Masterpiece Solutions , the leader in comprehensive point of sale and business management software for art and antique galleries, artists and other independent retailers, today announced a comprehensive program that offers assistance during this tough economic climate.  The recently released Masterpiece Success Package offers much more than back-end software by offering a suite of products that helps small organizations stay above water during retail slowdown.

“Masterpiece Manager can do two critical things: drastically reduce operating expenses AND significantly expand reach to consumers via Archer Exchange and a personalized website,” said Kevin Warr, CEO of Masterpiece Solutions.  “When every dollar and minute counts, our valuable service package helps galleries and artists stay in business by letting us take over their time intensive back-end work and marketing efforts.”

In one push of a button, Masterpiece Manager effectively cuts out time, money and manpower to achieve measurable results.  On the back end, the savvy software handles inventory management, synchronizing online and in-store supply, data entry and more.  To reach customers more swiftly, Masterpiece Solutions also offers comprehensive web services and listings on Archer Exchange (http://archerexchange.com/), the fastest growing online marketplace for fine art. 

“Over a decade of developing our suite of services has led us to knowing precisely how to contain costs and drive sales,” added Warr.  “It is in recessionary times when business owners have the opportunity to take a hard look at how to maximize their time and outsource with confidence.” 

Utilized by more than 800 independent retailers worldwide, Masterpiece Manager was designed for gallery owners by gallery owners to increase the operating efficiency and simplify processes to give gallery owners and artists the freedom to focus on the art and not the paperwork.  For nearly 15 years, Masterpiece Manager software has integrated point of sale software with inventory and customer relationship management.  

The Masterpiece Success Package includes:

·         Free upgrades forever

·         Unlimited phone and online technical support

·         QuickLink — The system easily synchronizes in-store and website inventory, so galleries will never again lose customers due to a website displaying wrong information

·         Unlimited listings on ArcherExchange — With more than $300 million in inventory on ArcherExchange, it has become one of the most visited art websites.  Current galleries on ArcherExchange have claimed that it has increased their qualified lead generation by as much as 30%. 

To learn more about Masterpiece Solution’s products and services, visit www.masterpiecesolutions.com

Integrated Asset Services, LLC (IAS, www.iasreo.com), a leader in default management and residential collateral valuation, today released its IAS360™ House Price Index for September 2008. The monthly report, which includes the most current and granular data available in the industry, showed a 2.1% decline in house prices on a national level in September, with an annual decline of 13.3%.  However, the data also shows bright spots at the individual county level with 75 of the 360 counties showing month to month improvement in September.

“Housing prices at the national and MSA levels are still seeing declines, but we’re seeing positive signs at the county level, and even more encouraging signs at the neighborhood level,” said Dave McCarthy, President and CEO of Integrated Asset Services. “A review of the IAS360 House Price Index county level data, which is an aggregate of the 15,000 neighborhoods we track, provides insights into pockets of the country that may be showing signs of improvement.”

The national picture continues to look challenging. At the census region level, results for September show all four U.S. Census regions experiencing declines in house prices, with the South and West experiencing double digit declines annually of -11.2% and -19.0%, respectively. Compared to September of 2007, Western and Midwestern housing prices improved slightly while Northeast and South continued to weaken.

Results for the month of September at the census division level, all nine U.S. Census Divisions posted declines.  West South Central led the way with a decline of 4.5% and New England, South Atlantic, Pacific posting declines of 3.0%, 2.5% and 1.9%, respectively.

The IAS360 House Price Index is a comprehensive housing index tracking monthly change in the median sales price of detached single-family residences across the U.S. The index, based on all arms-length transactions, tracks data of 15,000 “neighborhoods”, which is rolled-up to report on the changes in 360 counties, nine census divisions, four regions, and the nation overall. The IAS360 House Price Index is delivered on a monthly basis.

