Speaker - Lori Carden 04/03/14

I purchased my internet franchise almost 6 years ago with Shop.com powered by 

Market America to create an additional stream of income. Since I own it, I named it

www.shoploricarden.com. It is an on-line product brokerage company that specializes in social shopping. Little did I know when I started this business on a very part-time basis while I worked 

a full time job how much I would need it a few years later. I am thankful that I had started this 

before I actually needed it. Eventually I became a victim of the economy, losing my job a few 

years ago. 

The things that made a lot of sense to me when looking into partnering with Shop.com 

powered by Market America was a solid business that has been around for 22 years, the 

company has grown every single quarter since its inception in 1992. The other factor was a 

vertical marketing plan that has been patented and copy written meaning no one can do what 

we do. We are not a multi-level company we are an on-line franchise that you can purchase 

if you want to find a way to own a piece of the internet. We all know that the internet is only 

going to get bigger in the future. Have you positioned yourself to own a piece of it? 

We are partnered with Microsoft, Google and our latest addition Adobe so stay tuned for an 

even more unique shopping experience. When you shop on www.shoploricarden.com you get 

to earn cashback on qualified purchases so when you do shop on-line, you will never pay retail 

again. Additionally if you refer someone to shop at www.shoploricarden.com you also get to 

earn an additional ½ percent on all qualified purchases made by your friends and family. At 

www.shoploricarden.com you are shopping at stores you shop at anyway for example Wal-
Mart, Target, Macy’s, Home Depot, JcPenney’s, Tractor Supply, I could go on and on we are

partnered with over 3,500 stores where you are shopping at every day. On-line shopping is

only one division of the entire brokerage company. We deal in multi-billion dollar markets, 

health and wellness, cosmetics, skin care, and weight loss among many others. The great thing

is that we do not manufacture anything so when a new trend comes out or new science comes 

out we have the manufacturers create new products or update them with the latest science. 

Shop.com powered by Market America also does not pay for any advertising we rely on word of 

mouth advertising and social media to get the word out about our products and services. This 

allows franchise owners like myself to earn more money, this company pays out over 50 cents 

on every dollar earned as retail profit and commissions. Amazing huh? If you would like to 

walk through how to use www.shoploricarden.com site or if you would like information about 

how to own your own franchise, please contact me at (716) 864-3377.

Speaker- Darrin Harzewski 3/6/14

Solar Photovoltaic is the process in which sunlight is converted into electricity.  There are many misconceptions about the effectiveness of solar energy in Western New York.  First people often do not feel we get enough sun; our area is great for solar in fact we get on average 500 more solar hours annually than Germany, the largest solar producing nation in the world.  Secondly people often feel the investment is too large; due to global competition and streamlined manufacturing processes driving equipment costs down then paired with state and federal incentives making solar energy more affordable than ever.  Lastly we hear that the technology is too new and unproven;  solar photovoltaics have been used in their practical application since the 1950’s and the technology has reached a maturity stage. 

Solar energy is clean, abundant, readily available, proven, financially beneficial and easily integrated into our current infrastructure.  It ties into your home or business through the main service panel.  When energy is created it first goes to satisfy the buildings needs with excess energy going back to the grid and stored in the form of energy credits.  This process is called net metering and is coordinated with the utility company by having them install a bidirectional meter that allows and calculates incoming and outgoing energy. 

CIR has been around for over 3 decades and has a diverse electrical portfolio with a solar division specifically focused on photovoltaic implementation.  We have an A+ BBB rating and have numerous client references.  We offer complete turnkey solar solutions by making the process very simple.  There are several economic advantages to having solar installed.  Solar has a quick return on investment, most seeing a return between 4 and 6 years.   Solar increases the value of your home and can eliminate electrical costs from the utility company.  Sometimes an understated benefit is the hedging against inflation, solar protects people from rising utility costs by making them energy independent.  There are installation applications for just about every customer scenario whether it be roof mounted, ground mounted, or building integrated.   Panels are about 96% recyclable and manufacturers take part in an international solar recycling program.  All in all, solar is a solid investment with great economic and environmental benefits that make it smart decision to take advantage of.  CIR handles every aspect from design, installation and complete system monitoring guaranteeing a system to perform for the next 25+ years. 

