Page 389 – BusinessWest

Baystate’s Jane Albert Embraces Change in Many Ways

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Sections Women in Businesss

Market Shift

From her early days in marketing, Jane Albert had a goal — to work in the field of healthcare, and specifically for Baystate Health, the region’s largest health system. To achieve that goal, and eventually be part of the organization’s senior leadership, she was willing to take risks, welcome new opportunities as they arose, and continually make connections — all the while never losing sight of who her customers are and how to most effectively meet their needs.

When she was 8 years old, Jane Albert was the only one of her friends allowed to ride her bike from her Springfield neighborhood all the way to City Line Pharmacy in East Longmeadow. She immediately saw the money-making possibilities.

“I would buy candy there and set up a table on my front lawn to sell candy to all the kids in my neighborhood, and I’d mark the candy up,” she said. “I evaluated the demand for certain types of candy; at first, I bought what I liked, but then I saw what they were buying.”

When someone would complain about the prices, she’d note they could easily ride to the pharmacy and buy their own. Except that they couldn’t.

What she didn’t realize at the time, she said, was that she was exercising the four ‘Ps’ of marketing that students of the subject learn in college: product, price, place, and promotion. “The candy was the price, and the price was the markup based on the demand. The place was local — my front yard — and promotion was word of mouth; kids rode their bikes around and said, ‘Jane’s selling candy.’”

While Albert didn’t know at the time that marketing and business development would become her career and driving passion, it’s easy now to look back and recognize an early aptitude for it — and the connecting threads between candy and healthcare as she settles into her latest role at Baystate Health, as senior vice president of Marketing, Communications & External Relations.

“It all goes back to that entrepreneurial spirit — even in healthcare, what do people want, and how do we deliver that and make them happy? And how do you determine what people want, or give them something they can’t get somewhere else?”

Her marketing career started in the 1990s with a moment of ‘bartering’ with Braman Chemical owner Jerry Lazarus, who was in her home on a pest-control call. “I shared ideas with him on how he could improve his marketing outreach. He was so taken with the ideas, he didn’t charge me. I thought, ‘oh, this is really valuable. I have good things to offer that I could package.’”

With a baby at the time, and a part-time teaching gig at what was then known as Western New England College, she launched a solo venture as a marketing consultant — something she could do with her skills and still be home with her family at night.

During that time, Albert developed a footprint across the Northeast and partnered with marketing and research firms and ad agencies to increase the value of what they brought clients. Some were more receptive that others — one client didn’t think she brought as much value working from home than someone with a “fancy office.”

“I said he was getting me 24/7 and wasn’t paying for overhead — just paying for brainpower,” she recalled. He challenged her by calling her at 6:45 one evening, when he figured she’d be cooking dinner. She took the call with one hand while stirring food on the stovetop with the other.

I’m always looking to the future and what’s next — I’m a visionary planner. And I knew my next step was not going to be a college president. So I asked, what’s next for me?”

Meanwhile, she was proving her value in other ways as well. While teaching at WNEC, she developed a plan to create a marketing department. Later, “the president called and said, ‘we like what you did. Will you be our first director of marketing?” She took that job, and when current President Anthony Caprio came on board, he promoted Albert to vice president of Advancement and Marketing.

She liked that job, though she missed the classroom culture, that moment of seeing the lights go on for a student who made a connection between the textbook and real life. “But I was able to promote a good school, and that was gratifying as well.”

But it would not be her final career stop. Far from it.

“I’m always looking to the future and what’s next — I’m a visionary planner,” she told BusinessWest. “And I knew my next step was not going to be a college president. So I asked, what’s next for me?”

The answer, she decided, was in healthcare.

“I was born at Baystate and raised in Springfield, and I wasn’t going to relocate anywhere,” Albert said. “I had heard a lot about Baystate’s leadership under [then-President] Mike Daly, and that’s where I had my sights set. You can have so much impact on people in healthcare, and I saw the impact Baystate had on so many people, so I wanted to work there and get involved in healthcare.”

But no opportunities in her field of marketing were available right away, so, as a stepping stone, she went to work for Veritech, a 25-person multi-media company that specialized in healthcare, heading up its business-development arm — a move that baffled friends and family who wondered why she would shed the prestige of being a college’s vice president for something seemingly much less glamorous.

But she had a plan.

“The core of their business was healthcare education,” she explained. “The founder was really a man ahead of his time. He created digital patient-education programs online, but it was too soon; there was no payment model for it. But I loved his company. My thought was that I’d take over his company when he retired, or use that as a launchpad to get to Baystate.”

Two years later, she got a call from the head of Baystate’s Marketing department — a job opportunity had opened up, with the health system looking to install a manager of Medical Practices Marketing. Again, friends wondered whether it had been worth leaving her vice presidency at WNEC to wind up in a managerial role in a massive health system.

“I did it because, looking at the long term, I wanted to be here at Baystate,” she said. “It was a significantly different job, obviously, compared to Western New England, but I said, ‘I’m in it for the long haul, and I’m going to go for it and do the best I can.’”

Fifteen years later, she’s sure that was the right decision.

Up the Ladder

When preparing to take a photo for this article, Albert joked that BusinessWest should take one of all her Baystate business cards. Indeed, it’s an impressive collection.

For instance, Baystate’s physician practices, the focus of her first stop, is an important part of the network, today boasting more than 80 primary- and specialty-care doctors. “My job was to promote the physicians and the practices to the general community, so they would know what we had to offer.”

During her time in that role, Albert presented the first marketing plan to integrate two legacy medical groups to become one organization, known today as Baystate Medical Practices.

But much of the day-to-day work was about building bridges between the doctors and their patients, and between the practices and their communities, she added. “That’s the most important piece, the relationships. That’s what it’s all about. When doctors have good relationships with patients, the patients share that with others. When the doctors have good relationships with other doctors, they refer to one another.”

She was later appointed manager of Corporate Marketing, overseeing Baystate Health’s marketing efforts, loyalty programs, and events, followed by a stint as director of Public Affairs & Internal Communications. She then returned to Baystate Medical Practices, successfully launching the organization’s first physician-referral office, working under the leadership of Mark Keroack, who later became president of Baystate Health.

“That office was really about developing relationships between Baystate doctors and community physicians, and paving a pathway for better access to each other, and for patients to get appointments,” she explained. “I knew so much about Baystate that moving into this operations role was really exciting. It was a place I could grow and have an impact.”

But not long after, a search committee embarked on a nine-month search for a key dual role in the system: vice president of Philanthropy for Baystate Health and executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation. They failed to identify the ideal candidate, however, and turned inward, to someone with a deep understanding of the system’s needs and some experience in fund-raising. That’s right — it was time for Albert to order a new set of business cards.

Among her accomplishments in that role, she led a transformation of the foundation to align philanthropic support with a new strategic plan, and oversaw the completion of a $5 million capital campaign for the new surgical center at Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield.

Four years later, though, it was time for another move, this time into the health system’s senior leadership team. As a member of Keroack’s cabinet, she now oversees the functions of marketing and digital strategy, government and public relations, community relations and public health, communications, and philanthropy.

That’s … quite a long list.

And it’s not a job performed in the quiet of her office; with a wry smile, she held up that day’s schedule, an uninterrupted block of meetings with different departments — squeezing in BusinessWest among them — and made it clear most days are like that. But she relishes her raft of new responsibilities.

“There’s been a lot of change over the last few years,” Albert said, referring to both her role and the evolving shape of healthcare as well. “But change brings opportunity. Healthcare is changing every single day, and so is our environment, so we have to be able to change, to meet the needs of our patients, families, donors, and legislators.”

The biggest challenge in healthcare is government changes and reimbursements. You’re dealing with an industry where more than half the revenues are provided by the government. There’s continual change, and that makes it difficult.”

Indeed, that latter group is often the most demanding.

“The biggest challenge in healthcare is government changes and reimbursements. You’re dealing with an industry where more than half the revenues are provided by the government. There’s continual change, and that makes it difficult.”

In addition, Baystate serves a population with high levels of poverty, and Medicaid reimburses only 75% of costs, on average. “We’re losing 25 cents on the dollar for every Medicaid patient. And when you have a charitable mission to take care of everybody — no one gets turned away — it becomes challenging to afford all that we need to do.”

Improving the Prognosis

‘All that’ extends well beyond everyday care, of course, including attracting top talent, investing in innovative technology, providing the teaching resources of an academic medical center, and, now, partnering with UMass Medical School on a Springfield branch.

“That’s why philanthropy is so important,” she added, particularly at a time when hospitals are expected to keep communities healthy, improve the patient experience, and reduce costs — the so-called ‘triple aim.’

“Healthcare used to be based on, the more you did, the more you got paid,” she said. “You’d send a patient for six tests, an X-ray, and three specialists. Now, healthcare is reimbursed based on how healthy you keep patients.”

And preferably not in hospitals. Take asthma, for instance, a particularly pervasive issue in the Pioneer Valley. If a child’s asthma is not controlled and he or she winds up in the hospital, it results in poor school performance, missed work for the parents, and higher costs for the health system — a vicious cycle. The better option? Preventive efforts to keep the child healthy at home.

“Where do you find a business that tries to keep you away from that business, and that’s a success?” Albert asked. “But that’s where we are. Our goal is population health and doing all we can do to keep people healthy. We look at social determinants of health — access to food, incidence of diabetes and obesity, which can lead to heart disease … all those things drive the cost of health way up. It’s a much better picture when people are healthy, and that’s what we want.”

Achieving that goal requires everyone in the health system to align behind a single mission, and that requires a culture change, she explained, from the doctors performing cutting-edge surgery to maintenance staff raking leaves and improving the aesthetic appeal of a building that few customers are really happy about entering.

“There aren’t a lot of businesses where people don’t want to come to your business, so we want to make it as pleasant an experience as possible,” she said. “That is our focus. The world is changing, so we need to understand what the patient wants and how we can best deliver it.”

The bottom line, Albert said, is trying to make a difference and make the world a better place, as cliché as that might sound.

“I’m excited about where I am in this role,” she said, reflecting simultaneously on all the stops along the way. “People can see you can go from a manager up the line. An organization of this size provides those opportunities.”

It’s certainly a long way — figuratively, anyway — from just over the border in East Longmeadow, where an 8-year-old with a knack for marketing first began figuring out what her customers wanted and how to deliver the goods.

Joseph Bednar can be reached at [email protected]

Building Permits

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Building Permits Departments

The following building permits were issued during the month of October 2017.

AGAWAM

Crown Atlantic Co., LLC
628 Meadow St.
$2,500 — Add APU generator to existing compound area for T-Mobile

Grand Run Holdings 1, LLC
4-28 Southwick St.
$1,200 — Install sign

LRB Realty Trust, LLC
1805 Main St.
$13,000 — Replace nine antenna panels and add three remote radio heads

Walnut Plaza, LLC
377 Walnut St. Ext.
$20,000 — Renovations, including ceiling tiles, floors covering, removing and strengthening some inner office walls

AMHERST

Amherst College
220 South Pleasant St.
$303,000 — Modify existing softball facility with new dugouts, bullpens, and batting tunnels, and align small section of fencing

Amherst South Pleasant, LLC
55 South Pleasant St.
$3,600 — Install two signs

Chabad at the Five Colleges Inc.
194 Amity St.
$2,500 — Install sign for Chabad Nation/Rohr Jewish Center

CHICOPEE

Chicopee Hospitality, LLC
440 Memorial Dr.
$50,000 — Illuminated and non-illuminated signs

Legacy Realty Associates, LLC
162 East Main St.
$15,000 — Remove and replace front deck, reinforce porch and staircase

DEERFIELD

Deerfield Industrial, LLC
5 Industrial Dr.
$327,186 — Construct loading dock

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
29 Sugarloaf St.
$108,435 — Roofing on Holy Family Parish Center

EASTHAMPTON

1776 Brewing Co., LLC
30 Fort Hill Road
$23,000 — Install fire-suppression system

Public Library Assoc. of Easthampton
9 Park St.
$371,000 — Interior renovations to lower-level bathrooms, waterproofing, electrical, plumbing, etc.

SSMZ, LLC
183-185 Pleasant St.
$33,105 — Install roof-mounted solar array

EAST LONGMEADOW

American Legion Post 293
3 Legion Court
$1,800 — Repair porch

Cartamundi
443 Shaker Road
$496,000 — Roofing

Eversource Energy
175 Denslow Road
$18,518.28 — Solar farm

Local 98
2 Center Square
$48,500 — Roofing

GREENFIELD

278-302 Main St., LLC
278 Main St.
$48,418 — Rebuild front entrance

Abercrombie Greenfield, LLC
56 Bank Row
$1,775,000 — Renovate building for district attorney’s office

CC MA Realty, LLC
7 Legion Ave.
$719,000 — Renovate existing facility into dispensary

Federal St. Realty Trust
343 Federal St.
$4,500 — Roofing

Franklin Regional Transit Authority
12 Olive St.
$47,900 — Construct storage garage

Town of Greenfield
189 Wells St.
$175,000 — Erect Clearspan storage structure

Town of Greenfield
209 Wells St.
$292,000 — Roofing

Town of Greenfield
141 Davis St.
$57,900 — Install fire sprinkler system

HADLEY

Aldi U.S. Inc.
354 Russell St.
$373,000 — Remove and replace existing coolers and back wall to expand sales floor

Parmar and Sons Inc.
41 Russell St.
$694,394 — Construct new retail building for Manny’s

LONGMEADOW

Fairview Extended Care Services Inc.
21 Dwight Road
$8,500,000 — Construct new medical building

Longmeadow Country Club
400 Shaker Road
$20,000 — Demolish and remove concrete poolside bunker

Rinaldi’s Realty, LLC
398 Longmeadow St.
$91,150 — Demolish ceiling, interior partitions, cabinets, counters, carpet, electrical and plumbing fixtures

LUDLOW

Basics Mini Mart
192 East St.
$5,000 — Illuminated sign

NORTHAMPTON

Berkshire Electric Cable Co.
118 River Road
$631,308 — Install solar panels on roof

Bermor, LP
84 Main St.
$110,000 — Roofing

Greenfield Savings Bank
327 King St.
$2,500 — Non-illuminated wall sign

Massachusetts Electric Co.
130 West St.
$91,450 — Roofing

Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield
87 Beacon St.
$75,000 — Roofing

Smith College
7 Neilson Dr.
$56,441 — Demolish Neilson Library

PALMER

Baystate Wing Hospital
40 Wright St.
$95,400 — Sprinkler system

SPRINGFIELD

405 Armory St., LLC
405 Armory St.
$25,300 — Install exhaust hood with make-up air and gas-fired heater; construct soffit in front of hood; relocate menu boards

3500 Main St., LLC
3500 Main St., First Floor
$185,788 — Interior alterations and renovations to existing office space for new orthotics medical office

Elks Lodge 61
440 Tiffany St.
$11,000 — Move walk-in cooler from inside kitchen to outside deck

Honore, LLC
417 Liberty St.
$16,500 — Reconfigure garage into two offices; reconfigure two other offices to become small waiting area and pharmacy space

MassMutual
1295 State St.
$203,000 — Install HVAC, sprinklers, life-safety, and other equipment; new ceiling and exterior wall

WESTFIELD

Parts Services International, LLC
251 Union St.
$75,000 — Reconfigure office space

Rosow Westfield, LLC
66 South Broad St.
$6,250 — Create hallway to access bathroom

Spirit SPE Portfolio 2006-4, LLC
70 Turnpike Industrial Park Road
$738,334 — Interior and exterior repairs

Michael Ventrice
77 Mill St.
$26,000 — Soundproof a space in building

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Kendell Knapik
1050 Main St.
$1,716,092 — Renovate, alter, and add space to existing structure to accommodate gun range, classroom, lounge, rental, and sales

Kevin Kousch
581 Westfield St.
$35,000 — Add new dressing rooms, lighting, and flooring; patch walls; new trim and paint

KQUAD, LLC
340 Memorial Ave.
$64,843 — Roofing at Footit Medical Supplies

Gary Sheehan
1554 Riverdale St.
$8,800 — Roofing at Red’s Towing

Universal Electric
79 Wayside Ave.
$32,050 — Roofing

WILBRAHAM

HD Development of Maryland Inc.
2001 Boston Road
$1,464,432 — Construct outdoor natural-gas clean energy-saver equipment on concrete pad

Palazzesi Realty, Inc.
2400 Boston Road
$1,200 — Install two signs for Loan Depot

Real Estate Transactions

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Departments Real Estate

The following real estate transactions (latest available) were compiled by Banker & Tradesman and are published as they were received. Only transactions exceeding $115,000 are listed. Buyer and seller fields contain only the first name listed on the deed.

