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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.

 

Letting your plans for new kitchen cabinets slide.Read More

Checkpoint…The fall home improvement projects that should be on your list.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

For the many people who live in a climate with four seasons, fall can mean any number of things. Football. Foliage. Frost. And the one “f” homeowners dread most, fixing up your home in preparation for winter. DirectBuy, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, has some suggestions for the top of your to-do list this fall.

“From a home improvement standpoint, fall projects really are about getting ready for winter, namely making your home more energy efficient and thereby cost-effective,” said Sara Butler of DirectBuy. “Ideally, you would replace furnaces, windows and other higher ticket items but that’s not always realistic. There are some things you can do in the interim to improve efficiency.”

For starters:

Furnace – Test your heating system now before you actually need to turn the heat on in the house. If there’s a problem, get your furnace serviced now before it gets cold and other people have the same idea. Be sure to replace the filter on your furnace prior to turning on the heat in the fall. Filters come in a number of different makes—30, 60, and 90-day, as well as ones you don’t replace but occasionally clean. It’s important to know which type you have in your home if you’re considering changing these yourself.

Weather stripping – You’ll find weather stripping around most doors and windows. The elements can do a number on weather stripping over time and you’ll want to do a quick inspection in the fall to determine if any stripping needs to be replaced before the cold weather hits. Your local hardware store should carry replacement stripping that you can use to replace any deteriorating sections.

Winterize your hose bib – The hose bib is the part of the outdoor faucet where you attach the hose. If you do not turn off the outdoor water source from the inside of your home, you run the risk of the pipe leading to the hose bib freezing and bursting—even if it’s only been for a few days of sub-freezing temperatures. So, be sure to turn that water source off before the frost begins.

Painting – Fall is also a great time to paint, both indoors and out. As long as it’s not too cold or, obviously, raining, paint goes on and dries better in the fall. If you’re painting the outside of your house, paint actually has a sealant quality. So, in addition to giving your exterior a fresh look, you’re also preparing it for elements associated with winter.

“The beauty of most fall projects is that, for the most part, they are not huge undertakings but the benefits can be plentiful. The key is planning and prioritizing what’s important to your home and your household,” said Butler. “By simply creating a small checklist of projects you want to do this fall, you can still make a difference in your home without overwhelming yourself.”.

DirectBuy offers everything you need for your fall fix-up projects—windows, water heaters, insulations, ladders, you name it—at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and designers, so if a fall fix-up project is a bit aboveyour skill level or you don’t have the time, you have professionals at your service who can get the job done and help get your home ready for the winter months.

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

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

Anyone can refer friends and family to DirectBuy and earn big rewards in the process. Visit refer.directbuy.com today for all the details.

Checkpoint…The fall home improvement projects that should be on your list.Read More

Ottawa resident wins $25,000 home makeover from DirectBuy of Ottawa

GLOUCESTER, ON…

DirectBuy of Ottawa, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently delivered a $25,000 check to Ottawa resident Deborah Logue as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. Logue was presented with the check on September 19 at the Gloucester area club.

“When I received the letter in the mail notifying me that I was DirectBuy’s $25,000 Grand Prize Home Makeover winner, I didn’t think it was real,” said Logue. “It wasn’t until I called the DirectBuy corporate headquarters that I realized I had truly won.”

Excited about her newfound fortune, Logue didn’t waist any time figuring out how she would spend it all. In fact, Logue replaced her living room carpet with brand new hardwood flooring before she even received her grand prize check.

“The actual ceremony and check presentation was weeks away and I couldn’t wait to start making improvements to my home and life,” said Logue.

This fall, Logue also plans on replacing her kitchen flooring with granite tile. She is looking forward to the arrival of family to help with the project.

Even though her home improvement projects are first and foremost, Logue is also planning a vacation in the island country of Cuba.

Regis and Lise Girard, who own the Ottawa location, were excited that their club was able to help someone from their community.

“We are so happy that our club was one of the lucky ones to have a Home Makeover winner,” said Lise Girard, co-owner of DirectBuy of Ottawa. “It was a great experience for our staff, members and visitors. We will never forget Deborah and we wish her the best with her new home improvement projects.”

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than a half million dollars in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

DirectBuy of Ottawa, located at 1392 Cyrville Road in Gloucester, offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 500 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Ottawa 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 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 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Ottawa resident wins $25,000 home makeover from DirectBuy of OttawaRead More

Relationship Expert Encourages Single Seniors to Take Advantage of Technology and Practice New Dating Etiquette

As Unmarried and Single Americans Week (September 20-26th) is upon us, it is important to remember that a significant number of singles today are seniors.

According to U.S. Census Bureau News (July, 2009), there are 15.8 million single Americans who are 65 or older. These older Americans account for 16 percent of all unmarried and single people age 18 and older. Many of these seniors have found themselves single again after a divorce or the death of a significant other. Although many single seniors don’t wish to remain single, it can be hard to get back on the horse again after so many years out of the dating scene.

According to relationship expert Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, “Dating isn’t just for the young. It’s for the young at heart. Age doesn’t matter.”

As the CEO of one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services, Falzone has paired thousands of clients during more than 35 years in business. A large number of these singles were people over the age of 55 looking for friendship and love.

“When you’re a single senior, you’re looking for many of the same things that singles of any age are looking for – someone to spend time with who shares your interests and who has those qualities that you find attractive,” explained Falzone.

