FCBJ 04/28/2014

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL FCBJ this week WORKIN’ ON THE RAILROAD? Locals say the service earns a D+ … 8

April 28, 2014 | VOL. 50, No. 17 Bill Fallon

YOUR ONLY SOURCE FOR REGIONAL BUSINESS NEWS | westfaironline.com

BLUEFISH NATION

BLT TO BUILD BOATYARD

BY CrYSTAL kANg ckang@westfairinc.com

NETWORKERS NONPAREIL BNI gets businesses to talk to each other, with solid results … 11

S

VIEW FROM THE TOP Diba Industries CEO Todd Burt shares his thoughts on work and success … 14 THE RULES OF FINANCE Regulations spur change as First County adapts … 19

MEDIA PARTNER

Bridgeport Bluefish General Manager Ken Shepard with plans for a ballpark “man cave.”

AN ECONOMIC ENGINE BUILT ON ENTERTAINMENT (PLUS BASEBALL)

BY BILL FALLON Bfallon@westfairinc.com

WHEN THE BRIDGEPORT BLUEFISH host their home opener April 30, more than baseball will be on display, by design.

The casual observer might believe a trip to the ballpark is about strikes, balls and plays at the plate, but for the host organization, baseball is only part of the experience,

albeit one that in Bluefish Nation is peppered with bold-face names like Tommy John, who managed, and Willie Upshaw, who manages this year.

“Basically, I am blessed to be able to do a job that is about creating ways to make people smile,” said General Manager Ken Shepard. “A night out for a family of four for $50 is the epicenter of our ethos, which is affordable family entertainment. We are in

tamford-based Building and Land Technology, the developer of Harbor Point, recently bought a $12.75 million property on the west branch of Stamford Harbor to build a boatyard, said BLT CEO Carl R. Kuehner III in a press release.

The 5.4-acre site, at 28 Southfield Ave., is already approved for residential development and a marina, Kuehner said in a statement. The project awaits the city’s site plan approval, and the goal is to open a boatyard by the first quarter of 2015.

“We are proud to offer a compelling solution to fulfill Stamford’s need for a modern working boatyard, and we look forward to collaborating with the city to develop the boatyard as quickly as possible,” Kuehner said in a statement.

“Our investment in this site demonstrates our commitment to enhance Stamford through the development of the waterfront, and our responsiveness to the community’s voice.”

After the Brewer’s Yacht Haven boatyard and marina, which sat on a 14-acre brownfield site in Stamford’s South End, closed three years ago, residents have been lobbying to bring back the boatyard, said Robin Stein, Stamford’s economic development director.

“The lease with the Brewer’s was terminated by BLT three years ago, and BLT started to do some cleanup because it’s a brownfield site,” Stein said. “But in the interim there has been no other boatyard in Stamford. So now BLT acquired this current site called

» Bluefish, page 6

» BLT, page 6

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Point well made

A fingertip-directed world for the autistic

BY BILL FALLON Bfallon@westfairinc.com

P

icture cards have become an integral part of autistic learning programs, used to help teach words and concepts, foster self-expression and even initiate a trip to the restroom. Brain Parade’s See.Touch.Learn. program combines picture cards with the interactivity of the iPad, offering what the Stamford-based company sees as myriad advantages.

Specificity and customization via personal downloads are the system’s hallmarks. As company president and founder Jim McClafferty said, “If you show a picture of a dog to an autistic child, it probably has greater meaning if it is a dog the child knows.”

Parents can identify a dog as “un perro” or the house as “la casa” in Spanish if they desire and the same goes for any tongue and any image.

Connecticut through degree in early its Small Business childhood special Express initiative proeducation. vided a $22,000 grant M c C l a f fe r t y ’s to the company a year background was ago. “The money helps software. His specontinue the mission of cialty had always companies like this that been in finding Brain Parade principal Jim McClafferty. are providing interesting value for compaservices, in this case a nies using technolhybrid of Main Street and high tech,” ogy. After a 2010 discussion with a friend said Catherine Smith Department of on the challenges experienced by the Economic and Community Development friend’s autistic child, he saw the iPad’s commissioner. She called the Business potential for adaptability and ease of use Express avenues of funding — including as a tool to help. “A game changer,” he matching grants; forgivable loans that called it. He answered questions for the essentially become grants if employment Business Journal recently: Brain Parade’s picture card learnand expansion goals are met; and capital loans — “exceptionally productive ways to ing system replaces physical flash cards. stimulate the economy.” Now in its third Why is this important?

“Flash cards are proven to be effecyear, Business Express has helped more than 1,050 companies with what Smith tive. Image instruction is effective. But you need hundreds, even thousands, of termed “a shot in the arm.”

Brain Parade has two full-time pictures. Invariably you don’t have the employees and one part-timer, and is picture you need handy. With See.Touch. hiring a marketing person. The custom- Learn. you snap your own picture and that izable “pro edition” is $39.99, while indi- makes it relevant: family, friends, food.”

You claim more than 400,000 users vidual apps — on topics like numbers, shapes, colors and money — that do not (downloads) in 104 countries. Does your require the full program sell for about system operate irrespective of language? $1 to $3. The product release was March Is it truly universal?

“Because it is visual it is truly uni2011. The company’s learning adviser is Stephanie O’Brien, with a master’s versal. If a person is in France, they

2 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

A See.Touch.Learn. screenshot.

take a picture, use local images, record their own voices in their own language.

From the start we had a lot downloads from China and a teacher in California wrote to say it was being used as a language-teaching tool for parents who spoke Mandarin.” A dollar-to-change breakdown app that costs 99 cents has already been co-opted for euros.”

You have 50 individual libraries (a collection of images around a particular subject matter) with more than 4,400 pictures and 2,200 exercises developed by professionals. What is the feedback?

“The app’s first release was March 2011. The feedback has been tremendous. Apple chose it for demonstration in all its stores.”

Flash cards are unfamiliar to most.

What are their challenges, both financial and physical, and how do the apps address those challenges?

“One of our big strengths is the use of real images as opposed to illustrations. We use real images and that has earned consistently good reviews. There is a difference between a drawing of a hamburger and picture of a burger. We take this for granted, but the autistic may have difficulties understanding, for example, a stick figure of a person or a line drawing of a hamburger as representing the real things.” Also, he noted

flash cards can be expensive (citing $50 for 100 cards), cumbersome to carry and difficult to make on one’s own.”

How can users create their own custom lessons? Anecdotally, how easy is the system to operate?

“We now have the Brain Parade community numbering hundreds of thousands. They take what they create and share it. If you choose to share it, you can do it. We had tons of shares within a couple of days of opening. Creating district curriculums is something we’re really excited about. Stamford Schools and several Hartford districts are using Brain Parade.

“Users create custom exercises and lessons and automatically track performance. And importantly, they carry the entire library collection with them at all times, promoting consistency through ease of use. Whether using picture cards as part of an Applied Behavior Analysis program or other program, See.Touch.

Learn. is appropriate.”

The top 10 apps include: Action Words, $1.99; First 100 Words, $1.99; Letters, $0.99; Shapes and Colors, $1.99; Custom Card Designer, $3.99; Body Parts, $1.99; Numbers, $0.99; Dolch Sight Words — Pre-Primer, $0.99; Food, $1.99; Money, $0.99. The website is brainparade.com.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014

3

PERSPECTIVES

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL

The global economy beckons … and beckons

T

the uconn-based connecticut center for economic Analysis in conjunction with the comeback America initiative, which was founded by david walker, a Bridgeport resident and former u.s. comptroller general, has issued a report titled: “connecticut at risk: will the state navigate to prosperity?” the state looks as beautifully stonewalled and prosperous as it always has, but a closer look reveals it has not kept up with the times. the data reveal a statewide economic underperformance that began two to three decades ago when the state did not adapt to global changes. “As a result, connecticut’s economy remained disproportionately reliant on industries such as financial services (including insurance) and specialty manufacturing operations,” the report said. “the state’s median incomes declined, income disparities within the state increased and the poverty rate grew significantly during this time. Additionally, connecticut has failed to recover as well as other states from the 2007 financial crisis and consequent recession.” in sum, the report says, “connecticut’s

economy has underperformed by national standards and the state’s financial situation has become untenable. while some progress has been made in recent years, considerable challenges remain.” this report’s mission “is to present information to facilitate a productive discussion about how to create a better future in connecticut.” it professes non-

“connecticut’s economy has underperformed by national standards and the state’s financial situation has become untenable.”

partisanship and an absence of criticism. “rather, the purpose is to present information to facilitate a productive discussion about how to create a better future in connecticut.”

SPEAKING OF … THE GLOBAL PICTURE “it is More rewArding to wAtch MoneY chAnge the world thAn wAtch it AccuMulAte.” — Activist Gloria Steinem “our people, our shAreholders, Me, Bill gAtes, we eXpect to chAnge the world in eVerY wAY, to succeed wildlY At eVerYthing we touch, to hAVe the BroAdest iMpAct of AnY coMpAnY in the world.”

— Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer

the report further stated: “while state budgets may have been ‘balanced,’ financial statements show the state’s expenditures have exceeded revenues for several years and its bonded debt and unfunded liabilities have increased dramatically. connecticut ranks among the highest, and possibly the highest, in total unfunded pensions and retiree healthcare per taxpayer in the nation. the state is passing large burdens to future generations of taxpayers. “the key to the state’s fiscal and economic health lies in the government’s ability to promote private sector business growth, but connecticut is seen as increasingly uncompetitive; falling behind other states in attracting both businesses and individuals.” the study makes three broad recommendations, which are spelled out in greater detail in the full report: connecticut must address its unsustainable fiscal outlook and adopt a comprehensive solution to put its finances in order; connecticut must focus on improving economic growth, reducing disparities and enhancing the state’s competitiveness; and connecticut must create and institutionalize a culture of transparency, accountability and transformation at all levels of government. the report is intended “to help people consider potential nonpartisan solutions that can gain bipartisan support to address the state’s challenges.” the full study is available at cceA. uconn.edu.

• • • • •

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4 Week of April 28, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

NEWS IN BRIEF

WOMEN AND FINANCE IN WESTPORT

W

estport-based investment advisory firm Catamount Wealth Management is partnering with the Westport Library for an event billed as “Women and Finance” at 6:30 to 8 p.m.

April 30 at the library downtown. The event is free.

Mahnaz Mahdavi, distinguished Smith College professor of economics and the Ann F. Kaplan ‘67 director of the Smith College Center for Women and Financial Independence, will speak on

C

the need for improvement in women’s financial knowledge.

The event celebrates April as Financial Literacy Month.

Mahdavi will share the findings of a study she conducted on the state of financial literacy of educated women. Her data reveal a gap exists between women’s financial knowledge when compared with men in the U.S. and throughout the world.

Women tend to live longer than men

but are less likely to have investment plans, Mahdavi said. Women are also more likely to move into and out of the workforce to raise families, presenting more of a challenge for them to develop steady savings habits.

The evening’s conversation will highlight the importance of understanding one’s own financial picture and needs for retirement or other financial circumstances. “Women seem to be moving more slowly than men who are investing,”

said Mahdavi. “It’s not that they can’t do it, but there’s a psychology in society that seems to get in their way.”

Catamount Wealth Management “provides high-net-worth individuals, small business and institutions with investment solutions that create, build and preserve wealth.”

Its stated goal “is to educate and empower our clients, prospective clients and community members so they better understand their financial circumstances in order to make better investment decisions.”

CARTUS EXPANDS

artus Corp., a global relocation services company in Danbury, will stay in Connecticut and grow its footprint after considering expansion options in New York and Texas. As part of its $15.4 million expansion project, the company plans to retain 1,275 employees and create 200 new jobs over the next five years, according to a press release.

The state Department of Economic and Community Development will provide Cartus with a $6.5 million loan to cover part of the expansion cost, including the expenses of purchasing equipment and making leasehold improvements.

The package is a 10-year loan with 2 percent interest, but principal payments will be deferred for five years. If Cartus retains its current staff of 1,275 employees for the next five years, about $1.9 million of the principal will be forgiven, according to the press release. If Cartus adds 100 new jobs in the next five years, the state will forgive half the principal. The entire loan will be 100 percent forgiven if Cartus creates 200 jobs within the next five years, the release stated.

“Cartus has been proud to call Connecticut home for nearly 60 years and we are committed to growing our operations here,” said Cartus president and CEO Kevin Kelleher in a statement. “This new investment will position the company for future success and also allows Cartus employees and their families to continue to give back to the communities they know and love.”

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014

5

Bluefish — » » From page 1

the business of entertainment, not only in the baseball business. Entertainment is our main business.”

There is a big-picture business side, too, and Shepard, a one-time college southpaw whose change-up never quite changed up, knows it well. The Bluefish organization possesses a $2 million annual revenue stream with the potential to infuse $14 million into the local economy via gasoline, restaurants, hotels and the like.

“The seven-times rule,” Shepard called it, saying, “Our mission is to provide memories for our guests and results for our marketing partners that are worth repeating.”

The formula includes a bobblehead night, featuring the popular plastic toys; Feed-Your-Face Monday, with a seat-andeat $19.99 price tag; Wednesdays children eat free; and Thursdays draft beer is half price. Fireworks and family Sundays with the kids on the field are also part of the play-ball playbill. Tickets are $9 to $14. The Bluefish employ 10 full time and another 100 to 125 seasonally, not counting the 25-player roster (27 to start).

An ownership group headed by Frank Bolton owns the team and the Long Island Ducks, plus a part stake in the Camden River Sharks, all of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.

The league operates independently, but it feeds major league rosters and draws its talent from major-league-produced reports.

A “man cave” — actually an open platform on the third-base line — is still in the planning stages. Current thinking is women will be allowed by invitation only.

Besides the Bluefish, Fairfield and Sacred Heart universities’ baseball teams use the stadium as their home

BLT — » » From page 1

the Petro Fuel Co. site, and they’re proposing to engage a boatyard operator and develop plans.”

Only a few remaining boatyards between New York and Newport, R.I., provide people with full service for major repairs on large boats, Stein said.

The development project would be a win for Stamford because boats traveling northeast will go through the city’s port, Stein said.

diamond. On a recent sun-splashed afternoon, Sacred Heart Pioneers coach Nick Giaquinto and his squad prepared for a game. Though the season has been chilly, the Pioneers had already notched 29 games. As of press time, the Pioneers were 18-15, but only 3-3 in the friendly confines of The Ballpark at Harbor Yard.

The ballpark opened in 1998. Its $19 million price tag was funded through public and team contributions. It has a seating capacity of 5,300, with room for 200 more fans for sold-out games.

Average attendance last year was 2,347.

When it was built, the neighborhood, politely, had seen better days. “Mayor Joe Ganim” — elected 1991 — “had a vision for this neighborhood,” said Shepard. “The ballpark was the beginning — a cornerstone — of what is starting to see fruition as an economy resurging in Bridgeport.”

When the season opens against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, former first-round draft pick and seven-year bigleague veteran Sean Burroughs will be on the field. One reason not to over-promote him is that he does not want to stay.

“They all hope to be picked up,” said Paul Herrmann, the club’s director of public relations. As such, Herrmann has a staffing situation he called “fluid.”

The Ballpark at Harbor Yard features concessions plus traditional ballpark fare served at two restaurants: the Harbor Yard Picnic Marina, an all-you-can-eatbuffet; and the Harbor Club, a restaurant serving “an upscale ballpark menu in a relaxing atmosphere.”

The stadium’s United Way Kids Cove provides entertainment for children with a variety of playground equipment.

There is a party suite for birthdays and other special occasions.

Reflecting on an atmosphere that he cited as clean, well-lit and with a police presence, Shepard said, “We’ve had zero problems. The Bluefish have been a very successful venture for the city.”

Ninety percent of attendees are from Connecticut and 69 percent of those are from Fairfield County. One challenge is to interest the Bridgeport community itself, which lags in enthusiasm for the home team. Five zip codes outside the city provide more fans than any zip code within the city limits. On the upside, the regional influx of Latin Americans, with whom the game is popular, bodes well.

“We do well with the Hispanic community,” Shepard said. The current squad has Hispanic, African-American, Japanese

and Canadian players. “We’re really a melting pot,” he said.

The ballpark has hosted two different all-star games in its history: the first Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game in 2001 and the 2006 Atlantic League All-Star Game. Harbor Yard was also the home field of the Bridgeport Barrage of MLL from 2001 to 2003; the Barrage relocated to Philadelphia after the 2003 season.

In 2009, the Ballpark at Harbor Yard won the Atlantic League Park of the Year award.

In the last six years, BLT has been expanding its presence on Stamford’s waterfront. Its projects include the Harbor Point marinas, a waterfront promenade, 12 acres of parks, restaurants and more than 1,800 apartments.

“Stamford did relatively well during the big recession because BLT kept building right thorough it,” Stein said.

“They added several thousand housing units and hundreds of thousands of square feet of commercial developments.”

BLT is the only key economic developer in Stamford’s South End, transforming what used to be an industrial hub into a prominent commercial and business district, Stein said.

About 10 years ago, there were about 80 acres of brownfield sites remaining from Pitney Bowes Inc. when it used to be headquartered near Walter Wheeler Drive and Henry Street, he added. Five Yale & Towne L.L.C. and Connecticut Light & Power had a strong presence in the 1950s. Then BLT bought the development sites in the South End, drasti-

cally changing the demographics and type of housing.

“You’re getting higher-income people in the South End because BLT built two-bedrooms that are leased at above $2,000 a month,” Stein said. “So if you’re low-income, which were a fair number of the residents who were in the South End, this is a big change.”

BLT spokesman Carl Gaines declined to comment on the details of the project, including the construction costs and anticipated date of the site plan approval.

6 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

Paul Herrmann, left, Bluefish director of public relations and baseball operations, and Sacred Heart Pioneers coach Nick Giaquinto.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014

7

Online survey gives Metro-North D+ grade

By Mark Lungariello mlungariello@westfairinc.com

M

etro-North riders gave the railroad an average grade of D+ in an online survey that came off like a less-than-average report card for the embattled agency.

The survey results, released April 14 by the Connecticut-based Commuter Action Group, reflected the responses of 642 riders who participated anonymous-

ly over seven days. Of those polled, 88 percent said their biggest complaint was late or delayed trains. Other complaints included poor communication when things went wrong (60 percent) and lack of seating on trains (59 percent).

Metro-North management was blamed for the railroad’s problems by 90 percent of the respondents.

One respondent to the survey, which was designed to take only several minutes to complete, said the price of fares

should be reduced. “I am paying luxury rates for what is basically third-world service,” the respondent said.

Jim Cameron, the founder of the group and former chairman of the Connecticut Commuter Council, said the results of the survey were not intended to be scientific.

“Clearly, those who wanted to opine were probably those with gripes, so take the results with a grain of salt,” he wrote on his transportation blog.

Metro-North has weathered some

“With the money we’re saving on energy, we’ll not only pay back the cost of the project, but reinvest in our company.”

Rich Kaminski, General Manager, Calabro Cheese

Calabro Cheese doesn’t cut corners.

The East Haven, CT manufacturer has been making quality Italian cheeses for 60 years. Using only fresh, locally obtained ingredients and traditional old-world recipes, shortcuts are simply not the Calabro family way.

So when it came time to take control of energy costs for the company’s 74,000-sq.-ft. facility, they turned to Energize Connecticut’s Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Programs.

Program engineers identified multiple energy-saving measures for Calabro, including new refrigeration motors and controls and a full interior/exterior lighting retrofit.

