Unleash the Power of The Press

Client News

Taking the Beltway by bike…Todson attends national Bike Summit in Washington D.C.

 NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…

Imagine a bike path extending from coast to coast, much like Interstate 95. Or legions of commuters, sick of bumper-to-bumper traffic, abandoning their automobiles to travel to work by bicycle. These are just a few of the items more than 700 bicycle advocates, including Todson Event Director Dorothy Nichols, discussed with legislators and executive branch members during the 2010 National Bike Summit.

The 10th annual meeting, this year’s summit, took place from March 9 to March 11, carried perhaps even more weight as Congress and federal agencies set goals and national targets for 2020. 

“Congress is in the process of writing transportation, climate, health care, natural resources and other critical pieces of legislation that will shape our future,” said Dorothy Nichols, event director for Todson, Inc., the U.S. distributor for Topeak bike products. “We’re here to let our voice be heard that bicycling must be prominently featured in these important pieces of legislation, documents, funding streams and programs.”

As part of the three-day Summit, Nichols and other representatives met with several lawmakers and federal agency leadership members, including Department of the Interior Director Ken Salazar, newly elected Massachusetts Senator Scott Brown and legislators from Colorado.

The Bike Summit wasn’t all work. Summit attendees also took part on a short ride of our Nation’s capital and a local bike trail.

 “It’s really amazing to see how the National Bike Summit has grown in 10 years,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc. “Nowadays, many people talk about being greener but bicyclists figuratively walk the talk and that voice does carry some weight with our legislators and other government officials.

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

Taking the Beltway by bike…Todson attends national Bike Summit in Washington D.C.Read More

Staff at King Collision Centers in Raynham Becomes I-CAR Gold Class Certified Professionals

King Collision Centers (http://www.kingcollision.com) providers of collision repair services to thousands of customers south of Boston, recently announced that the staff in their Raynham location has obtained the trusted I-CAR Gold Class certification. King Collision Centers is one of the only collision repair shops in Massachusetts with I-CAR certified staff.

King Collision’s staff from the Raynham collision repair shop has attained I-CAR Gold Class certification, which is one of the highest levels of certification obtainable within the Collision Repair Industry. I-CAR is a world wide, not-for-profit training organization that is renowned for training collision repair technicians and insurance company appraisers on original vehicle manufacturer recommended repair procedures, for restoring collision damaged vehicles back to pre-accident operation, safety and value.

In their commitment to excellence in their profession and dedication to the consumer, King Collision invested $45K overall for staff training in I-CAR’s latest collision repair technologies in order for them to become certified through the I-CAR training program as Gold Class Professionals.

I-CAR Gold Class Professionals offer consumers a symbol of trust. This superior training will bring additional peace of mind to all King Collision customers by knowing that their vehicle will receive the latest factory approved repair technology, faster repair cycle time, with guaranteed customer satisfaction at King Collision Centers.

“Our goal is to continue to have the best trained professionals in the business. We intend to use I-CAR certification as a recruitment tool as well. Any individual applying for a position at King will have to be a certified I-CAR Gold Class Professional as a condition of employment. We’re dedicated to providing the best service possible to our customers and to do so, we employ the best trained professionals,” explained Bruce King, owner.

I-CAR Gold Class Certification is now required by a number of national insurance providers.

About I-CAR

Founded in 1979, I-CAR is an international, not-for-profit training organization dedicated to improving the quality, safety, and efficiency of auto collision repair for the ultimate benefit of the customer. To learn more about the rigorous training and I-CAR Gold Class certification, visit the website at www.i-car.com.

Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts

Founded in 1984 by Bruce King, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. The company is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals’ help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its pre-accident operation, safety and value. King Collision Centers have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.

King Collision Centers continues to build strategic alliances with auto dealerships that want to offer collision repair services on-site, through strategic alliances such as the one with Mastria Auto Group in Raynham.

King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke, Plymouth and Raynham, MA.

Staff at King Collision Centers in Raynham Becomes I-CAR Gold Class Certified ProfessionalsRead More

Kids play at DirectBuy…DirectBuy of Fort Mill offers “play” area for parents and kids.

FORT MILL, SOUTH CAROLINA…

By purchasing directly from the manufacturer, DirectBuy Club members can not only save a lot of money, but enjoy the process as well. And while it can be a lot of fun to pick out your new kitchen, the new floors for your bathroom, it also requires your full attention—a luxury members with children don’t always have. That’s why DirectBuy of Fort Mill, the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, developed a “Kids Zone” area in their club so parents can focus on the task at hand and kids can enjoy the DirectBuy experience, too.

