Morning Star Business Report

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Business Report FEBRUARY 2012

ServiceXpress Full service staffing solutions for Delmarva

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Fitzgerald Salvage and Recycling

A household name on the Delmarva Peninsula for more than seven decades

A

MAY 2011

JUNE 2011

gritourism

How Delaware farmers are sharing the farm experience with the public

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Milton

Looking for relief from the IRS? ‘DPAD’ might be the answer

George Sherman Corp.

51 Years of Outstanding Customer Service

HiDDEn tREASURE Atlantis industries Corp.

Community Spotlight

THE QUIET RESORTS HIDDEN TREASURE Delaware Center for the Inland Bays

Business Report | February 2012

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

LEWES

HIDDEN TREASURE Delaware River and Bay Foundation

Business Report | October 2011

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Entrepreneurs find ‘mentors’ at resource event Entrepreneurs Melissa Schrock and Nicole Truitt are both mothers, with children ranging from one year to seven-years-old. And with those children, it’s a great challenge to keep them all occupied.

So Melissa and Nicole started Ready, Set, Kidoo! and ReadySetKidoo.com as a kid’s activity portal for Sussex County, listing community and educational events, public parks and facilities, and everything in between.

The site also provides reviews of familyappropriate experiences and facilities to give parents some background before they head to their destinations. Even though the partners’ own children are still young, the activity information caters to all ages, including teens.

The partners hope to open the Ready, Set, Kidoo! brand to regional site managers who will focus on kid’s events in their own communities. To do that, Melissa and Nicole know they have to rally a variety of technical, financial and marketing resources.

With the desire to understand the available resources that could aid them in their business plan, Melissa and Nicole went looking for opportunities to explore Sussex County’s entrepreneurial supports. They decided to attend one of a series of resource workshops called “Sussex County is Open For Business,” which creates a one-stop experience with a number of financial, educational and consulting resources to help beginning entrepreneurs and existing companies looking to expand.

The workshop series was developed by Sussex County Economic Development Action Committee (SEDAC), a nonprofit partnership of business people, educators and government officials to further retention, expansion, creation and attraction of better business for Sussex County. SEDAC’s goal is creating resources to support existing businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, facilitating improvements to infrastructure and nurturing a well-trained workforce.

“Sussex County Is Open For Business” is sponsored by Delaware Small Business & Technology Development Center. Regular resource events will be held the fourth Monday of each month, excluding December.

To learn more information, call 302-8561555 or visit SEDAC’s website, www.sedacde.org.

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from the editor Sharing your successes on Facebook

I

used to find it annoying when people posted on Facebook about what exercise they had just completed. It seemed to me that they were just bragging about how many miles they had run or how many push ups they had completed.

But a little over two months ago, I happened to see one of these posts by a friend of mine saying that he had completed week 6 of the Couch to 5k® running program. The name of this program was intriguing to me. I thought, “Hey, I, too, would like to run, but currently spend an exorbitant amount of time

sitting down.” So, I googled it and read the description of the plan.

Basically, three times a week you spend about half an hour switching between running and walking.

Each week the amount of running increases, while the amount of walking decreases. I decided to give it a try.

It started out incredibly easy, but that only lasted until week four, which was quite a challenge.

I just finished the program a few weeks ago and am able to run for at least half an hour straight.

I now see the purpose in sharing these successes on Facebook.

Daniel Richardson H ave You B een D en ied SocialSecu rity or Veteran s’D isability B en efits?

W e C an H elp!

Vol.15 No.04

EDITOR

Daniel Richardson

COMPOSITION

Cassie Richardson Elaine Schneider Tina Reaser

SALES

Chris Redman Rick Cullen Sutton Joseph Wendy Blough

C O N TA C T

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Paco Hernandez, Recruiter with ServiceXpress is shown here helping a customer. Photo by Eric Young

[contents] 02/12 6 13

CHAMBER NEWS

HIDDEN TREASURE Southern Delaware Heart Ball set for St. Patrick’s Day in Dover

By CAROL KINSLEY

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COVER STORY

ServiceXpress offers staffing solutions for Delmarva

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GUEST COLUMN

Investors can learn much from Super Bowl teams

By JOHN RITTENHOUSE

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FINANCE Tax tips for 2012

By CAROL KINSLEY

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HEALTH REPORT

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BUSINESS LICENSES

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16

GUEST COLUMN

On the Cover

Filing your tax returns - when to hire a professional

By BRIAN STRATTON

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

The staff of ServiceXpress. From left are Cameron Scotton, Sales/Staffing Consultant, Paco Hernandez, Recruiter, Kelly Marr, Payroll/HR Assistant, Johnny Velasquez, Recruiter, James Formanek, Sales/Staffing Consultant (Baltimore), Leo Campos, Brand Manager and Brian Lenz, Sales. Photo

by Eric Young www.youngsstudio.com Business Report | February 2012

| CH A M B ER NEWS

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Chamber

Phone

Key contact

Dues*

Members

Fax

Bethany-Fenwick 539-2100 Carrie Subity $211 800 539-9434 Delmar 846-3336 Diane Johnson $75 67 846-3336 Georgetown

856-1544

Karen Duffield

$150

460

856-1577

Laurel 875-9319 Don Dykes $125 125 875-5908 Lewes 645-8073 Betsy Reamer $195 432 645-8412 Milford

422-3344

Jo Schmeiser

$165

310

422-7503

Millsboro 934-6777 Amy Simmons $150 260 934-6065 Milton 684-1101 Georgia Dalzell $150 120 684-1101 Rehoboth-Dewey 227-2233 Carol Everhart $215 1303 227-8351 Seaford

629-9690

Paula Gunson

$150

340

629-0281

Central Delaware 734-7513 Gina Aurora $200 868 678-0189 Delaware State 655-7221 Bill Stephano $299 2800 654-0691 * Annual membership cost based on businesses with fewer than 10 employees. For Delaware State and Central Delaware chambers membership cost figure is for 1-5 members. For Delaware State Chamber special rate applies if business already belongs to another chamber.

Active Adults Realty opens in Lewes On Jan. 3, Kathy Sperl-Bell and Bill Bell, realtors and owners of Active Adults Realty, officially opened the doors of their new real estate brokerage with the help of the Lewes Chamber Of Commerce at a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“10,000 people per day are turning 65.

Boomers are just beginning to retire and Coastal Delaware is the sweet spot in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic Region. It’s no longer just a vacation home/second home market for

Business Report | February 2012

the affluent,” said Kathy Sperl-Bell who is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and also an Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) and a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS).

Sperl-Bell primarily works with active adults and boomer buyers, many of whom are buying vacation homes or relocating to Delaware in anticipation of retirement.

According to Bill Bell, “the Active Adults Realty Team, with over 50 years of real estate and related experience under their belt, utilizes

many established business relationships in the community that benefit our clients.”

Active Adults Realty is located at 1504 Savannah Road in Lewes. Sperl-Bell can be reached at 302-424-1890 or 302-542-1203.

They can also be reached via email at info@ ActiveAdultsRealty.com. To find out more about current and new listings, relocation services, real estate news and trends, updates and other information, and to receive their newsletter, visit www.ActiveAdultsDelaware.com.

Business Report | February 2012

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| CH A M BER NEWS

Lewes holds annual Winter Fest Barkfest The 6th Annual Lewes Winter Fest Barkfest event takes place in the Historic Commercial District surrounding Second Street and across the canal at Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant the weekend before Valentine’s Day - Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11.

The event has become more “dog-centric” in the past few years with a unique Pet Pageant on Saturday afternoon and a Yappy Hour for pets and people on Friday evening.

Comcast Spotlight continues as the event’s media sponsor for the sixth year.

During the two-day event, numerous retail businesses and restaurants will be offering Valentine holiday-themed specials including discounts on specific items.

Yappy Hour was conceived by Lesley Bowers, owner of P.U.P.S. (Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop) on Second Street who also initiated the Pet Pageant six years ago. Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant on the canal in Lewes will host pets, their owners and people who like to “yap” on Friday, Feb. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. on their heated, enclosed porch.

The Georgetown SPCA will host a “Fill the Van” during both events at which time they are soliciting donations of blankets, sheets, pet food, kitty litter, toys, dog bones and bleach for cleaning their kennels.

Yappy Hour attendees can come with or without pets and dogs should be on a leash with one dog and one handler.

