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Polish off your spring cleaning…DirectBuy of Buffalo provides tips on stainless steel care.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

Mention “spring cleaning” and most people think of cleaning out the garage. Or perhaps spreading seed on your lawn or mulching your flower garden. Yet giving the interior of your home a thorough cleaning after a long winter indoors can pick up your spirits like the first 70-degree day of spring. DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, has some helpful tips on cleaning some of the toughest spots you might encounter during your spring cleaning: your stainless steel appliances.

“You’ll probably find stainless steel in the majority of homes nowadays on everything from refrigerators to stoves to countertops,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “In terms of keeping stainless clean, what you should NOT do is every bit as important as what you should do.”

For example, when cleaning stainless steel, you’ll want to completely avoid using the following:

  • Products containing chlorine
  • Steel wool or brushes
  •  Abrasive cleaners

For the most part, you can simply use soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your stainless steel appliances. For tougher stains, you may need to use a stainless steel cleaner and there are many types on the market today. You’ll just need to find one that works for you.

In addition, there are also a number of products on the market that can reduce the smudge-ability factor of stainless steel, a big issue if you have little ones. Zeps is one product that works well on smudges; Simple Human puts out a sponge mitt that’s also effective in removing and minimizing finger print marks.

Regardless of the type of cleaner you use, any residue left on the surface may permanently damage the finish. Always rinse off the surface after cleaning. If you follow the above advice and still have spots or stains, it may be caused by your water. Hard water can leave spots, but drying completely after cleaning will usually fix this problem.

“Stainless steel sure looks great, but it’s something that needs regular maintenance to keep it looking that way,” said Klinger. “By following the above steps and completely cleaning your stainless steel appliances at least once a week, you can prolong the beauty of your appliances for years to come.”

DirectBuy carries a large selection of stainless steel appliances at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers or 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 has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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 locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

Polish off your spring cleaning…DirectBuy of Buffalo provides tips on stainless steel care.Read More

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.

CHICAGO, HOFFMAN ESTATES, NAPERVILLE, TINLEY PARK, ILLINOIS …

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. The DirectBuy clubs of greater Chicago, the leading home improvement and furnishings club 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 Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County. “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 $350 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 Vest. “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 wholesale 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 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, 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/. For more information on ENERGY STAR, go to www.EnergyStar.gov.

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.   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; 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.

Why ENERGY STAR makes dollars and sense.Read More

Tips from Dating Expert on How to Navigate Introducing Your Friends to Your Date

Is there a right time to introduce your date to your friends?

Master matchmaker, Paul A. Falzone, CEO of the world’s largest bricks and mortar dating service The Right One and Together Dating explains, “Absolutely. A first date is not a good time to introduce him/her to your friends because you hardly know your date. When you introduce someone you are dating to your friends, what you’re really saying is I like this person and I want you to like him/her too. At least wait until you’ve had several dates and you know the feeling is mutual.”

Falzone reminds singles that although it is not set in stone when you should introduce your date to your friends, it can be helpful to have your friends meet your date relatively early on. Why? Because your trusted, good friends are impartial and will have the ability to pick up on something about your date that may, or may not, be positive which you may have overlooked. It’s also helpful to see how your date responds to your friends.

“For example, you may be so enamored with your date that you may not notice how rudely he is treating the hostess and wait staff at the restaurant, but your friends would surely pick up on it. As your friends would point out to you, it’s only a matter of time before he begins to treat you in the same manner,” explained Falzone.

Navigating the date to friend introduction? Falzone advises singles that there are several things to consider:

· Wait until you’ve had at least two dates before introducing him/her to your friends. That will give you both a chance to get to know each other a little better.

· Keep the meeting casual. Meet for coffee or drinks; dine out somewhere informal; hit the local hotspots; head out to a concert; host a barbecue; go bowling or play pool – whatever you decide to do, keep it casual and try to do something that everyone will enjoy.

· Make the extra effort to put everyone at ease. Avoid intense or confrontational conversation. If the conversation turns less than amiable or your friends really begin to delve into your date’s personal life and past relationships, steer the conversation back to neutral territory and if necessary, politely part ways.

Falzone continued, “When you like someone, it’s only natural to want your friends to get to know that special person. Yes, your friends may ‘interrogate’ your date a little bit, but bear in mind that they are only looking out for your best interest. Wait until you’ve dated a couple times before you introduce them and do so in a fun, casual way.”

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 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 (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 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).

Tips from Dating Expert on How to Navigate Introducing Your Friends to Your DateRead More

A new, environmentally friendly Lapels Dry Cleaning Store opens in Seattle, WA. Grand Opening Celebration May 30.

