Departments Archives - Page 116 of 148

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff March 1, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

CES Logistics
335 Walnut St.
George Ammirato

Gonyeas Business Support
32 Wildflower Lane
Judith Gonyea

Hidden Treasures
143 Main St.
Laura Albano

Holly’s Consignment
1325 Springfield St.
Holly Kirby

Second Wind Yoga
327 Walnut St.
William Clark

TLC Transport LLC
91 Ramah Circle
Jo-Anne Candido

CHICOPEE

Great China Restaurant
690 Grattan St.
Li Q. Gao

LS Cleaning Services
954 Chicopee St.
Luciano C. Santos

EASTHAMPTON

Aaron’s Roll-Off Service
1 Loomis Way
Joel Keefe

All Things Relaxation
21 South St.
Jessica Berger

Skull Factory
12 Matthew Dr.
Eric Talbot

Three Posies
2 Franklin St.
Bronwen Hodgkinson

EAST LONGMEADOW

Landmark Realtors
60 North Main St.
Thomas Avezzie

Red Carpet Nails
424 North Main St.
Kwang Shin

Vanie’s Hair and Nails
613 North Main St.
Stephanie Le

GREENFIELD

D’Angelo Grilled Sandwiches
68 Mohawk Trail
Land Corporation

Soucie Styles
94 Main St.
Amy Soucie

The Laundry
176 Federal St.
Alexander Fiorey

The Solar Express
120 Fox Hill Road
Alexander Fiorey

HOLYOKE

Diaz Auto Sales
829 Main St.
Jose R. Diaz

N.F. Creed Communications
2 Pheasant Dr.
Nancy F. Creed

Vin’s Car Wash
185 South St.
Paul J. Mazzariello

LUDLOW

All Day All Night Fitness
56 East St.
Carol J. Morello

Compass Professional Services
733 Chapen St.
Kathleen Duke

Warrior Nation Xtreme Fighters Alliance
885 East St.
Jess G. Camp

NORTHAMPTON

John Geryk Plumbing & Heating
20 Jackson St.
John T. Geryk

MIS Cleaning
377 Florence Road
Patricia Mizula

Northampton Cab
68 Bradford St.
Seemo Amzil

Paradise Food Group
139 Federal St.
Donna B. Lilborn

Rich Clothing For Men
22 Masonic St.
Nancy Donato

SOUTHWICK

Donna M. Houghton Licensed Massage Therapist
405 North Loomis St.
Donna M. Houghton

Hairsworks Salon
320 College Highway
Paula Zering

New England Academic Specialties
1 Cody Lane
Kristen Coccia

SPRINGFIELD

Ahisha’s Snow Removal
1303 Bay St.
Ahisha L. Fontanez

Anderson Home Improvement
777 St. James Ave.
Frederick C. Anderson

Appleby’s Neighborhood Grille
1349 Boston Road
Rebecca R. Tilden

Car-Venience
6 Lawton St.
Glen D. Porter

Clinton Nursery School
1590 Sumner Ave.
Karen L. Hachadourian

Conquest
351 Bridge St.
AT & T Corporation

Cumberland Farms
70 Parker St.
Cumberland Farms Inc.

CVS Pharmacy
1242 Parker St.
Isabel B. Amado

Doggy Dooz
1512 Allen St.
Paula L. Cox

Downtown Convenience
160 Worthington St.
Nafees Awan

Eternal Nail Salon Inc.
1195 Sumner Ave.
Nicole Chen

Fantastico Wraps and Salads
1500 Main St.
Nazario J. Settembre

Fresh Anointing Ministries
711 Dwight St.
Anthony Darryl

Healing Hands Ministries
158 Chestnut St.
Clive Ryan

Heavenly Essence
280 Oakland St.
Hamzah Latif

House of Tickets
340 Cooley St.
Bruce M. Cooper

Interior Motives Publishing
97 Lumae St.
Keith L. Walker

J. Methe Construction
34 Newport St.
Jeremy D. Methe

WESTFIELD

Gene Paulson Health & Happiness
31 Ridgeway St.
Eugene Paulson

GG’s Auto Repair Inc.
988 Southampton Road
John R. Gagnon

Greg Mastroianni Electrician
110 Joseph Ave.
Greg Mastroianni

Gulfstream
33 Elise St.
Gulfstream Aerospace

Household Handyman
130 Park Dr.
Edwin Pemberton

Leger’s Field Services
77 Valley View Dr.
Gary M. Leger

Lethe-Rasa Freelancing
12 Chestnut St.
Hunter Elliot

Ryan’s Package
31 Franklin St.
Edwin O. Anderson

Seasons for Gifting
19 Old Park Lane
Kathie Mazza

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Atwood Fire & Security
33 Sylvan St.
George Condon III

Coppa Law Group
1012 Memorial Ave.
Vittorio Coppa

Kevin T. Boyle Plumbing and Heating
19 Rochelle St.
Kevin T. Boyle

Long Radio
1102 Riverdale St.
W. T. Mitus Company Inc.

Lower Pioneer Valley Educational
174 Brush Hill Ave.
Anne S. McKenzie

Naatz Law Office
1012 Memorial Ave.
Carrie A. Naatz

New Image Décor N More.com
129 Apple Ridge Road
Linda M. Guiel

Shades of Jade
1138 Memorial Ave.
JB Studios Inc.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of January and February 2011.

AGAWAM

Benchmark Properties
153 Cardinal Dr.
$3,000 — Construct 17-foot metal stud wall

CHICOPEE

Brals, LLC
67 Sunnyside St.
$23,000 — Convert interior of house for handicap accessibility

Elms College
291 Springfield St.
$39,000 — Construct handicap ramp to Spaulding House

Front Street, LLC
920 Front St.
$5,000 — Seal up hole in dividing wall

GREENFIELD

Amerigas Propane
44 Montague City Road
$4,000 — Roof over one layer

Franklin Medical Center
48 Sanderson St.
$150,000 — Interior renovations

Friendly’s Realty I, LLC
200 Mohawk Trail
$24,000 — Replace roof

Western Mass Electric Co.
Wisdom Way
$56,000 — Construct addition to electrical control house

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$135,000 — Remodel Crazy 8 store

Monohar Lalchandani
1820 Northampton St.
$13,000 — Strip and install new roof

LUDLOW

Spa East
154 East St.
$2,000 — Interior alterations

NORTHAMPTON

Valley Millbank, LLC
18 Michelman Ave.
$20,500 — Kitchen fire restoration

PALMER

H.A.V., Inc.
1144 Thorndike St.
$3,000 — Construct storage shed

SOUTHWICK

Subway
535 College Highway
$10,500 — Construct handicap bathroom

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Medical Center
2 Medical Center Dr.
$341,000 — Tenant fit-out for neurosurgery suite

Chase Management
21 Maple St.
$3,700 — Repair brick veneer

Jhanvi Hospitality Inc.
143-147 State St.
$2,000,500 — Renovate existing building for hotel

Marcos A. Gomez
599 Page Blvd.
$29,500 — Renovate former pocket store to restaurant

WESTFIELD

Westfield Alpine Company, LLC
1029 North Road
$22,000 — Remove center wall, insulate, and carpet

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Eastern States Exposition
1305 Memorial Ave.
$270,000 — Strip and re-roof 28,000 square feet of commercial structure

Memo’s Restaurant
1272 Memorial Dr.
$5,000 — Install a commercial kitchen exhaust hood

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

BANKRUPTCIES

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

Allore, Jeffrey N.
9 Lake Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/11

Auger, Laura N.
11 North St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/11

Bailey, Steven Douglas
48 New Broadway
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/11

Barber, Leo Edward
Barber, Deborah Lee
176 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Bednarski, Theodore E.
Bednarski, Paula A.
100 Main St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/11

Belfar, William S.
88 Harkness Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Bell, David W.
Bell, Lisa S.
693R Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Berge, William Edward
21 Bill St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/11

Bilodeau, Melanie A.
10 Wallace Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/11

Bliss, Sharon L.
118 Carpenter Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/11

Bousquet, Patricia A.
161 General Knox Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Brown, John J.
Brown, Cynthia T.
PO Box 803
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Buccacio, Maureen A.
48 Baker St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Cantwell, Brian Paul
P.O.Box 1212
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/03/11

Carbone, Martin
Carbone, Karen
365 Petersham Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Carr, Patrick Allen
50 Barre Circle
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Chenaille, Camilla A.
101 Bridle Path Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Corish, Yvonne M.
71 Beacon Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Darr, Laurie M.
15 Bluemer
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/11

Defeo, Deborah
242 Dox Rd
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/11

Flores, Carmen J.
74 Narragansett St., 2
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Fontaine, Michael S.
Fontaine, Christie M.
33 Spring St., Apt. H
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/11

Gauthier, Jason B.
Gauthier, Kelly M.
a/k/a O’Connor, Kelly M.
48 Nash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Gilchrest, Donna Louise
75A Wells St. Apt. 209
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/03/11

Golenev, Aleksandr A.
Goleneva, Yekaterina V.
81 South Maple St., Apt. 43
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Goulet, Todd Edmond
75 Briar Way
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Higley, Steven M.
23 Circle Dr.
Enfield, CT 06082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/03/11

Hing, Heng K.
Hour, Va
53 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Hughes, Janet
22 South Main St., Apt
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Hutchinson, Thomas S.
Hutchinson, Angela M.
270 Chapman Steet
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Kafanov, Sergey A.
Kafanov, Anna I.
3 Madison Ave.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/11

Keating, Richard
Braddy, Lillian Louise
269 Barrett St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/11

Krause, Heidi L
1 Belden Ct. #L-1
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/11

Lapa, Kathleen M.
97 Circle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Lewandowski, Miroslaw
Lewandowski, Boguslawa
66 Amherst St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Maagero, Jeanine C.
146 Celebration Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Macutkiewicz, Abraham J.
Macutkiewicz, Sarah-May C.
a/k/a Simmons, Sarah-May Chandler
21 Primrose St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/11

Maggi, Anthony P.
16 Old Mill Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Mickle, Bettejean
16 Regency Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Murphy, Glenn M.
Murphy, Donna M.
71 Howard St., Apt. #2
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

O’Neill, James A.
O’Neill, Ivy H.
7 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Ortiz, Miguel
P.O.Box 10524
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/11

Parker, Judy L.
a/k/a Morrow, Judy L.
251 Chesterfield Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Peck, Charles Eugene
46 Melrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Peckham Enterprises LLC
20 Chamberlain Road
Montgomery, MA 01050
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 01/01/11

Peloquin, Janet A.
31 McDonald Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/11

Peloquin, John
121 College St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Perez, Juan
140 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/11

Polley, Gerald W.
98 Barney Hale Road
Gill, MA 01354
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/11

Pope, Thomas F.
16 Regency Court
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Richardson, Alexander C.
68 Rochelle St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Robert, George J.
Robert, Jean M.
96 Yorktown Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Rodriguez, Carlos
Nieves, Zoraida
497 Hillside Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Roofs Done Right
Ahern, Barbara M.
Ellis, Barbara M.
338 Prince John Dr.
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Rudert, Bruce K.
Rudert, Marie E.
a/k/a Long, Marie E.
a/k/a Reed, Marie
P.O.Box 1423
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/11

Semelroth, Ian T.
7 Dewitt Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/11

Shalit, Emily G.
a/k/a Shalit Gelpi, Emily Grace
P.O. Box 1422
Stockbridge, MA 01262
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Slosek, Bridget Betty
92 Meadow St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Slosek, Michael A.
92 Meadow St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Spielmann Bergamini, Hildegard A.
303 South Quarter Road
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Talbot-Olson, Gail Susan
34 East Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Taylor, Margaret A.
429-431 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Till, Brian
Till, Lisa
138 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/11

Toti, Gail F.
223 Kenmore Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/11

Walker, James Allen
Walker, Margaret Norden
53 Warburton Way
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Walter, Patricia H.
a/k/a Sears, Patricia H.
631 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/11

Welch Plumbing & Heating
Welch, Gary F.
6 Blossom Lane
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/11/11

White, Kevin A.
White, Wanda E.
44 Quebec St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/13/11

Wilder, Gerald L.
Wilder, Gloria N.
P.O. Box 53
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/11/11

Willard, Robert W.
Willard, Kristen M.
1401 South St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/10

Yerka, Lesha Prehl
129 Franklin St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Zajaczkowski, Stanislaw
P.O. Box 1015
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/10/11

Doing Business As Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the months of January and February 2011.

AGAWAM

Elmwood Car & Van Controls
521 River Road
William A. Douglas

Garden Art
32 Church St.
Ken Guerin

Rosemarie’s Salon @ Sebastian’s
333 Walnut St.
Rosemarie Brandoli

Sandy’s K-9
84 Maple St.
Silke Lanski

Twice But Nice
525 Springfield St.
Nicholas Grimaldi

Wicked Leather
53 Fairview St.
Robert Alves

Wideorbit
67 Hunt St.
Diana Falvo

CHICOPEE

Bernie’s Service Station
105 Montgomery St.
Daniel Bernashe

Chicopee Jiffy Lube
2017 Memorial Dr.
Richard Smith

Daigle’s Truck Master Inc.
57 Fuller St.
Jeffrey Daigle

Nasa’s Auto Service LLC
817 Front St.
Michael Wayne Asselin

Lara’s Destiny Hair Salon
1512 Memorial Dr.
Lara Torrao

Power On
115 Beauregard Terrace
Rvi’shan Yo

GREENFIELD

Barlow Tree & Landscaping
77 Davis St.
Bryan Barlow

Daily Nuggets
324 Wells St.
Robert Apteker

Greenfield Corporate Center Café
101 Munson St.
Simon Guy

Sigda Flower Shop
284 High St.
Richard Sigda

Spalding Affordable Custom Cleaning
256 Davis St.
William Spalding

HOLYOKE

Jizay’s Global Tech
101 High St.
Marcos J. Alvarao

Klassic Eye Brow
50 Holyoke St.
Sukhpal Kaur

Law Office of Joseph E. Best, Esq.
328 High St.
Joseph E. Best

Ponce Store
254 Maple St.
Efrain Resto

T-Mobile
50 Holyoke St.
Harvey Woodford

LONGMEADOW

Gold Courier
35 Erskine Dr.
Stephen Goldstein

LUDLOW

Lara’s Destiny House Salon & Day Spa
293 State St.
Lara Torrao

Joseph Testori Electrical Contractor
71 New Crest St.
Joseph Testori

SOUTHWICK

Donna M. Houghton Licensed Massage Therapist
405 North Loomis St.
Donna M. Houghton

Hairsworks Salon
320 College Hwy.
Paula Zering

New England Academic Specialties
1 Cody Lane
Kristen A. Coccia

SPRINGFIELD

Garcia’s Painting
878 Liberty St.
Luis A. Garcia

Good Shepherd Realty
107 Blaine St.
Richard Fontaine

Imperial Bakery
345 Main St.
Maria Tirado

J. Methe Construction
34 Newport St.
Jeremy D. Methe

Jack Chen Chinese Restaurant
1193 Sumner Ave.
Jin Q. Chen

Pair A Dice Clean
19 Dewey St.
Elizabeth Y. Ruiz

Sullivan Service
14 Brighton St.
Brendan Patrick

Super Class Laundry
1771 Boston Road
Bhanu B. Tiwari

The Hook Up
72 Bancroft St.
Rafael J. Sierra

WESTFIELD

Cornerstone-Good Goth
77 Mill St.
Marianne Deidolori

Del Photocraft
46 Spruce St.
Michael C. DelMonte

Gary’s Auto Repair
11 Bartlett St.
Gary Francis

J.M.C.
18 King St.
James J. Merati

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Allston Antiques
820 Union St.
William P. Youngworth IV

Cal’s Wood-Fired Grill & Bar
1068 Riverdale St.
Calamari’s III Inc.

Capzice Creative Hair Salon
553 Main St.
Lilia Dzhenzherukha

Case Handyman and Remodeling
380 Union St.
New England Handyman Services

Charlie’s Diner
218 Union St.
Michael Alfano

Dan’s Domestic Auto Repair
23 Sumner St.
Daniel E. Chraplak

Samtronix
274 Westfield St.
Osama Jalal

The Healing Zone Therapeutic Mass
201 Westfield St.
Nanci J. Newton

Video Chat Shopping
104 Kings Highway
George Colon

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Company Notebook Departments

Vann Group Launches Simply Booked
SPRINGFIELD — The Vann Group recently launched Simply Booked, an affordable, easy-to-use, outsourced bookkeeping service that combines the benefits of an online service with the expertise of a dedicated accountant. The firm has two locations, on Worcester Street in Springfield and at 10 Post Office Square in Boston. For more information, visit www.simply-booked.com.

Gravity Switch Develops iBracket for iPad
NORTHAMPTON — Gravity Switch, a Web, iPhone, and iPad development firm, has developed the first wall bracket for the iPad, the iBracket. The iBracket fills the need for a wall-mounting system for Apple’s iPad and doubles as a means for a cost-effective Internet-enabled kiosk. The firm has worked closely with LB Manufacturing in Chesterfield from the beginning to produce the iBracket, which comes in a variety of colors and finishes and offers various features. The iBracket is being built to order and takes approximately two weeks from order to delivery. Customers have already included Powerhouse Entertainment, the Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Conn., and the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, Calif., which are showcasing the iBracket/iPad combination. For more information, visit www.gravityswitch.com.

Berkshire Hills Reports Solid Fourth Quarter
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp Inc. recently reported another solid quarter of earnings growth and strong asset-quality metrics, according to a statement by Michael Daly, president and CEO. Core earnings per share reached $0.28 in the fourth quarter of 2010, representing growth of 12% over third-quarter results. Asset-quality trends continued to improve, and the loan-loss provision covered net charge-offs. For the quarter, GAAP earnings per share were $0.26, which included approximately $0.4 million in non-core charges relating to bank acquisitions. Core and GAAP earnings for the fourth quarter were $3.9 million and $3.6 million, respectively. For the year in 2010, core earnings per share were $1.01, while GAAP earnings per share were $0.99. The board of directors maintained the cash dividend on Berkshire’s common stock, declaring a dividend of $0.16 per share to stockholders of record at the close of business on Feb. 10, 2011, payable on Feb. 24, 2011. The $0.64 full-year dividend in 2010 provided a 3.3% yield based on the average closing price of Berkshire’s common stock in 2010.
Colebrook Brokers Lease Renewal to HNE
SPRINGFIELD — Colebrook Realty Services Inc. recently brokered the long-term lease renewal of tenant Health New England Inc. (HNE) at One Monarch Place. HNE leased in excess of 51,000 square feet on three floors of the Class A office tower. Prior to the extension, HNE had been a tenant of One Monarch Place for 17 years. Colebrook principals B. John Dill and Mitch Bolotin represented HNE in the transaction. Headquartered in the city, HNE is a health maintenance organization serving select counties in Western Mass. Robert Kosior, vice president and chief financial officer of HNE, said the firm wanted to stay in its current space “because we are committed to supporting the downtown area.” He noted that Colebrook was instrumental in negotiating a cost-effective lease for HNE.

