Departments Archives - Page 127 of 149

By BusinessWest Staff July 6, 2009

Departments

Ten Points About:

Working with Elected officials

By MAGGIE BERGIN

1. Elected and agency officials work for you only if you put them to work. Being unaware of or unengaged in the political process results in substantial missed opportunities for both you and the policy maker.

2. A handshake still rules. Despite the rise of social media and E-mail, no electronic form of communication comes close to the power of a face-to-face meeting with an elected or agency official.

3. Take the long view. Government affairs is a repeat business based on existing relationships. New programs, funding, and business opportunities are created all the time. Your goal is to be ‘top of mind’ when this happens.

4. Introduce yourself. Always start a meeting by reviewing your company’s history of working with the official’s constituents or client base, overview of current projects or proposals, focus, size, and relationships in the elected official’s district.

5. It’s not the more the merrier! Craft your meetings with elected officials around one or two specific, attainable, and compelling goals. Don’t make a shopping list.

6.Your credit-worthiness is being judged. Elected officials, like your loan officer, judge your credit (also known as political capital). The key to building political capital is to show off your company’s specific accomplishments; provide proof that what you’re saying is true, and highlight your community connections.

7. Be honest. Be prepared to answer any and all questions about your topic, or bring someone with you who can. If you don’t know the answer to a question asked by an elected or agency official, say you don’t know, and offer to follow up with staff.

8. Be considerate. Answer questions simply and clearly; do not go on ad nauseum. Treat staff with respect and courtesy. Show up five minutes early, but expect to wait.

9. Don’t be shy. Did the elected or agency official use an acronym you don’t know? Ask. Do you have questions about how a particular program works? Ask. He or she will be more than happy to answer.

10. It’s just like Mom said: a timely, genuine, and specific thank-you letter should follow any meeting with an elected or agency official. Address the letter to the official, but send it, electronically and in hard copy, to the staff who attended the meeting.

Maggie Bergin is principal with The Art of Politics, a government-affairs consulting company, where she ensures her clients’ meetings with elected officials yield tangible results; (413) 887-7450; [email protected].

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

Departments

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

Acus, Donald Edward
Mayfield, Heidi Ann
7 Ranch Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Adams, Christine A.
69 Hazel St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

Agostini, Michael J.
Agostini, Candice Teresa
321 Wilbraham St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Allain, Richard L.
Allain, Dorothy D.
80 Lamont St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/09

Antigua-Vargas, Felix
Antigua, Maria
P.O. Box 30352
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Avigliano, Robyn Jude
110 Plain St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Bassett, Chad M.
Bassett, Vanessa L.
215 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

Batchelor, Clifford F.
532 Cottage St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/17/09

Bazelak, Annette A.
93 Better Way
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Beattie, Jennifer L.
37 Helen St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Beattie, Peter R.
45 Narragansett Blvd.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Beaulieu, Scott Andrew
Beaulieu, Brook T.
a/k/a Nelson, Brook Tiffany
18 Pepper Ridge Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Begin, Joseph L.
Begin, Patricia E.
77 May Hill Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Bergman, Daniel Jason
381 North Brook Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Berman, Barbara Ann
179 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Billingsley, David R.
Billingsley, Mary D.
15 Brittany Road
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Blackmer, Richard N.
55 Adams St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/09

Blase, Roxann J.
61 Hillcrest St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Bodzioch, Joseph S.
70 Buckingham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Bourdages, Reginald
Bourdages, Tammy M.
519 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/25/09

Bressette, Lauren Elizabeth
121 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Brodeur, Michelle Hazel
10 Kellogg St. 2nd FL
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Cadieux, Pauline May
168 Gilbert Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Caputo, Gregory M.
102 Spadina Parkway
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Cardaropoli, Claudio
4 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Carrano, Francesco Antonio
71 Hadley St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Christenson, Jessica L.
320 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Connell, Thomas William
Connell, Patricia LeDoux
110 Circle Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Crogan, Jean A.
85 Turkey Hill Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Cunningham, Lindsay Aaron
491 Bridge St., Apt. 4
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Davis, Penelope R.
5 Meadowood Dr.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/25/09

Demos, Julie Suzanne
641 Springfield St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Emerson, Rachelle Ann
a/k/a Cribley, Rachelle Ann
21 River St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Field, Erin M.
33 Appleton St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Figueroa, Eliodoro
Figueroa, Joanny
a/k/a Vargas, Joanny
103 Florida St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Floyd, Melissa M.
81 Dartmouth St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Fuentes, Celia
114 1/2 Hampden St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Giza, Linda Y.
PO Box 201
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Gonzalez, Eddie
51 Maryland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Haggett, Steven C.
Haggett, Kathryn T.
a/k/a Reed, Kathryn T.
850 Royalston Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/17/09

Hines, Adrienne D.
84 Westminster St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Humphrey, Robert
141 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Illhardt, Cindy L.
a/k/a Lavigne, Cindy L.
1850 Old Keene Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/17/09

Integrative & Complementation
Guiel, Robert J.
142 Lincoln St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Jimenez, Lydia
310 Stafford St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Karowski, Robert E.
1018 High St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Kedzierski, Daniel J.
37 Harvard St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Klavenski, Suzann L.
78 George St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/09

Klituscope Pictures
Denise Flaim Consulting
Klitus, Thomas Anthony
Flaim, Denise Marie
7 Clark Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Kolod, Emily J.
100 Elm St. Apt. 3R
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Kroll, Robert J.
Kroll, Shelly D.
682 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

LaFleur, James Leo
34 Cambridge St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Lagace, Lee M.
284 Main St., Apt. 14
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

LeClair, Kathleen H.
a/k/a Lolos, Kathleen Helen
66 Westernview Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Lee, Tammie J.
166 West Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/18/09

LIA REALTY, LLC,
P O Box 2439
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 05/22/09

Lightcap, Tammy L.
a/k/a Norton, Tammy L.
7 Cross St., Apt.#1
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/09

Lindsey LTD. Auto Detailing
Lindsey, Michael E.
Lindsey, Kristy M.
43 Queen Avenue
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Linnell, Theodore R
Linnell, Tammy L
122 1/2 High St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

MacDonald, Kenneth Paul
210 River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/09

Maciorowski, Stanley W.
Maciorowski, Gail H.
137 Linseed Road
West Hatfield, MA 01088
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Malossini, Melissa
a/k/a Davis, Melissa
15 Euclid Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/09

McCourt, Matthew James
McCourt, Phyllis Marie
125 School St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/20/09

McGovern, John G.
186 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

McMahon, Kevin Michael
McMahon, Shannon Rose
a/k/a Veroneau-McMahon, S. R.
12 Brentwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Millennium Hair Salon
Dominick, Dinita A.
a/k/a Nikonczyk, Dinita A.
a/k/a Bushey, Dinita A.
359 Bookside Circle
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Monska, Justin G.
46 Highland Ave.
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/25/09

Moseley, Holly Louise
80 Bowles St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/17/09

Nartowicz, Philip J.
Nartowicz, Christine M.
a/k/a Fields Nartowicz, Christine M.
312 Main St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Neidzwiecki, Rebecca D.
17 Apache Dr.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

O’Donnell, Maureen Elizabeth
266 Grove St., #21
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Packard, Corey
Packard, Lauren
a/k/a Nelson, Lauren
203 Bechan Rd # 25
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

Page Product Design Inc.
Page, Matthew Edwin
111 Nonotuck St.
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Pagnoni, Claire F.
379 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Parker, Steven C.
Parker, Deborah A.
2205 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Perkins, Christopher S.
Perkins, Magaly C.
a/k/a Crespo, Magaly
50 Baldwin Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Perry, Robert W.
Perry, Dianna L.
a/k/a McCormick, Dianna L.
33 Virginia Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Perry, Tina M.
9 Victorian Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Petty, Kelly M.
373 Allen Park Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Powell, Larry T.
63 Estabrook St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/25/09

Price, Tracy L.
22 Mountain Brook Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

Proudy, Patricia
75 Swamp Road
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

Ralph John Auto Sales
Catanese, Ralph J.
Catanese, Virginia S.
814 Daniel Shays Highway
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/09

Raymond, Matthew A.
100 Lockhouse Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Red Oak Paving
Red Oak General Contractors
Bellinghausen, Philip G.
610 College Highway
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Rosario, Jose O.
Rosario, Gloria M.
123 Massasoit St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Sabot, Theodore Jay
Sabot, Carol Schiff
23 Walden Lane
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Shaw, Brian P.
Shaw, Christina M.
a/k/a Bell, Christina Marie
10 Dewey Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Sheehan, Lloyd E.
P.O. Box 3
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/30/09

Smashing China
Cunha, M. Edite
PO Box 149
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/09

Smith, Robert L.
Smith, Holly A.
131 Canterbury Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/22/09

Stetson, Andrew Joseph
23 Phillips St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Sweeney, Paul J
19 Haywood St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Tebo, Ronald J.
Tebo, Sandra L.
864 Cronin Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Teele, Gary G.
Teele, Tiana N.
187 Kennebunk St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/22/09

Troiano, Claire Angela
153 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Turner, Willam E.
400 West Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/29/09

Underwood, Amy M.
Underwood, Scott J.
7 Laurier Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/26/09

Urban, Thomas E.
Urban, Pamela J.
11 Rural Lane
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/21/09

Van Ness, Dawn W.
P.O. Box 1303
East Otis, MA 01029
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Wachta, Bruce Michael
121 North Main St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/28/09

Ware, Maria S.
17 High St., #7
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

Wilcox, Gordon D.
519 East River St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/25/09

Williams, Blaine A.
Williams, Linda L.
39 Pioneer Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/18/09

Williford, Everett E.
Williford, Patricia L.
66 Chapin Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/20/09

Woods, Jarel Anthony
48 Bardwell St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/19/09

Zwinski, Irene A.
101-A Wilson St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/27/09

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

Departments

Survey: Limited Job Market Expected in Area

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield area employers expect to hire at a cautious pace during the third quarter of 2009, according to the recent Manpower Employment Outlook Survey. From July to September, 14% of the companies interviewed plan to hire more employees, while 22% expect to reduce their payrolls. Additionally, 60% expect to maintain their current staff levels, and 4% are not certain of their hiring plans. For the coming quarter, job prospects appear best in professional and business services and leisure/hospitality services. Employers in durable-goods manufacturing, non-durable-goods manufacturing, transportation and utilities, information, financial activities, education and health services, and government plan to reduce staffing levels, while hiring in construction and wholesale and retail trade is expected to remain unchanged. Of the more than 28,000 employers surveyed in the U.S., 15% expect to increase their staff levels during the July-to-September period, while 13% expect to reduce their payrolls, resulting in a net employment outlook of 2%. Also, 67% of employers expect no change in hiring, and 5% are undecided about third-quarter 2009 hiring plans. The next Manpower Employment Outlook Survey will be released Sept. 8 to report hiring expectations for the fourth quarter of 2009. The complete survey results can be found at www.us.manpower/com/meos.

Year-over-year Delinquency Rate Climbs

NEW YORK — Average bank-card borrower debt inched upward nationally by 0.8% to $5,776 from the previous quarter’s $5,729, and by 4.1% compared to the first quarter of 2008 ($5,548), according to a new report by TransUnion. The highest state-average bank-card debt remains in Alaska at $7,476, followed by Tennessee at $6,869 and Nevada at $6,677. The lowest average bank-card debt was found in Iowa ($4,300), followed by North Dakota ($4,414) and West Virginia ($4,640). Nationally, the bank card delinquency rate increased to 1.32% in the first quarter of 2009, up 9.1% over the previous quarter. Year-over-year, bank-card delinquencies increased 11% to 1.3%. Incidence of bank card delinquency was highest in Nevada (2.4%), followed by Florida (1.9%) and Arizona (1.7%). Information for the analysis is culled quarterly from approximately 27 million anonymous, individual credit files, providing a real-life perspective on how U.S. consumers are managing their credit health.

Study: Education Reform Has Had Limited Success

BOSTON — Bold new steps are needed for the state to meet one of the primary goals of education reform, according to a new report recently released by MassINC. Incomplete Grade: Massachusetts Education Reform at 15 assesses the impact of the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 (MERA) and compares the relative performance of low-spending school districts with those of high-spending school districts. The study found that, despite producing gains in overall student achievement since its passage, the legislation has not closed the achievement gap that remains between high- and low-spending districts. The report also found that shifting demographics in Massachusetts have increased the percentages of low-income students in the lowest-spending districts, raising questions about the effect of concentrated poverty on student performance. The report’s findings show that the funding levels of low-spending districts have been raised to meet statewide averages, largely through a doubling of state aid to those districts. In terms of overall student performance, it appears the architects of MERA have much to celebrate. At the time of education reform, the proficiency levels of state students were above the national average. But the gains in the performance of Massachusetts students as education reform has been implemented have outpaced those of their national and international peers, as evidenced by leading scores in NAEP and the international TIMSS. Statewide SAT and MCAS scores have consistently improved as well. The report concludes that, despite the gains made, more of the same will not close the achievement gap and that precedent-setting initiatives, particularly those that are focused on cultivating high-performing, low-spending schools, are needed. The report includes recommendations such as placing the most effective teachers in high-poverty schools, rewarding teachers who are effective in raising student achievement, and raising the cap on charter schools and allowing effective charter schools to operate additional schools. The full report is available online at www.massinc.org.

OPINION

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

Opinion

The Race for Clean-energy Innovation

On a recent congressional delegation to Hong Kong, I toured a factory that is developing a thin solar cell that can be put on windows to generate electricity from the sun with zero carbon emissions. I thought of 1366 Technologies, a company in Lexington that is also racing to get advanced solar technologies to market.

It may seem like your typical competition between two companies, but this race is about much more than the solar market. It is about the race for trillions of dollars in clean-energy investments. As President Obama says, the nation that leads in 21st-century clean energy is the nation that will lead the 21st-century global economy.

And if we win the race, it could bring 150,000 new jobs and billions of dollars to Massachusetts.

American companies would get an edge with passage of the Waxman-Markey bill, the most sweeping energy legislation Congress has considered in a generation. The plan would end Americas dangerous dependence on foreign oil; increase the amount of clean energy we produce; make our buildings, homes, cars, and trucks more efficient; and cut the harmful carbon pollution causing global warming.

The bill requires that 20% of our electricity in 2020 come from clean-energy sources like solar or wind, or from energy efficiency. It establishes clean-energy innovation hubs around the country to help researchers and inventors move their ideas from the lab to the market.

It also aims to reduce carbon emissions from major U.S. sources 83% by 2050 compared with 2005 levels, and saves consumers money at the pump by investing $20 billion to retool Americas auto manufacturers to produce electric cars that dont use any gasoline.

The Waxman-Markey bill would invest more than $190 billion in clean-energy technologies that will go to the companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurs smart enough, agile enough, and innovative enough to devise the next great clean-energy technology.

Many of these cutting-edge companies will be in Massachusetts.

The state has always led the way in innovation, but, like the rest of America, our technological dominance is threatened. Germany has emerged as the global photovoltaic market, even though Massachusetts has 30% better solar resources. Korea and Japan are leapfrogging America in battery and electric-vehicle technology, even though we pioneered invention of these technologies.

Today, only one-fourth of the worlds top renewable-energy companies are American-owned, because we have failed to put in place a set of policies to promote alternative energy sources. China is spending $12.6 million per hour on clean-energy development and is preparing to invest $440 billion to $660 billion this year in clean-energy development.

As I traveled around China, I saw countless examples of how Chinese investments in clean energy are bearing fruit, from the solar company in Hong Kong to electric-car factories in Tianjin. And I came back thinking that these jobs belong in Massachusetts.

There are signs of a clean-energy economic recovery sprouting over our region. There is American Superconductor in Devens, a company pioneering wind-turbine designs and working on new power-cable systems to connect sources of renewable energy to the rest of the country. Marlboroughs Evergreen Solar is on track to be manufacturing 160 megawatts of solar panels annually, and recently opened a larger factory. These are only two local examples of the next generation of American entrepreneurs who stand poised to capitalize on the clean-energy revolution.

The American economy and the American dream have succeeded because we refuse to be shackled to old technologies and business as usual, but instead always look for the newest idea or opportunity.

In Massachusetts, we have the brain power. We have the potential. What we need are the right policies to unleash this revolution. And with the Waxman-Markey bill, the next great revolution will come to New England, as we shape a new-energy destiny for the nation.

U.S. Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Malden) is chairman of twin climate and energy panels in the House.

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

Departments

MassMutual Honored with Green Enterprise IT Award

SPRINGFIELD — The MassMutual Financial Group was recently recognized as a 2009 Green Enterprise IT Award winner by the Uptime Institute. MassMutual won in the category of ‘Data Center Energy Efficiency Improvement: Joint IT and Facilities.’ The award notes MassMutual’s work in creating a green, energy-efficient, and cutting-edge data center through collaboration between the company’s IT and Facilities departments. Through the project, MassMutual has realized a savings of more than $3.1 million and roughly 8.1 million kilowatt hours of energy. The Uptime Institute’s Symposium 2009 drew applicants from more than 40 companies in 10 industrial categories to present their innovations in lean, clean, and green enterprise computing. For more information on all of the winners, visit www.uptimeinstitute.org.

Easthampton Savings Supports Library

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Savings Bank has made its first donation of $8,000 to Friends of the Westhampton Memorial Library. Friends of the Westhampton Memorial Library has raised sufficient funding to begin the Town Center Project, which will convert the Parsonage, a historic building in the center of Westhampton, into a library. The project is expected to be completed next year. The bank has pledged to donate a total of $25,000 to the Westhampton Town Center Library Project over three years.

Quality Printing Receives Award

PITTSFIELD — Quality Printing Co. Inc. has won a Silver Award in the 2009 National Calendar Awards for its 2009 A Closer Look at the Berkshires calendar, printed on a Komori six-color press. The award was given in the wall-calendar promotional division, with judging centered on the quality of artwork, photography, and graphics. The calendar is a 25th-anniversary edition and features a four-color process with silver metallic ink and an overall satin coat. Full-color images depicted for each month are from the company’s annual photography and art contest. The Calendar Marketing Assoc. of Wheaton, Ill., sponsors the awards contest each year.

Goodwill Moving to Page Boulevard

SPRINGFIELD — The Goodwill Industries facility on Dorset Street will soon become the future site of the Martin Luther King Charter School of Excellence as Goodwill moves its operations to 1125 Page Boulevard. For more than 40 years, Goodwill has used the Dorset Street site as a training and employment center for the disabled and disadvantaged and as a donation collection site.

Chamber of Commerce Fills Backpacks

SOUTH HADLEY and GRANBY — The Helping Hand Committee of the South Hadley & Granby Chamber of Commerce concluded its Spring Fill a Backpack Drive by recently delivering 20 cartons of school supplies to the Plains School in South Hadley and the West Street School in Granby. In the fall, youngsters will hopefully have enough school supplies so that teachers and parents should not have to be asked to provide them out of pocket, according to Mary Sudyka, chair of the Helping Hand Committee. The success of the drive was made possible by donors including Chicopee Savings Bank, Easthampton Savings Bank, Florence Savings Bank, Paul Boudreau, Gary Smith, Ira Brezinsky, The Egg & I, Bruce Pratt, Avery Dennison, Family Cuts, and Old Towne Garage. The South Hadley School administration staff, and Michael Quesnel and Debbie Buckley of the Granby School Committee also made donations to the cause.

