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Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on “Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times” at the Dover Town Library on May 20, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

DATELINE:  BOSTON, MA…
Are you relying on yesterday’s strategies to deal with today’s issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

Learn more about “Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times” at a seminar presented by Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers of Boston, to be held on Wednesday May 20, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Dover Town Library located at 56 Dedham Street in Dover, MA. The seminar is free and open to the public and light refreshments will be served. To reserve your place, please call (617) 218-2097 or email events@tbhr-law.com.

The seminar will be presented by Perry Ganz, Esq. a partner with Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C of Boston. Attorney Ganz focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning and taxation and was named a Massachusetts Rising Star by Boston Magazine.  He is a frequent speaker on estate planning strategies and has written articles for various publications, as well as the chapter entitled “Making Charitable Contributions” in Drafting Estate Plans, a Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education publication. He has also been quoted in the Wall Street Journal on changes in the federal estate tax law.

A variety of real life issues will be discussed, including common estate planning errors, asset protection strategies, estate tax reduction strategies, and avoiding probate. Plan on attending to learn more and to explore current estate planning issues and options.

Please note: This seminar is not sponsored by the Dover Town Library.

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, employment matters, mergers and acquisitions, litigation and dispute resolution, estate planning, taxation, real estate, bankruptcy, and municipal 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.

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on “Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times” at the Dover Town Library on May 20, 2009 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.Read More

South Shore Skin Center Supports “Don’t Fry Day” on Friday, May 22nd and encourages families to learn more & share info

South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices South of Boston strives to create greater awareness of the dangers of UV exposure and skin cancer by supporting the “Don’t Fry Day” on May 22nd

May 22, 2009 has been designated as “Don’t Fry Day” by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and is sponsored by the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation of Hingham. “Don’t Fry Day” is dedicated to educating children and teens about skin cancer and its prevention. Recent data has shown that New England has the highest concentration of melanoma cases, and melanoma is the #1 cancer in young, white American women. South Shore Skin Center encourages families to practice being SunAWARE on “Don’t Fry Day” and to share their knowledge with others in order to prevent skin cancer.

Skin cancer is most commonly caused by overexposure to sunlight and artificial UV radiation (as in tanning beds). South Shore Skin Center recommends that everyone follow SunAWARE, an acronym that stands for:

· Avoid unprotected UV exposure any time and seek shade

· Wear sun protective clothing including hats and sunglasses

· Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen prior to UV exposure and reapply every two hours

· Routinely check your whole body for changes in your skin and report suspicious changes to a health care practitioner.

· Educate your family and community about sun protection.

The doctors at South Shore Skin center also advise that anyone can develop skin cancer anywhere on the body. It’s important to see a dermatologist for spots that are new or changing and that are:

· Persistent

· Easily irritated

· Enlarging

· Recurrent

To learn more about “Don’t Fry Day”, visit www.skincancerprevention.org or contact South Shore Skin Center in Cohasset at (781) 383-3340 or in Plymouth at (508) 747-0711.

About the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation

The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation, located in Hingham, Mass., delivers a comprehensive sun safety and melanoma awareness program, free of charge, to school children in Massachusetts. Led by Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation’s “SunAWARE” program is delivered to children in elementary and secondary schools and teaches both skin cancer prevention and early detection. The foundation has won the 2009 American Academy of Dermatology Gold Triangle Award for their two new children’s books, Pretty Prom and Lake Vacation.  For more information, contact 781-875-1SPF (1773) or visit www.melanomaprevention.org.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.  The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711.  For more information, visit their website at www.SouthShoreSkinCenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center Supports “Don’t Fry Day” on Friday, May 22nd and encourages families to learn more & share infoRead More

Janet Sparks and Blue MauMau Editor Don Sniegowski receive the AAFD Community Service Awards.

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) has honored investigative journalists Janet Sparks and Don Sniegowski with the Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community.

Sparks and Sniegowski, the founder and editor of the franchise news social media Web site Blue MauMau, received their awards at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet at the recent Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

Janet Sparks, columnist and reporter for Franchise Times magazine and, over the past two years, an investigative reporter for Blue MauMau. Previously, Janet had been owner and publisher of the Continental Franchise Review, an industry trade journal she worked for and then acquired in 1991.  When Franchise Times acquired CFR in 1998, she became the magazine’s associate publisher, at which time Janet’s journalism became focused on a critical examination of franchising practices, a focus that the AAFD applauds.

