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High Five! DirectBuy of Hampton Roads celebrates five-year milestone

CHESAPEAKE, VIRGINIA

For more than five years, DirectBuy of Hampton Roads has been offering consumers in the greater Chesapeake area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, home furnishings and accessories.

As the leading members-only home improvement and home furnishings club, DirectBuy of Hampton Roads offers direct insider pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors five years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Don Zimmerman, owner of DirectBuy of Hampton Roads. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next five years.”

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

“Our five years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community and as a contributor to local charities,” said Zimmerman. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 2004, DirectBuy of Hampton Roads 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 1122 Executive Boulevard, Suite N, in Chesapeake, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

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 and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct enables members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Hampton Roads area since 2004. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

High Five! DirectBuy of Hampton Roads celebrates five-year milestoneRead More

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Tulsa celebrates 10-Year Milestone!

TULSA, OKLAHOMA…

For ten years, DirectBuy has been offering consumers in the greater Tulsa area a brand new way to save on home improvement products, furnishings and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tulsa offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 10 years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said David Berry, owner of DirectBuy of Tulsa. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next 10 years.”

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

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Tulsa area create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Berry. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 1999, DirectBuy of Tulsa has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 5125 South Garnett in Tulsa, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable setting where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy 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 offers its members access to approximately 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’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.

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Tulsa celebrates 10-Year Milestone!Read More

Your new travel guide…Tom Wright purchases Resort Maps franchise in Melbourne, Florida.

MELBOURNE, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced Tom Wright as the new owner of their Melbourne, Florida operation.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers. The Best of Melbourne Map highlights local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Melbourne area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“With more than 33 miles of unspoiled beaches in and beautiful weather most of the year, you really can’t go wrong in Melbourne,” said Wright. “Resort Maps helps to point out the many places to explore and things to do in the area, including the Eau Gallie Arts District and Historic Downtown Melbourne.”

The Best of Melbourne map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout Melbourne.

These same colorful maps can also be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. 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 upcoming Melbourne map, you can call Tom Wright at 321-243-0449 or email at tomw@resortmaps.com.

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 maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

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

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

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), 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 Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), 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), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guide…Tom Wright purchases Resort Maps franchise in Melbourne, Florida.Read More

Historic low mortgage rates may make refinancing an ideal resolution for the New Year. Norwell and Plymouth based Advanced Mortgage Services provides quick tips to determine if it’s the right decision for you.

DATELINE: NORWELL and PLYMOUTH, MA…

As a new year dawns and uncertain economic times continue, homeowners might want to start the new year off by investigating what could be the gift of a lifetime for themselves and their families by considering refinancing their mortgage.

With mortgage interest rates at historic lows, Brian Comer, President of Norwell and Plymouth based Advance Mortgage Services outlines some basic reasons to consider refinancing now:

§ Getting a lower mortgage rate and reducing interest costs and monthly payments.

§ Converting an adjustable rate mortgage to a secure, fixed-rate mortgage.

§ Consolidating first and second mortgages into a mortgage with a lower rate.

The answer to the question, “Should I refinance?” is a complex one, since every situation is different and no two homeowners are in the exact same situation. The conventional wisdom of refinancing only when you can save 2 percent on your rate is problematic. If you are refinancing to lower your monthly payments, the following calculation is more appropriate compared to the 2 percent rule:

  1. Calculate the total cost of the refinance–example: $2,000
  2. Calculate the monthly savings–example: $100/month
  3. Divide the result in 1 by the result in 2–in this case 2000/100 = 20 months. This shows the break-even time period. If you plan to live in the home for longer than this period of time, it likely makes sense to refinance.

If you regard refinancing costs as an investment you’ll be getting a more than solid return. If you save $100 a month in payments, you would save an additional $4,000 in payments (above and beyond the refinancing costs) even if you stayed in your home for only five years after refinancing.

Notes Comer, “Whatever you’re considering, consulting with a seasoned mortgage professional can often save you time and money. Make a few phone calls, check out a few web sites, use an online mortgage calculator, crunch a few numbers, and spend some time to understand your options.”

Advanced Mortgage Services LLC

Advanced Mortgage Services LLC was founded as a mortgage lending company in 2005 by Brian Thomas Comer, a financial services professional with more than 13 years experience in the South Shore real estate market. Advanced Mortgage Services is a full service mortgage company that values and nurtures long-term customer relationships, providing options and solutions with maximum benefit and genuine concern for their customer’s interests.

Advanced Mortgage Services team of loan officers maintains rigorous licensing requirements set by the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association and is committed to upholding the highest standards in the mortgage industry. With a combined expertise of more than 50 years, Advanced Mortgage Services offers customers the best possible solution for any mortgage-related issue.

