FAIRFIELD COUNT Y
BUSINESS JOURNAL
YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR LOCAL BUSINESS NEWS • westfaironline.com
Vol 48, No. 29 • July 16, 2012
Johnny Appleseed of solar?
FCBJ TODAY High-speed rail route shifts, but not in Connecticut … 2 The prefab foundation for 300,000 jobs? 2
Darien business aims to sow sun power nationwide
Sikorsky lands $12B+ in contracts entering July ... 3
BY ALEXANDER SOULE
casoule@westfairinc.com
Green energy loans pegged to property taxes … 6
“Bridgeport’s been in transition for a while,” said Marianne Brunson Frisch, executive director of the Bridgeport Arts + Cultural Council (BA+CC). “But it’s poised to take off.” Now with the help of two state grants, the BA+CC launched two large-scale art projects July 12 to get people excited about coming downtown and the arts. B2 features free art and cultural programming, Economic, page 7
Johnny, page 6
Gold coastal property: a historic moment for Bridgeport? 8
Dan Sherman
In the field: Nat Lipman sets succession at Affinion … 10
House and gardens and in-between BY MARY SHUSTACK
The List: Triangulating on area bioscience innovators … 12 Also … “Will it offend enough people so that the amount of money you lose by doing it is greater than the amount of money you gain by doing it?” 16
mshustack@westfairinc.com
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eteran landscape architect Dan Sherman has opened a new garden center in Greenwich. But don’t head to Carriage House Gardens looking for a new shovel or a bit of sod. “We don’t intend to be a garden center that has rose spray,” says Sherman. After all, there are plenty of chain and specialty stores that have that mass-market formula down.
Instead, the principal of Daniel Sherman Landscape Architect in Valhalla, N.Y., is crafting a destination garden center that he thinks will offer something distinctive. Sherman is quick to hand out a card that describes Carriage House Gardens as “a special place that features landscape architects, contractors and artists in an environment with select plant materials, garden antiques, sculptures, ornaments, stone and masonry samples.” And a wander through Carriage House House and gardens, page 6
Economic palette Bridgeport leverages the arts to bring visitors downtown BY JENNIFER BISSELL
jbissell@westfairinc.com
MEDIA PARTNER
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he arts community is working hard to turn around Bridgeport’s image through community development. Some might think of the area as a place where crime has filled the void manufacturing left. But for the arts, it’s the place to be.
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or Jeffrey Mayer, the dawn of Soluxe Solar arrived with the departure of a New Hampshire company from his Westport house, following the installation of photovoltaic panels – but with the system not connected to the grid and dozens of building code violations for which Mayer had to call in a Connecticut company to fix. Now it is Mayer’s Darien-based Soluxe that is looking to establish a national platform for the sale and installation of residential solar panels, as well as for small commercial systems. Mayer is one year removed from the sale of Stamford-based MXenergy, which sold electricity and natural gas in 16 states. Constellation acquired MXenergy last summer and last month jettisoned the MXenergy name. Mayer says he did not envision running his own solar company before the snafu at his own home. “Did I have it in my mind? I can’t say I did,” Mayer said. “I looked at the solar business for years and had hoped to put MX into it, but we decided to stay focused on the retail energy sector.” MXenergy regularly touted its environmental efforts – for instance planting “carbon offset” forests in Georgia and Montana, creating an online “cable channel” that tackled environmental topics and backing a Fairfield man’s efforts to convert an old Toyota to battery power. “I guess it was an epiphany when I real-
UConn tempers Stamford expectations • 13
Amtrak bypasses coastal Connecticut High-speed rail would stay inland
BY ALEXANDER SOULE
casoule@westfairinc.com
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fter rethinking where to place bookend stations for high-speed rail on either side of Connecticut – including in Westchester County, N.Y. – Amtrak is sticking to its vision of a line running through the interior of Connecticut rather than along the coast where much of the state’s population is located. Amtrak last week released an update to its vision for the Northeast corridor (NEC) two years after releasing a master plan for the corridor. Since then, Amtrak has consoli-
Even as it does so, Connecticut is readying a high-speed commuter rail line from New Haven to Hartford and Springfield, Mass., with planners foreseeing the line eventually stretching into Vermont. Amtrak said that line will have an important impact on the overall Northeast corridor. Amtrak’s existing Acela runs at an average speed of 84 mph between Boston and Washington, D.C. It is aiming for average speeds in excess of 135 mph, and topping out at 220 mph on some stretches. Amtrak thinks the new line can result in 94-minute trips between New York City and both Boston and Washington. As intermediate steps, in the next several years Amtrak hopes to buy another 40 Acela cars to increase capacity, followed by entire Acela train sets to increase frequency of serdated its financing plans both for its ongo- vice. Those plans also include a new rail bridge ing operations and the high-speed rail line over the Connecticut River and enlarging it envisions running from Boston through tunnels connecting New York and New Jersey. “The NEC region is America’s economic inland Connecticut to New York City and powerhouse and is facing a severe crisis with points south. Amtrak does not envision a high-speed an aging and congested multimodal transporrail line between New York City and Boston tation network that routinely operates at or before 2040, but said improved ridership on near capacity in key segments,” Amtrak CEO the Northeast corridor could help accelerate Joe Boardman said in a statement. “With an intermediate steps to improve existing ser- expected 30 percent population increase by vice. Amtrak says a new high-speed rail line 2050, we must move beyond mere preservabetween New York City and Washington, D.C. tion and rehabilitation of the current system is feasible by 2030, promising “dramatically to a new vision for expanded transportation increased frequencies and service two-thirds capacity and growth.” Amtrak had initially planned for a highfaster than present levels,” in Amtrak’s words.
speed rail stop at Westchester County Airport, but now said those plans are up in the air as it considers other sites in the vicinity of White Plains, N.Y. And Amtrak is canceling plans for a stop on the east side of Manhattan, deeming one station in the borough sufficient. And after initially pinpointing Woonsocket, R.I., as a station locale, Amtrak now is leaning toward Providence as Rhode Island’s station, citing its status as a major population and business center, as well as Providence’s proximity to existing infrastructure along the Northeast corridor. The same argument apparently will not hold sway for Fairfield County and the rest of coastal Connecticut, despite the larger numbers of people and a few major sites such as Yale University and the casinos that could deliver major traffic on high-speed rail. Amtrak has said the existing route along Connecticut’s coast would be too expensive to install high-speed rail, without specifying how big a differential it would be. Including track in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New York, Amtrak anticipates a $58 billion price tag on a high-speed rail line between New York City and Boston. Some of that money would be spent on tunneling under a portion of Providence to accommodate track leading to a new station platform for high-speed trains. Between Providence and Westwood, Mass., Amtrak sketched a plan for a pair of high-speed tracks flanked by tracks for standard, local service trains.
Hubs for 300,000 jobs?
Transit station developments could deliver, a state official thinks BY ALEXANDER SOULE
casoule@westfairinc.com Connecticut could add hundreds of thousands of jobs to its economic base through smart development at its transit hubs, according to a senior state official – and multiple developers said they are encouraged by a new attitude in state agencies viewing them as partners. “We have one chance to do it right,” said Howard Rifkin, executive director of the Partnership for Strong Communities, which sponsored a June forum on transit-oriented design in Hartford. “When it is done wrong, government and everybody else pays for the mistakes that we make.” When it comes to transit-oriented development, Connecticut is in the shadow of players like Boston and New York with deeper pockets and pools of talent from which to draw, said Kip Bergstrom, deputy commissioner of the Connecticut Department of
Economic and Community Development, who was one of several speakers at the forum. Even cities need help from the state to field the resources to match that competition, and Bergstrom expressed hope that a new state law authorizing public-private partnerships will encourage development at rail hubs. “Just in five cities in Connecticut – in Stamford, Norwalk, Bridgeport, New Haven and Hartford – combined there’s 1,000 acres of readily re-developable land within walking distance of existing train stations,” Bergstrom said. “You could put both 200,000 new residences and 300,000 new jobs on that land. It will not happen without state involvement – the scale of it is beyond those cities. So if we want … that kind of growth to happen in those kinds of places, we have to make it happen at the state level.” Municipalities have had enough sour experiences with downtown development to make many skeptical, according to Geoff Sager,
president of Metro Realty Group Ltd., which has focused its projects in the Farmington area where it is located. “I think a lot of the people who live in the various towns do not yet get it,” Sager said. “They denigrate it and kind of scoff at it and I had umpteen people, probably a hundred, who just said, ‘Oh, no one’s going to ride the train – that’s ridiculous.’” Still, Connecticut is getting better at working with developers, according to Abe Naparstek, vice president of East Coast development for Cleveland-based Forest City Residential Group, which is building a 130unit apartment development at a former Ford dealership in Stratford. “We were able to come in; propose something that everyone thought we were nuts and have tomatoes thrown at us; and we were able to get an approval in three months, and we’ll be under construction in another three months,” Naparstek said. “So from soup to
nuts to getting a site under control and construction will be somewhere in the neighborhood of nine months. It will be a good win … and it’s got no public money in the deal.” Lawrence Kendzior, city manager in Meriden, agreed that great change is under way in how the state approaches things. “We (recently) got a DOT pilot grant – within 30 days, we had a one-page agreement signed by everybody that needed to sign it, and a couple weeks after that the money was in place,” Kendzior said. “Things are different; that’s a very different kind of an approach.” Too many people assume any combination of unused or underused properties and active transit lines will result in a successful project, according to Robert Lane, a senior fellow with the New York City-based Regional Planning Association. “A lot of the landscape isn’t going to get there,” Lane said. “We really have to make the most out of those places that might.”
2 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
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Big deals for Sikorsky, GE at U.K. air show
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Camilla Griffin
An Air Force pararescueman climbs a rope ladder back into an HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopter during a tactical training mission at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.
BY ALEXANDER SOULE
casoule@westfairinc.com
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n the space of a month, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. secured contracts totaling more than $12 billion, a windfall even as its new president Mick Maurer reiterated that the manufacturer will be impacted by a steady decline in U.S. defense spending. Separately, a spinout from an Austrian company won an inaugural entrepreneurial challenge sponsored by Sikorsky and will take up residence at the Stamford Innovation Center that houses a Sikorsky incubator. Pankl Aerospace Innovations will work on new rotor blades, getting a year’s free rent in Stamford as part of the award and possibly an equity investment from Sikorsky down the road. The technology originated at a Pankl Racing Systems AG subsidiary in Cerritos, Calif. Sikorsky also will work with Ontariobased Smart Rotor Systems Inc. and with Stamford designer Drew Lambert. Sikorsky is a subsidiary of Hartfordbased United Technologies Corp. (UTC) and is Fairfield County’s largest employer. Its Stratford headquarters is Connecticut’s largest manufacturing plant. UTC is scheduled to release its second-quarter earnings in the final week of July. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) signed an $8.5 billion contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. for more than 650 new Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters through 2017. Separately, the government of Qatar committed to spending $3.6 billion on 34 Black Hawk and Seahawk helicopters equipped with engines from the GE Aviation division of Fairfield-based General Electric Co., with an option for six more aircraft.
Canada, meanwhile, promised a “significant” fine on Sikorsky for ongoing delays in delivering new Cyclone maritime helicopters, a contract that is becoming an albatross due to glitches in mission software installed on the aircraft. In an entirely different software gaffe, UTC last month was penalized to the tune of $55 million to settle federal charges it violated export controls in selling restricted technology to China in the form of helicopter engine control software. Sikorsky was not implicated, with the deal involving engine control software from Hamilton Sundstrand used for helicopter engines produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Under the deal, Hartford-based UTC said it would invest $20 million in compliance programs as part of the agreement, adding it has already spent $30 million since 2006 to “strengthen its compliance infrastructure,” in its words. The new DOD deal could escalate to as high as $11.7 billion depending on military needs over the next five years and include some aircraft that will likely be earmarked for sale to U.S. allies. It was one of a small flurry of announcements Sikorsky and UTC made this month at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom, along with GE, whose GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) unit in Stamford committed to buying 100 jets from Boeing Co., with plans to lease them to airliners. GECAS has a fleet of more than 1,700 owned and managed aircraft with approximately 235 airlines in more than 75 countries. Late last month, GECAS announced a contract to lease 10 Boeing 737-800s to China Southern Airlines, with those aircraft already on order from Boeing.
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012
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PERSPECTIVES
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Management 101
n June, the University of Connecticut opened its newest “learning accelerator” at UConn Stamford, with one project involving the formation of a student-run advertising agency. Want to put up a really effective billboard for your business school? How about moving the whole kit and kaboodle to Stamford? It sounds tempting, doesn’t it – having an MBA school a train ride away from New York City and LaGuardia? It would presumably open up UConn’s recruiting (for both students and professors) to a far wider pool, possibly to include the part-time and executive MBA programs that are a cash cow for the schools that run them. The benefits for Stamford would be obvious – yet another, signature institution to add to a growing list, populated by a crowd of useful imports that might think about putting down roots in Fairfield County, whether upon graduating or later in their careers. There are, of course, a couple of huge problems – none greater than the ingrained, glacial pace at which universities contemplate undertaking major change. Practically speaking, an MBA and
executive MBA program centered in Stamford would create a conundrum for any undergraduate business majors. Would they pursue their studies here
“There are, of course, a couple of huge problems – none greater than the ingrained, glacial pace at which universities contemplate undertaking major change.” with a comparatively limited campus life compared to what they could have in Storrs? It would force the relocation of professors who live in the Storrs and Hartford area, and presumably like the lifestyle. “You want me to what?” we can just hear some tenured professor breathing in his best Jack Nicholson. Still, few know the psychology of Manhattan MBA students and instruc-
tors better than incoming UConn School of Business Dean John Elliott, who previously was dean of the City College of New York’s Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. The program is the largest in the United States with more than 18,000 business students, including undergraduates. Before that, Elliott was a longtime Cornell University accounting professor and administrator. Cornell, of course, is in the midst of among the most dramatic academic expansions of recent times with a new technology studies campus in New York City in conjunction with Technion, four hours from Cornell’s Ithaca campus. If you want to study high tech at Cornell, you now have a big choice before you. A more relevant example, perhaps, is Rutgers University in New Jersey, which has its flagship undergraduate campus in Piscataway and a portion of its MBA program centered in Newark 40 minutes north, and an easy hop from Manhattan. If you were shelling out $64,000 for a UConn MBA, nearly $100,000 if you live in New York, where do you think you have the best chance of accelerating your business career – Storrs or Stamford?
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How fast can ivy grow? ew York’s got a bunch of them, NNew Massachusetts, too. Jersey’s got two and you’ll find them sprinkled across the rest of the country in Virginia, Florida, Georgia and California, among others. We are talking about highbrow institutes of technology, polytechnic schools and the kind – universities and colleges focused almost exclusively on high-tech, with a few dabbling in design as well. Connecticut has one – kind of – in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s (RPI) campuses in Hartford and Groton, but RPI is only offering master’s degrees geared toward students with day jobs.
Is it time for a comprehensive Connecticut Institute of Technology? The benefits are obvious to a technology campus in the form of high-end research and spin-off activity. Yes, Yale, UConn, the University of Bridgeport and others produce that kind of activity on their own accord, but there is something about a technology institute that seems to fire the synapses at an entirely different level. There are relatively recent examples in the East of new, high-tech schools, and not even counting Cornell University’s joint venture in New York City with Technion. In Pennsylvania, the Harrisburg Institute of Technology launched in 2001 offering
bachelor’s and master’s degrees in select disciplines such as bioscience and computer engineering. Outside Boston, the Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering began offering undergraduate degrees in 2002 after a five-year ramp up. By 2006, Newsweek had already dubbed it one of America’s “25 new Ivies,” mentioning it in the same breath as RPI, Carnegie Mellon University, Harvey Mudd College and others renown for their technology and engineering disciplines. A new “Ivy” in Connecticut would sound pretty appealing a decade from now, no?
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4 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
SA F E T Y F I R S T. V I N C E N T’S One of only four hospitals in Connecticut to receive an ‘A’ rating from Hospital Safety ScoreSM
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Sometimes there is safety in letters, too. The 2012 “A” Hospital Safety ScoreSM by The Leapfrog Group proves it. Under the guidance of a blue ribbon panel, The Leapfrog Group uses publicly available data on patient injuries, medical errors and infections to letter grade the safety records of more than 2600 hospitals nationwide. Our “A” represents our overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors.
It’s another reason why you can always trust St. Vincent’s.
www.stvincents.org Compare our score with other area hospitals at www.hospitalsafetyscore.org
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012
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Clean energy savings on the horizon BY JENNIFER BISSELL
jbissell@westfairinc.com
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new program that would make it easier for businesses to finance energy improvements is on its way. The Connecticut General Assembly last month approved the creation of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to make getting clean and efficient energy loans simpler. The program is scheduled to launch in early 2013. “The cost of energy in Connecticut is a big pressure in this state, both for very large and very small businesses,” said Eric Brown, director of energy and environmental policy at the Connecticut Business and Industry Association. “Becoming more energy efficient is one of the best ways to reduce energy costs.” Building off programs in roughly 30 states, C-PACE will offer commercial and industrial businesses low, fixed-rate loans tied to businesses’ property taxes. Cities in Connecticut will have to opt into the program through the Connecticut Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA), which will design and oversee the project. According to the New England Clean Energy Council – whose leadership greatly supports the program – reducing energy
House and gardens — From page 1
Gardens on a recent afternoon proves that all those elements are falling into place in a most artful way. A big part of that is the artwork – literally – that has been provided by The Outside In Piermont. That gallery, owned by Sherman’s Piermont, N.Y., neighbors Bill Walsh and Joe Serra, has quickly become a noted destination for Hudson Valley-based artists and artisans. Here, as Walsh shows, the gallery is showcasing some of its signature artists with spherical sculptures by Grace Knowlton, carved-stone faces by Ted Ludwiczak and metal and stone work by Eric David Laxman. Each piece is settled within a garden setting, serving as the perfect illustration of how it might fit into one’s own surroundings. In addition, Carriage House’s interior, a space with a decidedly welcome feel thanks to warm barnwood walls dotted with paintings and shelves and tables lined with sculptures, pottery and stained glass, further illustrates the work, all set amid rough-hewn wood furniture and rugs. And as part of the Carriage House Gardens’ grand opening, set from 1 to 5 p.m. July 22, an exhibition of paintings by Frances Wells will be unveiled.
consumption by 20 percent in one of every 10 buildings in Connecticut would: • create 1,230 direct jobs and 6,150 indirect jobs; • reduce energy bills by $43 million per year; • generate $6.5 million in state and local tax revenue annually; and • save 273 million kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Brown said businesses have been very interested in efficient energy upgrades, but that finding the initial capital has been the No. 1 barrier. “Times are tough and there is not a lot of capital around for investment,” Brown said. “Energy costs are one of the most significant costs to a competitive business. Things they can do to save on their energy costs are going to be important for them to remain viable and competitive.” Working on PACE programs around the country, Jessica Bailey, an energy program officer with the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, predicted that the Connecticut program would be very successful because of its two unique qualities. First, that it would be managed on a statewide platform through CEFIA instead of by individual cities and second, because of the support from the banking community.
