Fairfield County Business Journal 050415 by Westfair Business Journal

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

BUSINESS JOURNAL May 4, 2015 | VOL. 51, No. 18

11 | WWE’S NEW DEAL

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A TEMPLATE FOR MODERN URBANISM ON THE SOUND BY EVAN FALLOR evan@westfairinc.com

HARBOR POINT and the new Stamford

The Harbor Point development in Stamford. Photo by Evan Fallor

THE OLD REAL ESTATE saying that the waterfront is a sale’s best friend is playing out in a big way in Stamford. Building and Land Technology (BLT), a Stamfordbased real estate and property management firm and the developer for Stamford’s Harbor Point neighborhood, has tapped into the area’s most prominent geographical resource — the Long Island Sound — to begin building a $3.5 billion mini-metropolis geared toward the modern urbanite. The 322-acre redevelopment of the former industrial shoreline on the city’s South End, has, in its » HARBOR, page 23

A most stylish menagerie

ANIMAL-THEMED GOODS HIGHLIGHT PATRICIA’S PRESENTS BY MARY SHUSTACK mshustack@westfairinc.com IF ANYONE WERE TO BE in search of a pillow featuring a cat wearing a pearl necklace, we know just where to send them. Come to think of it, this Ridgefield boutique is also the place to find a pink-flamingo keychain, leopard-print foldable ballet flats, a Collie eyeglass case or a beaded foxhead pin.

And while Patricia’s Presents has certainly made a home for the whimsical – “People seem to appreciate the fact it’s a little quirky,” owner Patricia Polk said on a recent afternoon – there is more than enough room for straight-ahead sophistication. To that end, shoppers will delight in equestrian-themed prints by noted Woodstock, N.Y., artist Harvey Konigsberg, luxe needlepoint pillows depicting traditional fox-hunt scenes,

hand-turned wooden bowls, distinctive women’s fashions and, most notably, boldly dramatic jewelry designed by Polk herself. The shop is a colorful destination where customers are greeted warmly by Polk, a personable blonde with a stylish flair. The New Milford resident, a veteran of the jewelry field, has just marked a year doing busi» STYLISH, page 20

NEWS NOON @

Airbnb popularity soars despite obstacles PART-TIME HOSTS EXPERIENCE VARYING DEGREES OF PUSHBACK

BY REECE ALVAREZ ralvarez@westfairinc.com

an Francisco-based Airbnb, the online accommodations marketplace that allows people to rent their homes or spare rooms for a weekend vacation or monthslong excursion, has been hailed as one of the frontrunners in the developing “sharing economy” — but the prestigious Silicon Valley distinction of being a disruptor has not come without the growing pains any new business seeking to upend traditional industry models would be expected to face. “In 60 seconds you can suddenly be an entrepreneur, you can share your home, your car, anything in your life that hasn’t been monetized before, you can actually share with somebody,” said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky in an interview with CBS recently. “It’s really the notion that a person can become a micro-entrepreneur.” Airbnb has made headlines for its skyhigh valuations ($13 billion in 2014 with estimates of $20 billion in February) as well as for causing friction in large metro areas as it and companies like ride-hailing service Uber are dramatically changing long-entrenched industries like hospitality and transportation. While hosts and travelers have made the accommodation sharing site a hit – the company boasts more than 1 million listings across 190 countries in 34,000 cities with more than 25 million guests served – the increased popularity has drawn the ire of communities and municipalities with concerns about the service’s effects on quality of life, housing markets, safety and taxation. The controversy has not followed from the cities to the picturesque suburbs in New York and Connecticut with the same kind of fervor, but that is not to say its presence has not been recognized. Last year in the town of Ridgefield, a complaint of “frat-like” activities at a residence being rented frequently by Airbnb guests prompted an inquiry by the town’s zoning enforcement officer, Richard Baldelli. “We found a variety of places within the town of Ridgefield that were operating as Airbnb facilities and we did everything possible to shut them down,” Baldelli said. He notified the five or six Airbnb hosts operating at the time that they were doing so without a special use permit required by the town for bed and breakfast operations, which Airbnb rentals fall under, according to Ridgefield town code. The permit can be obtained for a fee of a “few hundred” dollars and involves a public forum where neighbors and the town plan-

A Newtown cottage that rents for $250 per night through the accommodations marketplace Airbnb.

ning and zoning commission can present any concerns. “We have to be worried about parking, we have to worry about if it is safe – are they serving food? The health requirements for serving food are strenuous. For the public’s safety and welfare, Ridgefield feels it is welladvised that someone wanting to do this bed and breakfast has to do this permitting process,” Baldelli said. “I go to some of these places and they don’t even have smoke alarms.” The issue came to a head and has not been revisited since the owner of a small garden and education center, Joe Keller, was issued a minor fine by the town for running an Airbnb rental and then failed to persuade the town planners to permit it. “If we allow short-term rentals here, then theoretically every home that’s in a residential zone can become a short-term rental,” Ridgefield Planning and Zoning Chairman Rebecca Mucchetti said during a board meeting in 2014 regarding Keller’s Airbnb rental. “It opens the door to every other residential unit in town – single-family homes, apartments; it doesn’t matter, you name it.” At $200 per night and with close to 200 nights booked in his last year of operation, Keller said the rental was a needed financial boost for his small business. The matter was further complicated after it was found the building Keller listed on Airbnb had not been issued an original certificate of occupancy, but even with the certificate Keller said he would not go back to the board for a special use permit after the board’s predisposition on the matter of Airbnb was made clear to him, he said. “They have the antiquated notion of what a traditional bed and breakfast is.” Keller said. “There is no food involved whatsoever

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– there might be a kitchen guests can avail themselves, but the idea of Airbnb is simply for lodging and lodging only.” Baldelli said that following the town’s crackdown on unpermitted Airbnb rentals, none of the contacted hosts returned to seek the proper permits. He confirmed that Ridgefield residents continue to list Airbnb rentals without the proper permit. In nearby Newtown, where there are no special requirements for operating an Airbnb rental, Don, who declined to give his last name as many Airbnb hosts do for fear of being on the wrong side of local zoning laws, has been renting a small cottage for an average of 150 nights of the year for the last three years. Don rents a two-bedroom cottage on his property for $250 per night through Airbnb and said he likes the service’s format, which includes identity verification, privacy protections and rating systems for guests and hosts that show their respective track records. Over several years and across hundreds of rentals, he has never had a bad experience, he said. Like many Airbnb hosts, he said the experience has been excellent, with lasting relationships made with guests from around the world with clear benefits for both the host, who gains income from unused space, and the guest, who enjoys a personalized traveling experience off the beaten path. If Newtown were to change its laws tomorrow, it would be a significant loss, Don said. The battles over Airbnb have been hottest in major cities like San Franciso and New York, where Airbnb and hosts have been under fire from landlords and city governments regarding laws governing residential short-term leasing and the hospitality indus-

try as well as taxes. Last year in San Francisco, Airbnb hosts were fined by the city and faced with eviction by landlords until legislation was passed in October that permitted short-term lease rentals and added regulations, including requirements for hosts to register with the city, pay a hotel tax and have liability insurance. “There are laws written for businesses like hotels, there are laws written for people for how to live with roommates and Airbnb is this thing in between. It’s this third category: people acting as businesses,” Chesky said to CBS. “And so for many, many years there were no real laws written for it, so people tried to put somebody in one bucket or the other.” New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman in October released a report, “Airbnb in the City,” citing “widespread illegality across New York City listings on the Airbnb website.” Schneiderman found that between Jan. 1, 2010, and June 2, 2014, up to 72 percent of Airbnb listings were illegal: “Of the 35,354 private, short-term listings, data suggest that 25,532 of them violated either New York state’s Multiple Dwelling Law and/or New York City’s Administrative Code (zoning laws). Hosts generated approximately $304 million in revenue from these listings alone and Airbnb itself earned almost $40 million from these transactions,” according to a statement from Schneiderman’s office. The attorney general also called attention to the impact the short-term rentals have on long-term housing options – often a point of concern from critics. In 2013, more than 4,600 units were booked for at least three months of the year. Of these, nearly 2,000 were booked for a cumulative total of six months or more, rendering them largely unavailable for use by long-term residents, according to Schneiderman’s office. Airbnb has addressed some concerns, particularly regarding the issue of taxes. Earlier this month, the company sent a letter to members of the New York state Legislature requesting a change to current state and New York City tax rules that do not allow the company to help collect and remit hotel and tourist taxes on behalf of Airbnb hosts and guests. “Airbnb has been working with governments around the world to help collect more tax revenue,” wrote David Hantman, Airbnb’s head of global public policy, in the April letter to the Legislature. “We provide 1099 forms to help our hosts pay income taxes on the money they earn while sharing their » » SEE NEXT PAGE

space. We have also begun collecting and remitting hotel and tourist taxes in San Francisco, Portland, San Jose, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Amsterdam and will expand this initiative to include other jurisdictions in the coming weeks and months.” In New York, there have been incidents of people attempting to take advantage of the system by renting out rent-stabilized apartments. But for Sam Abady and his wife, Jane, a pair of empty-nesters, the income they make from renting a spare bedroom in their Bronxville, N.Y., home for $70 per night is necessary, he said. “Our Airbnb income has been vital to our current circumstances. My wife and I are both professionals, but neither of us is in practice. Instead, we are engaged in research to write a textbook. As a result, we live on an economic knife edge. Income from Airbnb makes it possible to survive,” he said. “Without it, we would not be able to continue our academic work and make a contribution to scholarship.” An Airbnb host for two years, Abady expressed little concern that he was in violation of any laws and said any pushback against Airbnb in New York City and elsewhere was a clear symptom of a changing of the guard in the hospitality industry. “The justification or rationale will always be some nonsense, but fundamentally it is anti-competitive, and if it is anti-competitive it is anti-American,” he said. “It (Airbnb) represents the sharing economy; the sharing economy represents democracy in action.”

Foster to run again for Bridgeport mayor BLUEFISH CO-FOUNDER LOST TO FINCH IN 2011 PRIMARY

BY EVAN FALLOR evan@westfairinc.com

ary-Jane Foster, the vice president of university relations at the University of Bridgeport and co-founder of the Bridgeport Bluefish, said on April 28 she will run for Bridgeport mayor this year. Foster said she filed her State Elections Enforcement Commission form April 27 and expects to make a formal announcement in the coming weeks. “I made the decision to run after much consideration,” Foster said. “I’m a very clear alternative to who else is out there.” Foster, a Democrat, will challenge incumbent Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch, who she lost to in the 2011 Democratic Party primary, and expects Joe Ganim, the former Bridgeport mayor convicted of receiving kickbacks during his time in office, to be her other primary challenger this year. Foster, a graduate of the Quinnipiac University School of Law, served as CEO of the Bluefish until 2008 and became UB’s vice president of university relations later that year. She said she will take a leave of absence from the university at some point this year due to her campaign. Foster said on April 28 she will begin to raise campaign funds in the lead-up to the city’s Democratic primary, which will be held in August. “We have an incumbent who spent the last two years

Stay where you are & get a better deal on your lease

RAKOW

Mary-Jane Foster

doing nothing but that and a challenger who has already started raising money,” Foster said. “I need to catch up a bit on the two of them. I’ll be preparing literature and lining up endorsements.” Foster last week said she was still considering whether to run for mayor, a decision she said came down to how she could “make a difference.” She cited tax increases, job growth and the current state of city education as issues she would address » FOSTER, page 7

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RakowGroup.com · (203) 359-5703 x10 FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015

CHIC BOUTIQUE

KATIE FONG OPENS GREENWICH STORE BY DANIELLE RENDA drenda@westfairinc.com

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reenwich resident Katie Fong launched her eponymous and distinctly haute couture brand in 2013. Now she has opened her first store, The Katie Fong Boutique in Greenwich. “Having a storefront will allow us to work more closely with our growing client list,” Fong, founder, CEO and creator director of Katie Fong LLC, said.

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Katie Fong, founder and CEO of Katie Fong LLC. Photo by Bob Rozycki

When Fong launched her brand at age 22, she was using her parents’ basement as a workspace. Soon after, she moved to Manhattan’s Garment District and now, two years later, has found a home for her designs at 60 Lewis St. “There is a growing niche for affordable luxury goods that replicate many of the details found in haute couture brands, as well as a need for women in prominent positions to have custom designs,” Fong said. For this initiative, Fong is partnering with Taigan, an online marketplace, to offer select products that complement her designs. This is Taigan’s first retail collaboration. “As an e-commerce marketplace focused on helping designers build and grow their businesses, we are thrilled to partner with Katie on her first brick-and-mortar store,” Elizabeth Nichols, CEO of Taigan, said. “We believe that the Taigan designers she has chosen to present in her new store will be additive to the shopping experience.” The boutique features Fong’s readyto-wear collection, including this season’s selection of floral prints and lace with splashes of color. Part of Fong’s business includes cus-

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The Reese Top, thread and sequin embroidered silk organza top, $1,195, with The Christi Short, silk faille shorts, $795.

The Charlotte Dress, a four-ply silk crepe embroidered swing dress, $2,195. Photos courtesy Katie Fong

tom design. Clients can select templates for tops and skirts and customize the color, fabric and size, or they can go the madeto-measure route, where Fong creates a garment entirely from scratch. The custom option has been more popular for events such as graduations and galas; the made-tomeasure for weddings. With either option, Fong’s shop provides a greater opportunity for the designer to meet directly with clients to serve their style needs. Fong’s collection is also available at Richards of Greenwich, Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco and through taigan.com.

This article was first published in WAG magazine, the Business Journal’s sister publication.

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‘Medical mile’ ramps up BY DIRK PERREFORT Hearst Connecticut Media

he “medical mile” is coming to town. Much as residents in the Danbury area go to Sand Pit Road for their medical needs, Newtown economic development officials hope residents will also one day travel to Mount Pleasant Road, which straddles the Bethel border along Interstate 84 in the western side of town. Already, more than 80,000 square feet of medical space is either in the pipeline for the corridor or is soon to be constructed. That’s in addition to age-restricted housing units and assisted-living facilities also under development in the corridor, much of it by Westport-based Maplewood and its real estate arm, Hunter Gregory. “A lot of health care networks are moving their non-critical-care services directly into the community,” said Greg Smith, a Newtown native and founder of Maplewood. “We see our business model as a bolt-on to that by providing the real estate they need. Not only are we riding that wave, but we are getting out in front of it.” Because of changes in the health care system, more medical groups are looking to locate their services in community settings instead of hospitals. Changes to government reimbursement models for programs like Medicaid will require health systems to manage an entire population — not just those who show up for services. Rather than individual procedures, reimbursements will be based on quality of care and the outcomes of the services provided. “Bringing health care to the people is the way of the world these days,” Smith said. “It’s really a fundamental shift in the way hospitals, physicians and clinics will deliver care.” Smith has completed a 26,000-squarefoot medical facility in the corridor that has been partially leased to DaVita Dialysis and has interest from other tenants, as well, for the remainder of the space. He also has plans for a 30,000-square-foot building nearby that’s been approved by land-use officials. Smith said the first floor of that building is already leased to a medical group from the region; though he declined to name it, he said it would be a major draw to the area. In Bethel, Smith also recently purchased a nearly 10-acre parcel from the Catholic Church that he plans to develop into housing along with a 21,000-square-foot medical building. “We also have a few other things in the corridor that we are working on that will continue to build on the medical mile branding,” he said.

