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43 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Business – Beacon Equity Advisors Offers Essential Book

September 22, 2016 // by admin

When a private equity firm or synergistic buyer makes an offer on a business, many owners simply aren’t ready to capitalize on the opportunity and maximize the deal price.

With over 25 years of experience as a dealmaker, David A. Humphrey, CPA, CVA, owner of Beacon Equity Advisors, knows that proactive entrepreneurs prepare for these critical situations. That’s why he authored The Art of Business Value Enhancement, an essential, 43-chapter book for business owners that serves as a dynamic guide for increasing the business’ value, polishing their image, protecting their investment and streamlining the entire process.

According to Humphrey, “Results matter, particularly when a business owner explores what is likely the most emotional business decision he or she will contemplate since first making the leap to becoming an entrepreneur; the sale of the business.”

Designed to assist business owners in preparing their enterprise for sale by looking at the company from the perspective of an impartial, prospective buyer, The Art of Business Value Enhancement identifies aspects of businesses which would be attractive to a potential buyer, as well as areas where the buyer might have concerns. The book also discusses quantifying how those concerns affect the value a buyer would be willing to pay for the acquisition.

Among the many topics covered are: Timing the sale to maximize value; understanding how a buyer looks at your inventory; how too much noise affects value, correctly positioning your lease heading into a sale and even digs into how family in the business can impact value.

“Ideally, once a business owner understands the buyer’s perspective, they can implement changes to alleviate potential risk factors, increasing the value of the business,” explained Humphrey.

The Art of Business Value Enhancement serves as an easy to read, digestable guide filled with stories, examples and humor for business owners looking to prepare their business for transition.

To read the Intro to The Art of Business Value Enhancement, or to request a complimentary copy of the book, visit http://www.beaconequityadvisors.com/bve.

Results Matter – Beacon Equity Advisors

Founded in 1985, Beacon Equity Advisors, Inc. is a boutique firm specializing in mergers, acquisitions and valuations of closely held businesses in New England. Using a team approach, the firm focuses on delivering proven results for the owners of manufacturing, distribution and interesting service businesses with revenues from $5M to $55M.

David A. Humphrey, CPA, CVA, author of The Art of Business Value Enhancement, leads Beacon Equity Advisors’ expert team of Merger & Acquisition advisors, Certified Valuators & Analysts and Certified Public Accountants. Beacon Equity Advisors is headquartered at 1500 Providence Highway, Norwood, MA 02062. For more information, contact the firm at 781-551-8000 or visit www.beaconequityadvisors.com.

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TIC, Radio for the Blind, to Hold Wine Dinner Fundraiser on November 3rd

September 22, 2016 // by admin

TIC image The award-winning 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, will hold their 24th Annual Wine Dinner Fundraiser on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Auction items are needed and sponsorship opportunities are available.

TIC’s fundraising dinner will be held at the Barker Tavern, a beautifully restored 17th century building surrounded by natural landscape and historic views, located at 21 Barker Road in Scituate.

Guests will enjoy a multi-course gourmet meal and exceptional wines. Live and silent auctions will be held during the evening, and will include unique auction items such as vacation packages, excursions, performance tickets and gift certificates.

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.com.

Seating is limited. The Annual Wine Dinner is a very popular fundraising event and advanced reservations are required. To make reservations for a table, a couple, or an individual, visit www.ticnetwork.com.

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. Military veterans are seeking programs that have a ‘veteran’s voice’.

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.com; 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. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.com or call (781) 834-4400.

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Free workshops outline free Google Non-Profit PPC programs

September 20, 2016 // by admin

Even many top non-profit executives don’t know about this generous program. Thus, free seminars 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 choose from one of two complimentary seminars. The first workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 20, 8 – 9:30 a.m. in the training room of ACTSmart, located just off Routes 3 and 139, 70 Corporate Park Drive, Suite 1225, Pembroke, MA 02359. The second presentation is set for Tuesday, November 15, 8 – 9:30 a.m. at the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, 134 Court Street, Route 3A, Plymouth, MA 02360. Each 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 for one of the Google Non-Profit programs, please visit http://goo.gl/Shp48j for the October 20, Pembroke event or http://goo.gl/axgKU4 for the November 15. For information about the free seminars or the Google Non-Profit program Plymouth presentation, please contact Steven V. Dubin,(781) 582-1061, SDubin@PRWorkzone.com.