Connecticut is the first state to have worked with the banking community on the program from the onset. By including the banking, municipality and business communities, the program is to be beneficial for everyone, Bailey said. Bankers will have secured loans through property tax repayments, cities will have reduced their energy consumption and businesses will have reduced their energy bills, saving money in the long run. “The Connecticut program has learned from examples around the county,” Bailey said. “That’s why I think the program in Connecticut will be quite successful.” The largest PACE project under way is in Sonoma County, Calif. Late last month the program’s chief administrator testified to a U.S. Senate committee that wide-scale PACE program adoption might be the single most effective measure that can currently be taken in the area of energy efficiency. “In the past three years, (PACE) property owners have completed more than 1,600 energy efficiency projects and 1,000 solar installations,” said David Sundstrom, auditor and controller in Sonoma County. “This has given Sonoma County one of the highest kilowatt-hour per capita solar energy production rates in the country.”
It is, Walsh says, a way to showcase more of the artists The Outside In has become known for promoting. Clients may find Carriage House Gardens, at 1194 King St., ideal for an afternoon wander. Though there are plants all around, many are destined for Sherman’s projects. All, though, serve as an example of what can be ordered for a client. “It’s kind of a fun fit with not a lot of pressure,” Sherman says. “I see all of it as fantastic advertising for the landscape business.” With plans for wine tastings, book signings, sculpture shows and expanded food service down the line, Sherman says he hopes Carriage House Gardens will become both an event destination and a shopping source. It began as a way for Sherman to source the plantings and trees for his own projects. Here, Sherman’s associate Greg Mercurio, a landscape architect and certified arborist, oversees the acquiring of plant materials. Being able to buy them and store them helped keep costs in check for the landscape business. “We had nowhere to stage the plants,” said Sherman, who marks 20 years in the field this October. An association with Materia Brothers, that owns the Greenwich property, led to the new venture that Sherman likens to a co-op effort.
“It’s more like an association of consignees,” he says. “It didn’t take any investment on our part” to build the existing space or fill it with inventory. Indeed, the list of associated businesses is deep. Sherman’s own firm will provide landscape-design services and The Outside In Piermont will continue to add arts, crafts and décor items. Greenwich Gardens, Materia Brothers offers masonry and landscape contracting. Garden décor items are by Kenneth Lynch & Sons and Florentine Craftsmen; Victoria of VL Designs is on hand to provide interior design and décor items, while Michael Becker of Bloomage! is offering seasonal floral installations. Kim and Erica of Anthropek offer vegetable plots and maintenance, while Sun Valley Nursery in Ossining N.Y., provides classical garden accessories. Sculpted stone bowls, basins and fountains are by Flowering Quince, while Precision Stone and Marble provides stone and tile for kitchen and bath. As with anyone who works on people’s homes, Sherman says the services he and the affiliates have gathered all tie in to something that will connect with clients on a very real level. “The things you get to make are people’s dreams.”
Johnny — From page 1
ized we were in the tobacco business, and that just as 30 years ago if you were in the tobacco business nobody thought twice about it, today they say, ‘What were you thinking?’” Mayer said. “I want to be the Johnny Appleseed of solar,” Mayer added. “I want solar sprinkled on every rooftop that can take it.” Mayer likens the emerging industry for solar products and services to a developing frontier and even Wild West, not unlike the markets that developed in the deregulations of the energy and telecommunications industries in the past few decades. Still, he thinks Soluxe faces an easier sell than MXenergy, which was among the early companies attempting to wean consumers off the habit of paying utilities for their electricity. “And yet we managed to pull (in) the business,” Mayer said. “In our minds the key to solar is communication. If customers understand the benefits, they will buy solar.” Only in June, General Electric Co. suspended plans to build a solar manufacturing plant in Colorado, and Abound Solar there filed for bankruptcy protection from creditors, prompting a statement from the Solar Energy Industries Association that some 5,600 companies remain that SEIA calls “strong.” New Jersey and California led the nation in photovoltaic installations in the first quarter, SEIA reported last month, despite sharp drops from a year earlier as incentive programs run dry. Among other Northeast states, Massachusetts ranked fourth, New York 10th, Vermont 18th and Connecticut 22nd. Despite the drops in New Jersey and California, installations nationally were up 85 percent from the first quarter of 2011. With production capacity and panel design improving, prices are down 7 percent for residential systems on average, and nearly 12 percent for commercial jobs. SEIA holds its annual solar finance and tax seminar July 18-19 in New York City. “The cost has now dropped to the price of an ordinary home improvement,” Mayer said. “For $10,000 to $15,000 net after federal tax benefits and other incentives, the average homeowner can put a system on their roof that will save them 50 to 70 percent of their energy costs.”
6 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
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Economic — From page 1
such as live music, dance and play performances, every second Thursday of the month; City Canvases Bridgeport is a 12-week-long project where digital shorts are projected on buildings every night this summer. “We know from all the economic development studies and reporting that it takes great art to make great places; and that great places create great jobs,” said Kip Bergstrom, deputy commissioner at the state Department of Economic and Community Development. “So we created the Connecticut City Canvas project to spur public art in our cities – art that makes our places more vibrant and inviting.” With roughly $1 million in funding, seven cities received the City Canvas grant, including Stamford, Hartford, New Britain, New London, Torrington, and Waterbury. Each will construct public art pieces such as a mural or mosaic. Bridgeport received $158,000 and Stamford received $150,000 to illuminate the transportation center for MTA Metro-North and Interstate 95 travelers. In Bridgeport, Adger Cowans, whose 30-second film will be shown in September, said he felt the canvas project was the first “large and important” project that has been done to revitalize the community and get people downtown.
“It’s a large canvas (on the side of a building) instead of a small canvas in a gallery,” Cowans said. “The public gets to see it.” Cowans, an artist in his 70s, said he moved from New York City to Bridgeport four years ago to “slow down” after he read a magazine calling for artists to move to the area and revitalize it. “I felt like that approach was right,” he said. “I really like Bridgeport and how they’re empowering artists who help the community.” Joe Malfettone, another artist whose film will be shown July 19, said he felt the programming would not only bring people out, but change their perspectives, too. “It changes one’s perspective of reality by getting them out of their box, seeing that the world is more creative and nurturing than they might have thought before,” Malfettone said. “But that would only come from them actually viewing the arts.” Malfettone lives in Trumbull and was born in Bridgeport. In his film, “I am Bridgeport” – showing July 19 – Malfettone doesn’t necessarily answer what Bridgeport is, but instead shows the city from many sides. “(It’s about) breaking down the limit,” Malfettone said. “Instead of seeing it as one thing, you see it as many things... A broader perspective, a rounded format, instead of seeing it as just flat.”
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012
7
Gold coastal property
Steelpointe lands Bass Pro Shops Bass Pro Shops committed to becoming an anchor tenant at Steelpointe Harbor, the long-stalled Bridgeport development. If opened as planned in December 2013, the Steelpointe location would be Bass Pro Shops’ first in Connecticut and only second in New England. The company is slated to occupy a new, 150,000-square-
foot building planned for 495 Stratford Ave. in Bridgeport. “This marks a historic moment for the city of Bridgeport and Steelpointe Harbor,” Mayor Bill Finch said in a statement. “Bass Pro Shops’ investment in Bridgeport will create hundreds of jobs, generate new tax revenues and bring economic growth to the city. They are a proven brand that will generate interest and attract customers from throughout the region. Bass Pro Shops is committed to Bridgeport.” Based in Springfield, Mo., Bass Pro Shops operates 58 retail stores in 26 states and Canada.
you are iNvited to NomiNate caNdidates for the New
Ogletree Deakins now in Stamford Employment law firm Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart P.C. opened a Stamford office, with four attorneys joining the company from Edwards Wildman Palmer L.L.P., including Marc Zaken who was co-chair of that firm’s labor and employment practice. Other attorneys in the new office at One Stamford Plaza include Diana Nehro, John Stretton, Karen West and Josh Sarner. It is Atlanta-based Ogletree Deakins’ second area office to open this year on the
CFO of the year awards
Nominations are open at westfaironline.com/cfo-awards and run through August. The award is separated into three categories: companies with fewer than 100 employees, companies with 101 to 500 employees and companies with more than 500 employees. Criteria: Any CFO working a minimum of two years for a company in Fairfield County.
heels of one in New York City. The company also has locations in Morristown, N.J. and in Boston.
Cimbali takes Fairfield lease Espresso machine maker Grupo Cimbali S.p.A. is moving its U.S. headquarters within Fairfield, taking nearly 4,000 square feet of space at 418 Meadow St. Separately, the Denver-based Internet marketing company Ifficient Inc. leased a smaller office in the same building, with both transactions brokered by Angel Commercial L.L.C. Cimbali opened its first U.S. office in 2006 in Chicago, later establishing a main U.S. office in Fairfield at 1172 Post Road. The Italy-based company marks its 100th anniversary this year.
Home prices fall at slower rate Housing prices continue to decline at a slower pace, according to researchers at the University of Connecticut, with anecdotal reports suggesting some local housing markets have declined to the point where investors find it profitable to buy for rental purposes. Separately, the National Association of Home Builders said housing fundamentals are improving in an increasing number of markets across the country, with NAHB not including any Connecticut municipalities in an index tracking conditions. UConn calculated a 2.8 percent decline in the first quarter in lower Fairfield County compared with a year earlier, with Danbury-area prices holding steady. A 5 percent decline in the Hartford area drove an overall 3.2 percent decline statewide.
Stamford cos. get grants
register Now
westfairoNliNe.com/cfo-awards
NomiNatioNs will be accepted through august 31 A panel will judge the nominations and the awards will be presented in the fall.
SponSorS
A pair of Stamford companies won funding under the Connecticut Small Business Express incentive program, among five statewide, according to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy. Relevance Partners L.L.C. received a $50,000 matching state grant to upgrade its Relevance Suite software program, which helps retailers identify key customer types and analyze their distinctive buying behaviors. TrueNorth Capital Partners L.L.C., a financial advisory firm specializing in mergers and acquisitions and restructuring, is upgrading its office equipment with the help of more than $27,000 in the form of a matching grant. – Alexander Soule
8 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
ask andi by andi gray
Who’s asking for info on my website? I worry about stranger danger with website inquiries. We don’t know who we’re talking to. For all I know, it’s a competitor we’re sending information to. What should I send? How do I get them to tell me who they are? Thoughts of the day: The Internet can be an anonymous place – and some people like it that way – until they know they’re ready to buy. There’s a difference between educating the marketplace in general and finding out if someone is ready to engage in a buying-evaluation process. Gear your responses to the quality of knowledge you have about the person who’s making an inquiry. Focus on getting inquiries going with anyone and everyone – the bigger the pool, the more likely you’ll have leads to grow sales. Think about a typical buying process. When in the window-shopping stage most people prefer anonymity. They want to gather information at their own pace. At this stage, they’re working to clarify personal needs and wants and often prefer to do that without outside interference. Buyers are not looking to build relationships until they are clear about what they want or need. Two common earlystage buyer fears include being bombarded by sales pitches and getting pushed into something a buyer doesn’t understand. At the same time, early-stage buyers are open to gathering information and often will likely trade a little anonymity for ease in accessing information. Test your prospects to find out how far away they are from “ready to buy.” Place simple offers on your website with increasing degrees of commitment tied to the offers. For example, “Looking for more detail? Click here!” is a very nonthreatening, noncommitment-driven offer. For those who do click through, provide a little bit of information and another offer to see if they’ll go further. For example, provide some generally known product informa-
tion designed to educate the reader – “available in a variety of sizes and colors,” “works well for a variety of customers,” “look what satisfied users have to say.” Keep offers educational but general at this stage. Next comes an offer to get more specific. “For a customized quote, click here,” which goes to a simple form the prospective buyer can fill in. The word “customized” in the offer implies that specific information is needed from the buyer in order for the seller to respond. If a buyer is ready to engage, the likelihood increases that they’ll fill out some personalized information in order to get information they need to complete the buying process. Until the buyer is ready to engage in a back-and-forth exchange of information, it’s not likely that any information sharing on the part of the seller will move the buyer to make a purchase. If the buyer is unwilling to share with you who they are, then you’ll be unlikely to get what you need, i.e. delivery address and credit card info, to conclude the sale. Don’t worry about the Internet inquiries that stall at an early stage – so long as some small percentage chooses to move forward to the next level of information exchange. Remember that the Internet is a volume game. Get as many potential buyers in touch with your site as possible. Offer a way they can stay in low-level contact, getting educational information. “Subscribe today to our educational newsletter.” Pay attention to those who move forward in the information exchange process. Looking for a good book? Try “SEO Made Simple: Strategies For Dominating the World’s Largest Search Engine” by Michael Fleischner. Andi Gray is president of Strategy Leaders Inc., strategyleaders.com, a business-consulting firm that specializes in helping entrepreneurial firms grow. She can be reached by phone at (877) 238-3535. Do you have a question for Andi? Please send it to her, via email at AskAndi@ StrategyLeaders.com or by mail to Andi Gray, Strategy Leaders Inc., 5 Crossways, Chappaqua, NY 10514. Visit AskAndi.com for an entire library of Ask Andi articles.
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012
FINAL
9
1 2 0 0 B E D F O R D A D _ V E R T I C A L 5 ” X 1 1 . 5 ” _ 7 . 1 0 . 2 0 1 2 / ©1813DW
IN the field
Affinion IDs future CEO Nathaniel Lipman, who steered Affinion Group Inc. through significant growth, a Senate inquiry and the acquisition of a Norwalk rival, is stepping down this fall as CEO of the Stamford-based affinity marketing giant. CFO Todd Siegel will become CEO, with the company naming as co-presidents Rick Fernandes and Steve Upshaw, the latter
currently chief operating officer. Fernandes previously was CEO of Webloyalty Inc., a Norwalk rival acquired last year by Affinion. Lipman will become executive chairman. “Today’s announcement is the culmination of a long-term process, initiated by me, to ensure that we could affect a seamless transition,” Lipman said in a statement. “After 13 years with this business – 10 as its most senior leader – I have been looking forward to devoting more of my focus and energy toward the success of our growth initiatives.” Affinion is controlled by Apollo Global Management. In 2010, the company came under fire from U.S. Sen. Jay Rockefeller following complaints Affinion, Webloyalty and
Norwalk-based Vertrue Inc. duped consumers into joining varying affinity marketing clubs that carried ongoing credit card charges. Speaking this year to a gathering of the Association for Corporate Growth’s Connecticut chapter, Fernandes said the Rockefeller probe resulted in an exodus of Webloyalty’s corporate customers that pushed the company to the brink. Earlier this year, Vertrue filed to restructure under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
Silgan buys Rexam unit Silgan Holdings Inc. is acquiring a Rexam PLC unit that produces plastic food bowls
and trays that can hold up under the heat of microwave ovens and other stresses. Also based in Stamford, Silgan sells a wide range of metal cans and plastic containers. The company is paying $250 million for Rexam’s plastic thermoformed food container unit, which is on pace for $100 million in revenue this year. In the first quarter, Silgan earned $32.8 million on $768 million in revenue, up 9 percent from a year earlier. “This business is uniquely positioned for the growing demand in the readymeals market through its low-cost technology, which meets the rigorous requirements of the shelf-stable food market,” Silgan CEO Tony Allott said in a statement. “The ability to provide our existing customers with product line extensions that offer convenient, on-the-go capabilities makes it an excellent fit within the Silgan suite of products.”
State recoups $11M Connecticut is receiving $11 million under GlaxoSmithKline plc’s $3 billion settlement with the federal government and states, marking the largest health care fraud settlement in U.S. history. The settlement resolves charges that GSK engaged in various illegal schemes related to the marketing and pricing of drugs it manufactures, including antidepressants Paxil and Wellbutrin and the diabetes drug Avandia. GSK offered kickbacks to doctors, among other transgressions outlined by the U.S. Department of Labor and state attorneys general. GSK, which is based in London and has U.S. corporate offices in Philadelphia and North Carolina’s Research Triangle, agreed to pay a total of $2 billion in damages and civil penalties and $1 billion in criminal fines and to plead guilty to federal criminal charges for misconduct related to drug labeling and U.S. Food and Drug Administration reporting.
Railroad eyes RailAmerica Genesee & Wyoming Inc. reportedly is mulling a bid for RailAmerica Inc., which in May confirmed it is in talks with multiple potential buyers. Genesee & Wyoming operates shortline railroads throughout the United States that move cargo between ports and other hubs. According to a Reuters report that cited multiple unidentified sources, other potential bidders for Jacksonville, Fla.-based RailAmerica include Kansas-based Watco Cos. L.L.C. and several investment funds. Fortress Investment Group acquired RailAmerica in 2007 and two years later held an initial public offering of stock, retaining a controlling stake. RailAmerica operates 7,500 miles of track across 45 railroad entities.
10 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
SI show set for NBC Sports As it readies to relocate to Stamford, NBC Sports announced it would air a new “Sports Illustrated” program monthly with Time Inc. Sports Group. The program debuts July 24 on NBC Sports Network, with Red Line Films producing the show. New York City-based Red Line has produced multiple Emmy-winning programs that have aired on NBC Sports’ rival ESPN, as well as NBC and CBS. “Sports Illustrated is an iconic brand and the gold standard in long-form journalism,” said John Miller, president of programming for NBC Sports, as quoted by Sports Illustrated. “This programming fits incredibly well with our rich history of storytelling.” The premiere episode will air three days prior to the Olympics opening ceremonies with new episodes originating on either NBC Sports Network or NBC.
HealthBridge workers strike HealthBridge Management L.L.C. nursing home workers went on strike last week at facilities in Danbury, Stamford and Westport, in part due to a new contract they say makes health insurance unaffordable. More than 500 HealthBridge workers
walked off the job, including at facilities in Milford and Newington. The Associated Press reported the Fort Lee, N.J.-based company had previously stated it would keep the homes operating during the strike without detailing any plans for replacement workers. The workers’ Hartford-based union SEIU Healthcare 1199 NE states the company’s most recent contract offer would cost each member $10,000 annually on average. Strikes are under way at Danbury Health Care Center, Long Ridge of Stamford, Newington Health Care Center, West River Health Care Center in Milford and Westport Health Care Center.
