Plymouth County Business
Barnstable County housing sales and prices continue downward
Barnstable County Register of Deeds John F. Meade, reports that the volume of real estate sales in February 2009 was down 21.8% from February 2008 volume and the total value of sales was down 28.4% from the previous year. The individual property sale value was down 24.3% from the previous year.
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How Unified Communications can help your business
As businesses evolve to IP Telephony, they also want to deliver the benefits of intelligent communications to support daily tasks and decision making. Intelligent communications can help organizations improve efficiency by embedding communications right into business processes.
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Q&A with Leslie Fishlock
Geek Girl Camp
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News and moves: Apr-May 2009
Updates on businesses and people making news
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Newly incorporated businesses in Plymouth County: Nov. 2008-Feb. 2009
To view or download a PDF listing newly incorporated businesses in Plymouth County for the period November 2008 to February 2009, click here.
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Plymouth Industrial Park Tenant List
To see the current Plymouth Industrial Park tenant list, click here.
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The Plymouth Industrial Park
Nearly 50 years ago, a dedicated group of business and town leaders, deeply troubled by the loss of Plymouth’s primary industry and employer, percolated a vision that has brewed a half-century of economic development which still exudes the aroma of possibility.
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An interview with Ben Stout
President of the Plymouth Industrial Park Association
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This lifetime entrepreneur shifts gears from printing to home health care
It’s the baby boomer squeeze: You are still paying for your childrens’ college educations. You are trying to keep your job, or manage your business in the toughest of economic times. You are planning your retirement – while watching your 401(k) plummet. And increasingly, you are investing money, time and emotions dealing with your aging parents’ failing health.
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J.T. Cazeault takes its 82-year-old family roofing company to new heights
In 1927, when J.T. Cazeault & Sons Inc. was started, the economy was devastated by the stock market crash. This did not stop Pierson Cazeault and his father from persevering and building their roofing business. Today, as the fourth generation takes over, the outlook is ironically similar.
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Super Salesman
It’s all about closing the deal for Oreck’s Anthony LaGreca
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Technology revolutionizes the hearing aid just in time for baby boomers
You can’t see the miniature hearing devices, even with her short styled hair. The two small devices are not only totally computerized, but they communicate wirelessly with each other, instantly adjusting to the sounds and voices that often come from opposite directions.
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A vision for health
Eye Health Services offers total eye care solutions
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Turning dreams of a small-business owner into reality, one challenging step after another
Jon Bond is like many small business owners: He started his company so he could be independent and follow his dreams. He even brought his wife and son into his printing firm so it would truly be a family affair.
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Green, thin and paperless
This case study exemplifies the benefits of a well-thought-out technology plan utilizing a terminal server to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
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In an uncertain job market, how will you stand out from the competition?
As the Massachusetts job market continues to shift and evolve, so must the training, education and development of its workforce. For adults without a college degree or career-enhancing certificate, this evolution is now critical.
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Managing your telecommunications needs
No matter the industry, the basis of every business is communication – communication with your clients, prospective customers, business associates and staff. While technology can clearly make this interaction easier, the plethora of options can also make the decisions about where to spend your communications dollars more difficult. And once you have chosen your telephone, Internet connectivity, hardware and more, you are faced with the best way to integrate these tools with each other and into your business operations.
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Using temporary employees to relieve 10 common business headaches
Everyone knows a contingent or temporary worker can act as a band-aid when a worker calls in sick or will be out on a long leave. But if that’s the only way you think of temporary employees, you may be underestimating their value as true pain relievers. Used properly, temporaries can cure all kinds of business headaches – from pressure headaches like meeting tight deadlines to migraines caused by bad hires.
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How does the new stimulus package affect COBRA?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) was signed on February 17, 2009. Included in the stimulus package are some changes to COBRA that all Massachusetts employers need to address prior to April 18, 2009.
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Subleasing: An advantageous alternative
With the recent economic downturns affecting most sectors, businesses of all types are trying to maximize revenue while minimizing expenses.
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Plymouth County real estate shows signs of life
In a pleasant change, there is some good news on the real estate front. Lower interest rates and a spring market combined to increase the number of sales and mortgages recorded in Plymouth County last month, reported Plymouth County Register of Deeds John R. Buckley Jr.
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The Law at Work: New FMLA regulations
I read there are new FMLA rules going into effect this year. Can you please explain which of these, if any, apply to employers and when they become effective?
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Plymouth County unemployment increases 3 percent
While Plymouth County has not experienced quite as dramatic an increase as Cape Cod, its unemployment rate has risen significantly since last year.
