Industrial News

« January 2006 | Main | March 2006 »

February 28, 2006

AmericInn International, LLC Hotel Chain Announces Franchise Opportunities in Texas

AmericInn International, LLC today announced new hotel franchising opportunities in Texas. Entrepreneurs are invited to review franchising agreements to become part of the AmericInn Lodging System, one of the nation’s fastest growing, mid-scale without food and beverage lodging chains.

Texas (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 28, 2006 -- AmericInn International, LLC (www.americinn.com) today announced new hotel franchising opportunities in Texas. Entrepreneurs are invited to review franchising agreements to become part of the AmericInn Lodging System, one of the nation’s fastest growing, mid-scale without food and beverage lodging chains.

The AmericInn Lodging System, known for its Quiet Nights, Rest Assured, was founded on the integrity of consistent, quiet and solid masonry construction. Popular with both business and leisure travelers, AmericInn hotels compete across the luxury-economy and mid-market segments and have franchises strategically located throughout the United States.

“Our research shows that Texas is a great location for AmericInn and the area can expect an economic boost from the new business and jobs that will be created,” said Jon D. Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Franchise Development. “We exceed our customers’ expectations by providing quality and consistency throughout the chain and are dedicated to providing the best lodging value for our guests.”

AmericInn is now designing its exteriors with a comfortable new look and designs that reflect the geographic area, architectural detail preference and individual taste of the franchisee.

New franchisees will become part of the dynamic AmericInn Lodging System, designed to maximize the success of the individual franchise.

Qualified franchise operators benefit from:
One-on-one Management Training
Marketing for a variety of national marketing programs including advertising, media relations and sales assistance
Chain-wide 800 number and Internet site for reservations
System-wide Supply and Design services team
Professional Hospitality Contract Management services
Quality Assurance Evaluations

AmericInn is one of the fastest growing upscale limited service lodging chains in the United States with 225 locations currently open or under development. Competing across the luxury-economy and mid-market segments, the brand’s success and savvy growth is due to the unique AmericInn product and market niche founded on the integrity of consistent, quiet and solid masonry construction. AmericInn is dedicated to the concept of growing a dynamic franchise lodging system designed to maximize the success of each franchisee while exceeding guest expectations by providing Quiet Nights, Rest Assured.

The AmericInn Lodging System is franchised by AmericInn International, LLC, a Minnesota-based company with headquarters in Chanhassen, MN. For franchise development information, contact Jon Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Franchise Development, at 952-294-5268.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:41 AM | Comments (0)

AmericInn International, LLC Hotel Chain Announces Franchise Opportunities in Illinois

AmericInn International, LLC (www.americinn.com) today announced new hotel franchising opportunities in Illinois. Entrepreneurs are invited to review franchising agreements to become part of the AmericInn Lodging System, one of the nation’s fastest growing, mid-scale without food and beverage lodging chains.

Illinois (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 28, 2006 -- AmericInn International, LLC (www.americinn.com) today announced new hotel franchising opportunities in Illinois. Entrepreneurs are invited to review franchising agreements to become part of the AmericInn Lodging System, one of the nation’s fastest growing, mid-scale without food and beverage lodging chains.

The AmericInn Lodging System, known for its Quiet Nights, Rest Assured, was founded on the integrity of consistent, quiet and solid masonry construction. Popular with both business and leisure travelers, AmericInn hotels compete across the luxury-economy and mid-market segments and have franchises strategically located throughout the United States.

“Our research shows that Illinois is a great location for AmericInn and the area can expect an economic boost from the new business and jobs that will be created,” said Jon D. Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Franchise Development. “We exceed our customers’ expectations by providing quality and consistency throughout the chain and are dedicated to providing the best lodging value for our guests.”

AmericInn is now designing its exteriors with a comfortable new look and designs that reflect the geographic area, architectural detail preference and individual taste of the franchisee.

New franchisees will become part of the dynamic AmericInn Lodging System, designed to maximize the success of the individual franchise.

Qualified franchise operators benefit from:
One-on-one Management Training
Marketing for a variety of national marketing programs including advertising, media relations and sales assistance
Chain-wide 800 number and Internet site for reservations
System-wide Supply and Design services team
Professional Hospitality Contract Management services
Quality Assurance Evaluations

AmericInn is one of the fastest growing upscale limited service lodging chains in the United States with 225 locations currently open or under development. Competing across the luxury-economy and mid-market segments, the brand’s success and savvy growth is due to the unique AmericInn product and market niche founded on the integrity of consistent, quiet and solid masonry construction. AmericInn is dedicated to the concept of growing a dynamic franchise lodging system designed to maximize the success of each franchisee while exceeding guest expectations by providing Quiet Nights, Rest Assured.

The AmericInn Lodging System is franchised by AmericInn International, LLC, a Minnesota-based company with headquarters in Chanhassen, MN. For franchise development information, contact Jon Kennedy, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Franchise Development, at 952-294-5268.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:40 AM | Comments (0)

Projection Screens, TV Mounts and Notebook Computer Re-Charge Security Carts Now Available Online at Newly Expanded WIUSA.com

Newly expanded WIUSA.com (www.wiusa.com) offers a comprehensive site of Projection Screens, TV Mounts and Notebook Computer Re-Charge Carts for the Architectural Specifier, Contractor and Facility Management.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 28, 2006 -- The newly expanded WIUSA.com is designed to assist in the selection of Projection Screens , TV Mounts , Notebook Computer Carts and TV / Monitor Carts to meet particular commercial requirements. Most of these products offer additional options found in the product overview and accessory pages. The WIUSA.com menu selection Projection Screens, Mounts & Carts offers over 35 linked Online Catalog pages for the visual communications customer and the interior design market. These products offer various mounting options including; concealed-in-the-ceiling, ceiling hung, wall mounts, new VESA mounts, flat panel mounts, laptop recharge carts and AV cart portability for commercial customers.

WIUSA.com is unique for two reasons. First, the linked product pages function as a resource library for architects and interior designers for product selection, budgeting and specification. This extensive library features the visual communication brands Da-Lite and Bretford. Second, as an authorized dealer this site offers online purchasing of Electric Projection Screens for recessed ceiling installation or electric and manual screens for wall mounting. TV Mounts are available for ceiling or wall mounting with tilt and swivel control features. Notebook Computer Carts are available to both secure laptops for storage and recharge at the same time. TV / Monitor Carts are offered with either shelves or a locked cabinet. Flat Panel / Plasma Mounts for ceiling or wall are also available to complete this offering of UL Listed products. Linked TV mount accessory pages include installation parts, such as VCR mounts, ceiling pipes, escutcheon ring, and wall and ceiling mount plates.

WIUSA.com Projection screens, TV mounts and AV carts are all offered in many sizes to meet the demands of business conference rooms, schools, church education buildings, training rooms and meeting facilities. The electric projection screens Cosmopolitan Electrol, Boardroom Electrol, Advantage Deluxe Electrol and many other screens offered come with standard features including black borders and preset adjustable limit switches to automatically stop the screen at the desired viewing level. Special electric projection screen features include a patented noise silencer, a motor oiled for life with automatic thermal overload cut-out and electric brake to prevent coasting. Screen viewing choices include Square, Video and HDTV formats. These linked pages also include a help page, Selecting the Right Screen. For full wall projection requirements Panel Graphic projection and illustration surface is also available.

WIUSA.com TV / Monitor Mounts offer Bretford Gibraltar Yoke or Shelf style mounts with heavy duty steel construction and black powder coated finish to blend with any décor. TV mount choices also include Quick Link series ceiling mount frame for ceiling grids and Quick Link wall mount frames. Universal Plasma and Flat Panel wall mounts are included in many sizes to accommodate the different size monitors or a TV. To determine the best mount for the ceiling or wall substrate a PDF download file offers additional technical information for that product. Our selection of Multi-Media carts include Monitor / Television carts as well as Laptop / Notebook computer storage / recharge carts. These carts are perfect for any Library, Classroom, Church, or Conference Area.

WIUSA.com products are used in commercial applications and multi-use facilities across the United States. A Da-Lite Boardroom electric projection screen in a showroom for product seminars to customers makes a real power point impact presentation, and the concealed-in-the ceiling installation adds to the interior design. A wall mounted manual projection screen offers both budget and use for training rooms or church educational classrooms. A Da-Lite or Bretford yoke style ceiling or wall mounted frame for a TV / Monitor can offer information, multimedia use or security for various facilities. Bretford computer laptop / notebook carts offer training and classrooms one place storage, re-charge ability and security to save time.

WIUSA.com is part of an extensive corporate site with links to its various interior and visual communication products such as Marker boards, Executive Conference Cabinets, Display Cases and Cork tack surfaces including Natural and Color Cork at www.curvcork.com and interior design products of wood veneer, wood wallcovering and tambour at www.curvwood.com.

The Company, established in 1979, is a national supplier to the interior design and construction market The Company is a sponsor of various interior design and finish associations. Curvwood and Panel Graphic are registered trademarks of Wallcovering Industries, Inc. For more information please contact us or visit us on the web at www.wiusa.com.

Contact Information:
Jack Sanford
WIUSA.com
PO Box 567949, Dallas, TX 75356
1346 Chemical Street, Dallas, TX 75207
Tel: 214.631.4655
Fax: 214.631.4654
CS: 800.527.9014

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:39 AM | Comments (0)

Internet RFP Software Pioneer, WhyAbe.com, Provides Suppliers the Ability to Promote and Sell Products and Services Directly on the Web Site at No Cost

WhyAbe.com announced several new tools today, including the launch of a supplier selling portal, which allows registered suppliers to create sell listings for their products and services at no cost.

Willow Grove, PA (PRWEB) February 28, 2006 -- WhyAbe.com announced several new tools today, including the launch of a supplier selling portal, which allows registered suppliers to create sell listings for their products and services at no cost.

WhyAbe.com, the Free Commerce web tool, is listening to the requests of its user base and has developed a “Sell” feature for registered suppliers or buyers to sell their products, services and excess inventories. “Many of our users are telling us they have difficulty promoting their products and services globally, and cannot afford the marketing costs associated with maintaining multiple online site memberships and individual product catalogs” said Steve Belli, CEO for WhyAbe.com. In response, WhyAbe has developed and launched a completely free selling portal, which is integrated into the existing WhyAbe.com web site. This will allow the many registered suppliers to gain exposure to buyers for their offerings.

WhyAbe members now have the capability to list products or services that they want to sell or promote. By clicking the “Sell” option, members will be taken through a simple process that is similar to the existing RFP creation process. Once the category of the product or service is chosen, the user can enter text descriptions and upload pictures or attachments that they wish perspective buyers to see. When finished, a web page is automatically created for the listing. Buyers can make an offer to buy the product or service, as well as ask questions of the seller directly through the WhyAbe site. Sellers can manage all of their listings and interactions with buyers directly from their Dashboard.

