DECEMBER 2007 Channels hamber PERMIT NO. 188€¦ · Fortune 500 Sales Manager, ... COMPANY as one of America’s Top ... Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield •

ChannelsDECEMBER 2007

hamberhannelsA PUBLICATION OF THE AFFILIATED CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE OF GREATER SPRINGFIELD

Serving Agawam • East Longmeadow/Longmeadow • Hampden/Wilbraham • Ludlow • Springfield • West Springfield • Westfield

ChamberChannels

PresentingSponsor

After 5PhotoAlbum

Pages 16 &17

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Page 7

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Nearly 700 business leadersfrom throughout westernMassachusetts were in

attendance at Chez Josef in Agawamto honor the success of the topfastest-growing, privately held com-panies in the region at the AffiliatedChambers of Commerce of GreaterSpringfield, Inc.’s annual Super 60Recognition Luncheon. Now in itseighteenth year, the Super 60 AwardProgram, sponsored by Health NewEngland, Media sponsor 22 NewsWWLP, Platinum sponsors HampdenBank and Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn,and Gold sponsors Sovereign Bankand Westfield Bank, recognizes thetop companies in the region.

Dale Collie, Military Leader andFortune 500 Sales Manager,addressed the luncheon attendees,sharing his stories from the junglesof Vietnam and encouraging businessleaders to use the Army’s Six Ele-ments of Surprise to change the bal-ance of power on the “battlefield.”

Collie, who was selected by FASTCOMPANY as one of America’s Top50 innovative leaders, told the audi-ence to “hit ‘em where they ain’t-use the six elements of surprise-Speed, Intelligence, Deception, Com-bat Power, Security, and Variations.”The element of surprise should bepart of your overall operations plan.“Get everyone involved, and makesure the balance of power is in yourfavor.”

Super 60 companies were nomi-nated in two categories: Total Rev-enue and Revenue Growth. Thisyear’s revenue winners combined foralmost 710 million dollars in thepast fiscal year with average revenuefor the top 30 exceeding $24 millionand 25% exceeding $30 million.Thirteen (13) companies are new tothe revenue category this year. Three(3) companies new to the categoryare also new to the top-ten revenuewinners list.

CCby Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director, The Food Bank ofWestern Massachusetts

Sometimes you have to tell it like it is. Hunger and food inse-curity — not knowing where your next meal will come from— are realities for many thousands of people in HampdenCounty. This reality hurts your business. Employees can’t beproductive. People who face this reality are less likely to be

your customer. Hunger and food insecurity are a tremendous drag onthe local economy.

There’s more than enough food to go around in this country. Supplyis not the problem. Access to it is. Individuals and families on fixedincomes and minimum wage paychecks can’t make ends meet — theelderly, young families, children, the disabled. Even middle-incomefamilies are struggling to sustain the American dream of owning ahome and putting kids through college. As one bank executive told methe other day, “I have a friend who confessed that he’s barely keepingup with the cost of living even though he has always played by ‘therules’.”

Increasingly, economists are referring to a growing “hardship gap”that is evident in Hampden County and across the nation… the differ-ence between what it costs to sustain a family and the earned incomeof working families. Either earned income, public subsidies or a com-bination of both have to fill the gap. Right now, it’s not happening andstaggering numbers of families and individuals are in crisis.

Clearly, economics is not the only underlying cause of hunger andthe more broadly-defined food insecurity. Yet, as we all know, it is apowerful force in society. Just as the investment in employee training iscritical for businesses to compete, so, too, is investment in the verypeople who live in our towns and cities. Either we as a society mustmake the necessary investments today or pay the cost tomorrow of notdoing so. Investment in education, health care, job training, and tar-geted economic development in Hampden County is just plain smart ifwe want to live in healthy and vibrant communities.

At the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, we are tackling boththe immediate need for food assistance as well as the underlying causesof hunger and food insecurity. As the hub of emergency food assis-tance in western Massachusetts, 52% of all of the food that passesthrough our warehouse travels to approximately 230 frontline foodproviders in Hampden County.

Hunger and food insecurity is preventable. The Food Bank is under-taking a community health and economic development strategy calledTarget: Hunger in collaboration with health professionals at BaystateHealth, faith-based organizations, community-based social service

Hunger & Food Insecurity in Springfield

Continued on page 3Continued on page 9

Super 60 Honored!

Nearly 700 business leaders from the Western Massachusetts region attendedthis year’s Super 60 Luncheon and Awards Ceremony. Photo by Ed Cohen.

PRESORTEDSTANDARD

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

SPRINGFIELD,MA

PERMIT NO. 188

2 ©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.2 ©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield • DECEMBER 2007

2 ©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.

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Hampden/Wilbraham Chamber Small Biz Morning Roundtable

Hampden/Wilbraham Chambermembers recently had the opportuni-ty to hear from Robert Weitz, TownAdministrator for Wilbraham. Mr.Weitz discussed various issues ofinterest to the business communityincluding the Main Street sewer pro-ject, the Main Street water projectand the installation of a traffic lightat Post Office Park. Mr. Weitz is cur-rently meeting with other area townmanagers on the potential impact ofsurrounding communities if a casinowas built in Palmer.

This was the first opportunity formembers of the Hampden/Wilbra-ham Chamber of Commerce to meetwith Mr. Weitz who recently tookover the position of Town Adminis-trator after having served as TownAdministrator for the Town ofSheffield since 1991.

The Hampden/Wilbraham Cham-ber of Commerce meets the 3rd

Thursday of each month to discussChamber involvement, membershipbenefits and an “Issue of theMonth.” At the meeting scheduledfor Thursday, December 20th, ChrisBuendo, Co-publisher of ReminderPublications will discuss “Volun-teerism in the Workplace”. Round-table meetings are held in the LakDining Hall at Wilbraham & Mon-son Academy at 8:00 a.m. All areinvited to attend.

For more information on theHampden/Wilbraham Chamber’sSmall Business Morning Roundtableor other Chamber events visit theEvents Calendar on the Chamber’swebsite at www.myonline-chamber.com, Hampden/WilbrahamEvents, or contact Sylvia Poole,Affiliate Coordinator at 755-1318 orby email at [email protected].

Robert Weitz, Town Administrator for Wilbraham, Terry Nelson, Terry Nel-son Consulting Services. Staff photo.

Serving clients throughout New England, New York,New Jersey and Pennsylvania since 1983.

Gerry FitzGerald Susan Mastroianni

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32 Hampden Street � Springfield, MA 01103(413) 737-8757 � [email protected]


©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. 3

CHAMBER STAFF & THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES

President: Russell F. Denver, Esq. • 755-1304Senior Vice President: Debra A. Boronski • 755-1309Vice President, Government Affairs: Jeffrey Ciuffreda • 755-1312

Accounts Payable Clerk: Carrie Dzialo • 755-1307Affiliate Coordinator: Sylvia Nadeau-Poole • 755-1318Communications Director: Teddy Woeppel • 755-1316Controller: Lynn Kucejko - 755-1306Events Manager: Diane Swanson • 755-1313Executive Assistant • Lynn Johnson • 755-1310Production Manager • Mary Petrone • 755-1317Receptionist • Martha Tilden • 787-1555Staff Accountant: Elizabeth McGrath • 755-1308Westfield Chamber of Commerce Executive Director: Lynn Boscher • 568-1618

Send any staff member email: [email protected]

AFFILIATEDCHAMBERS OF

COMMERCEOF GREATER

SPRINGFIELD, INC.

Vol XXV • No. 12 • Chamber Channels (USPS681-850) is published monthly with $5 of Chamber dues covering subscription costs.

Postmaster: Send address changes to:

Chamber Channels

1441 Main Street - Suite 133

Springfield, MA 01103-1449

TEL: 413-787-1555 FAX: 413-731-8530

email: [email protected]

web site: www.myonlinechamber.com

News & Advertising Deadline: 10th of every month.

Publisher: Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater

Springfield, Inc.

Editor: Theodora Woeppel

MISSION STATEMENT

The Affiliated Chambers ofCommerce of Greater

Springfield, Inc. serves areaaffiliated chambers,

organizations, and the businesses they represent, to

meet individual and collectivegoals promoting prosperity

for the region.


COMMERCEOF GREATER

SPRINGFIELD, INC.