SPHS Launches MercyPlus.Com

SPRINGFIELD — The Internet has become an important tool for consumers in recent years, as they research products and price before making a purchase. This new way of shopping, called ‘E-commerce,’ has experienced rapid growth in all sectors of the retail industry, including the purchase of health care-related items. To best position for this trend, the Sisters of Providence Health System (SPHS) has launched MercyPlus, a new online store that offers a wide range of health care and wellness products including specialized medical equipment and supplies, nutrition supplements, health-related books and videos, and fitness training devices. “When consumers shop for health care-related items, they want high-quality products from a trusted source,” said Mark Fulco, senior vice president of Strategy and Marketing for SPHS. “The products available through MercyPlus meet those needs, with the added benefit of shopping in the comfort and convenience of their own home. As an online hospital store, MercyPlus extends the SPHS continuum of care while furthering our ongoing relationships with patients and the community at large.” Visitors to the mercyplus.com Web site are able to browse through categories to find available products. These categories include ‘Aids for Daily Living,’ ‘Heart Health,’ ‘Mom and Baby,’ ‘Cancer Care,’ ‘Orthopedics and Therapy,’ and ‘Wellness.’ Visitors are also able to ‘Shop by Condition’ for books that provide information and products to ease the symptoms of specific medical conditions like allergies, diabetes, and sleep disorders. The Web store features special sections with products for employees, such as uniform scrubs, lab coats, protective eyewear, caps, and masks. MercyPlus shoppers may also take advantage of a loyalty program, with ‘reward’ points based on the individual’s retail purchases. These points accrue with each purchase and can be redeemed for merchandise discounts and special offers. SPHS employees are also encouraged to use their flexible spending accounts when shopping on the MercyPlus Web site.

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

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

Total Air Supply Inc. v. Statewide Mechanical Contracting Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $21,105.24
Filed: 5/28/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Jeremiah Racine, executor of the estate of Gertrude Racine v. Adam Blacksin, M.D. and the Stop & Shop Supermarket Co., LLC
Allegation: Wrongful death: $8,000
Filed: 5/18/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Ronald Germaine v. J&G Foods Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff sustained injuries when struck on the head by a defective door: $60,000
Filed: 4/15/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Colvest/Belchertown, LLC v. Rehabilitation Institute of Western MA Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract by failing to make payments under a written agreement: $47,522.93
Filed: 6/01/09

James Corey v. Sturdy Home Improvement Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract for home improvement and unfair and deceptive practices: $87,180
Filed: 5/18/09

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Berkshire Westwood Graphics Group Inc. v. Newprint Offset Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $18,558.13
Filed: 5/12/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

J&E Precision Tool Inc. v. YRC Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and breach of duty of good faith and fair dealing: $25,000
Filed: 5/26/09

Weslee Sicard v. Staples Inc.
Allegation: Emotional distress: $5,000
Filed: 5/19/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Bradco Supply Corp. v. TNT General Contracting
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,998.45
Filed: 5/06/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Planet Granite Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $3,488.28
Filed: 5/06/09

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Nucleo Sportinguista De Chicopee Inc., 147-149 Exchange St., Chicopee, MA 01013. Antonio J. Forte, 173 Summit Ave., Chicopee, MA 01020. To establish and maintain a place for holding meetings; to encourage and perform civic, cultural, and social activities relating to the sport of soccer.

EASTHAMPTON

New Beginnings Chiropractic, P.C., 41 South St. Unit 1, Easthampton, MA 01027. Matthew J. Charles, Same. Chiropractic services.

EAST LONGMEADOW

Richard Kane & Associates LTD, 87 Shaker Road, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Richard Kane, 1 Kelly Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Perform real estate appraisals.

LUDLOW

Rebingham Inc., 11 Nash Hill Road Suite 1, Ludlow, MA 01056. Reginald E. Bingham, Same. To engage in real estate activities.

NORTHAMPTON

Amna Trading Inc., 776 North King St., Northampton, MA 01060. Babar Hussain, 73 Bartlett St., Apt. 3089, Northampton, MA 01060. Gasoline and retail trading products.

SOUTH HADLEY

Re-energizer Inc., 20 Jewett Lane, South Hadley, MA 01075. Peter McAvoy, same. To collect manufacture, and re-sell fuel energy in solid and liquid form, as well as insulation material, derived from plant-based waste products and freshly grown plants.

SPRINGFIELD

Axiom Insurance Agency Inc., One Monarch Place, Suite 2510, Springfield, MA 01103. Peter K. Kenyon, Same. Insurance agency.

Cabos Fashions Inc., 795 Liberty St., Springfield, MA 01104. Edwin Acevedo, 1264 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA 01104. Retail clothing.

Cristo Sana Y Salva Corporation, 43 Pendleton Ave., Apt. 10A, Springfield, MA 01109. Juan Ocasio, Same. Community outreach to spread the gospel.

WESTFIELD

Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Una Luz En Tu Camino, 124 Westfield Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Elier Rodriguez, Same. To do outreach work to promote the gospel for a better living.

Tekoa Country Club Inc., 459 Russell Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Daniel S. Burack, 157 Somers Road, PO Box 414, East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Restaurant, bar, and banquet facilities.

WESTHAMPTON

Meehan Properties Inc., 19 Perry Hill Road, Westhampton, MA 01027. James Meehan, Same. Commercial property development and rental.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cafeno’s Inc., 380 Union St., Suite 55, West Springfield, MA 01089. Steven Sheldon, 131 Reservoir Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Own, operate, and manage Internet cafes.

Freeline Transportation Services, Inc., 25 George St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Aliaksandr Tabolich, 126 Union St., Westfield, MA 01085. Operating specialty and dedicated services of transporting passengers via minivans, limousine, and other passenger vehicles on a for-hire basis.

WILBRAHAM

Independence Home Improvement Inc., 60 Manchonis Road, Wilbraham, MA 01095. David J Magazu, Same. Sales and home improvement contracting services for residential homes and properties.

New England Sewer & Drain Inc., 20 Cottage Ave., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Jeannine C. O’Brien, 1 Carol Ann Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. Construction, installation, and repair of sewer pipes and linings.

By BusinessWest Staff June 22, 2009

Departments

CT Business Expo

The 2009 CT Business Expo, staged June 4 at the Connecticut Convention Center, featured several hundred exhibitors, including many from Western Mass., and thousands of visitors. Above, representing the event’s main sponsor, Comcast Business Services, and its Western New England region were, from left, John Howlett, sales manager; Thomas Rausch, business account executive; Jeffrey Freyer, vice president of Business Services; and James Robinson, business account executive.

ERC5 Annual Meeting

The East of the River Chamber (ERC5) recently staged its annual meeting at Hampden Country Club. Attendees heard a keynote address from John Regan, above, executive vice president for Government Affairs for the Associated Industries of Mass. At left, Joseph Lawler, right, treasuer of ERC5 and a benefits manager for the Wilbraham-based Gaudreau Group Insurance and Financial Services Agency, presents a plaque to David Leslie, controller with the Longmeadow-based retirement community Glenmeadow, recognizing his work as the first chairman of the ERC5.

Cabinet Meeting

BnC Kitchens in Enfield recently staged grand-opening ceremonies at its showcase on Moody Road. The event was catered by Max’s Tavern, which used one of the custom kitchens to prepare appetizers. From left are Mike St.Germain, president of Atlantic Woodcraft; William Sullivan, vice president of commercial lending for PeoplesBank; and Bob Villeneuve, vice president of sales for BnC Kitchens.

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

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

Gilbert & Sons Insulation Inc. v. O’Bear Construction Company Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $2,763.18
Filed: 4/06/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

James Starbuck v. Goly’s Garage Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance, inspection, and service of vehicle causing injuries: $50,000+
Filed: 5/12/09

Joanne E. Lobik v. The Inn at Centerville Corners
Allegation: Negligence in property maintenance causing fall: $25,000+
Filed: 5/12/09

Wayne Saven & Lisa G. Elliot v. Rice Oil Company Inc. and Timothy S. Rice
Allegation: Employer failed to pay plaintiffs all wages owed: $101,631.86
Filed: 4/24/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Country Oil v. Douglas Trucking
Allegation: Balance due on diesel-fuel deliveries: $5,985.60
Filed: 4/08/09

Country Oil v. Red Rose Motel
Allegation: Balance due on diesel-fuel deliveries: $6,110.47
Filed: 4/08/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Bernadine Smith v. American International College and Kimberly A. Hudson
Allegation: Breach of contract, false documents, and creation of a hostile learning environment: $3,075,000
Filed: 3/31/09

Jessica Beaudoin v. Six Flags New England Inc.
Allegation: Assault occurring in Six Flags parking lot: $21,585.89
Filed: 4/27/09

New England Drywall Installers v. Mountain Road Estates, LLC and David Berry
Allegation: Non-payment of labor, materials, services, and equipment: $9,600
Filed: 4/06/09

The Travelers Indemnity Co. as Subrogee of Richard’s Deli Restaurant Inc. v. Spartan Brake & Muffler
Allegation: Negligence causing fire and water damage to restaurant: $535,619
Filed: 4/09/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Florence Savings Bank v. JKZ, Inc. d/b/a The Kitchen Table and John D. Zantouliadis
Allegation: Non-payment and breach of loan agreement: $46,667.67
Filed: 5/11/09

John Menard v. Genie Industries Inc. and United Rentals Inc.
Allegation: Product liability causing injuries: $100,000+
Filed: 5/05/09

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Hadley Printing Company Inc. v. Sunshine Art Studio Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of printing services rendered: $4,929.75
Filed: 3/30/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Heritage Surveys Inc. v. W. Kulig Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of surveying work performed: $5,260.67
Filed: 4/13/09

Kayon Corp. v. Country Comfort
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,124.30
Filed: 4/13/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Four Seasons Cleaning Services
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered and charged on a credit account: $7,854.71
Filed: 5/07/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Cameron Painting Inc. v. Optimum Building & Inspection Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials and services rendered: $18,290
Filed: 4/17/09

Dedicated Distribution Inc. v. Medical Specialties Group, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $22,693.73
Filed: 4/22/09

GMAC v. Atwater Studios Inc.
Allegation: Default on retail installment sales contract: $4,965.41
Filed: 4/21/09

Molta Florist Supply Inc. v. Carley’s Florist
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $11,785.52
Filed: 4/17/09

One Communications Corp. v. Chuck’s Sign Co.
Allegation: Balance due for services rendered: $4,256.20
Filed: 4/09/09

United Rentals Inc. v. JW Masonry Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $24,968.88
Filed: 4/14/09

Worldwide Express v. Merchamp U.S.A. Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of shipping services: $3,459.82
Filed: 4/16/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Lashco Tree Service, LLC v. Carr Landscaping, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of tree-removal services: $2,800
Filed: 4/03/09

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Frankies One Stop
62 Ramah Circle
Giarfranco Scirocco

Look Clean Commercial Services
325 Adams St.
Look Clean Commercial Services

Mark’s Lawn & Gutter Service
273 Leonard St.
Mark Gravel

Moses Plumbing & Heating
86 Spearfarm Road
Carl Moses

Robins Cleaning Service
28 South Park Terrace
Robin Easter

Sutton Place
191 Maple St.
Mary Thayer

Via Kay
16 Lancaster Dr.
Larry Villalobos

The Pink Elephant
982 River Road
Robert G. Webb

CHICOPEE

Czar Energy Solutions
50 Buckley Blvd.
Stacy Laverta

Galecki Tree Service
19 Ogden St.
Julius Galecki

The Spa @ Stony Brook
477 Britton St.
Sandra Ann Barnish

EAST LONGMEADOW

Coughlin Appraisers
57 Pease Road
Joseph Coughlin

Civil Engineering Associates LLC
77 Smith Ave.
Jill Cafarelli

Emporium Newstand
444 Main St.
Christine Goodwin

Mini D’s Donuts
31 Canterbury Circle
Martin Alan Spalding

GREENFIELD

Asian Buffet of Greenfield Inc.
254 Mohawk Trail
Sung Fo Chan

Underdown Fine Carpentry
33 Phillips St.
Peter C. Underdown

HADLEY

Fonzie’s Beer & Wine
103 Russell St.
Fredy Alvarado

Foreign Auto Haus
12 Russell St.
Jeremy Ober

The Benjamin Company
2 Bay Road
Paul J. Benjamin

NORTHAMPTON

Abba Motors
30 North Maple St.
Stephen Brackett

B.A.M. Painting
170 South St.
Brendan McGarrett

Citizens Investment Services
228 King St.
Xiomara Corral

Eguza Media
13 Munroe St.
Michael Jackson

Flying Flea
156 Grove St.
Alison Christina Kirk Plummer

Lano H. Service & Consignment Plus Inc.
50 Hatfield St.
Gary Hurley

Piper’s Hair Salon
99 Market St.
Piper A. Murphy

Rose Hill Farm
1367 Westhampton Road
Rose Marie Damon

Select GIS Services
29 Pleasant St.
James Thompson

PALMER

Begley Farm Stand
101 Wilbraham St.
Timothy S. Begley

PTS Properties
2004-B Caulkins Road
Peter Baruffaldi

Sweet Water Farm
29 Barker St.
George Foskia

SOUTHWICK

Balance Salon
535 College Highway
Susan C. Manolakis

SPRINGFIELD

Organic Vending
219 Memorial Dr.
Charles N. Brinkman

Orthofix Spinal Implants
90 Brookdale Dr.
Raymond C. Kolls

Prosperity Unlimited III
65 Breckwood Blvd.
Patricia A. Franklin

Purdy
670 Boston Road
Louis E. Stelato

Sahara & Sahara LLC
32 Boston Road
Mazhar Iqbal

Six Corner Barber Shop
296 Hancock St.
John Miller

Small Smiles Dental Center
3756 Cooley St.
Mareen E. George

Spindle City Precious Metals
1655 Boston Road
Jeffrey Erik Niedbala

Targeted Biostrategies
106 Bellevue Ave.
Merribeth Joy Morin

The Garden Doctor
28 Parker St.
Randolph Conway Bray

The Hudson Group
571 Roosevelt Ave.
Paul Hudson

The Kingdom Connection
20 Gunn Square
Hasson A. Williams

W.C. Customs and Performance
560 St. James Ave.
Willi Colon

Worthy Mini Mart
935 Worthington St.
Zahoor Ul Haq

WESTFIELD

2 Main St. Games & Collectibles
2 Main St.
John Krok

Andrew M. Farrar Painting & Wall Papering
23 Western Circle
Andrew M. Farrar

Apple Valley Rental
19 Fourth Ave.
Jeanne Wing

Brookside Auto
231 Union St.
John A. McCoubrey

Clean Up & Construction Services
9 Zephyr Dr.
Terrence B. Pulley

Grindstone Mountain Trucking Inc.
121 Wyben Road
Erik Loiko

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

Living Water Swimming Pools
53 Old County Road
Kyle Miltimore

Looks NU Power Wash
288 Little River Road
David Collier

Physical Therapy Partners
65 Springfield Road
John E. Jury

Traveling Rosaries Apostolate
56 Grandview Dr.
Linda N. Gerlip

Volition is Desire
136 Old Stage Road
Jason Hyde

WEST SPRINGFIELD

AG Assembly Services Co.
20 Gaskill Ave.
Andrew P. Leete

Ashley Arms Apartments
131 Ashley Ave.
Mary Thayer

Fair Deal Auto Repairs
130 Allston Ave.
Valery Bilik

L.A. Nails
634 Kings Highway
Ninh Luu

Mr. Sealgood
75 Church St.
Scott W. Gage

Specialized Counseling Services, LLC
380 Union St.
Daniel Pilachowski

Sutton Place
131 Ashley Ave.
Mary Thayer

Trade Mark Construction
43 Robinson Road
Travis McIntire

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

200 for Tea

On May 20, more than 200 women representing business, community, local government, health care, interfaith ministry, social welfare, and education gathered at the Colony Club in Springfield to sip fine teas in support of Square One and its early-education and intervention programming for children and families. This was the third year Square One has organized the event as a fund-raising effort to support the early education and care, parenting, school-age and family support services provided daily to 1,100 children and families throughout Hampden County. The event is critical to the organization’s ability to provide tuition assistance to families who are without the financial means to access early education and care for their children. Nearly 90% of Square One’s families, while employed, are earning just $15,000 a year or less. Clockwise, from above: from left, Carol Leary, president of Bay Path College, Judy Matt, director of the Spirit of Springfield, and Carla Sarno, first lady of Springfield; Kathy Cardinale, owner of Cardinale Design; some of the 200, most sporting festive hats, gather in the courtyard; from left, Kate Kane, managing director of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network’s Springfield office, Kim Lee, vice president of Advancement for Square One, and Donna Safford Fleury, with Vinson Associates.

Learning Experience

BusinessWest Editor George O’Brien goes over material with Melissa Ciolek, a 2009 graduate of Holyoke Catholic High School who recently ‘shadowed’ O’Brien and others at the magazine. Ciolek, who will be attending the University of Delaware this fall and has designs on a career in communications, spent several days with BusinessWest staff members, learning about everything from interviewing, writing, and editing to sales and marketing. She also spent several days shadowing managers and staff at ABC40.

The Only Way to Travel

Peter Pan Bus Lines is becoming one of the first inter-city bus lines to have wireless Internet available to passengers through the installation of WiFi technology on its fleet. The company is in the process of installing the WiFi technology on 150 buses in its motorcoach fleet at a cost of around $75,000, not including Peter Pan’s labor to install the technology. Seen here promoting the WiFi service is Bob Guistimbelli, Peter Pan’s most recent ‘3-million-mile, accident-free’ driver.

Steps in the Right Direction

Matt D’Amour of Big Y Foods cuts the ribbon at the start of the 2009 Pioneer Valley Start! Heart Walk. More than 700 walkers stepped up for the American Heart Assoc. by participating and raising more than $200,000 to fund research for heart disease and stroke. Pictured with D’Amour are members of the 2009 Executive Walk Committee: Evan Robinson, left, a stroke survivor and Dean of Pharmacy at Western New England College, and Carlos Martins, vice president of RiverBend Medical Group.

OPINION

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Opinion

Addressing the Crisis in Math and Science

The U.S. owes a great debt to the makers of Sputnik 1. The Soviet Unions 1957 launch of the worlds first earth-orbiting man-made satellite challenged our national self-image of leadership in mathematics and science. Within a year, Congress passed the National Defense Education Act, and by the time Apollo 11 landed the first humans on the moon in July 1969, American mathematics, science, and technology were the envy of the world.

Our nations leadership in mathematics and science is once again at risk, and a new congressional act of similar scope is needed. According to the recent National Mathematics Advisory Panel report, American students have not been succeeding in the mathematical part of their education at anything like a level expected of an international leader.

Changing this will take teachers with a dedication to math and science and the knowledge to match. But the data suggest that we are in a feedback loop, with todays ill-prepared students becoming tomorrows teachers. This weeks announcement that nearly three-quarters of aspiring elementary school teachers failed the math section of the states licensing exam is the latest example.