The idea to create the brand for the region came from Betsy Paynter, the town’s economic development coordinator. Besides the demand for medical services, Paynter said the area is ripe for development because of a new public sewer line approved for the area. “Medical facilities often have heavier water usage requirements than a traditional commercial building,” she said. “Now that we have sewers coming to the area, it makes it that much more attractive for medical uses.” Paynter noted that while there is an abundance of services in nearby cities including Danbury and Waterbury, there is a need for more medical facilities nearby. “As medical systems look to provide more and more community-based services, Newtown is both a central location for these services and the corridor has direct access to Interstate 84 that serves the entire region,” she said. Madeline Bunt, a member of the Stony Hill Four Corners Association, said she has a friend from Southbury who regularly travels to Danbury for dialysis. “Once the DaVita facility opens, he’s already said he’ll be going to Newtown instead,” she said. “It will be a lot closer and more convenient for him.” Bunt said the association, which is composed of community and business leaders along the Stony Hill/Mount Pleasant corridor, is not only supportive but also excited about the ongoing development and future potential. “We’ve been calling it the ‘Golden Mile’ because of all the opportunities that are there,” she said. Smith said he’s far from done developing the corridor, and has his sights on other parcels along the strip for additional developments. “This is only the beginning of the story,” said Todd Payne, president and CEO of Goodfellow Real Estate. He added that there has been a tremendous amount of interest in the corridor. Businesses that have expressed an interest for the buildings already constructed or in the planning stages, he said, include urgent care, primary care providers and dentists. “Everyone wants to be here,” he said. “This corridor is something we’ll be talking about for a long time to come.” Hearst Connecticut Media includes four daily newspapers: Connecticut Post, Greenwich Time, The Advocate (Stamford) and The News Times (Danbury). See newstimes.com for more from this reporter.

Citrin Cooperman Corner Staying Ahead of the Curves

BY MARK L. FAGAN, CPA AND JEFF STUART, CPA CITRIN COOPERMAN • The websites of your company, your competitors, and customers. You cannot relate to your customers if you do not understand them. Also, understand your own message and what your competitors are communicating. MARK L. FAGAN

JEFF STUART

After a long and cold winter, baseball has finally returned along with the sun and a lot of optimism. Make 2015 the year to improve the operational aspects of your company, get a better understanding about the direction your business is heading, and make the most of opportunities. Here are a few things to consider: KBDs and Dashboards – Monitor your business on a weekly and monthly basis with Key Business Drivers (KBDs). KBDs are important financial and non-financial indicators. Examples include revenues and gross profit percent by major product or service line, something that is measurable and can be compared to a standard – such as a budget, last year’s figures or an industry standard. Select five to 10 KBDs and monitor them with a dashboard system. An effective business dashboard reports the KBDs in a timely, accurate, and consistent manner which is simple, easy to read, and short (one to two pages). Develop a Management Team – Maximizing the value of your business is done by creating sustainable, consistent cash flow. The sustainable part means the business will generate that cash with or without you. As a business owner, you need time for strategic activities so delegate tactical duties to others. Your management team is closer to the dayto-day operations than you are, so leverage that knowledge when determining KBDs, and obtain buy-in from them on how the business should be run, and what processes should be put in place or improved. Create a culture of accountability. If you don’t have the right people on the team, then make a change. The health of the company has to come first. Improve as a CEO – As the head of an organization, you need to find ways to be a more effective leader, to create a healthier culture, and to think and act strategically. Joining a CEO group is a way to get access to people facing similar challenges and pressures. The opportunity to discuss problems and seek advice from others in your position cannot be underestimated. You will find that amongst the most diverse companies, and across different sizes, the issues faced by other CEOs are very similar. Know What You Need to Know – The quickest way to drive your business into the ground is being uninformed and disengaged. The role of a CEO is all consuming. Be careful of losing touch with your business, your industry, and frankly, the world. Here are a few places you should visit on a regular basis which may not be obvious:

• Psychologytoday.com – One of the most thought-provoking and informative magazines dealing with the human psyche. You cannot understand millennials, your new workforce, by relying on past experiences. • Mashable.com – This is where the millennials are getting their news and information. With over 20 million visitors, Mashable has become one of the most engaged online news communities. • Foreignaffairs.com – This is a great source of information on international news and information. • Ted.com – Want to know what is coming next? Visit the TED website to view videos from the world’s hottest innovators and thought leaders. Your company is a living, breathing entity, that is changing all the time. Staying ahead of the curves of your business and taking advantage of opportunities in 2015 and beyond will make those long winters a little warmer. Join the CEO Evolution Citrin Cooperman is proud to be partnering with the University of Connecticut School of Business and the Fairfield County Business Journal, to host the second annual CEO Evolution on June 15, 2015, at the University of Connecticut in Stamford. Mark Fagan will serve as the moderator for a panel that includes Anne Mulcahy, former CEO of XEROX, Denis Nayden, former CEO of GE Capital, and Tom Kallish, CEO and founder of Tommie Copper. For more information, please contact Laura Di Diego at ldidiego@ citrincooperman.com. About the Authors Mark L. Fagan, CPA, is the managing partner of Citrin Cooperman’s Connecticut office and the creator of “The CEO Evolution,” a white paper and business seminar series which explores the dynamics of the corporate executive landscape and offers management insight and solutions for today’s business leaders. He can be reached at mfagan@ citrincooperman.com or by phone at (203) 847-4068. Jeff Stuart, CPA, is a manager based in Citrin Cooperman’s Connecticut office. He can be reached at jstuart@citrincooperman.com or by phone at (203) 847-4068. Citrin Cooperman is a full-service audit, accounting, tax, and business consulting firm with offices in White Plains, NY; Norwalk, CT; New York City; Plainview, NY; Livingston, NJ; and Philadelphia. For more information, please visit www.citrincooperman.com.

A MESSAGE FROM CITRIN COOPERMAN FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015

GREETINGS FROM THE GARDEN

CAROL PESSIN’S ART-CARD BUSINESS CONTINUES TO BLOOM BY MARY SHUSTACK mshustack@westfairinc.com

o matter the season, the blooms burst forth. Whether it’s at a bustling Whole Foods Market or a smaller mom-and-pop shop, dozens of retail locations throughout Fairfield and Westchester counties feature art cards created by Carol Pessin. Sometimes they’re bold, other times delicately quiet, but the options, adorned with a rose here or a bunch of tulips there, offer birthday greetings, congratulations and other sentiments. Each one is individually hand-painted by Pessin, a White Plains artist who wants to share her work with as many people as possible. “I figured everyone should be able to buy a piece of art,” she said of the attitude that has carried her through nearly three decades of creating her art cards.

CULTIVATING A CAREER

Pessin’s skylit studio tops her airy home in a quiet neighborhood. Throughout, paintings dot the walls. Some chairs, and even a few hardwood floors, are also artfully covered in flowers. It’s not at all where Pessin saw herself back when she was a young girl, born in the Bronx and going on to live in Florida and Westchester. While she always had an interest in – and affinity for – art, she never really pursued its creation. Long influenced by her uncle, the late New York-based artist Sidney Klein, Pessin began creating art later in life. “It never came to me as a kid,” she said, though added, “As a little kid, I couldn’t wait to be in a museum.” And she did have an artistic flair. “I would put on plaids and stripes and flowers and my mother said, ‘Take it off. It

doesn’t go.’ I kept going back,” she said with a laugh. It was no surprise Pessin gravitated toward fashion and went to the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising College in Manhattan with plans to become a buyer. In time, she realized, however, it wasn’t for her. Rather than go with trends and current styles, she liked what she liked. “I guess I was a hippie, and I didn’t know it. Now, I consider myself a ‘glitzy hippie,’” she said. She would go on to marry and have two children, with that desire to create finally taking hold, so she began “stenciling, fabric painting, ‘Jackson Pollock-ing,’ it.” “I had to find my medium. I took pastels. I took oils. I took drawing because I wanted to be an artist. … I wanted to create.” Then, some 30 years ago, Pessin and her family were walking through SoHo and she felt pulled into a gallery. “There was this Asian woman, and I said to her, ‘What is this?’ She said ‘Sumi-e,’” Pessin said. “‘What is that?’” she wanted to know. That was her introduction to the art of Japanese brush painting. “Sumi-e is very dramatic and it’s exciting,” Pessin said. Its immediacy captivated her. “When you do a stroke, you do not go back over it. You are one with the brush.”

TENDING HER WORK

Artist Carol Pessin, at home in White Plains, with a selection of her work. Photo by John Rizzo

6 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Pessin has now long studied this art form, and it has affected her work and approach. One moment she’ll paint a bamboo scene, black, white and filled with nuance; the next moment, she’s back to another in her neverending garden of flowers. She found her medium. “People are breathing, and I’m painting,” she said on a recent morning. “I have that need. It’s like breathing.” Today, her cards are created using watercolors, acrylics or Sumi ink on recycled linen paper. She also does calligraphy and Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging, a practice she said taught her all about composition. Her floral work also includes fabrics and totes, gift bags and custom work. But when it comes to the cards, it’s a fast-paced creation that’s simply amazing to observe. The designs, she said, are “in my head.” “I’ll start using a color,” and it goes from there. “What colors do I feel like working with today?” Within moments, she will bring a blank card to life, a bloom created in motions that seem like a film on fast forward.

On one card, she wondered if she should add a gold flourish to a flower before doing just that. “We’re American. More is more, right?” Her mind, she added, is always on her work. “I get my inspiration from everything. I’ll just pick it up.”

THE BUSINESS OF ART

“I started this business 27 years ago and I, you know, started doing everything on my own,” she said. It was 14 years ago that her husband, Jeré D. Pessin – “a real entrepreneur” whose background included IBM, PepsiCo and the Air Force – joined her in the business and took over the sales and marketing, helping her create a widespread distribution network that continues today. “Jeré and I used to call this our third child,” she said of the business. His support, she said, was both invaluable and there from the start. “He said, ‘You love it. Do it. Everything will work out.’ … He always believed in me.” She began selling at flea markets, sharing the news every time she made a sale. While she has had countless exhibitions of her paintings – showing and selling work at events and shows run by the National Audubon Society, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and The New York Botanical Garden over the years – Pessin finds the greeting cards her most steady outlet, and today her cards can be found in shops and boutiques throughout the region, including stores in Darien, Ridgefield and New Canaan. Of late, there is a somewhat bittersweet note to Pessin’s days. While her business continues to thrive, the success is mingled with a profound sense of the loss of her husband, who died less than a year ago. But, she said, his spirit remains with her and she feels his touch in all she does. “I get gifts every single day from life.” These days, she said her children help her with the business, as needed, another sign that she’s on the right path. “I believe the universe will bring everything to you,” she added. And that keeps Pessin going strong, as she fills her days and nights painting her cards, upward of 30,000 each year, one by one. “I paint every single one. Nobody else does it.” Why? “Because I love it. I’m not doing this to be famous. I’m doing it because I’m loving it.” This article was first published in WAG magazine, the Business Journal’s sister publication.

Former hedge fund controller sentenced for embezzlement

Lawyer gets longer prison term

Foster — » » From page 3

during her campaign. “I’m looking forward to the dising to the attorney general’s office. cussion around these issues over the Greenwich man was sentenced April Ridgefield resident and real estate Griffin had been promised a prison sennext few months,” she said before 27 in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport attorney who stole about $3 milconfirming her candidacy. to four years in prison for embezzling lion from a Staten Island cemetery tence of three to nine years in exchange Finch, a Democrat, was first more than $9 million from the hedge fund association and his Westchester law clients for his guilty plea to the cemetery embezelected mayor of Bridgeport in 2007. that previously employed him. will serve a longer prison term for continu- zlement scheme. But investigators found During his two terms in office, Finch Lawrence J. Herzing, 45, the former ing his thefts after his arrest last year, New that after his arrest in 2014 he diverted more has been an advocate for environcontroller of Greenwich-based Contrarian York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman than $175,000 from a client escrow account. As a result, a state judge in Richmond mentally friendly measures and in Capital Management LLC, was sentenced by announced on April 28. recent months has thrown his supU.S. District Judge Jeffrey Alker Meyer for Timothy Griffin had 1 1/3 to four years of County on April 28 sentenced Griffin to 4 port toward the potential construcwiring $9.2 million over a nine-year span prison time tacked on to his expected sen- 1/3 to 13 years in prison. The state sentence, tion of a second train station in from the company. tence after additional grand larceny charges which initially was to run concurrently with his federal sentence, will be served after he Bridgeport. He is also a member of According to the U.S. attorney’s office in were brought against him. the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Connecticut, Herzing wired funds from his In March, Griffin began serving a six- completes his federal imprisonment. “This defendant stole from the clients Ganim, also a Democrat, served employer to accounts that he controlled on month sentence in a separate federal case of as Bridgeport’s mayor from 1991 until 32 occasions between 2004 and 2013. Meyer income tax fraud. In February, he had plead- of his law practice, and then stole millions 2003, the same year he was charged ordered Herzing to pay full restitution as well ed guilty in state Supreme Court on Staten from a charity in an attempt to disguise that with bribery and extortion and sevas forfeit his home and the funds seized from Island to stealing more than $2 million from theft,” Schneiderman said. “Even after being Chubb - 153044 Ship to Info:abuse Westchester Business Publication:while Westchester Business charged, he continued the trust of Journal eral other crimes stemming from his accounts. United Hebrew Cemetery he served asJournal 3 Gannett Ste G7 White Plains, NY 10604 IO #:president. None Project:in October Move upand to Chubb his clients by stealing additional clientDrive funds.” an FBI investigation that found he Herzing was arrested pleadthe nonprofit’s acting Attn: Patrice Sullivan Issue: the attorney March 23 general’s March in January. Schneiderman’s office said Griffin will received hundreds of thousands of ed guilty to one countCampaign: of wire fraud Investigators from Type:the stolen Single cemetery Creative: 153044_Chubb_MoveUp_WestchesterBusJrnl_Mar23.v2 also be sentenced to 4 1/3 t:to914.694.3600 13 yearsf: None in dollars worth of kickbacks from local The case was investigated by the FBI and office said Griffin Ad used bleed = 10” than X 5.625” AE:Department, David Wood contractors. the Greenwich Police and prosfunds to cover up his theft of more $1 prison on the grand larceny charges in trim = 10”ofX 5.625” When asked what would differ ecuted by assistant U.S. attorneys Heather million from the escrow accounts clients Westchester County, to run concurrent to safetyThe = 10” money X 5.625” his Staten Island sentence. He will appear in between this campaign and that Cherry and Jonathan Francis. Herzing’s in his Bronxville law practice. of hers in 2011, Foster said, “I’ll win sentence includes three years of supervised stolen from his practice was used to fund a Westchester Supreme Court on May 8. — John Golden this time.” release after the four years of prison time. lavish lifestyle for him and his family, accord— Evan Fallor T:10”

