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​LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD “CAREER GUIDES”

11/27/2023

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​LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD “CAREER GUIDES”
 
 
The recently established Bristol Municipal Career and Technical Academy is beginning its recruitment of business and non-profit leaders. It is looking for those with career experiences that they would share, in a classroom setting, with local 8-12 graders contemplating their own future.
 
Working in partnership with selected administration and faculty from Mt.Hope High School and Kickemuit Middle School, the “Career Explorers” program has identified nearly 20 different occupations that it is looking to have their students exposed to during the remainder of this school year. These are included on a separate page.
 
I’m sure many of you would like to help out. You know it's important to give kids the opportunity to learn more about your work. It might even be a good way to find someone to fill an entry-level job or to be an intern. But, are you having reservations? Let me answer a few questions you may be having.
 
  1.     What will be expected of me if I teach a class?
          You will prepare an outline for your talk. It will be like a “pitch” for your occupation. You’ll want to include a general description of what you do/your business is. Then talk about what it takes to get started in your field, the skills you need, and how what students learn in school will relate back to this occupation.
 
2.       How often will I need to teach a class?
          During the remainder of this school year, a Career Guide will be scheduled to give their talk no more than twice. These are after-school programs so they would be held late afternoon, evenings, or weekends. Your commitment, all in, maybe 5-6 hours at most                                         (preparation and teaching).
 
3.       Will the students have any “assignment”?
          All students who enroll in the Career Explorers will be given a “journal” booklet that they will use to write down what they learned in each class. Additionally, each class will have a unique “problem” designed for its content. The student will be asked to write in their journal their answer to the problem. That’s it; no grading is done by the Guide.
 
4.       Will I be required to bring them to my place of work?
          Classes will be held at Rogers Free Library or the Bristol Recreation                     Center. If you enjoy this experience so much that you would like to offer a tour of your work place that would be wonderful.
 
5.       If I really am impressed by one or more students, so much so that I’d like to discuss further exploration (ie. Job shadowing or an internship), would I be allowed to do so?
          Yes; we are hoping that by exposing these teens to a variety of career options something will click and they will be more curious. If this connection happens, BMCTA will be the interface with the parents to set this up.
 
 
You may have other questions. We hope you will; that means you have an interest in signing up for our Career Guide team.
 
All questions should be directed to:
 
Craig Evans
Coordinator of Bristol Municipal Career and Technical Academy
Email address:    [email protected]
Phone Number:   401-206-4183
 
      Career Guides being sought from the following occupations
 
 
Animal Care                                                 Military
 
Blue Economy                                             Public Safety/Law Enforcement
 
Building/Construction                                  Real Estate
 
Business Disciplines                                   Social Media
 
Computers                                                   Transportation/Trucking/Logistics
 
Design
 
Education/Teaching
 
Engineering
 
Entertainment
 
Government-Local
 
Government- State
 
Health Care
 
High Tech
 
Hospitality/Restaurants
 
Journalism
 
Landscaping/Horticulture/Gardening
 
Legal
 
Manufacturing
 
Material Science
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​IT Security Tip: Why business class computers matter

11/27/2023

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​IT Security Tip: Why business class computers matter (don't get the Best Buy Special)
 
Would you trust your business-critical systems to a fresh, just-out-of-school newbie who won’t be employed at the big box store in 6 months or a team of experienced IT professionals with decades of combined experience?  The answer is obvious.   
 
A business-class computer is just that, rated for your business.  It uses top quality components, is designed by a certified technician, is assembled in a controlled environment by certified technicians who are trained specifically to build these highly reliable systems.   
 
Did you know that most onsite technical support is not provided by the company from whom you purchased your computer in the first place?   
Many if not all of those field support contracts are “subbed” out to the lowest bidder.  I’ll let you figure out how that isn’t going to work in your favor.  Have you ever had a tech come to work on your computer only to find out he/she needed different parts and has to come back......NEXT WEEK?!?!?!  By working with a qualified local IT provider who has gotten to know you, your employees, and your business, you are setting your business up for IT success, not frustration.   
 
We wouldn’t have been in business this long if we didn’t truly have your long-term best interests in mind with every recommendation we make – even something as apparently mundane as a computer.   
Choose wisely and stay frosty  
 
Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com  
 

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​IT Security Tip : The RIGHT way to connect remotely to your work PC or server

11/20/2023

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​IT Security Tip : The RIGHT way to connect remotely to your work PC or server
 
If you’re on the road and need to access a PC or server remote, do NOT use GoToMyPC, LogMeIn or similar sites. To be safe, ONLY use a secure VPN (virtual private network) set up by your trusted IT company. (That’s us!)
The problem with these programs is that they are web-based applications running as web services and are therefore susceptible to the many security vulnerabilities of any web application.
If you need a SECURE way for you and your team to work remote, give us a call: Contact Nikki Manalansan at 401-227-2695 or [email protected]
 
Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com  
 
 

Thanks for your Time and Consideration
Terrence Boylan, CEO
 
 
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​IT Security Tip: Set this up for your bank account to prevent fraud

11/14/2023

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​IT Security Tip: Set this up for your bank account to prevent fraud
 
Did you know your COMPANY’S bank account doesn’t enjoy the same protections as a personal bank account when it comes to fraud? If a hacker takes money from your business account, the bank is NOT responsible for replacing your funds. (Don’t believe me? Go ask your bank what their policy is on refunding you money stolen from your account!) Many people erroneously believe the FDIC protects you from fraud; it does not. It protects you from bank insolvency.
Tip: Step 1: Invest in insurance to protect you from fraud. Step 2: Set up e-mail alerts to receive notifications any time money is withdrawn from your account. In some cases, you can set it to alert you only for larger withdrawals. The FASTER you catch fraudulent activity, the better your chances are of keeping your money. If you contact the bank IMMEDIATELY after money is taken (same day), you have a very high probability of stopping them from robbing you.
 
Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com  

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IT Security Tip: Is my PCI compliance good enough to serve as a network cyber security audit?

11/7/2023

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IT Security Tip: Is my PCI compliance good enough to serve as a network cyber security audit?
We often get asked if an organization has passed its PCI compliance requirements for accepting credit cards; is there really a need for more security and compliance? The answer is yes!
While the PCI architecture and requirements heavily overlap network security issues, a network security audit is going to take a deeper look into how you utilize the technology you own. Most businesses typically need to conduct a network security audit at the same time they conduct a PCI audit.
The PCI regulations have gone a long way toward making every business that accepts credit cards more secure, because it’s a threat to the payment industry to have unsecured businesses responsible for millions in fraudulent charges. A good network security audit at the same time as your PCI audit typically provides for a balanced scale when weighing security and functionality.
 
Cybercrime is at an all-time high, and hackers are setting their sights on small and medium businesses who are “low hanging fruit.” Don’t be their next victim! To download this free report that reveals the most common ways that hackers get in and how to protect yourself today go to www.packetlogix.com  
 

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Free IRS webinar shares latest details on the Employee Retention Credit including options for withdrawing or correcting previously filed claims amid aggressive marketing

11/1/2023

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Free IRS webinar shares latest details on the Employee Retention Credit including options for withdrawing or correcting previously filed claims amid aggressive marketing
 
IR-2023-201, Oct. 31, 2023
 
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service will present a free webinar, Thursday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. ET, to update employers and tax professionals on the most recent developments about the Employee Retention Credit (ERC). The hour-long session will include information about the freeze on ERC claims, how to withdraw claims and what ERC resources are available from the IRS.
 
When properly claimed, the ERC is a refundable tax credit designed for businesses and organizations that continued paying employees while shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic or that had a significant decline in gross receipts during the eligibility periods. The credit is not available to individual employees.
 
This year, scams tied to the ERC made the tax agency’s Dirty Dozen list of the most egregious tax-related scams. Employers should continue to be on the lookout for ERC advertisements that instruct them to "apply" for money by claiming the ERC when they may not qualify. Anyone who incorrectly claims the credit has to pay it back and may owe penalties and interest. The only way to claim the ERC is on a federal employment tax return. The IRS continues to warn businesses to not fall for aggressive marketing or scams related to the ERC. Businesses should first check with their trusted tax professional before submitting an ERC claim.
 
As part of a larger effort to protect small businesses and organizations from scams, the Internal Revenue Service created a special withdrawal process to help those who filed an Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claim and are concerned about its accuracy. This new withdrawal option allows certain employers that filed an ERC claim but have not yet received a refund to withdraw their submission and avoid future repayment, interest and penalties. Employers that submitted an ERC claim that's still being processed can withdraw their claim and avoid the possibility of getting a refund for which they're ineligible.
 
The new withdrawal process follows the Sept. 14 announcement of an immediate moratorium on processing new ERC claims. The moratorium, which will last until at least the end of this year, follows concerns about ineligible ERC claims.
 
To date, IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) has uncovered suspected pandemic fraud totaling more than $8 billion. As of Sept. 30, 2023, IRS-CI has initiated 301 investigations involving over $3.4 billion of potentially fraudulent ERC claims. Of those, 15 of the 301 investigations have resulted in federal charges. Of the 15 federally charged cases, so far eight matters have resulted in convictions; four of those cases have reached the sentencing phase with the average sentence being 21 months.
 
About the webinar
The one-hour webinar will take place on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. ET. Closed captioning will be available. Topics to be covered include:
Understand the moratorium on ERC claims and how it affects taxpayers. Learn who can withdraw ERC claims and how. Learn about ERC resources from the IRS. Live question-and-answer session.  
Tax professionals can earn one continuing education credit for attending this webinar. To register or for more information, visit the Webinars for Tax Practitioners page or the Webinars for Small Businesses page on IRS.gov. The IRS sponsors an ongoing series of free webinars. Though primarily designed for tax professionals and small businesses, anyone is welcome to attend.
 
Unscrupulous promoters make false claims about their company’s legitimacy and often don’t discuss some key eligibility factors, limitations and income tax implications that affect an employer’s tax return. It’s important to watch for warning signs such as promoters who say they can quickly determine someone’s eligibility without details and those who charge up-front fees, or a fee based on a percentage of the ERC claimed. For more information about the Employee Retention Credit, visit IRS.gov/ERC.  
    
 

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