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DirectBuy partners with uRefer to launch new referral rewards program.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

DirectBuy, the home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently partnered with leading referral company, uRefer, to create a Web-based referral program that makes it easy for customers to refer friends and family, while also providing the organization with a method to track referrals across their 160+ club network.

“Referrals have always been an important part of our business, and one of the reasons our company is the size it is today,” explained DirectBuy Executive Vice President Bart Fesperman. “The beauty of this new program lies in its simplicity. All we need is someone’s name and email address and the system takes care of the rest.”

Through the uRefer system, anyone can refer up to 10 friends and family members per day to DirectBuy and receive rewards for each referral who becomes a member. By utilizing an automated referral process, uRefer not only successfully streamlines and enhances DirectBuy’s ability to manage the growing amount of referrals they receive, but also provides a user-friendly online platform that allows users to track their referrals from initial contact to completion.

 “We are very excited about our partnership with DirectBuy,” says uRefer COO Mike Burba. “The uRefer Referral Management System has helped many companies like DirectBuy generate more referrals from their passionate membership base, and we’re confident this will be another success story.”

To learn more about DirectBuy’s referral rewards program, visit refer.directbuy.com.

About DirectBuy

DirectBuy® is the leading home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices.  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 more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

Consumers interested in seeing DirectBuy’s savings, service and selection up close may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com. Or, to hear from DirectBuy club members about their experiences, visit www.directbuyreviews.com.

About uRefer
uRefer is designed to help business and individuals create rewarding connections.  With uRefer, word-of-mouth travels faster and spreads wider, creating valuable introductions and successful connections that benefit all the parties involved. uRefer was founded in August of 2007 and is based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The company’s management team has extensive experience in sales, internet marketing, ecommerce and web development. In addition, the team has a track record of creating socially conscious, successful entrepreneurial ventures.

DirectBuy partners with uRefer to launch new referral rewards program.Read More

Turnwater Family Wins Free Membership and $5,000 Shopping Spree to DirectBuy

LACEY, WASHINGTON…

Everyone knows that a growing family is always in need of more room and home furnishings. That’s why when Troy and Andrea Lamphier, of Turnwater, Washington, saw an advertisement for a chance to win a free DirectBuy membership and a $5,000 shopping spree at the club, they jumped at the opportunity.

“Though I didn’t exactly know how DirectBuy worked compared to retail shopping when I entered the contest, I liked the concept of buying without retail markup,” said Troy Lamphier. “I knew it was going to be a chance to improve my family’s home, especially at a time when we need it the most.”

Recently, the Lamphier family grew when Troy, Andrea, and their 16-year-old son Rilay found out they now had permanent custody of two foster children, eight-year-old Baylee and 10-year-old Destiny.

With the addition of two children, Troy and Andrea need to convert their fourth bedroom back into a cozy and comfortable space. The bedroom is currently being used as a home office, where Andrea does medical transcribing.

The Lamphier family plans on using their DirectBuy membership and $5,000 shopping spree to help with the building and furnishing of an enclosed office suite that will section off part of the living room with a half wall and French doors.

“Not only will the enclosed office space keep the children safe from the many hazards home offices can set off, but my office won’t interfere with our family life,” said Andrea.

After touring their nearby DirectBuy location in Lacey, the Lamphier family went home excited about their new membership. During their club tour and member orientation, Troy and Andrea became very fond of the club staff and owners. “We couldn’t believe how warm and friendly the staff was,” said Troy. “It was like visiting old family, they quickly made us feel at home.”

“There couldn’t have been a more deserving family to win than the Lamphiers. We are so proud to have this great family as our newest club members,” said DirectBuy of Puget Sound Owner Dimitri Olympidis. “We are very eager to help them transform their home to better suit the needs of their new family.”

The contest was sponsored by the DirectBuy clubs in Western Washington and Canyon Creek Cabinets. DirectBuy of Western Washington area consists of three DirectBuy locations: Puget Sound, Seattle North, and South Seattle. This type of generosity is fairly standard for DirectBuy. Clubs across North America donate to any number of organizations, and have shown a particular affinity for making contributions to children/family-oriented organizations and people.

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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more.

