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State-of-the-Art Laser Treatment for Common Skin Disorders Now Available at South Shore Skin Center

The dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center have recently announced a new laser treatment that specifically treats skin disorders of persistent psoriasis and vitiligo. South Shore Skin Center is one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Plymouth and Cohasset.

The XTRAC Excimer Laser, developed by PhotoMedex, is a hand-held laser that Dr. Richard Eisen and Dr. Ramzi Saad of South Shore Skin Center are utilizing in the treatment of stubborn psoriasis and vitiligo. The XTRAC laser delivers an intense beam of focused laser light to the affected area, leaving the surrounding healthy tissue alone. This particular laser treatment is highly effective and is typically used on less than 10 percent of the body area.

The benefits of using the XTRAC laser include: An effective clearing of the skin in 10 or fewer sessions; long lasting relief for months and treatment sessions that last only a few minutes. Patients do not need to follow a special skin care regimen or use special creams following treatment.

Additionally, XTRAC laser treatments are considered medical treatments and are covered by most major medical insurance companies.

“XTRAC laser therapy has been cleared by the FDA and is a safe, very effective and convenient therapy for skin disorders,” noted Dr. Saad.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit their website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

State-of-the-Art Laser Treatment for Common Skin Disorders Now Available at South Shore Skin CenterRead More

USMMA Coat Drive for Project Just Because Tops Expectations

There are a number of adults and children who will be much warmer this winter thanks to the Coat Drive held at USMMA (United States Mixed Martial Arts Training Center) in Bellingham.

The annual Coat Drive promoted by Dorothy Handy for Project Just Because, was well-received by USMMA members and visitors alike who donated a total of 98 coats. Project Just Because is a local charity (projectjustbecause.org) that ensures that all of the coats collected are given to families in need.  Personal requests from families in need throughout the area are made directly to Project Just Because and fulfilled.

According to Ms. Handy, “The generosity of the community in which you have created just amazes me.  This helped us surpass our goal significantly.  We collected 170 more coats this year overall.   In these very challenging economic times, our capacity to help the less fortunate is a gift, as it truly is better to give than to receive.”

“We wish to thank all the donors, volunteers and businesses who helped make a difference. When people drop a coat or warm item into a box or bin, they sometimes wonder where it goes. 10 years ago, I started Project Just Because. In 2007 our auditors’ report has $4 million dollars worth of items we gave out to families in need. Our concept remains the same – to help as many men, women and children directly. If you donate a warm coat or pair of boots, it goes right into our bins and coat racks and the very next person who e-mails or calls for a warm coat in the size you donated receives a warm coat because you took the time and directly make a difference. I thank you from the bottom of my heart because without each of you opening your heart and helping, we would not be able to help as many as we do,” Cherylann Lambert Walsh, President, Project Just Because. 

According to USMMA owner Tom Hafers, “Times are tough for everyone and we all need to help one another out whenever possible. Everyone really stepped up to the plate and we thank all who helped make the coat drive a success.”

To learn more about Project Just Because, visit the website projectjustbecause.org or call (508) 435-6511.

About USMMA

USMMA focuses on elevating the physical and spiritual well being of students through Mixed Martial Arts and Yoga. Classes offered include Strength & Conditioning; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; Thai Boxing; Cardio Thai Boxing; Wrestling; Cardio and Open Mat; Kids Mixed Martial Arts; Pilates; Power Yoga and Deep Flow Yoga.

USMMA’s state of the art, 4,000 square foot training facility is complete with a 2,000 square foot padded MMA training floor equipped with heavy bags and conditioning equipment, a 1,500 square foot yoga studio, locker rooms, showers and a juice bar. USMMA is located at 316 Hartford Avenue in Bellingham. For more information, call 508-966-5006 or visit their website at www.usmma.org.

USMMA Coat Drive for Project Just Because Tops ExpectationsRead More

A weekend project with great ROI…DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver’s team building weekend improves morale and service.

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

As service representatives for DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, part of the job is helping people find the materials and labor for their home improvement project. Yet on a recent weekend, the service team had another project in mind, team building.

