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DirectBuy of Cool Springs member wins $50,000 home makeover

BRENTWOOD, TN…

DirectBuy of Cool Springs, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, awarded $50,000 to one of its members on Saturday, February 14, 2009, as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. The celebration was highlighted by the presentation of an oversized check to Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia by the club’s owners, Steve Blume and John Langley.

 

Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia joined DirectBuy of Cool Springs in November of 2008, and was in the midst of remodeling his home when informed he was DirectBuy’s grand prize winner. “This is the first time I had won anything, and I was shocked,” he said excitedly. “I really couldn’t believe it. I am still speechless.”

Menchaca-Garcia’s plans to use his newfound fortune to improve his home with the help of DirectBuy, ultimately maximizing his return on investment when he decides to sell. To go along with new flooring and fixtures for his bathroom, he’s also added a new roof and plans a full kitchen remodel, complete with new windows and appliances.

 

Rogelio is active in the military and was formerly deployed in Bosnia. He now works as part of a special program called Wounded Warriors – a not-for-profit organization that provides tangible support for soldiers to help them on the road to healing.

 

“We work with soldiers who may have been wounded overseas while serving our country,” he explained. “Our objective is to help them rehabilitate with the goal of returning either to active duty and/or the community.”

 

Steve Blume and John Langley, who own and operate DirectBuy of Cool Springs, were excited to be able to help one of their members realize their dreams, and felt it was especially meaningful that it was a community member who had served our country overseas.

 

“We always have imagined how awesome it would be if someone won the Home Makeover Program from our club, but for it to actually happen is incredible,” co-owner Steve Blume explained. “I have come to know and respect Rogelio Menchaca-Garcia. He’s a wonderful person – exactly the caliber of person you want and hope will win. Everyone at our showroom was so excited and happy for him.”

 

Over the past few years, DirectBuy has distributed more than $450,000 in prize money to both members and non-members as part of their Home Makeover Program, designed to help consumers create the home of their dreams.

 

DirectBuy of Cool Springs recently relocated to a brand new, 25,000 sq. foot showroom, conveniently located at 1005 Flagpole Court in Brentwood in the new Mallory Park development. The franchise was among the top ten United States franchises in annual merchandise volume purchased by members in 2008. Additionally, the club boasts an A+ rating from their local Better Business Bureau, attracting members who drive as long as four hours to shop there.

 

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy of Cool Springs employs interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

 

DirectBuy of Cool Springs members also have exclusive access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

 

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy of Cool Springs are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise. 

 

About DirectBuy

For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing hundreds of 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.directbuycoolsprings.com or www.directbuycares.com.

DirectBuy of Cool Springs member wins $50,000 home makeoverRead More

Dating Service Goliath Offers Co-Brand Dating Solution to Media Outlets

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International Dating Ventures has recently announced the availability of a co-brand dating solution for media outlets across the U.S.

International Dating Ventures is the holding company for one of the largest brick and mortar dating services in the world, The Right One and Together Dating, and the online dating sites LoveAccess.com and TogetherChristian.com.

Essentially, International Dating Ventures’ co-branded dating solution enables a media outlet such as a newspaper, radio or television station or show to incorporate a dating service element into their website.

“The solution provides media outlets with ‘dating out of a box’ – which means the media outlet provides the brand and marketing and International Dating Ventures takes care of the rest,” explained Nelson Rodriguez, the company’s Chief Technology Officer.

In addition to Cheaters®, a nationally syndicated television show airing in more than 100 countries, that has incorporated International Dating Ventures’ co-brand dating solution on their website, there are a number of prominent daily newspapers that also use the solution, including the Washington Post, Boston Herald and the Cape Cod Times. To view an example of the co-branded dating solution, visit NoCheatersDate.com.

International Dating Ventures’ co-brand dating solution provides media outlets with the dating software; the membership database; payment processing; customer support; hosting infrastructure and ancillary revenue sources. They even provide website design of the actual dating solution that is branded to the media outlet.

How it works

Visitors to a media outlet’s website simply click on a dating service link to sign up for free. Once signed up, the visitor is taken to the branded website and International Dating Ventures takes on the matchmaking from among their 3 million-plus members.

“For media outlets, this is one of the best ways to increase website traffic while also providing a service that is in demand and that generates additional revenue. It’s definitely win-win,” noted Rodriguez.

About International Dating Ventures (IDV)

International Dating Ventures is the holding company for The Right One and Together Dating and the online dating sites LoveAccess.com and TogetherChristian.com.

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.

IDV maintains a consulting agreement with Singles Station Dating Company 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. 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).

