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October 31, 2006

Zoomf.com Launches London Areas Property Pricing Guides

London property search engine Zoomf.com have launched a new property pricing guide this week for London areas based on the property listing prices within its index.

(PRWEB via PRWeb) October 31, 2006 -- The new guide launched by successful London property search engine Zoomf.com provides users with listing prices of London property to buy and homes to let using the local property search tools. The summaries are based on the listing prices within the Zoomf.com index, which reflect the asking prices of the available homes.

The pricing guidelines enable users to view a summary of the asking price for houses and flats within locations of interest, which are further broken down by home type and number of bedrooms, where users can then compare the prices to the average price for the whole of London or just the average house price of neighbouring areas. House-hunters are then able to click straight through to the relevant listings of the available properties for sale and to let.

"We aim to provide as much useful information as possible to help consumers in their decision making process when choosing a home", says Ivailo Jordanov, Product Director at Zoomf.com. "Our users have been asking for this functionality as it gives them a good snapshot of the market and it allows them to compare prices of nearby areas at a glance".

The pricing guides additionally provide rental yield percentage indicators by area and home type. These are accessible from the property listings pages for each area or from the main search interface. For example one can view the price guides for homes for sale in Brixton or homes to rent in Clapham.

PR Contact: Ivailo Jordanov
http://www.zoomf.com
Tel: 020 7247 6723

About Zoomf.com
Zoomf.com is a property search engine currently covering London, which has been operating in beta since June 2006. Zoomf.com indexes property listings from a number of estate agents and is currently rapidly expanding to include additional property listings within the index.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:56 AM | Comments (0)

Stride Website Relaunches as Insurance Industry Resource

Stride Limited, the commercial property insurance broker based in Hampshire UK, relaunches its website http://www.stride.co.uk as an interactive quote site and information resource for the insurance industry. As well as featuring a new clear layout and stylish design, the site now offers news feeds on current insurance topics, specially commissioned research papers, regular newsletters, customer magazine downloads and online quotes for let property insurance.

Waterlooville, UK (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 31, 2006 -- For Hampshire based commercial insurance brokers Stride Limited, the relaunch of the company website at http://www.stride.co.uk meant much more than a simple redesign. In fact, the revamped site provides a comprehensive online resource for those seeking out property, business and commercial insurance.

Designed by Imaginet, the Cardiff based design team behind Stride's widely acclaimed personal lines insurance site, http://www.computerquoreinsurance.com, the new website officially launched on Monday October 30th 2006, and offers up-to-the-minute insurance industry news feeds and research papers as well as an interactive buy-to-let insurance quote system.

Stride's Marketing Manager, Jonathan Walker, commented: "Besides a much improved navigation system, the new site better reflects our range of products and services, giving a clear message to potential customers of the benefits of working with Stride. It also offers up to date news and market research, as well as interactive elements."

As commercial property insurance experts, it's no surprise that Stride.co.uk now contains a set of resources of particular interest to those in the market for property insurance. There's a commercial property insurance guide, a range of specially commissioned research articles and news feeds which help keep visitors up to date with breaking news from the sector.

The website also allows Stride's clients to download claims forms and newsletters, as well as taking advantage of a host of other user-friendly features designed to speed up the administrative process.

Never content to rest on their laurels, though, Stride will be continuing to add new services to the site, with the next stage of development including an interactive channel which will give potential customers the opportunity to obtain commercial quotes, confirm cover and purchase policies online for a range of products.

"Our business has grown steadily this year and we now employ fifteen staff in our commercial insurance team, with plans for further expansion," commented Paul Brooks, Stride Commercial Manager. "The website will generate many new enquiries and we have been busy preparing for additional growth."

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:54 AM | Comments (0)

P&H Mining Equipment Implements KMI's Incident and Audit Management System

P&H Mining Equipment (P&H), a global leader in the manufacture and service of large excavating and drilling equipment has selected the Incident, Audit and Corrective Action Management systems from Knowledge Management Innovations, Ltd (KMI). P&H will roll the multi-language system out to all global manufacturing and service locations in North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

(PRWEB via PRWeb) October 31, 2006 -- P&H Mining Equipment (P&H), a global leader in the manufacture and service of large excavating and drilling equipment has selected the Incident, Audit and Corrective Action Management systems from Knowledge Management Innovations, Ltd (KMI). P&H will roll the multi-language system out to all global manufacturing and service locations in North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

The Incident Management module enables quick, easy field-level incident reporting along with comprehensive, risk-based incident investigation, corrective action assignment and closure. The system also supports regional and corporate level rollup reporting with full statistical analysis of incident types, causes and costs in addition to formatted agency reports such as the OSHA 301 report and OSHA 300 log.

The Audit Management module enables behavioral safety observations, facility inspections and corporate audits. Key functions include integrated corrective action creation, audit summary and statistical rollup reporting, and location-specific checklists.

According to Ted Leamen, Director of Global Environment, Health and Safety for P&H, "Our company has always been committed to the safety of our employees, contractors and customers in our facilities and on our service sites around the world. As part of this commitment, we are implementing the most effective incident and safety audit system we found in the marketplace. This system is an extremely effective tool for reducing risk and maximizing worker safety."

According to Matt Airhart, Director of Business Development for KMI, "We are excited to work with P&H on this international implementation. As a company, they are clearly committed to leading their industry in safety."

P&H went through a six month selection process before choosing KMI's system. The primary factors cited in the final selection decision included the flexibility, performance and usability of the system, strength of statistical reporting, ease of integration with existing enterprise systems and industry reputation.

The web-based system is being implemented by an integrated team of KMI and P&H staff. Full system rollout is schedule for early November.

About KMI

KMI delivers web-based software solutions that allow companies to control environmental impact, increase regulatory compliance, operate more safely and efficiently, and reduce corporate risk. KMI is a trusted supplier of EHS Management Information Systems (EMIS) to chemical manufacturing, oil & gas, construction materials, pulp & paper, heavy equipment manufacturing and mining industry companies ranging in size from hundreds to over a hundred thousand employees. (http://www.kminnovations.com)

About P&H Mining Equipment

P&H Mining Equipment is a world-leading supplier of electric rope shovels, large rotary blasthole drills, and walking draglines, with global life cycle management support through its distribution arm, P&H MinePro Services. MinePro Services also represents and supports over thirty leading lines of equipment and services globally as a strong partner for the mining industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:53 AM | Comments (0)

Atlanta-Based Moore Colson, CPA, Named One of America's Top 25 Accounting Firms

Atlanta based accounting firm, Moore Colson, was recently named as one of America's 2006 Top 25 Accounting Firms by Inside Public Accounting (IPA).

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 31, 2006 -- Atlanta-based accounting firm, Moore Colson, was recently named as one of America's 2006 Top 25 Accounting Firms by Inside Public Accounting (IPA). IPA is a leading business publication for the accounting industry, providing independent reporting and analysis of the accounting profession. It is the longest running, most comprehensive and accurate independent analysis focusing on management operations of America's large local, regional, and national firms.

IPA's All-Stars are selected from hundreds of firms, based exclusively on their performance in specific areas of practice management in comparison to the hundreds of other firms participating in the publication's 16-year-old annual analysis of firms. Only 25 have been dubbed the "Best of the Best" as the nation's 25 best managed firms, based on fiscal and management performance.

"INSIDE Public Accounting's Best Of The Best designation is an elite honor because it's based entirely on fiscal and operational performance," IPA Publisher Michael Platt explained. "These twenty-five firms are at the top of their game, and are operating in 'the zone' of exceptional performance."

The Best of the Best firms' net revenue increased by almost 25 percent. They generate a significantly higher percentage of revenue from consulting services than traditional services. Average staff salaries at the top 25 firms are higher than for all firms, while their turnover rate is nearly 2 points lower than that of the 100 largest non-national firms.

"We are extremely proud to have been recognized by Inside Public Accounting as one of America's Top 25 Accounting firms. This is quite an honor to be included in this group of leading U.S. firms, said Greg Colson, Managing Partner, Moore Colson. "Each day, we strive to be the very best we can for both our clients and employees. We hope to continue this effort year-in and year-out."

Moore Colson's mission statement; Our Clients Come First - We build wealth and security for businesses and individuals and exceed expectations through quality, timely, innovative solutions. Our People are our Most Valuable Resource - We foster professional and personal growth, financial security, and community involvement in an ethical and challenging environment.

Moore Colson, founded in 1981, is a full-service firm located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing tax and assurance services, management consulting services, estate and financial services, IT consulting and lender services. Moore Colson serves clients throughout Atlanta and the southeastern United States. Moore Colson is the Atlanta representative for IGAF Worldwide, an international organization of independent local and regional firms of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants, or their professional equivalents. For more information about Moore Colson, call 770-989-0028 or visit www.moorecolson.com. For more information about IGAF Worldwide, call Kevin Mead at 678-417-7730 or visit www.igaf.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:52 AM | Comments (0)

Cavalier Builder's President Elected to TBA Board of Remodelers

Cavalier Builders, Inc., a locally owned and operated full service contractor in Hampton Roads is pleased to announce that Brian Twiddy has been elected to the board of Tidewater Builders Association Remodeling Council.

Virginia Beach, VA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 31, 2006 -- Cavalier Builders, Inc., a locally owned and operated full service contractor in Hampton Roads is pleased to announce that Brian Twiddy has been elected to the board of Tidewater Builders Association Remodeling Council. As a Board member, Mr. Twiddy will facilitate and assist in meeting the professional needs of members, who are in involved in remodeling, one of the fastest growing areas of the building industry. Mr. Twiddy will oversee and direct meetings where the remodelers discuss issues they are facing and share helpful information.

Prior to being elected as a board member, Mr. Twiddy was a member of the remodeling council for three years.

For additional information, please contact Cavalier Builders public relations department by phone at 757-499-9040 or by email.

About Cavalier Builders:
Founded in 1991 by Brian Twiddy, Cavalier Builders, formally Upper Deck, Inc. is a Class "A" Contractor recognized for the highest customer satisfaction in South Hampton Road's. Cavalier Builders specializes in Code PLUS construction of room additions, major home improvement, remodeling, kitchens, bathrooms, sunrooms, roofs, patios, porch enclosures, decks and custom home design. The company primarily services Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and areas of Suffolk.