Leveraging real time data and nationwide resources, IAS’ high-tech and high-touch product lines offer an unmatched level of detail in a rapidly changing housing environment. IAS reports on “neighborhood” level house price trends, residential market climate and collateral valuation. IAS also provides traditional valuation products and full service REO Management and Disposition. 

This evening’s Board Of Selectmen meeting was a working session with the Finance Committee.  The purpose of the discussion was to better understand the perceived priorities before heading into the official budget meetings for 2009 and beyond.  This meeting could best be described as a pre-budget meeting.  With the current short-fall in the Massachusetts State Budget, the Town Administrator, BOS and Finance Committee discussed the negative impact of cuts in local aid.

Mr. Malloy had many concerns and felt there was a very real possibility that State Lottery aid could be cut especially since it is running at about a $135 million deficit.  This would mean the loss of approximately $135K for the town of Sturbridge.  In addition he has heard the state budget is short by estimates ranging from $450 million to $700 million.   Jim Malloy went on to state that we really won’t know anything until January 2009.

Jim Malloy also discussed a worst case scenario with respect to cuts in state aid at around 10% which would equate to $320K and he believes there is a very real possibility this could happen.  Mr. Malloy also stated Sturbridge has always budgeted very tightly and the town is considered to be in a good financial position.  Therefore, a 10% cut in local aid could require drastic cuts in services which could impact Town Hall, Library, Senior Center and/or the Recycling Center/Land Fill.

Mr. Malloy doesn’t believe this is where we are headed but the possibility does exist.  He also stated how the State Legislators are very hesitant to give towns the authority to raise additional funds for fear of the reaction of their constituents.  Mr. Malloy cited the lack of Support for Governor Deval Patrick’s plan to allow local municipalities the ability to impose a 2% Meal Tax and a 1% Hotel Tax.  For Sturbridge, this new tax could raise upwards of $1.8 Million.  He doesn’t believe most towns really understand the amount of revenue this could generate as evidenced by a recent legislative breakfast with representatives from 15 to 20 towns where he was one of the only supporters of the plan.

Kevin Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, spoke next and offered potential areas where cuts could come from such as Read the rest of this entry »

With home safe sales up 75% over the past year, consumers are on a flight for safety.  Many are finding soft landings locally at their community banks and credit unions where they can earn up to 7% interest on their checking accounts, feel the safety of a locally-owned bank, and know their deposits are fueling growth in their own community.

“Amid this market turmoil, people are stashing cash close to home,” says Don Shafer, co-founder of BancVue and FIRST ROI, the creators of www.CheckingFinder.com, a resource to help consumers find community banks and credit unions that offer free, high-yield checking accounts.  “Community banks and credit unions are trusted neighbors that offer safety and some of the best interest rates on the market.  And if that isn’t enough, people enjoy that their deposits are being put to work in their local communities.”

The more than 16,000 community financial institutions across the U.S. are certainly seeing money flow in from people cashing out of investments.  An October survey by the Independent Community Bankers of America reveals that 70% of community banks saw an uptick in deposits in the past year. Part of the attraction has been driven by consumers seeking safer, high-yield checking accounts.  In fact, BancVue, is witnessing accounts opening at a rate of every 59 seconds. 

“Selected community banks and credit unions are now offering free checking accounts with CD-like yields,” says Shafer.  “Unlike the mega banks, these community institutions are taking the savings realized from consumers using electronic services and returning it to the consumer in the form of higher interest rates.”

 CheckingFinder.com is one resource for consumers to find community banks and credit unions that are offering free, high-yield checking accounts.  The site enables consumers to search by rate, distance from their home, and best annual returns based on average account balance and ATM usage and then open the account online.

“While megabanks may have branches, community financial institutions have roots. And, consumers are being paid to return to their roots,” concludes Shafer.

Brownie Troop 30426 will be conducting a Food Drive on behalf of Sturbridge seniors, at Shaw’s Supermarket on Saturday November 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., and at Stop & Shop on Sunday November 23, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.Troop Leader Chris Ellithorpe indicated the troop’s desire to conduct a community-centered project that would benefit Sturbridge seniors, while cultivating the importance of compassion and empathy for our seniors among members of the troop.

