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Free Hanover Shred-a-thon

April 6, 2014 // by admin

With tax season behind us and spring cleaning just ahead, the South Shore community is encouraged to take advantage of the free Shred-a-thon sponsored by and at the offices of the Investment Advisory Group located at 51 Mill Street, Building D – Suite 101, Hanover, MA 02339.

The event is set for Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public is invited to bring their unwanted documents. No need to remove paper clips and staples.

Shred King will be on site with a mobile shredding truck to slice through the details and dispose of all shredded material to a bonded recycling center, protecting the environment as well as your personal and business information.

“We are delighted to sponsor this important public service that helps protect privacy and promote recycling,” noted Jay Richards of Investment Advisory Group and sponsor of the free event. He continued, “Protect yourself from identity theft by shredding pre-approved credit card offers, old bills, out-of-date account statements and other personal documents that include confidential information by shredding them at this event.”

There are over 10 million identity theft victims in the U.S., according to ABC News.

What should you bring to the Shred-a-thon? The list includes old checks/carbon copies of checks, bank statements, pay stubs, receipts, credit card offers, medical information, medical bills, bills, and retirement statements.

What not to bring to the Shred-a-thon? Please leave these at home or the office – phone books, newspapers, plastics, pop cans, plastic bins, computers and monitors.

About Shred King

Based in Holbrook, MA and serving all of Eastern, MA, Shred King is a AAA NAID certified company and a leader in document shredding, document storage, document imaging and tape rotation. Whether it’s mobile shredding, paper shredding, document shredding, or any other document destruction service designed to help you comply with HIPAA, the Graham-Leach Bliley Act, 201 CMR17, or any other mandated privacy protection requirement, Shred King takes on all projects large and small. “Investment Advisory group gets it” says Don Cornell of Shred King Corp. He continued, “They realize how important is to make sure their customers information is destroyed properly.”

About Investment Advisory Group

Investment Advisory Group offers a full range of financial planning that takes into account every aspect of the client’s life. The company provides ongoing, proactive and interactive communication. Investment Advisory Group shares the information the client will need to decide what steps to take to help protect what they’ve earned and to help provide for the future. The company focus is independent thought, independent choice, and independent action – on the client’s behalf.

For more information about the Shred-a-thon, contact Jay Richards, jayrichards@iagadvisors.com, (781) 826-1235, X 11.

Jay Richards welcomes you to a free Shredathon on May 3.

Free Hanover Shred-a-thonRead More

Driving networking to the next level.

March 31, 2014 // by admin

DATELINE: PLYMOUTH, MA…

Vroom, vroom. The South Shore Ad Club, local Chambers of Commerce and leading networking groups are connecting in the fast lane to host a networking and Meet the Marketing Director event at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, 137 Samoset Street, Plymouth, MA 02360 on Wednesday, April 16th 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

As part of the Meet the Marketing Director series, Jeff Tracy will give a short presentation on the marketing strategy of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

In addition to the South Shore Ad Club, participating organizations include the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce, Pembroke Chamber of Commerce, Norwell Chamber of Commerce, Marshfield Chamber of Commerce, South Shore Networking Professionals, South Shore Women’s Business Network and My Pinnacle Network.

The entire business community is invited to attend. Refreshments and a cash bar will be available. Cost is $9. To attend, please RSVP to SouthShoreAdClub.com.

About The South Shore Ad Club

The South Shore Ad Club is a non-profit organization committed to the personal and professional development of communications professionals located south of Boston. It is the club’s mission to improve, strengthen and advance career goals through learning and networking opportunities; and to serve as a resource for local and Boston-area businesses requiring marketing, advertising, public relations and/or communications services.

To RSVP, visit www.SouthShoreAdClub.com.

Driving networking to the next level.Read More

A Midwestern expansion. Spartan Surfaces to rep SelecTech products in Midwest

March 31, 2014 // by admin

AVON, MA and CHICAGO, IL…

SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, announced an agreement with Spartan Surfaces to represent the company in the Midwest. This arrangement supplements an existing relationship between the two companies where Spartan Surfaces represents SelecTech in the Atlantic Coast region.

“We have had a very good working relationship with Spartan Surfaces since they began representing us last summer in the Atlantic Coast states,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Incorporated. “It just made sense to expand that relationship to give us superior representation in the Midwest.

