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Agent group expects a flurry of filings from improperly classified workers… Allstate ‘independent contractor’ agents turn to IRS to clarify their status.

GULFPORT, MS….

For most, Independence Day occurs on July 4. For Allstate agents who believe they’ve been misclassified as ‘independent contractors,’ the hope is that day will  come much sooner as dozens, if not hundreds, of Allstate agents file IRS Form SS-8 to determine whether they are independent contractors as Allstate proclaims, or have been misclassified all along.

The filings come on the heels of a recent petition drive started by an unidentified Allstate agent. The National Association of Allstate Agents (NAPAA)—a non-profit group representing the rights of more than 13,000 Allstate agents—published the petition in its most recent quarterly magazine. In the same publication, the group also published a hypothetical, example of the IRS Form SS-8.

“We prepared this hypothetical example based on the information we gathered from Allstate agents over a period of several years,” said Jim Fish, NAPAA’s executive director. “We believe that agents are being deliberately misclassified and we intend to expose this injustice in any way we can.”

In 2000, Allstate Insurance converted the majority of its sales force from employee to independent contractor status. With the change in status, many of those agents anticipated liberation from the requirements of being an Allstate employee. Now, almost a decade later, Allstate agents are still waiting for their independence, hence the interest expressed by a number of Allstate agents in filing an IRS Form SS-8.

“We anticipate the IRS and President Obama will receive thousands of petitions, said Fish, “When the SS-8 forms are filed, we expect that Allstate’s behavior will be heavily scrutinized by the IRS. If nothing else, this intense scrutiny may change Allstate’s behavior for the better.”

Allstate agents certainly aren’t the first independent contractors to be treated like employees without the accompanying benefits. In 2007, after filing a class action lawsuit demanding parity with employee drivers, current and former FedEx independent contractor drivers were elated when Judge Robert Miller of the U.S. District Court in Northern Indiana certified them as a class. This action has opened the door to similar cases involving independent contractors who are treated like employees.

“It was reported that the IRS plans to audit more than 6,000 companies for employment tax issues. We’re hoping the volume of Allstate agents filing SS-8 forms and the simmering discontent among agents over the misclassification issue will help push Allstate to the top of the IRS list, so we can finally resolve this long-standing problem,” added Fish.

For more information on the National Association of Professional Allstate Agents, you can visit their Web site at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

About National Association of Professional Allstate Agents (NAPAA)

Based in Gulfport, Mississippi, NAPAA is a non-profit organization whose members are predominantly insurance agents under contract with Allstate. In addition to offering a variety of benefits and services, NAPAA further serves its members by acting on their behalf and speaking with a distinct and unfettered voice on a wide range of issues. To contact NAPAA, please visit its Website at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

Agent group expects a flurry of filings from improperly classified workers… Allstate ‘independent contractor’ agents turn to IRS to clarify their status.Read More

“Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” Seminars on October 27th and November 10th

Rodman & Rodman, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists will offer a “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” seminar on Tuesday, October 27th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at their Newton office and on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at their Braintree office. These seminars are FREE, but registration is required.  Both seminars are co-sponsored by PR Works.

Jeffrey P. Hart, Founding Member of the Boston law firm Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers will lead the seminar. Hart will be discussing the legal processes of selling a business, covering all of the major steps with insight and advice.

Topics which will be discussed include:

· Use of Outside Consultants

· Valuation

· Nondisclosure Agreement

· Structure

· Letter of Intent

· Due Diligence

· Asset Purchase Agreement

Hart concentrates his practice in the areas of taxation, business law and estate planning. Earlier in his career, Jeff practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in the tax division of an international accounting firm where he gained expertise addressing the business and tax issues facing closely held businesses and high net worth individuals.

Light refreshments will be served.

To register, contact Jen or Ann at (617) 965-5959 or by email at jen@rodmancpa.com

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

“Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” Seminars on October 27th and November 10thRead More

Rodman & Rodman CPA to Hold “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” Seminars

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND NEWTON, MASS… Rodman & Rodman, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists will offer a “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” seminar on Tuesday, October 27th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at their Newton office and on Tuesday, November 10th from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at their Braintree office. These seminars are FREE, but registration is required.

Jeffrey P. Hart, Founding Member of the Boston law firm Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers will lead the seminar. Hart will be discussing the legal processes of selling a business, covering all of the major steps with insight and advice.

