Panelists will include:

• Eric Tobias, ChFC, CLTC, Financial Planner and Registered Representative, New England Securities
• James H. Ross, Financial Planner and Registered Representative, New England Securities
• Rob Schena, CPA, Partner, McGladrey LLP
• David M. Shamberger, Partner (Corporate Department), Sherin and Lodgen LLP

In this session, the panelists will discuss the issues, considerations and solutions for common questions and challenges faced by business owners, including:

• What is my business worth?  Is my business worth anything without me running it?
• Do I have a succession plan in place for what’s next for my business?
• What if something happens to me? Do I have a plan in place to keep things going or to sufficiently take care of my family?
• What is my exit strategy? Do I need one?
• What is my business worth? Can it support my retirement?

This event will be taking place at the McGladrey offices on June 6^th from 4pm to 7pm. The office is located at 80 City Square in Charlestown, Ma and is complimentary. To register click here.

WALTHAM, Mass., May 9, 2013- The Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) has announced the eight winners of the prestigious 2013 SBANE New England Innovation Awards. The winners, narrowed from a list of 20 finalists, were announced at the May 8^th Evening of Innovation program held at the Westin Hotel, Waltham, MA.

“The New England Innovation Awards showcases the best innovative companies in our region who possess the most explosive growth potential to expand our economic base. The health of the New England Economy depends upon the creative forces of innovation to drive capital formation and job creation” said SBANE President, Robert Baker.

The nominees competed in two rounds of judging. The initial round was held on March 21^st at SBANE’s headquarters in Waltham, MA where the nominees were narrowed to a list of 50 semi-finalists. In a second judging session, that list was then narrowed to 20 finalists.

“As is the case each and every year, the task of selecting our 20 finalists from a pool of over 200 nominees is an arduous one, with this year being no exception,” said SBANE’s New England Innovation Awards Committee Chairman, Todd Faber, President, The Faber Group.

The 20 Finalists presented to a panel of 70 judges on April 10^th at the Henderson House in Weston, MA. After the presentations, the judges chose four winners in the “Profit” category and two in the “Non-Profit” category. Two companies were honored as “Rising Stars”, who are in the early stage of development and have clearly demonstrated the validity of their business.

“All of our winners have exemplified what SBANE considers true industry agnostic innovation and we are delighted that they have joined an exclusive group of tremendous companies and organizations from throughout New England in SBANE’s ‘Circle of Excellence’” said Faber, after the winners had been announced.

And the winners are:

• Actifio, Waltham, MA (Profit)
• Affinnova, Waltham, MA (Profit)
• Arteriocyte Medical Systems, Hopkinton, MA (Profit)
• BigBelly Solar, Newton, MA (Profit)
• Community Water Solutions, Boston, MA (Non-Proft)
• Found in Translation, Medford, MA (Non-Profit)
• NuLabel Technology, Providence, RI (Rising Star)
• T2 Biosystems, Lexington, MA (Rising Star)

Contact:       Lisa Graziano

EBS Capstone

617-658-7130

lisa.graziano@ebscapstone.com

Boston, MA–EBS Capstone was one of over 400 companies to qualify for consideration based on a two stage nomination process and the results ofemployee-satisfaction surveys taken throughout March&April.MA – The Boston Business Journal has named EBS Capstone one of the Best Places to Work in Massachusetts in its eleventh annual regional awards program. The honor recognizes EBS Capstone’s achievements in creating a positive work environment that attracts and retains employees through a combination of employee satisfaction, working conditions and company culture.

“Being chosen for the Boston Business Journal Best Places to Work is an honor. We are thrilled to be in the company of other outstanding organizations. At EBS Capstone, we share a simple common goal that drives us to do what is right for the success of the company and for all our constituents:  clients, employees and vendors alike.  This award is a testament to our philosophy that together, we have created a work environment based on trust, respect,collaboration and support,” said Paul J. Rooney, Managing Partner for EBS Capstone.

“Our Best Places to Work event will again recognize the importance of cultivating a great workplace culture as a competitive advantage,” said Chris McIntosh, publisher of the Boston Business Journal. “Companies on our list can be justifiably proud of creating a high level of work place satisfaction during an economy where traditional rewards like big raises and bonuses aren’t as easy to give. In good times and in bad, our results validate how the creation of the right corporate culture can create powerful business advantages. Employees are proud to work for companies that are about more than just business.”

