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DirectBuy Club Promotes Lisle Resident Rich Meyer

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS…

DirectBuy of Chicago North, the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently promoted Rich Meyer to service manager. Meyer had previously been in the role of warehouse supervisor.

In his new role, Meyer is responsible for all things related to member satisfaction. That includes day-to-day customer service operations, oversight of delivery of member purchases, and management of other service personnel.

“Member satisfaction is the bread and butter of our business,” said Dylan Astle, General Manager of Service for DirectBuy’s corporate club locations. “Rich has been a valuable member of our team and is quite deserving of this promotion.”

Meyer began with DirectBuy of Chicago North in 2004. Prior to working with DirectBuy, Meyer worked in management roles in the hospitality industry and in the construction business. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental studies from Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.

“DirectBuy literally helps people create the homes of their dreams. That’s a pretty cool thing to be a part of on a daily basis,” said Meyer. “I’m looking forward to continuing that work in my new role as service manager.”

Originally from northern Wisconsin, Meyer resides in Lisle, Illinois with his wife Cortni and their three-year-old daughter Caitlyn.

DirectBuy of Chicago North offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. Conveniently located at 6325 North Avondale, Suite 110 in Chicago, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable 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.

DirectBuy Club Promotes Lisle Resident Rich MeyerRead More

Hail to the chief…New England Trade’s Gary Oshry named president of National Association Of Trade Exchanges.

MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS and HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS…

The National Association of Trade Exchanges (NATE) recently named Andover resident Gary Oshry as president of its board of directors at the organization’s recent conference in New Orleans, Louisiana in June.

The NATE conference held an additional honor for Oshry as he was awarded the Distinguished Service award. Other honorees included Sharon Connelly, Exchange Enterprises (Connecticut); Maurya Lane, Barter Business Exchange (North Carolina); Rachel Taylor Hooper, Alamo Barter (Texas).

“It’s quite an honor to be named president of NATE’s board of directors and to receive the Distinguished Service award,” said Oshry. “NATE is the premier barter association in the world. As president, I hope to do my part in continuing to enhance the value of NATE’s offerings for its members.”

NATE members enjoy a wide range of benefits, including:

  • Barter currency – NATE members are eligible to use BANC (Barter Association National Currency) currency. This provides a common and credible barter currency, allowing independent barter exchanges to do business with each other, without the need for back-to-back reciprocal trading.
  • Accreditation – The NATE Certified Trade Broker (CTB) Program has been designed to challenge the staff of trade exchanges to strive for the highest level of service to their clients and ensures the continued growth and expansion of the barter industry.
  • Education – Professional educational programming at regional seminars and annual conventions nationwide. NATE members are kept abreast of the latest tax laws and regulations affecting the barter industry.
  • Prospecting – Members obtain new clients from NATE’s lead-sharing program. Leads generated by national press releases are sent to all members in good standing to pursue.
  • Profitability –  NATE members profit from reciprocal trade relationships with the most successful barter companies in the country. NATE members do more than $5 million annually in reciprocal trades.

A longtime NATE member, New England Trade is the region’s oldest trade/barter organization with three decades of experience in helping helping businesses move products and services. And with its sister company, Cape Cod Trade, based in Hyannis, Massachusetts, New England Trade is also the region’s largest barter/trade organization.

In a bartering organization like New England Trade, members have access to the products and services of all the members. So, the plumber can do work for the CPA on barter, but can then choose to “spend” the bartering dollars he’s accrued on another product or service offered by other members. Like use of an ocean-side condo for a week.

“In this economy, organized trade organizations like New England Trade have helped many businesses stay afloat. Besides members utilizing the skills of other members, a bartering organization is an excellent way to add to your existing customer base,” said Oshry. “

For more information on New England Trade, please visit www.newenglandtrade.com. For more information on NATE, please visit its Web site at www.natebarter.com or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/NATEBarter.