Lowell Named President
of Monson Savings
MONSON — Steven Lowell has been selected by the board of trustees of Monson Savings Bank to succeed as bank president Roland Desrochers, who announced his intentions to retire in mid-2011. Lowell has served as executive vice president and chief operating officer for Cape Cod Cooperative Bank for 10 years. He has been with Cape Cod Cooperative Bank for 15 years and has more than 30 years of banking experience. Lowell was chosen for the new post based on his “outstanding leadership, strategic planning, team building, and sales-management skills,” according to a statement by Desrochers. While at Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Lowell oversaw planned deposit growth from $145 million to more than $400 million and helped to grow assets from $150 million to $580 million. The Monson Savings Bank trustees were also impressed by Lowell’s strong community commitment and long list of charitable and volunteer engagements, as community involvement is an important part of the bank’s core values. Lowell will join Monson Savings on Feb. 14 and will be elected president in March. At that time, Desrochers will become CEO and will oversee the transition and work full-time in an advisory capacity through June. During Desrochers’ tenure at Monson Savings, the bank opened branches in Hampden and Wilbraham, added a Loan Center, built a commercial-lending operation, added financial-advisory services, increased community giving, and grew from $80 million to $236 million in assets while at the same time improving its capital position and financial stability.
O’Connell Care at Home Opens Hadley Office
HADLEY — O’Connell Care at Home and Healthcare Staffing, based in Holyoke, has opened a satellite office at Hadley Crossing Plaza. The new office will provide the residents and business community of Hampshire County with better access to the company’s services, according to Fran O’Connell, president and founder. O’Connell noted that the company’s goal has always been to help ensure that elders can live in comfort and dignity in their home. O’Connell added that the team focuses on the complete needs of the individual, be they physical, mental, or spiritual. O’Connell’s offers skilled nursing and rehab services; personal-care, homemaker, and companion services; geriatric care management; and transportation. In addition, the company offers area health care providers with staffing services, including temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct hire. For more information, visit www.opns.com.

WMA Launches Tuition Affordability Initiative
WILBRAHAM — Wilbraham & Monson Academy (WMA) recently announced an ‘affordability initiative’ for the WMA Middle School, grades 6 through 8, to make private, independent education more accessible to families by saving students and their families up to $11,000 a year in tuition. Current annual tuition for the middle school at WMA is $25,000. Under the new initiative, the school’s new grade 6 tuition would be $14,000 annually, an $11,000 savings. Grade 7 tuition will be reduced to $15,000, a $10,000 savings, and grade 8 tuition will decrease to $16,000, a $9,000 savings. This initiative applies to all current and incoming students. WMA Middle School enrollment is limited to 75, broken down into classes with a maximum of 15 students — one grade 6 class, two in grade 7, and two in grade 8. WMA Head of School Rodney LaBrecque noted in a statement that, “given the importance of education in an increasingly competitive world and the economic pressures many families are facing today, the academy’s board of trustees felt it was timely to launch this initiative and make this scholarship universally available to middle-school students, making our unique education available to more families.” Starting with the 2011-12 academic year, the board will provide support to all middle-school families. For more information about WMA and the admission process, visit www.wma.us and click on the middle-school blog.

Tighe & Bond Survey: Water, Sewer Rates Rising
WESTFIELD — The results from Tighe & Bond’s recently published 2010 water and sewer rate surveys for communities in Massachusetts indicate that residential users pay approximately $470 and $638 annually for water and sewer, respectively. This represents increases of 10.3% and 9.2% above the averages reported in the 2009 surveys. For more than a decade, Tighe & Bond has gathered and reported data on water- and sewer-rate service in the state. Using rate information that survey participants provide, they calculate the annual average homeowner’s cost for water and sewer service based on the consumption of 90,000 gallons or 120 cubic feet of water. The survey, which includes typical annual homeowner water costs for each community in Massachusetts, also provides information regarding rate structures, billing cycles, and seasonal rates. The surveys offer municipalities and private suppliers a benchmarking tool for comparing their rates against other suppliers in the state. The survey results are available to the public online at rates.tighebond.com.

Stevens 470 Develops Brand for Milana Gourmet Collection
WESTFIELD — Rao’s Coffee Roasting Co. recruited Stevens 470 to conduct market research and develop the brand identity for a new food offering, the Milana Gourmet Collection. Rao’s touts its “exceptional coffees and teas” and wanted to create a food collection that met its same high-quality standards. The coffees, teas, syrups, preserves, chocolates, and additional food items were developed to provide a diversified selection to the retail gift market. Stevens 470 designed the retail packaging for more than 70 products and managed the printing of labels and packaging. Wholesale order materials and an e-commerce Web site were also developed for the launch of the new product line. For more information on the products, visit www.milanagourmet.com.

MassMutual, Money Coach Team Up to Motivate Younger Plan Participants
SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has joined forces with Farnoosh Torabi, independent Generation Y money coach, to help connect with younger plan participants and inspire them to take a more active role in planning and saving for retirement. While the alliance is meant to benefit participants of all ages in retirement plans administered by MassMutual, the company hopes to motivate Gen Y in particular to understand the value of starting early to plan and save for retirement. Through online seminars, online video, social-media interactions, and live speaking events, Torabi hopes to get participants on a solid path toward retirement readiness. MassMutual created this program to address the findings of its own participant research as well as industry data. A recent industry analysis by Financial Engines, an independent investment adviser, indicates that 53% of retirement-plan participants under age 30 do not save enough to receive the full employer match. For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

Perigee Launches
Supper Clubs
LEE — In the 1920s and ’30s, supper clubs were destinations that offered dinner, dancing, and entertainment into the wee hours of the night. Perigee Restaurant is honoring the dinner and dancing hotspots of the past with its own rendition this winter. Owner Dawn LaRochelle noted that the evenings will take their cues from the clubs and speakeasies of days gone by. The prix fixe menu will reflect Perigee’s Berkshire Cuisine theme, using locally sourced ingredients whenever possible. For more information, visit www.perigee-restaurant.com/dinner-dancing.html.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Chamber Corners Departments

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield

www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Feb. 17 to March 31: Springfield Leadership Institute, TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. To register, contact Lynn Johnson at (413) 755-1310 or [email protected].

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

• Feb. 17: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., Samuel’s Sports Bar & J. Quincy’s restaurant at the Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. Sound and entertainment provided by Jx2 Productions. Cost: free for YPS members, $10 for non-members, includes food and cash bar.

Chicopee Chamber of
Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Feb. 16: Annual Meeting, Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $18 for members, $25 for non-members.

• Feb. 23: Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Cost: $5 for pre-registered members, $7 for members at the door, $15 for non-members. For more information or tickets, contact www.chicopeechamber.org.

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

• Feb. 16: Chamber After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Holyoke Transportation Center, 206 Maple St. Sponsored by the Elms College and Holyoke Community College. Cost: $5 for members, $10 cash for non-members.

• Feb. 18: Issues 2011 Legislative Luncheon, Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton St., Holyoke. Guest: Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. Sponsored by the Republican, Holyoke Medical Center, Center School, PeoplesBank, Dowd Insurance, Holyoke Community College, Goss & McLain Insurance, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. Cost: $35. For reservations, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Departments People on the Move

Bradley Newell

Bradley Newell recently joined Consolidated Health Plans in Springfield as Chief Financial Officer. Newell oversees the Finance Department, Information Technology, and Employer Enrollment area. His major responsibilities include billing, receivables, payables, general ledger reconciliation, financial reporting, and information technology.
•••••
Jon Parent has joined Valley Computer Works in Hadley as a Master Account Representative.
•••••

Janet Uthman

Comcast has named Janet Uthman its Vice President of Marketing and Sales for Western New England. She oversees all marketing and sales initiatives for the region, which encompasses 300 communities in Connecticut, Western Mass., New York, and Vermont. She will also be responsible for overseeing marketing campaigns, competitive intelligence and strategy, and local marketing and sales event sponsorships. Additionally, she will oversee regional sales channels.
•••••

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor has joined the American Institute of Economic Research in Great Barrington as a Graphic Artist and Web Content Manager.
•••••
Ann Marie Gorham has joined Baystate Ob/Gyn Group in Springfield as a Nurse Practitioner, providing routine gynecologic care.
•••••
James Parrish has been named Executive Vice President of Company Operations for Friendly Ice Cream Corp. in Wilbraham.
•••••

Susanne deVillier

Susanne deVillier has joined Easthampton Savings Bank as the Branch Manager for the new Agawam office, slated to open in the coming weeks.
•••••
Florence Lombard has been named the Chief Executive Officer of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association in Amherst. Lombard is the founding member and former CEO of the Alternative Investment Management Assoc., a global hedge-fund industry association.
•••••

Paul Erwin

NUVO Bank & Trust Co. in Springfield has hired Paul Erwin, CPA, to be its Chief Financial Officer.
•••••
The Willie Ross School for the Deaf in Longmeadow announced the following:
• Thomas Laurin has been named to the Board of Directors.; and
• James Ross III has been named to the Board of Directors.
Laurin and Ross, both second-generation supporters of the school, take their fathers’ places on the board. Francis Laurin served on the board for many years and established the Laurin Audiological Center for Children in Pittsfield as a resource for the families of deaf children in Berkshire County. James Ross Jr. served for 20 years as a treasurer and a member of the Willie Ross School Board of Trustees.
•••••

Sean Mitchell

Sean Mitchell has joined Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton as Director of Major Gifts. He is responsible for increasing the number of donors and support for Cooley Dickinson at the level of $10,000 and above. He will also be instrumental in raising the remaining $4.2 million of an $8.2 million campaign that will make possible a number of initiatives, primarily a new Cancer Center and nurse-development programs.
•••••

Lena Buteau

Monson Savings Bank has announced the recent promotion of Lena Buteau to Assistant Vice President, Retail Banking. Previously the Branch Manager for the Monson branch, Buteau will now oversee all of Monson Savings’ branches in Monson, Hampden, and Wilbraham, and will direct the institution’s retail banking operations.
•••••
The Springfield affiliate of Rebuilding Together announced the following:
• Ralph DiVito has been elected to its Board of Directors. DiVito is Director of Business Development at Rocky’s Ace Hardware in Springfield; and
• Frank Nataloni has been elected to its Board of Directors. Nataloni is Owner and President of Kitchens by Curio in Springfield.
•••••
The U.S. Supreme Court recently admitted a group of Widener University School of Law attorneys to its bar in Washington, D.C., including George Pappas of Springfield. Pappas, a 2000 graduate of Widener’s Delaware campus, has his own law practice with offices in Springfield and Charlotte, N.C.
•••••
Pamela Wells, Resident Service Manager at the Springfield Housing Authority, was recently appointed to the Springfield Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance. The appointment was made by Gov. Deval Patrick, Commissioner Julia Kehoe, and state Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby.
•••••
Berkshire Bank in Pittsfield announced the following:

Kevin O’Donnell

• Kevin O’Donnell has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. O’Donnell’s role includes the continued growth of the Wealth Management Center by assisting customers in outlining their financial goals and developing thoughtful strategies to achieve those goals; and
•

Nicholas Strom-Olsen

Nicholas Strom-Olsen, CFP, AIF, has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. His areas of focus include retirement planning, education planning, investment management, and insurance.
•••••
Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairperson of the American Ireland Fund, will receive the 2011 Ambassador of Ireland Award by the Saint Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke Inc. and the Republic of Ireland. Presented annually by a representative of the Irish government, the award honors individuals who have made extraordinary efforts in furthering the relationship between the people of the U.S. and Ireland. Glucksman’s philanthropic efforts in Ireland and the U.S. are internationally recognized. The American Ireland Fund raises funds to support programs of peace, culture, education, and community development in Ireland, having raised more than $250 million for Irish charities. The award will be presented in Holyoke during a pre-parade breakfast and reception on March 20.
•••••
Realtor Stephen Oates has completed the requirements to be licensed as a licensed Real Estate Broker in Massachusetts. In other news, Oates recently received a 2010 Coldwell Banker Sterling Society Award of Recognition and a 2010 Silver Coldwell Banker Sales and Service Award working with Coldwell Banker Upton-Massamont Realtors.
•••••
W.F. Young Inc. of East Longmeadow announced the following:

Steve Gootzeit

• Steve Gootzeit has been appointed Director of Marketing;

Tom Johnson

• Tom Johnson has been appointed National Sales Manager, Animal Health Care;

Laurie Klafeta

• Laurie Klafeta has been appointed Export Sales Administrator; and

Molly O’Brien

• Molly O’Brien has expanded her role as Advertising Supervisor with new responsibilities.
•••••
Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP of Springfield announced the following:
• Associate Attorney Kelly Koch has joined the Domestic Relations Department. She handles matters relating to divorce, child custody, antenuptial agreements, post-divorce issues, guardianships, and probate litigation;
• Associate Attorney George Adams IV has joined the Business/Finance Department. He focuses on general corporate and business matters.;
• Associate Attorney Christopher Visser has joined the Litigation/Alternative Dispute Resolution Department. He focuses on medical-malpractice litigation; and
• Associate Attorney Abena Mainoo has joined the Litigation/ADR Department. She handles commercial and corporate litigation matters, primarily for large financial institutions.
•••••
Nate Dube of Expert Laser Services in Southbridge, will lecture at the upcoming Digital Marketing Forum in Austin, Texas, detailing his use of social media in an unconventional marketing campaign. Dube will discuss his Destroy Your Printer Contest, which invited office workers to submit videos of creative ways to vent their frustration against office imaging equipment. Dube first posted the videos on YouTube, then promoted them using a variety of social media. Bloggers and Internet news outlets picked up the story, and Dube found himself answering calls and tweets and doing interviews. The contest also earned Expert Laser a cover story in the international trade magazine the Recycler.
•••••
Christina Sousa has been named by TD Bank as Manager of its Ludlow branch at 549 Center St.
•••••
David Hrycay was the recipient of a Carole-Cope Ward Award from Mass-West Enterprises and the state Department of Developmental Services’ regional employment-services office. The award is given annually to a staff member who goes above and beyond normal job responsibilities for the benefit of individuals supported. Hrycay is a Job Coach and works with individuals with intellectual disabilities at the Route 20 redemption center in Palmer.
•••••
John J. Turgeon, Certified Public Accountant and Human Capital Strategist, is now a member of Kostin, Ruffkess & Co., a Farmington, Conn.-based certified public accounting and business-advisory firm. As leader of the Human Capital Consulting Group, he offers an array of services to clients, including executive coaching, personal-development planning, leadership-meeting facilitation, and professional recruitment assistance.
•••••
Amy Driver has joined Kunhardt Financial and Insurance Strategies in Northampton as Senior Services Assistant.
•••••
Dr. Jose Vinagre has received recognition from the Heart-Stroke Recognition Program of the National Committee for Quality Assurance and the American Heart Assoc.-American Stroke Assoc. for providing quality care to his patients with cardiovascular disease or who have had a stroke.
•••••
John Shecrallah of Peter Pan Bus Line’s Springfield central operations office, has been promoted to Director of System-Wide Operations.
•••••
Janice Santaniello has joined Keller Williams Realty in Longmeadow. She has been a full-time Realtor in the Longmeadow area for more than 10 years.
•••••
Nina Wishengrad has joined Market Mentors of West Springfield as a Copywriter.
•••••
Farmers recently named to the committee of the Hampshire-Hampden County Farm Service Agency, a part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, are:
• Diana Strzemienski, who with her family runs a 112-acre beef cattle, hay, and vegetable farm in Palmer; and
• Peter R. Hanifin, who, with his family, operates a 50-acre hay farm in Ware.
The committee is responsible for the local administration of federal farm programs.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Agenda Departments

‘Transformational Leadership’ Forum
March 4: Randy Dobbs, author and protégé of General Electric’s legendary CEO Jack Welch, will be the keynote speaker for a forum titled “Transformational Leadership: a Blueprint for Organizational and Individual Success,” at the Western New England College Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship in Springfield. Hosted by the college and Springfield-based UnityFirst.com, the 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. event will offer insights on how individuals, organizations, and businesses can drive significant business improvement by adapting to change. Dobbs will share many tested concepts from his book on transformational leadership. Also, a panel of thought leaders will offer perspectives on diversity and inclusion in the workplace, marketplace, and community. Registration is required to attend the forum, which includes a copy of Dobbs’ book and lunch. To register, contact (413) 221-7931 or [email protected].

National College Fair
March 6-7: The Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield is the setting for the Springfield National College Fair, slated from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 6, and from 9 a.m. to noon on March 7. Sponsored by the National Assoc. for College Admission Counseling and hosted by the New England Assoc. for College Admission Counseling, the event is free and open to the public. The fair allows students and parents to meet one-on-one with admissions representatives from a wide range of national and international, public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Participants will learn about admission requirements, financial aid, course offerings, and campus environment, as well as other information pertinent to the college-selection process. Students can register at www.gotomyncf.com prior to attending the event to receive a printed, bar-coded confirmation to use on-site at the fair as an electronic ID.

U.S. Navy Band to Salute Springfield on Birthday
March 18: The U.S. Navy Band will treat Springfield to an early birthday gift — a birthday concert — at 7 p.m. at Springfield Symphony Hall. The city of Springfield turns 375 years old in May, and the band concert is just one of several events planned to mark the milestone. As the premier wind ensemble of the U.S. Navy, the band will perform a wide range of marches, patriotic selections, orchestral transcriptions, and modern wind-ensemble fare. Tickets are free and can be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Spirit of Springfield/U.S. Navy Band, 101 State St., Suite 220, Springfield, MA 01103.

Difference Makers Gala
March 24: BusinessWest will salute its Difference Makers Class of 2011 at a gala slated to begin at 5 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. Initiated in 2009, the Difference Makers program recognizes individuals and groups making outstanding contributions to the Western Mass. community. The 2011 winners will be announced in the magazine’s Feb. 14 issue. For more information on the event or to order tickets ($50 per person, with tables of 10 available) call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10; or log on to www.businesswest.com.

Western Mass. Business Expo
May 4: Businesses from throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties will come together for the premier trade show in the region, the Western Mass. Business Expo. Formerly called the Market show, the event, produced by BusinessWest and held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, has been revamped and improved to better provide exposure and business opportunities to area companies. See the article on page 16 for more information. The cost for a 10-by-10 booth is $700 for chamber members and $750 for non-members; corner booths are $750 and $800, respectively, and a 10-by-20 booth is $1,200 for chamber members and $1,250 for non-members. For more information, log onto www.businesswest.com or www.accgs.com, or call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10.

Springfield 375th Parade
May 14: The Spirit of Springfield is seeking community involvement for the city’s 375th birthday celebration, which will include a parade that represents all that Springfield has to offer, its roots, and its future. If you have a business or group that would like to get involved in the festivities, call (413) 733-3800 or e-mail a message to [email protected].

EASTEC 2011
May 17-19: EASTEC, the East Coast’s largest annual manufacturing event, will once again be staged at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. For exhibition or registration information, call (866) 635-4692 or visit www.easteconline.com.

Fifth Annual BusinessWest
40 Under Forty Gala
June 23: BusinessWest will present its 40 Under Forty Class of 2011 at a not-to-be-missed gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, beginning at 5 p.m. The 40 Under Forty program, initiated in 2007, has become an early summer tradition in the region. Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s class (see form, page 73), and a team of five judges will complete the scoring of those nominations in late February, with the winners being announced in April. For more information on the event or to order tickets ($60 per person, with tables of 10 available) call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10; or visit www.businesswest.com.

Summer Business Summit
June 27-28: The Massachusetts Chamber of Business & Industry will host its annual two-day business summit at the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis with a host of educational speakers and presentations by lawmakers. In addition, panel discussions are planned on energy, health care, and taxes and finance. Meanwhile, recognition is planned for Business of the Year, Employer of Choice, and Friend of Business from the local legislature. For more information, call (617) 512-9667.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 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.

