Unleash the Power of The Press

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Why we like podcasts

photo of a podcast microphone

If it’s seems like everyone and his/her brother either has a podcast or is appearing on one, there is a good reason. It’s smart marketing.

Podcasts: An effective tool in a PR campaign

How? Let’s take if from simply being a guest.

First, it’s not terribly time-consumptive. Most podcasts are fairly short, maybe about 20 minutes–a typical commuting time. Many are informal and the banter is along the lines of two friends getting together for coffee. Depending on the host, some podcasts will even let you submit your own questions to help the conversation flow even more.

Best of all, many podcasts have fairly little editing. So, you are answering in your own words with very little chance of your comments being taken out of context. This creates a tremendous opportunity to share your knowledge on a particular subject matter and not be misquoted.

You’re probably thinking “what does it matter if the podcast doesn’t have much of a following?” The fact of the matter is the people who listen to the podcast are a bonus. Appearing on a podcast is more about what it can do for your marketing efforts.

Much like coverage in the print media, podcasts produce links that can then be shared on your social media channels and on your website’s newsroom. Being a guest on a podcast also carries that third-party credibility that someone thought enough of you and what you do to put you on a show.

Hosting a podcast offers the same benefits tenfold. Think of it as being the difference between attending a networking event and hosting one. As a host, you are a focal point and people will naturally look to you as a connector and source of information. Hosting your own podcast can work the same way.

There is a bit more work to hosting a podcast than appearing on one. You have to put in some time in getting guests and preparing for the interviews. But probably not as much as you might think.

Want to add podcasts to your PR campaign?

If all this sounds like a bit much—finding podcast appearances or starting and sustaining a podcast—PR Works can help. We offer a couple of packages that can get you started on either or both efforts. Contact Steve Dubin at 781-582-1061 or sdubin@prworkzone.com for more information.

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Tullish & Clancy Real Estate Rebrands

Tullish & Clancy Real Estate, a Weymouth, MA-based residential real estate company has chosen to go independent after a long time national franchise.

Joe Clancy along with his partner Jack Tullish founded the firm in 1972. Since then the company has served Weymouth and the South Shore by helping families make the most important decision of their lives regarding real estate needs.

The company has attracted award winning, experienced real estate agents who are committed to quality, personal and professional service.

For more information regarding buying, selling or a career in real estate, contact Tullish and Clancy Real Estate, 457 Main Street, Route 18, Weymouth, MA 02190.

For a stress free home evaluation, visit http://www.TullishAndClancy.com or call (781) 331-3232.

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“Buried in Treasures” Support Group in Brockton Begins February 4th

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) is offering a “Buried in Treasures” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues.

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving and hoarding, “Buried in Treasures” confidential support group begins Tuesday, February 4, 2020 and meets once a week for 15 weeks. 

“Buried in Treasures” is an educational, judgment-free, self-help group that meets from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at South Bay Community Services, 103 Commercial Street, Brockton. 

“Buried in Treasures” is available to people of all ages throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. All attendees will receive a complimentary workbook. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

For more information or to register for the Brockton support group, contact Terri Kourtz, OCES at (508) 584-1561 ext. 255 or Kelly Mules, at 508-580-4691 ext. 1812 for questions.  This program is free of charge.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as run the risk of losing their homes.

This “Buried in Treasures” session is facilitated South Bay Community Services in partnership with OCES, and sponsored by GBAH, Mass Housing and OCES. 

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

“Buried in Treasures” Support Group in Brockton Begins February 4thRead More

Just in Time for the Oscars – New Book Celebrates Women’s Roles in the Film Industry

Women have been in the film business since the beginning of its existence. Women were the early filmmakers, owned studios, and developed many of the filmmaking techniques that are still in use today. But, not until Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies (Lyons Press), has the extent of their filmmaking contributions – both in front of and behind the camera – been captured so eloquently.  

The Academy Awards are around the corner. This year, a record 62 Oscar nominations went to women. Yet, will the nominations turn into wins? What has happened in the past?

Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies reveals and celebrates women’s little-known roles and previous recognition in the film industry. 

Barbara Bridges and Jill S. Tietjen, P.E.

With a foreword by filmmaker, activist and philanthropist Abigail E. Disney, this award-winning, visually-stunning 400-page book illustrates and brings to life the many women who contributed to the Hollywood film industry over the years. Beginning in 1896 with pioneering female director, Alice Guy-Blaché, authors Jill S. Tietjen, P.E. and Barbara Bridges take readers through a photo-treasury of women and film. From movie legends to directors, producers, editors, screenwriters, stuntwomen, composers, cinematographers and others – more than 1,200 women who have added their talent and creativity in the many categories needed to make a movie are featured in this enlightening and entertaining book. 

