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Rodman CPAs Promotes Elysha Sturm to Senior Accountant

October 28, 2016 // by admin

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, has promoted Elysha Sturm to Senior Accountant.

Ms. Sturm joined the firm in 2013 as a Staff Accountant. In her new role as Senior Accountant, she will provide tax planning and preparation for a variety of high net worth individuals, fiduciaries, and entities. Ms. Sturm is a also member of Rodman CPAs’ specialty practice known as the “Green Team”, and will continue to provide accounting and tax service to renewable energy and cleantech companies across the U.S. She often joins Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a partner of the firm, in representing Rodman CPAs at renewable energy conferences and expos. Last year, Ms. Sturm represented Massachusetts with Ms. Parker at the American Biogas Council’s (ABC) DC Fly-In held in Washington D.C.

As co-chair of the firm’s Volunteer Outreach Team, Ms. Sturm spearheads firm-wide initiatives that give back to the community. She also leads Rodman CPAs’ internship program and assists with staff recruiting, hiring, and training.

Ms. Sturm holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Suffolk University. She is in the process of pursuing a Master’s degree in Taxation and CPA certification and is a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

Ms. Sturm is a resident of Foxboro, MA.

About Rodman CPAs
Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Can small businesses survive the Fair Labor Standards Act changes on overtime

October 26, 2016 // by admin

BRIDGEWATER, MA…

Effective December 1, 2016, an estimated 4.2 million workers will be eligible for overtime pay, according to the changes to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime rules. Those eligible include salaried employees earning between 23,660 and $47,476 and highly compensated employees with an annual salary between $100,000 and $134,004. The new rules have more than a few large, medium and small-businesses scrambling to prevent the new rules from dramatically impacting their bottom line.

“Being a salaried employee was like a blank check for owners in terms of staffing. If staff was needed to stay late or work on the weekend, a salaried employee wouldn’t cost them extra,” said Mark Kilduff, president of Remote Quality Bookkeeping. “The new rules put the onus on a company’s operations and accounting departments to track overtime hours for salaried staff and make sure paying overtime doesn’t wipe out the bottom line.”

The new overtime rules do not affect every salaried employee. Some can be classified as exempt if they meet all of the following requirements: paid on a salary basis; paid a salary that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement; paid their full salary in any workweek in which they perform work; perform specific job duties that are considered executive, administrative, professional, computer, or outside sales.

“The good news about the new rules is that companies have known since May that these new rules were coming. The bad news for some companies is that they have only had since May to prepare for this,” said Kilduff. “The better news is that the rule changes will force companies to examine their operations and books to better prepare for the coming year and that’s always a good thing.”

For more specific details on whether or not employees are exempt can be found on the Department of Labor’s website, https://www.dol.gov/whd/overtime/final2016/overtime-factsheet.htm

Remote Quality Bookkeeping provides clients with a resource where they can outsource a few bookkeeping tasks or their entire accounting and bookkeeping department. Remote Quality Bookkeeping’s team approach ensures that the books are accurate and up-to-date all for one low monthly fee.

Remote Quality Bookkeeping hosts data on secure servers providing clients with a safe haven accessible from anywhere at any time. This allows accessibility and peace of mind so business owners can focus on their business.

Remote Quality Bookkeeping is located at 12 Spring Terrace, Bridgewater, MA 02324. For more information, call (508) 889-0201 or visit www.myrqb.com.

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Apollo Safety Renews Pledge to Help Job-Seeking Veterans

October 25, 2016 // by admin

In recognition of Veteran’s Day and National Veterans Small Business Week (October 31-November 4, 2016), Apollo Safety, Inc., a veteran-owned company providing gas detection products and services to organizations throughout New England, is encouraging other businesses to join them in their “Commitment to Valor – Jobs for Heroes” movement.

Essentially, “Commitment to Valor – Jobs for Heroes” is an initiative that Apollo Safety launched in collaboration with the Fall River Chamber of Commerce in 2014, with the honorable goal of enlisting companies to provide more opportunities for veterans.

Apollo Safety is renewing its pledge to provide more opportunities for veterans by interviewing and/or hiring at least two U.S. military veterans by the end of 2016 – and they are encouraging other businesses to do the same. To date, Apollo Safety has made a concerted effort to interview and hire veterans.

“I believe we have a civic responsibility to help these heroes by providing job opportunities upon their return from honorable service,” said John V. Carvalho III, president of Apollo Safety, Inc. and a U.S. Army veteran who understands the struggles of returning veterans and their families.

He continued, “Many of these veterans have received years of training during their service, which makes them ideal candidates in nearly all fields of business. Not only is it our duty to provide re-entry opportunities for these brave men and women who fought for our freedom and liberty, but to provide them guidance and candid feedback along the way.”

Apollo Safety encourages businesses, locally and nationally, to join them in this movement to get veterans back to work by pledging to interview and/or hire two veterans for positions open within their company. Businesses may pledge via email to john@apollosafety.com.