Engineers also found that over half of the facility’s steam traps were malfunctioning; replacing these alone saved Calabro 15% of their annual natural gas costs.

The comprehensive program comprising four separate projects was supported by a generous incentive from the

Energy Efficiency Fund. With significant energy savings in hand, Calabro can now further expand its offerings to new markets throughout the country.

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Calabro Cheese Corporation

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Exterior & interior lighting retrofit; refrigeration motor replacement & evaporator fan controls; steam trap repair & replacement; insulated steam trap jackets; new compressed air distribution system

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Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities with funding from a charge on customer energy bills.

8 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

CALP24FC

rough waters in the last year and a half, including two train derailments last year: the first on the New Haven Line in Bridgeport and a second on the Hudson Line in the Bronx in December. That incident saw four killed and more than 70 injured when a speeding train jumped a curve on the way to Grand Central Terminal.

Howard Permut, the former president of the railroad, resigned in January and was replaced in February by Joseph Giuletti, who promptly released a 100day plan to restore the rail’s safety. That plan will conclude in mid-June. Cameron, on his blog, said he “thought now would be a great time to survey riders and get a baseline of their sentiments against which we can measure any gains in the months ahead.”

A Federal Railroad Administration report released in March called “Operation Deep Dive” reviewed the derailments and other fatal incidents along the tracks, blaming the lack of safety controls on an overemphasis of on-time performance on the rail line.

“This emphasis on on-time performance, combined with the increased volume of train activity, appears to have led managers and supervisors to allow inspections, maintenance and employee training to lapse,” the report said. “This, in turn, led to a deficient safety culture, which manifested itself in increased risk and reduced safety on Metro-North.”

Marjorie Anders, a spokeswoman for the railroad, said the Metro-North conducts its own “randomized, scientific and extremely thorough” survey of its customers. Last year’s survey, conducted just after the Bridgeport derailment but prior to some of the other high-profile accidents of the last year, polled more than 5,000 randomly selected customers. Of those who participated, 93 percent said they were “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with the railroad’s service.

“While this unscientific online survey falls short of that standard, we encourage our customers to reach out to MetroNorth management to discuss their concerns in person, by phone, by mail, by email and by social media,” Anders said.

In last year’s survey conducted by the rail line, the Harlem and Hudson lines each received 47 percent “very satisfied” and 49 percent “satisfied” ratings, while the New Haven line received 26 percent “very satisfied” and 62 percent “satisfied” ratings. About 86 percent of respondents to that survey said they were satisfied or very satisfied with the rail line’s on-time performance.

Malloy acts to stanch trash flow

Duck stamps support wetlands

A

panel recently selected Richmond, Va.-based wildlife artist Guy Crittenden’s depiction of three northern shovelers as the winner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s 2014-2015 Connecticut Migratory Bird Conservation Duck Stamp Art Contest. Crittenden’s painting was chosen from 15 entries submitted by artists from across the country, including three from Connecticut.

The national stamp program to date has raised $1.2 million toward the restoration of 3,500 acres of duck-friendly wetlands in the U.S. Town clerks sell the stamps locally for $13 each.

Reproductions of the winning stamps signed by the artists and suitable for framing are available via the DEEP Wildlife Division’s Migratory Bird Program at 860-642-7239.

— Bill Fallon

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has urged the Legislature to double the state’s recycling rate and transform an outmoded system of trash disposal by adopting what he termed “a more modern, cost-effective, and environmentally sound materials management approach.”

“Forty years ago, Connecticut became a national leader in waste management by ending the landfilling of trash and opening our six waste-to-energy facilities,” Malloy said. “These plants have served us well, but it is now time to move our system squarely into the 21st century by adopting legislation that will allow us to strengthen our focus on recycling and recapture more of the valuable materials from our waste stream.”

Malloy wants action toward goals that include: • A 60 percent target rate for reducing solid waste disposal by increasing source reduction, recycling, and reuse. The current reported recycling rate is under 30%.

• Reshaping the Connecticut Resources Recovery Authority (CRRA) — a quasi-public entity that owns and operates the waste-to-energy plant in Hartford — into a leaner organization focused on promoting innovation in materials man-

agement.

• Creating a process to explore the repurposing of the CRRA facility, Connecticut’s largest, oldest, and least efficient waste-to-energy plant, to recover more materials of value from trash and to provide better, cheaper service for member communities.

• Creating “RecycleCT” — a statewide education initiative to promote recycling, much the way “EnergizeCT” is promoting energy efficiency and renewables.

The legislation is Senate Bill 27, titled “An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Recycling and Materials Management Strategy.”

It reportedly has strong bipartisan backing and now awaits action in the Senate.

Malloy noted that the proposal builds on the success of two “producer -responsibility” programs now operating in Connecticut that have established industry financed systems for the collection and recycling of obsolete electronics equipment and used paint; and on a pioneering approach to the diversion of food wastes and other organic materials from the waste stream through the use of anaerobic digesters.

— Bill Fallon

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014

9

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10 Week of April 28, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

F

or decades, people have been making doctors appointments strictly for preventative care reasons. These checkups are not prompted by symptoms but rather in hopes of finding potential problems before they become harder to take care of. We schedule these appointments to ensure that we are in good health and that we remain in good health — because we all know that early detection saves lives. As a lawyer who helps rehabilitate businesses and a person who appreciates the concept of early detection, I often wonder why business owners fail to understand the necessity of periodic legal preventative care appointments with their attorneys. The fact is that legal care checkups are critical to ensure that your business is operating efficiently, minimizing risk and maximizing profits. If issues are caught and addressed early, the checkup not only could save you tremendous costs in the long term but it also could potentially save your business’s life.

As a business owner, you may resist incurring any legal fees unless you are experiencing what you perceive to be a “symptom,” that is, an obvious legal issue. The most successful companies, however, typically reserve a percentage of their annual operating budget

to legal fees for their preventative legal care, in addition to what is budgeted for known legal issues. The rationale is to spend a little money now to protect your investment and spot issues before they become major problems requiring significant legal work and expenses.

Simply because your business pays debts as they come due, makes a profit, and is not involved in a lawsuit doesn’t guarantee those things will not change for the worse or could not be improved.

Attorneys in the turnaround industry not only have experience restructuring debts and designing repayment plans for troubled businesses, but we also have experience counseling management through operational strategies dealing with leadership, employees, marketing, contracts, forms, leases, vendors, insurance and investors — just to name a few. Perhaps your business suffers from the “owner that is incapable of delegating” problem, the “productive but impossible employee” problem, the “bully landlord” problem, the “demanding supplier” problem and/ or the “unproductive marketing plan” problem. Investing in legal advice to solve those problems while they are small and manageable can make an enormous difference. Just ask any of the thousands of businesses every year that find themselves the subject of class action lawsuits over a questionable clause in a form that could have been corrected before hundreds of customers were asked to sign it. You might also talk to business owners that made bad business decisions, lost money as a result of those decisions and have no choice but to file for Chapter 11 reorganization because it is the only option left to save their company.

Just like most health-conscious people realize that a checkup to discover health problems is better than waiting until they are too big to ignore, savvy business owners will regularly schedule legal checkups with lawyers who understand their industry and can help improve, protect and maximize their business’s value. After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Jess Grossarth, an attorney with Bridgeport-based Pullman & Comley L.L.C., can be reached at jgrossarth@ pullcom.com.

BY MeLANIe SZLuCHA

BNI reworks networking

L

ooking for the best-kept secret in business networking? How about an organization that has referred more than $6.5 million in business between its members in Fairfield County over the past 12 months? With The Westport chapter accounting for close to $3 million alone, Business Networking International (BNI) could be the best-kept secret in how successful entrepreneurs and salespeople grow their businesses.

For small to midsized business owners and sales professionals who belong to chapters across Fairfield County, they know how well this referral-based networking system works and are eager to share their success.

BNI was founded in 1985, based on the philosophy of “Givers Gain,” meaning that members are focused on giving referrals to colleagues in their chapter for sales and business opportunities, which in turn builds relationships and leads to growth in their business, as well. There are currently 26 chapters throughout Fairfield County comprised of some 700 members.

Chapter members have incredible examples of how membership in BNI has substantially improved their business through referrals, how they’ve effectively utilized chapter colleagues to improve their own business, as well as how members substantially give back to the community.

Mel Rich, the owner of NuTech Pest Control has been a member of BNI Thrive in Greenwich since 2009 and has always believed that referrals are the best way to grow a business. “The great referrals I’ve received have significantly helped me to grow my customer base,” he said. “More than a boost in business, it is a great organization in which to exchange ideas, open new horizons and form friendships.”

Following a one-member-per-profession requirement eliminates competition among members and builds strong bonds and knowledge of what would be a good referral for their fellow members.

Chapters of 30 members or more will typically refer business of $250,000 to $1 million over the course of a year. The Westport Chapter, founded 5 years ago and now with more than 50 members, has reported closed business of above $3 million in one year. By tracking statistics such as the number of referrals and closed business, chapters are able to set goals and improve performance throughout the year, ensuring that members are getting the maximum value from their

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membership. Some report that between 30 percent to 60 percent of their annual business comes from BNI referrals.

In addition to referring business, members are active in a variety of charitable activities throughout the year, as an active demonstration of the “Givers Gain” philosophy. Various BNI members from chapters in surrounding towns in the Brookfield/Danbury area started The Giving Garden where they help with various tasks to cultivate the garden. All food grown is donated to local shelters and food pantries.

The Stamford Friday chapter organized a food drive and collected more than 500 pounds of food by including existing clients and members from other chapters as additional drop off points.

The newest chapter, the Westport Entrepreneurs, joined the BNI organization in March 2014, and is already 26 members strong. Karen Hagen, chapter president and founder, has seen the group realize the power of asking for personal introduction to specific businesses and organizations. “Once people get that they can ask their fellow members to introduce them to their ideal referral, the light bulbs go off and members really see the potential goldmine they have around the table.”

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 11

AsK Andi

BY ANDI grAY

Focused leader, tested strategies needed to grow sales sales aren’t growing fast enough. it seems like a combination of problems and as the business grows, i have less and less time to focus on sales. how do we get better at closing new business?

THOUGHTS OF THE DAY: Carefully consider who is in charge of sales. Get cracking on building sales management tools and efficiency. Chase what you can likely get.

Ask your best supporters to help you open more doors, faster.

When you started the business, you were probably in charge of sales, getting and retaining customers needed to get the business off the ground. It may now be time for a change. Ask yourself these questions: Do you have anyone you can rely on to back you up 100 percent in sales? Who steps up to the plate when you get busy, go on vacation or otherwise take your eye off the ball?

As companies grow, they need a sales manager who is accountable for planning and delivering the growth goals the company needs. A harried, distracted business owner who is pulled in multiple

directions can’t continue to be directly in charge of sales. The question is whether you can find and grow the talent you need internally or should look to the outside. Both solutions have challenges.

It can be hard for a peer to shift into management. The skills needed to succeed in sales — independence, ambition, drive and individual focus — may be the opposite of what’s needed to succeed as a manager — collaboration, coaching, analysis and planning across a broad platform. I’ve seen it happen enough times to be wary: A sales superstar gets picked to run sales and turns into a dud as a manager.

On the other hand, it may take time to find an outsider. Integrating a new player into the team can be difficult. And a new person may have trouble learning about the company’s products, services and ways of doing business.

Assess your team of existing players. Look at individuals for management potential. Who is the most organized, strategic and accountable? Who consistently steps up as a leader, even when that may hurt their individual results?

Look at outsiders who already know your industry. Is there someone who is successfully managing a team of sales-

people? Are they looking for their next great challenge? Could they fit into your company’s culture?

Pull together anyone who currently works on sales. Ask them to print out samples of every form of communication they’ve used in the last six months. Put everything on the table and start looking for the best examples. Pull the best from each document presented. Mock up standard letters, emails and proposals.

Record a variety of mock sales calls on video. Ask salespeople to play salesperson and prospect, since your salespeople are the most familiar with how different prospects respond in different situations. Play back the video and analyze what works and what falls flat.

Build standard scripts or questionnaires to qualify and develop prospects.

Brainstorm the best way to approach various sales situations, and then write out the process so you can teach it to the team.

Make a list of prospect concerns and stalls and have the team practice how to handle them effectively.

Resist the temptation to go after everything. When sales are stalled, many companies make the mistake of churning through leads, wasting time where they

never had a chance. Instead, focus on pursuing prospects that have a better-thanaverage likelihood of coming to fruition.

Critically evaluate every opportunity.

Not getting in front of enough of the right prospects? Enlist the support of your customers, your vendors and your marketing department. Ask them to work together to help your company get to the next level. Good customers know that if you’re growing, you’ll have more resources to help them. Good vendors know that a successful client of theirs means more sales for them. And the marketing department can figure out how to attract more attention for the things your company does well.

Looking for a good book? “New Sales.

Simplified.: The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development” by Mike Weinberg and S. Anthony Iannarino.

Andi Gray is president of Strategy Leaders Inc., strategyleaders.com, a business-consulting firm that specializes in helping entrepreneurial firms grow. She can be reached by phone at 877-238-3535. Do you have a question for Andi?

Send it via email to AskAndi@strategyleaders.

Visit AskAndi.com for an entire library of Ask Andi articles.

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BY BruCe NeWMAN

The evolving face of Facebook

I

n 2004, Facebook went live. Its original purpose was to provide a platform without advertisements or promotions that would allow college students to easily communicate with each other.

By “friending” one another, a user could create a post that was able to reach a wide number of friends. Almost from its onset, Facebook’s rate of growth was enormous, garnering a million users by the end of 2004. The following year, it added the ability to upload photos.

As Facebook continued to grow, it began attracting the attention of both investors and companies wanting to improve their online presence and business. Riding on the rapid growth and growing acceptance of social media by business, Facebook launched Facebook Fan pages in 2007 and the Like button in 2009. These were revolutionary changes that reflected Facebook’s desire to be a market leader and key player in online business, its major asset being the enormous — and rapidly growing — number of users that truly makes it the 800-pound gorilla in the room. Key additions over the years have included newsfeed, timeline, mobile, advertisements and, through a purchase, Instagram.

The Newsfeed has been an important part of the organic growth of friends and followers. Unlike Google whose search algorithm is top secret, Facebook’s newsfeed algorithm is publicized by Facebook, itself. Like Google, these algorithms are frequently modified, usually at least several times a year. In part, this is to strengthen the algorithms and prevent people from taking advantage of any weaknesses. In other instances, the algorithms are modified to affect user action.

According to a study by Edge Rank checker in April, 2014, the reach of organic Facebook posts dropped from 16 percent in February 2012 to an all-time low of 6.5 percent in March 2014. In a nutshell, this means that your posts are reaching fewer people. A quote from Facebook to partners in late 2013, succinctly states its rationale: “We expect organic distribution of an individual page’s posts to gradually decline over time as we continually work to make sure people have a meaningful experience on the site.” I guess if you’re reaching less people, their responses might be deemed more meaningful.

What this actually translates to is Facebook’s desire to increase its revenue. If people are unable to reach their target market or effectively organically grow their number of followers, they are going to become increasingly dependent

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on using Facebook boosts and advertisements. Or, as one Facebook spokesperson said, “We’re getting to a place where because more people are sharing more things, the best way to get your stuff seen if you’re a business is to pay for it.”

Not surprisingly, many companies — particularly those with a heavy investment in building a fan base — are upset.

Similarly, there are many small companies currently wondering why their organic growth is so slow. While there are many factors involved in effective marketing on Facebook, one rule is inviolate: If you can’t reach people, they won’t know you’re there and they won’t respond.

Bruce Newman is vice president at The Productivity Institute L.L.C. and a regular FCBJ contributor. He can be reached at bnewman@prodinst.com.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 13

ceo insights

BY BrAD SCHeLLer

CEO Insights: ‘Failure is encouraged’ Brad Scheller met recently with Todd Burt, president of Diba Industries, a Danburybased provider of clinical and scientific fluid handling systems worldwide. Diba’s parent company, Halma P.L.C., is publicly traded.

How did you get your start in business?

“My first job out of college was working for a father of a friend of mine selling payroll systems. It was terrible. I went to a job interview one day that happened to be with a guy I played racquetball with every night. He hired me as a customer service representative for a metals distributor. He taught me everything I know about business. He put me through graduate school to get my MBA. I worked there for 11 years.”

What were some of the lessons you took from him?

“The one that stands out the most was the passion and enthusiasm that he had dealing with customers. Joe was the ultimate salesperson. He walked in, figured out what really got a customer jazzed up and jumped on it.”

How would you describe Diba’s mission?

“Our mission is to create solutions that improve and lengthen people’s lives.

We make parts that, by themselves, are just plastic and steel. But the design of them, the shape of them, their use, their importance and repeatability are a critical part of diagnosing and analyzing human health.”

“six years ago diba was a small business with 60 employees based in the u.s. today we work on a global basis.

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14 Week of April 28, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

Can you think of an “as good as it gets” moment for your company?

“Four years ago we got involved with a medical device manufacturer to produce a vertebroplasty bone injections system. Patients who were in chronic pain walked away from the procedure without pain. It was eye-opening to think a little plastic piece of tube that we designed and built could be used to make someone’s life that much better.”

Tell me a little about the vision you have of where you want to take your company.

“Six years ago Diba was a small business with 60 employees based in the U.S. Today we work on a global basis.

We’ve vertically integrated our process.

Now, 90 percent of what we make is from parts that we produce, modified or that use our IT. My vision is that this continues and we add new products, new markets and new places to continue work that improves people’s lives.”

How would you describe the culture you’ve created?

“Our culture is what I call a W-I-T culture, a ‘whatever-it-takes’ culture. We have folks that take responsibility for

what they see in front of them, whether it’s their responsibility or not. They do whatever it takes to please the customer.”

How do you go about hiring good people?

“We use a process called Top Grading.

It involves a variety of interviews, aptitude and personality tests and a constant review of existing employees. We also make sure that we support our employees in the best way. There is a lot of involvement upfront, but we have experienced a lower turnover than the industry norm.”

What motivates and engages your employees?

“We involve our employees in activities, counsels and groups outside of their regular responsibilities. We have development and training programs through Halma that allow people to grow and take on new responsibilities.”

Does the success of this method show up in any other way?

“Sometimes it’s hard to connect the dots. One thing our company is proud of is our high quality metrics. We’ve driven the responsibility out of the quality department into production and people in the business. Pushing that down into the organization and still maintaining a very high level of quality shows that people care.”

What message do you send about failure?

“Failure is encouraged. We recently had a discrepancy report contest. The department with the most discrepancy reports won. We placed the importance on catching problems. Through the collection of these reports we were able to look at trends and figure out how our activity could be improved.”

How has your leadership style evolved?

“I probably got a little bit less patient, more demanding. I have higher expectations and am willing to make decisions quicker because of it.”

What does that look like?

“We talk about celebrating failure, but that only goes so far. There’s a point where that isn’t acceptable anymore and that we’re held accountable to our actions. If things aren’t working, I’m able to make a change, and am not afraid to do it quickly.”

Brad Scheller is president of Wilton-based Executive Forums of Connecticut, dedicated to helping CEOs and top executives improve their business and themselves through participation in CEO peer advisory groups, executive coaching and best-practice workshops. Brad can be reached at bscheller@executiveforumsct.com or 203-563-0628.

BY JOSePH MATTHeWS

R

Risk as ally through diversification

isk, for most investors, is a very scary word, conjuring up images that can easily keep you up at night: Permanent loss of capital. Loss of income when it’s needed. Shrinking life savings.