“Hollywood: Her Story’s purpose is to honor all the women for their wonderful work in creating the movies that touch our hearts and minds,” explained Tietjen. “Although a number of women are known movie names, so many have not received the recognition that they deserve. This book strives to correct that imbalance and shine light on the women who have helped to create the movies that we know and love.”

According to Bridges, “When exploring the list of Oscar-winners and nominees and looking at the list of only women who received these recognitions over the years, it shows the categories in which women could excel in Hollywood and where they had to prove themselves the most. For example, only one woman has been nominated for Best Cinematographer, Rachel Morrison for Mudbound, and that was in 2018. However, women were welcomed in the Best Costume Design category where Edith Head won eight Oscars with another 27 nominations, the most Oscar nominations of any woman in Oscar history.  By looking at the list of women receiving Oscars and nominations by year, we see that more women continue to be recognized over time.”

Praise for Hollywood: Her Story

“It is a great honor to be included in Hollywood: Her Story, alongside so many extraordinary women who have inspired me throughout my life and career.” Sherry Lansing, former president of 20th Century Fox, former Chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures.

Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies won two 2019 Best Book Awards in the categories of Best Interior Design Award and Performing Arts. It was also a finalist for Best Cover Design: Non-Fiction and Novelty & Gift Book.  

Film buffs of all ages will delight in this beautifully illustrated coffee table style book.

Hollywood: Her Story, An Illustrated History of Women and the Movies is available for purchase online at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, BAM! Books A Million and Indie Bound as well as at independent bookstores. 

About the Authors

The authors of Hollywood: Her Story continue to illuminate readers. Tietjen is an author, speaker, and electrical engineer. She is the co-author of Her Story: A Timeline of the Women Who Changed America, which received the Daughters of the American Revolution History Award Medal. Tietjen has conducted research into historical women around the world for the past 30 years and speaks around the country about women’s contributions to history.

Bridges has spent much of her life as an entrepreneur and businesswoman. In 2006, she founded Women+Film, a program in partnership with the Denver Film Society, where she has been bringing audiences together with films, by and about women, that ignite discussions around global issues facing women today. With the annual Women+Film Festival, a section of movies in the Denver Film Festival and movie screenings throughout the year, it is a popular film program that not only entertains but educates and inspires as well.

Enjoy a new perspective on the Academy Awards. For more information, visit the website, http://hollywoodherstory.com.

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AAFD Welcomes the Independent Association of BurgerIM® Franchisees

Newest AAFD Chapter Organizing to Protect Franchisee Investments and Redress Serious Grievances

SAN DIEGO, January 2020 – The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) announced the formation of the Independent Association of BurgerIM® Franchisees (IABIMF).

In the wake of bombshell revelations (reported on January 20th in Restaurant Business Online, “The BurgerIM Disaster”) of hundreds of franchisees not receiving promised services and support, and serious allegations of fraud, mismanagement, and misappropriation of franchisee funds, scores of BurgerIM franchisees have launched the BurgerIM Franchisees Chapter of the AAFD. The association has quickly established a steering committee, a membership committee, and a bylaws committee. It is preparing to elect a board of directors and is rapidly increasing its membership. 

“The goal of IABIMF is to unite and unify BurgerIM franchisees, engage common legal counsel and aggregate franchisee resources to take immediate steps to protect and preserve franchisee investment.” said Joey McCullough, Interim Chairman of the chapter steering committee.

“Our BurgerIM franchisee members are very motivated and have quickly initiated strides to build a strong association,” said Robert Purvin, Chairman of the AAFD. “With the help of the AAFD, I believe this chapter will be able to create and enforce real and meaningful efforts to protect franchisee investments and address serious challenges to their brand. The AAFD is excited to support this effort.”

The new chapter was formed by concerned franchise operators after multiple reports of misappropriation of funds, a large number of sold franchises that are not being developed, lack of franchisee support, large vendor kickbacks to the franchisor, and reports of company vendors and employees not being paid. The franchisees intend to unite their common resources to address the serious challenges to their brand, and to protect their franchisee investments.

The AAFD acts as a catalyst in the franchisee chapter formation process by providing coaching, offering a vehicle for organization, helping franchisees build a leadership structure, and providing tools to support an effective franchisee association. The AAFD further helps chapters build effective leadership, define goals and objectives, build a compelling membership purpose, and open a constructive dialogue with their franchisor management team.   

BurgerIM is a gourmet quick service restaurant concept that features a variety of burger combinations of ground beef, ground lamb, salmon, vegetarian and more. The popular eateries have apparently grown faster than the company can support its franchise network and has led to serious financial and construction challenges. Reports estimate more than 1000 units sold, with nearly 300 restaurants that have opened and reports that over 100 have already closed. Franchisee owners have a strong confidence in the brand and its products and are intent on achieving strong goals for the brand and themselves.

