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Naperville resident receives DirectBuy’s Success Circle honors

NAPERVILLE, IL…

Naperville resident Aaron Kirk, a membership associate at DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville, was recently awarded Success Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for his dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club membership 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 associate, Kirk has an active role in helping interested families learn more about DirectBuy club membership at the  DirectBuy of DuPage County club.

“It’s no accident that this is the third time Aaron has earned Success Circle honors. He’s very good at working with prospective new members and is a valuable member of our marketing team,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County, located at 1864 Highgrove, Suite 136 in Naperville.

Kirk began with DirectBuy of DuPage County in 2007. Prior to that, he had worked in sales management.

“I love working at DirectBuy because we’re selling a product that people actually need and can improve their lives,” said Kirk. “In addition, I work with a great group of people. It’s a high-energy work environment and we’re always brainstorming ways we can improve.”

Kirk resides in Naperville with his wife Christina Loiaza and their son Jaden.

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. 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.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. 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.

Naperville resident receives DirectBuy’s Success Circle honorsRead More

AAFD partners with Mace Security to offer AAFD members discounted rate on state-of-the-art security products

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) today announced a new partnership with Mace Security International, manufacturer of personal defense and electronic surveillance products marketed under the famous brand name, Mace®. Under this new agreement, the more than 50,000 franchised outlets owned by AAFD members have access to Mace’s broad security line at partnership pricing.

“Security is a huge issue with many of our franchisee members and certainly an area where you don’t want to spare quality due to expense. This new partnership gives our members access to state-of-the art security equipment at a reduced rate from a company, Mace, that’s literally a household name in the world of security,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD.

While Mace is a household name for its personal defense sprays, the company boasts an extensive product line of security equipment. Mace’s security products include: security systems, cameras and accessories, monitors and accessories, digital video recorders and other security products (e.g. mirrors, domes, and signage).

John O’Leary, president of Mace Security Products, expressed his excitement about the new partnership. “Our association with AAFD is a classic win-win, relationship,” said O’Leary.  “Mace wins because we now are associated with the industry’s most respected franchisee advocate, AAFD, many of whose members need our products. AAFD wins by enabling its members to save on state-of-the-art security equipment.”

About the AAFD
The AAFD is a national non-profit trade association representing the rights and interests of franchisees and independent dealers throughout the United States. Formed in 1992, the AAFD is focused on market driven reform to achieve its mission to define and promote collaborative franchise cultures that the AAFD describes as Total Quality Franchising. Since its formation the AAFD has grown to represent more than 50,000 franchised locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark

Chapters, and emphasis on Marketplace Solutions led to the Association’s recognition as a growing force in franchising. The AAFD’s Branded Partner programs add a new dimension to the value of AAFD membership. The AAFD provides a broad range of member services designed to help franchisees build market power, create legislative support of interest to franchisees, provide legal and financial support, and provide a wide range of general member benefits.
For more information about the conference or the AAFD, please call toll free – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

About Mace

Mace Security International, Inc. is a manufacturer of personal defense and electronic surveillance products marketed under the famous brand name, Mace®, and is an owner and operator of a wholesale central monitoring station.  The Company also operates a Digital Media Marketing and e-commerce business.  In addition, Mace owns and operates car washes, and has previously announced that it is exiting this segment of its business.  The Company’s remaining car washes are located in Texas.  Mace’s web site is www.mace.com.

AAFD partners with Mace Security to offer AAFD members discounted rate on state-of-the-art security productsRead More

On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Dennis-Harwich” map, advertising opportunities available.

CAPE COD, MASSACHUSETTS 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 Dennis-Harwich, Massachusetts.  The Best of Dennis-Harwich Resort Map will also feature the towns of Brewster, Harwich Port and Dennis Port. Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors. 

The creation of this new 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 Dennis-Harwich 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. 

“The Cape 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 Gerry Pelissier, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Dennis-Harwich 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 Cape area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Dennis – Harwich map, you can call franchise owner Gerry Pelissier at 508-681-9804 or email at gerryp@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 Dennis-Harwich” map, advertising opportunities available.Read More

Staycations…A trend here to stay.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Extended stay vacations are one casualty of the current recession. But many families have found a more cost-effective way to spend their vacations while having just as much fun. How, you might ask. By going on a “staycation”.

Loosely defined, a staycation refers to a vacation spent at home where, instead of going away, you do short day trips—typically within three hours from your residence. The concept itself has enlightened many to the tourist “treasures” quite literally in their backyards. 

“We get so hung up on traveling to far away places that we really do overlook gems that are pretty close to home—like those places you might see in a brochure or flyer at a rest area while you’re traveling. A staycation makes it possible for you to schedule mini-vacations to those kind of places and keep your costs down,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps, creator of customized travel maps in more than 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K.

