105. For more informatio• o• this event, visit www.springfieldyps.com

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff November 22, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Aguirre, Victor
Aguirre, Milagro
a/k/a Medina, Milagro
256 Union St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Aliperti, Jeffrey David
Aliperti, Jean Brockenbroug
113 Farmington Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Altman, Reginald A.
250 Walnut St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/04/11

Asadoorian, Alexandra
22 Whitney Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Athol Orange Driving School
Mailloux, Albert J.
271 South Royalston Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Bessette, Michele N.
550 South Mountain Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Bliss, Dale A.
68 Kulessa Cross Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Bryant, Jeremy P.
Bryant, Kellie A.
248 Adams Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Bunnell, Cynthia M.
136 Mary Coburn Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Cardinal, Margo L.
80 Columba St., Apt 7B
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Cayea, Michael
Cayea, Caroline
1235 Main St.
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Christiansen, Craig A.
Christiansen, Tracy R.
15 Hampden St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Chunhasuwan, Suchan
Chunhasuwan, Rudee
59 Maui Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/04/11

Condino, David J.
Condino, Jean M.
123 Melvin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Contreras, Victoria
89 Sherman St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/11

Dearborn, Laurie A.
a/k/a Watts, Laurie Ann
a/k/a Matthews, Laurie Ann
67 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

DeSimone, Connie Lynn
129 Tobacco Farm Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Dickinson II, Paul R.
Dickinson, Susan K.
83 Lumae St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/11

DiSanti, Robyn K.
107 Gerrard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Duhart, Scott G.
25 Franklin St., Unit H
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Ellard, Nancy K.
45 Pidgeon Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Evans, Robert B.
PO Box 152
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Facto, Kelly Lynne
PO Box 184
Goshen, MA 01032
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/10/11

Ferrigno, Maryann A.
176 Forest Hill Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Foley, Karen Lynne
39 Plateau Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Foley, Michael J.
80 Fairview Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Follett, Stephanie F.
177 Polikoff Road
Ashley Falls, MA 01222
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/07/11

Forbes Photo & Frame, LLC
Franz, Kerry
30 Prospect St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Forget, Lawrence R.
19 Hamlet St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/11

Gagne, Joseph E.
Gagne, Dorothy A.
13 Sullivan Ave.
P. O. Box 184
Hardwick, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/15/11

Galuszka, Irene L.
30 Crestview Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/11

Garny, Paul C.
20 Powers Mill Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Golemo, John S.
Golemo, Helen E.
19 Quebec St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Grover, Ricky A.
86 McCarthy Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Hall, Deborah A.
96 Holmes Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Hallett, Lynn A.
22 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Hughes, Richard F.
379 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

James, Jason S.
24 William St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Jandreau, D. Kevin
11 Tulsa St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Karas, Julia P.
Karas, Stephen
399B Gooseberry Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/11

Kavanagh, Peter John
42 Woodlawn St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Ketcham, Lillian C.
56D Highview Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Krieger, Scott Alan
7 Water St.
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Martin, Fred A.
P.O. Box E
Cheshire, MA 01225
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Matos, Virgilio
Frias, Ana I.
87 Belle St., Apt. 4R
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Mayrand, Paul M.
1 Springfield St., Apt. A103
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

McLoud, Bonnie J.
a/k/a Souness, Bonnie J.
48 Holy Family Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Momo Maintenance and Cleaning
Nguessan, Kouadio M.
49 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Moran, Debra A.
989 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Morris, John J.
13 Highland Village Apts.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Murphy, Kevin P.
2 Standish Court, Apt. A
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Nadeau, Stephanie Lynn
a/k/a Galas, Stephanie Lynn
274 Centre St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Nadeau, Timothy R.
39 Riverboat Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Negron, Rosemary
34 Mayfair Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Nguyen, Thanh V.
14 Meredith St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Osowski, Walter F.
Osowski, Julie A.
3 Fritz Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Parker, Caleb J.
49 Wholey Road
Conway, MA 01341
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/11

