Fair 010614 by Westfair Business Journal

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL FCBJ this week

January 6, 2014 | VOL. 50, No. 1

Bill Fallon

YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS | westfaironline.com

LIQUID ASSETS

READ ALL ABOUT IT A one-time GE executive tackles the medical industry … 5

NORWALK’S OCTOPUS’ GARDEN BOASTS SERIOUS LEARNING CREDENTIALS

MAGIC BULLETS As the state tweaks gun laws, ﬁrearm advocacy surges … 7

PaGE 10

WE THREE KINGS The Stamford Latino community gears up for a feast of giving … 12 FCBUZZ The Bruce Museum welcomes the New Year … 14

MEDia ParTnEr

Jamie Alonzo, the Maritime Aquarium’s education director.

Key ingredient fails in downtown Bridgeport By JEnniFER BiSSEll jbissell@westfairinc.com

espite the fanfare surrounding its summertime opening, Ripka’s Bridgeport Market closed its doors late December. The first downtown grocery store in years, the store was heralded as a symbol of the renaissance of burgeoning Bridgeport. The downtown population is expected to

triple over the next few years, as new development projects finish construction. And to prepare, the city had assembled a key list of ingredients any livable city needs: entertainment, restaurants, retail and a grocery store. But it seems Ripka’s arrival was too early. “There was tremendous amounts of interest in seeing this market open,” said owner Clyde Ripka. The landlord had received a $2 million loan from the Department of

Economic and Community Development to outfit the space as a grocery store. But not enough traffic came through to sustain it, Ripka said, “plain and simple.” Similar to a Whole Foods in appearance rather than price, the market included fresh — sometimes local — produce, a bakery, cafe and bar. The next closest grocery store is four miles outside of downtown. “The expense of running a facility like » Bridgeport, page 6

NEWS NOON @

Eric J. Dale, facilitator nonpareil By Frank Pagani

t was a banner year for partner Eric J Dale and his firm, Robinson & Cole, one of the country’s top 200 legal firms. He and what he likes to characterize as a “powerful team of some of the smartest attorneys in the profession” facilitated significant transactions for their business clients. Among them were two for Connecticut technology clients that were especially noteworthy in Dale’s view. The first came early in the year for global giant Nielsen Co. in Wilton with the $950 million sale of its affiliate, Nielsen Expositions (a leading operator of large, business-to-business trade shows in the U.S.) to Onex Corp. Torontobased Onex is one of the investment world’s oldest and most successful private equity firms. Nielsen was the year’s largest merger and acquisition transaction for the firm’s business transactions practice group that Dale heads. It exemplified what he termed the group’s solution-based expertise in successfully guiding a client through a complex financial matter. The second was $25 million in venture capital financing to help Norwalkbased Datto Inc. continue on its path of becoming a leader in its niche business. Established only five years ago by Austin McChord, a young entrepreneur who graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Datto went on to become an award-winning provider of backup, disaster recovery services and intelligent business continuity solutions, now supporting more than 5,000 partners throughout North America and Europe. The company will use its $25 million latestage, minority investment in three major areas of growth including international expansion, new product development for wider market penetration and enhanced services for existing customers. Dale cites two reasons why Datto stands out as a notable achievement. The first is its exponential growth, achieving an astonishing 300 percent annual growth rate for four consecutive years as well as becoming a significant job creator in the local economy. It earned the honor of being named the Fastest Growing Technology Company in Connecticut in 2013 by Marcum L.L.P. and the Connecticut Technology Council.

“The second reason is that we brought to the table General Catalyst Partners, one of the nation’s prestigious venture capital firms, to make this financing possible, underscoring our firm’s reputation for connecting exceptional entrepreneurial companies with top-tier investment players.” Dale attributes his group’s successful performance to the hard work “we have put into developing a culture as a solutions-oriented law practice,” he said. “Our first priority is to help a client get the deal done as transactions are vitally important to a company. “The practice of transactional law today is very different than it was 10-15 years ago,” he said. “For example, when a client asks, ‘How do I buy or invest in a business?’, you don’t just hand them a purchase agreement. You need to go beyond and apprise them of the issues and traps so that they can make an informed decision that might impact their company’s future.” Dale has spent nearly half of his 24-year career with Robinson & Cole. He has extensive experience representing large, well-established as well as earlystage public and private companies in negotiating and structuring debt and equity transactions, merger and acquisitions, partnerships relationships, joint venture and strategic alliance agreements. One of his specialties has been working with fast-growth companies, representing a cadre of entrepreneurs as they build and manage their enterprises through capital formation, organization structure, team building and realignment. Given this experience and expertise, it comes as no surprise that as 2013 drew to a close, Dale was elected president of Crossroads Venture Group (CVG), a professional organization with which he has

2 Week of January 6, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

Eric J. Dale

long been associated and whose mission of connecting high-growth emerging companies with leading capital providers plays to one of the focused areas of his practice. CVG will celebrate its 40th anniversary during Dale’s one-year tenure that began Jan. 1. “I am very excited to help CVG continue its mission of stimulating economic growth by encouraging investment in high-growth companies. One of the initiatives he will lead is to identify and introduce more qualified companies to CVG’s investment network. “Because

more jobs are created by successful small businesses, the work of CVG in helping emerging companies succeed continues to play a vital role in the region’s economy.” As for the impact a successful startup can make on employment, look no further than Datto. In just six years, it created more than 200 jobs. The Winners Circle profiles male and female lawyers and female entrepreneurs who have entered the arena and won.

Regional group urges partnerships By Bill Fallon bfallon@westfairinc.com

he Western Connecticut Economic Development Alliance (WCEDA) in Danbury has drafted a report on the health of the regional economy that includes a plan for sustainable growth. Among the starker findings is a directive for municipalities to stop undercutting each other. The report notes individual towns are trying — rather they’re failing — to compete for economic growth against larger entities such as county and state and “it has been an unequal fight.” “The problem is that when it comes to competing against other states or other regions, we are doing it now on a town-by-town basis,” alliance Chairman Hal Kurfehs said. “This is about working together as a region, which could put us on a more competitive level.” The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for western Connecticut covers 10 communities: Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield and Sherman. The report is termed “an economic blueprint to help bolster the region’s future for the next five years and beyond.” According to the report, “The information and direction provided by the CEDS will enable area communities to compete for business on a more equal playing field.” The report is considered a critical step in applying for grants, including for infrastructure money. Three-plus years ago a core group of economic development leaders and the Housatonic Valley Council of Elected Officials met to outline a process for regional economic development. The group was soon expanded to 20 members from the public and private sectors. After a plan of action was adopted, the group engaged in a funding drive and retained the services of Garnet Consulting Services in Pleasant Valley and the nonprofit Connecticut Economic Resource Center (CERC) to help in the preparation of a comprehensive economic strategy. The CEDS is the result. In general, there is adequate fiscal capacity that enables area municipalities and the region as a whole to invest in supportive economic development activities, the report says, noting, “Health care, education and financial services are widely considered to be growth sectors and are the foundations of sustainable economic growth.” The presence of a concentration of highly skilled financial services workers living in the Western Connecticut Alliance area, but commuting to jobs in other

areas, could be marketed as an inducement to firms in the emerging financial activities sector to move to and expand their operations within our region, the alliance believes. Industries that are strong for the WCEDA region and also are strong in nearby regions include financial and business services; aircraft components; entertainment; food; manufacturing; jewelry and precious metals; and publishing and printing. The Hispanic/Latino community will continue to grow in this region (see story, page 13), which requires specific strategies to meet different cultural demands. The WCEDA region’s aging population, meantime, will create an elevated demand for health and social services. “While our Western CT Region’s economy is not as large as Southern Fairfield County, it is stronger than any other region in the state on fundamentals such as a low

unemployment rate and market potential,” the report stated. “A broad interpretation of the CEDS is the identification and promotion of our regional strengths to the outside world. It is also important to assess our weaknesses, so that they can be shored up to the extent that they can then be added to our strengths.” The report seeks the following goals, with the stated objective of “not gathering dust”: • Assure that the WCEDA region and its 10 communities have a full-service economic development program with the necessary tools and programs to support effective economic development efforts. • Assure that the existing and future businesses of the region have access to the workforce skills and training programs required for profitable business operations in the global economy. • Assure that the region’s workforce

has access to high quality jobs and the programs and services necessary to keep their skills current. • Carry out an aggressive set of business attraction, retention, expansion, creation and transition programs and services to strengthen the region’s existing sectors and clusters and grow new ones. • Continue to strengthen community and regional efforts to make the region a highly desirable place to live, work, play and run a business. Kurfehs noted other regions, including the nearby Hudson Valley, have wellfunded economic development organizations with which the alliance region must compete. “Individual economic development directors can’t do it by themselves,” he said. The estimate for such an organization to get off the ground was put at $250,000.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014

PERSPECTIVES

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL • • • • •

Or write to: Fairfield County Business Journal 3 Westchester Park Drive, Suite G7 White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407

DESPITE TRAVAILS, MORE TAKING TO THE RAILS

mid the recent derailment woes plaguing the MTA, there is another sign rail service in the state needs to upgrade its capabilities and services. The Connecticut Public Interest Research Group (ConnPIRG) released a report in December showing a decrease in driving and increased use of public transit.

While the study acknowledged an increased use of bicycles in parts of the region, the larger takeaway is that, between 2005 and 2010, public transit passenger miles per person increased 14.2 percent in New Haven and 8.6 percent between Bridgeport and Stamford. Concomitantly, Connecticut residents have decreased their driving

SPEAKING OF … TRAINS “i love trains. i don’t even mind First Great Western (a BritisH line), WHicH is a stuPid name Because it imPlies every carriaGe is First class, But tHey’re not.” — Broadway lyricist Tim Rice “Pardon me, Boy. is tHis tHe transylvania station?” — Gene Wilder, aboard, riffing on Pennsylvania Station in “Young Frankenstein.”

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miles by 4.8 percent since 2007, a metric fueled by urbanized post-baby boomers who see cars as annoyances or necessities, but not as objects of fascination. (Nov. 18 FCBJ: “Love of cars withers.”) In comments on the issue, Joe McGee, vice president of The Business Council of Fairfield County, said the study’s results are encouraging news. “The reported rise in transit and the fascinating statistic on the decline of automobile use create a powerful argument for investing in mass transit. With more people relying on rail across Connecticut, ConnPIRG’s study reinforces the idea that providing fast, safe trains and decreasing travel times would be an economic boost for the state.” Commuters who agree with the study’s findings — we know there’s a procar crowd out there — can voice their opinions directly to the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Since June, the state has supported the Transform CT initiative, an approach to transportation policies, programs and projects that uses its website as a sounding board on regional transportation issues. In addition, Transform CT currently offers a survey to help determine which transportation options residents want to expand. (Visit www. TransformCT.org.)

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4 Week of January 6, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

A fevered pursuit of protocol Former GE executive takes on medicine BY JENNIFER BISSELL

Planning for Success In 2014 By AlAn G. BAdey, CPA Citrin CooPermAn

jbissell@westfairinc.com

or years as a systems engineer at General Electric, Randi Redmond Oster’s world used to be ruled by safety sensors and proper protocol. Then sitting at the bedside of her ill son at the hospital, Oster found herself in shock witnessing the protocols of the hospital. Complications related to her son’s Crohn’s disease were flaring up and no one at the hospital was helping him, Oster said. She watched as mistake after mistake came through in his treatment. “I used to lose sleep over safety sensors going wrong at work,” Oster said. “And there my son was at the hospital and nothing was happening for him.” The episode raised many questions for Oster, who from that point forward began to take notice of the inefficiencies in the health care system. From repeated, unnecessary questions, to door frames too narrow to fit a bed, it seems the health care industry has yet to adopt the same business practices as the corporate world, Oster said. “In corporate America we try to eliminate waste and be as efficient as possible,” Oster said, mentioning hospitals’ lack of systems, feedback and teamwork. “I started to realize I need to ask questions. As much as I wanted to put full faith in my son’s doctors, I needed to really understand what was going on.” “If we operated this way at GE, planes would crash,” she said. After years of trips to the emergency room for her son, Gary, and for her aging parents, Oster considers herself an expert when it comes to navigating the health care system. Leaning on her corporate experiences, she’s on a mission now to help others to be able to do the same. Her book, “Questioning Protocol,” is due out later this year and is both a personal memoir and toolkit for patients to empower themselves. To Oster, the best way to improve quality of care is to empower the public — that means knowing what questions to ask and when to say no. “I’m not saying question every little thing, but sometimes there are more options on the table than you know,” Oster said.

