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Anthony P. Simone has been named AVP-Wealth Management Advisor at The Bank of Western Massachusetts in Springfield.

•••••

Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co. in Holyoke reported that Stewart Creelman, a Certified Financial Planner, recently marked his 50th anniversary with Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). Charter Oak is one of the largest MassMutual agencies in the country.

•••••

The Board of Directors of Berkshire Life Insurance Company of America, based in Pittsfield, announced the following:
• Brian J. Cunningham has been elected Director, Claims. In his new role, he oversees the company’s delivery of high-quality claims services to its policyholders. He also lends claims risk-management perspective to Berkshire Life’s product-development efforts and contributes to ongoing agent/broker and client-education efforts.
• Donna N. Lagarce has been elected FLMI, Director, Project-management Office. Lagarce is charged with building out enterprise-wide project-management methodologies, reporting tools, and policies.
• Tara M. Tereso has been elected Director, Marketing Services. Tereso’s principal responsibilities are to collaborate with business area clients to create strategic marketing campaigns in support of the company’s business plan.

•••••

The Polish National Credit Union in Southampton announced the following:
• Carol A. Desrosiers has been named Branch Manager;
• Heather Huot has been named Assistant Manager; and
• Sarah Harrington has been named Head Teller.

•••••

PeoplesBank announced the following:
• Karen J. Buell has been promoted to Internet Branch Officer.
• Xiaolei Hua has been promoted to Project Management Officer.

•••••

Bacon Wilson P.C. in Springfield has announced that Partner Michael Katz has received the prestigious Sadowsky Visionary Award from the Jimmy Fund. The award is given to “someone who demonstrates extraordinary commitment to the Jimmy Fund and the mission of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute by conceiving, leading, or dedicating themselves to an event or activity that delivers annual financial support and/or long-term volunteer commitment.” Katz is co-chairman of the firm’s Bankruptcy Department. He is also a past president and current member of the board of directors of the Jimmy Fund Council of Western Mass., and serves on the Jimmy Fund Advisory Committee for the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

•••••

Tastefully Simple announced the following:
• Carleen Mullin has received the Top Sales Achiever in Location Award.
• Katrina Deragon has received the Top Team Sales in Region Award.
• Marva Walting has received the Top Team Sales in Location Award.
All awards were presented during Tastefully Simple’s On Tour event in Boston, which unveiled the company’s spring-summer product line.

•••••

Morrison Mahoney LLP has appointed Attorney Jennifer A. Hylemon as a Partner of the firm and a member of the Medical Professional Practice Group in Springfield. Hylemon’s practice is concentrated in the areas of medical malpractice, professional liability, general liability, and workers’ compensation litigation.

•••••

Joanne St-Germain was among the top Avon representatives who recently attended a weekend at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Hollywood, Calif., for division and district managers. Representatives were chosen based on their fourth-quarter sales performance compared to the prior year.

•••••
Joanne Lusignan, with Home & Garden Party, recently attended the company’s leadership convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, that featured guest speakers and training workshops from Feb. 26-28. Home & Garden Party announced the acquisition of Home Interiors during the convention, as well as its new name, Celebrating Home.

•••••

Adrian L. Rawn has joined TD Banknorth as a Business Banking Officer in Springfield. He provides a range of services, including loans, deposits, commercial real-estate financing, and lines of credit, to businesses throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties.

•••••

Comcast has promoted Andy McCarthy to Vice President of Engineering and Technical Operations for western New England. McCarthy will oversee the engineering planning, development, and deployment of new products throughout the region while also working to ensure the reliability and resiliency of Comcast’s converged fiber-optic network.

•••••

Jewish Geriatric Services announced the following:
• Danielle M. Withroder has been named Development Coordinator;
• Celina Conway has joined the Ruth’s House staff as Director of Community Relations;
• Christine M. Cronin has been named Wellness Nurse at Ruth’s House; and
• Jennifer A. Haber has accepted a Social Worker position at the Julian J. Leavitt Family Jewish Nursing Home.

•••••

Dr. Michael Caban has joined the orthodontic practice of Dr. Robert Leff.

•••••

Chicopee Savings Bank announced the following:
• Russell J. Omer has been promoted to Executive Vice President;
• Wayne L. Webster has joined the bank as Vice President of Commercial Lending;
• Elizabeth A. Wilk has been promoted to Vice President;
• Elizabeth M. Maroney has been promoted to Assistant Vice President;
• Guida R. Sajdak has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending;
• Luke D. Kettles has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending;
• Kathi L. Donahue has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, and
• Darlene M. Libiszewski has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Information Technology.

•••••

Anthony F. Roda has joined TD Banknorth as the Store Manager at 243 Triangle St., Amherst. He is responsible for managing day-to-day operations at the location and developing and overseeing small business loans, deposit accounts, consumer lending, and investment and insurance services.

•••••

Attorney Carol Cioe Klyman, a Shareholder of Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., of Springfield, recently participated in the panel discussion “Practicing Outside the Box: Atypical Practice Areas for Attorneys of Color,” at the annual regional convention of the National Black Law Students Assoc. at the Springfield Marriott. Klyman discussed the rewards of assisting elders, disabled individuals, and their families in special needs, long-term care, and estate planning, and acting as advocates for these clients in areas such as consumer protection claims and trust and estate litigation.

•••••

Attorney L. Alex Hogan, with Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. in Springfield, recently spoke to a group of South Hadley High School students on personal finance as part of the M. Ellen Carpenter Financial Literacy Program offered at the school. Hogan practices in the areas of business law, business litigation, and bankruptcy.

•••••

Laurie Long has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Operations at D.J. St. Germain Investment Management Co. As a certified Microsoft professional, Long provides expertise in the areas of programming, user training, software applications, and systems analysis.

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Departments

Getting Down to Business

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno recently announced that Royal & Munnings, LLC is the recipient of a city of Springfield contract providing certain services to minority- and women-owned businesses. The services to businesses under the contract includes technical and legal assistance in obtaining state and federal certification as a minority- or woman-owned business, in responding to procurement opportunities and in obtaining financing and bonding to support these businesses in their participation in construction and supply projects. From left: Maria Lopez-Santiago, chief procurement officer for the city of Springfield; Aimee Griffin Munnings, partner with the law firm of Royal & Munnings, LLC; Sarno; and Amy B. Royal, Partner with Royal & Munnings, LLC.

Parting Thoughts

Paul Digrigoli, founder and president of Digrigoli Salons, was the keynote speaker at the recent national conference for NACCE (the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship) in Anaheim, Calif. Here, he makes his point to an audience of educators looking to develop or enhance programs for teaching entrepreneurship.

Model Operation

Balise Lexus recently hosted a launch reception to introduce the all-new 2010 RX at its dealership on Riverdale Street. The all-new RX is touted as the “reinvention of the vehicle that invented it all,” according to Mike Balise, left, vice president of Balise Motor Sales, seen here with Brant Baird, district sales manager for Lexus. The event drew several hundred visitiors, and was highlighted by an auction of the first few RXs delivered to the West Springfield showroom.

Forging Partnerships

Fagor-Automation Corp. in Chicago recently donated the installation of its new Innova 40i ‘True Vision’ digital readout system in the Machine Tool Technology Program at Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical High School in Springfield. The new computer controls will assist Putnam students to blend their pre-existing Windows computer skills with most of the manual metal-working machines at the school. In preparation for a hands-on open house at Putnam this spring, precision-machining companies that are interested in viewing this new equipment, which will be debuted at EASTEC 2009 on May 19-21, should contact Fred Carrier at Putnam ([email protected]). Coordination of these donated services to Putnam was lead by Buck Upson, president of Pioneer Tool Supply Co. Inc. of West Springfield, the Putnam Program Advisory Board, and the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County. Installation of the controls was provided by Danny Steidi and Joel Kasnick from Fagor-Automation Corp.

Hometown Heroes

The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter recently honored several Western Mass. residents at its annual ‘Hometown Heroes’ breakfast. Above, Tony Filipe (left), president of the Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass., with honoree Joseph Lesniak of Indian Orchard. At right, Sheila Doiron (left), director of Communications and Community Relations for Bay State Gas, with honoree Bobi Steingart of Longmeadow.

The Future of Medicine Is Exciting — but Troubling

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Opinion

It’s no space-age fantasy: today’s doctors and other medical professionals know they’re living in exciting times. Anxious times, too.

When we asked some of the area’s foremost medical experts for their thoughts on what the next 15 or so years will bring to the health care landscape, they had no shortage of ideas.

They spoke about the promise of stem cells, and the possibility that scientists might hone their potential to replace tissue and even grow new organs for patients in need — an idea that would have seemed like science fiction not too long ago.

They talked about how robotics, laparoscopy, and other surgical advances are helping doctors operate with a minimum of trauma or scarring, and turning what used to be week-long hospital stays into outpatient visits.

The breakthroughs keep piling up — research on gene therapy to reverse the effects of heart disease and prevent it from recurring. Imaging technology that is giving doctors quicker, more accurate pictures of health problems. Computer advances that are starting to help doctors diagnose and treat homebound patients remotely.

The list goes on, and it speaks not only to the boundless ingenuity of medicine and science, but also to the impressive quality of health care in Western Mass., where many of the latest technologies are being put into practice every day.

So, there’s clearly no shortage of optimism when it comes to innovation. But there’s also a nagging worry that’s beginning to loom ever-larger for those who are paying attention.

It’s simply this: how are we going to pay for it all?

Let’s face it — Americans are accustomed to expecting the best, and our attitude toward health care is no exception. If there’s a breakthough in treatment, people want to partake of it, and they want it now. That’s our culture.

But doctors and policy experts are starting to ask some sobering questions. With health care already costing about $2 trillion per year, with each new high-tech medical solution arriving with a hefty price tag, and with the plentiful Baby Boomers expected to live longer — often managing serious, chronic health issues — than past generations, many are starting to wonder whether our current health care infrastructure is even sustainable.

In some cases, they’re flatly saying that it’s not.

Although debate will rage over the details, many expect that some sort of universal health care in the U.S. is inevitable, which will strain the system further. Long waits for non-essential treatment might become commonplace. Federal regulators might have to decide which products make it to market and which are deemed, well, not cost-effective.

Some would gasp at the very thought. But, again, we’re Americans, and we’re used to having options. The idea of our health care choices being severely reduced is a scary thought — but it’s one that many are openly talking about.

There’s a clear dichotomy in play; science is performing miracles on a daily basis, but will we reach a point where even those efforts must be slowed due to financial restraints?

“We’re developing all this great stuff,” Dr. Jeffrey Leppo told us when he was interviewed for the “Vision 2025” story (see page 34). “We can maybe cure diseases, but we’re still decades away in some cases, and in the meantime we’re pouring tons of money into it without any control.”

It’s not clear right now that anyone has the answer for a cost problem that, by the direst estimates, could crash the system within 10 years. Efforts to streamline health care through electronic record-keeping and other efficiencies play around the edges, but don’t tackle the core of the problem, which is simply a growing lack of money to pay for everything we want.

And we want everything. Which, in the end, may turn out to be the biggest fantasy of all.

Purchasing Undeveloped Land

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Departments

Purchasing Undeveloped Land

By JOHN PRENOSIL

1. Are wetlands, vernal pools, or streams located on or adjacent to the property? That stream or small depression filled with water may limit or completely inhibit your proposed development.
2. Is the property located wholly or partially within an active flood plain? If so, the exact extent of the flood plain may need to be determined for insurance purposes. Most flood-plain development requires permitting.
3. Is the property located within rare-species habitat? Development within rare-species habitat may require permitting and is often time-consuming.
4. Are there zoning regulations that may inhibit development? Is the site zoned properly for your proposed development? Will variances be required?
5. Are there legal considerations including liens and/or other encumbrances?
6. Is there any potential for hazardous waste contamination on the property or adjacent properties? To limit your liability, a site investigation focused on previous ownership and past land usage may be required even though the property is currently undeveloped.
7. Are electric utilities available nearby? Sewer and water? If sewer is not available, site soils should be tested to ensure that a septic system can be designed for the property.
8. Is the land suited to your development needs? As a general rule, it is easier to develop a property based on its constraints than to fit a pre-designed project onto a property.
9. Are there other potential site constraints to consider? Steep slopes, ledge, site access, and high ground water are common issues.
10. If you are unsure about any of these issues, consider hiring a professional to evaluate your property. An experienced land-development consultant can identify potential development constraints before they become issues.

John M. Prenosil is a principal with Ware-based JMP Environmental Consulting Inc. and has been involved with land development since 1996; (413) 967-5601.

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Departments

Insurance Industry Symposium

March 31: A panel of financial experts will examine how the economic crisis is affecting the insurance industry during a symposium at the University of Hartford, beginning at 1:30 p.m. in Wilde Auditorium, Harry Jack Gray Center, 200 Bloomfield Ave., West Hartford, Conn. The symposium, titled “Financial Turmoil — Impact on the Insurance Industry,” will explore how the financial crisis is impacting the insurance industry’s investments, capital adequacy, and risk appetite. The registration fee is $40. For more information about the event, contact Ann Costello, director of the R.C. Knox Center for Insurance and Risk Management Studies, at [email protected].

‘Marketing Basics’

April 1: The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network will sponsor a workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research — secondary, primary, qualitative, and quantitative. The core focus will be on developing and keeping a customer. Topics will include public relations, advertising, understanding marketing, and developing a marketing plan. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

Flights of Fantasy Concert

April 4: Star Trek’s Mr. Sulu, George Takei, will narrate a portion of the 8 p.m. Springfield Symphony Pops program titled “Flights of Fantasy” in Symphony Hall. The concert features the music of one of the most famous Hollywood composers, Academy Award winner John Williams, who wrote the Star Wars and Harry Potter themes. Concertgoers will also be treated to the Star Trek television show theme and two compositions from the Star Trek movies. The audience is invited to meet Takei and the musicians in the Mahogany Room for a reception and autograph session following the concert. For tickets and more informationabout the event, call (413) 733-2291 or visit www.springfieldsymphony.org.

Events for Kids

April 6-10, 11, 17, 21-24: What’s Cooking, Kids? will host several events throughout April for children, ranging from candy-making sessions and Easter egg decorating to a Food Network Camp and an American Idol for Kids evening. For complete details on all events, call (413) 224-1208 or visit www.whatscookingkids.com. What’s Cooking, Kids? is located at 41 Maple St., East Longmeadow.

Small-business Workshop

April 7: The Western New England College Law and Business Center for Advancing Entrepreneurship will offer a workshop titled “Understanding and Evaluating the Risks and the Liabilities of a Consulting Practice” from 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Laurie Breitner, principal with Breitner & Associates, will present the free workshop, which is open to the public. Seating is limited. For more information, call (413) 796-2030 or visit www.law.wnec.edu/lawandbusiness.

YMCA Breakfast

April 8: Tim Wakefield, righthanded knuckleball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, will be the keynote speaker for the 4th annual YMCA of Greater Springfield Campaign Breakfast at the Healthful Living Center at Western New England College in Springfield. Doors open at 7:30 a.m., and the program begins at 8. A minimum donation of $150 is requested. For more information about the program, contact Andrea M. Luppi, director of Development, YMCA of Greater Springfield, at (413) 739-6951.

Home Builders Course

April 15: The Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass. will sponsor a six-session course beginning on April 15 to help individuals prepare for the Massachusetts Construction Supervisor’s Licensing Exam. Sessions will be conducted at the Home Builders Assoc. headquarters, 240 Cadwell Dr., Springfield, for six Wednesdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. The license exam is authorized by the State Board of Building Regulations and Standards and administered by Thomson Prometric. Registration forms to enroll for the state exam will be distributed at the first session of the program. The course fee is $250 for a member of the Home Builders Assoc. of Western Mass. and $350 for non-members. Participants must bring the 7th Edition One & Two Family Dwelling Building Code book and the 7th Edition Basic Building Code book to each class and to the open-book examination. There is an additional charge to order the code books through the Home Builders Assoc. For more information or to register, contact Sandra Doucette at (413) 733-3126. Enrollment is limited.

Rock ‘n’ Roll and Management Styles

April 15: “Everything I Learned About Management, I Learned From Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be presented by James M. Wilson III, Ph.D., assistant professor of Business at Bay Path College, and Gregory Jones, director of Cannes Associates Production Management. Wilson and Jones have been conducting research for three years on the production of live concerts featuring Metallica, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, among others, with a focus on how event management contributes to organizational theory. The free lecture at 7 p.m. will take place in Breck Suite in Wright Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. The event is part of the Kaleidoscope lecture series. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Health Care Reform Law Discussion

April 16: Sandra Reynolds of Associated Industries of Mass. will lead an interactive discussion on the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Discussion will focus on the individual mandate — what it means and how it works, and the impact on employers of every size. The workshop is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

Cryotherapy Lecture

April 22: Dr. Mohammad Mostafavi of the Urology Group of Western New England, P.C. will lead a lecture on the latest treatment options for prostate and kidney cancer using cryotherapy at 6 p.m. at 3640 Main St., Suite 103, Springfield. Cryotherapy provides a minimally invasive method of destroying cancer. While the lecture is free and open to the public, seating is limited. To pre-register, call (413) 748-9749. For more information on the Urology Group of Western New England, visit www.ugwne.com.

‘Your First Business Plan’

April 23: The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, in conjunction with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, will offer a workshop titled “Your First Business Plan” from 9 to 11 a.m. at the chamber office, 395 Main St., Greenfield. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

World Affairs Council

April 27: Marco Werman, senior producer and anchor of The World, a daily news radio program produced by the BBC, Public Radio International, and WGBH-Boston, will discuss “Tintin and Movietone Made Me Do It” as part of a World Affairs Council of Western Mass. gathering at Western New England College. Werman’s talk is planned at 7 p.m. in Sleith Hall, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. The event is free and open to the public. Springfield public high-school teams who participated in the council’s fourth annual Academic WorldQuest competition in January will also be recognized at the event. For more information, call the World Affairs Council office at (413) 733-0110.

