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Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Mort Aronson as this year’s recipient of AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Award for Lifetime Achievement.  The AAFD’s highest individual recognition, Aronson is being recognized for a lifetime of embracing collaborative relationships in franchising.

Aronson will be honored at AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards banquet, to be held during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

“Mort Aronson exemplifies the AAFD’s vision of Total Quality Franchising,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD. “His body of work, from his quarter of a century with Holiday Inn to his service to the International Franchise Association (IFA) and his leadership in advocating the mediation of franchise-related disputes, reflects a dedication to encouraging collaborative win-win relationships.”

As General Counsel/Franchising for most of his 25 years at Holiday Inn, Aronson developed a reputation for openness and fairness from the franchisee population, and he is one of a very few ‘non-franchisees’ to receive an Honorary Lifetime membership in the IAHI, the franchisee association for Holiday Inn franchisees.

Said IAHI President Eva Ferguson, “For more than 20 years, Mort has been a well-respected key participant in the franchisee and franchisor relationship within InterContinental Hotels Group. Through his involvement in the IAHI Owners’ Association, he provided direction and counsel to the most pressing challenges. He continues to be viewed as a leading industry expert and a knowledgeable advocate for the best hotel franchising practices.  On behalf of the IAHI, we congratulate Mort on this award and recognition.”   

An active leader of the International Franchise Association, Mort served on the IFA Board from 1996-1998.  In August, 1998 Aronson was elected founding chairman of the National Franchise Council, a franchisor organization, and he reached out to the AAFD to discuss collaboration on a range of issues of mutual interest.

Among Mr. Aronson’s greatest contributions to the franchising community has been his dedicated and inspirational drive to promote mediation of franchise disputes.  Mort is a founder of the National Franchise Mediation Program, which is endorsed and supported by the IFA, the AAFD and the Asian American Hotel Association, along with many franchisor and franchisee organizations.  Mort served as chairman of the NFMP from 2002-2004, and continues to serve on the Steering Committee today.

Bill Hall, a Dairy Queen franchisee and co-chair of the NFMP, believes there would not be a National Franchise Mediation Program without Mort Aronson. Hall says, “Mort’s leadership in founding, nurturing, leading and mentoring the National Franchise Mediation Program since 1993 has provided a meaningful way for franchisees and franchisors to resolve disputes without litigation.  Countless parties have benefited from Mort’s work to promote mediation to resolve conflicts fairly and cost-effectively without destroying relationships.”

Hall added, “Mort is a personal mentor to me and many others and the right choice for the AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award.”    

Aronson reacted to news of the AAFD honor with gratitude and humility. “I am deeply honored and appreciative the AAFD to receive its lifetime achievement award.  I have learned during a 30-year career in franchising that a cornerstone of success is franchisors maintaining good relations with their franchisees.” 

After leaving Holiday Inns in May 2003, Mort served as counsel with the firm of Kilpatrick Stockton in Atlanta. He is also an adjunct professor at Emory University Law School where he has been teaching franchise law for the past 15 years.  Currently, Mort Aronson is Of Counsel at the firm of Federal & Hasson and is in charge of the franchise practice.  Mort is a frequent speaker and has authored numerous articles on franchising and franchise relationships.

Aronson is a graduate of Boston University where he received his A.B., Boston University Law School where he received his L.L.B., and Harvard Law School where he received his L.L.M. His civic activities include serving on the Law School Council of Emory Law School, a member of the Board of Directors of Atlanta Israel Bonds, and a member of the Atlanta Council of American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). Aronson resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Ellen. They have three children and four grandchildren.

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 – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Mort Aronson to receive AAFD’s 2009 Lifetime Achievement AwardRead More

Master Matchmaker Recommends the Best Way to Find Love

For singles who are looking for love, there are hundreds of online dating sites as well as traditional (brick and mortar) matchmaking services out there to help them find a date or potential mate. But, which is better?

According to Paul A. Falzone, CEO of the world’s largest bricks and mortar dating service The Right One and Together Dating as well as online dating service LoveAccess.com, “What’s the best way to find love? It’s not about which is the better way – traditional dating services or online dating. It’s really all about customer preference. There are still many people who are uncomfortable going to a dating site to seek a match. They prefer to have that face-to-face contact with a professional matchmaker.”