State budget gap $192M Connecticut closed the 2012 fiscal year ending in June with a $192 million deficit, according to new estimates released by Secretary of State Kevin Lembo. According to Lembo, the withholding portion of Connecticut’s income tax – related to job and wage growth – is performing as expected, up 18.3 percent from last year. However, the estimated payment portion of the tax – related to capital gains and bonus payments – was up only 5.9 percent, which is lower than historical post-recession patterns. “The economy is the largest single influence on the state budget – dwarfing any
other budget drivers,” Lembo said in a statement. “Wall Street’s erratic equity markets and challenges in the financial sector – which had the largest private-sector job loss in the state – is the driving force behind this deficit.” In a letter to Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Lembo reported that state revenue for fiscal 2012 was expected to fall $251 million short of original budget projections, while total state spending was expected to exceed appropriated levels by $22.5 million. “Economic growth has not reached normal recovery levels – but there are some positive economic indicators going forward, particularly in new home sales in the Northeast housing market,” Lembo said.
Tudor has new fund Tudor Investment Corp. reportedly has a new, $500 million hedge fund in place, focused on macroeconomic trends. Greenwich-based Tudor is among the largest hedge funds in Fairfield County with $11.4 billion in assets, according to Bloomberg, which reported the company’s new fund. A Tudor spokesman did not provide additional details. Macro funds have drew $7.8 billion in capital in the first quarter, of $16.8 billion in the entire hedge fund industry, according to Hedge Fund Research Inc. data cited by Bloomberg.
Tudor founder Paul Tudor Jones has been the focus of attention in Virginia during the past month, after publicly backing the ouster of the president at his alma mater the University of Virginia. UVA has since reinstated Terry Sullivan as president after a campus outcry.
GE delays solar factory General Electric Co. reportedly shelved construction on a solar panel plant in Colorado due to dropping prices. Fairfield-based GE announced last fall it would build the plant in Aurora at a cost of $300 million, with plans to hire 355 people along with 100 more in New York. The Colorado factory was being designed to produce enough panels per year to power 80,000 homes. Bloomberg reported those plans will now be delayed at least 18 months, citing information from a GE executive. “Over the past six months, the industry has shifted pretty rapidly,” said Danielle Merfeld, general manager of GE’s solar technology product lines, as quoted by Bloomberg. “We’ve seen about a 50 percent price drop for modules over this period and there’s a lot of unabated overcapacity out there.” – Jennifer Bissell, Patrick Gallagher and Alexander Soule
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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 11
THE LIST
LISTED ALPHABETICALLY.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY NEXT LIST: JULY 23 HOME HEALTH CARE AGENCIES
BIOTECH AND PHARAMACEUTICAL COS.
Biotech Companies F
Listed alphabetically. Name, address, phone number Area code: 203 (unless otherwise noted) Website
Top local executive(s) Year company established
Advanced BioHealing Inc., A Shire Company
Kevin Rakin President and CEO 2004
36 Church Lane, Westport 06880 925-4602 • abh.com
Aptuit L.L.C.
Stuart E. Needleman President and CEO 2004
2 Greenwich Office Park, Greenwich 06831 422-6600 • aptuit.com
Arvys Protein 76 Progress Drive, Stamford 06902 304-2495 • arvysproteins.com
Beiersdorf Inc. 45 Danbury Road, Wilton 06897 563 5650 • beiersdorf.com
Biodel
Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals Inc. 900 Ridgebury Road, P.O. Box 368, Ridgefield 06877 (800) 243-0127 • us.boehringer-ingelheim.com
Specializes in development and commercialization of life-altering regenerative medicine therapies; manufactures Dermagraft, a bio-engineered skin substitute for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
Pharmaceutical services company that delivers early to mid-phase drug development solutions
Yelena Sheptovitsky President and co-founder 2005
Contract research organization that specializes in custom protein services; offers proteinbiochemistry expertise to the life science, biotechnology and pharmaceutical communities
Robert Taylor-Hughes President, North America 1960
A global skincare company
Errol De Souza President, CEO and director 2003
100 Saw Mill Road, Danbury 06810 796-5000 • biodel.com
Description
Develops forms of insulin and other peptide hormones for diabetes treatment and its complications
Paul Fonteyne President and CEO, Boehringer Ingelheim USA 1885
Focuses primarily in the therapeutic areas of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, diseases of the central nervous system, metabolic diseases, virology and oncology
Derek Chalmers CEO, president and director 2004
Biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutics to treat human diseases associated with pain and inflammation
Robert A. Cascella President and CEO 1986
Develops, manufactures and supplies premium diagnostic products, medical imaging systems and surgical products dedicated to serving the health care needs of women worldwide
Vincent Fert CEO 2005
Develops and markets molecular diagnostic tests designed to map diseases in order to guide patients and oncologists in their therapeutic path decisions
Cara Therapeutics 1 Parrott Drive, Shelton 06484 567-1500 • caratherapeutics.com
Hologic Inc.* 35 Crosby Drive, Bedford, MA 01730 (781) 999-7300 • hologic.com
Ipsogen Inc. 700 Canal St., No. 5, Stamford 06902 504 8585 • ipsogen.com
Life Technologies Corp. 301 Merritt 7, Norwalk 06851 840-2000 • lifetechnologies.com
MannKind Corp. 1 Casper St., Danbury 06810 798-8000 • mannkindcorp.com
PerkinElmer Inc. 710 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton 06484 925-4600 • perkinelmer.com
SibTech Inc. 115A Commerce Drive, Brookfield 06804 775-5677 • sibtech.com
Gregory T. Lucier Chairman and CEO 2008
Global biotechnology company
Alfred E. Mann Chairman and CEO 1991
Biopharmaceutical company focused on therapeutic products for patients with diseases such as diabetes and cancer
Robert F. Friel Chairman and CEO 1937
Uses advanced biotechnology for varied purposes from critical therapeutic and disease research and prenatal screening, to environmental testing and industrial monitoring
Joseph M. Backer CEO 1992
Primarily focuses on the optimization of biopharmaceutical proteins for multiple applications
Questions or comments, call (914) 694-3600, ext. 3005. Source: Company information obtained from company websites and respondents. * Although headquartered in Bedford, Mass., company has a location in Danbury.
THE WEEKLY LIST IS NOW AVAILABLE BY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION. Go to westfaironline.com/buy/the-lists/ for more information and to view a sample. 12 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
SPECIAL REPORT Colleges and Universities
UConn tempers Stamford expectations BY ALEXANDER SOULE
casoule@westfairinc.com
L
ess than a week after promising a significant expansion at the University of Connecticut’s Stamford campus, UConn President Susan Herbst quickly tempered any sky-high expectations in describing Stamford an outlying campus that would focus on a few niche specialties. Herbst spoke in mid-June at the annual meeting of the Business Council of Fairfield County. She cited several academic fields for which Stamford offers particular potential, including entrepreneurship, digital media and hospitality. “I think there has been a deficit of our attention to Fairfield County,” Herbst said. “We have to make up for that.” Herbst said UConn has approached developers about potentially building housing for students, while saying no formal request for proposals have yet to go out. A week later on WNPR’s “Where We Live” radio show, however, Herbst termed Stamford “a remote campus” in the context of a comparison with the universal subjects offered in Storrs, and pointed out cautionary tales of universities spreading themselves too thin. “We can’t start to dissipate all of our resources across campuses,” Herbst told WNPR. “None of the campuses except Storrs are to be full service. They need to have partic-
ular brands and niches. At Stamford we’re building hard in business, in digital media. We’ve got a lot of majors there, but no you’re not going to be able to do everything at Stamford. “We don’t do (maritime studies) well at Storrs because we do that so well at Avery Point,” Herbst said. “I’d say the same thing is going to be true about digital media; certainly for some of the business executive programs in Stamford. So you know, people do have to make their choices and we’re limited as an institution in what we can offer.” In late June, UConn’s board of trustees approved a $1.9 billion budget, including $825 million for the UConn Health Center in Farmington that has dominated headlines in the past year following The Jackson Laboratory’s agreement to build an affiliated genomics lab with as many as 300 researchers. UConn is hiking tuition, with Herbst saying it remains in line with peer institutions. Behind the scenes the school hired McKinsey & Co. to help the school leverage any areas it can to find savings, through centralization and other mechanisms. “We did not let McKinsey go on the academic side,” Herbst said. “They were to look at facilities, procurement, athletics, fundraising.” In Stamford, Herbst pointed out UConn’s relatively small endowment as an area of particular focus in her early
tenure with the school. At the same time, UConn is in the process of hiring 290 new faculty members over the coming four years across its campuses in a bid to further elevate its research capabilities and by extension its profile. The initial big push will come in the school of arts and sciences – Herbst pointed out the case of the University of Virginia where Tudor Investment Corp. founder Paul Tudor Jones backed the ouster of the president on grounds of lower enrollment and overall performance – a decision subsequently reversed –saying UConn would not back away from supporting niche programs that do not draw hordes of students. Herbst told WNPR that UConn’s challenges echo those seen at many research universities across the country. “I don’t know that we always aim high enough – whether it’s with regard to what we want or expect with students in the classroom, all the way to things like grant applications and fundraising,” Herbst said. “That said, there are tremendous pockets of great ambition at UConn. I was at Northwestern a long time, and I think many parts of the university look just like a top university like that; and others are more fearful. Remember that some of them have been cut very badly and have been resource-starved. And when you are starved for resources, it brings down your expectations about what you can and should be.”
FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 13
Colleges and Universities
Student entrepreneurs aim high BY JENNIFER BISSELL
jbissell@westfairinc.com
A
ll three winners from the University of Connecticut’s annual business plan competition held in May have jumped into their projects headfirst. The contest, through the Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, awards students who have the best business proposals and ideas. The grand prize is $25,000 and second- and third-place winners receive $15,000 and $10,000, respectively. The contest aims to encourage students to create their own businesses and give them the tools and resources they need to enter the marketplace “on the best foot possible,” said Danny Briere, executive in residence of CCEI. “The end goal is that people are introduced to funders and are encouraged to pursue these ideas, not just as an academic exercise, but as a real, ‘I want to do this for a living’ exercise.” The competition is open to all UConn students and more than 130 teams submitted an intent-to-compete. Each team
was invited to workshops with experienced entrepreneurs to improve their business plans and 49 entries were submitted. Greg Kirber, a UConn law and MBA student, along with his teammate Alexander VanderEls, won first place with their idea for an auto parts website, called PartsTech. Previous auto parts catalogs have been inefficient, Kirber said. But by providing a onestop platform that allows users to compare price and quality, mechanics no longer have to make time-consuming phone calls to shop around. Currently Kirber’s team is building a beta platform, which is expected to launch in October with a small collection of shops in New England. By January, the actual site should be up and running. “Juggling this and law school is tough, but this is what I love,” Kirber said. “It doesn’t feel like work.” Adam Boyajian and Mike Parelli, who graduated with bachelor’s degrees in May, won second place with their business, Buses2. The company arranges bus rides for students looking to go to events off campus. With success at UConn and Rutgers University,
the two hope to expand their business to 20 to 40 schools in the upcoming year. “The party starts and ends with us,” Boyajian said.
major retailers such as Walmart, Best Buy and even Groupon, and earn free money to donate to charities by a proportion of how much they spent. So for every $100 you spend on a retailer’s website, for instance, that retailer will give you $2 to give to one of 1.8 million charities listed. So far the site is partnered with 20 retailers. By August, Lekhtman said he hopes to launch the beta website with 300 retail partners. “I’m fairly confident that we’re going to stir up the industry,” said Lekhtman, a Canadian who also graduated with his bachelor’s in May. The only problem – time is ticking, as Lekhtman’s visa expires in October. “We really want to benefit the American economy, but as of now it looks like we’re on a time crunch,” he said. Lekhtman has applied to stay in the country as someone with exceptional talent, but if he’s forced to leave, he says he’ll be packing his bags and taking his business with him. “I’m very hopeful, but I have no idea how likely it is to happen,” Lekhtman said. “It’s a daily adventure.”
The contest aims to encourage students to create their own businesses and give them the tools and resources they need to enter the marketplace “on the best foot possible.”
-Danny Briere
Since graduating, the two are working on the project full time and hope to eventually have a website for students to request transportation. In third place, a team of four students led by Maximilian Lekhtman won for their idea called, ShareLogical, a website that turns everyday purchases from major retailers into philanthropy. The site allows consumers to shop at
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westfaironline.com In keeping with the state of New York’s focus on regional economic development, this issue of the Westchester County Business Journal marks the debut of its sister publication, HV Biz, within its pages. We bring together In time, Barry Schwimmer preneurs, anyway.the counties that make up the com and his cohorts might enable The StamfordHudson iCenter comValley, with its twomilitary aircraft to change color menced operations in Stamford’s million population, and proat the push of a button or a dot- Old Town Hall with a half-dozen vide business and economic com to support a “community of startups already enrolled, ranging news helpful to shaping a drink explorers.” from Arsanis Biosciences GmbH, powerful identity. HV In time, the Stamford an Austrian company hopingregional to Biz for news will appear biweekInnovation Center hopes to be develop treatments cancer ly, Dotting, broadening the reach of the ultimate enabler – for entrepage 2 all local businesses while strengthening knowledge and marketing opportunities.
FROM SKY BLUE TO BIG BLUE? BY ALEXANDER SOULE casoule@westfairinc.com
G
lancing up at a massive, aging skylight, Chris Van Buiten declared there would be no helicopter landing pad on top of the century-old, Old Town Hall in Stamford. Sky’s the limit after that, the Sikorsky Innovations head suggested.
In a stealth operation worthy of its newest secret helicopters, Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. swooped in to embed a high-tech incubator at the new Stamford Innovation Center, with the Stamford iCenter itself launching with a half-dozen startups in house, while hosting a Stamford Startup Weekend March 30 and April 1. At the same time, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy confirmed he met in late
January with IBM Corp. managers, without specifying the purpose of that meeting to include whether any deal is in the works to get the Armonk, N.Y.-based company to expand in Connecticut. In one fell swoop initially engineered by Malloy aide Kip Bergstrom, Stamford finds itself with what it thinks will be a vibrant entrepreneur “hotel,” while iCenter, page 2
BY JOHN GOLDEN jgolden@westfairinc.com
A
Dotting the ‘i’
rchie and Jughead, Veronica and Betty and their forever-young comicbook gang at Riverdale High might blush at the storylines written in lawsuits by their creators’ clashing heirs at Archie Comic Publications Inc. in Mamaroneck. The real-world scripts, contained in state Supreme Court filings in Manhattan and Westchester County, include several employees’ claims last year that they were sexually harassed and threatened by Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of the comics publishing company since 2009 and widow of Michael Silberkleit, the former chairman and publisher of Archie
embrace off-site data backup
BY PATRICK GALLAGHER pgallagher@westfairinc.com
Feb. 2 report. However, the state’s private-sector employers posted a net loss of 11,200 jobs since last July, triggering what DiNapoli described as a noticeable slowdown. “After a strong first half of 2011, job growth in New York was markedly weaker during the second half of the year, raising concerns about the pace of the recovery in 2012,” DiNapoli wrote. The region that includes Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties ranked among the lowest of the state’s metropolitan areas in the proportion of jobs recovered since the recession. After losing 28,800 jobs between July 2008 and December 2009, the lower Hudson
BY ALEXANDER SOULE casoule@westfairinc.com
A day before the U.S. Commerce Department revealed that the economy added 243,000 hris Tella made it through the October nor’easter jobs in January,and state Comptroller Thomas Tropical Storm Irene relatively intact – but not in thethat hiring in New York DiNapoli warned nor’easter of March 2010 when a and 65-foot toppled thetree Hudson Valley has lagged over the onto his Greenwich house. past six months. cloud-serThrough it all, the roof never caved in on his cloud-ser Between December 2009 and December vices provider UFlexData and parent company Mandragore, 2011, the state’s private sector regained with Tella able to access all his company’s critical data and 183,600 – or 58 percent – of the jobs that software from mobile devices. were lost during the recession. As small businesses get increasingly comfortable with During that same period the state as a the idea of running their information technology out of the the run return of 46 percent of all cloud – housing applications and data onwhole remotesaw servers jobssmall that cloud were lost, ser- well above the national by others – a building formation of relatively ser average of 34locally. percent, DiNapoli noted in his vice providers like UFlexData is selling those services
Name ___________________________________________ Title _________________________________________ Marc Lotti and Chris Tella are helping area small businesses elevate their IT into the cloud.
A functional cloud system for many small-business needs comes in at half the cost of many mobile phone plans, according to Tella, CEO of UFlexData. Yet many businesses still associate the cloud with a sky-high bill up front and going forward.
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Archie, page 9
Infighting and lawsuits between co-CEOs have shaken Archie Comics since the death of its former publisher and chairman Michael Silberkleit, shown here in 2007 at company headquarters in Mamaroneck.
Valley added a net 4,000 jobs in the two years since, with the region’s job recovery rate of 13.8 percent ranking far behind the state and
The region that includes Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties ranked among the lowest of the state’s metropolitan areas in the proportion of jobs recovered since the recession. New York City, which recovered jobs that were lost during the recession at rates of 46.3
Back to the drawing Board • 18
percent and 51.6 percent, respectively. In the three-county region, “Gains in education, health services and tourism have been partially offset by sizable losses in government, construction and manufacturing,” DiNapoli wrote. Unemployment in the region fell to 6.4 percent last December from 7.2 percent in December 2009; however, the report noted that much of that decline was due to a drop in the state’s labor force rather than employment increases. Compounding the slow recovery, the financial securities industry, which DiNapoli called “the state’s economic engine” and which accounts for a third of the state’s gross State, page 9
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Comics. The company last summer asked a state judge to prevent Silberkleit from working at the company’s offices at 325 Fayette Ave. in Mamaroneck and to bar her from contacting company employees and vendors. In January, Jonathan Goldwater, who shares the co-CEO title and company director duties with Silberkleit and is the brother of Michael Silberkleit’s late business partner and co-publisher, filed a second lawsuit in Manhattan seeking her removal as company director and officer. If she stays, Goldwater said, the “iconic American company” is in danger of failing and being liquidated. Silberkleit, a Rye resident, that same week went to state Supreme Court in White
Cloud covered Small businesses learning to State comptroller warns of weak job market C
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February 13, 2012 | VOL. 48, No. 7
ArchrivAls feud And sue At Archie comics
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Education briefs
Fairfield U. student cashes in on idea Frank Serravalli beat out 17 other contestants to win Fairfield University’s inaugural business plan competition with a web-based financial trading game dubbed The Winning Trade. The Seaford, N.Y., resident and accounting major won $10,000 and vowed to create a company from his idea melding finance and online gaming. “This game prepares you for the real world,” Serravalli said, as quoted by Fairfield University. “It allows individuals to come together through the game, create hedge funds, use real-time data and create performance reports that will prove their skills and set them up for future jobs.” Runner up Team Tasteful created mobile and web applications allowing hotel concierges to recommend restaurants for tourists and businesspeople, with the team including Brendan Carr of Langhorne, Pa., Brendan O’Brien of Colts Neck, N.J. and Alex Lebow of Westport. Judges included reinvention L.L.C.’s Hugh Davis; EDF Ventures’ Mary Campbell; Dolan School of Business Dean Donald Gibson; Bronson Group L.L.C.’s Joseph Bronson; and Contigo Systems Inc.’s John Tedesco.
ing to U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Greenwich. The agreement also limits students’ access to federally subsidized loans to 150 percent of their program length, which would reduce the deficit by $475 million through 2017, according to Congressional Budget Office figures cited by the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
who recruit students to the online college. The whistleblower suit was filed in 2010 by former University of Phoenix admissions recruiters, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education. University of Phoenix, which has a Norwalk location, is operated as a for-profit enterprise. Under a 2009 settlement involving similar claims, University of Phoenix paid $79 million.
