Departments Archives - Page 123 of 148

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2010

Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2009.

AGAWAM

A-Wam Snow Plowing
396 Main St.
Walter A. Meissner III

Advanced Fitness Equipment Repair
45 Vassar Road
William Deveno

Unusual Treasures
31 St. Jacques Ave.
Patricia Lindsey

AMHERST

MobileActive.org
62 Taylor St.
Katrin Verclas

Pizza House of Amherst
17 Montague Road
Francisco Perez

Rainbow Beach Villa
47 Redgate Lane
Jonathan Klate

The Royal Frog Ballet
174 Amity St.
Sophie Wood

CHICOPEE

Rock Star Video Productions
365 East Main St.
Jeffrey B. Masatt’s

Shine Cleaning Services
82 Chestnut St.
Flavio Fernandes Marques

Victoria Cleaning Services
158 South St.
Simone Vargas Gianei

GREENFIELD

Carsense Automotive
409 Deerfield St.
Raymond Perkins

First Advantage Dental
489 Bernardston Road
Lynn Emannelli

Franklin Media
19 James St.
Susan Wilson

Hair Therapy
40 School St.
Jamie Young

Hillside Woodworking
1173 Bernardston Road
Robert Callahan

Moonlight Electric
18 Power Court
Stephen Walk

HADLEY

Clearance Outlet
41 Russell St.
Luis Garay

Hadley Law Center
216 Russell St.
Jennifer Snyder

HOLYOKE

Davans
245 Main St.
David Rodriguez

El Purguerito
149 Chestnut St.
Javier Rosa

Holyoke Works
100 Front St.
Doris Ransford

Shell Food Mart
225 Whiting Farms Road
Neil Tierney

LONGMEADOW

A New Leaf
435 Porter Lake Dr.
Kushner Zvi

Artistic Embroidery
47 Willow Brook
Sara Sarno

Harry Guitars
162 Bliss Road
Harold Neunder

J. Jill Acquisition, LLC
100 Birch Pond Road
Peter Delahunt

LUDLOW

Homespun Gathering
22 Lyon St.
Anne H. Pietras

NORTHAMPTON

Auto Plus
125 Carlon Dr.
Uni-Select USA Inc.

Acadia Herbals
2 Conz St.
Jennifer Goodheart

Haven Body Arts, LLC
108 Main St.
Tiffany Matreone

Inspirit Common
219 Main St.
Bucky Sparkle

The Global Routes Foundation
1 Short St.
Global Routes Inc.

Videos for Justice
103 State St.
Samantha Lyon

PALMER

Auntie’s Place
254 Peterson St.
Linda Siegel

Mr. Wall
3117 Main St.
Jason Lebeau

Sam’s Food Store
1078 Park St.
Queel Ahmed

SOUTHWICK

DMS Manufacturing
10 Hudson Dr.
John Wilander

Laurie Lean’s Consignment Boutique
208 College Highway
Laurie Boettcher-Amsden

SPRINGFIELD

Michael’s Auto Body
1207-09 Worcester St.
Michael J. Partynski

Mini Mart
298 Hancock St.
Rolando Rijo

Mo’s Roofing & Construction
1671 Wilbraham Road
Modesto Nunez Jr.

New Millennium Barber
628 Carew St.
Carlos Sanchez

Office Team
1 Monarch Place
Evelyn Crane-Olivier

Ortiz Used Tires
83 Magazine St.
Maria Ortiz

Pin-Pun Market
314 Bay St.
Gladys C. Rodriguez

Ronald R. DeSellier
97 Goodwin St.
Ronald R. DeSellier

Thera-Pets
23 Pennfield St.
Carolyn Lewis

Top Service Marketing
65 Stuart St.
Warner Joseph

Tranquility Day Spa & Salon
1655 Boston Road
Charles Tran

Vinh Chau Restaurant
409 Dickinson St.
Lee L. Le

WESTFIELD

Children Come First
288 Honey Pot Road
Marie D. Cheney

HeliMetric
36 Blue Sky Dr.
David W. Howard

Mina’s Wine & Spirits
53 Elm St.
Mina Reshamwala

Starlite Auto Body
215 East Main St.
Timothy Chapman

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Healthtrax Fitness & Wellness
155 Ashley Ave.
Healthtrax Corporation Inc.

K’s Creative Celebrations
177 Quarry Road
Kayla M. Goller

Lincare Inc.
181 Park Ave.
Paul G. Gabos

TJ Maxx
239 Memorial Ave.
The TJX Companies

By BusinessWest Staff January 18, 2010

Departments

Ringing In the New Year

The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield staged its second annual New Year’s Eve celebration at the Marriott in downtown Springfield. Nearly 300 people joined in the festivities. Clockwise, from left, the clock strikes midnight; from left, Scott Monson, Katie Duby, Chris Duby, and Lisa Monson; the cake art, provided by Artful Presences’ Janel Gurney, bears the words that form the YPS slogan; from left, Emily Fialky, YPS President Jeff Fialky, event co-chair Pam Thornton, and Maureen and Joe Picknally; from left, Dan Bessette, Jim Arnold, Ben Garvey, and Trevis Wray.

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

Hot Topics in Philanthropy Breakfast

Jan. 8: “Communicating in a Digital Age” is the focus of the next Hot Topics in Philanthrophy Breakfast at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. Nonprofit professionals are invited to the free event; however, registration is required. Keynote speaker Brian Reich, author of Media Rules! Mastering Today’s Technology to Connect with and Keep Your Audience, will provide a framework for understanding our technology-driven environment and how best to harness the appropriate digital tools to communicate an organization’s mission, vision, and purpose. In addition, panelists Suzi Craig, director of marketing at Fathom; and Megan Pete, director of development of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, will share their organizational challenges and successes related to this topic. The 7:30 to 10 a.m. event will be held in the Blake Student Commons. To register, visit www.baypath.edu or call (800) 782-7284, ext. 1056.

Security Summit

Jan. 27: Catuogno Court Reporting will present its “Total Compliance Solution” at the Massachusetts Information Security Summit at the Sheraton Springfield. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Bar Assoc., the daylong program will highlight key aspects of the new state and federal information-security laws. In addition, speakers and industry vendors will focus on providing objective information to help attendees develop a comprehensive compliance strategy. Breakout sessions will feature presentations by government and industry experts. For more information, visit www.massiss.org.

Rick’s Place Benefit

Feb. 6: The Wilbraham Country Club will be the setting for the second annual Heart to Heart fundraiser to benefit Rick’s Place Inc. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place Inc. was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers biweekly bereavement support for families with children ages 5 to 18 at no cost. Tickets for the 6 to 11 p.m. fundraiser cost $50. A silent auction and raffle drawing are among the highlights of the evening. Underwriting and corporate-sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, call Shelly Bathe Lenn at (413) 348-3120, or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30, 2010: Bay Path College will host its 15th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

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

Audette, Lillian C.
PO Box 638
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Baldwin, Sylvia D.
434 Cannon Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Barnack, Heather
47 Bradford Dr., Apt. D1
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Bedard, David B.
Bedard, Eleanor E.
1629 South Branch Parkway
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

Benard, Richard Edward
Benard, Juliette Marie
17 Whitin Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/09

Brockney, Etta R.
504 Meadow Crest Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Burke, Beverly A.
PO Box 145
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/25/09

Cahalan, William Edward
Cahalan, Cherri Jean
791 East St.
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/09

Chadderton, Tracy L.
67 Warrenton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/09

Coody, Jennifer M.
91 Front St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Decoteau, Denise M.
a/k/a Buzzell, Denise M.
90 Quaboag St.
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/09

Demers, Wayne F.
8 Bluemer Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/09

Derose, Robert C.
304 Ventura St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Diaz, Alberto
Davila, Nylsa
46 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Diaz, Edwin
293 Cortland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

DiLuzio, Sylvia J.
19 Hampden St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

Duncan, Cheryl D.
693 Main St., Apt. 10
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/09

Eno, Jodi
101 Thaddeus St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

Feliciano, Clotilde
Feliciano, Carrie D.
3 Hazelhurst Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Filio’s Auto Sales
Filiault, William C.
Filiault, Diane R.
17 Sunnyside Ter
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Gambrell, Sarah H.
172 Newton St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/28/09