DATELINE: HANOVER, MA AND SEATTLE, WA… Lapels Dry Cleaning, an innovative, environmentally friendly dry cleaning company headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the latest addition to its growing nationwide family of retail stores. On May 9, the first Lapels Dry Cleaning store in Seattle opened for business at 8345 15th Avenue N.W. This new Lapels Dry Cleaning store will be open 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday; 8 am to 5 pm on Saturday; and 12 pm to 3 pm on Sunday.

The Grand Opening Celebration, scheduled for May 30, will include a giveaway drawing featuring a free dinner for four at a neighborhood restaurant, as well as a second prize drawing for an iPod nano. Area residents will also receive postcards good for 50% off the cost of their first dry cleaning order.

Local entrepreneurs Carl and Nora Robinson, the previous owners of Caffe Zingaro, will own and operate Seattle’s first Lapels Dry Cleaning store. “There are very few environmentally friendly dry cleaning operations in Seattle and Lapels Dry Cleaning fills an important need by providing an environmentally progressive alternative,” notes Carl Robinson. “We’re excited to be able to offer area residents the option of the most technically advanced, environmentally friendly dry cleaning service available at our new our Lapels Dry Cleaning Store, introducing on premise cleaning utilizing FIRBIMATIC’S Eco Green Saver machine.”

The Lapels Seattle store will offer environmentally safe ONE – HOUR dry cleaning on the premise on most garments, as well as VIP service utilizing a personalized laundry bag with the option of 24-hour drop off. Same day service will also be available with pick-up after 5 pm.

“We want to congratulate Carl and Nora on the Grand Opening of their new Lapels Dry Cleaning store, and we look forward to an ongoing relationship as we continue to provide guidance and support at the corporate level to help ensure the success of their new dry cleaning store,” remarked Lapels Dry Cleaning CEO Lawrence Friedman. “We’re also proud that their Seattle Lapels Dry Cleaning store will offer the most ecologically sophisticated dry cleaning process available, continuing to advance Lapels Dry Cleaning’s corporate goal of providing environmentally friendly service.”

FIRBIMATIC Saver – better for you, our employees, the earth AND better for your clothes
Utilizing odorless, ecological solvents the FIRBIMATIC Saver series is delicate on garments, minimizing the risk of shrinking, fading, and discoloring. It is designed to help cleaners lower their utility usage, and it also eliminates the production of hazardous waste since it doe not employ a still, unlike conventional dry cleaning systems.

The FIRBIMATIC Saver uses a high-tech filtration combination of nylon spinning disc filters and a special decanter with filtering powder to purify the solvent by accurately removing moisture, odors and fatty acids. Relevant savings in labor, electricity and maintenance costs can be obtained because the saver filtration combination doesn’t use conventional distillation and therefore doesn’t require an external steam supply for drying or supplementary heating coils.  It can also be equipped with an innovative air-cooled refrigeration system that requires no water connection at all, which means that during installation of the machine, only electric and air connections are required.

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
Lapels Dry Cleaning is ranked as one of the Top 10 fastest growing franchises in New England by the New England Franchise Association. In addition, the Lapels Dry Cleaning Franchise Program has made the ranking for the Top 30 Franchise Organizations 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-Charles River Park, Brighton, Concord, Dedham, Easton, Framingham, Halifax, Hanover, Marshfield, Newtonville, Norton, Randolph, Salem, Sudbury, Walpole, Westford, and Westwood); Rhode Island (Lincoln); Arizona (Peoria); California (Pomona and Poway); Florida (Orlando); New Hampshire (Hooksett); South Carolina (Carolina Forest and Myrtle Beach); Texas (Arlington, Garland, Granbury, Murphy, and Plano); Washington (Kirkland); and Washington, DC. Coming soon to Duluth, GA; Destin, FL; Boise, ID; 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. Additional information and up-to-date company news can also be found on the company’s Web site, www.lapelsdrycleaning.com.

A new, environmentally friendly Lapels Dry Cleaning Store opens in Seattle, WA. Grand Opening Celebration May 30.Read More

Janet Sparks and Blue MauMau Editor Don Sniegowski receive the AAFD Community Service Awards.

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) has honored investigative journalists Janet Sparks and Don Sniegowski with the Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community.

Sparks and Sniegowski, the founder and editor of the franchise news social media Web site Blue MauMau, received their awards at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet at the recent Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit in San Antonio, Texas.

Janet Sparks, columnist and reporter for Franchise Times magazine and, over the past two years, an investigative reporter for Blue MauMau. Previously, Janet had been owner and publisher of the Continental Franchise Review, an industry trade journal she worked for and then acquired in 1991.  When Franchise Times acquired CFR in 1998, she became the magazine’s associate publisher, at which time Janet’s journalism became focused on a critical examination of franchising practices, a focus that the AAFD applauds.