Irish Eyes will feature specialty beverages that evening such as a Bark-tini, Cat-atonic, Mutt-ini and there will be a 50/50 raffle benefitting the Georgetown SPCA. Additionally, Irish Eyes is donating 10% of their total food sales for the entire day to the SPCA. On Saturday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., the Pet Pageant returns to Bark Street (usually known as Bank Street) where pets of all sizes and shapes, ages and genders strut their stuff in front of the judges and the crowds.

The four categories of competition are Formal Wear, Leisure Wear, Companion Look Alike and Kids Freestyle, open only to children. Registration takes place at P.U.P.S. (Pawsitively Unique Pet Shop) at 117 Second St. You can register the day of the event in front of Citizens Bank from noon to 1:30 p.m. The registration entry donation is $5 and benefits the Georgetown SPCA. All contestants must be on-site no later than 1:30 p.m. to receive their entry numbers. Contestants will line up with their owners at 1:45 p.m. behind Citizens Bank.

The judges will award three prizes in each of four categories. This year, very special shelter dogs will be at the event to show their unconditional love and to look for their forever homes.

For more information about the event, contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073.

Business Report | February 2012

The 6th Annual Lewes Winter Fest Barkfest to benefit the Georgetown SPCA takes place the weekend before Valentine’s Day. The Pet Pageant returns to Bark Street (usually known as Bank Street) where pets of all sizes and shapes, ages and genders strut their stuff in front of the judges and the crowds. Photos by Dave Koster, Portraits in the Sand

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Auto Equity Loans

GRAND OPENING Zen Spa Fenwick The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce joined Zen Spa Fenwick in celebrating their grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony recently. Employees, family, friends, customers, chamber staff, ambassadors and board members joined owner Stacey Wetzstein (with scissors) to celebrate. Zen Spa Fenwick, located at 38857 Bennett Ave./Rt. 54 West Fenwick offers massages, organic and natural skincare and body treatments, manicures and pedicures, waxing, makeup application and an array of quality spa products. For more information, call 302988-1750 or visit www.zenspafenwick.com.

Auto Equity Loans LLC is a financial institution specializing in title loans. Clients receive title loans for personal and business purposes. Title loans may be used for any unexpected expenses.

Auto Equity Loans offers same day funding with no hidden fees, no prepayments penalties and no credit checks. Previous bankruptcy, poor credit or no credit is accepted. Make payments over the phone for free.

Refinance your current title loan for a lower rate. Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and Delaware titles are accepted. For more information, call 302-260-9807 or visit www.detitileloans.com.

Business Report | February 2012

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| CH AM BER NEWS Registration open for annual bike tour The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour was presented with the 2011 Southern Delaware Tourism Annual Recognition Award in early December. This annual award is given to an organization, company or individual for outstanding and significant contribution to enrich tourism in Sussex County.

The event held annually in mid-April, sponsored by PNC Bank, sold out for the first time in 22 years with a record-breaking 1200 cyclists in 2011. The Ocean to Bay Bike Tour offers a tour throughout the beautiful bay, pristine beaches and scenic inland areas of the Quiet Resorts. A five-mile family fun ride was added in 2011 to the original 30 and 50 mile routes to encourage more families to participate.

Each year the Bike Tour brings out-oftown guests and revenue into the local community at a time when businesses need it most.

The 22nd Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour was credited for the boost of nearly a half million dollars that the local economy saw that weekend.

Tim Haley, owner of The Blue Crab of Bethany Beach stated, “The Blue Crab had a tremendous weekend thanks to the Ocean to Bay Bike Tour. We shattered our previous sales levels for that weekend thanks to the large turnout for the event. Downtown Bethany was filled to capacity which we normally only see during the summer season. Our customers were mostly from out of town who told us that they came to Bethany because of

The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce’s 22nd Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour was presented with the 2011 Southern Delaware Tourism Annual Recognition Award in early December.

the Bike Tour.”

“The event showcases all that is special and unique to the Quiet Resorts area,” Executive Director, Carrie Subity stated. “This event has shown significant growth over the past five years almost doubling in size making it one of the premier tourism events in our area. It takes a lot of work and effort to pull off an event like this each year. We would like to share this award with all of our sponsors, volunteers, local police, fire companies and communities and thank them for their hard work and dedication.”

Seventy-three percent of participants lived outside Delaware and traveled from 9 different states as far away as Seattle, Washington, encouraging overnight visitation. The event drew 218 first-time guests to the area.

Past recipients of the award include the Apple Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville, Dogfish Head Brewery, the Rehoboth Beach

Film Festival and the Lewes Maritime History Trail. Southern Delaware Tourism gives this award each year to celebrate noteworthy contributions to the tourism industry in Sussex County that generates more than $750 million annually, employs 14,000 people, helps diversify and stabilize the local economy, and attracts additional businesses.

Registration for the 23rd Annual Ocean to Bay Bike Tour on April 21 is now open and filling up fast. The tour is a great opening ride to the Mid-Atlantic cycling season and offers something for everyone, beginners and experienced cyclists. Cyclists choose from a 5-30-or 50-mile route through the beaches, bays and beyond.

Cyclists can register by mail, online at TheQuietResorts.com, or at the chamber. Visit the chamber’s website or call 800-962-7873 for more information.

RIBBON CUTTING U Call We Haul The Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for U Call We Haul recently. U Call We Haul is a full service, licensed and insured “clean out and removal company.” For more information, call 302-745-HAUL (4285) or visit www.

UCALLWEHAULDE.com. Pictured from left: Mark Leshear, Sugarfly Studios, Inc.; Meghan McCalley, RBDBCC representative; Ken “The Gorilla” Bartholomew; Chloe Bartholomew; Kim Bartholomew; Nate Backhaus; Katie Handy, Sign*A*Rama.

Business Report | February 2012

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Ribbon Cutting Oasis Bath & Body Boutique The Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce recently joined Oasis Bath and Body Boutique in celebrating the grand opening of their day spa expansion. Employees, family, friends, customers, chamber staff, and ambassadors joined owner Claudia Alesi to celebrate.

Oasis Bath and Body Boutique expanded their location at 415 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth Beach to include a day spa that offers therapeutic and relaxing massages, European customized facials, body treatments, all-natural professional spray tan, Ionic Foot Detox, and Reike. They will continue to add spa services in the near future, using organic and green products.

For more information, call 302-227-6260 or visit www.oasisbathandbody.com.

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Business Report | February 2012

Robert Rider awarded Josiah Marvel Cup

The Delaware State Chamber of Commerce awarded its prestigious Josiah Marvel Cup Award to Robert F. Rider, Monday, Jan. 9, at the chamber’s 175th Annual Dinner. The Marvel Cup Award was established in 1951 to honor a Delawarean who has made an outstanding contribution to the state, community and society. Rider, a native of Glens Falls, N.Y., moved to Bridgeville in 1952 after serving in the U.S. Army.

He began working at O.A. Newton & Son Co., part of the Newton conglomerate of businesses that included poultry, retail appliances, materials handling systems design and manufacturing, sales of farm machinery, irrigation and other agriculture products. During his years with O.A. Newton & Sons Co., Rider served as director (1959-present), president (1969-1984) and chairman and chief executive officer (1984-present).

Rider has a long career of service in many Delaware institutions, serving on a multitude of boards and committees throughout his lifetime. He was president of the Delaware State Fair from 1976-1998, and still serves on its board. He served as a director of the Chesapeake Utilities Corporation (1976-2006), Baltimore Trust Co. (now PNC Bank, 1955-1998), Burris Foods (1983-2000), Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (1990-present), Nanticoke Memorial Hospital (1965-1983; 19881993), Christiana Care Health Systems (1984-2006), and more. He is a trustee emeritus at the University of Delaware, where he was a trustee from 19852003. Rider helped shape state policy through his involvement in the Board of Professional Responsibility of the Supreme Court of Delaware, the Council on State Planning of Delaware, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, and the Delaware Economic Roundtable.

Recently, Rider served as governor of the United States Postal Service (19952005), a presidentially appointed position tasked with choosing the postmaster general, among many other duties. Rider is a graduate of Clarkson College in Potsdam, N.Y., and Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. He is married to Barbara Boyer of Dover, and has 16 grandchildren. He resides in Rehoboth Beach.

