GloucesterTimes.com, Gloucester, MA--Business

Rockport's Motif No. 1 Days schedule of event

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:42:00 EDT

Schedule of events for Rockport's 60th annual 'Motif No. 1 Days'
Saturday, May 17
r RHS Concert Band, 10 and 11 a.m.
Haskins Building, 37 Main St. "The Way We Were" and "The Pirates of the Caribbean"

Business Briefcase: May 13

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:06:00 EDT

Lieser named Volunteer of the Year
The YMCA of the North Shore named George Lieser of Rockport as its Volunteer of the Year. Each year the YMCA chooses one person who exemplifies the mission of the YMCA through their work with the organization.

AUTO SCANNER: Look at antifreeze to diagnose engine problem

Tue, 13 May 2008 05:05:00 EDT

Q: I was wondering if you could solve a problem that has baffled myself as well as a half-dozen mechanics. I own a 1997 Buick Century Custom Edition in which the "service engine" light comes on frequently. It may come on at any time — on the highway, low speed, or parked. It also appears during any temperature. I've brought it to a number of mechanics who have run diagnostics and tune-ups and have tried everything and seem to think it may be a computer glitch. The car runs well whether the light is on or off. Any guess as to what it may be?

Rockport's Spring 'Motif': Businesses, groups kick off 60th Motif No. 1 fest this weekend

Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — For the last six decades, spring's return to Rockport has always brought with it a kaleidoscope of beautiful flowers, a chorus of young songbirds, the birth of a new tourism season and a celebration devoted to Rockport's most iconic structure — Motif No. 1 Days.

Gloucester deeds

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

These Gloucester properties recently sold:
9 Carlisle St.: Beneficial Mass Inc. to Steven and Melanie L. Leblanc, $239,000
16 Cobblestone Lane, Unit 16: Essex Pond LLC to Peter A. Leathers, $240,000

Rockport deeds

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

These Rockport properties recently sold:
12 Country Club Road: John T. McGourty and Timothy M. Rose to Robert P. and Donna P. Signorile, $360,000
31 Prospect St.: Brian C. and Ralph T.

Essex, Manchester property deeds

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:55:00 EDT

No transactions were recorded for Essex.
One property was sold in Manchester:
47 Raymond St., Unit 1: Jennifer A. and Timothy J. Keough to David J. Donovan, $440,000

Massachusetts property deeds, May 10

Sat, 10 May 2008 08:15:00 EDT

AMESBURY
52 Cedar St.: John J. McPartland and Mark E. Wojcicki to Jason and Jason Shane Brissey, $412,500
52 Cedar St.: Cynthia and Mark E. Wojcicki to Mark E. Wojcicki, $125,000
30 Congress St.: John J. McNulty and Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank to Vincent W. Burke, $245,000

Housing aid bill faces presidential veto

Sat, 10 May 2008 08:14:00 EDT

WASHINGTON — Democrats' plans to help hundreds of thousands of homeowners struggling with rising subprime mortgage rates and plummeting house values could be sidetracked by President Bush's threatened veto and the opposition of many congressional Republicans.

AIG problems help send Wall Street tumbling

Sat, 10 May 2008 08:11:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street ended the week with a big decline as investors grappled with two of the biggest threats to the economy: fallout from turmoil in the credit market and surging energy prices. All three major indexes suffered losses for the week.

Oil prices top $126 a barrel, gas hits $3.67 a gallon

Sat, 10 May 2008 08:10:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Oil rose above $126 a barrel for the first time yesterday, bringing its advance this week to nearly $10, as investors questioned whether a possible confrontation between the U.S. and Venezuela could cut exports from the OPEC member.

Kirk joins talks on creative economy

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:52:00 EDT

Gloucester Mayor Carolyn Kirk has met with community development, tourism and cultural experts to explore leading-edge economic strategies to foster the growth and success of the creative sector in cities.