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PR Pointer – What I SHOULD have learned on my summer vacation

September 12, 2016 // by admin

You might remember the drill. This is a slight twist on the “What I did on my summer vacation” theme.

In filling in as the facilitator for a recent roundtable discussion (the regular hosts–Bernie Heine, Philip Ashcroft and Paul Crossman–were ironically on vacation themselves), I had a chance to meet with a handful of entrepreneurs to, well, roundtable the topic of vacation epiphanies to pitfalls. In other words, the good, the bad and the ugly.

What I learned was that many business execs suffer from vacation anxiety.

“How can my business carry on without me?”

“What horrors will greet my return?”

“Will I be bored not chained to e-mail and social media?”

On the other hand, everyone knows that sometimes vacations allow for genius to strike. Or, at the very least, it gives you new perspective.

One CPA had this advice, “I delegate as much as I can so that come vacation time I am less enmeshed.”

A divorce coach noted, “My vacation time is taking my dogs for a long walk every afternoon. My mind wanders and they get a good workout.”

A financial planner said, “I prefer not to vacation. I’d prefer to combine work and play.”

I say, “To each his own.”

Research revealed several useful tips on how small business owners and executives can prepare for and enjoy vacations:

Choose a slow season to travel. Key holidays like July 4 week, Thanksgiving or Christmas work for me. Most clients are also taking time off.
Plan well ahead. This offers ample time to have a plan and relish the anticipation.
Alert your client of when you will be unavailable. No surprises. No procrastination.
Don’t launch a new website or initiative prior to leaving. You know things never go smoothly.
Deputize a reliable colleague to babysit key projects. Introduce the all parties.
Set boundaries. Either you are completely unavailable or ONLY available at a very specific time.
Review the results. This could bolster your confidence for the next trip to Fiji.

Now that you are back from holiday let us know how we can jump in and kick start a new PR/Marketing effort.

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Old Colony Elder Services Holds Educational Programs at Edwina Martin House

September 11, 2016 // by admin

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 led educational programs for residents of the Edwina Martin House (EMH), a recovery home for women located in Brockton.

With a mission to provide information and services that promote healthy and safe living, OCES held two educational sessions for residents at EMH: Healthy Meal Planning and Chronic Pain Self-Management Program.

In the first session, Barbara Nalen-Cardosa, a Registered Dietician in OCES’ Nutrition Department, gave a presentation on “Healthy Meal Planning” and fielded a variety of questions on healthy eating.

In the second session, Chrisline Denis, Healthy Living Supervisor, along with Primma-Latise Murry, SHINE Coordinator/Outreach Specialist, and Donna-Marie Forand, Outreach and Education Specialist in OCES’ Healthy Living Department conducted the Stanford University Chronic Pain Self-Management Program (CPSMP), meeting two and a half hours per week for six weeks. CPSMP was developed for people who have a primary or secondary diagnosis of chronic pain. EMH residents participating in CPSMP learned principal techniques for self-management, which included action planning, problem solving and the importance of physical activity.

“OCES empowered our residents with knowledge and tools that may help them better manage their own health,” said Judith McDonough, Executive Director of EMH. “Some examples of three to six month goals set by our participants are to eat healthy, relax, cope positively and to work on stronger interpersonal skills and relationships.”

“These educational programs are just a couple of examples of how OCES is able to serve our entire community,” said Christine McLaren, OCES’ Community Programs Director. “We are very pleased to be able to work with the residents of the Edwina Martin House and will continue to offer programs that help their residents live vibrant lives.”

About Edwina Martin House

Founded in 1982, the Edwina Martin House (EMH) is a residential substance abuse treatment facility for women. More than 4,000 women have lived at EMH since it was founded, and the recovery home is named for a woman who was a longtime advocate for alcohol and drug programs in the area.

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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Georgia CALLS Raises Funds for Local Families in Need of Housing & Support

September 11, 2016 // by admin

With 134 runners and walkers, Georgia CALLS’ first annual “Race for Restoration 5K & Fun Run” held on August 20th at Little Mulberry Park in Dacula was a success and raised essential funds for local families in need.

With a focus on homeless families and the restoration and rebuilding of the family unit for the sake of the children, the Race for Restoration was a fundraiser for Georgia CALLS, a unique 501c3 organization that helps families recover from homelessness and lack of employment.

