Unleash the Power of The Press

admin

eLove Rolls Out Unique Online Dating Membership Known as eLove Select in Boston and Baltimore Markets

eLove, the first company within the dating industry to offer both online dating and matchmaking services tailored around the stage of life their clients are in, recently announced the availability of “eLove Select” a new level of membership, in the Boston and Baltimore markets.

Designed for singles who are ready to take positive steps to finding their perfect match, yet who are not quite ready to work one-on-one with an eLove matchmaker, eLove Select allows singles to take a few extra steps to really enhance their online dating experience.

elove Select membership helps singles make a strong first impression by separating them from the online dating crowd by giving them the distinction of a Platinum Certified seal attached to all their correspondences within the online community. The Platinum Certified seal is indicative of three things that are important to other online daters who are looking to find their perfect match: that a member has been verified by eLove; s/he is motivated and serious about finding a relationship and s/he has completed an identity and background check.

Not only does this result in more contacts and first dates, an eLove Select member’s profile is also made available to eLove matchmakers. This means that qualified eLove Select members will also be considered as potential candidates for eLove’s private search clientele.

There are a few special requirements of eLove Select members and that includes meeting with an eLove representative and undergoing an identity and criminal background check. elove Select members must also complete eLove’s online registration and compatibility analysis and have a photo taken or validated. elove Select memberships are the only service of this kind offering the security and credibility of offline dating at the low cost of online dating.

“eLove Select online dating members are better able to set themselves apart and make it known that they are serious about finding that someone special. Plus, the Platinum Certification provides that additional level of assurance to others online that these members really are who they say they are,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove. “We’re rolling this program out in the Boston and Baltimore markets first, but it will soon be available throughout the rest of the country.”

elove was recently named one of the top three U.S. matchmakers at the 2010 Internet Dating & Matchmaking Conference (iDate) held in Miami earlier this year. iDate is one of the matchmaking industry’s largest events for Online Dating and Social Networking business management. The 2010 iDate Awards were voted on by industry experts and the general public.

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived. eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate. Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With matchmaking offices in 21 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in: Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Mountain View, Sacramento, Walnut Creek); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Northbrook, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

eLove Rolls Out Unique Online Dating Membership Known as eLove Select in Boston and Baltimore MarketsRead More

Green Dating 101

Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove

NORWELL, MA…

In a world where everyone is trying to do things in a greener, more environmentally friendly way, it makes perfect sense that dating would follow suit. And with nearly 90 million single adults over the 18 in the U.S. alone, how singles go about finding dates and what they do on dates greatly dictates their carbon footprint.

So what exactly constitutes “green dating”? That really depends on your outlook. There are online dating sites specifically for people who prefer to date other green-oriented singles (e.g. vegans). Yet much like individual opinions vary on what’s green, so does the interpretation of what constitutes “green” dating.

“Much like beauty, it’s in the eye of the beholder,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove– the first company within the dating industry offering both online dating and matchmaking services. “But if you’re trying to live a greener lifestyle overall, there are ways you can incorporate that into your dating life.”

Falzone recommends:

  • Turning off your computer after you’re done looking online for potential dates.
  • If you’re meeting somebody on a first date, perhaps you can meet at a venue within walking distance or near public transportation.
  • If a green lifestyle is important to you, be sure to incorporate that into your online dating profile.
  • Volunteer for charitable endeavors in your community as a way to meet potential mates rather than getting into your automobile and bar hopping.
  • Instead of getting in a car and going out to dinner, make your first a trip to the local farmer’s market—then bring the food back home to eat in.
  • Order organic foods and spirits when dining out.
  • If you’re giving flowers to date, take note of the time of year. Giving flowers off season—like during the winter—most likely means the flowers were shipped from some other part of the world. Chocolates will most certainly do during a flower’s off season.
  • Don’t get involved in a long-distance relationship—if you can help it. A long-distance relationship between somebody going back and forth from Washington D.C. to New York City can contribute 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. In theory, it’s just as easy to fall in love with somebody down the street.

“I think most people are trying to live a greener lifestyle, but when it comes to matters of the heart we don’t always think that we can do that greener, too,” said Falzone. “By following just a few of these guidelines, you can find that special someone or enjoying a meaningful relationship and reduce your carbon footprint.”

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived.  eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate.  Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With matchmaking offices in 21 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.                                                                                  

eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in:  Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Mountain View, Sacramento, Walnut Creek); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Northbrook, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

Green Dating 101Read More

April 13th fundraiser featuring local comedians and live auction raises $65,000 to benefit children with disabilities.