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Navigating through the economic crisis…Four critical ingredients
Sustainability is the key word here. Tinkering with small changes by just reducing prices and/or cutting costs here and there, that is not part of an overall strategy that is longer than just trying to survive to next week with the hope that things will get a little better, is a sure fire way to get caught in the recession’s death grip. To navigate through the crisis, there are four critical areas that need to be addressed by management.
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Today's commercial real estate market adds urgency to sale-leasebacks
While investment sales have tanked in most U.S. markets across every property type, interest remains keen in sale-leaseback transactions as more cash-strapped companies look at their non-income-producing assets as an alternative capital source for reducing debt or funding operations. Businesses of all types, under pressure to quickly boost liquidity, have stepped up their push for sale-leasebacks as an avenue to monetize their assets. Banks have sold off their retail branches and office buildings in response to declining capital positions. Retailers have sold and leased back store locations, corporate headquarters offices and distribution facilities, in response to steep declines at the cash register.
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While big banks suffer, tiny First Citizens’ thrives
Sticking to the basics and emphasizing safety prove a winning combination for credit union’s new CEO
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Partnering for focused growth
Young and female, this Pinehills-based CPA firm is identifying new markets and models to steadily grow
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Commercial real estate market shows strength
While the woes of the residential real estate market are a frequent topic of conversation, the commercial market is actually holding its own in this challenging economy. Ben Stout of Atlantic Properties has provided a sampling of recent transactions in Plymouth County—showing a clear diversity of businesses and properties, and a certain confidence in the region’s economic future.
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Plymouth County Wages and Salaries
To view or download a PDF listing a variety of Plymouth County wages and salaries, click here.
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Plymouth County Bank Deposit Share
To view or download a PDF with a chart of all FDIC-insured banks in Plymouth County, click here.
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Newly incorporated businesses in Plymouth County: Jan.-Oct. 2008
To view or download a PDF listing newly incorporated businesses in Plymouth County for the period January 2008 to October 2008, click here.
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How does the Massachusetts Health Reform Law affect your business?
With the advent of the health reform legislation in Massachusetts a few years ago, health insurance regulations for business owners and operators have become much stricter, and are being updated frequently. How can you figure out which rules apply to your business? To read the rest of this article and see a flow chart that will help you determine your level of responsibility, click here.
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RHCI: Expanding advanced rehabilitation services
A young woman who suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car accident, a middle-aged athlete who sustained multiple fractures in a cycling accident, a boy born without legs who now plays soccer, a popular artist who lost the use of her arm and leg after a stroke, and a professional golfer who’s back in the game after back surgery – these represent the range of people cared for by the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Cape and Islands in East Sandwich.
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Tracing the Tracy line
This family has been in car business for a century – but today’s environment is a whole new world
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A breath of fresh air
Tamarack markets its new-age house fans as a green, economical alternative to air-conditioning
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Trash talk
A Kingston father/son team shows companies how their garbage is anything but rubbish
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Inspired by the Pilgrims
This corporate émigré brews a new career
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The Law at Work: Performance appraisals
Cape Business consultant Beth O'Neal, Esq., of Masterman, Culbert and Tully LLP discusses performance appraisals.
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What Beacon Hill is telling business for 2009
Almost 439,000 Massachusetts residents have signed up with private or state-subsidized health coverage under a 2006 Massachusetts law requiring individuals to obtain health insurance or pay a penalty. Before the new law, there were as many as 650,000 uninsured people in Massachusetts.
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Deductibles vs. co-pays
Apart from the sagging economy, the No. 1 issue facing most small businesses today continues to be the rising cost of health insurance for employees. As health insurance premiums increase an average 9.5 percent in 2009, obtaining the most cost-effective plan is a high priority.
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Does this law apply to your business? If so, watch out
Very few businesses are even aware that a new law will be implemented by April – and it promises to add time and expense to your operations.
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Refinancing boom a boon to local banks
Fewer homes sales, mortgages and dropping residential equity has taken its toll on bank lending. In recent weeks, however, lower interest rates have created a boom in refinancing current home loans.
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Finding your customer with laser-like efficiency
The Cape Business Marketing Toolbox: A continuing series of articles by the editor of Cape Business on how to market your company in 2009
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Save money, time and the environment: Go paperless
What can you learn from this case study?
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Get ready to spend more on your company’s health insurance
The big surprise is mandatory drug coverage – some at steep costs
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Chambers step up promotion in tight economy
“Market better. Brand better. Get your name out there. As things start to turn around, people will know to go to your store.” That’s a positive, upbeat message to local retailers from chamber of commerce leaders such as Deborah Converse, president and CEO of the Hyannis Area Chamber of Commerce.