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Paul R. Gelinas v. Neu Tradition Millwork Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of consulting services rendered: $5,126.37
Filed: 1/5/11

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Rite-Now Container Co. v. International Paper Co.
Allegation: Breach of employee duty of loyalty, defamation, and loss of commercial business: $300,000
Filed: 11/30/10

Stock Building Supply, LLC v. Nu Truss Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $29,464.46
Filed: 11/26/10

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Kristen Brunton v. Playtex Products Inc., Toys R Us Inc., and Dr. William Sears
Allegation: Breach of implied warranty for a Playtex Pump and negligence in design, causing personal injury: $50,585
Filed: 1/10/11

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT
Clark & Falcetti Inc. v. Inglewood Development Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $1,045.95
Filed: 11/15/10

Natalie Kennedy v. Holiday Inn
Allegation: Failure to maintain premises, causing fall: $4,933
Filed: 11/23/10

PALMER DISTRICT COURT
Gilbert & Sons Insulation v. Custom Design Builders
Allegation: Non-payment of insulation work completed: $7,754.66
Filed: 11/2/10

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Autozone Parts Inc. v. Midas
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to repay Autozone Parts for items purchased: $10,367.34
Filed: 11/30/10

Bank of America v. C.J. Murphy Associates Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of monies owed: $63,186.64
Filed: 12/1/10

Colleen Moyston v. Motel 6
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of premises, causing slip and fall: $4,833.63
Filed: 12/3/10

Thurston Foods Inc. v. 1171 Main Street, LLC d/b/a McCaffrey’s Public House
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,239.19
Filed: 11/24/10

United Rentals v. New England Facility Management
Allegation: Non-payment for materials, equipment, and services provided on a construction project: $12,640.88
Filed: 12/2/10

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 2011

Opinion

They Make a Difference in Many Ways

This region is going to miss Anthony Scott.
Holyoke’s police chief is slated to retire in a few months, when he turns 65. In addition to making a serious dent in the level of criminal activity in the Paper City, Scott has been as outspoken as they come, making him a real favorite of the media and a royal pain to the judges and parole officers he’s criticized seemingly without end for what he considers light sentences and decisions to release repeat offenders on their own recognizance.
Scott, who will retire to a consulting gig in South Carolina, will long be remembered around here for his hard-edged sound bites and newspaper headlines, but his main contribution — it remains to be seen whether it’s a lasting contribution (that’s up to his successor) — was his success with simply driving criminals out of his city because, as he put it, he made the “overhead costs” too high to do business there.
Scott’s decade-long tenure in Holyoke is a classic example of how there are many ways to make a difference in this region through one’s work or contributions to the community. And this year’s Difference Makers, as chosen by BusinessWest (profiled beginning on page 40), really drive that point home.
Lucia (Lucy) Giuggio-Carvalho has made a difference by starting Rays of Hope. She was still recovering from breast cancer when she pulled together the concept, the sponsors, the upfront money, and, yes, the courage and determination to get this fund-raiser off the ground. Today, Rays of Hope is on the brink of surpassing the $1 million mark for funds raised in one year, and with any luck, organizers will bust down that door this fall.
But beyond the money raised — which goes toward research and a variety of services for breast-cancer victims — the walk has become, well, an event, a show of strength and perseverance for survivors and their friends and families. The results are difficult to quantify, but Carvalho and her walk have certainly made a difference in thousands of lives.
Some of Tim Brennan’s contributions are hard to quantify as well. It’s like that when you’re a long-range planner. Some of his efforts as director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission are visible — like the bike trails running through area cities and towns, a visibly cleaner Connecticut River, and a widened Coolidge Bridge. However, with initiatives such as the Plan for Progress, which Brennan initiated, the benefits are difficult to see with the naked eye.
But they have succeeded in doing something that is desperately needed in this region — promoting business owners and municipal leaders to look beyond next week, next year, or even the next decade, imagine what the competitive landscape will be like, and be ready for that day.
As for Robert Perry, as he told BusinessWest, he’s not really handy, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a driving force with Habitat for Humanity — or any of the organizations to which he’s contributed his time, energy, imagination, and ability with numbers.
In short, his contributions have added up to something special — literally and figuratively.
Which brings us to Don Kozera, whose strong leadership skills and ability to shape goals and, as he put it, “define reality” for his staff, have enabled Human Resources Unlimited to help those with physical and mental disabilities find employment, independence, and self-esteem. By doing so, he and all those at HRU are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people, and this region as a whole.
BusinessWest invites all its readers to attend the Difference Makers gala on March 24 at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. We’ll be celebrating these five individuals, but also the many ways in which people can make a difference, and the hope that their work will inspire others to find and develop still more methods for having an impact.

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff February 15, 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]

Cones for Kids

Andrea McKenna, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Friendly’s, shows off a T-shirt presented to her by Easter Seals Camp Friendly’s counselor Flemmings Beaubrun (far right). Pictured with McKenna are Jim Williams, president and CEO of Easter Seals (center), and staff from Easter Seals’ National Office in Chicago. The group visited Friendly’s last month to mark the start of the company’s 30th annual Cones for Kids fund-raiser to help kids with disabilities go to summer camp.

Photo by Dennis Vandal, Vandal Photo

Cutting the Ribbon

Alliance Medical Gas, an engineering firm that designs, sells, services, and installs medical gas systems for health care providers, has become a new tenant in the Scibelli Enterprise Center in the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC). On hand for the official ribbon-cutting at the announcement of the move are, from left: Marla Michel, director of the SEC and executive director of Economic Development Strategies at UMass Amherst; Linda Crouse, director of Marketing for Alliance; Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; Chester Wojcik, president of Alliance; Michael Suzor, assistant to the president at STCC; Glenn Welch, executive vice president of Hampden Bank and chairman of the SEC Advisory Board; and Robert Greeley, president of the R.J. Greeley Co., leasing agent for the tech park.

People On the Move

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Departments People on the Move

The Holyoke-based accounting firm Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. announced the following:

James T. Krupienski

• James T. Krupienski, CPA, MSA has been promoted to Senior Manager in the Audit and Accounting Division of the firm. In this role, he will be a key contributor in two distinct niches within the firm. A member of MBK’s health care niche, Krupienski works with an array of medical and dental groups in Western Mass. and Connecticut, providing accounting and consultative services. He also brings 10 years of experience to the firm’s employee-benefits division, providing a strong focus on compliance audits and employee-benefit-related consultative services.

Scott Adams

• Senior Associate Scott Adams has earned the certified valuation analyst (CVA) designation through the National Assoc. of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA). Business valuations are a tool often used by business owners, stockholders, bankers, financial planners, attorneys, and others, when an objective analysis of a business worth is indicated. This may occur in scenarios that range from mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, stockholder disputes, estate planning, and gifting to transitional life events such as divorce. The certified valuation analyst is the premier accreditation for providing business valuation and litigation support consulting services, and the certification process is open only to licensed, certified public accountants who meet NACVA’s rigorous standards of professionalism, expertise, objectivity, and integrity.
•••••
Julie Cowan has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of the Clarke Schools for Hearing and Speech in Northampton. Cowan is a Vice President for Commercial Lending at TD Bank.
•••••

Pamela Wells

Pamela Wells, Resident Service Manager at the Springfield Housing Authority, was recently appointed to the Springfield Advisory Board of the Department of Transitional Assistance. Her appointment to the advisory board is through 2013.
•••••
American International College in Springfield announced the following:
• Thomas E. Dybick has been appointed Vice President for Finance; and
• Linda Dagradi has been hired as the Associate Vice President for Student Financial Services.
•••••

Mary Fallon

Mary Fallon, Media Director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc., recently attained Google AdWords Individual Certification. Fallon passed two exams to gain certification, including an advanced-level exam on search advertising covering best practices for managing AdWords campaigns.
•••••
William Murphy has joined Connie Laplante Real Estate in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. Real-estate offices are located in Belchertown and South Hadley.
•••••
Marcos A. Marrero recently joined the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in Springfield as a Land Use and Environment Planner.
•••••
Christina Cronin was recently qualified as a Certified Fund-raising Professional by CFRE International. Cronin is Director of Major Gifts and Campaign Coordinator for Wilbraham & Monson Academy.
•••••

Kimberly A. Klimczuk

Attorney Kimberly A. Klimczuk has returned to Skoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C., in Springfield. Her focus is labor law and employment litigation.
•••••
Arthur Marshall has been awarded the accredited Senior Appraiser designation by the American Society of Appraisers. He is employed at Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker.
•••••

Caroline Fisher

Caroline Fisher, M.D. Ph.D., has been appointed Medical Director of Child and Adolescent Services at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke. In addition to her responsibilities in Holyoke, she serves as Medical Director of Pediatric Behavioral Health, LLC, in West Boylston, and as editor-in-chief of the Carlat Child Psychiatry Report.
•••••
U.S. Sen. Scott P. Brown has named Nick Powers to serve as his Constituent-services Representative for Western Mass. Powers is available to provide assistance to constituents in navigating federal programs ranging from veterans’ benefits to Social Security.
•••••

Bethany Hinton

Bethany D. Hinton has been named Loan Servicing Officer of Florence Savings Bank.
•••••
Certified Public Accountant Linda Syniec has joined the firm of S. Reichelt & Co. Her expertise is in providing tax services to clients in most every industry group, including closely held private companies and high-net-worth individuals.
•••••
The Western Massachusetts Jewish Ledger announced the region’s Jewish Movers & Shakers for 2010:
• Robert Engell, working in health care management, has used his experience to help rebuild the health care system in Afghanistan;
• Susan Jaye-Kaplan, co-founder of Link to Libraries, collects and distributes new and gently used books to elementary-school libraries and nonprofit organizations for children in Western Mass. and Northern Conn.;
• Jeremy Pava has served on the board of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation for 20 years, and is president of the Hebrew High School of New England;
• Rabbi Saul Perlmutter instituted the Ride to Provide, an annual event for students at UMass Amherst Hillel that brings cyclists together to raise funds and to enjoy a scenic bike ride through Amherst. In addition, an executive director of the Hillel House for more than 35 years, Perlmutter has helped UMass Hillel grow from an office in the Student Union to a three-story building and a home to Jewish students at the school. Along with his responsibilities at Hillel, Perlmutter is also rabbi at Congregation Sons of Zion in Holyoke;
• Shamu Sadeh is director of ADAMAH, the farming fellowship for young Jews at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. A leader in the Jewish food movement, Sadeh is an environmental-studies instructor, Jewish educator, writer, organic farmer, and wilderness guide;
• Barbara Sanofsky founded the Pioneer Valley chapter of the Pomegranate Guild of Judaic Needlework, an organization of Jewish needle artists that create ceremonial objects for their synagogues, homes, and communities. She has been named president of the national organization, which has chapters throughout North America; and
• Ruth Webber recently received the 2010 Kipnis Wilson/Friedland Award, the biennial lifetime achievement award given by the Jewish Federations of North America.
•••••
PeoplesBank of Holyoke announced the following:

Heidi Nowak

• Heidi Nowak Leonard has been appointed a Mortgage Consultant. She is responsible for residential mortgage business in the Greater Westfield area; and

Kate Reagan

• Kate Reagan has been appointed a Mortgage Consultant. She will be responsible for residential mortgage business in South Hadley, Northampton, Easthampton, and the surrounding areas.
•••••

Kate Phelon

Kate Phelon has been named executive director of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce.
•••••
Erik Skar has been named Vice President of the Board of Directors at the Pioneer Valley Montessori School of Springfield. He is a financial-services professional at MassMutual.
•••••
The law firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, of Springfield and Northampton, has several members currently serving on boards and committees throughout the region, including:
• Ellen W. Freyman, appointed by Gov. Deval L. Patrick to the Springfield Technical Community College Assistance Corp.;
• L. Alexandra Hogan, serving as a member of the board of Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts; and
• Carol Cioe Klyman, named to the editorial board of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Journal.
•••••
Merriam-Webster Inc. of Springfield announced the following:
• Jane Mairs has joined the firm as Director of English Language Learning Publishing;
• Meghan Lieberwirth has been promoted to Director of Marketing; and
• Matthew Dube has been named Business Development Manager.
•••••
The Williston Northampton School announced the following:
• Peter Valine has been named Dean of Faculty; and
• Jen Fulcher has been named Director of the Middle School.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
n Feb. 2: Business@Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., Springfield Marriott, 2 Boland Way. For more information or to register, contact Diane Swanson at (413) 755-1313 or [email protected].
n Feb. 9: ACCGS After 5, 5 to 7 p.m., CityStage, One Columbus Center, Springfield. For more information or to register, contact Diane Swanson at (413) 755-1313 or [email protected].
n Feb. 11: Outlook 2011, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Chez Josef, 176 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam. For more information or to register, contact Diane Swanson at (413) 755-1313 or [email protected].
n Feb. 17 to March 31: Springfield Leadership Institute, TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St., Springfield. To register, contact Lynn Johnson at (413) 755-1310 or [email protected].

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com
n Feb. 5: YPS’ 1st Annual WhirlyBowl, 3 to 6 p.m., WhirlyBall East Coast, 1265 John Fitch Blvd., South Windsor, Conn. Six teams of five players compete in a round-robin tournament. Rules will be reviewed by the referee prior to the tournament start. For more information about whirlyball, contact Nick Gelfand, tournament coordinator, at [email protected]. Cost: $25 (includes WhirlyBowl fee and use of arcade games; BYOB). Member-only event open to the first 30 paid participants.
n Feb. 17: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., Samuel’s Sports Bar & J. Quincy’s restaurant at the Basketball Hall of Fame, 1000 West Columbus Ave., Springfield. Sound and entertainment provided by Jx2 Productions. Cost: free for YPS members, $10 for non-members, includes food and cash bar.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
n Feb. 16: Annual Meeting, Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: $18 for members, $25 for non-members.
n Feb. 23: Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Elms College, 291 Springfield St., Chicopee. Cost: $5 for pre-registered members, $7 for members at the door, $15 for non-members. For more information or tickets, contact www.chicopeechamber.org.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
n Feb. 16: Chamber After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Holyoke Transportation Center, 206 Maple St. Sponsored by the Elms College and Holyoke Community College. Cost: $5 for members, $10 cash for non-members.
n Feb. 18: Issues 2011 Legislative Luncheon, Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, 500 Easthampton St., Holyoke. Guest: Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo. Sponsored by the Republican, Holyoke Medical Center, Center School, PeoplesBank, Dowd Insurance, Holyoke Community College, Goss & McLain Insurance, and Resnic, Beauregard, Waite & Driscoll. Cost: $35. For reservations, call the chamber office at (413) 534-3376.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
n Feb. 2: February Arrive@5, 5 to 7 p.m., the Garden House at Look Park, 300 North Main St., Florence. Cost: $10 for members.
n Feb. 8: February Meet & Eat Breakfast, 7:30 to 9 a.m., Union Station, 125 Pleasant St., Northampton. Table Topic: Uncommon Sense with Two-Step Clarity, featuring Ann Latham from Uncommon Clarity Inc. Sponsored by Greenfield Community College and Royal LLP. Cost: $15 for members.

Northampton Area Young Professional Society
www.thenayp.com
(413) 584-1900
n Feb. 10: Party with a Purpose, 5 to 8 p.m., Page’s Loft Restaurant & Events, Clarion Hotel, 1 Atwood Dr., Northampton. Cost: free for members, $5 for non-members.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425
n Feb. 7: Annual Dinner, 6 p.m., Pinocchio’s Ristorante, 2054 Bridge St., Three Rivers. The annual dinner starts at 6 for drinks and networking, dinner is served at 6:30, and a brief business meeting immediately follows dinner. Cost: $17. For tickets, call Fred Orszulak, chamber president, at (413) 283-7400.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Agenda Departments

Rick’s Place Benefit
Feb. 5: The third annual Heart to Heart fund-raiser for Rick’s Place is planned from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Ludlow Country Club. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11. Rick’s Place was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. For ticket information, call Shelly Bathe Lenn at (413) 348-3120 or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Business Open House
Feb. 9: The Scibelli Enterprise Center at the STCC Technology Park in Springfield will host an open house titled “Growing Successful Small Businesses” from noon to 1 p.m. The event is offered to explain how the Enterprise Center is the regional hub for entrepreneurship for Western Mass. Small-business owners and service providers are encouraged to attend the open house. For more information, call (413) 755-6109 or visit
www.springfieldincubator.com.

Outlook 2011
Feb. 11: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) will host Outlook 2011 at Chez Josef in Agawam. The program begins at 11:45 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. Outlook 2011 is ACCGS’s largest event of the year, where the annual legislative agenda is announced. The featured speaker will be Congressman Richard E. Neal, who will give the outlook on the federal level. As a senior member of the powerful Ways and Means Committee in the House, and a congressman long-recognized for his ability and willingness to reach across the aisle to work with his Republican colleagues, Neal will discuss the agenda for the 112th Congress, including his unique insights into areas such as health care, federal tax reform, job creation, and Social Security. ACCGS is also working with Gov. Deval Patrick’s office for him to be the keynote speaker on the state level. If for some reason the governor cannot attend, a high-ranking official from the state will be on hand to present the state outlook. Additionally, the chamber’s 2011 legislative agenda will once again be presented. This year, Mary Ellen Scott, president and owner of United Personnel, and a long-time member of the chamber’s legislative steering committee, will talk about how issues on the chamber’s agenda affect a typical business such as hers. Tickets to Outlook 2011 are $50 for chamber members and $70 for non-members. A table of 10 can be purchased for $475 for members and $700 for non-members. To make reservations or for more information, contact Diane Swanson at (413) 755-1313 or
[email protected]

National College Fair
March 6-7: The Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield is the setting for the Springfield National College Fair, slated from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 6 and from 9 a.m. to noon on March 7. Sponsored by the National Assoc. for College Admission Counseling, and hosted by the New England Assoc. for College Admission Counseling, the event is free and open to the public. The fair allows students and parents to meet one-on-one with admissions representatives from a wide range of national and international, public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Participants will learn about admission requirements, financial aid, course offerings, and campus environment, as well as other information pertinent to the college-selection process. Prior to attending the event, students can register at www.gotomyncf.com to receive a printed bar-coded confirmation to use on-site at the fair as an electronic ID.

Difference Makers Gala
March 24: BusinessWest will salute its Difference Makers Class of 2011 at a gala slated to begin at 5 p.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House in Holyoke. Initiated in 2009, the Difference Makers program recognizes individuals and groups making outstanding contributions to the Western Mass. community. The 2011 winners will be announced in the magazine’s Feb. 14 issue. For more information on the event or to order tickets ($50 per person, with tables of 10 available) call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit www.businesswest.com.

40 Under Forty Gala
June 23: BusinessWest will present its 40 Under Forty Class of 2011 at a not-to-be-missed gala at the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, beginning at 5 p.m. The 40 Under Forty program, initiated in 2007, has become an early-summer tradition in the region. Nominations are currently being accepted for this year’s class (see form, page 71), and a team of five judges will complete the scoring of those nominations in late February, with the winners being announced in April. For more information on the event or to order tickets ($60 per person, with tables of 10 available), call (413) 781-8600, ext. 10, or visit www.businesswest.com.

Summer Buit
June 27-28: The Resort and Conference Center of Hyannis will be the setting for the Summer Business Summit, hosted by the Mass. Chamber of Business and Industry of Boston. Nominations are being accepted for the Massachusetts Chamber, Business of the Year, and Employer of Choice awards. The two-day conference will feature educational speakers, presentations by lawmakers, VIP receptions and more. For more information, visit www.masscbi.com.

