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DirectBuy Member Purchases Continue to Grow Despite Slow Economy

MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA…

DirectBuy, the home improvement and furnishings club with confidential dealer prices, has announced that the company’s more than 400,000 members throughout the US and Canada purchased nearly $750 million in merchandise during a 12-month period ending April 30, 2011. DirectBuy members have the collective buying power to purchase directly from hundreds of name-brand manufacturers or authorized suppliers to avoid hidden retail markups on a wide variety of merchandise for their homes.

The three quarters of a billion dollars in DirectBuy member purchases from May 2010 through April 2011 represents a 14% increase in order volume over the same period in the previous year, an indication that purchasing activity among DirectBuy members is continuing to grow – most notably in the areas of small appliances (38.7% increase), and home accessories (20.9% increase).

Through their unique business model, DirectBuy has enabled its members to save hundreds of millions of dollars year after year on products ranging from kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to furniture, flooring, electronics, and even jewelry. In today’s economy, those savings become even more important.

And while the economy is improving, many traditional retailers are still struggling to recover from one of the worst recessions in US history and a corresponding decrease in consumer purchasing. In contrast, the information released by DirectBuy suggests that not only are consumers continuing to invest in their homes, but that they are doing so at an increasing rate thanks to the confidential dealer pricing available through DirectBuy membership.

In fact, in the category of Home Improvement alone, DirectBuy members purchased nearly $350 million in merchandise, while also investing heavily in Home Furnishings. These numbers include a 20.3% increase in merchandise purchases related to Home Entertainment Furnishings.

The company’s purchasing success stems, in part, from its strong relationships with more than 1,000 manufacturers or authorized suppliers in the US and Canada and large selection of more than one million products – all available at confidential dealer prices. DirectBuy also recently re-launched its e-commerce portal – members.directbuy.com – that gives members the ability to browse, price, compare, and purchase merchandise online. As a result, members are now purchasing even more merchandise online thanks to the improved site and its speedier search returns, increased product availability, and user-friendly interface.

Along with a new website, DirectBuy has also beefed up its member email communications and expanded its Club Exclusive email offers that deliver savings from their suppliers that exceed the everyday values already available to members. The company noted a more than 25% increase in online order volume following the site enhancements and increased email communications, and that number is expected to rise as the company invests further in additional technology advances and membership offerings.

DirectBuy also recently announced that it is bringing back the popular Free 30-Day Membership program, which gives families the opportunity to “test drive” membership and make purchases prior to deciding on a membership plan. Consumers and families interested in learning more about DirectBuy and receiving a certificate for a Free 30-Day Membership are invited to visit www.directbuy.com/free30 to sign up.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, 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 more. With more than 130 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 their authorized suppliers in Canada. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases, as well as provide access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to help expedite members’ projects.

Visit us on www.facebook.com/directbuy

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DirectBuy Free 30-Day Membership Back by Popular Demand

Limited time promotion gives families the ability to “test drive” DirectBuy’s unique business model and savings prior to purchasing a membership

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

DirectBuy, the home improvement and furnishings club with confidential dealer prices, has announced that the company and its more than 130 locations throughout North America will once again begin offering free 30-Day Memberships to potential members.

DirectBuy has more than 400,000 members throughout the US and Canada who have the collective buying power to purchase directly from hundreds of name-brand manufacturers or authorized suppliers to avoid hidden retail markups on a wide variety of merchandise for their homes. Through their unique business model, DirectBuy has enabled its members to save hundreds of millions of dollars year after year on products ranging from kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and appliances to furniture, flooring, electronics, and even jewelry. In today’s economy, those savings become even more important.

“The very nature of our concept is powerful, in any economy,” said DirectBuy Executive Vice President Bart Fesperman. “What we were seeing was our members faring much better than most families because of their memberships with DirectBuy and the savings they were experiencing. Even with the economy being slow, our members are still able to buy the things they need for their home. And now, back by popular demand, our free 30-day membership offer helps us to share this security with even more families.”

The promotion will run through July 31, 2011 and allows potential members to gain firsthand experience of the benefits of belonging to DirectBuy:

As part of their Free 30-Day Membership, potential members will be able to visit their local DirectBuy club and begin shopping for the things they need to turn their house into a home, or complete that elusive home improvement project – with the caveat of a $1,000 cap on spending during the 30 days. After seeing the type of savings and value that buying direct offers, families can then select a longer-term membership that provides even more benefits, such as access to the company’s online shopping site – members.directbuy.com – and weekly Club Exclusive email offers from DirectBuy suppliers that provide savings beyond everyday values.

The company also recently introduced new varying membership terms to accommodate a wider range of needs and budgets and allow even more families to experience the benefits of belonging to DirectBuy.

“When guests come in to our club, they aren’t deciding anymore if DirectBuy membership is right for them,” said Chris Beile, a DirectBuy franchisee in Dallas. “Instead, guests are now choosing which membership plan best suits their needs.”