Visit www.Cavalierbuilder.com for additional information.

Cavalier Builders, Inc.
4966 Euclid Road, Suite 109 Virginia Beach, Virgina 23462
phone • 757-499-9040 • fax 757-499-8580

Contact: Holly Bussey
Public Relations Director
Phone: (757)499-4090

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:51 AM | Comments (0)

October 30, 2006

LuminOre Expands Distribution Worldwide to Meet Growing Demand

LuminOre Inc. of Carlsbad, Calif., announces it is dramatically expanding its international training and distribution network and awarding exclusive territories in the United States and around the world.

CARLSBAD, CA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 30, 2006 -- From the gleaming dome high atop The Bellagio to the stylized surfaces seen in films such as Batman Begins and Cat in the Hat, LuminOre® composite metals are revolutionizing almost every industry with stunning, cost-efficient metal surfaces which can be applied to almost any substrate. Today, the revolution in decorative and metal surfaces continues to grow — LuminOre Inc. of Carlsbad, Calif., announces it is dramatically expanding its international training and distribution network and awarding exclusive territories in the United States and around the world.

LuminOre's one-of-a-kind, cold-sprayable process — comprised of up to 75 percent metal — has gained world-wide praise by design professionals who have embraced the metallizing process showcased at billion-dollar resorts, such as The Bellagio, the Mirage and the new Wynn Las Vegas. The growing popularity of LuminOre has rapidly increased distribution opportunities, and LuminOre Inc. is now accepting applications for companies seeking to become training/distribution facilities.

LuminOre has received high-profile notoriety with its fantastic special effect results as a cost-effective alternative to chrome plating, foundry metal, metallic paint finishes, plating, vacuum metallizing and other metallizing processes. The patented, cold-sprayable LuminOre process applies a layer of metal over any substrate, in virtually any configuration or design. The spray-on metal looks, feels and acts like hot-cast metal, yet no heat is needed during the application. From foam to fiberglass or plaster to paper, LuminOre metals adhere to most any surface and, once cured, the product possesses many of the exact same characteristics of a cast metal, including texture, luster and heat conductivity. LuminOre is available in aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, iron, nickel-silver, stainless steel and other metals.

"We welcome companies around the world to experience how LuminOre is changing the way the world works with metal. Our composite metals are gaining momentum and notoriety in regions and industries throughout the world, and we are working to establish new training and distribution facilities around the world," says Thomas Valente, president of LuminOre Inc. "Architects, interior designers and fabricators very often require unique applications in metals and metal alloys to achieve a desired look and LuminOre delivers spectacular custom metal finishes efficiently and cost effectively on practically any surface."

One of LuminOre's newest training and distribution centers, Colt Industries of St. Louis was well-known for providing premium decorative surfaces such as Corian® and Zodiaq® and it quickly recognized LuminOre sprayable metals as the next great innovation in surface technologies.

"LuminOre is a revolutionary product that will completely change the Premium Decorative Surface industry, and we have not been as excited about a new product since Dupont came to us with Corian 30 years ago," says Paul Hrebec, president of Colt Industries. "I believe that LuminOre will replace stone and cast metals so often that it will truly become the industry standard. Our sales employees are thrilled to have LuminOre products because they present so many avenues and application possibilities."

LuminoOre is currently awarding exclusive territories to applicants meeting geographic, resource availability and initial purchase requirements. Potential training/distribution facilities should have the ability to establish a local training facility within their exclusive territory. There are no fees to become LuminOre Training/Distribution facility.

"We're very excited about the new distribution opportunities now available throughout the country and abroad," says Valente. "Because of the extreme versatility of LuminOre metals, the applications and potential uses of LuminOre metals are virtually endless. I know our new partnerships will facilitate an ever-increasing number of new and exciting options in metal."

For more information on LuminOre or LuminOre products or on how to become a LuminOre Training/Distribution Facility, visit www.luminore.com or contact Ms. Kelly Luyet at 760.597.9201.

Headquartered in Carlsbad, Calif., LuminOre® Inc. is a specialist in composite metal finishes. LuminOre's patented, cold-metallizing process seamlessly applies to almost any surface, giving the look of solid metal casting without the weight and expense. In addition to highly specialized effects in furniture, design, construction and architecture, the extremely versatile LuminOre applications provide long-term protection for chemical tanks, potable water storage, industrial facilities and in harsh marine environments. For more information on LuminOre protective coating and metallic finishes, call Kelly Luyet at 760.597.9201 or visit www.luminore.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:10 PM | Comments (0)

Richland Homes Offers Easy Access to New Homes For Sale -- Online; Improved Website Highlights Current Purchasing Information on Maryland and North Carolina Real Estate

Richland Homes, a developer of new homes in communities in Maryland and North Carolina, launched its redesigned site offering more information on future homes for sale as well as homes for immediate sale. The new website, designed by Blue Water Media, is more interactive and more user-friendly, creating a fun and informative resource for home buyers looking for real estate in Maryland or North Carolina.

Washington, DC (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 29, 2006 -- Richland Homes announced today that buyers seeking homes for sale in Maryland and North Carolina can now find quality information on new housing developments on the updated www.richlandhomes.com website.

The new site features a redesigned site layout, interactive photos, easy access to information on current housing developments, including floor plans and available amenities, foresight into planned development in five Maryland communities and a listing of homes ready for immediate sale.

Richland Homes, www.richlandhomes.com, has housing communities located along the Maryland Eastern shore in such developments as Easton and Cambridge and the regions of Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina. Its single family homes range from 2,000 to 4,500 sq. ft. and begin at the low 200s. Some sites will feature a championship golf course and club house, while others will include swimming pools, recreations centers, tree-lined walkways and open community spaces for families to enjoy.

Patrick McCoy, Richland Homes VP of Sales and Marketing, states, "We are very excited with the new http://wwwrichlandhomes.com website designed by Blue Water Media. We think it gives us a great marketing tool that allows us to be very competitive and deliver a user friendly product that will allow consumers to make the best choices when buying their home."

Richland Homes was founded in 1994 by Timothy Ritchie and Nicholas Cavaselis to build quality homes at affordable prices by building one well-crafted home at a time. The duo have years of large housing project experience and are members of the Home Builders Association of Maryland.

To learn more about Richland Homes, please visit www.richlandhomes.com.

Richland Homes www.richlandhomes.com website design and marketing by Blue Water Media www.bluewatermedia.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:06 PM | Comments (0)

Skills Shortages Threaten Gulf's Construction Boom, Study Reports

Competition for managerial talent in the sector has led to a steep 12.8% rise in salaries.

Dubai, UAE (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 28, 2006 -- The Gulf's construction sector continues its rapid growth but is facing severe staffing challenges as too many companies compete for a limited supply of talent, according to the latest research released by GulfTalent.com, the leading online recruitment firm in the Middle East.

The report entitled "Construction Sector Employment Trends" was released on the opening day of the Big5 exhibition, the region's premier construction event held annually in Dubai.

As more players enter the market and more large-scale developments are announced across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, the supply of engineering and managerial talent is not keeping up with demand, leading to acute shortages in some areas, the study warned.

With India undergoing massive economic growth, the report said, Gulf-based companies were having difficulties attracting the quantity and quality of expertise needed to staff their projects. At the same time, some Western expatriates occupying mid-level and senior positions in the sector were reportedly leaving the region for more attractive opportunities in China.

Visa restrictions are an additional constraint on the sector. Saudi Arabia and Qatar allow only certain nationalities residence visas, while the UAE recently started enforcing restrictions on grants of visas to companies that have not met their Emiratisation targets.

Several construction firms interviewed by GulfTalent.com reported having turned down major contracts because they were already stretched and could not deploy the expertise and human resources necessary to take on additional projects.

According to the study, functions experiencing the most acute shortages include structural specialists, quantity surveyors, planning engineers, project directors, design managers, contract administrators, and urban planners.

The competition for talent is having a visible impact on compensation levels. According to GulfTalent.com, salaries for engineers and managers in the region's construction sector rose at an average rate of 12.8% over the 12-month period to August 2006, the highest increase among all sectors.

A major issue identified in GulfTalent.com's report was the six-day working week prevalent in the sector across much of the region. Several contractors reported losing professional staff to consultancies, to other sectors or to other parts of the world where they could enjoy a five-day working week. As a result, many employers have reportedly considered switching to a 5-day week. However, given the intensity of competition and the pressure to deliver projects on time and within budget, no firm can afford to be the first to instigate such a move. Privately, some employers wished for the government to impose mandatory five-day weeks to level the playing field.

The study suggested that the tightening labour market for construction professionals was forcing employers to reach out to new sources of talent such as Egypt, less experienced candidates and even fresh graduates. This in turn, was increasing the need for investment in training and development in order to bring the new recruits up to the required skill levels.

GulfTalent.com's study was based on a survey of construction professionals as well as interviews with HR managers and executives of companies active in the sector. The full survey report entitled "Construction Sector Employment Trends" is available for download from the company's website at http://www.gulftalent.com.

GulfTalent.com is the Middle East's leading jobs and recruitment site for mid-level and senior professionals, covering Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 11:05 PM | Comments (0)

October 27, 2006

Punta Gorda Company to Begin New Florida Real Estate Construction

Five Star Realty of Punta Gorda announces Five Star Commons, new Florida real estate.

Punta Gorda, FL (PRWEB via PRWeb Direct) October XX, 2006 -- Five Star Realty and Sand Star Homes team up to create new Florida real estate in Charlotte County.

Five Star Realty of Charlotte County, Inc. is pleased to announce that construction of Five Star Commons, made up of retail and commercial space, will begin second quarter of 2007. This mix-use project will consist of over 13,400 square feet of retail on the lower level and office space on the upper level. The owners have selected SandStar to build this project which should take 14 months to complete. SandStar Custom Homes has been building custom homes, condos, remodeling, and commercial construction in Charlotte County since 1981. SandStar and Five Star Realty corporate offices are both located at 1203 W. Marion Ave. Punta Gorda, Florida 33950. Five Star Realty is excited about the addition of the retail/office complex at their Marion Ave location. This project is being done in conjunction with the city of Punta Gorda master redevelopment plan by creating overflow parking for Fishermen’s Village which is located across the street from Five Star Realty. The urban design of this new Florida real estate fits into the plan for the future of Punta Gorda real estate and Five Star Realty and SandStar Custom Homes are leaders in the visionary.

