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A green investment… DirectBuy of DuPage County donation to Arbor Day Foundation to help replant trees in damaged forests.

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

To help celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, DirectBuy of DuPage County hosted two Green Energy Seminars for its members. And while attendees learned how to run their homes more efficiently and take advantage of government appliance rebates, Club Owner Jeremy Vest felt a grander green gesture was in order. To that end, he donated $100 to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Replanting Our National Forests program.

In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters, the Arbor Day Foundation is planting new trees in U.S. forests damaged by natural and other catastrophes (e.g. California wildfires). For every $1 donated, one tree will be planted in these damaged forests. DirectBuy of DuPage County’s contribution represents 100 new trees to be planted in one of these damaged forests.

“We applaud our members’ efforts to educate themselves on how they can run their homes in a more energy-efficient manner and what better way to recognize greener living than planting a tree,” said Vest.

Build Energy Experts, LLC, the industry leading Building Energy Auditor, Energy Retrofit, LED Lighting, and Alternative Energy specialist for government, commercial, and residential applications, conducted the two Green Energy sessions. Topics covered included:

  • Incentives (tax incentives, grants, Homestar)
  • Energy Audits
  • Weatherization (insulation; energy-efficient remodeling)
  • Whole House Ventilation System
  • LED Lighting
  • Renewable Energy
    • Solar Photovoltaic
    • Domestic Hot Water Solar Systems
    • Wind Energy
    • Geo Thermal Heating and Cooling

“We pride ourselves on helping our members save money on their home improvement projects and home furnishings,” said Vest. “By offering seminars like this, we not only enhance the value of their membership, but give them the resources to reduce their carbon footprint.”

For more than 39 years, DirectBuy Clubs have offered members the opportunity to enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, flooring, and accessories by purchasing from more than 700 brand-name manufacturers or authorized suppliers. With several 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.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy Club

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 or their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality. The DirectBuy Clubs serving the greater Chicago area are part of more than 150 locations throughout North America.

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

Locations of the DirectBuy clubs serving the greater Chicago area are: DirectBuy of Hoffman Estates, 2200 Stonington Ave Ste. 150, Hoffman Estates, IL; DirectBuy of Chicago North, 6325 North Avondale Ste. 110, Chicago, IL; DirectBuy of DuPage County, 1864 High Grove Lane Ste. 124, Naperville, IL; DirectBuy of Lake County, 3900 Washington Street, Gurnee, IL; and DirectBuy of Tinley Park, 18400 S. 76th Avenue Ste. B, Tinley Park, IL.

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

New wrinkles to moving scams.

BRAINTREE, MA…

Next to losing your job and divorce, moving is one of the more stressful things you can do in life. In addition to all the logistics and the emotional turmoil of changing where it is you will live your life, moving scams add fuel to an already raging fire. That’s why new moving scams involving “guaranteed” quotes, packing materials and moving size measurements have created a raging inferno.

How big? The Better Business Bureau reported more than 8400 complaints against moving companies in 2009. According to Boston Pack and Ship, a small load shipping company based in Braintree, Massachusetts, even if you know nothing about the moving industry, you can avoid moving scams—even the latest ones—by doing a just a little homework and applying common sense.

“Buyer beware, if it sounds too good to be true, and any number of clichés apply when hiring a moving company,” said Joe Fell, co-owner of Boston Pack and Ship. “New or old, you can avoid most of the scams by only working with companies who are referred to you by people you know, getting a minimum of three bids and making sure the moving company is local and has a physical address at one end of the move or the other.”

Continued Fell, “A little research on moving scams on sites like movingscam.com can also make you aware of the dangers out there, especially some of the newer ones.”

