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On a map quest…Resort Maps to produce “Best of Windsor, England” map, advertising opportunities available.

WINDSOR, ENGLAND AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT, USA…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 95 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently began work on the first edition of a map of Windsor. Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities, free to area visitors.

The creation of the Best of Windsor Resort Map will show what the area has to offer by highlighting local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Windsor area. Each advertiser on the map is represented with a display ad surrounding the perimeter of the map, including a color-coded grid locator and their actual building drawn, highlighted and labeled, making it easy to locate.

These same colorful maps can be found on-line at www.resortmaps.com. Here you will find interactive maps of all 90+ resort areas to choose from. These interactive maps allow the viewer to read a description of each business as they scroll over each building and to connect to the website of the business for further information.

“Windsor has always been a popular destination for tourists and it’s become an even greater draw as people stay closer to home during their holidays,” said Paul Drew, Resort Maps franchise owner. “The new Windsor map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people on holiday in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertisers’ shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout the area.”

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Windsor map, you can e-mail franchise owner Paul Drew at pauldrew4@googlemail.com. 

Resort Maps began creating and publishing maps in the northeastern U.S. back in 1986. In an effort to continue the company’s growth and simultaneously maintain the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to more than 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

“We publish over 20 million maps per year in more than 95 cities and towns for a good reason. Our maps are fun, easy-to-read and they really do make you want to stop and see some of the local attractions before heading to the next part of your trip. Our advertisers like them for that very same reason,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps.

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise in the U.K., please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps
Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City, Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

Tomorrow’s mechanics train on today’s technology…Plymouth South students receive hybrid training at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac.

PLYMOUTH, MA…

Hybrid technology is no longer the wave of the future but the present for many automobile owners. Yet with most hybrids having five-year warranties, it’s unlikely that Plymouth South students taking auto repair as part of the school’s technical studies program will have the opportunity to work on a hybrid at school anytime soon. That’s why Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac, in an effort to expose tomorrow’s mechanics to today’s newest technology, held a special training session on hybrid technology for 14 auto repair students.

“For our kids who want to be auto mechanics, hybrid technology is what they’re going to need to know pretty much from Day One of their careers,” said Peter Gellar, automotive instructor at Plymouth South. “Getting an opportunity to see that technology up close and having access to Tracy’s technicians gives them a taste of what they can expect down the road.”

Rick McGue, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac service manager, led the training session. That included looking under the hood of Cadillac Escalade hybrid and Chevy Tahoe hybrid. Tracy Service Technician Steve Rasch also answered questions in between servicing the Escalade.

“When we sell somebody an automobile, it’s not a transaction but the beginning of a relationship. Our service technicians are integral part in the success or failure of that relationship,” said Jeff Tracy, president of Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac. “By having the kids visit the dealership, we’re hopefully doing more than showing them a new technology but demonstrating the critical role they can play in our industry.”

Taking part in the training were: Paul Bruggeman, Steven Cannucci, Nicholas Casella, Michael Crawford, Charles Holmes, Copley Lovell, Devin McGuire, Donald McAulay, Ryan Mulvey, Thomas Moore, Jimmy McMahon and Tim Dodge.

In addition to the training session, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac also sponsors the Driven Student program, which recognizes Plymouth high school students for their performance and achievements in and out of the classroom. Awarded on a monthly basis, recipients are selected by faculty and advisors at the student’s given school.

So easy at Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac

For more than 80 years and three generations of dealers, the Tracy family has made it so easy for customers on the South Shore and greater Plymouth area to purchase new and used automobiles. Since its beginnings in 1992, Tracy Chevrolet Cadillac has emphasized first-rate customer service and straightforward, bottom-line pricing with fair trade-ins every time–without the games or gimmicks you find at other dealerships. For more information on new and used trucks and automobiles, you can go to www.tracymotors.com or stop by the dealership, conveniently located at 137 Samoset Street, just off exit 6 on Route 3. For more information, or to make a service appointment, you can also call (800) 640-2884.

