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The air down there…Todson brings Topeak’s CO2 Bra Race Pod to U.S. market.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

Besides a flat, nothing puts a damper on a brisk afternoon of cycling than having to stop and put air in your tires. What makes the task even more burdensome is finding a place for your pump and other tools that: (a.) don’t get in the way and (b) sufficiently fill your tires. Topeak’s CO2 Bra Race Pod fills the bill on both counts.

Equipped with Velcro straps, the Race Pod’s compact body (5.5” x 2.5” x 2.2”; .59 lb.) adheres neatly and securely to your bike seat post. The Pod also comes equipped with an efficient air supply and inflation system in the form of Topeak’s reddot design award-winning CO2 Bra CO2 inflator, complete with two threaded CO2 cartridges.

“The beauty of the Race Pod is that it is so compact, you can strap it on to your bike seat post and you really don’t know it’s there until you actually need it,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson Inc, Topeak’s U.S. distributor. “Because it comes with two CO2 cartridges, you always have more than adequate air supply.”

The CO2 Bra CO2 Inflator features:

  • Ergonomic handle that fits comfortably in hand for a better grip while inflating.
  • Flip-up thumb lever to allow precise flow control
  • Visual pressure indicator to tell you when cartridge is ready to inflate
  • Safety ring to prevent accidental puncture during transport
  • CO2 cartridge head works with both Presta and Schrader vales and features integrated dust cap

In addition to the inflator and cartridges, the Race Pod includes two tire levers made from engineering grade plastic. Ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in your hand, the two levers snap together for easy storage in the Race Pod.

“With the Race Pod, you can inflate your times much like you would at a service station—without pumping—and without the inconvenience of having to carry a tool kit or pump in your backpack or other storage area,” said Todrys.

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

The air down there…Todson brings Topeak’s CO2 Bra Race Pod to U.S. market.Read More

A fiver… DirectBuy of St. Louis East (IL) celebrates fifth anniversary.

COLLINSVILLE, ILLINOIS…

For five years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the greater East St. Louis area a new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

“Being in business five years is certainly a milestone worth recognizing, especially in the economy we’ve had the past few years” said Rick Lolly, owner of DirectBuy of St. Louis-East. “On the other hand, the economy has reinforced our decision to go into business because we’ve seen firsthand how DirectBuy helps our members literally save thousands of dollars on their home improvement projects.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of St. Louis-East offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our five years in business has brought with it an opportunity to become a part of the local business community as well as help out our members,” said Lolly. “We look forward to building on those relationships during the next four years.”

Since 2005, DirectBuy of St. Louis-East has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 1601 Eastport Plaza Drive, Suite 101 in Collinsville, Illinois, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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 U.S. 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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

A fiver… DirectBuy of St. Louis East (IL) celebrates fifth anniversary.Read More

Franchising your way to retirement…How semi-retireds turn to franchising to set up their retirement.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Owning and operating a franchise may be a great way to fund your retirement. Yet for more and more people who take an early retirement, it’s become a way to ease into full-time retirement. Franchising has even become a vehicle for some semi-retirees to move to their desired retirement destination.

“The common perception of owning a franchise is that it becomes your life 24/7 unless you have deep pockets and can hire somebody to run your business,” said Peter Hans, owner of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “There are many franchise opportunities out there, like Resort Maps, that are cyclical or seasonal that you can adapt to your lifestyle and that’s drawing a lot of retirees who are not ready to completely slow down.

Resort Maps publishes customized travel maps in more than 95 communities across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas, by advertisers and at other locations. The owners of the Charleston, South Carolina Resort Maps typify the new trend in franchisees.

Hailing from central Pennsylvania, David and Mary Kay purchased a second home in Charleston in 2006. Since that time, both David, a clinical psychologist, and Mary Kay, healthcare and retail sales, retired from their respective careers. Not quite ready for full-time retirement and looking for a way to assimilate into their new hometown, the couple purchased the Best of Charleston Resort Maps franchise from their then neighbor.

