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50 Experts Reveal the Best B2B Marketing Strategies in 2017

As a PR/marketing firm, we often are asked about trends in marketing, particularly B2B marketing. Yours truly recently shared some thoughts that appeared in an article entitled 50 Experts Reveal the Best B2B Marketing Strategies in 2017.

Here’s a snippet from my contribution to that article:

Here are some trends we see, in particular to B2B marketing:

Our PR/Marketing clients tell us that they don’t give a damn what channel we use, they just want new CUSTOMERS.

LINKEDIN

LinkedIn is much misunderstood. Considered a panacea by some and a nuisance by others.

LEVERAGING LINKEDIN

You probably have a LinkedIn profile. You also probably question why. Maybe because everyone else seems to have one as well.

The real VALUE of LinkedIn? Two components–groups and the sales funnel.

Groups!

Yes, groups within LinkedIn can help you target your niche audiences. For example, one of our clients manufactures green products used in residential and commercial building and renovation.

As a relatively small company, they don’t have the budget for a major media advertising campaign or other big-ticket rollouts. How do they reach their core prospects and referral sources?

Right. LinkedIn is among the tools we are helping them access. They’ve tapped into LinkedIn’s robust array of groups specifically formed for facility directors, commercial real estate investors, green building leaders, etc.

With a bit of research, we helped our client join these groups. The next step is to post news, research and other information to these groups on a regular basis. Another way to connect is to

START discussions with a question or ask for feedback.

Our client continues to expand their relevance, visibility, and viability to key prospects.

Click here for the rest of the article.

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Emerson Bearing Boston Charges Ahead with Special Bearings for Electric Motors, MRIs

Emerson Bearing Boston, a bearing company catering to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) markets around the world, announces an expanded line of bearings for electric motors, medical equipment such as magnetic resonance imagers (MRIs) and other “high voltage” applications.

Bearings for Electrically Charged, Severe Environments

Electrical current can be incredibly damaging to metal components. For bearings, it can cause a wide range of problems, including fluting in the races, pitting of the ball bearings, and degradation of lubrication. Electric motors of all kinds, electric traction motors in railroad applications, and medical equipment such as MRIs, for instance, all involve high-stress environments with a great deal of electrical activity.

Emerson Bearing offers ceramic bearings, as well as ceramic insulated metal bearings, which are ideal for highly electrically charged applications. Ceramic materials, with a few rare exceptions, are very poor conductors of electricity; although they can accept large voltages, they are able to dissipate that electricity extremely effectively. The passing electricity causes little to no degradation of the bearings.

In addition to electrically charged environments, Emerson Bearing provides bearings for other severe environments, such as corrosive and high temperature environments.

“In general, standard AISI 52100 bearings are unable to withstand electrically Charged and other severe environments, so special materials are often needed to produce rolling components,” explained Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing. ” For these circumstances, AISI 304, AISI 440, AISI 630, titanium, ceramic, and grease-free bearings may be used.”

Emerson Bearing’s sourcing network spans the globe, which enables them to provide a wide selection of harsh-environment bearings that include: ball and roller bearings from GMN, KOYO, and others; cam followers and yoke rollers from Carter, IKO, and others; rod ends from Durbal and FK; oil seals from Garlock, Dichtomatik, and Timkens; mounted units from AMI, IPTCI, and others, roller chains from Daido, Hitachi, and Drives; and bushings from IGUS and Oilite.

Emerson Bearing offers a vast inventory and 24/7 service, which is critical to customers’ operations. For bearing catalogs, infographics, guides and more, visit Emerson Bearing’s comprehensive website at emersonbearing.com.

About Emerson Bearing Boston

Founded in 1957, Emerson Bearing Boston specializes in bearings for OEM and MRO markets throughout the world. The company provides solutions to a variety of industries including: aggregate, concrete, mining, machine tools, electric motor repair, marine, material handling, metal processing, packaging, food processing, paper converting, printing, wind/power generation, recreation, heavy construction, robotics, automation, transportation, wood products, wastewater treatment, pump, compressor and oil field.

