Unleash the Power of The Press

Client News

A 10 in Naperville. DirectBuy of DuPage County celebrates 10 years in business.

NAPERVILLE, ILLINOIS…

For 10 years, DirectBuy of DuPage County has been offering consumers in the greater Chicago area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings, and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of DuPage County offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices.

“A lot has changed in our 10 years in business,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “For example, if you said ‘green’ 10 years ago, most people thought you were talking about color. Now, being green is about energy efficiency and environmentally friendly, and that’s one area we’ve been able to help our members by providing the resources to make greener purchases.”

In addition to its regular schedule of kitchen and bath remodeling seminars, DirectBuy of DuPage County recently began hosting green energy seminars for its members. The most recent seminar focused on ways members could take advantage of the government’s rebate for trading in older appliances for new, energy efficient models. To recognize their members’ green efforts, DirectBuy of DuPage County donated 100 trees to the Arbor Day Foundation’s “Replanting Our Nation’s Forests” program.

Beyond its informational programs and the tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, DirectBuy Club also offers design and delivery services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“DirectBuy Club helps our members stretch their dollars further. That’s become very important as homeowners are investing more in their current homes rather than testing a tricky real estate market,” said Vest. “Our tenth anniversary is a great time to reflect on the members we’ve been able to help in that regard and to look forward to how many more we can help in the coming years.”

Conveniently located at 1864 High Grove Lane, Suite 124 in Naperville, Illinois, 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 Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; 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 Lake County, 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 10 in Naperville. DirectBuy of DuPage County celebrates 10 years in business.Read More

The Bridge Center to host annual golf tournament at Old Scotland Links and Lakeville Country Club on July 19

Deadline for entry extended to June 30

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

The Bridge Center, a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities, will host its 19th annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 19, 2010 at the Olde Scotland Links in Bridgewater, Mass. and the Lakeville Country Club in Lakeville, Mass.

A scramble format will be in play for the Classic. Entry fee is $250 per person and includes golf fees, cart, prizes, lunch and buffet dinner. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to The Bridge Center. Of the $250 entrée fee, $175 is tax deductible.

“The Golf Classic is the largest fundraiser we hold every year and is always well attended, which is why we’re holding it on two courses,” said Jenn Harber, The Bridge Center’s Executive Director. “In the past, this event has sold out, so anybody interested in playing for a great cause should sign up by June 30.”

Interested golfers can register for the Classic online on The Bridge Center’s Web site at http://www.thebridgectr.org. If you can’t make the golf tournament, you can attend the dinner for $75, including cocktails. Registration for dinner is also done via The Bridge Center’s Web site.

In addition to the golf tournament, a live auction will be held during dinner. Channel 5’s Susan Wornick, a longtime supporter of The Bridge Center, will be the guest auctioneer.

If you own a business and are interested in sponsoring the Golf Classic, you can get more information by clicking on the Golf Classic link on The Bridge Center’s home page.

About The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center, which is the new name for Handi Kids, was founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963. The Bridge Center’s beautiful 20-acre campus is located in Bridgewater, MA and provides accessible play and skill-building activities for all children regardless of the nature or severity of their disability. Year-round activities include nine weeks of summer camp, therapeutic horseback riding, school vacation camps, holiday parties, Saturday programs, teen programs, vocational training, after-school activities and family support groups. 

The Bridge Center also offers carefully designed summer programs and social skills groups designed to meet the social and behavioral needs of children with Asperger’s Syndrome, High Functioning Autism and related challenges.

If you’d like to learn more about The Bridge Center’s programs or are interested in becoming a supporter, please call (508) 697-7557 or send an e-mail to info@TheBridgeCtr.org.

The Bridge Center to host annual golf tournament at Old Scotland Links and Lakeville Country Club on July 19Read More

Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and South Shore Skin Center Educate Families on Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Prevention at Weymouth Special Olympics

Mimi Svenning, Assistant Director of the Children's Melanoma Prevention Foundation and Lori Skinner, RN from South Shore Skin Center on site educating children and parents at recent Special Olympics at Weymouth High School.