Ernie Boch, Jr. and the Automatics

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

A star-studded evening of comedy and music along with a good old fashioned auction helped raise more than $65,000 for The Bridge Center, a non-profit recreation center based in Bridgewater, Massachusetts that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities.

Ernie Boch, Jr. hosted the April 13th benefit held at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre. In addition to performances by Boch’s group, Ernie & the Automatics, five of Boston’s funniest comedians—Patty Ross, Chris Tabb, Paul Nardizzi, Paul D’Angelo and Paul Gilligan—had the near-capacity crowd in stitches.

“This was a phenomenally entertaining night,” said Ron Benedetti, a member of The Bridge Center’s board of directors. “And when you consider the amount of money we raised and the number of children and families who benefit, it’s safe to say Comedy Night was a big hit.”

In addition to comedy and music, the night included a live auction hosted by Susan Wornick of WCVB-TV. Lucky bidders walked off with prizes ranging from opening day tickets to the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins to appearances on The Phantom Gourmet and Eddie Andelman’s Sports Huddle.

“Our first goal of course was to raise money for The Bridge Center but it was great to see so many people having such a wonderful time,” said Dr. Neal Andelman, also a member of The Bridge Center’s board of directors. “Judging by the interest in this year’s show, it’s safe to say we’ll do it again next year.”

 If your company is interested in becoming a corporate sponsor for an organization that wants to make a difference in the lives of young families, please contact Rob Rhuda of The Bridge Center at (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

About The Bridge Center

The mission of The Bridge Center is to support families by providing children with opportunities to build social, emotional and physical skills so they may participate fully in their communities. Founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963 and located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, The Bridge Center is a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups.  For more information, you can visit The Bridge Center’s Web site at (www.TheBridgeCtr.org).

April 13th fundraiser featuring local comedians and live auction raises $65,000 to benefit children with disabilities.Read More

Deerfield resident shoots and scores, wins Blackhawks tickets in DirectBuy Club contest.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

As the leading home improvement and home furnishings club offering direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club has a goal of helping members get more for less. Deerfield resident Esra Ozdaryal found that out firsthand when she visited DirectBuy of Lake County in Gurnee, Illinois, to learn more about membership. After completing an Open House tour, she was entered into a raffle that eventually won her two tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks versus St. Louis Blues game on April 7, 2010.

“Congratulations to Esra Ozdaryal for winning the two tickets to the Blackhawks-Blues game,” said Darrell Richards, the Managing Partner of DirectBuy of Lake County. “Judging by the number of participants we had, this was no small accomplishment.”
 
The drawing was part of a special promotion put on by DirectBuy of Gurnee, DirectBuy of Chicago North, and DirectBuy of DuPage County. Leading up to the drawing on April 2, 2010, fans who attended an Open House during March at any of those DirectBuy Clubs received a piece of authentic NHL memorabilia and were entered into a drawing for the aforementioned tickets to the Blackhawks-Blues game (members of the general public were also invited to enter).
 
“The Hawks have been a hot commodity all year long and fans have been chomping at the bit for the playoffs to begin,” added Richards. “So there’s been quite a bit of interest from our members, guests and staff.

Due to a previous commitment, Esra could not attend the game. The tickets were then donated to the Chicago Boys & Girls Club. One of the Boys & Girls Club members, 16-year-old Shango, and an adult guardian attended the game.

DirectBuy Club offers everything hockey fans could possibly need to watch the game from home – flat screen TVs, recliners, and home theater seating, even kegerators for your den or entertainment room at direct insider prices from your favorite brands. In addition, each DirectBuy Club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the “man cave” or entertainment room that works best for their home.

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or authorized suppliers. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://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 Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; 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 Lake County, 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.

Deerfield resident shoots and scores, wins Blackhawks tickets in DirectBuy Club contest.Read More

Kent, Washington residents win $50,000 home makeover

Gordon and Christina Patchell (second and third from right) receive $50,000 check from DirectBuy of South Seattle staff.

KENT, WASHINGTON…

When Gordon and Christina Patchell walked into DirectBuy of South Seattle on March 5, 2010, they weren’t making their typical visit to the Club to shop. They were about to be handed a $50,000 check to makeover their home, thanks to the Home Makeover contest they entered while attending an Open House at DirectBuy.

“We were considering renovating our kitchen and heard some great things about the savings we could get through DirectBuy, so we decided to check it out,” said Mr. Patchell. “Now we can design the kitchen we’ve always wanted without squabbling over materials – suddenly what grade of granite to get won’t even be a point of debate.”

That kitchen remodel may have been the plan all along, Home Makeover winnings or not, but the Patchells intended to wait a few years before getting started – they knew they would do it “one day” but they were working on building their budget first. Now, with more than adequate funds to get going, they are moving full steam ahead.