Ten Points On Conference Networking

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

10 Points Departments

1. Know what you want to learn from the conference. Most conferences have multiple tracks; try to focus on your most important goals.
2. Before the conference, identify other attendees in your breakout sessions. Learn about them and their companies via the Web and LinkedIn.
3. Set appointments in advance. Contact a few individuals who you have identified as having common interests and try to arrange to meet over coffee during the conference.
4. At the conference, focus on meeting attendees rather than the featured speakers. Attendees are likely the people who walk in your shoes and can provide you with practical ideas and support moving forward.
5. Be the first to engage other attendees at your table. Spend time asking open-ended and feel-good questions to first get to know them personally. People ultimately do business with people they know, like, and trust.
6. Always have your business card ready to exchange, and make notes about your conversations, right away, on their business cards. This will give you a frame of reference for contacting them after the conference is over.
7. Send follow-up notes and/or e-mails after the conference to continue the positive connection. Ask if they would like to continue the connection with you via LinkedIn.
8. Try to help your new colleagues. Listen for their concerns and challenges in their jobs and send them resources that you may have that can help them. Be the go-giver.
9. Be a connector. Actively listen, and try to introduce people who could provide benefit to each other. When you are a conduit who connects people in a helpful way, you are increasing your own value, and people will want to help you even more!
10. Ask your new contacts for resources and advice. People you meet at conferences can be a very valuable resource for the challenges that you face in your job. They are usually more than happy to offer best practices they have found in their work.

Brenda Olesuk

Brenda Olesuk is the marketing director at Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. in Holyoke; (413) 536-8510.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Departments Picture This

Business Expo

The Professional Women’s Chamber (PWC) staged its 13th Annual Business Expo on Jan. 19, 2011 at the MassMutual Room at the Basketball Hall of Fame. Nearly 50 exhibitors from a variety of business sectors participated in the tabletop event. Attendees found information on business and personal banking, finances, insurance, graduate schools, beauty products, and nonprofit organizations. Each year, the PWC conducts the expo to give its members an opportunity to showcase their business or organization and to give attendees a chance to network with other women executives. Proceeds from the expo go to support the PWC Scholarship Fund, which helps women in transition returning to the workforce. Top left, members of the PWC Board of Directors, from left, Ellen Albano, Ellen Desmarais, Lisa Lemon, Janet Casey, and Tony Scibaldi (president), with Jeannie Filomeno, a representative of Marcotte Ford. Left, representatives of Loomis Communities await visitors to their booth.

Top of the City

The Springfield Technical Community College Foundation recently staged its annual Top of the City event in Scibelli Hall. The networking event doubles as a fun-raiser, with proceeds from a giant raffle going to the foundation and its many endeavors. Below (from left): Ellen W. Freyman, Esq., of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., and a member of the STCC Foundation Board of Directors; Ron Ancrum, president of the Community Foundation of Western Mass.; and Jane Roulier. Bottom (from left): William Bennett; Debra A. Kaylor, CPA, of Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C., and an STCC trustee; Hector F. Toledo, chairman of the STCC Board of Trustees and vice president of Retail Sales at Hampden Bank; and Myra D. Smith, STCC vice president for Human Resources and Multicultural Affairs.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

H.P. Hoods
233 Main St.
$8,000 — Construct 10’-by-10’ office

CHICOPEE

Community Development
5 West Main St.
$175,000 — Removal of two oil tanks and demo of concrete vault

St. Anthony’s Church
56 Anthony St.
$80,000 – Construct 36’-x-24’ garage and porch

GREENFIELD

Jack D. Curtiss
173 Main St.
$9,500 — Insulate walls with brown cellulose

Jimbob Realty, LLC
1 Main St.
$8,600 — Roof repair

John J. Metelica
366 Deerfield St.
$4,500 — Sheetrock fire-damaged bathroom and construct second means of egress

Town of Greenfield
125 Federal St.
$28,000 — Replace two portions of membrane roof

HOLYOKE

South Street Plaza Associates, LLC
209-239 South St.
$119,000 — Interior fit-up for new laundromat

LUDLOW

All Day All Night Fitness
50 East St.
$37,000 — New roof

NORTHAMPTON

Northampton Lumber Company
256 Pleasant St.
$4,000 — Install metal roof

PALMER

Patch Corporation
3086 South Main St.
$3,000 — Construct storage shed

SOUTHWICK

William Gabel
63 Feeding Hills St.
$5,000 — New scoreboard at the school field

SPRINGFIELD

AIC
1020 State St.
$3,800 — Partition-off openings to create separate office spaces

City of Springfield
765 State St.
$116,500 — New roof

CMSA Holding
748 State St.
$6,000 — New mechanical closet

Mass Park Realty
185 Spring St.
$118,000 — Construct 489 square feet of office space in the warehouse area

Springfield Renewal
42-44 Chapel St.
$13,000 — Renovations

WESTFIELD

David Schenna
845 Airport Industrial Park Road
$15,000 — Renovations

Lansdowne Place Limited
38 Thomas St.
$6,000 — Renovate first-floor common area bathroom

WEST SPRINGFIELD

United Bank
95 Elm St.
$1,003,000 — Renovate three floors of bank facility

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Opinion

Taking Away Lessons from Evergreen Solar

It was a headline that many in this region might have missed, lost amid the shootings in Arizona, a slew of snowstorms and subsequent cleanup efforts, and the area NFL franchise starting the offseason much earlier than expected. But it certainly bears noting.
Evergreen Solar, the solar-panel maker that opened a plant at the former military base in Devens just two years ago, amid considerable fanfare and with state aid to the tune of $58 million (one of the largest packages ever awarded in Massachusetts), announced on Jan. 12 that it would be shuttering that facility, thus eliminating about 800 jobs. That news was bad enough, but it got worse when the company said, in essence, that it was a victim of weak demand and competition from China, and would be shifting work to that country, where it also has a plant. Company officials would say only that this was “a grueling decision for any management team to make.”
The announcement must have sent shockwaves through the Statehouse, where the Patrick administration, which worked hard to bring Evergreen here, touted the company as perhaps the best example statewide of the emergence of clean-energy technology as a source of both new jobs and economic development, and as a indication that the Commonwealth’s shrinking manufacturing base could in fact diversify itself and find new avenues for growth.
What’s more, state officials cited Evergreen as a fine illustration of how state incentives could be effectively put to use to create jobs, drive innovation, and stimulate momentum at a time of economic duress.
So much for all that.
In the wake of the announcement, state officials searched hard for a silver lining to these clouds (no pun intended), but couldn’t find any. Instead, they were left to start backpedaling on the dollar amounts actually given to Evergreen (so the damage might not look as great), tallying up all that the corporation will have to give back to the state — $3 million in direct grants and perhaps $20 in future tax breaks — because it didn’t meet the terms stipulated in the aid agreement, and offering some hope that the many infrastructure improvements (mostly new roads) undertaken as a result of the project would benefit future endeavors.
But in the end, this is a huge setback for the state, one that will definitely leave a mark — and no shortage of skeptics to question the next clean-energy deals to come down the road.
In the end, though, no mistake is a complete loss if people can learn from it. What can we learn for this?
For starters, don’t put so many eggs in one basket. This is easy to say in hindsight, but a lot of people were saying it before the state handed over nearly $60 in incentives. Many were questioning the strength and longevity of the solar-panel business and casting doubts about whether this country could compete, cost-wise, with China on such products, despite public-sector support.
The conventional thinking then (and even more so now) would be that $58 million would be much better-spent on many different initiatives with promise. Some would not have worked out, but, undoubtedly, some would have. By going all in — or close to that — on Evergreen, the state left itself vulnerable to a big hit, and that’s what happened.
The other big lesson: don’t give up on clean-energy ventures. The Evergreen meltdown will undoubtedly leave the state gun-shy when it comes to future opportunities of this kind, and while an extra dose of caution, or two, is in order, there is no need to abandon this emerging sector and leave it to other states, regions, or countries.
There are a number of former manufacturing hubs, like Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, and others, that are still at the beginning stages of the reinvention process. Clean-energy developers can still play a big role in that process.
Like the Patriots’ debacle against the Jets, the Evergreen Solar experience is a tough and, in some ways, embarrassing loss for the Commonwealth. It will be interesting to see if and how it bounces back.

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

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

487 St. James Ave., LLC
487 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

A.H. Renaud Construction
Renaud, Adam H.
Renaud, Dizaree S.
a/k/a Kabaniec, Dizaree S.
18 Cherokee Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Ahearn, Patricia B.
203 Wolfswamp Road
Springfield, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Asselin, Peter Gerald
Asselin, Patricia Elizabeth
65 Old Farm Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Avdoulos Builders
Avdoulos, Michael William
PO Box 302
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/10

Baker, Rebecca J.
11 Rogers Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Benoit, Raymond J.
Benoit, Linda D.
a/k/a Dastous, Linda Anne
22 Dubois St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Bigelow, Keith M.
31-33 Chatham St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Bisson, Arthur
Bisson, Lori A.
5 Raymond Place
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Bobilin Construction
Bobilin, Richard E.
Bobilin, Heather L.
220 Ward Hill Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/10

Boudreau, Elizabeth E.
7 Flynt Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Bouhafa, Mohamed Lamjed
61 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Brown, Timothy K.
16 Lawndale St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Bruce, Stephanie
1039 Berkshire Ave.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Brush, Edward G.
111 Temby St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Buttlieri, Joseph A
233 East New Lenox Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/10

Cannon, John F.
Post Office Box 299
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Canterbury, Joan M.
1136 Huntington Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Chacon, Gonzalo
Chacon, Gloria
268 Newton Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Clark, Kimberlee Ann
44 Chapel Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Cochrane, Lauren D.
55 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Colbert, Scott D.
20 Deerfield St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Colon, Michael
Colon, Anne E.
a/k/a Miranda, Anne E.
72D Edbert St.
Chicopee, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/10

Corliss, Ronald H.
Corliss, Sharon M.
70 Old Fuller Road Ext.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Crystal Creations
Naggar, Hubert
152 Bliss Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/10

Curtis, Thomas G.
P.O. Box 178
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Cusson, Shannon
24 Holly St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Daponde, Jr., Douglas A.
136 Granville Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/10

DeAlmeida, Diana Charmaine
2 Oliver St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Del Pozzo, Susan Marie
a/k/a Cassessee, Susan M.
a/k/a Gassesse, Susan
87 Bessemer St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Dixon-Willoughby, Milene R.
15 West Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Doe, Frank Rubin
93 Grochmal Ave., Lot 1
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Dunn, Christopher R.
Dunn, Jennifer L.
737 Northbranch Parkway
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Ellis, Michael Edward
Ellis, Lisa Ann
a/k/a Brown, Lisa Ann
283 Spikenard Circle
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Fountain, Harold C.
Fountain, Mildred M.
1260 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Fraser, Genevieve C.
211 Dana Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Gagliardi, Joseph F.
577 Suriner Road
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Gauthier, Laurie M.
16 Pioneer Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Grant, Justine M.
16B Bridge Ct.
PO Box 528
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Greenway, Richard
107 Aldrew Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Gunnell, Wayne Howard
28 Metropolitan Court
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Hague, William G.
485 South St., Apt. 41
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/10

Hardaker, Christine L.
248 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Hensley, James D.
18 A. Lynch Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Hogan, Alice F
155 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Hulse, Theresa A.
181 Hanson Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Ihedigbo, Joy C.
2082 Page Blvd.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Jackman, Robert E.
801 Pochassic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

James, Jimmie R.
James, Valerie M.
134 Catharine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Jenson Books
Wilson, Jenine M.
a/k/a Cafarella-Wilson, Jenine M.
155 Wells St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Kari, John P.
695 Orange Road
P O Box 695
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

King, Bonnie L.
1089 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Lachance, Jeanette I.
55 North Main St. #15
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Lam, Andrew N.
243 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Lauer, Annmarie
a/k/a Baillargeon, Annmarie
20 Nash St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

LeBlanc, Robert J.
28 Lenox Circle
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/10

Libiszewski, Thomas P.
5 Fayette St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Luckham, Adrian Gerald
Durette-Luckham, Karola Elvira
68 Warregan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Lyons, Kimberly A.
45 Kimberly Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Malik, Usman H.
152 Belmont Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Martin, Rita Jacqueline
1121 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Masse, Michael D.
6 Reeves St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/30/10

McLain, Forist
McLain, Kathleen Janet
172 Walker St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Mellis, Cheryl E.
11 Colony Road
Springfield, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/10

Miranda, Kevin J.
77 Green Lane
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Moore, Elena M.
53 Lemuel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Moschetti, John F.
Moschetti, Jennifer S.
2 Channing Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Murphy, Linda A.
264 Fuller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Nhong, Jadwiga
195 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Orszak, Ami May
26 Sargon St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Ozner, Michael L.
PO Box 522
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Pena, Carlos
29 Verge St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Piepul, John M.
47 Williams St.
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Plante, Thomas James
Plante, Nancy Jean
a/k/a Charest, Nancy J.
a/k/a Kennedy, Nancy J.
PO Box 432
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Poole, Gina M.
a/k/a Bevilacqua, Gina M.
3 Rosedell Dr. Ext.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Post, Christopher M.
Post, Deana A.
407 Tyler St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Pucko, Richard G.
Pucko, Sherry L.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Riley, Jessica A.
196 Wilbraham Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/21/10

Romero, Tiburcio
PO Box 1421
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Ross-Hamilton, Cynthia J.
119 Bliss Hill Road
Royalston, MA 01368
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/28/10

Sabelli, Jeffrey Charles
20 Jenks St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Santiago, Juana M.
23 Draper St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Schofield, Timothy J.
73 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Serrenho, Daniel P.
48 Tiderman Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/10

Skiffington, Lee Allen
Skiffington, Sarah Lynn
43 Harrison Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/10

Smith, Maria L.
P.O. Box 1515
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/10

Sullivan, Karen Elizabeth
a/k/a Nytch, Karen
6-A Elm Circle
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Tong, Bao N.
21 Laurel Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Torra, Paul J.
61 Baystate Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Troy, James
Troy, Angela
a/k/a Soares, Angela M.
a/k/a Jollimore, Angela S.
219 Doreen St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Truninger, Diane E.
11 Williams St. #2
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/10

Urena, Henry A.
49 Palmer Ave.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Vandoros, Angelo G.
Vandoros, Deborah L.
58 Apple Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/20/10

Verrocchi, Andrew T.
P.O.Box 602
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/10

Viel, Robert R.
23 Mitchell Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/10

Visneau, Cheryl
29 Pelham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/10

Wallace, Ted
275 Chestnut St., #419
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/10

Watkins, Sandra I.
289 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

White, Kathryn Dee
168 Main St.
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/10

Wray, Craig R.
51 Church St., Apt. 3
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/10

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Istanbul Mediterranean Grill
365 Walnut St.
Gani Dinc

Pizza House
846 Suffield St.
Erol Kumas

Ridgeway Plumbing & Heating
5 Ridgeway Dr.
Bruce Shelkey

Vintage Auto Pickers
23 Edgewood Lane
Donald A. Sorel Jr.

WAM III LLC Delivery Service
1178 Suffield St.
Walter Meissner

Window World of Western Mass.
351 Walnut St.
Robert Bushey Jr.

CHICOPEE

AJL Electric
95 St. Jacques Ave.
Alan J. Lubas

DMS Auto Body
393 Ludlow Road
Wesley D. Smith

Lombard Appraisals
246 Frontenac St.
Todd Lombard

New Asia Bakery & Grill
159 Grove St.
Youel C. Gato

Spruce Salon
920 Front St.
Kate Przybyl

Tony’s Auto Repair
341 Chicopee St.
Antonio Fronseca

GREENFIELD

Charmed Nails
41 Bank Row
Carrie Kuzmekus

Ken’s Jax Prep
40 School St.
Kenneth Lang

Ozzie’s Autobody
328 High St.
Tamas Mercher

SG Glassworks
34 Pierce St.
Susan Griswold

Star Dust RES Publishing
353 Conway St.
Robert E. Sweeney

HOLYOKE

Dairy Market
160-162 Lyman St.
Irfan Kashif

JMW Construction
6 Bray Park Dr.
James Wildman

Muse Custom Framing
220 South Water St.
Debra Luzny

Providence Prenatal Center of Holyoke
384 High St.
William Bithoney

Winners Internet Café
209 South St.
Jennifer Stambovsky

CNS Academy of Health Care Professionals
187 High St.
Marc Bealieu

LONGMEADOW

NCR Corporation
3095 Satellite Blvd.
Lyane Hight

LUDLOW

Domino’s Pizza
309 Center St.
John Gesualdi

Kleenrite Services
35 State St.
Rick Paixao

Marc’s Trucking LLC
810 Moore St.
Marc Toton

PALMER

Rebingham Inc.
166 Ware St.
Reginald Bingham

SOUTHWICK

Feed Warehouse
707 College Highway
Larry Bannish

Interstate Coach Builders
633 College Highway
Richard Battistoni

John Labelle Plumbing & Heating
17 Kimberly Dr.
John Labelle

Strain Family Equestrian Center
18 Vining Hill Road
William Strain

SPRINGFIELD

A & M Landscaping
18 Dubois St.
Edyta Halastra

A Brighter Future Childcare
83-85 Main St.
Michele T. Pepe

Art’s Gardens
27 Savoy Ave.
Arthur Martin

Bark & Park Mobile Grooming
44 West Crystal Brook Dr.
Angela M. Robinson

C & G Furniture Service
149 Bolton St.
Carlos Arce

Combo-Work
1500 Main St.
Neung Chummasorn

Cottage St. Motors LLC
807 Cottage St.
Vincenzo Botta

Felix Auto Sales
237 Dickinson St.
John DeCesare

Four Seasons Cyber LLC
296 Cooley St.
Jennifer D. Burritt

WESTFIELD

Ezra’s Mercantile
34 Elm St.
Lou Sirois

Flowers by Joanne
Aa1358 East Mountain Road
Joanne Janik

Roman Landscaping and Property Management
13 Furrow St.
Eric Roman

WEST SPRINGFIELD

DLP Hospitality
1080 Riverdale St.
Shailesh Patel

Gengras Motors Inc.
1712 Riverdale St.
Clayton Gengras

Kristen Walters Photography
138 Quarry Road
Kristen J. Walters

Memo’s Restaurant
1272 Memorial Ave.
Christine Pompi

Pat’s Auto Service
163 Norman St.
Richard D. Parenteau

R & D Inc.
1557 Riverdale St.
Dilip R. Rana

Royal Food Supplements
298 Elm St.
Nadezhda Koleznik

The Cleaning Elves
42 Chester St.
Roxanne S. Sjostrom

Welcome Inn
2041 Riverdale St.
Patel Pravinbhai

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Company Notebook Departments

Credit Union Unveils
New Brand ID
CHICOPEE — Alden Credit Union, formerly Aldenville Credit Union, has adopted a new brand identity and completed a major renovation of its main office. The credit union’s image makeover includes a new logo, new slogan — Banking. No Boundaries — and a new Web site. Although Alden’s core services and mission are not changing, the credit union has a renewed commitment to growing and serving an increasing number of members in Hampden and Hampshire counties, according to Alden President Adam Corcoran. He noted in a statement that the credit union remains an independent, nonprofit financial cooperative, owned and governed by its members. Corcoran added that the board of directors sought to modernize the credit union’s look and achieve differentiation from other area financial institutions. Alden’s main office, at 710 Grattan St., has been extensively renovated consistent with the new name and brand identity. Jos. Chapdelaine & Sons of East Longmeadow oversaw the renovation project. For more information on Alden Credit Union, visit
www.aldencu.com.