Well, the first half of the state’s2007 – 2008 legislative session is inthe books. All unfinished businessgets carried into the second halfwhich is only 7 months long, endingin late July.

There is much that needs to getdone. Some issues might getaddressed in the very hectic last fewdays of this first half, which endsNovember 21 and after the writingof this article.

Unemployment Insurance Tax rateFreeze

A freeze of Unemployment Insur-ance Tax rates was advocated by theChamber. The trust fund is on asteady increase, currently over $1.2billion and as it is going in the rightdirection, a ten percent increase inrates seems hardly justifiable. If thisissue does get carried forward, allmembers will have to get involved tofreeze the rates very quickly in 2008before bills get sent out.

Funding Energy & Bio-Tech Businesses

Funding bills for energy and biotech businesses were on the frontburner and the Chamber is involvedto be sure that the bills are writtento ensure that Western Massachu-setts can benefit from their passage.At times, bills are written in such away as to favor the eastern, morepopulated, part of the state. Thesebills will be investments in two areasof the economy that are slated forgrowth. At the same time, theChamber continues to advocate forlegislation that will benefit all busi-nesses, helping those that have beenhere in the area for many years.

Employment Issues:Paid Parental Leave, WeakerCORI Regulations, Nurse toPatient Ratio Limits, Tax onBusiness Community

A Paid Parental Leave bill mightbe taken up and the Chamber hasexpressed its concerns and opposi-tion to it. A weakening of the CORIregulations, making it much harderfor employers to obtain informationon job applicants is also a troublingissue. The rigid nurse to patient ratiolegislation is poised to come up andonce again, your chamber hasweighed in by opposing this piece.The Governor’s attempt to alter taxpolicy and tax the business commu-nity harder might also come up andthe Chamber is prepared to fightthose aspects of the bill that woulddo serious harm to our economy.

Much is going on. That meansthat your voice must be heard nowmore than ever before. Legislatorsneed input from the front lines,those people impacted the most bydecisions on Beacon Hill – you!

Local Elections BringChange

Locally, the elections of onemonth ago have brought change tothree of our communities with newMayors getting ready to take theirpositions in 2008; Springfield,Agawam, and Westfield. There is lit-tle doubt that the Mayors in thosecities believed in their cities, and thattheir efforts were to promote a bet-ter city. For various reasons, votershave decided to make changes andthe business communities and thelocal Chambers of Commerce, standready to work with the incomingMayors on issues important not onlyto business, but also the workers/res-idents of the communities.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Many Issues Still in Works

organizations, state agencies, regional and state anti-hunger organiza-tions, municipal government, farmers, and youth groups. Together, weare beginning to address the supply and demand forces of food in theurban core: on the one hand, making affordable and nutritious foodsaccessible and, on the other hand, educating residents about nutrition,smart shopping, and how to cook nutritious food on the go.

Educated consumers will drive demand for healthy food options.Businesses will respond to these market signals by incorporating theavailability of such products and services into their regular businesspractices. Existing and new retailers will recycle business revenue in thelocal economy, purchase goods and services, create new jobs and, con-sequently, trigger a multiplier effect that will generate further invest-ment in Mason Square. Investment can make this dream come true.

We invite you to join us in developing solutions to hunger and foodinsecurity. The Chamber’s December After 5 event is the perfect oppor-tunity to do so. Please bring a non-perishable food item to help some-one in need from your community. Embrace the spirit of giving this hol-iday season and consider giving of your time, talent, and/or treasure.We depend on corporate partnerships to carry out our mission. Formore information, please feel free to reach me by phone: 413-247-9738, e-mail: [email protected] , go to www.foodbankw-ma.org.

December After 5December 12, 2007 • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.Sheraton Springfield One Monarch Place, SpringfieldChamber members: $10 • Non- members: $15

Hunger in Springfield

Continued from page one

Andrew Morehouse, Executive Director, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts



ANNIVERSARIESEvery month the Affiliated Cham-bers of Commerce honors thosemembers who have continuouslysupported our mission throughoutthe years. The following membersjoined in the month of Decemberr.Happy Anniversary!

1 Year AnniversaryAmerican Window Film Arrowsmith Enterprises Beltrandi & Co., Realtors Cardinal Complete Door Distributors

Catholic Communications Corporation

Cingular Wireless

Custom Identity Apparel Goodfellaz Grill & Brew Konica Minolta Business SolutionsU.S.A, Inc. Minuteman Press Northeast Rehabilitation Associates Sign Designs, LLC WP - Ann Crum WP - Ela Vickers WP - Traci Hennessey

5 Year AnniversaryAgawam Opticians Chicopee Savings Bank Econo Lodge Kids’ Place Inc., The MAB Community Services

NEW MEMBERS

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.

Companies and organizations listedhere have made an important invest-ment in their business and in thecommunity by joining the Chamber.Do business with Chamber mem-bers—it’s good business!

Awards Company, TheSpringfield Chamber1221 Sumner AvenueSpringfield, MA 01118Jeffrey Barbeau, (413) 736-2605Trophies, Medals & Awards

Chartier’s General CarpentryAgawam Chamber59 Reed StreetAgawam, MA 01001Julie Chartier, Operations Manager(413) 789-7011Home Improvements

Corporation for Public ManagementSpringfield Chamber139 North Street, Suite 204Pittsfield, MA 01201Barbara Delancey, Regional Director(413) 442-2046Human Services

Costco WholesaleWest Springfield Chamber119 Daggett DriveWest Springfield, MA 01089Cheryl Chevalier, Marketing Manag-er(413) 747-5518Wholesale Warehouse

Crane-Yvon Classic Interior PaintingWestfield Chamber39 Coolidge AvenueWestfield, MA 01085Marie Crane-Yvon, Owner(413) 977-1121Interior Decorators & Designers

Del Padre Visual ProductionsE.Long/Longmeadow Chamber15 Benton DriveEast Longmeadow, MA 01028Nino Del Padre, Owner(413) 525-6400Video Production Services

Klassee K-9 Kennel, Inc.Westfield Chamber319 Loomis St.Westfield, MA 01085Kim Kirsch, Owner(413) 562-1609Pet Boarding Kennels

Precision Panels, Inc.Westfield Chamber66 S. Broad StreetWestfield, MA 01085Mike Lemelin, Owner(413) 562-1129Manufacturing

Webster Bank - LongmeadowE.Long/Longmeadow Chamber398 Longmeadow StreetLongmeadow, MA 01106Steven Danishevsky, Branch Manager(413) 565-5790Banks

DirectorsMarco Amato, James J. Dowd & Sons Insurance Agency, Inc. • TammyBordeaux, Berkshire Bank • Edward Borgatti, EB’s Restaurant • StevenBradley, Baystate Health • Al Bryant, H.L. Dempsey Company • KarenCharbonneau, Hatheway Homes • T. David Constant, Webster Bank, N.A.• Rick DeBonis, Hampden Bank • Gloria Faria, Chicopee Savings BankWilliam Harmon, William B. Harmon P.C. • Keith Harvey, United Bank • Robert Kolb, TDBanknorth, N.A. • David Leslie, Glenmeadow Retirement Community • Michael Mannix,U.S. Postal Service • Joel Morse, Marcus Printing Company • David Parke, Esq., Bulkley,Richardson and Gelinas, LLP • Barbara Perry, Reminder Publications, Inc. • ChristinePhillips, United Personnel Services, Inc. • Mary Ellen Scott, United Personnel Services, Inc.Dr. Julie Siciliano, Western New England College • Dawn Starks, Acres Power EquipmentCo. • Tina Stevens, Stevens Design Studio • Donald Williams, Westfield Bank • VictorWoolridge, Babson Capital Management LLC • Joseph Young, United Bank

1441 Main Street • Suite 136Springfield, MA 01103-1449Telephone: 413-787-1555 • Fax: 413-731-8530Web site: www.myonlinechamber.com

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008ChairmanDave Hobert, Sovereign Bank New EnglandVice ChairArlene Putnam, Eastfield MallPresidentRussell Denver, Springfield Chamber of CommerceTreasurerBarbara Jean DeLoria, United BankClerkDavid J. Martel, Esq., Doherty, Wallace, Pillsbury & Murphy, P.C.

