All Entries in the "Press Releases" Category

Restivo Monacelli LLP Promotes Ron Dean and Brian Silva to Partner

PROVIDENCE, R.I., September 23, 2020 – Restivo Monacelli LLP is pleased to announce that Ron Dean and Brian Silva have been promoted to Partner. Both Ron and Brian launched their careers as Staff Accountants at Restivo Monacelli and have steadily climbed the ranks to their current positions. 

Ron leads the firm’s Tax Practice Group and has over a decade of experience providing creative tax strategies to companies primarily in the Real Estate and Hospitality industries, as well as high-net-worth individuals. He leverages his expertise to help clients identify and reduce their tax risks, as well as implement creative tax strategies that ensure compliance, minimize tax burdens and protect their income. In addition to his client-facing role, Ron has been instrumental in helping to train, develop and mentor the firm’s growing team of accountants. 

Brian is a key member of the firm’s Accounting and Audit practice group and is highly regarded by his clients for helping expand their businesses, structure profitable deals, identify tax incentives and improve their profits and cash flow. In addition, Brian has played a lead role in growing the firm’s burgeoning Cannabis Practice and provides essential accounting, tax and consulting services to companies operating in the legal marijuana space across the U.S.

“As a firm that believes strongly in providing our team members with opportunities to grow and advance, we’re extremely pleased to recognize Brian and Ron’s valuable contributions with these well-deserved promotions,” said Kevin Hundley, Managing Partner. “Working their way from the ground-up to Partner not only requires hard work and a commitment to delivering top-notch client service, but also the ability to be shining examples for our entire staff. Brian and Ron are exemplary leaders. We truly value all of their contributions and look forward to their continued success.”

Ron earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting and Masters in Taxation from Bryan University. Brian holds a Bachelors of Science degree in Accounting, as well as his Masters in Business Administration, from Providence College. Both are licensed CPAs and member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants (RISCPA). 

About Restivo Monacelli LLP 

Restivo Monacelli is an innovative tax, accounting and business advisory firm with offices in Providence, RI and Boca Raton, FL. Established more than two decades ago with a uniquely different business model than traditional accounting firms, we leverage our first-hand business experience and financial expertise to provide forward-thinking solutions that drive growth and long-term success.

Restivo Monacelli provides professional accounting and auditing, state, federal and international tax services, estate and wealth preservation, strategic planning/consulting, business valuation, and business outsourcing solutions to clients throughout the United States. With a team of over 40 professionals and specialists at your fingertips, we deliver all the resources of a much larger firm with the responsiveness and personal service normally only found in a smaller, boutique firm. Restivo Monacelli stays ahead of the curve on industry trends, regulations and resources in order to guide clients across an ever-changing landscape. As a result, the firm has consistently grown and evolved to be a best-in-class tax, accounting and business advisory firm for clients nationwide and was recently recognized by Inside Public Accounting as a “2019 Fastest Growing Firm,” “2019 Best of the Best Firm” and a “2019 IPA Top 400 Firm.” For more information, visit www.rm-llp.com.

OLIVIA’S ORGANICS INTRODUCES NEW, READY-TO-EAT SALAD KITS

4 Salad Kit Varieties Feature New and Classic Flavors with Local, Organic Ingredients in Sustainable Packaging

Chelsea, Mass. (September 16, 2020) – Olivia’s Organics, a leading supplier of organic tender leaf greens, spinach and celery hearts, recently announced the addition of salad kits to its popular line of organic and GMO-free products. The kits offer consumers an easy and convenient way to enjoy healthy salads on the go featuring Olivia’s greens and ingredients from other local suppliers. Olivia’s launched this new product line with four varieties — Creamy Miso Baby Spinach Kit, Fig Balsamic Baby Arugula Kit, Creamy Caesar Baby Butter Lettuce Kit and Balsamic Vinaigrette Spring Mix Kit. The Salad Kits are available at retailers Big Y and Roche Bros. in various locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut.

“We’re ecstatic to add this new product line to our established lineup of healthy, organic, GMO-free products,” said Ken Reagan, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Olivia’s. “Salad Kits give our customers an exciting new salad option that’s fresh, convenient, sustainable and most of all delicious.”