Those newer ones include:

  • Guaranteed quote, wrong estimate – This is when the mover gives you a binding quote or flat rate. If that quote is based on faulty information—they forgot to add in that small bedroom downstairs—then the ‘guaranteed’ quote changes. The fix? Never sign off on a quote unless the mover does an onsite, visual inspection of everything that is to be moved—then get it in writing as a guaranteed quote.
  • Packing material charges – Ideally, you pack everything yourself. But if you run out of time and/or boxes, having the moving company pack your remaining items can be quite costly—especially if it’s not an ethical firm. Wrapping boxes with yards of tape per box, packing boxes with one item and paper filling for the rest of are just a few of the ways movers can jack up the price of materials. Do yourself a favor and leave plenty of time for packing.
  • Know what you are buying – Many reputable moving companies provide estimates in cubic feet, which is a term not many people are familiar with. It refers to the amount of space your stuff takes up. If you are not familiar with cubic feet, do not be afraid to ask questions until you have a thorough understanding. As a side note, remember that cubic feet can be converted into pounds (much like feet can be converted into meters). If you’re having trouble understanding your estimate, ask for it in a measure you can understand.

 “Moving scams have been around since the cavemen. While there is no one way to protect yourself 100 percent, the best course is if you’re unsure or uneasy, always opt for the mover who was referred to you by trusted family or friends,” said Fell.

Boston Pack and Ship specializes in moves of 1,000 pounds or less. In addition, it offers customized package and custom crate building services at its workshop in Braintree. For items like computer equipment, artwork and other fragile items, Boston Pack and Ship employs foam-in-place technology to “lock” those items in place and limit movement within the package.

The breadth of Boston Pack and Ship’s relocation services includes:

  • Small loads – with no minimum requirement; blanket-wrapping for fragile, delicate moves; full insurance available
  • Custom crates and packaging for computers, electronic instruments, prototypes, antiques and artwork.
  • State-of-the-art, foam-in-place solutions to protect valuables
  • Multiple U.S. and International shipping options—ocean or air—to help lower costs
  • Door-to-door and door-to-port delivery with insurance available
  • On-time pickups by appointment

For more information, you can visit the company Web site at www.bostonpackandship.com. For a free quote on an out-of-state or international move or shipment, please call (800) 400-7204.

Small load specialists

Boston Pack and Ship has been a trusted strategic partner of many movers in eastern Massachusetts for more than two decades. Based in Braintree, Massachusetts, Boston Pack and Ship employs custom crates and packaging and foam-in-place solutions to pack and ship everything from artwork to heirlooms, computers to antiques to both out-of-state and international destinations. Known for its fast and efficient customer service, one call is usually all it takes to schedule a pickup for a door-to-door or door-to-port shipment. For more information, visit www.bostonpackandship.com or call (800) 400-7204 for a free quote.

Rep. Vinny deMacedo heads list of volunteers for Old Sandwich Road Race’s Kids Classic.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

The first ever Old Sandwich Road Race, to be run on America’s oldest road—Old Sandwich Road in Plymouth–on Sunday, June 6, 2010, has drawn interest from runners and local residents alike. You can add Massachusetts State Representative Vinny deMacedo to the growing number of fans of the first-year race. The representative for Plymouth District 1 will be a volunteer for the Old Sandwich Road Race’s Kids Classic and hand out the prizes to winners.

“Representative deMacedo has been a longtime supporter of children’s causes and activities,” said Craig Valentine Brenner, race director for the Old Sandwich Road Race. “We’re thrilled to have him as one of our volunteers for the Kids Classic, which will take place at Plymouth South High School following the main event. The Kids Classic will be an annual event which includes a series of kids races on the track. Age groups are from 7 years through 12th grade.  

Entry fee for the Entergy/Plimouth 10k and Half Marathon is $45. The fee for the Kids Classic for children age seven to 14 is $10. Interested participants can register online at www.oldsandwichroadrace.com.

One hundred percent of the profits from the Old Sandwich Road Race will be going to The Home for Little Wanderers’ Baird Center School in Plymouth. The Baird Center School is a year-round residential and day school treatment program for youth aged 10-18 with a wide range of emotional, behavioral, educational and psychiatric issues. Adding yet another historical element to the Old Sandwich Road Race, The Home for Little Wanderers is the nation’s oldest non-profit child and family service agency, with roots dating back to 1799.