Pasterczyk, Heidi A.
62 South Winthrop St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/09/11

Petell, Laurie B.
80 Merriam St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Peterson, Carl P.
Peterson, Kim J.
48 Dean Circle
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Pettibone, Kenneth E.
Pettibone, Michele L.
226 Huckleberry Lane
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Phillips, Joseph W.
Phillips, Gail A.
60 Division St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Pieciak, Joseph A.
136 Queen Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

PKC Plumbing & Heating
Laflam, Paul R.
16 Fairfield Ave.
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Potvin, Raymond D.
Potvin, Dianne M.
65 Pondview Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Punch, Theresa G.
32 Lower Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Purcell, William Michael
11 Cummings St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/11

Ramos, Wilfredo
77 Longhill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Ratte, Laurette M.
291 Poplar Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/11

Reid, Clarence Mitchell
37 Waldorf St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Richardson, Donna M.
20 Elmshade Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Rodriguez, Fernando
Rodriguez, Mirtha
20 Sullivan St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Rosario, German
5 Columbia St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Ross, Michael A.
72 Monrovia St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Santiago, Carmen I.
561 S. Canal St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Schomer, Todd J.
Schomer, Karen F.
5 Tobacco Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Serrano, Jose A.
P.O. Box 1305
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Silvano, Mary C.
99 Meadow Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/11

Simon, Nicholas D.
19 Skyline Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Skuse, Martin E.
Skuse, Karen M.
14 Field St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Smith, Melissa Jane
883 Bay Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Spinney, Jessie E.
102 East Main Road
Peru, MA 01235
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Spire USA
Barnes, Cory Patrick
Barnes, Alexandra Ramsay
a/k/a Lexie, Barnes
56 Chestnut Plain Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

St. Germain, Mark J.
69 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/11

Storey, Laurie A.
7 Overlook Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

The Learning Garden
Fellows, Andrew J.
Fellows, Jericho
375 Walnut Hill Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

TL Boutin Transportation
Boutin, Therese L.
a/k/a Wheeler, Therese L.
51 Pleasant St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/10/11

Tomala, Walter J.
132 Lapointe Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Torres, Rosa M.
37 Kingsley St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/11

Usher, Judith A.
193 Oak St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Valdez, Lissette
654 Beacon Circle
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Vasquez, Eva E.
a/k/a Gonzalez, Eva E.
86 Barber St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Vazquez, Elba I.
180 Northampton Ave., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Welzyn, Patricia
81 Polaski Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Wernsing, Diane S.
31 Highland Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/11

Whitney, Gardner
Whitney, Robin
19 Sunbriar Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Wondoloski, Jean M.
5 Hillside Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/11

Wood, Michael S.
Wood, Jonencia
21 Anderson St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/11

Wrona, Jaroslaw
55 Empire St., No. 58
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/11

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff November 22, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2011.

AGAWAM

Grooming with Jenna & Matt
1325 Springfield St.
Jenna Scully

M.J.D. Renovations
55 Highland St.
Michael Drisdelle

Nanny’s House
67 Monroe St.
Choan Hermans

Scentational Marketing
350 Meadow St.
David J. Girard

Swift Roofing
71 High St.
Josh Swift

CHICOPEE

Blue Marble Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
16 Amherst St.
Julie M. Murphy

Kelly Liberty Photography
47 Abbey St.
Kelly Liberty

Martinelli, Martini, and Gallagher Real Estate
1643 Memorial Dr.
Paul R. Gallagher

Transformations
12 Center St.
George Walden-Baez

GREENFIELD

Cherry Rum Laundry
343 Federal St.
Jung Yu

C.L. Keniston Home & Yard Improvement
259 Log Plain Road
Carl A. Keniston

Hair by Lindsey
41 Bank Row
Lindsey Gilbert

Mattress Outlet
142 Main St.
Harry Foster Jr.