FRANKLIN COUNTY

ASHFIELD

828 Murray Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Murray Road TR
Seller: Peter T. Curtis
Date: 10/10/17

837 Murray Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $600,000
Buyer: Murray Road TR
Seller: Peter T. Curtis
Date: 10/10/17

1255 Williamsburg Road
Ashfield, MA 01330
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Nikolas D. Asikis
Seller: Robert J. Barba
Date: 10/05/17

BERNARDSTON

127 Hillcrest Dr.
Bernardston, MA 01337
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Peter Santiago
Seller: Doreen Gexler
Date: 10/10/17

CONWAY

244 Whately Road
Conway, MA 01341
Amount: $542,000
Buyer: Elise L. Starr RET
Seller: Thomas C. O’Brien
Date: 10/13/17

DEERFIELD

31 Elm St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $650,000
Buyer: Quabbin ACM LLC
Seller: John P. Paciorek
Date: 10/12/17

137 North Main St.
Deerfield, MA 01373
Amount: $279,000
Buyer: Michael D. Dupuis
Seller: Karen M. Gingras
Date: 10/10/17

ERVING

27 Maple Ave.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $149,900
Buyer: Neil M. Stebbins
Seller: Corina B. Bezio
Date: 10/06/17

13 North St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Devon W. Gaudet
Seller: Holly H. Burnett
Date: 10/03/17

8 Park St.
Erving, MA 01344
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Donna J. Flagg
Seller: Sandra J. Niedzwiedz
Date: 10/06/17

GILL

100 River Road
Gill, MA 01354
Amount: $185,500
Buyer: Thomas Storrow
Seller: Hugh Barton-Bales
Date: 10/04/17

GREENFIELD

80 Beech St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $130,920
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Christina Robert
Date: 10/10/17

14 Congress St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: John M. Bednarski
Seller: Carroll E. Bednarski TR
Date: 10/04/17

148 Conway St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: John Burek
Seller: Elaine P. Burek IRT
Date: 10/06/17

72 Graves Road
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Douglas P. Smith
Seller: Reid, Walter F., (Estate)
Date: 10/10/17

47 Phillips St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: Susan E. Laing
Seller: Corinne I. Gougeon
Date: 10/11/17

52 Union St.
Greenfield, MA 01301
Amount: $176,000
Buyer: Jeffery Murdock
Seller: Jennifer R. Dewitt
Date: 10/13/17

MONTAGUE

19 Central St.
Montague, MA 01349
Amount: $167,500
Buyer: Judy Travis
Seller: Daniel W. Gobillot
Date: 10/04/17

25 I St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $122,000
Buyer: Marshall W. Sisson
Seller: Daniel Newell
Date: 10/10/17

39 X St.
Montague, MA 01376
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Elinor Janvrin
Seller: William J. Doyle
Date: 10/10/17

NORTHFIELD

288 Birnam Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $221,000
Buyer: Jesse J. Morgan
Seller: Susan B. Lloyd
Date: 10/10/17

69 Pine St.
Northfield, MA 01360
Amount: $164,000
Buyer: FHLM
Seller: Jason H. Clemons
Date: 10/06/17

ORANGE

10 Athol Road
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $118,400
Buyer: Leonard L. Lenois
Seller: Steven J. Lacouture
Date: 10/13/17

25 Eddy St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $133,500
Buyer: Nova Taylor-Wheeler
Seller: Kenneth A. Gulliver
Date: 10/13/17

125 South Main St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: David N. Ingram
Seller: Adele Mehr
Date: 10/12/17

91 West Myrtle St.
Orange, MA 01364
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Brenda S. Woodbury
Seller: Robert A. Rivers IRT
Date: 10/13/17

SHUTESBURY

64 Pratt Corner Road
Shutesbury, MA 01072
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Robert Moss
Seller: Debra Cote
Date: 10/06/17

SUNDERLAND

299 Falls Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $145,300
Buyer: Gary Briere
Seller: Virginia Richardson
Date: 10/13/17

121 North Main St.
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Emily C. Pettit 2017 TR
Seller: North Main 121 RT
Date: 10/12/17

180 River Road
Sunderland, MA 01375
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: John M. Skribiski
Seller: Edwin S. Skribiski
Date: 10/10/17

WENDELL

167 Mormon Hollow Road
Wendell, MA 01379
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: James Facey
Seller: Joseph Landry
Date: 10/02/17

WHATELY

72 River Road
Whately, MA 01093
Amount: $250,425
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: David F. Jackson
Date: 10/13/17

HAMPDEN COUNTY

AGAWAM

48 Barney St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Cheryl A. Chavis
Seller: Ann M. Santaniello
Date: 10/02/17

209 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $230,000
Buyer: Samantha L. Lyman
Seller: Robert A. Ferioli
Date: 10/11/17

251 Cooper St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $173,600
Buyer: Ahmed AlZuhairi
Seller: Hart, Robert J., (Estate)
Date: 10/13/17

195 Leonard St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Ilim Muradov
Seller: Vladmir Stebenkov
Date: 10/06/17

14 Liberty Ave.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $204,250
Buyer: HSBC Bank
Seller: Jessica R. Damours
Date: 10/02/17

45 Liswell Dr.
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $256,000
Buyer: Gary C. Sedelow
Seller: Kara Krupa
Date: 10/13/17

238 Maple St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $2,500,000
Buyer: Dow Realty Management LLC
Seller: Elizabeth Manor Apts. LLC
Date: 10/12/17

77 Nicole Terrace
Agawam, MA 01030
Amount: $120,000
Buyer: Vitaliy V. Galdysh
Seller: Yuri Grechka
Date: 10/06/17

66 School St.
Agawam, MA 01001
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Samantha W. Debiasio
Seller: Craig S. Hartmann
Date: 10/03/17

BRIMFIELD

1154 Dunhamtown Brimfield Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Cory S. Lapan
Seller: Tina M. Ledonne
Date: 10/03/17

260 Warren Road
Brimfield, MA 01010
Amount: $117,000
Buyer: Bayview Loan Servicing
Seller: John Surprenant
Date: 10/10/17

CHICOPEE

51 Anson St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $139,200
Buyer: Nancy J. Kos
Seller: Kenneth C. Barnes
Date: 10/13/17

53 Armanella St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Zoraida N. Alicea
Seller: Patrick S. Sullivan
Date: 10/13/17

176 Carew St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $174,900
Buyer: Gerard L. Audette
Seller: Wojtowicz, Joanna K., (Estate)
Date: 10/06/17

521 East Main St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Daniel A. Rivera
Seller: Gail M. Dupuis
Date: 10/10/17

167 Fernhill St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $187,000
Buyer: Thomas N. Rice
Seller: Thomas L. Murca
Date: 10/10/17

962 Granby Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $184,000
Buyer: Silktree Properties LLC
Seller: Mark M. Santos
Date: 10/06/17

415 James St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $218,000
Buyer: David L. Arrasmith
Seller: Arthur W. Britton
Date: 10/12/17

39 Ivy St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $167,475
Buyer: Flag Realty LLC
Seller: Ernest D. Laflamme
Date: 10/06/17

56 Ludlow Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Melanie A. Hines
Seller: Roger M. Benoit
Date: 10/06/17

45 Marion St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $139,400
Buyer: M&T Bank
Seller: Robert T. Poloski
Date: 10/10/17

54 Munger Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $285,000
Buyer: Kenneth O’Neil
Seller: Richard J. Chiecko
Date: 10/06/17

79 Newell St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $168,000
Buyer: Marcolino Belen
Seller: Irene M. Giguere
Date: 10/13/17

85 Orchard St.
Chicopee, MA 01013
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Citibak
Seller: Edward Fletcher
Date: 10/11/17

94 Royal St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Center For Human Development Inc.
Seller: Henry H. Dejordy
Date: 10/13/17

21 Slate Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $283,000
Buyer: Orlando Ovalles
Seller: Stephen W. Hopkins
Date: 10/06/17

33 Tardy Road
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $264,000
Buyer: Luis J. Crespo
Seller: Keith A. Blohm
Date: 10/02/17

113 Wheatland Ave.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Roger S. Bouffard
Date: 10/10/17

EAST LONGMEADOW

37 Melwood Ave.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $275,001
Buyer: Mark S. Robbins
Seller: Brett A. Ralph
Date: 10/06/17

17 Overbrook Road
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $315,000
Buyer: Jameson R. Williams
Seller: Anthony R. Giuggio
Date: 10/12/17

8 Park Place
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: John F. Devlin
Seller: Ralph E. Cooley
Date: 10/06/17

HAMPDEN

165 Bennett Road
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: William G. Barrett
Seller: Bart Lipkens
Date: 10/10/17

35 Charles St.
Hampden, MA 01036
Amount: $168,800
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Mohammad A. Yousaf
Date: 10/05/17

HOLLAND

14 Roberts Park Road
Holland, MA 01521
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Paul Burns
Seller: Peter M. Mitus
Date: 10/06/17

HOLYOKE

95 Beech St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Stephen J. Bosco
Seller: Algernon D. Anatol
Date: 10/12/17

66 Davis St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $179,900
Buyer: Nalany Garcia
Seller: Jesus Pagan
Date: 10/02/17

58-60 Elmwood Ave.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $231,000
Buyer: Drew W. Nalewanski
Seller: Israel Acosta
Date: 10/06/17

64 Lawler St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Patrick J. Stoddard
Seller: Phillip A. Lees
Date: 10/13/17

243 Oak St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $229,500
Buyer: Raymond G. Estrada
Seller: Erin B. Brunelle
Date: 10/06/17

251 Sargeant St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Rondey Allen
Seller: Derand LLC
Date: 10/10/17

218 West Franklin St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Armando J. Pardave
Seller: Nikhil Sadathia
Date: 10/02/17

1 Woodland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Perry R. Dulude
Seller: Jason W. Santaniello
Date: 10/06/17

LONGMEADOW

144 Academy Dr.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $379,000
Buyer: Kihan F. Lee
Seller: Nicholas Hadzekyriakides
Date: 10/12/17

19 Annawan Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $524,950
Buyer: Kalani D. Silva
Seller: Robert W. Strempel
Date: 10/12/17

95 Benedict Terrace
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $340,000
Buyer: Ryan D. McGonigle
Seller: Donald E. Bergeron
Date: 10/10/17

39 Birchwood Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: Mark S. Fuller
Seller: Ann Zaher-Deeba
Date: 10/10/17

85 Canterbury Lane
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Suzanne F. Murphy
Seller: Talal N. Khan
Date: 10/04/17

182 Captain Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $335,300
Buyer: Xuefeng Zhang
Seller: Oliver D. Deex
Date: 10/05/17

109 Dover Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $422,500
Buyer: Stephen M. Kearney
Seller: Benjamin J. Gilluly
Date: 10/06/17

21 Dwight Road
Longmeadow, MA 01108
Amount: $2,000,000
Buyer: Longmeadow Medical Arts
Seller: Fairview Extended Care
Date: 10/11/17

132 Maple Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kevin L. Zabel
Seller: Daniel L. Richmond
Date: 10/06/17

73 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Winslow W. Reed
Seller: Timothy C. Beaulieu
Date: 10/13/17

945 Shaker Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $1,235,000
Buyer: North Harlow 6 LLC
Seller: JIN Realty Inc.
Date: 10/13/17

34 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: William H. Low
Seller: Christopher A. Gaudreau
Date: 10/13/17

53 South Ave.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Buffalo LLC
Seller: RHL Properties LLC
Date: 10/13/17

105 Whitmun Road
Longmeadow, MA 01106
Amount: $215,000
Buyer: Anatoliy Shvetsov
Seller: USA HUD
Date: 10/06/17

LUDLOW

599 Alden St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $204,000
Buyer: Austin Berneche
Seller: Kristopher T. Grimshaw
Date: 10/02/17

32 Beachside Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $182,360
Buyer: Christine A. Simard
Seller: Lapanne, Jean F., (Estate)
Date: 10/12/17

53 Bridle Path Circle
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $190,000
Buyer: Brian J. Fioravanti
Seller: Raymond E. Parylak
Date: 10/04/17

157 Cady St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $207,500
Buyer: Vanessa Jenness
Seller: Waddell, Sonja A., (Estate)
Date: 10/11/17

223 Chapin St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Brian P. Steigmeyer
Seller: Robert S. Kulig
Date: 10/02/17

42 Fairway Dr.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: John B. Murphy
Seller: Brian J. Makarewicz
Date: 10/10/17

53 Gaudreau Ave.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Brendan Prout
Seller: Jennifer Frisk
Date: 10/02/17

118 Grimard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $194,000
Buyer: Timothy Terbush
Seller: Couture, Rita R., (Estate)
Date: 10/04/17

30 Isabel Lane
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $470,000
Buyer: Thomas E. Godek
Seller: Antonio Vital
Date: 10/13/17

10 Laroche St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Damaris Rivera
Seller: VDS Properties LLC
Date: 10/02/17

Marias Way
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Mario P. Santos
Seller: M&G Investors LLC
Date: 10/12/17

261 Moore St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $223,000
Buyer: James D. Beaudry
Seller: Judith A. Fredette
Date: 10/05/17

191-193 Sewall St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Eric Figueiredo
Seller: Vigneault, Lisa A., (Estate)
Date: 10/10/17

78 White St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Amount: $189,900
Buyer: Gregory W. Singleton
Seller: Robert E. Dilley
Date: 10/13/17

MONSON

92 Lakeshore Dr.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Nicholas J. Peters
Seller: Bank Of New York Mellon
Date: 10/05/17

37 Old Reed Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $246,000
Buyer: David P. Amadei
Seller: Richard D. Wiesner
Date: 10/03/17

123 Palmer Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Zachary Anson
Seller: Elias G. Poulopoulos
Date: 10/06/17

337 Silver St.
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $276,250
Buyer: Grahm L. Easton
Seller: Scott L. Easton
Date: 10/13/17

170 Wales Road
Monson, MA 01057
Amount: $270,000
Buyer: Daniel W. Coates
Seller: Matthew Gautreau
Date: 10/06/17

PALMER

1010 Church St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: PJD Real Estate LLC
Seller: TR Props LLC
Date: 10/02/17

2 Sharon St.
Palmer, MA 01080
Amount: $154,000
Buyer: Kevin O’Connor
Seller: Irene O. Taylor
Date: 10/12/17

118 State St.
Palmer, MA 01069
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Todd Snow
Seller: Christopher A. Elias
Date: 10/02/17

SOUTHWICK

150 Berkshire Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $500,000
Buyer: Ronald W. Chechile
Seller: Phillip Milidantri
Date: 10/11/17

38 Lexington Circle
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $492,000
Buyer: Brett A. Ralph
Seller: Jeremy J. Williams
Date: 10/06/17

133 North Lake Ave.
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $206,000
Buyer: James G. Waversak
Seller: Norman H. Storey
Date: 10/05/17

30 Woodland Ridge
Southwick, MA 01077
Amount: $355,000
Buyer: Paul A. Miles
Seller: Pari L. Hoxha
Date: 10/06/17

SPRINGFIELD

32-34 Ainsworth St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $122,900
Buyer: Travis Franco
Seller: Wilmington Savings
Date: 10/12/17

40 Amore Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Carlos M. Cruz
Seller: Mya Realty LLC
Date: 10/13/17

53 Arcadia Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Michael Boutin
Seller: Michael J. McIntyre
Date: 10/10/17

62 Barrington Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $316,000
Buyer: Dollymae Carnegie
Seller: Carlos Rivera
Date: 10/10/17

107 Bartels St.
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $149,000
Buyer: Cory A. Taylor
Seller: Peggy J. Davis
Date: 10/11/17

1685 Boston Road
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $1,000,000
Buyer: 1685 Boston Road LLC
Seller: Macys Retail Holdings Inc.
Date: 10/06/17

217 Cabinet St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $163,000
Buyer: CIG 2 LLC
Seller: Raphael E. Elias
Date: 10/13/17

73 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: Sagrario Caceres
Seller: John I. Lyons
Date: 10/06/17

27-29 Dunhill St.
Springfield, MA 01151
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Devon A. Gibson
Seller: Scott R. Lester
Date: 10/06/17

25-27 Eagle St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $139,000
Buyer: Ian A. Riley
Seller: Luis A. Villanueva
Date: 10/02/17

41-43 Edgemont St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Alfredo Garib
Seller: Orange Park Management
Date: 10/06/17

277 El Paso St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Ruperto Soto
Seller: Harriet R. Bryan
Date: 10/06/17

216 Ellsworth Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Glenn P. Vigneault
Seller: Juan F. Latorre
Date: 10/13/17

126 Fair Oak Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $171,000
Buyer: Luis A. Diaz
Seller: Steven P. Haggerty
Date: 10/13/17

63 Garvey Dr.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $199,900
Buyer: Wilfred J. Pelletier
Seller: Daniel L. Ford
Date: 10/11/17

40 Gertrude St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Jamil Y. Asad-Ubinas
Seller: Donald J. Henn
Date: 10/02/17

203 Glenoak Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Angela Allen
Seller: Philip S. Ashton
Date: 10/11/17

125 Granger St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $119,000
Buyer: Cedar Investment Group
Seller: Mark E. Pariseau
Date: 10/03/17

55 Groton St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Luis Montanez
Seller: Insight Homes LLC
Date: 10/10/17

60 Hannon St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $525,000
Buyer: Northeast Terminals LLC
Seller: Suburban Propane LP
Date: 10/02/17

18 Hickox Place
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: Andres Martinez
Seller: Bank Of New York Mellon
Date: 10/02/17

89 Hyde Ave.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $146,100
Buyer: Daniel S. Albizu
Seller: Liz O. Febres
Date: 10/13/17

790 Liberty St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Patalano Property Mgmt.
Seller: Amaral Properties MA LLC
Date: 10/06/17

205-209 Main St.
Springfield, MA 01105
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: NE Conference Corp. Of 7th
Seller: Iglesia De Dios Viviente
Date: 10/10/17

35 Mary Louise St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $148,075
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Marques A. Barnett
Date: 10/03/17

226-228 Mill St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $148,000
Buyer: Erasmito Gonzalez
Seller: Moises Villa
Date: 10/10/17

66-68 Monmouth St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $159,000
Buyer: Matrisa R. Crapps
Seller: Stanley B. Wright
Date: 10/12/17

110 Oak Hollow Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Amount: $184,500
Buyer: US Bank
Seller: Filomena Regan
Date: 10/12/17

199 Parkerview St.
Springfield, MA 01129
Amount: $115,000
Buyer: William H. Russell
Seller: Timber Development LLC
Date: 10/13/17

100 Perkins St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $177,000
Buyer: Rafael Irizarry
Seller: Connor M. Knightly
Date: 10/13/17

42 Prouty St.
Springfield, MA 01119
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Sandra Milledge
Seller: Donald L. Ferri
Date: 10/05/17

21-27 Putnam Circle
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Hedge Hog Industries Corp.
Seller: Antonio Francisco
Date: 10/02/17

13 Ringgold St.
Springfield, MA 01107
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Angeline Poulis
Seller: Jonathan Poulis
Date: 10/10/17

45 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Jose A. Sanchez
Seller: Robert S. Park
Date: 10/03/17

208 Russell St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $128,000
Buyer: Scott A. Hamel
Seller: Askwith, Grace J., (Estate)
Date: 10/13/17

54 Scott St.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: Khoa A. Nguyen
Seller: John Macisaac
Date: 10/04/17

85 South Tallyho Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $157,000
Buyer: William N. Clarke
Seller: FNMA
Date: 10/13/17

44 Sherbrooke St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Richard P. Larson
Seller: Katherine M. Pappas
Date: 10/12/17

870-880 State St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $400,000
Buyer: 870 State Street Holdings
Seller: Boynton Property Group
Date: 10/06/17

320 Sumner Ave.
Springfield, MA 01108
Amount: $158,000
Buyer: Nancy Brens
Seller: Rony E. Galindo
Date: 10/03/17

122 Wayne St.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $199,999
Buyer: Kevin P. McDonough
Seller: RBT Enterprise LLC
Date: 10/11/17