We’ve all envisioned what we believe to be the potential downside risk of a given investment. But then our minds tie the rational decision to prior negative investment experiences, invariably allowing emotion to fog the ability to be rational. Fear gains the upper hand.

With the market behaving like a roller coaster and interest rates near generational lows, many investors are confused about how their portfolios should be structured. Nothing makes this point clearer than the amount of money in short-term investment instruments like certificates of deposit, money markets and savings accounts.

The levels of cash earning less than zero percent, after calculating for taxes and inflation (“real return”), is staggering — more than $10 trillion based on recent studies. Due to the anxiety, confusion and trauma caused by the bear market and recession, many investors continue to misunderstand the purpose of their portfolios: to fund a future liability.

Is it time to buy? Time to sell? It seems to me that fear has frozen many into inaction.

One of the primary goals of many individual investors is to fund their retirement. The time span between the accumulation and distribution phases for many can be upward of 40, 50 or even 60 years. More often than not, however, the biggest mistake investors make is underestimating the debilitating effect of inflation on the purchasing power of their savings.

By focusing on three things — investment time horizon, the need to make withdrawals and one’s tolerance for risk — investors will possess the key factors needed to better construct a portfolio that is consistent with what they are trying to accomplish.

Investors have always been perplexed by the ongoing inability to definitively predict the possible outcomes of portfolio decisions. This anxiety increases with shorter time periods as the likelihood of the market going down in any given year is approximately 20 percent.

Looking at the big picture tells a much different story. The dispersion of market returns — as measured by the Standard & Poor’s index of 500 stocks — over the last 87 years shows that the market produced plus 20 percent returns in 34 of those years and minus 20 percent or worse in just 6 of those calendar years with an average gain of 9.9 percent. In spite of this positive skew, many investors remain leery of stocks as a component of their overall investment strategy, remembering, of course, that history is never a guarantee of any future result.

Historically, the use of a wellthought-out asset allocation in building and maintaining a portfolio has allowed investors to experience narrower ranges of investment results.

Looking at the time period 1993-2012, a well-diversified portfolio managed to consistently remain in the middle of the pack when compared to nine other investment classes.

As frustrating as this can be in very good markets, like the soaring market in 2013, the potential positive effects on an investor’s portfolio during poor-to-

fair markets can go a long way in helping achieve financial goals.

By the way, the investment class at the very bottom, showing with the lowest returns, was money markets. It managed to be the worst seven times during that 20 year time-frame. This echoes that old axiom: Cash is not a good longterm investment.

Slow and steady not only wins the race, it will help keep many of us in it.

Joseph Matthews is branch manager, first vice president, financial adviser and senior investment management consultant with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Fairfield, 203-319-5165 or Joseph.Matthews@morganstanley.com.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 15

THE LIST

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Ranked by number of guest rooms where applicable; listed alphabetically in the event of a tie Name, address, phone number Number of guest rooms/guest suites Meeting rooms (Total meeting area sq. ft.)

Area code: 203 (unless otherwise noted) General manager • Year last renovated/Year established Website Amenities and guest services Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa 243 Tresser Blvd., Stamford 06901 357-9555 • stamfordmarriott.com

502/6 26 (25,000) Joseph Kelly • 2011/1978 Full-service hotel, restaurant, health club and indoor/outdoor pool, located across from mall 30 (45,000) Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center 484/10 1 First Stamford Place, Stamford 06902 Foster Burnett • 2008/1984 967-2222 • hiltonstamfordhotel.com Pool, Wi-Fi, audiovisual capable, gym, business center, shuttle, tennis courts and valet parking Sheraton Stamford 379/3 16 (20,000) 700 E. Main St., Stamford 06901 Mike Bennett • 2011/1983 358-8400 • sheratonstamford.com Wi-Fi, covered parking, indoor pool, fitness center, lobby lounge and restaurant Hyatt Regency Greenwich 373/12 30 (30,000+) 1800 E. Putnam Ave., Old Greenwich 06870 Shaheryar Adil • 1986, 2012 637-1234 • greenwich.hyatt.com Shuttle, salon and spa, fitness center, indoor pool with sun deck, whirlpool and catering Omni New Haven Hotel at Yale 306/7 22 (22,000) 155 Temple St., New Haven 06510 Josh Heidenreich • 2012/1998 772-6664 • omninewhaven.com Concierge service, fitness center, dry cleaning, business center and in-room dining Crowne Plaza Danbury Hotel 242/2 19 (23,000) 18 Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury 06810 Richard Blair • 2012/1979 794-0600 • crowneplazadanbury.com Restaurant/lounge, sleep advantage program, flat-screen televisions and ipod docking stations This is a sampling of hotels and confrence centers based on survey respondents. To be included on this list please contact westfaircommunications@gmail.com NA Not available Source: Company information obtained from company websites and respondents.

16 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

Ranked by number of guest rooms where applicable; listed alphabetically in the event of a tie Name, address, phone number Number of guest rooms/guest suites Meeting rooms (Total meeting area sq. ft.)

Area code: 203 (unless otherwise noted) General manager • Year last renovated/Year established Website Amenities and guest services Holiday Inn Bridgeport Trumbull Fairfield 1070 Main St., Bridgeport 06604 334-1234 • hibridgeport.com Ethan Allen Hotel 21 Lake Ave., Danbury 06811 800-742-1776 • ethanallenhotel.com Hilton Garden Inn Norwalk 560 Main Ave., Norwalk 06851 523-4000 • norwalkhilton.com Water’s Edge Resort and Spa 1525 Boston Post Road, Westbrook 06498 860-399-5901 • watersedgeresortandspa.com The Heritage Hotel 522 Heritage Road, Southbury 06488 800-932-3466 • heritagesouthbury.com Courtyard by Marriott 780 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton 06484 929-1500 • sheltoncourtyard.com Homewood Suites by Hilton Stratford 6905 Main St., Stratford 06614 377-3322 • stratford.homewoodsuites.com

209/5 10 (NA) Michelle Hudson • 2010/1987 Indoor swimming pool, fitness center, guest laundry, meetings/banquets, and restaurant/bar 193/6 17 (1,000) Janice Perna-Nicholas • 2001/1974 Wi-Fi, business center, dry cleaning, laundry, outdoor pool, gym, restaurant and lounge 170/0 4 (1,500) John Fields • 2009/2001 Wi-Fi, business center, gym, indoor pool, whirlpool, shuttle service, restaurant and bar 168/14 10 (12,000) Chris Barstein • 2010/1985 Spa, jacuzzi, fitness center, tennis courts, private beach, indoor and outdoor pools 163/5 25 (25,000) Judith Kalfon • 2011/1971 Gym, tennis, spa, game room, business center, conference center, indoor and outdoor pools 161/12 9 (6,200) Kerry Lacey • 2012/1987 Wi-Fi, fitness center, pool, outdoor fire pit, cafe and lounge 135 /(all suites) 2 (1,375) Linda Holmes-Hannon • 2010/2002 Complimentary breakfast, indoor pool and whirlpool, fitness center, business center and Wi-Fi

This is a sampling of hotels and confrence centers based on survey respondents. To be included on this list please contact westfaircommunications@gmail.com NA Not available Source: Company information obtained from company websites and respondents.

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Ranked by number of guest rooms; listed alphabetically in the event of a tie Name, address, phone number Number of guest rooms/guest suites Meeting rooms (Total meeting area sq. ft.)

Area code: 203 (unless otherwise noted) General manager • Year last renovated/Year established Website Amenities and guest services Four Points by Sheraton 127/6 2 (1,008) 426 Main Ave., Norwalk 06851 Anthony Covino • 2008/1988 849-9828 • fourpoints.com/norwalk Wi-Fi, exercise facility, restaurant and lounge, room service and executive level Courtyard by Marriott Danbury 125/4 2 (1065) 3 Eagle Road, Danbury 06810 Nick Hazel • 2009 730-2228 • marriott.com Patio with a fire pit, Wi-Fi, fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool, business center Hampton Inn Shelton - Trumbull 125/NA 1 (500) 695 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton 06484 Fernando Solis • 2007 925-5900 • hamptoninnshelton.com Wi-Fi, breakfast, heated indoor pool, two-story water slide and fitness center Courtyard by Marriott Stamford Downtown 115/10 2 (9,000) 275 Summer St., Stamford 06901 Todd Lindvall • 2011/2005 358-8822 • marriott.com/stfcy Convenient location, surrounded by restaurants and lounges Holiday Inn Danbury 114/11 5 (2,880) 80 Newton Road, Danbury 06810 Lance Herman • 2005/1973 792-4000 • danbury-hi.com Wi-Fi, business center, fitness center, outdoor pool, guest laundry, restaurant, bar and lounge Hotel Zero Degrees Norwalk 96/NA 1-3 (1,875) 353 Main Ave., Norwalk 06851 Ramze Zakka • 2013 750-9800 • hotelzerodegrees.com Rooftop terrace, fitness center, Wi-Fi, warm breakfast buffet and concierge services Hyatt House 94/33 2 (1,500) 830 Bridgeport Ave., Shelton 06484 Jason Wade • 2010 225-0700 • hyatthouseshelton.com Rooms with full kitchens, indoor pool, whirlpool and breakfast with made-to-order omelets Maron Hotel and Suites 87/64 5 (5,000) 42 Lake Ave., Danbury 06811 Brian Skene • 2008/1998 791-2200 • maronhotel.com Indoor parking, Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, fitness and business centers, restaurant and bar The JHouse Greenwich 83/3 3 (34000) 1114 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich 06878 Christine Goncalves-Bedder • 2012 698-6980 • jhousegreenwich.com Theatre, indoor/outdoor dining, ausiovisual equipment, Wi-Fi and shuttle service Delamar Greenwich Harbor 82/8 3 (2,350) 500 Steamboat Road, Greenwich 06830 Daniel Coggins • 2002 661-9800 • delamargreenwich.com Spa, continental breakfast, shuttle, harbor cruises, 500-foot private dock space Saybrook Point Inn & Spa 82/4 7 (5000) Two Bridge St., Old Saybrook 06475 Andy Abels • 1989, 2010 860-395-2000 • saybrook.com Indoor and outdoor salt water pool, marina, restaurant and spa Amber Room Colonnade 0/2 2 (10,000) 1 Stacey Road, Junction Route 37, Danbury 06811 Douglas Polestina • 2013/1989 748-3800 • theamberroom.net Full catering, two gazebos, fountains, breakout suites, patios, bars and audiovisual capable The Waters Edge at Giovanni’s 0/0 10 (12,000) 2748 Post Road, Darien 06820 JoAnn Latorraca • 2010/1987 325-9979 • watersedgeatgiovannis.com Podium, projector, microphones, speakers, Wi-Fi and catering Italian Center of Stamford 0/0 5 (12,000) 1620 Newfield Ave., Stamford 06905 Mark Della Pesca • 2009/1978 322-6950 • italiancenter.org On-site catering, ballrooms, tented picnic area and 28 acres of grounds This is a sampling of hotels and confrence centers based on survey respondents. To be included on this list, please contact westfaircommunications@gmail.com NA Not available Source: Company information obtained from company websites and respondents.

18 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

SPECIAL REPORT

COMMERCIAL BANKING

First County nurtures a growing portfolio the cost of regulAtion spurs chAnge

BY CrYSTAL kANg ckang@westfairinc.com

S

ince the financial crisis of ’08, regulatory agencies have placed stricter standards on banks regarding due diligence, compliance and reporting.

The new regulations have made operating a bank more cumbersome and expensive, those in the industry say, and commercial lenders are impacted by investing greater time and money to comply.

All commercial lenders have been hit by the compliance and regulation costs, but in Fairfield County the economic downturn has kept small to midsize companies from requesting loans for years, stifling the growth of commercial banks’ loan portfolios said Rick Zaremski, business banking division senior vice president at First County Bank. Six years ago, both the residential and commercial loan portfolios were negatively impacted by the recession with high unemployment and declining real estate values, he said.

But in the past two years, business confidence has risen and companies are starting to reinvest in economic development projects. First County Bank, a 160-year-old mutual bank that serves mostly family-owned businesses and companies earning revenues between $10 million and $50 million, has grown its commercial and residential loan portfolios between 9 percent and 10 percent each year for the past two years, Zaremski said.

An upswing in the housing market and job creation has helped boost First County Bank’s loan portfolio, Zaremski said. In Stamford, the improving housing market and rising business confidence have created a surge in loan requests particularly from apartment and condominium developers, he said.

“The apartment market in Stamford has really developed and continues to be developed,” said Zaremski. “A few developers recently came to us with a request for condo construction. As the real estate market improves developers are seeing there’s no new housing product out there, so there’s an opportunity

Earl Tripp Moore, vice president of business banking at First County Bank and Rick Zaremski, senior vice president of business banking at First County Bank.

to make some money in that market.”

Although the recession has impacted all industries, and many were subject to the “survival of the fittest” mode of existence, one company in particular has made a strong comeback in Stamford.

A luxury sporting goods company, through making strategic changes internally, has repositioned itself to beat out its retail competitors, Zaremski said.

“They did what they had to do to survive,” Zaremski said. “They made it through the recession, and they’re coming out stronger because their competitors have gone by the wayside and they were able to pick up all of the customers that were out there.”

Meanwhile, First County Bank, which has 15 branches in Fairfield County, is noticing that smaller mutual banks are declining in number.

“As banking gets more complex and compliance costs rise, you’ll see some of the smaller banks merge or go away,” Zaremski said. “You’ll see that for a small bank that has one branch and that’s it, it’s hard to survive with all the costs out there to keep it open.”

But the benefit of a mutual bank is that unlike publicly-traded banks, it doesn’t have to hit an earnings number every quarter, Zaremski said. So the focus is more on customer relationships and maintaining regular costs that go into compliance and audits.

“Typically, a mutual bank can take a longer view towards many things, including how we handle our customers and profitability,” Zaremski said. Whether for new equipment, construction or mortgages for a commercial property, the market for bank loans is growing more ripe, he said, noting small- and mid-sized businesses are reinvesting in their companies again.

“People are starting to feel that the recession is behind them, and it’s an opportunity to move forward,” Zaremski said. “Interest rates are still low all across the board, and every bank has favorable rates. It’s very competitive out there.”

Despite similar rates and products, what keeps First County Bank a competitive player in the cut-throat commercial banking industry is its long-term relationships with its clients, said Earl Tripp

Moore, a business banking division vice president at First County Bank.

“We’ve been in the market a long time,” Moore said. “A certain percentage of our clientele appreciates the relationships that they developed here and they know they’re going to last for a lot of years. That adds some value to our company when a lot of products and rates offered at other banks are the same.”

Moore and Zaremski have been in the banking industry for decades and worked with small and large banks. Both agreed that First County’s emphasis on providing financial support for nonprofit organizations that help with community development projects allows the company to maintain positive relationships with residents in Fairfield County.

“You feel like you’re really part of the fabric of the community and see the impact of the services you provide and relationship you build and see that out on the market on a daily basis,” Moore said. “There’s been a lot of pain out there for a lot of years, but it’s good to see businesses recovering. Times are getting better, and we’ll never stop lending.”

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 19

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The Greens Farms campus in Westport has seen 13 A.P. Construction projects since 1999.

BY BILL FALLON Bfallon@westfairinc.com

S

tamford-based A.P. Construction, a construction management and general contracting firm, identified education construction as a growing sector more than 20 years ago and has since completed more than 50 projects totaling some $500 million in the Connecticut and Westchester County, N.Y., markets.

Industry trends include energy efficiency and environments deemed conducive to learning. For money, private schools generally tap the private sector while public schools opt for bonds.

“Private schools raise money through a variety of ways, including construction loans and fundraising, and public schools typically finance through public bonds,” said Nick Everett, executive vice president of A.P. Construction.

A.P. Construction’s most recent education projects include the addition and renovation of Trumbull High School in Trumbull; the new science classroom wing and parking lot expansion at The Whitby School in Greenwich; the new school structure, additions and interiorexterior renovation at Greens Farms Academy in Westport; and a four-classroom, 17,000-square-foot addition-renovation at Naramake Elementary School for the Norwalk school district, now in progress and twin to a 30,000-squarefoot job at the Rowayton Elementary School.

“Whether it’s building a new school or renovating an existing, the trends have

20 Week of April 28, 2014 • FairField County Business Journal

positioned schools to become more energy efficient, make better use of space and be more comfortable and conducive to learning. We are proud to have served so many communities through the construction of school facilities, which benefit the students, surrounding communities and future generations,” said Everett.

The addition and renovation of Trumbull High School was a four-year, multiphased, 330,000-square-foot project performed under occupied conditions.

The Whitby School has contracted A.P. Construction three times across the last 111 years, including a new 6,200-squarefoot science classroom wing and parking lot expansion.

“A.P. utilized meetings, meeting minutes and formal discussions to solve all potential and existing problems on the job,” said Tom Coleman, director of facilities at Whitby School, in a statement.

“They responded to us in a very expedient fashion and identified specific items in need of attention to make the job progress smoothly.”

Greens Farms Academy has hired A.P. Construction for 13 projects since 1999 that totaled over 150,000 square feet.

Much of A.P. Construction’s work is performed under occupied conditions.

“What’s key to managing projects without interrupting the day-to-day activities of the school is to plan and implement programs that ensure student safety and protection of ongoing school operations, which A.P. Construction takes very seriously while achieving the desired completion date,” Everett said.

Two Stamford developments receive funds

S

tate, federal and private funding has now been secured for two major redevelopment initiatives in Norwalk.

State Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk, and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy made the announcement.

Low-income housing tax credits, which were created in 1986, are responsible for most of the private-sector investment in affordable housing — perhaps 90 percent nationally — and that equation plays out in Norwalk, as well, with the two projects reaping a combined $2.73 million in funding based on equity provided by the credits.

The tax credits are designed to be more attractive than tax deductions — and thus nudge investors — as they provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction in a taxpayer’s federal income tax, while traditional tax deductions provide a reduction in taxable income.

Details of the two Norwalk projects include: The Trinity Washington Village Phase One Ltd Partnership plans call for new construction on two vacant parcels in the South Norwalk neighborhood. The project is the initial phase of a larger multiphase redevelopment effort that will replace the oldest public housing in the state with a new, 273-unit, mixed-income community. In this phase, 58 units are targeted for households with incomes below 60 per-

cent of the area median income, plus 22 market-rate units. Funding includes lowincome housing tax credits, $9.86 million in state Department of Housing funds and a $2.8 million TD Bank mortgage.

POKO IWSR Developers L.L.C.’s plans for Wall Street Place, Phase I, Norwalk call for a new mid-rise, mixed-use building with 36 apartments and 60,000 square feet of commercial and retail space on the first floor. The approved plan includes 850 parking spaces. Wall Street Place apartments will be for households earning up to 60 percent of the area median income.

Besides low-income housing tax credits, funding includes $3.5 million in DOH funds and a $3.4 million CITI Bank First Mortgage.

Both projects competed successfully in a recent funding round for the federal “9 Percent Low Income Housing Tax Credits.” The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority administers the federal tax incentive program. Backed by the government, the credits serve as equity for developers to develop low- or moderateincome housing through the allocation of federal tax credits that may be sold to corporations or investor groups to raise capital for a project. Washington Village secured $1.89 million in this manner and Wall Street Place $864,000.