Last June, the National Council of Teacher Quality, a nonpartisan research and advocacy group, reported that the average 2007 mathematics SAT score of high-school seniors planning to major in education in college was 32 points below the national average for all college-bound students. And colleges themselves are too often not helping. The council surveyed 77 education schools, and it rated 37 of them as fail on all measures in preparing elementary teachers to teach math. The situation in science is no better a 2007 report of the National Academies described the scientific knowledge of K-8 teachers as limited and often quite thin. Since teacher knowledge significantly affects student learning, this should give us pause.

The nation is not producing enough well-qualified teachers of math and science. And too many of the ones it does produce are leaving the classroom after a few years. We cannot continue to lead in math and science without substantial and immediate changes nationwide.

To break the feedback loop, we need a new Mathematics and Science Education Act. Its principle points should include:

Financial incentives to attract mathematically and scientifically able students to become teachers. It should provide low-interest college loans for top math and science students who want to become teachers, with debt forgiveness for those who remain teachers for a certain period of time.

A focus at colleges and universities on developing math and science content knowledge along with teaching skills. We must ensure that new teachers know these subjects thoroughly the why, not just the what. This will require new classes, taught by mathematicians and scientists, who must take greater responsibility for preparing the next generation of teachers.

Professional expectations and opportunities for teachers. We need to re-envision teaching as a profession with a ladder of steps, progressing from novice to expert. Teachers should be subject to rigorous licensing requirements and periodic recertification. They should also be offered opportunities for substantial professional development leading to additional intellectual engagement with their subject areas. In particular, teachers in mathematics and science must be offered a regular sabbatical so that they can stay up to date and add to their knowledge with college or graduate-level disciplinary courses. And we must pay for those courses.

Increased salaries for mathematics and science teachers. The law of supply and demand cannot be avoided. We need this expertise, and we should be willing to pay for it.

The implementation of such an act will require a good deal of effort and is likely to trigger some controversy. But its long-term impact and benefits would far outweigh any growing pains.

Sputnik included a radio beacon audible every 96 minutes. It became a clarion call to change. If only we could hear it now.

Solomon Friedberg is a professor and chairman of the Mathematics Department at Boston College. He is a member of the Mass. Board of Educations Math-Science Advisory Council and an editor of the book series Issues in Mathematics Education.

Springfields Priority: Attracting Private Investment

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Opinion

Springfield’s Priority: Attracting Private Investment

Springfield has a new director of economic development. John Judge, a real-estate developer in Boston and former director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Boston, was introduced last week, and hell be on the job full-time in a matter of weeks.

Judge will have a number of challenges to meet and priorities to address from finding a new use for the York Street Jail site to following the script laid by the authors of the Urban Land Institute report; from filling the former federal building to infusing some life downtown.

Perhaps the broader challenge, though, and one that touches on all the others, is the need to generate private investment in Springfield. Weve said on many occasions that the city, and the region to a lesser extent, is becoming far too dependent on public investment for economic development, and that there must be greater balance if the city is to achieve significant growth and vibrancy.

If one were to look around, it would become quickly apparent just how much public-sector investment has taken place in the city: the MassMutual Center, the new federal courthouse, the infrastructure work on State Street, and more has all been funded with federal or state dollars, or both.

On the horizon are a backup data center, to be built at the site of the former Technical High School on Elliott Street (a state project), and the long-stalled revitalization of Union Station there is a revised plan being shaped called Union Station 2 that is predominantly a federal project. And now, all eyes are on federal stimulus dollars and projects that can be funded with them, which is understandable.

It would be fair to say that Congressman Richard Neal has been more active in economic development in Springfield he won money for the courthouse, Union Station, and State Street, and pushed hard for the data center to be placed at Tech than any other party.

And in the larger scheme of things, this isnt good for the City of Homes, which, historically, has prospered not through government-backed jobs projects, but entrepreneurial ventures ranging from MassMutual to Smith & Wesson.

The various public projects described above were undertaken with the intention of spurring private investment. The term people use when they seek such funds is that they can leverage private projects. Thus far, there hasnt been too much leveraging going on in the area near the MassMutual Center, on State Street (although there is some promise there, certainly), or anywhere else.

There have been pockets of private-sector development the riverfront and the broader Columbus Avenue corridor, for example, as well as Baystate Healths new Hospital of the Future, which has been delayed by the downturn in the economy but there obviously needs to be more.

How can it be generated?

This will be Judges main assignment, and he wont be alone in that challenge. Indeed, there are many other communities in this region and across the state that are trying to catch the attention of the development community. How does Springfield prevail with such vast competition?

It can start with more-aggressive marketing designed to introduce or re-introduce the city to developers and business owners. There has been some, but certainly not enough, and nothing on a consistent basis.

Meanwhile, there should be a renewed emphasis on small businesses and stimulating more entrepreneurial opportunities. Economic development isnt just about big, high-profile projects like the jail site or Court Square or Chapman Valve. Its also about long-neglected blocks off Main and Dwight streets and trying to bring them back one by one.

And perhaps another place to begin is with the arts. Other older industrial cities, such as Pittsfield and Lowell, have made artists and the small businesses that support them a key component of economic development.

Judge will have a long, detailed job description to go along with his new position. At the top of that list should be spurring private-sector development, because it will be the key to growth and prosperity down the road.

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

Ten Points About:

Obtaining Business Credit

By GARY G. BRETON

1. Create a ‘snapshot’ of your company at a specific point in time. This can usually be derived from your company’s most recent financial statements, which provide a lender with a detailed and comprehensive picture of your company’s current business operations and profitability.

2. Have a well-defined business plan. This demonstrates that you have already wisely considered your company’s strategic growth and related financial projections.

3. Remember that you are asking a prospective lender to effectively become a partner with your company. Having the foresight to undertake sound financial and business practices is essential to obtaining necessary credit and entering such a partnership.

4. Consider self-promotion. Clearly demonstrating that your company has established a proven track record in a particular industry can provide immediate credibility.

5. Consider what collateral security your company has to offer. Offering your prospective lender strong, easily valued, and easily accessible collateral is critical.

6.Provide a solid and inclusive financing application package. Doing so can assure a fair and timely review of your request for financing.

7. Shop around. Despite the current economic environment, lenders in the Northeast generally remain well-capitalized and are looking to extend credit to solid companies. Despite their more-critical and comprehensive view, the essential building blocks to obtain requested credit remain the same.

8. Negotiate. Although there has been a tightening of credit availability nationwide, the interest rates currently being offered are generally quite favorable.

9. Be reasonable. Be realistic as to both your company’s real financing needs and the terms of the credit facilities based on the current lending and market conditions.

10. Ask for it! Many times business owners are reluctant to initiate a request for credit based on what they perceive are insurmountable obstacles, when in fact many obstacles may be satisfactorily addressed and overcome by working with a lender who can bring both creative and fiscally responsible alternatives to the table.

Gary G. Breton, Esq. is a partner with Bacon Wilson, P.C., and a member of its Banking and Finance Department; (413) 781-0560;
[email protected].

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

ACCGS Annual Meeting

June 11: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. (ACCGS) will hold its annual meeting at 11:30 a.m. at the Springfield Marriott, 1500 Main St. Sponsored by the Chamber Insurance Program and NewAlliance Bank, the luncheon will highlight the successes of the chamber over the past year and recognize officers and directors of the board. Additionally, Attorney Bill Rooney and Tony Goncalves will also be honored for receiving the 2009 ACCGS Richard J. Moriarty Citizen of the Year Award. Dress for Success will be honored as the Small Nonprofit Organization of the Year, and Junior Achievement will be honored as the Large Nonprofit Organization of the Year. Jeffrey Taylor, Founder of Monster.com, will give a keynote address, presenting “Motivating the Business Professional in a Declining Economy.” Reservations for the annual meeting cost $40 for members and $60 for non-members, and must be made in writing and in advance. Reservations may be made through Diane Swanson at [email protected], or online at www.myonlinechamber.com

Wine & Microbrew Tasting

June 12: Members of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce will host a Wine & Microbrew Tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. at One Cottage St., Easthampton. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the chamber’s community programs. Organizers expect more than 50 wines and microbrews to be available for tasting, as well as fine food and a raffle. Tickets are $25 per person or $30 at the door. To purchase tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or visit www.easthamptonchamber.org.

Trails for Nails

June 13: After a long New England winter, celebrate the official start of the mountain-biking season by participating in the first-ever Trails for Nails, a 20-mile ride at Robinson State Park in Agawam. Whether you choose to register as a single rider or as a member of a team, this event will help raise much-needed funds for Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. The ride features two 10-mile loops, crossing a wide variety of terrain, accommodating all skill levels. To register, riders must visit www.bikereg.com and type in ‘Trails for Nails’ in the search box. The cost to register is $45 per person through June 10. If space is available, riders will also be able to register the day of the event from 6:30 to 8 a.m.; however, there will be an additional $10 fee. Only the first 100 registrations will be accepted, so sign up early to guarantee your spot. Registered riders will receive a 2009 Trails for Nails T-shirt, a ‘swag bag,’ a water bottle, and lunch. In conjunction with the Trails for Nails ride, raffle tickets are available for a 2009 Specialized Rockhopper mountain bike, donated by Family Bike of Feeding Hills. Raffle tickets are $5 each. To purchase a ticket, contact Nicole at Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, (413) 739-5503 or E-mail [email protected]. For more information about the Trails for Nails ride, contact Jason Tsitso at (413) 262-1257, or E-mail [email protected].

Leadership Development & Teambuilding

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a daylong conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Also, “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.” The conference is targeted for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead, and succeed. Enrollment fee is $199 per person or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

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

Amador, Manuuel
69 Sanderson St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Antoine, Valarie D.
87 Elliot St., Apt. 4B
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Badillo, Robert
Hague-Badillo, Megan K.
169 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Beauvais, Aimee L.
a/k/a Mominee, Aimee L.
11 Saint John St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Beauvais, Scott A.
11 Saint John St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Benson, Mercy B.
656 Dalton Division Road
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Betts, Charles E.
16 Leatherleaf Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/09

Bielinski, Robert M.
57 Belvidere Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Brassill, William V.
165 Wheeler Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Briere, Dennis P.
Briere, Jean M.
61 John St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Bristol, Seth A.
7 Marshall St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Brown, Douglas M.
P.O. Box 715
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Burgos, Kimberly Ann
3 Lovewell St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/09/09

Buteau, Robert F.
140 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Cafe Koko Inc.
Monette, Eugene Raymond
111 Winchester Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Callahan, Rosemary D.
10 Dorchester Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Caloon, Thomas J.
Caloon, Kathleen M.
125 Bemis Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Camacho-Rivera, Carmen
5E Westminster St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Camilleri, Thomas J.
155 Main Road
Westhampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Cardaropoli, Nancy
P.O. Box 854
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Castellano, Lucy Elena
147 Parallel St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Ciancotti, Anthony J.
29 Dana St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

College Tuition Landscaping
Morrisino, Michael W.
15 Anthony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Colon, Yadira
573 State St., Apt. 40
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Cotto, Nicole R.
71 Jonquil Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Cruz, Jorge
Cruz, Nelly
14 Parker St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Cuoco, John A.
Cuoco, Josephine
136 Pine Acre Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Cusson, Robin F.
1447 Cape St.
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Cwiok, Kathleen E.
2064 Main St.
Three Rivers, MA 01080
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Dagenais, Joanna
32 Sterling St
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/09

Dargie, Arthur P.
Dargie, Sheila L.
26 Kately Lane
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Davis, Penelope R.
5 Meadowood Dr.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/09/09

Dodge, Bobby J.
491 Franklin St. Ext.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Dressel, Lee Ann
16 Worcester St
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/09

Dymnicki, Eric S.
Dymnicki, Natasha I.
77 Sunrise Ter.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Foreman, Jon C.
401 Gaffney Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Francisco, Edgar L.
18 Knollwood St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Garcia, Juan F.
7 Upper Church St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Garvey, Dawn Marie
443 Wihton St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Gaspardi, Dianne C.
a/k/a Marks, Dianne C.
3 Myrtle St., Apt. B9
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Geib, Richard Vincent
368 Houghton St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Gendron, Donna L.
5 Applewood Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/09

Goodyear, Mark Thomas
Goodyear, Cindy Marie
331 Tiffany St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/09

Gravel, Jean B.
45 West St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Griffin, Alice J.
15 Denette St., Apt. 1R
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Grise, Francis J.
34 Margaret St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Griswold, Gary W.
9 Oak Lane
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Hadden, James J.
Hadden, Jody A.
12 First St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Hall, Jamie J.
78 Mansfield St
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Hastie, Vera A.
100 Brianna Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Hatch, Carl N.
Hatch, Carolyn G.
12 Gale St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Hebert, David B.
Hebert, Constance R.
478 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Hernandez, Fermin
1831 Northampton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Jedrzejczyk, Wieslaw
Jedrzejczyk, Susan R.
1150 Dunhamtown Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Jones, Irving M.
25 Dartmouth St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Joseph, Martha Y.
33 Salem St., Apt. 2B
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Kelleher, Michael T.
309 East Road
P.O. Box 961
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/09

Lamothe, Andrew
145 Lancaster Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Lapointe, Ramon G.
Lapointe, Linda C.
24 Charles St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Leighton, Stephanie
a/k/a Winfield, Stephanie
Leighton, Blake
126 Union St., Unit 1015
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Lemaine, Dianne J.
21 Adams St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Letourneau, Alfred R.
Letourneau, Valerie L.
65 Pitroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/09

Lincoln, Ann E.
92 Commercial St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Lincoln, Sharon L.
92 Commercial St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Lugo, Elizabeth
a/k/a Garcia, Elizabeth
337 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Matthews, Robert L.
Matthews, Rachel E.
a/k/a Vadnais, Rachel E.
59 New Ludlow Road, Apt. 2C
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/14/09

Mattioli, Christopher D.
Mattioli, Barbara A.
47 Breakneck Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/09

McCormack, Thomas D.
38 Hilltop Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/14/09

McGregor, James
28 Hamilton Circle
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Medina, Danny S.
Medina, Judy A.
20 Baird Trace
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/09

Melendez, Brenda M.
73 Phillipston Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Mendez, Pedro J.
Mendez, Carmen R.
21 Bowers St.
Apt. 309
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Montalban, Norma L.
a/k/a Guerra, Norma L.
64 Myrtle St., Apt. 21
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Morf, David W.
Morf, Mary West
136 Dartmouth St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Moriarty, Lori Marie
8 Noble St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Morrison, Ralph Edmund
Morrison, Sylvia
768 Wheelwright Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

New Leaf Consulting, LLC
Ruppart, Randall Earl
10 West St.
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Oliver, Lorna E.
567 Dickinson St., Apt 2
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Oliveras, Jose L.
P.O. Box 1365
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Ottaviani, Stephen C.
59 Fox Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/11/09

P.C. Surplus
Professional Properties
Lynch, Chad T.
20 Gerald St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Parent, Roger F.
Parent, Teri L.
70 Vienna Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Peele, Shane Carson
Peele, Dianna Lee
86 Stafford Holland Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Picard, Robert A.
Picard, Kim M.
16 Hillside Ter.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/11/09

Pinkney, April M.
a/k/a Jackson, April Michelle
36 Manhattan St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Pou, Carmen M.
319 Chestnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Prior, Theresa
43 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Przypek, Mark J.
Przypek, Robin L.
117 Glazier Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Pumarejo, Joel
Pumarejo, Aurora
1082 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Reeds Landing
807 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Rivera, Jesus
Irizarry, Enid A.
a/k/a Rivera, Enid A.
104 Acrebrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Rivera, Jose M.
Rivera, Julia
156 Stuart St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Rivera, Vivian E.
215 Cedar Swamp Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Robbins, Kelly L.
61 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Ruemmele, Ruben
Valle, Raquel
35 Converse St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Ryan, Gail Davis
735 Memorial Dr., Lot 9
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Sadowsky, Joseph P.
350 West St., Lot 17
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Scordino, Vincent P.
107 Colony Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Seklecki, Joseph J.
32 Wilson Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Sheremeta, James P.
141 Regal St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Sibley, Kenneth G.
62 Elm St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/07/09

Smith, Joseph E.
31 Price St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/01/09

Spagnuolo, Judith A.
42 Lombard Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Springer, William H.
Springer, Cynthia L.
a/k/a Petri, Cynthia L.
45 Willow St., Apt. 43
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Sprong, Constance A.
1679 West Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/08/09

Stribley, Lawrence C.
Stribley, Laurie A.
617 Leyden Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Titenko, Sergey V.
101 River Rd.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Torres, Reynaldo
44 Worcester Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/13/09

Vazquez, Gilberto
Vazquez, Rosa
69 Worcester Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/05/09

Velazquez, Luz M.
40 Edmund Wynne Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/04/09

Visneau, Lynne A.
154 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/15/09

Vitali, Donald J.
Vitali, Antoinette N.
19 Elmwood Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

Warren, Garrett Andrew
27 Trafalgar Sq.
South Barre, MA 01704
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/06/09

Wilson, Deborah Ann
55 Oak Courts
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 05/12/09

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

Springfield Names Development Chief

SPRINGFIELD — John Judge, a real-estate developer in Boston, has been named the city’s new chief development officer. He will succeed David Panagore, who left last fall to take a similar position in Hartford. Judge, 42, who was introduced by Mayor Domenic Sarno at a City Hall press conference, brings a varied résumé to his position. He’s president of Judge Co., a real estate development firm based in Boston, and previously served as director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Boston. As he was introduced, Judge told the local press that “the challenges that Springfield is encountering right now are the challenges that America is encountering. Springfield can certainly be an incubator for innovation and ideas, an incubator in the lead, top of mind, if you will, for New England.”

Poll: Local Firms Optimistic About Economic Recovery

SPRINGFIELD — The recession has taken a toll on businesses across the country, and Hartford-Springfield firms are no exception: 83% report that the recession has had a direct negative effect on their business. To remain competitive, many businesses in the interstate region have postponed capital spending (48%), cut their workforce (45%), or initiated hiring or pay freezes (39%). Only a handful (9%) have raised prices. In fact, more businesses have lowered prices to boost demand, and almost half (49%) have increased marketing efforts to prepare for recovery when the economy bounces back. Those are some of the key findings in the 2009 Hartford-Springfield Regional Business Survey, released recently. Commissioned by the Hartford-Springfield Economic Partnership (HSEP), the survey was conducted by the Connecticut Business & Industry Assoc. (CBIA) and sponsored by Comcast Business Class and Kostin, Ruffkess & Co. It is a follow-up to the first survey in 2007. The survey finds that economic competitiveness, taxes, regulatory burdens, and the cost of doing business are high on Hartford-Springfield businesses’ list of concerns, while the region’s quality of life, educational institutions, and proximity to key markets rank high on the list of benefits. The majority (61%) of business leaders cited the cost of doing business as the single greatest barrier to their continued success in the Hartford-Springfield region. The sluggish economic climate overall ranked a distant second (18%), followed by the region’s demographics and skilled workforce shortage (14%). Somewhat encouraging is the fact that the proportion of businesses expecting to record a loss in 2007 and in 2009 has remained the same (23%); however, the share of businesses expecting to record a profit dropped precipitously from 71% in 2007 to a projected 41% in 2009. Perhaps the brightest news is that almost none of the businesses surveyed plan to shut down (2%). While 9% plan to sell their companies within the next five years, the vast majority (85%) expect to stay in business — and to stay in the Hartford-Springfield region. “Concerns expressed about the high costs of doing business are timely as state governments struggle with decreased revenue and flirt with increasing costs to compensate,” said Allan Blair, president and CEO of the Economic Development Council of Western Mass. “For our companies to grow when the economy improves, their costs must remain competitive. Fortunately, most businesses surveyed expect to successfully navigate these difficult times.”