Spartan Surfaces is a sales and consulting group specializing in commercial flooring alternatives. As part of the supplemental agreement, Spartan Surfaces will provide sales and marketing solutions for SelecTech in the Midwestern states of Illinois, Indiana and Iowa.

“SelecTech flooring solves the major issue regarding flooring, namely down time for installation. Because of the interlocking technology they use, you can install, repair or replace flooring without closing your operation or major moving of furniture and equipment,” said Michael Blasek, LEED AP and managing partner of Spartan Surfaces-Chicago. “The added benefit that SelecTech products are greener–made mostly from recycled products—makes their products a winning proposition for companies looking to upgrade their flooring with a greener more efficient alternative.”

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.

In addition, 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.

To learn more about SelecTech products, including the FreeStyle and FreeStyle ESD flooring products, visit http://www.selectechinc.com. For more information on Spartan Surfaces, visit www.spartansurfaces.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.

A Midwestern expansion. Spartan Surfaces to rep SelecTech products in MidwestRead More

$110 Million Federal Grant Will Increase Community First Options For Older Adults and People with Disabilities

March 30, 2014 // by admin

A $110.6 million grant has been awarded from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help the Office of Health and Human Services (HHS) expand and enhance the Commonwealth’s community-based long term services and supports system for elders and individuals with disabilities. Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency that serves older adults and individuals with disabilities, is pleased with this news because the much needed funding will help ensure long-term home care needs will be addressed.

The grant award comes from CMS’s Balancing Incentive Program (BIP), a part of the Affordable Care Act, which provides enhanced federal funds to states that enrich their long-term care system. States participating in BIP are required to spend at least 50 percent of their federal funding on non-institutional community-based, Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS) by September 2015.

According to Mass Home Care, the Community First/Olmstead Plan of 2007 established a road map that has been guiding the development of increased access to person-centered information and self-directed services for people in need of LTSS. BIP provides another major opportunity toward full access for all populations in need of LTSS.

“We applaud the Administration for expanding its Community First effort, while at the same time, increasing federal matching funds to the state,” said Mass Home Care Executive Director Al Norman. “Elders want a chance to live out their days at home. BIP will provide more funding to honor that desire.”

“This funding is of great significance as it will support the dignity and independence of elders and people with disabilities by helping them receive essential services to maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Per Mass Home Care, the Governor’s FY’15 budget proposal also includes a $16.9 million expansion of the Commonwealth’s Home Care Program and $1.3 million to expand the Supportive Housing Program from 31 to 41 sites, to allow public housing residents to age in place in an “assisted-living” environment. Over the last decade, Massachusetts has demonstrated a 62 percent increase in length of stay in Elder Affairs Community First programs, helping eliminate or delay long-term facility placement for thousands of residents.

“This funding is an affirmation of our commitment to making community-based services a reality for our most vulnerable residents. I thank the Obama Administration for their partnership in providing our seniors and individuals with disabilities the support they need to live comfortably,” said Governor Deval Patrick in a Mass Home Care press release.

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 173 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

$110 Million Federal Grant Will Increase Community First Options For Older Adults and People with DisabilitiesRead More

Stride for Stride for the Greater Good. Plymouth Rock Racing launches Non-Profit Division

March 26, 2014 // by admin

Collyn Brenner and Craig V. Brenner, son and father, work together to manage Plymouth area road races.

In tandem with helping Whale and Dolphin Conservation manage the upcoming “Race to Save Species 5K”, Plymouth Rock Racing announces their new Non-Profit Division with a suite of special services to direct organized and financially successful road race events.

Race to Save Species 5K is set for Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m. and will start at the Roo Bar, Cordage Park, Plymouth and continue along the waterside running path. Pre-registration fee is $27, race day registration fee is $30. For full race details, visit http://www.running4free.com/RaceDetails.aspx?raceid=303.

“We are excited about both working with the Whale and Dolphin Conservation to move their race to the next level and to launch our Non-Profit Division to provide similar consultation and structure to assure the success of other charity road races,” note Craig V. Brenner, founder of Plymouth Rock Racing which directs 20 races throughout the year in Plymouth.

Brenner added, “We understand non-profits are overwhelmed with delivering great services to their constituents. Organizing a road race includes a punch list of over 400 tasks. Most non-profit executives don’t know where to start, how to prioritize, and when to schedule all the details that are necessary for a successful road race. We look forward to helping great causes make great strides in fund-raising, community building and visibility through well run road races.”

