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Your new travel guides…Mark and Jennifer Ciociola purchase Resort Maps franchise in Pigeon Forge.

Pigeon Forge owners Mark and Jennifer Ciociola
Pigeon Forge owners Mark and Jennifer Ciociola

 PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced Mark and Jennifer Ciociola as the new owners of the Pigeon Forge, Tennessee Resort Map franchise.

First created in spring 2006, the Pigeon Forge Resort Map represents the second Resort Maps franchise the Ciociolas own. The couple also owns and operates the very successful Gatlinburg franchises as well.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers. The Best of Pigeon Forge Map highlights local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Pigeon Forge 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. 

“Pigeon Forge is one of the fastest growing tourist cities in the South because it’s filled with action-packed entertainment, natural beauty, and lots of old-fashioned mountain hospitality,” said Mark Ciociola. “Resort Maps is a great business opportunity because it provides a great vehicle for advertisers to showcase their businesses while offering invaluable service to the nearly 11 million visitors to Pigeon Forge each year.”

Pigeon Forge is one of the primary gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Located on U.S. Highway 441, Pigeon Forge is within a day’s drive of two thirds of the nation’s population. Pigeon Forge is five miles from Gatlinburg, 35 miles southeast of Knoxville, and is easily accessible from Interstate 40. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States.

“We’re extremely excited about this opportunity,” said Jennifer Ciociola. “The Best of Pigeon Forge map offers a wide variety of things to do for people vacationing in the area or just down for a day or two. Our free ‘souvenir style’ maps can be found not only at the local advertiser’s shops but also at many non-advertiser locations throughout Pigeon Forge, Sevierville & beyond.”

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. 

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Pigeon Forge map, you can call Mark or Jennifer Ciociola at 865-244-7150 or email at markc@resortmaps.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 90 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, 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).

Your new travel guides…Mark and Jennifer Ciociola purchase Resort Maps franchise in Pigeon Forge.Read More

Your new travel guides…Resort Maps Franchise continues international expansion with new franchises in England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced agreement for franchises in Windsor, England, Escazu and Santa Ana, Costa Rica and Old San Juan Puerto Rico.

The new map in Windsor, England is owned by Paul Drew. Juan DeCorral owns the Old San Juan map. A company called Strings & Rain is the owner of the Costa Rica map.

“We’re very excited about adding new maps in England and Puerto Rico. The current locations we have in those countries—Chichester and Lewes in England, Culebra and Vieques in Puerto Rico—have been very well received,” said Peter Hans.  We are happy to add Windsor to our other maps in England [Chichester and Lewes] and Old San Juan to our maps in Puerto Rico [Culebra and Vieques],” said Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc.  “We’re looking forward to the new maps going over just as well, and that includes our initial offering in Costa Rica.”

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers.  Resort Maps highlight local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services. 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. 

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, Puerto Rico and now Costa Rica.

“Looking for those hidden treasures is not something that’s restricted to the U.S. People traveling all over the world want that too,” said Hans. “We’re hopeful that our global expansion will continue as our maps grow in popularity.”

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).

 

Your new travel guides…Resort Maps Franchise continues international expansion with new franchises in England, Costa Rica and Puerto Rico.Read More

Your new travel guides…Mary Kay and David McLane take over Charleston Resort Maps operations.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA AND WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Resort Maps, creator of more than 90 customized travel maps across the United States, England and Puerto Rico, recently announced Mary Kay and David McLane as the new owners of their Charleston, South Carolina operations. The Charleston residents took over the publishing of the South Carolina map for Judy Warner, effective October 1, 2009.

Resort Maps are colorful, hand-drawn maps of towns and cities, distributed free to area visitors at rest and travel information areas as well by advertisers. The Best of Charleston Map highlights local attractions, restaurants, accommodations, retail shops, real estate and other services in the greater Charleston 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. 

“Resort Maps is a great business opportunity for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it’s a great product that provides a great vehicle for advertisers to showcase their businesses while offering invaluable service to people visiting Charleston,” said David McLane. “The other main appeal of the Resort Maps business opportunity is that it fits our lifestyle and gives us a chance to get to meet and know more people in the Charleston community.”

