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Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Opens Second Office in Braintree

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists catering to small and medium sized companies throughout New England, has opened a second office in Braintree, located at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park. The phone number for the Braintree office is the same as the Newton office (617) 965-5959.

The new 1,600 sq. ft. office will enable Rodman & Rodman to cater to a growing number of clients located on the South Shore. The space will accommodate a total staff of eight.

The office will be permanently staffed by John McGovern, CPA, ABV, CVA who is also a partner at Rodman & Rodman, and Robert Leonard, CPA. Both are familiar with the area as McGovern is a resident of Bridgewater and Leonard is a resident of Pembroke.

Just three years ago, Rodman & Rodman moved from their 2,700 sq. ft. suite to a 4,300 sq. ft. suite in Newton Executive Park to accommodate business growth and a larger staff.

Since 2005, Rodman & Rodman’s total staff has grown from 12 to 20 and they have launched a second office.

“Right now, we’re concentrating on further expanding market share in the South Shore area. Our goal is to be able to increase our staff in the Braintree office by the close of next year,” noted Steve Rodman, CPA, MST, president of Rodman & Rodman.

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, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact Jen Reading at (617) 965-5959

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Valley Life Re-Welcomes DirectBuy of Fresno

FRESNO, CA…

In late October, KMPH Fox 26’s Valley Life welcomed back Troy Seavers, owner of DirectBuy of Fresno, for his second appearance on the show. Seavers was invited in early April to help explain the DirectBuy concept and how consumers can save money on purchases when redecorating, refurnishing or remodeling their homes. On his recent appearance, he expanded upon DirectBuy’s unique business model, and also touched on the everyday savings members can experience.

“We’re not just about furnishing and remodeling,” said Seavers. “We have everyday items like golf clubs, dishes, jewelry, electronics, fitness equipment, and bedding. We’re more than just the savings; we are a one-stop shop that saves you time and money.”

Also featured on the show were DirectBuy members Doug and Betty Constant. “DirectBuy carries everything you would find in retail stores, except it’s all in one place,” said Doug Constant. “Ninety-nine percent of the time you will find what you need at DirectBuy.”

Valley Life, hosted by Rich Kreps and Lesa Jennings, is a 10 a.m. weekday morning talk show that focuses on delivering information to area residents regarding the best local destinations and products for real people in Fresno. “Going direct to the manufacturer and cutting out the middleman leads to astronomical saving,” said Kreps. “DirectBuy gives people the opportunity to buy without traditional retail markup.”

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. DirectBuy of Fresno has a 29,000-square-foot showroom conveniently located at 4150 W. Shaw Avenue in Fresno that offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

“The showroom is like a playground for adults, you can shop for room-to-room, outside or inside, they have everything,” said Betty Constant. “Also, the service staff is so wonderful to work with and they will help you with anything that you need.”

DirectBuy of Fresno carries a large selection of brand-name furniture at prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell. Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design concept keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

For more information on DirectBuy of Fresno, you can call 559.476.2302 or visit www.directbuy-fresno.com.

About DirectBuy

For 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances, sporting goods, jewelry and much, much more.  DirectBuy enables members to purchase products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 showrooms across North America.  To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy 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, please visit www.directbuy.com.

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New “Money Matters” Program at Boys and Girls Club Teaches Important Lessons in Finance

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, a non-profit organization that provides the area’s youth with enrichment and recreation programs in a safe environment, is now offering a new program known as “Money Matters” which teaches club members all about how to better manage their money.

Led by volunteer Joanna Degnan who is a CPA at Price Waterhouse Coopers, Money Matters promotes financial responsibility and independence among club members ages 13 to 18 years old by building their basic money management skills.

During the five-week program which runs through mid-January, participants learn how to manage a checking account, budget, save and invest. They also learn about starting small businesses and paying for college.

Money Matters features three key components for the teens and club staff:

· A Teen Personal Finance Guide is a fun, attractive booklet containing practical tips and activities to help teens learn the important skills of balancing a checkbook, creating a budget and saving and investing for college and retirement.

· A Facilitator’s Guide provides Club staff and volunteers with basic financial information and instructions for easy-to-implement small-group activities.

· A Money Matters Website, offers teens an engaging online tool for building their money management knowledge and skills through interactive activities, games and tools like a savings and financial aid calculator to plan for college.

“The program engages the kids in the basics of money management but then takes it a step further by teaching them how to invest their money wisely and potentially start a small business,” explained Greg Jackson, Executive Director of the club.

Children must be a member of the club in order to participate in Money Matters. The annual membership fee is $50. To learn more about the program, contact Kathleen Newcomb at the Boys and Girls Club (781) 834-2582.

About the Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation, which includes a variety of supervised activities for greater than 4,000 youths (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals.  Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission “to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens, as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders.”