Citrin Cooperman Corner

Author Randi Redmond Oster and her son, Gary.

For instance, an X-ray was needed once to see if a tube had been properly placed in Gary’s nose, Oster said. Concerned with the radiation exposure, however, Oster asked if there was any alternative. The first nurse said no. The second said yes and used an acid test that was faster, cheaper and safer, Oster said. “By questioning your doctor, the concern is that you’re not getting the best care,” Oster said. “But more treatment and medicine doesn’t necessarily mean better. What’s important is to understand what is important to the patient and to look beyond, sometimes, the medical answer.” With the Affordable Care Act, Oster said many have been very interested in the idea of empowering patients and taking on a more active role in decision making. Since March she’s spoken at roughly 40 events, all with packed rooms, discussing her experiences and helping people understand what changes are happening in the health care industry. “That’s my mission now, to empower people so they can understand the law and navigate the system,” Oster said. “We just want to improve the process and I think we’ll do that by improving the public’s involvement. If you improve the process, everyone’s performance will improve.” Crohn’s is a lifelong disease, but Gary is currently in remission and takes no medications, Oster said. He’s 19 years old and a body builder.

As we put 2013 behind us, it’s time to once again set new goals, embrace new strategies, and focus on how to create more solid foundations, adapt to changes, and drive businesses forward in the coming year. Previously, our articles in Citrin Cooperman Corner have explored various methods business owners can implement to thrive in an uncertain and fast-changing economic environment. We have shared our insight on the most pressing topics and concerns for business owners over the past year, such as: • Corporate Governance • Employee Productivity • Inventory Controls • Exit Strategies for the Business Owner With a welcome upturn in the current business climate, our goal for 2014 is to share strategies and advice to help foster confidence, capitalize on a more positive economic landscape, and turn potential growth into a reality. We will take a closer look into the ideas and methods that set the stage for prosperity and success for entrepreneurs, acquisition strategies, dressing your business for sale and even international pursuits. In the year to come, we will identify and delve into many of the key areas business owners should turn their attention towards as the year progresses.

Our column will explore critical topics such as: • Blueprint for Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur • Private Equity Financing • Merging and Acquiring a New Business • Preparing Your Business for Sale In addition to this column, we have connected with business owners in various other ways to bring constructive and critical information to the local business community, such as our highly attended annual “Driving Your Business” seminar series. In 2013, the topics ranged from discussions on the Affordable Care Act and fraud in the workplace to leading women executives who shared their valuable and constructive management insights. This year, our seminars will include roundtables of the business world’s most innovative CEOs and an in-depth look into the business behind managing physician practices. These topics will also be examined with white papers we have authored. As we move into the New Year, we look forward to sharing our expertise and experience to help you and your business thrive. Alan G. Badey is the Managing Partner of Citrin Cooperman’s White Plains office. He can be reached by phone at (914) 949-2990 or via email at abadey@citrincooperman.com. Citrin Cooperman is a fullservice accounting and business-consulting firm with offices in White Plains, NY; Norwalk, CT; New York City; Livingston, NJ; and Philadelphia.

A MESSAGE FROM CITRIN COOPERMAN

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014

Bridgeport — » From page 1

this was thought out based on projections that did not come close to what the reality beared out,” Ripka said, who also owns markets in Stamford and Norwalk. “Stopping the slide was akin to stopping an 18-wheeler downhill with a hand brake. But we did adjust, just not fast enough, and sales never materialized as I expected.” Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch was a key cheerleader for the market, personally recommending the butcher and fish market. But with the closing, Finch urged others to remain positive. “When something closes like this, people tend to think negatively,” he said. “It’s a shame Clyde isn’t going to be here, making money, but someone else will.” In two years another 300 people are expected to move downtown, he said. Additionally four developers are currently looking into properties on the

north end, promising further development. “It was our first grocer downtown; there will be another,” Finch said. “We’ll just have to keep our fingers crossed that the property manager can find another grocer to go in there.” Emotional about the closing, Ripka said there was nothing he’d love more than to see the market open, serving the community. “My goal was to become part of this community in many ways,” he said. “I know that Bridgeport needs a market downtown. I believe everyone likes the idea of a market, including this one, but unfortunately what many didn’t take to heart is that it needs constant support from the immediate community.” Ripka said the market didn’t receive any orders for Thanksgiving and that half of those in the business and civic community didn’t attended the market’s week of giving after reserving spots. Advising the location’s future grocer,

Ripka’s Bridgeport Market, prior to closing.

Ripka said to keep pressing the community to stay involved and market locally first. “Be aware that this store is so beautiful people imagine it being more expen-

sive than it is,” he said. “That was always going to be an issue. We kept our prices down but still people thought we were expensive. It was a tiresome conversation.”

UP TO THE MINUTE

ACCESS HEALTH CT ENROLLS 62,000

Access Health CT reached its goal of enrolling more than 60,000 residents in health care coverage beginning Jan. 1. A part of the Affordable Care Act, the health care exchange is designed to help the state and residents satisfy federal requirements and promote lower insurance costs. Residents are required to sign up for a health care plan by March 31 if they don’t have one, or will face a tax penalty. “We’re delighted to have enrolled so many Connecticut residents in health care coverage for Jan. 1; however, our work is far from done,” said Access Health CT CEO Kevin Counihan in a statement. “Over the remaining three months of open enrollment, we will continue aggressive outreach to enroll even more consumers and small businesses in quality, affordable health care coverage.” As of Dec. 23, about 62,100 people enrolled in health care plans through the exchange to participate in the first round of coverage plans offered under the Affordable Care Act. On Dec. 23, the last day to enroll in the first round of plans, more than 6,700 people signed up for coverage, more than double the result of any other day since the exchange opened Oct. 1.

The exchange hopes to enroll 100,000 people by March 31, when open enrollment ends. The Access Health CT website has had a total of 476,700 viewers since Oct. 1 and call centers have answered nearly 90,000 phone calls. After premium payments are received by insurance carriers, new member materials such as ID cards and welcome packets will be mailed out.

CI MOVES FORWARD ON $200M BIOSCIENCE FUND

Connecticut Innovation’s new $200 million bioscience fund is continuing to take shape. Advisory committee members were selected Dec. 23 and on Jan. 1 was to begin to assemble a strategic plan and operating budget for the fund. Established by the General Assembly earlier this year, the Connecticut Bioscience Innovation Fund is a vehicle for investing in research and early-stage bioscience companies under the umbrella of CI, the state’s quasi-public financing entity designed to help companies start and grow. Over a period of 10 years, the fund will invest a total of $200 million in possibly lucrative research opportunities and businesses as a tool to spur new companies and jobs.

6 Week of January 6, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

The fund complements the state’s Bioscience Connecticut initiative with the University of Connecticut Health Center which calls for new construction, increased student enrollment and additional faculty members at the Farmington, Conn., campus. The initiative has also attracted Jackson Laboratories to set up a $1 billion research project on the Health Center’s campus. In a CI announcement of committee members, CI CEO Claire Leonardi said the group had assembled a team of doctors, professors, scientists, researchers, pharmacists and public officials. “We are delighted to have attracted such high caliber individuals to the advisory committee,” Leonardi said. “Their collective depth and breadth of experience across the bioscience spectrum will ensure great stewardship of the fund.”

PRATT & WHITNEY SECURES $231M AIR FORCE CONTRACT

Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney recently secured a $231 million contract with the U.S. Air Force to repair and maintain its F119 engines produced by the company. Based in East Hartford, Pratt & Whitney delivered the last production

of the engine January 2013 after the Air Force announced it would terminate production of F-22 stealth fighters, which used the engines. The contract modifies an existing agreement and will last through 2014, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who announced the news Dec. 23. According to Blumenthal, delegation members said the following of the news: “This contract is tremendous news for Connecticut’s aerospace industry, our national defense, and workers up and down the supply chain who build F119 engines. Our state is a leader in producing specialized engine parts critical to the safety and success of our military aircraft and the soldiers who operate them, and today’s announcement is a testament to the highly-skilled, hardworking men and women of Pratt & Whitney. We applaud their success and will continue to fight to ensure that military contracts are awarded to the most eligible manufacturers here at home.” United Technologies Corp., which owns Pratt & Whitney and Stratfordbased Sikorsky, is one the largest employers in the state. — Bill Fallon and Jennifer Bissell

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Amid gun ban, ﬁrearm industry bands together By JEnniFER BiSSEll jbissell@westfairinc.com

un advocates might have begrudgingly registered their now illegal assault weapons last week before the state’s new gun laws labeled them as contraband Jan. 1. But gun advocates’ strength in numbers is growing. Membership for the National Shooting Sports Foundation, based in Newtown, reached a new milestone this month. The organization now represents 10,000 firearm companies and allies nationwide, including all major gun manufacturers. The group played an integral role during the debate over new gun regulations at the capitol following the Sandy Hook Elementary Shooting. Several representatives sat in on discussions educating legislators about firearms and gun safety. Chris Dolnack, NSSF senior vice president and chief marketing officer, said the peak in membership was likely due to the national spotlight on gun rights.

“NSSF membership continues to climb because more industry-connected companies, organizations and individuals are aware of the many ways NSSF works to promote, protect and preserve hunting and the shooting sports,” Dolnack said in a press release. “Such growth empowers NSSF to speak with a single, powerful voice on behalf of industry inside the Beltway and in state houses across the country.” “The more member support we have, the more we can help support and protect their businesses and their customer base,” Dolnack added. The NSSF is participating in a lawsuit contesting Connecticut’s new gun laws, alleging the speedy legislative process violated statutory law. The legislative package included provisions for mandatory universal background checks on all firearm sales, the creation of a dangerous weapon offender registry, and expanded bans on assault weapons and large capacity magazines.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014

The 2014 National Economic Outlook and Regional Forecast PRESENTED BY

Rae D. Rosen

Senior Economist and Vice President Federal Reserve Bank of New York On January 15, Rae Rosen, Senior Economist and Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of New York, will provide an in-depth look at the tri-state economic outlook, with special emphasis on Fairfield County. Ms. Rosen is principally involved in research and analysis of economic issues relating to the tri-state region.

The National Economic Outlook and Regional Forecast is produced by the Fairfield County Information Exchange, an initiative of The Business Council of Fairfield County. We would like to thank Deloitte LLP for their underwriting support of The Fairfield County Economy in 2014. We would also like to acknowledge the ongoing contributions provided by the Fairfield County Information Exchange Steering Committee: • • • • • • • •

The Ashforth Company CB Richard Ellis, Inc. Connecticut Light & Power Finn Dixon & Herling LLP Jones Lang LaSalle O’Connor Davies, LLP Pullman & Comley LLC TD Bank

JANUARY 15, 2014 Registration: 7:45am Breakfast Program: 8:00-9:30am Location: Stamford Marriott Hotel Cost: $45 members; $55 non-members www.BusinessFairfield.com

Congratulations, Leadership Fairfield County Class of 2013! The Business Council’s Leadership Fairfield County program offers corporate and community leaders exposure to the region’s most pressing issues, all presented by a faculty of business, nonprofit and educational leaders. The program’s goal is to develop the leadership skills and perspectives of the region’s upcoming business leaders, and to encourage active involvement in Fairfield County through volunteer leadership. In 2013, Leadership Fairfield County met once a month for eight months to explore issues ranging from the efficiency of state government and healthcare reform to corporate innovation and the impact of social media. December marked the end of its 21st year; to date, the program has graduated over 400 people from more than 120 companies.

Congratulations to the class of 2013: Megan Baroni, Robsinon & Cole, LLP Chris Bevacqua, GE Peter J. Bilfield, Shipman & Goodwin LLP Karen Booth, Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Taruna Garg, Murtha Cullina LLP Renata Howard, Citrin Cooperman & Company, LLP Craig Jennings, Connecticut Light & Power Josephine Johnson- Moore, Preferred Brands International, Inc. Kristen Kish, Synapse Group, Inc. Diana Maguire, AmeriCares David Marks, Albert B. Ashforth, Inc.

Eric Mayrhofer, The Business Council of Fairfield County Kristin Meyer, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Christopher M. Mozingo, Finn Dixon & Herling LLP Jeff Nickell, Deloitte Carlos Osuba, People’s United Bank Gregory Pastor, TD Bank Pam Pillos-Santos, Sacred Heart University Keith Reynolds, The Business Council of Fairfield County Brigitte Van den Houte, Pitney Bowes, Inc. Andy Wood, Sea Research Foundation, Inc.