Dating Service Goliath Offers Co-Brand Dating Solution to Media OutletsRead More

Cassandra Hall named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NEW YORK… 

 

 

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, established the “Do-Gooder of the Month” award to recognize employees, vendors and even members going above and beyond the call of duty—either on the job or in their everyday lives. January’s winner is Cassandra Hall, interior designer at DirectBuy of Buffalo.

 

As lead designer, Hall provides assistance to members for any number of things, ranging from reviewing floor plans to selecting home furnishings. Recently, Hall added in-home consultation as a service she offers DirectBuy of Buffalo members as a vendor/consultant. This service has been particularly well received and a good example of why Hall earned January’s “Do Gooder” award.

 

“Cassandra goes above and beyond the call of duty. By offering the in-home consultation service to members on top of what she does here in the Club, it not only helps the member feel more comfortable with the design choices they make for their home, but helps them get more value out of their DirectBuy membership. That makes the member happy and that’s what we’re always shooting for,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

 

As DirectBuy of Buffalo’s Do-Gooder of the Month, beyond the recognition, the recipient receives a restaurant gift certificate.

 

“When it comes to redesigning a room, many people have no idea where to start. By doing the in-home consultation, I can get a sense of what they like about their current space and apply it to a design that flows with the other rooms in their home but also gives it fresh, new look,” said Hall. “It’s a service I’m quite happy to provide. And if it wins me a restaurant gift certificate to boot, that’s just icing on the cake.”

 

Hall began with DirectBuy of Buffalo in March 2008 after working for Buffalo Design and Construction. A Depew resident, she holds an associate’s degree in interior design from Villa Maria College of Buffalo.

 

Members of DirectBuy have access to thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from hundreds of top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Since DirectBuy offers brand-name merchandise with no traditional retail markup, members are able to save hundreds, even thousands, of dollars on purchases for their homes.

 

To assist with home renovation, DirectBuy members also have access to licensed interior designers and product specialists who are specifically trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

 

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, country-club 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.

Cassandra Hall named DirectBuy of Buffalo’s “Do-Gooder” of the month.Read More

“Go to your room!”…DirectBuy clubs of Chicagoland provide tips on designing the “perfect kid’s room.”

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

While in the past, a parent yelling, “Go to your room!” may have been some sort of punishment, nowadays it could pass as a reward, depending on the design and furniture selection your child’s room. DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, not only offer consumers a brand new way to save on home improvement projects, but also offers some helpful tips on designing the perfect kid’s room.

“A child’s bedroom serves as much more than a place for you kids to play. It’s a study, computer room, play room, game room, video/entertainment center and even a guest room,” said Karuna Talwar, owner of DirectBuy of Gurnee. “By following a few simple guidelines, you can create a room that’s comfortable for them to sleep and play in, but also maximizes the space.”

Some guidelines to follow include:

●        Involve your children in the buying of the furniture and decorating process; it’s their room, after all, and it stands to reason they will be more comfortable with items they helped select.

●        Take into account your child’s age, gender and how long the furniture will be used (e.g. bunk beds might be fun at 12, but at 16 your teenager might want some more space)

●        Only consider bedroom furniture that has quality construction and age-appropriate design. It is also a good idea to bring children along while shopping to make sure the bedding is comfortable.

●        Plan for growth – not just your child getting bigger but acquiring more things and clothing that will need to be stored.

 DirectBuy carries a large selection of brand-name kids’ furniture at wholesale prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy employs product specialists and designers who can help parents and children select furniture and accessories to create the look you want for your child’s room.

“Sure, parents might lose a little leverage by sending a child to their room not being seen as a form of punishment,” laughs Talwar. “The upside is that by creating a room that’s a haven for your child, they’ll be happier, which in turn makes parents happier. So everybody wins.”

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 five convenient locations in the greater Chicago area (Chicago, Gurnee, Hoffman Estates, Naperville, and Tinley Park), consumers can enjoy a comfortable, country-club setting, where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

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

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.  It’s a comfortable, country-club setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct. The five 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 five DirectBuy clubs 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.

“Go to your room!”…DirectBuy clubs of Chicagoland provide tips on designing the “perfect kid’s room.”Read More

DirectBuy names Barry Bennington new Director of Field Sales.

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

DirectBuy, the home improvement and home furnishings club with direct insider prices, is pleased to name Barry Bennington as its new Director of Field Sales. As Director of Field Sales, he will work with business consultants and field sales consultants on the development of training manuals, videos and scripts, and in assisting individual franchise owners through on-site meetings, conference calls, and regional training sessions.

Bennington joined the DirectBuy team in October of 2001 as a membership director at the Springfield, Missouri location. In July of 2002, he was promoted to sales manager of the Johnson County, Kansas franchise and helped guide Johnson County to a Top 10 finish in membership.