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the website at www.MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com or write to the club at P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA 02050.

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Getting your shipping in shape. Local companies outsource shipping to Boston Pack and Ship.

BRAINTREE, MA…

 

In tough economic times, companies look for ways to not only cut costs, but do things more efficiently. One area where more and more companies look to outsource is their shipping, particularly items requiring specialized packing. Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping specialist for two decades, works with a number of companies as a quasi-shipping department.

 

“Many of these companies only ship product out less than a half a dozen times a month and many of the products they sell are electronic or computer type equipment which is a specialty to ship. So the dollars to have that expertise in-house might not be in the budget but at the same time it’s a necessity to growing their service. We provide that capability without all the overhead,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship.

 

Long time Boston Pack and Ship customer Pulse Systems Inc, of Canton, Massachusetts started in 1972, which designs systems for a wide variety of applications including, but not limited to weather monitoring, meteorological systems, wind shear detection, airborne Doppler radar, shipboard Doppler radar, homeland security, military and defense.

 

“The systems we design are quite sophisticated and require special care for shipping.  Due to the rapid growth of our business, many of our systems are being packaged by Boston Pack and Ship. We found that, in addition to having our own shipping department, it was more economical to have some of our shipping needs outsourced to Boston Pack and Ship, a company with more than two decades of shipping experience,” said Ethel Poulos, vice president of Pulse Systems, Inc.

 

As small load specialists, Boston Pack and Ship provides a number of services to accommodate hard-to-ship, delicate items, expensive business equipment and irreplaceable personal items for out-of-state and international moves. Those services include:

  • 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 on the breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s services, 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

Formerly known as The Packaging Store and now repackaged as Boston Pack and Ship, these small load specialists have 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.

Getting your shipping in shape. Local companies outsource shipping to Boston Pack and Ship.Read More

Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore Supported by Halloween Party/Fundraiser

Left to Right) Ashley Caruso, Madison Caruso and Ed DiSante, representing Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore with offices at 405 Washington Street, Norwell, MA receive a major contribution from Rami Itani, Vice President of Gables, a family-friendly condominium community located in Abington, Mass.
(Left to Right) Ashley Caruso, Madison Caruso and Ed DiSante, representing Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore with offices at 405 Washington Street, Norwell, MA receive a major contribution from Rami Itani, Vice President of Gables, a family-friendly condominium community located in Abington, Mass.

Participating in a recent Halloween Party/Fundraiser, Gables homeowners donated $5.00 to the Homeless Shelter of the South Shore. Over $500.00 was raised by residents and the Gables management. 

More than 50 Gables residents – both adults and children – participated in the ghoulish get together. Fun games included wrap a mummy, pin the nose on the pumpkin, candy toss, and decorate your own picture frame.  Contests featured costume parades for children to determine the cutest/most original costume, best costume and scariest costume.  There was also a pet parade for best costume. The festive party was held at the Gables community clubhouse.

“This was a fun event and also raised funds for a great cause,” noted Rami Itani of the Gables management team.  He added, “Having a party that helped the shelter brought the best out in everyone.” 

About the Gables

The Gables features include award-winning architecture, tennis and basketball courts, a fitness center, putting greens, lush and meticulous landscaping and a large clubhouse.  An expansive and well-appointed clubhouse offers an attractive and convenient venue for receptions, celebrations and community events.  Close to commuter rail stations in Abington, Brockton and Braintree, residents of these luxury condominiums also enjoy a unique opportunity to live in harmony with nature.  The Gables abuts Ames Nowell State Park, which contains 430 acres of park woodlands. 

For more information about the Gables or future community events, please visit www.TheGables.net.

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State-of-the-Art Laser Treatment for Common Skin Disorders Now Available at South Shore Skin Center

The dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center have recently announced a new laser treatment that specifically treats skin disorders of persistent psoriasis and vitiligo. South Shore Skin Center is one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Plymouth and Cohasset.

The XTRAC Excimer Laser, developed by PhotoMedex, is a hand-held laser that Dr. Richard Eisen and Dr. Ramzi Saad of South Shore Skin Center are utilizing in the treatment of stubborn psoriasis and vitiligo. The XTRAC laser delivers an intense beam of focused laser light to the affected area, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue alone. This particular laser treatment is highly effective and is typically used on less than 10 percent of the body area.

The benefits of using the XTRAC laser include: An effective clearing of the skin in 10 or fewer sessions; long lasting relief for months and treatment sessions that last only a few minutes. Patients do not need to follow a special skin care regimen or use special creams following treatment.

Additionally, XTRAC laser treatments are considered medical treatments and are covered by most major medical insurance companies.

“XTRAC laser therapy has been cleared by the FDA and is a safe, very effective and convenient therapy for skin disorders,” noted Dr. Saad.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse 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, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

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USMMA Coat Drive for Project Just Because Tops Expectations

There are a number of adults and children who will be much warmer this winter thanks to the Coat Drive held at USMMA (United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center) in Bellingham.

