Nashuatelegraph.com: Business | Web Feeds

Net for needy expanded

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:00:28 EST

Comcast says the success of a program to bring high-speed Internet connections to low-income households has been so successful that it is being expanded. The program, called Internet Essentials, offers broadband service for $9.95 a month with free setup and installation; an option to buy a Windows-compatible netbook computer for under $150, and “digital literacy” training. Since mid-September, the company says it has connected more than 41,000 families throughout its 40-state service area to the Internet, and sold more than 5,500 of the cut-rate computers. It provides economy service, the bottom tier of Comcast’s broadband offerings, which costs $26.95 a month, when bundled with cable television, and $41.95 a month by itself. The success has led the company to expand the eligibility criteria. Previously, Internet Essentials was available only to families with children eligible to receive free school lunches under the National School Lunch Program. Starting next month, it will be open to families with children eligible to receive reduced price school lunches as well. Almost a third of the students in Nashua qualified for the low-cost broadband under the earlier standard; the new standard will expand that figure sharply. Comcast says the change will add “nearly 300,000 additional households” to the list of prospective customers. Further, Comcast said it would double the speed of the provided broadband connection, to as much as 3 Mbps downstream and up to 768 Kbps upstream.

Worst averted for 2012

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 22:01:30 EST

I’ve dragged my feet on offering an assessment for 2012 because gauging the severity of Europe’s impact has been daunting. I originally thought they would briefly flatline our economy, but with Europe winning the gold medal in the kick the can down the road competition, it appears that the worst has been averted, at least this year. And a deal has been reached with Greece. Nothing is signed, the Germans think it’s insufficient, and Greeks are protesting nationwide, but somebody agreed to something. Not that the markets care.

Business calendar for the week of Feb. 12

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:00:55 EST

Tuesday NASHUA Chamber member briefing Are you an existing Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce member with new employees? Wondering what the chamber does? Want to get more involved but you’re not sure how? Join the chamber for a member briefing on the second Tuesday of each month (excluding July and August) at the office at 142 Main St. You’ll get a chance to meet the chamber staff, learn about the benefits of a membership and the extensive programs they offer, and hear from other members about how they’ve made their membership a valuable investment. Continental breakfast provided. Reserve your place by contacting Shaunae Nolet at 881-8333 or snolet@nashuachamber.com. The next chamber briefing is Feb.

Bedford man launches site to make traveling with friends easier

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:22:00 EST

Bryan Marble likes to travel – and he likes doing it with friends – but there are some aspects that take the fun out of it, he admits. Two years ago, Marble, 30, of Bedford, was deep into his Boston-based job without much time for a social life. He decided to reconnect with old friends by joining them on travel excursions, but Marble quickly found that planning trips with a group was a little frustrating. There were plans to visit Montreal and a season filled with nine weddings, and Marble discovered that email chains of 50-60 messages with debates about destinations, accommodations and restaurants made things pretty complicated. “I just knew there had to be a better way,” Marble said. Since then, Marble, whose background is in Web development, has been using the training he’s gained working for companies such as BAE Systems to try building a business and a website known as GroupTrip to allow group travel without the hassle. “Usually you have a lot of headaches involved in planning for a group, and usually that takes away from the anticipation of the actual trip,” Marble said. “I’m trying to keep that anticipation level high.” His website – grouptrip.co – is still in its final development stages, Marble said, but he plans to have it fully launched by the spring. Right now, users can create logins and use the site for free by inputting email addresses or Facebook or Twitter accounts to sign in and build travel databases to share with friends. Users first create a new trip by choosing a destination, inputting dates for when they want to travel and creating a title indicating the purpose for the trip – whether it be for a birthday celebration or a bachelorette party weekend. From there, members can invite friends via email or social media accounts to join in on the research and the conversation about the trip, using a single forum that makes planning easier, Marble said. “It’s anywhere from choosing the dates for where you want to go to choosing where you want to stay,” Marble said. “Who’s going to book what? How are you going to get there? Are you going to meet there? Are you going to combine cars? Things like that.” GroupTrip beats long e-mail threads that can cause ideas and links to get lost in the shuffle, Marble said. “The basic use I envisioned when I started it is everyone’s sitting around at their 9-to-5 jobs, searching out hotels and places they want to go, and they’ll shoot it off in an email,” Marble said.

Analyst praises FairPoint’s handling of massive Primary Night workload

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 23:00:29 EST

MANCHESTER – FairPoint Communications has drawn an analyst’s praise for how well it handled the massive data needs of a half-dozen television networks on the night of the New Hampshire presidential primary, with little problems and much profit. “This was an extremely lucrative event as the company billed at very high rates for last-minute, rush work,” wrote Barry Sine, an analyst with Drexel Hamilton, in a January report, concerning connections at the Radisson Hotel Manchester, one of the centerpoints for national media. “This was a marquee event for FairPoint to show off its fiber network, and experienced staff … FairPoint performed flawlessly. It can now market this performance to IT managers at banks, hospitals and other heavy telecom users in New England to leverage its success,” he wrote. Sine said he visited FairPoint facilities in Manchester and Londonderry during the Jan. 10 primary.

