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Boston’s Emerson Bearing Profiled in Gear Solutions

When Emerson Bearing was established more than 50 years ago in Boston, Massachusetts, where it’s still headquartered, it was a wholesale arm of Action Bearing. “My father, Justin Katz, co-founded Action Bearing with Edward Green in 1957,” according to Steven Katz, the current president of both companies, “and since we were such a big importer it made sense to establish a separate business entity to offer our ball and roller bearings to OEM and MRO clients on a wholesale basis.”

Read the article: http://bit.ly/diTvxT

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Tim Flynn of Winters Company featured in Contracting Business

Share information, serve with a smile
Running a service business is challenging. A single service call involves the work of many people, and incurs significant costs. As an HVAC and plumbing company, we incur many costs just getting our technician and truck out there, ready and able to complete a job….
Read Tim Flynn’s article in Contracting Business – http://bit.ly/bIQymp

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Old Colony Elder Services Holds Annual Luncheon

Bernice Bennet, Nicolina Previtti, and Phyllis Hancock, board members at Old Colony Elder Services who were part of the reception committee for the Annual Luncheon.

175 guests and staff attended Old Colony Elder Services’ (OCES) Annual Luncheon held at the Shaw’s Center in Brockton on October 19th. Julie Murphy, President of the OCES Board of Directors, welcomed everyone, introduced the Executive Committee and acknowledged all other Directors.

OCES’ Executive Director, Diana DiGiorgi thanked staff for their work during the past year and elaborated upon several accomplishments over the past year which included the Executive Office of Elder Affairs’ re-designation of OCES as an Aging Services Access Point and OCES’ response submission having been evaluated as one of the best in the Commonwealth.

Sue Joss, Chief Executive Officer of the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC), also located in Brockton, was the guest speaker. She talked about the 16 year history of the health center and the extraordinary growth they have experienced. Earlier this month, the BNHC received an $11.3 million federal grant for building expansion.

Service awards were presented to several OCES staff for 10 years (Dorothy Slack and Jacqui Sullivan); 15 years (Dorothy Crane, Isabel Sims, Eleanor Strangis, Michele Wall and Susan Weiner); 25 years (Tim Valentine); and 30 years (Linda Burroughs).

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit 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; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of 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 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org

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HR Knowledge to Hold “Celebrating Charter School Excellence” Event on November 19th in Newton

The challenges faced by public education have promoted the growth of alternative learning environments. The Charter School industry is one of the fastest growing in the nation.

In light of this, HR Knowledge, Inc., providers of best-in-class integrated HR services to clients throughout New England, will hold a “Navigating a New Course – Celebrating Charter School Excellence” event on Friday, November 19, 2010, from 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the West Newton Cinema, 1296 Washington Street in West Newton, MA.

Celebrating charter schools throughout New England, HR Knowledge is providing Charter school administrators and staff with a luncheon and private screening of “Waiting for Superman”, a documentary film that analyzes the challenges facing public education starring renowned Education Reformer Geoffrey Canada. A brief Q & A session on the state of Charter Schools and how they are changing the paradigm will precede the show.

This event is sponsored by HR Knowledge, Inc., Guardian, Hannify & King, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care and Lincoln Investment.

For more information about this event, contact Jeff Garr, CEO at 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 in New England. 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 is headquartered at 905B South Main Street, Suite 203 in Mansfield and their second office is located at 45 First Avenue in Waltham, MA. For more information, contact (508) 339-1300 or visit their website at hrknowledge.com.

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Ride on…Todson sponsors May Institute; salutes successful 2010 Rodman Ride

Neal Todrys
Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc., takes part in the Rodman Ride for Kids as a member of May Institute's team.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

For the fourth consecutive year, North Attleboro-based Todson, Inc., distributor of Topeak bicycle accessories and OnGuard Locks, sponsored the May Institute’s Rodman Ride team.  

