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Marshfield CPA and Resident Judges Bentley Bowl

Bentley University alumnus John Topham, CPA, founding partner of Damon, Topham & Company, tax specialists and 2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Managers based in Marshfield, MA, had the honor of judging this year’s Bentley Business Bowl (BBB).

The BBB is a campus-wide, business case competition held annually at Bentley University. Topham served as one of a dozen judges on the panel. Graduate and undergraduate students were divided into Junior/Senior and Freshman/Sophomore divisions and given a case study on Best Buy. They were required to review the business problems in the case, conduct research and develop their plan of action to solve the problem. The teams then formally presented their case to the judges. Monetary awards were presented to teams in first, second and third place.

According to Topham, “The Business Bowl helps to prepare students for the real business world. They are presented with complex business challenges and must determine how to solve these challenges. Not only do they develop a plan of action but they must execute it. They must show how they will successfully attain their objectives.”

Topham is a Marshfield resident.

About Damon, Topham & Company

Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, are Certified Public Accountants and Business Development Advisors. Damon, Topham & Company has been named a 2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager and is part of that elite group which represents less than 3 percent of the wealth managers in the Boston area.

Utilize the “Damon, Topham Advantage”- go beyond the traditional services of auditing, accounting and taxation. Damon, Topham & Company provides business valuation, estate, individual and corporate tax planning and savings, financial planning, consulting and financing solutions. A full service multi-disciplined firm, Damon, Topham & Company has been serving the South Shore for over 20 years. Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, is located just off Route 139, 475 School St., Suite 8, Marshfield, MA. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.damtopcpa.com.

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Marshfield CPA and Resident Judges Bentley BowlRead More

South Coast Improvement Company adds Memory Care Apartments at Atria Bay Spring

South Coast Improvement Company, based in Marion, MA, one of the largest providers of construction and renovation services to senior living and healthcare facilities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, recently completed construction of the Life Guidance® Memory Care Neighborhood at Atria Bay Spring Village in West Barrington, RI.

South Coast Improvement completed the conversion of Atria Bay Spring’s traditional assisted living space into a memory care apartments in 24 months.

The newly created Life Guidance® Memory Care Neighborhood’s grand opening was held on May 17th.

South Coast Improvement’s President, Tom Quinlan explained the project, “Atria came to us with an idea to create more memory care units to meet increasing demand within their assisted living facility. We took the concept and worked with Atria providing pre-construction services including preliminary design and budgets. The project was innovative in its use of existing space. The challenge was to meet the regulations for a memory care unit in terms of space and usage while maintaining a construction budget that made the project feasible.”

South Coast Improvement was granted approval in late 2011 and was the General Contractor on the project. South Coast Improvement has worked with Atria on dozens of projects throughout the Northeast, however this project had its unique challenges.

“All of these types of projects have their challenges as renovations in occupied spaces with special needs residents are extremely complicated,” Henry Quinlan, Executive VP at South Coast Improvement noted. “We had a particularly tight time line for completion on this project. We had to manage the process very efficiently and we succeeded in meeting the expectations of all parties.”

Occupied and Operational Environments are South Coast Improvement’s Niche

South Coast Improvement are the experts in complex renovation projects within occupied and operational environments. The company provides new construction, full renovations, capital improvements, building envelope improvements and interior renovations.

Their portfolio of healthcare and senior occupied renovation projects includes numerous projects for Atria, Benchmark and Welch Health Care & Retirement Group, to name a few. They have just completed their 23rd major renovation for Revera Health.

South Coast Improvement utilizes Special Building Practices to ensure the comfort and safety of special needs residents and patients who occupy the spaces that are being renovated. Their experience, high standards of compliance, overall quality and their ability to complete projects on time and on budget, sets them apart from their competitors.

About South Coast Improvement

South Coast Improvement offers an extensive range of design, construction and construction management services regionally in the Northeast and across the U.S. With decades of experience, the company is renowned for high quality, efficiency and high standards of compliance which sets them apart from their competitors. They are are engaged in projects across sectors that include healthcare, institutional, commercial, hospitality and planned communities/residential. The company offers pre-construction analysis, construction management, general contracting, design/build services, capital improvement, building envelope improvements and interior renovations.

