Fairfield County Business Journal articles from May 2004

Fairfield County Business Journal archives from May 2004

Innovating in a 90-year-old industry: for packing tape, making everything old new again.
May 3, 2004... Packing tape is mostly made of plastic, usually dispensed with a hand-held device and hasn't changed much in its function or form in the past 90 years. None of those statements is true for Better Packages Inc. of Shelton, a maker of...

N.Y. patients flock to Greenwich.
May 3, 2004... At a time when some hospitals in Westchester County, N.Y., are struggling financially, more patients are crossing into Connecticut in search of new facilities and better service at Greenwich Hospital. Officials at the 160-bed community...

House passes malpractice bill without limiting awards.
May 3, 2004... The state House of Representatives approved a medical malpractice insurance reform bill a week ago after shooting down two amendments that would have capped what juries could award victims for pain and suffering. Doctors and insurance...

ProBatter hits twelfth patent.
May 3, 2004... A group of local entrepreneurs and sport enthusiasts, who six years ago set out to make the ultimate batting machine, were awarded recently their sixth U.S. patent on their creation. Michael S. Suba, Timothy O'Reilly and Gregory J....

Developers chosen for Bridgeport spec office.
May 3, 2004... The Bridgeport Economic Development Advisory, Council (BEDAC) was out to get the most bang for the state's buck when evaluating proposals submitted for a speculative office project for downtown. The development team of Suffern, N.Y.-based...

Executives grow more confident in job market.(Issues@Work)
May 3, 2004... A recent survey conducted by ExecuNet, an executive-level job and networking firm, reveals executives are growing more confident in the employment market as conditions improve. According to the survey of 204 executives, 48 percent describe...

Older workers to affect state economy.(Issues@Work)
May 3, 2004... The aging Connecticut work force is a topic of growing concern in human resource circles. As baby boomers approach retirement age, the younger age groups that are to take their place are sharply smaller. Does that mean the economy will confront...

Bridgeport Metal Goods files Chapter 11.
May 3, 2004... The Bridgeport Metal Goods Manufacturing Co. is looking for a buyer after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in March. "We are very disappointed at the lack of cooperation from our principal secured lender under its agreements with...

Donations key to modern hospital.
May 3, 2004... While Greenwich Hospital officials credit its growth and profitability to em facilities and a culture of excellence, they also acknowledge that the instituion's prescription for success is tied to sizable private donations that have kept it...

Developer builds a broad portfolio in Fairfield and Westchester counties.
May 3, 2004... There are commercial developers, and residential developers, and hotel developers. Then there is Antares Real Estate, a Greenwich, developer, which does a little of all three, almost all of that activity in New York's Westchester County and...

Concern over jobs not served protectionist measures.
May 3, 2004... As the end of the 2004 session of the General Assembly approaches, lawmakers are considering measures that purport to help save Connecticut jobs but, according to the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA), would put them at risk....

Business Web directory.
May 3, 2004... * Accounting & Business Management Software IntelliBridge LLC www.IntelliBridgeLLC.com 203-877-5766 Microsoft Business Solutions--Great Plains Partner Free Software Selection Kit Answers@IntelliBddgeLLC.com * Accounting The...

The changing face of medicine in Fairfield County: advanced cardiac care for Danbury Hospital?
May 3, 2004... Danbury area residents suffering a heart attack can get the condition stabilized at Danbury Hospital, but must be transported by ambulance or helicopter to Bridgeport or Yale-New Haven hospitals for follow-up treatment. Some patients slip...

Terry O'Connor: he's never really left the court.(Profits & Passions)
May 3, 2004... Terry O'Connor is still getting his sports fix. The former Fairfield University coach and current executive director of Bridgeport's Cardinal Sheehan Center is staying in the sports arena with regular broadcasting gigs, including a weekly...

