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Tons of caring. Lapels Dry Cleaning customers donate nearly 5 tons of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister organizations nationwide

(L-R) Steve Beck, Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, May Situ and Bao Chen, owners of Lapels South End, and Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning.
(L-R) Steve Beck, Big Brother Big Sister Foundation, May Situ and Bao Chen, owners of Lapels South End, and Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning.

HANOVER, MA…

When a clothing drive nets four tons of clothes, it’s difficult to expect more the following year—unless you happen to be talking about Lapels Dry Cleaning customers.  With three additional states worth of Lapels Dry Cleaning stores participating this year, Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters generated 9480 pounds of clothes from customers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Louisiana, Arizona, Missouri and New Jersey.

As impressive as the weight of the clothes might be, what it represents to Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations in those states is the real value of the drive. The clothes donated will be resold at various thrift shops and other second hand clothing stores, helping to fund Big Brothers Big Sisters programs.

“Our customers are the best. I say it all the time, but once a year during our drive for Big Brother Big Sister, Lapels Dry Cleaning customers prove it and then some,” said Kevin Dubois, CEO of Lapels Dry Cleaning, an environmentally friendly dry cleaner with more than 50 locations nationwide. “What’s really staggering about these donations is that the drive took place over two weeks, April 5 to April 19. That’s a lot of clothes in a very short period.”

By state, Lapels Dry Cleaning customers donated:

  • Massachusetts 6118
  • Arizona 420
  • Connecticut 345
  • Missouri 276
  • New Jersey 971
  • Rhode Island 600
  • Louisiana 750

“What was very encouraging was the level of participation in Louisiana, Connecticut and Missouri. This is the first year we have had stores from these states participate and their customers stepped right up,” added Dubois.

More than 30 Lapels Dry Cleaning stores participated.

“The partnership between Lapels Dry Cleaning stores and Big Brother Big Sister has been one of the true pleasures of my job,” said Steven Beck, executive director Big Brother Big Sister Foundation. “Lapels Dry Cleaning is a first-class organization and that’s reflected by their customers. We thank each and every one of them for their generous donations.”

Lapels has pioneered its eco-friendly dry cleaning experience for the past 12 years. Using the latest technology in equipment and cleaning solution, Lapels is one of the few dry cleaners in the U.S. 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. At Lapels you can see, feel and smell the difference.

Lapels customers are greeted to a warm and inviting reception area, with friendly customer service representatives, and a full service on-site tailor.

Lapels offers its 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 and the use of a 24 Hour Drop Off Service. Same day service is also available with pick-up after 5 pm.

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, Bedford, Boston, Brighton, Cambridge, Cohasset, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Franklin, Hanover, Marshfield, Natick, Needham, Newtonville, Norton, Quincy, Walpole, Westford, Westwood and Wilmington), 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); Texas (Austin, Bee Cave, Brownsville, Cedar Park). Additional locations are coming soon to New Albany MS, Jacksonville, FL, Fleming Island, FL, South Boston, MA, Scottsdale, AZ, Yuma, AZ, Hingham, MA and Allston, MA.

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.

Tons of caring. Lapels Dry Cleaning customers donate nearly 5 tons of clothing to Big Brother/Big Sister organizations nationwideRead More

Between Rounds Promotes Michelle Davis to Training Manager

Michelle Davis
Michelle Davis

Between Rounds, a unique bakery café and bagel shop with locations throughout Connecticut, has recently promoted Michelle Davis to Training Manager.

Ms. Davis, who is a resident of Vernon, has been working in Between Rounds’ Vernon location for three years.  In her new role, Ms. Davis will be responsible for training all new employees at each location and developing and maintaining the employee and bakery manuals. She will also play an active role in product development. Ms. Davis began her career at Between Rounds as a part-time counter person and baker. Over time, she was presented with more responsibility and transitioned to full-time.

Ms. Davis holds an Associate’s degree in Business Management from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I. Previous to Between Rounds, Ms. Davis was a manager and corporate trainer at Uno Chicago Grill for six years.  She was recognized as “Best in Field” and was one of the few selected to a team that opened a new store.

The family-owned Between Rounds has been in business for more than two decades and is the brainchild of brothers Jerry and Joe Puiia, who are Staten Island, NY natives.  Between Rounds current locations include South Windsor (corporate headquarters), Vernon, Manchester and Tolland.

