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November 17, 2006

Empire Property Group and Pioneer Point at Ilford Sets its Sights on the 2012 London Olympics

UK based real estate developer Empire Property Group breaks ground on its most ambitious construction and development project in the Greater London area. The redevelopment of the existing Pioneer Market and the creation of a new iconic residential building for Ilford will be a significant addition to the striking series of architectural projects being developed by the City for the Olympic Games of 2012.

Ilford, London (PRWEB) November 17, 2006 -- The 1972 Olympic Gold Medallist for the Pentathlon Mary Peters is quoted as saying, "Standing on an Olympic Games victor's podium has no greater moment of sporting glory. London will be the inspiration for others to achieve that dream and to share it with people everywhere."

"So too will Pioneer Point be a source of glory for London when Empire Property Group completes it's most ambitious project in the heart of the UK," states Tom O'Donnell of Empire Property Group International. EPGi's Chairman Hayden Chittell continues, "The redevelopment of the existing Pioneer Market and the creation of a new iconic residential building for Ilford will be a significant addition to the striking series of architectural projects being developed by the City for the Olympic Games of 2012."

Pioneer Point will be a new state-of-the-art landmark building in close proximity to the centre of London. With 279 modern apartments featuring contemporary Italian interiors, high quality finishes and stunning views across London, Pioneer Point is sure to attract people from all over the country seeking an exciting real estate investment opportunity.

In addition, Pioneer Point will also include 27 affordable housing units for Key workers finished to the same high standard as the rest of the units. "It is important to us to enable everyone, regardless of socio-economic status, to be able to live in such a wonderful new development," says Tom O'Donnell. With multiple public transport links, including City and central London accessible within fifteen minutes by tube, Canary Wharf within ten minutes, and two minutes walking distance from the new proposed East London transit system. Pioneer Point is very well situated to offer convenient and contemporary living in proximity to the main centers of London life as well as centrally positioned for the Olympics, the City and Docklands Financial Centers.

The project will also include a new 17,000 square foot, speciality arts and crafts market with retailers and artisans reflecting the ethnic diversity of Ilford. Over 28,000 square feet will be dedicated to shopping and amenities that will provide services for residents of the building and for the greater Ilford area. Most importantly, a 27,000 square foot NHS medical centre will provide health care facilities and services for the whole of Redbridge Local Authority.

Hayden Chittell, Empire's Chairman also noted that "significant transport, road and environmental improvements are being planned in conjunction with the Local Authority and delivery is being designed to coincide with and stimulate the regeneration of Ilford and Red Bridge." Pioneer Point's location is in close proximity to the new Olympic sites for London 2012 and the Thames gateway redevelopment.

Empire Property Group International is an innovative, design-led, development company, whose range of activities comprise, residential, commercial and retail development. The company was created, out of a desire on the part of the founding directors, to bring 'best practice' in terms of architecture and design to the overall development and construction process. Creative architecture and construction is the guiding principle informing the entire range of EPGi's development output and 'quality' is its benchmark.

Empire Property Group International believes that all 'urban land' is a precious resource, and it is vital that best-use is made of such assets -- in the interest of the entire community, and in preservation of green-field land. The 'built environment' impacts upon all our lives -- whether as occupants, users or observers, and the company endeavours in every way to respect that fact.

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Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:02 AM | Comments (0)

Classic Stone Pavers to Soar to New Heights

ADB Global Trade's acquisition of Classic Stone Pavers promises to keep its customers supplied with the finest natural stone products in the Midwest and Canada.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 17, 2006 -- ADB Global Trade, an Illinois based LLC that has an office in the capital of Turkey, Ankara, has acquired Classic Stone Pavers, in a move that will supplement Classic's exquisite portfolio of natural stones from only the finest quarries and factories around the globe.

"We're very excited about our involvement in Classic Stone Pavers, which has a reputation for outstanding customer service," says Api Dogan of ADB Global Trade. "We want to welcome Classic Stone Pavers' customers to the ADB family, and we assure them of the best natural stone products at the best price and the highest quality with tremendous service levels."

Classic Stone Pavers (available online at http://www.classicstonepavers.com) will now be renamed "New Classic Stone Pavers." Although the company lost a few of its customers during the last six-month transition period, Dogan is confident that New Classic Stone Pavers will bounce back in the new season, delivering the finest natural stone products with an extensive portfolio of designs, patterns and colors coupled with superior quality and service against its competition in the marketplace.

ADB Global Trade, which enters the US market with this acquisition, has already established itself with an extensive presence in Gulf Countries, Far East and Europe. With its direct relationships with the best quarries and factories, both in Turkey and around the world, ADB Global Trade promises to soar with New Classic Stone Pavers to new heights.

"ADB has always stood for the best, and we base our partnerships with quarries on that premise as well," says Dogan. "With our sourcing power in Turkey and beyond, as well as New Classic Stone Pavers' reputation of best value in the natural stone market, we look forward to satisfying more and more customers in their quest for the perfect order of natural stone products."

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

The Concrete Network Presents the Perfect Holiday Gift -- Custom Drawings Come to Life on Thin Concrete Canvases

Using a lightweight concrete overlay material, a concrete craftsman combines his artistic talent and concrete profession to create unique art pieces on thin concrete canvases.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- The Concrete Network, the most comprehensive resource on the web for decorative concrete information, is featuring several pieces of decorative concrete artwork showcasing the artistry evolving in the decorative concrete industry. The custom drawings come to life on thin concrete canvases, which are lightweight enough to be hung on a home's interior wall.

By creating a frame out of light pine wood, a thin cementitious overlay material is applied in two layers. The artist hand sketches a design onto the concrete overlay surface and then engraves the lines of the artwork to create a 3-D effect and add greater dimension.

For color, acid stains and dyes have been found to create the best colors for subtle earth-tones, whereas water-based stains and dyes are best for bright colors. With a combination of both, the perfect colors and tones can be created. Finally, a solvent-based urethane is used to seal the work, giving it a shiny look bringing out the color.

Created by Scott Bye, of Action Concrete Services in Michigan, the featured art pieces are typically 4 by 4 feet, and each one takes about 40 to 50 hours to complete. One of the most important things to Bye is to keep the feel of the concrete and its texture evident in the artwork.

"Using just the water-based colors felt like I was just painting," says Bye. "I didn't want it to look 'painted'. Using the acid stains lets more of the concrete show through." Bye strives to keep the characteristics of the concrete apparent, using the concrete as the art as much as the hand-sketched design.

Bye began creating the hanging art pieces in 2003 as a way to experiment and test various products, and has been influenced by Andy Warhol, Van Gogh, Roy Litchenstein's Pop Art style and Frank Lloyd Wright.

About the Concrete Network
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. Over 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.

Artwork photos courtesy of Action Concrete Services.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:00 AM | Comments (0)

Intertek Partners with IFC Certification to Provide Building Product Manufacturers with Faster European Market Access

Partnership removes logistical barriers associated with EU market entry.

CHICAGO, Ill. (PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek, a global leader in product testing, inspection and certification, has entered a partnership with IFC Certification Ltd., an internationally recognized certification body for building products and materials based in the United Kingdom. The partnership allows manufacturers of many construction products including builder's hardware to utilize Intertek as their single global resource for CE Marking.

Manufacturers now have a local testing solution for applicable European Union requirements including CE Marking of products under the Construction Products Directive. Historically, manufacturers have had to work with multiple testing and certification organizations and ship products to the European Union for applicable testing.

"Intertek continually develops and delivers solutions that meet the global market access needs of our clients," said Jeff Turcotte, vice president Building Products, Intertek. "Through this unique testing and certification partnership we are able to provide our clients with a local CE Marking solution to streamline the European market access process."

The aim of this landmark partnership is to remove the logistical barriers associated with EU market entry, thereby saving building products manufacturers' time and cost.

"Our partnership is the first of its kind in international testing and certification activities," said Jerry Quayle, Director of Certification, IFC Certification Ltd. "By bringing together two of the most dynamic, customer focused organizations in our industry, clients will gain European market access faster than ever before."

ETL SEMKO is a division of Intertek Group plc (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, operating in 294 laboratories and 530 offices in 102 countries throughout the world. The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek provides access to global markets through its local services, which include product safety testing and certification, EMC testing and performance testing for customers in such industries as wireless technology, security, appliances, HVAC, cables and wiring accessories, industrial machinery, medical devices, telecommunications, lighting, automotive, semiconductor, building products and electronics.

IFC Certification Ltd is an independent third party UKAS approved Product Certification Body providing high quality and customer focused product certification in the fire industry. IFC Certification Ltd is a fully Notified Body under the Construction Products Directive for CE Marking and is actively involved in the Group of Notified Bodies, the forum for the CE Marking of Construction Products. The company is a member of the long established IFC Group of companies including International Fire Consultants Ltd, who have an enviable independent position offering clients impartial advice across the world.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:58 AM | Comments (0)

Warm Sands, Beautiful Sunsets Beckon from Mazatlan Beach Community; Auction to be Take Place Dec. 9

Living in style by the sea is a dream within reach made possible by the award-winning developer, Impulsa, with the pre-construction condominium auction of Horizon Sky Residences at Mazatlan, Mexico, according to Leonard Hartsook of The Redfield Group, the high-end real estate auction company conducting the sale.

Mazatlan, Sinaloa, MX (PRWEB) November 16, 2006 - Living in style by the sea is a dream within reach made possible by the award-winning developer, Impulsa, with the pre-construction condominium auction of Horizon Sky Residences at Mazatlan, Mexico, according to Leonard Hartsook of The Redfield Group, the high-end real estate auction company conducting the sale. 43 pre-construction condos will be offered at auction Dec. 9.

Centrally located on the Malecon, the longest beachfront boardwalk in Mexico, each unit at Horizon Sky Residences enjoys unobstructed views of the ocean with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. These condominium units are constructed from only the finest quality grade materials. The impeccable interiors include tile floors, granite countertops, wood cabinets, appliances, and Jacuzzi tubs. A drinking water system in the refrigerator and kitchen faucets is also included. Additional amenities provided are 24-hour security, deeded parking, pool, fitness room and conference room.

Among the 43 units up for auction are one Penthouse and one Master Suite as well as two and three-bedroom units. The suggested opening bid for each unit is $195,000; however, one unit at Horizon Sky Residences and one unit at Tenerife will be offered Absolute at the auction, meaning the highest bidder wins regardless of the price.

The auction is set for 2pm on Saturday, Dec. 9. Online bidding is available through Proxibid for those who cannot attend the live auction. For more information and auction terms, call The Redfield Group toll-free at (866) 673-9270 or visit redfieldgroup.com to download an auction packet.

Impulsa
Since the year 2000, Impulsa has built more than 2,500 homes and condominiums with a total market value of $100 million. Impulsa's commitment to excellence has made it the preeminent developer of quality real estate in the State of Sinaloa. In 2002, Impulsa was presented with the Quality Award by the City of Culicán for its housing development "Colina del Rey." Impulsa is certified in the ISO-9002 quality certification and continually strives to offer its customers a quality product, security, reasonable prices and exceptional service.

Mazatlan: "Pearl of the Pacific"
The second largest coastal city in Mexico, Mazatlan is like no other city in the world. With 17 miles of golden sand beaches, beachfront hotels, seafood restaurants, nightclubs, bright lights and autentic Mexican culture, Mazatlan is one of the most popular resorts in Mexico. Known as the "Pearl of the Pacific," over 400,000 people call Mazatlan home, including many thousand
Canadians and Americans.

A strategic seaport for over 500 years, Mazatlan is rich in tradition, history and culture - from old town with its colorful 19th century buildings and churches, to the beautifully restored architecture of the Angela Peralta Theater, an 1890's cathedral, the Pino Suarez market and dozens of restored buildings in the downtown area.

Today, Mazatlan is Mexico's western cultural center, home to many famous artists, singers and performers. Mazatlan plays host to many events and festivals, including Carnaval, the world's third largest Mardi Gras celebration, golf tournaments, a marathon, a triathlon, fishing tournaments, motocross and more.

There are endless attractions in Mazatlan. With an abundance of sunshine and an average temperature of 82 degrees, Mazatlan is a place where people are eager to be outdoors. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy Mazatlan's world class sport fishing, sailing, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, sunbathing and other water sports, as well as waterfowl and deer hunting. Golfers take advantage of the 18-hole Estrella del mar course which stretches along two miles of coastline or the 27-hold El Cid championship golf course.

Several islands in the bay off Mazatlan make lovely day excursions, plus there are several interesting Colonial villages in the area to explore. The Golden Zone boasts great shopping.

Fine dining in Mazatlan is abundant with traditional Mexican cuisine as well as Italian, American, Japanese, Chinese and Spanish fare served in casual atmospheres at reasonable prices. After dinner activities are endless - danching, live music and festive watering holes are plentiful. The disco scene is very big in Mazatlan with some of the trendiest late-night clubs located along a stretch of beach called Los Sabalos.

Mazatlan is home to the largest shrimp-fishing fleet in the Pacific, a major brewery, a large coffee roasting plant, and other important industries. Mazatlan boasts the world's highest lighthouse and Mexico's only seaside theater, Teatro Angela Peralta. Most of all, Mazatlan embodies the true warmth and hospitality of Mexico.

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 12:57 AM | Comments (0)

The Hampshire Companies, Pyramid Property Partners and Triad Development Announce Joint Venture to Develop a Four-Building Medical/Professional Office Complex in Freehold, New Jersey

Near CentraState Medical Center, Pond View Professional Park will offer physicians and businesses ownership positions.

Freehold, NJ (PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- Plans were revealed today for the development of a four-building, 100,000 square foot medical / office condominium complex on a 12-acre parcel of land less than 1/8 mile from CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, New Jersey. The development, named Pond View Professional Park, will be developed by a joint venture partnership that includes The Hampshire Companies of Morristown, N.J., Pyramid Property Partners, LLC of Woodbridge, N.J., and Triad Development Company of Eatontown, New Jersey.

Pond View Professional Park will consist of four 25,000 square foot buildings, each distinguished by color and form, in a courtyard-type setting. The location of Pond View Professional Park, in close proximity to the CentraState Medical Center in Freehold, makes it an ideal location for doctors' offices, diagnostic facilities, specialty care and other business and medical uses.

In addition to the opportunity to locate their practices within walking distance to the medical center, Pond View Professional Park offers physicians, medical professionals and businesses superior technological and building advantages along with the benefits associated with ownership.

"The medical office ownership trend has gained popularity in recent years," noted Norman A. Feinstein, Executive Vice President of The Hampshire Companies. "The unparalleled proximity to CentraState, as well as the superior building features of Pond View Professional Park will be of tremendous value to physicians and other business purchasers. Many medical office facilities on the market today are aging, technologically obsolete and unable to meet the needs of today's high-tech medical practice. Pond View Professional Park, which was planned, designed and will be built to support the physicians who will locate their offices there and the businesses that can benefit from proximity to the Medical Center, represents today's standard in medical / office facilities."

Commented Steven Schultz, Partner in Pyramid Property Partners, "We are extremely excited about this development, and about the joint venture partnership that has come together with the vision to develop this superior medical / professional complex in this prime location. The joint strengths that each of the partners brings to this endeavor will yield tremendous benefit to purchasers, and will make Pond View Professional Park an asset to the Medical Center neighborhood and to Freehold Township."

"Pond View Professional Park will provide an environment where healthcare providers of all types can collaborate to improve the health and quality of life in the community, noted David Portman, President of Triad Development. "The Center is also designed to aesthetically assimilate within this historically-significant area."

The architect of Pond View Professional Park, Wayne Lerman, AIA of WML Architects, P.A. in West Long Branch, sought and obtained approval for his design from the Freehold Historical Commission by incorporating classical shapes and materials into a contemporary building design.

Lerman stated, "By utilizing materials like brick, stucco and tile combined with classical shapes such as arches, we were able to create a contemporary design for four similar but distinctive buildings, and to harmonize them with the historical character of the neighborhood."

The construction of the Pond View Professional Park reflects a growing trend as the medical industry in New Jersey continues to decentralize. According to many real estate professionals, more doctors and medical groups are relocating from within hospitals and out of urban centers to be closer to patients in the suburbs. In addition, ownership makes sense for doctors: on top of tax benefits and investment returns, the equity position often represents future retirement savings. The Construction Manager for Pond View Professional Park is I.M. Mack of Totowa, New Jersey.

The joint venture partnership has hired The Schultz Organization of Woodbridge, N.J. as exclusive sales agent for the units at Pond View Professional Park. The Schultz Organization provides a full range of real estate services to many of the region and nation's leading property owners and tenants. Interested parties should contact Julie F. Nachamkin, Managing Director or Michael Staskiewicz, Associate at The Schultz Organization, exclusive sales agent for Pond View Professional Park, at (732) 855-0001.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:56 AM | Comments (0)

The Missing Ingredient in your Pond Winterizing Program

Beneficial bacteria added to a pond now can pay benefits in the spring.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- As the weather begins to cool, most pond owners are beginning to implement their winterizing plans to keep their ponds and fish healthy and clean during the cold weather months. They are buying special fish food that is easily digested by koi and goldfish. They are buying protective netting to minimize the amount of debris that enters the pond and they are buying de-icers and heaters to keep the pond from freezing over. While all of these steps are important, most people forget about adding beneficial pond bacteria such as the kind found in the Pond Keeper (www.naturalenviro.com/ne4000.htm) line of pond treatments by Natural Environmental Systems, LLC.

Pond Keeper beneficial bacteria is highly effective at keeping ponds clean and clear by naturally breaking down organic waste such as leaves, pine needles, grass clippings, fish waste and excess fish food. The microbes remain aggressive and active in water temps above 50 degrees. As the water cools and the ponds natural biological activity slows, so do the microbes to the point of becoming dormant. Because the microbes in Pond Keeper are in a spore state, they have the ability to tolerate extreme water temperatures to the point of even freezing. Thus giving them the ability to survive throughout the winter months.

The ability of the microbes to survive in cold water gives ponds a jump start come early spring. Depending on the region, ponds will begin to warm in February or March beginning a new season of pond maintenance. When the water begins to warm into the 50s, the microbes become active again, eating and degrading the problematic waste that accumulated during the winter. This early start can go along way in preventing pond water problems as well as serving as the first pond treatment of the new season.

The Pond Keeper line of products are available in liquid and powder formulas. The liquid formula is available in ready to use gallons or in concentrated gallons. Each concentrated gallon can be diluted to make up to 20 of the ready to use gallons and is particularly useful in treating large ponds. The powder formula is completely water soluble and is available as a stand alone powder or as a powder/ barley straw combo. These powders are packaged in 1lb and 2lb containers or in conveniently pre-measured 1 ounce and 8 ounce packets.

Headquartered in Dallas, TX, Natural Environmental Systems, LLC markets all-natural microbial products for the treatment of septic tanks, waste water treatment facilities, grease traps, lift stations, ponds and lakes, soil, plants, composting, animal health and odor control, and bioremediation. All of the products are completely safe to humans, animals, fish and turf plants. For more information visit www.naturalenviro.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:55 AM | Comments (0)

LAMA Books Releases "HVAC Spanish," Providing Spanish Translations for HVAC and HVAC/R Terms

HVAC Spanish, a newly released pocket size book from LAMA Books assures easy communication with Spanish-speaking workers. The book contains 88 pages of commonly used HVAC and HVAC/R terms, including safety phrases. Terms are translated from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. This easy, on-the job-reference will help any employer more thoroughly train workers, increasing employee morale and productivity, reducing callbacks, and preventing job site injuries.

Hayward, California (PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- Workplace fatalities are increasing for Spanish-speaking employees in the United States. In 2005 there were 883 Hispanic worker fatalities, marking an eleven percent increase from 2003, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to the US census, native Spanish-speaking workers totaled 38.3 million or about 14% of the total population of the United States in the year 2001-02. As these numbers rise, the importance of clear communication with Spanish-speaking workers is taking a front row seat.

HVAC Spanish, a newly released bilingual pocket size book from LAMA Books ( http://www.lamabooks.com) assures easy communication with Spanish-speaking workers. The book contains 88 pages of commonly used HVAC and HVAC/R terms, including safety phrases. Terms are translated from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. This easy, on-the job-reference will help any employer more thoroughly train workers, increasing employee morale and productivity, reducing callbacks, and preventing job site injuries. This bilingual book is sized to fit in a shirt pocket and priced at $5.

"This has been one of our most enthusiastically anticipated titles," says LAMA Book's publisher, Leo Meyer. "We feel this will be a classic reference for HVAC and HVAC/R employers and employees. Our upcoming books include 'Plumbing Spanish,' 'Electrical Spanish,' and 'Refrigeration Spanish'."

To order, contact LAMA Books at www.lamabooks.com or call 888-452-6244.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:54 AM | Comments (0)

2007 Call for Entries Concrete Restoration Projects

Concrete Restoration Projects -- this is your opportunity to show-off your best decorative concrete work to the entire industry. Aside from some great prizes, our top finalists will be considered for Concrete Decor's distinguished 'Artisan in Concrete' spotlight. All entries are free of charge.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- Do you have a concrete restoration project you are especially proud of? Did you use decorative concrete products and techniques? If so, Concrete Decor would like to see it!

Concrete Decor will highlight the top restoration jobs of 2006 in the December/ January issue. If you would like to be considered for possible publication in our next issue, please send photos of your favorite concrete restoration project using decorative concrete applications. Include in your e-mail before and after photos of your favorite project along with a brief explanation of the project, various challenges you encountered, and a description of the products that were used. Don't forget your contact information.

Finalists will be showcased in Concrete Decor's premier issue of the year. Thousands of copies will be distributed at the World of Concrete show in Las Vegas on January 22-26, 2007. This is your opportunity to show-off your best work to the entire decorative concrete industry. Aside from some great prizes, our top finalists will be considered for Concrete Decor's distinguished 'Artisan in Concrete' spotlight. All entries are free of charge. Categories are Concrete Restoration (indoors) and Concrete Restoration (outdoors). The deadline to enter is November 27, 2006.

Send your story and photos to storyideas @ protradepub.com.

For questions, e-mail wendy @ protradepub.com or call toll free 877-935-8906.

Concrete Decor, published six times per year, is the premier magazine on decorative concrete. It is available in print, online, and in a digital version. To see the latest issue, visit www.concretedecor.net. For more information, call (877) 935-8906.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:53 AM | Comments (0)

New Advertising Option Available - Reach Thousands of HVAC, Plumbing & Electrical Contractors and Industry Professionals

For the first time ever, www.hvacagent.com, www.plumbingagent.com and www.electricalagent.com will be selling advertising space on their sites.

(PRWEB) November 16, 2006 -- For the first time ever, www.hvacagent.com, www.plumbingagent.com and www.electricalagent.com will be selling advertising space on their sites.

"Advertising Agencies have asked us for years to place banner ads on our sites and we finally made the decision to allow specific ads that relate to the industries that we serve", said Mike Mayberry, President of HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Agent. "Although we will be very selective of the content that we share with our website visitors, we've redesigned our sites to accommodate a wide variety of advertising options."

HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical Agent are the largest employment resources in the world specifically for the heating, air conditioning, plumbing and electrical trades and assists around 3,000 contractors with their hiring needs. During the last 12 months they've submitted almost 300,000 potential applicants for the 4,800+ available jobs they represent in the United States and Canada.

For more information about the advertising options currently available on these sites, please contact Mike Mayberry at e-mail protected from spam bots or call him directly at 1-800-396-4822 x211.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:52 AM | Comments (0)

Ortega's Minister of Finance Meets With Century 21 Best Value Realty, Insists the New Sandinista Party Supports Foreign Investment

Diputado Bayardo Arce Castaño, to be the Nicaraguan equivalent of Secretary of Commerce under Ortega, says Sandinistas will utilize foreign investment to help develop infrastructure and give jobs to Nicaragua's poor.

Managua, Nicaragua (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- Bayardo Arce Castaño met yesterday afternoon with Century 21 Best Value Realty to discuss foreign investment and collaboration on social initiatives. Mr. Castaño assured Century 21 that private property owners and potential owners would be safe investing in Nicaragua. He urged the company to continue investing in local communities and supporting charitable organizations.

"The Sandinista party strongly believes foreign investment will help Nicaragua's poor through the creation of jobs and infrastructure," Mr. Castaño stated. "The new Sandinista revolution is for all Nicaraguans, but is supported by foreign investment."

Only a week after his victory at the polls Ortega continued his reassurances in meeting with Century 21 Best Value Realty's Barry Oliver and Joey Mintz.

"We're excited about the future here in Nicaragua; Ortega sees foreign investment as a vehicle in achieving his goal to uplift poor Nicaraguans," said Joey Mintz, Best Value Construction's head project manager. "We're moving ahead with our investors and commencing construction this week on Las Palmas," referring to one of Century 21 Best Value Construction's exclusive developments.

The meeting was good news for those looking to own property or develop in Nicaragua. "We're doing everything we can to ensure our clients' investments are safe. We appreciate Diputado Castaño taking the time to meet with us," stated Barry Oliver, General Manager and Co-owner of Best Value Realty.

About Century 21 Best Value Realty
Century 21 has been helping investors realize the dream of owning Pacific Coastline properties in Central America for over 30 years. The friendly and knowledgeable Best Value Realty team has the experience and support of Century 21 to help you make an educated and confident investment decision. Visit us at www.c21sanjuan.com today.