Speaker - Eric Vallone 2/6/14

On Thursday, February 6, 2014, Eric T. Vallone, Esq. of The Vallone Law Firm, PLLC gave a presentation to the Southtowns Synergy Networking Group about using revocable trusts for estate planning issues. Eric discussed some common misconceptions about revocable trusts, including the perception that revocable trusts are an effective means of avoiding estate taxes. Without proper drafting, a revocable trust will not save you money on estate taxes.  

Eric talked about using revocable trusts to avoid probate, distribute assets immediately at the death of the grantor, and avoid probate in multiple jurisdictions. He also told us when to consider a revocable trust rather than a simple will, such as when there is a chance a will might be contested, or when the grantor desires privacy for their estate plan.  The most important take away is to make sure that you have a competent estate planning attorney draft and fund your revocable trust, so that it achieves your goals.

Eric T. Vallone, Esq.

The Vallone Law Firm, PLLC

2562 Walden Avenue, Suite 107

Cheektowaga, New York 14225

Phone: (716) 206-0588

Fax: (716) 206-2504

Email: eric@vallonelawfirm.com

Speaker - Jay Brewer 12/12/13

On Thursday Jay Brewer gave a great, in depth presentation about Legal Shield.

Legal Shield has been offering legal plans for 40 years, creating a world where everyone can access legal protection and everyone can afford it

When Harland Stonecipher was in a motor vehicle accident and hospitalized in 1969, he realized it was money, not rights that gained you access to our legal system. After depleting his life savings defending himself against something he didn’t do, Stonecipher was determined to make legal protection accessible to everyone, everywhere, no matter how traumatic or trivial the situation, so that no one would ever be blindsided again. And that’s exactly what he did.

Now with over 4 million users, LegalShield not only provides legal services in 49 states and 4 Canadian Provinces; but also it provides confidence and peace of mind for families everywhere. For one low monthly fee our members gain access to quality law firms without having to worry about high hourly costs. Because our attorneys are all paid in advance, they provide the same level of service for trivial or traumatic legal situations.

Also, If you become a victim of identity theft while a LegalShield Plan member, Kroll Advisory will do everything in its power to restore your identity, for as long as it takes, until all resolvable issues have been addressed, some even long after the first signs of fraudulent activity have surfaced. When you provide Kroll Advisory a limited power of attorney, a dedicated Licensed Investigator at Kroll Advisory will perform comprehensive ID restoration services on your behalf using access to a variety of private resources obtainable through the specialized credentials held by Kroll Advisory. Regardless of the length of time to complete, your Investigator will work to remediate the fraudulent identity-theft issues and restore your identity to pre-theft status. See limitations and exclusions below.

For more information please visit Jay Brewer's website at  www.jaybrewerlsa.com 

Speaker - Nancy Cox 11/14/13

I’m a CPA with the Bonadio Group. Everyone knows what a CPA does….so, I’d like to explain how The Bonadio Group and I are different. I grew up outside of Pittsburgh and worked at KPMG in Pittsburgh for 3 years out of college. When I decided to marry a West Seneca man, I thought it was time for a career change along with the move to Buffalo. Starting at The Bonadio Group 8 years ago was the best decision I have made professionally.

Tom Bonadio started our firm 35 years ago, around his kitchen table with one partner and his mother as the firm’s administrative support.  Since then, we have grown to 380 professionals in 9 offices throughout New York State (one in Vermont).  We are CPA’s, Consultants & More. The “& More” part comes in because we strive to, not only deliver a quality product for traditional accounting and tax services, but also to be a value added business partner capable of helping with everything from set up of the business to succession planning and everything in between. As discussed above, we have grown substantially through strategic mergers and acquisitions, as well as organic growth throughout the years. However, our motto is simple:

 Big Firm Capabilities, Small Firm Personality

The lion represents our big firm capabilities, which means we have the big firm resources available. The kitty represents our small firm personality, which means you will always have the small firm care.