Accompanied by DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver Co-owner Peter Ruetz, the entire service staff spent two days and one night at riverside resort in Whistler, British Columbia. To onlookers, the group might have looked like a family reunion, taking part in a competitive volleyball game and not-so-competitive game of bocci; campfires and ghost stories and a shopping excursion to Whistler’s Village. Yet according to Service Manager Megan Taylor, the weekend had a profound effect on her staff.

Said Taylor, “A weekend away from the office was helpful in connecting as a team and allowing us to see the other sides of our co-workers. Not only did we become closer as co-workers, but we are now closer friends.”

“Our first service retreat was a huge success. Everybody had fun on the trip, which is great, but the true impact has been back on the job. The renewed enthusiasm has translated to outstanding service for our members,” said Ruetz. “That’s why we’ve decided to make this an annual weekend as it has been a great success.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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 Vancouver area since 1997. 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. The four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are part of more than 160 franchise locations throughout North America.

 

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

 

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

 

 

A weekend project with great ROI…DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver’s team building weekend improves morale and service.Read More

How the “new” Scrooge did his shopping for the next Christmas.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

There’s no question seeing the three spirits changed Ebenezer Scrooge forever. Yet did it really undo buying habits ingrained over a lifetime? Or did he convert that frugality into shrewdness for getting the most for his money, saving money and being the guy who gave the best gifts? By enabling its members to buy direct from more than 700 name brand manufacturers and their authorized suppliers, DirectBuy gives its members the opportunity to be modern-day Scrooges—without the retailer’s hidden markups.

“There are a lot of similarities between a reformed Scrooge and DirectBuy members. Both embraced a new way of buying and/or giving but probably without giving up the built-in need to save money and get the best deal,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy. “Of course, we can only speculate on Scrooge. There’s hard data to show DirectBuy members are buying now more than ever, even in a difficult financial climate.”

Over the last 12 months, DirectBuy members from more than 160 showrooms across the U.S. and Canada purchased more than $1.1 billion in merchandise. That’s a 13 percent increase over the previous 12 months. In addition to the increased spending, DirectBuy members are also renewing their memberships at record levels.

“Tough times mean people want to get the very most for their dollar, something the old Scrooge could certainly appreciate. Yet by taking advantage of their DirectBuy membership and getting quality items at manufacturer low pricing, our members are also getting value, something new and improved Scrooge would definitely approve of,” said Shragal.

DirectBuy offers everything you need for your home improvement projects and gift-giving needs for the holidays and throughout the year—all 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 gift ideas or on deciding which direction to take your home improvement project, you have professionals at your service who can create the look that works best for you and your family.

Another area DirectBuy has in common with the new and improved Ebenezer Scrooge is in generosity. DirectBuy center owners give to many charitable causes in the communities they serve, including Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCAs, Homes for Our Troops, children’s hospitals and much more.

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.

How the “new” Scrooge did his shopping for the next Christmas.Read More

Does the expression “Cheap Date” take on new meaning? Is love tied to the economy?

Does the expression “Cheap Date” take on new meaning? Is love tied to the economy? Or, is finding that special someone considered a necessity, even in a recession?

Investing in a dating service membership may be considered a luxury good/service, but despite consumers’ fall in discretionary income, the demand for professional matchmaking remains the same. People view dating as a necessity and traditional brick and mortar dating services continue to grow.

“When times get tough, it helps to have someone there for you. People realize this. They don’t want to go it alone. They can’t control the economy, but they can be proactive and take charge of their love lives. That’s why we haven’t experienced a drop in membership,” explained Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, the largest traditional dating service in the world.

He continued, “The shift that we have seen is a significant increase in credit card payments for memberships. That, and people are just not going on really extravagant dates.”

Singles are using less cash and going out on more creative, yet inexpensive, dates. From catching a show at a community theater instead of buying ticket for a play at a major theater to choosing restaurants small on price and big on ambiance, singles are finding many ways to save money yet still have a great time on a date.

