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My Pinnacle Network recognizes region’s best connectors with Networking Ninja Award winners

Jay Nus
Jay Nuss of Jay Nuss Realty Group. Jay is the winner of the Best Connector for the My Pinnacle Network’s Networking Ninja Awards.

BOURNE, BRAINTREE, MARSHFIELD, MANSFIELD, NEWTON, PLYMOUTH, and WESTBOROUGH, MA …

My Pinnacle Network, the business to business networking group with monthly meetings in Bourne, Braintree, Mansfield, Marshfield, Newton, Plymouth and Westborough, MA, recently announced the winners of its first annual Networking Ninja Awards. The newly minted Networking Ninja Awards were created to recognize the region’s best networkers in four separate categories: Best Connector (helping bring people together); Most Ubiquitous (appears to be at every networking event); Most Altruistic (does most for others); and Brightest Beacon (adds energy to networking events).

Jay Nuss, owner of Jay Nuss Realty Group based in Braintree, MA took home the honors as Best Connector. He is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Braintree Third Thursday.

Alex Bungener, owner of Digital + located in Cotuit, MA, won the Most Ubiquitous Networking Ninja Award. He is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Marshfield.

Wil Porter of Ansaphone Service, Inc. based in Quincy, MA won the Most Altruistic Networking Ninja Award. He is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Braintree Third Thursday.

Nicole Connolly of PhotoFabulousYou, located in Westborough, MA, won the Brightest Beacon honors. She is a member of My Pinnacle Network-Westborough.

“We had a number of networkers nominated for these awards and these individuals stood out as the cream of the crop in our region,” said Steve Dubin, founder of My Pinnacle Network. “Each of these winners has proven themselves to be first-rate connectors who are givers first, which is how they ultimately receive referrals for their respective businesses.”

Voting for the Networking Ninja Awards took place from October 1 through November 7 on the My Pinnacle Network website, www.mypinnaclenetwork.com. Others nominated for awards include: David Allen of Miller, Allen & Associates and My Pinnacle Network-Westborough; Greg DeSimone of Catapult Advisory Group and My Pinnacle Network-Mansfield; Jim Hickox of Apple Corps Cleaning and My Pinnacle Network-Braintree Third Thursday; John Adams of Adams Communications and My Pinnacle Network-Plymouth; Chris Aghajayan of Conagh Technologies, Inc. and My Pinnacle Network-Braintree Third Thursday; Rachel Rabinovich of Roger J. Cummings CFP and My Pinnacle Network-Braintree First Tuesday; Carol Rudick of Carol the Print Pro and My Pinnacle Network-Braintree First Tuesday.

Additional nominees included: Roy Pacitto of Bryley Systems and My Pinnacle Network-Westborough; Sheldon Prenovitz of ABResources and My Pinnacle Network-Westborough; Gerry Gross of Cumulus Global and My Pinnacle Network-Westborough; Scott Mazerall of Eastern Bank and My Pinnacle Network-Plymouth; and Janet Leberge.

“Networking, sharing information and opportunity, is what makes the world go round,” noted Dubin. “Both whimsical and pragmatic, the Networking Ninja Awards provide recognition for many who typically do great deeds and humbly hang is the shadows.”

For information about the Networking Ninja Awards, please visit www.MyPinnacleNetwork.com, or contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061.

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“Buried in Treasure” Facilitated Support Group Begins in December

OCES logoIs clutter affecting you at home, work or in your relationships?  Does the clutter create safety issues or embarrass you?

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, and partnering agencies through the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding (GBAH) Task Force are offering a 12 week “Buried in Treasure” facilitated support group for individuals with hoarding issues.

Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothes, 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.

The “Buried in Treasure” facilitated support group will be held on Tuesdays, beginning in December 2014, from 5:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Signature Healthcare Brockton Hospital, 680 Centre Street in Brockton. There is no cost to attend; all attendees will receive a complimentary workbook.

The support group will be coordinated by OCES and facilitated by South Bay Mental Health of Brockton. It is sponsored by the GBAH Task Force and funded by a $3,000 grant from MassHousing.