Business Report | February 2012

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HIDDEN TR EASUR E

Southern Delaware Heart Ball set for St. Patrick’s Day in Dover

By Carol Kinsley The 2012 Southern Delaware Heart Ball and the volunteers behind it comprise the Hidden Treasure for February. The gala event will be held, not on Valentine's Day, but on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, at the Sheraton Dover Hotel in Dover, from 6:30 p.m. until the stroke of midnight.

The Heart Ball celebrates the work and mission of the American Heart Association and its local donors and volunteers and, most importantly, the lives saved and improved because of all those efforts. The Heart Ball will bring together community and philanthropic leaders for an evening of good food, good fun and good fellowship.

Steve Rose, CEO of Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, and his wife Rosie are the event chairs. Rose has been very active in the American Heart Association, serving as board president for Southern Delaware. The two are joined in the effort by the CEOs at Bay Health Medical Center, Terry Murphy, and at Beebe Hospital, Jeff Reid. Bay Health is the premier sponsor.

Karen Ritton, director of special events for Southern Delaware at AHA, said the Heart Ball has evolved over the last two decades, starting with separate balls in Kent and Sussex counties. About three years ago, the two counties merged to create the Southern Delaware Heart Ball.

Dress is "black tie optional," Ritton said, "but usually you see formal gowns and tuxedos."

She continued, explaining that attendance usually runs between 450 and 600, but this year organizers want guests to be able to be seated for a nice dinner, so ticket sales are limited to 450.

There will be plenty of entertainment, including music by The Fabulous Greaseband, a seven-member "Best of the 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's and 90's Rock 'n' Roll Party Band." Their

entertaining and energetic delivery of the greatest dance songs ever written has kept the group on top for the last 35 years. The Greaseband performs extensively along the East Coast, with their popularity centered between Washington, D.C., and New York City. The group's current schedule concentrates on special fundraising and corporate events in addition to appearances in the region's most popular night clubs and exclusive private parties.

In addition to music and dancing, there will be more fundraising in the form of a casino, raffles, a silent auction and a live auction of donated items. Auctioneer will be State Representative Dave Wilson, accompanied by Bill Andrew of Delaware Electric Cooperative and Peggy Snow. Some of the auction items are being posted on the official event website at https://ahamilford.ejoinme.org/MyEvents/20 112012SouthernDelawareHeartBall/theEvent/ tabid/286305/Default.aspx — which you might find more easily by searching for "Southern Delaware Heart Ball" or looking for Heart Ball on Facebook. You can also register online.

Tickets are $100; registration closes March 10. All seats are reserved and there will be no admission at the door.

Speeches will be held to a minimum, Ritton said. "This is mainly a celebration for all the efforts for companies and individuals who have donated and supported the cause."

However, some of the survivors of heart disease and stroke who have been helped will be given an opportunity to offer their apprecia-

tion.

Heart Balls are held in 600 cities nationwide, raising a total of more than 51 million dollars last year. The local event cleared $140,000 after expenses, which were minimal.

"AHA prides itself in being very frugal fiscally," Ritton said. "Our expense goal is no greater than 18 percent, so that 82 percent of every dollar goes toward the charity."

Countless Americans owe their lives to AHA-funded research breakthroughs and the AHA's guidelines, training, advocacy and programs.

Ritton said CPR training originated with AHA, and that stents and defibrillators are the result of AHA research. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and is a major cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about every 25 seconds an American will have a coronary event and about every minute one person will die from heart disease.

Ritton noted that research is going on in Delaware, one project at A.I. DuPont and another at the University of Delaware — both funded by AHA — that will ultimately benefit the world. AHA has been very involved in the prevention of childhood obesity, and a local advocacy group was instrumental in getting legislation to mandate zero trans fat in Delaware schools.

February is Heart Month. Do your part for all our hearts and get your ticket now for the Southern Delaware Heart Ball.

Business Report | February 2012

14

COVER STO RY

From left are Johnny Velasquez, Recruiter, Paco Hernandez, Recruiter, Cameron Scotton, Sales/ Staffing Consultant and Elizabeth Diaz, Employee Coordinator. Photo by Eric Young

ServiceXpress offers full service staffing solutions When it comes to staffing, ServiceXpress is a “full service” solutions provider. That is no coincidence, because ServiceXpress grew naturally from the company’s core business in providing services to support the working communities in Southern Delaware. In essence, the company is more effective at recruiting and placing staff for its clients because its employees interact in so many ways with the local community.

Here’s a brief history of how it all developed. In 1990, ServiceRentals (a sister division that manages rental properties) started renting apartments and providing housing to folks working in local industrial plants. Responding to the tenants’ needs, in 2000 ServiceRentals opened a new business to provide Laundromat facilities to assist tenants with day-to-day living.

In 2001, in further response to the tenants’ needs, the company added a financial service center to help tenants pay their utility bills and take care of other core needs. Soon after that, the financial service center was integrated Business Report | February 2012

with the existing Laundromat — all under one banner, Service General Corporation — to establish “neighborhood service centers” in Georgetown, Laurel, Seaford, Millsboro and Milford.

Upon request, financial service operations expanded to on-site services at several local industrial plants. In 2006, identifying an opportunity to help these plants find employment help, Service General founded ServiceXpress, adding a dedicated staffing agency to the company’s growing service portfolio. It turned out that having more than 10,000 client-visits a week at the retail service centers provided the perfect platform to help local communities find work opportunities and at the same time help local businesses quickly find the labor they needed. It was a great idea!

Five years later, ServiceXpress has become the leading provider of staffing solutions for a variety of clientele on the Delmarva Peninsula. The staffing company serves manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, warehouses, food service organizations and many more,

with a multitude of job functions.

ServiceXpress strives to develop business solutions based on trust, mutual respect and sound ethical practices. By providing temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct recruitment services, the company offers flexible solutions to match any and all of their clients’ specific needs.

ServiceXpress will listen. Its employees are more effective than any other staffing vendor because ServiceXpress has unparalleled intimacy with the local communities it serves.

ServiceXpress views itself as an extension of the local businesses it serves – a true partnership. With more locations than any of its competitors, ServiceXpress embodies the largest and deepest pool of candidates in the region.

Furthermore, with careful retail office placements, each ServiceXpress location is within walking distance of its employees’ homes, contributing to overall convenience.

Each location is operated by a local owner/ operator, truly capturing a feeling of close-

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Leo Campos, Brand Manager. Photo by Eric Young ness within the community. ServiceXpress is embedded with the people and the clients it serves. As a result, ServiceXpress is able to provide it clients with higher-quality candidates more quickly than any other company!

No other staffing company provides or can provide the range of services that ServiceXpress offers its employees. Through its business affiliates, ServiceXpress brings an established employment support infrastructure to bear, including housing, check cashing, bill payment and other prepaid service systems that employees typically need.

ServiceXpress employees, in effect, have a nurturing, caring and supporting system that in the end guarantees better attendance and performance for business partners. The personal bonds and connections formed with people within the community, coupled with the benefits offered to every member of its company, allows ServiceXpress to attract and retain the very best employees.

ServiceXpress is proud to be a leader regionally in offering its temporary employees health insurance from the day they sign on.

This is truly unique and demonstrates how deep its commitment to serve local communities truly is. Although the company’s employees may be temporary employees working at a

client site, to us, they are permanent employees whom we place year-round with different assignments at different client sites. This has made ServiceXpress unique also in having one of the lower unemployment insurance rates in the region; once again, that shows our deep commitment to the community.

It’s truly a win-win-win for everyone: our employees – our clients – and ServiceXpress.

ServiceXpress knows that employing workers is expensive. Through payroll taxes and filings, lost time due to injury, worker’s compensation claims and lengthy unemployment hearings, the costs to employers can skyrocket. ServiceXpress realizes that with all of that, companies lose not only money, but valuable operational time.

ServiceXpress does all the work for its clients: recruitment advertising, thorough interviews, background checks, drug screens, e-Verify, taxes and filings, payroll, worker’s compensation, general liability and unemployment claims, so that the client can focus on the important issues, employee training and retention. ServiceXpress offers customized solutions at very competitive rates that lower any businesses total operating costs.

With state-of-the art customer records management software, 24/7 service sup-

port, same-day-service commitment and an experienced, bi-lingual recruiting staff, ServiceXpress can quickly and efficiently streamline clients’ staffing needs by always improving operations.

This operational commitment is constantly reviewed by outside consultants, industry benchmarking activity, membership of national associations and ultimately with audits by outside regulatory bodies. ServiceXpress is proud to be able to say that it has been recognized as a leading-edge, best-practices staffing company through these regular review processes. Clients can be confident and secure working with ServiceXpress, knowing that it truly is at the leading edge of the staffing industry.