Contact:
Barry Oliver, General Manager and Co-owner
Century 21 Best Value Realty, Nicaragua
(+505)872-3517
OR
Mark Sullivan, Public Relations
Century 21 Best Value Realty, Nicaragua
(+505)677-1200

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:50 AM | Comments (0)

The Crack Team Earns Silver Davey Award, Presented by International Academy of the Visual Arts

Davey Award is the second win forwww. thecrackteam.com in 2006.

St. Louis, MO (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- The Crack Team's web site has been recognized with a Silver Davey Award, presented by the International Academy of the Visual Arts. The Davey Awards exclusively honor the "Davids" of creativity, the finest small firms, agencies and companies in the world that derive their strength from big ideas, rather than big budgets. The Crack Team, in business since 1985 with locations nationwide, specializes in foundation crack repair. This is the second award for thecrackteam.com in 2006, when the site also earned an "official honoree" distinction from the Webby Awards.

The Davey Awards is judged and overseen by the International Academy of the Visual Arts (IAVA), a 200+ member organization of leading professionals from various disciplines of the visual arts dedicated to embracing progress and the evolving nature of traditional and interactive media. Current IAVA membership includes a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms including: Sotheby's Institute of Art, Yahoo!, Estee Lauder, Wired, Insight Interactive, The Webby Awards, Bath & Body Works, Brandweek, Polo Ralph Lauren, ADWEEK, alloy, Coach, iNDELIBLE, MTV, Victoria's Secret, HBO, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Myspace.com, and many others.

The Crack Team repairs cracks in concrete, stone, and block foundations, as well as cracks in patios, porches, and basement and garage floors. For a free estimate, call 866-CRACK-TEAM. For more information about The Crack Team or company mascot Mr. Happy Crack and his line of gifts and apparel, contact Cary Goldwasser at 866-905-5200 or visit TheCrackTeam.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:48 AM | Comments (0)

BlackRhinoTools.com Launches Professional Grade Tool E-Commerce Website

AffiliateCrew and Fifty Finest have partnered to launch the exclusive Black Rhino™ Tools online dealer e-commerce website, BlackRhinoTools.com.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- AffiliateCrew and Fifty Finest have partnered to launch the exclusive Black Rhino™ Tools online dealer e-commerce website, BlackRhinoTools.com.

Since 1996, Black Rhino has been the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality hand tools, tool belts and tool bags, work gloves and safety glasses for the construction industry. Up until now, they have only been sold direct to industrial and builder supply stores and now, for the first time, the entire line of Black Rhino Tools is available online at BlackRhinoTools.com.

"We're proud to be the exclusive online dealer for Black Rhino™ Tools that allows construction professionals to buy construction tools direct from our website. These high-quality products set the standard for professional-grade tools and are all backed by a lifetime guarantee" said Mark Swaby, Marketing Director, BlackRhinoTools.com.

About BlackRhinoTools.com
Black Rhino Tools was founded on the principles of design, innovation, quality, and functionality. With a combination of innovation, passion, and job site experience, Black Rhino Tools have become the standard in professional-grade tools for discerning construction professionals and craftsmen who require superior tools.

For more information, please visit BlackRhinoTools.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:47 AM | Comments (0)

Modular Building Company to Exhibit In Chicago's Promat 2007

Allied Modular will be making is 4th appearance at the largest Material Handling Show in America. Companies from all over the world to attend the material handling's Worlds largest show.

Orange, CA (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc. will be among the leading exhibitors at the upcoming and prestigious ProMat 2007 Material Handling Trade Show, January 8-11, 2007 in Chicago, IL.

Sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), Chicago's McCormick Place South will be the site of the 2007 Trade Show. ProMat 2007's website states that over 700 exhibits featuring manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, logistics and IT solutions for the supply chain will join in welcoming tens of thousands of material handling and logistics buyers from more than 80 countries around the world. Additionally, the Show's accompanying Educational Conference will offer industry expertise on the latest productivity innovations.

Allied Modular's participation will mark the company's 4th consecutive ProMat Trade Show. "I've never seen anything like the Allied Modular exhibit," states Jeff Peterson, a ProMat 2005 attendee, "it's a great looking booth -- nothing that I've seen in the industry tops it." Allied Modular's Guard House and Modular Offices will be specifically highlighted at this years Show and will be on display in Booth #2047.

"This is going to be a great show," states Sheri Allen, National Sales Manager for Allied Modular Building Systems. "The ProMat Trade Show has proven to be a highly successful endeavor for our company in past years. It is the 'must attend' material handling trade show in our industry and we are delighted for the opportunity to once again, demonstrate Allied Modular's leading edge in versatility, durability and affordability."

For further information contact Sheri Allen at e-mail protected from spam bots or phone toll-free at 800-959-0810.

About Allied Modular Building Systems

Since 1989, Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc. has secured its reputation as the leader in the modular industry with products manufactured locally and distributed nationally that provide cost effective, time saving, versatile alternatives to standard stick construction. All products are 100% modular and can be relocated and reassembled. Product lines include modular offices, interior and exterior buildings, clean rooms, 2 story offices, guard houses, mezzanines, vision towers, machine enclosures, full height partitions, smoking shelters and nearly innumerable custom applications. Tours of our 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and showroom are welcome. Contact Allied Modular at 800-959-0810 or visit our website at http://www.alliedmodular.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:30 AM | Comments (0)

Research Shows Interior Doors Play Key Role in Perception of Home

New "Transforming Home and Life Motto" reflects discovery of homeowner response to new doors.

Mountain View, CA (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- While real estate agents and home designers have always emphasized the importance of interior doors in the overall look and feel of a home, new research now validates that belief -- and takes it a step further with data indicating that new, stylish interior doors actually refresh the homeowner's general outlook on life.

The research was conducted by national marketing and branding firm Philos Consulting LLC on behalf of the Interior Door Replacement Company (IDRC), the nation's only franchise to specialize solely in the replacement of uninspiring flat doors with designer raised-panel molded doors, with 17 locations in four states. According to Philos' research, homeowners who replaced their old doors with new, stylish ones experienced "a renewed pride and love of their home." The findings led IDRC to develop a new company motto, "Transforming Home and Life."

"We were pleasantly surprised with the information the research uncovered about our customers and how our services have impacted their lifestyles," said Dave Winter, CEO of IDRC. "What we found is that some of our customers call on our services simply because they know their old doors are outdated, but many of them are also motivated by a lifestyle change, such as moving into a new home, the birth of a child or their children leaving for college. The research from our consulting firm also showed us that our customers are often surprised how our doors transform and rejuvenate their entire homes and personal lives."

Since being founded in 1997, IDRC (www.interiordoor.com) has gone above and beyond the services of a general contractor with its one-stop, hassle-free door replacement services. Now, the Philos study has shed new light by showing that IDRC's success has been fueled by homeowners' emotional needs, rather than just a desire for "richer" looking doors or convenient services.

Gathering information from extensive market research surveying 5,500 previous IDRC customers, as well as a group of customers surveyed by a consumer psychologist, IDRC learned that its customers experienced a marked increase in the pride of their homes once they replaced their doors, leading to a renewed attitude and lifestyle changes. In addition, Philos found that IDRC's strongest customer base consists of worldly, professional and active people who seek to reinvigorate and upgrade their homes.

Tom Quarton, Managing Partner for Philos, said IDRC's influence on homes and lives is most apparent in the emotional testimonials of female IDRC customers. In fact, one woman customer reported that the new doors inspired both she and her husband to "get off the couch," and noted that after IDRC replaced their interior doors, her husband began to invest in additional home improvements around the house that she had wanted him to do for years.

While Baby Boomers with families decided to replace their doors in their search for elegant, stylish and practical remodeling solutions, singles in a similar age group did so in order to put a personal stamp on their home. Winter said the findings could be summed up in one customer's words: "I don't like my new doors…I LOVE them! It looks like we have a new house."

About Interior Door Replacement Company
Founded in 1997 and based in Mountain View, CA, Interior Door Replacement Company (www.interiordoor.com) is the largest company of its kind in the United States. IDRC provides customers with a complete 'one-stop' service specializing in the replacement of uninspiring flat doors with designer raised-panel molded doors. Currently with 17 locations in four states, IDRC has territories available for franchise expansion in California, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. The company projects to open 200 locations in the next 10 years nationwide. For more information, visit www.idrcfranchising.com or call 1-866-315-IDRC.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:28 AM | Comments (0)

Builderscut.com First-of-its-kind Website to Showcase Only New Construction and Land Acquisition

Builderscut.com is offering free property postings and free tradesmen advertising in their service directory.

Tewksbury, Massachusetts (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 - Builderscut.com is offering free property postings and free tradesmen advertising in their service directory.

For consumers, the site provides a one-stop search option for land purchase, new single family homes, and new condos or townhouses in their
area. Each property posting provides immediate direct access to the builder and/or listing agent.

This site also provides competitive mortgage products and a service directory for general contractors, developers and all tradesmen connected with new construction.

Builderscut.com was established by two dedicated real estate professionals with over 25 years of experience in the residential real estate development market. Their goal is to create a convenient marketplace for brokers, builders, landowners and tradesmen, while providing a dedicated resource of properties for potential buyer.

Posting a property or advertisement is simple. For more information contact us at e-mail protected from spam bots or call 978-442-5917.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:27 AM | Comments (0)

Walters Buildings Announces New Tagline "Delivering a Better Building Experience"

Leading storage building manufacturer Walters Buildings announces new tagline "Delivering a Better Building Experience."

Allenton, WI (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- Leading storage building manufacturer Walters Buildings today announced its new tagline "Delivering a Better Building Experience." The new tagline was implemented to better align the company with the actual perceptions and needs of its customers and was inspired by actual comments from customers about their experiences working with Walters Buildings.

Brent Henschel, VP Sales and Marketing for Walters Buildings, said, "We make it a priority to look at everything from the customer's point of view. When we examined the feedback we were receiving on our services, we saw that our customers were viewing us as prompt and thorough, and our crews as professional and reliable in meeting their construction timelines. Essentially, our customers have come to expect an overall better building experience when they choose Walters. Our new tagline helps consolidate what our customers feel and better communicates the real value of working with us."

Comments from customers such as the following from Kettle Hills Farm in Hartford, WI, were instrumental in devising the company's new slogan: "The Walters Buildings' salesman and crew were outstanding. The salesman was here daily to help expedite and avoid any problems. The crew was professional, cleaned up daily, and worked through nasty weather conditions. We have never had a better building experience. Thank you!"

Walters Buildings focuses on delivering a better building experience through its emphasis on professional service, proactive communication, high-quality building components, time-tested construction techniques, flexibility and ensuring that promises made to customers are fulfilled. Specifically, Walters Buildings customers can expect the following:

- Prompt return call after initial contact followed by an on-site visit with a friendly, knowledgeable sales rep who hand-delivers the proposal and explains it in person.

- Flexible, customized design for attractiveness and functionality, adhering to the customer's budget.

- Building material delivered complete and on time, undamaged by shipping.

- Construction to start soon after delivery with the crew continuously working to meet the date promised by the sales rep.

- Sales rep and foreman to update building owner on the schedule, the process and any problems encountered.

- Job site cleaned up every night and left thoroughly clean at completion.

- All punch-list items addressed immediately and any minor tweaking of components dealt with in a timely manner.

About Walters Buildings
Walters Buildings is a leading manufacturer of storage buildings including highly efficient, energy-saving pole buildings and pre-engineered metal storage buildings, all made in the USA. High-quality materials, skilled craftsman crews and comprehensive warranties have allowed Walters Buildings to deliver a "Better Building Experience" to farms, airport hangars, fire departments, churches, agricultural shops and other industrial, residential and commercial storage building clients for nearly 50 years. The company is now accepting dealer applications. For more information on Walters Buildings, visit http://www.waltersbuildings.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:26 AM | Comments (0)

Quiet Cool Fans and z-Point Products Release Line of Whole House Ventilation Equipment Based on ZigBee™ Wireless Microcontroller Technology from Jennic Ltd

ZigBee-Based system to enable at least 4,000 homes with wireless control networks in 2007, with new line of whole house ventilation equipment controlled by ZigBee wireless networking technology. The new product line uses "z-Points" based on Jennic's ZigBee wireless technology to integrate indoor and outdoor temperature sensors, RH (relative humidity) sensors and relays.

Temecula, CA, Delta, BC Canada and Sheffield, UK (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- Quiet Cool Fans, a leading provider of patent pending whole house ventilation systems; z-Point Products, developer and marketer of z-Points, a comprehensive line of flexible I/O devices for HVAC and industrial applications; and Jennic, a leading manufacturer of single chip wireless microcontrollers for ZigBee and IEEE 802.15.4 wireless networking applications jointly announce the availability of a new line of whole house ventilation equipment controlled by ZigBee wireless networking technology. The new product line uses "z-Points" based on Jennic's ZigBee wireless technology to integrate indoor and outdoor temperature sensors, RH (relative humidity) sensors and relays along with a TPC-35 single board Linux computer (from z-Point Products' parent company Technical Solutions Inc.) to provide homeowners with complete control of the system.

Dana Stevenson, president of Quiet Cool Fans said, "Jennic and z-Point Products's ZigBee wireless technology provide us with the kind of ultra-reliable control technologies our customer's demand, at a price very competitive with the X-10 products they replace. In addition, they provide an automatic control system that accepts input from the homeowner with regard to temperature targets and outdoor conditions, taking comfort to a whole new level."

Harry Kelder, CFO & director of business development for z-Point Products, added, "We developed the z-Point line of flexible and configurable I/O modules to serve both the independent residential & commercial HVAC and the industrial controls contractor who wish to capitalize on the labor and material savings ZigBee wireless technology offers for OEMs who wish to embed the ZigBee wireless technology in their systems."

He continued, "We selected the JN5121 wireless microcontroller from Jennic based on the flexibility and performance of the platform as well as the application knowledge in the control and automation arena the Jennic team brings to the table. They're more a business partner to us than just a silicon supplier."

The Quiet Cool System with ZigBee technology incorporates the z-Point Products and Jennic technologies into every system delivered. As a result, the application will result in over 4,000 ZigBee enabled homes in 2007.

Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance, said, "This is exactly the type of application the Alliance's members have anticipated at this stage of the adoption curve. It is a solid application with real life cost savings for installers and provides real convenience for consumers of the product. This is what ZigBee is all about." John Morris, vice president of Americas for Jennic, added, "Jennic entered the ZigBee/IEEE802.15.4 market with the first shipping single-chip IEEE802.15.4 microcontroller in December 2004. It's not an accident that one of the first commercially available ZigBee-based systems shipping in volume is based on our JN5121 platform. We're very pleased that Quiet Cool and z-Point Products have been able to deliver a really innovative set of products and this really paves the way for other home automation product vendors to ride the networks which Quiet Cool will deliver over the years."

About Quiet Cool Fans
Quiet Cool Fans is a leading provider of whole house ventilation systems, bringing a cost effective alternative to traditional air conditioning and improved indoor air quality to home owners worldwide.

About z-Point Products
This division of Techsol was created to deploy robust, wireless technologies into the building automation market, as well as industrial and home automation markets. Techsol's industrial and security customers have been asking for low-cost, quality wireless communications systems for some time. The company's advanced Java Gateways (designed for building systems monitoring) have seen a wider range of deployments, from monitoring energy consumption in residential homes, to monitoring server farms in large corporations. But they have been mostly deployed to monitor building automation (BA) and factory automation (FA) systems for the operations and maintenance staff, and those customers who want a means to connect more end-points without the cost of cabling. For more information, visit www.z-pointproducts.com.

About Jennic
Jennic is a fabless semiconductor company leading the wireless connectivity revolution by providing wireless microcontrollers for a broad range of applications. Its expertise in systems and software combined with world class RF and digital chip design provides low cost, highly integrated wireless microcontrollers with a focus on the IEEE802.15.4 and ZigBee standards. The company's products include state-of-the-art low power wireless microcontrollers, modules, development platforms, protocol and application software. Headquartered in Sheffield, UK, Jennic also has offices in China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, East and West coast USA. For more information, visit www.jennic.com.

ZigBee: Wireless Control That Simply Works
The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global standard. The ZigBee Alliance membership comprises technology providers and original equipment manufacturers worldwide. Membership is open to all. Additional information can be found at www.zigbee.org.

Media contacts:
Fiona Davis, Jennic
Tel: +44 (0) 114 281 2655
Fax: +44 (0) 114 281 2951

Harry Kelder, CFO/Director of Business Development,
Technical Solutions Inc. (z-Points)
Tel: +1 604 946 TECH (8324)
Fax: +1 604 946 6445

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:25 AM | Comments (0)

Door Hardware at Massive Athletics Complex Needs to Stand Up to Years of Use and Abuse

When facility managers at The Ohio State University (OSU), one of the nation's largest campuses, set out to build a new state-of-the-art Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), they undertook one of the largest, most complex college facility projects in the country. A facility this big has a lot of pedestrian traffic to manage. Ohio State's campus houses roughly 50,000 students. And the facility isn't exclusively for students: it's open to the public and faculty as well. This results in over 5,500 people using the facility everyday or nearly 300 per hour. When Ott, Inc. helped the project team develop a hardware schedule for the complex, it looked for components that balanced outstanding durability, accessibility and high aesthetic value. The university selected a variety of products from DORMA Architectural Hardware to meet the rigorous demands of the RPAC.

COLUMBUS (PRWEB) November 15, 2006 -- When facility managers at The Ohio State University (OSU), one of the nation's largest campuses, set out to build a new state-of-the-art Recreation and Physical Activity Center (RPAC), they undertook one of the largest, most complex college facility projects in the country.

"We're trying to create a new image of what a recreation center on a college campus can be," said Diane Jensen, associate director of recreational sports at Ohio State, in a news release announcing the project.

A facility this big has a lot of pedestrian traffic to manage. Ohio State's campus houses roughly 50,000 students. And the facility isn't exclusively for students: it's open to the public and faculty as well. This results in over 5,500 people using the facility everyday or nearly 300 per hour. When Ott, Inc. helped the project team develop a hardware schedule for the complex, it looked for components that balanced outstanding durability, accessibility and high aesthetic value. The university selected a variety of products from DORMA Architectural Hardware ( www.dorma.com/usa ) to meet the rigorous demands of the RPAC.

For example, DORMA's 9000 Series Exit Devices were a perfect fit for the building. Designed for high impact applications, the heavy-duty cast chassis provides superior durability, while the smooth, reduced projection touchbar assembly minimizes catch hazards to address safety concerns. Over 225 DORMA 9000 Series exit devices were used on exterior doors and high-traffic interior doors throughout the four-building complex. A standard finish was selected because it can hold up over long periods of time. DORMA is one of the few manufacturers that offer a true architectural grade finish standard rather than plating over inferior materials.

Considering the various environments and air flow patterns within the buildings, specifiers sought a durable door closer that offered spring power adjustment, which would allow opening and closing power to be customized at each entryway. For instance, doors separating the warm, moist air of the pool environments from cooler, drier areas require higher spring power levels to account for added air flow. DORMA's 8900 Series Surface Door Closers were an ideal solution. Featuring a full range spring power adjustment and backcheck, along with a narrow projection, full cover and flatform style arm, the 8900 Series closers delivered the perfect combination of durability, reliability and appearance. Over 600 DORMA 8900 Series closers were used on both exterior and interior doors at RPAC. The 8900 Series was selected with a heavy-duty parallel arm as well as a dead stop feature to stand up to the abuse of everyday use.

To meet barrier-free requirements, DORMA's ED800 Low-energy Power Operators were a cost-effective, natural fit. These operators are easy to maintain, an important factor for doors that are used by hundreds of people every day. DORMA's ED800 operators incorporate sophisticated microprocessor technology with field-proven door closers to provide accessibility for the physically challenged. The ED800 functions as a typical door closer until activated as a low-energy power operator. Eighteen ED800 Low-energy Power Operators were installed.

When completed, the massive complex will have four separate buildings: the main recreation area, two aquatics buildings and an academic building for the School of Physical Activity and Education Services.

RPAC, part of the main recreation area, features a large glass-enclosed atrium, overhead and underground walkways and a student wellness center. Other features of the main recreation area include a 25,000 square foot fitness conditioning space; two, four-court gyms; a four-lane jogging track; and 10 racquetball courts. Adventure Recreation Center, also part of the main recreation area, includes a climbing wall, a fitness/conditioning room, outdoor adventure center and a multi-activity court for indoor turf sports. The aquatic centers feature five swimming pools. The four-phase project is slated for a 2007 completion date.

For more information on DORMA Architectural Hardware and products visit www.dorma.com/usa

About DORMA Group North America

DORMA Group North America manufactures and markets a wide range of products for the architectural openings industry, with a particular focus on commercial and institutional openings. Part of The DORMA Group worldwide, DORMA Group North America comprises DORMA Architectural Hardware, DORMA Glas, Modernfold, DORMA Canada, DORMA Mexico, and DORMA Entrance Systems -- which markets products and services under the DORMA Automatics, Crane Revolving Door and Carolina Door Controls brands.

DORMA Group North America offerings include safety and security products, locks, door closers, exit devices, glass hardware and patch fittings, sliding and swinging automatic doors, revolving doors and operable partitions.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:23 AM | Comments (0)

Basement Waterproofing Creates New Living Space without Having to Build an Addition, Explains Latest Episode by Bob Vila

The current episode airing on Bob Vila deals with basement waterproofing prior to a basement finishing project. According to Vila, the biggest challenge to any basement remodeling project is keeping water out. It is relatively simple and inexpensive.

(PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- The current episode airing on Bob Vila deals with basement waterproofing prior to a basement finishing project. New living space in a home can be attained by two means: either by building an addition or by finishing a part of a home that is currently unfinished. Of these two methods, only basement remodeling is relatively simple and inexpensive.

As Bob Vila says in the episode, the biggest challenge to any basement remodeling project is keeping water out of the basement and making it a dry basement. If making an investment in a basement finishing project, be sure to protect the investment with a basement waterproofing system. The system being installed in the Bob Vila episode is Basement System’s WaterGuard basement waterproofing system.

Finishing a basement increases the living space in a home by one-third in a two-story home and doubles the space in a one-story home. If a basement is wet and unusable, the home owner is still paying for this useless space. This makes the cost per square foot higher in the livable upstairs space. Plus, the items typically stored in the basement are now upstairs, taking up valuable usable space.

A basement waterproofing system is the right start. The next step is to make the space comfortable and energy efficient, and in Bob Vila’s basement remodeling episode, Bob takes a look at Basement System’s ThermalDry Wall System. This pre-finishing wall material prevents water vapor and also works hand-in-hand with the WaterGuard system as it drains wall leaks into the drainage system. Bob Vila also points out the energy conservation idea behind ThermalDry Wall System – the membrane acts as a radiant barrier that reflects heat back into the basement, saving energy and money.

After any groundwater, plumbing, or other leaks are addressed prior to the basement remodeling, using a SaniDry Basement Air System is the solution to keep a basement free of mold and humidity. The SaniDry can remove four times the water out of the air, while using the same amount of energy as a household dehumidifier. Since dry air is less costly and easier to heat and cool, this amounts to significant energy and money savings. The SaniDry also boasts a two-stage filter system to keep the air clean, creating a healthier environment for the homeowner’s family.

Installing a vapor barrier for a basement floor is important, especially if planning on putting carpet in a finished basement. Basement Systems has a patented sub-flooring product called ThermalDry Basement Floor Matting, a specially engineered polypropylene tile that insulates the floor and does not allow water vapor to condense. The tiles lift the carpet off of the cold concrete floor creating a more comfortable, softer floor surface in a home.

By using Basement Systems’ patented basement waterproofing products, a homeowner can rest assured that a finished basement will be protected, as well as the family’s well being.

For more information on Basement Systems basement waterproofing and finishing products, visit www.basementsystems.com or call 800-261-5705. To see Basement Systems on the Bob Vila Web site visit http://www.bobvila.com/Showrooms/Basement_Systems/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:22 AM | Comments (0)

Designing Tall Buildings Post 9-11: Lessons from Titanic

As the construction of Freedom Tower proceeds at the site of the devastated World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, it raises questions about the feasibility of rapid evacuation from a tall building in a disaster scenario. Over 95 years ago, similar questions were being considered on the construction project that produced the ill-fated ocean liner Titanic. In examining the Titanic project, there are a number of lessons from history that can be taken away and applied to the construction of today's skyscrapers.

Toronto, ON (PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- As the construction of Freedom Tower proceeds at the site of the devastated World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, it raises questions about the feasibility of rapid evacuation from a tall building in a disaster scenario. Over 95 years ago, similar questions were being considered on the construction project that produced the ill-fated ocean liner Titanic. In examining the Titanic project, there are a number of lessons from history that can be taken away and applied to the construction of today's skyscrapers.

Mark Kozak-Holland, author of the Lessons from History series of books as a few thoughts on the matter. In his latest book, "Avoiding Project Disaster: Titanic Lessons for IT Executives" (www.mmpubs.com), he describes the project that built the ocean liner TItanic and the business decisions that doomed the ship before it even left the docks.

"In the design phase of any project, whether a tall building, transportation vehicle, or even an IT system," Kozak-Holland states, "architects have to examine the requirements and determine safety and availability levels once delivered into operation. Likewise, Titanic's architects had to consider these levels of safety; they were faced with a number of technology choices over which safety features to incorporate into the ship. A transatlantic liner faces a number of hazards that may require rapid evacuation. Initially, Titanic's architects opted to go with the highest level of safety that incorporated the latest technologies including a double hull, bulkheads with electric doors, a front-end crumple zone, and triple-stacked lifeboats from 16 stations. This was expected when constructing the ultimate luxury liner and analogous to what you would expect today when purchasing a Lexus or Mercedes - high standards in both what it does and how it does it (functional and non-functional requirements)."