South Coast Improvement maintains memberships and professional affiliations with the

Assisted Living Facility Association, the American Society of Interior Designers, the International Facility Managers Association, the Community Associations Institute, as well as International Real Estate Managers and the Greater New Bedford Chamber of Commerce.

South Coast Improvement is headquartered at 208 Wareham Road in Marion, MA 02738.

For more information, contact 888-448-8887; email Information@southcoastimprovement.com or visit the website at www.southcoastimprovement.com

South Coast Improvement Company adds Memory Care Apartments at Atria Bay SpringRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Outlines New Health Reform Protection for the Elderly and People with Disabilities

Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES), the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, people with disabilities and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth County, outlines new health reform protection for the elders and people with disabilities.

Last week, the Massachusetts Senate adopted by voice vote an amendment to give elders and disabled individuals enrolled in managed care plans access to an independent long term supports and services (LTSS) coordinator.

The Senate version is slightly different from the House version, but both branches have endorsed the idea that seniors and people with disabilities should have someone on their care team who is not employed by or affiliated with the managed care company, and who can act as an independent “agent” for the managed care member.

This provision has been made part of the health reform legislation and will be part of a federal initiative known in Massachusetts as the ‘Integrated Care Organization’ plan. The ICO plan will affect as many as 115,000 low-income consumers in Massachusetts between ages 21 and 64 covered by Medicare and MassHealth. The ICO plan represents $2.5 billion worth of Medicare and Medicaid services in the Commonwealth.

According to the Senate amendment, the LTSS Coordinator’s responsibilities will include:

· Participating in initial and ongoing assessments of the health and functional status of the member, which includes determining appropriateness for long term care support and services.

· Arranging and coordinating the provision of appropriate institutional and community long term supports and services such as housing, home-delivered meals, transportation.

· Monitoring the appropriate provision and functional outcomes of community long term care services and tracking member satisfaction.

Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES explained, “Having a long term support services coordinating agency that is financially independent from the managed care company ensures that there is no conflict of interest. The coordinating agency is an independent entity that can best advocate for the elder or person with disability.”

“This is a critical protection for members of managed care plans,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care, a supporter of the measure. “Since people with disabilities enroll in these plans on a mandatory basis, they need assurance that someone is acting as their agent on their care team.”

The Senate LTSS amendment was sponsored by Senate Health Care Finance committee Vice Chairman, Senator Brian Joyce (D-Milton), with help from Senate President Therese Murray (D-Plymouth), Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester), and Senate Minority Whip Richard Ross (R-Wrentham).

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care. OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Outlines New Health Reform Protection for the Elderly and People with DisabilitiesRead More

Partners at Braintree & Newton Based CPA Firm Donate & Walk for MARE

Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, Partner and Steven P. Rodman, CPA, MST, President of Rodman & Rodman recently participated in The Walk for Adoption for MARE.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. partners participated in “A Walk Home: The Walk for Adoption” last weekend to raise awareness and funds for the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange (MARE) and its work to recruit adoptive parents for children and teens in state foster care. Rodman & Rodman is a leading accounting, tax and business services firm with offices in Braintree and Newton.

Steven P. Rodman, CPA, MST, President of Rodman & Rodman and his wife Susan and MARE Board Member Thomas Astore, CPA, JD, Partner and his wife Tina, who are all residents of Newton, participated in the three mile MARE Walk for Adoption. The event was held at Jordan’s Furniture facility in Taunton. In addition to walking in the event, the partners have donated a total of $1,300 to the organization along with two tickets to a Boston Red Sox/Toronto Blue Jays baseball game.

The Walk for Adoption event raised more than $70K for MARE. For more information about MARE, visit www.firstgiving.com/MARE.

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. With a focus on strategic planning, Rodman & Rodman goes beyond traditional accounting services and takes a proactive approach when serving clients to increase, preserve and sustain clients’ financial net worth. 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 and in 2010 and 2011 was named one of the “Best Accounting Firms to Work For” in Accounting Today.