So, what can you do on your staycation? That’s the beauty of it, you can do anything. Some easy, low- cost ideas include:

·         Visit a local water park – In most parts of the country, you can find a water park within a three-hour drive of your home. Pack a picnic basket or, better yet, take some coals and barbecue. Many of these parks have barbies you can use.

·         Hike and picnic at a state or national park – Be a little daring and venture off to one you haven’t visited before.

·         Outdoor music or film festivals – Free outdoor concerts are in abundance during the summer. For many, you can just spread out a blanket or prop up a lawn chair. Also, more and more areas hold film festivals.

·         Foreign Cuisine Night – Maybe a trip to another county is not in the budget. A night out to sample some foreign cuisine can be the next best thing. For example, have a “Mexican night” at a nearby Mexican restaurant, “Indian night” at your local Indian establishment, etc. If you’ve never tried that kind of food, even better.

·         Museum Day – You’ve probably got several within a 45-minute drive from your home, yet how many times have you been to one of them? Take one day and hit as many museums as you can.

·         Family Game Night – Lest you think it’s mandatory to go somewhere for your staycation. Hosting a family game night can be fun and relaxing—whether it’s a Wii golf tournament or board game marathon.

·         Camp out in your backyard – Young kids especially will love the adventure of pitching a tent in the backyard.  Plus, you’ve got the conveniences of your home without the expense of a campsite.

Added Hans, “Staycations provide a viable alternative to a vacation, allowing similar adventures you might experience on a vacation without the big expense. Who knows, you may even like them better. Especially when you can put your head down on your own pillow at the end of the day.”

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 your way around town whether you are visiting, new to the area or you just want to know what’s happening around your town.

 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.

Staycations…A trend here to stay.Read More

Got game? …Game rooms the latest indoor room to move to the great outdoors

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

People in the Midwest love the outdoors, perhaps because we’re forced inside all too often by the weather. So it’s no surprise we look for ways to spend even more time outside when the weather turns nicer. Case in point, another hot trend, outdoor game rooms.

According to the DirectBuy locations of greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, covered patio areas have become a haven for pool, ping-pong and foosball tables in recent years. In fact, many manufacturers have started producing these tables with weather-resistant materials to accommodate this demand.

“Many people don’t have the space for a game room in their home, so converting a portion of your patio into one makes perfect sense, especially if you have tables that are made of weather-resistant materials,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates. “When you consider how many people have transformed their grill areas into ‘outdoor kitchens,’ adding a game room to the mix creates the ultimate outdoor ‘man cave.’”

In addition to billiards, ping-pong and foosball, you can also furnish your patio game room with game tables, so you can enjoy board games as well.

Besides being a fun place for grown ups, an outdoor game room provides a place for the kids to entertain while Mom and Dad can enjoy some semblance of peace and quiet inside. This can dramatically reduce the in-and-out traffic volume that can make an impression on your floors and carpets.

DirectBuy has everything you need to furnish your patio to suit your lifestyle – all at manufacturer-direct prices that can save up to 50% off. In addition, DirectBuy also employs product specialists who can provide helpful pointers on selecting the right equipment and setup for your home.

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. 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.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. 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.

Got game? …Game rooms the latest indoor room to move to the great outdoorsRead More

Together Dating opens in Richmond, Virginia

NORWELL, MA AND RICHMOND, VA…

Together Dating, one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide, recently opened an office in Richmond, Virginia, located at 6802 Paragon Place, Suite 410.

The Richmond office will be under the management of International Dating Ventures, the parent company to Together Dating and The Right One. Based in Norwell, Massachusetts, the new management team has placed staff at the Richmond office and will also provide oversight from the home office.

“By taking a one-to-one, personal approach, we’ve been able to help thousands of clients find that special someone over the last quarter of a century. We’re thrilled to be able to bring that service to the Richmond area,” said Paul A. Falzone, CEO of Together Dating and The Right One.

                                                                                                                      

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for membership, contact Together Dating Toll Free at 800-678-DATE (3283).

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 and Normal); 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) 818-DATE (3283).

Together Dating opens in Richmond, VirginiaRead More

New management at Together Dating’s Reno, Nevada location

NORWELL, MA AND RENO, NV…

Together Dating, one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide, recently announced a change in management at its Reno, Nevada office, located at 770 Smithridge Drive, Suite 350.

Effective last month, the Reno office is now under the management of International Dating Ventures, the parent company to The Right One and Together Dating. Based in Norwell, Massachusetts, the new management team has placed staff at the Reno office while also providing oversight from the home office.

“By taking a one-to-one, personal approach, we’ve been able to help thousands of clients find that special someone over the last quarter of a century. Our new management team in Reno will now have a direct pipeline to the resources and expertise we’ve developed over the years and that can only benefit our clients in the Reno area,” said,” Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating.