212 West Allen Ridge Road
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $172,400
Buyer: Genesis Arekeria
Seller: Loni M. Kearney
Date: 10/06/17

111 West Crystal Brook Dr.
Springfield, MA 01118
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Santiago Canosa-Oliver
Seller: Patricia T. Sfreddo
Date: 10/04/17

15 West Hill Road
Springfield, MA 01109
Amount: $150,000
Buyer: Dalila Navarro
Seller: Sapphire Property Development LLC
Date: 10/13/17

102 Woodmont St.
Springfield, MA 01104
Amount: $130,000
Buyer: Ruby Rodriguez
Seller: Eliana Febus
Date: 10/03/17

WALES

23 McBride Road
Wales, MA 01081
Amount: $351,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Erin N. Murray
Date: 10/13/17

WESTFIELD

15 Ashley St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $180,000
Buyer: David S. Prouty
Seller: Gregory A. O’Neil
Date: 10/10/17

263 Buck Pond Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: Cheryl Denardo
Seller: Roger L. Stawasz
Date: 10/06/17

16 Ely St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Alan D. Slesser
Seller: Kayla C. Slesser
Date: 10/12/17

66 Flynn Meadow Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $449,050
Buyer: William C. Weltlich
Seller: RSP Realty LLC
Date: 10/10/17

34 Kittredge Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Kenneth P. Lombardini
Seller: Michael J. Skehan
Date: 10/05/17

178 Llewellyn Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $380,000
Buyer: Kimberly J. Tonlino
Seller: Paul A. Miles
Date: 10/06/17

37 Miller St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $162,000
Buyer: Miguel A. Colon
Seller: Daniel J. Mahoney
Date: 10/13/17

45 Pleasant St.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $325,000
Buyer: Argishti Gukasyan
Seller: 45A&B Pleasant Street LLC
Date: 10/06/17

30 Rosedell Dr.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $186,000
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: Roger I. Beach
Date: 10/11/17

1006 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $290,000
Buyer: ABW Realty LLC
Seller: Robert A. Wagner
Date: 10/11/17

71 Tannery Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $196,500
Buyer: Russell H. Klaubert
Seller: David M. Smithies
Date: 10/05/17

68 Western Ave.
Westfield, MA 01085
Amount: $240,000
Buyer: Timothy Sawtelle
Seller: Keith A. Plant
Date: 10/03/17

WILBRAHAM

4 Beechwood Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $284,000
Buyer: Melissa Washington
Seller: Van D. Schermerhorn
Date: 10/13/17

2641 Boston Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $170,000
Buyer: Mary E. Starzyk
Seller: Anna F. Jasmin
Date: 10/13/17

18 Bungalow Point
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $415,000
Buyer: David P. Markman
Seller: John F. Crane
Date: 10/04/17

2 Melikian Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $259,000
Buyer: Xiaoquin Zhou
Seller: Salpie Cavros
Date: 10/13/17

445 Monson Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $319,900
Buyer: Cynthia A. Scott
Seller: New England Equities LLC
Date: 10/06/17

11 Peak Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Richard Bonney
Seller: Big Sky Properties LLC
Date: 10/03/17

851 Ridge Road
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $235,000
Buyer: Joseph S. Fusco
Seller: Christopher C. Hill
Date: 10/06/17

3 Sylvan Dr.
Wilbraham, MA 01095
Amount: $282,000
Buyer: Christopher Roberts
Seller: Anthony S. Bergeron
Date: 10/13/17

WEST SPRINGFIELD

79 Austin Lane
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $550,000
Buyer: Askar Lachinov
Seller: Currin L. Buchmann
Date: 10/02/17

77 Christine Dr.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $433,000
Buyer: Ripalkumari J. Solanki
Seller: Lynn Roy
Date: 10/02/17

87 City View Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Joseph L. Parillo
Seller: Joseph P. Dechristopher
Date: 10/13/17

86 Connecticut Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $181,000
Buyer: Brahman Holdings LLC
Seller: Stephen Hardy
Date: 10/03/17

73 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Kellie M. Reid
Seller: Elizabeth Jasse
Date: 10/02/17

182 Ely Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $187,500
Buyer: Jeremy M. Rankin
Seller: Julie A. Cafasso
Date: 10/13/17

28 Garden St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $139,900
Buyer: William Godard
Seller: Kevin M. Schumacher
Date: 10/13/17

Hyde Road #8
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $155,000
Buyer: Yelena Sergeychik
Seller: John G. Kudlic
Date: 10/04/17

44 Orchardview St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $193,000
Buyer: Kingford Aidoo
Seller: Frank P. Matuszczak
Date: 10/11/17

131 River St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $4,525,000
Buyer: Dow Realty Management LLC
Seller: Imperial Apartments LLC
Date: 10/12/17

15 Silver St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Sarmad M. Alkarimi
Seller: Deborah Belden
Date: 10/03/17

811 Union St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Amount: $195,000
Buyer: Beatrice A. Siwek
Seller: Barbara A. Bouchard
Date: 10/06/17

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY

AMHERST

17 Curtis Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $278,700
Buyer: Matthew L. Wolaver
Seller: Christina G. Salgo
Date: 10/06/17

27 Kendrick Place
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $295,000
Buyer: 27 Kendrick Place LLC
Seller: Sanford Pooler
Date: 10/11/17

Lindenridge Road #61
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $140,000
Buyer: Bercume Construction LLC
Seller: Tofino Associates LLC
Date: 10/03/17

39 Longmeadow Dr.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $240,539
Buyer: Dai D. Nguyen
Seller: Karella, Nancy A., (Estate)
Date: 10/02/17

66 Woodside Ave.
Amherst, MA 01002
Amount: $280,000
Buyer: Amherst Collage
Seller: Hadley P. Arkes
Date: 10/03/17

BELCHERTOWN

689 Federal St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $228,000
Buyer: Honest Beginnings Inc.
Seller: Vision Investment Props.
Date: 10/12/17

2 Fox Run Dr.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $219,900
Buyer: Christopher Elias
Seller: Tara M. Gabriel
Date: 10/02/17

286 Gold St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $160,000
Buyer: Michael W. Fenimore
Seller: James C. Baj
Date: 10/13/17

46 Sabin St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Amount: $320,000
Buyer: Michael A. Vitale
Seller: Traci G. Protzenko
Date: 10/02/17

CHESTERFIELD

188 Bryant St.
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Janet McCann
Seller: Janine E. Nye
Date: 10/02/17

23 North Road
Chesterfield, MA 01012
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Nancy A. Wyman
Seller: Thomas A. Oborne
Date: 10/13/17

CUMMINGTON

36 West Main St.
Cummington, MA 01026
Amount: $205,000
Buyer: Christine Flannery
Seller: David Elia
Date: 10/13/17

EASTHAMPTON

190 Hendrick St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $258,000
Buyer: Michael Comando
Seller: Timothy H. Hopkins
Date: 10/13/17

12 Lyman St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Gary J. Morgenegg
Seller: Marianna Dudkiewicz
Date: 10/13/17

24 Paul St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $392,500
Buyer: Henry E. Hopkins
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 10/04/17

79 Strong St.
Easthampton, MA 01027
Amount: $172,200
Buyer: Wells Fargo Bank
Seller: Tha C. Kim
Date: 10/10/17

GOSHEN

47 Fuller Road
Goshen, MA 01032
Amount: $185,000
Buyer: Nitara S. Condon
Seller: Marcus L. Soifer
Date: 10/13/17

GRANBY

127 Aldrich St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Daniel C. McCarthy
Seller: Eugene C. Dube
Date: 10/10/17

238 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: James M. Rivest
Seller: Esther Castro
Date: 10/13/17

59 Ferry Hill Road
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $670,000
Buyer: Raymond L. Brousseau
Seller: Cheryl M. Chevalier
Date: 10/06/17

32 Lyn Dr.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $169,000
Buyer: Brian Fay
Seller: Kathleen M. Emery
Date: 10/06/17

147 West St.
Granby, MA 01033
Amount: $330,000
Buyer: Deutsche Bank
Seller: Kathy H. Nolan
Date: 10/03/17

HADLEY

19 Grand Oak Farm Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $422,000
Buyer: Xue Z. Zhang
Seller: Dean A. Paddock
Date: 10/13/17

16 Laurana Lane
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $360,000
Buyer: Chenghui Zheng
Seller: Laura E. Norcutt
Date: 10/06/17

131 Middle St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $362,000
Buyer: Christopher M. Condon
Seller: Brad M. Reed
Date: 10/13/17

125 Rocky Hill Road
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $210,000
Buyer: Paula Boulanger
Seller: Ronald Allard
Date: 10/13/17

21 West St.
Hadley, MA 01035
Amount: $554,000
Buyer: Brendan Meyer
Seller: Charles T. Verrill IRT
Date: 10/06/17

HATFIELD

119 Chestnut St.
Hatfield, MA 01088
Amount: $245,000
Buyer: Kristina L. Hodges
Seller: William D. Hurley
Date: 10/06/17

230 Straits Road
Hatfield, MA 01038
Amount: $250,000
Buyer: Kathryn M. Harris
Seller: Symanski, Genowefa, (Estate)
Date: 10/06/17

NORTHAMPTON

20 Bridge Road #32
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $538,574
Buyer: Susan K. Lewis
Seller: Bridge Road LLC
Date: 10/12/17

130 Cardinal Way
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $510,000
Buyer: Lewis E. Rosenthal
Seller: Judith L. Berry
Date: 10/11/17

156 Chestnut St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $365,500
Buyer: Antonia Krell
Seller: Deborah C. Muyskens
Date: 10/02/17

37 Clement St.
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $555,000
Buyer: Donna C. Meisse
Seller: Elise L. Starr RET
Date: 10/13/17

165 Crescent St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $268,000
Buyer: Robert J. Movothy
Seller: Richard J. Novotny
Date: 10/12/17

59 Elizabeth St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $165,000
Buyer: William M. Miglore
Seller: Lawson, Robert W., (Estate)
Date: 10/02/17

1006 Florence Road
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $454,000
Buyer: Alyx S. Akers
Seller: Gregory C. Marotta
Date: 10/04/17

5 Fruit St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $462,000
Buyer: Grace Ganssle
Seller: Polly Normand
Date: 10/11/17

15 Gilrain Terrace
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $225,000
Buyer: Christiane Holden
Seller: Holland W. Gage
Date: 10/10/17

666 Kennedy Road
Northampton, MA 01053
Amount: $635,000
Buyer: Jo R. Roessler
Seller: Gail Hartnett RET
Date: 10/12/17

38 Ladyslipper Lane
Northampton, MA 01062
Amount: $503,000
Buyer: Jeffrey Schmale
Seller: Alexander Simon
Date: 10/11/17

44 Laurel Park
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $125,000
Buyer: Arthur C. Grinath
Seller: Jennifer J. Pelissier
Date: 10/10/17

13 Munroe St.
Northampton, MA 01060
Amount: $810,000
Buyer: Safe Journeys LLC
Seller: Sequoia Properties LLC
Date: 10/03/17

SOUTH HADLEY

16 Alvord St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $283,500
Buyer: John W. Marceau
Seller: John A. Marceau
Date: 10/13/17

101 Amherst Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $207,000
Buyer: Molly O. Farber
Seller: John A. Moss
Date: 10/02/17

2 Bach Lane
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $200,097
Buyer: FNMA
Seller: David S. Averill
Date: 10/06/17

7 Benger Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $145,000
Buyer: Christine L. Piquette
Seller: Presz, Irene J., (Estate)
Date: 10/12/17

64 Brigham Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $220,000
Buyer: Alan R. Schadel
Seller: Stephen A. Foster
Date: 10/02/17

21 Dale St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $229,900
Buyer: Benjamin J. Heidenreich
Seller: Karen E. Lynn
Date: 10/05/17

148 Hadley St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $133,000
Buyer: Bruce S. Helm
Seller: Karen A. Couture
Date: 10/03/17

34 Highland Ave.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $300,000
Buyer: Muhammad B. Chaudhery
Seller: Judith A. Bush
Date: 10/04/17

91 Main St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $175,000
Buyer: Fuel Services Inc.
Seller: William E. Johnson
Date: 10/03/17

199 Old Lyman Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $275,000
Buyer: Thomas L. Lamothe
Seller: Terrance B. Sugrue
Date: 10/03/17

25 Priestly Farms Road
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $375,000
Buyer: Brendan Kavey
Seller: Robert A. McGee
Date: 10/03/17

40 Viviani St.
South Hadley, MA 01075
Amount: $222,000
Buyer: Richard M. Juang
Seller: Susan D. Christopher
Date: 10/06/17

SOUTHAMPTON

7 Buchanan Circle
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $265,000
Buyer: Jennifer K. Ledoux
Seller: Kyle Johnson
Date: 10/06/17

275 College Hwy.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $399,900
Buyer: Ryan L. Geeleher
Seller: Pamela O. Leduc
Date: 10/13/17

8 David St.
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $376,400
Buyer: Robert S. Cowell
Seller: David Garstka Builders
Date: 10/05/17

53 Glendale Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $281,000
Buyer: Marianna Dudkiewicz
Seller: James D. Parker
Date: 10/13/17

94 Gunn Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $520,000
Buyer: Traver Gumaer
Seller: James F. Roessling
Date: 10/06/17

85 Russellville Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $263,000
Buyer: Mark R. Sarafin
Seller: James D. Boudreau
Date: 10/12/17

40 Valley Road
Southampton, MA 01073
Amount: $120,875
Buyer: Louise M. Brodeur
Seller: Monica Labrie
Date: 10/13/17

WARE

56 Beaver Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Jonathan A. Fetler
Seller: Ross K. Kiely
Date: 10/13/17

2 Boivin Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $172,000
Buyer: David E. Meyer
Seller: Matthew C. King
Date: 10/06/17

39 Crescent St.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $201,000
Buyer: Kenneth J. Ostiguy
Seller: Lorraine J. Lavigne
Date: 10/06/17

40 Dunham Ave.
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $173,000
Buyer: Leah M. Mustakangas
Seller: William C. McFaul
Date: 10/13/17

185 Monson Turnpike Road
Ware, MA 01082
Amount: $200,000
Buyer: Tara L. Joslin-Murphy
Seller: Mary E. Starzyk
Date: 10/13/17

WORTHINGTON

123 Capen St.
Worthington, MA 01098
Amount: $262,500
Buyer: Roger A. Provost
Seller: Samantha L. Kabat
Date: 10/13/17

Bankruptcies

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Bankruptcies Departments

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

Artioli, Martin D.
42 Greenleaf Dr.
Hampden, MA 01036
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/30/17

Barry, Lynn M.
281 Chauncey Walker St.
Belchertown, MA 01007
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/17

Belair, Michael L.
Belair, Jeanne A.
112 Morningview Dr.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/17

Burlingham, William B.
1083 Memorial Ave.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/17

Clapp, Christopher R.
Clapp, Carey J.
113 Line St.
Feeding Hills, MA 01030
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/17

Costigan, John R.
90 Baldwin St.
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/02/17

Dansereau, Richard M.
23 Yorktown Dr.
Springfield, MA 01108
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/17

Elia, Frank R.
71 Breakneck Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/10/17

Fernandez, Edgardo L.
31 Delaware Ave.
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Fotiathis, JoAnn L.
a/k/a Camyre, Jo-Ann
943 River Road
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/09/17

Geanacopoulos, Michael
106 Pinehurst Dr.
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

Hernandez, Mildred
69 Portland St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

LaBrecque, Joseph E.
355 Little River Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

Laferriere, Gordon J.
6 Fairgrounds Road
Sturbridge, MA 01566
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Lalumiere, Brendan M.
135 Hubbard St.
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/10/17

Leese, Killian J.
152 Housatonic St.
Lenox, MA 01240
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Lindsey, Gary E.
Lindsey, Jill A.
P.O. Box 175
Gilbertville, MA 01031
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/10/17

McGunagle, Samantha D.
74 Congress St., Apt. 4
Greenfield, MA 01301
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 09/29/17

McGinn, Maureen Judith
11 Sandra Road
Easthampton, MA 01027
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

McNamee, William T.
2230 Old Turnpike Road
Oakham, MA 01068
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/13/17

Medina, Danny S.
53 Scenic Road
Westfield, MA 01085
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/04/17

Nicholson, Gerald L.
Nicholson, Charlene M.
137 Minechoag Heights
Ludlow, MA 01056
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/17

Nopper, April A.
a/k/a Martin, April A.
98 Dawn Dr.
Becket, MA 01223
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/12/17

Pagan, Wilfredo A.
Pagan-Cruz, Jeandy A.
16 Chapel St., 1st Fl.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Potter, Antoinette
548 Montgomery St.
Chicopee, MA 01020
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Quinn, Donna M.
52 Portulaca Dr.
Springfield, MA 01129
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

Racicot, Claire Louise
91 Batchelor St.
Granby, MA 01033
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/11/17

Reyes, Wanda I.
151 Monroe St., 2nd Fl.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

Roberts, Donna L.
61 Jasper St.
Springfield, MA 01109
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/05/17

Roman, Magda I.
12 Royce Ct., Apt. 3C
West Springfield, MA 01089
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/17

Shaw, Victoria L.
17 Tully Road
Orange, MA 01364
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/12/17

Smith, Sarah C.
137 Emerald Road
Springfield, MA 01119
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/12/17

Solla, Yvonne
10 Chestnut St.
Springfield, MA 01103
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Souza, Chelsea A.
1393 Santuit-Newtown Road
Cotuit, MA 02635
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Sternowski, Laura L.
15 Teakwood Road
Springfield, MA 01128
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/02/17

Van Buren, Randall P.
Van Buren, Maureen A.
28 Wolcott St.
Holyoke, MA 01040
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/13/17

Westbrooks, Kelly L.
44 Derryfield Ave.
Springfield, MA 01118
Chapter: 13
Filing Date: 10/03/17

Wheeler, Francis R.
149 Pequoig Ave.
Athol, MA 01331
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/12/17

White, Lillian M.
49 Riviera Dr.
Agawam, MA 01001
Chapter: 7
Filing Date: 10/06/17

Doing Business as Certificates

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

DBA Certificates Departments

The following business certificates and trade names were issued or renewed during the month of October 2017.