From business valuations, taxation, audits, fraud detection and prevention services and succession planning to a variety of accounting IT services including software selection, implementation and training, the team at Rodman & Rodman serves as comprehensive advisors to clients. For individual clients, the company offers personal advisory services such as planning for real estate transactions, obtaining financing, estate planning and retirement planning as well as planning for college education.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, MA. For more information, email info@rodmancpa.com, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact (617) 965-5959.

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South Shore Skin Center and Spa Promotes Kristyn Anderton to Spa Assistant Operations Manager

South Shore Skin Center and Spa, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts, has recently promoted Kristyn Anderton, a resident of Plymouth, to the position of Spa Assistant Operations Manager.

In her new role, Ms. Anderton will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Plymouth office spa and event planning. She will also collaborate with the cosmetic staff of the Cohasset office to ensure the smooth operation of the cosmetic side of the Cohasset practice.

Ms. Anderton began her career at South Shore Skin Center and Spa in 1995 and has held several positions over the years. She has served as Medical Secretary, Medical Transcriptionist, Medical Records Coordinator and most recently Cosmetic Coordinator.

Ms. Anderton holds an Associate Degree from Becker College in Worcester. She regularly attends retail product and vendor seminars to increase product knowledge and marketing.

“Kristyn’s amiable nature, enthusiasm, intelligence and dedication to our practice and Spa make her an excellent choice for this important position,” noted Richard F. Eisen, M.D., Director of South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

She is a native of Grafton, MA.

About South Shore Skin Center and Spa

South Shore Skin Center and Spa is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. South Shore Skin Center and Spa is a 2011 Best of South Shore Living Winner.

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center and Spa is a unique team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, surgical assistants, and licensed aestheticians who are all specialists in dermatology and share a passion for excellence and a commitment to providing the highest level of care to both children and adults in the greater Boston area. In addition to the medical dermatology office and Mohs Surgical Unit for skin cancer, South Shore Skin Center and Spa offers cosmetic dermatology treatments for wrinkles, age spots, acne scarring, birthmarks, hair removal, tattoos and more using the Fraxel re:store DUAL and Fraxel re:pair lasers, ePrime, Candela VBeam, Gentlelase, Gentle YAG, and Alex lasers. The practice also offers therapeutic massage and a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Clear + Brilliant, Botox, Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm and other wrinkle fillers; volumizers such as Radiesse and Sculptra; Thermage; microdermabrasion; medical grade facials, micropeels and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa is located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3, in Plymouth, Mass. (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202, in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa Promotes Kristyn Anderton to Spa Assistant Operations ManagerRead More

Dr. Ramzi Saad, dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Spa featured in Medill Reports

Ramzi Saad, M.D. board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Spa weighs in risks and prevention of skin cancer while driving and commuting on Medill Reports. Read full story http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/chicago/news.aspx?id=205697

Dr. Ramzi Saad, dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Spa featured in Medill ReportsRead More

A “senior” moment. Kingston, MA senior starts new venture, My Pinnacle Network.

Steve Dubin
MPN's Senior Founder Steve Dubin

KINGSTON, MA…

For previous generations, your late 50s might have been a time to hit cruise control and coast into retirement. Steve Dubin, a 56-year-old Kingston, MA resident, apparently didn’t get the memo. After a 30-plus career in journalism and PR, Dubin founded My Pinnacle Network, a business-to-business networking group that combines the high touch of one-on-one networking with high tech.

“As the owner of a public relations firm, networking to obtain personal introductions has always been our life source. Yet the chamber of commerce mixers and other traditional networking ‘schmoozing” events  were not  putting us in front of other business to business professionals who could provide the leads and referrals we needed,” said Dubin, owner of PR Works for the past 22 years. “We created My Pinnacle Network as monthly meeting for busy B-B professionals to meet and exchange warm leads and referrals. Period.”

My Pinnacle Network launched B-B networking groups in Braintree, Mansfield and Westborough, MA last month. Three brand new groups will start in June in Hyannis, Marshfield and Norwell, MA.  Plans are to grow regionally then nationally.

