(386) Area Community Blog

Introducing Michele McCarthy Interiors to the 386 Community Blog

386 Community Blog has a new contributor out of Ormond Beach, Florida. Michele McCarthy owner of Michele McCarthy Interiors has joined the blog scene this month adding monthly design tips, hot trends and interior recommendations. Subscribe to this blog today to not miss a beat.

June's e-Newsletter

Check out June's email newsletter to find out how much your remodeling can bring you when you go to sell.

http://project.ctsfla.com/callan_group/web_display.php?f_email_id=2452 

Michele McCarthy Interiors May e-Newsletter

Check out my May e-Newsletter for ideas for this hot summer.
http://project.ctsfla.com/callan_group/web_display.php?f_email_id=2191 

High Point Review

Check out my May e-Newsletter to see all the hot items I saw at this year's High Point.
http://project.ctsfla.com/callan_group/web_display.php?f_email_id=1997 

Michele McCarthy Interiors March Blog

HOUSE OF COUTURE

“It is easy to assemble a room where everything matches but it takes a confident and curious eye to assemble a space in which nothing matches but makes beautiful sense all together.”

 

Friends,

SPRING IS FINALLY HERE! Need to brighten up your spring with new elements, additions, and colors? Feeling fresh and ready to transform that patio, bathroom or guest room? It would be my pleasure to work with you on your next vision.

 

Thank you for your continued business.

 

~ Michele McCarthy

 

STYLISH SCREENS

I’m seeing a lot of very stylish room dividers lately. From ornate to traditional, screens are not only sleek they can be exotic and can really convey a diffused feel to any room. One of my favorites is this Kelly Hoppen Ring Screen provided by Century Furniture. To view more ideas and styles in the room divider world visit their website. Being a Century Furniture dealer I would be more than happy to show you even more ideas provided by this company. Email me to set up an appointment.

 

 BUSINESS SHOWCASE ~ Marge Carson

As one of the world’s largest and oldest privately-owned fine furniture companies, Marge Carson has never wavered from its commitment to delighting its customers: Phenomenal designs; smart and classy marriages of custom fabrics, finishes and trims; relentless attention to even the smallest of details; designing furniture to meet flexible lifestyles with an unabashed commitment to quality, style and romance.

(From Marge Carson website About Us Page 2010)

 

I am privileged to offer Marge Carson and would love to include her pieces in your next redesign. I recently saw on her website a trend report on embellishments that I found very fun. I know you have been seeing glamorous embellishments on the runway, on magazine covers and even on your every day t-shirts, now you’re going to see more glamour, dazzle and POP in interior design. From embellished pillows to impressive chairs, bedding and window treatments. It’s fun, unique

and really makes a statement.

{Read the Trend Report provided by www.MargeCarson.com}

 

 

UPCOMING NEWS

On my way to High Point Market in April. I am excited to bring you the latest trends, styles, fabrics and ideas for 2011. For those who are not familiar with High Point Market, it is the world’s most comprehensive product selection market providing a connection to the hottest trends and best business practices. This is always such an amazing trip. I am looking forward to reporting back to you when I return.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

From Halifax Plantation and Toscana in Ormond Beach, to Hammock Beach in Palm Coast, Michele McCarthy Interiors has been selected to design and merchandise the interiors of Showcase Homes featured in the 2003, 2005 and 2008 Parade of Homes.

 

In tune with the most current trends, only the finest fabrics, tile, flooring are

used to assure the very highest level of design integrity for clients’ homes.

 

Bark and Wine Fundraiser for Relay for Life

How did you come up with The Callan Group?

Many of you who know Diane know the reason for the naming of the company. For those who don’t; Diane lost her mother to cancer in 2000 after a 10 year battle. She fought courageously since Diane was 10 years old. In an on-going attempt to be half the woman Diane’s mother was she named the company in honor of her. Callan was her maiden name and will also be the name of Diane’s first child (God-willing that she has one someday).

The Callan Group has teamed up with Silly Willie’s and is part of Relay for Life. The first fundraiser for our team is this Wednesday at Norwood’s. We hope you can make it!  
______________________________________________________________________

Bark and Wine at Norwood’s Next Wednesday, April 7th from 5pm-7pm Fundraiser for our Relay for Life Team Help us make this fundraiser another great success like last year. It’s only $10/person advanced sales (at Silly Willie’s in New Smyrna Beach) and $12/person the night of the event. All funds will benefit the American Cancer Society providing financial support to eradicate cancer. At the event you will receive 2 glasses of wine and appetizers; we will have opportunity drawings, networking and more. If you or someone you know wants to donate any items for the opportunity drawing please drop off at Silly Willie’s before Wednesday. We thank you all so much for your support. Can’t attend but want to support? Stop by Silly Willie’s and make a donation to our team. We all have been affected by this disease and would greatly appreciate any support you can offer.

