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Where it’s easy buying green. DirectBuy provides one-stop shopping solution for green building materials and appliances.

ORLANDO, FL …

There’s a misconception among many consumers that buying “green” refers strictly to products made of natural materials. While that’s part of the equation, there’s much more to it. Like appliances and lighting that last longer and use less power to run, and plumbing that requires less water. At DirectBuy of Orlando, members not only have the opportunity to purchase the full spectrum of green products under one roof, but they also can save some “green” by paying manufacturer-direct prices.

Some of the “green” products available to DirectBuy members include:

●       Faucets and plumbing fixtures that offer low consumption

●       Natural cork flooring and underlayments

●       Flooring made of renewable, natural bamboo

●       Energy Star-rated lighting and ceiling fans

●       Energy Star compliant kitchen appliances, washers, and dryers

●       Cabinets treated with low-voc, LEED-compliant stains

●       Bedroom, dining room, and living furniture manufactured by members of the Sustainable Furniture Council; many of these pieces are made from natural fibres, use eco-friendly foam, and contain organic, halogen-free fire retardants.

“Consumers are always being encouraged to make ‘greener’ purchases, but there’s no real road map as to where to make these purchases and whether or not what they do buy is green,” said Brian Cohen, owner of DirectBuy of Orlando. “The green products our members can buy through DirectBuy have been rated by recognized ‘green’ authorities like Energy Star, LEED, or the Sustainable Furniture Council, so you know the green purchase you’re making is part of the solution.”

In addition to making greener products available, DirectBuy of Orlando has also hosted green building workshops. During these sessions, members learn about the different green construction methods and products available. One Orlando area couple, Barry and Susan Sitkoff, utilized the knowledge they gained from the workshop, along with the expertise of DirectBuy’s product specialists, to build their “dream green home.”

Here are some of the green items that went into the Sitkoff’s green home:

Walls – Constructed with an insulated concrete form (ICF) containing three inches of foam on the outside, three inches of foam on the inside, and a solid three-inch concrete core. Building with ICFs can save homeowners up to 50 percent on energy costs. The benefits of ICFs include reduced noise transmission, resistance to mold and mildew growth, and up to a four-hour fire resistive rating. ICFs can also be built to any seismic or hurricane storm standard.

Attic – A closed cell foam was installed on the roof deck,  while an AC feed and return were installed in the attic without roof vents to prevent energy loss and allow the Sitkoffs to use their attic as living space – something that is virtually unheard of in Florida.

Windows – Double-pane, Low E (the E stands for emissivity) windows were installed throughout the house. Double-pane windows (not to be confused with double-hung windows) have two panes of glass, and can reduce heat loss by 50 percent or more. In addition, the Low E glass used minimizes the impact of direct sunlight by reflecting heat back to its source. The Sitkoffs further reduced the impact of direct sunlight by designing their home with north- and south-facing patios.

Garage Door – A steel-back insulated garage door with R-15 insulation was used to provide excellent thermal performance. R-15 high density insulation consists of more fibers per square inch, resulting in a higher R-value per square inch in less space than standard insulation products.

Toilets and Faucets – The Sitkoffs installed low-flow toilets, showerheads, and faucets that should reduce water usage by 50 percent.

Water Heater – A gas on-demand water heater was installed instead of a typical hot water heater that continuously heats the water in the tank. A tankless hot water heater, like the one installed, can reduce energy usage while still providing hot water by simply turning on the tap.

Appliances – Their gourmet kitchen was equipped with all Energy Star-rated appliances, including a 48-inch dual fuel (electric oven gas) range with a six-burner top and a warming drawer to keep food at the perfect temperature while using less power.

Lighting – All of the lights have dimmers or Eco-bulbs. Eco-bulbs have the following benefits: 

  • High power factor that results in less distortion on the electricity network
  • Last up to twice as long as other energy-saving bulbs
  • Reduce green house gas emissions
  • 15,000 hour life – the equivalent of either 14 standard bulbs or three average energy-saving bulbs.
  • Recyclable packaging
  • Very low amalgam content used in production

Flooring – Carpeting with recycled content was installed, as well as natural stone (travertine floors and bathroom tile with granite countertops for the kitchens and bathrooms). Natural stone flooring and tile are sustainable choices that will last many lifetimes.

