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DirectBuy of Spokane and Habitat for Humanity Team Up for Annual Blitz Build

SPOKANE, WA…

DirectBuy of Spokane, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is passionate about helping families experience a better quality of life — both in their club, and through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its Blitz Build program.

Over the past four years, the Spokane club has regularly donated merchandise and volunteered their time to Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build program. This year’s donation consisted of new windows, laminate flooring and cabinetry for the home, totaling more than $6,000. Additionally,  the owners and staff of DirectBuy contributed nearly 100 hours to the project during an employee work day on June 8, 2009.

“We are really pleased to be able to give again this year, given the current economic environment,” DirectBuy of Spokane Owner Ron Cully explained. “No matter how tough things are for us, there are always others who need some help. Now is the time to dig deep to support our community.”

Through the efforts of all volunteers and sponsors, the home took only 12 days to complete. From May 25th, when the project broke ground, to the dedication ceremony on the final day, everyone involved in the project gave their all to ensure this year’s Blitz Build came off without a hitch.

DirectBuy of Spokane’s service and sales teams – as well as owners, friends and family – contributed not only their talents, but also their time in putting the finishing touches on the home. Through 21 rotating shifts, volunteers from DirectBuy of Spokane were involved in painting, appliance installation, clean-up and even assisted skilled laborers in various construction projects.

Crews of DirectBuy of Spokane staff members were excited to have the opportunity to help in projects requiring more skilled labor. Sales Director Joe Thiefault even volunteered the use of his own personal Bobcat to help level the ground for sod installation, while others got in on the action by leveling and compacting the driveway or helping to install some laminate flooring inside.

“It is great to meet and work with the families that will soon be living in these homes,” acknowledged Devin Curry, a Service Specialist at DirectBuy of Spokane. “It is very rewarding to experience the joy they have in knowing they will soon have a home of their own.”

While much excitement was expressed during the process, the real rewards were realized on the final day of the build when DirectBuy of Spokane had the privilege of presenting the keys and a traditional bible to the new owners of the Blitz Build home during a dedication ceremony.

“Habitat is a natural fit for DirectBuy support. We help people create their dream homes and Habitat for Humanity similarly helps families realize their dream of home ownership,” said Ron Cully. “It’s not just giving a handout; it’s giving families a hand up.”

About DirectBuy
For 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more. DirectBuy enables members to purchase products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 clubs across North America. To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity works to build affordable, descent, and simple homes for low-income families. Habitat helps create a neighborhood families can be proud of and allows them to live a better quality of life. To get involved with your local Habitat for Humanity or to find more information, please visit www.habitat.org.

DirectBuy of Spokane and Habitat for Humanity Team Up for Annual Blitz BuildRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Concerned Over Governor’s Veto of Home Care Funding

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and Mass Home Care are both surprised and disappointed in Governor Deval Patrick’s decision on June 29th to cut another $1.5 million from the state’s ASAPs’ operating budgets.

                                  

Collectively, the state’s ASAPs are responsible for managing the daily care of more than 50,000 seniors just in the home care programs.

 

OCES provides services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health and prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 

 

“Originally, our appropriation for care management was $40.7 million.  With the 9c cuts and now the additional cuts by the Governor, we’ve lost $4.7 million in funding which is going to directly affect the very frail and disabled who need our services in order to remain in their own homes.  Essentially, these cuts will force an increased number of elders into nursing homes.”

 

According to Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care, the announcement was unexpected because on June 5th, when the Governor released his revised House 1 budget for FY 2010, he did not reduce funding for care management. This means that as of the Governor’s revised budget, this was not a line item that was being targeted. Neither the House nor the Senate chose to cut this line item in their budget versions. The Governor lowered the funding for care managers on his own. 

 

“In a ‘community first’ state, it is somewhat puzzling why services, like care management, would be cut, said Norman.   He continued, “Nursing homes, by contrast, did not see a cut in revenues, only a cutback in their rate of increase.  It appears that community first means community programs get cut first.”

 

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman. 

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent
unnecessary or premature institutionalization. 

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

 

Old Colony Elder Services Concerned Over Governor’s Veto of Home Care FundingRead More

What do you do with your wonderful new widget?