With tall buildings today, architects have safety technology choices too; for example, fire-resistant materials and sprinkler systems. At the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the escape plan uses elevators to halve the evacuation time with smoke-proof waiting areas for those unable to escape the fire to wait for rescue by a service elevator. In the Taipei 101 Tower, each floor includes emergency escape corridors leading to fire-safe rooms, and there are outdoor balconies every eight floors allowing refuge. Specially reinforced fire or "bomb" elevators are exclusive to emergency crews and fire departments, allowing rapid access to fires and avoiding conflict with those trying to evacuate. Other safety technologies being developed include parachute-like devices for people to use to rescue themselves.

With Titanic's project, there was a twist in the story as the selected safety features were undermined by executive pressure from White Star's director Bruce Ismay who pushed for the ultimate passenger experience. Kozak-Holland's book shows how Ismay insisted, for example, in the need for a spacious 200-foot dining room/ballroom which cut straight across the bulkheads in the centre of the ship. Similarly, a desire to give a clear ocean vista to the first-class suites on the promenade/lifeboat deck was at odds with the triple-stacked lifeboats, towering 15 feet in the air. Titanic's overconfident architects conceded and, in the end, four bulkheads barely reached ten feet above the water line, and the 48 triple-stacked lifeboats were reduced to a single-stack of 16, far too few given the ship's passenger capacity. Similarly, the double hull that was supposed to extend the full height and wrap entirely around the ship was limited to just the hull bottom well below the water line, so as not to narrow the ship's interior width and to preserve valuable passenger space.

By the end of Titanic's construction phase, there was little acknowledgement that anything was seriously wrong with the design, even though the ship's non-functional requirements had been severely compromised. Titanic's architects and project team still believed that Titanic was practically unsinkable and could survive any situation because of the aggregate effect of safety features, her sheer size, the broad hull design, and the use of latest safety technologies. After all, no one had implemented this many safety features into a ship before. This fact was used actively as part of the marketing campaign, and expectations remained high. The lifeboats were viewed as an added safety feature, useful only if Titanic had to rescue another ship in distress.

Much has been written about the Freedom Tower's superior safety features like the 200 foot high concrete base; a concrete core with three foot thick concrete walls to protect life support systems like emergency stairs, elevators, fire suppression and ventilation systems; sensors and filters installed within the air supply system to detect chemical or biological agents; and a steel and titanium plate skin.

The sinking of Titanic was caused by compromises made during its design, construction, and testing phases to accommodate various business interests. These compromises reduced the effectiveness of safety systems and provided faulty operational data upon which to base management decisions. Kozak Holland concludes that "While no one could predict that the ship was going to run into ice, the compromises made during the build and launch of the ship almost guaranteed that any such collision was going to be a serious one."

The important lessons from history for today's Freedom Tower are:

- With a lengthy construction project of four years, do not allow overconfidence to develop based on the aggregated effect of all the safety features.
- Manage the expectation levels.
- Do not allow compromises of safety features to creep in.

After all, Titanic's construction project was also four years.

Mark Kozak-Holland's latest book in the Lessons from History series (http://www.lessons-from-history.com/) is titled "Avoiding Project Disaster: Titanic Lessons for IT Executives" (http://www.mmpubs.com). It draws parallels from the sinking of Titanic to business challenges today. Following in the footsteps of earlier titles in the series, this new title explores the historical project using modern business analysis methods, extracting lessons learned that can be applied to modern information technology projects.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:20 AM | Comments (0)

Tanning Salon Owners Going Crazy Over New Colors and Designs

New colors, styles get big looks form salon owners. Progressive designs draws crowds at ITA show in Nashville, TN. Modular walls are considered a must have in this industry.

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- TanWall™ Modular Salon Wall Systems was once again the recipient of the ever-charming Southern hospitality of Nashville, Tennessee last month at the annual ITA WORLD TANNING SHOW held from October 27 - 29, where TanWall™ introduced their new colors and designs to enthusiastic show participants.

TanWall™ received rave reviews as their featured and newest colors, Ultra Violet, Electric Desire, and Chantilly Chic, were presented. The upscale and modern display also highlighted the nearly unlimited options TanWall™ offers in style, colors, design, electrical, lighting, angles, and configurations - options that set a TanWall™ salon apart from all others.

"TanWall™ introduced the hottest new colors for this season at this years show!" said Kristina Admire, National TanWall™ Sales Manager. "Our job is to make a tanning salon stand out from the rest and give the salon proprietor(s) an undisputed edge in today's competitive marketplace. Not to mention the distinct advantages of modular construction over hard in convenience, down-time and savings! These are standard in-stock items with TanWall™ and our delivery/completion time frame is a mere 3-4 weeks which everyone knows hard construction can't compare to!" Ms. Admire continues.

Tanwall is part of Allied Modular Building Systems, with manufacturing facilities in Nashville, Tennessee and Orange, California. Since 1989, Allied Modular Building Systems has secured its reputation as the best in the modular industry and with the recent growth of the tanning salon trade Allied Modular saw the need for an easier approach to the unique situations presented by salon designs. After providing more than a million square feet of office space, Allied Modular Building Systems launched TanWall™, providing an industry first with the innovation of SceneSations™ and SalonWall™.

For further information contact Kristina Admire at kadmire @ tanwall.com or call toll-free at 866-Tan-Wall or (866) 826-9255

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:19 AM | Comments (0)

American Garage Floor Adds Tuff-Seal Tiles

American Garage Floor is pleased to announce they will now be offering Tuff-Seal Interlocking Watertight Garage Tiles.

Anderson, IN (PRWEB) November 14, 2006 -- American Garage Floor, a leader in distribution of tested garage flooring is once again proving why they are the leader in garage flooring solutions. To give consumers a greater selection they have added a patented, watertight garage tile solution from Tuff-Seal to their product line.

Tuff-Seal Tiles have a patented, watertight, interlocking joining system.

Each garage flooring brand brought to the consumers by American Garage Floor provides another solution for the consumers. Many consumers had been requesting a garage tile product that is actually watertight without any coatings or sealants. Tuff-Seal tiles are the answer.

Tuff-Seal Advanced Interlocking Floor Tile is easy to install. Its unique joining system permits tiles to be laid quickly and easily on any firm, flat surface using only a mallet, utility knife and other common tools. Most installations require no adhesive, just overlap, tap and its done.

Tuff-Seal's 1/4" (6.5mm) thickness provides for unmatched durability. Yet it's flexible enough to be used over uneven floors, providing a cushioned surface that's more comfortable to stand and work on than concrete, epoxy coatings and rigid plastic tiles.

Tuff-Seal is quiet, warm, fire and chemical resistant, flexible and will not crack. Tuff-Seal has the look and performance to enhance any interior application.

Quality products make American Garage Floor the only smart choice.
Instead of just carrying one or two garage flooring products, American Garage Floor now has four unique garage floor brands for consumers to choose from. They currently offer; Better Life Technology Pads, Lock-tile, SwissTrax Tiles, and now Tuff-Seal Tiles.

Keep in mind, these are not just items they have found to bring to you and sell for a profit, no, these products have been tested and approved by the installation specialists at American Garage Floor to provide the quality of garage flooring that is needed.

Visit http://www.AmericanGarageFloor.com or call us today with any questions: 1-800-401-4537.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:18 AM | Comments (0)

$130M Land Deal Outside Vegas to Double in Value

Real estate tycoons, land developers and major investment groups will be interested to know about two lots (640/625 acres) up for sale in White Hills for $130M, which will double in value once the Hoover Dam Bypass is completed in 2008.

White Hills, AZ (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -- White Hills, Arizona is about to become the next suburb of Las Vegas once the Hoover Dam Bypass bridge opens in 2008. According to a local spokesman, "Real estate tycoons, land developers and major investment groups will be interested to know about two lots (640/625 acres) up for sale in White Hills for $130M, which will double in value once the bypass is completed."

Real estate experts estimate that the new bypass, scheduled to open in 2008, will knock 30 minutes off the commute and literally pave the way to a new Las Vegas bedroom community. Instead of winding their way for 3 miles over the dam, drivers will be able to take a straight shot across the Colorado River.

As major plans are already underway to create an oasis in the middle of Arizona desert, developers are anticipating an explosion in this area. The lots are close enough to be near all the action but far enough away to allow people to actually afford a home in close proximity to Las Vegas. Developers promise that home owners can look forward to getting twice the house at half the price, along with a much more convenient lifestyle out in the open space of the dessert.

Available lots up for sale include:
1. 640 acre lot (#15) 3 mile from Highway 93 @ $86,000.00 per acre.
2. 625 acre lot (#19) ½ mile from Highway 93 @ $120,000.00 per acre.

Additional information:
1. The area has been zoned for urban use including residential, commercial and industrial. 5 Single family homes per 1 acre / 12 townhouses per 1 acre or 25 condominiums per 1 acre. No greenery set-back due to desert living.
2. The Hoover Dam bypass will reduce the commuting time from Las Vegas to White Hills from an hour to about 30 minutes.
3. Highway 93 is designated by the federal government as the main leg of the CANAMEX corridor for international trade between Mexico, the U.S. and Canada.
4. Rhodes Homes received approval for his master-planned communities in White Hills.
5. Rhodes Homes sold 69 single family homes in four hours in September, 2005. Homes were being sold from $184,900.00 - $249,900.00 ranging in size from 1,623 - 2,360 square foot.
6. Projections show acreage in White Hills, Arizona will increase 50% by 2007 and 100% by the opening of the Hoover Dam bypass.
7. As of today the average single family home in Las Vegas, Nevada is $385,000.00, which is too expensive for the average blue collar worker, these workers are purchasing homes in Kingman, Arizona which is 45 minutes South of White Hills making their commute 1 ½ - 2 hours.

For more information about this exciting investment opportunity please contact Mr. Benny Reif at 954-801-2300.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:16 AM | Comments (0)

Research Shows Laing Thermotech Instant Hot Water Recirculation Pumps Save Energy and Water

More than 80 percent of customers say they install Laing Thermotech's instant hot water recirculation pumps for the convenience and time savings of having water instantly available at the faucet. Independent research reveals significant economic benefits from using the Laing Instant Hot Water Recirculation Pumps.

Chula Vista, CA (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -– Instant hot water recirculation pumps from Laing Thermotech Inc. do more than offer consumers the benefit of having instant hot water in their home. They also conserve considerable energy and wasted water—which translates into substantial cost savings, according to independent research by consulting mechanical engineers Edward Saltzberg and Associates.

"Although Laing's products are best known as a convenience item to the average consumer, our ultra-efficient, low-energy-consumption pumps actually pay for themselves by reducing the homeowners' energy consumption and wasted water," said Scott S. Shimer, Laing's CEO.

Laing's Instant Hot Water Autocirc® Recirculation System, for example, costs less than 10 cents a day to run and can conserve enough energy to pay for itself in less than two years, Shimer says. Homeowners can save thousands of gallons of water each year, plus use less energy by not having to heat wasted water. By sending less water down the drain, they can also reap sewer savings.

According to independent study, consumers can save nearly $300 a year using the Autocirc System with an electric water heater. This is based on the water heater being set at an average temperature of 140º F, an incoming water temperature of 40º F, and running the pump four minutes per hour for 16 hours a day and 350 days a year. It is also based on electricity at $0.125 per kilowatt hour, water cost at $2.02/100 Ft³, and a sewer surcharge at $1.35/100 Ft³.

In addition to offering the Autocirc System for retrofit applications, Laing also sells a instant hot water recirculation product for new construction: the UltraCirc®. Both of these user-friendly systems give homeowners the advantage of having hot water almost instantly at every faucet and shower in their home. They:

• Install easily with the existing hot water supply line
• Require less energy to operate than similar products
• Contain a quiet pump that is almost inaudible when running
• Feature a low-flow design that helps to avoid pipe erosion problems
• Can be installed by a plumber or homeowner
• Are available from local plumbers and most home improvement stores

Laing is an industry pioneer that created the first practical do-it-yourself instant hot water circulation system. The company offers a variety of low-energy-consumption, fractional-horsepower pumps for residential, solar and industrial use. For more information about its complete line of leading-edge products, visit our Instant hot water web site.

About Laing Thermotech Inc.
Laing Thermotech Inc. is part of the Laing family of companies, which originated in Stuttgart, Germany in the early 1970's with the introduction of unique solar and pump products. Today, Laing primarily focuses on manufacturing fractional-horsepower pumps, flow-through heaters, and hydronic heating components. The company's products are sold worldwide, with sales and distribution operations in Germany, Japan and the United States, as well as a manufacturing, sales and distribution facilities in Hungary. Laing employs innovative technologies to create product designs that are reliable, compact, less expensive to install and operate, and easier to service in the field. The company holds a large number of registered patents in consumer, commercial and industrial markets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Bob Hutslar, National Sales Manager Plumbing & Heating
(615) 575-7466 Ext. 112
bhutslar @ lainginc.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:15 AM | Comments (0)

Cars for Homes™ Drives Week-long Habitat for Humanity® Home Building in the Gulf

Helping rebuild communities ravaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Habitat for Humanity's Cars for Homes™ vehicle donation program is utilizing the revenues from a donated powerboat to sponsor one complete house and energy saving upgrades to others being built this week. Over a year after the hurricanes, Habitat for Humanity continues to fulfill its commitment to build simple, decent, affordable housing in the Gulf. Cars for Homes™ staff, corporate partners and volunteers from ten different states are joining with the Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity affiliate to help build Rosario Louisa August, a widow, and her four children, a new home.

Tangipahoa Parish, LA (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -- Helping rebuild communities ravaged by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Habitat for Humanity's Cars for Homes™ vehicle donation program is utilizing the revenues from a donated powerboat to sponsor one complete house and energy saving upgrades to others being built by Ginger Ford Habitat for Humanity.

Cars for Homes™ staff and Habitat for Humanity (HFH) volunteers from ten different states, including corporate partners Waste Management and Charter Communications, are joining with the Ginger Ford HFH affiliate this week to begin building a home for Rosario Louisa August, a widow, and her four children. Rosario, Brittany, Alicia, Quinten and Terry have been living with family since their home was condemned after the hurricanes. Wanting to help others get into their homes, Rosario will be on site this Saturday with other future Habitat homeowner families who are working some of the sweat equity hours that help them qualify to purchase their own Habitat homes.

Over a year after the hurricanes, Habitat for Humanity continues to fulfill its commitment to build simple, decent, affordable housing in the Gulf. Through Habitat's Operation Home Delivery (OHD), Ginger Ford Habitat and twenty-three other HFH affiliates in the Gulf have received support in the form of grants, technical assistance, building materials, and volunteers. Framing packages produced by Habitat affiliates throughout the U.S. have been shipped to storm affected areas. HFH of Kansas City, Missouri, built and delivered ten framing packages that Ginger Ford HFH will turn into affordable homes this year, including the one that is being started this week.

Since 1994, Ginger Ford HFH has built 11 homes within the communities of Tangipahoa Parish and 14 homes in other countries through Habitat's Affiliate Tithe program. Blair Edwards, executive director of Ginger Ford HFH, explained the challenges of building at an accelerated pace to meet the tremendous need for affordable housing in the post-hurricane environment. "Our affiliate is increasing the number of builds from two-a-year to 12 in the next 12 months. This sounds awesome and it is; however, with the increased costs for land and delays obtaining the services of plumbers and electricians, it has been quite a challenge. OHD has provided us with resources to make things easier, but in a situation such as this, money doesn't cure all problems. With Cars for Homes and corporate sponsors like Waste Management and Charter Communications helping onsite with resources and employees, our job becomes much easier!"

On America Recycles Day, Tim Hawkins, Market Area Vice President for Waste Management of Louisiana, LLC explained his company's commitment to Habitat for Humanity and Cars for Homes™. "Waste Management has made a commitment to our customers to be responsible recyclers every day through the work we do in communities across South Louisiana and the nation. It's one thing to say that we support recycling. It's quite another to step up to the challenge. Waste Management supports the Cars for Homes program which in effect recycles vehicles into energy efficient homes. We encourage everyone to take the opportunity on Nov. 15 to do something for the environment for America Recycles Day, whether it's helping with a recycling project in your community, purchasing products made from recycled materials or simply making sure you place your aluminum, plastic and glass in your recycling bin."

Through its cable and communications networks, Charter Communications continues to generate awareness of the Habitat mission and how people can support local Habitat affiliates through car donations to Cars for Homes™. Kip Kraemer, Vice President/General Manager of Charter Communication's Louisiana operations stated, "What Habitat is doing in the Gulf, across the country and around the world is incredible, but it only happens when people make the choice to donate, volunteer and get involved locally to help families build homes and build hope in their community. As a local business serving people in their homes and workplaces, this project is a natural for Charter. We are thrilled to help Habitat for Humanity and the communities who patronize us and in which our employees live."

To help Ginger Ford HFH with land, building materials, cash or to volunteer to help build affordable homes in partnership with local families, call (985) 542-6866. To donate a car, truck, boat or RV to help Habitat for Humanity build homes in your local community, call 1-877-277-HFHI (4344) toll free or visit http://www.carsforhomes.org

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:13 AM | Comments (0)

Schedule24™ Delivers Workforce Scheduling Software to the Small to Medium Enterprise

Schedule24 puts enterprise-class and affordable workforce scheduling on the desktop.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -- Intellicate®, Ltd., a leading provider of employee scheduling software and services worldwide, today announced the latest versions of its product range Schedule24, with new features designed to extend and enhance the effectiveness of its all-in-one employee scheduling solution.

"This Schedule24 release is a leap forward in workforce scheduling technology," said Tim Lauriston-Mills, COO of Intellicate. "The faster scheduling information can be communicated to employees, the more efficient and responsive the businesses will be - it's that simple."
Lauriston-Mills continued "With this latest version we offer the user a whole new set of scheduling features. Our goal was to create software with all the functionality of an enterprise-class system, but without the large price tag."

Schedule24 offers many new features and enhancements, including a Microsoft Office style user interface.

"The all new interface makes navigating Schedule24 more intuitive and accessible. Plus, users now have an easier way to create schedules, access management information, and set up scheduling requirements."
Additional new features in Schedule24 include:

EasyStep Schedule Wizard - Powerful automated scheduling wizards get the manager off to a flying start. Schedules can now be generated within minutes.

Enhanced Collaboration Features - Employees from anywhere in the organization can view schedules and contact information using a web browser. This saves time and reduces costs related to publishing and distribution of schedules. Convenient access to information provides a more coordinated and efficiently deployed workforce.

Budget and Costs Monitoring - Dynamic display of working hours and complex budget costs, during the scheduling process provides an increased awareness when it is most needed. Over a short space of time, management style becomes increasingly proactive rather than reactive and more tuned to the profitability of the business.

For more information regarding Intellicate® Schedule24™ Professional ($950 U.S.) and Intellicate® Schedule24™ Standard ($162 U.S.), including purchasing information and a complete product feature list, visit www.intellicate.com">www.intellicate.com.
Lauriston-Mills concluded, "The new Schedule24 versions are another example of Intellicate's continued commitment to innovation and to providing scheduling applications that help people get value from the technology they use every day."

About Intellicate, Ltd.
Intellicate, Ltd. is a leading creator of employee scheduling software and services. Intellicate's vision is to make employee scheduling easy and more affordable. Its latest software, Schedule24, acts as the 'missing link' to tie together the heterogeneous assortment of sickness, vacation, and budgeting, and allow employees and employers to communicate with one another more easily. For more information, visit the company's website at www.intellicate.com">www.intellicate.com

Intellicate and Schedule24 are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Intellicate, Ltd. In the United Kingdom and/or other countries. Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:06 AM | Comments (0)

Business Design Corporation Announces: TouchStone Business System™ -- the On-line Operating Manual for Every Small Business

Business Design Corporation has formally released the new TouchStone On-line Business System™ for use by small business owner/operators everywhere. It is now possible to use the web environment to create a completely integrated, fully-customized, real-time "operating manual" for every small business.

Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -- Business Design Corporation Announces: The TouchStone Business System™ -- the On-line Operating Manual for every small business.

Business Design Corporation has formally released the new TouchStone On-line Business System™ for use by small business owner/operators everywhere. It is now possible to use the web environment to create a completely integrated, fully-customized, real-time "operating manual" for every small business.

It has always been difficult for small business owners to systemize their businesses. They have struggled to build good working operating procedures and actually put them to work in the daily life of their business. The TouchStone Business System™, gives business owners the ability to see and build their entire business and all its parts.

Using TouchStone, owners and managers can create all the documented procedures for how to do any type of work. Every employee has an interactive job description. Click on the job description from the company's dynamic organizational chart and each of the position's task is linked directly with the work procedure that gets that task done right. Each employee now knows exactly what to do and how to get a good result at all times.

The TouchStone Business System™ is created in a Web environment so there is no software to load or manage. All that is needed is an internet connection and the company's Business System is right there, usable and accessible from any place in the world.

The TOUCHSTONE tool is well described on Business Design Corporation's new website www.BusinessDesignCorp.com. BDC is also offering a series of free business system development 'Webinars' (web-based seminars) which include a demonstration of TOUCHSTONE as it is used in the business development process. For further information about the Webinars send us an Email.

Contact Details:
Name: Michael Mills
Phone: 888-522-2325
Fax: 707-522-6251

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:05 AM | Comments (0)

Sustainable Vinyl Featured At Green Building Expo

Recycled content, innovation, energy and cost savings

DENVER (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -- Vinyl’s numerous energy-saving, environmental and health benefits are on display this week at the nation’s principal green building expo.

The three-day GreenBuild International Conference & Expo in Denver features green and sustainable products ranging from non-slip flooring made from 100 percent recycled vinyl to insulated vinyl forming systems for building foundations, energy-saving vinyl windows and roofing, and huge PVC sewer pipes made with recycled content.

Architects and designers are increasingly finding that vinyl’s infinite flexibility, durability and well-established, energy-saving qualities represent one of the most effective ways of meeting the evolving standards for green buildings, noted Vinyl Institute president Tim Burns.

An increasing number of home-building and major construction products are also now using recycled vinyl, Burns said. The Plastic Pipe and Fittings Association booth at GreenBuild features sections of sewer pipe made with post-consumer vinyl content, including recycled vinyl siding.

Oscoda Plastics of Oscoda, Mich., is showing its "Protect-All" slip-resistant, fire and water resistant specialty flooring made from 100 percent recycled vinyl. Protect-All flooring resists mildew and other bacterial growth and is non-corrosive, even when exposed to chemicals or grease.

John Rouse, national sales manager of Oscoda Plastics, said the company recycled six million pounds of post-industrial vinyl from the automotive and roofing industries last year alone to produce Protect-All flooring. The non-slip flooring is ideal, he said, for building entrances, gymnasiums, locker rooms, industrial kitchens, pool decks and automotive service garages.

Also of special interest to builders at this year’s expo is Energy Edge, the new, energy-saving vinyl insulated edge forming system for slab construction. Made by Energy Edge of Wichita, Kan., the system saves time and labor, conserves natural resources and helps buildings qualify for the Green Building Council’s LEED points, noted vice president Casey Barbour.

"We are being sought out by every aspect of the building industry because we are the first to provide a product that effectively and efficiently insulates the slab edge, completing the building envelope and meeting code," she said. Building and home owners not only enjoy significant energy savings, but a reduction in molds, mites and mildews that often build up in traditional floors.

Energy Edge was formally introduced at the World of Concrete in January of this year.

Contact:
John Brown
1-877-234-9749

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:04 AM | Comments (0)

American Clay Earth Plaster Announces at USGBC New Key Distributors in the NE, SE & Gulf Coast; True-Faux Finish, Old World Qualities are Strong Draw

This USGBC, American Clay Earth Plaster -- the award-winning natural finish for interior walls and ceilings -- is proud to announce its newest key distributors, thereby expanding and firmly establishing the product’s presence in the U.S. Northeast and Southeast, and the Gulf Coast. While the products’ mold resistant properties make sense for these areas, the strongest draw was the true-faux and Old World nature of the earth plaster. American Clay will be exhibiting at the USGBC Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, Nov. 15-17, 2006, Denver, CO, Booth #1407, where they will also present continuous product demos.

Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) November 13, 2006 -- This USGBC, American Clay Earth Plaster -- the award-winning natural finish for interior walls and ceilings -- is proud to announce its newest key distributors, thereby expanding and firmly establishing the product's presence in the U.S. Northeast and Southeast, and the Gulf Coast. While the products' mold resistant properties make sense for these areas, the strongest draw was the true-faux and Old World nature of the earth plaster. American Clay will be exhibiting at the USGBC Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, Nov. 15-17, 2006, Denver, CO, Booth #1407, where they will also present continuous product demos.

The new distributors are as follows (more information available at www.americanclay.com):
* DANA Wallboard Supply in Massachusetts is a 45-year old family-owned business that covers the Northeast and into Canada;
* Croydon Finishing in Alabama covers Georgia and the Panhandle -- they have also provided extensive plaster application services for Louis Vuitton and DKNY stores;
* Stucco Supply Co. will be distributing in the Carolinas; and
* Old World Finishes, LLC, in Baton Rouge is run by a remodeler and preservationist of 25 years, and will be supplying American Clay throughout Mississippi and Louisiana.

In addition to the easy of use and repair, large selection of colors and textures, non-toxicity, non-dusting, mold resistant properties, and, of course, the positive environmental effects, the true quality of the finish was the top reason for these distributors to sign on. "We came on board with American Clay because we feel it has potential in the Northeast high-end market," states Greg Dana, Owner of DANA Wallboard Supply. "It's an artsy type finish, it's a real faux finish, and it has a look that is unlike anything else. I also like that it's a renewable resource." American Clay has approximately 30 new, AC-trained applicators in the NE region.

