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Will your employer give notice this October? Employers face October 1 deadline to issue Notice of Exchange

Brabo Benefits
Scott Hokanson, owner of Brabo Benefits, helps Massachusetts employers stay compliant with the Notice of Exchange requirement

PLYMOUTH, MA…

On October 1, employers of all sizes in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts are required to give notice to their employees—a notice of exchange, that is. This special notice alerts workers of the availability of health insurance through the government program, known as the Healthcare Marketplace or Exchange.

The Exchange provides a healthcare insurance option for workers whose employer does not offer this benefit. Workers whose employers offer healthcare benefits also have the option of purchasing their healthcare insurance from The Exchange if those benefits do not meet certain standards.

“While most employers who offer health insurance do meet the standards, the issuing of the Notice of Exchange by October 1 is important because workers who opt for the Exchange might also be eligible for a federal subsidy,” said Scott Hokanson, president of Brabo Benefits, a healthcare benefits company based in Plymouth, MA.  “Making sure your employees know what resources are available to them is very important.  Often, employees enrolled in my clients’ group coverage may be eligible for some form of subsidized care.”

As one of its services, Brabo Benefits writes and sends the Notice of Exchange on behalf of its clients. Brabo Benefits will also act as the point of contact for all healthcare insurance-related matters for its clients.

“For a lot of our small business clients, it’s a big enough challenge to keep up with the things they need to do on a day-to-day basis, never mind keep up with twists and turns of health care reform,” said Hokanson. “By helping them select health insurance that meets the standards set by national and local health reform and filing the necessary paperwork on their behalf, we can help them remain compliant and focusing on what they do best—their business.”

In addition to Notices of Exchange, Brabo Benefits also takes care of other annual mandatory notices—e.g. Women’s Health and Cancer Rights; Summary of Plan descriptions—on behalf of its clients.

For questions regarding the upcoming Notice of Exchange, call 617-733-6471 or e-mail shokanson@brabobenefits.com.

A friend with benefits – Brabo Benefits

Based in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Brabo Benefits provides the full package of employee benefits packages, including: health, dental, life, disability, and stop loss insurance. In addition  Brabo Benefits offers consultative services, such as underwriting support and health care reform compliance. For more information, visit www.brabobenefits.com or call 617-733-6471.

 

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Caregiver Support Group at Hanson Senior Center

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, offers a Caregiver Support Group on the second Tuesday of each month, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hanson Senior Center, 132 Maquan Street, Library/Senior Center Building, Hanson, MA 02341.

The Caregiver Support Group is for family caregivers of older adults or younger adults with disabilities. Family caregivers are those who are caring for a parent, spouse, relative or friend residing at home, in an assisted living/nursing facility or perhaps even across the country.

The group provides support for one another and participants learn from each other. Several times a year, speakers address the support group. Topics vary and have included elder law, dementia and community services. There is no fee to attend.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Networking Ninja Award nomination sought. My Pinnacle Network sponsors recognition of the region’s best connectors.

You know the guy.  He is everywhere. You know the gal. She helps everyone find a job, discover an office space, connect a mentor, refer a new client.

 

My Pinnacle Network, the business to business networking group with month meetings in Bourne, Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Newton, Plymouth, Westboro, MA and Providence RI, announces the First Annual Networking Ninja Awards.  Nominations are sought for the following categories – Best Connector (helping bring people together); Most Ubiquitous (appears to be at every networking event); Most Altruistic (does most for others); and Brightest Beacon (adds energy to networking events).

 

The public and business communities are encouraged to visit the My Pinnacle Network – www.MyPinnacleNetwork.com – to nominate friends and colleagues.  Deadline is October 31.  Winners will be announced December 1.

 

“Networking, sharing information and opportunity, is what makes the world go round,” noted Steven V. Dubin, one of the founders of My Pinnacle Network.  He continued, “The Networking Ninja Awards recognize the contributions of our areas best connectors, best networkers and encourages everyone to open their doors and databases to help each other.  Both whimsical and pragmatic, these awards will provide recognition for many who typically do great deeds and humbly hang is the shadows.”

 

For information about the Networking Ninja Awards, please visit http://www.mypinnaclenetwork.com/award, or contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061. Steve Dubin Connects the Dots for My Pinnacle Network 04 23 12

Networking Ninja Award nomination sought. My Pinnacle Network sponsors recognition of the region’s best connectors.Read More

10 ways to save money on health insurance…NOW!

10 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON HEALTH INSURANCE..NOW!

