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A taxing situation…With the new IRS, coming forward is the best option for late filers, non-filers, and delinquent payers.

NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS…

By April 15, 2010, 84 percent of Americans filed their tax returns on time. That means 16 percent didn’t. That omission translates to a figure somewhere near $345 billion in taxes owed to the U.S. Treasury Department. With a budget deficit in the trillions and rising, the IRS is expected to increase its audits of both personal and business tax returns as well as pursue greater enforced collection action against individuals and businesses using levies, liens and seizures.  And that puts late filers, non-filers and delinquent payers on notice: Uncle Sam wants you now more than ever.

So, what’s a non-filer or delinquent payer to do? Many will delay dealing with the problem, literally hiding from the IRS. Yet according to Matthew J. Previte, CPA, a local taxpayer advocate expert and owner of TaxProblemsRUs.com, the IRS will get its money and then some from   non-filers and delinquent payers in penalties and interest. The key is to be proactive and face the music.

“When we’re children, our parents said if we told the truth, things would be far easier on us than if they found out later. That may sound rather simplistic, but it’s the same with the IRS and your state’s DOR,” said Previte. “There are a number of options that you can work out with the IRS and your state to address your situation.”

Besides a lack of funds, pride, procrastination and a number of other reasons, most people are quite intimidated by the IRS and hesitant to come forward before the IRS comes to them. Since 1997, Previte’s Natick, Mass.-based tax firm has specialized solely in representing individuals and businesses with federal and state tax problems, including audits, non-filers, and delinquent payers.

“What most people do not realize, and that includes many CPAs and tax attorneys, is that dealing with the IRS and state DORs is a specialty unto itself,” said Previte. “We can provide our clients with resolutions to very sticky situations not only because we’re licensed tax professionals but because we have successfully worked with both the IRS and state tax agencies full-time on a daily basis for many years and we know how they work.”

So what are some of the options available to people who owe taxes? Some options include:

  • Offer in Compromise program – This little known program enables qualified taxpayers to negotiate a settlement for a fraction of what they owe. Who qualifies? Those taxpayers who can demonstrate an inability to pay their delinquent taxes in a short period of time.
  • Payment plan – Many people are able to pay their tax debts but just need a little time to pay it off. Negotiating payment terms you can live with is the key. Unfortunately, penalties and interest will continue to be charged on your outstanding balance as you pay the debt off. However, you may qualify to have the penalties removed or abated if you can show reasonable cause for filing late or paying late. For those unable to pay their tax debts in full over time, a Partial Pay Installment Agreement may be available. Under this option, payments are made until the collection statute expires. Any unpaid balance at the end of the collection statute expires and becomes legally uncollectable, leaving the taxpayer free from paying the remainder of any balance due.
  • Bankruptcy – Did you know that taxes in many cases can be discharged or wiped out in a bankruptcy. Many people, as well as attorneys, are not aware of this. For those who qualify, bankruptcy often times can be the solution to resolve their crushing tax problems. Proper pre-bankruptcy planning—for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13—is key to determining if bankruptcy is or can be a viable solution.
  • Uncollectible status – Every year the IRS puts many taxpayers into the “Uncollectible Status” category or classifies them “Currently Not Collectible” (CNC). What essentially this means is that the IRS will not proactively seek back taxes from a taxpayer that owes because of validated economic hardship. If their finances improve (as they will monitor) collection efforts will resume.
  • Penalty Abatement – The IRS charges penalties for filing late, paying late, underpaying your estimated tax payments if you’re self-employed, negligence if you make mistakes in preparing your tax return, etc. Many citizens could pay off their tax debts if it weren’t for penalties that double, triple, or quadruple their tax bill. The law does allow taxpayers who have “reasonable cause” to file for a Penalty Abatement.
  • Lien Subordination – Some taxpayers could pay off their tax debt if they could get a home equity loan. Unfortunately, these taxpayers can’t get home equity loans to pay off their old tax debt because the IRS has filed Federal Tax Liens against their property. A Lien Subordination allows the IRS to reduce its Lien priority and give your bank superior Lien priority protecting their loan in exchange for the proceeds from the loan. This way, the IRS gets the equity it had a Lien against and your bank is protected by their superior Lien.
  • Innocent Spouse Relief – When married couples sign a joint tax return, they both become liable for the taxes on that return. If at some future time the IRS audits that joint tax return and determines that additional taxes are due, both spouses become liable for the taxes. Unfortunately, these additional taxes are sometimes due to the misdeeds or fraud committed by one spouse. Sadly, the Innocent Spouse also gets saddled with the tax debt. Innocent Spouse Relief was designed to alleviate unjust situations where one spouse was clearly the victim of fraud perpetrated by their spouse or ex-spouse. If you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, you may not owe any tax.