“The AAFD is pleased to recognize investigative reporter, Janet Sparks, as a recipient of our Chairman’s Award for Distinguished Service to the Franchising Community,” said Purvin. “Janet has emerged as a vigilant sentinel for fair franchising practices, tenaciously investigating and exposing unscrupulous conduct, and providing an important outlet for franchisee victims to have their stories taken seriously, exposed and investigated.”

Continued Purvin, “In a journalistic environment that is largely patronizing to the franchising community, Janet never shies from a tough or controversial story.  Her forte is to investigate, to challenge and, where appropriate, to expose.  At the heart of Janet’s journalism is a conviction that franchisee rights should be recognized and protected.  Janet has urged grassroots activism amongst franchise owners, and has encouraged franchise owners to come together for their common good.”

“I’m quite honored by AAFD selecting me for its Chairman’s award,” Sparks said.  “I have known Bob Purvin for over 15 years and have followed the AAFD mission in bringing equality and balance to franchising. I’m in awe of the courage and zeal of the AAFD members to bring about a fairer franchise relationship.”

Don Sniegowski is the vision, courage and proud parent of Blue MauMau, the country’s leading online social media Web site covering news for franchise operators and investors and perhaps the single most influential vehicle and instrument for the empowerment of franchise owners ever assembled. In conceptualizing a community of citizen journalists to reveal ‘truth and transparency’ in franchising, Sniegowski has created an online publication that offers honest dialogue with top experts and independent franchise news.

“Don is both innovator and entrepreneur, but is first and foremost a journalist who yearned to reveal hard truths about franchising—to place the glare of public scrutiny on a community that has been much insulated from the voice of franchisees,” said Purvin.  “Because of Blue MauMau, franchisees and their advocates have found their voice, and franchisors are now less likely to succeed in coercive or predatory practices without bearing public scrutiny and scorn.”

“It’s an honor to receive such an award,” said Sniegowski. “It’s even more of an honor considering that this award is freely given from the audience we report for—franchise owners. It wasn’t very long ago when sources of reliable, spin-free information for franchise owners were next to nonexistent. What is really different nowadays is the Internet’s interactive news format, which allows those on the front lines to quietly share information without retribution from the franchisor. Investigative reporters have more sources to tap into and faster access, giving a better news product. That helps operators and investors make informed decisions based on authentic, more timely news, not conjured-up propaganda and re-wrapped press releases.”

To view the Chairman’s Award presentation, please go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdgSHNYS7SU.

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 businesses throughout the United States. The AAFD currently 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 at 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Janet Sparks and Blue MauMau Editor Don Sniegowski receive the AAFD Community Service Awards.Read More

Curb appeal still holds appeal for homeowners…DirectBuy helps consumers with home improvement projects that deliver the most ROI.

MERRILLVILLE, IN …

One of the central motivations of taking on a large remodel or home improvement project is to increase the resale value of your home. Yet in a soft real estate market, is that still the case? If so, which home improvement projects actually “pay for themselves” or increase the value of your home the most? DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, offers some insights into the home improvement projects that deliver the most return on investment (ROI).

“You’d think because of the soft real estate market that the likelihood of homeowners taking on remodels would go down. It’s actually quite the opposite. According to the Spring 2009 RemodelorMove Remodeling Sentiment Report, a semi-annual survey of 5,000 U.S homeowners,68 percent of homeowners will remodel in 2009,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy.

So which home improvements projects have the best chance of recouping the homeowner’s investment? According to Remodeling magazine’s 2008 report, the home improvement projects you’re most likely to recover construction costs in a resale are:

●        Minor kitchen remodel (e.g. new cabinets) – 79.5% cost recouped

●        Major kitchen remodel – 76% recouped

●        Deck addition (wood)– 81.8% cost recouped

●        Bathroom remodel – 78.3% cost recouped

●        Siding replacement (vinyl) – 80.7% cost recouped

●        Window replacement (vinyl) – 79.5% cost recouped

●        Attic to bedroom remodel – 73.8% cost recouped

These numbers reflect a national average, with some home improvement projects coming in higher or lower in different parts of the country (e.g. in Chicago, siding replacement will recoup more than the national average; most likely the higher value of siding in a colder climate).

“What’s interesting about this report is even though home prices have fallen about seven percent nationally, the decline in value of remodeling projects has been under four percent. So, besides getting to enjoy the benefits of your remodel project while you’re living in your home, you are still getting good value comparatively,” said Shragal.

By enabling its members to buy directly from manufacturers at wholesale prices, DirectBuy gives consumers an even greater chance to recoup construction costs at the time of sale. Taking it one step further, DirectBuy also provides members with connections to contractors providing installation services, generally at a discounted rate between five and 20 percent, to improve even further the likelihood of recovering construction costs.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes – from furnishings, home improvement and flooring, to entertainment and outdoor products, accessories and much, much more. With more than 160 locations in North America, DirectBuy offers its members access to approximately 700 brand-name manufacturers and their authorized suppliers in the US, and more than 500 brand-name manufacturers and authorized suppliers in Canada.

