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Stoneham/DirectBuy blood drive to be held on July 22, 2pm to 8pm

STONEHAM, MASSACHUSETTS…

Supporting the blood supply is a community-wide responsibility. That’s why DirectBuy is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

The American Red Cross blood bus will be at DirectBuy of Boston North’s 100A Fallon Road location in Stoneham between the hours of 2pm and 8 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. However, due to limited space in the Donor Center, the Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or logging on to www.givelife.org.

As an added incentive for donors to make an appointment in advance, all presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free carton of Friendly’s Ice Cream. A scheduled appointment is required to receive the coupon.

“A safe and sufficient blood supply must be on the shelves when patients need it most, and the only source of blood is a generous blood donor,” says Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, American Red Cross – Northeast Division. “The American Red Cross is appreciative of DirectBuy for its support of our life-saving mission.”

The need for blood is constant. Every day, the Northeast Division must collect 2,000 units of blood just to meet the basic needs of patients across New England. The difference a donor can make in the life of a patient is something that cannot be overstated.

Blood can be used for patients undergoing many surgical procedures, organ transplants, trauma and chemotherapy. For some patients, such as the victim of an automobile accident, the need for blood is sudden. For others, ongoing transfusions are needed to sustain lifesaving medical treatment.

“As a member of the Stoneham business community, we’re happy to host this blood drive,” said Carl Krawczyk, managing partner of DirectBuy of Boston North.  “We urge our members and residents of the greater Stoneham area to come out and donate. Your donation could save up to three lives.”

Charitable endeavors are nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy locations across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, YMCAs, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospitals.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 100A Fallon Road in Stoneham, Massachusetts, just north of the City of Boston, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 781-279-4433 or visit http://www.directbuycares.com. 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services — Northeast Division supplies a wide range of blood components, plasma derivatives, and transfusion services to over 200 hospitals and other medical facilities throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. It serves the blood needs of more than 9 million residents and many thousand more who travel to New England for care at many of the nation’s top medical centers.

*In the state of Maine and Massachusetts, persons who are 16 years of age are eligible to donate blood with parental consent.

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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more.  DirectBuy enables members to purchase products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 showrooms across North America.  To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Stoneham/DirectBuy blood drive to be held on July 22, 2pm to 8pmRead More

Clean carpets and floors on the horizon…Green Horizons carpet and floor cleaning service to serve Metrowest, South Shore and SE Mass.

STOUGHTON, MA…

Green Horizons Carpet Cleaning and Floor Care, a division of Drysdale’s Total Floor Care, recently began operations for both commercial and residential customers to the west and south of Boston.

As the “green” in its name suggests, Green Horizons cleans rugs and carpets without chemicals. The low-moisture process Green Horizons uses, perfected over the last two decades, is better for the environment and avoids potential damage to carpeting, carpet
pads and to wood floors that can occur with “splash and dash” steam cleaners. Not to mention saving customers hours, even days’ worth of wet carpeting.

“When you think of carpet cleaning, environmentally friendly doesn’t exactly come to mind. You think of large machines with chemicals and steam,” said Micaela Parsons, who along with partner John McGrath, owns and operates Green Horizons. “The process we use truly is a green way to clean floors and carpeting. It has been recognized in a McGraw-Hill Book, Build a Green Small Business and our parent company is the only carpet cleaning business in New England listed in the National Green Pages.”

Besides recognition from green publications, the company has also received a “Best of Boston” recognition from Boston Magazine and maintains an A rating on AngiesList.

In addition to cleaning carpets, Green Horizons utilizes its natural cleaning process for:

●       Upholstery cleaning

●       Cleaning of tile & grout floors

●       Sterilizing of mattresses through the use of high-pressure, 300 degree
live steam (enough heat to destroy dust mite allergen)

●       Dustless sanding & refinishing of wood floors.

Based in Stoughton, Green Horizons service area extends from Boston west, to the South Shore and southeastern Massachusetts.

“We’re even happy to travel down to the Cape, all the way to Provincetown,” said Parsons.

For more information on Green Horizons Carpet Cleaning and Floor Care, please visit http://www.greenhorizonscarpetcleaning.com or call 781-664-7447.