Consumers and families interested in learning more about DirectBuy and receiving a certificate for a Free 30-Day Membership are invited to visit www.directbuy.com/free30 to sign up.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, 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 more. With more than 130 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 their authorized suppliers in Canada. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases, as well as provide access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to help expedite members’ projects.

Visit us on www.facebook.com/directbuy

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Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Steven V. Dubin, PR Works, (781) 582-1061, sdubin@prworkzone.com

Old Colony Elder Services to Hold Elder Abuse Awareness Event on June 8th

DATELINE: BROCKTON AND PLYMOUTH, MA.
Old Colony Elder Services, an elder services agency providing supportive resources to seniors living in greater Plymouth county and the Brockton area, will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness Event on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 2 pm at the Conference Center in their Brockton office located at 144 Main Street. This event is open to the public and there is no cost to attend. Light refreshments will be served.

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15th), Old Colony Elder Services will be showing the documentary film “An Age for Justice – Confronting Elder Abuse in America” produced by the Elder Justice Now campaign. In the video, older Americans share their personal stories of neglect, physical or emotional abuse and exploitation. Along with the video, a number of guest speakers will also address the subject. Educational material will be distributed during the event.

Last year alone, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) assisted 800 abused or neglected elders within the Plymouth county and Brockton area. OCES’ Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

Elder abuse ranges from physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse to neglect. OCES has outlined some warning signs of abuse from the National Center for Elder Abuse:

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns
Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases
Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes
Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property
Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

“To help create greater awareness of what constitutes elder abuse; how to recognize it and assist elders in need, we’re holding this event on June 8th at our Conference Center,” noted Diana L. DiGiorgi, Executive Director of Old Colony Elder Services. “As Baby Boomers age and the elder population increases, raising awareness about this growing problem is imperative.”

To report suspected elder abuse or neglect, contact OCES’ Protective Services at (508) 584-1561, or the statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 800-922-2275.

About Old Colony Elder Services
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit corporations designated as Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES offers a number of programs to seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver Support; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services and Home Care.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts: 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. In 2009, Old Colony Elder Services was honored with the Metro South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 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

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HR Knowledge CEO to appear on MYOB Radio Show Sunday

Jeff Garr, CEO of HR Knowledge will be appearing on the “Mind your Own Business” Radio Show this week. The show provides advice, information and connections for entrepreneurs, service providers and established companies. Tune into MYOB this Sunday between 9-11 AM to hear his segment.

Local Stations:

WBNW 1120 AM – Needham, MA
WPLM 1390 AM – Plymouth, MA
WESO 970 AM – Southbridge, MA

or stream online @ MYOBTheRadioShow.com

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Special deliveries – G-Force Shipping honors carriers with “Ship Shape” awards.

HANOVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

We can all agree that the best shipments are the ones that arrive on time and in one piece. Yet there are some carriers who achieve that standard and then some, time and again. G-Force Shipping, a non-asset based, third-party logistics provider based in Hanover, MA, salutes those carriers with the 2011 “Ship Shape” awards.

“In working with more than 80 carriers, we hear a number of tremendous stories from customers about how so many of the carriers they work with do a fantastic job,” said Gordie Macfarlane, president of G-Force Shipping. “With the Ship Shape awards, manufacturers, distributors, dealers and the general public have the opportunity to do a little more than say thank you for the great work these carriers do.”

The Ship Shape awards honor carriers in three separate categories:

  • Best Carrier– Self explanatory, the Best Carrier goes to the freight company who performed the best over the past calendar year, 2010. Areas of consideration: price, transit time, condition of delivery, customer service.
  • Most Dependable – This goes to the carrier who consistently meets transit times with the least amount of claims. 
  • Shipper’s Shipper – This honor goes to the carrier who, on one particular occasion, went above and beyond the call to ensure the safe and on time arrival of a shipment.  This is a chance for you to tell us your best stories!

Manufacturers, dealers, distributors and the general public can nominate a carrier by e-mailing your nomination to info@gforceship.com. Employees of nominated carriers are not eligible to vote.

As part of the nomination form, voters can contribute a brief, 250-word testimonial on behalf of the carrier. The most compelling testimonial, as determined by G-Force customer representatives, will win a $100 credit towards their next shipment using G-Force.

The winners will be selected on July 1, 2011 and announced on www.gforceship.com.

G-Force Shipping provides manufacturers, dealers and distributors with an easy-to-use, Web-based shipping utility, www.GForceship.com, which delivers instant quotes and multiple carrier choices in seconds. There’s no long-term commitment. Access to a free online account or a toll-free number is all G-Force customers need. The only fees associated with an account are those directly connected to the shipping costs.

For more information, please call 877-7-GFORCE or visit www.gforceship.com.

More carriers, more choices, more savings.

