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Your new travel guide…Mike Chenail opens Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Resort Maps franchise.

Mike Chenail
Mike Chenail of Resort Maps

LANCASTER COUNTY, PA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Mike Chenail as the owner of the new Resort Map to be published for Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as at advertiser locations. The Lancaster County map will highlight local attractions and things to do, restaurants and bars, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services for both downtown Lancaster and Amish country. Each advertiser on the map will be represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

 “Lancaster County has a lot to offer in terms of sights and attractions, from the local independent baseball league team—the Lancaster Barnstormers—to President James Buchanan’s Wheatland home to the quaint Amish countryside,” said Chenail. “Resort Maps gives tourists and locals a hard copy map alternative and online map option that makes it easy to get around and really gives visitors a feel for what the area is all about.”

Originally from western Massachusetts, Chenail received a bachelor’s degree in arboriculture from the University of Massachusetts. Prior to owning the Resort Maps franchise, he worked in sales in the tree care industry. Chenail first heard of Resort Maps while residing in Massachusetts in the 1990’s, but the idea to pursue a franchise came after watching visitors to Bucks County navigate effortlessly with the map and frequenting the advertisers they saw.

The Lancaster County Resort Map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just visiting for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will have a 200,000 map distribution at Welcome Centers and over 100 local advertisers’ shops and non-advertiser locations throughout Lancaster County. Each map display case will include a tag reader symbol so that readers with a smartphone can take a picture of the tag and be automatically taken to the online version of the Lancaster County Resort Map.

“The advanced technology of Resort Maps was one of the main reasons I bought a franchise. The fact that the map is online and the colorful art work of the hard copy give us a distinct advantage versus. other forms of marketing,” said Chenail, who recently joined the Pennsylvania Dutch Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The Lancaster County map will be distributed in June 2011. The Lancaster County Resort Map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to more than 100 areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the initial Lancaster County Resort Map, you can e-mail Mike Chenail at mikec@resortmaps.com or call 717-826-8118.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to more than 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US, the UK, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, with several more in the process of being published.  Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, The Hamptons,), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster County), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Texas (North Texas, including Fort Worth), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana).

Your new travel guide…Mike Chenail opens Lancaster County, Pennsylvania Resort Maps franchise.Read More

Show your metal as a designer…How to brighten up your home’s interior.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

If this were Minneapolis, we would have Mary Tyler Moore’s smile to brighten up our winter days. In a Chicago winter, homeowners need to be a little more resourceful. In fact, many homeowners show their metal as designers by showing more “metal” in their interiors.

“Walls that are painted to a matte finish can bring a room down and look flat or one dimensional, while adding hints of metallic accents add depth and excitement to a space,” said Stephanie Nickolson, a designer at DirectBuy of Northern Illinois. “Metallics are the hot look right now. I love incorporating them into a space, especially in winter and during the holidays.”

So, how can you incorporate metallics into your space? Here are few ways:

  • Pillows – Throw some metallic fabric or even metallic leather pillows with decorative fringe applied to them on one of your sofas or chairs.
  • Vases or bowls – Place a tall clear glass vase or large bowl on a cocktail table and fill it with metallic holiday ornaments.
  • Wallpaper or paint – Putting up wallpaper with metallic stripes or adding stripes with a high-gloss metallic paint, ideally six to eight inches wide, can provide an effervescent quality to a room.

Nickolson also recommends using mirrors if you’re looking to brighten up your home this winter. Specifically, she advises placing one large mirror in every room you’re trying to lighten up. Mirrors give the illusion of space as well as add that reflective quality to a room, thus opening it up, making it appear larger.

“Another idea is to find an accent piece of furniture, for example, a console table with a mirrored front,” said Nickolson. “Again, this will add to the illusion of space and lighten things up.”

DirectBuy Club offers home furnishings and merchandise in addition to items for home improvement projects to help all homeowners brighten up their homes all year round— at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if you need some assistance in selecting products or taking on a home improvement project, you have experienced professionals at your service.

About DirectBuy Club

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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 145 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, 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.