You’ve got a great new product, but you just don’t know who will adopt it first. “Where is the low hanging fruit?” as we say in PR/marketing.

For example, you’ve developed a solar powered radio and customers will never have to buy another battery or hunt for a power outlet.  Plus, your customers will be seen as “green”, forward-thinking, perhaps even thrifty.

But where do you start with marketing?

This may appeal to environmentalists, electronic enthusiasts, campers, the pool and patio crowd and outdoor workers such as landscapers, roofers, etc.

The solar powered radio might be a huge winner in high end catalogs like SkyMall, Brookstone’s, Frontgate, and Hammacher Schlemmer. (Yes, we have contacts who can arrange for this.)

It could be a big hit on QVC and other shopping channels. (We have some success stories for this as well.)

Or we might eventually go the Ginsu Knife screaming TV offer (Yes, we have a relationship with the original Ginsu Knife ad agency).

But first, we need a name that is either self-descriptive or, at the very least, positive and memorable.So we brainstorm for a great product name. Solar Sounds? Sunny Sounds? How about SunTunes?  Or Dawn of a New Decibel.  You get the idea.

Then, we build a WordPress based website that is well seen by search engines.

Then, we suggest a modest rollout.

Utilizing PR as a trial balloon in each potential market, we are able to TEST before investing heavily in that market.  A well crafted news release touting the wonders of the environmental impact (or lack of it) could be rolled out to green niche publications.  Similarly, the fun and trendiness of it would be emphasized for the pool and patio media.  And so on.

As coverage is garnered for each target audience, we will quickly know where early traction is so you can expand marketing efforts.

Have a new product or service?  Let us shed light on how you can quickly capitalize upon it.

What do you do with your wonderful new widget?Read More

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.

DORAL and DAVIE, FLORIDA…

Most people want to know what they can do to make their dollar go further, particularly when purchasing household appliances. While most consumers have their eyes on the price tag, it really should be on how much it costs to power those appliances, and that’s where ENERGY STAR comes in.

ENERGY STAR is the program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce energy consumption. Typically, ENERGY STAR products offer 20 to 30 percent savings on your energy bills. DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale and DirectBuy of Miami, the leading home improvement and furnishings clubs with direct insider prices, sell a wide ride range of ENERGY STAR products to help members save.

“The irony about ENERGY STAR products is the program itself was set up to combat the negative effect running our appliances was having on our environment,” said Gail Eaton, owner of DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale. “While most people do want to minimize their carbon footprint, in today’s economy, it’s just as much about how much you can save by having appliances that run more efficiently.”

So, how much can you save by purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances? Here’s a small sampling:

  • Clothes washers – replacing a 10-year-old washing machine with a new ENERGY STAR machine can save a household more than $145 per year.
  • Dishwashers – ENERGY STAR dishwashers use 41 percent less energy and water than non-ENERGY STAR washers. That translates to $30 a year on your utility bill.
  • Refrigerators – a typical two-door, freezer-on-top refrigerator can cost $100 per year to run. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR can knock $30 per year off that, resulting in savings of $150 in just five years.
  • Home electronics – the average household spends $100 per year powering electronics devices in “standby” mode. ENERGY STAR products use less energy when in standby.
  • LED Lighting – requires 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts 25 times longer. According to energystar.gov, LED lighting can last more than 25,000 hours than its incandescent counterparts or more than 22 years!

“As if the tremendous savings ENERGY STAR products offer weren’t enough, the U.S. government also offers tax exemptions, rebates and other incentives for consumers to purchase more energy-efficient items like ENERGY STAR products,” said Eaton. “As a company that deals specifically in home improvement, you often hear the expression that this project will pay for itself, meaning resale. Yet when it comes to ENERGY STAR products, they literally do pay for themselves over time.” 

DirectBuy carries a large selection of ENERGY STAR products and appliances at insider prices direct from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the appliance that works best for their works best for their home.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. DirectBuy of Miami is conveniently located at 2190 NW 89th Place in Doral, while DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale is located at 6545 Nova Drive, Suite 200, in Davie. Both clubs offer consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Miami at 786-363-4560 or DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale at 954-634-8221 or by visiting www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the Fort Lauderdale/Miami area since 2002 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Miami and DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale are two of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Miami at 786-363-4560 or DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale at 954-634-8221 or by visiting www.directbuycares.com. 