 

Good puck! DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County host raffle for Blackhawk tickets.

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

The Olympic break is over and DirectBuy Club has just the ticket – two tickets actually – to get Blackhawks fans ready for the NHL Playoffs. This March, DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County will help fans get playoff-ready by entering them for the chance to win two tickets to the Chicago Blackhawks versus St. Louis Blues game on Wednesday, April 7, 2010.

“Even though it’s an Original Six team dating back to the very beginning of the NHL, I think it’s safe to say that Chicago Blackhawks fever right now is at an all-time high,” said Mark Perry, DirectBuy of Lake County’s Managing Partner. “We’re really looking forward to this month-long celebration of what we hope will become a drive toward the Stanley Cup.

Fans who attend an Open House at either DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County or DirectBuy of Lake County will automatically be entered into the drawing and also receive a piece of authentic NHL apparel or memorabilia, while supplies last. The promotion officially kicked off on March 6th and will run through March 31st, with the winner being announced on April 2, 2010.

“In just a few short years, the Blackhawks went from taking a backseat to the Bulls to the hottest ticket in town. That’s why this drawing is particularly exciting because not everybody has access to or can afford to buy tickets,” said Brent Gilliland, Managing Partner at DirectBuy of Chicago North. “We set up this special raffle to celebrate what’s been a very successful year for the Blackhawks and hopefully a shot at a championship.”

 

While the raffle itself will award two tickets to a Blackhawks game to some lucky fan, DirectBuy Club also offers everything else hockey fans could possibly need to watch the playoffs from home – flat screen TVs, recliners and home theater seating, even kegerators for your den or entertainment room – at direct insider prices from your favorite brand names. In addition, each DirectBuy Club employs product specialists and designers who can help members create the “man cave” or entertainment room that works best for their home.

Fans can also enter by sending their name, address, phone number and e-mail address on a 3 x 5 index card to DirectBuy, Attn: Mike Georgeff, 8450 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410.

For more than 38 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 their authorized suppliers. In addition to DirectBuy of Chicago North, DirectBuy of DuPage County and DirectBuy of Lake County, DirectBuy also has convenient locations in greater Chicago (Tinley Park and Hoffman Estates).

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

About DirectBuy Club

Since 1971, DirectBuy Club 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 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.directbuycares.com. 

Locations of the DirectBuy Clubs serving greater Chicago area: 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 Club membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.

A great basket catch…Topeak’s new TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Basket carries its weight and then some.

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MASS…Think back to moving day back when you were in college. The moving/milk crate was your very best friend. Not only did it help transport items, but it had many convenient uses (most notably as a stand for your makeshift entertainment center). Topeak’s TrolleyTote Folding MTX Rear Basket gives you that kind of transport capacity but in a collapsible format, which stores flat for additional convenience.

The TrolleyTote is compatible with MTX QuickTrack racks for slide and click mounting and removal. In addition to easy storage and substantial capacity, the TrolleyTote also features a telescopic handle and trolley wheels. This makes transport of groceries, a semester’s worth of textbooks, your brother’s dumbbells or any other heavier items infinitely easier.

“The TrolleyTote makes it possible to transport things on your bike that you ordinarily wouldn’t think to try,” said Neal Todrys, president of Todson, Inc., Topeak’s U.S. distributor. “With a cargo net, the TrolleyTote is great for grocery shopping. Not only can a single person fit several days worth of groceries in it, but you can secure your supplies so that you’re not endangering eggs and other dairy on the return trip home.”

The TrolleyTote features an engineering grade plastic frame and aluminum handle. It has a capacity of 25 liters by 1525 cubic liters. Opened, the TrolleyTote’s dimensions are 13.4″ x 17.4″ x 10.1″ open, 13.4″ x 14.1″ x 10.1″. Folded, it weighs four pounds, yet can hold several times that weight. 