8 Week of January 6, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

#BCFairﬁeldCo

Get recognized for your workplace wellness program Submissions due by January 6, 2014 For more information please contact Tanya Court, Director, Public Policy & Programs at 203-705-0668 or visit www.BusinessFairfield.com

THE LIST

RANKED BY NUMBER OF LICENSED BROKERS IN THE COUNTY; LISTED ALPHABETICALLY IN EVENT OF TIE.

Insurance Companies

FAIRFIELD COUNTY NEXT LIST: JANUARY 13 COMMERCIAL DEVELOPERS

INSURANCE AGENCIES

Rank

Ranked by the number of licensed brokers in the county; listed alphabetically in event of tie. Name, address, phone number Area code: 203 (unless otherwise noted) Website

Charter Oak Insurance and Financial Services Co.

HUB International Northeast

6 Landmark Square, Suite 7200, Stamford 06901 359-5300 • charteroakfinancial.com 777 Commerce Drive, Fairfield 06825 337-1800 • hubinternational.com

Pierson & Smith Inc. (A division of First Niagara Risk Management Inc.) 40 Richards Ave., Norwalk 06854 854-3481 • firstniagara.com/insurance

Bearingstar Insurance

Abercrombie Burns McKiernan & Company Insurance Inc.

Merit Insurance Inc.

Carlson & Carlson Inc.

501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 06468 254-0875 • bearingstar.com

581 Post Road, Darien 06820 655-7468 • abmck.com

1 Enterprise Drive, Suite 310, Shelton 06484 367-5328 • meritinsurance.com

15 Wilmot Lane, Riverside 06878 637-7575 • carlsonandcarlson.com

WM. F. Malloy Agency Inc. 87 Glenbrook Road, Stamford 06902 351-9898 • malloyins.com

8 9 10

Lambert & Carney Benefits Group d.b.a. 360 Corporate Benefit Advisors 1375 Kings Highway East, Fairfield 06824 292-8181 • 360cba.com

Hatfield Insurance Agency Inc. 1735 Post Road, Fairfield 06824 256-5660 • hatfieldinsuranceagency.com

Ganim Group Inc. 2429 North Ave., Bridgeport 06604 335-0851 • ganimgroup.com

Hagendoorn & Emond Insurance Inc.^ 1011 High Ridge Road, Stamford 06905 321-1020 • heinsurance.com

John H. Wygal & Company L.L.C. 161 East Ave., Suite 103, Norwalk 06851 831-8555 • jwygal.com

Mills & Mills Insurance^ 35 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton 06897 762-8373 • millsandmillsinsurance.com

RPO Group Inc.* Renaissance Corporate Center, 245 Main St., White Plains, NY 10601 (914) 761-0550 • therpogroup.com

DiMatteo Group Insurance L.L.C. 79 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton 06484 924-5411 • dimatteogrp.com

Top local executive(s) Contact person (bold) Email address Year agency established

Brendan Naughton 1886 Jeffrey L. Rubin Senior vice president Jeffrey L. Rubin info.hubnortheast@hubinternational.com 1952 Kim McGillicuddy Enterprise sales leader Lauren Cimino Marketing 1948 Gary A. Adams Senior sales and marketing manager Gary A. Adams gary.adams@bearingstar.com 1996

Kevin P. McKiernan Thomas J. McKiernan tmckiernan@abmck.com 1952 Sean Carroll Sean Carroll scarroll@meritinsurance.com 1936 Peter E. Carlson Jr. Peter E. Carlson Jr. pcarlson@carlsonandcarlson.com 1920 William Malloy William Malloy wmalloy@malloyins.com 1945 Paul Lambert Paul Lambert plambert@360cba.com 1984

Guy Hatfield CPCU, CIC Guy Hatfield CPCU, CIC ghatfield@hatfieldinsuranceagency.com 1905 Lawrence J. Ganim Lawrence J. Ganim lganim@ganimgroup.com 1985 Bert Hagendoorn Bruce Emond bemond@heinsurance.com 2000 John H. Wygal CLU, LUTCF Debbie Wygal jwygal@jwygal.com 1995 Bob Mills Bob Mills bob.m.mills@snet.net 1953 Rory P. O'Brien Rory P. O'Brien robrien@therpogroup.com 1988 Robert Lesko and Kim DiMatteo Robert Lesko and Kim DiMatteo llesko@dimatteogrp.com 1963

Number of licensed brokers in county

300 (115 Westchester County, 80 Hudson Valley, N.Y.)

Types of insurance sold

Number of employees in county

Risk management, life, disability income, long-term care, business overhead expense 360 insurance, business planning and protection, business succession and buy-sell (125 Westchester agreements, executive fringe benefits, employee benefits programs, retirement County, 80 Hudson Valley, N.Y.) planning and investments, estate and trust analysis

Property and casualty, life and health, employee benefits and risk management products and services

Commercial property and liability, workers' compensation, automobile and boats, directors and officers liability insurance, employment practices, professional liability, employee benefit plans, fine arts and collectibles

Personal and commercial, property and casualty, life, long-term care and group discounted home and auto insurance

Personal and commercial lines, life, health and disability

(Three Westchester County, N.Y.)

Property and casualty, personal insurance, employee benefits (group life and health)

Property and casualty, life and health, disability, long-term care, commercial

Business (property, liability and workers' compensation), bonds, personal lines (home, automobile, umbrella), health, including group and individual policies

Group medical and dental, group and Individual life and disability

Home, automobile, business, professional, marine, life, health, group, long-term care, directors and officers, ocean cargo, expert witness services

Medical, life, disability income, long-term care, group benefits

Home, auto, life, health, small business, bonds, professional liability for attorneys, accountants and virtually all other professionals, directors and officers liability

Full-service insurance and financial services agency; commercial insurance services, employee group benefits, life, health, disability, long-term care, dental and vision; automobile, home and valuables, renter and travel insurance; annuities and financial management services, retirement plans, Medicare plans

Automobile, boats, motorcycles, bonds, all types of commercial risks

Employee group benefit plans, executive life and disability insurance

(Six Westchester County, N.Y.)

3 (Two Westchester County, N.Y.)

2 (One Westchester County, N.Y.)

2 (Four Westchester County, N.Y.

Commercial and personal, benefits, life and health

Notes: Firms on this list are independent agencies and/or brokers. * Company conducts business in Fairfield County. ^ Information obtained from 2012 listing.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014

SPECIAL REPORT

EDUCATION

In the swim class is alWays in session at aQuarium By Bill Fallon bfallon@westfairinc.com

very kid swinging from a gradeschool jungle gym knows the old saw about why fish are so smart. They live in schools in case you’d forgotten. In a fresh twist at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, seven schools are learning from the fish, so to speak, immersing themselves in the aquarium’s “Whole School Partnerships” and reeling in results in what the aquarium says is “a demonstrated improvement in standardized test scores closing science achievement gaps.” Some 130,000 students are among the site’s 450,000 annual visitors. Impressive as the student number is, it does not include the majority of students the aquarium reaches; its teaching staff of four tours schools in a fleet of five ecofriendly sedans and a mini-van, buckets and cages filled with fauna, more than doubling that number. The aquarium runs a total 30 education programs from pre-K to high school on an annual operating budget of $1.2 million. Of the seven Whole School Partnerships participants, Jefferson Science Magnet School, All Saints Catholic School and Brookside Elementary School in Norwalk and Six to Six Interdistrict Magnet School in Bridgeport are already on board, effectively coordinating broad swaths of curricula with Sound research. Three more schools — Discovery Magnet School in Bridgeport, Lordship School in Stratford and Winston Prep in Norwalk — join the program this year. The aquarium has applied for a $3 million federal grant to take the model national with a decision due this spring. Said Jamie Alonzo, the aquarium’s director of education, “We have demonstrated a closing of the achievement gap between ethnic groups, specifically on the science portion of standardized tests. Our ultimate goal is to be authentically relevant as a partner with the public

Visitors at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

school systems, to help them achieve their goals. We want to leverage this unique resource.” Last year, 10 Norwalk students from the high school level inaugurated another program, this one specifically after school: the Teen Maritime Program Emphasizing Science & Technology, known by its acronym TeMPEST. It is hoped the program — launched with a $26,000 grant from the Fairfield County Community Foundation — will eventually expand beyond 100 students, which might be less of a reach than the numbers indicate. Farmington-based Newman’s Own Foundation this year stepped up with an additional $150,000 to take the TeMPEST program to the 45-student level, where it is today. Newman’s funding lasts three years at which point, the vision is for five skill-based cohorts of 20-25 students meeting each day of the week. “The TeMPEST program is very mission focused,” said Alonzo. “We want to add a cohort for each day of the week bringing the total in the program to as many as 120.” Alonzo is a former education director at the Yale Peabody

10 Week of January 6, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

Museum where he helped develop just such a program. “The Peabody model,” he called it. “We want to move beyond ‘the sage on the stage’ and into the realm of inquiry,” he said. This year witnesses the christening of Spirit of the Sound, the aquarium’s $2.6 million, 65-foot research catamaran built at the Robert E. Derecktor Inc. shipyard in Mamaroneck, N.Y. It should sail in late May or June, replacing the 40-foot, 34-year-old Oceanic, which will be retired and sold later this year. The Oceanic could accommodate 29 students, while the student contest-named Spirit of the Sound doubles that capacity. Dave Sigworth, who has handled communications for the aquarium for 21 years, said the overarching subject of the 25-year-old site’s learning programs was and remains local. In the inquiry learning model as practiced in the “wet labs” and out trawling for live species, students learn about the Long Island Sound and its watershed pretty much exclusively. Said Sigworth, “One of the things we try to impress on the students is that when you drop that wrapper into a creek and you’re far inland, all that stuff finds

the Sound. It’s all downhill to the Sound.” Beyond those basics, students might also end up dissecting a squid in the wet lab the aquarium built in 2006 (in the old Hatch & Bailey Co. lumber operation, which is now at 1 Meadow St., Norwalk). Alonzo said, “The mission of the aquarium is to educate about the Sound and its environs.” The Sound, it turns out, offers plenty to fascinate. The aquarium’s Soundcentric displays feature about 300 local species, some of which — sizable sand tiger sharks, rays, otters and turtles — are as exotic as anything that swam with Jacques Cousteau. Even species one might think mundane — flounder and alewives — mesmerize from the water instead of from a dinner plate. The aquarium’s breadth and depth of programs attract both students and their teachers from throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. The evening of Jan. 15 (4-8 p.m.) witnesses an open house targeting only teachers, administrators and other educators. They will learn what the aquarium offers and how they can tap into its programs. The snow date is Jan. 29.

In focus: self sufficiency by age 24 BY JENNIFER BISSELL jbissell@westfairinc.com

oping to make a greater impact on the county’s economic vitality, the Fairfield County Community Foundation recently developed a new strategic focus – self-sufficiency for young adults. At a time when many college graduates are unemployed, living with their parents and saddled with debt, FCCF CEO Juanita James said it’s time to make an investment in the county’s young adults. Whether they’re a college graduate or a high school dropout, thousands aren’t able to support themselves by age 24, she said. “There’s an opportunity for us to revitalize our economy by paying attention to young adults and providing them the opportunities to be successful,” James said. In the last 20 years the foundation has supported hundreds of social services and programs for housing, nutrition and education. But now, on top of those services, James said the foundation plans to provide a more thoughtful network

of resources for young adults, split into three paths: vocational education, college preparedness and scholarships and entrepreneurship training. The state’s youth unemployment rate of 17.1 percent stands 1.1 percentage points higher than the national average, according think tank Connecticut Voices for Children. In Fairfield County, city unemployment rates for those ages 20 to 24 range from 13.6 percent to 31.9 percent. The unemployment rate climbs as high as 49.5 percent for teenagers in Bridgeport. “If we had a higher graduation rate, lower unemployment rate (for young adults) and a greater percentage of young people staying here and contributing to the economy, it would result in a tremendous economic benefit for businesses and the community at large,” James said. “The two most critical areas this foundation can make a difference in are education and jobs. The way we look at it, there’s a critical intersection between the two and an opportunity there for us to invest in and provide focus on ways that put youth on the path to self sufficiency.” The foundation’s board of directors approved the new strategic focus Dec.