Phoenix lawsuit to proceed
Manufacturing program launching at HCC
A federal judge reportedly is allowing a lawsuit against the University of Phoenix, with the school accused of improperly paying people
Housatonic Community College scheduled open houses at its Bridgeport campus
for students interested in enrolling in an expanded advanced manufacturing program pioneered at Asnuntuck Community College in Enfield. The Connecticut Board of Regents is expanding the Asnuntuck program to Housatonic Community College, as well as Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury and Quinebaug Valley Community College in Windham County. The one-year curriculum combines hands-on instruction, interactive lab experiences, theory, and on-site manufacturing internships and apprenticeships. – Alexander Soule
Conn. leads Northeast in college grant increases Since the height of the last economic cycle Connecticut has led all Northeast states for increasing grants to college and university students, a new study suggests. Connecticut awarded $63.7 million to students in the 2010-11 academic year, up more than 60 percent from the 2005-2006 school year according to the National Association of State Student Grant & Aid Programs. Over the same stretch, New Jersey increased university grants by 30 percent, Massachusetts by 10 percent and New York registered a slight decline. Connecticut ranked 15th nationally for percentage increase in grant-based aid.
Student loan rate extended one year As part of the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 passed in late June, Congress approved a one-year extension of the 3.4 percent interest rate on federally subsidized student loans, which was scheduled to double to 6.8 percent as of this month. Without legislative action to keep rates at their current level, Connecticut students who rely on Stafford loans would have been forced to pay more than $800 extra annually, accord-
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Manhattanville… it’s where you belong Tours and individual appointments are available Monday through Friday and on select Saturdays. (914) 323-5464 / (800) 328-4553 admissions@mville.edu • Manhattanville.edu Manhattanville College is committed to equality of educational opportunity, and is an equal opportunity employer. The College does not discriminate against current or prospective students and employees on the basis of race, color, sex, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. This College policy is implemented in educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other school-administered programs, and in employee-related programs.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 15
Your bosses, your stakeholders – and your conscience BY DAVID A. ROBINSON
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The simplest rule in business ethics? If it’s illegal, don’t do it. After that, things get more complicated. The study of business ethics is the study of right and wrong in the conduct of business. But right and wrong according to whom? A business transaction that seems right to a stockholder or CEO might seem wrong to an employee or customer. Even the most ethical businessperson often doesn’t know what is the right thing to do. He or she could ask 10 very ethical people what the right thing to do is and receive 10 different answers. To complicate matters more, a businessperson has three – sometimes conflicting – responsibilities: • an economic responsibility (to make a profit for the company and to make an adequate living for himself or herself); • a legal responsibility (to comply with the law); and • a social responsibility (to do as much good for and as little harm to people, other living things and the planet as possible). These three responsibilities are often collectively referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR). They can also be referred to as the three Ps: people, planet and profits. How does a manager make decisions that are all three: ethical, profitable and socially responsible? I have devised a little framework I hand out to students in the business ethics course I teach at the University of New Haven. It attempts to streamline or simplify the ethical decision-making process in business. It is a simple, five-step method to help managers solve ethical problems in business. It helps you make decisions when reasonable minds can differ over what is the right thing to do. It consists of five questions that you – a business manager, employee or student – should ask yourself and answer about any action you are contemplating in business (selling a product, firing an employee, negotiating a deal, lobbying the government or anything else you do in business). Is it illegal? If it is illegal, don’t do it. If it is illegal, it is unethical. If it is illegal, that means society has reached a consensus, evidenced by a majority vote of our elected representatives, that it (the action you are contemplating) is wrong and will not be allowed. But some business conduct is difficult to classify as “legal” or “illegal.” An example is the Gulf Oil Spill of 2010.
Did BP do anything illegal? Did the other companies working at the site do anything illegal? Were they negligent? Is “negligent” synonymous with “illegal”? Is all pollution illegal? The answers to these questions are not entirely clear. Or maybe it is a matter of semantics – what does the word “illegal” mean? For the purpose of this five-step ethical analysis, I define “illegal” to mean something quite specific: a violation of a statute or regulation of a city, state or the federal government. If something or some course of action is illegal (it violates a statute or regulation), don’t do it. If something or some course of action is legal or difficult to classify as legal or illegal, go to … Is it a tort, breach of contract or other activity that might cause someone to sue you in court and win? If your answer is yes, you probably shouldn’t do it, though it might depend on circumstances. If the answer is yes, you are exposing your company to civil liability. If someone sues your company and wins in court, your company is held civilly liable and the court can force your company to pay money to the plaintiff (the person or entity that sued you). A tort is a wrongful or negligent act for which the law can force the wrongdoer or negligent party to pay money (usually called damages in lawsuits) to the victim. If the answer to Question 2 is yes, then you probably shouldn’t do it, but it might, depending on circumstances, be ethical to do if the risk of harm or if the amount of money your company could lose in the lawsuit is very slight. If your answer is no, go to … Will it offend people, and if so, will it offend enough people so that the amount of money you lose by doing it is greater than the amount of money you gain by doing it? If your answer is yes, you probably shouldn’t do it, though it might depend on circumstances. Keep in mind that many goods and services that offend some people are enjoyed by and demanded by other people. Consider, for example, the company known as the Philadelphia Eagles – an NFL team. One could argue that the Eagles have low ethical standards: they hired ex-convict Michael Vick to be their quarterback in 2010 and 2011. In 2007, Vick pleaded guilty to running an illegal gambling and dogfighting operation in which many dogs were killed; was sentenced to two years in prison and served almost two years in prison. After he was released in 2009, the Eagles
16 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
hired him to be their quarterback. Does this mean the Eagles have low ethical standards? Vick broke the law, but the question for our purpose is not whether Vick broke the law but rather whether the Eagles broke the law or otherwise exposed their company to civil liability by hiring Vick. The answer is no. Did the Eagles offend people by hiring Vick? Yes. Some people – many people – were offended by it. But many other people felt that Vick, having served his prison sentence, had paid his debt to society and should be given a second chance. The Eagles ended up having a successful season in 2010 and reasonably successful season in 2011, thanks in part to Vick. My guess (I don’t know this for certain) is that the Eagles gained more financially by hiring Vick than they lost. So the Eagles’ answer to question three is no. Remember, you can’t please everybody. This is a tough world, and to make a living you sometimes have to do things that some people will not like.
Questions one through three pertain to activities that are or might be profitable, but that also have a negative side – they are illegal, they expose your company to civil liability and/or they offend people (they offend some people, anyway). What about doing good deeds, such as philanthropy or going “green,” that are not as likely to be profitable? Your company might even lose money on them, at least in the short run. Should you do them? Go to … Is there a substantial likelihood that it (the good deed) will eventually increase your profit? This question pertains to any business decision, but it particularly pertains to decisions about philanthropy and other good deeds that you might want to do but that may or may not return a profit. They may even decrease
your profit, at least in the short run. In the long run, hopefully the good deed will eventually pay for itself and return a profit, as a result of the good publicity and other goodwill that flows from doing good deeds. So, if your answer to questions one, two and three is no, and your answer to question four is yes (that is, you want to do a good deed and you think the good deed will eventually pay for itself and increase your profit), then do it. If your answer is no, go to …
FairfieldBusJournal_5x8.5_BW_Layout 1 7/5/12 2:07 PM Page 1
your
The simplest rule in business ethics? If it’s illegal, don’t do it. After that, things get more complicated.
Is the good deed so good that it will make you and others at your company feel good, and is this good feeling sufficient compensation so that your company doesn’t care if your company lost some money on it? If your answer to questions one through four is no and your answer to question five is yes, then you can probably go ahead and do it, but first ask yourself, or ask your bosses and/or the majority of your stockholders if they approve of it. If they don’t approve of it or if you think they would not approve of it, then either don’t do it or, if you do it, be prepared to answer to them. Hopefully, if you do a good deed that causes your company to lose a little money you will not be fired for it. But be prepared, as always to answer to your bosses and stockholders, as well as to your conscience. David A. Robinson is adjunct professor and practitioner-in-residence at the University of New Haven College of Business. He can be reached at davidr225@ comcast.net.
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FALL SEMESTER STARTS AUGUST 29. FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 17
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts is one of Connecticut’s most vibrant cultural treasures. Each summer, the Pavilion presents more than 50 evenings of world-class performing arts for free and attracts 50,000 people from Fairfield County and beyond. Located along the banks of the Saugatuck, the Pavilion’s festival is one of the longestrunning and largest free outdoor festivals in the nation. A dynamic spectrum of concerts – rock, pop, world, jazz, blues, folk, country, big band, cabaret and more – plus dance, comedy, circus and cinema – ensures that there’s something for every age and taste. Every Wednesday, kids rule at our children’s series. Throughout the season, the RiverSwing series includes a free pre-concert dance lesson in the style of music about to be played. It’s a great way to learn, improve or show off your tango, two-step or swing – not to mention dances like bhangra (from India) and forró (from Brazil). The Bindlestiff Family Cirkus comes to town July 25 for a special ticketed event. This acclaimed troupe delivers amazing acrobatics and dazzling fun for the whole family. Hot tips for summer living at the Pavilion include picnic adventures! Stop by any one of the amazing restaurants downtown for takeout. And when you bring refreshments, remember plastic is preferred since this is a barefoot-in-the-grass zone. Summer lives here and we hope you will, too. See you soon. Carleigh Welsh
The Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts Member, Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County carleigh@westportct.gov
FCBUZZ
Arts & Culture of Fairfield County
FraudSter on Stage “One of the best things about so-called ‘classical theater’ is that it makes you realize a continuity with the ages and makes you realize that people are still the way people were then. “We haven’t changed,” artistic Director Mark Lamos said. “The great plays that have stood the test of time – especially in the case of comedies, which can tend to feel dated shortly after their success – can connect us vibrantly to the past and connect us with immediacy to ourselves in helping us realize that, even in history, we are not alone. In From left, Patricia Conolly, Mark Nelson, Nadia Bowers, and Marc Kudisch watching these plays, we connect. The exhilaration Westport Country Playhouse will stage Molière’s timeless of feeling ourselves in this continuity is one of the mancomedy “Tartuffe,” featuring in the title role three-time Tony dates of art.” Mark Nelson will play Orgon, Nadia Bowers is cast as ElAward-nominee Marc Kudisch. David Kennedy, Playhouse associate artistic director, will helm the production playing mire and Patricia Conolly will portray Madame Pernelle. The performance schedule for “Tartuffe” is Tuesdays at 8 July 17 through Aug. 4. The production updates the comedy to the present day. The p.m., Wednesdays at 2 and 8 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at plot centers on Orgon, who has fallen under the spell of Tar- 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Subtuffe, the most saintly man he’s ever known. But Orgon’s fam- scriptions to the remaining three productions are currently ily believes Tartuffe a fraud, out to steal Orgon’s wealth, bed available. Single ticket prices, starting at $30, are subject to his wife and wed his daughter. Will Orgon come to his senses change based on availability. For more information or tickets, call the box office at 227before it’s too late? The stage is set for a battle of wills in a wick4177 or visit westportplayhouse.org. edly funny and farcical take on the outer limits of hypocrisy. Carol rosegg
Summer fun at The Levitt Pavilion
The mission of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is to support cultural organizations, artists and creative businesses by providing promotion, services and advocacy.
Star-croSSed in Bridgeport
For more information, visit CulturalAllianceFC.org or email infoCulturalAllianceFC.org or call 256-2329. For events lists, visit FCBuzz.org.
Connecticut Free Shakespeare has announced that performances of “Romeo and Juliet” will take place on historic McLevy Green in Bridgeport’s revitalized downtown area, July 25 to 29. Performances begin at 8 p.m. and are about 90 minutes long. There are many fine restaurants within walking distance of the McLevy Green for pre-show dining. Attendees
should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A strolling harp player or flutist will entertain early guests. Performances are canceled if it is raining. Performances are also scheduled on the grounds of The American Shakespeare Festival Theater in Stratford Aug. 1, 2, 4 and 5 at 8 p.m., and Aug. 3 at 10 p.m.
Visit FCBuzz.org for more information on events and how to get listed. 18 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
Presented by: Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County
on the record Hobbs Inc., New Canaan, contractor for New Canaan Winter Club Inc. Construct additions and perform alterations at an existing commercial building, 604 Frogtown Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $500,000. Filed May 29.
Banks Brothers Services Inc., Greenwich, contractor for Michael Peyton. Perform exterior alterations at an existing single-family residence, 123 Harbor Drive, Apt. 608, Stamford. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed June 8.
Gardiner Group L.L.C., The, New Canaan, contractor for Karen and George Durkin Jr. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 436 Weed St., New Canaan. Estimated cost: $90,000. Filed May 23.
PDB Home Improvements, Seymour, contractor for Angela and David McPhillips. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 49 Gower Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $110,000. Filed May 23.
Honig, Jesse, Massapequa, N.Y., contractor for Atlantic Realty Co. Fit out an existing commercial space for tenant Top This Coffee Shop at 111 Atlantic St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $200,000. Davidoff, Lawrence, Stamford, Filed June 15. contractor for Marclaire L.L.C. Construct a new façade and perform interior alterations at an exist- Reimers, Stafford, Riverside, coning commercial building, 1259 E. tractor for Fairfield House ConMain St., Stamford. Estimated cost: dominium Association. Perform $175,000. Filed June 13. interior renovations at multifamily housing, 50 Lafayette Place, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $1 million. Deca Development II L.L.C., Dix Filed May 1. Hills, N.Y., contractor for RichTaubman Associates. Fit out an existing commercial space for ten- Souza, Jay, Wallingford, contractor ant Pottery Barn at 100 Greyrock for the town of Greenwich. Perform Place, Stamford. Estimated cost: interior renovations at an existing $572,000. Filed June 14. commercial building, 90 Harding Road, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $130,000. Filed May 3. Deluca Construction Co., Stamford, contractor for Greenwich Hospital. Perform interior reno- Stamford Hospital. Perform intevations at an existing commercial rior alterations at an existing combuilding, 77 Lafayette Place, Green- mercial building, 30 Shelburne wich. Estimated cost: $1.2 million. Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: Filed May 7. $1.7 million. Filed June 15.
Belmont, Otilia and David Belmont. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 36 Summit Road, Riverside. Estimated cost: $175,000. Filed May 8.
Hoffman Landscapes Inc., Wilton, contractor for Wendy Sciolla. Install an in-ground pool and enclosure at an existing single-family residence, 24 Running Brook Lane, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed May 23.
Petrucci, David, Norwalk, contractor for Kimberly and Thomas Sikorski. Perform exterior renovations at an existing single-family residence, 66 Butternut Hollow Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $90,000. Filed May 3.
Kaeser Construction Co., Weston, contractor for Carol Kaufman and Joseph Giustozzi. Construct a new single-family residence at 47 Douglas Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $700,000. Filed June 18.
R&R Builders L.L.C., New Canaan, contractor for Sara and David Koch. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 148 Weeburn Drive, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $350,000. Filed May 24.
Building Permits
Commercial Avon Investment Co. Perform interior alterations at an existing commercial building, 245 Bedford St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed June 14.
Residential
Greenwich Centre L.P. Fit out an existing commercial space for tenant Spencer Trask at 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich. Esti- Anker, Margaret and Phillips mated cost: $296,000. Filed May 1. Anker. Install an in-ground pool and enclosure at an existing singlefamily residence, 186 Shore Road, Old Greenwich. Estimated cost: $72,000. Filed May 4. Items appearing in the Fairfield County Business Journal’s On The Record section are compiled from various sources, including public records made available to the media by federal, state and municipal agencies and the court system. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, no liability is assumed for errors or omissions. In the case of legal action, the records cited are open to public scrutiny and should be inspected before any action is taken. Questions and comments regarding this section should be directed to: Bob Rozycki c/o Westfair Communications Inc. 3 Gannett Drive, Suite G7 White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 Phone: (914)694-3600 Fax: (914)694-3680
Assisi Remodeling, Stamford, contractor for Gaetano Iovino. Construct additions and perform alterations at an existing singlefamily residence, 821 Stillwater Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $209,000. Filed June 15. Atlantic Building, Ridgefield, contractor for Meaghan and Robinson Kupchak. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 55 Running Brook Lane, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed May 23.
Bert Keating Inc., Pawling, N.Y., contractor for Dina and Richard Weinstein. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 25 Kenilworth Terrace, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed May 8. Brady, Birdie and Mairtin Brady. Perform interior renovations at an existing single-family residence, 661 Steamboat Road, Unit A, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $245,000. Filed May 15.
Landmark Contracting Inc., Old Greenwich, contractor for Karin Lindstrand and Paul Juan. Perform interior renovations at an existing single-family residence, 341 Valley Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed May 11.
Buscaglia, Sofia and Marcos Buscaglia. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 30 MAS Construction, Stamford, Crescednt Road, Greenwich. Esti- contractor for Karen and Angelo mated cost: $181,000. Filed May 2. Tuccinardi. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 15 Eden Lane, Stamford. Cebulski Construction Compa- Estimated cost: $170,000. Filed ny Inc., Bridgeport, contractor for June 11. Michelle and William Common. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 35 Indian Matuskowicz, Krzysztof, Darien, Field Road, Greenwich. Estimated contractor for Claudia Scholtz. cost: $220,000. Filed May 7. Perform interior alterations at an existing single-family residence, 181 South Avenue, No. 16, New CaCoastal Construction Group naan. Estimated cost: $85,000. Filed L.L.C., Westport, contractor for June 18. Anne Duvall. Construct a new single-family residence at 412 Brushy Ridge Road, New Canaan. Estimat- Nordic Builders Inc., Ridgefield, ed cost: $934,000. Filed June 6. contractor for Marian and George Brown. Construct a new singlefamily residence at Country Club Country Club Homes Inc., Wil- Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: ton, contractor for Suzanne and $1.3 million. Filed May 30. Christopher Turner. Construct an accessory building at an existing single-family residence, 112 Lone Nordic Custom Builders Inc., Tree Farm Road, New Canaan. Esti- Cos Cob, contractor for Partridge mated cost: $120,000. Filed June 19. Hollow Property L.L.C. Perform interior renovations at an existing single-family residence, 20 Partridge Hollow Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $180,000. Filed May 2.