The Brownies will be stationed at the entrance of the stores and will present flyers with suggested items that can be picked up by shoppers. As shoppers exit, they can deposit any food drive items into awaiting shopping carts, which will be manned by Brownies at the exits.

Donated items will then be sorted, bundled up into new reusable shopping bags, (which will have a holiday card attached), and distributed to Sturbridge seniors in need with the assistance of the REAS Foundation and the Senior Center.

This is a great opportunity for all of us to participate in a wonderful project developed by the Brownies, as a means of enhancing the important bond between seniors and our youth - a vital component to every community.

In advance of the “official” food drive dates, residents can get a head start by selecting items from the list below, and either setting them aside or contacting Chris Ellithorpe at  508-347-7734  or by email at rcellithorpe@yahoo.com for pick-up alternatives. Residents can also contact the REAS Foundation -     508-434-4614     or info@reasfoundation.org - and we’ll be glad to arrange for pick-ups.

Please consider donating a few of the items below for our seniors, whose daily struggles with energy, medical, and food costs will only escalate as the cold weather sets in. If our list is void of something you think nourishing, please feel free to add it.

Soups - like Progresso or any of the hearty meal type soups
Canned vegetables and fruits
Canned beans
Canned meats - tuna, chicken, etc.
Canned Beef Stew
Boxed pasta
Pasta Sauce (pre-made in jars)
Apple Sauce
Macaroni and cheese mixes (everybody loves Kraft Mac & Cheese; it even now comes in pre-portioned cups)
Pasta/rice mixes (the Uncle Ben’s 90-second microwavable bags are well portioned and convenient)
Rice (same as above)
Peanut butter (great source of protein and a real appetite pleaser)
Jams/jellies (helps to make that peanut butter even tastier)
Cereals - Cheerios, Raisin Bran, Kashi, etc.
Hot cereals - oatmeal, cream of wheat, etc.
Crackers
Bottled juices
Coffee/tea/hot chocolate

Your support will be most appreciated by those in need.

The REAS Foundation and the Publick House are teaming up to host a gala Wine & Beer tasting event to express our gratitude for the tremendous community support recieved, on behalf of Sturbridge seniors. We hope you will join us in this celebratory event to mark the four-month mark of our shared efforts and the conclusion of our 10K events. We still have much to do as requests for assistance are arriving at a fast and furious pace, but we hope you will join us in thanking you for your generosity.

What: Sample from a host of Wines and Beers from around the corner, and around the world! Taste and array of fine food selections from the Public House Chef and Brian Treitman of BT’s Smokehouse, against the backdrop of beautiful music. Be on hand, as the drawing for the REAS Gift Baskets is conducted.

Baskets include:

1)    Pamper Yourself With Lotions from Crabtree & Evelyn

2)    Golf Foursome at Cyprian Keys with a $75.00 Gift Card for Pro Shop/Restaurant/Gift   Shop.

3)    Star Wars Themed Basket

4)    Shaw’s Food Basket with $65.00 Worth of Snacks and a $100.00 Shaw’s Gift Card

5)    Spa & Jewelry Basket: Massage, Pedicure, & Facial, along with a $75.00 Gift Card for Garieri’ Jewelers.

Where: PUBLICK HOUSE TAP ROOM & PINEAPPLE ROOM
 
When: THURSDAY - NOVEMBER 20, 6:30 – 10:30 PM
 
Why: Please join us as we celebrate a successful fundraising drive in our first year of serving Sturbridge seniors. 100% of all proceeds go directly towards Sturbridge senior energy assistance. All event costs are being shared by individual members of the REAS Foundation with support from the Public House, Yankee Spirits, and others.

How Much: $35.00 per person  /  $50.00 per couple

RSVP: 508-434-4614
info@reasfoundation.org