Upcoming Community Events

Native American Earth Festival - March 13 from 10am - 7pm and March 14 from 10am - 5pm at Reed Canal Park (Nova Rd. entrance) in South Daytona

 

This celebration will feature Native American dancing and entertainment, trading booths, a pow-wow arena, arts & crafts, children’s activities a petting zoo and more.  Admission for those 13 & older is $4; for ages 4 - 12 is $2 and ages 3 and under is FREE.  For more information call (386) 322-3070.

 

Celebrating Jewish Heritage - March 14 from 11am – 5pm at the News-Journal Center 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach

 

The celebration will feature nationally acclaimed entertainment, including an encore performance by Rick Recht, Kosher, Israel and Jewish-style dishes, artists, vendors, exhibits, children’s activities, petting zoo and more.  For more information on the Jewish Heritage Festival click here.  Admission is FREE.

 

Bubbles and Birds - March 19 at 6pm at the Sunset Harbor Yacht Club 861 Ballough Rd., Daytona Beach

Hosted by the Daytona Beach Symphony Society, this upscale live and silent auction will raise proceeds to benefit music related outreach programs in our local community, including children and the elderly.  Call (386) 253-2901 to RSVP or to donate an auction item.  The deadline to participate is March 10.

 

 

 Frogman Triathlon - March 20, beginning at 3:45pm; and March 21, beginning at 7am - on the beach behind The Shores Resort & Spa 2637 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores

 

This unique event will feature the best of the best with a USAT sanctioned Olympic-distance triathlon featuring a 1,500 meter ocean swim, and a 4K bicycle ride, followed by a 10K beach run.  In addition, The Navy Parachute Team known as the Leap Frogs will perform state-of-the-art canopy formation demonstrations that include colorful smoke, brilliant pyrotechnics and a patriotic presentation of the American flag.   A full 100% of the net proceeds will benefit the Naval Special Warfare Foundation.  To learn more about the event click here.   Admission is FREE.

 

 

 

The Callan Group Wins An Addy

THE CALLAN GROUP WINS AN ADDY®

The Callan Group recently was notified that they won an ADDY® for an e-newsletter campaign. With over 60,000 entries annually, the ADDY Awards are the world's largest and arguably toughest advertising competition. The ADDY® Awards represent the true spirit of creative excellence by recognizing all forms of advertising from media of all types, creative by all sizes and entrants of all levels from anywhere in the world. The American Advertising Federation, a not-for-profit industry association conducts the ADDY® Awards through its 200 member advertising clubs and 15 districts. The Callan Group won in the e-newsletter category through the Daytona Beach Advertising Federation and is being recognized this Saturday Night at the local awards dinner.

Creative Artists Network was the client whose e-newsletter was entered into the competition and the award is being given to both The Callan Group and Creative Artists Network since the campaign was a collaborative effort. With the direction, vision and master-mind of Judy Stein from Creative Artists Network, Diane Michael was able to put all the pieces together to create an award-winning e-newsletter campaign, Congratulations Diane and Judy!

The Callan Group hires new employee – Mandy Pirie of Ormond Beach

The Callan Group is thrilled to announce its newest employee, Mandy Pirie of Ormond Beach, FL. Mandy grew up in the small fishing village of Cedar Key on the West Coast of Florida. She moved to Gainesville, FL in 2001 to attend Santa Fe College and started a career in child development. She quickly learned she loved it and brings over 8 years experience in management, customer service and program development to the ranks of The Callan Group Email Newsletters.

 

Mandy’s interest in women’s health and childcare made her obtain her Children’s Development Associate Degree and a Doula certification in 2006. Fundraising is also a huge part of Mandy’s background and experience raising over $150,000 for the Alachua County School Board.

 

Mandy has been hired as of January 4, 2010 for The Callan Group as a Communications Director. She will handle client development and administrative responsibilities.

Shut Out of Roth IRAs No Longer, courtesy of Donna C. Zill, Financial Advisor

Here is one of my favorite articles detailing the new tax law change for IRA owners in 2010 and ways to can take advantage of it...

Shut Out of Roth IRAs No Longer

Thanks to some recent tax law changes, high-net-worth individuals who are exploring additional ways to build retirement savings may want to take a closer look at traditional IRAs. In May 2006, the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (TIPRA) revised some of the guidelines covering IRAs. As a result, high-income investors whose earnings level would previously have restricted them to a traditional IRA can now convert those to Roth IRAs starting in 2010 and reap the long-term tax advantages if they will be in the same or a higher tax bracket in retirement.

 

Because they allow qualified investors to withdraw all contributions and those earnings that meet certain requirements without federal income tax, Roth savings vehicles now appeal to a growing list of investors. Previously, Congress limited Roth conversions to those whose modified adjusted gross income was under $100,000. Under the new rules, however, the conversions will be available to investors at any income level, starting in 2010.

 

So if you’ve maxed out your 401(k) or 403(b) contributions and don’t qualify to make Roth IRA contributions because of your income level, you still can make nondeductible contributions to a traditional IRA in 2009 and 2010 and then convert it to a Roth IRA in 2010.

 

Then, when needed during retirement, investors can make withdrawals from the Roth IRA tax-free. Taxes will not be owed on the original nondeductible contributions because they’ve already been paid, although the previous earnings on those contributions will be taxable.  Those who convert in 2010 only have the extra incentive of being able to spread the tax liability over the following two years.  Thereafter, all future earnings in the Roth IRA will be available for tax-free distributions if certain requirements discussed below are met.