Though not a supervised area, the Kids Zone features a number of things to keep school-age children occupied and entertained, including books, puzzles, and games. The Kids Zone also includes a flat screen television so children can watch movies or play games.  

“Let’s face it, most kids would rather go to the dentist than watch their parents shop for their next home improvement project. By the same token, it’s difficult for members with children to get the most out of the experience and do the research they need to do if they’re concerned about the kids getting fidgety,” said Brian Harris, owner of DirectBuy of Fort Mill. “The Kids Zone gives children of DirectBuy members a place to play games, watch TV, or even make new friends with other members’ kids while the grown-ups have their ‘fun.’”

Creating fun things to do for children is nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy Clubs across North America regularly donate equipment to youth organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, YMCAs and children’s hospitals.

“As members of the Fort Mill business community, we have an even greater incentive to make this a one-of-a-kind, unique shopping experience because many of the members are our friends, neighbors, even relatives,” said Harris. “Making the DirectBuy Club experience fun for children as well as the grownups is an extension of that philosophy.”

DirectBuy Clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing directly from the manufacturer. In addition, DirectBuy boasts a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of local, hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club 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 the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 2180 Carolina Place Drive in Fort Mill, South Carolina, DirectBuy of Fort Mill offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 38 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 160 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.

Kids play at DirectBuy…DirectBuy of Fort Mill offers “play” area for parents and kids.Read More

Michael Russell of Marshfield Named Boys and Girls Club “Youth of the Year”

Michael Russell, a junior at Marshfield High School (MHS), has been named the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s “Youth of the Year”. Russell has made a difference in the lives of members and at the Boys and Girls Club in a countless number of ways.

Russell was honored with the “Youth of the Year” award and presented with a scholarship during the Boys and Girls Club Annual Gala held last week at at the Indian Pond Country Club in Kingston, MA.

Russell, who attended the Boys and Girls Club after school when he was younger, now works at the club and volunteers for special events such as the annual Polar Express and Haunted House. Russell is very much involved in several of the club’s programs, in particular with the Triple Play Program, which helps club members get the exercise they need for good health; play sports and learn the value of good sportsmanship. As a short stop for MHS Varsity Baseball team and a Line Backer for MHS Varsity Football, Russell brings the skills he learns from his coaches to the kids at the Boys and Girls Club.

He is an active member of the Keystone Club which focuses on leadership development and service to the club and community as well as the Money Matters Program. Russell also helps members who are struggling with academics with their homework.

“Michael is really an amazing teen who truly cares about club members. Because he is a former member who grew up attending our programs, Michael is better able to relate to the kids because he has a good understanding of the challenges they face in school, in sports and socially. He has great leadership ability and is someone they can relate to and look up to. We’re delighted to honor Michael as ‘Youth of the Year’ because it’s well deserved. We wish him every success in the future,” said Kathleen Newcomb, Director of Programs and Operations.

Russell plans to attend college after graduation and is considering majoring in Criminal Justice, but has not yet decided upon a school.

The Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield provides a safe haven for recreation and fun, which includes a variety of supervised activities for the 1,300 current members and is available to youth (between the ages of 6 to 18 years old) within the town and surrounding communities. The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield has five Core Areas: Character and Leadership; Education and Career; Health, Sport Fitness Recreation and Life Skills; The Arts; and Technology. These Core Areas serve as the foundation for all programming.

As a privately-funded, non-profit organization, the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield relies tremendously on the generous philanthropic support of individuals. Financial gifts assist in providing the financial strength necessary to continue the club’s mission “to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive and responsible citizens, as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders.”

For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield, please contact (781) 834-CLUB (2582) or visit the club in Library Plaza or the website at MarshfieldBoysAndGirlsClub.com. The club’s mailing address is P.O. Box 311, Marshfield, MA 02050.

Michael Russell - Youth of the Year
Michael Russell honored at Boys and Girls Club Gala

Michael Russell of Marshfield Named Boys and Girls Club “Youth of the Year”Read More

The Bridge Center hosts April 13th fundraiser, featuring local comedians and live auction, to benefit children with disabilities.

BRIDGEWATER, MASS.