“The AAFD is pleased to recognize investigative reporter, Janet Sparks, as a recipient of our Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community,” said Purvin. “Janet has emerged as a vigilant sentinel for fair franchising practices, tenaciously investigating and exposing unscrupulous conduct, and providing an important outlet for franchisee victims to have their stories taken seriously, exposed and investigated.”

Continued Purvin, “In a journalistic environment that is largely patronizing to the franchising community, Janet never shies from a tough or controversial story.  Her forte is to investigate, to challenge and, where appropriate, to expose.  At the heart of Janet’s journalism is a conviction that franchisee rights should be recognized and protected.  Janet has urged grassroots activism amongst franchise owners, and has encouraged franchise owners to come together for their common good.”

“I’m quite honored by AAFD selecting me for its Chairman’s award,” Sparks said.  “I have known Bob Purvin for over 15 years and have followed the AAFD mission in bringing equality and balance to franchising. I’m in awe of the courage and zeal of the AAFD members to bring about a fairer franchise relationship.”

Don Sniegowski is the vision, courage and proud parent of Blue MauMau, the country’s leading online social media Web site covering news for franchise operators and investors and perhaps the single most influential vehicle and instrument for the empowerment of franchise owners ever assembled. In conceptualizing a community of citizen journalists to reveal ‘truth and transparency’ in franchising, Sniegowski has created an online publication that offers honest dialogue with top experts and independent franchise news.

“Don is both innovator and entrepreneur, but is first and foremost a journalist who yearned to reveal hard truths about franchising—to place the glare of public scrutiny on a community that has been much insulated from the voice of franchisees,” said Purvin.  “Because of Blue MauMau, franchisees and their advocates have found their voice, and franchisors are now less likely to succeed in coercive or predatory practices without bearing public scrutiny and scorn.”

“It’s an honor to receive such an award,” said Sniegowski. “It’s even more of an honor considering that this award is freely given from the audience we report for—franchise owners. It wasn’t very long ago when sources of reliable, spin-free information for franchise owners were next to nonexistent. What is really different nowadays is the Internet’s interactive news format, which allows those on the front lines to quietly share information without retribution from the franchisor. Investigative reporters have more sources to tap into and faster access, giving a better news product. That helps operators and investors make informed decisions based on authentic, more timely news, not conjured-up propaganda and re-wrapped press releases.”

To view the Chairman’s Award presentation, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgSHNYS7SU.

About the AAFD

The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, The AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising.  Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.

The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.

For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free at 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Janet Sparks and Blue MauMau Editor Don Sniegowski receive the AAFD Community Service Awards.Read More

Curb appeal still holds appeal for homeowners…DirectBuy helps consumers with home improvement projects that deliver the most ROI.

MERRILLVILLE, IN …

One of the central motivations of taking on a large remodel or home improvement project is to increase the resale value of your home. Yet in a soft real estate market, is that still the case? If so, which home improvement projects actually “pay for themselves” or increase the value of your home the most? DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, offers some insights into the home improvement projects that deliver the most return on investment (ROI).

“You’d think because of the soft real estate market that the likelihood of homeowners taking on remodels would go down. It’s actually quite the opposite. According to the Spring 2009 RemodelorMove Remodeling Sentiment Report, a semi-annual survey of 5,000 U.S homeowners,68 percent of homeowners will remodel in 2009,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy.

So which home improvements projects have the best chance of recouping the homeowner’s investment? According to Remodeling magazine’s 2008 report, the home improvement projects you’re most likely to recover construction costs in a resale are:

●        Minor kitchen remodel (e.g. new cabinets) – 79.5% cost recouped

●        Major kitchen remodel – 76% recouped

●        Deck addition (wood)– 81.8% cost recouped

●        Bathroom remodel – 78.3% cost recouped

●        Siding replacement (vinyl) – 80.7% cost recouped

●        Window replacement (vinyl) – 79.5% cost recouped

●        Attic to bedroom remodel – 73.8% cost recouped

These numbers reflect a national average, with some home improvement projects coming in higher or lower in different parts of the country (e.g. in Chicago, siding replacement will recoup more than the national average; most likely the higher value of siding in a colder climate).

“What’s interesting about this report is even though home prices have fallen about seven percent nationally, the decline in value of remodeling projects has been under four percent. So, besides getting to enjoy the benefits of your remodel project while you’re living in your home, you are still getting good value comparatively,” said Shragal.

By enabling its members to buy directly from manufacturers at wholesale prices, DirectBuy gives consumers an even greater chance to recoup construction costs at the time of sale. Taking it one step further, DirectBuy also provides members with connections to contractors providing installation services, generally at a discounted rate between five and 20 percent, to improve even further the likelihood of recovering construction costs.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 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 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

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.