 

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.Read More

A moving experience…Buffalo resident Loretta Lewis moves into the DirectBuy of Buffalo-sponsored Guilford Street Habitat for Humanity

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

Good things come to those who wait. That’s more than just an adage for Loretta Lewis. It took her more than 10 years to complete the work hours necessary to become eligible for a Habitat for Humanity home. On May 22, her dream of home ownership came true as she and her son moved into her new home on Guilford Street in Buffalo.

“When I started putting in hours for Habitat, I never dreamed it would take this long. But things came up. For example, I moved to North Carolina for a while and began my studies for a nursing career,” said Lewis. “When we moved back to Buffalo, this was going to be my focus. I’m just grateful it all came to fruition and we’re now in our brand new home.”

DirectBuy of Buffalo, located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, sponsored the construction of Lewis’ home. DirectBuy donated items for the home’s kitchen and bathrooms, including cabinets, flooring and fixtures.

“Habitat for Humanity has done wonderful things for Buffalo area residents and we’re happy to have been part of the Guilford Street project,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “At DirectBuy, we’re in the business of helping people build the homes of their dreams. So, we’re positively thrilled that we could help make the dream of home ownership happen for Loretta.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the appliance that works best for their works best for their home.

Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy club membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy club locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

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

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

A moving experience…Buffalo resident Loretta Lewis moves into the DirectBuy of Buffalo-sponsored Guilford Street Habitat for HumanityRead More

Business Computers & Service Announces New “Rent-A-MOM” IT Network Support for Small to Mid-Sized Businesses

Business Computers & Service, Inc. (BC&S), providers of IT systems support, has recently announced their new “Rent-A-MOM” service to companies with more than 30 computers and multiple servers.

MOM, otherwise known as the Microsoft Operations Manager program, is traditionally utilized by large corporations around the world and is designed to manage thousands of computers and hundreds of servers. MOM allows network engineers to watch thousands of events and performance indicators across systems and applications to see the health of those systems in a single view.

BC&S now provides an outsourced MOM Server and management service, aptly referred to as “Rent-A-MOM”. BC&S will custom design, install and manage MOM in a cost-effective manner for smaller businesses.

Typically, small to mid-sized companies would hire a third party to monitor the health of their systems remotely. BC&S offers a better concept by installing a computer server running MOM within a company so that monitoring works from within. Rent-A-MOM checks, interprets and detects problems to ensure optimal performance of the system. It also offers advance warning when hardware or software are starting to malfunction and need to be replaced.

“In large organizations that have MOM in-house, a highly paid staff of network engineers is required to set it up and make it produce results.   We can offer this system with a service agreement at a fraction of the cost of an in-house implementation,” explained Tom Johnson, president of the company.

He continued, “Our ‘Rent-A-MOM’ model provides the best value in a time of downsizing and cost cutting. Instead of spending thousands investing in staff to operate a MOM program or renting a third party monitoring service, any company with 30 or more computers and multiple servers can save a lot of money by using our ‘Rent-A-Mom’ services to provide the best server throughput, user responsiveness and increased uptime through early detection and monitoring.”

Business Computers & Service, Inc.

For more than 25 years, Business Computers & Service, Inc. (BC&S) has been helping small to mid-range companies achieve their business goals through information technology and management services. From networking computers, IP Phones and telecommunications equipment to optimizing the throughput of multiple servers, BC&S provides the robust technology and highly efficient, cost-effective solutions needed in today’s business environment.

BCS is located at 167 Washington Street in Norwell. For more information, visit www.BCService.net or contact (781) 871-2121.

Business Computers & Service Announces New “Rent-A-MOM” IT Network Support for Small to Mid-Sized BusinessesRead More

Lapels Dry Cleaning stores hold clothing drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and Big Sisters of Rhode Island – over TWO TONS collected!

DATELINE: HANOVER, MA…Bag upon bag of donated clothing has been collected and counted and now it’s official… Lapels Dry Cleaning Dry Cleaning stores collected over TWO TONS of clothing during the annual Lapels Clothing Drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and Big Sisters of Rhode Island.