                                                                                                                 

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for membership, contact The Right One toll-free at 800-678-DATE (3283).

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 and Normal); 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).

New management at Together Dating’s Reno, Nevada locationRead More

DirectBuy of Buffalo sponsored Buffalo Pro Football Player of the Year award at FAN Awards.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently took part in Buffalo’s first ever FAN Awards show on May 21 at the historic Shea’s Performing Arts Center in Buffalo, New York.

DirectBuy of Buffalo Owner Mark Klinger, along with former Buffalo Bill great and NFL Hall of Famer Joe DeLamielleure, presented the award for Buffalo Pro Football Player of the Year to Trent Edwards, current Buffalo Bill quarterback. DeLamielleure accepted the award on Edwards’ behalf.

Produced by Ahmad Rashad’s FAN Awards Network (FAN), the Buffalo Fan Awards event honors local sports stars and legends from high school, college and professional sports in the Western New York area.

“It was an absolute honor and thrill to be a part of the first ever Buffalo Fan Awards. Even more so since we presented our award with an NFL Hall of Famer like Joe DeLamielleure,” said Klinger.

In addition to DeLamielleure, some of Buffalo’s most beloved sports figures and celebrities participated in the event, including: Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Ryan Miller, Matthew Barnaby, Billy Shaw, Booker Edgerson, Ruben Brown, Rob Ray, Danny Gare, Alex Van Pelt and many more.

“The passion for high school, college and pro sports in every local community nationwide was one of the reasons I wanted to create FAN Awards Network,” said Rashad. “I also wanted to develop top quality award shows that will honor and celebrate local student athletes and allow the fans to have their voices heard.”

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.

About FAN Awards Network, LLC (FAN)
Co-Founded by football legend, Emmy Award winning TV producer and host, Ahmad Rashad, FAN Awards Network, LLC (FAN) was created to produce the highest quality local sports award shows where hometown sports legends present awards to student-athletes as voted on by their local “fans”.  FAN prides itself on our interactive online network dedicated to celebrating local student athlete achievements and humanitarian efforts year round.

FAN local websites also provide a proprietary platform for “fans” to vote on over 35 local awards, and an active online social network connecting local sports communities of student athletes, sports legends, current pros and passionate supporters of hometown sports.  FAN Awards Network, LLC plans to roll out at least twenty regional websites and award shows by the end of 2010. For more information, check out www.buffalofanawards.com

DirectBuy of Buffalo sponsored Buffalo Pro Football Player of the Year award at FAN Awards.Read More

Taking your cabinets to the cleaners…DirectBuy locations in and around Chicago provide tips on caring for your wood cabinetry.

CHICAGO, GURNEE, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, IL …

Short of building an addition on your home, replacing or refacing your kitchen cabinets is one of the more expensive remodeling projects you can undertake. So, the upkeep of your cabinets on a day-to-day basis is an important factor in protecting your investment. The DirectBuy club locations of greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, have some helpful tips on protecting that investment with regular cleanings.

“Many people make the investment in wooden kitchen cabinets and then either go overboard cleaning, use the wrong type of cleaners, or don’t clean enough,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park. “It really doesn’t take much effort or know-how to keep your new cabinets looking new.”

Typical cleaning can be done with a clean, damp cloth as long as you dry thoroughly. For stains, clean your wood cabinets with an emulsion-type cleaner (e.g. Murphy’s Soap). Avoid using wax polishes with petroleum solvents as these can result in wax buildup. Not to mention that petroleum solvents are also flammable and toxic if swallowed. Same goes for wax polishes with silicones, which can also harm the cabinet’s wood.

Moisture is an enemy of wood cabinets, so you’ll want to wipe up spills as they occur. Also, pay special attention to the areas around the kitchen sink and dishwasher, two areas prone to moisture. Be sure not to drape damp kitchen towels over the sink basin so that any part of the cloth rests on the wood. This can cause permanent damage if you’re not careful.

For your cabinets’ hardware, mild soap and water should be used to clean drawer knobs and pulls. Polishes for the knobs or lubricants for the drawers typically aren’t necessary. Just be sure to dry thoroughly with a clean cloth as, once again, water is the main foe in sustaining the beauty of your cabinetry.

“According to Remodeling magazine, new kitchen cabinets have an ROI of nearly 80 percent at resale. That’s a greater return on your investment than any other indoor remodel,” said Sell. “By simply making a point to keep your cabinets clean and dry and swiftly clean spills and stains, you can maintain that value for years to come.”

DirectBuy carries a large selection of kitchen cabinets at wholesale 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 or bath that works best for their home.

Since 1971, DirectBuy clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by buying wholesale, directly from the manufacturer. With four 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 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 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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