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Advanced TrimWright, Inc. of Taunton Expands Sales Team

Advanced TrimWright, Inc. (ATW), a leading fabricator of exterior trim PVC products, has recently expanded their inside sales team.

Kevin Wood, a resident of East Taunton and Michael Brennan, a resident of Raynham have been appointed as Inside Sales Consultants.

Wood, who was previously employed at Thompson Products of Lakeville, MA for 21 years, held various sales and operations positions during his tenure at Thompson including that of Lead Estimator, Purchasing Manager, Production Manager and Material Manager. Wood holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI. He is a native of Portsmouth, RI.

Brennan, who has three years experience in PVC fabrication at ATW, has been promoted to the inside sales team. Prior to ATW, Brennan worked in surveying and construction in the Massachusetts area for four years. Brennan has studied architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston and is currently working towards an Associate in Science degree in Business at Massasoit Community College in Brockton. He is a native of Raynham.

“Kevin and Michael have diverse backgrounds and the experience needed which makes them great additions to our inside sales team,” noted Daniel Andrade, the company’s president.

About the Company

Founded in 2003, Advanced TrimWright, Inc. (ATW) creates exterior trim products and accessories that stand up to the ravages of sea, salt, and wind. All ATW products are manufactured in the USA and combine traditional old-world craftsmanship with 21st Century innovations to create superior products from 100% ATW PVC TrimBOARD, which is impervious to moisture and insects, yet looks and feels like real wood.

Bond&Fill Inc., the sister company of ATW, provides a superior line of adhesives and sealants specially formulated to bond, fill and repair exterior or interior PVC trim, vinyl, and aluminum products. Through their commitment to research, design, and innovation, Bond&Fill Inc. continues to expand its high performance product line which includes: Bond&Fill STRUCTURAL, Bond&Fill FLEX and Bond&Fill FOR PAINTERS.

ATW and Bond&Fill Inc. is located at 250 Cape Highway (Route 44) in East Taunton, MA. Their headquarters is comprised of a 50,000 square foot plant and a 3,000 square foot executive office space and showroom.

For more information about ATW or Bond&Fill Inc., call 508-822-7745 or visit their websites at www.advancedtrimwright.com and www.bondfill.com.

Advanced TrimWright, Inc. of Taunton Expands Sales TeamRead More

Let the sun shine in… but not too much. Window treatments preserve furnishings and maximize cooling efforts.

OTTAWA, ON…

After a long winter, your natural instinct is to open up your windows and let the warm sunshine soak into every nook and cranny of your home. Yet before you get too crazy opening up windows and curtains, you should take into account the effect sunshine can have on your furniture and your energy costs.

DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, offers some tips on giving your windows the treatment to get ready for the warmer spring and summer weather.

“For starters, direct sunlight on your furniture can do more harm than good. Light colors reflect sunlight and dark colors absorb it, so you may want to move some things around in the spring when your shades and blinds are drawn a bit more with the nicer weather,” said Frank Andree, owner of DirectBuy of Ottowa.

While protecting your furniture and rugs from the destructiveness of too much sun is an important consideration in selecting your window treatments, just as important is planning to maximize energy efficiency. Many of the same methods you use in the winter to keep cold air out, you can also use in the summer to keep cool air in.

If installing new double pane windows isn’t in your budget, you can still help halt energy loss (and gain, in the summer) by first caulking, sealing and adding weather stripping to your windows and doors. Then, spend some time researching not just what types of window coverings help block heat from coming in while holding your cool air inside, but also the various window films available for those purposes.

Cellular and honeycomb shades make use of pleated fabrics which can help stop heat from coming into your home. Outdoor window treatments, like shutters and awnings, can also make an impact on your energy bills if fitted properly. Window films can help insulate your windows, preventing heat and cold from affecting your interior temperature, and are a fairly easy project for even the most inexperienced do-it-yourselfer.

And let’s not forget,  aside from functionality, window treatments present some stylish, economical options for sprucing up your living areas without the headache of a major remodel. Some window treatments to consider for both shade and style include:

·                    Wood and faux wood blinds

·                    Roman shades

·                    Plantation shutters

·                    Vinyl blinds and mini blinds – great for high humidity areas (e.g. kitchens, baths)

·                    Curtains or drapes (can be customized to match your existing upholstery)

·                    Cornices, valences, and swags

“By giving your windows an aesthetic and functional makeover in the spring, you can create a nice, new seasonal look and improve your home’s efficiency,” said Andree.