Curb appeal still holds appeal for homeowners…DirectBuy helps consumers with home improvement projects that deliver the most ROI.Read More

Missing the Pointe…North Pointe owner puzzled by Town’s appeal of Housing Appeals Court decision.

HANOVER, MASSACHUSETTS…

On April 6, the State’s Housing Appeals Court upheld its previous ruling that North Pointe, an over-55 rental housing community located at 511 Washington Street in Hanover, could remove the age-restriction and lease units to tenants under that age as well. North Pointe Co-Developer Rick Lincoln thought that marked the end of a long legal battle. The Town of Hanover, in spite of increasing fiscal demands that are putting a strain on the Town’s available revenues, has decided to appeal the decision, a move that has Lincoln somewhat perplexed.

“To date, these appeals have cost the Town of Hanover more than $150,000 in attorney fees. Is it really worth it to the Town to appeal a case for the second time with a minimal chance of reversal when municipal jobs and services are at stake?” asked Lincoln. “A full complex will only add to the Town’s tax base and put more consumers on Main Street.”

Lincoln contends the town’s original objection to removing the age restriction had to do with initial plans to convert the 74 rental units at the over-55 rental property into condos for sale. Since North Pointe is a 40B affordable housing property, Lincoln and his partner thought sale of the units to be the only option available. After consulting several legal experts familiar with 40B, they found out it was possible to remove the age restriction and keep North Pointe as a rental property while maintaining its status as a 40B. Even though the Hanover Zoning Board of Appeals preferred rental units to condos for an age-restricted facility, the Town did not want the additional rental units without the restriction, thus beginning the case in the Housing Court of Appeals.

Some of the Town’s objections stated in the case include:

●        North Pointe owners misjudged housing market and was quick to give up on the idea of 55-over age restricted as rental units (to date, North Pointe has continued as an age-restricted facility and is presently at 50 percent capacity)

●        Costs incurred to town by additional families moving into North Pointe (North Pointe features one- and two-bedroom units; while there are communal areas, there’s no yard or space for children to play and is unlikely to draw families)

●        Affordability of rental units (at $1375 per month for a one-bedroom and $1675 for a two-bedroom, two bath, North Pointe rents are at market value)

 “Thankfully, the Housing Court of Appeals and the Land Court did not agree with the Town’s objections and on April 6 we were able to remove the age restriction on North Pointe and make it available to everybody,” said Lincoln. “Still, with the Town pursuing a second appeal, it puts us in a rather difficult situation in renting out units.”

Continued Lincoln, “Interesting is the fact that a developer down the street was allowed by the Town of Hanover to double his units and remove an age restriction. It is troubling that a town can operate in this fashion and that money for legal fees does not seem to be a concern for Town officials.”

Located at 511 Washington Street in Hanover, Massachusetts, North Pointe is close to the major commuting routes in the area—Route 3, Route 139 and Route 53—and a short drive to many fine shops, malls, restaurants and health care services. One bedroom/one bathroom units start at $1375 per month and two bedroom/two bathroom units go for $1675 per month. Heat and hot water is included.

Each unit features nine-foot ceilings, granite countertops, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom(s), washer/dryer, patio/balcony, central air conditioning and much more. Yet beyond the amenities for each individual unit, North Pointe offers a real sense of community, fostered by common areas like the fitness center, reading room and function room with kitchen.

For a virtual tour of North Pointe, you can visit www.northpointe-hanover.com or call (781) 826-5666 to schedule an in-person visit.

About North Pointe apartments

Located at 511 Washington Street in the thriving town of Hanover, Massachusetts, North Pointe offers the comforts and convenience of suburban living. Each one and two bedroom unit features nine-foot ceilings, granite countertops, ceramic tile in the kitchen and bathroom(s), washer/dryer, patio/balcony, and central air conditioning. Tenants also enjoy on-site management, 24-hour emergency maintenance, on-site parking and basement storage. In addition to your individual unit, residents also have access to several common areas, including fitness center, reading room and community room. For a virtual tour of North Pointe, you can visit www.northpointe-hanover.com or call (781) 826-5666 to schedule an in-person visit.

Missing the Pointe…North Pointe owner puzzled by Town’s appeal of Housing Appeals Court decision.Read More

East Amherst resident Bruce Kiernan joins DirectBuy of Buffalo team as Membership Director

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently hired Bruce Kiernan, an East Amherst resident, as a membership director for the club.