The survey project was launched in January by the Boston Business Journal in conjunction with market research firm Quantum Workplace of Omaha, NE. Companies were evaluated on the results of more than 18,000 employee-satisfaction surveys. Employees answered questionnaires that addressed such factors as their pride in the company, company encouragement, support and recognition of achievement and relationships with co-workers and supervisors. The results were analyzed and scored by assigning points to each question. 80 companies total … the top 25 companies in three size categories plus the top 5 in a new category called “PR/Communications”  will be awarded during a lively cocktail reception on June 13th at the iconic CitiCenter /Wang Theatre and profiled in a special supplement of the Boston Business Journal on June 14th.
For more event details, please visit http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/event/76851

About the Boston Business Journal:

The Boston Business Journal is Greater Boston’s leading source of business news, information and events, reaching readers through the weekly print publication, the website bostonbusinessjournal.com and e-mail products. The BBJ also prints the annual Book of Lists— the region’s top resource for business decision-makers seeking information about potential clients, suppliers and partners. The Boston Business Journal is published by American City Business Journals, the nation’s largest publisher of metropolitan business news.
About EBS Capstone:

EBS Capstone (www.ebscapstone.com) is a full service insurance brokerage firm offering customized solutions in employee benefits, retirement plans and all lines of property/casualty.

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Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions for medium-sized businesses at every stage of their growth through a talented team of relationship managers, product specialists, and client service professionals.

Citi Commercial Bank has local operations in the U.S and over 30 countries with local and regional expertise contributed by in-country commercial bankers.

The NGLCC Road Show is designed to meet lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender(LGBT) business owners where they live and work. Experts will explain how business owners can leverage certification programs to access supply chains, state and federal procurement as well as business-to-business opportunities.

“After last year’s successful partnership with TD Bank and GBBC, we knew we had to return to this vibrant community of business owners in 2013, “said Sam McClure, NGLCC’s Director of Affiliate Relations and External Affairs. “This year we have a complete cross-segment presentation, which will be valuable to women, minorities, people with disabilities, and LGBT people who own businesses.”

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®, is the presenting sponsor of the event, which will include representatives from other certifying bodies in addition to the NGLCC, including the Minority Business Council, the Women’s Business National Council (WBENC), and the US Business Leadership Network: Disability at Work (USBLN).

“The events of April 15th were meant to stop business and commerce in the City of Boston. We all waited for normalcy to return and suffering to end for those affected. We in the business community have an opportunity to strike back.  Supplier Diversity Certification is more than just a piece of paper. It’s an opportunity to be a part of a bigger picture. I sincerely wish to thank TD Bank for their support with this event. TD has always led from where they stand. Simply, the GBBC could not ask for better allies.” Valerie Clark President, GBBC

TD Bank has sponsored the NGLCC Road Show for two years. Watch video from last year’s NGLCC Road Show in Boston.

“TD Bank is proud to support the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Boston Business Council,” said Mark Crandall, Regional President for TDBank. “We believe that valuing diversity in business is not only the right thing to do, but that it’s critical to success in today’s business environment.”

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CONTACT: Laura Berry, Communications Director, at 1-202-234-9181 orlberry@nglcc.org

About the NGLCC

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the only national not-for profit advocacy organization dedicated to expanding the economic opportunities and advancements of LGBT business community. With more than 29,000 members, 140 corporate partners, and 51 local, state, and international affiliate chambers, NGLCC is the largest LGBT business development and economic advocacy organization in the world.

About TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank®

TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is one of the 10 largest banks in the U.S.,providing nearly 8 million customers with a full range of retail, small business and commercial banking products and services at more than 1,300 convenient locations throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Metro D.C., the Carolinas and Florida. In addition, TD Bank and its subsidiaries offer customized private banking and wealth management services through TD Wealth®, and vehicle financing and dealer commercial services through TD Auto Finance. TD Bank is headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., and Portland, Maine. To learn more, visit www.tdbank.com. Find TD Bank on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TDMoneyLoungeUS and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TDBank_US.
TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is a member of TD Bank Group and a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank of Toronto, Canada, a top 10 financial services company in North America. The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges under the ticker symbol “TD.” To learn more, visit www.td.com.

NEWS RELEASE

For more information:

Tom Spillane

800.422.4782

tspillane@caisoft.com

Save the Date: June 26 and July 30

Computer Associates and Xand Corporation
Announce Cloud Computing Lunch & Learn Series

April 16, 2013 — Computer Associates (CAI), a New England-based managed services provider and Xand Corporation, a premiere facilities-based provider of datacenter-managed services today announced that the companies are hosting a series of Cloud Computing ‘Lunch & Learns’ for Southeastern New England businesses.

These complimentary 2-hour sessions, scheduled for Wednesday, June 26 and Tuesday, July 30 highlight the operational and financial advantages of migrating your key business applications and IT infrastructure to the Cloud. The program also includes a walking tour of Xand’s state-of-the-art facility. The first in the Cloud Computing Lunch & Learn series, held April 10, at Xand’s datacenter in Marlborough, Mass was very well received..

Interested organizations can register on-line at www.caiservice.com/cloud. Seating is limited in each session.