Along the historically active south Gulf Coast region, especially post-Katrina and Rita, people share their concern daily with Bobby DeVillier, President and Owner of Old World Finishes, that they'll have to give up the former Old World appearance of their homes and use lime or cement plaster. That's when he pulls out American Clay and they flip. "It's the traditional architectural quality that American Clay achieves that really drew me in. It's mold-resistant potential is also important here in the wake of so much water damage, but since we pride ourselves on our historic style, it's the back-to-age-old quality of Old World-style finishes that really makes A.C. a perfect fit for us."

Carol Baumgartel, VP of Marketing and co-Founder of the company, states, "We're very excited about this expansion! With these distributors, we can now significantly offer the public and the architectural / design communities a range of sources for our products in these regions. They each have their specialty -- whether it be contractor supply, consumer supply, and/or focus on instruction. And they will all be offering training workshops."

As to American Clay's USGBC presence, the company will be providing continuous demos at their 20'x20' booth this year, says Baumgartel, "because scheduling demos, as in the past, just doesn't work. Once people come in and touch the material, they immediately want to play with it themselves or have us show them what fun, and how beautiful and easy it is."

Other American Clay news:
* American Clay will appear in Good Housekeeping's new and unique home renovation project, "Your Green House," that will set a standard for sustainable, environmentally responsible home-building. The home is on the Upper West Side of New York City, and the transformation of this brownstone to "green" will appear in the November supplement Your Good House and online at www.goodhousekeeping.com.
* In Colorado Springs, a privately-owned, 8000-sq ft French Country style home was the first Parade home to utilize the clay's "spray-on" technique developed by Founder and CEO Croft Elsaesser. Estimated time savings on the project: 30%. "The Parade Home garnered all but one award (Landscaping) in its category and everyone loved the clay," says applicator Deb Hall (Hall's Walls).
* American Clay is on display in the National Building Museum's new exhibition The Green House: New Directions in Sustainable Architecture and Design in Washington D.C.

ABOUT AMERICAN CLAY:
American Clay products -- the original Loma, the super-smooth Porcelina, and the new reclaimed shell-based Marittimo -- are applied much like a conventional plaster finish, but with none of the intrinsic problems of gypsum or cementitious plasters. It is a unique combination of clays, aggregates and natural pigments that offers builders and consumers a natural and elegant option. It is manufactured in and made of materials found in the U.S. American Clay Enterprises, Inc., is based in Albuquerque, NM, and its product is patent pending. The product and various workshops are available through their New Mexico office or through one of the growing number of retailers and distributors across the U.S. The website, www.americanclay.com, offers information on additional products, ordering, technical specifications, product application and additional resources and links.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:02 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2006

Stepping Out in Style—The Concrete Network Launches a New Section on Concrete Stairways

Decorative concrete stairways offer endless possibilities for creating a grand entrance. The Concrete Network's recently launched Stairs and Steps section explores the decorative options, designs, photos and more available to homeowners and builders.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) November 10, 2006 -A-Contractor">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.

News image courtesy of Concrete Art. Attached photos courtesy of Elite-Crete.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:43 AM | Comments (0)

Sinclair to Offer Additional Real Estate at Auction

Higgenbotham Auctioneers International (HAI) announced today that their firm has been retained by Sinclair Marketing, Inc. to offer at auction 51 investment properties in nine states which include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming. The sales will be held either on location or in centrally located ballrooms along the 6000-mile route and have been scheduled for December 1st – December 13th.

Lakeland, FL. (PRWEB) November 10, 2006 -- Higgenbotham Auctioneers International (HAI) announced today that their firm has been retained by Sinclair Marketing, Inc. to offer at auction 51 investment properties in nine states which include Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Utah and Wyoming. The sales will be held either on location or in centrally located ballrooms along the 6000-mile route and have been scheduled for December 1st – December 13th.

This is HAI's second multi-property sale for Sinclair and follows closely on the heels of their 3rd quarter sale, of which they sold 11 out of 13 properties for the Utah-based oil conglomerate.

"Based on the success of the first auction, Sinclair has decided to offer a larger portion of their surplus real estate through the Higgenbotham auction process. We are certainly excited to have the opportunity to continue our relationship with Sinclair," stated John Haney, Auction Manager for HAI.

"Potential buyers should take a close look at these properties. Many of them are leased and income producing while others feature prime commercial locations. These are very viable properties in their respective markets," commented Haney.

The auction itinerary will begin on Friday, December 1st with simultaneous auctions being held in Colorado and Oklahoma and will conclude on Wednesday, December 13th, in St. Louis Missouri. Interested parties should verify the sales locations by calling Higgenbotham Auctioneers International at 1-800-257-4161 or by visiting their website at www.higgenbotham.com

Founded in 1959, Higgenbotham Auctioneers International (HAI) utilizes the auction method of marketing to sell real estate throughout the United States and the world. HAI is an alliance partner of NAI Global and enjoys continuing relationships with Fortune 500 clients such as Alcoa, Wal-Mart, and Albertson's Supermarkets, as well as many publicly traded and closely held companies.

HAI will be working in conjunction with Idaho Falls, Idaho based NAI Commerce One and other associates of the NAI Global network. As the world's leading managed network of commercial real estate firms, NAI Global is made up of 3,500 professionals working out of 300 offices in 40+ countries throughout the world.

For more information on the Sinclair Marketing properties or other Higgenbotham auctions please contact John Haney at Higgenbotham Auctioneers (800) 257-4161 or visit our website at Real Estate Auction Information.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:41 AM | Comments (0)

Punch! Software Acquires CADSoft Solutions, Inc. -- 3D Home Design Leader Enters Precision CAD

Punch! Software, the home design software market leader seven years running, today announced the acquisition of CADSoft Solutions Inc. (CSI). CSI is a leading provider of precision based computer aided design (CAD) applications for Windows® and Macintosh® platforms.

Kansas City, MO (PRWEB) November 10, 2006 -- Punch! Software, the home design software market leader seven years running, today announced the acquisition of CADSoft Solutions Inc. (CSI). CSI is a leading provider of precision based computer aided design (CAD) applications for Windows® and Macintosh® platforms.

"The acquisition of CSI takes us one step closer to our goal of becoming the leading global provider for design solutions. It extends our offerings to include precision CAD products suitable for the general architectural and mechanical CAD communities," says Paul Bay, Punch! Software CEO. "In addition, releasing a CAD product line will allow Punch! to further expand its product portfolio and overall reach in the retail and online marketplace."

Since its founding in 1998, Punch! Software quickly became the dominant market leader in the home design software category in both retail and online sales. With over two million units shipped and seven of the top eleven retail home design products, Punch! Software will use the same blueprint for success to introduce general purpose CAD to its established retail, internet, and professional sales channels.

The acquisition brings along the CSI development team led by industry CAD veteran Tim Olson, now Vice President of Development for Punch! Software. "This acquisition provides an exciting opportunity to introduce more users to the innovative approach to modeling, developed by CSI, that encourages a variety of design communities to explore the benefits of 2D and 3D precision modeling," says Mr. Olson.

About Punch! Software LLC
Punch! Software LLC is a provider of home design and landscape design software products. Servicing retail home design, a sub-market of the architecture, engineering, and construction software market, Punch! provides homeowners, designers, and professionals the ability to perform all aspects of home/landscape design, including 3D walkthrough technology. Headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the Company has been operating since 1998. Punch! was the fastest growing software company in the U.S. in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information on Punch! Software products:
Visit the Punch! Software Website

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:40 AM | Comments (0)

Leopardo Construction Completes More Trader Joe's and CVS/Pharmacy Stores

Leopardo Construction, a leading construction services firm, announced that it completed several construction projects for Trader Joe's and CVS/Pharmacy, and recently completed construction of an Advance Auto Parts store in South Chicago Heights.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 10, 2006 -- Leopardo Construction, a leading construction services firm, announced that it completed several construction projects for Trader Joe's and CVS/Pharmacy, and recently completed construction of an Advance Auto Parts store in South Chicago Heights.

Trader Joe's: Leopardo Construction completed the interior build-outs for the Trader Joe's stores in Glendale, Wis., and at 50 E. Ontario St. in Chicago. Both locations feature approximately 11,000 square feet of retail space. Construction has also recently started at the Trader Joe's locations in Northbrook and Park Ridge, Ill. In total, Leopardo Construction has worked at or built more than 15 Trader Joe's across the Midwest. Leopardo served as general contractor on all projects with Jeffrey Taylor and Associates as architect.

CVS/Pharmacy: Leopardo partnered with CVS to convert 27 Osco's to CVS/Pharmacy stores within a seven week time period. Many stores were de-branded and re-branded simultaneously over three-week time frames that required aggressive schedules of 10-hour days as well as night and weekend work. Previously, Leopardo had built 17 Chicagoland CVS/Pharmacy stores.

Advance Auto Parts: Leopardo Construction completed an 8,000-square-foot, out-of-the-ground Advance Auto Parts store in South Chicago Heights. Leopardo Construction served as general contractor with Cubellis Associates as architect.

About Leopardo Construction

Leopardo Construction is a leading construction firm providing pre-construction, general contracting, construction management, design-build and development services. In 2006, Leopardo Construction was recognized by Engineering News-Record magazine as one of the nation's largest 250 contractors. The company's team of 500 experts has specialized capabilities in interiors, healthcare, senior living, 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. 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 Leopardo Construction.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:39 AM | Comments (0)

Boca Raton Real Estate Agent Eric Zaner Launches Sterling Florida Realty Inc.

Eric Zaner, a real estate agent focusing on the Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Ocean Ridge, and Boynton Beach areas, is pleased to announce the creation of Sterling Florida Realty Inc. The company features everything from oceanfront homes and multi-million dollar real estate to affordable housing and single family homes (www.cometodelraybeach.com).

(PRWEB) November 10, 2006 -- Florida real estate agent Eric Zaner is pleased to announce the creation of Sterling Florida Realty Inc. (www.cometodelraybeach.com). Eric Zaner and his company will focus on Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Ocean Ridge, and Boynton Beach residential real estate.

Eric Zaner has over 20 years of experience living and working in the Boca Raton area. He is a top producer and sells everything from affordable housing and single family homes to oceanfront, golf course and multi-million dollar real estate. Interested buyers can visit Eric Zaner’s website (www.cometodelraybeach.com) to search for homes available in the area.

The website also offers tips for buyers and sellers and free market analysis. From the site sellers can estimate their home’s current market value using comparable sold listings. Buyers who visit the site automatically receive personalized MLS listings by e-mail. Each morning Eric Zaner searches the local MLS and finds homes matching his customer’s criteria, notifying them immediately with the latest listing information.

"I represent my clients in the purchases and sales of all types of residences and income property," Eric Zaner said. "If you’re looking for a value, an investment or your dream location in Delray Beach or Boca Raton, let me help you."

About Eric Zaner and Sterling Florida Realty Inc.
Eric Zaner is a real estate agent focusing on the Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Ocean Ridge, and Boynton Beach areas. He has over 20 years experience in the real estate industry. Eric Zaner’s new company, Sterling Florida Realty Inc., offers a wide variety of residential real estate, which can be previewed at www.cometodelraybeach.com. For more information please contact:

Eric Zaner
Sterling Florida Realty Inc.
561-856-4609

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:16 AM | Comments (0)

City of Miramar, Florida Implements MobileHWY's Mobile Solution for Government Agencies, Mobile INSPECTOR™

City of Miramar, Florida has implemented MobileHWY's mobile workforce solution, Mobile INSPECTOR™, for the city's Community Development Building Division. The Mobile INSPECTOR™ application has enabled the City of Miramar to achieve its goal of improving operating efficiencies by providing its Inspectors with a real-time mobile application that streamlines the communication of critical information between field personnel and back-office systems.

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) November 10, 2006 -- MobileHWY announced today that the City of Miramar has implemented its Mobile INSPECTOR™ field automation solution for governments. The Community Development Building Division deployed the mobile workforce solution to increase overall efficiency and enhance customer service.

Located in Broward County, the City of Miramar is a residential community in the rapidly growing I-75 corridor between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Ranked in the top 10 fastest growing cities in the United States by the US Census Bureau, the City of Mirmar's population has soared by 28% since 2000. As the city's population reaches an all time high, so does new home construction in the area.

Staffed with 20 inspectors, the City of Miramar Community Development Building Division estimates they perform in excess of 350 inspections per day, occasionally having to rely on Broward County inspectors for help. In addition to the heavy field workload, inspectors spent, on average, several hours at the end of each day in the office bogged down with paperwork entering inspection result information into their back-office record keeping system. "As one of the fastest growing cities in Florida and in the US, we needed to find a way to increase the productivity of our inspectors and meet the growing demands of our building community," states Dan Ferstenberg, Planning IT Manager for the City of Miramar.

The City of Miramar soon began working with MobileHWY to implement Mobile INSPECTOR™, a mobile workforce solution designed for government agencies to help streamline the inspection process. Utilizing Mobile INSPECTOR™ on their BlackBerry® phones, city inspectors are able to access critical information in real-time from the field, complete their tasks, and transmit those results directly into the city's data system.

By automating these processes, city inspectors have been able to spend more time in the field each day performing inspections and less time in the office on administrative duties. "Mobile INSPECTOR™ has significantly increased our productivity. Now our inspectors have instant access to vital project information in the palm of their hand," states Dan Ferstenberg. "Mobile INSPECTOR™ is an inexpensive, easy to maintain system that required little to no overhead. We quickly have been able to reduce the amount of the time spent on paperwork each day by 50%. The hours we used to spend in the office each day on administrative tasks is now used out in the field serving our building community," states Dan Ferstenberg.

About MobileHWY
MobileHWY is a leading provider of mobile workforce solutions to the Government and Construction industries. The company's solutions, Mobile INSPECTOR™ and Mobile CONTRACTOR™, utilize the Internet and wireless mobile networks to help manage the day-to-day operations of organizations with dispersed mobile workforces. MobileHWY's products provide field personnel real-time access to information through end-to-end automated processes. MobileHWY is proud to include some of the United States' largest local government agencies and national homebuilders among its customer base. Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, MobileHWY is a privately-held company employing over 25 people with offices across the U.S. For more information, visit www.mobilehwy.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:15 AM | Comments (0)

Nationwide Truckers Support High Performance Automatic Trailer Safety Locks Distributed by A Plus Warehouse

Special green and red indicator lights alert drivers to safely park, load, and exit docks to prevent serious injuries and accidents.

Lynn, MA (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- A Plus Warehouse, a leading nationwide business-to-business distributor of industrial storage equipment has answered the demands of truckers nationwide to promote and distribute these highly effective automatic trailer safety locks online.

"Every day at loading docks across the nation powerful trucks and men are tirelessly loading and unloading equipment. These safety trailer locks secure the trucks and protect workers from catastrophic and sometimes fatal injuries. That's why we are proud to be the only online distributor of these automatic safety trailer locks," claims Ed Stairman, President of A Plus Warehouse.

These premium quality trailer locks include an electric/hydraulic system that automatically grabs the truck's ICC bar. It installs easily in front of the loading dock allowing the operator to be notified immediately of any problems in deploying the hook. These trailer locks have an emergency hook release pin in case of a power outage, and they include a traffic light system displaying red and green stop and go safety indicators. As an added safety feature, these trailer locks have an electronic accumulator that allows the unit to ride up and down as the load leaves or enters the truck to prevent injuries and accidents.

These automatic safety trailer locks are one of the many quality industrial dock equipment products built for safety and durability that A Plus Warehouse maintains in stock and ready for shipment.

In addition to the built in safety features on all the automatic trailer locks, the automatic dock levers and the activated dock levers are also designed for sturdiness and safety. The automatic dock levers mechanically line up with the trucks to eliminate human error and avoid dock worker injury. The activated dock levers allow trucks to safely and securely dock and load, thereby significantly decreasing loading time and industrial accidents.

The galvanized rubber dock bumpers and wheel chocks are manufactured by T&S, Vestil, Pauling Rubber, and Tennessee Mat. The rubber dock bumpers reduce the risk of damage to buildings caused by trucks backing into loading docks. When the wheel chocks are in place, the trucks cannot pull out until the wheel chocks are removed. This simple and efficient safety device can eliminate costly accidents and time stoppage.

For more information about these safety trailer locks and other safe and durable dock equipment call 800-209-8798 or visit www.apluwhs.com.

About A Plus Warehouse
A Plus Warehouse is an online business-to-business distributor of quality industrial equipment including storage lockers, heavy duty cabinets, warehouse racks, conveyors, work benches, steel shelving, and dock equipment. With an extensive selection of brand name manufacturers, hard-to-find products and exclusive offerings. A Plus Warehouse has everything a business needs to maintain a high level of efficiency and productivity at one convenient online destination.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:14 AM | Comments (0)

Median Home Price Drops 9 Percent in Santa Barbara Compared to Last Year

The median home price in Santa Barbara, CA, was $1 million in October, 2006. That is 9% less than the median home price of $1.1 million reported in October, 2005. This was the first decline in the median price home value in Santa Barbara since 1995. The decline reflects a trend that is being seen in many other communities around the country as well.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- The median home price in Santa Barbara, CA, was $1 million in October, 2006. That is 9% less than the median home price of $1.1 million reported in October, 2005. This was the first decline in the median price home value in Santa Barbara since 1995. The decline reflects a trend that is being seen in many other communities around the country as well.

A veteran of the cyclical nature of real estate since 1971, National Association of Realtors (NAR) Regional Vice-President Diana Bull says that the market is particularly soft now "because many buyers are waiting to buy until they feel that the market has stopped declining." The result is that the number of sales have declined by over 22% compared to 2005. Bull continues by saying that "at some point there will be a perception that the market has bottomed out. At that point, pent up demand will unleash itself." In the meantime, purchasers who are buying now are getting some great deals from sellers who realize the market has changed." Santa Barbara Real Estate

Santa Barbara is more than just a home to Hollywood stars such as Oprah Winfrey, Rob Lowe, and Ellen DeGeneres. Santa Barbara is an idyllic town of 90,000 nestled between the ocean and mountains about 90 miles north of Los Angeles. The primary industries in Santa Barbara are tourism, agriculture, and technology.

The community is known for its steadfast commitment to preserving its natural beauty. The coast of Santa Barbara is pristine while its foothills remain largely undeveloped. Developers and environmentalists have battled for decades over development in Santa Barbara particularly the Gaviota coast.

As a result, there is a minimal amount of new construction to meet the growing demand for housing in the area. This has fueled the recent run-up in home values.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:13 AM | Comments (0)

UK's Largest Independent Online Bathroom Retailer Expands Again

Plumbworld, the UK's largest independent online bathroom retailer continues to grow at a frantic pace. Last year the company grew sales by over 40% reaching a turnover in excess of £9 Million. This year growth is again in excess of 40%. The company is expanding it's existing site in Evesham and recruiting new staff in a frantic attempt to keep up with customer demand.

Evesham, Worcestershire (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Plumbworld, the UK's largest independent online bathroom retailer continues to grow at a frantic pace. Last year the company grew sales by over 40% reaching a turnover in excess of £9 Million.

Plumbworld have had to increase storage capacity and staff at their site to cope with demand.

The company is based at a purpose built warehouse in Evesham, Worcestershire and when demand surged by over 40% yet again this year they had to find a fast solution to ensure continuity of supply for their increasing number of loyal online customers.

"Firstly, it was imperative that we improved the utilisation of the existing floor space. The storage issue was the first one we tackled and we decided a mezzanine floor over a section of the warehouse would be ideal," said Karen Nicholls – Operations Manager. "The first installation (108sqm) is now complete and the second install (166sqm) is imminent. At the same time we also needed additional office space due to the increase in staff (we now employ over 40 people at the site). By utilising existing dead space over one of our roller doors and building upwards it meant we could have additional offices and meeting rooms. Upon completion, we will have an additional 320sqm of useable floor space."

The building work is now well underway with the offices and second mezzanine floor due to be finished by December this year.

Plumbworld's turnover projections for 2007 exceed £14 million. If this phenomenal growth rate continues, it won't be long before Plumbworld outgrow their existing building altogether.

When asked about this, James Hickman, MD, said, "I anticipate we could outgrow our current building within 2 years. We are seeing amazing growth in sales of showers, taps and bathroom suites. However, I don't foresee any kind of move away from Evesham being necessary. We have the option to build additional units on the current site and continue our expansion here. Any business is only as good as its employees and I intend to support my staff by continuing to give them stability and security by remaining in Evesham."

Plumbworld was established in 1999 by James Hickman who remains in control of the company. Plumbworld is the largest independent online bathroom, plumbing & heating retailer in the UK.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:11 AM | Comments (0)

Bathroom Vessel Sinks Updates Stone Sink, Copper Sink, Wood Sink & Vessel Faucet Product Lines

A recent trend in high end bathroom design is reflected in the new stone, copper and wood vessel sink product lines offered by BathroomVesselSinks.com. Using natural materials in the bathroom gains popularity as the price of these luxury bathroom fixtures becomes more affordable.

Guelph, ON (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Industry estimates indicate that vessel sinks now account for close to 20% of all bathroom sink sales. This bathroom design trend arrived nearly 10 years ago but has really picked up momentum, partially due to home owners looking for fresh decorating ideas but can also be contributed to the falling cost of these luxurious fixtures. BathroomVesselSinks.com is an online distributor who has taken advantage of this trend and has just completed updating their product line with over 30 new sink models and 27 new vessel sink faucets.

“These aren’t your typical glass vessel sinks that you would find in your local big box store,” says Shawn Gusz, head of sales and marketing for BathroomVesselSinks.com. “In fact, we don’t even offer glass sinks, instead we focus on stone sinks made of marble, granite or travertine as well as copper sinks and wood sinks, all 100% natural materials.” According to Gusz, vessel sinks are just as much a piece of artwork as the Picasso hanging in your studio. “People want to express themselves when renovating and decorating their home, by going away from the boring white ceramic sink they can really customize their new space with different sink colors, materials, shapes and sizes.”

BathroomVesselSinks.com was founded in 2006 as a one-stop site for the latest in bathroom vessel sink and vessel faucet products. They are an official online distributor for Eden Bath Vessel Sinks & Faucets and claim to offer one of the most unique and diverse collections of natural vessel sinks and faucets in the industry. With an average sink price of $499 USD, BathroomVesselSinks.com hopes to entice discriminating home buyers who look at their house not just as a personal retreat but as an investment. Bathrooms are considered to be one of the most important rooms in the house, second only to the kitchen. Spending the money on quality, high end fixtures guarantees a healthy return on your investment when it comes time to sell.

Why buy online? E-commerce and the internet have redefined the home and bathroom décor landscape. Shopping at online companies, such as BathroomVesselSinks.com makes it possible to find products like designer sinks and faucets at prices far less than retail. Gusz says that they realize some people may hesitate when purchasing a bathroom vessel sink online but they put a lot of effort into making sure the customer sees an accurate representation of the product. “We provide a full description, measurements, material types, cleaning and care information as well as high resolution photos of each product from multiple angles,” Gusz says. In addition, BathroomVesselSinks.com backs up their products with a minimum of one year warranty and a 30 day return policy.

For additional information and to see the latest in stone sinks, copper sinks, wood sinks and vessel faucets visit www.BathroomVesselSinks.com.

About BathroomVesselSinks.com:
BathroomVesselSinks.com is an online distributor of natural vessel sinks made out of granite, marble, travertine, copper and wood and also carry the complete line of vessel sink faucets by Eden Bath.

Contact:
Shawn Gusz, head of sales and marketing.
BathroomVesselSinks.com
519-780-1341
http://www.bathroomvesselsinks.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:09 AM | Comments (0)

Exhibitors Invited to Meet 50,000 Investors at Real Estate & Wealth Expo

The Learning Annex Real Estate & Wealth Expo is unique opportunity for exhibitors to meet 50,000 investors and affluent consumers in one weekend. This packed and exciting 2-day event is held in 11 cities, with upcoming Expos in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto and Philadelphia. With 70 seminars in Real Estate, Investing & Creating Wealth, and speakers such as Donald Trump, Anthony Robbins, Robert Kiyosaki, and Jim Cramer - the Expo attracts thousands of investors eager to find new opportunities, both in the U.S. and internationally. Realtors, Builders, Financial Firms, Investment Companies and other businesses interested in becoming exhibitors should contact Marilyn Anderson, ISA at 310-502-4047. Visit www.TrumpExhibitions.com for additional information.

(PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- The Learning Annex Real Estate & Wealth Expo is a 2-day event to be held in New York on Nov 18-19 and Boston on Dec 2-3. In addition, due to its overwhelming success, RE Expo will take place in 11 cities in 2007.

The Real Estate & Wealth Expo's purpose is to educate consumers, establish property visibility, and generate sales leads for exhibitors of all kinds.

Real Estate Companies, Builders, Lenders, Financial Firms, Investment Brokers, and all businesses that want to market their products and services, are invited to meet face-to-face with 50,000 affluent consumers & investors in one weekend.

More information is available at www.TrumpExhibitions.com or by calling Marilyn Anderson at 310-502-4047.

Also known as RE Expo, the 2006 Real Estate Wealth Expo in San Francisco this March had 61,500 attendees. April's Los Angeles RE Expo attracted almost 60,000 investors.