Iron Chef Competition

April 27: What’s Cooking, Kids? in East Longmeadow will host its first Iron Chef Competition from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring chefs Jonathan Reeser from The Federal and Byron White from PAZZO Ristorante. Each chef will present three courses using ‘secret’ ingredients, and guests will vote on the six courses, rating taste, presentation, and creativity. Several seating options are available. Tickets range from $50-$75. For more information, call (413) 224-1208 or visit www.whatscookingkids.com.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will host the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. For more information, call (413) 565-1293 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Walk of Champions

May 3: Baystate Mary Lane Hospital will host its fourth annual Walk of Champions at Quabbin Reservoir to benefit its Baystate Regional Cancer Program. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m., and the program opens at 9:30. Walkers will step off at 10 from the Quabbin Reservoir tower parking area and will proceed along the Windsor Dam. Both two-mile and five-mile routes will be available. Refreshments will be provided along the routes, and the event will conclude with more food and entertainment at the Quabbin Reservoir tower. For more information, call Deb Gagnon at (413) 967-2458.

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Departments

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

Arnold, Marie J.
1 Wildflower Dr.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Arroyo, Johnny
2141 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Artisan’s Cafe LLC
Agudelo, Luis Enrique
142 Westfield Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Askew, David J.
a/k/a Askew, Shari L.
20 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Babineau, David A.
Babineau, Hope E.
130 East Houastonic St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Banas, David A.
71 Leonard St.
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Barnaby, Timothy P.
0 Wabasso St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/20/09

Billington, Charles J.
PO Box 610
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Brassard, Michael
Brassard, Beverly A.
10 Whitford Place
Wilbraham, MA 01095-1778
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Brito, Luis M.
82 Somerset St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/09

Caposella, Racquel
5 Hadley St., Apt. C-1
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/09

Collette, Daniel L.
Collette, Stacy A.
83 Beaver Lake Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Colon, Nellie
a/k/a Villanueva, Nellie
13 Vernon St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Coppa, Toni Jo
a/k/a Schulze, Toni Jo
10 Powder Mill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Cyganiewicz, Kris Joseph
Cyganiewicz, Robin Ann
110 Schoolhouse Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

D’Amato, Eric R.
24 Paxton Road
Spencer, MA 01562
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Davis, Dorothy J.
21 Dearborn St.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

DeChristopher-Hamade, Naomi A.
1476 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/09

Demarey, John P.
4 Franklin St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Depeau, Patricia A.
17 Sherbrooke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Di Cocco, Dana L.
23 Cleveland St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/09

Doel, Russell John
Doel, Lori Lee
a/k/a Richards, Lori L.
2 Alice St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Dudley, Giselle Linette
197 Westford Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Ferguson, John P.
Ferguson, Marjorie M.
502 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Fernandez, Raul
582 Pleasant St., #2-D
Hoyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/09

Flebotte, Warren W.
87 Medford St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Fountaine, Gary E.
9 Lacona St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Gonzalez, Manuela
a/k/a Gonzalez-Burgos, Manuela
PO Box 6604
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Greenwood, Richard J.
200 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Hernandez, Marisol
26 Vinton St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Hess, Christopher Michael
5 Sadie Lane
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/09

Kelly, Amani Malik
35 Webster St.
Everett, MA 02149
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Kum, Roger Olston
128 Benton St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/09

Langlois, Kirk D.
34 Dunbar St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

LeClair, Eric S.
1 Shumakowski Dr.
Southampton, MA 01073
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/09

Lewis, Delmore
47 Richmond Lane
Chicopee, MA 01021
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Lopez, Teodoro
Dunn, Sheila M.
259 South Main St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/10/09

  

Lukasik, Steven John
Lukasik, Nancy Ann
20 Sunnymeade Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Mac Innes, Carl F.
Mac Innes, Lisa A.
68 School St., 1st Fl.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/09

MacArthur, Aaron J.
25 Pine St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Mail Masters
EuroKlasse Plus, LLC,
Vdovichenko, Vladimir Vitalievich
Vdovichenko, Lidiya Leonidovna
c/o L. Jed Berliner, Esquire
95 State St., Ste. 101
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Mann, Coleen Marie
5 Valley View Heights
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Marrin, James J.
61 Laurence St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Melvin, Troy L.
101 O’Neill Road
Warren, MA 01083
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/09

Moriarty, Kathleen
21 Warren Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Nelson, Karen A.
a/k/a LeBlanc, Karen A.
14 Oak St.
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/18/09

New England Woodworking
18 Ledgewood Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/09/09

Normoyle, Carrie A.
72 Hope Farms Dr.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Nunez, Andres
Rodriguez, Celia I.
147 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Oates, Judith A.
P.O. Box 811
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Oliver, Karen F
310 Stafford St., Apt. 412
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Pentz, William M.
Pentz, Lisa A.
a/k/a Parker, Lisa A.
a/k/a Mason-Fredette, Lisa A
33 Gold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/17/09

Perez, Yolanda Ivette
138 Packard Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Powell, Derek M.
Powell, Pamela Ann
595 Tyler St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Price, Bethany A.
5 Jaynes Road
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Ramos, Rosa E.
31 Laurel St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Reed, Richard R.
Reed, Carol J.
151 Franklin St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Rhodes, Anthony M.
a/k/a Rhodes, Tony M.
205 Vining Hill Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Rodriguez, Felicita
173 South St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Santiago, Nelly
178 Chapman St., 2nd Fl.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/09

Santos, Ana
142 Farnum Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/11/09

Serafino-Marrin, Nicolle B.
112 Harrow Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Shelton, Michael S.
P.O. Box 364
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Skiathitis, Christopher James
Skiathitis, Bridget Marie
396 Log Plain Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Skorput, Anna L.
a/k/a Skorput, Anna Ambrose
P.O. Box 493
West Stockbridge, MA 01266
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Smith, Lekera S.
85 David St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Sowell, Mark R.
140 Newton St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Thompson, Woodrow W.
64 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/18/09

Tolliver, Brian Scott
Tolliver, Debra Johnson
1833 Roosevelt Ave.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/10/09

Venn, William P.
Venn, Lori A.
3 Converse Circle
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

Weibel, Shirley A.
340 Amostown Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/12/09

Williams, Darryl J.
Williams, Kandis J.
57 Chapin Ter.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/19/09

Wynne, Leslie Ann
15 Pond St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/13/09

By
Departments

HG&E Purchases Land For Conservation, Renewable Energy

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Gas & Electric (HG&E) recently signed an agreement to purchase 270 acres on the Mt. Tom ridge for conservation and future exploration of a small portion of the land for renewable-energy use. HG&E plans to purchase the land from Springfield Towers, LLC, and the vast majority of the property will be preserved as permanent conservation land, according to HG&E Manager James Lavelle. A small part of the land will be considered for a wind project to provide a clean, renewable source of energy, as well as telecommunications equipment. Lavelle added that HG&E has entered into an agreement with the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) to ensure that the majority of the land is held for conservation and to explore the possible use for wind energy and telecommunications. According to that agreement, if HG&E does not develop a wind project within three years, the land will be made available to the Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust at MTC, or its designee, for the development of wind power. The 270 acres will be immediately protected through a restrictive covenant that will be applied to the property through the agreement with the state. That covenant limits any development to renewable energy and telecommunications, such as the cell tower and telecommunications facilities currently on the site. No development plans have yet been formalized, added Lavelle. HG&E is a municipally owned utility company providing electricity, natural gas, district steam, and fiber-optic Internet services to more than 18,000 customers.

Springfield Eligible For $2M in Loans

SPRINGFIELD — MassDevelopment recently announced four municipally owned properties have been selected for low-cost loans of up to $2 million under the agency’s Brownfields Priority Project Program (P-cubed). The sites are located in Springfield, Boston, Chelmsford, and New Bedford. The P-cubed program designates high-impact parcels to attract developer interest in reuse that would be viable but for environmental contamination. The agency will release the remediation funds after a developer has been identified by the municipality. In Springfield, the city owned, half-acre Indian Motorcycle ‘B’/Mason Square Fire Station site on State Street contains two vacant buildings that once housed a motorcycle-manufacturing plant and a neighborhood fire station. The property is one of seven priority development projects identified by the State Street Alliance, an affiliation of 60 stakeholders located on and around State Street, which could spur near-term market opportunities and new investments if redeveloped. The city previously secured a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to fund initial assessment work at the site. The city plans to solicit developers this year and convey the site to the selected group in 2010.

Crane & Co. Eliminates 70 Jobs

NORTH ADAMS — Crane & Co., now in its seventh generation of making paper for U.S. currency, recently cut 70 positions in its personalized stationery division due to a drop in demand. Additionally, approximately 200 remaining employees in that division will be taking a 9% pay cut. Fifty employees were employed in the personal-design-services facility in North Adams, and 20 worked in the Dalton factory.

Northeast Consumer Price Index Rises

WASHINGTON — Retail prices in the Northeast region, as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, rose 0.6% in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Labor. Denis McSweeney, the bureau’s regional commissioner, noted that while increases in transportation and apparel led the way, six of the eight major categories had higher prices in February; only the food and beverages and the education and communication indexes recorded declines since January. The February level of 226.754 (1982-84 = 100) was 0.7% higher than in February 2008. Over the same period, the core inflation rate, as measured by all items less food and energy index, rose 2.2%. Due almost entirely to higher gasoline prices, the transportation index rose 1.7% in February. Following three straight monthly declines totaling 8.9%, apparel prices rose 5.4% in February. Over the year, apparel prices advanced 2.7%. The housing index rose 0.3% since January, dominated by a 0.6% increase in shelter prices. The shelter index, which includes rent of primary residence, lodging away from home, owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence, and tenants’ and household insurance, rose 1.8% over the year. Nationally, consumer prices rose in February by the largest amount in seven months as gasoline prices surged again and clothing costs jumped the most in nearly two decades.

Unemployment Claims Hit New High

NEW YORK — In the week ending March 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 646,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 658,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The four-week moving average was 654,750, an increase of 3,750 from the previous week’s revised average of 651,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 4.1% for the week ending March 7, an increase of 0.2 percentage point from the prior week’s revised rate of 3.9%. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 7 was 5,473,000, an increase of 185,000 from the preceding week’s revised level of 5,288,000. The four-week moving average was 5,251,250, an increase of 118,750 from the preceding week’s revised average of 5,132,500. The fiscal year-to-date average for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment for all programs is 4.577 million. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 594,121 in the week ending March 14, a decrease of 58,515 from the previous week. There were 335,917 initial claims in the comparable week in 2008. Extended benefits were available in Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin during the week ending Feb. 28.

By
Departments

Ten Misconceptions about : Bankruptcy By JUSTIN DION

1. Bankruptcy is a process mainly used by people who are reckless and overspend on luxury items. Reality: the majority of those who file are honest, hardworking people who have fallen on hard times due to no fault of their own.

2. I can only get rid of credit-card debt in a bankruptcy. Reality: Most debts can be discharged, including credit cards, medical bills, utility bills, personal loans, foreclosures, repossessions, and family debts.
3. If I file bankruptcy, I will have to pay a large tax penalty for the debt I discharge. Reality: You will not be taxed on the debt discharged in a bankruptcy.
4. Once I file bankruptcy, I will carry a stigma around forever. Reality: There is no longer a bankruptcy stigma; people can continue to live their lives essentially in the same manner they had before bankruptcy.

5. I will have to go to court if I file bankruptcy. Reality: A vast majority of bankruptcy cases conclude without the debtor ever going to court. 

6. Bankruptcy is a long proceeding that takes years. Reality: Most bankruptcy cases conclude in a mere few months.  
7. Income taxes can never be discharged in a bankruptcy. Reality: Many income-tax debts that have been properly filed and are at least three years old can in fact be discharged in bankruptcy.
8. I will lose my house, car, and assets if I file bankruptcy. Reality: Most people keep all of their assets, including their house, car, bank accounts, retirement accounts, clothing, jewelry, furniture, and household appliances.
9. Bankruptcy laws changed a few years ago, and now everyone must repay their debts. Reality: Almost everyone who qualified for bankruptcy a few years ago still qualifies today and can still discharge their debts without repayment. 

10. I will never be able to get credit again. Reality: If responsible debt repayment is evidenced after filing bankruptcy, most people are able to get some unsecured credit immediately, and secured credit for significant purchases within a year or two.

Justin H. Dion is an associate at Bacon Wilson, P.C., where he concentrates on business and personal bankruptcy, real estate, and general business matters; (413) 781-0560; [email protected]

By
Departments

‘Riding Out the Perfect Storm’

March 19: A panel of experts from various business segments will share their ideas and expertise on how to cope in a challenging business environment from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St. in Springfield. The workshop is sponsored by the Mass. Small Business Development Center Network and the Regional Technology Corp. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

Rock ‘n’ Roll and Management Styles

April 15: “Everything I Learned About Management, I Learned From Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be presented by James M. Wilson, III, Ph.D., assistant professor of Business at Bay Path College; and Gregory Jones, director of Cannes Associates Production Management. Wilson and Jones have been conducting research for three years on the production of live concerts featuring Metallica, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, among others, with a focus on how event management contributes to organizational theory. The free lecture at 7 p.m. will take place in Breck Suite in Wright Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. The event is part of the Kaleidoscope lecture series. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Marketing Basics

April 1: The Mass. Small Business Development Center Network will sponsor a workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce, 99 Pleasant St., on the basic disciplines of marketing, beginning with research — secondary, primary, qualitative, and quantitative. The core focus will be on developing and keeping a customer. Topics will include public relations, advertising, understanding concepts in marketing, and developing a marketing plan. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

Health Care Reform Law Discussion

April 16: Sandra Reynolds of Associated Industries of Mass. will lead an interactive discussion on the Massachusetts Health Care Reform Law from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. Discussion will focus on the individual mandate — what it means, how it works, and the impact on employers of every size. The workshop is sponsored by the Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

‘Your First Business Plan’

April 23: The Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network, in conjunction with the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, will offer a workshop titled ‘Your First Business Plan’ from 9 to 11 a.m. at the chamber office, 395 Main St., Greenfield. The workshop will focus on management fundamentals from start-up considerations through business-plan development. Topics will include financing, marketing, and business planning. The cost is $40. For more information, call (413) 737-6712.

World Affairs Council

April 27: Marco Werman, senior producer and anchor of The World, a daily news radio program produced by the BBC, Public Radio International, and WGBH/Boston, will discuss “Tintin and Movietone Made Me Do It” as part of a World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts gathering at Western New England College. Werman’s talk is planned at 7 p.m. in Sleith Hall, 1215 Wilbraham Road, Springfield. The event is free and open to the public. Springfield public high-school teams who participated in the council’s fourth annual Academic WorldQuest competition in January will also be recognized at the event. For more information, call the World Affairs Council office at (413) 733-0110.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will host the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. For more information, call (413) 565-1293 or visit www.baypath.edu.

By
Departments

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

Beando, Anthony J.
528 Wauwinet Road
PO Box 906
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Broderick, Jeanne M.
a/k/a McKenna, Jeanne M.
601 Main St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Brucknak, Frank L.
Brucknak, Sharon M.
22 Putnam Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/31/09

Buxton, Judith A.
135 Arcade St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/09

Canadian Cozies,
Laramee, Marie D.
c/o Canadian Cozies
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/09

Carmona, Cesar A.
9 Wellfleet Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Casale, Debra I.
25 South Longyard Road
Southwick, MA 01077
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/09

Chaloux, Ronald
Chaloux, Mary
60 West St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/29/09

Clapp, Carey J.
113 Line St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030-2319
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Cooper, Donna L.
P.O. Box 85
Chicopee, MA 01014
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/08/09

Cortinhas, Carlos M.
34 Jestina Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/09

Couture, Mario P.
19 East St. Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/09

Crawford, Cathleen E.
32 Burt St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/29/09

Curcio, Neil S.
50 Farnsworth Ter.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/09

Dickinson, Betsy A.
23 1/2 The Knolls Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/09

D’Ortona, Robert Joseph
44 Lisa Ave.
Plymouth, MA 02360
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/09

Ellsworth, Beverley A.
58 Wahconah Heights
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/09

Filamonte, Jeffrey Richard Matt
26 Dayton St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/29/09

Gonzalez, Edwin
385 Newbury St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/09

Goodrow, Marilyn J.
24 Myrtle St., 1st Fl.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/09

Hamelin, Michelle L.
a/k/a Fritz, Michelle L.
919 Southampton Road, Apt. #T-3
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/27/09

Holbrook, Adam R.
8 Stoneypoint Dr., Apt. C
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/09

Hutchinson, Richard R.
Hutchinson, Christine H.
11 Baird Trace
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/31/09


 

Juzba, Thomas J.
110 Gardens Dr.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/03/09

Korytko, Maureen R.
293 Hampden St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Ladue, Nick Tran
Tran, Nhut Thanh
40 Elm Circle
South Deerfield, MA 01373
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/29/09

LaRose, William L.
909 Main St., Apt. 5A
Great Barrington, MA 01230
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/02/09

Lesak, Alice Elaine
64 Gauthier Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/09

Lopez, Emilio
31 Dubois St
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/09

MacLellan, Norman Leigh
P.O. Box 2607
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/09

Marstall, Robert Thomas
221 Pine St., Studio 2
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/09

McCulloch-Schmidt, Sandra L.
4C Pomeroy Lane
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/09

Nentwig, Jeffrey E.
28 Wells Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Pantojas, Marilyn
31 Dubois St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/09

Parker, Michelle R.
82 Jourdan Road
Montgomery, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/28/09

Pearlman, Craig P.
Pearlman, Crystal L.
a/k/a Ryan, Crystal L.
PO Box 14
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Robbins, Kelly L.
61 East Palmer Park Dr.
Palmer, MA 01069
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 02/05/09

Rose, Bonnie P.
65-6 South St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/29/09

Shea, Thomas P.
Shea, Karen E.
61 Homestead Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089-1702
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/30/09

Sniegowski, Joanne R.
53 Claire St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/09

Souza, Mary Ann
20 Parker St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/31/09

Tokarz, Megan L.
300 Wheelwright Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/06/09

Trombley, Melissa A.
a/k/a Dominguez, Melissa A.
P.O. Box 6630
Holyoke, MA 01041
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/04/09

Tynan, Roberta M.
54 Bryant St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/05/09

Ward, Leroy
Ward, Annmarie T.
237 Edendale St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 02/03/09

Wanted (and Needed): More Jobs for Young People

By
Opinion

A recent study conducted by the Center for Labor Studies at Northeastern made official what most experts have suspected for some time — that more people are working past what would traditionally be considered retirement age.