In addition to Todson contributing $5,000 towards the May Institute’s donation, Todson staff joined the Institute’s team and the more than 1,000 riders who participated in this year’s Ride–which included a  25-, 50-, or 100-mile non-competitive cycling tour to raise funds for a wide variety of children’s social service agencies across Massachusetts. Todson also donated a bicycle and Red Sox tickets to the Rodman’s Ride raffle.

“The May Institute is a non-profit that’s near and dear to our hearts here at Todson. So as a distributor of cycling accessories, it’s an absolute no-brainer that we participate as part of the Institute’s Rodman team,” said Todson President and CEO Neal Todrys, who completed 25 miles for his part in the Rodman Ride. “Having participated in the Ride for several years, it’s gratifying to see how it’s grown because that means even more charities and non-profits across Massachusetts are benefitting.”

The May Institute is one of those non-profits. The May Institute serves children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness and behavioral healthcare needs. Since its founding 55 years ago, May Institute has evolved into a national network that serves more than 25,000 individuals and their families annually. With corporate headquarters in Randolph, Mass., the Institute operates more than 200 service locations in the Northeast, Southeast, and on the West Coast.

“One hundred percent of the funds will directly benefit the estimated 16,000 children in New England who receive services from May Institute,” said Heidi Howard, M.P.A., Chief of Business Development. “We are extremely grateful to the Rodman Ride for helping us make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.”

Since its inception in 1991, the Rodman Ride for Kids has raised more than $44 million to help children across Massachusetts. That figures includes a whopping $7.2 million raised by the 2009 ride. The Rodman Ride is accepting donations until November 30, 2010 before issuing a final total for the year.

Persons or companies looking to donate to the Rodman Ride on behalf of The May Institute can contact Dana Pellitteri at dellitteri@mayinstitute.org. To donate directly to the Rodman Ride, visit www.rodmanrideforkids.org.

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

About May Institute and the National Autism Center
May Institute is an award-winning nonprofit organization that provides educational, rehabilitative, and behavioral healthcare services to individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental disabilities, brain injury, mental illness, and behavioral health needs.

Since its founding 55 years ago, May Institute has evolved into a national network that serves over 25,000 individuals and their families annually. With corporate headquarters in Randolph, Mass., the Institute operates more than 200 service locations in the Northeast, Southeast, and on the West Coast. Four May Institute schools serve children and adolescents with ASD and other developmental disabilities. Another school serves students with brain injury.

In 2005, in response to the tremendous increase in the prevalence of ASD, May Institute founded the National Autism Center. The Center is dedicated to serving children and adolescents with ASD by promoting best practices and offering comprehensive and reliable information to families, practitioners, and communities. In 2009, the Center’s unprecedented multi-year project – the National Standards Project – established a set of standards for effective, research-validated educational and behavioral interventions for children with ASD.

Together, May Institute and the National Autism Center are committed to identifying and applying universal standards for the treatment of autism and to providing care and hope to families throughout the country.

For more information, call 800.778.7601 or visit www.mayinstitute.org

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Getting Stuck in the Middle – PR Pointers

From time to time, PR Works offers “Pointers” from other points of view.

The following are some pointers from our trusted colleague, Ken Cheo of Winfree Business Systems, a sales consultant.

GETTING STUCK IN THE MIDDLE

Here is a situation I encounter a lot with clients. I debrief with the client regarding a first meeting with a prospect. They tell me that the meeting went very well. They were able to generate good rapport and there was good discussion on the prospects needs which are a good fit for their products or services. The prospect said something encouraging like “I would like to do business with you” or “It sounds like you have just what we need”.

Then when I ask how did you leave it with them or what is the next step, they say something like, “They will call me next week after they bring it up in a meeting” or “They said they wanted to think about it for a while and will get back to me”.

