Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Benay Has the Law on Our Side

Benay's client, Rucci Law Group, will soon be celebrating its first anniversary serving clients in Connecticut and around the world from their office in Darien, CT.

Founded by Joseph J. Rucci, Jr., Amy Zabetakis, and Kathryn (Kate) Diehm, Rucci Law handles the legal roadblocks that small businesses and individuals may encounter.

Entrepreneurial Spirit


Rucci Law Group's expert attorneys help entrepreneurs to select the legal structure that's right for their business. Their services include ensuring that bylaws and filings comply with applicable laws, documenting secured and unsecured loans and mortgages for real estate assets, and protecting trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets from competitors. And there's no firm better at handling commercial and residential real estate, zoning and trust and estate matters.

A Next-Generation Law Firm


Rucci Law Group uses cutting-edge technology to provide better communication with their valued clients. For example, the firm gives clients password-protected, online access to important documents.  Rucci Law Group achieves operating efficiency through another innovation: outsourcing non-core, back-office activities to Benay Enterprises.

The results: Rucci Law Group's clients benefit from great legal service and improved control over legal expenses.

Do What You Do Best, and Let Benay Do the Rest!


Much like Rucci Law Group, Benay prides itself on providing clients with the peace of mind that comes with knowing their companies are in good hands.

Today's entrepreneurial business owners need dedicated and knowledgeable professionals on their side in order to succeed. Benay has been honored to provide small businesses with outstanding back-office and financial services for over 25 years, allowing owners to focus on the growth of their businesses.

Your business can have yet another ally in Rucci Law Group. Check them out and tell them Dawn sent you. Better yet, I'll introduce you personally - just give me a call!

Octopus in a Tin House


Independent publishing company and Benay client, Tin House Books, has recently announced an exciting new partnership with Octopus Books. The marriage has resulted in a co-published collaborative series of poetry books, the first of which will be released March 2013.  Though they both call the edgy city of Portland, Oregon home, the two visionary publishing companies share more than an area code. Both emphasized their concern for the lack of poetry books being published in the current market and see their new collaboration as a potential model for   other publishers that have shied away from the poetic genre.  
Matthew Dickman, poetry editor at Tin House magazine, and Zachary Schomburg, editor at Octopus Books have chosen Portuguese to be the first title released in the series. Authored by Brandon Shimoda, the pen responsible for O Bon (Litmus Press 2011), The Girl Without Arms (Black Ocean 2011), and The Alps (Flim Forum 2008), Portuguese brings together the collaborating publisher’s two distinct visions in a model that “meets at the edges” rather than in the middle.
The exciting new title will be in book stores on March 12, 2013, but it is currently available for pre-order on the Octopus Books site as well as Amazon. However, the two publishers won’t stop there. They have already agreed to collaboratively publish another work, Bianca Stone’s new collection, Someone Else’s Wedding Vows, in 2014. Look forward to some great new literature from Tin House and Octopus Books in the years to come.
-Mike Iovino, Intern

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Soho Crime Announces New Crime Trilogy


Benay client, Soho Crime, has released a thrilling new crime novel that is certain to steal your attention. Crashed, written by Edgar and Macavity Award nominee, Timothy Hallinan, takes readers on a wild ride through the life of Junior Bender, a keen criminal whose smart mouth, witty humor, and robberies-gone-wrong land him in trouble with the Los Angeles mafia. Blackmailed into working for an L.A. crime boss, Bender finds himself escorting an adult starlet in this comedic yet thrilling textual glimpse of old Hollywood. As of November 13th, Crashed has been available for purchase both on line and in local book stores.
However, the action and adventure don’t stop there; the intriguing character and criminal mind of Junior Bender proved to be so enthralling, Soho Crime has agreed to publish two more titles in what the company believes to be a soon-to-be hit series. The story of Junior Bender continues with Little Elvises, to be released January 29, 2013, and the last of the trilogy, The Fame Thief, which will go on sale in June of 2013. Benay is proud to call Soho Press, an outstanding independent publishing company that has been releasing exciting titles for over 25 years, one of our clients. Visit their site, www.sohopress.com, to browse their catalogue for even more enjoyable reads.
                                                                                            


Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Happy Holidays: "Like" Us on Facebook, and We'll Donate $1 to Help Needy Students Graduate from Poverty!