The study revealed that, since 2000, the employment rate nationally among those ages 55 to 64 has increased 4.4%, and, for those over 65, it has increased 3.6%. Conversely, though, for those ages 20-24, the rate is down 5.5%, and for those ages 16-19, the drop is a whopping 12.6%. The numbers are very similar for the Bay State.

Quick translation — there are far fewer jobs for young people these days, and it appears that things are going to get worse, maybe much worse, in this regard before they get any better. Indeed, with the country in the midst of perhaps the worst recession in 70 years, there are simply fewer jobs to be had. And with people living longer and needing to work longer — with retirement accounts getting hammered and traditional pensions a thing of the past — there is now more competition for what jobs there are.

And one can’t blame people in their late 60s, 70s, and even early 80s for being part of that competition. Many want to work to feel vibrant and stay active and sharp, and, as we just mentioned, many need to work just to make ends meet. But if this trend continues and accelerates, which it probably will, young people are going to find it ever more difficult to find gainful employment.

Which is quite problematic for regions like the Pioneer Valley, because first, second, and third jobs are important — for a number of reasons. First, from a practical standpoint, jobs provide young people with the resources to help pay for college and, in many cases, just to support themselves. Also, they provide key lessons in how the world of work operates, thus better preparing them for that proverbial first ‘real’ job. And, in both urban and suburban areas, jobs help keep young people from getting bored and getting into trouble.

And so, while the nation and this region grapple with the immediate and considerable challenge of creating and retaining jobs for people of all ages, there is apparent need to pay special attention to somehow sparking more openings for young people.

We say ‘somehow,’ because at a time when most companies are struggling to stay afloat, avoid layoffs, or minimize reductions in workforce, creating jobs for teens and college students would fall into the realm of the extraordinary. Meanwhile, when employers face the choice of hiring someone in high school, who doesn’t have much work experience, or someone in their 60s, who has plenty of experience and (probably) better work habits, they will usually choose the latter.

On top of all this, technology has made it possible for business owners across many sectors to simply make do with fewer people. Add all this up, and it doesn’t bode well for young adults trying to join the workforce.

What may be needed are special incentives, probably in the form of tax credits, awarded to employers who can imaginatively add new jobs and award them to young people — as opposed to simply choosing teens over 70-year-olds who either want or need to work.

Generations of area residents remember first or second jobs stocking shelves at Rocky’s, making Fribbles at Friendly’s, taking tickets at Showcase Cinemas, or operating rides at Riverside Park (now Six Flags). Today, jobs such as these are fewer in number, and more of them are going to people who probably had such a job 35 or 40 years ago.

There are consequences to such a trend — ranging from a few more people not having the resources to attend college to many more people not gaining the valuable experience, confidence, and knowledge of work that comes with a job.

Area economic-development leaders and employers need to collaborate to find ways to get more young people into the workforce.-

By
Departments

State Unemployment Rate Rises to 7.4%

BOSTON — The state unemployment rate increased from 6.4% in December 2008 to 7.4% in January 2009, according to the latest data from the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. The December unemployment rate, originally reported at 6.9%, was revised downward by 0.5 percentage point. In addition, job losses for the month of January totaled 4,900 as the national recession continues to negatively impact the Massachusetts economy. The national unemployment rate increased from 7.6% in January to 8.2% in February. One year ago in January, Massachusetts recorded a 4.6% rate while the U.S. rate stood at 4.9%. The state’s final annual average unemployment rate for 2008 was 5.3%, up from the 4.5% rate for 2007. The U.S. annual average rose from 4.6% in 2007 to 5.8% in 2008. Four sectors added jobs, with leisure and hospitality showing the largest increase. Professional, scientific, and business services recorded the largest over-the-month decline. A revision to the preliminary December 2008 jobs estimate resulted in a December job loss of 26,100 compared to the preliminary reported job loss of 16,800. At 3,225,300, jobs are down 72,600 or 2.2% from one year ago, with 61,300 losses since last September. Education and health services, Massachusetts’ largest sector, added 1,600 jobs in January. With job losses mounting across the industry spectrum, education and health services still managed to trend upward during the last half of 2008. In January, 3,174,100 state residents were employed, 38,800 fewer than in December, and 252,400 residents were unemployed, 32,700 more than the previous month, which resulted in a labor force of 3,426,500. The labor force is up 9,600 from January 2008, as 86,700 fewer residents were employed and 96,300 more were unemployed. Detailed labor market information is available at www.mass.gov/lmi

Supply Rates for Business Customers Decrease

SPRINGFIELD — Western Mass. Electric Co.’s (WMECO) medium and large commercial and industrial (C&I) customers who choose ‘basic service’ will see lower electric-supply rates beginning in April as a result of the latest round of competitive bidding. Medium and large C&I customers will see a fixed rate of 7.679 cents per kilowatt hour from April 1 through June 30, a decrease of nearly 25% over the current fixed rate of 10.205 cents. Peter Clarke, WMECO’s president and COO, noted that businesses can also learn how to maximize the efficiency of their energy use through WMECO’s energy-efficiency programs. For more information about energy-saving measures and programs, visit www.wmeco.com. WMECO, part of the Northeast Utilities System, serves approximately 200,000 customers in 59 communities throughout Western Mass.

Business Award Nominations Sought

SPRINGFIELD — The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield is seeking nominations for its 2009 Business Awards. Categories include: Small Business of the Year, Emerging Business of the Year, Small Nonprofit Organization of the Year, and Large Nonprofit Organization of the Year. The award recipients will be recognized at the chamber’s annual meeting on June 11. The nomination deadline is April 10. For more information and nomination forms, visit www.myonlinechamber.com

Consumer Confidence Nosedives in State

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Consumer Confidence Index has plummeted 20 points since October, the largest one-quarter drop in seven years, according to the Mass Insight Corp. As a result, consumer confidence is at its lowest point since October 1992. Many national and regional economists believe that the U.S. economy is in recession, due largely to the credit crisis and sagging home values. Additional polling data by Mass Insight shows significant public support for policies that would promote cost stability and economic competitiveness for Massachusetts employers. Specifically, the survey found that 88% of residents believed that controlling business costs was “very important” (66%) or “somewhat important” (22%), outpacing public support for reducing personal income taxes. The drop in consumer confidence is mostly a result of increased negative evaluations of current economic conditions, which fell 27 points, but the Future Expectations Index is also down 15 points. The poll showed significant support for controlling employer costs, including corporate taxes and unemployment insurance costs. Massachusetts still has the highest unemployment insurance costs in the nation, according to Mass Insight. The Massachusetts Consumer Confidence Index is published quarterly by Mass Insight, a Boston-based firm that organizes public-private initiatives on competitive issues. The index is modeled on the national Conference Board Index.

AIM’s Index Falls Further in February

BOSTON — The Associated Industries of Massachusetts Business Confidence Index fell to a new historic low in February, shedding 3.4 points to 33.3 — three points below December’s previous record. For the first time in its almost 18 years, the overall index and its sub-indices are all below 40, according to Raymond G. Torto, global chief economist at CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. and chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors. Torto notes there is a faint indication that the economic decline will bottom out within six months, which may draw further strength from the enactment of the federal stimulus act and other interventions. The Index, based on a 100-point scale on which 50 is neutral, was down 16.9 points from February 2008, and about 25 points from two, three, and four years before. The past three months have produced the three worst readings since the Index was initiated in July 1991. February confidence levels were somewhat higher in Greater Boston (34.6) than elsewhere in the state (31.6), and lower for manufacturers (31.7) than for other employers (35.7). The monthly index is based on a survey of AIM member-companies across Massachusetts, asking questions about current and prospective business conditions in the state and nation, as well as about respondents’ own operations.

Berkshire Leadership Program Seeks Applications

PITTSFIELD — Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 Berkshire Leadership Program (BLP). Now in its 12th year, the BLP seeks, prepares, involves, and sustains leaders from diverse backgrounds who are committed and competent to address community challenges and improve the quality of life in the Berkshires. The BLP kicks off with a two-day retreat which includes training in all aspects of leadership, problem-solving techniques, and networking. The retreat is followed by nine weekly, four-hour evening sessions on specific topics including government, energy, economic development, tourism and the creative economy, education, health care, and leadership. Each year up to 30 candidates are selected to participate in the program. Selection is based on a written application and written references. The cost to participate is $595 and includes all meals and overnight accommodations at Jiminy Peak during the retreat. Limited financial assistance is available. Applications are available at www.berkshirechamber.com and must be received by June 1, 2009. For more information, contact Christina Barrett, program coordinator, at (413) 499-4000, ext. 15. More than 300 individuals have graduated from the program since its inception in 1997.

Employer Outreach Breakfast Planned

SPRINGFIELD — The Regional Employment Board (REB) of Hampden County will host its second annual employer outreach breakfast on March 27 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Big Y Foods, Inc., 2145 Roosevelt Ave. REB representatives will detail how employers can help young people find summer jobs in the coming months. For more information and to register for the breakfast, contact Kathryn Kirby at [email protected] or call (413) 755-1359.

Federal Reserve Predicts More Recession

WASHINGTON — From factories to high-tech firms across the country, business owners are pessimistic about economic conditions in the coming months. Their pessimism was evident in the Federal Reserve’s current business activity report recently released. The Fed notes sharp cutbacks in both blue-collar jobs and those for white-collar professionals. Business people rated the prospects for near-term improvement in economic conditions as poor, with a significant pickup not expected before late 2009 or early 2010, according to the Fed.

OPINION

By
Opinion
2009 Agenda Links Economic Stimulus and Health Care Reform

With the nation and the world watching, President Barack Obama and the 111th Congress have an incredible opportunity, and a formidable challenge: to enact comprehensive health care reform. While the economy will unquestionably dominate the early days of the 111th Congress, a compelling case is being made that health care is a key economic issue.

Late in 2008, the presidential transition team worked to craft an economic stimulus package. Last month, Congress passed — and Obama signed into law — the $787 billion bill, which dedicates some money to help states with growing and underfunded Medicaid programs, and also funds to help physicians purchase health information technology.

In late December, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released a cost-benefit analysis of 15 health care reform options. While the general finding was that most of the options would place significant cost burdens on the government, the CBO predicted that fostering the use of health information technology (including electronic medical records) would save the federal government $7 billion over the first 5 years and nearly $35 billion over 10 years, primarily through reductions in medical errors, lower health insurance premiums, and avoiding unnecessary tests and procedures.

Another health-reform option predicted to positively impact the budget if enacted is a requirement (similar to that in the Massachusetts Health Reform Law) that all but the smallest employers who fail to provide health insurance to their employees pay a fee. The CBO estimates that this would result in $47 billion in new revenues.

The Massachusetts law continues to serve as a possible framework for national health care reform.

Both the Senate Finance Committee’s proposal and President Obama’s stated health care positions support an ‘incremental universalism’ approach that includes Massachusetts-style elements such as ‘play or pay’ provisions for employers, expansions of Medicaid eligibility and other public programs, and some form of ‘connector’ to help people purchase more affordable health insurance.

U.S. Sen. Edward Kennedy continues to lead efforts in the Senate to develop a comprehensive proposal that would work at the national level. Kennedy recognizes that, while the principles of the Massachusetts plan are applicable nationally, there are significant differences between the state and national markets.

This year considerable attention will also focus on efforts to change the Medicare physician payment formula. While a solution is far from clear, there is no question that Congress wants to move away from using volume as a basis for physician payment and toward a still-undefined measurement of value and cost- effectiveness. The Mass. Medical Society continues to work with the Massachusetts congressional delegation and the American Medical Society to forge meaningful national health care reform.-

Alex. Calcagno is director of Federal Relations for the Mass. Medical Society. She is responsible for advocating the MMS positions before the Massachusetts congressional delegation, federal agencies, and the executive office. Calcagno has over 20 years experience lobbying in Washington, D.C. Before coming to Massachusetts she was assistant director of the Washington office for a national medical association and worked on Capitol Hill for a member of Congress.

By
Departments

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

AMHERST

Norwottuck Fish & Game Association
1348 West St.
$22,000 — Add antenna to existing tower

CHICOPEE

1066 Granby Road, LLC
12 Dallaire St.
$167,000 — Interior renovations for dental office

Crossing at Ridgewood Village
124 Outer Dr.
$1,100,000 — Strip and re-roof

GREENFIELD

Franklin Medical Center
164 High St.
$4,000 — To remediate two-hour fire separation lab

Town of Greenfield
141 Davis St.
$20,000 — To reinforce roof rafters and cap roof

Western Mass. Theatre Inc.
361 Main St.
$55,000 — Interior renovations

HADLEY

Justin Thatcher
206 Russell St.
$9,000 — Replace siding and roofing

HOLYOKE

H.I.F., LLC
206 Maple St.
$943,000 — Abatement and demolition of existing non-structural areas

LUDLOW

Cumberland Farms
105 West St.
$29,000 — Re-roof

NORTHAMPTON

Cooley Dickinson Hospital Inc.
30 Locust St.
$36,000 — Interior renovations

  

Smith College Office of the Treasurer
10 Green St.
$22,000 — Install handicap accessible toilets

The Brush Works, LLC
221 Pine St.
$150,000 — Install replacement windows

SOUTH HADLEY

Property One, LLC
35 North Main St.
$14,000 — Renovations

South Hadley Housing Authority
25 Abbey Lane
$22,500 — Repairs

SPRINGFIELD

Joseph A. Boudreau, Sr.
359 Page Blvd.
$42,000 — Building 40’ x 60’ warehouse

Mercy Medical Center
299 Carew St.
$95,000 — 2,020 square feet of interior office renovations

Orthodox Alliance of Springfield
2 Eunice Dr.
$90,000 — Interior renovations of chapel, library, and kitchen

Shriners Hospital
516 Carew St.
$1,586,000 — Interior renovations

WESTFIELD

Bob Hoernig
57 Meadow St.
$20,500 — Commercial repair

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Elm Auto School
262 Elm St.
$3,000 — Remodel bathroom

Coda Realty, LLC
135 Memorial Ave.
$400,000 — Renovation of 24,609 square feet of retail space

By
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

Richard J. Harvey v. Windsor Court
Allegation: Negligence in failure to maintain premises, causing injury: $4,388.10
Filed: 1/29/09

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT

Dawn E. Bruno v. Austin Trucking Co. and Lawrence R. Bassett
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing personal injury: $18,258.21
Filed: 2/12/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Alton E. Gleason Company Inc. v. Crestview Construction & Trucking Inc. & HDC Four, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of services and materials provided: $59,269.86
Filed: 2/11/09

Shawn P. Coakley v. Town of West Springfield and West Springfield Public Schools
Allegation: Employee discrimination based on disability: $50,000+
Filed: 2/13/09

Thomas F. Fortier v. Alcobaca Inc. d/b/a The Meadows
Allegation: Failure to keep premises safe, allowing for plaintiff to be assaulted by another patron while on premises: $65,057.26
Filed: 2/10/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Kathleen Treska v. Big E’s Foodland Inc.
Allegation: Plaintiff struck by object that was knocked off a shelf by an employee: $121,560
Filed: 2/10/09

Nail Communications Inc. v. Berkshire Blanket Inc.
Allegation: Breach of marketing contract and non-payment of services rendered: $28,000
Filed: 2/12/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Farm Family Insurance Co. v. Bioshelters Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment on insurance policies: $6,784.61
Filed: 1/15/09

First Equity Card Corp. v. The Pirate’s Den Restaurant
Allegation: Monies owed for credit advanced: $11,277.61
Filed: 1/26/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Gekay Sales & Service Co. Inc. v. Queen City Equipment Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay court-ordered judgment: $6,000.73
Filed: 1/20/09

Ormsby Insurance Co. Inc. v. Canta Napoli Pizzeria and Restaurant Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract and failure to pay monies owed: $16,554.57
Filed: 1/20/09

York Modern Corp. v. Dalton Tractor & Equipment Co. and TD Banknorth, N.A.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $5,019.13
Filed: 2/11/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

F.W. Webb Co. v. Bushee Enterprises, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $6,171.74
Filed: 1/12/09

Russell P. Jones v. EDS Development
Allegation: Unpaid balance on promissory note: $46,300
Filed: 1/30/09

By
Departments

Nell Elizabeth (Beth) Lorenz, President and Treasurer of Lorenz Honda in Greenfield, was recently honored for her nomination for the 2009 Time magazine Dealer of the Year Award. Lorenz was one of a select group of dealers from across the country recently feted at the 92nd annual National Automobile Dealers Assoc. Convention & Exposition in New Orleans. The Time magazine Dealer of the Year Award is one of the automobile industry’s most prestigious and highly coveted awards for new car dealers. Recipients are among the nation’s most successful auto dealers, but they must also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to effective community service. Lorenz was chosen to represent the Massachusetts State Automobile Dealers Assoc. in the national competition — one of only 49 dealers to share such an honor from more than 19,500 nationwide.

•••••

James E. Majka, CRPC, has joined Bancnorth Investment Group Inc. as a Financial Advisor based in the TD Banknorth branch in Westfield. Majka provides individualized retirement and financial planning, including individual retirement accounts, investment and managed-money programs, portfolio review, annuities, mutual funds, life insurance, long-term care insurance, wealth accumulation, and retirement plans for individuals, families, and small businesses.