Again, when it comes to staffing, ServiceXpress is a “full service” solutions provider for a variety of clientele. Through fast and effective methods, ServiceXpress can provide companies with quick fulfillment of employment needs. With ready delivery of employees to work on time and ready support of any and all employment related services, ServiceXpress can and will significantly reduce costs and concerns for the clients they serve. When you think ServiceXpress, think “Quality Candidates Quickly.”

Business Report | February 2012

16

GUEST CO LUM N

Investors can learn much from Super Bowl teams

By John Rittenhouse

It’s Super Bowl time again. And whether you’re a sports fan or not, you can probably learn something from the Super Bowl teams that you can apply to other endeavors — such as investing.

What might these lessons be? Take a look: • Pick players carefully. Super Bowl teams don’t usually get there out of luck;

Business Report | February 2012

they’ve made it in part because they have carefully chosen their players. And to potentially achieve success as an investor, you, too, need carefully chosen “players” — investments that are chosen for your individual situation.

• Choose a diversified mix of players.

Not only do Super Bowl teams have good players, but they have good ones at many different positions — and these players tend to play well together. As an investor, you should own a variety of investments with different capabilities — such as stocks for growth and bonds for income — and your various investments should complement, rather than duplicate, one another.

Strive to build a diversified portfolio containing investments appropriate for your situation, such as stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other vehicles. Diversifying your holdings may help reduce the effects of market volatility. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.)

• Follow a “game plan.” Super Bowl teams are skilled at creating game plans designed to maximize their own strengths and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses.

When you invest, you also can benefit from a game plan — a strategy to help you work toward your goals. This strategy may incorporate several elements, such as taking full advantage of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, pursuing new investment opportunities as they arise and reviewing your portfolio regularly to make sure it’s still appropriate for your needs.

• Stay dedicated to your goals. Virtually all Super Bowl teams have had to over-

come obstacles, such as injuries, bad weather and a tough schedule. But through persistence and a constant devotion to their ultimate goal, they persevere. As an investor, you’ll face some challenges, too, such as political and economic turmoil that can upset the financial markets.

But if you own a diversified mix of quality investments and follow a long-term strategy that’s tailored to your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance, you can keep moving forward, despite the “bumps in the road” that all investors face.

• Get good coaching. Super Bowl teams typically are well-coached, with disciplined head coaches and innovative offensive and defensive coordinators. When you’re trying to achieve many financial goals — such as a comfortable retirement, control over your investment taxes and a legacy to leave to your family — you, too, can benefit from strong “coaching.” As your “head coach,” you might choose a financial professional — someone who can help you identify your goals and recommend an appropriate investment strategy to help you work toward them. And your financial professional can coordinate activities with your other “coaches,” such as your tax and legal advisors.

Unless you’re a professional football player, you won’t ever experience what it’s like to play in the Super Bowl. However, achieving your financial goals can be a fairly big event in your life — and to help work toward that point, you can take a few tips from the teams that have made it to the Big Game.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones financial advisor.

17 Alzheimer’s Walk Award Luncheon held at Dos Locos Dos Locos Stonegrill in Rehoboth Beach hosted the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s Award Luncheon 2011 on Jan. 7. Attending and representing the Delaware Valley Chapter was Executive Director for the Delaware Region, Katie Macklin; Special Events Coordinator for the Delaware Region, Carolyn Moloney; Sussex County Coordinator, Jamie Magee; and Kathy Murray, member of the National Early Stage Advisory Council. Darryl Ciarlante and Joe Zuber, owners of Dos Locos, were honored for their continued support of the Rehoboth Walk to End Alzheimer’s. They have supported the walk since 2006, having hosted and donated the luncheon since 2007.

Robert Ware, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Camden, was honored for his dedication and service as co-chair of the Rehoboth Walk for 2009, 2010 and 2011. Dr. Tawnya Dennis, administrator at LifeCare at

Darryl Ciarlante and Joe Zuber, owners of Dos Locos, were honored for their continued support of the Rehoboth Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and are pictured with Carolyn Moloney who presented them with a plaque and golf shirts.

Lofland Park, was also honored for having served either as chair or co-chair five times for the walk – 1998, 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2011.

The Youth Top Fundraisers, Top Individual Fundraisers and Top Teams were also recognized for their fundraising efforts.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s will be

held Saturday, Oct. 13, for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. For more information, call 800-2723900 or contact Jamie Magee at 302-8549788. Register online at www.alz.org/desjsepa. com.

Trinity Transport now known as Trinity Logistics Driving by their building, you may have to look twice to notice the slight change in Trinity’s signage, as they trade out “Transport” for “Logistics” in their name.

The New Year brings with it not only the promise of great things to come in 2012, but also signals a new chapter in the history books of a leading logistics provider, Trinity Transport. The Seaford based company is now Trinity Logistics. “Trinity has experienced 32% growth in the last five years alone,” shared Jeff Banning, president and CEO of Trinity Logistics. “Anticipating more future growth, we spent the last year working closely with our team members, clients, and suppliers on a vision for our future. A big part of our strategy involves leveraging our strengths as a logistics solutions provider. Changing our name to reflect a true representation of our business is just one piece of our company’s future.”

The name change from Trinity Transport to Trinity Logistics will also help communicate a broader variety of transportation solutions. In the past year, Trinity arranged over 200,000 shipments utilizing over the road trucking, less than truckload services, and intermodal (rail) providers. Trinity Logistics is led by the same dedicated and committed leadership team as it has been since 1979.

OPERATION COOKIE DROP Dover Federal Credit Union has once again treated the troops at Dover Air Force Base to homemade cookies for the holidays. “Operation Cookie Drop,” a volunteer effort to bring a little taste of home to the troops, is a way for community members to thank the hard working service members for their many sacrifices. While this is the fourth consecutive year that Dover Federal has participated in “Operation Cookie Drop,” this year marks a record in the number of cookies baked and delivered. Dover employees, associates, and their family members baked an amazing 253 dozen cookies (a total of 3,036 cookies) for the troops. Pictured from left are Bettie Campbell and Anne Donahue of Dover Federal Credit Union.

Business Report | February 2012

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TA X TIPS

Tax tips for 2012

By Carol Kinsley W-2s and 1099s have gone in the mail; your own records are ready for figuring your 2011 taxes, right? While you're at it, here are some tips you may want to check into before we get too far into 2012, and certainly before the year 2013.

First, make sure that any Form 1099-K you received goes with your 2011 records to your tax preparer. A reminder from Kay Bell of Bankrate.com explained, "the new form records payments you received in 2011 by credit card or through third-party networks such as PayPal." Form 1099-K was created by the Housing Assistance Tax Act of 2008 because of concerns that some small businesses do not report all of their income, Bell explained. According to the three pages of instructions posted by the IRS, payees are required to send a 1099-K only if the gross amount of total reportable payment exceeds $20,000 and the number of such transactions exceeds 200.

Speaking of tax preparers, Forbes recommended that you hire an outside tax consultant if you don't have in-house help.

Business Report | February 2012

"Taxes are not something to be taken lightly.

There are penalties, fines and punitive interest costs for inappropriate filings. Sales tax, payroll tax and income tax must be calculated correctly," Forbes warned. It suggested businesses with 20 employees or fewer consult an advisor such as Corporate Tax Network (corporatetaxnetwork.com).

For local help, turn to advisors such as PKS & Company, P. A., Certified Public Accountants, which has offices in Salisbury and Ocean City, Md., and in Lewes, Del. Doug McCabe of PKS noted some changes in tax laws that may affect small businesses: "In 2012, the section 179 depreciation deduction (the amount that a business can deduct, in full, for qualifying equipment purchased during the year) is $139,000 (down from $500,000 allowed for 2011). That means a business can deduct up to $139,000 of qualifying equipment that it purchases in 2012. Usually such equipment must be depreciated over its useful life. However, there are two caveats: "(1) The business must have taxable income to take a section 179 deprecation deduction (you can't create a loss with section 179 depreciation; any 179 depreciation

taken in excess of the business’ taxable income will carry forward to future years), and "(2) If the company purchases more than $560,000 of qualifying equipment, in 2012, then the $139,000 deduction starts to be phased out. Specifically, the $139,000 deduction is reduced dollar-for-dollar for the amount of qualifying equipment, purchased in 2012, that exceeds $560,000. This is a federal tax law, state tax laws related to section 179 may vary."

