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The Customer is KING – Action Bearing Renovates Shipping Department to Provide “Six-Sigma” Level of Service

Action Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets in New England and beyond, has recently renovated their entire shipping department in an effort to ensure the highest level of customer service and satisfaction in the industry.

Customers are KING

To further enhance the customer experience at Action Bearing, the company has renovated their entire shipping department. From intake and processing of orders with state-of-the-art technology to a revamp of the stock rooms, Action has made every effort to streamline shipping operations so they may continue to exceed the demands of a growing national and international customer base.

Action relies upon UPS and FedEx to assure that product(s) arrive at the customer’s door in 100 percent perfect shape. Action is proud to say that they are able to get bearings to far off places in short order. Whether the bearings and related products are slated for oil fields in Russia, ship repairs in Guam or mines in Brazil, the company makes every effort to connect with their customers, even via satellite, to ensure they receive exactly what they need, when they need it.

Action offers 24/7 customers service and gives customers the capability to find and order what they need through their website. Their full product catalog is now online and may also be downloaded as a super-handy reference tool for all bearings and related products. Technical drawings, specs with load ratings, and the ability to compare parts side by side are a few of the new catalog features.

To learn more about Action Bearing, visit their website at www.Actionbearing.com.

The Action Bearing Difference
In a proud tradition, the same families that started the company in 1957 keep Action Bearing rolling by specializing in bearings for OEM and MRO markets across the country. Action Bearing has a staff of 22 and a 23,000 square foot facility to provide bearings ranging in size from 3mm to tunnel-boring 15-foot-diameter giants.

Action Bearing offers customers a one-stop shopping experience. With an online product catalog with over 3 million bearings; a vast inventory of bearings; worldwide sourcing; a fixed price program; a knowledgeable staff dedicated to delivering; same day shipping and 24/7 service, Action Bearing has become the leading provider of bearings to OEM and MRO markets in the U.S.

Action Bearing maintains headquarters at 201 Brighton Ave. Boston, MA. For more information, contact 617-782-1400 or toll free, 800-225-4587, email info@Actionbearing.com or visit www.Actionbearing.com

The Customer is KING – Action Bearing Renovates Shipping Department to Provide “Six-Sigma” Level of ServiceRead More

Drop down and give me 10. Biz Boot Camp.

Drop down and give me 10.
Concord, Mass.-based Success & Profits Boot Camp gets you back to business starting Sept. 16.

DATELINE: CONCORD, MASS.

Not satisfied with the level that your business is at? Success & Profits Boot Camp, an eight-session program starting on September 16, is just the regimen you need.

The first session commences on Thursday, September 16th from 4:30-6:30 pm at the Best Western Hotel in Concord, 740 Elm Street, Concord, Mass. Subsequent classes are every other Thursday at the same time.

Investment is $900 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Alzheimer’s Association. There is a money back guarantee after the first session if you don’t agree the workshop is worthwhile.

The Boot Camp is directed by Van C. Smick, founder of Success and Profits Coaching based in Concord, Mass.

But “what” can you do to increase your business profits massively? You need to utilize 4 profit generating strategies – which you’ll learn in the workshop. But this eight-session program will not just teach you “What” you need to do but you’ll leave this program knowing “How” to do what you need to do to maximize your successful & profitable. And you will have DONE much of the planning work in the program itself.

Topics include results-producing marketing; S.M.A.R.T. goals (You’ll learn what SMART means), the difference between cash flow, cash gap & break-even; how to sell like a pro — without feeling dirty; leverage — how to do more with fewer resources; creating a winning team so you don’t have to work; five steps to freedom — have a biz you can sell; and more.

Register by visiting www.SuccessAndProfits.com and clicking on “Upcoming Events” or email workshop leader Van Smick at Van@SuccessAndProfits.com

Success And Profits coaching provides clients with passion, guidance, mentoring, strategic and tactical planning and the accountability to achieve their desired results. Clients achieve their goals of increased sales, profits and effective time management through practical and proven solutions.

Van C. Smick, a Carlisle, Mass. resident, is the founder and director of Success and Profits Coaching. He brings an enthusiasm and passion for helping others. He has more than 25 years of business acumen and 12 years of coaching and leadership experience in large and small businesses.

