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Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Mort Aronson as this year’s recipient of AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The AAFD’s highest individual recognition, Aronson is being recognized for a lifetime of embracing collaborative relationships in franchising.

Aronson will be honored at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet, to be held during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

“Mort Aronson exemplifies the AAFD’s vision of Total Quality Franchising,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD. “His body of work, from his quarter of a century with Holiday Inn to his service to the International Franchise Association (IFA) and his leadership in advocating the mediation of franchise-related disputes, reflects a dedication to encouraging collaborative win-win relationships.”

As General Counsel/Franchising for most of his 25 years at Holiday Inn, Aronson developed a reputation for openness and fairness from the franchisee population, and he is one of a very few ‘non-franchisees’ to receive an Honorary Lifetime membership in the IAHI, the franchisee association for Holiday Inn franchisees.

Said IAHI President Eva Ferguson, “For more than 20 years, Mort has been a well-respected key participant in the franchisee and franchisor relationship within InterContinental Hotels Group. Through his involvement in the IAHI Owners’ Association, he provided direction and counsel to the most pressing challenges. He continues to be viewed as a leading industry expert and a knowledgeable advocate for the best hotel franchising practices.  On behalf of the IAHI, we congratulate Mort on this award and recognition.”   

An active leader of the International Franchise Association, Mort served on the IFA Board from 1996-1998.  In August, 1998 Aronson was elected founding chairman of the National Franchise Council, a franchisor organization, and he reached out to the AAFD to discuss collaboration on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Among Mr. Aronson’s greatest contributions to the franchising community has been his dedicated and inspirational drive to promote mediation of franchise disputes.  Mort is a founder of the National Franchise Mediation Program, which is endorsed and supported by the IFA, the AAFD and the Asian American Hotel Association, along with many franchisor and franchisee organizations.  Mort served as chairman of the NFMP from 2002-2004, and continues to serve on the Steering Committee today.

Bill Hall, a Dairy Queen franchisee and co-chair of the NFMP, believes there would not be a National Franchise Mediation Program without Mort Aronson. Hall says, “Mort’s leadership in founding, nurturing, leading and mentoring the National Franchise Mediation Program since 1993 has provided a meaningful way for franchisees and franchisors to resolve disputes without litigation.  Countless parties have benefited from Mort’s work to promote mediation to resolve conflicts fairly and cost-effectively without destroying relationships.”

Hall added, “Mort is a personal mentor to me and many others and the right choice for the AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.”    

Aronson reacted to news of the AAFD honor with gratitude and humility. “I am deeply honored and appreciative the AAFD to receive its lifetime achievement award.  I have learned during a 30-year career in franchising that a cornerstone of success is franchisors maintaining good relations with their franchisees.” 

After leaving Holiday Inns in May 2003, Mort served as counsel with the firm of Kilpatrick Stockton in Atlanta. He is also an adjunct professor at Emory University Law School where he has been teaching franchise law for the past 15 years.  Currently, Mort Aronson is Of Counsel at the firm of Federal & Hasson and is in charge of the franchise practice.  Mort is a frequent speaker and has authored numerous articles on franchising and franchise relationships.

Aronson is a graduate of Boston University where he received his A.B., Boston University Law School where he received his L.L.B., and Harvard Law School where he received his L.L.M. His civic activities include serving on the Law School Council of Emory Law School, a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta Israel Bonds, and a member of the Atlanta Council of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Aronson resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Ellen. They have three children and four grandchildren.

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising.   Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

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Master Matchmaker Recommends the Best Way to Find Love

For singles who are looking for love, there are hundreds of online dating sites as well as traditional (brick and mortar) matchmaking services out there to help them find a date or potential mate. But, which is better?

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of the world’s largest bricks and mortar dating service The Right One and Together Dating as well as online dating service LoveAccess.com, “What’s the best way to find love? It’s not about which is the better way – traditional dating services or online dating. It’s really all about customer preference. There are still many people who are uncomfortable going to a dating site to seek a match. They prefer to have that face-to-face contact with a professional matchmaker.”

So, what do you get from an online dating site? You get the freedom to browse and connect with other (hopefully) single people. Typically, you’ll register and complete a questionnaire (which may be brief or comprehensive) and can start seeking potential dates immediately. Some online dating sites offer their members additional services such as instant messaging, web cam chat, dating forums, chemistry prediction tools and compatibility profiling.