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Springfield Chamber

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008PresidentVictor Woolridge, Babson Capital Mgt.TreasurerSusan Chamberlain, TD Banknorth,N.A.ClerkAtty Timothy Murphy, Skoler, Abbott & Presser,P.C. Past PresidentCarol Baribeau, VerizonExecutive DirectorRussell F. Denver, ACCGS

Directors: Robert Bonsall, Disability Management Services, Inc., Barbara Campanella, Western New England College, JuanCampbell, Health New England, Joseph Carvalho, Springfield Museums, Thomas Creed, Sovereign Bank N.E.,Frank Crosby, Verizon, Patricia Crutchfield, Cambridge College, Stephen A. Dinoia, Eastern Advertising Novel-ty, Inc., John Doleva, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, John T. Driscoll, Driscoll Photography,Bruce Eger, Westfield Bank, Susan Fenelon-Kerr, Sisters of Providence Health System, Jeffrey Fialky, Bacon &Wilson, PC, Daniel Flynn, The Bank of Western Massachusetts, Mark French, The Republican, Atty. Ellen Frey-man, Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin, PC, John Garvey, GarveyCommunications Associates, Inc., Kathryn Gibson,The MacDuffie School, Atty. Daniel Glanville, Comcast, Atty. Michael Gold, Big Y Foods, James Goodwin,Center for Human Development, Matt Hollander, MassMutual Center, Dr. Roland Holstead, American Interna-tional College, Michael Hurwitz, Uno Chicago Grill, Art Jasper, Courier Express, Inc., Joan Kagan, SpringfieldDay Nursery, Bruce Landon, Springfield Falcons Hockey Club, Patrick Leary, Moriarty & Primack, P.C., MaryMacInnes, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, Douglas L. Macmillan, Macmillan and Son, Inc., Gary Martinelli,Martinelli, Discenza & Hannifan, PC, Judith Matt, Spirit of Springfield, Inc., William Miller, Friends of theHomeless, James Morton, Y.M.C.A. of Greater Springfield, John M. O’Brien, J.M. O’Brien & Company, P.C.,William M. Pepin, WWLP 22News, Paul C. Picknelly, Sheraton Springfield, Evan Plotkin, NAI Samuel D.Plotkin & Associates, Atty. Arthur W. Price, Arthur W. Price & Associates, P.C., Arlene Putnam, Eastfield MallOscar Ramos, Ramos Accounting & Tax Service, Inc., Dora Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr. CommunityCenter, Ira Rubenzahl, Springfield Technical Community College, Mary Ellen Scott, United Personnel ServicesInc., J. Jeffrey Sullivan, United Bank, Atty. Meghan Sullivan, Mark Tolosky, Baystate Health, Nancy Urbschat,TSM Design, Inc., Mary Walachy, Irene E & George A. Davis Foundation, Glenn Welch, Hampden BankLinda J. Williams, Association Properties Group, Inc.

Agawam and West Springfield Chambers of CommerceHost Joint Legislative Breakfast

Agawam Chamber President EdBorgatti, owner of EB’s Restaurantand West Springfield Chamber Presi-dent Marco Amato, president ofDowd Financial Services welcomedmore than 90 business and townleaders to the Chamber’s recent jointlegislative breakfast. This was thefirst time the two chambers hostedan event together and it provided agreat opportunity for those in atten-dance to meet and network with adifferent group of potential cus-tomers.

The breakfast, sponsored by Berk-shire Service Experts was held at TheOaks in Agawam. Gold sponsorswere Baystate Health, H.L. DempseyCompany, OMG, and ReminderPublications. Stressing the impor-tance of Chamber membership, Pres-ident Borgatti then welcomed newChamber members DistinctiveWorks, First Eastern Mortgage,Baystate OB/Gyn Group, IKONOffice Solutions, Junior League ofGreater Springfield, Fuss & O’Neil,Holden Homecare, Azon Liquors,

Agawam Chamber President Ed Borgatti, owner of EB’s Restaurant; State Representative James Welch; Dan O’Con-nell, Secretary, Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development; State Senator Stephen Buoniconti; WestSpringfield Chamber President Marco Amato, president, Dowd Financial Services; Schley Warren, Berkshire ServiceExperts. Staff Photo.

Corporate Housing of WesternMassachusetts, Lucky Design &Media, and Northeast MortgageCorporation to the Chamber busi-ness community.

State Representative James Welchupdated attendees on issues beingworked on by the House that couldhave an affect on area businesses.State Senator Stephen Buonicontiprovided an update on issues in theSenate before introducing guestspeaker Dan O’Connell, Secretary,Executive Office of Housing andEconomic Development.

For information on upcomingAgawam events, visit the Events Cal-endar on the Chamber’s website,www.myonlinechamber.com or theAgawam Chamber website atwww.agawamchamber.com or con-tact Sylvia Poole, Affiliated Coordi-nator at 755-1318 or via email [email protected].

This was the first time the twochambers hosted an event together andit provided a great opportunity forthose in attendance to meet andnetwork with a different group ofpotential customers.

Chamber Nightwith theSpringfield Falcons

The Springfield Falcons are proudto announce Affiliated Chambers ofCommerce of Greater Springfield(ACCGS) Night at the MassMutualCenter on Friday, January 18, 2008Catch all theexcitingaction of theregion’s pre-mier profes-sional sportsfranchise asthe Falconstake on theHartfordWolf Pack. Face-off is set for 7:30pm.

All employees of ACCGS memberbusinesses will have the opportunityto purchase tickets for only $10.00each. This is a savings of up to$7.00 off the box office price. Com-panies that purchase 30 or moretickets will have the opportunity fora table display on the MassMutualCenter concourse (while supplieslast) on the night of the game. Tick-ets may be ordered by calling Gar-rett Nolan at the Falcons office, 413-739-3344. Information and orderforms will also be mailed out toACCGS members.

Don’t delay; order your ticketsnow for a night of safe, fun andaffordable family entertainment atWestern Mass’ finest sports andentertainment facility, the MassMu-tual Center. There is no minimumorder required. The deadline toorder discounted tickets for thisevent is Wednesday, January 16,2008. This offer is not available atthe MassMutual Center Box Office.

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield • NOVEMBER 2007



who generously donated golf shirtsfor each participant, Cart Sponsor-Hampden Bank; Eagle Sponsors-A.G. Edwards & Sons, Blue CrossBlue Shield of Massachusetts,Flamingo Motorsports, The Gau-dreau Group, Hampden Bank, Mon-son Savings Bank, N.E.P.M., Opta-site, ProShred Security, and Wilbra-ham & Monson Academy.

Proceeds from the Golf Classicbenefit the Minnechaug RegionalHigh School Entrepreneurial Pro-gram. This program, a collaborationwith Springfield Technical Commu-nity College’s Entrepreneurial Insti-tute, the Public School Systems ofWestern Massachusetts, and theNational Foundation for TeachingEntrepreneurship, gives students atMinnechaug Regional High Schoolthe opportunity to learn the skillsnecessary to start and maintain asmall business. The Hampden/Wilbraham Chamber is pleased tocontribute to this valuable programthat teaches children the foundationof what it takes to become an entre-preneur. Members of this year’s classset up tabletop displays and soldtheir products and services to atten-dees.

Proceeds also fund the Chamber’sscholarship program. This yearscholarships went to Chad Civettiand David Abbruzese. Chad isattending the Florida Institute ofTechnology and David is attendingBryant University. Both recipientsparticipated in the EntrepreneurialProgram.

Hole – in – one sponsors:Burack RealtyFran Johnson’s Golf and RacquetHeadquartersHampden BankMedeiros Williams

Co-Chairs, Elissa Langevin, JoeLawler, and Tom Manzi declared the5th Annual Hampden/WilbrahamChamber of Commerce Golf Classic“a great success.”

This sold out event attracted 128golfers and was made possiblethrough the hard work and supportof the Board of Directors of theHampden/Wilbraham Chamber andGolf Committee:Co-Chairs: Elissa Langevin, Flo-rence Savings Bank; Joe Lawler, TheGaudreau Group, Inc.; Tom Manzi,A.G. Edwards and Sons, Inc.;Trant Campbell, Annino, Draper &Moore, P.C.; Greg Clark, EdibleArrangements; Lou Curto, EdwardJones Investments; Robert Dix,Roberts Septic; Art Ferrara, Land-mark Realtors; Richard Green,Richard R. Green Insurance Agency;Janet Murphy, Wilbraham & Mon-son Academy; Robert Nichols,Roberts Septic; Barbara Perry,Reminder Publications;Barry Sanborn, ProShred Security;Kathy Selvia, N.E.P.M.; DonnaStone, Monson Savings Bank;Maura Tobias, Friendly’s;

Held at the Country Club ofWilbraham, the day began with bar-becue luncheon. Before the shot-gunstart golfers had the opportunity toputt for a chance to compete in the$5,000 Putting Contest sponsored byFriendly’s. Once on the course, Val-ley Vodka provided samples togolfers. And for those with a sweettooth, Friendly’s supplied ice creamsundaes for the golfers to enjoy.