Plymouth Rock Racing offers a turn-key solution for non-profit organization to manage the complexities of a road race including a step by step operations manual and workbook that covers the over 400 tasks involved; a marketing manual that provides a detailed outline of how to promote the race through social media, online presence registration sites, public relations and traditional registration flyers, postering and signage; consultation on race permitting and working with town officials and police departments; the specifics of marking the course, race timing, insurance, announcing and music services and photography services; resourcing course equipment such as generator, tables, chairs and Gatorade jugs; handling registration, finish line logistics; and post-event awards and celebration.

Previously, Plymouth Rock Racing has assisted a variety of non-profit organizations including Run for Faith, Boys Scouts Girl Scouts of Hull, Run for your Mother (formerly the Earth Day Race and Run for One.

For more information, please visit www.Plymouth RockRacing.com.

Stride for Stride for the Greater Good. Plymouth Rock Racing launches Non-Profit DivisionRead More

Hand-me downs that can change a life forever. Lapels Dry Cleaning kicks off its Annual Clothing Drive to benefit Big Brother/Big Sister April 5 – April 19

March 25, 2014 // by admin

HANOVER, MA …

Last year, Lapels Dry Cleaning customers from five states donated nearly 10,000 pounds of clothing for Big Brother/Big Sister organizations in those respective states. That included 5,744 pounds donated for Big Brother/Big Sister for Massachusetts Bay. Starting April 5 and running through April 19, Lapels Dry Cleaning will host its Annual Clothing Drive in six states with the goal of shattering last year’s mark.

“One pound of clothes is said to be the equivalent of $1. So while we were very pleased with raising nearly $10,000 with last year’s drive, we know this year the combination of our franchisees participation and our best of class customers will put us into record-breaking numbers once again,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning.

This year’s Lapels Clothing drives will take place in Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey (Monmouth, Ocean and Essex counties) and Rhode Island. The 25-plus locations in Massachusetts will all be participating.

Starting April 5 and running through April 19, Lapels customers and the general public are welcome to donate any gently used clothing items including: Men’s, Women’s and Children’s clothing, coats, jackets, shoes ( any season or size). Household items such as linens, sheets, blankets, towels, drapes, comforters, afghans, curtains, fabric and purses are also accepted.

Clothes collected by Lapels Dry Cleaning will be donated to Big Brother/Big Sister and in turn will then be sold by high-end thrift stores. The net proceeds from those sales are donated towards Big Brother/Big Sister of Massachusetts Bay mentoring programs for young girls and boys.

“This annual clothing drive is actually something our customers look forward to because it kills two birds with one stone. On one hand, they get to help a very worthy cause raise money without it costing them a dime out of their pocket. On the other, they’re removing unwanted items from their home. It’s the proverbial win-win where everybody wins,” said Dubois.

For the addresses of Lapels Dry Cleaning stores near you, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past 12 years. Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners in the U.S. able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

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, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), 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); Texas (Austin, Brownsville, Cedar Park). Additional locations are coming soon to New Albany MS, Jacksonville, FL, Fleming Island, FL, South Boston, MA, Scottsdale, AZ, Bee Cave, TX, Hingham, MA and Allston, MA

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.

Hand-me downs that can change a life forever. Lapels Dry Cleaning kicks off its Annual Clothing Drive to benefit Big Brother/Big Sister April 5 – April 19Read More

Marblehead resident Sean Whalen named chairman of JDRF’s Boston Walk to Cure Diabetes

March 20, 2014 // by admin

Type 1 diabetes, JDRF — Marblehead resident Sean Whale and son Jesse with Congressman John Tierney. Whalen was recently named chairman of of the 2014 JDRF Boston Walk to Cure Diabetes. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Their annual Boston walk, planned for Saturday, September 27 is expected to raise more than $1.3M for T1D research.

MARBLEHEAD, MA…

Sean Whalen, of Marblehead, was recently named as the chairman of the 2014 JDRF Boston Walk to Cure Diabetes. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Their annual Boston walk, planned for Saturday, September 27 is expected to raise more than $1.3M for T1D research.

Whalen became involved with JDRF three years ago after his then three-year-old son, Jesse, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Seeing the daily challenges Jesse faces, Whalen formed the “Jesse James Gang” team to participate in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. Over the past three years, the Jesse James Gang has raised more than $20,000.