Trading up in New England
Since 1980, New England Trade has helped thousands of businesses gain a competitive edge by expanding their revenue and reach with barter. Restaurants, auto services, travel, retail stores, and professional business services such as accounting, legal and advertising/marketing are a sampling of the numerous clients who do business with New England Trade and each other. Maintaining offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass., New England Trade has become the largest barter organization in New England. The company is a founding member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and manages more than $8 million in trades annually and has a staff of 10 people. New England Trade is operated by experienced, Certified Trade Brokers who know how to make barter work for business. The company is a long-standing member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information about New England Trade, please visit http://www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call 781-388-9200. You can also visit New England Trade’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bartering

Hail to the chief…New England Trade’s Gary Oshry named president of National Association Of Trade Exchanges.Read More

The century mark as a landmark…Resort Maps achieves 100- map milestone

Peter Hans
Resort Maps' Peter Hans

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of customized travel maps, has made a name for itself by showcasing local advertisers for tourists and residents and encouraging them to enjoy the journey as well as their final destination. Holding true to that philosophy, Resort Maps, with maps across the United States, United Kingdom, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently celebrated the publishing of its 100 map location.

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. Each map highlights local attractions and things to do, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad on 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. 

 “The journey to 100 maps has been quite a ride, but it’s an accomplishment we’re quite proud of,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps. “With people traveling less or staying local for their vacations, it’s really increased the value of our maps. So, while we’ll take a step back and briefly celebrate 100, our sights are set on the next milestone, 150.”

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 100 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

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 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, Eagle River, 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).

The century mark as a landmark…Resort Maps achieves 100- map milestoneRead More

South Shore Skin Center Announces New Product Line at their Plymouth Spa

South Shore Skin Center, caring for thousands of patients south of Boston at their dermatology offices, has recently announced that they now carry the Jane Iredale mineral make-up product line at their Plymouth office and cosmetic dermatology spa.

Known as “The Skin Care Make-Up”, Jane Iredale’s high quality line includes Paraben-free and Phthalate-free mineral make-up as well as natural sunscreens. Jane Iredale minerals are formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which have anti-inflammatory properties and also provide instant, broad-spectrum, chemical-free sun protection. The products contain no chemical dyes, chemical preservatives or perfume. They are non-comedogenic and oil-free.

According to Jean Adams, RN, BSN, Cosmetic Nurse Specialist at South Shore Skin Center, “We researched quite a few product lines to find the best make-up for our patients. The Jane Iredale line is natural and perfect for those with sensitive skin or a skin condition. It is also the ideal post cosmetic treatment make-up.”

South Shore Skin Center providers have been trained by Jane Iredale. For more information about Jane Iredale mineral make-up or the Vivité and SkinCeuticals skin care lines carried by South Shore Skin Center, contact (508) 747-0711.

Jane Iredale’s products have captured many beauty awards and have been featured on CNN.com as well as in Martha Steward Living, Fitness, Allure, Elle, Natural Health, Ladies Home Journal, Organic Beauty and numerous other magazines. For more information, visit the website at JaneIredale.com.

South Shore Skin Center

South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. The practice has attained and maintained an “A” rating on Angie’s List Health.

Having outgrown their previous office at Resnik Road in Plymouth, South Shore Skin Center relocated to the 6,600 square-foot third floor of One Scobee Circle in Plymouth. The practice has a staff of 38 comprised of five physicians including Dr. Richard Eisen, Dr. Ramzi Saad, Dr. Katherine Ayers, Dr. Emily Tierney and Dr. William Stocker; four physician assistants; two cosmetic nurse specialists; two estheticians and other staff members.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more. The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, Radiesse, Sculptra, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels. Anti-Aging and Cosmetic treatments are both safer and more effective when administered at a physician’s office such as South Shore Skin Center and Spa.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at One Scobee Circle in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711 and 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center Announces New Product Line at their Plymouth SpaRead More

A taxing situation…With the new IRS, coming forward is the best option for late filers, non-filers, and delinquent payers.

NATICK, MASSACHUSETTS…

By April 15, 2010, 84 percent of Americans filed their tax returns on time. That means 16 percent didn’t. That omission translates to a figure somewhere near $345 billion in taxes owed to the U.S. Treasury Department. With a budget deficit in the trillions and rising, the IRS is expected to increase its audits of both personal and business tax returns as well as pursue greater enforced collection action against individuals and businesses using levies, liens and seizures.  And that puts late filers, non-filers and delinquent payers on notice: Uncle Sam wants you now more than ever.

So, what’s a non-filer or delinquent payer to do? Many will delay dealing with the problem, literally hiding from the IRS. Yet according to Matthew J. Previte, CPA, a local taxpayer advocate expert and owner of TaxProblemsRUs.com, the IRS will get its money and then some from   non-filers and delinquent payers in penalties and interest. The key is to be proactive and face the music.