There are so many reasons why the holiday season is truly the most wonderful time of the year. 

Though the temperatures are chilly, there’s a certain warmth felt by all during this special season. The twinkling lights lining the neighborhood brighten even the darkest nights, and the sweet aroma of pine greets you at every door. The magic of the holidays is so infectious, it even possesses otherwise fashionable people to wear the most terribly tacky knit sweaters.  

While many of you are out shopping for the perfect gift, and most likely hiding from the fashion police (which is really difficult to do while dressed up like gift wrapping), it may be difficult to find the time to give to those that are less fortunate. 

The staff at Benay knows that the holidays can be equally as hectic as they are enjoyable. For that reason, Benay has made it easier than ever to give back.  All you have to do is “Like” Benay’s page on Facebook, and the company will donate $1 for every “Like” we receive from now until the end of the joyous holiday season to Vittana.org, an exciting new philanthropic website giving those less fortunate the once in a lifetime opportunity to get the education they truly deserve.

In true holiday fashion, Benay will donate to this uplifting cause on behalf of our friends, clients and colleagues. “Share” our cause with your friends and relatives, and help Benay reach our goal of raising up to $3,000 for the students striving to chase their dreams via Vittana.org. Join Benay in our quest to make a difference, and “Like” us on Facebook. 



ABOUT VITTANA
Nilsa Benitez lives on $22 a day and dreams of opening a dental clinic in her small town in Paraguay. She can't get a  higher education without student loans! But in most developing countries, student loans do not exist, preventing young people from getting the education they need to rise out of poverty. Help us spread the word about  Vittana: "Like" us on Facebook and follow the links to Vittana.
The entire staff at Benay wishes you health and happiness this Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year.  We thank you for your support this year, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the coming year.


All the best to you, your family, and your organization!

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Stimulating Look at the History of Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola, the bubbly beverage loved by people all over the world, has a deep, dark secret that has been kept under the radar.

What’s the backstory?

Benay client, Akashic Books, has just released a fascinating new title on the history of coffee, Coca-Cola, caffeine, cocaine, secret formulas, special flavors, Harry J. Anslinger and Prohibition.

A Secret History of Coffee, Coca & Cola provides an in depth examination of caffeine and cocaine. The book covers everything from Peruvian cocaine factories to the questionable personal files of US Bureau of Narcotics Commissioner (and long-time Coca-Cola collaborator) Harry Anslinger, as well as these chemicals’ extremely significant roles in the development of the world’s most recognized beverage brand.

New York Times best-selling illustrator Ricardo Cortes has authored as well as illustrated an intriguing work that highlights the controversy surrounding Coca Cola’s historic use of the internationally banned plant, the coca leaf, the source from which cocaine is derived.

A Secret History of Coffee, Coca & Cola, which includes exceptional illustrations, is sure to interest many. To learn more, visit Akashic’s blog: http://www.akpress.org/secrethistoryofcoffeecocaandcola.html

Do what you do best, and let Benay do the rest!


We are proud to handle financial and operational tasks for Akashic Books, which lets them focus on what they do best – publishing!

Benay's financial dashboard tells clients like Akashic Books exactly what's going on in their business. To see how our dashboard can help accelerate your growth, give me a call or an email.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Business health is more than the bottom line

People are being bombarded at both work and home by events that can seem frighteningly overwhelming: natural disasters, political upheaval, economic uncertainty, and technological changes.


In addition, everyone knows someone who is dealing with personal hardships or losses, both economically and emotionally.

Employers can't be mind readers, but it's important to periodically ask how your employees are doing both at work and in their own personal life. Identifying stressors in the workplace before they impact productivity can head off problems down the road.  

Are you seeing signs of low morale, arguments over minor things, lethargy, increased absenteeism, depression?

Sometimes all it takes is a question to show your employee that you are aware there is something wrong and acknowledge a problem, which is often the first step to finding a solution. It is worth a moment of your time as an employer to show support, compassion and understanding.

These are the true hallmarks of a strong, healthy and compassionate workplace and which reflect a health and balanced company ethic.