Girard, Michael J.
Patterson-Girard, Andrea L.
88 Glynn Farms Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/09

Gladu, Andrew J.
381 Warren Wright St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/09

Gladun, Fedor
182 Beekman Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001-2605
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/29/09

Godbout, Debra A.
5 Greenleaf Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/09

Gomez, Alberto
256 Gratten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/09

Gomez-Aponte, Damaris L.
256 Gratten St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/09

Grace-Urban, Laurie A.
45 Moreau Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020-4826
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/09

Guertin, Brian D.
84 Maple St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

Hines, Christopher Robert
29 Dublin St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Hotte, Jesse W.
Hotte, Tammy M.
8 Norman St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/09

Jumba, George
135 Hampden St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/17/09

Jumpp, Rohan G.
Jumpp, Evadney E.
15 Delaware Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/09

Kania, John J
147 Ridgeview Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/20/09

Kirkland, Kimberly A.
51 Felix St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/09

Kozuchowicz, Katarzyna M.
80 Damon Road, Unit 4112
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Kusmierczak, Kimberly N.
124 Dubois St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/16/09

Lamorder, Robbin
33 New Ludlow Road
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/09

LeBlanc, Catherine M.
Ploof, Catherine M.
78 High St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Malchow, Jr. David C.
75 Pocantico Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Medina, Sara L.
64 West Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/09

Mitchell, Dondi M.
Mitchell, Shirley Ann
86 West River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/26/09

Nowicki, Keri A.
80 Hitchcock St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/09

Ocampo, Virginia
236 Locust St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/09

O’Meara, Thomas J.
919 Southampton Road.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

Palmer, Colleen E.
109 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Perez, Gricela
48 Highland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

Petell, Laurie B.
80 Merriam St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/21/09

Pham, Hong Kimthi
94 Treetop Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/09

Pignatare, Joseph W.
Denis-Pignatare, Gwendolyn J.
30 St. Paul St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

Prieto, Laurie D.
a/k/a Prell, Laurie
261 Houghton St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Ramirez, Manuel
17 Indian Leap St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/09

Renaud, Judith M.
1 Fisherdick Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/20/09

Rivera, Jesus
141 Breckwood Blvd.
Springfiield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Rondon, Juan A.
139 Orange St., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/18/09

Rosner, Richard A.
Rosner, Kimberly A.
55 North Main St., Unit 48
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/09

Santa, Antonio
Vega-Santa, Elba W.
40 Suzanne St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/16/09

Simmington, James Joseph
Simmington, Jessica Lynn
57 Pleasant St. #2
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Soderberg, Brendon M.
Soderberg, Stephanie L.
24 Stafford Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Souza, Amy E.
a/k/a Weissbach, Amy
231 Cabot St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Suchecki, Virginia M.
140 Everett St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/27/09

Sweener, James P.
237 Springside Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/19/09

The Hampshire Community
P.O. Box 444
Huntington, MA 01050
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/25/09

Toelken, Jeremy R.
11 Niles St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/29/09

Tosado, Elizabeth
129 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Tower, Lawrence B.
Tower, Ruth G.
580 Holmes Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/23/09

Towne, Jennifer R.
775 Springfield St., Apt. 11B
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/24/09

Woodbury, Peter M.
2 Woodside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/30/09

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2009.

AGAWAM

Church of Redemption
108 Bridge St.
$25,000 — Install a three-stop lift

AMHERST

WD Cowles Inc.
29 Cottage St.
$3,650 — Interior renovations

CHICOPEE

Eugene Nawrocki
25 Sheridan St.
$120,000 — Construct a 2,150-square-foot addition to be used as an auto repair garage

EAST LONGMEADOW

Chocolate Works
440 North Main St.
$24,000 — Interior renovations

Creations Factory
200 Shaker Road
$22,000 — Commercial renovation

Tomasz Chrzan
100 Shaker Road
$248,000 — Commercial renovation

GREENFIELD

Edward Wierzbowski
289-291 Main St.
$8,000 — Install commercial hood system

Edward Williams
18 Main St.
$22,000 — Interior renovations

HADLEY

Campus Plaza LTD
454-460 Russell St.
$35,000 — Remove existing water tower and replace with air-cooled condensing unit

HOLYOKE

First Light & Power
200 Northampton St.
$166,000 — Construction of a 24-foot by 60-foot steel building

NORTHAMPTON

David Biddle
184 Main St.
$7,000 — Install a new hood exhaust system

Wright Builders
Village Hill Road
$503,000 — Construction of four townhouses

PALMER

Sears Holding Corporation
159 Wilbraham St.
$38,000 — Update existing facade at K-mart

SOUTH HADLEY

U.S. Industrial
7 Gaylord St.
$250,000 — Repair and renovation

SPRINGFIELD

Freedom House Church
563 Union St.
$6,000 — Reframe main entrance and install new door

JCP Partners, LLC
1719 Boston Road
$84,500 — Repairs to existing masonry

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield
59 Court St.
$32,000 — Structural repair

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

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

Jan. 6: ACCGS Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, West Springfield. Speaker: John Pantera, Elements Therapeutic Massage. Cost: members $20; non-members $30.

Jan. 7: West of the River Wine Tasting, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Studio Sergei, West Springfield. Cost: general admission $20, members $10.

Jan. 15: ERC 5 Business Information Forum, 7:45 to 9 a.m., hosted by Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Greenhalgh Gymnasium Board Room, Wilbraham. No admission cost.

Jan. 20: Women’s Partnership Business Expo, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sheraton Springfield. Cost: $75 for table/lunch.

Jan. 27: Executive Power Networking, 7 to 9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield. Cost: members $20; non-members $25.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Jan. 21: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., hosted by Smith’s Billiards, 207 Worthington St., Springfield. Cost: free for members; non-members $5, includes food and cash bar.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Jan. 13: Breakfast and Chamber Annual Meeting, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Courtyard by Marriott.

Jan. 27: After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.

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

Jan. 20: Salute Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Days Inn, 450 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Cost: members $18; non-members $25. Sign up online at www.chicopeechamber.org.

Jan. 27: Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., hosted by Cafeno Cyber Cafe, 76 Main St., Chicopee. Cost: registered members $5 ($7 at the door); non-members $15.

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

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

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

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

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

Jan. 26: Economical Development Breakfast, 7:30 a.m., hosted by Yankee Pedlar, Holyoke. More details will be forthcoming.

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

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce
www.qvcc.biz
(413) 283-2418

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

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

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

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

Please visit the chamber online to learn more about upcoming events.

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

Jan. 8: Legislative and Economic Forum with AIM (Associated Industries of Massachusetts), 9 to 11 a.m., hosted by Mestek Inc., 260 North Elm St., Westfield. Guest speakers: Rick Lord, president and CEO of AIM; and Brian Gilmore, AIM’s executive vice president for public affairs. An informal briefing on several political and economic issues important to the Commonwealth’s employer community. AIM stands for an economic policy that balances key public investments with a competitive cost structure that keeps jobs in Massachusetts. For reservations, contact Marcia Kielb at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].

Jan. 13: WestNet After 5 Event, hosted by Springfield Teachers Credit Union, 453 East Main St., Westfield. Food and beverages provided by Tucker’s Restaurant, Southwick; BusinessWest; and Silver Member Easthampton Savings Bank. Cost: members $10; non-members $15. For reservations, contact Marcia Kielb at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected] .

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

Cowls to Close Manufacturing Division

AMHERST — Citing diminished customer demand for custom-sawed lumber, W. D. Cowls Inc. will close its sawmill, one of its four divisions, this month. The ninth-generation family business will focus its future on its timberland and real-estate-management services, and Cowls Building Supply’s retail lumberyard and design showroom, according to Cinda Jones, president of W. D. Cowls Inc. Cowls’ core business, since 1741, has been sustainably managing timberland in Western Mass. from its home farm in North Amherst. Over the past 268 years, the family business enterprises have also included onion, corn, tobacco, and potato farms. Jones noted that family businesses have to innovate and change over time to survive and thrive, and her family is excited about the future. She added that this latest endeavor “is not about a business closing, but about a business evolving.”