Hailing from central Pennsylvania, David and Mary Kay purchased a second home in Charleston in 2006. Since that time, both David, a clinical psychologist, and Mary Kay, healthcare and retails sales, retired from their respective careers.

“We’re extremely excited about this opportunity. We fell in love with Charleston on our first visit and it’s always been a popular destination for tourists, particularly as people stay closer to home during their vacations,” said McLane. “The Best of Charleston map offers a real treasure trove of things to do for people vacationing 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 Charleston.”

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. 

For information on how to advertise on the upcoming Charleston map, you can call David or Mary Kay McLane at 843.722.1033 or email at davidm@resortmaps.com or marym@resortmaps.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 90 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, 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) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

Your new travel guides…Mary Kay and David McLane take over Charleston Resort Maps operations.Read More

Negotiation Skills for the Franchised Business sponsored by New England Franchise Association on November 17 at the Newton Marriott, Newton, MA

NEWTON, MA…

Stephen Frenkel, director of Negotiation Programs at Mediation Works, Inc. (MWI), recognized as an international expert, will outline “Negotiation Skills for the Franchised Business” at the upcoming meeting of the  New England Franchise Association on Tuesday, November 17 at the Newton Marriott, 2345 Commonwealth Avenue, at the intersections of Route 128 and the Mass Pike, Newton, Massachusetts.

The evening includes a cocktail and networking session beginning at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 7:00 PM, and then the presentation from by Frenkel. The entire business community is urged to attend. Membership in the NEFA is NOT required. Reservations are required.  Registration Fee is $60 per person and includes dinner.  NEFA Members receive $10.00 off. 

MWI is a Boston-based firm specializing in effective negotiation, communication and conflict resolution training and services. Frenkel will address the challenges inherent in managing franchisee/franchisor relationships as well as tools and concepts to more effectively manage those relationships and inevitable difficult conversations.

Frenkel brings extensive experience training and coaching global clients on the art of negotiating successfully – balancing the constant struggle between negotiating for the “win” while building and maintaining long-term working relationships.  MWI clients include Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI), Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), Corporate United, CVS Caremark, Iron Mountain, NiSource, and Sallie Mae. 

In addition, Frenkel is a guest-lecturer on advanced negotiation topics for the Graduate Programs in Dispute Resolution at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where he earned his Masters degree. He is a regularly featured speaker at conferences and events across the nation, where he provides information about the collaborative negotiation process and its benefits.  Contributions and publications include the Harvard Negotiation Law Review, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, Publishing Executive Magazine and BuyerZone. 

About NEFA

New England Franchise Association (NEFA) is the trade organization for franchisors and franchisees in the region, with over 150 members. The mission of NEFA is to bring franchise executives, franchisees and vendors together to share ideas for success.

Franchising more than ever before, has an unprecedented opportunity to make a major positive impact on the future New England economy. In a 2001-05 study conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoppers on behalf of the International Franchise Association (IFA) found that in New England over 875,000 jobs are a result of franchising, the total output is over 100 Billion dollars a year, and there are over 35,000 franchise establishments in the six New England States.

To reserve your seats, please contact New England Franchise Association via the organization’s website www.NEFranchise.org, email: info@NEFranchise.org, or by calling Jim Coen, (617) 469-3002.

Negotiation Skills for the Franchised Business sponsored by New England Franchise Association on November 17 at the Newton Marriott, Newton, MARead More

How to take a “staycation”

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Over the past few years, many families have embraced the concept of a “staycation” or a vacation spent at home where, instead of going away, you do short day trips—typically within three hours from your residence. What’s been a little more difficult for some is acting like you’re on vacation when you’re not technically away from your home for an extended stay. Resort Maps, creator of customized travels maps in more than 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K., has some pointers for those new to the staycation trend.

“Vacations are meant for rest and rejuvenation. You can’t do that if you’re still taking calls from the office or doing chores around the house. Because you’re staying at your house instead of a hotel, there’s a tendency for people to fall into that trap because they are technically not away,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps Franchise, Inc.