AMHERST

The Crypto Merchant
747 South East St.
Jed Rovhana

Polestar Therapy
96 North Pleasant St.
Jamie Daniels

BELCHERTOWN

Bay Path Farm
84 Old Bay Road
David Fournier

Family Tree and Home
54 Pine St.
Nicholas Southwick-Hall

High Expectations Advocacy
192 Daniel Shays Highway
Sandra Fitzpatrick

LLR2000
219 Federal St.
Lisa Ducharme

SPG Logging
171 Old Enfield Road
Stephen Glaszcz, Beth Glaszcz

CHICOPEE

Favorites Candy Shop
145-147 East Main St.
Julissa Rawana

Lavallee Custon Creations
77 Lapa Farm Road
Melissa Lavallee

Mutt Cuts, LLC
102 Grove St.
Lori Jerusik

Mutt Rescue Inc.
102 Grove St.
Lori Jerusik

SNG Construction
4 Coolidge Road
Sergey Gorobinskiy

EASTHAMPTON

Northern Atlantic Enterprises
76 Oliver St.
Canerd Hopkins

EAST LONGMEADOW

CMJ Advocates
75 Hanward Hill
Christine Markell

Lucky Nails & Spa
68 Center Square
Tong To

Springfield Valley Hypnosis Center
280 North Main St.
Sandra Neumann

GREENFIELD

C-A-B Transportation
76 Vernon St.
Cynthia Aldrich

Shayla Caldwell
224½ Federal St.
Shayla Caldwell

The Solar Express/The Laundry
176 Federal St.
Alexander Fiorey

Spiker’s, LLC
324 Wells St.
Kate Broughton

Taproot Psychotherapy
25 Bank Row, 3rd Floor
Alexandra Osterman

Vehicle Inspection Center Inc.
188 Federal St.
Nell Lorenz

V.O. Rell Enterprises
332 Deerfield St.
Dan Viorel Oros

HAMPDEN

Isham Construction
156 Wilbraham Road
Daniel Isham

Safe Auto Sales
484 Main St.
Felix Perez

HOLYOKE

Auto Plus Auto Parts
239 South St.
Michael Englert, Matthew Flannery, Art Wenda

Goodfellas Barbershop
665 High St.
Ferdinand Rivera

Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.
15 Holyoke St.
Ulta Salon Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc.

LONGMEADOW

Brushback
36 Captain Road
Michael Corvin

Invisible Fence of Western Mass.
42 Meadowlark Dr.
Joseph Fitzgerald

West Mass Drone
60 King Philip Dr.
I. Christopher Rinaldi

LUDLOW

JMA Web Consulting
118 Wedgewood Dr.
Joseph Alvaro

Liberty Tax Service
61 East St.
Diane Dos Reis

Palatino Auto & Truck Repair
110 Moody St.
Adelino Palatino

NORTHAMPTON

BBQ Pellets Online
6 Court St.
Seth Fischer

Carrie Ferguson Music
68 Cherry St.
Carrie Ferguson

Forget Me Not Florist
1 Round House Plaza
Rebecca Fitzgerald

PeoplesWealth Advisory Group
300 King St.
PeoplesBank

Sandri #139
776 North King St.
Nichael Behn

Valley Mediation
355 Bridge St.
Miriam Krell Bounce

Zachary Tate Art
54 Old Ferry Road
Zachary Saltzman Birnbaum

PALMER

Bruce O’Brien Electric Service
P.O. Box 5
Bruce O’Brien

Buzz for Bait
1624 Park St.
Rose Gagnon

healing-you Hipnotherapy
1479 North Main St.
Kelly Booth

NanoSOLV Technologies
21 Wilbraham St.
John Becker IV

Retail in Perfect
368 Wilbraham St.
Katarzyna Reopel

Samantha Clay Real Estate
21 Wilbraham St.
Samantha Clay

SprayKraft International
21 Wilbraham St.
John Becker IV

Surewood Systems
21 Wilbraham St.
John Becker IV

SPRINGFIELD

2EZ Sportswear
111 Mayher St.
2EZ Sportswear

Advanced Orthopedics
300 Stafford St.
David Kruger

Barry Development
591 Tinkham Road
Cornelius Barry

Blackwood’s Transportation
84 Wexford St.
Andrew Blackwood

The Crazy Grill & Restaurant
2757 Main St.
Carmen Olivencia

Destiny’s Design
69 Jennings St.
Katherine Goodman

First We Feast, LLC
232 Worthington St.
Brendan Walker

Gifts and Grabs
1655 Boston Road
Tyra Adeeko

Hair 2000
459 Main St.
John Marnelakis

Jay’s Metal Refurbishing
45 Daytona St., Second Floor
Jason Perez

Kwik Fix Auto Repair
491 Allen St.
Alex Dominquez

L. Messier Services
63 Sunapee St.
Louis Messier

Life Dental Specialties
1795 Main St.
Anthony Quinta

Minutemen Remodeling
302 Gifford St.
Robert Granger

Neon Works
281 Taylor St.
Winslow Reed Jr.

New Traditions Wedding Music
19 Ingersoll Grove
Stephen Moser

P.L. Krynicki Insurance Agency
459 Main St.
Pamela Krynicki

RRG Trucking, LLC
97 Pine St.
Roberto Gray

Saint Luke’s Home
85 Spring St.
Trinity Continuing Care Services

Springfield First Fridays
112 Berkshire Ave.
Sheldon Hanson

WESTFIELD

Alex Sheremet Photography
102 Elm St., Suite 17
Alex Sheremet

Andrea York Photography, LLC
16 Union Ave.
Andrea York

Cindy’s Cleaning
44 Laro Road
Cindy Donahue

Finding Space in Your Place
287 Falley Dr.
Tracy Racicot

Greg’s Auto Repair Inc.
301 North Elm St.
Greg’s Auto Repair Inc.

Midac Corp.
6 Coleman Ave.
Midac Corp.

Park Square Realty
44 Elm St.
PSQ Inc.

Ray Davidson’s Home Improvement
45 Rogers Ave.
Raymond Davidson

Rovithis Realty, LLC
16 Union Ave. Suite 26
Steven Rovithis

Seven Colors Painting
26 Hunter Slope
Pavel Shevchuk

Sophy Nails and Spa
84 Main St.
Lida Lim

Westfield Liquors
95 Main St.
Patel Liquor, LLC

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Expo Liquors
1122 Memorial Ave.
Dadson Inc.

Fathers & Sons Volkswagen
434 Memorial Ave.
Damon Cartelli

Greener Side Property Service
22 Bascom St.
Matthew Sawyer

Pioneer Valley Chimney Sweeps
362 Amostown Road
Thomas Cowell

PS Salon & Spa
110 Monastery Ave.
Salon PS

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant
919 Riverdale St.
GMRI Inc.

Union Street Auto Sales
697 Union St.
Joshua Martel

WILBRAHAM

Adam Long Painting
231 Monson Road
Adam Long, Natalie Long

Blush Beauty Boutique
2812 Boston Road
Faith Blanscet

Interskate 91
2043 Boston Road
Kevin Baker

Simply Dip-Licious
2341 Boston Road, Unit 4
Tracy Peloquin

Stony Hill Landscaping
1 Leemond St.
Joseph Pessolano

Incorporations

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Departments Incorporations

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

HOLYOKE

Panamericana Multiservice Inc., 34 Martin St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Zoraida V. McEvoy, same. Shipping, translations, and other services.

LONGMEADOW

Sean Byrne Memorial Music Foundation Inc., 17 Cherry Lane, Longmeadow, MA 01106. Stephen A. Byrne, same. Promotes funding and support directed to educational and performance opportunities in the musical arts.

ORANGE

Orange Solstice Riverfest Inc., C/O Neely, 150 West Orange Road, Orange, MA 01364 Laurie A. Neely, same. Volunteer organization formed to celebrate the history and local culture related to the Millers River in Orange.

Storming the Greens Inc., 185 Mountain View Drive, Holyoke, MA 01040. Ryan McMahon, same. Raises funds for cancer-related service and research organizations, including organizations treating and researching glioblastoma and other forms of brain cancer.

PITTSFIELD

Silver Therapeutics Inc., 82 Wendell Ave., Suite 100, Pittsfield, MA 01201. Joshua Silver, 89 Court St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Provides natural medical treatments to the public and for all such other purposes.

SOUTH HADLEY

South Hadley Baseball Association Inc., 6 Chatham Way, South Hadley, MA 01075. AJ Provost, 27 Tampa St., South Hadley, MA 01075. Summer baseball league.

SPRINGFIELD

Senda De Renovcion Y Restauracion Inc., 788 Parker St., Springfield, MA 01129. Victor Gali Rivera, 805 Km. 2.3 St., Bo. Negros Corozal, PR 00783. Non-profit organization that provides a meeting place for social, community, and religious purposes.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Pro Solution Construction Inc., 116 Lancaster Ave., West Springfield, MA 01089. Petr Gavrilyuk, same. Construction.

WESTHAMPTON

Regnaleb Enterprises Inc., 218 North Road, Westhampton, MA 01027. Arthur E. Belanger, same. Consulting and investment.

WILLIAMSTOWN

Pacelli Zepka Corporation, 1136 Main St., Williamstown, MA 01267. Allison M. Pacelli, same. Math camp.

Briefcase

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Briefcase Departments

Employer Confidence Hits Another High for 2017

BOSTON — Employer confidence in Massachusetts hit another high for 2017 during October as economic growth accelerated and companies remained optimistic about the national outlook. The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index edged up 0.3 points to 62.7, leaving it 6.5 points better than in October 2016. The uptick was driven by a brightening view of employment growth and firming confidence among manufacturers. The reading came as MassBenchmarks reported that the Massachusetts economy grew at 5.9% during the third quarter, almost double the rate of the national economy. Payroll employment grew at a 2.1% annual rate in Massachusetts in the third quarter as compared to 1.2% nationally. “The acceleration of the Massachusetts economy in the third quarter provided additional fuel to an already solid sense of confidence among employers as we head for 2018,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “At the same time, optimism about the national economy suggests that employers believe growth rates throughout the U.S. will increase even more if Congress follows through on its proposal to lower the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20%.” The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The Index has remained above 50 since October 2013. The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were largely higher during October. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, slipped 0.3 points to 65.1, still 4.1 points more than a year earlier. October marked the 91st consecutive month in which employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than the national economy. The U.S. Index of national business conditions rose 2.7 points to 62.5, continuing a 13.3-point surge for the 12-month period. The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased 0.7 points to 63.6, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, remained even at 61.9 points. The Current Index has risen 7.6 points and the Future Index 5.6 points during the past year. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, lost 0.3 points to 62.0. There was better news in the Employment Index, a key predictor of economic health, which rose 2.0 points to 57.8.

Arrha President Testifies on Bill to Modernize Credit-union Laws

SPRINGFIELD — Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, testified on an act to modernize credit-union laws before the state Joint Committee on Financial Services. Ostrowski testified on allowing technological advances, increasing transactional authority for chartering and merging credit unions, and increasing state authority for low-income designation. “A top priority of Arrha Credit Union is to be able to fully utilize today’s advances in technology. We are not allowed to offer electronic loan applications, along with other credit unions. Our members want technological convenience in today’s advanced electronic world,” Ostrowski said. “Also, mail was meaningful during the time this law was enacted; however, today’s electronic voting has largely taken the place of mail ballot voting, and is more easily accessible for members to actively participate in our governance. Such technological advances will provide convenience, time-saving opportunities, and cost-saving opportunities. It is important for Arrha Credit Union to stay as technically advanced as possible to best serve our membership and communities.” Arrha Credit Union supports the provisions of this bill, which allows the Massachusetts commissioner of Banks to recognize the credit-union low-income designation for state-chartered credit unions. A credit union that receives the low-income designation is a credit union in which has more than half of its members have a family income 80% or less than the median family income for the metropolitan area where they live or national metropolitan area, whichever is greater. This authority will open an opportunity for credit unions to gain access to grant money to provide additional training opportunities for its staff, better and more tailored products for its low-income base, and other such improvements. It will also allow for expedited and easier recognition of credit for Community Reinvestment Act purposes. “Arrha Credit Union is considered a low-income-designated credit union and has used its low-income designation in the area of auto lending with 100% loan-to-value ratios, which allows us to better and more timely serve our members,” Ostrowski said. “It is clear that values and general banking business dynamics change very quickly in this day and age; as a result, it is necessary that our laws are also kept up-to-date, modernized, with today’s needs.

Unemployment Rates Decrease Across State in September

BOSTON — Local unemployment rates decreased in 19 labor-market areas, increased in two areas, and remained the same in three areas in the state during the month of September, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported. Compared to September 2016, the rates were up in 18 labor-market areas and remained the same in six labor-market areas. Six of the 15 areas for which job estimates are published recorded seasonal job gains in September. The gains occurred in the Springfield, Worcester, Brockton-Bridgewater-Easton, New Bedford, Peabody-Salem-Beverly, and Leominster-Gardner areas. From September 2016 to September 2017, 14 of the 15 areas added jobs, with the largest percentage gains in the New Bedford, Haverhill-Newburyport-Amesbury, Barnstable, Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Lynn-Saugus-Marblehead, and Springfield areas. In order to compare the statewide rate to local unemployment rates, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the statewide unadjusted unemployment rate for September was 3.5%. Last week, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development reported the statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.9% in the month of September. The statewide seasonally adjusted jobs estimate showed a 9,300-job gain in September and an over-the-year gain of 62,300 jobs. The unadjusted unemployment rates and job estimates for the labor market areas reflect seasonal fluctuations and therefore may show different levels and trends than the statewide seasonally adjusted estimates. The estimates for labor force, unemployment rates, and jobs for Massachusetts are based on different statistical methodology specified by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Board of Higher Education Votes to Join Agreement on Online Learning

BOSTON — The state Board of Higher Education recently authorized the state’s commissioner of Higher Education to submit an application to join the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), a multi-state approach to regulating the growing number of online learning programs offered by colleges and universities across the U.S. The board’s unanimous vote follows an extensive review of what joining SARA would mean for the Commonwealth. Last year, Massachusetts Education Secretary James Peyser chaired a legislative Special Commission on Interstate Reciprocity Agreements, which issued a report that was reviewed by the Board of Higher Education as part of its decision-making process to join SARA. In December 2016, the U.S. Department of Education incorporated recommendations from the state Board and Department of Higher Education, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Executive Office of Education in final authorization regulations for postsecondary online education. “As we strive to make higher education more affordable and accessible for residents of the Commonwealth, adding online learning options is a critical step in the right direction,” Gov. Charlie Baker said. “We are pleased to join SARA with the assurance that we would be able to continue vital consumer protections for our students, and look forward to preparing our application.” Added Peyser, “if Massachusetts’ application for SARA membership is approved, students in the Commonwealth will see a multitude of options in online education open up for them, and our state’s colleges and universities will find it less cumbersome and costly to offer online courses to students in other states.” Massachusetts will be the 49th state to join SARA, if its application is accepted by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. Currently, the Board of Higher Education regulates the degree-granting authority of most post-secondary institutions with a physical presence in the Commonwealth, granting them the ability to offer specific credit-bearing programs of study and to use the terms ‘college’ or ‘university’ in their names. At present, it does not exercise oversight over out-of-state institutions that offer only online programs to Massachusetts students. With the proliferation of distance-learning providers and modalities, the need for a new, more nimble regulatory approach that will allow for greater access and options for students — while maintaining robust student protections and safeguards — has emerged. “Massachusetts has a strong history when it comes to regulations and standards that benefit consumers — in this case, students — and we were willing to take our time in deliberating whether to join SARA rather than rush into an agreement that might shortchange them,” said Carlos Santiago, state commissioner of Higher Education. If Massachusetts’ application to join SARA is accepted, institutions in the Commonwealth may be able to submit applications to begin operating under SARA by the summer of 2018.

Connecticut Airport Authority Seeks Development Proposals

WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority is seeking developers to enter into a long-term land lease to develop, operate, and maintain commercial property owned by Bradley International Airport located on a vacant, 4.8-acre parcel on Ella Grasso Turnpike. A pre-proposal meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. in the Human Resources Conference Room located at 334 Ella Grasso Turnpike, Suite 100, Windsor Locks. Full copies of the request for proposal may be downloaded at www.ctairports.org/economic-development/procurement, or by e-mailing [email protected].

Company Notebook

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Company Notebook Departments

STCC Partners with Northeastern University

SPRINGFIELD — A new educational and workforce-development partnership between Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) and Northeastern University creates an opportunity for current STCC students, graduates, and the general public to earn bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering technology and advanced manufacturing systems on site at STCC. In a recent ceremony at STCC, leaders from both institutions officially signed a memorandum of understanding to mark this partnership. In the planning stages for more than a year, the agreement with STCC marks the first time Northeastern has partnered with a community college to offer bachelor’s degrees on site. “Our engineering and manufacturing programs continue to be a signature of STCC, and we are very pleased to collaborate with Northeastern to deepen and enhance workforce efforts for Western Massachusetts,” said John Cook, STCC president. Added Mary Loeffelholz, dean of Northeastern University College of Professional Studies, “we’re pleased to partner with Springfield Technical Community College as it expands opportunities for students. Both of our institutions value experiential learning and industry-aligned degrees to prepare students for career and life success.” Students may choose either a pathway to a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering technology or in advanced manufacturing systems from Northeastern to be completed online and at STCC. Both degrees are part of the Lowell Institute School at Northeastern, which offers 15 bachelor’s-degree programs, 10 of which are available completely online. “This partnership with STCC is in keeping with the mission and tradition of the Lowell Institute School, which began when A. Lawrence Lowell created the Lowell Institute School for Industrial Foremen in 1903,” said Kemi Jona, founding director of the Lowell Institute School and associate dean of Undergraduate Programs. “The goal then was to bring essential knowledge and opportunity to the people doing the work driving the economy of the new century. Today, the Lowell Institute School is still committed to this goal, reaching students in new ways and places.” The agreement maximizes convenience and cost-effectiveness for STCC graduates who wish to obtain bachelor’s degrees in the two programs, said Adrienne Smith, dean of the School of Engineering Technologies & Mathematics at STCC. Smith said most STCC students have families in the area and would prefer to get their bachelor’s degrees in the Springfield area. In addition to some online courses, classes will take place in the evening and possibly Saturdays.