In October of 2005, Barry was hired by DirectBuy Corporate as a field sales consultant. In October of 2006, he was promoted to manager of field sales, overseeing the department’s creation of the popular Master’s Training Series, as well as the refinement and restructuring of DirectBuy’s Business Management School. In late 2008, Barry was recognized as DirectBuy’s Managing Associate of the Year for his dedication to the franchise network and overall growth of the company.

“Barry’s proven leadership abilities make him the perfect candidate for this important position,” says Bart Fesperman, DirectBuy’s Executive Vice President. “We congratulate Barry and look forward to a prosperous future as he leads our Field Sales department to even greater levels of success.”

DirectBuy offers consumers thousands of items, including kitchen cabinets, flat-screen televisions and major appliances from more than 1000 top manufacturers and their authorized suppliers throughout North America. At more than 160 clubs throughout the United States and Canada, DirectBuy members enjoy a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy also offers access to interior designers and product specialists who are specially trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Entertainment/Outdoor, and Accessories. Additionally, members benefit from the use of a children’s play area, café and a member’s lounge to relax while shopping.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell.  Lowell has designed twelve room settings – created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy – using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

DirectBuy Membership

Consumers who are interested in joining DirectBuy are encouraged to attend an exclusive Open House event, which is designed to educate families about DirectBuy’s unique business model.  The Open House also helps consumers better understand how DirectBuy members avoid traditional retail markup when purchasing brand-name merchandise.

To request a “Free Insider’s Guide to Buying Direct” and a Visitor’s Pass to learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, call 1-800-DIRECTBUY or visit 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.

DirectBuy names Barry Bennington new Director of Field Sales.Read More

AAFD to host annual 17th anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit in SanAntonio

San Diego, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers will host this year’s Franchisee Leadership Summit and Annual Meeting at the Crown Plaza Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas, April 29 to May 2.

“Our annual summit has traditionally been a great event for franchisees and franchisee association leaders to meet, network, share ideas and learn how being part of a franchise can empower them, particularly in today’s economy,” said AAFD President Peter Hanson. “This year’s conference at San Antonio’s beautiful Riverwalk features the annual Total Quality Franchising Awards Banquets and Gala and a number of other ‘can’t miss’ events for franchisees.”

Some of those ‘can’t miss’ activities include the following seminars:

  • The Power of the Network in Financially Difficult Times
  •  The 5 Top Reasons Associations Succeed or Fail
  •  Mastering Cooperation and Unity
  •  How to Really Negotiate a Fair Franchise Agreement
  •  Best Practice Round Tables

The conference will also include the Franchisee Leadership Council Session, The AAFD Market Power Trade Show and AAFD Annual conference luncheon among other traditional events.

“The Total Quality Franchising: Harnessing the Power of Your Collective Voice truly is an event everyone associated with a franchise should attend. Beyond what you learn, just meeting and getting to know other franchisees and franchisee association leadership is an invaluable experience. And to do it in a great place like San Antonio is really something you’ll remember for many years to come,” said Hanson.

For complete conference information, please visit www.aafd.org or call 800-733-9858. You can also e-mail benefits@aafd.org.

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

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

AAFD to host annual 17th anniversary Franchisee Leadership Summit in SanAntonioRead More

Counting Sheep? Try Counting Threads…

MERRILLVILLE, IN…

There’s nothing like a good night’s sleep. If you’re trying to remember the last time you had one, it may be time to evaluate your sleeping space. Could it be your mattress? Maybe. Yet according to DirectBuy, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, the real culprit might be your sheets.

“Linens are one of the most important parts of your bedding ensemble, yet it’s the last thing people will look to replace when it comes to improving the quality of their sleep,” said Sara Shragal, of DirectBuy. “So, instead of shelling out hundreds, even thousands on new mattresses, duvets and comforters, people really ought to be looking at an upgrade of their linens. And when it comes to linens, the higher the thread count, the higher the quality.”

Thread count is the number of threads per square inch of fabric. Quality linen begins at 180 threads per square inch. The higher the thread count, the softer the feel of the sheet and the more pill resistant it will be.

Fiber content is the next item to consider when choosing bed linens. Sheets are usually made of cotton, polyester/cotton blends, or silk.  Cotton is often chosen because it’s a natural fabric and feels cooler and softer to the touch. Blends of polyester and cotton are popular because they are more wrinkle-resistant.

Yet the softest and most luxurious of all bed linens, silk, is surprisingly also the strongest. And, it’s naturally hypoallergenic.  In addition, silk sheets provide comfort year round. In the summer, silk keeps the moisture from your body, and in the winter it gently forms to your body eliminating air pockets and holding in your body heat.