About Charlotte County Florida
First settled in 1636, Charlotte County was recently voted Money Magazine's "best place to live in the south." The beautiful Port Charlotte real estate, the serene waters of the Myakka and Peace rivers, twelve miles of sandy beaches, golf, fishing, boating, nature parks, clean air and warm sunshine are a just few of the wonderful parts you’ll find here.

About Five Star Realty
Founded by Broker Cathy Sanders in 1987, Five Star Realty is proud to be an independent family-owned Florida real estate business treating every customer, whether buyer or seller, with prompt, enthusiastic service. Cathy actually grew up in Punta Gorda Isles and lived in the first home built here. For more information about finding Charlotte County real estate with Five Star Realty, please visit www.fivestarrealty.com.

Contact:
Cathy Sanders
www.fivestarrealty.com
941.637.6116

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:59 AM | Comments (0)

Keep the Home or Office Warm and Cozy this Winter with a Radiant Floor Heating System

Radiant floor heating is a superior method of heating a home or office through a concrete flooring. More and more, homeowners and builders today have incorporated the popular option of radiant floor heating systems into their concrete flooring in both the home and office. Explore the options, benefits and more these systems have to offer to at www.ConcreteNetwork.com.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 27, 2006 –- For those entertaining the thought of an interior concrete floor, but who are reluctant because of the "cold" factor, then a radiant floor heating system is the answer. These systems "radiate" heat from the floor and deliver the heat evenly throughout the rooms. Radiant floor heating systems can keep a family cozy and comfortable, and often increase the resale value of a home.

Two of the most popular radiant heating systems used today include, water pipes (hydronic) and electrical circuits. Air ducts embedded in the panel are another option, but seldom used. According to the Radiant Panel Association, your choice will most likely depend on the energy costs of the available utility and the size of the project.
Electric panels have electricity as their sole utility and pose less expensive up-front costs. In comparison, water systems have the advantage over electric systems. They can be heated by almost any utility such as natural gas, propane, oil, electricity, wood or solar, and temperature changes of water can be accurately controlled and measured.

One of the major benefits of these systems is comfort. With evenly distributed heat, and silent operation the system becomes inconspicuous. Unlike forced air systems that can spread dust, pollen and germs, radiant heating systems are great for those who suffer from allergies, and are less likely to dry out breathing passages and skin.
For more information on system options, comparisons, benefits, and general information on how each system works visit The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information.

Established in 1999, The Concrete Network's purpose is to educate consumers, builders, and contractors on popular decorative techniques and applications including stamped concrete, stained concrete floors, concrete countertops, polished concrete, and much more. More than 872,000 visitors researched The Concrete Network Web site in June, 2006.

The site excels at connecting buyers with local contractors in their area through its Find-A-Contractor service. The service provides visitors with a list of decorative concrete contractors throughout the U.S. and Canada, and is fully searchable by 22 types of decorative concrete work and 199 metropolitan areas throughout North America.

Photos courtesy of Uponor.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)

Leopardo Construction Opens Southeast Regional Office in Charleston, South Carolina

Leopardo Construction, a leading construction services firm, opened its first office outside of the Chicago region -- a Southeast regional office, located at 940 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 205, in Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, SC. Leopardo is currently working on a 17,000-square-foot renovation at Westin Hilton Head.

Mount Pleasant, SC (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 27, 2006 -- Leopardo Construction, a leading construction services firm, announced the opening of its Southeast regional office, located at 940 Johnnie Dodds Blvd, Suite 205, in Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Charleston, SC (Phone: 843-856-0272). Leopardo recognizes an increased demand in the Southeast for full-service general contracting, design-build, construction management and development services.

"Our Southeast team of construction experts will focus on delivering world-class interiors, healthcare, retail, hospitality, office, industrial, aviation, education and municipal projects," said Michael LeMire, project executive at Leopardo Construction and head of the Southeast office.

Leopardo Construction is one of the nation's top 250 contractors, according to Engineering-News Record, a national construction trade magazine. Since being founded in 1979, Leopardo has grown to nearly 500 employees and built annual revenues upwards of $300 million. In 2006, Leopardo was named Contractor of the Year by the Coalition for United Community Action and is consistently recognized by its industry peers for quality construction, dedication to safety and proven performance. The construction firm was also recently recognized with a 2006 Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics by the Better Business Bureau.

Currently, Leopardo Construction is completing a 17,000-square-foot renovation and modernization of Westin Resort at Hilton Head Island. The two-phase project consists of 8,000 square feet of new administrative and accounting offices, as well as a 9,000-square-foot Westin Heavenly Spa.

"South Carolina has been a key priority on our target list of cities for expansion, driven by growing demand from our existing clients who increasingly require an on-the-ground presence in the Southeast," said Richard Mattioda, president of Leopardo Construction.

About Leopardo Construction

Leopardo Construction is a leading construction firm providing pre-construction, general contracting, construction management, design-build and development services. The company's team of 500 experts has specialized capabilities in interiors, healthcare, senior housing, retail, office, industrial, residential condominiums, aviation, hospitality and community-related projects such as libraries, churches and educational institutions.

For more than a quarter century, Leopardo's family of employees has been committed to quality construction, superior client service and tremendous value. Leopardo Construction was recognized by Engineering News-Record magazine as one of the nation's largest 250 contractors. In addition to its corporate headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Leopardo Construction has offices in Chicago and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, as well as job sites across the nation. For more information, please visit http://www.leopardo.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:56 AM | Comments (0)

Home Is Where the Heart Is - Third of Brits Love Their Homes More Than Their Partners

Research out today reveals that people spend 79 percent more money on home improvements than they do on improving their relationship with their partner, with more than a third of people (35 percent) admitting they care more about their home than their loved one. Rated Tradesmen, an on-line service that matches tradesmen to customer-submitted jobs, questioned more than 1,000 homeowners to find out how emotionally attached people are to their homes.

London, UK (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- British homeowners spend an average of £34 a week - £1,768 a year - on interior and exterior home improvements compared with only a measly £19 a week on improving their relationship with their partner. Nearly four out of ten (38 percent) women and a third of men (32 percent) say that they would be more upset if the foundations of their house fell down rather than the foundations of their relationship. And one in five (21 percent) homeowners say a good relationship with tradesmen is more important than a good relationship with a partner.

Andrew Skipwith, founder of Rated Tradesmen, comments: "An Englishman's - and woman's - home is their castle and it seems when it comes to matters of the heart, bricks and mortar pull more strings than a romantic relationship with a partner. Indeed, a fifth of homeowners place more value on a good relationship with a tradesmen than they do their partner."

However, despite some homeowners loving tradesmen more than their partners, seven out of ten (68 percent) have had a bad relationship with UK tradesmen saying they were 'unhappy' or 'very unhappy' with the level of service they have received. A massive 34 percent have employed another tradesman to correct a previous tradesman's mistakes whilst 15 percent try and improve on a bad job themselves with a spot of DIY. Fourteen percent of homeowners who experienced unsatisfactory work preferred to do nothing and put it down to experience rather than face the hassle of a dispute.

People from London come top of the home-lovers league spending £42 a week on home improvements. Homeowners in the Midlands (£38) and North East (£37) come second and third respectively, whilst propping up the bottom of the league come Scottish homeowners spending only £26 a week on home improvements.

Skipwith adds: "For most people their house is their most valuable asset so it's no surprise that people have such an emotional attachment to it. When it comes to dealing with tradesman it's so important you have a close, trusting relationship as you're often spending more money on home improvements than you are on your partner - and if you end up single at least you won't have a leaky roof over your head."

Notes to Editors:
- Rated Tradesmen is the UK's most popular web community bringing together customers and highly skilled tradespeople (according to latest Alexa Rankings - 18 October 2006).
- Once registered on the site, tradesmen receive details of customer-submitted jobs that match their work interests and local area. After quoting for and completing a job, the customer then rates the tradesman on quality, value and reliability for other homeowners to see.
- Tradespeople interested in joining the online community and customers seeking more information should contact Rated Tradesmen by calling 0870 220 8820 or visit the Website.

Results at a Glance:
- Average amount people spend on home improvements in a week is £34
- Average amount people invest in home improvements in a year is £1,768
- Average amount people spend on a relationship a week is £19 (on gifts, meals out, flowers, etc)
- Average amount people spend on a relationship in a year is £988

If a tradesman did a bad job, homeowners would:
- Employ another tradesman to improve the work (36 percent)
- Seek help from a consumer advice service such as Consumer Direct or the Office of Fair Trading (22 percent)
- Try and improve the job yourself through DIY (15 percent)
- Nothing, put it down to experience (14 percent)
- Give the tradesman more money to sort the problem out (13 percent)

League table of top home-lovers:
- London -- £42 spent on home improvements
- Midlands -- £38
- North East -- £37
- South West -- £36
- Wales -- £35
- North West -- £35
- West Midlands -- £33
- Yorkshire -- £32
- East -- £30
- South East -- £27
- Scotland -- £26

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:55 AM | Comments (0)

Ciercus Systems Develops SettlementPro To Help Alleviate The Mortgage Fraud Epidemic

SettlementPro Product Registers Closing Details and Participants to Deter Fraud

Mountain Lakes, NJ (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- Ciercus Systems, Ltd., a pioneer in mortgage closing fraud technology, announced today that an industry focus group has chosen a new name for its unique closing agent registration and fraud deterrent software program. The program will be called SettlementPro™, and is part of a three tiered service line developed to fight against mortgage closing fraud.

SettlementPro™ enhances existing fraud software by adding a closing component to identify closing issues before funds are wired. This software collects important closing data identifying all parties in the transaction and providing lenders real-time access to documents. It also requires, for the first time, that closing agents register themselves and their closing transactions in a data base customized to the needs of each lender client.

"Closing fraud has reached epidemic proportions, as lenders fight to recover funds lost at closing, and also work to reduce losses attributed to repurchases for closing fraud issues," said Andrew Liput CEO of Ciercus Systems, Ltd. "With 20 years in banking law and mortgage loan loss mitigation, I felt the need to develop a program that will change the way mortgage loans are closed and prevent billions from being lost."

