South Shore Chamber of Commerce

Put your news on the South Shore Chamber blog

Share your company's news on the South Shore Chamber of Commerce Daily Brew blog. Send your news release to waves@southshorechamber.org. We'll be glad to tell the world about the achievements and contributions of the Chamber's members.

NLRB's new employee posting rule is delayed following action by chambers of commerce

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other chambers across the country have been challenging the NLRB's new rule that would require employers to post a notice reminding employees of their rights to unionize. That posting rule was supposed to take effect April 30, but the courts have put a hold on it until it is determined whether the NLRB has overstepped its authority, as the chambers contend. Here's a memo from our member law firm of Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane LLP:

"The saga of the National Labor Relations Board’s Posting Rule continues. On Friday, April 13, Judge David C. Norton of the Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina, in a case brought by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, ruled that the Board exceeded its regulatory authority in requiring a workplace posting of employees' union rights. The NLRB has announced it will appeal that decision.

"In a previous alert (March 2012), we informed you that another Federal District Court in the District of Columbia had upheld the Rule’s requirement of a posting, but ruled that other parts of the Rule exceeded the Board’s regulatory authority. That case is on appeal. On Tuesday, April 17, partly in response to the South Carolina opinion, the D.C. Circuit Court granted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s motion to enjoin the Board from implementing its posting rule pending its decision in that appeal.

"In light of the D.C. Circuit Court’s injunction and the interest in uniform implementation and administration of agency rules, the Board has announced that it will not be implementing the posting rule until the issues before the court are resolved. Accordingly, employers DO NOT have to put up the Board’s posting on April 30. The D.C. District Court set an expedited briefing scheduled which sets September for a hearing. As a result, there likely will not be a decision until fall at the earliest. We will keep you apprised of any further developments."

 

Chamber welcomes new members

Dozens of South Shore Chamber of Commerce members are fanning out through the region to tell other business people about the advantages of Chamber membership. We'll be welcoming new members all spring.

Among the newest Chamber members are BKM Marketing in Hingham, All Ears Hearing Center in Plymouth, FTG Technologies in Quincy, and URS Corporation in Boston.Meet them all and more on the web at www.southshorechamber.org and look under the Business Directory tab for our New Members!

Welcome!

Chamber members connect: CONWAY COUNTRY GOES “GREEN”

Jack Conway Realtor’s Norwell Headquarters was the first of seven Conway buildings slated to implement recommendations from energy audits conducted by Prism Energy Services of Quincy within the next few weeks. Conway CEO Carol Bulman and Prism President and Founder Wendy Simmons serve together on the board of directors of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, and it was there that the two women decided to join forces to effect a “Green Plan” for Conway Country.

“It’s really a win/win situation for both of our firms,” said Bulman. “Wendy’s company is finding ways that we can save money on our energy costs, while showing us how to help the environment at the same time.”

For Simmons, the Conway Company will be another example of a satisfied client that has been able to cut energy costs by receiving a customized report on its current usage versus state-of-the-art energy efficiency measures recommended by Prism.

“We will take a personal approach to the Jack Conway Co. as we do with every one of our clients,” said Simmons whose firm has been helping commercial companies “go green” for more than 10 years. “Lighting is what we look at first, then thermostats, and such things as insulation on hot water pipes. Our goal is to recommend creative energy conservation solutions that can help our clients save up to 30 percent on their monthly energy costs.”

For Bulman, the lower bills are welcome, but Prism’s "green" advice is just as important. “Of course we want to save money,” she said. “But we also want to do the right thing for the environment. We started the energy audit with our largest building here at headquarters, but the plan is to move to all of our other offices from Swampscott to Cape Cod. Many of our sales centers are located in beautiful antique buildings, and we love the homey atmosphere of those offices, but they may not always be the most energy efficient. With Prism’s help, they will be.”

Bulman and Simmons initially met through the chamber of commerce, and chamber CEO Peter Forman said that’s a benefit of the group’s membership 

"The Chamber is excited about this announcement,” said Forman. “Two businesses connected through their involvement in the South Shore Chamber of Commerce are now partnering for some big results. That's what helps make the South Shore stronger. "  

Jack Conway & Co. is celebrating its 54th anniversary with 40 sales offices from the North Shore to Boston, Cape Cod and the South Coast.

Photo: Conway CEO Carol Bulman (left) and Prism Energy Services President Wendy Simmons look over some of the materials being used in a “green energy” project at Conway HQ.

Rodman & Rodman Honors their Golden Anniversary with Donation to YMCA Camp

Steve Rodman, CPA, MST
President, Rodman & Rodman, P.C.

Chamber member Rodman & Rodman, P.C. is celebrating the company's 50th anniversary in 2011 and instead of a golden anniversary gala, the company is honoring their milestone with a generous donation to Old Colony YMCA's Camp Clark. The South Shore YMCA is also a member of the Chamber.

With offices in Braintree and Newton, Rodman & Rodman is a CPA firm providing tax advisory services and business strategies for small and mid-size companies throughout New England.

