Company Notebook
Normandeau Communications Changes Name to Normandeau Technologies
WEST SPRINGFIELD — In a strategic move designed to better convey the company’s full range of products and services, Normandeau Communications recently changed its name to Normandeau Technologies Inc. “It is our goal to have our name reflect more than just communications, but the entire breadth of solutions provided — telephone systems, structured cabling, networking, carrier and Internet services, mobility solutions, surveillance, call accounting, overhead paging, and messaging on hold,” said Kim Durand, director of sales for the company. “Our dedication toward building relationships with our customers and technical expertise has led us to become valued partners in decision-making processes for all their technology needs.” As part of its efforts to educate business owners and managers on the latest technology and how to take full advantage of it, Normandeau will offer ‘Lunch & Learn’ meetings at its new technology and training facility, located at the company’s office at 2097 Riverdale St., West Springfield. “We look forward to serving our community and providing educational opportunities to learn more about how new technology can benefit our customers,” said Durand.
Ludlow Mills Awarded $200,0050 EPA Cleanup Grant
LUDLOW — The U.S. Department of Environmental Protection has awarded WestMass Area Development Corp., owner and developer of the Ludlow Mills project, a $200,000 brownfields cleanup grant, another sign of progress in the continuing redevelopment of the 1.4 million-square-foot redevelopment project. The grant was part of a competitive process, and Ludlow Mills is one of 18 projects in Massachusetts to receive EPA Region One grants in this round. Westmass will use the funding to immediately begin removing asbestos from old mill buildings on the site. Westmass President Kenn Delude said the funds will augment state funding from the Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs for environmental remediation work that did not cover the removal of asbestos. “This is another significant step forward in the redevelopment of the largest brownfield mill-redevelopment project in New England,” said Delude. Westmass recently announced two projects for the site — a $27 million initiative launched by HealthSouth to build a new rehabilitation hospital, and a $22 million, 83-unit senior independent-housing project.
WEEI Radio Awarded UMass Athletic Broadcast Rights
SPRINGFIELD — Sports Radio 105.5 WEEI-FM recently announced an exclusive partnership with UMass that makes it the official home of UMass football and basketball. The five-year agreement kicks off with the 2012 football season, which begins on Aug. 30 at the University of Connecticut. In addition to comprehensive game coverage, WEEI Springfield will host the UMass coaches shows, featuring The Charlie Molnar Show and The Derrick Kellogg Show. The agreement was brokered by Nelligan Sports marketing, the multi-media rights holder for UMass Athletics.
Columbia Gas Donates Blankets to Friends of the Homeless
SPRINGFIELD — Employees of Columbia Gas of Massachusetts visited the Friends of the Homeless shelter on Worthington Street in Springfield recently to donate 150 heavy-duty blankets to the shelter. Columbia Gas employees have adopted Friends of the Homeless as one of the local charitable organizations they will be supporting in 2012, said Andrea Luppi, manager of Communications and Community Relations. “In addition to the donation of blankets, once a month, a group of employees from all departments has volunteered to serve lunch at the shelter and spend some time getting to know the people there,” she said. “It gives everyone a good feeling to be able to do something for a group that needs and deserves some help.” Last year, Columbia Gas signed on as one of the primary sponsors of “Journey in My Shoes,” which was the first fund-raising event for Friends of the Homeless.