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3/12/15 11:45 AM7 FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015

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Now that you’ve stepped things up in life,

Doctors of Distiction returns to Norwalk

8 Week of May 4, 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Dr. Joseph Feuerstein

Dr. Robert Herzlinger

Dr. Sohel Islam

Dr. Steven Heffer

Dr. Albert Burke

Dr. Mark Vitale

TOP HEALERS HONORED IN SECOND ANNUAL EVENT BY EVAN FALLOR Evan@westfairinc.com

fter a successful inaugural event in October, the Fairfield County Business Journal will once again present the annual Doctors of Distinction awards ceremony to honor five of Fairfield County’s most influential medical personnel. This year, Doctors of Distinction 2015, “Saluting those who go beyond the diagnosis,” is May 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at The LockwoodMathews Mansion Museum, 295 West Ave., in Norwalk. The event is open to the public. Accounting firm Citrin Cooperman is event co-sponsor with the Business Journal. “Citrin Cooperman is looking forward to the second annual Fairfield County Doctors of Distinction Awards,” said John P. Bryan, firm partner and healthcare practice co-leader. “All of the winners and nominees exemplify the highest standard of excellence in the Fairfield County medical community — congratulations to all.” Joining the Business Journal and Citrin Cooperman as sponsors are Quinnipiac University’s Frank H. Netter School of Medicine; Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich; The Bristal; Danziger & Markhoff LLP; and Orthopaedic & Neurosurgery Specialists. The Darien and Wilton chambers of commerce are serving as partners for the event. The five Doctors of Distinction categories and six winners include: HUMANITARIAN AWARD: Dr. Sohel Islam, plastic surgery, Danbury; LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: Dr. Robert Herzlinger, neonatology, Bridgeport; LEADERSHIP IN MEDICAL ADVOCACY: Dr. Albert Burke, family medicine, Norwalk; COMMUNITY SERVICE: Dr. Steven Heffer, emergency medicine, Greenwich; EXCELLENCE IN MEDICAL RESEARCH: Dr. Joseph Feuerstein, family medicine, Stamford; and EXCELLENCE IN MEDICAL RESEARCH: Dr. Mark Vitale, orthopaedics, Greenwich “Doctors truly are unsung heroes,” said Dee DelBello, publisher of the Fairfield County Business Journal and of its parent company, Westfair Communications. “Some of the stories you hear from them and about them are just remarkable.” Nominations for the awards were submitted online and winners were selected by a panel of judges. Islam, who practices within Western Connecticut Health Network, specializes in plastic surgery and hand surgery. A graduate of Cornell University Medical School, Islam is affiliated with both Danbury and New Milford hospitals. Herzlinger, a practicing neonatologist and pediatrics specialist of 39 years, is the leader of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at

Bridgeport Hospital. He is a graduate of New York Medical College. Burke, a retired doctor, operated a family medicine private practice in Norwalk from 19572000. A graduate of Georgetown University Medical School, he was Chief of Staff of Norwalk Hospital from 1986-1992 and a former president of the Norwalk Medical Society. Heffer is the medical director and owner of AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care on Boston Avenue in Bridgeport. Heffer, an emergency room physician of 20 years,

opened AFC/Doctors Express Urgent Care in March 2014. Feuerstein is the Director of Integrative Medicine at Stamford Hospital. He is also certified in Clinical Hypnosis and Clinical Acupuncture and Homeopathy and is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at Columbia University. Vitale is a fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a member of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is a practicing surgeon with Orthopaedic &

Neurosurgery Surgeons in Greenwich. Darcy I. Lowell, founder and executive director of Child First and an associate clinical professor in the Yale Department of Pediatrics and Child Study Center at the Yale University School of Medicine, will serve as the ev ent’s keynote speaker. Lowell won the Doctor of Distinction’s Community Service Award last fall. To attend, visit westfaironline.com or contact Westfair Publications events manager Holly DeBartolo at 914-358-0743.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015

ASK ANDI

BY ANDI GRAY

What to do when the customer smells blood

THOUGHTS OF THE DAY: What’s the process for handling a customer problem? Train to

improve employees’ ability to handle issues. Treat problems as opportunities. Learn from experience. Give employees a greater sense of confidence that they can handle the situation by setting up a process for them to follow. Knowing what to expect can make it much easier for employees to stick with an unpleasant call. Add these steps to your customer service process, if you’re not already doing them. 1. Answer the phone with a smile and

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10 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

believe that most customers can be helped; the goal is to send customers away believing they got a fair deal. 2. Understand that customer calls are indications they hope the situation can be fixed. 3. Share contact information in case the call gets cut off. Log the date, time, who called, contact information, who handled the call and the nature of the problem. Leave a place to fill in resolution. 4. Reassure callers that you expect to resolve the situation and have authority to do so in most cases. 5. Deal right away with customer preference for a manager by stating: “Before I continue, let me ask you: Would you prefer to work with me or would you rather be referred immediately to a manager? I can probably help you now, or at least get the process started; you may have to wait for a manager to get on the line, who is going to ask you the same questions I’m about to ask.” 6. Assuming the customer agrees to stick with you, ask for a brief statement of the problem. Get clarification if necessary. Take good notes. 7. Contain the customer’s negative reaction by listening carefully, restating and asking questions. Don’t debate. Don’t disagree. Just listen. 8. Restate the problem: “If I understand you correctly … .” End with, “Did I get that right?” 9. Assess the failure to meet customer needs, as well as how that breakdown impacted the customer. Factor that impact into your decision on how far to go to rectify the situation. 10. Ask the customer how they’d like the situation resolved. This could be challenging: The customer may overreach. It’s generally better to know what the customer has in mind. If the customer is overreaching, say, “That may be more than I can do, but I will do my best to make this right.” 11. Make an offer. Ask the customer if this would satisfactorily resolve the problem. 12. If they’re unsatisfied, assess if this customer is likely to become satisfied with any additional offer. Figure out what it will take to get over the hump. 13. Make a second offer or suggest refer-

ring the call to a manager by saying, “I think it’s time to get my manager on the phone. Can you please hold on while I refer my notes to him/her?”

Know that giving customers what they want, and then some, can turn them into raving fans. Recovering from bad situations builds relationships.

Sometimes you get to offense by starting with defense. Train everyone in customer service. Practice with each other. Learn how to mirror and match, how to clarify, how to sooth ruffled feathers. Know that giving customers what they want, and then some, can turn them into raving fans. Recovering from bad situations builds relationships. Assess how many more purchases this customer, and all of their friends, can make. Use the complaint call log to spot trends and opportunities. Do similar unmet needs keep coming up? Solve the need and create more sales. Is there a problem with how to properly use the product or service? Create an instruction manual for new customers. Are there repeat breakdowns? Change the way you manufacture and deliver. LOOKING FOR A GOOD BOOK? Try “Managing Knock Your Socks Off Service” by Chip Bell and Ron Zemke. Andi Gray is president of Strate�y Leaders Inc., strate�yleaders.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@strate�yleaders. Visit AskAndi.com for an entire library of Ask Andi articles.

WWE ups its media presence with new cable deal USA NETWORK ANSWERS THE BELL

BY EVAN FALLOR Evan@westfairinc.com

orld Wrestling Entertainment, the Stamford-based standard bearer for rock ’em-sock ’em spectacles, has taken a series of moves in recent months to reach new audiences and expand its brand. In April, WWE announced that “Smackdown,” one of the company’s two weekly flagship television programs, would be moving to the USA Network in the first quarter of 2016. “Smackdown,” which is currently shown on the SyFy channel, will join the brand’s other flagship program, “Monday Night Raw,” and its reality television series, “WWE Tough Enough,” which debuts in June on USA Network. WWE Chairman and CEO Vince McMahon said the move is expected to increase the reach of “Smackdown,” which has over 800 original episodes, making it the second-longest-tenured weekly episodic program on television behind “Monday Night Raw.” The company did not disclose the terms of the deal. Year-to-date averages place “Smackdown” at 2.86 million total viewers per week. “WWE is proud to have “SmackDown” join “Raw” as part of our expanded partnership with USA Network,” McMahon said in a prepared statement. “The combination of the No. 1 cable network and two ratings juggernauts provides a destination for our viewers and an extraordinary platform for our partners.” In March, publicly traded WWE, which employs 800 people at its East Main Street headquarters in Stamford, unveiled the “For The Hero In All of US” brand campaign airing across NBCUniversal’s networks in addition to all of WWE’s platforms. “Our new campaign illustrates all that is great about the WWE brand from our charismatic and athletic superstars to our multigenerational and multicultural audience and our commitment to giving back,” said Michelle Wilson, WWE chief revenue and marketing officer. “In our partnership with NBCUniversal, we now have unprecedented opportunities for advertisers to engage our fans and superstars while leveraging all of our platforms, including television, live events, digital and social media.” Brock Lesnar, a former WWE wrestler then competing for the mixed martial arts company Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) announced in March on ESPN that he would be returning to the WWE. Bristolbased ESPN also showed highlights from “Wrestlemania,” WWE’s annual flagship payper-view event in March. Despite the noticeable uptick in cover-

age, a WWE Spokesman said the company has not forged a partnership with ESPN, but did say its coverage brings welcomed exposure and the ability to introduce its product to a potentially new fan base. ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz confirmed the two companies do not have a standing partnership, and said its coverage of WWE has been “one-off,” or nonrecurring. He said it will continue to remain that way going forward. “We will make decisions on an ongoing basis as events approach to see if anything else like these make sense for us,” Krulewitz said. “The bridge here was news value. But this isn’t a situation where there is a larger effort to actively inject more content.” In February 2014, WWE introduced

WWE wrestler John Cena performing at a recent show.

WWE Network, an online programming and pay-per-view subscription-based streaming service. A spokesman said that as of April,

it had 1.3 million subscribers in more than 175 countries after an initial struggle to gain subscribers in its first year.

BUSINESS LOANS? LET’S TALK! At First County Bank, we don’t just talk about supporting local business – we’re doing it.

Need to talk?

Call: Gene Schreiner Vice President, Business Banking eschreiner@firstcountybank.com 203.462.4208

Here are some of the projects we’ve financed:

A $1,300,000 commercial mortgage and a $100,000 line of credit to a nonprofit agency in Stamford, CT

A $10,500,000 construction to permanent mortgage on a medical office building in Westport, CT

A $3,000,000 permanent mortgage on a commercial building in Darien, CT

A $6,600,000 construction loan for a 23-unit condominium development project in Stamford, CT

A $500,000 term loan to an equipment rental company in Stamford, CT

A $700,000 capital improvement loan to a condo association in Norwalk, CT

A $1,500,000 permanent mortgage on three mixed-use buildings in New Canaan, CT

A $4,500,000 permanent mortgage on a commercial building in Greenwich, CT

STA M FO R D

N O R WA L K

N E W

C A N A A N

DA R I E N I

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W E ST P O RT

1. Source: Commercial Record/Warren Group, Mortgage MarketShare Module Report, March 2015. Rankings are listed by number of loans. Ranked 5th for number of purchase loans.

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logo are registered trademarks of First County Bank. NMLS# 411487

Member FDIC

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 11

Greenwich businesswoman finds a new calling BY BILL FALLON bfallon@westfairinc.com

atty DeFelice was a mainstay of Greenwich business and female pacesetter in the testosterone-charged auto world since stepping in to assist her father after he suffered a heart attack in 1976. His West Putnam Avenue auto body shop opened in 1932 and eventually became Louis DeFelice & Daughter Auto Body Shop Inc. Now, she has leased the space to her neighbor, Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich, and crossed the border to begin a semirelated business venture: sandblasting, painting and baking outdoor metal furniture. DeFelice found the calling after a former auto body customer and friend asked her about refurbishing his furniture. She did her research and discovered powder coating, a process that

restores outdoor furniture, oftentimes saving classics that cannot be replicated today. Items are sandblasted followed by application of a powdery polyester material available in the pigments of the rainbow. Each item is baked at 400 degrees in DeFelice’s walkin oven or kiln and comes out cured for a new life. “Short-term help in a family crisis became 33 years as a successful business owner, entrepreneur and role model for women pursuing careers, particularly those once deemed for men only,” her company said in a statement. Her January startup metal furniture restoration and sales business is called Patty’s Portico, at 140 Highland St., Port Chester. Her employees include Victor Molina, a specialist in restoring weaving in certain pieces, and Alex Yupit, who coordinates the powder application and baking process.

Patty DeFelice in her new Westchester County shop.

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Please join us at one or both of the forums. FORUM 1 Thursday, May 7, 2015 | 7:45 am to 9:30 am Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Blvd, Beacon Hall, Room 214, Bridgeport FORUM 2 Thursday, May 14, 2015 | 7:45 am to 9:30 am Sacred Heart University, 1st ﬂoor of Landmark Square, Building 3, Room 3104, Stamford

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12 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Houlihan notches $5.3B in 2014 sales

egional residential real estate firm Houlihan Lawrence, with headquarters in Rye Brook and an office in Greenwich, had a companywide sales volume of more than $5 billion last year. This year’s national “REAL Trends 500” national residential rankings, released earlier this month, placed Houlihan Lawrence’s companywide sales volume at $5.3 billion, a 14 percent leap compared with 2013. The figure ranked No. 13 nationally for residential sales for 2014. In 2013, the company’s rank was No. 18. “We are extremely proud of the collective achievements of the over 1,200 agents in the Houlihan Lawrence family,” said Stephen Meyers, president and CEO of Houlihan Lawrence, in a statement. “The firm’s 125-year heritage of success is grounded on providing superior client service with experienced analysis, local knowledge and continued innovation.” Houlihan Lawrence’s Greenwich office contributed more than $500 million in sales to the firm in 2014. The Greenwich office is ranked No. 1 in Greenwich based on total dollar volume, the company reported. “Additionally, the firm’s agents were responsible for one out of every three homes sold in Westchester County in 2014 and one out of every four homes sold in Putnam County,” the company said. — Bill Fallon

AmeriCares responds to Nepal earthquake

tamford-based AmeriCares is responding to the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that rocked Nepal recently with emergency shipments from its India offices. The quake and its aftershocks have caused buildings to collapse, killing thousands by early estimates, and setting off avalanches on Mount Everest that may have killed more than 18 climbers. The quake struck about 50 miles from Kathmandu and could be felt as far away as New Delhi, India. Hospitals are overflowing with patients and medical personnel are treating the injured in the streets, according to AmeriCares, which said the Nepali government has requested international assistance. An emergency response team from the AmeriCares India office in Mumbai headed to the impact zone, and relief workers prepared shipments of medical aid and relief supplies for survivors, AmeriCares reported in a statement. AmeriCares stocks emergency medicine and relief supplies in its warehouses in the U.S., Europe and India that can be delivered quickly in times of crisis. “Our emergency response team is en route to Nepal and we are prepared to help any way that we can,” said AmeriCares President/CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. “This is a terrible tragedy and our hearts go out to the families suffering.” To donate to AmeriCares International Disaster Relief Fund, go to americares.org/nepalearthquake. — Bill Fallon