Emerson Bearing Boston offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings – ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing Boston has become a leading provider of bearings in the U.S. They are the sister company of Action Bearing and maintain headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, visit www.emersonbearing.com or call 800-225-4587.

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Have You Taken a Summer Vacation Yet? HR Expert Shares Tips for Small Business Owners

Denise Noble, PHR

Too busy for a vacation? For those who own a small business, vacations are imperative to avoid decreased productivity, increased stress and burnout.

With more than two decades of experience, Denise Noble, PHR (Professional in Human Resources), founder and senior HR Consultant at The HR Engineers, providers of human resource consulting and services for smaller businesses throughout New England, outlines the steps small business owners should take to ensure all goes smoothly while they are away.

“Many small business owners have already experienced, or are at risk for ‘burnout’,” explained Noble. “Burnout can occur when a person has too much work and not enough time to do it. Burnout can also occur when a lot of time gets spent ‘putting out fires’ in repeated crisis mode rather than concentrating on main objectives.”

Tell employees in advance and delegate – Small business owners should let employees know when they’re going on vacation, and draw up a plan for delegating. Review expectations, back-up plans, worse case scenarios and contingency plans.

Potential problems and resolutions– Make a list with solutions to problems and the specific steps that employees need to take to handle them.

Identify who is in charge– Be sure to identify the “go to” person for daily operations and troubleshooting. Have your employees take on more responsibility at least a month before you leave so they can get the feel of what is expected of them.

Have Coaching and Training programs in place– Coaching and training programs ensure that employees are trained to handle any emergency that may come up at any time. Having the programs already in place will help to keep manager and employee skills sharp, honed and on point. If the business already has an Employee Handbook, then employees can refer to it in a small business owner’s absence as it serves as a guidebook for many company policies and procedures.

Inform clients – Small business owners should inform their clients that they will be going on vacation and when they will return. Reassure clients that they will be in capable hands while the owner is on vacation and may expect the same quality and level of work. Small business owners should also inform clients of who will be handling their account and that if an emergency arises, the staff has the ability to contact the owner.

“Small business owners really need to make vacation a priority and start preparing their staff for departure the moment their plans are in place,” noted Noble.

For assistance in readying your company for your vacation, developing an Employee Handbook or Coaching and Training programs, contact The HR Engineers at 508-785-4950. Remember to ask about their complimentary HR review.

About The HR Engineers

The HR Engineers provide outsourced HR services to businesses with 50 or fewer employees throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Founded by Denise Noble, PHR, who has more than 20 years of human resources, accounting and business management experience, The HR Engineers provide tailored solutions to help grow and protect small businesses. From the development of Employee Handbooks, Policies and Procedures to solutions for Optimizing Employee Engagement, Management Coaching, Labor Law, Compliance and more, The HR Engineers provide expert HR solutions to meet a small business’ needs and budget. In-person consultations are offered to companies within a 50-mile radius of their office in Franklin, MA. For more information contact 508-785-4950 or visit thehrengineers.com.

Have You Taken a Summer Vacation Yet? HR Expert Shares Tips for Small Business OwnersRead More