Extended Marine Forecast

Tue, 06 May 2008 05:00:00 EDT

From Merrimack River, out 25 nautical miles, to Plymouth, out 40 nautical miles, including Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
Today, north winds around 5 knots, becoming southeast late. Seas around 2 feet. Patchy fog in the morning. Visibility 1 nautical mile or less.

Business Briefcase

Tue, 06 May 2008 03:00:00 EDT

Carter named Unsung Hero
Stephen E. Carter, Greater Beverly Housing manager for the North Shore YMCA, has been named the North Shore United Way's Unsung Hero for 2008.
Carter manages 128 units of housing, including all of the single rooms in the Cabot Street YMCA and family housing on Rantoul Street, as well as at the Mayflower Hotel. He also manages properties on Mill and Grant streets in Gloucester Crossing that are being developed into affordable housing complexes with the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition.

CVS Caremark shows first-quarter profit rise

Tue, 06 May 2008 00:11:00 EDT

PROVIDENCE — CVS Caremark Corp., the nation's biggest pharmacy chain, has seen its first-quarter profits jump by 84 percent, helped by surging sales in the wake of last year's purchase of Caremark.

Consumer spending up but much of gain reflects higher prices

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:02:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — Soaring prices for food, gas and other everyday needs pushed consumer spending to a faster pace than expected in March.
The Commerce Department reported today that consumer spending was up 0.4 percent, double the increase that economists had forecast.

GM forms another partnership with an ethanol startup company

Thu, 01 May 2008 12:00:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — General Motors Corp. said today it had taken an ownership stake and formed a partnership with Mascoma Corp., a renewable energy company that is working to develop cellulosic ethanol from wood chips, waste paper sludge and switch grass.

'Taste of Essex' on tap for Friday: 20-year fund-raising project topping $500,000

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:50:00 EDT

It's been 20 years since organizers established the L. Dexter Woodman Scholarship Fund and the Taste of Essex, which provides a healthy share of its funding.
Friday night, residents and visitors will be able to sample Essex's latest "tastes" — and help support two more $10,000 scholarships and other education-based projects.

A Taste of Essex — The Vendors

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:45:00 EDT

r Black Cow Tap and Grill — Crab Cakes
r Blue Marlin Grille — Chef's Specialties
r Burnham's Catering — Stuffed Artichoke Hearts
r Cape Ann Pizza — Assorted Pizza & Calzones

Business Briefcase

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:31:00 EDT

Ciolino named vice president, investment officer
Don Fournier, president and chief executive officer of Beverly National Bank in Beverly, recently announced the appointment of Richard Ciolino as vice president and investment officer.

Auto Scanner: Use smoke to test fuel pipe

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 02:31:00 EDT

Q: I drive a 2002 Subaru Forester. Last October, I had the local dealership perform the 60,000 mile service. A few days afterward, the check-engine light came on, and I returned to the dealership to have it analyzed. Service told me that the light was on because of a vapor fume leak around the (fuel) filler. He said that sometimes bugs or dirt can get in there and cause a false reading. Apparently, the usual cause is rust and deterioration around the filler cap. A visual inspection revealed no apparent breach nor debris. He took the tire off and air blasted from underneath. The check-engine light came back on after a couple of days. He tells me the car won't pass inspection with this light on and that it will cost upward of $250 to replace the filler cap assembly. In the meantime, he assures me that this problem won't compromise car performance. What are my options, if any? Where do I go from here?

Bush says rebates going out Monday will boost economy

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:48:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush said tax rebates will start going out Monday, earlier than previously announced, and should help Americans cope with rising gasoline and food prices, as well as aid a slumping economy.

Microsoft in quandary over Yahoo bid as key deadline looms

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 22:45:00 EDT

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Microsoft Corp. is no closer to buying Yahoo Inc. than when it made its $44.6 billion bid nearly three months ago, leaving the software maker in a quandary over whether the deal is still worth pursuing.