Finch responds to record ridership

fter the April 26 announcement from the state Department of Transportation and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority that ridership on MetroNorth’s New Haven commuter rail line reached record highs in 2014, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch said he was pleased with the findings. “This is great news,” Finch said. “In our state’s largest city, we’re investing in public transit options and transit-oriented development, creating thousands of jobs and apartments within walking distance of Metro-North trains. It’s a major reason why our city is experiencing population growth for the first time in decades.” The MTA and state DOT announced that nearly 40 million passenger trips were taken on Metro-North’s New Haven Line in 2014, an almost 2 percent increase from the previous year. Bridgeport’s station lies roughly halfway between Stamford and New Haven-State Street, the line’s terminus. Finch, who also serves as the co-chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Task Force, said he hoped a second train station could be built to not only spur growth in the city but also to further increase ridership and reduce carbon emissions. “By building a second train station — as well as hundreds of apartments within walking distance — more Bridgeporters will be beating back climate change via public change,” Finch said. “None of this would be possible without readily available access to Metro-North.” — Evan Fallor

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Study explores methods to boost workplace recycling BY BILL FALLON bfallon@westfairinc.com

roviding employees with a desk-side recycling bin and a smaller trash bin attached to it can increase recycling and reduce waste in the workplace, where half of respondents to a national poll said recycling is difficult. That recommendation, known as the “little trash” scenario, is one insight comprising the first wave of the “Recycling at Work” study, commissioned by Stamford-based Keep America Beautiful and sponsored by Purchase-based PepsiCo Recycling and 44,000-employee commercial real estate company CBRE, which maintains offices in White Plains and Stamford. “Conducted over a six-month period in 2014, the study’s purpose is to help define best practices for a recycling program that will foster improved recycling behavior in the workplace and result in an increase of quality and quantity of materials collected,” Keep America Beautiful said in a statement. “The overarching recommendation, which achieved a 20 percent increase in office recycling during the study, is to provide employees with a desk-side recycling bin along with small trash bin.” Among the data gathered nationally from 200 long- and short-term study investigations: • Office paper is the most frequently recycled material, but it was still present in the trash in 50 percent of offices. • Plastic beverage bottles and aluminum cans — termed priorities, along with paper — are about equally present in recycling bins and trash bins. The study also found paper towels frequently end up in the recycling bin along with, to a lesser degree, food scraps. Getting them in the trash is also deemed a priority by Keep America Beautiful. “In common areas,” the studies found, “it’s recommended that recycling and trash bins be paired with simple, consistent signage provided on bins and posters with the most common recyclables identified on the recycling bin.” The study, conducted by California-based Action Research, focused on the effects of office bin placement on recycling rates and level of contamination. “Our research clearly shows that by combining specific-sized trash and recycling receptacles, with simple signage and messaging, businesses and other organizations can increase employee participation and improve their rate of recycling of office-generated materials,” said Jennifer Jehn, president and CEO of

Keep America Beautiful. The environmental organization, which was founded in 1953, said 50 percent of respondents in a recent national poll indicated it is “difficult to extremely difficult” to recycle in the workplace. A lack of convenience was determined to be the greatest obstacle to recycling. Pepsi, beginning in 2010 when it launched its PepsiCo Recycling effort, set a

goal of recycling 50 percent of U.S. beverage containers by 2018; the number is 42 percent today. The program to date has recycled 83 million containers. Aluminum cans are the most recycled containers, with industry sources reporting 67 percent recycled in 2013. Keep America Beautiful reported, “After implementing the ‘little trash’ condition, offices significantly increased the propor-

tion of material in the recycling bin that was actually recyclable and decreased the amount of trash collected in the bin. There was also a decrease in the amount of recyclables improperly placed in the trash bin, especially that of office paper. Paper in the trash bin was reduced to nearly zero. Moreover, the respondents of the ‘little trash’ approach had a positive experience with the program.”

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 15

Swiss tech company opens Shelton beam facility

omet USA, a supplier of systems and components based on X-ray, radio frequency and electronbeam technologies for manufacturing, hosted an innovation day and grand opening of its new electron-beam laboratory at its 100 Trap Falls Road facility in Shelton recently. The company is based in Flamatt, Switzerland. The opening event was organized with the Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce Jeremy Simon, general manager for the Americas, Comet USA, in Shelton recently. and sponsored by Webster Photo courtesy Comet Bank and the New Haven Manufacturers Association. The day featured an introduction of Comet’s 50 percent to 80 percent, accelerate throughin-line electron-beam technology for indus- puts and eliminate toxic chemicals.” The Comet Group last year had sales of trial applications as well as a tour of lab capabilities that can be utilized for customer $303 million, reflecting a sales growth of 15.3 percent. Shelton-based principals include projects, Comet reported. Comet promotes the benefits of elec- Jeremy Simon, general manager; Michael tron-beam technology in providing “a chem- Bielmann, business development manager; ical-free inline manufacturing technology and Michael Fletcher, technical director. — Bill Fallon that will create new materials, save energy by

Greenwich company to produce Connecticut tourism commercials

tandard Directors, a Greenwich-based live action production company, was recently selected to produce a series of six on-air commercials for the Connecticut Office of Tourism. The campaign features six spots across the state that highlight Connecticut’s small towns, parks, beaches, vineyards and sightseeing attractions. “This campaign is entirely location driven, pairing two locations in the state that can be visited in one day, without having to travel too far, by families, couples and friends,” said Brian Bennhoff, partner and executive producer, Standard Directors, and a New Canaan resident. “We spent a lot of time ... selecting beautiful locations that represent the state.” A 15-second commercial featuring Silverman’s Farm in Easton was released in

September. The remaining 15-second commercials, which feature Mystic Aquarium, Craig Castle in Meriden and Hartford Stage, began to roll out last fall and will continue to debut in the summer and fall months. Philip McIntyre, partner and head of sales for Standard Directors, said the majority of the 20-plus person crew were local hires and all 19 actors were local talent. Editing, he said, was done both at Standard Directors’ office on West Putnam Avenue and at Palace Production Center in South Norwalk. “We worked hard throughout the entire process to keep this project for Connecticut, about Connecticut, by Connecticut,” said McIntyre, a Greenwich resident. Standard Directors was founded in 2013 and creates commercials for local, state and national companies and agencies. — Evan Fallor

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL â&#x20AC;˘ Week of May 4, 2015 17

Minus several big properties, Stamford offers tight leasing market JLL OFFERS A ‘WHAT IF’ TAKE ON VACANCIES

JLL, WHICH PROVIDES commercial real estate strategy, services and support globally and which maintains a Stamford office, has issued its most recent real estate snapshot, this one of Stamford. JLL found that if several key properties were removed from tabulations of the city’s commercial vacancy rate, a more nuanced perspective of available space emerged: • When the large vacant blocks of space at 677 Washington Boulevard, 695 East Main Street and 201 Tresser Boulevard are removed, the vacancy rate in the Stamford CBD drops by 10.8 percent • These blocks of space are not divisible, and irrelevant to tenants in the 2,500 to 10,000 square foot range • A 15.7 percent vacancy rate is still considered a tenant-favorable market, but in a nearly 8.0 million square foot area, there is a limited supply on quality options Source: JLL Research – Bill Fallon

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18 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

State sees jobs gain; unemployment rate unchanged BY REECE ALVAREZ ralvarez@westfairinc.com

mployment numbers are rising with spring temperatures as the Connecticut Department of Labor’s March Labor Situation report showed increases in employment across a majority of the major industries it tracks. Preliminary estimates of Connecticut nonfarm payrolls by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated Connecticut gained 4,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs, a 0.24 percent increase, in March. Eight of the 10 major industry supersectors showed increases in employment, while just two declined, and since March 2014, job gains totaled 27,100, a 1.63 percent increase over 12 months, according to the report. “As we entered spring, job growth at this point in the recovery seems to be coming from a broader base of the state’s industries,” said Andy Condon, director of the state Labor Department’s Office of Research. “Eight of 10 major industry supersectors added jobs in March and over the year. We continue to see increased labor force participation as the economy improves.” Private sector growth was responsible for a majority of the job increase last month as well as over the past year. The private sector in March gained 3,700 positions, a 0.26 percent increase, and Connecticut private sector firms have boosted employment by 26,100 jobs, a 1.84 percent increase, since March 2014. The government supersector also posted an increase in March of 300 jobs, a 0.13 percent gain, making up for a 0.8 percent decline in February of 200 jobs (employment on Indian reservations, including casinos, is counted in local government). Jobs gained for government entities since March 2014 numbered 1,000 or 0.42 percent, the report stated. Job-gaining supersectors were led by trade, transportation and utilities, which had an increase of 1,500 jobs, or 0.5 percent, in March. The combined construction and mining supersector saw the biggest decline in March with the loss of 800 jobs, a 1.4 percent decrease, as moderate snow still covered the state during the survey week (the week that includes the 12th day each month). The financial activities supersector underwent the other major industry loss last month, with a decrease of 400 jobs, a 0.3 percent change. Among Connecticut’s 10 major industry supersectors, only the manufacturing and information industry supersectors are posting minor employment declines over the year. Manufacturing has lost 600 jobs, a 0.4 percent decrease, and the information supersector has lost 100 jobs, a decline of 0.3 percent. The state unemployment rate remains at

6.4 percent — unchanged from February and above the national rate of 5.5 percent. Since March 2014, the jobless rate is down by fivetenths of a percentage point in the state and the number of unemployed residents has declined by 7,599, to 121,896, a 5.9 percent drop over the year. In Fairfield County, the unemployment rate is down to 6.1 percent from 6.5 percent in February. Out of a labor force of 480,901 people in Fairfield County, 29,323 are unemployed, according to the state Labor Department.

Overall, the news bodes well for the state, according to the Labor Department, which has seen steady recovery from the damage of the 2008 recession. According to the report, Connecticut has now recovered 92,700 positions, or 77.9 percent, of the 119,000 seasonally adjusted total nonfarm jobs that were lost in the state during the recession from March 2008 to February 2010. Connecticut’s jobs recovery is now 61 months old and is averaging 1,520 jobs per month since February 2010. The private sector has recovered employment at an

improved pace and has now restored 99,200, or 88.9 percent, of the 111,600 private sector jobs that were lost during the recession (a pace of 1,626 per month). The state needs to reach 1,713,000 jobs to move into an employment expansion — this will require an additional 26,300 nonfarm jobs, the Labor Department said. A total of 12,400 additional private sector positions are needed to have a fully restored private sector. The government supersector has continued to lose jobs throughout the nonfarm employment recovery period, 6,500 in total.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 19

Stylish — » » From page 1

ness on the outskirts of town, at 199 Ethan Allen Highway. It is the culmination of quite a journey for the New York City-raised woman, as she described. “I grew up riding in Central Park,” she said of her earliest days on horseback. Polk would go on to study at the Fashion Institute of Technology, specializing in merchandising. Though working in the Garment District, she never let go of a dream, one she shared with a bit of laughter. “All I ever wanted to do was be a flight attendant,” Polk said. That whim became a temporary job that turned into a new career. It allowed her, she said, to explore the world and gather materials and sources for her jewelry design work, creations she was showing in salons. “That’s what we did in New York in the ’70s,” she said. Her travel, though, allowed her to expand, with her company formalized in the mid-1980s and focusing on wholesale work (showcased in venues from Henri Bendel to the Smithsonian) and select shows. But, Polk said, “Life is funny,” and her exhibiting would eventually open her up to a whole new audience. It was in 2000 when it was suggested she exhibit at dog shows. “The women wear jewelry. It’s a great market,” Polk was told. And so it began. “The dog shows led me to pillows and all the doggy accessories, which led me to the horse shows,” she said.

Patricia Polk in her Ridgefield boutique.

own creations, many statement pieces with a vivid sense of artistry. “I’ve been really, really lucky over the years,” she said, adding she still has contacts overseas. That allows her to source unique elements for her work. She is also beginning to integrate garden-themed gifts and accessories, including vibrantly colored gloves. Fashion is also part of the mix. “I usually just do jackets and tops,” she said, noting many a woman’s preference for a starting point of black. “There’s like nothing here you can’t wear with all black.” She said many clients, especially those who ride horses or play tennis, like her fash-

ions and accessories. “They’re sporty, but they can go and be dressed (up),” she said. The customers often include those who travel the busy Route 7 corridor. “I seem to get a lot of businessmen going back and forth,” Polk said. Many stop by, beckoned by her filled-tothe-brim windows, and leave with neckties for themselves, gifts for their wives or bosses, or toys for the grandkids. No matter the day, Polk said she welcomes customers of all kinds. “The store is fun. People seem to enjoy it.” This article was first published in WAG magazine, the Business Journal’s sister publication.

She was soon a regular exhibitor at shows such as the American Gold Cup at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, N.Y., and decided to open up her own shop. Polk, who has a beloved rescue dog herself, has found an audience attracted to the unexpected offerings with a definite nod toward all things animal-themed. “I think it’s a different mix,” Polk said. Indeed, one can expect horse themes to decorate everything from a wastepaper basket to a cosmetic bag to a vegan, custom-made handbag. There are elegant pillows devoted to countless dog breeds, playful notecards, coin purses, porcelain figurines and wall hangings. One might see a flying-pig pillow, a rooster tassel or a Terrier wallet. Many of the gifts, especially the prints, are designed purely for fun. “Sometimes I try to leave people alone when they’re walking around and I hear them. They’re giggling,” she said. Fair Trade jewelry complements Polk’s

Necklaces created with vintage bridle decorations are featured at Patricia’s Presents. Photos by Bob Rozycki

You’d be surprised how much more your staff can do when they’re not driving to work. Teleworking can make your staff more productive. Plus, it reduces the number of cars on the road, reducing traffic congestion and improving air quality for everyone in Connecticut. CTrides helps businesses throughout Connecticut build and formalize teleworking programs for individuals, teams or an entire staff. Let us help you – absolutely free. Visit CTrides.com or call 1-877- CTrides. A service of the CT Department of Transportation. 1 Week ofTeleworkAd10x2.75R1.indd May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL 20CTRD-0189

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Sharon Klein Managing Director of Family Office Services and Wealth Strategies Sharon uses her vast knowledge of complex estate planning and trust laws to help clients address even the most complex subjects and to create solid strategies. She is part of a seasoned team of professionals who exemplify Wilmington Trust’s 112-year heritage of successfully advising families. To learn more about our collaborative and creative approach to managing wealth, contact Sharon or Larry Gore at 212-415-0547.