The committee would like tothank the area businesses that con-tributed to the tournament for theirgenerous support. A special thanksto Presenting Sponsor – Friendly’s,

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008President: Dawn W. Starks, Acres Power Equipment Co.First Vice President: David Leslie, Glenmeadow Retirement CommunitySecond Vice President: Tammy Bordeaux, Berkshire BankTreasurer: John Downs, PeoplesBankClerk: Edward Zemba, Robert Charles PhotographyPast President: Ken Spafford, Spafford Leasing Associates, Inc.

DirectorsRev. David Brown, First Baptist Church, Christopher M. Buendo, Reminder Publications, Inc.Thomas Crogan, T.F. Crogan, P.C.. David Fuentes, Healthrax Fitness & Wellness, Steven Graziano,Veritech Corporation, Susan Halpern, Jewish Geriatric Services, Inc., James Hannifan, Martinelli, Dis-cenza & Hannifan, P.C., Tim O’Brien, Lenox/American Saw, Greg Pytka, Hasbro Games, Susan Roule,Hampden Bank, Barry Stephens, IRM Insurance Agency, Inc., Jessica Szczepanek, East Village Place,Debra Taylor, Debra Taylor, Realtor, Thomas J. Tubman, Carlin Combustion Technology, Inc.Advisors: Nick Breault, Town of East Longmeadow, Dr. Edward Costa, East Longmeadow PublicSchools. Joseph F. Dilk, Sr., Connecticut Valley Artesian Well Company, Inc.. Gerri Gagnon, GerriGagnon, John F. Maybury, Maybury Material Handling, Foy Miller, Foy Miller & Associates, LavadaMunoz, The Republican

East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Chamber

Hampden/Wilbraham Golf Classic a Success

Co-Chairs Tom Manzi, Elissa Langevin, Joe Lawler, Todd Ely, winner of theN.E. Patriots tickets provided by Diane Sanderson, Flamingo Motorsports. Staff photo.

Maura Tobias, Director of Public Affairs, Friendly’s and Joe Salvador whowas the finalist in the Friendly’s $5,000 Putting Contest Staff photo.

Tournament Winners: Life Care of Wilbraham Team – Mike Fuss, DennisLopata, Nick Lopata, Mark Nowak. Staff photo.



West Springfield Chamber ofCommerceBOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008President: Marco Amato, Dowd, James J. & Sons InsuranceAgency, Inc.First Vice President: T. David Constant, Webster Bank, N.A.Second Vice President: Joyce Viecelli, McNally Brothers, DMD. Treasurer: Dale Mazanec, United BankClerk: John P. Weiss, Ormsby Insurance Agency, Inc.Past President: Al Bryant, H.L. Dempsey Company

Members: Scott Abel, Southworth Company • Donald Clark, Clark Office Paper Handling Equip-ment, Inc. • Judith N. Davis, Insurance Center of New England, Inc. • John P. A Ely, Bozenhard,Socha & Ely • Susan Kelly, Management Search, Inc. • R. G. Ledoux, NewAlliance Bank • AnneMcKenzie, Lower Pioneer Valley Educational Collaborative • Remo Pizzichemi, Hampton InnWest Springfield • Schley Warren, Berkshire Service Experts

Advisors: Paul H. Boudo, Paul H. Boudo & Associates, Inc.Honorable Edward J. Gibson, Mayor, Town of West Springfield

Hampden/Wilbraham Chamber of CommerceBOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007-2008Chair: Barbara Perry, Reminder Publications, Inc. Vice Chair: Terry Nelson, Terry Nelson Consulting ServicesTreasurer: Joseph Lawler, The Gaudreau Group Clerk: Janet Murphy: Wilbraham & Monson AcademyPast Chair: Maura Tobias, Friendly Ice Cream Corporation

Directors: Charles Bennett, Wilbraham-Hampden Times • Suzanne M. Boniface, ValleyStoneCredit Union • M. Trant Campbell, Welch, Campbell, & Barba P.C. • Thomas M. Crochiere,Collins-Crochiere Construction Services, Inc. • Lou Curto, Edward Jones • Art Ferrara, Land-mark Realtors • Kate Forest, Bliss Yoga of Wilbraham • Richard R. Green, Richard R. GreenInsurance Agency, Inc. • Elaine Korhonen CPA • Elissa Langevin, Hampden Bank • Thomas S.Manzi, A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc. • Kathryn Selvia, N.E.P.M. New England Promotional Mar-keting • Stoughton Smead, Motorace • Donna Stone, Monson Savings Bank

Advisors: Caroline Cunningham, Wilbraham Public Access

Golf Classic WinnersFirst Place, with a score of 58 theLife Care of Wilbraham Team –Dennis Lopata, Nick Lopata, MarkNowak, Mike Fuss

Second Place, with a score of 59 theBlue Cross Blue Shield of Massachu-setts Team – Brian Stebbins, ChipLamarche, Brian Candon, DavidD’Amours

Third Place, with a score 60 theMedeiros/Williams Team – JohnMedeiros Sr., Jim DiRico, Jack Sulli-van, John Medeiros Jr.

Best Mixed Doubles, with a score of64 the Flamingo Motorsports Teamof Diane Sanderson, Kathy Camp-bell, Dave Fernandez, Bob Zepke

Closest to the Pin Hole 2: Jim Hosey – 8” Closest to the Pin Hole 5: Mike Fuss – Hole-in-OneClosest to the Pin Hole 10: Jeff Mackenzie – 2’10”Closest to the Pin Hole 14: Todd Jenkins – 3’1”

Grand Prize Raffle Winners:Grill donated by Home Depot Larry Forrest, Forrest InsuranceAgency;1 year membership donated by theScantic YMCA Kim Sanborn, ProShred Security;Wine cooler donated by the H/WChamber Donna Johnson, PeoplesBank;Travel package donated by AAA ofPioneer Valley and the H/W Cham-ber of Commerce Susan LaBarge, Country Bank;N.E. Patriots Game tickets donatedby Flamingo Motorsports Todd Ely of the Hampden PoliceDepartment

Ahole-in-one was cause forcelebration at the recentHampdenWilbraham Cham-

ber of Commerce Golf Classic. Mak-ing the Eagle shot on the 5th hole atthe Country Club of Wilbraham,Mike Fuss won a 42” High Defini-tion plasma television provided byBurack Realty. According to DanielBurack, “I have been offering thisprize for the past 5 years at dozensof tournaments and this is the firsttime I will be giving one away.”Mike was a member of the Life CareCenter of Wilbraham’s team of Den-nis Lopata, Nick Lopata and MarkNowak. The team finished in 1stPlace with a score of 58.

HAMPDEN/WILBRAHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

GOLF CLASSIC HOLE-IN-ONE

Tom Manzi, A.G. Edwards, Daniel Burack, Burack Realty;, Kathy Fussaccepting on behalf of her husband Mike; Joe Lawler, The Gaudreau Group;Dean Helm, General Manager of the Country Club of Wilbraham and PeterChapman, Country Club Pro. Staff Photo.

The Greater Westfield Cham-ber of Commerce sponsored acandidate forum and mayoral

debate in October at Westfield StateCollege. The event was broadcastlive on Westfield Public AccessChannel 15 and taped for rebroad-cast later during the week beforeelections. 10 of 12 council candi-dates presented a three-minute state-ment, and then followed with ques-tions submitted by the public. JimMadigan of WGBY served as moder-ator.

Brent Bean II, Mayoral Candidate, Jim Madigan, Moderator, and MichaelBoulanger, Mayoral Candidate. Staff photo.

WESTFIELD SPONSORS MAYORAL DEBATE

Making the Eagle shot on the 5thhole at the Country Club ofWilbraham, Mike Fuss won a42” High Definition plasma tele-vision provided by Burack Realty.