Lowell bank will cross into NH

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:00:49 EST

NASHUA – For Nashua residents getting on and off Exit 4 of the F.E. Everett Turnpike, a curious new building developing on the corner of E. Dunstable and Harris Roads will soon be a bright, new bank. Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank, based in Lowell, Mass., will be opening its 14th branch, and first New Hampshire location, across the street from the Super Shell Food Mart in May, officials said. The bank currently serves customers in several nearby Massachusetts towns, including Chelmsford, Dracut, Pepperell and Tyngsborough. “The Lowell Five has a large customer base already in the southern Nashua area,” Amy Werner, Senior Vice President of Retail banking said. “Many former customers have also relocated to this market.

Average movie ticket price up to record $7.93 in 2011

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 23:01:51 EST

LOS ANGELES – The average movie ticket price in the U.S. climbed to an annual record of $7.93 in 2011, up from $7.89 the year before, the National Association of Theatre Owners said Thursday. Rising prices paid by moviegoers reflect an increase in premium-priced tickets for 3-D movies, IMAX screenings and other specialty formats, said Patrick Corcoran, a spokesman for the theater association. In the fourth quarter, however, the average ticket price dropped to $7.83, down from $8.01 in the last three months of 2010, as theater owners offered more specials and discounted tickets on Tuesday nights. Total box-office revenue last year slumped 4 percent from the year before to an estimated $10.2 billion, while cinema attendance dropped 5 percent. Some analysts blamed rising ticket prices for the decline in box-office revenue last year, but theater owners have cited other factors, including the types of movies Hollywood released. Business has rallied so far this year, however, with box-office revenue up about 11 percent and attendance up about 12 percent compared with the same time last year. The trade association’s ticket price figures are based on data from across the country and include lower-priced matinee and children’s tickets.

The iPhone’s Siri doesn’t seem so smart in Scotland

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:35 EST

EDINBURGH, Scotland – D’ye want me tae spaek more clearly, Siri? Aye, ye would. The Scottish have long been accustomed to ridicule and bafflement over their accents from their fellow Brits, who strain to decipher words like “cannae” and “daftie” (for the record: “can’t” and “fool”). But you’d think that Siri, the voice-activated virtual assistant in Apple’s latest iPhone, would take a nice Scottish brogue in its stride. Think again. Since the phone debuted in October, many of the Scots who rushed to buy it have discovered that their new “smart” gadget can’t understand them. This is true despite the fact that their phones are set to “English (United Kingdom)” under the “language” setting for Siri, which doesn’t seem to take the distinctive Scottish burr into much account. “What’s the weather like today?” Darren Lillie said hopefully into his iPhone recently here in the Scottish capital, in a demonstration for an American reporter. Lillie, 25, is Edinburgh born and bred, and his thick accent shows it. Siri thought for a moment, then decided it best to repeat what it thought it heard. “What’s available in Labor Day?” it asked. Lillie shook his head.

YouTube video-game channel Machinima aims for the next level

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:00:44 EST

LOS ANGELES – With 125 million viewers watching more than 1 billion of its videos a month, Machinima may be the most-watched channel that’s not on TV. The specialty channel devoted to video game aficionados – which offers game walk-throughs, gaming news, exclusive trailers and original series – is the channel with the fourth most subscribers on YouTube, itself the world’s third most popular Web site, according to online measurement firm ComScore Inc. Machinima may represent the next best hope of programming to the so-called Lost Boys, those young male consumers, once Hollywood’s most dependable audience, who are increasingly reluctant to leave their video-game consoles and Facebook pages to watch movies and TV or listen to music. It may also rewrite the rules for Internet programming. “You could argue that Machinima is to gaming what MTV was to music in its early days,” said Michael E. Kassan, chairman and chief executive of MediaLink, an influential digital-media consulting firm. The channel got its start in 2000 as a Web site for filmmakers using video game environments and characters to create original stories. In 2005, brothers Allen and Philip DeBevoise acquired the Web site and turned it into a destination for gaming and gaming culture. Machinima has reached beyond its roots.

3 NH firms trumpet good quarters

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:01:41 EST

Earning reports released last week by New Hampshire-based public companies show that most had pretty good quarters and years. NHBR previously reported Unitil had its best year ever. This is how three more companies say they fared. GT Advanced Technologies One thing you can say about GT Advanced Technologies – even when it’s having an off year, it does pretty well. The Merrimack maker of equipment and materials used to make solar cells and LED lighting reported it made $15.3 million, or 12 cents a share, in the second fiscal quarter ending Dec. 31. That compares with $66 million in the same quarter last year. Revenue also shrank to $153 million, compared to $217.7 last year and $262.9 million last quarter. Year to date, the company is also running a bit behind, with profits of $104 million and revenues of $601.8 million.