•••••

Douglas E. Fish has been promoted to Associate Vice President for Financial Services at American International College in Springfield. Both the Financial Aid Office and the Office of Student Accounts report to Fish.

•••••

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C., with offices in Springfield and Northampton, announced the following:
• Attorney Lina Alexandra Hogan has joined the firm as an Associate. Hogan concentrates her practice in the areas of business law, business litigation, and bankruptcy law.
• Attorney David K. Webber has joined the firm as an Associate. Webber practices in the areas of business transactions, estate and succession planning, taxation, and nonprofits.

•••••

Kara Arsenault has been promoted from Advisor to Unit Manager for lia sophia, a fashion jewelry company. Arsenault, based in Wilbraham, has met or exceeded her personal sales and recruiting goals to achieve this level of leadership.

•••••

Avada Hearing Care Centers announced the following:
• Carla Bartolucci, representing Avada of Chicopee, Avada of East Longmeadow, Avada of Easthampton, Avada of West Springfield, Avada of Westfield, and Avada of Wilbraham, recently completed a two-day, advanced-business-level workshop for key managers in Louisville, Ky. Managers participated in a forum where they exchanged ideas on management techniques in their respective regions. The exchange allowed managers to discuss their successes and challenges, and how to use those experiences to continuously improve attention to detail and the experiences of their patients.

•••••

Top Avon representatives including Linda Kershaw of Granby recently joined the A-list in Hollywood to celebrate their success. Division and district managers, along with top-performing representatives, enjoyed a weekend at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Highlighting the weekend was a gala dinner with actor Patrick Dempsey, known as Dr. Derek Shepherd on the ABC drama Grey’s Anatomy. Dempsey spent time with the Avon achievers, posed for photos, and thanked them for contributing to the successful launch of Unscripted, his signature scent with the company. Since it launched last November, Unscripted has become one of Avon’s top-selling men’s fragrances. Winners were chosen based on their fourth-quarter sales performance compared to the prior year. In addition, leadership representatives who helped recruits advance during that period were also selected for the honor.

•••••

David Stanley Anton recently achieved membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), the premier association of financial professionals. Anton is a one-year MDRT member. Attaining membership requires professionals to adhere to a strict code of ethics, focusing on providing top-notch client service, and continuing to grow professionally through involvement in at least one other industry association. Attaining membership in MDRT is a career milestone achieved by fewer than 1% of the world’s life insurance and financial services professionals.

•••••

Innovative Business Systems Inc. announced the following:
• Mike Ross, Technician, has earned the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) designation, a multi-exam process that tests the candidates’ ability to design and implement an infrastructure solution that is based on Microsoft Windows Server software.
• Jeremy Redmond, Network Engineer, has earned the Citrix Certified Administrator (CCA) designation on XenServer 5.0. The CCA certification validates the skills necessary to implement a specific Citrix product.

•••••

Environmental Compliance Services announced the following:
• Alexandra Riddle has passed the state-licensed site professional exam. Riddle is a Principal and Senior Project Manager who has been with the firm since 1989.
• John Niedzielski has passed the state-licensed site professional exam. Niedzielski, also a Principal, is the Agawam branch manager. He joined the firm in 1998.

•••••

Cyndi Driscoll Downs has joined the East Longmeadow office of Landmark Realtors as a Real Estate Agent.

•••••

Crocker Communications announced the following:
• Carole Sweet has joined the firm as a Client Support Manager. She will oversee client support operations in Springfield and Greenfield.
• Jack Cominoli has been named Infrastructure Operations Director. He is in charge of inventory, purchasing, facilities, and Crocker Networking Systems.

•••••

The Pioneer Valley USO announced the following:
• David Jubinville, Co-owner of the Jubinville Insurance Agency in South Hadley, has been named President of the Board of Directors.
• Richard Lavallee, Director of Building Operations for Appleton Corp. of Holyoke, has been named First Vice President of the Board of Directors.
• Bruce Marshall, Co-owner of WARE Radio in Palmer, has been named Second Vice President of the Board of Directors.
• Martha Mangini, Administrative Assistant at the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department in Ludlow, has been named Secretary of the Board of Directors.
• Rene Faivre, Specialty Production Manager of Loose Leaf Inc. in Holyoke, has been named Treasurer of the Board of Directors.
• Alan Tracy, Owner of Tracy Brothers, a roofing company in South Hadley, has been named Executive Director.

•••••

Debra Call has been promoted to the new position of Clinical Director at the Children’s Study Home. She directs community-based therapeutic services through a new partnership with the Community Services Institute of Springfield. Call has worked with the Children’s Study Home for 10 years, most recently as Program Manager in family services.

•••••

Brenda Flower has joined Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in New England as a Sales Associate. She will provide residential real-estate services in Longmeadow.

•••••

The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts announced the following Board of Directors members:
• Attorney Susan. G. Fentin has been named President.
• Kelly DeRose has been named Vice President.
• Nancy Sherman has been named Vice President.
• Richard Burkhart has been named Treasurer.
• Jeffrey Ciuffreda has been named Clerk.

•••••

Stacey M. Earnest has been named Director of Sales and Marketing of the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, Conn.

•••••

United Bank, based in West Springfield, announced the following:
• Anthony R. Franco has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President of Commercial Banking.
• Donna M. Easton-Vicalvi has joined the bank as Assistant Vice President of Government Banking.

•••••

The Lower Pioneer Valley Regional Educational Collaborative in West Springfield announced the following:
• Anna Bishop, Finance Director, has been recognized by the Govcrnment Finance Officers Assoc. with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and certificate of recognition for budget presentation.
• Anne McKenzie, Executive Director, has been recognized by the Government Finance Officers Assoc. with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and certificate of recognition for budget presentation.

By
Departments

Third Thursday

The Young Professionals Society of Greater Springfield staged its most recent Third Thursday event at Champions in Springfield. Featured guests included Springfield mayor Domenic Sarno and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray. Below (from left), YPS members Demare Flynn and Lauren Mendoza, Sarno, YPS members Jen Vaschak and Peter Zurlino, and Thomas Walsh, communications director for the city of Springfield. At right (from left) YPS members Dan Bessette and Nawana Holloway, Murray, and YPS members Amanda Huston, Michelle Sade, and Sarah Tsitso.

LEEF of Faith

The Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation recently donated $10,000 to the Longmeadow Educational Excellence Foundation (LEEF), a private, volunteer, nonprofit organization established in 2001 to enrich, enhance, and support the quality of education in the Longmeadow public schools. The funds from this grant will go towards the Destiny Library Online Access system. This system will support the school district’s technology capability by providing staff and students at all of the Longmeadow schools with online access to the entire school system’s library card catalog. Here, Christine Halista, President of LEEF, accepts a check from the Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation at the recent grand opening of Hampden Bank’s newest office on Shaker Road in Longmeadow. From left are Thomas R. Burton, president of Hampden Bank; Halista; Maureen Wilson, assistant superintendent of Longmeadow Schools; Moira Murphy, clerk of the LEEF executive board; and Joe Aberdale, LEEF board member and director of Public Relations.

Hackman World Tour

Lee “Hackman” Breton is heading out on a world tour to show off the extreme cutting ability of the new LENOX T2 reciprocating saw blade. The tour kicked off last week at the LENOX plant in East Longmeadow, where Hackman, seen here, cut a police car in half in just over two minutes.

Children’s Miracle Network

The 94.7 FM WMAS Children’s Miracle Network Radiothon was broadcast live from the CMN Playdeck at Baystate Children’s Hospital on March 5-7 to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital. The on-air personalities from WMAS, including Rob Anthony and members of the Kellogg Krew, asked listeners to pledge their support by calling in donations to the phone banks at the Baystate Medical Center’s Chestnut Conference Center. Regular radio programming was intertwined with live and taped interviews of patients and their families. When the Radiothon ended on Saturday afternoon, $175,000 had been raised, with additional pledges expected to increase the total in the coming weeks. From left are Rob Anthony, program director, WMAS Radio; Jill MacDonald of Springfield; Michelle Graci, manager of Special Events Fundraising for the Baystate Health Foundation; patient Jillianne MacDonald; and Kellogg Krew member Dina McMahon. Seven-year-old Jillianne was born premature, weighing a little over one pound and measuring 10 inches long at birth. She was dependent on medical technology for the first few years of her life. She was in and out of the hospital and was treated by almost every clinician at Baystate Children’s Hospital. ‘Jilly’ is homeschooled and still limited in what she can do outside. She goes to dance class every Saturday, and her mother says that she hates to miss a class. The physicians at Baystate Children’s Hospital say that the progress Jilly has made over the years is remarkable.

By
Departments

Bright Nights Launches 15th Season

SPRINGFIELD — The recent launch of the 15th season of Bright Nights at Forest Park included details of a new display, “Winter Garden,” a new logo, and a master plan to provide maintenance and improvements to the park. Wanting to make a major impact on the 2009 season, the “Winter Garden” display will extend the holiday lighting experience by a quarter-mile. The icy blue and white lights will transport visitors to a garden with frost-covered urns, snowflake towers, a fountain, deer, snowflakes, and a carousel. While many pieces are new, some were donated by Tower Square. To ensure the longevity of Bright Nights at Forest Park, the Spirit of Springfield and the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management have prepared a comprehensive document, inventorying all 390 display pieces and planning for the constant renewal of the displays and the park. The five-year plan, 2009-2013, is expected to exceed $3 million, with support from the private and public sectors. Looking back at 2008, Bright Nights at Forest Park officials said the holiday season was a success. Vehicular traffic, both cars and buses, increased; there were 1,081 more cars than in 2007 and 19 more buses. Survey results show that, while in the area, visitors also frequented the Holyoke Mall at Ingleside, Yankee Candle, Friendly’s, Pizzeria Uno, and the Springfield Museums. The impact statement also takes into consideration the $283,000 paid to the City of Springfield (police, fire, and public works) for the season. For more information on Bright Nights at Forest Park, visit www.brightnights.org.

MassMutual Settles Battle With Ousted CEO

SPRINGFIELD — The legal battle between the MassMutual Financial Group and its former chief executive officer, Robert J. O’Connell, has ended, with both parties keeping specifics of the settlement under wraps. O’Connell had been fired by MassMutual’s board of directors in June 2005 for reasons including improperly flying on company aircraft, misusing trading accounts, interfering in the discipline of his son and son-in-law, both of who were employees of the company, as well as other infractions. Since the firing occurred, an arbitration panel ruled in favor of O’Connell in the fall of 2006, and in January 2007, Suffolk Superior Court Judge Allan van Gestel found no evidence of any problems with the arbitration panel’s hearings. In addition, the state Appeals Court dismissed MassMutual’s appeal of van Gestel’s ruling in favor of O’Connell. Last November, both MassMutual and O’Connell agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case, and the Appeals Court accepted that decision.

Survey: Economic Confidence Drops in Bay State

SPRINGFIELD — More than one-third of state residents believe the national economy will get worse over the next 12 months, and one-fifth believe their own financial situation also will worsen, according to the latest survey from the Western New England College Polling Institute. The telephone poll of 569 adults, conducted Feb. 2-11, also found that eight in 10 were very or somewhat confident that President Obama will make the right decisions about the economy. Nearly 70% approved of the job that Obama is doing as president, while only 11% disapproved, and 21% said they did not know or did not offer an opinion. The poll, which has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4%, found that 39% of residents believe the national economy will get worse over the next 12 months. That’s a 13-point increase since November, the last time the Polling Institute asked the question in a statewide survey. Nearly one-third (32%) said they expect the economy to get better, down seven points from November. Pessimism was highest among those ages 50 to 64, with 47% predicting the economy will deteriorate further. Young adults ages 18 to 29 were the most optimistic, with 50% saying they expect the economy to get better in the next 12 months. Complete results of the poll are available at www.wnec.edu/news.

Federal Reserve Predicts Economy to Shrink

WASHINGTON — The Federal Reserve has revisited its earlier predictions and now projects that the economy will shrink and unemployment will continue to rise in 2009. Under the new projections, the Fed expects the unemployment rate to rise to between 8.5% and 8.8% this year. The old forecasts, issued last November, predicted the jobless rate would rise to between 7.1% and 7.6%. Fed officials also predict the economy will contract in 2009 between 0.5% and 1.3%. The November forecast said the economy could shrink by 0.2%.

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Zymroz Landscape Construction, LLC
793 Silver St.
$150,000 — Construction of a storage building for a landscape company

AMHERST

Amherst College Trustees
Scott House
$740,000 — Conversion of an existing residence into new office space

PPG Nominee Trust I
25 North Pleasant St.
$2,500 — Replace siding

CHICOPEE

Montgomery Granby Partners, LLC
447 Montgomery St.
$764,000 — Construction of United Bank

GREENFIELD

Argotec Inc.
53 Silvio O. Conte Dr.
$169,000 — Installation of a structural steel mezzanine

Home Depot USA Inc.
278 Mohawk Trail
$71,000 — To reorganize the interior appliances, furniture, and walls


RGW Realty Trust
370 Deerfield St.
$1,200 — Interior renovations

HADLEY

Sandon Pearson
173 Russell St.
$35,000 — Build-out of interior space for Hillside Pizza

Sandon Pearson
173 Russell St.
$96,000 — Build out of three commercial spaces

HOLYOKE

Executive Trust
850 High St.
$83,000 — Interior renovations

Mechanical Properties, LLC
539-540 Canal St.
$17,000 — Office alterations

LUDLOW

Primavera Restaurant
257 East St.
$19,000 — Interior alterations

  

NORTHAMPTON

Cornerstone Chapel of Assembly of God
572 Bridge St.
$32,000 — New roof

Lathrop Community LLC
680 Bridge St.
$236,300 — New siding on buildings 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 16

Pride Convenience, Inc.
375 King St.
$1,000 — Non-structural interior renovations

SOUTH HADLEY

Mt. Holyoke College
240 Ferry St.
$20,000 — New deck

SOUTHWICK

Westfield Savings Bank
456 College Highway
$4,125 — New ATM

SPRINGFIELD

Arnold St. Repairs, LLC
99 Arnold St.
$3,000 — Repair of water damaged non-bearing walls

BSC Realty
395-405 Dwight St.
$126,000 — Expansion of kitchen and seating at 350 Grill

Joli Hair Salon
1655 Boston Road
$36,000 — Interior renovations

Leigh Realty of Florida
633-635 Liberty St.
$133,000 — Renovations for Dollar Store

Mass Mutual
1500 Main St.
$95,000 — Alterations to Suite 601

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Goodless Electric
100 Memorial Ave.
$10,000 — Repair damage caused by motor vehicle

RME Enterprise
640 Riverdale St.
$687,000 — Renovate 4,891 square feet of commercial space for restaurant

By
Departments

Tighe & Bond Wins Engineering Award

WESTFIELD — The American Council of Engineering Companies of Connecticut recently presented Tighe & Bond and the Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut with an Engineering Excellence Grand Award for the Palmer Dam rehabilitation/Dean’s Mill Water Treatment Plant improvements project. Tighe & Bond provided engineering and construction-phase services for the $18.5 million project, which was constructed by Daniel O’Connell’s Sons of Holyoke. When Aquarion Water Co. acquired its Mystic System in 2002, the firm inherited a state Department of Environmental Protection consent order requiring repair of the Palmer Dam. Corrective measures were mandated because the dam’s spillway could not safely pass the volume of water projected in the event of flood conditions. Aquarion retained Tighe & Bond to engineer the Palmer Dam repairs because they proposed a cost-effective and innovative approach to solving the problem. The Palmer Dam impounds 88 million gallons of water in a reservoir which serves as one of two supply sources for a population of more than 10,000. The most significant result of completing the rehabilitation of the Palmer Dam last May is enhanced public safety, according to Tighe & Bond officials. They noted that the integrity of the dam is no longer in question.

Staffing Firm Opens at Northgate

SPRINGFIELD — Monroe Staffing Services, a Connecticut-based employment agency, will open its first Massachusetts office at Northgate Professional Center, 1985 Main St., by March 1, according to Northgate owner Andrew M. Cohen. He noted that Monroe Staffing will occupy a 1,400-square-foot suite, comprising the one remaining vacancy in the three-story office building. Monroe, a 40-year-old firm with nine Connecticut locations, provides staffing services in the areas of finance and accounting, information technology, clerical and office, light industry, and environmental work.

Pocket Wireless Opens in Springfield

SPRINGFIELD — Pocket Wireless recently celebrated its grand opening at 599 Page Blvd. Local dignitaries including Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and business representatives were on hand for the festivities, which included a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pocket Wireless offers a flat monthly rate for its unlimited wireless service, according to company officials. Pocket Wireless officials note that an estimated 200 retail locations are expected to open by the end of the first quarter of 2009. The company’s regional headquarters is located in Bloomfield, Conn.

Security Provider Receives Top 125 Award

PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Securitas Security Services USA Inc. has been recognized for its outstanding training and development solutions and received the coveted “Top 125” Award from Training magazine. Judging is based on several criteria, including corporate universities, evaluation procedures, and internal best practices. The company provides specialized industry training, flash-based E-learning courses, scholarship programs, tuition reimbursement, recognition programs, and courses available through the Securitas Online Academy. For more information, visit www.securitasinc.com.

Hampden Bank Opens Branch

LONGMEADOW — Hampden Bank opened its latest branch at 916 Shaker Road on Feb. 17. The festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony with bank officials and local dignitaries. Thomas R. Burton, president and chief executive officer, noted in remarks that the bank opened the Shaker Road office to serve the existing customers and new customers in Longmeadow and Connecticut. For more information on the bank’s services, visit www.hampdenbank.com.

Company Raises $3,000 for United Way

WEST HATFIELD — Danco Modern/Danish Inspirations raised more than $3,000 during its Give Local promotion during the holiday season to benefit the United Way of Hampshire County. The retailer’s customers received extra savings on furniture purchases when they made a donation to the United Way, according to Peter Knapp, owner. Knapp noted that many of the customers participating in the fund-raiser were first-time donors, and Florence Savings Bank matched those contributions as part of a community effort to help the United Way.