Show your metal as a designer…How to brighten up your home’s interior.Read More

Your new travel guide…Maggie Thompson-Colón opens Lexington, Kentucky Resort Maps franchise.

Jorge Colon and Maggie Thompson-Colon of Resort Maps

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Maggie Thompson-Colón as the owner of the new Resort Map to be published for Lexington, Kentucky.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as at advertiser locations. The Lexington map will highlight local attractions and things to do, restaurants and bars, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. Each advertiser on the map will be represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

 “With Lexington being known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’, the area is prime for a Resort Map that will highlight the local places to eat, drink, shop and play; not just for the horse people, but also for the visitors to the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University and to local international industries like Toyota and Lexmark,” said Thompson-Colón, who is running Resort Maps with her husband, Jorge Colón, a local equine veterinarian and business owner.

Originally from Covington, Ohio, Thompson-Colón attended The Ohio State University and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology. Prior to owning at the Resort Maps franchise, Thompson-Colón worked in sales in the animal health industry. She and her husband first heard of Resort Maps through a family friend who owns the Resort Maps franchises in Vieques, Culebras and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“We were vacationing with relatives in Puerto Rico and literally used the Vieques Resort Map every day of our trip. We even found our hotel through the interactive portion of the map at www.resortmaps.com before leaving from Lexington,” said Thompson-Colón. “After talking to our friend and Resort Map owner, and after doing research about what was available in our area, we decided a Resort Map would be a great tool for visitors to our local community in Lexington.”

The Lexington Resort Map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just out visiting for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will have a 300,000 map distribution at over 100 local advertisers’ shops and non-advertiser locations throughout Lexington.

The Lexington map will be distributed in April 2011, just in time for racing season at Keeneland and horse show season at the Kentucky Horse Park. The Lexington Resort Map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to more than 100 areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the initial Lexington Resort Map, you can e-mail Maggie Thompson-Colón at maggiet@resortmaps.com or call 859-640-2094.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to more than 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US, the UK, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, with several more in the process of being published.  Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, The Hamptons,), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Texas (North Texas, including Fort Worth), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana).

Your new travel guide…Maggie Thompson-Colón opens Lexington, Kentucky Resort Maps franchise.Read More

A holiday proposal…How to finish your holiday popping (the question).

NORWELL, MASSACHUSETTS…

Asking somebody to marry you is quite possibly the most important moment in your life. And no matter how you feel about your beloved, a creative, romantic way to pop the question isn’t always obvious. For many, it becomes a big problem. Fortunately, this time of year, a season known for giving, provides a number of opportunities to give those planning to pop the question inspiration.

“The holidays are a time when people get together with family and give gifts, right? So, even if you’re drawing a complete blank on how to propose, you really can’t go wrong by asking your partner to marry you as she opens that very special gift,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of eLove, one of the world’s largest online dating and matchmaking services. “Of course, it can be even better if you want to include your families as part of the proposal since the holidays do provide that opportunity as well.”

However, if you are looking to be a little bit mysterious or creative in how you propose, the holidays set a nice diversion. Some of the holiday-themed proposals Falzone recommends are:

  • Surprise Santa Visit – Instead of giving her the ring while opening up her other presents, hire a Santa to deliver it in person (see if you can recruit a friend if paying for the ring has left you a little short). Try to time it after all the presents have been opened, then text your Santa to come to the door. This is a great and easy way to involve family and friends as well.
  • Say it with lights – Get out the holiday lights and arrange them on a large board or somewhere in your home. Have them spell out, will you marry me? This will be far more effective than any scoreboard message at the ballgame or sky writing.
  • Good things in large packages, too – If you decide to go the present under the tree route, you might want to go for a little deception and pack your gift in a large box (with a smaller box inside that, etc, etc.). Of course, she will probably get the drift that something is up after the first box but that will give family members time to get their cameras ready.
  • When she least expects it- some people think that proposing on Christmas day or Christmas Eve is too contrived. If you are looking for shock value, do it either many days before, or at the very end of the festivities (when they think if it didn’t already happen, it won’t!)
  • An ornament worth hanging – That’s right, it may seem a little cheesy, but handing her a new ornament you picked up while decorating the tree might give you the surprise element you’re looking for.