“The JDRF Boston Walk has meant a lot to my family over the past three years and I’m deeply honored to be named chairman for the 2014 walk,” said Whalen, a vice president of business development for South Coast Improvement, Inc., who resides in Marblehead with his wife Sandra and five sons—Robert, Jack, Sam, Gordie and Jesse.

Adds Whalen, “It’s a 24/7 job caring for a child with T1D. It involves monitoring carbohydrates intake, blood checks and constantly keeping an eye on their condition. Jesse is now six and you wouldn’t know by looking at him that there’s anything wrong. But it’s a part of our daily life to monitor him and stay on top of his condition. By working with the JDRF and raising money for research, we hope to one day soon have a cure for this cruel and devastating disease.”

As the largest charitable supporter of type 1 diabetes research, JDRF is currently sponsoring $530 million in scientific research in 17 countries. In 2012 alone, JDRF provided more than $110 million to T1D research. More than 80 percent of JDRF’s expenditures directly support research and research-related education. In 2012 Forbes magazine named JDRF one of its five All-Star charities, citing the organization’s efficiency and effectiveness.

“We’re delighted to have someone with Sean’s passion as chairman of the JDRF Boston Walk to Cure Diabetes,” said Amy Montalto, executive director of the New England Chapter. “This position requires energy and a passion and unparalleled devotion. Sean has those qualities and then some. We are truly fortunate to have him at the helm of this year’s walk.”

For complete information on JDRF, visit www.jdrf.org. For information on the JDRF Boston Walk, visit www.newengland.jdrf.org.

Marblehead resident Sean Whalen named chairman of JDRF’s Boston Walk to Cure DiabetesRead More

SelecTech has the floor at MedEd Facilities Expo, April 1 and 2

March 18, 2014 // by admin

AVON, MA and BOSTON, MA…

SelecTech, Inc., a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products from recycled materials, recently announced it will be an exhibitor at Med Ed Facilities trade show this April 1-2 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston. SelecTech will be manning space 729 in the Learning Center.

As part of its exhibit, SelecTech will be showcasing its FreeStyle line of commercial flooring products. In addition to employing SelecTech’s patented interlocking technology—which eliminates the need for adhesive materials and minimizes down time—the FreeStyle is made of anti-static materials that are essential to healthcare and education institutions utilizing electronic data.

“In today’s medical facilities, data can be every bit as important to saving lives as the medicine itself. Our FreeStyle and other ESD flooring products create an antistatic environment that safeguards critical information,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech, Inc. “We’re hoping to reach as many building owners, building directors and facilities managers as possible to make them aware of the multi-faceted benefits of our ESD and other products.”

Representing SelecTech at MedEd will be its New England manufacturing representative ProSpec Solutions of Westborough, Massachusetts.

In addition to exhibitors, MedEd features a number of speakers, networking opportunities and free sessions and special events. For complete information, visit http://www.mededboston.com.

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

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech has the floor at MedEd Facilities Expo, April 1 and 2Read More

Lights, camera, action! PR Works adds a Video Division.

March 18, 2014 // by admin

Responding to the trend that more than half of visits to the Internet are to view videos, PR Works, a Kingston, MA-based firm serving clients throughout North America, has launched an in-house Video Division. Abraham Dubin, a recent graduate of Massachusetts College of Art and Design and with experience in shooting both regional business segments and national skateboard videos, will head up the new department.

“Video is often the quickest way to communicate your company message,” noted Steve Dubin, founder of PR Works and the proud father of the new division director. “We are delighted to share Abraham’s enthusiasm and on the job skills to produce videos for clients that are lively, informative and highly effective as website greetings, training, product information and more.”

He continued, “Most of our clients need video, but are overwhelmed by the task or the perceived price. We now offer them a simply one stop source to shape the message, shoot the subject and upload it to their website and set up their own YouTube channel. Local businesses are not looking for a Hollywood production or expense, they need well developed messages and editing video to persuade prospects.

PR Works offering The Works

For 23 years, PR Works has been providing a wide expanse of public relations services including strategic PR planning, social media strategy involving LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, web development, E-newsletters, and sales collateral development.

For more information, please visit www.PRWorkZone.com, or contact Steve Dubin at (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com, 51 Lot Phillips Road, Kingston, MA.

Lights, camera, action! PR Works adds a Video Division.Read More