NTS Moving into Springfield

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. — New Technology Systems Inc. (NTS) will expand its presence into Western Mass. with a business service and sales office in the Monarch building beginning Feb. 1. NTS is a privately held, enterprise IT company that has been servicing Connecticut and Massachusetts for more than 28 years, according to Barry Kelly, vice president of NTS. Kelly noted that NTS specializes in the assessment, design, supply, and implementation of cost-effective technology solutions. NTS is headquartered in East Hartford.

Bell & Hudson Insurance Recertified

BELCHERTOWN — Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency Inc. has achieved full recertification as a Five Star insurance agency by the Mass. Assoc. of Insurance Agents. The Five Star Award of Distinction is earned by agencies that pass a comprehensive fitness review based on model best practices in customer focus, management, leadership, human resources, processes, products, and services. Once the designation is achieved by an insurance agency, the agency must be recertified every three years to retain it. The Five Star certification team, which conducts the fitness review, made note of the agency’s outstanding leadership, positive employee morale, and the staff’s commitment to the agency’s customers and the community as a whole. Bell & Hudson Insurance Agency, a full-service independent insurance agency, is located at 19 North Main St.

Auto Distributorship Transformation Brings Awards

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — The University of Hartford’s new Mort and Irma Handel Performing Arts Center has been honored repeatedly as an outstanding example of ‘adaptive reuse’ of an old industrial facility. The project transformed the former Thomas Cadillac distributorship at the corner of Albany Avenue and Westbourne Parkway in Hartford into a 55,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility for dance and theater instruction and performance for the Hartt School. The $22 million facility includes five dance studios, four theater rehearsal studios, three vocal studios, and two black-box theatres, as well as faculty offices, a café, a bank branch, and a community room. The architects of the arts center received a 2009 Design Award on Dec. 7 from the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in the category of ‘preservation.’ The center was designed by Smith Edwards Architects of Hartford with the goal of preserving the unique character of the original facility, which was created in 1929 by pioneering industrial architect Albert Kahn. The center also received a 2009 Hartford Preservation Alliance Award for its rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of the former Cadillac building. Other honors for the project include a Connecticut Real Estate Exchange Award for adaptive reuse, a 2009 Connecticut Preservation Award from the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, and a Connecticut Main Street Center 2009 Award of Excellence for adaptive reuse.

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

The following is a compilation of recent lawsuits involving area businesses and organizations. Note that 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

Keyla Sullivan v. HHK Properties, LLC
Allegation: Ceiling collapse in bathroom causing personal injury: $3,792.32
Filed: 12/2/09

Martin Topor Oil Co. Inc. d/b/a Central Oil v. Timberland Trucking, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of oil sold and delivered: $4,870.10
Filed: 11/23/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

ECI Rail Constructors, LLC v. Northern Construction Service, LLC and Hanover Insurance Co.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay for flagging services rendered during the repair of a railroad bridge: $79,900.88
Filed: 12/07/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Ford Motor Credit Co., LLC v. Pioneer Supply Co.
Allegation: Default on a retail installment sales agreement: $7,779.88
Filed: 11/27/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

American Express v. Paradise Limousine
Allegation: Monies owed pursuant to a credit-card agreement: $27,317.74
Filed: 11/18/09

Bank of Western Massachusetts v. Shelburne Falls Wine Merchants, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of commercial notes and guaranties: $105,150.72
Filed: 11/23/09

Dimitry Primakov v. Aero-Bond Corp.
Allegation: Failure to pay wages and wrongful termination: $25,000+
Filed: 11/10/09

Holyoke Mall Co., LP v. Nail Pro
Allegation: Breach of lease agreement: $229,798.17
Filed: 11/10/09
Ikon Financial Services v. Grynn & Barrett Inc.
Allegation: Breach of equipment lease agreement: $54,579.87
Filed: 11/20/09

Jonathan Kerr v. Menard, Murphy, & Walsh, LLC
Allegation: Conversion and fraud regarding deposit in real estate transaction: $150,000
Filed: 11/20/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Beatrice Cokely v. Colonel Woodbridges Tavern Inc.
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance, causing personal injury: $63,000
Filed: 12/07/09

Joan M. Johnson v. CPL Cabot LLC & Revera Health Systems
Allegation: Emotional distress and retaliation in the workplace: $56,000
Filed: 12/16/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Ma Pacitti v. Eric Vaughn Roofing Co.
Allegation: Breach of a roofing contract: $3,000
Filed: 11/23/09

Ted Ondrick Co., LLC v. CAP Development and TRAK Petroleum, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials: $3,462.50
Filed: 12/16/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Aggregate Industries Northeast Region Inc. v. Bill Griggs Carpentry
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,189.58
Filed: 11/16/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

American Express v. Attexor Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of monies loaned pursuant to a credit-card agreement: $18,873.76
Filed: 10/30/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. LA Newton School of Beauty Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $11,146.97
Filed: 11/09/09

H&P Realty, LLC v. Audio Image
Allegation: Non-payment of rent: $31,320.00
Filed: 11/04/09

Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. v. Fales Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of judgment: $43,995.89
Filed: 11/04/09

PDQ Billing Services v. Agawam Primary Care
Allegation: Non-payment of billing services rendered: $4,474.66
Filed: 11/04/09

Unishippers v. Taxi Dog Bakery
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment of shipping services: $8,397.92
Filed: 11/02/09

United Rentals Inc. v. Pinnacle Roofing Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services: $4,760.28
Filed: 11/05/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Wheeler Oil Co. Inc. v. Timberland Trucking, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of home diesel fuel sold: $9,986.98
Filed: 12/14/09

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the month of December 2009.

