Departments Archives - Page 118 of 149

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff December 7, 2010

Opinion

‘Anchors’ Need to Step up in Springfield

A little over a year ago, I submitted an op-ed piece to BusinessWest. The subject was my attendance at the annual meeting of the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC).
ICIC founder Michael Porter, a renowned Harvard Business School professor, presented 10 years of data about small, successful inner-city businesses. Some of you may recall that Porter spoke in Springfield during the mid-1990s about the importance of small businesses relocating to the urban center. His presentation prompted the move of my business to a downtown Springfield location, where it continues to operate.
While I didn’t attend this year’s ICIC meeting, I received a copy of Porter’s presentation. His subject was the role of anchor institutions — hospitals, colleges, and universities — in the transformation of economically disadvantaged inner cities. These anchors are generally among the disadvantaged cities’ largest employers. This is certainly true in Springfield, and thus the topic is certainly relevant.
Local colleges and universities and health care institutions make significant contributions to Springfield’s health and well-being. They have a sense of obligation and act as good corporate citizens. I believe they view these contributions as distinct from their core businesses and as such are considered expenses. They report how much they contributed in both dollars and volunteer hours, and measure both as costs to the institution.
If anchors are to have the transformative effect that Porter observed in other cities, he contends that these anchors must dramatically change their mindset. He believes they must begin to look at their relationship with the inner city where they reside through the lens of “shared value.” They must answer the questions: what do we (the anchor institution) need from the city? What does the city need from the anchor? At the intersection is where they will find shared value.
Porter challenges these anchor institutions to expand their definition of their respective core businesses beyond the obvious to include fundamentals such as real-estate developer, employer, purchaser, and workforce developer, among others. To achieve shared value requires making investments, but the outcomes are measured as returns on those investments. If you’re interested, you can access Porter’s presentation on the ICIC Web site, www.icic.org.
Among the data cited are some outstanding examples of anchor institutions that have created shared value in inner cities. One such example is the University of Pennsylvania and the impact made on West Philadelphia. In one category, that of purchaser, the university has increased its purchasing from local vendors to 12% of its entire procurement budget. According to Porter, this is by far the largest commitment he’s been able to document. Dramatically expanding local purchasing requires a commitment from an anchor organization’s leadership. These institutions are so large, their leadership understandably has no idea where goods and services are being purchased and who the qualified local vendors are. Porter says these anchors must clearly articulate their needs as well as their expectations to the local vendor community.
While anchors may need to change the way they normally structure contracts or the way they view vendor relationships, there are discernible benefits. Doing business in Springfield is generally less costly. Doing business locally means greater vendor access. This, in turn, should yield a better product. Doing business with people you know and work with on not-for-profit boards and community initiatives should provide assurances about the values of these small, local businesses. Most importantly, the impact of anchors willing to purchase from local businesses sends a signal to other small companies about business opportunity in Springfield.
Last year, I made an informal request of several anchors as well as the EDC — the organization that represents the region’s 80 largest employers. In each case, I asked them to review their accounts payable to determine their degree of local purchasing. I suggested each consider increasing local procurement by 5%. Naturally, they are under no obligation to respond to my request. However, this simple act would have an enormous impact on the local economy and specifically on the health of well-established small businesses.
The return on this investment could be easily measured, and is one of many examples of shared value that these anchor institutions can and should achieve. It is also a big step toward transformation, which is vital to the interests of businesses of all sizes in Springfield. v

Nancy Urbschat is the owner of TSM Design in Springfield; (413) 731-7600.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff December 7, 2010

Chamber Corners Departments

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

n Dec. 7: Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee meeting, 12-1:30 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.

n Dec. 8: ACCGS After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Festival of Trees, located at Tower Square, 2nd Floor. Co-sponsored by YPS and Festival of Trees. Cost: members $10, non-members $20.

n Dec. 10: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

n Dec. 15: ERC Board of Directors meeting, 8-9 a.m., hosted by the Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, 2 Lodge Lane, Wilbraham.

n Dec. 15: ACCGS Ambassadors’ meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.

n Dec. 16: ACCGS Executive Committee meeting, 12-1 p.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.

n Dec. 28: WRC Board of Directors meeting, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Captain Leonard House, Agawam.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

n Dec. 8: December’s YPS social networking event will join with the ACCGS at Tower Square for the Festival of Trees, 5-7 p.m. Cost: free to YPS members; general admission is $10 or a toy donation.

n Dec. 31: YPS New Year’s Eve Gala, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Springfield Sheraton at Monarch Place. Music provided by the Hot House Band and JX2 Productions. Book early, as tickets are limited. For more information, visit www.springfieldyps.com.

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

n Dec. 8: Holiday Open House, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 264 Exchange St., Chicopee. Cost: free for members.

n Dec. 15: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Castle of Knights 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: members $18, non-members $25.

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

n Dec. 21: Holiday Breakfast and Recorder Citizen of the Year, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Deerfield Academy Dining Hall. Sponsored by the Recorder. Music, gifts, and sumptuous food. Cost: members $23, non-members $25.

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

n Dec. 8: Holiday Salute Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, One Country Club Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and Health New England. Cost: $20. Tables reserved for parties of eight.

n Dec. 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by the Delaney House, One Country Club Road, Holyoke. Cost: members $5, non-members $10 cash.

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

n Dec. 16: Holiday Dinner Dance, 6-11 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. An evening of friends and holiday spirit including the Chamber Annual Awards , a $5,000 raffle drawing, butlered hors d’ouevres, multi-station entrees, Viennese dessert table, cash martini and full-service bar, music provided by Michael J Productions. Public invited. Excellent business party opportunity. Cost: $45 per person inclusive; group reservations available.

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

n Dec. 8: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Silverscape Design, 1 King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Florence Savings Bank. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Cost: $10 for members. Contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900 or [email protected] for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.

n Dec. 10: New Member Breakfast, 8-9 a.m., hosted by the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. This is our chance to sit down with you and learn more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you; introduce you to people who are active in the chamber; and tell you how to make the most of your chamber membership. A light breakfast will be served. Cost: free. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].

n Dec. 14: Meet & Eat, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Route 5 at Smith’s Ferry, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Learn from your colleagues at breakfast with the chamber. Cost: $15 for members.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff December 7, 2010

Opinion

2010: A Year of Some Forward Progress

When all is said and done, 2010 will go down as a rather unremarkable year when it comes to business and economic development in Western Mass. Quite unremarkable might be more accurate.
Overall, there were few large-scale success stories, and as far as individual businesses were concerned, few if any will be calling this their proverbial ‘best year ever.’ As for headlines, besides the economy, which simply didn’t rebound here the way everyone was hoping and some were expecting, the next-biggest story was the groundbreaking for the high-performance computing center in Holyoke. This was really a 2009 story, and the groundbreaking was rather underwhelming and anti-climactic.
But while this past year lacked real drama, there were many stories from the pages of BusinessWest that seem to indicate some forward progress and give cause for optimism, if one is inclined to be optimistic.
Here are some positives to come away with:
• More signs of life in downtown Springfield. Maybe not as we’d like, but there are some. The lights are on in the old federal building, and the major landscaping work outside is nearly complete. The retenanting of the structure, a work in progress to be sure, will bring more foot traffic downtown and could help spur more retail development in a central business district that needs it.
Meanwhile, the Asylum building is coming down (not just yet, but soon, we hear) and the New England Farm Workers’ Council has acquired the historic Bowles Building, with designs on bringing market-rate housing and perhaps some retail to the long-vacant upper floors of the property known primarily as home to the Student Prince restaurant.
Other signs of progress: One Financial Plaza is turning more lights on, the State Street Corridor project added new chapters, work is underway on the new data center to take shape in the old Technical High School, and the ‘sneaker’ project, otherwise known as Art and Soles, spread some color downtown and gave people another reason to visit. And some did.
• More involvement from the state university. UMass Amherst Chancellor Robert Holub and his fedoras were seemingly everywhere this year, from the computing center festivities to an expansion of the Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Institute, to ceremonies marking construction of the new $156 million New Laboratory Sciences Building on the Amherst campus.
The multiple sightings of Holub and his hats mean that the university is doing what we know it has to do — become more of a force in this region. Initiatives such as those outlined above, as well as the university’s many other initiatives in Springfield, from the sneakers project to taking a lead role at the Andrew M. Scibelli Enterprise Center at the Technology Park at STCC, all bode well for the future.
• The continued health of the ‘eds and meds’ sector. These institutions have been hit hard by the recession, just like every other sector, but they continue to be the rock of the local economy. Area hospitals have weathered the economic storm and appear ready for a rebound, while the $250 million Hospital of the Future at Baystate Medical Center moves quickly toward an opening that will mean substantial job growth.
On the eds side, the renamed Westfield State University is playing a key role in revitalizing the downtown in that city, while Holyoke Community College is expanding its presence with the new learning center downtown. Meanwhile, other institutions, from Elms to Bay Path to AIC, continue to make an impact far outside their campuses.
There were many other positive stories in 2010, from the continued growth of the biosciences and clean-energy sectors to advancement of the Ludlow Mills project being undertaken by WestMass Development Corp. Together, they don’t make 2010 a year of big headlines or profound developments. But it was a year of some important forward progress.

PictureThis

By BusinessWest Staff December 7, 2010

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]

Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees, the annual fundraiser to benefit the Springfield Boys & Girls Club, will continue through Dec. 12 in the meeting room on the second level of Tower Square. More than 100 trees, donated and decorated by businesses, civic and social organizations, schools, hospitals, families, and individuals, are now on display for this, the 10th annual festival. Visitors can purchase raffle tickets for chances to win a tree. Below, Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Gary McCarthy and Barbara Kolosowski, the agency’s director of Development, stand in front of a section set aside for those businesses and groups that have been part of the festival all 10 years.

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Giving Tree

Children from Greater Springfield recently helped launch the 26th Hasbro Children’s Giving Tree program at Eastfield Mall. Through the program, toys and games are donated by Hasbro Inc. and distributed to underprivileged children by the United Way of Pioneer Valley; food is collected by the community and distributed to families in need by the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts; and community members sprinkle the region with ‘Acts of Kindness.’ At left, at the kickoff event, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno connects with area children on their level. At right, Gabriel Marchetti, 9, of Warner Elementary School of Springfield, hangs his ‘Act of Kindness’ message on the tree.

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Business Award Winners

The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce staged its annual meeting last month at Tekoa Country Club, an event that featured a presentation from Mayor Daniel Knapik about the future of the city, an introduction of the new 2011 chamber officers and board members, and the 2010 Business Awards presentation. Clockwise from above left: incoming Board Chairman Bill Parks, left, and outgoing Chair Kathleen Witalisz congratulate Jim Kaufman, president of Jenn-Coat, the 2010 Business of the Year; Burke and Witalisz congratulate Sean Hogan, president of Hogan Communications, the Business Man of the Year for 2010; members of the design team at Stevens 470, the 2010 Small Business of the Year, from left, Robert Burch, Web developer; Tina Stevens, principal and creative director; Kathleen Doe, senior graphic designer and studio director; Allison Gray, graphic designer; and Justin Friend, senior Web developer.

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Art Auction

The Balise Lexus Art Auction to Benefit Autism Speaks was held Nov. 19 at the Balise Lexus in West Springfield. At left, Balise Vice President Mike Balise and event organizer Crystal Childs auction off an authentic, autographed photo of Ted Williams. At right, attendees admire the various works of art.

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Pynchon Awards

The Ad Club of Western Mass. inducted three individuals into the Order of William Pynchon at its 96th annual Pynchon Awards on Nov. 18. The honor is bestowed to people who have demonstrated exceptional community service with compassion, humility, and grace. At right, 2010 Pynchon Medalists, from left, Barbara Bernard, York Mayo, and Mary Reardon Johnson. Above, past Pynchon medalists Anne Cooley, left, and Judge Sidney Cooley congratulate Bernard.

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Departments Incorporations

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

AMHERST

Uppermark Inc., 20 Gatehouse Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Paddieh Jalali, same. Educational materials and services.

BELCHERTOWN

LKB Realty Inc., 93 Canal Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. Lloyd Butler Jr., same. Invest, acquire, and maintain real estate.

Quadcom Carting Inc., 260 Turkey Hill Road, Belchertown, MA 01007. Eric Duseau, same. Residential and commercial waste removal and recycling.

CHICOPEE

Samlep Inc., 74 Roosevelt Ave., Chicopee, MA 01013. John Pelmas, same. Package delivery.

SMEB Corp., 386 Irene St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Suzanne Marotta, 69 Sherwood Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Provides physical, emotional and spiritual health through varied types of yoga instruction.

Ten-90 Inc., 44 Dwight Street, Apt. #2R, Chicopee, MA 01013. Aristides Nunes, same. Bar and restaurant.

EAST LONGMEADOW

The Jos Salvon Memorial Scholarship Inc., 75 Canterbury Circle, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.

Tickets for Groups Inc., 337 Pinehurst Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Deborah Axtell, same. Group ticket sales.

EASTHAMPTON

Up From the ground Inc., 6 Laura Ave., Unit 1, Easthampton, MA 01027. Brian Farr, same. Delivery business.

HOLYOKE

Larochelle Construction Inc., 7 Westernview Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Daniel Larochelle, same. Construction services.

Mrs. Mitchell’s Kitchen Inc., 514 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. John Mitchell, 18 Cass Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Restaurant.

LEE

Lynchristopher Homes Inc., 170 Orchard St., Lee, MA 01238. Cindy Giovine, same. General building construction.

NORTHAMPTON

National Alliance of Concerned American’s for the Wellbeing of All People and Earth Inc., 101 Washington St., Northampton, MA 01060. Doug Wight, same. Non-profit organization designed to educate and inform Americans on capitalism, consumption, waste, and pollution and their effects on our environment.

PITTSFIELD

Taconic Conservation Foundation Inc., 59 Oak Road, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Francis Tremblay, Route 44 Orchard Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Non-profit organization designed to provide educational programs to the public.

SOUTH HADLEY

Wicked Willows Inc., 37 Prospect Street, Apt. A, South Hadley, MA 01075. Nancy Cote, same. Sales of Halloween costumes.

SPRINGFIELD

Minority Business Workforce & Technology Council Inc., 1655 Main St., Suite 403, Springfield, MA 01103. Carlos Gonzalez, 44 Dover St., Suite 403 Springfield, MA 01107. Non-profit organization aimed at training and workforce development.

Murphy’s Law Sports Bar & Pub Inc., 1019 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Yasser Hussain, 10 Button Road, Easthampton, MA 01027. Sport bar.

New Leadership Charter School, 37 Alderman St., Springfield, MA 01108. Peter Daboul, 1242 Stony Hill Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Charter school.

Premier Accounting Inc., 1127 Main St., 4th Floor, Springfield, MA 01103. Felix Morales, 10 Magnolia Ave., Holyoke, MA 01040. Accounting, payroll, tax, and consulting services.

Ridgewood Neighborhood Improvement Initiative Corporation, 101 Mulberry St., PH 605, Springfield, MA 01105. Michael Thomes, same. Organization dedicated to improving the amenities and historical significance of the greater Ridgewood neighborhood.

State Street Laundromat Inc., 555 State St., Springfield, MA 01109. Mario Tedeschi, same. Laundromat.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Synergy It Inc., 635 Piper Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. Mark Lilly, 6 Old Rochester Road, Suite 302, Silver, NH 03830. Computer networking, software and hardware.

WESTFIELD

Magic Printing USA Inc., 14 Lisa Lane, Westfield, MA 01085. Emily Wechter, same. Graphic design sales and service.

New England Lawn Care Inc., 491 West Road, Westfield, MA 01085. James Yarasavych, same. Landscaping.

Westfield Historic Industries Preservation Project Inc., 360 Elm St., Westfield, MA 01085. Peter Martin, 110 Western Circle, Westfield, MA 01085. Non-profit organization designed to develop and maintain a museum to display and preserve artifacts relating to Westfield’s industrial revolution.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Company Notebook Departments

United Personnel Among Top Women-led Businesses
SPRINGFIELD — Mary Ellen Scott, founder of United Personnel, has been recognized again by the Boston Business Journal and the Commonwealth Institute with a Top 100 Women-Led Business Award for 2010. United Personnel is in its 26th year of operation, offering regional companies staffing support with temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire placements. Scott noted that the past two years have been “very challenging” for most small and large businesses. She added that these 100 women have demonstrated they can navigate “difficult waters” with the economy and still create jobs and maintain their commitments to family, philanthropy, and community activities that benefit all of society. Since 1997, the Commonwealth Institute has assisted more than 1,000 women in growing their businesses. The awards ceremony, planned for Dec. 8 at the Park Plaza Hotel in Boston, will celebrate and honor the region’s top women-led businesses. United Personnel has two offices, at 1331 Main St. in Springfield and 250 Northampton St. in Easthampton.

Royal & Klimzcuk Moves to New Location
NORTHAMPTON — The law firm Royal & Klimczuk is relocating its offices to 270 Pleasant St. in Northampton. The firm will be in its new facilities on Nov. 29. Amy Royal, a principal with the firm, said the company needed space to grow, and the new location provides it. The firm, which has seven lawyers working in two locations, represents businesses exclusively in all aspects of labor and employment law, including wage-and-hour matters, discrimination and harassment, disability and leave, labor relations, affirmative action, and many others. The firm’s phone number, (413) 586-2288, will not change.

MMWEC Wins National Communications Award
LUDLOW — The 2009 annual report of the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) has earned an award for excellence in communications from the American Public Power Assoc. (APPA), the national organization of consumer-owned utilities. Each year the APPA recognizes “high-quality annual reports that exhibit excellence in writing, design, photography, organization, and creativity” while communicating a utility’s unique message. MMWEC is among 11 utilities nationwide receiving annual-report awards this year from APPA, which serves more than 2,000 public power utilities in the U.S. The theme of MMWEC’s 2009 Annual Report, “Old Fashioned … But Not,” highlights the organization’s commitment to traditional public-power values and its pursuit of innovative solutions to the challenges posed by greener energy policies, wholesale power-market reforms, and increased financial risks. MMWEC is a nonprofit, public corporation and political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that provides a variety of power-supply, financial, risk-management, and other services to the state’s consumer-owned, municipal utilities.

DiGrigoli Salon Honored on Veterans Day
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Professional stylists from the DiGrigoli Salon provided free haircuts to all veterans who attended a veterans’ outreach event in October at the War Memorial building in Holyoke. As a thank-you to the stylists and students, each received certificates of appreciation on Veterans’ Day at the DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology on Riverdale Street from Laurence White, a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, which co-sponsored the outreach event. Six times per year, DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology provides free haircuts to veterans, all under the supervision of licensed instructors. For more information, visit www.digrigoli.com.

Comcast Launches Local Wireless Data Service
SPRINGFIELD — Comcast recently launched its wireless data service in Western Mass., continuing its nationwide rollout of XFINITY Internet 2go. In its initial offering, Comcast’s XFINITY Internet 2go provides nationwide wireless Internet service via a wireless data card, and is being bundled with one or more services including XFINITY TV or XFINITY Voice products. By the end of the year, Comcast will also offer XFINITY Internet 2go as a fourth-generation (or 4G) wireless, high-speed data service via the Clearwire network in Western Mass. Comcast is selling wireless data services following its investment in Clearwire in November 2008. For more information, visit www.comcast.com/2go.

Colebrook Brokers HCPA Lease Expansion
SPRINGFIELD — Colebrook Realty Services Inc. recently brokered the lease expansion of tenant Hampden County Physician Associates, LLC (HCPA) at 354 Birnie Ave. HCPA extended occupancy from 4,400 square feet to more than 15,000 square feet for a term of five years. Colebrook principal Mitch Bolotin represented property owner Klondike Investment Group Inc. The building remains at full occupancy. HCPA, an independent, multi-specialty network of health care professionals, has housed its administrative headquarters at 354 Birnie Ave. since August 2000. The need for a larger space is related to management-team growth and anticipated expansion in directions HCPA believes “will better serve the community,” according to Al Ogoley, director of facilities for HCPA. Ogoley noted that the Birnie Avenue site is “ideally located” to service its 16 locations throughout Western Mass. and beyond. In addition to HCPA, the property’s other occupant is Baystate Medical Center Inc.