Roberto’s Pizzeria
80 Federal St.
Rhina Naranjo

The GRC Inc.
12 Lakeview Dr.
Peter L. Kramer

Yankee Realty
74 Mohawk Trail
Cheryl A. Ingersoll

HADLEY

Kentucky Fried Chicken
3 South Maple St.
Michael Houston

M. Jolly Trucking
45 Knightly Road
Matt Jolly

HOLYOKE

Amedeo’s Restaurant & Pizzeria
8 North Bridge St.
Antonio DiBenedetto

Apple Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Terry Ryan

C & J PC Repairs
98 Suffolk St.
Yelfry Torres

James W. McCann
1353 Dwight St.
James W. McCann

Lindo Landscaping & Construction
227 Pine St.
Felix Rodriguez

Rayzor Sharp Images
118 Maple St.
Raymond Rodriguez

Sporting Change Inc.
50 Holyoke St.
Rick Gileau

The Whole Donut
187 South St.
Jagdish Patel

Vivian’s Craft & Art
254 Maple St.
Vivian Feliciano

Zee Convenience Store
132 High St.
Mohamed Nagooradumai

LUDLOW

Affiliated Construction Services
123 Center St.
Craig Orn

Balance Professional
77 East St.
Lori Miller

Hair West Services
322 West Ave.
Christine Percy

Ludlow Golden Seniors Club
37 Chestnut St.
Francis Krzanik

NORTHAMPTON

Comfort Heating & Cooling
7 Hinckles St.
Dale R. Simmons

KBH Enterprises
183 Main St.
Karin I. Muller

Misty River Ballooning
82 Bliss St.
Donald A. LaFountain

Mobile Design Lab
38 Henry St.
Lisa Depiano

My Garage
109 Bridge St.
Diane Todrin

Qi Internetics
241 King St.
John Zebrun

River of Grace Yoga
176 Crescent St.
Carole Bell

SOUTHWICK

Killiney Floor
1 Lexington Circle
Erick Serna

M.M. Automotive Repair
39 West Road
Michael Massai II

SPRINGFIELD

Premier Lifestyle
148 Jamestown Dr.
Kyle Griffith

Primo Ticket Sales
1113 Main St.
Jose M. Santiago

Resources and People
29 Ridgecrest St.
Elizabeth Hogan

Ruth Sweet Tooth Booth
125 College St.
Sherrie A. Burrell

S & B Motors
1608 State St.
Jorge L. Ortiz

Saludy Vida Hoy II
2660 Main St.
Blanca Nieves

Sandra’s Accessories
318 St. James Ave.
Diana C. Alsina

Smily’s Spot
471 Boston Road
Fazul U. Rehman

Smith’s Landscaping
25 Foxwood Dr.
Gary Smith

Surgery Center of New England
55 St. George Road
Wendel M. Wainner

Valdes Construction
52 Loring St.
Victor Valdes

Vinh Chau Restaurant
409 Dickinson St.
Phuong Nguyen

Walther America
2100 Roosevelt Ave.
John Dineen

Windowshopshop.com
170 Main St.
Michael Opeyemi

WESTFIELD

Antique Cars
21 Charles St.
Ivanov Kostyantyn

Dave’s Auto Sales
256 Union St.
David Allen

G4 Graphics
1 Arch Road
Justin Glaze

Lilley Pro Cleaner
4 Linda Dr.
Cindy Locklear

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Bertucci’s Brick Oven Ristorante
847 Riverdale St.
Bertucci’s Restaurant Corp.

C.M. Jenkins Property Service
59 Verdugo St.
Corey M. Jenkins

Firestone Tire & Service Center
501 Memorial Ave.
BFS Retail and Commercial Operations Inc.