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People’s United posts Q1 uptick

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eople’s United Financial Inc. reported its net income rose to $53.1 million, or 18 cents per share, for the quarter ended March 31, up from $52.5 million, or 16 cents per share, a year earlier.

Its operating earnings fell to $56.5 million, down from $57.9 million for the first quarter of 2013, according to a press release.

The Board of Directors of People’s United Financial voted to increase the common stock dividend to an annual rate of 66 cents per share, the press release stated.

“Our performance this quarter reflects the ongoing benefits from strategic investments in our businesses, products and services,” said Jack Barnes, CEO and president of People’s United Financial. “In particular, our recent additions in commercial banking in Boston and wealth management in Connecticut reflect our commitment to strengthen our products and talent.”

In a quarter that’s seasonally slower for the company, Barnes said, there was a 4 percent annualized loan growth and 10 percent “organic deposit growth.” The increase in net interest income over the past several quarters reflects growth in the company’s loan portfolio despite a challenging interest rate environment and less interest income on acquired loans, he added.

The company plans to maintain its operating expenses and a low loan chargeoff ratio, said Kirk W. Walters, senior executive vice president and chief financial officer.

People’s United Financial, a financial services company with $22 billion in assets, provides commercial, retail banking and wealth management services through a network of 30 branches in Fairfield County and a total 406 branches in New England.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 21

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22 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL ATTACHMeNTS FILeD 68 Birch Lane Associates L.L.C., JAA Advisors L.L.C. and James Aiello, Greenwich. Filed by Catherine R. Keenan, Esq. $86,500 in favor of David Boutry and Elizabeth Boutry. Property: 8 Park Ave., Greenwich. Filed April 4. eDM equities L.L.C., elisa S. Obrien and Donald A. O’Brien, Greenwich.

Filed by Richard Lewis, Stamford. $316,560 in favor of ARS Investors II 2012HVB L.L.C. Property: 121 Henry St., Greenwich. Filed April 4.

BANkruPTCIeS 629 knowlton Street L.L.C. 350 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport. Chapter 7. Filed April 8. Case No. 14bk50533. Assets: $100,000-$500,000. Liabilities: $50,000$100,000. Creditors: Bayview Loan Servicing L.L.C., $160,000. Type of business: Limited liability company. Debtor’s attorney: Weinstein, Weiner, Ignal, Napolitano & Shapiro P.C., Bridgeport.

Cascella & Son Construction Inc. 2 Easton Heights Lane, Fairfield. Chapter 11. Filed April 7. Case No. 14bk50518. Assets: $0-$50,000. Liabilities: $1 million -$10 million. Creditors: TD Banknorth, $1.27 million; Naugatuck Valley S&L, $1.25 million; New Alliance Bank, $616,612; JPMorgan Chase, $125,000; Internal Revenue Service, $95,000; MD & Blasting, $33,000; Santafuel, $26,000. Type of business: Limited liability company. Debtor’s attorney: Harlow, Adams & Friedman P.C., Milford.

SWJ Management L.L.C. 443 Austin Road, Mahopac, N.Y. Chapter 11. Filed April 7. Case No. 14bk50526. Assets: $10 million to $50 million. Liabilities: $1 million to $10 million. Creditors: Undisclosed. Type of business: Limited liability company. Debtor’s attorney: Bruce J. Duke L.L.C., 4201 Greenwich Lane, Mount Laurel, N.J.

greenwich Hospital Association, Greenwich, contractor for self. Perform interior demolition to an existing commercial space at 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $50,000.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Saugatuck Capital Management L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for Calagna Properties. Perform minor alterations to an existing commercial space at 23 Danbury Road, Wilton. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed April 2.

Arnow Construction L.L.C., contractor for 1550-1560 Post Road East L.L.C. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 80 Blueberry Drive, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

80 WeP 1351 L.L.C. Stamford, contractor for self. Perform entrance repairs to the second floor of an existing commercial space at 1351 Washington Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

greenwich Point Conservancy, Greenwich, contractor for the own of Greenwich. Construct a temporary tent with lights and heating equipment for a fundraiser at Tod’s Driftway, Greenwich.

Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Sound Beach Partners L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for Kadymama L.L.C. Construct a seawall and stairs at the base of a pier at 183 Byram Shore Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $40,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Astrum Solar Inc., contractor for Paul S. Duarte, et al. Install a roof-mounted solar system to an existing single-family residence at 10 Smoke Hill Drive, Stamford.

Estimated cost: $26,950. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

A. P. Construction, contractor for Stamford Square Associates. Perform an interior demolition to an existing commercial space at 3001 Summer St., Stamford.

Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

I Park Norwalk L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for self. Perform commercial installations and alterations to improve the square footage of an existing commercial space at 1 Cannondale Way, Wilton. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed April 4.

Stamford Center for the Arts, Stamford, contractor for self. Remove and replace mechanical equipment trailer in an existing commercial space at 307 Atlantic St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $10,000.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Astrum Solar Inc., contractor for Alexander R. Koproski, et al. Install a roofmounted solar system to an existing single-family residence at 222 Ocean Drive East, Stamford. Estimated cost: $47,000.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Blackwell Construction L.L.C., contractor for High Ridge Office Park L.L.C. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at Building 5, Turn of River Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $270,000. Filed April 11.

JCS Services Inc., contractor for Nine West Broad Property L.L.C. Perform interior alterations to existing space on the third floor at 9 W. Broad St., Stamford.

Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Starr Tent, contractor for the city of Stamford. Construct a temporary tent for a fundraiser at 30 W. Broad St., Stamford.

Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Bardin, Davis, Norwalk, contractor for self. Add a side-entrance deck and finish basement for TV room and playroom in an existing single-family residence at 5 Catalpa St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed April 8.

Burton real estate group L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for self. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 18 Isaacs St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed April 7.

king Low Heywood Thomas School Inc., Stamford, contractor for self. Construct a temporary tent on school property at 1450 Newfield Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

BuILDINg PerMITS

commerciaL

Diocese of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Construct one masonry pedestal in a church at 178 Greenwich Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $1,000.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

DIV Danbury 187 L.L.C., Wilton, contractor for self. Perform alterations to an existing commercial space at 187 Danbury Road, Wilton. Estimated cost: $7,500. Filed April 2. erST Construction TrS L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for ERST Metro Center L.L.C. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 429 Washington Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed April 10.

Fast Signs of Stamford, Stamford, contractor for the Stamford Center For The Arts. Install a sign on an existing commercial space at 61 Atlantic St., Stamford.

Estimated cost: $4,800. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

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: Bill Fallon 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

glenville Construction L.L.C., contractor for Stamford Towers L.L.C. Perform an interior demolition to an existing commercial space at 680 Washington Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $80,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11. granata Sign Co., contractor for Bedford West Holdings L.L.C. Install a sign on an existing commercial space at 148-162 Bedford St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11. granata Sign Co., contractor for Stampar Associates L.L.C. Install a sign on an existing commercial space at 1992 W. Main St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11. greenwich Centre L.P., Greenwich, contractor for self. Perform interior renovations to the second floor of an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 1700 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Maureen Cunningham, Clifton, N.J., contractor for self. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 151 Woodward Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed April 9.

West Avenue realty Associates L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for self. Construct a new unisex toilet at an existing commercial space at 650 West Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $16,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Wilton Commons Inc., Wilton, contractor for the town of Wilton. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 21 Station Road, Wilton.

Estimated cost: $1,800. Filed April 2.

Wilton Commons Inc., Wilton, contractor for the town of Wilton. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 21 Station Road, Wilton.

Estimated cost: $4,200. Filed April 2.

Becraft, Anthony g. and Joanne k.

Bercraft, Wilton, contractor for self. Perform additions and alterations in an existing single-family residence at 18 Stirrup Place, Wilton. Estimated cost: $35,000.

Filed April 14.

Bier, gary, contractor for Astoria Federal Mortgage Corporation. Remove drywall in garage ceiling and lower level in an existing single-family residence at 33 Pony Trail Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

residentiaL

Braun, ellen C. W. and george e.

Braun Jr., Greenwich, contractor for self. Perform interior alterations to an existing residential space at 15 Lafayette Court, Unit 6B, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $300,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

131 Olmstead Hill Associates L.L.C., Wilton, contractor for Scott E. Vollmer and Patricia Vollmer. Construct a new single-family residence at 131 Olmstead Hill Road, Wilton. Estimated cost: $1 million. Filed April 9.

Ceballos/Cala, Norwalk, contractor for self. Perform interior renovations to an existing basement for playroom and laundry room in an existing single-family residence at 22 Williams St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 10.

370 Westport Ave L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for self. Construct a concrete retaining wall at 370 Westport Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $60,000. Filed April 11.

City Carting, Stamford, contractor for Jung Hoon Cho. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 610 Lake Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $20,000.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Perillo, Jean and Tony Perillo, Norwalk, contractor for self. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 68 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 7.

7 Splitrock road Partners L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for self. Relocate stairs to lower level for a new bedroom and bathroom in an existing single-family residence at 7 Splitrock Road, Norwalk.

Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed April 10.

Cluceru, Margaret, Stamford, contractor for self. Certificate of Estoppel issued.

Construct a full bathroom in a basement without permits or inspections at 171 Butternut Lane, Stamford, for an undisclosed amount. Filed April 8.

Post Woodworking Inc., contractor for Al Stamford Senior HSNG L.L.C. Construct a new commercial storage shed at 251 Turn of River Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,156. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

92 Shore road L.L.C., Greenwich, contractor for self. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 92 Shore Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Collins Pharmacy Inc., Fairfield, contractor for Edison Carabali. Replace the handrails at an existing single-family residence, 62 Howard Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $450. Filed April 11.

A & A Quality Home Improvement, Norwalk, contractor for Eleanor Smith.

Perform interior alterations and renovations to an existing single-family residence adding rear additions and a new second floor at 7 Bouton St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $130,000. Filed April 11.

Cruz, Mario A., contractor for Birlie S. Lau, et al. Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 21 Wescott Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $14,800. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Mr. Philip, Greenwich, contractor for self. Construct a temporary tent with lights and heating equipment for a private party at 97 Maher Ave., Greenwich.

Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

North Water L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for self. Perform renovations on an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 20 N. Main St. Norwalk. Estimated cost: $450,000. Filed April 8.

Pavarini North east Construction, Stamford, contractor for Alecta Real Estate Group Inc. Replace old storm pumps and increase discharge size on an exterior sidewall at 1 E. Putnam Ave., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $45,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Q Sono L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for self. Perform renovations to an existing commercial space for a new tenant at 55 N. Main St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $90,000. Filed April 9.

CT Deck Design Inc., contractor for Daniel T. Borchert, et al. Replace an existing deck and add square footage to an existing single-family residence at 19 Crestview Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $18,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Demmerle, Mark A., Westport, contractor for Matthew Dyson. Remodel existing bathroom, existing storage and existing mechanical room in a single-family residence at 51 Forest Ave., Unit 2, Greenwich.

Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11. elmer Lewis & Sons Inc., Bethel, contractor for Timothy Kerr. Demolish an existing single-family residence at 12 Cary Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $500.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Fox Hill Builders, Darien, contractor for Christina Nagler and Tasha Nagler.

Construct a two-story rear-side addition, renovate kitchen, mudroom, laundry, bedroom bathroom and closet at 7 Point Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $250,000.

Filed April 10.

Front row kitchens Inc., Norwalk, contractor for Richard McGarry and Joanne McGarry. Remodel kitchen by putting in new cabinets, counters, floors and remodel the bathroom at 11 E. Meadow Lane, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $49,500.

Filed April 7. garner, Adam, Greenwich, contractor for self. Add an interior elevator, two and a half bathrooms, a new kitchen, bar units, finishes and finish basement in an existing single-family residence at 124 Clapboard Ridge Road, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $225,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11. giraldo, Luis H., et al., Stamford, contractor for self. Rebuild a shed at an existing single-family residence at 17 Lillian St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Ivan, Steven, Norwalk, contractor for Gary Tyrell and Diane Tyrell. Rebuild a two-car garage at an existing single-family residence at 2 Walter Ave., Norwalk.

Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 8.

J.P. Maguire Association, Waterbury, contractor for Frank Lyons and Cyndi Lyons. Perform interior repairs due to fire damage in an existing single-family residence at 92 Truman St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed April 10.

Jacoby Construction L.L.C., Norwalk, contractor for Christopher Ball and Theresa Ball. Fit-out a kitchen extension and add a one-car garage in an existing singlefamily residence at 10 Norwalk Drive, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 10.

Jaime Mora Carpentry L.L.C., Fairfield, contractor for EMB Homes L.L.C. Remodel existing kitchen and three bathrooms, sheetrock and install insulation in playroom and living room of an existing single-family residence at 1 Columbine Lane, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $50,000.

Filed April 10.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 23

NEWSMAKERS plus awards and events ST. VINCENT’S HELPS AUTISTIC THROUGH SCHOOL AND POOL

ROBINSON+COLE REBRANDS The law firm Robinson+Cole has a new look, complete with a new logo and website. The most striking change is the replacement of the ampersand in its name with a plus (+) sign as a symbol of the Robinson+Cole commitment to connecting the right people to create the right solutions.

In addition to its work with children with multiple developmental disabilities and other conditions St. Vincent’s Special Needs Services (SVSNS) at the FEROLETO Center in Trumbull, has expanded its school program to include children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders.

The autism suite at SVSNS consists of five small group classrooms, including one community room, individual learning areas and a multisensory room, which was developed to address sensory needs and increase functional communication.

BERGMANN RECEIVES STATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE AWARD Richard Bergmann Architects of New Canaan received a “Connecticut Design Award” for its “Bend-in-the-Road Landscape” entry on Hollow Tree Ridge Road in Darien, from the Connecticut chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The design focused on engaging a historic house with the land and the land with the house, drawing visitors to the front door and to solving safety issues.

RIEFBERG SHAVES HEAD FOR HOSPICE In honor of his 56th birthday this year, local attorney Lawrence Riefberg, the chairman of the Clancy Golf Classic and a managing partner with Riefberg, Smart, Donohue and NeJame, set a goal to raise $56,000 for Regional Hospice and Home Care by shaving his head and selling tee signs for the golf classic.

The “Hair for Hospice” breakfast event was March 31 at the Amber Room in Danbury was a kickoff to this year’s Clancy Relocation and Logistics Golf Classic to benefit Regional Hospice and Home Care. That event is Aug. 25 at the Ridgewood Country Club in Danbury. Riefberg has raised more than $64,000, well above his goal.

24 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

WEBSTER BANK AWARDED

BY THE UNITED WAY Waterbury-based Webster Bank, with multiple footprints in Fairfield County, received the “Award for Excellence” from the United Way of West Central Connecticut for “creating lasting changes to improve people’s lives in the communities.” The honor was part of the 12th annual Community Builders’ Reception held April 10 at The DoubleTree by Hilton in Bristol. Rick O’Brien, pictured, regional president at Webster, accepted the award on behalf of Webster’s 3,000 bankers who during the 2013 campaign, raised $1.3 million, which set a new employee campaign record.

NUSBAUM TOP 10 FAMILY LAWYER

KPMG RECOGNIZED AS TOP CONSULTANT

Edward Nusbaum, co-founder and principal of Nusbaum & Parrino P.C. of Westport, has been selected a ‘Top 10 Attorney’ in Connecticut by the National Academy of Family Law Attorneys. The rankings are independent and free from commercial influence. Candidates must be licensed, in good standing with their local bar association and must have achieved meaningful professional recognition and earned the respect of their clients and peers as well as having been nominated by a licensed practicing attorney.

KPMG L.L.P., the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, announced that it has been named “Best Overall Consultancy”

by Operational Risk & Regulation magazine. The annual award recognizes companies “that demonstrate innovative thinking and provide useful solutions to the operational risk management challenges faced by the financial services industry.”

DATES APRIL 30

BALL ELECTED TO 2014 FELLOW PROGRAM Attorney David A. Ball, managing partner at Cohen and Wolf P.C. in Bridgeport, was elected a 2014 Fellow of the Connecticut Bar Foundation James W. Cooper Fellows Program. The invitation-only program was established to honor the leading members of the legal profession and the Judiciary in Connecticut, to promote a better understanding of the legal system and to explore ways to improve the profession in Connecticut. Thirty-four Fellows were elected this year.

Ball received a B.A., cum laude, from Brandeis University in 1988 and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 1991 and was admitted to the Connecticut Bar. He is also admitted to the United States District Court, District of Connecticut.

MAY 2

Rock group The Winery Dogs, a trio featuring drummer Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater, Avenged Sevenfold, Adrenaline Mob), bassist Billy Sheehan (David Lee Roth and Mr. Big) and guitarist/vocalist Richie Kotzen (Mr. Big, Poison), will perform at The Ridgefield Playhouse in support of the release of two new special versions of its self-titled debut album from 2013 which broke the top 30 on The Billboard 200 chart.

MAY 8

The Stamford Golf Tournament will be held at the Sterling Farms Golf Course, 1349 Newfield Ave., with lunch held at 12:30 p.m. The shotgun start is at 1:45 p.m. Dinner and open bar under the tent included with ticket.

MUSEUM TO LAUNCH YOUNG WRITERS’ COMPETITION The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk is launching a young writers’ competition among students from area schools to encourage “creative thinking and writing and introduce mid-to-late 19th century history and the arts to tomorrow’s museum audiences.”

Steve Berry, New York Times best-selling author and his wife Elizabeth are the creators of the History Matters foundation dedicated to historic preservation.

Berry will work with the museum’s educators and will help judge the work. The awards will be presented at the museum’s Opening Night Gala Oct. 18, with cash and other prizes.

Major league baseball’s legendary pitcher Tommy John is expected to speak at St. Vincent’s SWIM Across the Sound Celebrity Breakfast set for 7:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn on 1070 Main St. in downtown Bridgeport. John is locally remembered as a former Bluefish manager. The event is expected to raise some $60,000 to benefit the SWIM and the Mario and Irma D’Addario Hypertension Fund at St. Vincent’s Medical Center.

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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 April 28, 2014 25

on the record Kopa L.L.C., contractor for Melissa A. McFadden. Remodel a kitchen with new cabinets in an existing single-family residence at 27 Faucett St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Power Home Remodeling Group L.L.C., contractor for George E. Collen, et al. Replace windows at an existing singlefamily residence at 48 Kenilworth Drive East, Stamford. Estimated cost: $6,021.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Winchell, Lynette, Stamford, contractor for self. Certificate of Estoppel issued for a fence permit at an existing singlefamily residence at 250 Knickerbocker Ave., Stamford. For an undisclosed amount. Filed April 9.

Lafferty, Gina R., Wilton, contractor for self. Add a shed to the property of an existing single-family residence at 186 Ridgefield Road, Wilton. Estimated cost: $6,000. Filed April 14.

Power Home Remodeling Group L.L.C., contractor for Carlos Diaz, et al.

Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 24 Caldwell Ave., Stamford.

Estimated cost: $15,610. Filed April 14.

Winchell, Lynette, Stamford, contractor for self. Six-year letter issued for a roofing permit at 250 Knickerbocker Ave., Stamford. For an undisclosed amount.

Filed April 9.

Landserv Inc., contractor for Diane Erickson. Construct a temporary storage shed at an existing single-family residence at 10 Richards Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $9,989. Filed April 14.

Power Home Remodeling Group, Chester, Pa., contractor for Frank Verdone. Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 15 Senga Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $23,387. Filed April 10.

