Unleash the Power of The Press

Client News

Apollo Safety announces public works/public sector division

John V. Carvalho III
John V. Carvalho III

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Veteran-owned and Fall River, MA-based, Apollo Safety, Inc. recently announced the formation of a special division to serve public works and public sector customers. Apollo specializes in safety products and services.

The new division will feature extensive offerings for departments of public works and other public sector facilities as it pertains to gas detection equipment, maintenance and monitoring.

“Public works and other public sector clients have many specific needs and budgetary constraints that can often make the difficult jobs they have to do even more challenging,” said John V. Carvalho III, president of president of Apollo Safety, Inc. “The new division will help us better serve our existing public works/public sector customers and market to other public works/public sector entities who need better gas detection systems and maintenance programs.”

Adds Carvalho, “Having served in the military, I can appreciate what it is public sector and public service workers go through to get the job done,” said Carvalho.

To kick off the new division, Apollo Safety is offering a special rate on its Apollo Patriot Service Glove for public sector customers only. These specially designed gloves not only offer suitable protection, but enable users to have the touch and dexterity to wear them and be able to navigate a Smartphone.

Additionally, Apollo Safety’s offerings range from a wide variety of portable gas detection systems to stationary gas detection systems that can accommodate facilities in large cities. These systems include name brands like Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems, RKI, and GMI. Detection systems are available for purchase or rental at weekly or monthly rates. Rental equipment is certified to NIST standards. Apollo Safety guarantees rental equipment for the entire rental period.

On-site installation and training and 24/7 service is also offered. All Apollo Safety technicians are factory-trained and certified and must pass through the company’s own training program, with five levels of certification.

“Our maintenance and monitoring services provides the best of both worlds because budget-conscious public sector clients can receive 24/7/365 service at a fraction of the cost of hiring additional staff,” said Carvalho.

Apollo Safety provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems. Apollo uses only factory-original parts for repairs and repairs are made exactly to client requirements. Apollo guarantees a 10-day turnaround time with pre-approval, though 66 percent of all repairs are completed in five days or less. Free software upgrades included with all repairs.

For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net

About Apollo Safety

Apollo Safety has been serving the safety industry since 1995. Apollo Safety specializes in gas detection products and services for portable and stationary systems. That includes gas detector sales and support for most major brands of gas detection device manufacturers. Apollo Safety also provides service in a “state of the art” in-house service center, as well as offering on-site support with factory-trained technicians for both portable and stationary gas detection systems.

Veteran-owned, Apollo Safety, Inc. is trusted by facilities managers, building owners, landlords, universities, hotels, institutions, and government operations. Apollo Safety is a member of the National Safety Council, Massachusetts Safety Council, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association (RIAFC) and the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts (FCAM).

Apollo Safety’s corporate headquarters is located at 57 Walnut Street in Fall River, Massachusetts. For more information on Apollo Safety products and services, please call 800-813-5408 or visit www.apollosafetyproducts.net .

Apollo Safety announces public works/public sector divisionRead More

RI Chiropractors have your back for long road trips

photo of Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of RI
Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of the Chiropractic Society of RI

Rhode Island…

You don’t need to be a chiropractor to know that sitting for long periods of time can lead to back stiffness. So, if you’re planning a long road trip to bring the kids back to school, sneak in a last minute summer vacation or getaway weekend, you should take some precautions for your back prior to hitting the road. The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island (CSRI) has some sound advice.

“There’s a real fear for people with back conditions that a long road trip could first ruin the trip and then have them in agony on the way back,” said Dr. Michael Gottfried, president of CSRI and a chiropractor at Aquidneck Chiropractic in Middletown, Rhode Island. “With stretching and a decent amount of rest stops—one every hour or so–you can usually minimize the impact of being seated for a long drive.”

The first and most obvious element to the comfortable long drive is the car seat. If you’re not currently driving a vehicle with a good seat and proper lumbar support, Dr. Gottfried recommends looking into a rental that has a comfortable seat or buying a lumbar pillow as a less expensive alternative. In addition, he notes having the seat at the right settings for your height and body type.

“Many times, the seat settings can be a large part of the problem,” says Gottfried. “If you’re currently under a chiropractor’s care, do not be afraid to ask them to take a look at your car seat.”

Gottfried also recommends such subtle things as stretching before you get into the automobile and as you get out, as well as altering hand position on the wheel rather than keeping them in a fixed position (this can ease pressure and tension on the shoulders).