11 and soon officers will reach out to national organizations running successful youth education and employment programs not yet offered in Fairfield County. James said there are many youth employment initiatives and partnerships going on between the public, private and nonprofit sectors but that the programs aren’t interconnected well. James said she hopes, in the fall, to host a symposium to bring the sectors together to present programs, determine best practices and facilitate collaboration. “The business community is an important part of this,” James said. “If we produce educated youth that still don’t have the skills an employer needs, then businesses may decide this isn’t a good place to stay at. They won’t grow jobs here and stay.” She added, “A lot of people really understand this. It’s a question of where we can partner to create a systemic solution.” The foundation has been nationally recognized for its ability to partner with different constituents, including those on the receiving end. When it comes to children, James said it’s no different. As

Juanita James, FCCF CEO, at a recent symposium in Bridgeport.

the foundation determines what are the best ways to improve graduation rates, college preparedness and employability, the foundation will be checking in with young adults for feedback, every step of the way. “We see the youth voice and advocate as an important part of this,” James said. “It’s not just adults deciding what is best, but engaging young people. What are their needs and aspirations? How can they be partners in their own success in life?”

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Building a lasting workforce the employees care for the company” by asking: • Do the company and its employees have a future? • Are employees offered meaningful work? • Are employees’ opinions heard and contributions recognized? • Is there opportunity for growth? • Can company bene�its protect THOUGHTS OF THE DAY: Help employees employees from life’s misfortunes? internalize what the company is trying • Can employees afford to live in and to achieve. Build a realistically positive, contribute to their communities, given forward-looking culture through meet- the wages they earn and the hours they ings, goal-setting and recognition. Learn work? how to find the balance between “good • Is the company one that is worth enough” and “always striving to do more.” working for, in terms of values, ethics Invest in your people just as much and market reputation? as you expect them to invest in you and Assess your company’s ability to meet your company. Build a shared attitude of its side of the sharing equation. SCSU_MBA_Fairfield_7.375x7.125_Layout 1 12/18/13 12:58 PM Page 1 “the company cares for its employees and Develop an attitude of personal

When i’m gone, people lose enthusiasm. i can encourage people by being around and getting them to think: all for one and one for all. i can get that across when i’m at work, but as soon as i leave momentum slows down. How do i make sure enthusiasm and effort stay high when i, as owner, am not present?

responsibility and enthusiasm among the workforce. Take a look at how meetings are conducted, how goals are developed and how information on individual and company performance is shared. • Is everyone in the company invited to participate in department and companywide meetings? • Are goals realistic, consistent, built from the bottom up as well as the top down? • Can employees track results and see if changes are having an effect? • Are employees asked to sign on when goals are developed? • Is productive debate encouraged when issues surface? • Does everyone in the company understand the need for the company to operate profitably and support its ability to do so?

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• Is every employee clear as to what they are working to accomplish? Make sure that employees understand their financial well-being is tied to the company’s health and well-being. Show employees that it matters to each of them personally whether resources are wasted or used carefully to further the mission of the company. Build a management team capable of engaging employees. Ensure that above and beyond effort and responsibility are shared, not left in the hands of a select few. Be on the alert for burnout, as dissatisfaction may cost you your best and most important employees. Honestly address shortfalls with individuals and departments, teaching them to build action plans to cure outstanding issues. Show employees how rewards from successfully implementing plans can accrue for them as well as for the company. Consider long-term engagement tools such as 401k and profit-sharing plans. Plan to enhance benefits based on improved company profitability. Address problems as they come up. Don’t let them fester for weeks, months or years. Ask the people responsible to get involved. And if they don’t, stay on it until things get resolved. Don’t be afraid to make changes, but do so deliberately. While you want to be on top of issues as they come up, never make a decision in a moment of frustration or anger. Learn to make notes and ponder the situation anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Have an action checklist that helps you stay on point with the decisions, actions and changes you need to make. Bind individuals to the company by building a model for success to which everyone can attach themselves. Recognize success, and know when “good enough” is exactly that. Use your time at the company to listen, assess, guide, inform and encourage people, without disrupting them. BOOK RECOMMENDATION: “Employee Engagement for Everyone: 4 Keys to Happiness and Fulfillment at Work” by Kevin Kruse. Andi Gray is president of Strate�y Leaders Inc., strate�yleaders.com, a business-consulting firm that specializes in helping small to midsize, privately held businesses achieve doubled revenues and tripled profits in repetitive growth cycles. Interested in learning how Strate�y Leaders can help your business? Call now for a free consultation and diagnostic process: 877-238-3535. Do you have a question for Andi? Email her at AskAndi@Strate�yLeaders. com or visit AskAndi.com for an entire library of her articles.

Los Tres Reyes en Stamford Foundation rallies for Latino feast day

Behind him, his son Johnny Velasco, tion, and the U.S. Marines’ Toys for Tots program, with veteran George DuCanic who serves as program director for the coordinating the gift-giving slated for Latino Foundation of Stamford, corrected him, producing two more bikes, Jan. 5. Velasco proudly displayed a bicycle equally beautiful. Johnny Velasco works in the restauthat he said was far better than anything he had ever known in his youth. “We rant and since 1996 has been principal of have a beautiful bike for someone,” he Velasco Ventures, a photography service. Fairfield County Bus Journal ad 2_Layout 1 10/15/13 11:05 PM Page 1 After a few trips to the back of the ressaid.

Johnny Velasco, left, and Galdino Velasco at Tacos Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant in Stamford.

By Bill Fallon bfallon@westfairinc.com

aldino Velasco, a native of Oaxaca, Mexico, has called Stamford home since 1956. Since 1980, his business, Tacos Guadalajara, has been at the center of the city’s now-booming Hispanic community. On a recent morning, it was also a temporary toy warehouse, as the Latino Foundation of Stamford Velasco founded prepared to dispense 500 gifts for the Feast of the Three Kings (aka the Feast of the Epiphany), which can be bigger than Christmas in the Hispanic community. Velasco was a polytechnic student in Mexico City when a student strike sent him north, but he has never forgotten the value of education. He has initiated contact with the University of Mexico, which runs three campuses in the U.S. (in Texas, California and Illinois), with the hope of luring it to the new Stamford Innovation Center in the grand municipal building downtown. “I have sent letters and I’m working with the mayor”— David Martin, who took office last month — “because I think it would be a wonderful thing for Stamford,” he said. Velasco recalled that when he arrived in Stamford there were perhaps 60 Spanish-speaking Hispanics; now the number approaches 35,000. Velasco was busy inside his Atlantic Street restaurant helping to organize 500 gifts to be handed out in conjunction with the Domus Foundation, the student advocacy and help organiza-

taurant, he had produced a sizable pile of new toys, sports gear and bikes. They would be gone by the lunchtime rush; DuCanic was on his was to transport them to Domus Center on Lockwood Avenue. Everything was under control and the restaurant motto was holding forth: Keep Calm And Have A Taco.

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Bruce Museum in the year ahead For more than a century the Bruce museum has been a magnetic destination for families. as we embark on our second century, the Bruce is a vibrant regional institution that has grown in critical acclaim. our schedule of internationally renowned, world-class art and science exhibitions and full range of educational programs serve families, students, seniors, indeed all segments of our community. in addition, the museum serves as an excellent rental venue for meetings and parties for the many events that harmonize with the character and mission of the museum. the success and sustainability of the business of the museum lies in our commitment to our core mission, the engagement of our supporters and our goal to excel at serving the broad interests of our constituents. this year the museum will work to strengthen its foundation and better align its programs and exhibitions with the needs of the community. For 2014-’15, the Bruce museum is embarking on the first year of a multiyear plan to become a more learner-centered community space that values exhibitions and programs that embrace the needs of a 21st-century audience. We are making the museum more engaging for all visitors by updating the museum’s galleries and balancing the science and art offerings. this year, exhibitions will feature a look at habitats from the ocean deep to the frozen ends of the earth, and artworks that offer a cultural range from contemporary china to impressionist connecticut and the european renaissance. numerous schools and other groups come to the Bruce to participate in our educational programs – our popular neighborhood collaborative for underserved school children, gallery talks with trained docents, school vacation workshops, art and science lectures, films, Family day celebrations and much more. all told, we offer more than 70 different educational programs each year. We plan to enhance the museum’s school-based instructional programming by providing extensive training, developing a community-needs driven curriculum, and implementing museum instruction with new hands-on steam (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) and other research-driven instructional strategies. We invite you to join us in making the culture of our community a priority in the coming year; immerse yourself in art and science at the Bruce museum.

FCBUZZ PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD LAUNCHES 2014 SEASON Play With your Food launches its 2014 lunchtime theater program Jan. 7-9 at toquet Hall in Westport and Jan. 14 at Fairfield theatre company. the programs include lunch and dessert catered by the Pantry of Fairfield, followed by readings of short plays by professional actors. in January, audiences will be treated to a cast of five actors reading: “Package deal” by comedy writer Frederick stroppel, “Finding mona lisa” by playwright michael mckeever and an excerpt of Pulitzer Prize and tony award recipient neil simon’s “last of the red Hot lovers.” a post-show discussion concludes the program. stroppel’s “Package deal” enters the world of Hollywood, turning what looks like a normal situation into something hilarious when actress and agent

go “at it” tooth and nail. the play features actress Patricia kalember, best-known for tv work on “sisters,” “thirty something,” and “law & order.” in “Finding mona lisa,” the playwright explores the intimate relationship between men of power and the subjects they love and want to possess. “last of the red Hot lovers,” simon’s 1969 Broadway hit, follows the story of Barney cashman, a seafood restaurateur, who is desperate to join the “sexual revolution” before it’s too late. veteran actors Barbara rhoades and tom Zingarelli clash in this battle of wits. tickets for Play With your Food performances are $43 per show and include lunch. to purchase tickets and see a complete schedule, visit jibproductions.org or call the box oﬃce at (203) 293-8831.

FOOD AND LAUGHTER IN WESTPORT

Peter C. Sutton the susan e. lynch executive director Bruce museum

The mission of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is to support cultural organizations, artists and creative businesses by providing promotion, services and advocacy. For more information, visit CulturalAllianceFC.org or email infoCulturalAllianceFC.org or call 256-2329. For events lists, visit FCBuzz.org.

Arts & Culture of Fairfield County

a good laugh combined with warm victuals is just the ticket for a cold January weekend. so join your friends for Westport cinema initiative’s screening saturday, Jan. 11, 4 p.m., at christ and Holy trinity church, 79 church st., of the warm-hearted comedy “Julie & Julia,” starring meryl streep

and amy adams. even if you have seen it once, you will enjoy it even more the second time around. Why? Because the screening will be followed by a talkback featuring Peggy shaughnessy and chef michel nischan of the dressing room. refreshments (but of course, bien sur, considering the topic) will be provided by supporters; david’s tea, William sonoma and the liquor locker. the institute of culinary education is a sponsor of this event. our partner on this occasion is the Westport library: Westportreads 2014, which recommends the delightful “my life in France” by Julia child with alex Prud’homme as the appetizer. “my life in France” is the story of Julia child’s life and how she came to be an expert on French cuisine, revolutionizing the writing of cookbooks and leading to child becoming the world’s ﬁrst celebrity chef. tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance online or at the door the day of the screening. Please visit the website for the Westport cinema initaitve at westportcinema.org or the Westport library at westportlibrary.org for more information about the showing and other Westportreads 2014 events.

Visit FCBuzz.org for more information on events and how to get listed. 14 Week of January 6, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

Presented by: Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL aTTaCHMEnTSFilED

AAA Bongiorno Carting & Demolition, Stamford, contractor for 87-91 West Broad Street L.L.C. Perform demolition of a multifamily residence at 91 W. BroadtSt., Stamford. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed Dec. 20.

Pitt, William, Shelton. Filed by Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kurainsky L.L.P., $247,0 00, in favor of Frederick Doon, Shelton. Property: 539 Mohave Circle, AP Construction, Stamford, Shelton. Filed Dec. 19. contractor for Stamford Hospital. Perform interior renovation at 30 Shelburne Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $450.000. Filed BanKRUPTCiES Dec. 23. Green Leaf Organic Bakery and Café Wilton, 126 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. Chapter 7, fi led Dec. 17. Case no. 13-51921. Assets: $0 to $50,000. Liabilities: $0 to $50,000. Creditors: LLOD Investments I, L.L.C., 0$. Type of business: L.L.C. Debtor’s attorney: David R. Biondi, Wilton.