Most laws regarding how estates are handled are designed with a traditional nuclear family in mind – a husband, wife, and biological children. Today, however, fewer than half of all U.S. households meet this traditional definition. And that trend is likely to continue as same-sex marriage becomes legal in more and more states, and as divorce and remarriage remain common. New inheritance questions. It’s not simply about traditional versus non-traditional families. Rapid advances in reproductive technology are creating once unimaginable questions regarding inheritance rights. And this issue has given rise to a new legal territory: posthumous birth laws. How should children conceived with stored genetic material after the death of one or both of the genetic parents be treated regarding inheritance? A complicated topic, indeed. Consideration for pets. Furthermore, the concept of family for some extends to pets as well. A few states have even enacted estate planning laws regarding these four-legged family members. For instance, the growing demand of pet owners to be buried with

their pets has caused two states to permit this practice. While many states do not currently address this issue, that’s likely to change.

LESS THAN

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O F H O U S E H O L D S I N T H E U . S . T O D AY C O N TA I N A H U S B A N D A N D W I F E Source: U.S. Census Bureau

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F I D U C I A R Y S E R V I C E S | W E A LT H P L A N N I N G | I N V E S T M E N T M A N AG E M E N T | P R I VAT E B A N K I N G

A N M &T B A N K A F F I L I AT E

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the sale of any financial product or service. This article is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. If professional advice is needed, the services of your professional advisor should be sought. Investments: • Are NOT FDIC-Insured • Have NO Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value Wilmington Trust is a registered service mark. Wilmington Trust Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of M&T Bank Corporation (M&T). Investment management and fiduciary services are provided by Wilmington Trust Company, operating in Delaware only, and Wilmington Trust, N.A., a national bank. Loans, retail and business deposits, and other personal and business banking services and products are offered by M&T Bank, member FDIC. ©2015 Wilmington Trust Corporation and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 21 10942_WestchesterBJ_Fairfield City BJ / Trim 10”w x 11.5”h

2015

CEO EVOLUTION

JUNE 15, 2015 6pm – 8pm UCONN School of Business Stamford, CT

Three Exceptional CEOs Reveal Their Secrets to Success at the “CEO Evolution” Citrin Cooperman, one of Fairfield County’s leading accounting, tax and business consulting firms, in partnership with the University of Connecticut School of Business and the Fairfield County Business Journal, is proud to present the second annual CEO Evolution. Listen to the stories. Ask questions. Learn from the best. Join us as we celebrate three of the most dynamic CEOs in

today’s business culture. With moderator Mark L. Fagan, CPA, Citrin Cooperman’s Connecticut Managing Partner and noted management author, discover how these CEOs have achieved their iconic success.

MODERATOR: MARK L. FAGAN, CPA Managing Partner Connecticut Ofﬁce CITRIN COOPERMAN FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: LAURA DI DIEGO ldidiego@citrincooperman.com | 914.949.2990 PARTNERS

22 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

PANELISTS: ANNE M. MULCAHY Chair, Board of Trustees Save the Children Former, Chair and CEO XEROX Corporation Discover how Anne Mulcahy transformed XEROX and in the process shattered the glass ceiling. DENIS J. NAYDEN Managing Partner Oak Hill Capital Partners Former, Chair and CEO GE Capital Learn how Denis Nayden managed GE Capital’s 20 companies in 35 countries, with 90,000 employees and $555 billion in assets. TOM KALLISH CEO and Founder Tommie Copper Hear how Tom Kallish turned a serious personal accident into a successful company.

SPECIAL REPORT

REAL ESTATE & CONSTRUCTION

Harbor — » From page 1

seven years of reinvigoration, been slowly transformed into a major selling point for a city hoping to attract a wave of young adults, emptynesters and others who are transforming the nation’s city landscapes. Bars with more than 500 beers on tap and in their coolers have opened; restaurants with outdoor seating now occupy Harbor Point Road; luxury apartment buildings taller than some of Stamford’s downtown buildings and fitted with sundecks, gyms and billiard rooms have been built. Most recently, April 9, Stamford Mayor David Martin and BLT CEO Carl R. Kuehner III held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Beacon Harbor Point, a 240-unit, 21-story luxury rental apartment building a clamshell’s throw from the Long Island Sound. Ted Ferrarone, COO of Harbor Point, called the Beacon the area’s first “true waterfront building,” which joins the eight other 200-plus-unit apartment buildings that now occupy the neighborhood. “The Beacon brings us to more than 2,350 apartments and those new to living here — and visitors alike — are going to have a wide variety of events, shopping and restaurants to choose from,” Ferrarone said. “It

Images of Harbor Point by Evan Fallor

continues to evolve as a true 24/7 location.” According to statistics provided by BLT, the average household in the region spends $95,300 per year on expenses. Of that annual figure, roughly $5,900 is spent on dining out and another $5,400 goes toward entertainment. In the eyes of Thomas Madden, the city’s economic development director, Harbor Point is an urban oasis for commercial and residential prosperity. He said the key was not only opening restaurants that cater to a younger crowd like World of Beer and

the Paloma restaurant, but also opening up access to the waterfront, including a planned three-mile walking path along the coast. A trolley service running from Harbor Point to Stamford Transportation Center and downtown Stamford is available for both residents and those from other areas enjoying a night on the town. “All the businesses are making sure to cater to the residents of the area,” Madden said. “They’re trying to make the transition for them as smooth as possible.”

Despite the recent influx of commercial and residential properties, the urban redevelopment project began by the city in 2007 is far from complete. Vacant storefronts still beckon tenants. One, on a ground-floor window, calls for a bank. Another clamors for a bookstore. Cafes also are sought. One Harbor Point Square, a 261,000-square-foot office and retail building, is still only 47 percent leased, according to BLT. Its 140,000-square-foot neighbor, Two Harbor Point Square (at 100 Washington Boulevard), is 41 percent leased. On a recent blustery Friday afternoon, much of Harbor Point was quiet. But as warmer weather returns, Ferrarone said he expects foot traffic to increase. “Harbor Point will become even more active this summer,” Ferrarone said. The Fortina and Bareburger restaurants are expected to open by the summer and water taxi service between Harbor Point and Stamford Landing across the water begins Memorial Day weekend and will run through September. Harbor Point was previously occupied by Pitney Bowes Inc. and Yale & Towne Manufacturing Co., with the Yale & Towne’s one time presence embraced via The Vault at Yale & Towne and the Lofts at Yale & Towne, 225- and 252-unit apartment buildings in the neighborhood. The Beacon has “a substantial waiting list,” according to BLT. Its monthly rents begin at under $2,000 for a studio. “It has to be priced right for the market,” Madden said. “If it’s high, we’re not going to attract people to come down here.”

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 23

BY ERIC GREENE

Building with steel, glass and intense planning

hen general contractors sign on for projects, their job is to oversee and manage all of the tasks and subcontractors to keep the project on schedule and within budget. In 2012, Erland Construction was hired by the F.D. Rich Co. to serve as the general contractor on the Summer House project being built on lower Summer Street in Stamford. The 334,000-square-foot, 22-story apartment complex will incorporate 2,700 square feet of retail/restaurant space, 227 residential units and a fifth-floor amenities space that includes a pool. Nestled between Bow Tie Cinemas’ Majestic 6 and Buffalo Wild Wings, the site itself posed several interesting — though manageable — challenges. Summer House is being built right alongside the property lines, sometimes crossing over them, as is the case with Buffalo Wild Wings. With urban site projects such as Summer House, some of the most common challenges include getting materials to the site as required, selecting a nearby location where trucks can be staged and materials stored until needed, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and protection of abutters’ property, and minimizing the

impact on area businesses and residents. All of these issues were addressed on Summer House during preconstruction, and construction began in August 2013. Weather can present an additional challenge, particularly doing steel work during wet or winter months. The “Wet” trades, such as concrete and spray fireproofing, also have temperature criteria that must be maintained. During the winter, the building exterior can be tented and heaters can be brought in to warm the work areas as needed. When it’s 5 degrees on the ground, it’s much colder up inside the structure, and this can lead to shorter work days for subcontractors. But ultimately, the No. 1 priority on any worksite is always safety. Whenever possible, a general contractor may also try to delay any “wet” work until the weather is warmer. The 2014-15 winter was long, but the Summer House crews worked hard to mitigate the impact, so we were still able to top off the building by mid-March (Fairfield County Business Journal, April 6, “Stamford building tops at 250 feet.”) It often comes down to the strengths of the general contractor that can make or break these challenging situations. At Summer House, for example, we have a staff

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with extensive preconstruction and construction experience. Many of them have 25-plus years of experience, which results in the ability to foresee potential obstacles and to address them. At the start of every project, we complete a “risk assessment matrix,” where staff can bring up any and all perceived job risks and the team can discuss ways to address them. This is an important asset in anticipating challenges and ultimately overcoming them — ideally while being able to stay on the project schedule and not stray from the project’s budget. We have formal quality and safety programs with individual committees and ongoing peer reviews. We also utilize advanced technology, such as building information modeling — called BIM — to coordinate the structure; “clash detection” to identify potential issues in the planning stage; and lean construction techniques that help maintain a structured, systematic building schedule. Overall, in order to be a good general contractor, you need to be a great listener and planner, where you can key in on the owner’s goals and work with all parties on the job throughout the process to achieve them. There are several factors that can help

ensure a project’s success: • Always look ahead for potential road blocks and work to overcome them early. • Develop a schedule that all parties buy into early on. Track the schedule weekly and hold each other accountable. • Maintain good communication through regular meetings with open communication at all times. • Hire the best subcontractors for the specific project type. In the case of Summer House, we wanted subs who were experienced with large-scale multifamily housing. • Staff the project appropriately so the level of service that is required and promised to the client can be delivered. • Make sure the expectations of all parties (owner, architect, subcontractors and consultants) are aligned so that everyone is on the same page. Create an “everyone wins” attitude with all stakeholders. • Treat subcontractors as valued partners — they are key to getting the job done and done well. Eric Greene is vice president and regional manager of Erland Construction Inc. Contact Erland’s Stamford office at 203-324-4970.

W h e r e E v e r y D a y M e a n s M o r e TM

I am living a new chapter in my LifeStory “My husband and I were married in a little church in Spring Valley. We have 8 children, 4 boys and 4 girls, and 17 grandchildren! We took frequent vacations in our RV... all 10 of us... and visited parks all over the country. My husband was a Detective Lieutenant in the Police Department, so when the kids were grown we had the means to travel the world together. I feel very lucky to be living at The Bristal now with new friends, and a new beginning.” Joyce, Resident of The Bristal

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24 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Still Renting? Think Again! For as little as $2,197 a month, you can OWN a luxurious new home at Trump Parc Stamford, Fairfield County’s best-selling, high-rise condominium. Enjoy breathtaking views, your own pool, gym, screening room, roof-top observation deck and other spectacular Trump quality amenities with white glove service. So, why rent when you can OWN a new home at Trump Parc for less than your monthly cost of renting. Now more than 85% sold, with 14 homes available. Ask about our 4 remaining duplex penthouses.

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3 Bedroom Residences

Floor

Unit

Sq. Ft. Type

Price

*After Tax Total Monthly Carrying Cost

Floor

Unit

1,106

1BR/1.5BA

$567,000

$2,224

PH-C 1,863

3BR/3.5BA

$1,250,000 $4,398

1,106

1BR/1.5BA

$587,000

$2,278

PH-A 1,825

3BR/3.5BA

$1,300,000 $4,401

1,106

1BR/1.5BA

$597,000

$2,300

1,112

1BR/1.5BA

$635,000

$2,384

PH-C 1,106

1BR/1.5BA

$650,000

$2,279

1BR/1.5BA

$655,000

$2,424

1,112

Price

*After Tax Total Monthly Carrying Cost

*Includes an 80% loan with an interest only non-conforming 7-yr ARM, monthly property taxes, common fees and parking charges. Assumes a 35% tax bracket. This is an “all in monthly cost” estimate.

More Than $125 Million Sold!

2 Bedroom Residences Floor

Unit

Sq. Ft. Type

Price

*After Tax Total Monthly Carrying Cost

1,530

2BR/2.5BA

$595,000

$2,732

1,436

2BR/2.5BA

$720,000

$2,860

PH-E 1,530

2BR/2.5BA

$750,000

$3,086

PH-E 1,530

2BR/2.5BA

$840,000

$3,420

PH-B 1,738

2BR/2.5BA

$930,000

$3,796

PH-F

2BR/2.5BA

$1,233,900 $3,966

1,677

Sq. Ft. Type

TrumpParcStamford.com 203 878 6766 A LEED Qualified Green Building. FHA Approved. Another RICH residential experience. This advertisement is not an offering. No offering can be made without a Public Offering Statement. The Declarant, 33 Broad Street Associates, LLC will provide a Public Offering Statement prior to any sale or any offering for sale. The Declarant, 33 Broad Street Associates, LLC is registered as a New Home Construction Contractor under Connecticut Registration Number 11411. As to New York Residents, the complete offering terms are in an Offering Plan available from Sponsor; File No. CD10-0047. Any offering, when made is not intended for residents of any other jurisdiction where governmental approval or registration is required. © 2010 Trump Parc is a registered trademark of Donald J. Trump. Trump Parc® Stamford is not owned, developed or sold by Donald J. Trump, The Trump Organization or any of their af_liates. 33 Broad Street Associates II, LLC, the owner and developer of the property, uses the “Trump” name and mark under license from Trump Marks Stamford LLC, which license may be terminated or revoked according to its terms. In addition, the Trump Corporation was retained to manage the operations of Trump Parc® Stamford pursuant to the terms of a management agreement, which agreement may be terminated according to its terms.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 25

State: Walk Bridge work proceeding on schedule BY BILL FALLON bfallon@westfairinc.com

he design for a new Walk Bridge in Norwalk to replace the current 1896 bridge is progressing and remains on schedule, state officials said recently. The swing-arm bridge failed to close twice in 2014, disrupting travel on the New Haven Line of the Metro-North Railroad, the nation’s busiest commuter line. Bridge designers have been developing plans for the replacement bridge, preparing the necessary permits and conducting interim repairs. Those repairs to keep the old bridge functioning are now said to be complete. Construction on an entirely new bridge is expected to begin in 2016 and be completed in 2020. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and state Department of Transportation Commissioner James P. Redeker announced the progress in a joint statement. The bridge, which carries four tracks over the Norwalk River, opens and closes for marine traffic below. “For decades, there was no action on this bridge,” Malloy said in the statement. “Now,

we are taking action, making smart choices today to ensure a best-in-class transportation system tomorrow.” Malloy termed the bridge “an enormous project” and credited Metro-North and the