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need for your windows—from replacements to treatments—all at insider prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or just a second opinion, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy 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 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Locations of DirectBuy by province are:

Alberta:

DirectBuy of Calgary Unit 17 3900 106th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-543-1620

DirectBuy of Edmonton, 10427 174 St. NW, Edmonton, 780-413-8242

British Columbia:

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, 604-552-5252

DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, 604-251-5822

DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd, Kelowna, 250-763-4130

DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, 250-412-0238

Manitoba:

DirectBuy of Winnipeg, 180-117 King Edward Street East, Winnipeg, 204-925-4190

New Brunswick:

DirectBuy of New Brunswick, 950 Mountain Road, Moncton, 506-384-3009

Nova Scotia:

DirectBuy of Halifax, 60 Williams Avenue, Dartmouth, 902-446-4355

Ontario:

DirectBuy of Toronto Northwest, 2500 Williams Parkway E Unit 37, Brampton, 905-793-0639

DirectBuy of Ottawa, 1392 Cyrville Road, Ottawa, 613-749-2700

DirectBuy of London, 4093 Meadowbrook Dr. Unit 108, London, 519-652-0552

DirectBuy of Toronto North, 205 Torbay Road, Unit #2, Markham, 905-948-1911

DirectBuy of Mississauga, 4120 Ridgeway Drive Unit 26, Mississauga, 905-608-9244

DirectBuy of Kingston, 1121 John Counter Blvd, Kingston, 613-545-1200

DirectBuy of Toronto East, 1735 Bayly Unit 17, Pickering, 905-839-7747

DirectBuy of Hamilton – Niagara, 589 Barton St, Suite 102, Stoney Creek, 905-643-8271

DirectBuy of Toronto Downtown, 20 Banigan Drive, Toronto, 416-467-0078

DirectBuy of Waterloo, 755 Bridge St. Ste. 14, Waterloo, 519-885-3231

DirectBuy of Windsor, 2705 Kew Drive, Windsor, 519-945-3200

DirectBuy of Barrie, 320 Bayfield Street Unit 63, Barrie, 705-719-2999

Saskatchewan:

DirectBuy of Saskatoon, 201 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon, 306-683-3490

 

 

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visiting www.directbuycares.com. You can learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership also by visiting www.directbuycares.com.

 

Let the sun shine in… but not too much. Window treatments preserve furnishings and maximize cooling efforts.Read More

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Offers Businesses Essential Tips on How to Stay Connected and Retain Customers

In a good economy, there always exists the challenge of getting and keeping customers. In a down economy, it’s more important than ever that businesses not only make the sale, but really connect with their customers in order to retain them. Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Certified Public Accountants and Business Strategists, catering to small and medium sized companies throughout New England, offers tips on how businesses can stay connected with and retain their customers.

Rodman & Rodman offers businesses several tips:

Add value to the relationship. Provide more than just your product or service. From newsletters to product information, follow up calls, co-marketing with related businesses and by being a resource to your customer – try to add value to your relationship with them. Each of these ideas requires some extra effort and possibly expenditure, but the return is worth the investment.

Mirror your customer. Whenever directly communicating with your customer, determine your customer’s rate and emotion of communication and mirror it. This does not mean you should imitate them. Simply match the rate at which your customer is speaking and their level of emotion. For example:

If the speed at which your customer is talking is quick and you respond at a lumbering and pensive pace, you are likely making them uncomfortable. Put yourself in their place. Say you were trying to carefully explain to someone a computer problem and they cut in and quickly rattle off what you need to do. Even if they are right, are you really happy?  Would you want to speak with that person again with your next issue? Match their rate of speech as best you can as a seller or someone serving the customer for the best possible result.

How your customer is feeling about their situation shows in the emotion of their communication with you. In this case, it is slightly trickier because what you are mirroring is not the actual emotion of that customer, but the depth of that emotion. If a customer is angry, do not be angry, but be concerned. Very angry? Be very concerned. If the customer is frustrated, be empathetic. The point here is that good selling and customer service does not mean you must be upbeat and cheerful at all times. If a customer calls you in a panic, you need to show them that you are going to respond to their reason for panicking with a sense of urgency that demonstrates both concern and competency.

Provide smiling telephone customer service. Studies have shown that a customer service representative will more likely answer the telephone with a smile when a mirror is placed in front of them. Not only do the callers sense the smile in the customer service rep’s voice, the mirror provides a feedback mechanism to show the representative whether or not they are matching the emotions of the customer. This technique is highly effective and something to consider doing if your business fits the model.