Chicopee Savings Opens Ware Branch

WARE — William J. Wagner, president and CEO of Chicopee Savings Bank, announced the opening of the bank’s seventh branch at Gibbs Crossing, 350 Palmer Road, on Feb. 17. A host of bank representatives as well as town officials attended the event. Chicopee Savings also has locations in Chicopee, South Hadley, Ludlow, and West Springfield.

Dress Barn Assists Dress for Success Program

WESTFIELD — During mid-February, Dress Barn stores across the country sponsored a Dress for Success S.O.S. — Send One Suit — promotion to collect clothing from customers and donate them to underprivileged women in the local community. All donated suits were given to women seeking career development support. During the past seven years, more than 200,000 suits and separates have been donated by consumers to Dress Barn stores, which in turn have supported 60 Dress for Success affiliates throughout the United States. For more information on the Dress for Success program, visit www.dressforsuccess.org.

By
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

Dennis Wilson v. C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc.
Allegation: Employee negligence causing injury: $6,821.15
Filed: 12/19/08

Pignatare & Sagan LLC v. Cardinal Complete Door Distributor, LLC
Allegation: Breach of contract and unpaid balance due: $4,305
Filed: 1/28/09

GREENFIELD DISTRICT COURT

Marker, LTD v. Trails Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $8,784.65
Filed: 2/05/09

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT

Louise Lucky v. New England Door Closure and TD Banknorth, N.A.
Allegation: Products liability and negligence causing personal injury: $19,797.31
Filed: 2/06/09

Martin Morales v. General Films Inc. and American Conveyor Corp.
Allegation: Products liability and negligence causing personal injury: $164,566.29+
Filed: 1/29/09

Town Fair Tire Centers Inc. v. Brake King Automotive Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $40,251.36
Filed: 2/05/09

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT

Diversified Financial Services v. Berkshire Blacktop
Allegation: Breach of contract and non-payment of promissory note: $25,824.48
Filed: 1/22/09

R & R Window Contractors Inc. v. Bacon Construction Company and Continental Casualty Co.
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials for aluminum window work on Bridgewater Raynham Regional High School: $173,419.61
Filed: 1/15/09

NORTHAMPTON DISTRICT COURT

Janet & Richard Phaneuf v. Greg Toczko, Designer
Allegation: Breach of contract and negligence in home repairs: $34,000
Filed: 1/23/09

PALMER DISTRICT COURT

Capital One Bank v. Infostructure Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of credit card account: $7,346.04
Filed: 1/15/09

SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT COURT

masslive.com v. Money-Wise Solutions, LLC
Allegation: Non-payment of balance for services rendered: $5,750
Filed: 1/09/09

Stroheim & Romann Inc. v. Mary Donnellan Strout Interiors Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of goods sold and delivered: $2,404.28
Filed: 1/06/09

United Rentals Inc. v. Total Pro Boston Inc. and Dana McIntyre
Allegation: Non-payment of materials, equipment, and services on a construction project: $41,841.42
Filed: 1/08/09

WESTFIELD DISTRICT COURT

B & M Electric v. Angy’s Food Products Inc.
Allegation: Non-payment of labor and materials: $7,457.00
Filed: 1/30/09

By
Departments

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

BELCHERTOWN

Click Technology Partners Inc., 261 Barrett St., Belchertown, MA 01007. Thomas F. Woelfel, same. Business and computer consulting.

Vanessa Lee Kotowski Scholarship Foundation, 20 Terry Lane, Belchertown, MA 01007. Frederick Kotowski, 18C Highland Village, Ware. MA 01082. Charitable, religious, educational, and scientific purposes.

CHICOPEE

BKZ Inc., 38 Nye St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Richard Reidy, 18 Maplecrest Dr., Belchertown, MA 01007. To provide glass replacement for all auto, residential, and commercial uses.

West Side Transportation Inc., 269 East Main St., Chicopee, MA 01020. Vitality Volkov, same. To engage in the operating specialty and dedicated services of transporting passengers via minivan, limousine, and other passenger vehicles on a for-hire basis.

HOLYOKE

Media Action Center Inc., 80 Race St., Holyoke MA 01040. Andrew Gregory Laties, same. Charitable and educational purposes to support human rights while fighting poverty and environmental destruction worldwide.

  

Salsarengue Inc., 192 High St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Jose O. Bou MR, 261 Florence Road, Florence, MA 01062. Sales of clothing and accessories.

SPRINGFIELD

BIO Cleaner Springfield Corp., 803 Main St., Springfield, MA 01105. Eun Kyung Han, same. Laundromat and cleaner.

Domingo Inc., 326 St. James Ave., Springfield, MA 01109. Reino Mueses MR, 53 Haskins St., Springfield, MA 01109. Restaurant and real estate business.

Richmond Acquisition Corp., 1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01115. Daniel Yamin, 25 Westover Road, Troy, N.Y. 12180. Public communication service.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Palmetto Construction Management Services Inc., 1080 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089. J.W. Hall, same. Construction management.

By
Departments

Cutting the Ribbon

Chicopee Savings Bank recently cut the ribbon on its newest branch, in Ware. Handling the honors are, from left, Russell Omer, the bank’s executive vice president; Alzira Costa, senior vice president of Operations and Security; Susan Barbiasz, assistant branch manager; Cathy Cascio, member of the Ware Board of Selectmen; Clare Ladue, branch officer; William Wagner, president and CEO; and W. Guy Ormsby, executive vice president, CFO, and treasurer.

‘Green’ Lessons

Seventh-grade students at Clarke School for the Deaf read “Being Green and Smart” in the Feb. 2 edition of BusinessWest during a visit to the school by area professionals. Clarke students recently completed a six-week winter unit on environmental awareness and ways to ‘go green.’

Heart to Heart

Rick’s Place, a not-for-profit organization providing support to grieving children and their families, stage its first annual fund-raiser recently. The Heart to Heart event, held at the Kids Village in Wilbraham’s Post Office Park, drew more than 70 people and raised $15,000 for the agency. Seen here are, from left, Richard Hill, board secretary; Carole Mangels, program coordinator; Shelly Bathe Lenn, executive director; and William Scatolini, board president.

Branching Out — Again

Hampden Bank recently celebrated the opening of its ninth office, located on Shaker Road in Longmeadow. Doing the honors are, from left, Amy Scribner, senior marketing administrator; Don Dupre, Hampden Bank board member; Paul Santaniello, chair of the town’s Board of Selectmen; Thomas Burton, president and CEO of Hampden Bank; Deb Geisler, manager of the Shaker Road Office; Stuart Young Jr., chairman of the board; Carolyn Ware, manager of the Allen Street office; and Glenn Welch, executive vice president of Hampden Bank.

OPINION

By
Opinion
The Value of Teaching 21st-century Skills

Think strategically. Use technology wisely. Work collaboratively. Communicate effectively. And recognize how the world around you connects to everything you do.

Employees are expected to be steeped in these and other skills their first day on the job. In today’s weak economy, the resumes of those who don’t speak the language of the 21st century are quickly passed over.

That is why the debate over the value of teaching students so-called ‘21st-century skills’ is baffling. These skills include problem solving, financial and business literacy, global awareness, and innovation. A vocal minority disregard them as ‘soft skills,’ but others recognize them for what they truly are: the number-one job requirements for anyone interested in success after high school.

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education’s Task Force on 21st Century Skills recently released a set of recommendations of ways these skills can be integrated into the K-12 curriculum in Massachusetts. Since then, a debate has ensued between those who see the benefits of fully integrating these skills in schools and those who misinterpret this effort as a first step toward dismantling education reform.

Nothing could be further from the truth. The Commonwealth has long been seen as a leader in education reform, and our curriculum and performance standards are widely hailed as among the strongest in the country. Massachusetts has worked hard to earn its position as the top-performing state in the nation on measures like the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and in December it ranked among the top performers around the world on the Trends in Math and Science Study exam.

The simple fact is that a focus on standards and academics is no longer sufficient, as evidenced by persistent, troubling achievement gaps.

Our role now as policy makers, educators, business leaders, and parents is to provide students with the best of both worlds: a strong and challenging academic curriculum, and a full infusion of the 21st-century skills students will need to succeed outside of high school. Denying students the right to learn what we recognize is required by today’s employers goes against our goal of providing all students with all the tools they will need to succeed after high school, regardless of race, ethnicity, or ZIP code.

There is no shortage of research on this topic, and plenty of naysayers who dismiss these skills as ‘soft.’ But even Washington Post columnist Jay Mathews, a critic of the 21st-century skills movement, was forced to rethink his position after reading a recent report by the Education Sector. The turning point for him was a simple phrase: The best learning happens “when students learn basic content and processes . . . at the same time that they learn how to think and solve problems.”

This is not about teaching either academics or skills; this is about blending the two and teaching one using the other. Some teachers will need additional training to get there, the frameworks will need to be enhanced, and the vision of a ‘typical’ classroom will need to be rethought. Taking these and other necessary steps will move us in the direction the global economy demands and help provide students with the education they will need to compete with their international peers.

We cannot stand still. I am pleased to hear input on the specific recommendations as the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education begins its evaluation of the Task Force report and works with Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester to develop an implementation plan for the items deemed most important, but we cannot be paralyzed by an unreasonable fear that altering our course will curtail progress.

This is hard work, and it must be done in a careful, thoughtful way, but it must be done.-

Maura Banta chairs the Mass. Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and is the eastern regional manager for corporate affairs for the IBM Corp.

Building a Workforce — One Parking Lot Visit at a Time

By
Opinion

Ed Leyden acknowledged that it’s tough not knowing if his hard, time-consuming work will pay off until seven, eight, or maybe 10 years down the road. But what he does know is that he has to keep doing it.

Leyden, president of Ben Franklin Design & Manufacturing in Agawam, was referring to the tours he gives to young people — some in high school, but many even younger — designed to impress upon them the good health of the precision-machining sector in Western Mass. and the many attractive career opportunities it offers.

These tours take a few hours, and, while they’re not exactly heavy lifting, they can be difficult because the subject matter is rather intense, and sometimes it’s difficult to make a connection with the eighth-graders wearing the borrowed safety glasses. That’s why Leyden always takes an extra few minutes to show visitors the cars, trucks, and SUVs that his employees drive. It’s often easier to make an impression that way than with 30 minutes of talk on computer-assisted design.

What Leyden adopts is what amounts to a ‘whatever it takes’ approach when it comes to sparking an interest in his sector, and he’s certainly not alone. Shop owners who are busy trying to attract business and make deadlines for current customer orders are still making time for these tours — given to groups as small as a handful of youngsters — because they know they must if they are going to have a sufficient supply of workers for next year, a decade from now, and two decades from now.

The ‘whatever it takes’ mindset prevails not only among precision manufacturers in this region, but in other sectors as well, such as health care and, to a lesser extent, ‘green’ businesses, environmental science, and the biosciences — and we’re glad this attitude prevails.

That’s because, as we’ve said many times, the region’s economy is, and will always be, only as strong as its workforce, and when it comes to economic development, this is priority one, plain and simple.

Addressing the problem requires diligence, teamwork, and imagination, in equal doses, and we’ve seen some great examples of these qualities come together. One of the latest is a program called Career Explorations — Robotics/Precision Manufacturing, one component of which was Leyden’s latest tour. The initiative is designed to introduce, or reintroduce, young people and, when possible, their parents to the precision-machining sector and, in the process, eliminate some lingering misperceptions about the industry.

In addition to tours of plants like Ben Franklin, students, in this case members of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Springfield, visit area community colleges and Putnam High School in Springfield to see how one goes about getting on the path to such a career. There is also a series of classes in robotics designed to stir the imagination and provide lessons in teamwork.

The program involves a number of partners, from the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County to Springfield Technical Community College; from the Black Men of Greater Springfield to the National Tooling and Machining Assoc. They all understand the importance of helping young people and their parents make smart decisions about career paths and thus which high school to attend.

Such partnerships, and there are many of them, as we said, hold vast potential to reduce dropout rates and poverty rates, while also helping to ensure that the region, individual sectors of the economy, and specific businesses have the qualified employees they’ll need to keep their ventures going.

The programs have different names and varied missions, but there is a common denominator — that ‘whatever it takes’ attitude that drives Leyden, other shop owners, hospital presidents, and college administrators.

Not all of these people wind up giving tours of the parking lot, but they’re all doing essentially the same thing — making those vital connections.

They are the key to a stronger workforce, and that’s why these groups and individuals must continually look for new and effective ways to make them.-

By
Departments

Effectively us ING promotional products

By YOUSSEF FADAL

1. Reinforce ongoing messages with what is called the medium that remains to be seen. Whether it’s the slogan in your ad campaign or the theme of your incentive plan, a promotional product will keep the message in front of your audience — in 3-D!

2. What are you purchasing? Your promotional products distributor is the link between you and the suppliers. An experienced distributor will help you differentiate between good and questionable suppliers.
3. Who is this product for? You won’t impress a decision maker with a budget pen or mug. Similarly, a trade show isn’t the place to distribute expensive watches.
4. Establish relationships. Catalog or online distributors may save you pennies occasionally, but will they be on the lookout for items for your next event or campaign?

5. Quality, not quantity. Example: give a nicer gift to the people who take the time to hear your presentation at a trade show instead of a more generic item to everyone who walks by.

6. Be prepared! Your logo represents your brand. Have different digital formats (color, black and white, small, large).
7. Budget and plan ahead. The tighter your budget, the more planning time you should allow yourself and your distributor to find the right product for your project.
8. Set firm goals. What will this product accomplish? If unsure, are you wasting your money?
9. This ‘green’ thing. Using environmentally friendly promotional products could be a start. Use ceramic mugs instead of paper in your break room. Promote a carpooling program.

10. Are your office supplies working for you? You already purchase adhesive notes, pens, pads, pencils, and recordable CDs. For pennies more, these and other items can be customized.

Youssef Fadel represents NEPM (New England Promotional Marketing) and has been in the industry since 1987; (413) 237-4907.

By
Departments

Breakfast Club

March 4: The Springfield Marriott at Two Boland Way will be the setting for the Breakfast Club meeting of the Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield (ACCGS), starting at 7:15 a.m. The breakfast will salute Convergent Solutions Inc. for winning BusinessWest’s Top Entrepreneurs award for 2008, and Roberts & Sons Printing Inc. for a new generation of ownership. The March of Dimes is the nonprofit salute for the month. William F. Dowling, Esq., president and managing partner of the New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Club, will speak on “From the Paper City to the Hardware City: A Baseball Odyssey.” Reservations must be made in writing and in advance. Tickets are $20 for ACCGS members and $25 for non-members. Reservations may be made through Diane Swanson, events manager, ACCGS, 1441 Main St., Suite 136, Springfield, MA 01103-1449, by fax to (413) 755-1322, or via E-mail to [email protected] or by visiting www.myonlinechamber.com.

Brown Bag Luncheon

March 4: Nate Winstanley of Winstanley Associates will present “Branding Your Business: Be Brave or Be Gone” from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Brown Bag Series. The lunchtime workshop is designed to help area business owners and managers with marketing strategies during tough economic times. The workshop is free to all Berkshire chamber members, and attendees are invited to bring a brown-bag lunch. The chamber office is located at 75 North St., Suite 360, in Pittsfield. To register, visit www.berkshirechamber.com, or call (413) 499-4000, ext. 26.

Ann Hood Lecture

March 5: Bestselling, New England-based author Ann Hood will present a free lecture at 7 p.m. in Empsall Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow as part of its Kaleidoscope series. Winner of the Best American Spiritual Writing Award, her last two novels (Comfort and The Knitting Circle) have received wide acclaim. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Innovative Voices Conference

March 10: The MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield will be the setting for a capacity-building conference, co-presented by the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. and Bay Path College. Titled “Innovative Voices: Crafting a New Agenda for Leadership,” the daylong conference will feature guest speakers Sara Laschever and comedienne René Hicks. Workshop topics offered throughout the day will include: “New Faces in Leadership I: Generations & Cultures,” “New Faces in Leadership II: Strategies for Change,” “Wikis, Twitter, and Blogs – Oh My!” “Learning to Ask: Negotiation Basics,” “The Art of Politics: Navigating the Political Waters,” and “Making Yourself Memorable: Personal Branding from the First Handshake.” Workshops will also include “Expanding our Capacity: Energizing Our Spirit,” “Balancing Mission and Money: How Nonprofits Can Do Both,” and “Finding Your Voice and Changing the World: Passion, Emotion, and Leadership.” Registration is $70 for the first organizational attendee and $60 for each additional organizational attendee. The deadline to register is March 2. For more information, visit www.womensfund.net.

Brown Bag Luncheon

March 11: “Recession-proof Stress Management” will be presented by Richard Fabozzi of Richard Fabozzi Presents from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Brown Bag Series. The lunchtime workshop is designed to help area business owners and managers with stress-management strategies during tough economic times. The workshop is free to all Berkshire chamber members, and attendees are invited to bring a brown-bag lunch. The chamber office is located at 75 North St., Suite 360, in Pittsfield. To register for the workshop, visit www.berkshirechamber.com, or call (413) 499-4000, ext. 26.

Casino Royale Fundraiser

March 14: Anyone who enjoys gambling for a great cause is invited to check out Casino Royale, CityStage’s annual fund-raiser, at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield. Highlights of the affair include hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, live entertainment, prizes, a live auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a mystery raffle. Single tickets are $100, which includes $400 in gaming money. There are also special groups of 10 rates available, as well as VIP tickets for $150 each. Casino Royale begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 788-7646. Pit Boss sponsors are Berkshire Bank, Hampden Bank, MassMutual Financial Group, Mercy Medical Center, and United Bank.