In addition to the Seller’s portal, WhyAbe.com has rolled out a new feature in its supplier search. Registered users of the site can now search for suppliers, and automatically email them with questions or contact information through a single form. This free, easy to use tool allows buyers to send inquiries to multiple suppliers with a single click.

WhyAbe.com is an automated collaborative marketplace that can be used by any organization in any industry. WhyAbe allows buyers to post their specifications in a RFP / RFQ format and invite suppliers to provide quotes. Suppliers can make their goods and services available to a broader range of potential buyers and receive free trade leads. Registering and using the site is free.

Most e-sourcing platforms require a large ramp-up period and/or a large deployment budget. With these platforms, the cost of rollout can often mitigate any cost savings opportunities. WhyAbe is specifically designed to allow buyers (corporate and retail) to do more in less time, than conventional e-sourcing platforms. Buyers can easily monitor all of their activity through WhyAbe’s Dashboard feature which provides the history of all activity for all projects. This is especially important for companies that are trying to comply with Sarbanes Oxley.

Obtaining value from WhyAbe is instant. There is no software to install or PC’s to configure. A computer equipped with the latest version of Internet Explorer or Firefox (available free @ whyabe.com) provides immediate access to the comprehensive and user friendly tool. WhyAbe provides the tools necessary for procurement professionals as well as retail buyers to control costs, manage performance, ensure compliance and quickly deliver value. WhyAbe was designed so users would have a quick learning curve, and recognize the benefits of the RFP system immediately.

WhyAbe is the available immediately for free on the web @ www.WhyAbe.com.

For additional information, contact:
William Dorn
WhyAbe.com
724 Fitzwatertown Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Phone: 267-913-6278

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:37 AM | Comments (0)

Julien to Launch Premier Bathroom Suite; World-Renowned Designer Troy Adams Commissioned to Create The Julien Bathroom Suite by Troy Adams Design

Julien Home Refinements™, a perennial leader in stainless steel innovation and design, has teamed up with famed designer Troy Adams to create the “Julien Bathroom Suite by Troy Adams Design,” a breathtaking marriage between the sophisticated style and design of Troy Adams and the hand-crafted uniqueness and quality of Julien’s stainless steel. The initial elements of the suite are set to debut at the Pacific Design Center’s WESTWEEK 2006 showcase event on March 29th-30th. The program includes a special seminar by Troy Adams on March 29th, wherein Troy will discuss his FusionDesign™ philosophy and his current efforts towards feminizing stainless steel. Featured components from the suite include a freestanding-island vanity and wash area, a teakframed stainless steel soaking tub, a foot bath, Tansu step cabinet and an innovatively designed and concealed Toilet Bench.

(PRWEB) February 28, 2006 -- Julien’s artisan approach to design and Troy Adams’ innovative style result in a bathroom suite unlike any other. Troy Adams is internationally recognized for his FusionDesign signature touch, an inspirational style incorporating an Asian-based sensitivity to nature, a European-inspired sophistication and an American focus on functionality. This unique yet harmonious fusion of designs combined with Julien’s stainless steel creations produces a truly one-of-a-kind look.

Julien selected Adams for his inventive style and his ability to cater to the overall experience of an applied design. “I believe that in order to create an individualistic living environment, each space needs to take into account its surrounding elements,” says Adams, echoing the basis of his FusionDesign style. Julien is confident in Adams’ ability to usher Julien into the home spa and bathroom market, a space traditionally absent of most stainless steel design applications.

“The boundless capabilities of our custom production facilities spurred the foresight and confidence to capitalize on the bathroom market,” says Lloyd Leblanc, Director of Residential Division, Julien Home Refinements. “We are confident that Troy Adams can successfully apply his FusionDesign technique to broaden stainless steel’s applications, creating a softer, warmer look, perfect for a comfortable and welcoming bathroom suite.”

Celebrating 60 years, Julien continues to rise as an industry leader in stainless steel fabrication. Known for its high-quality professional grade commercial kitchen equipment and award-winning residential kitchen products collections, Julien is always confident in their ability to meet and surpass new challenges. Julien’s latest endeavour, the Julien Bathroom Suite by Troy Adams Design aims to further solidify their presence in the residential market as they continue to manufacture groundbreaking, hand-crafted stainless steel designs. For more information on Julien Home Refinements, please visit www.julien.ca or call 1.800.461.3377.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:36 AM | Comments (0)

Transportation Industry Finding Relief for Fuel Costs

Fuel costs affect every facet of life. The impact on our transportation industry has far reaching consequences.

(PRWEB) February 28, 2006 -- Fuel costs affect every facet of life. Farm machinery, trucks, boats, trains, school buses, etc., all consume fuel in order to provide food, transportation, and products for us. We, the end consumers ultimately end up paying for rising fuel costs by higher priced foods, clothing, housing, education, transportation, etc., as well as our own fuel.

The impact on our transportation industry has far reaching consequences. The American Trucking Association already “…deeply concerned about the impact of diesel price increases on the motor carrier industry and on our national economy…”, offers tips for saving on fuel as well as naming truck stops providing the cheapest fuels, etc.

Many school districts, desperately attempting to offset fuel costs while addressing the negative impact on children’s health from toxic exhaust emissions, are being forced to strip money from classrooms, trim bus routes, and eliminate field trips. Charging fees for bus services or requiring students to walk further distances to school are being seriously considered. Some districts in Arizona concerned about health to children’s vulnerable lungs, have begun a program encouraging bus drivers to turn buses off rather than idle.

According to the National Voice for the Marine Charter Industry, fuel prices are “cutting into the ‘already slim profit margins’ of the nation’s 40,000 charter boat operators….”

Like many consumers searching for fuel budget remedies, including owners of boats, buses, trucks, trains, and automobiles, myriads of fuel additives and/or fuel conditioners have been used and tested resulting in minimal or no noticeable difference in fuel savings, much less reduced emissions. Making matters worse, many left behind damaged engines and/or fuel systems.

One company searching for relief found it in a big way when they decided to test yet another fuel conditioner in their quest for emission reduction and fuel savings. Call Sign Magazine made the official announcement that Dial-A-Cab would be testing a fuel conditioner called the UBiee PowerPill Fe-3, promising to publish results in the October 2005 issue.

Call Sign Magazine October 2005 issue published results from all tests, resounding “…drivers say it works!” and they were still talking about it in their February 2006 issue. A further article was also published in the February 2006 issue of The Taxi Globe Newspaper, with interviews of the actual taxi drivers who tested the UBiee PowerPill Fe-3.

Ring SMS UBiee CEO and President, Dr. Michael U. Dolgoruky, not surprised by the fuel savings or emission reductions, stated, “Not only does it help performance, fuel consumption and emissions, but our experience shows that parts connected to the fuel, such as filters and injectors, etc., are also lasting much longer, also adding to the savings brought on by the Power Pill. In fact, the most recent documented report included a 45% savings within the boating industry.”

Originating at NASA and now manufactured under ISO 9001 Quality Assurance Program, exclusive marketing rights were secured by Ring SMS UBiee in three continents, and the PowerPill, aka, UBiee PowerPil Fe-3, resonates its relief for the transportation industry in fuel savings, maintenance savings, and emission reduction in 69 countries around the globe.

With record high fuel prices, a welcomed helping hand of relief for consumer budgets and the transportation industry resounds via a tested and proven environmentally friendly product known as the UBiee PowerPill Fe-3. Accompanied with a historically proven track record resulting in fuel savings and emission reduction, as well as maintenance savings and extended engine life, the future looks brighter.

Contact Info: Dee Scrip
Phone: 1-412-571-1855
Web: http://www.ubieepill.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:35 AM | Comments (0)

Cornwall Glass & Glazing Flying High with Kitemark Approval

A commitment to quality improvement by a family owned Cornish manufacturing business has been rewarded with the British Standards Kitemark approval. The prestigious Kitemark symbol of quality will be displayed on insulated glass units produced by Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd at their St Austell factory.

(PRWEB) February 28, 2006 -- A commitment to quality improvement by a family owned Cornish manufacturing business has been rewarded with the British Standards Kitemark approval. The prestigious Kitemark symbol of quality will be displayed on insulated glass units produced by Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd at their St Austell factory.

The £2million purpose built state-of-the-art factory was opened in 2004. Housing, within it’s 17,000 square feet, high-speed glass cutting equipment, a robotic sealed unit production line and the only glass toughening plant in Cornwall.

“We have invested substantial resources in order to achieve Kitemark status. It reflects our commitment to continually improving our products.” Said Mark Mitchell, managing director. “We are delighted to be producing the highest quality insulated glass units, that surpass all relevant standards, here in Cornwall.”

The business has successfully developed from its beginnings in 1998 and initial compliment of 11 staff. Its next ambitious project, the imminent opening of a new branch in Exeter, will see staffing levels reach 100.

To contact Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd call 01726 66325.

Notes to Editors:

1. EN 1279 is a new European standard for hermetically sealed glass units. The new standard introduces a series of new stringent tests that ensure only the most technologically advanced products will succeed. The new standard will be fully in force by May 2006 when all insulated glass units must be EN 1279 compliant.

2. Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd which operate a total of nine branches, seven in Cornwall and two in Devon.

3. During the first year of production Cornwall Glass & Glazing have used 1800 tonnes of glass, 30,000 production labour hours, half a million lineal metres of bendable spacer bars, 2,000 arising belts, 2,500 ‘Smash’ test pieces of glass and made 13,000 deliveries.

4. For more information contact Steven Michell on 01726 66325.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:33 AM | Comments (0)

Four Seasons Industries Tells the Truth about Vinyl Siding

Simply - Vinyl Siding has major Problems consumers need to know before they make a big mistake installing vinyl siding on their homes. We are experienced at chasing the leaks caused by these products.

The Vinyl Siding Industry has made claims and promises to the American public that are untrue. Companies that are actively involved in the detection and repair of leaking issues, mold remediation, and structural repair of rotting wood know all to well the effects that these products have on residential dwellings. These products have caused a great deal of damage and the companies selling and installing them are for the most part, transients that never realize the impact they have on the health of the buildings and the occupants of them.

Vinyl siding is a quick fix and a low budget solution that proves itself not to be a solution at all. The products have generated much income in the remodeling and home building industries and many operators are still advocating its use. Four Seasons Industries has a different perspective. We believe we should educate the American consumer as they deserve better than they have been offered by many of our competitors. Please read the page entitled:

“The Plastic Man is Worse than the Tin Man.” The link is attached to this press release.