Drop down and give me 10. Biz Boot Camp.Read More

“Maximize Your Profits” – Sept. 9 and 10

“Maximize Your Profits” workshop hosted by Success & Profits Coaching –
Sept. 9 and 10 at Best Western, Concord, Mass.

There are only four strategies which can increase a business’s profits. At the “Maximize Your Profits” workshop hosted by Success & Profits Coaching participants will learn those 4 strategies of increasing profits and dozens of proven tactics to increase profits by a minimum of 50%.

Entrepreneurs can choose from one of two workshop dates including Thursday, Sept 9th, 5:30-7 p.m. and Friday, Sept 10th, 7:30-9 a.m. at the Best Western of Concord, 740 Elm Street, Concord, Mass.

Investment is $25 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to Alzheimer’s Association.

The workshop will underscore how to increase your leads with only a nominal investment, how to land 100% of the best prospects, how to get customers to spend more and how to increase your profit margins.

Previous attendees to this workshop have rated this workshop a 9 or higher out of 10 for the past 5 years. Participants are guaranteed to learn $1,000 worth of easy to implement strategies or the $25 investment is refunded — although you still get all the proven tactics you have learned.

Register by visiting www.SuccessAndProfits.com and clicking on “Upcoming Events” or email workshop leader Van Smick at Van@SuccessAndProfits.com.

Success And Profits coaching provides clients with passion, guidance, mentoring, strategic and tactical planning and the accountability to achieve their desired results. Clients achieve their goals of increased sales, profits and effective time management through practical and proven
solutions.

Van Smick, a Carlisle, Mass. resident, is the founder and director of Success and Profits Coaching. He brings an enthusiasm and passion for helping others. He has more than 25 years of business acumen and 12 years of coaching and leadership experience in large and small businesses.

“Maximize Your Profits” – Sept. 9 and 10Read More

Lori Skinner RN of South Shore Skin Center and Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation featured in DERMASCOPE Magazine

The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation of Hingham and South Shore Skin Center teamed up at the Special Olympics held last week at Weymouth High School to educate children and their families about skin cancer prevention and sun safety.
DermaScope Magazine

Lori Skinner RN of South Shore Skin Center and Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation featured in DERMASCOPE MagazineRead More

Feeling the heat… Radiant heating for your home

MERRILLVILLE, IN …

It’s been a hot summer across North America. Yet with autumn only a few short weeks away, the focus will soon switch to heating your home. For many homeowners, especially those who don’t enjoy stepping onto a cold floor in the morning, radiant heat delivers an interesting alternative.

Radiant heating systems involve supplying heat directly to the floor or to panels in the wall or ceiling of a house. In contrast to the way a forced air heating system warms a room by circulating hot air, radiant heating warms a room from the heat emanating from a specific heat source (e.g. –  a hot stove). Consequently, radiant heat warms the items closest to the source first, which is why most people install it in the floor.

“Radiant heat offers many benefits in both form and function. Besides avoiding a cold floor in the morning, radiant heat offers a quieter alternative to a noisy furnace,” said Mike Georgeff, of DirectBuy. “The other nice feature of radiant heat is that it allows you to program the temperature for certain zones of the house, like the bathroom first thing in the morning, rather than heating the entire level.”

Typically, radiant heat comes in three forms: electric, hydronic (water), and solar. The most common are electric and hydronic. When the radiant heat system is turned on, energy is forced through a conducive material embedded in floor tile or floor board (if installing the radiant heat in the floor). Both electric and hydronic systems require electricity (the water used for hyrdonic radiant heating is heated by electricity).

In addition to programmable thermostats, most radiant heating systems will also have an ambient thermometer. So, once the desired heat is achieved, the system can be sustained or turned down accordingly. With forced air, the ambient temperature and the programmed temperature aren’t always the same.

“Radiant heat is one of the more efficient forms of heating available and requires significantly less operating time to maintain the desired warmth compared to furnaces and other methods of heating. That keeps operational costs to a minimum,” said Georgeff. “Couple radiant heat’s efficiency with the negatives associated with forced air—noisy furnaces, dust, etc.—and you can dramatically improve your living environment.”