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Q&A with Chris Richards, Vice President/Senior Commercial Lender, The Community Bank
In the midst of a challenging economy, Q&A will be interviewing local lenders in the magazine and at capebusiness.net to give you the best advice to weather the storm.
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Using technology to be your own H.R. department
A conversation with Rob Byers, COO of MyPayrollHR.com
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Plymouth home sales down 10 percent over the year; foreclosure rates improving
Plymouth County real estate sales in November remained on roughly the same pace as in recent months, with the volume of deeds down 10% from 2007, reported Register of Deeds John R. Buckley, Jr. Through eleven months of 2008, Plymouth County has recorded 6,912 deeds, down from 7,709 during the same period last year.
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Plymouth - Working together for growth
The town of Plymouth is a hub of the South Shore, both economically and culturally. Plymouth County Business spoke to officials from the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce to get their insight on the town’s challenges and opportunities, as well as a vision for the future.
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The Market at The Pinehills - This new food emporium is rooted in the hospitality industry
For The Market located at The Pinehills, it is back to the future.
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Jordan Health Systems' CEO - Peter Holden brings 30 years of experience to a new world of fiscal, medical challenges
Peter Holden considers himself “one of the lucky ones.” Even as a youngster growing up in Arlington, he already knew he wanted to dedicate his life to health care.
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Cape Cod Canal - Barrier no more
Quietly, without fanfare, businesses that began on Cape Cod a century or more ago are becoming a regional force by expanding throughout Southeastern New England.
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Turning a tinkerer's passion into a thriving electronics company
Wareham-based SMH Electronics is also turning increasingly 'green'
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Riding the wireless and cellular wave
Born in a basement, Industrial Communications has evolved into a dynamic communications enterprise
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Plymouth home sales bounce back; but foreclosures continue to mount
On the heels of sluggish sales in August and September, Plymouth County’s Register of Deeds reports an increase in the number of home sales and refinances during October.
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Work, the law and your business
Reviewing and retaining employee personnel records
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Who is the man behind Plymouth Rock Studios?
David Kirkpatrick can boast 200 films in his repertoire. Yet, with a lifetime of artistic and financial success behind him, he is marching to a new vision, returning to childhood roots where his family once vacationed in Plymouth - when he only dreamed of Hollywood.
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Duxbury Looking Ahead
Duxbury is a South Shore gem, a historic waterfront community boasting three quaint village centers, a very wealthy residential population, easy proximity to Boston and ever-growing access to rail transportation for easy commuting. Statistically, its unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in 2007, below the state level; and its median household buying power is more than twice the national average.
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Opportunities and challenges
Plymouth County Business spoke with a number of town officials and businesspeople to gain their perspectives on Duxbury’s strengths, weaknesses and economic development.
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Duxbury Business Association
Its growth reflects a changing economy and population
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French Memories
South Shore bakery copes with rising commodity and gas prices amid a slowing economy
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Foodie's
Expanding from the South End to the South Shore brings opportunity, but also new risks
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The Duxbury Clipper
Still sailing despite choppy seas roiling newspaper industry
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Q&A with David Robinson & Mike Sheehan
The South Shore Young Professionals
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It's about more than money
It's about choices, values and happiness in life
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Where is the economy heading?
Four experts forecast the second half of 2008
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Merging homes, stores and offices
The Village may be a model for Hanover's future.
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Pay it forward
The Hanover Chamber of Commerce stays relevant in a tough economy by reaching out to members, local chambers.
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Living 55+
Several residential projects are catering to the baby boomers. Will the concept hold up during the housing downturn?
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ZRC Wordlwide: Success on an international scale
Longtime South Shore manufacturer now sells 35 percent of its product abroad. Can your company become an international player?
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Balancing Growth & Quality of Life
An ambitious mixed-use development, a new Target store, the prospect of a hotel and conference center, the widening of Route 53, the completion of three new 55-plus housing communities and prospects for a new $60 million high school.
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Hanover - Past, present and future
“When Hanover Mall opened, it changed what was a country road into a major thoroughfare,” recalled Realtor Dick Stevens, who moved to Hanover in 1976. “Consequent development has been both positive and negative, but overall, it has added to the quality of life – not only for Hanover, but for the entire region,” he says.
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Route 53: new developments and infrastructure
Hanover hits the big time with dual retail, infrastructure projects
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Hanover's Challenges & Opportunities
Plymouth County Business spoke with a number of town officials and businesspeople to gain their perspectives on Hanover’s strengths, weaknesses and economic development.