About Green Horizons

Green Horizons Carpet Cleaning and Floor Care is a division of Drysdale’s All-Natural Carpet Care. In addition to cleaning all types of carpeting and rugs via a unique odorless, low-moisture, natural process, Green Horizons also offers a variety of other services ranging from upholstery cleaning to sterilizing mattresses; cleaning tile & grout floors to polishing/refinishing of natural stone floors. For more information, please visit http://www.greenhorizonscarpetcleaning.com or call 781-664-7447. 

About Drysdale’s Total Floor Care

Drysdale’s has been recognized by several reputable publications and organizations. That includes being a “Best of Boston” selection in BOSTON Magazine, maintaining a straight “A” rating on AngiesList and being the only carpet cleaning company in New England to be listed in the NATIONAL GREEN PAGES (a nonprofit) published by CoopAmerica (http://www.coopamerica.org). Most recently, Drysdale’s was highlighted in the McGraw-Hill book BUILD A GREEN SMALL BUSINESS, by Scott Cooney, as a national leader in more healthy home services.

For more information on Drysdale’s All-Natural Carpet Care and Drysdale’s Total Floor Care, visit (http://www.drysdales123.com). For details on the business opportunity presented by Drysdale’s All-Natural Carpet Care, please visit www.carpet-cleaning-business.com or contact Mark Dullea at 617-242-9657 or markd@cybercom.net.

 

Clean carpets and floors on the horizon…Green Horizons carpet and floor cleaning service to serve Metrowest, South Shore and SE Mass.Read More

Marshfield Boys and Girls Club Offers Summer Program for Kids

Looking for a great recreational, affordable summer program for the kids? The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s summer program is just the ticket. The club’s summer program is open to residents and non-residents of Marshfield. To enroll, a child must be a member of the club. The membership fee is $50 for the year.

The Boys and Girls Club’s summer program provides the area’s youth with enrichment and recreation programs in a safe environment. Counselors and volunteers oversee the program, which serves from 20 to 80 children.

The program offers a daily camp and activities including games; arts and crafts; creative writing; indoor sports and other enrichment activities. This year, the club has incorporated “theme” weeks with related activities planned around each theme.

Themes for the weeks in July and August are as follows:

· July 5: All Star Week of kickball, Wiffle ball, football and Frisbee games

· July 12: Water Week which includes water balloons, a beach field trip, jump rope water splash and water relays.

· July 19: Survivor Week with a scavenger hunt, obstacle course, relay races and capture the flag game.

· July 26: Sweet Tooth Week which includes a “Make your own Candy” day, bubble gum blowing contest, cookie baking day and an ice cream field trip.

· August 2: Wacky Week which includes Tye Dye Day, Crazy hair day, Backwards day, Pajama day and “Dress like a Rock Star” day.

· August 9: Music week with Karaoke, Musical chairs and limbo, a roller skating field trip, a dance competition and an evening dance.

· August 16: Decade Week that celebrates music from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and of the future.

The kids in the Summer Program frequently go on in-town field trips such as the beach, bowling and ice cream. Other trips such as roller skating and a Movie Day at the Kingston cinema have also been planned. Transportation for local trips is donated by GATRA (Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority).

The club has two major upcoming field trips scheduled:

On Thursday, July 9th, there will be a field trip to the Pawtucket Red Sox. Tickets are $20 per person, which covers the cost of a Paw Sox ticket and the bus. Departure is 5 p.m. and return is approximately 11 p.m.

On Wednesday, July 22nd, there will be a Canobie Lake Park field trip. The cost is $25 per person which covers the cost of the park ticket and bus. The bus will depart at 9 a.m. sharp and return at approximately 4 p.m.

Space is limited, so early registration for the field trips is recommended. A permission slip will be required.

The Summer Program has begun and runs through August 30th. Children may be dropped off at the club Monday through Friday from 12 to 5 p.m.

To register for the program, stop by the Boys and Girls Club in Library Plaza or contact Kathleen Newcomb at the Boys and Girls Club (781) 834-2582.

About the Boys and Girls Club

The Boys and Girls Club of Marshfield’s purpose is to establish a safe haven for recreation and fun, which includes a variety of supervised activities for the 1,100 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.