Talking Information Center Announces Next Radio Drama “Working” to Air July 26th

Talking Information Center’s (TIC) next radio drama production, “Working”, based on Studs Terkel’s bestselling book published in 1974, will be performed at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 26, 2017.
TIC, the award-winning nonprofit reading service which broadcasts 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state, encourages listeners to tune in to their live broadcast featuring the TIC Radio and Podcast Players, comprised of local TIC volunteers who auditioned for parts.
The Radio and Podcast Players perform each radio play in front of a live studio audience backstage at TIC. The talented cast of “Working” includes Joanne Wheeler of Canton, Stan Troupe of Hanson, Jennifer Love of Hingham, Karen Hayes and Bridget Hindle of Kingston, Jesse Stone, Karen Ferrari, Norm Blair of Marshfield, Nick Guarda of Middleboro, Marcia Babcock of Norwell, Grant Baxter of Pembroke, Diane Thompson of Scituate and Betsy Keating of South Weymouth.
TIC’s John Shea and Eric Joseph, Executive Director of The Bay Colony Shakespeare Company (BCSC) produce the radio dramas.  TIC strives to bring live theater to those who might not have access to it otherwise due to accessibility, transportation or financial issues and to bring their audience of over 30,000 listeners fresh, new and exciting content.
“Sorry, Wrong Number” A Smash Hit
In June, 12 Radio and Podcast Players performed “Sorry, Wrong Number” in front of a small studio audience and it was a tremendous hit. Those who missed it may listen to the podcast on TIC’s website, http://ticnetwork.org/programs/special-programming/
Unique Sponsor Messages
To support the summer drama series and to keep this unique programming free for listeners, unique underwriting messages, written by Eric Joseph with an “old time radio” effect, will be aired during the broadcast. “Working” sponsors include Tiny & Sons Auto Glass, the Plymouth Lions Club and the Bay Colony Shakespeare Company.
For more information or to make an online donation in support of this special production, visit www.ticnetwork.org.
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 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.

Talking Information Center Announces Next Radio Drama “Working” to Air July 26thRead More

BCI of Central Massachusetts Addresses Inclusion in the Workforce

BCIBehavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI), a company of behavioral clinicians specializing in the care of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) throughout Central Massachusetts, is striving to create greater awareness and inclusion of adults with autism in the workforce.

Trends in Hiring

A growing number of companies, including human services organizations as well as companies with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) job openings, are recognizing the unique skills and attributes of individuals with ASD.

“Adults with ASD are extremely valuable employees,” explained Jeff Robinson, Ph. D., BCI’s founder and CEO. “Many possess unique skill sets that may include an elevated attention to detail, and the ability to perform specialized jobs and tasks consistently and accurately.”

Working to their strengths, BCI employs three individuals with ASD.

Dr. Robinson continued, “As behavioral clinicians specializing in the treatment of persons with ASD, we are a company that truly understands the unique challenges that occur during the interview (of an adult with ASD) and within the workplace. We provide a supportive environment to enable our employees to succeed. BCI is changing the hiring landscape on a local level in Central Massachusetts and is proud to hire individuals with ASD.”

The company recently hired Ryan Litchfield, speaker and autism advocate, as an Administrative Assistant. Litchfield is a resident of Rutland, MA.

Litchfield, who was diagnosed with autism at two years of age and believed to never be able to speak or function, recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption College in Worcester, where he majored in Human Services and Rehabilitation Studies. Litchfield has also earned a Certificate in Aging Services through career and continuing education and is certified in Gerontology Studies.

Litchfield, an ASD advocate, strives to educate audiences and the general public on acceptance of people with disabilities and help them access resources associated to activities of daily living for those with ASD. For more than five years, Litchfield has been a speaker for ASD, sharing his personal experiences speaking at the Central Massachusetts Special Education Collaborative in Worcester and to schools in Wachusett Regional School District, as well as Light It Up Blue events for the Assumption Disability Awareness Promotion Team (ADAPT) in Worcester.

Previous to joining BCI, Litchfield was an administrative assistant at Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging in West Boylston, and also at the Worcester Institute for Senior Education at Assumption College. He served an intern at HMEA’s Autism Resource Central in West Boylston, MA.

“Ryan’s knowledge, positive attitude, and advocacy make him a wonderful addition to our team,” said Dr. Robinson.

Another staff member and speaker, Intake Coordinator Christian Tsetsos, recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary with BCI. Tsetsos oversees insurance authorizations and intakes and also maintains the client database among a number of other directed, highly detailed tasks. For the last seven years, Tsetsos has been a guest speaker on Asperger’s at the Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) Summer Institute for Educators as well as at other AANE conferences and panels. Tsetsos has also addressed educators at Dover-Sherborn Middle School and the Newton School District Faculty and Administrators. He is a 2014 graduate of Worcester State University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban Studies.

