Company Notebook

Paragus IT Makes Inc. 5,000 Ranking

HADLEY — Inc. magazine recently named Paragus IT to its annual ranking of the 5,000 fastest-growing businesses. With a 232% growth rate between 2008 and 2011, Paragus is the second-fastest-growing outsourced IT firm in New England. Since CEO Delcie Bean founded the company at the age of 13, Paragus has grown from a one-man operation to a regional leader in business computer service, consulting, and information-technology support. And, despite a sluggish economy, Paragus IT continues to thrive and expand. The company now employs a staff of 24 and has recently added a satellite office in the backyard of its Russell Street headquarters to accommodate the growth.

 

United Bank Again Named Top SBA Lender to Women

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Richard Collins, president and CEO of United Bank, announced that the bank was named the state’s “#1 Lender to Women” by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). This is the second consecutive year United has earned this honor. Of all participating SBA lenders, United once again approved the highest percentage of total loans to women in fiscal year 2012. “We are always eager to help women in business achieve their goals,” said Collins. “Their success is always significant to the growth of the economy, and their contributions are more vital than ever in today’s economic environment.” Barbara-Jean DeLoria, senior vice president of commercial and retail lending, said there is a reason for the bank’s success. “We have a team in place that is personally committed to making United Bank the number-one choice for local residents and businesses. We promise, and we deliver, the most responsive and attentive service, competitive rates, and fast answers.” United Bank has 16 branch offices and two express drive-up branches in the Springfield region of Western Mass.; six branches in the Worcester region of Central Mass., with a seventh branch to open in Northborough this month; and 15 branches in Connecticut’s Hartford, Tolland, New Haven, and Litchfield counties. The bank also operates loan-production offices in Beverly, Mass. and Glastonbury, Conn.

 

DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology Honored

LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. — Modern Salon Media has named the 2012 class of Excellence in Education honorees in its annual program recognizing leadership and best practices among cosmetology schools. DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology in West Springfield was chosen to represent excellence in the category of ‘school culture.’ This category recognizes unique programs offered to enhance the cosmetology-school experience and to foster the personal development and growth of students. Modern Salon Publisher Steve Reiss announced the honorees during the 2012 AACS (American Assoc. of Cosmetology Schools) annual convention in Orlando last fall. Hundreds of entries were submitted from cosmetology schools across North America, in eight categories ranging from marketing to placement to school culture. Honorees were determined based on school size and number of locations, with one overall honoree chosen from a list of finalists within each category. “We are absolutely dedicated to providing our students with education at the highest level,” said Paul DiGrigoli, president and CEO of DiGrigoli School of Cosmetology. “Beyond the standard cosmetology curriculum, we offer ‘Life Skills’ personal-development classes and feature guest educators at the top of their respective fields within the beauty industry. We also offer business classes, such as ‘How to Own and Operate Your Own Salon,’ and much more. I am so proud of my dedicated team of instructors and administrators, who devote their very best to our students.”

 

AirFlyte Inc. Acquired by Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services

BEDFORD — Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services recently announced the acquisition of AirFlyte Inc. of Westfield, a full-service executive-terminal fixed-base operator with state-of-the-art maintenance and hangar facilities. “We’re pleased to welcome AirFlyte’s employees into the Rectrix family,” said Thomas Russell, executive chairman of Rectrix Commercial Aviation Services (RECAS). “The substantial reputation enjoyed by AirFlyte is consistent with our company’s mission of offering high-quality services to all aviation segments in which we operate. Further, this acquisition represents a strategic link in the East Coast expansion of RECAS.” Terms of the acquisition were for an undisclosed sum of cash. AirFlyte founder Gary Potts will remain as president of AirFlyte. The company maintains a respected FAA Part 145 certified repair station. AirFlyte’s capabilities include maintenance of most corporate jet aircraft within its 43,000-square-foot facility at Westfield’s Barnes Regional Airport. AirFlyte can fulfill other needs, such as professional photo shoots and interior restorations. AirFlyte’s premier FBO provides business suites, concierge services, crew lounge, quiet rooms, refueling services, aircraft de-icing, and the availability of a conference center. “AirFlyte has been providing premier service to the executive traveler since 1988. By becoming a part of the Rectrix family of companies, we have the opportunity to grow further and do even more for our loyal clients,” said Potts. “We are extremely excited about our future with Rectrix.”