“Michelle is a dedicated, experienced manager who understands the complex operational and staffing issues of managing a busy restaurant. This promotion is well-deserved,” said Jerry Puiia.

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. In 2013, the company was selected as a Military Friendly Franchise®, which places Between Rounds Bakery Sandwich Café 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 contact (860) 291-0323 or visit www.betweenroundsbagels.com.

 

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Remembering our heroes. Apollo Safety supports military non-profits with Memorial Day to 4th of July drive.

John V. Carvalho III
John V. Carvalho III

FALL RIVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

Apollo Safety, Inc. a veteran-owned, Fall River, Mass.-based company specializing in safety products and services, recently announced it will donate a portion of its profits from sales generated between Memorial Day, May 25 and July 4 to charitable organizations that support military veterans and their families.

“I served in the military and have seen firsthand some of the struggles returning veterans and their families,” said John V. Carvalho III, US Army veteran and president of Apollo Safety, Inc. “The freedoms and rights we as Americans enjoy are largely due to the efforts of these brave men and women. This drive will go specifically to organizations that are committed to assisting in the immediate needs of veterans, helping them to find jobs, and taking care of their families.”

To participate, consumers can order anything from www.apollosafetyproducts.net and use the coupon code:  WARRIOR at checkout. The promotion is also available to orders placed by phone at (800) 813-5408. Simply mention the promotion and a portion of the purchase price will be donated to assisting these men and women, and their families.

Apollo Safety sells and installs a wide variety of portable and stationary gas detection systems, including name brands like Honeywell, Industrial Scientific, RAE Systems, RKI, and GMI. In addition, Apollo Safety also provides training and 24/7 service. All Apollo Safety technicians are factory-trained and certified. In addition, Apollo offers its own training program, with five levels of certification.

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.

Remembering our heroes. Apollo Safety supports military non-profits with Memorial Day to 4th of July drive.Read More

VoiceNation Completes Ivy Creek Beautification Project

VoiceNation staff volunteers for Ivy Creek Beautification Project. Shown left to right - Davonna Bryant, Alisha Timoftica, Kenny Branch, Ashley Pardue, Josh Merriam, Joyce Wilmont, Kathy Levister and JaShauna Jenkins.
VoiceNation staff volunteers for Ivy Creek Beautification Project. Shown left to right – Davonna Bryant, Alisha Timoftica, Kenny Branch, Ashley Pardue, Josh Merriam, Joyce Wilmont, Kathy Levister and JaShauna Jenkins.

VoiceNation, a leading provider of live answering, professional voicemail and virtual PBX services to businesses of all sizes, celebrated Earth Day and Arbor Day by taking on the Ivy Creek Beautification Project.

In an effort to help their neighbors at Ivy Creek Elementary School in Buford, eight staff members from VoiceNation volunteered to spruce up the school’s Butterfly Landscape by weeding, planting new flowers and plants, spreading mulch and more.

“We are so pleased to have the energy and effort VoiceNation has provided,” commented Kimberly Sharp, Media Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator, Ivy Creek Elementary School. “We really have enjoyed the partnership we’ve had with VoiceNation.”

VoiceNation’s Employee Volunteer Program provides their employees with volunteer opportunities and experiences, such as the Ivy Creek Beautification Project, which encourages personal growth while also helping others succeed.

“Our Employee Volunteer Program was established to encourage and empower our 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,” noted Jay Reeder, the company’s president.

To view the Ivy Creek Beautification Project, visit VoiceNation’s blog:

http://www.qualityansweringservice.com/yourbusinessvoice/earth-day-beautification-project-ivy-creek-elementary-school

With the purpose of making the world a better place for those in it, VoiceNation works with a variety of local, national and international outreach organizations. The company is committed to supporting businesses, non-profits, and individuals in need.  VoiceNation also has a non-profit outreach, Voice4Nations, which addresses three key initiatives: bullying prevention, the global water crisis, and homelessness.

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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Rodman & Rodman’s Kathy Parker Outlines Subtleties of Clean Energy Tax Incentives at Environmental Business Council Conference in Boston

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

“With the elimination of the 1603 cash grant, the primary tax incentive driving renewable energy investment will be the Investment Tax Credit or ITC,” said Kathy Parker, speaking last week in Boston at the Renewable Energy Development Incentives and Financing Seminar, hosted by the Environmental Business Council of New England. Kathy Parker, CPA, MST is a partner at CPA firm, Rodman & Rodman, P.C., and a leader at the firm’s “Green Team” renewable energy practice.