“I’m thrilled that this is going to a family that will appreciate the benefits of a DirectBuy membership,” said Steve Pallagi, co-owner of DirectBuy of South Seattle. “I know what this will mean for Gordon and Christina and I’m really excited for them.”

“We were shocked and delighted when we found out we were the grand prize winners,” said Mrs. Patchell. “We both read the letter several times before the news sunk in – we never win anything big, so it was completely unexpected and astounding.” Pallagi was shocked when he found out as well, “This is the first time a DirectBuy Club in Washington has had a Home Makeover winner.”

The Patchells are excited to get started on their big kitchen project, but beyond that, they plan to use the rest of their winnings to redo some other areas of their home. “We are looking forward to making use of our membership,” said Mr. Patchell. “DirectBuy really came through for us.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of South Seattle, located at 7661 South 180th Street in Kent, WA, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of South Seattle employs designers as well as 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 Club

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 Club 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 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy 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.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

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.

Kent, Washington residents win $50,000 home makeoverRead More

Spring now on deck…Get your deck ready for spring and summer entertaining.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

To many homeowners, a deck project is an all-or-nothing proposition. You either rebuild or stand pat. Yet if you’re not in rebuild mode, a spring “makeover” can not only make your deck look better for entertaining, it can also preserve its long-term health.

“Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, winter can do a real number on a deck. So adding ‘cleaning and repairing the deck’ to your spring cleaning chore list is a pretty good idea,” said Mike Georgeff, of DirectBuy. “That can range from tightening loose boards and hammering loose nails, to cleaning your deck with a bleach solution to take care of mold and mildew that may have built up over the winter.”

If your deck is in need of a more thorough cleaning, you may want to consider purchasing or renting a pressure washer. And if it’s been more than a year or two since you stained your deck, a new coat with sealant is probably in order. Using a different color stain can literally create an entire new look for your deck and preserve it for the long haul.

Other than cosmetic changes, you may want to add some accessories and furniture to expand on the new look of your deck. Some relatively simple and cost-effective ideas include:

  • Replacing old lighting and/or installing new solar lights – classic wooden post caps or solar light caps can easily be glued on to give your deck a new look.
  • Add new furniture – consider different types of furniture for your deck: porch rockers, recliners, wicker armchairs, and love seats. End tables and coffee tables, items typically thought of for indoor use, can also make quite an impact outdoors.
  • Plants, plants, and more plants – fill planter boxes with vines and colorful flowers or load planters with ornamental grasses. Lightweight containers and soil-less planting mix makes moving plants around easier. To minimize maintenance, add water-retention polymers and slow-release fertilizer.
  • Carpeting – while carpeting an entire deck might be impractical, a rug underneath the table where meals will be eaten does provide a more comfortable experience for guests. It also protects the deck from scratches as people come and go from the table.
  • Cabinetry for the grill area – many grills come with built in storage space; you can really cut down the number of trips to the “indoor” kitchen by adding portable cabinets or storage units and shelving.

“By following some or all of these guidelines, you can makeover your deck in a weekend or two,” said Georgeff. “Even better, you can give your deck a new look without the investment of rebuilding your deck or adding on.”

DirectBuy Club offers many products to help with your deck makeover, including furniture, grills, lighting, and other accessories—all at direct insider prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need assistance selecting products or advice on how to go about a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

 For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit http://www.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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Spring now on deck…Get your deck ready for spring and summer entertaining.Read More

Safe driving by the numbers…Plymouth Safe Driving campaign applauds young drivers for improved safe driving statistics.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Over the past few years, the lay of the land has changed for young drivers—increased driver’s education requirements, stricter rules for new drivers (e.g. six months before being allowed to drive non-family members) and stiffer fines for speeding and other violations. The end result has been a dramatic decline in teen driving fatalities and traffic violations—a fact applauded by the Plymouth Safe Driving Campaign.

“We raised the bar for young drivers in Massachusetts and it’s encouraging that they have risen to the challenge,” said Bruce King, owner of King Collision Centers, who along with the Plymouth Public Schools, Plymouth Police Department and Commerce Insurance has sponsored the Plymouth Safe Driving campaign (www.plymouthsafedriving.org).

Since 2006, when the new laws when into effect, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles reports the number of speeding tickets issued new teen drivers has dropped by nearly 60 percent. Citations for seat-belt violations, passenger restrictions, and other offenses have fallen at a similar rate. Most importantly, the number of fatalities for drivers under 18 during that time has dropped 75 percent, including five out of the last six months ending without a fatal accident involving a driver under 18.

