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DirectBuy of Barrie holding charity toy drive. Donations from December 11th charity event to help families in need.

BARRIE, ONTARIO…

On December 11, 2010, the owners and staff at DirectBuy of Barrie, in association with Rock 95 and Kool FM radio stations, will be collecting unwrapped toys that will go to several local charities for distribution to families in need. As part of the event, both members as well as the general public are invited to visit the DirectBuy of Barrie location from 1:00pm to 5:00pm to donate a toy that will most certainly put a smile on the face of a deserving child this holiday season.

“Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to give than to help a family in need by putting a present under the tree for a child who wouldn’t otherwise receive one,” said Christine Demarsh, owner of DirectBuy of Barrie. “The stimulation, happiness and memories that toys provide are very important to the growth of children, and we’re helping to put toys into the hands of those who would otherwise have never gotten them.”

For 20 years, Rock 95 and Kool FM have been helping the community through their Toy Drive efforts to help give families and their children in central Ontario a more enjoyable Christmas. In fact, more than 10,000 toys are distributed annually and more than 5,000 children and families in the region are assisted by their efforts each year.

If you’re unable to make it to DirectBuy of Barrie during the event but still wish to donate a toy or financial assistance, you may drop off a new, unwrapped toy – or make a monetary donation – at the Rock 95 / Kool FM station or anywhere that you see Rock 95 / Kool FM coin box. All toys and monetary donations stay in the communities where they were donated, meaning that those toys and donations made in Barrie will benefit Barrie families in need.

“It’s important that these toy drives are available for those families in our community who find it very difficult to provide their children with presents and toys during the Holidays,” said Demarsh. “We are proud to be involved in such a needed cause.”

DirectBuy of Barrie, located in Bayfield Mall at 320 Bayfield St., in Barrie, Ontario, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Barrie employs product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a members’ lounge to relax in while shopping.

About DirectBuy

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes –from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 145 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com. Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service, and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy of Barrie holding charity toy drive. Donations from December 11th charity event to help families in need.Read More

A kitchen remodel light…Kitchen makeover “effect” for less than $1,000

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Most astute homeowners know that a kitchen remodel is the one home improvement project that comes close to paying for itself at resale. It’s also one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. There are, however, some modest improvements homeowners can make for less than $1,000 that can make a kitchen look brand new.

“There are some people who spend high five figures on kitchen remodels and the results are amazing,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “Yet if your budget isn’t quite that big, smaller improvements can also create a significant upgrade without a major dent in your bank account.”

Vest recommends the following:

  • Adding a backsplash – Whether it’s a bright color or interesting pattern, a backsplash can transform the feel and style of a kitchen. For the average kitchen, that could mean purchasing as little as 20 square feet of tile.
  • Replace fixtures – Replacing your current drab fixtures with glass or ceramic knobs or pulls can add elegance and style to your kitchen. The best part? These are fairly easy to install on your own and you can do it in less than an hour.
  • Kitchen sink – The sink is more of a focal point in the kitchen than you think. Replacing a worn faucet head with a shiny new head polishes off a kitchen with new sophistication. It’s not too difficult to find an entry level faucet in a variety of styles for under $150.
  • Flooring – While most may consider this an expensive undertaking, refinishing a hardwood floor can be completed in less than two days at a reasonable cost through sanding and refinishing. Likewise, if you have tile or ceramic, professionally cleaning and sealing is affordable and can bring an old floor back to life.
  • Changing lighting fixtures – A lighting fixture can transform a kitchen and there is no end to the options and price points for a new chandelier, sconce or fixture. Please consult an electrician if you have no experience with wiring lights.

“As a rule, kitchens seem to draw a crowd and, consequently, show wear and tear a little sooner than most homeowners would like,” said Vest. “By undertaking one or more of these improvements you can capture the effect of remodel without the cost.”

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 145 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A kitchen remodel light…Kitchen makeover “effect” for less than $1,000Read More

Knowing the language…Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recognizes Plymouth North English students.

Tracy Driven Students
Tracy Driven Students

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Taking English in high school is a core requirement for high school students. For some students, that’s difficult enough. But imagine if it was your second language? That’s part of the reason why Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recently honored students in Plymouth North High School’s English Language Learner program as Driven Students of the Month for November.

Maria daSilva teaches the program at Plymouth North High School, which includes 15 students whose native languages include Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese, Vietnamese and Portuguese. The English program is an additional course of study on top of a full course load.

“A good portion of the students who started out in this program prior to high school did not speak or understand English at all,” said daSilva. “It’s a tribute to their character and determination that they not only have picked up the language but how they can then use that knowledge and do well in their classes.”

In fact, of the 15 class members, six made the honor roll for the first quarter. Those students are Wilson Parra, Carla Cardozo, Sharlene Vallecillo, Mi Mi Xiong, Ludmilla Magalhaes, and Kim Khuu. Other members of the class include Gustavo Alves, Vinicius Braga, Kamila Cordeiro, Ana Paula Da Silva, Smerling De los Santos, Mohamed Amine Mena, Fatima Mena, Alexandre Rodrigues,  and Leticia Magalhaes.