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Bullish about the Hanover market
Hingham Savings expands south
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Living longer necessitates learning
Women need to take part in financial planning
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Leadership: A communication approach
While some people are ‘born leaders,’ others tend to back away from leadership roles for fear of the power or responsibility that comes with the role. The truth is that we are all leaders in some aspect of our lives and perform leadership duties on a daily basis. To be a truly effective leader, you need communications skills to negotiate and inspire people through change. Developing a strong repertoire of communication skills can help to advance your career as well as contribute to the success of all professional and personal relationships.
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Looking overseas for the next business opportunity
You don't have to be big to export
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Now or Never
Plymouth Rock Studios project is on the fast track.
Will officials respond in time?
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Insurance and Beyond
A new strategic relationship helps Rogers & Gray diversify into financial services across the South Shore
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HarborOne - expanding into Plymouth reinvesting in Brockton
Credit unions are shedding their once humble image. HarborOne CEO James Blake explains how focusing on his organization’s strengths helps beat the big guys.
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A new challenge in his eighth decade
Sandy Blitz takes over the regional SBA office after helping launch a technology incubator
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Celebrating Success 2008
As part of its Celebrating Success awards program, the Massachusetts Small Business Administration has honored 11 companies and organizations from across the state. We are proud to share the winners with our readers.
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Hanover's Challenges & Opportunities
Plymouth County Business spoke with a number of town officials and businesspeople to gain their perspectives on Hanover’s strengths, weaknesses and economic development.
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A worldview
Longtime South Shore manufacturer now sells 35 percent of its products abroad. Can your company become an international player?
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How much has your home value changed?
The home market across Cape Cod and Plymouth County certainly has felt the sting of the nation’s housing downturn. Signs of optimism early in 2007 continually eroded, with forecasts of a recovery first expected last fall now postponed at least until this autumn.
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Plymouth voters approve initial movie studio plan
An overwhelming 88 percent of Plymouth voters expressed support on Saturday for Plymouth Rock Studios proposal to build a movie studio complex on 350 acres of town-owned land.
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Small businesses can act like big companies
For years, large companies have relied on Microsoft tools such as Outlook and SharePoint to increase productivity. Using them, employees can access and synchronize e-mail from work, home or via mobile phones and laptops. They also can collaborate among themselves and clients by sharing calendars, documents and even project tasks.
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Despite housing dip in South Shore, commercial activity remains strong
Despite current uncertainties facing the residential market, activity remains strong for the commercial side of the industry. Land that once cost $100,000 an acre is now in the $200,000 to $300,000 range – and rising.
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Island Creek Oysters: Local coop extends its reach
Duxbury native Skip Bennett founded Island Creek Oysters 15 years ago after becoming fascinated with aquaculture. His company functions as a true farmers’ cooperative, with growers leasing plots from the town of Duxbury and farming year-round in Duxbury Bay.
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The town of Plymouth: Past, present and future
Plymouth, the largest town in Massachusetts, is on the verge of unprecedented development. The biggest question facing the town is: What kind of development?
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Planning Plymouth: From the town official’s point of view
The town of Plymouth is experiencing unprecedented economic development. Plymouth County Business sat with town Planning Director Lee Hartmann and Senior Planner Valerie Massard recently to gain their insight.
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A new chapter for Cordage Park
It’s called 40R; and it’s at the heart of North Plymouth’s renaissance.
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Cordage Park: Two brothers’ vision is coming into stark focus
Joe and Lou Jannetty’s latest endeavor seems to have all the elements for success – the 3-quarter-mile waterfront, the Old Colony train station, the surrounding infrastructure, Plymouth’s rapidly changing demographics and economy.
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The Pinehills
This town within a town reflects Plymouth’s rapid transformation – among residents and businesses.
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From the South Shore to Dubai
Architect Len Cubellis’ firm is rapidly expanding, with more than 370 colleagues from Chicago to Florida – and beyond.
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Colony Place: Field of dreams
Saxon Partners built Colony Place with confidence the shoppers will come: It’s not quite a corn patch in Iowa transformed into a magical baseball diamond, but it’s the Plymouth version of a field of dreams.
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Two sides of the Cape Cod Canal
On one side, a stalled CanalSide Commons; on the other, a fast-tracked Wareham Crossing: Location, location, location – that oft-repeated mantra was never truer than on the shores of the Cape Cod Canal.
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Today’s commercial real estate market adds urgency and profits to sale-leasebacks
Do you have a large portion of your balance sheet tied up with your real estate assets, effectively making only a 7.5 percent to 8 percent return on value in today’s market? If so, that money invested in bricks and mortar might be better spent elsewhere.







