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Waltham Based CPA Firm Rebrands and Announces New Name and Logo

RodmanCPAs Partners_MG_1692 copyThe Waltham, MA-based full service tax and accounting firm known as Rodman & Rodman P.C. has rebranded and officially announced their new company name, Rodman CPAs, and unveiled a new firm graphic identity.

The firm has rebranded to better reflect the firm’s growth, expertise, and comprehensive accounting and tax solutions for clients in a range of industries, including alternative energy.

Steve Rodman CPA, MST, the firm’s president, and partners Kathy Parker CPA, MST and Tom Astore CPA, JD, engaged the marketing and branding expertise of Hailer Marketing Associates and Paris Design to assist with refreshing the firm’s brand.

Initially, the Rodman team was simply looking to update their website after relocating from Newton (where they had been located for two decades) to University Office Park in Waltham. The new 8,500 square foot Waltham office nearly doubled the firm’s space and supported Rodman CPAs’ growth, while enabling them to expand their offerings and provide on-site educational and networking capabilities.

The decision to rebrand came about from a perceived need to reposition Rodman CPAs in the general marketplace – which encompassed the firm’s name change, a better definition of their scope of services, updated messaging, and the development of brand pillars and a positioning statement. All which is reflected through the new name, graphic identity, taglines, collateral, and (soon to be launched) new website.

“One of the first things that we discovered in this process was that no one referred to the firm as Rodman & Rodman P.C. The name by which they were already known and referred to in the industry was Rodman CPAs,” explained Elizabeth Hailer, who managed the rebrand project. “The relocation provided a great opportunity for the firm to transform the new space with the new brand.”

In phase one of the rebrand process, Hailer Marketing reviewed Rodman CPAs’ key priorities and conducted independent research on their market and brand, which included surveying several  constituents as well as key stakeholders. A competitive analysis and internal business strategy and assessment were completed. Phase two of the process involved developing the brand pillars, messaging and positioning statement based on the data, and collaborating with Paris Design in the build out of the firm’s identity and visuals to communicate the brand.

Rodman-Logo-DigitalThe firm’s newly designed “Rodman CPAs” graphic identity represents change and growth, while highlighting their focus on alternative energy. The “O” in Rodman uses a simple, yet refined visual that is not only memorable, but reflects how the firm helps clients perform and succeed during each stage of their business lifecycle, as does the logo tagline “Collaborative Approach. Practical Advice.”

“The process of rebranding, which involved an in-depth analysis of our goals, messaging and company culture, has taken us full circle and set us on our future path. Our enhanced brand reflects our commitment to being a strategic partner to our clients through a collaborative approach and practical advice,” explained Steve Rodman.

About Rodman CPAs

Rodman CPAs provides tax advisory, accounting, and business strategy to small and mid-sized emerging and established businesses. Named one of Accounting Today’s Best Accounting Firms to Work for, and one of the largest accounting firms in Massachusetts by the Boston Business Journal, Rodman CPAs offers an innovative and strategic approach with the personal touch of a smaller regional CPA firm. For more than 50 years, Rodman CPAs has been specializing in customized accounting and tax solutions that improve business performance, processes, financial operations, and information technology.

The firm serves as a true business partner, helping clients perform and succeed during each stage of the business lifecycle. As domain experts in alternative energy, the “Green Team” at Rodman CPAs works with renewable energy producers and businesses throughout the U.S. offering tax advisory, financial, accounting services, and Investment Tax Credit (ITC) studies.

Rodman CPAs is an independent member firm of BDO Alliance USA, which enables them to expand services to clients by accessing the resources of BDO USA, LLP and other Alliance members, ensuring greater flexibility, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at http://www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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A name is not only a name. Cape Cod firm launches new service to help Cape Cod businesses to determine best business entity – LLC or bust.

Attorney Tim McNamara of McNamara & Yates.
Attorney Tim McNamara of McNamara & Yates.

SANDWICH, MA…

Starting your own business involves a number of details—everything from naming your business to office supplies, setting up your books to printing business cards. Yet perhaps the most important decision—deciding what type of business entity your business will be—is made hastily by some small business owners without enough thought about future implications. That’s why McNamara & Yates, a Sandwich, MA-based law firm, has established a small business division.

“When small business owners hang up their shingle, there’s often an assumption that incorporation is necessary to make the company official,” said Business Attorney Timothy McNamara. “Depending on the type of business, incorporating may not be the way to go. That’s why we felt our firm needed a special division to offer this kind of service.”

