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Calumet City resident Belinda Skarwecki celebrates 35 years with DirectBuy of Tinley Park

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Belinda Skarwecki started working as a bookkeeper for DirectBuy in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating her 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Skarwecki knows that one thing still holds true: the numbers don’t lie.

“As a bookkeeper, the numbers must always add up. So even though it might not feel like 35 years, the calendar tells me otherwise,” said Skarwecki.

Skarwecki began with DirectBuy while still in high school, working as an assistant to the company’s bookkeeping department at the previous location in Calumet City. Under the tutelage of the company’s bookkeeper at the time, she acquired a skill that’s served her well over 35 years.

In fact, Skarwecki’s longevity with the company is only trumped by DirectBuy of Tinley Park Owner Ed Sell—even topping the service time put in by Ed’s wife I.J., who started with the company 29 years ago. “We hit it off right from the beginning,” adds Skarwecki.

Ms. Sell concurred, “We look at Belinda as a member of our family who also happens to do our books. That’s the kind of relationship we have and we’re very thankful to have her with us.”

That loyalty has been repaid by both sides as Skarwecki remained with the company when it relocated from Calumet City to its current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. And when a back condition limited her traveling ability, she and I.J. arranged for her to work from home.

“You don’t spend 35 years of your life with a company for no reason. Ed and I.J. have been wonderful to me and it’s very gratifying to see how the company has grown over the years and how many lives it’s been able to positively impact,” said Skarwecki. “I’m looking forward to many more years with DirectBuy.”

Skarwecki still resides in Calumet City with her husband Marvin.

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

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 showrooms 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 showrooms 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.

 

Calumet City resident Belinda Skarwecki celebrates 35 years with DirectBuy of Tinley ParkRead More

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Lancaster County celebrates 10-Year Milestone

LANCASTER, PA…

For ten years, DirectBuy of Lancaster County has been offering consumers in the greater Lancaster area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings and accessories.

As the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Lancaster County offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 10 years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Don Deck, owner of DirectBuy of Lancaster County. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next 10 years.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Lancaster area create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Deck. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 1999, DirectBuy of Lancaster County has helped consumers enjoy enormous by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 1866 Colonial Village Lane in Lancaster, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Lancaster County 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, visit www.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 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 500 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in the United States.

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.

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Lancaster County celebrates 10-Year MilestoneRead More

Your new travel guides…Mary Kay and David McLane take over Charleston Resort Maps operations.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced Mary Kay and David McLane as the new owners of their Charleston, South Carolina operations. The Charleston residents took over the publishing of the South Carolina map for Judy Warner, effective October 1, 2009.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers. The Best of Charleston Map highlights local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Charleston area. 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 drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate. 

“Resort Maps is a great business opportunity for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great product that provides a great vehicle for advertisers to showcase their businesses while offering invaluable service to people visiting Charleston,” said David McLane. “The other main appeal of the Resort Maps business opportunity is that it fits our lifestyle and gives us a chance to get to meet and know more people in the Charleston community.”

Hailing from central Pennsylvania, David and Mary Kay purchased a second home in Charleston in 2006. Since that time, both David, a clinical psychologist, and Mary Kay, healthcare and retails sales, retired from their respective careers.

“We’re extremely excited about this opportunity. We fell in love with Charleston on our first visit and it’s always been a popular destination for tourists, particularly as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said McLane. “The Best of Charleston map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout Charleston.”

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. 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 upcoming Charleston map, you can call David or Mary Kay McLane at 843.722.1033 or email at davidm@resortmaps.com or marym@resortmaps.com.

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 maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 90 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

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 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

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, Eagle River, 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), 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 Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guides…Mary Kay and David McLane take over Charleston Resort Maps operations.Read More

Negotiation Skills for the Franchised Business sponsored by New England Franchise Association on November 17 at the Newton Marriott, Newton, MA

NEWTON, MA…

Stephen Frenkel, director of Negotiation Programs at Mediation Works, Inc. (MWI), recognized as an international expert, will outline “Negotiation Skills for the Franchised Business” at the upcoming meeting of the  New England Franchise Association on Tuesday, November 17 at the Newton Marriott, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, at the intersections of Route 128 and the Mass Pike, Newton, Massachusetts.

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation from by Frenkel. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required.  Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner.  NEFA Members receive $10.00 off. 