Each Salad Kit boasts its own unique flavor profile, including two dairy-free options.

• Creamy Miso Baby Spinach Kit: Includes creamy miso dressing, sesame ginger croutons and dried pears. (dairy-free)
• Fig Balsamic Baby Arugula Kit: Includes fig balsamic dressing, roasted chickpeas and dried apricots. (dairy-free)
• Creamy Caesar Baby Butter Lettuce Kit: Includes creamy roasted garlic Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese and croutons.
• Balsamic Vinaigrette Spring Mix Kit: Includes balsamic vinaigrette dressing, dried cranberries, croutons and parmesan cheese.

The new products all contain Olivia’s fresh, organic and GMO-free greens, as well as locally sourced components from four suppliers. The roasted chickpeas are supplied by Saffron Road in Stamford, CT, the croutons are supplied by Olivia’s Croutons in Brandon, VT, the dried cranberries are supplied by Decas Cranberry in Carver, MA, and the dressings are supplied by Cindy’s Kitchen in Brockton, MA.

“At Olivia’s, we’re seeing that the demand for great-tasting, convenient, healthy meal options is at an all-time high,” said Mark Pins, Director of Marketing & Customer Service at Olivia’s. “This strategic expansion of our product offering satisfies that demand and gives consumers a healthy alternative for meals on the go. We’re grateful to be working with incredible suppliers that have helped make these kits possible.”

For more information on Olivia’s Organics products, including recipe ideas and more, visit OliviasOrganics.org, sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter Olivia’s Observer, or follow on Instagram – @Olivias_Organics.

About Olivia’s Organics
Olivia’s Organics brand is committed to providing the freshest and very best organic produce. From salad mixes to baby kale, cooking greens and more, Olivia’s nutrient-packed offerings are grown, harvested and packaged with a concern for people and the planet. With every Olivia’s Organics purchase, a percentage of proceeds goes directly to the Olivia’s Organics Children’s Foundation, which invests in opportunities and programs for children who live in the communities where Olivia’s Organics products are sold. For more information, visit www.oliviasorganics.org.

Ameriprise Financial Helps Take the “What If?” out of the Equation

Far too many times, stories are told of people not heeding the advice of others and making some tough choices. These people might not see any negative impact initially, but over time, that impact could have far- reaching consequences. 

One area that people tend to lose focus is investing either in their individual and/or their family’s future. As you read this, are you comfortable with your options for the future? The answer for most people is incomplete because they are too busy living now to think about what lies ahead.

BeaconPoint Wealth Advisors, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, located in downtown Providence, understands the importance of planning ahead. They work with clients who are trying to bridge the gap between working and retirement.

Ed Pontarelli, APMA®, CRPC®, Financial Advisor, who manages the practice, said an incident during his youth spawned his desire to help others who find themselves in a similar situation.

“My parents had a financial advisor while I was attending Quinnipiac College in New Haven, CT. Their experience was so bad that I decided to devote my life to helping others, so they don’t end up in the same predicament,” he said. “I have since spent most of my professional life striving to provide successful outcomes for our clients.”

The practice looks at all investing options to develop a plan for that customer. Pontarelli said they don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. Rather, they explore each option based on the client’s needs and goals to help have the right portfolio in place.

Carrie A. McPherson, CRPS®, CDFA®, Financial Advisor, who has worked alongside Pontarelli for over a decade, also chose to become an advisor because of life experience.  She saw firsthand the devastating outcomes of not taking the necessary steps to ensure that one is financially stable after they stop working.

“My dad lives with me now because he didn’t set aside much for retirement and didn’t plan ahead,” said McPherson. “That example underscores the fact people need to get involved with their money and their future so that they are not be indebted to someone else. You can lose your independence and self-esteem.  Working with a financial advisor provides objective opinions as well as serves as an accountability partner”.

The duo says they are serious about using every avenue possible. For example, they might play “devil’s advocate” to see how certain situations play out. They also employ a team of experienced professionals to determine educated solutions to countless scenarios brought on by clients. All of this and more is done so that little is left to chance.

McPherson noted that she shares the same views as Pontarelli when it comes to working with others.

“Like Ed, I love to work directly with clients,” she said. “I would rather see my clients face to face than calling them from a desk. There is a better perspective in figuring out what is truly important to them.”