The AAFD is the oldest, largest, and most respected direct member franchisee trade association in the United States.  The nonprofit organization has formed exclusive chapters for over 80 franchise systems and seeks to foster its vision of Total Quality Franchising—a collaborative franchise culture that respects the legitimate business interests of franchisors and franchisees.

***

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation, the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

For media information:

Robert Purvin

rpurvin@aafd.org

AAFD Welcomes the Independent Association of BurgerIM® FranchiseesRead More

OCES Appoints New Community Programs Director

Brenda Carrens

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has promoted Brenda Carrens to Community Programs Director.

In her new role at OCES, Carrens will report directly to Nicole Long, MSW, LICSW, Chief Executive Officer. She will oversee the Nutrition Program, the Volunteer Program, Healthy Living, and the Family Caregiver Support Program as well as the supervisors and managers of these programs. 

Carrens has been with OCES for 14 years and has worked with the Greater Plymouth County’s Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, Family Caregiver Support, Healthy Living, Volunteer, Money Management and Development Programs, most recently as the Volunteer Programs Manager. She has nine years of regulatory, financial and management experience previous to joining OCES.

Carrens holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Texas, El Paso. Additionally, she holds a Certificate in Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work and a Certificate in Supervision and Leadership from the Center for Aging and Disability Education and Research, both from Boston University.

A lifelong volunteer, Carrens currently volunteers for Cancer Care “CABbies” (a 501(c)3 fundraising group to support cancer patients) and Meals on Wheels. She is a former volunteer Cub Scout leader, PTA board member, and Brewins Youth Hockey board member.

Carrens is a resident of Taunton.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.

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Senior insights. Seniors First podcast launched on Talking Information Center. Provides expert guidance on a full range of legal, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.

Aging may bring wisdom, but it also creates new challenges and unanswered questions.

How can I structure my retirement to avoid outliving my savings? How do I retrofit my home to accommodate aging? How do I evaluate in-home resources to provide the extra help I might need? How do I protect my legacy for the next generation?

Seniors First, a newly formed collaborative based in Eastern Massachusetts, offering a single source and well-vetted solution, has launched a new radio show and podcast on Talking Information Center radio based in Marshfield, MA. The show airs the last Friday of each month at 7 p.m. (ET).

Hosted by George Downey, also the founder of Seniors First as well as CEO of Harbor Mortgage Solutions in Braintree, MA, the show will include a wide range of professional experts who serve the senior community. Included are Accountants, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys, Registered Investment Advisors, Financial Planners, Geriatric Care Managers, Home Modification Contractors, In-Home Care Providers, Insurance Professionals, and Mortgage and Real Estate Professionals.

Seniors First was created and is championed by Harbor Mortgage Solutions, a family-owned, residential mortgage company serving Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Recognized as a leading housing wealth management authority, Harbor Mortgage is dedicated to serving the unique home financing and often complex needs of senior homeowners, while also promoting those needs among consumers, professional advisors, state legislators and industry regulators.

In addition to professional services, Seniors First offers educational and objective seminars to Councils on Aging, senior organizations, fraternal organizations, labor unions, college staff and faculty, human resources departments and business groups throughout Eastern Massachusetts. The seminars are presented in moderated panel discussions including experienced professionals expert on the subject matter.

Upcoming podcast topics will be wide-ranging on timely and important senior topics, for example:

  • Aging in Place – From Cash Flow to Home Modifications and More
  • In-Home Care – What You Need to Know and Avoid
  • Successfully Surviving Death and Divorce
  • Protecting and Managing Your Housing and Financial Wealth
  • About the Kids – What You Need and What They Really Want
  • Planning Ahead – What to Do and How to Do It Right
  • How To Avoid Outliving Your Savings
  • Navigating Social Security and Medicare
  • Legacy Planning – Being the Author of your Life and End of Life Plan
  • Social Security – Making the Right Choice
  • Medicare – The Right Rx for You
  • Downsizing and Decluttering – Where do you start

On a monthly basis the Seniors First radio show and podcast bring you information that helps you improve your retirement. We welcome your comments and suggestions for future shows.  Please visit our website at www.SeniorsFirstMA.com.

For more information about Seniors First, contact George Downey, Harbor Mortgage Solutions, Inc., 100 Grandview Road, Suite 105, Braintree, MA 02184.  Phone: (781) 843-5553, or Email: GDowney@HarborMortgage.com

Senior insights. Seniors First podcast launched on Talking Information Center. Provides expert guidance on a full range of legal, financial, housing and lifestyle solutions.Read More

Renovating from furnace to roof, indoors and outdoors. Can do. New, simple loan program provides financing for Consumers helping Contractors.