MWI is a Boston-based firm specializing in effective negotiation, communication and conflict resolution training and services. Frenkel will address the challenges inherent in managing franchisee/franchisor relationships as well as tools and concepts to more effectively manage those relationships and inevitable difficult conversations.

Frenkel brings extensive experience training and coaching global clients on the art of negotiating successfully – balancing the constant struggle between negotiating for the “win” while building and maintaining long-term working relationships.  MWI clients include Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), Corporate United, CVS Caremark, Iron Mountain, NiSource, and Sallie Mae. 

In addition, Frenkel is a guest-lecturer on advanced negotiation topics for the Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he earned his Masters degree. He is a regularly featured speaker at conferences and events across the nation, where he provides information about the collaborative negotiation process and its benefits.  Contributions and publications include the Harvard Negotiation Law Review, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, Publishing Executive Magazine and BuyerZone. 

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.

Negotiation Skills for the Franchised Business sponsored by New England Franchise Association on November 17 at the Newton Marriott, Newton, MARead More

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Mississauga celebrates 10-Year Milestone

MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO…

For ten years, DirectBuy has been offering consumers in the greater Mississauga area a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, furnishings and accessories.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Mississauga offers products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, from more than 500 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“The growth we’ve experienced since we opened our doors 10 years ago is a little hard to fathom,” said Michael Wilson, owner of DirectBuy of Mississauga. “Not only have we grown in terms of the number of our members, but also in the number of manufacturers who want to sell their products through DirectBuy. And that’s got us even more excited about the next 10 years.”

In addition to tremendous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories, DirectBuy also offers design services to its members, as well as a listing of local contractors who offer installation services to DirectBuy members, many times at a discounted rate.

“Our 10 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Mississauga area create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community,” said Wilson. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

Since 1999, DirectBuy of Mississauga 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 the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Conveniently located at 4180 Sladeview Cres Unit 1 in Mississauga, DirectBuy offers consumers a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

About DirectBuy

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from 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 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada, and more than 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US.

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.

Locations of DirectBuy by province are:

 

Alberta:

DirectBuy of Calgary Unit 17 3900 106th Ave. SE, Calgary, 403-543-1620

DirectBuy of Edmonton, 10427 174 St. NW, Edmonton, 780-413-8242

 

British Columbia:

DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, 604-552-5252

DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, 604-251-5822

DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd, Kelowna, 250-763-4130

DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, 250-412-0238

 

Manitoba:

DirectBuy of Winnipeg, 180-117 King Edward Street East, Winnipeg, 204-925-4190

 

New Brunswick:

DirectBuy of New Brunswick, 950 Mountain Road, Moncton, 506-384-3009

 

Nova Scotia:

DirectBuy of Halifax, 60 Williams Avenue, Dartmouth, 902-446-4355

 

Ontario:

DirectBuy of Toronto Northwest, 2500 Williams Parkway E Unit 37, Brampton, 905-793-0639

DirectBuy of Ottawa, 1392 Cyrville Road, Ottawa, 613-749-2700

DirectBuy of London, 4093 Meadowbrook Dr. Unit 108, London, 519-652-0552

DirectBuy of Toronto North, 205 Torbay Road, Unit #2, Markham, 905-948-1911

DirectBuy of Mississauga, 4120 Ridgeway Drive Unit 26, Mississauga, 905-608-9244

DirectBuy of Kingston, 1121 John Counter Blvd, Kingston, 613-545-1200

DirectBuy of Toronto East, 1735 Bayly Unit 17, Pickering, 905-839-7747

DirectBuy of Hamilton – Niagara, 589 Barton St, Suite 102, Stoney Creek, 905-643-8271

DirectBuy of Toronto Downtown, 20 Banigan Drive, Toronto, 416-467-0078

DirectBuy of Waterloo, 755 Bridge St. Ste. 14, Waterloo, 519-885-3231

DirectBuy of Windsor, 2705 Kew Drive, Windsor, 519-945-3200

DirectBuy of Barrie, 320 Bayfield Street Unit 63, Barrie, 705-719-2999

 

Saskatchewan:

DirectBuy of Saskatoon, 201 Robin Crescent, Saskatoon, 306-683-3490

A perfect 10! DirectBuy of Mississauga celebrates 10-Year MilestoneRead More

DirectBuy’s new floor general…DirectBuy of Buffalo promotes Don Zappia to general manager

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently promoted Don Zappia to general manager. In his new role as GM, Zappia will be in charge of overall operations and sales.