BUilDinG PERMiTS

COMMERCIAL 1 Park Norwalk L.L.C., Norwalk. Perform second floor addition over first floor, add an elevator at 761 MaintSt., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $1.1 million. Filed Dec. 18.

Bertucci’s Corp., Northborough, Mass. Replace rooftop uni 10 at 768 BridgeporteAve., Shelton. Estimated cost: $9,800. Filed Dec. 17.

First Stamford L.L.C., Stamford, ettal, Interior reduced to core at 151 GreenwicheAve., Stamford. Estimated cost: $31,000.

Glenn W. Demott, Trumbull, contractor for 930 Hope Associates L.L.C. Install a wall sign on building at 928 HopetSt., Stamford. Estimated cost: $37,000.

Merritt 7 Venture L.L.C., Norwalk, Prepare commercial space for new tenant at 401 Merritt 7, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $529,96 . Filed Dec. 16.

142 Duane Street Gallery Corp., Stamford, Renovata restaurant at 82 Fort Point S ., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $35,000. Richards Corp., Terryville, Filed Dec. 16. contractor for Sikorsky Aircraft. Construct utility room at 6900 MaintSt., Stratford. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed Dec. 20. 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 Westchester Park Drive, Suite G7 White Plains, N.Y. 10604-3407 Phone: (914)694-3600 Fax: (914)694-3680

Signature Construction Group of CT Inc., Stamford, contractor for One Stamford Plaza Owner L.L.C. Perform interior alterations to lobby at 263 TresserdBlvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Site Acquisitions Inc., contractor for Aquarion Water Co. of Connecticut. Replace walls on water tank at 77 Blachley Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $167,000.

West Avenue Realty Associates L.L.C. Perform commercial interior alteration at 650 WesteAve., Stamford. Estimated cost: $37,000. Filed Dec. 20.

RESIDENTIAL

Cayer, Joshu . Install roof mounted solar PV system at 23 Cayer Circle, Shelton. Estimated cost: $32,085. Filed Dec. 20.

Celotto Properties Inc., Westport, contractor for Stephanie Hope Goldman. Remodel an existing single-family residence at 1477 Fencerow Drive, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $125,000. Filed Dec. 18.

4 You Home Improvement L.L.C., Orange, contractor for Frank J. Kovac, et al. Reroof and re-shingle an existing singlefamily residence at 111 Stillwater Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: CH Trap Falls Associates, New Canaan, contractor for 65 Lo$25,500. Filed Dec. 18. custeAve., New Canaa . Perform interior alterations on a commercial space at 100 Trap Falls 630 Hope Street L.L.C., Stam- Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: ford, contractor for Paragon As- $544,000. Filed Dec. 20. sociates Realty L.L.C, Remodel an existing single-family dwelling at 13 Paragon Lane, StamConnecticut Deck Pros L.L.C., ford. Estimated cost: $50,000. Bridgeport, contractor for Gayle and Samuel Sullivan. Remodel an existing single-family resiAll Season’s Construction dence at 97 Pilgrim Lane, FairL.L.C., Naugatuck, contractor field. Estimated cost: $13,700. for Town Grove L.L.C. Perform Filed Dec. 16. renovation of bathrooms and kitchens in individual units at 180-200, Broad S ., Stamford. EsCPC . Repair damaged canopy timated cost: $105,300. at 440 Lordship Blvd., Stratford. Estimated cost: $15,325. Filed Dec. 19. Bellino, Scot , Shelton. Finish basement and add bathroom at 151 Kyles Way, Shelton. EstimatCrowther Construction, Meed cost: $8,000. Filed Dec. 17. chanicville, contractor for Thomas Collins. Repair damage to house hit by car at 1055 James Beson, Albert J., Stamford. Con- Farm Road, Stratford. Estimated nect house to detached garage, cost: $3,800. Filed Dec. 16. add high fence and two decks at 25 Cedar Heights Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $20,000. Delales, Michael C. Install oilfired water heater at 494 Wolf Run, Shelton. Estimated cost: Bittar, Jennifer and William $2,400. Filed Dec. 19. J. Replace an oil-fired warm air furnace at 24 Catlin Place, Shelton. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed E & E Quality Homes, contracDec. 19. tor for 23 Macintosh Drive, Oxfor . Build two-story house with two car drive under at 485 Long Casey, Tom, contractor for HilleAve., Shelton. Estimated Donna Soto. Strip and reroof an cost: $104,000. Filed Dec. 20. existing single-family residence at 158 KnowltontSt., Stratford. Estimated cost: $7,500. Filed G&S Renovations L.L.C., StamDec. 18. ford, contractor fo, Leonard Beinstein, et al. Remodel interior master bathroom at 69 Valley View Drive, Stamford. Estimated cost: $37,000. Filed Dec. 20.

Garbarino, James. Remodel an existing single-family dwelling at 12 PutnameAve., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $48,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Gardner, Jennifer and Chri . Partially finish basement at 179 W. Rocks Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Goncalves, Christina and Dominic . Perform plumbing work for apartment at 838 Booth Hill Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $3,600. Filed Dec. 17.

Monteiro, Carl . Install woodburning stove at 1 Dawn Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Pagnani, Claire . Install propane tank and run line to generator at 89 Sorghum Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $2,600. Filed Dec. 18.

Peterson, Laim . Install new water heater at 20 MilneeAve., Shelton. Estimated cost: $1,908, Filed Dec. 18.

Petit, Elissain , Stamford. ReGoncalves, Christina and model an existing multifamily Dominic,. Add an oil-fired residence, 14 Cerretta S ., Stamwarm air heating and air condi- ford. Estimated cost: $10,500. tioner to garage at 838 Booth Hill Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed Dec. 19. Power Home Remodeling Group, contractor for Wayne Porter. Strip and reroof an existHolly, Pamela . Remodel kitch- ing single-family residence at 60 en at 321 Fogg Wood Road, Fair- Marie Drive, Stratford. Estimatfield. Estimated cost: $35,000. ed cost: $25,633. Filed Dec. 19. Filed Dec. 17. Price, Elizabet . Remodel kitchen Kerschner Development Com- and interior walls at 26 Princess pany L.L.C., Norwalk, contrac- Pine Road, Norwalk. Estimated tor for Andrzej Piekarski. Con- cost: $65,000. Filed Dec. 18. struct a house at 160 N. Seir Hill Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $250,000. Filed Dec. 20. Purciello, Lynett. Remodel an existing single-family dwelling at 4 Maple Ave., Shelton. Estimated Mazzamurro, Michael, con- cost: $190,000. Filed Dec. 19. tractor for, Maria Vereb. Install solar panels at 15 Ruby Lane, Stratford. Estimated cost: $1,800. Roof Diagnostics Solar and Filed Dec. 16. Electric, contractor for Maekawa/Hayashida. Install solar panels at 77 1/2 Ohio Avenue ExtenMCP 6 Armstrong L.L.C., Bos- sion, Norwalk. Estimated cost: ton, Mass, Alter sprinkler-pro- $21,540. Filed Dec. 17. tection system at 6 Armstrong Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $46,000. Filed Dec. 17. Sears Home Improvement, contractor for Woodward, Ernest. Remodel an existing sinM D B Associate , Waterbury. gle-family residence at 15 MadiConstruct a work training pool sontSt., Norwalk. Estimated at 372 WesteAve., Stamford. Esti- cost: $15,541. Filed Dec. 19. mated cost: $25,000.

Miskowicz, Pa,. Replace front door at 27 WestminstereAve., Shelton. Estimated cost: $2,000. Filed Dec. 19.

Sears Home Improvement Products Inc., contractor for Roberts Ball, et al. Strip and reroof an existing residential building at 163 Knox Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $7,808.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014 15

NEWSMAKERS plus awards and events FOUNDATION MATCHES HEART WITH FUNDS

LEGISLATIVE COMMITMENT

The Southport-based JOHN PATRICK FLANAGAN FOUNDATION, a charity established to help vulnerable children and families of Connecticut, awarded $28,500 in grants for 2013 to local organizations. The grants went to six Connecticut-based nonproﬁts including THE UNITED IN HOPE SCHOLARSHIP, CONNECTICUT AUDUBON SOCIETY, COMMENCE COLLEGE COUNSELING, WAKEMAN SMILOW BURROUGHS, CAROLINE HOUSE PRESCHOOL and the HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION OF FAIRFIELD. Since 2008, the John Patrick Flanagan Foundation has raised more than $370,000 and granted $60,000 to programs that provide resources and opportunities to disadvantaged children and families. “We are incredibly humbled by the amount of generosity and support for the John Patrick Flanagan Foundation over the past ﬁve years, and thrilled to continue giving back to deserving members and organizations of the local Connecticut community,” said AMANDA FLANAGAN, chairperson of the foundation.

HISTORY-MINDED BOARD ADDS WILLIAMS

Mark Namm

State Rep. TONY HWANG received a COMMUNITY CHAMPION AWARD recently presented by the Connecticut Community Providers Association (CCPA) at its recent 44th annual conference in Hartford. He is pictured with MARTIN D. SCHWARTZ, president and CEO of the Trumbull-based KENNEDY CENTER, who nominated him. During the 2013 legislative session, Hwang worked with CCPA to sponsor and pass Senate Bill 761, which, as Public Act 13-227, makes permanent a pilot program from 1977 that promotes expanded employment opportunities for people with disabilities and economic disadvantages.

TEA TIME, HEALTH TIME

The LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM in Norwalk announced Norwalk resident HAROLDO WILLIAMS has joined its board of trustees. Williams is currently senior vice president, operations and information solutions, for DocInsight in Wayne, N.J., a healthcare IT ﬁ rm. He has served on the NORWALK HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION; is a member of the NORWALK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; and is a mentor in the Norwalk schools. The mansion-museum is a designated National Historic Landmark.

16 Week of January 6, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

From left, CINDI BIGELOW, president and CEO of BIGELOW TEA, naturopathic physician DR. VERONICA WAKS and patient care coordinator PAT PONIROS at the NORMA F. PFRIEM BREAST CARE CENTER in Fairﬁeld. Bigelow Tea supports the center’s wellness programs through the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, an annual run that raises more than $100,000 each year and helps fund 18 local nonproﬁt organizations.

CHEERS TO ENTREPRENEURS About 150 business leaders from the AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION (AMA) the PUBLIC RELATIONS SOCIETY OF AMERICA (PRSA) of Westchester and Fairfield Counties and several other organizations fi lled the halls of the STAMFORD INNOVATION CENTER for their annual party. The space is the former Town Hall and the Stamford Innovation Center is both a workspace for young and growing entrepreneurial startups and offers classes for small to large companies. 1. BOB SCHULTZ and ALEXANDER VIRVO 2. ALEXANDER VIRVO, PATRICIA RATTREY and LIZABETH MAFFUCCI 3. LAUREN TETON and VibeMatch machine 4. PETER GILES, BARRY SCHWIMMER and PETER MOSES

DaTES JANUARY

THE RIDGEFIELD PLAYHOUSE has everything staged for a fun night out with the girls – all-natural pink drinks, a professional photographer with wind fan, make-up applications, a guest speaker and more. “Drink Pink, Think Pink” is a fundraiser for Breast Cancer awareness with 100 percent of the proceeds going to Ann’s Place and Danbury Hospital’s breast care program. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., author Jude Callirgos will read excerpts from her new book “Breast Left Unsaid,” her story of breast cancer. For tickets at $25, call the box office at The Ridgefield Playhouse, (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org.

JANUARY

SCORE FAIRFIELD COUNTY presents a free workshop titled, “Computers, Tablets & Smartphones - What Works For You?”, Thursday, Jan. 16, 6-8 p.m. with check-in starting at 5:30 pm at Norwalk City Hall, 125 East Ave., Norwalk. As the lines between technology and lifestyle blur, the choices become limitless and overwhelming. What works for you? Speaker: Bud Freund, a SCORE volunteer specializing in IT, teaches technology and provides training to individuals, groups and corporations including GE, UBS and the YMCA. Register directly at scorenorwalk.org or call (203) 831-0065.

UCC SETS THE BAR FOR INDUSTRY AWARDS Brookfield-based URGENT CARE OF CONNECTICUT (UCC) received an Optimas Award from Workforce magazine, a business magazine serving the needs of human resources professionals since 1922. The company received secondplace in the Partnership category for its efforts in earning accreditation and the Gold Seal of Approval by THE JOINT COMMISSION, a national symbol of quality and safety in healthcare performance standards. The award process lasted nine months and incorporated evaluations of some 1,000 industry standards.