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Finding The Right One in Chicago – Largest Bricks and Mortar Dating Service Opens Office

The Right One, one of the world’s largest traditional dating services in the industry with 60 offices nationwide, has recently opened their doors in downtown Chicago to provide matchmaking services to more than 9 million people living in the Chicago metropolitan area. The new office is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3100.

The Chicago office is The Right One’s fifth office operating in Illinois, with other locations in Downers Grove, Rockford, Normal and Schaumburg.

Chris Nolan, a 25-year veteran of the dating service industry who runs seven of The Right One’s offices, will oversee the newest Chicago location.

“By taking a one-to-one personal approach, we’ve been able to help thousands of clients find that special someone over past 25 years. Now, Chicago area singles will have the opportunity to find romance with our expert help,” noted Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating.

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for membership, contact

800-818-DATE (3283).

Adding Talent and New Offices

In the fourth quarter of 2008, The Right One and Together Dating showed an 18 percent increase in new memberships over 2007. Concurrently, the company has opened five new locations and according to Falzone, has plans to open four more locations in the near future and the hiring will continue.

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in: Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio and Austin) and Virginia (Falls Church); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include: California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford, Normal, Schaumburg and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); New York (NYC); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

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King Collision Center looking to incorporate a high school Apprentice Program

Students in the Cooperative Education Program at Plymouth South High School learned about the vast career options in the collision repair industry during a recent tour of King Collision Center in Plymouth (http://www.kingcollision.com).

Seven Plymouth South students enrolled in the auto body repair program at the high school were able to get a first-hand look at King’s operations; tour the repair shop and ask plenty of questions. They learned about the numerous career opportunities at King Collision Centers, which range from managerial and customer care positions to those in collision repair, paint/refinish and detailing to Licensed Damage Appraiser positions.

“We’re in the process of developing an Apprentice Program at King Collision Centers to mentor teens who are in collision repair and graphic arts programs in high school. Those involved in our Apprentice Program would have the opportunity to work for King on a part-time basis,” explained Bruce King, president of the family owned business.

The company is looking to incorporate an Apprentice Program at their shops in Plymouth and Pembroke and is set to begin talks with the cooperative education program liaisons at the high schools in those towns.

“We’d like to have a program in place by 2010,” noted King.

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” in 2003 and 2004 by Market Surveys of America and they have been selected to participate in the Repair Shop Referral Programs of 20 different insurance companies.

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

For more information, visit KingCollision.com or contact 508-747-2005.

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It’s your move…How knowing what size mover to select can save you a fortune on your move.

BRAINTREE, MA…

Nobody likes to move. And if you’re hiring a mover, that’s just one more thing you want to get over with as soon as possible. Yet by doing a little calling around and finding a mover based on how much you’re moving and where to, you can save yourself a considerable amount of money and time.

“Most people don’t realize there’s more than one kind of mover. So, when it’s time to move, they probably go to the phone book or Internet and choose the first mover they come across. Usually that’s going to be one of the larger movers. That’s fine if you’re moving a four-bedroom home. But if you’re moving less than a thousand pounds of stuff, for example your mother’s antique dresser and a few other pieces to your sister in Dallas, a large, national mover might not be the most cost-effective option,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping specialist for the past two decades.

Typically, large moving companies charge by weight with a 1000 pound or 2500 pound minimum. Small load shipping specialists don’t have minimums, but generally handle shipments of 1,000 pounds or less. So if you’re moving less than the large mover’s minimum, you may want to consider other, more cost-effective options.

Besides minimums, there are several other differences between the larger movers and small load shipping specialists:

  • Out of state moves – small load shippers strictly do out-of-state and international moves; large movers also offer local service within the same state.
  • Estimates – small load shippers charge by the size of the shipment and where it’s going; movers charge by actual weight or a calculated weight based on the dimensions of your goods.
  • Specialized packing services – many small load shippers offer custom crating and boxes, as well as higher-end technologies like foam-in-place packing. While larger movers offer packing, very few, if any offer foam in place packing or custom boxes for very delicate things like sculptures, large pieces of art, or delicate pieces of furniture. “
  • Transit times – if you’re moving an entire house, then your move takes up the entire truck. For smaller shipments using small load shippers, they share space with other moves. Sharing space does bring the cost down, however it can affect the timing of your move. Small load shippers can help you control the timing but you often save a considerable amount of money if you can trade off time.