BeaconPoint Wealth Advisors, a financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC, is located at 1 Citizens Plaza, Ste. 610, in Providence. They offer a variety of solutions and services. Their six-person staff dedicate themselves to their clients and provide regular reviews of each portfolio’s value and benefits. Anyone who is interested in scheduling a complimentary initial consultation, please call 401-824-2557 or visit them on their website at: ameripriseadvisors.com/team/beacon-point-wealth-advisors.     

The initial consultation provides an overview of financial planning concepts.  You will not receive written analysis and/or recommendations.

Investment advisory services and products are made available through Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. a registered investment adviser.

Ameriprise Financial cannot guarantee future financial results.

Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC. Member FINRA and SIPC. ©2020 Ameriprise Financial, Inc. All rights reserved.

Get a jump on Medicare Annual Enrollment Period!

Several ways to tell how the seasons transition from summer to fall are: the weather changing, foliage and the major sport going from baseball to football.

Another way to tell there’s a difference coming is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP). Happening this year from October 15th through December 7th, anyone who has health coverage through Medicare can either review, enroll or change their Medicare plans, including stand-alone prescription drug plans.

“Medicare is designed for individuals who are aged 65 or older, or under age 65 with certain disabilities” said Nicholas Pacheco, owner of Independent Benefit Solutions, LLC, based in North Providence, who has devoted nearly two decades in the insurance and financial services industries. “Most people know that Medicare Parts A and Part B provides hospital and doctor services, respectively. But Original Medicare does not cover prescriptions, vision, dental, co-pays or Medicare’s deductibles and only pays 80% of the bill,” Pacheco added. 

Medicare is run by the Federal government but plans are administered by private insurers. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while not being concerned about how to pay for potentially devastating health care costs is a difficult task for some. For most people, they often find themselves confused as to which type of plan or carrier to go with or haven’t reviewed their plans in a while to see which benefits they may be eligible for.

Fortunately, there is help in ensuring you make the right decision. Pacheco said he and his team of experienced licensed agency members are appointed with many carriers with a goal of saving their clients money on premiums and prescriptions and making sure they are aware of and getting all the benefits they deserve.  “Our desire is to help people select the best insurance coverage based on their needs, health and most importantly their budget. We work with each client to select the right plan while ensuring the access and affordability to care while giving clients complete piece of mind.”

Part C for example, also known as Medicare Advantage, combines the benefits of Medicare Part A and Part B but add other benefits. This year, there are various Medicare plans that offer differentiating services such as $0 co-pays for physicians, $0 co-pays for most generic medications, expanded dental and vision coverage, hearing aids, and gym memberships to name a few!

The annual 8½ week window not only enables people to review their plan and see what options are available, it also allows them to go from one plan to another with an effective date of January 1st, 2021.  However, please keep in mind about the government deadline of December 7th. That means anyone who misses the cutoff point will not be able to change plans unless they have a limited number of extenuating circumstances or qualify for a “special enrollment period” after the 1st of the year, Pacheco said. 

“Having initial contact with people and determining their best outcomes can be done seamlessly,” he said. “It’s better to plan early and understand the plans and benefits and risks associated with each. This is not something people should wait until ‘the last minute’ to deal with.”

 Independent Benefit Solutions hosts numerous informational events both in person and virtually during this time. For people who have questions, they can make an appointment with him or one of his licensed team members to go over their options so they can make informed decisions that ultimately impacts their lives.

Independent Benefit Solutions provides a myriad of other services in addition to Medicare plans. The agency also works to provide retirement income benefits and legacy or business planning for their clients. They ensure that clients have the right safeguards in place so their loved ones are not burdened with making difficult decisions or having unnecessary tax consequences. Using a comprehensive approach and open architecture, they work closely with each client and their strategic referral partners to develop a tailored plan to fit their client’s lifestyle, goals, and budget. The staff specializes in asset protection strategies and creative insurance solutions that protect against unnecessary risks and inefficient wealth transfers.

For more information about the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, Independent Benefit Solutions or their menu of services, please call Nicholas Pacheco at 401-314-4100 or email him at: npacheco@independentbenefitsolutions.com.  Further details may be found by visiting their website at www.independentbenefitsolutions.com.