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Worcester Chamber Says ‘No’ to All Four Ballot Questions

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In November, voters across the Commonwealth will have the option to cast their vote for or against four positions that could impact business across the state. Recently, the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce met to discuss each of these questions in detail and to develop a policy to assist its members with a better understanding of how their vote would impact the business environment in the community and beyond. The chamber ultimately took a negative position for each of the questions on the ballot, stating that the proposed initiates would be detrimental to business.

  • In 2013, a law was passed tying the Massachusetts gas tax to the rate of inflation. This means the tax automatically adjusts every year without the legislature having to vote on it. This ballot question would repeal that automated yearly increase. The chamber noted that the additional gas tax will help fund needed infrastructure repairs throughout the state and are therefore against repealing the law.
  • In 1983, Massachusetts instituted a 5-cent deposit on soda and beer bottles and cans. This question asks if that deposit requirement should be extended to include water, juice, and sports drink containers as well. The chamber stated that this proposed change would have a negative financial impact on bottlers, distributors and retailers who sell these drinks, and are therefore against the measure.
  • In 2011, the Massachusetts legislature chose to allow casino gambling in Massachusetts. However, several citizens groups have come out strongly against legalized gambling and this question allows voters to express their opinion on the topic. While repealing the law may not impact Worcester, the chamber believes that the proposed initiative would limit job growth on a statewide scale.
  • The fourth question involves a proposal to alter how businesses provide paid and unpaid sick time to their staff members.  The measure would tie the number of sick days to the number of hours worked. The chamber believes that this proposal would limit a business’s flexibility to structure benefits as they need to.

The Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tim Murray drafted a letter to its members recently regarding the chamber’s position on each of these points. Both the executive committee and the public policy committee met to discuss the ballot questions in detail before the chamber created a comprehensive decision on the questions. The Chamber committees ultimately agreed that these initiatives would not benefit the business community in Worcester and that they may negatively impact their members.

Massachusetts Receives $327,000 in AT&T Settlement

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Class Action Case No. CV-09-1529 SI never went to court. The two sides – the Federal Trade Commission and AT&T – settled in October, 2014. AT&T, the largest mobile phone service provider in the nation, agreed to pay $105 million for unauthorized cell phone charges in a practice known as “mobile cramming.”

Cramming is when a phone company charges fees for services neither ordered nor requested by the customer. In AT&T’s case, mobile phone customers were charged up to $9.99 per month for third-party wallpapers, ringtones, horoscope text messages, celebrity gossip, and other crumbs of seemingly free information. In the industry, these are called “Premium SMS content.”

Monthly AT&T bills allegedly hid the charges as part of the total balance. They were listed under the nebulous category, “AT&T Monthly Subscriptions,” giving no hint of their third-party status. The Federal Trade Commission alleged that AT&T pocketed 35 percent of the third-party monthly charges.

“Mobile cramming is a major problem that continues to harm consumers in Massachusetts,” said Attorney General Martha Coakley. In 2011 alone, AT&T received approximately $1.3 million customer complaints about the extra fees. The company ended the practice in 2013.

Massachusetts received $327,000 as part of the case settlement. Under terms of the agreement, AT&T must open an $80 million fund, administered by the Federal Trade Commission, to refund customers who were targets of cramming. Customers can request free billing summaries from January 2005 to January 2013 to check for third-party charges, and they are eligible for 100 percent repayment.

“This case underscores the important fact that basic consumer protections – including that consumers should not be billed for charges they did not authorize — are fully applicable in the mobile environment,” said Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Edith Ramirez.

AT&T is the first major phone service carrier to enter a national settlement involving mobile cramming practices. Negotiations with T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint for alleged similar practices are ongoing.

Columbia Tech Names Laura Deming Senior VP Engineering

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Columbia Tech, a contract engineering, design, and manufacturing services provider based in Westborough, MA has announced that Laura Deming has joined its team as Senior Vice President of Engineering. With more than 25 years of experience building and leading talented teams in delivering innovative solutions to meet customer needs, Deming has led the development and commercialization of numerous capital equipment and consumable products for medical device, life science, and other applications.

Columbia Tech’s Senior Vice President and General Manager Gerry Burns was enthusiastic in welcoming Deming. “We could not be more excited about Laura joining our leadership team. She brings a background that is highly compatible and the depth of experience that will be required as we continue to grow.” Commenting on leadership style, he added, “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Laura over the past few months and she leads with intelligence, experience and passion and has already made a significant impact with our Engineering team.

“I’m thrilled to join the team here at Columbia Tech and to contribute to the success and growth of the organization,” said Deming. She added, “My overriding goal is to further strengthen Columbia Tech’s commitment to realizing the incredible potential that exists to deliver services and products that meet and exceed our customer’s expectations.”

Prior to joining Columbia Tech, Deming held the position of Senior Vice President of Product Development at RainDance Technologies. She has also held senior leadership roles in Product Development and Operations at WaveRx, Cytyc, Applied Biosystems, PerSeptive Biosystems, and Millipore.