Originally a trail used by the Wampanoag Native American tribe, Old Sandwich Road later became the nation’s first true public road and a stagecoach route to ferry passengers and mail back and forth between the Massachusetts towns of Plymouth and Sandwich. Today, the road remains pretty much as the Pilgrims left it–a wide, scenic, dirt road bordered by beautiful tall pine trees and towering oaks.

For information about the race and registration, please visit http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com. Those interested in volunteering can do so online by going to http://www.oldsandwichroadrace.com/volunteer.php.

For companies interested in sponsoring the Old Sandwich Road Race, the minimum sponsorship is $250. Current sponsors include: Entergy, Retrofit Technologies, Bayside Runner, King Collision Centers and the Village Racquet & Fitness Club at the Pinehills. If you or your company is interested in sponsoring this one-of-a-kind, first-ever race, please contact Craig Valentine Brenner at 617-680-4230 or info@oldsandwichroadrace.com.

Old Colony Elder Services Offers Ethical Issues Seminar for Health and Human Services Professionals on May 26th

Old Colony Elder Services, (OCES) one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth that serves 23 towns in Southeastern Massachusetts will hold a “Case Management: Ethical Issues Conference” on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at their Conference Center located at 144 Main Street in Brockton.

The seminar is open to the public and geared towards licensed social workers, licensed nurses, and other health and human service professionals. Social workers and registered nurses can earn CEUs.

The conference will be led by Professor Frederic G. Reamer, Ph.D, School of Social Work at Rhode Island College who will provide attendees with an overview of ethical and related risk-management issues encountered by human service professionals who serve elders.

Topics to be covered include:

Common ethical dilemmas in the delivery of social work services to elders

Ethical decision-making frameworks and protocols

Ethics-related malpractice and liability

Complimentary lunch will be served. Registration is required. The fee for this seminar

is $50 and the deadline to RSVP is May 14th.

Contact Phyllis Martin at OCES, 508-584-1561 x 293 to register or for more information.

About the Speaker

Dr. Reamer has conducted extensive research on professional ethics. He is the author of many books and articles including:

The Social Work Ethics Casebook: Cases and Commentary. Washington, DC: NASW Press, 2009.

Social Work Values and Ethics (3rd ed).New York: Columbia University Press, 2006. [First Edition, 1995; Second Edition, 1999]

Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press, 2006. [First Edition, 1998]

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
OCES offers a number of programs to serve seniors, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers such as Family Caregiver; Adult Family Care; Supportive Housing; Nutrition; Money Management; Protective Services; Home Care and more.

OCES offers these programs in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

In 2009, OCES was honored with the Metro-South Chamber of Commerce’s “Economic Impact Award”. The agency has 140 employees. For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

ActionCOACH Founder and CEO Brad Sugars offers free lecture for business owners on surviving economic “fall” and “winter” to succeed in economic “spring” and “summer”

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA …

Double-digit unemployment rates. Corporate bailouts. Foreclosures and slumping residential and commercial real estate markets.

So how can anyone truly say, “business is booming”?

Brad Sugars, founder and Chairman of ActionCOACH, the world’s number business coaching firm, has been sharing both how and why with sold-out crowds across North America as part of his “Business is Booming” tour. That tour will soon be coming to New Orleans on Thursday, June 10 at 6 p.m. at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center.

“History tells us that more money is made during economic downturns than during booms and that for every 10-month downturn is a 50-month boom,” said Brian Baudean, ActionCOACH business coach in Louisiana. “Brad’s message is that the companies can prepare for the next boom by cutting costs, developing good lead generation strategies and implementing effective marketing programs that deliver A- and B-level customers that will thrive in any economy.”

In addition to an explanation of why business is indeed booming, Sugars will also discuss 28 proven strategies to massively grow any type of business during his three-hour presentation.

Widely acclaimed as the world’s number one Business Coach, Sugars founded ActionCOACH in 1993 after successfully owning and or running more than 30 businesses in his native Australia. Today, ActionCOACH is ranked as the world’s leading international business coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries.