“Resort Maps is a great business opportunity for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great product that provides a great vehicle for advertisers to showcase their businesses while offering invaluable service to people visiting Charleston,” said David McLane. “The other main appeal of the Resort Maps business opportunity is that it fits our lifestyle and gives us a chance to meet and know more people in the Charleston community.”

Allan Groves, 68, first became familiar with Resort Maps in the 1990s while living in Massachusetts. An economist and entrepreneur, Groves was semi-retired when he and his wife Camille relocated to Monterey to be closer to their two grown daughters. Faced with the realization that their nest egg might not be enough for full-time retirement, he purchased the Best of Monterey map in 2005 and the Best of Carmel map in 2007.

Besides providing an income, the Resort Maps opened other doors for Groves. “One of my passions is politics. As someone who has been deeply affected by the healthcare situation in this country it was very important for me to be a part of the most recent presidential election,” said Groves. “Because Resort Maps is seasonal, I had the flexibility to be a three-county volunteer coordinator for President Obama’s California efforts and I ended up overseeing 500 other volunteers.  I don’t want to overstate my role in helping get the President elected, but I am grateful that the Resort Maps franchise opportunity offered the freedom to work for him.”

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 95 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.

Adds Hans, “We’re probably a little different than most franchise opportunities. It’s the charge of our franchise owners to find advertisers for the map in their territory. The time frame in which the franchise owner finds those advertisers is totally up to them. So they’re not stuck in the 9-to-5, Monday through Friday, 12 months a year grind. An opportunity like that fits into the lifestyle of many sixty-somethings as well as single mothers, couples, recent graduates or even current college students.”

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 95 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Franchising your way to retirement…How semi-retireds turn to franchising to set up their retirement.Read More

“Rock for RSD” Show Featuring Local Bands to be held at Plymouth Memorial Hall on May 29th

Help support a great cause and make a difference in the lives of people with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) by attending Sammie Barrett’s “Rock for RSD” show at Plymouth Memorial Hall, 83 Court Street in Plymouth, on Saturday, May 29, 2010.

“Rock for RSD” is sponsored by King Collision Centers of Plymouth, Raynham and Pembroke.

The show was developed by Ms. Barrett to create awareness for RSD and to help raise money for a cure. Proceeds are donated to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA).

Ms. Barrett, who is a junior at Plymouth High School, was diagnosed with RSD in eighth grade after she sprained her ankle in ballet. RSD is a chronic, painful and progressive neurological condition that can develop after an injury or surgery. It can affect the bones, joints, skin or muscles. The pain can start in one area, then spread to other areas and may or may not include nerve injury. According to the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association of America (RSDSA), the condition develops after one to two percent of bone fractures. The condition is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

This is the second annual Rock for RSD show to raise awareness of RSD, and it will feature nine great local bands: New Ditty, TooBoKou, Wicked Sea of Lions, Dilysi, Walk Harbor City, Life on Hold, The Hollow Sound, Groove Juice, and (The) Jefferson Concorde.

Advanced tickets are on sale for $10 at Plymouth Memorial Hall and online at http://www.memorialhall.com/rsd.html.

Tickets will be $15 at the door on the night of the show. To order tickets by phone, contact 508-747-1622 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Box office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and calling ahead is advised.

Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts

Founded in 1984 by Bruce King, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. The company is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals’ help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its pre-accident operation, safety and value. King Collision Centers have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.

King Collision Centers continues to build strategic alliances with auto dealerships that want to offer collision repair services on-site, through strategic alliances such as the one with Mastria Auto Group in Raynham.

King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke, Plymouth and Raynham, MA.

For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005.

“Rock for RSD” Show Featuring Local Bands to be held at Plymouth Memorial Hall on May 29thRead More

ECI Biotech presents at 2010 Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) Annual Conference.