Office buildings.(The List)
May 3, 2004... Ranked by size. More than 200,000 square feet. Alphabetically in event of tie. Ra- Name, address and rental agent's Square footage nk phone number (rounded) Area Code: 203 (unless...

Job growth in Connecticut depends on lower business costs.
May 3, 2004... Connecticut's ability to create jobs over the long term will be heavily influenced by how expensive it is to do business here, And Connecticut's cost of doing business is 12 percent higher than the national average, according to economy.com, an...

Connecticut's fuel cell industry maintains dominance: state now home to almost half of U.S. fuel cell jobs; future looks bright.(Techcetera)
May 3, 2004... Connecticut's claim to being the "fuel cell capital of the nation" is secure, thanks to several factors, according to participants in a major industry conference at the fuel cell-powered Mohegan Sun Convention Center in Uncasville. The...

A tale of two cities: housing prices make Stamford and Shelton different.(Housing Market)
May 3, 2004... As new office buildings fill up in Shelton, the market is in a slump in Stamford. The differences in housing prices and commuting times are big reasons for the differing circumstances for the two cities. High housing prices in and around...

Residential sales still feeding off interest rates.(Housing Market)
May 3, 2004... Statistics show the number housing sales increased just about everywhere in March and area real estate brokers say that low interest rates are still driving the trend. "The housing markets get very active when the interest rates remain...

Kelly secures 2.7 million in House Bill for major restoration of Van Cortlandt Manor.(in the news)
May 3, 2004... Congresswoman Sue Kelly joined with HISTORIC HUDSON VALLEY Chairman Mark F. Rockefeller and Historic Hudson Valley President Waddell W. Stillman to announce that she has earmarked $2.7 million in federal transportation funds to enable major...

Season finale features two world premieres.(in the news)
May 3, 2004... The WESTCHESTER PHILHARMONIC's 2003-2004 "Passport to Music" season culminates with a series of "Discovery" concerts on Saturday, May 22 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 23 at 3 p.m., at The Performing Arts Center, Purchase College. "Discoveries"...

Tomorrow's dance stars come of age today.(Purchase College Conservatory of Dance)
May 3, 2004... A brochure published by the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance for curious high school students offers a challenging disclaimer. "This is not a program for dabblers," it reads. "Commitment, intensity and exceptional talent are essential."...

Arts Bash weekend.(Cover Story)
May 3, 2004... June 3, 5 and 6 Public Art and a Pallet of Chefs. This year's Arts Bash weekend features a first-of-its kind exhibition and symposium on public art as well as a pallet a of 20 chefs, serving an array of delicacies during an Arts Bash...

Arts calendar.(Calendar)
May 3, 2004... WHAT'S DOING? VISIT WWW.WESTARTS.COM May 3 MONDAY TARRYTOWN MUSIC HALL presents Pippi Longstocking, featuring American Theatre Arts for Youth, 10 a.m. & 12:15 p.m., (800) 523-4540. READING NORTHERN WESTCHESTER CENTER FOR...

Stay tuned: hypnotic videos by contemporary artists.(on exhibit)
May 3, 2004... Rhythmic repetition of sights and sounds, slowly shifting forms and rapidly changing scenes will mesmerize exhibition goers at Stay Tuned: Hypnotic Videos by Contemporary Artists at The Studio: An Alternative Space for Contemporary Art in...

Linda Nisselson: new paintings on exhibit in Larchmont.(on exhibit)
May 3, 2004... Inspired by nature, Linda Nisselson: New Paintings will be on view at Kenise Barnes Fine Art in Larchmont. Opening in April 24 and continuing through June 5, Nisselson's abstract paintings of places remembered or imagined, reflecting the...

On exhibit.
May 3, 2004... * CARAMOOR presents Symphonies in Enamel: Cloisonne from the Caramoor Collection, May 8-Dec. 18, 232-5035. * CASTLE GALLERY OF THE COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE presents Westchester Biennial 2004, through June 27, 654-5285. * HAMMOND MUSEUM...