“When we’re children, our parents said if we told the truth, things would be far easier on us than if they found out later. That may sound rather simplistic, but it’s the same with the IRS and your state’s DOR,” said Previte. “There are a number of options that you can work out with the IRS and your state to address your situation.”

Besides a lack of funds, pride, procrastination and a number of other reasons, most people are quite intimidated by the IRS and hesitant to come forward before the IRS comes to them. Since 1997, Previte’s Natick, Mass.-based tax firm has specialized solely in representing individuals and businesses with federal and state tax problems, including audits, non-filers, and delinquent payers.

“What most people do not realize, and that includes many CPAs and tax attorneys, is that dealing with the IRS and state DORs is a specialty unto itself,” said Previte. “We can provide our clients with resolutions to very sticky situations not only because we’re licensed tax professionals but because we have successfully worked with both the IRS and state tax agencies full-time on a daily basis for many years and we know how they work.”

So what are some of the options available to people who owe taxes? Some options include:

  • Offer in Compromise program – This little known program enables qualified taxpayers to negotiate a settlement for a fraction of what they owe. Who qualifies? Those taxpayers who can demonstrate an inability to pay their delinquent taxes in a short period of time.
  • Payment plan – Many people are able to pay their tax debts but just need a little time to pay it off. Negotiating payment terms you can live with is the key. Unfortunately, penalties and interest will continue to be charged on your outstanding balance as you pay the debt off. However, you may qualify to have the penalties removed or abated if you can show reasonable cause for filing late or paying late. For those unable to pay their tax debts in full over time, a Partial Pay Installment Agreement may be available. Under this option, payments are made until the collection statute expires. Any unpaid balance at the end of the collection statute expires and becomes legally uncollectable, leaving the taxpayer free from paying the remainder of any balance due.
  • Bankruptcy – Did you know that taxes in many cases can be discharged or wiped out in a bankruptcy. Many people, as well as attorneys, are not aware of this. For those who qualify, bankruptcy often times can be the solution to resolve their crushing tax problems. Proper pre-bankruptcy planning—for Chapter 7, Chapter 11, or Chapter 13—is key to determining if bankruptcy is or can be a viable solution.
  • Uncollectible status – Every year the IRS puts many taxpayers into the “Uncollectible Status” category or classifies them “Currently Not Collectible” (CNC). What essentially this means is that the IRS will not proactively seek back taxes from a taxpayer that owes because of validated economic hardship. If their finances improve (as they will monitor) collection efforts will resume.
  • Penalty Abatement – The IRS charges penalties for filing late, paying late, underpaying your estimated tax payments if you’re self-employed, negligence if you make mistakes in preparing your tax return, etc. Many citizens could pay off their tax debts if it weren’t for penalties that double, triple, or quadruple their tax bill. The law does allow taxpayers who have “reasonable cause” to file for a Penalty Abatement.
  • Lien Subordination – Some taxpayers could pay off their tax debt if they could get a home equity loan. Unfortunately, these taxpayers can’t get home equity loans to pay off their old tax debt because the IRS has filed Federal Tax Liens against their property. A Lien Subordination allows the IRS to reduce its Lien priority and give your bank superior Lien priority protecting their loan in exchange for the proceeds from the loan. This way, the IRS gets the equity it had a Lien against and your bank is protected by their superior Lien.
  • Innocent Spouse Relief – When married couples sign a joint tax return, they both become liable for the taxes on that return. If at some future time the IRS audits that joint tax return and determines that additional taxes are due, both spouses become liable for the taxes. Unfortunately, these additional taxes are sometimes due to the misdeeds or fraud committed by one spouse. Sadly, the Innocent Spouse also gets saddled with the tax debt. Innocent Spouse Relief was designed to alleviate unjust situations where one spouse was clearly the victim of fraud perpetrated by their spouse or ex-spouse. If you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, you may not owe any tax.

“These are just a few of the scenarios where having a qualified licensed tax professional represent you can literally save you thousands of dollars and dramatically reduce the stress and anguish that comes with having tax debt hanging over your head—and your family’s for that matter,” said Previte.

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.