By following certain ground rules on your staycation, it is more likely to be fun and stress-free. For starters:

  • No contact with your office – Just because you’re not going away for an extended trip is no reason to be calling in to the office. Time off is to rest up and recharge your batteries. You can’t do that if you’re never mentally away.
  • Limit your computer time – Again, you’re on vacation. Restrict your computer time to researching potential day trips. NO E-MAIL, unless you’re being sent a confirmation or reservation number.
  • Do not set your alarm – Do not set your alarm if you don’t have to. The beauty of the staycation is that you’re NOT on a schedule.
  • Minimize your home chores – Unless you’re specifically taking the week off to complete a project, e.g. painting your house, keep your home chores to a minimum. That doesn’t mean let the dishes in the sink stack up. Just don’t sweat it if the lawn goes a few days without being cut.
  • Leave your cell phone off unless you need to use it – Your phone can be handy if you’re traveling with other families or your group splits off into twos. So, leaving it home is not practical. Just make sure you don’t take calls from anybody not in your vacation group. If you’re curious or worried about an emergency, just check the voice mail they leave.

“If you were on a cruise ship, you wouldn’t answer a call from the office. Your staycation deserves that same respect,” said Hans. “Remember, you work hard for your time off and you owe it to yourself, your family and, believe it or not, your employer to come back rested ready with your batteries fully recharged.”

Resort Maps offer a number of ideas on possible local excursions for your staycation. Colorful, hand-drawn maps of resort cities and towns across 20 states, as well as parts of the UK, Resort Maps advertise restaurants, accommodations, retail stores, factory outlets, recreation and attractions, real estate and other local services. With landmarks prominently displayed on the maps, Resort Maps are an easy and fun way to find interesting local businesses that will add excitement and fun to your staycation.

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 grown to nearly 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps the company 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) and Puerto Rico (Vieques, Culebra).

 

How to take a “staycation”Read More

A landmark on a long journey…Resort Maps hits 90- map milestone

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Part of any journey are those landmarks you pass along the way. Mile markers, in particular, tell the story in how far you’ve come and how far you have to go. Resort Maps, creator of customized travel maps, recently passed a mile marker of its own, publishing maps in 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K.

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.

“Ninety cities and towns is quite a milestone and one we’re quite proud of,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps. “It’s a tribute to the hard work of both our staff here at Resort Maps headquarters in Vermont and our franchisees across the U.S. and U.K.”

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 keep the quality of the product, Resort Maps became a franchisor in 1993. Since adopting the franchise model, Resort Maps has grown steadily to 90 maps distributed across 20 states as well as towns and cities in England and Puerto Rico.

In 2009, Resort Maps will print and publish over 20 million maps.

“People usually pick up our maps when they’re on their way somewhere. By prominently displaying local tourist attractions and our advertiser locations on our maps, we point out what the local area has to offer. Many times that leads tourists to stay a little longer and check things out, which of course makes our advertisers very happy and explains why we go through so many maps,” said Hans.

And what of the next mile marker, 100 maps?

“Resort Maps is truly a unique and appealing franchise opportunity. It’s not a 9-to-5 gig and you don’t necessarily have to work 12 months a year to run a successful franchise. You just have to be willing to work hard when you work,” said Hans. “With more and more people looking to escape the corporate world for an opportunity that gives them some freedom and flexibility and great earning potential, 100 maps is certainly a tangible goal as we attract more franchisees– hopefully one we can meet within the next year.”

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 grown to nearly 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 the company and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277. 

A landmark on a long journey…Resort Maps hits 90- map milestoneRead More

The pack grows! BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier asphalt maintenance company, welcomes Shattuck Sealcoating and Calvano’s Sealcoating to the BLACK DAWG family, creating one of the largest operations of its kind in New England.