Summer arts: camps and classes guide.
May 3, 2004... Still looking for something for your child or grandchild to do this summer? Westchester Arts Council's many affiliate arts organizations offer special arts-related summer camps and classes for kids. Whether your child or grandchild loves,...

Arts awards.
May 3, 2004... On Wednesday, April 21st, nearly 400 guests gathered at The Rye Town Hilton to honor the Westchester Arts Council's 2004 Arts Award winners. Ten organizations and individuals were honored. Richard and Barbara Dannenberg (left) receive the...

Mara Mills: weaves a tapestry of stories.(artist spotlight)
May 3, 2004... Mara Mills, artistic director, teacher, and poet, loves to tell the story of how her grandmother who, as a curious five year-old in New York City, was so fascinated by an organ grinder and his monkey that she followed then1 for a little while...

Haifa Bint-Kadi: alluring mosaics.(artist spotlight)
May 3, 2004... The moment artist Haifa Bint-Kadi visited the legendary Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain and viewed its Moorish architecture and stunning mosaics, she knew she had found her life's calling. "It's amazing when you don't really know that...

Christian Harder: a lens on landscapes.(artist spotlight)
May 3, 2004... Photographers Forum, a national magazine dedicated to photography, recently announced that Christian Harder of Waccabuc was selected as one of the magazine's Best of College Photography finalists. It has already been a busy year for the...

Michael Defeo: fantastic creatures.(artist spotlight)
May 3, 2004... Michael Defeo's studio is a laboratory of the imagination, where fantastic creatures from Ice Age Mammoths to Space Age aliens come to life. While his characters see the light of day at his small studio at the Arts Exchange in White...

Not many businesses offer same-sex benefits.(Human Resources)
May 3, 2004... The growing cultural debate about same-sex marriage doesn't seem to have made its way into the human resource departments in Fairfield County businesses quite yet. But some companies have taken steps to offer benefits to qualified same-sex...

Why students turn off careers in computer, health-care.(Human Resources)
May 3, 2004... Like their counterparts nationwide, students in Fairfield County are showing little enthusiasm for careers in the fastest-growing fields, high school guidance counselors say. However, the advisers said the students are years away from...

Outsourcing: is it meeting its promise?(Human Resources)
May 3, 2004... Human resources business process outsourcing is delivering immediate cost savings, but has not met companies' transformational objectives, according to a Towers Perrin survey of 32 corporations that have adopted broad-scale outsourcing in the...

Higher Medicare rates good news for employers.(Human Resources)
May 3, 2004... Employers and retirees both stand to benefit from increased payments to the Medicare Advantage plans under the Medicare reforms enacted in December. Significant cost savings are definitely on the table, according to Towers Perrin. The...

Bankruptcies.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... The following petition was filed in United States Bankruptcy Court. Chapter 11 indicates the filer intends to submit a plan of reorganization to the court. Chapter 7 indicates a liquidation of assets. Dorsum Nemus L.L.C., 23 Ridgewood...

Building permits.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... Commercial 197 Connecticut Avenue Associates, Stamford. Renovations to UPS Store at 360 Connecticut Ave., Norwalk. Estimated cost: $25,000. A.V. Tuchy, Norwalk, contractor for Plaza East Associates L.L.C., Westport. Interior alteration...

Court cases.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... Bridgeport Superior Court 1700 Barnum Avenue L.L.C. Filed by Water Pollution Control Authority of the city of Bridgeport, Bridgeport. Plaintiff's attorney: Russell Liskov, Bridgeport. Action: seeks $4,755, plus interest and costs,...

Deeds.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... Commercial 153 Fast Avenue L.L.C. Seller: Marc Franks. Property: in Norwalk. Amount: $2.45 million. Filed April 1. 17 Connecticut Avenue L.L.C., Greenwich. Seller: Julie Zieba, Greenwich. Property: in Greenwich. Amount: $1.22 million....

Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut Inc.(Credits, Clients and Awards)
May 3, 2004... Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut Inc., Bridgeport, a nonprofit economic education organization, named the following business professionals to its Free Enterprise Hall of Fame for their notable and enduring contributions to private...

The Connecticut and Fairfield County chapters of the Association of Fundraising Professionals presented its 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award to Patricia C. Phillips of Stamford.
May 3, 2004... The Connecticut and Fairfield County chapters e the Association of Fundraising Professionals presented its 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award to Patricia C. Phillips of Stamford. Phillips led the fund-raising efforts of the YWCA of...

Aquarion Water Co., Bridgeport, a water utility, received two awards from the Southwest Connecticut Demand Response Pilot Team.(Credits, Clients and Awards)
May 3, 2004... Aquarion Water Co., Bridgeport, a water utility, received two awards from the Southwest Connecticut Demand Response Pilot Team, a partnership among the state Office of Policy Management, state Department of Public Utility and Control and state...

Sacred Heart University.(Credits, Clients and Awards)
May 3, 2004... Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, announced that the university raised more than $350,000 at its recent Discovery Awards and Scholarship Dinner event to provide scholarships for deserving students.

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut.(Credits, Clients and Awards)
May 3, 2004... The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut, Stamford, a nonprofit mental health resource, announced that the center raised $250,000 at its recent Hearts of Gold gala to support the center's programs and services.

Poutray, Pekar, Stella Inc.(Credits, Clients and Awards)
May 3, 2004... Poutray, Pekar, Stella Inc., Norwalk, a marketing communications firm, was selected by O. C. Lugo Inc., New City, N.Y., a source for ingredients to the food and nutrition industry, to handle its trade publicity program.

Fairfield University.(Credits, Clients and Awards)
May 3, 2004... Fairfield University, Fairfield, named Dr. Arjun Chaudhuri of Norwalk, professor and chair of the university's marketing department to hold the newly created Rev. Thomas R. Fitzgerald chair in marketing in the Charles F. Dolan School of...

Foreclosures.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... Oligino, Joseph J., et al. In favor of Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota N.A., by the Law Office of Martha Croog L.L.C., West Hartford. Property: vicinity Edison Road, Trumbull. Foreclosure of a $214,400 mortgage issued in October 2001. Filed March...

Liens.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... Federal Tax Liens-filed Berdebes, Spiro, 2344 Summer St., Stamford. $39,522 FICA/withholding and federal unemployment tax. Filed April 5. J Dennis Sutton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 43 Old Stagecoach Road, Redding. $70,829...

Lis pendens.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... The following filings indicate a legal action has been initiated, the outcome of which may affect the title to the property listed. Alexandra, Joseph, et al. Filed by The Bank of New York. Property: 450 Stillman St., Bridgeport. Action:...

Mortgages.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... 153 East Avenue L.L.C., Stamford, by James Clogan. Lender: Hudson United Bank, Westport. Property: 149-153 East Ave., Norwalk. Amount: $1.64 million. Filed April 1. 16 River Street Associates L.L.C., by James Tucciarone. Lender: Patriot...

New business names.(On The Record)
May 3, 2004... The Business Journal is not responsible for typographical errors contained in the original filings. "A2C", 660 West Putnam Ave., Greenwich 06830, c/o Jerry Sullivan. Filed April 14. 360 Diva, 159 Lost District Drive, New Canaan 06840,...

Source Marketing.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Catherine Gordon of Weston was appointed senior vice president at Source Marketing, Westport, an integrated marketing agency. Since 2001. Gordon was president and managing partner of Catherine Gordon & Associates, Weston, a promotion and...

Malcolm Pirnie Inc.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Joseph A. Husband of Ridgefield was promoted to a vice president at Malcolm Pirnie Inc., White Plains, N.Y., an environmental consulting firm. Since 1992, Husband was a senior associate. Prior to that, he was an associate. He joined the firm in...

