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Rodman & Rodman Partner Serves as Panelist at MA Energy Summit

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST
Kathy Parker, CPA, MST

Kathy Parker, CPA, MST, a Partner at Rodman & Rodman, P.C. a full service CPA firm with a Renewable Energy and Cleantech specialty practice serving “green” clients throughout the U.S., served as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit on October 21, 2014 which was held at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA.

“Although 1603 cash grants have expired, Investment Tax credits, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and other state and local incentives will continue to drive the growth of renewable energy in Massachusetts,” said Parker.

The Mass Energy Summit brought together leaders from the energy sector and leading business executives from throughout the state. Ms. Parker, along with Craig W. Huntley, Founding Principal of Solect Energy and Briony Angus, Project Manager, Tighe and Bond served on the “Solar for the Commercial Customer” panel. Ms. Parker shared her expertise in renewable energy accounting and state and federal incentives with companies looking to implement solar to reduce energy expenditures. Topics of the discussion included financing options, lenders and investors, tax issues, and federal and state qualifications.

Keynote speakers at the event were Maeve Vallely Bartlett, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Marcy L. Reed, President of National Grid, Massachusetts. The event featured six panels: Case Studies; Municipal Focus; Careers in Energy; State of the State; Solar for the Commercial Customer and National Grid, Smart Energy Solutions Program.

“We can assist companies that are looking to introduce solar to reduce their energy expenditures by providing sound strategies for the project, which include financing, federal and state incentives, renewable energy credits, entity/partnership structuring, and more,” noted Parker.

Speaker’s Bureau

Ms. Parker, along with Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, are recognized experts in renewable energy accounting and are available for speaking engagements. Mr. Astore and Ms. Parker have been guest speakers at numerous Cleantech industry conferences and forums. Most recently, Mr. Astore spoke about green market incentives on New England Real Estate Journal Radio with host Rick Kaplan and Eric Wilson. In addition to serving as a panelist at the 8th Annual Massachusetts Energy Summit, Ms. Parker spoke at “Banker & Tradesman’s Renewable Energy Real Estate Conference” as well as at the “Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar” hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England.

For more information about Rodman & Rodman, visit rodmancpa.com.

About Rodman & Rodman P.C.

Founded in 1961 and listed in the Boston Business Journal’s “Top 50 Firms,” Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies. Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. The Rodman & Rodman “Green Team” is a specialized green energy and clean technology accounting and tax services practice within Rodman & Rodman, P.C. that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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My Pinnacle Network announces November 2014 schedule of B2B networking meetings.

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

My Pinnacle Network recently announced a full slate of business-to-business networking meetings for November. My Pinnacle Network meetings are as follows:

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree 1st Tuesday, Tuesday, November 4, from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Westborough, Tuesday, November 4, from 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m at 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 230, Westborough, MA 01581.

My Pinnacle Network – Mansfield, Wednesday, November 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., 20 Cabot Blvd., Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

My Pinnacle Network – Marshfield, Thursday, November 6, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050.

My Pinnacle Network – Plymouth, Thursday, November 13, from 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. at 134 Court Street (Plymouth Chamber of Commerce), Plymouth, MA 02360.

My Pinnacle Network – Newton, Thursday, November 13, 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 29 Crafts Street (Aflac offices), Newton, MA 02458.

My Pinnacle Network – Braintree Third Thursday, Thursday, November 20, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

My Pinnacle Network – Bourne, Thursday, November 20, from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., 550 MacArthur Blvd. (Route 28), Bourne, MA 02532.

Only one B2B professional will be selected for each category. Those categories can be found at http://mypinnaclenetwork.com/about/categories.aspx. Prospective members are encouraged to attend a My Pinnacle Network meeting before committing to join.

If you are interested in attending a meeting in your area, please contact Steven V. Dubin at SDubin@MyPinnacleNetwork.com or 781-582-1061 to RSVP. There is no charge to visit a My Pinnacle Network meeting.

