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Jan/Feb represent key carbon monoxide anniversaries.

January 30, 2015 // by admin

John V. Carvalho, President & CEO, Apollo Safety

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS

In January 2005, seven-year-old Nicole Garofalo of Plymouth, MA, died of carbon monoxide emanating from a vehicle outside her home. A year later, Nicole’s Law made it mandatory for homes and business that accommodate overnight customers to have CO detectors. Ten years later and on heels of a major storm in the Northeast, carbon monoxide detection remains a work in progress.

“The good news is that many people who did not have CO detectors in their homes in 2005, now do,” said John Carvalho, president of Apollo Safety, Inc.—a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products like gas detectors and gas monitoring services. “That has led to another trend in that fire departments receive more calls about CO and that’s mostly because people have detectors in their homes.”

In 2013 in the state of Massachusetts, the last year for which data is available, fire departments responded to 19,524 carbon monoxide incidents. Unsafe levels of the invisible, deadly gas were confirmed in 4,884 of those calls—a 25 percent confirmation.

“Unfortunately, there are still homes without detectors and most states do not have laws requiring commercial entities to have detectors. The states that do have laws only require state or municipal and businesses with beds—hotels, hospitals, etc.—to have detectors.”

That reality was in evidence nearly one year ago when a carbon monoxide leak in the heating system at a large national restaurant chain’s Long Island, New York location. This resulted in the death of a restaurant manager, the hospitalization of another staff member and the need for 26 patrons to be treated at a local hospital. The chain promptly responded to the incident by installing CO detectors in all their locations.

“The reality is that it doesn’t take much of a leak with green-efficient construction to have an impact,” said Carvalho. “Complicating matters even more is that everyone—young, old, athlete or ‘average Joe’—reacts differently to carbon monoxide. Some people fall ill or fall asleep in a fairly short amount; even in as little as 15 minutes. For others it can be longer. As was the case at the restaurant, it doesn’t take overnight exposure to carbon monoxide for it to be lethal.”

Carvalho recommends that any commercial or residential building using any and all fossil fuel sources such as oil, propane, and natural gas be equipped with a carbon monoxide detector in the basement or boiler room. He cites the need to fully comply with all codes at an absolute minimum and not “just get by”.

“Elbow pipes can be particularly dangerous when there’s a leak because the shape of the pipe will actually slow the flow of the carbon monoxide and create much greater exposure than a straight pipe,” said Carvalho.

In terms of the types of systems commercial businesses should choose that can vary on the size of the building, the number of people in that building at a given time, etc.

“It’s conceivable that a smaller business could get by with a store-bought, battery-operated carbon monoxide detection system that you would have in your home,” said Carvalho. “Yet when you consider the potential risks and the devastating impact one incident can have on a business—even with no fatalities–it just make sense to take that extra precaution for your customers and staff .”

Apollo Safety’s offerings include a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems suitable for large universities, including name brands like Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems, RKI, and GMI. These systems are available for purchase or rental at weekly or monthly rates. Rental equipment is certified to NIST standards and is guaranteed for the entire rental period.

In addition, Apollo Safety also provides on-site installation and training and 24/7 service. All Apollo Safety technicians are factory-trained and certified. In addition, Apollo offers its own training program, with five levels of certification.

Apollo Safety provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems. Apollo uses only factory-original parts for repairs and repairs are made exactly to client requirements. Apollo guarantees a 10-day turnaround time with pre-approval, though 66 percent of all repairs are completed in five days or less. Free software upgrades included with all repairs.

For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

About Apollo Safety

Apollo Safety has been serving the safety industry since 1995 and is an efficient, trusted company that minimized potential liability for its customers while ensuring a safer public. Apollo Safety specializes in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems. That includes gas detector sales and support for most major brands of gas detection , manufacturers. Apollo Safety also provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Veteran-owned, Apollo Safety, Inc. is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, and government operations. Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM).

Apollo Safety’s corporate headquarters is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts—the company also has an office in Boston, MA. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafety.com.

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My Pinnacle Network announces February 2015 schedule of B2B networking meetings

January 26, 2015 // by admin

BOURNE, BRAINTREE, MARSHFIELD, MANSFIELD, NEWTON, PLYMOUTH, WESTBOROUGH, MA …

My Pinnacle Network recently announced a full slate of business-to-business networking meetings for February. My Pinnacle Network meetings are as follows:

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree 1^st Tuesday, Tuesday, February 3, from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, February 3, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m at 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 230, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, February 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

My Pinnacle Network – Marshfield, Thursday, February 5, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050.