Replacement of the bridge is “very important for the continued success of the New Haven Line and Northeast Corridor that carries almost 40 million riders each year.” — James P. Redeker

service as well as the reliability for many waterway users, the statement said. Bascule bridges are alternately referred to as moveable bridges or drawbridges. Redeker said that completing the design and the ultimate replacement of the Walk Bridge is “very important for the continued success of the New Haven Line and Northeast Corridor that carries almost 40 million riders each year.” In November 2014, the state Bond Commission approved more than $53 million for the state DOT to begin work to replace the bridge. The state bond money will be supplemented by a $161 million federal grant awarded to the state DOT last September under the Sandy Resiliency Project program for states most affected by Superstorm Sandy. Repairs on the old structure have includ-

ed modifications to the assemblies that lift the rail clear to allow the bridge to swing and installation of electronic switches that prevent the gears from over-rotating, which was the cause of the failures last year, according to Redeker. The work was done in combination with a project already underway to replace rails and ties on the bridge. The U.S. Coast Guard, which oversees the operation of the bridge for maritime traffic, has issued new guidelines for the opening of the bridge for boats on the Norwalk River, effective this year. Under the rules, the bridge may not be opened during peak train hours, which are Monday through Friday, from 4:30 to 10 a.m. and from 2 to 9 p.m. Four hours’ notice is required before the bridge will be opened from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., and two hours’ notice is required from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

state DOT for keeping it on track. The new Walk Bridge will be “state-ofthe-art” and feature “twin bascule bridges” that will enhance the safety and reliability of commuter and intercity passenger rail

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26 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

S TA M F O R D

WAT E R B U RY

SOUTHBURY

Rooftop solar power gains momentum BY BILL FALLON bfallon@westfairinc.com

ore than 10,000 Connecticut homeowners have invested in solar panels to date, reducing their electric bills and taking advantage of decreasing solar installation costs, according to the Connecticut Green Bank, based in Rocky Hill. The General Assembly-authorized bank, established in 2011, reported solar demand is more than doubling in the state annually. “The Connecticut Green Bank’s ‘Go Solar Connecticut’ initiative is poised to support the rapid expansion of solar with a suite of homeowner resources, including education, qualified installers and financing,” the bank said in a statement. So far, Go Solar projects have saved state residents an average of more than $1,100 per household on their utility bills, the bank reported, adding, “Solar systems generate ‘free electricity’ during their 25-to-30-year life cycles.” “Residential solar is growing exponentially in Connecticut,” said Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, which was formerly the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority. “There has never been a better time to switch to

File photo

solar energy. Solar demand in Connecticut is more than doubling every year, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory recently ranked Connecticut third among states for favorable economics of going solar. “Going solar is a smart choice, particularly now with the widespread availability of financing, including no-money-down options for leasing and owning your system,” he said. “Using reliable, pollution-free technology, these systems allow homeowners to take more control of their energy bills, making it easier to manage expenses over many years.” The bank sees dollar advantages, as well, claiming solar photovoltaic systems increase property values without raising property

taxes and those homes then sell twice as fast, on average, and at a premium compared with homes without solar panels. Garcia also said, “Installing a solar system contributes to economic development and creates jobs. Go Solar installations have created more than 2,000 jobs in the residential solar PV (photovoltaic) market in Connecticut. Converting to solar energy also helps the environment. Buildings produce about one-third of carbon emissions in the United States. Solar power can reduce a household’s carbon emissions by three to four tons a year — the equivalent of planting more than 100 trees annually.” “Our Go Solar program makes the move to solar energy easier and more affordable

than ever,” said Kerry O’Neill, Connecticut Green Bank director of residential programs. “We are very sensitive to how quickly a homeowner may become overwhelmed or confused while researching the benefits of solar. So we created a very user-friendly website for residents to learn everything they need to know at gosolarct.com. Not only will homeowners be able to get a better handle on the technology; they also can take advantage of attractive financing, including loans and leases, through a simple application process and attractive terms. Many of the local and regional solar contractors with whom we work also provide additional financing options.” The Connecticut Green Bank is offering two free lease payments to any new customer who applies for the CT Solar Lease. And, O’Neill said, homeowners who chose solar have the opportunity to take advantage of additional incentives and tax credits. For an average solar installation, the incentive from the Connecticut Green Bank is 10 to 15 percent of the system’s installed cost. “Factor in the federal tax credit, scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2016, and a homeowner can enjoy a credit of 30 percent of a system’s installed cost, less the Green Bank’s incentive,” the bank said.

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FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 27

THE LIST HOSPITALS

FAIRFIELD COUNTY

Hospitals

Ranked by number of beds. Name Address Area code: 203 unless otherwise noted Website

2 3

St. Vincent's Medical Center

2800 Main St., Bridgeport 06606 576-6000 • stvincents.org

Bridgeport Hospital*

267 Grant St., Bridgeport 06610 384-3000 • bridgeporthospital.org

Western CT Health Network/ Danbury Hospital

24 Hospital Ave., Danbury 06810 739-7000 • danburyhospital.org

Western CT Health Network/ Norwalk Hospital

34 Maple St., Norwalk 06856 852-2000 • norwalkhospital.org

Total number of employees

473

2,000+

Specialty services include cardiology, surgery, cancer care, orthopedics, radiology, emergency medicine, women's health services, family services, behavioral health, a level II trauma center and a psychiatric facility

William M. Jennings Michael Ivy 1878

425

2,500

Connecticut burn center (state's only nationally-verified burn center), heart institute, newborn ICU, state-designated primary stroke center, center for wound healing and hyperbaric machine, cancer institute and breast center, rehabilitation centers, high-risk maternity, center for sleep medicine, minimally invasive robot-assisted surgery and bariatric surgery

John M. Murphy Matthew Miller 1885

371

2,937

Centers of excellence in cardiovascular services, cancer, weight-loss surgery, orthopedic and spine care, digestive disorders and radiology

Michael J. Daglio Kesav G. Nair 1893

366 (including 36 bassinets)

1,870

Specialties include cancer services, cardiovascular services, digestive diseases services, emergency services, orthopedics and neurospine services and women's and children's services

305

2,400

Specialty services include a cancer center, center for minimally invasive surgery, center for surgical weight loss, women's breast center, center for integrative medicine and wellness, center for sleep medicine, children's specialty center, diabetes and endocrine center, stroke center and wound care center

Greenwich Hospital

Norman G. Roth Interim president and CEO Spike Lipschutz 1903

206

1,834

Orthopedics, cardiovascular, obstetrics, oncology services, bariatric surgery, ambulatory surgery, fertility

Sigurd Ackerman 1931

129

Adolescent and adult treatment for addiction and mental illness offering inpatient care, transitional living and intensive outpatient programs. Hospital is an academic affiliate of Yale University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry.

Margaret Harty Stewart Levine, chairman of psychiatry 1898

Child and adolescent services, adult dual services (inpatient and outpatient), inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents and adults

(Member of Yale New Haven Health System) 5 Perryridge Road, Greenwich 06830 863-3000 • greenwichhospital.org

Silver Hill Hospital

208 Valley Road, New Canaan 06840 966-3561 • silverhillhospital.org

St. Vincent's Behavioral Health Services

47 Long Lots Road, Westport 06880 227-1251 • stvincentsbehavioralhealth.org

This list is a sampling of hospitals located in the region. If you wish your hospital to be included in our next listing, please contact Danielle Renda at drenda@westfairinc.com. * NA

Unique Services

Brian Grissler Sharon Kiely 1896

30 Shelburne Road, Stamford 06902 276-1000 • stamfordhospital.org

Stuart G. Marcus Lawrence Schek Medical officer and senior vice president 1903

Number of beds

Stamford Hospital

CEO/President Medical Director Year hospital established

Number includes 42 beds licensed under Yale-New Haven Children's Hospital. Not available

28 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

T:10”

T:11.5”

Your heart can’t wait. When you have a heart condition, the last thing you need to worry about is where to go. So we’re bringing advanced cardiac care to you. Introducing the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Lawrence Hospital, fully staffed with leading cardiologists and electrophysiologists from ColumbiaDoctors. Rest easy knowing life-saving cardiac treatments are now closer to home. For an appointment with our cardiologists, call 914.787.5000.

nyp.org/lawrence

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 29

Celebrate Fairfield County’s Arts, Culture June 5 The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is pleased to announce our inaugural fundraiser, “FCBuzz’s Gypsy Jazz Night,” on Friday, June 5, honoring two great arts and culture supporters: Elisabeth Morten and James Naughton. Morten and Naughton have been two of our greatest champions over the years and we are excited to honor them at this spectacular event: an evening of great music and refreshments in a spectacular setting with many friends and arts supporters among us. Liz Morten has just completed her tenure as president of the CAFC Board of Directors and Jim Naughton has been part of our Artistic Advisory Council since its inception. Both have been involved in our growth and have helped create a stable, thriving nonprofit organization that is committed to helping our members increase capacity, learn from peers and grow their organizations with marketing and program support from the Cultural Alliance. Our Membership consists of nonprofit arts and cultural organizations, creative businesses, preservationists and the many artists — in all disciplines — that live and work throughout Fairfield County. Without dedicated supporters such as Liz and Jim, we would not be able to provide the programs that have become integral to our members’ lives — all of which contributes to a vibrant cultural scene in our region. We are fortunate to have an exquisite venue — a private home in Fairfield’s Southport Harbor — and entertainment by the wildly popular Caravan of Thieves, Bridgeport’s own gypsy-swing quartet. The band has just released its fourth album, Kiss Kiss, and is known for its high energy, theatrical performances that thoroughly engage audiences and encourage singing along, clapping and dancing. Invitations are out, the band is booked, refreshments are ordered — the only thing missing is you! There are a limited number of tickets available; RSVP today. Call our office at (203) 256-2329 to reserve your spot. It’s going to be a great time! The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is a member organization that supports our arts and cultural nonprofits, individual artists and creative businesses through programs that provide professional development, promotion and marketing opportunities and advocacy on behalf of the sector on the local, state and national level. For more information, visit culturalalliancefc.org. Also, check out our events calendar, FCBuzz.org, to view our member’s events around Fairfield County and learn more about what makes Fairfield County a great place to live, work and play. Angela Whitford, executive director Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County The mission of the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County is to support cultural organizations, artists and creative businesses by providing promotion, services and advocacy. For more information, visit CulturalAllianceFC.org or email infoCulturalAllianceFC.org or call 256-2329. For events lists, visit FCBuzz.org.

FCBUZZ

Arts & Culture of Fairfield County

Fairfield Library Presents Author Julia Glass at Fairfield University The Fairfield Public Library and Fairfield University are pleased to host an author talk featuring Julia Glass on Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m., in the Oak Room, Barone Campus Center at Fairfield University. Glass is the acclaimed author of “Three Junes,” winner of the 2002 National Book Award for Fiction. She will visit Fairfield to discuss her latest book, “And the Dark Sacred Night,” and her writing life. Books will be available for purchase and signing at this event. Registration is requested. “And the Dark Sacred Night” tells the story of Kit Noonan, an unemployed art historian with twins to support, a mortgage to pay and a frustrated wife who insists that, to move forward, he must first confront a crucial mystery about his past. Born to a single teenage mother, he has never known the identity of his father. This is a novel about the youthful choices that steer our destinies, the necessity of forgiveness, and the risks we take when we face down the shadows of our past. A few favorite characters from “Three Junes” reappear in this work. Glass has also written “The Whole World Over”; “I See You Everywhere,” winner of the 2009 Binghamton University John Gardner Book Award; and “The Widower’s Tale.” Her essays have been widely anthologized. A recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, the

New York Foundation for the Arts and the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study, Glass also teaches fiction writing, most frequently at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown. She lives with her family in Marblehead, Mass. To register, or for more information on this and other programs, visit fairfieldpubliclibrary.org or call 203-256-3160. Follow the Fairfield Public library on Twitter: twitter.com/ fairfieldpublib and Facebook: facebook.com/fairfieldlibrary.

‘Draw On’ at Loft Artists Association The Loft Artists Association will hold its sixth annual “Drawing Show” exhibition in its Galleries from May 9-June 14. This collaborative event, devoted solely to the art of drawing, features work by member artists – along with people in the community who participated in free “Draw On!” workshops at LAA, with models and set ups provided in part by Curtain Call, The Ballet School of Stamford and PROJECT MUSIC. There will be an artist’s reception, later in the season, on Sunday, June 14 from 2-4 p.m., where prizes will be awarded, ice cream sundaes will be served and the Project Music Bucket Band will play live music. “Our ‘Draw On’ workshops have consistently attracted an enthusiastic response from children to adults of all ages who enjoy letting their creativity take wing,” said Philippa Lodata-Suppa, an LAA member who served as chairwoman of the event. “We’re delighted to give them this unique opportunity to not only bring their work to life, but to display it for the enjoyment of the public.” Admission and parking are free. Regular Gallery hours are Saturday and Sunday, 1-4:30 p.m. For directions and more information visit loftartists. com or call 203-247-2027.

The Loft Artists Association is a nonproﬁt dedicated to providing artists with a supportive environment and opportunities to exhibit their work, while reaching out to the community at large with education and artistic expression as well as with collaborative projects. LAA has been recognized by funding agencies, including the Connecticut Oﬃce of the Arts, corporate and private sponsors and the city of Stamford

Visit FCBuzz.org for more information on events and how to get listed. 30 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Presented by: Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County

FACTS & FIGURES on the record BANKRUPTCIES Celebration FL LLC, 40 W. Elm St., Greenwich. Chapter 11. Assets: $0 to $50,000. Liabilities: $1 million to $10 million. Creditors: Capital One Bank NA, $1.8 million; ACE Hardware Corp., $723,000; DFT Management; $300,000. Debtor’s attorney: Scott M. Charmoy, Fairfield. Case no. 5:15-bk50503. Filed April 18. Fairfield Food Services LLC, Fairfield. Chapter 7. Assets: $0 to $50,000. Liabilities: $1 million to $10 million. Creditors: Barcelona Rest, BCI Financial Corp., Bloomfield Trucking, Car Assist, Continental Capital, PIRS Capital LLC. Debtor’s attorney: Law Offices of Ronald L. Chorches LLC, Wethersfield. Case no. 5:15-bk-50512. Filed April 16.

BUILDING PERMITS

COMMERCIAL 99 Stillwater LLC, Stamford, contractor for self. Demolish the ceilings in a commercial space at 99 Stillwater Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. A Pappajohn Co., Norwalk, contractor for City of Stamford. Renovate a dressing room in a commercial space at 1347 Newfield Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $834,215. Filed between April 13 and April 17. A.P. Construction, Stamford, contractor for ESRT Metro Center LLC. Renovate the interior of a commercial space at 429 Washington Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $160,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17.