United Bank Foundation Supports Baystate Project

SPRINGFIELD — The United Bank Foundation Massachusetts recently approved a $50,000 grant designated to help Baystate Medical Center and Baystate Health Foundation establish a permanent Acute Care for Elders (ACE) unit at the hospital. Baystate launched its ACE unit as a pilot program in September 2014, providing nationally recognized and award-winning geriatric care that has resulted in many positive clinical outcomes for elder patients at the medical center, including reducing the length of hospital stays for elderly patients, enhancing patient safety, boosting training for medical staff, and increasing the number of patients who return directly home after their hospital stay. Due to the success of the pilot program, Baystate is seeking partners like United Bank to help establish a permanent, state-of-the-art ACE unit. This 32-bed unit would enable Baystate to provide acute care to more elderly patients in Western Mass. To date, Baystate’s ACE unit has treated approximately 500 elderly patients. According to the Baystate Health Foundation, the elderly population in Western Mass. — which is currently among the highest in the state — is expected to rise by nearly 15% in 2018. By 2030, the older adult population will increase to more than 70 million and account for one in every five Americans. “For anyone who has an elderly family member who required a prolonged hospital stay, you want peace of mind knowing your loved ones are comfortable in a compassionate setting, receiving top medical care, and are on course to return home to lead independent lives when they are discharged,” said Dena Hall, the bank’s Western Mass. regional president and president of the United Bank Foundation Massachusetts. “Baystate has a proven record for meeting these patient-care goals and successfully addressing the unique physical and psychological needs of elderly patients. We know our $50,000 financial commitment will help Baystate continue to be a leader in transforming elder care in Western Mass.”

AIC Named to Top 10 Small Colleges in State

SPRINGFIELD — Zippia.com, a website dedicated to helping people find and pursue the right career, has named American International College (AIC) one of the top 10 small colleges in Massachusetts. Zippia sorted schools in the Bay State by enrollment, limiting their report to institutions with fewer than 2,000 students. They assessed data from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and college scorecard data from www.ed.gov to determine what small schools offer the best career opportunities and school performance. Career considerations included mean earnings after six and 10 years, and the ratio of people working to not working after 10 years. School performance was measured in terms of admissions rate (the more selective, the better), graduation rate, average cost of attendance (the lower, the better), and debt upon graduation. Once career opportunities and school performance were calculated, Zippia examined the 32 institutions of higher learning in Massachusetts enrolling fewer than 2,000 students. American International College is one of the private schools to be recognized. AIC admits 67% of its students and is the 10th-least-expensive small college to attend in the Commonwealth.

Westfield Bank, Customers Raise Hurricane-relief Funds

WESTFIELD — Westfield Bank presented a donation for $8,000 to the Westfield Spanish American Assoc. and the Western Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico coalition to aid relief efforts in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. The funds were raised during the Bank’s “Casual for a Cause” event held earlier this month, in which employees could earn the privilege of dressing casually by contributing to the fund-raiser. Bank customers were also invited to drop contributions in collection boxes located at the Bank’s 21 branch offices. Together, employees and customers donated $4,000, and Westfield Bank matched their efforts with an additional $4,000. According to Ed Diaz, co-founder of the Westfield Spanish American Assoc. (WSAA) and chairman of the association’s hurricane relief fund, the bank’s donation will be sent directly to the United for Puerto Rico relief fund. Together, the WSAA and Western Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico form a coalition of community groups; civic and business leaders; volunteers from Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield, and Chicopee; and others in Western Mass. working to bring relief to the people of Puerto Rico. “Over $100,000 has been raised thus far,” said Diaz, “and we have collected other items such as batteries, water, sanitary products, canned foods, and radios at drop-off points at the Westfield Boys & Girls Club, the Westfield YMCA, and the Westfield school superintendent’s office. We have shipped over 250 boxes of goods to Puerto Rico, and we thank Westfield Bank and everyone who donated to this cause and volunteered their time and talent for this effort.” Both Westfield Bank and the WSAA plan to continue their efforts on behalf of Hurricane Maria relief. With significant support from the WSAA and the Portuguese American Club in Chicopee, a group of Westfield Bank employee volunteers is organizing a benefit dance on Saturday, Dec. 2. The dance will be held from 6 p.m. until midnight at the Portuguese American Club, 149 Exchange St., Chicopee. For more details, visit any Westfield Bank office.

State Awards HCC $229,500 for Culinary Arts Institute

HOLYOKE — The HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute got a big boost yesterday from the governor’s office with the awarding of a $229,500 grant for the purchase of computer and kitchen equipment for the new downtown training facility, which is expected to open next month. During an appearance at Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford, Gov. Charlie Baker announced a total of $9.5 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants to 32 community colleges, high schools, and educational institutions to enhance and expand career training programs like the ones Holyoke Community College (HCC) will be operating at the Cubit Building on the corner of Race and Appleton streets in the city’s Innovation District. “These Skills Capital Grants will help boost our economy and equip students with new skills, knowledge, and experience with state-of-the-art equipment across the Commonwealth,” Baker said. “We look forward to continuing our work with these 32 institutions and previous awardees to enhance their programs and develop a skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of the Commonwealth.” The HCC grant will be used to buy 32 computer workstations, networking infrastructure, and software programs unique to hospitality- and culinary-industry workplaces, as well as kitchen equipment such as refrigerators, grill and fry tables, ice machines, skillets, griddles, steamers, and dishwashers. “All the items purchased with the grant will directly support workforce training for occupations within the growing hospitality and culinary-arts industry of Western Massachusetts, including preparing workers for MGM Springfield, one of our major employer partners,” said Amy Dopp, HCC’s interim vice president of Institutional Advancement. She said the new equipment will allow the college to increase the number of seats available in its credit and non-credit programs and be able to customize instruction to meet the needs of local employers. Construction of the HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, which will occupy nearly 20,000 square feet on the first and second floors of the Cubit Building, is expected to be completed in late November, with non-credit workforce-training programs beginning in December. HCC’s credit programs in hospitality and culinary arts will relocate from the main campus to the new facility for the beginning of the spring 2018 semester.

People on the Move

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Departments People on the Move

Elizabeth Quick

Bulkley Richardson has named Elizabeth Quick its new executive director. In this position, she is responsible for overseeing all business operations including finance, human resources, information technology, business development/marketing, and facilities. “We are pleased that Elizabeth will be joining us,” said Peter Barry, chairman of the firm’s executive committee. “She has directed many programs and business systems for law firms throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C. Based on her experience and her abilities, we are confident that she will be a major contributor to continuing the firm’s success.” Quick said she is excited about her new opportunity. “I look forward to working with this talented group of professionals as we continue to serve Bulkley Richardson clients and the community. Continuous improvement of systems and management to foster the firm’s delivery of superior legal services is an important focus for me.” An experienced operations professional, Quick’s career spans more than 25 years as a legal-industry administrator. She has developed and implemented new processes, along with coordinating all administrative functions required to ensure smooth day-to-day operations. She has a strong network of colleagues and vendors which has allowed her to streamline tasks to bolster productivity and performance. Prior to joining Bulkley Richardson, she worked as a multi-location administrator for a law firm with offices in New York, Washington, D.C., and Connecticut. She was responsible for strategic planning, expansions and moves, human resources, budgeting, day-to-day operations, business lines of insurance, and cohesive interaction with the management group in benefits, finance, technology, recruiting, and marketing to forward the firm’s overall success and business operations. Quick earned her bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Eastern Connecticut State University, and received her associate degree from Manchester Community College, and was honored with the David A. Greenberg Award for Academic Excellence and the Fred A. Ramey Jr. Award for Outstanding Business Student. She is a member of the Assoc. of Legal Administrators (ALA), and also a member of the Nutmeg and Capitol chapters of ALA. Quick is based in Bulkley Richardson’s Springfield office. She succeeds Patrick Hourihan, who retired in September after 36 years of service to the firm.

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Jodie Gerulaitis

Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced that Jodie Gerulaitis has been promoted to vice president of Community Relations. “Jodie’s commitment to the local communities we serve and her deep understanding of the bank’s mission made her the obvious choice for this new position,” Scully said. “Jodie will further enhance the bank’s long-standing commitment to helping those in need and work with local nonprofits on various events while managing the bank’s charitable-giving programs.” Gerulaitis has been with Country Bank for 24 years in various positions and holds several certifications from the Center for Financial Training. She is currently attending the New England School for Financial Studies, serves as a local treasurer of the Salvation Army, and is on the West Brookfield Elementary and Stanley M. Koziol school councils. Annually, Country Bank partners with more than 500 local nonprofits to support their needs and was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 Charitable Giving Companies by the Boston Business Journal.

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Pierre Joseph

The Solidago Foundation, a national social-justice foundation, appointed Springfield native, Amherst College graduate, and Truman scholar Pierre Joseph to the newly created role of program associate. Within this role, Joseph will have a critical role in developing four new signature projects as well as researching, recruiting, and managing new national and state partners. “Pierre is joining our growing team at a pivotal time for the foundation,” said CEO Elizabeth Barajas-Román. “We are excited about the expertise and fresh perspective he’ll bring to our ongoing work.” Prior to working at the Solidago Foundation, Pierre worked as a policy analyst at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. There, he staffed the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services and worked on many issues including two-generation approaches to child poverty, family implications of substance-use disorder, and linking health-systems transformation to the social determinants of health. “In this new role, I am very interested in how emerging financing strategies, blended funding streams, and democratized access to capital can build wealth, expand opportunity, and increase economic mobility in underserved communities throughout the United States,” he said. Joseph is also responsible for working with senior staff on supporting the team’s budgeting, financial analysis, and planning efforts. “I am thrilled to be working alongside Pierre,” said Jeff Rosen, CFO of the Solidago Foundation. “We are lucky to have a person who has gained so much experience in both local and national arenas to bring to the next phase of our work. Pierre offers the rare blend of practical focus and long-range vision. He will be an invaluable field and thought partner, and we look forward to working together on a host of new initiatives.”

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Michelle Cayo

Florence Bank, a mutually owned savings bank serving the Pioneer Valley through 10 branch locations, has hired Michelle Cayo of Granby in the position of vice president, Credit Administration manager. She brings nearly 20 years of commercial credit experience to her new role. Cayo studied at Bay Path University, where she received her bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in finance, and her master’s degree in communications and information management. She completed the New England School for Financial Studies program and is in the process of completing the Graduate Banking Program from the American Bankers Assoc. Cayo serves her community as a member of the Jimmy Fund Council of Western Mass. In the past, she has also served as president of the Professional Women’s Chamber of Western Mass. In 2013, she was recognized by Western Mass Women magazine as Volunteer of the Year to recognize her work for children with pediatric cancer. She was also recognized by BusinessWest as a member of the 40 Under Forty Class of 2011, which celebrates young business and civic leaders in the Pioneer Valley. “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Michelle Cayo to our Florence Bank family,” said President and CEO John Heaps Jr. “She has an impressive background in commercial credit, and we feel she’s the ideal candidate to take on the role of VP/Credit Administration manager. I know we will be seeing excellent results from her in the years to come, and I look forward to watching her success.”

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John Garvey

John Garvey, president of Springfield-based digital-marketing and public-relations firm Garvey Communication Associates Inc. (GCAi) recently completed a certificate program in corporate reputation management offered by the Public Relations Society of America. The eight-week program was taught by communications experts from global brands including Weber Shandwick, the Hershey Co., MasterCard, Revlon Inc., and Burson-Marsteller. The program included modules on “Reputation and the CEO,” “Key Performance Indicators,” “Digital Reputation,” and “Reputational Risks.” The program is designed to help communications professionals navigate the space between marketing, public relations, and digital, as well as to recognize the importance of reputation and the CEO’s impact on brand value. Garvey was also a keynote presenter at the 2017 Massachusetts Bankers Assoc. Executive Officers Conference, where he presented on “Managing the Media and Your Reputation in a Crisis.” He has close to four decades of public-relations and reputation-management experience, having worked as a consultant to a variety of corporations and nonprofits, as well as a political campaign consultant. Garvey earned a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University and has served as a guest lecturer at the university’s Diederich College of Communications. He earned a master’s degree in organizational development at American International College. He is also a judge and mentor for the Boston-based global startup accelerator MassChallenge, where he has worked with cohorts from Spain, Columbia, Morocco, France, and Mexico.

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Ivonne Vidal

Ivonne Vidal, a staff attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services in Springfield, has been appointed to the Holyoke Community College board of trustees by Gov. Charlie Baker. Vidal holds a law degree from Boston University School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics from Brown University. As an undergraduate, she spent a year studying international relations and economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science. A native Spanish speaker, Vidal grew up in Cuba and has been living in the U.S. since she was 15 and in Western Mass. for the past six years. “As a public defender and an immigrant, I am keenly aware of the transformative role education plays in a person’s life,” Vidal said. “Holyoke Community College is at the forefront of this movement, finding innovative ways to engage and improve the lives of residents in Holyoke and Western Massachusetts. I am very excited to become a part of this institution, and I’m looking forward to helping advance its mission.” Before coming to New England for college, Vidal worked as an aide at the English Center in Miami, helping to teach classes in English as a second language and citizenship. She also spent summers during college in Miami working as an executive intern in the public defender’s office. As a law student at Boston University, she worked for Greater Boston Legal Services and as a legal intern with Masferrer & Associates, P.C. “Ivonne’s background in law and fluency in Spanish will strengthen our already-talented board,” said Robert Gilbert, board of trustees chair. “Our goal is to foster an environment where students can succeed not only academically in college, but in their lives as well. New trustees bring fresh ideas that will help guide HCC into the future and strengthen our connections with community partners.”

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Shaun Jennings

OMG Roofing Products has hired Shaun Jennings as digital marketing specialist. In his new role, Jennings is responsible for all digital marketing activities for OMG Roofing Products, including company websites, social media, and mobile marketing activities. He is based in Agawam and reports to Sam Everett, director of Marketing Communications. Jennings joins OMG Roofing from SABIC, a manufacturer of high-performance plastics, where he led digital platform development for the Specialties business unit in the Americas region, based in Houston. He holds a bachelor’s degree in interactive media advertising from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Headquartered in Agawam, OMG Roofing Products is a manufacturer of commercial roofing products including specialty fasteners, adhesives, edge metal systems, drains, pipe supports, and advanced productivity tools.

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Michael Koziol

Spiros Hatiras, president and CEO of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems, announced the appointment of Michael Koziol as chief financial officer at Holyoke Medical Center (HMC). “Mike has over 30 years of experience in nonprofit organizations, including several hospitals throughout New England,” said Hatiras. “His knowledge and successful contributions to organizational financial stability and improved operating efficiencies have already proved to be an asset to the leadership team of Holyoke Medical Center and Valley Health Systems.” Koziol has served as interim CFO at HMC since April 2017. His prior experience includes executive-level finance positions with Southcoast Physicians Group in Fairhaven, Mass.; MaineGeneral Health in Augusta, Maine; South County Hospital Healthcare Systems in Wakefield, R.I.; Massachusetts Eye & Ear Associates in Boston; Rhode Island Hospital in Providence; and Memorial Hospital of South Bend in South Bend, Ind. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Illinois State University and completed his MBA at the University of Illinois. “I have spent the past six months as interim CFO with Holyoke Medical Center, and I am very happy to be a part of this organization,” said Koziol. “The people who work here are wonderful, and enable a bright future in continuing to provide high-quality, cost-effective care to the community.”

•••••

Rachel Turgeon, a United Personnel employee who has worked in a variety of customer-service roles for the past five years, has been awarded the 2017 United Personnel Academic Merit Award. Turgeon received the $1,000 scholarship to defray student-loan payments related to her bachelor’s degree she received from Elms College last June. As an aspiring oncologist, Turgeon hopes to begin medical school next year. In addition to her work as a United Personnel contract employee, Turgeon is currently a women’s leader at Celebrate Recovery. In 2010, she suffered from an autoimmune disorder, and, in order to grow and heal from that occurrence, she began to counsel women in similar situations. She wanted women to see their beauty and worth beyond their physical impairments, such as hair loss. It was through this experience that she realized her calling and began taking steps to one day specialize in oncology, with the dream of traveling the world through Doctors Without Borders. “Working at United Personnel has taught me that hard work pays off,” Turgeon said. “United Personnel has been a blessing to work for. They have helped me during an extremely tough time in my life, and through them I found a job that has supported me and my long-term goals. I am extremely grateful to receive the United Personnel scholarship. Because of this scholarship, I can pay off a portion of my student loans and process quite a few medical-school applications. United Personnel has brought me one step closer to my goals, and I am so thankful for their support.” Each year, United Personnel identifies one contract employee, or the child of a United Personnel contract employee, who has worked at least 160 hours and is currently enrolled or is a recent graduate of an accredited college as the winner of its annual Academic Merit Award. This $1,000 award recognizes hard work both inside and outside of the classroom, and can be utilized to defray current costs or for loan forgiveness.

Chamber Corners: Upcoming Events

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Chamber Corners Departments

1BERKSHIRE
www.1berkshire.com
(413) 499-1600

• Nov. 15: Chamber Nite, 5-7 p.m., hosted by Security Supply, 50 Roberts Dr., North Adams. Remember to bring your business card to enter a drawing to win a door prize.

GREATER CHICOPEE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

• Nov. 15: Veterans Day Salute Breakfast with Stephanie Shaw, Chicopee’s new Veterans Services officer, 7:15-9 a.m., hosted by the Castle of Knights, 1599 Memorial Dr., Chicopee. Sponsored by the La Quinta Inn & Suites and Westfield Bank. Cost: $23 for members, $28 for non-members, which includes breakfast buffet. Veterans are free. Sign up online at chicopeechamber.org/events.

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

• Nov. 15: Chamber After Hours, 5-7 p.m., hosted and sponsored by Elms College MBA Program, 129 Springfield St., Chicopee. A casual networking event with appetizers, refreshments, and a raffle. Cost: $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Register online at holyokechamber.com or call the chamber at (413) 534-3376.

