South Shore Chamber of Commerce

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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

Member Spotlight: Acella Construction Working Hard to Develop the South Shore with Recent Education, Recreation Projects

 

Chamber Member Acella Construction Corporation has been busy helping to develop the South Shore and improving the living quality of the region with recent construction projects for educational and recreational organizations in the area.

Earlier this month, Cardinal Spellman High School unveiled their new state-of-the-art fitness center and three new science labs to the public. Acella Construction broke ground on the new 5,000 square-foot fitness center last November and completed the construction in August. It houses state-of-the-art equipment, the school's Athletic Hall of Fame and two new offices for the athletic director and trainer. Acella Construction also renovated three new science lab classrooms for the school.

Acella Construction also announced recently that it has been chosen by Wollaston Golf Club to manage the construction of a new 4,000 square foot golf facility. Construction is currently under way on this project and is scheduled to be completed before the end of the year. 

Most recently, Acella has announced that it has been chosen by the Old Colony Council chapter of the Boy Scouts of America to manage the design and construction of their new dining facility, located at Camp Squanto in Myles Standish State Forest. Design will begin immediately, with construction scheduled to be completed by the spring of 2012.

Acella Construction is located in Norwell. For more information visit www.ACELLAconstruction.com

Member Jeff Winnett of Cbeyond Shares Helpful Crisis Preparation Tips for Small Businesses

Crisis Preparation Tips for Small Businesses: How to Maintain Operations and Protect Data When Disasters Strike

By Jeff Winnett, Regional Vice President of Cbeyond’s Boston Office

The recent earthquake that startled the metro-Washington, D.C. area, as well as the ongoing threat of powerful storms such as Hurricane Irene, show how vulnerable businesses are in the face of disaster. If such an event were to take place tomorrow, would your business be able to resume operations quickly and without losing critical data?

When an eight person law firm in Miami was hit by Hurricane Ike in 2008, it was forced to close its doors after a decade of being in business. Everything they had was destroyed and irretrievable. Although this was a natural disaster, the business owner could have taken some relatively easy and cost effective precautions to ensure his business was safe.

When it comes to security threats – both natural and manmade –businesses of all sizes are susceptible. Think about what kind of information you could lose from various disasters – years of tax records, confidential employee information including Social Security numbers, signed customer contracts and customer contact records, just to start.

Fortunately, as today’s business owners reevaluate their crisis workflow plans, there are many software applications available that are adept at maintaining business continuity. These applications are easily accessible and simple to implement, making your business safer in case the unthinkable should occur. 

The Keys to Maintaining Business Continuity

Many businesses make the same common mistakes when it comes to securing data. Most believe their data is secure, when in fact, they are unmistakably vulnerable. Below, I’ve included the best ways businesses can protect their data – instead of wrongfully assuming it is.

Mistake #1: “My data is secure; I’ve got it backed up on-premise.”

Just because your premises are equipped with a security system doesn’t mean your records are safe from business security threats. In fact, it’s the opposite. Many businesses commonly make the mistake of backing up files only on-premise or back-up on premise and removing discs or tapes manually on a regularly scheduled interval (ex. once per month). The smartest solution to combating business security threats is to have all your data saved and stored in an off-premise data center. By having your data backed up off-site, you ensure the safety of important files, and you get the added benefit of being able to access important files via the Internet (with the right security authentication of course!).

For example, if the Miami firm had stored its files off-premise in a hosted data center before Ike struck, its employees would have been able to save all files, retrieve and reinstate them, and have their business up and running with minimal interruption. Backing up to an external hard drive or NAS (Network Attached Storage) device is critical to maintaining business continuity and preventing data loss due to hardware failures. However, small businesses commonly face fires, floods, thefts, and other threats that require backups to be off-site. Make sure your business has a secure backup solution in place to allow data to be stored off-site. These solutions are relatively inexpensive in terms of maintaining business continuity, especially considering the alternative.

Mistake #2:“I just bought a new PC, so I’ve already got the latest and greatest security software loaded.” 

Microsoft Windows does have a firewall feature, but these off-the-shelf components aren’t enough. Ideally, small businesses should employ the same “defense in depth” strategy large enterprises use to secure their internal networks. PCs should have their software firewalls enabled and properly configured, and have a firewall router on the network’s edge to provide a second layer of defense against business security threats. This way, if a PC’s firewall is not configured properly, there is still a layer of protection between the computer and Internet threats. By selecting a managed firewall application, small businesses will shield themselves from critical network threats, block unnecessary Internet traffic, and restrict applications used on your network. This type of security product is a necessity for protecting small business networks from malicious Internet threats and maintaining business continuity.     

Mistake #3:“I installed security protection software in the past couple years or so.” 

Many laptops and desktops come with pre-installed free trials of a brand name security offering. Although this will keep your desktop secure for a brief time, many small businesses commonly make the mistake of letting this software expire and forgetting to update it. In order to protect your desktops and laptops from online business security threats, you must install a secure desktop solution to protect PCs from viruses, spyware, and other Internet-borne attacks. Sold in a bundle as part of many communications and IT services, secure desktop applications have no expiration dates to keep track of. The best part of this software application is that updates are automatic, which means there are no additional software upgrades to install—thereby reducing the cost of IT management. Maintaining business continuity is easy—just secure your desktop as soon as you can! 

Mistake #4: “I have to update my browser and operating system (OS) security patches myself, and I just don’t have the time.” 

Small businesses can easily be taken advantage of due to low security on their browsers and operating systems, but these types of business security threats can be easily avoided with automatic security patch updates. Many small businesses take the burden of updating their PCs with the latest software versions on themselves, but OS security can be easily automated, which makes maintaining business continuity a breeze. Yes, small businesses should ensure the updates take place and check in on them regularly, but today’s technology helps alleviate some of the time it takes to manage the situation.   

Unfortunately, natural and man-made disasters will happen, and companies need to protect their most precious assets – data and files - by avoiding these common culprits of business security threats. Learn from others’ mistakes, and take these steps towards maintaining your business continuity.

Jeff Winnett is regional vice president of Cbeyond’s Boston office, and can be reached by email at jeff.winnett@cbeyond.net. Cbeyond is a leading IT and communications services provider to more than 58,000 small businesses throughout the U.S.