Friendly Hair Salon
553 Union St.
Tatyana Yermakov

Rite Aid
99 Westfield St.
Matthew Schroeder

Shri Ghanshyam Subway LLC
356 Memorial Ave.
Navin Patel

Sky’s the Limit
257 Cold Spring Ave.
Patrick S. Brown

S.T.A.N.
791 Piper Road
Stanley J. Zalewski

The Packing House
1434 Memorial Ave.
Howard A. Goldberg

Verizon Wireless
1123 Riverdale St.
Cellco Partnership

Whiting Appraisals
112 Partridge Lane
Debra Whiting

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff November 22, 2011

Briefcase Departments

Ameristar Casinos Announces Agreement to Purchase Former Westinghouse Site
LAS VEGAS — In anticipation of the legalization of casino gaming in Massachusetts, Ameristar Casinos Inc. (NASDAQ-GS: ASCA) announced last week it has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase land in Springfield, Mass., with the intent to apply for the sole casino license for Western Mass. and, if awarded, build a luxury hotel and entertainment resort. “This is a great opportunity for Ameristar to build on a one-of-a-kind site within the city limits of Springfield, a city that would greatly benefit from an economic development project of this magnitude,” said Gordon Kanofsky, Ameristar’s CEO. “There are not many attractive new-market growth opportunities for casino companies, and this one in particular fits squarely within the Ameristar business model as an upscale regional destination casino operator.” Ameristar has agreed to purchase the 41-acre site at Page Boulevard and Interstate 291 (the former Westinghouse complex) for $16 million from an affiliate of the O’Connell Development Group Inc., which had anticipated a large-scale retail project on the site. Since Westinghouse vacated the property in 1970, it had been utilized for light industrial purposes, but more recently had been vacant. The buildings on the site are being razed, and the property will be delivered to Ameristar substantially ready for construction. Ameristar’s development plans are preliminary but are expected to include a state-of-the-art casino continuously updated with the newest and most popular slot machines and a variety of table games, a luxury hotel, a diverse offering of dining venues, retail outlets, entertainment and meeting space, and structured parking. “As with all of our other properties, we look forward to partnering with the city and community to ensure our project visually complements the surrounding neighborhood and suitable street improvements are made to accommodate increased traffic in the area,” said Kanofsky. Subject to the satisfactory completion of Ameristar’s due diligence, the closing of the purchase is expected to occur in January 2012. Ameristar Casinos has eight casino hotel properties primarily serving guests from Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska and Nevada.

Poll: Palmer Resort Casino Favored Over Springfield Venue
WILBRAHAM — By a margin of 61.4% to 42.5%, residents of four Western Massachusetts counties who have visited a casino during the past two years would prefer visiting a Palmer destination resort casino over a Springfield venue, should gaming become legalized. Market Street Research of Northampton conducted the survey from Oct. 20-26. The survey included 350 residents of the four counties with a margin of error between 3.1% and 5.2%, according to Julie Pokela, principle of Market Street Research. “We interviewed those who have visited a casino, and who don’t live in either Palmer or Springfield, determining preference in Western Massachusetts between a possible Palmer or Springfield resort casino,” said Pokela. The survey also found that a large majority of residents of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire, 75.8%, have visited a resort casino, while 23.9% have never visited a casino. Of those who have visited a casino during the past two years, nearly half, 48.5%, have visited two or more times. The Mohegan Sun has proposed a resort casino for Palmer on 152 acres of land owned by The Northeast Group, and Penn Gaming recently announced interest in a Springfield casino venue. “One of the considerations was to determine if the public prefers venues ‘in the woods’ such as Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods or in urban areas such as Springfield,” said Paul Robbins, public relations consultant to Northeast. “The survey was designed to determine preference among those in Western Mass. who are located within an hour’s drive of both Palmer and Springfield.”