As noted above, our firm provides many services – please see our website, www.bonadio.com for more information. One service that I find interesting is cost segregation studies. Real estate owners and investors use cost segregation studies (CSS) to accelerate overall property depreciation in order to produce a current income tax benefit. Basically, we go into a building and identify the nonstructural components (e.g., light fixtures), assign costs to the components, and increase the owner’s depreciation values by lowering the components’ tax life. Faster depreciation results in tax savings for the owner much earlier than the usual 27 to 39 years. I showed an example where a $8M hotel had tax savings of approximately $220,000 over the life of the building due to the time value of money.

Personally, I primarily provide audit/review/compilation and tax services to a variety of clients such as – individuals, small business owners, auto dealers, real estate developers, hotels, broker dealers and employee benefit pla

Speaker - Tom Suffoletto 10/31/13

A Full Service Landscaping & Ice Rink Building Company for Western New York

Pace Landscaping is Western New York's premier custom design/build landscaping company. Founded in 1954, Pace Landscaping has been a family business in the greater Buffalo, NY community for over 50 years.

Pace Landscaping provides a comprehensive collection of services to beautify and improve the value of your home. We provide the best service for all of Western New York including Orchard Park, Hamburg, Williamsville, Clarence and the rest of the Buffalo area.

Our Company's Services

• Landscape Design and Installation
• Shrub and Tree Installation
• Water Garden and Pond Installation
• Lawn Installation
• Paver Patio and Walkways
  
• Ice Rink Building & Maintenance
  
• Lawn & Bed Maintenance
• Boulder Retaining Walls
• Computer Landscape Design

Commitment to Detail

With experience in all phases of landscaping, Pace Landscaping is committed to providing the highest standard of landscaping in the industry. Whether you live in Buffalo, West Seneca, Cheektowaga or East Aurora, Pace Landscaping will always exceed your expectations.

 Outdoor Ice Rinks in WNY

Want a backyard ice rink but don't have the time? Look no further!!!! Pace Rinks is WNY's premier Outdoor Ice Rink Builder. Pace Rinks can provide the entire package, from setup, service, removal and storage. Just imagine a backyard outdoor ice rink in Buffalo in the cold winter months. Serving all of Western New York including Buffalo, Clarence, Williamsville, Amherst, Orchard Park, Hamburg, and West Seneca. Outdoor Ice Rinks are available in all sizes that will fit anywhere in your yard.

Backyard Ice Rinks

If you are looking for more ice time but are too busy, or your children need something to do besides playing video games all day, then an outdoor ice rink from Pace Rinks is the answer. Whether you are playing a hockey game or are learning to skate, Pace Rinks outdoor ice rinks will provide great pleasure for you and your family for years to come.

Synthetic Ice Surface by Pace Rinks

How would you like to Ice Skate 365 days a year, anytime, anywhere? 

Well look no further.  Pace Rinks can provide you with a state-of-the-art ice skating surface that is very affordable and easy to maintain.

• Extremely durable and installs readily
• The first synthetic ice system at an affordable price!
• Skate no matter what the venue or weather conditions!
• Easy to maintain
• Stands up to the rigors of hockey and figure skating!
• Easy to install (and remove) on any firm, level surface
• Dimensionally stable with both vertical and horizontal connection between panels
• System can be readily removed and stored or transported to another site

Speaker - Eric Hamric and Diane Notto-Hamric 10/17/13

 Hotroxs Buffalo Bistro and Gifts was opened in March of 2013 and it’s located at 5489 Southwestern Boulevard.  Owners Eric Hamric and Diane Notto-Hamric put together a take-out or eat-in menu based on three Buffalo Style cookbooks, written by Diane. 

Our menu took into consideration the 3 main flavors of Buffalo - Chicken Wing, Beef on Weck and Stuffed Banana Pepper.  Food choices include:  chicken wing enchiladas, sliders, quesadillas, pizza, dip and soup.  Other options on the menu are beef on weck enchiladas, fries, stuffed banana pepper dip and soup.   