Topics which will be discussed include:

· Use of Outside Consultants

· Valuation

· Nondisclosure Agreement

· Structure

· Letter of Intent

· Due Diligence

· Asset Purchase Agreement

Hart concentrates his practice in the areas of taxation, business law and estate planning. Earlier in his career, Jeff practiced as a Certified Public Accountant in the tax division of an international accounting firm where he gained expertise addressing the business and tax issues facing closely held businesses and high net worth individuals.

Light refreshments will be served.

To register, contact Jen or Ann at (617) 965-5959 or by email at jen@rodmancpa.com

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education. Rodman & Rodman Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman CPA to Hold “Selling Your Business – A Legal Perspective” SeminarsRead More

Senior Staff at Hackler Associates Obtains ERPA Designation

BOSTON AND LEOMINSTER, MA…

William R. Hackler, CLU, QPA, QKA, APR, president and founding partner of Hackler Associates, Inc. and his son, William D. Hackler, QKA, Managing Partner at the company, have recently received designation as Enrolled Retirement Plan Agents (ERPA).

Hackler Associates provides corporations with full service retirement plan administration and consulting. Both William R., and William D. Hackler have been approved by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to practice before the IRS on certain retirement plan issues.

Very few retirement plan administrators hold this designation and to obtain it, the Hacklers passed two comprehensive exams given by the IRS. Both were eligible to take the exams because of their thorough knowledge of Tax Code requirements that apply to qualified plans and the ethical requirements under Circular 230 for practicing before the IRS.

The IRS has established that only those authorized to practice before the IRS can sign the a Power of Attorney form including attorneys, certified public accountants, actuaries, appraisers and enrolled agents. As a result of this IRS procedural change, retirement plan professionals must also have this designation. With the ERPA designation, the Hacklers will continue to communicate with the IRS regarding retirement plan audits.

About Hackler Associates

Founded in 1974, Hackler Associates provides full-service employer sponsored retirement plan administration and consulting to corporations. The company’s experienced and knowledgeable team of six assists employers in the design, implementation, administration and communication of a wide range of retirement plans that promote corporate goals and objectives, control costs and give employees a sense of security. Services offered by the company include: plan design and implementation; Defined Contribution Plan recordkeeping and administration; Defined Benefit Plan actuarial services and administration and annual compliance testing and government reporting.

Hackler Associates is located at 975 Merriam Avenue, Suite 200 in Leominster. For more information, contact 978-847-0140 or visit the website at http://www.HacklerInc.com.

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Back to the drawing board on your kitchen remodel… A “chalkboard” and exhaust fan can enhance your kitchen remodel.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

Remodeling your kitchen is one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. It’s also a project that recoups more of its cost at resale than most others. According to DirectBuy of Buffalo, there are some extra touches you can give your kitchen remodel to further maximize the value of your new kitchen.

For example, many new kitchen remodels include wall space painted with chalkboard paint. This gives families a great space to keep important lists, and dates, especially since chalkboard paint is easily cleaned with an eraser or damp cloth. 

“The kitchen has become the hub of activity and an information center for the household. So, rather than force a dry erase board into a spot, creating an area from the get-go is a far more convenient approach,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “In addition to being a message board for the family, it can also be the wall area where it is finally okay for little Jimmy to draw his favorite pictures.

Adding an exhaust fan to your kitchen is another nice touch to a kitchen remodel. Exhaust fans not only help eliminate obnoxious smells from your kitchen; they can be a beautiful design accent as well. 

“Most exhaust systems are available in different materials such as wood or stainless steel which can coordinate nicely with your cabinetry or countertops,” added Klinger. “So in addition to getting rid of unwanted smells from last night’s seafood dish or the peas you accidentally burned, you further accentuate the beauty of your remodel.”

DirectBuy carries everything you need for a kitchen remodel at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the kitchen that works best for their home.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

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 and 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

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

Back to the drawing board on your kitchen remodel… A “chalkboard” and exhaust fan can enhance your kitchen remodel.Read More

Calumet City resident Belinda Skarwecki celebrates 35 years with DirectBuy of Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Belinda Skarwecki started working as a bookkeeper for DirectBuy in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating her 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Skarwecki knows that one thing still holds true: the numbers don’t lie.

“As a bookkeeper, the numbers must always add up. So even though it might not feel like 35 years, the calendar tells me otherwise,” said Skarwecki.

Skarwecki began with DirectBuy while still in high school, working as an assistant to the company’s bookkeeping department at the previous location in Calumet City. Under the tutelage of the company’s bookkeeper at the time, she acquired a skill that’s served her well over 35 years.