Jeffrey Montgomery, investment advisor at Montgomery Financial Services in Ocean Pines, Md., added another change in deductions: The "bonus" first-year depreciation deduction allowed (for qualifying new equipment only) drops to 50 percent in 2012 and will disappear in 2013. In 2011, the "bonus" was 100 percent.

Other changes in deductions were listed

by Montgomery. Unless extended by additional legislation, these provisions expired at the end of 2011: • Charitable IRA distributions • Deduction for up to $250 of educator classroom expenses • Deduction for qualified higher educa-

19 tion expenses • Option to deduct state and local sales tax • Deductibility of mortgage insurance premiums Also set to expire, at the end of 2012, according to Montgomery, are: • The American Opportunity Tax credit (This education tax break, according to Bell, extended the Hope Credit; it provides a credit of up to $2,500 of the cost of qualified tuition and related expenses, and up to $1,000 of the credit could come back to the taxpayer as a refund. Claim it while you can, she suggested.)

• Expanded child tax credit rules • Elimination of phase out of itemized deductions and personal and dependency exemptions at higher incomes • Expanded Student loan interest deduction rules • Expanded Coverdell Education Savings account rules Congressional action affecting taxes is likely, but when, what and how are uncertain.

Got employees? McCabe also noted that in 2012, "employers will have to report on their employees' W-2 the amount of employer-pro-

vided health insurance premiums. The health insurance premiums will not be considered taxable income to the employee but nevertheless the cost of employer-provided health care must be reported on the employee's W-2."

For 2010 through 2013, McCabe continued, "eligible small businesses can get a federal tax credit of up to 35 percent of the qualifying health insurance premiums it pays on behalf of its employees. To qualify for the credit, the small business must have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees and the average wages for those employees may not exceed $50,000 per year. The business' owners and their family members are not treated as 'employees' for the calculation of this credit."

Watch for more changes coming as a result of 2010 health-care legislation, including new medicare taxes for high-wage individuals.

High-wage earners also will see higher income tax rates in 2013, as the top rate goes up to 39.6 percent. The 10 percent rate will disappear and those above 15 percent will return to 2001 levels. What does this mean for you? If you're in the top tax bracket you may want to move income into 2012 if possible so

you pay taxes at the lower rate.

There is also a possibility of higher tax rates on investment income, Bell advised.

"Through 2012, the top federal capital gains tax rate is 15 percent for most taxpayers, and no tax is due from investors in the 10 percent and 15 percent tax brackets. These lower rates apply to assets held for more than a year. If you believe capital gains taxes might go up, 2012 could be a good year to lock in profits on long-term investments."

Have you been hit with the alternative minimum tax (AMT)? Congress may eliminate this parallel tax system, Bell said, or it may increase the income levels, since the AMT is not indexed for inflation. Talk to your tax adviser about ways you can limit your AMT exposure, Bell suggested.

Unless Congress takes action on estate taxes, the $5 million estate federal estate tax exclusion will fall to $1 million in 2013 and the maximum federal estate tax rate will be 55 percent. In 2012, the federal estate tax rate is 35 percent. If you plan to leave your business to your heirs, it would be wise to talk with an estate tax adviser about your options.

Business Report | February 2012

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HEALTH REPORT How to keep your heart healthy February is Heart Month, and a Bayhealth cardiologist is having a “heart to heart” talk with patients about their cardiovascular health.

“The heart truth is that you can have a very large influence on your own heart health. There are simple steps to reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke,” said Bayhealth Cardiology Chairman Harjinder Grewal, M.D. According to Grewal, you can keep yourself out of the danger zone by adopting lifestyle changes that will keep your ‘ticker’ beat- Bayhealth Cardiology Chairman Harjinder ing longer and Grewal, M.D. healthier: • Butt out! Tobacco and cigarettes are the most significant factors for developing heart disease. Even second hand smoke can narrow your arteries, make your heart work harder, and increase the risk for heart attack.

• Keep moving! By exercising for 30 minutes daily, you can dramatically reduce your risk for fatal heart disease. Bike, walk, run, swim and stay active to control your weight. That will cut your chances of developing high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions which strain your heart.

• Watch what you eat! Go for a balanced intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pastas, beans, fish, low-fat dairy and lean meats to keep your blood flowing and your heart pumping. Omega-3 fats, such as canola, flax and fish oils, are better for you than saturated fats.

• Don’t worry, be happy! According to the National Institutes of Health, depression can damage your heart. Research during the past two decades has shown that depression and heart disease often go hand in hand. So, don’t sweat “the small stuff,” don’t dwell on what’s already happened, and find the upside in all that happens in life. Easier said than done? Maybe. However, the long-term payoff is that you’ll be less stressed and your heart will be in better shape.

Business Report | February 2012

PHARMACY TEAM RECOGNIZED Nanticoke Memorial Hospital The pharmacy at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital’s has been recognized at the Complete Rx year-end meeting in New Orleans with a pair of awards. Dr. Kimberly Couch, Pharm.D., received the “Outstanding Pharmacist” award and Nanticoke’s Pharmacy Department received the “Outstanding Pharmacy of the Year” award for the second year in a row. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital’s pharmacists play a key role in patient care, ensuring that medications are safe and effective. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and Complete Rx partner to provide high quality care while reducing overall costs.

Pharmacy robot improves safety, efficiency A new pharmacy robot will help ensure patient safety while also improving efficiency in the Bayhealth – Kent General Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy.

When the new Inpatient Pharmacy opens in 2012, the Robotic Intravenous Automation (RIVA) system will prepare medication orders prescribed by physicians for hospitalized patients. When a doctor orders a medication for the patient, the pharmacist on duty enters the prescription into RIVA, which prepares the medication with great speed and precision.

Many times, RIVA will prepare multiple medications simultaneously to ensure prescriptions are available quickly for the nursing units. A pharmacist double checks each medication

order to verify accuracy.

“The RIVA system will mean better safety and greater efficiency, while dramatically reducing the wait times for hospitalized patients to receive their medication in the nursing unit,” said Bayhealth Pharmacy Operations Manager Rita Montone, RPh, MBA. According to Montone, patient safety is enhanced from RIVA preparing the medications in a completely sterile environment, while the prescription accuracy is verified by both robot (RIVA) and human (the pharmacist).

RIVA not only completes prescription orders more quickly, but also improves efficiency in the Pharmacy Department by allowing pharmacy techs to focus on filling and delivering other pharmacy orders. RIVA will focus primarily on prescription orders that require an IV mixture of medication.

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Bayhealth to open $147 million hospital expansion A new era begins in Delaware! Bayhealth is set to open a 400,000 square foot, $147-million expansion of Bayhealth – Kent General Hospital.

The newly expanded hospital will help ensure that Bayhealth has the capacity to serve the growing health needs of the community for many generations to come.

“Bayhealth – Kent General Hospital already has a nearly 100 year legacy of service. Our new facility will help us continue our legacy well into the 21st Century,” said Bayhealth President & Chief Executive Officer Terry Murphy, FACHE. “We’ll continue to invest in our infrastructure so that our patients may receive the high quality, patientcentered care they deserve.”

Highlights of the Kent General Hospital expansion include: • A state-of-the-art Emergency and Trauma Services Department. The new Emergency Department is 35,000 square feet with room for up to 40 treatment bays. This is three times larger than the existing E.D. with nearly double the treatment bays. The new E.D. will include comprehensive diagnostic services including 64 slice CT scan and digital X-ray.

A heliport on the E.D. roof will provide access for helicopters transporting trauma patients.

• An integrated Bayhealth Cancer Center. The Cancer Center brings radiation and medical oncology together in one location to improve patient care. The new Cancer Center consolidates four Dover locations into one state-of-the-art facility.

• A spacious new Welcome Pavilion.

Patients and visitors will feel comfortable the moment they enter the new main entrance.

• A 375-space Parking Garage. The parking garage will give patients and visitors quick, easy access to the hospital, bringing

them directly into the entrance for both the new Emergency Department and Welcome Pavilion.

• A new Central Services Building. This facility will provide electricity, heat and air

conditioning to meet the growing needs of Kent General Hospital with the ability to meet future demands as the hospital campus grows.

For more information, visit www.bayhealth.org.

