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How to keep your blog out of the courtroom

Emily C. Shanahan
Emily C. Shanahan

BOSTON, MASS.

Businesses and individuals create blogs for a variety of reasons – to demonstrate their expertise on a particular topic; improve search engine rankings for their Web site; sell a product or service; or just to create a forum to express opinions.  No one, however, starts a blog with the intent of being sued. Yet, according to Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), the potential for a lawsuit arising out of your blog is real and greater than you may realize.

“When it comes to a blog, where you get your material and how you use it can land you in hot water just as much as, if not more than, what you say.  Using unauthorized photos, failing to properly credit a source you quote, using copyrighted material, or allowing comments that contain any of the above can open the door to a lawsuit. That’s not why most people start blogs,” said Emily C. Shanahan, an associate at TBHR.

There are some steps you can take to help ensure your blog sticks to its intended purpose without making you or your company vulnerable to a lawsuit:

  • Screen comments on your blogs – Stay in control of the content of your blog either by not allowing comments or by clearly defining from the outset what standard posted comments have to meet.  If they don’t, delete them.  That being said, don’t play editor of your users’ comments.
  •  If you quote them, give them credit – Trying to pass off somebody’s words as your own can lead to big trouble. If you’re going to quote somebody, keep it short and always credit the person who said it and in what publication. 
  • Using photos and images – Just because you find an image on the Internet does not mean you have permission to use it. When it comes to artwork, use only what you create, own the license for, pay to use or know to be free stock photography or clip art.
  •  Celebrities – While using celebrities as fodder for your blog might make for entertaining content, it could open the door to a defamation lawsuit if you’re not careful. Even associating a celebrity’s name and/or image with your blog in a positive manner can lead to trouble down the road if you don’t have his or her permission.
  • Company trademarks – Do not use in your blog trademarks that you do not own or are not licensed to use. You can, however, mention another company by name. As a precaution, you may want to mention if the company’s name is trademarked.

“A lot of this stuff is common sense, but many businesses seem to check their common sense at the door when they start up blogs,” said Shanahan. “Your blog is meant to give you a business advantage, not put you out of business. So when it comes to most blog posts, if you have a doubt about whether or not a post could be taken the wrong way or puts you at risk, consult your attorney. Better safe than sued.”

This release is not intended to be, nor should be construed as, legal advice.

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.

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Dr. Joseph Santelli Addresses the Dental Needs of Baby Boomers with Educational Mini-Implant Dentistry Seminars

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Dr. Joseph Santelli, DDS, PC of the Center for Progressive Dentistry in Duxbury addresses the dental needs of the Baby Boomer population by offering free educational seminars about the wonders of Mini Dental Implants.

Dr. Santelli’s “Purple Cow” Mini Dental Implant (also known as mini-implant) educational seminars are specifically geared toward the 55+ community. The one-hour presentations give a complete overview of who would be a good candidate for mini-implants; the mini-implant procedure itself as well as the cost of mini-implants. Dr. Santelli is the third person in the entire U.S. to have been awarded a Master’s in Mini Dental Implant technology and he has made them his specialty. He is a member of the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants and is the only mini-implant provider in the area who does mini-implants as well as the follow up restoration.

“Many baby boomers are just beginning to experience the dental issues that come with age. If a tooth needs a root canal, post and then a crown, very often mini-implants are the FIRST choice of treatment. The mini-implant route is less expensive and will last longer,” explained Dr. Santelli.

Over 55 communities, retirement communities, libraries, non-profit organizations and other groups may arrange for Dr. Santelli to speak at no charge.

According to Dr. Santelli, “The invention of the mini-implant is the ‘Purple Cow’ of modern dentistry. There are still many dentists who are not aware of the ease and reduced cost of mini-implant technology. It is the modern, painless, quick and inexpensive way to replace one, some or all of the teeth.”

With mini-implants, there is NO surgery involved and the implants are completed in one or two visits. They are an ideal option for those suffering from loose or sore dentures.

He continued, “Essentially, a patient could walk into our dental spa wearing a denture and walk out with a full mouth of teeth, thanks to the innovation of mini-implants. Although mini-implant technology has been around for several years, there aren’t many dentists who hold certification in mini-implant technology, so for most of the general public, it is the first time they have heard about it.”


To arrange a free “Purple Cow” Mini-Implant seminar, contact the Center for Progressive Dentistry at (781) 934-9444.