Take Advantage of Technology

Falzone encourages single seniors to learn more about and take advantage of technology. A traditional brick and mortar dating service that uses high-tech matchmaking software to match members in conjunction with matchmaker consultation services is ideal for single seniors. This type of “high touch” matchmaking service, such as The Right One or Together Dating’s, will help you get back out into the dating scene. Even if you don’t think you’re ready to look for love just yet and are more interested in making new friends, this type of dating service can be instrumental in introducing you to others who share your interests and who are also looking for friendship.

Many seniors are already knowledgeable about social networking sites such as Facebook and use it to correspond with their children and grandchildren. For those who aren’t familiar with it, Facebook is a great way to communicate with family members but you can also use it to get back in touch with folks you probably haven’t seen in a while such as former colleagues or high school and college classmates.

Have a hobby? Then there’s probably a “Meetup Group” for it. From quilting, photography and sports to dining out and more, you may find others with similar interests online at Meetup.com.

New Dating Etiquette

For single seniors who haven’t dated in a long time, perhaps even decades, Falzone advises of the new dating etiquette:

· Meet in a public place by your own transportation. Play it safe until you get to know the person.

· Men and women now split the bill. Don’t commit the faux pas of expecting one person to pay for everything. Both parties should offer to pay their share and be prepared to do so. Be sure to have cash on hand in case plastic isn’t on the menu.

· Don’t air your “dirty laundry”. Problems with your ex or your adult children? Conflicts with families or former partners are a natural part of life, yet there’s no need to share the burden early on.

· Dating is about BOTH people. Dating is and always will be two-way, with plenty of listening and communication. You should work around both of your schedules and interests when arranging a date and deciding where to go. One person doesn’t get to call all the shots.

· Guard your personal information and your assets. Know that there are many people who are quick to take advantage of the loneliness of seniors. Be aware that not everyone you meet may be a person of substance, ethically and morally.

· Be safe. Tell a friend or someone else close to you, where and with whom you are going on your date. If you can’t reach anyone, call your own voicemail and leave a detailed message and any contact info you have about your date.

Falzone continued, “Something that hasn’t changed is courtesy. Courtesy transcends the generations. Confirm your date, be on time and conclude it comfortably. If you want to see each other again, great, but if not, that’s okay too. Go on your date with no expectations, and be sure to end it on a polite note. Most importantly – be yourself and be honest and sincere.”

Help is on the way
Catering to more than 300,000 members at more than 60 locations throughout North America, The Right One and Together Dating are the largest brick and mortar dating services in the industry, offering a more consistent product, a greater number of potentially compatible mates and added value of flexibility in transferring memberships to another geographic region.

Romantic Locations

North American locations and affiliates of Together are located in: Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel); Kentucky (Louisville); Louisiana (Metairie); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio and Austin) and Virginia (Falls Church); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg).

The Right One’s offices and affiliates located throughout the United States include: California (San Diego); Colorado (Glendale); Georgia (Atlanta); Illinois (Downers Grove, Rockford, Normal, Schaumburg and Chicago); Massachusetts (Norwell, Newton Center, Shrewsbury and Woburn); Michigan (Bingham Farms); Nebraska (Omaha and Lincoln); New Jersey (Cherry Hill); New York (NYC); Nevada (Las Vegas); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg, King of Prussia); Rhode Island (Warwick); Texas (Dallas); Utah (Salt Lake City); and Wisconsin (Madison, Appleton, Elm Grove).

Singles Station Dating Company, an affiliate of The Right One and Together Dating, is the largest independently owned personal introduction service in the Southwest. In the last 25 years, Singles Station has introduced more than 100,000 couples and is responsible for thousands of successful relationships and marriages. Singles Station Dating Co. has offices in Oklahoma (Oklahoma City and Tulsa), Arkansas (Bentonville, Fort Smith and Little Rock), Tennessee (Memphis and Nashville), Missouri (Springfield and St. Louis) and will be opening soon in Kansas (Wichita and Kansas City). For more information about Singles Station, please visit www.singlesstation.com or call 866-807-LOVE(5683).

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 818-DATE (3283).

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Silent gesture speaks volumes. DirectBuy of Buffalo donates auction items for Owl Family Picnic Chinese Auction.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently donated $800 worth of furniture to the Chinese Auction held during the 21st Annual Owl Family Picnic at the George F. Lamm VFW Post in Williamsville on August 23.

Proceeds from the Chinese Auction went to several area non-profits, most notably Camp Good Days and Special Times, Mercy Flight of Western New York, Former Troopers Helping Hands and the St. Adalbert’s Center.

“We’re happy to donate those items to efforts like the Chinese Auction at the Owl Family Picnic because of the phenomenal work the charities involved do, particularly with sick children. said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “It’s an absolute privilege to take part in this event each year.”

The charities benefitting from the Chinese Auction include:

  • Camp Good Days and Special Times – a non-profit dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other life challenges.
  • Mercy Flight of Western New York – an independent, not-for-profit provider of emergency air medical transport.
  • Former Troopers Helping Hands – an organization dedicated to fulfilling the wishes of all children and young adults with life-threatening illnesses and their families.
  • St. Adalbert’s Center – dedicated to helping poverty-stricken individuals and families. They empower people to take responsibility for their lives and encourage self-sufficiency through dignity and compassion.

DirectBuy clubs across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, YMCA, Homes for Our Troops, and various Children’s Hospitals. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo sponsored a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo and regularly donates to charitable efforts like The Ride for Roswell Park Cancer Institute, the Buffalo Humane Society, and Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

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 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.   DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy 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 membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Silent gesture speaks volumes. DirectBuy of Buffalo donates auction items for Owl Family Picnic Chinese Auction.Read More