Greenwich Hospital.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Dr. Alex Poljak was appointed director of the occupational health department at Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich. Most recently, Poljak was concurrently an associate medical director at U.S. Healthworks, Branford, Bristol-Meyers Squibb,...

Cushman & Wakefield of Connecticut Inc.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Gregory V. Frisoli of Greenwich was promoted to director, brokerage services at Cushman & Wakefield of Connecticut Inc., Stamford, a commercial reel estate services firm. Since 1999, Frisoli was an associate director in the brokerage services...

DELAMAR Greenwich Harbor.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Maryann Murphy Heller of Stamford was appointed director of sales and marketing at DELAMAR Greenwich Harbor, Greenwich, a villa. Since 1989, Heller was managing director of sales at The Inn at Longshore, Westport. Prior to that, she was...

The Wilton Bank.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... The Wilton Bank, Wilton, announced the following promotions. Melissa Mednick of Norwalk was promoted to Vice president and branch manager. Since 2002, Mednick was assistant vice president and branch manager. She was named branch manager in...

Naugatuck.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Tracy Thorndike of Naugatuck was promoted to assistant branch manager. Thorndike rejoined the bank in 2003 as a part-time drive-up teller, after giving birth to a son. Before taking leave, she was operations officer at the bank. Prior to that,...

The Jewish Home for the Elderly.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Sharon Rosen of Stratford was appointed infection control nurse at The Jewish Home for the Elderly, Fairfield, a skilled nursing facility. Since 2000, Rosen was a supervisor of clinical services in the Milford office of New England Home Care....

Open Door Family Medical Centers.(Newsmakers)
May 3, 2004... Tracey Healey of Greenwich joined Open Door Family Medical Centers, Ossining, N.Y., a non-profit community health-care center, as a pediatric nurse practitioner based in Port Chester, N.Y. Since 1993, Healey was the public health nurse at the...

On the agenda.(On The Record)(Calendar)
May 3, 2004... Tuesday, May 4 Women's Business Development Center workshop, on starting a business, 6 to 8 p.m., Norwalk Community College, 188 Richards Ave., Norwalk Community College, 188 Richards Ave., Norwalk. For reservations, call Dorothy Bratchell...

Public notices.(On The Record)(Calendar)
May 3, 2004... Tuesday, May 4 McKinley School health fair, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., McKinley School. 345 Logan Ave., Bridgeport. Call 335-6751. Saturday, May 8 Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens plant sale, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens,...

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Connecticut/Westchester, Stamford, received a Five Star Circle of Excellence Award from Cendant Mobility, Danbury, a provider of global mobility management and work force development solutions, for its performance in 2003.(Real Estate Update)
May 3, 2004... Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Connecticut/Westchester, Stamford, received a Five Star Circle of Excellence Award from Cendant Mobility, Danbury, a provider of global mobility management and work force development solutions, for its...

Country Living Associates.(Real Estate Update)
May 3, 2004... Country Living Associates, Norwalk, a company with six sales offices in Fairfield County, named Ingrid Hess Of Darien, a sales associate in the company's Darien office, as its 2003 Top Producer. Hess has worked in the real estate field since...

Patents.(On the Record)
May 3, 2004... The following patents were issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C. 1H-pyrrolo [3,2-b] pyridine-3-carboxylic acid amines as GABAA receptor ligands. Patent no. 6,673,811 issued to: George D. Maynard,...

Resource directory.
May 3, 2004... Adult Day Care/Eldercare * It Just Like Home, Inc. 914-345-5016 Advertising Agencies * Growth Marketing Group 914-242-3441 Still waiting for the...

Professional directory.
May 3, 2004... Accountancy * Accountemps--Temporary Financial Staffing Stamford 203-324-3399 Fax: 203-351-9831 White Plains 914-682-8842 Fax: 914-287-0084 * Ben Nightingale & Co., Inc. ...