As a membership director, Kiernan is responsible for presenting the DirectBuy opportunity to prospective members, conducting tours of the DirectBuy of Buffalo club and answering questions prospective members might have prior to making their decision.

“Bruce has been a great addition to our team. He brings a lot of energy to the table and has a passion for the value DirectBuy brings to our members’ lives,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

A former mortgage broker and banker, Kiernan has served as a senior vice president at HSBC, a vice president with Wells Fargo and owned his own mortgage finance company in his 30-plus year career. It’s an experience that’s served him well at DirectBuy.

“There are a lot of parallels between my previous career and working with DirectBuy. As a mortgage broker, I helped people realize their dream of owning their own home. As a membership director here at DirectBuy, we provide members with a way to create the homes of their dreams and help them save a ton of money in that process and that’s pretty cool,” said Kiernan.

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 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy club membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.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. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy club locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

 

East Amherst resident Bruce Kiernan joins DirectBuy of Buffalo team as Membership DirectorRead More

Boot Camp for New Dads Shares Tips for Celebrating Father’s Day

Working with more than 200,000 new dads over the past 18 years, Greg Bishop, founder of Boot Camp for New Dads, 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, and author of two books on fathering, offers tips on how guys really want to celebrate Father’s Day.

“Most fathers believe the less complicated, the better. Guys aren’t really interested in spending a lot of money on Father’s Day in general so oftentimes, they choose activities that are outdoors and free,” noted Bishop.

Dads across the nation have shared their ideas for celebrating Father’s Day:

· Take in a minor league baseball game.

· No need for clubs or a golf cart – go Miniature Golfing.

· Fire up the grill and give dad the spatula – a cookout with all dad’s favorite foods is just the thing.

· Play Wiffle ball or get a backyard football game going.

· Plan a picnic at the park or the beach. Be sure to bring baseball gloves and ball, Frisbee or football.

· Take a family bike ride around the neighborhood or head for the nearest state park or trail.

· Pack up the gear, some special snacks and go hiking.

· Head for the nearest river or lake and go canoeing or boating. Or, watch the “big boats” while you stroll the ocean waterfront and enjoy ice cream.

· Going bananas? Check out the monkeys and other exhibits at your local zoo.

· Have a pizza party – order in or gather together and make it from scratch. Follow it up with (age appropriate) games like charades, Monopoly, Go Fish, etc.

· Take in a show. It could be the newest movie in the theaters or a concert or an auto, boat or monster truck show – whatever dad enjoys.

Bishop continued, “Gifts are nice but simply spending time together as a family is what many dads want on Father’s Day.”

Tips, Advice, Instructions and more

Greg Bishop offers strategies from more than 200,000 new dads that have gone through the Boot Camp for New Dads program in his second book, Crash Course for New Dads: Tools, Checklists and Cheat Sheets. His first book, Hit the Ground Crawling, covers work balance, being a dad, caring for a new mom and much more. Both books are available online at www.DadsAdventure.com.

New Dads Learn What to Expect at Boot Camp Workshops

Dads-to-be will be better equipped to face the challenges and opportunities of fatherhood after attending a Boot Camp “hands on” educational workshop. Men attend the class when they are expecting their first baby, and are joined in the workshop by “veterans” who had previously attended and have returned with their two to four-month-old baby in tow. They are able to give the dads-to-be a realistic idea of what to do and what to expect when their first baby comes. For many men attending, it’s their first time holding a baby.

Boot Camp for New Dads

Now celebrating their 18th 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.

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, or to visit Dads Adventure, go to www.Dadsadventure.com. 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)

Boot Camp for New Dads Shares Tips for Celebrating Father’s DayRead More

Gray receives DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle honors

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL…

Carpentersville resident Jennifer Gray, a marketing associate at DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, was recently awarded Achievement Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for her dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club membership during the month of January.

DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle recognizes the top performing membership directors and phone room associates at the more than 160 DirectBuy clubs across North America for their performance on a monthly basis. As a marketing associate, Gray has an active role in helping interested families learn more about DirectBuy club membership at the  DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates club.

“It’s no accident that this is the fifth time Jennifer has earned Achievement Circle honors. She’s very good at working with prospective new members and is a valuable member of our marketing team,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, located at 2200 North Stonington Avenue, Suite 150 in Hoffman Estates.

Gray began with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates in 2006. Prior to that, she had worked in retail management.