“These are just a few of the scenarios where having a qualified licensed tax professional represent you can literally save you thousands of dollars and dramatically reduce the stress and anguish that comes with having tax debt hanging over your head—and your family’s for that matter,” said Previte.

For more information on TaxProblemsRUS.com, please visit www.TaxProblemsRUs.com. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call 877-259-8200.

About  TaxProblemsRUs.com and Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC

TaxProblemsRUs.com is the official Web site of Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC, a Massachusetts tax firm representing individuals and businesses before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities in all 50 states. Based in Natick, Massachusetts, Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC has been representing both individuals and businesses with tax problems for 22 years. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call 877-259-8200 or, for more information, visit www.TaxProblemsRUs.com.

A taxing situation…With the new IRS, coming forward is the best option for late filers, non-filers, and delinquent payers.Read More

A natural development…DirectBuy Clubs partner with Legacy of Barrington, a conservation development.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Legacy of Barrington, a conservation development located in North Barrington, recently announced an exclusive offer for DirectBuy Club members for referrals and purchases. Legacy of Barrington will pay DirectBuy members a $5,000 finder’s fee for referring a buyer of one of Legacy’s 14 lots. In addition, if a DirectBuy Club member wishes to purchase a lot, Legacy will deduct $10,000 off the sale price.

“Legacy of Barrington is attempting to do something truly special by building luxury homes in harmony with conservation land,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, located at 3900 Washington Street in Gurnee. “By offering these incentives to DirectBuy members at any of our Chicago area clubs, we’re hoping interested and environmentally conscientious homeowners will take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Located eight miles north of downtown Barrington at the end of Tara Drive north of Indian Trail Road, “Legacy” features 14 approximately one-acre lots surrounded by more than 25 acres of high-quality natural areas, including woodlands, savannas, prairies, sedge meadows, and wetlands. Legacy is also part of Barrington Unit School District #220, which has been consistently ranked among the state’s top five percent of school districts academically.

Legacy gives prospective luxury homebuyers the opportunity to share owners Mary and Eddie Chin’s dream of building single-family custom homes in a conservation community. Conservation development seeks to restore a more natural balance and improve the quality of habitat for both people and wildlife in the following ways:

  • By effectively managing storm water on-site with vegetated swales and other such natural methods, flooding is reduced in the neighborhood and downstream.
  • By using natural storm water management methods, silt, salt, and surface pollutants like automobile fluids, cleaning solvents, and other chemicals are naturally removed from ground water, providing cleaner drinking water.
  • By discouraging the use of certain chemicals, fertilizers, and weed killers, the level of toxins are reduced in the air, ground, and water, providing a healthier environment for all residents.
  • By encouraging the use of environmentally sound materials and methods for homebuilding, the negative impact of building on the environment locally as well as globally is reduced.
  • By restoring native ecosystems, a creature and plant-life biodiversity evolves whereby species populations are naturally kept in check, providing homeowners access to lovely woods, prairies, and other native vistas.

“At Legacy, we envision time-honored and exquisite custom design elements paired with high-quality construction in homes that feature awesome, expansive views of open prairies, oak savannas, and native woodlands. This is where conservation and luxury meet,” said Scott Nelms, Project Manager for Legacy. “We think future Legacy property owners will have no problem feeling good about the stewardship of natural areas and habitats at Legacy. We are excited about talking to potential buyers as to how we can partner with them to build their dream home in a community that truly cares about the environment.”