September 25th 8:30AM—10:00AM
Chamber of Commerce Building
134 Court Street Plymouth MA 02360

Come meet Plymouth’s resident expert in health insurance and hear how you and your company can save money in a post healthcare reform world!

Register at www.brabobenefits.com

RSVP: @ www.BraboBenefits.com or https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SHTQFWV
Scott F. Hokanson, Sr.
Brabo Benefits
115 Sandwich Street
Plymouth MA 02360
617 733 6471 shokanson@brabobenefits.com

10 ways to save money on health insurance…NOW!Read More

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Six-Week Program for Family Caregivers Beginning September 16th

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, is offering a “Powerful Tools For Caregivers” six-week educational program for family caregivers.

The class meets on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Emmanuel House Residence, 25 East Nilsson Street, Brockton, MA 02301. The class begins September 16, 2014 and concludes on October 14, 2014. There is no fee to attend.

Family caregivers who are caring for a parent, spouse, relative or friend can benefit from this class, regardless of whether they are caring for someone residing at home, in an assisted living/nursing facility or across the country.

Attendees will learn how to reduce stress and relax; communicate more effectively; take care of themselves; reduce guilt, anger and depression; make tough decisions; set goals and problem-solve. Complimentary copies of the Caregiver Helpbook will be distributed.

Class size is limited and registration is required. Call Kathleen Ward or Patricia Livie, Class Leaders at (508) 584-1561 extension 348 or 373.

This educational program is presented by OCES Healthy Living Programs and sponsored by Emmanuel House Residence.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 179 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

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Georgia CALLS Non-Profit to Hold Grand Opening Ceremony on September 12th

GeorgiaCALLS ofcGeorgia CALLS, a unique 501(c)3 non-profit helping high-risk, returning citizens make a successful transition from incarceration back into society as business entrepreneurs, will officially announce their partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry (GOTSR), Georgia Department of Corrections, and Phillips Transitional Center in a Grand Opening Ceremony on Friday, September 12, 2014 at 10 a.m.
The ceremony will be held at the Georgia CALLS custom-designed, pilot work/training facility at 1705 Enterprise Drive in Buford. State officials from all partnering government entities will be in attendance. A representative from the Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce will speak along with the non-profit’s Executive Director Jay Reeder. The event will include a ribbon cutting ceremony and tour of the facility, followed by light refreshments.
Georgia CALLS is partnering with the GOTSR, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Phillips Transitional Center in support of The Georgia Prisoner Reentry Initiative (GA-PRI) as a groundbreaking effort to change the way supervised individuals are reintegrated into the community. During the first year of the elite program, Georgia CALLS will provide social services, which includes intensive case management and the implementation of TAP strategies; unrivaled and newly-developed job/life skills training; paid work experience at its inbound call center, created specifically for this initiative; and optional spiritual development to returning citizens who are seeking a life change. The Georgia CALLS re-entry program is designed with excellence by way of intentional training, both in the workplace and through distinguished, all-inclusive job/life skills coaching. Top program graduates will be invited to enter year two where they explore entrepreneurship opportunities that include extensive business and leadership training, executive-level mentoring, and capital funding options that will advocate the launch of new businesses within the community.
According to the GOTSR, together with Superintendent James Payne of Phillips Transitional Center, “Phillips Transitional Center is proud to announce its In-Reach partnership with Georgia CALLS, an organization primarily focused on serving people who were formerly incarcerated. Georgia CALLS will be a partner in providing two (2) major components needed for residents of Phillips Transitional Center to make a successful transition back into society. These two (2) components are: Life Skills Training and Employment.”
Georgia CALLS will employ 24 highly motivated individuals to not only become the CEOs of their lives, but also of their own businesses. The goal of Georgia CALLS’ reentry initiative is to make a direct community impact by transforming mindsets, growing leaders, and building entrepreneurs up, one life at a time. Through a participatory and holistic approach, Georgia CALLS will reduce recidivism and boost economic growth.
“Supporting the transition and reentry for those who have been in prison is an undertaking that government alone can’t do.” – Governor Nathan Deal, Atlanta Rotary Club, December 16, 2013
According to the Georgia Department of Corrections, “Research has shown that offenders who have the opportunity to re-enter the community after a stay in a transitional center are up to a third more likely to succeed in maintaining a crime-free life.” Georgia CALLS is hoping to increase these odds.
Many years in the making, a team varied in skill sets has put forth exceptional effort to make the Georgia CALLS dream become a unique opportunity for success among those in need. Georgia CALLS has built out a custom-designed facility where dedicated staff members are passionate about building up, mentoring, and empowering individuals to become the CEOs of their lives. Furthermore, success is not limited to the community of Buford, Georgia. The Buford facility was intentionally designed as a small pilot site to launch, test, and prove the Georgia CALLS program. Once a favorable outcome is achieved, Georgia CALLS will expand into a much larger operation to serve as many individuals in need as possible.
“The Georgia CALLS initiative will make a lasting change in our communities. It is a unique collaboration between non-profit, for profit, and government entities working together for the common good of society,” explained Reeder.
Georgia CALLS is made up of these powerful components that give program participants the greatest chance at success. 1) Social Services are highly important in providing intensive case management procedures utilizing TAP strategies and “Thinking for a Change” principles. 2) The comprehensive job/life skills training program was finely crafted to expand one’s world-view, teach higher-level executive functioning skills, and motivate individuals to take the necessary steps towards a life transformation. 3) The inbound call center is where participants learn to work, nurture their inner entrepreneurial spirit, generate an income, and gain valuable work experience. 4) Optional Spiritual Growth allows for discipleship classes that encourage individuals to be a positive influence in their home and community.
Reeder continued, “By equipping the population with the tools and support they need to succeed in the community, Georgia CALLS is working with the GOTSR to create safer neighborhoods within the community. At the same time, we are empowering individuals to make a successful life transformation and become the CEOs of their lives.”
For more information, visit http://gacalls.org/.
To view video testimonials of successful individuals who have rewritten their life stories and become CEOs of their own lives, visit the website at http://www.gacalls.org/testimonials/.
About Georgia CALLS
Located in Buford, GA, Georgia CALLS, Georgia Center For Abundant Living Life Skills, is a 501(c)3 organization created to ease the transition from incarceration back into a productive, healthy routine in the community. This unique reentry initiative is a pioneering collaboration between non-profit, for profit and government entities working together for the common good of society.
Georgia CALLS, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Transition, Support & Reentry, Georgia Department of Corrections, and Phillips Transitional Center, is transforming mindsets, growing leaders & building entrepreneurs up, one life at a time.
Utilizing a powerful combination of exclusive job/life skills training, paid work experience in the call center, intensive case management services, and optional discipleship classes, participants in the Georgia CALLS program learn to build strong character, explore their own entrepreneurial desires, and in turn give back to their own communities. Georgia CALLS works to make a last community impact by cultivating entrepreneurs and mentoring participants to be the CEOs of their lives.
For more information about Georgia CALLS, visit http://gacalls.org/.