“The numbers don’t lie, the new laws and tougher requirements are working,” said Gary Maestas, superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools. “Yet even though we’re seeing tremendous improvement, reinforcing the safe driving message through vehicles like the Plymouth Safe Driving campaign is key to continuing this trend.”

The Plymouth Safe Driving campaign is a multi-pronged effort to promoting safe driving habits for Plymouth North and Plymouth South high schools. Part of the campaign included a student-parent contract in which young drivers sign an actual contract with their parents agreeing to safe driving practices. School students who turn in a signed contract to their principal at either Plymouth North or South high school were entered into a drawing for In Control’s Crash Prevention Training course (a $350 value).

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.

Safe driving by the numbers…Plymouth Safe Driving campaign applauds young drivers for improved safe driving statistics.Read More

New Orleans residents win $50,000 home makeover

DirectBuy of New Orleans
DirectBuy of New Orleans Owners Mike Seiler (far left) and Dustin Morgan (far right) hand $50,000 check to Jerome and Grace Lomba.

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA…

When Jerome and Grace Lomba arrived home one day in late February and checked their mail, they weren’t expecting to see a letter stating they had won $50,000 in the Home Makeover contest they entered while attending an Open House at DirectBuy of New Orleans. They had visited the club simply to satisfy their curiosity about DirectBuy’s unique concept, so when they read the letter telling them they had won and later listened to the voicemail left by Mike Seiler, co-owner of DirectBuy of New Orleans, they couldn’t believe their eyes or their ears.

“We didn’t believe it at first,” said Mr. Lomba. “We thought there was some catch to it – it wasn’t until we had the check in hand that it really sunk in.”

 “This whole event has had a great effect on the staff in the club,” said Seiler. The club employees were able to attend the champagne ceremony on March 13, 2010, where the check was handed over to the couple. “It was a very nice ceremony,” said Mrs. Lomba. “We really appreciated the club doing all that for us.” 

The Lombas’ home had been damaged by Katrina in 2005, so they had already rebuilt and refurnished their home by the time they attended the DirectBuy Club Open House. But they still found a way to put their winnings to great use. “We regret that we found out about DirectBuy after we rebuilt our home,” said Mr. Lomba. “But even after taxes, we have used the winnings to pay off our mortgage and some lingering credit card bills, and we are holding the rest in reserve to pay for our two sons’ student loans.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of New Orleans, located at 520 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Suite 190 in Harahan, LA, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions, and major appliances from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of New Orleans 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 Club

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 Club 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 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy 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.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

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.

New Orleans residents win $50,000 home makeoverRead More

ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to Baltimore, Maryland on May 13.

ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars

Double-digit unemployment rates. Corporate bailouts. Foreclosures and slumping residential and commercial real estate markets.

So how can anyone truly say, “business is booming”?

Brad Sugars, founder and Chairman of ActionCOACH, the world’s number business coaching firm, says exactly that, and tells both why and how when his North American “Business is Booming” tour comes to the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel on Thursday, May 13.

“History tells us that more money is made during economic downturns than during booms and that for every 10-month downturn is a 50-month boom,” said Karen Boyd, ActionCOACH master licensee in Maryland. “Brad’s message is that the companies can prepare for the next boom by cutting costs, developing good lead generation strategies and implementing effective marketing programs that deliver A- and B-level customers that will thrive in any economy.”

In addition to an explanation of why business is indeed booming, Sugars will also discuss 28 proven strategies to massively grow any type of business during his three-hour presentation.

Widely acclaimed as the world’s number one Business Coach, Sugars founded ActionCOACH in 1993 after successfully owning and or running more than 30 businesses in his native Australia. Today, ActionCOACH is ranked as the world’s leading international business coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries.

A best-selling author of 14 highly acclaimed business books – including four international best-sellers – Sugars has taught nearly a half-million people worldwide how to create business, real estate and financial success.

“Brad Sugars is to business coaching what Tony Robbins has been to the personal development industry,” continued Boyd. “With his ‘Business is Booming’ tour, he’s literally giving away his years of successful business knowledge and expertise. It’s a message every small business owner in the greater Baltimore should want to hear.”

To register for the May 13 event at the Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel (located at 101 West Lafayette Street in Baltimore), simply visit http://businessisboomingtour.com/ and use code KBM001.

There’s no charge to register, admission is free. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute networking period prior to Sugars’ presentation.  

To find out additional dates and venues for the “Business is Booming” North American tour, please go to http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code KBM001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Karen Boyd, www.karenboyd.actioncoach.comwww.karenboyd.actioncoach.com, (410) 374-3536.

ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to Baltimore, Maryland on May 13.Read More