Do what you do best; let Benay do the rest!

Benay's financial dashboard tells you exactly what's going on in your business. We help you detect problems and identify opportunities for business growth.

If you or a colleague need a business health check-up, no co-payments are required for a free consultation.

Monday, November 5, 2012

Soho Crime's New Fictional Publication Unveils an Upsetting Truth

Benay client, Soho Crime, Soho Press’s renowned literary international crime imprint, is proud to announce their most recent publication, Invisible Murder. Written by Danish authors Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis, this intense crime fiction brings the controversial and inhumane treatment of an Eastern European minority group known as the Roma (or Gypsies) to the international forefront. Despite their over 1000 year-long presence in Europe, the Roma have, unjustifiably so, not been granted the status as a nationally recognized minority. Moreover, these innocent people have been subject to widespread discrimination, unprovoked verbal abuse, and unfair treatment by the municipal and police offices in Denmark. Kaaberbol and Friis, in their eloquent yet suspenseful writing style, expose readers world-wide to the harsh realities this unfortunate group must face every day. The beauty of fiction has always been the author’s opportunity to, behind the colorful characters and outlandish occurrences, unveil an undeniable truth. The two Danish authors master this concept in their amazing work. Soho Crime has countless publications just as wonderful as Invisible Murder available for your reading pleasure. Within them you will encounter great literary international crime fiction featuring detectives, spies, amateur sleuths, and thieves from all over the globe. Visit SohoPress.com to browse all of their very enjoyable reads.
Michael Iovino, Intern, Benay Enterprises.

Benay Kills!

I was greeted by an eerie silence as I pushed open the glass door and descended the stairs to the Benay Enterprises office. Each step echoed, shattering the sound of silence that irked me upon my entry. As I reached the last step, the squeaking hinge of the closing door alerted me. I glanced over my shoulder to make certain no one had been following. Dead silence awaited me at the bottom of the staircase. Where were the normal sounds my ears have grown accustomed to over the last month? The copy machine was not cranking out page after page. No phones ringing or friendly voices discussing finances; even the sweet cinnamon scent of Merrilee’s air freshener had faded and been replaced by a dingy, musty, nothingness. As I paced up and down the halls, looking for any sign of life, I found that every office door was closed and locked. A light was flickering in Dawn’s office, illuminating the ominously dark hallway from the gaps between door and wall. I knocked. No answer. I knocked again. Still no answer. Fearing Dawn was on a conference call and could not hear me, I knocked again, harder, yet the only noise my ears could make out was the whistle of the windy front left behind in Hurricane Sandy’s wake.
The door to my office was open, and assuming my boss had not arrived yet, I figured I may as well get to work and prove myself a solid intern. I flicked on the light switch, but the lights did not work. No power, I presumed, and  decided it was time to go home. As I quickly fled from the empty office building, I realized my steps were the only thing I could hear. Even more peculiar was the fact that the daily hustle and bustle of downtown Danbury had disappeared, vanished in the matter minutes. Buildings had been set aflame, yet there were no screams for help or ear piercing fire alarms. The only section of Danbury that was not severely affected by the storm suddenly sat in utter darkness. As I rounded the corner and proceeded down the alleyway, I heard signs of life in the distance. With great anticipation, I tiptoed towards the noise. My precaution turned into worry, as the hopeful signs of life revealed themselves as deep and fearful grunts of desperation. Running towards the noises and fearing that others had been severely harmed in some sort of apocalyptic disaster, I failed to realize the only life I should have feared for was my own!
Susan, Merrilee, Dawn, and her son Justin were the source of the ungodly groans. However, their once friendly faces had been deformed and deranged; pale and lifeless skin was peeling from their faces. Deep, open wounds revealed the white of their bones. It was then I realized, I work for a bunch of zombies!!! Paralyzed with fear, I was swarmed by the herd of ruthless savages. As I laid  helplessly, my neck being gnawed at by the lifeless beasts who were once my coworkers and friends, my legs began to tremble. Then, a bell began to ring; I could only assume it was God welcoming my soul into the Heavens. Truth is, it was something even more comforting; the alarm clock on my cellular phone was ringing. All of a sudden, I awoke in a cold sweat, feeling my face and neck to make sure they were still intact. I was alive, and even better, I wasn’t a zombie.
I got dressed and headed to Benay’s office on Main Street. As I opened the door and descended the staircase, the sweet aroma of Merilee’s air freshener welcomed me. The copy machine was cranking out page after page, and more importantly, all the friendly faces I have come to admire cheerfully greeted me upon my entry. I am proud to say that the friendly staff members at Benay Enterprises have not become victims of the zombie apocalypse, and they continue to handle their clients’ financial, bookkeeping, and human resource related needs to the fullest of their very human capabilities. Don’t let the picture frighten you as much as it did me. . Though their exceptional customer service may be out of this world, they are still very much human.