“Christian has assumed increasing responsibility during his employment with BCI. As our Intake Coordinator, Christian is the first voice that parents hear when they inquire about BCI services. He is our ever-important liaison with insurance companies. He welcomes visitors and new employees as part of his receptionist duties. Christian has truly become the BCI good-will ambassador,” said Dr. Robinson.

About Behavioral Concepts, Inc. (BCI)

Founded in 2002, BCI provides educational, behavioral, consultative and assessment services to children with autism and their families. These services are based on the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and are tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. BCI’s goal is to maximize individual potential, increase independence and enhance clients’ quality of life within their home, school and community.

BCI provides center- and home-based services through health insurance and is an approved provider of Specialty ABA Services for Early Intervention in Central Massachusetts. BCI’s main care center, located at 345A Greenwood Street in Worcester, Massachusetts, offers intensive treatment for young children aged 3 to 6 years of age, an after-school program for all school aged children and a weekend social skills program. BCI offers similar services at a second location at 207 Authority Drive in Fitchburg, MA. BCI also provides in-home services within a one-hour radius of Worcester.

For complete information, visit  http://bciaba.com or to arrange a consultation with a BCI clinician, call (508) 363-0200.

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Waltham CPA Firm Dedicates a Day of Service to Camp Clark in Plymouth

For the third consecutive year, Rodman CPAs of Waltham, MA, has teamed up to clean up the grounds of Camp Clark, an Old Colony YMCA sponsored recreation camp in Plymouth, in preparation for their summer camp youth.

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses throughout the greater Boston area and long-time supporter of Camp Clark, volunteered a day of service to cleaning up Camp Clark’s acreage.

On June 12th, the team of 15, which included two of the firm’s partners – Steve Rodman and Kathy Parker – spent the day preparing Camp Clark for the more than 1,000 youth campers attending camp through August. The team spent more than 100 hours mulching, planting flowers and painting.

“The Rodman team is so proactive. They really take ownership of the day,” said Derek Paiva, Executive Director of Old Colony YMCA. “What they accomplish in one day is tremendous and their efforts greatly help us prepare for camp every year.”

“It’s a pleasure to have an opportunity to give back to an organization that is dedicated to building brighter futures and inspiring campers to discover their potential,” said Steve Rodman, president.

Giving Back

Community outreach is woven into Rodman CPAs’ company culture. The firm has a dedicated volunteer outreach team led by Senior Associates Doherty and Sturm, and every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer. Over the years, Rodman CPAs has supported a number of organizations and causes including Hope and Comfort in Newton, Camp Clark in Plymouth, Rosie’s Place in Boston, Cradles to Crayons, and The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE).

About Old Colony YMCA

Serving thousands of individuals and families in 31 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts, Old Colony YMCA has provided programs, camps and services designed to help people of all ages and abilities build healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. For more information, visit the website at www.oldcolonyymca.org.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named 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, visit http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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Talking Information Center Wins National Award

In 2016, the Talking Information Center (TIC) in Marshfield, MA created and broadcast a program to share the November ballot questions. The International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS) heard this broadcast and has awarded TIC the Consumer Information Program of the Year for “Massachusetts Voter Information Guide”.

TIC, the nonprofit reading service which broadcasts 24-hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise print impaired listeners throughout the state (and Massachusetts Reading Network’s South Shore affiliate) has won many awards over the past 40 years of broadcasting. The Consumer Information Program award for quality audio production was presented to TIC at the IAAIS Convention in Jacksonville, FL held June 1-3, 2017.

“We are particularly proud of this recognition because we felt that the visually impaired and reading disabled community should have easy access to our ballot questions and time to think them over before the vote,” explained Jim Bunnell, Executive Director of TIC. “Essentially, we received the voter information handbook in the mail and our Production Director jumped into action, having it on the air less than an hour later, including music and edits, which gave our listeners plenty of time to make it to the polls to cast their vote. Winning this award really shows the power of radio.”