Each of the seminar cities provides a tremendous marketing and networking environment for exhibitors under one roof. It's an excellent opportunity for businesses to market to thousands of consumers who are learning about investing one weekend and using their products & services year round.

Upcoming Cities and Dates for RE Expo:

* NEW YORK CITY -- (Jacob Javits Convention Center) November 18-19, 2006
* BOSTON -- (Boston Convention Center) Dec. 2-3, 2006
* ATLANTA – (Georgia World Congress Center) February 24-25, 2007
* LOS ANGELES – (LA Convention Center) March 10 - March 11, 2007
* SAN FRANCISCO – (Moscone Center) March 17-18, 2007
* TORONTO -- (Metro Toronto Convention Center) March 24-25, 2007
* PHILADELPHIA -- (Pennsylvania Convention Center) April 21-22, 2007
* FORT LAUDERDALE – June 9-10, 2007
* CHICAGO – October 27-28, 2007
* DALLAS – November 3-4, 2007
* NEW YORK – November 17-18, 2007
* BOSTON – December 8-9, 2007

Interested Exhibitors should contact Marilyn Anderson, ISA for the Learning Annex at 310-502-4047 for more information.

RE Expo is a natural marketplace for exhibitors to meet potential customers face-to-face in a dynamic, receptive environment. These are eager consumers taking what they learn from real estate & wealth seminars and applying it immediately.

There will be over 70 seminars on Real Estate, Wealth, and Investing; and exciting Keynote Speakers, such as:

* Donald Trump
* Robert Kiyosaki
* Anthony Robbins
* Suze Orman
* Jim Cramer

Now is a great time to register for this exciting event and get the opportunity to:

* EXPAND your audience, reach and visibility with Real Estate investors and other consumers.
* ACCESS pre-qualified attendees
* GENERATE revenue-producing sources for all businesses
* NETWORK with potential clients, colleagues, and others interested in your products or services.

What past exhibitors have said: "If only 1 client had purchased my products, it would have paid for the booth. But RE Expo generated leads that got me customers all year long!"

Various Exhibitor packages are available, specifically tailored to help you increase the awareness and growth of your business. Exhibit Booths start at $4995 for a 10' x 10' space for the 2-day weekend, including extras. Many exhibitors and attendees come to the Expos in several cities, and the Learning Annex spends over a million dollars in advertising for each Expo.

For information and assistance, please contact:

Marilyn Anderson, ISA
310-502-4047
www.TrumpExhibitions.com

Who should participate?

* Real Estate Agents
* Builders & Developers
* Financial Firms & Investment Companies
* Banks & Lenders
* REITS
* Attorneys
* Home Improvement Firms
* Franchise Companies
* Energy Companies

* And anyone that wants to market to over 50,000 Real Estate Investors and Consumers

About The Learning Annex:

Located in New York, NY, The Learning Annex is the premier producer of seminars, lectures, classes, workshops and expos throughout the United States and Canada.

Contact info:

Marilyn Anderson, ISA
The Learning Annex Real Estate Wealth Expo
310-502-4047
Website: www.TrumpExhibitions.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:07 AM | Comments (0)

Condo Web Portals Merge Data, Increase Selection and Exposure of New Condo Developments

Two leading global and American condo web portals, Condo Domain LLC and Global Condo Center Corp, announced a merger of data. The merger will increase selection and exposure of new condo developments locally and around the world.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Condo Domain LLC today announced that the company has reached an agreement in principle to merge its new condo project information contained within its www.CondoDomain.com portal with new U.S. developments contained in Vancouver, Canada based Global CondoCenter Corp's portal www.GlobalCondoCenter.com as well as provide future content of new U.S. urban condo developments to both sites utilizing Global's proprietary data and graphics uploading software.

Global CondoCenter Corp. founder, Cliff Bowman, says, "It is a win/win for both the general public and developers alike. Now the public can visit either site to see the same new condo product in the United States on either site or link directly through CondoDomain.com to GlobalCondoCenter.com to view new urban and resort condominiums across the U.S and around the world."

Tony Longo, founder of CondoDomain.com LLC, noted, "We are in a changing marketplace housed in a world catered to 'Search' (on the Internet). Through our combined strengths and the drive to offer the latest technological advantages in the digital world, we are both dedicated to one goal. That is to provide a greater, cost-effective and convenient way to market our client's condominium product via the Internet to the millions of homebuyers searching for condominiums today, both urban & resort, domestic and international.

"By combining our services, Developers receive a reduced rate for being on both sites the direct visitors to a developer's sales teams. Now U.S. developers using Global Condocenter's technology platform, allows them to access and edit their content and digital graphics 24/7 ensuring their information is current and accurate for the general public's benefit."

Bowman says, "This new arrangement allows Global CondoCenter to focus their sales efforts on attracting U.S. resort developments as well as attracting both urban and resort developments from across the world." This past week, Global has added new projects from UAE, Nicaragua, Columbia and Dominican Republic to other offshore projects ranging from Mongolia, India, South Africa, Brazil and Panama.

CondoDomain.com also offers advanced Internet marketing initiatives and other "new media" such as video marketing services for new condo developments that can be seen on either portal. Another service provided by condoDomain.com is a daily concentrated electronic distribution of condo product through a series of 10 other real estate partner websites as well as "The Condo Blog", a 2.0 weblog highlighting the US condominium marketplace.

CondoDomain.com LLC launched CondoDomain.com in October of 2005 starting with Boston and has since grown to represent new urban condo developments and urban lifestyle trends now in 33 US cities with the goal to serve the top 200 regional condo markets in the USA. CondoDomain.com operates out of two main offices in Boston and New York and several satellite offices in Orange County, CA and Atlanta, GA.

After two years of beta testing, Global CondoCenter Corp launched CondoCenter.com to the general public on July of 2006. In October the company changed the portal's domain to GlobalCondoCenter.com after Bowman's research showed there was growing international interest and need for one single global portal for all information on all new apartments, villas and condos for sale in both resort and urban developments beyond North America.

"This global portal presents many of the 'Lock and Leave Lifestyle' options desired by global baby boomers as well as others with the financial resources and currency advantages who seek new ownership and lifestyle experiences both locally and globally," Bowman stated. Global CondoCenter operates out of Vancouver, Canada and representative offices in Miami, San Diego, Mexico City and Capetown. Additional representative offices are planned for in Europe, South America and Asia as the company expands to service its global clientele.

Media Contacts:

Cliff Bowman
Global CondoCenter Corp.
604 681 9554
www.GlobalCondoCenter.com

Tony Longo
Condodomain LLC
877-852-6636
www.CondoDomain.com

Placed by VKI Studios – Internet Marketing and Web Usability

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:06 AM | Comments (0)

AWM Launch Brand New Website

Midlands-based the AWM Group, a multi-disciplined waste management and environmental company, is pleased to announce the launch of its brand new website, which can be found at www.awm-group.com.

(PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Midlands-based the AWM Group, a multi-disciplined waste management and environmental company, is pleased to announce the launch of its brand new website, which can be found at www.awm-group.com.

The company, which offers complete waste solutions to both commercial and industrial customers throughout the West Midlands and beyond, has developed the new site in order to provide new and existing customers with information on all of its services including: recycling, asbestos, corporate, plant sales and industrial.

Established in 1979, the company has seen significant growth since its start and today can easily be described as one of the leading waste specialists in the West Midlands market place for this sector. Last year, 2005, the company merged with PPF Waste Management Ltd, and this fresh and ever successful status of the group has been reflected in its new look website design.

"It is important to both our existing and potential customers that they are able to easily access all the important information they need about the AWM Group," said Paul Woodhead, Managing Director. "This new website is both user friendly and provides information on all our services, allowing customers to make the right decision on which of our products and services are the most suitable for them."

Information on the extremely successful Asbestoclear product, part of the AWM Group which has provided builders and tradesmen with a brand new concept in safe, accessible and cost effective cement-bonded asbestos removal and disposal. And information on WEEEclear the company's solution to cathode ray tube recycling can also be found at the new look website.

Launched last week, the new site will also provide customers and users with current industry related news and articles, relevant links and company contact info.

For more information please visit the AWM Group site, www.awm-group.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:04 AM | Comments (0)

Nawkaw Corporation presented at the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference in Washington, DC.

Russell Gray, CEO of Nawkaw Corporation recently spoke at the October 2006 Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference in Washington, DC. Twenty-four hundred architects, builders, craftspeople, preservationists, new urbanists, facilities managers, interior designers, and building owners attended the show.

WASHINGTON, DC (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Russell Gray, CEO of Nawkaw Corporation recently spoke at the Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference (TBEC) in Washington, DC. TBEC featured 145 exhibitors and 72 educational sessions, making it the largest fall show in the event's history. Twenty-four hundred architects, builders, craftspeople, preservationists, new urbanists, facilities managers, interior designers, and building owners were in attendance.

Gray, as owner of Nawkaw Corporation since 1986, developed a system of staining existing masonry to help blend unmatched areas of brick. In the past 17 years the company has grown into a service-orientated company that also manufacturers its own proprietary line of masonry stains, which are utilized in decorative coloring, renovation, restoration, and corrective coloring for commercial and residential projects.

Nawkaw's presentation highlighted two of their previous historic restoration projects, one in the US and one in Australia. Both projects involved blending brick and mortar combinations to match historically colored masonry. Nawkaw's product line is manufactured to create a bond with brick, mortar or concrete, offering waterproof capabilities as well. With locations in the US, Canada and Australia, Nawkaw products have been extensively field tested and carry a 25-year warranty.

The Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference is produced by Restore Media, LLC, an information company serving the needs of professionals and owners working in the fields of historic preservation and traditionally inspired new construction. Restore Media publishes The Old-House Journal, The Old-House Journal's New OldHouse, Clem Labine's Traditional Building, and Clem Labine's Period Homes. It publishes the Ql4: House Journal Directory and has popular on-line services with each magazine.

For additional information regarding Nawkaw's products and services, please contact Nawkaw's corporate office at 706-310-9339 or visit http://www.nawkaw.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:03 AM | Comments (0)

Communication Crisis Hits AEC Industry Hard

Communication within architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms is as bad as it's ever been, according to Morrissey Goodale LLC, a management consulting firm to the design and environmental industry. "Communication has always been a struggle for professionals in the AEC industry" says Mark Goodale, a principal with the firm. "But due to heavy workloads and staffing shortages, we're seeing what communication there was rapidly deteriorating at and between all levels within firms. The problem is impacting these companies in profound ways, especially in terms of quality of deliverables and morale."

Newton, MA (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Communication within architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms is as bad as it's ever been, according to Morrissey Goodale LLC, a management consulting firm to the design and environmental industry.

"Communication has always been a struggle for professionals in the AEC industry" says Mark Goodale, a principal with the firm. "But due to heavy workloads and staffing shortages, we're seeing what communication there was rapidly deteriorating at and between all levels within firms. The problem is impacting these companies in profound ways, especially in terms of quality of deliverables and morale."

Goodale urges companies to tackle the problem head-on and offers the following advice:
• Build trust. Employees don't always have time to learn each other's personality traits, skills and interests, making it difficult for them to succeed as a group. Building trust can be achieved by assessing individual employee strengths and administering personality type indicators to break down misconceptions. "While this takes time up front, it will prove invaluable later on because it builds a team with complementary skills," says Goodale.
• Encourage healthy conflict. Conflict is uncomfortable, especially for architects and engineers, who typically tend to shy away from it. "Team members must each be encouraged to speak their minds without fearing reprisal," Goodale says. "Without some level of conflict, there is no buy-in from the individual members and ultimately no accountability."
• Master the skill of making and keeping reliable promises. "Any meaningful communication between two people involves a request for action, especially in project-driven firms like A/E and environmental companies" says Goodale. "Mastering the skill of communicating clear conditions of satisfaction and inviting negotiation from the employee translates into efficiency and client value."

Goodale believes that the best way to address communication challenges is by making sure that teammates know each other better and talk and listen on a daily basis. "The soft issues are becoming the hard issues in this industry" he says. "And not talking and not listening are among the biggest problems."

About Morrissey Goodale LLC
Morrissey Goodale LLC is a leading management consulting firm to the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Headquarters are located at Riverside Center 275 Grove Street, Suite 2-400, Newton MA, 02466. The company can be reached at 508-650-0040 or on the web at www.morrisseygoodale.com.

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

New Hook-N-Ladder Tool Transforms Your Ladder into a Safe Work Station

At last there is an answer to the problem. A ladder attachment that easily attaches to most "A" frame type ladders and has three different attachments that holds tools.

Elmhurst, IL (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Dubble D Products, Inc. has created a new innovative and unique product; the Hook-N-Ladder Tool Caddy which easily attaches to any "A" frame type fiberglass ladder and positions three different styles of attachments that allows your hand tools to be readily available.

The idea of The Hook-N-Ladder was inspired by Double D Products, Inc. of Elmhurst, IL while working on job sites and seeing the tradesmen placing nails or screws or even drilling holes in the sides of their ladders to hang their hand tools. There has been a long standing problem while working with ladders on where to put your hand tools. The issue with bumping into your ladder or moving it while you had your tools on top or on one of the rungs and knocking over your tools only to have them fall to the ground and possibly injuring yourself or someone else. Double D Products, Inc. recognized the problem and solved it by creating the Hook-N-Ladder Tool Caddy.

The Hook-N-Ladder Tool Caddy is simple to use, very reliable and economically priced. You simply attach the main body with the quick clip grip, pick your attachment and you're set to go. The Hook-N-Ladder Tool Caddy employs a quick release design that is easily secured to either side rail of your fiberglass ladder surface and easily removed when desired. The integrated attachments adjust so that the position of your tools are always parallel to the ground, perfectly flush keeping the climbing path free and clear of any obstructions.

The Hook-N-Ladder Tool Caddy may be used in other applications such as hanging a bucket for window washing, cleaning gutters or for preparing and painting walls. Made of high grade engineering recycled material the main body is black in color with the attachments in a vibrant yellow. The integral adjustable locking design allows for attachments to be installed on either the left or right side of your ladder making your ladder a virtual work station. Ease of installation without sacrificing the integrity of the highly engineered quick clip grip is incorporated into the design.

Dubble D Products, Inc. is dedicated to the development of unique and innovative products that solve everyday problems.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:01 AM | Comments (0)

Façade Maintenance Design Receives National Trust for Historic Preservation Award

Façade Maintenance Design (FMD), a New York City-based architectural and engineering firm that specializes in exterior rehabilitation and restoration, received a National Trust for Historic Preservation 2006 Honor Award for the restoration of the landmark 90 West Street building in New York City. The award was presented at a ceremony held last night at the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The announcement was made today by FMD President Richard W. Lefever and Vice President Mark Anderson.

New York, NY (PRWEB) November 9, 2006 -- Façade Maintenance Design (FMD), a New York City-based architectural and engineering firm that specializes in exterior rehabilitation and restoration, received a National Trust for Historic Preservation 2006 Honor Award for the restoration of the landmark 90 West Street building in New York City. The award was presented at a ceremony held last night at the Carnegie Music Hall in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The announcement was made today by FMD President Richard W. Lefever and Vice President Mark Anderson.

The Gothic landmark at 90 West Street, formerly known as the Coal & Iron Building, was designed by Cass Gilbert and completed in 1907. The 24-story building's exterior façade sustained serious damage on September 11, 2001 from falling debris upon the collapse of the nearby World Trade Center.

"The restoration of this building is a powerful symbol for the recovery of Lower Manhattan – the resurrection of its special historic places, and the potential for new life in this devastated area," said Wendy Nicholas, Director, National Trust for Historic Preservation, Northeast Office. "The National Trust salutes your vision, your perseverance in the face of daunting circumstances, and your commitment to the preservation of this important New York landmark."

"As members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, we take great pride in our contribution to the restoration of Cass Gilbert's Lower Manhattan landmark," said Richard Lefever. "Our work is driven by our mission to restore architectural beauty and preserve and protect historical character. This mission perfectly fit the requirement of the Landmarks Preservation Commission that all exterior restorations on the 90 West building must be historically accurate."

Other team members on this award-winning project include Kibel Companies, LLC; Brack Capital Real Estate Group; Seaboard Weatherproofing Co., Inc.; H. Thomas O'Hara Architect PLLC, and Desimone Consulting Engineers PLLC.

Façade Maintenance Design received a 2005 Lucy G. Moses Preservation Project award for the restoration of 90 West Street, awarded by New York Landmarks Conservancy, and the Best Adaptive Reuse Project Award from the New York Construction News - Best of 05 Awards. The 90 West Street restoration ranked number 14 on the New York Construction Magazine's list of Top 20 projects 2004-05.

Façade Maintenance Design is located at 362 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, and can be reached 212.560-9292 or visit www.facademd.com .

About Façade Maintenance Design: Since 1983, Facade Maintenance Design (FMD) has specialized in the investigation, repair and rehabilitation of building exteriors and façades. Headquartered in New York City, FMD engineers, architects and restoration specialists are recognized problem-solving experts in exterior rehabilitation and restoration. FMD has provided exterior restoration services for historic buildings throughout the eastern United States.

PRESS CONTACTS:
Stacey Cohen/Mike Dardano
Co-Communications, Inc.
(914) 666-0066

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:00 AM | Comments (0)

Clyde Waterfront Regeneration Takes Centre Stage at WaterfrontExpo

The massive scale and outstanding quality of regeneration along the River Clyde were under the spotlight recently as WaterfrontExpo 2006 came to Glasgow.

Glasgow, Lanarkshire (PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- The massive scale and outstanding quality of regeneration along the River Clyde were under the spotlight recently as WaterfrontExpo 2006 came to Glasgow. WaterfrontExpo 2006 was put on by Media Generation Events Ltd.

The endorsement of the Clyde Waterfront redevelopment project came from the 520 participants from 34 countries at WaterfrontExpo 2006, the world’s largest conference and exhibition focusing on global waterfront development, staged in Glasgow.
The organisers of WaterfrontExpo 2006, Media Generation Events Ltd, also hailed the conference as the best since its inauguration four years ago.

Mark Beaumont of Media Generation, said, "Coming to Glasgow and Scotland has been a great experience for us. Without doubt it has been our most successful and biggest event to date. We have had excellent support and great hospitality."

"Importantly the delegates have been able to see for themselves the quality and massive scale of the regeneration being undertaken and relate it to what they themselves are doing. The event has provided valuable exposure for this superb project."

His comments were reinforced by key professionals involved in major waterfront developments around the world.

Juergen Bruns-Berentelg, CEO of HafenCity, Hamburg, Germany, told delegates: "I was in Glasgow thirty years ago when I was studying and I’m amazed at the transformation that has taken place."

Lev Pukshansky, Vice President of Marine Façade Ltd, responsible for the Saint Petersburg, Russia, regeneration project covering 450 hectares and costing $1.5 billion, said: "I am highly impressed by what I have seen here and the progress that has been made. We have just begun our project and it is very important for me to be here and in a way see the future of our own development, it’s like being in a time machine. This has been an excellent conference and exhibition. We have been able to see or hear about virtually every major waterfront development in the world."

Maureen Thomson, an ex-pat Scot who is marketing executive for V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa, said: "I think the regeneration along the Clyde is really excellent, especially after the years of the river lying derelict and empty of people. It’s about developing a waterfront with the main purpose of bringing people back to live here by offering them a piece of history as well as a new experience."

Peter Kearns, Executive Director of Clyde Waterfront, the partnership body responsible for coordinating and promoting the river’s renaissance, said: "Hosting this event has delivered what it promised, a unique opportunity to showcase the regeneration of the River Clyde to a global audience. Clyde Waterfront has become the front door to opportunity which is now being promoted by both the public and private sectors."

He rated the WaterfrontExpo event as an "unparalleled and stimulating learning experience" for everyone involved in revitalising the River Clyde and its communities.

During the three day conference and exhibition delegates heard details of 12 major waterfront development projects including Clyde Waterfront, Waterfront Edinburgh, Manchester, Chicago, Wellington, Lisbon, Saint-Petersburg, Orestad, HafenCity, Toronto, Oslo and Porto Cristovao, Brazil – the first South American city to participate.

Waterfront development experts from around the world attending WaterfrontExpo 2006 have been amazed by the transformation taking place along the banks of the River Clyde. With around £5.6 billion of public and private sector investment Clyde Waterfront has the potential to deliver significant benefits for the entire economy. The 15 year plan for waterfront regeneration will transform one of the world’s most famous rivers.

The Clyde Waterfront project is based on sustainable development and renewal. It will involve development of more than 909,000 square meters of office, retail, industrial and leisure space. It is Scotland’s single most significant urban renewal project and development opportunity, and brings together the public and private sectors to rejuvenate an eight-mile (13 km) stretch of land along the River Clyde.

From new housing developments in Glasgow to a range of business and leisure facilities, plans are in place to transform the area, encouraging inward investment in Scotland. The urban renewal programme will help Scotland compete on an international stage.

Lisbon will host WaterfrontExpo 2007 and the event will return to the UK the following year with Liverpool as the host city.

Editors’ notes

For information on WaterfrontExpo visit: www.waterfrontexpo.com

Details of Clyde Waterfront can be found at http://www.clydewaterfront.com/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:58 AM | Comments (0)

Renewal by Andersen Replacement Windows Feature Energy Star Efficiency and Low E-4 Glass to Weather all Seasons

New England and Massachusetts area window replacement specialist emphasizes 35% greater winter efficiency.

Northborough, Mass. (PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- With the winter season rapidly approaching and many households anticipating high heating bills, window manufacturer Renewal by Andersen® is helping the Northeast keep energy costs down—and with style. The New England and Massachusetts replacement window specialists not only offer Energy Star® qualified and Green Seal certified windows, they do it through High-Performance™ Low E-4™ Glass that keeps the replacement windows cleaner and more enjoyable during the cold Atlantic winter.

Renewal by Andersen, the window replacement division of Andersen Corporation, specializes in vinyl replacement window installation with a commitment to an energy efficient window product. The company's High-Performance glass provides for up to 35% more winter time efficiency, a particularly important consideration for the New Hampshire and Massachusetts window replacement industries. "In all of our markets, customers are looking for more environmentally friendly, energy efficient replacement window products, but in areas like New England, where winters can be brutally cold, it becomes even more important," according to Steve Woodward of Renewal by Andersen.

The High-Performance™ Low-E4™ glass that makes Renewal by Andersen's replacement windows energy efficient also makes them lower maintenance than ordinary windows. A special exterior coating works with the elements to ultimately reduce water spots by up to 99%—another key benefit for customers of the Massachusetts and New Hampshire replacement windows manufacturer. Additionally Renewal by Andersen windows help keep UV rays outside and reduce sound penetration, particularly appealing to Boston area replacement window customers who experience more traffic and general noise.

The stylish Renewal by Andersen replacement windows are custom built for each home and offered in an array of elegant styles in multiple colors or woods. With a high concentration of historic homes, Andersen serves its Massachusetts and New Hampshire window replacement customers well with beautiful double-hung windows as well as more traditional casement windows—all expertly installed. The contemporary renovation is offered gliding windows as well as picture windows, and bay and bow windows lend sophistication to any home. The maintenance friendly nature of the High-Performance, Low E-4 glass makes all styles a pleasure to live with.

Renewal by Andersen is a recognized leader in the window and patio door replacement industry. Custom manufactured with showrooms in the New England area and across the United States, Renewal by Andersen offers homeowners a variety of design options through one of the largest nationwide networks of window replacement specialists. The company keeps the environment and energy efficiency as key factors in product development, which has led to the Department of Energy's Energy Star® rating, Green Seal environment certification, and the National Fenestration Rating Council's efficiency label.

Contact:
Steve Woodword
Renewal By Andersen
Northborough, Massachusetts
(508) 919-0900

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:57 AM | Comments (0)

Housing Bubble to Deflate for at Least Two More Years, Despite Greenspan's Optimism

There's a growing consensus among economic and financial experts on the rate at which the real estate bubble will deflate. It will be a slow leak, they say. But the reality is far more chilling.

(PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- Last month, former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said "the worst may well be over." But the "worst" is a frightening picture: Median prices for home sales have fallen sharply year-over-year, for two straight months, according to National Association of Realtors.

"In addition to being the largest price drops in at least 38 years," The Wall Street Journal reported, "the back-to-back declines are the first time median home prices have fallen since 1995." And the decline is hardly over.

According to Karim Rahemtulla, an Advisory Panelist for Investment U, based in Baltimore, Md., the situation is about to get much worse.

"Homeowners are in denial," Rahemtulla said. "Right now, sellers aren't selling… They're still waiting for Santa to deliver their asking price, or close to it."

Those who have interest-only, or "teaser-rate," mortgages could see their monthly payments more than double.

"Interest rates will rise on about $300 billion in adjustable-rate mortgages this year alone," he said. "That figure is projected to skyrocket to more than $1 trillion in each of the next two years."

Arizona, Nevada, Florida and California will be hit particularly hard, he said, and homeowners in these states may not see a 5% decline, as experts predict, "but could fall two or three times that number."

Homebuilders are feeling the pinch, too.

One of the healthiest builders, DR Horton (NYSE: DHI), a well-managed company with a pristine balance sheet and a portfolio that encompasses all economic strata, said its cancellation rate [homes cancelled divided by gross homes sold for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 40%.

According to Rahemtulla, the bottom of the housing market will be here no sooner than two years.