“Customer service is what we all do. We serve our customers in exemplary fashion so that they buy from us, hopefully over and over again. Simply delivering the product or service you provide in the manner you proposed, at the time you promised, and at the price you quoted does not mean that your customer will return to buy again; refer you another customer; and/or like you or your business,” explained Larry Rice, Director of Strategic Consulting at Rodman & Rodman. He continued, “If you did not make your customer feel especially good about buying from YOU, the chances that the customer will choose the most convenient alternative available next time increases. Making a connection with customers is imperative.”

Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Founded in 1961, Rodman & Rodman, P.C. provides accounting, tax and business services to small and medium-sized companies throughout New England. 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.

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 Certified Public Accountants are located at 3 Newton Executive Park in Newton and 25 Braintree Hill Office Park in Braintree, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact Jen Reading at (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Offers Businesses Essential Tips on How to Stay Connected and Retain CustomersRead More

Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Mort Aronson as this year’s recipient of AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The AAFD’s highest individual recognition, Aronson is being recognized for a lifetime of embracing collaborative relationships in franchising.

Aronson will be honored at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet, to be held during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

“Mort Aronson exemplifies the AAFD’s vision of Total Quality Franchising,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD. “His body of work, from his quarter of a century with Holiday Inn to his service to the International Franchise Association (IFA) and his leadership in advocating the mediation of franchise-related disputes, reflects a dedication to encouraging collaborative win-win relationships.”

As General Counsel/Franchising for most of his 25 years at Holiday Inn, Aronson developed a reputation for openness and fairness from the franchisee population, and he is one of a very few ‘non-franchisees’ to receive an Honorary Lifetime membership in the IAHI, the franchisee association for Holiday Inn franchisees.

Said IAHI President Eva Ferguson, “For more than 20 years, Mort has been a well-respected key participant in the franchisee and franchisor relationship within InterContinental Hotels Group. Through his involvement in the IAHI Owners’ Association, he provided direction and counsel to the most pressing challenges. He continues to be viewed as a leading industry expert and a knowledgeable advocate for the best hotel franchising practices.  On behalf of the IAHI, we congratulate Mort on this award and recognition.”   

An active leader of the International Franchise Association, Mort served on the IFA Board from 1996-1998.  In August, 1998 Aronson was elected founding chairman of the National Franchise Council, a franchisor organization, and he reached out to the AAFD to discuss collaboration on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Among Mr. Aronson’s greatest contributions to the franchising community has been his dedicated and inspirational drive to promote mediation of franchise disputes.  Mort is a founder of the National Franchise Mediation Program, which is endorsed and supported by the IFA, the AAFD and the Asian American Hotel Association, along with many franchisor and franchisee organizations.  Mort served as chairman of the NFMP from 2002-2004, and continues to serve on the Steering Committee today.

Bill Hall, a Dairy Queen franchisee and co-chair of the NFMP, believes there would not be a National Franchise Mediation Program without Mort Aronson. Hall says, “Mort’s leadership in founding, nurturing, leading and mentoring the National Franchise Mediation Program since 1993 has provided a meaningful way for franchisees and franchisors to resolve disputes without litigation.  Countless parties have benefited from Mort’s work to promote mediation to resolve conflicts fairly and cost-effectively without destroying relationships.”

Hall added, “Mort is a personal mentor to me and many others and the right choice for the AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.”    

Aronson reacted to news of the AAFD honor with gratitude and humility. “I am deeply honored and appreciative the AAFD to receive its lifetime achievement award.  I have learned during a 30-year career in franchising that a cornerstone of success is franchisors maintaining good relations with their franchisees.” 

After leaving Holiday Inns in May 2003, Mort served as counsel with the firm of Kilpatrick Stockton in Atlanta. He is also an adjunct professor at Emory University Law School where he has been teaching franchise law for the past 15 years.  Currently, Mort Aronson is Of Counsel at the firm of Federal & Hasson and is in charge of the franchise practice.  Mort is a frequent speaker and has authored numerous articles on franchising and franchise relationships.

Aronson is a graduate of Boston University where he received his A.B., Boston University Law School where he received his L.L.B., and Harvard Law School where he received his L.L.M. His civic activities include serving on the Law School Council of Emory Law School, a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta Israel Bonds, and a member of the Atlanta Council of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Aronson resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Ellen. They have three children and four grandchildren.