DATELINE: WORCESTER, MA…
Dr. Mitchell Sanders, the CEO and Founder of ECI Biotech of Worcester, MA, a premier developer of low cost and rapid diagnostics trademarked as ExpressDetect, was recently a presenter at the 2010 Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) Annual Conference.

Addressing the BioBusiness Nexus: BioShowcase portion of the conference, Dr. Sanders presented an overview of ECI’s approach to the challenge of translating its technologies into actual products and applications, emphasizing the connection between lab based research and real life applications.

The ExpressDetect sensors that ECI Biotech has developed are low cost, rapid, safe, and simple enough for incorporation into a variety of products that can provide rapid infection diagnostics for use in professional as well as consumer OTC markets. ECI’s target markets for its products include: feminine care, wound care, oral care, and hospital infection control.

Advancing the concept of biology based engineering, ECI’s technologies relate to the detection of microbial pathogens and are of particular value for diagnostic sensors. ECI’s emergent 2011 product line will include diagnostic products targeted at prognosing chronic and acute wound infections which will improve chronic wound care and alleviate patient suffering.”

IBE
The Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) is a professional organization that encourages inquiry and interest in biological engineering. IBE supports the community of scientists and engineers that are addressing global challenges in the environment, resources, energy, health, and sustainability through biological systems analysis and design.

IBE enhances and promotes biological engineering in the broadest manner through research, education, and professional development. The emerging discipline of biological engineering interfaces biological sciences, engineering sciences, mathematics and computational sciences as it applies biological systems to enhance the quality and diversity of life.

ECI Biotech
Founded in 1998, ECI Biotech is a premier developer of low cost and rapid diagnostics trademarked as ExpressDetect. ECI’s first diagnostic products going to launch in 2011 are targeted at prognosing chronic and acute wound infections. With 18 patents pending and six patents issued, ECI currently has several corporate partnerships with industry leaders in both consumer and professional healthcare.

ECI’s target markets for its products include: wound care, women’s health, oral care, and baby care. ECI Biotech’s product pipeline includes a diagnostic sensor for urinary tract infections, as well as advanced wound care systems that provide early warning of emergent infections and promote healing.

ECI Biotech’s headquarters are located at 85 Prescott Street, in Worcester, Massachusetts. For additional information please contact Dr. Mitchell Sanders at sanders@ecibiotech.com, call 508-752-2209, or visit www.ecibiotech.com.

ECI Biotech presents at 2010 Institute of Biological Engineering (IBE) Annual Conference.Read More

Good things come in threes… DirectBuy of Pinellas County celebrates third anniversary.

PINELLAS COUNTY, FLORIDA…

For three years, DirectBuy Club has been offering consumers in the Pinellas County area a new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

“We’ve enjoyed our first three years getting to know our members and helping families in the area realize their dreams, as well as establishing ourselves as part of our community,” said Debbie Wisniewski, co-owner of DirectBuy of Pinellas County. “We’ve made many friends over the last three years and are looking forward to making many more while helping them buy better and spend less.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Pinellas County offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“There’s nothing like the feeling you get when helping members put together a new kitchen or bath they never thought was even possible,” said Pete Wisniewski, co-owner of DirectBuy of Pinellas County. “We’re also thrilled when members share their excitement over their new furniture or what they can now afford for Mother’s Day or any other holiday.”

Since 2007, DirectBuy of Pinellas County has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 8040 Bryan Dairy Road, Suite B in Largo, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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 U.S. 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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Good things come in threes… DirectBuy of Pinellas County celebrates third anniversary.Read More

Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Announces Service Partner Program

A heating, cooling or plumbing emergency is never something you want to experience, but it can happen when you least expect it. Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has recently announced Heating, Cooling and Plumbing Service Partner programs which include annual tune-ups and maintenance to help ensure that those emergencies don’t happen.