For more information or to sign up for the support group, contact Aditi Gohil, LMHC at South Bay Mental Health (508) 232-6564.  Pre-registration is required.

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 185 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.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

“Buried in Treasure” Facilitated Support Group Begins in DecemberRead More

Reeder Interviewed on Atlanta Business Radio

Reeder Interviewed on Atlanta Business RadioRead More

VoiceNation’s Jay Reeder Honored as a 2014 Highest Rated Telecom CEO

Jay Reeder
Jay Reeder

Jay Reeder, CEO of VoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services, has been named one of “The 20 Highest Rated Telecom CEOs To Work For in 2014” by GetVoIP.com.

GetVoIP.com, an independent provider comparison and shoppers guide offering unbiased consumer reviews, has compiled a list of top 20 decision-makers in the telecommunications industry ranked by the measure of how their employees felt about their leadership. GetVoIP utilized CEO ratings from Glassdoor.com.

Reeder, who according to the guide, has a CEO approval rating of 75 percent, was named number 15 out of the Top 20, earning high ranks from his employees for his dedication to staff training and development, to which a great deal of time and resources are allocated.

VoiceNation’s company culture is one that cultivates a very positive workplace where staff is empowered and leadership and personal growth are promoted. A large part of their culture revolves around their Employee Volunteer Program, which encourages staff to give back and get involved by helping others.  Through the program, every staff member has an opportunity to volunteer on a monthly basis and work towards a cause they feel passionate about, on a local, national, and global scale.

“Employee engagement and satisfaction go hand in hand with customer satisfaction. A strong, positive company culture that supports employees with training and development results in a dedicated and talented team,” explained Jay Reeder, VoiceNation’s president.

To view the Top CEOs, visit http://getvoip.com/blog/2014/10/28/highest-rated-telecom-ceos.

About VoiceNation

VoiceNation is a leading provider of 24-hour 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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Tis the season to start your taxes? It is for small businesses—or should be.

Paul Dion CPA
Paul Dion CPA

MILLBURY, MA…

April 15 is synonymous as the day to pay taxes. Yet as a small business owner, the day you pay and the day you begin preparations should not be in the same calendar year. Particularly given the new tax laws over the past few years.

“The increases in several taxes last year—for example, the top tax rate for the top federal wage jumping from 35% to 39.6% in 2013—should have small businesses in the be prepared mindset now,” said Millbury, MA-based CPA Paul C. Dion. “But unless you earned that much last year, you probably aren’t thinking about that right now unless you are working with your accountant throughout the year.”

The top federal wage tax rate is but one tax increase Dion cites as having an impact on small business owners. For those who had to sell stocks or mutual funds to pay taxes for 2013 taxes, the capital gains tax rose in 2013 to 20 percent with a Medicare tax on those gains of 3.8 percent for some. That can make this year’s tax bill even steeper.

“Having your accountant come up with a tax projection before the end of the year can be very helpful in putting your finances in order for when it comes time to pay your taxes by April 15,” said Dion. “Yes, it’s true you might not have your final numbers but you can put together some sort of estimate to help plan. Even something as simple as working with your accountant to get all the forms you’re going to need together is something you can do now to make getting your taxes done easier.”

One headache-saving exercise Dion recommends small businesses undertake is going through the employee base and make sure all the information is up-to-date to ensure all the termination documents from former employees are filed with the proper arms of the government.

Early preparation also benefits small business owners who do business in multiple states. According to Dion, companies that do business across states have to deal with all types of notices and announcements regarding sales tax, income tax, use tax and various property taxes.

“If you do business in multiple states, it really is imperative that you begin your tax preparations now,” said Dion. “Otherwise, as a small business owner, you could be looking down the double barrel of large tax bills from both federal and state government.”

For a free consultation and planning tips for the coming tax year, please call Paul Dion CPA at (508) 853-3292. For more information, you can also visit www.paulcdioncpa.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.

Tis the season to start your taxes? It is for small businesses—or should be.Read More

Elissa Burton joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.