“There are many other things that make it possible for you to have a more comfortable ride, like getting a good night’s sleep the night before and keeping yourself hydrated,” said Gottfried. “Even your music selection is important. Playing soothing music can help with minimizing tension, particularly during stressful traffic situations. Plus, if this is an overnight trip, make sure you have a comfortable bed waiting for you at the end of your destination.”

The Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island, founded in 1918, is one of the oldest chiropractic associations in the country and represents over 60 of the practicing chiropractic physicians in the state of RI. Chiropractic is the largest non-drug health care profession in the US. The chiropractic profession has been affording relief for many types of health conditions naturally, without drugs and their potentially harmful side-effects, for over 100 years.

Chiropractic Society of Rhode Island is located at 1272 West Main Road, Building 2, Middletown, RI 02842. For more information, call (401) 207-0700 or visit www.RIchiro.org.

RI Chiropractors have your back for long road tripsRead More

South Coast Improvement Co. completes summer school work, finishes renovation projects at Boston College

Conte Forum at Boston College
Conte Forum at Boston College

MARION, MA…

South Coast Improvement Company, a design-build general contractor serving New England and the Mid-Atlantic states, recently completed several renovation projects at the campus of Boston College in Chestnut Hill, Mass.

Completed projects included renovations of: administrative offices at Lyons Hall and Campion Hall; men’s restrooms at Conte Forum; and classroom renovations at Fulton Hall.  South Coast Improvement is currently wrapping up an additional renovation of the Boston College Police Station.

“Unlike most college students, we like summer school because university renovation projects incorporate the elements that bring out the best in our team–design; strict, make-or-break deadlines; and working around existing operations,” said Tom Quinlan, president of South Coast Improvement Company. “A campus like BC, even during summer break is quite an active place. Besides the quality of our work, I think BC keeps hiring us for summer work because we do our best in active places under deadline.”

Over the past six years, some of the other buildings and parts of the BC campus where South Coast Improvement has completed renovation projects include: Faber House; Flynn Recreation Complex; Voute and Gabelli Halls; Ignacio Hall; Murray House; St. Clements; Yawkey Athletics and 36 College Road.

“I know in educational terms, having to repeat is not good. But repeat business is the pathway to success in our line of work,” said Quinlan. “That’s why we’re delighted to count Boston College among the number of colleges and universities in the area who have wanted us to come back for new construction and renovation projects.”

South Coast Improvement’s resume of college and university work includes repeat work at Boston University; Babson College; Holy Cross; Northeastern University; Dean College; and Mount Ida.

Based in Marion, Mass., South Coast Improvement Co is a recognized leader in providing building and renovation services to a client base of senior living, healthcare, institutional and retail clients. For more information, please call 508-748-6545 or visit www.southcoastimprovement.com.

About South Coast Improvement Company

South Coast Improvement offers a range of design, construction and management services across a variety of sectors—interiors as well as exteriors—including office buildings, health care facilities, educational institutions, commercial properties, assisted living facilities, and residential communities.  South Coast Improvement’s services include: Preconstruction analysis; Construction management; General contracting; Design/build services;  Capital improvement; Building envelope improvements; and Interior renovations.

For more information, visit www.southcoastimprovement.com or call 508-748-6545.

South Coast Improvement Co. completes summer school work, finishes renovation projects at Boston CollegeRead More

Stars shine at 5th annual Run for Faith

photo of Geoff Smith and Bill Rodgers
(l-r) Boston Marathon Legends Geoff Smith and Bill Rodgers kick off the 5th annual Run for Faith

 PLYMOUTH, MA…

In its five-year history, the Run for Faith has had some pretty memorable moments—including the inaugural run taking place during Hurricane Irene. The 2015 Run for Faith may have been the most memorable of all as four-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Bill Rodgers and two-time Boston Marathon winner and Olympian Geoff Smith. The icing on the cake was an appearance by New Kids on the Block Star Joey McIntyre.

“Raising money to help fight ovarian cancer is a cause that’s near and dear to many people’s hearts. And that’s what brought Bill, who is a cancer survivor himself, Geoff and Joey out to support this very worthy cause,” said Matt Romboldi, one of the founders of the race run in memory of his mother, Faith “Marcy” Romboldi, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2010.

Adds Romboldi, “These three men could not have been more gracious. Bill and Geoff signed autographs and spoke at length to runners and spectators alike. Joey took pictures with everybody who asked and even posted the ones he took on his own Instagram account. Their giving spirit transcended throughout the entire day and giving really is what this race is all about.”