For more information, go to www.legacyofbarrington.com or call (847) 592-6250 to schedule a tour. Visitors to the community will be entered in a raffle to win a Luxury Hotel/Spa Package in a Green Seal-certified downtown Chicago hotel. In addition, Legacy will host three open houses:  July 24, August 21, and September 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A natural development…DirectBuy Clubs partner with Legacy of Barrington, a conservation development.Read More

A new “face” on Facebook…New England Trade launches Facebook page.

MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS and HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS…

New England Trade, a bartering organization serving Massachusetts businesses for the past three decades, recently announced the launch of the company’s Facebook page, http://www.Facebook.com/Bartering.

“When it comes to barter, word-of-mouth has always been the most common way to stay in touch with what was going on. Nowadays, word-of-mouth has expanded to social media like Facebook,” said Ken Meharg, CEO of Malden, Mass.-based New England Trade. “Having a presence on Facebook gives us another vehicle to inform our members and attract new members with the variation on traditional bartering that New England Trade and our sister organization Cape Cod Trade employ.”

The practice of bartering has been around since the days of the caveman (e.g. a plumber does some work for a CPA, who in turn does the plumber’s taxes). In a bartering organization like New England Trade, members have access to the products and services of all the members. So, the plumber can do work for the CPA on barter, but can then choose to “spend” the bartering dollars he’s accrued on another product or service offered by other members. Like use of an ocean-side condo for a week.

As a New England Trade member, there is some exchange of cash involved with barter. A 7.5 percent transaction fee goes to New England Trade and members are responsible for paying taxes on the barter dollars they earn. In what’s still a struggling economy for many businesses, a bartering organization makes it possible to attract new customers and acquire the goods and services a business needs.

“Our system of bartering works because as business owners and as ordinary people, there are certain things we need. For example, the restaurant owner who needs cleaning services and billboard advertising and even dental work,” said Meharg. “ By offering gift certificates to his establishment, he can accrue the bartering dollars to get those items with a fraction of money out of pocket.” said Meharg.

Adds Meharg, “We anticipate our Facebook page as being a resource for our members to post on new products or services they are offering, provide testimonials for fellow members and, in general, just stay plugged in to what’s going on with our organization.”

For more information on New England Trade, please visit www.newenglandtrade.com.

Trading up in New England
Since 1980, New England Trade has helped thousands of businesses gain a competitive edge by expanding their revenue and reach with barter. Restaurants, auto services, travel, retail stores, and professional business services such as accounting, legal and advertising/marketing are a sampling of the numerous clients who do business with New England Trade and each other. Maintaining offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass., as well as 100 West Main Street in Hyannis for its Cape Cod branch (www.CapeCodTrade.com), New England Trade has become the largest barter organization in New England. The company is a founding member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and a member of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, New England Trade manages more than $5-million in sales annually and has a staff of 10 people. New England Trade is operated by experienced, Certified Trade Brokers who know how to make barter work for business. The company is a long-standing member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information about New England Trade, please visit http://www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call 781-388-9200.

A new “face” on Facebook…New England Trade launches Facebook page.Read More

Facebook’s newest ‘face’…Boston Pack and Shop launches Facebook page

BRAINTREE, MA…

Braintree, Mass.-based Boston Pack and Ship, a small-load shipping specialist for the past 22 years, recently announced the launch of the company’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bostonpackandship.

In addition to the company’s contact info and photos of Boston Pack and Ship staff, the Facebook page features posts offering helpful packing tips. It also includes reviews from current and former Boston Pack and Ship customers.

“On the surface, a Facebook page for a small load shipper might seem an odd combination. The reality is that most of us at one point or another have to ship an item that’s a little too delicate for us to handle on our own. That’s our specialty,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “The Facebook page provides another vehicle in addition to our Web site or calling us on the phone, to get information to prospective customers.”

Boston Pack and Ship specializes in moves of 1,000 pounds or less. In addition, it offers customized package and custom crate building services at its workshop in Braintree. For items like computer equipment, artwork and other fragile items, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to “lock” those items in place and limit movement within the package.

The breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s relocation services includes:

  • Small loads – with no minimum requirement; blanket-wrapping for fragile, delicate moves; full insurance available
  • Custom crates and packaging for computers, electronic instruments, prototypes, antiques and artwork.
  • State-of-the-art, foam-in-place solutions to protect valuables
  • Multiple U.S. and International shipping options—ocean or air—to help lower costs
  • Door-to-door and door-to-port delivery with insurance available
  • On-time pickups by appointment

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Facebook’s newest ‘face’…Boston Pack and Shop launches Facebook pageRead More

Springfield resident Chris Keeton celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy Club

Chris Keeton of DirectBuy

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI…

Springfield native Chris Keeton, receiving supervisor at DirectBuy of Springfield, was recently recognized for his 10 years of service at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference, held May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas.

Keeton began his tenure in 1996. After a four-year stint in the Marines, he rejoined DirectBuy and quickly established himself as a jack-of-all-trades and owner Tracye Corbin’s “right-hand man.”

“Chris is the most versatile, well-rounded employee at the Springfield club,” said Brian Gerstenberger, DirectBuy Corporate’s Manager of Field Sales. “When a situation needs defusing, he frequently steps in and handles it.”

A lifelong Springfield resident, Keeton is active with the local Shriners. He’s is also an avid reader and writer, has completed the draft for a children’s book, and is currently writing a book on minor league baseball.

“Even though a lot has changed over the course of my career here, the main premise of DirectBuy has not–we still save our members a lot of money,” said Keeton. “The only thing that’s changed or improved through technology is how we do that.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

DirectBuy of Springfield is conveniently located at 1265 East Lark in Springfield. DirectBuy Club provides a comfortable, country club setting, where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement, and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada. Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Springfield resident Chris Keeton celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy ClubRead More

Vanessa Pollard, PA-C Joins South Shore Skin Center as a Board Certified Physician Assistant

Vanessa Pollard
Vanessa Pollard PA-C

Vanessa Pollard PA-C, a Board Certified Physician Assistant, has recently joined South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Cohasset and Plymouth.

In her new role at South Shore Skin Center, Ms. Pollard will care for both general and cosmetic dermatology patients in the new Plymouth office and cosmetic dermatology spa alongside board certified dermatologists Dr. Richard Eisen, Dr. Ramzi Saad, Dr. Katherine Ayers, Dr. Emily Tierney and Dr. William Stocker.

Ms. Pollard holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from Boston University and a Master of Medical Science from Yale University School of Medicine. For three years previous to joining South Shore Skin Center, Ms. Pollard was the Physician Assistant at a dermatology office south of Boston as well as an Internal Medicine Physician Assistant at a busy general practice north of Boston.

She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, the Massachusetts Association of Physician Assistants and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants.

Ms. Pollard is a resident of Plymouth.

“Vanessa is compassionate, talented and a very good fit for our dermatology team. We’re pleased to welcome her aboard,” noted Dr. Ramzi Saad, M.D.

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angies List Health.

Having outgrown their previous office at Resnik Road in Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center has recently relocated to the 6,600 square-foot third floor of One Scobee Circle in Plymouth.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, Radiesse, Sculptra and other wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at One Scobee Circle in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

Vanessa Pollard, PA-C Joins South Shore Skin Center as a Board Certified Physician AssistantRead More

Ride on…Todson signs on as corporate sponsor for May Institute’s Rodman Ride For Kids team

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

For the second consecutive year, North Attleboro-based Todson, Inc., distributor of Topeak bicycle accessories and OnGuard Locks, will be a sponsor for the May Institute’s Rodman Ride team.  

In 2009, Todson contributed $5,000 towards the May Institute’s fundraising efforts. Todson has matched that contribution for the 2010 Rodman Ride and has donated a bike and Red Sox tickets for the Ride’s raffle. In addition, Todson staffers will participate as part of the May Institute’s team in the Rodman Ride — a  25-, 50-, or 100-mile non-competitive cycling tour to raise funds for a wide variety of children’s social service agencies across Massachusetts.