“DirectBuy is a great place to work for several reasons. First, we provide a tremendous service to our members by providing them an alternative way to buy the things they want and need for their homes. On a personal level, the owner Dave encourages our development as professionals and people. He even makes his personal library of motivational books and cd’s available to the entire staff,” said Gray.

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.

Gray receives DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle honorsRead More

Massachusetts-based early stage company poised for dynamic growth… Wave2’s self-service solution for on-line and print advertisers allows publishers to transition their businesses

WESTBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS…

In difficult economic times, it’s tough enough to stay afloat never mind growing your company. Particularly, if the primary industry you serve—publishing—is in a state of economic turmoil. Yet it’s under those exact circumstances that Wave2, a Westborough-based software solutions company, grew its customer base and hosted services business by 400 percent in the first quarter of 2009, the best quarter since the company opened its doors in the U.S. back in 2006.

The catalyst for Wave2’s success is the iPublish AdPortal — a Web-based application that automates the creative process for creating on-line Flash and print display ads. Essentially, Wave2’s software enables advertisers to create their own ads, with no assistance from a publisher’s creative staff.  

Publishers have traditionally lived off highly profitable print advertising from recruitment, autos and real estate. As publishers’ revenue from their traditional print sources declines, the challenge is to find new advertisers and develop new online, Web-based advertising products. Wave2’s iPublish AdPortal hosted service enables publishers to offer both print and on-line display ads to the thousands of small businesses in their circulation areas. This greatly reduces sales costs and eliminates production costs, enabling publishers to market deeper into the small business community. 

“Publishers have great brand awareness in their local markets and typically host websites that serve up more page views than any other site in their local circulation markets. They also offer the greatest variety of cross media ad products that are ideally suited to a small business owner,” said Brian Gorman, Wave2’s vice president of sales. “Unfortunately, most publishers find their current sales model can not sell products effectively to this market and they’ve had a difficult time capitalizing on their on-line brand awareness.    AdPortal is a totally web based ad selling system that is open 24X7 and enables them to sell their complete advertising product line from print display ads, on-line listings for a marketplace, on-line display and even search packages.” 

At present, Wave2 has signed contracts with many of the nation’s leading newspaper chains; Belo, The Boston Globe, Freedom Communications, Hearst, McClatchy, Media News Group, New York Times Regional Group, and Lee Enterprises. All of these chains have or will be shortly launching self-service advertising sites and will offer the complete line of print and on-line ad products through iPublish AdPortal.  Many of these publishers chose Wave2 as the only vendor out there who can deliver this solution. 

iPublish AdPortal runs on top of the Wave2 Publishing Platform. The W2PP is not limited to serving strictly the newspaper industry and Wave2 sees dramatic growth opportunities outside publishing.  The software incorporates a patent-pending, highly scalable and powerful rules engine, which gives the user the capability to create everything from simple printed display ads to complex multi page inserts to brochures to animated interactive advertising—all within the style guidelines that the company presets. This makes it possible for non-skilled business owners within a company or corporation to create collateral materials—and meet with compliance standards—with relative ease.

“One of the reasons we’re primed for continued growth throughout the rest of 2009 is because this Platform makes even more sense for large companies with a large independent sales forces who have to create their own collaterals,” said Gorman. “With the Wave2 Publishing Platform, they have the means to create attractive collateral materials that meet the rules of compliance and stay within the company brand.”

For more information on Wave2’s Publishing Platform and other media solutions, please visit http://www.wave2media.com or call their U.S. office at (508) 366-6383.

About Wave2

Wave2 Media Solutions Ltd was founded in the United Kingdom in January 2004, and has established itself as the leader in self-service advertising in the UK publishing market. In 2006, Wave2 opened a US office in the Boston area, located at 114 Turnpike Road in Westborough, Massachusetts. Wave2’s software is in production or under contract at many leading newspapers across the U.S., including: The Boston Globe, Dallas Morning News, Houston Chronicle, Miami Herald, Bay Area News Group, LA News Group, New York Times Regional Group, Orange County Register, Raleigh News & Observer, The Sun News, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Riverside Press-Enterprise and San Francisco Chronicle. Today Wave2 is realizing the fastest adoption rate of any provider of self-service solutions in the US newspaper market. 

For more information on iPublish AdPortal, Wave2’s Publishing Platform and their other solutions, please visit http://www.wave2media.com or call their U.S. office at (508) 366-6383.

Massachusetts-based early stage company poised for dynamic growth… Wave2’s self-service solution for on-line and print advertisers allows publishers to transition their businessesRead More