The Sitkoffs completed their green home in June of 2009 and since moving in, have spent $100-$150 less a month on their electrical bills than their neighbors with the same size home.

“We might have spent a little more to build green but in the long-run, we will save substantially,” said Barry Sitkoff.

Since 2005, DirectBuy of Orlando South has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 502 Sunport Lane, Suite 400 in Orlando, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

“We all know we should be making greener purchases, particularly when it comes to products we use in our everyday lives like lighting and appliances,” said Cohen. “By making all these green options available at DirectBuy, we give our members the choice to save money and valuable natural resources.”

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 U.S. 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.

Where it’s easy buying green. DirectBuy provides one-stop shopping solution for green building materials and appliances.Read More

Franchises touch home base…Prospective franchise owners look toward home-based opportunities.

 WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

In years prior, shopping for a franchise opportunity often meant checking out locations for your franchise. With the economic recovery still a work in progress and home equity lines equally diminished by a sagging real estate market, prospective franchise owners have turned to home-based franchise opportunities to get into the franchise game without major overhead.

Resort Maps Franchise, Inc., creator of more than 100 customized travel maps across the United States, United Kingdom, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently sold its 100th franchise.  As an opportunity that enables its franchise owners to work from a home office and set their own schedule, Resort Maps has seen the home-based trend evolve with the current economy.

“We’ve had new franchise owners who in other years may have opted for a Dunkin Donuts or some other location-based opportunity,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “While some of that might be a financial decision, a lot of it is about choosing a lifestyle. Our franchise owners work hard when they work, but it’s not a 24/7 grind like a lot of franchise opportunities.”

Gerry Pelissier, owns Resort Maps franchises in Dennis-Harwich, Massachusetts and Chatham-Orleans, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, represents one of the new faces. A former executive in the corporate world, Pelissier successfully franchised a drive-thru gourmet coffee business before selling it to Chock full o’Nuts. At age 50, he found the Resort Maps to be an appealing option.

“Back when I was 28 years old, I had the drive and the entrepreneurship in my blood,’’ said Pelissier, who was the founder of a double drive-thru gourmet coffee business that he successfully franchised and then sold to Chock full o’Nuts. “I just turned 50 this year and I said to myself, ‘Let’s not create a new wheel.’ There’s a lot less risk and stress without leasing or buying real estate.”

While lower overheads are one reason for home-based franchise opportunity’s rise in popularity, flexibility of hours is another. Because franchise owners are not anchored to a physical location and 9 to 5 schedule, they can create a schedule that fits their personal lives.

“Coincidentally, we’ve had several single parents purchase franchises over the past few years,” added Hans.

Jessica Grentner, a single parent, worked for her family’s hotel business in Florida that happened to be an advertiser on a Resort Map. Grentner saw Resort Maps as not only a way to own her own business but to create a better life for her daughter.

“Working in the hotel business and living in Florida was just not a good fit for me and raising my daughter,” said Grentner. “I had a sister in Breckenridge, so Colorado was at the top of my list.  I started a Resort map in the Vail valley in 2007, then in January 2009 I purchased  an existing,  established map in Summit County. The move couldn’t have worked out better professionally and personally for me and my daughter.”

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously keep the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to over100 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England, Puerto Rico & Costa Rica.

In 2010, Resort Maps will print and publish nearly 20 million maps. And besides travelers, more and more opportunity seekers are becoming fans of Resort Maps.

“Resort Maps is truly a unique and appealing franchise opportunity. It’s not a 9-to-5 gig, you don’t need to take out office space and you don’t necessarily have to work 12 months a year to run a successful franchise. You just have to be willing to work hard when you work,” said Hans. “With more and more people looking to escape the corporate world for an opportunity that gives them some freedom and flexibility and great earning potential, 150 maps is certainly a tangible goal as we attract more franchisees– hopefully one we can meet within the next couple of years.”

