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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.

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

DirectBuy of Spokane and Habitat for Humanity Team Up for Annual Blitz Build

SPOKANE, WA…

DirectBuy of Spokane, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is passionate about helping families experience a better quality of life — both in their club, and through their partnership with Habitat for Humanity and its Blitz Build program.

Over the past four years, the Spokane club has regularly donated merchandise and volunteered their time to Habitat for Humanity’s Blitz Build program. This year’s donation consisted of new windows, laminate flooring and cabinetry for the home, totaling more than $6,000. Additionally,  the owners and staff of DirectBuy contributed nearly 100 hours to the project during an employee work day on June 8, 2009.

“We are really pleased to be able to give again this year, given the current economic environment,” DirectBuy of Spokane Owner Ron Cully explained. “No matter how tough things are for us, there are always others who need some help. Now is the time to dig deep to support our community.”

Through the efforts of all volunteers and sponsors, the home took only 12 days to complete. From May 25th, when the project broke ground, to the dedication ceremony on the final day, everyone involved in the project gave their all to ensure this year’s Blitz Build came off without a hitch.

DirectBuy of Spokane’s service and sales teams – as well as owners, friends and family – contributed not only their talents, but also their time in putting the finishing touches on the home. Through 21 rotating shifts, volunteers from DirectBuy of Spokane were involved in painting, appliance installation, clean-up and even assisted skilled laborers in various construction projects.

Crews of DirectBuy of Spokane staff members were excited to have the opportunity to help in projects requiring more skilled labor. Sales Director Joe Thiefault even volunteered the use of his own personal Bobcat to help level the ground for sod installation, while others got in on the action by leveling and compacting the driveway or helping to install some laminate flooring inside.

“It is great to meet and work with the families that will soon be living in these homes,” acknowledged Devin Curry, a Service Specialist at DirectBuy of Spokane. “It is very rewarding to experience the joy they have in knowing they will soon have a home of their own.”

While much excitement was expressed during the process, the real rewards were realized on the final day of the build when DirectBuy of Spokane had the privilege of presenting the keys and a traditional bible to the new owners of the Blitz Build home during a dedication ceremony.

“Habitat is a natural fit for DirectBuy support. We help people create their dream homes and Habitat for Humanity similarly helps families realize their dream of home ownership,” said Ron Cully. “It’s not just giving a handout; it’s giving families a hand up.”

About DirectBuy
For 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 products from several hundred manufacturers at more than 160 clubs across North America. To learn more about DirectBuy, visit www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity works to build affordable, descent, and simple homes for low-income families. Habitat helps create a neighborhood families can be proud of and allows them to live a better quality of life. To get involved with your local Habitat for Humanity or to find more information, please visit www.habitat.org.

DirectBuy of Spokane and Habitat for Humanity Team Up for Annual Blitz BuildRead More

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.

DORAL and DAVIE, FLORIDA…

Most people want to know what they can do to make their dollar go further, particularly when purchasing household appliances. While most consumers have their eyes on the price tag, it really should be on how much it costs to power those appliances, and that’s where ENERGY STAR comes in.

ENERGY STAR is the program created by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reduce energy consumption. Typically, ENERGY STAR products offer 20 to 30 percent savings on your energy bills. DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale and DirectBuy of Miami, the leading home improvement and furnishings clubs with direct insider prices, sell a wide ride range of ENERGY STAR products to help members save.

“The irony about ENERGY STAR products is the program itself was set up to combat the negative effect running our appliances was having on our environment,” said Gail Eaton, owner of DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale. “While most people do want to minimize their carbon footprint, in today’s economy, it’s just as much about how much you can save by having appliances that run more efficiently.”

So, how much can you save by purchasing ENERGY STAR appliances? Here’s a small sampling:

  • Clothes washers – replacing a 10-year-old washing machine with a new ENERGY STAR machine can save a household more than $145 per year.
  • Dishwashers – ENERGY STAR dishwashers use 41 percent less energy and water than non-ENERGY STAR washers. That translates to $30 a year on your utility bill.
  • Refrigerators – a typical two-door, freezer-on-top refrigerator can cost $100 per year to run. Upgrading to ENERGY STAR can knock $30 per year off that, resulting in savings of $150 in just five years.
  • Home electronics – the average household spends $100 per year powering electronics devices in “standby” mode. ENERGY STAR products use less energy when in standby.
  • LED Lighting – requires 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and lasts 25 times longer. According to energystar.gov, LED lighting can last more than 25,000 hours than its incandescent counterparts or more than 22 years!

“As if the tremendous savings ENERGY STAR products offer weren’t enough, the U.S. government also offers tax exemptions, rebates and other incentives for consumers to purchase more energy-efficient items like ENERGY STAR products,” said Eaton. “As a company that deals specifically in home improvement, you often hear the expression that this project will pay for itself, meaning resale. Yet when it comes to ENERGY STAR products, they literally do pay for themselves over time.” 

DirectBuy carries a large selection of ENERGY STAR products and appliances at insider prices direct from manufacturers or their authorized suppliers. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the appliance that works best for their works best for their home.

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. DirectBuy of Miami is conveniently located at 2190 NW 89th Place in Doral, while DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale is located at 6545 Nova Drive, Suite 200, in Davie. Both clubs offer consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy of Miami at 786-363-4560 or DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale at 954-634-8221 or by visiting www.directbuycares.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 enables 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 Fort Lauderdale/Miami area since 2002 and prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Miami and DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale are two 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 contacting DirectBuy of Miami at 786-363-4560 or DirectBuy of Fort Lauderdale at 954-634-8221 or by visiting www.directbuycares.com. 

 

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.Read More

A moving experience…Buffalo resident Loretta Lewis moves into the DirectBuy of Buffalo-sponsored Guilford Street Habitat for Humanity

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK…

Good things come to those who wait. That’s more than just an adage for Loretta Lewis. It took her more than 10 years to complete the work hours necessary to become eligible for a Habitat for Humanity home. On May 22, her dream of home ownership came true as she and her son moved into her new home on Guilford Street in Buffalo.

“When I started putting in hours for Habitat, I never dreamed it would take this long. But things came up. For example, I moved to North Carolina for a while and began my studies for a nursing career,” said Lewis. “When we moved back to Buffalo, this was going to be my focus. I’m just grateful it all came to fruition and we’re now in our brand new home.”

DirectBuy of Buffalo, located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, sponsored the construction of Lewis’ home. DirectBuy donated items for the home’s kitchen and bathrooms, including cabinets, flooring and fixtures.

“Habitat for Humanity has done wonderful things for Buffalo area residents and we’re happy to have been part of the Guilford Street project,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “At DirectBuy, we’re in the business of helping people build the homes of their dreams. So, we’re positively thrilled that we could help make the dream of home ownership happen for Loretta.”

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. In addition, each DirectBuy club employs product specialists and designers who can help members select the appliance that works best for their works best for their home.

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 Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built more than 300,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 1.5 million people. For more information, visit www.habitat.org.

A moving experience…Buffalo resident Loretta Lewis moves into the DirectBuy of Buffalo-sponsored Guilford Street Habitat for HumanityRead More