June 14, 2011
May 25, 2011
Head of Staten Island, N.Y.’s only community-based commercial bank says scammers may be attempting to divert assistance in wake of latest natural disasters STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Victory State Bank is reminding business owners and consumers to be alert to scammers seeking to pocket humanitarian-minded donations. “In the wake of recent storms that have crippled some communities […]
May 16, 2011
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Victory State Bank delivers education – literally. Representatives from Staten Island’s only community-based commercial bank recently visited Morris Intermediate School (IS 61) in Brighton Heights, in the spirit of a “Teach Children to Save” initiative. A total of four lessons were given to classes of approximately 30 students each. “Good financial habits […]
May 6, 2011
It can be easy for business owners to ignore their existing customers. After all, you’ve already won them, right? Not necessarily. Even current customers can become prospects again because the minute they complete a purchase, you’ll want to lasso another. Of course, keeping up a constant stream of marketing communications can be daunting. But if the […]
May 5, 2011
There’s no way you’re going to be able to stick to a budget unfailingly. The real world has too many twists and turns and, besides, we humans don’t live our lives as predictably as spreadsheets. And even if you were able to somehow muster the willpower never to deviate from your budget, really, what kind of […]
May 3, 2011
The engineers at Facebook have been busy fine-tuning and adding new features lately, prompting the following primer on what’s new and — more important — what these developments mean for your business. Included among the additions and changes: There’s now a “Send” button for websites. “Deals” on Facebook launched this week, and its “Questions” function is […]
May 2, 2011
May 1, 2011
Parents and families can build on their current safety systems at pools and spas by adopting additional water safety steps, says the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). As pool season rapidly approaches, New York City-based Relevant Public Relations LLC is urging adults to pay notice — and follow the agency’s life-protecting advice. “Any safety advice regarding our children, grandchildren, […]
April 29, 2011
WASHINGTON — The thought of owning a vacation home may sound appealing, but the year-round responsibility — and expense — that come with it may not. Purchasing a timeshare or vacation plan may be an alternative. If you consider a timeshare or vacation plan, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, says it’s […]
April 22, 2011
STAMFORD, CONN. — A pool company president expressed remorse Wednesday in state Superior Court as he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of criminally negligent homicide stemming from the 2007 drowning death of a 6-year-old Greenwich boy. David Lionetti, 55, also entered a guilty plea on behalf of his company, Stamford-based Shoreline Pools Inc., to the charge […]
April 22, 2011
Legitimate letters of credit are NEVER sold or offered as investments Letters of credit are issued by banks to ensure payment for goods shipped in connection with international trade. Payment on a letter of credit generally requires that the paying bank receive documentation certifying that the goods ordered have been shipped and are en route to […]
April 21, 2011
“As the weather warms up, a lot of families are going to be hitting the pool, but would you know what to do in case of an emergency?” asked Today Show host Matt Lauer during a recent segment. In this video clip, reporter Savannah Guthrie features a family who faced such an emergency, and a near […]
April 21, 2011
WASHINGTON — The Federal Trade Commission earlier this week filed contempt charges against a promoter of credit repair and debt relief services and three of his companies, alleging that they continued their deceptive marketing practices in violation of a federal court order. The FTC charged that the defendants tried to take advantage of financially strapped consumers by falsely […]
April 20, 2011
Think blogging is for everyone? Click on this video, and then decide: 12yD8JyaVvY.
April 20, 2011
“The value of good PR is easy to see: Positive news stories help companies retain clients and attract new ones. Delivering that value, though, and at the right price, is hard — and getting harder,” writes Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based PR pro Robert Wynne. I particularly enjoyed reading an article Wynne had written in Forbes magazine back […]
April 20, 2011
Commissioner Mintz Warns New Yorkers to Beware of Fee-Based Debt Settlement Companies NEW YORK — Debt settlement companies lure people struggling with debt by claiming that they will convince creditors to settle debts for less than what’s owed. However, it rarely works. Companies charge high fees and counsel consumers to ignore their debts, which can cause lasting […]
April 19, 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Small businesses seeking to grow their businesses and create jobs through exporting can turn to new, free educational videos created through a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Inc. Magazine and AT&T. Through the public-private partnership, a series of video modules has been developed to inspire and encourage American small businesses to […]
April 13, 2011
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Victory State Bank, a sponsor of Staten Island’s Dine Out Against Hunger initiative, wants to remind consumers about tomorrow’s campaign and the opportunity to help those in need. You don’t need a fancy invitation to get in on Dine Out Against Hunger on Staten Island, explains the Staten Island Advance. Just go to any participating […]