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

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 100 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, 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 (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Eastham-Wellfleet, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City, Northern Michigan), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The 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), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), 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 (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Franchises touch home base…Prospective franchise owners look toward home-based opportunities.Read More

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigerator

CHICAGO, GURNEE, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

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 Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “By doing a little research and examining your needs, you can save some green and be green.”

Vest 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 Vest. “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.

With several convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, 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.directbuycares.com.

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 150 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 Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Tips for selecting an energy-efficient refrigeratorRead More

Kitchen helpers…DirectBuy donates kitchen appliances to Trinity Home for Boys in El Monte, California.

EL MONTE, CA, BURBANK, CA AND THOUSAND OAKS, CA …

When it comes to cooking, teenage boys, in general, need all the help they can get. For the culinary students at the Trinity Group Home for Boys in El Monte, California, a foster home for 53 boys, they face a bigger challenge: old, rundown kitchen equipment needing replacement. Fortunately, DirectBuy of Ventura County and DirectBuy of San Fernando Valley stepped up to the plate by donating much needed kitchen appliances.

The donations included a microwave oven from DirectBuy of Ventura County, located at 1445 Lawrence Drive in Thousand Oaks, and an oven range, an electric wall oven and gas cook top courtesy of DirectBuy of San Fernando Valley, located at 2850 North Ontario Street in Burbank.

“We’ve experienced a significant reduction in state funding over the last several years and, unfortunately, the kitchen is starting to show the effects,” said Joey Seward, a spokesperson for Trinity Youth Services. “A donation of this magnitude is doubly appreciated because it is new equipment, enabling us to continue the culinary classes we offer the boys, but it is also large enough to help in the preparation of meals for all our residents.”

The Trinity Home in El Monte is supported by the Children’s Foundation of America. The primary goal of the Foundation is to identify and access resources to support foster care, residential treatment and education programs of the highest quality, so that children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or abandonment may lead, healthy, productive lives. The Foundation currently supports programs for children in California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada through Trinity Foster Care, Trinity Residential Services, Triad Family Services and Advanced Education Services.

“Trinity Youth Services is doing incredible work under less than ideal fiscal conditions,” said Greg Johnson, managing partner of DirectBuy of Ventura County. “We’re happy to make this contribution and encourage other businesses to step up and help this very worthwhile organization.”

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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Kitchen helpers…DirectBuy donates kitchen appliances to Trinity Home for Boys in El Monte, California.Read More

Hot off the presses….Resort Maps of The North Fork map now available.

Marilyn Holstein
HOT OFF THE PRESSES: Resort Maps' Marilyn Holstein holds first edition of the new map of The North Fork.

PECONIC, NEW YORK; AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Marilyn Holstein, owner of Resort Maps’ North Fork franchise, today announced the availability of Resort Maps of The North Fork. The new map, which features key destinations and attractions between Riverhead and Orient Point, will be available at travel information centers throughout the North Fork, advertiser’s establishments, and local transportation terminals.

 “When we announced the franchise I heard from more than a few people that several maps had been planned for the North Fork but had fallen through for one reason or another,” said Holstein. “I’m delighted to not only bring 100,000 copies of the Resort Map of The North Fork to the area, but to do so ahead of schedule.”

Resort Maps has created  nearly 100 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. 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. Resort Maps of The North Fork map highlights local attractions and things to do, restaurants, vineyards, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services on the North Fork. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building hand-drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“I first learned about Resort Maps when I visited Newport several years ago. The map was like my Bible and I never went anywhere without it,” said Holstein. “As somebody who’s been a regular visitor to the North Fork for more than 25 years, I’ve never seen any maps that come close to showcasing local attractions and businesses like Resort Maps. Tourists and residents alike are going to love how Resort Maps displays the many places and things there are to do and see from Riverhead to Orient Point.”