Pay Gap Between Public, Private Sectors Reaches New High

WASHINGTON — The compensation gap between public- and private-sector employees continues to grow, according to recently released data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics. Overall total compensation for state and local workers in December 2008 was $39.25 per hour — $11.90, or 44%, more than in private business. A year earlier, the gap was $11.31. Public-employee benefits were 68% higher than private-sector workers — $13.38 an hour compared to $7.98. Annualized, that equates to $27,830 for the average government worker and $16,598 for the average employee in the private sector. Last year, the cost of public-sector benefits rose three times more than those in the private sector — up 69 cents for government workers and 23 cents for private-sector employees, according to the new report. The public-private wage gap has remained about the same since 2002, the report states, but for every $1-per-hour pay increase, public employees have received $1.17 in new benefits compared to 58 cents for private workers.

Consumer Confidence Climbs in May

SPRINGFIELD — The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index climbed 14.1 points in May, a much-larger jump than most analysts were expecting, bringing the confidence level to its highest mark — 54.9 — since last September (61.4). The gain was at least 10 points higher than economists were predicting, fueling speculation that the worst of the recession may indeed be over. Much of the improvement came from the expectations index, which measures shoppers’ outlook over the next six months. That barometer climbed to 72.3 from 51.0 in April. Consumers’ assessment of the present situation, however, was still weak, rising from 25.5 in April to 28.9 in May.

Springfield’s Jobless Rate Falls

SPRINGFIELD — A rise in seasonal hiring brought Springfield’s employment rate down from 8.7% in March to 8.2% in April, according to recently released statistics from the state Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The decline mirrored a 0.4% decrease reported statewide (from 8.2% to 7.8%); however, the numbers are not quite double what they were a year ago (4.3% for the state and 4.7% for Springfield).

Manpower Indentifies ‘Hardest-fill’ Positions

MILWAUKEE — Engineers, nurses, and skilled/manual trades are among the nation’s most challenging positions to fill, according to survey findings released by Manpower Inc. “In the four years we have performed this research, the same positions appear on the list again and again,” said Jonas Prising, president of the Americas. “Despite the current economic instability and high unemployment, there are still skills that the U.S. workforce seems to lack.” The 10 hardest jobs to fill, as reported by U.S. employers for 2009, are engineers, nurses, skilled/manual trades, teachers, sales representatives, technicians, drivers, IT staff, laborers, and machinists/machine operators. Each of the 10 job categories on the 2009 list has appeared on the Hardest Jobs to Fill list in the past. Technicians, machinists/machine operators and sales representatives have been present all four years. Engineers, drivers, and laborers have appeared three out of four years, while nurses, teachers, skilled/manual trades, and IT staff have been present in two of the four years Manpower has performed the survey. Even with unemployment at or near record levels in many communities, Manpower’s research highlights the problem many employers are having finding individuals with the right combination of job-specific skills, experience, training, and soft skills. “It is becoming more clear that there is a talent disconnect,” said Melanie Holmes, vice president, World of Work Solutions for Manpower North America.

Home Sales Increase in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Home sales in Springfield surged in April compared to a year ago, bucking a statewide trend. A total of 90 homes were sold in Springfield in April, up 30.43% from the 69 sold in April 2008, according to figures released by the Warren Group. Year-to-date through April, there were 274 homes sold in Springfield, up 13.22% from the 242 sold in the first four months of 2008.

By BusinessWest Staff June 8, 2009

Departments

Wireless Internet Access Coming to Peter Pan Fleet

SPRINGFIELD — Peter Pan Bus Lines is becoming one of the first inter-city bus lines to have wireless Internet available to passengers through the installation of WiFi technology on its fleet. Peter Pan is in the process of installing the WiFi technology on 150 buses in its motorcoach fleet at a cost of around $75,000, not including Peter Pan’s labor to install the technology. WiFi allows local area networks (LANs) to be deployed without wires for electronic devices such as laptop computers. Wireless network adapters are now built into most laptops. WiFi has become widespread, and the addition of this technology into Peter Pan’s fleet will allow passengers to easily access the Internet while traveling. “We’re proud or our reputation for being on the leading edge of technology in the inter-city bus industry,” said Peter A. Picknelly, president of Peter Pan. “We were among the first in the bus industry to include video monitors on our motor coaches. Other technological advances such as a real-time monitoring system that records the speed and the operation of the vehicle by our operator and a GPS tracking system are routinely retrofitted into all of our coaches. Our goal is to continue to improve the traveling experience on Peter Pan and respond to customer needs and preferences. Passengers want to use laptop computers, accessing the Internet to do work or to check E-mail, and the installation of the WiFi wireless compatibility on our coaches gives Peter Pan an advantage over air travel or travel by auto. Our passengers have indicated they want Internet access, and we always move aggressively when it comes to adding technological advances ”

Plotkin & Associates Launches New Web Site

SPRINGFIELD — NAI Samuel D. Plotkin & Associates Inc. recently launched a new Web site. The site was redesigned with a new look and feel for increased ease of navigation. In addition to an enhanced design, the Web site offers detailed information on services, current company news, client testimonials, a blog, and several regional and local commercial real-estate resources. The site also displays its footprint of managing more than 1 million square feet of commercial real estate in downtown Springfield alone.

Big Y Awards More Than $250,000 in Local Scholarships

SPRINGFIELD — Big Y World Class Markets has selected more than 325 academically outstanding students from communities surrounding its stores to receive a total of over $250,000 in college scholarships for the 2009-10 academic year. Unlike most area scholarships, these awards are based on academic merit, regardless of financial need. With Big Y’s assistance, students from all over Massachusetts and Connecticut will be attending schools such as Columbia University, Elms College, Yale University, Brown University, Smith College, Mount Holyoke College, Princeton University, and Worcester Polytechnic Institute this fall. Top recipients were honored at a Scholarship Awards Ceremony held at the Big Y Store Support Center in Springfield in May. Big Y’s Scholarship Program reflects its longstanding commitment to education and is considered to be one of the most competitive in New England, with thousands of students applying each year. Since this program was founded in 1984, more than $2.2 million has been awarded to more than 3,000 students. “We are grateful to be in a position to fill a real need in the communities we serve by recognizing the hard work, dedication to excellence, and outstanding academic achievement of so many fine young men and women who are our neighbors in our marketing area,” said Donald H. D’Amour, Big Y chairman and CEO. “This exercise also serves as a humbling reminder to us all to continue to strive for excellence. My personal congratulations go out to all of our winners.” What also sets Big Y’s Scholarship program apart from others is that it is open to all customers and customers’ dependents as well as employees, and employees’ dependents. Awards are given to students in the categories of high school graduate, undergraduate, community college, graduate, and non-traditional. There is also a special category within the Big Y Scholarship program that honors dependents of the law-enforcement officers and firefighters who risk their lives every day to protect and serve local communities. This year, 17 scholarships have been awarded to dependents of police officers and firefighters.

Florence Savings Bank Continues Strong Growth

NORTHAMPTON — Florence Savings Bank recently released first-quarter results that indicate a continuation of the bank’s strong growth trend. FSB’s total assets on March 31 were $1.1 billion, up $46 million, or 4.3%, from the corresponding period last year. The asset growth was the result of continued growth in the bank’s loan portfolio. Total loans ended the quarter at $688 million, up $35.9 million, or 5.5%, from March 2008 levels. The loan growth was spurred by residential mortgage loans, which increased $24.8 million, or 5.8%, allowing FSB to remain the number-one mortgage lender in Hampshire County, and commercial loans that grew $14.6 million, or 10.4%, in the year-to-year comparison. Total deposits were $761.2 million at the end of March, up $41.3 million, or 5.7%, from March 2008 levels. This deposit growth was the result of the success of FSB’s Rewards Checking program, which accounted for $31.1 million of the deposit growth.

Tighe & Bond Moves Up on List of Top Design Firms

WESTFIELD — Tighe & Bond was recently ranked among the top 500 design firms in the nation, according to Engineering News-Record. The company ranked 335, up from 392 in 2008. Companies were ranked based on gross revenue reported in 2008 for providing services and products to domestic and international markets. Tighe & Bond provides engineering and environmental services to public and private clients in government, industry, health care, education, real estate, and power-utility markets.

Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation Donates $5,000 to Gray House

SPRINGFIELD — The Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently donated $5,000 to the Gray House. The Gray House is a small, neighborhood human-service agency located on Sheldon Street in the North End of Springfield. In 1984, the Gray House Agency opened to provide for the civic, social, and educational needs of the people in the neighborhood. The mandate of the original founders is that “the Gray House is a place where peace is lived and learned and hope is shared.” Dena Calvanese, executive director of the Gray House, said that “the support from the Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation means so much to us, especially the children we serve. We appreciate their generosity and belief in our work.” Hector F. Toledo, vice president of Hampden Bank, added, “when I visited the Gray House, I saw first-hand all the good work they do for the community, specifically the attention they give the children in the after-school program. Agencies like the Gray House need the support desperately, and we are proud to continue supporting them.”

Bidwell ID Shares Success at CASE Awards

NORTHAMPTON — Marketing agency Bidwell ID, working with Emma Willard School, won five gold circles of excellence for the school’s magazine, Emma, at the recent CASE awards. CASE, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a nonprofit education association and awards the circle of excellence annually to recognize accomplishments that have lasting impact and deliver exceptional results. Emma magazine won five gold awards in the following categories: excellence in design, magazine publishing improvement; best articles of the year; independent schools; independent-school magazines; and a grand gold for independent-school periodicals. The judges who presided over the overall excellence category called it “a magazine I could settle in with and spend a great deal of time” and said the magazine has “great concept and execution, and inspiring writing and design.” Out of all the awards Emma garnered the most notable is the grand gold for independent-school periodicals. This award is considered the equivalent to ‘best in show.’ Award-winning editor Rachel Morton of Morton Associates, along with Bidwell ID art director Lily Pereira, are responsible for the successful redesign of Emma.

JMP Forges Partnership with Design Professionals

WARE — JMP Environmental Consulting Inc. announced a new partnership with South Windsor, Conn.-based Design Professionals Inc. Together, the two companies offer land-development services to meet a wide range of client needs, including civil engineering, land surveying, GIS analysis, landscape architecture, due diligence/permitting, wetland science, aquatic-wildlife and fisheries science, stream restorations, and invasive-species control.

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

Ten POints About: Facebook Privacy

By CHRISTINE PILCH

1. Restrict profile access only to friends. The default is everyone, so your Facebook profile is an open book until you restrict access.

2. Use groups. Set up groups for different sets of friends. This allows you to control specific data access by group rather than on an individual level.

3. Carefully consider who you want to post to your wall and view posts by others. If you have a combination of personal and professional connections, you might not want everyone to see what others write.

4. Protect your photos and videos. Avoid embarrassing photo and video flubs by restricting certain individuals and groups from seeing those you post and that others tag with your name, and remember to set album security levels too.

5. Disable news stories about posting on friends’ walls. Nobody needs to know that you’ve written on a friend’s wall.

6. Don’t post your relationship status or allow news feeds when your relationship status changes. If you’re happily married, that’s one thing, but if your relationship status is subject to change, you don’t need to broadcast it, thereby causing potential embarrassment.

7. Restrict search results information. It’s great to be able to be found by everyone, but strangers don’t need to see your friends and pages you’re a fan of.

8. Delete your public search listing. You don’t need to have the personal information in your profile accessed by search engines.

9. Check and see how individual friends see your profile. Look at your profile with a critical eye. You will likely find that there are certain aspects of your personal life that you don’t want some friends to see.

10. Safeguard your personal contact information. Think about who you want to have access to your address and phone numbers.

Christine Pilch is a partner with Grow My Company and a social-media marketing strategist. She trains clients to utilize LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and other social-media tools to grow their businesses, and she collaborates with professional service firms to get results through innovative positioning strategies; (413) 537-2474; linkedin.com/in/christinepilch; twitter.com/christinepilch; growmyco.com; “Miracle Growth for Your Company.”

OPINION

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Opinion

Why Manufacturing Still Matters

On May 13, Manufacturing Day in Holyoke, the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce, the mayors Industrial Advisory Committee, and Associated Industries of Massachusetts recognized nine local manufacturers, each more than 100 years old. This celebration is a reminder that manufacturing remains a pillar of our economy and a vital step on the ladder of social mobility.

Manufacturing does matter for Holyoke, for Massachusetts, and for the nation. Manufacturing is evolving, and despite fierce competition both domestically and abroad (and often a lack of appreciation by government at all levels), the states manufacturing sector is competitive, and in some sectors growing.

The Mass. Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP) notes that Census Bureau figures reveal a startling change: for the first time in the states history, small manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) are employing more people than the larger firms of more than 500 employees. In 2002, manufacturing establishments operated by companies employing 500 or more had 167,433 employees in Massachusetts, while SMEs employed 162,917; by 2006, employment by larger manufacturers declined 24% to 127,364, while employment by SMEs declined by less than 10% to 147,816.

The numbers of establishments tell the same story: large employers declined from 738 in 2002 to 624 in 2006, but SMEs remained steady at just under 7,000. As a recent report from Northeastern University, Staying Power: The Future of Manufacturing in Massachusetts, notes, it is remarkable, given the situation facing manufacturing across the U.S., that Massachusetts still sustains a manufacturing base that employs nearly 300,000 people.

So much has public opinion lost sight of the contributions made by manufacturers, however, that few in government, education, or the population at large are aware that the manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to the Massachusetts Gross State Product (GSP). As the financial-services bubble deflates, we should understand that making products produces real wealth, and recognize that we still manufacture many things in the Bay State.

In 2007, the manufacturing sector in Massachusetts contributed $42 billion to the GSP (13.7%), as compared to real estate, rental, leasing ($40 billion), professional and technical services ($35 billion), finance and insurance ($34 billion), and health care and services ($25 billion).

Manufacturing, moreover, has a large multiplier effect, creating economic activity and jobs in other segments of the economy. Without manufacturing, the Massachusetts economy would be about 40% smaller, we would all be poorer, and many of us would be out of jobs or out of the state.

We all know about the problems of the automobile industry, and the current economic downturn has hit most industries hard, but some manufacturing sectors are actually growing in Massachusetts, including pharmaceuticals with 2008 gross sales of $5.9 billion, navigation measuring and control instruments at $8.8 billion, and medical equipment and supplies at $3.6 billion. And since 2001, there has been growth in several other sectors, including food manufacturing, beverages, plastics, and machinery.

Massachusetts SMEs have remained vibrant and competitive although our state ranks in the bottom 10 in perceived economic climate, according to the Gallup Poll, and fourth-worst in cost of doing business, in the Milken Institutes index.

Some of our economic disadvantages are natural; many are self-imposed. To put Massachusetts in a position to generate new jobs when the current recession abates, lawmakers should review every single Massachusetts-only cost of doing business, law, or regulation. They should focus on advancing not only new industries and emerging technologies, but established ones as well. And they should shape policy to encourage graduation from research and development to full-scale manufacturing here in our state. Such an agenda will help ensure the Commonwealths economic future for all of our residents.

Meanwhile, lets tip our hats and congratulate the nine Holyoke manufacturers who have made it in Massachusetts for more than 100 years! v

John Regan is executive vice president of government affairs at Associated Industries of Massachusetts, an employer association of 6,500 Bay State employers. Doris Ransford is president of the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce.

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

Estate Planning Workshops for Parents

May 27, June 3: Attorney David K. Webber of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., with offices in Springfield and Northampton, will present two free workshops titled “Estate Planning Workshops for Parents of Young Children” at the Sunderland Library Community Room, 20 School St. Workshops are planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and are open to the public. Pre-registered participants will be offered the opportunity to complete a will, health care proxy, and durable power of attorney at a reduced rate. For more information and to register, call (413) 737-1131.

Economic Illusions Lecture

May 28: Edward Guay, principal of Wintonbury Risk Management in Bloomfield, Conn., will present a lecture titled “Recovering from Economic Illusions and Global Credit Shocks” at noon at One Financial Plaza, Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Guay is a global macro strategist. He has a long history of accurately predicting major shifts in business, financial, and political conditions. Guay specializes in the identification of those forces for change that will shape future events, either gradually or in climactic fashion, causing consensus business, investment, political, or geopolitical strategies to go awry. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Extreme Business Makeover

June 5: The Western New England College Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship will host an “Extreme Business Makeover” from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the TD Banknorth conference center at 1441 Main St., Springfield. The event features experts in the fields of law, accounting, marketing, and finance, offering advice on a range of issues to a pre-selected business or nonprofit group. This year’s makeover recipient is JELUPA Productions Inc. The event is free and open to the public and will be of particular interest to entrepreneurs, small-business advisors, and anyone interested in nonprofit management.

New Energy Landscape Seminar

June 9: The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission and Western Mass. Electric will sponsor a seminar titled “The New Energy Landscape: An Overview for Economic Development Professionals” from 8 a.m. to noon at the Kittredge Center at Holyoke Community College. The seminar is free; however, registration is required by June 1. For more information, contact Lori Tanner at (413) 781-6045 or visit www.pvpc.org.

Wine & Microbrew Tasting

June 12: Members of the Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce will host a Wine & Microbrew Tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. at One Cottage St., Easthampton. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the chamber’s community programs. Organizers expect more than 50 wines and microbrews to be available for tasting, as well as fine food and a raffle. Tickets are $25 per person or $30 at the door. To purchase tickets, call the chamber office at (413) 527-9414 or visit www.easthamptonchamber.org.

