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Tough times call for creative answers…AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit seminars address economy’s effect on franchisees.

San Diego, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) will host its annual Franchisee Leadership Summit at Crowne Plaza Riverwalk in San Antonio, April 29 to May 2. While each of the previous 16 conferences have held their own special place in the history of AAFD, this year’s summit finds franchisees in the midst of the most challenging economic times in the U.S. since the great Depression.

That fact has not been lost on AAFD and they have set up an agenda of seminars that either incorporate the thriving in a difficult economy theme or address it within the content.

“While the current economy is troubling, it actually makes a great case for owning a franchise. As a franchisee you have the support of a network of fellow franchisees, not to mention franchisee associations like AAFD,” said Robert Purvin, AAFD chairman. “The seminars at this year’s Franchisee Leadership Summit illustrate not only how you can utilize the support elements of being a franchisee but be successful in a bad economy.”

This year’s seminars include:

  • The 5 Top Reasons Associations Succeed or Fail
  • The Power of the Network in Financially Difficult Times
  • Mastering Cooperation and Unity
  • How to Really Negotiate a Fair Franchise Agreement
  • Learning How to Utilize the Blogosphere in Association Communications
  • The Buying Group Strategy:  Harnessing Purchase Power:

“These seminars will be a great help to longtime franchisees and the new crop of franchise owners who are a byproduct of this current economy–senior citizens who realized their nest egg might not last, corporate refugees and recent college graduates who decided not to enter a shrinking job market,” adds Purvin.

In addition to these powerful seminars, this year’s conference will also feature annual Total Quality Franchising Awards Banquets and Gala, Franchisee Leadership Council Session, The AAFD Market Power Trade Show and AAFD Annual conference luncheon.

For complete conference information, please visit www.aafd.org or call 800-733-9858. You can also e-mail benefits@aafd.org.

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 locations throughout the United States. The AAFD 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 – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

 

Tough times call for creative answers…AAFD Franchisee Leadership Summit seminars address economy’s effect on franchisees.Read More

DirectBuy of Woodbridge awards $50,000 home makeover to area resident

Woodbridge, VA, March 19, 2009 – DirectBuy of Woodbridge, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is set to award $50,000 to a local family at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2009, as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. The celebration will be highlighted by the presentation of an oversized check to George and Virginia Kirk of Catlett, Virginia.

“We are completely overjoyed,” explained Virginia Kirk. “At first we thought it was a hoax, we couldn’t believe this could happen to us. We are extremely excited and ready to get started on our home improvement projects.”

With their newfound fortune, Virginia and George “Red” Kirk will begin several home improvement projects they’ve been planning, such as installing new carpeting throughout their stairway, hallways and bedrooms, along with upgrading the foundation and updating the flooring in their garage. While deciding what additional improvements to undertake to create their dream home, the Kirks plan to use any additional prize money as a nest egg to protect their investments against today’s struggling economy.

“Over the past 12 years, we have loved having the opportunity to help families save money by utilizing DirectBuy to afford the items they normally would not be able to purchase. In this case, it is especially rewarding to help out a local Virginia family through our latest $50,000 Home Makeover Contest,” said Bruce Harvey, who owns and operates DirectBuy of Woodbridge with his wife Barb.

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than $450,000 in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, which is designed to help consumers create the homes of their dreams.

The DirectBuy of Woodbridge club, located at 3320 Noble Pond Way Suite 104 in Woodbridge, offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 700 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting and design club where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Woodbridge employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

DirectBuy of Woodbridge members also have exclusive access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed 12 room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

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

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, call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 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.directbuycares.com.

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Skin Cancer Experts Share Preventative Tips

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Dr. Richard Eisen, a board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center, one of the most progressive dermatology practices in Massachusetts with offices in Plymouth and Cohasset recently spoke to the Dermatology Nurses’ Association (DNA) along with his wife, Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, Executive Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation.

The duo shared their expert knowledge of sun safety and melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) prevention with more than 100 DNA members at the DNA’s 27th Annual Convention held in San Francisco on March 6th.

They discussed how skin cancer is most commonly caused by overexposure to sunlight, or artificial UV radiation and recommended that everyone follow SunAWARE, an acronym coined by Mary and John Barrow, authors of Sun Protection for Life: Your Guide to a Lifetime of Healthy and Beautiful Skin. SunAWARE 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.

Dr. Eisen taught that anyone can develop melanoma anywhere on their body and that new and changing moles should be evaluated. He also shared five tips on how to identify potentially dangerous moles or melanomas:

· Moles that are asymmetric, where one side of the mole does not match the other.