Traditional dating services take on the full responsibility of finding you a date or potential mate and charge a fee for their matchmaking services and relationship coaching. Typically, you would meet with a traditional matchmaker in person and discuss your dating/relationship expectations and complete an in-depth questionnaire about yourself and what you are looking for in a date/mate. Members of traditional dating services can rest easy while professional matchmaking experts work to find compatible matches. Background screenings on all members as well as divorce decree checks are additional benefits of some traditional dating services.

Is there a real cost difference?

Although there may be a nominal fee involved with online dating, there is the value of your time and how much of it you need to invest in searching online for potential matches. An attractive online profile may yield hundreds of hits per day – and it’s especially time consuming to sort through them all. Time means money and many people just don’t have time to spare to peruse for potential dates.

Whether you use a traditional dating service or an online dating site, it really boils down to personal preference. Some traditional dating services provide more peace of mind to their clients by offering added benefits such as screenings and background checks on all members. With online dating, there is no third party confirmation that members are who they claim to be and you have to rely upon what your potential date tells you.

Falzone continued, “There are still a lot of people who are intimidated with online dating and prefer to use traditional matchmaking services. Then, there are others who really enjoy seeking out and meeting potential matches online. Online dating sites have significantly more members to choose from while the bricks and mortar dating services have fewer members, yet provide a more ‘local’ membership base and a much higher level of customer service. So again, comfort level really is the deciding factor for most people when it comes to choosing online dating or traditional matchmaking services.”

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in: Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio and Austin) and Virginia (Falls Church); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include: California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford Normal and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); New York (NYC); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices conveniently located in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

Master Matchmaker Recommends the Best Way to Find LoveRead More

Doing good does some good. Henry named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure participation.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK

As a tribute to her aunt Pam Oehler and co-worker Mercedes Zoldos—both breast cancer survivors–DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Marcia Henry decided to organize a team to take part in this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk/run on June 13. Little did she realize her effort to raise funds and awareness towards breast cancer would earn her DirectBuy of  Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month for March.

“The Do-Gooder of the Month award recognizes employees and vendors of DirectBuy of Buffalo going above and beyond the call of duty, at work or in their efforts in the community. Marcia organizing a team as a tribute to her aunt and Mercedes certainly meets that criteria and we’re delighted to honor her with March’s Do’Gooder award,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

As for DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives restaurant gift certificate. Yet according to Henry, a Hamburg resident, the real work has just begun.

“DirectBuy has been very supportive of my efforts and receiving the Do Gooder award is proof of that. At this point, however, I’m just looking to get a team together and to raise some funds. And if I can do that, I’m more than happy to use my Do Gooder restaurant gift certificates to treat my Race for the Cure team,” said Henry, marketing associate at DirectBuy of Buffalo.

The Race will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 in the Delaware Park Rose Garden. Through the Race for the Cure series, the Western New York Affiliate has raised close to $2 million. Seventy-five percent of the money raised has been awarded in grants and outreach programs focused on unmet breast health needs within Western New York. The remaining 25% is invested in critical research through the Komen National Award Program.

“Whether is a family member, co-worker, friend or loved one, breast cancer has hit somebody you know. Taking part or donating to the Race for the Cure is just one small thing everybody can do to help find a cure,” said Henry.

To donate to Henry’s team or to join it, please click here.

DirectBuy clubs across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and other South Shore YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospital. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic and is currently sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo. In addition, DirectBuy of Buffalo donates slightly damaged items that manufacturers will not exchange to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church in Buffalo.

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

For more information on a DirectBuy 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, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy location 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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Doing good does some good. Henry named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure participation.Read More

Middleboro Races to be held on May 9th in Support of Scholarships at Samuel Fuller School

The Samuel Fuller School will hold their second annual Trail Run, which is a 5k walk/run and a 10k run on Saturday, May 9, 2009. The race begins and ends at the Pratt Farm and serves as a fundraiser for scholarships at the Samuel Fuller School.
A “Kids Fun Run” for those ages 12 and under will also be held and begins at 9:30 a.m. The 10k race starts at 10 a.m. and the 5k starts at 10:15 a.m.
Samuel Fuller School’s Trail Run is a diverse and exciting course.
There will be a live band playing and plenty of refreshments. Medals will be awarded for top finishers in several age brackets.
The pre-registration fee is: $12 for the 5k and $18 for the 10k. Registration fees the day of the race are: $15 for the 5k and $20 for the 10k.
To pre-register for the race log on to http://www.samuelfullerschool.org/road-race or register in person at 9:00 on the morning of May 9th.
About the Samuel Fuller School
Samuel Fuller is a classical and Christian school located at intersection of Routes 44 and 105 in Middleboro at the First Congregational Church.  Applications are now being accepted for the 2009-2010 school year.  The school opened in 2008.