During its five year history, the Run for Faith has raised more than $20,000 for Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care. The run has funded two annual scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Plymouth North High School and Plymouth South High School. The Plymouth Public Library and other local non-profits are also the beneficiary of funds raised by the Run for Faith.

In terms of this year’s Run for Faith, Eric Karstunen finished first for the men’s division with a time of 25:07 for the 4.58-mile course. He was followed by Michael Madden and Francis O’Brien. Michele Palmer took home first for the women’s division with a time of 27:53. She was followed by Biliana Mihaylova and Ariana Rozen.  First-place finishers won $150; second-place received $100; and third-prize was $50. All winners from every division received trophies. For complete race results, visit http://www.coolrunning.com/results/15/ma/Aug23_5thAnn_set1.shtml.

“We are very pleased with the turnout for this year’s race, both from the number of runner and the number of families who came out to enjoy the day,” said Romboldi. “We’re so grateful to Bill, Geoff, Joey and everybody who came out to show their support. I know my mother was looking down on the race and smiling.”

The Run for Faith is organized by Run for Faith, Inc., which is 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created to commemorate the special life of Faith “Marcy” Romboldi who gave so much of herself to both individuals and the community. Those would like to contribute to this year’s donation can still do so by visiting http://www.runforfaithplymouth.org.

Stars shine at 5th annual Run for FaithRead More

The future of dry cleaning comes to Qatar. Lapels Dry Cleaning to open first international location in Qatar

photo of Shari Chaitram ofBani Hashim Trading Company
Shari Chaitram ofBani Hashim Trading Company

HANOVER, MA and QATAR…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, announced agreement with the Bani Hashim Trading Company to open 10 dry cleaning stores and one dry cleaning plant in Qatar. The initial dry cleaning plant will open in early 2016.

As part of the agreement, the Bani Hashim Trading Company will act as Lapels Dry Cleaning’s Master Franchisor in Qatar and will look to sell franchisee licenses in the country.

“We’ve long wanted to bring the Lapels Dry Cleaning to the world stage and the opportunity in Qatar was a very good fit,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning and author of Entrepreneurial Insanity in the Dry Cleaning Business. “Bani Hashim has an impeccable reputation in the franchise industry in Qatar and we could not ask for a better partner in bringing the Lapels brand overseas.”

The Bani Hashim Trading Company is a franchisor of Real Madrid Official Stores in Qatar and will open its first location on the Pearl Qatar at the end of 2015. The company is also the licensee in Qatar for So Jennie, a luxury, non-alcoholic champagne sold in first- and business-Class flights and lounge of Qatar Airways, as well as in many 4- and 5-star hotels in Qatar.  Bani Hashim is also planning to open and franchise So Jennie Cafes to promote the beverage. The first café is scheduled to open in early 2016.

“We found the Lapels franchise model to be very much in line with our approach to franchising our other enterprises,” said Shari Chaitram, retail division manager of the Bani Hashim Trading Company. “People in Qatar, especially executives, are particular about their clothes. We foresee the Lapels approach to dry cleaning and service to be very popular with this demographic.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past dozen years. Part of that effort includes a partnership agreement with GreenEarth®, the dry cleaning industry’s only non-toxic cleaning alternative for its newer locations. Using these kinds of solutions and the latest technology in equipment, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners able to boast that there is no hazardous waste in their process. Their environmentally-friendly cleaning process has no odor and is gentler on clothes, thus lengthening the life of clothes.

Lapels Dry Cleaning also sets itself apart with its customer service. Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and alteration services.

Lapels offers it’s customers Automatic Rewards earning them credit towards free dry cleaning for every dollar they spend, Loyalty Programs, a VIP Program which eliminates the need to wait in line, the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service and FREE Home Delivery to all its customers. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

For complete information on Lapels Dry Cleaning, please visit www.mylapels.com. To learn more about Lapels Dry Cleaning franchise opportunities overseas, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email sales@lapelsdrycleaning.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, Scottsdale), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Florida (Fleming Island, Orange Park) Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Boston Seaport, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Hingham, Kingston, Marshfield, Martha’s Vineyard, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Wellesley, Westwood and Wilmington), Mississippi (New Albany, Pontotoc, Tupelo), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Edmond, Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island), Texas ( Bee Cave, Brownsville,). Additional locations are coming soon to Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Tampa and Orange Park, FL, Waltham and Wakefield, MA; Rochester Hills and West Bloomfield MI; Phoenix, AZ; and Oxford, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has received a number of accolades in the franchise world. That includes being ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. 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 Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

The future of dry cleaning comes to Qatar. Lapels Dry Cleaning to open first international location in QatarRead More

It’s Elementary. Voice4Nations’ School Supply Drive Benefits Families in Need

IMG_4701Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of virtual phone and live answering service company, VoiceNation, recently held its 3rd Annual School Supply Drive to help local children in need obtain the necessary, and often expensive, supplies for the new school year.