Big Y Continues Growth
SPRINGFIELD — Big Y Foods Inc. recently opened the first two of several supermarkets that were acquired from A&P on Nov. 1. The first two Connecticut locations to open are in West Hartford at 772 North Main St. and in Branford at 1060 Main St. All of the former A&P pharmacies have remained open throughout this transition period. The West Hartford and Mystic pharmacies have been converted to Big Y pharmacies, and A&P’s Naugatuck pharmacy has been relocated into the Big Y World Class Market in Naugatuck. Its Middletown pharmacy has been sold to Walgreens there.

Oregon Company Acquired by APT
SPRINGFIELD — Energy Conservation Training Company (ECONTC), a Portland, Ore., startup firm specializing in training contractors and unemployed workers to become home-energy analysts, has been acquired by Applied Proactive Technologies Inc. (APT). Jeff Catlin, ECONTC’s founder and president, will join APT as director of education services. Educating utility customers on how to make their homes more energy-efficient has been a focus of APT’s work from the start, according to Dave Leishman, president of APT. Leishman noted that homeowners are “very motivated” to save money on utility bills, and utility companies are looking for ways to get deeper energy savings through services like duct sealing, insulating, and improving the performance of heating and cooling equipment. Leishman added that acquiring ECONTC and expanding services in the area of whole home performance “was a logical next step.” Leishman predicts that demand for ECONTC’s training services will grow as more consumers and businesses seek to reduce their energy use and realize cost savings.

Springfield Police Select M&P Pistol
SPRINGFIELD — Smith & Wesson Corp. recently announced that the Springfield Police Department has chosen to equip all of its officers with primary-duty sidearms from the Military & Police (M&P) Pistol Series. The M&P40 will be issued to each officer to replace pistols that had previously been in service at the department. The Springfield Police Department has received 580 M&P40 pistols, and is currently in the process of transitioning officers over to the new firearms. The department said that the M&P pistol was well-suited to meet the needs of its diverse officer makeup, noting such features as the firearm’s interchangeable grip sizes and ambidextrous controls. During testing of the new sidearm, the M&P pistol was further recognized for its ease of maintenance, accuracy, and flexibility to adapt to a wide variety of applications in the field. Each pistol will be laser-engraved with ‘Springfield Police Department’ on the side along with a special control number across the top. In addition to the new sidearm, Springfield police are currently using M&P15 tactical rifles as the department’s issued patrol rifles. Throughout their history, Smith & Wesson and the Springfield Police Department have enjoyed a long-standing partnership, according to Leland Nichols, vice president of sales for Smith & Wesson.

MassMutual Adds Lyman Products to Roster
SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division has been selected by Lyman Products as the new provider for the company’s $6.3 million 401(k) plan. Lyman Products, based in Middletown, Conn., is a manufacturer of products for the shooting and reloading industry with more than 100 employees. Denis LeBlanc, controller at Lyman Products, noted that his firm sought a “financially stable” retirement plan provider that offered high-touch service and strong educational resources for employees. LeBlanc added that MassMutual’s “demonstrated strengths” in these areas were important in its selection as the new retirement plan provider. Smith Brothers Insurance of Glastonbury, Conn. assisted with the search process.

CHD Opens New OT Center
SPRINGFIELD — The Center for Human Development recently opened its new occupational therapy center, the Institute for Dynamic Living, at 342 Birnie Ave. The facility is fully licensed as both an occupational-therapy clinic and behavioral-health clinic, offering a wide range of services for children, adolescents, and adults. Services include individual and group therapy assessments, consultations, educational trainings, and workshops. Tina Champagne is the program director. She holds a doctorate in occupational therapy and is also a registered and licensed occupational therapist. Programs offered include sensory processing, neurofeedback and independent-living skills, free monthly informational sessions for parents, and professional workshops in areas such as clinical aromatherapy, sensory processing, and weighted-blanket training. For more information on the facility, visit www.chd.org/ot.

Fran Johnson’s Adds Golf Simulators
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Fran Johnson’s Golf & Racquet Headquarters has launched a new division of its business called Tee2Green2. It features 3-D, high-definition golf simulators that will enable people to play such classic courses as Pebble Beach, the Blue Monster at Doral, and Casa De Campo without getting on an airplane. The simulators offer a playing experience that includes perfect weather, no lost golf balls, and no slow play. Fran Johnson’s acquired two of the simulators, and is now booking tee times. Golfers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy the simulators, and can book times by calling (413) 734-4444. The average time for a foursome to play 18 holes is 3 to 3 1/2 hours.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Briefcase Departments

Moen Named President and CEO of SPHS
SPRINGFIELD — Daniel P. Moen, president and CEO of Heywood Hospital in Gardner, Mass., has been named the new president and CEO of the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS). Moen, who will assume his new position in January 2011, will succeed Dr. William Bithoney, who has been serving in an interim capacity since the prior CEO, Vincent McCorkle, left the organization in June 2010. Moen was selected after a nationwide search by the Sisters of Providence Health System’s board of trustees. “Daniel Moen is a well-respected, pragmatic health care leader with many years of experience managing complex hospital operations,” said Dr. David Chadbourne, board chair of SPHS. “He is an excellent choice to lead the Sisters of Providence Health System. We are confident his talents will not only help sustain our rich legacy of providing high-quality and compassionate care, but will also help us reach new levels of service to our community.” Moen brings more than 28 years of senior leadership experience in health care in the state of Massachusetts; for 23 of these years he has served as a CEO. Since 1990, he has served as president and CEO of Heywood Hospital, a 125-bed, full-service community hospital based in Gardner. Under Moen’s leadership, the hospital has added key inpatient and outpatient services, initiated a major capital-expansion project, and built outstanding relations with its community. Prior to joining Heywood Hospital in 1990, Moen served for 10 years in progressively responsible leadership positions with Holden Hospital in Holden, Mass., including two years as its president and CEO. “We are pleased to have Daniel Moen join the Sisters of Providence Health System,” said Judith M. Persichilli, president and CEO of Catholic Health East, of which SPHS is a member. “He has extensive experience in the Massachusetts health care environment, an impressive track record of high performance in challenging times, and a strong commitment to the mission and core values of the Sisters of Providence Health System and Catholic Health East. We look forward to Dan’s contributions; we are convinced that he will prove to be an important asset to our entire health care ministry.” Moen earned a master’s degree in health administration from Clark University and UMass Medical School, a bachelor’s degree in management from Worcester State College, and an associate’s degree in radiologic technology from Quinsigamond Community College, all in Worcester. He is also a past chair (2006-07) of the Mass. Hospital Assoc., helping to lead that organization in the midst of groundbreaking health care reform legislation. “I am honored to be selected for this important role,” said Moen. “It will be a privilege to serve the Sisters of Providence Health System, Catholic Health East, and the Western Mass. community.”
AIM Business Confidence Index Surges in October
BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index shot up 7.7 points in October to 55.3, its highest level since August 2008. Raymond G. Torto, Global Chief Economist at CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. and chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA), noted the monthly gain was “unprecedented” in the 19-year history of the index, adding, however, that “we must regard it cautiously.” Nevertheless, he noted, there are reasons to take the improvement in employer sentiment seriously. Torto said the October result in effect returns the state, after a three-month gap, to the upward trend of the first half of the year, and is based to a considerable extent on a less negative, and probably more realistic, assessment of prevailing conditions in the national economy. He added that Massachusetts employers remain predominantly positive about conditions for their own operations, and they now expect significant improvement in the business climate generally over the next six months. Even in that timeframe, however, Torto foresees conditions approaching neutral, rather than rapid, expansion. The AIM index was up 12 points from its level of October 2009, and 13.9 over two years. It reached its historic low at 33.3 in February 2009, and its all-time high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997 and ’98. Among the component sub-indices, the U.S. Index of national conditions led October’s rise with a gain of 12.2 points to 48.7, while the Massachusetts Index of conditions within the Commonwealth added 7.7 to 49.4. The Current Index, assessing overall conditions at the time of the survey, was up 7.1 points in October to 53.2, and the Future Index of prospects for six months ahead gained 8.5 to 57.0, while the Future Index edged up three-tenths to 48.4. In the past year, the Current Index has picked up 10.5 points, while the Future Index has gained 2.5. The sub-indices relating to respondents’ own operations all rose in October. The broadest of them, the Company Index, was up 5.8 points, and the Sales Index was up 5.5, both at 58.9, while the Employment Index added 2.3 to 53.7. Confidence levels moved up together among employers in Greater Boston (+7.6 to 54.4) and those elsewhere in the state (+7.6 to 56.7). The monthly Business Confidence Index, initiated by AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors in July 1991, is based on a survey of AIM member-companies across the state, asking questions about current and prospective business conditions in Massachusetts and the nation, as well as for respondents’ own operations. On the Index’s 100-point scale, a reading above 50 indicates that the state’s employer community is predominantly optimistic, while a reading below 50 points to a negative assessment of business conditions. A number of component sub-indices are derived by analyzing responses to selected questions or those of particular groups of respondents.

Pilot Energy-saving Program Underway
SPRINGFIELD — Western Mass Saves, a pilot energy-efficiency program, was recently launched by Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO). The program helps customers manage their electric use and rewards energy savings with points that can be redeemed at national and local merchants. Under Western Mass Saves, selected customers receive printed reports in the mail that provide personalized recommendations to reduce and track their home-energy use. The report also shows customers how their energy use compares to the average use in their community. While selected customers will receive printed reports, all customers are eligible to participate through the Web site, www.westernmasssaves.com. Under the one-year pilot program, customers can log into the Web site for personalized online electric-bill savings advice. Customers can also review more than 250 ways to reduce their energy consumption, design an individualized energy-savings plan, track the results, and earn rewards. The program is a partnership among WMECO, Efficiency 2.0, RecycleBank, and SmartPower.

Art & Soles Gallery Open
to the Public
SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Business Improvement District announced that the popular six-foot sneaker sculptures known as Art & Soles have moved indoors for the holidays. The 20 painted sneakers will be prominently displayed in the Art & Soles Gallery, located at 1391 Main St., at the corner of Main and Harrison Avenue. The space is being donated by owner Glenn Edwards. The sneakers will be auctioned off at a later date. The gallery will be open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Thursdays until 8 p.m.), and also on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to the 20 sneakers, artists will have other merchandise available. Art & Soles is a public art project created by a team of volunteers, including the Greater Springfield-UMass Amherst Partnership, TSM Design, and the Springfield Business Improvement District.

Business Hiring Still Lackluster
WASHINGTON — In the week ending Nov. 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 435,000, a decrease of 24,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 459,000. The four-week moving average was 446,500, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week’s revised average of 456,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.4% for the week ending Oct. 30, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week’s revised rate of 3.5%. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Oct. 30 was 4,301,000, a decrease of 86,000 from the preceding week’s revised level of 4,387,000. The four-week moving average was 4,388,250, a decrease of 35,750 from the preceding week’s revised average of 4,424,000. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 449,905 in the week ending Nov. 6, an increase of 28,808 from the previous week. There were 531,743 initial claims in the comparable week in 2009. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0% during the week ending Oct. 30, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,745,901, a decrease of 13,638 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 3.8%, and the volume was 4,961,610. The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending Oct. 23 was 8,624,679.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com
(413) 787-1555
n Dec. 1: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by the Springfield Marriott. Cost: members $20, non-members $30.
n Dec. 3: ERC Holiday Breakfast, 7-9 a.m., hosted by Elmcrest Country Club, East Longmeadow. Cost: members $20, non-members $25.
n Dec. 7: Springfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee meeting, 12-1:30 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
n Dec. 8: ACCGS After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Festival of Trees, located at Tower Square, 2nd Floor. Co-sponsored by YPS and Festival of Trees. Cost: members $10, non-members $20.
n Dec. 10: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Dec. 15: ERC Board of Directors meeting, 8-9 a.m., hosted by the Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, 2 Lodge Lane, Wilbraham.
n Dec. 15: ACCGS Ambassadors’ meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
n Dec. 16: ACCGS Executive Committee meeting, 12-1 p.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Dec. 28: WRC Board of Directors meeting, 8-9 a.m., hosted by Captain Leonard House, Agawam.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com
n Dec. 8: December’s YPS social networking event will join with the ACCGS at Tower Square for the Festival of Trees, 5-7 p.m. Cost: free to YPS members; general admission is $10 or a toy donation.
n Dec. 31: YPS New Year’s Eve Gala, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Springfield Sheraton at Monarch Place. Music provided by the Hot House Band and JX2 Productions. Book early, as tickets are limited. For more information, visit www.springfieldyps.com.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com
(413) 253-0700
n Dec. 3: Merry Maple (in downtown Amherst), 4-7 p.m. The Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce kicks off the holiday season downtown with the lighting of the Merry Maple. Festive music by the Middle School Chorus and the Minuteman Marching Band, hayrides, cider donuts, crafts, and an appearance by Santa. Cost: free.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101
n Dec. 8: Holiday Open House, 4:30-6:30 p.m., 264 Exchange St., Chicopee. Cost: free for members.
n Dec. 15: Salute Breakfast, 7:15-9 a.m., Castle of Knights 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: members $18, non-members $25.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463
n Dec. 3-4: Home for the Holidays, Dec. 3, 5-8 p.m., and Dec. 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., downtown Greenfield. Wreath judging, caroling, activities for the whole family.
n Dec. 6: Greenfield Business Association Soup & Games Night, 5-8 p.m., hosted by Hope & Olive, 44 Hope St., Greenfield. Benefit to support the holiday lights and downtown trimmings. Cost: free, donations accepted.
n Dec. 21: Holiday Breakfast and Recorder Citizen of the Year, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by Deerfield Academy Dining Hall. Sponsored by the Recorder. Music, gifts, and sumptuous food. Cost: members $23, non-members $25.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com
(413) 534-3376
n Dec. 8: Holiday Salute Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, One Country Club Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Gas & Electric and Health New England. Cost: $20. Tables reserved for parties of eight.
n Dec. 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by the Delaney House, One Country Club Road, Holyoke. Cost: members $5, non-members $10 cash.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org
(413) 527-9414
n Dec. 3: Holiday Stroll and Visit from Santa, 7 p.m. Hosted by Maple Street School. An event for the entire family. Stroll and carol through downtown Easthampton to Pulaski Park and help Santa light the green with thousands of twinkling lights. Visit with Santa in the gazebo. Cocoa and cookies for the kids. Cost: free.
n Dec. 16: Holiday Dinner Dance, 6-11 p.m., hosted by the Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. An evening of friends and holiday spirit including the Chamber Annual Awards , a $5,000 raffle drawing, butlered hors d’ouevres, multi-station entrees, Viennese dessert table, cash martini and full-service bar, music provided by Michael J Productions. Public invited. Excellent business party opportunity. Cost: $45 per person inclusive; group reservations available.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
n Dec. 8: Arrive @ 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Silverscape Design, 1 King St., Northampton. Sponsored by Johnson & Hill Staffing Services and Florence Savings Bank. A casual mix and mingle with colleagues and friends. Cost: $10 for members. Contact the chamber at (413) 584-1900 or [email protected] for tickets and sponsorship opportunities.
n Dec. 10: New Member Breakfast, 8-9 a.m., hosted by the Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., Northampton. This is our chance to sit down with you and learn more about your business and how the chamber can best serve you; introduce you to people who are active in the chamber; and tell you how to make the most of your chamber membership. A light breakfast will be served. Cost: free. RSVP to (413) 584-1900 or [email protected].
n Dec. 14: Meet & Eat, 7:30-9 a.m., hosted by the Delaney House, Route 5 at Smith’s Ferry, Holyoke. Sponsored by Easthampton Savings Bank. Learn from your colleagues at breakfast with the chamber. Cost: $15 for members.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425
n Nov. 28: Christmas on the Common, 5-6:30 p.m., Three Rivers Common. Guest of honor: Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will arrive at 6 p.m. on a fire truck with the help of the Three Rivers Fire Department. Families are welcome to bring a decoration for the community tree and a camera to record their visits with Santa. The event is scheduled to last an hour and a half but may be shortened by extreme cold or inclement weather. Event also includes cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee as well as gift bags for all children. Michael Rondeau will create an ice sculpture, and the Palmer High School Chorus will lead a holiday singalong. Cost: free. For more information, contact Kim King at Kim’s Hair Care, (413) 289-1775.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

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
Capital One Bank, N.A. v. ABM Clothing and Beverley Thorington
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $3,117.19
Filed: 10/8/10

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Alyssa Alger v. The Yankee Candle Co. Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of business property, causing injury: $41,392.18
Filed: 10/7/10

Christopher and Bethany Maselli v. Eric Freeman, D.O. and Ravi Kumar, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $1,025,000
Filed: 9/20/10

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT
David A. Perok v. Rice Oil Co. Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of a worksite, causing injury: $6,151.30
Filed: 9/30/10

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Dave Sakowski v. Baystate Contracting Services Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay wages: $30,000
Filed: 9/30/10

Nellum Realty Trust v. Gliptone of Mass. & Lyons Home Improvement
Allegation: Non-payment for rent of commercial building: $81,000
Filed: 10/4/10

Superior Products Distributors Inc. v. Shawn’s Lawns, Inc., RIV Construction Group, and HD Westfield, MA Landlord, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay under the terms of a construction contract: $297,361.45
Filed: 10/4/10

Western Mass. Environmental, LLC v. Dapri Rentals, LLC and Mary & Chris Clark
Allegation: Non-payment of services rendered: $36,816
Filed: 10/13/10

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Roger Harrington v. C.H Nickelson & Co. Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff was working on a roof at a construction site where the defendant was a general contractor, when he slipped and fell: $164,817.88
Filed: 9/20/10

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Arrow Concrete Products Inc. v. W.A.L. Development, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $10,413.92
Filed: 8/27/10

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Direct Finance Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services: $4,215.44
Filed: 8/26/10

Margaret N. Broughton v. Fifth Third Bank, et al.
Allegation: Breach of agreement for payment of car loan: $10,000
Filed: 9/7/10

Slope Properties, LLC v. J.K.A. Contracting
Allegation: Breach of home-improvement contract. Monies received and work not performed: $3,301.95
Filed: 8/23/10

United Rentals Inc. v. Tetreault Masonry Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment for materials, equipment, and services provided: $5,485
Filed: 9/9/10

Western Mass Electric v. Dog Days & Nights, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of utility services provided: $6,584.04
Filed: 8/27/10

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Capital One Bank, N.A. v. TRM Consultants, LLC & Thomas R. Mihalek
Allegation: Breach of credit agreement and monies owed: $16,031.67
Filed: 9/3/10

Carole Fabrics Inc. v. King Brothers Painting & Staining
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,738.98
Filed: 10/8/10

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

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]