8 ©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.8 ©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.8 ©2007 Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc.



The top three Total Revenue hon-orees are Springfield College, worldrenowned as the birthplace of bas-ketball; Whalley Computer Associ-ates, a Southwick-based family busi-ness; and Rocky’s Ace Hardware, a25-location hardware store.

In the growth category, the aver-age growth among winners was over71%. 57% of the top thirty (30)companies had growth in excess of50%. Thirteen (13) companies arenew to the growth category this year.Six (6) companies new to the catego-ry are also new to the top-ten rev-enue winners list. Four (4) compa-nies in the growth category alsoqualify for the revenue category.

The top three Revenue Growthhonorees were Kleer Lumber, LLC, aPVC Trimboard manufacturer; Com-plete Payroll Solutions, a uniqueone-stop alternative that efficientlyintegrates payroll, employee benefits,and human resource solutions; andKittredge Equipment Company, aSpringfield-based commercial foodservice equipment dealer.

Each summer, the Chamber callsfor nominations for the Super 60.Companies eligible for the programmust be independent, privately-owned businesses, be based in eitherHampden or Hampshire counties orbe a member of the Affiliated Cham-bers of Commerce of Greater Spring-field, Inc, be in business for at leastthree full years and produce revenuesof at least $1 million in the last fiscalyear.

Congratulations Super Sixty!Total Growth 2007+*Kleer Lumber, LLC, Moriarty & Pri-mack, P.C.+Complete Payroll Solutions, United Bank+*Kittredge Equipment Company, MeyersBrothers Kalicka, P.C.Ace Metal Fabricators, Inc., Kostin, Ruf-fkess & Company, LLCAce Precision, Inc., Kostin, Ruffkess &Company, LLCAllen & Burk Construction, Aaron- Smith,P.C.CeraOptec Industries, Meyers BrothersKalicka, P.C.Chicopee Industrial Contractors, Inc.,Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLCCustom Carbide Corp., Aaron-Smith, P.C.Delaney Restaurant, Inc., Meyers BrothersKalicka, P.C.Dimauro Carpet & Tile, Inc., Peter S. Ben-ton, CPA’sEgan, Flanagan & Cohn, P.C., Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLC

Entre Computer Center, Kostin, Ruffkess& Company, LLCField, Eddy & Bulkley Inc., Moriarty &Primack, P.C.Haluch Water Contracting, Inc., MeyersBrothers Kalicka P.C.Innovative Physicians Services, LLC,Kostin, Ruffkess & Company, LLCInsurance Center of New England, Inc.,Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.King Ward Coach Lines, Downey, Sweeney,Fitzgerald & Co., P.C. and Florence SavingsBankM J Moran, Inc., Moriarty & Primack,P.C.Micro Test Laboratories, Westfield BankMillrite Machine, Inc., Kostin, Ruffkess &Company, LLCMoriarty & Primack, P.C., Bank of West-ern MassachusettsParts Tool & Die, Inc., Meyers BrothersKalicka, P.C.Poly-Metal Finishing, Kostin, Ruffkess &Company, LLCR & R Industries, Inc., Aaron-Smith, P.C.*Specialty Bolt & Screw, Inc., Downey,Sweeney, Fitzgerald & Co., P.C. and West-field Bank*Suddekor, LLC, Aaron-Smith, P.C.Texcel, LLC, Moriarty & Primack, P.C.Tunstall Associates, Inc., Sovereign BankWhalley Precision, Inc., Aaron-Smith P.C.

Total Revenue 2007+Springfield College, Cooley, Shrair, P.C.+Whalley Computer Associates, Aaron-Smith, P.C.+Rocky’s Hardware, Inc., Greenberg,Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, P.C.Atlantic Fasteners Co., Inc., Meyers Broth-ers Kalicka, P.C.Bassett Boat Co., Inc., Merrick, Young,LLCBiolitec, Inc., Meyers Brothers Kalicka, P.C.Chandler Architectural Products, Inc.,Westfield BankDietz & Company Architects, Inc., UnitedBankDisability Management Services, Inc., Mey-ers Brother Kalicka, P.C. and SovereignBankEnvironmental Compliance Services, LesterHalpern & Company, P.C. and WestfieldBankGovernors America, Corp., Sovereign BankJoseph Freedman Co., Inc., Meyers Broth-ers Kalicka, P.C.*Kittredge Equipment Company, MeyersBrothers Kalicka, P.C.*Kleer Lumber, LLC, Moriarty & Primack,P.C.Louis & Clark Drug, Kostin, Ruffkess &Company, LLC.Maybury Associates Inc., TD BanknorthMerriam Webster, Inc., Sovereign Bank

Plastic Packaging Corporation, Greenberg,Rosenblatt, Kull & Bitsoli, P.C. and Peo-plesBankQuabbin Wire & Cable Co., Inc., Moriarty& Primack, P.C.Rediker Software, Inc., William J. MahoneyJr., CPA*Specialty Bolt & Screw, Inc., Downey,Sweeney, Fitzgerald & Co., P.C. and West-field BankSpectrum Analytical, Inc., Lester Halpern& Company, P.C. and Westfield BankSpringfield Spring Corp., Meyers BrotherKalicka, P.C.*Suddekor, LLC, Aaron-Smith, P.C.Tighe & Bond, Inc., Lester Halpern &Company, P.C.United Personnel Services, Inc., MeyersBrothers Kalicka, P.C.Universal Plastics, Corp., Meyers BrothersKalicka, P.C.University Products, Inc., Moriarty & Primack, P.C.Valley Communications Systems, Inc.,Charles E. Sullivan, CPA, Inc.W.F. Young, Inc., J.M. O’Brien & Company, P.C.

*An asterisk identifies those companieswhich would qualify in both categories

+A plus identifies the top three ineach category

Region’s Successful Privately Held Companies HonoredContinued from page one

Receiving the award for the #1 Revenue company, Springfield College, is Brendan Neal, Director of CommunityRelations, along with Peter Straley, president/CEO of presenting sponsor Health New England and Thomas Burton,president of platinum sponsor Hampden Bank. Photo by Ed Cohen.



Photos by Ed Cohen

Above: Keynote Speaker Dale Collie shared his war stories and the US Army’s 6 Elements of Surprise.

Right: Receiving the award for the #1 Growth company, Kleer Lumber, LLC, is Walter F. Valentine,

President/CEO, along with Peter Straley, president/ CEOof presenting sponsor Health New England and MeghanSullivan of platinum sponsor Sullivan, Hayes & Quinn,

Above left: Receiving the awardPresident/CEO Rocco Falcone Iwith Peter Straley and Thomas B

Above right: #2 Growth award,Solutions, is received by CEO JoPeter Straley and platinum sponQuinn, Meghan Sullivan.

Left: Thanks to Gold Sponsor S

Right: Thanks to gold Sponsor Wwith keynote speaker Dale Colli



Super 60Friday, October 26, 2007Chez Josef, Agawam

ward for #3 total Revenue, isne II of Rocky’s Ace Hardware,

mas Burton.

ard, winner Complete PayrollO John Pettengill, along withsponsor Sullivan, Hayes &

or Sovereign Bank.

sor Westfield Bank, picturedCollie.

Top left: PaulWhalley, presidentof #2 Revenue win-

ner Whalley Com-puter Associates,

accepts his award fromPeter Straley and

Thomas Burton

Above: Master of Ceremonies JimMadigan of WGBY made attendees smilewith his wit and positive thinking.

Left; David Hobert, senior vice president ofgold sponsor Sovereign Bank and chairmanof the Affiliated Chambers Board of Direc-tors, welcomes guests to the 2007 Super 60Awards Luncheon.

Right; Kittredge Equipment Compa-ny’s President Neal Webber accepts

the award for #3 Growth fromMeghan Sullivan and Peter Straley.


CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS



New England BusinessAssociates Launches NewSatellite Operation

New England Business Associateshas put a program into place forteam-supported enterprises- a busi-ness model in which people with dis-abilities, who own their own busi-nesses, can receive support andongoing assistance in the day-to-dayoperation of their businesses from apersonal support team of at least oneother individual. For further detailson the program and getting involved,contact Laurie A. Pare, Director at(413) 328-0932.