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Rocking for a good cause. Plymouth Rocks Music Festival on Saturday, September 20.

Reach James Montgomery on harp photo Medium ResPut your hands together for a great cause.

The second annual Plymouth Rocks Music Festival is set for Saturday, September 20, 8 p.m.  – doors open at 6:30.The event, once again, brings world-class rock, blues and jazz music to support Reach, Inc., a local organization dedicated to supporting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ticket price is $35 and the event takes place at Plymouth Memorial Hall,83 Court St., Plymouth, MA. 02360. Tickets can be purchased online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/786967, at the Reach, Inc. offices, 20 Middle Street Plymouth, MA or at the concert, if still available.  For more information, visit Reach’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PlymouthRocksMusicFestival2014 or the organization’s website at www.ReachInc.net or call (508) 747-4115.

Headliners will include the James Montgomery Band with The Uptown Horns; Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, lead guitarist, founding member of Steely Dan and Doobie Brothers; Jon Butcher, member of the J. Geils “Freeze Frame Tour” and Johanna Wild; jazz phenom, saxophonist, singer and composer Grace Kelly; special guest the Aldous Collins Band, one of New England’s most beloved bands; and Danny Klein, bassist for J. Geils Band and StoneCrazy.

James Montgomery Band with the Uptown Horns

When blues legend James Montgomery plays the harmonica, he “brings it on home”. Whether it’s recording with Kid Rock, sitting in with Gregg Allman, or fronting his hot band of thirty years, Montgomery plays with authority. While growing up in Detroit he learned first-hand from the masters – James Cotton, John Lee Hooker, and Jr. Wells – at the legendary “Chessmate.” Over the years, he’s carried on in the tradition and continues to be a vital presence in Blues as one of the most dynamic performers on the scene.

The band includes David Hull on the bass, George McCann on the guitar, and Marty Richards on the drums.

Grace Kelly

Jazz phenom and young saxophonist, singer and composer, Grace Kelly, became the youngest ever musician voted to the Down Beat Magazine’s Critics Poll at age 16. At 18 she released her sixth album, Man with the Hat, a collaboration with jazz legend Phil Woods.

Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter

A founding member of Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers, Skunk Baxter has had a long and illustrious career playing in some of the biggest bands of the 20th century. His guitar skills are without equal.

Jon Butcher

A founding member of Jon Butcher Axis, Jon Butcher is an excellent guitarist often compared to the late, great Jimi Hendrix, who plays frequently with the J. Geils Band.

Danny Klein

A founding member of the J. Geils Band and StoneCrazy, Danny Klein, also known as the ‘Ace on Base’, has toured internationally and played some of the biggest venues in the world.

Aldous Collins Band

Local upstarts the Aldous Collins Band, who are increasingly seen throughout New England, have won many awards, including Best Live Show in Massachusetts and Best Live Act in New Hampshire.

About Reach, Inc.

REACH Inc. is a non-profit, tax exempt human service agency providing residential, day and life services to adults with developmental disabilities.

The organization works closely with the people we serve, their families and the Department of Developmental Services to provide supports that are designed specifically for each individual.

Rocking for a good cause. Plymouth Rocks Music Festival on Saturday, September 20.Read More

South Coast Improvement, Co. launches private school division

Tom Quinlan
Tom Quinlan

MARION, MA…

Since 1997, South Coast Improvement Co. has provided design/build services to colleges and universities throughout New England. With the increase in work at colleges and universities, as well as private secondary schools or prep schools, the Marion, Mass.-based company recently created a private school division.

In addition to general construction and building services, the new division will provide institutions of higher learning with pre-construction and purchasing services. These services will be tailored to the budget, needs and operations of the school.

“The contact on construction projects at schools and universities  and prep schools are typically the grounds or facilities manager and/or the school’s business manager. These professionals mean well but they typically do not have the construction background needed to oversee projects of this nature. Our private school division can work closely with these individuals so we can build a project on time, under budget and with minimal interruption to operations,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement, Inc.

South Coast Improvement’s division provides private schools with an additional advantage—big time general contractor capabilities that can streamline smaller projects under tight deadlines.

“Many private schools issue smaller projects in August once they have included their major capital improvements. These jobs typically have a turnaround time of two or three weeks and must be done before classes start. Smaller GCs just don’t have the resources—like the preconstruction services and a purchasing agent—to complete a job like that,” said Quinlan. “As a company, we routinely work on six-figure projects, with our highest being a $4 million project for an assisted living facility. We have those systems in place that we can often work on several smaller jobs at a school at once—and that’s how we are able to get a lot of repeat business.”

That repeat business includes projects at Boston College, Boston University, Northeastern University, Mount Ida College and Dean College. Those projects have ranged from a new video room for the Men’s Locker Room at BC’s Conte Forum to conference room and new President’s office at Mount Ida to a server room for the Kostas Homeland Security Research Facility at Northeastern.

Adds Quinlan, “Our new division makes even more sense for a prep school where tuitions can be just as much and the demands to maintain a first-rate are just as great.”

For more information South Coast Improvement’s Private School Division and its instituational capabilities, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

South Coast Improvement, Co. launches private school divisionRead More

“The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands” helps chiropractors adjust tax strategies

Paul Dion CPA
Paul Dion CPA

MILLBURY, MA…

Chiropractors preach that a spine out of alignment can cause numerous problems besides just a sore back. A bad tax strategy can wreak similar havoc. That’s why Millbury, MA-based accountant Paul Dion CPA has come out with a new book entitled The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands, to help chiropractors and self-employed individuals identify tax opportunities and strategies and how to implement them.

“Prior to any adjustment, a chiropractor will have a patient down and assess the alignment of the vertebra and take X-rays. From the exam and pictures, they can form a treatment plan. Optimizing tax opportunities for small business owners like chiropractors is very similar. It’s all about diagnosis and treatment,” said Dion.

The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands covers such topics as selecting the right benefits for you and your practice’s employees; how to take advantage of available deductions, credits, loopholes and strategies the Tax Code offers; and how to select a  retirement plan that works best for your future.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “In reality, most chiropractors are doctors first, business owners second. And thank goodness for that. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be a sound business person as well. This book lays out sound tax strategies that can benefit chiropractors and all small business owners. It’s a worthwhile read and a great starting point to taking control of your financial future.”

In addition to his publishing efforts, Dion often speaks to associations and groups, as well as other small business networking groups, regarding these tax strategies. To book Dion as a speaker, call (508) 853-3292.

CTC published The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands.  The book is available to individuals and business owners for free, although there is a $4 cost of shipping the 76-page book.

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.

 

“The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Chiropractors Thousands” helps chiropractors adjust tax strategiesRead More