G Force Shipping and Consulting, Inc. is a non asset based third-party logistics provider based in Hanover, Massachusetts. Through its Web site, www.gforceship.com, G-Force provides its customers with direct access to quotes from more than 80 carriers on LTL, FTL and small parcel shipments. In addition to helping customers find the right shipping company at the right price, G-Force offers white glove service that includes 24/7 customer service, freight consulting services, online warehouse management capabilities and much, much more.

For more information, visit www.gforceship.com or call 877-7-GFORCE (877-743-6723).

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Howcast Features Boston Area Plumbing Expert in Series of DIY Plumbing Videos

Tim Flynn, plumbing industry expert and president of Winters Plumbing, Heating & Cooling of Cambridge was recently selected by Howcast Media Inc., based in New York, to develop a series of plumbing videos geared towards educating homeowners about plumbing related issues.

A total of 21 different plumbing videos featuring expert Tim Flynn were filmed by Howcast, covering how-to topics such as: repairing minor plumbing problems; choosing plumbing fittings and fixtures; understanding plumbing basics; finding a good plumber and more. The videos were filmed on location at Winters Plumbing state-of-the-art training facility in Cambridge, MA.

The videos will be released on Howcast channels, both on and off the web, over the next several weeks.

For a sneak preview of Tim Flynn’s video, “How to Fix a Leaky Faucet”, visit http://www.Howcast.com/videos/460922-Plumbing-HowTo-Fix-a-Leaky-Faucet-Standard  

“This series of videos will help homeowners become better ‘masters of their domain’ as far as plumbing goes. They’ll be able to solve some of the most common plumbing problems themselves – ranging from fixing a leaky faucet to unclogging a toilet or garbage disposal,” noted master plumber Tim Flynn, president of Winters Plumbing Heating & Cooling.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.wintershomeservices.com or call 617-209-2439.

About Howcast Media Inc.

Howcast Media Inc. is located in San Francisco and New York. The company provides engaging and useful how-to information to viewers worldwide. Howcast is known for their high-quality content, and streams tens of millions of videos every month across its multi-platform distribution network. Howcast is renowned as the number one mobile application for instructional content. For more information, visit howcast.com.

About Winters Plumbing, Heating & Cooling

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

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

Winters Plumbing, Heating & Cooling has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call 617-209-2439 or visit the website at www.wintershomeservices.com.

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“Belated Burials at Sea” Now Offered Through New England Burials at Sea LLC

New England Burials At Sea, (NEBAS) has recently launched a new service and website to help bring closure to families who wish to honor their loved ones with a Belated Burial at Sea (www.belatedburials.com).

The vast majority of cremations never have a proper, dignified “celebration of life” burial ceremony. Company founder Captain Brad White recently announced a new service now offered at NEBAS – the Belated Burial – a memorial ash scattering that pays tribute to a loved one when a family is still holding onto their cremated remains and not knowing how to put them to final rest.

According to Capt. White, “Typically, during the first year following cremation, the remains are placed proudly on the fireplace mantel. As the years go by, the remains are eventually moved to the hallway closet behind a tennis racquet and by year five, or even year 10, someone has an epiphany that a burial at sea or other ‘celebration’ would be a great final and proper tribute.”

NEBAS is the best known company in the USA for sea burials and it uses only properly insured and licensed captains with current U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) certifications who only use clean, safe and up to date vessels from Maine to Miami as well as San Francisco to San Diego. Vessels vary from vintage Maine down east style to sport or luxury level vessels accommodating up to 400 people.

NEBAS Burials at sea are legal, approved per USCG and EPA regulations and are easy to plan. For ash scatterings, NEBAS voyages out three nautical miles and the family scatters their loved ones cremated remains with a customized sea tribute service and returns to port all within about three hours. Traditional Ash Scattering rates include an official parchment sea burial certificate marking the latitude and longitude of a loved ones’ final resting place and start at $495.00. NEBAS also offers full body ocean burials with their patent pending organic Atlantic Sea Burial Shroud®

For more information or to make arrangements for a Belated Burial , contact NEBAS

Toll free at (877) 897-7700 or visit the website at www.belatedburials.com.

About NEBAS

New England Burials At Sea LLC, (NEBAS) offers burial at sea scatterings and eco-friendly full body sea burials, serving families from Maine to Miami for groups up to 400 people since 2006 and is recognized by the EPA, US Navy, U.S.C.G. and many area funeral homes and crematories.

NEBAS offers a unique Concierge Program specifically for families traveling to the Boston area for NEBAS services. The company has partnered with the pet friendly Fairmont Battery Wharf Hotel, Rowe’s Wharf Water Transport Company, Winston Flowers and CityView Trolley company of Boston to help ensure NEBAS guests are as comfortable as possible during their time of grief and mourning – and one simple phone call handles it all.

The company also designed and manufactures the Atlantic Sea burial Shroud®.

For more information or images, visit http://www.newenglandburialsatsea.com, call toll free New England Burials At Sea, Capt Brad White at 877-897-7700 or (781) 834-7500, email OceanBurial@aol.com.

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