In addition to radiant heating systems, DirectBuy Club offers many products to improve the energy efficiency of your home—all at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, you can visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Feeling the heat… Radiant heating for your homeRead More

Where it’s easy buying green. DirectBuy provides one-stop shopping solution for green building materials and appliances.

ORLANDO, FL …

There’s a misconception among many consumers that buying “green” refers strictly to products made of natural materials. While that’s part of the equation, there’s much more to it. Like appliances and lighting that last longer and use less power to run, and plumbing that requires less water. At DirectBuy of Orlando, members not only have the opportunity to purchase the full spectrum of green products under one roof, but they also can save some “green” by paying manufacturer-direct prices.

Some of the “green” products available to DirectBuy members include:

●       Faucets and plumbing fixtures that offer low consumption

●       Natural cork flooring and underlayments

●       Flooring made of renewable, natural bamboo

●       Energy Star-rated lighting and ceiling fans

●       Energy Star compliant kitchen appliances, washers, and dryers

●       Cabinets treated with low-voc, LEED-compliant stains

●       Bedroom, dining room, and living furniture manufactured by members of the Sustainable Furniture Council; many of these pieces are made from natural fibres, use eco-friendly foam, and contain organic, halogen-free fire retardants.

“Consumers are always being encouraged to make ‘greener’ purchases, but there’s no real road map as to where to make these purchases and whether or not what they do buy is green,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “The green products our members can buy through DirectBuy have been rated by recognized ‘green’ authorities like Energy Star, LEED, or the Sustainable Furniture Council, so you know the green purchase you’re making is part of the solution.”

In addition to making greener products available, DirectBuy of Orlando has also hosted green building workshops. During these sessions, members learn about the different green construction methods and products available. One Orlando area couple, Barry and Susan Sitkoff, utilized the knowledge they gained from the workshop, along with the expertise of DirectBuy’s product specialists, to build their “dream green home.”

Here are some of the green items that went into the Sitkoff’s green home:

Walls – Constructed with an insulated concrete form (ICF) containing three inches of foam on the outside, three inches of foam on the inside, and a solid three-inch concrete core. Building with ICFs can save homeowners up to 50 percent on energy costs. The benefits of ICFs include reduced noise transmission, resistance to mold and mildew growth, and up to a four-hour fire resistive rating. ICFs can also be built to any seismic or hurricane storm standard.

Attic – A closed cell foam was installed on the roof deck,  while an AC feed and return were installed in the attic without roof vents to prevent energy loss and allow the Sitkoffs to use their attic as living space – something that is virtually unheard of in Florida.

Windows – Double-pane, Low E (the E stands for emissivity) windows were installed throughout the house. Double-pane windows (not to be confused with double-hung windows) have two panes of glass, and can reduce heat loss by 50 percent or more. In addition, the Low E glass used minimizes the impact of direct sunlight by reflecting heat back to its source. The Sitkoffs further reduced the impact of direct sunlight by designing their home with north- and south-facing patios.

Garage Door – A steel-back insulated garage door with R-15 insulation was used to provide excellent thermal performance. R-15 high density insulation consists of more fibers per square inch, resulting in a higher R-value per square inch in less space than standard insulation products.

Toilets and Faucets – The Sitkoffs installed low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets that should reduce water usage by 50 percent.

Water Heater – A gas on-demand water heater was installed instead of a typical hot water heater that continuously heats the water in the tank. A tankless hot water heater, like the one installed, can reduce energy usage while still providing hot water by simply turning on the tap.

Appliances – Their gourmet kitchen was equipped with all Energy Star-rated appliances, including a 48-inch dual fuel (electric oven gas) range with a six-burner top and a warming drawer to keep food at the perfect temperature while using less power.

Lighting – All of the lights have dimmers or Eco-bulbs. Eco-bulbs have the following benefits: 

  • High power factor that results in less distortion on the electricity network
  • Last up to twice as long as other energy-saving bulbs
  • Reduce green house gas emissions
  • 15,000 hour life – the equivalent of either 14 standard bulbs or three average energy-saving bulbs.
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Very low amalgam content used in production

Flooring – Carpeting with recycled content was installed, as well as natural stone (travertine floors and bathroom tile with granite countertops for the kitchens and bathrooms). Natural stone flooring and tile are sustainable choices that will last many lifetimes.

