Client News

Trick or ‘tweet’…Local South Shore Ad Club survey reveals small business owners on board with social media.

November 2, 2011 // by admin

KINGSTON, MA…

We live in a day and age when what celebrities and athletes post or tweet grabs more attention than what they do in their respective industries. But if you’re a regular joe like a small business owner, how do social media sites affect what it is you do? More importantly, how do they impact your bottom line? A survey issued to attendees at the recent South Shore Ad Club business expo revealed that local small businesses are just beginning to embrace social media sites like Facebook and Twitter.

“The small business owner has a different challenge when it comes to social media than celebrities like Chad Ochocinco or Kim Kardashian,” said Steve Dubin, owner of PR Works and former president of the South Shore Ad Club. “For small business owners, they realize social media is a force that needs to be part of their marketing arsenal. The question is how much.”

People who took the survey were asked five questions. There were 64 total respondents and the results of their responses are as follows:

84% were small business owners.
47% regularly post/update their business’ Facebook or Twitter.
6% contract a third-party to post or Tweet on their behalf.
17% noticed an increase in sales since using social media.
39% look for deals, respond to offers, ‘fan’ or follow their favorite companies using their personal Facebook or Twitter account.

“Granted, it is a fairly small sampling but it’s safe to say small business owners who use social media on a personal basis are more likely to use it for their business,” said Dubin.

Adds Dubin, “That only 17 percent have noticed an increase in sales and a mere 6 percent hired a third-party to handle their social media is also telling. Does that mean small business owners are not yet convinced of the power of social media? Or is it because they are handling it in-house and not letting experts conduct their social media that they are not having more success with it?”

Based in Kingston, Massachusetts, PR Works does offer a social media package as part of its Small Business Survival plan. Small business owners can find out more by visiting www.prworkzone.com or calling 781-582-1061.

PR Works offering The Works
For 20 years, PR Works has been providing a wide expanse of public relations services including strategic PR planning, news releases, feature story development, media placement, media coaching, newsletters, case studies, grand opening management, product and service launch management, press tours, and press conference management. In addition to public relations, PR Works provides complete marketing services such as brochure development, advertising campaigns, direct mail, and telemarketing.

For more information, you can visit our new website at http://www.prworkzone.com or become a fan of PR Works at http://www.Facebook.com/PRWorkzone. For FREE brochures entitled “How to Talk to the Press”, “Making Newsletters Noteworthy”, and “Seminars Lead to Motivated Prospects”, please contact Steve Dubin at (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com, 51 Lot Phillips Road, Kingston, MA.

Trick or ‘tweet’…Local South Shore Ad Club survey reveals small business owners on board with social media.Read More

HR Knowledge Inc. Outlines Developments in Healthcare Reform Legislation

October 31, 2011 // by admin

The implementation of health care reform legislation continues to move forward.
HR Knowledge, Inc., a leading human resources Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast with offices in Mansfield and Waltham, outlines the highlights from the past few months:

Court challenges to the law. Federal district courts in Virginia and Florida ruled as unconstitutional the individual mandate contained in the health care reform. In their opinion, Congress did not have power under the Constitution to require citizens to purchase health insurance. Both of those cases have been appealed by the Obama administration to the U.S. Courts of Appeals covering those states. It’s anticipated the U.S. Supreme Court may ultimately decide this issue. In the meantime, the administration continues to implement and enforce the law.

W-2 reporting requirement modified. Guidance issued by the IRS has modified the timeline for employers to begin reporting the value of employer-sponsored health coverage on employees’ W-2 forms. Employers will be required to begin reporting this information in January 2013 for amounts paid during the 2012 calendar year. However, employers who file fewer than 250 W-2 forms for the 2011 calendar year will not be required to report prior to January 2014 (for amounts paid during the 2013 calendar year). Remember, although these amounts are reported on a W-2, this doesn’t mean the amounts are taxable to employees. The reporting requirement is for information only and is intended to provide useful and comparable consumer information to employees on the cost of their health care coverage.

Repeal of requirement for employers to provide “free-choice vouchers” to certain employees beginning in 2014. As part of the budget bill for the 2011 budget year, Congress repealed the requirement in the health care reform legislation requiring employers provide “free-choice vouchers” to certain employees beginning in 2014, when the health insurance exchanges are established. This would have required employers who paid any portion of the cost of health insurance for their employees to give “qualified employees” a voucher for the amount the employer would pay. The employee could then use that voucher to purchase health coverage from the exchange. For purposes of this requirement, a qualified employee was one whose required
contribution for the employer-sponsored coverage was between 8 and 9.8 percent of the employee’s household income for the tax year. Employers were concerned this requirement would cause healthy employees to leave the employer plan to purchase less expensive coverage through the exchange.