AGAWAM

Affordable Towing & Service
31 St. Jacques Ave.
Alexander Bloom

Family Basement Water Proof
724 Main St.
John Van Buren

Massachusetts Bike Information Guide
53 Fairview St.
Robert P. Alves

Power Metal Hood Cleaning
124 North Westfield St.
John A. Denardo

AMHERST

Berkshire College Advising
21 Sacco Dr.
Nathaniel Budington

Gottago Taxi
256 North Pleasant St.
Gangi Bakarani

Riverwolf Productions
404 State St.
Sharon Vardatira

CHICOPEE

Citgo Food Mart
817 Front St.
Sanjay Patel

Jack’s Auto Repair
238 Meadow St.
Tammy Lee Harrington

Veteran’s Landscaping
34 Glendale St.
Bryan Michael Bongle

GREENFIELD

Eye & Lasik Center
33 Riddell St.
Franklin Eye Care Association, LLC

Greenfield Garden Cinemas
361 Main St.
George Gohl

Green Tree Service
32 Summer St.
Jeffrey Koshinsky

Hedges Hot Stuff
324 Wells St.
Stephen J. Nelson

Locia Pottery
86 Leyen Road
Lucy Fagellia

Merry & Silver Company
37 Congress St.
Robert Edward Barber III

HADLEY

Baystate Outfitters
29 Hockanum Road
Patrick Banas

Rt. 66
110 Russell St.
Gary Kaneb

HOLYOKE

Hampshire Glass
504 South St.
Diane Dansereau

K&D Auto Sales
18 Kay Ave.
Alexander Quendo

Liberty Tax Service
344 High St.
Maria Kesjiwski

LONGMEADOW

Helpthekids
588 Longmeadow St.
Lula Abasha

Mary Jo Schubert
7 Edgewood Ave.
Mary Jo Schubert

Ryczek Tutoring
119 Coventry Lane
Kevin Ryczek

Starfish Webdesigns
102 Belleclaire Ave.
Rebecca Wales-Szyluk

LUDLOW

Easy Shop
546 Center St.
Tahir Humayon

Roxell @ Davinci Salon
115 Sewall St.
Roxell M. Armstrong

NORTHAMPTON

Leading the Way Day Training
18 Chestnut St.
Shannon Fitzgerald

McFalcon Construction
270 Bridge St.
Jose Luis Falcon

More Than Skin Deep
150 Main St.
Diana Cerutti

Toward Harmony Tai Chi
16 Center St.
Charles William Ryan

Wood Pellet Price
6 Conz St.
Seth Fischer

PALMER

Camp Archaeology
1356 Main St.
Patricia McFarland

Hollywood Nails
1411 Main St.
Tram Leim Thantt

The Purple Puppy Dog Grooming
529 Wilbraham St.
Rebecca Bouchard

Triangle Pattern
65 Springfield St.
David Ducomb

SOUTHWICK

Gallant Carpentry
16 Falmouth Road
Raymond Gallant

SPRINGFIELD

A & S Convenience Store
276 Oakland St.
Muhammad Ashraf

Albany Street Properties
250 Albany St.
Emilio J. Sibilia

Bement Associates
35 Lenox St.
Marta C. Leander

Bornfree Marketing
158 Island Pond Road
Charlie Holmes

Broad Strokes
1538 Carew St.
Christina M. Hickey

China Bo Express
762 Boston Road
Tok Chang

Family X Chang
394 Dickinson St.
Cuong Phuoc Ho

Finish Line Trucking Inc.
43 School St.
Karl V. Flash

Forever Clean Janitorial
66 Mattoon St.
Hakeen U. Duke

G & G Live Bait
1801 Page Blvd.
Eugene J. Kapper

Gargoyles Security
149 Darling St.
Kristian O. Martinez

Health & Relaxation
803 Belmont Ave.
Jian Hong Lin

Industrial Coating
24 Carlisle St.
Bryan L. Townsend

Kamia’s Sents
16 Merrick Ave.
Louis Maurice Squires

La Favorita Mini Mart
179 Walnut St.
Majid Nizam Din

Lebron’s Underwood Photography
135 Cheyenne Road
Leonard Wesley

Liberty Tax Service
2460 Main St.
Jacob Garcia

Luxury Nails Salon
1220 Main St.
Vy John Nguyen

M & R Entertainment
49 Murray Hill Ave.
Mark A. Woodberry

WESTFIELD

Diamond Custom Coating Inc.
3 Progress Ave.
John Balicki

Image Flooring
04 Southwick Road
Wayne G. Bruneau

Soup’s On, LLC
16 Union St.
Alice M Dawicki

Your Rescore
116 Hampton Ave.
Raymond Wells

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Donut Dip Inc.
1305 Riverdale St.
Richard J. Shields

Express
51 Bridge St.
Oleg F. Sagan

Rein’s
25 Park Ave.
Mass Deli, LLC

River Inn Motel
55 Main St.
OHM Namoshiray Inc.

Worldwide Staffing
425 Union St.
KWLS Inc.

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

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

EAST LONGMEADOW

International Pest Control Inc., 24 Dell St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Vladimir Bovdyr, same. Pest control.

ROA Molding Inc., 200 North Main St., Suite 4, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. David N. Moore, 257 Mountain Road, Hampden, MA 01036. Plastic molding, manufacturing, and related services.

HOLYOKE

Bodega 24 Corporation, 47 Cherry St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jean C. Concepcion, Same. Grocery retailer.

GREENFIELD

Hole Pie Inc., 44 Hope St., Greenfield, MA 01301. James Callaway, same. To own, operate, control and/or manage restaurants.

LONGMEADOW

Denise Desellier Real Estate Inc., 5 Dartmouth Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Denise M. Desellier, same. Real estate sales, purchase and sale of tax liens.

NORTHAMPTON

Developmental Testing Service Inc., 35 South Park Terrace, Northampton, MA 01060. Theo Linda Dawson, same. Educational and scientific purposes.

Glenn S. Fagen, PHD Inc., 100 King St., Suite 303, Northampton, MA 01060. Glenn Fagen, same. Psychotheraphy practice.

SPRINGFIELD

Forest Park Grocery & Fruit Market Corporation, 68 Appleton St., Springfield, MA 01108. Guillermo R. Negron, Same. Grocery and fruit market; soda, beer, wine, and tobacco

Massachusetts Center for Advanced Precision Manufacturing Technology Inc., 1441 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. J. William Ward, 14 Oakcrest Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. To facilitate and promote economic development generally and, in particular, to serve as a focal point and catalyst for technical services and growth initiatives that benefit the precision manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Patriot Roofing & Remodeling Inc., 88 Arcadia Blvd. Springfield, MA 01118. Mark O. Kelly, same. Home and commercial repair roofing and remodeling.

WESTFIELD

K & M Corporation, 1176 Granville Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Michael E. Regensburger, same. Limousine service.

WILBRAHAM

Flodesign Wind Turbine Securities Corp., 380 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Stanley Kowalski III, same. To make investments and manage funds.

RWD6 — Will Fly Again Inc., 830 Glendale Road, Wilbraham, MA 01056. Grzegorz Trzaska, same. To build a replica of RWD6 aircraft.

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

The Giving Tree

The Hasbro Children’s Giving Tree program marked its 25th anniversary last month, and in style. It generated 60,000 toys and games for underprivileged children in the Greater Springfield area and more than 650 pounds of food for the region’s families in need, and spread 1,500 acts of kindness throughout Western Mass. At right, as part of the wrapup celebration, eighth-grade students from Birchland Park School in East Longmeadow read about the acts of kindness they performed through the program. George Burtch, vice president of Global Integration at Hasbro, and Hasbro character Mr. Potato Head listen from behind the podium while Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno stands on the right. Below, fourth- and fifth-grade students from Milton Bradley Elementary School in Springfield pose for pictures with Sarno and Mr. Potato Head.

By BusinessWest Staff January 4, 2010

Departments

Ten Points About : Extension of the COBRA Subsidy for Involuntarily Terminated Employees

By KIMBERLY A. KLIMCZUK, Esq.

1. The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (COBRA) allows employees who lose their health insurance benefits to continue their coverage for up to 18 months under certain circumstances. Traditionally, employees who elected COBRA benefits were responsible for paying the cost of their COBRA health insurance premiums.

2.The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) amended portions of COBRA to provide a government subsidy for COBRA premiums to employees who left their jobs involuntarily between Sept. 1, 2008 and Dec. 31, 2009.

3. Under the ARRA, the government subsidized 65% of the COBRA premiums for eligible employees for up to nine months. Employers were required to pay the subsidy up front as part of the employees’ premium payments and received reimbursement from the federal government through reduced federal payroll tax payments.

4. The subsidy applies to periods of health coverage beginning on or after Feb. 17, 2009, and, under the ARRA, was to last for up to 9 months.

5. On Dec. 19, 2009, President Obama signed the 2010 Defense Appropriations Act (DAA), which extends the eligibility period for the COBRA subsidy to include employees who involuntarily separate from employment on or before Feb. 28, 2010.

6. The DAA also lengthens the COBRA subsidy period from nine months to 15 months.

7. In addition, former employees who had already reached the end of their subsidy period prior to passage of the DAA may continue their reduced-premium COBRA coverage for the additional six months as long as they pay their 35% share of the COBRA premium by Feb. 17, 2010, or within 30 days of receiving notice from their plan administrator, whichever is later.

8. If any such employees already paid 100% of their premium in December 2009, they are entitled to either a reimbursement of the 65% that is subsidized under the DAA’s extension provisions or a credit toward future premiums equal to 65% of the monthly premium.

9. The DAA requires employers to modify their COBRA election notice to provide information about the extended COBRA subsidy to all individuals who experience a COBRA-qualifying event between Sept. 1, 2008 and Feb. 28, 2010.

10. Information on new notice requirements, updated guidance, fact sheets, and frequently asked questions will be available on the DOL’s Web site, www.dol.gov/cobra.

Kimberly A. Klimczuk, Esq. is a partner in the law firm Royal & Klimczuk, LLC. She specializes in management-side labor and employment law; (413) 586-2288; [email protected]

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Applied Chemistries Inc., 619 Silver St., Agawam, MA 01001. Brian C. St. Pierre, 90 Maple St., Southampton, MA 01073. Manufacture chemicals/technical consulting.

CHICOPEE

Argus Security Corporation, 63 Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Anthony R. Gomez, 44 Eldridge St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Security services.