Our Buffalo Style gift boxes, sauces, shot glasses and/or t-shirts are perfect for sending a little Love from Buffalo to family who may or may not live in the area.  Our cookbooks are filled with great recipes that you’ll want to share with friends at parties. 

Visit our bistro for a different “Taste of Buffalo”

Hotroxs Buffalo Bistro
5489 Southwestern Boulevard
Hamburg NY 14075
www.hotroxsbuffalobistro.com

Speaker - Cheryl Lickfeld 09/19/2013

Being a business owner is great.  It's empowering to be your own boss.  It's also challenging and rewarding to know that success or failure rides on your shoulders.  Without question, the buck stops with you.

But for a lot of people, the bucks are the problem.  The financials are the one aspect of business that can be a real chore.  You went into business in the first place because you were passionate about something.  I am pretty confident it wasn't spreadsheets, ledgers or financial forecasts.

I provide outsourced CFO, controller and accounting services.  My goal is to help your business succeed by improving the quality of your financial and management information.  I'm a go-to resource for you.  Giving you a numbers expert and ally to help you win each of your financial battles, ensuring a healthy future for your business.

Every business deserves the benefits of an optimal CFO.  The bottom line is results.  And that's exactly what I'll get you.

Regards,

Cheryl

Cheryl Lickfeld

Cell: 716.783.0901

clickfeld@optimalcfo.com

 

Speaker - Eric Adams 09/05/13

Formerly Winter Gallery, Picture Your Walls has been in business for over 25 years.  Providing quality custom frames & precision cut mats to consumers & professional & amateur artists & photographers.

Two years ago my wife Susan (Thelma Winter’s daughter & owner), our designer Linda & I were having a bottle of wine & brainstorming about the business & the name “Picture Your Walls” was born.

Picture Your Walls…
  …making a statement
  …telling your story
  …motivating, educating, your associates, your   customers, your family, your friends

Since then, I have:

• added artists & photographers to our gallery
• added wall décor solutions
• added photo restoration & enhancement
• kept the legacy of Thelma alive

Services found at "Picture Your Walls" Include:

PHOTO RESTORATION: Repair, restore and enhance your damaged photos and bring your memories back to life.

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PHOTO ENHANCEMENT: Enhancing a picture can make the world of a difference. This service can correct common photographic errors, make creative color manipulations, & give photos a final polish.  We can help bring  ordinary, untouched work, and give them a professional-class product in return to cherish and enjoy.

As Well as CUSTOM FRAMING and WALL DECOR SOLUTIONS

For more information please visit Eric's website at www.pictureyourwallswny.com

Speaker - Mike Magnafici 8/22/13

Mike Magnafici of WBBZ gave a fantastic presentation explaining all the new and additions that are happening to the channel. Below is a summary of the information that he shared with us during the meeting.

“At our last meeting I thought it would be enjoyable to view a video highlighting some great things WBBZ-TV can and will offer in the future. WBBZ-TV has always been know for is quality classic programs such as MASH, Dick Van Dyke, Twilight Zone and Cheers, but what makes our station even more unique is our roster of local programs. Programs such as the Fred Jackson Show, All Sports WNY, America’s Car Show, Secrets From Beyond and of course, What’s the Buzz in WNY.

New to WBBZ-TV is ACC college football premiering on August 31st. Featuring competitive teams such as Syracuse, Pittsburgh, Clemson and Florida State. These games will be airing every Saturday at 3:30 for the entire college football season!

Further extending our sports foot print, WBBZ-TV will be your broadcast home for the primetime Buffalo Bills vs. Cleveland Browns game on Oct. 3rd! This will be our second year with the Bills Thursday night game and it promises to be even bigger and better than the last!

WBBZ-TV has a reach and frequency that connot be matched in the market. Offering affordable advertising packages that not only deliver results but form lasting and meaningful partnerships al throughout WNY!”