DirectBuy enables members to purchase most every product offering from several hundred manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at more than 160 showrooms across North America. 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 DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

Turnwater Family Wins Free Membership and $5,000 Shopping Spree to DirectBuyRead More

DirectBuy offers new levels, terms of membership to reach more families…30-day free membership among the Company’s newest offerings

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

By providing direct access to hundreds of brand-name manufacturers, DirectBuy has enabled its members to save thousands upon thousands of dollars. In this economy, those savings become even more important. That’s why the company recently introduced several new membership plans to accommodate a wider range of needs and budgets, so that even more families can experience the benefits of belonging to DirectBuy.

“The very nature of our concept is powerful, in any economy,” said DirectBuy Executive Vice President Bart Fesperman. “What we were seeing was our members faring much better than most families because of their memberships with DirectBuy and the savings they were experiencing. Even with the economy being slow, our members are still able to buy the things they need for their home. Now we hope to be able to share this security with even more families.”

That’s why DirectBuy recently introduced a variety of new membership plans to accommodate consumers’ varying needs and budgets – and response has been overwhelmingly positive.

The first new avenue for a family to experience membership is via DirectBuy’s free 30-day membership program. The free membership gives families an opportunity to spend up to $1,000 at DirectBuy over the course of 30 days – giving them the chance to try DirectBuy firsthand before selecting a longer-term membership.

Families can now also take advantage of two additional tiers of membership, based on their specific needs. In addition to DirectBuy’s standard Gold membership, guests may also select Silver, which gives them access to a select number of manufacturers, or Platinum membership, which includes extra perks such as the ability to shop from the convenience of your home with the help of a Concierge Services Agent, seven days a week.

Finally, DirectBuy recently unveiled new varying terms of membership, from as short as three months up to 10 years. This new flexibility means homeowners can, for the first time, customize DirectBuy membership to fit their specific needs.

“When guests come in to our club, they aren’t deciding any more if DirectBuy membership is right for them,” says DirectBuy of Palm Beaches Franchise Owner Stephen Levin. “Instead, guests are now choosing which membership plan best suits their needs.”

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, carpeting and flooring, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories by purchasing from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at direct insider prices. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases, as well as provide access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to help expedite members’ projects.

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

DirectBuy offers new levels, terms of membership to reach more families…30-day free membership among the Company’s newest offeringsRead More

Matchmaking guru: Vacation fling may not lead to ring, but can still be a good thing.

NORWELL, MA…

Stella may have gotten her groove back via a “fling” with a man 20 years her junior in the movie How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Yet according to matchmaking expert Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating, a vacation fling can be just the ticket to reboot your love life—even if you don’t end up walking down the aisle like in the movie.

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. While he does not advise clients to have an affair on a trip as a way to find that special someone, he does see a parallel with the vacation fling and finding Mr. or Ms. Right.

“The whole premise of ‘Stella’ was that here was a woman in her late 30s, who was so busy with her career and raising her son she forgot about taking care of herself as a person. We work with many people in a similar scenario,” said Falzone. “Whether you hook up with anybody or not, a fun vacation can be a great way to learn more about yourself, meet new people and just let your hair down and enjoy your life, which is an important step towards finding and attracting that special someone.”

So, if a fling is not the goal of a vacation, how do you get your groove back? Falzone recommends:

 

·         Visit a place you’ve never been before – A change of scenery is one thing, but if it’s a place you’ve always wanted to see, it’s so much better.

·         Take a tour/trip with other singles – Forget the ugly stereotypes of sleazy “singles” tours/cruises. There are many people who just want to get out, see new things, meet new people… and also happen to be single.

·         Incorporate physical activity in your trip – Hiking, biking, swimming, dancing, wherever you go on your vacation, make sure there’s some sort of physical activity involved. Sitting on a beach and drinking pina coladas might sound nice, but it’s not really the way to invigorate your body and mind. Again, this is where activity-oriented group trips can be a great way to meet people.

·         Investigate new cultures – If you can swing it financially, take a trip to a foreign country. Learning about a different culture can be another great way to recharge your batteries.

Adds Falzone, “This may sound kind of strange, but the vacation fling you should really be after is one with yourself. Vacations can be a time for rest and relaxation, but they can also of self-discovery—or rediscovery. That’s really how Stella got her groove back and got her man.”

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, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Louisville); Maryland (Columbia, Frederick); Minnesota (Edina); Nevada (Reno); New Hampshire (Hooksett, Nashua, Portsmouth and Salem); Pennsylvania (Harrisburg);Ohio (Cincinnati); South Carolina (Greenville); Texas (San Antonio) and Virginia (Falls Church, Richmond).