“We work with a number of larger movers and if the move is smaller than their minimum or there is a fragile item that requires our packing expertise, they’ll refer the business to us. Many times, people think that they only have a small amount to ship. After speaking with them, we can determine that they are better suited for a large mover and we make the referral to the appropriate mover,” said Fell. “The important thing for consumers to know is they do have options and to find the one that best suits their situation.”

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

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

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

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

Small load specialists

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

It’s your move…How knowing what size mover to select can save you a fortune on your move.Read More

Coneco launches ecological services and permitting division

BRIDGEWATER, MA…

For more than two decades, Coneco Engineers and Scientists, Inc. has provided innovative and cost-effective management and design solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal clients. Most recently, the Bridgewater, Mass.-based firm launched an ecological services and permitting division to complement its environmental, civil engineering, surveying and geothermal divisions.

As part of its new ecological services and permitting practice, Coneco will offer:

·         Ecological permitting and environmental impact assessment documentation at the federal, state, and local levels.

·         Wetland delineation, assessment, and regulatory compliance.

·         Ecological impact evaluation and mitigation design.

·         Ecological restoration design and construction monitoring.

·         Wildlife habitat evaluations including protected species assessments.

·         Aquatic ecology and water quality evaluations.

·         Constructed wetlands designs for water quality renovation.

·         Regulatory agency negotiations.

·         Public information/participation programs.

·         Expert witness testimony services.

“We’re thrilled to open this new business division,” said Rick Lincoln, president of Coneco. “The ecological and permitting elements of projects are critical and have become fairly complex. Having this capability in-house greatly expands the value added and decreases the turnaround times we can offer our clients.”

The new ecological services and permitting division will be based in Coneco’s Lowell, Mass. office, located at 99 Market Street.  Mike Toohill, an environmental scientist (Professional Wetland Scientist and Certified Ecologist) with 28 years of experience in environmental impact evaluation and mitigation will head the new division.

“Coneco has a built a strong track record over the past two decades for its design expertise and client service,” said Toohill. “With the new business division, it’s our challenge and our mission to duplicate that level of excellence.”

For more information the full scope of Coneco’s services, please visit http://www.coneco.com.

About Coneco Engineers, Scientists and Surveyors

Established in 1989, Coneco Engineers & Scientists, Incorporated was founded on the premise that providing innovative and cost effective management and design solutions is the most successful way to achieve the goals of our residential, commercial, industrial and municipal clients. With more than 40 engineering professionals on staff with expertise in the areas of civil engineering, environmental consulting, geothermal and surveying, Coneco remains committed to understanding regulatory changes and technological advances in order to meet the ever-changing needs of its clients and their projects.

For more information, please visit www.coneco.com or call 800-548-3355.

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TMI Executive Resources Alerts Job Seekers of Top 10 Common Job Hunting Traps

TMI Executive Resources (http://www.TMIer.com), a firm providing outplacement and career consulting services to thousands of clients around the globe, alerts job seekers of the top 10 most common job hunting mistakes:

1. Lack of Focus. This is probably the most damaging trap. Since most executive positions are found through networking, you should use your existing contacts to find useful new contacts. If you cannot explain where you want to go, it is very difficult for your contact to reach for his rolodex and make appropriate introductions.

2. No Plan/Wrong Plan. Finding a new position is very much like marketing a new product. Once you have identified product features and benefits and your unique value position and some research to identify potential markets, a structured approach using multiple sales channels works best. A search centered around advertisements, the Internet, search firms and direct mail is the usual fallback position and consistently leads to frustration and lack of success.

3. The 200 lb. Telephone. Searching via ads, letters, and the Web is frustrating, but doesn’t put you at risk emotionally. Making a phone call however creates an opportunity to be rejected. so it is easy to defer phone calls. However, some of these long shot phone calls may lead to golden opportunity. The best strategy here is to tenaciously follow every lead.

4. The Executive Ego. Some executives are happy to talk at length about their past successes, and presume the listener will identify their strengths. They miss the opportunity to listen carefully then sell to “customer” problems.