Health New England EarnsTop-Ten Spot In NationalHealth Plan Ranking

Health New England has placedamong the top ten health plans inthe nation. HNE was ranked 9thamong the 250 plans reviewed in thejust-released U.S. News & World

sponsors

Report/NCQA America’s BestHealth Plans 2007 ranking.

Open Houses at LocalHealing Center Raise Over$600 for Rays of Hope

Through a series of four openhouses in September and October,the practitioners of the Heart toHeart Healing Connection raisedover $600 to benefit Rays of Hope.

Easthampton Savings BankAnnounces Third QuarterResults

President and CEO, William S.Hogan, Jr. reported that Easthamp-ton Savings Bank’s total assetsreached a record $732 million at theend of the third quarter. This is anincrease of 7% from one year ago. Easthampton Savings Bank recently held its Grand Opening of its newest

branch in Westfield. Over 170 people were in attendance. The new branchincorporates one of the original homes and several artifacts from the demol-ished house at 83 Broad Street. Pictured are Katrina Dziedzic, Branch Manag-er and William Hogan, President. Staff Photo.

Springfield public school students and area college students were treated totwo performances of the internationally-known Alvin Ailey II dance compa-ny at CityStage in downtown Springfield recently. The sold-out events weremade possible by a partnership among area businesses, colleges, and organi-zations. Event planners at the Alvin Ailey II dance performance- John Wil-son, Springfield College; Naomi White-Innis, American International Col-

lege; Jose Tolson, Elms College; Kent Alexander, Elms College; Troy Powell,Associate Artistic Director, Alvin Ailey II; Helen Caulton-Harris, SpringfieldDepartment of Health and Human Services; Myra Smith, Springfield Techni-cal Community College; William Blatch, Black Men of Greater Springfield;Janine Fondon, Unity First News; Ira Rubenzahl, President, STCC. Photosubmitted by STCC. More news about local higher education on page 14.




Jewish Geriatric Servicesto Offer Hospice Services,Office Visits and HouseCalls

Spectrum Home Health and Hos-pice Care, a program of Jewish Geri-atric Services is now acceptingpatients to the newly licensed Hos-pice Program, which will providespecialized end of life care for thoseliving with a terminal illness. JGSMedical Care and House Calls isalso accepting new patients who seekprimary health care to help age withgrace and independence. The prac-tice also provides home visits from aphysician or nurse practitioners forthe frail, elderly, and homebound.

Big Y’s Flagship Completedin 8 Months

Big Y’s first Northampton flagshipstore opened 50 years ago on KingStreet. Now, the company’s newestflagship World Class Market at 136North King Street on Route 5 inNorthampton is open for business.Many of the store’s former employ-ees are working at the new location.This store is environmentally friend-ly and significantly larger in size,with more products offered.

YWCA of Western Mass.Announces Reorganization

The YWCA of Western Massachu-setts, the state’s largest provider ofservices to victims of domestic vio-lence and sexual assault, teen parentsand their children and at-risk youthin Springfield, Holyoke, Westfield,Northampton and the Hilltowns, hasrestructured its organization inresponse to a newly adopted strate-gic plan. For more information, con-tact Dawn DiStefano at (413) 732-3121, ex. 114 or by e-mail [email protected].

American Red Cross Seeking 2008 HometownHeroes Nominations

The American Red Cross PioneerValley Chapter is seeking nomina-tions for Hometown Heroes whohave shown courage, kindness, andunselfish character when a friend,family member or stranger faced alife threatening situation or who hashad an extraordinary impact on hiscommunity or fellow man. Heroeswill be recognized at the 2008Hometown Heroes Breakfast onMarch 20, 2008 at the NaismithMemorial Basketball Hall of Fame.For further information, contactPaige Thayer at [email protected]

cross.org or at (413) 233-1003.Storybook PartnershipYields Another Happy Ending

The “5 stories with happy end-ings” highlighted in the 2006 SquareOne (formerly Springfield Day Nurs-ery) Annual Appeal has been selectedas a winner in the 2007 AmericanGraphic Design Awards, presentedby Graphic Design USA magazine.

Cambridge CreditCounseling Corp. OffersFinancial ManagementTraining

With winter around the cornerand the price of crude oil rising bythe day, millions of Americans arefacing the prospect of a difficulthome heating season. The nationalaverage for a gallon of heating oil iscurrently $3.11, seventy-three centshigher than this time last year. As aresult, many families may be forcedto make some last-minute decisionsas they try to keep their homeswarm this winter. Cambridge CreditCounseling Corp. is a professionaldebt counseling agency that is dedi-cated to educating young adults onthe importance of sound financialmanagement and to provide finan-cially distressed Americans with edu-cation and debt management servicesappropriate to their needs. Don’t beleft out in the cold- for more infor-mation, visit Cambridge CreditCounseling Corp. online atwww.cambridgecredit.org or byphone at (413) 821-6919.

What’s New at HolyokeMall

Several new store openings tookplace at the Holyoke Mall includingBorders Bookstore, Aerie by Ameri-can Eagle, Journeys Kidz, Lids Kids,Apple, Sports Authority, SolsticeSunglass Boutique and Starbucks.Coming soon are Shi by Journeysand Sephora. For more informationregarding new stores, events andinformation, contact the HolyokeMall at (413) 536-1441 or visit thewebsite at holyokemall.com.

Promotions,Additions, &Honors

Berkshire Insurance Group, Inc., aBerkshire Bank company, announcedthat John S. Millet, CPA has beennamed chief operating officer.

Gregory T. Rolland has joinedMoriarty & Primack, P.C. as a StaffAccountant.

Lori Casey, Lori Barron and IreneWhite have joined Carlson GMACReal Estate as sales agents. Also,Sandy Kenyon has joined as a SalesPartner.

Joyce D. Desorcy has joinedHolyoke Community College asAnnual Fund Coordinator.

Timothy C. Cavassa has joinedSkoler, Abbott & Presser, P.C. as anassociate of the firm, representingmanagement exclusively in labor andemployment law.

Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc., theholding company for BerkshireBank, announced that Richard P.Kelly has been promoted to first vicepresident/south country regionallender.

Joseph Carvalho, president andexecutive director of the SpringfieldMuseums, and Holly Smith-Bove,the Museums’ chief financial officer,recently completed the AchievingExcellence executive leadership pro-gram for non-profit cultural organi-zations in Massachusetts.

Linda Mish has joined Easthamp-ton Savings Bank as a Loan Origina-tor.

Bacon & Wilson, P.C. announcedthat Paul R. Salvage, Gary L. Fialky,Michael B. Katz, Paul H. Rothschild,Stephen N. Krevalin, Hyman G Dar-ling and Francis R. Mirkin have allbeen distinguished as New England“Super Lawyers” in the November2007 issue of Boston Magazine.

Also, partner Hyman G. Darlingrecently presented programs at twonational seminars at the SpecialNeeds Alliance Conference in Clear-water, Florida, and at the NationalAcademy of Elder Law Attorneys inMemphis, Tennessee.

Amelia B. Reniszewski has joinedUnited Personnel as a staffing con-sultant.

Unemployment Tax Control Associates (UTCA) recently held its 10thAnnual Client Update breakfast in Springfield. This event provided an updateof new and proposed laws associated with unemployment and employmentlaw. Pictured are Vice President of Client Relations at UTCA Tim Phelan andKevin Foley, past Chairman of the Massachusetts Board of Review. Photo sub-mitted by Market Mentors.

WOMEN’SPARTNERSHIP

REQUESTS

NOMINEES FOR 2008WOMAN OF THE YEAR

The Women’s Partnership isrequesting nominations for its 2008Woman of the Year award. Womenin the Pioneer Valley are eligible fornomination and a chamber affiliationis not required.

The nominee should best exempli-fy ideals of outstanding leadership,accomplishments, and service to thecommunity. Services can be renderedover a lifetime or for more recentachievements.

Nomination forms can be request-ed by calling (413) 543-8000, via e-mail: [email protected] or atthe ACCGS office. Nomination Doc-uments are due by January 9, 2008.




Greater Westfield Chamber of CommerceOFFICERS AND DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008Chairman • Joseph Young United Bank1st Vice Chair • Kathleen Witalisz, Witalisz & AssociatesSecond Vice Chair • William Parks, Boys & Girls Club of GreaterWestfieldTreasurer • William Harmon, William B. Harmon, P.C.Past Chairman • Ali Salehi, Columbia Manufacturing Inc.