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

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

For more information about Together Dating and The Right One, please visit their websites at www.togetherdating.com and www.therightone.com, or call (800) 678-DATE (3283).

Matchmaking guru: Vacation fling may not lead to ring, but can still be a good thing.Read More

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Delray Beach” map, advertising opportunities available.

DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Delray Beach, Florida.  Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors. 

The creation of the Best of Delray Beach Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Delray Beach 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. 

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. 

“South Florida has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said Chuck Roegge, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Delray Beach 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 the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Delray Beach map, you can call franchise owner Chuck Roegge at 561-212-6582 or e-mail at chuckr@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). 

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Delray Beach” map, advertising opportunities available.Read More

Manteno resident receives DirectBuy’s Success Circle honors

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Manteno resident Liana Dieball, a membership director at DirectBuy of Tinley Park, was recently awarded Success Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for her dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club memberships during the month of May.

 

DirectBuy’s Success Circle recognizes the top performing membership directors and phone room associates at more than 160 DirectBuy clubs across North America for their performance on a monthly basis. As a membership director, Dieball is responsible for presenting the DirectBuy opportunity to prospective members, conducting tours of the DirectBuy of Tinley Park club and answering questions prospective members might have prior to making their decision.

 

“Liana has achieved Success Circle 11 times during her DirectBuy career, not to mention many other recognition honors. She’s a dedicated professional who walks the talk and, like these accolades indicate, is very good at showing prospective members how DirectBuy can change their lives for the better,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park, located at 18400 South 76th Avenue Suite B.

Dieball first began with DirectBuy of Tinley Park in 2001. She left the company in 2003 to pursue a career as a counselor for troubled youths. Dieball returned in 2006 and the rest, as they say, is history.

“I really enjoy helping people and that’s driven my career choices. While what we do here at DirectBuy is a bit different than the work I’ve done as a counselor, we do help people by showing them a different way to shop,” said Dieball. “With a DirectBuy membership, you metaphorically have the power to buy a Mercedes for the price of a Chevy. When you look at it that way, it makes it a pleasure to bring this opportunity to as many people as possible.”

 

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.

 

Manteno resident receives DirectBuy’s Success Circle honorsRead More

Breaking the Digital Barrier

Merrillville, IN, August 13, 2009 – With more than 20 million children still without home computer access in the United States, DirectBuy’s corporate headquarters continues to help break the digital barrier.

 

During the month of July, the DirectBuy corporate campus donated CPUs, monitors, keyboards, printers and funds to the Boys and Girls Club of Northwest Indiana.

 

The contributions will help facilitate a computer-refurbishing program that is tentatively set to launch during the upcoming school year, providing the receipt of additional funding from a pass through grant from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

 

Studies show that children with home access to computers are six to eight percent more likely to graduate from high school than those without. “The digital divide continues to create a barrier for young adults entering the work force,” said DirectBuy’s Network Administrator Ken Snedecor. “Information technology is a new prerequisite for success in the labor market and children with little to no exposure will suffer the consequences.”

 

The refurbishing program will educate children on the inner-workings of a computer. The program will also include instructional activities such as adding additional memory and loading new software programs.

“The best part about the new program is that once the PCs are rebuilt, the children get to take them home for keeps,” said Alison Martin, Vice President of Development and Marketing. “We are thankful for DirectBuy’s continued support of the Boys & Girls Clubs and their willingness to give us such equipment that we can use if to launch the program once funding is received.”

This type of generosity is fairly standard for the DirectBuy corporate office. Throughout the last two years, the corporate campus donated more than 100 CPUs and monitors to Net Literacy, a youth empowered nonprofit organization headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The donation impacted thousands of individuals in and around the midwest.

 

DirectBuy also contributes funds to the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana through quarterly employee casual days, where employees make a minimum donation of $2 to support the charity and dress in jeans for one workday. So far this year, DirectBuy collected and donated more than $2,700 from just two casual days.

 

Employees like Field Sales Representative Tanja Zoellner look forward to each donation. “I’m really happy that we are given an outlet to donate each quarter,” said Zoellner. “Though individually we might not be able to make a huge difference, collectively we are very powerful. I look forward to donating again!”