About Ciercus Systems:
Developed by Andrew Liput for Ciercus Systems in 2005, SettlementPro TM is proprietary software designed to enhance existing front end mortgage fraud systems and deter mortgage closing fraud. It offers settlement agent registration, closing document and data collection and reporting functions, providing the mortgage industry with the first back end, closing process, mortgage fraud deterrent system.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:53 AM | Comments (0)

Auction Set for North Carolina Mountain Mansion in Exclusive Gated Community

Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the majestic home at 1967 Lickstone Road in Highland Forest of Waynesville, NC, offers prospective buyers the opportunity to own a beautiful mansion or a lot in an exclusive gated community at auction prices, according to Leonard Hartsook of The Redfield Group, Inc.

Waynesville, NC (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Great Smoky Mountains, the majestic home at 1967 Lickstone Road in Highland Forest offers prospective buyers the opportunity to own a beautiful mansion or a lot in an exclusive gated community at auction prices, according to Leonard Hartsook of The Redfield Group, Inc.

The Redfield Group is charged with auctioning this private, three-story mansion on 4.46 acres of Haywood County real estate, located in the Highland Forest, the highest gated community east of the Rockies with an elevation of 5,300 feet.

"The air just seems cleaner when you're up on top of a mountain surrounded by mature trees," commented Hartsook, who is the project manager for the sale. "During the day, you can literally see for miles and miles, and at night you will think you can reach up and touch the stars." The property's lovely natural setting, including waterfalls, creeks, beautiful landscaping and a large fish pond. The home boasts 7,633 square feet of living area with an additional 1,000 square feet of unfinished basement for future expansion.

With four bedrooms, and four and a half bathrooms, the property makes an ideal home for a family; however, with elevator access to all three levels, it would also be ideal for retirement.

Built in 1995, appointments throughout this extraordinary home include a two-story atrium with Brazilian walnut flooring, a custom made retractable entertainment wall, custom iron staircase and walkway, and a central courtyard with Japanese gardens and koi ponds. This unique property combines the pleasures of architectural distinctiveness with the charms of beautiful Smokey Mountain views.

In addition to the home on 4.46 acres, two adjacent lots will also be sold absolute in separate auctions. These lots could be purchased to increase the acreage and privacy of the existing home, or they could be purchased by two separate families for new construction of mountain dream homes. These lots are 2.63+/- and 2.24 +/- acres respectively.

Included in the beautiful gated community of Highland Forest is a 12,000 square foot lodge that features a private health club, billiards room, library, indoor heated pool, great room, kitchen and five luxury suites for those out-of-town guests.

The property will be available for preview Nov. 9 thru 16, 10am to 5pm daily, with an agent on-site. The auction is set for 2pm on Nov. 16. For more information, call The Redfield Group toll-free at (866) 673-9270 or visit redfieldgroup.com to download an auction packet.

Waynesville, North Carolina
Waynesville, has an ideal year-round climate, beautiful mountain scenery and warm Southern hospitality. About 40% of Haywood County is occupied by the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Pisgah National Forest and the Harmon Den Wildlife Refuge, where the Blue Ridge Parkway meets the Great Smoky Mountains.

About The Redfield Group
Based in Rainbow City, Alabama, The Redfield Group, Inc., is one of the nation's fastest growing high-end real estate auction firms. The Redfield Group is dedicated to offering services that meet the demand of today's market, and is committed to customer satisfaction.

Founder Mike Fisher has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since the inception of The Redfield Group. He has assembled a team of the most experienced high-end real estate professionals in the auction industry. This team has been involved in well over 1,000 auctions and has sales approaching $1 billion. Their past client list reads like a "Who's Who" of America's most respected business, entertainment and athletic professionals. Fisher has been active with auctions for over seven years and has been involved in the selling of some of the most exclusive real estate in the United States and the Bahamas.

Published by ASMarketingCenter.com a division of http://www.auctionservices.com and the http://www.nationalauctionlist.com.

Contact Information:
The Redfield Group, Inc.
2810 Rainbow Drive
Rainbow City, Alabama 35906
Phone: 256-413-0555
Toll-Free: 866-673-9270
Fax: 256-413-0552
Web: www.redfieldgroup.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:52 AM | Comments (0)

New Generation of Canadians turn to the U.S. for Real Estate

The next generation of Canadians is snapping up land, houses and condos once again in Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay.

(PRWEB via PRWeb Direct) October 26, 2006 -- In the 1960’s, at a time when the Canadian dollar exceeded the U.S. dollar by 10 cents, Canadians held more than half the residential properties in Birch Bay and the surrounding neighborhoods.

The next generation of Canadians is snapping up land, houses and condos once again in Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay as the Loonie pushes above 91 cents U.S. and is expected by many economists to catch or perhaps pass the U.S dollar.

Real estate agents report that nearly half their business now involves Canadian buyers eager to find affordable weekend retreats relatively close to home and that will double as strong investments.

The last time there was this much cross border real estate activity was when Vancouver hosted the World’s Fair in 1986. Expo ‘86 created strong growth across the border for a period of roughly 4 years following.

With the 2010 Winter Olympics fast approaching, savvy buyers are shopping early to avoid the anticipated price run ups that widespread regional exposure could create. Add the fact that there are more homes listed for sale today under $300,000 in Whatcom County, than in all of the Lower Mainland and it’s no wonder you’re as likely to run into your neighbor strolling the beaches of Birch Bay than you would running into a neighbor in Victoria or Kelowna.

Recent Buyers like Duke and Carol Carpenter of Burnaby sum it up best, "We were looking for a weekend retreat that was easily accessible, affordable and that had good upside investment potential." They bought their golf course home in a gated community in June of this year.

The weekend migration to second homes just across the border has become so popular that a group of leading developers, builders, bankers and real estate experts have joined together to form the "Rising Tide Marketing Group." Their newly launched Website www.UndiscoveredWaterfront.com is intended to help introduce Canadians to the region as well as showcase properties and attractions in Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay. In addition they have focused on assisting international buyers with everything from financing options to tax benefits.

By joining together, they have helped take the mystery out of cross border real estate purchasing and have introduced many more Canadians to the benefits and pleasures of owning a second home just a few miles away from White Rock. According to the group’s spokesperson Mike Kent, "We love having Canadians as our neighbors and have appreciated the contributions they have made to our local economy for decades. We are very excited to see the next generation following in their parents footsteps in increasing numbers."

Many merchants are already accepting Canadian dollars at par and every real estate dollar will buy about twice as much home in Whatcom County. Un-crowded beaches, fantastic weather (think White Rock) along with the prices of Crescent Beach 20 years ago, all add up to more and more B.C and even Alberta license plates cruising through downtown Blaine or along Birch Bay Drive on any given weekend.

To learn more visit www.UndiscoveredWaterfront.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:51 AM | Comments (0)

Mallorca Property Partners Launches New Website and Upgraded Services for Majorca Property Seekers

Mallorca Property Partners has launched a new website aimed at giving more useful information and responsive services for people interested to buy property in Majorca. It features access to more up-to-date Majorca property listings, which are compiled personally for users of the Mallorca Property Partners service, and quick responses to customer's queries on buying property in Majorca.

London, UK (PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- Mallorca Property Partners has launched a new website at http://www.mppsearch.com. The site is aimed at giving more useful information and responsive services for people interested to buy property in Majorca. It features access to more up-to-date Majorca property listings, which are compiled personally for users of the Mallorca Property Partners service, and quick thought-through responses to customer's queries on buying property in Majorca.

During the four years since Mallorca Property Partners was first launched, it has built close working partnerships with the very best Majorca estate agents in order to offer comprehensive coverage of the island combined with objective and impartial advise on all matter to do with buying a property in Majorca.

Whether this is information on prices of property in Majorca, the legal process for buying a property in Majorca, the Majorca Property Partners Area Guide - http://www.mppsearch.com/areas.htm, or other aspects of finding and buying a property in Majorca, Mallorca Property Partners can provide valuable at all stages.

The new Majorca Property Partners website is one of a number of initiative the company is launching to publicise its service and make it more accessible and useful to Majorca property seekers. "So many websites in this sector provide out-of-date information and will not generate a response to your queries," says Kevin Reeves, Mallorca Property Partners Managing Director. "Whilst we operate via the Internet, our service is founded on advice from real-life experts and benefits from an enviable contact-base of Majorca property professionals."

Along with the new website, Mallorca Property Partners is scheduling the launch of a regular newsletter. It will feature some of the most interesting Majorca property opportunities currently available, as well as other news and information that might be useful to Majorca property seekers or simply be of value when they are staying on the island.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:50 AM | Comments (0)

Morrisville Continues to Grow with New Master-Planned Community Minutes From RTP

K. Hovnanian Homes Raleigh Division announces the grand opening of Providence Place, a 491-home master-planned community located in the heart of Morrisville. Located just minutes from Research Triangle Park, I-40, I-540 and other major crossroads of the Triangle, Providence Place offers a wide collection of villas, single family and estate homes appealing to a wide range of income levels.

Morrisville, NC (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- K. Hovnanian Homes Raleigh Division announces the grand opening of Providence Place, a 491-home master-planned community located in the heart of Morrisville. Located just minutes from Research Triangle Park, I-40, I-540 and other major crossroads of the Triangle, Providence Place offers a wide collection of villas, single family and estate homes appealing to a wide range of income levels.

Morrisville's Board of Commissioners supports Providence Place as part of the town's strategic growth plan, which is vital since this municipality's population has skyrocketed in just a few short years. In 2000, Morrisville boasted 5,208 residents. In 2006, more than 14,000 people call Morrisville home.

Mayor Pro-Tem Pete Martin has witnessed this phenomenal growth since he moved to Morrisville a decade ago, commenting, "we had a lot of apartments, and I don't believe a town can grow with just apartments. I think we ought to show a lot of single family homes which is what I see here and why I approved this community."

K. Hovnanian Homes worked closely with the Town of Morrisville in planning a development that incorporates that vision.

"We appreciate all of the support we've received from the town and the mayor, and we're excited to be a part of Morrisville's continued growth," said Mike Reiser, president of K. Hovnanian Homes Raleigh Division.

Providence Place has a traditional neighborhood design with an impressive amenities package that includes a swimming pool, recreation area, walking trails, biking trails and greenways that eventually will connect to the Town of Morrisville's greenway system. The charming, small town atmosphere makes Providence Place a destination of choice for families relocating from across the country or across the state.