PictureThis BW11.10b

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Opinion

Putting the Pioneer Valley Back on Track

A $70 million federal grant to rebuild the Pioneer Valley’s main, north-south rail line has generated excitement and anticipation across the region. Another $210 million of committed rail-corridor grants in neighboring Connecticut and Vermont underscores the strategic importance of this critical Northeast rail link connecting New York City with Montreal.
Next year, this $70 million award will begin funding the wholesale rebuilding of the rail line from Springfield north to Vermont — construction work that will take 24 months to complete. Thus, by 2013, we can look forward to rail passenger service being reintroduced and expanded to Holyoke, Northampton, and Greenfield, which all lost service in 1989 due to poor, unsafe track conditions. Rail revitalization constitutes a game changer, enabling the Valley to regain an asset that’s crucial to a prosperous and sustainable future.
The opportunity for the Valley’s 700,000 residents to access metro centers including New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield, plus major Northeast Corridor mega-regions like New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, is a rail benefit most area residents understand and are eager to take advantage of. Less known are the ways new and improved rail service constitutes an economic engine providing a powerful catalyst that spurs development and employment opportunities, especially around the stations that will serve thousands of train riders.
As has been demonstrated in the U.S. and around the globe, the introduction of intercity and/or commuter rail service stimulates new economic-development opportunities, which, locally, are projected to exceed $240 million in value. In the specific case of the Knowledge Corridor, a variety of economic opportunities are anticipated:
• Fostering transit-oriented developments in and around rail stations along the rail corridor that grow residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments by taking advantage of their proximity to rail; think of Springfield’s $70 million redevelopment of Union Station or Greenfield’s new Intermodal Center.
• Connecting rail-passenger services to transportation providers such as PVTA’s regional system and intercity carriers like Peter Pan Bus Lines; think PVTA and Peter Pan bus services feeding Five College students to new rail stations in Northampton and Holyoke.
• Reducing the Pioneer Valley’s overreliance on single-occupant automobile trips at a time of intensifying concerns about the cost and reliability of worldwide energy supplies and stark warnings about the urgent need to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions.
• Linking rail service to Bradley Airport and, by so doing, boosting transit ridership while gaining air travelers from both Connecticut and Massachusetts; think affordable and congestion-free rail access to Bradley.
As we await the start of reconstruction on the region’s north-south rail corridor, no one should overlook the importance of reinvigorating the east-west rail line connecting Springfield to Palmer, Worcester, and Boston. The Mass. Department of Transportation will soon launch a long-awaited, $1.9 million planning study to address this designated high-speed rail corridor.
Passenger trains are capable of moving people quickly, efficiently, comfortably, and safely. In addition, they are environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and positively contribute to enhanced levels of national security by reducing our reliance on scarce natural resources. These benefits, coupled with the ancillary economic-development and job gains, add up to a significant and impressive return on investment that’s bolstered by a highly favorable 3-to-1 benefit-cost ratio. Given these favorable metrics, we can’t afford to forfeit these benefits nor the increased property-tax revenues generated from transit-oriented developments.
More than a century ago, as railroads emerged as a major force in growing and connecting a young nation, it was a small clique of local, private investors who used their funds to ensure that Springfield would be located adjacent to the rail lines that would connect the Commonwealth to a rapid westward expansion. These investments spurred Springfield’s growth into the region’s largest urban center.
Now, 170 years later, Pioneer Valley residents are once again confronted with the question of whether to invest in rebuilding a rail network capable of transporting the Valley into the 21st century and thereby achieve the sustainable success that will keep the Valley connected, competitive, compact … and special. v

Timothy Brennan is executive director of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission; (413) 787-1547.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Opinion

Time for Springfield to Get Its Message Out

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is right.
The city is, in many respects, like a company with products, he told BusinessWest. And like those companies, it has to sell itself if it wants to grow and prosper. And so, what is being touted as Springfield’s first major marketing program is getting underway.
‘Make it Happen’ is the new marketing slogan, or tagline, and while it remains to be seen whether that message resonates with people here and elsewhere, and if the $100,000 budgeted over the next two years is anywhere near enough to properly convey the message — there is no debating that Springfield simply must begin to market itself, and in a big way.
Why? Well, there are several reasons, all of them spelled out in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) report completed a few years ago. In short, marketing works — whether it’s for a car manufacturer, a cereal maker, a political candidate, or a city — if it’s done properly and consistently. And while the city is late getting into this game, late is better than never.
To elaborate, marketing is, in most all cases, a proactive and very necessary activity. And for far too long, Springfield has been much too reactive. In other words, the city has been far too content to let others control the message being sent about it, and that simply must change.
That’s because the message out there, by and large, is that Springfield is an old, tired manufactured city whose best days are years, decades, or perhaps a century or more behind it. The message being sent is that the City of Homes is a place where it’s not happening, and probably can’t happen.
So to achieve progress, Springfield needs to change the message, and more importantly, it has to back up what it says.
‘Make it Happen’ is a nod to Springfield’s past, when it was, as everyone knows by now, a city of firsts, from the motorcycle to the board game; from the ice skate to the parking meter. All those things and many others happened here. But it wasn’t just products, it was highly successful companies created to make those products.
It’s been some time since there’s been a real first in Springfield, and many things have changed since the city earned that reputation. Competition is truly global now, and Springfield is in many ways at a disadvantage in terms of climate, geography, and the cost of doing business. But people can still makes things happen here, as FloDesign Wind Turbine, Seahorse Bioscience, and those bringing the Scuderi engine to the marketplace can attest.
It’s time Springfield started to tell these stories, and join cities like Lowell, Providence, and countless others and get its message out.
And a big part of this process is creating awareness, and a positive attitude within this market. Indeed, it’s probably safe to say that people far outside this market have a better impression of Springfield than many people who live and work here. Putting the ‘Make it Happen’ image on a billboard or the side of a bus won’t change attitudes overnight, but they can perhaps get people thinking that maybe, just maybe, the glass is actually half-full.
For too long, city officials and civic and business leaders have taken the approach that, if they can just get the local media to stop focusing so much on crime, poverty, and high dropout rates, then things will be much better. It doesn’t work that way; cities have to do things about those problems, not wish them away. And they have to change attitudes.
Like it or not, the perception of Springfield is that this city, like many older manufacturing centers, is troubled and tired, a place where you must summon the past tense when using terms such as ‘vibrant,’ ‘energetic,’ and ‘relevant.’
Whether this perception is indeed reality is a matter of conjecture. But there is no debating that, unless the city takes steps to change and control the message — and marketing is a big part of this equation — then perception will become reality.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Six Flags New England
1623 Main St.
$1,000,000 — Erect new Wild Mouse Roller Coaster

Six Flags New England
1623 Main St.
$187,000 — Form and pour concrete footings for Blitz ride

AMHERST

Amherst Court Trust
26 South Prospect St.
$14,000 — Renovation

Sandra M. Southwick
7 North Pleasant St.
$10,000 — Office space renovation on second floor

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Public Schools
125 Montgomery St.
$54,000 — Install modular classrooms

Chicopee Public Schools
125 Montgomery St.
$219,000 — Install new fire-protection system

Hampden Charter School of Science
20 Johnson Road
$100,000 — Remove wall to enlarge gym and replace flooring

Oxford Valley estates
283 Fuller Road
$58,000 — Strip and re-roof

United Brothers, LLC
872 Meadow St.
$20,000 — Interior and exterior renovations

GREENFIELD

Francis McDonald
377 Main St.
$3,800 — Office renovations

George Balis
34 Bank Row
$16,500 — Replace siding, glass, and aluminum framework

Sarah E. Brown
20 Church St.
$13,000 — Replace windows

HADLEY

Jeremy Ober
12 Russell St.
$4,600 — Window repair

Pyramid Management Group
367 Russell St.
$9,400 — Exterior renovations at JC Penney mall entrance

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$238,000 — Remodel existing Bath & Body store

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
221 Riverside Dr.
$12,600 — Install attic insulation at the Feiker School

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$36,000 — Replace broken bricks to west wing

DAS Property Group, LLC
108 Main St.
$88,000 — Renovate third floor

J W Inc.
13 Old South St.
$10,000 — Strip and shingle roof

Northampton Terminal Associate
1 Old South St.
$8,000 — Create new space

Smith College
53 College Lane
$350,000 — Renovate college club

SOUTH HADLEY

Loomis Community
5 Spruce Run
$3,500 — Install insulation

SPRINGFIELD

Appleton Corporation
837 State St.
$180,000 — Renovations in six apartments

Ivette Cruz
34 Mulberry St.
$45,000 — Change existing rooms to offices

Maple Springfield Associates
125 Maple St.
$98,000 — Re-roof

WESTFIELD

Human Resources Unlimited Inc.
55 Broad St.
$10,000 — Renovations

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Central Chevrolet, Inc.
675 Memorial Ave.
$270,000 — Renovate 7,000 square feet of existing space for a car dealership

Fountain Prospect Realty Corp.
492 Prospect Ave.
$1,577,600 – Construction of a 21,000-square-feet addition to existing building

Karen McMahon
315 Main St.
$16,000 – Renovate 1,962 square feet of space for a dance studio

Oleg Abramchuck
553 Main St.
$6,000 – Re-roof commercial portion of mixed-use structure

Sunil Patel Gokul, LLC
2260 Westfield St.
$10,000 – Renovate existing space for a yoga studio

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

Bankruptcies Departments

BANKRUPTCIES

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

Almeida, Christine M.
69 Wealthy Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/24/10

Asselin, Shirley M.
33 Sargeant Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Auger, Raymond R.
971 Reed St.
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Baribeau, Steven G.
100 Byers St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Bauman, John Allen
43 Charpentier Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Bennett, Daniel E.
102 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Benson, Patricia Mary
10 Roberts Pond Lane
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Bernardo, Alfred J.
Bernardo, Susan E.
PO Box 723
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Betournay, Norman Robert
28 Feeding Hills Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Bilodeau, Joan I.
104 Ashley St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Biron, Kevin B.
1091 Park St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Blount, Alfred C.
265 Fern Bank Road #21
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Boonnag, Kanit S.
Boonag, Torpong
19 Glendale St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Bowler, John Joseph
949 Hampden St., Apt 2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Brennan, John S.
Brennan, Janet R.
43 Demont Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Brida, James R.
60 Pencasal Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Briggs, Jeffrey D.
244 Chicopee St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Brown, Virginia M.
172 Summer St. #4
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Bruno-Buonomo, Carmen
PO Box 70299
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Burns, Lauren E.
Bouvier, Lauren E.
17 Homestead Blvd.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Burt, Daryl J.
1189 Carew St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Cardinal, Sandra J.
34 Chartier Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Carr, Tamara L.
36 Bay St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Carroll, Daniel R.
Carroll, Debora R.
73 Wilder Ter.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Clark, David B.
108 Langevin St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Clark, Marshall G.
Clark, Antoinette
351 West Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Clark-Cardinal, Tami A.
135 Moore St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Collins, Paul J.
170 East Hadley Road #50
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Colon, Francisco
Colon, Blanca
43 Webster St., #2
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Connors, Diane
263 Center St.
1st Floor, Apt. A
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Cornelius, Grace E.
104 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Craig Sound
Craig Aquatic Specialties
Craig, Scott N.
1012 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

DePriest, Carlton T.
41 Rosedale Ave.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Destromp, Roland L.
Destromp, Ruth J.
423 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Don’s Carpet Care
Beaupre, Donald H.
Beaupre, Linda M.
90 Kanawha Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Dubour, Kathleen M.
68 Blanchwood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Dunlap, N. Leigh
19 View St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Dusseault, Matthew F.
20 Mount Carmel Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Ear 2 Track
Kometani, James K.
1 Springfield St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/10

E-Force Protective Coating
Wrigley, Roger M.
Wrigley, Karen L.
a/k/a Branch, Karen L.
a/k/a Hanson, Karen L.
40 School House Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Engle, Brenda J.
Engle, Brenda H.
P.O.Box 103
Sheffield, MA 01257
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Espinosa, Ann Marie
47 Mohawk Dr.
Springfield, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Fennyery, James R.
163 Mountainview St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Freeman, Ernestine
204 Pearl St., 2L
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Gonzalez, Omaris
54 Bradford Dr. #A2
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Grady, Shaun P.
Grady, Tami J.
106 Windsor Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Harris-Poyser, Majester L.
7 Clayton St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Hayes, Jennifer A.
116 Pleasant St., #414
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Hogan, Thomas M.
137 Hendrick St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Holden, Melissa M.
95 Cheshire Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Hotaling, William J.
Hotaling, Katherine E.
30 Massachusetts Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Independent Administrative and Technical Support
Calderwood, Maryelen
a/k/a Brown, Maryelen C.
82 Sanderson St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Johnson, Kristen Elizabeth
52 Cold Hill
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Jones, Brian W.
Jones, Tiffany B.
4 Lathrop Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Keough, Renee
312 Amherst St. #2
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Khodadadian, Siranoosh
19 South Shore Dr.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Kida, Lawrence R.
38 Robinson Road
W. Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Labonte, Leo J.
28 Simard Drive, Apt. 1
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Lambert, Todd C.
136 Pontoosic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Laporte, Jessica Walker
6 Daniel Square Ext.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Leavitt, Joseph R.
Leavitt, Donna L.
72 Paige St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/18/10

LeBlanc, Deborah
43 Craig Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Lee, Linda
Smith, John A.
55 A Danek Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Lefebvre, Richard A.
Lefebvre, Nancy E.
400 Britton St. #223
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Lemon, Donna Rae
633 Sisson Hill Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Loglisci, Lynne A.
a/k/a Blais, Lynne Ann
13A Oak St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Long, Maureen P.
6 Pearl Lane
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Lopez, Osvaldo E.
51 Atwater Road
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Lyman, Janet Ann
a/k/a Cook, Janet Ann
75 Mechanic St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Magill, Kori K.
Kielbania, Kori K.
34 Kazbeck St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Malave, Cristobal
433 Prospect St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Malone, Michael T.
Malone, Frances Ellen
71 Morningside Park
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Mark A. Ogoley Construction
Ogoley, Mark A.
31 Scantic Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Martel, Steven M.
105 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Martelli, Nicholas
200 Baldwinville Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Martin, Robert F.
Martin, Kelly D.
71 Tulsa St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Martinez, Alba N.
74 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Matos, Lydia E.
61 Wentworth St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Matte, Rene O.
163 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Mawaka, Laura Ann
26 Mechanic St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Maynard, Kathleen
a/k/a Hullette, Kathleen
111 Brickyard Road, Apt. 2G
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

McKenzie, David Jeremiah
40 Bartels St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

McLain, Thomas S.
McLain, Patricia B.
16 Richmond St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

McQuade, Daniel P.
McQuade, Kristen A.
396 Frank Smith Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/27/10

Medina, Jose A.
265 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Mendez, Hipolito
Mendez, Mayra
37 Mercury Court, 2-L
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Moncrieffe, Ivan
28 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Morgan, Travis Levar
Morgan, Myra Marintha
37 Emily St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Moses, Ola M.
70 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Mosher, David
131 Main St.
Russell, MA 01071
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Mosher, Theresa F.
c/o Eric Kornblum
94 North Elm St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Odiorne, Sharon M.
4 Ross Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Ortiz, Evelyn
Ortiz-Pacheco, Evelyn
101 Lowell St., Apt. 601
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Pacheco, Jose A.
43 Hebron St., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Park Street Foundry Inc.
P.O. Box 327
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 10/24/10

Partlow, Stacy L.
74 A James St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Ponce, Efrain
74 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Prentice, Stanley
Prentice, Dawn M.
28 Cole Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Provost, Linda A.
657 Poole St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Richardson, Keith W.
Richardson, Heather E.
a/k/a Lusco, Heather E.
PO Box 81
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Rivas, Michelle M.
a/k/a Demers, Michelle M.
59 Aldo Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Rodriguez, Bethzaida
22 Brookline Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Rodriguez, Milagros
68 Farnum Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/18/10

Rossetti, George L.
91 Lantern Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/17/10

Rossi, Diana M.
477 Kings Hgwy.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Rossi, Richard S.
Rossi, Kaija
114 Mashapaug Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Saez, Wilberto M.
25 Collins St., Apt. A
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Samek, Sandra Mary
71 Doverbrook Road
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Serafino, David S.
43 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Serafino, Donna M.
43 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Sergeychik, Mikhail
38 Lower Mass Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Sheldon, Patricia A.
15 Beaufort Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Small, Rose M.
219 Seymore Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Smith, Eric J.
Smith, Tammy L.
25 White St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Sullivan, Jennifer A.
Deming, Jennifer A.
65A South St.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/25/10

Swett, Howard H.
221 New Boston Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Swiss, Kirk P.
17 Constitution Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Taillefer, Jean R.
48 Riverview Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Thomas, Rachelle Rutkowski
53 King St.
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Trott, Margaret Evelyn
400 East St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Trudel, Gary S.
38 Maynard St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/28/10

Villafane, Mirta Luz
a/k/a Martinez, Mirta L.
54 Bradford Dr., Unit A
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/20/10

Voytko, Christine E.
12 Cypress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/21/10

Warchut, Walter W.
81 Autumn Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Weeks, Almont E.
93 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

Weeks, Carol A.
PO Box 42
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/22/10

White, Michael
White, Jennifer
51 Hillside Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/29/10

Whitney, Blair P.
33 Brickhouse Mountain Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/19/10

Yanbul, Ibrahim
Yanbul, Hulya
a/k/a Topcu, Hulya
23 Cypress St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/26/10

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff November 23, 2010

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AMHERST

Community Photo Access
534 Main St.
Anibal Gonzalez-Rivera

NJ Company
135 Lincoln Ave.
Naomi Elliot

North Amherst Gulf
24 Montague Road
Joseph Sacco

CHICOPEE

Lugos Family Barber Shop
257 Hampden St.
Agustin Lugo Jr.

Phantazm Media Publishing & Printing
419 Front St.
Geoffrey Watson

Win-Wes Contractors
1731 Memorial Dr.
Paul Winters

WirelessZone AII
1519 Memorial Dr.
AII Inc.

GREENFIELD

Call’s Corner Store
124 Conway St.
Shahid Habib

Feeding Landscapes
24 Franklin St.
Abrah Dresdale

Rite View Farm
493 Leyden Road
Ronald Wright

Smart Computer
345 Main St.
Jonathan Heburt

Zinnia
116 Federal St.
Mandy Lyn Sweet

HADLEY

Ascent Audiology & Hearing
104 Russell St.
Susan Russell

Mukora’s Fine Arts & Crafts
367 Russell St.
John Mukora

Nail Pro
367 Russell St.
Charles Tran

HOLYOKE

Amy’s Hallmark
50 Holyoke St.
Steven C. Salter

Hillside Auto Sales
911 Main St.
Emil Krassler

J & G Enterprise
100 Nonotuck St.
John Hurley

JAGD
14 Greenwood Ave.
James D. Watson

Stop & Shop Gas
28 Linclon St.
Mark Puza

LUDLOW

Bon-Chien
26 Kirkland Ave.
Bonnie Delviscio

Butter Carpet Cleaning Company
23 Cady St.
Carl Mesheau

Great Clips
433 Center St.
Rachel Barowsky

Rock School Music Academy
95 Windsor St.
Miguel Goncalves

Stratia Electric
636 Fuller St.
Christopher Szczepanek

NORTHAMPTON

BestDealz.com
414 Acrebrook Dr.
Jeffrey Costigan

Cardinal Strategies
35 Maynard Road
William Rosen

Digital Media Army
95 South St.
Lukas B. Snelling

Downtown Auto Sales
110 Pleasant St.
Christopher Cahillane

Hair by Jodi
151 Main St.
Jodi A. Nowak

Jude Enterprise
59 Chestnut St.
Angela Parro

Polished!…A Nail Salon
59 Conz St.
Kerry A. West

Salon Allure
59 Conz St.
Pamela Laprade

Sushi City
228 King St.
Soe Naing

TJDGass.com
58 Phillips Place
Timothy Domkowski

Tout Sweet Confections
44 Sheffield Lane
Pamela Wicinas

PALMER

General Machine
11 Walnut St.
Bruce Baldyga

New England Cable Engineering Services
2170 Main St.
Tracy Merrill-Kalesnik

Stolar Realty LLC
2001 Calkins Road
Christopher J. Stolar

SPRINGFIELD

Haircuts by Minerva
560 1/2 Page Blvd.
Minerva Santana

JRG Enterprise
30 Governor St.
Jose Bolivar

K & F Masonry
133 Sumner Ave.
Kevin W. Thompson

Kenia’s Beauty Salon
519 Main St.
Rigoberto Oscar

KJR Cleaning
24 Stonybrook Road
Kelly Raleigh

L & R Remodeling
2994 Main St.
Luis O. Rivera

Lindalee Boutique
1655 Main St.
Hilda Matos

Los Bandoleros Barber Shop
616 Belmont Ave.
Ramon J. Rios

Majestic Barber Shop
444 Chestnut St.
Jose A. Martinez

Miguel’s Towing LLC
155 Rocus St.
Miguel Santiago

McKinney & Burbach Tavern
1127 Main St.
Julie Waniewski

Nails by Carol
24 Island Pond Road
Carol M. Rolandini

Nails Model
459 Main St.
Truong Minh Tai

Neighborhood Deli
158 Island Pond Road
Demetrice L. Mitchell

Nelson’s Remodeling & Painting
17 Drake St.
Nelson Garcia

Ritchie’s Handyman Service
230 El Paso St.
Ritchie Nebar

S.W.A.G.G.E.R.
94 Wilbraham Road
Clarence W. Smith III

SCB Marketing and Consulting
483 Dickinson St.
Stephen Burrell

Sleep Management Solutions
100 Wason Ave.
Thomas P. Gaffney Jr.