Repeal of requirement that businesses report payments made to all vendors on Form 1099. Congress passed a law repealing the requirement that businesses report payments made to all vendors, including corporate vendors, on Form 1099. This requirement was uniformly criticized as being overly burdensome, especially for small businesses.

“These are fairly significant changes and its imperative that companies stay abreast of them,” noted Kenneth Bettenhauser, President of Brokerage Services at HR Knowledge.
The HR Knowledge blog provides the most recent information on healthcare reform legislation and other HR issues. For more in-depth information, contact HR Knowledge at (508) 339-1300.

About HR Knowledge, Inc.
HR Knowledge, Inc. is a leading Business Process Outsourcer (BPO) serving emerging to mid-sized companies throughout the Northeast. HR Knowledge has the experience and technology to efficiently provide best-in-class integrated HR services at an affordable cost to clients.

HR Knowledge’s leaders have more than 100 years of combined experience and provide expert guidance in Human Resource management, Group Benefits Brokerage, Payroll Processing & Managed Services, Financial Services and Recruiting and Hiring Process Management (HPM).
Through their comprehensive Human Resource Services, HR Knowledge helps organizations minimize operational risks, reduce administrative costs and better serve their people.

HR Knowledge has been recognized as a Gold Level Broker by Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare. The company is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 890 Winter Street, Suite 208 in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at www.hrknowledge.com

HR Knowledge Inc. Outlines Developments in Healthcare Reform LegislationRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver Program

October 27, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) the Brockton based regional elder services agency serving seniors, their families and caregivers throughout greater Brockton and Plymouth county, has recently been awarded a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. The $3,869 grant will be applied to OCES Family Caregiver Support Program’s “It’s About Time” free workshops for caregivers.

“We are fortunate to have been awarded this significant grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation. Old Colony Elder Services and the Tufts Health Plan Foundation have a very similar mission – to provide programs and services that support healthy aging and promote the physical, mental and emotional well-being of seniors,” said Diana DiGiorgi, OCES’ Executive Director. “The ‘It’s About Time’ workshops for which we have received this grant, provide support and assistance to caregivers who are caring for seniors at home. The workshops are designed to help caregivers avoid burnout and remain physically and emotionally healthy while providing essential caregiving services.”

Three “It’s About Time” workshops will be offered in partnership with Councils on Aging in Marshfield, Plymouth and Brockton. The workshops will teach caregivers techniques and strategies to manage their time and reduce stress.

The first workshop will be held on November 3, 2011, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Marshfield Council on Aging, located at 230 Webster Street in Marshfield. There will be three speakers: Shawn Smith, RD, Nutrition Director at OCES will discuss meal preparation; Sharon Fisher of Come to Order Professional Organizing Services will discuss time management and Dee Lyon, RYT of Real Life Yoga will share relaxation techniques. (Dates for the second and third workshop TBA.)

Attendees will receive lunch and a quick-meal cookbook. There is no cost to attend, but class size is limited. Caregivers may register for the workshops by contacting Rochelle Sugarman at OCES
(508) 584-1561 ext 312.

About the Tufts Foundation
The Tufts Health Plan Foundation funds over $2 million annually in grants to Massachusetts and Rhode Island nonprofit organizations that provide a range of programs and services that address healthy aging. For more information, visit tuftshealthplanfoundation.org.

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, their families and caregivers in 23 towns 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.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 157 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Grant from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to Fund Caregiver ProgramRead More

Great OPS for C-Level Franchise Execs…First-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS) to be held December 6 & 7, in Atlanta, GA.

October 26, 2011 // by admin

WOBURN, MA and ATLANTA, GEORGIA…

Traditional franchise conferences provide networking opportunities, seminars, vendor presentations and meetings for franchisee councils. Very rarely is attention given to franchise operations. The first-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS), to be held on December 6 and 7 in Atlanta, Georgia, focuses exclusively on how C-level franchise executives can improve their respective franchise operations.

Five franchise experts—Evan Hackel of Ingage Consulting, Eric Stites of Franchise Business Review, Rupert M. Barkoff of Kilpatrick, Townsend and Stockton, Barth Getto of BizUnite and Bob Hutter of CCA Global Partners—will lead the two days of workshops at the Franchise OPS, which will be held at the Twelve Hotel – Centennial Park, adjacent to the site of the 1996 Olympic Games.