“For the person who uses a bicycle as their primary transportation mode, the TrolleyTote is a godsend,” said Todrys. “It allows the environmentally conscientious cyclist to take care of many of their day-to-day errands by without relying on other modes of transportation that leave behind a much larger carbon footprint.”

World Class Sports Accessories

Todson, Inc., the exclusive importer for Topeak for the U.S., is committed to providing the best in sports accessories to consumers around the globe.  Over the past 16 years, Topeak has risen to become the top cycling accessories brand in the world. 

 

In addition to Topeak cycling accessories, Todson is the distributor of renowned OnGuard line, the toughest line of power sport, bike and gear security products in the world.  The OnGuard line is available only through authorized dealers. Recognized for their legendary anti-drill and pick-proof M-Cylinder mechanism and flat key lock system, OnGuard’s locks, whether key or combination lock, are tested, approved and certified to guard bikes or power sport vehicles the world over.  OnGuard is the leading lock brand in Europe, in particular, Amsterdam, the bike theft capital of the world. 

 

Todson has successfully marketed recreational goods for more than 50 years. Now in its third generation of family ownership, Todson specializes in strategic sales and marketing, distribution, brand management and e-commerce. For more information about Topeak cycling accessories and OnGuard Locks, visit www.Todson.com or contact Todson at (800) 213-4561.  The company is located at 73 N. Washington Street, N. Attleboro, Mass.

 

How a travel nightmare can become your meal ticket…Resort Maps holds “Best Worst Trip” contest

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico, recently announced the launch of its “Best Worst Trip” contest.

Starting March 15, members of the general public can submit their worst travel story in 200 words or less to Resort Maps, with entries being accepted up until May 1. Then, a team of judges, comprised of Resort Maps staff and travel journalists, will select the best “worst vacation story”.  The grand prize is a $100 American Express gift certificate.

“When reflecting on vacations both as kids and as adults, it’s human nature  that the ones that come to mind first aren’t the ones that went off without a hitch, but the one where the car broke or somebody got sick, or some other calamity,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc. “With this contest, we’re looking to see who out there has the worst story and to see if by our small gesture of an American Express gift certificate can take the sting out of that memory.”

Anybody 18 years of age or older is eligible to participate. Entries can be submitted online by visiting Resort Maps’ Web site at www.resortmaps.com or by e-mailing info@resortmaps.com. You can also send your entry to Worst Trip, c/o Resort Maps Franchise, Inc., 5197 Main Street, Suite 8, Waitsfield, VT  05673. All entries must be 200 words or less to be considered and must include your name, address, phone number and e-mail. You can submit your story with photo to improve your case.

“At Resort Maps, we have a philosophy that the journey can be every bit as memorable as the end destination,” said Hans. “Unexpected delays along the way or ‘bumps’ along the road may leave an everlasting imprint on a traveler’s memory.  Even though this contest is about people’s worst trips, I’m sure when most people look back on their worst trips it’s with a smile—mainly because they survived and it’s over—but with a smile nonetheless.”

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Free to area visitors, each map advertises restaurants, accommodations, retail stores, factory outlets, recreation and attractions, real estate and other local services. Each advertiser is represented with a display ad surrounding the map, including a color-coded grid locator and a building drawn, highlighted and labeled making it easy to locate. With landmarks prominently displayed, Resort Maps are an easy and fun way to find your way around town whether you are visiting, new to the area or you just want to know what’s happening around your town. 

For more information on Resort Maps or to inquire about ownership of a Resort Maps franchise, please visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