The Truth About Vinyl Siding - The Plastic Man is worse than the Tin Man.
Vinyl Siding Leaks.
Vinyl Siding only lasts about 10 years.
Vinyl Siding Cracks.
Vinyl Siding is highly combustible.
Vinyl Siding Melts.
Visit our website for more information.
House Wraps make situations worse.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:32 AM | Comments (0)

February 27, 2006

TruckChamp.com Launches Newly Redesigned Site for Greater Customer Reach with Expedient, Friendly Service

TruckChamp.com realizes that today’s automotive consumer has dozens of options available when it comes to purchasing SUV and pick up truck accessories, such as the increasingly popular truck tonneau cover. With its newly redesigned, user-friendly website, TruckChamp.com is prepared to go the distance in the competitive e-commerce world.

(PRWEB) February 27, 2006 -- TruckChamp.com is in it for the long haul! Having served the greater Chicagoland area for well over 30 years, this innovative company is firmly established in the world of aftermarket pick up truck accessories and automotive parts. Now, with its newly redesigned, customer-friendly website, TruckChamp.com is poised to extend its commercial reach even further. Customers can expect the same superior value, family atmosphere, and excellent service, with the added benefit of an easy-access online storefront. “Our full-time staff constantly updates the site with the latest specials and new products,” said co-owner Lou Kovach. “Personal assistance is just a phone call away for anyone seeking that direct communication.”

The newly renovated TruckChamp.com site has everything customers need to make their trucks go faster and perform better, looking sharp all the while. Whether the goal is to make vehicles more functional, more attractive, or both, it’s effortless and affordable at TruckChamp.com. Today’s savvy customer realizes that aftermarket pick up truck accessories are the best way to augment appearance while increasing resale value. Some parts even reduce operational expenses, such as the truck tonneau cover, which increases gas mileage by reducing tailgate drag.

Because the company buys in bulk from wholesalers, TruckChamp.com passes the savings on to the customer. “Our years in the business have meant building strong relationships with manufacturers who are industry leaders that have earned their reputation for excellence, often with more than 30 years experience,” said co-owner Doug Pientok. “Our history with these manufacturers has taught us which ones to buy from, which to avoid, and who can offer the best quality product at the most reasonable price.”

TruckChamp.com carries the most cost-effective, unique and stylish accessories to accent and personalize any car, truck or SUV, no matter what the make or model: Toyota, Chevy, Nissan, Ford, Lincoln, and GMC are all fully represented. Whether customers need a Nissan custom grille or a Chevy truck tonneau cover, they’ll find it at TruckChamp.com, along with a comprehensive selection of truck step bars, nurf bars, billet grills, hitch bike racks, window visors, truck bed rails, grill and brush guards, tube steps, truck hitches, bug shields, hood protectors, universal fender flares, hitch mounted cargo carriers and cargo nets. See firsthand why they’re known as “the Cadillac of trucking accessories.” Visit TruckChamp.com today.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:17 AM | Comments (0)

New Home Improvement Podcast Offers Tips to Consumers in a Convenient Format

Savvy consumers can listen to the Uncle Bobs Tips podcast to learn how to save time and money on their home improvement projects.

(PRWEB) February 27, 2006 -- Homeowners interested in learning about home improvement issues now have the option to listen to, not just read about, home repair and do-it-yourself projects when they tune into the new Uncle Bobs Tips podcast.

Savvy consumers who are looking for useful and economical ways to beautify their homes (and increase their value) will find the Uncle Bobs Tips podcast an excellent resource. UncleBobsTips.com provides objective and practical home improvement advice in an easy-to-understand format.

People "on the go" who have no time to sit and read in front of their computer screens will enjoy having the ability to listen to home improvement tips while they commute, travel or even while they do household chores.

Consumers unfamiliar with the term "podcasting" should just think of a podcast as a radio show "on demand". For the more technical-minded: podcasts are files of audio content delivered over the Internet primarily via RSS syndication; allowing subscribers to sign up for automatic file delivery to their computers, and often to their mobile devices. The Uncle Bobs Tips pod cast allows individuals to listen online or offline, whenever and wherever they find it most convenient.

Bob Williams, home repair expert and author, is very excited about the new podcast series, which makes it possible for him to share his home improvement knowledge with a much larger audience. Nicknamed "Uncle Bob" by his friends, he was delighted by the enthusiastic response of his podcast listeners. "They find that it helps them brainstorm ways to improve their homes. There’s a difference when you 'hear' it. People find that the information becomes more real, and it inspires their creativity. They’re coming up with new ideas that didn’t occur to them when reading the articles," Bob explains.

About UncleBobsTips.com
UncleBobsTips.com is a free online resource offering objective and practical advice to help all consumers save time and money on their home improvement projects. Uncle Bob, home improvement expert and writer, tackles everyday home renovation, remodeling and do-it-yourself projects. From kitchen design and money saving tips to home product purchasing decisions, get expert advice at your convenience. http://www.unclebobstips.com/

February 2006 is Podcast Month at PRWeb. This press release distributed by PRWeb, the Online Visibility Company.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:16 AM | Comments (0)

Knobs, Hinges and More is Proud to Introduce Objects by Tracy Glover Studios and Michael Healy Designs

www.KnobsHingesandMore.com is proud to announce the addition of Tracy Glover hand blown cabinet hardware and lighting and Michael Healy finely crafted door knockers.

Southold, NY (PRWEB) February 27, 2006 -- www.KnobsHingesandMore.com is happy to offer Objects of Art by Tracy Glover Studios.The ageless art of glass blowing is being energized by artisan Tracy Glover, who breathes new life into the medium with innovative talent, studied skill and a healthy reverence for tradition.

The Rhode Island-based glass blower is the designer and creator of the Tracy Glover Collection - an elegant family of handcrafted table lamps, floor lamps and vases. A study in understatement, Ms. Glover's creations speak to any décor.

Ms. Glover employs Venetian glass techniques, choosing glass with vivid, ultra-rich colors like aurora, plum, celery, tourmaline and steel blue. These striking hues take on a new dimension of vibrancy when combined with neutrals. This drama of contrast is one of Ms. Glover's signatures.

Each lamp and vase ordered is individually produced at the artist's industrial studio. Mass production does not exist. The glass blowing process begins only when an order is placed, not a second sooner, promising the buyer a one-of-a-kind result.

Subtle variations in pattern and color are a natural occurrence in the process. Therefore, the artist recommends ordering pairs of lamps at the same time, to ensure a good match.

With a degree from the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, Tracy Glover's path has taken her across the world. From Manhattan to Murano, Italy, this bold innovator has patiently crafted her signature elegance. It is her honor to have been selected as the first female glassblower at Val Saint Lambert Crystal factory in Belgium, a revered facility nestled in a 14th century convent.

A world away, both literally and figuratively, her creations have appeared on The White House Christmas tree, and have a permanent place at The Clinton Library in Little Rock and the Detroit Institute of Art in Michigan. Ms. Glover's lamps are sprinkled like jewels in the Spa Tower Corridor and the Baccarat Room at the famed Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

We are also happy to offer Michael Healy Designs finely sculptured door knockers and door bell ringers.Michael Healy studied metal sculpture at the University of Notre Dame where he learned century-old bronze casting techniques which became the foundation for his artistic expression. Michael's artistic style is very identifiable. He is known for his ability to skillfully combine quality materials into sculptural, yet functional forms. He is particularly noted for his talent for turning an everyday object into a unique work of art. His most recognizable works are this series of unusual Door Knockers and Doorbell Ringers. Michael Healy has prolifically sculpted over one hundred door sculptures. His door sculptures depict interests such as gardening, cooking, outdoor life, the Southwest, horse-back riding and the seashore.

To ensure consistently high quality at all stages of the metal casting process, Michael Healy works from his own foundry in Rhode Island. Michael is assisted by a select group of talented artisans who handcraft each Door Knocker or Doorbell Ringer. This personal attention to detail guarantees that every door sculpture is truly special. Michael Healy signs each of his Door Knockers confirming its authenticity and quality craftsmanship.

A New Twist . . . A Classic Look In the world of decorative hardware, small changes go a long way. Putting new pulls on kitchen cabinets or new knobs on dresser drawers is the easiest way to alter the entire look of a room. With his new line of hardware, award-winning designer Lewis Dolin brings a world of experience – and a fresh look – to the decorative hardware market. Dolin's distinct interior designs and tabletop accessories have been featured in a wide variety of national and international publications, including the New York Times, Interior Design ,Food & Wine and The Home by Susan Szenasy. His entry into the decorative hardware market is marked by the same simplicity of design and clean forms that have gained him a reputation as an original, talented designer.

Bin pulls take a dramatic new look with the Glass Bin Pull Series and complementary Mushroom Knobs. Both the Bar and Barrel Series are simple geometric forms with a great deal of versatility in their application. The Acorn Glass Series is an elegant turn on a natural form. And the Ceramic Series – King, Queen, Pawn, and Bishop – brings a clever, new twist to a classic look. A door has to have hinges and a means of opening and closing. Add some dash to the required hardware by making decisions about their look and feel. Choose the warmth of brass or the strength of a black finish. At the front door, decide to dress up the doorbell by choosing hardware that adds definitive character. Decide not to have a doorbell, but select a stylish door knocker instead. Make the front door the first statement you make for your home. Make your inner doors confirm the statement.Whether adding a ceramic knob or a gecko cabinet pull; a glass drawer pull or brass hinges to your kitchen cabinets, the warmest room in the house takes on the cozy, homey feeling that is its nature.