Each group meets once a month for approximately 90 minutes. Over forty B-B categories can apply for membership in My Pinnacle Network. If approved for membership, each member has exclusivity for their particular category.

In between meetings, My Pinnacle Network Members meet individually for one-on-one meetings to get to know each other better and enhance the leads and referral process. All leads and referrals are logged in on My Pinnacle Network’s website to provide accountability.

“I wasn’t exactly looking to start another business but there was clearly a need for better networking groups—the proverbial better mousetrap—than what was out there,” said Dubin. “With My Pinnacle Network, and its robust website, we think we’ve accurately assessed that need and now we’re trying to bring people’s attention to our six locations.”

My Pinnacle Network is presently offering special charter member rate of $200 per year. That offer is available for a limited time. For applicants whose references check out, membership is on a first come, first served basis.

As for Dubin, My Pinnacle Network has re-energized the father of three.

“I was telling my wife Wendy the other day, there are many business owners who are spending this down economy looking at the phone and wondering why it’s not ringing.  My Pinnacle Network, we are creating our own economy and helping others do the same,” said Dubin.

“Bottom line, business-to-business professionals are frustrated with the available networking opportunities out there. My Pinnacle Network is not a cocktail hour where you’re left to your own devices. It’s a structured networking meeting designed for productive leads and referrals,” said Steve Dubin, founder of My Pinnacle Network. “And with our new Charter Member pricing, business-to-business professionals can now join one of My Pinnacle Network groups for less than it would cost to buy a couple books of stamps every month.”

The June schedule for My Pinnacle Network is as follows:

The Braintree My Pinnacle Network will be held Tuesday, June 5, 1, from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at 25 Braintree Hill Office Park, Suite 200, Braintree, MA 02184.

The Mansfield My Pinnacle Network will be held Wednesday, June 6, from 8:30 – 10 a.m. at 20 Cabot Boulevard, Suite 300, Mansfield, MA 02048.

The Westboro My Pinnacle Network will be held Tuesday, June 5 1, from 8:00 – 10 a.m. at 1900 West Park Drive, Suite 280, Westborough, MA 01581.

The Hyannis My Pinnacle Network will be held monthly on the second Tuesday of month beginning on Tuesday, June 12, from 7:30 – 9 a.m. at 1520 Route 132, Hyannis, MA 02601.

The Marshfield My Pinnacle Network will be held on the first Thursday of the month, beginning, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 165 Enterprise Drive, Marshfield, MA 02050.

The Norwell My Pinnacle Network will be held on the fourth Wednesday of the month beginning on June 27, from 8:30 am to 10am, at 600 Longwater Drive, Suite 202, Norwell, MA  02061.

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.

A “senior” moment. Kingston, MA senior starts new venture, My Pinnacle Network.Read More

Old Colony Elder Services to Set Up Information Booths at Supermarkets and Pharmacies On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Elder abuse is on the rise. Last year, Old Colony Elder Services’ Protective Services department staff assisted over 800 abused or neglected elders within the service area. OCES helps elders who have been victims of neglect or harm from a caregiver; types of abuse include physical, verbal, psychological and financial. To keep elders living safely in their homes, Protective Service Workers provide assessments, advocacy and resources.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is Friday, June 15, 2012. OCES will have information booths set up at local pharmacies and supermarkets in Brockton, Stoughton, Plymouth, Rockland and Wareham. OCES’ Protective Services staff will provide educational and outreach materials and be available to answer questions.

“We are taking a local outreach approach by setting up information booths in a few of our communities with the goals of increasing public awareness about what constitutes elder abuse, how to recognize it and how to assist elders in need,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES.

Information booths will be set up from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the following locations:

• Walmart, 700 Oak Street, Brockton MA

• Stop & Shop, 683 Belmont Street, Brockton MA

• Walmart, 300 Colony Place Road, Plymouth MA

• Walgreens, 413 Washington Street, Stoughton MA

• Walgreens, 75 Market Street, Rockland MA

• Stop & Shop, 2991 Cranberry Highway, Wareham MA

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, OCES staff will be wearing purple ribbons; everyone is encouraged to wear something purple to show their support to end elder abuse and neglect.