“You won’t find another workshop like Franchise OPS. Each session has been uniquely designed for franchise CEOs, COOs and VPs of Operations and specifically addresses the critically important issues facing today’s franchise operations executive,” said Hackel. “Besides the team of franchise experts providing their insights, attendees will also be active participants in each session.”

A sampling of the workshops to be held includes:

Real World Franchise Compliance
Turning a Survey into a Powerful Management Tool
Supercharge Operational Excellence with Web 2.0 Technology
Making the Most of Franchise System Buying Services

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 November 21 for as little as $499 (a $599 registration and a $100 discount for taking the Franchise OPS Survey within five days of registration). After November 21, the fee increases to $599 if you take the Franchise OPS survey within five days of registering, $699 if you do not.

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…First-ever Franchise Operational Performance Summit (OPS) to be held December 6 & 7, in Atlanta, GA.Read More

Damon, Topham & Company Promotes Mark J. Diodati, CPA to Audit Supervisor

October 20, 2011 // by admin

Damon, Topham & Company, LLC of Marshfield, a full service multi-disciplined firm of Certified Public Accounts, providing accounting, taxation, business development and financial services, has recently promoted Mark James Diodati, CPA to Audit Supervisor.

In his new role, Mr. Diodati will be responsible for managing projects, the budget and accounting staff. He will also oversee tax research, review tax returns and resolve complex tax and audit issues.

For two years previous, Mr. Diodati held the position of Senior Accountant at Damon, Topham & Company. He is a graduate of Thayer Academy High School in Braintree and holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Northeastern University. He received a Master’s degree in Accounting from Northeastern University as well. He is a Massachusetts Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA).

“Mark’s expert technical knowledge and analytical skills coupled with his ability to successfully manage a cohesive team made him the ideal candidate for Audit Supervisor,” noted John Topham, CPA, CVA, founding partner of Damon, Topham & Company.

About Damon, Topham & Company
Damon, Topham & Company, LLC, are Certified Public Accountants and Business Development Advisors. Damon, Topham & Company was named as 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.

Damon, Topham & Company Promotes Mark J. Diodati, CPA to Audit SupervisorRead More

East meets west to make best…Resort Maps Franchise joins forces with Discovery Map International to form the world’s largest illustrated map publisher

October 19, 2011 // by admin

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT AND LA CONNER, WASHINGTON…

Waitsfield, Vermont-based Resort Maps®, creator of more than 100 hand-drawn travel maps across the United States, Canada, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced its acquisition of Discovery Map International of La Conner, Washington. The acquisition unites two of the leading publishers of illustrated maps in the United States. Both companies have published colorful hand-drawn free visitor maps of popular destinations for more than 25 years.

“We are thrilled to be coming together with Discovery Map® for a number of reasons,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “Beyond being able to work with an innovator like Victoria Starr, her talented staff and map owners, it gives our company a coast-to-coast presence and opens the door to a number of expansion possibilities. We focus on the user experience; so having our maps available across the country will give travelers a consistent resource to find great places to eat, shop, stay and play.”

Combined, the new company will boast 90 independent owners in 150 markets, in 33 states and four countries. Annual circulation will top 25 million maps in the new entity’s first year of operation.

“Resort Maps is a top-flight company that shares our commitment to producing first-class, user-friendly maps,” said Victoria Starr, owner of Discovery Map International. “This unification is going to produce some unbelievable maps, both in print and online, and soon lead to Discovery Maps being available via handheld devices.”

In addition to printed maps, Resort Maps® has developed a mobile application for iPhone and iPad. The app is available for free at the App Store.

In terms of day-to-day operations, the new company will maintain offices on both coasts, with headquarters in Waitsfield, Vermont and Discovery’s current office in La Conner, Washington. The company will also maintain websites at discoverymap.com and resortmaps.com.

For more information on any of the 100+ Resort Maps destinations or if you interested in potentially owning a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com. Alternatively, you can call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps®

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps® has been creating and publishing visitor maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps® expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. With its recent acquisition of Discovery Map International, Resort Maps’ network has grown to 150 markets in 33 states and four countries (US, UK, Canada, and Costa Rica). More than 25 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2012.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey, San Diego), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Glendale, Summit County), Delaware ( Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Mt. Desert Island, Portland, Wells, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, East Hampton), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Chrystal Coast, Hendersonville, Outer Banks, Sandhills, Wilmington), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster County), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head,), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in Canada (Charlotte Coastal Region), England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana).