Columbia Gas Initiates Environmental Program; Partners with West Side on Project
WESTBOROUGH — Columbia Gas of Massachusetts recently announced an environmental initiative with the Nature Conservancy to support local projects. For each customer who enrolls in the Columbia Gas free direct e-bill paperless billing service between now and April 1, the company will contribute $10 to help the Nature Conservancy restore rivers for migratory fish in Southeastern Mass., and more natural water flows along the dammed waterways of the Connecticut River in Western Massachusetts. A check for the company’s contribution based on enrollment in the paperless billing service will be presented to the Massachusetts chapter of the Nature Conservancy on or before Earth Day, April 22. For more information, visit www.columbiagasma.com. In other company news, Columbia Gas recently announced its partnership with the city of West Springfield to look at energy-saving opportunities, particularly at West Springfield High School. The recently completed project invested in new, high-efficiency natural-gas boilers to replace the old, inefficient boilers. The new boilers are projected to significantly lower heating costs while maintaining a comfortable educational environment for the students, according to West Springfield Mayor Ed Gibson. Gibson noted in a statement that the project is estimated to save approximately $33,700 each year for the city, which represents an approximate savings of 27,000 therms annually. The annual energy saved from the single project is enough to heat approximately 33 homes for one year, added Gibson. Building on the success of the first project, Gibson and the city of West Springfield are working with TRANE (an energy-service company) to complete four additional school-building projects and a municipal office-building project. All five buildings are eligible to receive additional Columbia Gas incentives.

Elms Offers Sport Management Major
CHICOPEE — Beginning in the fall, Elms College will offer sport management as a full major. The revised program takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining coursework from accounting, management, marketing, law, coaching, psychology, and sociology with sports-management classes to deliver a unique and comprehensive curriculum. The blend of existing and new courses, and the inclusion of coaching courses in particular, set the program apart from its competitors, according to Elms College President Mary Reap, IHM, Ph.D., in a statement. The major also requires an internship. While the emphasis is on sport management, a 38-credit business core still serves as the foundation for the program, ensuring that students become proficient in the different functional areas of business. For more information, call the admission office at (413) 592-3189 or visit www.elms.edu/sportmanagement.

95,000 Pounds of Food Donated Through Big Y Program
SPRINGFIELD — In a chain-wide effort to help the hungry within their local communities, all Big Y Supermarkets initiated a Sack Hunger campaign during the holidays, which netted 95,000 pounds of food. More than 8,000 Big Y bags of food were recently distributed to area soup kitchens, food pantries, senior food programs, day-care centers and other agencies, according to Big Y President and COO Charles D’Amour. The program consisted of a large, green, reusable grocery bag filled with staple non-perishable food items selected by local food banks. The sacks included corn flakes, long-grain rice, elbow macaroni, kidney beans, peanut butter, cut green beans, sweet peas, whole-kernel corn, chunk light tuna, and quick oats. Big Y customers purchased the pre-assembled bags for $10 each, and then Big Y distributed the bags to each region’s local food bank for distribution to those in need. The campaign began Nov. 1 and ran through the end of 2010.

Holyoke Blue Sox Choose Design Group
HOLYOKE — The Wild Apple Design Group has been contracted by NECBL’s Holyoke Blue Sox to serve as its sales agency for all team promotional opportunities, according to Blue Sox owner Barry Wadsworth. The partnership will offer all-new, “exciting offerings” to businesses and fans, added Wadsworth. The Blue Sox will welcome fans to MacKenzie Stadium for a fourth season, playing 25 games in June and July. A not-for-profit team partially funded by Major League Baseball (MLB), the Blue Sox conduct educational school tours that promote great work ethics, fitness, and team play. Drawn from the top college programs in the country, many Blue Sox players are drafted into MLB teams, including the Red Sox, White Sox, Brewers, Nationals, Braves, Blue Jays, Tigers, Angels, and Mariners. Wild Apple Design Group is marketer and publisher of Town Planner, Your Community Calendar, which marks its 25th anniversary this year.

Amherst Firm Receives Honor Award
AMHERST — Kuhn Riddle Architects (KRA) has received the 2010 Honor Award from the Western Massachusetts American Institute of Architects for its ‘Meadow House.’ The award recognizes excellence in design and considers submissions by architects throughout Western Mass. Meadow House is a design for a group of sustainable homes on a rural site in Hadley. The single-story houses are 2,000 square feet with three bedrooms and an open floor plan. Jurors called the project “beautifully restrained,” noting that it revealed a “clarity, simplicity, and depth of understanding of the space.” The project’s site strategy was praised for “claiming the site without dominating it.” Two other KRA projects were recognized at the awards ceremony in December. KRA’s ‘Stanley Street Houses,’ which are featured in a recently published book on pro-bono projects, received a Special Mention Award. Jurors praised the way the project challenged the idea of what a Habitat for Humanity house can be while maintaining a clear connection to vernacular references. Also, the Ken Burns Wing of the Jerome Liebling Center was one of three projects recognized as a finalist. Jurors noted the successful way that the new addition both harmonizes and contrasts with the existing building.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff February 1, 2011

Briefcase Departments

West of the River Chambers Leaves ACCGS; Affiliates with MassCBI
EAST LONGMEADOW — The West of the River Chamber of Commerce (WRC) recently announced its newly developed management relationship with the Mass. Chamber of Business & Industry Inc. (MassCBI), of East Longmeadow, severing its ties with the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS) that go back 40 years. The WRC, which serves the cities of Agawam and West Springfield, will be managed by MassCBI under the leadership of Debra Boronski, whose organization will oversee all of its management needs. “The WRC is the primary advocate and resource for business in Agawam and West Springfield; we felt it was time to take a new direction in the management of our chamber in a way that best suits the needs of our members,” said Remo Pizzichemi, vice chair of the West of the River Chamber. “We will remain a local, independent chamber of commerce representing Agawam and West Springfield businesses and will continue to offer our members the local benefits they have always enjoyed as well as the lobbying and legislative expertise of Ms. Boronski.” The new management relationship with the Massachusetts chamber will extend current benefits by offering WRC members access to the MassCBI monthly Legislative Newsletter which provides up-to-date information on laws and regulations that impact their business. “I am pleased to welcome the West of the River Chamber and its 250 member businesses to MassCBI,” said Boronski, “and look forward to working with the WRC board, committees, and leaders of its member companies, many of whom I have a long history with.” In 2008, the West Springfield and Agawam chambers of commerce were combined to form the WRC. The chamber hosts a number of meetings and events each year, including FoodFest West, a golf tournament, educational seminars, networking events, and debates for candidates in Agawam and West Springfield, and has recently launched a manufacturing committee. ACCGS President Jeffrey Ciuffreda said member businesses that are part of the WRC will continue to be represented through ACCGS until their current membership expires, which is different for each member. “We welcome these businesses to renew their memberships with ACCGS to continue the high level of service they have come to expect from the chamber,” he noted. “ACCGS continues to believe in its original mission and philosophy — the business community is best served by a regional approach, speaking in one voice to government representatives, policy makers, other businesses, and business-related organizations. The ACCGS will continue to speak out with a singular voice on issues facing businesses throughout Greater Springfield. The action taken by the WRC Board of Directors will have no impact on the services, member benefits, educational programs, legislative advocacy, or networking opportunities provided by ACCGS to its member base. Despite the WRC board’s decision, it is business as usual for the ACCGS.”

Caret Named to Lead UMass System
BOSTON — The Board of Trustees of the University of Massachusetts recently unanimously elected Robert Caret president of the five-campus university system. Caret, the president of Towson University in Maryland, will succeed retiring UMass President Jack Wilson, who steps down on June 30. “After conducting an exhaustive search, we selected a president with the qualifications, the character, and the vision to lead our university system forward and to build upon the strengths of our world-class university system,” said James Karam, head of the search committee and acting chair of the UMass Board of Trustees, in a statement. “It is an honor to have been asked to lead this world-class and world-renowned university system,” said Caret in a statement. “The University of Massachusetts is one of the nation’s premier public research universities and provides a beacon of hope and opportunity for so many. I look forward to building upon its tradition of excellence in academics, research, and public service.” Caret, 63, has been the president of Towson University since 2003. He served as a faculty member, dean, executive vice president, and provost of Towson University for 21 years before leaving to assume the presidency of San Jose State University in 1995. Caret is credited with helping to reinvigorate the San Jose State University campus, and he championed a joint city/university effort to build the Martin Luther King Jr. Library there. As president of Towson University, Caret has created partnerships with regional business, nonprofit, and civic organizations in Maryland. He became a founding member of the Maryland Business Council in 2004 and serves as the honorary chairman of the Maryland Council on Education. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the CollegeBound Foundation, the Board of Governors for the Center Club, the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board, and the P-20 Leadership Council. He also serves on the Board of Directors for 1st Mariner Bancorp and on the Board of Advisors for Evergreen Capital LLC. He was inducted into the Baltimore County Chamber Business Hall of Fame in 2006 and was awarded the Towson University Hillel Gesher Award in 2010. Caret is a member of the University of Maryland Foundation Board of Directors. He recently served on the NCAA Presidential Task Force on the Future of Intercollegiate Athletics and is a member of its Presidential Advisory Group and Football Academic Working Group. He also has served on the American Flag Foundation Board of Directors, the Board of Directors of the American Council of Education (ACE), and the Board of Directors for the American Assoc. of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU). He currently serves on the executive steering committee of the AASCU Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). Caret has authored many articles on chemistry, chemical education, and higher education for business and professional publications. He is the co-author of four textbooks in the fields of organic chemistry and allied health chemistry. The Maryland Chapter of the American Chemical Society recognized Caret’s achievements by honoring him with the George L. Braude Award in 2005. He is a native of Maine who received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of New Hampshire in 1974 and his bachelor of science degree in chemistry and mathematics from Suffolk University in 1969. Caret’s honorary degrees include a doctor of humane letters degree from San Jose State University (2004) and National Hispanic University (1997) and a doctor of science degree from Suffolk University (1996). Current UMass President Wilson is retiring from the presidency after eight years to return to teaching. He will become the distinguished professor of Higher Education, Emerging Technologies and Innovation at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

More State Residents
Lost Homes to
Foreclosure in 2010
BOSTON — The number of completed foreclosures in Massachusetts jumped almost 32% in 2010 to 12,233, up from 9,269 in 2009, but did not surpass the record 12,430 foreclosures recorded in 2008, according to the latest report from the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. The number of foreclosure petitions, meanwhile, declined 14.3% to 23,933 last year from 27,928 in 2009. “It’s a big concern that more homeowners lost their homes to foreclosure in 2010 than in the prior year,” said Timothy Warren Jr., CEO of the Warren Group, in a statement. “One bright spot is that fewer people entered the foreclosure process compared to a year ago. This is despite a slumping economy and high unemployment. These statistics for petitions to foreclose are skewed by lenders who slowed their foreclosure processing in the last four months of the year. It’s important to remain cautious heading into 2011, and not assume we are out of the woods yet.” Foreclosure petitions — the first step in the foreclosure process in Massachusetts — dropped dramatically in December. A total of 733 starts were recorded, a 64.4% drop from 2,060 in December 2009. Petitions also dropped from November 2010, when there were 1,109 starts recorded. The number of foreclosure petitions exceeded 2,000 for eight months in 2010, falling below that level for the past three consecutive months. In December, there were 481 foreclosure deeds, a nearly 44% drop from 857 deeds recorded in December 2009. Foreclosure deeds represent completed foreclosures. Deeds bumped up in December from a month earlier; there were 418 recorded in November. Foreclosure deeds reached their highest point earlier in the year, peaking at 1,391 in March. Both foreclosure petitions and deeds dropped in the fourth quarter. A total of 2,969 foreclosure petitions were recorded in the fourth quarter of 2010, down almost 53% from the 6,293 petitions during the same period in 2009. Foreclosure deeds dropped to 1,456 in the fourth quarter, a 41.1% decline from 2,473 deeds in the fourth quarter of 2009. The fourth quarter marked the slowest activity for both petitions and deeds this year. Year-to date petitions were down in every county except Nantucket County. A total of 88 foreclosure petitions were recorded in 2010, up almost 9% from 81 in 2009. On the contrary, deeds also increased in every county in 2010, except Nantucket and Dukes counties. There were 12 completed foreclosures in Nantucket County in all of 2010, down from 25 in 2009. Dukes County saw no change in its foreclosure deeds in 2010 — there were 38 completed foreclosures in both 2009 and 2010. The Warren Group also tracked a large increase in auction announcements in 2010. A total of 29,227 auction announcements were tracked in 2010, a 50.6% increase from 19,441 in 2009. Auction announcements in December totaled 1,076, a 50% drop from 2,152 in November, and also declined 44.3% from 1,931 during the same month in 2009.

Director Sought for Leadership Pioneer Valley
SPRINGFIELD — Leadership Pioneer Valley (LPV), a new regional leadership initiative for the 69 communities and three counties (Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin) that comprise the Pioneer Valley, has launched its search for a program director. The director, who will be the first to hold this position, will oversee an array of LPV program activities, most importantly the recruitment of emerging, diverse leaders to strengthen the region by fostering a sense of community pride, responsibility, and dedication. Leadership Pioneer Valley is an advanced leadership-development program housed within the Pioneer Valley Regional Ventures Center Inc., the companion nonprofit of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission. LPV was established last year to recruit, develop, and support succeeding generations of the region’s leaders through dynamic education and civic-engagement programs that foster the skills, collaboration, and commitment needed to build a healthy, vibrant, and culturally competent Pioneer Valley. The new program director will begin work with the aim of recruiting LPV’s first class for fall 2011 and continuing to direct its efforts. The job description for LPV program director is available at www.pvpc.org. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter, résumé, and three references via email by Feb. 1 to Search Committee Chair Ron Ancrum at the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts; the address is [email protected].

Housing Market Remains ‘Very Volatile’
WASHINGTON — Permits for new homes jumped 16.7% in December compared with private-sector expectations of a 2.9% increase, according to the latest data on new residential construction in December from the Commerce Department’s U.S. Census Bureau. Scheduled changes in building codes in January in California, New York, and Pennsylvania may have been responsible for much of the December increase, as builders sought to obtain permits ahead of the code change. Housing starts declined 4.3% compared with private-sector expectations that they would remain virtually unchanged. “Today’s data show that the housing market is still very volatile from month to month,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in a statement. “This administration is keenly focused on expanding employment and economic growth, and as job creation progresses, the incomes of the American people will strengthen and help put the housing market back on track.”

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Coyote Realty
1340 Springfield St.
$425,000 — Construction of a new Wendy’s restaurant

Genesis Healthcare
55 Cooper St.
$290,000 — Upgrade of nurse’s station, patient, and dayrooms

Olympic Manufacturing Group
95 Bowles Road
$3,000 — Construct external deck

CHICOPEE

Salesmaster Associates Inc.
140 Padgette St.
$44,000 — Install 86.2 KW photovoltaic array

EAST LONGMEADOW

EL Village
34 Center Square
$25,000 — Tenant fit out

Roman Catholic Bishop
110 Maple St.
$15,000 — Replacement windows

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Gas & Electric
100 Gatehouse Road
$62,000 — Remove and replace roof

LONGMEADOW

American Legion
417 Longmeadow St.
$8,900 — Re-roof

Bay Path College
21 Hopkins Place
$18,500 — Construct wheelchair ramp

GPT Longmeadow
686 Bliss Road
$32,000 — New office space

Wolf Swamp Middle School
62 Wolf Swamp Road
$25,000 — Convert classrooms to offices

LUDLOW

Health South
14 Chestnut Place
$45,000 — New fire sprinkler system

John Goncalves & Sons
172 Munsing St.
$29,000 — New roof

SOUTH HADLEY

Coderre Development
192 Lathrop St.
$10,000 — Basement construction and finishes

E-Ink
7 Gaylord St.
$966,000 — Renovations

Mt. Holyoke College
50 College St.
$19,000 — Alterations

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
474 Armory St.
$361,000 — Library renovations at Montessori school

WESTFIELD

Allen Street Realty
80 Main Line Dr.
$41,000 — Install new bathroom

Westfield Masonic Associates
72 Broad St.
$10,000 — Replace roof over front portico

Westfield Coatings Corp.
221 Union St.
$26,000 — Alterations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ashley Associates, LLC
95 Ashley St.
$25,000 — Fit out 2,684 square feet of office space

Salamon Realty Inc.
103 Myron St.
$40,000 — Remodel existing space to accommodate clinic

White Hut Inc.
280 Memorial Ave.
$5,000 — Interior renovations

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

AM Gutter Guys
23 Marlene Dr.
Andrey Mozolevskiy

Brother’s Painting
47 James Ave.
Erol Kumas

Hope Community Church AG
152 South Westfield St.
Eric Welch

Photographic Journals
360 North Westfield St.
Sean Fitzgerald

Thousand Cranes Studio
505 Springfield St.
Stanislas Coly

Uberfast Ski Service
73 Poplar St.
Michael Dechristopher

CHICOPEE

A+ Roofing & Home Improvement
26 Harding St.
Nathan Warren

Chicopee Street Auto Sales
363 Chicopee St.
Wayne L. Pare Sr.