October Employment “Stable”
WASHINGTON — The nation’s labor market posted stable growth in October, according to Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “The economy added 104,000 private sector jobs last month, and we also added 102,000 more jobs than had previously been reported in August and September,” said Solis in a statement. The unemployment rate dropped to 9%, its lowest level in six months. “The number of long-term unemployed — defined as Americans out of work for 27 weeks or more — fell by 366,000 in October, the biggest drop since 1948,” she said. Additionally, the jobless rate for African-Americans dropped a percentage point to 15.1%, its lowest level since August 2009. “We’ve now created 2.8 million jobs over 20 consecutive months of private sector growth, including more than 1 million jobs this year alone,” she said. GDP growth in the third quarter was 2.5% — the fastest rate in more than a year and nearly twice that of the previous quarter. Businesses reported significantly fewer layoffs in October. Consumer and business spending are both up, reflecting Americans’ increased confidence in our recovery progress. “Unfortunately, we continue to see job losses in government and construction, both areas where passage of the American Jobs Act would have a direct and immediate effect on job creation,” said Solis. Overall, non-farm payroll added 80,000 jobs in October, reflecting the loss of 24,000 government jobs and 20,000 jobs in construction. “The policies this administration has pursued have added jobs back into the economy, but the pace of our recovery continues to be influenced by the failure of Congress to pass legislation to put Americans back to work,” she said. In the week ending Oct. 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 397,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 406,000. The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending Oct. 15 was 6,781,960, an increase of 103,117 from the previous week. Extended benefits were available in Alabama, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin during the week ending Oct. 15.

Census: Re-Emergence of Concentrated Poverty in Local Cities
SPRINGFIELD — As the first decade of the 2000s drew to a close, the two downturns that bookended the period, combined with slow job growth between, clearly took their toll on the nation’s less fortunate residents, according to a new report, The Re-Emergence of Concentrated Poverty: Metropolitan Trends in the 2000s, by the Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program. Over a 10-year span, the country saw the poor population grow by 12.3 million, driving the total number of Americans in poverty to a historic high of 46.2 million. By the end of the decade, more than 15% of the nation’s population lived below the federal poverty line — $22,314 for a family of four in 2010 — though these increases did not occur evenly throughout the country. An analysis of data on neighborhood poverty from the 2005-09 American Community Surveys and Census 2000 reveals that: After declining in the 1990s, the population in extreme-poverty neighborhoods — where at least 40% of individuals live below the poverty line — rose by one-third from 2000 to 2005-09. By the end of the period, 10.5% of poor people nationwide lived in such neighborhoods, up from 9.1% in 2000, but still well below the 14.1% rate in 1990. For the Springfield metropolitan area, which includes Holyoke, a total population of 520,801 included 58,565 classified as “poor” while 16,311 were classified as “poor in extreme poverty.” The extreme poverty areas in Springfield cited in the report included the neighborhoods of Brightwood, Memorial Square, McKnight, Old Hill, Six Corners, Lower Liberty Heights and the South End. In Holyoke, tracts considered in extreme poverty were bordered by Interstate 391, Beech Street and the Connecticut River. Local officials have cited the weak economy and job losses as reasons for these extreme poverty neighborhoods. The report noted that in the past decade, the Springfield Metropolitan Area has seen a 2% increase in concentrated poverty neighborhoods.

People On the Move

By BusinessWest Staff November 22, 2011

Departments People on the Move

Josiah B. Neiderbach recently joined the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in Springfield as a Land Use and Environment Planner.
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Lynn Brown

Lynn Brown has been appointed First Vice President of Commercial Banking at PeoplesBank in Holyoke. Brown joins PeoplesBank with more than 26 years of experience in the financial-services industry. She is a seasoned commercial banking professional who has worked in the area for the majority of her career. At her previous position, Brown was responsible for managing a commercial-loan portfolio totaling more than $85 million. She is the chair of the board of directors for the Behavioral Health Network and is a member the board of directors for the East Longmeadow Education Endowment Fund.
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Amy B. Royal has been named a Director of Aditus Inc., a community-based education and employment agency serving individuals with developmental disabilities. She is a Senior Partner at Royal LLP, a management-side labor- and employment-law firm.
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Nancy Milkey