Proposed state budget needs more work.(Viewpoint)
May 3, 2004... The budget proposal of the General Assemblys appropriation committe moves in the right direction concerning state aid to cities and towns for the next fiscal year. Nonetheless, there is still much to do before state lawmakers have a package...

State should continue the real estate conveyance tax increase.(Viewpoint)
May 3, 2004... During the 2003 legislative session, state lawmakers voted to increase the local share of the real estate conveyance tax to make up for some of the reduction in state aid. It is essential that the state continue the increase for another year....

Outsourcing may be entering a new phase.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... Offshoring may be entering a new era when not only jobs but also consumers could be traveling overseas. With consumers, who fuel demand for goods and services and create employment, flocking abroad, going forward industrialized nations may...

UnitedHealth to acquire Oxford Health.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... Minneapolis-based UnitedHeahh Group and Trumbull-based Oxford Health Plans Inc. last week signed a merger deal valued at $4.98 billion. Oxford provides health-care insurance for about 1.5 million people, in New York, New Jersey and...

Pitney Bowes reports higher profit on growing demand.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... Stamford-based Pitney Bowes Inc. last week said its first-quarter profit and revenue rose mainly because of improved demand for its mail and postage services, particularly from small businesses. Pitney Bowes, whose postage meters are a...

NewMil Bancorp's earnings up 15 percent.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... NewMil Bancorp Inc. said earnings per share diluted rose 15 percent to 47 cents for the first quarter ended March 31, from 41 cents for the same quarter last year Net income increased 11 percent to $2 million for the quarter, compared with...

Crane Co.'s first-quarter earnings rise 34 percent.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... Crane Co. of Stamford reported first-quarter 2004 net income soared 34 percent to $22.2 million, or 37 cents per share, compared with net income of $16.5 million, or 28 cents per share, for the first quarter of last year. Sales rose $71.8...

Berkley's profits soars 61 percent.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... Greenwich-based W.R. Berkley Corp. reported net income for the first quarter of$115 million, or $1.32 per share, up 61 percent from a year ago. Net operating income for the quarter was $97 million, or $1.11 per share, compared with $63...

Acme reports sales up 19 percent.(Looking Inside)
May 3, 2004... Fairfield-based Acme United Corp. announced earnings of $392,000, or 11 cent per diluted share, for the first quarter ended March 31 compared with $78,000, or two cents per share, for the comparable period last year. Net sales for the...

Windows of opportunity.(Competitive Edge)
May 10, 2004... RollEase Inc., which invents and makes clutches to improve opening and closing window shades and blinds, learned a valuable lesson 10 years ago when it put some product designs on the market. "We thought they would be great for the market,"...

Assembly's budget bets on a good economy.(Cover Story)
May 10, 2004... After last year's program cuts and tax increases teamed with this year's budding economic recovery to produce a small budget surplus, state lawmakers immediately looked for ways to spend the newly found cash. Some local economists say the...

Stratford mulls privatized Army plant clean up.
May 10, 2004... Stratford officials are considering an arrangement that would make the town for all seasons a bona fide contractor for the U.S. Army. The town's mission: to expedite the environmental clean up and eventual redevelopment of the 75-acre...

Danbury Hospital asks for community support at public hearing.
May 10, 2004... The Connecticut Office of Health Care Access (OHCA) has confirmed Danbury Hospital for the public hearing rented to its certificate of need application to bring angioplasty and open heart surgery to western Connecticut. The hearing is on...

Company offers solutions for big electric spenders.
May 10, 2004... The high cost of electricity affects everyone, especially business owners and managers when it starts to cut into profit margins. And that can hinder growth and lead to higher consumer prices. Sean Failla, owner of New England Environmental...

Workers feel more confident about job prospects.(Issues @ Work)
May 10, 2004... Americans are slowly feeling more confident about the job market, with more than three-quarters predicting little likelihood of losing their job in the coming year, according to a survey of more than 1,000 full-time workers by Right Management...