So, what do you get from an online dating site? You get the freedom to browse and connect with other (hopefully) single people. Typically, you’ll register and complete a questionnaire (which may be brief or comprehensive) and can start seeking potential dates immediately. Some online dating sites offer their members additional services such as instant messaging, web cam chat, dating forums, chemistry prediction tools and compatibility profiling.

Traditional dating services take on the full responsibility of finding you a date or potential mate and charge a fee for their matchmaking services and relationship coaching. Typically, you would meet with a traditional matchmaker in person and discuss your dating/relationship expectations and complete an in-depth questionnaire about yourself and what you are looking for in a date/mate. Members of traditional dating services can rest easy while professional matchmaking experts work to find compatible matches. Background screenings on all members as well as divorce decree checks are additional benefits of some traditional dating services.

Is there a real cost difference?

Although there may be a nominal fee involved with online dating, there is the value of your time and how much of it you need to invest in searching online for potential matches. An attractive online profile may yield hundreds of hits per day – and it’s especially time consuming to sort through them all. Time means money and many people just don’t have time to spare to peruse for potential dates.

Whether you use a traditional dating service or an online dating site, it really boils down to personal preference. Some traditional dating services provide more peace of mind to their clients by offering added benefits such as screenings and background checks on all members. With online dating, there is no third party confirmation that members are who they claim to be and you have to rely upon what your potential date tells you.

Falzone continued, “There are still a lot of people who are intimidated with online dating and prefer to use traditional matchmaking services. Then, there are others who really enjoy seeking out and meeting potential matches online. Online dating sites have significantly more members to choose from while the bricks and mortar dating services have fewer members, yet provide a more ‘local’ membership base and a much higher level of customer service. So again, comfort level really is the deciding factor for most people when it comes to choosing online dating or traditional matchmaking services.”

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).

Master Matchmaker Recommends the Best Way to Find LoveRead More

Doing good does some good. Henry named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure participation.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK

As a tribute to her aunt Pam Oehler and co-worker Mercedes Zoldos—both breast cancer survivors–DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Marcia Henry decided to organize a team to take part in this year’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure walk/run on June 13. Little did she realize her effort to raise funds and awareness towards breast cancer would earn her DirectBuy of  Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month for March.

“The Do-Gooder of the Month award recognizes employees and vendors of DirectBuy of Buffalo going above and beyond the call of duty, at work or in their efforts in the community. Marcia organizing a team as a tribute to her aunt and Mercedes certainly meets that criteria and we’re delighted to honor her with March’s Do’Gooder award,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

As for DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives restaurant gift certificate. Yet according to Henry, a Hamburg resident, the real work has just begun.

“DirectBuy has been very supportive of my efforts and receiving the Do Gooder award is proof of that. At this point, however, I’m just looking to get a team together and to raise some funds. And if I can do that, I’m more than happy to use my Do Gooder restaurant gift certificates to treat my Race for the Cure team,” said Henry, marketing associate at DirectBuy of Buffalo.

The Race will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 13th, 2009 in the Delaware Park Rose Garden. Through the Race for the Cure series, the Western New York Affiliate has raised close to $2 million. Seventy-five percent of the money raised has been awarded in grants and outreach programs focused on unmet breast health needs within Western New York. The remaining 25% is invested in critical research through the Komen National Award Program.

“Whether is a family member, co-worker, friend or loved one, breast cancer has hit somebody you know. Taking part or donating to the Race for the Cure is just one small thing everybody can do to help find a cure,” said Henry.

To donate to Henry’s team or to join it, please click here.

DirectBuy clubs across Canada and the United States are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities, including the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army and other South Shore YMCA, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospital. Locally, DirectBuy of Buffalo was a sponsor of the first annual Kevin Everett Golf Weekend Classic and is currently sponsoring a Habitat for Humanity effort on Guilford Street in Buffalo. In addition, DirectBuy of Buffalo donates slightly damaged items that manufacturers will not exchange to the Delaware Avenue Baptist Church in Buffalo.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

www.directbuy-buffalo.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money 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, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy location throughout North America.