Joseph Santelli, DDS, PC at the Center for Progressive Dentistry

The Center for Progressive Dentistry is an innovative dental spa that concentrates on cosmetic, restorative and general dentistry. The practice’s mission is to provide patients with the smile of their dreams, while emphasizing patient comfort in a “spa-like” atmosphere. In addition to mini-implants, the Center for Progressive Dentistry’s full range of cosmetic dentistry services include veneers, whitening and more.

Since comfort is of the utmost importance at the upscale practice; a plush, calm and soothing environment is a must for patients. Wand anesthetic is used, so patients do not feel a sting when it is administered. The dental chair has a massage feature and patients may choose to have a gentle massage during their treatment. At the conclusion of each appointment, patients are able to relax in a massage chair in the Recovery Spa, which is complete with dim lighting, soft music, candles and a waterfall feature.

Joseph Santelli, DDS, PC, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and the International Academy of Mini Dental Implants, has been providing cosmetic and general dentistry to patients throughout the South Shore for 38 years.

The Center for Progressive Dentistry is located at 33 Enterprise Street, Suite 9 in Duxbury, Mass. For more information, visit www.centerforprogressivedentistry.com or contact (781) 934-9444.

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DirectBuy of Calgary honored as top Renewal Centre of the Year

CALGARY, AB…

DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design centre that offers merchandise direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers, is proud to announce that DirectBuy of Calgary, led by franchise owner Teresa Shock, recently was the recipient of the highest honour for membership renewals awarded to franchise locations – Renewal Centre of the Year.

“We are very proud and excited that our members enjoy the shopping experience and savings enough to continue to support us year after year,” franchise owner Teresa Shock explained. “I am also very proud of the excellent job our service team is doing because they’ve truly created the type of atmosphere where our members love to shop for their homes.”

DirectBuy centres had the opportunity to qualify for Renewal Centre of the Year by displaying a high renewal rate – a testament to service excellence – on first and subsequent member renewals during a 12-month qualification period. During the past year, all DirectBuy locations were ranked according to their renewal percentage, culminating with the top centre, DirectBuy of Calgary, earning on-stage recognition at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference and acknowledgment in BuyLines – the company’s network wide newsletter.

Franchise Owner Teresa Shock owns and operates the 16,000 sq. ft. DirectBuy of Calgary showroom, conveniently located at Unit 17 3900 106th Ave SE in Calgary, AB. DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design centre where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy of Calgary offers area residents thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. 

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design.  An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Calgary 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. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 403-543-1620 or visit 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 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in the United States.

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.

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The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield Needs Items for Gala’s Auction

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The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has put out the call for Auction items for their annual Gala and Auction which will be held on March 7, 2009 at the Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston.

Approximately 350 people are expected to attend this year’s dazzling Gala and Auction which celebrates the fifth anniversary of the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield and also serves as a major fundraiser. Donations are needed for the Silent and Live Auctions, which will be held during the evening of the Gala and an Online Auction, which will be held in advance of the Gala.

Donations of sports memorabilia or tickets to major sporting events; musical performances and stage shows are always popular with auction bidders. Exciting donations that create an auction “buzz” may include an all-inclusive vacation cruise; a kitchen makeover; a new car, boat or other watercraft and a plasma TV. Services, such as a year’s worth of weekly house cleaning or exterior and interior painting make great auction donations as does an annual membership to a fitness center/health club.

At last year’s Evening Under the Stars Gala and Auction, more than $40,000 was raised in support of programs for more than 4,000 youths in the area.

“We’re very excited about this event and we anticipate a good response to our call for auction items. We’re including an Online Auction to give folks who may not be able to attend the Gala, an opportunity to bid on and potentially come away with some really terrific prizes,” noted Greg Jackson, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Club.

Have an exciting item to donate to the Silent, Live or Online Auction? Contact Maura Buckley Troiano via email at maura_troiano@yahoo.com.

For more information about the Gala and Auction or to purchase tickets, visit the website www.marshfieldboysandgirlsclub.com or contact Shawn Costa, Director of Development at the club (781) 834-CLUB (2582).

About the Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation, which includes a variety of supervised activities for greater than 4,000 youth (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals.  Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission “to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens, as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders.”

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the website at MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com or write to the club at P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA 02050.

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DirectBuy of Buffalo promotes Henry, Lange

 CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading members-only showroom and home design center that offers merchandise at manufacturer-direct prices, recently promoted Marsha Henry and Denise Lange to the position of marketing associate.