The most common entity choices for small business owners fall into three categories: sole proprietor, limited liability corporation or LLC and S-Corporation. Many variables factor into what’s the appropriate choice for a particular business. The most notable is risk.

“If you are talking about a one-person operation, the most obvious reason to choose an LLC or S-Corp has to do with risk. Should something go wrong during the course of your business, the LLC or S-Corp designation protects you from potential liability suits where the plaintiff could go after your personal assets rather than those of the business,” said McNamara.

McNamara gives as an example a courier business run by a solo entrepreneur. The courier, by the nature of the business, is exposed to risk and liability throughout the course of making deliveries. That can include potential automobile accidents, damage to parcels, etc. In this situation an LLC or S-Corp would be a suitable option for that business owner.

“The courier in this example has exposures everywhere and would logically have the appropriate insurances to protect his/her business. But filing as an LLC or S-Corp further protects his/her personal assets,” said McNamara. “By contrast, a solo entrepreneur that offers a service with limited risk—let’s say a graphic designer—could reasonably decide to remain a sole proprietor.”

So how does a small business owner make the choice between an LLC and S-Corp?  That decision largely depends on the nature of the business, the future direction of the business and, of course, taxes.

“Accounting fees for an LLC usually won’t eclipse $500 or so. The S-Corp filing can be a few thousand,” said McNamara. “Another consideration is the growth of the company. Does the possibility of the company going public and having shareholders exist?”

The main distinguishing points between LLC’s and S-Corp’s, however are the tax advantages from separating wages from profits in a corporation, versus the convenience of having next to no formalities in the LLC. A business owner can reap significant tax benefits with the corporation on the one hand, but enjoys the most operational flexibility with the LLC on the other.

“S-Corp’s, for example, are required by law to have annual shareholders meetings to vote on any number of things—including the salary of the CEO, who might be a solo entrepreneur,” said McNamara. “Both LLCs and S-Corps are required to file annual reports.”

McNamara advises meeting with an attorney as part of the business formation process and before any major changes.

“Where small business owners get into some difficulty is when there’s a change in the business and they don’t consult an attorney. For example, let’s say the graphic designer decides to take out office space and have one or two freelancers work there. That’s really when they should refile as an LLC or S-Corp to protect your personal assets,” said McNamara.

For more information on business filings or for other small business questions, you can call McNamara & Yates, P.C. at call 508-888-8100.

About McNamara & Yates

Founded in 2004, McNamara & Yates, P.C. is a full-service law firm specializing in business law, estate planning, guardianship, Medicaid planning probate law and bankruptcy. Based on Cape Cod at 128 Route 6A in Sandwich, Massachusetts, McNamara & Yates are committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

For more information, contact (508) 888-8100 or visit their website at http://www.cape-law.com.

A name is not only a name. Cape Cod firm launches new service to help Cape Cod businesses to determine best business entity – LLC or bust.Read More

Worth the weight. Lapels Dry Cleaning’s annual clothing drive to benefit Big Brother Big Sister raises more than 13,000 pounds of clothing

photo of Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive
Josh DuBois, of Lapels Dry Cleaning of Cohasset stands in front of clothing donations generated for Lapels Dry Cleaning’s annual drive to benefit Big Brother/Big Sister. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Cohasset customers donated 1,380 pounds of clothing. The overall drive generated more than 13,000 pounds.

HANOVER, MA…

In terms of fundraising efforts, Lapels Dry Cleaning’s Annual Clothing Drive to benefit Big Brother Big Sister carried its weight—figuratively and literally. This year’s drive generated 13,180 pounds, about the equivalent of more than $13,000. The 13,108 represents an all-time high for the annual drive, which, ironically, Lapels Dry Cleaning has been conducting for the past 13 years.

Held from May 7 to May 22, Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in six states– Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, and New Jersey—collected clothing from Lapels customers and the general public. The clothing will be sold at Big Brother Big Sister-affiliated thrift shops in those respective states. The sales of those items will go to fund mentoring programs for young girls and boys in those states.

“I guess 13 is our lucky number. We have conducted the Big Brother Big Sister Clothing Drive for 13 years now and we raised more tha $13,000! Each year this drive gets bigger and bigger,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “We could not have done this without the support of the customers and the communities we serve.”

The “13” theme continues with the clothing drive leaders–Lapels Dry Cleaning of Cohasset and Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston at 621 Tremont Street. Each generated 1,380 pounds of clothing to tie for most donations. Lapels Dry Cleaning of Cohasset was the top generator in 2015 and Lapels Dry Cleaning of Boston took the lead in 2014.