Advanced Mortgage Services, which is an active participant in many community events and organizations throughout the South Shore, is located at 335 Washington Street in Norwell, MA 02061 and has an additional office at 25 Main Street in Plymouth, MA 02360.

For additional information on services offered by Advanced Mortgage Services please call 781-659-6555, 508-747-9520, or 888-665-6345, or visit www.ams-loan.com. Advanced Mortgage Services is fully licensed and insured in Massachusetts and Florida, and is an FHA, VA, Equal Opportunity, and MHFA lender.

Historic low mortgage rates may make refinancing an ideal resolution for the New Year. Norwell and Plymouth based Advanced Mortgage Services provides quick tips to determine if it’s the right decision for you.Read More

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. associates chosen as Rising Stars in Boston Magazine’s “Super Lawyers” issue

BOSTON, MASS.

As part of the Massachusetts Super Lawyers segment in its November 2009 issue, Boston Magazine recognized five associates from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) as “Rising Stars”.  Those selected include: Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario, of Somerville, previously named in 2008; Michael Dominick, of Boston; John D. Finnegan, of Pelham, New Hampshire, previously named in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; Terrence M. Schwab, of Natick, previously named in 2008; and Emily C. Shanahan, of Wellesley, previously named in 2008.

Rising Star selections are based on a statewide survey of more than 37,000 attorneys.  Candidates must be under the age of 40 and have been in practice for 10 years or less. Attorneys are evaluated based on peer recognition and professional achievement and then grouped and ranked by practice area.  Those with the highest point totals are selected.

“We built our firm for the long haul.  Doing that means retaining the best young legal talent out there,” said Richard P. Breed III, a member of the firm’s management committee. “So, while I know it’s personally gratifying to Jennifer, Michael, John, Terry and Emily to achieve this honor, the partners take even more pride and satisfaction in their selection because we’re not only thrilled for our co-workers, we’re growing future leaders of our firm.”

For more information and the complete list of practice areas represented in Super Lawyers, please visit www.superlawyers.com.

About Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.:

Formed in 1991, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is committed to providing high quality, comprehensive legal services to its clients.  Featuring a breadth and depth of experience and perspective usually found only at larger law firms, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers. P.C. offers sophisticated legal counsel to entrepreneurs, businesses, individuals, families, and institutions.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers’ areas of expertise include corporate law and business transactions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, municipal law, and hospitality law.

The offices of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are located at 101 Huntington Avenue, Prudential Center, in Boston, MA 02199. For additional information, or to arrange for a consultation, please call 1-617-218-2000, e-mail info@tbhr-law.com, or visit www.tbhr-law.com.

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. associates chosen as Rising Stars in Boston Magazine’s “Super Lawyers” issueRead More

Forget the DVDs, Dad is Best for Baby Brain Development

Over the past couple of months, there has been an uproar among parents over Baby Einstein toys and the unfounded claims that the toys will make a baby smarter. In light of this, Boot Camp for New Dads reminds parents that there is a substantiated way to raise your baby’s intelligence – through playtime with Dad.

Greg Bishop, author of two books on fatherhood and the founder of Boot Camp for New Dads (http://www.bcnd.org), a non-profit orientation program for fathers-to-be, operating in more than 260 hospitals, clinics, schools, fire stations and churches around North America and internationally, has worked with hundreds of thousands of dads over the past 19 years.

Bishop and thousands of dads (and moms) know that when it comes to raising infant intelligence, dad is the baby’s best toy. According to a recent article in Parents magazine, playtime may look like all fun, but is actually “work” to your child. In the article, Marilyn Segal, PhD, an early childhood studies program director at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale stated, “Playtime helps develop a baby’s social, intellectual, language, and problem-solving skills.”

According to ParentsAsTeachers.org, “There are certain aspects of male styles that support a child’s intellectual development. Dads often have a special interest in analytical skills such as math and problem solving. Dad’s care can combine with mom’s to effect how children think of their own abilities and effect how well they do in school.”

Research has shown that dad is destined to become the baby’s primary playmate. In fact, two-thirds of six-month-old babies choose dad when it comes to playtime. Below, Bishop shares insight from his first book, Hit the Ground Crawling on the role that dads play that ultimately helps with baby brain development:

Why a baby picks dad for playing. Babies notice right after birth that dad looks, smells, feels and sounds different than mom. As the weeks go by, a baby notices that while mom is protective and calming, dad is more playful, physical and sometimes very surprising. When a baby is fussy, dad will tend to tickle or lift his baby into the air. A baby will start to recognize the difference and anticipate something exciting at the sound of dad’s voice.