R&R Builders L.L.C., New Canaan, contractor for Sill-Wel 4 L.L.C. Construct an accessory building at an existing single-family residence, 499 Country Club Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed May 29. R&R Builders L.L.C., New Canaan, contractor for Sill-Wel 4 L.L.C. Construct a new single-family residence at 499 Country Club Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $1.1 million. Filed May 29. Robertson Holding L.L.C., New Canaan, contractor for Joseph Sheehan. Perform alterations at an existing single-family residence, 64 Lake Wind Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed May 29. Savio, Vanessa and Kenneth Savio. Construct a new single-family residence at 156 Taconic Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $2 million. Filed May 10. Sound Beach Partners L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for Margaret and Michael Dees. Construct additions and perform renovations at an existing single-family residence, 60 Otter Rock Drive, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $2 million. Filed May 4.
Steede, Ted, contractor for Alice and Christopher Halliwell. Perform interior renovations at an existing single-family residence, 242 Wire Mill Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $85,000. Filed June 15. TDS Homeline Inc., Norwalk, contractor for Sandra Carrillo. Perform interior renovations at an existing single-family residence, 292 Brushy Ridge Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $125,000. Filed June 7. TR Building & Remodeling, New Canaan, contractor for Elizabeth and Robert Alexander. Perform interior renovation at an existing single-family residence, 117 Dunning Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed June 18. TR Building & Remodeling, New Canaan, contractor for Erin and Nicholas O’Grady. Perform interior alterations at an existing singlefamily residence, 36 Brushy Ridge Road, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $125,000. Filed June 18. Valiante Builders L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for Nancy and Robert Montgomery. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 94 Butler Lane, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $350,000. Filed May 23. Wagner Co., Bridgeport, contractor for Mary Coleman. Install an in-ground pool and enclosure at an existing single-family residence, 350 Cedar Lane, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $160,000. Filed May 16. Water’s Edge Pools, Stamford, contractor for Wendy and James Enelow. Install an in-ground pool and enclosure at an existing singlefamily residence, 10 Willowmere Circle, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $70,000. Filed May 14. Welsh, Lana and Benjmain Welsh. Construct a new singlefamily residence at 425 N. Maple Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $2 million. Filed May 9.
THE RECORDS SECTION IS NOW AVAILABLE BY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION. Go to westfaironline.com/buy/records-section/ for more information and to view a sample. FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 19
on the record Wika Construction L.L.C., Shelton, contractor for Sidney Smith. Construct an addition at an existing single-family residence, 127 Middle Ridge, New Canaan. Estimated cost: $300,000. Filed May 23.
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park L.L.C., Portland. Filed by Carmela and Mitchell Kaufman, Stratford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Lisa A. Knopf, Stratford. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the plaintiff Mitchell Kaufmann stepped on glass in a swimming pool on the Zaleski, Suzanne and Waldemar defendant’s premises as the result Zaleski. Construct additions and of an unsafe condition arising from perform alterations at an existing negligence on the part of the desingle-family residence, 105 Downs fendant, its agents and employees, Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: which caused him to suffer seri$253,000. Filed June 14. ous, painful injuries and to incur substantial medical expenses. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and Court Cases reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 17. Case no. CV126027488.
Bridgeport Superior Court
APG Investments & Consulting, et al., Easton. Filed by DCFS Trust, Albany, N.Y. Plaintiff’s attorney: Jorge A. Rodriguez, Albany, N.Y. Action: The plaintiff alleges that it has incurred a loss of $8,623 after sale of a vehicle repossessed from the defendants for non-payment of lease charges. The plaintiff seeks repayment of the repossession sale shortage plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 18. Case no. CV126027528.
Consulting Engineering Services Inc., et al., Middletown, et al. Filed by Main Enterprises Inc., Stratford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Yamin & Grant L.L.C., Waterbury. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendants’ faulty research in connection with a May 2011 professional-services contract failed to detect subsequently discovered defects in a construction project, remediation of which caused the plaintiff to incur a financial loss. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 17. Case no. CV126027491.
Automatic Door of Trumbull Inc., Shelton. Filed by Jose Camacho, West Haven. Plaintiff’s attorney: John R. Williams Associates L.L.C., New Haven. Action: The plaintiff alleges that he was wrongfully discharged from his employment with the defendant after incurring a work-related injury, which caused him to incur a substantial financial loss and to suffer emotional stress. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 21. Case no. CV126027604.
Dragone Classic Motorcars Inc., et al., Stratford. Filed by Thomas Dragone, Trumbull. Plaintiff’s attorney: Zeldes Needle & Cooper, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendant has failed to make agreed lease payments to a real estate holding company in which he is a shareholder, which has caused him to incur a substantial financial loss. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 17. Case no. CV126027478.
Bank of America, et al., Greensboro, N.C., et al. Filed by Victor Arroyo, Milford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Harlow Adams & Friedman P.C., Milford. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendants failed to provide a timely release of his mortgage within 60 days subsequent to repayment and that he is therefore eligible to receive the statutory penalty of up to $5,000 that applies in such cases. The plaintiff seeks a court order awarding him the statutory penalty of up to $5,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 21. Case no. CV126027603.
GFYS L.L.C., et al., Bridgeport. Filed by Fairfield Jetland L.L.C., Fairfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Dombroski Hillis L.L.C., New Haven. Action: The plaintiff alleges that it intends to initiate a civil action against the defendants in the amount of at least $75,000 and that it anticipates a favorable decision by the court with regard to the suit. The plaintiff therefore seeks a court order attaching the defendants’ assets in an amount sufficient to ensure payment of the anticipated favorable judgment plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 21. Case no. CV126027579.
Keeper’s Inc., et al., Stratford, et al. Filed by Bruno Coelho, Stratford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Seeley & Beerglass, New Haven. Action: The plaintiff alleges that he was assaulted while a business invitee on premises owned or otherwise under control of the defendants as the result of an unsafe condition arising from negligence on the part of the defendants, their agents and employees, which caused him to suffer serious, painful injuries and to incur substantial medical expenses. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 18. Case no. CV126027549. North Haven Hotel L.L.C., Hartford. Filed by Elaine Perillo, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Coyne Von Kuhn Brady & Fries L.L.C., Stratford. Action: The plaintiff alleges that she fell while visiting the defendant’s premises as the result of an unsafe condition arising from negligence on the part of the defendant, its agents and employees, which caused her to suffer serious, painful injuries and to incur substantial medical expenses. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 18. Case no. CV126027550. The Original Grasso Construction Inc., Norwalk. Filed by Butterworth & Schenck Inc., Stratford. Plaintiff’s attorney: Thomas L. Kanasky, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff alleges that prior to the date of this action it delivered goods and/or services to the defendant and that $4,088 relating to those deliveries remains outstanding and past due from the defendant despite repeated requests for payment by the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks repayment of all outstanding amounts plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 18. Case no. CV126027530.
Danbury Superior Court Allstate Indemnity Co., et al., Hartford, et al. Filed by Connecticut Interlocal Risk Management Agency, New Haven. Plaintiff’s attorney: Williams Moran L.L.C., Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendant is holding a disputed attorney fee in the amount of $8,339. The plaintiff therefore seeks a court order determining whether the attorney fee should be paid to the claimant plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed June 11. Case no. CV126009672.
Alpha Property Management L.L.C., et al., Brookfield. Filed by Webster Bank N.A., Cheshire. Plaintiff’s attorney: Witherspoon Law Firm, Farmington. Action: The plaintiff alleges that it is the owner of the defendants’ April 2006 mortgage note in the amount of $241,500 and that $224,273 relating to that note remains outstanding and past due from the defendants despite repeated requests for payment by the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks repayment of all outstanding amounts plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees, including, without limitation by means of foreclosure of the delinquent mortgage subject to interests of senior secured creditors. Filed June 6. Case no. CV126009654. Casali Development L.L.C., Danbury. Filed by Mario Costa, Danbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: Randall J. Carreira, Bridgewater. Action: The plaintiff alleges that prior to the date of this action it delivered goods and/or services to the defendant and that $27,082 relating to those deliveries remains outstanding and past due from the defendant despite repeated requests for payment by the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks repayment of all outstanding amounts plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed June 11. Case no. CV126009670.
Lowe Home Centers Inc., et al., Hartford. Filed by Andrea Stambone, Brookfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Ventura Ribeiro & Smith, Danbury. Action: The plaintiff alleges that she was struck by falling merchandise while a business invitee on premises owned or otherwise under control of the defendants as the result of an unsafe condition arising from negligence on the part of the defendants, their agents and employees, which caused her to suffer serious, painful injuries and to incur substantial medical expenses. The plaintiff seeks damages in excess of $15,000 plus applicable costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed June 11. Case no. CV126009673.
Stamford Superior Court
Associates Properties L.L.C., et al., Westport. Filed by Barbara and Chris Baxter, Greenwich. Plaintiff’s attorney: Bentley Mosher Babson & Lambert P.C., Greenwich. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendant has refused to refund a $12,000 performance bond, related to a November 2010 property transaction, even after the plaintiff had discharged all its responsibilities in connection with the agreement. The plaintiff seeks repayment of the performance bond that it posted plus interest, costs and reasonCruise & Vacation Center L.L.C., able attorneys’ fees. Filed May 24. et al., Southington, et al. Filed by Case no. CV126014110. Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown. Plaintiff’s attorney: Neubert Pepe & Monteith P.C., New Haven. Ac- Benni’s L.L.C., Stamford. Filed tion: The plaintiff alleges that it is by Connecticut Light and Power the owner of the December 2006 Co., Berlin. Plaintiff’s attorney: business credit note issued in the Law Offices of Alexander G. Snyamount of $110,000 by the defen- der L.L.C., Waterbury. Action: The dant Cruise & Vacation Center, for plaintiff alleges that prior to the which payment was guaranteed by date of this action it provided elecco-defendants, and that amounts tric service to the defendant and relating to that note remain out- that $81,063 relating to that service standing and past due from the remains outstanding and past due defendants despite repeated re- from the defendant despite requests for payment by the plain- peated requests for payment by the tiff. The plaintiff seeks repay- plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks repayment of all outstanding amounts ment of all outstanding amounts plus interest, costs and reason- plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed June 8. able attorneys’ fees. Filed May 30. Case no. CV126014178. Case no. CV126009667. Greenleaf Tree and Landscape Service L.L.C., Newtown. Filed by Yellowbook Inc., King of Prussia, Pa. Plaintiff’s attorney: Thomas L. Kanasky, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff alleges that prior to the date of this action it delivered goods and/or services to the defendant Greenleaf Tree and Landscape Service, for which payment was guaranteed by a co-defendant, and that $7,305 relating to those deliveries remains outstanding and past due from the defendants despite repeated requests for payment by the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks repayment of all outstanding amounts plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed June 11. Case no. CV126009669.
Customers Bank, Stamford. Filed by Goodwill Industries of Western Connecticut Inc., Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Lampert Toohey & Rucci L.L.C., New Canaan. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendant failed to observe terms and conditions of a September 2011 real estate purchase/sale agreement among the parties, specifically in that it has left municipal taxes for the transferred property unpaid. The plaintiff seeks a court order for payment of taxes plus appropriate damages, applicable, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 30. Case no. CV126014174. People’s United Bank, Bridgeport. Filed by Heddings Property Group, Riverside. Plaintiff’s attorney: Philip D. Russell, Greenwich. Action: The plaintiff alleges that the defendant failed to observe terms of an exclusive listing agreement between the parties and that, as a result, the plaintiff is due to receive a commission payment of $66,950, which the defendant has unreasonably withheld. The plaintiff seeks payment of its commission plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 25. Case no. CV126014145. Thirty-Three Broad Street Restaurant Group L.L.C., Stamford. Filed by Connecticut Light and Power Co., Berlin. Plaintiff’s attorney: Law Offices of Alexander G. Snyder L.L.C., Waterbury. Action: The plaintiff alleges that prior to the date of this action it provided electric service to the defendant and that $18,648 relating to that service remains outstanding and past due from the defendant despite repeated requests for payment by the plaintiff. The plaintiff seeks repayment of all outstanding amounts plus interest, costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees. Filed May 30. Case no. CV126014179.
U.S. District Court
American Sports Winter & Outdoor America. Filed by Head USA Inc. Plaintiff’s attorney: Kevin J. Cablevision Systems Corp., et Greene. Action: claim filed in conal., Norwalk, et al. Filed by John nection with a contract dispute. Sarich Jr., Redding. Plaintiff’s at- Filed June 18. Case no. 12CV00898. torney: Barr & Morgan, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff alleges that he fell while visiting premises owned Astromedia Global Inc., et al. or otherwise under control of the Filed by Valeriy Avetisyants. Acdefendants as the result of an un- tion: claim filed in connection with safe condition arising from negli- a contract dispute. Filed June 20. gence on the part of the defendants, Case no. 12CV00912. their agents and employees, which caused him to suffer serious, pain- Crawford Associates Inc., et al. ful injuries and to incur substan- Filed by Gretchen Ferrante. Plaintial medical expenses. The plaintiff tiff’s attorney: Joanne S. Faulkner. seeks damages in excess of $15,000 Action: claim filed under the Fair plus applicable costs and reason- Debt Collection Act. Filed June 16. able attorneys’ fees. Filed May 24. Case no. 12CV00889. Case no. CV126014114.
20 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
on the record Tap Cancer Out, a Fairfield-based nonprofit organization focused on the martial art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, recently completed its first yearlong beneficiary fundraising campaign by presenting a check for $22,658 to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of ConThe Kennedy Center Auxiliary recently presented The necticut. The primary source of funding came from its recent Tap Kennedy Center with a $25,000 donation from the proceeds of its Cancer Out Charity Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament held at Bunnell New and Nearly New Thrift Shop in Stratford, at the center’s an- High School in Stratford. nual auxiliary luncheon. Bob Polito, senior vice president, director of governmentguaranteed lending at Webster Bank, has been named a Community Bank Hero by The Commercial Record. This award recognizes local bankers who have made outstanding contributions to the industry and to the community, giving freely of their time, energy and resources for volunteerism, community service and charity.
Credits, Clients and Awards
Catherine Smith has joined TFI Envision Inc. in Norwalk as communications coordinator. She joins the firm after a 25-year career at Ricoh Corp. TFI Envision specializes in developing branding strategies and systems, digital, web and social media solutions, corporate communications programs and packaging and promotion solutions.
On the Go: Business, Etc.
Tuesday, July 17 The Workplace has received two veteran program grants from the U.S. Department of Labor. The first grant for $299,670 “Financial Forecasting: The Roadmap to Profitability,” a is the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program and the second SCORE workshop, 6:30 p.m., Norwalk Police Station, 1 Monroe for $150,000 is for the Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program. St., Norwalk. To register, call 831-0065 or visit scorenorwalk.org. Tuesday, July 24
Newsmakers
“2012 Summer Social,” 4:30 to 7 p.m., Dolce Norwalk, 32 Weed Carol Karpovich of Fairfield, left, volunteer store manager and Dottie Ave., Norwalk. $45. For information, call 866-2521 or email info@ Kellersman of Huntington, president of The Kennedy Center Auxiliary, norwalkchamberofcommerce.com. Patricia Cruz of Danbury, an attorney with the Danburypresent a $25,000 check to Martin D. Schwartz of Trumbull, president based law firm Ventura, Ribeiro & Smith was elected to the Conand CEO of The Kennedy Center. necticut Trial Lawyers Board of Governors. Cruz is a graduate of Temple Israel Networking Group for individuals in their job the Catholic University of Portugal and the Thomas M. Cooley Law Ari of Connecticut Inc. (ARI), a Stamford-based orga- School, Auburn Hills, Mich. Ventura, Ribeiro & Smith has offices in search, 2 p.m., Temple Israel, 14 Coleytown Road, Westport. For nization that provides support services to people with disabilities, Danbury, Bridgeport, Hartford and Norwalk; and New York City. information, call 227-1293. has been awarded $5,000 from The First County Bank Foundation. The award will be used for expenses incurred by clients within the Individualized Home Support program at ARI. Nickolas Hazel of Danbury has been promoted to general manager at the Courtyard by Marriott Danbury. Hazel has been with the company for more than 10 years spending majority of his TFI Envision Inc. recently received a bronze award at the Ad- time working in positions such as housekeeping, sales and as frontWebster Bank and Webster Private Bank recently held a groundvertising Club of Connecticut’s 58th annual awards for its public desk manager. breaking event at 85 Mason St., Greenwich, site of its new office. service newspaper ad for the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Heeling Autism advertising campaign. The ad club’s show honors the best and the brightest in the advertising industry in Connecticut. OperationsInc in Stamford has announced the following additions to its HR team.
Snapshot
People’s United Community Foundation in Bridgeport, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced that it has awarded a $10,000 grant to Hartford-based HEDCO Inc., which helps to stimulate economic development. The funding from People’s United Community Foundation will support the statewide expansion of HEDCO’s small-business development services.
Lauren Candee of Ridgefield has been appointed office administrator. Terri Schmidt of Stamford has joined as a recruiting specialist.
From left, Michael Casparino, Samuel Hamilton, Lina Garofalo and Vincent Santilli.
Rocco J. Russo has joined William B. Meyer Inc., a provider of From left: Timothy Yahn, Peter Tesei, Denise Kaufman, John Ciulla, transportation, storage and distribution services, as senior strategic Jerry Plush, Fred Camillo, Marcia O’Kane, Scott Frantz and Dave Dixon. account executive in the fulfillment division of the company. Russo Information for these features has been submitted has spent more than a decade as a senior manager for companies by the subjects or their delegates. such as Sureway Logistics and On-Demand Technology Solutions.
The Ferguson Library has received a $25,000 donation from the First Niagara Bank Foundation in support of programs and services at the Main Library (in downtown Stamford) and the South End Branch (34 Woodland Ave.).
GET THE RECORDS EARLY. Go to westfaironline.com/buy/records-section/ for more information and to view a sample. FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 21
on the record Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. Filed by Scott Cipriani. Plaintiff’s attorney: Erin I. O’Neil-Baker. Action: claim filed under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Filed June 20. Case no. 12CV00910. Hearst Connecticut Post L.L.C. Filed by Russell Fetcho. Plaintiff’s attorney: William S. Palmieri. Action: claim filed in connection with age-related job discrimination. Filed June 19. Case no. 12CV00904. Hertz Corp., et al. Filed by Reynault Chevalier. Plaintiff’s attorney: Reynault Chevalier pro se. Action: claim filed in connection with employment discrimination. Filed June 21. Case no. 12CV00916. Hospital for Special Care. Filed by Gregory Jarell. Plaintiff’s attorney: Syed Z. Hassan. Action: claim filed in connection with employment discrimination. Filed June 22. Case no. 12CV00920. I-Flow L.L.C. Filed by Cynthia and David Moore Jr. Plaintiff’s attorney: Neal L. Moskow. Action: claim filed in connection with product liability. Filed June 15. Case no. 12CV00883.