A best-selling author of 14 highly acclaimed business books – including four international best-sellers – Sugars has taught nearly a half-million people worldwide how to create business, real estate and financial success.

“Brad Sugars is to business coaching what Tony Robbins has been to the personal development industry,” continued Baudean. “With his ‘Business is Booming’ tour, he’s literally giving away his years of successful business knowledge and expertise. It’s a message every small business owner in the greater Baltimore should want to hear.”

To register for the June 10 event at the New Orleans Marriott at the Convention Center (located at 859 Convention Center Boulevard in New Orleans), simply visit http://businessisboomingtour.com/ and use code BDG001.

There’s no charge to register, admission is free. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute networking period prior to Sugars’ presentation.  

To find out additional dates and venues for the “Business is Booming” North American tour, please go to http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code BDG001.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code BDG001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Christen Clark, christenclark@actioncoach.com or 225-445-8815.

ActionCOACH’s “Business is Booming” tour comes to Birmingham, AL, on June 9.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA AND MANCHESTER, MARYLAND …

Double-digit unemployment rates. Corporate bailouts. Foreclosures and slumping residential and commercial real estate markets.

So how can anyone truly say, “business is booming”?

Brad Sugars, founder and Chairman of ActionCOACH, the world’s number business coaching firm, has been sharing both how and why with sold-out crowds across North America as part of his “Business is Booming” tour. That tour will soon be coming to Birmingham on Wednesday, June 9 at 6 p.m. at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel.

“History tells us that more money is made during economic downturns than during booms and that for every 10-month downturn is a 50-month boom,” said Mickey Tumlin, ActionCOACH business coach in Pelham, Alabama. “Brad’s message is that the companies can prepare for the next boom by cutting costs, developing good lead generation strategies and implementing effective marketing programs that deliver A- and B-level customers that will thrive in any economy.”

In addition to an explanation of why business is indeed booming, Sugars will also discuss 28 proven strategies to massively grow any type of business during his three-hour presentation.

Widely acclaimed as the world’s number one Business Coach, Sugars founded ActionCOACH in 1993 after successfully owning and or running more than 30 businesses in his native Australia. Today, ActionCOACH is ranked as the world’s leading international business coaching firm, with more than 1,000 offices in 26 countries.

A best-selling author of 14 highly acclaimed business books – including four international best-sellers – Sugars has taught nearly a half-million people worldwide how to create business, real estate and financial success.

“Brad Sugars is to business coaching what Tony Robbins has been to the personal development industry,” continued Tumlin. “With his ‘Business is Booming’ tour, he’s literally giving away his years of successful business knowledge and expertise. It’s a message every small business owner in the greater Baltimore should want to hear.”

To register for the June 9 event at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel (located at 2101 Richard Arrington, Jr. Boulevard North), simply visit http://businessisboomingtour.com/ and use code BDG001.

There’s no charge to register, admission is free. The event will begin promptly at 6 p.m. with a 30-minute networking period prior to Sugars’ presentation.  

To find out additional dates and venues for the “Business is Booming” North American tour, please go to http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code BDG001.

About ActionCOACH

ActionCOACH is the world’s #1 business coaching firm and executive coaching firm. Operating in 26 countries, the franchise has more than 1,000 offices around the world. That includes locations in the five states (and Washington DC) that make up the Gulf Atlantic region: Alabama (Pelham); Delaware; Louisiana (Baton Route, Loranger, Mandeville, New Orleans and Shreveport); Maryland (Baltimore, Freeland, Fallston, Manchester, Rockland, Silver Spring); and Mississippi (Madison).

Founded in 1993, the ActionCOACH has received numerous awards including Fastest Growing Franchise, Franchisee Satisfaction, Best Overall Company and has been named the number one business coaching franchise for more than five years running.

For information on ActionCOACH Founder Brad Sugars’ 2010 “Business is Booming” North American tour, please visit http://businessisboomingtour.com and use code BDG001. 

To learn more about working with an ActionCOACH or the ActionCOACH franchise opportunity, contact Mickey Tumlin, mickeytumlin@actioncoach.com or 205-982-6960.