My Pinnacle Network announces November 2014 schedule of B2B networking meetings.Read More

Maplewood Estates donates pump to Town of Rockland

ROCKLAND, MA…

Maple Realty Trust, developer of Maplewood Estates, a subdivision located in Rockland, Mass., recently donated $28,000 to the Rockland Sewer Department for the purchase of a Godwin Stand-by Dri-Prime pump for backup emergency situations and time periods of high flow.

“We’ve had a very productive working relationship with the Town of Rockland since we began building Maplewood Estates several years ago. We consider them colleagues and in many cases friends. We’ve seen firsthand the challenges they face on a day-to-day basis due to fiscal constraints and we wanted to help,” said Muhammad Itani, Trustee of Maple Realty Trust.

According to Godwin Stand website, “Engineers are now using Godwin Critically Silenced Dri-Prime pumps in what is being called the next generation of pump station design. The new concept allows customers to replace their traditional pump station emergency backup system – a generator and permanently installed electric sewage pumps – with a Critically Silenced diesel Dri-Prime pump and automatic control panel. This alternative solution avoids common pump station problems including primary power, switch gear, and sewage pump failures. In addition, the Dri-Prime backup system can act as a primary system during routine maintenance and emergency repairs. Thus, the Godwin solution ensures that pumping continues. “

“We can’t thank the folks at Stonebridge Homes and Maplewood Estates enough for this generous donation to buy the Godwin Stand-by pump,” said John Loughlin, superintendent of the Rockland Sewer Department. “Over the years, Maplewood Estates have shown themselves to be a solid citizen in the town. The donation for this pump shows that they are vested not only in what happens in the Maplewood Estates subdivision but the entire Town of Rockland.”

Located off Webster Street in Rockland, Maplewood Estates offers a rural wooded setting with easy access to major highways and is situated fairly close to Rockland’s brand new middle school and renovated high school. Set on 30 acres of natural wooded land, Maplewood Estates offers 15 home models to meet the needs of everyone from empty nesters to young families, singles to blended families. Each model features quality construction and luxurious amenities.

Prices for homes at Maplewood Estates start at $399,000 and model homes are available for tours, Monday through Friday, by appointment. Maplewood Estates hosts open houses on Saturdays and Sundays, 1pm to 4pm. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Norwell is the official realtor for Maplewood Estates. You can schedule a tour or request more information by contacting Nancy Kleber at 781-659-7955 or Nancy.Kleber@NEMoves.com.

Interested parties can also get more information, including plans, by visiting www.newhomesatmaplewood.com.

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SCI Underwriting Management expands efforts in top 20 claims volume states

Rob Jurgel, president of SCI Underwriting Management, LLC
Rob Jurgel, president of SCI Underwriting Management, LLC

SCITUATE, MA…

SCI Underwriting Management, LLC, a managing insurance agency with a focus on the aging service industry, recently announced an expansion in its efforts in states ranked in the top 20 in claim volume for the nursing home/long-term care industry.

“A recent Wall Street Journal article pointed out the difficult climate for all nursing homes and long-term facilities these days. There has been an increase in claims and subsequent lawsuits in recent years. That has resulted in skyrocketing insurance costs for everybody,” said Rob Jurgel, president of SCI Underwriting.  “SCI has a reputation for shrewd underwriting and risk management practices. This helps facilities that have not had claims to remain that way and provides a resource for facilities that have had claims to get coverage and minimize risk going forward.”

States with the highest claim volume for nursing homes and long-term care facilities include: Alabama; California; Florida; Georgia; Illinois; Kentucky; Mississippi; North Carolina; New Jersey; New Mexico; New York; Ohio; Oklahoma; Pennsylvania; Tennessee; Texas; Virginia; Washington; Wisconsin; and West Virginia.

SCI Underwriting’s current product offerings include Personal and General Liability. SCI Underwriting’s risk management services can include Professional Liability Risk Assessment, and a One-Day Focused Consulting Review. SCI’s other offerings include an AssistLine hotline for subscribing clients to obtain answers to questions and resource information related to risk reduction; Online Learning and an Incident Reporting Event Management service; and On-Site Services (Assessment and Focused Consulting).

