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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

Why Wesley Snipes got caught. Celebrity or not, non-filers can run but they cannot hide from the IRS.

Matthew Previte, CPA

NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS…

The simple answer as to why Wesley Snipes will soon begin serving a three-year sentence for tax evasion is that he didn’t file his tax returns for 1999 through 2004 and also tried to get a $7 million refund in 2006 on returns filed before he stopped filing in 1999. The broader answer is that in 2010, the IRS has more sophisticated resources, more personnel, and more incentive (nearly $345 billion owed to the federal government, which has a budget deficit in the trillions) than ever before to track down non-filers. In 2010 and beyond, if you fail to file your tax returns, chances are exceptional that you will get caught.

“What non-filers do not realize is the IRS will prepare a Substitute For Return (SFR) for you if you don’t file a tax return yourself. Only that SFR will not have the vast majority of the deductions you might be entitled to had you filed on your own,” said Matthew J. Previte, CPA, a local taxpayer advocate expert and owner of TaxProblemsRUs.com. “So, if you don’t file a tax return for several years like Mr. Snipes, the IRS has the technology to prepare an SFR for you and then will start burying you with severe penalties and interest based on that grossly inflated SFR assessment.”

Fortunately for non-filers, the IRS generally only looks back six years for unfiled tax returns. Yet without including all the deductions one might be entitled to, those SFR assessments can be grossly inflated due to that lack of deductions. The IRS can also utilize any number of resources to calculate income. For example:

  • Bank accounts – IRS can track non-filer accounts and review your deposit and spending histories.
  • Credit card spending – IRS can track overseas and domestic spending to prove income.
  • Audits of payees – Often times the people non-filers pay for goods and services are audited and that can alert the IRS to the payer’s non-filing.
  • IRS whistleblower programs – Does anybody else know you haven’t filed? An ex-wife or significant other? Perhaps a vindictive business associate? IRS whistle-blower programs raise the red flag and agents are more than happy to follow those leads.

So, with all the mechanisms available to the IRS to catch non-filers, why do people still not file?

“The reasons vary. Everything from bad advice from tax protestors and unscrupulous tax advisors to financial or health problems to even just plain old general neglect. Once one year is unfiled, fear and embarrassment most often perpetuate the problem, causing additional years to go unfiled. Some might even think if they don’t file, they won’t ever have to pay taxes. I’ve represented quite a few people who haven’t filed for 25 years or more,” said Previte. “The reality is, with the resources the IRS now has, non-filers will get caught and the punishment, if prosecuted and proven guilty like Mr. Snipes, is one year in prison per year you don’t file up to six years. If you’re lucky enough to avoid prosecution and jail time, the IRS will still bury you in taxes, penalties, and interest.”

Continues Previte, “The real irony about non-filers is that by filing their tax returns—even if they don’t have the money to pay the IRS—they have more options to resolve their tax debts than by not filing their tax returns.”

Some of those options include:

  • Offer in Compromise program
  • Payment plan
  • Bankruptcy
  • Uncollectible status
  • Penalty Abatement
  • Lien Subordination
  • Innocent Spouse Relief

“These are just a few of the scenarios where having a qualified licensed tax professional represent you—instead of pulling your bed covers over your head and praying you don’t get caught–can literally save you thousands of dollars and dramatically reduce the likelihood of prison time,” said Previte. “At the very least, it can lessen the stress and anguish that come with having tax debt hanging over your head and your family’s.”

For more information on TaxProblemsRUS.com, please visit www.TaxProblemsRUs.com. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call 877-259-8200.

About  TaxProblemsRUs.com and Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC

TaxProblemsRUs.com is the official Web site of Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC, a Massachusetts tax firm representing individuals and businesses before the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities in all 50 states. Based in Natick, Massachusetts, Matthew J. Previte, CPA, PC has been representing both individuals and businesses with tax problems for 22 years. To schedule a free confidential consultation, call 877-259-8200 or, for more information, visit www.TaxProblemsRUs.com.

 

Why Wesley Snipes got caught. Celebrity or not, non-filers can run but they cannot hide from the IRS.Read More

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

While it’s the objective of most homeowners to run a greener household, the other kind of green—dollars—often dictates how much you can commit. When selecting household appliances like a refrigerator, however, homeowners should consider the potential energy savings more so than the sticker price.

“At this stage of the game, consumers know they should be selecting an Energy Star product, but beyond that, it’s back to how much it costs rather than how much you can save,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “By doing a little research and examining your needs, you can save some green and be green.”