MembersRoger Butler, Roger Butler Insurance Agency, Inc. • Kathleen Damon, The Carson Center forHuman Services • Paul L. Harlin, Kitchens of Distinction • James Kauffman, Jen-Coat Inc. •Daniel Kelly, Westfield Housing Authority • Marcil Kerdavid, 104th Fighter Wing MA AirNational Guard • Russ Klaubert, Air Compressor Engineering Co., Inc. • Dr. Thomas McDowell, Westfield School System • Joe Nangle, C& S Wholesale Grocers, Inc. • PabloNyarady, ECI • Judy Puffer, Puffers Salon and Day Spa • Joan Rasool, Westfield State College •Harry Rock, YMCA of Greater Westfield • Philip Smith, Bacon & Wilson, P.C. • Dawn Carig-nan Thomas, Instrument Technology, Inc. • Brian Whiteway • Whiteway Construction Corp. •Donald Williams, Westfield Bank

GreaterWestfield Chamber

of Commerce

Agawam Chamber

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008President: Edward Borgatti, EB’s RestaurantVice President: Dee L. Emery-Ferrero, The Western Mass BusinessWomanTreasurer: Janice Hills, Bank of America Past President: Donna Safford Fleury,Vinson Associates

DirectorsBrook Ashby, Penfield Productions, Ltd. • Michael Grandfield, Hampden BankMark Haynes, Environmental Compliance Services, Inc. • Larry Litton, Six Flags NewEngland • Robert MacDonald, Work Opportunity Center, Inc. • Christopher Magiera,Christopher J. Magiera DMD, PC • Bonnie Massoia, Canary-Blomstrom InsuranceAgency, Inc. • Hubert McGovern, OMG, Inc. • Frank Palanage, V & F Auto Inc. Alan Rogers, Defense Investigators • Ken Vincunas, Development Associates

American InternationalCollege (AIC)

Due to expansion on campus,enrollment numbers have increasedmore than 12% at the undergradu-ate level since 2005. Also, that year,there were 420 graduate students-that number has more than doubledin the last two years.

After spending thirty-three yearsat the fourth largest private collegein the country (with oversight of$1.7 billion operating budget and anendowment of $1.1 billion), KennethC. Condon is now Chief FinancialOfficer at American InternationalCollege. He is the former Vice Presi-dent for Financial Affairs and Trea-surer at Boston University. While atBU, Condon earned more than $60million for the institution.

AIC is now offering a new MBAin International Business Practicedegree, which combines a year’s paidinternship in London, with a semes-ter in Asia. As part of a new alliancewith the prestigious MountbattenInstitute in London, the new degreeprogram will meet the needs of stu-dents and employers for training andexperience in the realities of theglobal economy.

Holyoke Community College (HCC)

Region I of the National Councilfor Marketing and Public Relationsannounced that Holyoke Communi-ty College has been chosen to receivefive first place (Gold) and two thirdplace (Bronze) Medallion Awards forits public relations efforts. This is the

CELEBRATING OUR SCHOOLS

highest number of first place awardsreceived by any member college in2007 and it is also the highest num-ber of Gold Medallions ever takenhome by HCC in a single year.

Springfield CollegeThe Kresge Foundation has

approved Springfield College for a$1 million challenge grant to com-plete its campaign, Leadership forthe 21st Century. The College mustraise $39 million by July 1, 2008 toreceive the capstone sum, and hasalready received $33.3 million ingifts and commitments from alumni,friends, foundations and local busi-nesses toward that goal.

Springfield Technical Community College(STCC)

Three engineering students at

Springfield Technical CommunityCollege are the first to receive ascholarship founded in honor ofretired Engineering and ScienceTransfer department chair WilliamR. White. Sheng Yi Wu of Chicopee,Artem Maksov of West Springfield,and Bichnyoc Huynh of West Spring-field received the $400 William R.White Scholarship for EngineeringTransfer Students. They were select-ed by the department faculty asexhibiting the “qualities of a goodengineer or computer scientist: intel-ligence, conscientiousness, maturity,and dedication to his or her chosenfield.”

The Springfield Technical Com-munity College (STCC) Foundationhas announced that its first everMajor Gifts Campaign, The BestReturn for Your Investment, has sofar secured $2,394,906 in donations,

53.2% of their goal, in an initiativeset forth to maintain the college’srole as a leader in technology andinnovation.

University of Massachu-setts Amherst (UMass)

The National Science Foundationhas awarded $597,000 to Universityof Massachusetts Amherst scientiststo help middle and high schoolteachers learn and teach about thepolar regions where changes in snowand ice are revealing secrets of theplanet’s past climate and the climatefor the future. The 3-year curriculumand professional development pro-ject aims to integrate activities asso-ciated with the International PolarYear 2007-08, an intense, coordinat-ed research effort by scientistsaround the globe that investigatesthe polar regions and their links tothe rest of the planet.

La Guagua Pa’l College, HCC’s 20-seat bus whose unique and colorful wrap garnered first place in the NCMPRcompetition in the category of Transit Advertising. The bus is used in a variety of college activities but is principallyavailable for night-time bus transportation between the center of Holyoke and the HCC campus. Photo submitted byHolyoke Community College.



A new research center that willaddress far-reaching problems inwireless communication will beestablished at the University ofMassachusetts Amherst, thanks to a$200,000 start-up grant from theUMass President’s Science and Tech-nology Initiatives Fund and the Pres-ident’s Creative Economy Fund. TheCenter of Excellence in WirelessCommunications should lead tobroad, new capabilities in areas fromemergency preparedness and home-land security to healthcare, educa-tion and entertainment. Led by Den-nis Goeckel, the new center willbring together more than 15researchers from the fields of net-working, communication systems,electromagnetics and circuits to tack-le the challenges that arise in anincreasingly interconnected world.The UMass Amherst campus is pro-viding an additional $40,000 infunding.

The UMass Amherst IsenbergSchool of Management’s Part-TimeProfessional MBA program achievedrankings of 5th in the Northeast and29th nationally in BusinessWeek’s2007 Top Part-Time MBA Programsrankings. The Part-Time ProfessionalMBA program, which includes over900 students at sites in Holyoke,Shrewsbury, and Pittsfield as well asaccessed online by students in allfifty states and internationally alsoreceived all “A’s” in the categories ofTeaching Quality, Caliber of Class-mates, and Curriculum. In the samesurvey, the Isenberg School programearned other distinctions: it placed2nd with three other schools for thehighest program completion rate bystudents, 4th in student satisfaction,and 8th in the percentage of tenuredfaculty teaching in a part-time pro-gram.

Westfield State CollegeWestfield State College’s annual

Haunted House and Fun Stop, runby students and Residential Lifestaff, raised nearly $1,800 to benefitthe Children’s Museum of Westfield-$500 more than last year’s event.

Women Building Better Communities

The Junior League of Greater Springfield, MA, Inc. is an

organization of women dedicated topromoting voluntarism, developing the

potential of women, and improvingthe community through the effective

action and leadership of trainedvolunteers. Its purpose is exclusively

eductional and charitable.

From bringing the Ronald McDonaldHouse and the Cancer House of Hopeto Springfield, to facilitating the JL

Financial Literacy and JL Read-Aloud programs, the Junior League of

Greater Springfield is MAKING A DIFFERENCE

in your community. Find out how bycalling 413-781-2545 or

log onto www.jlgs.org

Member FDIC

bankatunited.com(413) 787-1700

Now it’s nobody’s turn to make a bank run.

Call Bill Santos, Assistant Vice President,at (413) 750-1167 today for a freedemonstration or for more informationon the ExpressDeposit scanner.

Say goodbye to those time-consuming bank runs just to deposit checks into your business account. With ExpressDeposit, our new remote check deposit technology,

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SUPPORT YOUR FELLOW CHAMBER MEMBERS

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Women’s Partnership

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008President • Karen Charbonneau, Hatheway Homes & PropertiesVice President • Ellen Albano, Eastfield MallSecretary • Susan Chamberlain, TD Banknorth, N.A.Treasurer • Tracy Sicbaldi, Hampden BankAsst. Treasurer • Michelle Cayo, Hampden BankPast President • Atty. Mary A. Socha, Bozenhard, Socha & Ely

DirectorsAlyssa Carvalho, Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors BureauLisa Lemon, Canary Blomstrom Insurance Agency, Inc. Jaclyn C. Stevenson, BusinessWestDana Malone, Elms CollegeMichelle McBride, Health New EnglandFrankie Smith, J. Morrissey

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2007 - 2008 President • Gloria Faria, Chicopee Savings BankVice President • Attorney William RooneyTreasurer • Carla Alves, Berkshire BankClerk • David Richer, HEALTHSOUTH Rehabilitation HospitalPast President • Walter Seifert, Western Massachusetts Electric Co.