It is easy for us as salespeople to be optimistic about our chances to make a sale and we need to maintain that positive attitude through the adversity. A seasoned salesperson would know that in a situation like this, you will not always receive that call back. In fact, many times it will be you that makes that follow up call and sometimes you end up having a difficult time getting reconnected or the project gets delayed for various reasons.

To be sure you are being most efficient with your time; you must first be able to recognize a real commitment. Then you must make sure you ask enough questions to gage their commitment so you know how much time to devote to this opportunity and when. Often times they tell me they are afraid to jeopardize their good rapport by appearing “too pushy”.

If a prospect really has a problem for you to solve and want your help, they will welcome a conversation about what needs to happen in order for them to solve it. It is when they have some hidden agenda that may prevent you from doing business with them that would prevent them from giving you a more firm commitment.

Set an agenda at the beginning of the meeting where you both agree on the potential outcomes for the meeting and if either one of you feel that you cannot do business; it is ok to say “no”. This will help create an environment where they are more open with the discussion and able to say so if they don’t see a fit.

If you do not close in the first meeting, understand what needs to happen between that first meeting and the time they will be able to decide and then get a commitment to work with you through that process. If you are not getting a genuine commitment to work towards a decision you should ask them about it.

If you want more advice about how to close more business faster and pay yourself what you’re worth, contact Ken Cheo at 508-735-5399 or email kcheo@winfree.org. Ask about the free sales workshops or for a no-cost consultation.

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As the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorney Generals crack down on scam tax relief firms, where can consumers turn to for help with their IRS and state tax problems?

NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS…

Just last month, the Federal Trade Commission shut down American Tax Relief, a Beverly Hills, California-based company that guaranteed it could settle tax debts for individuals for a fraction of what they owed. The state of California recently filed suit against Roni Deutch, AKA the “Tax Lady”, for a deceptive ad campaign that offers very little proof that the firm’s clients are getting any real-world benefit and overstates claims of winning against the IRS. Suit was also brought against J.K. Harris of Charleston, South Carolina by the state of Massachusetts in conjunction with the attorney generals from 17 other states for false and deceptive trade practices and nonperformance of work. A $1.5 million judgment against J.K. Harris was awarded to the state of Massachusetts and the other 17 states. Are these three isolated cases? Can you believe any firm that says they can help settle your tax debt for less than what you owe?

“These three firms are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to companies claiming to be tax debt relief specialists who say they can settle your tax debt for pennies on the dollar,” said Matthew Previte, CPA, of Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC and TaxProblemsRUs.com. “The sad part is that tax representation firms like these create a genuine distrust of any company who can genuinely help delinquent taxpayers with tax debt owed to the IRS or their state DOR.”

Previte, whose Natick, Mass.-based tax representation firm has specialized exclusively in representing individuals and businesses with IRS and state tax problems since 1997, says the real problem with companies like American Tax Relief, Roni Deutch and J.K. Harris is that they make promises to clients that they can’t possibly deliver on. Says Previte, “The simple fact remains that approximately 95 percent or more of delinquent taxpayers do not qualify to settle their tax debts through an Offer in Compromise.”

So, what options do Americans who owe the IRS or their state DORs have besides representing themselves? Previte suggests there are plenty of reputable tax representation firms out there but consumers must do their due diligence before selecting a firm, such as:

  • Avoid firms that guarantee a settlement – There are four main factors involved in settling your tax debts through an Offer in Compromise. The four factors are: (1) your current financial condition, (2) the tax law and IRS procedure, (3) your cooperation in providing the requested information needed to settle your case, and (4) the competency of the tax representation firm you have chosen. A tax representation firm that guarantees settlement is a major red flag since the first three of these factors are completely outside of their control and can change while in the process of trying to settle your tax debts causing an eligible Offer candidate to become ineligible. Meaning, you could start off as a great Offer candidate but later become ineligible due to changes in your financial condition, tax law and IRS procedures, or your failure to cooperate.
  • Use a locally based tax representation firm staffed by licensed tax professionals (CPAs, Enrolled Agents (EAs), or tax attorneys) that practices exclusively in resolving IRS and state tax problems – Negotiating with the IRS or state DOR is a unique skill set unto itself. CPAs, EAs, and tax attorneys, although they perform various tax services such as tax return preparation and tax planning, are rarely well versed in the workings of the IRS or state DORs. It is rare if they handle one tax controversy case a year. You want to work with a licensed tax professional whose firm focuses exclusively in representing individuals and business in trouble with the IRS or state DORs, with a physical, brick-and-mortar location that’s within driving distance to you so you can schedule a face-to-face meeting before engaging them to represent you.
  • Ask for references – If you don’t know anything about a particular tax representation firm, ask for references. Most will be more than happy to provide contact information for satisfied clients or conventional tax professionals (CPAs, EAs, tax attorneys) who have referred them clients. You can also research a prospective tax representation firm by going to your state’s society of CPAs web site, state bar association web site, or state society of Enrolled Agents web site. The overwhelming majority of licensed tax professionals working at any reputable tax firm will be members of one of these societies. Also, do a search with your local Better Business Bureau and state licensing board (CPAs, tax attorneys) or IRS Office of Professional Responsibility (EAs) as well as a general Google search. You would be amazed at what you can discover about your prospective tax representative online.
  • Work with a smaller firm – When it comes to larger vs. smaller firms, you are most likely to get personal attention when working with a smaller firm. Larger firms tend to assign your case to junior staff and there’s a possibility that a senior staff member might not even review your case. For many larger firms, the focus can be more on selling and collecting retainers than getting actual results. With smaller firms like Matthew J. Previte, CPA PC, the principal reviews every case.

“It makes perfect sense that somebody carrying a huge tax debt would turn to one of these tax representation firms for help with their IRS or state tax problems. What you don’t want is an additional problem, like wasting precious dollars on a tax representation firm that makes promises it can’t keep,” said Previte. “By doing a little research before handing over a retainer fee, you prevent your hole from getting any deeper and can feel rest assured you’re taking a positive step forward in resolving your IRS and state tax problems.”

For more information on Matthew J. Previte CPA PC, please visit www.TaxProblemsRUs.com. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call 877-259-8200.

About TaxProblemsRUs.com and Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC

TaxProblemsRUs.com is the official Web site of Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC, a Massachusetts tax firm representing individuals and businesses before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities. Based in Natick, Massachusetts, Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC has been representing both individuals and businesses with tax problems for over 23 years. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call 877-259-8200 or, for more information, visit www.TaxProblemsRUs.com.

As the Federal Trade Commission and state Attorney Generals crack down on scam tax relief firms, where can consumers turn to for help with their IRS and state tax problems?Read More

Victoria Hancock Named Master Colorist at Makeovers Salon & Spa of Easton

Victoria Hancock, Master Colorist

Makeovers Salon & Spa, one of the largest salon and spas in Massachusetts, located at the Marketplace Mall in Easton, has recently named Victoria Hancock as Master Colorist. Ms. Hancock is currently accepting new clients.

Ms. Hancock has more than 25 years of experience as a hair stylist/colorist and has spent the last 10 years specializing in color. Makeovers Salon and Spa has appointed Ms. Hancock as the salon’s Master Colorist and her specialties are corrective color, single processes and multiple technique foiling.

Previously, Ms. Hancock was a colorist for Andree Robere Salon & Day Spa for six years. Prior to that, she was a stylist/colorist at Paul Joseph’s Image Group. She obtained her education at Costin’s RI Academy of Beauty Culture and frequently attends hair color training and conferences to learn the latest, state-of-the-art techniques.

Sharing her knowledge of today’s hottest hair trends, Ms. Hancock noted, “For the fall season, warm, autumn color tones such as golds and coppers are in. Peek-A-Boo highlights are all the rage now because they give clients color longevity and options. These highlights go underneath the top layer of the hair and essentially last longer because they are not at the crown and you don’t notice them growing out. Peek-A-Boo highlights are very versatile and clients who love to change their hair color frequently, love these highlights because they allow for a tonal change as often as every 4-6 weeks.”