The Sitkoffs completed their green home in June of 2009 and since moving in, have spent $100-$150 less a month on their electrical bills than their neighbors with the same size home.

“We might have spent a little more to build green but in the long-run, we will save substantially,” said Barry Sitkoff.

Since 2005, DirectBuy of Orlando South has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400 in Orlando, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

“We all know we should be making greener purchases, particularly when it comes to products we use in our everyday lives like lighting and appliances,” said Cohen. “By making all these green options available at DirectBuy, we give our members the choice to save money and valuable natural resources.”

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the U.S. and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Where it’s easy buying green. DirectBuy provides one-stop shopping solution for green building materials and appliances.Read More

Franchises touch home base…Prospective franchise owners look toward home-based opportunities.

 WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

In years prior, shopping for a franchise opportunity often meant checking out locations for your franchise. With the economic recovery still a work in progress and home equity lines equally diminished by a sagging real estate market, prospective franchise owners have turned to home-based franchise opportunities to get into the franchise game without major overhead.

Resort Maps Franchise, Inc., creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, United Kingdom, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently sold its 100th franchise.  As an opportunity that enables its franchise owners to work from a home office and set their own schedule, Resort Maps has seen the home-based trend evolve with the current economy.

“We’ve had new franchise owners who in other years may have opted for a Dunkin Donuts or some other location-based opportunity,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “While some of that might be a financial decision, a lot of it is about choosing a lifestyle. Our franchise owners work hard when they work, but it’s not a 24/7 grind like a lot of franchise opportunities.”

Gerry Pelissier, owns Resort Maps franchises in Dennis-Harwich, Massachusetts and Chatham-Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, represents one of the new faces. A former executive in the corporate world, Pelissier successfully franchised a drive-thru gourmet coffee business before selling it to Chock full o’Nuts. At age 50, he found the Resort Maps to be an appealing option.

“Back when I was 28 years old, I had the drive and the entrepreneurship in my blood,’’ said Pelissier, who was the founder of a double drive-thru gourmet coffee business that he successfully franchised and then sold to Chock full o’Nuts. “I just turned 50 this year and I said to myself, ‘Let’s not create a new wheel.’ There’s a lot less risk and stress without leasing or buying real estate.”

While lower overheads are one reason for home-based franchise opportunity’s rise in popularity, flexibility of hours is another. Because franchise owners are not anchored to a physical location and 9 to 5 schedule, they can create a schedule that fits their personal lives.

“Coincidentally, we’ve had several single parents purchase franchises over the past few years,” added Hans.

Jessica Grentner, a single parent, worked for her family’s hotel business in Florida that happened to be an advertiser on a Resort Map. Grentner saw Resort Maps as not only a way to own her own business but to create a better life for her daughter.

“Working in the hotel business and living in Florida was just not a good fit for me and raising my daughter,” said Grentner. “I had a sister in Breckenridge, so Colorado was at the top of my list.  I started a Resort map in the Vail valley in 2007, then in January 2009 I purchased  an existing,  established map in Summit County. The move couldn’t have worked out better professionally and personally for me and my daughter.”

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously keep the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to over100 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England, Puerto Rico & Costa Rica.

In 2010, Resort Maps will print and publish nearly 20 million maps. And besides travelers, more and more opportunity seekers are becoming fans of Resort Maps.

“Resort Maps is truly a unique and appealing franchise opportunity. It’s not a 9-to-5 gig, you don’t need to take out office space and you don’t necessarily have to work 12 months a year to run a successful franchise. You just have to be willing to work hard when you work,” said Hans. “With more and more people looking to escape the corporate world for an opportunity that gives them some freedom and flexibility and great earning potential, 150 maps is certainly a tangible goal as we attract more franchisees– hopefully one we can meet within the next couple of years.”

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

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published.  Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City, Northern Michigan), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, The Hamptons,), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Franchises touch home base…Prospective franchise owners look toward home-based opportunities.Read More