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

Curb appeal still holds appeal for homeowners…DirectBuy helps consumers with home improvement projects that deliver the most ROI.Read More

East Amherst resident Bruce Kiernan joins DirectBuy of Buffalo team as Membership Director

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently hired Bruce Kiernan, an East Amherst resident, as a membership director for the club.

As a membership director, Kiernan is responsible for presenting the DirectBuy opportunity to prospective members, conducting tours of the DirectBuy of Buffalo club and answering questions prospective members might have prior to making their decision.

“Bruce has been a great addition to our team. He brings a lot of energy to the table and has a passion for the value DirectBuy brings to our members’ lives,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

A former mortgage broker and banker, Kiernan has served as a senior vice president at HSBC, a vice president with Wells Fargo and owned his own mortgage finance company in his 30-plus year career. It’s an experience that’s served him well at DirectBuy.

“There are a lot of parallels between my previous career and working with DirectBuy. As a mortgage broker, I helped people realize their dream of owning their own home. As a membership director here at DirectBuy, we provide members with a way to create the homes of their dreams and help them save a ton of money in that process and that’s pretty cool,” said Kiernan.

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.

 

East Amherst resident Bruce Kiernan joins DirectBuy of Buffalo team as Membership DirectorRead More

Gray receives DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle honors

HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL…

Carpentersville resident Jennifer Gray, a marketing associate at DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, was recently awarded Achievement Circle honors by DirectBuy’s corporate offices for her dedication to helping introduce new families to DirectBuy club membership during the month of January.

DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle recognizes the top performing membership directors and phone room associates at the more than 160 DirectBuy clubs across North America for their performance on a monthly basis. As a marketing associate, Gray has an active role in helping interested families learn more about DirectBuy club membership at the  DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates club.

“It’s no accident that this is the fifth time Jennifer has earned Achievement Circle honors. She’s very good at working with prospective new members and is a valuable member of our marketing team,” said Dave Kushner, owner of DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, located at 2200 North Stonington Avenue, Suite 150 in Hoffman Estates.

Gray began with DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates in 2006. Prior to that, she had worked in retail management.

“DirectBuy is a great place to work for several reasons. First, we provide a tremendous service to our members by providing them an alternative way to buy the things they want and need for their homes. On a personal level, the owner Dave encourages our development as professionals and people. He even makes his personal library of motivational books and cd’s available to the entire staff,” said Gray.

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, 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; 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.

Gray receives DirectBuy’s Achievement Circle honorsRead More

Single Parents Bring their Kids on Dates? Master Matchmaker Advises Single Parents to Bring the Kids on a “Kid Friendly Date”

There’s no two ways about it – being a single parent and trying to date is complicated. For single moms or dads who are juggling work with family responsibilities, it often comes down to having to choose between spending time with your kids or spending time with your date.

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of the world’s largest bricks and mortar dating service The Right One and Together Dating, “Dating as a single parent can be even more challenging than making a career change. But, you don’t always have to choose one or the other. There’s a third option – bring your child(ren) along on a ‘kid-friendly’ date.”

Falzone recommends single parents bring their child(ren) on a date ONLY if they are comfortable doing so and have been able to get to know their date better. He noted, “If you’ve only been on a couple dates with someone, it’s not the right time. But, if you’ve been dating someone for some time and are comfortable broaching the subject of a ‘kid-friendly’ date – go for it. Your date already knows you’re a single parent and most likely understands your time constraints.”

Falzone, who is the father of two, shares kid-friendly date advice:

· Be sure to consider activities that everyone might enjoy, but that are also age appropriate for the children.

· Check with the child(ren) and your date first, to gauge interest and ensure the day is a success.

· If you decide to go to a restaurant, make sure the atmosphere is casual and kid-friendly.

· Consider going to a playground, mini-golfing or bowling and heading for ice cream afterwards.

· Biking, hiking, sailing, going to the zoo, beach, aquarium or a picnicking the park are “crowd pleasing” activities.

· Amusement parks, water parks and carnivals aren’t just for kids – they bring “the kid” out in everyone.

· Sports it up. Like baseball, hockey or football? Tennis or soccer? Get tickets to a game (pro or amateur) and get in the fan spirit – wear your team hats or shirts, make a banner and so on.

· Rent paddle boats or go kayaking on a lake, river or bay for the day. No need to take on the challenge of level 4 river rapids, just get out and have some fun in the sun.

“There’s no need to take on the role of an activities director with a day-long itinerary. Plan one activity. It also helps to be flexible and have a back-up plan in case that first activity you thought of doesn’t work out. Then, relax and simply enjoy each other’s company for a few hours,” noted Falzone.

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 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 (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 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).

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