New maps coming soon in North Lake Tahoe, CA; South Hampton, NY; Charlotte Harbor/Venice/Gulf Islands, FL; Orlando, FL; Tucson, AZ; South County and Block Island, RI and Georgetown, DC.

Discovery Map®:

Arizona (Flagstaff, Grand Canyon, Sedona), California (Carlsbad, Los Gatos, Saratoga), Colorado (Durango, Steamboat Springs), Florida (Amelia Island, Destin), Georgia (St. Mary’s), Idaho (Coeur d’Alene, McCall, Sandpoint, Sun Valley), Montana (Bozeman & Big Sky, Butte, Kalispell, Missoula, West Yellowstone, Whitefish), New Mexico (Santa Fe, Taos), North Carolina (Charlotte), Oregon (Bend), Virginia (Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Norfolk, Richmond, Virginia Beach), Washington (Anacortes, Bellingham, La Conner) Wisconsin (Door County).

East meets west to make best…Resort Maps Franchise joins forces with Discovery Map International to form the world’s largest illustrated map publisherRead More

Boston Common Podiatry Announces New Medical Nail Services and Medical Spa Staff

October 17, 2011 // by admin

Boston Common Podiatry - Medical Spa — Boston Common Podiatry Medical Spa

Boston Common Podiatry, led by established Boston podiatrist and board certified foot surgeon Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S., has announced new medical nail services and recently hired new staff.

Boston Common Podiatry now offers three key services/treatments to promote healthy feet and nails: Medical Pedicures and Manicures, KeryFlex Nail Restoration and FDA approved PinPointe Laser Treatments.

New Medical Nail Services
Boston Common Podiatry’s new medical nail services include a sterile 6-Step Medical Pedicure to ensure a safe, contagion-free environment for beautiful, healthy feet and the KeryFlex nail restoration system, which is an innovative solution to fungal or dystrophic nails. Boston Common Podiatry also provides the FDA approved PinPointe Laser Treatment which is a pain-free, non-invasive way to eradicate nail fungus.

New Staff
Marie Nguyen, a resident of Malden, has been appointed as Manager of the Medical Spa and will train the medical pedicure/manicure nail staff and oversee all medical pedicures. She is a Licensed Manicurist with more than six years experience. She is also currently employed at Beaucage Salon and Spa in Boston. Ms. Nguyen has CNA and HHA Certification and is currently studying Nursing at Roxbury Community College.

Ingelore I. Gunther, a resident of Revere and Licensed Manicurist, has been appointed as Medical Pedicure/Manicure Nail Technician. Previously, Ms. Gunther was a nail technician at Pyara Salon & Spa in Cambridge. A native of Chile, Ms. Gunther holds a B.S. Engineer of Aquaculture received from DUOC de Valparaiso, Professional Institute in Chile. She has been certified in CPR and First Aid by the American Red Cross.

Kara Tran, a resident of Malden and Licensed Manicurist, has also been appointed as a Medical Pedicure/Manicure Nail Technician. Previously, she was employed at the Boston nail salons, MiniLux and Golden Finger. Ms. Tran is currently a nursing student at Bunker Hill Community College. Additionally, she is a volunteer translator for Vietnamese immigrants that need legal help and that are applying for permanent residency in the US.

Ms. Nguyen, Ms. Gunther and Ms. Tran will be responsible for all aspects of medical pedicures and manicures including sanitizing and sterilizing all implements and providing medical foot evaluations, medically-sound cuticle and nail maintenance, professional callus removal, exfoliating scrub bath, moisturizing foot massage and professional polish with anti-fungal nail polish or Shellac.

“Our practice is growing by leaps and bounds. We’ve hired expert nail staff and recently expanded our second floor offices at 264 Beacon Street to 2,000 square feet, so we have a new space entirely dedicated to medical nail treatments and medical pedicures,” noted Dr. Szpiro.

About Boston Common Podiatry
Boston Common Podiatry specializes in the treatment of foot conditions including pain, fractures and sports-related injuries; complicated foot conditions caused by diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease; pediatric podiatry and molded orthotics. From athletes and dancers to marathon runners and high-heeled fashionistas to seniors and children, the renowned Boston Common Podiatry cares for patients from the greater Boston and Cape Cod areas.