Stamps Williams Realty
431 White St.
Robin L. Jones

TNT Fast Stop
402 King St.
Tyshun O. Riles

The-N-Zone
152 Rifle St.
Elijah R. Lyles

The Fortress West
34 Front St.
George W. Sidor Jr.

Triple Seven Cyber Center
296 Cooley St.
En Yu

Vigo Remittance
2460 Main St.
Jackie L. Hill

WESTFIELD

A Cut Above the Rest
37 Elm St.
Isander Robles

Freshwater Wetland Services
2 Collins St.
Katie A. Bednaz

Ginger Snacks
281 Lower Sandy Hill Road
Mark Simone

Onsite Computer Repairs of Westfield
66 Janis Road
Michael Monahan

Simplicity Salon
1144 Southampton Road
Janine LaPointe

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Alanna Scully Photography
291 City View Ave.
Alanna Scully

Bath & Kitchen Gallery
1060 Memorial Ave.
John J. Regan Jr.

Big Lare’s Bass Excursion’s
1291 Morgan Road
Lawrence W. Marsh

Bottega Cucina
46 Morgan Road
Philip C. Hillenbrand

Dollar Tree
465 Memorial Ave.
Dollar Tree Stores Inc

Drisdelle Quality Carpentry
115 Morton St.
John R. Drisdelle

Frasco Fuel Oil
2383 Westfield St.
David K. Frasco

I love my Jojo’s
179 Daggett Dr.
Joanne Contrino-Guilbault

Owais Khan Traders
20 Elmdale St.
Muhammad Owais

Wireless Zone
7 Westfield St.
Kevin Sinclair

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Southworth Company
265 Main St.
$37,000 — Re-roof five flat roof areas

AMHERST

South Congregational Church
1066 South East St.
$9,500 — Renovate existing second floor

Yosrex, L.P.
266 East Hadley Road
$7,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Neighborhood Development
24 Billings St.
$175,000 — Interior renovations

Leclerc Properties
34 Crawford St.
$40,000 — Install new roof and interior remodel

Padgette Street Partners
150 Padgette St.
$95,000 — Interior office fit-up

Teddy Bear Pools
41 East St.
$4,000 — Install temporary containers on site

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$205,000 — Renovations for pharmacy relocation

Servicenet Inc.
26 Raymond Road
$18,000 — Remodel bathroom

Sphere STP, LLC
1 Newton St.
$900,000 — Construction of a retail commercial building

HADLEY

Mark Klepacki
190 Russell St.
$9,000 — Create new exam room

HOLYOKE

Hazen Paper Company
717 Main St.
$92,500 — Install two new rubber roofs

NORTHAMPTON

Clinical and Support Options Inc.
29 North Main St.
$17,000 — Construct handicap ramp

Edward Olender Jr.
355 Bridge St.
$7,900 — Replace roof

Forty Main Street Inc.
40 Main St.
$22,000 — Frame new wall for Suite 206

Nonotuck Mill, LLC
296 Nonotuck St.
$10,500 — Construct partition wall at elevator lobby

The Northampton Historical Society
66 Bridge St.
$3,500 — Exterior renovations

Smith College
50 West St.
$3,500 — Add wind screen to stairway

SPRINGFIELD

East Coast Development
365 Cadwell Dr.
$18,000 — Construction of a masonry wall with metal studs

Jart Realty Trust
977 Boston Road
$300,000 — Construction of a new bank branch building with a drive-thru

Nomaira Naseem
806 Main St.
$8,100 — Renovation of tenant space

Pynchon I Apartments
3 Clyde St.
$16,000 — Strip and re-roof

WESTFIELD

Westfield Property Associates, LLC
1014 Southampton Road
$22,000 — Build 25-by-12-foot wall

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Brightside Inc.
229 City View St.
$8,000 — Finish basement

Cohen, Gilbert, & Andrew Trust
241 Memorial Ave.
$15,000 — Renovate checkout area

171 Baldwin St. Land Trust
171 Baldwin St.
$9,000 — Repair damaged roof

Ed Squires
2223 Westfield St.
$8,000 — Strip and re-roof

Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini/Catholic Diocese
475 Main St.
$10,000 — Upgrade front entrance doors

Triad, LLC
83 Verdugo St.
$10,000 — Repair foundation

Bankrupticies

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Ahern, Jeffrey T.
Ahern, Brenda M.
39 Jessie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Anderson, Alan L.
Anderson, Judith C.
68 Kimberly Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Anderson, Eric S.
83 South St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Anderson, Paul
1037 West St.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/10

Ball, Brian C.
67 Wilmont St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/15/10

Barfitt, Ronald G.
213 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Batorfi, Andrea Katalin
8 Fiske Hill Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Bean, Robert R.
Bean, Susan L.
46 Washington Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Berg, Robert
Berg, Leea
66 Colorado St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/15/10

Boulette, James P.
P.O. Box 1446
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Brown, Marcia E.
943 Massachusetts Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Bruso, Shannon A.
27 Hawthorn St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/02/10

Candee, Melissa J.
17 Green River Valley Road
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Carron, Joan A.
14 Highview Dr., #D
Colonial Gardens
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/09/10

Cayo, Edward J.
5 Countryview Lane
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Chaput, Marilyn E.
154 Franklin St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/10

Chumsae, Jamie J.
459 Hubbardston Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Collins, Brad Garett
1038 North St. Ext.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Costa, Tony A.
Costa, Katherine L.
47 Thyme Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Curtis, Benjamin M.
PO Box 241
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Czuchra, Shellie J.
235 Ontario Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

D’Agostino, Michele
D’Agostino, Paula D.
25 Webber St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Davis, Frankie L.
Davis, Patricia M.
a/k/a McCray, Patricia
2062 Page Blvd.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Delargy, James R.
Delargy, Susan S.
42 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Deshaies, Norman J.
80 Billings St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/10

Dixon, John G.
Dixon, Frances L.
95 Clough St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Dizik, Marina
a/k/a Dizik, Marina J.
a/k/a Dizik-Latourelle, Marina
5 Pinnacle Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Ducharme, Sharon Diane
269 Osborne Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Duprey, Dwayne J.
Duprey, Gina M.
a/k/a Hentosh, Gina M.
358 Main St.
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Elie, Leonard G.
1467 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Estrella, Eddie M.
71 Orchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/10

F.S. Whitney & Sons Inc.
814 East St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Farrington, Daniel Scott
Farrington, Leslie
25 Tyringham Road
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Ferret, Karl Stanley
49 Old South St.
Apt. 501
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Finn, Donna Ann
1241 Elm St. – A6
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/10

Fumo, Rosary
93 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Gardner, Tanya J.
48 Pine Lodge Park
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Garney, Linda N.
a/k/a Rayner, Linda N.
298 Hungerford St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Gasparini, Ronald G.
343 Chicopee St., Unit 23
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Gil, Rita L.
161 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Glassman, Robert Charles
PO Box 862
Amherst, MA 01004-0862
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Gomes, Nancy M.
24 Daley St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Grajales, Elizabeth
a/k/a Camacho, Elizabeth
1142 Longmeadow St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Graveline, Jennifer Lee
22 Simpson Circle
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Griswold, William R.
Griswold, Charlann
45 Cleveland St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Hale, Chester Kenneth
Hale, Carol Ann
740 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/10

Harrity, James M.
122 North Maple St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Henin, Sherif A.
1607 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/10

Hurley, Lynn A.
3 Seneca Dr., Box F3
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Ingles, Roberta N.
328 Oakland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Integral Medicine
Hemingway, Michelle L.
a/k/a Maffeo, Michelle Hemingway
204 High St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Jones, Richard B.
19 Locust St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Kang, Kye
78 Glenwood St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Keating, Daniel M.
Gallus-Keating, Constance R.
180 Leyfred Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Kurtzhalts, Michael J.
Kurtzhalts, Aimee M.
a/k/a LaBaff, Aimee M.
23 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Laramee, Ernest L.
Laramee, Cheryl Ann V.
80 Sun Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/10

Liquori, Carol A.
20 Alberta St.
Springfeild, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Mailloux, Wayne J.
56 Riverside Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Maslowski, Elena L.
110 Florence St.
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/10

Mathisen, Larry
Mathisen, Claudette
1134 Worcester St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Maynard, Jill A.
20 Colony Road
Unit 20
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/08/10

McLaughlin, Craig A.
30 Morgan Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/05/10

McMahon, Thomas Jon
1245 Bradley Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/15/10

Meade, Louise Ann
Meade, Guy Christian
965 Mckinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/02/10

Melendez, Lydia E.
146 Mill St., Apt. 9
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Meuser, David John
11 Bancroft Road
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/10

Mitchell, Brian Anthony
Mitchell, Gina Ann
48 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Molina, Euphemia J.
a/k/a Calero, Euphemia J.
31 Westhampton Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Montes, Magali
a/k/a Montes-Benitez, Magali
162 Maple St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Morin, Michelle A.
69 Starling Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/10

Neill, James Brockway
16 Market St. Apt. 3A
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/10

O’Connor, Patricia A.
8 Rosemary Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Omartian, Virginia N.
1454 South Branch Parkway
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Papini, Donald G.
294 Lincoln Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/15/10

Perrier, Gail A.
48 School St., Apt. 4
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Peskin, Robert J.
Peskin, Marilyn C.
9 Westminster St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Petrenko, Vera
Petrenko, Anatoliy
45 Belle Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/04/10

Pizarro, Eva E.
15 Herbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Polak, Deana M.
35 Karen Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Polley, Debra A.
344 Warwick Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/15/10

Price, Wendy B.
a/k/a Kudo, Wendy
82 Debra Dr., Apt. 3A
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Renaud, Thomas J.
Renaud, Lynne M.
58 Roy St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/15/10

Robert, Benoit
24 Fariview Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Rooney, Kathleen A.
95 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Russett, Bernard A.
34 Foucher Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/10

Rutstein, Ronald J.
P.O. Box 501
Richmond, MA 01254
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/10

Sagan, Edward A.
P.O. Box 2
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Samson, Edward J.
Samson, Barbara
266 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Sandomierski, Thomas C.
40 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/10

Sardeson, Nancy J.
115 State St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Saunders, Lawrence M.
75 Edgemont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Schmukler, Kristina Ruth
12 North Main St.
PO Box 434
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Sladdin, George A.
PO Box 86
365 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/01/10

Sluter, Lois N.
140 Collier Cemetary Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/10

Snow, Betty Ann
13 Oak St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Soley, Jeffrey J.
2 Greenwood Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075-1612
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Sternowski, Scott James
1009 Berkshire Ave.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Sundara, John P.
Sundara, Vieng N.
56 Lois St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/10

Surprenant, Doris P.
PO Box 342
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Teto, Matthew R.
67 Gage Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/10

Thomes, Harold C.
Thomes, Gabrielle M.
164 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Total Technology Solutions
Patryn, Brenna J.
100 Cummings Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Tougas, Laurie
164 Chapin Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Ugolini, Gina A.
69 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/08/10

Vaughn, Nicolas J.
28 Rapalus St. Apt 5
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/14/10

Waple, James J.
Waple, Christine L.
73 Hall Road, #21
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/10

White, Beverly K.
8 Taylor St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/10

White, David J.
PO Box 975
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/10

Woodbury, Michael J.
5 Mattawa Circle
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/10

Yacovone, Michael J.
194 Vineland Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/07/10

Zilin, Robert Lyle
P.O. Box 494
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/10

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AMHERST

Crestview Farming
340 North East St.
Patricia Wagner

Digital Assets
305 Strong St.
Thomas Prutisto

Homestead Community Farm
39 Autumn Lane
Naomi Dratfield

CHICOPEE

Athena’s by Natasha
83 Edgewood Ave.
Natasha Gauthier

Fountain of Life Outreach Ministries Inc.
37 John St.
Ellery Brevard

J. Max Home Improvement
248 Sletele Dr.
John Makselon

Kaeble Oil Inc.
11 Casey Dr.
Michael Kaeble

GREENFIELD

Art’s Tire Inc.
10 Silver St.
James Lafleur

Bart’s Homemade Ice Cream
80 School St.
Gary L. Schaefer

Baystate Home Infusion of Respiratory Services
489 Bernardston Road
Brian Simonds

Terry’s Heating & Cooling
51 Pierce St.
Terry Sinclair

Tranquility Hair Salon
118 Federal St.
Jamie Potter

HADLEY

Pioneer Tax & Business Services LLC
41 Russell St.
Helen McGuire

Realty Rate
8 Bayberry Lane
Peter Gelinas

Riverbend Animal Hospital
43 Russell St.
David Thomson

HOLYOKE

Day by Day Calendar
50 Holyoke St.
Edward J. Jackson

Fashion Nails
293 High St.
Tai Do

Fru Veg Farm
1500 Northampton St.
Syed R. Mobeen

Knoxworx Multimedia
36 Maplecrest Cir.
Mark Knox

Verizon Wireless
50 Holyoke St.
Karen M. Shipman

LUDLOW

AJ Electric
109 Lavoie Ave.
Nidal Abeid

Ellison Farms
555 Miller St.
William Ellison

Po-Folks Farm
93 Cady St.
Alan Gregoire

Upper 90
987-389 East St.
Aristides Nunes

Your Project Consultant
85 Moody St.
Chris Rust

NORTHAMPTON

Chestnut Mountain Tree
383 Westhampton Road
Jacob Schrader

Grassroots Connection
50 Straw Ave.
Richard Puchalsky

Molly’s Mani’s
166 North Main St.
Molly Dissinger

NewKind Marketing
44 Cherry St.
Margot Zalkind

Raw Artifacts
351 Pleasant St.
Robert Whitcoms

Red Barn Honey Company
43 Fort Hill Terr.
Richard H. Conner

Slate Roof Studio LLC
28 North Maple St.
Cheryl Cross

Strong & Healthy Smiles
40 Main St.
Suzanne Keller

Sugarplum Originals
133 Crescent St.
Jean Gauger

Valley Stress Reduction
30 Locust St.
Ellen Kaufman

PALMER

Ravenwood Vapors
50 Lariviere St.
John P. Taylor

TheDiaperHut.com
12 Paul St.
Donna M. Madigan

The Hock Shop
1364 Main St.
James Heney

SPRINGFIELD

AAA Pioneer Valley Driver
270 Cooley St.
Chris Mensing

African Basket Culture
5 Harbour Road
Modesto Biney

AMJ Construction & Home Repair
56 Newport St.
Joseph R. Lopez Jr.

Andy’s Barber Shop
727 Sumner Ave.
Andres Ortiz

Auto Imports
62 Winter St.
Raymond Tirado

Barranco Construction
99 Johnson St.
Santos J. Miguel

Burke Restorations
44 Eleanor Road
John Burke

C & J Beauty Boutique
135 Wilber St.
Carleen Virginia

Car Credit Funding Corporation
603 Sumner Ave.
Alex J. Friedman

CSRWIRE LLC
250 Albany St.
Emilio J. Sibilia

Divine Greeting Card Service
33 Joan St.
Ricky R. Morris

DJ Xtreme Production
122 Oak Grove Ave.
Xavier Figueroa

Dorset Mini Mart
11 Dorset St.
Miguel M. Soto

DTF Enterprises Inc.
53 State St.
Kenardo Herbert

EM Construction Services
385 Worthington St.
Egidio Morales

Eldorado
817 State St.
Suk H. Forrester

Elements
194 Chestnut St.
Jose A. Baez

Empire Games
133 State St.
D.J. Almodovar

Fabulous Cuts Barber Shop
363 Boston Road
Joe C. Long Jr.

Family Storage and Moving
34 Front St.
George W. Sidor Jr.

First Student Inc.
767 Cottage St.
Brian J. Beechem

Fufu’s Beauty Supply
605 Dickinson St.
Dine Amadou

Gordon-Tana Realty
133 Pine Grove St.
Mauricio H. Gordon

Grimaldi Inc.
1121 East Columbus Ave.
Luciano J. Grimaldi

H & E Affordable Kitchen
87A Mill St.
Horace John

WESTFIELD

Edgewood Apartments
134 Union St.
Sam Ross

Happiness Through Choice
475 Granville Road
Robin Reed

Help of Angels
21 Prospect St.
Lisa A. Smith

413 Lacrosse
276 North West Road
Louis Scarfo

Olexandr Mayloroda Home Improvement
90 Putnam Dr.
Olexandr Mayloroda

Scavotto’s Property Preservation Services
77 Mill St.
David Scavotto

Union Mart
420 Union St.
Amir M. Paracha

White Hat Affiliates
362 Granville Road
James P. Gavioli

WEST SPRINGFIELD

All in One Home Improvement LLC
127 Warren St.
Sandro Scirocco

Common Ground
25 Park Ave.
The Cup Incorporated

Costco Wholesale
119 Daggett Dr.
Costco Wholesale Corporation

Fitzgerald & Company Inc.
88 Elm St.
Brian J. Fitzgerald

Igor’s Painting
19 East School St.
Igor Iglov

Ron’s Flooring
18 Ferry Ave.
Ronald J. Charbonneau

Super Petro Inc.
75 Union St.
David J. Vickers

T-Mobile
935 Riverdale St.
T-Mobile Northeast LLC

West Side Design
33 Clayton Dr.
Aldo L. Paier

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

DW Holdings Inc., 835 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001.Wladimyr Duarte, 3 Hale Road, Enfield, CT 06082. Restaurant ownership and operation.

Family Ford of Northampton Inc., 245 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 01001. John Sarat Jr., 3 Pineridge Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Auto dealership

AMHERST

Foundation for Holocaust, Genocide and Memory Studies Inc., 758 Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Joseph Bohan, 123 Blackberry Lane, Amherst, MA 01002. Charitable corporation, organized to aid, support and raise funds.

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Electronics Company, 277 Grattan St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Sandy Averill, same. Sales and installation of electrical equipment.

FDAS Corp., 536 East St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Anthony Scibelli, same. Automotive transportation and used car sales.

EASTHAMPTON

J. Newsome and Sons Construction Inc., 12 Ballard St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Jeffrey Newsome, same. General Contractor

FEEDING HILLS

Anderson Family Enterprise Inc., 154 Cambridge Street, Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Edwin Anderson, Jr. same. Convenience and liquor store.

HAMPDEN

It’s All About Me Inc., 2 Somers Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Diane Merrick, 2 Somers Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Retail sales.

HOLYOKE

G & J Management Inc., 5 Whittier Circle, Holyoke, MA 01040. Ronald Munroe, same. Mail, package, and parcel delivery.

Kennedy Foods Inc., 333 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Yasser Hussian, same. Fast-food restaurant.

LUDLOW

K Benefit Group Inc., 60 Clearwater Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Jeannie Kwatowski, same. Insurance broker.

MONSON

EMC Trucking Inc., 7 Woodridge Road, Monson, MA 01057. Edward Bernat, same. Trucking and package delivery services.

Kelley Building Group Inc., 129 Palmer Road, Monson, MA 01057. Kimberly Kelley, same. Construction.

PALMER

Clyvanor Corp., 16 2nd St., Palmer, MA 01069. Stephane Blanchette, 2125 951EME Rue St., Georges QC, FF G5Y8J1. Manufacturer of roof and floor trusses.

Easrshot Technologies Inc., 493 Newton St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Edward Wall, 80 Searle Road, South Hadley, MA 01075.

SPRINGFIELD

AutoService Inc., 867 Boston Road, Springfield, MA 01119. Moshe Ronen, 24 Churchill Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Auto repair.

Business Solutions Inc., 32 Dickinson St., 1L, Springfield, MA, 01108. Darnel Ali, same. Voice-over-Internet protocol and connectivity.

Capital One Building Services Inc., 47 Grand St., Springfield, MA 01108. Gideon Innis, same.