About K. Hovnanian Homes
Hovnanian Enterprises Inc., founded in 1959 by Kevork S. Hovnanian, Chairman, is headquartered in Red Bank, New Jersey. The company is one of the nation's largest homebuilders with operations in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. The company's homes are marketed and sold under the trade names K. Hovnanian Homes, Goodman Homes, Matzel & Mumford, Diamond Homes, Westminster Homes, Forecast Homes, Parkside Homes, Brighton Homes, Parkwood Builders, Great Western Homes, Windward Homes, Cambridge Homes and Town & Country Homes. As the developer of K. Hovnanian's Four Seasons communities, the company is also one of the nation's largest builders of active adult homes.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:48 AM | Comments (0)

UTC President Says Normal U.S. Trade Relations With Vietnam is Overdue

Louis Chênevert, President and Chief Operating Officer of United Technologies Corp., said that establishing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) between the U.S. and Vietnam is overdue. Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon here, Chênevert said his company strongly supports PNTR for Vietnam and has been an advocate in urging the U.S. Congress to take action granting this status.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- Louis Chênevert, President and Chief Operating Officer of United Technologies Corp., today said that establishing permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) between the U.S. and Vietnam is overdue. Speaking at an American Chamber of Commerce luncheon here, Chênevert said his company strongly supports PNTR for Vietnam and has been an advocate in urging the U.S. Congress to take action granting this status.

Chênevert also said UTC strongly supports Vietnam's accession to the World Trade Organization and is a founding member of the U.S. – Vietnam World Trade Organization Coalition. "Over time the economic reforms this country has undertaken to gain entry to the WTO will make Vietnam a more competitive economy and stronger market for global businesses including UTC," Chênevert said. He congratulated the people and leaders of Vietnam for hosting the coming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit in November. "This recognizes Vietnam's importance as a country with much to contribute to this region."

Chênevert highlighted a number of fuel efficient and environmentally sound technologies developed by the company's business units. The Otis Gen2 elevator, for example, is 70 percent more energy efficient than a conventional elevator and operates cleanly without lubricants. The Gen2 system's coated-steel belt, which weighs up to 20 percent less than conventional ropes, enables Otis to reduce the size of the machine required to power the elevator by about 70 percent. The smaller machine fits easily inside the elevator hoistway, eliminating the need for a costly, separate machine room in the building.

Looking to the future, Chênevert talked about Pratt & Whitney's new geared turbofan jet engine designed for the next generation of single-aisle commercial aircraft. These engines are designed for greater fuel efficiency -- up to a 12 percent improvement -- as well as for quieter and cleaner performance. Ultimately, this engine is expected to yield a 12-15 percent reduction in operating costs.

Energy efficiency and lower environmental impacts also are engineered into UTC's business processes, Chênevert said. He noted the company has reduced its total energy consumption by 18 percent since 1997 despite increased production volume. UTC has cut its air emissions and hazardous waste by about 90 percent in the U.S since 1990, he said, adding that water consumption is down 44 percent worldwide since 1997, saving 2.1 billion gallons of water – enough to supply nearly 14 million adults with drinking water for a year. Meanwhile, UTC has achieved total shareholder returns exceeding 1,200 percent since 1992 and market capitalization increases of about 1,100 percent. "This demonstrates that what is good for the environment can also be good for business," Chênevert said.

Chênevert concluded his remarks by noting positive developments taking place in Vietnam including the country's liberalized economic policy that is leading to growing foreign investment. He also cited strong growth projected for Vietnam's aviation sector, and said the trend toward urbanization, the rate of which is projected to double by 2030, could mean opportunity for the building equipment industries. "In Vietnam I see great potential for a bright future," Chênevert said.

United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, is a diversified company that provides a broad range of high technology products and support services to the building systems and aerospace industries worldwide.

AmCham Vietnam

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:47 AM | Comments (0)

Spirit Cabins Introduces New Twist on Traditional Log Cabin Living

Log Home Expo showcases the quality and affordability of modular cabin designs.

Boulder, CO (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- Attendees at the recent Log Home & Timber Frame Expo in Denver were among the first to see a full-scale model of the Ponderosa, one of the exclusive modular cabin designs now available from Spirit Cabins. This innovative collection has been receiving great interest from buyers looking for high quality, attractively priced vacation homes, studios and guest cottages.

Early arrivals at the home show were treated to an unrehearsed, real-time demonstration as the log cabin arrived at the show grounds and one construction manager led a team of enthusiastic but inexperienced volunteers to quickly transform it into a comfortable home, complete with a front porch, cozy lighting and cool drinks in the fridge for guests. Soon visitors were filing through, admiring the real dormer windows, custom finishes, solid hardwood cabinets and pine doors imported from Finland -- and few left without a catalog.

Each Spirit Cabin is built to order in a climate-controlled facility and delivered directly to the owner's site. State-of-the-art construction techniques result in shorter completion times and generous value. And because these cabins are built for the rigors of over-the-road delivery, the quality of construction typically exceeds that of standard site-built homes. Federal studies have shown that modular homes hold up better than traditionally constructed homes in extreme weather, including hurricanes.

One- and two-story floor plans range from 330 to 2,100 square feet and start as low as $37,000 - even less for unfinished models. With an average finished square-foot cost of $99, those looking for a log home are delighted to find that they are closer to owning their dream cabin than they expected.

Paul Medlicott of Longmont, Colorado, who was attending the show with his family, said that he was impressed with the Ponderosa's quality. "I like the appliance features, the roof options, the different trim levels," he said. "I'm familiar with modular homes ... they're a lot better than stick-built." Medlicott said that he was pleasantly surprised when he heard that the per-square-foot cost was in the hundred-dollar range. "There's no skimping on quality at all, with the two-by-ten floors and two-by-six walls," he said, also noting the superior energy efficiency.

Asked if he'd like a cabin like the Ponderosa, he responded, "I'd love to have one like this. We've got land already, I'd love to put something like this on it."

Glenn Robinson of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, said that visiting the Ponderosa model was "worth the trip up here. This is great - a quality, economical package. It's something I'm definitely going to be looking into." Robinson, who has built a log cabin in California, is planning to put up several homes in the Pagosa Springs area and liked the appeal of having a finished home delivered right to his site.

Several builders noted that Spirit Cabins' custom modular approach provided a business-savvy means to quickly develop resort housing, citing the accelerated construction time, simplified site requirements and reduced need for subcontractors.

Mark Wilson, program coordinator for Spirit Cabins, detailed the range of custom choices available. "We offer a wide variety of personalized features. On the exterior, we can customize the siding finish, roof materials, even the windows and doors. Our oversized and wrap-around porch options are also very popular."

Interior choices abound, too. "Buyers can choose from multiple floor and siding treatments, plus lighting and cabinet packages," Wilson said, noting that prospective buyers will often bring in floor plans or articles from magazines to illustrate their ideas. "We're usually able to create a plan that meets or even exceeds their ideas of a 'dream' cabin. When that happens, I know I've done my job."

About Spirit Cabins
Spirit Cabins, located in Boulder, Colorado, offers an exclusive collection of log homes and cabins that are designed for the modern family. Spirit Cabins is a division of luxury lifestyle company Spirit Elements (www.SpiritElements.com). Since 1998, Spirit Elements has been dedicated to helping individuals, families and communities find meaning in life through products that connect, inspire and fulfill.

For more information on the complete Spirit Cabins collection or to speak with a design specialist, visit www.SpiritCabins.com or call (800) 716-8512.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:46 AM | Comments (0)

Microsoft Experience People_Ready Tour is Gaining Momentum with Dynamics Partner Sponsor Iteration2

Microsoft Dynamics Gold Certified Partner Iteration2 is leading industry enthusiasm and acceptance of the People_Ready business revolution

Irvine, CA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 26, 2006 -- Iteration2 (www.iteration2.com), the fastest growing Microsoft Dynamics Gold Certified Partner and Back to Back winner of U.S. MBS Partner of the Year, announced today their involvement in the Microsoft Experience People_Ready Tour taking place in twenty-four cities throughout the United States in 2006 and 2007. The Microsoft Experience People_Ready Tour is the primary readiness event that will educate customers on Microsoft's People_Ready vision and how Microsoft Dynamics plays a key role. Iteration2 will be sponsoring events at tour locations in Phoenix, Chicago, Houston, Philadelphia, Seattle and Dallas. By participating in events in Arizona, Illinois, Texas, Pennsylvania and Washington Iteration2 will have great geographic coverage.

Microsoft's People_Ready vision is based on the belief that people are the most valuable resource in a company and the ultimate drivers of a business' success. A business that is People_Ready gives its people software tools that enable them to collaborate and work together globally, to contact and serve customers instantly, and to streamline and reinvent processes intuitively. When you give people familiar, easy-to-use tools that let them turn information into insight, you give your business a real competitive advantage.

The Microsoft Experience People-Ready Tour will illustrate how the latest business applications, including Microsoft Dynamics™ and the 2007 Microsoft® Office system, can add real strategic value to companies by helping people:

• Develop Closer Connections with Customers and Partners
• Create Innovative Products and Services
• Improve Operations and Reduce Costs

"Microsoft's People_Ready vision and advanced business applications will truly revolutionize the way people view technology platforms and future integration methodology. People drive the innovation process, build and develop relationships with business partners and therefore sustain the momentum for improving operations throughout the company," says Gary Peterson, Vice President of Iteration2. "By unifying communication and collaboration tools Microsoft is enabling technology to greatly improve and advance business communication like never seen before! By investing in technology that empowers people, companies are enabled with the flexibility to adapt as people increase their capability. We are proud to be a part of Microsoft's People_Ready business revolution along with the world's largest community of partners, developers and support professionals."

The comprehensive ideology within People_Ready addresses many desires of modern businesses including the evolving needs of mobility in a way that is unparalleled by other solution providers. In particular, the next version of Exchange Server revolutionizes accessibility by offering a speech-enabled and unified messaging platform that integrates e-mail, fax and voice mail in the user's inbox with support for a variety of clients, including traditional and mobile devices.