Leadership Development & Teambuilding

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a daylong conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Also, “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.’ The conference is targeted for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead, and succeed. Enrollment fee is $199 per person. or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

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

Abad, Jose Francisco
38 Greenleaves Dr.
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Amlaw, Robert A.
61 Reed St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Barree, Richard D.
5 Grandview Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Berman, Mark R.
P.O. Box 164
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Bezio, Edward Daniel
P. Bezio, Janice Marie
O Box 54
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Blanco, Diana Alexis
568 South East St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Borer, Daniel
P.O. Box 27
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Bourdon, Hope A.
376 Church St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Bousquet, Dianne Marie
71 East Canton Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Boyes, Frances Kathleen
252 Walnut St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Brennan, Mary B.
P.O. Box 8011
Westfield, MA 01086
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Bretta, Laura L.
48 Brookside Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Brown, Martha W.
39 Hadley Village Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Burgos, Orlando
8 Chapel St.
Easthampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Cadorette, Laurie A.
27 Ontario St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Cavoli, Joan Elizabeth
611 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Cin Design Studio
Crooked House Designs
Bianchi, Donald S.
Kunz, Cynthia M.
68 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Cizek, Robert George
46 Vadnais St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Clary’s Carpet
Wager, Mark W.
5 Crown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Collins, Kevin M.
57 Central St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Colon, Efrain
191 Nursery St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Conroy, John Paul
Conroy, Mary Ellen
780 Suffield St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Coomer, Laura Ann
46 Reed St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Cote, Diane Lynn
38 Orlando St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Cruz, Jesus M.
Cruz, Luz M.
96 Littleton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

DelSoldato, Darlene A.
24 South Atlantic Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Demarey, John Paul
280 Rock Valley Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Disley, Shawn
275 Breckenridge St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Dube, Steven L.
Dube, Luigina M.
a/k/a Dube, Gina M.
69 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Dupre, Roy W.
45 Spring St., Apt. 51
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/09

Evans, David Andrew
Boldea-Evans, Jennifer Louise
18 Harriet St., 1st Fl
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Fahey, Jane Barbara
26 Morton Meadows
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Ferry, Michael J.
a/k/a Brouillette, Michael
P. O. Box 1352
Northampton, MA 01061
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Fisher, Kathleen J.
33 Kellogg Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Fortune, Joanne M.
96 Pheland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Fredette, Francis E.
24 1/2 Hamlin St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Fuentes, Marilyn
43 Matoon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Full Circle Design
Cooney, Roger William
13 Grove St.
Haydenville, MA 01039
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Galarneau, Denise F.
19 Jennifer Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Grant, Timothy C.
Grant, Jocelyn L.
a/k/a Livingston, Jocelyn L.
65 Fairview Park Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Guertin, Randy A
Guertin, Karen A.
29 Pine St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

H.W. Brown Roll Off
Brown, Nicole M.
Brown, Harry W.
a/k/a Fay, Nicole M.
272 Mount Pleasant St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Haughton, Ann Marie
92 Buckingham St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Healy, Dina D.
703 Main Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Kaio, Lincoln K.
Kaio, Adrienne E.
22 Norway St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Kobis, John P.
Kobis, Veronica M.
22 Old Poor Farm Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Lafond, Robert W.
191 Pheland Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Langer, Paula J.
56 Central Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Leary, Thomas X.
109 Congamond Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

LeClair, James L.
316 Sheridan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Ludlow Electric LLC
Ketchale, Matthew Thomas
Ketchale, Bethany Ann
673 West St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Major, Thomas D.
881 North King St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Mansfield, Stephanie D.
284 Main St., Apt. 3
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Marshall, Rebecca Anne
a/k/a Marshall, Kiki
222 Elm St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Martin, Gary P.
170 East Hadley Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Martin, Thomas M.
Martin, Sandra L.
423 West Main St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

May, April Dawn
35 Mountainbrook Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

McCarthy, William J.
101 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

McGuire, Richard
50 Laurel Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

McManus, Robert B .
79 East Housatonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Meuse, Jerilyn H.
20 Loomis Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Monserrate, Esteban
108 South St., Apt. C4
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/22/09

Montesdeoca, Brian
21 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Moore, Carlton
88 Cromwell Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Notre, Patricia Lynn
a/k/a Rauh, Patricia Lynn
a/k/a Kemp, Patricia Lynn
44 Meadow Lane
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Olivares, Otilda M.
85 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

O’Neil, Susan C.
44 South Silver Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Ortiz, Joaquin
20 Sterling St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Osborne, Connie R.
49 Old South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Pen, Pich
33A Parsons St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Perretta, Wayne V.
Perretta, Julie L.
3 Morris St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Reardon, Peter M.
58 Albert St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Richmond, Nelson Alan
Richmond, Charlotte Marie
371 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/30/09

Rodriguez, Enoc
79 Alvin St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Roe, Thomas Joseph
Roe, Cindy A.
59 New Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Rose, Maureen D.
3 Wright Place
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Saginario, Joyce M.
2 School St., Apt # 4-
Hatfield, MA 01038
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Salmond, Michael P.
Salmond, Dawn M.
115 Ray St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Sava, Renato A.
85 South St.
Chicopee, MA 01013-2438
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Simonds, Michael Joseph
Simonds, Wendy Jean
701 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

Smith, Glenn Allen
Smith, Donna Marie
a/k/a Cummings, Donna
178 Northampton St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Smith, Holly M.
1000 Main St.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/29/09

Souza, Penny A.
14 Whittier Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Stanton, Laura L.
234 Brown St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/09

Stasiowski, Debra Ann
P.O. Box 402
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

Studio IV
Bogins, James E.
26 Glory Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/20/09

Talley, Nyree A.
10 Wendell Place
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/17/09

Tinney, Gary A.
104 Larchley Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Torres, Ezequiel
Velardo, Rosaly
834 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/27/09

True Construction
True, William G.
113 Oakland St., #7
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Ware, Selma J.
321 St. James Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/28/09

Wilson, Floyd R.
Wilson, Lois T.
59 Howland Ave.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/23/09

Yazel, John E.
1398 Plumtree Road
Springfield, MA 01119-2941
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/24/09

Zaccari, Joanne
a/k/a Garafolo, Joanne
259 Main St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/16/09

Ziarnik, Joshua D.
Ziarnik, Jacqueline A.
a/k/a Malloy, Jacqueline A.
25 Orchard St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/21/09

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

Liberty Mutual Receives Tax Incentive

SPRINGFIELD — Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. and its new customer-service center have been approved for tax incentives by the state Economic Assistance Coordinating Council. The new center, located in the Springfield Technical Community College Technology Park on Federal Street, has 124 employees. To qualify for the tax incentives, it must hire an additional 164 workers. The tax savings for the first year in fiscal year 2010 is expected to be $50,000, based on a 50% exemption on the new growth in the property’s value. Under a five-year approved plan, the exemption will decline by 10% each year, from 50% in fiscal year 2010 to a final-year exemption of 10% in fiscal 2014. Liberty Mutual is expected to invest $6 million in the project.

Pioneer Valley Tourism Guide Has New Format

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) has published the 2009-2010 Guide to Massachusetts’ Pioneer Valley, which is now available free to potential visitors to the region, as well as local residents. The guide has been restyled as a more-portable, 5-inch by 8-inch, 98-page, four-color, glossy magazine. Guide highlights include information on the region’s top attractions, accommodations, and restaurants, all of which are GSCVB members. The guide also features useful maps of the downtown areas of Springfield, Amherst, and Northampton, and was designed by Design & Advertising Associates of Springfield and printed by Dynagraph in Canton. For more information on the tourism guide, call (413) 755-1351 or (800) 723-1548, or log onto www.valleyvisitor.com.

Business Confidence Rises Slightly in April

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM) Business Confidence Index added 1.9 points to 35.4 in April, its second consecutive monthly rise following February’s historic low of 33.3. Though two small gains barely constitute a trend, AIM officials have been seeing signs in its survey since February that the economic decline — now the longest of the post-World War II era — could bottom out soon, according to Raymond G. Torto, global chief economist at CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. Torto also serves as chair of AIM’s board of economic advisors. The index, which is based on a 100-point scale on which 50 is neutral, was down 14.7 points from April 2008, when it recorded its last ‘positive’ reading (50.1). The past five months have produced the five worst readings since the index was initiated in July 1991.

Foreclosures Remained at Record Levels in April

NEW YORK — RealtyTrac, an online marketplace for foreclosure properties, recently released its April 2009 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report, which shows foreclosure filings — default notices, auction-sale notices, and bank repossessions — were reported on 342,038 U.S. properties during the month, an increase of less than 1% from the previous month and an increase of 32% from April 2008. The report also shows that one in every 374 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in April, the highest monthly foreclosure rate ever posted since RealtyTrac began issuing its report in January 2005. Total foreclosure activity in April ended up slightly above the previous month, once again hitting a record-high level, according to James J. Saccacio, chief executive officer of RealtyTrac. Saccacio added that much of this activity is at the initial stages of foreclosure — the default and auction stages — while bank repossessions, or REOs, were down on a monthly and annual basis to their lowest level since March 2008. Saccacio noted that this trend suggests that many lenders and servicers are beginning foreclosure proceedings on delinquent loans that had been delayed by legislative and industry moratoria.

Economy Stabilizing Despite Trade Deficit

WASHINGTON — U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke recently reported that U.S. exports decreased by 2.4% to $123.6 billion since February 2009. Imports decreased 1.0% to $151.2 billion. Overall, the trade deficit grew 5.5% during the same time period. Locke noted that the numbers are better than many economists had predicted, and it is worth noting that the trade deficit is half of what it was in the first quarter of 2008. Locke added that, while the country has begun to see a few “promising shoots of green,” there is still much work to be done.

Unemployment Rises to 25-year High

NEW YORK — In the week ending May 9, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 637,000, an increase of 32,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 605,000. The four-week moving average was 630,500, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week’s revised average of 624,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.9% for the week ending May 2, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week’s unrevised rate of 4.8%. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 5.01 million. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 565,395 in the week ending May 9, an increase of 27,856 from the previous week. There were 325,480 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.6% during the week ending May 2, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 6,166,785, a decrease of 95,837 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 2.1%, and the volume was 2,845,952. Extended benefits were available in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin during the week ending April 25. The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending April 25 were in Michigan (7.8%), Oregon (7.5%), Pennsylvania (6.5%), Wisconsin (6.4%), Nevada (6.3%), Idaho (6.1%), Puerto Rico (5.9%), Vermont (5.8%), Alaska (5.7%), and Rhode Island (5.7%). The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending May 2 were in Illinois (2,052), Kansas (2,025), Puerto Rico (1,781), Indiana (1,051), and Ohio (1,013), with the largest decreases in New York (13,386), Michigan (10,952), North Carolina (8,988), Massachusetts (3,705), and Connecticut (2,802).

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

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

AGAWAM

Building Specialties
16 Ramah Circle South
$34,000 — Interior renovations for offices, closets, and workspaces

MWI Inc.
61 Industrial Lane
$32,000 — Interior renovations

AMHERST

Bank of America
1 South Pleasant St.
$1,500,000 — Renovations including replacement of most systems

New England Telephone Company
20 Fearing St.
$157,000 — Install new AC with exterior drycoder on roof

CHICOPEE

Bogdan Konarzewski
333 Front St.
$5,000 — Remodel office and basement

Val Shvetz
259 East Main St.
$80,000 — Interior repairs and sprinkler system

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$15,000 — Interior renovations

Greenfield Co-Op Bank
63 Federal St.
$6,000 — To replace posts and handrail at main entrance

Kathleen McIntyre Bernier
259 Federal St.
$7,700 — New roof

Yeshi Gyaltsen
10 Fiske Ave.
$3,000 — Renovation of existing second-floor office

HADLEY

Alendev, LLC
245 Russell St.
$6,000 — Interior alterations

Hopkins Academy
131 Russell St.
$40,000 — Renovation of teachers lounge and addition of accessible bathroom

LUDLOW

Victor Swist
40 Ravenwood Dr.
$60,000 — Commercial addition

NORTHAMPTON

Gerald Archambault
178 Industrial Dr.
$46,000 — Enlarge job training area

Pioneer Contractors
85 Main St.
$95,000 — Renovate basement space into two offices

SOUTHWICK

Alan Gendron
520 College Highway
$55,000 — Commercial addition

SPRINGFIELD

Answer is Fitness
380 Cooley St.
$22,000 — Build a new juice bar in lobby

City Vue Commons II
926 Worthington St.
$6,000 — Repair exterior brick veneer

Eastfield Association LLC
1655 Boston Rd.
$10,000 — Interior renovations at food court

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$130,000 — Construction of a new restaurant on first floor

WESTFIELD

City of Westfield PD
15 Washington St.
$24,000 — Installation of a handicap ramp

Dr. Mark Fisher
48 East Silver St.
$7,000 — Building repair

God in Care of Christ Kingdom Church
297 Russell Road
$15,000 — Installation of handicap ramp

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Cermac, LLC
88 Westfield St.
$15,000 — Interior renovations to third floor

Slavic Pentecostal Church
2611 Westfield St.
$1,000,000 — Renovate 30,000 square feet of space

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

Credit Union Opens in Southampton

SOUTHAMPTON — A grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Polish National Credit Union’s newest branch location was conducted April 30 at the Southampton Branch, 32 College Highway. Other locations include the main office at 46 Main St., Chicopee, as well as the Chicopee Center Branch, 244 Exchange St.; Granby Branch, 34 West State St.; Westfield River Branch, 1 Parkside Ave., Westfield; and the Mortgage Center, 43 Main St., Chicopee.

Springfield College Plans New Center

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield College (SC) will open a Center for Wellness Education and Research on Sept. 1 to conduct groundbreaking research, be a national source of the latest wellness information, and design and present public-wellness-education programs. Jean A. Wyld, vice president for academic affairs, noted that SC’s intention is to be a “premier national resource on wellness across the lifespan.” Housed in the School of Health, Physical Education & Recreation, the new center will focus on research in exercise, nutrition, health, wellness and physical activity. Also participating in the interdisciplinary research and programs will be the faculty and students of the college’s schools of Social Work, Health Sciences and Rehabilitation Studies, Human Services, and Arts and Sciences. Research will include studies funded both by governmental and private grants and by the college. In addition, the center will expand educational activities at the college, particularly in its undergraduate and graduate programs in Exercise Physiology, Athletic Training, Health Education, and Physical Education.

Hampden Bank Farmer’s Market Returns; $10,000 Grant Awarded

SPRINGFIELD — For the second year, Hampden Bank and the Pioneer Valley Growers Coop are sponsoring a local farmer’s market at the bank’s Wilbraham branch office at 2005 Boston Road. The market runs every Wednesday, rain or shine, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. now through mid-October, with new produce, fruits, and vegetables being added as the growing season progresses. In addition, a host of locally grown flowers and plants will be available, as well as baked goods and handmade items. Hampden Bank has also opened a farmer’s market on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Indian Orchard office at 187 Main St. Local farmers, growers, or merchants who would like to learn more about participating can call (413) 586-6947 or (413) 452-5125 for more information. In other news, the Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Massachusetts. The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants wishes for children between the ages of 2 1/2 and 18 with life-threatening medical conditions.

Agency Launches Unique Fundraising Campaign

HOLYOKE — Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co. has launched the Charter Oak Truck — a 1948 Chevy pickup to be used for appearances at charitable walks and races throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. Charter Oak will dispense from the truck’s bed donated refreshments to walkers, runners, and other fund-raiser participants. Companies who donate their goods will be recognized on truck signage as well as in any public relations issued by Charter Oak. The agency hopes to team up with local food and beverage companies in this effort. Companies or walk coordinators interested in using the Charter Oak Truck should contact Cami Foley at (413) 539-2000.

Ad Club Takes First Place in National Competition

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Mass. recently took first place in the Program category of the American Advertising Federation’s (AAF) Club Achievement Competition. The achievement awards are presented annually to AAF-member organizations that display exceptional accomplishments in club operations. Sixty advertising clubs entered the national competition, and 297 entries were received. The entries were judged by association professionals outside the AAF. There are five divisions of competition and clubs compete based on size. The Ad Club of Western Mass. received first-place honors for the quality of its programs in Division III, clubs with 100-249 members. All winners will be honored at the Salute to Achievers Luncheon at the June AAF national conference in Washington, D.C.

Brattleboro Retreat Wins Award

BRATTLEBORO, VT — The Brattleboro Retreat was recently honored with the ‘Best in New England’ Lamplighter Award at the spring conference of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCO) in Providence, R.I. The Lamplighter Award represents the top honor among Gold Award winners in more than 50 categories. The award went to the retreat for its six-minute DVD titled “Helping People Find the Strength.” The DVD, which also won gold in the category for audio/visual presentations, was produced by Sunnyside Films. The organization also received NESHCO awards for the following marketing and communications pieces: Gold Award: Design/Printed Pieces (2009 wall calendar), Gold Award: Special Events Communications (Fundraising Event featuring the Moscow Ballet), Silver Award: Design/Logo (new clock tower logo), Silver Award: Publications/Annual Report (2007 Annual Report to Stakeholders and Friends), and an Award of Excellence: Overall Marketing Campaign (2008 overall marketing campaign). The Brattleboro Retreat credits its marketing and communications success to the Communicators Group Inc. of Keene, N.H., which was hired in early 2008 to help the hospital with a major rebranding effort.

Big Y Foods Offers Advice to Novice Cooks

SPRINGFIELD — Tough economic times have renewed an interest in home-cooked meals, according to officials at Big Y Foods, Inc. As more novice cooks seek advice, Big Y Foods and Fruits & Veggies – More Matters want to help. Home cooks will find easy-to-understand, healthy recipes that are quick and easy to prepare at www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org, which can be accessed from Big Y’s Web site, www.bigy.com, in the Living Well Eating Smart section.

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

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

Gilbert & Sons Insulation Inc. v. Dupuis Construction
Allegation: Non-payment of goods and services rendered: $4,413.80
Filed: 4/13/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

American International Recovery (Subrogee) and Kent Hicks Construction Co. v. Ragan Builders and Joseph Ragan
Allegation: Defendants failed to carry worker’s comprehensive insurance: $206,876.37
Filed: 4/17/09

Barbara Martineau (Executrix) v. Joshua Garriga, M.D. and Connecticut River Internists, LLP
Allegation: Delay in diagnosis and treatment of colon cancer, resulting in the death of a 61-year-old man: $25,000
Filed: 4/08/09

Lynne Gosselin v. Baystate Visiting Nurses & Hospice Inc. and Baystate Health Inc.
Allegation: Failure to properly monitor and care for patient, causing hospitalizaton for 7.5 months: $1,379,000
Filed: 4/15/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Brennan Builders
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered on credit: $6,271.78
Filed: 5/07/09

Dodson Associates, LTD and Turowski Architecture Inc. v. Avotu Inc. and Gorodetsky Engineering, LLC et al
Allegation: Breach of contract for site design and construction and architectural design services rendered: $21,705.75
Filed: 5/04/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Bradco Supply Corporation v. REI Roofing
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $47,147.01
Filed: 4/10/09

Marion Rice v. Big Y Foods Inc.
Allegation: After eating a deli sandwich from Big Y, the plaintiff suffered salmonella infection, resulting in three weeks of hospitalization: $17,524.52
Filed: 4/06/09

Meaghan O’Connell v. 80 Worthington Street, LLC
Allegation: Negligence by employees of plaintiff, causing personal injury and hospitalization: $250,000
Filed: 4/08/09

Nancy Labrie v. John M. Zeroogian, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice: $1,108,000+
Filed: 4/28/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Montgomery Company Inc. v. Gould’s Florist Inc. and John Robert Ramsey
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $47,101.08
Filed: 4/14/09

Pamela A. Brown v. Service Link Inc.
Allegation: Negligence and unfair and deceptive trade practices in home-sale transaction: $110,000
Filed: 4/05/09

Sandino McDonough-Sieben v. One Pearl Street Inc.
Allegation: Assault in licensed premises, resulting in injuries: $30,000+
Filed: 4/08/09

HOLYOKE DISTRICT COURT

Hadley Printing Co. v. Hallmark Institute of Photography Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment of printing services rendered: $3,207
Filed: 4/29/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Charlene Mitchell Lyman v. Master Mark Plastics Inc.
Allegation: Negligence and breach of warranty requiring plaintiff to replace defective deck material manufactured and distributed by defendant: $23,384.55
Filed: 5/11/09

Janet M. Kopacz v. Mass. Energy Savers Corp. and Christian P. Poirier
Allegation: Breach of home-improvement contract and fraud: $10,133
Filed: 4/21/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Irving Forest Products Inc. v. Northeast Wholesale Lumber Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay for merchandise received: $24,874.96
Filed: 4/03/09

Rockville Roofing Inc. v. Monaco Restorations Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of material and labor on several projects: $9,315.83
Filed: 3/31/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Excalibur Services
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $7,377.79
Filed: 4/09/09

Louis Michaelson & Son Co. v. Blue Sky Diner Restaurant
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,208.10
Filed: 3/25/09

Louis Michaelson & Son Co. v. O’Driscoll’s Irish Pub
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,820.55
Filed: 3/25/09

Sherwin Williams Cos. v. William Painting & Wallpapering
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,690.22
Filed: 4/09/09

Tangerine’s Kitchen & Bath Inc. v. New Future Development Corp.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $4,207.71
Filed: 4/09/09

T.D. Banknorth, N.A. v. T.S. Mann Lumber Co. Inc.
Allegation: Unpaid and defaulted promissory note: $19,910.90
Filed: 4/09/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank, N.A. v. Creative One Services
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $5,568.04
Filed: 5/07/09

City of Westfield v. R.G. Carr Civil Contracting, LLC
Allegation: Failure to pay for off-duty police detail: $3,246.38
Filed: 5/07/09

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 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

Don’t Poke the Bear Inc., 365 Walnut St. Extension, Agawam, MA 01001. Mark E. Watkins, 150 Southwick St., Feeding Hills, MA 01030. Restaurant.