Mike Magnafici: Account Manager WBBZ

If you would like more information or have and questions contact Mike at (716) 929-9082 or visit the WBBZ Website at wbbz.tv.

Speaker - Vicki Kurek 8/8/13

Victoria from Golden Paws Pet Care Services in Derby, NY spoke at our last meeting about her pet-related businesses. Golden Paws offers dog daycare, boarding, grooming, invisible pet fence installation, and dog-walking services to residents in Erie County. They are a private kennel, only accommodating up to 5 dogs at a time for boarding, and up to 10 dogs at a time for daycare. At their facility, they have 1 employee for every 5 dogs, setting high safety standards for the pet industry. Their small facility is open and inviting, and visitors and guests can easily view and hear all aspects of their dog's care and interactions from the lobby!

We keep in mind what our guests needs are, and what they enjoy! Each guest at GPPCS gets personalized attention and affection, basic training, socialization via play periods, and short rest periods while in our daycare and boarding program as they need time to relax and refresh away from the rumble and tumble of their group! We are happy to go above and beyond to fully satisfy our clients and their pets!

GPPCS requires a free meet & greet session to be scheduled at our facility, prior to any confirmed enrollment in our programs. This allows them to assess each pets behavior and temperament to ensure that they would enjoy their time in our program. This also allows your pet to become familiar with our facility and to be at ease when they are left in their care. While away, they give clients the option of receiving daily text message updates with pictures/video footage of the pet.

GPPCS believes that their smaller size and personal approach to each pet reduces stress levels that would typically escalate from a large, crowded, and noisy dog kennel. They portray a "homey" atmosphere, with beds, toys, and plenty of attention from our staff. The facilities owners also live on site, thus animals always receive round-the-clock care.

All pets in the boarding program are also eligible to participate in daily playgroup/daycare while they are staying with Golden Paws This is at no extra charge, and is subject to Owner's approval and a temperament/behavior evaluation with current boarding and daycare guests.

If you are interested in Golden Paws Pet Care Services or would like to schedule a tour, please contact Victoria Kurek at 716-400-8431

Speaker - Jason Berghold 7/25/13

     On Thursday we had a fantastic presentation by Jason Berghold of Key Bank. Jason discussed some of the great opportunities that are currently available, especially with opening a new checking account. The presentation is highlighted below:

     "At our last meeting I went over a couple of things that separate Key Bank from other banks in the area. We are one of the few banks that still offer reward points for everyday banking transaction. The points can then be redeemed for gift cards and cash. Keybank is also actively looking to bring in more clients. We are offering $200 to anyone that opens up a keybank account that previously had no accounts with key. Key is also offering $50 to people who refer new clients to keybank. And we didnt forget about our new business clients, Key is offering $225 to new business that come over to key and also a free mobile card reader as well."

     "Lastly, Keybank has numerous programs aimed towards employers and helping out their employees. The main program we talked about was key@work. It is free for employers to sign up and gives their employees numerous benefits  including, upgraded banking accounts, free safety deposit box, and discounts on loans and lines of credit."

If you would like more information please contact Jason Berghold at 716-651-2243

Speaker - Jesse Wild 7/11/13

At our last meeting we had a fantastic, hands on, presentation by Jesse Wild of Muscle Activation Specialists of NY. 

Muscle Activation Specialists of NY is Western and Central New York's most respected Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT)™ provider. MAS of NY provides oustanding care for all people, regardless of age or activity level.

MAT is a revolutionary manual technique and form of bodywork that prepares the body for all types of exercise from Golf, Football, or Hockey to summer yard work, spring cleaning or even a simple walk around the neighborhood.  MAT compliments Chiropractic adjustments, Physical Therapy, and other forms of therapeutic exercise by preparing the body to perform coordinated neuromuscular movement

Muscle Activation Specialists of New York is committed to providing high-quality, individual, biomechanical care. Our understanding of joint correlation, muscular control, and exercise science means that you will be in good hands. Our unique experiences and ability to evaluate every persona as a seperate person ensures the best experience possible.