“It really isn’t about where you go, what you do or how much money you spend on a date. It’s about who you’re with,” noted Falzone.

Looking for additional “low cost” date ideas? How about going to a local artist’s Art Opening; a wine tasting event; a moonlit picnic on the beach; a long walk in the park; a concert at a coffee house; ice skating or bowling? There are a vast number of activities that make for a great date – don’t be afraid to get creative.

Now catering to more than 300,000 members at over 50 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating and Singles Station affiliate are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry. The Right One and Together Dating offer 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

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

North American locations and affiliates of Together are: Georgia (Savannah); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Lexington, 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 Virginia (Falls Church).

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).

Singles Station Dating Company affiliate offices are conveniently located in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Oklahoma; Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock, Arkansas; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; and Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri. For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE (5683).

Does the expression “Cheap Date” take on new meaning? Is love tied to the economy?Read More

Plumbing projects that pack a punch. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical looks at which projects offer the highest return on investment.

DATELINE:  SOUTH BOSTON, MA…
For many homeowners, remodeling or upgrading their existing home remains an appealing option in an uncertain real estate market. The question is, which projects offer the best return on investment in the long run?

John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing & Mechanical of Boston offers some suggestions on upgrade and remodeling projects that involve his area of expertise – anything that involves plumbing or HVAC considerations, including, of course, bathrooms and kitchens.

First of all, it’s important to decide what your goal is – maintenance and repair or a lifestyle improvement? Do you want to simply upgrade tired fixtures or do you want to invest in a lavish gourmet kitchen, or a spa-like retreat to replace an existing bath?

Notes Wood, “Plumbing is tricky; it’s not just a matter of running a few pipes to accommodate new fixtures or appliances. Depending on the age and condition of your home, you may be facing a hodge-podge of materials and plumbing “fixes” that have been incorporated over the years. You need to realistically determine what you can afford, establish a budget, and stick to it.”

That said, which projects not only provide comfort and style, but also offer a good long-term return on your investment? Using Remodeling Magazine’s 2007 Cost vs. Value Report for the New England region as a basis, a minor kitchen remodel, which would include a mid grade replacement of existing plumbing fixtures, would recoup an 86% return on investment (ROI.) A major mid range kitchen remodel, with features such as a double stainless-steel sink and a center island, would deliver a 77.7% ROI. An upscale kitchen remodel, utilizing elements such as designer fixtures, and a built-in water filtration system, would have an ROI of 76.7%

A mid-range bathroom remodel that would include the replacement of all plumbing fixtures, would deliver a 74.8% return on investment, while a midrange bathroom addition would yield an ROI of 65.8%. An upscale bathroom remodel, which would expand the bathroom within the existing footprint of the house, relocating all fixtures to accommodate a whirlpool and separate shower, would result in a 64.3% ROI, while an upscale bathroom addition, increasing the footprint of the house, would have an ROI of 64.1%

Once you decide what improvements you would like to pursue, don’t forget the basics when planning an upgrade or remodeling project. Research contractors by license number to make sure that they ARE licensed, and to see if any complaints have been filed against them. References should also be readily available and should be checked for verification. Also, don’t forget to ask for a copy of the contractor’s insurance binder.

About Hub Plumbing & Mechanical
Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was established in 1999 and now includes a staff of 16 full time employees. This full service plumbing company assists residential and commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals, water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, outside hose faucets, and residential HVAC service.

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was recently highlighted in a new book entitled “The Celebrity Experience” where Hub Plumbing & Mechanical’s Red Carpet Service was cited as an example of how it’s possible to create faithful life long customers by showering them with treatment usually reserved for celebrities.

Hub Plumbing and Mechanical’s signature Red Carpet service features experienced teams of licensed technicians who not only protect your floors with a red carpet, but also cover their work boots with stain-resistant booties, wear ID badges for security purposes, and arrive on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms.