For additional information about the applications and methodologies within the Experience People_Ready Tour please visit:
http://www.microsoft.com/business/peopleready/bizapps/default.mspx

About Iteration2
Iteration2 provides its manufacturing, distribution, and field service clients with a superior enterprise software implementation experience that is more attractive and affordable than solutions from SAP and Oracle. Combined with Microsoft's integrated technology stack and unsurpassed financial strength, this provides a growth platform for today and tomorrow. Iteration2 is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner and leading provider of Microsoft Dynamics AX, Dynamics CRM, Dynamics SL and Field Services. Iteration2 is the first ever back to back US MBS Partner of the Year for 2005 and 2006.

Iteration2's industry focus, enterprise software domain experience, and exceptional capabilities with Dynamics and Microsoft platform and tools provide its clients with clear strategic business advantage. Iteration2 is based in Irvine, CA and has sales offices in strategic locations throughout the United States. Please visit the company's website at www.iteration2.com.

For more information:
Greg Sad,
Marketing Director
Iteration2
(949) 789-1020

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:45 AM | Comments (0)

Safestyle 'Doing Its Bit' for Energy Saving Week

Britain is running National Energy Saving Campaign and Safestyle UK is 'doing its bit' to promote the campaign.

(PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 -- In response to the recent accusation that Britain wastes more energy than any other country in Europe, Safestyle UK, Britain's leading independent replacement window and door manufacturer and retailer, is determined to "Do its Bit" to support this week's National Energy Saving campaign.

The National Energy Saving Trust is challenging households throughout the UK not just to conserve but to save at least 20% of their energy in this and each subsequent week.

The forward-thinking Bradford-based company, renowned for its celebrity-led and award-winning advertising campaigns, including the catch phrases "Bogof" (Buy One Get One Free) headed by top stars Cannon and Ball, has focussed its efforts on the production of a raft of new radio commercials and an information leaflet highlighting how households can conserve energy and save money on expensive heating bills through the installation of double glazing.

In support of the week, the company has also launched a series of special offers with an emphasis on a "Buy the Front and Get the Back Free" offer.

At a time when customers are becoming increasingly aware of the need to preserve the environment and also potential new government initiatives surrounding the introduction of energy efficiency ratings for the home, the Group's Chief Executive, John Ross, explained the reasoning behind their campaign:

"Britain is already regarded as the biggest waster of energy in Europe and conservation of energy has become increasingly important in all aspects of life. At Safestyle we feel it imperative that we are seen to be 'doing our bit' and the best way to achieve this is to get the message across to our customers and to our staff by increasing their knowledge of the environment and encouraging their support to preserve it."

He added: "Conservation and helping the environment should be high on everyone's agenda but what many forget is that it can also be financially beneficial as well. For instance by fitting double glazing the average householder with a four-bedroom detached house can save about £300 a year and a two-bedroom house at least £103 annually.

About Style group:

The Style Group PLC is the largest independent manufacturer, supplier and retailer of PVCu windows and doors in the United Kingdom. Since inception in 1992 the Group has continued to expand and now has 38 branches across the country from the South West to the North East serviced by a large in-house transport fleet. The Group incorporates three specialist subsidiaries:-

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

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

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.

For further information please contact:
Ashley Metcalfe
CHS Ltd
+44-1924-256050

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:43 AM | Comments (0)

Safefreight Transportation Security Technology Selected for Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Hazmat Truck Security Program

The GPS fleet tracking and trailer security technology developed by Safefreight Technology Ltd. supports hazmat transportation security, and will be used by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems in a $3.1 million contract awarded by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under their Hazmat Truck Security Pilot (HTSP) program.

Vancouver, WA; Edmonton, AB (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 -- Safefreight Technology today announced that their trucking fleet management and hazmat security technology will be used by General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems in a $3.1 million contract awarded by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) under their Hazmat Truck Security Pilot (HTSP) program.

Under the agreement, General Dynamics will implement and demonstrate Safefreight's integrated GPS fleet tracking and software solution -- SmartFleet™ -- that provides security, tracking, monitoring, control and reporting capability for dry van and tank trailers transporting hazardous cargo and the trucks hauling them.

At this stage of the project, Safefreight is the only hazmat security provider to build a standards-compliant direct link to the HTSP Universal Communications Interface (UCI) which will be providing location and on-board sensor data in real time to the TSA Truck Tracking Center. Safefreight fleet management technology immediately accommodated the TSA's technical requirements.

"With our SmartFleet™ system, hazmat carriers get real-time situational awareness and control of their trucks and trailers to mitigate security threats related to hazardous material transportation," said James Balestra, Safefreight's Chief Operating Officer. "With over 800,000 hazardous materials and waste shipments per day, the possibility that even one shipment could be used as a weapon in a terrorist attack underscores the importance of securing the transportation supply chain," added Balestra.

About Safefreight
Founded in 1998, Safefreight is a developer and provider of security-enhanced fleet management technology. Through its SmartFleet™ system, Safefreight provides full vehicle security and visibility through proprietary technology that comprises a web-based GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management software application that integrates mobile asset tracking technology and asset-to-Internet software. In addition to optimizing fleet operations, this transportation security technology provides situational awareness of vehicles and the tools for fleet managers to mitigate threats. For more information, please visit www.safefreight.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:42 AM | Comments (0)

Historic Pennsylvania Farm Falls Under the Gavel

105 acre York County property to be offered at auction Nov. 14.

Glen Rock, PA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 –- Located near Glen Rock, Pennsylvania, the famous Pine Shade Farm will hit the auction block on Nov. 14, according to Leonard Hartsook of The Redfield Group.

"it's one of the most beautiful farms I've ever seen, not only in York County, but around the country," said Hartsook.

Only 30 minutes from northern Baltimore, nestled into the gently rolling countryside of York County, Pine Shade Farm's 105 acres is like a picture postcard of Southern Pennsylvania farm country.

Roy Gladfelter, Sr., purchased the property in 1943, spending most of his life farming the land and raising a family of four. Pine Shade Farm's 105 rolling acres includes 80 acres of row crops, pasture, woods, a two-acre pond and 1.6 miles of road frontage. Abundant wildlife, including white tail deer, dove and quail, also grace the property.

"This is an estate auction," emphasized Hartsook. "The family has a lot of emotional attachment, but they are motivated to find new owners who will love the property as much as their father did."

Included in the sale are four income-producing rental properties -- a lovely historic stone home built in 1760 by the original family that settled the property, a large home subdivided into two rental units, and a mobile home – which bring in $27,400 annually. The property also features a two-story barn built in 1879, a wagon shed, farrowing shed, and a chicken house-garage, all wired with electricity. In addition, the farm boasts two deeded springs, one with a spring house, which provide ample water for all structures on the property.

"If you look around this part of Pennsylvania, you see a lot of agricultural properties that have been converted into beautiful estates," Hartsook noted. "Pine Shade Farm would be perfect for the northern Baltimore business executive who wants to enjoy suburban living. This property offers plenty of room for an estate and leisure activities."

Most of the property has been fenced and cross-fenced, with the row crop acreage being contoured for maximum water distribution. The cropland is currently planted in soybeans and leased at $75 per acre, generating $6,000 annually; however, it could be farmed to generate more of a cash commodity.

Also being sold separately at auction is a beautiful home on 1.1 acres that lend spectacular views of the farm's pastures, crops, lake and outbuildings. The 3,400 square foot, two-story home features three bedrooms, 1 bathroom, sunroom and two-car garage, It also has a 30'x20' room zoned for limited commercial use which has operated in that capacity since 1954. The home is sturdy with concrete foundation and solid oak construction.

The property will be available for preview Nov. 7 through 14, 10am to 5pm daily, with an agent on-site. The auction is set for 4pm on Nov. 14. For more information, call The Redfield Group toll-free at (866) 673-9270 or visit redfieldgroup.com to download an auction packet.

York County, Pennsylvania
York County (population 339,574) was created on August 19, 1749, from part of Lancaster County and named either for the Duke of York, an early patron of the Penn Family, or for the city and shire of York in England. York, the county seat, was laid out in 1741, incorporated as a borough on September 24, 1787, and chartered as a city on January 11, 1887. With more than 250 years of tradition, historic York County blends charming local customs with the beauty of one of Pennsylvania's richest farm regions. The county, nestled in the rolling farmlands of south central Pennsylvania, offers activities for every interest, from golf and museums to cultural attractions and wineries, factory tours to great shopping for antiques, hand-made crafts and fantastic bargains.

About The Redfield Group
Based in Rainbow City, Alabama, The Redfield Group, Inc., is one of the nation's fastest growing high-end real estate auction firms. The Redfield Group is dedicated to offering services that meet the demand of today's market, and is committed to customer satisfaction.

Founder Mike Fisher has served as President and Chief Executive Officer since the inception of The Redfield Group. He has assembled a team of the most experienced high-end real estate professionals in the auction industry. This team has been involved in more than 1,000 auctions and has sales approaching $1 billion. Their past client list reads like a "Who's Who" of America's most respected business, entertainment and athletic professionals. Fisher has been active with auctions for over seven years and has been involved in the selling of some of the most exclusive real estate in the United States and the Bahamas.

Published by ASMarketingCenter.com a division of http://www.auctionservices.com and the http://www.nationalauctionlist.com.

Contact Information:
The Redfield Group, Inc.
2810 Rainbow Drive
Rainbow City, Alabama 35906
Phone: 256-413-0555
Toll-Free: 866-673-9270
Fax: 256-413-0552
Web: www.redfieldgroup.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:41 AM | Comments (0)

Washington Real Estate Firm Offering Discount Services Expands Operations to Entire Puget Sound Area

The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team now serves clients in Snohomish County and the rest of the Puget Sound area, offering Washington state real estate services at discounted rates.

(PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006– As the demand for discount real estate services skyrockets, responsive realty professionals are expanding operations to meet their clients' needs. To offer the best services in discount real estate, Washington state agents at The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team are expanding their operations to include all of Puget Sound.

For a flat listing commission of $989, clients benefit from a full suite of real estate services that are provided at no extra cost. Discount real estate services are a growing segment of the real estate industry, but many agencies offer only limited service or put little effort into getting the transaction closed. The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team distinguishes itself among real estate Washington state discount agents by being a comprehensive agency offering full service at a low $989 flat commission rate. "No other company can compare to us," says Collord.

In addition to substantial savings over traditional real estate agency arrangements, The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team offers top-notch experience. Collord has fifteen years of real estate experience that he uses to provide expert service to each of his clients.