The annual Coat Drive promoted by Dorothy Handy for Project Just Because, was well-received by USMMA members and visitors alike who donated a total of 98 coats. Project Just Because is a local charity (projectjustbecause.org) that ensures that all of the coats collected are given to families in need.  Personal requests from families in need throughout the area are made directly to Project Just Because and fulfilled.

According to Ms. Handy, “The generosity of the community in which you have created just amazes me.  This helped us surpass our goal significantly.  We collected 170 more coats this year overall.   In these very challenging economic times, our capacity to help the less fortunate is a gift, as it truly is better to give than to receive.”

“We wish to thank all the donors, volunteers and businesses who helped make a difference. When people drop a coat or warm item into a box or bin, they sometimes wonder where it goes. 10 years ago, I started Project Just Because. In 2007 our auditors’ report has $4 million dollars worth of items we gave out to families in need. Our concept remains the same – to help as many men, women and children directly. If you donate a warm coat or pair of boots, it goes right into our bins and coat racks and the very next person who e-mails or calls for a warm coat in the size you donated receives a warm coat because you took the time and directly make a difference. I thank you from the bottom of my heart because without each of you opening your heart and helping, we would not be able to help as many as we do,” Cherylann Lambert Walsh, President, Project Just Because. 

According to USMMA owner Tom Hafers, “Times are tough for everyone and we all need to help one another out whenever possible. Everyone really stepped up to the plate and we thank all who helped make the coat drive a success.”

To learn more about Project Just Because, visit the website projectjustbecause.org or call (508) 435-6511.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

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A weekend project with great ROI…DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver’s team building weekend improves morale and service.

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

As service representatives for DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, part of the job is helping people find the materials and labor for their home improvement project. Yet on a recent weekend, the service team had another project in mind, team building.

Accompanied by DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver Co-owner Peter Ruetz, the entire service staff spent two days and one night at riverside resort in Whistler, British Columbia. To onlookers, the group might have looked like a family reunion, taking part in a competitive volleyball game and not-so-competitive game of bocci; campfires and ghost stories and a shopping excursion to Whistler’s Village. Yet according to Service Manager Megan Taylor, the weekend had a profound effect on her staff.

Said Taylor, “A weekend away from the office was helpful in connecting as a team and allowing us to see the other sides of our co-workers. Not only did we become closer as co-workers, but we are now closer friends.”

“Our first service retreat was a huge success. Everybody had fun on the trip, which is great, but the true impact has been back on the job. The renewed enthusiasm has translated to outstanding service for our members,” said Ruetz. “That’s why we’ve decided to make this an annual weekend as it has been a great success.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Vancouver area since 1997. 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 four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

 

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

 

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

 

 

A weekend project with great ROI…DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver’s team building weekend improves morale and service.Read More

How the “new” Scrooge did his shopping for the next Christmas.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

There’s no question seeing the three spirits changed Ebenezer Scrooge forever. Yet did it really undo buying habits ingrained over a lifetime? Or did he convert that frugality into shrewdness for getting the most for his money, saving money and being the guy who gave the best gifts? By enabling its members to buy direct from more than 700 name brand manufacturers and their authorized suppliers, DirectBuy gives its members the opportunity to be modern-day Scrooges—without the retailer’s hidden markups.

“There are a lot of similarities between a reformed Scrooge and DirectBuy members. Both embraced a new way of buying and/or giving but probably without giving up the built-in need to save money and get the best deal,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy. “Of course, we can only speculate on Scrooge. There’s hard data to show DirectBuy members are buying now more than ever, even in a difficult financial climate.”

Over the last 12 months, DirectBuy members from more than 160 showrooms across the U.S. and Canada purchased more than $1.1 billion in merchandise. That’s a 13 percent increase over the previous 12 months. In addition to the increased spending, DirectBuy members are also renewing their memberships at record levels.

“Tough times mean people want to get the very most for their dollar, something the old Scrooge could certainly appreciate. Yet by taking advantage of their DirectBuy membership and getting quality items at manufacturer low pricing, our members are also getting value, something new and improved Scrooge would definitely approve of,” said Shragal.

DirectBuy offers everything you need for your home improvement projects and gift-giving needs for the holidays and throughout the year—all at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you’re stuck for gift ideas or on deciding which direction to take your home improvement project, you have professionals at your service who can create the look that works best for you and your family.

Another area DirectBuy has in common with the new and improved Ebenezer Scrooge is in generosity. DirectBuy center owners give to many charitable causes in the communities they serve, including Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, Homes for Our Troops, children’s hospitals and much more.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy 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 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

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.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

How the “new” Scrooge did his shopping for the next Christmas.Read More