GOFFSTOWN, NEW HAMPSHIRE…

Shattuck Sealcoating and Calvano’s Sealcoating, two of the asphalt industry’s most respected names in southern New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts, have just joined forces with BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT.  With these new additions, BLACK DAWG now has six franchise locations-making it one of the largest operators of its kind in New England.
Since BLACK DAWG’s inception less than four years ago, Jack Child, a former military officer, pilot and founder of BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT, has set out to transform not only the public’s perception of the asphalt maintenance industry, but to transform the industry itself.  He’s taken two giant steps forward with the blending of the Shattuck and Calvano crews into BLACK DAWG.
Ron Shattuck, owner of Shattuck Paving, has been in the paving and sealcoating industry for over 30 years, taking over the business his father started in 1971. Based in Milford, New Hampshire, Mr. Shattuck has added five new employees since signing up with BLACK DAWG. “We chose BLACK DAWG because we like the look and feel of the company from the top down. The branding of BLACK DAWG is enticing and memorable. That black dog really evokes positive associations and it’s a good intro to my customers,” noted Shattuck.
Mr. Shattuck will continue to operate Shattuck Paving under his own name, but will fold his sealcoat operation into BLACK DAWG. After 30 years of only carrying the family name, putting on the BLACK DAWG uniform was not an easy choice, but it’s one he’s glad he’s made.  “We are now a part of the fastest growing brand anywhere in the industry. This is good news for my business, my family, my employees and my customers.”
Andy Calvano, founder of Calvano’s Sealcoating, is happy to see the positive changes this can bring. “I’m thrilled to pass the torch to Ron and the BLACK DAWG Brand.  I know they’ll take good care of my many loyal customers.”
Pete Christman, owner of the BLACK DAWG franchise in Merrimack Valley, said, “I am excited at the possibilities this expansion brings us. BLACK DAWG is reshaping the industry.” He added, “Even in this economy, my own operation has doubled this year, and with the addition of Ron Shattuck and his 30 year reputation for delivering value, I see nothing but growth for BLACK DAWG.”
Growing in a down economy?  How can that be?  “There’s a lot of ‘diner talk’ where everybody sort of complains about the economy and how they can’t operate a business in this environment,” said Shattuck.  “My answer is this-you make adjustments, stay focused on customer service and you keep an eye open for opportunity and growth. BLACK DAWG is the perfect fit for me and my crews.”
BLACK DAWG’S strategy has been to win market share through superior customer service and a professional approach. In an industry sometimes sorely lacking in attentive service, BLACK DAWG succeeds by placing the consumer first and exceeding their expectations. “Every contact, every conversation with the customer is designed to build trust in us. And that trust saves our customers thousands of dollars because routine maintenance extends the life of their asphalt,” said Child.
This professional, customer service approach touches all aspects of the business. For starters – real people answer the phone. With Child’s military background, it’s no surprise the BLACK DAWG crews are neat, uniformed and professional.  Each team member is trained to the same high standards. Their trucks are clean and distinctive with the eye-catching BLACK DAWG logo and the equipment is state-of-the-art. Child’s efforts were quickly recognized.  Less than two years after launching BLACK DAWG, the company received the Citizens Bank “Not Your Typical Business Award.”
BLACK DAWG franchises use only the finest commercial grade materials for sealcoating and crack filling driveways and parking lots.  And, through BLACK DAWG’s sister company, YELLOW DAWG STRIPING, parking lot line striping services are available as well.  All work is backed by a full Warranty.  The company philosophy is to deliver the most value for the consumer’s hard-earned money.
With the addition of the Shattuck and Calvano operations, BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT’s reach has doubled in size overnight. BLACK DAWG service areas now include southern New Hampshire, the Merrimack Valley and I-93 corridor, the seacoast of New Hampshire, Andover and North Andover, MA, northern Worcester County, MA, northern Middlesex County, MA and Fairfield County, CT.
Every BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT franchisee owns a black dog or sponsors the adoption of one from a local shelter.  No word yet on when Ron will be bringing his new addition home to his seven children.  “I’ve been talking about it with my family, and we’re all excited about the dog, but the business has been hopping since we joined BLACK DAWG, and I haven’t had a chance to really start looking. But that’s a good problem, right?” he added laughing.
BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT is an accredited member of the Better Business Bureau (Shattuck brings with him an A+ Rating) and a member of the Exeter, Salem, Souhegan Valley and Fairfield Chambers of Commerce. In addition, BLACK DAWG actively supports local and national non-profit organizations including the PLUS Company, Fisher House for Families of Disabled Veterans, the Easter Seals Veterans Count Auction, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Red Cross, Bedford Little League and the Bedford Humane Society, among others.
For more information on BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT and to see pictures of Olive, “The Boss” – the real live mascot for BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT – please visit www.BlackDawgSealcoat.com. And, if you’re an entrepreneur looking for a unique, high-demand business to own, click on the “Franchise Information” link. Or call 1-800-998-DAWG (3294).