It’s all about the details, the personalization and ownership that comes with the details, that makes enhancing a kitchen something of an adventure … and fun.Floor registers frequently come with memories of growing up. Of home, or of grandma’s and grandpa’s house. And it’s impossible to think of those memories without warmth – literally. Recreate those memories with a register cover reminiscent of those days, and make the warmth in your house match the warmth of your childhoodWhen it comes to beautifying your home, we take nothing for granted. Knobs, Hinges & More only carries the finest quality, most unique, and most beautiful fixtures for your home--and offers them at the lowest possible prices.KnobsHingesandMore.com carries the following manufacturers: Anne at Home, Architect and Heroes, Atlas Homewares, Colombo Designs, East of Eden, Emenee Products, Bouvet Hardware, Classic Brass, Deltana,Lews' Hardware, Megna Hot Glass, Michael Aram, MNG Designer Hardware, Modern Objects, North River Mint, Premier Hardware Designs, Perrin & Rowe,Providence Artworks, Pullware, Rohl,River Ridge, Rosalie Sherman, Samuel Heath, Susan Goldstick,TE-MA,Top Knobs, Umbra, Von Morris, Waterwood, Whitehaus Collection, Wood Ventures ,Blanco,Tracy Glover Studios,Michael Healy Designs and many more.www.KnobsHingesandMore.com is a female owned and operated E-commerce business.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:15 AM | Comments (0)

Internet Video: Latino Power Politics and Immigration

What role does the Catholic Church play in Latino power politics and the illegal immigration issue? These are some of questions addressed in an nine (9) minute Internet Video comprised of video clips from Full Disclosure™ interviews with Dr.Fernando Guerra of Loyola Marymount University and California Senator Dick Mountjoy (ret). This video is available for viewing free “on demand” 24/7 at the URL: http://www.fulldisclosure.net/flash/411-412_Mountjoy.htm as a public service of the Full Disclosure Network™.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) February 27, 2006 -- What role does the Catholic Church play in Latino power politics and the illegal immigration issue? These are some of the questions addressed in an nine (9) minute Internet Video comprised of video clips from Full Disclosure™ interviews with Dr.Fernando Guerra of Loyola Marymount University and California Senator Dick Mountjoy (ret). This video is available for viewing free “on demand” 24/7 at the URL: http://www.fulldisclosure.net/flash/411-412_Mountjoy.htm as a public service of the Full Disclosure Network™.

When asked about Latino power politics and the Catholic Church, Loyola Marymount University’s Fernando Guerra said “the Cardinal feels a responsibility, as do most of the Church hierarchy, that they have to educate their parishioners on what they believe are important issues” and he went on to say that while the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese, never directly spent money in the campaign against Proposition 187 (1994) they do utilize their resources to try to mobilize Catholics in general and Latinos specifically.

Senator Mountjoy points out the special interests of the U. S. banking industry and how they and the Mexican economy are benefiting from illegal immigration to the United States. Also appearing in this video are Nativo Lopez of the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA) and Xavier Reyes of CHIRLA who explain why they believe it is important to issue drivers licenses to illegal immigrants.

Former State Senator Dick Mountjoy, the author of the Save Our License Constitutional Amendment initiative, generally disagreed with Guerra. “I don’t believe the Catholic Church is going to mobilize thousands of people and have them believe that we ought to let people flood in here from around the world illegally.” “This is a matter of their pocketbook. This is a matter of survival, a matter of competing with those illegally here for jobs.” Mountjoy said.

Included in this presentation hosted by Full Disclosure™ Emmy Award winning producer/host Leslie Dutton is Senator Mountjoy's reaction to statements made by Dr. Fernando Guerra who serves as Director of the Center for the Studies of Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. Full Disclosure™ interviews have documented the frustration and confusion of government officials and public agencies over conflicting local and federal policies impacting illegal immigrants.

Over the past thirteen years Full Disclosure™ programs have been billed as “the news behind the news” and are featured on 43 cable systems and the Internet at http://www.fulldisclosure.net/. The programs have explored police policies, politics, corruption and reform, interviewing all the LAPD Chiefs from Ed Davis to William Bratton as well as the Southern California County Sheriffs and most U.S. Attorneys General and Special Prosecutors involved in Presidential investigations. Cable channels are listed by community and air times on the website. In 2002 the program was presented with a public affairs EMMY Award for the series “L. A.’s War Against Terrorism”.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:13 AM | Comments (0)

Fireplace Mantels and Original Fireplace Designs Invoke the Old-World Elegance of Italian Custom Stone

Fireplace Mantels made of Scagliola and Original Fireplace Designs from Award Winning Designer Thierry Francois of Stone Age Designs provide a Contemporary Renaissance Look to the Home and the Elegance of Italian Custom Stone. While some Designers are Mining Paris for Antiques, Francois is Turning to the Elegance of Contemporary Scagliola Stone Fireplace Mantels, Custom Stone Fireplace Mantels, and Cast Stone Fireplace Mantels to Create the Contemporary Designs of Today that have the Look of the Renaissance, and Francois is Using the same Scagliola Created by 15th Century Italians Monks.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) February, 27, 2006 –- Fireplace mantels and original fireplace designs are produced using Scagliola by award winning Designer Thierry Francois. Custom stone fireplace mantels invoke a contemporary Renaissance look to the home with the elegance of Italian Custom Stone. While some designers are mining Paris for antiques, Francois is turning to the elegance of contemporary Scagliola Stone fireplace mantels, custom stone fireplace mantels, and cast stone fireplace mantels to create the contemporary designs of today that have the look of the Renaissance, and Francois is using the same Scagliola created by 15th Century Italian Monks.

Thierry Francois is also developing Scagliola custom stone kitchen hoods as well as cast stone accents for exteriors, interiors, as well as arches, columns, pedestals, staircases, and even Scagliola waterfalls for the home that all bring home the warmth of the Italian Renaissance.

Today, those searching for the Contemporary Renaissance feel and elegance of Scagliola are finding Stone Age Designs on the Internet at http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/ and at showrooms in Atlanta, Georgia, Charlotte, North Carolina, and Winter Park, Florida.

Visitors from across the U.S. have only to “mine” from their computer to visit the Online Showroom. See fireplace mantels like the “Toulouse” and cast stone fireplace mantels like the Marie Antoinette http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/mantels/marieantoinette.html
The Scagliola Stone Collection by Thierry Francois may also include a custom fireplace design that is created just for you and your home, or office.

There is an explosion of interest in Scagliola, and Stone Age Designs is most often asked, "What is Scagliola?" Scagliola, http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/scagliola.html dates back to the 15th Century when it was first created by Italian Monks near the Italian city of Capri. Creating Scagliola Stone is a technique of blending and inlaying marble powders and pigments producing a marble-like surface that resembles a painting while the designs can range from classic to modern.

Thierry Francois has developed his own “secret recipe” for Scagliola, and that “secret Scagliola recipe” is coveted by the industry. The Scagliola Stone of Stone Age Designs separates our Scagliola from all the other manufacturers, and, “I know my recipe,” says Francois, “I spent years in researching how to combine the gypsum, granite, limestone, and travertine into our own, unique blend.”

“Our technique allows us the flexibility to hand-carve our Scagliola for very special projects, and our exclusive technique provides a sense of old-world elegance because it layered which gives it the look of authentic custom stone.”

“We have so much artistic freedom today,” says Francois because “we can create what we see in the mind’s eye with the molds we create or from the designs of the past. We can also work from CAD drawings to create one-of-kind pieces in our own precious Scagliola Stone.”

The creation of Scagliola Stone Fireplace mantels, stove hoods ad accents is a precise system of blending and layering that is a highly guarded secret process. This combination is beautiful because it can be also be polished to produce custom stone fireplace mantels as well as custom stone kitchen hoods, and cast stone kitchen hoods that are not nearly as costly as hand-carved stone.

The Scagliola of Stone Age Designs is easy to use, and easy to install in the home, or in the office, and the design possibilities are limited only to the imagination. Stone Age Designs’ Scagliola has the look and feel of hand-carved quarry stones and the elegance of the Italian Renaissance.

Visit Stone Age Designs at http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/ and see the beautiful Scagliola Stone Collection of Thierry Francois, and you will find a one of a kind Showcase for Stone Fireplace Mantels and Surrounds, Stone Kitchen Hoods, Stone Stove Hoods, Stone Accents, Arches, Columns, Pedestals, and Statues. Architects, both Commercial and Residential, are even moving to Stone Age Designs’ Scagliola for Stone Fountains, Moldings, Arches, even Spiral Staircases, Lion Heads, and Waterfalls.

About Stone Age Designs:
Since 1997, Stone Age Designs own Scagliola Stone Collection by Thierry Francois has been Showcased around the world as the company crafts antique-looking Scagliola Stone Fireplace Mantels, Scagliola Stone Kitchen Hoods, and architectural details. Their secret mixture of crushed marble, limestone, and travertine is becoming the market leader in Scagliola, or “Scaglia” which was originally manufactured by Italian Monks in the 17th Century.

Contact:
Bruno Francois
Stone Age Designs
1020 Huff Road
Atlanta, Georgia
404.350.3333 – Extension 4
F. 404.355.4570
http://www.stoneagedesigns.net/

Dick Iannella and Kathleen Gorden
Arizona High Tech Talent Partnership
http://www.azhttp.com/
480-998-0246

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:12 AM | Comments (0)

Home Improvement Website Puts One-To-One Spin on Online Lead Generation for Local Contractors

A new home improvement directory seeks to take the frustration an inefficiency out of online estimate requests and lead generation in the home improvement industry by matching home improvement contractors and homeowners through one-to-one estimate requests.

Baltimore, Maryland (PRWEB) February 27, 2006 -- Leveraging the internet for lead-generation in the home improvement and repair industry is nothing new - as a number of national firms have been doing it for several years. Yet All Around the Home seeks to take a different approach. They believe the leads their website generates for its clients are much higher quality because each lead is only sent to one contractor.

The industry standard is to take one lead and sell it several firms - usually firms that operate in the same region and thus are competitors of one another. All Around the Home believes their business model of bringing contractors and homeowners together and eliminating any pushy sales edge will create greater satisfaction for both parties.

Co-Founder Ryan Corey found that the current market for internet lead generation in the home service industry was poorly operated, being lead by a handful of internet companies that generate leads through their websites and then sell the same lead to multiple contractors. No matter if the lead is a simple plumbing job, electrical installation or a major kitchen remodeling project, the homeowner's personal information gets sent to several contractors who must then outsell their opponent who also received the same lead.

For the home improvement contractors, All Around the Home's one-to-one matching of leads is attractive because it produces a higher quality lead that is more likely to translate into a sale. For the homeowners using the site, the one-to-one model means they can control who receives their contact information, rather than having to provide their information on blind faith to any firm the website chooses. With the All Around the Home model, homeowners browse and review an individual firm before requesting an estimate for their project.

Ryan Corey realized the current market’s flaws when he turned in a lead several months ago to one of the largest names in the online lead generation industry. The following several days Mr. Corey was flooded by pushy sales calls from competing contractors. The calls became less frequent after about one week, but for the next several months they occasionally reappeared.

“I realized at that point that there would have been a better way for me to find a suitable contractor, as well as a better way for contractors to approach me. I wanted to find a reputable contractor, but what I found was a hassle.” said Mr. Corey.

He then proceeded to do something about it by developing the All Around the Home business model and website, which is located at http://www.allaroundthehome.com. The site currently focuses on matching homeowners and contractors in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC - the region where Mr. Corey and the firm's two other co-founders live.

