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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

Lapels Dry Cleaning stores hold clothing drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and Big Sisters of Rhode Island – over TWO TONS collected!

DATELINE: HANOVER, MA…Bag upon bag of donated clothing has been collected and counted and now it’s official… Lapels Dry Cleaning Dry Cleaning stores collected over TWO TONS of clothing during the annual Lapels Clothing Drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and Big Sisters of Rhode Island.

For two weeks in May, patrons of all of the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Lapels Dry Cleaning stores heeded the effort to clean out their closets, including the Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in: Abington, Bedford, Beverly, Boston-Charles River Park, Brighton, Concord, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Halifax, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Randolph, Salem, Sudbury, Walpole, Westford, and Westwood, and Lincoln, RI. Overall, Lapels Dry Cleaning stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island collected over 200 bags, totaling approximately 4,000 pounds of clothing.

Lapels Dry Cleaning franchisee Fred Siegel, who owns and operates the Hanover, MA Lapels Dry Cleaning store, was enthusiastic about participating in the clothing drive that is now in its fifth year. Notes Siegel, “Our bi-annual Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive offers our customers a win-win situation — they can conveniently drop off their unwanted clothing items and give a boost to a worthy organization, the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.”

Ken Higgins of the Big Brother Big Sister Foundation of Boston, remarked on the success of the Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive, “In five short years, the Lapels Dry Cleaning clothing drive has grown from a fledging effort to become a solid source of support. We offer our congratulations and thank you to Lapels Dry Cleaning and salute their ongoing efforts on behalf of the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation.”

The Lincoln Rhode Island Lapels Dry Cleaning store also collected clothing donations that benefitted the Big Sisters of Rhode Island. Spokesperson for the Big Sisters of Rhode Island in Cranston, Kaurie McDermott, also thanked Lapels Dry Cleaning, saying, “On behalf of the Big Sisters of Rhode Island I would like to thank Lapels Dry Cleaning for continuing to sponsor this drive, which provides their customers with the opportunity to “go green” and help the environment, while also helping young at-risk girls. The continued support of Lapels Dry Cleaning is greatly appreciated, particularly in these uncertain economic times.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters picks up the gently used clothing collected by Lapels Dry Cleaning stores and distributes it to consignment shops. The net profits from the sales of these items are distributed back to Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies, supporting their mission to help children reach their potential through professionally supported, one-to-one relationships. The Big Sisters of Rhode Island picks up the gently used clothing collected by the Lincoln, RI Lapels Dry Cleaning store and those items are sold directly to our partner, Savers.  The proceeds from these items support our mentoring programs for girls at-risk, between the ages of 4 and 18.

As a former big brother, Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Lawrence Friedman knows firsthand the impact the Big Brother Big Sister program can have, “It’s an absolutely amazing experience to watch the progress of children involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. We would like to thank all of the Lapels Dry Cleaning customers and franchisees who so generously support our clothing drives – they really do make a difference.”

About Big Brothers Big Sisters
Big Brothers Big Sisters serves over 200,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in 5,000 communities across all 50 states, establishing successful mentoring relationships for all children who need and want them, contributing to better schools, brighter futures, and stronger communities for all. Big Brothers Big Sisters one-to-one mentoring makes a huge difference for the youth it serves by helping at-risk youth overcome the many challenges they face.

Lapels Dry Cleaning Community Commitment
Being a good neighbor isn’t just a slogan at Lapels Dry Cleaning, where community involvement is a tradition. Lapels Dry Cleaning proudly partners with the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation of Boston, Big Sisters of Rhode Island, and the American Red Cross.

A Rising Star
The New England Franchise Association ranks Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of the Top 10 fastest growing franchises in New England. In addition, the Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Program has made the ranking for the Top 30 Franchise Organizations  <http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=dmuvpgcab.0.0.lotaka67.0&ts=S0293&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nefranchise.org%2Ftop30.htm&id=preview> based in New England.

Lapels Dry Cleaning has also been ranked in Entrepreneur’s 26th Annual “Franchise 500” as well as Entrepreneur’s “Top 50 New Franchises,” identifying Lapels Dry Cleaning as one of today’s top franchise opportunities. Entrepreneur’s “Franchise 500” is the best and most comprehensive rating of franchises in the world and is based on objective, quantifiable measures of a franchise operation.

Store Locations
Lapels Dry Cleaning has stores in Massachusetts (Abington, Bedford, Beverly, Boston, Brighton, Concord, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Halifax, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Randolph, Salem, Sudbury, Walpole, Westford, and Westwood); Rhode Island (Lincoln); California (Pomona and Poway); Florida (Orlando); Georgia (Duluth); Idaho (Boise); New Hampshire (Hooksett); South Carolina (Carolina Forest and Myrtle Beach); Texas (Arlington, Garland, Granbury, Murphy, and Plano); Washington (Kirkland and Seattle).  Coming soon to Destin, FL; Wilmington, MA; Edmond, OK and Bloomsburg, PA.