As part of its full-service offering, The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team places all listings on the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS). The agency also handles all advertising and paperwork related to the transaction. One of the distinct advantages of this Real Estate Team is that their commission is paid once the house is sold. When compared to the fees charged by typical real estate companies in Washington state, the flat-fee arrangement offered by The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team is extremely attractive.

For services in discounted real estate, Washington state is a growing market, which led the Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team to make this latest expansion to cover the entire Puget Sound area.

The expansion of The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team to the Puget Sound area is effective immediately, and the team is ready to serve clients interested in saving money on their real estate transactions. After serving Snohomish County, The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team is prepared to offer its valuable full-service, discount realty services to the entire Puget Sound area.

For more information about The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team, visit whytheniceguyteam.com.

About The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team:

The Hardworking Nice Guy Real Estate Team and its Website, whytheniceguyteam.com, are owned and operated by Mark Collord at David & Associates Real Estate. Collord is a Washington state real estate agent with more than fifteen years' experience in real estate transactions.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:40 AM | Comments (0)

Panda Media Group and Distributor Partners of America (DPA) Join Forces to Create a Powerful Safety and Janitorial Buying Group

In its 10-year existence, Panda has forged valuable relationships with over 75 "Panda Preferred Vendors", companies that are leaders in the safety products industry, and over 250 safety distributors nationwide and in Canada.

Milwaukee, WI (PRWEB via PRWeb Direct) October, 25, 2006 -- When Distributor Partners of America, a group of well over 200 distributors and nearly 100 vendors specializing in janitorial sales, wanted to become a buying force in the safety industry they knew where to turn for instant results.

Panda Media Group, a division of Panda Communications, an innovator in ecommerce and print marketing for the safety industry, brings
immediate clout to the table. In its 10-year existence, Panda has forged valuable relationships with over 75 "Panda Preferred Vendors", companies that are leaders in the safety products industry, and over 250 safety distributors nationwide and in Canada. The partnership immediately strengthens the position of DPA members in the safety industry and allows accessibility to internationally-recognized vendors, which inevitably builds business. Panda Preferred Distributors gain access to nearly 100 janitorial vendors, and the opportunity to expand sales of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).

DPA members also gain access to Panda Systems and Panda Publishing, divisions of Panda Media Group. Panda Systems offers ecommerce shopping solutions to nearly 50 Panda Preferred Distributors, while Panda Publishing provides printed marketing services through catalog programs, flyers and other marketing materials.

Panda is constantly developing and adding safety content and implementing that content into its own proprietary content management database. This exclusive toolbox offers distributors a tremendous ability to market their products through ecommerce, catalogs and other advertising materials.

It’s an exciting time to be a part of Distributors Partners of America. Come learn more about DPA’s powerful partnership with Panda Media Group at the National Safety Congress and Expo in San Diego on November 6-8. We’ll be in booth 4719.

For more information on DPA, go to www.dpadirect.org.

Zac Haines
Executive Director
800-652-7826
zhainesdpa @ aol.com

For more information about Panda Media Group, go to www.pandacommunications.com/html/e-commerce-panda.html

For more information about the catalog, E-commerce, advertising/marketing and content solutions offered by Panda Communications, Inc., contact Kellie Hoffmeister at 262-754-8934 x 101
http://www.pandacommunications.com

Panda Media Group, an innovator in ecommerce and print marketing for the safety industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:39 AM | Comments (0)

Online Real Estate Auction to Benefit ALS Association

Prime residential land in North Las Vegas to be auctioned online with net proceeds to benefit the ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) Association. The minimum bid is $500,000 for 5 acres of undeveloped land perfect for a developer looking to build a small residential community or an individual wanting to build their dream estate. The bid deadline is December 7, 2006.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 -- As the court appointed Successor Trustee of a Trust established by a deceased Orange County, California resident, the Orange County Public Guardian has decided to sell five acres of residential land located in North Las Vegas. The land originally purchased over 50 years ago for a few hundred dollars from the United Stated Department of Interior Bureau of Land Management, now has an estimated value of $1,500,000. As Successor Trustee, the Orange County Public Guardian has elected to auction the land contracting LFC Marketing Group, Inc., to conduct an online auction sale.

"We knew of LFC's reputation as a premier real estate auction specialist because of their success auctioning property for the County of Orange bankruptcy about 10 years ago," states Mark Johnson, Property Services Manager for the Orange County Public Guardian. "Having been appointed Successor Trustee for the estate's Trust and authorized to sell the property, we felt that an auction would deliver the desired results -- a quick sale at a fair price," continues Johnson.

"With five acres of prime residential land in a rapidly growing area of Las Vegas, the very nature of this auction, that being a low minimum bid and a pending deadline, will strongly motivate developers who want to build a small residential community, or an individual hoping to build their dream home, to step up and bid," says Bill Lange, Principal of LFC Marketing Group, Inc., a member of the LFC Group of Companies.

The land is located on the corner of W. Ann Rd. and N. Grand Canyon Dr. in Centennial Hills, North Las Vegas. It is zoned for residential development and is conveniently located just miles from I-95 and CR-215, in an area that is booming with residential, retail and commercial expansion. The auction terms and conditions include a very low minimum bid of $500,000 and a bid deadline of December 7, 2006.

In accordance with the instructions of the deceased landowner's Trust, proceeds from the property auction will be given to the ALS Association, the only not-for-profit voluntary health agency dedicated solely to the fight against ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

For more information about the property and auction details, visit www.lfc.com/668R1

LFC Group of Companies For over 30 years, the LFC Group of Companies has served numerous Fortune 500 companies, real estate developers, investors, financial institutions and government agencies by auction marketing thousands of commercial, industrial, land and residential properties with an aggregate value well in excess of $3 billion.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:37 AM | Comments (0)

1,000,000 Gallon Per Day Water Treatment Plant Commissioned for Prestigious Golf Club in Florida -- to Water The Grass

Water Management Group, Inc announced today the commissioning of a 1,000,000-gallon per day water treatment plant, for Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach, Florida. The treated water will be used to irrigate the fairways, tees and greens at this prestigious ocean front golf club.

North Palm Beach, FL (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 -- Water Management Group, Inc announced today the commissioning of a 1,000,000-gallon per day water treatment plant, for Lost Tree Club in North Palm Beach, Florida. The treated water will be used to irrigate the fairways, tees and greens at this prestigious ocean front golf club.

The source of the raw water is the Floridan Aquifer, which is located about 1,200 feet below the ground. Water from the Floridan aquifer is highly brackish and unsuitable for potable or irrigation use. The New Water Treatment Plant utilizes a reverse osmosis system, designed and built by Water Management Group, Inc. The water produced by the Reverse Osmosis system meets the requirements for water for use for Golf Course irrigation.

Utilizing brackish water as an "alternative water supply" is encouraged and supported by the South Florida Water Management District, which provides funding for these types of projects. Additionally, Lost Tree Club will benefit from the lower cost of water as a result of owning and operating their own Reverse Osmosis water treatment plant.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:35 AM | Comments (0)

FauxPanels.com Expands Do-It-Yourself Market with Incredibly Realistic Paneling in Faux Brick, Stone and Wood

With the resurgence of interest in natural materials in interior design, homeowners are impressed with the new low-cost, low-maintenance faux wood, stone and brick paneling and siding products available from FauxPanels.com. Incredibly realistic, they add warmth and richness to a decor, yet can be easily installed by a homeowner using basic tools.

Deer Park, NY (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 -- In response to consumer demand for a low-cost, low-maintenance alternative to desirable but expensive natural materials, FauxPanels.com introduces several varieties of faux brick, stone and wood paneling and siding.

Faux panels are a great solution for re-siding a house, adding a decorative look to a family room or enclosing an outdoor patio. With FauxPanels™, homeowners can tackle such home improvement projects and get professional results without the expense of hiring a mason or carpenter. Along with the initial cost savings in labor and materials, they avoid the long-term costs that natural materials require in upkeep.

"Our panels are so realistic that they are indistinguishable from real brick, stone or wood," says company President Steve Barron. "Everyone has the same reaction when they see our faux panels for the first time. They can't believe it's not real. They have to actually pick up a panel to see how light it is."

The lightweight, interlocking panels are easy to install in both interior and exterior settings. At just 4 pounds each, these 2' by 4' panels are easily handled and can be sawed, drilled and fastened with tools found in any toolbox. This allows homeowners to install wood paneling, simulated stone siding or brick veneer themselves, at a fraction of the cost or time required for natural materials.

Once installed, the paneling provides a simple and inexpensive way to dramatically improve the décor of a room. With over 45 styles available -- from river-tossed or stacked stone to red brick, barnboard to bamboo -- a homeowner can select a look as unique as they are. One that reflects their lifestyle while enhancing their property's value.

And how are they using it? "Homeowners send us photos of the work they've done. For example, I've seen simulated stone on fireplaces, planters, outside walls, house foundations and skirtings, commercial signs -- there are just so many uses," says Barron Designs CFO Ruth Barron.

The paneling is incredibly realistic because each is cast from a mold of the actual stone, rock, brick or wood. So every detail is present. Unlike other panels, these are not made from vinyl, with its accompanying environmental and health concerns. FauxPanels.com products are constructed from rigid polyurethane for a maintenance-free long life. They are not affected by moisture, heat, cold or insects and can be easily cleaned with a garden hose. Panels are also available with a Class A fire rating for added protection.

This faux wood, brick and stone paneling and siding is available online at FauxPanels.com. For more information, visit the website or call 1-800-651-4223.

About FauxPanels.com:
FauxPanels leads the industry with the most realistic faux brick, stone and wood paneling and siding products on the market. It is a subsidiary of Barron Designs Inc., a family business dedicated to the home improvement industry since 1972. For more information, visit FauxPanels.com.

Media Contact:
Steve Barron, President
FauxPanels.com
Phone: 800-651-4223
FauxPanels.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:34 AM | Comments (0)

Huntsville Area Landscape Contracting Company Announces Record Sales

Xquisite Xteriors, Inc., an Athens, Alabama-based woman-owned landscape contracting company announced record sales in the month of October 2006. October 2006 sales increased over 700% as compared to sales recorded in October of 2005.

Athens, AL (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 25, 2006 –- Xquisite Xteriors, Inc., an Athens, Alabama-based woman-owned landscape contracting company announced record sales in the month of October 2006. October 2006 sales increased over 700% as compared to sales recorded in October of 2005.