The company does not charge by the hour, but by the specific project. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical is available 24 hours a day and 7 seven days a week to provide immediate access and peace of mind. Dedicated 2nd and 3rd shift night dispatchers internally handle all calls at Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, not an answering service. The difference between the two enables Hub Plumbing & Mechanical to get real-time info on the customer 24/7 to expedite the call as efficiently as possible.

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is located at 70 Old Colony Avenue in South Boston, MA 02127. For more information about Hub Plumbing & Mechanical call 1-866-HUBPLUMBING (482-7586), email services@hubplumbing.com, or visit www.hubplumbing.com.

Plumbing projects that pack a punch. Hub Plumbing & Mechanical looks at which projects offer the highest return on investment.Read More

Boot Camp for New Dads Shares Strategies for New Fathers Working Long Hours

In an economy where the work days keep getting longer and money keeps getting tighter, new fathers face the challenge of how to find time to spend with their babies and still cover the bills.

Greg Bishop, founder of 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, and author of two books on fathering, provides new fathers with tips for spending at least a few hours a week with their baby.

Bishop offers strategies from the more than 200,000 new dads that have gone through Boot Camp in his second book, Crash Course for New Dads: Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets on how dads can spend time with their babies even though they work long hours or frequently travel away from home:

· Do everything you can to make sure you are there for your baby’s birth.

· Change that first diaper. Make the time you do have with your baby count as much as possible. Set the tone that you are here to be a player and get involved early.

· Strive for solutions that enable you to spend time with your child. Figure out how to work from home if possible, even if it is just once a week.

· When you are home, make sure you spend time alone with your baby. Don’t let your limited experience caring for your baby limit you. Send mom out for an afternoon and just do it.

· Play with your baby before you leave in the morning and just after you get home. Many dads report that their babies sleep longer if they play with them at night.

· Keep your baby’s picture where you’ll see it often and keep him/her in mind.

· Call mom and catch up on your baby’s antics of the day.

· Use technology! Have mom hold the phone to your baby’s ear so you can talk to him/her. Ask her to send pictures to your cell phone or email.

· Be really creative. A young father who was deployed to Iraq recorded himself singing a dozen nursery rhymes which his wife plays for their baby every day so that their baby will recognize dad’s voice when he returns.

“Today’s economic realities create difficult circumstances. Many careers demand long work hours; your new baby will add to your financial requirements and your mate is going to be out of commission as an income generator for at least a little while,” explained Bishop. “Yes, it’s going to be an ongoing challenge, but if fathers work at spending time with their baby, it’s the most rewarding challenge they will ever take on.”

Bishop’s first book, Hit the Ground Crawling, covers work balance, being a dad, caring for a new mom and much more. Both books are available online at www.DadsAdventure.com.

New Dads Learn What to Expect at Boot Camp Workshops

Dads-to-be will 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 last year alone (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. 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 Shares Strategies for New Fathers Working Long HoursRead More

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Shares Cash Flow Tips in a Bad Economy

Statistics show that in a good economy, approximately one third of all small businesses do not survive their first year of business. Approximately two-thirds do not survive year three. The primary reason a business fails is poor financial management, which in many cases is preventable.

So how can a small business survive in a bad economy?

Larry Rice, CPA, Director of Strategic Consulting of Rodman & Rodman, P.C., Certified Public Accountants and business strategists catering to small and medium sized companies throughout New England, outlines critical cash flow tips for small business owners to help them weather a bad economy and beyond.

Create a cash flow projection or plan. Every small business should measure projected cash flow one year forward. That projection should be updated on a quarterly basis. A good cash flow projection starts with a good sales projection. Use historical data and be sure to consider any changes in your environment such as competition, economic change, etc. Once you have that sales projection, then it is a matter of translating those sales into the time frames that you get paid for those sales. When you place the payment for those expenses along side the receipt of revenues, you’ve created a cash flow projection.

Plan appropriately for capital expenditures. Due to an aversion of debt, many business owners pay cash for significant corporate assets. This can lead to a cash flow disaster. A good rule of thumb is that all long term assets should be financed over the expected life of those assets. If you are going to buy a machine that will last 10 years, you should seek to finance it over those 10 years. The idea is to match the outflows (the payment for the assets) to the time you expect to generate inflows (sales) from the use of that asset.