Lola Foote Enterprises Inc., 499 Meadow St., Agawam, MA 01001. Lola Foote, Same. To engage in E-commerce activities.

AMHERST

Celia’a Home and Biz Services Inc., 228 Grantwood Dr., Amherst, MA 01002. Ohmead Celia Snow, same. Residential and commercial cleaning.

Scyler Inc., 124 High St., Amherst, MA 01002. Andrea E. Rulenko-Catlin, Same. Sotfware consulting service in the financial industry.

CHICOPEE

Manahil Inc., 51-D Gratton St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Faiza Bari, same. To operate a convenience store.

Marta’s Insurance Agency Inc., 799 Front St., Chicopee, MA 01020. John P. Slosek Jr., Same. Insurance agency.

Mitesh G. Brahmbhatt, D.M.D., P.C., 749 Memorial Dr., Chicopee, MA 01020. Mitesh G. Brahmbhatt, 305 Dutton St., Apt. 326, Lowell, MA 01854. Family dentistry.

EASTHAMPTON

N. B. Chicken Inc., 36 Union Street, Easthampton, MA 01027. Nasir Bary, 7 Arlington St., Easthampton, MA 01027. Fast food service.

EAST LONGMEADOW

AP Flooring Inc., 98 Colony Dr., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Stephen J Silansky, Same. Installation and refinishing of hardwood floors.

Vanguard Mold Remediation Inc., 25 Maynard St., East Longmeadow, MA 01028. Pamela A. Barthelette, Same. To provide mold remediation services and water recovery services.

HADLEY

Tenchi Inc., 48 Russell St., Hadley, MA 01035. Ting Jiang, 770 42nd St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11232. Restaurant.

HOLYOKE

Trendz Stores Corporation Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Samantha Lantz, same. Retail clothing.

HUNTINGTON

Sleeping Giant Young Equestrian Fund Inc., 139 Kinne Brook Road, Huntington, MA 01050. Shirley Winer, same. To raise money for equestrians and provide education on horsemanship.

LONGMEADOW

T. Hurley Inc., 860 Frank Smith Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Timothy Hurley, Same. Retail.

NORTHAMPTON

Matikilock Inc., 20A Crafts Ave., Northampton, MA 01060. Jeffrey Wheelock, 54 West St., Apt. 1, Northampton, MA 01060. Retail and Internet sales, books, and gifts.

The Sperry Group Inc., 136 West St., Suite 205, Northampton, MA 01060. Charles R. Sperry, 324 Audubon Road, Leeds, MA 01053. Consulting and product development.

SPRINGFIELD

Allen Restaurant & Deli Corp., 2895 Main St., Springfield, MA 01107. Yoselin A. Almonte, 50 Quebec St., Indian Orchard, MA 01151. Restaurant business.

Fuel First Elm Inc., 592 Birnie Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Sanjay Patel, same. Gas station and convenience store.

Iglesia De Dios Lazos De Vision Inc., 1119 St. James Ave., Springfield, MA 01104. Jose A. Hernandez, Same. Non-profit, preaching the gospel and working with the communities to form a bond with each other and help the needs of the families.

J & E Edwards Services Corp., 155 Chestnut St., Springfield, MA 01104. Julio Ernesto Edwards, 84 Sylvan, Springfield, MA 01108. Community services.

L & L Builders and Remodeling Inc., 18 Baywood St., Springfield, MA 01109. Joe C. Long Sr., same. Commercial and residential remodeling.

Latino Food Distributors Inc., 90 Avocado St., Springfield, MA 01104. Luis A. Feliciano, 23 new Bridge St., West Springfield, MA 01089. Food distribution.

Scope by Trade Inc., 202 College St., Springfield, MA 01109. Rory Waterman, Same. Estimating and construction consultation.

Springfield Pic’s Hockey Inc., 340 Peekskill Ave., Springfield, MA 01129. Brian Collins, same. Organization and provision of skilled youth hockey teams to compete at an elite level.

WESTFIELD

Ecomat Inc., 1931 East Mountain Road, Westfield, MA 01085. Paul J. St. Pierre, Same. Operation of a Laundromat.

Westfield Landscaping Inc., 43 Indian Ridge Road, Westfield, MA 01085. William A. Mead, same. Lawn care.

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

Dawn Creighton has been named Regional Director of Member Relations for Western Mass. by Associated Industries of Mass. (AIM), based in Boston. In her new position, Creighton will work with AIM-member firms and organizations to ensure they are fully aware of the range of resources and services that are available to them, and to serve as a liaison with a number of civic and business groups operating throughout the Pioneer Valley that are concerned about the state’s economic prospects for the future.

•••••

Dr. Jeanne S. Steffes has been named Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Western New England College in Springfield.

•••••

Tighe & Bond in Westfield announced the following:
• Paul Fiejdasz, P.E., LEED AP, CEM has joined the company as a Mechanical Engineer. He adds 15 years of experience in all aspects of mechanical building systems including HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection; and
• Amy Lane, P.E., was the winner of the Young Professionals Fresh Ideas Contest for the best presentation given by a young professional at New England Water Works Association’s 2009 Spring Regional Conference and Exhibition in Worcester. Her presentation, titled “Water System Improvements in the Town of Amherst,” discussed the challenges coordinating upgrades to one of the town’s wells and its surface-water-treatment plant with the unique seasonal demand patterns of a college town.

•••••

Greenfield Co-operative Bank announced the following:
• William F. Ahlemeyer has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Commercial Lending;
• Christine M. Eugin has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Residential Lending;
• Deborah J. Falcon has been promoted to Senior Vice President-Retail Banking;
• Eric A. Marsh has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Treasurer, and CFO; and
• Mary J. Rawls has been promoted to Compliance Officer.

•••••

Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP has elected William E. Hart as Partner. Hart has been counsel to the firm during 2007 and 2008. He practices in the areas of estate planning and probate, taxation, real estate, and business matters, and has been named co-chairman of the firm’s Estate Planning and Administration Department. Hart practices from the firm’s offices in Amherst at 21A Pray St. and in Springfield at 1500 Main St.

•••••

The Women’s Partnership, a division of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, has named Nancy Mirkin of Hampden Bank as its 2009 Woman of the Year recipient. Mirkin is Vice President in the Business Banking Division at Hampden Bank, where she has worked for 13 years. Mirkin has also been involved with several organizations over the years, and currently volunteers with the Credit for Life-Financial Literacy Program and Habitat for Humanity Women Build II. The annual Woman of the Year Banquet is planned for June 23 at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.

•••••

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., TD Banknorth, and Moriarty & Primack, P.C., recently co-sponsored a seminar titled “Fraud Prevention” at the Springfield office of TD Banknorth. Speakers included Michael O’Reilly, special agent, Federal Bureau of Investigation; Gene Griffin, postal inspector, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Susan Chamberlain, director of Cash Management of TD Banknorth, who shared the sophistication of fraudulent activities of current times and the proactive solutions to protecting personal data.

•••••

The American Council on Education (ACE) Board of Directors has named Evan S. Dobelle, president of Westfield State College, to serve on the council’s Commission on Effective Leadership. The national commission advises ACE and also guides the ongoing development of Center for Effective Leadership programs and directs new initiatives. It serves as a forum for member presidents to explore issues related to leadership and institutional development in higher education.

•••••

John R. Cristoforo has joined the Insurance Center of New England in West Springfield as an Account Executive in the personal lines division.

•••••

Kathleen P. Mullin has been appointed Vice President and Credit Risk Manager at PeoplesBank.

•••••

Lori A. Siedlarczyk-Nadeau has joined TD Insurance in West Springfield as a Sales Executive in the small-business division. She consults on employee benefit plans to small businesses.

•••••

Martin Kane recently completed 80 hours of training as an Auctioneer at the International Auction School in South Deerfield. He is now a licensed auctioneer in Massachusetts. Kane is also a commercial real estate broker with King & Newton, LLC Commercial Real Estate in Springfield. In addition, he is a board member of the new Realtors Commercial Alliance, and president of Sanford Management Services Inc.

•••••

Dr. Catherine Spath, a board-certified Orthopedic Surgeon, has joined the Cooley Dickinson Hospital medical staff in Northampton.

•••••

David J. Martel, a Partner in the law firm of Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, has been honored with the Leadership Institute’s Community Service Award for exceptional commitment to the Greater Springfield community.

•••••

Adrienne M. Connolly, co-owner of Stinky Cakes in Springfield, has been recognized as one of the top 200 mom-owned businesses in StartupNation’s 2009 Leading Moms in Business Competition. VerticalResponse sponsored the competition, which recognizes the achievements of mothers across the country who run outstanding businesses.

•••••

Gail Young, Breakfast Hostess at the Hampton Inn Hadley-Amherst, was recently honored by Hampton Hotels with the Spirit of Hampton Award, signifying Young as a top performer within Hampton Hotels.

By BusinessWest Staff May 25, 2009

Departments

Groundbreaking Event

City leaders joined AIC students, administrators, and trustees for the official groundbreaking for new athletic facilities on May 6. John T. Short, vice president for institutional advancement, said the new facilities will accommodate the needs of AIC’s intercollegiate teams, as well as enable the expansion of intramural programs, and allow for greater student and community usage of facilities. The new construction, to total $4.3 million, will include taking out grass and installing artificial turf, lights, new grandstands, and a new press box. The project, financed by Westfield Bank, will be constructed by Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare Inc., of Chicopee. A large portion of the funding for the project is coming from the AIC students. Darren James, president of the AIC Student Government, said students have pledged $50,000 for the new facility. “The money we donate to the capital campaign will help to facilitate the realization of our long-awaited athletic turf field and track,” he said. Pictured, from left, are Lauren Silva and Darren James, AIC students; Vince Maniaci, AIC President; and Frank Colaccino, chairman of the AIC board of trustees.

Lamplighter Award

The Brattleboro Retreat was honored with the “Best in New England” Lamplighter Award at the spring conference of the New England Society for Healthcare Communications (NESHCO) held May 4-6 in Providence, R.I. The Lamplighter Award represents the top honor among Gold Award winners in more than 50 categories. It went to the Retreat for the organization’s six-minute DVD titled “Helping People Find the Strength.” The DVD, which also won gold in the category for audio/visual presentations, was produced by Sunnyside Films. It was filmed on the Brattleboro Retreat campus and features interviews with many Retreat staff. The Retreat also received NESHCO awards for the following marketing and communications pieces: Gold Award: Design/Printed Pieces (for the 2009 wall calendar); Gold Award: Special Events Communications (for communications pieces in support of the December 2008 fund-raising event featuring the Moscow Ballet performance of the Great Russian Nutcracker in Springfield); Silver Award: Design/Logo (for the institution’s new clock tower logo); Silver Award: Publications/Annual Report (for the “2007 Annual Report to Stakeholders and Friends”); and Award of Excellence: Overall Marketing Campaign (for the Retreat’s 2008 overall marketing campaign). From left, Jeff Whitcomb, president of Communicators Group Inc.; Dr. Robert E. Simpson, president and CEO of the Brattleboro Retreat; and Julia Sorensen, director of Marketing and Communications at the Brattleboro Retreat.

SBA Award

Florence Savings Bank President John Heaps addresses a large audience gathered at a recent press conference at Northampton’s Thorne’s Market, where the bank announced its receipt of a special achievement award from the Small Business Administration for having the highest percentage of SBA loans to women-owned businesses by banks statewide. “Women-owned businesses play a major role in the local economy, and we’re committed to helping them, as well as all local businesses, get the financial resources they need,” said Heaps. The press conference was staged in front of the clothing store Jackson & Connor, one of the women-owned businesses to which the bank has given financing.

Market Business Show

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield staged its annual Market Business Show on May 13 at the MassMutual Center. Thousands of visitors took in more than 150 exhibits featuring companies and institutions across Western Mass. and across every business sector. Here, Ginny Knapp, left, president, and Teresa Utt, sales representative, with Andrew Associates in Enfield, mix and mingle at the event.

John Prenosil, left, principal with Springfield-based JMP Environmental Consulting, and Peter DeMallie, president and CEO of South Windsor, Conn.-based Design Professionals Inc., shared a booth and a conversation at the show.

Unveiling the new look of ERC5 — East of the River Chamber (Hampden, Wilbraham, Ludlow, East Longmeadow, and Longmeadow), are, from left: Jim White of GoGraphix and Whitestone Marketing, creator of the new graphics, branding, and booth design for ERC5; Bill Russo-Appel, director of Marketing and Public Relations at Wing Memorial Hospital and Medical Centers; Beth Pecia, with the Town Planner; Edward Zemba, principal with Robert Charles Photography in East Longmeadow; Amy Scott of the Town Planner; and Charlie Christiansen of East Longmeadow-based Peritus Security Partners.

Helene Curto, left, owner of Wilbraham-based Distinctive Tables, draws in attendees Janet Egelhofer and Maria Burke, both with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, with one of her unique collections.

Scott Bottino, manufacturer’s representative (second from right), stands with team members representing West Springfield-based Northeast Security Solutions; from left, Joe Jarman, sales representative; George Condon Sr., chief operating officer; and David Condon, account representative.

From left, Edward Zemba, co-owner, and Susanna Zemba, customer relations manager, of Robert Charles Photography in East Longmeadow talk with Melissa Meites and Coty Boyer, both employees of DiGrigoli Salons in West Springfield.

Barry Sanborn, general manager of Proshred Security in Wilbraham, staffs the company’s booth.

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of April and May 2009.

AGAWAM

O’Leary Vincunas #2 LLC
200 Silver St.
$250,000 — Interior build-out of dental office

CHICOPEE

Grace Slavic Pentecostal Church
5 Meadow St.
$5,000 — Replace staircase

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
48 Sanderson St.
$107,500 — Re-roof

HADLEY

Amherst Development Association
300 Westgate Center Dr.
$52,500 — Interior building alterations

Goodwin Memorial Library
50 Middle St.
$87,000 — Build compliant ramp and entrance

Pyramid Mall of Hadley Newco, LLC
367 Russell St.
$3,500 — Replacement of RTU at J.C. Penney

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Economic Development
724-728 Main St.
$5,000 — Construction of dividing walls

LUDLOW

Healthsouth Rehab Hospital
14 Chestnut Place
$51,000 — Interior alterations

NORTHAMPTON

City of Northampton
170 Glendale Road
$22,000 — Add antennas and equipment to existing cell tower

Colvest Northampton LLC
327 King St.
$22,000 – Install 3 antennas to existing cell tower

Trident Realty Corporation
109 Main St.
$80,000 – Re-roof

Village at Hospital Hill LLC
51 Village Hill Road
$49,000 — Repair fire and water damage

SOUTH HADLEY

KJK Wireless
10 Industrial Dr.
$22,000 — Construction of a new cell tower

KJK Wireless
50 College St.
$22,000 — Construction of a new cell tower

SPRINGFIELD

Agnoli Sign Company
722 Worthington St.
$86,500 — Remove existing roof and install new

Baystate Health
759 Chestnut St.
$118,142,000 — Hospital addition to existing Baystate

Christian Life Center
1590 Sumner Ave.
$5,500 — Construction of two non-load bearing walls

Forest Park Zoological Society
302 Sumner Ave.
$21,000 — Interior renovations to create meeting room and two new offices

K.S. Kantor, LLC
594 Sumner Ave.
$70,000 — Expand store to space next door

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Pocket Communications
1353 Riverdale Road
$8,000 — Renovate space to be used as retail phone store

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

SBA Honors United Bank

WEST SPRINGFIELD — United Bank has been recognized as Lender of the Quarter in Massachusetts by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The award was presented to United Bank’s commercial-lending team members Barbara-Jean DeLoria, senior vice president, and Dale Mazanec, assistant vice president, at a recent financial-services conference in Central Mass. The designation is awarded for the period ending March 31, 2009, acknowledging United Bank’s continued outreach and support of local businesses, helping them to advance despite current economic conditions.

Hampden Bancorp Declares Dividend

SPRINGFIELD — Hampden Bancorp Inc. has reported a net loss of $57,000 for the three months ended March 31, as compared to a net profit of $305,000 for the same period in 2008. Net income for the nine months ended March 31 was $180,000, as compared to $980,000 for the same period last year. The company’s total assets increased by $33.9 million, or 6.2%, from $543.8 million at June 30, 2008 to $577.7 million at March 31. Net loans, including loans held for sale, increased $23.9 million, or 6.6%, to $384.7 million at March 31. Deposits increased $50.8 million, or 15.3%, to $382.2 million at March 31 from $331.4 million at June 30, 2008. The board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.03 per common share, payable on May 28, to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 13.

Credit Union Helps Students Pay for College

AMHERST — The UMassFive College Federal Credit Union has introduced a private student-loan program, Credit Union Student Choice, to help students bridge the funding gaps that federal aid can leave behind. Unlike alternative loan products, UMassFive’s student loan offers lower rates, zero origination fees, and more-flexible repayment terms. As a not-for-profit institution, UMassFive COO Rich Kump noted, the organization has the “unique ability” to design products that are in the best interest of the student and their family. For more information, visit umassfive.studentchoice.org.

NewAlliance Reports Strong Business Momentum

NEW HAVEN, CT — NewAlliance Bancshares Inc., the holding company for NewAlliance Bank, has announced net income of $11.6 million for the first quarter of 2009, compared to $9.6 million for the fourth quarter of 2008 and $12.9 million for the first quarter of 2008. The company also announced that its board of directors voted to pay a quarterly dividend of 7 cents per share on May 19, 2009 to shareholders of record on May 8, 2009. This will be the company’s 20th consecutive quarterly dividend payment. Company officials note that NewAlliance continues to be “well-capitalized” and in strong financial health with no need for federal assistance. On March 31, 2009, NewAlliance Bancshares had $8.50 billion in assets and was operating 89 banking offices in Connecticut and Massachusetts.

Pioneer Training Relocates to Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — Pioneer Training Inc., originally based in Holyoke, has made a successful transition to its new offices at 1398 Damon Road, Northampton. Pioneer Training has also partnered with Innovative Business Systems on Northampton Road in Easthampton to address its growth in programming and on-site support services. For more information, visit www.ptraining.com or call (413) 387-1040.