Wood, Richard C., contractor for Margaret A. Kopec, et al. Replace an existing spa with a manufactured stainless steel spa in an existing single-family residence at 216 Haig Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $22,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

R & M Custom Contractors L.L.C., contractor for Brian V. Butler, et al. Replace a crumbling retaining wall with a twocourse block retaining wall at 8 Rosano Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,500.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

COURT CASES

Lesniewski, Dariusz, Stamford, contractor for self. Finish a basement in an existing single-family residence at 28 Avery St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $10,000.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Lfret L.L.C., Stamford, contractor for self. Repair a barn at an existing singlefamily residence, 346 Thornridge Drive, Stamford. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Licari, James, Norwalk, contractor for Barbara Knox. Remove second kitchen on the second floor of an existing singlefamily residence and convert area to two closets at 12 Sention Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed April 11.

Santo, Jessica, Norwalk, contractor for self. Perform additions and renovations to an existing single-family residence at 14 Loundbury Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $4,300. Filed April 11.

Semel, Scott Vincent and Sun, Wilton, contractor for self. Perform additions and alterations in an existing single-family residence at 22 Edgewater Drive, Wilton.

Estimated cost: $80,000. Filed April 2.

Links, Mark Edwards, et al., Stamford, contractor for self. Six-year letter issued.

Renovate the basement in an existing single-family residence at 56 Broad Brook Lane, Stamford. For an undisclosed amount. Filed April 9.

Solar City Corp., Rocky Hill, contractor for Guiseppe D’Attilo. Install solar panels on top of an existing single-family residence at 4 Huckleberry Drive North, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $8,812. Filed April 8.

Lueders, Matthew K., Stamford, contractor for Lisa F. Wise. Install an inground swimming pool with auto cover and fence at 10 Broadwood Drive, Stamford. Estimated cost: $54,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Stephen C. Gidley Inc., Darien, contractor for Donald O’Brien and Chris O’Brien.

Strip and reroof an existing single-family residence at 50 North St., Greenwich. Estimated cost: $90,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Marisco, John, Greenwich, contractor for self. Replace windows at an existing single-family residence at 179 Putnam Park, Greenwich. Estimated cost: $3,800.

Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Mayne Construction, Newtown, contractor for Patricia Jefferie’s trustee.

Construct superstructure for a one-car garage at 10 Tonetta Circle, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $26,000. Filed April 10.

McManus, John, Stamford, contractor for self. Build a deck off the kitchen on the second floor of a split ranch and construct a staircase off the back of the deck at 39 Sagamore Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Morneau, Karen and John J. Morneau, Wilton, contractor for self. Renovate the basement in an existing single-family residence at 38 Keelers Ridge Road, Wilton. Estimated cost: $29,800. Filed April 4.

Murphy, Michael T., Stamford, contractor for self. Certificate of Estoppel issued.

Partially finish a basement at 113 Center St., Stamford. For an undisclosed amount.

Filed April 8.

Pilder, Christopher, Norwalk, contractor for self. Fit-out a new two-story singlefamily residence with detached two-car garage at 7 Crockett St., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $150,000. Filed April 8.

Sung, Grace P. and Kim Jong Sung, Wilton, contractor for self. Perform alterations to improve the square footage in an existing single-family residence at 169 Cheese Spring Road, Wilton. Estimated cost: $280,000. Filed April 2.

Sunny House Construction, Norwalk, contractor for Richard Spaziante, et al.

Renovate a kitchen in an existing singlefamily residence at 35 Windsor St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $40,000. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

TMC Services, Franklin, Mass., contractor for Frine Farcia and Madesto Farcia.

Perform restoration to finished basement in an existing single-family residence at 45 Saddle Road, Norwalk. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 11.

TZU Investment Group, Stamford, contractor for self. Perform renovation of a front porch at an existing single-family residence at 106 Lawn Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $4,800. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Vadas, James T., contractor for Diane Erickson. Construct an in-ground pool at an existing single-family residence at 10 Richards Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $31,500. Filed between April 7 and April 11.

Bridgeport District Court Elrah L.L.C., et al., Hartford. Filed by Bokyung Choi, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Miller, Rosnick, D’Amico, August & Butler P.C., Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that he was hit by a car driven by an employee of the defendant and sustained injury. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Filed April 8.

Case No. 14cv6042030.

Liberty Mutual Fire Insurance Co., Wallingford. Filed by Jose Bermudez, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Thomas M. Yuditski, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that he collided with an uninsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the uninsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that his injuries are the legal responsibilities of his insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiff claims judgment and money damages in excess of $15,000 exclusive of interests and costs.

Filed April 7. Case No. 14cv6042013.

Norwalk Hospital Physicians & Surgeons Inc., et al., Norwalk. Filed by Ramon Zapata, Norwalk. Plaintiff’s attorney: Patrick J. Filan, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff has brought this medical malpractice suit against the defendant alleging that he was improperly operated upon by the defendant’s employee and sustained injury to his ear. Additionally, the defendant allegedly failed to disclose the risks of the surgery to the plaintiff.

Plaintiff claims money damages in excess of $15,000, costs and any and all further relief that the court deems fair and equitable. Filed April 3. Case No. 14cv6041950.

Publishers Circulation Fulfillment Inc., et al., Township, Pa. Filed by Lynne Graceski, Fairfield. Plaintiff’s attorney: Arthur C. Laske III, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that she was hit by a car driven by an employee of the defendant and sustained injury. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Filed April 8.

Case No. 14cv6042018.

Waring, Adelaide, Norwalk, contractor for self. Permit the existing extension of a screened porch at an existing single-family residence at 3 Pink Cloud St., Norwalk.

Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 8.

26 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

Royal Bakery L.L.C., Huntington. Filed

by PC Services, Huntington. Plaintiff’s attorney: David G. Volman L.L.C., Shelton.

Action: The plaintiff has brought this collections suit against the defendant alleging that the defendant’s water pipe burst, causing damage to his business.

The plaintiff had sent a collection letter to the defendant’s insurance company, yet has not received payment. Plaintiff claims payment of $12,736, attorney’s fees and costs. Filed April 3. Case No. 14cv6041955.

Danbury District Court Sodexo Management Inc., Nyack, N.Y. Filed by Independence Cleaning Service L.L.C., Danbury. Plaintiff’s attorney: Randall J. Carreira, New Preston. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that it had not paid for services provided to the defendant. The defendant allegedly broke contract by wrongfully terminating the contract. The plaintiff has made a demand for the balance of $39,875, yet has not received payment. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, interest, costs, attorney’s fees, an order on the guarantor for reasonable weekly payments and such other and further relief as deemed appropriate by the court. Filed April 4. Case No. 14cv6014929.

TheWaterPeople.net, et al., Weston.

Filed by Fairfield County Bank, Ridgefield.

Plaintiff’s attorney: Patrick J. Walsh. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that it had failed to make timely payments to the plaintiff for a checking account. The plaintiff has declared the entire outstanding principal balance due and has made a demand for the balance, yet has not received payment. The plaintiff claims money damages of $15,000 or more, interest, costs, attorney’s fees and such other and further equitable relief as this court deems just and proper. Filed April 8. Case No. 14cv6014948.

Stamford District Court Control Building Services Inc., et al., Hartford. Filed by Annette Sterling, Wilton. Plaintiff’s attorney: Papcsy Janosov Roche Trial Lawyers, Norwalk. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that she slipped on a spilled liquid owned by the defendant and sustained injury. This slippery condition was allegedly allowed to exist due the negligence of the defendant and its employees. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs, and any other relief that this court finds just and equitable. Filed April 10.

Case No. 14cv6021801.

EDM Equities L.L.C., et al., Greenwich.

Filed by ARS Investors II 2012-1 HVB L.L.C., Austin, Texas. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky L.L.P., Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that the defendant executed an assignment of rents and granted the defendant a mortgage. The defendant defaulted on its obligation and the plaintiff commenced to foreclose the mortgage. Defendant has failed to turn over rents on the mortgaged property. Plaintiff claims monetary damage in excess of $15,000, a receiver of rents, treble damages, punitive damages, costs, attorney’s fees and such other equitable relief as the court may deem necessary. Filed April 7. Case No. 14cv6021766.

Flowserve US Inc., Irving, Texas. Filed by the Water Pollution Control Authority for the city of Norwalk. Plaintiff’s attorney: Updike, Kelly & Spellacy P.C., Hartford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that it had been provided faulty equipment by the defendant. The plaintiff made a demand for the repair of said equipment, yet the defendant had failed to honor the contract and breached the warranty. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, punitive damages, costs, attorney’s fees, and such other and further relief as deemed appropriate by the court. Filed April 7.

Case No. 14cv6021773.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co., Hartford. Filed by Theofilos Tsirakidis, Norwalk. Plaintiff’s attorney: Tooher Wocl & Leydon L.L.C. Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that she collided with an underinsured motorist and suffered injury. The insurance policy carried by the underinsured motorist is inadequate to fully compensate for the damages. The plaintiff alleges that her injuries are the legal responsibilities of her insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiff claims judgment and money damages in excess of $15,000 exclusive of interests and costs. Filed April 3.

Case No. 14cv6021741.

Recreational Equipment Inc., Cheshire. Filed by Dianne Weinstock, Westport. Plaintiff’s attorney: Halloran & Sage LLP, Hartford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that she slipped on an icy surface owned by the defendant and sustained injury. This icy condition was allegedly allowed to exist due to the negligence of the defendant and it’s employees. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, prejudgment interest, and any other relief that this court finds just and equitable.

Filed April 2. Case No. 14cv6021735.

SUPERIOR COURT A Better Way Wholesale Autos Inc., et al. Filed by Maria Agreda and Alexander Agreda. Plaintiff’s attorney: Consumer Law Group, Rocky Hill, N.Y. Action: The plaintiff has brought this consumer credit suit against the defendant alleging it had failed to disclose the service contract fee to the plaintiff before he purchased an automobile from the defendant. Plaintiff claims $2,000 in monetary damages.

Filed April 9. Case No. 14cv00470.

Barra’s Cafe. Filed by Joe Hand Promotions Inc. Plaintiff’s attorney: John Mark Laczewski and Associates L.L.C., New Britian. Action: The plaintiff has brought this cable and satellite TV suit against the defendant alleging that it displayed plaintiff’s media without a licensed. Plaintiff claims $150,000 in monetary damages.

Filed April 7. Case No. 14cv00457.

Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GMBH & Co. Kg. Filed by Miami–Luken Inc. Plaintiff’s attorney: Smith, Segura & Raphael L.L.P., Alexandria, La. Action: The plaintiff has brought this anti-trust suit against the defendants alleging that it had engaged in anti-competitive, price fixing behavior. Filed April 10.

Case No. 14cv00477.

Fireman’s Fund Insurance Co. Filed

by E2Value Inc. Plaintiff’s attorney: Day Pitney L.L.P., Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this contract suit against the defendant alleging that it breached its contract and was unjustly enriched by using the plaintiff’s cost engine in a way that heavily mined its proprietary data. Filed April 10. Case No. 14cv00473.

Firsel Law Group Ltd. Filed by Sheila Pinski. Plaintiff’s attorney: Joanne Faulkner, New Haven. Action: The plaintiff has brought this consumer credit suit against the defendant alleging that it had engaged in improper and harassing debt-collection practices. Filed April 11.

Case No. 14cv00482.

Horizon Programs Inc. Filed by Douglas Desindes. Plaintiff’s attorney: James V. Sabatini, Newington. Action: The plaintiff has brought this Civil Rights – Americans With Disabilities Act against the defendant alleging that he was injured and unable to drive on his job. Plaintiff claims he was illegally terminated. Filed April 9.

Case No. 14cv00463.

Johnson & Johnson, et al. Filed by William Kuba. Plaintiff’s attorney: Joseph Patrick Sargent, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff has brought this suit against the defendant alleging that he sustained personal injury due to an improper hip replacement part from the defendant. Plaintiff claims $1 million in monetary damages.

Filed 10. April Case No. 14cv00480.

Metro-North Commuter Railroad Co. Filed by Natalie Anderson. Plaintiff’s attorney: Neubert, Pepe & Monteith, New Haven. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that the train on which she was traveling derailed and crashed, causing her injury. The plaintiff claims this accident was due to the negligence of the defendant and the defendant’s employees in that the failed to keep a safe speed. Filed April 7. Case No. 14cv00452.

Mutual of Omaha Bank, et al. Filed

by Dorothy A. Smullen. Plaintiff’s attorney: Self, Stamford. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendants alleging that it committed conspiracy and fraud in an effort to seek to deprive plaintiff of her home equity. Plaintiff claims $75,000 in monetary damages. Filed April 7.

Case No. 14cv00453.

Papa’s Dodge Inc. Defendant’s attorney: Cooney, Scully & Douling, Hartford.

Filed by Augustin De La Noval. Plaintiff’s attorney: Robert V. Scalise L.L.C., Glastonbury. Action: The plaintiff has brought this Civil Rights – Americans With Disabilities Act against the defendant alleging that he was injured on the job, harassed and retaliated against and ultimately illegally terminated. Filed April 8.

Case No. 14cv00460.

Parker Hannifin Corp. Filed by Lucy Boucher. Plaintiff’s attorney: James V. Sabatini, Sabatini & Associates, Newington.

Action: The plaintiff has brought this Civil Rights – Americans With Disabilities suit against the defendant alleging that she was discriminated against and fired due to having to miss work for her cancer treatment. Plaintiff claims $1.7 million in monetary damages. Filed April 7.

Case No. 14cv00450.

Pfizer Inc. Filed by Pauline Pershad.

Plaintiff’s attorney: Neal Lewis Moskow, Ury and Moskow, Fairfield. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that she took medication from defendant while pregnant, which caused her son to have birth defects. Plaintiff claims $10 million in monetary damages. Filed April 8.

Case No. 14cv00459.

on the record Raymond James & Associates Inc., et al. Filed by George Catlett. Plaintiff’s attorney: Michael T. Vartek, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendants alleging that it transferred money from his bank account into foreign jurisdictions in an effort to defraud plaintiff of his retirement assets. Plaintiff claims $500,000 in monetary damages. Filed April 7.

Case No. 14cv00456.

Sysco Connecticut L.L.C. Filed by Franciszek Sopel. Plaintiff’s attorney: James V. Sabatini, Sabatini & Associates, Newington. Action: The plaintiff has brought this Civil Rights – Americans With Disabilities Act against the defendant alleging that he was absent from work due to a disability. The plaintiff claims he was illegally terminated. Plaintiff seeks $250,000 in monetary damages. Filed April 11.

Case No. 14cv00489.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA Inc., et al.

Defendant’s attorney: Baker, Donelson, Berman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, P.C., Nashville, Tenn. Filed by Pirelli Armstrong Retiree Medical Benefits Trust. Plaintiff’s attorney: Barret Johnson L.L.C., Nashville, Tenn. Action: The plaintiff has brought this anti-trust suit against the defendants alleging that it had engaged in anti-competitive, price fixing behavior. Filed April 8.

Case No. 14cv00467.

Walgreens Home Care Inc. Filed by Geoff Cushing. Plaintiff’s attorney: James V. Sabatini, Sabatini & Associates, Newington. Action: The plaintiff has brought this Civil Rights – Americans With Disabilities Act against the defendant alleging that he was absent from work due to a disability. Plaintiff claims he was illegally terminated. Filed April 9. Case No. 14cv00464.

DEEDS

COMMITTEE DEEDS Chin, Danny, et al., Stamford. Appointed committee: Descera Daigle, Stamford.

Property: 6 West Trail, Stamford. Amount: $477,000. Docket no 13cv6018266. Filed April 1.

5 Hillandale L.L.C., Norwalk. Seller: Orlando Romero, Westport. Property: 5 Hillandale Road, Westport. Amount: $750,000. Filed April 7.

Advanced Funding L.L.C., Greenwich.

Seller: Newbury REO 2013 L.L.C., Stamford. Property: 19 Minor Place, Stamford.

Amount: $280,000. Filed April 9.

AK Lake Ave L.L.C., New Canaan. Seller: Alex Kaali-Nagy and Karen Kaali-Nagy New Canaan. Property: 751 Lake Ave., Lot 2, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed April 9.

Aveni Hope Street Property L.L.C., Stamford. Seller: 565-567 Hope Street L.L.C., Abingdon, Va. Property: 565-567 Hope St., Stamford. Amount: $565,000.

Filed April 7.

City of Bridgeport, Bridgeport. Seller: Bank of America N.A. Property: Parcel C, Gertrude B. Sniffen Trust, Bridgeport.

Amount: $70,000. Filed April 7.

Custom Kitchen & Design L.L.C., Bridgeport. Seller: Tomas Botelho, Bridgeport. Property: 113-115 Linen Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $30,000. Filed April 10.

Day Pitney LLP, Greenwich. Seller: G. S. Gilbert Beckwith, Greenwich. Property: Map 8735, 31 Vista Drive, Greenwich.

Amount: $1. Filed April 4.

Four Wescott Court L.L.C., Greenwich.

Seller: 4 Wescott Court L.L.C., Greenwich.

Property: Belle Vista Road, Westcott Court, Greenwich. Amount: $495,000.

Filed April 8.

Habitat Berkshire Realty L.L.C., Bridgeport. Seller: Thai Motors L.L.C. Property: 671 Barnum Ave., Bridgeport.

Amount: $30,000. Filed April 10.

Hall, Daniel, Bridgeport. Seller: B&I Investors L.L.C., Bridgeport. Property: 239-241 Lewis St., Bridgeport. Amount: $245,000. Filed April 10.

Hemlock6 L.L.C., Greenwich. Seller: Brian F. Copp, Greenwich. Property: Oak Street, Hemlock Drive, Greenwich.

Amount: $2 million. Filed April 10.

Mazza, Daniel C., et al., Norwalk. Appointed committee: Jonathan J. Kelson.

Property: 23 Rome St., Wilton. Amount: $235,000. Docket no. 10cv6005088-S. Filed April 9.

Nest-Blue Ribbon L.L.C., Norwalk. Seller: Donna M. Rose, Westport. Property: 15 Blue Ribbon Drive, Westport. Amount: $1.1 million. Filed April 11.

COMMERCIAL

Now Entity Inc., Bridgeport. Seller: Main Street Business Management Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 2010 Boston Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $1. Filed April 9.

2A Wooddale Road Holdings L.L.C. and 2B Wooddale Road Holdings L.L.C., New York, N.Y. Seller: Jason Greenberg, New York, N.Y. Property: 2 Wooddale Road, Greenwich. Amount: $11.8 million. Filed April 4.

NZS Holdings L.L.C., Greenwich. Seller: Edward G. Bruno and Barbara Bruno, Cary, N.C. Property: Lot 37, Map 303, Greenwich. Amount: $700,000. Filed April 4.

3 Hillandale L.L.C., Norwalk. Seller: Orlando Romero, Westport. Property: 3 Hillandale Road, Westport. Amount: $750,000. Filed April 8.

Riverlane 1 L.L.C., Westport. Seller: River Lane L.L.C., Westport. Property: 5 River Lane, Westport. For no consideration paid. Filed April 9.

32 Owenoke Park L.L.C., Westport.

Seller: Preston H. Koster and Mary Jean Koster, Westport. Property: 32 Owenoke Park, Westport. Amount: $1.7 million.

Filed April 11.

The Conservation Institute L.L.C., Stamford. Seller: Copper Beach Farm Inc., Greenwich. Property: Parcel 1, Map 8008, Greenwich. Amount: $120 million. Filed April 11.

439 Hallet Street L.L.C., Redding.

Seller: Tritex Real Estate Advisors Inc., Atlanta, Ga. Property: 439-453 Hallett St., Bridgeport. Amount: $210,714. Filed April 9.

