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Rodman & Rodman’s Kathy Parker Outlines Subtleties of Clean Energy Tax Incentives at Environmental Business Council Conference in Boston

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

“With the elimination of the 1603 cash grant, the primary tax incentive driving renewable energy investment will be the Investment Tax Credit or ITC,” said Kathy Parker, speaking last week in Boston at the Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar, hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England. Kathy Parker, CPA, MST is a partner at CPA firm, Rodman & Rodman, P.C., and a leader at the firm’s “Green Team” renewable energy practice.

The ITC is not simply a deduction, explained Parker. It is a tax credit good for up to 30% of the cost of the project, and is often an incentive that can only be enjoyed by entities with substantial passive income and a large tax appetite. Passive losses can only be offset by passive income. “C corporations with large income are great candidates to take losses, but sometimes these investors are hard to find or the deals are too small for larger investors to take an interest,” noted Parker. The credit can also be used to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Parker went on to say that passive investors are individuals or entities participating in management activities less than 500 hours per year. Losses and credits are limited through what the IRS defines as Passive Activity Loss (PAL).  PAL can offset other passive income not related to the renewable energy project. Losses can be carried forward, while credits can be carried back one year and carried forward 20 years.

Tax equity can be structured several different ways for maximum return and minimum risk for the developer and tax equity investor, said Parker. Some of these options include Partnership Flips, and Sales – Leasebacks. “The choice of transaction type depends on the investor’s capital, liquidity, and need for return,” said Parker. “The flip affords the investor more flexibility while the leaseback does not require a substantial infusion of initial capital.”

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. Rodman & Rodman is one of the only providers in New England with a specialized “Green Team”, a green energy and clean technology accounting and tax practice that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. The firm has locations in Newton and Braintree, MA.  For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman’s Kathy Parker Outlines Subtleties of Clean Energy Tax Incentives at Environmental Business Council Conference in BostonRead More

My Pinnacle Network announces July 2014 schedule of B2B networking meetings.

BOURNE, BRAINTREE, MARSHFIELD, MANSFIELD, NEWTON, PLYMOUTH, WESTBOROUGH, MA and PROVIDENCE, RI…

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

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

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, July 1, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 230, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, July 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

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

My Pinnacle Network – Plymouth, Thursday, July 10, 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, July 10, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 29 Crafts Street (Aflac offices), Newton, MA 02458.

My Pinnacle Network – Providence, Wednesday, July 16, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at Admirals Bank, 15 Park Row West, Providence, RI 02903.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, July 17, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, July 24, 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.

My Pinnacle Network announces July 2014 schedule of B2B networking meetings.Read More

OnGuard Lock & Chain Emerge as “Unbeatable” Champion In National Geographic Product Showdown

OnGuardShowdownChamps!OnGuard, a leader in bicycle and powersports security and one of the signature brands of Todson Inc. based in Foxborough, MA, captured the coveted title of “Unbeatable” in a product showdown on National Geographic Channel’s “Showdown of the Unbeatables”.

In the hit new series, Brian Unger and Zane Lamprey, the show’s hosts, line-up the best products of American companies against one another in a battle where only one walks away victorious.

In the 20-minute “Showdown of the Unbeatables” segment, which aired on May 23, 2014, OnGuard’s toughest lock and chain, the Beast Chain and Boxer U-Lock, were put to extreme strength and endurance tests. In a test of tensile strength, OnGuard successfully pulled a full sized, 20-ton military tank. The lock and chain then withstood a blowtorch and a shootout at 40 feet, where it took direct hits from a barrage of bullets from a 357 Magnum and AR15.

The final showdown set OnGuard lock and chain against a Link-Belt excavator, one of the most formidable of all heavy construction equipment. OnGuard was victorious against the excavator’s metal teeth and emerged as the “Showdown of the Unbeatables” champion.

For a video clip of the show, visit http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/showdown-of-the-unbeatables/videos/weak-link/

“Our toughest OnGuard security lock was put through the paces – enduring bullets, a blowtorch, being pulled by a tank and the attack of an excavator – and came out on top. We’re thrilled that consumers were able to witness these challenges and see for themselves just how ‘Unbeatable’ OnGuard is,” noted Neal Todrys, president of Todson.

OnGuard is known for their quality, innovation, and top-rankings. Providing the best lock at the best price, OnGuard has received a number of accolades over the years. In addition to being named a Champion in “Showdown of the Unbeatables”, the OnGuard Pitbull STD lock won Gizmodo’s Best rating and the OnGuard Mastiff 5019 passed the Men’s Journal Torture Test.