In fact, Skarwecki’s longevity with the company is only trumped by DirectBuy of Tinley Park Owner Ed Sell—even topping the service time put in by Ed’s wife I.J., who started with the company 29 years ago. “We hit it off right from the beginning,” adds Skarwecki.

Ms. Sell concurred, “We look at Belinda as a member of our family who also happens to do our books. That’s the kind of relationship we have and we’re very thankful to have her with us.”

That loyalty has been repaid by both sides as Skarwecki remained with the company when it relocated from Calumet City to its current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. And when a back condition limited her traveling ability, she and I.J. arranged for her to work from home.

“You don’t spend 35 years of your life with a company for no reason. Ed and I.J. have been wonderful to me and it’s very gratifying to see how the company has grown over the years and how many lives it’s been able to positively impact,” said Skarwecki. “I’m looking forward to many more years with DirectBuy.”

Skarwecki still resides in Calumet City with her husband Marvin.

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

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to 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.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, 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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

Calumet City resident Belinda Skarwecki celebrates 35 years with DirectBuy of Tinley ParkRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Holds Senior Wellness Fair at Belair Towers

More than 30 residents of Belair Towers attended a Senior Wellness Fair to learn more about maintaining their good health. The event was hosted by Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) of Brockton, one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The event, which offered free screening services and advice for residents of the senior housing complex, was sponsored by the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts (www.aptofma.org) and participants included the Sears Hearing Aid Center of Brockton (www.searshearing.com/).

Residents were able to have their balance checked and tested by a physical therapist and learn what they could do to improve their balance. Postural Screens taught the residents about ways to improve their posture and reduce postural back pain. Blood Pressure Checks were conducted and residents learned how staying active could prolong their healthy years. Electronic Hearing Tests and Video Otoscope Ear Inspections were conducted on-site by the Sears Hearing Aid Center.

To better inform the residents about balance and fall reduction, a presentation entitled “Don’t Let the Fall Get to You” was presented by Peter Crimmins, PT of the American Physical Therapy Association of Massachusetts.

“We were very pleased with the turnout for our Senior Wellness Fair. Residents were able to obtain valuable information about their current health while also gaining a better knowledge of how to stay well,” explained Nicole Welch, LCSW, Program Development Manager at OCES.

About Belair Towers

Belair Towers, with 269 apartments, is located at 105 Belair Street in Brockton. Belair, which is managed by the Brockton Housing Authority, is one of Old Colony Elder Services’ nutrition and congregate meal sites that is open to the public.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 140 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

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A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Lancaster County celebrates 10-Year Milestone

LANCASTER, PA…

For ten years, DirectBuy of Lancaster County has been offering consumers in the greater Lancaster area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings and accessories.

As the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Lancaster County offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 10 years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Don Deck, owner of DirectBuy of Lancaster County. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next 10 years.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Lancaster area create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Deck. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 1999, DirectBuy of Lancaster County has helped consumers enjoy enormous by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 1866 Colonial Village Lane in Lancaster, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Lancaster County are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of 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 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in the United States.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuycares.com.

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Masters Touch of Medfield Named to “Top 500 Contractors List”

MEDFIELD, MA… Masters Touch of Medfield, a one-stop-shop providing architectural, design and construction services, has recently been named to the “2009 Top

500 Contractors List” in Qualified Remodeler magazine.

Masters Touch ranked #232 on the prestigious list of the nation’s top contracting companies. Qualified Remodeler bases the rankings upon third party verification of significant success in several categories: installed remodeling dollar volume; total years in business; industry association memberships; certifications and awards; customer satisfaction and community service.

“It is an honor to be recognized amongst the best companies in the nation,” said Doug Masters, President of Masters Touch. “This ranking is validation that our emphasis on quality and service has set us apart.”

The Top 500 List was published in the September 2009 edition of Qualified Remodeler magazine, and on the magazine’s website at www.qualifiedremodeler.com.


The Masters Touch
Masters Touch is a full service design/build and remodeling contractor. With a team of more than 50, including architects, interior designers and project managers all working together, Masters Touch can handle all of a client’s home building or improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks.

Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997.  From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.

Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service.  The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.

The company offers written warrantees on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA.  For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@masterstouchweb.com or visit www.masterstouchweb.com.

Masters Touch of Medfield Named to “Top 500 Contractors List”Read More