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is a private, non-profit corporation designated as one of 27 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.
OCES serves elders, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers in 23 communities in Southeastern Massachusetts: Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services to Set Up Information Booths at Supermarkets and Pharmacies On World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead More

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…2012 Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS)– the only franchise executive conference dedicated to performance operations execllence– to be held July 18 & 19 in Denver, CO.

Evan Hackel
Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting

WOBURN, MA and DENVER, COLORADO…

Traditional franchise conferences provide networking opportunities, seminars, vendor presentations and meetings for franchisee councils. Very rarely is attention given to franchise operations. The Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS), to be held on July 18 and 19 in Denver, Colorado focuses exclusively on how C-level franchise executives can improve their respective franchise operations.

The initial Franchise OPS was held last December in Atlanta, Georgia. Eight franchise experts—Evan Hackel and Deb Binder of Ingage Consulting, Stacey Ruth of Actio Marketing, Eric Stites of Franchise Business Review, Keith Gerson of FranConnect, Rupert M. Barkoff of Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton, Barth Getto of BizUnite and Bill Gauthier of CCA Global Partners—will conduct two days of workshops at the Westin Hotel in downtown Denver.

“We received tremendous feedback from the first OPS, both in terms of positive response and comments on how we can make the two-day Summit even better,” said Hackel. “For the Denver OPS, we’ve incorporated many of those suggestions to make it even more beneficial for franchise CEOs, COOs and VPs of Operations.”

A sampling of the workshops to be held includes:

  • Real World Franchise Compliance
  • Impactful, Substantive and Effective Convention/Conferences 
  • Turning a Survey into a Powerful Management Tool
  • Maximizing the Benefits of an Online University 
  • Supercharge Operational Excellence with Web 2.0 Technology
  • Making the Most of Franchise System Buying Services

“Participating in the Franchise Operations Performance Summit provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with the essentials of franchise ops support as well as to hear new ideas from knowledgeable industry experts,“ said Ralph Thiergart, vice president of franchise services for Choice Hotels International.

Added Jackob Hunt, vice president of operations for Dogtopia, “Networking, collaboration of ideas and practical solutions made this summit worth the time and money. I look at this as an investment in efficiency in ways to work smarter.“

In addition to the educational benefits, roundtable discussions and networking opportunities with C-level franchise executives, the Franchise OPS offers the added bonus of being approved for 300 CFE credits by the International Franchise Association.

“With a lot of conferences, you come away with good ideas and make some good connections but because you get that information on the fly, it’s not as easy to implement when you get back to the home office,“ said Hackel. “With Franchise OPS, each attendee will be able to take actionable items back with them to help improve their franchise operations.”

Interested parties can register for the Franchise OPS before July 2 for as little as $399. After that, the fee increases to $499.

Franchise OPS is sponsored by Franchise Business Review, Kilpatrick Townsend, Actio Marketing, BizUnite and Ingage Consulting. For complete information on Franchise OPS, please visit http://www.franchiseoperationssummit.com.

About Ingage Consulting

Ingage Consulting is a management consulting firm that works with cooperatives and cooperative councils and leadership to improve the organization’s culture which in turn increases sales and satisfaction; improves growth and retention and boosts loyalty and profits.

Ingage Consulting provides solutions that drive the cooperation, commitment, passion and loyalty of cooperative members.  They offer unique services that help solve the problems of cooperatives in a number of ways.  Working closely with clients, the Ingage Consulting team quickly and thoughtfully assesses, understands and devises solutions to a cooperative organization’s challenges.  Leaders come away with ideas for improvement, including methods for maximizing collaboration among co-op members and a clear strategy and execution plan for change, customized to meet organizational objectives.  Ingage Consulting’s proven techniques to increase collaboration brings about greater productivity and success on many levels. In short, Ingage Consulting makes cooperatives more successful.

Ingage Consulting is located at 400 Trade Center, Suite 5900 in Woburn, MA.  For more information, contact (781) 569-5900 or visit the website www.ingage.net.

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…2012 Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS)– the only franchise executive conference dedicated to performance operations execllence– to be held July 18 & 19 in Denver, CO.Read More