All Around The Home places the choice in the hands of the homeowner seeking the service by listing descriptions of the companies that service their region and specific need. The resident then requests to be contacted by whichever contractor they are most impressed with. The contractor can then approach the service seeker with a more consultative angle as opposed to a heavy sales pitch, knowing that the homeowner has already specifically selected their firm by name.

Mr. Corey believes that through this new approach, the homeowner will be much more pleased with the process because of the reduced pressure and fewer hard sales pitches, while the contractor will be satisfied because of a greater return on their marketing investment. All Around the Home charges contractors only for actual leads they receive, with no flat monthly cost or setup fee.

All Around The Home's owners live in the Maryland, Virginia, DC metro area. Their business model currently serves homeowners and home improvement contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region by matching the two parties through a one-to-one estimate request service. Current home service categories featured include: Heating & Air Conditioning (HVAC); Plumbing; Electrical; Basement Waterproofing; Kitchen Remodeling; Painting; Roofing; Landscaping and Cleaning Services (among others). Interested contractors can sign up to begin receiving leads or request more information through the firm's website at http://www.allaroundthehome.com, or by contacting the firm via using their online contact form at http://www.allaroundthehome.com/contact.asp.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:11 AM | Comments (0)

February 26, 2006

HomeAire Acquires U.S. Distribution Rights to Duo Vac Central Vacuum Systems

The teaming of HomeAire, a manufacturer and distributor of leading products and services for improving indoor air quality, and Duo Vac brings to the U.S. marketplace nationwide distribution of the world’s leading, highest quality vacuum systems.

Ward Hill, MA (PRWEB) February 26, 2006 -- Massachusetts-based HomeAire recently announced that the company has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the highly regarded Duo Vac Central Vacuum Systems. Manufactured in Canada, Duo Vac’s award-winning vacuum systems are sold worldwide, but until recently they have had limited availability in the U.S.

HomeAire, a division of Spruce Environmental Technologies Inc., offers to professionals products and solutions that are designed to address a variety of indoor air quality needs, including dampness control, air filtration, radon reduction, and targeted and general ventilation.

According to David Hill, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Spruce and its divisions, “For some time, HomeAire has been evaluating central vacuum products, seeking a manufacturer with a similar commitment to quality and service. When we talked with Duo Vac executives and reviewed their systems, we knew we had found the right match.”

Patrice Lévesque, Duo Vac’s Sales Marketing Manager, N.A., adds, “We have a strong corporate commitment to remain a business which is committed, responsible, honest and reputable. We work hard every day to understand, anticipate and satisfy the needs and expectations of the consumer, and we continually innovate and upgrade our central vacuum systems to make them ‘Simply more convenient’.”

Duo Vac has received Montreal’s "Consumer's Choice" award for central vacuum cleaners for ten years in a row. Consumers and professionals throughout the world recognize that Duo Vac Central Vacuum Systems offer:
- A combination of the exclusive, high-performance DuoFibre QuickFiltration System, a specially designed dust collector which creates a cyclonic air movement, and the most powerful motors in the industry (made by AMETEK Lamb Electric) makes Duo Vac central vacuum systems leaders in power.
- All metal construction (aluminum and/or steel) to dissipate heat and extend the system’s durability.
- Four different models to meet every customer’s needs and budget. The Silentium model is one of the world’s quietest central vacuum systems, the result of unique cutting-edge technology that lowers the decibel level without sacrificing the power. The other models are the Signature featuring a brushed aluminum finish; the sturdy steel Symphonia; and the compact, cost-effective Simplici-T.

HomeAire will be introducing the Duo Vac Central Vacuum Systems at the VDTA/SDTA Convention in Las Vegas from February 28 to March 4, 2006. “This is the first step in our plan for offering this outstanding product line. HomeAire intends to once again provide easy access to one of the best central vacuum systems lines in the industry,” says Mr. Hill.

Contact:
Andrew Porter, Director of Sales
HomeAire
888-588-6880
www.homeaire.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:51 PM | Comments (0)

Amerimax Building Products, Inc. Offers New Screen Room Extrusion Products

Amerimax Building Products, Inc. has added new screen room extrusions to the established and extensive line of Alumawood™ Shade Structures.

Plano, TX (PRWEB) February 25, 2006 -- Amerimax Building Products, Inc. has added new screen room extrusions to the established and extensive line of Alumawood™ Shade Structures. The new screen room extrusions are available in all standard Alumawood™ colors: White, Sonora Beige, Mojave Tan, Desert Sand and Adobe.

The heavy aluminum extrusions are used in the framing of outdoor screen rooms and work well with full screen rooms as well as those that include a knee wall. They are offered in Corner Posts, Spline Jambs, U-Channels and H-Channels. Each of these extrusions can easily be incorporated with various roof types and will help you create your own beautiful outdoor living space.
Ron Wilson, Amerimax's Patio Products Assistant Sales Manager says “Our goal is to continue to introduce new products into the patio cover market. We aim to become your one-stop resource for all your patio needs.”
Visit the Amerimax Building Products website at http://www.amerimaxbp.com to submit a quote and to get more information on Amerimax Shade Structures.

Amerimax has a rich and proud history built on customer service and industry innovation. With manufacturing expertise originating back to the early 1950's, Amerimax has been providing original equipment manufacturers, contractors and distributors with a multitude of creative product solutions. Today, Amerimax Building Products serves the entire U.S. with a wide range of product solutions. With 15 locations strategically located across the country, Amerimax can meet production demands on a timely basis wherever you do business.

To find out about Amerimax open lattice and solid roof patio covers, awnings, carports, and much more, contact Amerimax Building Products, Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:50 PM | Comments (0)

Safestyle UK is FENSA Perfect For Second Successive Year

Safestyle UK achieved a 100% building regulations pass record by FENSA.

(PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- For the second successive year, Safestyle UK (http://www.safestyle-windows.co.uk/), the key retail subsidiary of Style Group UK Limited, the country's largest independent replacement window and door company, has been awarded a 100% Building Regulations pass record by the Government approved Fenestration Self- Assessment Scheme (FENSA) for its installations.

This latest accolade not only emphasises the continuous and impressive growth of the high profile retail company, Safestyle UK but also reflects strongly on the high quality of its products and its installation teams throughout the United Kingdom.

The FENSA scheme has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation with Government approval to ensure the industry complies with all relevant Building Regulations requiring all installations of windows and doors to meet demanding thermal performance standards. All homeowners who have windows and doors replaced must ensure they either get a certificate from their Local Authority Building Control or have the work completed by a FENSA-registered company such as the Style Group's Safestyle UK subsidiary.

To ensure the installations meet and maintain the standards set out, samples of the work of every installer are inspected regularly and at random by FENSA who then issue the appropriate certification, which is particularly important to householders if and when properties are sold on. Areas covered include correct and approved use of fire exits, disabled access, safety glass, strict thermal standards, ventilation and no worsening of the functional requirement of the property.
Style Group's Chief Executive, John Ross, explained: "We are all very proud of achieving the perfect result from FENSA inspections for a second successive year because it undoubtedly reflects our ability to continually produce only the highest quality window and door systems backed up by installation teams who, we believe, are the very best in the industry. It also clearly underlines our determination to continue the development of our unbeatable customer care and service record."

Andy Clegg, the Head of Survey and FENSA Co-ordinator at Safestyle UK, added: "This is a fantastic achievement when you consider that for the second year in succession we have come through with a 100 per cent pass rate on all installations inspected despite the very demanding criteria set by FENSA and the Government.

"Our success is down to the skill and enthusiasm shown by all, from sales to installation. They are now preparing to increase their efforts even further to ensure that a hat-trick of inspections is achieved in the coming year."

About Style Group UK:

The STYLE GROUP UK is the largest independent manufacturer, supplier and retailer of uPVC windows and doors in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 1992 the Group has continued to expand and now has 40 branches across the country from the South West to the North East serviced by a large in-house transport fleet. It ranks as one of Yorkshire's fastest growing companies according to a recent Business Insider Top 500 companies survey published in July 2005, rising from 129th to 88th.

The Group incorporates three specialist subsidiaries catering for manufacture, trade supply and retail as follows:-

WINDOWSTYLE UK is the manufacturing arm and its state-of-the-art factory in Wombwell, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire produces up to 10,000 quality assured frames per week. It is also the area's largest single employer.

TRADESTYLE UK (http://www.tradestyle.biz) was established in 2002 and supplies exclusively to non-fabricating retailers and installers. It has its own manufacturing facility and has seen demand for its products at a genuine trade price soar way beyond expectations.

SAFESTYLE UK (http://www.safestyle-windows.co.uk) is the best known name within the Group. It is synonymous with quality and affordability and installs domestic window and door frames valuing in excess of £2 million every week. It is renowned for its memorable, celebrity-fronted television and radio advertising campaigns featuring its value-for-money offers.

For further information please contact:
Ashley Metcalfe
CHS Ltd
+44 1132 362000

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:49 PM | Comments (0)

Cork Flooring has Environmental, Health Benefits

But quality important, distributor advises. Evora cork is quality leader.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- The world’s leading online wholesaler of building materials recommends that environmentally minded consumers of flooring materials investigate the benefits of cork flooring. BuildDirect also advises that cork quality should be a prime consideration in choosing a cork floor.

“Evora cork flooring is an ideal choice with its 25-year structural warranty, a tradition of manufacturing excellence, and the highest grade of natural cork,” said BuildDirect Executive Vice President of Sales, Robert Banks.

Evora cork is harvested in Portugal, the heartland of the world’s cork industry, where sustainable forest practices protect the cork oak trees. In fact, cork bark is harvested only from mature trees on a nine year cycle. The bark grows back, leaving the tree as healthy as ever, protecting the environment and making cork one of the most renewable flooring resources available.

Banks also advised consumers to remember that warmth and comfort are more than just notions with a cork floor. “Cork’s microscopic cell structure makes it a natural insulator as well as a superb cushion for walking and standing. It’s also an excellent noise absorber, a great benefit in offices, libraries, and family rooms,” said Banks.

Added Banks: “Cork flooring also promotes a healthy home environment. Suberin, the basic substance of cork, not only discourages microbes but is resistant to moisture, fire, and insects.”

In addition to its great utility, cork also makes an attractive floor. Public buildings designed by the famous American architect Frank Lloyd Wright still feature the original cork floors installed in the early 20th century.

Evora cork floors feature four decorative styles: Classic cork flooring displays a wide variety of granule sizes in a random pattern. Wine cork flooring displays cross sections of wine-bottle corks on a field of smaller granules. Burled cork flooring displays a mottled appearance with a great deal of “activity” in the design. Blocked cork flooring displays a patchwork pattern of lighter and darker pieces of cork. Each Evora cork floor style comes with the patented Uniclic locking system for easy and stable installation.