Information for these features has been submitted by the subjects or their delegates.

Get all the executive promotions and moves, awards and snapshots we publish in the Business Journals delivered to your inbox on Monday mornings. Subscribe at WESTFAIRONLINE.COM/HOME/NEWS-ALERTS FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014 17

on the record Shampnois, Bria . Replace oil tank in basement at 18 Old Town Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $2,700. Filed Dec. 20.

COURT CASES

SUPERIOR COURT Stamford Building Company L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for Frank Gaffney, et al. Enclose existing porch at 5 Cresthill Place, Stamford. Estimated cost: $32,000.

American Adjustment Bureau, Waterbury. Filed by Ray Tedeschi, Broad Brook. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit of violation of the fair debt collections act as the defendant has attempted to collect a debt from the plaintiff by using abusive debt collection practices. Filed Dec. 17. Case no. CV01867-VLB.

Etsy, Daniel C. Filed by Allco Finance Ltd., New York City, N.Y. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit against the defendant for violation of the supremacy clause of the United States, violation of the Federal Power Act of 1920 and violation of the Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act of 1978. Filed Dec. 18. Case no. CV01874-JBA.

Kelso, Theresa S., Stratford. Seller: John P. Hovnanian, Stratford. Property: 475 Commanche Lane, Stratford. Amount: $155,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Property Renovations, L.L.C., Trumbull. Seller: Joanne Sherwood, Fairfield. Property: 310 Unity Road, Trumbull. Amount: $275,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Lehman, Christina A. and Elliot M. Lehman, Norwalk. Seller: Karen B. Sweeters and Jakob P. Sweeters, Norwalk. Property: 10 Marlin Drive, Norwalk. Amount: $355,000. Filed Dec. 19.

Ramos, Carcilda Camilo and Jeramy Ramos, Monroe. Seller: Amicus Properties L.L.C., Redding. Property: 2417 Broadbridge Ave., Stratford. Amount: $218,000. Filed Dec. 18.

DH Realty Holdings, L.L.C., Stamford. Seller: Corinne Forlini and Aldo H. Forlini, Stamford. Property: 19 Woolsey Road, Stamford. Amount: $1 million. Filed Nov. 29.

Mascaretti, Alyssa and John Mongelli Jr., Stamford. Seller: Tae Bun Kim and Kyung Man Kim, Whitestone, N.Y. Property: Unit 1 of Maple Tree Court, Stamford. Amount: $430,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Romatzick, Alicia and Jeffrey Romatzick, Stratford. Seller: Anthony F. Petrashka Jr. and Lisa A. Petrashka, Stratford. Property: 90 Ross Drive, Stratford. Amount: $345,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Docimo, Adam, Stamford. Seller: Sharon Ann Arndt and Patricia Granata, Norwalk. Property: 100 Wolfpit Road, No. 20, Norwalk. Amount: $240,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Mills, Kelly and Laina Baldyga, Shelton. Seller: Peter C. Staecker and Jennifer L. Staecker, Shelton. Property: 75 Willoughby Road, Shelton. Amount: $340,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Scali, Anne Marie and Thomas Socash-Kutza, Astoria, N.Y. Seller: Walter E. Bernd, III and Jane B. Bernd, Fairfield. Property: Lot 46, Parkwood Road, Fairfield. Amount: $598,800. Filed Dec. 17.

Federal National Mortgage Association, Philadelphia, Pa. Seller: Newtown Savings Bank, Newtown. Property: 1106 North Ave., Stratford. Filed Dec. 18.

Murray, Sean M., Bridgeport. Seller: Hazel Canning, Norwalk. Property: 100 Wolfpit Ave. number 9, Norwalk. Amount: $270,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Schreiner, Uwe and Svea K. Vocke, Westport. Seller: Kathryn L. O’Halloran, Fairfield. Property: 103 Taunton Road, Fairfield. Amount: $531,150. Filed Dec. 16.

Feldman, Barbara and David Feldman, Shelton. Seller: 100 555 Lake Avenue L.L.C., Green- Parrott Drive L.L.C., Shelton. wich. Seller: Cynthia Biondi, Property: Unit No. 1106, The Greenwich. Property: 555 Lake Renaissance, 100 Parrot Drive, Ave., Greenwich. Amount: $25 Shelton. Amount: $699,000. million. Filed Dec. 16. Filed Dec. 18.

National Residential Nominee Services Inc., Eden Prairie, Minn. Seller: Daniel Dobas Jr, Stratford. Property: 270 Meadowbrook Road, Stratford. Amount: $256,000. Filed Dec. 19.

Seaver, Kathy and Mark Seaver, Rosewell, Ga. Seller, Christine McMaster-Sander, Fairfield. Property: 25 Concord St., Fairfield. Amount: $629,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Spenard, Kathleen M. and John R., Shelton. Seller: West End Lumber Co., Bridgeport. Property: 2 Cisco Drive, Unit 2, Shelton. Amount: $485,000. Filed Dec. 19.

Hunt Leibert Jacobson P.C., Hartford. Filed by James A. Gilbert, Enfield. Action: The Stern, Peter, contractor fo, Lisa plaintiff has brought this suit of D. Pollner. Add second floor violation of the Fair Debt Colover garage at 365 Cross Highlections Practices Act of 1978 way, Fairfield. Estimated cost: against the defendant for using $40,000. Filed Dec. 16. abusive debt collection practices. The plaintiff seeks attorney’s fees City of New Haven, New Ha- for the cost of suit. Filed Dec. 16. ven. Filed by Jason Koenig, New Case no. CV01860-AWT. Thomas, Alicia A. and ConHaven. Action: The plaintiff has nery, Thomas W. IV. Replace oil brought this employment disfired hot water baseboard heat crimination and harassment suit at 39 Suren Lane, Shelton. Estiagainst the defendant due to a mated cost: $6,750. Filed Dec. 18. disability which resulted from a DEEDS work related injury. Filed Dec. 17. Case no. CV01870-JCH. Thompson, Quentin, contractor for Bello Cingong. Install solar panels at 80 Sharon Road, Stratford. Estimated cost: $8,269. Filed Dec. 19.

Timberline Carpentry, Stratford, contractor for Vincenzo Guarino, et al. Remodel an existing single-family residence at 96 BurwoodeAve., Stamford. Estimated cost: $150,000.

Willard, Schult . Install bath at 30 MilneeAve., Shelton. Estimated cost: $2,500. Filed Dec. 19.

Whipple, Id . Remodel second floor and enclose rear porch at 5 Pullin Court, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Yaylagul, Mihai . Install solar system roof mount at 514 Booth Hill Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $1,820. Filed Dec. 20.

RESIDENTIAL Convergent Outsourcing Inc, Newton, Mass. Filed by Angela M. McNeal, Broward County, Fla. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit of violation of the fair debt collections act; and violation of the telephone consumers protection act as the defendant has attempted to collect a debt from the plaintiff by using harassment and abusive tactics. Filed Dec. 16. Case no. CV01861-AWT.

Convergent Outsourcing Inc, Renton, Wa. Filed by Cindy Vazquez, Ill. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit of violation of the fair debt collections act; and violation of the telephone consumers protection act as the defendant has attempted to collect a debt from the plaintiff by using automated calls made to a cell phone. Filed Dec. 16. Case no. CV01866-AWT.

Elite Limousine Services, Inc., Norwalk. Filed by Jeffrey Monk on behalf of others, Stratford. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this suit against the defendant for Zak, Josep . Install direct vent violation of Fair Labor Standards gas heater at 542 HoweeAve., Act of 1938 and for violation Shelton. Estimated cost: $3,000. of the Connecticut Fair MiniFiled Dec. 18. mum Wage Act. Filed Dec. 19. Case no. CV01880-SRU.

305 Boston Avenue L.L.C., Westhampton, N.Y. Seller: Paul Gordon Carpenter, Bridgeport. Property: 305 Boston Ave., Stratford. Amount: $836,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Chen, Bo, New Haven. Seller: Scott L. Maxwell, Norwalk. Property: Unit D2, Norwalk Harborview Condominiums, Norwalk. Amount: $450,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Collison, Dorothy M. and Charles D. Collison, Stratford. Seller: Timothy Morrissey, Stratford. Property: 225B Shoshoni Lane, Stratford. Amount: $270,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Alger, Alyson, Stratford. Seller: Cassandra Grisby, Stratford. Property: Lot 20, Kenwood Ave., Stratford. Amount: $257,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Gill, David, Westport. Seller: Matthew Bavoso and Laura A. Bavoso, Norwalk. Property: Parcel 6A, Norwalk. Amount: $475,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Neville, Mahrukh and Vincent J. Neville, Norwalk. Seller: Beth Reina, Stamford. Property: Unit 164, 247 Hamilton Ave., Stamford. Amount: $324,900. Filed Dec. 16.

Bevino, Kathleen A. and Joseph D. Bevino, Jr., Shelton. Seller: Scott Schifilliti, Newtown. Property: 54 Vista Drive, Shelton. Amount: $444,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Grisby, Cassandra, Stratford. Seller: The Kalcar Corp., Stratford. Property: Lot 33 Weatogue Hills, Stratford. Amount: $345,000. Filed Dec. 17.

Nguyen, Phuong and Henry Tran, Stratford. Seller: Theresa Suslov, Stratford. Property: 20 Hitching Post Lane, Stratford. Amount: $170,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Casey, Elizabeth K., Stratford. Seller: Marie G. Swift, Stratford. Property: 131 Spruce St., Stratford. Amount: $345,000. Filed Dec. 18.

Inspirica, Inc., Stamford. Seller: Alburn N. Swaby and Hilda M. Swaby, Stamford. Property: 141 Franklin St., Stamford. Amount: $375,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Palmaccio, Jana and Kevin Palmaccio, Norwalk. Seller: Sean Curran and Jill Curran, Westport. Property: 139 Newtown Ave., Norwalk. Amount: $469,000. Filed Dec. 19.

18 Week of January 6, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

Steeneck, Sherri A, Fairfield. Seller: Beatrice D. Steeneck, Fairfield. Property: 260 Shetland Road, Fairfield. Amount: $465,000. Filed Dec. 16.

Trenery, Tisha M. and Aaron Kingi, Fairfield. Seller: John C. Caine and Casey J. Caine, Fairfield. Property: 84 Sherman Court, Fairfield. Amount: $617,000. Filed Dec. 16.

on the record Turner, Jessica and Justin Turner, Shelton. Seller: Romatzick, Alicia M., Stratford. Property: 20 Vielle St., Stratford. Amount: $292,000. Filed Dec. 16.

FORECLOSURES

Badger, Patricia, et al. Creditor: Financial Freedom Acquisition L.L.C. Property: 81 Seminole Untalan, Elizabeth and Teo- Lane Unit 81A, Stratford. Mortdoro Untalan, Stamford. Seller: gage default. Filed Dec. 16. Horn, Dori A. and Miguel Gonzales, Fairfield. Property: 79 Gary Road,, Stamford. Amount: $530,000. Filed Dec. 16. Dehler, William D., et al. Creditor: Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association. Property: 43 Blackmount Lane, Fairfield. Van Loggerenberg, Andre Du Mortgage default. Filed Dec. 19. Toit, Norwalk. Seller: Christopher J. Passamano and Karen J. Passamano, Norwalk. Property: Unit 5, Fairview Terrace Apart- Desir, Ernestine, et al. Creditor: ments Condominium, Norwalk. HSBC Bank USA. Property: 37 Amount: $332,000. Filed Dec. 17. Bartlett Ave., Norwalk. Mortgage default. Filed Dec. 16. Ward, Jillian and Christopher Ward, Stratford. Seller: Robert Lydiksen, Susanne E. Vasil and Gregory C. Vasil, Stratford. Property: 155 Meadowbrook Road, Stratford. Amount: $185,000. Filed Dec. 19.

Gargano, David C., et al., Creditor: JPMorgan Chase Bank. Property: 145 Canal St., Unit 514, Shelton. Delinquent common charges. Filed Dec. 19.