“Of course, if you are really stuck for ideas, you can never really go wrong with getting down on one knee,” said Falzone. “Still, it’s a landmark moment in your life. While you will always remember her answer, making it extra special by doing some fun or creative is just icing on the cake.”

eLove is all you need

eLove, the next evolution in dating, has arrived.  eLove is the first “life stage company” within the dating industry to provide different levels of dating services, from internet to traditional matchmaking, based on how serious singles are about meeting their soul mate.  Never before has a dating service catered so completely to everyone regardless of their age, sex, or relationship goals. With 48 matchmaking offices in 23 states and an online dating network of more than three million singles worldwide, eLove is everything that singles have been wishing for whether they are looking for casual dating or a serious, committed relationship.

 eLove’s Matchmaking Service offices are located in:  Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith, Little Rock); California (Palo Alto, Sacramento, Walnut Creek, San Diego, Santa Rosa); Connecticut (Glastonbury, Stamford); Illinois (Chicago, Downers Grove, Normal, Northbrook, Rockford); Indiana (Carmel, Ft. Wayne); Kansas (Overland Park, Wichita); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Massachusetts (Newton, Norwell, Shrewsbury, Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Missouri (Springfield, St. Louis); Nebraska (Lincoln, Omaha); New Jersey (Saddle Brook); Nevada (Las Vegas); Ohio (Cincinnati); Oklahoma (Oklahoma City, Tulsa); Pennsylvania (Mechanicsburg); Rhode Island (Warwick); South Carolina (Greenville); Tennessee (Memphis, Franklin); Texas (Austin, San Antonio); Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond); Wisconsin (Appleton, Elm Grove, Madison).

 For more information on eLove, visit www.elove.com.

A holiday proposal…How to finish your holiday popping (the question).Read More

Your new travel guide…Sally Roberts opens Alexandria, VA Resort Maps franchise.

Sally Roberts of Resort Maps
Sally Roberts of Resort Maps

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

 Resort Maps, creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced Sally Roberts as the owner of the new Resort Map to be published for Alexandria, Virginia. The map will focus primarily on the Old Town area in the city of Alexandria.

 Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at travel information and rest areas as well as at advertiser locations. The Alexandria map will highlight local attractions and things to do, restaurants, festivals and fairs, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. Each advertiser on the map will be represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

 “This map will be a little different than other Alexandria maps,” said Roberts. “For starters, it will be a map concentrated on Old Town. Unlike other maps of the area, you won’t have to unfold it or sift through a booklet to find it.”

 A 2008 graduate of George Mason University, Roberts first heard about Resort Maps through a family acquaintance who owns the Charleston, South Carolina Resort Maps. After residing in nearby Fairfax during her college years, she thought Resort Maps would be a perfect fit for Old Town Alexandria.  The rest, as they say, is history.

“This really is a perfect fit for Old Town and for my life,” said Roberts, currently employed in sales. “So far, the response from potential advertisers has been phenomenal and we’re looking to sell out the map soon.”

 The Alexandria Resort Map will offer a treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just out for a day or two. Resort Maps free ‘souvenir style’ maps will be on display at local advertisers’ locations as well as at many non-advertiser locations throughout Old Town and the city of Alexandria.

The Alexandria map plans to hit the streets April 2011, just in time for cherry blossom season. The Alexandria Resort Map will also be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to more than 100 areas that Resort Maps covers. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information. 

For information on how to advertise on the initial Alexandria Resort Map, you can e-mail Sally Roberts at sallyr@resortmaps.com or call 703-596-5442.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to more than 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, with several more in the process of being published.  Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2010.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Vail & Beaver Creek, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Boca Raton, Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Delray Beach, Key West, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Kentucky (Lexington) Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Brewster/Harwich/Dennis, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Northern Michigan/Petoskey/Harbor Springs; Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, New Brunswick, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The North Fork, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs, The Hamptons,), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, Lehigh Valley, The Main Line, Lancaster), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), Texas (North Texas, including Fort Worth), Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) and Virginia (Alexandria, Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes), Puerto Rico (San Juan, Vieques, Culebra) and Costa Rica (Escazu-Santa Ana).