For additional information about the race or the school, contact Samuel Fuller School, 508-715-4256, info@samuelfullerschool.org or visit the website at www.samuelfullerschool.org.

Middleboro Races to be held on May 9th in Support of Scholarships at Samuel Fuller SchoolRead More

Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training April 24 & 25 in Denver

Boot Camp for New Dads, a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, will hold Master Coach Certification Training on April 24 and 25, 2009 at the National Boot Camp Training Center at Exempla St. Joseph Hospital in Denver. Master Coach Training is open to all Boot Camp for New Dads program facilitators.

Boot Camp for New Dads coach’s role is central to important issues regarding the return of veteran dads to the program, excellent outcomes for rookie dads and general excitement about the program within communities.  Certified coaches are the key component of effective Boot Camp workshops nationwide.

The cutting edge two-day event is led by three Boot Camp National Trainers with over 25 years of combined experience leading Boot Camp workshops across the United Sates and England.

For more information, visit www.bootcampfornewdads.org/master-coach-training.php or contact Boot Camp for New Dads headquarters directly at (949) 754-9067.

According to Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads and author of two books on fathering. “The key to improving the quality of life for many young children lies in helping fathers be more capable and confident. It is through the significant efforts of our dedicated coaches that we have the pleasure of helping dads from all walks of life across the nation in our Boot Camp programs.”

He continued, “Research has indicated that children whose fathers are a consistent, positive force in their lives do better socially, intellectually and in a broad range of other factors. Many new dads are willing to go the distance for their babies, but are unsure of where to start, what to do and how to care for their babies. Boot Camp for New Dads programs, led by certified coaches and veteran dads, gets new fathers off to a great start.”

New Dads Learn What to Expect at Boot Camp Workshops

Dads-to-be are be better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood after attending a Boot Camp “hands on” educational workshop. Men attend the class when they are expecting their first baby, and are joined in the workshop by “veterans” who had previously attended and have returned with their two to four-month-old baby in tow. They are able to give the dads-to-be a realistic idea of what to do and what to expect when their first baby comes. For many men attending, it’s their first time holding a baby.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Now celebrating their 18th year, Boot Camp for New Dads is nationally acclaimed as the “Best Practice” for preparing men to be fathers and has been named a U.S. Navy Model Program. Boot Camp for New Dads has prepared more than 200,000 men for fatherhood over the years.

With more than 4.1 million births (National Center for Health Statistics), and approximately 1.5 million men becoming new dads every year, it’s more important than ever for fathers to realize that being a “good provider” is only part of the very central role they have in their children’s lives.

For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads, visit www.bcnd.org, or to visit Dads Adventure, go to www.Dadsadventure.com. To arrange an interview with Greg Bishop, please contact sdubin@prworkzone.com, (781) 582-1061.

National and International Locations

Boot Camp For New Dads locations include ALASKA (Anchorage); ARIZONA (Chandler, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City); ARKANSAS (Jonesboro, Paragould, Springdale); CALIFORNIA (Apple Valley, Bakersfield, , Fresno, Garden Grove, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Madera, Merced, Mission Hills, , Oakland, Orange, Pomona, Port Hueneme, San Diego, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, , S. Lake Tahoe, Travis, Valley Springs); COLORADO (Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Fort Carson, Greeley, Longmont, Thornton, Wheat Ridge); CONNECTICUT (Bristol, Danbury, New London); FLORIDA (Brandon, Clearwater, Hollywood, Jacksonville, North Palm Beach, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tampa); GEORGIA (Atlanta, Elberton, Gainesville, Marietta, Savannah); HAWAII (Pearl Harbor, Schofield); ILLINOIS (Aurora, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, Freeport, Geneva, Great Lakes, Highland Park, Libertyville, Moline, Oak Park, Rockford, Springfield, Urbana, Winfield); INDIANA (Anderson, Bluffton, Hammond, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Kokomo); IOWA (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Jefferson, Sioux City); KANSAS (Junction City, Topeka); KENTUCKY (Paducah); LOUISIANA (Covington); MAINE (Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Waterville); MARYLAND (Annapolis) MASSACHUSETTS (Beverly, Ipswich, Lowell, Nantucket, Plymouth, Weymouth, Springfield); MICHIGAN (, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Centreville, Iron Mountain, Ithaca, Kalamazoo, Niles, St Joseph, Ypsilanti); MINNESOTA (Brainerd, Duluth, Robbinsdale); MISSISSIPPI (Tupelo); MISSOURI (Jefferson City) MONTANA (Billings, Helena, Miles City); NEBRASKA (Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha); NEVADA (Las Vegas) NEW HAMPSHIRE (Manchester, Portsmouth); NEW JERSEY (Princeton) NEW YORK (Glens Falls, Little Falls, Mineola, Rome, Utica); NORTH CAROLINA (Burlington, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Concord, Ft. Bragg, Greensboro, Monroe, Raleigh, Shelby); NORTH DAKOTA (Grand Forks); OHIO (Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, East Cleveland, East Liverpool, Garfield Heights, Lima, Lorain, Mayfield Heights, Middleburg Heights, Orange Village, Portsmouth, Toledo, Warren, Westlake, Youngstown); OKLAHOMA (Claremore, Oklahoma City, Tulsa); OREGON (Corvalis, McMinnville, Salem, Silverton); SOUTH CAROLINA (Columbia, Pickens, Walhalla); TENNESSEE (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis); TEXAS (Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Hood, Longview, Lubbock, Plano, San Antonio, Texarkana, Waco, Webster); VERMONT (Barre, Brattleboro, Middlebury); VIRGINIA (Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Hampton, Richmond) WASHINGTON (Everett, Fairchild AFB, Longview, Olympia, Puyallup, Yakima); WEST VIRGINIA (Wheeling); WISCONSIN (Florence, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh, Watertown, Wausau); JAPAN (Atsugi, Yokosuka), ITALY (Sicily); UNITED KINGDOM [a.k.a. Hit the Ground Crawling] (Birmingham, Liverpool)