My Pinnacle Network – Plymouth, Thursday, February 12, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 134 Court Street (Plymouth Chamber of Commerce), Plymouth, MA 02360.

My Pinnacle Network – Newton, Thursday, February 12, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 29 Crafts Street (Aflac offices), Newton, MA 02458.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, February 19, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, February 26, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., 550 MacArthur Blvd. (Route 28), Bourne, MA 02532.

Only one B2B professional will be selected for each category. Those categories can be found at http://mypinnaclenetwork.com/about/categories.aspx. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a My Pinnacle Network meeting before committing to join.

If you are interested in attending a meeting in your area, please contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061 to RSVP. There is no charge to visit a My Pinnacle Network meeting.

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AdamsComm, Inc. expands offerings for IT companies

January 22, 2015 // by admin

photo of John Adams, president of Adams Communications — John Adams, president of Adams Communications

CARVER, MA…

AdamsComm, Inc., providers of sophisticated and agile IP telephone systems and technology, recently announced the creation of a special division to better serve IT firms. The Carver, MA-based firm created the division to develop partnership opportunities for IT firms that do not offer telecommunications services.

“There’s a natural overlap between a company’s computer network and telephones. That’s why some IT firms have started dabbling in offering telecom services as an extra. The reality is that telecommunications is a specialty that requires a certain level of experience and expertise,” said John Adams, president of AdamsComm, Inc. “Our IT division will act as the telecommunications arm for IT firms that don’t offer telecom. We can also provide a similar service for IT firms that do sell phones but might need a higher level of expertise for certain customers.”

In partnering with AdamsComm, IT firms can provide clients a wide range of products and services. AdamsComm offers customized design, implementation and support of IP telephone systems and applications, voice mail systems, call centers and infrastructure cabling for small-to-mid-sized businesses. With a savvy staff, the company has provided cost-effective communications solutions to a number of clients including Mutual Bank, Emerald Physicians and Rising Tide Charter Schools.

Located at 128 Main Street, Suite 11, in Carver, Massachusetts, AdamsComm, Inc. serves clients on the South Shore, Cape Cod, Greater Boston, and Metrowest. In addition to 24/7 on-call service, Adams can be onsite, as needed, within four hours.

For more information on the new IT division and AdamsComm’s services, you can call 508-866-4086 or visit www.adamscomm.net.

Adams’ Business Communications Solutions

AdamsComm, Inc. draws upon extensive knowledge and experience to provide both small and large businesses with state-of-the-art communication solutions. With more than 20 years of industry experience in solution design, implementation and support, Adams Communications capably assists clients with voice, data and fiber optic cabling as well as with carrier services and on-site staff training. All of the company’s technicians are factory certified, ensuring the highest level of support and service. Adams Communications is an authorized dealer for Allworx and Samsung Telecommunications Systems.

Headquartered at 128 Main Street, Suite D, Carver, MA. AdamsComm, Inc. is a member of the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce and The Better Business Bureau. For more information, visit the website at http://www.adamscomm.net or contact (508) 866-4086.

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Make sense of dollars. Financing for Franchisees panel hosted by New England Franchise Association on March 5.

January 21, 2015 // by admin

Without financing, most can never afford to buy a franchise – or start any type of business. But where do you get that capital? Your rich uncle? Your local bank or credit union? An SBA loan? Your 401K or IRA?

The New England Franchise Association (NEFA) offers some insight into traditional and non-traditional methods of financing your franchise business with a panel discussion at the Hilton Woburn, 2 Forbes Road, Woburn, MA on Thursday, March 5 from 11 AM – 2 PM.

The entire business community is invited. The cost for NEFA members is $50 and $75 for non-members. Please register at the New England Franchise Association’s website www.nefranchise.org.

The panel will include Rocco Fiorentino, Benetrends Financial; Kathleen Kelly, Radius Bank; Mike Rozman, Boefly and a representative of FRANdata. Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting will moderate the panel.

This event includes lunch, networking and the panel discussion.

ABOUT NEFA
New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and suppliers together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England states.

EVENT INFO
Space is limited. For more information and to reserve a seat for this event, please visit the New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org or email to info@NEFranchise.org.