iPhones end in loss

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:02:15 EST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Sprint Nextel Corp. sold 1.8 million iPhones late last year – 40 percent of them to new customers – and ballooned its net loss to $1.3 billion in the fourth quarter. The loss partly reflected subsidies Sprint gives customers on each of the iPhones it sells, charging customers less than it costs to buy the phones from Apple Inc. Such subsidies are common in the industry, and Sprint executives have said customers’ payments over time will make the iPhone profitable for Sprint. IPhone sales helped Sprint boost its number of subscribers by 1.6 million in the quarter to 55 million. The total is highest in Sprint’s history, the company said. Sprint’s net new customer growth included 161,000 under 2-year contracts, 507,000 buying service month to month and 954,000 buying service on Sprint’s network through affiliated companies and wholesale vendors. Revenues rose to $8.72 billion in the quarter, up more than 5 percent from a year ago. “Our strong fourth quarter performance illustrates the power of matching iconic devices like the iPhone with our simple, unlimited plans and industry-leading customer experience,’ CEO Dan Hesse said in the announcement.

Food service expands in convenience stores

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:02:30 EST

DALLAS – As a mariachi band belted out “Guantanamera,” attendees at 7-Eleven’s recent conference sampled piping-hot chicken empanadas, mini beef tacos and beer-infused brats. The snacks represented the newest food items being added to the menu as Dallas-based 7-Eleven Inc. makes a run for dollars now flowing into restaurants. As convenience stores expand their hot and fresh food offerings, they will be seeking a fresh crop of foodies to help them think and act more like restaurateurs. Many of them will be plucked from restaurant chains that are also working to hang on to top talent. “I think historically, people that were in food service stayed in food service and people who were in retail stayed in retail. But the lines are very blurred these days,” said Kelly Buckley, vice president of fresh foods innovation for 7-Eleven. “Everybody’s playing in everybody else’s area now.

Officials mark Enterasys move to NH

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:31:00 EST

SALEM – State economic officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the upcoming arrival of computer networking giant Enterasys Corp., which is moving its headquarters and some 540 employees from Andover, Mass., to Salem. George Ball, commissioner of the state Department of Resources and Economic Development, was among those gathering at the afternoon event at 9 Northeast Industrial Drive. Many Enterasys employees also got a first look at what will be their new home. Enterasys plans to move in by January 2013. It may hire as many as 60 more employees once it is here. Enterasys is redoing about 190,000 square feet of a massive facility that was once occupied by Cicso Systems and Digital Equipment Corp. Other companies, including Comcast, have space in the building, which has been refurbished and updated by its new owners. Enterasys’ executive headquarters, main engineering and R&D facility will be making the roughly 6.5-mile move.

Flo-Pro, Bedford manufacturing firm, shuts; 111 to lose jobs

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:34:00 EST

Flo-Pro Inc., a manufacturer of automotive parts at 10 Iron Horse Drive in Bedford, has ceased operations as of Tuesday . According to Ricardo Moreno, vice president of human resources, the company decided to discontinue its CV axle product line because it was no longer profitable. The company has two other facilities, both in Pennsylvania, but the Bedford facility was the only one manufacturing the CV axle product line. Flo-Pro Inc.’s 111 employees were notified Dec. 9 that the company would close its doors Feb.

Jungle-themed office sports marmosets, macaws

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:57 EST

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – A new corporate headquarters in Margate, Fla., gives a fresh dimension to the notion that business is a jungle. Small monkeys swing from branches in their special habitat and macaws squawk as workers go about their business. The center’s 600 employees also enjoy a koi pond, a putting green, a basketball court and soon, a barbershop. Built in a once-empty shopping center, the 100,000-square-foot office on Thursday became the new home for Saveology, a company that markets cable services, mobile phone, high-speed Internet and home service deals. Chief Executive Benzion Aboud said he’s hoping the new headquarters will create a “fun” workplace and draw technology workers from other parts of the country. “We want them to come to work and make this their second home,” Aboud said. Google and other technology companies served as inspiration for Aboud and his business partner and childhood friend Reid Shapiro as they designed the work environment. The animals and other office features encourage people to interact and to “think outside the box,” Aboud said. “You have something to do on breaks.

Business people: Jenna Lynds; Nicole Power; Heather Leach

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:01:06 EST

Jenna Lynds Jenna Lynds has been promoted to director of marketing and business development of Pheasant Lane Mall. Lynds is responsible for all media, business development, events and marketing efforts, including digital marketing and social media for the shopping center. Lynds has been with Simon Property Group for five years. Her most recent position was guest services manager at the Northshore Mall in Peabody, Mass. Lynds currently resides in Revere, Mass. Nicole Power The Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of Nicole Power as director of programs and marketing.

New Business Bio: Darlene’s Bath and Body Lounge

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:33:00 EST

Type of business: Bath and body products, lingerie, cosmetics. Main location: 707 Milford Road, Unit 3A, Merrimack. Company Web site address: www.darlenesbathandbodylounge.com (under construction). Date began business in southern New Hampshire: Jan. 18. Date opened at this location: Jan.