Apollo Safety is now hiring Service Technicians and Sales Representatives for the Boston, and Providence, Rhode Island areas and military veterans are encouraged to apply. To apply for a position, interested parties should send a resume and cover letter to John V. Carvalho III, Apollo Safety, Inc., 57 Walnut Street, Fall River, MA 02780 or by email, john@apollosafety.com.

About Apollo Safety

Founded in 1995, Apollo Safety, Inc. has grown to become the leading safety and technical services equipment provider in New England. As experts in gas/toxic leak prevention and detection, Apollo Safety goes beyond simply installing gas detection systems, to provide regular maintenance and monitoring (testing) of the systems to ensure they are continually in optimal working order.

Apollo Safety provides portable, stationary and wireless gas detection systems, sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers, as well as service in their “state of the art” in-house service center. The company also provides on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, Massachusetts Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM) and is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, government operations and others throughout the region. A veteran-owned small business, Apollo Safety is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information, call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints Krista Walker as Nutrition Program Supervisor

October 24, 2016 // by admin

In her role at OCES, Ms. Walker will supervise OCES’ nutrition sites, managers and drivers throughout the greater Plymouth area to ensure daily meal delivery fulfillment. Ms. Walker is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Education from Bridgewater State University, and a Master’s degree in Nutrition Education from Framingham State University.

Previous to OCES, Ms. Walker worked as a receptionist and also provided nutrition education consultations at Cape Cod Rehab Physical Therapy and Fitness in Osterville. For one year prior to that, she was a membership coordinator at Cape Cod YMCA.

A native of Abington, Ms. Walker resides in Falmouth.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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2nd free workshop outlines free Google Non-Profit PPC programs

October 20, 2016 // by admin

Even many top non-profit executives don’t know about this generous program. Thus, this free workshop will outline the logistics of the Google Non-Profit “Pay per Click” program that provides qualified non-profits with $10,000 of FREE Pay Per Click advertising per month (equates to $120,000 per year). The advertising can be use to generate volunteers, donations, events or general awareness.

Non-profit leaders and staff can attend this complimentary seminar on Tuesday, November 15, 8 – 9:30 a.m. at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Route 3A, Plymouth, MA 02360. The program is limited to the first 30 registrants.

Panelists include Steve Dubin of PR Works, a full service Public Relations firm based in Plymouth, MA and Roland Lacey of MediaRight Technologies, a digital marketing firm located in Hanover, MA.

The workshop will inform attendees of which non-profit organizations are eligible for the grant; timing – how long does the process take; applying for the grant; researching key words and phrases; creating landing pages; writing enticing text advertisements; measuring the “champion” advertisement vs. the “challenger”; monitoring results through Google Analytics; maintaining the program monthly to remain within compliance; and outlining a non-profit case study and success story.

Governmental entities and organizations, hospitals and medical groups, schools, childcare centers, academic institutions and universities are not eligible for Google Ad Grants, but philanthropic arms of educational institutions are eligible. In order to qualify for the Google for Nonprofits program, an organization must be listed in the Internal Revenue Service’s online searchable database of charitable organizations.

To RSVP, please click here or contact Steven V. Dubin,(781) 582-1061, SDubin@PRWorkzone.com.

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Talking Information Center Announces Dr. Oce Harrison as Speaker for Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser

October 20, 2016 // by admin

Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service based in Marshfield, MA, which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, is pleased to announce that Oce Harrison, Ed.D, Project Director of the New England ADA Center at the Institute for Human Centered Design in Boston, will be the guest speaker for their 24th Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, November 3, 2016.

Dr. Harrison has directed the New England ADA Center since 2001 and provides ADA Title I Employment trainings throughout New England. She collaborated with the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University, which yielded groundbreaking research methods on various topics including “The Triumph of the Older Worker Despite the Great Recession.” She also led the region’s two largest events marking the 20th and the 25th Anniversary of the ADA on Boston Common.

TIC’s fundraising dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Barker Tavern, a beautifully restored 17th century building located at 21 Barker Road in Scituate. Guests will enjoy a four course meal created specifically for this event by George Jordan, head chef at The Barker Tavern. Each meal will perfectly complement a corresponding wine.

The evening will also feature live and silent auctions that will include a trip to Baltimore to see the Red Sox take on the Orioles, admission passes to museums, foursomes with carts at the area’s most prestigious golf clubs, and even a tour of the State House by Representative Jim Cantwell.

All proceeds from the Annual Wine Dinner directly benefit TIC, which serves the listening needs of thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout Massachusetts, southern New Hampshire and Connecticut through its network affiliates in Mashpee, Pittsfield, Lowell, Springfield and Worcester. To donate an auction item or to sponsor this event, contact TIC’s Anna Dunbar at 781-834-4400 or adunbar@ticnetwork.org.