Elissa Burton, Esq.
Elissa Burton, Esq.

BOSTON, BRAINTREE AND QUINCY, MA…

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C., a dynamic full-service law firm with a team of attorneys advising individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas, recently hired Needham resident Elissa Burton as an Associate.

Berton comes to the Firm from Seegel Lipshutz & Lo LLP where she worked as an associate attorney with a concentration on estate planning, tax preparation and trust administration. At Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C., she will continue to work in the areas of estate planning,  corporate transactions and taxation.

Burton received her juris doctorate cum laude from New England School of Law.  She also holds an LLM in Taxation and a Certificate in Employee Benefits from Georgetown University Law Center.  Burton graduated cum laude from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Marketing and Management.

“Sustained excellence is one of the things we strive for at Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro. That’s why we are continuously looking for bright, young attorneys to add to our team,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. He added, “Elissa is a fine example of the caliber of associates we hire at the Firm. Her depth of experience in estate planning and tax preparation will be a tremendous asset to our estate planning team.”

Burton was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in 2012. She’s also a member of the Virginia State Bar, admitted in 2011.

Said Burton, “Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. has an impeccable reputation in the greater Boston area, particularly on the South Shore. I’m looking forward to being a part of the meaningful work the Firm does.”

About the Firm

Founded in 1995, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. is a full-service law firm located in Quincy committed to providing every client with personal attention and superior legal service at reasonable rates.

The firm’s attorneys provide legal advice and counsel to individuals, businesses and families throughout Quincy, Braintree, the South Shore and metro Boston areas.  Led by five partners with a combined 100+ years of experience, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro’s 15 attorneys practice in the following areas: litigation, tax, trust and estate planning, real estate, zoning and land use, corporate law, finance, criminal defense, immigration law, election law, and divorce and family law.  Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro also offers a Speaker’s Bureau on topics of tax, estate planning, small business law and corporate law.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. is headquartered at 300 Crown Colony Drive, Suite 500 in Quincy, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 848-9610 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

Elissa Burton joins Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C.Read More

Lapels Dry Cleaning coming to the Motor City

franchise opportunity, dry cleaning franchise opportunity,
Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning

DETROIT, MI and HANOVER, MA…

Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, recently announced a 16-store development agreement with Shambho, LLC to bring the Future of Dry Cleaning to the greater Detroit area. The first store is slated to open in late first quarter, early second quarter of 2015.

“We’re extremely excited about opening in Detroit as it represents Lapels Dry Cleaning’s first location in Michigan,” said a spokesperson for Shambho, LLC, a Detroit-based development firm that is also multi-unit franchisee of Great Clips hair salons in the area. “Lapels, with its green initiative, truly represents the future of dry cleaning and we think the response from people greater Detroit will be tremendous.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience over the past dozen years. Most recently, Lapels signed 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.

“We’re delighted to sign this agreement with Shambho, LLC as it means more than bringing an environmentally friendlier way to dry clean clothes to the area. It also means jobs,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning. “We expect to add 100 to 200 jobs to the greater Detroit area as we build our hub & spokes networks.”

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), California (Poway), Colorado (Littleton), Connecticut (Cromwell), Louisiana (Monroe, West Monroe, Delhi, Rayville, Winnsboro), Massachusetts (Abington, Allston, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Hingham, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), Mississippi (New Albany), Missouri (Wildwood), New Jersey (Brick, Freehold and Verona), Ohio (Liberty Township), Oklahoma (Oklahoma City), Pennsylvania (Bloomsburg), Rhode Island (Lincoln); South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, Surfside Beach); Texas (Austin, Bee Cave, Brownsville, Cedar Park). Additional locations are coming soon to Jacksonville, FL, Fleming Island, Tampa and Orange Park, FL, Boston Seaport, MA, Scottsdale, AZ, Yuma, AZ, Oxford, MS and Fulton, MS.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning 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 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.