Number of N.H. bankruptcies declines for 14th month in a row

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 08:33:00 EST

When it comes to New Hampshire bankruptcies, the first month of 2012 continued where 2011 left off, with another decrease in the number of filings compared to last year: the 14th monthly decline in a row. Some 316 households and business filed for bankruptcy in January, 34 fewer than January 2011. It was the lowest monthly number since January 2009, when 309 filed. There were seven business filings, one fewer than in December: Miller Environmental Special Services LLC, aka Mess LLC, Hampstead, filed Jan. 3, Chapter 7. Assets: $0.

SkillSoft tops leadership training companies list

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 23:01:25 EST

NASHUA – Local e-learning and performance solutions provider SkillSoft has been named to TrainingIndustry.com’s “2012 Top 20 Leadership Training Companies List,” the company announced Friday. SkillSoft technology aids global enterprises, government, education and small to medium-sized businesses through software including its Leadership Development Channel, its Leadership KnowledgeCenters, learning portals, and SkillSoft’s Leadership Advantage 2.0. To select its top 20 companies, Training Industry officials said judges looked at the following criteria: Thought leadership and influence on leadership training industry; industry recognition and innovation; breadth of programs and audiences served; delivery methods offered; company size and growth potential; strength of clients; geographic reach; and experience in serving the market. For more information on SkillSoft, visit www.skillsoft.com. – MARYALICE GILL

PC Connection announces new CFO

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:01:21 EST

MERRIMACK – PC Connection Inc. is bringing on a new chief financial officer, the company announced Friday. Joseph S. Driscoll will join the local information technology solutions company as senior vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer effective March 5, officials said. He will report to Timothy McGrath, PC Connection’s president and CEO. Driscoll will replace retiring CFO, treasurer and Executive Vice President Jack L.

Liberty Mutual hosts career open house in Bedford on Wednesday

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:32 EST

BEDFORD – Liberty Mutual will a host a career open house for entry-level and experienced sales professionals at its Bedford office, 10 Corporate Drive, from 3-7 p.m. Wednesday. The management team will be available to meet with prospective candidates to discuss sales career opportunities for openings at its Bedford and Nashua locations, officials said. The event will offer an opportunity to learn more about Liberty Mutual, which is currently ranked among Business Week’s Top 50 Employers. Interested parties should RSVP with Ashleigh Duke 1-404-971-1436, to secure a scheduled interview time. Information sessions will be held hourly. A 45-minute online assessment must be completed prior to attending. Applicants must also bring a copy of their resume. Interested parties who are unable to attend the event are still encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit www.LibertyMutualGroup.com.

Lawn Dawg acquires Connecticut lawn service company

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 22:00:10 EST

NASHUA – Lawn Dawg Inc. has made its second East Coast lawn service acquisition in two months. On Monday, Lawn Dawg, whose headquarters are in Nashua, announced the acquisition of Lush Lawn Service Inc. of Greater Hartford, Conn., which comes just five weeks after Lawn Dawg closed on the acquisition of Capital Green Lawn Care of Rochester, N.Y. Lush Lawn Care Inc. is owned and operated by Mark Kelbacher of Plainville, Conn.

Verizon joins Redbox in DVD competition with Netflix

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 08:23:00 EST

Raising the stakes in streamed entertainment, phone giant Verizon Communications Inc. will launch a new national streaming service in a joint venture with DVD-rental firm Redbox later this year. The venture will be a direct competitor to Netflix, which now has more than 20 million subscribers, by offering DVD rentals through 35,000 Redbox kiosks and Internet-streamed entertainment by Verizon. Verizon will own 65 percent of the venture and Coinstar Inc., which owns Redbox, will own 35 percent. Verizon previously had been rumored as interested in acquiring Netflix. Coinstar separately announced Monday that it would purchase NCR Corp.’s self-service DVD kiosk business for $100 million. Coinstar had $1.8 billion in revenue in 2011. “We are delighted to be partnering with Verizon to offer consumers affordable entertainment in both physical and streaming formats and look forward to launching our service in the second half of the year,” Coinstar chief executive officer Paul Davis said in a statement. The new streaming service will be offered both inside Verizon’s traditional phone territories, which include the Philadelphia area, and outside those areas, said Verizon spokesman Lee Gierczynski. Entertainment streaming could cannibalize sales of Verizon’s FiOS TV services inside the 12 states where Verizon offers it as consumers opt for streaming instead of the traditional pay-TV. Verizon believes the “main opportunity” for business growth is outside its 12-state franchise areas, Gierczynski said.

Banks look beyond fees for revenue to satisfy investors

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:02:10 EST

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Three months after banks scrapped plans for debit card fees, it’s becoming clearer how they intend to recoup money lost in the Dodd-Frank financial reform law. Instead of one new fee, prepare to be sold more products, offered new service packages, lose debit rewards and face more fees in general. Banks’ fourth-quarter earnings provided the first definitive look at what they lost after a cap took effect on the fees merchants pay banks when you use your debit card. Combined, Bank of America Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co. reported losing nearly $800 million in lost swipe fee revenue in the fourth quarter.