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SelecTech meets and exceeds new ESD workplace standards

January 20, 2015 // by admin

AVON, MA…

In 2014, the Electrostatic Discharge Association announced changes to standards for ANSI/ESD S 20.20 standard for measuring electrical conductivity and static charge generation in a workplace or factory. Earlier this month, SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, announced that all its ESD products meet and exceed the new ESD standards.

“The reliance on electronics in the workplace since 2007 has grown substantially. Hence the greater importance of ESD flooring meeting the tighter scrutiny of these new standards,” said Tom Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Inc. “We applaud ESDA for coming up with tougher standards and are pleased that SelecTech still meets and exceeds those new standards.”

Overall, 10 changes and additions were made to the 2014 ANSI/ESD S 20.20 standards from the previous 2007. Some of those additions/changes include: Product Qualification Plan; Process Required Insulators; requirements for Isolated Conductors; new requirements to the qualification of flooring/footwear systems.

SelecTech offers anti-static flooring products, specifically its FreeStyle ESD products. This type of flooring is typically used by industries such as electronics manufacturing, communications, aerospace, biotech and healthcare where electronics and sensitive data must be protected.

In addition, all SelecTech flooring products are made using recycled material and are 100 percent recyclable. Utilizing a breakthrough interlocking technology, SelecTech products completely bypass the need for adhesives and floor prep to install or replace flooring. This dramatically reduces installation times because old flooring can be left in place and machinery and furniture does not have to be completely moved or removed for installation.

To learn more about SelecTech products, including the FreeStyle ESD flooring products, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of creating valuable products from scrap plastics. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of flooring products from recycled materials and uses one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable and installed without adhesives making them some of the “greenest” and most cost-effective flooring products available. The unique interlock system on SelecTech’s flooring products enable them to be installed at a much lower cost, without a lot of costly downtime, which provides significant value to customers.

Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go residential flooring products, which are available at Home Depot. They are also the creators of the renowned commercial and industrial FreeStyle, FreeStyle ESD and StaticStop ESD flooring lines.

SelecTech is a vendor partner of Health Care Institute, an International Facility Management Association (IFMA) alliance partner. The company is headquartered at 33 Wales Avenue, Suite F in Avon, MA. For more information about SelecTech, visit http://www.selectechinc.com.

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What small business owners can expect from changes to tax laws in 2015

January 19, 2015 // by admin

MILLBURY, MA…

You probably have heard the expression, “No news is good news.” As it pertains to tax changes for businesses, little news is probably also good news—and bad news.

“Right now, the changes for the 2015 tax year are few and relatively modest,” said Paul Dion, owner of Millbury, MA-based Paul Dion CPA. “While this checklist outlines important tax changes for 2015, additional changes in tax law are more than likely to arise during the year ahead.”

2015 changes are as follows:

The standard mileage rate will go up from 56 cents per mile to 57.5.

The Section 179 expense deduction for equipment purchases will be decreasing to $25,000 of the first $200,000 of business property placed in service in 2015.

For employee health insurance expenses, the dollar amount is $25,800. This amount is used for limiting the small employer health insurance credit and for determining who is an eligible small employer for purposes of the credit.

Finally, if you provide transportation fringe benefits to your employees, the maximum monthly limitation for transportation in a commuter highway vehicle as well as any transit pass is $130 (same as 2014). The monthly limitation for qualified parking is $250 (same as 2014).

“Planning is the key ingredient to tax preparation. The businesses that are handcuffed by tax payments are typically the ones who don’t plan far enough in advance,” said Dion. “Working with a tax professional year round not only helps you plan but prevents additional changes to the tax laws from sneaking up on you.”

For a free consultation and planning tips for the coming tax year, please call Paul Dion CPA at (508) 853-3292. For more information, you can also visit www.pauldioncpa.com.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit. Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292. Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA 01527.

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Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport holds coat drive to benefit St. Francis House

January 19, 2015 // by admin

Scott Goddess (right) of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport.

BOSTON, MA and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport may have opened its doors at 415 D Street in South Boston a few months but it has not taken the dry cleaner long to open its heart to the local community. Case in point, Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport recently kicked off a coat drive to benefit St. Francis House, a homeless shelter located at 39 Boylston Street in Boston.