The ITC is not simply a deduction, explained Parker. It is a tax credit good for up to 30% of the cost of the project, and is often an incentive that can only be enjoyed by entities with substantial passive income and a large tax appetite. Passive losses can only be offset by passive income. “C corporations with large income are great candidates to take losses, but sometimes these investors are hard to find or the deals are too small for larger investors to take an interest,” noted Parker. The credit can also be used to offset the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT).

Parker went on to say that passive investors are individuals or entities participating in management activities less than 500 hours per year. Losses and credits are limited through what the IRS defines as Passive Activity Loss (PAL).  PAL can offset other passive income not related to the renewable energy project. Losses can be carried forward, while credits can be carried back one year and carried forward 20 years.

Tax equity can be structured several different ways for maximum return and minimum risk for the developer and tax equity investor, said Parker. Some of these options include Partnership Flips, and Sales – Leasebacks. “The choice of transaction type depends on the investor’s capital, liquidity, and need for return,” said Parker. “The flip affords the investor more flexibility while the leaseback does not require a substantial infusion of initial capital.”

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. For three consecutive years, Rodman & Rodman has been named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today. Rodman & Rodman is one of the only providers in New England with a specialized “Green Team”, a green energy and clean technology accounting and tax practice that serves “green” clients throughout the U.S.  The company is Green Business Certified. The firm has locations in Newton and Braintree, MA.  For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman’s Kathy Parker Outlines Subtleties of Clean Energy Tax Incentives at Environmental Business Council Conference in BostonRead More

OnGuard Lock & Chain Emerge as “Unbeatable” Champion In National Geographic Product Showdown

OnGuardShowdownChamps!OnGuard, a leader in bicycle and powersports security and one of the signature brands of Todson Inc. based in Foxborough, MA, captured the coveted title of “Unbeatable” in a product showdown on National Geographic Channel’s “Showdown of the Unbeatables”.

In the hit new series, Brian Unger and Zane Lamprey, the show’s hosts, line-up the best products of American companies against one another in a battle where only one walks away victorious.

In the 20-minute “Showdown of the Unbeatables” segment, which aired on May 23, 2014, OnGuard’s toughest lock and chain, the Beast Chain and Boxer U-Lock, were put to extreme strength and endurance tests. In a test of tensile strength, OnGuard successfully pulled a full sized, 20-ton military tank. The lock and chain then withstood a blowtorch and a shootout at 40 feet, where it took direct hits from a barrage of bullets from a 357 Magnum and AR15.

The final showdown set OnGuard lock and chain against a Link-Belt excavator, one of the most formidable of all heavy construction equipment. OnGuard was victorious against the excavator’s metal teeth and emerged as the “Showdown of the Unbeatables” champion.

For a video clip of the show, visit http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/showdown-of-the-unbeatables/videos/weak-link/

“Our toughest OnGuard security lock was put through the paces – enduring bullets, a blowtorch, being pulled by a tank and the attack of an excavator – and came out on top. We’re thrilled that consumers were able to witness these challenges and see for themselves just how ‘Unbeatable’ OnGuard is,” noted Neal Todrys, president of Todson.

OnGuard is known for their quality, innovation, and top-rankings. Providing the best lock at the best price, OnGuard has received a number of accolades over the years. In addition to being named a Champion in “Showdown of the Unbeatables”, the OnGuard Pitbull STD lock won Gizmodo’s Best rating and the OnGuard Mastiff 5019 passed the Men’s Journal Torture Test.

The OnGuard line-up is categorized based on security levels (Ultimate, High, and Basic) so customers can confidently choose the lock that best suits their needs. OnGuard locks come with key-code registration service for secure key replacement, keyed-alike options, comprehensive anti-theft programs, limited lifetime warranties and more.

OnGuard products are offered at the finest independent bicycle and motorsports dealers and can also be purchased online at onguardlock.com.