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

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

Doing good does some good. Henry named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month for Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure participation.Read More

Groomed for success. Groomathon at DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga raises more than $800 for Buffalo Humane.

DirectBuy of Buffalo Groomathon
DirectBuy of Buffalo Groomathon

Organizers and supporters celebrated a successful Groomathon that raised more than $800 for Buffalo Humane. Posing with DirectBuy of Buffalo Owner Mark Klinger are Buffalo Humane volunteer Connie Pikul and her daughters Ava Pikul (left) and Alana (far right). Also pictured, from left to right are Sasha, Spike and Tucker (who was adopted by a DirectBuy staff member at the Groomathon).

 

 

 

 

Several of man’s best friends enjoyed a post-winter grooming at the March 21 event held at the DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga, less than one mile from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport. Park N Bark provided the grooming services and donated all proceeds from the event to Buffalo Humane, a non-profit organization working for the safety, health, and welfare of companion animals in the Buffalo area.

For their part of the Groomathon, Buffalo Humane brought along pets for adoption.

 “Our customers and the public really responded to this good cause,” noted Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.  He added, “We fully booked up the groomer’s schedule and the children enjoyed playing with the dogs brought by Buffalo Humane. In fact, one of our staff members enjoyed it so much they adopted a dog.”

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 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 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.

 

About Park N Bark
Park N Bark Mobile Pet Grooming is a pet grooming service that provides convenient, professional, door-to-door pet grooming. The Standard Spa Package rivals those of popular human spas, and can include any and all of the following: Nail Trimming; Ear Cleaning/Plucking; Luxury Bath and Massage (with specialized shampoo for skin and coat type); Conditioning; Drying; Breed specific haircut; Pad and feet clipping; Sanitary Clipping; Toothbrushing; Brushing; Bow or Bandana; and Cologne. For more information, please visit www.parknbark.vpweb.com/.


Groomed for success. Groomathon at DirectBuy of Buffalo in Cheektowaga raises more than $800 for Buffalo Humane.Read More

Hail to the ‘chief’… DirectBuy hires Patrick Sanford as chief information officer

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

The DirectBuy Corporate Support Center recently hired Patrick Sanford to the newly-created position of chief information officer (CIO).

Sanford is a professional technology leader with more than two decades of experience designing and implementing business solutions based on advanced Internet technology and architecture. He has held senior management positions (CTO, vice president, director and product and development manager) in multiple commercial and government software companies.

“We’re positively thrilled to have somebody with Patrick’s experience and capabilities as our first chief information officer,” said Scott Powell, DirectBuy president and CEO. “You can’t underestimate the importance of a strong Internet presence and the smooth operation of your company’s IT. Putting those areas in the hands of a person of Patrick’s stature gives us strength in an area that’s vital to our success.”

Prior to joining DirectBuy, Patrick was the present and chief technology officer for Sourcelight Technologies, chief technology officer at the Global Exchange and vice president of product services for ADP dealer services. In his role as CIO, Patrick will oversee and guide the MIS and Virtual Showroom departments at the corporate headquarters, as well as provide technical leadership as a member of DirectBuy’s executive team.

“DirectBuy is known for its innovation in providing direct insider prices to its members in helping them to create the homes of their dreams and, quite frankly, changing lives. I’m honored to now be a part of that and look forward to helping more and more families realize their dreams,” said Sanford.

Sanford holds resides in Glen Ellyn with wife Sylvia and son Taylor.

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 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.

Hail to the ‘chief’… DirectBuy hires Patrick Sanford as chief information officerRead More

Curves International Recognized as 2009 Franchisor of the Year

SAN DIEGO, CA…

The American Association of Franchisee and Dealers (AAFD) announced Curves International, Inc., as AAFD’s Franchisor of the Year for 2009. 

Curves International is the franchisor of Curves fitness centers, the world’s largest fitness network with nearly 10,000 franchisee-owned fitness clubs serving four million women worldwide.  Curves is also one of the fastest growing franchise companies in history.

Notwithstanding the challenges of rapid growth and dynamic involvement in multiple channels of distribution, the Company has embraced a collaborative culture with its franchise network and has enjoyed a very positive relationship with its members as a result. 