"So while the brokers are upgrading homebuilding stocks," he said, "and trying to make it seem that the worst is over for housing, my advice is to take the first reasonable offer and count yourself lucky… The housing bust is not today's news. It is going to be tomorrow's." Click here for the full housing bubble report.

http://www.investmentu.com/IUEL/2006/20061019.html
Investment U – an educational investment e-letter – brings dynamic market information to more than 300,000 subscribers each day. To sign up for the free Investment U e-letter, click below:
http://www.investmentu.com/siup/prhousing.html

For more information about our editors, or to set up an interview, please contact Juan Muñoz at 410.223.2693 or visit: http://www.investmentu.com/press/mediaappearances.html

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:56 AM | Comments (0)

Birkman's Self-Development Report Provides Assessment for Leadership

Birkman International introduces its new Coaching Report that helps coaches and human resource (HR) professionals assess a complete range of social behaviors, including working within teams, ideal work environment and managing change -- in addition to providing managers, executives and HR professionals a comprehensive assessment for self-management and development. For a limited time, Birkman International is offering the Coaching Report online at no charge to HR professionals and qualified managers and executives. Normally, the charge is $49.99 for the report.

Houston (PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- Birkman International introduces its new Coaching Report that helps coaches and human resource (HR) professionals assess a complete range of social behaviors, including working within teams, ideal work environment and managing change -- in addition to providing managers, executives and HR professionals a comprehensive assessment for self-management and development. For a limited time, Birkman International is offering the Coaching Report online at no charge to HR professionals and qualified managers and executives. Normally, the charge is $49.99 for the report.

The Coaching Report is designed to increase personal and professional self-awareness, describe specific tendencies relative to important interpersonal and task-related activities, pinpoint areas that may be current or future liabilities and help develop specific coaching goals.

"Our Executive Coaching Report is based on our extremely in-depth behavioral test results," said Sharon Birkman Fink, CEO of Birkman International. "However, it does not require any special knowledge of our scales and measurements and puts our high-powered analysis in straightforward terms for individual growth and development."

Based on the internationally-acclaimed Birkman Method®, the new Executive Coaching Report is an effective and efficient way to accelerate the movement towards self-awareness, self-management and personal development, which are the goals of most coaching assignments. The document is delivered to both the coach and the trainee. In simple, actionable terms, it assesses a complete range of social behaviors, including working within teams, ideal work environment and managing change---in addition to outlining potential conflicts and areas to explore.

This leadership development tool based on the Birkman Method® was designed and developed in collaboration with Dr. Rob Hicks, director of the Executive and Professional Coaching Program at the University of Texas at Dallas School of Management and Birkman-certified professional.

"We are giving individuals direct access to the shaping of their own future, in a language they can make actionable and understand," Fink said. "No other assessment method goes as in-depth as The Birkman Method into the relationship between personality and performance, and we look forward to helping many more people get in touch with their hidden needs, strengths and stressors."

For a limited time, Birkman International is offering the Coaching Report online at no charge to HR professionals and individual executives. Normally, the charge is $49.99 for the report. To access the Executive Coaching Report, go to http://www.starrtincup.com/birkman/CFR/signup.asp?refer=MPR110706.

About Birkman International
The Birkman Method® has been in use for more than 50 years and has been used by more than 2 million people and 5,000 organizations worldwide, including corporations, not-for-profit organizations, governmental agencies and individuals. The assessment accurately measures social behaviors, underlying expectations of interpersonal and task actions, potential stress reactions to unmet expectations, occupational preferences and organizational strengths. For more information visit their website or call 1-800-215-2760.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:46 AM | Comments (0)

Paying Less Costs More - Over 10 Million Home Owners Have Suffered From Cowboy Tradesmen

Wheeler-dealer home owners who deal in cash and cut contractual corners for short term gain are fuelling a nationwide boom in rogue tradesmen, which ends up costing them over £865 million a year in repairs of botched jobs, according to a survey by Rated Tradesmen.

London, UK (PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- Rated Tradesmen, the UK's number one on-line service that matches tradesmen to customer-submitted jobs, questioned over 1,000 home owners to mark the launch of 'The Little Book of GSI' (Getting Someone In) – a free e-Book that gives expert advice on how to avoid cowboy tradesmen. Shockingly over half (52 per cent) of all home owners pay tradesmen cash-in-hand – allowing rogue tradesmen to flourish as they can undercut reputable competitors by avoiding the 17.5 per cent VAT.

Despite the home being people's most valuable asset, people spend an average of only twelve minutes checking the credentials and references of tradesmen before letting them into their house. Two thirds (65 per cent) of people admit that they have knowingly employed a tradesman with no recognised accreditations or recommendations of any sort simply because they provided a cheaper quote. A further three out of four people (73 per cent) have let tradesmen work on their homes without ever drawing up a contract – an act that leaves them without any consumer protection whatsoever.

Andrew Skipwith, founder of Rated Tradesmen, comments: "As with all things in this world, the best price is not always the best value and when it comes to your home you really do only get what you pay for. If you go for a cheaper option and don't use reputable tradesmen the deal is likely to backfire and you'll end up with shoddy craftsmanship and poor customer service that will undoubtedly cost you more in the long run through repairs."

In the past year alone over 10 million – 68 per cent of home owners – have suffered from a cowboy tradesman's botched job with seven out of ten saying they are 'extremely unhappy' or 'unhappy' with the levels of service they have received. A massive one in three home owners (34 per cent) have employed another tradesman to correct a previous tradesman's mistakes costing on average an extra £256 per botched job. 17 per cent try and improve on a bad job themselves with a spot of DIY. 14 per cent of home owners who experienced unsatisfactory work preferred to do nothing and put it down to experience rather than face the hassle of a dispute.

London is the capital of rogue tradesmen with more than £95 million a year spent by home owners on the repairs of botched jobs followed by tradesmen in the South East (£91 million) and the East (£85 million). Scottish home owners are the most satisfied with their tradesmen spending the least (£64 million) on fixing botched jobs.

Skipwith adds: "Rogue home owners are fuelling a boom in rogue tradesmen by not playing by the rules. Cutting contractual corners and paying cash-in-hand is not only denying reputable tradesmen work, it is also leaving record numbers of home owners with huge repair bills. To avoid nasty surprises you should always employ tradesmen from credible sources with established reputations."

Top five tips on how to avoid cowboy tradesmen:
1. Ask a few questions - Take time to get to know your tradesmen and the services they offer
2. Get multiple quotes – but don't just choose on money, take into account their reputation and any ratings they have earned for quality and reliability
3. Sign an agreement – make signed records of the job description, start date, duration and agreed price before any work commences
4. Get your tradesmen from reputable sources – be wary of adverts that come through your door or directory listings with only a telephone number. Anyone can claim to be a tradesman
5. Pay in instalments – never pay the whole amount in advance, and avoid paying large deposits up front. On longer jobs, agree a schedule of payments and make sure that your payment at each stage reflects the progress made

The Rated Tradesmen advice e-Book 'The Little Book of GSI' is available for free to download from Rated Tradesmen.

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 home owners to see.
• Tradespeople interested in joining the on-line community and customers seeking more information should contact Rated Tradesmen by calling 0870 220 8820 or by visiting the website

Results at a Glance:

According to Communities & Local Government (www.communities.gov.uk) there are 14,621,000 owner occupied households in the UK – 9,942,280 (68 per cent) home owners have suffered from a cowboy tradesman's botched job. 34 per cent of those suffering from a botched job (3,380,375) pay on average an extra £256 each to repair the botched job – cumulatively costing £865,376,000.

How home owners have reacted to botched jobs:

• Employed another tradesman to improve the work (34 per cent)
• Gone to a consumer advice service such as Consumer Direct or the Office of Fair Trading (22 per cent)
• Tried and improved the job yourself through DIY (17 per cent)
• Nothing, put it down to experience (14 per cent)
• Given the tradesman more money to sort the problem out (13 per cent)

League table of rogue tradesmen based on amount home owners spend on repairing botched jobs:

• London – £95 million a year
• South East – £91
• East – £85
• Midlands – £82
• North East – £79
• South West – £78
• Wales – £76
• North West – £75
• West Midlands – £71
• Yorkshire – £69
• Scotland – £64

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:45 AM | Comments (0)

Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. Places Top Executives

Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of Brooke Chase Associates, Inc., (www.brookechase.com) is pleased to announce the successful recruitment of two top executives for Cal Door, a Morgan Hill, CA based manufacturer of the finest hand-crafted cabinetry doors in the world.

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- Joseph McElmeel, Chairman and CEO of Brooke Chase Associates, Inc., (www.brookechase.com) is pleased to announce the successful recruitment of two top executives for Cal Door, a Morgan Hill, CA based manufacturer of the finest hand-crafted cabinetry doors in the world. By combining old-world craftsmanship with the latest up-to-the-minute technology, they are able to offer "consistent" quality...each and every time...for each and every door. Each door is as perfect and beautiful as the last. Their product offerings are available for the kitchen, bath, or closet.

In October 2006, Cal Door welcomed Joerg-Michael Bruckner as their new Operations Manager. Prior to joining Cal Door, Bruckner served as Operations Manager for d-Scan, Inc., and prior as Plant Manager for Cardell Cabinetry. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Wood Technical College in Germany.

Douglas Jacot joined Cal Door as their new Plant Manager in November. Previously, Jacot was the Manufacturing Manager for Masterbrand Cabinets and prior, served as Director of Manufacturing for Callaway Golf Company. He received his undergraduate and Masters in Business Administration from the University of San Diego.

Both executives will be based out of Cal Doors' Salinas, CA facility.

About Brooke Chase Associates, Inc.
Established in 1980, Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. is an industry-focused Executive Search Firm with a specialization in the Building Materials, Home Builders, and Kitchen and Bath Industries. Brooke Chase Associates, Inc. has offices in Chicago, Charlotte, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Sarasota, FL.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:44 AM | Comments (0)

TDCI Partners with Scene7® to Deliver Rich Media Applications within BuyDesign® Guided Selling and Configuration Solution

TDCI is incorporating Scene7's platform solutions into BuyDesign to provide a rich media product configuration and ordering experience.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) November 8, 2006 -- TDCI Inc, a leading enterprise solution provider, today announced that the company is partnering with Scene7, Inc., provider of the industry-leading Scene7 On-Demand rich media platform, to deliver several new capabilities within TDCI's BuyDesign guided selling and configuration solution. BuyDesign is a comprehensive software solution that helps companies increase sales and improve profitability by enabling them to become 'easy to do business with' while reducing order processing time, cost, and errors.

TDCI is incorporating Scene7's platform solutions into BuyDesign to provide a rich media product configuration and ordering experience. The Scene7 rich media platform is an easy-to-use, Web-based system that gives business users the control to upload, manage, enhance, and publish dynamic rich media content with minimal IT support.

BuyDesign Configurator combined with Scene7's capabilities for visually configuring product images online enables users to visualize all of a product's texture, material, color, pattern and surface options dynamically generated from a single master image with swatches applied while offering streamlined ordering, selection and status processing. BuyDesign eliminates the need to create individual part numbers for every valid product configuration and Scene7's image rendering eliminates the need to create individual photos for every possible product variation providing even greater content management ROI. Customers and channel partners can visualize all options to gain purchase confidence while the manufacturer avoids the need for photos of every SKU.

Scene7 eCatalogs combined with the BuyDesign Storefront or Channel Sales applications allow companies to integrate interactive versions of print materials with their online quoting and ordering systems. Dynamically assembled and served, Scene7 eCatalogs are ideal for delivering segmented, personalized interactive versions in real-time. Unlike pre-built online catalogs, eCatalogs are instantly reconfigured and updated on the fly allowing companies to deliver more relevant, targeted visual catalogs to drive multi-channel sales more cost-effectively.
"We've been impressed by Scene7's technology for handling images," stated Dan DeMuth, TDCI president. "It aligns well with our strategy to provide capabilities that enable companies to be completely self-sufficient in providing guided selling solutions to their channel partners and customers."

"TDCI shares a complementary approach with Scene7 about the value companies gain from having the ability to maintain a central repository of product content for use across all of their selling systems and channels," said Doug Mack, CEO of Scene7 . "The BuyDesign Configurator is an ideal tool to combine with Scene7 On-Demand for managing and distributing product content cost-effectively."

About Scene7
Scene7 – provider of the leading on-demand rich media platform – enables companies to grow revenues, enhance customer experience and cut production costs. Scene7's solutions are built on an integrated technology platform – for unrivaled breadth, depth, scalability and ease of use. Solutions include Dynamic Imaging, eCatalogs, Product Configurators, Targeted email & print, and Image Management. Available both as software and On-Demand, leading companies worldwide have selected Scene7, including Amazon, Harrods, Macy's, Office Depot, Levi Strauss & Co., La-Z-Boy and QVC – and partners IBM, Microsoft, Akamai and Adobe. Visit www.scene7.com.

About TDCI
TDCI is an enterprise solution provider that specializes in helping manufacturers and their distributors streamline the selling process for customized products. TDCI's BuyDesign® software is a guided selling and configuration solution developed to help companies increase sales and improve profitability by becoming 'easy to do business with' while reducing order processing time, cost, and errors. BuyDesign supports the entire 'interest-to-order' cycle with modular components for guided product selection and configuration, product visualization, quoting and ordering, drawing generation, and status inquiry. BuyDesign also includes applications for web-based interest generation and for product specification from within popular design products such as AutoCAD and others. For more information about TDCI and BuyDesign, visit www.tdci.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:42 AM | Comments (0)

November 07, 2006

National Webcast Addresses Top Concern of Privately Held Business Owners

On November 15, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), several major financial sponsors have teamed up to address the largest planning issue facing Baby Boomer business owners today -- the "Succession Planning" issue. Register at http://www.ErsiWebcast.com

Irvine, CA (PRWeb) November 7, 2006 -- On Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific Time), don't expect to be able to reach an Owner of a Small or Medium sized business. That's because they will likely be tuning in on their computer to the largest national webcast effort ever orchestrated to specifically address the "Succession Planning" issue.

The Webcast, entitled "Exit Your Business in Style by Implementing the Seven Step Exit Planning Process", is being offered at no cost to any business owner with a computer as the result of a coordinated effort by Entrepreneur.com, Business Enterprise Institute of Denver, Colorado, Exit & Retirement Strategies, Inc. (ERSI) of Southern California and Denver, Colorado, and PartnersFinancial of Austin, Texas.

"Bringing this information together for the benefit of the U.S. Business Owner was a monumental effort," according to Bill Black, President of ERSI. "And recognizing the scarcity of time for the average business owner, bringing the information to the owner via webcast seemed like a logical way to get the information out to the greatest number of people."

"This is a very important topic. There are over 9.5 million Privately held businesses in the U.S. today, and over 40% of the owners are facing the succession planning issue, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration," Black said. "And the primary cause for failure is lack of planning. We want to make sure as many people get access to the seven step process as possible so they don't make that mistake".

Black added, "The Succession issue is a retirement issue, and it can't be ignored because it won't go away without substantial planning well in advance. We suggest that owners begin planning at least three but preferably 10 years before their planned SET (Succession, Exit by sale or Transition to absentee ownership) strategy."

The featured speaker for the webcast is John Brown, noted author of "How To Run Your Business So You Can Leave It In Style", a best-selling book on Succession Planning, and President and Founder of Business Enterprise Institute. "At some point, every Owner leaves his business – voluntary or otherwise," Brown says. "At that time, every owner wants to receive the maximum amount of money in order to accomplish personal, financial and estate planning goals."

Early registrants can get access to a free e-book that Entrepreneur.com is making available called "Grow Your Business 1-2-3". For information or to register, go to http://www.ErsiWebcast.com

To view information about Exit & Retirement Strategies, visit their web page at http://www.Exit-Retire.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)

Commercial Real Estate Goes High Tech with Automated Property Search Engine

Buyers Call the Shots: A New Comprehensive Search Portal Matches Buyers to Properties With Greater Speed and More Accuracy.

New York, NY (PRWeb) November 7, 2006 -- In response to persistent inquires about properties by their mortgage clients, Eastern Union Commercial is launching a powerful online service for automating commercial property searches at RealProspex.com. RealProspex is a comprehensive database which provides deals specifically tailored to individual buyers.

"We developed this portal to capitalize on the extensive deal-flow at Eastern Union," said Ira Zlotowitz, President. "Our mortgage clients had always wanted to know what we have seen for sale and with RealProspex they can find what they seek," he added. Unlike most listing sites that allow buyers to search through all their properties online, RealProspex will only send buyers a deal if it matches their specific criteria.

Through RealProspex, commercial real estate buyers and investors are only shown properties that are relevant to the detailed profiles they create, yielding a highly targeted deal selection. Additionally, each offering undergoes a thorough underwriting analysis by Eastern Union's finance experts, ensuring that the deal truly meets the buyer's criteria. Buyers and investors can access the new property matching service by registering for the beta version at RealProspex.com free of charge.

Sales brokers can beat "the listing rush" by registering their commercial properties for free using the beta version of RealProspex. The database provides sales brokers with a more efficient way to monitor buyer interest and bid activity on each of their properties.

"We believe that buyers are seeking deals in an environment where opportunities are presented clearly and efficiently," said Abraham Bergman, Principal of Eastern Union Commercial.

About Eastern Union Commercial

Eastern Union Commercial is one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate brokerages in the country, with ten offices nationally, specializing in multi-family, retail, office, industrial, healthcare, mixed-use, hotel and construction loans. Over the last 12 months, the company has negotiated over $1 billion worth of real estate transactions throughout the country. For more information visit: www.EasternUC.com or call toll free 866-862-4800.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:12 AM | Comments (0)

Bensonwood's Open Prototype Initiative Home Featured in November Issue of Popular Science

The Open Prototype Initiative, a program of The Massachusetts Institute of Technology House_n Research Consortium (MIT House_n) and Bensonwood Homes of Walpole, NH is featured in the November issue of Popular Science, a national monthly magazine about current science and technology. The magazine article highlights the house built by Bensonwood for Crotched Mountain and discussed the innovative initiative with MIT aimed at providing highly customized, adaptable, sustainable, and affordable homes.

The Open Prototype Initiative, a program of The Massachusetts Institute of Technology House_n Research Consortium (MIT House_n) and Bensonwood Homes of Walpole, NH is featured in the November issue of Popular Science, a national monthly magazine about current science and technology. The magazine article highlights the house built by Bensonwood for Crotched Mountain and discussed the innovative initiative with MIT aimed at providing highly customized, adaptable, sustainable, and affordable homes.

MIT House_n and Bensonwood are building a series of prototype homes and sharing information with the construction industry in an effort to improve the way homes are built in America. The initiative is an "open source" project, sharing information, while demonstrating high quality building techniques. The overarching goal of the initiative is to make homes more affordable, adaptable, energy and environmentally efficient, for builders and homeowners alike, while meeting the needs of homeowners through every stage of life.

Construction of the first home, Open_1 was completed this summer. Open_1 is a three-story, 28-by-46-foot house, serving as a transitional home for people recovering from brain injuries at Crotched Mountain in Greenfield, NH. The design of the house is based upon "Open Building" principles and utilized 3D computer technology, allowing for a layered building approach. Designing and building in layers allows the home to be highly adaptable to the changing needs of occupants, without the hassle, mess and costs of typical home projects and renovations. Open_1 also incorporated green building techniques, producing just over two garbage barrels of on-site waste and incorporates environmental monitoring systems.

"We are flattered by the recognition The Open Prototype Initiative received in the Popular Science article," said Tedd Benson president of Bensonwood Homes. "We hope that as the work of this project receives recognition, builders, designers and homeowners will all come to see that there's a better way to build homes, and they will join us in creating standards for higher quality, affordable and environmentally friendly homes."

Crotched Mountain is committed to providing high quality services and facilities for its clients. At the same time Bensonwood was looking for a site to build the first Open Prototype Initiative home, Crotched Mountain was looking toward the future and how it could provide an environmentally friendly and adaptable home that meets the changing needs of its clients.

"The Open Prototype Initiative overall and Open_1 here at Crotched Mountain are the first steps in improving homes for people of all abilities," said Don Shumway, president and CEO of Crotched Mountain. "When people look back years from now when the innovations that began with this project have become industry standards, they'll be able to look at the home we have here and they'll know that this home represents the beginning of a better way of building homes for everyone."

Bensonwood is also noted for its custom designed, quality built timberframe buildings both residential or public. An award-winning team of designers, timberframers, woodworkers, engineers, and project stewards will work closely with clients at every stage to bring their ideas to reality.

For more on the Open Prototype Initiative go to timberframed houses, and to see plans for homes, barns and other buildings, visit www.bensonwood.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:11 AM | Comments (0)

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

The next generation of Canadians are once again investing in land, homes and condominiums in Blaine, Semiahmoo and Birch Bay.

(PRWeb) November 7, 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 07:10 AM | Comments (0)

Cityblock Announces the Hiring of Doug Deyo -- President

Cityblock recently announced the hiring of Doug Deyo as President of Cityblock. This addition to Cityblock allows the organization to meet the growing market demands in the Phoenix area for commercial construction services and building services.

Tempe, AZ (PRWeb) November 7, 2006 -- Cityblock, one of the fastest growing commercial real estate services providers in Phoenix, recently announced the hiring of Doug Deyo as President of Cityblock. This addition to Cityblock allows the organization to meet the growing market demands in the Phoenix area for commercial construction services and building services. These services include tenant improvements, HVAC construction and maintenance, building maintenance, general contracting, and space planning.

As President, Doug Deyo will focus on the continued growth of Cityblock and strengthening the company reputation. Doug brings 20 years of collective experience in the areas of facilities/property management, strategic planning, process improvement, lease management, construction management and system implementation. Deyo has been instrumental in the design, reengineering and implementation of numerous business methodologies and strategies.

Prior to joining Cityblock, Doug Deyo was the Administrative Officer for Transportation Security Authority (TSA) at Chicago Midway International Airport. In this capacity he managed extensive facility and operational responsibilities and oversaw a staff of 550 employees. Deyo also has previous experience working with industry leaders such as Accenture and Aramark.

Doug Deyo holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and a Masters in Business Administration from Aurora University. He is a certified Contract Officer Technical Representative (COTR) and a member of both the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and the American Productivity and Quality Center (APQC).

About Cityblock
Cityblock is a real estate services company that delivers innovative service solutions construction and building services. Cityblock uses state-of-the-art technology together with highly skilled teams of commercial real estate professionals to deliver value to their clients.

Contact
Craig Mathews, Director of Marketing
Cityblock, Tempe, AZ
480.682.1779
www.cityblock.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:09 AM | Comments (0)

Call for Statewide Ban on Pigeon Shoots a Step in the Right Direction

Pigeon shoots that still take place in a few areas of the United States are cruel and barbaric. The plight of animal rights groups and others lends credence to the use of pigeon spikes as a humane way for pigeon control.

San Francisco, CA (PRWeb) November 7, 2006 -- This fall, an age-old tradition of pigeon shoots that most feel is cruel and barbaric was halted by community groups and animal rights groups who successfully blocked a pigeon shoot planned in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. In addition, another shoot in Schuylkill County was canceled after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision ruled that participants could be prosecuted for animal cruelty.

Pennsylvania is actually one of the last states that still allow pigeon shoot events where shooters kill thousands of pigeons for prizes or cash. Originally, these events started as a barbaric form of pigeon control, but over the years, tame and wild pigeons were stockpiled for months and released for these shoots. Often, they have been packed in cages and arrived malnourished and dehydrated.

For years, animal rights groups have been fighting to halt these gruesome events where for days afterwards, nearby residents would complain of finding dead and dying birds on their roofs and in their yards. Birds would be wounded and left to suffer before eventually dying.

Nowadays, most recognize that events like these have no value left in our enlightened society. If an area has issues with its pigeon population, there are caring and civilized ways to achieve pigeon control.

"Last year, we did have troubles with pigeons nesting in our eaves and we were unsure what to do," comments Curtis Anderson from Baltimore, Maryland. "We started researching our options, and decided to install pigeon control spike strips in our problem areas. They quickly did the trick and this past year, we have had no problems. I was pleased that we found a way to deal with our problem without harming the birds," he concludes.

Others like Anderson are sensitive to the plight of animals and want to find fair ways of implementing pigeon control. One company on the cutting edge of offering humane solutions to pigeon problems is Deter-a-Pigeon.

"I was appalled when I heard about the pigeon shoots still occurring in Pennsylvania. No longer a necessary way for pigeon control, these shoots had become a dangerous and harmful spectacle," comments Dave Jones from Deter-a-Pigeon.

"Hopefully, the media attention surrounding the bans along with the Supreme Court decision will showcase that there are humane ways of dealing with pigeon control problems," Jones concludes.

Anyone suffering with pigeon control issues should investigate pigeon spikes and other humane ways of controlling the pigeon population. Companies like Deter-a-Pigeon are there to help people and businesses take care of their problems while allowing fair treatment to the birds.

ABOUT DETERAPIGEON
For 10 years, Deterapigeon has been a leader in safe pigeon spike solutions in the UK. In 1995, David Jones, Director of Deterapigeon invented and patented the Defender 4 pigeon spikes which safely deter pigeons without harming them. This still remains the only pest control product recommended by the Pigeon Control Advisory Service (PiCAS).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:08 AM | Comments (0)

Modular Building Company Awarded Modular Office Expansion From FEMA-Federal Emergency Management

FEMA selects Allied Modular Building Systems For More Movable Space.

Orange, CA (PRWeb) November 7, 2006 -- Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc. recently announced that it has been awarded the contract for the construction of an interior office building for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at their Bothell, Washington location.

The project calls for a Interior office building workspace consisting of Allied Modular's Integra 400® - 4" wall system. The single story building will be used as additional office space for FEMA personnel. Installation should be completed by end November. This wall system is the only wall system with an ICC approval and gaining exposure in recent months for its ease and durability.

