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Multi-Chamber networking event at Tracy Motors.

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.

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Apollo Safety to be a 2014 UGIM sponsor

John V. Carvalho III, president of Apollo Safety, Inc.
John V. Carvalho III, president of Apollo Safety, Inc.

CAMBRIDGE and FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Apollo Safety, Inc. a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products and services, recently announced it will be a sponsor of the 20th Biennial IEEE UGIM (University Government Industry Micro/nano) Symposium. The two-day symposium will take place June 15-17 at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

“The UGIM symposium brings together leading educators and researchers from university, government, and industry around the world to discuss issues related to R&D cleanroom laboratories and trends,” said John V. Carvalho III, president of Apollo Safety, Inc. “With our company’s expertise in safety products and monitoring systems, particularly in a lab setting, this event is extremely important to us. We’re proud to be a sponsor because it helps us stay on top of what’s going on in labs across the U.S.”

UGIM presentations will take place in the Sanders Theater on the Havard Univesity campus at 45 Quincy, Street, Cambridge. The event typically draws representatives of university micro/nano fabrication facilities, as well as NSF, NIH, NIST, SEMATECH, SRC, DoD and ONR.

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 the 2014 UGIM symposium, visit http://www.cns.fas.harvard.edu/UGIM2014/. For more on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

About Apollo Safety

Apollo Safety has been serving the safety industry since 1995. 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 device 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, Massachusetts 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. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net.

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Where were you when you met your significant other?

Was it at a crowded bar right before last call? Times Square on New Year’s Eve? A Patriots game? Unless an opportunity presented itself where somehow you could have a one-on-one conversation with somebody, probably not, right. That’s not saying it couldn’t happen. But it makes it far more difficult. The same holds true for networking.

Often times, networkers get hung up on the number of people who will be attending an event or group. Yes, more people means there is more likely to be somebody there with whom you can pass leads and referrals. Yet if the structure of the event is such that you don’t meet that person, it kind of doesn’t matter. That’s the value of groups like My Pinnacle Network.

So, before you dismiss a group or event due to size, ask a few questions:

  • Will there be structured as part of the event? If not, then assume that you will probably meet five to 10 percent of the attendees at most
  • What types of business owners will be there? B2B? B2C? Most networking events don’t specify one or the other.
  • Will the attendees there be the actual owners or staff? Many networkers attend events looking for the decision makers. That can be a little unrealistic. Whether you meet the decision maker or a sales rep, you are taking a first step in building a relationship with that company, not closing a deal.

When networkers dismiss a group or event based on numbers alone, chances are they have not asked any of the above questions before making their decision. While no networking event can be considered the equivalent of shooting fish in a barrel. Most are more like shooting fish in the ocean from the beach.

As a networker, you want to put yourself in position to meet people you can help and vice versa. That doesn’t mean stay away from all large events. Just realize that while quantity improves the likelihood of a good connection being there, it raises the degree of difficulty in making that connection. Just like meeting the future Mr. or Mrs.___.

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Lapels Dry Cleaning coming to Jacksonville, Florida

dry cleaning franchise, franchise opportunity
Mike and Carla Lane are set to open two Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in the greater Jacksonville area later this spring.

JACKSONVILLE, FL AND HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently announced a five-store development agreement with Mike and Carla Lane to bring the Future of Dry Cleaning to the greater Jacksonville area. The first two stores are slated to open later this year.

“We’re extremely excited about opening in Jacksonville as it represents Lapels Dry Cleaning’s first location in Florida,” said Lane, an executive in the bottling industry and Fleming Island resident. “Lapels, with its green initiative, truly represents the future of dry cleaning and we think the response from people in Jacksonville will be tremendous.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past dozen years. Most recently, Lapels signed a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative for its newer locations.  Using these kinds of solutions and the latest technology in equipment, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners 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.

Lapels Dry Cleaning also sets itself apart with its customer service. Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s 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, the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service and FREE Home Delivery to all its customers. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

“We’re delighted to sign this agreement with Mark and Carla as it means more than bringing an environmentally friendlier way to dry clean clothes to the area. It also means jobs,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. We expect to add a total of almost 50 jobs to the greater Jacksonville area as we build our Hub & Spokes network.

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). Additional locations are coming soon to New Albany MS, Cedar Park, TX, 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.

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Celebrate March Madness with the New Between Rounds Giant Party Bagel

Between Rounds, a unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut has recently unveiled their Giant Party Bagel, just in time for March Madness.

Whether you’re caught up in the NCAA Tournament and feeding a crowd or looking to put a new twist on St. Patrick’s Day or a birthday celebration, Between Rounds’ Giant Party Bagel is sure to please everyone.