Evora cork flooring is available exclusively through BuildDirect, the world’s leading online wholesaler of building materials.
See www.BuildDirect.com

For more information on Evora cork flooring:
Toll-free phone: 1-877-631-2845

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:48 PM | Comments (0)

New Quadra “Vinyl Wood” Decking has Green Appeal

Quadra vinyl decking has transferable lifetime warranty.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- Just in time for spring construction, a new lifetime warranted “vinyl wood” decking is here for environmentally minded builders, BuildDirect announced today.

“Quadra decking looks and feels like natural wood, but is made from 100% recycled vinyl,” said BuildDirect Decking Manager Glen Bonderud. “This remarkable all-weather material won’t warp, crack or rot, and is impervious to termites and other insects. It’s also an ideal material for a family deck, safe for children and pets because it has no splinters or rough edges.”

Added Bonderud: “If you’re at the beach, Quadra is also a great material for docks. Its enhanced surface texture provides slip resistance in wetness.”

Quadra’s fully transferable lifetime warranty reflects its state-of-the-art extrusion processing for exceptionally strong, rigid planks. And each board is protected against fading from UV radiation to preserve its rich color for the long term. Combining the beauty of wood with the low maintenance of vinyl, Quadra decking is an economical investment returning years of enjoyment and cost savings.

Quadra decking installs easily with a hidden fastener system for a professional-looking installation with even spacing. Accessories include anchor biscuit, clamps, starter board, fascia and finishing trim.

Manufactured in the USA, Quadra brand vinyl decking is available exclusively though BuildDirect, the world’s leading online wholesaler of building materials.
See www.BuildDirect.com

For more information on Quadra vinyl decking:
Toll-free phone: 1-877-631-2845

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:47 PM | Comments (0)

South Coast Surety Reorganizes Production Staff

South Coast Surety, a nationwide bond only agency, has reorganized surety bond production staff. The responsibilities realignment for processing new commercial surety bonds and renewing commercial bonds is in response to South Coast Surety’s growing commercial surety portfolio.

San Clemente, CA (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- South Coast Surety is a surety bond only agency that provides surety bond support on a national basis. With the firm’s strong web presence at www.southcoastsurety.com and the wide scope of surety programs represented, South Coast Surety has seen a continuing growth in their commercial bond portfolio of license bonds, broker bonds and many other miscellaneous surety bonds. To meet the production needs of their expanding commercial surety bond business, South Coast Surety has reorganized their surety bond production staff.

Nicki Swartz oversees all office operations and production. She has over 27 years of combined experience in the finance and insurance industries. She schedules, coordinates and manages all production staff. Nicki has primary responsibility for all commercial bond renewal reconciliation and billing.

Lorie Mandel has been with South Coast Surety for over ten years. In addition to her lead production control for all new surety bond business, Lorie will do direct production of new commercial bonds. Lorie is also the primary production specialist for all contract bonding and subdivision bond execution. She interacts with production staff, surety applicants and our various surety markets.

Lynn Tomerlin will continue as lead coordinator for New Commercial Surety Bonding - Manual Production, while expanding the portion of new business responsibility. She is responsible for the commercial bond production requiring manual execution. Lynn interacts with new applicants and the market underwriters.

Jacqui Metcalf will continue as is lead coordinator for New Commercial Surety Bonds - Automated Production. She is responsible for the commercial bond production processed with our on line systems. This has grown considerably with the additional on line surety production with both HCC Surety and RLI Surety companies.

Elsa Chacon has been moved to full time lead coordinator for Commercial Renewal Business. She processes commercial bond renewal reconciliation and billings. Elsa interacts with established accounts renewing their surety bonds and the market underwriters.

Lisa Clark has been moved to General Accounting. Lisa is responsible for providing all in-office accounting. She processes all surety account, surety market and general payments. Lisa also reconciles all surety company billing statements. Lisa has considerable experience in new surety and renewal bonds and provides backup support.

Patti Witkowski provides processing support for New Commercial Surety Bonds - Automated Production. She supports the commercial bond production processed with our on line systems. Patti interacts with new applicants and the market underwriters. She also provides other production support where and when needed.

Patty Minder has been with South Coast Surety for over ten years. She has nearly three decades of combined insurance and surety experience. Patty produces a variety of contract and miscellaneous surety bonds. Patty will be retiring in April, 2006. South Coast Surety is presently looking for a contract bond producer to help follow all the contract bond business.

To read more about all the staff at South Coast Surety or for direct email address, you can visit their "Meet The Staff" page at: http://southcoastsurety.com/Surety_Staff.html.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:46 PM | Comments (0)

Garage Cabinets And Garage Storage – Homeowners Are Looking To The Garage As The One Place To Save Space Says Slide-Lok Garage & Storage Cabinets

Garage Cabinets and Garage Storage -- Homeowners are looking to the garage as the one place to save space says SLIDE-LOK Garage & Storage Cabinets, http://www.slide-lok.com, as homeowners are targeting garage storage systems and garage storage cabinets as a necessity of home ownership.

Mesa, AZ (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 –- Homeowners are looking to the garage as the one place to save space says SLIDE-LOK Garage & Storage Cabinets, http://www.slide-lok.com, as homeowners are targeting garage storage systems and garage storage cabinets as a necessity of home ownership.

According to the International Housewares Association, “Consumers are focusing on the garage and the closets as the main areas for home organization,” and it is estimated that ‘modular garage storage systems sales will increase to $7.6 billion by 2009.’ In addition, “the National Association of Home Builders predicts that consumers will spend $2.5 billion on garage improvements this year. Garage storage products are selling faster than any other home organization items. Sales totaled more than $800 million last year.”

SLIDE-LOK Garage & Storage Cabinets with more than 125 Dealers across the country, http://slide-lok.com/distributorships.shtm is one of the fastest growing dealer networks in the industry.

Slide-Lok Garage Storage Cabinets feature an exclusive line of modular cabinets for the garage, and for the home. The SLIDE-LOK Storage Solutions feature 8 modular storage systems that mix and match to fit any storage area, http://slide-lok.com/products/S3634.shtm and each one is crafted with the strongest joint in the world, the patented SLIDE-LOK Dovetail Joint that is far stronger than any other type of dowel, screw, nail or toggle.

The modular construction makes SLIDE-LOK garage storage solutions and garage cabinets easy for our Dealers to install in one day. Be sure to see the SLIDE-LOK ads in the March/April Edition of Handy Magazine which is available today, and at the Bob Vila website at http://www.bobvila.com/ProductServices/Categories/Garages in the Showroom under Products and Services.

There is more to garage cabinets and garage storage as SLIDE-LOK showcases its storage systems for organizing the garage that include complete garage storage solutions as well as individual garage storage units, tool cabinets, storage shelves, work benches, and complete garage organizer systems.

SLIDE-LOK has the look and feel of a custom cabinet, http://slide-lok.com/products.shtm, so SLIDE-LOK storage cabinets are a perfect fit for the closet, the craft room, and inside the home office including a desk. All SLIDE-LOK garage cabinets, from the smallest garage organizer to the largest garage organizers are manufactured from 100% long-lasting, durable plywood.

At SLIDE-LOK, we experimented, long ago, with particle board cabinets for the garage, and they just do not last. And every year, SLIDE-LOK tests the new particle board, and all the other components that are used on the market today. But the garage is an uncontrolled environment, and even the melamine covered particle board cabinets do not last in the garage.

In 27 years of cabinet making, SLIDE-LOK has experimented with cabinet making materials and found that 100% plywood produces the best, longest lasting garage organization system right down to a single garage shelf, to garage shelves, and in all types of garage shelving. Download and print one of our online brochures today at http://www.slide-lok.com/assets/PDF/SLIDE-LOK_Brochure.pdf and you can develop, print, and save several versions of your own online storage solution at Jack’s Design Center http://www.slide-lok.com/designctr.shtm so that you have the time to develop the garage organization storage system that fits your needs.

So as you look to the garage as the one place to save space; look to the advice from the International Housewares Association, and the National Association of Home Builders Association, and look for the modular cabinets from SLIDE-LOK Garage & Storage Cabinets. There is a Dealer near you, http://slide-lok.com/search, so target your garage for new garage storage with garage cabinets from SLIDE-LOK whether you are a looking for a workbench, garage organizer, tool storage, closet storage, a craft room or home office, or you would like to become a SLIDE-LOK Dealer: SLIDE-LOK is the perfect fit for your storage puzzle.

Products
http://www.slide-lok.com/products.shtm
Assembly
http://www.slide-lok.com/assembly.shtm
Showcase on Bobvila.com
http://www.bobvila.com/ProductServices/Categories/Garages/

Visit our online Design Center – Jack’s Design Center at http://www.slide-lok.com/designctr.shtm ;

SLIDE-LOK Garage Storage Cabinets has dealers across the United States and Canada, and continues to seek new dealers http://www.slide-lok.com/distributorships.shtm.

To answer your storage solutions and storage systems questions today; please contact us today at 1-800-835-1759 for your storage solutions.

About SLIDE-LOK Garage Storage Cabinets
Since, 1977 Bass Cabinets (manufacturer of SLIDE-LOK) http://www.basscabinet.com/ has been “Wild about Wood,” and providing high quality, durable cabinets to the multi-family housing industry. Our cabinets have been installed in all types of living environments throughout the U.S. and several locations overseas. The unique dovetail design and structure of our cabinets is based on providing our customers with a trouble-free, long lasting product that has proven itself in the toughest of conditions. SLIDE-LOK is committed to quality and customer service.

Contact Data:
Michael Finfrock
National Dealer Development Manager
1-800-835-1759
480-962-7919 Fax
602-828-5008 Cell
http://www.slide-lok.com/

IHA Article: http://www.housewares.org/industry/news/releases/113.asp

Arizona High Tech Talent Partnership
Kathleen Austin
480-998-0246
http://www.azhttp.com/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:45 PM | Comments (0)

Dreams Need Feet - They’re no Good Stuck Between Your Ears

Award winning author builds a three-ton house in the sky and chronicles the journey.

(PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- When Peter Lewis started dreaming of building a three-ton house in the sky he knew it was not only possible, it should be encouraged. He strongly believes in throwing out convention and following ones own dream.

Lewis grew up in a family where imagination, creativity, and industry were highly prized. His parents didn’t encourage him to think outside the box—they told him they weren’t sure there was a box. “This idea of pushing, learning, and experimenting, has stuck with me my entire life,” explains Lewis. “When I was little,” continues Lewis, “my mom said to me, ‘Dreams need feet, Peter. They’re no good stuck between your ears.” Lewis’ mother was implying that the “doing” part of dreaming is more important than the “thinking” part—they wanted results. The message that Lewis got from his parents was that it was okay if the dream was silly—as long as you got it done.