Michael Iovino, Intern, Benay Enterprises.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Sandy Has a Serious Temper

Here in Connecticut, this morning’s whirling winds and pelting rain provide only a tiny glimpse of what is to come within the next several hours. Hurricane Sandy swiftly approaches the northeastern United States; merging forces with a true Nor’easter as it makes landfall. This combination, reminiscent of the “perfect storm” back in 1991, could prove to be absolutely devastating. Expected to result in up to 2 feet of snow in areas of West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well as causing gale force winds and torrential downpours throughout the entire eastern coast, Sandy will be causing more bad hair days than a blind hairdresser.
Residents of the Northeast are not used to seeing this type of wind, and they may not be certain of what to expect. No, panicking mothers, cows will not be flying around like you saw in the movie, Twister. That was a movie, and a tornado is an entirely different natural phenomenon. Sadly, George Clooney and Marky Mark won’t be joining us for the ride either; that is, unless you are smart enough to have both a generator and a copy of a really awesome movie they both star in. What you can expect, however, are a whole lot of power outages as a result of downed trees. That gigantic 300 year old tree in your backyard may finally fall down, so stay in an area of your home where it isn’t likely to fall on your head. Moreover, if you don’t have a generator, get plenty of candles, nonperishable items, and some flashlights in case you do lose power.
 Get the shop-vac’s ready because you can bet that underground basement you have that leaks a little when it rains is going to turn into the Nile River after this storm passes through. Flash floods are inevitable when you get more than 3 inches of rain in a 24 hour period. If you live near the water, especially the Long Island Sound, make your way inland. Storm surges are expected to hit 11 feet above high tide by tomorrow morning. That means if you live anywhere less than 11 feet above sea level, anywhere around the coast, your house will more than likely be completely flooded. In all seriousness, make a hotel reservation just in case the worst does happen and you do need to leave your homes. Most importantly, keep yourself and your families safe from this storm. Stay inside, whether at your homes or in a shelter, and try not to worry too much about potential property damage. Belongings can always be replaced.
Michael Iovino, Intern, Benay Enterprises.

Friday, October 26, 2012

A Time Machine in a Garage Building

Two weeks ago, green land use development corporation, Rubicon Seven, opened the doors of their newest development. Though simply named, the Art House proved to be far more than your typical gallery. The building itself, once used as a garage space and formerly unoccupied, has been reborn and transformed into a wonderful world reminiscent of the small-town New Canaan of the early 18th century. Thanks to the innovative thinking of Principal, J. Tedrowe Bonner, a once useless piece of property has become a cultural center for citizens of all ages. Strongly emphasizing a sense of communal pride and togetherness, Bonner created the Art House with the idea of un-industrializing the rapidly growing New Canaan community. Instead of further development and building modern architecture, Bonner has utilized a building that has been standing for the greater part of a century. Moreover, the new project aims at “regenerating the unique nature of New Canaan” (Bonner), a town brilliant artistic minds such as the husband-wife  duo, Katherine and Gordon Brinley, as well as the controversial acting brigade known as the Sillies once called home. Once a rich and diverse community with a large influence from its many Italian immigrants, New Canaan has diverted from the “global antique center” Bonner remembers from his childhood. This project aims at putting the locomotive back on the old tracks, so to speak, and reestablishing a unique cultural identity within Bonner’s beloved city.                
On October 12, 2012, the Art House hosted its very first event, celebrating the creative spirit and history of New Canaan. During the event, Bonner announced the gallery’s exciting partnership with Norwalk Community College, which will allow students from the university’s art, architecture and design program to research, plan, and program everything for the new project. Soon, this building will be filled with beautiful artwork, all from local artist. As an added incentive, Bonner has reduced the cost of studio rent with one small stipulation; that the local artists come to the gallery and teach their craft to young children and art lovers, alike. If you would like to view the exhibit for yourself, you can plan your trip to visit 100 R Elm Street, New Canaan, CT in the near future.
Michael Iovino, Intern, Benay Enterprises, LLC.  
http://newcanaan.dailyvoice.com/neighbors/old-new-canaan-postal-depot-becomes-art-house