· Moles that have edges that are irregular, ragged or blurred.

· A mole that has more than one color, with shades of black, brown, red, white, blue or tan.

· Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser.

· Moles that bleed, itch or change in appearance.

“Certain types of moles have a higher risk of becoming malignant melanomas. Melanoma can be deadly because it can spread to other parts of the body. But, it may be cured in its early stages. It’s very important to take preventative measures such as those outlined in SunAWARE and to watch for changes in the skin and follow up on questionable or changing moles with a dermatologist as soon as possible,” explained Dr. Eisen.

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.

Dermatology Nurses’ Association

The Dermatology Nurses’ Association is a professional nursing organization with the mission of promoting excellence in dermatologic care. To learn more about the DNA, visit the website at DNANurse.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.

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Single? Maybe. Avoid Online Dating Lies and More

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After a messy break-up with your significant other months ago, your best friend finally talked you into joining an online dating service. Now that you’ve registered, completed a brief questionnaire and submitted your most recent photo, you’re excited about meeting someone new.

At first glance, you’re impressed with the profiles of several attractive, successful singles. But, what your friend failed to tell you is that what you see online, isn’t always what you get in person.

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, the largest brick-and-mortar dating service in the world, “Online dating sites are used by the honest and dishonest alike. Men and women use the anonymity of the Web to lie about their age, appearance, name and even gender. For example, cheating spouses will use online dating sites to hook up with someone when they go out of town. It’s important to be aware of the perils of online dating before you get burned.”

Falzone alerts online daters of the red flags which signal potential dates to avoid:

R U free 2nite? The “texter” who has a few seconds to send text messages, but is always too busy or not available to actually chat on the phone or via email. This type likes communication to be kept to a minimum, unless s/he initiates it. Dates are often made and cancelled at the last minute with a variety of excuses used. S/he is often out of town a lot and inaccessible. These are common signs of someone who is not single and/or not being honest with you. Move on. You can do much better.

Beauty or beast? Beware of dishonesty through photo misrepresentation. Note that a good profile usually provides more than one photo of that person. If the photo looks too professional, chances are, it is – and perhaps even “borrowed” from somewhere else. And yes, there are people who deliberately post their high school photo from 15 years ago to attract your interest.

Think you hit the jackpot when you get a nice response with a good-looking photo? One of the ways competing online dating sites draw you in is by responding to you with profiles of “beautiful people” from another dating site. After you’ve clicked over to that site and signed up to meet that gorgeous creature, oftentimes you’ll find they don’t even exist. Save your time and money by responding to those who are members of your dating site.

Little lies. So you recently arranged to meet that single, 6’4”, trim and muscular, brown-haired former college basketball captain whom you found online. Upon meeting in person, you find out that the only thing true in his description of himself was his hair color. Some believe that telling “little lies” on their profile with regard to a couple inches in height or a couple pounds in weight won’t matter. Be aware that those who misrepresent themselves on the “little things” may have no problem lying about “bigger things” such as their marital status and age. Don’t settle for what you read in a profile. Verify the information they have offered by asking about their age, relationship status, height and weight. They may refuse to answer your questions or they may provide different information. Or, everything may measure up. Regardless, you’ll have a better idea of that person’s honesty and whether or not you really want to meet him/her.

The “put down”. Avoid the online profile that disrespects and rips an ex-lover to shreds or simply informs you of those aspects s/he doesn’t want in a date. For example, “looking for someone without issues – unlike my ex.” Or, “if you’re needy, jealous and selfish, look elsewhere”. These are profiles that signal potential anger issues. Statements such as these come from someone who has recently ended a relationship or is emotionally scarred from a past relationship and really not happy. Leave them be. You don’t need to be their sounding board or rebound date. They’re not ready to date now and won’t be until they can move on.

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 and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (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 conveniently located 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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A customer and contractor’s best friend…DirectBuy refers contractors and services for its members.

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

Whether you’re looking for new kitchen cabinets, flooring or any other materials for a home improvement project, the search for the right products and the right look is a large enough project all by itself. When you add finding a capable, trusted and, most importantly, available contractor to do the work, it’s an even bigger chore. DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, not only offers consumers a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, but also a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

The list of contractor services available through DirectBuy includes: carpet and hardwood installation; cabinet installation; general contractors; counter tops/stone slabs and tile; delivery services; blind installers; electricians; fireplace installation; plumbers and plumbing installation; and much more.

“We want our members to be happy with their purchases. For home improvement purchases, that ultimately comes down to how good things look once they are installed in your home. That’s why we’re extremely selective about the contractors we work with and refer to our members,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates.