Care for our Troops Inc., 733 Memorial Ave., Springfield, MA 01089. Michele Cabral, 314 Edgewood Road, West Springfield, MA 01089. To raise funds and advocate for United State service members. Non-profit organization designed to raise funds and advocate for United States service members.

Community & Employee Benefits Group Inc., One Monarch Place, Suite 2510, Springfield, MA 01144. Lance Letourneau, same.

Entrepreneurship Institute Inc., 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01115. Scott Foster, 1587 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Organization designed to work cooperatively and collaboratively with UMass Amherst to develop and implement a cutting-edge academic based experience.

Global Partners PC Inc., 125 Frank B. Murray St., Springfield, MA 01103. Ronald Eckman, 4 Squire Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095.

Hampden County Employable Garments Inc., 41 Pomona St., Springfield, MA 01108. Gymmetta Brantley, 154 Orange St., Springfield, MA 01108. Charitable organization.

Jay’s Communications Inc., 56 West Alvord St., Springfield, MA 01108. Educate consumers and business on computer design and wireless technologies on how to save money and promote growth in the Commonwealth.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Beech Hill Construction Inc., 88 Cedar Woods Glen, West Springfield, MA 01089. Construction services.

Common Ground Holding Inc., 25 Park Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Michael Sullivan, 174 Edgewater Road, Agawam, MA 01001. Real estate holdings.

Fuel First Elm Op Inc., 592 Birnie Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Ami Patel, same. Gasoline service station and convenience store.

KD Orthodontics, P.C., 232 Park St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Robert Matthews, 35 Bolles Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. Orthodontic dentistry.

WESTFIELD

Jai Ganesh Corporation, 49 Sabrinabrook Lane, Westfield, MA 01085. Umangkumar Patel, same. Retail liquor store.

WILBRAHAM

Access to Angels Inc., 27 Brookmont Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Carol Hunt, same. Consulting and communications services.

FloDesign Sonics Inc., 380 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Arthur Martin, same. Design and manufacture services and equipment sales for water purification.

WORTHINGTON

Cash is King Inc., 129 Old North Road, Worthington, MA 01098. Peter Ricci, same. Entertainment management.

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

Opinion

Path to Recovery Poses Many Challenges

Incumbent Gov. Deval Patrick defied the national Republican tidal wave to win a second term at the helm of a commonwealth still seeking a post-recession economic identity. Massachusetts voters also retained overwhelming Democratic majorities in both House and Senate on Beacon Hill, sent a blue delegation to a newly red Congress, and defeated a proposal to reduce the state sales tax by more than half.
The Massachusetts that Gov. Patrick surveys as he savors his accomplishment is a paradox — stronger economically and with many more growth assets than other states, yet fragile in its ability to deliver on the promise of opportunity to all citizens of the Commonwealth.
The Bay State enjoys a lower unemployment rate at 8.4% than the nation as a whole, and the $2.5 billion state budget deficit pales in comparison with the fiscal disaster in California. But the 292,300 jobless people in Massachusetts and thousands of employers struggling to hold onto their businesses are anything but sanguine about what the future holds.
The challenges facing the governor and other policymakers seeking to promote economic growth are sobering — soaring health-insurance premiums, a looming 40% increase in average unemployment insurance rates, tight commercial credit markets, consumer uncertainty, and a state regulatory system that discourages innovation while creating little public benefit. Underlying many of these challenges is a pervasive sense among employers — many of whom expressed the opinion at the Associated Industries of Massachusetts’ recent regional policy briefings — that neither policymakers nor the general public really appreciate the complexity and risk of running a business in Massachusetts.
Bay State employers have solutions to offer and look forward to participating in the debate on the future of the Massachusetts economy. AIM represents thousands of employers who stand for jobs, economic opportunity, fiscal responsibility, business formation, and a government that acknowledges that the private sector has the unique ability and responsibility to create the common wealth for the people of Massachusetts.
We look forward to working with the governor, the Legislature, and the Congressional delegation to build support for several key principles of economic recovery:
• A uniformly favorable environment for business development across all industries and all regions of the Commonwealth;
• Economic policy that balances key public investments with a competitive cost structure that keeps jobs in Massachusetts;
• Predictable, responsible, and long-term state fiscal policy;
• Well-conceived and collaborative regulation that creates measurable benefits;
• A nimble, world-class education system that provides opportunity for all Massachusetts citizens and the knowledge base for economic growth; and
• Collaboration be-tween business and government to ensure mutual success.
These principles will provide the foundation for a sustainable recovery that touches every sector of the diverse Massachusetts economy, from manufacturing to high technology to retail and hospitality.
Successful economic policy creates uniform benefit throughout the marketplace, balancing the need to invest in the future without simultaneously harming the industries of the present that employ the vast majority of Massachusetts residents.
We look forward to the challenge.

Rick Lord is president of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

Chamber Corners Departments

ACCGS
www.myonlinechamber.com; (413) 787-1555
n Nov. 12: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Nov. 17: ERC Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m., the Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, Wilbraham.
n Nov. 17: Women’s Partnership Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Max’s Tavern, Springfield. Cost: members $25, non-members $35.
n Nov. 17: ACCGS Ambassadors’ Meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
n Nov. 17: Government Reception, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Storrowton Tavern, West Springfield. Cost: members $50, non-members $60.
n Nov. 18: ACCGS Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Nov. 23: WRC Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Captain Leonard House, Agawam.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com
n Nov. 18: November’s Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m., Pasquale’s Ristorante, East Longmeadow. Cost: free for members, non-members $10. Food and cash bar.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com
n Nov. 17: Amherst Area Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., Cowls Building Supply, Amherst. Cost: members 5, non-members $10.

Chicopee Chamber of Commerce
www.chicopeechamber.org; (413) 594-2101
n Nov. 17: Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., Delaney House, Holyoke. Cost: members $18, non-members $25. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org; (413) 773-5463
n Nov. 19: FCCC Breakfast Series: “Greenfield Renaissance,” 7:30 to 9 a.m., Greenfield Grille, Greenfield. Moderator: Ted Carmen, Concord Square Planning & Development. Panelists: Jordi Herold, Bank Row buildings; Ed Wierzbowski, Pushkin and Arts Block; and Mark Zaccheo, 30 Olive St. Sponsors: Harmon Personnel Service and Hampton Inn & Suites. Cost: members $12, non-members $15. The public is invited.

Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce
www.easthamptonchamber.org; (413) 527-9414
n Nov. 10: Networking by Night-Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Hosted & sponsored by Northeast Center for Youth & Families, 203 East St., Easthampton. Door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and host beer and wine. Cost: members $5, non-members $15.

Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce
www.holycham.com; (413) 534-3376
n Nov. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and

sponsored by Eighty Jarvis Restaurant, Holyoke. Cost: members $5, non-members $10 cash.
n Nov. 19: Annual Greater Holyoke Economic Development Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. Featured speaker: Jack Wilson, president of UMass and chairman of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. Cost: $25. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for tickets, or reserve online at holycham.com

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com; (413) 584-1900
n Nov. 16: New Member Lunch, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Northampton. A light lunch will be served. The event is free.

South Hadley/Granby Chamber of Commerce
www.shchamber.com; (413) 532-6451
n Nov. 17: After 5, 5-7 p.m., Cowls Building Supply, Amherst.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org; (413) 283-6425
n Nov. 28: Christmas on the Common, 5 p.m., Three Rivers Gazebo. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce. Special guests: Palmer High School Chorus and Santa Claus. Cost: Free for all kids and their families.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

Agenda Departments

“What’s in Your Dash?”
Nov. 9: Harold T. Epps, president and CEO of PRWT Services Inc., based in Philadelphia, will present “What’s In Your Dash?” at noon as part of the speaker series at the Western New England College Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship in Springfield. Epps will discuss how quickly time and a career can go by and the importance of the choices people make as they balance their professional and personal lives. The lecture is free and open to the public. Lunch will be provided. For more information, call (413) 796-2030 or visit www.wnec.edu/lawandbusiness.

‘Secrets of Successful Businesses’
Nov. 9: The next program in the Innovative Thinking & Entrepreneurship Lecture Series features three speakers on “Secrets of Successful Businesses” from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. in Blake Student Commons at Bay Path College, Longmeadow. Stanley Kowalski III, chairman of the board of FloDesign Inc.; Alaina Hanlon, Ph.D., president and CEO of Phenotype IT; and Anthony Newman, owner and founder of the Barkers Dozen, will be the presenters for the morning session. A continental breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 8:15 a.m. To register, call Briana Sitler at (413) 565-1066 or e-mail [email protected]. Seating is limited.

AIM Energy Summit
Nov. 16: Associated Industries of Massachusetts will host a Western Mass. Energy Summit from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Mass. Career Development Institute in Springfield. The program will feature a discussion on energy-related tax incentives and capital incentives. Also, networking with representatives from various energy programs and resources is encouraged. Speakers will include Bob Dvorchik, supervisor of commercial and industrial conservation programs, and Dick Oswald, manager, both of WMECO; Jeff Cady, general manager of Chicopee Electric; Paul Trangedi, president of ECS; Gene Giuliano of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, and Beka Kasanovic of the US-DOE Save Energy Now Program. The event is free; however, registration is required. For more information, contact Dawn Creighton at [email protected].

Forensics Night
Nov. 16: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will host its annual Forensics Night from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The program is designed for young women in high school who are considering a forensics-related career path. The keynote speaker will be Northwestern District Attorney Elizabeth D. Scheibel, the first woman district attorney in the history of the Commonwealth. Also, participants and their families will have the opportunity to tour Carr Hall, which houses Bay Path’s new science facility. The program is free; however, space is limited. To register, call (800) 782-7284, ext. 1331, or (413) 565-1331. For more information, visit ww.baypath.edu.

Staying Healthy Program
Nov. 16: Holyoke Medical Center will present a program on helping area residents stay healthy at 6 p.m. in the Auxiliary Conference Center. The program is free as part of the hospital’s community education series Dessert with the Docs. Dr. Garry Bombardier will be the featured speaker, discussing physical exams, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and diet. Refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required, and seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 534-2789.

Advanced Manufacturing Competition & Conference
Nov. 16: The first highly concentrated, cluster-centric, regional manufacturing conference of its kind will be held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event, called the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competition & Conference (AMICCON), is being staged in response to growing recognition among area manufacturers and supply-chain members that there is an urgent need to find and meet one another. “AMICCON was formed to identify who’s here in manufacturing, expose them to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and procurement, and to make these introductions,” said co-founder Ellen Bemben. “The ultimate goal is to be the advanced manufacturing region in the U.S., where exotic manufacturing, such as micro, nano, and precision, meet higher specifications and tighter tolerances, and short runs are the norm.” Industry sectors to be represented at the event will include plastics and advanced materials, precision machining, paper and packaging, electronics, ‘green’/clean technology, and medical devices. Business opportunities in defense and aerospace will also be highlighted at the event. OEMs and their supply chains are being invited personally to participate. For more information, visit www.amiccon.com.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2010

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]

PictureThis BW11.10a

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Departments Incorporations

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

AGAWAM

M & J Goncalves Inc., 1192 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001. Jose Goncalves, same. Construction services.

Simon’s On Walnut Inc., 46 Suffield St., Agawam, MA 01001. David Ladizki, same. Restaurant.

Vincent Transportation Co. Inc., 100 Royal Lane, Agawam, MA 01001. Frank Petrangelo, 350 North West St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Transportation services.

AMHERST

Moti 1 Inc., 25 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Mohtaram Bakhtiari, 221 Mass Ave., Boston, MA 02115. Bar and restaurant.

Northeast Conference on British Studies Inc., Office of Margaret Hunt, Dept of History, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002-5000.

Chris Waters, 66 Hall St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Non-profit corporation for educational, charitable and scientific purposes.

CHICOPEE

Platinum Choice Staffing Inc., 565 Lafleur Dr., Chicopee, MA 01013. Ronald Desroches, same. Staffing Agency.

The Art of Fine Lines Inc., 96 Chateugay St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Joyce Catherine Crabtree, same.

Trinity Home Care Inc., 41 Sheridan St., Chicopee, MA 01020-2723. Mary Jean Flahive Dickson, 145 Stonehill Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Home nursing care services.

DALTON

Neurology Care in the Berkshires, P.C., 27 Pinecrest Dr., Dalton, MA 01226. Marina Zaratskay-Fuchs M.D., same. Neurology medical care

LONGMEADOW

Longmeadow Education Association Inc., 410 Williams St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Marcia Harr, 22 Ferrin Dr., Southwick, MA 01077. Organization established to improve the quality of education for all.

HADLEY

New Links, U.S. Inc., 100 Venture Way, Suite 15, Hadley, MA 01035. Neils Victor Christiansen, 38 Trillium Way, Amherst, MA 01002. Wholesale jewelry distributor.

Summit Peak Electric Inc., 39 Ridge Road, South Hadley, MA 01075. Bryon Grise, 120 Damon Road, Northampton, MA 01060. Electrical contractor.

HOLYOKE

Sabrosura Supermarket Inc., 439 High Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. Fernando Ramirez, same. Grocery retailer.

NORTHAMPTON

La Esperanza/The Hope of the Pioneer Valley Inc., 237 South St., Northampton, MA 01060. Aida Ruiz-Batiste, 63 Peer St., Springfield, MA 01109.

PITTSFIELD

Pittsfield Kiwanis Club Inc., 383 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Cathy Finkle, 674 Giberson Road South, Sheffield, MA 01257. Non-profit.

Red Knights Drum & Bugle Corps. Inc., 18 Ensign Ave., Pittsfield, MA 01104. Paul Christopher, same. Civic and educational organization designed to provide music education, to advance the underprivileged and to combat community deterioration and juvenile delinquency.

Silverbac Group Inc., 816 North St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Jie Whiteside, same. Organization established to promote child safety awareness and abduction-prevention.

Yokun Seat Inc., 575 Swamp Road Pittsfield, MA 01201. Richard Bartlett, 8 Yokun Road, Richmond, MA 01254. Apple orchard farm.

RUSSELL

Universal Welding & Mechanical Contractors Inc., 20 Blandford Stage Road, Russell, MA 01071. Matthew Montague, 42 Garfield St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Welding and mechanical contractor.

SOUTH HADLEY

Newton Street Dental, PC., 488 Newton St., Unit 11/12, South Hadley, MA 01075. Douglas Leigh, same. Dental practice.

Pacheco Pizzeria Inc., 2080 Memorial Ave., South Hadley MA 01075. Walter Pacheco, 54 Pondview circle, Belchertown, MA 01007. Pizza restaurant.

Valuemetrics Business Advisors Inc., 9 Spring Meadows, South Hadley, MA 01075. Karl Schuhlen, same. Business consultation services.

SOUTHAMPTON

Western Mass. Public Health Association Inc., 146 Valley Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Barry Searles, 73 Russellville Road, Southampton, MA 01073. Organization designed to provide service to boards of health and related agencies.

SOUTHWICK

Paxis Home Renovations Inc., 151 Granville Road, Southwick, MA 02210. Jose Rivera, same. Hone improvement contractor.

SPRINGFIELD

P.J. R. Enterprises Inc., 10 Chestnut St., Apt. #602, Springfield, MA 01103. Pablo Rios, same.

Real Estate Options Inc., 824 Liberty St., Springfield, MA 01104. Anthony Primo Facchini, 519 Prospect St., Springfield, MA 01104. To engage, establish, construct, purchase, and lease real estate property.

Santana Xpress Inc., 81 Ranney St., Springfield, MA 01108. Wilking Mateo, same. Door-to-door Passenger transportation from Massachusetts to New York.

Sterling Architectural Millwork Inc., 55 Avocado St., Springfield, MA 01104. Fotis Gazis, 120 Pond Circle, Somers CT, 06071. Woodwork.

Straight Line Painting Inc., 128 Saffron Circle, Springfield, MA 01129. Mark Howie, same. Commercial and residential painting services.

T.R.Z. Management Inc., 181 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01103. Anthony Zalowski, 14 Madison St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Business-management services.

United Auto Sales Inc, 874 Berkshire Ave, Springfield, MA 01151. Joseph Nigro, 21 Grove St., Southwick, MA 01077. Retail auto sales

WESTFIELD

Smart Restaurant Inc., 487 East Main St., Westfield, MA 01085. Michelle Moon, 148 Anvil St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Full-service restaurant

Time Savers Laundry Service Inc., 65 Franklin St., Westfield, MA 01085. Eric Meyers, 33 Hawks circle, Westfield, MA 01085. Coin-operated laundromat.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

NSF Laundromat Inc., 49 Appaloosa Lane, West Springfield, MA 01089. Farrah Hena Ahsan, same. Laundromat services.

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Company Notebook Departments

Springfield College President Announces Retirement
SPRINGFIELD — Richard B. Flynn, Springfield College’s 12th president, recently announced plans to retire on Aug. 31, 2011. Flynn has served as president since March 1999. He is credited with developing and implementing a strategic plan for the college which led to transforming the campus through new construction and renovations, increasing enrollment, ensuring financial stability, enhancing academic programming, revitalizing the college’s longstanding partnership with the YMCA, expanding recreational programming, strengthening community and international relationships, and leading the most successful fund-raising campaign in the college’s 125-year history. Flynn called his decision to retire “one of the toughest decisions of my professional life.” He added that he is “deeply grateful” to the students, faculty, staff, members of the leadership team, alumni, trustees, and others who have shared their support, commitment, and dedication to the college over the years. A search firm will be selected soon to replace Flynn, and a presidential search committee will be formed, including representation from the board of trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, and student body. A new president is expected to be identified in the spring of 2011 and to take office at the opening of the 2011 fall semester, according to Sally Griggs, chair of the college’s board of trustees.

Westfield State Expansion Plans Revealed
WESTFIELD — As part of Westfield State University’s 2010 Homecoming Weekend Oktoberfest activities, the dedication of its newest academic space, the Banacos Academic Center, was staged on Oct. 23. The center honors the memory of Westfield State alum Jimmy Banacos, who was an education major and a well-liked, athletically involved student who suffered an injury on the lacrosse field that left him paralyzed from the neck down in 1970. He continued to be active in the college community after his accident and is known for his efforts connecting alumni to the university. In 1982, Banacos was awarded the college’s first honorary bachelor of arts degree. He passed away in 2005. Banacos’ family members and friends are expected to be in attendance for the dedication. The event is open to the community, as are all related Homecoming activities. The center is the home to three academic resource programs, including Westfield State’s Tutoring Center, Disability Services, and the Learning Disabilities Program. In addition to the center opening, college officials also recently announced plans to invest close to $100 million in growth to facilities and services on campus. Growth areas targeted include additional parking, an addition to the dining hall, a new residence hall, and a new classroom building. Trustees will meet in December to discuss the project in more depth. College officials will also present the recommended expansion plans to the Greater Westfield community at a neighborhood meeting as well as with the City Council in the coming weeks.

Firm Establishes Scholarship Fund
SPRINGFIELD — The law firm of Robinson Donovan, P.C. recently made a leadership gift to Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education Inc. (MCLE) in memory of a friend, former partner, and colleague, according to Jeffrey L. McCormick, managing partner of Robinson Donovan. MCLE has established the John C. Sikorski Scholarship Fund in memory of John C. Sikorski, who served Robinson Donovan for 25 years. Sikorski was a senior partner who specialized in labor and employment law. Scholarships from this fund will benefit legal services staff attorneys, private practitioners who accept pro bono cases, and other lawyers who, without financial assistance, would not be able to attend MCLE programs, including those in the areas of labor and employment law and trial advocacy. For more information about MCLE’s scholarships, visit www.mcle.org.

STCC Opens Center
for Veterans and
Service Members
SPRINGFIELD — A new lounge area was recently dedicated at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) for the approximately 250 students who are veterans or service members. The center is furnished with computers and comfortable furniture for studying or relaxing. The furnishings were donated by area businesses, particularly Balise Motor Sales, Hampden Bank, and NewAlliance Bank, as well as faculty and staff. Also available for veterans’ use is an administrative office with additional computers and adaptive technology for use by the visually impaired or hearing-impaired. A counselor is also available to talk with veterans.