AAFD Chairman Robert Purvin cited Curves’ exemplary franchise culture as the primary focus of the AAFD’s recognition.  “Curves management has encouraged and supported the organization of an independent franchisee association, including a willingness to engage the association’s elected leadership.” 

“In the 15 years that I have been representing franchisee associations, my experience with Curves International has been utterly unique,” said Ron Gardner, the attorney for Circuit Fitness Association (CFA). “The company has supported a completely independent association, both financially, and through open and continuous access to Curves’ senior management and have embraced the CFA as a valuable source of information. That’s contributed to noticeable improvements in the system for both the franchisees and the franchisor—exactly how a healthy franchisor/franchisee relationship should work.”

“Curves International, under the leadership of Gary and Diane Heavin, as well as Mike Raymond, has shown tremendous support for the Curves Franchisee Association. This has been done through funding as well as an open dialogue with not only top leadership, but with the various department heads,” said Mary Ella Young, president of CFA. “Curves has always asked for complete honesty and has been very open to criticism when the CFA felt it was necessary. This never dissuaded them from their support of the CFA. Quite the opposite; they are interested and support the transition to being a completely independent and autonomous group.”

Under the wise leadership of company founders, Gary and Diane Heavin, Curves has defined itself as a franchise system built upon a culture of collaboration with and respect for its franchisee network, as well as setting a high standard for customer satisfaction and commitment.

Said CEO Gary Heavin, “We have always made every effort to work hand in hand with our franchisees—as partners and as friends. The CFA is an indispensable resource, providing invaluable feedback that allows us to serve our franchisees at a higher level. I am pleased to accept this award in recognition of the collaborative efforts of our corporate employees, our franchisees and the CFA.”   

The Heavins opened the first Curves in 1992, and sold their first franchise in 1995. The company is headquartered in Waco, Texas.  All Curves fitness clubs are independently owned and operated.

The AAFD’s Total Quality Franchising Awards will be presented during the Association’s Annual Franchisee Leadership Summit on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas.

About Curves

Curves works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to 4 million women. With nearly 10,000 locations in 70 countries, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.

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 – 800-733-9858 or visit www.AAFD.org.

Curves International Recognized as 2009 Franchisor of the YearRead More

DirectBuy of Tinley Park owner celebrates 35 years in business

TINLEY PARK, IL…

Before Ed Sell purchased his DirectBuy franchise back in 1974, the world was a different place. Richard Nixon had yet to resign from office. Not everybody had a color television. There was still no such thing as a free agent in baseball. Yet in celebrating his 35th anniversary with DirectBuy, Sell is still sold on the DirectBuy concept of providing members the opportunity to purchase name brand products at direct insider prices.

“My first experience with DirectBuy was as a member back in 1972. So I experienced the kind of savings you can only get by buying directly from the manufacturer firsthand. You could say I was impressed with the company from the very start because shortly after I joined applied for a job there and eventually wanted to buy my own franchise,” said Sell.

Sell opened his DirectBuy in Calumet, Illinois back in March of 1974. He ran his franchise in that location until 2000 before expanding his territory and opening the current location at 18400 S. 76th Avenue in Tinley Park, Illinois. About seven years into his ownership, Sell acquired a business partner when he married I.J., the current Mrs. Sell.

“Ed didn’t have to, pardon the pun, sell me on DirectBuy. It was clear to me from the start that this was a great company and a great business. Twenty-nine years later, for me, and 35 for Ed, we still take a tremendous amount of satisfaction in seeing people get more for their money and avoiding retail markups,” says I.J.

The leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, DirectBuy of Tinley Park Estates offers manufacturer-direct pricing on products ranging from light fixtures to televisions to kitchen cabinets, all from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. DirectBuy also offers design, delivery and installation services.

“Our 35 years in business have not only given us the opportunity to help families in the greater Chicago area and northwestern Indiana create the home of their dreams, but to also establish ourselves as part of the local business community and as a contributor to local charities,” said Sell. “We look forward to further cultivating those relationships with our customers and the community as we build toward even bigger and better things in the years to come.”

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 five DirectBuy showrooms 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 five DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Gurnee, 4081 Ryan Rd. #107, Gurnee, IL; 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.