“Don’s done an amazing job as a marketing manager for us. With his background as an entrepreneur, his ascension to general manager is a natural one,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “He brings a lot of energy to the table and has a passion for the value DirectBuy brings to our members lives.”

Zappia began with DirectBuy in October of 2008 as a marketing manager. In his career, he had been involved in several businesses both in New York and Nevada. Zappia attended Medaille College in Buffalo.

“DirectBuy brings an entirely new way to shop for thousands of people and I’m extremely excited to help more people discover the unique opportunity DirectBuy offers in my new role as general manager,” said Zappia.

Married, Zappia resides in Amherst with his wife Lori. 

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy club membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy club locations throughout North America.

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

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

DirectBuy’s new floor general…DirectBuy of Buffalo promotes Don Zappia to general managerRead More

Agents seek intervention by IRS…Allstate independent contractor agents petition IRS for rights as business owners.

GULFPORT, MS….

In 2000, Allstate Insurance converted the majority of its sales force from employee to independent contractor status. With the change in status, many of those agents anticipated liberation from the requirements of being an Allstate employee. Nine years later, those 12,000+ Allstate agents are still waiting for their independence. Having grown weary waiting for Allstate to right the situation, they’ve taken their case to the IRS in the form of a petition drive.

The petition, written by an unidentified agent and published nationally by National Association of Professional Allstate Agents (NAPAA), a non-profit representing the rights of Allstate agents, cites a Private Letter Ruling issued by the IRS in 1989. NAPAA contends this letter gave Allstate tax-advantaged status by promising the IRS that the agents would become true independent contractors and be treated as such. It’s an agreement the agents contend Allstate has far from lived up to its end of the bargain.

“It’s a situation where Allstate gets to have its cake and eat it, too,” said Jim Fish, NAPAA executive director. “Agents bear all of the expenses and risks associated with operating an independent business, but are controlled as employees. Meanwhile Allstate enjoys a huge competitive cost advantage by avoiding expenses associated with pensions, health insurance, 401k’s, Social Security and, most importantly, federal taxes. You would think that alone would rate the IRS’s attention, but that’s not been the case.”

Added Fish, “Now that the IRS has announced plans to audit 6,000 companies for employment tax issues, maybe Allstate agents will finally attain the independent contractor status they have long been denied.”

Some of the restrictions Allstate agents have found as “independent contractors” include:

·         Mandatory office hours.

·         Sales quotas.

·         Verbal and written warnings threatening loss of contract for not meeting company quotas.

·         A requirement to forward office telephone calls to company service centers after hours.

·         Subjection to a number of employee-like controls, including annual performance reviews.

·         Mandatory meetings and training sessions.

·         Submission of oral or written production reports.

·         Risk of termination at-will.

In fact, many agents feel they’re treated more like employees today than when they were actual employees. Said one agent, “Back then, we had a pension plan and, if the company wanted to fire you, there was an agent review board in place. Now, they can fire you with or without reason.”

Allstate agents certainly aren’t the first independent contractors to be treated like employees without the accompanying benefits. In 2007, after filing a class action lawsuit demanding parity with employee drivers, current and former FedEx independent contractor drivers were elated when Judge Robert Miller of the U.S. District Court in Northern Indiana certified them as a class. This action has opened the door to similar cases involving independent contractors who are treated like employees.

So why hasn’t the IRS gone after Allstate?

“That’s a good question and one we hope this petition gets the IRS and the Obama administration to answer. Especially since this situation has such a dramatic impact on an agent’s book of business,” said Fish.

The long-term goal for most insurance agents is to build their book of business and then, when they retire, sell it to the highest bidder. At Allstate, this is not always possible because the company controls who buys these books of business. Said one agent, “Our books of business were supposed to replace our pensions, but [Allstate] managers have started to interfere in the sales process, which has lowered the value of our agencies. This isn’t fair because for many of us, our book of business is the most important retirement asset we have.”