Nancy Milkey, PG, LSP, has been named Tighe & Bond’s Technical Practice Leader for the Environmental Practice Group. In this role, she coordinates and champions the Westfield firm’s extensive environmental-assessment capabilities and ensures the group stays abreast of local, state, and federal regulations that impact clients. She is a registered brownfields professional, a Massachusetts-licensed site professional, and a professional geologist in New Hampshire.
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Alicia M. Szenda has been appointed Director of Sales at the Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau. She previously served as Group Sales Manager. In her new position, Szenda manages convention and meetings sales for all member properties in the Pioneer Valley, and serves as the hotel liaison for the TEAM Springfield sales strategy for conventions. She will also coordinate group tour activities for the bureau.
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Elisabeth E. Johnson has been appointed by TD Bank as Vice President, Portfolio Manager in Commercial Real Estate in Springfield. She is responsible for managing a $280 million portfolio of commercial mortgages and lines of credit, as well as credit administration, risk management, and compliance of existing loans.
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Katya Cerar has been named Director of Transition Aged Youth Services at ServiceNet.
•••••
United Bank, based in West Springfield, announced the following:

Donna George-Ebbeling

• Donna George-Ebbeling has been named Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer. She brings with her more than 25 years of banking experience in credit administration, most recently with People’s United Bank and previously with the former Bank of Boston. Her experience includes credit analysis, management of regional credit departments, and risk-management responsibilities.
• Donna Easton-Vicalvi has been promoted to Vice President, Government Banking. A former town treasurer with more than 15 years experience in municipal government and banking when she joined United Bank in 2008 as assistant vice president of government banking, Easton-Vicalvi has since built and maintained significant customer relationships with numerous municipalities in the surrounding area. She also plays an active role with various industry and community organizations.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff November 22, 2011

Company Notebook Departments

Easthampton Savings Bank Surpasses $936M in Assets
EASTHAMPTON — At the end of the third quarter, Easthampton Savings Bank had total assets of $936 million, according to William S. Hogan, Jr., president and CEO. Assets were up more than $86 million from a year ago, an increase of 10%. Also, over the past year, total loans increased 8% or almost $49 million, an increase of almost $18 million over the last quarter. Total loans now stand at $635 million. Hogan noted that the bank’s deposit growth was more than $87 million or 13% from a year ago. Deposits were up almost $11 million for the quarter. Total deposits now stand at $755 million. “This past quarter has been another successful one,” said Hogan in a statement. “We achieve this level of success with exceptional employees and support from all of the communities we call home.” Hogan added that bank officials look forward to completing the year on an “up note” with strong performance.

Big Y Foods Opens
Store in Lee
LEE — Big Y Foods opened a 45,900-square-foot World Class Market at 10 Pleasant St. on Nov. 3, at the site of the former truck stop Diesel Dan’s. The new Big Y reflects today’s modern supermarket standards along with an in-store pharmacy, prepared meals section and eat-in cafe, according to store director Steve Gigliotti. Additionally, there is 5,000 square feet of retail space that is available for a future tenant. Cocca Development of Boardman, Ohio, served as general contractor for the expansion in conjunction with several local subcontractors for the completion of the $15 million development. Gigliotti and his team has hired approximately 150 employees to operate the store. The hours of operation will be 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Big Y’s pharmacy will accept most major insurance plans and will be managed by Darice Taxter, R.Ph., along with John Graham, R.Ph. Wellness services include flu shots, total cholesterol and blood pressure, glucose and body fat and osteo with blood pressure. Pharmacy hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays. As part of Big Y’s grand opening celebration, the four schools in Lee each received $500 as part of the company’s longstanding commitment to education.