 April 13th benefit at Boston’s Wilbur Theatre features five of Boston’s funniest comedians, live music by Ernie & the Automatics and a live auction hosted by Ch. 5’s Susan Wornick. All proceeds go to benefit the children and families of The Bridge Center. 

The roster of nationally known comedians with local ties includes:

  • Patty Ross – A former opening act for Andrew Dice Clay in 10,000 seat venues, Ross received a nomination for Best Female Guest-Star in a Sitcom for one of her appearances on Roseanne. She regularly appears at the Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, and Improvisation in Los Angeles and most recently shot the pilot Bev for 20th Century Fox.
  • Chris Tabb – On stage, Tabb is often described as a comic who “appears in control and out of control at the same time”. Mostly he is described as just very, very, funny.
  • Paul Nardizzi – Winner of the Boston Comedy Festival Competition, Nardizzi has made numerous appearances on Conan O’Brien and Comedy Central and is considered one of the top stand up comedians in Boston/New England. 
  • Paul D’Angelo – The comedian/writer/actor The Los Angeles Times calls “…quite likely the funniest entertainer you’ve never heard of… yet”.  He’s opened for internationally acclaimed artists such as Ray Charles and Tony Bennett and is currently co-starring in the soon to be released Godfathers of Comedy feature-length motion picture.
  • Paul Gilligan – In addition to appearances on the Conan O’Brien show, Gilligan and is a staple on the New England comedy circuit.  His unique brand of humor has audiences rolling in the aisles

The evening will include a live auction hosted by Susan Wornick of WCVB-TV.  Wornick joined the station in 1981 has anchored its midday newscast since 1989.  She is the recipient of numerous honors including several Emmy awards.

Items up for bid include opening day tickets to the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. Guests can also bid to appear on The Phantom Gourmet and Eddie Andelman’s Sports Huddle. Dinner at a leading restaurant will also be part of the auction fare.

“We all enjoy a good laugh – and this evening will deliver a lot of laughs.  But more importantly it’s a way to support children with disabilities and their families” said Jenn Harber, executive director of The Bridge Center.  “This promises to be a spectacular evening for all involved,”

Located at 246 Tremont Street in Boston’s Theatre District, the Wilbur Theatre will open its doors for The Bridge Center’s Comedy Night at 6 p.m. The entertainment will begin at 7 pm with Ernie and the Automatics, followed by the comedy show at 7:30 p.m.

 Tickets to The Bridge Center’s Comedy Night are $125 for VIP Table Seats (including hors d’oeuvres and beverage), $75 for VIP Floor Seating and $37 for a pair of tickets for general admission. Tickets can be purchased directly off The Bridge Center’s Web site at wwwTheBridgeCtr.org.

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.

About The Bridge Center

The mission of The Bridge Center is to support families by providing children with opportunities to build social, emotional and physical skills so they may participate fully in their communities. Founded by the Knights of Pythias in 1963 and located in Bridgewater, Massachusetts, The Bridge Center is a non-profit (501)(c)( 3) recreation center that serves children with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities. 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.  For more information, you can visit The Bridge Center’s Web site at (www.TheBridgeCtr.org).

The Bridge Center hosts April 13th fundraiser, featuring local comedians and live auction, to benefit children with disabilities.Read More

Emerson Bearing Promotes Richard Furtado to Senior Sales Expert

Emerson Bearing, a Boston based bearing company catering to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Operations) markets throughout the U.S., has promoted Richard Furtado to Senior Sales Expert.

Furtado who has been with Emerson Bearing for 32 years, began his career working in the company’s warehouse and worked his way up to sales. Previous to his most recent promotion, Furtado was a Sales Representative.

A Boston native, Furtado graduated from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Business Management. He has received accreditation and additional training at Emerson. Most recently, he attended a seminar for Schaeffler Technologies FAG brand.

Furtado oversees a number of large accounts across a variety of industries from Pump, Compressor and Oil Field clients in the Southwest, South America and Russia to wastewater treatment, wire forming, metal processing, amusement park and golf cart clients. FIAS Consultants International, MCM Oil Tools, WireCo WorldGroup, Weir Hazleton Inc., Texas Steel Conversion and Newell Recycling are just a few of the clients Furtado serves.

Furtado will assist clients in determining which bearing technologies would be most suitable by taking into consideration the specifications, recommendations, maintenance strategies, fatigue life and wear resistance of the bearing in relation to the application. He will also provide Bearing Failure Analysis to clients to determine the cause of bearing failure in order to prevent future failure and predict reliability.