“People need to know that childhood never really has to end, and that being a grownup isn’t just about going to meetings and paying bills and shuttling kids to soccer practice and answering e-mails,” claims Lewis. “Although chronologically I was in my 40s when I built the treehouse, the whole time I felt like I was about twelve—and I had the time of my life.” For three years Lewis captured his dream becoming a reality with his camera and in a series of journals – a treehouse hung in the sky.

“Treehouse Chronicles” (ISBN0972030743, TMC Books, 2005) chronicles the successes and the time Lewis spent with his family and friends while he hung a treehouse in the sky. He writes about the land, the wildlife, and his cherished relationships with his friends. But most of all, he shares the steps he took to reach his dream – a 250 square foot, two-story, timber frame treehouse with spiral staircases, branch furniture, and a drawbridge. “Very early on,” Lewis laments, “as I was tinkering with design ideas for the treehouse, it occurred to me that this was going to be a series of mishaps that many people would find interesting. I’m always looking for the extraordinary in ordinary things, so writing a book about my little adventure of hanging a cottage in the sky was inevitable.”

Lewis, an award-winning writer and photographer, complements his vivid images in “Treehouse Chronicles” with illustrations by T.B.R. Walsh. The words and images are woven together to captivate and inspire one to follow their own dream.

Peter Lewis’ work has appears regularly in national magazines, as well as books and newspapers. He has won state and regional journalism awards and was named Photographer of the Year (twice) and runner-up Writer of the Year by the New Hampshire press Association. Lewis lives on an old farm with his wife Karen, and children Jeremiah and Amanda. In his spare time he is a dry fly fisherman who dreams of possibilities.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:44 PM | Comments (0)

Penetron Upgrades its Pennsylvania Facility

ICS Penetron International Ltd. announces the improvements and advancements of their Pennsylvania facility.

East Setauket, NY (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- ICS Penetron International Ltd., a leader in integral crystalline waterproofing products announced the improvements of its Pennsylvania facility.

This 33,500 sq. ft facility has been upgraded to meet the increased demand for Penetron products in the market. The plant has been equipped with the most up-to-date blending technology ensuring accurate distribution with no degradation of product. Upgrades include the addition if six independent bulk storage silos, having a total capacity of 600,000 lbs of varying raw materials. This added capability enables maximum flexibility in production formulations. John Sullivan, Plant Manager stated that, “an additional four bulk silos will be added in the Spring of 2006 increasing the bulk storage capacity to one million pounds.”

The entire manufacturing procedure is controlled electronically by digital weighing load cells and a production batching system that specifies the exact formula, ingredients, weight etc to be used. Any weight or ingredient deviation automatically shuts down the system. All batches are coded and all documentation relating to that batch is stored in a computer file. Mr. Sullivan further stated that “ in addition, continual product sampling is conducted and evaluated physically in the product control laboratory, insuring that the product conforms to predetermined specifications.” All packaging at the facility is performed using auger (screw) feeds thereby eliminating any potential product segregation during packing. The filled packages are also digitally weighed affording accurate package weight.

Based on Long Island, New York, ICS Penetron International is a leading manufacturer of integral crystalline waterproofing products with a sales and service network that extends across more than 60 countries. With a strong commitment to exceptional service, superior support and high technical standards, Penetron is under continuous refinement through the integration of the latest materials research, sales and service techniques, as well as through continuous feedback from all aspects of the construction industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:43 PM | Comments (0)

Flexware Innovation to Participate in Microsoft’s 10th Annual Convergence Event

Flexware Innovation, Inc. will exhibit at the 10th annual Convergence event, presented by Microsoft, March 25-28 in Dallas, Texas.

Fishers, IN (PRWEB) February 25, 2006 -- Flexware Innovation, Inc. will exhibit at the 10th annual Convergence event, presented by Microsoft. Convergence will be held March 25-28 in Dallas, TX. The event is designed for professionals seeking to enhance their business and solution knowledge, view product demonstrations, and develop professional networks.

“Flexware has a unique shop floor management solution for manufacturers that Microsoft Dynamics customers will want to see. Manufacturing Director integrates ERPs, such as Microsoft Dynamics AX, with the shop floor to provide real-time shop floor execution and control,” explained Scott Whitlock, President and CEO of Flexware Innovation.

Manufacturing Director provides error-proofing, tracking, traceability, genealogy, routing, assembly management, part disposition, WIP tracking, and more.

Ken Neusaenger, Flexware’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing stated, “We’ve got a unique product here. We’re looking forward to showing the Microsoft community just what it can do for shop floor operations.”

Neusaenger describes Manufacturing Director as a good fit in discrete manufacturing, especially when assembly management is required in a complex, high mix environment. Flexware’s solutions are currently running lines in appliance, automotive, life science, and food manufacturing, among others.

Manufacturing Director, like leading MES products, integrates business systems with the shop floor. However, according to Neusaenger, Flexware’s product takes integration to another level and further than most. Neusaenger elaborated, “Our tool is uniquely designed to enable manual and automated shop floor operations by providing device connectivity. Direct integration of PLCs, bar code scanners, label printer, torque guns, and other devices to business systems is inherently risky, but can become an enormous asset. Manufacturing Director allows orders to be taken from Dynamics AX, accurately executed at the device level, and completed by relaying information back to Dynamics AX.”

Information about Flexware’s Manufacturing Director can be found at www.manufacturingdirector.com. Information about Convergence 2006 can be found at www.msconvergence.com

About Flexware Innovation, Inc.
Flexware was founded in 1996 by Scott Whitlock and has served as a leading MES consulting firm. Flexware serves pharmaceutical, medical device, coil, assembly, and automotive industries.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:42 PM | Comments (0)

LockeBridge Executes Sale of Building Products Distributor

Wallboard Building Supply Company announced the acquisition of their companies by two private equity firms located in Boston and New York. LockeBridge Mergers and Acquisitions, a Boston based M&A firm, executed the deal gaining Wallboard over 50% what they were initially offered.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- Wallboard Building Supply Company announced the acquisition of their companies by two private equity firms located in Boston and New York. The Company is a distributor of building materials to the New England market.

Mr. John Filion, President of Wallboard Supply Company comments, “Within 6 months after engaging with our M&A Advisor they brought us 7 offers from both strategic corporations and private equity groups. We were amazed to see offers coming from some of the largest global players in the industry. Our $35 million dollar company had an offer from a two billion division of a much larger company!”

According to Mr. Filion, “We ended up getting an offer that was about 50% over the offer what we were entertaining before our M&A partner got involved. The offer accommodated the individual needs of the four owners while funding the company’s substantial growth requirements. I don’ think that we could have found a better buyer. My advice to any business owner thinking about selling is ‘Don’t go it alone’. Selling a business is a tough process that requires some serious expertise. There is no doubt in our minds that the expertise we received from Mr. Waxler and team was top notch.”

The deal, funded by New York and Boston based private equity groups, “received numerous offers from both large multi-national strategic buyers as well as mid-size investment groups ”, according to Mr. Scott Waxler, Managing Partner of Lockebridge, LLC, a Boston based Mergers and Acquisitions advisory firm. “It was a difficult deal due to a few factors:

A. The Company has multiple locations in three different states each with different ownerships with each of the 4 owners having different objectives.

B. One of the locations was only a year old and had substantial start up costs that needed to be normalized.

C. The Company was operating on two different information systems which made data collection and verification quite challenging. The operations have since been consolidated to one system.

The transaction took one and half years to close from the beginning to end but in the end there was no doubt that all four of the Owners met each of their individual objectives.

About Wallboard Supply Company, Inc.
Wallboard Supply Company is a distributor of building materials specializing in drywall, metal framing and finishing products as well as insulation, lumber, doors and hardware. This family-owned company was founded in 1970, and operates a fleet of over 20 delivery vehicles including boom, crane and spider truck service. Wallboard supplies all of the New England area from three convenient locations—Londonderry, New Hampshire, Westbrook, Maine, and Williston, Vermont.

About LockeBridge, LLC
LockeBridge is mergers and acquisitions firm that is focused on middle market transactions; primarily assisting clients with mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, recapitalizations and pre-sale consulting services. The LockeBridge team brings a high level of domestic and international expertise to companies with valuations from $1M to $100M. Generally, such expertise is accompanied by substantial engagement fees or retainers. The LockeBridge team brings Wall Street expertise to Main Street businesses without requiring exorbitant up-front fees typical in the industry.

Contact:

LockeBridge,LLC Boston
(781)676-2001 ext. 302

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:41 PM | Comments (0)

Publisher Offers Seven Free Tips for Construction Industry Marketing Success

Some simple ideas can greatly increase revenue and business for contractors, sub trades, architects, engineers, and suppliers for the construction industry

Ottawa, ON (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- The publisher of a group of regional construction industry newspapers and more than 100 regional websites has published an article "Construction Marketing: 7 tips for success", and is making it available without charge for reprinting in other media and websites, and to anyone interested in effective construction industry marketing.

"The ideas here are simple and time-tested -- and have nothing to do with buying ads in my newspapers," said Buckshon, who has successfully published construction industry news for more than a decade. "Great marketing in the construction sector is much different than in many other sectors because of the character of industry competition and relationships. But ignoring marketing principals is asking for disaster in the evolving industry."

Buckshon said that readers of the article that can, if they wish, subscribe to a weekly free e-newsletter which will commence publication in early April, 2006.

"I also welcome contributions and marketing success stories for future issues of the newsletter and for publication in our newspapers," he said.

Buckshon can be reached at 888-432-3555 ext 224 or by fax at 888-370-8745.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:39 PM | Comments (0)

RPM Ventures, LLC Options 15 Acres; Plans Gated Senior Community

RPM to Launch $20 Million Real Estate Fund, Reynolds Opportunity Fund1 (ROP-Fund1)

COLUMBUS, OH (PRWEB) February 24, 2006 -- RPM Ventures, LLC announced today that it has an exclusive option on 15 Acres on Harrisburg Pike from ELM HP Ltd, where they are proposing a gated senior community. RPM anticipates launching the $20 Million Real Estate Fund in May.

RPM is Requesting Proposals (RFP) from 202 Senior Housing non-profits to consider to also build within the community on 4-5 acres of the land.

“We are proposing a gated senior community composed of affordable housing units,” Tony Reynolds, RPM founder, said. “Being a Gulf War Veteran, I understand their need for security in this day and age.”

In June 2005 Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) affordable housing wait list complied data from CMHA’s S8 and Public Housing waiting list for their 5 Year Public Housing Administration plan years 2006- 2010.