Balise Chevrolet Donates Baseball Equipment

SPRINGFIELD — Balise Chevrolet Buick Pontiac GMC, in conjunction with the Chevrolet division of General Motors, has donated baseball equipment to the John L. Sullivan League. Donated items include baseballs, softballs, batting helmets, catching equipment, and first-aid kits. Nick Athas, parts manager for Balise Chevrolet, spearheaded the endeavor that provides children with a chance to play in a competitive and nurturing environment. The John L. Sullivan League is affiliated with the Amateur Baseball Club of Springfield and governed by the American Amateur Baseball Congress.

AIC Stages Groundbreaking for Athletic Facilities

SPRINGFIELD — While many nonprofits have put expansion plans on hold due to the sluggish economy, American International College (AIC) has opted to move forward with construction of a $4.3 million project. City leaders recently joined AIC students, administrators, and trustees for the official groundbreaking for new athletic facilities next to the Butova Gymnasium on Cortland Street. John T. Short, vice president for institutional advancement, said the new facilities will accommodate the needs of AIC’s intercollegiate teams, as well as enable the expansion of intramural programs, and allow for greater student and community usage of facilities. The construction will include taking out grass and installing artificial turf, lights, a track, new grandstands, and a new press box. The project, financed by Westfield Bank, will be constructed by Mountain View Landscapes and Lawncare Inc. of Chicopee.

Comcast Launches High-Speed Internet Service

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast now offers small and medium-sized businesses in 10 local communities access to some of the fastest Internet speeds available with the launch of next-generation DOCSIS 3.0 technology. Comcast provides two tiers of wideband service — Deluxe at 50 Mbps and Premium at 22 Mbps — to businesses in Agawam, Granby, Granville, Holyoke, Longmeadow, South Hadley, Southwick, Springfield, West Springfield, and Westfield. For molre information, visit www.business.comcast.com.

Chicopee Bancorp Sees Drop in Profit

CHICOPEE — Chicopee Bancorp Inc. has reported net income of $114,000 for the first quarter of 2009, compared with $188,000 for the first three months of 2008. With falling interest rates and expenses related to the opening of new branch offices, the bank’s assets decreased by $2.2 million, from $527.6 million in December to $525.4 million. Chicopee Bancorp is the parent company of Chicopee Savings Bank.

Hadley Printing Mailer Receives Addy Award

WESTFIELD — Stevens 470’s design of a promotional package titled “as green as it gets” recently won a Gold Addy Award during the 2009 Addy Awards competition. The promotional mailer informed Hadley Printing’s clients of its FSC certification and emphasized its continued commitment to the environment. The Addy Awards, hosted by the Advertising Club of Western Mass. (ACWM), are the advertising industry’s largest and most representative competition, recognizing and rewarding creative excellence. The ACWM represents marketing and communications professionals in Western Mass. and Northern Conn.

Bay State Gas Files New Rates

WESTBOROUGH — Baystate Gas Co. has filed a petition with the Mass. Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to increase total annual revenues by $34.6 million, or 6.4%. The reasons for the request include increases in capital costs associated with upgrading and maintaining the natural-gas system infrastructure, and increases in operating and maintenance costs since the last base-rate filing approved in 2005. If approved by the DPU, the increase would mean the typical residential heating customer’s gas bill would increase $7.36 per month, or 5.9%, beginning in November. Public hearings on the filing will be conducted within the next several months. A decision on the filing is expected by Oct. 31. In other company news, due to an unprecedented downward trend in natural-gas commodity prices, the summer seasonal gas costs paid by Bay State Gas customers will be the lowest since 2002. The proposed cost of gas would result in the average Bay State Gas heating customer using 53 therms per month paying approximately $57 per month between May and October 2009, reduced from $90 last summer. For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dpu.

MassMutual Earns DALBAR Recognition

SPRINGFIELD — MassMutual’s Retirement Services division has been recognized by DALBAR for its Taft-Hartley member statements. The DALBAR Communications Seal is awarded to financial-service communications that display excellence in meeting the needs of customers, and recognizes the importance of communicating in a manner that is calculated to be understood by the average investor.

Fallon Supports Square One

SPRINGFIELD — Fallon Community Health Plan has signed on to support Square One’s Room to Grow campaign. Through its contribution, Fallon is helping Square One to fulfill its mission of providing early education and care to children by underwriting a classroom at Square One’s Main Street Children’s Center. In all, Square One is seeking sponsorship of 34 classrooms.

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

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

Bank of America v. Westover Greenhouses Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of money loaned: $24,382.03
Filed: 3/16/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Five Point Farm v. Cape Cod Stove Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of 24 tons of corn purchased and delivered: $5,846
Filed: 3/18/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Berkshire-Westwood Graphics Group Inc. v. Lavigne Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $142,729.88
Filed: 3/26/09

City of Springfield v. Comcast Cable Communications Inc. et al
Allegation: Breach of contract and implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, fraud, and breach of warranty: $12.9 million

Michelle Sherman v. The Salty Dog Saloon Inc.
Allegation: Negligent maintenance of property causing injury: $37,497.10
Filed: 3/27/09

Valley Management Inc. v. Boston Road Mobile Home Park Tenants Assoc.
Allegation: Employment discrimination and termination based on race: $100,000+
Filed: 3/23/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Andre Mercier v. Morse Manufacturing Inc.
Allegation: Breach of warranty, negligence, and product liability causing injury: $650,000
Filed: 3/23/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Dax Transportation Inc. v. PrideK Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff purchased diesel gas but was given regular gas, causing damage to vehicle’s fuel pump and injectors: $3,843.99
Filed: 4/02/09

Ralph’s Blacksmith Shop v. Monaco Restorations Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of monies owed: $24,517.50
Filed: 3/24/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Bank of America v. Computer Ambulance and Michael Smith
Allegation: Non-payment of money loaned: $12,063.47
Filed: 3/10/09
Carolina Eastern-Vail Inc. v. G. K. Mood & Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of promissory note: $15,370.11
Filed: 3/18/09

Comcast Spotlight Inc. v. Unique Expressions by Gallagher’s Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of advertising services rendered: $4,390.78
Filed: 3/27/09

Thomas D. Lesperance v. Leonard E. Belcher Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and unfair and deceptive practices: $20,000
Filed: 3/18/09

David Clark, D.C. v. Clark Family Chiropractic, P.C.
Allegation: Non-payment of promissory note: $18,948.50
Filed: 3/18/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

David C. Brooks v. MJDB Construction Services, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of monies loaned: $200,000
Filed: 3/18/09

Lashco Tree Service, LLC v. Carr Landscaping, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment for tree removal services rendered: $2,800
Filed: 4/03/09

BusinessWest at 25: a Progress Report

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Opinion

If you look carefully, youll notice that some things are different in this issue of BusinessWest. There is a subtle new look that we believe is a little cleaner, more modern, and easier to read.

These minor changes come as BusinessWest marks 25 years of serving the business community in Western Mass., and represent about the only thing were doing to mark the occasion, other than to restate our mission and stress our commitment to honoring it.

This publication was started as the Western Mass. Business Journal, and first arrived at area businesses in May 1984, when the world and the Pioneer Valley were much different places. Now, as then, the magazines purpose is to hold up a mirror to the region and especially the business community, write about the reflection in that mirror, and comment on what it all means.

Its been a challenging, yet enjoyable and rewarding assignment, one that has changed in some respects, but is still very much a constant.

First, lets look at what hasnt changed. For more than 300 years now, and especially the past quarter-century, the regions business community has been a force in constant motion. People, names, products, technology, issues, needs, and desires are always changing and seemingly moving. It has always been our mission to capture this motion, describe it in great detail, and examine its significance. And we think weve done that pretty well.

Since this motion is constant, as we said, that aspect of our mission wont change. But what has changed, and what will continue to evolve, is BusinessWests role in how this movement takes place. Where once we were content to merely observe and report, the magazine has become increasingly involved in shaping response to change and the issues of the day.

How? By becoming more involved with groups such as area chambers of commerce, the Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield, area colleges and universities, and agencies like the Regional Employment Board and the Tourism and Convention Bureau to inform, educate, and perhaps inspire progress.

The word youre hearing more often with regard to BusinessWest is partner, and youll be hearing it much more in the months and years to come.

We want to partner with those aforementioned groups and many others to make this regions business community stronger, more diverse, and, ultimately, more competitive. We dont want to sit and hope that the region and its capital, Springfield, become more vibrant; we want to help make that happen.

We wont do this only by reporting the good news, but also by partnering in efforts to promote the region, its businesses, and the people who make those businesses run. If were successful, then perhaps there will be more good news to report.

As BusinessWest turns 25, those of us who bring it to you every two weeks want to say thank you for supporting our efforts, but more importantly, we want to thank you for inspiring us to reach higher, do what we do better, and create more of those partnerships mentioned earlier.

Such collaborative efforts are necessary; these are exceedingly challenging times, and our region is facing a number of hurdles to achieving desired progress from closing the skills gap in employment to keeping talented, young individuals from leaving this market; from reducing poverty in many area cities to identifying new sources of jobs for future generations of area generations and no one group or individual can tackle them alone..

The magazine youre reading now doesnt look anything like the one that first debuted in 1984. Weve come a long way in 25 years, but theres still a lot of work to do. Well hold the celebration and get right to it.

Kate Campiti, Associate Publisher and Advertising Director

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

The following Business Certificates and Trade Names were issued or renewed during the months of April and May 2009.

AGAWAM

Cotton’s Performance LLC
105 Walnut St.
John Cotton Jr.

Helen’s Bra Clinic
62 Suffield St.
Cynthia L. Lydiard

Paul Brodeur Plumbing & Heating
27 Cecile St.
Paul Brodeur

Strictly Safety
150 Walnut St.
Derek Benton

AMHERST

M & M Exotics
15 High Point Dr.
Brian Dimetres

The Viaggio Group
112 Leverett Road
Sarah Bevilacqua

CHICOPEE

Custom Built Personal Training
1501 Memorial Dr.
Stephen Dow

Nelson’s Home Improvement
18 Beeler Ave.
Nelson L. Pantoja Jr.

EASTHAMPTON

Language Learning Innovations
2 Aloha Dr.
J. Scott Payne

EAST LONGMEADOW

Ciao Bella
128 Shaker Road
Donna L. Brayton

Regarp Booksellers
15 Crescent Hill
Stan Prager

Salon 511
511 North Main St.
Mark Leonard Raina

TEXCEL Medical
55 Deer Park Drive
TEXCEL LLC

GREENFIELD

America Agro Products
32 Rockland Road
Ronald R. Weaver

Tranquil Realm Therapeutic Massage & Healing Arts
486 Main St.
Elizabeth Adams

HOLYOKE

Aurylius The Salon
74 Cabot St.
Margot Lugo

Chittenden Bank
1515 Northampton St.
Paul A. Benoit Sr.

D & R Recycling, LLC
867 Main St.
Daniel Deschaine

Elmwood Property Associates
2014 Northampton St.
Anthony Keane

Maya Express
43 Beacon Ave
Antonio Ventura

Saia Electric Co.
176 West King St.
Matthew F. Saia

Tony Kelley’s Pro Shop
233 Easthampton Road
Anthony W. Kelley

Uno Chicago Grill
50 Holyoke St.
Steven J. Hurwitz

LUDLOW

John’s Corner
204 1/2 Sewall St.
Tony Esoo

Ludlow Laundry
200 Center St.
Elvira Kolenovic

Precision Aluminum
476 Fuller St.
Lee Schneider

Suburban Heating & Cooling
1056 Center St.
Gary F. Sheehan

The Hair Gallery Inc.
345 Holyoke St.
Joseph R. Malvinni

NORTHAMPTON

Chorion Silver Lining Inc.
36 Main St.
Waheed Alli

Healthy Home Improvements
20 Fruit St.
Jeffrey Dan

Northampton Country Club
135 Main St.
James Casagrande

Repair Collective
20 Linden St.
Tim McNerney

PALMER

Matco Tool Franchise
1125 Thorndike St.
Craig Murphy

Solar Ray
244 Burlingame Road
Raymond R. Croteau

SOUTH HADLEY

Jason Laflamme Roofing
355 North Main St.
Jason Laflamme

Meticulous Matters
42 Pine Hill Road
Wendy Poirer

Turf Care LLC
30 Harvard St.
Robert Hartley

SPRINGFIELD

Accu-Vista
20 Maple St.
Edward Wood

All In One and Some Fun
29 St. James Blvd.
Daryl Jamal Hill

Appliance Centro
1129 1/2 State St.
Thomas Carrasquillo

Community Chiropractic CA
1387 Carew St.
Michael John O’Connor

Davila Tax Service
71 East Alvord St.
Victor Davila

District of Entertainment
1655 Main St.
Tyrone Polk

Ennis Bell and Associates
166 Tamarack Dr.
Cornell W. Lewis

Flo’s Services
25 Daniel St.
Florin Muradian

Fonseca’s House & Office
53 Milford St.
Ruben Fonseca

GEG Auto
145 Michon St.
Gil Gomes

Glo Ultra Lounge
272 Worthington St.
Paul Ramesh

Indian Orchard Seafood
335 Main St.
Juana Rosario

Kevin’s Painting & Wall Papering
10 Rollins St.
Kevin Dowe

MAG Designs
114 Arnold Ave.
Michael Antonio

Mascaro’s Service Station
356 Walnut St.
Ronald Mascaro Sr.

MEI Management LLC
86 Merrill Road
Mei Nuan Li

Motivate-Educate-Graduate
79 Villa Parkway
Neel Pasha

Ordinari U
15 Leete St.
Helena Darku-Jackson

Pretty Nails
786 State St.
Oanh Hoang

Sam’s Pizza
370 Belmont St.
Sadia Kausar

The Barber Shop
423 State St.
Angel Luis Castillo

TM Cleaning Service
73 Atwater Road
Therese A. Leger

XAF
187 Wollaston St.
Michael James Cross

WESTFIELD

Dave’s Lawn Service
94 Riverside Dr.
Dave Gauthier

Hair By Debbie
174 Elm St.
Deborah Szenkum

K Modern
627 Russell Road
James A. McBryar

Prospect Valley Farms
201 Pochassic Road
James F. Phelon

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Charm Beauty Salon
520 Main St.
Natalya Poltavets

Dynamic Dock & Door Inc.
64 Lowell St.
Bret J. Leveillee

Hair & Nail Company
1346 Elm St.
Kara Moores

Maverick Marketing
20 Brightwater St.
David D. Curti

Paper Presence
61 Progress Ave.
George Sullivan

Super Petro Inc.
230 Day St.
David J. Vickers Jr.

Yulian Barber Shop
770 Main St.
Yulian Arytian

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 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

The DHL Group Inc., 387 Springfield St., Agawam, MA 010010. David Ceron, Same. Installation of doors, hardware, and locksmith services.

BELCHERTOWN

Dharma Properties Inc., 21 Evertett Ave., Belchertown, MA 01007. James Moran, 20 Short Road, Hardwick, MA 01037. Real Estate.

FLORENCE

Garbaryan Violins Inc., 121 Sandy Hill Road, Florence, MA 01062. Andranik Gaybaryan, same. Stringed music instrument-making and restoration.

GRANBY

Linda Robinson Dental P.C., 231 Amherst St., Granby, MA 01033. Linda M. Robinson DMD, Same. Dental services.

HOLYOKE

20089 Inc., 50 Holyoke St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Harry C. Chen, same. Retail fast food service.

IMS Realty Corp., 663 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Ilya M. Shnayder, same. All business relating to the development, management, and investing in real estate.

Riverside Logistics Inc., 20 Hadley Mills Road, Holyoke, MA 01040. Michael J.
‘Sullivan, same. Sale of graphics arts supplies.

PALMER

K.E.Y. Property Services Inc., 53 Fuller Road, Palmer, MA 01069. Robert A Young, same. Landscaping and construction services.

SPRINGFIELD

Blitzin Bears Inc., 187 King St., Springfield, MA 01109. Eric M. Brown, same. To promote and carry out athletic exercises, including a football club and special organization in order to promote civic, educational, charitable, and benevolent purposes.

Concerned Citizens of Mason Square Inc., 153 Princeton St., Springfield, MA 01109. Synthia Scott-Mitchell, same. To increase the availability of nutritious, locally-grown competitively priced produce, and to participate in collaborations aimed at increasing food security in the Mason Square neighborhood of Springfield.

Fortune Infinite Enterprises Inc., 132 Fort Pleasant Ave., Springfield, MA 01108. Anthony Gibbs, 356 Newton St., South Hadley, MA 02075. Retail and entertainment.

MMY Convenience Inc., 295 Allen St., Springfield, MA 01108. Yasir Osman, 197 Florida St., Springfield, MA 01109. To operate a convenience store and gas station.

RICKAA Inc., 685 Sumner Ave., Springfield, MA 02208. Rizk G. Abiassaf, 15 Bryant St. Springfield, MA 01108. Auto repair, gas station, and convenience store.

WESTFIELD

Massachusetts Women in Public Higher Education Inc., 577 Western Ave., Westfield, MA 01085. Tracy Charbonnier, 184 Summer St., Abington, MA 02351. To strengthen the status of women as professionals and to advance the role of women in public higher education.

McCoubrey Enterprises Inc., 231 Union St., Westfield, MA 01085. John A. McCoubrey, 344 Valley View Dr., Westfield, MA 01085. Auto repair shop and sale of auto parts/used cars.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

JI Cleaning Services Inc., 117 Ashley Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089 John Silva, Same. To operate a general cleaning service.

WILBRAHAM

Bonavita Health Care Services P.C., 28 Shady Lane, Wilbraham, MA 01095. William E Bonavita, Same. To provide health care.

IAPP Richard Fowler Foundation Inc., 568 Main St., Wilbraham, MA 01095. Francis Stetina, 13108 Idlewild Dr., Bowie, MD 20715. To raise funds for the education of photographers about panoramic photography.

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

C. Gene Kirby has been named President of NewAlliance Bank, based in New Haven, Conn. In his new position, Kirby will oversee each of NewAlliance Bank’s primary lines of business — retail banking, business banking, trust services, and investments.

•••••

Attorney Carol Cioe Klyman of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. recently presented a training session titled “Drafting Effective Durable Powers of Attorney and Health Care Proxies” for the Mass. Bar Assoc. In her presentation, Klyman covered the practical intricacies of health care proxies and durable powers of attorney, such as choosing the right person to serve, tailoring documents that work and meet a client’s needs, and avoidance of common pitfalls. The event was part of the six critical-skills sessions, “Expanding Your Practice in a Shrinking Economy — Is It Time to Rethink Your Practice,” sponsored by the Mass. Bar Assoc.

•••••

Douglas A. Price has been hired by the Boston general office of New York Life Insurance Co. as an agent. Price has been in the financial-services business for more than 25 years.

•••••

Peter P. Fenton has joined Royal & Munnings to practice in the area of labor relations. He brings more than 26 years of experience in management-side labor relations to the firm.

•••••

The Board of Trustees of Springfield Technical Community College announced the following elected officers for April 2009 through March 2010:
• Ronald A. Copes, retired Vice President for Community Relations at MassMutual, was re-elected Chairman;
• Hector F. Toledo, Vice President and Director of Retail Sales at Hampden Bank, was elected Vice Chair; and
• David P. Fontaine, President of Fontaine Brothers Inc., was re-elected Secretary.