“The Rodman Ride for Kids has become one of those fundraisers that’s an event—like what the Pan Mass Challenge does for The Jimmy Fund,” said Neal Todrys, president and CEO of Todson, Inc. “Cycling accessories may be our business, but I can honestly say we’d be participating in this ride if we sold widgets—that’s how much I believe in the good work the Ride does for very worthy non-profits like the May Institute.”

May Institute serves children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness and behavioral healthcare needs. Since its founding 55 years ago, May Institute has evolved into a national network that serves over 25,000 individuals and their families annually. With corporate headquarters in Randolph, Mass., the Institute operates more than 200 service locations in the Northeast, Southeast, and on the West Coast.

Since its inception in 1991, the Rodman Ride for Kids has raised more than $30 million to help children across Massachusetts. That figures includes a whopping $7.2 million raised by the 2009 ride. That’s a figure the May Institute team hopes to help top for the 20th annual Rodman Ride for Kids this year.

“Todson has been such a wonderful supporter of the May Institute and the Rodman Ride,” said Heidi Howard, May Institute’s Chief of Strategic Development. “We’re delighted that they will again be joining our efforts to raise funds via the Rodman Ride.”

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

About May Institute and the National Autism Center
May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and behavioral health needs.

Since its founding 55 years ago, May Institute has evolved into a national network that serves over 25,000 individuals and their families annually. With corporate headquarters in Randolph, Mass., the Institute operates more than 200 service locations in the Northeast, Southeast, and on the West Coast. Four May Institute schools serve children and adolescents with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Another school serves students with brain injury.

In 2005, in response to the tremendous increase in the prevalence of ASD, May Institute founded the National Autism Center. The Center is dedicated to serving children and adolescents with ASD by promoting best practices and offering comprehensive and reliable information to families, practitioners, and communities. In 2009, the Center’s unprecedented multi-year project – the National Standards Project – established a set of standards for effective, research-validated educational and behavioral interventions for children with ASD.

Together, May Institute and the National Autism Center are committed to identifying and applying universal standards for the treatment of autism and to providing care and hope to families throughout the country.

For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org

Ride on…Todson signs on as corporate sponsor for May Institute’s Rodman Ride For Kids teamRead More

Green to go. “Green” truck advertising moved to fast lane by Traffic Drivers Outdoor Advertising

Utilizing the massive open space offered by trucks that service convenience stores throughout New England, Traffic Drivers Outdoor Advertising, based in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is offering a “greener” mobile advertising alternative.

The Traffic Drivers Outdoor Advertising trucks make standard daily deliveries.  Putting ads on the sides of the vehicles does not impact fuel consumption or emissions – this is not the case with competing mobile billboard trucks that run for the sole purpose of showing ads.

“Truck-Side mobile billboards are popular in other parts of the country but relatively unknown in New England where we operate,” said Glenn Anderson, who founded Traffic Drivers.

Anderson added, “The beauty of our mobile billboards is that they cause no environmental harm while maybe even providing some entertainment for motorists.  Advertisers have the size and visibility benefits of a billboard, but it’s not a static, stationary visual that blends into the scenery over time. Mobile billboards get noticed because they are different, unexpected, and right there when you’re stuck at a light, in traffic, or on the highway.”

Traffic Drivers mobile billboards are about eight feet high and range from 20 to 50 feet in length. But while slightly smaller than a stationary billboard, they dwarf them in price. The average billboard on major highways in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut such as Route 95, the Expressway or the Mass Pike Extension costs as much as $15,000-$25,000 per month.  On average, an ad on 3 sides of a Traffic Drivers truck is under $2,000 a month and gives an advertiser exposure both on the highway and in local towns or cities.

Some of Traffic Drivers initial clients include: Route 44 Toyota-Hyundai in Raynham, Mass.; AJ Marks Jewelers in Hyannis and Wareham, Mass.; Hy-Line Cruises out of Hyannis, Mass.; Southern New Hampshire University out of Manchester, NH; and Santa’s Village of Jefferson, New Hampshire.

Traffic Drivers Mobile Billboards has agreements with several commercial trucking companies, with routes covering Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Since these trucks run on consistent delivery routes on both local roads and highways, Traffic Drivers can target a specific geographic area.