Consumers who do not want to or can’t tap the equity in the home are often at a stalemate for somewhat larger home repairs such as a new heating system, kitchen makeover or a roof repair.

A new program developed by Bottom Line Results Consulting (BLRC LLC), based in Lincoln, RI, has streamlined the process so that Rhode Island and Massachusetts consumers can obtain the money they need and contractors are no longer missing out on mid-sized to bigger renovation projects.

“I developed this program when I personally experienced the challenge,” notes Paul Lefebvre, MBA, Paul has a accountCEO and Founder at BLRC LLC, Bottom Line Results Consulting and an experienced controller and accountant.  “I needed a new heating system that was estimated at about $4,500.  The contractors I talked to offered no financing options. I also didn’t want the hassle of a  home equity loan. I was stuck.”

  • He continued, “But this gave me the idea to work directly with lending institutions and the contractor community to develop a simple finance program for those mid-sized jobs of approximately $1,000 – $40,000.”

Members of the Rhode Island Builders Association, Rhode Island Association of Public Accountants, and Rhode Island Society of CPA’s, Bottom Line Results Consulting has made arrangements with multiple regional banks to simplify the loan process – often with one page, online applications. Consumer can choose from multiple financing institutions for their home improvement project.  Contractors are engaged under an agreement with BLRC LLC to participate in this program.  

Once the loan process is completed, the consumer receives the loan proceeds, signs the contractor’s estimate/quote, provides the initial deposit to the contractor and the project begins

For more information visit BLRCLLC.com or contact: Paul F. Lefebvre, 401.338-2439, Paul@blrcllc.com, 4 Lantern Brook Drive, Lincoln, RI 02865.

Renovating from furnace to roof, indoors and outdoors. Can do. New, simple loan program provides financing for Consumers helping Contractors.Read More

Speaking Up for those with Speech Dysfluency. Two join the Plymouth, MA-based Hart Speech Foundation Board of Directors.

With eye to the future and an ear for compassion, two new members have joined the Plymouth, MA-based Hart Speech Foundation Board of Directors.  The Hart Speech Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who stutter through advocacy, scholarships and early intervention.

Christopher J Collins, a resident of Attleboro, MA and  Karen McGreal of Wellesley, MA, who have long been involved with the organization as volunteers, have accepted leadership roles on the Board.

“We welcome Chris and Karen to the Board and we are excited about the many assets that they bring,” noted Donald P. Hart, the Founder of the 501(c)(3) charitable organization. 

He added, “This continues our momentum to really scale our outreach and provide help for those with speech challenges.  We recently received a commitment from Eileen and John Grayken of London, England to match donations up to $1-million. John Patrick Grayken is a Cohasset native and an internationally known financier and founder and chairman of the private equity firm, Lone Star Funds.”

In addition to serving on the Hart Foundation board Christopher J Collins  is the Manager of Medlen & Carroll, LLP, a law firm based in Braintree, MA.

He commented, “The Hart Speech Foundation is near and dear to my heart. I have been a stutterer my whole life, and have seen first-hand the lives of many children and adults alike, changed in profound ways, by improving their fluency.  This Foundation gives stutterers the opportunity to receive intense speech therapy. Otherwise these people would not have the financial means to attend the specialized treatment.  The people on this Board and the people involved in this Foundation are so dedicated to the cause. It is my pleasure to be involved in such an organization. Any input or advice I can contribute in aiding this Foundation to further improving the lives of stutterers is a great honor.”

Karen McGreal has been involved with the Foundation since its inception in 2011. Previously she helped plan and implement the Golf Tournament and other fundraisers. McGreal is also a volunteer for the past four years with Community Investors, a 501c3 non-profit organization, is dedicated to supporting the physical, social and emotional wellness of youth communities.  

“My brother Don Hart was the driving force for the Hart Speech Foundation.  Our family has rallied to help build the organization to serve as many people as possible,” she noted.

The mission of the Hart Speech Foundation is to identify clients of all ages to ensure that no one is denied the opportunity to achieve more fluent speech. The board is made up of professionals from the legal field, design field, speech therapy and healthcare field as well as individuals with speech dysfluency.  The Hart Speech Foundation was founded by the Hart Family in 2011. The organization is managed by Donald P. Hart, the Founder and Megan T. Hart, Managing Director.

To learn more about supporting, volunteering or benefitting from Hart Speech Foundation, please visit www.HartSpeech.org or contact Don Hart (617) 852-8855, dphartlaw@verizon.net .

Speaking Up for those with Speech Dysfluency. Two join the Plymouth, MA-based Hart Speech Foundation Board of Directors.Read More