Contemporary Conservatory Company
165 Front St.
Robert Langston

D.G.S. Auto Technologies
552 Chicopee St.
David Stearns

Euro Glass & Frame Automotive
164 Chicopee St.
Kenelma Rivera

Mike’s Clock Shop
118 Ann St.
Michael W. Harry

MOX
40 Haynes Cir.
Main Oxy/Chicopee LLC

GREENFIELD

S6 Glassworks
34 Pierce St.
Susan Griswold

Charmed Nails
41 Bank Row
Carrie Kuzmeskus

HOLYOKE

Autumn’s Bookkeeping
90 County Road
Lynn Schroder

Budget Inn
579 Northampton St.
Mita Patez

Elle Jewelry
50 Holyoke St.
Nolmar Hannoush

F & M Motor Sales
414 South St.
Michael Gruszka

Jadhai
254 Maple St.
Oneida G. Rivera

JGL Truck Sales
27 Jackson St.
Javier Gonzalez

JP’s Restaurant
200 Whiting Farms Road
Frances Lavelle

Mainstreet Shell Chow Hands
636 Main St.
Taha Kidwai

Majeya’s Avon
254 Maple St.
Ana D. Torres

Maria Gift Shop
252 Maple St.
Maria M. Rondon

Salazar Jewelry & Accessories
254 Maple St.
Pedro Salazar

Sam’s Quality Motors
170 Main St.
Samuel Rosa

PALMER

JP’s Auto Service
346 Wilbraham St.
Jean P. Carbonneau

Vic’s Organ Service
295 Burlingame St.
Victor Granger

SPRINGFIELD

American Red Cross
506 Cottage St.
Richard A. Lee

Arctic Rental and Leasing
1601 Page Blvd.
Carl A. Jasmin

Art’s Gardens
27 Savoy Ave.
Arthur Martin

BNI Business Endeavors
191 Chesnut St.
Alice Kempf

Colon’s Touch of Elegance
154 ½ Main St.
Lisandra Colon

Experience Wellness Center
80 Congress St.
Omar Faruk

Falls Fruit
1003 St. James Ave.
Masudur Rahman

Four Seasons Cyber LLC
296 Cooley St.
Jennifer D. Burritt

Garcia’s Painting
878 Liberty St.
Luis A. Garcia

Great Walls
1004 Berkshire Ave.
Jason A. Lemire

Happy and Sweet LLC
807 Worthington St.
Caterina Cardenuto

Housing Alternatives
175 State St.
Donna L. Beaumier

Laugh For No Reason
1127 Worthington St.
Trevor H. Smith

Nusean’s Old Fashion Cleaning
17 Woodside Terrace
Nusean Denise

P. J. R. Enterprise Inc.
1 Federal St.
Pablo J. Rios

Pearson Professional Center
1 Monarch Place
Debra Risch

WESTFIELD

Adnet
60 Arnold St.
Brian R. Hoose

Brills Auto Sales
388 Southampton Road
David Albert

Litl’Ant Productions
285 Birch Bluff Dr.
Michael A. Wertelet

NEVSKIY Construction
81 South Maple St.
Sergey Shcherbakov

Patmos Construction
216 Shaker Road
Stanislav I. Petrik

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AT&T Mobility
1018 Riverdale St.
New Cingular Wireless

Cool Runnings LLC Training Salon & Spa
311 Elm St.
Michael G. Price

Dirk Kidwell Electrician
100 Front St.
Dirk Kidwell

Exclusive Painting
79 Pierce St.
Ryan T. Roberts

Lucky Sevens Carpet
1752 Riverdale St.
Gabriel Khatchadouran

Pat’s Auto Sales Inc.
179 Bosworth St.
Philip Catanzarite

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Agenda Departments

Smart Growth Zoning
Jan. 24: Proposed locations for Chapter 40R Smart Growth districts will be presented to Ludlow residents at 6 p.m. at Ludlow Town Hall. Chapter 40R Smart Growth zoning districts encourage a higher concentration of housing and mixed-use developments in areas with existing infrastructure to create a range of housing options and spur community revitalization. Communities that adopt Smart Growth zoning districts are eligible to receive special state funds. The presentation will be facilitated by the town’s Smart Growth Zoning Advisory Committee and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

Clio Awards
Jan. 26: The Ad Club of Western Mass. will showcase the 2010 television/cinema winners from the 2010 Clio Awards, one of the most recognized international advertising, design, and communication competitions, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Rivers Memorial, Western New England College, Springfield. Reservations must be made by Jan. 19 by calling (413) 736-2582. The cost is $25 for Ad Club members, $35 for non-members, and $15 for students. For more information, visit www.adclubwm.org.

Visionaries Forum
Jan. 28: The University of Hartford’s Construction Institute will host its second annual Visionaries Forum, part of the A/E/C Issues series, “A Visionary Approach to Design and Construction,” from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell in Cromwell, Conn. Program registration, continental breakfast, and networking will begin at 7:45 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.construction.org.

Rick’s Place Benefit
Feb. 5: The third annual Heart to Heart fund-raiser for Rick’s Place is planned from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Ludlow Country Club. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. For ticket information, call Shelly Bathe Lenn at (413) 348-3120 or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Business Open House
Feb. 9: The Scibelli Enterprise Center at the STCC Technology Park in Springfield will host an open house titled “Growing Successful Small Businesses” from noon to 1 p.m. The event is offered to explain how the Enterprise Center is the regional hub for entrepreneurship for Western Mass. Small-business owners and service providers are encouraged to attend the open house. For more information, call (413) 755-6109 or visit
www.springfieldincubator.com.

National College Fair
March 6-7: The Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield is the setting for the Springfield National College Fair, slated from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 6 and from 9 a.m. to noon on March 7. Sponsored by the National Assoc. for College Admission Counseling and hosted by the New England Association for College Admission Counseling, the event is free and open to the public. The fair allows students and parents to meet one-on-one with admission representatives from a wide range of national and international, public and private, two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Participants will learn about admission requirements, financial aid, course offerings, and campus environment, as well as other information pertinent to the college-selection process. Students can register at www.gotomyncf.com prior to attending the event to receive a printed bar-coded confirmation to use on-site at the fair as an electronic ID.

Summer Business Summit
June 27-28: The Resort and Conference Center of Hyannis will be the setting for the Summer Business Summit, hosted by the Mass. Chamber of Business and Industry of Boston. Nominations are being accepted for the Massachusetts Chamber, Business of the Year, and Employer of Choice awards. The two-day conference will feature educational speakers, presentations by lawmakers, VIP receptions, and more. For more information, visit www.masscbi.com.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Chamber Corners Departments

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555

• Jan. 19: Professional Women’s Chamber 13th Annual Business Expo, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Max’s Tavern, MassMutual Room. Cost, Table Top: members $60, non-members $90 (includes one lunch ticket). Cost, lunch only: members $25, non-members $35. For reservations, contact Lynn Johnson PWC liaison, at (413) 755-1310 or [email protected]

• Jan. 22: West of the River Chamber of Commerce Night at the Falcons, 7:30 p.m., MassMutual Center. Cost: $10. For reservations, call Chris Thompson at (413) 739-3344 ext. 109.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

• Jan. 20: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., Panana’s Restaurant, Agawam. Cost: free for members, non-members $10. Includes food and cash bar.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Jan. 19: Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., MassMutual Learning & Conference Center, 350 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: members $18, non-members $25. For tickets, call the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or purchase online at www.chicopeechamber.org

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

• Jan. 27: Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting and 50th Anniversary Dinner, 5 p.m., the Delaney House, 500 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Cranberry chicken and halibut combo luncheon. Cost: members $29.95, non-members $32.95.

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

• Jan. 19: Chamber After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by Homewood Suites, 375 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Cost: members $5, non-members $10 cash.
n Jan. 25: Computer Security Seminar, 8 to 11 a.m., Mass Mutual Conference Center, Chicopee

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

• Jan. 30: Bowl with a Purpose, 12 to 2 p.m., Spare Time, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton. Charity fund-raiser. Teams of four to six players. Registrants can register as a team or be placed on a team. Cost: $20 pre-registered, $25 at the door. Includes unlimited bowling during the event, shoe rental, pizza, and soda. For registration information, visit www.thenayp.com

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
www.shchamber.com
(413) 532-6451

• Jan. 25: President’s Dinner, cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p. m., Willitts-Hallowell Center, Mount Holyoke College. Sponsors: premier members. Special guest speakers: TBD. Annual business meeting. Cost: $37. Check must be received by Jan. 21.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Briefcase Departments

Denver Stepping Down as Chamber President
SPRINGFIELD — After 14 years as president of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Russell F. Denver recently announced he is leaving that post in the coming weeks to pursue other professional opportunities. Denver, an attorney, noted that he feels now is the opportune time to step down and bring in someone else with a fresh perspective. Citing his accomplishments, Denver noted in particular the Urban Land Institute’s work that has been done in the city. Before leaving his post, Denver plans to complete work on zoning revisions for the city, as well as the new “Make It Happen” marketing campaign for Springfield. Jeffrey S. Ciuffreda, vice president of government affairs for the Affiliated Chambers, will serve as interim president. Currently, the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce have approximately 1,200 members and an annual budget of $300,000. The Affiliated Chambers include the Springfield Chamber of Commerce, the West of the River Chamber of Commerce, the East of the River Chamber of Commerce, and the Professional Women’s Chamber of Commerce.

Springfield Leadership Institute Registration Underway
SPRINGFIELD — Registration is underway for this year’s Springfield Leadership Institute (SLI), which represents a 37-plus-year collaboration between the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield and the Western New England College School of Business. Institute alumni represent many accomplished and distinguished leaders in business, education, government, and nonprofit communities. The 2011 Springfield Leadership Institute, which begins on Feb. 17, will challenge participants to think in new ways and to analyze their own strengths and organizational challenges within a dynamic economy. SLI is taught by Western New England College faculty, who will introduce participants to emerging leadership theory and best practices. A segment on ‘Leadership Presence’ is being added this year along with the institute’s continued emphasis on problem-solving at the executive level. Case studies have also been updated for the 2011 program. The program meets every Thursday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the TD Bank Conference Center, 1441 Main St. Participants in SLI learn how to be more effective leaders and how to have the power to make an important difference both in the workplace and in the community. Contact Lynn Johnson at (413) 755-1310 or at [email protected] for more information.

2011 Woman of the Year Nominations Sought
SPRINGFIELD — The Professional Women’s Chamber of Commerce, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, is seeking nominations for the 2011 Woman of the Year Award. The award has been presented annually since 1954 to a woman in the Western Mass. area who exemplifies outstanding leadership, professional accomplishment, and service to the community. The nominee’s achievements can be representative of a lifetime’s work or for more recent successes. Any woman in the Pioneer Valley is eligible for nomination, and a chamber affiliation is not required. To obtain a nomination form, visit www.professionalwomenschamber.com or e-mail committee chair Michelle Cayo at [email protected]. The deadline for nominations is Feb. 11.

Call for ADDY Award Submissions
SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Massachusetts (ACWM) welcomes submissions for its 2011 ADDY Awards from individuals and organizations throughout Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. The annual competition recognizes creative excellence in all media, including print, broadcast, interactive, out-of-home, and public-service advertising. The ADDY Awards competition is a three-tier (local, regional, and national) competition conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). ACWM is the only AAF-member club in the New England district. A panel of advertising experts will select winners in Springfield on Feb. 11. All entries must be registered online. For information on submission guidelines and a direct link to commence the submission process, visit www.submitandrepresent.com. The deadline for mail submission is Jan. 31. In-person submissions will be accepted on Feb. 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Berkshire Bank community room, 1259 East Columbus Ave., Springfield. For more information, call the Ad Club at (413) 736-2582.

Unemployment Hits 20.7% in Construction Sector
WASHINGTON — Despite a slight drop in the nation’s unemployment rate, the construction industry ended 2010 with a jobless rate of 20.7%, according to the Jan. 7 report by the U.S. Labor Department. The construction industry lost 16,000 jobs last month and 93,000 jobs, or 1.6%, compared to December 2009. While the unemployment rate was up from 18.8% last November, it is down from 22.7% in December 2009. The average annual unemployment rate for the construction industry in 2010 was 20.6%, compared to 19.0% in 2009 and 10.6% in 2008. The non-residential building construction sector lost 400 jobs in December, but was up by 5,700 jobs, or 0.8%, from the same time one year ago — the first year-over-year growth since August 2008. Employment in that sector was 688,300 in December on a seasonally adjusted basis. Employment in heavy and civil engineering construction decreased for the second straight month, down 12,700 in December. However, employment in that sector was up by 18,100 jobs, or 2.3%, from December 2009. Specialty trade contractors gained 3,300 jobs last month, but the segment is down 79,000 jobs, or 2.2%, from the same time last year. The residential-building construction sector shed 5,900 jobs for the month and 37,000, or 6.2%, for the year. The nation gained 103,000 jobs in all industries in December, with the bulk of job growth in leisure and hospitality, up 47,000 jobs; education and health services, up 44,000 jobs; and trade, transportation, and utilities, up 31,000 jobs. Year-over-year, the nation has gained 1,124,000 jobs, or 0.9%. The nation’s unemployment rate dropped to 9.4% in December from 9.8% the previous month. “The nation’s construction industry should be glad to see 2010 in the rearview mirror, as the sector ended the year on a dismal note,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu in a prepared statement. “It is noteworthy that heavy and civil engineering has lost jobs for two consecutive months, which may be a reflection of the steadily slowing impact of federal stimulus spending. For much of the past year, that segment had been adding jobs. The expectation is that the nation will continue to add jobs. However, the construction sector is poised to underperform in the year ahead due to a number of factors, including dwindling direct impact from stimulus spending and the ongoing malaise in commercial real estate. With a national unemployment rate now at 9.4% — the lowest rate since May 2009 — this is an indication that the labor market is improving reasonably quickly. However, this does not seem to be the case with the construction industry, as today’s numbers may be a reflection of numerous factors in the economy, including still-subdued confidence among business owners and decision-makers.”

Uptick in Car Sales Sends Optimistic Sign
DETROIT — U.S. automakers will take a victory lap at the Detroit auto show this month after a measurable recovery from years of losses, a shrinking of market share to Asian rivals, and the bankruptcy troubles of Chrysler and General Motors (GM), according to Edmunds.com. GM posted a $2 billion third-quarter profit and then launched a public stock offering in November, while Chrysler increased its market share in 2010 and will introduce two new models this month at the auto show. Also, Ford was able to regain the number-two spot in the U.S. market from Toyota in 2010 when it saw its share grow for the second consecutive year. Overall, U.S. auto sales rose 11% last year to 11.6 million vehicles. Sales forecasts predict sales of 12.5 to 13.5 million units in 2011, and Toyota hopes its prospects are good for big gains despite its recent recalls. “If [the Detroit Three] can make money at depression-level sales, it tells you something dramatic has changed,” said David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich., in a prepared statement. “If we get back to 13, 14, 15 million units, this is going to be an astonishingly profitable business.” In the coming months, automakers are also expected to revamp their lineups with ‘green’ cars that will meet new emissions standards. Toyota will be expanding its Prius hybrid with the introduction of a new wagon, Tesla will be showing a luxury electric sedan, and GM launches its subcompact, the Chevy Sonic, as well as a compact Buick and the plug-in hybrid Chevy Volt. However, “the risk to the marketplace is that consumers aren’t asking for these,” said Rebecca Lindland, an analyst with IHS Automotive. Hybrid auto sales fell last year to 2.4% of the U.S. market from 2.8% in 2009, according to Autodata. The North American International Auto Show is open to the public Jan. 15-23.

Link to Libraries Receives Grant
EAST LONGMEADOW — The Service League of Springfield (Philanthropic Management–Bank of America) has made a $1,000 grant to Link to Libraries Inc. The organization will use the grant to offer Senior Connections, a Link to Libraries read-aloud program for children in the Holyoke and Springfield areas who are enrolled in preschool programs. The program is conducted in collaboration with Loomis Communities and Reeds Landing residents. The residents will team up with Link to Libraries educators and volunteers to offer preschool-age children reading programs locally during the spring and fall. Susan Jaye-Kaplan, co-founder of Link to Libraries, noted in a statement, “this collaboration is yet another partnership with local residents and agencies to enhance the reading skills of children of all ages and to make a connection with talented adults who reside in our community and want to remain active.” The Link to Libraries Senior Connection will be managed by Roberta Hillenberg-Gang of Longmeadow, who serves on the organization’s advisory committee. For more information, visit www.linktolibraries.org or call (413) 224-1031.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Departments People on the Move

People on the Move

van Schouwen Associates, LLC, of Longmeadow announced the following:

Shannon Filipelli

• Shannon Filippelli has been promoted to Director of Strategic Communications; and

Staasi Heropoulos

• Staasi Heropoulos has been hired as Manager of Strategic Communications.
The expanded staffing and organizational changes come as the firm inks several contracts for new business with a regional bank, national retailer, international component R&D test firm, health care services organization, and other companies.
•••••
Dr. Michael Coppola has been elected President of the Washington, D.C.-based American Sleep Apnea Assoc. for 2011. Coppola, who specializes in pulmonary and sleep medicine, has served on the association’s Board of Directors since 2004. He is President and CEO of Springfield Medical Associates. He also serves as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine.
•••••
Jeffrey Corrigan has been named Vice President of Human Resources at the Brattleboro Retreat, Brattleboro, Vt. Corrigan has close to 30 years of experience in leading human resources in health care settings.
•••••
Marta Nichols has been appointed CitiStat Director for the City of Springfield. Nichols will be responsible for managing the development and implementation of CitiStat, Performance Management and ACE/LEAN, including the development of all policies, processes, and communication programs. Nichols will also serve as a member of the steering committees that drive Continuous Improvement Springfield, as well as identify, analyze, prioritize, and make recommendations to the committee. Additionally, she will advise Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief Administrative and Financial Officer Lee C. Erdmann on department activities, problems, and performance.
•••••

Christina M. Sousa

TD Bank has named Christina M. Sousa the Store Manager of the Ludlow Center store at 549 Center St. An Assistant Vice President, she is responsible for new-business development, consumer and business lending, and managing personnel and day-to-day operations at the store.
•••••
Attorney Rosemary J. Nevins has been named Senior Counsel at Royal LLP, 270 Pleasant St., Northampton. Nevins has more than 25 years of experience in labor and employment law.
•••••
John Kennedy has been named Vice Chancellor for University Relations at UMass Amherst. He will direct the campus’ marketing, branding, and communication efforts. He will also oversee units responsible for communications and marketing, news and media relations, and external relations and university events.
•••••
The Central Massachusetts South Chamber of Commerce in Sturbridge announced the following:
• Michael Detarando, of Incom, has been named to the Board of Directors;
• Jonathan Kelley, of Savers Bank, has been named to the Board of Directors;
• James Leaming, of Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park, has been named to the Board of Directors; and
• Thea Marcoux, of SCHOTT North America, has been named to the Board of Directors.
•••••

Denise McCarthy

Denise McCarthy has joined Marcotte Ford in Holyoke as Business Development Manager. She is responsible for generating new business for the dealership by cultivating Internet inquiries as well as communicating with existing prospects and customers. She also promotes the dealership through participation in the Holyoke and Chicopee Chambers of Commerce and off-site marketing and community events.
•••••
Alfredo Batista has joined Keller Williams Realty in its Longmeadow office.
•••••
David Barclay has been appointed as Director of Development at Historic Deerfield.
•••••
Psychologist L. Saxon Elliott has joined James Levine Associates in Westfield and South Hadley.
•••••
Jeremy M. Leblond, a Certified Public Accountant, has joined the firm of Aaron Smith, Certified Public Accountants and Business Consultants, of East Longmeadow, as a Manager.
•••••
Attorney Carol Cioe Klyman, of the firm Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, of Springfield and Northampton, has been elected as a Fellow of the Board of Regents of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
•••••
Bradley Newell has joined Consolidated Health Plans in Springfield as Chief Financial Officer.
•••••
Northampton Planning Director Wayne Feiden has been nominated as an honorary member of the American Institute for Architects. His nomination states that Northampton has received the highest score in Massachusetts for sustainability in five of the past six years.
•••••
Tom O’Regan has been hired at UMass Amherst as the Manager who oversees emergency preparedness planning and response activities for the campus.
•••••
Frank DeCaro was recently honored as one of PepsiCo’s top performers worldwide with induction into the inaugural group of Chairman’s Circle of Champion winners. He was among 216 Associates from PepsiCo’s more than 250,000-person global operations team to win the honor.
•••••
Henry J. Drapalski Jr. has been named the Center for Human Development’s Vice President of Business Planning & Analysis. He will be responsible for analyzing business operations and fiscal performance and planning future growth for the $58 million, nonprofit agency.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Company Notebook Departments

Law Firm Named to ‘Top Tier’ List
SPRINGFIELD — Sullivan Hayes & Quinn was recently named a Top Tier Employment Management Firm by Best Lawyers and U.S. News and World Report. Managing partner Meghan Sullivan noted that the law firm was among 8,782 firms from across the country to be recognized. The local law firm specializes in employment-management issues, including labor relations, risk avoidance, workplace regulation, and employment litigation.

Appledore Engineering Joins Tighe & Bond
WESTFIELD — A New Hampshire civil-engineering firm has joined forces with Tighe & Bond, a engineering and environmental consulting service in the city. The move will enable Appledore Engineering to expand its service offerings and will also provide Tighe & Bond more opportunities for expansion into the New Hampshire and Maine markets. Appledore Engineering will remain at its Portsmouth location and do business as Appledore Engineering, a division of Tighe & Bond.