For more information, please visit www.sciunderwriting.com or call 781-378-1050. 

SCI Underwriting: More than Insurance, Solutions

Based in Scituate, Massachusetts, SCI Underwriting Management LLC is a Managing General Agency that focuses on accounts in the Aging Services Industry. Primarily backed by Lloyd’s of London, SCI offers a variety of insurance coverage for Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, Independent Living, Continuing Care Retirement Communities, as well as Home Health. Part of their services includes risk assessment and risk management to target potential liabilities and minimize risk.

For information, please visit www.sciunderwriting.com or call 781-378-1050.

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Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. announces speaker’s bureau

Paul Barbadoro, Esq.
Paul Barbadoro, 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 introduced a speaker’s bureau as part of the Firm’s services.

“As a long-time member of the South Shore business community, Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. receives requests for our attorneys to speak at a variety of events for professional as well as at civic organizations,” said Paul Barbadoro, a partner at the Firm. “To better serve these organizations, we have created a speaker’s bureau with a list of topics Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. can speak on.”

The range of topics covered largely center around the Firm’s small business focus. That includes: Legal Do’s and Don’ts for Start-ups; Family Business: Passing it on to the Next Generation; How to Avoid Employee Wrongful Termination Claims; Protecting Intellectual Property; Common Mistakes When Naming a Business; Does My Business Need an Attorney (the answer will surprise you); Sole Proprietor? LLC? C-Corp? How to Choose; Complex Business Litigation; Personal Injury Law; Real Estate Litigation; and more.

Since many of the requests for speakers come from civic organizations, The Firm offers topics that go beyond small business. Those topics can range from Estate Planning 101 to Elder Law to Creating Trusts and beyond.

“We view the speaker’s bureau as an extension of our community service program. That’s why we typically do not charge a fee for professional organizations and never for civic organizations.” said Barbadoro.

To arrange for a Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro, P.C. attorney to speak at your upcoming event, you can contact Paul Barbadoro at 781-202-6929 or by e-mail at BBBinfo@bbb-lawfirm.com with the word “Speaker” in the subject line.

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: complex business litigation, personal injury law, real estate 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) 202-6929 or visit their website at http://www.bbb-lawfirm.com.

Baker, Braverman & Barbadoro P.C. announces speaker’s bureauRead More

VoiceNation Answers the Call for Comedy Central

VoiceNation bg-logoVoiceNation, the industry leader in live answering and virtual receptionist services, supported 15,000 calls to the “Atone Phone” hotline number for Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” during the Ten Days of Repentance between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

For the seventh consecutive year, VoiceNation has been called upon by Comedy Central producers of “The Colbert Report” to provide the hotline.  Stephen Colbert, host of the show, recognizes the Jewish High Holy Days by giving his viewers an opportunity to apologize to him personally by calling the Atone Phone hotline during the Ten Days of Repentance.   The Atone Phone number is 1-888-OOPS-JEW, which is a working toll free number, supported by VoiceNation.

Callers who dial in are greeted by a personal pre-recorded message from Stephen Colbert, asking them to leave their apology to him stating how they have wronged him in the previous year.  A handful of these atonement messages are then aired on the show.

Producers of the show selected VoiceNation for their ability to handle high call volumes associated with TV and radio spots. VoiceNation’s proprietary technology allows the hotline to take thousands of calls and voice messages, and essentially handle 40,000 Colbert fans within a very short time period.

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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Supermarket Partnerships Fuel Expansion at Between Rounds South Windsor

1Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café, the unique bakery café and bagel shop with four locations in Connecticut, has recently expanded operations at their South Windsor corporate headquarters and is hiring.

Jerry and Joe Puiia, owners of the Between Rounds franchise, have recently added a second oven to the South Windsor location, which will better accommodate the growing popularity and customer demand for their bagels as well as better support the partnerships that the company has with independent grocers. Between Rounds bagels are now offered in the bakery departments of 16 supermarkets in Connecticut.