QUIT CLAIM Anderson, Edith A. and Samuel W. Anderson, Westport. Grantor: Edith A. Anderson and Samuel W. Anderson, Westport. Property: 29 Hyde Lane, Westport.

For no consideration paid. Filed April 7.

Anderson, Edith A., Westport. Grantor: Samuel W. Anderson, Westport. Property: 1A Meadowbrook Lane. Westport. For no consideration paid. Filed April 7.

Bernardo Jr., Joseph A., Stamford.

Grantor: Joseph Bernardo and Eleona Bernardo, Stamford. Property: Perry Hill Farm, Wilton. Amount: $1. Filed April 2.

Bernegger, Laurie, Norwalk. Grantor: Laurie Ann Deilus, Norwalk. Property: Parcel A and Parcel B, Map 5770, Wilton.

Amount: undisclosed. Filed April 9.

Cabin L.L.C., Greenwich. Grantor: Caitlin Burke Chang, Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. Property: Lot 27, Mason St., Greenwich. Amount: $1.

Filed April 8.

Cabin L.L.C., Greenwich. Grantor: Aron P. Liptak, Arlington, Va. Property: Lot 27, Mason St., Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed April 8.

Cabin L.L.C., Greenwich. Grantor: L. Paul Burke Jr., Mamaroneck, N.Y. Property: Lot 27, Mason St., Greenwich. Amount: $1.

Filed April 8.

Cabin L.L.C., Greenwich. Grantor: Elizabeth Burke Humphreys Hamilton, N.Y. Property: Lot 27, Mason St., Greenwich.

Amount: $1. Filed April 8.

Hung, Jean and Timothy Hung, Stamford. Grantor: Hung Group L.L.C., New Hyde Park, N.Y. Property: 16 Revere Drive, Apt. 2, Stamford. For no consideration paid. Filed April 11.

Ekeberg, Olav and Isabelle Vermeersch, Westport. Seller: Jennifer G. Port, Westport. Property: 3 Country Road, Westport. Amount: $1.5 million. Filed April 9.

Brennan, Susan M., White Plains, N.Y. Seller: Jeffrey H. Hendler and Doreen R. Hendler, Stamford. Property: 77 Havemeyer Lane, Unit 303, Stamford. Amount: $790,000. Filed April 10.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., McLean, Va. Seller: Bank of America N.A., Fort Worth, Texas. Property: 3004 Madison Ave., Unit C, Bridgeport. Amount: $10.

Filed April 9.

Maze, Charlotte V. and William J. Maze, Greenwich. Grantor: William J. Maze and Charlotte V. Maze, Greenwich.

Property: 6A Lockwood Drive, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed April 4.

Campbell, Elizabeth and Alexander Campbell, Stamford. Seller: Lisa J. Quirk, Wilton. Property: Lot 2, Map 4396, Wilton.

Amount: $1.3 million. Filed April 4.

Milazzo, Nickie and Louis M. Milasso, Wilton. Grantor: Louis M. Milazzo, Wilton.

Property: 703 Danbury Road, Wilton. For no consideration paid. Filed April 8.

Canales, Byron, Norwalk. Seller: Katherine C. Wargo, Bridgeport. Property: 995 Sylvan Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $168,500. Filed April 9.

Fordsman, Veronica and Keith Fordsman, Sunny Isles Beach, Fla. Seller: Andrew R. Smolenack and Elizabeth Smolenack, Wilton. Property: 68 Keelers Ridge Road, Wilton. Amount: $1.4 million. Filed April 7.

Morales, Alvaro A., Bridgeport. Grantor: Fernando J. Morales, Stamford. Property: 5 Hundley Court, Unit 3C, Stamford.

Amount: $1. Filed April 11.

Cassill, Jill R., trustee, Greenwich.

Seller: Jill R. Cassill, Greenwich. Property: Pemberwick Road, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed April 9.

Nagy, Nicholas, Shelton. Grantor: Nicholas Nagy, trustee, Shelton. Property: 16 Hills Lane, Westport. For no consideration paid. Filed April 9.

Catanzaro, Elisabeth, Greenwich.

Seller: Janet F. Senft, Greenwich. Property: Lot 13, Map 457, Greenwich. Amount: $440,000. Filed April 7.

Nest-Blue Ribbon L.L.C., Norwalk.

Grantor: Nest Development L.L.C., Westport. Property: 15 Blue Ribbon Drive, Westport. Amount: $1. Filed April 11.

Chang, Ken Chai and Ching Sung Wang, Norwalk. Seller: Ernest N. Krehbiel and Mary F. Krehbiel, Wilton. Property: Lot 2, Belden Hill Road, Wilton. Amount: $690,000. Filed April 9.

Lockwood, Gina M. and Mark R. Lockwood, Norwalk. Grantor: Concetta Lockwood, Greenwich. Property: Lot 44, Block 11-B, Map 2253, Greenwich. Amount: $1.

Filed April 10.

Newbury REO 2013 L.L.C., Titusville, Pa. Grantor: JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Jacksonville, Fla. Property: 19 Minor Place, Stamford. Amount: undisclosed. Filed April 9.

Cabin L.L.C., Greenwich. Grantor: Catherine L. Lewis, Greenwich. Property: Lot 27, Mason St., Greenwich. Amount: $1.

Filed April 8.

Poulos, George, et al., Stamford.

Grantor: Amalia Poulos, Rye Brook, N.Y. Property: Lot 10, Map 64, Stamford. For no consideration paid. Filed April 11.

Conte, Eugenia and David Conte, Darien. Grantor: David Conte, Darien.

Property: 52 Seaside Ave., Stamford. For no consideration paid. Filed April 7.

RESIDENTIAL

Erkins, Gloria W., trustee, Greenwich.

Grantor: Gloria W. Erkins, Greenwich.

Property: Lot 29, Map 3248, Greenwich.

For no consideration paid. Filed April 10.

Estill, Trisha C. and Scott M. Estill, Greenwich. Grantor: Trisha Estill, Greenwich. Property: Lot 11, Map 4888, Greenwich. Amount: $1. Filed April 9.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, McLean, Va. Grantor: Bayview Loan Servicing L.L.C., Miami Beach, Fla. Property: 86 Grove St., Stamford. Amount: undisclosed. Filed April 7.

Havemeyer Associates L.L.C., Westport. Grantor: Morris Beyda and Jaime Beyda, Westport. Property: 77 Havemeyer Lane, Unit 207 South, Stamford. For no consideration paid. Filed April 10.

Docimo, Chelsey L., Stamford. Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., McLean, Va. Property: 41 Webster Road, Stamford. Amount: $431,000. Filed April 11.

Bischoff, Rhea J. and J. Michael Bischoff, Stamford. Seller: Robert S. Ingraham and Lisa L. Ingraham, Stamford.

Property: 40 Davenport Farm Lane, Stamford. Amount: $1.9 million. Filed April 8.

Kaczmarski, Wayne J., Greenwich.

Grantor: Manda Kaczmarski, Greenwich.

Property: Lot 126, Map 566, Greenwich.

Amount: $1. Filed April 10.

Cabin L.L.C., Greenwich. Grantor: Marion L. Burke, Cazenovia, N.Y. Property: Lot 27, Mason St., Greenwich. Amount: $1.

Filed April 8.

Dykman, Kathy J., Westport. Grantor: Harry G. Roraback III and Melanie K. Roraback, Westport. Property: 30 Woodside Ave., Westport. For no consideration paid. Filed April 7.

Beyda, Jaime and Morris Beyda, Westport. Seller: Bumble Bee Associates L.L.C., Westport. Property: 6 Bumble Bee Lane, Westport. Amount: $10. Filed April 10.

Charles, Amionne P. and Joseph B. Charles, Spring Valley, N.Y. Seller: Ariel S. Heriveaux and Euvrena S. Samson, Bridgeport. Property: 106 Yacht St., Bridgeport. Amount: $80,000. Filed April 7.

Chen, Hong and Feng Zhang, Westport. Seller: Brian K. Green and Robyn W. Green, Westport. Property: 22 Crawford Road, Westport. Amount: $1.9 million.

Filed April 11.

Arriaga, Jose R., Derby. Seller: Federal National Mortgage Association, Dallas, Texas. Property: 8 Daniels Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $119,500. Filed April 8.

Clements, Kyle Alexander, Stamford.

Seller: Eddie Wong, Emeryville, Calif.

Property: Unit 26 of Washington Mews Condominium, Stamford. Amount: $380,000. Filed April 9.

Bank of America N.A. Seller: Marjorie C. Jenkins, Bridgeport. Property: 3004 Madison Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: For no consideration paid. Filed April 9.

Cohen, Aaron and Christina Del Rio, Westport. Seller: Tomas Brothers L.L.C., Wilton. Property: 2 Linden St., Westport.

Amount: $2.2 million. Filed April 11.

Beardsley, Heather D. and Seth C. Beardsley, Greenwich. Seller: Joan E. Margenot, Greenwich. Property: Lot 1, Map 3720, Greenwich. Amount: $875,000. Filed April 11.

Cross, Erica and Richard Cross, New York, N.Y. Seller: Jason L. Woody and Suzanne E. Woody, Greenwich. Property: Lot 175, Map 1039, Greenwich. Amount: $1.6 million. Filed April 9.

Beevers, Katherine S. and Nicholas D. H. Beevers, Greenwich. Seller: KNF Lake Avenue L.L.C., New Canaan. Property: Lake Avenue, Greenwich. Amount: $7.9 million. Filed April 11.

Delissio, Gerard, Wilton. Seller: Jean Delissio, Wilton. Property: Unit 24 of Riverview Condominium, Wilton. Amount: $225,000. Filed April 4.

Bento, Susan, Fairfield. Seller: Olga Talo, Corina Ochoa and Marvin Santos, Bridgeport. Property: 779 Cleveland Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $105,000. Filed April 8.

Beyda, Jaime and Morris Beyda, Westport. Seller: Karen L. Wheeler, Stamford.

Property: 77 Havemeyer Lane, Unit 207 South, Stamford. Amount: $750,000.

Filed April 10.

Dietrich, Anna Eng and Andrew Dietrich, Stamford. Seller: Lisa Rothstein and Offir Ben-David, Stamford. Property: 237 Club Road, Stamford. Amount: $707,000.

Filed April 7.

DiTullio, Stephane and Kieran DiTullio, Westport. Seller: Raymond Yen, Westport. Property: 3 Watch Hill, Westport.

Amount: $865,000. Filed April 11.

Forget, Michael, Bridgeport. Seller: Capital One N.A. Property: 576 Merritt St., Bridgeport. Amount: $91,500. Filed April 10.

FTIP Investments L.L.C., Stamford.

Seller: Yna Borcescu, Stamford. Property: 91 Strawberry Hill Ave., Unit 531, Stamford.

Amount: $1. Filed April 9.

Garvin, Marilyn J. and Scott W. Garvin, Wilton. Seller: Peter Kronquist, Wilton. Property: 332 New Canaan Road, Wilton. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed April 1.

Gebeau, Marissa and Antonio Sallati, Bridgeport. Seller: Lora J. Bartult, Trumbull. Property: 70 Lance Circle, Bridgeport. Amount: $122,500. Filed April 7.

Giffords, Wendy A., Westport. Seller: Wendy A. Giffords, Westport. Property: 2 Sherwood Drive, Westport. Amount: $1.

Filed April 7.

Gili, Anthony, Howard Beach, N.Y. Seller: Eric E. Wood, Wilton. Property: Parcel A, Map 2022, Wilton. Amount: $385,000.

Filed April 10.

Goldstein, Lawrence A., Stamford.

Seller: Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., McLean, Va. Property: 86 Grove St., Unit B1, Stamford. Amount: $128,050.

Filed April 7.

Gu-Scallen, Julie and Michael S. Scallen, Yonkers, N.Y. Seller: Kenneth M. Hurd and Joseph A. McGowan, Wilton. Property: 418 Ridgefield Road, Wilton. Amount: $489,000. Filed April 7.

Hill, Wendy A. and Michae B. Hill, Greenwich. Seller: Randall A. Huffman and Mary Jane Huffman, Greenwich.

Property: 39 Patterson Ave., Greenwich.

Amount: $3.7 million. Filed April 10.

Hoffman, Mark, New Canaan. Seller: Marianne R. Michael, Wilton. Property: 2 Glen Ridge, Wilton. Amount: $276,500.

Filed April 1.

Hyson, Anne M., and Matthew M. Southworth, Stratford. Seller: Mary T. Hyson, Greenwich. Property: Lot 28, Map 3505, Greenwich. Amount: $879,000.

Filed April 7.

Jacobs, Gloria S., Greenwich. Seller: Christine Seraydarin, Greenwich. Property: 12 Bolling Place, Greenwich. Amount: $148,500. Filed April 4.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 27

on the record Kennedy, Melissa C. and Daniel P. Kennedy, Stamford. Seller: Angelo Sestito and Laura Sestito, Stamford. Property: 50 Falmouth Road, Stamford. Amount: $452,000. Filed April 11.

Klein, Emily and Robert Klein, Stamford. Seller: Christopher Weber and Christine H. Weber, Stamford. Property: 210 Knickerbocker Ave., Stamford. Amount: $479,250. Filed April 7.

Lao, Kristyn and Tin-Yau Timothy Wong, Stamford. Seller: David T. Milliot and Emily L. Milliot, Stamford. Property: Building 21, Lot 33, Chesterfied II Condominium, Stamford. Amount: $430,000.

Filed April 10.

Loflin, Jonathan, Greenwich. Seller: Peter J. Fusaro and Jayne G. Fusaro, Greenwich. Property: 9 Tyler Lane, Greenwich.

Amount: $1. Filed April 4.

Maccarella, Sol and David Maccarella, Woodbury. Seller: Mamta Patel, Stamford.

Property: Unit A-1 of Springdale Village Condominium, Stamford. Amount: $387,000. Filed April 8.

Mahajan, Rashmi and Nikhil Mahajan, Stamford. Seller: 11 Elizabeth Ave. L.L.C., Stamford. Property: 11 Elizabeth Ave., Stamford. Amount: $730,000. Filed April 9.

Malvasio, Cathy J. and Paul J. Malvasio, Westport. Seller: Olav Ekeberg and Isabelle Vermeersch, Westport. Property: 9 Caccamo Trail, Westport. Amount: $1.4 million. Filed April 8.

Manevich, Natalia, Greenwich. Seller: Adam Hussaini, Greenwich. Property: 11 River Road, Unit 105, Greenwich. Amount: $640,000. Filed April 4.

Meccariello, Marianna, Scarsdale, N.Y. Seller: Alfred T. Thornton, Bridgeport.

Property: 155 Brewster St., Unit 2E, Bridgeport. Amount: $132,000. Filed April 8.

Meri, Samira, Bridgeport. Seller: Clive Origgio and Joan Origgio, Bronx, N.Y. Property: 53-55 Sixth St., Bridgeport.

Amount: $84,850. Filed April 10.

Moraes, Denise R. and Mauricio Moraes, Norwalk. Seller: Jeffrey L. Christensen and Karen A. Christensen, Wilton.

Property: 37 Bob White Lane, Wilton.

Amount: $1.6 million. Filed April 7.

Ren, Fang and Yee Sha, Great Neck, N.Y. Seller: Craig Koller, Stamford. Property: 125 Prospect St., Unit L, Stamford.

Amount: $160,000. Filed April 11.

Saenz, Angeles, Bridgeport. Seller: Federal National Mortgage Association, Dallas, Texas. Property: 44-46 Staples St., Bridgeport. Amount: $105,000. Filed April 8.

Saura, Marccos C., Bridgeport. Seller: Claudio D. Pastor, Bridgeport. Property: 132 Corn Tassel Road, Bridgeport.

Amount: $133,500. Filed April 7.

Scalfari, Marion R., Stamford. Seller: Christina Frei, Stamford. Property: 700 Summer St., Unit 8C, Stamford. Amount: $220,000. Filed April 9.

Scheck, Zuzana and Mark Scheck, Stratford. Seller: Spaz Property L.L.C. Property: 1610 Fairfield Ave., Unit 203, Bridgeport. Amount: $30,000. Filed April 8.

Sharma, Janani and Gaurav Sharma, Stamford. Seller: Steven T. DeLisi and Mary V. DeLisi, Wilton. Property: Sydney L. Gladstone, Map 1118, Wilton. Amount: $1 million. Filed April 9.

Shen, Erica Y. and Yi Wang, Stamford.

Seller: Warren Miike and Anna Velasco, Stamford. Property: 99 Prospect St., Unit 5M, Stamford. Amount: $120,000. Filed April 9.

Shen, Jun, Stamford. Seller: Deepti Aiello, Stamford. Property: 39 Glenbrook Road, Unit 3-Z, Stamford. Amount: $185,000.

Filed April 9.

Shepherd, Robyn and Alexander Drolet, Westport. Seller: Coastal Partners L.L.C., Westport. Property: 12 N. Sasco Commons, Westport. Amount: $1.8 million. Filed April 10.

Singh, Paramjit and Yna Borcescu, Stamford. Seller: Yna Borcescu, Stamford.

Property: 50 Glenbrook Road, Unit 6D, Stamford. Amount: $1. Filed April 9.

Smith, Constance and Benjamin Smith, Stamford. Seller: Mary Ann H. Yakubisin and Matthew Yakubisin, Sunnyvale, Calif. Property: 30 Tremont Ave., Stamford. Amount: $450,000. Filed April 8.

Osterland, Joanne, Vero Beach, Fla. Seller: Frances L. DiPietro, Wilton. Property: Unit 18 of Riverview Condominium, Wilton. Amount: $206,500. Filed April 9.

Spooner, Stephanie and Marshall Spooner, Greenwich. Seller: Bruce T. Sullivan and Angela M. Sullivan, Greenwich.

Property: 54 Hawthorne St., Greenwich.

Amount: $1.1 million. Filed April 9.

Pacelli, Whitney T. and Michael D. Angelo, Westport. Seller: 23 Westfair L.L.C., Norwalk. Property: 23 Westfair Drive, Westport. Amount: $1.3 million. Filed April 7.

Stever, Lauren and Robert Stever, Stamford. Seller: Palmer Hill Partners L.L.C., Stamford. Property: 77 Havemeyer Lane, Unit 80, Stamford. Amount: $1.2 million. Filed April 7.

Pan, Ming Hua and Tung Hung Yeung, Shelton. Seller: Albion Realty L.L.C., Bridgeport. Property: 43 Sturges Highway, Westport. Amount: $1.9 million.

Filed April 10.

Stott, Thomas D. Jr., Greenwich. Seller: Laura D. Calabrese, Greenwich. Property: Unit 328 of The Commons Condominium Associations Inc., Greenwich. Amount: $355,000. Filed April 7.

Pannone, Michael A., Greenwich.

Seller: Anthony M. Pannone, Stamford.

Property: Plot D, River Road, Greenwich.

Amount: $230,000. Filed April 8.

Sullivan, Angela M. and Bruce T. Sullivan, Greenwich. Seller: Capital R. Development L.L.C., Norwalk. Property: Lot 2, Map 2730, Greenwich. Amount: $650,000. Filed April 11.

Reid-Morgan, Althea N. and Rohan Morgan, Bridgeport. Seller: Joseph Riccio and Lucia Riccio, Bridgeport. Property: 3500 E. Main St., Bridgeport. Amount: $163,000. Filed April 8.