5. The “Honey-do” List. Concern about rejection makes it easy to substitute other things, preempting the job search.

6. The Entrepreneurial Venture. Many clients believe the best way to a new position is through starting or buying a company. An easy trap is to devote 100% of your time to finding a company or finding financing for a startup. Continue to devote your time to a traditional search.

7. Lack of Discipline. Everybody says a job search can be a full time job. In many ways this is true, but there is one big difference – structure. In a job search, you are 100% responsible for the discipline of the search and the quality of your output.

8. Consulting. A reasonably effective search strategy is to use consulting as a door opener. But, if it requires a full time commitment, takes you out of the search effort or doesn’t lead to new skills or new contacts, it should be evaluated very carefully.

9. Finishing the Search. Probably the worst mistake that you can make is stopping your networking and other career management initiatives when you find a new position. Career management is key. Keep up your network, stay marketable, keep in touch with search firms and stay active in industry/professional associations.

10. Doing It Alone. It is surprising how few people have established a support network and sounding board when there are so many resources available from industry/professional associations to colleges and universities to career consulting and outplacement firms.

“If you are in a job search you should carefully assess whether you have fallen into one or more of these traps. For those who have yet to begin their job search, you are now forewarned and forearmed,” explained John Hackett, the company’s executive vice president.

About TMI

TMI Executive Resources is a worldwide organization that provides professional career consulting and career management services as well as entrepreneurship consulting to executives. Founded in 1986, TMI has provided services to over 4,000 clients around the world and has grown to six locations on the East Coast. TMI headquarters is located at 20 William Street, Suite 100 in Wellesley, MA. The company has offices in Boston and Springfield, MA; Hartford, New Haven and Stamford, CT and Washington DC. For more information, contact 877-864-3932 or visit their website at TMIer.com.

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How do you like your pizza cooked– rare, medium or well done?….Outdoor pizza oven adds pizzazz to outdoor kitchen.

CHICAGO, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Over the last few years, ‘outdoor kitchens’ have taken cooking on the grill from a summer activity to a year-round thing. Now, outdoor cooking has evolved from burgers, dogs, steaks and other carnivorous delights to pizza. That’s right, according to the DirectBuys of Greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings clubs with direct insider prices, adding a pizza oven has become the latest trend in outdoor kitchens.

“Pizza is a pretty big deal here in the Chicago area. After all, it’s the home of the deep dish pizza. So it’s not surprising that some people have decided to take their love of cooking in the great outdoors step further by adding a pizza oven to their outdoor kitchens,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. 

For those who may not have the budget for a pizza oven, you can create your own by purchasing a simple pizza stone. Place that over your grill/fire pit area and you’re ready to serve up your family’s favorite pizza with the extra fun of an outdoor pizza cookout. Or, you can host your own “make your own pizza” night outdoors.

DirectBuy sells many of the items and accessories you’ll need to create your outdoor pizza kitchen at manufacturer’s low prices. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can provide helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

For starters, when it comes to selecting a grill, DirectBuy recommends considering:

●       Stainless steel gas or charcoal grills – outdoor kitchen means just that: outside sun, rain, wind and in some markets, snow. Even covered, your grill will be exposed to the elements to a certain degree and you want a grill made of material that will withstand bad weather and corrosion.

●       Free-standing or under-the-counter refrigeration units – help minimize trips to the “other” kitchen and give you a place to store leftovers for the next cookout.

●       Infra-red burners – make sure the grill you do select uses infra-red burners, which heat up faster.

●       Storage – choose a grill with plenty of shelving and cabinets

“Whether you’re cooking pizzas or the standard barbecue fare, the beauty of the outdoor kitchen is that it reduces trips to the real kitchen to get supplies. This means you can actually spend time with your guests while preparing your meal,” continued Vest. “By adding something novel like a pizza oven or quasi pizza oven, you’re adding to the ways you can get more use and enjoyment out of your outdoor kitchen.”

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can visit http://www.directbuychicago.com/.

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 makes members’ hard-earned money to 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.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, 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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

How do you like your pizza cooked– rare, medium or well done?….Outdoor pizza oven adds pizzazz to outdoor kitchen.Read More