The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation of Hingham and South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices serving thousands of patients at their Cohasset and Plymouth offices, 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 .

Armed with one gallon of Blue Lizard sunscreen, Don’t Fry Day handouts and knowledge to share, Mimi Svenning, Assistant Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and Lori Skinner, RN of South Shore Skin Center who is a board member of Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, educated attendees on proper sunscreen application and ways to protect themselves in the sun.

This sun safety and skin cancer prevention event at the Special Olympics was part of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation’s Don’t Fry Day line-up of events. Don’t Fry Day (celebrated across the U.S. on May 28th ) is an initiative sponsored by the National Council of Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) meant to raise awareness of sun safety.

According to Skinner, “I was so pleased to be able to educate parents about proper sunscreen use. There are a lot of misconceptions about sunscreen efficacy. I was able to teach many parents about sunscreen key ingredients and that it needs to be reapplied every two hours despite the SPF.”

One of the teachers at the Special Olympics commented that it was fortunate that Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation tent was on hand, as many children and adults needed to reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

“Our mission is to teach children and their caretakers about prevention and early detection of skin cancer. We must remember that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and that one person dies every hour from this preventable and easily recognizable disease,” explained Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation.

Dr. Richard Eisen, M.D., dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation Medical Director said, “This was the second annual Don’t Fry Day and we made it our business to get out into the community to teach the public about skin cancer prevention.”

Don’t Fry Day handouts with sun safety tips are available at South Shore Skin Center’s offices and also online at www.melanomaprevention.org. Coolibar was the sponsor of this event and provided the complimentary sunscreen.

About Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation
The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation established in 2003 to deliver a comprehensive sun safety and melanoma awareness program, free of charge, to school children in Massachusetts. The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation was created to aggressively focus attention on the need to teach prevention or sun protection to children and their caregivers. The foundation’s SunAWARE Program is delivered primarily to children in elementary and high schools and teaches both skin cancer prevention and early detection. A “Don’t Fry Day” handout is available on their website. For more information, visit www.melanomaprevention.org or contact 781-875-1SPF (1773).

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 Angies List Health.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse 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 and other 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 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and One Scobee Circle in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation and South Shore Skin Center Educate Families on Sun Safety & Skin Cancer Prevention at Weymouth Special OlympicsRead More

Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and Neglect

June 15, 2010 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD),and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), is sponsoring a special event that day at Brockton City Hall to create greater awareness of elder abuse and neglect.

Mayor Linda Balzotti will commemorate the day at the Brockton City Hall event which is being held from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Opening remarks will be made by Diana DiGiorgi, Executive Director of OCES and speakers include: Ann Hartstein, Secretary of Elder Affairs; Timothy Cruz, Plymouth County District Attorney; Tom Donahue, Brockton Elder Police Officer; Deborah Fogarty, Director of Protective Services; Patricia Foley, Protective Services Intake Specialist and Terri Kourtz, Protective Services Supervisor.

During the event, an elder’s story will be read and ribbons and educational material will be given out. OCES staff will recognize the importance of the day by wearing the color purple.

The event is open to the public and will be held at Brockton City Hall at 45 School Street at 2:30 p.m.

According to the World Health Organization, the population of those aged 60 and over will more than double by 2025. As the elder population grows, so will the number of elder abuse cases.

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

Physical Abuse ‐ Slap marks, unexplained bruises, most pressure marks, and certain types of burns or blisters, such as cigarette burns

Neglect ‐ Pressure ulcers, filth, lack of medical care, malnutrition or dehydration

Emotional Abuse ‐ Withdrawal from normal activities, unexplained changes in alertness, or other unusual behavioral changes

Sexual Abuse ‐ Bruises around the breasts or genital area and unexplained sexually transmitted diseases

Financial Abuse/Exploitation ‐ Sudden change in finances and accounts, altered wills and trusts, unusual bank withdrawals, checks written as “loans” or “gifts,” and loss of property

During the last 11 months, OCES has helped 794 abused or neglected elders within their service area. OCES has a Protective Services staff of 11 with 71 years of combined experience. The Protective Services department helps elders who have been victims of abuse by providing resources such as medical, legal, psychological, financial and housing assistance.