Besides thread count and fabric type, you should also consider the weave of the fabric. A standard weave is alternating one stitch over one another. A sateen weave has a stitch of four over, one under, placing the most threads on the surface, making it soft, though slightly less durable than other weaves. A pinpoint weave is two over and one under. It is more durable than the standard weave, but not as soft as sateen. A jacquard weave means a design, such as stripes, is woven into the fabric.

“It might seem like a lot of details to consider when selecting something as commonplace as your bed sheets, but it can make an unbelievable difference in the quality and quantity of sleep you get every night,” adds Shragal.

In addition to bedding, DirectBuy offers everything from mattresses to comforters and duvets to complete bedroom sets at prices direct from the manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. If you need assistance in selecting items in recreating your bedroom, DirectBuy employs product specialists and designers, who are at your service.

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.

Counting Sheep? Try Counting Threads…Read More

Groomathon to benefit Buffalo Humane…DirectBuy of Buffalo, Cheektowaga, to host pet grooming event on Saturday, Mar. 21

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

On Saturday, March 21, it will truly be a dog’s day at DirectBuy of Buffalo, located less than a mile from the Buffalo-Niagara International Airport at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga. At that time, the Park ‘N Bark van will be at the 4950 Genesee Street location to offer grooming services for the pets of DirectBuy members and the general public. All proceeds from the event will go to Buffalo Humane.

“Winter months are kind of a tough time for keeping your pets clean. You don’t want to wash them outside and unless you’ve got a dedicated area in your house for cleaning your pet, it means using one of your tubs or sinks,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “By hosting this event, we’re providing a service for our pet-owning members and pet owners from the general public and we are raising money for a very worthy cause, Buffalo Humane.”

The pet-grooming event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. as the Park ‘N Bark van will be in the rear of DirectBuy of Buffalo’s parking lot. While there is no charge to have your pets groomed, the recommended donation is $50-$100. One hundred percent of that money will be donated to Buffalo Humane (www.buffalohumane.org).

“We’re pet groomers by trade, but the reality is we’re pet lovers, too. An event like this not only gives us a chance to showcase our services while providing a nice service for fellow pet lovers, but it also raises awareness to the good work Buffalo Humane does — and you can’t put a price tag on that,” said Kacie Zglinicki, owner of Park ‘N Bark.

In addition to the Groomathon, Buffalo Humane will be showcasing pets for adoption between 1 pm and 3 pm. For more information on pet adoption, please contact Buffalo Humane at 716-862-9183.

To arrange for the grooming of your pet and to participate in this event, please call Park ‘N Bark Mobile Pet Grooming, 716-866-5525.

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/.

 

Groomathon to benefit Buffalo Humane…DirectBuy of Buffalo, Cheektowaga, to host pet grooming event on Saturday, Mar. 21Read More

AAFD’s The Franchisee Voice newsletter goes online

San Diego, CA…

The American Association of Franchisees and Dealers recently announced its newsletter, The Franchisee Voice, will now be published exclusively online at http://www.thefranchiseevoice.com. The publication had previously been a quarterly, hard copy newsletter mailed out to AAFD members.

“Going online dramatically expands our influence, and unlocks huge opportunities to communicate with our members, prospective members and the general public in real time,” said Robert Purvin, chairman of AAFD. “We are no longer locked into finite page limitations and can expand the editorial content of our contributors—the possibilities are endless!”

Among the benefits of the online version of The Franchisee Voice are:

●        Unlimited distribution

●        Longer shelf life for articles

●        Expanded value to archived articles

●        Faster publication cycle – getting ‘hot news’ to members much faster

●        The ability to rapidly ‘spread the word’ about Total Quality Franchising practices, the AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, and AAFD Accredited Franchisors.

●        Substantially improved effectiveness for advertisers, as readers will now be able to link immediately to products and services of interest.

In the not-too-distant future, AAFD plans to turn The Franchisee Voice into an ‘online’ community in which members and readers can engage each other by blogging their comments and discussions about the articles that appear in the voice, and other subjects of interest to readers. Plans are also being developed for classified ads and the possibility for an online marketplace for members, especially the potential for franchise sales (limited to AAFD Accredited opportunities) and resales.

“Since we first began to visualize The Franchisee Voice online, new ideas and suggestions seem to materialize on a daily basis,” said Purvin.  “We are eager to hear from our readers and continually expand the dream.” 

To view the first online edition of the Franchisee Voice, you can visit www.thefranchiseevoice.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 locations throughout the United States. The AAFD has members in all 50 states and represents more than 100 different franchise systems.
The AAFD’s Fair Franchising Standards, Fair Franchising Seal, Trademark

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

AAFD’s The Franchisee Voice newsletter goes onlineRead More