Between Rounds is also hiring additional production staff to support the wholesale orders of independent grocers across the region. The bagels are delivered to grocers fully baked so no additional labor is required of the grocer’s bakery department.

“Our product is high quality, consistent and absolutely delicious. Currently, we supply 16 supermarkets with our bagels and that number keeps growing. It is an easy decision for many independent grocers because they get a superior product without any additional labor required from their bakery department,” explained Jerry Puiia. “In addition, we promote each supermarket’s bakery department by directing our website visitors to the grocers that carry our bagels. Many of our customers also shop at those supermarkets, so they can easily purchase Between Rounds bagels while grocery shopping.”

For more than 20 years, Highland Park Markets, which has stores in Suffield, Farmington, Manchester, Coventry and Glastonbury, has been carrying Between Rounds bagels as their privately labeled brand, but switched to the Between Rounds brand name two years ago.  West Side Marketplace in Rocky Hill has been carrying the signature brand for four years. Geissler’s Supermarkets, which are located in Agawam, Bloomfield, East Windsor, Granby, Somers and South Windsor, have been carrying them for almost a year. Lyman Orchards Apple Barrel Market in Middlefield and the family-owned Gardiner’s Market in South Glastonbury have just started carrying Between Rounds products. As a grocery partner, Waverly Markets, LLC and the Cohen Family now offer Between Rounds signature bagels in their ShopRite Manchester and East Hartford stores.

About Between Rounds

Founded in 1990, Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café is a unique bakery café and bagel shop renowned for their fresh, baked-on site bagels and baked goods as well sandwiches, wraps, salads, soups, specialty coffee and a unique line of giftware.  Between Rounds offers patrons an upscale, fast-casual dining experience with free Wi-Fi and the added convenience of a drive-thru window. Between Rounds is expanding and franchise opportunities are available. Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café has been named a Military Friendly Franchise®, which places in an elite group and is testimony to the company’s commitment to supporting military veterans interested in franchise opportunities.

Between Rounds’ current locations include South Windsor, Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.  Corporate headquarters are located at 19A John Fitch Blvd, Route 5 in South Windsor, CT.  For more information about Between Rounds franchise opportunities or to inquire about wholesale bagels at grocery stores, contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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Plymouth businessman Scott Hokanson celebrates 20 years in employee benefits on ….Halloween?

Scott Hokanson, owner of Brabo Benefits, celebrates his 20th anniversary selling employee healthcare benefits. Here’s what the Plymouth resident wore for his 19th anniversary, with son Jacoby.
Scott Hokanson, owner of Brabo Benefits, celebrates his 20th anniversary selling employee healthcare benefits. Here’s what the Plymouth resident wore for his 19th anniversary, with son Jacoby.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The irony and humor that his career in selling employee healthcare benefits began on Halloween is not lost on Plymouth businessman and resident Scott Hokanson. Yet in celebrating his 20th anniversary in the business this October 31, Hokanson sees less of the humor as healthcare costs have many small business owners and employees figuratively running scared.

“The new Affordable Care Act is a bit frightening and mysterious to many people, just like that kid trick-or-treating in the monster outfit. In selling benefits to small businesses, I figuratively take the mask off the ‘monster’ and turn on the lights so business owners can see what’s available and we can work together to devise a solution,” said Hokanson, who started selling employee benefits with his father’s firm, Marshfield, MA-based Hokanson Insurance Agency, back in 1994. He started Brabo Benefits in 2013.

Over the course of his 20-year career selling benefits, Hokanson has seen the prices of healthcare benefits rise from $100 per month for single coverage to over $500 per month and deductibles increase from zero to $2000. Still, Hokanson has seen many improvements as well, particularly in terms of who can sell employee benefits.

“Back in 1994, anybody with an insurance license could sell health benefits. As part of the healthcare reform, selling employee benefits has become an expertise that requires specific accreditation and that is absolutely a benefit to consumers,” said Hokanson.

Hokanson says that expertise is needed as most employees will not spend the time needed to make the wisest healthcare benefits decision for their family.