New England Plasterers Inc. Filed by the trustees of the Bricklayers and Trowel Trades International Pension Fund, et al. Plaintiff’s attorney: Thomas M. Brockett. Action: claim filed in connection with labor/management relations. Filed June 22. Case no. 12CV00918.
Agios Loukas L.L.C., Norwalk. Seller: 1753 Post Road East Associates L.L.C., Westport. Property: 1753 Post Road East, Westport. Amount: $630,500. Filed June 5.
Divine Enterprise of Boston L.L.C., Bridgeport. Seller: A&F Windram Corp., Pawling, New England Plasterers Inc. Filed N.Y. Property: 333 Boston Ave., by the trustees of the Connecticut Bridgeport. Amount: $660,000. Laborers’ Health Fund, et al. Plain- Filed June 11. tiff’s attorney: Thomas M. Brockett. Action: claim filed in connection with labor/management relations. MNCI Development L.L.C., New Filed June 22. Case no. 12CV00919. Canaan. Seller: the estate of Richard Bond, New Canaan. Property: New Canaan town map 2051, New North Bay South Corp., et al. Canaan. Amount: $600,000. Filed Filed by DMG Studio Holdings April 27. L.L.C. Plaintiff’s attorney: John S. Rubrich. Action: claim filed in connection with breach of contract. Moscato Equities L.L.C., New Filed June 18. Case no. 12CV00890. York City. Seller: U.S. Bank N.A., trustee, Coppell, Texas. Property: 35 Old Road, Westport. Amount: Premier Recovery Group Inc., $700,000. Filed June 5. et al. Filed by Stacy Bailey. Plaintiff’s attorney: Joanne S. Faulkner. Action: claim filed under the Fair Nest Development L.L.C., NorDebt Collection Act. Filed June 19. walk. Seller: Margarita Bernard, Westport. Property: 108 Long Case no. 12CV00903. Lots Road, Westport. Amount: $720,000. Filed June 4. Principal Advisory Group L.L.C. Filed by Principal Financial Services Inc, et al. Plaintiff’s attorney: OB&B Realty L.L.C., Stamford. Ben M. Krowickio. Action: claim Seller: J. O’Brien & 8 Sons Inc., filed in connection with trade- Stamford. Property: 130 Lenox mark infringement. Filed June 18. Ave., Unit 24, Stamford. Amount: $440,000. Filed June 1. Case no. 12CV00891.
ING Life Insurance and Annuity Co., et al. Filed by Yaldez AbdelSamed. Plaintiff’s attorney: William G. Madsen, Todd D. Steigman and Justin E. Theriault. Action: claim filed under the Family and Uretek L.L.C. Filed by Maria PaMedical Leave Act. Filed June 22. lacios. Plaintiff’s attorney: Ruth D. Weissman. Action: claim Case no. 12CV00925. filed in connection with sexual discrimination. Filed June 18. ISS TMC Services Inc. Filed by Case no. 12CV00894. John Ricciardi Jr. Plaintiff’s attorney: John Ricciardi Jr. pro se. Action: claim filed under the Fair Zwicker & Associates P.C., et Labor Standards Act. Filed June 15. al. Filed by Virginia Reale. Plaintiff’s attorney: Sergei Lemberg. Case no. 12CV00884. Action: claim filed under the Fair Debt Collection Act. Filed June 25. JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. Case no. 12CV00926. Filed by Midland Funding L.L.C. Plaintiff’s attorney: Jeanine M. Dumont and Heath A. Tiberio. Deeds Action: claim filed under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Filed June 15. Case no. 12CV00886.
Commercial
Robertson Holding L.L.C., New Canaan. Seller: Monica Sheehan, Ilona Sheehan, Laura Sheehan, Monmica Brunt and Gloria Sheehan, New Canaan. Property: Lot 14, New Canaan town map 2635, New Canaan. Amount: $700,000. Filed April 26.
Residential Ackell, Elizabeth and David Glynn, Danbury. Seller: Ximena Angel and Gene Parlatore, Danbury. Property: 21 Topfield Road, Danbury. Amount: $350,000. Filed June 11.
Anderson, Michael, Westport. Seller: Jennifer Gabler and Stephen 59 Fawn L.L.C., Stamford. Seller: Bloch, Westport. Property: 4 Hen Amy and John Moran III, Ma- Kaw Lane, Westport. Amount: $1.4 rina del Rey, Calif. Property: 59 million. Filed June 1. Fawn Drive, Stamford. Amount: $490,000. Filed June 1. Baird, Elisabeth and James Baird III, New Canaan. Seller: the estate 59 West Wooster L.L.C., Danbury. of Marcia Bunch, New Canaan. Navy Federal Credit Union. Seller: Margaret Andrews, Dan- Property: 182 West Road, New CaFiled by John Deane. Plaintiff’s bury. Property: 59 W. Wooster St., naan. Amount: $2.1 million. Filed attorney: John Deane pro se. Ac- Danbury. Amount: $265,000. Filed April 19. tion: claim filed under the Truth June 11. in Lending Act. Filed June 21. Case no. 12CV00917. Kowalsky Brothers Inc. Filed by the trustees of the Connecticut Laborers’ Health Fund, et al. Plaintiff’s attorney: Thomas M. Brockett. Action: claim filed in connection with labor/management relations. Filed June 18. Case no. 12CV00892.
Baker, Bonnie, Norwalk. Seller: Justi Bilancia, Danbury. Property: 180 Long Ridge Road, Danbury. Amount: $280,000. Filed June 23.
Dawson, Brian, Stamford. Seller: Luciana Capuana, Stamford. Property: 42 Middlebury St., Stamford. Amount: $380,000. Filed June 1.
Baker, Megan and James Baker Jr., Scarsdale, N.Y. Seller: Tara and Richard Shapiro, Stamford. Property: 66 Wesgate Drive, Stamford. Amount: $1.1 million. Filed June 5.
Johnson, Gayle and Richard Johnson, trustees, Poughkeepsie, N.Y. Seller: Lisa Hebert and Jo Ann Hoffman, Danbury. Property: 19 Moody Lane, Danbury. Amount: $650,000. Filed June 6.
Deegan, David, Stamford. Seller: May Katz, Kent Lakes, N.Y. Property: Unit 1D, Buckingham Con- Lupinacci, Celiandra and Brad dominium, Stamford. Amount: Lupinacci, Stamford. Seller: Joan Alpert, Stamford. Property: 148 $409,000. Filed June 5. Scofieldtown Road, Stamford. Amount: $620,000. Filed June 1. Banh, Kathy and Hai Banh, Dan- Depetris, Kateri and Scott Depebury. Seller: Vicki and Robert Vik II, tris, New Canaan. Seller: Anthony Bluffton, S.C. Property: Lot 8, Dan- Tomas Builders L.L.C., Wilton. Madrazo, Carlos, New York City. bury town map 5451, Danbury. Property: 42 Orchard Drive, New Seller: Luis Carrillo, New Canaan. Amount: $390,000. Filed June 4. Canaan. Amount: $2.3 million. Property: 292 Brushy Ridge Road, New Canaan. Amount: $1.8 milFiled April 27. lion. Filed April 16. Bhavsar, Nisha and Harin Bhavsar, Danbury. Seller: Cricket DuPont Jr., Reynolds, Bay Designs L.L.C., Danbury. Montchanin, Del. Seller: Cynthia Marra, Raquel and Matthew Property: 1A Old Shelter Rock Loveall, Stamford. Property: 177 Marra, Westport. Seller: Electra Road, Danbury. Amount: $362,000. South Ave., Unit 4, New Canaan. L.L.C., Westport. Property: 220 Filed June 11. Amount: $660,000. Filed April 19. Compo Road South, Westport. Amount: $1.4 million. Filed June 1. Blair, Christina and William Blair, New York City. Seller: Elisabeth and James Baird, New Canaan. Property: 131 Marshall Ridge Road, New Canaan. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed April 13.
Durakis, Linda and William Green, Westport. Seller: Joellen and Robert Mack, Westport. Property: 24 Broadview Road, Westport. Amount: $1.4 million. Filed June 1.
Bro, Roseann and Peter Bro, Greenwich. Seller: Concetta Mastrangelo and Nicholas Gravagna, Stamford. Property: 308 Wildwood Road, Stamford. Amount: $770,000. Filed June 5.
Ferreira, Jefferson, Danbury. Seller: Joaquim Naeciso and Cesar Lopes, Danbury. Property: 45 Merrimac St., Danbury. Amount: $310,000. Filed June 4.
Brown, Elichia and William Brown, Southampton, N.Y. Seller: Janet Frexler, New Canaan. Property: Parcel 142, New Canaan town map 6849, New Canaan. Amount: $2.1 million. Filed April 27. Castriota, Linda, Cos Cob. Seller: Marilyn and Joel Wald, Stamford. Property: 5 Halliwell Drive, Stamford. Amount: $615,000. Filed June 1. Chardome, Raul, Westport. Seller: Patricia and Aldon Daniels, Westport. Property: 14 The Mews, Westport. Amount: $850,000. Filed June 1. Cook, Kelli and Robert Cook, New Canaan. Seller: Denise and Larry Dennis, New Canaan. Property: 432 South Ave., New Canaan. Amount: $2.9 million. Filed April 25. Cummins, Gillian and Matthew Libby, New York City. Seller: Cassam Realty Partners Ltd., New York City. Property: 164 Compo Road South, Westport. Amount: $990,000. Filed June 4.
Monroni, Mariella and Joshua Scofield, New Canaan. Seller: Mary Sullivan, trustee, Arlington, Mass. Property: 84 Orchard Drive, New Canaan. Amount: $750,000. Filed April 12. Nolte, Anne and Thomas Dippel, Westport. Seller: Mirjana and Salvador Garcia, Chicago, Ill. Property: 10 Bradley St., Westport. Amount: $1.5 million. Filed June 4.
Fisher, Jillian, Stamford. Seller: Anthony Vetti, Stamford. Property: O’Brien, Juliet and Kevin 11 Beal St., Stamford. Amount: O’Brien, New Canaan. Seller: Erin and Douglas Hedley Jr., New Ca$445,000. Filed June 5. naan. Property: 316 Mariomi Road, New Canaan. Amount: $1.9 milFreeman, Christine and Stephen lion. Filed April 24. Wheeler, Stamford. Seller: Margaret and Donald Craig, Stamford. Property: 39 Maple Tree Ave., Unit O’Farrell, Nancy and Michael 26, Stamford. Amount: $400,000. O’Farrell, Stamford. Seller: 33 Broad Street Associates II L.L.C., Filed June 4. Stamford. Property: 1 Broad St., Unit PH24B, Stamford. Amount: Glover, Abbott and Christopher $658,000. Filed June 5. Glover, New Canaan. Seller: Julianne and Joseph DeMarco, New Canaan. Property: 120 Ponus Ridge Patterson, Peyton, New Canaan. Road, New Canaan. Amount: Seller: Ann and Michael Lobdell, Stonington. Property: 112 Clear$895,000. Filed April 27. view Lane, New Canaan. Amount: $4.2 million. Filed April 23. Goria, Rajkishore, Stamford. Seller: Elizabeth Helibut and Jushua Schwartz, Stamford. Property: 1611 Pemberton, Britta and Russell Washington Blvd., No. 4, Stamford. Pemberton, New Canaan. Seller: Martha Herman, Bozeman, Mont. Amount: $310,000. Filed June 4. Property: 5 Canoe Hill Road, New Canaan. Amount: $1.5 million. Jan, Maria and Amir Jan, Dan- Filed April 23. bury. Seller: Brian Watson, Danbury. Property: 1406 Easton Court, Danbury. Amount: $292,500. Filed Petroro, Marc, Yorktown Heights, N.Y. Seller: Anita and John Mackay, June 11. Danbury. Property: 20 Warrington Round Road, Danbury. Amount: $335,000. Filed June 4.
22 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
on the record Ritter, Andrea and William Ritter, New Canaan. Seller: Jess Galtan, Stamford. Property: 384 Cascade Road, Stamford. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed June 5.
von Arx, Judith and Daniel von Arx, Stamford. Seller: Muriel Kilbride, New Canaan. Property: 179 South Ave., Unit 8, 66 Mariomi Road (50 percent). Amount: $650,000. Filed April 19.
Sarracino, Joanna and Steven Sarracino, trustees, Darien. Seller: Adriane and Eric Straus, New Canaan. Property: 76 Laurel Road, New Canaan. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed April 30.
Vuong, Andy, Danbury. Seller: Codfish Hill Construction L.L.C., Bethel. Property: 66 James St., Danbury. Amount: $295,000. Filed June 11.
Shapiro, Tara and Richard Shapiro, Stamford. Seller: Judith Smith, Stamford. Property: 97 West Hill Road, Stamford. Amount: $2 million. Filed June 1.
Walden, Kellie and Vincent Walden, New Canaan. Seller: Lorraine and Brendan O’Halloran, trustees, New Canaan. Property: 259 Marvin Ridge Road, New Canaan. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed April 25.
Shearer, Jeanne and Michael Shearer, Westport. Seller: 148 North Avenue L.L.C., Westport. Weiner, Scott, New York City. SellProperty: 148 North Ave., Westport. er: Sir-28 Rayfield L.L.C., Westport. Amount: $2.1 million. Filed June 1. Property: 28 Rayfield Road, Westport. Amount: $1.8 million. Filed June 11. Smokler, Jennifer and Sanford Smokler, New York City. Seller: Susanne and Christopher Fitch, West- Wilkowski, Ana and Todd port. Property: 181 Roseville Road, Wilkowski, Westport. Seller: NaWestport. Amount: $1.2 million. tacha and Richard Sylander, WestFiled June 1. port. Property: 14 North Ave., Westport. Amount: $740,000. Filed June 4. Smyth, Raymond, Stamford. Seller: Kerry Mara, Stamford. Property: 508 Roxbury Road, Stamford. Winkler, Erica and Brian WinAmount: $635,000. Filed June 1. kler, Aurora, Ill. Seller: Sir-22 Marion L.L.C., Westport. Property: 22 Marion Road, Westport. Amount: Srinivasa, Mamatha and Guru- $1.9 million. Filed June 6. prasad Anginthayya, Stamford. Seller: Dimitry Gorbachevskiy, Stamford. Property: 66 Sedaside Wolff, Jessica and Andrew Wolff, Ave., Unit 8H, Stamford. Amount: Stamford. Seller: Sari and Jeremy $342,500. Filed June 4. Jansen, Westport. Property: 246 North Ave., Westport. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed June 4. Stabile, Meghan and Joseph Stabile, New Fairfield. Seller: Yang, Jason, Danbury. Seller: Lori Sondra Cherney, Danbury. Prop- Oliva and Susan Brown, Danbury. erty: 6 Ridgecrest Road, Danbury. Property: 10 Coach Road, Danbury. Amount: $257,500. Filed June 11. Amount: $362,000. Filed June 11.
Plaut, Peter, et al. Creditor: TNST Home Loans Inc. Property: vicinity of Bayberry Lane and Lockwood Circle, Westport. Mortgage default. Filed June 1. Selivanov, Estella, et al. Creditor: HSBC Bank USA N.A., trustee. Property: 55 Mill Plain Road, Unit 20-3, Danbury. Mortgage default. Filed June 12.
Judgments Arnold, Catherine and James Arnold, Danbury. $1,023 in favor of Petro Inc., Melville, N.Y., by Gerald S. Knopf. Property: 12 Oakridge Ave., Danbury. Filed June 11. Garrick, Miguel, Stamford. $37,644 in favor of U.S. Equities Corp., South Salem, N.Y., by Linda Strumpf. Property: 17 Hope St., Apt. 5A, Stamford. Filed June 4. Keene, Amy, Danbury. $2,625 in favor of Standard Oil of Connecticut, Bridgeport, by J. C. Connell. Property: 77 James St., Danbury. Filed June 13. Lopez, Julio, Danbury. $1,866 in favor of Irving Levine Automotive Distirbutors Inc., Danbury, by Randall J. Carreira. Property: 166 Old Brookfield Road, No. 25A1, Danbury. Filed June 5. Matthews, Paul, Danbury. $1,231 in favor of Capital One Bank (USA) N.A., Richmond, Va., by Russell L. London. Property: 21 Mendes Road, Danbury. Filed June 4. Nicolari, Timothy, Danbury. $1,500 in favor of New Milford Hospital, New Milford, by Robert L. Peat. Property: 32 Ta’agan Point Road, Danbury. Filed June 13.
Zielinski, Anna and Karol Zielinski, Stamford. Seller: the estate of Mary Viscusi, Stamford. Property: 42 Uncas Road, Stamford. Amount: Patel, Harjibhai, Danbury. $255,000. Filed June 1. $28,397 in favor of U.S. Equities Corp., South Salem, N.Y., by Linda Strumpf. Property: 45 Tomasik, Monika and Daniel Pocono Lane, No. 24, Danbury. Foreclosures Tomasik, Maspeth, N.Y. Seller: Filed June 11. Andrea and Lorenzo Borean, Danbury. Property: 104 Chambers Fernando, Rita, et al. Creditor: Road, Danbury. Amount: $368,500. Birchwood Condominium As- Paz, Delma, Danbury. $644 in fasociafrion. Property: 27 Crows vor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, Filed June 11. Nest Lane, Unit 1C, Danbury. by Robert L. Peat. Property: 4 Birch Delinquent common charges. St., Danbury. Filed June 4. Filed June 5. Stern, Bradley, Westport. Seller: Marilyn and Mark Oestreicher, Westport. Property: 18 Danbury Ave., Westport. Amount: $2.5 million. Filed June 8.