CHD, Cancer House of Hope Announce Merger
SPRINGFIELD — The Center for Human Development (CHD) and Cancer House of Hope recently announced a merger between the two nonprofit agencies. The CHD Board of Directors and Cancer House of Hope Board of Trustees both approved the merger late last year. It became effective Jan. 1. Cancer House of Hope operates two houses, one in Westfield and one in Springfield, that offer free support groups, workshops, and classes to adults with cancer and their family members and friends. Cancer House of Hope is now a program of CHD in its Community Resources division. Cancer House of Hope’s events, activities, and services will continue without interruption, and the agency’s two full-time and one part-time employee are now employees of CHD. Cheryl Gorski, executive director of Cancer House of Hope, noted in a statement that, “given the economy, it was getting more and more difficult to keep things running.” Gorski will continue to manage the program as its director. Gorski added that “merging with CHD will give us access to more resources for development, marketing, and support.” Founded in 1997, Cancer House of Hope has an annual operating budget of about $235,000, all of it coming from donations, grants, and fund-raising events, such as its upcoming, third annual Cheeseburger in Paradise Bar-B-Que at the Cedars in Springfield Feb. 19. Cancer House of Hope serves approximately 260 people a month at its two locations: 86 Court St., Westfield, and 946 Plumtree Road, Springfield. In addition to its three staff, Cancer House of Hope also contracts for services with 12 per-diem counselors and depends on about 50 volunteers, who help run the homes and activities. Gorski said she reached out to CHD President and CEO Jim Goodwin last August about the possibility of a merger. Gorski noted, “It made sense to help us get to the next level of what we can offer our members. I’m very enthusiastic about it. I think it’s a great thing for us.” Goodwin said that merging with a high-quality agency like Cancer House of Hope furthers CHD’s mission of offering community-oriented services in a way that helps protect people’s dignity. Goodwin noted that everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. He added that the programs and services Cancer House of Hope offers “are just too important to risk losing.” Those programs and services include yoga, Reiki, wig fittings, and bereavement-support groups, among many others. While the two homes are open to anyone regardless of residency and need, they mostly serve people who live in Hampden County and Northern Conn. For a list of Cancer House of Hope programs and services, visit www.cancerhouseofhope.org. Founded in 1972, CHD is a family of more than 40 programs that deliver a wide range of social services in communities throughout Western Mass. and Northwestern Conn. in areas such as mental health, youth mentoring, family stabilization, foster care, early intervention, elder care, occupational therapy, intellectual and physical disabilities, homelessness prevention, substance abuse, and juvenile justice. CHD’s main office is located at 332 Birnie Ave., Springfield. For a list and description of programs and services, visit www.chd.org.

United Bank Supports United Way Campaigns
WEST SPRINGFIELD — United Bank recently announced its annual United Way employee campaign generated more than $52,000 in contributions to United Way organizations located in the bank’s service area. The bank ran campaigns at all 22 branches located throughout Western and Central Mass. The 2010-11 employee campaign surpassed last year’s level of participation and giving to the United Ways of Pioneer Valley, Hampshire County, and Central Massachusetts. In addition, the United Bank Foundation contributed $36,000 to the campaign for a combined gift of $88,118.

MassMutual Explains Roth Retirement Plan Conversions
SPRINGFIELD — As part of its commitment to educate participants, plan sponsors, and advisers, MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has published a white paper titled “Roth Retirement Plan Conversions — Questions and Answers.” The document answers the most common questions around converting 401(k), 403(b), and, starting this year, 457(b) governmental plans into Roth accounts. Effective last fall, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 allows participants who are in a retirement plan that offers Roth accounts the ability to convert or roll over their non-Roth account balances into a Roth source under the same plan, provided the participant has a distributable event (i.e., termination of service or in-service withdrawal provision, excluding hardship). For more information, visit www.massmutual.com.

Agency Offers Mobile Marketing Services
AGAWAM — The Creative Strategy Agency has started offering mobile marketing services including mobile Web sites, short-message service, and tablet and mobile applications for businesses. Alfonso Santaniello, CEO and president, noted in a statement that he wanted to take the agency’s marketing services “to a new and innovative format.” Santaniello added that mobile applications have “grown significantly” in the past year, and that he expects that trend to “continue to grow in the years to come.” For more information, visit www.creativestrategyagency.com.

Big E Plans $2.2M
Equine Arena
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Wayne McCary, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition, recently announced that the organization will embark on a $2.2 million construction project to build a covered warm-up arena attached to its C-Barn, the main horse barn used by the ESE Horse Show conducted during the Big E as well as a number of year-round equine events. Exposition officials vowed to continue their commitment to agriculture and the horse show by further developing infrastructure to maintain ESE’s position as New England’s most-sought-after equine destination. McCary noted in a statement, “I am confident that this project will further solidify the exposition’s position as the premier horse show facility in the Northeast. Our commitment to agriculture and our horse show, which began here in 1916, is ongoing.” The Exposition is also home to 12 year-round horse shows as well as a major equine-related trade show, Equine Affaire, held each November. The new arena will match the height of the existing building, and the 66’ x 170’ clear span outdoor roof will be bordered by a four-foot brick perimeter wall with pre-cast concrete upright posts. The exterior of the structure will mirror the north wall of the existing barn, and its walls will consist of a permeable vinyl designed to protect riders and horses from the elements while providing air circulation and ventilation. Each end of the covered arena will feature 20-foot ornamental iron sliding gates. Riders will be cooled by 16’, low-speed, high-volume fans. New lighting will be installed, and the riding arena will have spray irrigation and underground drainage. An existing angled doorway will be enlarged to 12’ x 14’ so riders may enter and exit the ring on horseback, and the immediate exterior area will also be covered. The project is the result of an extensive study of ESE facilities, conducted in 2010 to assess the needs of existing tenants and look toward future year-round growth. The research included a major engineering study of the Coliseum by Populous of Knoxville, Tenn., and a marketing analysis by AECOM of Washington, D.C. The Exposition will assume financial responsibility of the project and will receive no funding from the state. In addition, its 2011 capital budget of more than $1.1 million will include the installation of a new roof and other major improvements to the Coliseum. F-Barn, an auxiliary barn with 100 horse stalls located in the southwest corner of the fairgrounds, will also receive a new, upgraded metal roof. McCary noted, “we are investing in our future to maintain our roots and stay viable in an ever-changing marketplace.” The design architects for the project are Charlie Smith and David Forkner of Populous, in Knoxville. Neffinger Architects, of West Springfield, will serve as the architect of record. This winter, contractors will be selected, and construction will begin at the end of March. The project will be completed in time for the 2011 Big E, planned for Sept. 16 through Oct. 2.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 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]

Tools for Tomorrow

Two students in the Energy Systems Technology program at Springfield Technical Community College were recently awarded $2,000 scholarships from W.W. Grainger. In addition to the Grainger Tools for Tomorrow scholarship, the students will each receive a customized professional Westward toolkit, valued at $1,000, upon graduation. From left, STCC Energy Systems Technology Department Chair Bob Bujak; scholarship winners Brian Patterson and Luke Hardy; John Duffy, branch manager of the W.W. Grainger Springfield office; and Energy Systems Professor Michael Siciliano.

Future Writers

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien reads to students at Springfield’s Dorman School as part of the Link to Libraries read-aloud program. The students were given a book to take home, as well as a Link to Libraries book bag.

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Opinion

America’s Revival Begins in Its Cities

During economic downturns, we begin to fear that we are entering a permanent period of decline. But we can avoid that depressing prospect if we recognize that a revival will not come from federal spending or another building boom. Reinvention requires a new wave of innovation and entrepreneurship, which can emerge from our dense metropolitan areas and their skilled residents. America must stop treating its cities as ugly stepchildren, and should instead cherish them as the engines that power our economy.
America’s 12 largest metropolitan areas collectively produced 37% of the country’s output in 2008, the last year with available data. Per-capita productivity was particularly high in large, skilled areas such as Boston, where output per person was 39% higher than the nation’s metropolitan average. Boston also seems to be moving past the current recession, with an unemployment rate well below the national average of 9.8%.
Since 1948, the national unemployment rate has exceeded 9% only one other time: the grave 1982 recession. During the 1980s, we looked at Japan and saw an economy that seemed to be surpassing our own. Today, we watch with unease as China surges.
Yet American decline is not inevitable. During the 25 years after 1982, our real gross domestic product increased by 3.3% per year, which was also the rate of growth during the quarter-century before 1982. Our post-1982 growth involved massive economic restructuring. Manufacturing employment fell by 39% from its peak of 19.4 million jobs in 1979. The 1979-2009 manufacturing decline was more than offset by the 126% employment jump in professional and business services and the 184% increase in education and health jobs.
Boston offers a model of how cities can foster such transformations. In the 1970s, Boston seemed headed for the trash-heap of history. Manufacturing jobs had vanished, and social chaos ensued. But Greater Boston experienced three great decades, as a former industrial hub became a capital of the information age.
To succeed in the future, the country needs to produce a stream of new ideas, like personal computers, Facebook, and steerable catheters. We must produce goods and services innovative enough to command the high prices needed to cover high labor costs.
Such breakthroughs rarely come from solitary geniuses. The movie The Social Network hints at the messy, interactive process that created Facebook, which now has over 500 million users and is valued at about $40 billion. Mark Zuckerberg benefited from being surrounded by smart peers, whose ideas about social networking helped his company get started.
The roots of Boston Scientific reveal a similarly collaborative process that started in the basement of a Belmont church. The brilliant inventor (and spiritualist) Itzhak Bentov created a steerable catheter, catering to the demands of Boston’s medical community. Boston connected Bentov with John Abele, who brought his business vision and later connected Abele with other partners, who helped him create a medical-innovation behemoth.
Cities have long enabled economic creativity. Detroit in 1900 looked a lot like Silicon Valley in the 1960s, with an entrepreneur on every street corner. In that urban hotbed, innovators like Ford, Buick, and the Fisher Brothers supplied and financed each other — and borrowed ideas freely. The urban edge in engendering innovation explains why globalization and technology have made cities more, not less, important. While all workers in the Boston area benefit from the region’s human capital, the flow of knowledge seems strongest in the dense clusters of Boston and Cambridge.
For decades, the American dream has meant white picket fences and endless suburbs. But the ideas created in dense metropolitan areas power American productivity. We should reduce the pro-home-ownership bias of housing policies, such as the home-mortgage-interest deduction, which subsidize suburban sprawl and penalize cities. We should rethink infrastructure policies that encourage Americans to move to lower-density environments. Most importantly, we should invest and innovate more in education, because human capital is the ultimate source of both urban and national strength.
As we grope toward a brighter future, we must embrace our cities, and invest in the skills that are central to their success.

Edward L. Glaeser, a professor of economics at Harvard, is the author of the forthcoming book The Triumph of the City.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 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.

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Paula Parsons, as executrix of the estate of Catherine Wellinger v. The Arbors at Greenfield
Allegation: Negligence and failure to provide adequate staffing and supervision, leading to wrongful death: $25,000+
Filed: 11/15/10

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Alton E. Gleason Co. v. Cardaropoli Realty
Allegation: Breach of contract: $49,150
Filed: 11/12/10

Baystate Contracting Services Inc. v. Weston Sampson CMR Inc.
Alle gation: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction agreement: $122,031.70
Filed: 11/11/10

Bradco Supply v. Multi-State Roofing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $34,916.38
Filed: 11/3/10

Central Mutual Insurance v. All Hose Inc.
Allegation: Negligence causing fire damage to a property leased to defendant: $263,326.89
Filed: 11/5/10

Michelle Ruby v. Cyalume Technologies Inc.
Allegation: Unfair and deceptive business practices: $268,000
Filed: 11/9/10

Western Mass. Electric Co. v. Springfield Technology Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of utility services rendered: $158,542.50
Filed: 11/3/10

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
EMAP Limited v. The October Co. d/b/a/ Chemetal
Allegation: Breach of contract and unjust enrichment: $18,251.95
Filed: 12/13/10

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Accutech Insulation & Contracting v. Springfield Group Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $16,677.46
Filed: 11/22/10

Performance Food Group v. Elita 7, LLC d/b/a/ Donna Kay Rest Home
Allegation: Non-payment of goods provided on credit account: $34,935.88
Filed: 11/23/10

Performance Food Group v. Samco and Jason J. Boucher
Allegation: Non-payment of goods provided on credit account: $47,220.82
Filed: 11/23/10

Performance Food Group v. Worcester Light d/b/a Anna Maria Rest Home
Allegation: Non-payment of goods provided on credit account: $35,072.77
Filed: 11/23/10

United Rentals v. Converted Organics Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $19,068.62
Filed: 11/19/10

United Rentals v. Maxton Technology Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services provided on a construction project: $27,506.31
Filed: 11/22/10

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Pioneer Valley Winnelson Co. v. Statewide Mechanical Contracting Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $22,440.99
Filed: 12/8/10

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2011

Opinion

Incentives — They’re a Necessary Evil

‘Corporate welfare.’
That’s the term used in some circles to describe the incentives — mostly in the form of state and local tax breaks, but they come in other forms as well — given to companies to locate in a community or remain there and expand their operations. It has a very negative connotation, and, in the eyes of many, it’s warranted.
Welfare, a term that’s being removed from the lexicon, at least in this state, and replaced with ‘transitional assistance,’ implies help to those who outwardly need it. Some would say that businesses, or at least the vast majority of them, don’t need and don’t deserve tax breaks and other assistance when very few companies, and no residents, get such help.
But this view does not reflect the current world in which we live and try to do business. Indeed, jobs are the lifeblood of every community, every region, every state, and, yes, every country, and the competition for jobs has never been more intense. Thus, incentives like those recently awarded by the state and the city of Springfield to Smith & Wesson and Titeflex (see story, page 6), and by the state to Qteros (now doing business in Chicopee), are certainly warranted, if not exactly popular.
States and economic-development regions are being quite imaginative, and generous, with incentives, especially in this economy and when so many former manufacturing centers are struggling. If these companies and others, such as Performance Food Group in Springfield when it was looking to expand in the city, did not get the tax breaks they requested, they would, in all likelihood, have gone elsewhere.
All this said, communities and states have a responsibility to award incentives wisely and fairly, with an eye toward helping a region, not an individual business. Most people remember when Springfield was handing out grants and attractive loans willy-nilly, to seemingly anyone who wanted to open a restaurant and had a business plan in hand — and they remember the consequences: unpaid loans and vacant storefronts.
Which is why we’re pleased to see that the state’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council has changed the rules when it comes to how it awards tax subsidies. These changes, which came in the wake of criticism that the state had squandered millions of dollars over the years on dubious projects, such as fast-food restaurants and retailers who probably would have opened in the Bay State anyway, were certainly overdue.
The new regulations, adopted early in 2010, limit which companies are eligible for subsidies, and give state economic-development officials more discretion over the awards. In short, priority is now given to manufacturers and companies at the cutting edge of new technology and processes (such as Qteros) and to opportunities for job growth in the so-called Gateway Cities, which include Springfield, Holyoke, Chicopee, and others in this region.
And these awards come with some heavy strings, such as the promise of new jobs and investments in these companies’ operations. So while time will ultimately tell what happens at Smith & Wesson, Titeflex, Qteros, and other companies in this region, the money spent by the state and the communities involved appears for now to be well-spent.
As we said at the top, business incentives — or that much-less-flattering term for them, corporate welfare — seem inherently unfair when residential taxpayers don’t receive breaks and many business owners stay in a region for decades, and sometimes expand several times, without asking for or receiving financial assistance.
But the reality is that these incentives are, indeed, necessary, and you might as well drop the word ‘evil’ that usually follows that term.
When you do the math, and divide the state tax subsidies awarded to Smith & Wesson ($6 million) by the number of jobs created (225), it’s about $26,000. That’s a lot of money for a job, but for a region that’s screaming for new employment opportunities, especially good-paying jobs in manufacturing, that price sounds like a bargain.
And a price well-worth paying — if, and only if, the conditions are right.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 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.

CHICOPEE DISTRICT COURT
F&M Landscaping v. Popeye Chicken & Biscuits
Allegation: Non-payment of snowplowing and sanding services rendered: $26,214.63
Filed: 12/6/10

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. v. Neu Tradition Millwork Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of trucking and freight-transportation services rendered: $2,708.49
Filed: 11/19/10

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Bonnier Corp. v. Webcloseout.com, Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services: $32,554.52
Filed: 11/23/10

Duke Concrete Products v. Northeast Mesa, LLC & Guilio Burra and Campanelli Westfield, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of equipment provided and services rendered on construction project: $51,505.36
Filed: 11/22/10

Howard Remmich v. Medeiros/Williams Chevrolet Inc.
Allegation: Breach of warranty: $72,089
Filed: 11/14/10

Lisa Sotov v. Baystate Health Systems Inc., Aida Rivera, and Antonia Delgado
Allegation: Defendant disclosed confidential medical information, causing emotional distress: $25,000+
Filed: 11/19/10

Rafael Alicia v. Lorenver Po, M.D., et al
Allegation: Overdose of cholesterol medications, resulting in kidney failure: $44,317.92
Filed: 10/28/10

York International Corp. v. Statewide Mechanical Contracting Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered and services rendered: $100,564
Filed: 11/4/10

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Katie Davis and Christopher Wolcott, individually and as parents of Lucas Wolcott v. Edward J. Patton, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $120,000
Filed: 11/29/10

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT
TBF Financial, LLC v. Davtam Insurance Associates Inc.
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $4,711.97
Filed: 11/22/10

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Brenda Aulet and Javier Hernandez v. Drive USA 2 Inc.
Allegation: Breach of warranty: $17,373.72
Filed: 11/9/10

Joseph Simons Division of the Bell Pump Service Co. v. Lessard Plumbing & Heating Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,924.68
Filed: 11/17/10

Leahy Press Inc. v. Wholesale Printing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $14,701.95
Filed: 11/8/10

Neuro-Psychology Associates of Western Mass v. Cigna Corp.
Allegation: Failure to pay medical claims: $8,882.30
Filed: 11/16/10

Performance Food Group v. Cuisine of Mark Connolly Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods provided on credit account: $9,635.53
Filed: 11/23/10

United Rentals v. Behrend Construction Co. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services rendered: $9,028.03
Filed: 11/9/10

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2011

Departments Picture This

Cutting the Ribbon

WNEC Campus

Western New England College celebrated the latest addition to its campus last month, the new, $40 million Center for the Sciences and Pharmacy designed to support learning and research. College President Anthony Caprio joined with hundreds of faculty, staff, students, and community leaders to mark the grand opening of the 127,000-square-foot facility. Caprio hailed the new center an exceptional learning environment that reflects WNEC’s growth and a greater emphasis on research by both faculty and students. “It is because of our entire community of talented and committed faculty, staff, students, trustees, alums, and friends that our university will continue to transform itself and the thousands of students we have incorporated into our dynamic journey,” he said. Below, Caprio and Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Delbridge, surrounded by faculty and staff, trustees, and local business and political leaders, cut the ceremonial ribbon.

Caprio and Board of Trustees Chair Kevin Delbridge, surrounded by faculty and staff

The Pajama Project

Pajama Project

Collecting clean, new sleepwear to benefit homeless children and families for the Pajama Project are (from left) Anthony Cignoli, president of A.L. Cignoli; Fr. Brennan, co-director at St. Francis Chapel; Don Anderson, owner of the Cruise Store; Aida Claudio, volunteer at St. Francis Chapel; and Mary Fallon, media director at Garvey Communication Associates Inc. Donations can also be dropped off at any Pride Station and Store. The collection runs through Jan 7.