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

• Nov. 15: 57th annual Meeting & Awards Dinner, 5:30-8 p.m., hosted by East Mountain Country Club, 1458 East Mountain Road, Westfield. Congratulations to our Award Winners: Business of the Year: ProAmpac; Nonprofit of the Year, Kevs Foundation; and Lifetime Achievement Award: the Perez Family of East Mountain Country Club. Event sponsor: Baystate Noble Hospital. Cost: $50 for chamber members, $60 for potential members. Online registration is available at www.westfieldbiz.org. Sponsorship opportunities are available on the website as well. For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information, contact Pam at the chamber at (413) 568-1618 or [email protected].

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787.1555

• Nov. 16: Government Reception, 5-7 p.m., hosted by the Carriage House, Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. An opportunity to meet socially with local, state, and federal officials. Cost: $60 for members, $70 general admission. Res ervations may be made online at www.springfieldregionalchamber.com.

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880

• Nov. 16: Lunch N Learn Seminar – How to Promote your Business on Social Media, noon to 1:30 p.m., hosted by the Carriage House at Storrowton Tavern, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. Enjoy lunch while learning about the do’s and don’ts of promoting one’s business on social media, including best practices, target audience, boosting, and other aspects of promotion. Cost: $30 per member or guest. Register online at www.westoftheriverchamber.com. For more information, contact the chamber at (413) 426-3880 or [email protected].

Agenda

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Agenda Departments

Farmington Bank Food Drive for Gray House

Through Nov. 14: Farmington Bank is collecting non-perishable food items through Tuesday, Nov. 14 at its West Springfield and East Longmeadow branch offices. All collections will be donated in time for Thanksgiving to the Gray House Food Pantry, which is located in the north end of Springfield and serves 80 to 120 households per week. “Thanksgiving is an important time to show appreciation and give back to the communities in which we live and work,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “We invite the public to join our food-collection efforts to help our neighbors in need in West Springfield and East Longmeadow.” The public is invited to donate non-perishable food items at 85 Elm St. in West Springfield and 61 North Main St. in East Longmeadow. During the same time, all Farmington Bank locations in Connecticut are collecting food items for Hartford-based social-service agency Hands On Hartford.

Diabetes Wellness Fair

Nov. 15: Holyoke Medical Center will host a free Diabetes Wellness Fair from 3 to 7 p.m. in the HMC Auxiliary Conference Center. This event is free and open to the public. The fair will offer free blood-pressure checks, a type-2 diabetes risk test questionnaire, raffles, and more. Medical experts will be on hand to offer information on preventing diabetes-related complications, including skin, foot, dental, eye, and ear health. Demonstrations on exercise and food portion control will be presented and allow for hands-on participation. Pharmacists will be on hand to discuss medications available to treat diabetes. Private consultations for those with more in-depth questions about medications and how to manage their diabetes can be scheduled. These one-on-one, half-hour meetings will be by appointment only; call (413) 534-2789 to register. In conjunction with the Diabetes Wellness Fair, a free flu clinic will also be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Registration for flu shots is required by calling (413) 534-2533. Complimentary valet parking will be available. HMC also offers regular transportation services throughout Holyoke, Chicopee, and South Hadley, which will be available for a portion of the fair. To inquire about and arrange transportation, call HMC Transportation Services at (413) 534-2607.

Undergraduate Open House at WNEU

Nov. 12: Western New England University will host high-school and college students and their parents at an open house from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the St. Germain Campus Center. Guests will have the chance to tour the campus and residence halls, meet current students, get a general overview of the admissions and financial-aid process, and have academic questions answered by members of the faculty. The day concludes with an exhibit where students can gather more information on student clubs and activities, honors programs, and athletic opportunities at both the NCAA and intramural levels, as well as hear from the Career Development Center regarding the varied internship and career opportunities Western New England University students are receiving. The event is free, but advance reservation is requested. To register, call (413) 782-1312 or (800) 325-1122, ext. 1312, or visit wne.edu/openhouse. Prospective students interested in learning more about careers in sport management or social work are invited to specialized information sessions during the open house. The Career in Sport Management Panel is open to prospective students at all levels who want to learn more about the program’s outcomes. The panel will include Sharianne Walker, chair of the Sport Management program, and several professional leaders in sport management, including Ethan Lang, director of Operations for the XL Center and Pratt and Whitney Field; Chelsea Johnson, director of Educational Programs, Basketball Hall of Fame; and WNEU alum Laura Madaio, marketing manager at Athletes of Valor. Also on the panel is senior Tim Smith, president of the Sport Management Assoc., who works for the Springfield Thunderbirds as a gameday operations coordinator and recently completed an internship with the Travelers Golf Tournament, and recent graduates who will share how Western New England University’s Sport Management program helped them to break into the field. Western New England University is one of only three programs in the country with both the Commission on Sport Management accreditation and the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business accreditation. The Social Work Luncheon is open to prospective students at all levels who want to have a chance to meet with a small group of faculty members, current students, and alumni of the Social Work program, and to discover more about the program’s accreditation, including the opportunity to complete four internships in four years. This luncheon is open to all students and families who want to learn more about the field of social work and the benefits of the WNEU program. The Council on Social Work Education has awarded its highest marks to the Western New England University Social Work program. This accreditation qualifies students to apply for advanced standing in master of social work programs to earn their master’s degree in one year, rather than two. “We are in a time in our nation where there is a lot of focus on the state of higher education, and for good reason. We know that families are not only looking for a quality academic experience, but expect a clear return on investment,” said Bryan Gross, vice president for Enrollment Management and Marketing. “With so much national attention on the rising cost of college, the fact that Western New England University opened the fall 2017 semester with its largest undergraduate class in university history demonstrates our clear commitment to providing value to our students. Our student outcomes are impressive, and both students and employers are taking notice that we are a university with a unique focus on student success. The undergraduate open house is the perfect opportunity to tour our beautiful campus, meet with members of our faculty, [and] ask questions to current students.”

Girls on the Run 5K

Nov. 19: Girls on the Run of Western Massachusetts will host a 5K celebration at 10:30 a.m. at Smith College. Girls on the Run is a positive youth-development program that uses physical activities, fun running games, and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in third to eighth grade. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5k event. Participation in the 5K event on Nov. 19 is open to the public. The program boasts about 400 girls and 120 volunteer coaches this season, and more than 1,200 participants are expected. The registration cost is $20 for adults and $12 for children and includes a GOTR 5K event shirt. After a group warm-up and remarks from Smith College President Kathleen McCartney, the event will begin on the Smith College athletic fields. Registration is open at www.girlsontherunwesternma.org. Registration on the day of the event will begin at 8:30 a.m. The run will begin at 10:30 am, but the opening festivities will begin at 10 a.m. Early arrival is suggested. Visit the website for more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities.

Lawyer on the Line

Nov. 20: The Hampden County Bar Assoc., in conjunction with WGGB, will hold a Lawyer on the Line event from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The volunteers will provide legal advice on a variety of topics from callers during the evening news broadcast. Individuals needing advice should call (413) 846-0240 to speak to a volunteer. Founded in 1864, the Hampden County Bar Assoc. is a nonprofit organization representing the interests of lawyers, the justice system, and the public in Hampden County. It provides professional support, education, and networking opportunities to its members, and advocacy on behalf of lawyers, the judiciary, and the public.

Baystate Bloodmobile

Nov. 22: Celebrate the season of Thanksgiving by donating blood as part of your plan before the holiday weekend. The community is invited to join a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Baystate Mary Lane on the Baystate Health bloodmobile. The bloodmobile will be parked in the north (visitors) parking lot, located at 85 South St. in Ware. “Please help us to ensure a safe and adequate blood supply is available by donating blood with the Baystate Health Blood Donor Program,” said Deb Oberg, co-coordinator of the blood drive, which is sponsored by Country Bank and Baystate Mary Lane. “One donation helps to save two lives, and 100% of all blood collected on the bloodmobile stays in our community for use in Baystate Health hospitals and facilities.” Blood donations take approximately one hour to complete, including the interview, donation, and refreshments. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, have a photo ID, be in good health (no colds or sore throat), and not have donated blood within the past eight weeks. All eligible donors will receive their choice of a gift card. For more information or to book an appointment, call (413) 967-2180. Walk-ins are welcome.

Babysitters Academy

Dec. 2: Baystate Medical Center will hold a Babysitters Academy to prepare area youth for their babysitting responsibilities. The one-day program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the BRL Conference Room at the Baystate Health Education Center, 361 Whitney Ave., Holyoke. Participants should bring their lunch. Babysitters Academy is a certified babysitter program for young adults ages 11½ to 15. The session offers potential babysitters instruction in baby care, first aid, CPR, fire safety, home security, child behavior, and accident prevention. Participants will also receive a course booklet containing helpful tips and other information, as well as a graduation certificate upon completion of the course. The program, offered by the Parent Education Department at Baystate Medical Center, costs $75. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. To register, visit baystatehealth.org/parented.

Court Dockets

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Court Dockets 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.

FRANKLIN SUPERIOR COURT
Kevin v. Chickering v. City Tire Co. Inc. d/b/a Lodge Tire Co. and John Doe
Allegation: Motor-vehicle negligence causing injury: $105,822.54
Filed: 9/21/17

HAMPDEN DISTRICT COURT
Bob Pion Buick-GMC Inc. v. Daigle’s Truckmaster Inc.
Allegation: Failure to pay for vehicle repairs: $9,619.23
Filed: 9/29/17

HAMPDEN SUPERIOR COURT
Leah LaRock and Sarah Chartier v. Mardi Gras Entertainment Inc. and Anthony Santaniello, individually
Allegation: Breach of employment contract: $1,000,000+
Filed: 10/2/17

Dontay Hall v. Marc L. Nierman, M.D.
Allegation: Medical malpractice, wrongful death: $101,400
Filed: 10/2/17

Emilio Hernandez v. Pyramid Management Group, LLC; Holyoke Mall Co., LP; Fahad Alsadoon; and Sarah Ali
Allegation: Negligence, escalator suddenly stopped, causing injury: $41,371.54
Filed: 10/3/17

Desert Aire, LLC f/k/a Desert Aire Corp. v. Sage Engineering & Contracting, Wojtkowski Bros. Inc., and Khem Organics Inc.
Allegation: Breach of contract/mechanic’s lien: $39,338.62
Filed: 10/4/17

Matthew Buchberg v. Six Flags Entertainment Corp.
Allegation: Negligence causing injury on roller coaster: $40,866.79
Filed: 10/5/17

Geraldine DePretto v. Sears Roebuck & Co. and Pyramid Management Group
Allegation: Negligence, trip and fall causing injury: $24,055.03
Filed: 10/10/17

Peter M. Phillips v. Howmedica Osteonics Corp. d.b.a Stryker Orthopaedics
Allegation: Product liability: $2,500,000
Filed: 10/11/17

HAMPSHIRE SUPERIOR COURT
Thomas Mulrooney v. Whole Foods Market and WS Asset Management
Allegation: Negligence, slip and fall causing injury: $48,000+
Filed: 10/3/17

Lalla Orman v. Cumulus Media Inc.; Atwood Drive, LLC; Securitas Security Services USA; Amherst Development Associates, LLC d/b/a Hampshire Hospitality Group; and Oldway Leasing
Allegation: Negligence, fall in unlit area causing injury and property damage: $96,000
Filed: 10/12/17

Picture This

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Departments Picture This

The Super 60

The Springfield Regional Chamber of Commerce staged its annual Super 60 Luncheon at a packed Chez Josef in Agawam on Oct. 28. Now in its 28th year, the program recognizes high-performing companies in two categories: Total Revenue and Revenue Growth.

Bill Grinnell (center), president of Webber & Grinnell Insurance, a winner in the Total Revenue category, accepts his plaque from Ashley Allen, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Health New England, the presenting sponsor, and Don D’Amour, chairman of Big Y Foods, a platinum sponsor

Ralph Crowley Jr., CEO of Polar Beverages in Worcester, delivers the keynote addres

Paul Whalley, vice president of Whalley Computer Associates, the top finisher in the Total Revenue category, accepts his plaque from Allen and D’Amour

Drive Time

A host of local and state officials were on hand on Nov. 1 for the ribbon cutting for Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, the $12 million dealership created at the site of the former Plantation Inn in Chicopee. First conceived nearly three years ago, the dealership marks the return of Mercedes-Benz to the Greater Springfield area after a decade-long absence.

Attendees mingle in the showroom prior to the ceremonies

Jay Ashe, state secretary of Housing & Economic Development, addresses the attendees

Cutting the ribbon are, from left, state Rep. Joseph Wagner, Ashe, Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos, partners Peter and Michelle Wirth, partner Richard Hesse, and his wife, Amy

Peter Wirth says a few words to the attendees

Lynn DeNucci Recognized by Working Mother Magazine

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Lynn DeNucci, a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Springfield, was named to the 2017 “Top Wealth Advisor Moms” list by Working Mother magazine, the first list of its kind to recognize working mothers in the financial-advice field. Advisors were judged on a number of factors, including assets under management, industry experience, compliance records, and client retention.

DeNucci, a graduate of Brown University, has nearly 25 years of experience helping families, individuals, and business owners manage wealth and achieve their financial goals.

Dan Berger Joins International Language Institute Governing Board

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Dan Berger, partner in the Northampton-based law firm Curran & Berger, has joined the board of directors for the International Language Institute of Massachusetts (ILI).

“We are pleased to welcome Dan to ILI,” said board president Eric Wirth. “His legal background and considerable experience in immigration issues bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to support ILI’s work, which includes free English classes for immigrants and refugees, high-quality language instruction and teacher training, and volunteer opportunities throughout the Pioneer Valley.”

Berger has been an attorney at Curran & Berger since 1998, and is active in immigration matters locally and nationally. He is a founding member of the American Alliance of International Entrepreneurs, an honorary member of the American Academy of Adoption Attorneys, and regulatory practice coordinator for the National Assoc. of Foreign Student Advisers. He has been quoted in various media, including the Atlantic and the Huffington Post; has spoken at conferences and universities across the country; and has edited the books Immigration Options for Academics and Researchers and Diplomatic Visa Guide.

Berger developed his interest in immigration during college, where he studied immigration history and taught English to adult refugees. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Cornell Law School.

Brightside Angel Campaign Continues Tradition of Hope

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Brightside Angel Campaign has long been a local holiday tradition, offering gifts with special meaning. All proceeds from the annual campaign directly benefit those served by the programs and services of Brightside for Families and Children. Each year, Brightside serves more than 580 children, their siblings, and their families in their homes and schools with in-home counseling and family support.

A special event will be held to kick off the 2017 Brightside Angel Campaign on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Holyoke Mall (upper level, in front of Target). Beginning at 11 a.m., the program will include face painting, a performance by the St. Stanislaus Children’s Choir under the direction of Margaret Bielin, and a Christmas-story reading by Western Mass News anchor Dave Madsen.

In addition to the traditional paper Brightside Angels, several angel items will be available this year, including porcelain ornaments, magnets, Kringle Candles, and handmade bracelets. These items can be purchased throughout the day at the Holyoke Mall on Nov. 18 and on weekends through Dec. 23. Brightside Angel products will also be available at the Mercy Medical Center Gift Shop at 299 Carew St. in Springfield, the lobby at Providence Behavioral Health Hospital, Pat Parker and Sons Florist at 1516 Allen St. in Springfield, and Raymour & Flanigan at 895 Riverdale St. in West Springfield. Purchases can be made online at brightsideangels.com.

“Brightside’s work is at the heart of our mission — offering in-home counseling, mentoring, family support, and services tailored to the unique needs of each child and their family,” said Allison Gearing-Kalill, vice president of Fund Development, Mercy Medical Center. “Thanks to the generosity of our host locations and many supporters, Brightside is able to provide services to many children and families in our community.”

Development Associates Begins Third Northampton Office Building

By BusinessWest Staff November 14, 2017

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Agawam-based real-estate firm Development Associates has begun construction of a 66,000-square-foot, three-story office building at 15 Atwood Dr. in Northampton, immediately south of I-91 exit 18. The project is being developed by Northwood Development LLC, whose owners are longtime local investors Edward O’Leary and his daughters, Eileen O’Leary Sullivan and Susan O’Leary Mulhern.

The project is located on the site of the former Clarion Hotel and Conference Center that was demolished in 2016 to prepare for redevelopment. The overall site-development plan was recently approved by the city of Northampton, and provides for two new office buildings on the site, the one under construction being closer to Route 5, and a future multi-story building at the rear of the property near Interstate 91.

The new building plan offers professional and medical space for lease with occupancy expected at the end of 2018. The Massachusetts Trial Court has leased 22,000 square feet, consisting of the entire first floor plus a portion of the second floor. The remainder of the second floor and the entire third floor, which offers more than 20,000 square feet, are available for new tenants.

According to Ken Vincunas, managing partner of Development Associates, “the brand-new open floor plan allows the initial tenants the opportunity to have floor plans custom-designed to suit their exact requirements, and we are already attracting quite of bit of tenant interest.”

The construction plans show that the building will have abundant windows, a covered drop-off lane, two elevators, energy-efficient design, and hundreds of parking spaces.

This is the third major office building developed by Development Associates at this location, following two earlier successful three-story buildings on the south side of Atwood Drive. These previous buildings, which came online in 2012 and 2013, are fully leased, primarily to Mass General/Cooley Dickinson Hospital.

The new building is being built by general contractor R.P. Masiello of Boylston, with architectural design by Gregory J. O’Connor Associates Inc. of Worcester. Development Associates is the construction manager and leasing broker for the project.

NAMIC Announces Chapter Leader Awards at Annual Conference

By BusinessWest Staff November 13, 2017

Daily News

NEW YORK — NAMIC New England Inc. was an Event Management Award winner at the 2017 NAMIC Chapter Leader Awards competition for demonstrating excellence in planning and executing an event, resulting in significant event attendance. NAMIC New England was recognized in this category for a “Connect for Success” event held in Springfield. The purpose was to bring together communication and diversity professionals, innovators, and educators for an evening of networking and promotion of diversity practices across multiple disciplines.

NAMIC New England also received the Marketing Excellence award recognizing the chapter for its 2016 creative marketing campaign that demonstrated measurable results and clearly conveyed NAMIC’s mission to advocate, educate, and promote diversity and inclusion in the areas of communications, media, and entertainment. NAMIC New England’s marketing campaign included appearances on several community television programs, collaboration with New England academic institutions, and event partnerships with Boston entrepreneurs and small businesses.