Seating is limited. The Annual Wine Dinner is a very popular fundraising event and advanced reservations are required. To make reservations, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

Reaching New Audiences

According to the National Federation of the Blind, 136,500 people of all ages in Massachusetts reported to have a visual disability in 2013. Two out of three aging Americans confront vision loss. Others who experience vision problems are living with AIDS, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, paralysis and other physical ailments that make it difficult to hold a publication or turn its pages. Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the U.S. and in Massachusetts, 34 percent of people with disabilities are 65 and older.

TIC has thousands of blind/visually impaired listeners statewide, yet there is a broader audience who can benefit. There are a growing number of seniors and veterans seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, and that’s where TIC comes in.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. TIC operates with the help of more than 600 volunteers statewide, broadcasting newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. TIC also offers cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

In 1977, Ed Perry, the founder of radio station WATD-FM in Marshfield, MA, donated his Subsidiary Carrier Authorization signal for use as the first radio reading service in New England. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind oversee TIC, which is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

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Day of Caring – OCES Team Volunteers at Camp Squanto in Plymouth

October 19, 2016 // by admin

OCES' Day of Caring — OCES’ Day of Caring

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, was one of 14 organizations that partnered with the United Way of Greater Plymouth County to send volunteers out into the community as part of their annual “Day of Caring” campaign.

On September 16, 2016, OCES’ volunteer team of eight focused on brush clearing at Camp Squanto, part of the Boy Scouts Old Colony Council located in Plymouth. Camp Squanto is a 650-acre camping facility located in the woods of Myles Standish State Forest. OCES’ volunteer team – Jean-Marie Doyle, Nikolas Finn, Richard Rodriguez, Rose Kennedy, Dan Forand, Donna Forand, Rosanna Wong and Brenda Carrens – dedicated five hours to the project.

The “Day of Caring” was originally established to promote volunteerism, community spirit, and working together for the common good. This year, a total of 103 volunteers from organizations throughout the area participated in United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s campaign and tackled a number of projects ranging from organizing food pantries to cleanups and landscaping.

“OCES is proud to be a part of the ‘Day of Caring’ where volunteers from many different organizations come together to give back to the community,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director.

About OCES

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Georgia CALLS Appoints Mathew Wojteczko as Director of Community Engagement

October 17, 2016 // by admin

Georgia CALLS, a unique 501c3 organization that helps rebuild and reestablish families facing the hardship of homelessness, has recently appointed Mathew Wojteczko as Director of Community Engagement.

In his new role, Mr. Wojteczko will focus on building support in the community, fundraising, and promotion of Georgia CALLS. His responsibilities include business development, marketing, branding and management of the nonprofit’s events.

Mr. Wojteczko has more than a decade of corporate and nonprofit marketing and event project management experience. Before joining Georgia CALLS, Mr. Wojteczko was the Development Coordinator at the nonprofit TechBridge of Atlanta, where he managed sponsor relationships and event logistics for fundraising events to help other nonprofits get access to technology. He has also served as the Marketing Manager at Benson Integrated Marketing Solutions of Alpharetta, and as a Client Services Coordinator for Collinson Media and Events (now known as Connect) of Norcross.

Mr. Wojteczko holds a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a concentration in marketing, from the University of North Georgia, in Dahlonega.

Since 2004, Mr. Wojteczko has volunteered at 12Stone Church of Gwinnett County, helping with communications, event operations and missions. He resides in Braselton with his wife and two children.

About Georgia CALLS

The mission of Georgia CALLS is to help rebuild and reestablish families facing the hardship of homelessness, in the Gwinnett and Hall County area. The goal is not to just meet short-term needs, but to change lives by teaching job skills, helping to provide steady employment, leading participants through a unique personal development program, providing personalized case management, and helping to acquire stable housing. Georgia CALLS strives to transform mindsets, rebuild families, and build entrepreneurs by nurturing sustainable, positive habits that will radically change the lifestyle of individuals, children, and families in the community for the better. For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit www.gacalls.org.

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OCES Holds Award-Winning Program at The Pinehills in Plymouth

October 10, 2016 // by admin

Many older adults experience concerns about falling and as a result restrict their activities. In response, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities, recently presented “A Matter of Balance”, an award-winning program at The Pinehills in Plymouth.

Donna-Marie Forand, Healthy Living Coordinator at OCES organized A Matter of Balance, an eight-session program designed to help participants minimize the impact of falls and increase activity levels, at the Pinehills. OCES’ Matter of Balance coaches, Chrisline Denis and Primma-Latise Murry led the well-received program.

A Matter of Balance program emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls. Older adults participating in the program learned how to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks at home, and exercise to increase strength and balance.

“This program is ideal for anyone who has fallen in the past, restricted their activities, or is concerned about falls, and interested in improving balance, flexibility and strength,” explained Ms. Forand.

To learn more about A Matter of Balance programs, including how you can schedule a presentation for your organization, visit www.ocesma.org or contact OCES at 508-584-1561.