For More information, please visit Jesse website at:

www.mas-ny.com

Speaker - Joe Mesi 6/27

 Joe Mesi spoke about the “ what to do “ and “what not to do “ in the event of an automobile accident . Although most automobile operators don’t get into an accident more than once every ten years , it’s when that unlucky day occurs that the “ moment of truth “ becomes critical to know what needs to be done . The simple steps that where covered on the handout in the presentation will no question make a stressful ordeal more palatable if an automobile accident should occur . The Mesi Agency covers all these sometimes “taken for granted “ steps when a policy is sold through our agency . Every policy holder is treated as the only policy holder and by no certain terms is the Mesi Agency a “one size fits all “ cookie cutter insurance agency !

Boats and Synergy

Thanks to Rich from The Spirit of Buffalo for setting us a sail on Lake Erie.

Some tasty food was provided by Hotroxs Buffalo Bistro. 

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schmoozin' & cruisin'

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 ... why can't we always network in this environment? 

Speaker - Brian Dickman 6/13

Brian spoke to us about the importance of targeting keywords in online searching for our business.

What keywords are people using to search that are related to our business? Does our business show up when these search's happen?

How do we show up for the keywords we want? These questions are becoming more and more important to how we capture business online. 

Case study: Airport Plaza Jewlers

In order to capture organic search traffic, they had to begin "labeling" their online work with very specific titles related to keywords people are searching. 

Ex- keyword search:"silver buyers, buffalo ny"  

At first, they didn't show up in the results that would get people to visit their website. They decided to create a video that discussed the different forms of silver. They labeled the video "silver buyers, Buffalo NY". By doing this the youtube video now lands on the 1st page in search results on Google for these keywords. By clicking on the video you're taken to that youtube page where then you can link directly to our website. 

This not only provides the website with additional traffic, but very specific traffic that is seeking the products and services they offer. They have also been able to extend their customer base outside of WNY. 

 Brian has been tracking keywords related to the business and is putting specific marketing effort into driving their online presence with this information. 

For additional questions on how your business could utilize this approach contact...

Brian Dickman 

Northeast Technical Consultants and Leg up Marketing

E-Mail: bddcontact@yahoo.com

Davis Financial - What's the Buzz.

WBBZ does an introduction spot on Davis Financial

Uploaded by WBBZTV on 2013-06-05.

Speaker - Lori Carden 5/30

Our presenter this week was Lori Carden, who spoke about how to shop on-line and earn cash back! She showed everyone how to comparison shop when trying to find the best price, and how easy it is to earn cash back on every purchase. She gave us her website: shoploricarden.com for everyone to use and sign-up, it is very easy and fun to do!!! Please see Lori for additional details! 

RSVP's

- Boat Cruise is Tues, June 25th. 

- Joe's seminar on how to take the confusion out of Life Insurance coming up on Weds. 
  June 19th at 6:30p at JP Fitzgerald's!

- Joe's party, Friday June 21st.  

- Tina Dietz so graciously volunteered her time to stay after our event on June 27th to present the ussocial media training, make sure you have your laptop! 

 

Please email Joe ASAP with your RSVP's.

Speaker- Bill Solak from Emerling Chevrolet

Bill showed his video from WBBZ "What's The Buzz in Buffalo", that was set-up by another group member Mike Magnafici from WBBZ TV. 

It was an excellent video. Everyone learned to explore this as a low cost option to advertise your business. 

Thanks to Bill for sharing the work he completed with Mike. For additional questions you can email Bill - bsolak@emerling.com. 

​Sidenote(s):​

​*We're looking for more guests to attend next weeks get together. May 30th we have Lori Carden from Shop.Com as our presenter.  

​* Boat Cruise on "The Spirit of Buffalo" on Tuesday June 25th pending interest. It will be member invite only at first. If we have room for more, then it will be first come, first serve for the family, etc...Do NOT forget to respond ASAP!

* ​We are almost out of 2013 member directories for the year. Once you run out you can direct them to our website where there is a downloadable version available.