The North Fork Resort Map will be available on-line at www.resortmaps.com, along with interactive maps to all 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 Resort Maps of The North Fork Resort Map, you can e-mail Marilyn Holstein at marilynh@resortmaps.com or call 631-655-2773.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 98 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Twenty 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 (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City, Northern Michigan), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York (The 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), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), 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 (Northern Neck & Middle Peninsula) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Hot off the presses….Resort Maps of The North Fork map now available.Read More

Chino resident Cynthia Gutierrez receives Top Service recognition at DirectBuy conference

DirectBuy of San Bernardino County's Cynthia Gutierrez

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA…

 Chino resident Cynthia Gutierrez, a product specialist at DirectBuy of San Bernardino County, was recently recognized as a Top Service Quarterly Champion at DirectBuy’s 2010 International Sales & Service Conference, held May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas.

 Each quarter, DirectBuy Club owners nominate service professionals who go above and beyond for DirectBuy members. Those service professionals are then categorized as Gold, Silver, or Bronze Quarterly Champions by DirectBuy Corporate. Gutierrez’ performance

during one quarter of DirectBuy’s 2010 fiscal year earned her Gold recognition among her peers out of 150-plus DirectBuy Club representatives at the conference.

“Cynthia is a full-time college student and works full-time for us,” said Jani Sedaker, owner of DirectBuy of San Bernardino County. “It’s a testimony to her work ethic and character that she performs on such a high level, something that’s continuously pointed out by our members.”

Gutierrez began with DirectBuy of San Bernardino in 2007 as a receptionist. In 2009, she was promoted to product specialist. In that role, she works directly with members to help them navigate manufacturer catalogs and select the right product for their particular project.

“What I love most about my job is that I learn so much every single day,” said Gutierrez. “What’s even more fulfilling is that many of our members I got to know fairly well as the receptionist. So I really take a lot of satisfaction out of helping somebody I’ve known for a long time.”

A Chino resident, Gutierrez attends Mount San Antonio College and is working toward a degree in business administration.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

DirectBuy of San Bernardino County is conveniently located at 12067 Arrow Route in Rancho Cucamonga. DirectBuy Club provides a comfortable, country club setting, where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can 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 U.S. 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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

Chino resident Cynthia Gutierrez receives Top Service recognition at DirectBuy conferenceRead More

Third annual DirectBuy of Waterloo Spring Fling raises $2,000 for KidsAbility

 WATERLOO, ONTARIO…

On June 12, 2010, DirectBuy of Waterloo hosted its third annual Spring Fling, an event where members and vendors gather in the club for a day filled with a silent auction, delicious food, fun games, and creative decorations. All the proceeds are then donated to a charity of the club’s choosing. This year’s Fling raised $2,000 for a local children’s charity, KidsAbility.

KidsAbility is an organization that serves children with a wide range of special needs, including developmental disabilities and delays related to premature birth; medical syndromes such as Down Syndrome, coordination disorders, and Autism; physical disabilities such as Muscular Dystrophy, Spina Bifida, and Cerebral Palsy; and communication difficulties in language, articulation, fluency, and voice.

“With KidsAbility being located just five short minutes from the club, it felt like the perfect charity to make the center of Spring Fling,” said Pam Budd, owner of DirectBuy of Waterloo.

The Spring Fling featured a carnival theme, with red, blue, and yellow balloons throughout the club. A pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey game, a bean bag toss, and a cotton candy machine, as well as a full barbecue, added to the carnival theme.

Despite early morning thunderclouds, the Spring Fling drew a large crowd. Members spent time speaking with different manufacturers about products and services and bid on gift certificates and other items in the silent auction. “The auction was a flurry of bids and glances as members tried to outbid each other,” said Heather MacDonald, DirectBuy catalogue specialist. “At the end of the day, I literally had to fight my way through the crowd to close the auction.”

When all was said and done, the Spring Fling raised $2,000 for KidsAbility.

Since opening in 1998, DirectBuy of Waterloo has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by providing an avenue to purchase directly from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 755 Bridge Street West, Suite 14 in Waterloo, DirectBuy Club offers consumers a comfortable setting where members finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy Club

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

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club 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 150 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to more than 500 brand-name manufacturers or their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 in the United States.