Adds Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of Dupage County, “It’s important to note that many of the highly skilled professionals who do contract work for DirectBuy are also DirectBuy members. Therefore, they have a vested interest in providing good service and customer satisfaction for future referrals and to remain in good standing as a member. It’s also why often times they work at a discounted rate for fellow members.”

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 five convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, 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 five 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 five DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; 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.

 

A customer and contractor’s best friend…DirectBuy refers contractors and services for its members.Read More

Cape Cod Trade brings creative currency to Cape

Perhaps “cash is king”, but barter is an attractive alternative.  Given the cash flow challenges associated with the current economic rut, the newly launched Cape Cod Trade is finding a warm reception from regional business owners.  The new venture is affiliated with New England Trade, based in Malden, Mass. and the region’s oldest, largest barter/trade organization, with over 28 years of helping businesses move products and services. 

The new Cape Cod Trade is centrally located at 76 West Main Street, Suite 202, Hyannis.

Some initial members include Van Rensselaer’s Restaurant, Wellfleet; Little Capistrano Bicycle Shop, Eastham; Northern Lights hammocks, Provincetown; Sol Spa, Chatham; Scargo Café, Dennis; Firefly Woodfire Grill, Falmouth; Atlantic Limousine, Barnstable; Polar Cave Ice Cream, Mashpee; Cape Cod Beach Chair, Sandwich; Embargo Tapas & Martini Bar, Hyannis and Cape Cod Painting, Marston Mills.

Larry Conn, Hyannis resident and Cape Cod Trade managing partner noted, “Organized barter is a legitimate way to bring new avenues of business to your door and expand your local networking value. At the same time the barter income can help defray your incidental expenses, provide a source of employee bonuses and incentives, augment your health coverage, and perhaps afford you some small luxuries.”

 “Cape Cod has always been a haven for entrepreneurs and business people with ambition and energy,” noted Ken Meharg, CEO of Cape Cod Trade and New England Trade.�

Gary Oshry, President of New England Traded added, “From the tourist industry to professional services to manufacturing, Cape Codders have a wide base for profiting from exchanging goods and services.”

TRADING UP IN NEW ENGLAND
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 also maintains offices at 926 Eastern Avenue in Malden, Mass. and 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 and a member of the International Reciprocal Trade Association, New England Trade manages more than $5-million in sales 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 Cape Cod Trade, visit www.CapeCodTrade.com or call 508 775-1277.

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Common HR Mistakes…Administrative Business Resources (ABR) kicks off HR Webinar series on March 18

FRAMINGHAM, MA …

Administrative Business Resources (ABR) a company that specializes helping human resource departments automate their services, will host an upcoming Webinar entitled “Common HR Mistakes.” Frank Aubuchon, owner of Aubuchon & Associates, will conduct the 30-minute Webinar, which will take place on Wednesday, March 18 at 11 a.m. EST.

“We’re very excited to have a speaker of Frank’s caliber for our first Webinar,” said Sheldon Prenovitz, president of ABR. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and years of HR experience to the table and he’s an engaging speaker to boot.”

Prior to starting Aubuchon & Associates, an independent human resources consulting business five years ago, Aubuchon was a regional director of human resources for a Fortune 1000 company. In addition, he’s also a former assistant vice president of human resources at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts and has taught numerous courses on HR-related topics.

To attend the Webinar, simply go to www.helloworld.com/abresources. Click on the broadcast tower and choose the “On the Air” option. There is no charge to attend the Webinar.

In addition to Aubuchon’s presentation, there will also be a Q&A session so attendees can get instant feedback.

“This Webinar will be filled with useful information for business owners and managers who must deal with HR issues on a regular basis,” said Prenovitz. “As for the Webinar series, we’re in the process of setting up a host of speakers for future sessions and will release that when we get something formalized.”

If you have questions about the upcoming Webinar, you can contact ABR by calling 617-747-3970 or by e-mail at info@abresources.com.

About Administrative Business Resources (ABR)

Administrative Business Resources (ABR) is an Internet Payroll / HR technology Integration Developer established to assist companies of all sizes with their Payroll / HR integration technology processes. ABR’s team of experts gives companies access to knowledge that would otherwise cost a substantial amount. This limitless resource of knowledge, combined with ABR’s online META portal technology, gives companies the ultimate control without a significant time and cost investment.  For more information on ABR, please visit www.abresourceshr.com.

Common HR Mistakes…Administrative Business Resources (ABR) kicks off HR Webinar series on March 18Read More

What wood would you choose? Driftwood and bamboo make great outdoor furniture options.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

With daylight savings in full swing, more and more people are looking forward to spending time on their patios or decks. And for those people looking to make more of a splash with their outdoor décor, driftwood furniture offers an eye-catching alternative to the traditional red picnic table or plastic stackable patio chairs.