As months go by, the first thing a baby begins to think when dad walks in the room is “playtime!” Mom and dad’s style of play are different and a baby knows it. While a mom might steady the blocks that are about to tumble, dad will let them fall or maybe even push them over.

Dad’s style complements mom’s. Although they may come into conflict at times, dad’s adventurous role does complement that of mom’s and the combination is what turns out well-rounded children. Dads introduce new challenges to their baby and encourage them to explore their worlds. Playtime with dad contributes to the baby’s physical, intellectual and social development and leads to great qualities later in life such as good relationships with peers; a knowledge of limits and a spirit of adventure.

Babies grow by playing. Never underestimate the power of play and the way dads are happy to crawl on the floor and really get into playtime with their baby. For example, the skills a three-month-old learns by playing a simple game of “peek-a-boo” include observation, language, coordination, communication, exploration, problem solving, socialization, rhythm, creativity and humor. Other games work on dexterity, balance, trust, strength and timing.

According to Bishop, “Research has shown that children whose fathers are a consistent, positive force in their lives do better socially, intellectually and physically. A father’s style of play is different than a mother’s just as the way he interacts with his baby is different, which is a good thing. Dads may not realize it, but what they bring to the table is simply indispensable.”

A Boot Camp for New Dads mom summed up how a father benefits his child’s brain in a recent email, “What will boost a baby’s development better than infant massage, listening to Mozart and ‘baby rocket scientist’ DVD’s all together?  Having a hands-on Dad!”

Boot Camp for New Dads

Now celebrating their 19th year, Boot Camp for New Dads is nationally acclaimed as the “Best Practice” for preparing men to be fathers and has been named a U.S. Navy Model Program. Boot Camp for New Dads has prepared more than 200,000 men for fatherhood over the years.

Today, Greg Bishop and 400 other Boot Camp Coaches conduct workshops in 44 states and the U.S. Navy, Army and Air Force.

With more than 4.1 million births (National Center for Health Statistics), and approximately 1.5 million men becoming new dads every year, it’s more important than ever for fathers to realize that being a “good provider” is only part of the very central role they have in their children’s lives.

For more information about Boot Camp for New Dads, visit www.bcnd.org. To arrange an interview with Greg Bishop, please contact sdubin@prworkzone.com, (781) 582-1061.

National and International Locations

Boot Camp For New Dads locations include ALASKA (Anchorage); ARIZONA (Chandler, Flagstaff, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Sun City); ARKANSAS (Jonesboro, Paragould, Springdale); CALIFORNIA (Apple Valley, Bakersfield, , Fresno, Garden Grove, Irvine, Laguna Hills, Madera, Merced, Mission Hills, , Oakland, Orange, Pomona, Port Hueneme, San Diego, Santa Ana, Santa Barbara, , S. Lake Tahoe, Travis, Valley Springs); COLORADO (Aurora, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Denver, Durango, Fort Collins, Fort Carson, Greeley, Longmont, Thornton, Wheat Ridge); CONNECTICUT (Bristol, Danbury, New London); FLORIDA (Brandon, Clearwater, Hollywood, Jacksonville, North Palm Beach, Orlando, St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Sarasota, Tampa); GEORGIA (Atlanta, Elberton, Gainesville, Marietta, Savannah); HAWAII (Pearl Harbor, Schofield); ILLINOIS (Aurora, Carbondale, Champaign, Chicago, East St. Louis, Evanston, Freeport, Geneva, Great Lakes, Highland Park, Libertyville, Moline, Oak Park, Rockford, Springfield, Urbana, Winfield); INDIANA (Anderson, Bluffton, Hammond, Indianapolis, Jeffersonville, Kokomo); IOWA (Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Jefferson, Sioux City); KANSAS (Junction City, Topeka); KENTUCKY (Paducah); LOUISIANA (Covington); MAINE (Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Brunswick, Ellsworth, Waterville); MARYLAND (Annapolis) MASSACHUSETTS (Beverly, Ipswich, Lowell, Nantucket, Plymouth, Weymouth, Springfield); MICHIGAN (, Ann Arbor, Bay City, Centreville, Iron Mountain, Ithaca, Kalamazoo, Niles, St Joseph, Ypsilanti); MINNESOTA (Brainerd, Duluth, Robbinsdale); MISSISSIPPI (Tupelo); MISSOURI (Jefferson City) MONTANA (Billings, Helena, Miles City); NEBRASKA (Kearney, Lincoln, Omaha); NEVADA (Las Vegas) NEW HAMPSHIRE (Manchester, Portsmouth); NEW JERSEY (Princeton) NEW YORK (Glens Falls, Little Falls, Mineola, Rome, Utica); NORTH CAROLINA (Burlington, Chapel Hill, Charlotte, Concord, Ft. Bragg, Greensboro, Monroe, Raleigh, Shelby); NORTH DAKOTA (Grand Forks); OHIO (Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, East Cleveland, East Liverpool, Garfield Heights, Lima, Lorain, Mayfield Heights, Middleburg Heights, Orange Village, Portsmouth, Toledo, Warren, Westlake, Youngstown); OKLAHOMA (Claremore, Oklahoma City, Tulsa); OREGON (Corvalis, McMinnville, Salem, Silverton); SOUTH CAROLINA (Columbia, Pickens, Walhalla); TENNESSEE (Chattanooga, Knoxville, Memphis); TEXAS (Amarillo, Dallas, Fort Hood, Longview, Lubbock, Plano, San Antonio, Texarkana, Waco, Webster); VERMONT (Barre, Brattleboro, Middlebury); VIRGINIA (Charlottesville, Chesapeake, Hampton, Richmond) WASHINGTON (Everett, Fairchild AFB, Longview, Olympia, Puyallup, Yakima); WEST VIRGINIA (Wheeling); WISCONSIN (Florence, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh, Watertown, Wausau); JAPAN (Atsugi, Yokosuka), ITALY (Sicily); UNITED KINGDOM [a.k.a. Hit the Ground Crawling] (Birmingham, Liverpool)