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

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.

Third annual DirectBuy of Waterloo Spring Fling raises $2,000 for KidsAbilityRead More

Irvine resident Katie Hall receives Top Service recognition at DirectBuy conference

Katie Hall
DirectBuy of Orange County's Katie Hall

ANAHEIM HILLS, CA…

Irvine resident Katie Hall, a product specialist at DirectBuy of Orange County, was recently recognized with Top Service Quarterly Champion honors at DirectBuy’s 2010 International Sales & Service Conference, held May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas.

Each quarter, DirectBuy Club owners nominate those service professionals who go above and beyond for DirectBuy members. Those service professionals are then categorized as Gold, Silver, or Bronze by DirectBuy Corporate. Hall’s performance during one quarter of DirectBuy’s 2010 fiscal year earned her Gold recognition among her peers out of 150-plus DirectBuy Club representatives at the conference.

“Katie meets and exceeds our expectations on a daily basis,” said Ann Rocke, owner of DirectBuy of Orange County. “Her product knowledge is only exceeded by the level of enthusiasm she brings to the job and serving our members.”

Part of that enthusiasm stems from Hall once being a DirectBuy member. After she and her husband completed a remodeling project at their home—most of the materials purchased through DirectBuy—she applied for a job in 2007. Hired as a product specialist, Hall assists members with their selection of a variety of home furnishings, specializing in window coverings.

“Because I was a member first, I knew how I wanted and expected to be treated and that’s how I approach my job every single day,” said Hall.  “There’s a real satisfaction when you’re helping a member with a project and it turns out the way they envisioned it.”

In addition to being recognized onstage at DirectBuy’s conference, Hall received one other unexpected reward. Based on her outstanding performance, she took part in DirectBuy’s Leadership Event where she received a football autographed by Roger Staubach. The former Dallas Cowboy great was the keynote speaker at this year’s Conference.

Hall holds an associate’s degree in interior design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM). An Orange County native, she resides in Irvine with her husband Lonnie and sons Matthew and Michael.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

DirectBuy of Orange County is conveniently located at 4925 East Hunter Avenue in Anaheim Hills. DirectBuy Club provides a comfortable, country club setting, where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can 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 U.S. 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 www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

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Cima Mathur celebrates 10 years with DirectBuy Club

HOUSTON, TX…

Cima Mathur, a kitchen designer at DirectBuy of Houston East, was recently recognized for her 10 years of service at DirectBuy’s International Sales & Service Conference, held May 23-26 in Dallas, Texas.

Mathur began her tenure in 1999 at DirectBuy of Ottawa. Mathur and her husband Monesh had recently emigrated from India to Ottawa and had just purchased a home. After visiting DirectBuy and joining as a member, she inquired about a job. The rest, as they say, is history.

“I’ve worked every job at DirectBuy—member supervisor, club manager, marketing, you name it. And now, I’m a kitchen designer,” said Mathur. “I’m proud to say that DirectBuy is the only job I’ve had since leaving India.”

In February 2009, Mathur’s husband, an IT specialist, accepted an offer in the Houston area. That’s when Mathur transferred to DirectBuy of Houston East, where she continued to excel.

“It is a rare occasion to come across someone with such determination and such love of DirectBuy,” said Chris Herron, owner of the Houston East club. “She’s an invaluable member of the service team and she’s never without a smile and a laugh. Everyone at the club loves her.”

Mathur holds a degree in Commerce from Osmania University , Hyderabad , India. She’s also earned certificates in marketing and public relations from Algonquin College in Ottawa.

In addition to her work with DirectBuy, Mathur is active in the community, volunteering at her temple and her children’s school. She resides in Pearland with her husband and daughters Anisha and Simryn.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy Club offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy Club also offers design, delivery, and installation services.

DirectBuy of Houston East is conveniently located at 12616 Fuqua Street in Houston. DirectBuy Club provides a comfortable country club setting, where consumers finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

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