Driftwood patio furniture is constructed from wood taken from weather-beaten areas, islands, river beaches, etc. The true beauty of driftwood, besides the natural, back-to-mother-earth appeal, is that no two pieces are alike. So you can create your own unique look for your patio.

“Driftwood enables homeowners to get a little creative. You can purchase a distinctive driftwood table base, secure a piece of glass on top of it and, voila, you have a stylish outdoor or indoor coffee or accent table,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy.

Bamboo is another wood that provides a stylish and durable option for your outdoor furniture. While it’s fairly well known that bamboo is one of the strongest materials in the world to make furniture, it’s become even more popular because the process of making bamboo furniture is environmentally friendly.

Another selling point to bamboo is its versatility. All types of patio furniture and accessories are constructed with bamboo—tables, rocking chairs, chairs, shades, umbrellas, stools, side tables, coffee tables, photo frames and even rugs. So you can literally create your own “bamboo room” outside.

“Bamboo furniture gives a patio a cozy and personal atmosphere.  Even though it’s polished, it retains the natural grains and color of bamboo and this adds to its rustic charm,” said Shragal. “When you throw in the great look of bamboo with its durability, you end up with a real winner for your back deck, a sun room or patio.”

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need to furnish your patio or deck at insider prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or just a second opinion, you have seasoned professionals at your service.

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.

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Avoid online dating lies and more – dating expert shares tips

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After a messy break-up with your significant other months ago, your best friend finally talked you into joining an online dating service. Now that you’ve registered, completed a brief questionnaire and submitted your most recent photo, you’re excited about meeting someone new.

At first glance, you’re impressed with the profiles of several attractive, successful singles. But, what your friend failed to tell you is that what you see online, isn’t always what you get in person.

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, the largest brick-and-mortar dating service in the world, “Online dating sites are used by the honest and dishonest alike. Men and women use the anonymity of the Web to lie about their age, appearance, name and even gender. For example, cheating spouses will use online dating sites to hook up with someone when they go out of town. It’s important to be aware of the perils of online dating before you get burned.”

Falzone alerts online daters of the red flags which signal potential dates to avoid:

R U free 2nite? The “texter” who has a few seconds to send text messages, but is always too busy or not available to actually chat on the phone or via email. This type likes communication to be kept to a minimum, unless s/he initiates it. Dates are often made and cancelled at the last minute with a variety of excuses used. S/he is often out of town a lot and inaccessible. These are common signs of someone who is not single and/or not being honest with you. Move on. You can do much better.

Beauty or beast? Beware of dishonesty through photo misrepresentation. Note that a good profile usually provides more than one photo of that person. If the photo looks too professional, chances are, it is – and perhaps even “borrowed” from somewhere else. And yes, there are people who deliberately post their high school photo from 15 years ago to attract your interest.

Think you hit the jackpot when you get a nice response with a good-looking photo? One of the ways competing online dating sites draw you in is by responding to you with profiles of “beautiful people” from another dating site. After you’ve clicked over to that site and signed up to meet that gorgeous creature, oftentimes you’ll find they don’t even exist. Save your time and money by responding to those who are members of your dating site.

Little lies. So you recently arranged to meet that single, 6’4”, trim and muscular, brown-haired former college basketball captain whom you found online. Upon meeting in person, you find out that the only thing true in his description of himself was his hair color. Some believe that telling “little lies” on their profile with regard to a couple inches in height or a couple pounds in weight won’t matter. Be aware that those who misrepresent themselves on the “little things” may have no problem lying about “bigger things” such as their marital status and age. Don’t settle for what you read in a profile. Verify the information they have offered by asking about their age, relationship status, height and weight. They may refuse to answer your questions or they may provide different information. Or, everything may measure up. Regardless, you’ll have a better idea of that person’s honesty and whether or not you really want to meet him/her.

The “put down”. Avoid the online profile that disrespects and rips an ex-lover to shreds or simply informs you of those aspects s/he doesn’t want in a date. For example, “looking for someone without issues – unlike my fat, drunk ex.” Or, “if you’re needy, jealous and selfish, look elsewhere”. These are profiles that signal potential anger issues. Statements such as these come from someone who has recently ended a relationship or is emotionally scarred from a past relationship and really not happy. Leave them be. You don’t need to be their sounding board or rebound date. They’re not ready to date now and won’t be until they can move on.

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 and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (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 conveniently located 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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