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising.   Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead More

Master Matchmaker Recommends the Best Way to Find Love

For singles who are looking for love, there are hundreds of online dating sites as well as traditional (brick and mortar) matchmaking services out there to help them find a date or potential mate. But, which is better?

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of the world’s largest bricks and mortar dating service The Right One and Together Dating as well as online dating service LoveAccess.com, “What’s the best way to find love? It’s not about which is the better way – traditional dating services or online dating. It’s really all about customer preference. There are still many people who are uncomfortable going to a dating site to seek a match. They prefer to have that face-to-face contact with a professional matchmaker.”

So, what do you get from an online dating site? You get the freedom to browse and connect with other (hopefully) single people. Typically, you’ll register and complete a questionnaire (which may be brief or comprehensive) and can start seeking potential dates immediately. Some online dating sites offer their members additional services such as instant messaging, web cam chat, dating forums, chemistry prediction tools and compatibility profiling.

Traditional dating services take on the full responsibility of finding you a date or potential mate and charge a fee for their matchmaking services and relationship coaching. Typically, you would meet with a traditional matchmaker in person and discuss your dating/relationship expectations and complete an in-depth questionnaire about yourself and what you are looking for in a date/mate. Members of traditional dating services can rest easy while professional matchmaking experts work to find compatible matches. Background screenings on all members as well as divorce decree checks are additional benefits of some traditional dating services.

Is there a real cost difference?

Although there may be a nominal fee involved with online dating, there is the value of your time and how much of it you need to invest in searching online for potential matches. An attractive online profile may yield hundreds of hits per day – and it’s especially time consuming to sort through them all. Time means money and many people just don’t have time to spare to peruse for potential dates.

Whether you use a traditional dating service or an online dating site, it really boils down to personal preference. Some traditional dating services provide more peace of mind to their clients by offering added benefits such as screenings and background checks on all members. With online dating, there is no third party confirmation that members are who they claim to be and you have to rely upon what your potential date tells you.

Falzone continued, “There are still a lot of people who are intimidated with online dating and prefer to use traditional matchmaking services. Then, there are others who really enjoy seeking out and meeting potential matches online. Online dating sites have significantly more members to choose from while the bricks and mortar dating services have fewer members, yet provide a more ‘local’ membership base and a much higher level of customer service. So again, comfort level really is the deciding factor for most people when it comes to choosing online dating or traditional matchmaking services.”

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in: Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio and Austin) and Virginia (Falls Church); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include: California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford Normal and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); New York (NYC); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

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Doing good does some good. Henry named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure participation.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK

As a tribute to her aunt Pam Oehler and co-worker Mercedes Zoldos—both breast cancer survivors–DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Marcia Henry decided to organize a team to take part in this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk/run on June 13. Little did she realize her effort to raise funds and awareness towards breast cancer would earn her DirectBuy of  Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month for March.

“The Do-Gooder of the Month award recognizes employees and vendors of DirectBuy of Buffalo going above and beyond the call of duty, at work or in their efforts in the community. Marcia organizing a team as a tribute to her aunt and Mercedes certainly meets that criteria and we’re delighted to honor her with March’s Do’Gooder award,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

As for DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives restaurant gift certificate. Yet according to Henry, a Hamburg resident, the real work has just begun.

“DirectBuy has been very supportive of my efforts and receiving the Do Gooder award is proof of that. At this point, however, I’m just looking to get a team together and to raise some funds. And if I can do that, I’m more than happy to use my Do Gooder restaurant gift certificates to treat my Race for the Cure team,” said Henry, marketing associate at DirectBuy of Buffalo.

The Race will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 in the Delaware Park Rose Garden. Through the Race for the Cure series, the Western New York Affiliate has raised close to $2 million. Seventy-five percent of the money raised has been awarded in grants and outreach programs focused on unmet breast health needs within Western New York. The remaining 25% is invested in critical research through the Komen National Award Program.

“Whether is a family member, co-worker, friend or loved one, breast cancer has hit somebody you know. Taking part or donating to the Race for the Cure is just one small thing everybody can do to help find a cure,” said Henry.

To donate to Henry’s team or to join it, please click here.