Housing Needed of Family in Jurisdiction by Family type:

Overall: 36,001
Ederly 8,598
Disability: 2,669
Caucasion: 3,641
Black: 11,270
Hispanic: 251
Asian/Other: 188

In order to capitalize on the opportunity, RPM anticipates launching the Reynolds Opportunity Fund I (ROP-FundI), a $20 Million real estate developer fund, in May. RPM has already been in discussions with several former fund managers with track records including one who managed $3 Billion at the Carlyle Group.

“Kevin Darling, VP from the Bank of America Securities has presented the best Prime Brokerage information,” Reynolds said. RPM anticipates a $1 Million raise from a private investor before launch.

“There are still things that need to be nailed down, but things have been moving at us fast,” Reynolds said. “Other financing options are still on the table, including buying Window Rock (OTC: WRKC) and discussions with Prudential. We’re still open.”

This month RPM dba Reynolds Family Homes (http://www.reynoldsfamilyhomes.com) was endorsed by the Greater Hilltop Association for its’ HOOPS scattered lot development on the west side.

“We have done business with private/public entities to create affordable housing opportunities before,” Reynolds said. “These are larger numbers, but the same concepts apply.”

RPM hopes to begin discussing the project with the City next month. “We will need infrastructure assistance, and hopefully they will offer tax incentives, etc,” Reynolds said.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:38 PM | Comments (0)

Klamath Falls Real Estate Company Ranks #1 for the 6th Year in a Row

Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty is the #1 office in Klamath County, Oregon in residential real estate sales and dollar volume for the 6th year in a row.

Klamath Falls, OR (PRWEB via PR Web Direct) February 23, 2006 -- When you're number one for six years running, it's not a fluke! According to the Klamath County Association of Realtors Multiple Listing Service (MLS), Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty was the #1 Office in Residential Real Estate sales and dollar volume in Klamath County for 2005. This marks the 6th year in a row (1999-2005) that Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty has achieved the #1 ranking for Residential Real Estate Sales in Klamath County.

The realty office was founded in 1972 as Holman Realty and became a Coldwell Banker affiliate in 1983. They have 33 licensed Real Estate Brokers in their office and offer real estate services in Residential, Farm/Ranch, Multifamily, Land, and Commercial properties in Klamath County, Oregon. Specializing in Klamath Falls real estate, the office also services the communities of Bonanza, Beatty-Bly, Chiloquin - Ft. Klamath, Keno, Malin, Merrill, Rocky Point and the Running Y Resort.

Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty is located at 3815 South 6th St., Klamath Falls, Oregon, 97603 and has been an affiliate of the Coldwell Banker System for 23 years. For additional information and media inquiries please contact Bill Haskins or visit www.coldwellbankerholmanpremier.com.

About Coldwell Banker(R)
Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation is a subsidiary of Cendant Corporation (NYSE: CD). (C) 2005 Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation Coldwell Banker(R) licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Each office is independently owned and operated except for offices owned and operated by NRT Incorporated.

Contact:

Bill Haskins, President
Coldwell Banker Holman Premier Realty
541-884-1343
http://www.coldwellbankerholmanpremier.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:37 PM | Comments (0)

February 23, 2006

Building Security Tops Comfort, Attractive Design, Fire Safety in Survey

Security outranked comfort, fire safety, environmental friendliness, and attractive design as the most important building feature in a survey conducted by the Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). The study also found that almost half of those surveyed felt safer in their home compared to public and commercial buildings.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) February 23, 2006 -- A nationwide survey conducted by Bethesda, MD-based Society for Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) reveals that from a list of characteristics that included comfort, fire safety, environmental friendliness and other amenities, security was chosen by more Americans as the most important feature of a building.

Twenty-eight percent of Americans feel building security is the most important feature, while 15 percent of respondents indicated that fire safety is the most important aspect of a building’s design.

“The findings are not a huge surprise to us given the threat from terrorism that we face today,” says Chris Jelenewicz, Engineering Program Manager with SFPE. “But one thing people don’t often think about is how security and fire protection have common goals in building design – protecting life and property.”

As part of National Engineering Week, February 19-25, SFPE is publishing on its Web-site, sfpe.org, an article from Fire Protection Engineering Magazine that features how fire protection engineers design ways to balance fire safety and security in a building.

“Throughout history, the desire for increased building security has contributed to countless deadly building fires. The most notable fire occurred at the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory in New York City in 1911, where locked exit doors contributed to 146 fatalities,” said Jelenewicz. “Although the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire occurred almost 100 years ago, the threat can still exist today if security is not balanced with fire protection. For instance, padlocked exit doors contributed to the deaths of 175 concertgoers at a Buenos Aires nightclub fire in 2004.”

The survey also reveals that 56 percent of Americans think about fire and the dangers of fire either on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. A sizeable 44 percent think about fire just once a year—or less. This finding remains unchanged from 12 months ago, when the same question was asked.

Another noteworthy finding from the survey revealed that 44 percent of Americans feel safer in their home when compared to public and commercial buildings –such as schools, churches, and offices.

“Although some people may feel safer in their homes, more fire fatalities occur in homes than in other types of buildings,” says Jelenewicz. “Building regulations have stricter fire safety requirements for public buildings than they do for homes. Accordingly, the efforts of fire protection engineers are generally focused on public buildings, which are consequently much safer.”

The survey, commissioned by the SFPE and conducted this month by Synovate, polled more than one thousand American adults. The findings have a margin of error of plus (+) or minus (-) three percent.

About Society of Fire Protection Engineers
Organized in 1950, the Society of Fire Protection Engineers is the professional society for engineers involved in the field of fire protection engineering. The purposes of SFPE are to advance the science and practice in the field, maintain a high ethical standing among its members, and foster education. SFPE’s worldwide members include engineers in private practice, in industry, and in local, regional and national government. Chapters are located in Canada, France, Italy, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden and the United States.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:58 AM | Comments (0)

Earthship Homes Planning Application Submitted in Brighton, England

Imagine a home with no utility bills. Imagine a home that heats and cools itself naturally. Imagine a home that collects all its own water. Imagine a home that’s solar powered and generates no CO2. Imagine Earthship Homes. Imagine this happening now on a prime development site overlooking Brighton Marina.

(PRWEB) February 23, 2006 -- Imagine this happening now on a prime development site overlooking Brighton Marina.

Developers Biotecture have today applied for planning permission to construct 16 two and three bedroomed Earthship homes on the seafront site. It will be the first development of its kind in Europe.

The homes are designed to be free of utility bills and ultra low on carbon emissions by heating and cooling themselves, providing their own wind and solar power, harvesting rainwater for domestic use, and containing and treating their own waste.

15,000 tyres will be recycled to construct the homes, at a time when the UK is planning to burn some 40 million tyres each year at great environmental cost.

Biotecture expects the homes to cost between £250,000 and £350,000 and plans to make half of them available to housing associations as affordable units.

Development Director Daren Howarth is confident that homes on the development – named ‘The Lizard’ – will sell quickly.

"People love the idea of Earthships," he said. "We have already received around 100 expressions of interest from buyers.

A successful development in Brighton could pave the way for dozens of Earthship colonies around the UK. It’s a very powerful, iconic building concept that has the potential to revolutionise the way we live."

The Earthship planning application follows a successful six month feasibility study funded by the Environment Agency and the Energy Savings Trust.

Biotecture carried out the study in partnership with Brighton and Hove City Council and the Chichester Diocese Housing Association as well as architects and surveyors. The partnership found no barriers to small scale residential Earthship colonies in the UK and earmarked the Brighton Marina site as suitable for such a development.

Two Earthship prototypes – used as office and community space – have already been built at Fife, Scotland and Stanmer, Sussex to demonstrate the potential of Earthships as housing. If planning permission is granted for the residential development at Brighton Marina, construction could be completed and the homes marketed in 2007.

Biotecture’s proposals for The Lizard will be on display at the Ecobuild 2006 sustainable building exhibition at Earls Court on 22 and 23 February and at the Irish Centre, Camden at 6.30 on the evening of the 23 February.

The Earthship concept was developed some 20 years ago by US “biotect” Michael Reynolds. Some 3000 Earthship structures exist globally, mainly in the USA, many of them clustered around the town of Taos, New Mexico.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:57 AM | Comments (0)

Selecting the Appropriate Pallet Rack System Demands Expertise of Specialists

Selecting warehouse pallet storage rack systems involves specific expertise and appropriate system choices.

(PRWEB) February 23, 2006 -- Whether setting up or replacing storage pallet rack systems, warehouse operators are often confronted with a dazzling number of choices. That can be troublesome, since the selections they make dramatically affect “throughput,” and hence the profitability of the operation. On the other hand, they may be offered limited choices because a pallet rack manufacturer or dealer specializes only in certain types of pallet racks, another problematic scenario.

“Because warehouse storage and material handling have a pivotal impact on a business, manufacturers and distributors often turn to pallet storage rack specialists,” says Arlin Keck, Corporate Engineer at Steel King, a leading manufacturer of pallet rack systems. “They rely on material handling consultants, dealers or rack manufacturers like us to ensure their warehouse systems fit their needs.”

Consider storage density
Choosing the right storage racks begins with considering the flow of merchandise, which will dictate density requirements or how ‘tightly’ the merchandise should be stored. From that determination cascades a series of specifications: the material and style of storage racks, pick systems, ancillary material handling, etc.

Warehouses with high-density storage solutions usually have large turnover of inventories during specific intervals or seasons. During these times, merchandise is often stored en masse in large bays with few access aisles to maximize floor space.

Conversely, lower-density warehousing is appropriate for parts or retail distribution centers where custom orders are picked continuously to fulfill JIT or other time-critical requirements. “We have bulk shipments coming in one side and customized packages going out,” explains Keck “Often, near the center of the DC, are rack-supported pick modules that specialize in the re-packaging effort.”

Selecting the appropriate rack system
Depending on density requirements, a specific pallet rack system -- or combination of systems -- may best serve the warehousing and shipping needs of a business.

The most popular type of rack is Selective Rack, so called because it allows easy selection, normally by service (truck) aisles. Selective Rack does not make the most complete use of floor space due to the aisles required, but may be a solution for many companies.

A Drive-In Rack increases density and is utilized where group pallet selection is more likely than individual pallet selection. With Drive-in Rack, loading and unloading within a bay must be done from the same aisle. A Drive-Through Rack, however, permits loading and unloading from both ends of a bay.

Cantilever Rack is primarily utilized to store bulk items such as building materials (lumber, pipe, drywall) and furniture. It is commonly found in hom