For two weeks in May, patrons of all of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Lapels Dry Cleaning stores heeded the effort to clean out their closets, including the Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in: Abington, Bedford, Beverly, Boston-Charles River Park, Brighton, Concord, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Halifax, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Randolph, Salem, Sudbury, Walpole, Westford, and Westwood, and Lincoln, RI. Overall, Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island collected over 200 bags, totaling approximately 4,000 pounds of clothing.

Lapels Dry Cleaning franchisee Fred Siegel, who owns and operates the Hanover, MA Lapels Dry Cleaning store, was enthusiastic about participating in the clothing drive that is now in its fifth year. Notes Siegel, “Our bi-annual Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive offers our customers a win-win situation — they can conveniently drop off their unwanted clothing items and give a boost to a worthy organization, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.”

Ken Higgins of the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation of Boston, remarked on the success of the Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive, “In five short years, the Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive has grown from a fledging effort to become a solid source of support. We offer our congratulations and thank you to Lapels Dry Cleaning and salute their ongoing efforts on behalf of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.”

The Lincoln Rhode Island Lapels Dry Cleaning store also collected clothing donations that benefitted the Big Sisters of Rhode Island. Spokesperson for the Big Sisters of Rhode Island in Cranston, Kaurie McDermott, also thanked Lapels Dry Cleaning, saying, “On behalf of the Big Sisters of Rhode Island I would like to thank Lapels Dry Cleaning for continuing to sponsor this drive, which provides their customers with the opportunity to “go green” and help the environment, while also helping young at-risk girls. The continued support of Lapels Dry Cleaning is greatly appreciated, particularly in these uncertain economic times.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters picks up the gently used clothing collected by Lapels Dry Cleaning stores and distributes it to consignment shops. The net profits from the sales of these items are distributed back to Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, supporting their mission to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships. The Big Sisters of Rhode Island picks up the gently used clothing collected by the Lincoln, RI Lapels Dry Cleaning store and those items are sold directly to our partner, Savers.  The proceeds from these items support our mentoring programs for girls at-risk, between the ages of 4 and 18.

As a former big brother, Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Lawrence Friedman knows firsthand the impact the Big Brother Big Sister program can have, “It’s an absolutely amazing experience to watch the progress of children involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We would like to thank all of the Lapels Dry Cleaning customers and franchisees who so generously support our clothing drives – they really do make a difference.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 200,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in 5,000 communities across all 50 states, establishing successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all. Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves by helping at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face.

Lapels Dry Cleaning Community Commitment
Being a good neighbor isn’t just a slogan at Lapels Dry Cleaning, where community involvement is a tradition. Lapels Dry Cleaning proudly partners with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation of Boston, Big Sisters of Rhode Island, and the American Red Cross.

A Rising Star
The New England Franchise Association ranks Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of the Top 10 fastest growing franchises in New England. In addition, the Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Program has made the ranking for the Top 30 Franchise Organizations  <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=dmuvpgcab.0.0.lotaka67.0&ts=S0293&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nefranchise.org%2Ftop30.htm&id=preview> based in New England.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has also been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Store Locations
Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Beverly, Boston, Brighton, Concord, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Halifax, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Randolph, Salem, Sudbury, Walpole, Westford, and Westwood); Rhode Island (Lincoln); California (Pomona and Poway); Florida (Orlando); Georgia (Duluth); Idaho (Boise); New Hampshire (Hooksett); South Carolina (Carolina Forest and Myrtle Beach); Texas (Arlington, Garland, Granbury, Murphy, and Plano); Washington (Kirkland and Seattle).  Coming soon to Destin, FL; Wilmington, MA; Edmond, OK and Bloomsburg, PA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
A full slate of services are offered at each Lapels Dry Cleaning store, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.  To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email admin@lapelsdrycleaning.com <mailto:admin@lapelsdrycleaning.com> . Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com <http://www.lapelsdrycleaning.com> .

Lapels Dry Cleaning stores hold clothing drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and Big Sisters of Rhode Island – over TWO TONS collected!Read More

ECI Biotech of Worcester, MA highlights new protein technologies at Life Sciences Venture Forum.