Get Beyond ‘Hello’

March 18: Steven Valenti of Steven Valenti Clothing for Men will present “Get Beyond ‘Hello’ — Delivering Exceptional Customer Service” from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce’s Brown Bag Series. The lunchtime workshop is designed to help area business owners and managers with customer-service strategies during tough economic times. The workshop is free to all Berkshire chamber members, and attendees are invited to bring a brown-bag lunch. The chamber office is located at 75 North St., Suite 360, in Pittsfield. To register for the workshop, visit www.berkshirechamber.com, or call (413) 499-4000, ext. 26.

Employer Outreach Breakfast

March 27: The Regional Employment Board of Hampden County Inc. (REB) is gearing up to place young people in summer jobs, and encourages businesses to attend an employer-outreach breakfast to learn more about the program. The breakfast is planned from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at Big Y Foods Inc.’s corporate headquarters at 2145 Roosevelt Ave., Springfield. There are three ways that businesses can help the REB: hire a youth, donate money, or become a worksite. All aspects of the program will be reviewed by REB representatives. Anyone planning on attending the event should RSVP to Kathryn Kirby at [email protected] or call (413) 755-1359.

Rock ‘n’ Roll & Management Styles

April 15: “Everything I Learned About Management, I Learned From Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be presented by James M. Wilson III, Ph.D., assistant professor of Business at Bay Path College; and Gregory Jones, director of Cannes Associates Production Management. Wilson and Jones have been conducting research for three years on the production of live concerts featuring Metallica, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan, and Willie Nelson, among others, with a focus on how event management contributes to organizational theory. The free lecture at 7 p.m. will take place in Breck Suite in Wright Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. The event is part of the Kaleidoscope lecture series. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Women’s Professional Development Conference

April 30: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will host the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. For more information, call (413) 565-1293 or visit www.baypath.edu.

By
Departments

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

Adkins, Carnedius
Adkins, Freda F.
4 Cranberry Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/20/09

Arnold, Jennifer L.
1010 Dunhamtown-Brimfield
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/27/09

Barrett, Robert P.
Barrett, Michelle L.
a/k/a Hannah, Michelle Laurie
30 Cooper St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

Bisaillon, Michelle Anne
9 Keefe Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/09

Carrasquillo, Hector L.
95 Sumner Ave., Unit 3
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Cauley, William J.
334 Jarvis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Champagne, Walter T.
126 Clement St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Chatterton, Kelli-Ann
236 Chapman St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Chechile, Frances M.
a/k/a Chechile, Francesca M.
280 Nassau Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/27/09

Coulombe, Kathleen Dorothy
116 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/09

Damiano, Frank P.
118 Mashapaug Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Davis, Christopher
10 Sumner Ave., Apt. 28
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/09

Dejesus, Erasmo
79 Leete St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/20/09

Dimitroff, Franklin S.
Dimitroff, Marie-Claude R.
241 Shoemaker Lane
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/09

Dodge, Samantha Gene
244 Elm St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/22/09

Doubleday, Lizbeth T.
PO Box 177
Deerfield, MA 01342
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Dugas, Michael P.
Dugas, Sylvie E.
14 South Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/20/09

Duquette, Elzear F.
65 Eden Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Fiorda, Barbara A.
33 Morse St., #1
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Fischer, Charles E.
156 Mohawk Forest Blvd.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/17/09

Fournier, Curtis M.
28 Alfred Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Gauthier, Scott D.
40 Reed Hill Road
Wales, MA 01081-9764
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

Gonyer, Bernard James
Gonyer, Linda Marie
8 Clark Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Gore, Carl J.
Gore, Kyra M.
176 Pinedale Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Groves, Alexander J.
Groves, Lorraine P.
30 Maple St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/09

Haas, Randolph W.
7 Clinton Ave., Apt. 4R
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Her, Chong H.
Her, Shoua K.
a/k/a Khang, Shoua
PO Box 204
South Barre, MA 01074
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/22/09

Hurrye, Frank
17 Baywood St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Kennon, Ronald E.
88 Brooks Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/22/09

Lacombe, Michael Anthony
62 Thyme Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/20/09

  

LaMagdelaine, Richard James
LaMagdelaine, Dawn Marie
216 Elm St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/09

Landis, Theodore C.
27 Smithfield Court
Springfield, MA 01108-3129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/22/09

Lloyd, Christine M.
18 Palmer Road, #7
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/09

Mackie, Shaun D.
206 Appleton Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

Maguire, Fred L.
104 Old Hickory Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/25/09

Mainville, Paul R.
PO Box 654
West Warren, MA 01092
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/24/09

Malouin, Dorothy B.
5 Powers Mill Road
Phillipston, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Mattieu, Camilla Claudia
Botta, Roberto Geremia
32 Green St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/20/09

McGinley, Scott J.
Lauterbach, Rebecca S.
42 Eton Street
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

McMahon, Guy Joseph
McMahon, Donna Lee
42 Grove St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Mitchell, Morgan G.
Mitchell, Kathleen A.
a/k/a Parkinson, Kathleen A.
34 Bayberry Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/27/09

Montori, Lisa A.
13 Dana St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/22/09

Morales, Iris M.
574 Plainfield St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Murphy, Betty A.
235 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

O’Connell, Tamara L.
85 Carlton St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/27/09

Oliveras, Angel
Oliveras, Liliana
718 Center St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/09

O’Neill, Wendy J.
a/k/a Petell, Wendy J.
128 High St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/09

Pond, Daniel W.
Pond, Teresa M.
1393 Piper Road
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Presnal, Thaddeus Joseph
340 Grove St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/16/09

Randall, Toby E.
Randall, Rebecca J.
a/k/a Brown, Rebecca
6 Hastings St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/25/09

Raymond, Scott M.
314 Fredette St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

Rivera, Cynthia
163 Farnum Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Rivera, Deborah
43 Woodcliff St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Robinson, Deborah S.
P.O. Box 369
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/21/09

Servis, Tiffany M.
a/k/a Blakesley, Tiffany M.
24 South West St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

Shafer, Pamela M.
6 Shaw Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/24/09

Shirley’s Childcare
Griffith, Shirley Marie
6 Roosevelt Ter.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/23/09

Silvia, James F.
Silvia, Cheryl A.
245 Dorset Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/19/09

Vanuni, Kristine
149 Chantilly Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/26/09

OPINION

By
Opinion
Infrastructure Needs a Bill of Its Own

President Obama is the first urbanite in the White House since Teddy Roosevelt. He certainly knows the vital role that cities play in America. Yet despite the Chicagoan on Pennsylvania Avenue, infrastructure spending in the House stimulus bill follows a business-as-usual pattern that discriminates against density.

The only way to break that pattern is to take non-repair-related infrastructure spending out of the stimulus, and craft a separate bill that looks beyond the current recession. Major infrastructure projects, especially in cities, cannot be done quickly.

Per-capita transportation spending in the House stimulus package, including transit, is more than 50% higher in the 10 least-dense states than in the 10 densest states, including Massachusetts. Yet America’s highways and rails already make it easy to move goods and people across America’s open spaces. The hard slog is getting across dense downtowns.

Other elements in the stimulus package also favor farm over city. The subsidies for broadband infrastructure are unnecessary in already-connected cities. Access to the latest technologies is, after all, one reason for cities’ economic success. The $6 billion for weatherizing homes will surely do more for rural America than for apartment dwellers. There is urban spending in the bill, but money spent rehabilitating public housing is not the transformative investment that will make cities more productive.

Infrastructure is the skeleton on which the economy hangs. In the 19th century, America built a great transportation network of rails and canals that enabled the wealth of the land to make its way east. America’s 19th-century cities — Chicago, Detroit, Pittsburgh — were nodes on that network that grew along with it.

In the 20th century, Americans built a highway system that decentralized urban areas. The resulting exodus from cities to suburbs reminds us that infrastructure can have far-reaching consequences.

A visionary infrastructure strategy cannot fit into a stimulus package. For stimulus, speed is vital. The Big Dig took 21 years. Working in cities is particularly slow because it takes time to tunnel, and because community opposition holds up urban mega-projects. A need for speed will always create an anti-urban bias.

America needs both a stimulus package and new infrastructure, but combining the two in one bill is a mistake. Congress should eliminate any pretense that the stimulus plan is addressing long-run infrastructure needs, and leave in only those infrastructure expenditures, like rehabilitating decaying roads and bridges, that require minimal planning, public approval, and time to implement.

A separate infrastructure bill would take cost-benefit analysis seriously, and direct spending to the projects with the highest returns. This means breaking the infrastructure spending status quo. As the Office of Management and Budget’s expectmore.gov Web site notes, highway infrastructure “funding is not based on need or performance and has been heavily earmarked.” To reduce boondoggle projects, localities, particularly wealthier ones, should provide a significant share of the funding. Requiring locales to pony up their own cash helps ensure that new projects are really valued.

The role of cities is vital. According to County Business Patterns, 56% of America’s wages are earned in the 22 mega-metropolitan areas with more than 2 million people each. A serious infrastructure bill would aid metropolitan areas, but ask for sacrifice in return for subsidy.

The cities that stand at the center of the economy need new infrastructure, but that can’t be built in two years. To ensure an infrastructure plan that does not shortchange metropolitan America, major infrastructure needs to come out of the stimulus package and get a bill of its own.-

Edward L. Glaeser, a professor of Economics at Harvard University, is director of the Rappaport Institute for Greater Boston. This article first appeared in the Boston Globe.

By
Departments

Boston Wine Festival

Thru April 3: Hosted by the Boston Harbor Hotel on Rowes Wharf, the Boston Wine Festival offers more than 50 wine and food pairing events. The schedule of events includes a variety of evening receptions, wine seminars, dinners and themed Sunday brunches. For details on the festival, visit www.bostonwinefesival.net.

Managing Customer Satisfaction

Feb. 24: The New England Performance Excellence Initiative will present “Managing Customer Satisfaction Performance” from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Scibelli Enterprise Center, 1 Federal St., Springfield. The lunchtime workshop will acquaint participants with Enterprise Performance Management, a unifying management approach that drives one’s business to the next level. In addition, the workshop will provide focus and context to all customer-satisfaction initiatives across one’s organization. The event is co-sponsored by the Springfield Business Incubator at Springfield Technical Community College. Participants will also be able to take the Performance Self Analysis Scorecard free of cost and find out the score in less than five minutes. A registration fee of $5 includes a bag lunch. To register, call (413) 737-6712.

Women and Retirement

Feb. 26: Shelly Colville, a registered representative of the National Planning Corp., will present a lecture titled “Women and Retirement: Are You Saving Wisely?” as part of the Kaleidoscope lecture series at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. Colville will lead women and men of all ages in an Oppenheimer Funds workshop to guide them to a better understanding of planning for the future. The free event is open to the public and will be conducted in Breck Suite in Wright Hall. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Ann Hood Lecture

March 5: Bestselling, New England-based author Ann Hood will present a free lecture at 7 p.m. in Empsall Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow as part of its Kaleidoscope series. Winner of the Best American Spiritual Writing Award, her last two novels (Comfort and The Knitting Circle) have received wide acclaim. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Innovative Voices

March 10: The MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield will be the setting for a capacity-building conference, co-presented by the Women’s Fund of Western Mass. and Bay Path College. Titled “Innovative Voices: Crafting a New Agenda for Leadership,” the daylong conference will feature guest speakers Sara Laschever and comedienne René Hicks. Workshop topics offered throughout the day will include: “New Faces in Leadership I: Generations & Cultures,” “New Faces in Leadership II: Strategies for Change,” “Wikis, Twitter, and Blogs – Oh My!,” “Learning to Ask: Negotiation Basics,” “The Art of Politics: Navigating the Political Waters,” and “Making Yourself Memorable: Personal Branding from the First Handshake.” Workshops will also include “Expanding Our Capacity: Energizing Our Spirit,” “Balancing Mission and Money: How Nonprofits Can Do Both,” and “Finding Your Voice and Changing the World: Passion, Emotion, and Leadership.” Registration is $70 for the first organizational attendee, and $60 for each additional organizational attendee. The deadline to register is March 2, with early bird registration closing on Feb. 13. For more information, visit www.womensfund.net.

Casino Royale Fundraiser

March 14: For persons who enjoy gambling for a great cause, consider CityStage’s annual fundraiser, Casino Royale, at the Sheraton Hotel in Springfield. Highlights of the affair include hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, live entertainment, prizes, a live auction, a 50/50 raffle, and a mystery raffle. Single tickets are $100, which includes $400 in gaming money. There are also special rates for groups of 10 or more, as well as VIP tickets for $150 each. Casino Royale begins at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call (413) 788-7646. Pit Boss sponsors are Berkshire Bank, Hampden Bank, MassMutual Financial Group, Mercy Medical Center, and United Bank.

Rock ‘n’ Roll & Management Styles

April 15: “Everything I Learned About Management, I Learned From Rock ‘n’ Roll” will be presented by James M. Wilson, III, Ph.D., assistant professor of Business at Bay Path College; and Gregory Jones, director of Cannes Associates Production Management. Wilson and Jones have been conducting research for three years on the production of live rock ‘n’ roll concerts featuring Metallica, Green Day, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson, among others, with a focus on how event management contributes to organizational theory. The free lecture at 7 p.m. will take place in the Breck Suite in Wright Hall at Bay Path College in Longmeadow. The event is part of the Kaleidoscope lecture series. For more information, call (413) 565-1066 or visit www.baypath.edu.

Women’s Professional Development

April 30: Bay Path College in Longmeadow will host the 14th annual Women’s Professional Development Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield. For more information, call (413) 565-1293 or visit www.baypath.edu.

By
Departments

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

Adams, Timothy W.
12 Farren Ave.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Allen, Derwood W.
Allen, Donna L.
203 Granby Road,Apt. #37
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/09

Arnold, Michael R.
1063 South Main St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/02/09

Baker, Stanley S.
1502 Allen St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Barnes, Bradley S.
Barnes, Ambert M.
a/k/a St. Amour, Amber
837 Partridgeville Road C
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Bertrand, Lynn S.
101 Peachstone Glen
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/09

Bessette, Andrea F.
32 Lavender Lane
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/09

Bosak, Kevin J.
Bosak, Angela L.
a/k/a Gingras, Angela L.
39 Starling Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/09

Breault, James
31 Kendall St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/08/09

Bunn, Gerald E.
33 Bradford Dr., Apt. 3
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/09

Burns, Jason Albert
Burns, Erica Rae
a/k/a Johnson, Erica
8 Hall Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/09

Cadieux, Joanne J.
P. O. Box 123
West Springfield, MA 01090
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Chalue, Ronald F.
Chalue, Nancy A.
6 Miles Morgan Court
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Crickenberger, James Edward
Crickenberger, Donna Marie
a/k/a Laprade, Donna Marie
14 Matthew Dr.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/09

Diaz Rivera, Maribel
129 Champlain St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/06/09

Doucette, Brenda Lori
337 Montcalm St., Apt 1
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

El Karim, Felipe
15 Main St.
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/09

Ferrindino, Gerald V.
Ferrindino, Carrie D.
72 Waid Road
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Forgette, Thomas R.
Forgette, Ursula
32 Cottonwood Lane
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/13/09

Gagliardi, Sharon A.
14 Roanoke St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Galarneau, Shawn
93 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Garcia, Geraldo
56 White Birch Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/09

Gaughan, David M.
Gaughan, Sheree L.
76 Roosevelt Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085-1056
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/09

Guiel, James
82 Jamrog Dr.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/09

Hartwell, Brian E.
96 Monson Road
Wales, MA 01081
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/05/09

Hashem, Mohamad N.
Hashem, Marcia A.
40 McGregory Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Holmes, Donna L.
6 Bridge St.
Monson, MA 01057
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Hoyt, Scott
110 Frontenac St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Katralis, David N.
Patria, Leslie A.
126 Fish St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Kenefick, Rolande M.
483 Dickinson St
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Klein, Brendan R.
P.O. Box 527
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/09

Kumor, Tracy Lee
151 Slater Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/09

Lander, Jennifer S.
a/k/a Phair, Jennifer
a/k/a Pafenbach, Jennifer
P.O. Box 848
Pittsfield, MA 01202
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/09

  

Lavallee, Sherry L.
244 Church St.
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/14/09

LaViolette, Carol A.
81 Andersen Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Lepoer, Sithra C.
6 Belanger St.
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/04/09

Marvici, Anthony
89 Kensington St.
Agawam, MA 01030
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/03/09

McLain, Thomas I.
McLain, Linda M.
31 Alquat St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/09

Metras, Lester R.
57 Harwich St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Meyers, Edward R.
307 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Miller, Michael Joseph
Paradis-Miller, Kimberly C.
265 Prospect St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Mitchkoski, Linda Ann
23 Potyrala Cross Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/09

Muhammad, Alamin
Muhammad, Fadilah
158 Victoria Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Murray, Kim M.
a/k/a Pappaceno, Kim
a/k/a Campbell, Kim
10 Crescent Hill
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/09

Noble Freighlines, LLC
McCoy, Scott Wallace
McCoy, Krina S.
44 Verde Dr.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/15/09

Norris, Brian A.
Rule, Catherine
a/k/a Rule-Norris, Catherine
PO Box 23
Leeds, MA 01053
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/13/09

Nyanjui, Damaris
183 Middle St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/15/09

O’Neill, Michael W.
204 Silver St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Parenteau, Lorie M.
a/k/a Hamel, Lorie M.
70 Riley Switch Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Pasini, Amy K.
104 Belvidere St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/07/09

Pchelka, Vladislav A.
Pchelka, Zhanna
4 Eagle Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Penn, Jennyffer E.
30 Myrtle St., Apt. D2
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/07/09

Perry-Cooney, Anna Mae
316 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Praise and Glory Church
Praise and Glory Ministry
339 State St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Chapter: 11
Filing Date: 01/13/09

Price, Ludlow A.
Price, Gail E.
46 Delaware Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/03/09

Quinlan, James D.
Quinlan, Lozia A.
1760 Westover Road
Trailer 29
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/08/09

Russo, Chester W.
Russo, Caroline E.
83 McArthur St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Slater, Henry Clive
161 Pelham Road
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/06/09

Tierney, Joanne M.
19 State St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Walbridge, Jason A.
311 Wilbraham Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/14/09

Wallace, Ronald
Wallace, Linda M.
256 Boston Road
Spingfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/12/09

Walter, Christina A.
81 Bairdcrest Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Whitley, David W.
5 Berkshire Circle
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/09/09

Wright, Aretha M.
25 Shawmut St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 01/05/09

Wright, Christopher J.
Wright, Teri L.
7 Quinn Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 01/02/09

By
Departments

Car Sales Tumble in January

NEW YORK — Rental car companies pulling back on purchases was the latest problem plaguing the auto industry in January, with sales plunging 38%. The auto-sales drop last month was the worst since 1982. Auto executives attribute the decline in fleet sales to a decline in demand for travel and rental cars. Ford inventories were 420,000 vehicles at the end of January, which is 156,000 vehicles lower than a year ago.  During the past 12 months, Ford’s inventories were reduced by 27% — consistent with the company’s sales decline (22%) during this same period. Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury sales totaled 90,596 in January, down 39% versus a year ago. Retail sales to individual customers were down 27%. Fleet sales were down 65% including a 90% decline in sales to daily rental customers. Ford and industry sales in January were consistent with Ford planning assumptions. Ford expects new, recent, and future fiscal and monetary actions to help improve conditions in the second half of the year. Driven by an 80% reduction in fleet sales, General Motors dealers in the U.S. delivered 129,227 vehicles in January, down 49% compared with a year ago. Retail sales were off 38%, but retail market share held steady compared with December. GM’s retail share performance was assisted by reduced-rate APR financing capacity through GMAC and a GM loyalty cash offer. GM January total car sales of 43,943 were off 58%, and total truck sales of 85,284 were down 42% compared with a year ago. GM has announced reductions in first quarter production to adjust inventories for marketplace demand. For Toyota, January sales of 117,287 vehicles represented a decrease of 34.4% from last January, on a daily-selling-rate basis. The Toyota Division posted January sales of 102,565 units, a decrease of 34.9% from last January. The Lexus Division reported January sales of 14,722 units, a decrease of 30.3% from a year ago. The sales results were all worse than Edmunds.com, a sales tracker, had predicted. For the year, Edmunds.com expects a 30% decline in year-over-year sales for the auto industry.