A taxing situation…With the new IRS, coming forward is the best option for late filers, non-filers, and delinquent payers.Read More

A natural development…DirectBuy Clubs partner with Legacy of Barrington, a conservation development.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Legacy of Barrington, a conservation development located in North Barrington, recently announced an exclusive offer for DirectBuy Club members for referrals and purchases. Legacy of Barrington will pay DirectBuy members a $5,000 finder’s fee for referring a buyer of one of Legacy’s 14 lots. In addition, if a DirectBuy Club member wishes to purchase a lot, Legacy will deduct $10,000 off the sale price.

“Legacy of Barrington is attempting to do something truly special by building luxury homes in harmony with conservation land,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, located at 3900 Washington Street in Gurnee. “By offering these incentives to DirectBuy members at any of our Chicago area clubs, we’re hoping interested and environmentally conscientious homeowners will take advantage of this incredible opportunity.”

Located eight miles north of downtown Barrington at the end of Tara Drive north of Indian Trail Road, “Legacy” features 14 approximately one-acre lots surrounded by more than 25 acres of high-quality natural areas, including woodlands, savannas, prairies, sedge meadows, and wetlands. Legacy is also part of Barrington Unit School District #220, which has been consistently ranked among the state’s top five percent of school districts academically.

Legacy gives prospective luxury homebuyers the opportunity to share owners Mary and Eddie Chin’s dream of building single-family custom homes in a conservation community. Conservation development seeks to restore a more natural balance and improve the quality of habitat for both people and wildlife in the following ways:

  • By effectively managing storm water on-site with vegetated swales and other such natural methods, flooding is reduced in the neighborhood and downstream.
  • By using natural storm water management methods, silt, salt, and surface pollutants like automobile fluids, cleaning solvents, and other chemicals are naturally removed from ground water, providing cleaner drinking water.
  • By discouraging the use of certain chemicals, fertilizers, and weed killers, the level of toxins are reduced in the air, ground, and water, providing a healthier environment for all residents.
  • By encouraging the use of environmentally sound materials and methods for homebuilding, the negative impact of building on the environment locally as well as globally is reduced.
  • By restoring native ecosystems, a creature and plant-life biodiversity evolves whereby species populations are naturally kept in check, providing homeowners access to lovely woods, prairies, and other native vistas.

“At Legacy, we envision time-honored and exquisite custom design elements paired with high-quality construction in homes that feature awesome, expansive views of open prairies, oak savannas, and native woodlands. This is where conservation and luxury meet,” said Scott Nelms, Project Manager for Legacy. “We think future Legacy property owners will have no problem feeling good about the stewardship of natural areas and habitats at Legacy. We are excited about talking to potential buyers as to how we can partner with them to build their dream home in a community that truly cares about the environment.”

For more information, go to www.legacyofbarrington.com or call (847) 592-6250 to schedule a tour. Visitors to the community will be entered in a raffle to win a Luxury Hotel/Spa Package in a Green Seal-certified downtown Chicago hotel. In addition, Legacy will host three open houses:  July 24, August 21, and September 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

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.

A natural development…DirectBuy Clubs partner with Legacy of Barrington, a conservation development.Read More

A new “face” on Facebook…New England Trade launches Facebook page.

MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS and HYANNIS, MASSACHUSETTS…

New England Trade, a bartering organization serving Massachusetts businesses for the past three decades, recently announced the launch of the company’s Facebook page, http://www.Facebook.com/Bartering.

“When it comes to barter, word-of-mouth has always been the most common way to stay in touch with what was going on. Nowadays, word-of-mouth has expanded to social media like Facebook,” said Ken Meharg, CEO of Malden, Mass.-based New England Trade. “Having a presence on Facebook gives us another vehicle to inform our members and attract new members with the variation on traditional bartering that New England Trade and our sister organization Cape Cod Trade employ.”

The practice of bartering has been around since the days of the caveman (e.g. a plumber does some work for a CPA, who in turn does the plumber’s taxes). In a bartering organization like New England Trade, members have access to the products and services of all the members. So, the plumber can do work for the CPA on barter, but can then choose to “spend” the bartering dollars he’s accrued on another product or service offered by other members. Like use of an ocean-side condo for a week.