“It’s winter in Boston and it’s cold. I can’t even imagine what it’s like to not have a warm place to stay and an adequate coat to wear,” said Scott Goddess, owner of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport. “The St. Francis House does wonderful work in providing a shelter, clothing and other services for the homeless. We’re hoping this drive can provide some warmth to as many of its residents as possible.”

Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport will be collecting coats at its Boston Seaport location until January 31. The coats do not have to be cleaned to be donated. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston will take care of that.

Coats can be donated during store hours. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport is open Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm; Saturday 8 am to 5 pm; and Sunday, 12pm to 3 pm.

“We take pride in the fact that our franchise owners are not only a part of the business community but make themselves part of the entire community they serve. Each year dozens of Lapels owners participate in clothing drives that generate literally tons of donations from our customers,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, which is based in Hanover, MA. “We applaud Scott and his team at Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston Seaport and their effort on behalf of St. Francis House.”

In addition to providing food, shelter and clothing for the homeless, St. Francis House offers a number of other services. Those include: showers; medical care; legal assistance; mental health and substance abuse counseling; employment services; housing counseling; next step housing program; moving ahead programs; art therapy; pastoral counseling; and referral services.

For information about St. Francis House information, visit www.stfrancishouse.org.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Mississippi (New Albany), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Surfside Beach); Texas (Austin, Bee Cave, Brownsville, Cedar Park). Additional locations are coming soon to Jacksonville, FL, Fleming Island, Tampa and Orange Park, FL, Boston Seaport, MA, Scottsdale, AZ, Yuma, AZ, Oxford, MS and Fulton, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

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Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s Warren Baker reappointed as trustee for South Shore Hospital Charitable Foundation

January 15, 2015 // by admin

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Warren Baker, a partner at Quincy, MA-based Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. was recently reappointed as a trustee of South Shore Hospital’s Charitable Foundation. This marks seventh year Baker has served as a trustee for the Hospital’s Foundation.

In addition to being a trustee, Baker will serve as the co-chairman of the Foundation’s planning giving committee.

Baker is the leader of Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.’s corporate practice, providing advice and counsel in the areas of business organization, tax, real estate, zoning and land use, estate and Medicaid planning, and intellectual property and licensing matters. In addition, he serves as corporate counsel to numerous business organizations of varying size and type, both profit and not-for-profit organizations.

Baker received his undergraduate degree, with distinction, from Cornell University and his Juris Doctorate from Boston University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in all state courts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, and the United States Tax Court. He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association Business Law Section and a member of the Committee on Taxation. Mr. Baker is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys.

About the Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C.

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas. Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s 15 attorneys practice in the following areas: litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law. Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA. For more information, contact (781) 848-9610 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

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Apollo Safety launches Environmental Health and Safety Division

January 12, 2015 // by admin

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Apollo Safety, Inc. a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products and services, recently announced the formation of an Environmental Health & Safety Division to better serve university, manufacturer, oil and gas refineries, life science, biotech and other large facility clients. The new division will feature extensive offerings as it pertains to gas detection equipment, maintenance and monitoring and compliance.

“Environmental Health & Safety departments at large universities, refineries, manufacturers, etc. have become more commonplace in recent years and that certainly is a step in the right direction when it comes to the safety of residents, staff and visitors, ” said John V. Carvalho III, president of Apollo Safety, Inc. “Unfortunately, gas detection equipment, maintenance and monitoring are areas where these facilities are a bit behind and that’s where our new division can help.”

Apollo Safety’s offerings include a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems suitable for large universities, including name brands like Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems by Honeywell, RKI Instruments, and GMI. Apollo Safety also offers portable gas monitors for rental at weekly or monthly rates. Rental equipment is calibrated to NIST standards.

In addition, Apollo Safety also provides on-site installation and training and 24/7 service. Apollo Safety technicians are factory-trained. In addition, Apollo offers its own proprietary training program, with five levels of certification.

“Apollo Safety technicians are factory-trained to keep gas-monitoring equipment compliant with OSHA, state and local regulations,” said Carvalho. “It is extremely important for facilities like this that house laboratories, dormitories and other areas of potential risk to have a trained professional inspect and service monitoring devices.”

Apollo Safety provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems. Apollo uses only factory-original parts for repairs and repairs are made exactly to manufacturer’s requirements. Apollo guarantees a 48-hour turnaround time with pre-approval, though 86 percent of all repairs are completed in five days or less. Software upgrades included with all repairs, if available from the manufacturer.