Deming holds a BS in Professional Chemistry from Bridgewater State College, an MS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Lowell, and an MBA from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.

Framingham Company Merges with NYC IT Provider

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Framingham-based VP Solutions Inc., and another national information technology service company ComputerSupport.com, have confirmed they are merging to better capitalize on market opportunities in the the IT and digital industries. This trend of mergers continues throughout the industry as companies look to acquire and leverage assets they don’t possess internally. As technology continues to evolve and disrupt business practices, companies are compelled to respond quickly and resourcefully to ensure their spot in the marketplace.

VP Solutions has developed its reputation and position in the legal service sector, and is planning to expand its base with a new range of services and products by leveraging the assets and expertise of ComputerSupport.com. If well executed, the synergy produced by the companies joining forces has the potential to transform the industry. This merger will provide customers with improved engineering, customers service, and cloud computing solutions, among other digital innovations and applications.

Naturally, top executives at both firms are hoping for positive results for company shareholders as well as for their respective internal teams. They believe equity members will seek rising growth and value in their ownership stakes. Employees can expect to receive exposure to new knowledge points and innovative skills that will bolster their careers and earnings potential within the company for years to come.

Candidates for Top Office Go Silent on Non-Competes

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Both major-party candidates for governor,  Charlie Baker and Martha Coakley, should have been in the hot seat on non-compete clauses this past Monday. After all, they were in Cambridge speaking with an audience of young, tech-oriented, startup-minded, entrepreneurial spirits.  But if anyone was looking for answers, a strong stance, or even a reasonably thorough discussion on the matter, they will just have to wait because both Coakley and Baker went with “wait-and-see” positions on the topic.

Non-competes have become a hot button topic in the business community and subsequently spilled into the political ring. While the non-compete has been included in many agreements between employer and new hires, its function has gradually come into question, with a growing sector of the business community considering the non-compete clause as stifling. Employers continue to insist it’s necessary for protecting trade secrets.

Candidate Baker offered an opinion that hints he believes there is room for compromise. It’s a safe position that gives both sides hope. Meanwhile, candidate Coakley took an even weaker slant, saying she is open to looking at change, waiting to hear from all parties. This despite the fact that the opinions of both sides’ is not merely a matter of public record, but quite a volatile one.

That both candidates can take such a position is discouraging. It is well known employers want to leave things as they are while employees are growing increasingly tired of the stifling nature of the non-compete clause, saying that it limits their opportunities to grow and stops them from moving to a competing company or starting a business of their own in the same field. With all the publicity surrounding current legislative attempts to outright ban the practice of non-competes, one has to wonder how two candidates vying for the corner office could take such non-committed approaches.

Of course, playing it safe is the norm in politics, not the exception. Neither candidate wants to openly offend constituents so close to the election. Unfortunately for those of us who want a candidate that has a strong opinion either way, we may have to wait until the candidate is actually in office before hearing one.

Manufacturing Day 2014

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For the past three years, the annual observance of Manufacturing Day has been a time for manufacturers from across the United States to come together as a group in a concerted effort to take charge of the nation’s perception of the industry and to demonstrate the different ways domestic manufacturing benefits local, national and global economies.

This year, these voices will be heard on Friday, October 3.

There is currently a significant labor shortage in the U.S. manufacturing sector and, while there is a strong economic drive to reshore manufacturing operations, domestic companies face a real hurdle when it comes to maintaining a sustainable workforce. Not only does Manufacturing Day provide companies with an opportunity to shape the industry’s image, it also gives them a chance to reach out to the younger generation, with many companies inviting local students to tour their facilities and learn more about the industry.

One example of a local company that had this figured out well over a decade ago is Lampin Corporation, a precision machining company in Uxbridge, MA. This year, Lampin will be recognizing Manufacturing Day in a manner consistent with it’s intended purpose of spreading the message about, and generating interest in, the manufacturing industry. They will be hosting at least 40 students from local high schools who, during their tour of the factory and after hearing from several of Lampin’s employee-owners, will gain valuable insight about the manufacturing industry that would be difficult (if not impossible) to accomplish in a traditional classroom.

The benefits of working in such a creative industry are many, and the annual observance of Manufacturing Day serves as a reminder that the sector is in the unique position of being able to turn ethereal concepts into finished products ready for market, and driving the economy forward in the process.

2014 Big E Enjoys Record Breaking Attendance

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The 2014 Big E set a new attendance record of 1,498,605 as fair enthusiasts flocked to the annual regional event. Eager visitors also broke 1980’s single day attendance record on Saturday Sept. 20th when 170,612 visitors poured into the fairgrounds. This year’s attendance figures represent a healthy increase over 2013 when 1,481,917 visitors attended the Big E. The event’s success can only be interpreted as great news for local businesses and event participants since the Big E creates such a huge impact – to the tune of almost half a billion dollars – on the local economy!