Blum Shapiro Employees Dress Down to Help Out South Shore Community Action

BlumShapiro employees raised money by their donations to and participation in the firm’s Jeans Day Program.  The program, held on Fridays throughout the year at the firm’s office in Rockland, Massachusetts, raised $1,000, all of which was donated to the South Shore Community Action Council.  Pictured at the recent BlumShapiro check presentation were, from left, Chris Ernest, manager, BlumShapiro; Patricia Daly, executive director, the South Shore Community Action Council; and Michelle Hatch, director, BlumShapiro.

Photo credit:  BlumShapiro

To learn more about Blum Shapiro visit www.blumshapiro.com

Chamber member Murtha Cullina LLP welcomes new associate Monica Snyder

Monica P. Snyder has joined Murtha Cullina LLP as an associate in the law firm's Litigation and Business and Finance Departments. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Snyder served as a criminal defense attorney representing adults and juveniles at the Boston Municipal Court and the Boston Juvenile Court. Ms. Snyder is a member of the Real Estate and Litigation sections of the Boston Bar Association and received her J.D. from Boston University School of Law.

Murtha Cullina LLP has over 115 attorneys in six offices throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts and offers a full range of legal services. To learn more about the firm visit www.murthalaw.com

 

BBJ Article: Critics want contractor law made

The Chamber has made it one of our legislative priorities to change the law to help small businesses. The below Boston Business Journal article quotes Chamber President & CEO Peter Forman as well as Chamber members Kathy Czerny of the South Shore Conservatory and Marie Peeler of Peeler Associates.

Critics want contractor law made flexible

Premium content from Boston Business Journal by Don Seiffert, Special to the Journal
Date: Friday, December 9, 2011, 6:00am EST

W. Marc Bernsau

Peg Primak of Primak Partners in Waltham says a new state law touted as a way to protect workers is costing her business.

As a probate accountant, Peg Primak works for some 50 law firms across the state, many for just two or three hours a year.

Her clients, most of whom she never meets face to face, consider her as an independent contractor. But under current Massachusetts law, Primak is considered a regular employee of every one, eligible for unemployment, workers compensation and tax withholding.

“The independent contractor law says that if the work being performed is part of the normal course of business, they should count me as an employee,” she said. “That’s absurd.”

Ever since state law changed in 2004 to narrowly define independent contractors, there’s been a move under way to broaden the definition. Many employers argue that the law makes it practically impossible for almost anyone to be classified as an independent contractor in this state, and that’s hurting the state’s economy as a whole.

Defenders of the status quo say that despite the flaws, proposals to eliminate those discrepancies would also get rid of necessary measures that protect employees.

John Regan of the Associated Industries of Massachusetts Inc. testified before a state legislative committee this fall in favor of a bill that would allow more workers to be classified as independent. He says that nationwide, the number of temporary and freelance workers has risen despite the recession, but Massachusetts has added no new jobs since 1990.

“As the way in which we work evolves ... the pattern is that people work either as freelancers, or offer their services to multiple organizations,” he said.

Under the current law, passed as part of a construction reform bill, workers are presumed to be regular employees unless they fit three specific criteria.

That exposes employers to significant risk: if the courts find a company misclassified employees as independent contractors, employers can be fined triple damages plus attorney fees.

Mike Hruby, president of New Jobs for Massachusetts Inc., a pro-job advocacy group that formed in May, says the independent contractor law is the single biggest barrier to job growth in Massachusetts. Changing the law would result in almost immediate job growth, both from companies in-state and those out of state that want to tap into our well-educated workforce.

“Out-of-state companies, who would normally contract with Massachusetts employees, don’t want to do so, because this law makes the presumption that they will be employees,” he said. “The law suppresses entrepreneurship, especially in the services industry.”

But Stephen Joyce, government relations director for the New England Carpenters Labor Management Program, said the current law’s three-part test is like 22 other states in the U.S., and the effects of the 2004 change has been widely overblown.

“The truth of the matter is that I haven’t seen any evidence that anyone fell under the rule who didn’t fall under the rule before,” he said.

Attorney General Martha Coakley’s office has issued more than 70 citations in the past two years for misclassification of workers. The total fines more than doubled from 2010 to 2011, to $238,670 from $106,500.

In May, Dedham construction company Lancaster Enterprises Inc. and its owner, 68-year-old Marie Raftes, were ordered to pay $100,000 in restitution and penalties after being accused of improperly paying workers and misclassifying their employment status. The amount includes unpaid wages of more than $37,000 for 10 employees and a $50,000 fine for willful misclassification of employees as independent contractors. And in June, Allston flooring company Floor Sanders and Finishers of Massachusetts Inc. was ordered to pay $26,000 in fines for misclassifying its employees as independent contractors and record-keeping violations.

Joyce argued that the current law protects employees from being exploited, and protects honest employers from unfair competition.