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

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

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services Sponsors Event on June 15th at Brockton City Hall to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse and NeglectRead More

DirectBuy of Little Rock rises to the top, wins top awards at DirectBuy’s International Conference

LITTLE ROCK, ARKANSAS…

For the more than 1800 attendees at DirectBuy’s 2010 International Sales & Service Conference – held in Dallas, Texas, May 23-26 – the three days of awards, education, and team-building sessions were informative, inspiring, and energizing. But for the 20 representatives from DirectBuy of Little Rock, the 2010 Conference proved magical, as the club not only took home DirectBuy’s most prestigious honor, Club of the Year, but they also wrapped up the company’s Rising Star award, presented to new franchise owners who demonstrate excellence in their first year of ownership.

Never before in company history has a franchise taken both honors in the same year, and to top it off, DirectBuy of Little Rock also earned Top 5 Sales Club of the Year honors and a 5-Star Customer Service Rating award. “Conference was wonderful beyond all of our wildest dreams – we knew it would be exciting, but it was very meaningful and humbling to share it with our staff,” said Phil Schmidt, owner of DirectBuy of Little Rock. “We achieved what we did as a team, and it was an incredibly emotional experience for all of us.”

To earn Club of the Year honors, a DirectBuy franchise must demonstrate excellence in customer service, business operations, and membership sales. Since taking ownership of the franchise in April of 2008, franchise owners Phil and Paula Schmidt and Rand Falbaum have shown unbridled enthusiasm and dedication to helping families through DirectBuy. “Without a doubt, Little Rock, the franchise owners, and their staff have earned these awards through hard work and commitment,” said DirectBuy Corporate Executive Vice President Bart Fesperman. “They are true go-getters and innovators and have a passion not just for helping members, but also their community.”

DirectBuy of Little Rock is now preparing for the year ahead, setting their sights high for personal achievements and team accolades at next year’s International Sales & Service Conference. “We’ve worked hard to become a successful club by making sure our members’ experiences exceed their expectations,” said Paula Schmidt. “We always invite member feedback, and will continue implementing improvements and additional benefits as our members let us know what they want.”

Since opening in 2008, DirectBuy of Little Rock has helped consumers enjoy savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 10303 Colonel Glenn Road, Suite 1-0, Little Rock, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where members finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

Consumers interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s business model and the benefits of buying direct. The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club has been showing hundreds of 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 offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the United States, and more than 500 in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit http://www.directbuycares.com.

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.

DirectBuy of Little Rock rises to the top, wins top awards at DirectBuy’s International ConferenceRead More

Together We Win! First-ever Old Sandwich Road Race a success from start to finish.

Old Sandwich Road Race Director Craig Valentine Brenner congratulates Half Marathon winner Chris Mahoney.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The very premise of a race is that there are winners and then the rest of the field. With the first ever Old Sandwich Road Race, which took place Sunday, June 6, everybody won. Okay, that’s perhaps a glass-is-half-full look, but it’s difficult to argue with the success of the first-year race, part of which took place on America’s oldest road—Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth.

Chris Mahoney of Haverhill, a former Plymouth resident and 1996 graduate of Plymouth South High School won the Men’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:16:53. Kim Mendell of Concord, Massachusetts won the Women’s Half Marathon with a time of 1:32:50—both won $200 for their victory. The winners for the Entergy Pilgrim10K were Wesley Gardner of South Boston for the men (39:35) and Heather Barna of Somerville (46:27), with each winning $100.

Today, Race Director Craig Brenner announced the top three finishers in each race and the first finisher in each age group will be invited back to show their stuff in the 2011 race and receive a complimentary bib number.