With Platinum, Bud Light shoots for the high end

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:00:58 EST

ST. LOUIS – The world’s biggest beer-maker is placing a big bet on a new brew. Anheuser-Busch InBev last week rolled out Bud Light Platinum, an upscale version of its best-selling label. It’s the brewer’s latest bid to pump up flagging sales of its flagship brand, and to counter liquor sales that are taking a bite out of beer industry-wide. Platinum has been in the works for four years, said Mike Sundet, A-B’s senior director for Bud Light marketing. Geared to be a higher-end version of its namesake, it is still a clear light lager, though one with considerably more punch than Bud Light – 6 percent alcohol by volume compared to 4.2.

Local start-up wants to connect young athletes with pros through workouts

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 08:58:00 EST

NASHUA – When Jared Antista and Joseph Lamoureux were playing soccer for Bentley University 10 years ago, they always wanted to know what the professional players were doing for workouts. Now they’re finding out the answer to that question – and then some. Antista, of Nashua, and Lamoureux, from Pelham, co-founded Go Pro Workouts, LLC, a startup that connects young athletes with sports stars by allowing customers to download and follow the workouts that professional athletes use. Antista, with a background in marketing, and Lamoureux, whose background is in finance, ditched their cubicle jobs to pursue the business they’ve always dreamed of starting. “We started this business for a lot of reasons, but really, to get away from corporate America,” Antista said. “Working for somebody else, making them money, seeing my bosses not do a thing. … Now the duo, both Bishop Guertin High School graduates, work from home. Their team of eight employees, scattered from San Diego to Boston, has been building the Go Pro Workouts brand and Web site for about a year and a half, using cloud technology to connect them across the country. Go Pro Workouts probes the exercise regimens of professional athletes and compiles their regimens into an eight-week workout, available for $99. So far, Go Pro Workouts has signed on 20 professional athletes, including Kelly Smith, a former member of the English national women’s soccer team, and Jamal Charles, an All-Pro NFL running back, to share their fitness strategies with high school to college-aged athletes. Antista said four player workout profiles are currently complete and live on the Web site, including tips, photos, and video demonstrating their fitness regimens. They expect to finish the other 16 profiles in six months, filling a list of basketball, football, hockey, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, ski, swim, martial arts, and dance professionals. Some of the sports on the site offer separate workouts for separate positions, such as the pro hockey workouts available from NHL winger Rene Bourque and NHL All-Star center Danny Briere. Once users pay for a workout online, they get an online access code to open it and to build a personal profile, complete with the user’s age, height, weight, a time line for when their sports season begins and an avatar. The workouts are designed around out-of-season training at the peak of a professional’s regimen, and include every exercise the pro athlete would do in a one- to two-hour routine. “The workouts are hard,” Antista said.

Nashua nonprofit looks to do energy upgrades for businesses

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:00:14 EST

The recession and rock-bottom prices for natural gas have weakened the short-term financial case for switching to alternative energy, and an unusual Nashua program is finding that the two factors have had another effect: Making businesses reluctant to invest in energy efficiency, even when a large portion of the cost is covered. “It has been hard getting commercial products going, so we have upped the incentives,” said Bob Eldredge, Nashua community manager for BetterBuildings, a nonprofit created by federal stimulus to spur energy efficiency in specific cities around the country by providing expertise and guidance, partnering with local firms and banks to provide services. In New Hampshire, it operates in Nashua, Plymouth and Berlin. “Companies are looking to shed their debt, not looking for cash outlays or changing things, even if there is long-term savings. They get into survival mode,” said Eldredge.

Facebook could be the next Google

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:01:05 EST

The most anticipated IPO since Google is in motion. Facebook is going public and its 27-year-old founder – Mark Zuckerberg – will enter the rarified air of the world’s wealthiest people. The $10 billion question is whether Facebook will follow in Google’s footsteps or mimic the more recent and less impressive Internet IPOs like Linkedin and Zynga. I’m reticent to weigh in because I thought investing in Google’s IPO was folly. It would be easy to jump on the bandwagon, but my gut tells me Facebook’s long-term financial prospects will fall short of Google’s. Then again, my gut is more AARP material then a prime Facebook demographic.

Business calendar for the week of Feb. 5

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:00:10 EST

Wednesday NASHUA ‘Best Practices for Avoiding Employee Lawsuits’ Sadler Insurance is hosting a workshop on the “Best Practices for Avoiding Employee Lawsuits” from 8-10 a.m. Feb. 8 at the Nashua Country Club. Keynote speaker is Jennifer Moeckel, attorney and partner at Cook, Little, Rosenblatt and Manson, p.l.l.c.

Facebook has become a financial giant, but not an invincible one

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:46 EST

The numbers in Facebook’s IPO filing this week give us the picture of a titan, but not an unstoppable one. Such filings, as a matter of course, must recite a list of even the most unlikely risk factors. Many are just boilerplate, a legal covering of one’s butt, if you will. And that’s certainly the case with many of Facebook’s risk disclosures. But there are four areas where the company shows clear vulnerability. In fact, it’s not exaggerating to say that, in some cases, these issues could sabotage the company’s growth, if not derail it completely: Mobile For some, this subject was the most startling and revealing.