The OnGuard line-up is categorized based on security levels (Ultimate, High, and Basic) so customers can confidently choose the lock that best suits their needs. OnGuard locks come with key-code registration service for secure key replacement, keyed-alike options, comprehensive anti-theft programs, limited lifetime warranties and more.

OnGuard products are offered at the finest independent bicycle and motorsports dealers and can also be purchased online at onguardlock.com.

OnGuard Security – More Lock, Less Money

OnGuard locks offer optimal bicycle and motorsports security with the latest technological innovations, quality construction, and ease-of-use at very competitive pricing. OnGuard, along with Topeak and Velox, are the signature brands of the family-owned Todson company. For more than 60 years, Todson has been a fixture of the bicycling industry in the U.S., representing some of the world’s most storied cycling brands. Todson is a full-service organization offering distributors, retailers and consumers a complete range of products and services.

Todson is headquartered in Foxborough, MA. For more information about OnGuard, visit www.onguardlock.com or call 774-306-3248.

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Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors 11th Annual LGBT Senior Pride Tea Dance

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, is a sponsor for the “11th Annual Pride Tea Dance for LGBT Seniors and Their Friends”, on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

The Pride Tea Dance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Seniors and Their Friends will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 1200 Beacon Street in Brookline. The LGBT Senior Pride Coalition is hosting the event during Boston Pride Week, June 6 to June 15, 2014.

“OCES supports this event and is striving to create greater awareness of this population. OCES aspires to support everyone without exception,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased at the Pride Tea Dance on June 8th.

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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Emerson Bearing tees off with expanded golf division

Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing
Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS…

A good walk spoiled. That’s how some describe the game of golf. More and more golf courses agree and have opted for carts-only. With the increased use of carts comes increased maintenance and need for parts. That’s why Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the world, recently expanded its golf division as part of the company’s recreation industry offerings.

“We originally formed our golf division a few years ago because there had been such an increase in demand for our bearings for golf carts. Well, that has continued the past few years and we needed to reinforce the division to serve not only golf courses but other companies that utilize golf carts for their operations. So we have added personnel and expertise to better serve this market,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing.

Bearings for the golf cart market must be able to withstand outdoor environments and for this, Emerson Bearing provides mounted units with triple lip seals and ball bearings with full contact sealing. They also provide spherical bushings, spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, adhesives and sealants, rod ends, oil seals and mounted units. Emerson Bearing Boston carries a full range of brands for this market including SKF, FAG and KVC, as quite often, customers choose a brand based on price point.

Emerson Bearing Senior Marketing Specialist Richard Furtado leads the Golf division team. Furtado  assist clients in determining which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application. He can be reached at contact 866-995-8761 or email rfurtado@Emersonbearing.com.

The Emerson Bearing Difference 

In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Emerson Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets across the country. Emerson Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Emerson Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with more than three million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing has become the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in the U.S. Emerson Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@Emersonbearing.com or visit www.Emersonbearing.com.

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From Alpaca to Art. Painting per day helps raise funds for non-profits.

This year, Jeff Seaberg, a Pembroke artist, alpaca farmer and bed and breakfast proprietor is creating one original painting every day and giving 10% of sales to charity in memory of his fellow artist, and friend Jim Falck.

Most recently, the World Vision charity, dedicated to preserving children lives worldwide, was a recipient of a $100 check signed by both Jeff and the buyer of the painting.  Thus far, he has painted over several dozen canvases.

A fine art degree from Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts, experience drawing caricatures in San Diego, California, and using his art to teach English in Costa Rica all serve as the foundation of Jeff’s artistic perspective. Now married with four children, Jeff works from his home studio where he runs an alpaca farm and a bed and breakfast, in Pembroke, Massachusetts.

Art mimics life and part of Jeff’s life is the Alpaca farm. These exotic and cuddly creatures have become a regularly occurring subject matter of many of Jeff’s pieces, including “Alpaca Pez” which depicts exactly that– an Alpaca head fixed on a Pez candy dispenser set on an abstract multicolored background featuring long wide strokes and thin lines that highlight.  Hens, Honey Bees, and Peacocks share the spotlight with the alpacas on the farm and canvas in other works like “Bee Friends” and “Blue Chicken”.I'm so Happy you came (2) smaller

Jeff’s collections of paintings are available in print and original are available from his FineArtAmerica.com account [www.jeff-seaberg.artistwebsites.com]. Stay up to date with every daily painting from Jeff’s “Painting a Day, Art Explosion 2014” at the Facebook page [www.facebook.com/jeffseabergart] for the project.