“Businesses face a tough challenge of meeting growing demands with limited resources. To overcome these challenges, many are considering Cloud-based services but are concerned that their data may not be safe, secure and easily accessible,” Frank Motta, EVP for Managed Services at CAI said. “From application delivery to mobility solutions, Cloud Computing can improve a business’ agility, helping increase revenues while lowering infrastructure costs. Moreover, globalizing your network infrastructure makes your business processes location independent. With streamlined processes, increased accessibility and improved flexibility, resources are leveraged to optimal levels.”

Reserve your seat and learn more about how the Cloud can help your business. Register today at www.caiservice.com/cloud or contact Brad Silven at 800.422.4728 or bsilven@caisoft.com.

About Xand

Xand is a highly resilient facilities-based provider of data center managed services. For more than two decades, Xand has designed, built and managed IT infrastructure services which allow enterprises to maximize their critical application performance and availability. With data centers in New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, Xand offers colocation, cloud, enterprise hosting and wide area networking throughout the region via its best-in-class facilities, engineering expertise, and commitment to customer service excellence.

About Computer Associates, Inc.

Based in Smithfield, Rhode Island, Computer Associates (CAI) is a privately-held business consulting and IT services company with over 33 years of experience in providing high-quality network and IT support services to local businesses.  Our team of experienced and professionally certified consultants work with you to carefully evaluate your individual network and IT requirements and recommend a combination of software, hardware and services that will give you a higher level of satisfaction, greater control and simplicity and, just as importantly, consistent, understandable and manageable costs. Visit www.caiservice.com to find out more.

To print the press release, please Click Here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Lisa Graziano

EBS Capstone

lisa.graziano@ebscapstone.com

617-658-7130

Planet Fitness Selects EBS Capstone as Its Employee Benefits Partner

Newton, MA – April 17, 2013 – Planet Fitness, the innovative health club franchise known for its Judgement Free Zone® and friendly prices, has partnered with EBS Capstone to manage its employee benefits for corporate and corporately owned locations. EBS Capstone will also assist Planet Fitness franchisees in a number of areas related to employee benefits. According to Planet Fitness, EBS Capstone was chosen because of their progressive strategies and resources, and partner-driven service.

“Managing the rising cost of health insurance while providing our employees with high quality benefits is a huge priority for us,” said Linda Langsten, Director of Human Resources at Planet Fitness. “EBS Capstone has the industry expertise we need and we are confident that they will help us effectively manage our benefits programs, communicate the value of the benefits programs to employees across the country, and help us stay one step ahead of changes brought on by health care reform. We look forward to this new partnership.”

Planet Fitness currently has 648 clubs nationwide and more than 4.5 million members.

“We are very excited about the opportunity to work with Plant Fitness. Our experience implementing employee benefits programs that drive improvements to quality and costs, is in perfect alignment with Planet Fitness’ goals,” said Paul J. Rooney, Managing Partner for EBS Capstone.

About EBS Capstone

EBS Capstone (www.ebscapstone.com) is a full service insurance brokerage firm offering customized solutions in employee benefits, retirement plans and all lines of property/casualty.

About Planet Fitness
Founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H., Planet Fitness is now the fastest-growing health club franchise in the United States, and has revolutionized the industry with a combination of extremely low prices and a unique, friendly, and hassle-free environment called the Judgement Free Zone®.

Planet Fitness, which has 648 locations nationwide, has grown to more than 4.5 million members and is poised to become the largest health club operator this year. The company prides itself on giving people an unbeatable value – top-notch facilities at extremely low prices, and an atmosphere that focuses on the needs of occasional or first-time club members rather than hard-core fitness fanatics. All Planet Fitness gyms feature a wide selection of brand-name cardio and strength equipment, and provide unlimited fitness instruction with all memberships. For more information, visit www.PlanetFitness.com.

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What if an employee has access to particularly sensitive information that he or she could use in his or her next job simply by recalling it from memory?  Can the employee be prevented from working for a competitor on the basis that the employee is likely to use certain types of information integral to his or her skill set?  These questions are at the heart of the legal doctrine of “inevitable disclosure,” which several Massachusetts courts have addressed recently.
EL&C Partner Denise Chicoine has written a brief white paper to help both employers and key employees quickly learn more about the applicability of the Doctrine of Inevitable Disclosure.

Click here to download “Non-Compete Agreements in Massachusetts: An Update on The “Doctrine of Inevitable Disclosure”

Exit Strategies for Small Businesses

When we start a business, we typically think about how to form it, finance it, run it and grow it, but we often don’t think about how to leave it. EL&C Partner Debra Leggett has written a white paper to help small business owners develop exit strategies.

The 12-page white paper provides information on a variety of methods to transfer business ownership including arm’s length transactions, sale to co-owners, transferring ownership to family members and selling to employees. The white paper includes a discussion of special considerations for professional businesses.

Click here to download “Exit Strategies for Small Business”