“The amount raised by our Massachusetts stores, 10,878, is very impressive,” said Dubois. “What’s even more impressive is how states like New Jersey (1,037 pounds) and Arizona (575 pounds) with only a few stores generated so many donations.”

“We would like to thank Lapels Dry Cleaning and its franchise owners for once again coming through with a record-breaking fundraiser,” said Steve Beck, of The Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. “I know people associate Lapels Dry Cleaning with being environmentally friendly. Based on the annual success of this clothing drive, I’d have to say they are pretty friendly to the local community as well.”

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
Each Lapels Dry Cleaning store offers a full slate of services, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage. Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Arizona (Gilbert, Chandler, Phoenix, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park, Tampa) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Boston Seaport, Braintree, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Hanover, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Stoughton, Walpole, Waltham, Wakefield, Wellesley, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Michigan (Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield), Mississippi (New Albany, Tupelo, Pontotoc), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island), Texas (Bee Cave, Brownsville). Additional locations are coming soon to Boston, MA, Burlington, MA, Canton, MA, Malden, MA, Oxford, MS, Somerville, NJ and the first international store in Doha Qatar.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has received a number of accolades in the franchise world. That includes being ranked as the number one franchise in the Dry Cleaning and Delivery Services category for Entrepreneur’s Annual “Franchise 500” for 2016. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Lapels has also achieved acclaim in the dry cleaning industry. Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Kevin Dubois is the co-author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business, sold on Amazon.com.

Lapels Dry Cleaning Corporate Offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.com. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s website, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

Worth the weight. Lapels Dry Cleaning’s annual clothing drive to benefit Big Brother Big Sister raises more than 13,000 pounds of clothingRead More

Cindy Phillips joins Family Dental Group of Paxton

photo of Cindy Phillips of Family Dental Group of Paxton
Cindy Phillips of Family Dental Group of Paxton

PAXTON, MA…

The Family Dental Group of Paxton, located at 581 Pleasant Street, recently announced the addition of Cindy Phillips to its staff as Office Manager/Treatment Coordinator.

Phillips, a Hubbardston resident, has more than 28 years experience working in the dental/orthodontic industry. Most recently, she worked as a treatment coordinator for Dr. Ivan Orup of Concord, Mass.

“We’re delighted to add Cindy to our staff. The depth and breadth of her experience has already been a benefit to our practice,” said Dr. Nikhil Lavana, DMD, who owns and operates Family Dental Group of Paxton with his wife Dr. Archana Lavana, DMD.

Phillips is a licensed dental assistant and holds a dental X-ray certification. She studied dental radiology at Springfield Technical Community College. Phillips also attended Mount Wachusett Community College for general studies.

“I’m quite thankful to both Dr. Lavana’s for this opportunity,” said Phillips. “Everybody is so friendly, staff and patients. I’m really looking forward to growing into this role.”

Phillips resides in Hubbardston with her husband Larry. The couple have five adult children.

For more information on the Family Dental Group of Paxton you can visit www.paxtondentist.com or call 508-755-2905.

About Family Dental Group of Paxton

Located at 581 Pleasant Street in Paxton, The Family Dental Group of Paxton offers: comprehensive examinations; cosmetics; crowns (in just one visit with no messy impressions); teeth whitening with ZOOM; laser dentistry (no needles!); partial and full dentures; root canals; inlays/onlays; extractions; crown lengthening; and emergency services (24-hour emergency phone number available).

The Family Dental Group of Paxton accepts most insurance plans. They also accept payment from most PPO and indemnity plans, including Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Delta Dental. Family Dental Group of Paxton accepts all major credit cards and offers credit card financing plans.

To schedule an initial consultation, please call 508-755-2905. For more information, visit www.paxtondentist.com.

 

 

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VoiceNation Answers the Call for ABC Columbia

VoiceNation bg-logoVoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services trusted by thousands of businesses worldwide, supported more than 50,000 calls to Columbia South Carolina’s ABC affiliate WOLO-TV during their May Sweeps Gold Tablet Giveaway contest.

ABC Columbia selected VoiceNation as their partner for their May Sweeps Gold Tablet Giveaway contest. During the month of May, ABC Columbia gave away 40 gold tablets over a four-week period. Twice a day for four weeks straight, WOLO held a contest for their viewers to call in to a toll free number where they could enter their name to the random drawing to win one of the highly popular gold tablets.

“Knowing that the contest would create a huge buzz and thousands of calls from their loyal viewers, ABC Columbia needed a solution that could handle an incredibly high call volume.  Ultimately, they chose VoiceNation as their preferred provider to answer the calls,” said Eric Schurke, Director of Operations at VoiceNation.