Reports link Taco Bells to 2011 multi-state salmonella outbreak

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:51 EST

LOS ANGELES – For days, the speculation has been rampant: Which Mexican food chain – only identified as “Restaurant Chain A” by federal investigators last month – was linked to a large salmonella outbreak late last year? This week, Food Safety News named Taco Bell as the chain in question. In October and November, at least 68 diners were sickened across 10 states, including 16 in Oklahoma and 43 in Texas. The spate of illnesses eventually petered out and was reported by the Centers for Disease Control on Jan. 19. But the agency stayed mum on the origin of the salmonella bacteria, saying only that the majority of victims had reported eating at 18 separate locations of “a Mexican-style fast-food restaurant chain” in the Midwest. Salmonella can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and other symptoms. The CDC said that investigators were unable to narrow down which ingredient was problematic, saying that 94 percent of victims reported eating ground beef, 90 percent said they ate lettuce and 77 percent had consumed cheese. The agency concluded that the salmonella contamination likely happened before the food reached the restaurants and that the meat probably was not the culprit. But the blogosphere remained eager to identify the restaurant at the center of the outbreak, whose name the CDC still refuses to disclose. “It’s been a longstanding CDC policy that if it is not beneficial toward public health, we don’t release the name of the restaurant or the entity,” said spokeswoman Lola Russell. “The outbreak is over and has been over.” Nevertheless, Food Safety News obtained a document from the Oklahoma State Department of Health showing that many of the interviewed victims had eaten at a Taco Bell during the exposure period. In a statement, Taco Bell said it takes food quality and safety very seriously and emphasized that public health is not at risk now that the incident is over. “The CDC indicated that some of the people who were ill ate at Taco Bell, while others did not,” the company said.

Social media give customers new ways to bite back

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:08 EST

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – When Albert Hirschman published his landmark treatise “Exit, Voice and Loyalty” more than 40 years ago, he unwittingly helped to predict what Twitter might do to capitalism. In Hirschman’s framework, consumers had essentially two ways to deal with dissatisfaction. They could take their business elsewhere – exit – and if enough others fled, a business might shape up. Or they could gripe – Hirschman used “voice” as a verb – to management. The problem with exiting has always been that there’s probably a reason you went to Acme Co.

Ownership of tablets, e-readers jumps during holiday season

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:16 EST

LOS ANGELES – Remember when seeing an Apple iPad on a bus, an airplane or the subway was a startling new experience? Now you might be startled not to see one. Over the holiday season, so many people bought tablets for each other (and, presumably, themselves), that U.S. tablet ownership nearly doubled among adults, to 19 percent in January from 10 percent a month earlier. The rate is growing quickly: In May 2010, shortly after the debut of the iPad, only about 3 percent of consumers over age 16 owned tablets, according to survey information from the Pew Internet & American Life Project. The survey found a similar jump in e-reader ownership as prices dropped below $100 for electronic book readers from Amazon.com Inc. and Barnes & Noble Inc.

Facebook files long-awaited IPO, seeks at least $5 billion

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:20 EST

SAN JOSE, Calif. – In a milestone for one of Silicon Valley’s hottest companies, Facebook on Wednesday filed papers announcing a $5 billion initial public offering of stock in the world’s biggest social networking business. The stated size is smaller than expected, after weeks of speculation by analysts and industry observers who predicted Facebook might seek up to $10 billion. But documents indicated the figure is preliminary; the company could revise the numbers as it prepares to begin selling stock this spring. With the filing of its initial prospectus, stating it intends to trade under the symbol “FB,” Facebook is launching Silicon Valley’s most widely anticipated stock offering in recent years.

Aging U-2s may be used longer still

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:02:16 EST

LOS ANGELES – Wars have come and gone. But for more than half a century, the CIA and U.S. military have relied on a skinny sinister-looking black jet to go deep behind enemy lines for vital intelligence-gathering missions. The high-flying U-2 spy plane was first designed during the Eisenhower administration to breach the iron curtain and, as engineers said, snap “picture postcards for Ike” of hidden military strongholds in the Soviet Union. And although the plane is perhaps best known for being shot down over the Soviet Union in 1960 and the subsequent capture of pilot Francis Gary Powers, the U-2 continues to play a critical role in national security today, hunting al-Qaida forces in the Middle East. The aging cold warrior once slated for retirement in 2015 may fight on into the next decade.

Private sector jobs on the rise

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:02:21 EST

WASHINGTON – Employment in the nation’s private sector is improving at a moderate pace, with two years of job gains now on the books, according to a monthly labor-market report released Wednesday by payrolls-processor Automatic Data Processing Inc. Nonfarm private employment rose 170,000 in January, marking the 24th consecutive month of gains, led by small businesses and the service-providing sector, according to ADP. In December, the report said, private employment rose 292,000, compared with a prior estimate of 325,000. Markets look to ADP’s private-sector figures to provide some guidance on the U.S. Labor Department’s figures, which include private and public payrolls. But ADP is known for diverging from the government’s data, which indicated that private-sector employment rose only by 212,000 in December. The Labor Department’s jobs estimate will be released Friday.