As a New England Trade member, there is some exchange of cash involved with barter. A 7.5 percent transaction fee goes to New England Trade and members are responsible for paying taxes on the barter dollars they earn. In what’s still a struggling economy for many businesses, a bartering organization makes it possible to attract new customers and acquire the goods and services a business needs.

“Our system of bartering works because as business owners and as ordinary people, there are certain things we need. For example, the restaurant owner who needs cleaning services and billboard advertising and even dental work,” said Meharg. “ By offering gift certificates to his establishment, he can accrue the bartering dollars to get those items with a fraction of money out of pocket.” said Meharg.

Adds Meharg, “We anticipate our Facebook page as being a resource for our members to post on new products or services they are offering, provide testimonials for fellow members and, in general, just stay plugged in to what’s going on with our organization.”

For more information on New England Trade, please visit www.newenglandtrade.com.

Trading up in New England
Since 1980, New England Trade has helped thousands of businesses gain a competitive edge by expanding their revenue and reach with barter. Restaurants, auto services, travel, retail stores, and professional business services such as accounting, legal and advertising/marketing are a sampling of the numerous clients who do business with New England Trade and each other. Maintaining offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass., as well as 100 West Main Street in Hyannis for its Cape Cod branch (www.CapeCodTrade.com), New England Trade has become the largest barter organization in New England. The company is a founding member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges and a member of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, New England Trade manages more than $5-million in sales annually and has a staff of 10 people. New England Trade is operated by experienced, Certified Trade Brokers who know how to make barter work for business. The company is a long-standing member of the Malden Chamber of Commerce.

For additional information about New England Trade, please visit http://www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call 781-388-9200.

A new “face” on Facebook…New England Trade launches Facebook page.Read More

Facebook’s newest ‘face’…Boston Pack and Shop launches Facebook page

BRAINTREE, MA…

Braintree, Mass.-based Boston Pack and Ship, a small-load shipping specialist for the past 22 years, recently announced the launch of the company’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/bostonpackandship.

In addition to the company’s contact info and photos of Boston Pack and Ship staff, the Facebook page features posts offering helpful packing tips. It also includes reviews from current and former Boston Pack and Ship customers.

“On the surface, a Facebook page for a small load shipper might seem an odd combination. The reality is that most of us at one point or another have to ship an item that’s a little too delicate for us to handle on our own. That’s our specialty,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “The Facebook page provides another vehicle in addition to our Web site or calling us on the phone, to get information to prospective customers.”

Boston Pack and Ship specializes in moves of 1,000 pounds or less. In addition, it offers customized package and custom crate building services at its workshop in Braintree. For items like computer equipment, artwork and other fragile items, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to “lock” those items in place and limit movement within the package.

The breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s relocation services includes:

  • Small loads – with no minimum requirement; blanket-wrapping for fragile, delicate moves; full insurance available
  • Custom crates and packaging for computers, electronic instruments, prototypes, antiques and artwork.
  • State-of-the-art, foam-in-place solutions to protect valuables
  • Multiple U.S. and International shipping options—ocean or air—to help lower costs
  • Door-to-door and door-to-port delivery with insurance available
  • On-time pickups by appointment

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Facebook’s newest ‘face’…Boston Pack and Shop launches Facebook pageRead More

Springfield resident Chris Keeton celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy Club

Chris Keeton of DirectBuy

SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI…

Springfield native Chris Keeton, receiving supervisor at DirectBuy of Springfield, was recently recognized for his 10 years of service at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference, held May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas.

Keeton began his tenure in 1996. After a four-year stint in the Marines, he rejoined DirectBuy and quickly established himself as a jack-of-all-trades and owner Tracye Corbin’s “right-hand man.”

“Chris is the most versatile, well-rounded employee at the Springfield club,” said Brian Gerstenberger, DirectBuy Corporate’s Manager of Field Sales. “When a situation needs defusing, he frequently steps in and handles it.”

A lifelong Springfield resident, Keeton is active with the local Shriners. He’s is also an avid reader and writer, has completed the draft for a children’s book, and is currently writing a book on minor league baseball.

“Even though a lot has changed over the course of my career here, the main premise of DirectBuy has not–we still save our members a lot of money,” said Keeton. “The only thing that’s changed or improved through technology is how we do that.”

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 Springfield is conveniently located at 1265 East Lark in Springfield. 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 http://www.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.

Springfield resident Chris Keeton celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy ClubRead More