DATELINE: WORCESTER, MA…
ECI Biotech of Worcester, MA, a leading edge protein sensor company, is pleased to announce that ECI was chosen to present at the 15th Annual Life Sciences Venture Forum in San Jose CA. For over a decade the Life Sciences Venture Forum has followed the tradition of being a showcase event featuring the most innovative and promising early stage technologies.

Life Sciences Venture Forum presenters are drawn from the Larta Institute’s commercialization programs, specifically National Institutes of Health Commercialization Assistance Program (NIH-CAP), as well as a vast network of university researchers and stand-alone entrepreneurs.

Dr. Mitchell Sanders, the CEO and Founder of ECI Biotech, highlighted ECI Biotech’s role as a premier developer and manufacturer of innovative, patented ExpressDetect diagnostic technology that enables rapid, easy detection of microbial pathogens. 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 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. The dressing sensor is simple enough to see a food grade blue color collect on the surface of the dressing, inexpensive enough that the components cost less than ten cents, generally regarded as safe (GRAS) to go on your skin or in a wound, and rapid enough to change color in 30 minutes to an hour.

Life Sciences Venture Forum
The Life Sciences Venture Forum, produced by Larta Institute for the past 14 years, is a marketplace for innovation where cutting-edge solutions are presented by vetted seed and early stage companies. The Forum’s presenting companies are rigorously selected by Larta’s Selection Committee, which includes industry leaders and experts from across the United States. Entrepreneurs are drawn from top tier NIH-funded startups, university spinouts, and discoveries from overseas.

Innovations and Applications
ECI Biotech’s executive offices and research facilities are located at 85 Prescott Street, in Worcester, Massachusetts. ECI Biotech is a leading edge protein sensor company with strong intellectual property of particular value for diagnostic sensors and therapeutics. Founded in 1998, its technologies relate to the detection of microbial pathogens and stabilizing active proteins to protect against infection.

ECI Biotech has four areas of core competence: molecular biology, genomics, protein expression, and assay development. ECI’s target markets for its products include: feminine care, wound care, oral care, and hospital infection control.

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 presently has corporate partnerships with medical device industry leaders, and has 18 patents pending and three patents issued.

For additional information please contact Dr. Mitchell Sanders at sanders@ecibiotech.com, call 508-752-2209, or visit www.ecibiotech.com.

ECI Biotech of Worcester, MA highlights new protein technologies at Life Sciences Venture Forum.Read More

A landmark on a long journey…Resort Maps hits 90- map milestone

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Part of any journey are those landmarks you pass along the way. Mile markers, in particular, tell the story in how far you’ve come and how far you have to go. Resort Maps, creator of customized travel maps, recently passed a mile marker of its own, publishing maps in 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Free to area visitors, each map advertises restaurants, accommodations, retail stores, factory outlets, recreation and attractions, real estate and other local services. Each advertiser is represented with a display ad surrounding the map, including a color-coded grid locator and a building drawn, highlighted and labeled making it easy to locate.

“Ninety cities and towns is quite a milestone and one we’re quite proud of,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps. “It’s a tribute to the hard work of both our staff here at Resort Maps headquarters in Vermont and our franchisees across the U.S. and U.K.”

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 keep the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

In 2009, Resort Maps will print and publish over 20 million maps.

“People usually pick up our maps when they’re on their way somewhere. By prominently displaying local tourist attractions and our advertiser locations on our maps, we point out what the local area has to offer. Many times that leads tourists to stay a little longer and check things out, which of course makes our advertisers very happy and explains why we go through so many maps,” said Hans.

And what of the next mile marker, 100 maps?

“Resort Maps is truly a unique and appealing franchise opportunity. It’s not a 9-to-5 gig and you don’t necessarily have to work 12 months a year to run a successful franchise. You just have to be willing to work hard when you work,” said Hans. “With more and more people looking to escape the corporate world for an opportunity that gives them some freedom and flexibility and great earning potential, 100 maps is certainly a tangible goal as we attract more franchisees– hopefully one we can meet within the next year.”

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

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 grown to nearly 90 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 the company and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277. 

A landmark on a long journey…Resort Maps hits 90- map milestoneRead More