DirectBuy clubs across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and other South Shore YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospital. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic and is currently sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo. In addition, DirectBuy of Buffalo donates slightly damaged items that manufacturers will not exchange to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church in Buffalo.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy location throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Doing good does some good. Henry named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure participation.Read More

Middleboro Races to be held on May 9th in Support of Scholarships at Samuel Fuller School

The Samuel Fuller School will hold their second annual Trail Run, which is a 5k walk/run and a 10k run on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The race begins and ends at the Pratt Farm and serves as a fundraiser for scholarships at the Samuel Fuller School.
A “Kids Fun Run” for those ages 12 and under will also be held and begins at 9:30 a.m. The 10k race starts at 10 a.m. and the 5k starts at 10:15 a.m.
Samuel Fuller School’s Trail Run is a diverse and exciting course.
There will be a live band playing and plenty of refreshments. Medals will be awarded for top finishers in several age brackets.
The pre-registration fee is: $12 for the 5k and $18 for the 10k. Registration fees the day of the race are: $15 for the 5k and $20 for the 10k.
To pre-register for the race log on to http://www.samuelfullerschool.org/road-race or register in person at 9:00 on the morning of May 9th.
About the Samuel Fuller School
Samuel Fuller is a classical and Christian school located at intersection of Routes 44 and 105 in Middleboro at the First Congregational Church.  Applications are now being accepted for the 2009-2010 school year.  The school opened in 2008.

For additional information about the race or the school, contact Samuel Fuller School, 508-715-4256, info@samuelfullerschool.org or visit the website at www.samuelfullerschool.org.

Middleboro Races to be held on May 9th in Support of Scholarships at Samuel Fuller SchoolRead More

Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training April 24 & 25 in Denver

Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, will hold Master Coach Certification Training on April 24 and 25, 2009 at the National Boot Camp Training Center at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. Master Coach Training is open to all Boot Camp for New Dads program facilitators.

Boot Camp for New Dads coach’s role is central to important issues regarding the return of veteran dads to the program, excellent outcomes for rookie dads and general excitement about the program within communities.  Certified coaches are the key component of effective Boot Camp workshops nationwide.

The cutting edge two-day event is led by three Boot Camp National Trainers with over 25 years of combined experience leading Boot Camp workshops across the United Sates and England.

For more information, visit www.bootcampfornewdads.org/master-coach-training.php or contact Boot Camp for New Dads headquarters directly at (949) 754-9067.

According to Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads and author of two books on fathering. “The key to improving the quality of life for many young children lies in helping fathers be more capable and confident. It is through the significant efforts of our dedicated coaches that we have the pleasure of helping dads from all walks of life across the nation in our Boot Camp programs.”

He continued, “Research has indicated that children whose fathers are a consistent, positive force in their lives do better socially, intellectually and in a broad range of other factors. Many new dads are willing to go the distance for their babies, but are unsure of where to start, what to do and how to care for their babies. Boot Camp for New Dads programs, led by certified coaches and veteran dads, gets new fathers off to a great start.”

New Dads Learn What to Expect at Boot Camp Workshops

Dads-to-be are be better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood after attending a Boot Camp “hands on” educational workshop. Men attend the class when they are expecting their first baby, and are joined in the workshop by “veterans” who had previously attended and have returned with their two to four-month-old baby in tow. They are able to give the dads-to-be a realistic idea of what to do and what to expect when their first baby comes. For many men attending, it’s their first time holding a baby.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Now celebrating their 18th year, Boot Camp for New Dads is nationally acclaimed as the “Best Practice” for preparing men to be fathers and has been named a U.S. Navy Model Program. Boot Camp for New Dads has prepared more than 200,000 men for fatherhood over the years.

With more than 4.1 million births (National Center for Health Statistics), and approximately 1.5 million men becoming new dads every year, it’s more important than ever for fathers to realize that being a “good provider” is only part of the very central role they have in their children’s lives.

For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads, visit www.bcnd.org, or to visit Dads Adventure, go to www.Dadsadventure.com. To arrange an interview with Greg Bishop, please contact sdubin@prworkzone.com, (781) 582-1061.