Many homeowners aren’t aware that regularly scheduled service can reduce breakdowns by as much as 95 percent and lower utility bills by as much as 30 percent. In an effort to keep homeowners’ heating, cooling and plumbing systems in tip-top shape, Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, providers of plumbing and home services to thousands of residents throughout eastern Massachusetts, offers Service Partner programs with benefits that include:

Annual high-performance tune-up and maintenance at no cost.

A 15 percent discount on program-related work.

Tune-up reminders. Winters contacts homeowners to schedule tune-ups, so there’s one less thing for homeowners to worry about.

Priority service scheduling.

Transferable service partner agreement. If a homeowner moves to a new home, the agreement may be transferred to the new property or to the buyer of the property that has just sold.

Homeowners have three Service Partner options. They may choose to enroll in one Heating, Cooling or Plumbing Service Partner program, or they may choose to enroll in two of the three (such as heating and plumbing) or all three programs for complete system coverage. One program is $6.95 per month. Any two programs cost $12.95 per month and all three programs cost $19.90 per month.

“Maintenance really is the key to keeping home systems in great shape. Plus, it enables us to catch any small system issues before they turn into big, expensive problems. With everything our Service Partner programs have to offer, homeowners also get the peace of mind knowing that Winters Company is there for them,” noted Tim Flynn, president of Winters Company.

To enroll in a Service Partner program, contact Winters Company at (617) 484-2121.

About Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winter Company’s trusted professionals are trained to care for a home’s systems as well as the home and homeowner. All of Winter’s technicians undergo drug-testing and background checks, ensuring that only first-rate providers comprise Winter’s team.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintersplumbing.com.

Winters Company Plumbing, Heating & Cooling Announces Service Partner ProgramRead More

Volunteers needed for Old Sandwich Road Race on June 6.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

On June 6, the first ever Old Sandwich Road Race will take place on, you guessed it, Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth, Mass—the oldest road in America. Volunteers are needed in all areas of this race, which includes a half marathon starting on Old Sandwich Road near Ellisville Harbor State Park, and a 10k starting at Plimouth Plantation. Both races will finish at Plymouth South High School.

“As a first year race with two starting locations, we need all the help we can get. That includes behind the scenes prior to the race and volunteers to help before, during and after the race,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, race director for the Old Sandwich Road Race. “So while it’s going to be a lot of work, it’s also going to be a lot of fun and the profits from the race are going to a very good cause, The Home for Little Wanderer’s Baird Center in Plymouth.”

The Baird Center School is a year-round residential and day school treatment program for youth aged 10-18 with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, educational and psychiatric issues. Adding yet another historical element to the Old Sandwich Road Race, The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest non-profit child and family service agency, with roots dating back to 1799.

In addition the 10k and half marathon, the Old Sandwich Road Race will also include a Kids Classic. The Kids Classic features four one-mile kids’ races with age groups from 7 to 14 years of age and a children’s fun sprint of 100 meters. The Kids Classic will take place on the track at Plymouth South High School.

“We have a strong board of volunteers who have taken the Race this far but with essentially three starting locations and a large finish line area, not to mention pre-race registration, water stops along the way and all the other jobs that go into a race, we need some help,” said Brenner. “Anybody who wants to be a part of a fun, one-of-a-kind, historic road race that will benefit the people and businesses of America’s hometown of Plymouth are welcome.”

Those interested in volunteering can do so online by going to http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com/volunteer.php. For companies interested in sponsoring the Old Sandwich Road Race, the minimum sponsorship is $250. Current sponsors include: Entergy, Retrofit Technologies, Bayside Runner, King Collision Centers and the Village Racquet & Fitness Club at the Pinehills.

Originally a trail used by the Wampanoag Native American tribe, Old Sandwich Road later became the nation’s first true public road and a stagecoach route to ferry passengers and mail back and forth between the Massachusetts towns of Plymouth and Sandwich. Today, the road remains pretty much as the Pilgrims left it–a wide, scenic, dirt road bordered by beautiful tall pine trees and towering oaks.

For information about the race and registration, please visit http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com.