Tom Mansfield, Xquisite Xteriors Vice President of Operations, credits his Design/Sales team for their creative, innovative and customer focused approach to the design and sales process.

"Our mission is to become the landscaping company of choice in the Tennessee Valley by providing exquisite and innovative landscaping solutions while delivering unmatched quality and services to our customers," stated Mansfield. "Our entire company’s commitment to 100% customer satisfaction is unmatched in our industry and our continued growth is the result."

"We are pleased with the continued growth of Xquisite Xteriors under Tom’s leadership," stated Timothy Strait, President & CEO of Xquisite Xteriors. "We look forward to continued success as we position ourselves for the high growth predicted in our region."

About Xquisite Xteriors
Xquisite Xteriors was incorporated in 2005 as a 100% woman-owned corporation, and is run by a group of individuals with over 60 years of combined design/build experience. The leadership team has delivered projects reaching into the multi-millions of dollars and has successfully managed complex programs in excess of $200,000,000. The experience of its leadership team in both expert delivery and the rapid growth of organizations offers a very low risk and high return to its customers. For more information, visit www.xxoutdoorliving.com.

Contact:
Michelle Emens
Xquisite Xteriors, Inc.
256-216-1618 x100
www.xxoutdoorliving.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:32 AM | Comments (0)

October 24, 2006

Hill Threaded Products Announces Implementation of Inbound Faxing

Excellence has a magnetic effect. Hill Threaded Products does a great job of protecting customers from their competitors. Technology plays a big role in their success and the addition of the inbound fax to their Business Edge System has helped them do an even better job.

Bakersfield, CA (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 24, 2006 -- Excellence has a magnetic effect. Hill Threaded Products does a great job of protecting customers from their competitors. Technology plays a big role in their success and the addition of the inbound fax to their Business Edge System has helped them do an even better job.

Inbound Fax System
Dale said, "We recently added the inbound fax module to our Business Edge Fastener Software. This has dramatically increased our efficiency by enabling each person’s faxes to go directly to their desk. The system receives faxes as electronic images. It then allows us to conveniently tie the image of the fax to a Vendor, P.O., Customer, Sales Order or any of a number of items. All these documents are accessible through The Business Edge. Once again, with just a few keystrokes we have all pertinent info at hand. If a Customer calls about a fax that they sent in, it doesn’t matter which of our employees they sent it to, we all have immediate access to it. And best of all no more lost faxes. And such a huge time saver by having all the info right there at your fingertips."

At Hill Threaded Products, Service is 24/7
During a recent interview, Dale Hill, Vice President, said, "The main thing that sets us apart from other companies is the fact that we pride ourselves on having the best service in the industrial supply business. We have someone on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week. So if you need something there is always a live person available to help." Hill doesn’t have a specific market niche. They deal with all types of industries including manufacturers, car dealers, repair shops, food processing plants and the petroleum industry. Most of the sales are generated by their 4 outside salespeople. They also have a vibrant "will call" counter and "call in" business. They never know what the next customer need will be, so they are always ready for anything.

Conservative Solid Growth
When Hill Threaded was started in 1980 in John and Judi Hill’s garage, they wanted to build a solid business based on a sound financial base and a reputation for outstanding service. John had worked for a national fastener distributor for 10 years and he knew how important the service component is in a Fastener Distribution business. Their growth has been funded through profits, not bank loans, so they are not leveraged. They have consistently invested in appropriate high quality equipment, delivery vehicles and sales vehicles. Quality is not a luxury when it comes to providing reliable service.

The owners, John, Judi and Dale take hands on approach to management, not absentee ownership. They have consistently grown while keeping the overhead low and the level of service high

Changing Conditions Require Better Control
As they grew, it became obvious that in order to maintain their high standards, they must implement an integrated computer system. They were simply wasting too much time on unproductive jobs. In 2002 they implemented a new fully integrated system that is designed specifically for Fastener and Industrial Suppliers. This new system is called The BUSINESS EDGE, from Computer Insights, Inc. in Bloomingdale, IL. The implementation of this new system has enabled Hill to accelerate growth, improve customer service, make their jobs easier and lower costs.

Dale Hill explained, "It was a good day when we decided to implement this new system. The BUSINESS EDGE has helped us in all areas of the business. The system helped us establish standardized procedures for each department. It helped us reduce our Inventory and improve our "in stock" level on needed items. It has also enabled us to improve our already legendary service to our customers. Today if you call in, we can tell you with a few keystrokes if we have the items requested in stock, how many you bought last time, how many we bought last time, what you paid for them, if and how many are on order and when they are expected to be in stock. We also know what the usage is and many other things just with a few key strokes."

Dale brought up an interesting additional benefit that he didn’t really expect when he first bought the system. He said, "Using The BUSINESS EDGE, we are able to check stock from home, so when you call, we can see if we have it on the shelf before we drive all the way to the warehouse.

Matching Philosophies
He added, "One important factor in our decision was the need to have a solution provider with the same customer service philosophy that we have. That is one of the reasons we chose The BUSINESS EDGE for our software. The people from Computer Insights are always available to help with any problem we may have, or even just generic questions. We can call or Instant Message or e-mail and we are assured that they will do all that they can to make it happen. No endless voicemail wondering if someone is really on the job. The programmers are in house, and they are not satisfied just leaving things the way they are but always trying to make our job easier with new upgrades and more benefits."

Dale said that their goal is to continue their enthusiastic response to customer needs for the next 50 years. He said that they will continue to use the latest and most relevant technology to assure that this is possible.

Hill Threaded Products, Inc. is at 501 East 21st Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305, Phone: 661-324-1315, Fax: 661-324-1973 Contact person is Mr. Dale Hill. Computer Insights can be reached at: Computer Insights, Inc., 108 South Third Street, Bloomingdale, IL 60108, Phone: 800-539-1233, Fax: 630-893-4030, website: www.ci-inc.com. Contact person is Dennis Cowhey.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:58 AM | Comments (0)

Littman Bros. Lighting Shines a Spotlight on Commercial Lighting Division

Established lighting experts specialize in supplying lighting fixture packages for new construction of condos, malls, schools, hotels, multi-unit buildings and custom homes nationwide

Chicago, IL (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 24, 2006 –- Veteran lighting experts Littman Bros. Lighting today announced the expansion of their commercial lighting division to accommodate the growing needs of builders, contractors and developers on any size project ranging from condos to high rises; malls and schools; hotels to hospitals; and multi-unit buildings, such as assisted living facilities.

"We stand out from other lighting suppliers because without fail, we deliver on our promises," said Dan Littman, co-founder of Littman Bros. "From start to finish, we handle every detail and ensure that the job gets done right."

Since 1979, Littman Bros. has steadily built their business and gained the trust of their customers by delivering a consistent supply of quality commercial and industrial specification grade light fixtures on time and on budget. Their knowledgeable and attentive staff delivers exceptional service along with lighting fixtures that will ensure a balance of performance, flexibility, energy savings and maintenance at a cost-effective price.

With access to most every lighting fixture available, Littman Bros. works directly with top manufacturers and electrical distributors from around the world including top commercial lighting brands such as Cooper Lighting, Hubbell Lighting and Lithonia Lighting. Combined these companies produce commercial, industrial, outdoor, residential and environmental lighting of the highest quality.

To add Littman Bros. to your bidder list or to request a quote for your next commercial lighting project, visit the Littman Bros. website at www.littmanbros.com or call 847-524-9250.

This press release was posted by SWPR

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:57 AM | Comments (0)

Construction Continues at 19,000 Sq. Ft. Residents' Club at Amberly

Amberly, a master-planned new home community in Cary, North Carolina, is progressing on its state-of-the-art residents' club. The community, located one and a half miles southwest of the Research Triangle Park, spans 1,100 acres and includes approximately 5,000 homesites.

CARY, NC (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 24, 2006 -- Development of Amberly's state-of-the-art residents' club has rapidly progressed, and the facility is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2007.

The Residents' Club at Amberly will include a 10,000 sq. ft. residents' center with offices and meeting rooms for large parties, 9,000 sq. ft. multi-use gymnasium, information center, junior Olympic-size swimming pool, family fun pool, event lawn, amphitheater and the Amberly Discovery Center -- a multi-use children's play park.

"Our goal is to provide Amberly's residents with one of the most complete, family-friendly social and educational settings in the Triangle," said Bob Jones, general manager of Amberly and developer GS Carolina's Raleigh division.

"Amberly's residents' club is designed to offer a daily retreat to suit a wide variety of needs, and will include a state-of-the-art fitness facility with programming designed and managed by UNC Health Care," said Jones.

The Residents' Club at Amberly is located within the community's Village Square neighborhood off Yates Store Road in Cary.

About Amberly:
Amberly is situated on the western edge of Cary, NC, one and a half miles southwest of the Research Triangle Park, and is located just off Highway 55. Amberly spans 1,100 acres and includes approximately 5,000 homesites. The Residents' Club at Amberly features programming and staffing provided by UNC Health Care, and the community will also feature UNC Health Care's Wellness Center at Amberly. The development is the first in North Carolina to contain an Active Adult neighborhood integrated within a mixed-use community. Amberly is an L.M. Sandler & Sons Inc. development, and is managed by GS Carolina. For more information, call 1-877-4AMBERLY (1-877-426-2375) or visit www.Amberly.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:55 AM | Comments (0)

Stratum Global and Lowry Computer Products Accelerate RFID Innovation with New Partnership

With this partnership, Lowry adds Stratum Global’s TagNet RFID solution to their extensive portfolio of technology products. Both companies see the RFID market as an evolving segment that requires constant innovation to provide end users with state of the art solutions.

Littleton, CO (PRWEB via PRWeb) October 24, 2006 -- Stratum Global, a leading RFID solution provider, today announced it has entered into a distribution agreement with Lowry Computer Products, a leading provider of AIDC, RFID and labeling solutions. With this partnership, Lowry adds Stratum Global’s TagNet RFID solution to their extensive portfolio of technology products. Both companies see the RFID market as an evolving segment that requires constant innovation to provide end users with state of the art solutions.

"With the continued growth in the RFID industry, across all sectors and frequencies, a partner with the technological experience and breadth of Stratum Global is a great fit to the Lowry RFID solution set and w