About IAAIS

International Association of Audio Information Services​ (IAAIS) is a volunteer-driven membership organization of services that turn text into speech for people who cannot see, hold or comprehend the printed word and who may be unable to access information due to a disability or health condition.

Since its formation in 1977, IAAIS (formerly the Association of Radio Reading Services) has assisted, represented and set standards of good practice for audio information services worldwide. The organizational name was updated in 1999 to reflect the advent of new technologies for producing and delivering audio and an increased need for reading services throughout the world. IAAIS currently represents 140-some services and developing services. Member services can be found throughout the United States and in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Africa. Many IAAIS members in the United States are associated with public radio stations, colleges, universities or libraries.

For more information about IAAIS, visit https://iaais.org.

The Hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network

TIC, a proud member of IAAIS, is the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut.

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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Swim Safety Tips from Weymouth Club Aquatics Director and Navy Veteran

Summer is here and families are heading to the pools in droves. But, parents and guardians should take care to avoid distractions, which is at the top of list when it comes to keeping kids safe around any pool – at home, at a neighbor’s house and even at a public pool monitored by a lifeguard.

Navy veteran Walter A. “Pete” Peters, a USA Certified Swim Coach, Lifeguard and the Aquatics Director at the Weymouth Club, a family-friendly fitness, wellness and recreation facility catering to residents throughout the South Shore, shares important pool and swim safety tips:

Avoid distractions.The cell phone is the biggest distraction, as parents often text or check email while their children are in the pool. Siblings or other children outside of the pool can also be a distraction. Even if children are swimming in shallow water or are wearing life jackets, they must be watched at all times.

Pay attention.Things happen in an instant, especially around water. Pay close attention to children when they are on the water slides, because they can flounder, yet parents don’t realize they are in trouble because the children are in only two to three feet of water. Children can trip and fall into the pool, flip off the side of the pool or hit their head. If they fall into the water, they can breathe in water instead of air and get water in their lungs. When a non-swimmer is in the water, even in the shallow end, a parent should be within arms reach at all times.

Don’t take chances.In general, kids get excited around pools and run. Whether they are at an outdoor pool and the pavement surrounding it is hot, or at an indoor pool where the floor tiles get slippery – there is a danger of tripping and falling. The rule is no running, period.

Don’t trust pool inflatables. Anything that you blow air into, such as arm “floaties” or other pool inflatables, should not be relied on for safety. If you have a non-swimmer, be sure they are fitted with a Coast Guard approved life jacket, which is designed to put people face-up.

Check the depth.Whether you are at a pool, the ocean or any body of water, be aware of the water’s depth. At the pool, know where the deep end is. Kids tend to jump into water right away, not realizing it’s the seven-foot deep end and well over their heads.

Wear sunscreen. Avoid sunburns by ensuring that everyone is wearing sunscreen, and be sure to reapply as directed after being in the water. Parents should apply sunscreen to themselves first, then to the children (to avoid distraction), prior to allowing them in the pool.

Wait at least 15 minutes after eating. To avoid coughing or choking, as well as bloating or vomiting in the pool, make sure children stay out of the pool for at least 15 minutes after eating.

Take child safety breaks every hour. Parents should have their children take 10-minute breaks each hour to regroup with them. Make sure the children drink water to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. Kids get tired, but won’t tell their parents, so a 10-minute break each hour also gives parents an opportunity to determine if the kids have had enough pool time.

“When it comes to aquatics at the Weymouth Club, safety comes first, then member experience. Through our aquatics safety first approach, we test the children to determine if they can swim before they are even allowed near the water,” explained Peters. “The lifeguard’s job is to enforce the rules and keep everyone safe.”

Prior to entering any of the Weymouth Club’s five pools, children 12 years old and younger, are required to take a swim test. It’s not a timed test, but rather a test to determine if a child can swim the 25-yard length of the pool without touching the bottom or sides of the pool. Children who pass the swim test are given a wristband to wear while at the pool.