Easthampton Plant Sheds Jobs

EASTHAMPTON — Berry Plastics officials have been mum about the exact number of workers it recently laid off, but estimates range from 100 to 150, according to Thomas W. Brown, chairman of the city’s Economic Development Commis-sion. Berry Plastics is the largest employer in the city, and Brown estimates the layoff represented nearly 30% of its workforce. The factory on O’Neil Street makes tubes for the cosmetic and food industries. Current production figures were unavailable at press time. Brown noted that the company had been shedding jobs for years, both as Berry Plastics and under previous owners. Berry Plastics is owned by an investment firm based in New York City, and has announced an $80 million expansion plan for its Evansville, Ill., plant that could translate into 150 new jobs. The expansion project will allow the company to make plastic cups and similar products. On a related note, since Berry officials did not lay off more than 33% of its active work force, they were not required to give 60 days notice to employees and to local, state, and federal governments under the Worker Readjustment and Training Act. U.S. Sen. John F. Kerry, D-Mass., is among the federal lawmakers who are working to change the law which would call for 90 days notice and require notification for any layoff of more than 100 and any layoff of 50 to 99 if it equals a third of the work force. Town officials and regional business leaders are currently working together in the hopes of securing a tax-incentive program or workforce-training grant that will assist Berry in keeping the remainder of the jobs in Easthampton.

Friendly Axes 13

WILBRAHAM — Thirteen office workers from Friendly Ice Cream Corp. headquarters were recently laid off. Company officials noted that field staff and restaurant workers were not affected by the layoffs. Since 1935, when the first Friendly’s Ice Cream shop in Springfield was opened, the company has grown to 505 corporate owned and franchised restaurants.

UMass Forms Task Force on Reorganization

AMHERST — A task force of department chairs and faculty has been formed by UMass Chancellor Robert C. Holub to advise the administration on a proposed academic reorganization that calls for eliminating four colleges and creating two new ones. In an all-campus E-mail sent Feb. 3, Holub said the Task Force on Reorganization (TFR) will include representatives from the colleges of Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Resources and the Environment, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social and Behavioral Sciences. The panel is being led by Jane Fountain, professor of Political Science and Public Policy. Holub is asking the task force to examine the idea of creating a new College of Arts and Sciences, a model that was suggested at the general faculty meeting on Jan. 29. The panel will deliberate on the proposed actions and respond to the chancellor by March 6. Under the chancellor’s proposal, the colleges of Humanities and Fine Arts, Natural Resources and the Environment, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, and Social and Behavioral Sciences would be reconstituted into two new units, which Holub is referring to as the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences and the College of Natural Sciences. Holub is also proposing that Resource Economics shift to the Isenberg School of Management and that the School of Nursing retain its autonomy and have an associate dean or an executive director from among its current faculty, but that it be administered through a renamed College of Public Health and Health Sciences. On the financial side, Holub said various models project potential savings of $1.3 million to $1.5 million per year. The chancellor added he does not want to cause undue panic among individuals working in the current colleges about their jobs. “As you may know, I have promised the unions on campus that I will not announce any layoffs until the campus has more information on fees and federal money, both of which will be essential in determining how we move forward this year and next year,” he said.

January Job Losses Worst in 34 Years

NEW YORK — Both the number of unemployed people (11.6 million) and the unemployment rate (7.6%) rose in January, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. Over the past 12 months, the number of unemployed people has increased by 4.1 million, and the unemployment rate has risen by 2.7 percentage points. The unemployment rate continued to trend upward in January for adult men (7.6%), adult women (6.2%), whites (6.9%), blacks (12.6%), and Hispanics (9.7%). The jobless rate for teenagers was unchanged at 20.8%. The unemployment rate for Asians was 6.2% in January, not seasonally adjusted. Among the unemployed, the number of job losers and people who completed temporary jobs increased to 7 million in January. This measure has grown by 3.2 million during the last 12 months. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little-changed at 2.6 million in January. Over the past 12 months, the number of long-term unemployed was up by 1.3 million. The number of people unemployed less than five weeks rose to 3.7 million in January. The number of people who worked part-time for economic reasons was essentially unchanged in January at 7.8 million; however, this measure was up by 3.1 million over the past 12 months.

Judd Wire Cuts Staff

MONTAGUE — Less than a year after its celebration of 20- and 55-year anniversaries with employees, Judd Wire Inc. laid off 15 of its 275 workers in early February. In a company statement, Judd Wire noted that the layoffs were due to declining demand for cars and trucks. The company manufactures wire for Ford F-150 trucks, Hondas, Hyundais, and products including iPods. In addition, Judd Wire makes wire for B-2 bombers and other aircraft. In 2008, Judd Wire celebrated its 55th anniversary of Thomas Judd founding the firm in Turners Falls, as well as the 20th anniversary of Judd becoming a member of its parent company, Sumitomo Electric Industries. In addition to the 15 workers, Judd Wire had previously terminated its temporary employees.

By
Departments

The following building permits were issued during the months of January and February 2009.

CHICOPEE

Charter Communications
354 Sheridan St.
$9,400 — Install new shingles

CVS
235 Center St.
$1,203,900 — Construction of a new pharmacy

Dimeo Properties
70 Broadway
$140,000 — Structural repairs from fire

G.K.R.R. Associates
305 Broadway
$8,400 — Strip and re-roof

Lorraines’s Soup Kitchen
170 Pendexter Ave.
$175,000 — Construction of soup kitchen and pantry

EASTHAMPTON

Lisa L. Fusco
95 Main St.
$90,000 — Renovate first floor and basement in food establishment

GREENFIELD

Greenfield Corporate Center LLC
143 Munson Road
$850,000 — Interior fit up for office use

HOLYOKE

Holyoke Mall Company, LP
50 Holyoke St.
$259,000 — Remodel existing Foot Locker store

Holyoke Mall Company, LP
50 Holyoke St.
$137,000 — Remodel existing Kid’s Foot Locker store

LUDLOW

Don Cameron
148 Carmelinas Circle Bldg. #1
$90,000 — New construction

Don Cameron
148 Carmelinas Circle Bldg. #2
$90,000 — New construction

NORTHAMPTON

Ann Marie Moggio
238 Bridge St.
$5,000 — Replace with rubber roof

  

Colwell-Lafleur, LLC
191 Main St.
$27,000 — Non-structural interior renovations

Gordon Thorne
126 Main St.
$33,000 — Install solar electric system

Northampton Brewery
11 Brewster St.
$80,000 — Dormer renovation

Northampton Brewery
11 Brewster St.
$80,000 — HVAC and roof insulation

PowerTenInTwo, LLC
21 Conz St.
$34,000 — Install solar array system

Thornes Marketplace LLC
150 Main St.
$80,000 — Replace roof

SOUTH HADLEY

Intellicoat
28 Gaylord St.
$300,000 — Interior renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Five College Radio WFCR
15-19 Hampden St.
$204,000 — Interior renovations of existing space for new office and radio station

Gulmohur Corporation
550 Sumner Ave.
$10,000 — Repair damage to front entry caused by car

Sarmento J Paixao
496 Bridge St.
$4,500 — Repair weather related damage

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Aldo Bertera FLP
499 Riverdale St.
$375,000 — 3,480-square-foot renovation to existing auto dealership

Tenant Engineering Design Associates
11 Central St.
$16,000 — Tenant fit out includes painting, carpeting, and electrical

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

Juelies Fashion
1325 Springfield St.
Han D Hoang

J & H Headquarters Grill
485 Springfield St.
Joseph Herring

Northeast Real Estate Investments
417 Springfield St.
Scott Monson

Pandolfi Landscape Construction
31 Maple St.
Nocholas Pandolfi

AMHERST

Amherst Nails
9 East Pleasant St.
Xuan H. To

Jones Property & Limited Partnership
15A Pray St.
Gerald L. Jones

Reflexology for Health
180 Mechanic St.
Edward Kalen

CHICOPEE

Certified Homecare
333 Front St.
Jeffrey Tunstall

Pelikon
10 Center St.
Keith Smith

EASTHAMPTON

Evolv Fine Art Printing
116 Pleasant St.
Robert Caswell

P. J. Home Improvements, Etc.
27 West St.
Stanley Fondakowski, III

EAST LONGMEADOW

Perfect in Print
212 Vineland Ave.
Mary Indomenico

Pizza Shoppe
134 Shaker Road
Ralph and Anthony Giuggui

Suprena Oil
47 Avery St.
John & Rosemarie Czupryna

GREENFIELD

Greenfield Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine
164 High St.
Baystate Affiliated Practice, LLC

Hair It Is
42 Franklin St.
Wendi Jenene Rose

Yellow Hawks Journey
2A Bradford Dr.
Christopher Williams

HOLYOKE

Capri Pizza & Restaurant
18-20 Cabot St.
Fiore Santaniello

Classic Custom Muffler
54 Commercial St.
Anatoliy Purshaga

Dwight Market
910 Dwight St.
Oliver Quirde

Mama’s Pizza & Restaurant
420 High St.
Mohammid Tahir

Rainmaker Consulting
231 Madison Ave.
Laurie Herrick

NORTHAMPTON

Back Alley Artist
30 North Maple St.
Peita R. King

Florence I.T.
86 Florence Road
Matt Lampiagi

Just Up the Road Shin Care & Waxing
150 Main St.
Diana M. Cerutti

PALMER

McDonald’s Restaurant
1184 Thorndike St.
Roger & Pamela Facey

Paula’s Housekeeping & Home Making Service
60 Randall St.
Paula Ann Perry

Stephen’s Tree Service
1022 Chestnut St.
Shane Stephens

SOUTH HADLEY

Hadley Mart
2098 Memorial Ave.
Ashfa Shafiq

Jocy’s LLC
60 Bridge St.
John Brower

The 4th Dimension
8 Spring Meadows
Kenneth R. Schubert II

Yardhouse Food & Spirits
3 Hadley St.
Scott Marshall

SOUTHWICK

Infinity Builders
204 Hillside St.
Jeffrey Dargi

  

NE Bass Anglers
329 Garden St.
Willard Penny

SPRINGFIELD

Lucky Nails, LLC
415 Cooley St.
Chau K. Tu

M & C Remodeling
80 Chapin Terrace
Mark R. La Rose

Magee Remodeling Group
496 Bridge St.
Magee Construction

Optical Expressions LLC
1514 Allen St.
Shelia Gibbs

Phones-N-Such
121 Hartford Terrace
William Randall Clow

Pine Street Market
194 Pine St.
Jose Angel Saez-Natal

Princess Nails
1385 Liberty St.
Tram Thi Nguyen

Refrixcentro
1129 State St.
George Carrasquillo

Robert Montgomery Photography
284 Nassau Dr.
Robert Montgomery

Super Brush, LLC
800 Worcester St.
Cathy Marie Desorcy

The City Church
60 Sherman St.
Anthony C.L. Wirth

The Handy Helper
12 Arcadia Blvd.
LHS Enterprises LLC

The Service
25 Mattoon St.
Jason Cardona

The Traveling Toolbox
107 Carver St.
Alan G. Jarvis

Voicebox
1160 Main St.
Jamie Kalagher

WESTFIELD

American Nails
78 Elm St.
Thai H. Truong

A Time To Grow
6 Mainline Dr.
Cheryl Ouelette

BD Enterprises
1128 Western Ave.
James Waversak

DB Services
32 Linda Dr.
Donald Burrage

LHQ Danceforce
1029 North Road
Lynn Hadden-Quinn

Kosinski Farm
336 Russellville Road
Gene Kosinski

Real China
116 Elm St.
Shou Qi Liang

The Basement Guy LLC
31 Harvest Moon Lane
David Metcalf

Watchdog Consulting Services LLC
12 Blueberry Ridge
Brendan Wilson

Yola’s Caring Touch Massage
32 Main St.
Jolanta Abramczyk

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Boiler Emission Research
900 Riverdale St.
Kevin W. Gielser

Fran Johnson Inc.
21 Myron St.
Cindy Johnson

Gilbert & Handyman Service
65 Paulson Dr.
Norman S. Gilbert

Human Services Training Consultant
425 Union St.
Barbara Pummell

Memorial Pizza
1140 Memorial Ave.
Mohammed Alkhabi

Pension & Benefits Associates Inc.
131 Wayside Ave.
Mark F. Shea

Pioneer Valley Chimney Sweeps
362 Amostown Road
Thomas J. Cowell

Viper’s Nest Ink
1446 Riverdale St.
Stephen Sepke

Yarrows Construction
55 Prospect Ave.
Kevin Yarrows

By
Departments

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

AGAWAM

JEH Inc., 485B Springfield St. Agawam, MA 01001. Joseph E. Herring Jr., same. Bar and grill.

AMHERST

Optegen Incorporated, 433 West St., Suite 8B, Amherst, MA 01002. Jeannie E. Williams, same. Technology development.

Stakeholders Capital Inc., 216 Lincoln Ave., Amherst, MA 01002. Andrew Bellak, same. Investment Advisory activities.

Travel Financial LTD., 56 Hop Brook Road, Amherst, MA 01002. Elizabeth Travel, same. Consultant.

CHICOPEE

Gritty Entertainment Inc., 22 John St., Chicopee, MA 01013 Andre Johnson, same. To teach and develop individuals skills on producing professional records.

John B. Duncan Construction Inc., 20 Mount Carmel Ave. Chicopee, MA 01013. John Duncan, same. To educate consumers about construction trade and techniques.

HOLYOKE

RDM Freight Consultants Inc., 323 Sargeant St., Holyoke, MA 01040 David V. Mathes, same. Freight consulting.

LEE

Arcus Inc., 75 Orchard St., Lee, MA 01238 John N.S. Philp, same. To design software and to sell, service, fabricate, produce, manufacture, repair, alter, design, engineer, or refine products and components of all kinds, with material of all kinds.

  

LONGMEADOW

Cote Personal Training Inc., 66 Dwight Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Nathan Cote, same. Personal fitness training.

SPRINGFIELD

Caban Orthodontics, P.C., 1797 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103. Michael D. Caban, 19 Oak Hollow Dr., Longmeadow, MA 01106. To engage in the practice of
Orthondontics/dentistry and such ancillary services.

Dennis 2008 Inc., 1391 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103 Thomas P. Dennis, Jr., same. Providing construction service and related engineering.

SOUTHWICK

McGarrity Inc., 6 North Pond Road, Southwick, MA 01077. Mark M. Garrity, same. To operate an ATM franchise and deal with the purchase and sale of real estate.

SOUTHAMPTON

Pease Plumbing & Heating Inc., 62 Brickyard Road Ext., Southampton, MA 01073. Daniel Jason Pease, same. Installation and repair of plumbing and heating.

WILBRAHAM

Practical Design Inc., 18 Westwood Dr. Wilbraham, MA 01095 Thomas F. Langevin, same.To engage in the business of tool and drafting services, machine design and controls, robot integration, tooling and fixturing of automated machines, and provide consulting services regarding the same.

By
Departments

PeoplesBank in Holyoke announced the following:
• Lynne A. Gino has been promoted to Vice President, Compliance and Security. Gino previously served as Assistant Vice President, Compliance and Security for PeoplesBank, and has more than 29 years of banking experience;
• Nadine M. Maggi has been promoted to Assistant Vice President, Consumer Lending. Maggi currently serves as a Loan Service Manager for PeoplesBank and has more than 15 years of banking experience;
• Brian J. Smith has been promoted to Vice President, Loan Review. Smith previously served as the Assistant Vice President, Loan Review for PeoplesBank, and has more than 30 years of banking experience, and
• Lauren E. Tabin has been promoted to Assistant Vice President. Tabin currently serves as Branch Officer of the Elmwood office in Holyoke, and has more than 10 years of banking experience.

•••••

Michael Paysnick has been named Executive Director at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. Before his appointment, Paysnick served as Assistant Executive Director for 20 years at the center.