FUND SUPPORTS CANCER CENTER The Sussex County Cancer Survivors Fund has donated $30,000 from fundraising events and donations to the Tunnell Cancer Center for its Cancer Patients’ Special Needs Fund. The Sussex County Cancer Survivors Fund raises money for people in Sussex County who have cancer.

To date, the organization has donated more than $75,000 to the Tunnell Cancer Center Cancer Patients’ Special Needs Fund. Cherri Rich, RN, executive director of Tunnell Cancer Center, and Judith Ramirez, EdD, manager of Psychosocial Services and Outreach at Tunnell Cancer Center accepted the check. Attending the presentation were, from left: Kathy Connell, Bevann Kubala, Betty Streett, Cherri Rich, Frank Shade, Neal Kubala, and Judith Ramirez.

Business Report | February 2012

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BUSINESS LICENSES Bethany Beach Moesce, Dianna D., In Touch Body Therapy LLC; 33012 Coastal Hwy., Unit 4, Bethany Beach; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Scott and Shuman P.A.; 33292 Coastal Hwy., Unit 3, Bethany Beach; professional services-legal office Camden DDD Resources LLC; 7 Vining Run, Camden; retailer-various products Moore, Jeremy R., Moore Clean With Me; 205 South St., Camden; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Dover Atlantic Pawn LLC; 1626 S. Governors Ave., Dover; personal services-pawnbroker Axcell Credit Corporation; 926 Westview Ter., Dover; reconciliation purpose code

Bibbens, Irene Z.; 13 Bently Ct., Dover; retailer-restaurant CWJ Jr. Holdings LLC; 28 Old Rudnick Ln., Dover; personal services-distributor Dynamic Title Svcs. Inc.; 67 S. Running Brook Ct., Dover; professional and/or personal services Eglit, Bessie B.; 2190 Fast Landing Rd., Dover; professional and/or personal servicesunclassified Graces Candies LLC, Grace’s Fine Handcrafted Candies; 75 Greentree Dr., Dover; retailer-food (except restaurant) Harvard Investments Inc; 5036 Forrest Ave., Dover; commercial lessor Krishna One Corp., Nick’s Liquors; 5782 Forrest Ave., Dover; tobacco products retailer Leak Stoppers; 1133 S. Little Creek Rd., Trlr. 45, Dover; contractor-residential Lifetime Wellness of DE, LLC; 1012 W. State College Rd., Ste. 103, Dover; profes-

sional and/or personal services-unclassified Melvin, Mark W.; 1648 N. Little Creek Rd., Dover; contractor-residential Mujica, Peter, Pete’s Games; 25 W. Lookerman St., Dover; retailer-various products Parris Patten Insurance Inc.; 500 Walnut Shade Rd., Dover; sales representative Pasco of Dover Inc.; 558 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover; retailer-transportation equipment PCSP LLC, Bay Court Liquors; 650 S. Bay Rd., Ste. 6, Dover; tobacco products retailer/ retailer-alcoholic beverages Pennewill, June J.; 42 S. State St., Apt. 1, Dover; professional and/or personal services Piecuski, Edward Jr., Dover Auto Repairs; 5102 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover; personal services-motor vehicle service Rose, Deandra S.; 703 Miller Dr., Dover; professional and/or personal services Torbert, Lisa H.; 1169 Walker Rd., Dover; professional services-real estate broker Traci Lynn Castello Stanley LPCMH; 1475 Persimmon Tree Ln., Dover; professional services-counselor Uncle George Restaurant, Brown Sugar Southern Cuisine; 143 Pine Cone Dr., Dover; retailer-restaurant Wheeler, Natasha; 25 Kentwood Dr., Dover; retailer-various products Willis, Johnny, Hair Factor; 305 W. Loockerman St., Dover; commercial lessor Wisdom Bayou Entertainment LLC; 243 Northdown Dr., Dover; personal servicesentertainment agent Georgetown Upton D. Wayne, Upton’s Landscaping Service; 20152 Asketum Branch Rd., Georgetown; contractor-residential Woodpecker Home Improvements LLC; 17656 Dusty Rd., Georgetown; reconciliation purpose code Harrington Goodman, Quamear, Green Cleaning Systems; 229 Beaver Pond Rd., Harrington; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Sweimler, Erik M., Thought for Food Prod.; 310 Friendship Village Dr., Harrington; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Laurel Brenda Briddell; 11871 Hickman Dr., Laurel; reconciliation purpose code Brown, Denise, Laurel Gift Store; 213 A1 East Market St., Laurel; retailer-various products

Business Report | February 2012

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Delmarva Motors Acceptance Corp.; 28959 Sussex Hwy., Laurel; finance or small loan agency Everything is Everything; 11290 Trussum Pond Rd., Laurel; retailer-dry goods & apparel Guo Xiao, No. 1 Chinese Restaurant; 130 E. Market St., Apt. 1, Laurel; retailerrestaurant Taylor, Frederick J., FJ Taylor LLC; 31695 Old Stage Rd., Laurel; drayperson/mover Lewes Aiello, Tony Sr., Aiello Contracting; 32040 Janice Rd., Lewes; contractor-residential Beaman, Peter; 28947 Lewes Georgetown Hwy., Lewes; retailer-various products Bini, Gina, Vibrant Living Health Coaching; 30134 Regatta Bay Blvd., Lewes; professional and/or personal services Broude, Vivien; 33501 Buttercup St., Lewes; professional and/or personal servicesunclassified Deery, Christina, Clean for Shore; 33298 Waterview Ct., Lewes; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Eileen’s Advanced Care; 29530 Maple Rd., Lewes; direct care worker Gray Marsh Biosciences; 19812 Shirling Ln., Lewes; professional services-scientific laboratory Howarth, Louis W., One Minute Taxes; 23173 Albertson Ct., Lewes; professional services-income tax consultant JB Landscaping; 15468 New Rd., Lewes; contractor-residential Janet N. Perry; 2 Oak View Ct., Lewes; reconciliation purpose code Mariposa LLC, Peninsula Gallery; 520 E. Savannah Rd., Lewes; retailer-various products Ocean Diner and Grill LLC; 17252 N. Village Main Blvd., Lewes; retailer-restaurant Powell, Brian W., Powell Home Improvements LLC; 32652 Sand Dune Dr., Lewes; contractor-residential Romano, Anthony; 209 Monroe Ave., Lewes; reconciliation purpose code Stadler, Beverly G., Care Fully Yours, Senior Care; 13 Alderleaf Dr., Lewes; professional services-employment agent Superclean Demolition Inc.; 32312 Jimtown Rd., Lewes; contractor-residential Troise-Bove, Evelyn T., LLC; 1/2 Harborview Rd., Lewes; direct care worker Virden, Troy, Landscape Contractors of Delaware; 22977 Pine Rd., Lewes; contractorresidential Milford Abbate’s Business Adventures; 2102 Milford Harrington Hwy., Milford; reconciliation purpose code Amory, Michael J., Ashmar Boatworks; 604 S. Walnut St., Milford; contractor-residential Delmarva Historic Haunts Inc.; 211 Lakelawn Dr., Milford; professional and/or personal services

Diseveria Management LLC; 943 N. Dupont Blvd., Milford; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Harris, Mark, Preludiumarts; 4 Park Ave., Studio F1, Milford; manufacturer-paper and allied products Herholdt, John, Heritage Home Inspections; 16495 Heritage Ln., Milford; professional and/or personal services Leffler, Diane; 13 Lexington Dr., Milford; direct care worker Plack, Kathryn J.; 1000 Lemuel St., Milford; professional and/or personal servicesunclassified Rodrigues, Gabriel, Georgetown Tailors; 280 N. Rehoboth Blvd., personal servicesseamstress/tailor Susan Lindale; 5582 Williamsville Rd., Milford; professional and/or personal servicesunclassified Millsboro 136 Teal Drive LLC; 136 Teal Dr., Millsboro; commercial lessor Altvater, Helen Louise; 20228 Lowes Crossing Rd., Millsboro; reconciliation purpose code Burton’s Sales LLC; 24129 Fishers Pt., Millsboro; sales representative Delaware Surf Fishing; 28433 Delaware Ave., Millsboro; professional and/or personal services Goodtime Machine Co.; 29722 Colonial Estates Ave., Millsboro; professional and/or personal services Hoffer Enterprises LLC; 25109 Indian Branch Rd., Millsboro; personal service-motor vehicle service Indian River Golf Cars Inc.; 26246 Kathys Way, Millsboro; professional and/or personal services Mason Jr., Truman, More Than Music; 28597 Fern St., Millsboro; retailer-various products/professional and/or personal services-unclassified Memories Then & Now; 28408 Dupont Blvd., Millsboro; retailer-various products Mid-Atlantic Heating and Air Inc.; 34436 Westwood Dr. S, Millsboro; contractor-resi-

dential Preferred Bail Bonds Inc.; 32369 Long Neck Rd., Unit 13, Millsboro; personal services-bail bondsman agency Sperratore, Phyllis V.; 26437 Rudder Rd., Millsboro; reconciliation purpose code Yeshua the Carpenter Inc.; Lot 16, Rehoboth Shores, 35321 Baywinds Ln., Millsboro; contractor-non-residential Seaford Bleile, Robert E., Gene Bleile Photography; 25592 Brookside Dr., Seaford; photographer Lofland, John W., Aqua Blue Clean; 60 Robinson Circle, Seaford; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Paisley, Howard L., Computer Maint.