Lapels Dry Cleaning – Environmentally Friendly Cleaners
A full slate of services are offered at each Lapels Dry Cleaning store, including: same-day dry cleaning; shirt service; tailoring; shoe repair; wedding gown preservation; suede and leather processing; box storage and fur storage.

Lapels Dry Cleaning corporate offices are located at 962 Washington Street, Hanover, MA 02339.  To learn more about franchise opportunities with Lapels Dry Cleaning, call toll free (866) 695-2735 or email admin@lapelsdrycleaning.com <mailto:admin@lapelsdrycleaning.com> . Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com <http://www.lapelsdrycleaning.com> .

Lapels Dry Cleaning stores hold clothing drive to benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters Foundation and Big Sisters of Rhode Island – over TWO TONS collected!Read More

Stoneham/DirectBuy blood drive to be held on July 22, 2pm to 8pm

STONEHAM, MASSACHUSETTS…

Supporting the blood supply is a community-wide responsibility. That’s why DirectBuy is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive on Wednesday, July 22, 2009.

The American Red Cross blood bus will be at DirectBuy of Boston North’s 100A Fallon Road location in Stoneham between the hours of 2pm and 8 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. However, due to limited space in the Donor Center, the Red Cross encourages donors to make an appointment by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or logging on to www.givelife.org.

As an added incentive for donors to make an appointment in advance, all presenting donors will receive a coupon for a free carton of Friendly’s Ice Cream. A scheduled appointment is required to receive the coupon.

“A safe and sufficient blood supply must be on the shelves when patients need it most, and the only source of blood is a generous blood donor,” says Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Public Relations and Corporate Affairs, American Red Cross – Northeast Division. “The American Red Cross is appreciative of DirectBuy for its support of our life-saving mission.”

The need for blood is constant. Every day, the Northeast Division must collect 2,000 units of blood just to meet the basic needs of patients across New England. The difference a donor can make in the life of a patient is something that cannot be overstated.

Blood can be used for patients undergoing many surgical procedures, organ transplants, trauma and chemotherapy. For some patients, such as the victim of an automobile accident, the need for blood is sudden. For others, ongoing transfusions are needed to sustain lifesaving medical treatment.

“As a member of the Stoneham business community, we’re happy to host this blood drive,” said Carl Krawczyk, managing partner of DirectBuy of Boston North.  “We urge our members and residents of the greater Stoneham area to come out and donate. Your donation could save up to three lives.”

Charitable endeavors are nothing new for DirectBuy. DirectBuy locations across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, YMCAs, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospitals.

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 100A Fallon Road in Stoneham, Massachusetts, just north of the City of Boston, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 781-279-4433 or visit http://www.directbuycares.com. 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has been a primary supplier of lifesaving blood products in the United States for more than 50 years. The American Red Cross Blood Services — Northeast Division supplies a wide range of blood components, plasma derivatives, and transfusion services to over 200 hospitals and other medical facilities throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. It serves the blood needs of more than 9 million residents and many thousand more who travel to New England for care at many of the nation’s top medical centers.

*In the state of Maine and Massachusetts, persons who are 16 years of age are eligible to donate blood with parental consent.

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

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Finding The Right One in Chicago – Largest Bricks and Mortar Dating Service Opens Office

The Right One, one of the world’s largest traditional dating services in the industry with 60 offices nationwide, has recently opened their doors in downtown Chicago to provide matchmaking services to more than 9 million people living in the Chicago metropolitan area. The new office is located at 875 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 3100.

The Chicago office is The Right One’s fifth office operating in Illinois, with other locations in Downers Grove, Rockford, Normal and Schaumburg.

Chris Nolan, a 25-year veteran of the dating service industry who runs seven of The Right One’s offices, will oversee the newest Chicago location.

“By taking a one-to-one personal approach, we’ve been able to help thousands of clients find that special someone over past 25 years. Now, Chicago area singles will have the opportunity to find romance with our expert help,” noted Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating.

To arrange a consultation with a professional matchmaker or for membership, contact

800-818-DATE (3283).

Adding Talent and New Offices

In the fourth quarter of 2008, The Right One and Together Dating showed an 18 percent increase in new memberships over 2007. Concurrently, the company has opened five new locations and according to Falzone, has plans to open four more locations in the near future and the hiring will continue.

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

Romantic Locations

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

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

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

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

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