Buzzeo, Michael, et al., Danbury, et al. Filed by Alan P. Rosenberg, West Hartford, for Lakewood Condominium Association Inc., Danbury. Property: Unit 10-90, Lakewood Condominium, Danbury. Schaub Jr., Sherwood, 119 Cross Action: to foreclose on the unit to Rybnick, Robert, Stamford. Ridge Road, New Canaan. $86,735, recover delinquent common charg$4,463 in favor of U.S. Equities responsible corporate officer. Filed es due the association. Filed June 6. Corp., South Salem, N.Y., by Lin- April 18. da Strumpf. Property: 18 Gaxton Cacciotti Sr., Paul, et al., StamRoad, Stamford. Filed June 4. ford, et al. Filed by Hunt Leibert Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for Onewest Sikiotis, Petula, Stamford. $70,000 Bank F.S.B., Pasadena, Calif. Propin favor of Consortium Properties erty: 193 Minivale Road, Stamford. L.L.C., New York City, by Neil A. Action: to foreclose a delinquent BLT Reserve L.L.C., Danbury. Filed Lippman. Property: 549 High Rock mortgage in the original principal by V.Structural L.L.C., Hanover, Road, Stamford. Filed June 4. amount of $544,185 dated NovemMd., by Lynn Nalls. Property: Ab- ber 2007. Filed June 4. bey Woods Apartments, Danbury. Stewart, Virgo, Danbury. $649 in Amount: $262,545. Filed June 11. favor of Danbury Emergency MedDaSilva, Marcello, et al., Danbury, ical Services, Danbury, by Robert L. et al. Filed by Hunt Leibert JacobBP Summer Street L.L.C., ScarsPeat. Property: 24 Grand St., Danson P.C., Hartford, for Bayview dale, N.Y. Filed by Rexel CLS, Loan Servicing L.L.C., West Palm bury. Filed June 13. Hartford, by James R. Pike. Prop- Beach, Fla. Property: 3 Ford Ave., erty: 1111 Summer St., Stamford. Danbury. Action: to foreclose a Stramiello, Larry, Danbury. $436 Amount: $7,905. Filed June 4. delinquent mortgage in the origiin favor of Eder Brothers Inc., West nal principal amount of $223,155 Haven, by Stuart A. Margolis. Propdated March 2007. Filed June 5. erty: Parcel A, Danbury town map 10376, Danbury. Filed June 11. Lis Pendens DeCarvalho, Serafim, et al., DanThe following filings indicate a legal bury, et al. Filed by Juda J. Epstein, action has been initiated, the out- Bridgeport, for Plymouth Park Tax Leases come of which may affect the title to Services L.L.C., Whippany, N.J. Property: 15 Meadow St., Danbury. the property listed. Action: to foreclose on the property Dinnerthyme Catering Inc., by to recover delinquent municipal Hannah Vincent. Landlord: Kineohugo L.L.C. Property: 36 Dyke Arias, Jose, et al., Danbury, et al. taxes assigned to the plaintiff for Lane, Stamford. Term: 25 years, Filed by Hunt Leibert Jacobson P.C., collection. Filed June 7. commencing June 1, 2012. Filed Hartford, for Bank of America N.A., Charlotte, N.C. Property: 9 Beckett June 4. St., Danbury. Action: to foreclose a Evans, George, et al., Stamford, delinquent mortgage in the original et al. Filed by Steven G. Berg, NorNorwalk Hospital Association, principal amount of $480,700 dated walk, for Greenway Condominium Association Inc., Stamford. Properby Lisa Brady. Landlord: Debo- July 2007. Filed June 12. ty: 60 Lawn Ave., Building H. Unit rah Holt-Meredith and Betsy 47, Stamford. Action: to foreclose Visecco, trustees. Property: 28 East Ave., New Canaan. Term: 10 Bank of America N.A., et al., on the unit to recover delinquent years, commencing Aug. 1, 2011. Charlotte, N.C., et al. Filed by common charges due the associaChristopher K. Leonard, Dan- tion. Filed June 1. Filed April 13. bury, for Timber Oak Association Inc., Danbury. Property: Unit 404, Liens Timber Oak, Danbury. Action: to Goncalves, Alessandra, et al., foreclose on the unit to recover de- Charlotte, N.C., et al. Filed by Benlinquent common charges due the dett & McHugh P.C., Farmington, for JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., association. Filed June 12. Columbus, Ohio. Property: 34 Wilkes Road, Danbury. Action: to Brockett, Steven, et al., Danbury, foreclose a delinquent mortgage in et al. Filed by Bendett & McHugh the original principal amount of Bobil Inc., 31 Lake Ave., Danbury. P.C., Farmington, for Bank of $310,250 dated August 2007. Filed $4,091, Federal unemployment tax. America N.A., Charlotte, N.C. June 12. Filed June 12. Property: 25 Mountainville Ave., Danbury. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the origi- Grossman, William, et al., WestJacques, Carmen, 791 E. Main nal principal amount of $293,4360 port, et al. Filed by BM, FarmingSt., Stamford. $33,879, FICA dated September 2010. Filed June 7. ton, for JPMorgan Chase Bank and employee withholding tax. N.A., Columbus, Ohio. Property: Filed June 4. 20 Crooked Mile Road, Westport. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $900,000 dated March 2008. Filed June 7. Rodriguez, Eliane, Danbury. $830 in favor of Danbury Hospital, Danbury, by Robert L. Peat. Property: 9 Westville Ave., Danbury. Filed June 13.
Ridgefield Cycle Center Inc., 1492 High Ridge Road, Stamford. $8,502, FICA and employee withholding tax. Filed June 1.
Mechanic’s Liens-filed
Federal Tax Liens – filed
THE RECORDS SECTION IS NOW AVAILABLE BY DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTION. Go to westfaironline.com/buy/records-section/ for more information and to view a sample. FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 23
on the record Guzman, Braulia, et al., Danbury, et al. Filed by Hunt Leibert Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for The Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, New York City. Property: 11 Golden Hill Lane, Danbury. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $212,000 dated October 2005. Filed June 7. Hossain, Mohammed, et al., Stamford, et al. Filed by Mark A. Sank, Stamford, for First Fairlawn Condominium Inc., Stamford. Property: Unit 18E3, First Fairlawn Condominium, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on the unit to recover delinquent common charges due the association. Filed June 4. JDF of Newfield L.L.C., et al., Stamford, et al. Filed by Michael E. Leone, New Haven, for The Greenwich Bank and Trust Co., Greenwich. Property: 14 Cold Spring Road, Stamford. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $320,000 dated June 2004. Filed June 1.
Kreutzer, Carol, et al., Danbury, et al. Filed by James A. Marquis, Danbury, for Tall Oaks Condominium, Danbury. Property: Unit C4, Tall Oaks Condominium, Danbury. Action: to foreclose on the unit to recover delinquent common charges due the association. Filed June 4. Marchi, Sylvie, et al., Danbury, et al. Filed by Hunt Leibert Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for Bank of America N.A., Charlotte, N.C. Property: 1804 Cypress Drive, Danbury. Action: to foreclose a deloinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $328,000 dated December 2005. Filed June 12. Mastera, John, et al., New Canaan, et al. Filed by David A. Carlson, Pawtucket, R.I., for HSBC Bank USA N.A., trustee, Buffalo, N.Y. Property: 70 Turner Hill Road, New Canaan. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $772,000 dated July 2006. Filed April 23.
Mitchell, Elaine, et al., Stamford, et al. Filed by Holly L. Rutko, PawJimenez, Fernando, et al., Dan- tucket, R.I., for HSBC Bank USA bury, et al. Filed by Bendett & N.A., Buffalo, N.Y. Property: 485 McHugh P.C., Farmington, for Fairfield Ave., Unit 4, Stamford. Deutshe Bank National Trust Co., Action: to foreclose a delinquent trustee, Los Angeles, Calif. Prop- mortgage in the original principal erty: 3 Comstock St., Danbury. amount of $238,700 dated FebruAction: to foreclose a deloinquent ary 2007. Filed June 4. mortgage in the original principal amount of $144,400 dated June Molina Jr., Ignacio, et al., Stam2006. Filed June 11. ford, et al. Filed by Bendett & McHugh P.C., Farmington, for Keiser, Tim, et al., Danbury, et Bank of America N.A., Charlotte, al. Filed by Nicole R. Fernandes, N.C. Property: 37 Greenwich Ave., Armonk, N.Y., for Deutsche Bank Unit 1-11B, Stamford’. Action: to National Trust Co., trustee, Los foreclose a delinquent mortgage in Angeles, Calif. Property: 31 Spruce the original principal amount of Mountain Road, Danbury. Ac- $200,305 dated September 2009. tion: to foreclose a deloinquent Filed June 5. mortgage in the original principal amount of $210,000 dated SeptemPalaez, Carlos, et al., Stamford, et ber 2006. Filed June 6. al. Filed by Francis J. Browne, Stamford, for 91 Fountain Terrace ConKennett, Sean, et al., Stamford, dominium Association Inc., Stamet al. Filed by Tamar T. J. Blazer, ford. Property: 91 Strawberry Hill Stamford, for Crosswinds Condo- Ave., Unit 339, Stamford. Action: to minium Association Inc., Stam- foreclose on the unit to recover deford. Property: Unit F7, Crosswinds linquent common charges due the Condominium, Stamford. Action: association. Filed June 4. to foreclose on the unit to recover delinquent common charges due Prendergast, Joseph, et al., the association. Filed June 1. Stamford, et al. Filed by Bendett & McHugh P.C., Farmington, for The Kerr, Anelise, et al., Danbury, et Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, al. Filed by Alan P. Rosenberg, West New York City. Property: 49 RidgeHartford, for Park Ridge Condo- wood Ave., Stamford. Action: to minium Association Inc., Danbury. foreclose a delinquent mortgage in Property: Building 26, Unit 7, Park the original principal amount of Ridge Condominium, Danbury. $435,000 dated January 2007. Filed Action: to foreclose on the unit to June 1. recover delinquent common charges due the association. Filed June 6.
Rodriguez, Leila, et al., Stamford, et al. Filed by Francis J. Browne, Stamford, for 91 Fountain Terrace Condominium Association Inc., Stamford. Property: 91 Strawberry Hill Ave., Unit 1012, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on the unit to recover delinquent common charges due the association. Filed June 4.
OB&B Realty L.L.C., Stamford, by Jeffrey O’Brien. Lender: People’s United Bank, Bridgeport. Property: 130 Lenox Ave., Unit 24, Stamford. Amount: $362,000. Filed June 1.
Salas, Jessica, et al., Danbury, et al. Filed by Hunt Leibert Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for Bank of America N.A., Charlotte, N.C. Property: 12 New Light Drive, Danbury. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $324,394 dated November 2007. Filed June 5.
The Business Journal is not respon- Every Vendor, 95 Bayberry Lane, sible for typographical errors con- Westport 06880, c/o Sandy Fried- Leny’s Cleaning Service, 54 Parker Ave., Stamford 06906, c/o Marc son. Filed June 5. tained in the original filings. Mitrano. Filed May 31.
New Businesses
Adrenaline Fundraising, 15 Scuppo Road, Unit 906, Danbury 06811, c/o Andrew Karam. Filed June 14.
Dermatoloigy Specialty Care, 107 Newtown Road, Suite 2C, Danbury 06810, c/o Jennifer Retter. Filed June 13.
Laurent T. DuPont AIA, Architect, 206 Mill Road, New Canaan 06840, c/o Laurent DuPont. Filed June 11.
Digibay.co, 370 W. Main St., Stamford 06902, c/o Johnathan Cardenas. Filed May 17.
Law Office of Laurie Gallo L.L.C., 160 White St., First floor, Danbury 06810, c/o Laurie Gallo. Filed June 12.
Fragma Digital, 370 W. Main St., Stamford 06902, c/o Huberney Lorena, 200 Henry St., Apt. 3405, Stamford 06902, c/o Lorena SherSalazar. Filed May 17. wood. Filed May 15.
Gavin Wilson Productions Affordable Rental, 24 Arlington L.L.C., 101 Washington Blvd., Saturno, Steven, et al., Stamford, Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Denzel Stamford 06901, c/o Gavin Wilson. et al. Filed by Matthew L. Corrente, Anderson. Filed May 22. Filed May 29. Stamford, for the city of Stamford, Stamford. Property: 440 Courtland Ave., Unit 1, Stamford. Action: to Alfaro’s Landscaping, 14 Stark Gomez Masonry, 31 Hoyt St., foreclose on the property to recover Place, Apt. 1, Stamford 06902, c/o Danbury 06810, c/o Luis Gomez C. delinquent municipal taxes. Filed Milton Alfaro. Filed May 22. Filed June 6. June 4. Vornle, John, et al., Westport, et al. Filed by HLJ, Hartford, for JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 2 Mystic Lane, Westport. Action: to foreclose a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $1 million dated May 2008. Filed June 11.
Mortgages Agios Loukas L.L.C., Norwalk, by Nick Ouzounidis. Lender: Webster Bank N.A., Waterbury. Property: 1753 Post Road East, Westport. Amount: $472,875. Filed June 5. Kineohugo L.L.C., Stamford, by Michael Gorman. Lender: Connecticut Community Investment Corp., Hamden. Property: 36 Dyke Lane, Stamford. Amount: $261,000. Filed June 4. Merrimac Street L.L.C., Bethel, by Jeffrey Bruno and Richard Jowdy. Lender: Savings Bank of Danbury, Danbury. Property: 10 Merrimac St., Danbury. Amount: $280,000. Filed June 6.
New England Painting, 370 Hope St., Stamford 06906, c/o Maureen Morrow. Filed May 31.
Grecian Catering, 110 Woodside Green, No. 2A, Stamford 06905, c/o John Krondes. Filed May 30.
On-Point Inspections, 52 Burnsford Ave., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Nelson Batista. Filed June 12.
Handy Herb Handyman ServicArepas de la Abuelita, 1047 E. es, 27 Vista St., Stamford 06902, c/o Main St., Stamford 06902, c/o Luis Herbert Boyd Jr. Filed May 24. Vargas. Filed May 17.
Paulino Hardwood Floors L.L.C., 32 Madison Terrace, Bridgeport 06606, c/o Adair DaSilva. Filed June 11.
Hat City Youth Sports, 4 Lily Art, Dance and Articles, 139 Main Drive, Danbury 06811, c/o B. Estela St., Stamford 06901, c/o Rose Wil- Camacho. Filed June 12. son. Filed May 17.
Pep Aerisa, 35 Melrose Place, Stamford 06902, c/o Lawrence Sunshine. Filed May 30.
Amani Allen Pure Paradise, 37 Greenwich Ave., Apt. 1-3, Stamford 06902, c/o Rose Armstead. Filed May 21.
Aurora Consulting Services, 40 River Wind Road, New Canaan 06840, c/o Henry Allen. Filed June 19.
J. S. Everett Design, 35C Hiawatha Lane Extension, Westport 06880, The Purple Co., 575 Glenbrook Road, Stamford 06906, c/o Maria c/o John Everett. Filed June 8. Paz. Filed May 31.
JCO’s Painting, 568 Fairfield Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Juan Ordonez. Rentas Limousine, 31 Arlington Road, Stamford 06902, c/o Sonia Aux Delices, 1035 Post Road East, Filed May 16. Rentas. Filed May 18. Westport 06880, c/o Gregory Addonizio. Filed June 5. Jersey Stone Fabricators, 1372 Summer St., Stamford 06905, c/o Richard’s Junk Solutions, 100 Knapp St., Stamford 06907, c/o Bridge Street Wienery, 17 Bridge Juan Perez C. Filed May 23. Richard Dimanche. Filed May 18. St., Stamford 06905, c/o Steven Sabia. Filed May 18. JMD Sealcoat, 5 Revere Drive, Unit 3, Stamford 06902, c/o Ryan Roque Nanny Service, 1435 Bedford St., Apt. 8R, Stamford 06905, Candy Express L.L.C., 81 Berrian Vindas. Filed May 23. c/o Agueda Roque. Filed May 30. Road, Stamford 06905, c/o Lesli Potter. Filed May 29. Joe’s Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 190 Main St., Westport Royal Engagements, 820 High CJF Cleaning Inc., 1051 Long 06880, c/o Giuseppe Canicatti. Ridge Road, Stamford 06905, c/o Tia Gordon. Filed May 16. Ridge Road, Stamford 06903, c/o Filed June 1. Christopher Ferriero. Filed May 29.
Montanaro, Richard, Westport, by Richard Montanaro. Lender: Naugatuck Valley Savings & Loan, Jose Rodriguez Painting, 9 Berges Naugatuck. Property: 22 St. John’s Place, Westport. Amount: $912,000. Cloud 9 Courier Service, 179 Ave., Stamford 06905, c/o Jose RoJane’s Lane, Stamford 06903, c/o driguez. Filed May 21. Filed June 8. Stanford Hammolnd. Filed May 18. Nelthropp, Judy and Courtney Nelthropp, Stamford, by Judy and Courtney Nelthropp. Lender: Webster Bank N.A., Waterbury. Property: 47 Shagbark Road, Stamford. Amount: $250,000. Filed June 1.
Music Ed Tech, 65 High Ridge Road, No. 167, Stamford 06905, c/o Barbara Freedman. Filed May 22.
Keep It Grill, 212 Connecticut D. C. Gilbert & Company L.L.C., Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Alexan67 Turtle Back Road South, New der Madevon. Filed May 16. Canaan 06840, c/o Dinald Gilbert. Filed May 16. KV Lux Design, 838 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06905, c/o Kerrian Latty. Filed May 16.
24 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
S&Y Handyman, 88 Highview Ave., Stamford 06906, c/o Saul Moreno. Filed May 16. Sanctification Tabernacle Church, 1069 E. Main St., Stamford 06902, c/o Jackson Alcide. Filed May 30.
on the record Scema Photography L.L.C., 1705 Apparatus and methods for Old Town Road, Bridgeport 06606, packaging integrated circuit c/o Simaa Baker. Filed June 11. chips with antennas formed from package lead wires. Patent no. 8,212,341 issued to: Brian P. Shivani & Associates Design, 66 Gaucher, Brookfield; Duixian Liu, Glenbrook Road, Unit 3422, Stam- Scarsdale, N.Y.; Ullrich R. Pfeiford 06902, c/o Shivani Jain. Filed ffer, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; and May 21. Thomas M. Zwick, Germany. Assigned to International Business South End, 36 Pine St., New Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y. Canaan 06840, c/o Nicholas Martschenko. Filed May 14. Bicyclic pyrazolo-heterocycles. Patent no. 8,211,926 issued to RobTalie’s Records, 3 Washington ert Zhiyong Luo, New City, N.Y. AsCourt, Stamford 06902, c/o Ne- signed to Cara Therapeutics Inc., Shelton. phthali Silencleux. Filed May 29. Tetra Mesa, 57 S. Lindsey Ave., Circuits and methods for charStamford 06902, c/o Scott Ger- acterizing random variations in device characteristics in semimaise. Filed May 21. conductor-integrated circuits. Patent no. 8,214,169 issued to: Thought Ventures, 113 Benning- Azeez Bhavnagarwala, Newtown; ton Place, New Canaan 06840, c/o David J. Frank, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; and Stephen V. Kosonocky, Kevin O’Leary. Filed June 4. Wilton. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., ArTorres Landscaping, 25 Herald monk, N.Y. Ave., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Jose Torres. Filed June 13. Coating for optically suitable and conductive anticurl back Universal Moving & Courier, 24 coating layer. Patent no. 8,211,601 Ponus Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o issued to: Robert C. U. Yu, Webster, Gregory Derisme. Filed May 22. N.Y.; Yuhua Tong, Webster, N.Y.; Edward F. Grabowski, Webster, Valdez Landscaping Services, 117 N.Y.; and Kock-Yee Law, Penfield, Stillwater Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Carlos Valdez. Filed May 22.