The Giant Party Bagel is a two-pound bagel comprised of a delicious selection of fresh premium Boar’s Head brand deli-meats and cheeses, and completed with a garlic bagel chip-filled center. The Giant Party Bagel may be created in custom designed shapes and logos to make an event extra special. The Giant Party Bagel is sliced into 16 pieces.

According to Between Rounds founder Jerry Puiia, “Our Giant Party Bagels are perfect for birthdays, weekend gatherings, office parties and more. We have the ability to shape the bagel into your desired design. Our mouth-watering Giant Party Bagels make it easy to satisfy a hungry crowd.”

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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Kathy Parker of Rodman & Rodman CPAs Explains Renewable Energy Project Tax Incentives at Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference

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

“Despite the expiration of the ‘1603 Cash Grant Program’, green energy developers and investors still have a variety of attractive tax incentives to encourage new investment,” said Rodman & Rodman CPAs’ Kathy Parker, at the “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” last week in Boston. Rodman & Rodman is a full service CPA firm where Ms. Parker serves as a partner, and an active leader in the firm’s Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice. The Conference was attended by more than 120 renewable energy project developers, property owners, investors and commercial lenders in the greater Boston area.

According to Parker, qualified solar, landfill gas, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, geothermal electric, fuel cells, geothermal heat pumps, municipal solid waste, CHP/cogeneration, hydrokinetic power, anaerobic digestion, small hydroelectric, tidal energy, wave energy, ocean thermal, fuel cells (using renewable fuels), and microturbines, are eligible for a 30 percent investment tax credit. Although the credit will not be in cash, it can be used to reduce tax liability for one year back and 20 years forward, said Parker. After 2016, the investment Tax credit on Solar is scheduled to drop to 10 percent. In addition, 100 percent of the tax credits can also be used to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Parker pointed out that bonus depreciation on renewable energy projects also ended in 2013. However, solar projects are still eligible for accelerated depreciation over five years.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C. CPAs

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. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S. The company is Green Business Certified and has been named by “Accounting Today” as one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in 2010, 2011, and 2012. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Kathy Parker of Rodman & Rodman CPAs Explains Renewable Energy Project Tax Incentives at Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate ConferenceRead More

Freeze frame! Emerson Bearing positions new photography division

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

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS…

Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the world, recently launched a new division to supply bearings and related products for stillness equipment used for both traditional photography and video cameras.

“For many videographers and photographers, you only get one opportunity at a shot and you absolutely do not want to miss it or get an out-of-focus shot because your tripod failed to remain locked in place,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing, Inc. “By maintaining your equipment with the proper bearings, you can keep your focus, literally and figuratively, on the shot at hand.”

Hand-held gimbals and aerial mounts, typically used to photograph and video high-speed sporting events like the recently concluded Olympics, are a primary market for Emerson Bearing products. Emerson Bearing sells needle, ball and plain bearings, as well as lubricants and adhesives as part of this new division.

“A manufacturer of some of the best known equipment in Hollywood recently approached us about a high-speed track mounted camera system, meant to film high speed sports such as speed-skating and horse racing. With high speeds and relatively large moment loads, he had been unable to find a bearing with tight enough tolerances, that could perform consistently,” said Katz. “After a couple of phone conversations, we identified the appropriate bearing. Weeks later the manufacturer called to thank us. His product was working perfectly and the only performance that was more impressive than the athletes was his camera’s.”

As part of the new division, photography division, customers have access to industry specialists for recommendations on the right bearings for mounting units for both video cameras and still photography cameras. Emerson Bearing Marketing Specialist Mike Quinn is responsible for the Photography division. He can be reached by e-mail at mquinn@emersonbearing.com or by calling  1.800.225.4587.

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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ASM Modular Systems and Selectech’s StaticStop™ ESD Flooring division team up on new Flooring Technology Platform™ for StarNet

ESD static, ESD flooring, anti-static, basement flooring
Access flooring provided by ASM now available to Starnet members through a partnership with SelecTech, Inc.

AVON, MA and LADSON, SC…

StarNet Vendor Partners ASM Modular Systems, Inc. and the StaticStop™ division of SelecTech, Inc. have teamed up to provide StarNet’s membership with the Flooring Technology Platform™. This innovative, hi-tech flooring solution, which includes ASM’s low-profile access flooring and wire management systems, is topped off by StaticStop’s FreeStyle ESD™ and Ohmstyle ESD™ static control floor coverings.

“SelecTech is thrilled to partner with ASM to create a complete system for wire management in critical data environments,” said Thomas Ricciardelli, president of SelecTech. “For these environments, our static control technologies are a perfect match, providing the solution that these electronically sensitive areas require.”