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

A. P. Construction, Stamford, contractor for ESRT First Stamford Place SPE LLC. Renovate the interior of a commercial space at 151 Greenwich Ave., Unit 100, Stamford. Estimated cost: $245,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. A/Z Corp., contractor for homeowner. Construct a new covered training shelter on the property of a commercial space at 36 Lindeman Drive, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $303,500. Filed April 2015. AAA Advantage Carting & Demolition LLC, Stamford, contractor for Juliana Enterprises LLC. Demolish a commercial structure at 35 Magee Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $57,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Abbey Tent, contractor for Fairfield University. Add temporary tents to the property of college campus for a special event at 1073 N. Benson Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $1,800. Filed April 15. Abbey Tent, contractor for Fairfield University. Add temporary tents and heaters to the property of college campus for a special event at 1073 N. Benson Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $3,800. Filed April 15. Abbey Tent, Bridgeport, contractor for City of Bridgeport. Add a tent to the property of a commercial space for a special event at 1 Barnum Dyke, Bridgeport. For no consideration paid. Filed April 15. Amelaine Realty Co. Inc., Stamford, contractor for self. Erect a storefront sign at 1026 High Ridge Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $2,200. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Antinozzi Associates, Bridgeport, contractor for University of Bridgeport. Renovate the nursing labs in a commercial space at 60 Lafayette St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $160,000. Filed April 16. BLT Management LLC, contractor for Waterfront Office Building Limited Partnership. Perform a tenant fitout to a commercial space for a new tenant at 62 Southfield Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $100,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. BLT Management LLC, contractor for One Harbor Point Square LLC. Work on a corridor on the fifth floor in a commercial space at 2200 Atlantic St., Unit S1, Stamford. Estimated cost: $50,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17.

Daley Construction Company Inc., Westport, contractor for 1460 Barnum Ave. LLC. Renovate the interior of a commercial space at 1488 Barnum Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed April 15. Elder Jones Inc., Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Perform interior alterations to a commercial space at 65 Main St., Trumbull. Estimated cost: $135,245. Filed April 2015. Enterprise-Shelton Lot 4 LLC, Shelton, contractor for self. Install ductwork in a commercial space at 4 Corporate Drive, Shelton. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed April 10. Henry & Gerity, Fairfield, contractor for St. Vincent’s Medical Center. Renovate the resource department in the hospital at 2660 Main St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 17. HF Roofing, Waterbury, contractor for Shyam Desai. Strip and reroof a commercial space at 3909 Main St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $35,000. Filed April 17. HY2 Stamford LLC, Stamford, contractor for self. Install a new sink and piping in a single-family residence at 1266 E. Main St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $8,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Jarvis Construction, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Perform a tenant fit-out to a commercial space for a new lab at 5218 Main St., Trumbull. Estimated cost: $25,000. Filed April 2015. Landmark Square 1-6 LLC, Stamford, contractor for self. Build a new bar in a commercial space at 101 Broad St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Maggione Construction, Norwalk, contractor for Beginnings Family Academy. Perform interior renovations to a commercial space at 184 Garden St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed April 17. O & G Industries Inc., Stamford, contractor for self. Renovate the interior bay to convert a warehouse space in a commercial space at 72 Davenport St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $62,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. R. D. Scinto, Shelton, contractor for self. Install ductwork in a commercial space at 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton. Estimated cost: $78,000. Filed April 10.

R. D. Scinto, Shelton, contractor for self. Add roof drains for an addition to a commercial space at 5 Corporate Drive, Shelton. Estimated cost: $11,000. Filed April 14. Regional Construction, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Remodel the existing men’s bathroom in a commercial space at 100 Hawley Lane, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $35,650. Filed April 2015. Sciullo Construction Corp., contractor for Reckson/Stamford Towers LLC. Renovate the interior office in a commercial space at 680 Washington Blvd., Stamford. Estimated cost: $147,864. Filed between April 13 and April 17. SL Management Group, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Add a new carpet and paint to a commercial space for a tenant at 55 Corporate Drive, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $95,000. Filed April 2015. Soundview Construction LLC, contractor for St. Thomas R. C. Church. Repair tree damage to a school at 1719 Post Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 9. Standard Demolition Services, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Demolish the interior of a commercial space at 30 Nutmeg Drive, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed April 2015. Tenant, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Perform a tenant fit-out to a commercial space for a new tenant at 5663 Main St., Trumbull. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed April 2015. Tri-State Restoration Services, Norwalk, contractor for CFG 293 Pequot Avenue LLC. Repair a commercial space after fire damage at 293 Pequot Ave., Fairfield. Estimated cost: $27,455. Filed April 16. Veeco, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Install rooftop solar panels on the roof of a commercial space at 25 Trefoil Drive, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $300,000. Filed April 2015. Viking Construction Inc., contractor for Housing Authority City of Stamford. Perform interior work to an apartment complex at 68 Lawn Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $8.7 million. Filed between April 13 and April 17.

RESIDENTIAL A Preferred Construction LLC, Bridgeport, contractor for Nicole Phillip. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 801 Ellsworth St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,525. Filed April 17. AA Building & Wrecking, contractor for SPA Inc. Demolish a singlefamily residence at 47 Dell Dale Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $11,500. Filed April 16. Allen Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Monica Valerio. Renovate the interior of a single-family residence at 304-306 Poplar St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $6,800. Filed April 17. Allen Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Lucinda Anderson. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 316 Newfield Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,950. Filed April 17. Allen Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Janika Pettaway. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 240 Dover St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $3,900. Filed April 17. Allen Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Lucinda Anderson. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 318 Newfield Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,950. Filed April 15. Allen Construction, Bridgeport, contractor for Sheila Gallimore. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 410 Dover St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $3,900. Filed April 15. American Integrity Restoration LLC, contractor for Joseph J. Kron Jr. Repair a single-family residence damaged from hurricane Sandy at 190 Seaside Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $20,424. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Astrum Solar Inc., contractor for Christopher L. Voytek. Install roof mounted solar panels on the roof of a single-family residence at 24 Taquoshe Place, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $41,000. Filed April 10. Backman Gerald S. 2007 Rev Trust, Stamford, contractor for self. Remodel a bathroom in a single-family residence at 546 Wire Mill Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $50,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17.

Barn Yard Ent Inc., contractor for Lydia Elisabeth Bourne. Remove a garage and build a new one at 53 Rowland Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $59,695. Filed April 14. Baybrook Remodelers Inc., Westhaven, contractor for Diane Mannetti. Remodel the kitchen, first floor half bath and second floor bathroom at 106 Alexandra Drive, Stamford. Estimated cost: $91,705. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Bella Homes LLC, contractor for Anne Letish Blanckaert. Finish the walk-up attic in a single-family residence at 141 Mayweed Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $2,000. Filed April 7. Berntsen, Nancy and George Berntsen, Shelton, contractor for self. Move stairs and create a new sitting area in a single-family residence at 1017 Howe Ave., Shelton. Estimated cost: $9,000. Filed April 14. Betsy, Barber, Stamford, contractor for self. Add to a porch on a singlefamily residence at 9 Ayres Drive, Stamford. Estimated cost: $250,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Bocian, Carrie Lynn and Correia, Fairfield, contractor for self. Raise the roof line, add front and rear dormers, remodel kitchen, relocate the first floor bathroom and add a new second floor bathroom at 79 Parkwood Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $95,000. Filed April 7. Built Right, Cromwell, contractor for Antero Soares. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 88 Porter St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $10,900. Filed April 15. C&D Construction, Norwalk, contractor for David Stephans. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 2886-2888 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $23,500. Filed April 17. Camsan Inc., Stamford, contractor for self. Install fire doors in a condominium at 35-39 Woodway Road, Unit 394, Stamford. Estimated cost: $10,800. Filed between April 13 and April 17. CH Trap Falls Associates LLC, Shelton, contractor for self. Remove and replace the roof on a single-family residence at 100 Trap Falls Road Ext., Shelton. Estimated cost: $30,622. Filed April 9.

Environmental & Civil Engineering For more information Andrew Zlotnick, Senior Vice President 203.374.3748, www.fando.com

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 31

GOOD THINGS HAPPENING DENVER JOINS SOLDIERSOCKS’ ADVISORY BOARD Stamford-based SoldierSocks, a nonprofit, appointed Commander Rorke Denver to its advisory board. The board provides counsel on ways to better serve and assist member of the U.S. Armed Forces. In addition to Rorke, the advisory board is comprised of:

Martha MacCallum, Fox News anchorwoman; U.S. Jon D. Runyan; Joseph Lieberman, former U.S. senator; John H. Linnartz, philanthropist; Linda McMahon, former CEO of WWE and tow-time U.S. Senate candidate; Colonel Bill Smullen, special adviser to former

joint chief of staffs and secretary of the state; Kathleen H. Hicks; and Bob Murrett, retired vice admiral. Denver has run every phase of training for the U.S. Navy Seals and led special-forces missions in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and other hotspots.

PHOTOGRAPHER HENRI CELEBRATED AT THE BRUCE Greenwich’s Bruce Museum is celebrating Florence Henri (1893-1982), a modern photographer, during a six-week exhibition, May 2-June 14, 1 Museum Drive, Greenwich. Featured in the exhibit are 26 works from the Bruce Museum’s collection of Henri photographs, donated by Rick Western and Jennifer Garvin. Florence Henri (American, 18931982), “Cygne,” 1928, printed 1975. Bruce Museum Collection. Image courtesy Florence Henri at Galleria Martini & Ronchetti, Genoa, Italy.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION PROMOTES TWO Fairfield County’s Community Foundation announced two promotions as a way of expanding its commitment to addressing critical community issues. Karen R. Brown, formerly vice president of programs, is vice president of innovation and strategic learning, a newly created position. Her responsibilities include keeping the foundation abreast of trends and promoting internal and external learning. Nancy von Euler, formerly program director, is vice president of pro-

CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD PROMOTES THREE PROFESSIONALS Cushman & Wake�ield, a commercial real estate �irm with an of�ice in Stamford, promoted Adam Klimek, Brian Scruton and Bill Montague of the Stamford of�ice. Collectively, the three have more than 24 years experience representing tenants and landlords throughout Fair�ield and Westchester counties. Klimek, senior director, represents more than 400,000 square feet of of�ice space for landlords in Fair�ield County, including Faros Properties, Marcus Partners and Edgewood Capital. He holds a bachelor’s in business administration from the University of Connecticut. Scruton, director, specializes in tenant and landlord representation in Fair�ield and West-

chester counties. Recently, he was involved in nearly 800,000 square foot transactions on behalf of companies including NBC Sports, Chelsea Piers Stamford and World Wrestling Entertainment. He holds an undergraduate degree in policy, analysis and management from Cornell University. Montague has more than six years experience representing Fair�ield and Westchester tenants and landlords and has negotiated more than 850,000 square feet of transactions on behalf of clients including Global Imaging Systems Inc., United States Postal Service and W.R. Berkley. He holds an undergraduate degree in economics from St. Lawrence University.

CONNECTICARE EXPANDS COLLABORATION WITH CONNECTICUT STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY Farmington-based ConnectiCare expanded its provider collaboration with the Connecticut State Medical Society-Independent Practice Association (CSMS-IPA) to include New Haven, Fairfield, Middlesex, Windham and New London counties. ConnectiCare has practice collaboration arrangements with 12 Connecticut-providers throughout the state, including: Integrated Care

Partners (Hartford HealthCare); St. Francis HealthCare Partners; ProHealth Physicians; Community Medical Group; Grove Hill Medical Group; Charlotte Hungerford Hospital; Connecticut Multi-Specialty Group; CSMS-IPA; Northeast Medical Group; Middlesex Hospital; Medical Professional Services IPA; and Eastern Connecticut Physician Hospital Organization.

FCCF DONATES $30,000 TO ST. VINCENT’S

Karen R. Brown

Nancy von Euler

grams. Her responsibilities include strategic leadership for all aspects of

the department and overseeing grant making policies and strategies.

32 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

St. Vincent’s Medical Center Foundation received a $30,000 grant from Fairfield County’s Community Foundation to support The Hope Dispensary of Greater Bridgeport, a charitable pharmacy dedicated to serving low-income and uninsured individuals in the

Bridgeport community who would not otherwise be able to afford access to prescription medicine. This is the first and only Dispensary of Hope site in Connecticut and provides short- and longterm medication assistance to eligible patients.

F.D. RICH CO. CEO RECEIVES NAIOP AWARD

Women’s Business Development Council presents “Passion to Profit,” WBDC’s Business Plan Development Program,” a nine-week course teaching participants how to create an individualized business plan, Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m., Norwalk Community College. For more information, call 203-353-1750.

Greenwich Chamber of Commerce features its “Women Who Matter Luncheon,” a celebration of woman who have made a difference in the community, 12:30-2 p.m., Milbrook Club, 61 Woodside Drive, Greenwich. Guest speakers include Carolee Friedlander. To register, visit business.greenwichchamber.com. Ridgeﬁeld Playhouse features rock ’n’ roll couture fashion designer Lauren DiNardo to present “Keeping it Badass,” 6:30 p.m. liquor tasting and 7:30 p.m. fashion show, 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. For more information, call the box office at 203-438-5795.

From left of GoodWorks: Paul Brian, chief operating officer; Kimberly O’Brien Green, director of development; and Curt Johnson, senior vice president.

Operation Fuel, a provider of emergency energy assistance to lower-income, working families and individuals throughout Connecticut, received a $20,985 donation from GoodWorks and Connecticut Energy Marketers Associa-

tion (CEMA). Glastonbury-based GoodWorks, an insurance agency with offices in Columbia and New Milford, donated $15,000, while Cromwell-based CEMA, a homeheating oil dealer and gasoline distributor, donated $5,985.

WEBSTER WEALTH ADVISER NAMED BEST Waterbury-based Webster Wealth Advisors, a component part of Webster Private Bank’s offering for high net worth individuals, families and nonprofits, announced that Joe M. Cox II of the Wilton branch made the list of top financial advisers, according to the “Financial Times.” Placement on this list names Cox as one of the top 400 leading financial advisers in the country, and one of only 10 in Connecticut.

Women’s Business Development Council is featuring “Improve Your Online Marketing Results,” instructing participants on how to define and manage social media goals, 12:15-1:30 p.m., webinar. Pre-registration required. For more information, visit ctwbdc.org.

MAY 7

Thomas L. Rich, president and CEO of the Stamford-based F.D. Rich Co., was honored with the Impact Award by the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties Connecticut & Suburban New York (NAIOP) for his dedication and contributions to the real estate community at its annual night of the stars awards gala. David Genovese, CEO of Baywater Properties, hosted the event March 19 at L’escale Restaurant in Greenwich. The evening’s winners include: Vineyard Vines, Stamford; Ironworks, South Norwalk; MasterCard, Purchase, N.Y.; 520 White Plains Road, Tarrytown, N.Y.; and Steve Lash, RFR Realty, Stamford.

DATES

MAY 6

Community Plates, a food rescue organization dedicated to ending food insecurity in America, is presenting its signature fundraiser, “Food for All,” Thurs., May 7, 6-9 p.m., Abigail Kirsch at The Loading Dock, 375 Fairfield Ave., Stamford. The event highlights the organization’s goals for the coming year, celebrates its accomplishments and pays gratitude to its volunteers and supporters. The evening features Fairfield County’s newest restaurants and artisans, in addition to popular cocktail bars. To purchase tickets, visit communityplates.org/ffa15ﬄd/.

OPERATION FUEL RECEIVES $20,000 DONATION MAY 5 - JUNE 30

COMMUNITY PLATES’ ‘FOOD FOR ALL’ FUNDRAISER

SCORE Fairﬁeld County and co-sponsor the Weston Library present a complimentary, small-business workshop series, “Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Five Workshops to Lead You to Start-Up Success,” 6-8:30 p.m., Weston Library, 56 Norfield Road, Weston. Check-in begins 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit scorenorwalk.org. Joe M. Cox II

Fairﬁeld University features Julia Quinn, who is reading from “And the Dark Sacred Night,” 7 p.m., Barone Campus Center, Oak Room, 1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield. For more information, contact Teddy Spicer at 203-254-4000, ext. 2616.