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Between Rounds Café Shows their Team Spirit

betweenrounds logo 1Spring sports are in full swing and Between Rounds, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut shows their team spirit for young athletes with a special promotion.

From baseball and lacrosse to soccer, tennis and all other spring sports, young athletes (up to age 18) can stop by any Between Rounds location wearing their team uniform and receive two free bagels of their choice (toppings extra).

“The benefits that kids get from playing team sports are numerous. A team sport can give a young athlete a kick start on their career, because essentially, it teaches the leadership and teamwork skills you need to know when working in or running a business,” noted Jerry Puiia, co-owner of Between Rounds franchise.

Young athletes can stop by any location wearing their team uniform to take advantage of Between Rounds bagel offer.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware. Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland. Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT. Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available.

For more information about Between Rounds, visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

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South Coast Improvement, Co. says ‘thank you’ to Franciscan Hospital with pillow puppets.

image of Sean Whalen of South Coast Improvement
Marion, Mass.-based South Coast Improvement Co. (SCI) recently delivered pillow puppets to patients at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston, MA as a ‘thank you’ for their patience during a recent SCI project.

MARION, MA…

When you think of general contractors, you usually don’t think “warm and fuzzy”. That’s unless you ask the children at Franciscan Hospital for Children in the Brighton section of Boston. After a recent visit by South Coast Improvement Co. to deliver 25 pillow puppets to the children, the consensus there is that GC’s, particularly those from South Coast Improvement, are all that and a bag of potato chips.

“We’ve done a lot of work over the past few years at Franciscan Hospital and the cooperation of the staff and patients and their families has been phenomenal,” said Sean Whalen, South Coast Improvement’s vice president of business development. “We go to great lengths to minimize any disruption to hospital activities. That’s only possible with help of staff and the patience of patients. The pillow puppets for the kids are just our way of saying thank you.”

South Coast Improvement’s projects at Franciscan Hospital have included the relocation of the reception desk, a renovation accomplished without ever closing down the entrance lobby. To minimize the impact to traffic flow and in and out of the hospital, South Coast completely constructed the new reception desk off-site and prepared the wiring in advance. Installation was as simple as dropping in the desk and plugging in the electrical.

Installation of the new reception desk wasn’t the only thing special about this project. South Coast Improvement designed the millwork for the reception area to look like blades of sea grass waving in the breeze. South Coast Improvement also designed a cloud system, constructed out of drywall, and hung it over the new reception desk.

“We’re delighted with work performed by South Coast Improvement on the reception area,” said Chantal Brandimarte, advancement associate for Franciscan Hospital for Children. “As for the pillow puppets, I can’t say I’m surprised. The crews who have worked on these projects have always had a soft spot for the kids and this generous gift just shows that.”

South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare and institutional clients. In addition to Franciscan Hospital for Children, South Coast Improvement has also done extensive projects at hospitals such as the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital-Plymouth (the former Jordan Hospital) and such healthcare facilities as National Health Corporation, Sun Health Care Group and Welch Healthcare and Retirement Group.

For more information on South Coast Improvement, Inc., please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Announces Family Caregiver Workshop on June 12th in Whitman

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, individuals with disabilities and caregivers, is holding an “It’s About Time” workshop on Thursday, June 12, 2014 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Whitman Council on Aging, 16 Hayden Avenue in Whitman.

The “It’s About Time” workshop is a free event for family caregivers of older adults and grandparents raising grandchildren. Caregivers are taught techniques and strategies for managing their time and reducing stress. Topics covered include meal preparation, time management and relaxation techniques.

This workshop is offered in partnership with the Whitman Council on Aging. Funding is provided through a generous grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation.

“The ‘It’s About Time’ workshop teaches caregivers the much-needed strategies which help them to avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while they provide essential caregiving services,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director at OCES.

There is no cost to attend the workshop and a companion book will be provided free of charge.  Attendees will also enjoy complimentary lunch and raffles. Class size is limited and pre-registration is required.

To register, contact Rochelle Sugarman, Outreach and Education Specialist in the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES (508) 584-1561 extension 312.

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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