OnGuard Security – More Lock, Less Money

OnGuard locks offer optimal bicycle and motorsports security with the latest technological innovations, quality construction, and ease-of-use at very competitive pricing. OnGuard, along with Topeak and Velox, are the signature brands of the family-owned Todson company. For more than 60 years, Todson has been a fixture of the bicycling industry in the U.S., representing some of the world’s most storied cycling brands. Todson is a full-service organization offering distributors, retailers and consumers a complete range of products and services.

Todson is headquartered in Foxborough, MA. For more information about OnGuard, visit www.onguardlock.com or call 774-306-3248.

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Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors 11th Annual LGBT Senior Pride Tea Dance

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the Brockton based regional agency serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, is a sponsor for the “11th Annual Pride Tea Dance for LGBT Seniors and Their Friends”, on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

The Pride Tea Dance for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Seniors and Their Friends will be held from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at 1200 Beacon Street in Brookline. The LGBT Senior Pride Coalition is hosting the event during Boston Pride Week, June 6 to June 15, 2014.

“OCES supports this event and is striving to create greater awareness of this population. OCES aspires to support everyone without exception,” noted Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Tickets are $12 each and may be purchased at the Pride Tea Dance on June 8th.

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 179 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.

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Emerson Bearing tees off with expanded golf division

Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing
Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS…

A good walk spoiled. That’s how some describe the game of golf. More and more golf courses agree and have opted for carts-only. With the increased use of carts comes increased maintenance and need for parts. That’s why Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the world, recently expanded its golf division as part of the company’s recreation industry offerings.

“We originally formed our golf division a few years ago because there had been such an increase in demand for our bearings for golf carts. Well, that has continued the past few years and we needed to reinforce the division to serve not only golf courses but other companies that utilize golf carts for their operations. So we have added personnel and expertise to better serve this market,” said Steve Katz, president of Emerson Bearing.

Bearings for the golf cart market must be able to withstand outdoor environments and for this, Emerson Bearing provides mounted units with triple lip seals and ball bearings with full contact sealing. They also provide spherical bushings, spherical roller bearings, tapered roller bearings, adhesives and sealants, rod ends, oil seals and mounted units. Emerson Bearing Boston carries a full range of brands for this market including SKF, FAG and KVC, as quite often, customers choose a brand based on price point.

Emerson Bearing Senior Marketing Specialist Richard Furtado leads the Golf division team. Furtado  assist clients in determining which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application. He can be reached at contact 866-995-8761 or email rfurtado@Emersonbearing.com.

The Emerson Bearing Difference 

In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Emerson Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets across the country. Emerson Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Emerson Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with more than three million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Emerson Bearing has become the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in the U.S. Emerson Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@Emersonbearing.com or visit www.Emersonbearing.com.

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From Alpaca to Art. Painting per day helps raise funds for non-profits.

This year, Jeff Seaberg, a Pembroke artist, alpaca farmer and bed and breakfast proprietor is creating one original painting every day and giving 10% of sales to charity in memory of his fellow artist, and friend Jim Falck.

Most recently, the World Vision charity, dedicated to preserving children lives worldwide, was a recipient of a $100 check signed by both Jeff and the buyer of the painting.  Thus far, he has painted over several dozen canvases.

A fine art degree from Montserrat College of Art in Beverly, Massachusetts, experience drawing caricatures in San Diego, California, and using his art to teach English in Costa Rica all serve as the foundation of Jeff’s artistic perspective. Now married with four children, Jeff works from his home studio where he runs an alpaca farm and a bed and breakfast, in Pembroke, Massachusetts.

Art mimics life and part of Jeff’s life is the Alpaca farm. These exotic and cuddly creatures have become a regularly occurring subject matter of many of Jeff’s pieces, including “Alpaca Pez” which depicts exactly that– an Alpaca head fixed on a Pez candy dispenser set on an abstract multicolored background featuring long wide strokes and thin lines that highlight.  Hens, Honey Bees, and Peacocks share the spotlight with the alpacas on the farm and canvas in other works like “Bee Friends” and “Blue Chicken”.I'm so Happy you came (2) smaller

Jeff’s collections of paintings are available in print and original are available from his FineArtAmerica.com account [www.jeff-seaberg.artistwebsites.com]. Stay up to date with every daily painting from Jeff’s “Painting a Day, Art Explosion 2014” at the Facebook page [www.facebook.com/jeffseabergart] for the project.

From Alpaca to Art. Painting per day helps raise funds for non-profits.Read More