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On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Key West” map, advertising opportunities available.

KEY WEST, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Key West, Florida.  Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors. 

The creation of the Best of Key West Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Key West area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. 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. 

“You think Key West and you think Jimmy Buffet and Ernest Hemingway and that’s all part of Key West, yet there are many other wonderful places to see and things to do here,” said John McClain, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Key West map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Key West map, you can contact franchise owner John McClain by e-mail at john@resortmaps.com or by phone at 305-433-8442.

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 maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

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

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

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), 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 Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), 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), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Key West” map, advertising opportunities available.Read More

Barter pioneer leaves Malden-based New England Trade after helping to shape the industry for three decades. Award-winning, Stoneham resident Linda Zibell makes final swap.

MALDEN, MASS…

Leaving a legacy of national trade awards and countless industry protégés, Linda Zibell is leaving New England Trade, based in Malden, Mass., after working three decades to help shape the profession.

A life-long Stoneham, Mass. resident, Zibell received much recognition from the National Association of Trade Executives including Broker of the Year.  She led annual workshops to educate new barter brokers about client relations and travel exchange.

In the mid-90’s, Oprah Winfrey celebrated Zibell’s creativity with an entire show focused on a wedding that Linda coordinated completely on barter – including the venue, catering, flowers, music, tuxedo rentals, honeymoon, etc. 

“Linda is among the handful of people who helped elevate the concept of barter to a modern, legitimate tool to help businesses thrive.  We thank her for her nearly 30 years of service and will miss her daily zest,” noted Gary Oshry, President of New England Trade.

Ken Meharg, CEO of New England Trade added, “Linda helped grow the industry by patiently educating everyone involved from the barter member to the vendors to the new recruits to the profession.  Her contributions are significant and are timeless.”

Zibell commented, “It has been a great ride and a pleasure to help build an industry that helps so many people.  I looked forward to each day of uncharted adventure.”

TRADING UP IN NEW ENGLAND

New England Trade, based in Malden and Hyannis, Mass. and the region’s oldest, largest barter/trade organization, recently achieved the 2,000 card holder mark. 

Since, 1980, New England Trade has helped thousands of businesses gain a competitive edge by expanding their revenue and reach with barter.  Barter is a creative way to increase sales and decrease cash expenses.  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.

Worldwide, more than $600-billion is traded annually by small firms and giant companies alike.  Nearly one-third of all U.S. businesses are involved in some kind of barter and more than 65percent of the corporations listed on the New York Stock Exchange use barter to reduce surplus inventory and bolster sales.

New England Trade maintains offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass. and 100 W. Main Street, Hyannis, Mass.  In three decades, it has become the largest barter organization in New England.  The company is a founding member of the National Association of Trade Exchanges, New England Trade manages more than $10,000,000 million in barter transactions  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 the New England Trade, visit www.NewEnglandTrade.com or call (781) 388-9200.

Barter pioneer leaves Malden-based New England Trade after helping to shape the industry for three decades. Award-winning, Stoneham resident Linda Zibell makes final swap.Read More