Families and children (a number of them accompanied by pets) took part in the race or cheered their loved ones on. Jay Reeder, Georgia CALLS’ Chief Catalyst and board member and VoiceNation’s CEO, participated in the event with his wife, Melissa and their three children. Mark Mobley, Georgia CALLS’ Executive Director was the Master of Ceremonies. Chopper, the beloved mascot of the Gwinnett Braves, enthusiastically encouraged everyone along during the race.

Runners Pedram Esmaelzadeh, the overall male winner and Ramona Stutlz, the overall female winner, received trophies and gift cards to Big Peach Running Company in Suwanee. Additionally, the top male and female finishers in each age group (from 10 and under to 65 and up) were awarded medals.

Georgia CALLS would like to thank their sponsors: VoiceNation, Walmart in Collins Hill, Chick-Fil-A, Classic City Running in Buford, Dr. Bill Morrison, O.D., Mike Thomas State Farm Insurance Agency, Costco, Kona Ice of Gwinnett, Panera Bread, Waffle House, Big Peach Running Company of Suwanee, Rewriting Our Story, YouScore.net, Angecansew, C&A Johnson Plumbing Service of Gwinnett and Lamar Advertising of Atlanta.

“We were very pleased with such a terrific turnout, as this is our first fundraising 5K. All proceeds raised will address the immediate need of five Georgia CALLS’ program participants and their families in need of stable housing and support,” said Mark Mobley, Executive Director of Georgia CALLS.

He continued, “Thank you to our amazing team of volunteers from the community and our sister business, VoiceNation, as well as our wonderful sponsors, who not only helped to provide a great race environment, but who, along with the racers, are providing hope for housing and care to our program participants.”

To view a recap of the Race, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmlivYaN7S0

To make a donation to help support local families through Georgia CALLS, visit http://www.gacalls.org/donations/give-online/

About Georgia CALLS

The mission of Georgia CALLS is to help the formerly incarcerated as well as families in distress in the Gwinnett and Hall County area recover from homelessness and lack of employment by providing intentional job and life skills training, steady employment, personalized case management and the procurement of 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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More than numbers, newly launched Rosetta Valuations offers market value insight.

September 5, 2016 // by admin

What is my business really worth? That is the question itching at baby boomers and others who are considering an exit strategy.

Newly launched Rosetta Valuations, with offices at 541 Columbian Street, Suite 100, Weymouth, MA, was recently launched by seasoned business broker Paul R. Corrigan. He now provides complete valuations services along with “Feet on the Street” experience.

Continuing to serve as a business broker, Corrigan understands that the critical starting point is a concise valuation to establish supportable value, based upon buyer’s concerns, clear company financial disclosure and in-depth analysis.

Corrigan has performed hundreds of valuations from simple reports to conflict resolution cases often over 100 pages. One aspect that sets these reports apart is the proprietary Rosetta software that generates colorful charts and graphs to bring clarity to the subject.

In addition to managing Rosetta Valuations, Corrigan continues to serve as Executive Vice President of Sales at ROI Corporation, New England’s largest business intermediary firm. In his role as business intermediary he helps business owners to value, market, and transition their small to mid-sized businesses, both to third party and internal family and/or key employees. Industries in which Paul’s work has focused include HVAC, home healthcare, property management, business services, manufacturing, distribution, and recreation.

Paul is a Board member of NEBBA, the New England Business Broker Association, and a licensed commercial real estate agent. In staying current, he attends many continuing education courses each year in both real estate and business brokerage.

Currently a member of the Board of Directors at the Rotary Club of Weymouth, MA, Paul is very active in the large club of over 100 members and scheduled to be President a completing his term on the Board.

A Weymouth resident, Corrigan received his Masters from Cornell University and a BA from the University of Virginia.

For additional information, visit www.RosettaValuations.com or call Paul Corrigan at (617) 320-4812.

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Tennis everyone? Free public tennis clinic introduces the game to future stars. September 18 at 10 a.m. -12 noon at Marshfield High School.

September 5, 2016 // by admin

Tennis anyone? All you need is a pair of sneakers and a good attitude, rackets and balls will be provided by TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA acronym stands for Teach, Grow, Achieve), the leading school and community based youth tennis introduction model, and a national partner with the United States Tennis Association (USTA).

Targeted to K – 8th grade athletes and their families, the event welcomes novices to seasoned players. The free clinic is scheduled for Sunday, September 18 at 10 a.m. -12 noon at Marshfield High School tennis courts at 167 Forest St, Marshfield, MA 02050. The courts are located behind the track area. There is ample, free parking alongside the courts and track area.