Bush says rebates going out Monday should help economy

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:28:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush says the economic-stimulus tax rebates will begin going out Monday and will help people cope with lofty energy and food prices, as well as giving the economy a jolt.

Hannaford details upgrades prompted by security breach

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 12:00:00 EDT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Hannaford Bros. Co. said it is spending millions of dollars to enhance the security of its data network following a massive breach that compromised up to 4.2 million credit and debit card numbers.

Business Briefcase

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:27:00 EDT

Delaney joins Mortgage Network Inc.
Mortgage Network Inc., the largest independent mortgage company headquartered in New England, recently announced that Richard "Dick" Delaney has joined the Danvers branch as a senior loan officer.

Sign of the seasons: Opening of gateway 'Lobsta Land' hails dawn of summer

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:29:00 EDT

Like the lengthening of the days and the return of the Red Sox to Fenway Park, the opening of Lobsta Land in Gloucester can only mean one thing: Summer is right around the corner.
Lobsta Land, starting its 20th season, is owned and operated by Gloucester native Corey Grammas, who should know the restaurant business; he's been around it all his life.

State cultural chief addressing Rockport Chamber dinner

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 05:52:00 EDT

The business community set to welcome a new, $17.5-million performance hall will get a visit Thursday from the state's new chief of cultural affairs.
Anita Walker, named in January as executive director of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, will be the guest speaker Thursday night when the Rockport Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual meeting and dinnner at Brackett's Oceanview Restaurant.

Wall Street shares rise on drop in jobless claims, discount retailer sales

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:44:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street rose yesterday as investors bought back into stocks after two days of losses, encouraged by a drop in unemployment claims and a better-than-expected sales performance by discount retailers.

Most retailers post weak sales in March; consumers focus on basics

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:12:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — The nation's retailers reported the weakest March sales in 13 years yesterday as consumers — fretting about mounting economic problems and enduring a frigid Easter — limited their shopping to food and other essentials.

Study: Downeaster train an economic engine for Maine, NH

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 12:11:00 EDT

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Amtrak Downeaster passenger train will generate billions of dollars in economic benefits in Maine and New Hampshire over the coming decades, according to a new study.
The study, "Amtrak Downeaster: Overview of Projected Economic Impacts," was commissioned by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority to identify long-term economic benefits in Maine and New Hampshire associated with development along the train's Portland-to-Boston corridor. It also examined potential economic impacts of expanded service to Brunswick and Rockland.

A 'fun emporium' for Rockport

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:16:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — As the parents of three boys, Seania McCarthy and Dan Lampert know a lot about fooling around.
Now that their youngest son is 10, they decided to use that expertise to step out in a new venture — a new Dock Square business called R 3 Sons Fun Emporium. In fact, they launched their new enterprise on April Fool's Day.

Business Briefcase

Tue, 08 Apr 2008 04:05:00 EDT

Manor Inn hires new chef
The Manor Inn Steak House at 141 Essex Ave. in Gloucester will open Thursday, April 17, with a new chef.
Jude Mathews, who has a doctorate degree in organic chemistry, has traded the lab for the kitchen after earning her degree in culinary arts at The Culinary Institute of America.

The 'Fisherman's tale' goes online

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:31:00 EDT

Gorton's, the Gloucester-based frozen seafood company that traces its own heritage to 1849, has launched its new Web site — www.gortons.com— with an eye toward providing the public a "back story" about the fisherman who has stood as the company's logo for decades.

Business Briefcase

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EDT

Novello named Star of Excellence recipient
Addison Gilbert and Beverly hospitals recently named Gloucester resident Elizabeth Novello as the recipient of the Star of Excellence award.

Sure sign of spring

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 06:30:00 EDT

More than 2,500 visitors got a taste of the latest developments in building, home repair, garden products and other services this weekend at the third annual Cape Ann Home & Garden Show that fille

Business Briefcase

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:19:00 EDT

Marsden named president of TradeStone Software
TradeStone Software, the retail industry's leading provider of private label and global sourcing solutions, named Brian Marsden as its president. Marsden will be responsible for the company's global sales and marketing expansion.