“If you were buying a household appliance like a washing machine, you would probably spend a good five to six hours doing your research online and asking around. For something like health insurance that’s going to cost you the price of a washing machine per month, most people give it very little thought,” said Hokanson. “That’s why I enjoy this business so much is because I really feel like I am helping people who need it. Plus, it’s cool to visit small businesses and look at the many different ways people are making a living.”

A graduate of Marquette University, Hokanson resides in Plymouth with his wife and their five children. He’s a member of the Plymouth Rotary Club, president of the Sacred Heart High School Parents Association, and has served on many boards including the Plymouth Boys & Girls Club of Plymouth, the Massachusetts Connector, Blue Cross, Tufts , Fallon and Minuteman Health.

For more information on Brabo Benefits, please visit www.brabobenefits.com.

A friend with benefits – Brabo Benefits

Based in Plymouth, Massachusetts, Brabo Benefits provides the full package of employee benefits solutions, including: health, dental, life, disability, and stop loss insurance. In addition, Brabo Benefits offers consultative services, such as underwriting support and health care reform compliance. For more information, visit www.brabobenefits.com or call 617-733-6471.

Plymouth businessman Scott Hokanson celebrates 20 years in employee benefits on ….Halloween?Read More

Westport, MA subdivision, Briggs Landing, moves sales office to completed new model home at 21 Devol Avenue

The Fairfield, the new sales office at Briggs Landing in Westport, MA
The Fairfield, the new sales office at Briggs Landing in Westport, MA

SOUTH EASTON, MA and WESTPORT, MA…

Stonebridge Homes, the builder for Briggs Landing, recently announced the completion of a new model home at the 90-lot subdivision located off Tickle Road in Westport, Massachusetts. The new model home, the Fairfield, is located at 21 Devol Avenue. The model home will be used both for open houses and the Briggs Landing sales office.

“The Fairfield is a very popular model at several of our other subdivisions. It offers significant space and luxurious amenities. We’re delighted to bring this model to Briggs Landing,” saidStonebridge Homes Site Manager Joe Chaves.

The Fairfield, a 2,384-square-foothome, is one of several models available at Briggs Landing. The others include: The Beacon, the Compton, the Charles, The Clarendon, the Dartmouth, the Hudson, the Marion and the Tremont. The Westport model, a 2,752-square-foot home, is currently under construction.

All home styles available at Briggs Landing feature energy-efficient, quality construction and luxurious amenities, such as hardwood floors and granite countertops. All models are equipped for natural gas heating.

In addition to the comfort of luxury living, Briggs Landing offers convenience. A short commute to Providence, Rhode Island (within 30 minutes to the capital building), New Bedford and Fall River, the Tickle Road location is within close proximity to the beaches of Westport and walking distance to South Watuppa Pond.

“All the models available at Briggs Landing offer luxury living for empty nesters, newlyweds, single parents, blended families and others who may have grown tired of the limited inventory of existing homes in today’s real estate market,” said Rami Itani, business manager for Stonebridge Homes.

Houses at Briggs Landing start at $379,000. To view floor plans, please visit Stonebridge Homes’ website, www.stonebridgehomesinc.com, and click on the home page link for Briggs Landing.

Open house hours are Saturday and Sunday, 1pm to 4pm. For more information or to make an appointment for a tour of Briggs Landing, please call Mel Antonio at 508‐728‐2656.

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; Maplewood Estates (www.newhomesatmaplewood.com) in Rockland, Mass. and The Gables Condominiums (www.thegables.net) in Abington, Mass. More recently, Stonebridge Homes has been focusing on building and managing construction in towns of southeastern Massachusetts, including Abington, Dighton, Easton, Foxboro, Norfolk, Norwell, Pembroke, Rockland and Westport. The styles of these communities have varied from imaginative condominiums to custom single‐family homes designed by its award‐winning in‐house architect, 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.

Westport, MA subdivision, Briggs Landing, moves sales office to completed new model home at 21 Devol AvenueRead More