Something for Everyone

Eastern States Exposition President Eugene Cassidy expressed his gratitude for the support of the North American  agriculture community and visitors from the New England area and beyond. The popular fair, which lasted a total of 17 days, offered a little something for everyone. The Midway was crowded with rides and tasty treats and tempting fried food specialties. If that wasn’t enough, Ben & Jerry’s allowed fair visitors to sample their new “Two Wild and Crazy Pies” flavored ice cream. Continuing with the pie theme, Moolicious Farms also introduced its latest concoction, Smash-A-Pie, and Rondeau’s asked for Big E staff input as they created an original flavor of banana cream pie ice cream.

The Mallary Complex was filled to capacity with interesting attractions. The fair also featured 4H competitions and sheep shearing demonstrations. The traditional six-horse hitch showdown went off without a hitch, with no less than 14 hard pulling teams of powerful draft horses competing for the $5,000 prize. Mark Barie and his beautiful Belgians won the contest for the second year in a row. And, of course, what fair would be complete without an exciting goat milking competition?

As for music, the 2014 Big E offered some big time performances. Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Big Town and Darius Rucker among others, satisfied the musical appetites of fair attendees.Although it was sad to see the 2014 Big E come to an end, Eugene Cassidy indicated that he was already looking forward to preparing for next year’s fair. Cassidy and his staff are also looking ahead to the Big E centennial in 2016.

There’s a good chance that this year’s attendance record won’t stand for long.

Here Come the Robots

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A new type of worker is being introduced in factories across the United States: small collaborative robots. These machines can increase a factory’s production output while simultaneously lowering production costs. Less costly than more bulky and complex machines, collaborative robots are most often being employed by small factories and are fundamentally changing the way these companies operate.

Robots are certainly not new to the manufacturing industry, but, due to safety concerns, most have had to be kept separate from human employees. The term “collaborative” robot is used because these machines are now able to work safely directly alongside their human counterparts.

An example of an early player succeeding in this emerging market is Lampin Corporation, a precision machining and critical component manufacturing company located in Uxbridge, MA. Among other components, Lampin machines precision parts for the HV-100 (The “Harvey”) built by Harvest Automation, a material handling company headquartered in North Billerica, MA.  Lampin manufactures the gearboxes that enable The Harvey’s arms to move, a critically important component for a robot that is designed to lift and move flower pots.

Lampin’s President Bill DiBenedetto said “In addition to our right angle gear drives, our company produces shafts, pulleys, gears, bushings, housings and other components used in robotic manufacturing; and our employee-owners are excited to participate in this new and growing market.”

While some may be concerned about robots reducing the number of available jobs, in cases like that of Lampin Corporation, these robots are clearly creating a job market.

 

Cuban’s 12 Rules for Startups

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In the modern American business landscape, few have been more successful – and outspoken – than Mark Cuban. If his $2.7 Billion net worth isn’t impressive enough for you, a quick glance at the list of companies with which he is involved is truly staggering.  (For those who may be unfamiliar with his portfolio of companies, his website will give you an idea of just how many recognizable names he’s helped launch.)

He certainly has a proven track record in launching successful new endeavors. However, this level of expertise never comes without the inevitable occasional mistake made or diversionary path taken. Pitfalls and traps abound and – having been down the same path a few times – Cuban knows where most of them are.

Never one to be even remotely shy about voicing his opinions or about offering advice to anyone who will listen, Cuban has now condensed his experience into 12 Rules for Startups:

12 Rules for Startups

GOP’s Baker Unveils Economic Development Plan

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Charlie Baker, Republican candidate for governor of Massachusetts, unveiled his economic and development plan Wednesday. The candidate claims that the plan will help build better schools, create jobs, and help to strengthen local communities.

Included in the plan are several proposals that would use tax credits to incentivize the hiring of veterans or those on welfare, as well as plans to help small employers with the upcoming rise of the minimum wage to $11 per hour by the year 2017.

Baker also claimed that his plan would cut business fees, help provide affordable housing, and further open the process for bidding on public projects to minority-owned businesses.

While Baker’s plan has been estimated to cost up to $300 million year, he said that it would overall be “a small price to pay” and the lost revenue could be easily covered. He added, “We’ve got a $38 billion budget. Tax and other revenues grow by about $1 billion a year. I think we can figure it out.”

Democratic candidate Martha Coakley already announced that her administration would offer up to $500 million for economic development over the course of the next decade if elected governor. Of that $500 million, Coakley stated that $400 million be used on major infrastructure projects. The rest would be set aside for grants to find further strategies for economic development. Coakley has also pledged to cut the waiting list of those applying for subsides for pre-kindergarten education. Baker stated that early education shouldn’t be the only focus for the state.

Baker said, “The important thing we need to do with respect to expanding pre-K is we need to make sure that those kids are going into schools where they’re going to continue to get the education they need.” He added, “You can’t think about pre-K without thinking about K-8 as well. Those two have to be connected.”

Along with Coakley and Baker, three others have announced their plans to run for governor as independents, Jeff McCormick, Scott Lively, and Evan Falchuk.

Election Day is Nov. 4.