Here are the top three finishers for each race, men’s and women’s:

Men’s Half Marathon:

  1. Chris Mahoney, age 32, Haverhill, MA, 1:16:53
  2. Stephen Infascelli, age 31, Plymouth, MA,  1:24:22
  3. Bob Ruel, age 57, Whitman, MA 1:25:27

 Women’s Half Marathon:

  1. Kim Mendell, age 33, Concord, MA, 1:32:50
  2. Shannon Knight, age 37, Boston, MA,  1:36:16
  3. Adrienne Bolger, age 23, Cambridge, MA, 1:39:19

 Men’s 10k:

  1. Wesley Gardner, age 25, South Boston, MA, 39:35
  2. George Marr, age 35, East Greenwich, RI,  41:15
  3. Michael Paul, age 50, Plymouth, MA   44:40

 Women’s 10k

  1. Heather Barna, age 39, Somerville, MA, 46:27
  2. Margaret Hallowell, age 45, Boston, MA, 46:39 
  3. Erin Porter, age 31, Duxbury, MA, 47:29 

“Congratulations to our winners and everybody who competed in the first Old Sandwich Road Race, including all the children who ran in the Kids Classic,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, race director for the Old Sandwich Road Race. “It may sound cliché, but there were far more victories and winners in this race than the runners who crossed the line first. For a first-year race to come together the way this did, everybody is a winner.”

Some of the significant highlights of the first Old Sandwich Road Race include:

  • 550 registered participants in both races; 14 in the Kids Classic.
  • Demographics of runners – in addition to runners from the South Shore and greater Boston area, the Old Sandwich Road Race included runners from Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island  and Western Massachusetts, Germany, Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
  • Strong representation from local sponsors–Entergy, Bayside Runner, the Village Racquet & Fitness Club at the Pinehills, Governor Bradford Inn and Radius Health Partners.

“Based on what we learned this year, I think we set the stage for next year’s race, taking one step further towards the Old Sandwich Road Race being a destination race for seasoned runners looking for a challenging course and a fun place to spend a weekend and visit local attractions, hotels, restaurants and other businesses,” said Brenner.

One hundred percent of the profits from the Old Sandwich Road Race will go to The Home for Little Wanderers’ Baird Center School in Plymouth. The Baird Center School is a year-round residential and day school treatment program for youth aged 10-18 with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, educational and psychiatric issues. Adding yet another historical element to the Old Sandwich Road Race, The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest non-profit child and family service agency, with roots dating back to 1799.

Originally a trail used by the Wampanoag Native American tribe, Old Sandwich Road later became the nation’s first true public road and a stagecoach route to ferry passengers and mail back and forth between the Massachusetts towns of Plymouth and Sandwich. Today, the road remains pretty much as the Pilgrims left it–a wide, scenic, dirt road bordered by beautiful tall pine trees and towering oaks.

You can visit the Old Sandwich Road Race Web site at http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com. The Old Sandwich Road Race also has pages on Facebook and Twitter. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring next year’s race, please contact Craig Valentine Brenner at 617-680-4230 or info@oldsandwichroadrace.com.

Together We Win! First-ever Old Sandwich Road Race a success from start to finish.Read More

DirectBuy Featured at Response Expo 2010

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, AND MERRILLVILLE, INDIANA…

David Lee of DirectBuy

David Lee, director of marketing for DirectBuy Corporate in Merrillville, Indiana, recently spoke at the Response Expo 2010 at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front in San Diego, California.

During the three-day expo, Lee, along with Eric Franchi, senior vice president of business development for Undertone Networks, delivered a presentation on generating leads and closing sales. As part of this exclusive session, Lee and Franchi focused on how DirectBuy Club leverages online ad networks as well as  direct response television, print, and radio ads to generate leads and ultimately sales.

“It was a great opportunity to be able to speak at Response Expo 2010. As a featured case study, we were able to share some of our tested and proven strategies in regards to managing a diversified marketing matrix,” said Lee. “Additionally, we offered insights on the importance of monitoring and optimizing campaign results through a number of metrics including lead scoring.”