HAMPDEN

CU Companion Inc., 2 Country Club Dr., Hampden, MA 01036. Glenn David Goodman, 195 Bliss Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Provider of services to credit unions.

LONGMEADOW

Springfield Lacrosse Club Inc., 870 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106. Keith Bugbee, 14 Moosehorn Road, West Granby, CT 01090. Lacrosse training, instruction, practice, and competition.

SOUTHWICK

Southwick Acres Inc., 91 Jered Lane, Southwick, MA 01077. Janice S. Lafrance, same. To own and operate a campground.

SPRINGFIELD

AJI Sales Corporation, 468 Walnut St., Springfield, MA 01105. Anthony J. Impoco, 41 Sheep Pasture Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Fresh poultry and egg sales.

Medical Knowledge Institute Inc., The, 136 William St., Springfield, MA 01105. Peter J. Bittel, same. Engage in any religious, charitable, scientific testing for public safety.

Solution Inc., 80 Worthington St., Springfield, MA 01103. Paul Ramesh, 172 Nottingham St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Cargo vessel.

Viviano Soccer Academy Inc., 121 Brandon Ave., Springfield, MA 01119. Ciro Viviano, same. Soccer league.

WILBRAHAM

Kinase Inc., 28 Stonyhill Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095.Kyung Won Kim, 215 Cislak Dr., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Real Estate.

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

Dean McKenzie, M.D., MHSA, has joined Providence Behavioral Health Hospital in Holyoke as Chief Medical Officer. In this role, McKenzie acts as a liaison between administration and members of the medical staff to support patient care services, while focusing on quality of care, patient satisfaction, risk management, and patient safety. A graduate of Hope College and the University of Michigan Medical School, McKenzie served his residency in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona. He is board-certified in psychiatry and neurology. He most recently served as Utilization Management Medical Director for Magellan of Arizona, a state-contracted, regional behavioral-health authority that provides a wide range of services, including crisis assistance, children’s services, and substance-abuse treatment.

•••••

Jennifer L. Snyder, Esq. has opened the Hadley Law Center at 216 Russell St., Hadley. Areas of practice include elder law, special needs, estate planning, and family law.

•••••

Christina J. Quinby has been promoted to Community Development Planner at the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in Springfield. She joined the organization in 2008 as a Planning Assistant following an internship in the Community Development section. She holds a master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College.

•••••

Attorney L. Alexandra Hogan of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. in Springfield recently lectured on “Massachusetts Data Security Law, Compliance, and Confusion” with Marco Liquori, President of Net Logix Inc., of Westfield, at the 48th annual Tax Institute seminar at Western New England College in Springfield. Their presentation focused on the new law and compliance requirements state businesses must have in place to protect their clients’ and customers’ personal information.

•••••

Susan Leschine, co-founder of Qteros, has been named one of the Top 25 Women in Tech by media trendsetter AlwaysOn. Those named to the first-annual list were chosen for overall innovation, ability to identify new market opportunities, and creation of stakeholder value, among other criteria. In her lab at UMass Amherst, Leschine continues to work diligently on the Q microbe for ethanol production.

•••••

Dr. Keisha A. Jones has joined Baystate Urogynecology where she will assist Dr. Oz Harmanli, Chief of the Urogynecology and Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery division at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Jones completed a fellowship in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery at Magee-Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. She earned her medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, completed her internship and residency at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut, and earned a master’s degree in clinical research from the University of Pittsburgh. She will serve as Resident Rotation Coordinator in Urogynecology at Baystate.

•••••

Ben Scranton, Executive Vice President of the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley, was recently honored by the National Assoc. of Realtors with its certified executive designation, which recognizes exceptional efforts made by association executives. Scranton is one of more than 360 executives who have achieved this mark of excellence.

•••••

Marysue Mooney has been promoted to Classified Advertising Manager at The Republican in Springfield.

•••••

Dr. Tashanna K.N. Myers has joined the Baystate Regional Cancer Program’s Gynecologic Oncology Division at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Myers completed her fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Oklahoma. She completed her doctor of medicine in obstetrics and her residency at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Yale University.

•••••

Paul Papaluca of the Sydney Hirsch Team at RE/MAX Prestige in East Longmeadow, has earned the Certified Distressed Property Expert designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales.

•••••

Vikki D. Lenhart has joined the Hart & Patterson financial planning team in Northampton. She holds Series 7 and Series 66 licenses and is licensed in life, accident, and health insurance.

•••••

Howard Stanton III recently joined Rockville Bank as Controller. He will be responsible for planning, organizing and directing the accounting and financial control activities of the bank, its holding company, and all subsidiaries.

•••••

Dr. Neal C. Hadro has joined the medical staff of the heart and vascular program at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He comes to Baystate from the Cleveland Clinic and Marymount Hospital in Garfield Heights, Ohio, where he served as faculty and as a staff vascular and endovascular surgeon. He earned his medical degree at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston and completed his residency in general surgery, as well as a peripheral vascular surgery fellowship, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. Hadro also completed an endovascular fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital. He is board certified in surgery with added qualifications in vascular surgery.

•••••

Corey M. Dennis has joined the law firm Skoler, Abbott & Presser in Springfield as an Associate representing management in labor and employment-law litigation.

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

A Primer on 201 CMR 17

Peritus Security Partners staged an informational seminar on the state’s new personal-information-security law on Dec. 2 at Spoleto restaurant in Northampton. Several business owners and managers were given a detailed briefing on the specifics of the measure and the steps for being in compliance. From left are Charlie Christianson, president of Peritus; Trish Tessier, office manager for the company; Bob Mathiason, vice president of Sales for Peritus; Kurt Baumgarten, vice president of Information Security for Peritus; and Kim Klimczuk, Esq., a partner with the Northampton-based firm Royal & Klimczuk, who provided a legal overview of the measure.

A Cut Above

Since 2007, cosmetology students (under the supervision of licensed instructors) have provided more than 500 free haircuts to veterans at DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield. The school originally offered these free services exclusively on Veterans’ Day, but because of an overwhelming response, they increased the frequency to every eight weeks. Six times per year, veterans visit the school by the busload and enjoy a morning or afternoon of pampering and conversation with the cheerful students. This contribution was recently recognized by the West Springfield Department of Veterans’ Services and Veterans’ Council. On Nov. 14, the West Springfield Veterans’ Council staged its 8th Annual Veterans’ Memorial Breakfast at St. Thomas School. Here, Paul J. DiGrigoli (left), owner and president of DiGrigoli Salon and DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology, receives the 2009 “Business of the Year” award from WSVC Treasurer Dorothy Richard. Looking on is master of ceremonies and WSVC President Dr. Frederick Conlin Jr. (U.S. Marines – Korea).

Comcast Digital Connectors

On Nov. 30, Comcast and One Economy were joined by elected officials and community leaders at the Urban League of Springfield to kick off a major digital learning and service initiative. The Comcast Digital Connectors program teaches teens and young adults from diverse, low-income backgrounds how to use broadband technologies and how to put that knowledge to work to increase digital literacy in the greater community. David Cohen, executive vice president of Comcast, was on hand to help celebrate the launch, and various elected officials, including U.S. Congressman Richard Neal, State Rep. Benjamin Swan, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and others, also attended and showed their support. In the Comcast Digital Connectors program, teams of high-school students, who attend New Leadership Charter School in Springfield, will gather at the Urban League three times a week after school throughout the year to learn digital literacy skills. The young people will then volunteer their time at community-based organizations, senior centers, churches, and even their own homes to help improve digital literacy. Additionally, they will be mentored by local Comcast employees, who will help develop leadership skills among the young people and lend expertise. From left are state Rep. Michael Kane; Swan; Kateri Walsh, Springfield city councilor; Sarno; Doug Guthrie, senior vice president of Comcast’s Western New England Region; Leon Crosby, Urban League of Springfield Digital Connectors Program director; Cohen; Neal; Henry Thomas, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield; Rey Ramsey, CEO of One Economy; and Karla Ballard, National Director of Digital Connectors.