For more information on the National Association of Professional Allstate Agents, you can visit their Web site at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

About National Association of Professional Allstate Agents (NAPAA)

Based in Gulfport, Mississippi, NAPAA is a non-profit organization whose members are predominantly insurance agents under contract with Allstate. In addition to offering a variety of benefits and services, NAPAA further serves its members by acting on their behalf and speaking with a distinct and unfettered voice on a wide range of issues. To contact NAPAA, please visit its Website at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

Agents seek intervention by IRS…Allstate independent contractor agents petition IRS for rights as business owners.Read More

How small business owners can afford to take a vacation.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

In the best of times, the small business owner finds it difficult to break away and take any kind of a vacation. So in more difficult economic times, it stands to reason that most small business owners shouldn’t even consider it. Yet, according to Peter Hans of Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, that kind of thinking could end up costing the small business owner far more than he or she might lose by taking some time off.

“It’s the very nature of a small business owner to think that they’re indispensible and that if they take some time off, they will miss an opportunity. The truth is by not taking the time off to recharge your batteries, you run a bigger risk of not performing at the level you need to be at to be successful in business,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc.

So, how does the small business owner take a vacation and keep his or her business viable? Hans says there are ways to accomplish both, including:

  • Planning to take one week off per year and budgeting accordingly. Make your vendors and customers aware that you will be taking time off for a certain period well in advance. 
  •  Partnering with like businesses to cover for you while you’re gone (e.g. the owner of a telecommunications company services accounts for the owner of another telecom company, so he/she can take vacation). That favor is then returned so the other owner can take vacation.
  • Bartering organizations – If money is an issue in taking time off, bartering organizations provide a way to get away without spending a lot of cash. In these organizations, you offer your product or service and receive bartering dollars in return. Those bartering dollars can then be spent on timeshares, condo rentals or any other vacation-related offerings offered by other members of the bartering organization. 
  • Staycations – many people think you have to get away to have a vacation. There are many hidden treasures within a 3-hour radius of your home which can make for a great day trip. While different from an extended stay vacation, a staycation can be just as much fun without keeping you away from your business for more than a day or two.

“Being your own boss is one of the rewards of running your own business. Yet if you worked for a boss who didn’t let you take some time off every now and then, you probably wouldn’t work for that person,” said Hans. “Sometimes the small business owner must realize that in addition to being their own boss, they are also their own employee and entitled to some time off.”

For those small business owners looking to take some time off, Resort Maps offer a number of ideas on possible local excursions. Colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort cities and towns across 20 states, as well as parts of the UK, Resort Maps advertise restaurants, accommodations, retail stores, factory outlets, recreation and attractions, real estate and other local services. With landmarks prominently displayed on the maps, Resort Maps are an easy and fun way to plan a trip—whether you’re just visiting, new to an area or a longtime resident looking to explore what’s happening around your town.

 To view Resort Maps cities and towns, please visit www.resortmaps.com. To inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise—an opportunity that frees its franchisees from the Monday to Friday, 9-5 grind, you can get more information on the Web site as well or by calling 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 grown to nearly 90 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 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps the company 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, Eagle River, 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), 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 Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

How small business owners can afford to take a vacation.Read More

Letting your plans for new kitchen cabinets slide.

CHICAGO, IL …

When it comes to remodeling your kitchen, especially the cabinets, it’s easy to get hung up on looks. Yet you also want your new cabinets to be functional as well. To that end, DirectBuy of Greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings clubs with direct insider prices, recommend sliding cabinet doors as a functional yet attractive alternative.

“How many times have you hit your head or run into a kitchen cabinet door that somebody left open? Sliding kitchen cabinet doors work in a similar fashion to sliding patio doors—on a grooved run–only on a smaller scale. So if you’re tired of the bumps and bruises, installing beautiful kitchen cabinets with sliding doors instead is a great way to go,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County.

Kitchen cabinetry with sliding door fronts tend to work best in contemporary, modern, or Asian-inspired designs. Clear glass doors present an appealing alternative, giving you the opportunity to display your dinnerware or barware.

Sliding doors are also available in wood cabinets and often provide a clean and/or linear design that can dramatically enhance the appeal of your kitchen.

“Beyond all those benefits, sliding kitchen cabinet doors offer an added bonus in that they nest inside the cabinet when open but don’t take up any additional storage space, added Vest.

DirectBuy carries everything you need for a kitchen remodel at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the kitchen that works best for their home.

For more than 38 years, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing from over 700 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers. With several 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. The DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 160 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 N. Stonington Ave Ste. 150 Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 Avondale, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 Highgrove Ste. 136 Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Unit K, 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.

 

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