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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

MEDIA ADVISORY – Important Notice Concerning Recent Press Release Issued by InsuranceLeadz.com

GULFPORT, MS….

NAPAA has recently learned of a press release from InsuranceLeadz.com that it believes includes inaccurate information.  Specifically, the release states: “Allstate Endorses Fast Growing Lead Generation Company for Its Quality, Conversion Rates.”  NAPAA is not aware of any endorsement by Allstate, and it believes this statement was made in error by InsuranceLeadz.com. InsuranceLeadz.com is an affiliate of Cyber Technology LLC.

As the remainder of the press release states, NAPAA did recently enter an agreement to add InsuranceLeadz.com to its national leads source list.  However, NAPAA did not authorize, and had no prior knowledge of, this statement concerning Allstate.  Indeed, immediately upon learning of the statement, NAPAA’s Executive Director Jim Fish contacted InsuranceLeadz.com to ask that it take corrective action.

NAPAA does not make statements on behalf of Allstate.  NAPAA does not condone mistakes of this type, whether willful or negligent.  On the contrary, NAPAA finds such conduct irresponsible and unprofessional.

For more information on the National Association of Professional Allstate Agents, you can visit their Web site at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

About National Association of Professional Allstate Agents (NAPAA)

Based in Gulfport, Mississippi, NAPAA is a non-profit organization whose members are predominantly insurance agents under contract with Allstate. In addition to offering a variety of benefits and services, NAPAA further serves its members by acting on their behalf and speaking with a distinct and unfettered voice on a wide range of issues. To contact NAPAA, please visit its Website at www.napaausa.org or call (877) 269-3474.

MEDIA ADVISORY – Important Notice Concerning Recent Press Release Issued by InsuranceLeadz.comRead More

Why hockey is best viewed from a “man cave”…

VANCOUVER, COQUITLAM, VICTORIA, AND OKANAGAN, BC…

In your dad’s day, the stereotypical man’s domain, or “man cave,” was the workshop in the garage. Today, the man cave is often the basement den or office. When it’s time to watch the Canucks and the resident “caveman” wants to entertain other cavemen and their better halves, he’ll likely realize that his sanctuary might need a little upgrading. DirectBuy, the leading members-only showroom and home design center, has some pointers for making your man cave guest-friendly for the regular season and upcoming NHL playoffs.

“While being able to get away from the rest of the house and watch a game in peace may have been the genesis of the man cave, what might not have been taken into consideration initially was the desire to someday invite others to watch the game with you. And setting up a space fit for entertaining guests is something a lot of men may want some assistance with,” said Jade Allen, owner of DirectBuy of Vancouver.

So what items might today’s cave-gent need to complete the perfect indoor tailgate party?

  • Kegerator – a man-cave essential for a beer-drinking crowd
  •  Wide Screen TV with HD; surround sound speakers optional but highly desirable
  •  Sectional sofa to accommodate multiple visitors; reclining chair with cup holders for the host.
  •  Full-size built-in bar area or free-standing, mobile bar station
  • Tile or wood flooring that’s particularly resilient to potential spillage
  •  Pool table, air hockey or foosball for between-periods recreation
  •  Mini-kitchen with microwave to reheat buffalo wings.
  •  Home gym equipment—e.g. treadmill, elliptical—to work off the excess calories consumed during man cave weekend marathon.

DirectBuy offers nearly everything you need to create the perfect man cave no matter what your favorite sport might be at prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. If you know what you want but don’t know how to pull it all together, DirectBuy also employs product specialists and professional designers well versed in the art of designing the perfect recreational space, while keeping you on budget.

Since 1971, DirectBuy franchises 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 and their authorized suppliers. In addition, DirectBuy also offers members a Rolodex of installers, many of who are DirectBuy members, who can help members create their dream kitchen, bathroom or any other room in the house.

With four convenient locations in the greater Vancouver area (Victoria, Vancouver, Coquitlam, and Kelowna), 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, visit www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

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 500 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 Vancouver area since 1997. 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 four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver 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 contacting DirectBuy at 604-552-5255, or visiting www.DirectBuyBC.ca. 