Celebrating 40 Years on the Air

WTCC, the college radio station at Springfield Technical Community College, celebrated 40 years of broadcasting at an anniversary showcase at the college on Dec. 12. A number of area bands performed for the large crowd gathered in the school’s auditorium, including Jus’ Us, seen here. The event was broadcast live on 90.7 FM.

After 5

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield collaborated with the Lexington Group in West Springfield and the Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield for a special holiday bash on Dec. 9. The event was a double celebration — the Lexington Group’s 20th anniversary, and the chamber’s annual holiday After 5 gathering, staged the past two years in conjunction with YPS. More than 150 area business people were in attendance for the event, which featured a raffle, entertainment, lots of networking, and a chance to see some of the Lexington Group’s offerings in office furniture. Above left, James O’S. Morton of the YMCA of Greater Springfield and Carol Moore Cutting of WEIB 106.3 Smooth FM shared laughs and holiday cheer. Above right (from left), Kelly Zelta of Aflac, Jackie Fallon of FIT Solutions, and Drew Ritter of Mass. Rehab Commission gather for a picture.

The Best Local Business Stories of 2009

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Opinion

Let’s face it, 2009 certainly wasn’t anything for the business community to write home about.

For many, this was a year to simply hang in and hang on, a time when “flat” translated into “pretty darned good.” For businesses large and small, this was a time best forgotten — and soon.

But there were some rays of sunlight that somehow managed to break through the clouds, some stories that offer hope of better times for those who live, work, and own businesses in the Pioneer Valley. Here are five, listed in reverse order of importance, in our view, of course.

5. A Focus on Literacy

OK, we can toot out own horn a little. Actually, its not our horn. Yes, BusinessWest created a new recognition program called Difference Makers, so-named to honor those who are making a difference in our community, and its first class was honored last spring. That was a good story; the better story came about a few months later when one of this years Difference Makers, Bill Ward, director of the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, and that groups project manager, Maura Geary, approached us with the idea of putting all of our winners to work.

That suggestion led to an ambitious project called Creating a Culture of Literacy One Book at a Time. This past summer, the five Difference Makers helped collect hundreds of books donated to Hasbro Summer Learning Program, and agreed that all future winners of this award would continue to focus time, energy, and imagination on a matter of vital importance to the health and well-being of this region.

4. Qteros Lands in Chicopee

A little over a year ago, the news was that this region was going to lose Qteros, a company trying to revolutionize ethanol production by using not corn, by common switch grass, to the eastern part of the state. However, through the efforts of the company’s principals and some economic-development leaders in this region, the company has made good a commitment to maintain a noticeable presence in this area.

It will do so in a research and production facility that will be located in a new office facility at Westover in Chicopee. Having Qteros in this region will provide some jobs and some additional vibrancy in the Westover area, but perhaps more importantly, it will provide inspiration to fledgling green businesses, while sending a message that they can do business in this area code.

3. UMass Comes to Downtown Springfield

It was announced recently that UMass Amherst will be locating one of the university’s programs “an urban design center ” in one of the buildings in Springfield’s Court Square early next year. The move indicates a firm commitment on the part of the university to play a substantial role in economic-development efforts in the region’s largest city.

And the better news is that all those involved with this endeavor say it is merely the beginning of efforts designed to make UMass more of a force in the City of Homes.

2. More Signs of Progress Downtown

Springfield’s central business district still has a long way to go in terms of returning to the vibrancy evident decades ago. But there were a few big steps in the right direction taken in 2009. They include the arrival of the Springfield Armor basketball team, a Developmental League franchise that should bring more people downtown; the opening of a new restaurant, Hot Table, in Tower Square; and, especially, successful efforts to re-tenant the former federal building with Springfield School Department offices, some employees of Baystate Health, and other agencies.

Together, these developments represent real progress in the work to bring more downtown ‘ to live, work, and play.

1. The High-performance Computing Center

Six months ago, hardly anyone in this region knew what a high-performance computing center was. In truth, many still dont know today, but the picture is starting to come into focus. A center, which brings unprecedented amounts of computing power together in one place, is going to be built in Holyoke, thanks to an impressive partnership effort involving UMass, MIT, Boston University, Cisco, and a host of other players. Holyoke was chosen because of the vast amounts of inexpensive, ‘green” energy produced by that city’s hydroelectric facilities.

The center will create only a few dozen jobs to start, but there is enormous potential for this facility to attract government agencies, businesses from several different sectors, and support services.

This was easily the biggest and best story in a year when there was little competition.

OPINION

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Opinion

Decision Looms for ‘Death Tax’

I know youre eager to return to those thrilling days of yesteryear the Bush presidency and theres a pressing matter from that era on the national agenda: what to do about the estate tax. We have until New Years Day to settle this question, a small window on our values as a country. The background: on the charge that the death tax was a punishing money grab from small businessmen and women coming while they grieved a lost loved one, no less opponents in 2001 succeeded in increasing the exemption; the tax currently kicks in on inheritances above $3.5 million rather than the old taxs $1 million. The maximum tax rate, then 55%, was dropped to 45%.

When the Times Square ball rings in 2010, the tax will vanish altogether. Your ticket to the great beyond is tax-free next year. But not if you survive into 2011: because of deficit concerns, opponents had to agree that the tax would return that year, with a rate and exemption at their 2001 levels. This fiscal sleight-of-hand, disdained by all sides, has produced a yuletide debate. Should we repeal next years repeal to contain federal red ink, and if so, what should the rate and exemption be? Or do we just kill the tax permanently, as opponents have always urged? President Obama proposes threading the needle by keeping the tax next year but making permanent its current lowered rate and higher exemption. Boston College law professor Ray D. Madoff counters that that would cost the Treasury more in the coming decade than doing nothing. She proposes shielding family businesses under $10 million from the tax but preserving it at some level otherwise.

Both points are spot-on. The case against the death tax (opponents term) has always been daffy. Aug. 24, 2000 has passed into political lore as the day that Montana rancher Lynn Cornwell hopped atop a tractor to deliver a repeal plea to President Clinton at the White House. That same day, then-Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert declared that the tax is so steep that sometimes the deceased owners children must break up a farm or sell a business just to cover the tax. But the tractor drive was a stunt. Far from being a victim of the tax mans greed, Cornwell has benefited from taxpayer largesse. In the years after his ride, he pocketed $400,000 in federal farm subsidies and fed his herd on federal land at below-market rates, according to William H. Gates Sr. and Chuck Collins, two well-off men who wrote a book supporting retention of the tax.

And Hasterts point? You could fertilize Montana with what the speaker was shoveling. In 2001, the New York Times asked the American Farm Bureau Federation, a repeal advocate, for examples of families that had to give up their farms because they couldnt afford the estate tax. The federation found exactly zero victims. Five years later, the Times reported that just 50,000 families will be subject to the tax in 2011. Theyre in a tax bracket that means theyll be able to pay the IRS without having to miss the mortgage payment, turn off the electricity, or eat cat food.

Wont killing the tax help during a recession? Tax cuts for average people who need to spend their money on necessities would indeed be smart in a downturn. But with the estate tax, were talking about the wealthiest Americans, people more likely to save their windfall, not spend it. As for arguments that the tax smothers job growth, President Clinton left the tax alone during the 1990s. Job growth sure was slumming it then, wasnt it? Keeping taxes low and simple is sound policy. It is perfectly compatible with an estate tax.

Many of the same politicians who oppose the tax bray out of the other side of their mouths about swelling deficits. Meanwhile, a writer for the Weekly Standard made the conservative case for the tax: success in America should come from hard work and talent, not from being one of the undeserving winners of the sperm lottery.

Rich Barlow is a freelance writer in Cambridge.

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

Ten Points About : Roth IRA Conversions

By LORRAINE A. HART and CHERYL A. PATTERSON

1. 2010 represents an opportunity for all taxpayers, regardless of income, to convert traditional IRAs (including SEPs and IRA Rollovers) to Roth IRAs.

2. Prior to 2010, you were disqualified from this conversion option if you had a modified adjusted gross income over $100,000.

3. The main benefit of Roth IRAs is that all account growth and eligible distributions are income tax-free.

4. Unlike traditional IRAs, the original owner is not required to take distributions after age 70.

5. Roth conversions have income-tax implications in that all pre-tax contributions and earnings are taxed as ordinary income in the conversion year.