Rockport Realty firm hopes to give city, town schools a boost

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 06:19:00 EDT

ROCKPORT — A Rockport Realtor wants to launch a program geared to contributing money to the Rockport and Gloucester school systems based on local home sales.
Debra Lovelace, operating from the RE/MAX Advantage office in Gloucester as the The Lovelace Team, has created a program called Educator's Edge.

Stocks rebound from sharp sell-off

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 17:14:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Wall Street capped a volatile week with a big advance Thursday, rebounding from a steep sell-off as investors sought bargains and cheered a milder-than-expected drop in a regional manufacturing report.

Feds slash funds rate to contain credit crisis

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 14:34:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Tuesday slashed a key interest rate by three-fourths of a percentage point, moving aggressively to contain a credit crisis threatening to push the country into a severe recession.

Restaurateurs ... at ages 21, 24

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:15:00 EDT

Two local brothers have not waited long to make their goal a reality.
Jimmy and Alex Zamakis are now co-owners of the newly opened Gloucester Depot Restaurant on Railroad Avenue — at the ripe old ages of 24 and 21, respectively.

Alchemy reopening set tomorrow

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:32:00 EDT

Alchemy — the downtown restaurant that was closed for renovations while its managing partners focused on opening their new restaurant Latitude 43 — will be reopening tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.

Business Briefcase

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:31:00 EDT

Samperi named senior vice president of philanthropy
Northeast Health System has appointed Susan Samperi of Beverly as senior vice president of philanthropy and president of Northeast Health Foundation, the nonprofit organization that works to build philanthropic support for Northeast Health System.

Fed endorses rescue effort for Bear Stearns and pledges to supply cash to financial system

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 06:19:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve invoked a rarely used Depression-era procedure yesterday to bolster troubled Bear Stearns Cos. and said it will provide even more help to combat a serious credit crisis.

Fed announces further steps to ease credit crunch

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 12:05:00 EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve on Tuesday ramped up efforts to provide more relief to squeezed financial institutions, a coordinated action with other central banks aimed at easing a global credit crises that threatens to push the U.S. economy into its first recession since 2001.

Construction season kicks off

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:50:00 EDT

Spring marks the start of the busy season for local construction businesses.
"With the warmer weather, people can open their windows and get away from their homes while work is being done," said Loren French, president of Summit Building Inc., located on Harbor Loop in Gloucester. As business picks up, Summit will hire two or three additional workers to help out, according to French.

Business Briefcase

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 06:44:00 EDT

McCalla retires after 34 years of service
The First National Bank of Ipswich recently announced the retirement of Senior Vice President Dale H. McCalla.
McCalla joined the bank in July 1973, and throughout his 34-year tenure worked in several areas of the bank, beginning as branch manager of the Essex branch and subsequently serving in the key positions of loan officer, facilities manager, operations officer, security officer and compliance officer.

Wall Street pulls back as oil soars and investors sift through shaky corporate news

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 16:57:00 EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks sank Monday as oil's surge above $108 a barrel and more worrisome signs for the financial sector led investors to extend last week's losses. The Dow Jones industrial average fell more than 150 points, bringing its three-day loss to nearly 515, while broader indexes showed steeper percentage losses.

Stocks fall sharply after weaker-than-expected jobs report

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:27:00 EST

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks tumbled for a second consecutive session Friday after the government's February jobs report revealed employers slashed payrolls last month, compounding fears that the U.S. economy is succumbing to recession. The Dow Jones industrial average fell 146 points, bringing its two-day slide to 370.

Jobless claims drop but don't change overall picture of slower employment market

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 10:03:00 EST

WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of people signing up for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week, a spot of welcome news that nonetheless failed to change the overall picture of a softer employment climate.