Locations of the four DirectBuy showrooms serving the greater Vancouver area are: DirectBuy of Vancouver, 2659 Lillooet St., Vancouver, British Columbia V5M 4P7; DirectBuy of Greater Vancouver, 91 Golden Drive Unit #1, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6R2; DirectBuy of Central Okanagan, #5 2260 Hunter Rd., Kelowna, British Columbia V1X 7J8; and DirectBuy of Greater Victoria, 350B Bay Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 1P7.

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

Why hockey is best viewed from a “man cave”…Read More

Many returns on home improvement… DirectBuy helps consumers with home improvement projects that deliver the most ROI.

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

When you take on a home improvement project, your objectives are generally two-fold: 1. to enhance the quality of your life and; 2. increase the value of your home on the market. Yet 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).

“Because of the soft real estate market people are staying in their homes much longer than before. Consequently, people are taking on more home improvement renovations to increase their enjoyment of their homes as well as increase the value,” said Jeremy Vest, owner of DirectBuy of DuPage County in Naperville.

So which home improvements projects do you have the best chance to recoup your investment? According to Remodeling magazine’s 2007 report, the home improvement projects you’re most likely to recover construction costs in a resale are:

●        Minor kitchen remodel (e.g. new cabinets) – 83 percent cost recouped

●        Deck addition – 85.4% cost recouped

●        Bathroom remodel – 78.3% cost recouped

●        Siding replacement – 83.2% cost recouped

●        Window replacement (vinyl) – 79.3% cost recouped

●        Attic bedroom remodel – 76.6% 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).

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.

“When you take on a project in your home, it makes you feel like you’ve got more of a stake in the property. So, where before people would only make improvements to get a better price at resale, now they do it because it’s what they want in their home. That makes a big difference in how you view your home and your quality of life,” said I.J. Sell, owner of DirectBuy of Tinley Park.

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.

Many returns on home improvement… DirectBuy helps consumers with home improvement projects that deliver the most ROI.Read More

No place like home (and garden) show…DirectBuy of Buffalo to exhibit at the Buffalo Home and Garden Show.

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY…

DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, recently announced it will be exhibiting at the 2009 Buffalo Home and Garden Show, to be held at the Buffalo Convention Center, February 28 to March 8.

The Home and Garden show is one of western New York’s largest consumer shows of its kind and will feature more than 500 experts and thousands of new products in the areas of home, gardening, remodeling, home décor and more. With a well-earned reputation for enabling its members to save hundreds and even thousands on home improvement projects in all those areas, DirectBuy of Buffalo will be exhibiting at Booths 301 and 416.

“The Buffalo Home and Garden Show is a great opportunity to introduce DirectBuy of Buffalo to a broader local audience,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of Buffalo. “I’m sure anybody stopping by our booth will get a sense that DirectBuy offers a whole lot more than just saving money on your home improvement projects.”

In addition to the exhibits, the Buffalo Home and Garden Show will feature a guest appearance by HGTV’s Shane Gallant from Designed to Sell. Also, the show’s promoter, Marketplace Events, is holding a raffle for entrants to win two tickets to the Denver Home Show and the opportunity to meet Ty Pennington of ABC-TV’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Pennington recently inked a three-year deal to be Marketplace Events’ spokesperson.

For more information on the 2009 Buffalo Home and Garden Show, you can visit www.buffalohomeshow.com.

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.  

No place like home (and garden) show…DirectBuy of Buffalo to exhibit at the Buffalo Home and Garden Show.Read More

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

Brentwood, TN…

DirectBuy of Cool Springs, the home improvement and furnishings club with direct insider prices, is set to award $50,000 to one of its members at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 14, 2009, as part of the company’s national Home Makeover Program. The celebration will be 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 he was informed he had won DirectBuy’s grand prize. “This is the first time I have won anything, and I was shocked,” he said excitedly. “I really can’t believe it. I am still speechless.”

When asked about his plans for his newfound fortune, Menchaca-Garcia said he will continue to make smart, budget-conscious improvements to his home with the help of DirectBuy to maximize his return on investment when he decides to sell. To go along with new flooring and fixtures for his bathroom, he has added a new roof and is planning a full kitchen remodel, complete with new windows and appliances.