6. Income-tax rates are at historic lows. Paying income tax on a Roth conversion at current rates will insulate that amount, and any further growth it accumulates, from future tax-rate increases.

7. Being taxed at ordinary income rates is the trade-off for future tax-free accumulation and tax-free income.

8. If you elect to convert, you have the option of paying the federal income tax due in 2010, or paying in equal installments over the following two years (2011 and 2012).

9. Should you decide the conversion was not a good idea for any reason, you have the option to recharacterize back to an IRA before your tax-filing deadline, including any extensions.

10. Roth IRA conversions aren’t advantageous to everyone. It is important to consider all potential consequences.

Lorraine Hart and Cheryl Patterson are principals of Hart & Patterson Financial Services, LLP, an independent financial-planning firm with offices in Amherst and Northampton. Both are certified financial planners with more than 25 years of financial-planning experience.

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

YPS New Year’s Eve Celebration

Dec. 31: The Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield has once again chosen downtown Springfield for its New Year’s Eve celebration. Only 300 tickets will be available for the affair at the Marriott Hotel in Tower Square. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsorship of the event should visit www.springfieldyps.com for more details. For ticket information, call Jill Monson of YPS at (413) 219-9692.

Hot Topics in Philanthropy Breakfast

Jan. 8: “Communicating in a Digital Age” is the focus of the next Hot Topics in Philanthrophy Breakfast at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. Nonprofit professionals are invited to the free event; however, registration is required. Keynote speaker Brian Reich, author of Media Rules! Mastering Today’s Technology to Connect with and Keep Your Audience, will provide a framework for understanding our technology-driven environment and how best to harness the appropriate digital tools to communicate an organization’s mission, vision, and purpose. In addition, panelists Suzi Craig, director of marketing at Fathom, and Megan Pete, director of development of the Food Bank of Western Mass., will share their organizational challenges and successes related to this topic. The 7:30 to 10 a.m. event is planned in the Blake Student Commons. To register, visit www.baypath.edu or call (800) 782-7284, ext. 1056.

Legislative and Economic Forum

Jan. 8: The Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce will present a Legislative and Economic Forum with AIM (Associated Industries of Massachusetts), from 9 to 11 a.m., at Mestek Inc., 260 North Elm St., Westfield. The guest speakers will be Rick Lord, president and CEO of AIM; and Brian Gilmore, AIM’s executive vice president for public affairs. This will be an informal briefing on several political and economic issues important to the Commonwealth’s employer community. AIM stands for an economic policy that balances key public investments with a competitive cost structure that keeps jobs in the Bay State. For reservations or more information, call Marcia Kielb at (413) 568-1618 or e-mail [email protected].

Women’s Partnership Tabletop Business Expo

Jan. 20: The Women’s Partnership will host its 12th annual Tabletop Business Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Springfield Sheraton. Plans include interactive exhibits. Businesses interested in exhibiting should e-mail Mary Petrone at the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. at [email protected]. Booth reservations include one lunch ticket at $75; lunch and event tickets are $25. The Women’s Partnership provides career-oriented professionals with leadership and growth opportunities.

Rick’s Place Benefit

Feb. 6: Wilbraham Country Club will be the setting for the second annual Heart to Heart fundraiser to benefit Rick’s Place Inc. Established in memory of Rick Thorpe, who died in Tower Two of the World Trade Center on 9/11, Rick’s Place Inc. was created to provide a supportive, secure environment where families can remember their loved ones and avoid the sense of isolation that a loss can produce. Rick’s Place offers bi-weekly bereavement support for families with children ages five to 18 at no cost. Tickets for the 6 to 11 p.m. fundraiser are $50. A silent auction and raffle drawing are among the highlights of the evening. Underwriting and corporate sponsorship opportunities are also still available. For more information or to make a tax-deductible donation to Rick’s Place, call Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director, at (413) 348-3120, or visit www.ricksplacema.org.

Difference Makers Celebration

March 25: BusinessWest magazine will stage its second-annual Difference Makers Gala at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House, starting at 5 p.m. Difference Makers is a new program created to recognize individuals and groups that, through their efforts to give back the community, are making a difference in the Pioneer Valley. The first year of the program was a huge success, and organizers are expecting another sellout crowd to honor the Class of 2010. Additional details on the gala will be provided in upcoming editions of BusinessWest. For more information, call (413) 781-8600.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30, 2010: Bay Path College will host its 15th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 565-1000 or visit www.baypath.edu.

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

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

Acevedo, Steven
81-83 _Melha Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Adamczyk, Diane
30 Butler Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Algie, Elizabeth
34 Hazen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Alley, Douglas W.
50 Chestnut St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Arrastia, Erika H.
50 Biddle St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Authier, Ronny W.
Authier, Karen J.
42 Bray Park Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Badillo, Robert
Hague-Badillo, Megan K.
169 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Bahamundi, Israel
289 Fernbank Road, Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Barnes, Amy B.
6 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Barnes, Timothy P.
6 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Barrett, Mary C.
100 Circle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Beals, Elliott
140 Joy St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Bontempo, Elizabeth J.
1139 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Borges, Ruth J.
105 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Bronner, Jillene M.
39 Vicardav Ave.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Bryant, Michelle D.
558 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Camilleri, Richard P.
14 Upland Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Cantoni, John M.
150 Church St., Apt. 2
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Carson Ovitt Carpentry
Ovitt, Rene Carson
7 East Oxbow Road
Charlemont, MA 01339
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Carter, Donald L.
Carter, Mary L.
112 Drury Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Casineau, Arthur Roy
4 John Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Chamberlain, David R.
39 Catalpea Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Cheney, Pearl S.
735 Memorial Dr., Lot 2
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Chouinard, Benjamin J.
415 Main St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/09

Chrystal, Donna M.
a/k/a Tatro, Donna M.
27 Chestnut St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Cockcoros, Maria P.
559 Main St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Collins, Alexis
79 Tokeneke Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Condon, Judy L.
1321 Brimfield Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Coulombe, Aimee B.
24 Nashawannuck St., 1
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Czubryt, Keith Allen
32f First St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/09

Davila, Joel E.
73 Meadow St., 2nd Fl.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Davis, Donald V.
110 Abbott St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Dawson, Douglas E.
50 Squirrel Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Deedy, Carol E.
P.O. Box 1048
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Dion, Kevin Scott
83 Gardner Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Duffy, Kathleen Frances
24B Sunflower Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Dupont, David F.
5 Anderson St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Figueora, Pauline
a/k/a Fuentes, Paulina
21 Clayton St. Apt. 2
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Fuhrmann, Jeffrey Todd
162 Woodlawn Ave
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Gedmin, Frank S.
45 Larchly Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Gibson, Paulette D.
136 Malibu Dr.
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Gondek, John A.
1366 Park St., Apt. 2
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Green Thumb Garden Florist
Hill, Robin L.
Hill, John S.
37 Boulay Circle
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Groleau, Chad A.
90 Bemis Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Hastings, Francis Adam
Hastings, Laura Lee
1790 Memorial Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Hebert, Lynn Marie
143 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Henrich, Floyd F.
P O Box 464
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/05/09

Hernandez, Ileana I.
65 Beverly Lane
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Hickling, Linda A.
a/k/a Rosazza, Linda Anne
321 Wolf Swamp Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Holland, Jon D.
Bouchie, Lisa M.
117 West Orange Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Hussain, Samina E.
30 Wyndward Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Hutchinson, Gail M.
229 Miller St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Jennison, Deborah L.
38 Skyridge St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Jones, Amie Marie
156 Woodbridge St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Joubert, James Y.
Joubert, Kathleen M.
15 Gargon Ter.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Knowles, Keith W.
Knowles, Elaine P.
a/k/a Sawin, Elaine P.
240 Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Kouzmouk, Roman V.
114 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Kreinest, John T.
689 Laurel St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Laboy, Nilsa E.
179 Arnold Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Langlois, Margarita
2 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Lawlor, William E.
112 Ryan Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Lebron, Margarita
253 Kent Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Liquori, Lisa A.
84 Highland St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Lombardi, James M.
Lombardi, Dianna M.
P.O. Box 291
Otis, MA 01253
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Longo, Bobbie C.
1440 Riverdale St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