For being selected Driven Students of the Month, the class received a pizza party, courtesy of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. In addition to food and drink, the students also received Tracy Chevrolet drink koozies delivered by Tracy’s Service Manager Rick McGue and Business Manager John Fasolino.

“It’s absolutely astounding what these students have been able to accomplish—learning a new language—in such a short period. Then, for several of them to make the honor roll on top of that. It’s amazing,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracey Chevrolet Cadillac.

Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac’s Driven Student program recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.

Knowing the language…Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac recognizes Plymouth North English students.Read More

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

While it’s the objective of most homeowners to run a greener household, the other kind of green—dollars—often dictates how much you can commit. When selecting household appliances like a refrigerator, however, homeowners should consider the potential energy savings more so than the sticker price.

“At this stage of the game, consumers know they should be selecting an Energy Star product, but beyond that, it’s back to how much it costs rather than how much you can save,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “By doing a little research and examining your needs, you can save some green and be green.”

Cohen recommends:

  • Shopping for Energy Star-rated refrigerators that exceed the government’s minimum requirements.
  • Reviewing energy guides supplied by the U.S. government that compare kilowatt-hour usage and estimated yearly energy costs associated with refrigerators. Energy guides are available online.
  • Buying a refrigerator with a highly efficient compressor and good insulation. Poor compression or insulation can allow cool air to escape, which will raise energy costs.
  • Selecting a refrigerator that enables you to choose the exact temperature you desire for both the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Choosing freezer-on-top models that have an energy saver switch, which allows you to deactivate the anti-sweat function. This lowers moisture content, a feature that’s only necessary when humidity is high.
  • Purchasing the smallest refrigerator that will comfortably meet your needs (smaller refrigerators consume less energy than their larger counterparts will because they have to less space to cool).
  • Considering separate refrigerator and freezer units. This will increase the food-storage capabilities of both units and decrease the radiant loss from one compartment to the next (the amount of cold-air “leakage” from the freezer into the refrigerator that occurs with refrigerator/freezer combinations).

“Selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator reminds me of the old expression ‘don’t work harder, work smarter,’” said Cohen. “While it’s an important first step to select an Energy Star-rated refrigerator, doing your due diligence can really make a dent in your monthly energy costs.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from energy-efficient refrigerators to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigeratorRead More

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidays

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

Think of holiday burglars and many hearken back to the bungling thieves in the movie Home Alone. It’s safe to say that most burglars are a bit smarter than the ones tormented by MacCaulay Culkin. As the leading home improvement and furnishing club, DirectBuy of Orlando has some helpful tips on protecting your home for this holiday season and beyond.

“Gifts under the tree and additional vehicles in the driveway belonging to guests—some perhaps from out-of-state—present added incentive for thieves,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “There’s even more opportunity if you happen to go away for the holidays. By following some simple steps, you can safeguard your home against potential break-ins.”

Some hints to ensure a safe, happy holiday season include:

  • Purchase an alarm system and advertise that fact on your exterior windows and doors.
  • Secure your doors and windows at all times, particularly at night.
  • Keep your window shades drawn, particularly near your Christmas tree. Gifts visible from street level provide huge temptation to thieves who may consider smashing the window to grab your packages.
  • Headed out of town for the holidays? Utilize lighting timers for both interior and exterior lights to ensure it appears to outsiders that someone is still at home.
  • After Christmas Day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes on the street for the garbage man, which simply informs burglars of the expensive gifts awaiting them inside your home.
  • Keep your homeowners insurance policy up-to-date.  

“Unfortunately, we don’t all possess the guile of Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister. It’s probably better and safer that way,” said Cohen. “By taking the above precautions, you can provide enough of a deterrent so that thieves leave your home alone.”

DirectBuy offers alarm systems and other items needed to protect your home during the holidays, all at direct insider prices. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the system that works best for their home.

Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidaysRead More

Testing, 1-2-3, testing… Home intercom systems provide security and entertainment.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

It’s difficult to think of an intercom system without conjuring up images of your old apartment and buzzing friends up. Yet a current trend with homeowners is to have an intercom system installed within the home. This not only gives homeowners a convenient way to communicate to household members in other rooms or on other floors but an added safety and security measure.

“Intercom systems can give you ears and, with some systems, eyes, as to what’s going on in your house,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “That can be valuable to parents with little ones or if there is an elderly member of the household who has trouble getting around.”

While an intercom system does enhance household communication, it can also provide an added layer of security for your home—both inside your house and outside. And with wireless options available, an intercom system can be relatively easy to install without being obtrusive.

One other perk to today’s intercom systems is that it gives you the option to play and project your favorite music throughout the house and even on your patio. Today’s intercom systems and speakers can rival most stereos.

“When you think of an intercom, it’s difficult not to think of it as a punch line in a sitcom, like Two and a Half  Men or, for those willing to admit being old enough remember, Carlton the Doorman from Rhoda, the Mary Tyler Moor Show spinoff,” said Vest. “An intercom system can be very useful in communicating with others, tightening up your security, and being a fun way to enjoy your favorite music.”

In addition to intercom systems, DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and merchandise as well as items for home improvement projects to help all homeowners create their dream homes— at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on DirectBuy Club, please visit www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting http://www.directbuy.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Testing, 1-2-3, testing… Home intercom systems provide security and entertainment.Read More