Rogelio is currently 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 if someone won the Home Makeover Program from our showroom, but for it to actually happen in our club 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 is 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 much 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 12 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 awards member $50,000 home makeoverRead More

AAFD partners with Health Analytics, Inc. (HAI) and First Service Administrators, Inc. (FSAI), to provide affordable, quality healthcare solutions

SAN DIEGO, CA… 

American Association of Franchisees and Dealers (AAFD) recently entered into a strategic partnership with First Service Administrators, Inc. (FSAI), a leading full‑service third-party benefits administrator for health plans, and its sales and marketing partner, Health Analytics, Inc. (HAI), to develop a selection of AAFD‑specific healthcare benefits plans, competitive in both price and design, to meet the diverse needs of its membership.

“Providing affordable quality health care solutions as a valued benefit of AAFD membership continues to be a high priority for the AAFD,” said Peter Hanson, president of AAFD. “AAFD Health Benefits has been enthusiastically received by our membership and our affiliated associations and we have every confidence that our new partnership with Health Analytics, Inc. (HAI) and First Service Administrators, Inc. (FSAI) will fulfill our vision and goal of a health care program that will continue to be a unique and compelling benefit for AAFD members.”    

FSAI provides comprehensive administrative services, including benefit plan design, network development, and cost management services. In addition, FSAI offers its clients the most innovative wellness and disease management programs in the industry. As an AAFD branded partner, FSAI recognizes the importance of providing its members with proven healthcare solutions, exceptional service, and cost-effective programs tailored to meet their individual needs.  

“First Service Administrators, Inc. and HAI are honored to have been chosen as the exclusive branded health program for the AAFD and its members,” said Chandler J. Rapson, CEO, FSAI. “Using FSAI allows AAFD the ability to control their health benefit plans to meet the needs of their growing membership base at an affordable price.”

For more information about AAFD and the benefits of being an AAFD member, please visit http://www.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 partners with Health Analytics, Inc. (HAI) and First Service Administrators, Inc. (FSAI), to provide affordable, quality healthcare solutionsRead More

Eat your heart out…Capture your Valentine’s heart with a home-cooked meal

NORWELL, MA…

Flowers, candy and cards. While this may be the big three on Valentine’s Day, having a romantic meal at your sweetie’s favorite restaurant ranks right up there, too. The crunch of the current economy has many couples opting to eat in on Valentine’s Day. According to love expert Paul A. Falzone, CEO of The Right One and Together Dating–one of the world’s largest brick-and-mortar dating services with more than 60 offices nationwide—that doesn’t necessarily mean romance has to take a backseat.

“Cooking a romantic meal for your loved one can be every bit as romantic as going out. In fact, if you put some imagination into it, staying home for Valentine’s Day can put some extra spice into your relationship,” said said Falzone.

So, what can you do for a Valentine’s Day meal at home? Falzone offers some of the following suggestions:

●        Surprise your partner with breakfast in bed. Even a morning cup of coffee served with toast cut into heart shapes can be a gourmet meal when served in bed.

●        Dress up for your Valentine’s Day dinner. Just because you’re not going out, doesn’t mean you can’t have a formal dinner, complete with soft music in the background, candlelight, etc. Being at home also makes it easier to slip into something more comfortable later.

●        Adorn the table with rose petals leading a path to your Valentine’s Day card and/or gift.

●        Buy a bottle of his/her favorite wine and have it chilled (if white or blush) in a bucket at the table. Better yet, have champagne on the table.

●        Serve the aphrodisiac of your choice as an appetizer: chocolate, oysters, caviar, honey or strawberries.

●        Cook your partner’s favorite dish for dinner; if you don’t cook, most grocery stores have pre-cooked meals that simply need to be reheated.

●        Pick out a dessert for your partner, and vice versa, and feed it to them with their eyes closed.

●        Buy your significant other’s favorite massage oil and give him/her a foot and/or body rub to close out the “date”.

“There are many advantages to staying in on Valentine’s besides giving your bank account a break. Most obvious, without the distractions that going out on a Saturday night, the day/night can really be about you and your partner. And that’s truly what the holiday was meant to be about,” said 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:  Georgia (Savannah); Indiana (Ft. Wayne, Carmel, Mishawaka); Kentucky (Lexington, 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 Virginia (Falls Church).

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

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

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

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