The ASM/StaticStop Flooring Technology Platform is an ideal alternative to more costly and less flexible permanent, hard-wired construction. It can be used efficiently in traditional raised access flooring applications such as telecommunication centers, data centers, air traffic control towers, and 911 communications facilities.  Additionally, since ASM’s low-profile access flooring system allows for easy renovations and retrofits in buildings with standard and low ceiling heights, it now enables the use of the “Flooring Technology Platform” in almost any building.

The new ASM/StaticStop initiative enables StarNet Members to offer unprecedented solutions to end-users desiring easy and flexible wire management for their power and data systems and proven advanced static control floor covering as an added measure of protection for those precious data systems.

The “Flooring Technology Platform” is engineered for quick and easy assembly. The low-profile access floor uses a quick-connect pedestal grid networked with snap-in, high strength, steel surface panels, which are prefabricated and installed using a mallet and basic cutting tools. The electrical systems are all plug-and-play and can be easily routed from a single electrical panel through the entire pedestal grid system to accommodate various space planning needs.”

The Freestyle ESD™ flooring system consists of interlocking resilient floor tiles, which are perfectly engineered for installation over ASM’s low-profile system.  Freestyle ESD uses a patented interlock to create a free-floating conductive, or static dissipative, ESD floor system that is very easy to install and does not require the use of any adhesives. Freestyle ESD is also very easy to remove and replace, which allows for easy access to the underfloor wiring systems and for easy reconfigurations.

“Our Flooring Technology Platform, along with SelecTech’s Freestyle ESD provides the best of all worlds, functionality, durability and good looks,” said Jay Collins, of ASM. “We’re proud to make this offering available to StarNet members.”

The ASM/StaticStop “Flooring Technology Platform” was featured in the StarNet Healthcare 2.0 program, which was released in January 2014. The article demonstrated how demand for advanced wire management and static control is growing in US healthcare facilities, especially in new open-plan laboratories and in acute care facilities where cutting-edge electronic patient management systems are used. The article also focused on medical office buildings where new electronic record keeping systems may require updating power and data lines in existing office spaces.

For more information, please contact SelecTech, Inc. at 508-583-3200.

About SelecTech, Inc.

SelecTech, Inc. was founded in 1993 with the mission of recycling scrap plastics into products of value. The company has become a leader in the manufacture of modular resilient flooring products from recycled materials and reuses over one million pounds of recycled materials annually. Their products are made with up to 100 percent recycled content, are 100 percent recyclable.

Selectech’s patented interlock system enables flooring to be installed quickly, without using adhesives and without a lot of downtime, which offers significant cost savings to customers. Using state-of-the-art technology and innovative product design, SelecTech created the top performing Place N’ Go, a DIY residential flooring product, which is available at Home Depot Online. They are also the creators of the popular 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.

About ASM Modular Systems

ASM is the fastest growing raised access flooring company in North America. ASM Modular Systems is part of the world’s largest group of raised access floor manufacturers, owned and operated by Kingspan Group, plc. ASM is dedicated to manufacturing the highest quality raised flooring product while providing great customer service. ASM products undergo extensive testing and a thorough quality control assurance program, all meant to ensure that our customers receive the highest quality products available. For more information, visit http://www.asmproducts.com.

ASM Modular Systems and Selectech’s StaticStop™ ESD Flooring division team up on new Flooring Technology Platform™ for StarNetRead More

“The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Real Estate Agents Thousands”, written and offered free by Millbury–based Accountant Paul Dion.

Paul Dion, CPA CTC.
Paul Dion, CPA CTC.

MILLBURY, MA…

Large corporations spend millions of dollars to lobby Congress for all kinds of tax breaks. What people might not realize is that these loopholes also apply to us average citizens, particularly if you own your own business. In his new book “The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes…that cost Real Estate Agents Thousands”, Millbury, MA-based accountant Paul Dion CPA demonstrates how many of these “loopholes” are excellent tax strategies for real estate agents and self-employed individuals—if you know how to implement them and then make them audit-proof.

“It really doesn’t matter how your accountant is with a stack of receipts on April 15,” said Dion. “For real estate professionals and other self-employed people minimizing taxes is all about having a plan. The concepts and strategies we’ve included in this book will leave more on your bottom line.”

Some of the topics covered by The Ten Most Expensive Tax Mistakes… include discussion of the right benefits for you and your employees; taking advantage of all the legitimate deductions, credits, loopholes and strategies the Tax Code offers; and selecting the right retirement plan for your future.

Dion, with three decades of experience providing tax and business advice, noted, “My book covers some very basic tax strategies that are available for everyone, not just the large corporations. 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 realtor 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…”.  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 Real Estate Agents Thousands”, written and offered free by Millbury–based Accountant Paul Dion.Read More