Firm Sells Portion of
Wealth-management Arm
FARMINGTON, CT — Kostin, Ruffkess and Co., LLC recently announced the sale of a portion of its wealth-management business to a group of former employees of KR Wealth Management, LLC. KR Wealth Management, LLC is wholly owned by the partners of Kostin, Ruffkess and Co., LLC. Kostin, Ruffkess continues to operate KR Wealth Management, serving high-net-worth individuals, families, and businesses. KR Wealth Management clients will continue to receive the personal attention they are accustomed to and benefit from the CPA-financial advisor team relationship, which is unique to the marketplace, according to Richard Kretz, managing partner of Kostin, Ruffkess & Co.

MassMutual to Be
Honored by BBA
SPRINGFIELD — Highlighting its ongoing commitment to a diverse and inclusive legal profession, the Boston Bar Assoc. (BBA) will honor the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Co. (MassMutual) with the BBA’s first Beacon Award on Nov. 9 in Boston. The Beacon Award was established to recognize organizations or individuals who have had an exceptional impact in advancing diversity and inclusion in one or more of these areas: legal scholarship, recruitment and retention practices, pro bono representation, community service, legal advocacy, and legislative advocacy. The award recipient must either be located in Massachusetts or have had a significant impact in Massachusetts and/or the Greater Boston community. When the award was established several months ago, an overriding goal was to identify models of excellence to inspire continued innovative programs and initiatives. The award reception is free to members of the legal community.

Berkshire Hills Plans Acquisition
PITTSFIELD — Berkshire Hills Bancorp. Inc. recently announced plans to acquire Rome Bancorp Inc. for approximately $74 million in cash and stock. Rome has five branches and, as of June 30, about $330 million in assets. Berkshire has 46 locations in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York, and continues to grow its business in the Utica and Syracuse markets, which have a combined population of about 1 million. Acquisition terms include 70% of the stock to be exchanged for Berkshire shares at a rate of 0.5658 share for each Rome share. The other 30% will be bought for $11.25 each.

Normandeau Communications
Moves to New Location
WEST SPRINGFIELD — Normandeau Communications, a telecommunications-solutions provider, has relocated from Florence to larger quarters at 2097 Riverdale St. in West Springfield. Principals Brett Normandeau and Kim Durand said the move was made to give the company needed room to grow and to enable it to better serve customers across Western Mass. and Northern Conn. The company also announced that it will be adding a Technology Training & Demonstration Center to provide informative seminars on ever-evolving telecommunications technology and how to apply it to help businesses operate more efficiently. The company’s phone number, (413) 584-3131, remains the same.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Agenda Departments

NEPM Product Showcase
Oct. 26: NEPM (New England Promotional Marketing) will stage its annual Promotional Product Showcase at Ludlow Country Club. The event will feature products from a number of vendors suitable for holiday gifts, trade-show handouts, or ideas for marketing plans. RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve a seat, call (413) 596-4800.

Developers Conference
Oct. 27: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield will be the setting for the 2010 Springfield Developers Conference, sponsored by the City of Springfield. The conference theme is “Innovate, Grow, Create … Make It Happen,” and will feature opportunities for incorporating new technologies and innovative practices in the building, energy, and information-technology industries to improve one’s business. Exhibitor opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Samalid Hogan at (413) 787-6020.

Get on Board!
Oct. 28: OnBoard, a Springfield-based nonprofit, hopes to connect local organizations with individuals looking to increase their involvement in the community, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will take place at Center Court, where attendees will meet with as many as eight or more organizations. The meetings will be orchestrated using the ‘speed-dating’ format, with individuals spending a few minutes with an organization of their choice, then, on the sound of the basketball buzzer, moving on to the next. Representatives from each organization will discuss their history, mission, goals, and what it is they are looking for in board members. Interested individuals will have the chance to explain what skills and interests they have to make a potential match. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Elizabeth Taras at (413) 687-3144, Brittany Castonguay at (413) 737-1131, or visit www.diversityonboard.org.

EANE Conference
Nov. 4: The Employers Assoc. of the NorthEast will host its annual Employment Law and HR Practices Update Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Publick House in Sturbridge. The conference will be led by professionals in the areas of labor law, safety, employee relations, and unemployment. Conference highlights include up-to-date state and federal employment laws, recent court decisions, agency interpretations and prospective changes, as well as new compensation, safety, and employee-relations practices. For more details, call Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444 or e-mail [email protected].
United in Hope
Nov. 14: New York Times bestselling and two-time Oprah Book Choice author Wally Lamb, will visit Springfield for the second annual United in Hope. He will raise awareness for how reading and writing build voice, and how sharing that voice creates hope for individuals and communities. Lamb will be joined by speakers, performers, and participating organizations and programs that focus on literacy and expression and community engagement. “United in Hope spotlights and models the dedicated efforts of many working together to conquer some of the urban challenges our city faces,” said Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno. United in Hope will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the High School of Commerce at 415 State St. in Springfield. The event will be held in the Auditorium and is sponsored by Hasbro Inc. Immediately following the event, from 4 to 5 p.m., there will be opportunity to meet Lamb, purchase books, and browse community-resource tables. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Gianna Allentuck at (703) 930-0243 or [email protected].

Advanced Manufacturing Competition & Conference
Nov. 16: The first highly concentrated, cluster-centric, regional manufacturing conference of its kind will be held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event, called the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competition & Conference (AMICCON), is being staged in response to growing recognition among area manufacturers and supply chain members that there is an urgent need to find and meet one another. “AMICCON was formed to identify who’s here in manufacturing, expose them to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and procurement, and to make these introductions,” said co-founder Ellen Bemben. “The ultimate goal is to be the advanced manufacturing region in the U.S., where exotic manufacturing, such as micro, nano, and precision, meet higher specifications and tighter tolerances, and short runs are the norm.” Industry sectors to be represented at the event will include plastics and advanced materials, precision machining, paper and packaging, electronics, ‘green’/clean technology, and medical devices. Business opportunities in defense and aerospace will also be highlighted at the event. OEMs and their supply chains are being invited personally to participate. The Mass. Export Center has already produced two programs for AMICCON: an Export Experts Panel, and a seminar, “International Traffic in Arms Regulations for Defense and Aerospace Export.” For more information, visit www.amiccon.com.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

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
Joan Barry v. Franklin County Home Care Corp., Ari Fleet, Cambridge Integrated Services Group Inc., and American Home Insurance
Allegation: Negligence in the operation of a motor vehicle: $5,660,009.55
Filed: 8/24/10

HAMPDEN
SUPERIOR COURT
Barbara Mackenzie-Rodgers and Robert Rodgers v. Pioneer Spine & Sports Physicians and Michael J. Woods, D.O.
Allegation: Six-year delay in treatment of severe hip fracture leading to permanent disability: $115,508.24
Filed: 8/5/10

Dayna Scott v. Commerce Insurance Co.
Allegation: Breach of contract: $107,500
Filed: 8/20/10

Jeffrey Bradley v. The Golf Group Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of wages and overtime pay: $95,000
Filed: 8/20/10

Liam & Kate Reynolds, as administrators of the estate of Liam Reynolds v. Blue Fusion Bar & Grille, Tony M. Miller, Edward Taylor Newton III, and April B. Griffin
Allegation: Incident occurred inside the Blue Fusion in which Conor W. Reynolds, a 17-year-old male, was stabbed and died as a result of his injuries: $5 million
Filed: 8/11/10

Maria G. Luis v. The Seajay Group, LLC
Allegation: Cost of cleanup for previous oil contamination in home: $100,000
Filed: 8/18/10

People’s United Bank v. La Cucina de Pinocchio Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on promissory notes: $673,140.77
Filed: 8/11/10

Phoenix Development Inc. v. Mass. Property Insurance Underwriting Associates
Allegation: Breach of insurance contract: $96,552.41
Filed: 8/11/10

T.D. Bank N.A. v. Neivar Enterprises, Thomas D. Lesperance, and Carol Balakier
Allegation: Non-payment of promissory note: $491,255.97
Filed: 8/17/10

Wall Construction Co. v. City of Chicopee and Chicopee Housing Authority
Allegation: Breach of construction contract: $10,944.09
Filed: 8/23/10

NORTHAMPTON
DISTRICT COURT
Leo Laporte Jr. v. Mill Valley Golf Links
Allegation: Injuries sustained by plaintiff after losing control of a Segway provided by plaintiff: $336,713.97
Filed: 8/19/10

PALMER
DISTRICT COURT
The Bell/Simons Company v. Al’s Heating & Cooling Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,791.87
Filed: 9/6/10

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT
Bank of Boston, N.A. v. A&T Construction Inc. and John C. Auger
Allegation: Non-payment on a small-business term loan and a line of credit: $72,277.61
Filed: 8/11/10

The McGraw-Hill Companies, LLC v. Leadership Prep Academy for Young Men Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,885.77
Filed: 8/11/10

Western Mass. Electric v. Canta Napoli Pizzeria Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of utility services: $5,832.99
Filed: 8/9/10

O.K. Bakery Supply Co. Inc. v. Abrantes Bakery & Pastry Shop
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,428.53

O.K. Bakery Supply Co. Inc. v. Elm Farm Bakery
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $7,316.27
Filed: 8/17/10

O.K. Bakery Supply Co. Inc. v. Gourmet Donuts II
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,210
Filed: 8/17/10

O.K. Bakery Supply Co. Inc. v. Royal Bakery
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,242.65
Filed: 8/17/10

Chamber corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Chamber Corners Departments

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

n Nov. 2: Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting, 12 noon to 1 p.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Nov. 3: ACCGS Business@Breakfast, Making Chamber Connections, 7:15 to 9 a.m., Chez Josef, Agawam. Cost: members $20, non-members $30.
n Nov. 4: WRC Food Fest West, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Crestview County Club, Agawam. Featuring 12 local restaurants, beer tasting, wine tasting, and cooking demonstrations. Cost: $25.
n Nov. 11-20: Italy Trip.
Nov. 12: ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Nov. 17: ERC Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m., the Gardens of Wilbraham, Community Room, Wilbraham.
n Nov. 17: Women’s Partnership Meeting, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Max’s Tavern, Springfield. Cost: members $25, non-members $35.
n Nov. 17: ACCGS Ambassadors’ Meeting, 4-5 p.m., EDC Conference Room, Springfield.
n Nov. 17: Government Reception, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Storrowton Tavern, West Springfield. Cost: members $50, non-members $60.
n Nov. 18: ACCGS Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield.
n Nov. 23: WRC Board of Directors Meeting, 8-9 a.m., Captain Leonard House, Agawam.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

n Nov. 18: November’s Third Thursday, 5-8 p.m., Pasquale’s Ristorante, East Longmeadow. Cost: free for members, non-members $10. Includes food and cash bar.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

n Nov. 17: Amherst Area Chamber After 5, 5-7 p.m., Cowls Building Supply, Amherst. Cost: members 5, non-members $10.

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

n Nov. 4: Mine Your Business, 4-7 p.m., Kittredge Center, PeoplesBank Room 303. Two-on-two meetings: your decision maker and your top salesperson meet with another local decision maker and his or her top salesperson. Sponsored by BusinessWest, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, First American Insurance, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Holyoke Community College, the Log Cabin/Delaney House, Marcotte Ford, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. To participate, contact Gail Sherman at (413) 594-2101 or [email protected]
n Nov. 17: Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., Delaney House, Holyoke. Cost: members $18, non-members $25. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org

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

n Nov. 6 and 7: CiderDays, Sweet and Hard, Shelburne Falls, Colrain, New Salem, and Deerfield. Cidermaking workshops, marketplace, cider salon, tastings, orchard tours, and harvest supper. Some events require tickets; others are free. See www.ciderday.org for more information.
n Nov. 19: FCCC Breakfast Series: “Greenfield Renaissance,” 7:30 to 9 a.m., Greenfield Grille, Greenfield. Moderator: Ted Carmen, Concord Square Planning & Development. Panelists: Jordi Herold, Bank Row buildings; Ed Wierzbowski, Pushkin and Arts Block; and Mark Zaccheo, 30 Olive St. Sponsors: Harmon Personnel Service and Hampton Inn & Suites. Cost: members $12, non-members $15. The public is invited.

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

n Nov. 6: 10th Annual Bowl-a-Thon, 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Canal Bowling Lanes, Southampton. Sponsored by the Greater Easthampton Chamber Holiday Spirit Committee. Pizza, raffles, and free pizza for bowlers. Cost: $100 per five-member team. For more information or to enter, call the chamber at (413) 527-9414.
n Nov. 8: Holiday Lights Cocktail Party, 5 to 8 p.m., Venus and the Cellar Bar, Easthampton. Second annual get-together. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Donations accepted toward Chamber of Commerce downtown holiday lights fund.
n Nov. 10: Networking by Night-Business Card Exchange, 5-7 p.m. Hosted & sponsored by Northeast Center for Youth & Families, 203 East St., Easthampton. Door prizes, hors d’oeuvres, and host beer and wine. Cost: members $5, non-members $15.

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

n Nov. 3: Valley Job Fair, 2-5 p.m., Borders/Pottery Barn entrance at the Holyoke Mall. Presented by the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce and CareerPoint. Sponsored by the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside. Cost: $200 for employers, free to all job seekers. WTCC-FM 90.7 will be broadcasting live.
n Nov. 4: Mine Your Business, 4-7 p.m., Kittredge Center, PeoplesBank Room 303. Two-on-two meetings: your decision maker and your top salesperson meet with another local decision maker and his or her top salesperson. Sponsored by BusinessWest, Chicopee Chamber of Commerce, First American Insurance, Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, Holyoke Community College, the Log Cabin/Delaney House, Marcotte Ford, and Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C. To participate, contact Doris Ransford at (413) 534-3376 or [email protected]
n Nov. 18: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m. Hosted and sponsored by Eighty Jarvis Restaurant, Holyoke. Cost: members $5, non-members $10 cash.
n Nov. 19: Annual Greater Holyoke Economic Development Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. Featured speaker: Jack Wilson, president of UMass and chairman of the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. Cost: $25. Call the chamber at (413) 534-3376 for tickets, or reserve online at holycham.com

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

n Nov. 3: November Arrive @5, 5-7 p.m., Smith College Art Museum, Northampton. A casual mix-and-mingle with colleagues and friends. Cost: $10 for members.
n Nov. 16: New Member Lunch, 12 noon to 1 p.m., Northampton Chamber of Commerce, Northampton. This is our chance to sit down with you and learn more about your business
and how the chamber can best serve you; to introduce you to people who are active in the chamber; and to tell you about the programs and benefits your membership helps support. A light lunch will be served. The event is free.

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

n Nov. 10: NAYP Dinner with a Purpose, Venus and Cellar Bar, Easthampton.
Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418
See chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

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

n Nov. 9: Third Annual Economic Summit, 8 to 9:30 a.m., Willits-Hallowell Center, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley. Speaker: James Hartley, professor of Economics, Mount Holyoke College. Cost: $15 at the door, including full breakfast. RSVP by Nov. 5.
n Nov. 17: After 5, 5-7 p.m., Cowls Building Supply, Amherst.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425

n Nov. 28: Christmas on the Common, 5 p.m., Three Rivers Gazebo. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce. Special guests: Palmer High School Chorus and Santa Claus. Cost: Free for all kids and their families.

Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618
See chamber’s Web site for information about upcoming events.

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

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]

Picture This 10.10b

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Opinion

Getting the Nation on Track for Jobs

This appears to be a good season for investment in transportation. In September, President Obama proposed to invest $50 billion in the nation’s transportation infrastructure. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has already committed $776 million to bring buses and bus facilities into a state of good repair. Combined with the $8 billion investment in high-speed rail that was part of the February 2009 stimulus package, it seems that the nation is finally putting a down payment on a 21st-century transit system.
But these sums are a pittance compared with the need. The U.S. has yet to commit the money needed to create a world-class rail system, or to stimulate a transit-vehicle manufacturing industry that today depends mostly on imports. In reports we released this week in cooperation with the Apollo Alliance and Worldwatch Institute, we estimate that a serious investment in public transit could stimulate thousands of sorely needed manufacturing jobs. To appreciate how far we are falling short, consider the example of China.
China recognizes the economic links between developing rail lines and promoting manufacturing. In 2001, it began a $132 billion rail-construction project, which is scheduled for completion in 2012. During roughly the same period, the U.S. appropriated just $19 billion for rail construction, or about one-seventh China’s level.
As part of its recession-recovery package, China committed $88 billion in 2009 to railway infrastructure, doubling its 2008 investment. The goal: to create much-needed transportation links, to generate demand for 20 million tons of domestic steel, and to create 6 million new jobs overall.
To reach the government’s goal of 1.1 million kilometers (about 450,000 miles) of railroad by 2012, China will spend a total of $292.5 billion. Of this, 13,000 kilometers will be for high-speed rail. A key benefit: China’s two leading locomotive and rail-car manufacturers will employ more than 212,000 people combined to meet domestic goals. If transportation policy is to create domestic manufacturers and permanent manufacturing jobs, a steady and predictable level of investment is needed. The U.S. lost its domestic passenger rail-car industry by the late 1980s not because of high labor costs, but because of erratic demand. Most of the countries that dominate the industry today, such as Germany and France, have wages comparable to the U.S., but they have a comprehensive strategy that allows producers to anticipate stable demand for their products.
Annual domestic demand for production of rail cars in the U.S. bounced between a low of 268 units to a high of 1,067 units during the 1970s, according to Thomas Boucher of Rutgers University. And as demand for transit vehicles waned, U.S. companies couldn’t come up with investment dollars to keep up with state-of-the-art technology.
We analyzed the job-creation potential of investment in rail infrastructure and estimate that the U.S. could gain 79,000 jobs in rail and bus manufacturing and related industries under an investment scenario sufficient to double transit ridership in 20 years. An investment at levels similar to China — $24.4 billion per year over six years — would yield 252,213 jobs, including many well-paid blue-collar jobs of the kind that have been devastated over the past decade.
Reclaiming a domestic rail industry is part of a broader need to revive competitive manufacturing. Even in its weakened state, manufacturing accounted for $1.6 trillion (12%) of U.S. GDP in 2008 — more than real estate, finance, and insurance.
Manufacturing accounts for 60% of U.S. exports and 70% of private-sector research and development funding. Yet the U.S. goods deficit with the rest of the world in 2008 exceeded $836 billion. The annual trade deficit with China alone was $266 billion in 2008, with 75% due to the manufactured-goods deficit.
A high-quality passenger-rail system is a trifecta. It would attract more riders and cut dependence on private cars — in turn reducing the carbon emissions that cause global warming. More than that, a commitment to mass transit could promote the resurgence of a major manufacturing sector that we’ve lost, reducing our trade deficit and increasing domestic jobs.

Joan Fitzgerald is professor and director of the graduate program in Law, Policy and Society at Northeastern University. Joseph McLaughlin is a senior research associate at the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern.