•••••

Communication Solutions Partners announced the following:
• Mike Lata has been name to the Account Executive Team; and
• Melissa Derouin has been promoted to manage the back-office operations.

•••••

Dr. Ian L. Goldsmith has joined Baystate Neurology at Baystate Medical Center’s outpatient care facility in Springfield. Goldsmith specializes in the treatment of epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

•••••

The Baystate Health Foundation in Springfield announced the following:
• David J. Obedzinski has been appointed Director of Major Gifts and Planned Giving. He has worked in fund-raising for over 23 years, was previously chief development officer and executive director of Institutional Advancement for the Hospital of Central Connecticut. He successfully directed two capital campaigns for the hospital and supervised mergers of operations. He has also served as director of Development and director of Alumni Affairs at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Conn.; and
• Carol L. Baribeau has been appointed Director of Annual Fundraising and Events. Baribeau, who began working with New England Telephone and Telegraph while in high school, most recently was regional director of public affairs for Verizon’s Western and Central Mass. districts before retiring after 38 years with the company. Since leaving Verizon, Baribeau started her own consulting business, which specializes in business management and marketing and public-relations strategies.

•••••

Sandra J. Marsian has been promoted to Vice President of Membership, Marketing, and Public Relations for AAA Pioneer Valley.

•••••

Ken K. Toong, Executive Director of Dining and Retail Services at UMass Amherst, has been named Food Service Director magazine’s Food Service Director of the Year for 2008.

•••••

Denise M. Dowd has been named Program Director of the Eastern Connecticut Health Network Center for Wound Healing at Manchester Memorial Hospital. The center is slated to open this month in Manchester, Conn.

•••••

The Spirit of Springfield announced two new officers elected for two-year terms:
• Dan Walsh, Vice President for Columbus Hotels, was voted to serve as Vice Chair; and
• John Hesslein, Station Manager of CBS3-Springfield, was elected Treasurer.

•••••

Judy Rickson of Shannon Donohue Real Estate in Palmer has completed the loss-mitigation certification course of the Massachusetts Assoc. of Realtors. The course covered foreclosures, properties at auction, short sales, and properties owned by banks.

•••••

Jeffrey E. Pilgrim, Associate Director of Admissions at Williston Northampton School in Easthampton, has been appointed Director of Admissions at Emma Willard School in Troy, N.Y.

•••••

Samuel E. Johnston II has joined Environmental Compliance Services in Agawam as an Energy Services Program Manager.

•••••

Zack Colson has joined the Feeding Hills office of Park Square Realty in Westfield as a Sales Associate. Colson specializes in residential listings and sales.

•••••

Michael Petro has been named Director of Business Development at Erland Construction., working in the company’s East Windsor, Conn. office.

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

Women’s Leadership Conference

“Soaring” was the theme of the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference on April 30 at the MassMutual Center. The day-long event, staged by Bay Path College, featured a number of keynote speakers and break-out sessions, all designed to help attendees reach higher. At left, keynote speaker and neuroanatomist Jill Bole Taylor speaks about her recovery from a stroke and how that event changed her life. Below, keynote speaker and comedian Anita Renfroe entertains the audience. Above, Bay Path student Kathleen Rodrique visits the YMCA of Greater Springfield booth, one of many set up the lobby outside the convention hall, and tries to balance herself on a Wii Fit balance board. Representing the Y are Toussant Paskins, with YMCA membership services, and Meg Swanson, membership director.

Room to Grow

Fallon Community Health Plan is the latest organization to support Square One’s Room to Grow campaign. Through its contribution, Fallon is helping Square One to fulfill its mission of providing early education and care to children from working and inner-city families by underwriting a classroom at Square One’s Main Street Children’s Center. Above, children in classroom 7 surround Kate Mcevoy-Zdonczyk, left, senior director of Government & Community Relations for Fallon Community Health Plan, and Cheryl Schmaltz, senior community relations associate, to thank them for their recent contributions. At right, Mcevoy-Zdonczyk and Schmaltz prepare to install the new room plaque recognizing the company for adopting a preschool class.

SBA Award

United Bank assistant vice presidents Tony Franco (left) and Dale Mazanec of the Commercial Lending Team hold up a citation from the Small Business Administration (SBA) honoring the bank as Lender of the Quarter in Massachusetts. Lending activity during the first quarter of 2009 ranked United Bank as the 12th-most-active lender in the state.

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

Workplace Preparedness in the Face of a Pandemic

By AMY ROYAL

1. Begin by planning a course of action designed to minimize disruption to your operations; however, be sure to prepare and plan to operate with a reduced workforce.

2. Determine your emergency coverage needs. Identify key positions within your company, such as employees who maintain business-necessary functions. Ask yourself: when these key employees or managers are out, how will that impact your operations? Is there someone else who can step in for them? Are your managers and employees cross-trained?

3. Consider different scenarios. Varying scenarios may call for different measures of preparedness and action. For instance, your business might devise one course of action if several employees are sick and another if an entire department or the whole company is sick.

4. Establish clear guidelines for your business regarding whether or not employees who are sick or exhibiting symptoms should report to work. Review your existing sick-leave policies for consistency.

5. Classify employees’ risks to occupational exposure. For instance, employees working within the health care field have a much greater on-the-job exposure than employees who have minimal occupational contact with the general public.

6. Identify a point person. Select an individual in management to be designated as the pandemic coordinator. This individual should be responsible for implementing the company’s response plan and fielding employee questions or concerns.

7. Create and distribute an emergency communication plan to all employees. Include name and contact information for the pandemic coordinator and any other relevant information, such as a Web site or phone number for employees to utilize for the latest information.

8. Make a list of customers, vendors, suppliers, or clients who may need to be contacted in the event that your business must close or modify its operations due to the outbreak of illness within your business or community.

9. Review all of the above on an annual basis and revise as needed.

10. Contact your attorney before implementing any plan to ensure its compliance with applicable laws.

Amy B. Royal, Esq. is a partner in the law firm Royal & Munnings, LLC. She focuses her practice in management-side labor and employment law; (413) 586-2288; [email protected].

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

Business Market Show

May 13: The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield Inc. will showcase the products and services of some 200 regional businesses at the 2009 Business Market Show Conference and Exhibition at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. The seventh annual Taste the Market will also be conducted during the show, featuring food prepared by restaurants and caterers chosen and sponsored by participating exhibitors. The day begins at 7:15 a.m. with the May Breakfast Club, featuring speaker Gov. Deval Patrick, who will share his insights on the state’s upcoming fiscal year as well as some of the current initiatives of his administration. Doors to the show will open following the breakfast at 9 a.m. In addition, there will be a host of free business seminars offered throughout the day. A complete schedule of seminars and exhibitors can be found at www.businessmarketshow.com. A microbrew tasting given by Azon Liquors is planned from noon to 2 p.m., and the Taste the Market will be conducted from 3 to 5 p.m. The conference and exhibition ends at 5 p.m.

World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast

May 16: Springfield’s annual breakfast of hot, hearty pancakes will be served by hundreds of volunteers from 8 to 11 a.m. on Main Street to celebrate the city’s 373rd birthday. The family-friendly event includes breakfast, entertainment and interactive activities. Tickets cost $1 for children, $3 for adults, and are free to area students with a complimentary ticket distributed through area school systems. For more information, visit www.spiritofspringfield.org.

Brown Bag Lunch Series

May 21: Amherst-based Marigold Fund founder Gary Moorehead will present a lecture titled “Afghanistan Lives and Labor” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Moorehead has lived in Afghanistan since 2003, founding Marigold Fund in 2004. Until 2008, he worked as a program manager on projects funded by the U.S. State Department and others, building schools and homes for returning refugees. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Estate Planning Workshops for Parents

May 27, June 3: Attorney David K. Webber of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., with offices in Springfield and Northampton, will present two free workshops titled “Estate Planning Workshops for Parents of Young Children” at the Sunderland Library Community Room, 20 School St. Workshops are planned from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., and are open to the public. Pre-registered participants will be offered the opportunity to complete a will, health care proxy, and durable power of attorney at a reduced rate. For more information and to register, call (413) 737-1131.

Economic Illusions Lecture

May 28: Edward Guay, principal of Wintonbury Risk Management in Bloomfield, Conn., will present a lecture titled “Recovering from Economic Illusions and Global Credit Shocks” at noon at One Financial Plaza Community Room, third floor, 1350 Main St., Springfield. The lecture, part of the Instant Issues Brown Bag Lunch Series, is sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Western Mass. Guay is a global macro strategist. He has a long history of accurately predicting major shifts in business, financial, and political conditions. Guay specializes in the identification of those forces for change that will shape future events, either gradually or in climactic fashion, causing consensus business, investment, political, or geopolitical strategies to go awry. The cost of the lecture is $8 (bring a lunch) or $15 (tuna, turkey, or vegetarian sandwich). Reservations must be made by calling (413) 733-0110.

Leadership Development & Teambuilding

June 15: SkillPath Seminars will present a daylong conference titled “Leadership Development & Teambuilding” at the Holiday Inn, 711 Dwight St., Springfield. Workshops include: “Developing the Leader within You,” “30 Tips for Becoming an Inspired Leader,” “It All Starts with You … Discover Your Team Player Style,” and “Building a Team That’s a Reflection of You.” Also, “Leadership Mistakes You Don’t Have to Make,” “Light the Fire of Excellence in Your Team,” “Speak So Others Know How to Follow,” “Positive Feedback … the Fuel of High Performance,” “A Team Approach to Dealing with Unacceptable Behavior,” and “What Teams Really Need from Their Leaders.” The conference is targeted for managers, supervisors, team leaders, and team members who would like to learn skills to motivate, inspire, lead, and succeed. The enrollment fee is $199 per person, or $189 each with four or more. For more information, call (800) 873-7545 or visit www.skillpath.com.

By BusinessWest Staff May 11, 2009

Departments

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

Ackley, Keith Edward
Ackley, Marie Christine
7 Birch Hill Road
Blandford, MA 01008
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Acosta, Israel
53 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Adams, Mechelle L.
a/k/a Gardner-Adams, Mechelle L.
240 Prospect St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Aldrich, Michael D.
Aldrich, Kimberly A.
3 Park Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Alicea, Domingo
81 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Andrade, Carrie-Ann
a/k/a Gaynor, Carrie-Ann
3 Jeanne Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Anello, Patrick J.
22 May Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Ansaldo, Marie L.
3 Golden Court
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Ashe, Steven T.
194 East Longmeadow Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Austin, Calandra B.
260 Pittsfield Road #3A
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Barnes, Cynthia I.
110a Hillside Road
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Barton, Christopher C.
Barton, Sarah E.
a/k/a Smith, Sarah E.
51 Pineywood Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Batchelder, Amanda
a/k/a Bessette, Amanda
a/k/a Batchelder, Amanda W.
38 Stanley Place
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Beyer, Gloria J.
132 Ambrose St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/04/09

Beyer, William D.
Beyer, Suzanne C.
53 Pitroff Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Biancucci, Peter
140 Vincent St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Blais, Claudette E.
12 Temple St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Boulanger, Ronald H.
Boulanger, Jennifer L.
96 Sunflower Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Bray, Vernon L.
Bray, Patricia A.
268 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Brown, Angela
120 Methuen St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Bryant, John W.
62 Millbrook Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Buoniconti, Lucy V.
79 Almon Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Byron, Daniel P.
354 Vine St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Canedy, Bruce Emery
278 Deerfield St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Carlson, Stephanie A.
a/k/a Sermini, Stephanie A.
45 Pearl St.
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Carpenter, Randy A.
213 Grattan St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Chapman, Bruce W.
Chapman, Anna M.
62 Foss Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Chittenden, Sharon Ann
93-C Grove St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Christianson, John E.
Christianson, Leona F.
28 Little Alum Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Christie, Shannon L.
a/k/a Forgues, Shannon
38 South St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Christina’s Country Store
Just Doggin’ It
Czerwiec, Keith
25 Belvidere Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Clawson, Wendell L.
41 Piquette Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Clemens, Kelli R.
26 Irvington St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Cloutier, Daniel M.
Cloutier, Tara J.
a/k/a Phelps, Tara J.
86 Meridian St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Coe, Adrianne M.
PO Box 1026
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Conrad, Georgina R.
760 Williamsville Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Convery, Cheryl A.
919 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Cote, Merle G.
81 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Cruz, Ronald
Cruz, Tammy W.
127 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Dalinsky, Debra M.
47 Victoria St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Del Padre, Emily E.
199 Rogers Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Dionne, Carol A.
39 Payson Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Dionne, Michael F.
39 Payson Ave.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Dixon Titles, Inc.
Sinkora, Denise S.
a/k/a Dixon, Denise S.
54 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Donnelly, Maureen L.
a/k/a Labossiere, Maureen L.
150 Freedom St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Drew, Jason
25 Pleasant Green
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Drummond, Randolph T.
367 Island Pond Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Egan, Richard C
Egan, Diane M.
90 Harris St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Ellsworth, Peter R.
717 Crane Ave., Apt. A
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Etown Videos
Brunswick Consulting
MyWAN
Kielhorn, Sven
54 Pine St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Fernandes, Jose
a/k/a Fernandes, Joe
Fernandes, Rosemary A.
88 Phoenix Ter.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Fitzgerald, John K.
379 East St., #402
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Fleming, Thomas K.
76 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Fleurent, Theresa
a/k/a Jackson, Theresa Marie
a/k/a Woodard, Theresa Marie
16 Rita Lane
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Flores, Susan
28 Grosvenor St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Foley, Mary C.
10 B Crandall St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Gilmartin, Nicholas A.
55 White Birch Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Girhiny, Bart Allen
44 Chestnut St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Gleitsmann, Eleanor A.
354 Vine St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Gonzalez, Viana I.
a/k/a Velez, Viana I.
35 Cliftwood St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Grechka, Ivan
Grechka, Tatyana
68 Merrick St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Gress, Kenneth J.
8A Arbor Way
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Grover, Robert E.
740 Riverglade Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Guyette, Christopher P.
Guyette, Jill E.
Henrich, Jill E.
Beane, Jill E.
202 High Meadow Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/05/09

Haines, Shaun P.
a/k/a Haines, Megan E.
Parent, Megan Elizabeth
280 Garnet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Hamilton, Andrew S.
Hamilton, Bethany A.
a/k/a Desrosiers, Bethany A.
34 Pond St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Handerhan, Amanda
a/k/a Thacker, Amanda
2113 Stewart St.
Hatfleld, PA 19440
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Harris, Kelsie F.
49 Clem Ct.
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Holness, Favian L.
Holness, Venice A.
199 Stapleton Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Ianello, Anthony J.
414 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Johns, Elizabeth
775 Armory St.
P.O. Box 1011
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Johnson, Ronnie D.
Johnson, Katherine W.
42 Amherst Ave.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Kelley, William D.
Kelley, Vivian A.
153 Woodside Ter.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Killeen, Katherine A.
79 Birchwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Kimball, Aric S.
Kimball, Meghann E.
Gradowski, Meghann E.
35 Knollwood Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/05/09

Liebel, Kevin
Liebel, Mary A.
a/k/a Liebel, Mary
114 Westwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Loper, Michael
Loper, Miranda
33 Foch Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Lowell, Irving R.
Lowell, Barbara A.
86 Independence Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Lynch, David J.
Lynch, Karolyn N.
77 Danek Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Lynn, Joseph Francis
35 McClellan St.
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Maccarone, Peter J.
P.O. Box 5510
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Maher, Michael P.
P O Box 312
Greenfield, MA 01302
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Malcovsky, Linda L.
P. O. Box 192
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Mallette, Ronald P.
283 Bearsden Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Martin, Scott G.
2 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057-9429
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Mascolo, John J.
144 Paige Hill Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Masse, David A.
18 Melinda Lane
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

McClendon, Cheryl
a/k/a Smith, Cheryl L.
1470 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

McIntyre, Michael A.
P. O. Box 808
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

McKinley, Larry
McKinley, Joan L.
17 Westminster St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Meisner, Victoria A.
a/k/a Merry, Victoria A.
37 Moriarty Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Mercado, Sr. Pedro A.
PO Box 5430
Springfield, MA 01101
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Millenium Women Destine Fund
Betts, Jacqueline
Simmons, Jacqueline
2473 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Murray, Michael S.
24 Holly Court
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Nelson, George E.
Nelson, Jessica L.
a/k/a Tucker, Jessica L.
80 Orange St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Ochenowski, Walter E.
886 Main St. #28
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

O’Connell, Brian G.
O’Connell, Lyn A.
51 Liberty St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Ogorzalek, Jeffrey M.
Ogorzalek, Toni
a/k/a Loguidice, Toni
P. O. Box 261
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Ortiz, Esther
88 Marble St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Ovitt, Travis B.
Ovitt, Christine M.
74 Adelaide Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Padua, Lisa Y.
Padua, Lisandro
15 Alden St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Provost, Kim M.
22 Fair Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Reilly, Thomas M.
336 Front St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Reyes, Maria D.
183 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Riel, Monica A.
67 Bissell Road
Williamsburg, MA 01096
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Righi, Catherine A.
29 Commonwealth Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Roberts, Steven Dennis
Roberts, Shannon Marie
441 East Main St.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Rodriguez, Juan B.
Rodriguez, Yelitza
62 Pearl St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Roger E. McGinnis Trucking
McGinnis, Roger E.
McGinnis, Grete M.
a/k/a Graves, Grete M.
a/k/a Raffa, Grete M.
Uncommon Cuts
7 Brandywine Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Roy, Gerard P.
20 Maybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Roy, Susan M.
20 Maybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Sanders, Carol M.
281 East St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Sarrette, Cheryl
10 Fairview Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Shah, Lack
Shah, Kaziban B.
43 Fisher St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Sharif, Tammy
1809 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Shelton, Carl W.
570 Alden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Silva, Melissa
29 Decatur St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

Slater, Warren Robert
Slater, Delma Quimque
100 Forest Hill Road
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Smith, Patrick J.
96 Hazelwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Stevens, Sandra Gates
56 Prospect St., #4
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Sullivan, Jr. James M.
Sullivan, Jamie L.
44 North St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Taylor, Deborah A.
148 Main St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/13/09

Torres, Eugenio
1421 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/01/09

Uva, Kenneth Richard
20 Indian Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Vasco, Maria C.
188 Center St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/15/09

Vergara, Blanquita
24 Joanne Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/08/09

Wackerbarth, Mark J.
383 Granby Road
Granville, MA 01034
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/03/09

Walker, Samantha J.
142 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Walz, Christopher J.
Walz, Beverly A.
420 Meadow St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/09/09

Weagle, Barbara Ann
217 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/14/09

Wiggins Gamble, Julia Pamela
Wiggins-Gamble, Pamela
Gamble, Julia W.
a/k/a Wiggins, Julia
192 Marsden St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Fi
ing Date: 04/07/09

Willers, George
91 Mulberry St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/06/09

Winco, Jeffery L.
Winco, Kerry A.
a/k/a France, Kerry A.
144 Cedar St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 03/31/09

Winslow, Brian P.
219 Greenwich Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/10/09

Winter, Hollie L.
163 Leyden Road
P.O. Box 174
Greenfield, MA 01302
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/02/09

Worrell, Susan M.
120D Lamplighter Lane
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 04/07/09

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