Gonzalez, Rosa. Creditor: The Whitaker-Taylor, Kandice S. Bank of New York Mellon. Propand Van L. Whitaker, Jr., New erty: 19 Leroy Place, Stamford. Haven. Seller: Keith Dionis, Mortgage default. Filed Dec. 16. Riverside. Property: 22 Rivendell Drive, Shelton. Amount: $282,000. Filed Dec. 16. Milbank, Mark A. Creditor: Newtown Savings Bank. Property: 1106 North Ave., Stratford. Williams, Melanie D. and Kyle Mortgage default. Filed Dec. 18. J. Williams, Port Chester, N.Y. Seller: Landcraft Development Group L.L.C., Norwalk. Property: 17 Lower Rocks Road, Nor- Valle, Raymond, et al. Creditor: walk. Amount: $525,000. Filed Wells Fargo Bank. Property: 172 Dec. 19. Hollister St., Stratford. Mortgage default, Filed Dec. 16. Winter Bros. Realty Holdings II, L.L.C., Shelton. Seller: United Recycling of Shelton L.L.C., Shelton. Property: 90 Oliver Terrace, Shelton. Amount: $3.4 million. Filed Dec. 18.

Colonna, David, Stratford. $5,242.30, in favor of Ford Motor Credit Company L.L.C., Cleveland, Ohio, by Nair & Levin P.C., Bloomfield. Property: 735 Chickadee Lane, Stratford. Filed Dec. 16.

Durgesh, Dave, Fairfield. $21,997.26, in favor of Asset Acceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., by Joseph M. Tobin, New Haven. Property: 177 Judd St., Fairfield. Filed Dec. 19.

Edwards, Meryl, Stratford, $5,214.20, in favor of Cavalry SPV I L.L.C., Valhalla, N.Y., by Tobin and Melien, New Haven. Property: 5 Graham St., Stratford. Filed Dec. 16.

Elliot, Aaron, Shelton. $1,004.70, in favor of Midland Funding L.L.C. San Diego, Calif., by Law Offices Howard Lee Schiff P.C., East Hartford. Property: 96 Grove St., Shelton. Filed Dec. 19.

Janusz, Mazerski, Stratford. $3,773.25, in favor of Midland Funding L.L.C., San Diego, Calif., by Law Offices Howard Lee Schiff P.C., East Hartford. Property: 592 Canaan Road, Stratford. Filed Dec. 19.

Lihv, Cecilia, Norwalk. $12,121.92 in favor of American Express Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Zwicker and Associates P.C. Property: 14 Scott St., Norwalk. Filed Dec. 16.

Ruther, Betty, Norwalk. $776.75, in favor of Cavalry SPV I L.L.C., by Joseph M. Tobin, New Haven. Property: 6 Bethel St., Norwalk. Filed Dec. 17.

Del-Zio, Deborah E., 61 Maler Ave., Shelton. $24,581.75, tax debt on income earned. Filed Dec. 16.

LIS PENDENS

Ahmed, Rashida, Palm Beach, Fla. Filed by Leopold and Associates P.L.L.C., for Deutsche Lanzaro, Lucia L., 41 Wolf- Bank. Property: 2 Ridge Road, Sakowicz, Charlie, Stratford. pit Ave., Apt 1ZZ, Norwalk. Greenwich. Action: to foreclose $1,703.00, in favor of Asset Ac- $23,415.14, tax debt on income on a delinquent mortgage in the original principle amount of ceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., earned. Filed Dec. 16. $517,500, dated February 2006. by Tobin and Melien, New HavFiled Dec.16. en. Property: 55 Woodend Road, Stratford, Filed Dec. 16. Luke’s Auto Body Inc., 104 W. Cedar St., Norwalk. $11,668.23, Decarlo, Tracy and Michael Depayroll taxes. Filed Dec. 16. carlo, Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Salemme, Michael J., Shelton. Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hart$3,831.83, in favor of National ford, for Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Lumber Inc., North Haven, by Law Offices of Joshua H. Brown, Michaels Container Service, 87 Property: 811-813 Stratford Ave., New Haven. Property: 16 Sound- Perry St., Fairfield. $9,681.18, tax Stratford. Action: to foreclose view Ave., Shelton. Filed Dec. 19. debt on income earned and cor- on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of porate income. Filed Dec. 17. $250,000, dated February 2008. Filed Dec. 18. Taylor-Harlow, Carlene, Shelton. $3,428.71, in favor of Mid- Nelson, Susan O. and John R., land Funding L.L.C., San Diego, 597 Westport Ave., Unit C356, Calif., by Law Offices Howard Norwalk. $3,851.00, tax debt on Defeo, Natalie, Stamford. Filed by Alan P. Rosenberg, West Lee Schiff P.C., East Hartford. income earned. Filed Dec. 16. Hartford. Property: Chesterfield Property: 65 Valley Road, ShelII Condominium Association, ton. Filed Dec. 19. Building No. 2, Unit B, Bedford Vezina, Anthony, 525 Nichols St., Stamford. Action: to foreclose Ave., Second floor, Stratford. on a delinquent mortgage, dated $16,963.08, tax debt on income January 1990. Filed Dec. 16. LEASES earned. Filed Dec. 18. D’Ofnofrio, Linda J., Leonard R. D’Ofnofrio and Leonard R. D’Ofnofrio Jr., Stratford. Landlord: Stonybrook Gardens Cooperative Inc. Property: 7 Bullard Court, Stratford. Term: Three years, commencing Dec. 13. Filed Dec. 18.

LIENS

FEDERAL TAX LIENS-

Ward, Jessica N. and Peter K., Eight Overlook Drive, Newtown. $55,782.91, tax debt on income earned. Filed Dec. 16.

FEDERAL TAX LIENSRELEASED McFadden, Joseph P., 185 Topaz Place, Stratford. $28,259, tax debt on income earned. Filed Dec. 16.

Marter, Melissa A, Stratford. FILED Wickson, John S., et al. Credi- $3,950.00, in favor of Asset AcMescia, Celeste and Joseph, ceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., tor: CitiMortgage Inc. Property: 18 Hawthorne Drive, Norwalk. by Tobin and Melien, New HaBonaffini, Elizabeth J. and An- $14,571.54, tax debt on income 3699 Broadbridge Ave., Unit 201, ven. Property: 105 Canary Place, thony Bonaffini, 147 Marlbor- earned. Filed Dec. 16. Stratford. Delinquent common Stratford. Filed Dec. 16. ough Terrace, Fairfield. $12,985, charges. Filed Dec. 16. tax debt on income earned. Filed Dec. 17. Zhu, Yuming, Stratford. Seller: Tellone, Andrew L., 30 Rosedale Federal National Mortgage AsNguyen, Phu, Waterbury. JUDGMENTS sociation, Washington, D.C. $1,333.26 In favor of Midland Carey, Christine M., 30 Basking Circle, Shelton. $20,795, tax debt Property: 259 Mcgrath Court, Funding L.L.C., San Diego, Ca- Brook Lane, Shelton. $32,570, on income earned. Filed Dec. 16. Stratford. Amount: $549,200. lif., by Law Offices Howard Lee tax debt on income earned. Filed An, Edward, Shelton. $1,551.56, Schiff P.C. East Hartford. Prop- Dec. 16. Filed Dec. 18. in favor of Santa Energy Corp., erty: 106 Yardwood St., Stratford. Bridgeport, by Janine M. Becker, Filed Dec. 19. Cyprien, Johnny, 10 Elm St., MECHANIC’S LIENSBridgeport. Property: 33 BlueApt. B2 rear, Norwalk. $6,246.51, FILED berry Lane, Shelton. Filed Dec. 16. tax debt on income earned. Filed Powell, Tommie L., Stratford. Dec 17. Burraway, Jennifer, Greenwich. $1,925.48, in favor of Cavalry Filed by Michael G. Pagett, NorSPV I L.L.C., Valhalla, N.Y., by walk. Property: 37 Meadow Wood Tobin and Melien, New Haven. Drive, Greenwich. Amount: Property: 15 Orange St., Strat$9,757.40. Filed Dec. 16. ford. Filed Dec. 16.

Farley, Shawn M., Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for Federal National Mortgage Association, Washington, D.C. Property: 25 McKinley Ave., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $160,000 dated January 2008. Filed Dec. 17.

Hartwell, Juan A., et al., Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for U.S Bank N.A. trustee, Salt Lake City, Utah. Property: 230 Everett St., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $188,000, dated October 2005. Filed Dec. 18.

Hyde, Emily C., Fairfield. Filed by Paul A. DeGenaro, Stamford, for People’s United Bank N.A. Property: 240 Melody Lane, Unit 240, Fairfield. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $274,800, dated October 2005. Filed Dec. 18.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014 19

on the record Kennedy, Stephen T., et al., Shelton. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for PNC Bank N.A. Property: 186 Thoreau Drive, Shelton. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $267,550, dated October 2010. Filed Dec. 17.

Lewis, Dorothy E., et al., Shelton. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. Columbus, Ohio. Property: 16 Sorel Drive, Shelton. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $312,800 dated October 2007. Filed Dec. 17.

Mehaylo, Linda et al., Shelton. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Ocwen Loan Servicing L.L.C., West Palm Beach, Fla. Property: 89 Shelton Ave., Shelton. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $255,780, dated June 2008. Filed Dec. 18.

Rescsanski, Edward, et al., Fairfield. Filed by Bennett and McHugh, P.C., Farmington, for Wells Fargo Bank N.A. Property: 678 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $328,601, dated April 2010. Filed Dec. 19.

Montanez, Milagros, Norwalk. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford. Property: 6 Southwind Drive, Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $171,578, dated June 2005. Filed Dec. 18.

Tallia, Robert M., et al., Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Property: 508 Jamestown Road, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $175,119.62, dated January 2008. Filed Dec. 18.

Perez, Elliot, et al., Stratford. Martinez, Jairo et al., Stamford. Filed by Leopold and Associates Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacob- P.L.L.C., Stamford, for Deutsche sen P.C., Hartford. Property: 2 Bank, Palm Beach, Fla. Property: Knapp Street, Norwalk. Action: 45 Claudia Drive, Stratford. Acto foreclose on a delinquent tion: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original princi- mortgage in the original principal amount of $599,000, dated pal amount of $216,000, dated August 2006. Filed Dec. 18. December 2005. Filed Dec. 16.

Thomas R. Everett, Norwalk, Filed by Alan P. Rosenberg, West Hartford, for The Bank of New York Mellon. Property: 15 Rowayton Woods Drive, Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount dated July 1975. Filed Dec. 16.

Troiano, Mary Ann, Norwalk. Filed by Law Offices of Becker MORTGAGES and Zowine L.L.C, for Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s United Bank, N.A. Property: 42 Chatham Drive, Norwalk. Ac- Commercial tion: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $75,000, dated Bayview Loan Servicing L.L.C., Coral Gables, Fla., by Mary KathJuly 2008. Filed Dec. 19. ryn Brizendine. Lender: Suntrust Mortgage Inc., Property 1001 Semmes Ave., Richmond. Williams, Marsha, et al. Mil- Amount: $210,000. Filed Dec. 19. ford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobson P.C., Hartford, for Selene De Capital Mortgage, by Laurie Finance L.P. Property: 51 Deer Mapes. Lender: US Bank N.A., Run Lane, Shelton. Action: to Owensboro, Ky. Property: Norforeclose on a delinquent mortwalk. Amount: $488,000. Filed gage in the original principal Dec. 16. amount of $331,162, dated October 2009. Filed Dec. 16. Military Family Home Loans L.L.C. Filed by Juul Divaakhuu Lender: Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Minneapolis, Minn. Property: 1 Home Campus, Des Moines, Iowa. Amount: $193,500. Filed Dec. 16.

River Oaks, L.L.C., Stamford, by David Adamo. Lender: Savings Bank of Danbury. Property: 220 Main St., Danbury. Amount: $75,000. Filed Dec. 16. Serrano, Christina and Edgar Naranjo, by Parkash Mann. Lender: PNC bank N.A., Bank of America N.A. Property 84 Southview Ave., Norwalk. Amount: $416,000. Filed Dec. 18.

NEW BUSINESSES 14 Farley Street, 14 Farley St., Greenwich 06830, c/o Joyce Diana Pradia. Filed Dec. 16. A.P.H. Propane, 15 South St., Norwalk 06854, c/o Richard Astacio. Filed Dec. 20. Alessaldra & Company, 132 Center St., Shelton 06484, c/o Daniele Perez. Filed Dec. 19.

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on the record Aneudy Sound, 4 River Place, Unit 3, Stamford 06902, 06907, Felix A. Gomez and Arelis Peralta. Filed Dec. 19.