Credibility of text analysis engine performance evaluation by rating reference content. Patent no. 8,214,734 issued to: Genady Grabarnik, Scarsdale, N.Y.; Kozakov; Lev, Stamford; Shwartz; Larisa, Scarsdale, N.Y. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y.
Enhanced thermal management for improved module reliability. Patent no. 8,214,658 issued to: Jon A. Casey, Poughkeepsie, N.Y.; Michael S. Floyd, Cedar Park, Texas; Soraya Ghiasi, Boulder, Colo.; Kenneth C. Marston, Poughquag, N.Y.; Jennifer V. Muncy, Ridgefield; Malcolm S. Ware, Austin, Texas; and Roger D. Weekly, Austin, Texas. Assigned to International Business Deployable power-supply sys- Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y. tem. Patent no. 8,212,142 issued to: Zachary Lyman, Springboro, Ohio; Cabot Lyman, Springboro, Ohio; Feed input assembly for variand Henry Gentenaar, Springboro, able-length sheet material. PatOhio. Assigned to Zerobase En- ent no. 8,210,529 issued to: Joseph ergy L.L.C., Cos Cob. A. Trudeau, Watertown; Joseph F. Zuzick, Shelton; and Ralph A. Rapillo, Trumbull. Assigned to Pitney Device and method for control- Bowes Inc., Stamford. ling compression of tissue. Patent no. 8,210,413 issued to: Michael P. Whitman, New Hope, Pa.; Donald Fuser member having fluoriMalinouskas, Monroe; and Da- nated polyimide outer layer. Patvid A. Zeichner, Oxford. Assigned ent no. 8,211,975 issued to Yu Qi, to Tyco Healthcare Group L.P., Canada and Nan-Xing Hu, Canada. Mansfield, Mass. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Disodium salts, monohydrates, and ethanol solvates for delivering active agents. Patent no. 8,207,227 issued to: William E. Bay, Ridgefield; Rajesh K. Agarwal, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; Kiran Chaudhary, West Nyack, N.Y.; Michael M. Goldberg, Englewood, N.J.; Joanne P. Corvino, Harrison, N.Y.; Shingai Majuru, Brewster, N.Y.; Moise Azria, Switzerland; Joseph Ault, Blairstown, N.J.; Simon D. Bateman, Randolph, N.J.; Subash Patel, Somerville, N.J.; Joseph Sikora, Vazquez Painting, 4 Magee Ave., Collapsible display. Patent no. Succasunna, N.J.; Rebecca F. Yang, Apt. H5, Stamford 06902, c/o Aqui- 8,210,358 issued to: Simon Mark Randolph, N.J.; and Joseph ZielinHaddad, Norwalk; Zbigniew ski, Florham Park, N.J. Assigned no Vazquez. Filed May 25. Marchwiak, Mount Prospect, Ill.; to Emisphere Technologies Inc., and Mariusz Kucharczyk, Buffalo Cedar Knolls, N.J. and Novartis Whatever Social L.L.C., 467 River Grove, Ill. AG, Switzerland. St., New Canaan 06840, c/o Katherine Delgrande-Zesch. Filed June 13. Controlling and using virtual Display package. Patent no. universe wish lists. Patent no. D662,815 issued to: Jean Mary Wojcik Remodeling, 34 Wright 8,214,335 issued to: Rick A. Ham- Methe, Bethel; Brice Daniel St., Apt. 3A, Stamford 06902, c/o ilton II, Charlottesville, Va.; James Westring, Bethel; Arseni Valerevich R. Kozloski, New Fairfield; Brian M. Radomyselski, Ridgefield; Terry Lee Jerzey Wojcik. Filed May 17. O’Connell, Cary, N.C.; Clifford A. Hamilton, Danbury; and Michael Pickover, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; J. Zuraw, Bethel. Assigned to The James W. Seaman, Falls Church, Gillette Co., Boston, Mass. Va.; and Keith R. Walker, Austin, Patents Texas. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., Ar- Domain independent system Adhesive suture structure and monk, N.Y. and method of automating data methods of using the same. Pataggregation. Patent no. 8,214,392 ent no. 8,211,130 issued to Frank issued to Sreenivasa R. Pragada, J. Viola, Sandy Hook. Assigned Corona treatment for intermedi- Tarrytown, N.Y. and Viswanath to Tyco Healthcare Group L.P., ate transfer member overcoat ad- Dasari, Alpharetta, Ga. Assigned to Mansfield, Mass. hesion. Patent no. 8,213,845 issued Semantifi Inc., Stamford. to: Jonathan H. Herko, Walworth, N.Y.; Jin Wu, Pittsford, N.Y.; Scott J. Griffin, Fairport, N.Y.; Michael Double-layer UV variable data S. Roetker, Webster, N.Y.; Dante M. text. Patent no. 8,211,490 issued to Pietrantoni, Rochester, N.Y.; David Reiner Eschbach, Webster, N.Y. AsW. Martin, Walworth, N.Y.; and signed to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Francisco J. Lopez, Rochester, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Gaming device method and apparatus employing modified payouts. Patent no. 8,210,928 issued to: Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield; James A. Jorasch, Stamford; and Scott T. Friesen, New York City. Assigned to International Game Technology, Reno, Nev. III-V nitride homoepitaxial material of improved quality formed on free-standing substrates. Patent no. 8,212,259 issued to: Jeffrey S. Flynn, Litchfield; George R. Brandes, Southbury; Robert P. Vaudo, New Milford; David M. Keogh, La Jolla, Calif.; Xueping Xu, Stamford; and Barbara E. Landini, North Attleboro, Mass. Assigned to Cree Inc., Durham, N.C. Image sensor with integration time compensation. Patent no. 8,212,197 issued to Scott L. Tewinkle, Ontario, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Inductively heated carbon nanotube fuser. Patent no. 8,213,849 issued to: Gerald A. Domoto, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.; Nicholas P. Kladias, Flushing, N.Y.; Kock-yee Law, Penfield, N.Y.; and Hong Zhao, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Influencing behavior of enterprise operations during process enactment using provenance data. Patent no. 8,209,204 issued to: Sharon C. Adler, East Greenwich, R.I.; Francisco Phelan Curbera, Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y.; Yurdaer Nezihi Doganata, Chestnut Ridge, N.Y.; Chung-Sheng Li, Scarsdale, N.Y.;; Axel Martens, White Plains, N.Y.; Kevin Patrick McAuliffe, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; Huong Thu Morris, Ridgefield; Nirmal K. Mukhi, Ramsey, N.J.; and Aleksander A. Slominski, Bronx, N.Y. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y. Ink loader with access synchronization. Patent no. 8,210,671 issued to: Frederick T. Mattern, Portland, Ore.; Brent Rodney Jones, Sherwood, Ore.; Richard G. Chambers, Portland, Ore.; and Martin Scott Walsh, Portland, Ore. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Method and systems for compact, micro-channel, laminar heat exchanging. Patent no. 8,210,248 issued to Herman Vogel, Sandy Hook. Assigned to ASML Holding N.V., the Netherlands. Method of projecting image with tunable individually addressable fabry-perot filters. Patent no. 8,210,690 issued to: Peter M. Gulvin, Webster, N.Y.; Lalit K. Mestha, Fairport, N.Y.; Yao Rong Wang, Webster, N.Y.; and Pinyen Lin, Rochester, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Methods and systems of organizing vendors of production print services by ratings. Patent no. 8,214,251 issued to John C. Handley, Fairport, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Modular and scalable directional audio array with novel filtering. Patent no. 8,213,634 issued to Lithographic apparatus and Thomas Martin Daniel, Norwalk. device manufacturing method. Assigned to Daniel Technology Patent no. 8,208,123 issued to: Erik Inc., Norwalk. Roelof Loopstra, the Netherlands; Johannes Jacobus Matheus Basel- Nano-fibrils in a fuser member. mans, the Netherlands; Marcel Patent no. 8,211,535 issued to: Yu Mathijs Theodore Marie Dierichs, Qi, Canada; Qi Zhang, Canada; the Netherlands; Johannes Chris- Nan-Xing Hu, Canada; and Sandra tiaan Maria Jasper, the Netherlands; J. Gardner, Canada. Assigned to XeHendricus Johannes Maria Meijer, rox Corp., Norwalk. the Netherlands; Uwe Mickan, the Netherlands; Johannes Catharinus Hubertus Mulkens, the Nether- Noncorrosive EP grease compolands; Matthew Lipson, Stamford; sition. Patent no. 8,211,839 issued and; Tammo Utterdijk, the Nether- to: Ronald J. Tepper, Fairfield; Gaslands. Assigned to ASML Nether- ton A. Aguilar, Milford; and Robert lands B.V., the Netherlands. Heverly, Seabrook, Texas. Assigned to R.T. Vanderbilt Company Inc., Norwalk. Metering assembly and customer load panel for power delivery. Patent no. 8,212,405 issued to John Path saturation for computerS. Pifer, Easton and Andrew J. Ed- storage performance analysis. wards, Redding. Assigned to Offi- Patent no. 8,214,478 issued to: cePower Inc., Norwalk. Craig William Fellenstein, Brookfield; Carl Phillip Gusler, Austin, Texas; Rick Allen Hamilton II, Method and system for banding Charlottesville, Va.; and James Wescompensation using electrostat- ley Seaman, Falls Church, Va. Asic voltmeter-based sensing. Pat- signed to International Business ent no. 8,213,816 issued to Vladi- Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y. mir Kozitsky, Rochester, N.Y. and Peter Paul, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Performing dynamic simulations within virtualized environment. Patent no. 8,214,194 Method and system for mul- issued to: Judith H. Bank, Cary, ticasting targeted advertising N.C.; James N. Chen, Austin, Texas; data. Patent no. 8,213,426 issued Steven E. Chen, Danbury; Karl R. to Geoffrey R. Zampiello, Norwalk. Huppler, Mantorville, Minn.; and Assigned to AT&T IP I L.P., At- Elisabeth R. Stahl, Shaker Heights, lanta, Ga. Ohio. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y.
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on the record Photoreceptor. Patent no. 8,211,603 issued to Timothy P. Bender, Canada and James D. Mayo, Canada. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Spinning reel. Patent no. D663,007 issued to Robert W. Koelewyn, Stratford. Surgical-stapling apparatus with powered retraction. Patent no. 8,210,412 issued to Stanislaw MarPillow. Patent no. D662,749 issued czyk, Stratford. Assigned to Tyco to Marty Cohen, Ridgefield. As- Healthcare Group L.P., Manssigned to Idea Village Products field, Mass. Inc., Wayne, N.J. Surgical-stapling apparatus. Pouch. Patent no. D663,069 is- Patent no. 8,210,416 issued to: sued to Anne E. Nixon, Bridgeport. Keith L. Milliman, Bethel; Frank J. Assigned to The Sun Products Viola, Sandy Hook; Joseph P. Orban III, Norwalk; and Randolph F. Corp., Wilton. Lehn, Stratford. Assigned to Tyco Healthcare Group L.P., MansRadiation dosimetry method. field, Mass. Patent no. 8,212,203 issued to: David F. Lewis, Monroe; Carl A. Listl, New Hyde Park, N.Y.; and Xiang Switch for transdermal patch. Yu, Bridgewater, N.J. Assigned to Patent no. 8,214,031 issued to FredISP Investments Inc., Wilming- erick A. Sexton, Rumson, N.J. Assigned to Purdue Pharma L.P., ton, Del. Stamford. Sensor array with selectable resolution and method thereof. Patent no. 8,212,903 issued to Scott L. Tewinkle, Ontario, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
System and method for advertisement delivery within a videotime shifting architecture. Patent no. 8,214,256 issued to: Steve Riedl, Superior, Colo.; Erik Urdang, Boulder, Colo.; Tom Gonder, Westminster, Colo.; Bryan Santangelo, Superior, Colo.; and Brad Jordan, Boulder, Colo. Assigned to Time Warner Cable Inc., Stamford. System and method for ultrasonic-assisted EDM machining. Patent no. 8,212,171 issued to Robert S. Soloff, Woodbury. Assigned to Sonics & Materials Inc., Newtown. Systems and methods for reducing velocity errors in a movable image carrier of an image-forming device. Patent no. 8,213,813 issued to Eric M. Gross, Rochester, N.Y. and Charles A. Radulski, Macedon, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. Systems and methods for treating hemorrhoids. Patent no. 8,211,101 issued to Rachel Croft, San Francisco, Calif. Assigned to Mederi Therapeutics Inc., Cos Cob.
Techniques for enabling multiple V.sub.t devices using highK metal gate stacks. Patent no. 8,212,322 issued to: Martin M. Frank, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.; Arvind Kumar, Chappaqua, N.Y.; Vijay Narayanan, New York City; Vamsi K. Paruchuri, Albany, N.Y.; and Jeffrey Sleight, Ridgefield. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y.
Toner compositions. Patent no. 8,211,609 issued to: Mark E. Mang, Rochester, N.Y.; Timothy L. Lincoln, Rochester, N.Y.; Yuhua Tong, Webster, N.Y.; and Kevin F. Marcell, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
Toner process, including modifying rheology. Patent no. 8,211,611 issued to: Zhaoyang Ou, Webster, N.Y.; Zhen Lai, Webster, N.Y.; Toner compositions. Patent no. Christopher D. Blair, Webster, N.Y.; 8,211,600 issued to: Daryl Vanbe- and Chieh-Min Cheng, Rochessien, Canada; Karen Moffat, Can- ter, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., ada; Yi Xin Gong, Canada; Edul Norwalk. Dalal, Webster, N.Y.; Jing Wang, Milpitas, Calif.; Richard Veregin, Canada; Jordan Wosnick, Canada; Tubular dry-powder drug-conCuong Vong, Canada; and Valerie tainment systems, associated Farrugia, Canada. Assigned to Xe- inhalers and methods. Patent no. 8,210,171 issued to: John Denny, rox Corp., Norwalk. Cary, N.C.; Michael King, Durham, N.C.; Patrick D. Lopath, Stamford; Toner compositions. Patent no. and Jeffrey Alan Warden, Raleigh, 8,211,607 issued to: Ke Zhou, Can- N.C. Assigned to Oriel Therapeuada; Karen Ann Moffat, Canada; tics Inc., Durham, N.C. Edward G. Zwartz, Canada; Richard P. N. Veregin, Canada; and pump-auger Maria N. V. McDougall, Canada. Unidirectional Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. shaft seal for developer housings. Patent no. 8,213,837 issued to William H. Wayman, Ontario, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.
26 Week of July 16, 2012 • Fairfield County Business Journal a division of Westfair Business Publications • www.westfaironline.com
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Human resources
Bringing Manufacturing Technologies and Practices into Classrooms
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his summer, seven Connecticut high school and college instructors will trade in their pencils for laser engravers and fabrication tools, working as externs in advanced manufacturing facilities from Danbury to Deep River. Now in its eighth year, the teacher externship program immerses instructors in the latest industry practices and technologies so that when they return to their classrooms in the fall, they can pass along new ideas and information to their students. The Connecticut Business & Industry Association administers the program on behalf of the Connecticut Community Colleges’ College of Technology’s Regional Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (RGNGM), a National Science Foundation center of excellence. “Externships enhance manufacturing education by bringing the business and education communities together,” says Judith K. Resnick, executive director of CBIA’s Education Foundation.
The goals, she said, are to better prepare students for jobs in high-tech manufacturing and to help Connecticut’s manufacturers maintain a skilled, competitive workforce.
Many of our nonexempt employees have smart phones or tablet computers, which they regularly use for work purposes while away from our facility during off-hours. Am I required to pay them for that time?
Advanced manufacturing is the state’s greatest source of exports, a major producer of high-paying jobs, and a significant multiplier of economic activity across other sectors. Connecticut is home to nearly 5,000 manufacturers employing 165,000 people.
Whether time spent by nonexempt employees is “working time” for which they must be paid has increasingly bedeviled management, as state and federal law has generally failed to keep pace with changing technology.
“This program helps us engage and motivate the next generation of workers, providing them with the education and skills needed to successfully pursue careers in manufacturing,” says Dr. Karen Woscyna-Birch, executive director of RCNGM.
One constant in the law, however, has been the principle that if an employer knows or has reason to believe that an employee is performing work away from the job site (for example, while at home or on vacation), the time must be counted as hours worked, and wages must be paid to the employee.
Each teacher will spend 160 hours in a manufacturing facility before implementing a work-based learning project for their students. Work-based projects give students a more realistic understanding of how classroom learning is applied on the job. ➤ Learn more at cbia.com
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SBIR & Global Trade Summit: Innovation to Export
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BIA, along with the federal SBIR program, the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, and the U.S. Department of Commerce invites all Connecticut businesses to attend a new kind of SBIR conference. The SBIR & Global Trade Summit will be held July 24-26 at the Mohegan Sun in Uncasville and offers great opportunities for technology companies, start-ups, manufacturers, colleges/universities, service providers or small businesses to “innovation to export.” Connecticut has hosted two highly successful national SBIR conferences bringing together industry, academia and government to encourage innovation and commercialization.
You will have the opportunity to: f Speak directly with U.S. Department of Commerce trade specialists f Learn what global entities such as foreign companies and markets need in today’s global arena f Discover where your company’s exports are needed and wanted f Learn how to certify your products and protect them internationally f Tap into American embassies overseas using Federal trade specialists f Leverage Federal resources f Meet one-on-one with foreign country representatives
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From the regulators’ perspective, management has the authority to control its workforce and cannot accept the benefits of employee work without paying for it. Business owners or managers must take steps to ensure that work is not performed if they don’t want it to be performed. Simply telling employees not to work away from the job site and ignoring a different reality is not sufficient. Consequently, if a company institutes a no-work-at-home rule, management must advise employees of the rule and ensure compliance, even if that means taking disciplinary action. Federal wage and hour regulations do, however, contain some language that seems to recognize typical use of contemporary communications technology. In stipulating what time must be recorded as working time, the regulations specify that “insubstantial or insignificant periods of time beyond the scheduled working hours, which cannot as a practical administrative matter be precisely recorded for payroll purposes, may be disregarded. The courts have held that such trifles are de minimis.” Therefore, it is unlikely that you would have to pay an employee for the minute or two it takes to check email while away from the workplace. But, where that occurs regularly and leads to brief or notso-brief periods of time spent answering texts or interrupting family time to speak with a customer or manager, it cannot be ignored as unpaid “voluntary” work without risking significant enforcement consequences for unpaid work hours. Managers should listen to their own oft-stated caveats to employees regarding improper online activity: There is an electronic record, so beware! ➤ The HR Hotline is a free service for CBIA members. Call 860.244.1900.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of July 16, 2012 27
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