He is a member of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA), the Association for Iron and Steel Technology (AIST), the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) and other organizations related to Emerson’s niche markets.

“Richard’s promotion is well-deserved. He is truly an asset to Emerson Bearing. Richard has the knowledge and expertise as well as the superior sales skills required of a Senior Sales Expert,” noted Steve Katz, the company’s president.

Furtado is a resident of Norwood, MA.

The Emerson Bearing Difference

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

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

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

Emerson Bearing Promotes Richard Furtado to Senior Sales ExpertRead More

The other side of safe driving…Fatal crash driver shares his story with Plymouth North students.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Ten years ago, Ethan Morgan was not much different than the classroom of students he addressed last week at Plymouth North High School. That is until he got behind the wheel of a car after a party. “Buzzed” but not drunk, he turned down offers from other partygoers to drive his car home. That decision would change his life and that of a Marshfield family forever. 

As part of the Plymouth Safe Driving program, Morgan shared his odyssey, which began with his involvement in a fatal crash that took the life of a Marshfield firefighter. His journey took him down the road of alcohol and substance abuse, incarceration and rehabilitation. Clean and sober,  Morgan’s efforts are now focused on motivating young people in school and in life.

 “When I was in school, I thought everybody had a few drinks and then drove home. The truth is there are far more people who don’t do that,” said Morgan. “An automobile is a very powerful machine that can become a weapon if you’re not responsible. I wasn’t and I can never make right what happened. I wouldn’t want anyone to have to live with that.”

It was a message not lost on the students in the room, most of whom are sophomores and just beginning to learn how to drive.

“Usually our advisory sessions are a little chatty, but you could have heard a pin drop while Ethan spoke,” said Andrea Norton, a guidance counselor at Plymouth North and the advisor to Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD). “The students were engrossed by Ethan’s story and hopefully it’s one they don’t forget as they become drivers and adults.”

Added Vice Principal Derek Thompson, “This is a message our students need to hear. We have a number of fun events in the spring, most notably prom. While these activities are supposed to be fun and memorable, that can change in a heartbeat if you’re not responsible. Ethan’s talk today really hammered that home.”

The Plymouth Safe Driving program is a multi-pronged approach to promoting safe driving habits for Plymouth North and Plymouth South high schools sponsored by Plymouth Public Schools, the Plymouth Police Department, Commerce Insurance and King Collision Centers. In addition to having speakers like Morgan speak to high school students, King developed a Web site, www.plymouthsafedriving.org, offering safe driving and a safe driving contract for young drivers and their parents. The contract acts as the young driver’s pledge to drive responsibly.

Plymouth high school students who turn in a signed contract to their principal at either Plymouth North or South high school will be entered into a drawing for In Control’s Crash Prevention Training course (a $350 value).  In addition to the winner, everyone who signs a contract and submits it to their respective principal is eligible to take the In Control Crash Prevention course at a 10 percent discount.

“Ethan’s story is one well worth hearing for any driver, young or old,” said Bruce King, owner of King Collision Centers. “With this campaign, if we can help just one kid become a better driver and avoid a serious accident, it’s well, well worth it.”

For updates on latest events and activities related to this program and additional safety information, please periodically visit www.plymouthsafedriving.org. To contact Ethan Morgan about speaking for your group, please e-mail him at ethan@thelaughingcamel.com or visit www.thelaughingcamel.com.

Anyone Can Remove Dents – King Collision Centers Removes Doubts

Founded in 1984 by Bruce King, King Collision Centers provides superior collision repair and extraordinary customer care to thousands of clients south of Boston. King Collision is dedicated to earning customers for life and their team of professionals help clients through the collision repair process every step of the way – from coordinating a rental vehicle; providing accurate damage appraisal; assisting with the insurance claim process and ensuring that the vehicle is returned to its pre-accident operation, safety and value.

King Collision Centers was voted “Best Collision Repair” by Market Surveys of America and they have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.  That includes being part of Commerce Insurance’s CARES (Commerce Auto Express Repair Service) Shops, an elite program that includes approximately 120 collision shops across Massachusetts.

The company continues to build strategic alliances with auto dealerships, enabling dealerships to offer collision repair services on-site – similar to their alignment with Mastria Auto Group in Raynham.

King Collision Centers are located in Pembroke, Plymouth and most recently, Raynham, MA. For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005

The other side of safe driving…Fatal crash driver shares his story with Plymouth North students.Read More