"Allied Modular continues of offer excellent solutions to our modular needs and invariably at the best price ... certainly a win-win scenario for all," stated FEMA's Tony Morea.

"Allied Modular Building Systems is proud to continue our relationship with FEMA," stated Amy Tzonkov, Regional Sales Manger for the Northwestern U.S. territory, including Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Hawaii. "Since 2003, our company has been the preferred supplier of modular products and services to FEMA. Allied Modular is delighted to partner with FEMA and other government agencies in compliance with their unique and individual budget-parameters and time-tables."

Allied Modular has experienced record sales in all market sectors in the 3rd and 4th quarters. "Their push to be success has been really fun to watch" said Jim Stevens, a company consultant." I am not sure why any company would build any other way!"

For further information contact Amy Tzonkov at e-mail protected from spam bots or phone toll-free at 866-925-5548.

About Allied Modular Building Systems

Since 1989, Allied Modular Building Systems, Inc. has secured its reputation as the leader in the modular industry with products manufactured locally and distributed nationally that provide cost effective, time saving, versatile alternatives to standard stick construction. All products are 100% modular and can be relocated and reassembled. Product lines include modular offices, interior and exterior buildings, clean rooms, 2 story offices, guard houses, mezzanines, vision towers, machine enclosures, full height partitions, smoking shelters and nearly innumerable custom applications. Tours of our 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and showroom are welcome. Contact Allied Modular at 800-959-0810 or visit our website at http://:www.alliedmodular.com

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

BD Nationwide Mortgage Introduces the Second Mortgage that Requires NO Appraisal for Home Equity Loans to 125% and Refinancing Credit Lines

BD Nationwide Mortgage introduces the "Fast Fund Second Mortgage Loan" that requires no formal appraisal. The latest second mortgage product from BD Nationwide reduces the funding times for home equity loans, because underwriting accepts an automated value model rather than a URAR or 2055 appraisal that requires a licensed appraiser to visit, survey, and appraise a property and the comparable properties. In most cases, automated value models eliminate about 10 days of the home equity loan process by waiving the formal appraisal. The AVM accepted with these second mortgages takes the loan officer about 20 seconds to complete for most properties.

(PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- BD Nationwide Mortgage introduces the "Fast Fund Second Mortgage Loan" that requires no formal appraisal. The latest second mortgage product from BD Nationwide reduces the funding times for home equity loans, because underwriting accepts an automated value model rather than a URAR or 2055 appraisal that requires a licensed appraiser to visit, survey, and appraise a property and the comparable properties. The average full appraisal or drive by typically takes 7 to 10 business days to complete from the time the loan officer or mortgage broker orders the appraisal. Most of the AVM models accepted with these second mortgages takes the loan officer about 20 seconds to complete for most properties. Besides increasing the efficiency of the loan process, this "Fast Fund Second Mortgage" program reduces the loan costs $300 to $500 per loan, depending on the state.

According to Brendon Daly, a financing consultant with BD Nationwide Mortgage, "The AVM 's seem to be approved with the home equity lenders for this 2nd mortgage product about 60% of the time." Daly continued, "This is a great added-value service for homeowners looking for a cash out by means of a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. The AVM eliminates about 10 days of the home equity loan process by waiving the formal appraisal. This really relieves the stress level for many borrowers that comes with the territory, when the appraiser comes to evaluate your home during this declining real estate market.

According to Citibank executive, Jim Markham, "Having the ability to use the AVM model is a Win-Win scenario for mortgage brokers and homeowners across the country. Mortgage brokers can increase their second mortgage volumes and borrowing consumers benefit from reduced costs and quicker loan processing cycles. BD Nationwide and participating home equity lenders are releasing more 2nd mortgage and refinance products with underwriting guidelines enabling the use of these statistical appraisals that calculate the home values online simultaneously with credit reports.

At this time, BD Nationwide also provides fixed rate home equity loans to 125%, prime rate equity lines of credit, and sub-prime second mortgages for people with lower credit scores and past late payments, collections or bankruptcies.

Lynda Nelms, a Senior loan officer at BD Nationwide, noted that the automated 125 home equity loan soothes many of my clients who want to consolidate debt or get access to cash but might be concerned about declining property values." The AVM does not work for every home loan, but when the value is acceped, the second mortgage process is significantly streamlined. Homeowners prefer having the ability to use their home equity and this 2nd mortgage loan helps make home improvement financing quick and easy. According to Nelms, "The process for 125 loans can be a stressful time for many borrowers who are seeking cash out quickly." Having the opportunity to increase the efficiency of loan processing is good for our business and convenient for consumers who are taking advantage of home equity refinancing."

BD Nationwide Mortgage recommends consumers should go online and indulge themselves with additional refinancing advice from experienced second mortgage brokers. Start by getting yourself familiar with how home equity loans work, and figure out which types are best for your goals and qualifications. BD Nationwide strongly recommends working with loan officers who comprehensively understand stand-alone home equity loans and 125% second mortgages. This loan broker urges you to align yourself with competent council for subordinate financing with credit qualifications for second mortgages lenders. Consumers searching for current interest rates, should visit: Home Equity Loan Rates.

About BD Nationwide Mortgage Company
BD Nationwide Mortgage is a second mortgage broker from Southern California who specializes in home equity loans and debt consolidation. The mortgage broker offers cutting edge loan products for refinance, second mortgages, home credit lines, and jumbo purchase loans. The company continues to promote second mortgage loans with added value options for people with good and bad credit. Always striving to offer "out of the box" loans, BD Nationwide Mortgage is committed to expanding home financing solutions so that more Americans can maximize the financial rewards of being a homeowner in the United States.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:05 AM | Comments (0)

eMazzanti Technologies Introduces Seamless Financing Program to Empower Growing Clients

Companies must grow revenue, increase productivity, or cut costs in order to survive, but they need access to capital to invest in their growth. This week, eMazzanti Technologies introduced its new financing arm, eMazzanti Capital, to provide a variety of finance options with its clients' business goals in mind.

Hoboken, NJ (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- Companies must grow revenue, increase productivity, or cut costs in order to survive, but they need access to capital to invest in their growth. This week, eMazzanti Technologies introduced its new financing arm, eMazzanti Capital, to provide a variety of finance options with its clients' business goals in mind. Business today is tough enough with a multitude of issues that occupy the time of management. As a part of eMazzanti Technologies, eMazzanti Capital furthers the commitment to be the customers' single source for technology strategy execution.

Businesses need to use improvements in technology to gain competitive advantages in their industries, but often, growing businesses fall victim to the large upfront costs associated with technology investments. Cash flow demands that the small firms invest in only one area of their business at a time just to stay afloat. Financing is usually accomplished through a third-party lender, who has no involvement in the "solution" end of the project. Furthermore, in most instances, these finance companies only address the purchase of equipment while the financial burden of the project's implementation is left to the client. Often the implementation costs go beyond that of the materials. Few financing partners can craft a technology strategy, assist with the acquisition of the tools, construct the infrastructure and then fund the entire endeavor.

"Today's organizations need to make the most of their resources and obtain the appropriate tools to be in a position to take advantage of opportunities when presented," said Carl Mazzanti President of eMazzanti Technologies. Not only does eMazzanti Capital offer traditional lease-purchases, they also craft creative financing solutions to compliment eMazzanti's technology strategies on a project-wide scale that can include capital for design & implementation services as well.

"The experience of working with eMazzanti leads me to choose them above all others time and time again," said Jason Wulf, Director of Technology at Jarmel Kizel Architects and Engineers. "eMazzanti helped our firm define a strategy, obtain the equipment and funding, implement the system, and support us through each of the phases. We chose emazzanti over three other very successful firms because of eMazzanti's extensive technical skills and strengths. Many other firms know how to "talk the talk" but eMazzanti knows how to put those skills to work for a smooth and painless implementation."

eMazzanti Capital is born from a passion for innovation and a mind for business. Built upon the eMazzanti Technologies' brand, a strong history of innovation, an expertise for selection of projects that produce business results, an obsession for customer service and the fortitude to see the project to fruition, customers who choose eMazzanti Capital not only receive the results they desire but also experience an that is seamless.

About eMazzanti Technologies

eMazzanti Technologies works with businesses to provide strategies for growth through the use of intelligent technology tools. From business process analysis to network design, security planning to preventative maintenance, the firm's services all aim to reduce costs, mitigate risk and drive revenue for our clients. eMazzanti also offers an extensive portfolio of network products from the leading technology manufacturers. The best advocates for eMazzanti Technologies are our clients. The firm services businesses throughout the New York Metropolitan area and in 3 countries worldwide ranging from home office environments to multinational corporations with mission-critical needs. These organizations rely on eMazzanti as their technology management partner. As our clients grow and their needs change, our flexible, scalable model adapts to meet the aspirations of their businesses. We form long-term relationships with clients that value stability and reliability in their IT partners. An innovative and comprehensive approach to technology services has earned eMazzanti the trust of a rapidly growing client base and recognition by many of the industry's foremost publications.

For more information, press only:

Jennifer Shine, eMazzanti Technologies, (201) 360-4446

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:02 AM | Comments (0)

Paver Search, Inc. Launches National Contractor Zip Code Locator

Paver Search, Inc. (www.paversearch.com), announced today the official launch of their National Zip Code Locator, which can be accessed from their comprehensive paver web site portal, www.paversearch.com. This web site portal was designed to service all facets of the paving and hardscaping industry, from homeowners to contractors, designers, architects and material suppliers.

Caron City, NV, (PRWeb) November 3, 2006 -- Paver Search, Inc., announced today the official launch of their National Zip Code Locator, which can be accessed from their comprehensive paver web site portal, www.paversearch.com. This web site portal was designed to service all facets of the paving and hardscaping industry, from homeowners to contractors, designers, architects and material suppliers.

Paver Search.com allows homeowners to post their landscape paver projects online for free and receive free estimates from qualified professionals. With the National Zip Code Locator, homeowners can search for landscape and paver professionals by simply typing in their project Zip Code, which will then provide a list of local paver contractors, dealers, designers and manufacturers.

"It doesn't matter where you live; we cover every region of the entire USA. We have professional contractors, dealers and manufacturers from hundreds of Cities and Counties nationwide that are accessible online in a few clicks", says Candace Leary, Media Manager. "Our vision was to formulate a network for the pavers and hardscape industry in the U.S and the success of our national Zip Code Locator demonstrates that very idea", she said.

Visitors to the web site may also access an abundance of free paver information and hardscape resources. PaverSearch.com provides details and links to Paver Associations, Tradeshows and Publications plus the latest Paver Industry News and Articles, which will keep you up-to-date with all the new paving products and hardscaping trends and practices.

PaverSearch.com brings the entire paving industry together by enabling homeowners to access local paving Contractors, Dealers, Designers and Manufacturers online with the use of the National Zip Code Locator.

This web site is accessible online by visiting www.paversearch.com

About Paver Search, Inc.
PaverSearch, Inc., is a privately held corporation consisting of knowledgeable professionals with many years of paving industry experience, combined with expertise in developing proprietary Internet software and technology systems.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:01 AM | Comments (0)

Women Dominate Team Behind Construction of Toronto Lakefront Condo

Ontario Condo developers, Plazacorp, assigns female-dominated team to head lakefront condo project, West Harbour City.

Toronto, Ontario (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 – Leading Ontario developers, Plazacorp and Berkley, have assigned a female-dominated team to head West Harbour City, condos situated on prime lakefront real estate property in Toronto.

Vice-president of Stephenson Engineering, Saundra Cullen, Isabelle Kazanczuk, senior architect with Quadrangle Architects, and senior interior designer with Bryon Patton and Associates, Enid Macintosh, have joined forces to oversee the massive West Harbour City project, consisting of two phases. Phase 1, already sold out, is a 36-storey tower, 12-storey podium, and 10 townhouses and Phase 2 is a 27-storey tower, 11-storey podium and nine townhouses.

"It is not normal to have so many women on any one project, in such leadership roles, on a project of this size," Cullen says about the construction of the lakefront Toronto condo. "There are more women involved in the technical aspects of building than ever before. But I'm a lot older than the other ladies on this project and was a real oddity when I started in this industry."

The construction and design posed more challenging than other projects in the city. Directly on the lakefront overlooking Lake Ontario, the construction of West Harbour City will be on reclaimed land with a foundation below the water table. Suites are designed to appeal to everybody from young couples to empty-nesters, with all E3 engineered energy-efficiency features. Every suite will have energy-efficient appliances and a tri-sorter for recycling garbage and organic waste will exist on each floor, in rooms with motion-detector lighting. A heat exchanger in the swimming pool area will recycle warm air to help heat the pool.

Kazanczuk, Macintosh, and Cullen believe that West Harbour City will benefit from a female-dominated team.

"It's a very co-operative effort and when we meet, there are no egos in the room," states Macintosh. "This may be an over-generalization, but I think women are more nurturing and know how to take a cold box or space, warm it up and give it heart."

For more information about West Harbour City, visit http://www.westharbourcity.ca/, call 416-214-4517, or drop by the sales office at 620 Fleet St.

About Plazacorp:

Plazacorp is a premier Toronto based condominium developer and builder, responsible for over 3000 condominium residences across the city. With twenty years of experience, Plazacorp designs for condominium living at a calibre meeting only the highest of industry standard.

As one of the first developers in Toronto to make luxury features such as granite counters and floors, halogen lighting, undermount sinks, engineered hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances as standard in every suite, Plazacorp is committed to engineered energy efficiency in all of their residential communities. Efficient central heat pump heating and cooling systems, individually metered electrical systems, and energy efficient appliances are essential components of every Plazacorp suite.

Press Contact:
Nestor Repetski
The Plazacorp Group
Ph. 905 764 1608
Fax 905 764 8011
cell. 416 822 0638
nestor @ winrepgroup.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:58 AM | Comments (0)

CB Richard Ellis Philippines Appoints TeamAsia Public Relations Counsel

CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines has appointed strategic marketing communications firm TeamAsia as its public relations counsel, according to Michael Alan Hamlin, TeamAsia managing director. TeamAsia is a full-service agency offering public relations, event management, creative, direct and online marketing, and training services. CBRE is the world's largest real estate services firm with 350 locations around the world. TeamAsia will work with CBRE in the Philippines to communicate the firm's services to corporate and institutional markets.

Manila, Philippines (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Philippines has appointed strategic marketing communications firm TeamAsia public relations counsel, Michael Alan Hamlin, TeamAsia managing director, said today.

TeamAsia is a full-service marketing communications consulting firm offering public relations, event management, creative, direct and online marketing, and training services. CBRE is the world's largest real estate services firm, and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. It has operations in over 350 locations around the world.

"We've known TeamAsia as one of the leading management training organizations in the country. When we learned recently that they also offer public relations services, we were pleased to engage them as public relations counsel," said Celia Rocamora, CB Richard Ellis Philippines operations manager.

Rick Santos, CB Richard Ellis Philippines chairman and CB Richard Ellis Hong Kong managing director, said, "I know the principals of TeamAsia personally. I trust that they will handle our account as professionally as they deliver the high-level public training programs that my staff and I have been fortunate to attend in the past."

As CB Richard Ellis Philippines' public relations agency of record, TeamAsia will be responsible for planning and executing the company's public relations strategy and assuring that information released to media is aligned with the firm's overall communications strategy.

"We are aggressively promoting our services, and we expect TeamAsia to complement our marketing efforts by helping us generate consistent media coverage through the professional distribution of news-worthy developments and information," explained Rocamora. "Also, by outsourcing our PR requirements to TeamAsia, our own human resources can now focus on serving both internal and external clients, with the assurance that a dedicated team from TeamAsia will work full time to meet our PR requirements."

"TeamAsia is excited about this new partnership with a company as dynamic and successful as CB Richard Ellis," Hamlin said. "It delights us that a leader in the global real estate services industry such as CB Richard Ellis relies on TeamAsia to help communicate the CBRE message to the firm's target publics. As always, TeamAsia intends to meet --- and exceed --- CB Richard Ellis' expectations."

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:57 AM | Comments (0)

AEC Technology Announces The Official Launch of Their Website Aectec.com; The New Website Offers a Cost Effective Alternative to New Equipment With Refurbished Like-New Used Plotters

The website will provide new and existing customers with ecommerce functionality for sales and service of equipment, supplies and parts. Also providing equipment specifications and user manuals. It will be a one stop website providing help for all plotter needs.

(PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- Jerry Rushing has been in the business of refurbishing large format printers, commonly known as plotters, for 15 years. "Servicing clients all over the country has facilitated the need for our business to go online", stated Jerry. AEC Technology primarily provides fully certified reconditioned large format plotters, copiers and scanners; with most of the focus on plotters.

We asked Jerry to walk us through his services and we found that he has a very high standard set for each of his products and services; with the highest standard being quality. Jerry said, "the most important thing to me is the quality of my customer service; from handling $25.00 ink cartridges to $25,000 new equipment purchases". Creating the quality customer service atmosphere all the way through the entire company is the most important thing at AEC Technology. It is so important they offer 50% savings over the purchase of new equipment, the same standard warranty as new equipment, a Full Money Back Limited Guarantee; Life Time Tech Support; free local delivery and setup. AEC Technology also has a very good trade- in program. By using a trade-in and purchasing a like-new refurbished machine the savings could be almost 75% off from the costs of new equipment.

AEC Technolgy is located in Chicago, Illinois. They provide U.S. wide services and offer fully refurbished plotter, copiers, and scanners at a fraction of the price of new equipment. They are fast becoming the number 1 source for architects, engineers, and contractors in the United States.

AEC Technology, Inc.
10200 S. Mandel St.
Plainfield, IL 60585
Toll Free Phone: 1-877-723-2832
Phone: 1-630-428-2322
Fax: 1-630-428-2332

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:56 AM | Comments (0)

Designer and Author Fu-Tung Cheng Launches Complete Line of Concrete Countertop Products

Fu-Tung Cheng, award-winning residential designer and bestselling author of "Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath" has just announced his newest build-your-own concrete countertop product line: CHENG Concrete Countertop Products.

Berkeley, CA (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- Fu-Tung Cheng, award-winning residential designer and bestselling author of "Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath" has just announced his newest build-your-own concrete countertop product line: CHENG Concrete Countertop Products.

Cheng’s company, Cheng Concrete Exchange (a division of Cheng Design Products), has partnered with Canadian-based Interstar Corporation, a recognized innovator in the manufacture of pigments, admixtures and fibers for the concrete industry.

This partnership will help to expand the CHENG Concrete Countertop Product line, improve the performance and ease-of-use of all these proprietary products, and make the products more accessible at the Cheng Concrete Exchange online store and select concrete and building supply retailers throughout the U.S.

"We're excited to be working with Zachary Gillman, the president of Interstar, and his highly capable team," said Cheng. "Together we'll introduce an entire range of products for professionals and do-it-yourselfers (DIYs) to address the increasing demand for concrete countertops."

In 2003, Cheng, who has been designing with concrete for over 25 years, began teaching workshops in Berkeley, CA, on the design and crafting of concrete countertops.

"Concrete allows for highly sculptural designs in countertops, something not really possible with two-dimensional materials like granite or stone," said Cheng. "But there’s a shortage of craftsmen able to design and build them. We hope to address this shortage with our training programs and full line of specialty products."

IMPROVED PROFESSIONAL PEREFORMANCE

Cheng’s next generation of concrete countertop products has been dramatically improved and re-branded under the CHENG Concrete Countertop Products line (manufactured by Interstar) to provide the industry’s first comprehensive, high-performance line of concrete countertop products that will yield consistent, professional results. A few of the marquee products in this line include:

1. CHENG Pro-Formula Mix

CHENG Pro-Formula Mix is designed for precast concrete countertops. This superior formulation combines rich color, strength and workability into an all-in-one concrete countertop mix, ideal for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers. CHENG Pro-Formula Mix is:

- Radically improved with premium-quality pigments that deliver vibrant, stable, long-lasting color, improving the appearance of concrete countertops —including outdoor projects;

- Manufactured with special admixture modifiers that ensure stronger, smoother countertop surfaces;

- Reformulated with water requirements that increase ease of use and yield more consistent results;

- Enhanced with new designer colors that expand creativity and color palette

2. CHENG Pro-Formula Slurry

Ideal for back-filling voids that appear after grinding or releasing the countertop from the mold, CHENG Pro-Formula Slurry is available in the same CHENG Pro-Formula Mix palette of colors for a seamless, monochromatic look, or various, contrasting colors to create a unique, "veined" effect."

3. CHENG Sealer

Long-awaited, the high-performance CHENG Sealer provides a streak-free finish and maintains the natural luster of concrete through a proprietary formula unparalleled in the industry. CHENG Sealer credits its high-performance to:
- A non-toxic, non-yellowing, water-based formula;
- Exceptional adhesion and durability that
- Dramatically improves stain- and abrasion-resistance.

4. CHENG Wax

CHENG Wax has been specially blended for use on concrete countertops to provide a lustrous shine and polish in one or more coats for added protection and depth. Cheng Wax is:
- A water-based (not VOC), food-safe product and
- Made from the finest Brazilian yellow carnauba, which helps prevent stains by forming a non-abrasive, durable protective layer.

5. CHENG Polish

The spray-and-wipe CHENG Polish forms an additional protective layer on concrete countertops, helping to prevent stains on the concrete surface. CHENG Polish is:
- Easy-to-apply with its spray-on bottle;
- Ideal for homeowners’ use and
- Maintains the beauty and "feel" of concrete countertops.

Cheng advises first-time users to read "Concrete Countertops" and review the "Concrete Countertops DIY" Instructional DVD before starting any concrete countertop project.

PRODUCTS SHOWTIME

Cheng’s launch of this next generation of professional-grade concrete countertop product line will be made official at the World of Concrete tradeshow in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas Convention Center, January 23-26, 2007. Leveraging 20 years’ experience fabricating high-end countertops, Cheng will unveil the complete line of professional-grade products at the concrete industry’s largest, professional tradeshow venue. Cheng Concrete Exchange will showcase Cheng in focused presentations and live product demonstrations throughout the tradeshow week at Booth #S-10907 (indoors, South Hall) and Booth #40851 (outdoors, near Artistry in Decorative Concrete area), respectively.

ABOUT CHENG CONCRETE EXCHANGE

Cheng Design Products, Inc. was launched in 1998 to bring Cheng’s aesthetic embodied in concrete countertops and unique kitchen hoods to homeowners, designers and architects. In 2003, Cheng Concrete Exchange, a division of Cheng Design Products, was developed as a comprehensive online resource center for professionals, DIYs, designers, and homeowners interested in designing with concrete. The website, www.concreteexchange.com, offers information about and imagery of Cheng’s design projects as well as concrete countertop products and workshops. For information on Cheng Design Products, please call (510) 849-3272 x213 or visit www.chengdesign.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:54 AM | Comments (0)

PNC Announces $74.8 Million Tax Credit Equity Fund in GO Zone

PNC announces Tax Credit Equity Fund for properties in states affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Fund includes first affordable housing project in Texas following last year's hurricane season.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- PNC announced today the successful completion of a Tax Credit Equity Fund totaling $74.8 million for affordable housing projects in the federal government's Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone). The GO Zone consists of the areas in the Gulf region most directly affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma in 2005 and was established under the Hurricane Relief Act of 2005, a broad and far-reaching package of financial incentives to help kick-start the rebuilding effort in Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Included in the legislation is a significant increase in the amount of Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) allocated in 2006, 2007 and 2008 for projects located in the GO Zone. The fund has invested or is expected to invest in 11 different projects, providing 887 units of family and elderly housing.

One of the funded projects in Texas, Sunset Way, was the first affordable housing project to be started in the state following last year's hurricanes. Sunset Way is a 96-unit housing complex currently under construction in Port Arthur, Texas. Apartments at Sunset Way will be rented to tenants earning 60 percent or less of the area median income.

PNC's affordable housing division, PNC MultiFamily Capital, syndicated and invested in the fund along with five additional investors including Freddie Mac, Wells Fargo Community Development Corporation, Capital One Financial Corporation, Deutsche Bank and New York Life Insurance Company.

"The Red Cross estimates that 750,000 dwellings were destroyed in last year's Gulf Coast hurricanes. PNC and its investors are playing a major role in getting Gulf Coast residents back to their hometowns," said Todd Crow, executive vice president of PNC MultiFamily Capital. "The capital committed by these investors is truly making a difference in the region."

Financing provided by PNC Bank, National Association, a member of the PNC Financial Services Group.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation's largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management; asset management and global fund services.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:53 AM | Comments (0)

Quality Fusion Electrodes at 50% Off OEM Prices

The "Tungsten Electrode Experts" at Diamond Ground Products are now proud to offer replacement fusion electrodes for the following manufactures*: • Alcoa Fujikura® • Sumitomo® • Fitel® • Ericsson® • Corning® / Siecor®

Newbury Park, CA (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- The "Tungsten Electrode Experts" at Diamond Ground Products are now proud to offer replacement fusion electrodes for the following manufactures*:

• Alcoa Fujikura®
• Sumitomo®
• Fitel®
• Ericsson®
• Corning® / Siecor®

Diamond Ground Products replacement fusion electrodes last just as long as the original equipment parts they replace but at a savings of 50% when compared to OEM list price. Contact DGP today or visit their web site at www.diamondground.com

Diamond Ground Products is dedicated to the improvement of weld quality & welder productivity, and maintains a reputation as the industry leader in tungsten and tungsten preparation. Their ongoing management philosophy is to provide quality product and receptive service that exceeds even the most stringent expectations. Contact DGP today to see how they can help with your current or future welding applications.