Editorial

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Opinion

Patrick Gets Our Nod, but Has Work to Do

This is a critical time for Massachusetts, what most observers would describe as a critical crossroads. The state is still trying to recover from the worst recession in 80 years, while at the same time it is working to stimulate economic development in an ultra- competitive climate in which 49 other states and countless countries around the world are vying for businesses and jobs.
There is also the matter of casinos and whether they are to be part of the economic-development mix, the obvious need to make this state more business-friendly, and the very real possibility that the state’s sales tax will be rolled back to 3%, creating some possible opportunities for retailers but also a potential fiscal nightmare for the Commonwealth and its publicly funded institutions and programs.
For these reasons and others, BusinessWest lends its endorsement to incumbent Deval Patrick in the all-important governor’s race to be decided on Nov. 2. This is a nod over challenger Charlie Baker (Tim Cahill’s candidacy is a joke, and he should do the state a favor and drop out before the election) that comes with some caveats, as we’ll explain. The bottom line, we feel, is that Patrick is the best option for the state at this critical juncture.
For starters, we’ll note that Patrick has made some missteps in his first term. The Cadillac DeVille and office-redecoration exploits were among them, but more important were his steps backward in efforts to downsize government and stem the tide of patronage jobs. His failure to seal a casino deal has also led to questions about his leadership skills and ability to work with the Legislature to get things done.
But Patrick has matured in office and, over the past few years, has managed the deep recession effectively, while also amassing several legislative accomplishments, such as a toughening of pension and ethics laws, consolidation of transportation agencies, expansion of charter schools, and more.
What has stood out for us is his very real — not symbolic or token — support of Western Mass. and some of its struggling cities.
In Springfield, for example, Patrick was personally responsible for Liberty Mutual opening an office in the Technology Park at Springfield Technical Community College, a facility that now employs more than 300 people. His administration also played key roles in the State Street Corridor revitalization effort, South End redevelopment, efforts to make UMass Amherst a more vital force downtown, the Data Center being built at the former Tech High School site, and other initiatives.
Meanwhile, in Holyoke, another former manufacturing center trying to reinvent itself, Patrick administration played a key role in advancing the high-performance computing center project, an economic-development initiative that could have huge ramifications for that city and the region as a whole.
The wheels started turning thanks to officials at MIT, UMass Amherst, Boston University, and other schools, as well as private industry, but the Patrick administration helped steer this project to a successful conclusion, and in a city that sorely needs an economic boost.
While in the past, governors and candidates for that post have talked about how they represent the entire state and how important Western Mass. is to them, Patrick has backed up the talk, and in a way that hasn’t been seen since Michael Dukakis was in the corner office.
While we believe Patrick has earned another term to see if he can build on these accomplishments and create more progress for this region and the state as a whole, we’ll note that he and everyone else on Beacon Hill still have some serious work to make this state more business-friendly, and this must be one of the top priorities for whomever is governor next January.
Jobs are the real key to making a full recovery from the Great Recession and enabling cities like Springfield and Holyoke to forge new identities. And the key to creating them is making this a state business owners believe they can afford to be in. Right now, not enough people are of that sentiment, and until the reality, and not just the perception, changes, Massachusetts will be at an extreme disadvantage.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Bethany Assembly of God
580 Main St.
$2,500 — Relocate interior walls

AMHERST

Amherst Court Trust
26 South Prospect St.
$14,000 — Re-roof

CHICOPEE

Charter Communications
354 Sheridan St.
$13,000 — Partition off part of building for storage

Mike Houston
1307 Memorial Dr.
$185,000 — Interior fit-up and exterior signs and awnings

PNCU
46 Main St.
$46,000 — Interior fit-up on second floor of bank

Richard Lemelin
152 Old Lyman Road
$38,000 — Construct a storage building

Wal-Mart
591 Memorial Ave.
$48,000 — Convert full-service seafood area into self-service

EASTHAMPTON

James Witner, II
142 Pleasant St.
$134,000 — New roof

Jeanne More
69 Ferry St.
$15,000 — Replace existing commercial antennas

EAST LONGMEADOW

Aaron Smith, LLC
270 Benton Dr.
$53,000 — Re-roof

Donald Smith
165 Shaker Road
$22,000 — Renovation

Excel Dryer
357 Chestnut St.
$370,000 — Addition

Hasbro
443 Shaker Road
$600,000 — New roof

HomeGoods
431 North Main St.
$73,000 — Renovation

GREENFIELD

Friendly’s Realty I, LLC
368 Federal St.
$3,000 — Repair and replace walls

Mary S. Lesenski
58 Newton St.
$4,000 — Replace roof

HOLYOKE

City of Holyoke Schools
165 Sargeant St.
$14,500 — Install temporary fence

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$45,000 — Renovation of Bath & Body store

Nicholas Sierros
1735-1737 Northampton St.
$5,000 — Build three new rooms

LONGMEADOW

Longmeadow Mall
789 Williams St.
$14,000 — Divide store into two spaces

St. Mary’s Church
36 Hopkins Place
$853,000 — New parish center building

LUDLOW

Big Y
433 Center St.
$2,000 — Minor alterations

NORTHAMPTON

2-4-6 Graves Ave. Condo Association
2 Graves Ave.
$3,800 — Add structural posts from basement to attic

Center Street, LLC
21 Center St.
$17,500 — Remove and install new membrane roof

Demers Family Realty, LLC
206 King St.
$11,400 — Interior renovations

F.L. Roberts & Co. Inc.
138 North King St.
$7,500 — New facade

Paul E. Brown
1 Market St.
$74,000 — Interior renovation for café

Suman & Mitesh Patel
48 Old South St.
$2,500 — Replace roof

Valley Community Development Corporation
98 King St
$936,000 — Renovate 10 efficiency apartments and ground floor commercial space

SPRINGFIELD

Beacon Communities, LLC
401 North Branch Parkway
$3,000 — Renovations

DMH
2155 Main St.
$14,000 — Alteration to office spaces

WESTFIELD

Gary Pasquini
90 Servistar Industrial Way
$71,000 — New storage building

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Dick Hardy
1501 Elm St.
$5,000 — Renovate 562 square feet of lounge

Dr. Robert Matthews
232 Park St.
$12,000 — Renovate three exam rooms

Taco Bell
1 Glendale Way
$18,000 — Re-roof

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff October 24, 2010

DBA Certificates Departments

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

AGAWAM

Dream Catchers Café
360 North Westfield St.
Kristin Wampler

Jondani
61 Oak Hill Ave.
Michael Murray

Lunatek LLC
34 Henry St.
Peter Nunnallee

Malone’s Farm & Garden Center
338 Silver St.
Ernest Malone

AMHERST

Clearwater Seafood & Grille
178 North Pleasant St.
Jason Brown

D.P. Dough
96 North Pleasant St.
William T. Rock

The Option Bookstore
Garman Dormitory
John W. Whitney

CHICOPEE

Mutt Cuts
63 1/2 Main St.
Lori Jerusik

The Living Wood
63 Woodbridge Road
Samantha Lavine

Walk-in-Technology
620 Grattan St.
John W. Cote

EASTHAMPTON

Fran’s Fine Editing
6 Cedarwood Ave.
Frances Fahey

Hair It Is
94 Union St.
Jeannie Thibodeau

Integrity Care Association Agency
2 Holyoke St.
Charles Ackerfi

Lynne’s Hair @ Salon O
163 Northampton St.
Lynn M. Dunn

Pepin Farm
491 East St.
Kenneth Pepin

Pierre J. Bechumeur Energy Consulting
11 Holyoke St.
Pierre J. Bechumeur

EAST LONGMEADOW

Alpha Waves DJ’s
84 Oak Brook Dr.
Dan Chrisis

Architecture Environment Life Inc.
264 North Main St.
Kevin Rothschild-Shea

Douglas White Electrical Services
245 Shaker Road
Mario Cardinal

Gebo’s Glass Creations
23 Hazelhurst Ave.
Brian Gebo

Happy Acres Farm
43 South Bend Lane
Ronald I Goldelein

Sleep Management Solutions, LLC
382 North Main St.
Thomas P. Gaffney Jr.

Splash Belle’s Creations
165 Mountainview Road
Mary Kossick

What’s Cooking, Kids?
41 Maple St.
Dorothy Fleishman

GREENFIELD

Celtic Heels
267 Main St.
Cara Leach

HADLEY

Hadley Dry Cleaners
206 Russell St.
Hyeryong Whang

River Valley Dental
63 East St.
Babak Gojgini

HOLYOKE

Ameerah
50 Holyoke St.
Tarek Farousi

Glamour
119 High St.
Efrain Martinez

Icky Sticky Goo Grueser Enterprises
50 Holyoke St.
William Grueser

International Laser Systems
362 Race St.
Edward Sordillo

Reyes Auto Sales
100 Main St.
Oscar Reyes

LONGMEADOW

Change in Action Inc.
PO Box 60222
Susan Choquette

Interior Inspirations
43 Benedict Terrace
Susan Green

Lisa’s Cottage Cleaning
84 Riverview Ave.
Lissa Stone

Longmeadow Stone & Restoration
115 Dover Road
James Nurse

Maid Tough Cleaning Services
1 Henry Road
Kalee Plasse

Technical-Support-for-Senior-Citizens.com
83 Hopkins Place
Thomas Johnson

NORTHAMPTON

Coffee & Heady
23 Hooker Ave.
Donald P. Coffee

The Green Cab Company
1 Roundhouse Plaza
Peter Pan Bus Lines, Inc.

PALMER

Alladin’s Services
9 Charles St.
Raymond Brodeur

C&C Services
8 Crest St.
Marie Skorupski

Maxim Archery
17 Salem St.
Shawn Doran

Voight Energy Saving Technologies LLC
365 River St.
John D. Voight

SOUTHWICK

Cupcake Consignments
272 South Longyard Road
Jodi Nylund

Moments in Time
43 Berkshire Road
Christine Caruso

SPRINGFIELD

Gus Coelho Auto Repair
390 Main St.
Augusto Coelho Jr.

Heavenly Grooming
1648 Carew St.
Norberto Crespo

Howell’s Reupholstering
75 Mulberry St.
Richard Anthony

ICC Inc.
313 1/2 Eastern Ave.
Daniel Tulloch

J Automotive
149 Rocus St.
Timothy A. Cooper

K.A.M. Technology
203 Ellsworth Ave.
Keith A. Millet

Larochelle Construction
79 Lancashire Road
Danny S. Larochelle

Lennox National Account
90 Carando Dr.
Joseph J. Gennari

Mason Square Insurance Co.
886 State St.
Chester-Chester Inc.

Max’s Catering
1000 West Columbus Ave.
Max’s Catering, LLC

Mindscape Technologies
63 California Ave.
Scott A. Dudas

NJ’s Commercial Appliance
1655 Main St.
Jose G. Barbosa

Page Convenience
500 Page Blvd.
Zahdor U. Haq

Pioneer Valley Legal Association
34 Sumner Ave.
Karen J. Murphy

Ruth Family Day Care
44 Lester St.
Ruthnie Alce

Seven Heaven Pest Control
64 Champlain St.
Wilfredo Gonzalez

T-Mobile
774 Boston Road
T-Mobile Northeast

Tax X-Press
921 Worthington St.
Jamal R. Pressley

The Tessier Law Firm
78 Maple St.
Denise R. Tessier

Tom James of Springfield
191 Chestnut St.
Walter Salyer

World Wide Communication
522 Main St.
Othoniel Rosario

WESTFIELD

Got Junk
51 Washington St.
Mark Gilmore

Mundale Farm
1714 Granville Road
William S. Florek

Paul Jandaczek
549 Russell Road
Paul Jandaczek

Pet Rescueville.com
22 Oakcrest Dr.
Barbara Lynch

Pignatare Farms
380 East Mountain Road
Maria J. Pignatare

Preferred Wood Flooring
15 Cranston St.
Chris J. Roit

Tangles
43 Union St.
Cinda Parnagian

The Grape Crusher
20 School St.
Rosanne Bonavita

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Beauty Gate Salon and Spa
1646 Riverdale St.
Konrad Chmiel

Caring Solutions LLC
680 Westfield St.
Patricia L. Baskin

Carter’s
935 Riverdale St.
Carter’s Retail Inc.

Cleanslate Centers LLC
82 Main St.
Total Wellness Centers LLC

Cutting Edge Pro Consulting
42 Chester St.
Stephen M. Sjostrom

D Berry Services
118 Pease Ave.
Donald Berry

Geraldine’s Lounge
1501 Elm St.
Ares Inc.

Jimmy Larochelle’s Finish Carpentry
164 Lower Beverly Hill
Jimmy Larochelle

Just Blaze Barber Shop
409 Main St.
Jose A. Gonzalez

Physician Care West
274 Westfield St.
Reda Ishak

Tatyana’s Hair Salon
1098 Memorial Ave.
Tatyana Yermakov

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff October 11, 2010

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Cirillo Realty, Inc.
1508 Main St.
$15,000 — Enlarge kitchen and increase seating capacity in restaurant

AMHERST

Amherst College
Orchard St.
$23,000 — Repair exterior stairs at football field press box

Yosrex Limited Partnership
266 E. Hadley Road
$12,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Housing Authority
165 East Main St.
$94,000 — Install new generator

Knights of Columbus
1599 Memorial Ave.
$25,000 — Structural repairs

Lymtech – John R. Lyman Company
2255 Westover Road
$1,075,500 — Renovate existing commercial building to manufacturing & office spaces

Motel 6
36 Johnny Cake Hollow Road
$155,000 — Strip and re-roof

St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church
27 Streiber Dr.
$100,000 — Extend to exterior walls to create common room

EASTHAMPTON

Kevin Sahagian
228 Northampton St.
$30,000 — Construct a deck with ramp and replace siding at food establishment

EAST LONGMEADOW

Donald Lomasscola
147 Shaker Road
$75,000 — Renovation

East Meadow Realty
30 Shaker Rd.
$15,000 — Tenant fit-up

Family Bike
217-219 Shaker Road
$3,500 — New roof

Hasbro
443 Shaker Road
$44,000 — Modify mezzanine area

GREENFIELD

John F. Conley
1 Cumberland Road
$17,000 — Erect a three-bay garage

One Arch Place
6 Arch St.
$1,000 — Tenant fit-up

The Leonard House, LLC
116 Federal St.
$40,000 — Renovations

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, L.P.
50 Holyoke St.
$3,950 — Remodel existing Bath & Body store

John Dafonte
130 Maple St.
$34,000 — Install new roof

Rafael Fernandez
161-163 High St.
$4,600 — Install new staircase

LONGMEADOW

Bailey Center
85 Hawthorn St.
$11,000 — Re-roof and exterior alterations

GPT – Longmeadow Shops
686 Bliss Road
$32,000 — Storefront alterations

Verizon Control Office
450 Longmeadow St.
$89,000 — Cell tower renovation

LUDLOW

David Lavoie
107-117 Center St.
$3,000 — Re-roof

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
80 Locust St.
$175,000 — Install replacement windows at the Smith School

City of Northampton
42 Gothic St.
$202,000 — Remove partition walls and reconfigure classroom spaces

City of Northampton
210 Main St.
$4,000 — Enlarge opening in the city clerk’s office

City of Northampton
139 South St.
$230,000 — Install replacement windows and interior renovations

Coca-Cola Company
45 Industrial Dr.
$1,340,800 — Construct a 16,600-square-foot addition and renovate existing building

The College Church, Inc.
58 Pomeroy Terrace
$5,000 — Install four basement replacement windows

South Hadley

Loomis Village
20 Bayon Dr.
$35,000 — Renovation

SPRINGFIELD

Family Medical
1515 Allen St.
$15,000 — Remodel office areas

Iparty
1552 Boston Road
$1,500 — Bring in fixtures and set up merchandise

WESTFIELD

Industrial Precision
1014 Southampton Road
$22,000 — Construct wall

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Agri-Mark
958 Riverdale St.
$75,000 — Erect 28-foot opening in wall for truck sanitizing

Century Center, LLC
235 Memorial Ave.
$15,000 — Extend facade over store front

Verizon Wireless
120 Interstate Dr.
$12,000 — Install antenna on existing tower

Opinion

By BusinessWest Staff October 11, 2010

Opinion

The Income Gap Is Widening

The term ‘middle class’ is more than an economic distinction. It’s also an appreciation for balance and equity and a national yearning for a strong, cohesive society. Yet a polarizing income gap in Massachusetts and elsewhere is threatening both the class and the concept.
Massachusetts is emerging from the recession ahead of other states, with job creation on the rise. However, the state leads the country (it is tied for first place with Arizona) in having the largest gap between the haves and have-nots, according to the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University; 10% of households in the state earned as much income in 2009 as the bottom 70% combined during that year.
What is driving this widening gap? Economists differ on this, but many point to executive compensation, declines in manufacturing jobs and wages, a corresponding increase in employment in the so-called ‘knowledge economy,’ and changes in household dynamics, such as the rise in single-parent families. Gaining a better understanding of these issues should be a top priority for the next governor and should be at the forefront of the policy debate in the closing weeks of the gubernatorial election.
New data by the MassINC Polling Group suggest an eroding confidence in a cornerstone of the American Dream: the belief that the hard work of one generation opens the door to a better life for the next. Just 22% of Massachusetts parents believe the next generation will do better than they did financially. This pessimism is a new phenomenon. In 2003, when a slightly different question was posed in a MassINC poll, 68% of parents believed their children would be generally better off.
Why the dramatic change in public opinion? Income inequality has been rising for years, but the difference now is that economic growth isn’t lifting all boats. Over the last decade, census figures show median household income fell by between 1% and 8%. Little wonder that the mood of the electorate reflects strong undercurrents of frustration and resentment.
Growing income inequality and its political implications have received increasing attention across the political spectrum since the 1980s. Alan Greenspan had a point when he said in 2005: “a stark bifurcation of wealth and income trends among large segments of the population can fuel resentment and political polarization. These social developments can lead to political clashes and misguided economic policies that work to the detriment of the economy and society.’’
Perhaps we should have listened. The resentment, polarization, and political clashes contemplated by Greenspan have already materialized. The resulting anger is fueling a push for simplistic solutions to such complex problems as deficit reduction, immigration, and a host of other issues. In essence, the middle ground on policy issues is rapidly disappearing, just like the middle class itself.

Greg Torres is president of MassINC and publisher of CommonWealth magazine. Andrew Sum is director of the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University.