About Resort Maps

Headquartered in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Resort Maps has been creating and publishing advertising maps in the northeastern U.S. since 1986. In 1993, Resort Maps expanded its reach by creating a franchise model for distribution of its colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort towns and cities. Today, that network of franchises has grown to over 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. More than 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009. For more information on Resort Maps and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Resort Maps franchises serve cities and towns in California (Carmel, Monterey), Colorado (Boulder, Breckenridge, Cherry Creek, Colorado Springs, Denver, Eagle River, Estes Park, Fort Collins, Summit County), Delaware (Bethany Beach, Rehoboth Beach), Florida (Clearwater Beach and Gulf Beaches, Cocoa Beach, Daytona Beach, Melbourne, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine, Tarpon Springs), Georgia (Savannah/Tybee Island), Maine (Bar Harbor/Acadia, Boothbay region, Camden-Rockland, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Portland, York-Ogunquit), , Maryland (Annapolis, Eastern Shore, Ocean City,  Solomons Island, St. Mary’s County), Massachusetts (Berkshires, Chatham-Orleans, Falmouth, Hyannis-Yarmouth, Martha’s Vineyard, Newburyport, Plymouth, Sturbridge, Worcester), Michigan (Traverse City), New Hampshire (Franconia/Notch Region, Hampton Beach, Hanover/Lebanon , Keene, Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, Portsmouth), New Jersey (Barnegat Bay, Cape May, Hoboken/Jersey City, Hunterdon, Lambertville , Long Beach Island, Ocean Grove, Point Pleasant, Princeton, Sandy Hook), New York ( The Hamptons, Lake George , Lake Placid, Saratoga Springs), North Carolina (Asheville, Brunswick County, Hendersonville , Outer Banks, Salisbury and Rowan County, Sandhills, Wilmington,), Pennsylvania (Bucks County, Chestnut Hill, Delaware River Valley, Gettysburg, The Main Line), Rhode Island (Newport, Providence), South Carolina (Charleston, Hilton Head, Myrtle Beach), Tennessee (Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge), and Vermont (Addison County/Brandon, Barre/Montpelier, Burlington, Killington/Rutland, Mad River Valley, Manchester, Mount Snow, Okemo, Smugglers’ Notch, Stowe, Waterbury/Richmond, Woodstock/Quechee) —as well as towns and cities in England (Chicester, Lewes, Windsor), Costa Rica (Escazu and Santa Ana) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra, San Juan).

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating Offers Home Comfort Analysis to Homeowners

Winters Company Plumbing & Heating, providers of plumbing and home services to thousands of residents throughout eastern Massachusetts, is offering a complimentary Home Comfort Analysis to homeowners.

With today’s advanced technologies, homeowners can obtain savings of up to 40 percent on their heating bills with the unsurpassed quality and comfort of an energy-efficient furnace. Winters Company will provide a free Home Comfort Analysis of systems to homeowners who have furnaces more than 10 years old. Known as the “home comfort engineers”, Winters Company provides the new heating system and rebate forms and walks the homeowner through the entire process.

Along with the Home Comfort Analysis, homeowners may opt to have a new digital Energy Star compliant thermostat installed and programmed for $19 (after a $25 rebate). An Energy Star compliant thermostat saves up to 10 percent off heating and cooling costs.

“The average lifespan of a home heating system is 15 years. When it’s time for a new system, we recommend models with the highest possible HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). The higher the number, the more efficient the system and the more money saved. Tax credits are another incentive for upgrading a heating system. With the 2009 Federal Stimulus Package, homeowners can get tax credits on the purchase of new energy-efficient systems through December of 2010,” noted Tim Flynn, the company’s president.

To schedule a complimentary Home Comfort Analysis or for more information, contact Winters Company at (617) 484-2121.

About Winters Company Plumbing & Heating

Since 1994, Winters Company Plumbing & Heating has specialized in providing home services of plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and kitchen and bath remodeling projects to thousands of homeowners throughout Eastern Massachusetts.

Winters Company is the largest residential plumbing company in the state, with 20 trucks on the road and a full staff of licensed and insured plumbers and technicians. In addition to 24 hour service and lifetime guarantees on many of their services, Winters Company has standardized their services, which ensures that every customer receives the same high quality workmanship delivered in the same professional and courteous manner.

Winters Company has been honored with a number of awards over the years including the Local Torch Award for Excellence from the Better Business Bureau and Angie’s List Super Service Award. Winters Company is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information, call (617) 484-2121 or visit the website at www.wintersplumbing.com.