Jex Carpentry and Home Im- Waypoint Automotive, 33 Merprovement, 71 Soundview Ave., win Str., Norwalk, c/o Steven Stamford 06902, c/o Jose Xiquin. Chila. Filed Dec. 16. Filed Dec. 19.

Cindy Rose Productions, 17 Clinton Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Cindy Rose Joseph. Filed Dec. 6.

La Dolce Vita Chocolates & More, 172 Bedford St., Stamford 06902, c/o Nextage Development L.L.C. Filed Dec. 19.

Concord Rentals, 9 Hadik Parkway, Norwalk 06854, c/o CBC Technology L.L.C. Filed Dec. 18.

Lynfit Nutrition, 323 Strawberry Hill Ave., Norwalk 06851, c/o Lisa M. Lynn. Filed Dec. 18.

Connecticut Antiques, 83 Harvard Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Antique Treasures L.L.C. Filed Dec. 11.

Nanan’s Cuisine, 10 North Water Street, Greenwich 06830, c/o Maria Del Rocio Esqunel. Filed Dec. 20.

Ctplow.com, 101 James St., Fairfield 06824, c/o Tyler O’Toole. Filed Dec. 17.

NorthPark Group, 3344 Highway 149, Eagan, Minn. 55121, c/o Mark L. Geier. Filed Dec. 23.

Dobson Media Group, 3210 Burr St., Fairfield 06824, c/o Dennis S. Dobson. Filed Dec. 18.

Old Long Ridge Farm, 242 Old Long Ridge Road, Stamford 06903, c/o Stephanie Becker. Filed Dec. 10.

Westhill Accounting and Tax Service, 33 Dancy Drive, Stamford 06902, Michael Arons. Filed Dec. 13.

Method and assembly for determining the temperature of a test sensor. Patent no. 8,614,097 PATENTS issued to Jeffrey D. Blais, Walden, N.Y.; Steve Sun, Mount Kisco, N.Y; Bern Harrison, Granger, Area monitoring using pro- Ind.; Narasinha C. Parasnis, totypical tracks. Patent Danbury; Serban F. Peteu, East no. 8,614,744 issued to Lisa Lansing, Mich.; Tony Nguyen, M. Brown, Pleasantville, N.Y.; Valhalla, N.Y.; Paul Ripley, NanArun Hampapur, Norwalk; An- uet, N.Y.; Xin Wang, Elmsford, drew W. Senior, New York City, N.Y.; and Igor Gofman, CroN.Y.; Chiao-Fe Shu, Scarsdale, ton-on-Hudson, N.Y. Assigned N.Y.; and Ying-li Tian, Yorktown to Bayer HealthCare L.L.C., Heights, N.Y. Assigned to Inter- Whippany, N.J. national Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y.

Coffee machine. Patent no. D696,056 issued to Cheung Ka Hong, Hong Kong, China. Elton Home Improvement, 56 Assigned to Conair Corp., StamPemberwick Road, Greenwich One Step To Peru, 2 High Ridge ford. 06831, c/o Elton Dias. Filed Park, Stamford 06905, c/o VeDec. 17. ronica Rivera. Filed Dec. 9. Curable phase change inks containing functionalized isoEstop Ecigs, 469 Howe Ave., Park Ave Apt., 1263 Brooklawn sorbides. Patent no. 8,613,507 Shelton 06484, c/o Barbara Bel- Ave. Fairfield, 06825, c/o Zhifens issued to Naveen Chopra, mont. Filed Dec. 20. Yang. Filed Dec. 18. Oakville, Canada; Guerino Sacripante, Oakville, Canada; Michelle N. Chretien, MissisFair Deals Dollar + More, 450B Petro Home Services, 2187 At- sauga, Canada; and Barkev KeHowe Ave., Shelton 06484, c/o lantic St., Stamford 06902, c/o oshkerian, Thornhill, Canada. Alicia Vargas. Filed Dec. 19. Petro Inc. Filed Dec. 17. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. F.C.C.M. Septic Inspection, PTG, 30 Commerce Road, Stam2140 Starges Highway, Fairfield ford 06902, c/o John F. Pedone. Diamond shape bottle. Pat06880, c/o Istvain Sedenszki. Filed Dec 17. ent no. D696,128 issued to Filed Dec. 20. Frank Lindsay, Hamilton Square, Rock Paper Scissors, 857 Post N.J.; Daniel Peter Sterling, NorGreenwich Auction, 83 Har- Road, Unit 352, Fairfield 06824, walk; and John Kevin Clay, vard Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o c/o Gerry VanKrelingen Filed Milford. Assigned to Church & Dwight Co. Inc., Princeton, N.J. Antique Treasures L.L.C. Filed Dec. 23. Dec. 11. clipper. Patent Signature Pools, 2 Reynolds St., Hair H & J, 6 Hanford Place, Apt. 2W, Norwalk 06855, c/o Bruno Iaco- no. D696,459 issued to Hon Hung Joseph Chan, Hong Norwalk 06854, c/o Hector Fer- no. Filed Dec. 18. Kong, China. Assigned to Conair nandez. Filed Dec. 20. Corp., Stamford. Stamford News and Variety, HCR III Dental Arts L.L.C., 161 300 Main St., Stamford 06902, Sherman Road, Fairfield 06824, c/o Greesma L.L.C. Filed Dec. 18. Knowledge framework ontology using three planes. Patent c/o Henry C. Rapp. Filed Dec. 19. no. 8,615,481 issued to SreenivaSTI Source, 37 Cook Road, sa Rao Pragada, Irvington, N.Y.; Home Watch of Connecticut, Stamford, 06902, c/o Sports Abhijit Ashok Patil, Alpharetta, 12 Cedar Crest Place, Norwalk Trading International L.L.C. Ga.; Raju Venkata Rama Raju 06854, c/o CT Home Watch, Filed Dec. 18. Gopala Gottumukkala, CumL.L.C. Filed Dec. 16. ming, Ga.; Kaliki Murthy Aritakula, Cumming, Ga.; and Swider & Co, 15 Strickland Viswanath Dasari, Alpharetta, iDesign Realty, 21 Dingletown Road, Greenwich 06807, c/o San- Ga. Assigned to Semantifi Inc., Road, Greenwich 06830, c/o dra Swider. Filed Dec. 20. Stamford. Monika Krysicki. Filed Dec. 12. J and K2, 475 Kings Highway, Fairfield 06825, c/o New Age Construction L.L.C. Filed Dec. 20.

Victorious Auto, 159 Rock Spring Road, Stamford 06906, c/o Stevens St. Victor. Filed Dec. 10

Managing document interactions in collaborative document environments of virtual worlds. Patent no. 8,615,713 issued to Tong Sun, Penfield, N.Y.; Jonas Karlsson, Rochester, N.Y.; and Wei Peng, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

Plasticized anti-curl back coating for flexible imaging member. Patent no. 8,614,038 issued to Robert C. U. Yu, Webster, N.Y.; and Edward F. Grabowski, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

Transducer interconnect with conductive films. Patent no. 8,613,397 issued to Bradley James Gerner, Penfield, N.Y.; John R. Andrews, Fairport, N.Y.; and Pinyen Lin, Rochester, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

Systems and methods wherein a buyer purchases products in a plurality of product categories. Patent no. 8,615,444 issued to Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield; Magdalena M. Fincham, Ridgefield; John M. Packes Jr., Hawthorne; Russell P. Sammon, San Francisco, Calif.; and Michiko Kobayashi, Stamford. Assigned to Inventor Holdings L.L.C., Stamford.

Waste disposal devices for storage of waste in an inner storage area and methods. Patent no. 8,613,371 issued to John Rousso, Trumbull; Steve Mowers, Fairfield; John Cichello, Wooster, Ohio; Rick Corney, Akron, Ohio; Michael Jackson, Wooster, Ohio; and Vincent Valderrama, Stamford. Assigned to Eveready Battery Company Inc., St. Louis, Mo.

Techniques for fabricating janus MEMS transistors. Patent no. 8,614,136 issued to Qing Cao, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; Zhengwen Li, Danbury; Fei Liu, Yorktown Heights, N.Y.; and Zhen Zhang, Ossining, N.Y. Assigned to International Business Machines Corp., Armonk, N.Y.

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FOUR EXCEPTIONAL CONNECTICUT CEOs REVEAL THEIR SECRETS TO SUCCESS AT “THE CEO EVOLUTION.” AN EXCLUSIVE ROUNDTABLE EVENT HOSTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AND CITRIN COOPERMAN.

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22 Week of January 6, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

BUSINESS CONNECTIONS HUMAN RESOURCES

How Do I Phase in the New Minimum Wage?

he increase to $8.70 is the first part of a two-year increase in Connecticut’s minimum wage. On January 1, 2015, in accordance with Public Act 13-117, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase to $9.00 per hour. Although the federal minimum wage is currently $7.25, Connecticut businesses must pay the state minimum wage. Under section 31-60 of the Connecticut General Statutes and Public Act 13-117, the Connecticut minimum wage rate for service employees, specifically restaurant wait staff and bartenders, is determined by using a formula that takes tip deductions into account. With January 1 falling in the middle of a pay period, phasing in the new minimum wage may present some confusion. You may voluntarily choose to pay those hours worked in 2013 at the higher minimum rate of $8.70 per hour, but your legal obligation is to use the minimum rate applicable at the time the work was performed.

That means hours worked in 2013 must be paid no less than $8.25 per hour, and hours worked in 2014 paid no less than $8.70 per hour. This is no different from a situation where a worker might perform various tasks that pay different rates, based on complexity, customer pricing, or time of day, resulting in a week of total hours reflecting several hourly rates. In the event the weekly total hours worked exceed 40, and overtime pay is owed, you have to calculate an average hourly rate for the week. To do that, tally up total straight-time wages for all hours worked at each applicable hourly rate; divide that total by the total hours worked, giving you an average hourly rate for the week. Then divide that average hourly rate by two and multiply that half-time rate by the number of overtime hours worked. That will yield a gross pay amount that includes overtime pay at time-and-a-half of a blended or average hourly rate.  Read more at cbia.com/hr

HUMAN RESOURCES

Most Employees Will Not Use All Their Vacation Time in 2013

or the third year in a row, nearly 70% of North American employees do not plan to use all of their annual vacation time, according to Right Management. The 2013 online poll of 763 workers found that 69% of respondents will not take all their annual vacation, which is consistent with the 70% reported for both 2011 and 2012. This year, only 31% indicated they will use all their vacation by year’s end. “Every employee at every level should be encouraged to take time to reenergize, recharge, and relax to be more satisfied and productive on the job,” said Matt Norquist, general manager at Right Management. “The importance of vacation cannot be understated in today’s workplace, when companies are doing more with less and adding workloads to their teams.”

EVENTS

Economic Summit & Outlook 2014 Presented by CBIA and the MetroHartford Alliance

ear from top business leaders and economists at the largest economic conference in Southern New England.  What’s in store for the state and national economies?

TAXES

State Now Requiring Electronic Tax Filing

 What’s the outlook for business growth and job creation?

 What’s the status of advanced manufacturing in the state?

he state Tax Department is now requiring many state taxes to be paid electronically, effective for tax periods beginning on or after Jan. 1, 2014.

SCAN TO REGISTER!

Featured speakers include:

Taxes that will have to be filed electronically include:

 Dr. Eric S. Rosengren, President & CEO, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

 Corporation business tax  Sales and use tax

 Dr. Nicholas S. Perna, Economic Advisor to Webster Bank

 Income tax withholding  Business use tax

 John F. Lundgren, Chairman & CEO, Stanley Black & Decker

 Room occupancy  Admissions and dues  Composite income tax Failure to comply with the electronic filings could bring penalties, says the DRS.

Date Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2014

According to Norquist, taking vacation time is a vital part of maintaining job satisfaction, and employees who take time off are more inspired and motivated to do their best work.

“Electronic filing saves the taxpayer and the State of Connecticut time and money,” says DRS Commissioner Kevin Sullivan. “Taxpayers also have the benefit of immediate confirmation that their returns have been filed and paid, and a record of the transaction.”

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 Read more at cbia.com/hr

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Time Networking breakfast buffet: 7 am Program: 8:30 am–noon

Cost CBIA/MetroHartford members, $95; nonmembers, $130; table of 10, $850  Register at cbia.com/events

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of January 6, 2014 23

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