The new school year can be challenging for families who don’t have the resources to purchase necessary school supplies. Voice4Nations collected an estimated $400 worth of school supplies, ranging from binders, notebooks and markers to calculators, flash drives and backpacks and more, during their School Supply Drive held in July.

In addition to significant supply donations made by Voice4Nations staff, Snap Fitness in Ellenwood and the Mall of Georgia Wal-Mart made donations.

Voice4Nations delivered the donations on August 4, 2015 to Good News at Noon in Gainesville and Ivy Creek Elementary School in Buford to help families in need of assistance.

“We wish to extend our appreciation to everyone who contributed to the Voice4Nations School Supply Drive which helped dozens of families obtain the essential tools needed for school,” explained Jay Reeder, founder of Voice4Nations.

About Voice4Nations

Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of VoiceNation, acts as a voice for the nations – a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves, like the 50 percent of all children who live in poverty.  Voice4Nations’ goal is to create awareness, encourage people to make a difference, and connect them with successful organizations where they can make a contribution directly funding the need.

Voice4Nations addresses three key initiatives: bullying prevention, the global water crisis, and homelessness. To learn more visit http://voice4nations.org

It’s Elementary. Voice4Nations’ School Supply Drive Benefits Families in NeedRead More

Dighton, MA subdivision, Stoney Ridge Estates, completes first model home

image of home in Stoney Ridge Estates, Dighton, MA
The Dartmouth model home from Stoney Ridge Estates in Dighton, MA

DIGHTON, MA and SOUTH EASTON, MA …

Stoney Ridge Estates, LLC and Stonebridge Homes, the builder/developer and construction manager respectively for Stoney Ridge Estates, recently announced the completion of the first model home at the 60-lot subdivision in Dighton, MA. The new model home is located at 1 Waterford Circle (GPS 1590 Pine Street, Dighton, MA) and will be used both for open houses and as the subdivision’s sales office.

Stoney Ridge Estates offers convenience and affordable luxury living. Located just minutes from Route 24, right off Pine Street in Dighton, Stoney Ridge Estates is commutable to both Providence and Boston.

Offering five different home styles ranging from 1,762 square feet to 2,384 square feet, Stoney Ridge Estates’ stylish colonial homes and beautiful ranches cater to many types of households—families, empty nesters, first-time home buyers looking to start a family, etc.

Each home in Stoney Ridge Estates utilizes gas heat and is certified energy efficient. Features of every home in the subdivision include: two-car garage; a designer kitchen with granite countertops and ceramic tile flooring; recessed lighting.

Stoney Ridge Estates offers 60 luxurious home sites that are enveloped with glorious woodlands. In addition, residents will admire the splendid curb appeal at the subdivision’s entrance, which is decorated with plentiful flowering shrubs and perennials. There’s also a recreational park for residents to enjoy on warm, sunny days and sidewalks to stroll.

“Stoney Ridge Estates offer luxury living and convenience for a wide range of households and families. That’s a combination that’s in short supply with the limited inventory of existing homes in today’s real estate market,” said Rami Itani, business manager for Stonebridge Homes.

Houses at Stoney Ridge Estates start at $414,900. To view floor plans, please visit Stoney Ridge Estates’ website, www.stoneyridgedighton.com. For more information, including open house hours, or to make an appointment for a tour of Stoney Ridge Estates, please call JoAnn Drabble of ABR, at 508-930-1711 or joannedrabble@comcast.net.

About Stonebridge Homes, Inc.:

For more than 20 years, Stonebridge Homes and its team, based in South Easton, Massachusetts, have built many residential communities throughout Massachusetts, including Tanglewood Estates (www.eastontanglewood.com) in Easton, Mass; and Maplewood Estates (www.newhomesatmaplewood.com) in Rockland, Mass. More recently, Stonebridge Homes has been focusing on building and managing construction in towns of southeastern Massachusetts, including Dighton, Easton, Foxboro, Norfolk, Norwell, Norton, Pembroke, Rockland and Westport. The styles of these communities have varied from imaginative condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its award‐winning architects whose specialty is customizing dream homes for individuals, couples and families. Each development is built with the same commitment for quality and satisfaction.