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Powder Point Wealth Management Opens Doors in Pembroke

Michael Damon, CPA, Financial Advisor
Michael Damon, CPA, Financial Advisor

Powder Point Wealth Management, LLC, a new financial services practice serving the greater South Shore area, has opened its doors at 300 Oak Street, Suite 220 in Pembroke, MA.

Michael Damon, who is a Certified Public Accountant, Financial Advisor and Registered Representative (Series 7 and 63), is the founder of the new practice. Damon has been providing financial planning services for over a decade and increased demand for his expertise led to the launch of Powder Point Wealth Management. Damon intends to expand his financial planning team and provide wealth advisory services that include wealth preservation and growth as well as college, retirement and estate planning through the use of investments, insurance and annuities.

Damon is also the founder and a principal of Damon & Associates, Inc., a leading accounting and tax practice with a staff of seven in Pembroke, MA. For more than three decades, Damon and his team of CPAs have been catering to businesses and individuals throughout Massachusetts. With the launch of Powder Point Wealth Management, Damon and his financial advisors will be able to bridge the gap and go beyond accounting and tax planning to offer financial planning strategies for continued prosperity to current and new clients on a larger scale.

“Powder Point Wealth Management offers personalized and comprehensive financial planning consulting services to individuals, families and businesses. We do not require a minimum investment. Our goal is to help clients better position themselves for the future and accomplish their financial goals,” explained Damon.

About Michael Damon, CPA

In addition to being a Registered Representative and the founder of Powder Point Wealth Management, Michael Damon, CPA, Financial Advisor is the founder and a principal of Damon & Associates, Inc. He is a CPA registered in Massachusetts and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).  Damon holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Northeastern University.

As a frequent speaker to Massachusetts business and trade groups, Damon has been a guest speaker for the Mass Business Resource Network (MBRN), South Shore and Plymouth County Board of Realtors and the American Tamil Medical Association. In addition, Damon is a guest host on Talk Real Estate with Sharon McNamara on Saturday mornings on WATD 95.9 FM.

Powder Point Wealth Management LLC, a financial services specialty practice serving the greater South Shore area, is located at 300 Oak Street, Suite 220 in Pembroke, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 924-5684.

Advisory services offered through Capital Analysts, Inc. or Lincoln Investment, Registered Investment Advisors. Securities offered through Lincoln Investment, Broker Dealer, Member FINRA/SIPC. www.lincolninvestment.com. Powder Point Wealth Management, LLC, Damon Associates, Inc and the above firms are independent, non-affiliated entities. CPA services are not offered through, nor supervised by, Lincoln Investment.

 

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Good News At Noon Homeless Shelter Receives Donation from Voice4Nations

Adaria and LeeAnna deliver canned goods to Thomas, of Good News at Noon in support of World Homeless Day.
Adaria and LeeAnna deliver canned goods to Thomas, of Good News at Noon in support of World Homeless Day.

In recognition of World Homeless Day, Voice4Nations, the non-profit outreach of virtual phone service company VoiceNation, donated to the food bank of the Good News At Noon homeless shelter which serves the homeless community in Gainesville and Hall County.

The shelter, which is open 365 days a year and serves 55,000 meals a year, is a faith-based community ministry that relies on donations. World Homeless Day, an annual event held on October 10th, raises awareness of homeless peoples’ needs and offers opportunities for local communities to help.  Voice4Nations collected canned goods from their staff and donated them to people in need at Good News At Noon.

Ongoing Outreach

Voice4Nations has made it their initiative to assist the homeless population in any way possible. Every Saturday, their homeless outreach team volunteers at a homeless shelter in downtown Atlanta. The objective is to simply show this population in need that people really do care. Voice4Nations also provides hygiene products, clothing, Internet access so individuals can communicate with family, food, and reading materials to the shelter.

For more information on homelessness and to learn how you can help the homeless crisis, visit http://www.voice4nations.org/homeless.

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.org was launched to address three key initiatives: bullying prevention, the global water crisis, and homelessness. To learn more about Voice4Nations, visit http://voice4nations.org/

 

Good News At Noon Homeless Shelter Receives Donation from Voice4NationsRead More