Your new travel guide…Sally Roberts opens Alexandria, VA Resort Maps franchise.Read More

DirectBuy of Barrie holding charity toy drive. Donations from December 11th charity event to help families in need.

BARRIE, ONTARIO…

On December 11, 2010, the owners and staff at DirectBuy of Barrie, in association with Rock 95 and Kool FM radio stations, will be collecting unwrapped toys that will go to several local charities for distribution to families in need. As part of the event, both members as well as the general public are invited to visit the DirectBuy of Barrie location from 1:00pm to 5:00pm to donate a toy that will most certainly put a smile on the face of a deserving child this holiday season.

“Christmas is a time of giving, and what better way to give than to help a family in need by putting a present under the tree for a child who wouldn’t otherwise receive one,” said Christine Demarsh, owner of DirectBuy of Barrie. “The stimulation, happiness and memories that toys provide are very important to the growth of children, and we’re helping to put toys into the hands of those who would otherwise have never gotten them.”

For 20 years, Rock 95 and Kool FM have been helping the community through their Toy Drive efforts to help give families and their children in central Ontario a more enjoyable Christmas. In fact, more than 10,000 toys are distributed annually and more than 5,000 children and families in the region are assisted by their efforts each year.

If you’re unable to make it to DirectBuy of Barrie during the event but still wish to donate a toy or financial assistance, you may drop off a new, unwrapped toy – or make a monetary donation – at the Rock 95 / Kool FM station or anywhere that you see Rock 95 / Kool FM coin box. All toys and monetary donations stay in the communities where they were donated, meaning that those toys and donations made in Barrie will benefit Barrie families in need.

“It’s important that these toy drives are available for those families in our community who find it very difficult to provide their children with presents and toys during the Holidays,” said Demarsh. “We are proud to be involved in such a needed cause.”

DirectBuy of Barrie, located in Bayfield Mall at 320 Bayfield St., in Barrie, Ontario, offers consumers thousands of items including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Barrie employs 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 members’ lounge to relax in while shopping.

About DirectBuy

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy 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.

Since 1971, 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 145 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com. 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.

DirectBuy of Barrie holding charity toy drive. Donations from December 11th charity event to help families in need.Read More

A kitchen remodel light…Kitchen makeover “effect” for less than $1,000

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Most astute homeowners know that a kitchen remodel is the one home improvement project that comes close to paying for itself at resale. It’s also one of the more expensive home improvement projects you can undertake. There are, however, some modest improvements homeowners can make for less than $1,000 that can make a kitchen look brand new.

“There are some people who spend high five figures on kitchen remodels and the results are amazing,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “Yet if your budget isn’t quite that big, smaller improvements can also create a significant upgrade without a major dent in your bank account.”

Vest recommends the following:

  • Adding a backsplash – Whether it’s a bright color or interesting pattern, a backsplash can transform the feel and style of a kitchen. For the average kitchen, that could mean purchasing as little as 20 square feet of tile.
  • Replace fixtures – Replacing your current drab fixtures with glass or ceramic knobs or pulls can add elegance and style to your kitchen. The best part? These are fairly easy to install on your own and you can do it in less than an hour.
  • Kitchen sink – The sink is more of a focal point in the kitchen than you think. Replacing a worn faucet head with a shiny new head polishes off a kitchen with new sophistication. It’s not too difficult to find an entry level faucet in a variety of styles for under $150.
  • Flooring – While most may consider this an expensive undertaking, refinishing a hardwood floor can be completed in less than two days at a reasonable cost through sanding and refinishing. Likewise, if you have tile or ceramic, professionally cleaning and sealing is affordable and can bring an old floor back to life.
  • Changing lighting fixtures – A lighting fixture can transform a kitchen and there is no end to the options and price points for a new chandelier, sconce or fixture. Please consult an electrician if you have no experience with wiring lights.