Velleca, Margaret Z., and Frank Velleca, Greenwich. Seller: Caspar MacRae and Elizabeth MacRae, Greenwich. Property: Lot 57, Map 376, Greenwich. Amount: $886,000. Filed April 7.

Wales, Talor and Dod E. Wales, Stamford. Seller: Gary Cunningham, Frank W. Gallo and Richard J. Saunders, Stamford. Property: Binney Lane, Greenwich.

Amount: $3.5 million. Filed April 10.

Clancy, Barbara, Norwalk. $6,577 in favor of Cavalry SPV II L.L.C., Denver, Colo.,

by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 15 Rowayton Woods Drive, Norwalk. Filed April 9.

Salinas, Lucio, Norwalk. $15,084 in favor of American Express Centurion Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Abraham M. Hoffmann, Trumbull. Property: 43 Creeping Hemlock Drive, Norwalk. Filed April 7.

FORECLOSURES

Donofrio, Ernesto, Stamford. $5,039 in favor of Cach L.L.C., Denver, Colo., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 264 Mill Road, Stamford. Filed April 8.

Seyal, Kashif, Bridgeport. $6,266 in favor of Asset Acceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven.

Property: 29 Minturn Road, Bridgeport.

Filed April 8.

Begum, Dil Ara, et al. Creditor: Green Tree Servicing L.L.C., Tempe, Fla. Property: Lot 3, Thomas A. Reilly, Bridgeport.

Mortgage default. Filed April 9.

Colerick, Gail E., et al. Creditor: Bank of America N.A., Plano, Texas. Property: 5 Sprague Lane, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed April 9.

Dougherty, Patrick J., et al. Creditor: Bank of America N.A., Plano, Texas. Property: 44 Victory St., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed April 9.

Hamilton, Scott J., et al. Creditor: The Bridgeport Park Apartments Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 59 Rennell St., Unit 15, Apt. 26, Bridgeport. Delinquent common charges. Filed April 10.

Holmes, Kimberly H., et al. Creditor: Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Rocky Hill. Property: 220 Jackson Ave., Stratford. Mortgage default. Filed April 7.

Jumaralli, Rasheed, et al. Creditor: Countrywide Home Loans Servicing L.P., Lewisville, Texas. Property: 2136 E. Main St., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed April 9.

Moore, Peter G., et al. Creditor: Bank of America N.A., Plano, Texas. Property: 132 Bennet St., Unit 204, Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed April 7.

Rodriguez, Elena, et al. Creditor: Bridgeport Gateway Apartments Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 1060 Connecticut Ave., Apt. 43, Bridgeport. Delinquent common charges. Filed April 10.

Edwards, Karlene and Herman Edwards, Stratford. $973 in favor of Gaylord Sleep Center, Wallingford, by Hertzmark Crean & Lahey L.L.P., Waterbury. Property: 40 Leonard St., Stratford. Filed April 9.

Erglis, Misoon, Stamford. $4,647 in favor of Stamford Radiological Association, Stamford, by Hertzmark Crean & Lahey L.L.P., Waterbury. Property: 57 Malvern Road, Stamford. Filed April 7.

Garcia, Ruben, Bridgeport. $9,758 in favor of Portfolio Recovery Associates L.L.C., Norfolk, Va., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 216 Woodside Ave., Bridgeport. Filed April 8.

Graham, Juliet, Stratford. $736 in favor of HOP Energy L.L.C. d.b.a. Kaufman Fuel, Bridgeport, by William G. Reveley, Vernon. Property: 2040 Huntington Road, Stratford. Filed April 9.

Gravina, Arturo, et al., Bridgeport. $3,101 in favor of Hop Energy L.L.C., Bridgeport, by William G. Reveley, Vernon. Property: 31 Doreen Drive, Bridgeport. Filed April 10.

Jacques, Michael, et al., Bridgeport. $1,012 in favor of Hop Energy L.L.C., Bridgeport, by William G. Reveley, Vernon. Property: 2440 North Ave., Bridgeport. Filed April 10.

Johnson, Patricia, Bridgeport. $18,102 in favor of GE Capital Retail Bank, by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 86 Strand St., Bridgeport. Filed April 8.

Uva, Richard P., et al. Creditor: South End Phase II L.L.C. Property: 103-105 Park Terrace, Bridgeport. Tax liens.

Filed April 9.

Kiriazidis, Nikos, Norwalk. $3,312 in favor of Asset Acceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven.

Property: 23 Hyatt Ave., Norwalk. Filed April 8.

Vazquez, Manuel, et al. Creditor: Bank of America N.A., Plano, Texas. Property: 562-564 Ogden St., Bridgeport. Mortgage default. Filed April 7.

Longo, Salvatore, Greenwich. $2,584 in favor of Hop Energy L.L.C., Bridgeport, by William G. Reveley, Vernon. Property: 27 Annjim Drive, Greenwich. Filed April 11.

JUDGMENTS

Moody, Vivian and Warren Moody, Bridgeport. $1,088 in favor of Family and Cosmetic Dentisty, Fairfield, by Abraham M. Hoffmann, Trumbull. Property: 689 Park St., Bridgeport. Filed April 7.

Bango, Mary and Richard Bango, Stratford. $1,113 in favor of Bridgeport Anesthesia, Stratford, by Hertzmark Crean & Lahey LLP, Waterbury. Property: 246 Klondike St., Stratford. Filed April 9.

Carter, Robert, Stamford. $78,140 in favor of Credit One L.L.C., Metaire, La., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 47 Horton St., Unit D, Stamford. Filed April 8.

Cervero, Philip, Stratford. $517 in favor of David Pagar D.D.S., Stratford, by Hertzmark Crean & Lahey L.L.P., Waterbury.

Property: 160 Bunnyview Drive, Stratford.

Filed April 9.

Chejin, Ginger Y., Stamford. $3,819 in favor of Asset Acceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven.

Property: 149 Myrtle Ave., Unit 5, Stamford. Filed April 8.

28 Week of April 28, 2014 • Fairfield County Business Journal

Ramnath, Robin, Norwalk. $10,054 in favor of American Express Centurion Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 8 Garner St., Norwalk. Filed April 8.

Ramnath, Robin, Norwalk. $10,054 in favor of American Express Centurion Bank, Salt Lake City, Utah, by Tobin & Melien, New Haven. Property: 22 Center Ave., Norwalk. Filed April 8.

Ruiz, Erika E. and Jesus F. Pena, Stratford. $12,280 in favor of Cach L.L.C., Denver, Colo., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven.

Property: 1117 W. Broad St., Stratford. Filed April 7.

Villeda, Erika and Edinson Mambuscay, Stamford. $818 in favor of Stamford Radiological Association, Stamford, by Hertzmark Crean & Lahey L.L.P., Waterbury. Property: 12 Green St., Stamford.

Filed April 7.

White, Judith A., Norwalk. $723 in favor of Asset Acceptance L.L.C., Warren, Mich., by Tobin & Melien, New Haven.

Property: 24 Stonybrook Road, Norwalk.

Filed April 8.

LEASES Marshalls of MA Inc., by Mary B. Reynolds. Landlord: Post Plaza L.L.C. Property: East State Street and Post Road East, Westport. Term: 15 years, commencing November 13, 2008. Filed April 9.

Nicefaro, Dawn, Edward Nicefaro and Dean Chambers Jr. Landlord: Stonybrook Gardens Cooperative Inc. Property: 21 Bullard Court, Stratford. Term: 3 years, commencing April 8, 2014. Filed April 9.

T-Mobile Northeast L.L.C., by US Title Solutions, Lebanon, N.J. Landlord: RemoWilton Associates L.L.C. Property: 922 Danbury Road, Wilton. Term: 10 years, commencing April 22, 2014. Filed April 4.

T-Mobile Northeast L.L.C., by Mark A. Appel. Landlord: KPS Properties. Property: 1757 E. Main St., Bridgeport. Term: 5 years, commencing June 10, 2013. Filed April 10.

Village Market Inc., by Michael Picheco.

Landlord: The Merwin Building Management Company L.L.C. Property: 96-108 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton. Term: 20 years, commencing Jan. 1, 2014. Filed April 9.

LIENS

FEDERAL TAX LIENSFILED Benjamin, David E., 979 Lake Ave., Greenwich. $311,134, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 8.

Bennett, Marlon A., 531 Soundview Ave., Bridgeport. $104,925, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 10.

Campbell, Ruth A., 97 Richards Ave., Apt. 108, Norwalk. $10,310, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 7.

Clarke, Sandra E. and Lorenzo Patrick, 45 Beachview Ave., Bridgeport. $25,278, a tax debt on personal income.

Filed April 10.

Discala, Catherine D., 35 Bridge St., Unit 301, Westport. $25,247, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 7.

Genovese Electrical Contracting Inc., 10 Tally Drive, Norwalk. $21,063, quarterly payroll taxes. Filed April 7.

Glynn, Patrick J., 143 Minivale Road, Stamford. $3,257, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 9.

Greene, Barry, 300 Flax Hill Road, Apt. 11, Norwalk. $91,051, failure to collect and pay taxes. Filed April 8.

Greene, Jill, 300 Flax Hill Road, Apt. 11, Norwalk. $87,561, failure to collect and pay taxes. Filed April 8.

McManus, John E., 19 Tremont Ave., Stamford. $152,871, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 9.

Pritchard, Bridget R. and Andrew H. Pritchard, 9 Sylvester Court, Norwalk. $264,190, a tax debt on personal income.

Filed April 7.

Tamburri, Michael, 63 Downs Ave., Stamford. $175,094, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 9.

FEDERAL TAX LIENSRELEASED Blake, Christopher A., 1200 Barnum Ave., Stratford. $12,040, quarterly payroll taxes. Filed April 7.

De Napoli, Solange and Daniel De Napoli, 72 Van Buskirk Ave., Stamford. $207,919, property taxes. Filed April 9.

Intrieri, Elizabeth and Thomas A. Intrieri, 225 Bible St., Greenwich. $20,578, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 4.

Johanson, Maribel and Mark O. Johanson, 1385 Main St., Stratford. $4,263, a tax debt on personal income. Filed April 7.

Szydlowski, Stanislaw, Success Village, Building 69, Apt. 80, Bridgeport. $5,248, a tax debt on personal income.

Filed April 10.

MECHANIC’S LIENSFILED Horizon Retail Construction Inc. and Rich-Taubman Associates, Sturtevant, Wis. Filed by G. Athanasiou Drywall Contractor L.L.C., Wilton, by Gus Athanasiou.

Property: Parcel F, Map 10247, Stamford.

Amount: $108,900. Filed April 11.

MECHANIC’S LIENSRELEASED Expert Construction Group, Darien.

Released by Ahneman Kirby L.L.C., Greenwich, by Thomas G. Ahneman.

Property: Plot 5, Map 3914, Greenwich.

Amount: $7,776. Filed April 8.

Saghri, Minoo, Westport. Released by Umicore Building Products USA Inc., Raleigh, N.C., by Faye Bowen. Property: Book 3496, Pages 191-192, Westport. Amount undisclosed. Filed April 9.

on the record LIS PENDENS 644 Danbury Road L.L.C., et al., Wilton. Filed by the Law Office of Samuel M. Rizzitelli Jr., Derby, for JP Salmini Co., Inc. Property: 644 Danbury Road, Wilton. Action: to foreclose on a mechanic’s lien in the original principal amount of $63,799, dated April 2013. Filed April 4.

Adams, Melanie J., et al., Bridgeport.

Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 2955 Madison Ave., Unit 42, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $149,200, dated June 2005. Filed April 7.

Aquirre, Esperanza and Oscar Aquirre, et al., Stamford. Filed by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for The Bank of New York Mellon, trustee, New York City. Property: 83 Culloden Road, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $612,000, dated March 2007.

Filed April 10.

Babbin, Barry T., et al., Westport. Filed

by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 72 Hillspoint Road, Westport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount. Dated December 2005. Filed April 11.

Backer, Terrance, Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Lakeview Loan Servicing L.L.C. Property: 125 Jefferson St., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount. Dated April 2011. Filed April 11.

Barry, Faith, et al., Stamford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for OneWest Bank F.S.B., Pasadena, Calif.

Property: 42 Brandywine Road, Stamford.

Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $544,185, dated August 2006. Filed April 7.

Bartlett, William L., et al., Stratford.

Filed by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for Green Tree Servicing L.L.C., Rapid City, S.D. Property: 1135 E. Main St., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount. Dated December 2007. Filed April 7.

Benson, Michael P., et al., Norwalk.

Filed by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for Everbank, Jacksonville, Fla. Property: 41 Wolfpit Road, Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $112,500, dated July 2005. Filed April 10.

Boulware, Willie, et al., Bridgeport.

Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Bank of America N.A., Charlotte, N.C. Property: 149 Birdsey St., Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $224,315, dated May 2008.

Filed April 7.

Byrd, Diana, et al., Bridgeport. Filed by Cicchetti, Tansley & McGrath LLP, Waterbury, for Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, Bridgeport. Property: 205 Glendale Ave., Unit 7, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $136,500, dated August 2006. Filed April 7.

Cairo, Patricia A. and Anthony Cairo, et al., Stamford. Filed by O’Connell, Attmore & Morris L.L.C., Hartford, for Bayview Loan Servicing L.L.C., Coral Gables, Fla. Property: 161 Dogwood Court, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $260,000, dated January 1987.

Filed April 7.

Chalker, Patricia A., et al., Stratford.

Filed by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A., Columbus, Ohio. Property: 131 Newton St., Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount. Dated February 2005. Filed April 9.

Chan, Frederick S., et al., Wilton. Filed

by Marinosci Law Group P.C., Warwick, R.I., for Nationstar Mortgage L.L.C., Lewisville, Texas. Property: Lot 3, Map 932, Wilton. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $787,500, dated September 2009. Filed April 9.

Chica, Hector, et al., Bridgeport. Filed

by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Deutsche Bank National Trust, trustee, Los Angeles, Calif. Property: 291 Hanover St., Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $104,000, dated December 2005. Filed April 7.

Davis, Samchicha, et al., Hartford.

Filed by Bender, Anderson and Barba P.C., Hamden, for Willowridge Condominium Association Inc., Hamden. Property: Unit B-34 of Willow Ridge Condominium, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a property due to unpaid common charges.

Filed April 7.

DeCarlo, Jr., Nicholas M., et al., Stratford. Filed by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for Astoria Federal Savings & Loan Association, Mineola, N.Y. Property: 340 Prayer Spring Road, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount. Dated June 2005. Filed April 10.

Deutsch, Marlene, Stamford. Filed by The Jackson Law Group L.L.C., Milford, for Astoria Federal Savings & Loan Association, Mineola, N.Y. Property: Unit E, Building 38 of Chesterfield Condominium, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a mortgage and take possession of the premises.

Filed April 8.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, McLean, Va. Filed by Frankel & Berg, Norwalk, for Carriage Crossing Condominium Association, Bridgeport.

Property: 33 Boston Terrace, Unit 14, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a lien for common charges and assessments.

Filed April 7.

Fereidooni, Mohammad, Stamford.

Filed by Glass & Braus, Fairfield, for U.S. Bank N.A., trustee, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Property: 65 Travis Ave., Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $442,000, dated June 2005. Filed April 11.

Galarza, Rosa, et al., Bridgeport. Filed

by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Green Tree Servicing L.L.C., Rapid City, S.D. Property: 87 Atwater St., Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $232,500, dated July 2007.

Filed April 7.

Garcia, Jose L., et al., Bridgeport. Filed

by Frankel & Berg, Norwalk, for Ameridge Condominium Association Inc., Bridgeport. Property: 107 Marconi Ave., Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a lien for common charges and assessments.

Filed April 9.

Guadiano, William, et al., Stamford.

Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for the Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, Stamford. Property: 20 Woodrow St., Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a sewer-use lien for nonpayment of seweruse fees. Filed April 10.

Hernandez, Jorge, Bridgeport. Filed by The Witherspoon Law Offices, Farmington, for Midfirst Bank, Oklahoma City, Okla. Property: 198 French St., Bridgeport.

Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $202,000, dated May 2003. Filed April 9.

Janush, Ellen and Donald Janush, Stamford. Filed by Rosenberg & Rosenberg P.C., West Hartford, for Colonial Point Condominium Association, Stamford.

Property: Unit 9, 168-172 Colonial Road, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a condominium lien for delinquent common assessments. Filed April 11.

Jespersen, Marsha and Marie Levesque, et al., Greenwich. Filed by Law Office of Michael Richard Powers L.L.C., Stamford, for Fuad Habba, Stamford. Property: 20 Church St., Unit B-66, Greenwich. Action: to secure monetary payment due to negligence and violation of Connecticut’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. Filed April 4.

Jones, Jasper B., et al., Norwalk. Filed

by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for OneWest Bank F.S.B., Pasadena, Calif. Property: 10 Pleasant St., Norwalk.

Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $525,000, dated June 2009. Filed April 10.

Kane, Thomas L., et al., Stamford. Filed

by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for OneWest Bank F.S.B., Pasadena, Calif.

Property: 4 Morris St., Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $435,478, dated January 2004. Filed April 10.

Keene, Avis Monterey, et al., Norwalk. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for OneWest Bank F.S.B., Pasadena, Calif. Property: 2 Margaret St., Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $346,500, dated June 2003.

Filed April 11.

Krug, James H., Bridgeport. Filed by Bender, Anderson and Barba P.C., Hamden, for Willowridge Condominium Association Inc., Hamden. Property: Unit B-41 of Willow Ridge Condominium, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a property due to unpaid common charges.

Filed April 9.

Magliocco, Frank, et al., Bridgeport.

Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Hudson City Savings Bank, Yonkers, N.Y. Property: 186 Garden Drive, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $187,000, dated April 2007.

Filed April 10.

Martinez, Joel, et al., Stratford. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Citimortgage Inc., O’Fallon, Mo. Property: 77 Old Honeyspot Road, Stratford.

Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount.

Dated May 2002. Filed April 11.

McConney, Edmond, et al., Stamford.

Filed by Glass & Braus, Fairfield, for Wells Fargo Bank N.A., Frederick, Md. Property: 1611 Washington Blvd., Unit 6, Stamford.

Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $399,500, dated August 2006. Filed April 7.

Metlife Home Loans, et al., Stratford.

Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for Nationstar Mortgage L.L.C., Lewisville, Texas. Property: 1460 Elm St., Unit 433-B, Stratford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount. Dated August 2009.

Filed April 11.

Montantine, Arthur P., et al., Bridgeport. Filed by Bender, Anderson and Barba P.C., Hamden, for Willowridge Condominium Association Inc., Hamden. Property: Unit FD-13 of Willow Ridge Condominium, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a property due to unpaid common charges. Filed April 7.

Mosley, Shadena and Richard Evans, et al., Bridgeport. Filed by Kapusta, Otzel & Averaimo, Milford, for Nationstar Mortgage L.L.C., Lewisville, Texas. Property: 350 Dogwood Drive, Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $166,920.

Filed April 7.

Norwalk Alf Property L.L.C., et al., Norwalk. Filed by Hinckley, Allen & Snyder LLP, Hartford, for Marjam Supply Company, Hartford. Property: 73 Strawberry Hill Ave., Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a mechanic’s lien in the original principal amount of $126,188, dated April 2013. Filed April 7.

Norwalk Alf Property L.L.C., et al., Norwalk. Filed by Law Offices of Kevin J. Hecht P.C., Cheshire, for Omega Electric L.L.C. Property: 73 Strawberry Hill Ave., Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a mechanic’s lien in the original principal amount of $126,188, dated April 2013.