“When you’re in the tourism business on the Cape, you are competing with literally hundreds of other businesses,” said Phillip Scudder, vice president of marketing at Hy-Line Cruises. “The mobile billboard campaign put together by Traffic Drivers will help keep us top-of-mind for tourists and the locals, and that’s absolutely critical as we head into tourist season.”

“In an increasingly Internet focused advertising world”, Anderson notes, “Studies show that Out of Home Advertising is still one of the fastest growing segments in the advertising industry.  Mobile Billboards are the most cost-effective advertising option out there, at an average Cost per Thousand (CPM) of under $2.”

“We knew businesses who wanted billboard advertising in these markets, and it was either not available or way out of their budget,” said Anderson. “We saw a need in the market and decided to fill it.  Truck-side billboards are an excellent branding tool and we’re excited to be able to offer them.”

Traffic Drivers Mobile Billboards provides the full range of strategic planning and creative services to take mobile billboard campaigns from design to printing and finally installation. In addition, Traffic Drivers uses a variety of tools and tactics such as vanity phone numbers, landing pages and text campaigns to drive traffic to advertisers and measure results.  GPS reports are also available as proof of performance.

For more information on Traffic Drivers Outdoor Advertising, please visit http://www.TrafficDrivers.com or call 508-746-1588.

Green to go. “Green” truck advertising moved to fast lane by Traffic Drivers Outdoor AdvertisingRead More

Captain Courageous Takes on High Seas Piracy.

Personal experience pushes Captain James K. Staples to Battle Back.

DATELINE: Norwell, Mass.

Modern day high seas piracy. It happens every day.
It may lack the Hollywood charm of Johnny Depp and the Pirates of the Caribbean, but the life and death drama is real and a pressing issue.

Captain James K. Staples, referred to by some members of the press as Captain Courageous, a three decade sea captain, Master Mariner and U.S. Merchant Marine, has launched a consulting service to combat high seas piracy. He has recently been utilized as an expert by CBS News, CNN, FOX, MSNBC, BBC and organizations such as Navy and Coast Guard. He has been a key note speaker for NATO and other security conferences.

Staples also served as spokesman for the Massachusetts Maritime Academy in Buzzards Bay, Mass. when fellow alum and friend Richie Phillips, Captain of the Maersk Alabama, a U.S.-flagged container ship was attacked by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean, was being held hostage in a recent high profile piracy incident. Now he is reaching out to the international maritime community to offer his expertise and insights.

Staples is no stranger to piracy threats. In addition to commiserating with other seasoned captains about the growing problem, he experienced unwanted guests approaching his own ship the Green Bay. After firing two shots from his Browning Hi Power 9 mm pistol over the offenders bow and witnessing a quick retreat by the suspects, Staples realized how close he came to a deadly situation.

“High seas piracy affects us all,” noted Staples. He elaborated, “From the hostages who get raped, beaten and murdered, to the shipping lines who get blackmailed, to the anxious families of crews throughout the world to consumers paying higher prices at Wal-Mart.”

Battling piracy can be traced back to 1797 when the USS Constitution, the oldest naval vessel in world still afloat, was launched and pressed into service fighting piracy along Africa’s Barbary Coast. Today Somalia is a Mecca for pirates and they have nearly crippled shipping in the Gulf of Aden. Piracy is also rampant from the Strait of Malacca and Indonesia to Venezuela, Nigeria and the Persian Gulf.

Smaller crews – down from 42 to 19 on most overseas voyages – and more desperate times have been contributing factors to the rise in piracy. Staples also notes that a lack of state of the art surveillance equipment (including thermal imaging and infrared cameras tied into radar) on ships puts honest seafarers at a disadvantage.

Staples addressed the common sense and controversial ways to combat piracy and to keep shipping crews and their cargo safe. From trained marksmen and anti-piracy teams onboard to better technology, he outlines methods of taking the seas back from organized pirate groups and rouges.

“Going to sea is dangerous enough. Fire, sinking, drowning – it just part of the challenge. Piracy takes that danger to a new level and it must be curtailed,” noted Staples.

For additional information about Captain James Staples, please visit his website www.OceanRiverLLC.

Captain Courageous Takes on High Seas Piracy.Read More