The clinic will encompass three tennis courts and consist of drills on one, an obstacle course on the second and third court for match play. Due to court and coaching restraints, the program is limited to the first 25 respondents. RSVP is required, please register at https://plymouthcounty.playtga.com/ or contact Coach Peter Dunlap at 781-281-8565.

“Our complimentary clinic is intended to introduce players to the fun, fitness and lifelong future of tennis play,” noted Peter Dunlap, a 21 year Hingham, MA resident, and former Plymouth State University varsity tennis player who owns and operates TGA of Plymouth County. He added, “Our goal is help unlock the joy of tennis and reveal simple skills.”

TGA of Plymouth County recently announced a new Fall and Winter After School Enrichment Program and is registering private and public elementary and middle schools now. All TGA of Plymouth County coaches are certified by TGA, trained by Dunlap and undergo CORI background check.

TGA of Plymouth County has led programs at the Hull Recreation Department, the South Shore Sports Center of Hingham and the South Shore Special Needs Athletic Partnership (SNAP).

TGA provides all racquets, balls, training aids and portable nets for all ages, creating a safe and constructive tennis environment. The school only needs to supply the space. For example, half of a basketball court accommodates up to 15 students.

Dunlap and his team have an enthusiasm for tennis and enjoy working with children. The TGA curriculum makes tennis fun and relevant, often connecting it to classroom topics such as math, science and history and current events such as the U.S. Open. Individual and corporate scholarships (to cover all the children in a school’s program) are available.

TGA is one of the leading initiatives to grow the sport of tennis and is the only after-school youth tennis program in the country, which is making a significant impact on youth tennis and the future growth of the sport.

TGA, USTA and education experts developed a five level enrichment and instruction based curriculum for ages 5-10, and a play-based curriculum for students age 11-14. No special equipment or uniforms are needed. The only requirement is that children wear sneakers.

Whether this is the child’s first exposure to tennis or they are looking to take it to the next level, TGA programs helps children enjoy and grow with tennis. In partnership with the United States Tennis Association (USTA), TGA has developed a Youth Tennis Player Pathway to help guide families through the journey of learning and playing.

School superintendents, principals, athletic directors, recreation directors and other school personnel interested in signing up for TGA’s Fall Program should contact Coach Peter Dunlap at 781-281-8565 or visit www.PlayTGA.com/PlymouthCounty.

About TGA

TGA Premier Youth Tennis (TGA) is a youth development program that introduces youth to tennis at elementary and middle schools, childcare centers, and community based organizations. TGA is a national supporting organization of the Afterschool Alliance and Lights on Afterschool and is a corporate advocate and national partner of the President’s Challenge on Physical Fitness, as well as the National Council of Youth Sports.

Tennis everyone? Free public tennis clinic introduces the game to future stars. September 18 at 10 a.m. -12 noon at Marshfield High School.Read More

Rodman CPAs Offers QuickBooks Seminar on September 28th

August 30, 2016 // by admin

quickbooks team copy — Rodman CPAs’ Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisors

Rodman CPAs, a full service tax and accounting firm serving small, mid-market, and multi-generational companies throughout the greater Boston area, will hold “QuickBooks: Beyond the Basics” seminar, on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at their office at 51 Sawyer Road, Suite 610 in Waltham, MA 02453.

The seminar will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the firm’s classroom. Registration begins at 8:45 a.m. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided.

Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisors Kathy Parker CPA, Leah Shanahan CPA, and Christine McGoldrick will lead the seminar. Participants will learn how to take their record keeping skills to the next level with advanced applications for maximizing QuickBooks. Topics to be covered include: customizing QuickBooks; items; budgeting; classes and jobs; time and billing; and reporting. Rodman’s ProAdvisors will also share tips and shortcuts for working faster and more efficiently in all business transactions.

Rodman CPAs has been a member of the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program since 1999. Having provided hundreds of small to mid-size companies with training and consulting, Rodman CPAs QuickBooks team provides superior services and expertise to meet the accounting software installation, setup, and training needs of businesses.

The fee for “QuickBooks: Beyond the Basics” seminar is $149. Registration is now open.

Sign up at Rodman CPAs’ Eventbrite page at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/quickbooks-beyond-the-basics-tickets-27094714019.

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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