Vest recommends:

  • Shopping for Energy Star-rated refrigerators that exceed the government’s minimum requirements.
  • Reviewing energy guides supplied by the U.S. government that compare kilowatt-hour usage and estimated yearly energy costs associated with refrigerators. Energy guides are available online.
  • Buying a refrigerator with a highly efficient compressor and good insulation. Poor compression or insulation can allow cool air to escape, which will raise energy costs.
  • Selecting a refrigerator that enables you to choose the exact temperature you desire for both the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Choosing freezer-on-top models that have an energy saver switch, which allows you to deactivate the anti-sweat function. This lowers moisture content, a feature that’s only necessary when humidity is high.
  • Purchasing the smallest refrigerator that will comfortably meet your needs (smaller refrigerators consume less energy than their larger counterparts will because they have to less space to cool).
  • Considering separate refrigerator and freezer units. This will increase the food-storage capabilities of both units and decrease the radiant loss from one compartment to the next (the amount of cold-air “leakage” from the freezer into the refrigerator that occurs with refrigerator/freezer combinations).

“Selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator reminds me of the old expression ‘don’t work harder, work smarter,’” said Vest. “While it’s an important first step to select an Energy Star-rated refrigerator, doing your due diligence can really make a dent in your monthly energy costs.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from energy-efficient refrigerators to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, 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 visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, 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 Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigeratorRead More

Kitchen helpers…DirectBuy donates kitchen appliances to Trinity Home for Boys in El Monte, California.

EL MONTE, CA, BURBANK, CA AND THOUSAND OAKS, CA …

When it comes to cooking, teenage boys, in general, need all the help they can get. For the culinary students at the Trinity Group Home for Boys in El Monte, California, a foster home for 53 boys, they face a bigger challenge: old, rundown kitchen equipment needing replacement. Fortunately, DirectBuy of Ventura County and DirectBuy of San Fernando Valley stepped up to the plate by donating much needed kitchen appliances.

The donations included a microwave oven from DirectBuy of Ventura County, located at 1445 Lawrence Drive in Thousand Oaks, and an oven range, an electric wall oven and gas cook top courtesy of DirectBuy of San Fernando Valley, located at 2850 North Ontario Street in Burbank.

“We’ve experienced a significant reduction in state funding over the last several years and, unfortunately, the kitchen is starting to show the effects,” said Joey Seward, a spokesperson for Trinity Youth Services. “A donation of this magnitude is doubly appreciated because it is new equipment, enabling us to continue the culinary classes we offer the boys, but it is also large enough to help in the preparation of meals for all our residents.”

The Trinity Home in El Monte is supported by the Children’s Foundation of America. The primary goal of the Foundation is to identify and access resources to support foster care, residential treatment and education programs of the highest quality, so that children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment may lead, healthy, productive lives. The Foundation currently supports programs for children in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada through Trinity Foster Care, Trinity Residential Services, Triad Family Services and Advanced Education Services.

“Trinity Youth Services is doing incredible work under less than ideal fiscal conditions,” said Greg Johnson, managing partner of DirectBuy of Ventura County. “We’re happy to make this contribution and encourage other businesses to step up and help this very worthwhile organization.”

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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Kitchen helpers…DirectBuy donates kitchen appliances to Trinity Home for Boys in El Monte, California.Read More

Hot off the presses….Resort Maps of The North Fork map now available.

Marilyn Holstein
HOT OFF THE PRESSES: Resort Maps' Marilyn Holstein holds first edition of the new map of The North Fork.

PECONIC, NEW YORK; AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Marilyn Holstein, owner of Resort Maps’ North Fork franchise, today announced the availability of Resort Maps of The North Fork. The new map, which features key destinations and attractions between Riverhead and Orient Point, will be available at travel information centers throughout the North Fork, advertiser’s establishments, and local transportation terminals.

 “When we announced the franchise I heard from more than a few people that several maps had been planned for the North Fork but had fallen through for one reason or another,” said Holstein. “I’m delighted to not only bring 100,000 copies of the Resort Map of The North Fork to the area, but to do so ahead of schedule.”

Resort Maps has created  nearly 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as at advertiser locations. Resort Maps of The North Fork map highlights local attractions and things to do, restaurants, vineyards, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services on the North Fork. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“I first learned about Resort Maps when I visited Newport several years ago. The map was like my Bible and I never went anywhere without it,” said Holstein. “As somebody who’s been a regular visitor to the North Fork for more than 25 years, I’ve never seen any maps that come close to showcasing local attractions and businesses like Resort Maps. Tourists and residents alike are going to love how Resort Maps displays the many places and things there are to do and see from Riverhead to Orient Point.”

The North Fork Resort Map will be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to all 100+ areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on Resort Maps of The North Fork Resort Map, you can e-mail Marilyn Holstein at marilynh@resortmaps.com or call 631-655-2773.

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 98 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Twenty 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, 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).

Hot off the presses….Resort Maps of The North Fork map now available.Read More

Chino resident Cynthia Gutierrez receives Top Service recognition at DirectBuy conference

DirectBuy of San Bernardino County's Cynthia Gutierrez

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA…

 Chino resident Cynthia Gutierrez, a product specialist at DirectBuy of San Bernardino County, was recently recognized as a Top Service Quarterly Champion at DirectBuy’s 2010 International Sales & Service Conference, held May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas.