“NAMIC New England Inc. is committed to offering diversity initiatives in the New England area and is excited to be honored for our event planning and marketing efforts,” said President Kamilah A’Vant. “The hard work of our chapter board, members, support of chapter sponsors, and our surrounding diverse communities made it possible.”

GSCVB Elects Anthony Frasco to Chair Board of Directors

By BusinessWest Staff November 13, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau (GSCVB) elected Anthony Frasco to succeed Michael Hurwitz as chairman of the organization’s board of directors.

Frasco, who serves as the vice president of Sales & Marketing for Chicopee-based Williams Distributing Co. Inc., was formally installed at the bureau’s annual meeting on Nov. 2. Also elected to seats on the agency’s board were Alex Dixon from MGM Springfield and Sandra Sheehan from PVTA. David Griffin Jr. of Dowd Insurance will complete a one-year term remaining on the seat previously held by Robert Gilbert Jr., also from Dowd.

“Our annual meeting is one of the top highlights of the bureau’s calendar,” said GSCVB President Mary Kay Wydra. “It was wonderful that so many of our members turned out to thank our outgoing board chair, Michael Hurwitz, for his five years of dedicated service. He helped to steer our organization with confidence and vision through budgetary uncertainty and a recovering regional economy.”

Frasco said he is “deeply honored to take the reins from Michael Hurwitz, who so ably led the bureau for so long. I’ve got some very, very big shoes to fill, and I’ll be counting on the GSCVB staff and the rest of the board to help us build on the great momentum we’re seeing. We’ve got a great, new brand and wider visibility than ever. With the arrival of MGM Springfield and so many new or upgraded attractions and hotels, our tourism landscape is changing profoundly, and for the better.”

Hurwitz offered his thoughts on Frasco, noting that “Anthony is absolutely the right person at the right time to lead the GSCVB into its next era. Now more than ever, we want to market and promote Western Mass. in a big way, and he’s got the skill and energy to make that push happen.”

Added Wydra, “we have an incredible story to tell about our region, and Anthony is a great fit, bringing outstanding marketing talent to our organization. Tourism is an increasingly important economic driver, sustaining businesses, supporting jobs, and generating tax revenues. Our staff is delighted to have the opportunity to work with him on many new projects and initiatives.”

Beloved Earth Names Seth Schultz Commercial Services Manager

By BusinessWest Staff November 13, 2017

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Beloved Earth, the Pioneer Valley’s first green cleaning company, has promoted employee Seth Schultz to the position of commercial services manager.

Schultz has worked for Beloved Earth since April 2016, providing services to commercial customers. In that time, the commercial side of the business has grown to include 30 clients. The residential-services side has 70 clients.

Previously, Schultz was a machine operator in the food-manufacturing industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from UMass.

“I’m excited about the promotion. I understand the business, and I feel up to the challenge of a managerial position,” Schultz said, noting that he shares the company’s earth-friendly philosophy.

Terra and David Missildine founded Beloved Earth in 2005 and have since been cleaning homes and offices using eco-friendly and non-toxic techniques. The business serves clients in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties.

American International College to Host AIDS Memorial Quilt

By BusinessWest Staff November 13, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — American International College (AIC) will host sections of the internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt, the 54½-ton, handmade tapestry that stands as a memorial to more than 96,000 individuals lost to AIDS. In conjunction with its 30th anniversary, the quilt will be on view at the Griswold Theatre Lobby and West Wing Gallery in the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center on the AIC campus from Thursday, Nov. 30 through Sunday, Dec. 3.

Officially beginning in 1987, the quilt is a memorial to and celebration of the lives of people lost to AIDS. In the 1980s, many who died of AIDS-related causes did not receive funerals due to the social stigma attached to the disease and the refusal of many funeral homes and cemeteries to handle the remains of the deceased. Without the ability to hold memorial services or have access to burial sites, the quilt was often the only opportunity family members, friends, and survivors had to remember and celebrate the lives of those they lost.

Today, the quilt is maintained and displayed by the NAMES Project Foundation. Individual quilt panels are typically very personalized and are created by the loved ones of an individual who died of AIDS-related causes. By design, each panel is 3 feet by 6 feet, the size of a human grave. Panels are donated to the NAMES Project Foundation where they are grouped with other similar panels and assembled into 12-by-12-foot sections called blocks, which are on view at local displays of the quilt. There will be 20 blocks on display at AIC. The response to the announcement that the college will host the quilt has been positive, with requests from the Boston area, Cape Cod, and Connecticut to have specific panels included.

One goal of the quilt is to bring awareness to the enormity of the AIDS pandemic and to provide support to those affected by it. Another objective is to raise funds for community-based AIDS service organizations and to increase funding for AIDS prevention and education.

The AIDS Quilt display will be open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 1 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 2 from noon to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Dec. 3 from noon to 5 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in Lot I across from the Karen Sprague Cultural Arts Center on the corner of State and Maynard streets. Visit aic.edu/quilt for more information.

Cooley Dickinson Launches Trees of Love & Thanksgiving Fund-raiser

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2017

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — Over the years, holiday lights have illuminated the grounds of Cooley Dickinson Hospital while providing funds for numerous projects that support the healthcare needs of the community. Through a donation of $15 or more per individual, community members can designate a light in honor or memory of someone through the Friends of Cooley Dickinson’s annual Trees of Love & Thanksgiving.

This year, funds will support pediatric rehabilitation services, providing specialized equipment for children with developmental delays or who are recovering from injuries. In addition, funds will again provide infant car beds, which are critical to ensuring the safe transport of underweight babies. This year’s fund-raising goal is $15,000.

Over more than two decades, Trees of Love campaigns have raised more than $300,000, providing funding for pediatric rooms in the hospital’s Emergency Department, an infusion bay in the Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson, and 3D mammography.

A lighting ceremony will be held on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the Healing Garden. A reception will follow in the Kittredge Surgery Center waiting area with refreshments and music by the Horse Mountain Jazz Band.

Those wishing to donate can pick up a form at any hospital information desk or download one at www.cooleydickinson.org/volunteer/trees-of-love-thanksgiving. In addition to lights on the trees in the Healing Garden, names of those being honored and remembered are posted in the corridor adjacent to the Hospital’s main lobby.

Trees of Love & Thanksgiving is a project of the Friends of Cooley Dickinson (formerly the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Auxiliary) and Pastoral Care.

CHD Cancer House of Hope to Hold Luminaria Event on Nov. 16

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2017

Daily News

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Night of Light, the CHD Cancer House of Hope’s annual luminaria fund-raising event, returns to the green at Storrowton Village on the grounds of the Eastern States Exposition on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. Storrowton Tavern will serve hot chocolate.

For the event, hundreds of luminaria bags are lit and placed on the green to remember those lost to cancer and honor those who are survivors. Luminaria bags cost $5 each and can be personally inscribed in honor of a friend or loved one. Bag purchases help the Cancer House of Hope continue its mission of offering comfort and care at no cost to those affected by cancer, their caregivers, and their families. To dedicate a luminaria bag, visit www.chd.org/luminaria.

“A Night of Light is a beautiful evening of music, remembrance, and hope to honor friends and loved ones while supporting the many programs and services offered by CHD Cancer House of Hope,” said Joseph Kane, program director. “Things went so well at last year’s event that we were thrilled when Storrowton Village offered to provide the venue again in-kind. A Night of Light is an important annual fund-raiser for the house, and this year, Advanced Restoration Group in Easthampton is our presenting sponsor for the event. With the generous support of Advanced Restoration Group and our other community partners, we can leverage the energy created by A Night of Light, over and over.”

Solidago Foundation CFO to Speak at Regional Food-system Meeting

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2017

Daily News

BOSTON — Jeff Rosen, chief financial officer of the Northampton-based Solidago Foundation, will take part in a meeting organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, in partnership with the Federal Reserve Board and Coastal Enterprises Inc. The meeting, to be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, is titled “Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities,” and will focus on the future of regional food-system investments, primarily in New England.

“We are excited to host the regional food-systems discussion this month,” said Prabal Chakrabarti, senior vice president at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the bank’s Community Affairs officer. “The event is an opportunity for organizations like Solidago to connect with stakeholders to help further advance investment in the sector, and reaffirm and strengthen those partnerships that exist.”

Participants will include food-system investors, funders, and financial intermediaries. Rosen will participate in a panel session moderated by Gray Harris, senior program director at Natural Resources Section Coastal Enterprises Inc., to discuss his more than two decades of experience working in the New England food system. Additional panelists include Lisa Sebesta, Fresh Source Capital managing partner; Alex Linkow, Fair Food Fund director; and Mark Watson, Boston Impact Initiative managing director.

“It is a great honor to work alongside some of the most experienced farm and food enterprise investors in the country,” said Rosen. ”We are doubly honored to be working in a new partnership with the Federal Reserve and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston to work to fill financing gaps in the New England local and regional food system. This presents us all with an opportunity to accelerate the change we seek and to make substantial inroads into revitalizing the region’s autonomous food system.”

Since 2003, Rosen has spearheaded the Solidago Foundation’s efforts to expand the Program Related Investment and Mission Related Investment programs. This has resulted in a focus on community governance of community capital funds. Rosen was instrumental in launching the PVGrows Investment Fund, a collaborative fund of the Solidago Foundation, the first local food fund in the country, open to both accredited and non-accredited investors. Solidago has drawn upon this experience and is working via its Inclusive Economies program with several communities, launching authentic, community-led design processes to manage investment funds. Previously, Rosen worked in the private sector as a serial entrepreneur, developing and selling food-sector businesses, and as a chief financial officer for several restaurant chains and food manufacturers.

American International College to Honor Veterans at Ceremony Today

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — LTC Jonas Patruno, who serves as a Medical Service Corps officer and Army aviator at Barnes Air National Guard Base, will be the keynote speaker at American International College’s (AIC) annual Veterans Day ceremony today, Nov. 10 at 11 a.m. in the Schwartz Campus Center Auditorium. The public is welcome to attend.

An AIC tradition, the Veterans Day ceremony is dedicated to remembering and honoring those men and women who have served their country. AIC’s multi-generational Alumni Veterans Committee sponsors the annual event and is comprised of alumni spanning more than 50 years.

Patruno’s nearly 30-year military career began as an active-duty enlisted soldier in 1989. He is presently assigned as deputy commander of the Massachusetts Medical Command. His three combat deployments include Operation Desert Storm in 1991, Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 as a medevac helicopter pilot, and Operations officer of the Aviation Task Force – Kuwait in 2010.

Patruno holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UMass and is a graduate of the Army Command and General Staff Course. His awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal, and the Senior Army Aviator Badge.

Freshman English students submit patriotic essays in advance of the event. The authors of the top three essays, which are selected by a committee, receive gift certificates to the college bookstore. Winning submissions are announced at the event, and the first-place entry is read during the ceremony.

MGM Springfield to Host Open House to Launch Career Center

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — MGM Springfield is set to open its downtown Career Center on Monday, Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon. Special guests, including local elected and city officials and Massachusetts Gaming Commission representatives, have been invited to tour the center, located at 1259 East Columbus Ave., third floor, prior to the general opening.

The Career Center will be the location for interviewing, hiring, and onboarding processes for MGM Springfield employees ahead of the property’s fall 2018 opening. Activities at the center will cover all aspects of the hiring process, including targeted outreach sessions, interviews, licensing, and training. Resources will include a 20-seat computer lab to help prospective employees build their SkillSmart career profile, two interview rooms for applicant reviews, and an on-site Massachusetts Gaming Commission office to provide hands-on assistance with the employee licensing process.

Parking for the grand-opening event is available on the street via meters or in the I-91 North Garage.

Scenes from the 2017 Business Innovation Expo of Western Mass.

By BusinessWest Staff November 10, 2017

Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass. Cover Story Events

Looking Back at an Exciting, Informative Day

The Business & Innovation Expo of Western Mass., the annual show produced by BusinessWest and the Healthcare News and presented by Comcast Business, drew nearly 150 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors to the MassMutual Center on Nov. 2. They enjoyed a series of educational seminars, breakfast and lunch programs, a day-capping Expo Social, and much more. Take a look through the photo gallery below for a recap of all the excitement, insight, and innovation.

Photography by Dani Fine Photography

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Autism Collaborative Announces Speakers for November Meeting

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2017

Daily News

PITTSFIELD — The Autism Collaborative of Berkshire County (ACBC) announced that state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier and representatives from Massachusetts Families Organizing for Change (MFOFC) will speak at its November meeting on Friday, Nov. 17, slated for 10:15a.m. to noon at 2 South St., Suite 370, Pittsfield.

Farley-Bouvier will talk about her experiences in the world of disabilities and what’s on the horizon at the State House, while MFOFC will address ways individuals and families can empower themselves to advocate for change.

ACBC runs monthly community meetings to discuss autism and services available in the Berkshires. Each month features industry leaders who are able to speak to the state of services in the region. Service providers and caregivers for those on the autism spectrum are encouraged to attend, and all community members are welcome. The collaborative is sponsored by Autism Connections, AdLib, Hillcrest Educational Centers, the College Internship Program, and Berkshire County Arc.

Partners for a Healthier Community Nabs Complete Streets Study Grant

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Partners for a Healthier Community (PHC), the public-health institute of Western Mass., has received one of only nine national Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Policies for Action Grants for $250,000 to study Springfield’s Complete Streets policy.

Complete Streets refers to policies that support roadways that are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users by prioritizing pedestrian, bike, and public transportation. Springfield’s City Council passed a resolution adopting the Complete Streets Plan and Implementation Guide in October 2015.

PHC and Tufts University, led by principal investigators Kathleen Szegda and Erin Hennessy, will investigate whether Complete Streets policies lead to changes in the built environment, the economic environment, the social environment, and healthy behaviors.

“This is one of the first studies to holistically examine the overall impact of Complete Streets on the health and well-being of a community through an equity lens,” noted Szegda, the director of Research and Evaluation for Partners for a Healthier Community.

This project will be advised by public-health planning and transportation consultant Mark Fenton and will be implemented in collaboration with Springfield’s Department of Public Works and Department of Planning and Economic Development.

According to Scott Hanson, principal planner at the Springfield Office of Planning and Development, “this award will allow us to further study the effects of how Complete Streets initiatives improve the built environment and health of our city’s residents.”

This research project builds on the efforts of the LiveWell Springfield Coalition, which has been working on built-environment policies, systems, and programs since 2007. LiveWell Springfield, convened by Partners for a Healthier Community and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, developed and presented the Complete Street Plan and Implementation Guide for the city of Springfield. Since the adoption of the plan, the coalition has worked on education, advocacy, and supporting implementation of the Complete Streets policy.

This research is a quasi-experimental, mixed-methods, participatory research project using an equity lens. It will holistically examine effects of adoption and implementation of a Complete Streets policy on Springfield, a mid-sized city experiencing numerous health inequities.

The research team will partner with LiveWell Springfield’s Transforming Community Initiative, funded by Mercy Medical Center and Trinity Health, and will engage community residents in data collection (such as bike/pedestrian counts) and interpretation efforts.

Public Forum on Reducing Opioid-overdose Deaths Set for Nov. 30

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Every day, more than 140 Americans die from opioid overdose. In Massachusetts alone, there were 1,990 confirmed opioid-related deaths last year. To address this national and regional crisis, Baystate Medical Center will be the site of a free forum titled “Reducing Opioid Overdose Deaths — What Works?” on Thursday, Nov. 30 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Open to the public, the community and academic forum will bring together national experts, and regional and community leaders to discuss evidence-based ways to reduce deaths from opioid overdose.

“In this country, in terms of opioid addiction and death, we are seeing the equivalent of an airline crash every three days. More Americans died last year from opioids than in the entire Vietnam War,” said Dr. Peter Friedmann, chief research officer, Baystate Health and president-elect of the Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine. “New England has the dubious distinction of having five of the 15 states with the highest death rates nationally.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recognizes the tremendous social and economic burden of the opioid epidemic, noting the total economic burden of prescription opioid misuse alone in the United States is $78.5 billion a year, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, addiction treatment, and criminal justice involvement.

Among the speakers at the free forum will be Friedmann; Dr. Robert Roose, vice president, Mercy Behavioral Health Care; Dr. Alexander Walley, medical director, Opioid Overdose Prevention Pilot Program, Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Liz Whynott, director, HIV Health and Prevention, Tapestry Health; Brandon Marshall, associate professor of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health; and Jess Tilley, director, New England Users Union. There will be an opportunity for discussion and questions following the presentation of speakers.

“People are dying in the prime of life, and there are things that we could be doing and doing better,” said Friedmann said. “This special forum will give us an opportunity to look at the science in a clear-headed way as we form a response to this public-health emergency.”

The event is co-sponsored by UMass Medical School – Baystate, the Springfield Department of Health, Tapestry Health, SIFMA Now Western Chapter, the New England Users Union, and the Massachusetts Society of Addiction Medicine.

No registration is needed for the forum, which will be held in Baystate Medical Center’s Chestnut Building, 1 A/B Conference Room. For more information, call (413) 794-7717 or e-mail [email protected].

Country Bank Promotes Debra Cole to First VP of Operations

By BusinessWest Staff November 9, 2017

Daily News

WARE — Country Bank President and CEO Paul Scully announced that Debra Cole has been promoted to first vice president of Operations. She has been with Country Bank for 33 years, beginning her career there as a file clerk. Over the years, she has held various roles within the Operations area, where her experience and expertise has allowed her to transition seamlessly into her new position.

“We are thrilled to have Deb in this role and know that she will continue to advance the bank’s technology and streamline processes to ensure our customers continue to experience the highest quality that banking has to offer,” said Mary McGovern, CFO of Country Bank.

Cole graduated from the New England School for Financial Studies and the American Bankers Assoc. Stonier Graduate School of Banking. She received high honors while at Stonier and also earned a Wharton Leadership Certification. She is currently a student at Springfield Technical Community College and will complete her degree in business administration in 2018.

“I am passionate about solving problems and improving processes,” Cole said. “I also truly enjoy helping those that I work with grow in their positions and seeing them succeed and advance in their careers.”

Cole has volunteered numerous hours over the years at the Relay for Life event in Belchertown and supports the American Cancer Society annually.