Boot Camp for New Dads to Hold Master Coach Certification Training April 24 & 25 in DenverRead More

Can background checks go too far? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) provides background on what is and is not allowed in a background check.

BOSTON, MA…

Nowadays, with security being a concern of both employers and employees alike, a background check for employment candidates has become more the rule than the exception. Yet when does the background check cross the line from an employer covering its bases to invading privacy—or worse, engaging in discrimination?

As part of its corporate law practice, Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers (TBHR), P.C. (TBHR) advises clients on the subject of background checks.  According to TBHR Business Litigation Attorney Lee Holland, “Most information available from a background check comes from government agencies and can typically include any of the following: driving records, Social Security numbers, credit records, criminal records, education records, court records character references, bankruptcy, incarceration records, past employers, property ownership, sex offender records, medical records, military records, personal references, neighbor interviews, character references, state licensing records, drug test records and Worker’s Compensation.”

While that list can produce a lot of information about a potential employee, there are limitations as to how much of that information can be used in making a hiring decision. Most background checks conducted by an outside party follow the guidelines set by the federal government’s Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).  Those guidelines dictate that the following information cannot be used in extending credit:

  • Bankruptcies after 10 years.
  • Civil suits, civil judgments and records of arrest, from date of entry, after seven years.
  • Paid tax liens after seven years.
  • Accounts placed for collection after seven years.
  • Any other negative information (except criminal convictions) after seven years.

“Employers walk a fine line when it comes to using certain types of information as a reason for not hiring a potential employer.  For example, a background check might indicate that the candidate had previously filed for a Worker’s Compensation claim. If it became known that a prospective employer, worried about the candidate’s health, used that information as a reason for not hiring, the company could be sued for violating the Americans with Disabilities Act,” said Holland.

Added Holland, “Obviously, a potential employer wants to know about the major red flags—criminal records, sex offender records, etc.  But a background check can backfire if it ends up with the company on the wrong end of a discrimination suit. That’s why if information discovered in a candidate’s background check makes an employer question hiring them, it’s best to consult an attorney before acting in either direction.”

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients.  Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

 

Can background checks go too far? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) provides background on what is and is not allowed in a background check.Read More

Groomed for success. Groomathon at DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga raises more than $800 for Buffalo Humane.

DirectBuy of Buffalo Groomathon
DirectBuy of Buffalo Groomathon

Organizers and supporters celebrated a successful Groomathon that raised more than $800 for Buffalo Humane. Posing with DirectBuy of Buffalo Owner Mark Klinger are Buffalo Humane volunteer Connie Pikul and her daughters Ava Pikul (left) and Alana (far right). Also pictured, from left to right are Sasha, Spike and Tucker (who was adopted by a DirectBuy staff member at the Groomathon).

 

 

 

 

Several of man’s best friends enjoyed a post-winter grooming at the March 21 event held at the DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga, less than one mile from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. Park N Bark provided the grooming services and donated all proceeds from the event to Buffalo Humane, a non-profit organization working for the safety, health, and welfare of companion animals in the Buffalo area.