Filed April 9.

Reis, Marcos, et al., Bridgeport. Filed by Hunt, Leibert & Jacobsen P.C., Hartford, for U.S. Bank N.A., trustee, Salt Lake City, Utah. Property: 400-402 Lincoln Ave., Bridgeport. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $292,500, dated February 2007. Filed April 10.

Silveria, Denize, et al., Stamford. Filed

by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for SRP 2012-1 L.L.C. Property: 39 Glenbrook Road, Unit 1P, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $70,500, dated November 2006. Filed April 7.

Stanislaw, Ludyjan, et al., Norwalk.

Filed by Bendett and McHugh P.C., Farmington, for Deutsche Bank National Trust, trustee, Los Angeles, Calif. Property: 135 Flax Hill Road, Unit 20A, Norwalk. Action: to foreclose on a delinquent mortgage in the original principal amount of $83,650, dated August 2006. Filed April 11.

Tomonto, Joseph A., et al., Stamford.

Filed by John P. Regan, Stamford, for city of Stamford, Stamford. Property: 140 Grove St., Unit 4A, Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a tax lien and take possession of the premises. Filed April 10.

Vaca, Edgar, et al., Stamford. Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, Stamford. Property: 65 Matthews St., Stamford.

Action: to foreclose on a sewer-use lien for nonpayment of sewer-use fees. Filed April 10.

Vitti, Josephine F. and Anthony T. Vitti, et al., Stamford. Filed by Ackerly & Ward, Stamford, for Stamford Water Pollution Control Authority, Stamford. Property: 60 Anderson St., Stamford. Action: to foreclose on a sewer-use lien for nonpayment of sewer-use fees. Filed April 10.

MORTGAGES

Commercial 3 Hillandale L.L.C., Norwalk, by Jonathan Schwarts. Lender: 2058484 Ontario Limited, Canada. Property: 3 Hillandale Road, Westport. Amount: $1.5 million.

Filed April 8.

5 Hillandale L.L.C., Norwalk, by Jonathan Schwarts. Lender: First County Bank, Stamford. Property: 5 Hillandale Road, Westport. Amount: $937,500. Filed April 7.

535 Riverside L.L.C., Trumbull, by Christopher Costa. Lender: Bruno Investments L.L.C., Bridgeport. Property: 535 Riverside Ave., Westport. Amount: $2.1 million. Filed April 8.

Aveni Hope Street Property L.L.C., Stamford, by Anthony B. Aveni Jr. Lender: Webster Bank N.A., Waterbury. Property: 565 Hope St., Stamford. Amount: $420,000. Filed April 7.

Benchmark Trading Ltd., Bridgeport,

by Mark Cukier. Lender: Capital One N.A., Melville, N.Y. Property: Park Royal Condominium, Bridgeport. Amount: $4.2 million. Filed April 7.

Bridgeport Apostolic Church Inc., Bridgeport, by Daren Richards. Lender: Union Savings Bank, Danbury. Property: 499 Washington Ave., Bridgeport.

Amount: $420,000. Filed April 10.

Cooperative Land & Lease of Connecticut L.L.C., Bridgeport, by Antonia Corsi. Lender: Velocity Commercial Capital L.L.C., Westlake Village, Calif. Property: 434 Grand St., Bridgeport. Amount: $255,000. Filed April 8.

Custon Kitchen & Design L.L.C., Bridgeport, by Juliane Martins Boseja.

Lender: Jodi Shlomo, Fairfield. Property: 113-115 Linen Ave., Bridgeport. Amount: $30,000. Filed April 10.

Four Star Glass of Reservoir Avenue L.L.C., Bridgeport, by Saint Armand Sajous. Lender: Dominic Ferrovecchio, Bronx, N.Y. Property: Reservoir Avenue, Bridgeport. Amount: $172,500. Filed April 8.

Hemlock6 L.L.C., Greenwich, by Bonita M. Copp. Lender: Hudson Valley Bank N.A., Yonkers, N.Y. Property: Hemlock Drive, Greenwich. Amount: $1.4 million.

Filed April 10.

IDEA for Autism Inc., Bridgeport, by David Paniccia. Lender: Panvest Corp., Westport. Property: James Street, Bridgeport. Amount: $250,000. Filed April 8.

Inspirica Inc., Stamford, by William Avery. Lender: Stamford Community Development Program, Stamford. Property: 141 Franklin St., Stamford. Amount: $35,048.

Filed April 8.

Pilgrim Towers Inc., Stamford, by Alvin E. Hebert. Lender: Stamford Community Development Program, Stamford. Property: 25 Washington Court and North Street, Stamford. Amount: $160,125. Filed April 8.

Riverlane 1 L.L.C., Westport, by Ellen Sepe and Christopher Kenny. Lender: Union Savings Bank, Danbury. Property: 5 River Lane, Lot A, Westport. Amount: $850,000. Filed April 9.

Weed Avenue Terrace L.L.C., Stamford, by Rolf Granskog, et al. Lender: Webster Bank N.A., Waterbury. Property: Parcel 1 and Parcel 2, Map 8036, Birch Street, Stamford. Amount: $220,000.

Filed April 11.

NEW BUSINESSES A & L Painting L.L.C., 90 Leonard Drive, Bridgeport 06606, c/o Alandiones Tavares Campos. Filed April 9.

Acceleroe Advisors, 42 Park Lane, Westport 06880, c/o Nourie Media Group L.L.C. Filed April 8.

Alma Flora Market L.L.C., 992 Madison Ave., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Dores Almeida. Filed April 9.

Alpha Aquariums, 42-59 Main St., Norwalk 06854, c/o Joshua Thime. Filed April 10.

Always The Best L.L.C., 489B Commanche Lane, Stratford 06614, c/o Julia Matto.

Filed April 9.

American Management and Consulting, 1465 E. Putnam Ave., Apt. 112, Greenwich 06870, c/o Loren Ann Bakshi. Filed April 10.

ASD Events, 11-3 Finney Lane, Stamford 06902, c/o Ashley S. Davis. Filed April 3.

Auto Net Limousines L.L.C., 48 Limerick St., Second floor, Stamford 06902, c/o Abel Salazar. Filed April 7.

Blue Eyed Dingo Creations, 78 Oakdale Road, Stamford 06906, c/o Gabrielle G. Barrett. Filed April 3.

Cellmark Display, 80 Washington St., Norwalk 06854, c/o Cellmark Inc., et al.

Filed April 8.

Center For Discovery, 7 Riversville Road, Suite 2A, Greenwich 06831, c/o Dawn Delgado. Filed April 9.

Clean Sweep Professionals, 3 1/2 Talmadge Place, Norwalk 06854, c/o Christopher E. Blackwell. Filed April 8.

Creations, 223 Jane St., Bridgeport 06608, c/o Jose O. Molina. Filed April 11.

Cupke L.L.C., 13 Crowne Pond Lane, Wilton, c/o Alexis Boccanfuso. Filed April 10.

Domestic Staffing, 15 Field Road, Greenwich 06807, c/o David Crimmins. Filed April 9.

DSN Contracting L.L.C., 100 Riverview Place, Stratford, c/o David S. Neilson. Filed April 11.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 29

on the record Elk Homes Realty L.L.C., 411 Theodore Fremd Ave., Rye, N.Y. 10580, c/o Diane E. Hirsh. Filed April 7.

Handy Group, 27 Dunn Ave., Stamford 06905, c/o Asdrubal Castrillon. Filed April 3.

New Horizon’s General Landscaping L.L.C., 11 Hinckley Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Gilberto Cifuents. Filed April 4.

The Refurbished Nest, 55 Airway Drive, Stratford 06615, c/o Dana Yawman. Filed April 10.

Williams Automotive Services, 40 Stillwater Ave., Apt. 10F, Stamford 06902, c/o Damian Williams. Filed April 7.

Ernest G. Ricco, 408 Olmstead Hill Road, Wilton 06897, c/o Ernest G. Ricco.

Filed April 8.

HFF, 301 Grant St., 1 Oxford Center, Suite 300, Pittsburgh 15219, c/o Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, Limited Partnership. Filed April 8.

Palma Cleaning Service, 25 Yale St., Bridgeport 06605, c/o Teramin Palma.

Filed April 9.

The Tower Group, 175 Summer St., Stratford 06614, c/o Philip James Tower. Filed April 9.

PATENTS

Partners Executive Transportation, 83 Catoona Lane, Stamford 06906, c/o Carmen G. Fustini. Filed April 10.

Thinking Ape Inc., 18 Jennie Jenks Road, Norwalk 06851, c/o Vasilios Tabakis. Filed April 11.

Paulinal, 20 Daly St., Apt. 2F, Stamford 06902, c/o Paulina Lipska. Filed April 9.

Tommy Blandino Group, 39 Glenbrook Road, Apt. 2P, Stamford 06902, c/o Tommy R. Blandino. Filed April 7.

Evercolors Unlimited, 100 Research Drive, Suite 10, Stamford 06906, c/o Daniel Callervik. Filed April 9.

FSBO Group, 3012 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport 06605, c/o Marcus Vargas. Filed April 10.

Gaetanos Deli, 1713 Post Road, Westport, c/o Abatalia L.L.C. Filed April 7.

Garibay VIII Cleaning Services, 25 Fairview Ave., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Miguel A. Garibay. Filed April 9.

George International Limousine L.L.C., 109 Tresser Blvd., P.O. Box 357, Stamford 06901, c/o George Ortiz. Filed April 7.

George Variety and Deli, 992 Madison Ave., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Dores Almeida. Filed April 9.

GF Home Improvement, 200 Belltown Road, Stamford 06905, c/o Grzrgorz Fortuna. Filed April 8.

Greenwich Braces L.L.C., 4 Dearfield Drive, Greenwich 06831, c/o Rosemary Ryan-DeGrado. Filed April 8.

Home Handyman, The, 4 Fullmar Lane, Norwalk 06850, c/o Konstantinos Simoulidis. Filed April 11.

I.P. Trans, 91 Strawberry Hill Ave., Apt. 334, Stamford 06902, c/o Igor Pounov.

Filed April 7.

International Multi Services L.L.C., 1375 Madison Ave., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Sandra E. Cano and Katherine Cardenas.

Filed April 7.

Just Blessed Events, 13 Yankee Doodle Court, Norwalk 06855, c/o Salihah Gonsalves. Filed April 8.

Leisha’s Bakeria, 7 Lafayette Circle, Bridgeport 06604, c/o Leisha Young.

Filed April 8.

Miconn, 158 Greenfield Ave., Stratford 06614, c/o Roel A. Legaspe. Filed April 10.

Miller’s Marketing Consulting, 63 Fremont St., Bridgeport 06608, c/o Leonardo Miller. Filed April 8.

New England Fitness Professionals, 126 Hoyt St., Apt. 4B, Stamford 06905, c/o Steven Wakefield. Filed April 8.

Rainbow International of Stamford, 25 Van Zant St., Norwalk 06855, c/o Dragomir Dentchev. Filed April 8.

Ronald’s Painting L.L.C., 130 Robin St., Bridgeport 06606, c/o Ronald Dutra Rodriguez. Filed April 9.

Schlossberg, 29 Griffith Road, Greenwich, c/o Christopher Kull. Filed April 8.

Senior Resource Publishing L.L.C., 27 Fifth St., Stamford 06905, c/o Gary Ferone. Filed April 11.

Shippan Liquors, 320 Shippan Ave., Stamford 06902, c/o Prodicy L.L.C. Filed April 11.

Stamford Tech, 1465 E. Putnam Ave., Apt. 118, Greenwich 06870, c/o Mohammad Ahmad. Filed April 9.

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Top To Bottom Home Improvement L.L.C., 72 Lufberry Lane, Norwalk 06851, c/o Cirstian Gonzales Sanchez. Filed April 10.

United Insulation, 105 Sunshine Circle, Bridgeport 06606, c/o Raymond Ortiz.

Filed April 10.

Varas Home Improvement Painting Services, 9 Olmstead Place, Norwalk 06855, c/o Raul A. Varas. Filed April 7.

Variedades Junior, 275 Pequonnock St., Bridgeport 06604, c/o Aida Bautista.

Filed April 8.

Velinova Translations, 24 Cantwell Ave., Stamford 06905, c/o Milena M. Velinova. Filed April 3.

Verybonni, 58 Elm Tree Place, Stamford 06906, c/o Bonni Chalkin Hirsch. Filed April 10.

Methods and systems for achieving print uniformity using reduced memory or computational requirements. Patent no. 8,705,120 issued to Yequing (Juliet) Zhang, Webster, N.Y.; Daniel E. Viassolo, Schenectady, N.Y.; Susan J. Zoltner, Newberg, Ore.; Howard A. Mizes, Pittsford, N.Y.; and Robert P. Loce, Webster, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

The following patents were

issued by the U.S. Patent and Solvent-free bio-based emulTrademark Office in Washing- sion. Patent no. 8,703,380 issued to Shigang S. Qiu, Toronto, Calif.; Santiago ton, D.C. Faucher, Oakville, Calif.; Fumii Higuchi, Mississauga, Calif.; and Guerino G. Sacripante, Oakville, Calif. Assigned to Applications, systems and meth- Xerox Corp., Norwalk. ods for identifying and monitoring

critical colors in customer print jobs.

Patent no. 8,705,119 issued to Gregg A. System and method for burstinessBonikowski, Rochester, N.Y., Suraj Kumar, aware scheduling and capacity asWebster, N.Y.; and Kenneth C. Byrne, sessment on a network of electronic Pittsford, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., devices. Patent no. 8,705,090 issued to Shanmuganathan Gnanasambandam, Norwalk.

Victor, N.Y.; Naveen Sharma, Fairport, N.Y.;

and Ramesh Nagarajan, Pittsford, N.Y. Automated print shop service ca- Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk. pability determination.

Patent

no. 8,705,080 issued to Michael David Shepherd, Ontario, N.Y.; and Barry Glynn Systems and methods for dynamic Gombert, Rochester, N.Y. Assigned to Xe- sharpness control in system using binary to continuous tone conversion. rox Corp., Norwalk.

Patent no. 8,705,140 issued to Xing Li,

Webster, N.Y.; Zhenhuan Wen, Pittsford, Chemical binding of renewable oils N.Y.; and Peter D. McCandlish, Penfield, to polyester emulsion. Patent no. N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

8,703,379 issued to Valerie M. Farrugia,

Oakville, Calif. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Toner composition with charge-conNorwalk. trol agent-treated spacer particles.

Patent no. 8,703,374 issued to Maura A. Duplex web printer system registra- Sweeney, Irondequoit, N.Y., Robert D. tion technique. Patent no. 8,706,017 Bayley, Fairport, N.Y.; Grazyna E. Kmiecikissued to Howard A. Mizes, Pittsford, N.Y. Lawrynowicz, Fairport, N.Y.; and Anne Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

Marie Sweeney-Jones, Irondequoit, N.Y. Assigned to Xerox Corp., Norwalk.

Method and apparatus for processing credit card transactions. Patent no. 8,706,632 issued to Jay S. Walker, Ridgefield; Magdalena Mik, Greenwich; Stephen C. Tulley, Stamford; Daniel E. Tedesco, New Canaan; and Andrew S. Van Luchene, Norwalk. Assigned to Inventor Holdings L.L.C., Stamford.

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BUSINESS CONNECTIONS ECONOMY

EVENTS

State’s Jobs Recovery Passes Halfway Mark

Connecticut 2014 Economic Update

M

arch brought 4,900 new jobs to Connecticut and coupled with February’s revised gains, erased a large portion of the 10,900 jobs the state lost in the first month of the year.

Sponsored by Mahoney Sabol & Company, LLP, and JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Date Friday, May 9, 2014

Based on the Department of Labor’s March employment report, Connecticut’s economy ended the first quarter 4,600 jobs behind where we closed 2013, and 9,400 jobs ahead of this time last year.

Time Registration and networking breakfast buffet: 7:30 am Program: 8:30 am–noon

Positive news to be sure, although job growth in the state continues to significantly lag regional and national economic recoveries.

Place Crowne Plaza, 100 Berlin Rd., Cromwell

March saw the U.S. economy reach a long-awaited milestone, finally recovering all jobs lost during the March 2008-February 2010 recession.

focus on improving the state’s business climate to attract much-needed private investment.

Connecticut now has recovered 65,000, or 54.6% of the 119,100 jobs lost during the economic downturn.

The state’s unemployment rate for March remained unchanged at 7%, ending a string of seven successive months of declines. A year ago, the rate was 7.8%.

“While we do lag the U.S. recovery, it does seem to be picking up some steam,” says CBIA economist Peter Gioia.

The national unemployment rate was 6.7% in March.

“Seven [industry] sectors saw gains in March…including manufacturing, financial services, and trade, transportation, and utilities.”

In Massachusetts, one of 16 states to recover all jobs lost in the recession, the unemployment rate is 6.3%.

New York also has recovered from its recession losses and has 6.9% unemployment.

Gioia added that the modest pace of Connecticut’s recovery underscored the critical need for legislators to

 Read more at gov.cbia.com

Employees, Businesses Pay Price in Mandate’s Shift to Roth IRA fter a report revealed the major costs to the state of a proposed retirement plan mandate, proponents are altering the plan to reduce its shortterm fiscal impact to the state in an attempt to make it more politically palatable.

SB 249 would require employers with five or more employees that do not provide employees with access to a 401k, IRA, or pension plan to facilitate employee participation in a newly-created state run plan.

The Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), the legislature’s own nonpartisan budgeting office, projected SB 249 would cost the state up to $10 million in program startup costs—and up to $165 million in lost tax revenue each year as employees invest tax-deferred wages in the retirement plan.

But proponents filed an amendment to the bill that aims to avoid the revenue gap by changing the proposal to a Roth IRA—which means participating employees would have to pay taxes on their savings up front.

T

he U.S. is in the midst of SCAN TO a sustained economic REGISTER! recovery. When and how will Connecticut get off the sidelines?

Get expert forecasts and analysis from: Ryan Sweet, Director and Senior Economist, Moody’s Analytics Daniel Friedenzohn, Assistant Professor, Aeronautical Science Dept., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

ISSUES & POLICIES

A

Cost CBIA members, $50 Nonmembers, $65 Table of 10, $450

Rather than be allowed to save pre-tax wages, all plan participants will be forced to pay between 2%-5% of their post-tax wages—which would be a significant hit on their paychecks.

Camille Murphy, President, The Connecticut Society of CPAs

Basically, the plan would take more money from people the program is supposed to help—those who don’t have a retirement plan because they can’t afford one. But the state would get its tax revenue, making the program appear to be fiscally neutral in the short term.

What’s more, all Connecticut taxpayers would still be on the hook for the $10 million in implementation costs and employers would still have the costs and administrative burdens of the new mandate.

Another impact of the proposal is the potential job losses in Connecticut’s financial services sector that already offers hundreds of available retirement plan options—including tax deferred accounts.  Read more at gov.cbia.com

Joseph Kelley, President, Stop & Shop New England

Jim Glassman, Managing Director and Head Economist for the Commercial Bank, JPMorgan Chase & Co. Bonnie Stewart, Vice President of Government Affairs, CBIA We’ll also examine the record growth projected in the state’s aerospace industry over the next decade (and why that growth could pose a problem), plus what the outcome of this year’s legislative session means for the state’s economy and job creation.  Register at cbia.com/events

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of April 28, 2014 31

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