“As our most experienced colorist, Victoria is a truly valuable member of our team. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the table; clients adore her and and it is an absolute pleasure to work with her,” said internationally renowned stylists and salon owners Edward and Norah Blum.

Ms. Hancock resides in Raynham.

About Makeovers Salon & Spa

Makeovers Salon & Spa is owned by the internationally recognized, award-winning designers Edward and Norah Blum. As one of the largest salon and spa in Massachusetts, Makeovers Salon & Spa is a 13,200 square foot “paradise” with 26 styling stations, nine large treatment rooms and a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and coloring; nail and spa services. Makeovers Salon & Spa has been honored 15 times with “First Place Reader’s Choice Award” in all beauty categories.

Makeovers Salon & Spa designers travel to New York for training in the latest color and cutting techniques each Spring and the salon frequently hosts renowned international guest trainers. Services offered at the Day Spa include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures/pedicures, wraps, body treatments, waxing, reflexology and aromatherapy. Their line of high quality products include G.M. Collin and Glymed Spa products, Glominerals Makeup and Wella, Sebastian, Rene Furtier, Alterna and Icon hair care products.

Makeovers Salon & Spa is located at 574 Washington Street in Easton, MA. For more information, visit the website at www.makeoverssalon.com or contact (508) 238-1211.

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Your bathroom as the new living room

ORLANDO, FL…

In the modern home, our bathrooms have transformed from a room of necessity to one of luxury – a place where we can rinse away the stresses of the day and relax in peaceful tranquility. The popularity of bathroom remodeling has followed this shift toward lavishness in a variety of ways.

Homeowners have added hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and other features to create more of a home spa where they can unwind at the end of a long day.  According to DirectBuy of Orlando, the leading home improvement and furnishings club, that trend has led homeowners to take a closer look at the design of their new “living room.”

“It’s quite natural that when you spend more time in a room, you’re going to want it to be pleasing to the eye and functional—even if that room is the bathroom,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “When you’re talking about creating a bathroom/home spa, that’s even more important. That’s why homeowners should take a step back and consider their options when planning a dream bathroom.”

When it comes to creating their dream bathroom, most homeowners want features they’ve seen in their favorite hotels while vacationing or on home improvement shows. Those can include:

  • A separate tub and enlarged shower area, as opposed to a shower stall, with enough space so there’s no need for a shower curtain.
  • Drawer space in the sink vanities, even as part of the bathtub; reducing clutter-driven anxiety.
  • Warm, neutral colors and earth tones to create a calming, natural atmosphere; utilizing stones like granite and bamboo can foster this effect.
  • Plenty of natural lighting, if possible; halogen bulbs are another alternative that can help to create a soft lighting effect.
  • Radiant, heated floors.
  • Multiple body sprayers for the shower or rain showerheads, which as the name indicates, simulate rain.
  • A steam bath within the shower area to save space.
  • Drying area within the shower space
  • Separate room or partition for the commode.

The cost of creating your “dream bathroom” can vary, ranging anywhere from $15,000 for the cost-conscious to $50,000 or more. While either end of that spectrum might seem exorbitant depending on your budget, bathroom renovations have slowly crept up on kitchen renovations as the home improvement most likely to recoup costs at resale. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s 2009-10 report suggests major bathroom remodels will recoup 71 percent of the costs, to 72.1 percent major kitchen remodels.

“While most people don’t create their dream bathroom for their home’s next owner, it certainly is a nice extra to know it can dramatically improve the value of the entire home,” adds Cohen.

DirectBuy offers everything you need for your dream bathroom—hot tub, showers, flooring, vanities, etc.—at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you’re stuck for ideas, you have professionals at your service who can create the look that works best for you and your family.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

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