For their part of the Groomathon, Buffalo Humane brought along pets for adoption.

 “Our customers and the public really responded to this good cause,” noted Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.  He added, “We fully booked up the groomer’s schedule and the children enjoyed playing with the dogs brought by Buffalo Humane. In fact, one of our staff members enjoyed it so much they adopted a dog.”

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. 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 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 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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

About Park N Bark
Park N Bark Mobile Pet Grooming is a pet grooming service that provides convenient, professional, door-to-door pet grooming. The Standard Spa Package rivals those of popular human spas, and can include any and all of the following: Nail Trimming; Ear Cleaning/Plucking; Luxury Bath and Massage (with specialized shampoo for skin and coat type); Conditioning; Drying; Breed specific haircut; Pad and feet clipping; Sanitary Clipping; Toothbrushing; Brushing; Bow or Bandana; and Cologne. For more information, please visit www.parknbark.vpweb.com/.


Groomed for success. Groomathon at DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga raises more than $800 for Buffalo Humane.Read More

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates to hold Spring Open House at Beechwood Village

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates, a full service construction, remodeling and real estate company that has been catering to the South Shore community for more than seven years, will hold an Open House on May 8th, 9th and 10th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Beechwood Village, 256 Beech Street, in Rockland. This event is open to the public.

Beechwood Village is the top selling active adult (55+) community in Massachusetts with 40 out of 79 homes sold within the past 25 months. View the model homes and enjoy refreshments in the Beechwood Village Recreation Center. Spring Open House Visitors will also be able to network with Beechwood residents.

Beechwood Village offers a quiet, peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle, yet is convenient to the highway and the center of town, shopping and banking. The homes are semi-custom built, one and two level homes with nine different styles to choose from. Every home is made of 2×6 construction and is Energy Star Certified. Each home is designed in an open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and has a full walk out basement providing the potential for future build out. Design layout options include a custom kitchen with stainless appliances and granite counters; first floor Master Suites; second and/or third bedrooms; 1.5 to 2.5 baths; additional options include hardwood floors, gas fireplace, 3 season rooms, and custom built game rooms.

During the Spring Open House, Weichert Realtors Empire Associates will also have literature available on their new subdivision Maplewood Estates in Rockland.  Maplewood Estates offers 72 single family homes (no age restriction) located on Route 123 at the Hanover / Rockland line.  Prices start at 384,000.

For more information about the Spring Open House, contact Jeanine Reardon of Weichert Realtors Empire Associates at 781-878-9964.

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates is one of the nation’s leading providers of homeownership services offering a “one-stop” destination for a full range of real estate products and services.

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates is a member of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The company is headquartered at 26 East Water Street in Rockland, MA 02370. For more information contact 781-878-9964 or visit the website at www.beechwoodvillage.net.

Weichert Realtors Empire Associates to hold Spring Open House at Beechwood VillageRead More

Hail to the ‘chief’… DirectBuy hires Patrick Sanford as chief information officer

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

The DirectBuy Corporate Support Center recently hired Patrick Sanford to the newly-created position of chief information officer (CIO).

Sanford is a professional technology leader with more than two decades of experience designing and implementing business solutions based on advanced Internet technology and architecture. He has held senior management positions (CTO, vice president, director and product and development manager) in multiple commercial and government software companies.

“We’re positively thrilled to have somebody with Patrick’s experience and capabilities as our first chief information officer,” said Scott Powell, DirectBuy president and CEO. “You can’t underestimate the importance of a strong Internet presence and the smooth operation of your company’s IT. Putting those areas in the hands of a person of Patrick’s stature gives us strength in an area that’s vital to our success.”

Prior to joining DirectBuy, Patrick was the present and chief technology officer for Sourcelight Technologies, chief technology officer at the Global Exchange and vice president of product services for ADP dealer services. In his role as CIO, Patrick will oversee and guide the MIS and Virtual Showroom departments at the corporate headquarters, as well as provide technical leadership as a member of DirectBuy’s executive team.

“DirectBuy is known for its innovation in providing direct insider prices to its members in helping them to create the homes of their dreams and, quite frankly, changing lives. I’m honored to now be a part of that and look forward to helping more and more families realize their dreams,” said Sanford.

Sanford holds resides in Glen Ellyn with wife Sylvia and son Taylor.

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 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 furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Hail to the ‘chief’… DirectBuy hires Patrick Sanford as chief information officerRead More