Volunteers needed for Old Sandwich Road Race on June 6.Read More

Plymouth high school students are In Control…Nicholas Tosi and Thomas Cipriano win Plymouth Safe Driving drawing.

(l-r) Greg Bedrosian, of Commerce Insurance, Bruce King, of King Collision Centers present certificate to Plymouth South Sophomore Thomas Cipriano.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Plymouth South High School Sophomore Thomas Cipriano and Plymouth North High School Junior Nicholas Tosi were recently selected as the winners of the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign’s In Control drawing. As winners, each will be able to take In Control’s Crash Prevention Training course, ordinarily a $350 value, for free.

The drawing to win the In Control class was a bit different than your typical raffle. To enter the drawing, students had to sign an agreement with their parents on a code of conduct while driving and submit it to their school’s principal to be eligible.

“I heard about the contract and drawing in my advisory and I wanted to be a part of it,” said Cipriano, who is eligible for his permit next month.

Tosi learned about In Control drawing while attending the Social Host Liability Evening, a prerequisite for students to attend Plymouth North’s prom. At the suggestion of his mother, Tosi signed the contract and entered the drawing.

“I don’t want to do anything stupid out there,” said Tosi, who has had his license for three months. “The agreement has been a great reminder to stay focused on driving safer.”

In addition to not having to pay for the course, the benefits of the In Control Crash Prevention course are significant. For starters, most insurance companies offer a discount on auto insurance for drivers young and old who have taken the course. More importantly, young drivers who take the In Control crash are more than 70 percent less likely to be in an automobile crash than young drivers who have not.

“Part of why we started the Plymouth Safe Driving campaign was to increase awareness and if it prevented one kid from getting hurt in a crash, it would be worth it,” said Bruce King of King Collision Centers, one of the four sponsors of the campaign (Plymouth Police Department, Plymouth Public Schools and Commerce Insurance being the others). “It’s nice to know that two young drivers will have the benefit of the In Control crash and hopefully become better drivers because of it.”

As part of the Plymouth Safe Driving campaign, students and parents interested in taking the In Control class can receive a 10 percent discount off the cost of the class by registering via the campaign’s Web site, www.plymouthsafedriving.org.

Another component of the Plymouth Safe Driving campaign has been the donation of a 2005 Mazda 6 by Commerce Insurance to the Technical Studies program at Plymouth South. Auto repair students have been fixing up the crashed vehicle and a drawing to win the car will take place on May 26. Tickets are $10 a piece and are available at both Plymouth South High School and at Plymouth North High School’s school stores. Students under the age of 18 must be licensed drivers in order to purchase a ticket.

In addition, tickets are also available at NAPA Manomet Auto Supply, 21 Robert J. Way in Plymouth, King Collision Centers, 48 Holman Road in Plymouth, and at South Side Cruise Night, to be held every Wednesday night in May at Plymouth South High School (May 5, May 12, May 19 and May 26). The winner will be drawn on May 26 at the South Side Cruise Night at Plymouth South.

Proceeds from the sale of the vehicle will go back into SkillsUSA, the non-profit funding source for the technical studies program at both Plymouth North and Plymouth South High School.

For updates on latest events and activities related to the Plymouth Safe Driving program and additional safety information, please visit www.plymouthsafedriving.org.

Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts

Founded in 1984 by Bruce King, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. King Collision is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its pre-accident operation, safety and value.

King Collision Centers was voted “Best Collision Repair” by Market Surveys of America and they have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.  That includes being part of Commerce Insurance’s CARES (Commerce Auto Express Repair Service) Shops, an elite program that includes approximately 120 collision shops across Massachusetts.

The company continues to build strategic alliances with auto dealerships, enabling dealerships to offer collision repair services on-site – similar to their alignment with Mastria Auto Group in Raynham.

King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke, Plymouth and most recently, Raynham, MA. For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005

Plymouth high school students are In Control…Nicholas Tosi and Thomas Cipriano win Plymouth Safe Driving drawing.Read More