Farmington Bank Branch Offices Collecting Food for the Gray House

By BusinessWest Staff November 8, 2017

Daily News

FARMINGTON, Conn. — Farmington Bank is collecting non-perishable food items through Tuesday, Nov. 14 at its West Springfield and East Longmeadow branch offices. All collections will be donated in time for Thanksgiving to the Gray House Food Pantry, which is located in the north end of Springfield and serves 80 to 120 households per week.

“Thanksgiving is an important time to show appreciation and give back to the communities in which we live and work,” said John Patrick Jr., chairman, president, and CEO of Farmington Bank. “We invite the public to join our food-collection efforts to help our neighbors in need in West Springfield and East Longmeadow.”

The public is invited to donate non-perishable food items at 85 Elm St. in West Springfield and 61 North Main St. in East Longmeadow. During the same time, all Farmington Bank locations in Connecticut are collecting food items for Hartford-based social-service agency Hands On Hartford.

For a complete list of branch offices, locations, and hours, visit www.farmingtonbankct.com/hours-and-locations.

Community Collaboration Enhances OT Services for Square One

By BusinessWest Staff November 8, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — In support of the Square One mission to ensure that all children have the foundation they need to be successful in life, Bay Path University and Eversource have formed a partnership to enhance the clinical services provided to Square One children.

Eversource recently awarded a $2,500 grant to the university for its Play Matters Therapy program. The funding will be utilized to expand current services and broaden the scope of assessments that will be conducted with children in this program, incorporate nutrition curriculum, and to purchase materials and equipment needed to facilitate movement groups or treatment components.

Students and faculty from Bay Path have provided occupational therapy (OT) services to children at the Square One Family Center on King Street in Springfield for nearly three years through Play Matters Therapy. The Eversource grant further cements the longstanding partnership that dates back years prior to the conception of Play Matters.

“From the ground up, we started building the Play Matters Therapy program that provided free, community-based, occupational-therapy services to the children and families of Square One,” said Amanda Lizotte, coordinator of Emerging Practice Fieldwork at Bay Path University. “The purpose of this program is three-fold: to provide services to children in need to support their overall development, prepare them for entrance to kindergarten, and ensure successful participation in life activities; to provide support to the child’s network, which includes parents, caregivers, and educators, by disseminating resources and education; and to provide Bay Path occupational therapy students, the majority of whom will remain in the region to live and work, with critical experiential learning opportunities that enable them to professionally grow and develop into future occupational-therapy practitioners.”

Under close supervision by clinical OT instructors, students hone their skills as OTs as they work with children across a variety of focus areas — gross and fine motor development, visual motor skills, sensory integration, social skills, nutrition, self-esteem, stress relief, and coping mechanisms, to name a few — in an attempt to help bridge a crucial gap during a critical time in the child’s development. A full-time therapist from the university is also on site at Square One so that services may be provided even when Bay Path students are not present.

“We are so grateful to Bay Path and Eversource for this unique collaboration,” said Kristine Allard, chief Development & Communications officer for Square One. “Many of our children experience trauma in their lives as a result of the challenges they are faced with at home. Poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, abuse, and neglect all place a tremendous strain on their health and development. Our partnership with Bay Path is meeting a critical need. We are very grateful to them, as well as Eversource for recognizing the importance of this work.”

STCC to Offer Certified Auto-damage Appraisal Course

By BusinessWest Staff November 8, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — The Workforce Development Center at Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) will offer a certified auto-damage appraisal course beginning Tuesday, Nov. 28.

The 60-hour course is designed to train insurance-claims professionals and auto-body technicians for the Massachusetts Auto Damage Appraisers License Examination. Twenty sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., through Feb. 8. The fee is $599, which includes the cost of class materials.

The idea for the course came from William Johnson, a member of the STCC board of trustees, who owns Pleasant Street Auto Body & Repair in South Hadley and Belchertown.

“STCC changed my life,” Johnson said. “I took the course in the late ’70s. I never attended college. I took this one course, and I got my appraiser’s license, which allowed me to open my body shop. It allowed me to expand into the mechanical, towing, and other business entities. It truly was a life-changing experience.”

Johnson said people who complete the certificate and obtain an appraiser’s license will be in demand in the job market. But what does an appraiser need to know?

“You need to have the ability to look at damage and understand the damage and the dynamics of a crash,” he said. “You have primary damage, secondary damage, hidden damage. You need to understand how to reverse that damage, whether it’s by replacing or repairing. You have to have good negotiation skills and good math skills. This course will help prepare someone looking for an entry-level job as an auto damage appraiser.”

An appraisal-industry professional, licensed since 1992, will teach the course. Approved by the Massachusetts Division of Insurance, the training offers an in-depth discussion of insurance regulations, policy arbitration, and work-completion forms. The course will include use of flat-rate manual, collision diagnosis, cost estimation, and preparation of written estimates.

To become licensed, students will need to complete the course and a three-month apprenticeship with a licensed Massachusetts automobile appraiser. In addition, they will need to obtain a certified letter verifying the apprenticeship.

For more information and to enroll online, visit www.stcc.edu/autoappraisal.

Employer Confidence Hits Another High for 2017

By BusinessWest Staff November 8, 2017

Daily News

BOSTON — Employer confidence in Massachusetts hit another high for 2017 during October as economic growth accelerated and companies remained optimistic about the national outlook.

The Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) Business Confidence Index edged up 0.3 points to 62.7, leaving it 6.5 points better than in October 2016. The uptick was driven by a brightening view of employment growth and firming confidence among manufacturers.

The reading came as MassBenchmarks reported that the Massachusetts economy grew at 5.9% during the third quarter, almost double the rate of the national economy. Payroll employment grew at a 2.1% annual rate in Massachusetts in the third quarter as compared to 1.2% nationally.

“The acceleration of the Massachusetts economy in the third quarter provided additional fuel to an already solid sense of confidence among employers as we head for 2018,” said Raymond Torto, chair of AIM’s Board of Economic Advisors (BEA) and lecturer at Harvard Graduate School of Design. “At the same time, optimism about the national economy suggests that employers believe growth rates throughout the U.S. will increase even more if Congress follows through on its proposal to lower the corporate tax rate from 35% to 20%.”

The AIM Index, based on a survey of Massachusetts employers, has appeared monthly since July 1991. It is calculated on a 100-point scale, with 50 as neutral; a reading above 50 is positive, while below 50 is negative. The Index reached its historic high of 68.5 on two occasions in 1997-98, and its all-time low of 33.3 in February 2009. The Index has remained above 50 since October 2013.

The constituent indicators that make up the overall Business Confidence Index were largely higher during October. The Massachusetts Index, assessing business conditions within the Commonwealth, slipped 0.3 points to 65.1, still 4.1 points more than a year earlier. October marked the 91st consecutive month in which employers have been more optimistic about the Massachusetts economy than the national economy. The U.S. Index of national business conditions rose 2.7 points to 62.5, continuing a 13.3-point surge for the 12-month period.

The Current Index, which assesses overall business conditions at the time of the survey, increased 0.7 points to 63.6, while the Future Index, measuring expectations for six months out, remained even at 61.9 points. The Current Index has risen 7.6 points and the Future Index 5.6 points during the past year. The Company Index, reflecting overall business conditions, lost 0.3 points to 62.0. There was better news in the Employment Index, a key predictor of economic health, which rose 2.0 points to 57.8.

“The Massachusetts economy continues to grow at a robust pace and to add jobs in a broad array of sectors despite tightening regional labor markets. With the statewide unemployment rate now below 4%, it is not clear the Commonwealth’s economic expansion is sustainable at its current pace,” said Professor Michael Goodman, executive director of the Public Policy Center at UMass Dartmouth and a BEA member.

AIM President and CEO Richard Lord, also a BEA member, said employer optimism continues to be tempered by the prospect of three potentially destructive ballot questions appearing on the 2018 state election ballot.

“Massachusetts employers face an unprecedented public-policy crisis as activists seek to place three questions on the 2018 Massachusetts election ballot that would together impede economic growth for a generation: a surtax on incomes of more than $1 million, an expansive and bureaucratic paid-family-leave program, and an increase in the minimum wage,” Lord said. “Having just honored 16 Massachusetts employers for creating jobs and economic opportunity for the people of Massachusetts, AIM remains concerned about ballot questions that are clearly intended to be punitive toward employers.”

Arrha Credit Union to Close Hadley Branch

By BusinessWest Staff November 7, 2017

Daily News

HADLEY — Michael Ostrowski, president and CEO of Arrha Credit Union, announced a plan to close the Hadley Branch at 140 Russell St. The credit union submitted a request for permission to Commissioner Terence McGinnis, Division of Banks, Commonwealth of Massachusetts in Boston.

“We have made this request due to the Hadley branch not meeting its original projections,” Ostrowski said. “After two years, the branch has over 80% of its deposits in certificates of deposits. We have made efforts to grow this branch; however, due to the competitive market, we continue to have minimal member transaction accounts.”

He added that closing a branch is a decision the organization does not take lightly.

“We feel that we are part of the Hadley community and will continue to serve our members using convenient technology, online banking features, and welcoming them to our Springfield branch at 145 Industry Ave. or our West Springfield branch at 63 Park Ave.”

The closing will not happen until late January, he went on, and personal letters will be sent to all members who have accounts at the Hadley branch to notify them of the decision.

“We are grateful to the Hadley branch staff for all their hard work and to the members who joined,” Ostrowski said. “We care about our members, and we appreciate their loyalty. The staff at our Hadley branch will be offered comparable positions at our other two branch locations in Springfield and West Springfield.”

Hampden DA to Serve on Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes

By BusinessWest Staff November 7, 2017

Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Hamden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni has been nominated by Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito to serve on the Governor’s Task Force on Hate Crimes. The task force will advise the governor and lieutenant governor on how to best combat hate crimes in the Commonwealth and support the victims of hate crimes. The task force will also work with law-enforcement agencies and communities to help formulate practices meant to improve the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of hate crimes.

“I am very grateful to Gov. Baker and Lt. Gov. Polito for including me on this task force,: Gulluni said. “In Hampden County, my office has worked hard to protect people from crimes, especially those motivated by bigotry and hate. I am eager to be a part of this worthy effort to fortify the Commonwealth’s policies and laws on hate crimes and their prevention.”

The formal appointment took place on Nov. 6 at the State House in Boston, with the governor signing the executive order and administering the oath of office to Gulluni and the other task-force members.

bankESB Announces Two Promotions at Annual Meeting

By BusinessWest Staff November 7, 2017

Daily News

EASTHAMPTON — Matthew Sosik, president and CEO of bankESB, announced two promotions at the bank’s recent annual meeting. Erin Joyce was named assistant vice president – Special Assets, while Erik Lamothe was promoted to Asset Management Liability (ALM) officer.

Joyce joined the bank in October 2014 as Special Assets manager. She was named Special Assets officer in 2016. She boasts many years of experience within the local banking industry, the last nine in the area of residential, consumer, and commercial collections.

Joyce attended UMass and has completed numerous Center for Financial Training courses and received certificates and diplomas in many areas of finance, lending, appraisals, and compliance. She is a volunteer tax preparer for the IRS Volunteers in Tax Assistance Program, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and a board member with the Northampton chapter of Dollars for Scholars.

Lamothe joined the bank as ALM Manager in 2017. He is responsible for accounting, budgeting, and modeling and forecasting of Interest rate risk.

Lamothe has almost 20 years of experience in bank accounting, financial analysis, and management. He received a bachelor’s degree in management and accounting from Westfield State University and a master’s degree in banking and financial services from Boston University. He is involved with the Westfield YMCA and the Assoc. of Financial Professionals.

Center for EcoTechnology Wins Recognition for Composting Efforts

By BusinessWest Staff November 7, 2017

Daily News

NORTHAMPTON — The Center for EcoTechnology (CET), a local nonprofit organization, has been awarded Top Honor in the North American 2017 Rathmann Challenge, “Mitigating Climate Change: Expanding the Use of Compost,” for its pioneering work over the past 20 years to expand the use of composting to reduce wasted food, which in turn reduces greenhouse-gas emissions.

The announcement of the award was made on Nov. 1 by the Rathmann Family Foundation. The Rathmann Challenge, which was launched in 2014, seeks to advance organizations possessing the creativity, entrepreneurial ethos, and innovative spirit to make a positive difference in the world. CET receives $100,000 for its past work and the exclusive invitation from the Rathmann Family Foundation to apply for an Even Bigger Idea grant of $200,000.

Approximately 40% of all food produced in the U.S. is never eaten, at great cost to communities, the economy, and the environment. Every year, American consumers, businesses, and farms spend $218 billion a year growing, processing, transporting, and disposing of food that is never eaten. About 52 million tons of food is sent to landfills annually; another 10 million is discarded or left unharvested on farms. When disposed of, wasted food creates greenhouse-gas emissions and is a significant contributor to climate change. Meanwhile, one in seven Americans is food-insecure.

“We are honored to be recognized by the Rathmann Family Foundation for our leadership in tackling climate change by keeping wasted food out of landfills,” said John Majercak, president of CET. “And we plan to expand our impact in this area, working alongside our many industry and government partners throughout the region.”

Added Rick Rathmann, executive director of the foundation, “as the recipient of the Top Honor, the Rathmann Family Foundation recognizes the Center for EcoTechnology both for its remarkable past accomplishments as well as the ability to make an even bigger impact beyond Massachusetts to the entire Northeast and the rest of the United States. The Rathmann Challenge engages organizations with a proven track record, forward-thinking ideas, and a willingness to challenge themselves and their professional colleagues to come up with a better solution.”

In 2011, CET worked with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to establish the Massachusetts RecyclingWorks program. RecyclingWorks provides businesses and institutions in Massachusetts with free consultation and expert technical assistance to put into place cost-effective waste-management programs, including composting. In 2014, Massachusetts implemented one of the first statewide food-waste bans in the U.S., banning landfill disposal of organic waste by large-scale producers such as supermarkets and colleges. To date, CET has helped spur an expansion of compost production in Massachusetts by approximately 25,000 tons annually.

CET is embarking on a new, long-term effort to increase its impact by sharing its expertise in wasted food reduction across the Northeast and beyond. The organization has begun performing food-waste-diversion work in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island, in addition to Massachusetts. CET is also collaborating with the Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic to produce a white paper that will share food-waste-diversion information and advice nationally, and developing other national partnerships as well.

“There is a growing awareness of the incredible opportunity that reducing wasted food presents our society,” said Lorenzo Macaluso, director of Client Services at CET. “We’ve learned a lot over the past few decades of doing this work, and we’re getting requests for assistance to replicate what we and our partners have been able to accomplish in Massachusetts. This award will be instrumental in helping us plan and implement similar efforts across the region and nationally.”

Area businesses that would like to learn from CET experts and others about reducing wasted food have an ideal opportunity at the Food Sustainability Symposium on Thursday, Nov. 9, from 3 to 6 p.m. at Mill 180 Park in Easthampton. The event is organized by RecyclingWorks in Massachusetts, Associated Industries of Massachusetts, and the Economic Development Council of Western Massachusetts. Tickets cost $25 and may be purchased in advance through Eventbrite.

Businesses will learn about food-recovery options across the EPA food-recovery hierarchy, such as source reduction, food donation, animal feed, anaerobic digestion, and composting. Attendees will hear success stories from UMass Amherst, Stop & Shop, the Log Cabin, River Valley Market, and Brew Practitioners about diverting food scraps and surplus prepared food from disposal.

According to Macaluso, there are now more opportunities to cost effectively reduce food waste at businesses in Massachusetts than ever before. “Reducing food waste is great for the environment and often helps boost the bottom line. We have helped facilitate great results from food establishments of all types, and events like these are a great way to learn how to plug into the range of available options.”

Aaron Smith, P.C. Promotes New Shareholders and Directors

By BusinessWest Staff November 6, 2017

Daily News

EAST LONGMEADOW — Aaron Smith, P.C., a certified public accounting firm serving individuals and businesses in the Pioneer Valley for more than 90 years, announced that Jeremy Leblond and Pierce Keefe have become shareholders and directors.

Leblond has been with the firm since 2010. As director at Aaron Smith, he works directly with clients and manages audits, reviews, and compilations. In addition, he oversees and guides professional-development opportunities for staff while performing day-to-day managerial tasks. Among his main priorities is continuing the firm’s upward trajectory, working to grow its benefit-audit-plan practice.

“Our firm has come to be known for our high-quality accounting and financial services,” said Leblond. “I intend to add to our service offerings to meet the growing needs of our clients.”

Leblond is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). He received both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting from Western New England University.

Keefe has been a member of the firm since 2011 and currently serves as its tax director. He is charged with focusing on corporate, partnership, individual, and multi-state tax issues; federal and state tax audits; and estate and gift taxation.

“I’m honored to work with such a distinguished group,” said Keefe. “With our varied backgrounds, clients of Aaron Smith, P.C. can expect personalized attention and service, best suited to their needs.”

Keefe is a member of AICPA, the MSCPA, and the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants. He received his bachelor’s degree in management from Tulane University and his MBA from University of Notre Dame.

Market Shift

Up the Ladder

Improving the Prognosis

Employer Confidence Hits Another High for 2017

Arrha President Testifies on Bill to Modernize Credit-union Laws

Unemployment Rates Decrease Across State in September

Board of Higher Education Votes to Join Agreement on Online Learning

Connecticut Airport Authority Seeks Development Proposals

STCC Partners with Northeastern University

United Bank Foundation Supports Baystate Project

AIC Named to Top 10 Small Colleges in State

Westfield Bank, Customers Raise Hurricane-relief Funds

State Awards HCC $229,500 for Culinary Arts Institute

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Farmington Bank Food Drive for Gray House

Diabetes Wellness Fair

Undergraduate Open House at WNEU

Girls on the Run 5K

Lawyer on the Line

Baystate Bloodmobile

Babysitters Academy

The Super 60

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www.1berkshire.com
(413) 499-1600

GREATER CHICOPEE
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.chicopeechamber.org
(413) 594-2101

GREATER HOLYOKE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.holyokechamber.com
(413) 534-3376

GREATER WESTFIELD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.westfieldbiz.org
(413) 568-1618

SPRINGFIELD REGIONAL CHAMBER
www.springfieldregionalchamber.com
(413) 787.1555

WEST OF THE RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
www.ourwrc.com
(413) 426-3880