MacBeth Enterprises
Demoe, Scott B.
P.O.Box 2528
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Mancini, Andrea Y.
110 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Matthews, Michelle A.
131 Ashley Ave., Apt. A4
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

McMillan, Misty V.
a/k/a Eastman, Misty V.
a/k/a Eastman-Saalfrank, Misty V.
61 Overlook Dr.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Mills, Pamela J.
Leist, Pamela J.
34 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Mills, Richard
145 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Monterosso, David M.
83 Williamsburg Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/15/09

Murray, Kim T.
92 Pine Grove Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Nieves, Harry
126 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Noel, Sylvain
Noel, Melissa
105 Laurel St.
Apartment 12B
Lee, MA 01238
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Ouimette, Kate J.
70 East St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Pettit, David A.
Pettit, Brenda L.
51 Draper Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/02/09

Plasse, Paul G.
Plasse, Angela H.
25 Smith St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/31/09

Poirier, Walter J.
87 Bellevue Dr.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Pollack, David A.
Pollack, Joyce A.
60 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Rauh, Albert E.
132 Magazine St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Rivera, Angel
4 Locust St., Apt. 1R
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivera, Angel L.
PO Box 5090
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivera, Orlando
370 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivera, Sylvia E.
116 Stockman St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Rivers, Sterling F.
45 Artisan St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Robinson, William H.
Robinson, Ellen A.
502 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Rosa, Milagros
837 State St., Apt. 505
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Royland, Randy C.
Royland, Tiffany L.
a/k/a Bentancourt, Tiffany L.
a/k/a Neron, Tiffany L.
919 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Ruiz, Jose
837 State St., Apt. 440
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Scott, William L.
470 Memorial Dr., Apt 205
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Scribner, Linda K.
129 Old Stage Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Seddon, Faith Ellen
272 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/09/09

Sherman, Diane S.
27 Montgomery Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

Smith, Floyd James
Smith, Donna Mae
176 Brighton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Staelens, Jacqueline T.
12 Main Poland Road
Conway, MA 01341
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Stroganow, Peter
259 Route 20
Chester, MA 01011
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Sunkist Tanning
Lavallee Custom Design
Lavallee, Stephen C.
Lavallee, Tina M.
PO Box 217
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Suriner, Peter M.
14 South Willow St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/12/09

Taylor, Calvin L.
Taylor, Ann M.
32 Lewis St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/14/09

Taylor, Charles F.
379 East St. #1
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

TB’s Custom Woodworking Inc.
Brogle, Thomas Alan
233 South Shirkshire Road
Conway, MA 01341
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/10/09

The Wandering Wolf Gift Shop
Lennox, Richard H.
Lennox, Marie L.
a/k/a Gilbert, Marie
51 Bald Mountain Rd
Bernardston, MA 01337
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Thivierge, Cheryl Lynn
228 Old County Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Thompson, James R.
41 Elf Hilll Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/06/09

Walhovd, Laurie A.
19 Crescent Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/30/09

Walsh, Marion Doane
137 South Main St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/04/09

Wark, Lourie J.
7 Nina Pierce Circle, Apt. 3
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/11/09

Williams, Brian E.
Williams, Wendy D.
59 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Wrisley, Shawn S.
Wrisley, Alicia
a/k/a Henriquez Arenas, Alicia Beronica
61 Garfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 11/03/09

Wynne, Christopher H.
40 Celestine St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/13/09

Zanoli, Raymond G.
Zanoli, Donna M.
36 Czepiel St
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 11/09/09

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of December 2009.

AGAWAM

John Kudlic
493B Springfield St.
$16,500 — New roof

AMHERST

Hampshire College
Bay Road
$12,000 — New roof

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Engineering Associates
1247 East Main St.
$27,000 — Construct a 15-by-34-foot covered drive-thru area

EASTHAMPTON

City of Easthampton
413 Main St.
$20,000 — Renovate existing space

Easthampton Congregational Church
116 Main St.
$12,000 — Construct three meeting rooms

Fedor Realty Trust
36-40 Union St.
$2,000 — Create separation between food prep and food service area

Joseph Shu
334 Main St.
$1,500 — Repair stairs

Michael Schrauben
86-90 Cottage St.
$30,000 — New roof

Sansom, Sands, & Chandler, LLC
238 Northampton St.
$75,000 — Fitout 1,000 square feet for nephrology suite

GREENFIELD

Rosenberg Property, LLC
311 Wells St.
$9,600 — Replacement of branch line in sprinkler system

Town of Greenfield
321 High St.
$126,000 — New roof

HADLEY

Amherst Developmental Partners
360 Westgate Center Dr.
$98,750 — New roof

Manny’s
7 South Maple St.
$1,500 — Interior renovations

W.S. Development Associates, LLC
337-357 Russell St.
$75,000 — New racking at Bed Bath & Beyond

HOLYOKE

Albert Lafleur
399-403 Hillside Ave.
$15,000 — New windows, siding, and sidewalk

Mark Cudding
28 Appleton St.
$178,000 — Re-roof C&D electronics lab

LUDLOW

Anthony Mateus
5 Pell St.
$10,000 — Alterations

Ludlow Boys & Girls Club
91 Claudia Way
$6,000 — Installation of a shade structure

NORTHAMPTON

Biapita
15 Cherry St.
$11,400 — Interior renovations

David W. Biddle
184 Main St.
$27,000 — Renovate space for restaurant use

J-Barc Inc.
25 Pleasant St.
$76,000 — Interior renovations at the Pleasant St. Theatre

J-Barc Inc.
25 Pleasant St.
$189,000 — New fire escape addition and exterior renovations

James Jipe
70 Maple St.
$35,000 — Construct knee walls and new floor

Meadow Preservation Associates, LTD
491 Bridge St.
$1,262,000 — Demolish and replace building #21 foundation only

Smith College
100 Elm St.
240,000 — Install roof mounted photovoltaic solar panel system at the campus center

SOUTH HADLEY

Fire District #1
144 Newton St.
$24,000 — New roof

SOUTHWICK

New England Retail
215 College Highway
$1,031,000 — Construction of a new CVS store

SPRINGFIELD

155 Maple Trust Associates
155 Maple St.
$73,000 — New roof

Baystate Health Inc.
759 Chestnut St.
$45,000 — New roof

J & C Alliance LLC
1192 State St.
$12,000 — Alter space for tattoo parlor

Michael Marshall
17A Rutland St.
$14,000 — Change of use from office to take-out restaurant

Three Pointer LLC
836 Bay St.
$29,000 — New roof

WESTFIELD

Home Depot
50 Campanelli Dr.
$16,329,000 — Construction of a new distribution center

Westfield Shops
East Main St.
$20,000 — Repairs for car accident at BonTon

By BusinessWest Staff December 21, 2009

Departments

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

Jan. 6: ACCGS Breakfast, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, West Springfield. Speaker: John Pantera, Elements Therapeutic Massage. Cost: members $20; non-members $30.

Jan. 7: West of the River Wine Tasting, 5 to 7:30 p.m., Studio Sergei, West Springfield. Cost: general admission $20, members $10.

Jan. 15: ERC 5 Business Information Forum, 7:45 to 9 a.m., hosted by Wilbraham & Monson Academy, Greenhalgh Gymnasium Board Room, Wilbraham. No admission cost.

Jan. 20: Women’s Partnership Business Expo, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sheraton Springfield. Cost: $75 for table/lunch.

Jan. 27: Executive Power Networking, 7 to 9 a.m., TD Bank Conference Center, Springfield. Cost: members $20; non-members $25.

Young Professional Society of Greater Springfield
www.springfieldyps.com

Jan. 21: Third Thursday, 5 to 8 p.m., hosted by Smith’s Billiards, 207 Worthington St., Springfield. Cost: free for members; non-members $5, includes food and cash bar.

Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce
www.amherstarea.com

Jan. 13: Breakfast and Chamber Annual Meeting, 7:15 to 9 a.m., hosted by Courtyard by Marriott.
Jan. 27: After 5, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art.