Directors: Benta Alves, Westbank, Zelia Alves, Millennium bcpbank, Carmina Fernandes, Law

Offices of Carmina Fernandes, Lina Fernandes, TD Banknorth, N.A., Antonio

Goncalves, Ideal Insurance Agency, Inc., Chip Harrington, Our Town Variety

Theresa Kane, Ludlow Public Schools, John Pedro, John Pedro Real Estate Associates

Anthony Tavares, Villa Rose, Ken White, Holyoke Community College

Advisors: Allen Gurka, Theresa Kane, Ludlow Public Schools, Toni-Marie Mancuso, Ludlow

Public Schools

Ludlow Chamber of Commerce

Above: The ladies of sponsor Emirzian,Mariano & Associates flash their smiles.

Left: T. David Constant and the WebsterBank family were the Gold Sponsor at theOctober After 5.

Right: Julie Waniewski of Career Group Staffing and ChrisThompson of the Springfield Falcons Hockey Club.

October After 5October 10, 2007Fathers & Sons Collection




COMMERCEOF GREATER

SPRINGFIELD, INC.

MEDIA PARTNERS

Above left: The After 5 is agreat opportunity to net-work with over 250 businessprofessionals.

Above right: John McTighe,Sarah Chapin and AmandaDavis of Strategic Informa-tion Resources, Inc.

Right The guys of Get SetMarketing show their strate-gy through setting them-selves “apart from theherd.”

Photos by Ed CohenSponsored by STCUCredit Union



December4East Longmeadow/Longmeadow ChamberBoard of Directors’ Meeting, Lenox/AmericanSaw, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.•Springfield Chamber of Commerce ExecutiveCommittee Meeting, EDC Conference Room,Noon – 1:00 p.m.5ACCGS Breakfast Club, Chez Josef, Agawam,7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $20 Members, $25 NonMembers.7East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Holiday/TownGovernment Breakfast, Elmcrest Country Club,7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $15 Members, $20 NonMembers.12ACCGS After 5, Sheraton Springfield, MonarchPlace, Springfield, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., $10Members, $15 Non Members.14Westfield Holiday Breakfast, Tekoa CountryClub, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $17 Members, $25Non Members•ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, TDBanknorth Conference Center, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00a.m.18West Springfield Chamber Board of Directors’Meeting, United Bank, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.19Executive Power Networking, Tower Square,1500 Main Street, Springfield, 7:45 a.m.– 9:45a.m., $20 Members, $25 Non Members.•Westfield Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting,Noble Hospital, 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

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December 5ACCGS Breakfast Club, Chez Josef, Agawam, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $20 Members,$25 Non Members.

December 12ACCGS After 5, Sheraton Springfield, Monarch Place, Springfield, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00p.m., $10 Members, $15 Non Members.

December 19Executive Power Networking, Tower Square, 1500 Main Street, Springfield, 7:45 a.m.–9:45 a.m., $20 Members, $25 Non Members.

January 9ACCGS Breakfast Club, Springfield College, Springfield, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $20Members, $25 Non Members.

January 9ACCGS After 5, WGBY, Springfield, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., $10 Members, $15 NonMembers.

REGISTRANT NAME(S)______________________________________________________________________

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Company Name:_______________________________________________________

Tel #:________________________ Fax #____________________________________

Address:_______________________________________________________________

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Check Enclosed for $___________________________________________________

Please charge this to my ___AMEX ___Visa ____Mastercard___Discover

#____________________________________________ Exp. Date_______________

Signature______________________________________________________________Return to Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield, Inc. 1441 Main Street - Suite 136, Springfield, MA 01103-1449. Or FAX to 413-755-1322.

Affiliate Networking EventsDecember 7East Longmeadow/Longmeadow Holiday/Town Government Breakfast, Elmcrest Country Club, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $15Members, $20 Non Members.December 14Westfield Holiday Breakfast, Tekoa Country Club, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $17 Members, $25 Non MembersDecember 20Hampden/Wilbraham Small Business Roundtable, Wilbraham/Monson Academy, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.December 27Agawam Business Spotlight Tour, TBA, 8:00 am – 9:00 am.January 16Women’s Partnership Business Expo/Luncheon, Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., $20 Members, $25 Non Members.January 17Hampden/Wilbraham Small Business Roundtable, Wilbraham/Monson Academy, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

20Hampden/Wilbraham Small Business Round-table, Wilbraham/Monson Academy, 8:00 a.m. –9:00 a.m.•ACCGS Executive Meeting, TD BanknorthConference Room, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.25Christmas - Office Closed26Women’s Partnership Board Meeting, EDC Con-ference Room, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.27Agawam Business Spotlight Tour, TBA, 8:00a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

January1New Years Day – Office Closed8East Longmeadow/Longmeadow ChamberBoard of Directors’ Meeting, Lenox/AmericanSaw, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

•Springfield Chamber of Commerce Board ofDirectors’ Meeting, TD Banknorth, Noon – 1:00p.m.9ACCGS Breakfast Club, Springfield College,Springfield, 7:15 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., $20 Mem-bers, $25 Non Members.•Ludlow Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting,HealthSouth, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.•ACCGS After 5, WGBY, Springfield, 5:00 p.m.– 7:00 p.m., $10 Members, $15 Non Members.11ACCGS Legislative Steering Committee, TDBanknorth Conference Center, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00a.m.15West Springfield Chamber Board of Directors’Meeting, United Bank, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.16Westfield Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting,Noble Hospital, 8:00 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.

•Women’s Partnership Business Expo/Luncheon,Clarion Hotel and Conference Center, 11:30a.m. – 1:00 p.m., $20 Members, $25 NonMembers.17ACCGS Board of Directors’ Meeting, TD Ban-knorth Conference Center, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.•Hampden/Wilbraham Small Business Round-table, Wilbraham/Monson Academy, 8:00 a.m. –9:00 a.m.18Tentative – Outlook 200822Agawam Chamber Board of Directors’ Meeting,Captain Leonard House. 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.23Executive Power Networking, Tower Square,1500 Main Street, Springfield, 7:45 a.m.– 9:45a.m., $20 Members, $25 Non Members.•Hampden/Wilbraham Board of Directors’ Meet-ing, Hampden Bank, 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield • NOVEMBER 2007



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MELISSA A. SCIBELLI, MANAGER

YOUTH PROJECTSMelissa joins the youth services team. She will focus on thedeveloping community-school collaborations for dropoutprevention as well as re-entry programs to help young peoplesecure a high school diploma or GED. This project is funded bya new grant secured by the REB.

Melissa holds an MS in Organizational Development from AIC.She has worked for the past eight years in both MA & CT build-ing public/private partnerships with business and communitygroups on youth development programs.

LARRY MARTIN, MANAGER

PLANNING AND EMPLOYMENT SERVICESLarry will be working on all major research and planning pro-jects, including the development of annual workforce develop-ment plans. He will also be assisting employers in the develop-ment of worker training grants from state and federal sources andcoordinating business service with the career centers.

Larry holds a BS in Business Administration from AIC and is acandidate for an MA in Public Administration. He has 25 yearsexperience in business and most recently worked in the field ofcareer development.

CHERIE CALLENDER, COORDINATOR

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hampdenbank.comYour TelBank 800.887.6704 • Springfield Main 452.5151

Allen Street 782.5291 • Tower Square 737.4683 • W. Springfield 781.3360

Longmeadow 567.3321 • Agawam 821.9437 • Wilbraham 543.6953

Business Banking 452.5140 • Loan Center 452.5120

Equal Housing Lender Member FDIC Member DIF

THANKS TO OUR CUSTOMERS...

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With the support of great customers, who know the value of 150 plus

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Documents

DECEMBER 2007 Channels hamber PERMIT NO. 188€¦ · Fortune 500 Sales Manager, ... COMPANY as one of America’s Top ... Affiliated Chambers of Commerce of Greater Springfield •