 

With a traditional IRA, account holders are taxed on both their original contributions and their investment earnings when they start withdrawing money. Essentially, the tax responsibility has been deferred, not eliminated. The tax responsibility for a Roth IRA comes at the front end with nondeductible contributions. One of the advantages to account holders, however, is that they do not have to pay any taxes — even on investment earnings — at the time of withdrawal. And that means that Roth IRAs essentially can make investment income tax-free income.

 

The opportunity to translate nondeductible contributions into additional savings that could result in a tax-free income stream for retirement is especially attractive for high-net-worth individuals who can afford to pay the conversion taxes without using funds from the account itself. By doing so, an investor can avoid paying taxes on the distribution as well as an early distribution penalty of 10 percent. This assumes that a Roth IRA has been open for at least five years and the investor is at least age 59½. Moreover, because high-net-worth families often have retirement income from other sources, they may not need to tap into their converted Roth IRA for many years, if at all. (Unlike traditional IRAs, there are no mandatory withdrawal rules for Roth IRAs if individuals are 59½ and the Roths have been established for five or more years.) So investors who choose the conversion option can theoretically shelter their earnings for years — an attractive advantage in estate planning.

 

Here is a simple example of the potential advantage of doing a Roth conversion: A married couple where both spouses are under age 50 can make nondeductible contributions of up to $10,000 ($5,000 per spouse) to traditional IRAs in 2009 and later. That amounts to $20,000 in additional savings, excluding earnings, in 2009 and 2010. When the couple converts their traditional IRAs to Roth IRAs in 2010, the taxes due will, unless elected otherwise by the client, be paid for in equal installments in 2011 and 2012. All future earnings, however, will accumulate tax-free and all withdrawals from the Roth IRA will be tax-free as well, if the distribution requirements are met (i.e., later than age 59½ or five years after Roth IRA is established). And that’s something all investors can appreciate.

If you'd like a personal calculation to determine if converting to a Roth IRA next year would be beneficial or if you have questions, give me a call, Donna C. Zill, Financial Advisor, The Shotz-Liguori-Zill Group at 386-615-3403 and I will make sense out of all of this.

 

  Note: If you already have a traditional IRA with pre-tax dollars (i.e., deductible contributions, rollovers from qualified plans), you should consult your tax advisor about the aggregation rules that will apply if you convert any traditional IRA assets to a Roth IRA.

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. This information is based on current federal tax laws in effect at the time this was written. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney and its Financial Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice.  This material was not intended nor written to be used for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer.  Individuals are urged to consult their personal tax or legal advisors to understand the tax and related consequences of any actions or investments described herein.
Articles are published for general information purposes and are not an offer or solicitation to sell or buy any securities or commodities. Any particular investment should be analyzed based on its terms and risks as they relate to your specific circumstances and objectives.
Investments and services offered through Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, and accounts carried by Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, members SIPC.
© 2009 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

 

Business to Business Expo in Daytona Beach

Business to Business Expo

 

The Callan Group hosted a booth at the recent Business to Business Expo last week at the Ocean Center. It was a very nice turn out for being a first year event. Our booth was slammed almost the entire time with local business owners inquiring about the best way to send out email newsletters. They had a number of questions that I thought would be good to feature in our blog:

 

1.) Where do you get email addresses?

We only send out e-newsletters to our client’s clients. In other words, if we have Restaurant 123 as a client, they obtain email addresses from all their patrons and then we send out the newsletter to only those individuals. We provide comment cards to our clients to help them capture email addresses. On the comment card it states that their email address will never be sold nor shared to any third parties for any reason. This is very important as many people are sensitive to giving out their email address because they are afraid of spam. Also, we encourage each of our clients to offer a reward/incentive to signing up for their email newsletter. Many of our clients offer $5 off their next visit just for signing up.

 

We do not recommend buying email lists. Unless the individual signed up to receive more information chances are they do not want to hear from you and will just delete the email.

 

2.) How do you prevent the email from going into the junk mailbox?

This depends on each recipient’s security settings but a few things can assist in getting emails to come through in the inbox instead of the junk mailbox. Your server must have an excellent reputation with the big boys (hotmail, gmail, yahoo, aol, etc.) meaning that they have been in business for a long time, do not send spam and have been watched so that the big boys see them as a trusted source. Our server is out of Spring Hill and has an excellent reputation with all major search engines. Also, you want to refrain from putting words in the subject line like SPECIAL, BUY NOW, etc. that many times are triggers for spam settings to throw the email in the junk mailbox. Most importantly we encourage our clients to have other means of communication and to view the e-newsletter as a vehicle for conversation. “Did you receive my e-newsletter?” “Yes, I did. It’s very nice!” Well, great! I’m glad you received it. Did you read about our special this month where we are featuring buy one get one free?” This communication on top of the e-newsletter makes any sales calls much warmer than before.

 

More questions to come in future blogs.