 

About Boys & Girls Club of Northwest Indiana

BGCNWI (www.bgcnwi.org) was founded in 1954 in Gary, Indiana. Currently BGCNWI operates six Club sites in six cities throughout Lake County Indiana. Serving more than  10,000 youth ages 6 to 18 years of age, BGCNWI provide Club programs and services that promote and enhance the positive development of boys and girls. The core belief of the organization, Board of Directors, staff, and donors is that all six Club sites provide youth with a safe place to learn and grow, teach youth to develop interpersonal relationships, provide youth with life-enhancing programs,character development experiences and last but not least to continue providing youth with hope and opportunity.

 

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 furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more.

 

DirectBuy enables members to purchase most every product offering from several hundred manufacturers and their authorized suppliers at more than 160 showrooms across North America. 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 DirectBuy membership, visit www.DirectBuy.com or www.DirectBuyCares.com.

 

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

Breaking the Digital BarrierRead More

Doing good does some good…Alexandria Shaban named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s July “Do-Gooder” of the month.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, established the “Do-Gooder of the Month” award to recognize employees, vendors and even members going above and beyond the call of duty—either on the job or in their everyday lives. July’s winner is Alexandria Shaban, a service specialist at DirectBuy of Buffalo, for her efforts in coordinating a silent auction and vendor meet-and-greet for DirectBuy of Buffalo members last month.

DirectBuy of Buffalo holds silent auctions once or twice a year to sell items that manufacturers do not want as part of an exchange. Typically, these items are only slightly nicked and in good working order. The silent auctions enable members to save even more through their DirectBuy membership. Shaban, as service specialist, coordinated every detail of the silent auction, a process that took about three months—in addition to her work on the meet-and-greet for the vendors.

“The silent auction and vendor event are not small undertakings. It’s pretty involved and something Alexandria took on in addition to her normal duties as service specialist. With Alexandria as the go-to person, the auction and event went off without a hitch. That makes her a very worthy recipient of our Do-Gooder of the Month award,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

As for DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives a restaurant gift certificate.

“Interacting with members is one of the things I love about working with DirectBuy. In helping members research and make purchases for their renovation projects, you feel like you’re buying for your home as well. The silent auction has that same sort of appeal because you’re helping members save even more on some really nice stuff,” said Shaban.

Previously working customer service and sales management, Shaban began with DirectBuy of Buffalo in 2008. Hailing from Sterling, Massachusetts, she currently resides in Buffalo.

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, country-club 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 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.

Doing good does some good…Alexandria Shaban named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s July “Do-Gooder” of the month.Read More

How to take a “staycation”

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Over the past few years, many families have embraced the concept of a “staycation” or a vacation spent at home where, instead of going away, you do short day trips—typically within three hours from your residence. What’s been a little more difficult for some is acting like you’re on vacation when you’re not technically away from your home for an extended stay. Resort Maps, creator of customized travels maps in more than 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K., has some pointers for those new to the staycation trend.

“Vacations are meant for rest and rejuvenation. You can’t do that if you’re still taking calls from the office or doing chores around the house. Because you’re staying at your house instead of a hotel, there’s a tendency for people to fall into that trap because they are technically not away,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc.

By following certain ground rules on your staycation, it is more likely to be fun and stress-free. For starters:

  • No contact with your office – Just because you’re not going away for an extended trip is no reason to be calling in to the office. Time off is to rest up and recharge your batteries. You can’t do that if you’re never mentally away.
  • Limit your computer time – Again, you’re on vacation. Restrict your computer time to researching potential day trips. NO E-MAIL, unless you’re being sent a confirmation or reservation number.
  • Do not set your alarm – Do not set your alarm if you don’t have to. The beauty of the staycation is that you’re NOT on a schedule.
  • Minimize your home chores – Unless you’re specifically taking the week off to complete a project, e.g. painting your house, keep your home chores to a minimum. That doesn’t mean let the dishes in the sink stack up. Just don’t sweat it if the lawn goes a few days without being cut.
  • Leave your cell phone off unless you need to use it – Your phone can be handy if you’re traveling with other families or your group splits off into twos. So, leaving it home is not practical. Just make sure you don’t take calls from anybody not in your vacation group. If you’re curious or worried about an emergency, just check the voice mail they leave.

“If you were on a cruise ship, you wouldn’t answer a call from the office. Your staycation deserves that same respect,” said Hans. “Remember, you work hard for your time off and you owe it to yourself, your family and, believe it or not, your employer to come back rested ready with your batteries fully recharged.”

Resort Maps offer a number of ideas on possible local excursions for your staycation. 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 find interesting local businesses that will add excitement and fun to your staycation.

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 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).

 

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