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Growth Accelerates at Soho Press


Coming in 2013
Kudos to Benay's client, Soho Press, on launching its newest imprint, Soho Teen. http://www.sohopress.com/soho-teen/

Coming in 2013, Soho Teen publishes a select list of young adult mysteries and thrillers by international bestsellers, award winners, and debut novelists with stellar credits.

Soho Teen's titles include the paranormal and dystopian, the humorous and realistic, the tragic and uplifting - whatever serves a great story best.

Soho Teen is unique in that every title - whether sci-fi, contemporary, paranormal or historical - has a high-stakes, page-turning puzzle at its heart.

Check out the video of Soho Teen authors talking about their books: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEoLaYvilb0&feature=player_embedded

Do what you do best, and let Benay do the rest!


Bronwen Hruska
Vision and infrastructure are required to accelerate business growth. Since 2009 Soho Press has expanded with the support of Benay's financial management services. Out-sourcing non-core business activities has allowed Soho Press to focus on growing its business by developing authors and publishing new titles.

At the same time, Soho's publisher Bronwen Hruska has written her own debut novel, Accelerated. Published by Pegasus Books this month, Accelerated is a sexy thriller based on the irresponsible over-medication of children in a culture obsessed by success. Read the backstory in the LA Times. http://www.latimes.com/features/books/jacketcopy/la-jc-bronwen-hruska-accelerated-add-20121009,0,5842745.story

Bronwen worked as a journalist and screenwriter for 20 years before taking over as publisher of Soho Press. Congratulations, Bronwen!

Benay's financial dashboard tells clients like Soho Press exactly what's going on in their business. To see how our dashboard can help accelerate your growth, give me a call or an email.


Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Communications Tools 101: Use an Employee Handbook



As we head toward the end of the year, now is a great time to update the policies and procedures in your company handbook.

What? You don't have an employee handbook yet?

It's easier than you think to create a handbook. But first a few words about why you need this critical document.

WHY BOTHER?

There's no law that requires you to have a company handbook. But there are laws that require employers to provide certain employment-related information to employees in writing, including:



  • Equal employment opportunity statement
  • Sexual harassment policy
  • Compliance with immigration laws
  • Wage and hour laws 
  • Accident, emergency, safety and fire procedures

SAVE TIME, REDUCE RISK

Beyond legal requirements, an employee handbook saves time for everyone. Employees have a resource to consult instead of asking managers basic questions about time off, health insurance, tuition reimbursement and other company benefits.

COMMUNICATE EXPECTATIONS 

A handbook also covers expected employee standards of conduct like attendance, punctuality, substance abuse, and use of company property. By communicating your expectations in writing, it's easier to apply your employment policies consistently. That demonstrates fairness and helps deter claims of discrimination.


Smart employers require staff members to acknowledge in writing that they have received the company handbook when joining your company. You may also want employees to sign a statement annually confirming that they have read the updated handbook.

Do What You Do Best, and Let Benay Do the Rest!


Creating an employee handbook may feel daunting, but you don't need to start from scratch.

Clients of Benay Enterprises enjoy use of the ADP Employee Handbook Wizard. It's an easy-to-use online tool that lets us help you to create a professional quality employee handbook based on federal employment law.  

In addition to boiler-plate policies, we can customize your handbook with policies based on your company's culture and practices. (You'll want your business attorney to review your handbook for state-specific requirements and issues unique to your industry.)

Best of all, we can update your handbook easily as conditions change. That saves time, so you can focus on growing your business.

To discuss your employee handbook options, just give us a call or an email. We're here to help!