•••••

Ronald I. Gross, MD, FACS, has joined the Department of Surgery at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He will serve as Chief of the newly formed Division of Trauma and Emergency Surgery. He will also see patients who are candidates for surgery as a member of Baystate Surgical Associates. Gross earned his medical degree at New York University School of Medicine and completed his general surgical residency and cardiovascular research fellowship at New York University/Bellevue Medical Center, where he also served as chief resident.

•••••

Cinda Jones has been named 2009 President of the Massachusetts Forest Landowners Assoc. based in Leverett. Jones is President of the ninth-generation, North Amherst-based Cowls Land and Lumber Co.

•••••

William Raveis Real Estate, Mortgage & Insurance, LLC in Longmeadow announced the following individuals have joined the agency as Realtors and will work out of the sales office at the Shops at 36 Center Square, East Longmeadow: Roberta Orenstein, Linda Fiore, Bill Fiore, Marthe Beauchamp, Moira Murphy, Anita Taylor, Christine Swanson, Tim Tufts, and Ken Corbett.

•••••

MassMutual’s Retirement Services Division in Springfield has appointed Tom Cremona to Vice President of Client Relationship Management.

•••••

Olivia S. Moson has been promoted to Contact Center Supervisor in the Direct Banking Department at TD Banknorth in Springfield. She is responsible for providing quality feedback to team agents concerning aspects of their overall work performance, and coaching, inspiring and motivating individuals to deliver a positive banking experience to telephone banking customers.

•••••

Gary Miville, branch manager of the Springfield office of Securitas Security Services, USA Inc., has been named Assistant Regional Vice President of ASIS International, the largest organization for security professionals, with more than 36,000 members worldwide. Miville, who served as chair of the Western Mass. ASIS chapter for two years, will now cover that chapter as well as the one in Connecticut.

•••••

The Polish National Credit Union announced the following:
• Carol A. Desrosiers has been named Branch Manager of the new full-service branch on College Highway in Southampton;
• Heather Huot has been named Assistant Manager of the Southampton branch, and
• Sarah Harrington has been named Head Teller at the Southampton branch.

•••••

Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, P.C. of Springfield and Northampton announced the following lawyers have been selected for inclusion to the New England and Massachusetts Super Lawyers for 2008: Stephen A. Shatz, Steven J. Schwartz, Gary S. Fentin, Timothy P. Mulhern, Ann I. Weber, Steven Weiss, and Carol Cioe Klyman. Weber has also been recognized by Boston magazine as one of the top 50 women lawyers in Massachusetts.

•••••

Karen C. King of the Karen King Group in Wilbraham recently represented the United States in Toronto at a Remax Real Estate conference on the state of the global real-estate market. King spoke to 3,000 agents regarding the U.S. market over the past two years. King is the top Remax agent in the Pioneer Valley and among the top 5% nationwide.

By
Departments

Outlook 2009

The Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield sponsored its annual Outlook event at Chez Josef in Agawam on Feb. 9. Left: Keynote speaker U.S. Rep. Jim Tanner (D-Tenn.) cautioned of the dangers of a soaring national debt, yet issued his support for the $800 billion federal stimulus bill. Top right: Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno said strong education and public safety are at least as critical to healthy communities as economic development. Bottom right: Among the hundreds of attendees were Sue Mastroianni (left) a principal with Fitzgerald & Mastroianni, and Mary DeLiso of ABC 40.

Black History Month

Honorees at the Black History Month opening event at Springfield Technical Community College on Feb. 4 included, from left, Massachusetts Electoral College delegation President Ray Jordan Jr.; Jordan’s wife, Donna; Ron Copes, chairman of the STCC Board of Trustees; and Myra Smith, STCC’s Vice President for Human Resources and Multicultural Affairs.

By
Departments

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

Alban, Orly A.
2118 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Allis, Earle Charles
Allis, Shirley May
777 Pine Meadow Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Blair Sarlan, Marla S.
18 Letendre Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Book Your Life Publishing
Hayes, Thomas Patrick
Hayes, Kelli Ann
428 Michael Sears Road
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Bouchard, Gloria J.
6 Ross St.
Indian Orchard, MA 01151
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Bourdon, Marion C.
223 Greystone Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Bradeen, Carol A.
434 Crescent St.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Briggs, Gerard H.
51 Brookfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/30/08

Britt, Karen M.
22 Rachel St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Cheney, Dorine A.
a/k/a Perez, Dorine A.
a/k/a Cheney-Toole, Dorine
a/k/a King, Dorine
81 South Maple St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/08

Cheney, Jonathan A.
P.O. Box 185
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/08

Chouinard, Darlene D.
a/k/a Seigiel, Darlene D.
P.O. Box 253
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Cigal, Kimberly J.
a/k/a Walsh, Kimberly J.
480 Pochassic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Cody, Dorothy M.
61 Harvey St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Cohen, Amy L.
167 Hopkins Place
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/22/08

Cruz, Edith B.
35 Dwight Road
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Cruz, Victor
Cruz, Daisy E.
36 Jimmy Court
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Dawson, Christopher Michael
670 McKinstry Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/08

Delvental, Ceil E.
86 Cheney St.
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/08

Dulude, Maureen D.
a/k/a Flanagan, Maureen D.
6 Meadowood Dr.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Edge, Emma M.
45 Dunmoreland St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Edwards, Debora
6 Cycle St., Apt. D
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Edwards, Felicia M.
44 Carnavon Circle
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/22/08

Foster, Matthew Edward
3 Charron St.
Turners Falls, MA 01376
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Gaudette, Steven P.
Gaudette, Carrie A.
a/k/a Gramarossa, Carrie Ann
1521 Parker St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Gomez, Joel
Gomez, Iveth A.
29 Kendall St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/08

Hackett, Kevin W.
P.O. Box 64
Goshen, MA 01032
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Henley, Lloyd
22 Salem Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Hubbard, Jeffrey A.
138 Crane Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Hughes, Cheryl A.
a/k/a Menendez, Cheryl Ann
43 Prospect St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Hunter, Melinda Ann
182 Northampton St., A
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Illingsworth, Megan Lee
a/k/a LaFountain, Megan Lee
411 Westhampton Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/29/08

J&S Cleaning Service
Yelinek, Sheryl Anne
Yelinek, James Jeffrey
27 Rising St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Johnston, Jean M.
290 East St., Apt. 7
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/08

Kelley, Cynthia E.
470 North Farms Road
Florence, MA 01062
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Kenyon, Bruce D.
82 Grover St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Kirchner, Dominic N.
Kirchner, Sarah J.
15 Princeton St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Kuruca, Ali Ihsan
821 East St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Lausier, Mark A.
Lausier, Catherine A.
21 Fairfield St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/08

Le, Binh H.L.
Nguyen, Vanessa
15 Dow St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08		  

LeBlanc, David L.
LeBlanc, Karen L.
111 Brickyard Road
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Liebenow, Charles A.
3 Jones Ave.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Lueb, Adam P.
29 Lester St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Lyons, Barbara L.
106 Stony Hill Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095-1036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Martinez, Blanca E.
1060 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Martino, John
Martino, Colleen
a/k/a Adams, Colleen C.
22 Abbey St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Mitchell, Jill A.
32 Fairfield St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Molloy, Stephen L.
Molloy, Michele P.
a/k/a Bilquez, Michele P.
69 College St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Moore, Jeanne E.
887 Homestead Ave
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Murphy, Scott T.
28 Joseph Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Nicely, Danny L.
Nicely, Catherine M.
64 Agnes St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Parker, Breon L.
546 Tinkham Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Pelletier, Wayne John
16 Ridge Hill Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/30/08

Petell, Paul P.
Petell, Allegra E.
a/k/a Hayes, Allegra
24 Viviani St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Peterson, Gary Allen
948 Dwight St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/08

Pirrone, Michael F.
57 Mellinger Lane
Chicopee, MA 01022
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Provost, Tara Ann
154 Canon Circle
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Rae, Albert H.
99 Farnum Dr.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Reilly, Sean T.
101 Granby St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/17/08

Rivera, Elizabeth
453 Tokeneke Road
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/31/08

Rivera, Francisco Daniel
163 Groveland St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Rood, Sean C.
34 Bates Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

Rossetti, Louis A.
1491 Westfield St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/24/08

Rubin, Bruce G.
Rubin, Susan M.
45 Sherman Hill Road
Ware, MA 01082
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Ryan, Beth A.
243 Nonotuck Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Sahler, Martin
Sahler, Talia B.
145 Holyoke St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/30/08

Scott, Brian Elvin
82 King St., Apt. 2
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Shannon, Charlene M.
18 Villa Lane
Chicopee, MA 01013
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Shcherbachuk, Vera Ivanovna
152 Nonotuck St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Singer, Gary L.
65 Greylock Ave.
North Adams, MA 01247
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Slakteris, John Janis
198 North Main Road
Post Office Box 547
Otis, MA 01253
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Slattery, Margaret J.
121 Maybrook Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/16/08

Stack, Branden James
10 Colorado Ave.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/18/08

Stoeckard, Michael James
Stoeckard, Virginia Frances
1390 Memorial Ave., Apt. D
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/17/08

Sullivan, David
Sullivan, Luz Eneida
69 Redlands St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Vallieres, Gerard A.
Vallieres, Dianne L.
4 North Hoosac St.
Adams, MA 01220
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/24/08

Wadsworth, Earl John
Wadsworth, Elle
69 Belmont Ave.
Northampton, MA 01060
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/29/08

Walker, William S.
Walker, Antonette P.
118 Everett Road
Barre, MA 01005
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/23/08

Weber, Christopher W.
Weber, Teresa R.
172 Newhouse St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 12/19/08

By
Departments

State Foreclosures Soar 62% in 2008

BOSTON — Foreclosure activity in Massachusetts surged 62.4% in 2008 compared to 2007 and was nearly four times the level seen in 2006, according to the Warren Group, publisher of Banker & Tradesman. A total of 12,430 foreclosure deeds were recorded last year, up from 7,653 in 2007 and 3,130 in 2006. In December, there were 936 foreclosure deeds, a 5.4% increase from November’s 888 deeds and a 37% increase from the 683 deeds in December 2007. December marked the fourth consecutive month in 2008 that foreclosure deeds fell under 1,000. The bulk of the foreclosures — nearly 60% — occurred from March through August, when more than 1,000 foreclosure deeds were recorded each month. In Hampden County, there were 1,040 completed mortgage foreclosures, up 41.7% compared with the 734 foreclosures noted in 2007. Foreclosure petitions, the first step in the foreclosure process, ended the year below the level reported in 2007. Lenders filed 21,804 foreclosure petitions in 2008, down 26.3% from 2007, when there were 29,572 foreclosure petitions. The dropoff is linked to a law that went into effect last year that requires lenders wanting to initiate a foreclosure to give delinquent borrowers 90 days to pay off mortgage-loan defaults. The Warren Group also tracked 19,270 auction announcements in 2008, a 32.5% increase from 14,546 in 2007, and 189.4% higher than the 6,659 auction announcements reported in 2006. Auction announcements in December climbed 6.3% to 1,206 from 1,134 in November and 11.6% from 1,081 during the same month a year earlier.

Ad Club Seeks ADDY Award Entries

SPRINGFIELD — The Advertising Club of Western Mass. (ACWM) is now seeking entries for the 2009 ADDY Awards. The annual competition recognizes creative excellence in Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties in all media, including print, broadcast, interactive, out-of-home, and public-service advertising. The competition is a three-tier national contest conducted annually by the American Advertising Federation. Entry in the ACWM ADDY competition is the first step toward winning a national/international ADDY. A panel of advertising experts will select winners in Springfield on Feb. 19. To be eligible for consideration for an ADDY, all work must have first appeared in the media between Jan. 1 and December 31, 2008. All ACWM ADDY entries must be registered online, submitted in person, and paid in full by 5 p.m. on Feb. 12 to Insurance Center of New England, 246 Park St., West Springfield. For mandatory online registration, rules, categories, and entry information, visit www.adclubwm.org. All ADDY award winners will be recognized at the 2009 ADDY Awards Red Carpet Gala on March 12 at CityStage in Springfield.

Yankee Candle Restructuring, Closing Stores

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The Yankee Candle Co. recently announced a restructuring plan that will result in the termination of approximately 330 employees, as well as the closing of its 28 Illuminations stores and the discontinuation of the related Illuminations consumer-direct business. The company acquired the Illuminations business, which was primarily located on the West Coast, in 2006. Chairman and CEO Craig W. Rydin noted in a release that decisions like these affect employees “are very difficult ones.” He added that company officials believe that the actions being taken, while difficult, are in the best interests of the company, its employees, and equity holders.

Connecticut River Byway Grant Awarded

WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) has been awarded a National Scenic Byways grant of $976,000 for work to protect scenic lands along the Connecticut River Scenic Farm Byway in Hadley and South Hadley. The grant, which was provided by the Federal Highway Administration, was the only National Scenic Bylaws grant awarded in Massachusetts and the fifth-largest grant in the U.S., out of 221 grants awarded. The total project funding will be $1,220,000, including matching funds provided by communities, state agencies, and land trusts. The project was supported by the Hadley and South Hadley boards of selectmen and conservation commissions, Congressman John Olver, and the Porter Phelps Huntington Foundation. The Connecticut River Scenic Farm Byway follows Route 47 from South Hadley center through Hadley, and continues north through Franklin County and into Vermont and New Hampshire, traversing a historic pastoral landscape with views of the Connecticut River. The grant funds will be used to work with landowners who volunteer to protect important scenic land parcels along the byway through selling agricultural preservation restrictions or conservation restrictions. PVPC has also applied, with the support of the Franklin Regional Council of Governments and the towns of Hadley, South Hadley, Sunderland, Montague, Northfield, and Erving, to have the scenic farm byway designated as a National Scenic Byway. The designation would extend to state Routes 47 and 63, which are already designated as state scenic byways. The national designation would improve opportunities for grants to protect the byway, but would not impose any new regulations along the byway.

State Officials Off on January Tax-collection Projections

BOSTON — Through Jan. 15, month-to-date tax collections totaled $857 million, down $248 million from the same period in January 2008, with the full-month January benchmark projecting a decrease of $434 million from January 2008, according to the state Department of Revenue. The month-to-date decline through Jan. 15 was primarily attributed to the drop in income-tax estimated payments, which were down $253 million from the same period in January 2008, most likely caused by a decline in tax-year 2008 capital-gains taxes. A decline in capital-gains taxes was reflected in the revised January 2009 benchmark, which projects a $308 million drop in income-tax estimated payments for the full month. Historically, most of the change in January estimated payments has occurred in the first half of the month, as the department processes payments mailed by Dec. 31. Month-to-date withholding taxes through Jan. 15, 2009 totaled $438 million, down $9 million from the same period a year ago, compared to the revised benchmark estimate that projects a withholding decline of $104 million for the full month. Department officials note that Jan. 15 was too early in the month to make any judgments regarding January sales-tax collections, which are due on Jan. 20 of each month and reflect December sales. For the full month of January 2009, sales-tax collections are projected to decline by $27 million from January 2008 due to expected weakness in holiday-season sales as well as one fewer deposit day this month. January is not a significant month for corporate and business taxes, as there are no estimated payments with final tax returns due for most corporations, according to department officials.

By
Departments

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

CHICOPEE

Callaway Golf Ball Operations
425 Meadow St.
$31,000 — Room addition

Chicopee Rest Home
12 Dallaire St.
$27,000 — Roof repair

Padgette Street LLC
140 Padgette St.
$95,000 — Tenant fit-up for office spaces and warehouse area

Service Net
724 McKinstry Ave.
$10,000 — Roof repair

Tabernacle Baptist Church
603 New Ludlow Road
$6,200 — New roof

Valley West School
269 Moore St.
$6,000 — Construct greenhouse

EASTHAMPTON

Autumn Properties, LLC
247-251 Northampton St.
$5,200 — Repair wall and replace siding

Midura & Szostak Dental Offices
5 Campus Lane
$15,300 — Renovate office building

GREENFIELD

A. R. Sandri Inc.
400 Chapman St.
$15,000 — Remove existing shingles from fascia and replace with asphalt

New England Learning Center
479 Main St.
$11,900 — Re-roof

HOLYOKE

701 Kelly Way, LLC
707 Kelly Way
$1,460,000 — Build a 13,214-square-foot pre-engineered metal building

Laundro Max – 556 High Street, LLC
556 High St.
$20,000 — Build foundation only for new retail building

LUDLOW

John Chaves
80 Sroka Lane
$10,000 — Alterations

United Development Group LLD
562 Holyoke St.
$80,000 — Alterations

  

NORTHAMPTON

Central Chambers Realty Trust
16 Center St.
$10,000 — Remove two non-bearing walls and install suspended ceiling

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St.
$36,000 — Interior renovations

Cooley Dickinson Hospital
30 Locust St.
$6,500 — Strip and shingle roof

Lathrop Community Inc.
680 Bridge St.
$237,000 — Reside buildings 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 15, and16

Mananto Holdings LLP
36 King St.
$6,000 — Erect roof structure

Marianne Dunn
39 Carlon Dr.
$11,000 — Construct six office/room spaces

Smith College
123 Elm St.
$225,000 — Install air conditioning system and replace windows in ground-floor offices

Smith College
17 Prospect St.
$184,000 — Lamont House dining room renovations

SPRINGFIELD

Baystate Medical Center
759 Chestnut St.
$50,000 — Renovate office space

Beacon Company LTD Partnership
401 North Branch Pkwy.
$60,000 — Interior and exterior fire restoration

Northgate LLC
1985 Main St.
$70,000 — Interior commercial remodel

WESTFIELD

KJK Wireless
15 Washington St.
$25,000 — Antenna addition

WEST SPRINGFIELD

DDRM Riverdale Shops, LLC
935 Riverdale St.
$110,000 — Fit out 3,667 square feet of space as dental office

John Richard
54-56 Bridge St.
$128,000 — Restoration of building after fire