“As a rule, kitchens seem to draw a crowd and, consequently, show wear and tear a little sooner than most homeowners would like,” said Vest. “By undertaking one or more of these improvements you can capture the effect of remodel without the cost.”

About DirectBuy Club

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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 145 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Northern Illinois, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, 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 kitchen remodel light…Kitchen makeover “effect” for less than $1,000Read More

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

While it’s the objective of most homeowners to run a greener household, the other kind of green—dollars—often dictates how much you can commit. When selecting household appliances like a refrigerator, however, homeowners should consider the potential energy savings more so than the sticker price.

“At this stage of the game, consumers know they should be selecting an Energy Star product, but beyond that, it’s back to how much it costs rather than how much you can save,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “By doing a little research and examining your needs, you can save some green and be green.”

Cohen recommends:

  • Shopping for Energy Star-rated refrigerators that exceed the government’s minimum requirements.
  • Reviewing energy guides supplied by the U.S. government that compare kilowatt-hour usage and estimated yearly energy costs associated with refrigerators. Energy guides are available online.
  • Buying a refrigerator with a highly efficient compressor and good insulation. Poor compression or insulation can allow cool air to escape, which will raise energy costs.
  • Selecting a refrigerator that enables you to choose the exact temperature you desire for both the refrigerator and freezer.
  • Choosing freezer-on-top models that have an energy saver switch, which allows you to deactivate the anti-sweat function. This lowers moisture content, a feature that’s only necessary when humidity is high.
  • Purchasing the smallest refrigerator that will comfortably meet your needs (smaller refrigerators consume less energy than their larger counterparts will because they have to less space to cool).
  • Considering separate refrigerator and freezer units. This will increase the food-storage capabilities of both units and decrease the radiant loss from one compartment to the next (the amount of cold-air “leakage” from the freezer into the refrigerator that occurs with refrigerator/freezer combinations).

“Selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator reminds me of the old expression ‘don’t work harder, work smarter,’” said Cohen. “While it’s an important first step to select an Energy Star-rated refrigerator, doing your due diligence can really make a dent in your monthly energy costs.”

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from energy-efficient refrigerators to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigeratorRead More

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidays

ORLANDO, FLORIDA…

Think of holiday burglars and many hearken back to the bungling thieves in the movie Home Alone. It’s safe to say that most burglars are a bit smarter than the ones tormented by MacCaulay Culkin. As the leading home improvement and furnishing club, DirectBuy of Orlando has some helpful tips on protecting your home for this holiday season and beyond.

“Gifts under the tree and additional vehicles in the driveway belonging to guests—some perhaps from out-of-state—present added incentive for thieves,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “There’s even more opportunity if you happen to go away for the holidays. By following some simple steps, you can safeguard your home against potential break-ins.”

Some hints to ensure a safe, happy holiday season include:

  • Purchase an alarm system and advertise that fact on your exterior windows and doors.
  • Secure your doors and windows at all times, particularly at night.
  • Keep your window shades drawn, particularly near your Christmas tree. Gifts visible from street level provide huge temptation to thieves who may consider smashing the window to grab your packages.
  • Headed out of town for the holidays? Utilize lighting timers for both interior and exterior lights to ensure it appears to outsiders that someone is still at home.
  • After Christmas Day, don’t pile up empty gift boxes on the street for the garbage man, which simply informs burglars of the expensive gifts awaiting them inside your home.
  • Keep your homeowners insurance policy up-to-date.  

“Unfortunately, we don’t all possess the guile of Home Alone’s Kevin McCallister. It’s probably better and safer that way,” said Cohen. “By taking the above precautions, you can provide enough of a deterrent so that thieves leave your home alone.”

DirectBuy offers alarm systems and other items needed to protect your home during the holidays, all at direct insider prices. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the system that works best for their home.

Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400, in Orlando, DirectBuy of Orlando offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy Club membership, visit directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Club has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories, and much, much more. With more than 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy Club offers its members access to more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy Club’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting directbuy.com or directbuycares.com.

Away from home or home alone, burglar-proof your house for the holidaysRead More