Svcs.; 12752 Fleetwood Pond Rd., Seaford; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Paul, Daniel; 34 Front St. Ext., Seaford; professional and/or personal services-unclassified Trinity Land Co.; 1503 W. Stein Hwy., Seaford; commercial lessor Wildonger, Norma L.; 23586 Burton St., Seaford; direct care worker Smyrna Amdisvet LLC; 230 Ashton Ct., Ste. 100, Smyrna; professional and/or personal services Bain, Marie R., New to You Baby Fashions; 170 Loder Dr., Smyrna; retailer-dry goods & apparel Charles & Sons Construction LLC; 831 Mount Vernon St., Smyrna; contractor-residential Connor and Sons LLC; 74 E. Wellington Mews, Smyrna; professional and/or personal services Dumas, Julia J., Dumas Wilks Enterprises; 387 Braddock Rd., Smyrna; sales representative Keeler, Kathleen, Kathleen Keeler Rentals; 202 Blackbird Greenspring Rd., Smyrna; commercial lessor To Nha, D-Nails & Spa; 599 Jimmy Dr., Ste. 16, Smyrna; personal services-manicurist

142 East Market Street • P.O. Box 751 Georgetown, DE 19947-0751 P 302-855-1260 • F 302-855-1270 www.scdelaw.com

Business Report | February 2012

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GUEST CO LUM N

Filing your tax returns When to bring in a professional

By Brian Stratton

It’s February, and by now your mailbox, or your email inbox has been filled with all sorts of tax forms –information on tax withholding, interest and dividend earnings, capital gains and losses, mortgage and property tax payments and so on.

Somewhere you have some file folders, or the proverbial shoebox, filled with receipts collected throughout the year for expenses that may or may not be tax-deductible.

It’s time to ask yourself the annual question: Are you up to filling out your own tax returns this year, or is it time to pay someone else to do it?

If your financial situation appears pretty straightforward, and you’re not daunted by the paperwork piled in front of you, go ahead and buy the appropriate tax-preparation software, turn on your computer and get to work.

If not, you have two options: a commercial tax-preparation firm (H&R Block® is the best known) or a certified public accountant. Before making your choice, do a little homework. Check the preparer’s qualifications and history — experience, certifications and any record of complaints with the Better Business Bureau or professional organizations. Ask about fees — whether they charge by the hour, a flat rate or some other formula, and steer clear of any preparer who bases fees on the size of your tax refund. Keep in mind that cheaper is not always better. There can be serious consequences to filing an inaccurate tax return; sometimes it makes sense to pay more for higher quality.

Also, make sure your preparer will be accessible, not only if you have questions between now and the April 17 filing deadline, but also after tax season if the Internal Revenue Service or your state taxing authority has questions about your return.

It’s a good idea to meet with a couple of preparers before making your selection.

Business Report | February 2012

When you do, bring along a copy of last year’s return. That will help the preparer understand the complexity of your situation and make a better estimate of how much you will be charged.

You should aim to finish your interviewing and make your selection by the first week of March. That will give the preparer you choose more than enough time to complete your forms before the chaotic first two weeks of April, when the last-minute rush can increase the possibility of errors, oversights and omissions.

Once you have selected a preparer, what information do you have to provide to ensure that your return is filled out completely and accurately?

First, sort all the forms that have turned up in your mail or email in the last month.

Then start looking through the file folders — or the shoebox — where you have been keeping records all year long. Many CPA firms (including this one) have something called a “client data organizer,” a computerized form compatible with tax software that is used for entering interest, dividends and expenses. Such forms help streamline the process—saving time for the accountant and lowering the final fee for the client.

If you don’t have the benefit of such a data organizer, take a look at last year’s return, especially Schedules A, B and C, for itemized deductions, dividends and interest and business income and expenses.

Sort your records and receipts according to the line items on each form, placing the records related to each line in a separate folder or envelope. (More free advice: If doing this sorting in February is a chore; prepare a set of envelopes or folders now and start using them to collect your 2012 records.)

By providing your preparer with all your records and a copy of last year’s

return for guidance, you should expect to receive a complete and accurate return.

But, there is still more that a good taxpreparation professional can do for you.

Within the IRS Code are many credits, deductions and special rules -- and some of them may apply to your tax situation. In addition, there are decisions that you can make between the end of the tax year and the filing deadline that will enable you to reduce your overall tax bill.

Here are some examples of items you might want to discuss with your tax preparer.

If you own a business, you have several options for reporting depreciation on the equipment owned by your business. You may choose standard depreciation, bonus depreciation or Section 179. Your preparer can tell you which option will provide the best return.

If your business has bad debts on its books and uses the accrual method of accounting, discuss the probability of collecting any portion of those debts and determine whether the debts are “partially worthless” or “totally worthless.” If debts are partially worthless, you may be able to write off that portion of the debt now, generating immediate tax savings, while trying to collect on the balance of the debts later in the year.

Also ask about contributions to Health Savings Accounts and Individual Retirement Accounts, including SEP and Keogh plans. Depending on the type of account, contributions made before the tax filing deadline can be deducted in either 2011 or 2012. Your tax preparer can help you determine which option is better for you.

Brian Stratton, CPA, is a Director with Horty & Horty, P.A., a Delaware accounting firm with offices in Dover and Wilmington.

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADVERTISING Morning Star Business Report Bryant Richardson 302-629-9788 302-629-9243 fax www.msbusinessreport.com sales@mspublications.com 951 Norman Eskridge Hwy. P.O. Box 1000 Seaford, DE 19973 ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS Davis Bowen & Friedel, Inc. Randy Duplechain, P.E. 302-424-1441 www.dbfinc.com 23 N. Walnut St. Milford DE 19963 George, Miles & Buhr, LLC Michelle Everngam 302-628-1421 302-628-8350 fax www.gmbnet.com meverngam@gmbnet.com 400 High St. Seaford, DE 19973 George, Miles & Buhr, LLC Michelle Everngam 410-742-3115 410-548-5790 fax www.gmbnet.com meverngam@gmbnet.com 206 W. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21801 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Central Delaware Chamber of Commerce Judy Diogo 302-734-7513 302-678-0189 fax www.cdcc.net jdiogo@cdcc.net 435 N. DuPont Hwy. Dover, DE 19901

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce Karen Duffield 302-856-1544 302-856-1577 fax www.georgetowncoc.com info@georgetowncoc.com 229 E. Market St., PO Box 1 Georgetown, DE 19947 Lewes Chamber of Commerce Betsy Reamer 302-645-8073 Toll Free 877-465-3937 302-645-8412 fax www.leweschamber.com inquiry@leweschamber.com 120 Kings Hwy., P.O. Box 1 Lewes, DE 19958 Greater Millsboro Chamber of Commerce Amy Simmons 302-934-6777 302-934-6065 fax www.millsborochamber.com millsboro@intercom.net P.O. Box 187 Millsboro, DE 19966 Milton Chamber of Commerce Georgia Dalzell 302-684-1101 www.historicmilton.com chamber@historicmilton.com 707 Chestnut St., P.O. Box 61 Milton, DE 19968

THE

Rehoboth-Dewey Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center Carol Everhart 302-227-6446 800-441-1329 ext. 13 302-227-8351 fax www.beach-fun.com rehoboth@beach-fun.com 501 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce Paula Gunson 302-629-9690 302-629-0281 fax www.seafordchamber.com admin@seafordchamber.com 304 A High St. Seaford, DE 19973 EDUCATION Delaware Technical Community College Corporate and Community Programs Christopher M. Moody, Director 302-855-1665 302-858-5456 fax www.dtcc.edu/owens/ccp cmoody@dtcc.edu Jason Technology Center PO Box 610 Rt. 18, Seashore Highway Georgetown, DE 19947

GREATER GEORGETOWN Chamber of Commerce

Linking Business with the Community 302-856-1544 | info@georgetowncoc.com

www.georgetowncoc.com

Feb 1 -1 Wed. - Economic Development Council Meeting,12 noon, Georgetown Wesleyan Church Hall, No. Bedford Street Ext.; Bill Satterfield, Executive Director of DPI, Inc. scheduled to present! All are welcome & lunch is provided!