National and International Locations

Boot Camp For New Dads locations include ALASKA (Anchorage); ARIZONA (Chandler, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City); ARKANSAS (Jonesboro, Paragould, Springdale); CALIFORNIA (Apple Valley, Bakersfield, , Fresno, Garden Grove, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Madera, Merced, Mission Hills, , Oakland, Orange, Pomona, Port Hueneme, San Diego, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, , S. Lake Tahoe, Travis, Valley Springs); COLORADO (Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Fort Carson, Greeley, Longmont, Thornton, Wheat Ridge); CONNECTICUT (Bristol, Danbury, New London); FLORIDA (Brandon, Clearwater, Hollywood, Jacksonville, North Palm Beach, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tampa); GEORGIA (Atlanta, Elberton, Gainesville, Marietta, Savannah); HAWAII (Pearl Harbor, Schofield); ILLINOIS (Aurora, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, Freeport, Geneva, Great Lakes, Highland Park, Libertyville, Moline, Oak Park, Rockford, Springfield, Urbana, Winfield); INDIANA (Anderson, Bluffton, Hammond, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Kokomo); IOWA (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Jefferson, Sioux City); KANSAS (Junction City, Topeka); KENTUCKY (Paducah); LOUISIANA (Covington); MAINE (Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Waterville); MARYLAND (Annapolis) MASSACHUSETTS (Beverly, Ipswich, Lowell, Nantucket, Plymouth, Weymouth, Springfield); MICHIGAN (, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Centreville, Iron Mountain, Ithaca, Kalamazoo, Niles, St Joseph, Ypsilanti); MINNESOTA (Brainerd, Duluth, Robbinsdale); MISSISSIPPI (Tupelo); MISSOURI (Jefferson City) MONTANA (Billings, Helena, Miles City); NEBRASKA (Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha); NEVADA (Las Vegas) NEW HAMPSHIRE (Manchester, Portsmouth); NEW JERSEY (Princeton) NEW YORK (Glens Falls, Little Falls, Mineola, Rome, Utica); NORTH CAROLINA (Burlington, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Concord, Ft. Bragg, Greensboro, Monroe, Raleigh, Shelby); NORTH DAKOTA (Grand Forks); OHIO (Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, East Cleveland, East Liverpool, Garfield Heights, Lima, Lorain, Mayfield Heights, Middleburg Heights, Orange Village, Portsmouth, Toledo, Warren, Westlake, Youngstown); OKLAHOMA (Claremore, Oklahoma City, Tulsa); OREGON (Corvalis, McMinnville, Salem, Silverton); SOUTH CAROLINA (Columbia, Pickens, Walhalla); TENNESSEE (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis); TEXAS (Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Hood, Longview, Lubbock, Plano, San Antonio, Texarkana, Waco, Webster); VERMONT (Barre, Brattleboro, Middlebury); VIRGINIA (Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Hampton, Richmond) WASHINGTON (Everett, Fairchild AFB, Longview, Olympia, Puyallup, Yakima); WEST VIRGINIA (Wheeling); WISCONSIN (Florence, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh, Watertown, Wausau); JAPAN (Atsugi, Yokosuka), ITALY (Sicily); UNITED KINGDOM [a.k.a. Hit the Ground Crawling] (Birmingham, Liverpool)

Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training April 24 & 25 in DenverRead More

Can background checks go too far? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) provides background on what is and is not allowed in a background check.

BOSTON, MA…

Nowadays, with security being a concern of both employers and employees alike, a background check for employment candidates has become more the rule than the exception. Yet when does the background check cross the line from an employer covering its bases to invading privacy—or worse, engaging in discrimination?

As part of its corporate law practice, Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers (TBHR), P.C. (TBHR) advises clients on the subject of background checks.  According to TBHR Business Litigation Attorney Lee Holland, “Most information available from a background check comes from government agencies and can typically include any of the following: driving records, Social Security numbers, credit records, criminal records, education records, court records character references, bankruptcy, incarceration records, past employers, property ownership, sex offender records, medical records, military records, personal references, neighbor interviews, character references, state licensing records, drug test records and Worker’s Compensation.”

While that list can produce a lot of information about a potential employee, there are limitations as to how much of that information can be used in making a hiring decision. Most background checks conducted by an outside party follow the guidelines set by the federal government’s Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  Those guidelines dictate that the following information cannot be used in extending credit:

  • Bankruptcies after 10 years.
  • Civil suits, civil judgments and records of arrest, from date of entry, after seven years.
  • Paid tax liens after seven years.
  • Accounts placed for collection after seven years.
  • Any other negative information (except criminal convictions) after seven years.

“Employers walk a fine line when it comes to using certain types of information as a reason for not hiring a potential employer.  For example, a background check might indicate that the candidate had previously filed for a Worker’s Compensation claim. If it became known that a prospective employer, worried about the candidate’s health, used that information as a reason for not hiring, the company could be sued for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Holland.

Added Holland, “Obviously, a potential employer wants to know about the major red flags—criminal records, sex offender records, etc.  But a background check can backfire if it ends up with the company on the wrong end of a discrimination suit. That’s why if information discovered in a candidate’s background check makes an employer question hiring them, it’s best to consult an attorney before acting in either direction.”

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients.  Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

 

Can background checks go too far? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) provides background on what is and is not allowed in a background check.Read More