Over the course of the month long contest, ABC viewers made over 50,000 calls to the VoiceNation platform that was customized specifically for the Gold Tablet Giveaway contest.  During peak call times, VoiceNation was handling nearly one thousand simultaneous calls.

ABC Columbia’s Station Manager/Program Director Dave Aiken stated, “VoiceNation was most helpful in recommending the voicemail registration system.  We were most pleased with the way VoiceNation worked with us on the execution of this contest. It was the first time the station had used a voicemail registration contest.”

VoiceNation is a leading provider of 24-hour live answering services and call center solutions ranging from appointment setting and simple order processing to voicemail, call patching and more.

Schurke continued, “This wasn’t the first time that we’ve been asked to answer calls on a grand scale. We’ve been working with Comedy Central producers for years now, supporting ‘The Colbert Report’ Atone Phone hotline. Utilizing our own custom solutions and open source technology, VoiceNation has the ability to create answering solutions that most phone companies simply don’t have the technology or bandwidth to support. We were delighted
to partner with ABC on this project.”

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is the leading provider of 24-hour, professional-grade live answering services and call center solutions. Named “Top Provider in Industry” by PC World, VoiceNation is positioned as a knowledge leader with innovations in pricing, service, and proprietary open source technology.

Over 50,000 businesses worldwide, including Comedy Central, Delta, Dunkin’ Donuts, Rolls Royce, and StateFarm trust VoiceNation as their professional telephone answering service. Founded in 2002, VoiceNation is a privately-held company that invests heavy emphasis in staff development and community outreach opportunities. To learn more about VoiceNation, visit http://www.qualityansweringservice.com.

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Old Colony Elder Services Receives Proclamation

OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES
OCES Board President Ted Lang, Mayor Bill Carpenter and Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities, was honored with a proclamation recognizing OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities in celebration of Senior Corps Week.

Senior Corps Week, held May 16 through 20, 2016, provides an opportunity to salute volunteers from the Foster Grandparent Program, Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), and Senior Companion Program, to recognize community sponsors and service partners, and to communicate the impact of those who serve. More than 6100 seniors in Massachusetts contribute their time and talents in one of these three Senior Corps programs.

Mayor Bill Carpenter of Brockton addressed the OCES Board of Directors and presented a proclamation to recognize OCES as a vital contributor to greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. As the Mayor indicated in his remarks, the official proclamation from the City specifically thanks OCES’ volunteers and acknowledges their positive impact and value to our communities and to our nation.

A federal citation prepared by United States Congressman Stephen F. Lynch, who represents the Eighth District of Massachusetts, was also presented to the OCES Board of Directors to mark the occasion.  Board President Ted Lang and Executive Director Diana DiGiorgi accepted these awards on behalf of OCES.

OCES manages the RSVP for Plymouth County. There are a variety of opportunities available statewide to RSVP Volunteers. They can conduct safety patrols, renovate homes, protect the environment, tutor and mentor youth, respond to natural disasters, and provide other services across the country. To learn about the opportunities OCES has available, contact OCES’ Volunteer Coordinator, Jean-Marie Doyle, at JDoyle@ocesma.org.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton. OCES is designated as one of 26 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and people with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 235 employees and operates more than 15 programs serving 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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A service ‘master’…Walter Pollock joins Tracy Chevrolet-Cadillac as service manager.

photo of Walter Pollock of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac
Walter Pollock of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

PLYMOUTH, MA…

For nearly 25 years, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has developed a standard for first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing. That reputation not only attracts customers, but top-flight automotive professionals like recently named Service Manager Walter Pollock.

A native of South Boston, Pollock brings 35 years in the automotive industry to the table. In his capacity as service manager, he will oversee Tracy’s repair and service department.

“People are keeping their automobiles longer than ever before. That makes our service department the primary caretakers of the relationships we have with our customers. That’s why we are grateful to have someone of Walter’s stature and experience to lead our service department,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

A native of South Boston, Pollock is a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps and served during the Vietnam War. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in business administration.   Prior to his current position with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, he worked at Herb Chambers as the Director of Fixed Operations for Chevrolet in Danvers and Cadillac in Lynnfield.

“There’s a real family atmosphere here at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac that starts with Jeff Tracy and permeates throughout the whole organization,” said Pollock. “Cap that off with a much shorter commute and I’m extremely happy with my decision.”

Pollock resides in Carver, Massachusetts with his wife Gail. The couple has four adult children and six grandchildren.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (508) 830-0101.