While the construction industry has been the most vocal opponent of any changes, Joyce said there are similar abuses of employees in fields like janitorial services and bike couriers.

But the current difficulty with classifying anyone as an independent contractor affects a wide variety of fields. Kathy Czerny, president of the South Shore Conservatory in Hingham, said musicians typically cobble together a living through various employers.

She says a handful of teachers at her school who aren’t full-time travel from Boston to teach there, and prefer to be considered independent contractors so they can deduct travel expenses on their income taxes.

Peter Forman, president of the South Shore Chamber of Commerce, said the Attorney General’s enforcement of the law has stepped up in recent years, as the state is under pressure to collect unemployment insurance from businesses.

Joyce has seen in increase as well, but contends enforcement “is still woefully lacking.”
Marie Peeler, an executive coach from Pembroke    who’s been working independently since 2005, says she’s been denied jobs from out-of-state companies after telling them about the strict Massachusetts laws. — regulations she described as “onerous rules.”

But Joyce contends that the hardships on some are outweighed by the need to protect others.

“You can’t weaken a law just because someone says they’re inconvenienced by it, if it’s protecting tons of other people,” he said.

Member Spotlight: Acella Construction awarded project for Outer Cape Health Services

 

Chamber member Acella Construction announced last week that it has been selected by Outer Cape Health Services, an affiliate of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to manage the construction of a new project on Harry Kemp Way in Provincetown. This is the 2nd phase of the project which will add more than 6,800 sf. of new space to provide critical care at the facility. The total size of the project is approximately 16,000 sf., which includes the new addition as well as major renovations to the current facility. The first floor addition will house a pharmacy, optometry, behavioral health services, additional treatment rooms and dental services. The new lower level space will contain a radiology suite with enhanced digital radiography, mammography, bone density and ultrasound services. This project was designed by Trapani + Associates, also a Chamber member, and will be completed on an aggressive schedule to allow for an opening in the summer of 2012. This phase was made possible by a $3.6 million federal stimulus grant awarded in October, with $1.9 million in additional construction and the rest going for equipment.

For more information on Acella Construction visit www.acellaconstruction.com

For more information on Trapani + Associates, Inc. visit www.trapaniassoc.com

 

Member Spotlight: South Shore Savings Bank Holds 19th Annual Charity Golf Classic

South Shore Savings Bank, a Chamber Partner, held the 19th Annual South Shore Savings Bank Charity Golf Classic on September 12th at the Marshfield Country Club, to raise funds that will benefit many non-profit organizations on the South Shore over the coming year through donations from the South Shore Savings Charitable Foundation. Since its inception in 1993, the tournament has raised more than $450,000.

Each year, the South Shore Savings Charitable Foundation presents a donation from the proceeds of the Charity Golf Classic to an organization or program that is dedicated to improving local communities and helping people throughout the South Shore. The recipient of this year's donation was Braintree-based Caritas Communities, which serves the housing needs of low-income individuals through the development and long-term management of affordable rooming houses.

 
Following the 19th annual South Shore Savings Bank Charity Golf Classic, a donation of $10,000 from the South Shore Savings Charitable Foundation was presented to Braintree-based Caritas Communities. Pictured at the presentation, from left to right, are South Shore Savings Bank President and Chief Executive Officer John C. Boucher, Caritas Communities' President and Chairman of the Board Frank Capezzera, and South Shore Savings Bank Senior Vice President Peter McGowan.

 

Member Spotlight: New England Burials at Sea LLC Introduces New Concierge Services

 

New England Burials at Sea, LLC (NEBAS) is a new Chamber member and a unique company that offers burial at sea scatterings and eco-friendly full body sea burials. Serving families from Maine to Miami since 2006, the company has worked with groups up to 400 and is recognized by the EPA, US Navy, U.S.C.G. and many area funeral homes and crematories. The company also designed and manufactures the unique and innovative Atlantic Sea burial Shroud®.

To meet the needs of many new clients visiting Boston for memorial burial at sea services, New England Burials At Sea, (NEBAS) has recently expanded their range of hospitality and travel related services available.

In April, company founder Captain Brad White launched the new Concierge program which includes priority hotel and restaurant reservations, meeting reception space, flowers, airport water taxi service and city trolley transportation.

Company founder, Captain Brad White has added these new programs in 2011 to meet additional demand for traveling families to the Boston area.

 “To ensure that our clients will be as comfortable as possible during their time of mourning, our new concierge service will allow our clients to handle all of the details with one simple phone call that handles it all.  We are proud to be affiliated with these four new Boston area partners to our company,” said White.

As part of their Concierge Program, NEBAS has chosen to partner with top-quality companies in the hospitality service industries to offer their clients the best experience possible. These new partners include the Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel, The Rowe's Wharf Water Transport Company, Winston Flowers and CityView Trolley Company.

For more information or images, visit www.NewEnglanBurialsAtSea.com call toll free New England Burials At Sea, Capt Brad White at 877-897-7700 or 781-834-7500, email OceanBurial@aol.com