The keynote speaker for the Expo, held from May 11 through 13, was Sir Bob Geldoff, founder of BandAid Trust. A member of the Boomtown Rats, one of the early punk/new wave bands of the 1970s, Geldoff is best known for his humanitarian efforts in coordinating the LiveAid concerts in 1985 and 2005 and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize on numerous occasions.

Presented by the Direct Response Marketing Alliance (DRMA) and Response magazine, Response Expo 2010 brings together key decision-makers and industry leaders from the corporate marketing arena and direct response spectrum. In addition to its roster of speakers, Response Expo 2010 featured a full track of educational sessions, a bustling expo hall floor of exhibitors, and numerous networking events.

“This year’s Expo was phenomenal. Being able to exchange ideas and network with many of the best and brightest minds in the direct response industry is invaluable,” said Lee. “I know that the information I received will help DirectBuy’s marketing efforts moving forward. Hopefully, the attendees of the DirectBuy case study will be able to apply some of the insights they received from us as well.”  

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.

DirectBuy Featured at Response Expo 2010Read More

Your new travel guide…Marilyn Holstein opens Best of North Fork Resort Maps franchise.

Marilyn Holstein
Marilyn Holstein, owner of The North Fork Resort Map

PECONIC, NEW YORK; AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of nearly 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Marilyn Holstein as the owner of the new Resort Map to be published on the North Fork of Long Island. The map will include all key destinations between Riverhead and Orient Point.

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. The Best of North Fork map will highlight 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 will be 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 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.”

Prior to owning a Resort Maps franchise, Holstein had a career spanning two decades in magazine publishing, including stints and Condé Nast Publications and Advanstar Communications. Most recently, she was the managing editor of Newsweek Budget Travel, where she directed the editorial operations of Budget Travel magazine and the new launch, Girlfriend Getaways.

“I’m extremely excited about this opportunity. I’m a member of several wine clubs on the North Fork and recently joined the North Fork Chamber of Commerce and the feedback has all been extremely positive,” said Holstein.

Slated for an August 2010 distribution, The North Fork Resort Map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just out East for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will be on display at local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the North Fork region.

The North Fork Resort Map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to all the 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 the initial Best of 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, 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, 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).

Your new travel guide…Marilyn Holstein opens Best of North Fork Resort Maps franchise.Read More

Makeovers Salon + Spa’s Record Breaking Number of Prom “Do’s”

As owners of one of the largest salon and spas under one roof in Massachusetts, Edward and Norah Blum, internationally recognized, award-winning designers know they need a solid game plan for prom season.

This year, the number of prom hairstyle masterpieces created at the Blum’s Easton based Makeovers Salon & Spa topped every year previous – with more than 60 senior prom clients in one afternoon.

“Each year, we outdo ourselves with the sheer number of prom hair-dos that we create. The atmosphere in the salon on prom day is just electrified – it’s an amazing experience. We have a staff of 85, and half of our designers work on prom clients all day,” explained Blum.

Easton’s senior student body is comprised of more than 250 seniors. According to Blum, “Our salon caters to a large number of these students. The demand for stunning hairstyles is pretty significant and we’re able to easily meet that challenge year after year.”

Tayla Smith, a Senior Stylist at Makeovers noted, “The most popular prom hair style this year was the teased and curled ponytail. Almost every senior girl wanted a side swept, loose curl configuration reminiscent of the Red Carpet Events held this year. These styles are just breathtaking and the process is really something to see.”

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

Every member of Makeovers Salon & Spa hair design team undergoes an intensive two years of training at the salon. The majority of the salon’s design professionals have been with the company for at least 15 years. Makeovers Salon & Spa designers travel to New York for training in the latest color and cutting techniques each Spring and the salon frequently hosts renowned international guest trainers. Services offered at the Day Spa include facials, laser treatments, massage, manicures/pedicures, wraps, body treatments, waxing, reflexology and aromatherapy. Makeovers offers a range of Day Spa packages including special Day of Beauty, Bridal, Groom’s, Couples and Men’s packages, as well as the ability to host private parties from 4 to 40. 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.

Makeovers Salon + Spa’s Record Breaking Number of Prom “Do’s”Read More