Henry, a Hamburg resident, began with DirectBuy of Buffalo in March 2008 as a lead generator. Prior to working for DirectBuy of Buffalo, she worked for a veterinary hospital.

Lange, a Cheektowaga resident, began with DirectBuy of Buffalo in September 2008 as a lead generator. Prior to working for DirectBuy of Buffalo, she was employed by Chick-n-Pizza Works.

“Both Marsha and Denise are most deserving of this promotion. They’ve done a great job as part of our lead generating staff and are valuable members of our team,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “We’re looking forward to bigger and better things from both of them in their new roles as marketing associates.”

As marketing associates, Henry and Lange’s responsibilities include booking appointments for tours and direct marketing efforts toward prospective members.

“Working at DirectBuy has been a great experience for me,” said Henry. “The people here are very friendly and we have a lot of laughs while doing something extraordinary for our members by helping them create the homes of their dreams.”

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 showrooms 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.  

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DirectBuy of Ottawa honoured with Sales Centre of the Year award

OTTAWA, ON…

DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design centre that offers merchandise direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers, is proud to announce that franchise owners Lise & Régis Girard and Frank Andrée and Chantal Lapalme recently were the recipients of the highest honour for sales awarded to franchisees – Sales Centre of the Year.

“We are extremely proud to have received this prestigious award. Helping our members to realize their dreams is remarkably rewarding for us as DirectBuy franchise owners,” said co-owner Lise Girard. “However, we would not have accomplished these lofty goals without the support of our knowledgeable and devoted staff. We would like to share this award with each and every one of our employees.”

DirectBuy centres had the opportunity to qualify for Sales Centre of the Year by introducing families to the DirectBuy concept, and were recognized for the number of families they helped join DirectBuy for the months of November 2007 through October 2008.

For their accomplishment, DirectBuy of Ottawa earned on-stage and video recognition at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference, a plaque celebrating their success, and acknowledgment in BuyLines – the company’s network-wide newsletter.

Lise & Régis Girard with Frank Andrée and Chantal Lapalme own the 20,000 sq. foot DirectBuy of Ottawa showroom, conveniently located at 1392 Cyrville Road in Ottawa, ON. DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design centre where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

“We buy just like the retailers buy and then we pass the savings right on to our members,” co-owner Chantal Lapalme explains. “Our hope is to elevate the shopping experience for our members while continuing to provide them with tremendous service and savings on the more than 500 manufacturers and authorized suppliers we carry.”

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishing, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Ottawa 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. 

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call (613) 749-7399 or visit 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 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in the United States.

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. 

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AAFD partners with SalesNexus to offer AAFD chapters and members premier contact management software solutions.

San Diego, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers recently announced a partnership with SalesNexus LLC, a leading provider of online customer relationship management.

The Houston-based SalesNexus developed AAFD Member Management, Web-based customer relationship database services, specifically for AAFD’s headquarters. Starting in 2009, this cutting-edge customer relationship management support will be an incorporated feature of AAFD Member Management, giving all AAFD chapters access to their membership data.

“Before this agreement, only AAFD staff had direct access to member data. That’s pretty common with most member management software. With SalesNexus customizing the AAFD Member Management platform, we can offer all our chapters direct access to member data at a fraction of the cost of stand alone software,” said AAFD President Peter Hanson. “This is really something we’ve wanted to offer our chapters for quite some time, but it took the brilliance of SalesNexus to provide a platform that satisfied AAFD chapter’s specific needs.”

By using SalesNexus services, each AAFD chapter will have a license to access their association’s data on a secure basis.  This gives each association the capability to directly use their data to track membership and renewal campaigns, to directly communicate with members and to manage association initiatives. 

In addition to AAFD chapters having access to AAFD Member Management, all AAFD members can purchase SalesNexus’s Web-based contact management solution at a significantly reduced rate.

“This is another great perk to being an AAFD member. The basic SalesNexus solution we’re offering our members averages out to about a $1 a day for an award-winning, secure contact management solution that’s not going to take up space on their hard drive, that they’re not going to have to upgrade every other year at about a third to half the price of comparable products,” said Hanson.

SalesNexus is a leading provider of online CRM solutions for small and medium sized businesses.  SalesNexus enables business owners to easily and affordably create workflows that fit the business’ unique selling and service processes without the need for internal IT resources.

Craig Klein, founder and CEO of SalesNexus, expressed his excitement about the new partnership. “Our association with AAFD is a classic win, win, win, relationship,” said Klein.  He added, “SalesNexus wins simply by being associated with the industry’s most respected franchisee advocate. In addition, SalesNexus will work closely with AAFD personnel to enable the AAFD to provide unmatched value to its chapter members and empower chapters to leverage automation to represent their members more efficiently.” 