Presstek CEO moves on to Xerox

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 23:00:20 EST

HUDSON – Jeffrey Jacobson, former chief executive officer of Presstek, has been appointed president of Xerox Global Graphic Communications, officials announced Wednesday. Jacobson, 52, had served Presstek as the company’s president and CEO since 2007, and added the title of chairman in 2009. Presstek is a supplier of digital offset printing solutions to the printing and communications industries. The company’s board of directors has hired Stanley E. Freimuth to replace Jacobson as chairman, president and CEO effective Feb. 13. Freimuth, 65, spent nearly 25 years with Fujifilm, where he ran the company’s U.S. graphic systems business for 17 years and went on to serve as chief operating officer, senior executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

Investors clamor for Facebook’s IPO

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:00:40 EST

MENLO PARK, Calif. – Wall Street is about to get Facebook fever. The social networking giant with nearly 1 billion users is expected to file papers any day now to sell stock to the public. The timing stems partly from federal rules that would require Facebook Inc. to begin disclosing its financial information in April because of its phenomenal growth. Beyond minting an estimated 1,000 new millionaires at the company, Facebook’s initial public stock offering could provide a huge boost to Wall Street investment banks sorely in need of a hot stock to excite investors.

Apple at No. 1 among most valuable companies

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:00:41 EST

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Apple stock, still feeling the effects of one of the most successful quarters in history, set new record highs Tuesday and the tech giant increased its lead over Exxon for the title of most valuable company in the United States. Apple shares hit a new high of $458.24 in intraday trading Tuesday and set a record for highest closing price for a second consecutive day. Apple closed at $456.48, an increase of 0.8 percent from Monday’s then-record closing price of $453.01, helped by the announcement of a new retail chief and two European victories in its battle against rival Samsung. The positive end to 2012’s first month allowed the Cupertino, Calif., company to wrestle away the crown for highest market capitalization – the total worth of all stock in circulation – from oil giant Exxon and build a big lead in the competition. Apple originally took the title from Exxon in August, becoming just the second technology company to reach that peak, after Microsoft.

Business People: Jennifer Cusato; Greater Hudson Chamber of Commerce; Robin Violette; Mark Levesque; Ross LeBlanc; Tina-marie Legere and K. Brian McLaughlin

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:01:00 EST

Jennifer Cusato NASHUA – Jennifer Cusato has been named community relations director for the YMCA of Greater Nashua organization, which includes the new Nashua Y, Merrimack Y and Camp Sargent. In this newly created position, she will provide leadership to the marketing and financial development staff to collectively accomplish the goals of the organization including maximizing the Y’s image and building more connections within the community. In her most recent position with The PLUS Co., Cusato developed and executed a strategic marketing campaign as well as coordinated and oversaw Project SEARCH at St. Joseph Hospital. Prior to that, she was employed at New England College and Franklin Pierce Law Center. Cusato holds a master’s degree in management and strategic leadership. Ross LeBlanc Ross LeBlanc has joined CCS New England as sales representative and account manager. LeBlanc brings 15 years of industry experience to the team at CCS New England’s Nashua headquarters.

New Business Bio: Talk It Up Tees

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:07:39 EST

Type of Business: We specialize in expressive specialty T-shirts that are fun, colorful, with whimsical sayings on the back. Our motto is “Wear your passion” Main Location: Litchfield. Web Address: www.talkituptees.com. Date began business in southern New Hampshire: April 2011. Is this a franchise? No. Owners: Julie Crema, Beth Damphousse and Laurie Scafidi. Days/Hours: Online retail. Highlights of products and services: Talk it up Tees creates fun tees to express your passion, hobby or favorite activity.

Law firm among New Hampshire’s oldest to shut down soon

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:01:27 EST

MANCHESTER – The confluence of an unstable economy, a tightly competitive legal market and an ongoing exodus of more than half its lawyers since 2010 all contributed to the decision to close down Wiggin & Nourie, one of New Hampshire’s oldest law firms, its president said. The law firm, which was established in 1870 under the name Burnham and Brown, informed employees Thursday that it would close its Manchester and Portsmouth offices. Clients are still in the process of being notified of the closing. The firm’s dissolution date is set for April 1, but L. Jonathan Ross, president of Wiggin & Nourie, said he expects most clients and attorneys will have already moved on by the end of February.

Hollis Line Machine Co. keeps turning out parts

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:39:01 EST

HOLLIS – Although the machining company started by his father has expanded even in this tough economy, Joe Siergiewicz Jr. doesn’t have any delusions of grandeur about his business. “We’re a job shop. We don’t have our own products, and we never invent things.

Agency puts liens on airline’s property

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:00:43 EST

DALLAS – The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. has filed liens against American Airlines property to cover about $91 million that AMR failed to contribute its four pension plans on Jan. 15, agency director Josh Gotbaum said Tuesday. American was supposed to make a quarterly payment of about $100 million on Jan. 15, but only put in $6.5 million. While American has said it couldn’t contribute any pension obligation incurred before its Nov.