LIETO JOINS GOLDMAN GRUDER & WOODS the �irm’s Trumbull of�ice, working from the Norwalk and Greenwich of�ices as needed. Lieto was founding partner of Lieto & Greenberg LLP, a Fair�ield law �irm, whose practice is being absorbed by Goldman Gruder & Woods. He earned his cum laude law degree from Brooklyn Law School.

MAY 8

Francis (Frank) Lieto, Bridgeport attorney, joined Norwalkbased law �irm Goldman Gruder & Woods as a partner. Lieto, whose legal practice includes real estate law, foreclosure defense and general commercial litigation, is chairman of the criminal law and family law groups at the �irm. He is a resident partner in

Ridgeﬁeld Playhouse features alternative country female rockers Antigone Rising, 7:30 p.m., 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. Ticket holders can meet-and-greet with the band, beginning 6:45 p.m. For more information, call the box office at 203-438-5795.

Ridgeﬁeld Playhouse features “Gotta Dance!”, six Broadway dancers backed up by two Broadway vocalists and a live band, 8 p.m., 80 E. Ridge Road, Ridgefield. For more information, call the box office at 203-438-5795.

Francis (Frank) Lieto

FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL • Week of May 4, 2015 33

FACTS Iwaszkiewicz, Marek, contractor for Dorothy S. Baekey. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 168 Tanglewood Lane, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $6,300. Filed April 10. Jackowitz, Elizabeth and Howard Jackowitz, Fairfield, contractor for self. Finish the basement in a singlefamily residence at 83 Smedley Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 9. John W. Sliva Design & Build LLC, contractor for Jason Hanna. Pour the foundation for a new two story singlefamily residence with front and rear porches and an attached three car garage at 140 Meadow Ridge Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $750,000. Filed April 15. Jones and Jones, Bridgeport, contractor for Maria Alaya. Repair the fire damage to a single-family residence at 358-360 Hanover St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $140,000. Filed April 15. JP Maguire, Waterbury, contractor for Irdell Key. Renovate the interior of a single-family residence at 376-378 Seaview Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $23,000. Filed April 16. Kenneth, Thomas L., contractor for Shari Ifrach. Construct a new dwelling with landing and stairs in a singlefamily residence at 25 Jarvis Court, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $215,000. Filed April 15. Kerigan’s Roofing Inc., contractor for Jeffrey K. Reilly and Carol D. Reilly. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 85 Sedan Terrace, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $7,350. Filed April 13. Kinard, Marykate, Stamford, contractor for self. Add new sliding, new windows and a roof to a single-family residence at 12 Mohegan Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $23,500. Filed between April 13 and April 17. L L E Construction LLC, Stamford, contractor for Virginia A. Gates. Replace one layer of a roof on a singlefamily residence at 73 Hunting Ridge Road, Stamford. Estimated cost: $11,089. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Lam, Quyen, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Repair the garage attached to the property of a single-family residence at 961 Sylvan Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $5,000. Filed April 16. Lang, Christopher J., contractor for James Sanger and Karen R. Sanger. Add an in ground pool with a spa to a single-family residence at 155 Old Hickory Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $89,589. Filed April 8. Leggett, Stephen, Shelton, contractor for self. Build an addition to a single-family residence at 50 Mohegan Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $25,600. Filed April 10.

Nukitchen LLC, Fairfield, contractor for Donald E. White & Tina M. White. Remodel the kitchen and install a new bath vanity in a single-family residence at 84 Phyfe Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $57,000. Filed April 7. O’Keefe, Elaine and Mank Rissell, Easton, contractor for self. Remove the bathroom in a single-family residence at 21 Bohus Lane, Easton. Estimated cost: $8,000. Filed April 2015. Oliver, Donald, Orange, contractor for Southwest Community Health Care. Replace a window on the property of a single-family residence at 1046 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $30,000. Filed April 13. Oner, Sehnaz, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Strip and reroof a singlefamily residence at 1144 Huntington Turnpike, Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $7,000. Filed April 15. Outdoor Services, Fairfield, contractor for Victor Rivera. Remodel a kitchen in condominium unit at 10141016 Central Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 15. Pendile, Lisa, Easton, contractor for self. Remodel the bathroom of a single-family residence at 82 Ferndale Drive, Easton. Estimated cost: $6,930. Filed April 2015. Power Home Remodeling Group, Chester, Pa., contractor for Warren Edmund. Add vinyl siding and a window to a single-family residence at 302 E. Pasadena St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $32,294. Filed April 13. Precision Cut Construction, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Add a deck to the property of a singlefamily residence at 128 Lewis Road, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 2015. Radzwillas Builders LLC, contractor for Jennifer Lefebvre. Rebuild a front porch at 2980 Burr St., Fairfield. Estimated cost: $18,000. Filed April 9. Rafalo, Krzyzstof, Fairfield, contractor for self. Replace the vinyl siding with cedar siding in a single-family residence at 313 Figlar Ave., Fairfield. Estimated cost: $12,000. Filed April 8. Ramond, David C., Fairfield, contractor for Jon Davis and Rubak Evelyn. Remodel the first floor kitchen and add a laundry to a single-family residence at 251 Euclid Ave., Fairfield. Estimated cost: $34,000. Filed April 10. Raymond, David C., contractor for Christine P. Cutler and Seth Cutler. Remodel the second floor hall bathroom in a single-family residence at 207 Quaker Lane, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $6,000. Filed April 15. Rega Builders G.C., Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Add a first floor kitchen, living room, bathroom, bedroom, laundry room, office, crawl space and a foundation to a singlefamily residence at 38 Killian Ave., Trumbull. Estimated cost: $130,000. Filed April 2015.

Regency Developers CT LLC, contractor for Brooklyn Realty Holdings LLC. Build a new single-family residence on a vacant lot of a singlefamily residence at Walnut Ridge Court, Lot 3, Stamford. Estimated cost: $300,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Regency Developers CT LLC, contractor for Brooklyn Realty Holdings LLC. Build a new single-family residence on a vacant lot of a singlefamily residence at Walnut Ridge Court, Lot 4, Stamford. Estimated cost: $300,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Reid, Daniel G., Fairfield, contractor for self. Pour the foundation only for a new single-family residence at 10 Norwegian Wood, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $75,000. Filed April 14. Romano Brothers Builders, Shelton, contractor for self. Add new roofing, siding and windows to a singlefamily residence at 84 Lakeview Ave., Shelton. Estimated cost: $15,000. Filed April 10. S Cruz Construction LLC, contractor for Sean Bosken and Lisa Bosken. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 89 Eunice Ave., Fairfield. Estimated cost: $4,650. Filed April 9. Samuelson Builders LLC, contractor for Joanne Lavista. Build a rear deck on the footings of a single-family residence at 135 Sasapequan Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $4,000. Filed April 13. Schwartz, Kelly and Al Schwartz, Shelton, contractor for self. Build a two-car garage and a storage addition to a single-family residence at 20 Beacon Hill Terrace, Shelton. Estimated cost: $80,160. Filed April 10. Sears Home Improvement Product, Rocky Hill, contractor for Arthur R. Jann and Lynne A. Jann. Remodel the full bathroom and replace two windows in a single-family residence at 51 Godfrey Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $3,967. Filed April 7.

FIGURES Solar City Corp., Rocky Hill, contractor for Elena Catino, et al. Add solar panels to the roof of a single-family residence at 132 Pine Hill Ave., Stamford. Estimated cost: $25,169. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Speranza, Joe, Weston, contractor for Andrew Clement. Add to a singlefamily residence at 144 Seaside Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $22,000. Filed April 15. Sproulero, Cindy and Jose Sproulero, Easton, contractor for self. Add a gas line meter to an outside grill at 70 Kellers Farm Road, Easton. Estimated cost: $1,100. Filed April 2015. Star Prosperity Real Estate LLC, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Renovate third floor of a single-family residence at 215 Merriam St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $1,000. Filed April 13. Steinhauser, Brian, Fairfield, contractor for self. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 275 Mayfair Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $3,850. Filed April 10. Taylor, Christal, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Add a dormer with a half bath to a single-family residence at 60 Chamberlain Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $68,000. Filed April 17. Tenant, Trumbull, contractor for homeowner. Add cement steps to the walkway of a single-family residence at 295 Shelton Road, Trumbull. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed April 2015. Thomas Kane Building & Remodeling, contractor for Bruce C. Ryan and Susan Ann. Add a laundry room, bathroom, family room and a kitchen to a single-family residence at 439 Beach Road, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $68,000. Filed April 8. Toll CT Limited Partnership, Newtown, contractor for self. Install three half bathrooms in a condominium at 560 River Road, Shelton. Estimated cost: $10,000. Filed April 8.

Sears Home Improvement Product, Rocky Hill, contractor for Wanda Perez. Remodel a bathroom in a single-family residence at 110 Sims St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $7,500. Filed April 15.

Valente, Lucio, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Add new bathrooms to the interior of a single-family residence and repair the window at 454 Fairview Ave., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $13,000. Filed April 13.

Shostak Construction LLC, contractor for Craig L. Roberts and Laura B. Roberts. Convert the garage to a heated living space in a single-family residence at 580 Katona Drive, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed April 8.

Varuaro, Estelle, Easton, contractor for self. Install replacement windows on a single-family residence at 21 Birch Drive, Easton. Estimated cost: $6,000. Filed April 2015.

Silva, Hector E., et al., Stamford, contractor for self. Change the roof of a single-family residence at 930 E. Main St., Stamford. Estimated cost: $9,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17.

34 Week of May 4, 2015 • FAIRFIELD COUNTY BUSINESS JOURNAL

Virvo, Deirdre, Stamford, contractor for self. Build a new bathroom and renovate a second bathroom in a single-family residence at 22 Regent Court, Stamford. Estimated cost: $24,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Volpe, John, Easton, contractor for self. Install four replacement windows on a single-family residence at 96 Wells Hell Road, Easton. Estimated cost: $9,500. Filed April 2015.

Wagner, Darren, Fairfield, contractor for self. Add a rear deck to a single-family residence at 116 Reid St., Fairfield. Estimated cost: $4,500. Filed April 14. Wernert Associates Inc., contractor for Daniel Manner, et al. Renovate the kitchen, family room, bathroom and bedroom in a single-family residence at 187 Bouton Street West, Stamford. Estimated cost: $155,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. White Home Products Inc., Stratford, contractor for Robert Donahoe and Marilyn Donahoe. Strip and reroof a single-family residence at 71 Stone Gate Lane, Fairfield. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed April 9. Wilkes, Claire and William Wilkes, Easton, contractor for self. Install replacement patio doors at a singlefamily residence at 66 Deepwood Road, Easton. Estimated cost: $23,742. Filed April 2015. Wong, Meilen, Stamford, contractor for self. Replace the faucets, bathtub and tiles in condominium at 35 Woodway Road, Unit A1, Stamford. Estimated cost: $3,000. Filed between April 13 and April 17. Zheng, Ren Hua, Bridgeport, contractor for self. Renovate the interior of a single-family residence at 61-65 Orland St., Bridgeport. Estimated cost: $20,000. Filed April 14.

COURT CASES The following court cases represent the allegations made by defendants in the initial filings of civil lawsuits, and do not represent legally binding judgments made by the courts.

BRIDGEPORT SUPERIOR COURT Champion Pool Service LLC, Trumbull. Filed by Nucci Bros. Pool Supplies Inc., Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Green and Gross PC, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendant alleging that they had not paid for goods provided to the defendant. The plaintiff has made a demand for the balance of $19,156, yet has not received payment. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, interest, costs, and such other and further relief as deemed appropriate by the court. Case no. FBT-cv15-6049437-S. Filed April 13.

Move Inc., et al., Bridgeport. Filed by KBE Building Corp., Farmington. Plaintiff’s attorney: Paul L. Shafir, New Haven. Action: The plaintiff has brought this breach of contract suit against the defendants alleging that they had not paid for construction goods and services provided to the defendants. The plaintiff has made a demand for the balance of $815,478 yet has not received payment. A mechanic’s lien has been placed on the defendant’s property. The plaintiff claims a foreclosure of the mechanic’s lien, attorney’s fees, interest, costs and such other and further relief as this court deems just and proper. Case no. FBT-cv15-6049505-S. Filed April 16. Safeco Insurance Company of Ill., Hartford. Filed by Karla Castillo and Luis M. Romero, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Miller, Rosick, D’Amico, August & Butler PC, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiffs have brought this motor vehicle suit against the defendant alleging that they 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 their injuries are the legal responsibilities of their insurance company, the defendant. The plaintiff claims judgment and money damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interests and costs. Case no. FBT-cv15-6049451-S. Filed April 14. The Conservative Synagogue, Inc., Westport. Filed by Albert Schmeidler, Scarsdale, N.Y. Plaintiff’s attorney: Murphy & Karpie, Bridgeport. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that he tripped on a fence at a parking lot owned by the defendant and sustained injury. This dangerous condition was allegedly allowed to exist due the negligence of the defendant and their employees. The plaintiff claims monetary damages and such other relief in law and equity the court may deem appropriate. Case no. FBT-cv15-6049462-S. Filed April 14. The Stop and Shop Supermarket Inc., Hartford. Filed by Nancy Torres, Bridgeport. Plaintiff’s attorneys: Czepiga & Soares LLC. Action: The plaintiff has brought this personal injury suit against the defendant alleging that she slipped on a pool of liquid spilling from a broken container in a store owned by the defendant and sustained injuries. This dangerous condition was allowed to exist due the negligence of the defendant and their employees in that they failed to clear the liquid from the floor. The plaintiff claims monetary damages in excess of $15,000, exclusive of interest and costs. Case no. FBT-cv15-6049509-S. Filed April 16.

VISIONARY VACUUM? WHAT MAKES SOME AREAS DAZZLING AND OTHERS JUST PLAIN BORING? This Westfair program on development and real estate will reveal the obstacles to creativity in our local towns, villages and cities. Is there a vision vacuum among our elected and appointed officials or are fear, economics and regulations too overwhelming?

DATE: TUESDAY, MAY 19 TIME: 11:30 A.M. TO 1 P.M. LOCATION: THE WATERS EDGE AT GIOVANNI’S 2748 POST ROAD, DARIEN, CONN.

HEAR WHAT OUR EXPERT PANELISTS HAVE TO SAY DISCUSSION MODERATOR

SAL CAMPOFRANCO

LUIZ ARAGON

SUSANNE DONNELLY

RALPH DIBART

W. MARK KEENEY

Founder and Managing Member Luzern Associates LLC Westport

Development Commissioner New Rochelle

Supervisor Town of Ossining

Executive Director Business Improvement District, New Rochelle

Managing Partner Abbey Road Advisors LLC Fairfield