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2011

Opinion

A Taxing Situation for Businesses

Massachusetts general law allows cities and towns to tax business properties at a higher rate than residential properties even though all properties are assessed the same way, at full and fair market value. While this practice dates back to 1984, there really isn’t any factual or sound reasoning for it other than to shift some of the property-tax burden off of residents and onto business. That said, 106 of the 351 communities in Massachusetts take advantage of this option, and some of them now have a business tax rate more than twice that of residents.
One other property tax faced by businesses but not residents is a tax on ‘personal property.’ This levy is assessed on objects ranging from the dentist or hairdresser’s chair to the local variety store’s cash register, all of which is taxed at the business-tax rate.
Businesses face many other fees, taxes, and costs, ranging from their annual license to workers’ compensation insurance, unemployment insurance, and health care costs. All of these are either set or regulated on a regional or statewide basis, and therefore all would be using the same rate structure or tax table, as for unemployment insurance taxes. Let me note here that the per-employee cost of unemployment insurance is now the highest of any state. While these costs might cause an economic disadvantage to a Massachusetts business, they do not affect decisions on where to locate within the state.
Back to the local property tax that is set by an annual vote of elected officials. In the Greater Springfield area, five towns within the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield — East Longmeadow, Hampden, Longmeadow, Ludlow, and Wilbraham — all have a single rate for both business and residents. At the hearing prior to the vote, residents often speak out, as in Longmeadow this year, asking for property-tax relief, meaning a shift of more taxes onto businesses. Those boards of selectmen have consistently seen the folly in doing that and realize that any shift at all would severely burden a sector so vital to a town’s makeup.
In three other communities — Agawam, Springfield, and West Springfield — it is a different story; all three have adopted a higher business rate. One should note that these communities are surrounded by the other communities mentioned above, and many of those communities do have land zoned for business and therefore have very competitive rates.
This year, in each of the three communities with two rates, the councilors heard from the business community that this rate is important to them, especially in their efforts to survive this difficult economy, keep their doors open, and maintain jobs. As you think of these words, picture the stores that make up the fabric of the community; the barber or hairdresser you go to, where you have your car serviced, where you run to pick up that item or gift you forgot about. One other way to understand the importance of this issue is to look at the vacant storefront that once had a business in it with two to five people employed there.
At one of the hearings, it was noted that the difference in tax rates between Springfield and Ludlow, two communities joined by a very short bridge, is such that a barber on the Springfield side of the bridge would have to perform almost 200 more haircuts than his counterpart on the Ludlow side of the bridge just to pay the increased taxes due to his location. Several other examples showed that, when you break down the tax burden by the square foot of a property, those similar businesses in cities with two rates were paying more than twice as much per square foot as those in single-rate communities.
So, the question is: are local property-tax rates really important to local businesses? They certainly are when businesses make decisions about where to locate, whether to employ that extra person, often from the neighborhood, or simply whether to keep the doors open. In advocating for a fairer split of taxes, it is the business community’s hope that they can survive, prosper, and grow, and, more importantly, that other businesses will come into the city or town and expand the tax base. That way everyone, businesses and residents alike, win.

Jeffrey Ciuffreda is vice president of Government Affairs for the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield; (413) 787-1555.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2011

Opinion

Continuing a Proud Tradition

In the fall of 1995, BusinessWest created a new recognition program. Called ‘Top Entrepreneur’ (‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ was and still is copyrighted), it was launched to pay homage to the strong tradition of entrepreneurship in Western Mass., recognize its vast importance in the development of this region, and honor those who are continuing that tradition today.
Past winners have included Jeb Balise, president of Balise Motor Sales; Andrew Scibelli, then-president of Springfield Technical Community College and catalyst for the Technology Park on that campus; the Falcone family, founders of the Rocky’s Hardware chain; and the Holyoke Gas & Electric Department, chosen last year for its entrepreneurial exploits in the realm of regional economic development.
This year, the honoree is Robert Bolduc, founder and CEO of Pride, the large chain of stores that has become a significant part of the local business landscape. Bolduc, who started his operation with one small, full-service gas station in Indian Orchard, later to become one of the first self-service facilities in the region, grew it in every way it can be grown — from geography to the products on the shelves — and could have been honored at any time over the past 15 years.
He was our pick this year not merely for his body of work, although that was certainly a big factor — but also for the way in which he pressed on and continued to expand during the past few years, when most business owners in this region were hunkering down and merely trying to survive.
Bolduc’s story, which is chronicled starting on page 24, is an inspiring and effective way for us to re-emphasize the importance of entrepreneurship to the growth and vitality of this region. As we’ve said on many occasions, while it’s possible that one or more very large employers could be attracted to this region, thus spurring employment opportunities, it is far more likely that real and substantial growth will come organically from small ventures growing into larger employers.
History has shown this to be the case, including such stories as those of Horace Smith and Daniel Wesson, who started small in Springfield before becoming one of the largest gunmakers in the world (and a company that, coincidentally, will soon be adding more than 200 new jobs); Milton Bradley, who reinvented toymaking; Michael Kittredge, who started Yankee Candle, and countless others.
These individuals all started with good ideas, but also had the skill, vision, persistence, courage, and, yes, healthy doses of luck to turn them into successful ventures that have contributed to the overall health and vibrancy of our region.
It is this tradition that we’re honoring with our Top Entrepreneur award, but we hope this recognition program does more.
Our other motivation in starting it was to inspire the colleges and business-development groups in the region to continue to find new ways to foster entrepreneurship. This means everything from educating elementary-school students that owning one’s own business is a very reachable, very worthwhile career option, to developing new facilities in which fledgling companies can get started and perhaps, if the individuals behind them have the wherewithal, get to the next level and beyond.
So as we honor Robert Bolduc for all that he and his team at Pride have accomplished, we also pay tribute to all those who carry on the tradition, and hope that these stories continue to fuel both the imagination and the spirit of entrepreneurship so vital to progress in the Pioneer Valley.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2011

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2010.

AGAWAM

Juliann Stillo
737 North St.
$9,000 — Install pre-made metal garage on concrete slab

Kiran Majmudar
916 Suffield St.
$20,000 — Add new banquet room to existing building

Parlay of MA Inc.
662 Springfield St.
$8,000 — Build first-floor bathroom

CHICOPEE

Rushing Waters Assembly of God
465 Granby Road
$12,000 — Install fiberglass steeple

EAST LONGMEADOW

Benton Professional
265 Benton Dr.
$90,000 — Interior build-out

United Methodist Church
215 Somers Road
$5,300 — Replacement windows

HOLYOKE

Jeffrey Cunningham
306 Race St.
$39,000 — Installation of a new rubber roof

LONGMEADOW

Bay Path College
524 Longmeadow St.
$1,185,400 — First- and second-floor alterations with addition on the side

Longmeadow Mall
789 Williams St.
$37,000 — Alterations of office space

St. Mary’s
10 Hopkins Place
$550,000 — New dwelling with two-car garage

Twin Hills Country Club
700 Wolf Swamp Road
$18,000 — New storage building

LUDLOW

St. Elizabeth Church
191 Hubbard St.
$5,700 — Reline chimney

Laser Point Partners
40 Westover Road
$8,700 — Alterations

SOUTH HADLEY

Big Y
44 Willimansett St.
$25,000 — New windows

Center Redevelopment
17 College St.
$76,000 — New roof on building 23

Fire District #1
144 Newton St.
$3,000 — New windows

SPRINGFIELD

Dave Ratner
1330 Carew St.
$3,000 — Interior renovations

WESTFIELD

Advance Associates
8 Turnpike Industrial Park Road
$200,000 — 60-by-125-square-foot addition to existing building

HB Smith Company
47 Industrial Park Road
$45,000 — Install new men’s room

Ronald Kaddy
32 East Silver St.
$12,000 — Replace outside fire escape

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Common Ground Restaurant
25 Park Ave.
$15,000 — Renovate basement of existing restaurant

Gogri Brothers, Inc.
3 Robin Road
$75,000 — Renovate 4,272 square feet of retail space

UITP
321 Main St.
$22,000 — New roof

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2011

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Akey, Terry G.
367 King Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Allard, Kate S.
PO Box 824
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Andrade, Marco P.
Andrade, Kristen M.
176 Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Barszewski, Daniel J.
89 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Bednarz, Thomas Edward
240 Three Rivers Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Benjamin, David A.
Benjamin, Stephanie L.
66 Fairman Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Betts, Charles E.
16 Leatherleaf Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Bonney, Kenneth F.
13 Normandy Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/10

Boucher, Richard G.
1130 County Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Breault, Glenn Allan
17 Stewart Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Brierley, Jason William
27 Briggs St., 2d Fl.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/10

Burnias, Manuel C.
11 Flynt Ave.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/10

Campbell, Peter S.
Campbell, Lyida R.
263 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Carme, Margaret R.
59 Congress St., Apt. 5
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Celentano, Nancy L.
101 Pinehurst Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/10

Champigny, David P.
23 Begley St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Cintron, Beatriz
35 Fruit St., F-62
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Citlak, Ahmet
81 Bluebird Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Clark, Howard James
86 Congress Ave., 3rd Fl.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/10

Cochrane, Charles William
Cochrane, Jennifer Leigh
15 Glenn Albyn St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Costello, Edward M.
53 Forest Glen Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/26/10

Cournoyer, Renata S.
28 Woodward Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Cousineau, Mary N.
58 Sanders St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Cruz, Lydia E.
577 Pleasant St. Apt 1
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/10

Demers, Daniel A.
Demers, Valarie A.
19 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/10

Denison, Annette L.
1026 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Dron, Alan R.
167 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/10

Drowne, Lawrence E.
Drowne, Gwen E.
107 New Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/10

Eberhart, Lisa Regina
P.O. Box 1223
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Favreau, Michelle M.
279 Pleasant St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Fearfield, Amy M.
a/k/a Johnson, Amy
205 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Franck, Cathy A.
53 Empire St., Apt. P
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Garcia, Gregory
27 Continental St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/10

Garcia, Jeritza
142 Bridge St.
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Gill, Venora
116 Spring St., Apt. 1
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/10

Girard, John Francis
Girard, Melissa Violet
499 East Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Grueter, Derek A.
Grueter, April R.
PO Box 215
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Guilman, Jennifer A.
126 Eddy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Gyeidu, Kofi
1 Hampton Ter.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Hanks, Sherry L.
23 Maple Ridge Dr.
Somers, CT 06071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Harrison, Steven G.
21 Alan Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Haskins, David J.
690 Silver Lake St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Hassenfratz, K. George
21 Plaza Ave.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Hazelton, Kathleen A.
185 Holtshire Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/10

Horton, Seth C.
95 Brown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/10

Hughes, Christopher Ryan
Hughes, Kelly Anne
a/k/a Moore, Kelly Anne
169 South St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Iellamo, Jr., Paul A.
55 Windham Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Jones, Jamieson F.
27 Amnity Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/10

Jones, Teikko E.
20 Kirk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Kania, Todd A.
Kania, Pamela L.
18 Woodbridge Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/26/10

Kodreanu, Galina
6 Lemnos Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Krasheninnikov, Igor V.
105 River St. Apt 2.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Krasheninnikov, Yelena P.
105 River St. Apt 2.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Kratovil, Melissa L.
518 Broadway St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Lafrance, Melvin J.
6 Orchard St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Lamb, Sandra M.
268 Palmer Road, Lot 50
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Lambert, William J.
39 Chestnut St., Apt 215
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/19/10

Lamere, Michael B.
Lamere, Sharon A.
a/k/a Richard, Sharon A.
1 Cheney St., Apt. 1
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/10

Langford, Roy G.
Langford, Ella Louise
a/k/a Johnson, Ella Louise
37 Sherbrooke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Lazarev, Valentin
22 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Leahy, Erica R.
63 Hillview Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

LeBorgne, Dawn M.
a/k/a Cross, Dawn M.
a/k/a Toma, Dawn M.
93 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Lemieux, Lisa A.
158 Clarendon Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Leutsch, Alfred V.
Leutsch, Kathleen R.
286 Buck Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/10

Mac Dougall, Scott A.
629 Main St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Mackenzie, Kevin J.
342 Southwick Road Apt B5
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Marchand, Stella L.
54 Merriam St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Marinez, Richard
6 Sorrento Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

McCauslin, Christopher
29 Old Chester Road
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

McCormick, Beverly A.
PO Box 840
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Melnik, Sergey V.
Melnik, Victoriya A.
23 Dover St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/10

Orlosk, Arthur W.
159 Mallard Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Paige, Clifford F.
Paige, Sondra D.
122 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Pantos, Steven S.
Golemba, Susanne
Box 1120
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Politakos, Marios
Politakos, Ekaterini
a/k/a Alvanos-Politakos, Ekaterini
21 Beauchamp St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Powling, Lewis E.
Powling, Kay S.
132 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/10

Prive, Douglas W.
Prive, Barbara Martin
50 Oxford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Putnam, David F.
200 Dana Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/10

Rivera, Arnaldo
109 Ridgewood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Rothschild, Lindsey Micaela
2 South Hampshire St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Royal, Bruce K.
Royal, Jeannette T.
64 Mystery Lane
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Ryan, Joshua A.
Ryan, Amber M.
167 West Main St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Sager, Rachel
350 Meadow Road, Apt. 1
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Santiago, Angel
PO Box 834
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/10

Saunders, George Leroy
Saunders, Sheena Marie
29 Bumstead Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Schofield, Everett Clifford
Schofield, Andrea Renae
a/k/a Wright, Andrea Renae
139 Spencer Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Scribner, Sandra Lee
115 Barker Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/10

Setsoafia, Thankgod Peter
115 Main St., Apt. 2R
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Shallcross, Bruce R.
8 Villone Dr. #5
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Shewchuk, Wesley
68 Elmwood Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Shriver, Brian
Shriver, Marilyn
125 Meadowbrook Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Silva, Deanna Jeanne
a/k/a Johnson, Deanna Jeanne
91 Beacon Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Smith, Jeffrey M.
15 Pineridge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Steele, Mark A.
Steele, Mary Beth
295 Southwick St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Taylor, Margaret A.
429-431 East St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/18/10

Thayer, Candace A.
1130 County Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/22/10

Tolson, Daniel Lee
111 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Tolson, Kathleen Ann
a/k/a Stephenson, Kathleen A.
45 L2 Mercury Court
Arms Apartment
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Tremblay, Maryann
491 Bridge Road, Apt #332
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/10

Vazquez, Angel L.
Ocasio, Maria M.
21 Clifford St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Vedovelli, David A.
Vedovelli, Heidi V.
12 Albano Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/10

Vreeland, Gregory D.
Vreeland, Shana K.
a/k/a McLaughlin, Shana K.
2 Conifer Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Wood, Tracie L.
a/k/a Dimascola, Tracie L.
224 South St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Yard, Shaquana M.
203 Dewey Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/17/10

Zager, Anthony Michael
Zager, Peggy Marie
65A River Road
Gill, MA 01354
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/10

Ziter, Christina Maria
9 Pearl St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/10

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2011

DBA Certificates Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2010.

AGAWAM

Crash Dynamics Reconstruction
36 Hemlock Ridge
Christopher Sanchez

M&J Goncalves Inc.
1192 Suffield St.
Mike Goncalves

Mobile One Locksmith
94 Florida Dr.
Stephen A. Ouellette

Schlaffer Chiropractic
192 Shoemaker Lane
Joseph Schlaffer

Sunkissed Spray Tanning
206 Brookfield Lane
Kaila Chianciola

Vozik LLC
22 Winthrop St.
Tatyana Shut

CHICOPEE

AJL Electric
95 St. Jacques Ave.
Flan Lubas

Bernie’s Service Station
1057 Montgomery St.
Daniel Bernashe

Daigle’s Truck Master Inc.
54 Fuller Road
Jeff Daigle

DMS Autobody & Collision
393 New Ludlow Road
Wesley D. Smith

Freedom Cycles
562 Chicopee St.
Jeff Heath

Nana’s Auto Service LLC
817 Front St.
Michael W. Asselin

Power On
115 Beauregard Terrace
Ruishan Yu

Vitaliy’s Auto Sales Inc.
374 Chicopee St.
Dmitry S. Gornik

GREENFIELD

Manna House
205 Main St.
Dwight Zeager

Stardust RES Publishing
353 Conway St.
Robert Sweeney

HOLYOKE

Computer Repairs & Accessories
254 Maple St.
Wanda I. Rodriguez

Frances Cakes & More
254 Maple St.
Frances Roman

Kendra’s Jewelry Shop & More
254 Maple St.
Kendra I. Velez

La Favorita Mini Market
156 High St.
Juan M. Almonte

Lady’s Underground
254 Maple St.
Luis Diaz

Let’s Talk
252 Maple St.
L’Sandra Sepulveda

Mercy Home Care
1236 Main St.
Jason Lee

Music Factory Express
595 Northampton St.
Charles Daviau

Retrophanatic Consignment Thrift Shop
146 High St.
Lorenzo Cox

Twin Stop-Homestead Inc.
625 Homestead Ave.
Rajendra I. Swadia

PALMER

D & M Auto Repair
1422 Park St.
David A. Bren

Daisychain Equine Assistance
20 West Ware Road
Sheryl Jyringi

SPRINGFIELD

Project Nine Graphics
59 Mayflower Road
Kyle Anderson

Proto EDM
182 Pinevale St.
John G. Picard

Racing Mart Fuels
685 Sumner Ave.
Rizk Abiassaf

Redbrick Books
797 Page Blvd.
Marcia J. Fuller

Scavengers Art Gallery
83 Tulsa St.
Delilah Rosa

Sheekan Inc.
182 Florida St.
Abdullah S. Abdul

Spark Center
563 Main St.
Laura A. Geryk

Speak Easy Accent Modifications
29 Mattoon St.
Erica I. Walch

Springfield Conservatory
869 Sumner Ave.
Pattricia Surniak

T & M Varietys & Accessories
6 Johnson St.
Theophilus E. Waldon

Telejobs-Workforce
73 Mobile Home Way
Edith I. Savoy

Thomas Midway Barber Shop
1106 State St.
Thomas Allen

Virtue Salon of Excellence
538 Page Blvd.
Eutrina Lynette

Walnut Convenience Store
108-112 Walnut St.
Rouel C. Christie

Wheeler Gas & Convenience
321 Walnut St.
Mohammad Rasheed

WESTFIELD

Friends of the Westfield Animal Shelter
63 Knollwood Dr.
Sandra Tracy

Hooper’s Books
20 Ridgeview Ter.
Tamra Pace-Hersh

O’Neill’s Quality Construction
144 Little River Road
Michael O’Neill

Scentsy Independent Consultant
29 Morningside Dr.
Jessica Castro

Shining Star Daycare
49 Montgomery St.
Brenda LeBlanc

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Baron Auto Sales
195 River St.
Timothy Roberts

Buttercups Bistro Traveling Personal Chef
81 Hayes Ave.
April Cantell

China House
164 Elm St.
Yan F. Zhao

Honey Bee Farms
753 Union St.
Alla Pchelka

Nursefinders of Springfield, MA
181 Park Ave.
Angela Moore

Departments

They Make a Difference in Many Ways

Cones for Kids

Cutting the Ribbon

Business Expo

Top of the City

Taking Away Lessons from Evergreen Solar

Tools for Tomorrow

Future Writers

America’s Revival Begins in Its Cities

Incentives — They’re a Necessary Evil

Cutting the Ribbon

The Pajama Project

A Taxing Situation for Businesses

Continuing a Proud Tradition

Daily News

News

Contact

Departments

Events