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff October 11, 2010

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Abbott, Gary S.
627 Southeast St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Adams, Christopher B.
Adams, April J.
44 Berkshire Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Alderman, Michael
23 Stony Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Anthony, Aryn A.
a/k/a Breveleri, Aryn A.
40 Fredette St.
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Arbuckle, John J.
Arbuckle, Cecilia S.
7 Buchanan Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Bacon, Kevin P.
Bacon, Ellen M.
29 Lori Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Baillargeon, Roxane M.
131 Princeton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Barber, Paul H.
Barber, Diane L.
281 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Barsalou, Thomas Richard
Barsalou, Cathleen Ann
7 Grove St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Beecher, Paul G.
Beecher, Jennifer F.
120 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Bertuch, Elizabeth A.
21 Pine Hill Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Bielunis, Gary Michael
4 Taylor St., Apt.2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/06/10

Bowen-Wilcox, Edith M.
150 Applewood Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01022-1159
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Bressani, John J.
PO Box 8031
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Bressette, Wendy L.
398 Washington St.
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Brunelle, Jay V.
10 Griswold Circle
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Bunns, Anthony W.
64 Amos Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Burgos, LouAnn
7 Rocky Brook Dr.
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/09/10

Caisse, Helen Alice
169 Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Chamberlain, Robin S.
84 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/09/10

Chick, Kenneth W.
Chick, Monique L.
171 State St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Clark, Linda S.
152 So. Shelburne Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Collette, Craig A.
141 White Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Collins, Glenn J.
152 Columbia St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Cordeira, Robert E.
Cordeira, Deborah A.
27 Colony Circle
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Crawford, Scott P.
Crawford, Carol A.
405 Church St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/03/10

Desmarais, Kenneth A.
Desmarais, Claudette L.
2 Dalton St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/09/10

Diaz, Angel A.
Diaz, Sol M. Cedeno
60 Partridge Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/09/10

Duran, Estervina De Cabrera
a/k/a Tibursio, Estervina
73-75 Keith St. 1B
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Fleck, Daniel P.
Fleck, Jeannine H.
126 Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Flores, Dharma E.
3008 Main St., Apt 6
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Forcier, Randy E.
36 Haviland St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Foskett, Russell S.
P.O. Box 251
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Fox Motors
Hrycay, Christopher J.
Hrycay, Kristen
118 Thresher Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Frey, Samantha L.
47 Queen St
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Gemelli Flooring
Gemelli, Michael P.
Gemelli, Christina A.
Vadenboncoeur, Christina A.
86 Packard Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Glorified Graffiti
Piedra, Karl E.
89 Maplewood Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Gonzalez, Carmen L.
321 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Goodreau, Tricia J.
5 Lozier Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Grilli, Michael J.
6 Lexington Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Halloran, Cristin
P.O.Box 2430
Amherst, MA 01004
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Hause, James Elwyn
Hause, Serena Lynn
82 Fountain St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Healey, Patrick Edward
Healey, Megan Frances
47 Olympia Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Heroux, Brian P.
Heroux, Michelle R.
a/k/a Young, Michelle
52 Fresno St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Hicks, Gina M.
235 Arcebrook Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Hubeny, Judy A.
PO Box 1714
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Irwin, Tyrone D.
79 Pittroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Jedrykowski, Felicia F.
24 Mountianview St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Karr, Tara McWilson
10 Grandview St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Kersey, Vincent A.
66 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Kimball, Amy
a/k/a Condon-Kimball, Amy
165 Burnett St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Klose, Shannon L.
12 Temple St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Kodess, Jason Levi
Kodess, Angela Jean
45 Sequoia Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Krol, Chet R.
104 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

LaBelle, Craig A.
LaBelle, Karen E.
161 West Shaft Road
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/03/10

LaPolice, David T.
LaPolice, Bonnie L.
144 Beauchamp Ter.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

LeBlanc, Darlene A.
40 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Lewis, Walter R.
83 Winter St., Apt. 2R
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Lillie, Pamela J.
38 Seminole Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Lopez, Eladio
Mojica Lopez, Lillian I.
281 Lower Sandy Hill Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Lowe, Altobis R.
Jackson-Lowe, Santonya S.
44 Harvey St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Maceyka, Laura M.
10 George Loomis Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Marsh, Nadine A.
Brown, Nadine A.
19 Spring St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/11/10

Maslar, Rebecca L.
a/k/a Lanza, Rebecca L.
47 Forest Ridge Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/10

Mazzarino, John J.
PO Box 364
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

McDonough, Jeanne M.
a/k/a Perla, Jeanne M.
65 West St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Mead, Robert A.
Mead, Laurie J.
131 Center St., Apt. 2
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/03/10

Medina, Jr., Pedro
PO Box 4237
Springfield, MA 01101-4237
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/09/10

Mendel, Kari A.
94 Winesap Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Mott, James M.
Mott, Jill M.
228 Maple St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Murphy, Keitha A.
41 Main St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Nieves, Danny
136 Conway St., Apt. 9
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Olko, Christopher Craig
a/k/a Smith, Christopher
2019 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Ouellette, Ernest J.
281 Chauncey Walker
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Ouellette, Jill M.
161 Hardwick Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Parker, Sharalynn S.
25 Glen Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Pelletier, Jeremy J.
30 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Pierce, Tracy C.
12 Temple St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Pocograno, Joseph Edward
602 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/09/10

Quinlan, James F.
435 East State St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Racine, Michael Thomas
161 Hardwick Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Ricci, Shawn R.
Ricci, Carey A.
219 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/12/10

Rosario, Vicente
31 Freemont St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Rurak, Phillip P.
Rurak, Linda A.
8 Conifer Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Santana, Nancy M.
34 Beech St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Santiago, Richard
53 Everett St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Setterstrom, Cheryl Ann
6 Randall St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Shakeel, Shirley Ann
168 Left Birch Park Circle
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Shewchuk, Mary A.
331 Pleasant St., #2
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Shumway, Philip W.
25 Mount Pollux Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Smith, Donna M.
18 Laurel Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Smith, Lori Ann
2019 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Smith, Tonya R.
91 Daniels Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/03/10

Sola, Danny M.
1189 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/10

Strzclecki, Tina M.
15 Union Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 09/15/10

Sullivan, Barbara I.
a/k/a Wilbur, Barbara
128 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Sullivan, Lloyd Dale
Sullivan, Becky Ann
Schmidt, Becky Ann
8 Wright St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Taubl, Pamela L.
93 Howard St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Tellier, Robert M.
Tellier, Michelle C.
31 Eddy St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Thomason, Patricia A.
151 Lindley Ter.
Williamstown, MA 01267
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Tillman, Karen
75 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Timbro, Laurie A.
a/k/a Savio, Laurie A.
30 Meadowbrook Lane
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/01/10

Titelman, Claudia J.
a/k/a Jennings, Claudia
601 Meadowcrest Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/08/10

Uhlig, Frederick M.
Uhlig, Maureen E.
112 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/13/10

Vosburgh, Debra J.
P.O. Box 116
Sheffield, MA 01257
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Wieners, Ronald E.
31 Maple St., Apt 3
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/07/10

Wellspeak, Lisa M.
15 Pheasant Way
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/03/10

Wiesenfeld, Ronald E.
39 Walnut St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 08/31/10

Wikar, Sandra C.
36 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Wilk, Michael L.
31 Sergeant St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/02/10

Zhupikov, Ivan N.
1148 North St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/14/10

Zuccalo, Jessica A.
118 Tamarack Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/10/10

Zustra, Christina M.
108 Cliff St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/03/10

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff October 11, 2010

Departments Incorporations

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

AMHERST

Amherst Inn Co., 155 South Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002. Peter Shea, same. Restaurant and Inn.

CAIA Foundation Inc., 100 University Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. E. Craig Asche,
36 Laurel Hill Dr., Leverett, MA 01054. Charitable organization established to promote religious, scientific and literary educational purposes.

BELCHERTOWN

Auction Shipper Inc., 442 State St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Aytac Camdeviren, same. Shipping and receiving.

EASTHAMPTON

Feeding Tube Records Inc., 150 Pleasant St., Suite 235, Easthampton, MA 01027. Edward Lee, same.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Auto Glass Replacement Inc., 119 Pleasant St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Ann Bean, same. Auto glass replacement.

Gutter Protection Systems Inc., 123 Melwood Ave., East Longmeadow, MA 01028.
Michael Gregory Jr., same. Sales, distribution, and installation of gutter systems.

FLORENCE

Bidwell ID Inc., 30 North Maple St., Florence, MA 01062. John Bidwell, same. Strategic marketing and branding design and consultation services.

GREENFIELD

Fisher Express Inc., 331 Wells St., Greenfield, MA 01301. Michael Fisher, same. Trucking company.

HATFIELD

Data Engines Corp., 450 Main St., Hatfield, MA 01038. Walker Lee, same. Software and computation services.

HOLYOKE

Arena Realty Inc., 75 Lyman St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Luis Arena, same. Real estate investment and management company.

IHEG Inc., 47 Jackson St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Eric Suher, 28 Jefferson St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Organization, promotion and conduction of entertainment at musical venues.

LENOX

Guenhwyvar Inc., 55 Pittsfield Lenox Road, Lenox, MA 01240. Michelle Vanallen, 24 Rotermel Lane, Kinderhook, NY 12106. Restaurant and bar.

LUDLOW

Appleton Healthcare Franchising Pro Inc., 185 West Ave., Suite 101, Ludlow, MA 01056. Rebecca Pacquette, same. Franchise health care staffing business model.

East Baking Co. Inc., 220 West St., Ludlow, MA 01056. Danny Serra, same.

Funland Party Rentals Inc., 29 Deerhill Circle, Ludlow, MA 01056. Pedro Almeida, 56 Lillian Ave., Ludlow, MA 01056. Party supply rentals

NORTHAMPTON

Intake Advantage Inc., 355 Bridge St., Northampton, MA 01060. Brigitte Freda, same. Web site development, design, hosting consulting, and other Web-related services to businesses.

PITTSFIELD

A Mind Full of Life Inc., 133 High St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Randal Williams, same. Mindfullness education and retreats.

SPRINGFIELD

Helaman Inc., 109 Vincent St., Springfield, MA 01129. Harold Wilson, same. E-commerce activities.

Ianello & Brittain, P.C., 55 State St., Suite 201, Springfield, MA 01103. Richard Ianello, 17 Woodside Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Law practice.

JDR Construction Inc., 34 Grant St., Springfield, MA 01105. Jailyn Rosario, same. General contractor.

JRL Construction Inc., 1145 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. James Lessard, 24 Arcadia Blvd., Springfield, MA 01118. General contractor.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Ares Inc., 387 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Richard Harty, same.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Afghan Youth Initiative Inc., 18 Mill St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Matiullah Amin, same. Charitable and education organization.

Chamber corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff October 11, 2010

Chamber Corners Departments

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

n Oct. 13: ACCGS October After 5, 5 to 7 p.m. ‘Be Your Best Self’ Table Top Expo, the Mind, Body & Spirit Expo. Hosted by MassMutual Center. Cost: members, $10; non-members, $20. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]
n Oct. 23: UMass vs. UNH Bus Trip to Gillette Stadium, 11:00 a.m. bus departure. Cost: ticket to the game, $20; ticket and bus ride, $40; ticket, bus, and food, $50.
n Oct. 29: Super 60 Awards Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Hosted by Chez Josef, Agawam. Keynote dpeaker: Steven Little. To register, contact the chamber at (413) 787-1555 or [email protected]

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

n Oct. 21: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m. Hosted by the Munich Haus Restaurant, 13 Center St., Chicopee.
n Oct. 23: The Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Massachusetts ‘Buddy Walk.’ This group provides information about family support, resources, parent training, and social opportunities. Its mission is to discover, encourage, and embrace the potential of all individuals with Down syndrome. Registration for the walk to begin at 10 a.m., with coffee and light refreshments available. Two-mile walk to begin at about 11 a.m., followed by a complimentary lunch and entertainment.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com
Please see chamber’s Web site for news of upcoming events.

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

n Oct. 4: Checkpoint 2010, 7:30 a.m. Hosted by Log Cabin Banquet & Meeting House, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Keynote Speaker: U.S. Sen. Scott Brown. Presented by the Chicopee and Greater Westfield chambers of commerce. Cost: members, $25; non-members, $30. To reserve tickets, contact the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce at (413) 594-2101 or www.chicopeechamber.org
n Oct. 20: October Salute Breakfast. Hosted by Summit View Banquet & Meeting House, Holyoke. Guest speaker: political consultant Tony Cignoli. To reserve tickets, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or www.chicopeechamber.org
n Oct. 27: After 5 Business Card Swap – Speed Networking, 5 to 6:30 p.m. Hosted by the Delaney House, 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke. Limited to 24 people; registration ends on Oct. 25. Cost: members, $25; non-members, $35. To reserve tickets, contact the chamber at (413) 594-2101 or www.chicopeechamber.org

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce
www.franklincc.org
(413) 773-5463
Please see chamber’s Web site for news of upcoming events.

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

n Oct. 13: Networking by Night Business Card Exchange, 5 to 7 p.m. Co-hosted and co-sponsored by Nashawannuck Gallery and Harry King Rug & Home, 36-40 Cottage St., Easthampton. Hors d’ouevres by Sunshine Bakery, beer and wine, door prizes. Cost: members, $5; non-members, $15.

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

n Oct. 14: Fall Salute Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., at the Log Cabin, Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Sponsored by Holyoke Medical Center and Comcast. Cost: $18; tables reserved for parties of eight.
n Oct: 20: Chamber After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m. Hosted by Holyoke Children’s Museum, 444 Dwight St., Holyoke. Sponsored by All Sales Consulting, LLC. Cost: members, $5; non-members, $10 cash.

Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce
www.explorenorthampton.com
(413) 584-1900
Please see chamber’s Web site for news of upcoming events.

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

n Oct. 14: NAYP Party with a Purpose, 5 to 8 p.m., at KW Home. Cost: members, free; guests, $5.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418
Please see chamber’s Web site for news of upcoming events.

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

n Oct. 12: Speaker Series Breakfast, 8 to 9:30 a.m., hosted by the Willits-Hallowell Center at Mount Holyoke College. Sponsored in partnership with Mount Holyoke College. Speaker: Vincent Ferraro, professor of Politics at MHC, on “Politics of the Global Economic Crisis.” Cost: $15 at the door. Call (413) 532-6451 for more information.
n Oct. 15: Legislative Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m. Hosted by the Courtyard by Marriott. Sponsored by Western Massachusetts Electric Co.
n Oct. 19: Beyond Business, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by Johnny’s Tap Room, the Village Commons, South Hadley. Hors d’oeuvres courtesy of Johnny’s. Cash bar. Cost: $5 at the door for chamber members. RSVP by Oct. 15 at (413) 532-6451
n Oct. 27: After 5, 5 to 7 p.m. Hosted by Hickory Ridge Country Club. Sponsorships available.

Three Rivers Chamber of Commerce
www.threeriverschamber.org
(413) 283-6425
Please see chamber’s Web site for news of upcoming events.

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

n Oct 13: WestNet After 5 Networking Octoberfest, 5 to 7 p.m. Hosted by East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Cost: members, $10; non-members, 15. Bring plenty of business cards for exchange, and bring a gift to highlight your business. For more information, e-mail [email protected], call (413) 568-1618, or check out www.westfieldbiz.org
n Oct. 16: ‘Bring Back the 80s’ Dance, 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by Westwood Restaurant and Pub, 94 North Elm St., Westfield. Featuring Orange Crush, the 80s Dance Party Band. Cost: $20. Prizes awarded for most authentic dressers and raffles.

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff October 11, 2010

Agenda Departments

Talk on Emily Dickinson
Oct. 14: Biographer Lyndall Gordon will discuss her controversial new book, Lives Like Loaded Guns: Emily Dickinson and Her Family’s Feuds, in a talk in Johnson Chapel at Amherst College. Gordon will address the limitations of biography and its risks and gains by focusing on several of the story’s principal players. The 7 p.m. talk is free and open to the public. A book signing and reception will follow Gordon’s lecture. For more details, visit www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/events.

Witchcraft Lecture
Oct. 25: Witchcraft and its effects on Europe will be the subject of a lecture by Dr. Donald D’Amato, adjunct professor at Springfield Technical Community College, at 6 p.m. at the Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. The title of the lecture is “The Unhappy History of Witchcraft.” He’ll discuss how people tend to misinterpret witchcraft by romanticizing its history and making it exciting. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and seniors. For more information, call (413) 322-5660 or visit www.wistariahurst.org.

NEPM Product Showcase
Oct. 26: NEPM (New England Promotional Marketing) will stage its annual Promotional Product Showcase at Ludlow Country Club. The event will feature products from a number of vendors suitable for holiday gifts, trade-show handouts, or ideas for marketing plans. RSVP is required. For more information or to reserve a seat, call (413) 596-4800.

Developers Conference
Oct. 27: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield will be the setting for the 2010 Springfield Developers Conference, sponsored by the City of Springfield. The conference theme is “Innovate, Grow, Create … Make It Happen,” and will feature opportunities for incorporating new technologies and innovative practices in the building, energy, and information-technology industries to improve one’s business. Exhibitor opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Samalid Hogan at (413) 787-6020.

Get on Board!
Oct. 28: OnBoard, a Springfield-based nonprofit, hopes to connect local organizations with individuals looking to increase their involvement in the community, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. The event will take place at Center Court, where attendees will meet with as many as eight or more organizations. The meetings will be orchestrated using the ‘speed dating’ format, with individuals spending a few minutes with an organization of their choice, and, on the sound of the basketball buzzer, moving on to the next. Representatives from each organization will discuss their history, mission, and goals, and what they are looking for in board members. Interested individuals will have the chance to explain what skills and interests they have to make a potential match. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Elizabeth Taras at (413) 687-3144, Brittany Castonguay at (413) 737-1131, or visit www.diversityonboard.org.

EANE Conference
Nov. 4: The Employers Association of the NorthEast will host its annual Employment Law and HR Practices Update Conference from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Publick House in Sturbridge. The conference will be led by professionals in the areas of labor law, safety, employee relations, and unemployment. Conference highlights include up-to-date state and federal employment laws, recent court decisions, agency interpretations, and prospective changes, as well as new compensation, safety, and employee-relations practices. For more details, contact Karen Cronenberger at (877) 662-6444 or [email protected].
Advanced Manufacturing Competition & Conference
Nov. 16: The first highly concentrated, cluster-centric, regional manufacturing conference of its kind will be held at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The event, called the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Competition & Conference (AMICCON), is being staged in response to growing recognition among area manufacturers and supply-chain members that there is an urgent need to find and meet one another. “AMICCON was formed to identify who’s here in manufacturing, expose them to OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and procurement, and to make these introductions,” said co-founder Ellen Bemben. “The ultimate goal is to be the advanced manufacturing region in the U.S., where exotic manufacturing, such as micro, nano, and precision, meet higher specifications and tighter tolerances, and short runs are the norm.” Industry sectors to be represented at the event will include plastics and advanced materials, precision machining, paper and packaging, electronics, ‘green’/clean technology, and medical devices. Business opportunities in defense and aerospace will also be highlighted at the event. OEMs and their supply chains are being invited personally to participate. “AMICCON is a new consortium on innovation that also delivers manufacturers to innovators and new markets in order to cause new business,” said Gary Gasperack, vice president and general manager (retired) of the Spalding Division of Russell Corp. “We are very excited about introducing it to our region.” The Mass. Export Center has already produced two programs for AMICCON: an Export Experts Panel, and a seminar, “International Traffic in Arms Regulations for Defense and Aerospace Export.” For more information, visit www.amiccon.com.

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff September 27, 2010

Building Permits Departments

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

AGAWAM

Marcell Welton
44 Annable St.
$3,775 — 12’x18’ New England Cape storage building

CHICOPEE

Campanelli Chicopee II, LLC
21 Taxiway Dr.
$1,765,000 — Construct a 31,000-square-foot warehouse

Chicopee Housing Authority
400 Britton St.
$76,000 — Remove old generators and replace with new

GREENFIELD

Gary L. Schaefer
76 School St.
$6,300 — Install new rubber roof

YMCA
451 Main St.
$232,000 — Construction of a spa addition and other renovations

Pushkin, LLC
332 Main St.
$29,000 — Installation of a sprinkler system

United Arc of Franklin & Ham Inc.
111 Summer St.
$2,000 — Install two doors

HADLEY

CBR Realty Corporation
195 Russell St.
$5,000 — Office build out on the second floor

Town of Hadley School Department
131 Russell St.
$11,000 — Replacement of acoustical ceiling tile in cafeteria

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Health Center
230-234 Maple St.
$108,000 — Tenant fit-out of existing space

Holyoke Mall Company, LLP
50 Holyoke St.
$72,000 — Remodel existing Express store

KMART Corporation
2201-2211 Northampton St.
$328,000 — Construction of a new Taco Bell restaurant

O’C Ingleside, LLC
361 Whitney Ave.
$38,000 — Install finishes to existing space

LUDLOW

SMD Properties
90 Center St.
$8,000 — New siding

NORTHAMPTON

Coolidge Northampton, LLC
243 King St.
$9,300 — Construct interior partitions in Suite 239

F. L. Roberts & Company
188 North King St.
$7,500 — New façade

Florence Congregational Church
130 Pine St.
$7,300 — Construct partition wall to create large room

Thornes Marketplace LLC
150 Main St.
$21,000 — Renovate Rao’s Coffee Shop

SOUTH HADLEY

Loomis Community
7 Ivy Lane
$3,500 — Install insulation

SPRINGFIELD

City of Springfield
70 Tapley St.
$96,000 — Renovations on 1st floor

3640 Main St., LLC
3640 Main St.
$188,000 — Office fit up for Valley Medical Associates

3640 Main St., LLC
3640 Main St.
$561,000 — Office fit up for Pediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition

United House of Prayer
339 Wilbraham Road
$141,000 — Replace roofing and general maintenance

WESTFIELD

Mark Armanti
8 Turnpike Industrial Road
$385,000 – Construct new manufacturing building for cold storage

NEHTS
101 Springdale Road
$26,000 — Renovations

Samaritan Inn
7 Free St.
$18,000 — Re-roof

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Houston Enterprise
91 Riverdale St.
$209,000 — Remodel existing KFC restaurant

Oleg Abramettzer
553 Main St.
$5,000 — Renovate existing office space for hair salon

SBA Communications, Inc.
63 Bridge St.
$20,000 — Install three antennas and two communications cabinets

Departments

‘Anchors’ Need to Step up in Springfield

2010: A Year of Some Forward Progress

Festival of Trees

Giving Tree

Business Award Winners

Art Auction

Pynchon Awards

Putting the Pioneer Valley Back on Track

Time for Springfield to Get Its Message Out

Path to Recovery Poses Many Challenges

Getting the Nation on Track for Jobs

Patrick Gets Our Nod, but Has Work to Do

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

The Income Gap Is Widening

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

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

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