A service ‘master’…Walter Pollock joins Tracy Chevrolet-Cadillac as service manager.Read More

Area motorists can clean up with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Dirtiest Vehicle Contest.

photo of dirty auto
Does your car look like this? Enter the Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac “Dirtiest Vehicle Contest” and you could win free car washes for a year. See the dealership’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/TracyChevroletCadillacOfPlymouthMa/.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Motorists celebrate the end of winter for many reasons. The end to inclement weather means no more salt on their automobile or truck. Yet that joy can be short-lived as we enter spring and pollen season. To combat the ever present yellow haze, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac is hosting a Dirtiest Vehicle Contest, with the winner receiving free car washes for a year.

Participants can enter by submitting a photo of their dirty automobile—car, truck or SUV—on Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Facebook page. Vehicles receiving the most number of likes July 31 will receive a voucher for free external car washes at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac for one year. The winner will also receive a $100 Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac gift certificate, which can be used at the dealership on repairs or accessories.

“Cars and trucks get dirty. That’s a fact of life. Yet when you get into the warmer weather months, we have just as many things that dirty our vehicles as winter—pollen, tree sap, birds returning. Since we are based on the coast, we don’t get a huge break from sand and salt as people head to the beach and transport items the items they use in the ocean,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

No purchase is necessary to participate in the Dirtiest Car Contest. “Likes” will be tallied up at 5 pm. on Sunday, July 31 and announced on Friday, August 1. The winner must come down to the dealership to claim their prize.

For more information, visit Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TracyChevroletCadillacOfPlymouthMa or call 508-830-0101. 

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (508) 830-0101.

Area motorists can clean up with Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Dirtiest Vehicle Contest.Read More

Talking Information Center Provides Libraries with a “Listening” Option

TIC imageThe Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service which broadcasts 24 hours a day to thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners, exhibited at the 2016 Massachusetts Library Association (MLA) Annual Conference in Hyannis in an effort to create greater awareness about TIC’s accessible technology for libraries.

TIC offers their special radio receivers to libraries, which in turn enables library patrons to “tune-in” to TIC’s informational and entertaining broadcasts. The receivers, which resemble traditional radio receivers, may be installed in a dedicated room at a library, to be utilized by listeners who do not have access to the Internet and who rely on their public library for a variety of services.

During the  MLA conference, TIC’s Executive Director Jim Bunnell spoke to library decision-makers about how TIC “turns print into sound” and demonstrated how to use the special receivers and review TIC’s daily broadcast schedule.

TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. They also offer cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families.

TIC is a proud member of the International Association of Audible Information Services (IAAIS), and is also the hub of the Massachusetts Reading Network, broadcasting to all of Massachusetts as well as southern New Hampshire and Connecticut. Operating similarly to other broadcast networks, TIC has affiliates throughout the state of Massachusetts that provide inserts of local news and information that is of interest to listeners in their area.

Bunnell explained, “TIC has thousands of visually impaired and otherwise disabled listeners throughout the state, yet there is a broader audience seeking informational, entertaining broadcasts that just aren’t available elsewhere, who can benefit from our programming.”

Libraries may arrange for TIC’s specially tuned radio receiver to be installed on-site by calling TIC at (781) 834-4400. For more information about TIC’s programming, visit www.ticnetwork.org.

About TIC

The Talking Information Center (TIC), a non-profit reading service located in Marshfield, MA, broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to visually-impaired and otherwise disabled listeners including those suffering from AIDS, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, stroke, paralysis or other physical illness that makes holding a publication or turning pages impossible.

TIC programming may be accessed several ways: via live audio stream at http://www.ticnetwork.org; by utilizing a specially tuned radio receiver; through AudioNow by calling 712-832-7025 from a home or cell phone; or by smartphone app. Listeners with smartphones may download the free TIC app by typing “Talking Information Center” in Apple or in the Google Play store for Android devices.

TIC’s mission is to provide human voice(d) broadcasts to visually and mobility impaired listeners throughout Massachusetts to promote independence and enrich quality of life. TIC broadcasts newspapers, magazines, books, special consumer information, medical and stock market updates, jobs, sports, supermarket specials, voting guides, community newspapers, and television programs. Cultural programming such as old-time radio drama, theater, and poetry is also provided. Two of TIC’s newest shows include Veterans Voice Radio and Veterans Voice Story Hour, which are specifically geared toward military veterans and their families. TIC is located at 130 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050. For more information visit www.ticnetwork.org or call (781) 834-4400.

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