For more information, please visit www.stonebridgehomesinc.com or call 508.230.2300.

Dighton, MA subdivision, Stoney Ridge Estates, completes first model homeRead More

Summertime tax planning

Paul Dion CPA
Paul Dion CPA

MILLBURY, MA and NEWPORT, RI…

Most self-employed people or small business owners would never list tax planning as a favorite summertime activity. Yet for those small business owners looking to enjoy a vacation in the next year and some tax-deductible outings during the summer, it makes the most sense.

“Many small business owners don’t even think about their taxes until it’s time to meet with their accountants and file,” said Paul Dion, owner of Paul Dion CPA. “It is to the small business owner’s benefit to meet at least quarterly to analyze how you can take full advantage of the provisions, credits and deductions that are legally available to you. What better time than summertime when things tend to quiet down a bit for many small businesses.”

When it comes to tax planning, Dion cites several overlapping goals that the small business owner should strive for: reducing the amount of taxable income; lowering your tax rate; controlling the time when the tax must be paid; claiming any available tax credits; and controlling the effects of the Alternative Minimum Tax; and avoiding the most common tax planning mistakes.

“Lowering taxable income is the most obvious place to start because if you can accomplish that, you can possibly lower your tax rate,” said Dion. “Three of the better areas to find additional deductions are business entertainment expenses, business auto expenses and the home office expenses.”

One often overlooked deduction for business entertainment is that the IRS allows up to 50 percent deduction of meals. Business must be discussed during that meal and a receipt of the dinner will be needed for tabs greater than $75.

Another is use of more than one personal vehicle for business use. While the 2015 mileage rate of .575 applies, you can deduct business miles from more than one automobile should you use both for business. To figure business use, divide the business miles driven by the total miles driven. This strategy can result in significant deductions.

One last key deduction is the home office, particularly if you need to buy new equipment. Section 179 expensing for tax year 2015 allows you to immediately deduct, rather than depreciate over time, up to $25,000, with a cap of $200,000 (down from $500,000 and $2,000,000, respectively, in 2014) worth of qualified business property that you purchase during the year. The key word is “purchase”. Equipment can be new or used and includes certain software. All home office depreciable equipment meets the qualifications.

For more information on tax planning and small business deductions, you can call Paul Dion CPA at (508) 853-3292 or visit www.pauldioncpa.com.

ABOUT PAUL DION, CPA

Beyond simple “bean counting”, Paul Dion, CPA and associates work side by side and speak in common English to help clients fully understand their tax situation and take proactive steps to pay the least amount of tax legally allowed while minimizing the risk of an audit.  Clients save money and sleep well as night.

Business services include small business accounting, payroll, cash flow management, strategic business planning, new business formation, internet controls, QuickBooks, part-time CFO, bank financing, succession planning and non-profit organization direction.

For a free book, more information or a complimentary consultation, please visit www.PaulDionCPA.com or contact Paul Dion CPA, via Info@PaulDionCPA.com or (508) 853-3292.  Offices are conveniently located at 22 West Street, #6, (Felter’s Mill), Millbury, MA  01527.

Summertime tax planningRead More

OCES Appoints Gregg Smith as Technology Director

Gregg Smith
Gregg Smith

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults, people with disabilities, families and caregivers throughout the greater Brockton and Plymouth county area, has appointed Gregg Smith as Technology Director.

In his new role, Mr. Smith will be responsible for implementing new technology and ideas to facilitate the agency’s future growth. He will also oversee the negotiation and acquisition of hardware and software.

Mr. Smith served as an IT Consultant to OCES for two and a half years while employed as the Lead IT Consultant at Unitel, an IT consulting company in Easton, MA. Mr. Smith studied Information Systems at Framingham State University and has Microsoft Certifications in Microsoft Server, Exchange, and SQL.

About OCES

Founded in 1974, OCES serves 20 communities in Plymouth County as well as Avon, Easton and Stoughton. OCES is a private, non-profit organization located in Brockton and designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of elders and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency has 217 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.

OCES Appoints Gregg Smith as Technology DirectorRead More