The pack grows! BLACK DAWG SEALCOAT®, New England’s premier asphalt maintenance company, welcomes Shattuck Sealcoating and Calvano’s Sealcoating to the BLACK DAWG family, creating one of the largest operations of its kind in New England.Read More

Are we there yet? Travel tips for a smoother family vacation.

WAITSFIELD, VERMONT…

Long before the Griswolds and the “Vacation” trilogy of movies, the family trip had a certain painful nostalgia for people that could only be appreciated many years later—usually when they had their own families and attempted trips of their own. Resort Maps, creator of customized travel maps in more than 90 cities and towns across the U.S. and U.K. has some family travel tips that can help you optimize the pleasure of family trips and minimize the inconvenience.

“In a perfect world, every family trip goes smoothly and years later your memories center on where you went—Disneyworld or the Grand Canyon—rather than little Joey getting sick on the plane or on his sister in the car. But we all know the world is not perfect,” said Peter Hans, president of Resort Maps. “There are some things you can do to prepare for the mini ‘disasters’ that happen on your journey so they don’t impact the rest of your trip.”

Some of the areas to focus your pre-travel preparations include:

·         Attitude – expect a few snags and glitches both in packing and getting to and from your destination. By adopting a roll-with-the-punches approach, you really can keep the molehills from becoming mountains.

·         Drugs – there is never a drug store around when you need one. Keep this reality in mind when packing. Make sure to pack some travel size containers of cough syrup, cold or allergy medicines. Benadryl, in particular, is very helpful in getting sick children to rest comfortably on a flight or long car ride.

·         Baby wipes – even if the kids are out of diapers, wipes come in handy for a variety of quick clean ups.

·         Zip lock bags – make sure to carry a variety of sizes, which can have numerous uses. Oversized bags come in very handy for packing wet clothes.

·         Night lights – do not forget them, particularly if you’re sharing a hotel room. A bad night for one of your kids means no sleep for the entire family and that certainly can impact fun activities.

·         Scheduling – if you’re kids are younger, leave around the time they usually nap. This might buy you some extra quiet time for the drive. If flying, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of flying overnight. Sure, it will impact your zzz’s, but it may beat entertaining a pre-schooler for six hours on a daytime flight.

·         Flying – utilize resources like SeatGuru.com to strategize where you want to sit (e.g. windows, aisles, front of the plane or back). Maybe you want to split the kids up to minimize the possibility of bickering and fights.

·         Games, toys and other entertainment – ultimately, the key to traveling with children means keeping them occupied. Whether it’s playing their favorite DVD in the car, a deck of cards for the car or plane or finding some fun travel games (www.momsminivan.com has a list of 101 Car Travel Games and Road Trip Ideas for Kids), keeping your children entertained for as long as possible is the real difference maker in a good or bad trip.

“For many people, the memories of trips they took with their families last a lifetime. You’d be amazed at how a little bit of pre-planning, including having the right map of the town or city where you’ll be staying, can go a long way towards ensuring that the memories of your family trips center on the fun you had and the places and things you saw,” said Hans.

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.  And kids love them so you can add Resort Maps to the list of things that will keep them entertained.

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 grown to nearly 90 Resort Maps in publication in the US and the UK, with several more in the process of being published. Nearly 20 million Resort Maps will be printed and distributed in 2009.

For more information on Resort Maps the company and/or the franchise opportunity, visit www.resortmaps.com or call 802-496-6277.

Are we there yet? Travel tips for a smoother family vacation.Read More