 Each quarter, DirectBuy Club owners nominate service professionals who go above and beyond for DirectBuy members. Those service professionals are then categorized as Gold, Silver, or Bronze Quarterly Champions by DirectBuy Corporate. Gutierrez’ performance

during one quarter of DirectBuy’s 2010 fiscal year earned her Gold recognition among her peers out of 150-plus DirectBuy Club representatives at the conference.

“Cynthia is a full-time college student and works full-time for us,” said Jani Sedaker, owner of DirectBuy of San Bernardino County. “It’s a testimony to her work ethic and character that she performs on such a high level, something that’s continuously pointed out by our members.”

Gutierrez began with DirectBuy of San Bernardino in 2007 as a receptionist. In 2009, she was promoted to product specialist. In that role, she works directly with members to help them navigate manufacturer catalogs and select the right product for their particular project.

“What I love most about my job is that I learn so much every single day,” said Gutierrez. “What’s even more fulfilling is that many of our members I got to know fairly well as the receptionist. So I really take a lot of satisfaction out of helping somebody I’ve known for a long time.”

A Chino resident, Gutierrez attends Mount San Antonio College and is working toward a degree in business administration.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

DirectBuy of San Bernardino County is conveniently located at 12067 Arrow Route in Rancho Cucamonga. DirectBuy Club provides a comfortable, country club setting, where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy 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 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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Chino resident Cynthia Gutierrez receives Top Service recognition at DirectBuy conferenceRead More

Paradise Found – Makeovers Salon & Spa of Easton Expands

Makeovers Salon & Spa of Easton has undergone a transformation. What was once a 6,000 square foot upscale hair salon and spa located at 574 Washington Street, has become a 13,200 square foot “paradise” for the body, mind and soul.

From the high-end hair salon to the relaxing cafe to the peaceful tranquility room and expansive Day Spa, Makeovers Salon & Spa has been transformed into a “Mecca” for beauty and wellness.

Owned and operated by renowned, award-winning designers Edward and Norah Blum, Makeovers’ sophisticated salon now boasts 26 styling stations and 16 coloring stations manned by seasoned design professionals who have the most advanced training (on an international level) in the latest color and cutting techniques.

Steps away from the salon, clients can enjoy refreshment or gather with friends in the relaxing cafe which is complete with a soothing water feature.

The state-of-the-art Day Spa offers nine treatment rooms, with a special couples suite containing a double Jacuzzi and massage area. The manicure room has doubled to eight and the private pedicure room, with pipeless units, can hold six clients at once. The spa also houses women’s and men’s locker rooms with jetted spray showers as well as a Vichy shower room for after body treatments.

Services offered at the Day Spa include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures, pedicures, wraps, body treatments and waxing. Clients can sooth the mind as well as the body with reflexology and aromatherapy. Makeovers’ spa can accommodate parties of 4 to 40 and they offer special packages such as Day of Beauty, Bridal, Groom, Couples and Men’s packages.

Perhaps the most unique addition in the Makeovers’ expansion is their Tranquility room. After spa services, clients may “take a moment away from it all” to relax and de-stress in the dimly-lit, sound-proof room that is complete with plush, reclined seating, waterfall, calming music and a refreshment/snack area.

According to Edward Blum, “With our expansion, we have literally become the largest salon and spa under one roof in the state. We have a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and coloring; nail and spa services. When we were designing the salon and spa, we wanted to bring back the best of all the salons and spas we had experienced in our travels around the world and incorporate these elements into Makeovers. We want each client to feel truly pampered, as if s/he is our only client. We wanted to give our clients the five-star experience and we believe we’ve achieved our goal. Makeovers has become more than a salon and day spa – it’s really a destination.”

Makeovers Salon & Spa has been honored 15 times over the years with First Place Reader’s Choice Award in all beauty categories.

About Makeovers Salon & Spa
Makeovers Salon & Spa is owned by the internationally recognized, award-winning designers Edward and Norah Blum. As one of the largest salon and spa in Massachusetts, Makeovers Salon & Spa is a 13,200 square foot “paradise” with 26 styling stations, nine large treatment rooms and a staff of more than 80 providing hair styling and coloring; nail and spa services. Their line of high quality products include G.M. Collin and Glymed Spa products, Glominerals Makeup and Wella, Sebastian, Rene Furtier, Alterna and Icon hair care products.

Most recently, Makeovers Salon & Spa was the set for the Disney pilot, “Postcards from Heaven” with medium Maureen Hancock and casting calls with ‘The Rock’.

Makeovers Salon & Spa is located at 574 Washington Street in Easton, MA. For more information, visit the website at www.makeoverssalon.com or contact (508) 238-1211.

Paradise Found – Makeovers Salon & Spa of Easton ExpandsRead More