MassMutual Plans $1.33B Dividend Payout for Policyholders
SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) recently announced it has approved payment of an estimated $1.33 billion in dividends to eligible participating policyholders in 2012, an increase of $105.5 million over the prior year, representing an 8.6% increase. The annual dividend, which MassMutual has paid to policyholders consistently since the 1860s, is one of the key benefits of purchasing a participating policy from a mutual company that is operated for the benefit of its policyholders, according to Roger Crandall, chairman, president and CEO, MassMutual. “The value of doing business with a mutual company has never been more abundantly clear, and MassMutual is proud to deliver on that enduring value by continuing our legacy of strong dividend payouts,” said Crandall in a statement. “Our increased dividend payout in 2012 demonstrates our longstanding commitment to mutuality, financial strength, and those who matter most to us, our policyholders.” The total dividends for 2012, approved by MassMutual’s Board of Directors, include a dividend interest rate of 7.0% on all eligible participating life insurance policies. This announcement comes at a time when MassMutual maintains among the highest financial strength ratings in its industry and is reporting record levels of surplus ($11.2 billion as of Sept. 30) and total adjusted capital ($13.4 billion as of Sept. 30), which are key indicators of the company’s overall financial strength, added Crandall.

Carrazza Financial Merges with St. Germain Investment Management
SPRINGFIELD — Michael R. Matty, CFA, CFP president, of St. Germain Investment Management announced the merger of his company with Frank Carrazza Financial Planning. Frank A. Carrazza Jr. assumes the position of director of Financial Planning for the firm. He will oversee the financial planning services of St. Germain while continuing his responsibilities of managing client assets and providing financial and insurance planning advice to individuals and small business owners. Carrazza brings a broad range of knowledge and experience in areas of investments, income and capital preservation. Since 1976, he has been an independent professional since leaving a senior position at IBM in Boston. As a financial advisor, he offered securities through Commonwealth Financial Network, a broker/dealer and member of FINRA and SIPC. He has served as president of the Estate Planning Council of Hampden County as well as president of the Western Mass Chapter of Financial Service Professionals. Because of his expertise in financial planning, business succession planning, insurance and estate planning, Carrazza holds the following certifications: certified financial planner [CFP], chartered life underwriter [CLU], chartered financial consultant [ChFCA], accredited investment fiduciary [AIF] and registered investment advisor [RIA]. St. Germain is a privately held company specializing in investment management for individuals and institutions. Founded in 1924, St. Germain services national and international clients from two offices, one in Springfield, the other in Hartford.

UMass Amherst Police Have New Station
AMHERST — The UMass Amherst Police Department recently conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new building at 585 East Pleasant St. At the ceremony, speakers included Robert C. Holub, UMass Amherst chancellor, Henry Thomas III, UMass trustee from Springfield, who represented the UMass Board of Trustees and the UMass Building Authority, and Johnny C. Whitehead, UMass Amherst police chief. During the festivities, the department opened the building for tours and had specialty units, including the police horses and motorcycle officers, available. The $12.5 million facility is located at the intersection with Tillson Farm Road, across from the Amherst Fire Department’s North Fire Station. The department began full-time use of the new building in April. The building, designed by the firm Caolo & Bieniek Associates, is also the first new construction on campus to meet leadership in energy and environmental design (LEED) certification standards. Whitehead noted in a statement that the new station provides the department with all of the tools that a highly professional police force needs.

Departments

Work in Progress: Glacial Improvement on Jobs

Thing5 Move Downtown Spurs Momentum in Springfield

Pitching In

Top Lender

Capital Idea

Holiday Party

An Age of Demoralizing Debt

A Breath of Fresh Air in Holyoke

Thing5 Move Downtown Spurs Momentum in Springfield

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2011.

Investment Key to a Resurgent Springfield

Old Masters to Monet

Food Fest West

Award-winning Efforts

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.

Resurgent Springfield

ACCGS Government Reception

Bright Nights Ball

Festival of Trees

Gas Tax Isn’t a Simple Cure for Transit Ills

Making the Case for Community Colleges

The following building permits were issued during the month of November 2011.

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

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of November 2011.

Incorporations were not available at press time. They will be printed in the next issue of BusinessWest.

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