Feb. 1- 1st Wed. - Board of Directors Meeting, 4 p.m., New Chamber Office, 229 East Market Street, Georgetown.

Feb. 8- 2nd Wed. - Chamber Breakfast Meeting - 7:30 AM-Lighthouse Landing Restaurant - 21553 Rudder Lane at the Sussex County Airport. Our Special Guest Speaker, TBA $9 per person at the door. RSVP by Tues. Feb. 7th Feb. 15- 3rd Wed. - Chamber Mixer/Decadent Dessert Party, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Location: Fulton Bank. All are welcome to enjoy the decadence & encouraged to make their own! Theme: Valentines, of course! Call 856-1544 for details.

Feb. 20- Presidents’ Day, Chamber Office will be closed!

Feb. 22-4th Wed. - Chamber Luncheon Meeting, 12 noon, CHEER Center, Sand Hill Rd., Georgetown. Special guest speaker, TBA. $10 per person at the door. RSVP by Tues. Feb 21st at 856-1544. st

Business Report | February 2012

26 University of Delaware Professional & Continuing Studies Tara Kee 866-820-0238 302-831-3292 fax www.pcs.udel.edu continuing-ed@udel.edu Carter Partnership Center Del Tech - Owens Campus Georgetown, DE 19947

ENVIRONMENTAL Delaware Solid Waste Authority Mike Parkowski 302-739-5361 302-739-4287 fax www.dswa.com mdp@dswa.com 1128 S. Bradford St., P.O. Box 455 Dover, DE 19903 ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING Envirotech Environmental Consulting, Inc. Todd Fritchman 302-645-6491 www.envirotechecinc.com info@envirotechecinc.com 16394 Samuel Paynter Blvd.

Suite 203 Milton, DE 19968 EMPLOYMENT

County Bank 9 Sussex County Locations 302-226-9800 302-226-3182 fax www.CountyBankDel.com 19927 Shuttle Rd. (Main Office) Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 Del One 7 Statewide Locations Amy Resh 302-672-1492 302-739-1790 fax www.Del-One.org amy.resh@del-one.org 270 Beiser Blvd.

Dover, DE 19904 Delaware State Police Federal Credit Union Stephen Cimo 302-856-3501 ext. 120 302-856-2539 fax www.dspfcu.com scimo@dspfcu.com P.O. Box 800 Georgetown, DE 19947 First Merchant Services Ronald W. Burke 302-875-5645 302-875-0935 fax www.firstmerchantservices.biz rburke@firstmerchant.us 14034 Johnson Road Laurel, DE 19956

FINANCIAL

Seaford Federal Credit Union Seaford Branch Mary Adams 302-629-7852 302-629-9125 fax www.seafordfcu.com mary@seafordfcu.com Seaford Professional Center Rt. 13 South Seaford DE 19973

Bank of Delmarva Scott Rukowicz 302-875-5901 302-875-1766 fax www.bankofdelmarva.com srukowicz@bankofdelmarva.com 200 East Market St. Laurel, DE 19956

Seaford Federal Credit Union Dagsboro Branch Veronica Nhan-Nock 302-934-1774 302-297-0016 fax veronica@seafordfcu.com 30650 Dupont Hwy. Dagsboro, DE 19939

Essential Staffing Inc. Best Temps of Dover Patsy Ware 302-674-4357 302-674-4878 fax pware@besttemporaries.com 385 W. North St., Suite A Dover, DE 19904

Business Report | February 2012

Sussex County Federal Credit Union Debbie Jewell 302-629-0100 302-629-0966 fax www.sussexcfcu.com djewell@sussexcfcu.com 1941 Bridgeville Hwy. Seaford, DE 19973 FUNERAL SERVICES Watson Yates Funeral Home Gary Yates 302-629-8561 302-629-7961 fax Front & King St. Seaford, DE 19973 GRAPHIC/WEBSITE DESIGN Dean Design Marketing Group Jane E. Dean 302-674-5007 877-407-9800 717-898-9570 fax www.deandesign.com thestudio@deandesign.com 13 Water St. Lincoln, DE 19960 Health Heritage At Milford Assisted Living Community Genesis HealthCare Cheryl Stover 302-422-8700 302-422-8744 fax www.genesishcc.com cheryl.stover@genesishcc.com 500 South DuPont Blvd.

Milford, DE 19963 Nanticoke Health Services Sharon Harrington 302-629-6611 302-629-3211 fax www.nanticoke.org harringtons@nanticoke.org 801 Middleford Rd. Seaford, DE 19973

27 Bayhealth Medical Center Milford Memorial Hospital Ellen Shockley 302-430-5034 302-430-5946 fax www.bayhealth.org ellen_shockley@bayhealth.org 21 W. Clarke Ave. Milford, DE 19963 INSURANCE Farnell & Gast Insurance Joe Gast, CPCU 302-629-4514 302-536-6257 fax www.averyhall.com jgast@averyhall.com dflood@averyhall.com 500 W. Stein Highway Seaford, DE 19973 INTERNET SERVICE & WEB PAGE DESIGN Delmarva Digital Tim Smith 302-875-7700 302-875-8288 fax www.ddmg.net ddmg.netsales@ddmg.net 220 Laureltowne Laurel, DE 19956

MEDICAL TRANSPORT Lifestar Ambulance Mike Parker 800-572-9838 410-546-0809 410-860-5260 fax www.lifestarambulance.com mike@lifestarambulance.com 1024 S. Tower Dr. Salisbury, MD 21804 OFFICE FURNITURE AMI Business Interiors Tom Woodstock 800-830-0801 302-226-0801 302-226-0302 fax www.archmktg.com archmarketing@comcast.net 123 Glade Circle West Rehoboth, DE 19971 PAYROLL SERVICE Payroll Professionals Jessica Amaty 302-645-5700 302-645-0395 fax payroll@1040pro.com 1636-D Savannah Rd. Lewes, DE 19958

LEGAL

PORTRAITS

Sergovic & Carmean PA Attorneys At Law John A. Sergovic, Jr. Shannon D. Carmean Leslie Case DiPietro 302-855-1260 302-855-1270 fax www.scdelaw.com 142 E. Market St. PO Box 751 Georgetown, DE 19947

Portraits In The Sand Dave Koster 302-226-9226 302-226-8424 fax www.portraitsinthesand.com businessreport@portraitsinthesand.com 110 White Oak Rd. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Law Offices of Karen Y. Vicks, LLC 302-674-1100 888-598-8890 500 W. Loockerman Street, Suite 102 Dover, DE 19904 kvicks@vickslaw.com

Coldwell Banker Resort Realty Skip Faust 302-227-5000 office 302-745-8764 cell 302-227-3804 fax www.skipfaust.com skipfaust@hotmail.com 20184 Coastal Hwy. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 TATTOO STUDIO Ancient Art Tattoo Studio, Inc. Peggi Hurley 302-644-1864 www.ancientarttattoo.net peghurley@comcast.net 34410 Tenley Ct. #1 Lewes, DE 19958 TRANSPORTATION Pyramid Transport 302-337-2210 800-754-7775 www.pyramidtransport.com 18119 Sussex Highway Unit 2 Bridgeville, DE 19933 UTILITIES Artesian Water Company Stuart Lindner 302-453-6900 302-645-7751 800-332-5114 302-453-6957 fax www.artesianwater.com slindner@artesianwater.com 664 Churchmans Rd. Newark, DE 19702 14701 Coastal Highway Milton, DE 19968

REAL ESTATE Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Tracey Espada 302-227-2541 800-462-3224 302-227-8165 fax www.longandfosterde.com 37156 Rehoboth Ave. Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Business Report | February 2012