Peters, who has more than 20 years of facility management, training and recruitment experience in both corporate and military environments, oversees operations, staff and activities within the Weymouth Club’s Aquatics Department. He is a Certified Swim Coach (USA and Europe), a Certified USA Swimming Stroke and Turn Official, and a Lifeguard Instructor. He is also CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard certified.

Weymouth Club’s Aquatics Department offers a wide range of activities for all ages, from WAVES (Weymouth Aquatics Values Every Swimmer) Swim School and WAVES Swim Team, to water fitness, Masters swim program, Red Cross programs, warm water therapy pool and more. To learn more, visit www.weymouthclub.com/aquatics.

About the Weymouth Club

The Weymouth Club is a family-friendly health, fitness, wellness and recreation center, owned and operated by the Goldman family since 1988. Catering to members and guests from across the South Shore, the Weymouth Club provides an environment that accommodates individuals of all ages and fitness levels in common pursuit of living a healthy and energetic life.

With 200,000 square feet of space which includes enclosed pools and tennis courts, the state-of-the-art club boasts a wide variety of programs and services ranging from nutrition, fitness, group exercise, and mind/body (yoga, Barre, Pilates), to aquatics, tennis and more. The Weymouth Club is a member of Genavix Wellness Network, a health and fitness facilities partnership focused on empowering individuals and families to take control of their wellness. The club’s “HealthyCare 90-Day Commit to Get Fit Program” is a network program, and may be partially covered by select health insurance carriers.

The W Spa, the Weymouth Club’s own full-service day spa for both members and non-members is featured on-site, along with Bay State Physical Therapy and Milton Chiropractic satellite locations. The Weymouth Club is located at 75 Finnell Drive in Weymouth MA 02188. For more information, call 781-337-4600 or visit www.weymouthclub.com.

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Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect – OCES Marched in Brockton and Plymouth

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) organized two marches during Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Over 100 participants joined OCES and the Brockton Council on Aging in a march on June 15th, and more than 75 concerned citizens joined OCES and the Plymouth Center for Active Living in a march along the Plymouth waterfront on June 22nd.

“Both marches were organized to raise awareness of the issues of elder abuse and neglect and were well-attended,” said Teresa Kourtz, LSW, Protective Services Director at OCES, the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. “The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs logged 25,000 reports in a recent fiscal year. It is estimated that 1 in 10 elders have experienced some form of abuse – physical, mental, emotional or financial – and experts in the field say that number is considered low due to under-reporting.”

Recognition Awards

Each march was followed by a luncheon that included informative guest speakers and an awards ceremony. At the Plymouth Center for Active Living, several individuals who have assisted seniors in protective services and in the town of Plymouth received recognition awards including Attorney J. Marlin Hawthorne, Chief G. Edward Bradley of the Plymouth Fire Department and Connie DiLego, a dedicated volunteer and former director of the Center for Active Living. In Brockton, Pat Foley, the Brockton Triad, and Brockton Police Officer Nicole Anderson received recognition awards.

Sponsors

OCES would like to thank the following event sponsors: Mary Cruise Kennedy Senior Center (Brockton Council on Aging); Plymouth Center for Active Living; HarborOne Bank; Roche Bros. and Shaw’s Supermarkets; the Brockton Patrolmen’s Association; Plymouth Police Relief Association (PPRA); and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office.

Raising Awareness

Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse or neglect. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, family members (spouses, adult children, partners and others) comprise the majority of abusers. Additionally, research indicates that individuals with dementia are at even greater risk for elder abuse.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million, or one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported.

OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver. Protective Services Workers investigate each report, and provide support, and if needed, information about resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

If you suspect elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation call the Elder Abuse Centralized Intake Unit, available 24/7 at 1-800-922-2275. All calls are confidential and will lead to thorough investigation at the local level.

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 232 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.

Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect – OCES Marched in Brockton and PlymouthRead More