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 locations throughout the United States. The AAFD 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.

AAFD partners with SalesNexus to offer AAFD chapters and members premier contact management software solutions.Read More

Your bathroom as the new living room

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

In the modern home, our bathrooms have transformed from a room of necessity to one of luxury – a place where we can rinse away the stresses of the day and relax in peaceful tranquility. The popularity of bathroom remodeling has followed this shift toward lavishness in a variety of ways.

Homeowners have added hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms and other features to create more of a home spa where they can unwind at the end of a long day.  According to DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, that trend has led homeowners to take a closer look at the design of their new “living room.”

“It’s quite natural that when you spend more time in a room, you’re going to want it to be pleasing to the eye and functional—even if that room is the bathroom. When you’re talking about creating a bathroom/home spa, that’s even more important. That’s why homeowners should take a step back and consider their options when planning a dream bathroom,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County.

When it comes to creating their dream bathroom, most homeowners want features they’ve seen in their favorite hotels while vacationing. Those can include:

  • A separate tub and enlarged shower area, as opposed to a shower stall, with enough space so there’s no need for a shower curtain.
  •  Drawer space in the sink vanities, even as part of the bathtub; reducing clutter-driven anxiety.
  •  Warm, neutral colors and earth tones to create a calming, natural atmosphere; utilizing stones like granite and bamboo can foster this effect.
  •  Plenty of natural lighting, if possible; halogen bulbs are another alternative that can help to create a soft lighting effect.
  •  Radiant, heated floors.
  •  Multiple body sprayers for the shower or rain showerheads, which as the name indicates, simulate rain.
  •  A steam bath within the shower area to save space.
  • Drying area within the shower space.
  • Separate room or partition for the commode.

The cost of creating your “dream bathroom” can vary, ranging anywhere from $5,000 for the cost-conscious to $50,000 or more. While either end of that spectrum might seem exorbitant depending on your budget, bathroom renovations have slowly crept up on kitchen renovations as the home improvement most likely to recoup costs at resale. In fact, Remodeling magazine’s 2007 report suggests major bathroom remodels will recoup 78.3 percent of the costs, to 78.1 percent major kitchen remodels.

“While most people don’t create their dream bathroom for their home’s next owner, it certainly is a nice extra to know it can dramatically improve the value of the entire home,” adds Karuna Talwar, owner of DirectBuy of Gurnee.

DirectBuy offers everything you need for your dream bathroom—hot tub, showers, flooring, vanities, etc.—at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you’re stuck for ideas, you have professionals at your service who can create the look that works best for you and your family.

Since 1971, DirectBuy showrooms have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer and their authorized suppliers. With five 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 call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit http://www.directbuychicago.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. 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. The five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are part 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 visiting http://www.directbuychicago.com/. 

Locations of the five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, 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.

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Rent a romantic Valentine’s Day.

 NORWELL, MA…

Dinner and a movie. It makes for a great date night any day of the year, but can be even more special on Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately, with times being tough for many, the luxury of a night out might not be an option this year. According to love expert Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating–one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide—a candlelit dinner at home followed by a romantic movie can be just the ticket for couples feeling the sting of the recession.

“Valentine’s Day is not about who spends the most, but spending time with your loved one. And with the selection of the right movie, that quiet night at home can be even more special,” said Falzone.

With the advent of online movie rental services, you can pretty much have your pick of Hollywood’s all-time romantic movies. On Falzone’s must-see, Valentine’s Day list are:

●        An Affair to Remember (1957), starring Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr

●        Love Actually (2003), starring Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson

●        Moonstruck (1987), starring Cher and Nicolas Cage

●        Officer and a Gentlemen (1982), starring Richard Gere and Debra Winger

●        Sleepless in Seattle (1993) starring Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan

●        Casablanca (1942), starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman

●        Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961), starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard

●        It Happened One Night (1934), starring Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert

●        Love Story (1970), starring Ryan O’Neal and Ali MacGraw

●        Romeo and Juliet (1968), starring Leonard Whiting and Olivia Hussey

“These movies can make for a great matinee and set the tone for the day, or a nice way to relax and enjoy the end of your romantic evening,” says Falzone. “Regardless of what you watch, what really matters is who you’re watching it with.”

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:  Georgia (Savannah); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Lexington, 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 Virginia (Falls Church).

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

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