DirectBuy of Tinley Park owner celebrates 35 years in businessRead More

Top mark for DirectBuy… DirectBuy hires Mark Boggess as chief financial officer

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

The DirectBuy Corporate Support Center recently hired Mark Boggess as chief financial officer (CFO).

AS CFO, Boggess will work closely with management to grow the DirectBuy network of franchise centers, as well as new products and services.

“We’re extremely excited to have somebody of Mark’s caliber as CFO. It’s no coincidence that the companies he’s worked for previously have enjoyed tremendous success and we’re hoping that continues here at DirectBuy,” said Scott Powell, president and CEO of DirectBuy.

Boggess comes to DirectBuy after a successful career with Affinity Group, Inc., which operates membership clubs with nearly two million active members. The company sells products and services like liability insurance, emergency road service, publishing and specialty retail.

“I’m positively thrilled with the opportunity to work with Scott and the rest of the team at DirectBuy,” said Boggess. “We’re in the middle of some very challenging economic times these days and that makes the job of CFO even more critical. Thankfully, DirectBuy has a product that gives consumers the power to stretch their dollars farther and that’s something I’m happy to be a part of.”

Boggess and his family are in the process of relocating to Chicagoland from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

DirectBuy clubs offer members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products and accessories by purchasing wholesale, directly from the manufacturer or authorized distributor. In addition, DirectBuy clubs boast a team of designers to help members with their purchases and gives them access to a roster of hand-selected contractors to expedite those projects.

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

About DirectBuy

For more than 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.

Top mark for DirectBuy… DirectBuy hires Mark Boggess as chief financial officerRead More

DirectBuy of Little Rock makes local efforts for long distance disaster.

 LITTLE ROCK, AR…

Why is it that “no good deed goes unnoticed?” Sometimes it’s because the effects of that good deed will have forever altered the lives of those involved. And that’s why the service staff at DirectBuy of Little Rock donated their time and efforts on March 27, 2009 to help fill 4,000 disaster relief buckets for the recent flooding in North Dakota.

Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center in Arkansas coordinated local relief efforts for the flood disasters in North Dakota. The buckets contained essential items for residential cleanup like: garbage bags, sponges, scrub brushes, masks, gloves, and detergent. Little Rock’s service staff helped fill and palletize close to a hundred extra large buckets before returning to work that day.

“Our service staff participates in community outreach every month,” said co-owner of DirectBuy of Little Rock Paula Schmidt. “We’ll be back to help fill First Aid kits anytime there is a disaster.”

Months of rain and bad weather caused the Red River that runs through eastern North and South Dakota as well as western Minnesota to swell and spill over its banks. Floodwaters that made it through the levee damaged roads, public buildings, businesses, and homes.

A week after record flooding in North Dakota, cleanup efforts were under way. Thanks to the help of Ferncliff Disaster Relief Center, residents and businesses were prepared for immediate cleanup as relief buckets were sent on Saturday March 28, 2009.

In order to obtain high levels of service, DirectBuy of Little Rock has service trainings 3 days a week. Once a month, the staff reaches out to the community as part of those trainings. Little Rock’s Catalog Updater Eden Carroll introduced the staff to the relief center where her father serves as Director.

“Although the Red River is out of immediate danger, the river is still roughly 37 feet above flood stage. Should the river flood the area again, and we pray that it doesn’t, we would be more than willing to contribute further efforts in the relief of North Dakota,” said Service Manager Joey Sammons.

DirectBuy clubs across North America are active contributors to many local non-profits and charities. Some of the more notable beneficiaries of DirectBuy’s generosity include the Boys & Girls Clubs, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Homes for Our Troops and Children’s Hospitals.

About Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center

Ferncliff has a 10,000 sq ft Disaster Assistance Center (DAC) that works in cooperation with Church World Service (CWS) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). The warehouse receives CWS Gift-of-the-Heart kits from churches around the country. Churches west of the Mississippi are invited to send their completed kits to Ferncliff. Churches to the east are asked to send their kits to the CWS national warehouse in New Windsor, Maryland. Kits received at Ferncliff will either be consolidated and sent in quantity to Maryland or can be sent directly to disaster sites.

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.

DirectBuy of Little Rock makes local efforts for long distance disaster.Read More