Boston Common Podiatry physicians are on staff at several area hospitals including Mt. Auburn, a Harvard teaching hospital, and hospitals affiliated with the Cambridge Health Alliance. The practice is led by established Boston podiatrist, Jordana Szpiro, D.P.M., F.A.C.F.A.S. Boston Common Podiatry is located at 264 Beacon Street, Second Floor, Boston, MA. For more information contact 617.262.2266 or visit bostoncommonpodiatry.com.
###

Boston Common Podiatry Announces New Medical Nail Services and Medical Spa StaffRead More

Franchise Growth Group retains Integrity Square LLC to seek acquisitions of franchise organizations

October 12, 2011 // by admin

WOBURN, MA AND NEW YORK, NY…

Franchise Growth Group (“FGG”), a leading provider of consulting services and capital to the franchise industry, recently announced today it has retained Integrity Square LLC (“Integrity Square”) to conduct a search for franchise organizations in need of operational, management or financial improvements. The search will focus on growing franchise companies that have at least 50 franchises but are unable to realize their full potential due to management issues, franchisee relationship problems or lack of capital.

“We are excited to tap into Integrity Square’s network and build new relationships in the franchise space,” said FGG President Evan Hackel. “Integrity Square’s ability to raise capital and experience working with franchise operators will enable FGG to provide a full range of solutions for franchise operators looking to turnaround their businesses.”

FGG looks to acquire or invest in turnaround franchise opportunities that can benefit from its management talent and capital, turning them into highly successful organizations poised for significant growth with positive cash flow and earnings. Franchise Growth Group considers acquisitions that require full ownership or allow it to become a major investor.

Hackel is a proven business entrepreneur and has run numerous businesses in the franchise area. He is well known for his ability to engage the hearts and minds of key employees and business partners, turn around ailing companies, and create new, successful startup ventures. Hackel has extensive knowledge in the franchising arena, having worked with CCA Global Partners, a management company for 15 affiliated co-operatives, franchises and licensed businesses in the flooring, lighting, bicycle retailing, and mortgage lending industries.

“At Integrity Square, we have a deep investment banking background in the franchise segment and an extensive network of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, seasoned executives and private equity clients from which to search for candidates for FGG,” commented Pete Moore, managing partner of Integrity Square. “We believe that FGG fills an important need in the franchise marketplace and struggling franchise firms would greatly benefit from Evan and his team’s expertise.”

For more information on Franchise Growth Group, please visit www.franchisegrowthgroup.com

About Integrity Square, LLC:

Integrity Square LLC is a result-driven financial and strategic advisory boutique that has expertise in providing capital raising and sell-side advisory services to companies operating in the consumer products, franchising, action/impact sports, digital media and software, direct selling/MLM, natural foods, vitamins and beverages, and health, and fitness and wellness industries. Integrity Square’s mission is to partner with passionate entrepreneurs and great companies, act as a trusted advisor and assist clients in finding the right sources of capital. For more information on Integrity Square, please visit www.integritysq.com.

Franchise Growth Group retains Integrity Square LLC to seek acquisitions of franchise organizationsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Donation from Litecontrol

October 12, 2011 // by admin

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) has recently kicked off an Emergency Fund campaign and is in need of individual and business sponsors. Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

OCES the regional elder services agency headquartered in Brockton and serving 23 towns in the South Shore, Plymouth and Brockton areas, has recently received a $500 donation from Litecontrol of Hanson and Plymouth.

The funds will be allocated to Old Colony Elder Services’ Emergency Fund, which helps low-income seniors remain in their homes by helping them pay for fuel, medical transportation or utilities. The fund is maintained through donations from businesses and individuals.

“It is through the generous donation of companies like Litecontrol as well as individuals in the community that we can help elders who are struggling to pay for their home’s water, electricity and heat or for medical expenses. Last year we helped 202 low-income seniors and we anticipate that number will increase this winter,” said Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services.

Tax-deductable donations may be sent to Old Colony Elder Services Emergency Fund, 144 Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About Litecontrol
Founded in 1936, Litecontrol designs and produces quality innovative lighting fixtures that are used in public spaces, schools, offices, universities, healthcare, libraries, laboratories, retail and other industries around the globe. The company employes more than 200 at their facilities in Hanson and Plymouth. Litecontrol is focused on sustainability, protecting the environment and supporting the community. For more information, visit www.litecontrol.com.

Old Colony Elder Services Receives Donation from LitecontrolRead More