Nashua Bank to support energy improvements to local buildings

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:01:13 EST

NASHUA – Up to $5.5 million is available for home and business owners to make affordable energy upgrades to their buildings, thanks to a partnership between Nashua Bank and BetterBuildingsNH. The Nashua Bank announced its partnership with BetterBuildingsNH on Friday to provide low-cost financing for energy improvements to commercial and residential buildings in Nashua. BetterBuildingsNH has partnered with other programs to maximize the financial incentives to include grants and rebates toward energy analysis and improvements. The program couples greener, more efficient energy operations with low interest financing to help businesses and homeowners make affordable improvements. For commercial properties, grants are available to cover up to 40 percent of the cost of a project, with additional rebates available for National Grid customers and low-cost financing to cover the remainder of a project’s cost. BetterBuildingsNH is part of a U.S. Department of Energy program that helps homeowners and businesses save energy and lower their energy costs, while improving air quality and the comfort of homes and offices. The program is limited to Nashua, Plymouth and Berlin residential and commercial building owners with no income restrictions. For more information on the Nashua Bank or the BetterBuildingsNH program, visit www.thenashuabank.com. – MARYALICE GILL

Free AARP Tax-Aide program to help Greater Nashua taxpayers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:00:54 EST

NASHUA – The AARP Tax-Aide program to help Greater Nashua taxpayers with preparing and e-filing taxes kicks off Wednesday . Tax-Aide’s IRS-certified counselors will assist any low- to moderate income taxpayer regardless of age and gives special attention to those age 60 and older. Participants do not need to be AARP members to take advantage of the free service. Social Security cards, official documentation for the filer and their dependents, a copy of last year’s returns, W-2s, 1099s, and interest forms are required. The program ends April 16. Here’s a list of local AARP Tax-Aide sites: Nashua Public Library, 2 Court St.; Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nashua Senior Center, 70 Temple St.; Thursday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Merrimack YMCA, 6 Henry Clay Drive; Monday 9:30 a.m.-noon. The John O’Leary Adult Community Center, Merrimack, 5 Church St.; Wednesday 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m. by appointment. Rodgers Memorial Library, Hudson, 194 Derry Road; Wednesday from 1-6 p.m. Wadleigh Memorial Library, Milford, 49 Nashua St.; Tuesday 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Thursday 3:30-6:30 p.m. To learn the location of other Tax-Aide sites in New Hampshire, call 211 or visit www.aarp.org/money/taxaide. – MARYALICE GILL

Pep Boys agrees to purchase

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:41 EST

PHILADELPHIA – Pep Boys – Manny Moe & Jack, the Philadelphia-based, 729-store auto-parts and car-repair chain, said it has agreed to be bought by Los Angeles-based Gores Group for $15 a share, if shareholders approve. “We’ll be making further investments in the business, and there’s going to be more stores,” said Ryan Wald, mergers and acquisitions director at Gores. The price beats Pep Boys’ Friday value of about $12 a share, but is only about half its peak price from the mid-2000s. The sale price is little changed from Pep Boys’ value 10 years ago.

McDonald’s pushes ahead new design

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 07:12:00 EST

CHICAGO – With half-moon shaped booths, low stools, wooden blinds and flat-screen TVs, most patrons might expect to pay $8 for a burger, or $4 for a smoothie. But the decor isn’t a harbinger of price. This is the new look of a remodeled McDonald’s, purveyor of Happy Meals and value deals as well as upscale coffee drinks. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based burger chain is reaching critical mass on a nearly decade-long, multi-billion-dollar global renovation and rebuilding project it’s betting will boost sales, traffic and brand perception. Restaurants undergoing simultaneous interior and exterior remodels are expected to see a 6 percent to 7 percent increase in same-store sales upon reopening, no matter where they are located.

AT&T names president of New England region

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:06 EST

BOSTON – A Rhode Island native has been named president of AT&T New England, which covers New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont and Rhode Island. AT&T on Monday that Patricia Jacobs, formerly regional vice president for international affairs, will take the job, overseeing AT&T’s legislative and regulatory objectives as well as guide AT&T’s public and external affairs strategies in the five states. Jacobs replaces William Leahy, who now leads AT&T’s legislative strategy for all 50 states. As regional vice president for international affairs, Jacobs managed policy initiatives and other corporate campaigns for AT&T across the globe. She also possesses significant federal policy experience having served as regional vice president for federal affairs, where she worked on a wide range of federal regulatory and legislative matters. Prior to joining AT&T, Jacobs served as an aide to congressman Edward J.

Free seminar to help first-time homebuyers in Nashua

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:00:36 EST

NASHUA – The New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority will offer a free educational seminar in Nashua to demystify the home purchase process for first-time buyers. The two-part series, designed to inform attendees about all aspects of the home buying process, is supported by the Mortgage Bankers and Brokers Association of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Association of Realtors, the New Hampshire Bar Association and local community partners. The seminars take place Tuesday, Feb. 7, and Thursday, Feb. 9, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Nashua’s Harbor Homes, at 45 High St. The seminars are free and open to the public, but seating is limited and preregistration is requested. To register, or to find out more, visit www.GoNewHampshireHousing.com or call 1-800-640-7239, ext.