Better your credit management. Eager to make any sales, some owners do not have strong credit policies. The worst of all cash flow problems is to expend all the resources to make a product or provide a service, and then not get paid for it. Small business can not be too eager to have just any customers; they need to have the right customers. Go after the customers you want, not the customers who will waste your energy as you chase them to get paid.

Manage suppliers. Small business often pays its bills at designated times, which often are too early. Sometimes this is for convenience but can be dangerous to cash flow. Bills should be
paid timely to maintain good customer relations, but as close to the due date as possible. Seek opportunities for taking the better discounts for prompt payment from suppliers.

Manage inventory. Sometimes owners do not want to rid themselves of stale inventory at a discount, hoping that some customer will appear to pay full price. Sometimes the best course is to get rid of the inventory and use the cash for other more practical purposes.

Maintain a good relationship with a bank/lending officer. Not all credit decisions are objective. By maintaining positive communications, sometimes credit which might not be available can be secured when you maintain an open dialogue

According to Rice, “The most important financial statement is not the Balance Sheet or Profit and Loss; it is the Cash Flow Statement. Only the cash flow statement tells you how much cash your business is generating from operations. A very profitable company can still fail if the cash flow isn’t there to sustain that profit. Bottom line: more businesses fail because of poor cash flow than poor profit. Good cash flow planning is the key to small business success in any economy.”

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, Mass. For more information, visit their website at www.rodmancpa.com or contact Jen Reading at (617) 965-5959.

Rodman & Rodman, P.C. Shares Cash Flow Tips in a Bad EconomyRead More

Masters Touch Supports Whitinsville Christian School T.R.I.P.

Masters Touch of Medfield, a one-stop-shop providing architectural, design and construction services, supports the Tuition Reduction Incentive Program, known as the T.R.I.P. program, at Whitinsville Christian School in Whitinsville.

For every project completed for families and potential students of the Whitinsville Christian School, Masters Touch donates 3 percent of the gross value of the project to the Whitinsville Christian School T.R.I.P. program.

By supporting the T.R.I.P. program, Masters Touch helps to reduce enrollment fees for families and support the Whitinsville Christian’s Tuition Aid Fund. For example, if a family of the school spent $50K on a product at Masters Touch, a $1,500 donation would be made on behalf of the family’s child who attends the school.

“By participating in the TRIP program, we’re able to support both the families in the community as well as this terrific school,” explained Doug Masters, founder of Masters Touch.

Whitinsville Christian School offers Pre-K-12 Christian education to families who attend a variety of different churches throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The school is located at 279 Linwood Avenue in Whitinsville, MA. For more information, visit their website at wcs.mec.edu.

The Masters Touch
Masters Touch is a full service design/build and remodeling contractor. With a team of more than 50, including architects, interior designers and project managers all working together, Masters Touch can handle all of a client’s home building or improvement projects and provide expert guidance to DIY folks. The company was recently named #249 in the “2008 Top 500 Contractors List” in Qualified Remodeler magazine.

Masters Touch was founded by Doug Masters in 1997.  From high-end design and build projects; kitchen and bath renovations; exterior painting, roofing and siding projects to flooring, interior painting and decorating projects, Masters Touch caters to homeowners throughout the Metrowest area.

Masters Touch is a Showcase Priority Dealer for Hunter Douglas and offers professional design and installation service.  The one-stop interior design and home improvement shop also offers Marvin and Harvey windows; six lines of custom and semi-custom cabinetry; over 150 types of granite and Corian countertops; paint; carpet; hardwood and tile flooring; home theater design and installation and much more.

The company offers written warrantees on all their work. Masters Touch is located on Route 109 in Medfield, MA.  For more information contact 508-359-5900, e-mail info@masterstouchweb.com or visit masterstouchweb.com.



Masters Touch Supports Whitinsville Christian School T.R.I.P.Read More