For more information, contact:

Jim Elizarraz
Diamond Ground Products
2550 Azurite Circle Newbury Park, CA 91320
Ph: (805) 498-3837
Fax (805) 498-9347
Website: www.diamondground.com

*Diamond Ground Products is in no way affiliated with the above-named manufacturers. References to the above-named machines, model numbers and part numbers are for your convenience

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:50 AM | Comments (0)

Spectacular Open House: Top Orange County Realtor to Showcase Bluff-Top Villa in Corona del Mar

Some homes are too remarkable to be described adequately on spec sheets. A perfect example is the majestic ocean-view Corona del Mar home being showcased by leading Orange County real estate agent, Lee Ann Canaday, in an open house on Saturday, November 11, 2006.

Orange County, CA (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- Impressive homes are commonplace in Orange County, particularly in Corona del Mar. But now and then, there comes on the market a home so special that even luxury real estate agents drop their jaws. Such is the case with a new home being showcased by top Orange County real estate agent, Lee Ann Canaday.

This remarkable example of Corona del Mar real estate boasts a fabulous ocean view, and its specification list includes:

• Five bedrooms
• Four-½ baths
• 4,000 square feet of optimal living space
• Stone entryway, continuing through living and dining room
• State of the art gourmet kitchen
• Wine cellar with stunning wrought iron door
• Beautiful family room, built-in entertainment center including plasma TV
• Three-car garage
• Wood-trimmed executive office
• Grand foyer with fabulous glass door & windows soaring to the roof
• Grand master bedroom with ocean-view Jacuzzi and plasma TV

What really sets this Corona del Mar home apart, however, is an exterior appointment that a spec sheet can't do justice. Accessed from any of four sets of double doors is an enchanting 1,200 square foot loggia. Featuring skylights, fireplace with remote, bar seating, outdoor speakers, calming fountains, this private oasis is blessed with an almost magical ambiance that instantly dissolves the stresses of the day.

In fact, this magical boasts many features that can't be adequately described on paper. It is a classic example of the sum being greater than it parts -- an expression of the indefinable chemistry that transforms a collection of features into a once-in-a-lifetime dream home.

Lee Ann Canaday is hosting an Open House at this stunning example of Orange County real estate on Saturday, November 11. To experience this remarkable home for yourself, be sure to attend this event.

Offered between $2,900,000 - $3,295,000 by Lee Ann Canaday & the Canaday Group of RE/MAX Real Estate Services. Private viewings by appointment, please contact the Canaday Group at (949) 249-2424.

OPEN HOUSE DETAILS:
Saturday, November 11, 2006
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
3518 Catamaran, Corona Del Mar

DIRECTIONS: 55 South, 73 North, exit MacArthur, left on San Joaquin Hills, right on Marguerite, left on Inlet Dr, left on Keel, Keel becomes Catamaran

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Canaday Group, Re/Max Real Estate Services
Phone: 949.249.2424

For more information about The Canaday Group, RE/MAX log on to www.CanadayGroup.com.

Placed by VKI Studios -- Internet Marketing and Web Usability

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:49 AM | Comments (0)

Alan Uronis Joins Predictive Service Management Team

Predictive Service, a global leader in providing managed predictive services, is pleased to announce the newest addition to its management team, Alan Uronis.

Cleveland, OH (PRWeb) November 6, 2006 -- Predictive Service, a global leader in providing managed predictive services, is pleased to announce the newest addition to its management team, Alan Uronis. As Vice President of Corporate Development, Al and his team are responsible for establishing long-term business relationships with leading firms and organizations around the world. Al's global Fortune 500 experience in marketing, sales, engineering and business development provides a diverse set of business skills and understanding in serving PSC's clients.

"When Predictive Service first explained to me about their unique predictive maintenance technologies and services," Al says, "I thought, 'WOW, this technology is going to revolutionize how predictive maintenance programs are done today.' It's exactly what leading multi-site firms and organizations around the world need. I decided that I wanted to be part of this dynamic, rapidly-growing company."

"The appointment of Al to VP of Corporate Development will ensure our continued strong sales growth," says Donald Frankel, President of Predictive Service. "Al is a seasoned international sales executive with wonderful industry knowledge and the experience and leadership to lead our sales team globally. We are very fortunate to have a man of his capabilities with us, leading the charge forward."

About Predictive Service
Predictive Service (PSC) is a single-source provider for managed predictive services and around the world. PSC helps multi-location, multi-national clients keep their facilities operating reliably, safely and efficiently. By inspecting essential facility systems, including electrical, mechanical, process, roofing and structural systems on a scheduled basis, critical issues are identified before costly failures occur. PSC's unique, secure Web-based software system allows clients to access information about facilities, essential infrastructure systems, and individual assets from anywhere, anytime. PSC is an EnergyStar partner based in Cleveland, Ohio. Additional information about PSC's services and technologies are available at www.PSCorp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:48 AM | Comments (0)

Everybody is Talking About it; the Mass Marketing Appeal of Handy Canadian.com

A friend to skilled Canadian contractors and the champion of every homeowner, Handy Canadian.com's online matchmaking service remains a story of sweet success. And everybody is talking about it.

(PRWeb) November 5, 2006 -- From modest beginnings a few short months ago, to the hot-spot for locating qualified contractors, or to bid on renovation and construction projects, Handy Canadian.com must be doing something right.

In the short period of time since life was first breathed into this valuable online resource, job postings have skyrocketed to well over 1,300, representing estimated budgets totaling over $33 million.

Dubbed "an online match made in heaven ... two motivated parties coming together" in a recent newscast on Global News, Handy Canadian.com is just that. Proofed by a remarkable increase of 500 percent in visitor stats in less than five months, and glowing reports by business owners, homeowners and contractors alike:

"Since we've listed with Handy Canadian, we've signed contracts on over $400,000 worth of work in only four months," states Bryan Baeumler of Quality Construction and Renovations, Inc. "Your site has by far the best layout, and is the best source of leads that we have."

Homeowner Bill Russel of Toronto, Ontario agrees. "What a great site! I can't believe how easy it was for me to use Handy Canadian. I posted my job looking for a basement renovation contractor on Friday, had eight replies by Saturday morning, and will be accepting one of them early next week."

To what do we owe the early success of this free membership, Mississauga, Ontario-based online resource? While it is true Handy Canadian.com offers a quick, cost-effective way to connect just the right homeowner to just the right contractor, other factors also make it shine.

"Other resources comparative to Handy Canadian.com are extremely limited," offers Gerald Maxwell Sheppard, company founder and CEO.
"And most fall short: in functionality, geographical scope, web site development skills and marketing strengths."

Another factor is Canada's present economy. Because home renovations in Canada are on the upswing, contractors have a higher capacity to nab renovation and remodeling projects that require their specific area of expertise.

According to the Canadian Construction Industry Forecast 2006-2010, construction in Canada has risen steadily since the mid 1980s. Residential construction in Canada saw a 1.1 percent increase in 2005; overall, the construction industry has grown by 2.9 percent.

By using the right online marketing resource to open the doors wide for project leads, contractors can more than double their earning potential. And Handy Canadian.com is fast proving itself to be that long awaited door of opportunity for service providers throughout Canada.

"Advertising through other media resources can be time-consuming and costly," notes Sheppard, "reaping limited results."

Handy Canadian.com is the brainchild of a competent duo that seems to have the Midas touch. Both owner Sheppard and manager Michael Taylor are adept at successful online ventures, well seasoned in the areas of web site development, advertising, business management and public relations, boosted by keen marketing instincts.

But Handy Canadian.com is more than a fledgling online success story for two. It is fast becoming Canada's best friend.

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) statistics, it is estimated that in 2004 Canadians spent over $24 billion in home alterations and home improvement projects. Over $8 billion was spent making home repairs

Business and homeowners are benefited by posting their project needs at Handy Canadian.com. Highlighting renovation and construction needs that generate competitive bids from qualified contractors.

Helpful resources are also offered, including informative articles covering renovation, remodeling, do-it-yourself tips, how to select the right contractor, what to include in a contract and more.

According to the 2005 Labour Force Survey, there are over 589,000 contractors and construction service providers in Canada. Through Handy Canadian.com, contracting businesses large and small are granted unlimited lead potential and an effective way to market their services, with 24-hour around the world visibility.

Contractors also receive e-mail notifications whenever new projects in their area, within their specifications, are posted.

New service providers are afforded a fast, cost-effective way to launch their business, gain credibility and realize success. And Canada benefits, as well.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) plus the cost of material and service inputs in regards to construction during 2005 grew 4.8 percent, to a worth of over $106 billion, with another modest jump during 2006.

Successful construction endeavors = successful service providers = a stronger economy, with more employment opportunities for Canada's people. It's a win, win situation. And when it comes to Handy Canadian.com's future forecast, things look remarkably clear. Not a cloud in the sky.

To learn more about Handy Canadian.com, or to become a member, visit the web site at Contractors Looking to generate more leads click here. Homeowners looking for a renovation contractor click here

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:47 AM | Comments (0)

The Hampshire Companies Joins Local Leaders to Break Ground on Hampshire Storage Post Facility in Newark, New Jersey

Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, Senator Robert Menendez, Essex County Executive Joseph N. Divincenzo and Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura all joined representatives of The Hampshire Companies to break ground on Hampshire Storage Post, a 926-unit state-of-the-art climate-controlled self storage facility, and Newark's first-ever "ground up" facility of its kind. The new Hampshire Storage Post facility will be located at the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Hawthorne Avenue in the city's South Ward and will provide 69,000 square feet of storage space to local businesses and residents. The new facility is an investment of The Hampshire Generational Fund, LLC and will be operated by Slayton Development of Garden City, New York.

Newark, NJ (PRWeb) November 4, 2006 -- Newark Mayor Cory A. Booker, Senator Robert Menendez, Essex County Executive Joseph N. Divincenzo and Essex County Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura all joined representatives of The Hampshire Companies to break ground on Hampshire Storage Post, a 926-unit state-of-the-art climate-controlled self storage facility, and Newark's first-ever "ground up" facility of its kind. The new Hampshire Storage Post facility will be located at the corner of Elizabeth Avenue and Hawthorne Avenue in the city's South Ward and will provide 69,000 square feet of storage space to local businesses and residents. The new facility is an investment of The Hampshire Generational Fund, LLC and will be operated by Slayton Development of Garden City, New York.

"I'm pleased that The Hampshire Companies sees potential in Newark, and continues to invest in our city," said Booker before the ceremony. "Newark needs to support a thriving business community for the continued growth and improvement of our city's neighborhoods, to attract residents and additional business investment and to bring new jobs to our neighborhoods."

The new Hampshire Storage Post facility is scheduled to open in the late Spring of 2007.

"The Hampshire Companies sees great things for the City of Newark, and we are very pleased to participate in a small way in the continued revitalization of the City," said James E. Hanson II, CEO and President of The Hampshire Companies. "We believe the City of Newark has a great deal of untapped potential for economic development, and we are delighted to be a part of the excitement and momentum that Mayor Booker has brought to the City."

Hampshire Storage Post offers a wide variety of variously-sized spaces ranging from 50 to 300 square feet for the public to store virtually anything. "In this day and age, it is not unusual for an individual or family to have excess furniture, household fixtures or even the contents of a college dorm room for which they require short or long term storage," noted Rob Schmitt, Senior Vice President of The Hampshire Companies. "We are happy to be able to provide these needed storage units in an ultra-modern, secure facility in Newark."

Hampshire Storage Post will be operated by Slayton Development, a private concern based in Garden City, New York, has been developing and operating retail, office, self storage and technology parks for the past 40 years. Slayton is also serving as construction manager for the development.

The Hampshire Generational Fund, LLC, is a commingled, discretionary real estate investment fund. The goal of the Fund is to deliver superior, above-market returns to its investors through the acquisition and operation of industrial, retail, office and self storage properties, as well as an investor in other real estate funds.

The Hampshire Companies is a full-service, private real estate investment fund manager based in Morristown, New Jersey. The Hampshire Companies is a vibrant, dynamic organization that combines creative vision and superior execution, thereby enabling it to create and enhance value in real estate investments in order to consistently outperform the market. Additional information on The Hampshire Companies and its funds is available online at www.hampshireco.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:45 AM | Comments (0)

Corian Countertops Popular Home Renovation for Sellers in Buyers Market

A forum on Homeopinion.com is available to homeowners looking to remodel and prepare their homes before selling in a buyers market. The Corian countertop is a popular topic among HomeOpinion.com Community Forum participants and just as popular among homeowners who want to remodel their kitchens. The average cost for a countertop remodel is $12,500 and statistics show the return is beneficial to homeowners looking to sell.

(PRWeb) November 4, 2006 -- Participants in the Homeopinion.com Community Forum ask a variety of questions about kitchen renovation, specifically Corian countertops. As the housing market transforms into a buyers ballgame, more sellers are considering home improvement, specifically features like Corian countertops to help increase selling power. Statistics show home improvement options like Corian countertops and other home renovation ideas discussed in the HomeOpinion.com forum can increase selling power (http://www.homeopinion.com/kitchen/forum.php). According to Realtor.org, the cost recoup for minor home renovation can be as high as 98.5 percent.

Homeowners facing the challenges of a growing buyers market continue to seek information about renovations and post questions and answers in the forum on HomeOpinion.com. One of several questions about Corian countertops was, "Can someone give me a rough estimate of how much retail Corian goes for (per square foot)? I know I'm capable of installing it myself?" Guests to the forum answer one another's question. One visitor made several suggestions, including "The styles that have the quartz look or more of a stone look are more expensive. If this is what you want, it makes more sense to pay for granite." Cost and investment value are two themes that appear frequently in the Community Forum. (http://www.homeopinion.com/kitchen/forum.php?tid=18&iname=Cost_of_Corian)

In an interview with NBC Nightly News, National Association of Realtors (NAR) Chief Economist David Lereah said, "The sellers market has turned into a buyers market. That's why prices have come down over the last 12 months. And that is why they will continue to come down over the next six months."

The latest forecast from NAR reports home sales will probably be lower than originally projected for 2006. Also, existing home sales are projected to fall 7.6 percent to nearly 6.6 million in 2006, which would still make it the third-highest year on record after 2004 and 2005. Because housing prices are expected to rise 2.8 percent nationally, the market is more beneficial for buyers, and sellers are more inclined to bargain. In the report Lereah stated, "This year sales are slowing, homes are plentiful, and sellers are negotiating."

According to NewYorkTimes.com, selling a new home is getting harder and harder and builders are being forced to entice potential buyers with expensive pulls like free swimming pools and fancy kitchen cabinets. Completing a home renovation like a new kitchen countertop is another attraction that helps in negotiations and accelerates the selling process.

According to Remodeling Magazine's "2005 Cost vs. Value Report" published on Realtor.org, the national average cost for a midrange kitchen remodel is more than $43,000. The advantage: the cost recouped for a project that size is 91 percent. The average price to install a Corian kitchen countertop is about $100 a foot and up to $200 a foot for custom jobs, which experts say is well worth the investment.

HomeOpinion.com offers homeowners a place to connect with other homeowners and to new ideas and share experiences with home improvement online. Through the commonalities of their experiences, homeowners can more fully enjoy the home renovation process.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:43 AM | Comments (0)

November 03, 2006

NAWIC's 51st Annual Meeting and Convention A Red Hot Success

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) has a firm foundation, and after 50 years, it is still building strong.

Fort Worth, TX (PRWeb) November 3, 2006 —- The 51st Annual Meeting and Convention held Sept. 6-9, in Kansas City, Mo., was a great success. Almost 600 women in all aspects of the construction industry gathered together to further their education during this four-day event. NAWIC also signed partnering agreements with four industry moguls. The Association partnered with Paxton/Patterson LLC, The ACE Mentor Program of America, FMI Corporation and The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). The partnering organizations seek to mutually promote the construction industry and the role of women in the industry.

Wednesday, Sept. 6
The NAWIC Marketplace was open for business, where sponsors and
partners were able to meet with almost 600 women. The First Timers
Orientation helped first-time attendees learn the ropes. The "Red Hot & Blues"
Welcome Party successfully kicked-off the event.
Thursday, Sept. 7
Sensational speaker Stedman Graham held the attention of all, as he presented "You Can Make it Happen: Nine Steps to Success." An Industry Luncheon followed to thank the partners and sponsors who helped make the Convention a success. The rest of the day was filled with professional seminars and tours of Kansas City.
Friday, Sept. 8
Friday started off with the Annual Meeting and was followed by an Awards Luncheon honoring individual and chapter accomplishments. The day concluded with more professional seminars.
Saturday, Sept. 9
The NAWIC Convention ended with the 12th Annual Crystal Vision Awards Gala. The evening was filled with delicious food, fun and wonderful entertainment provided by Bobbie Staten. Dale McCormick received the Crystal Vision Award, which is awarded to a nonmember of NAWIC, and Tari S. Rivera received the Crystal Achievement Award, which is awarded to a NAWIC member.

McCormick is Director of Maine State Housing (MSH), where she manages 125 employees and an $11 million budget. She works with MSH to finance more than $130 million in affordable housing projects each year. McCormick was the first woman to be elected Treasurer in the state of Maine.

Jane L. Gilbert, deputy commissioner of the state of Maine, describes McCormick, "Dale was an early pioneer tradeswoman. She was the first woman to complete the carpentry apprenticeship with the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners in 1975. She took the knowledge she learned and has spent the last 30 years helping women gain skills and jobs in construction."

Rivera, a member of the Cleveland, Ohio, Chapter, is founder and president of Regency Construction Services, Inc., a construction management firm located in Lakewood, Ohio, primarily providing services to K-12 and university clients. She has encouraged and empowered women in construction by creating and implementing company policy at Regency Construction Services, Inc., mentoring women inside and outside her company, and establishing university programs that introduce engineering and construction opportunities to female students.

Mary J. Brashwitz, project engineer at Regency Construction Services, Inc., says, "In the 15 years I have had the privilege to work with Tari, I have seen many women promoted within the industry. She not only mentors women within the company but outside it as well … Her work ethic, sense of fairness and personal interest in the growth and development of her employees continue to pave the way for women and men in the construction industry today."

Thank you to the sponsors of NAWIC's 51st Annual Meeting and Convention.
• Paxton/Patterson, Carhartt, Sodexho, Timberland Pro, Principal Financial Group, United Rentals, Wal-Mart, Construction Process Solutions, LTD., JE Dunn Construction and McCarthy.

NAWIC, founded in 1955 by 16 determined women, is an international Association dedicated to enhancing the success of women in the construction industry. Today, NAWIC consists of more than 5,000 members in nearly 200 chapters across the United States. NAWIC also has affiliates in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and the United Kingdom. For interviews or to learn more about NAWIC, visit www.nawic.org or call (800) 552-3506.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:44 AM | Comments (0)

The Mercury Group is Awarded State of Connecticut 3 Year Contract

The contract, RFP #04ITZ0053, mandates the purchase, installation and maintenance of telephone, cabling, and peripheral systems.

Stratford, CT (PRWeb) November 3, 2006 -- The Mercury Group (www.mercury-group.com), a "connectivity contractor" providing installation services for building communications systems for end users, equipment manufacturers, electrical and general contractors, has been awarded a three year contract from the State of Connecticut (RFP #04ITZ0053), beginning on September 27, 2006.

The contract award schedule includes the procurement of installation and maintenance of Telephone and Peripheral Systems cabling.

Major manufacturers represented in this contract include Avaya, Berk-Tek, General Cable, Hubbell, Leviton, Mohawk, Ortronics, Panduit, Siemon, and Superior Essex.

In addition to cable installation this contract also includes service, design engineering, project management, consulting services and MAC's (Moves, adds and changes). Mercury also offers an unparalleled expertise for major construction projects throughout the state of Connecticut for the Department of Information & Technologies (DOIT). All state agencies and municipalities can utilize this master agreement for their projects.

The Mercury Group maintains rigorous quality standards and best practices and is a BICSI certified Premier Contractor ensuring the highest level of qualified, trained technicians. Incorporated into a full time staff of 35 technicians, The Mercury Group not only has technicians that are BICSI certified but employs an RCDD designer, who is a member of the Construction Specification Institute (CSI).

About the Mercury Group
For more than 25 years we have been providing cost-effective cabling and wiring solutions as well as fiber engineering expertise for Commercial and Public clients throughout Connecticut and neighboring New England states. We stand 100% behind everything we do and strive for totally satisfied customers. We want to be your one source for all connectivity needs.

Contact:
800-995-DATA
www.mercury-group.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:43 AM | Comments (0)

Enhanced Digital Asset Management for Macs and PCs is Now Free with JobOrder Software

Digital asset management module offers JobOrder users seamless integration of scheduling, estimating, job costing, project management and accounting.

Cortland, NY (PRWeb) November 3, 2006 -- Management Software, Inc., today announced that it is offering its JobOrder Digital Asset Management software module for free, when ordered with new JobOrder licenses. JobOrder Digital Asset Management combined with JobOrder business process software allows organizations to achieve greater productivity and profitability in managing assets while automating the flow of information throughout their entire business -- from the moment a prospective client calls for a proposal until the final invoice is sent. The product is available for download today at http://www.joborder.com/demo.a4d.

"By offering JobOrder Digital Asset Management for free, we are ensuring that project based organizations, including advertising agencies, architects, consulting companies, design firms, engineering firms and job shops, interested in evaluating comprehensive digital asset management technology for the first time have access to cross-platform, enterprise-level business process software as well," says Victor Siegle, President of Management Software.

Previously, the JobOrder Digital Asset Management module was priced at $795 per user, with volume pricing discounts at the enterprise level. By offering the JobOrder Digital Asset Management module for free, JobOrder software users can save thousands of dollars in managing their digital assets throughout their entire organization.

Fully integrated with the scheduling, estimating, job costing, project management and accounting features in JobOrder software, this add-on module offers a competitive advantage through the archiving and reuse of digital files. JobOrder Digital Asset Management empowers advertising agencies, architects, consulting companies, design firms, engineering firms, and job shops with an efficient and easy way to manage all of the their digital assets across their entire organization, whether using PCs or Macs.

The latest version of JobOrder Asset Management enables organizations to easily manage and automate job approval processes, enabling project managers to streamline traffic and move jobs and projects more quickly throughout their entire organizations. Offering a synergistic approach to digital asset management, this newly enhanced add-on module to JobOrder software allows organizations to associate different assets to each other, reducing the time involved in searching for and accessing multiple digital assets.

With JobOrder Digital Asset Management organizations can store thumbnail images of logos, brand guidelines, photography, drawings and fonts and share these across their company. JobOrder Digital Asset Management provides keywords, user-definable asset subjects and asset types, individual check out and return, and instant searching. Additionally, powerful built-in reporting capabilities enable organizations to search for files easily and view their digital assets quickly.

About JobOrder Software
JobOrder software tools facilitate planning, estimating, scheduling, rescheduling, billing, accounting, analyzing and reporting. Multi-processing notifications automation capabilities give users full control over job planning and tracking, project management, workflow and deadlines.

JobOrder offers its users a full array of powerful concepts and tools to streamline and refine entire business processes on an ongoing basis. JobOrder software enables project-based organizations to gain immediate access to organization-wide information, eliminate clerical inefficiencies, cut administrative overhead, deliver work more reliably and cost-effectively, and realize improved profitability and sustainable growth.

For more information about JobOrder Digital Asset Management or other products, including JobOrder for Advertising and more, please contact Management Software at 877-714-2587, send email, or visit http://www.joborder.com/.

About Management Software, Inc.
A leading developer and marketer of business process management software for 17 years, Management Software develops the JobOrder line of business process management software tools to automate operations and procedures for companies in numerous industries including Advertising, Architecture, Construction, Consulting, Design, Manufacturing (Job Shops) and Engineering. Management Software also offers custom programming services, professional consulting, full technical support, on-site installation and personalized training. Using the technology of 4th Dimension, a relational database programming language, Management Software develops affordable software applications for automating business operations and procedures. For more information, visit www.JobOrder.com.

© 2006 Management Software, Inc. JobOrder is a registered trademark of Management Software, Inc. All trademarked products are the property of their respective owners, including Management Software, Inc.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:42 AM | Comments (0)

Glass Tile Adds Design Flair to Any Space

Glass Tile has become a popular way to add design flair to a space. Diamond Tech Glass Tile's (DTGT) new Frosted Dimensions Series is no exception. This modern collection of colored 8mm etched glass tiles are durable and long-lasting, making them a really good investment.

Tampa, FL (PRWeb) November 2, 2006 -- Glass Tile has become a popular way to add design flair to a space. Diamond Tech Glass Tile's (DTGT) new Frosted Dimensions Series is no exception. This modern collection of colored 8mm etched glass tiles are durable and long-lasting, making them a really good investment.

Rita LeVine, Marketing Director at DTGT, states that glass tile is popular today because it can be used everywhere from the kitchen to an entrance way. Wherever you decide, adding Frosted Dimensions glass tile will create a soft, muted "Zen-like" feeling to the décor.

Frosted Dimensions will never fade, their color withstands cold and heat and they are impervious to dirt, making them the perfect style makers for a kitchen back-splash or bath surrounds. Available in eight 1" x 1" solids and four stylish color mixes, each square foot flexible mesh-mounted sheets can be applied directly to walls and counter-tops or wrapped around curved surfaces. The sheets can be cut into strips to be used as a decorative border in combination with other materials. To learn more about the New Frosted Dimensions line visit: DiamondTechGlassTiles.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:41 AM | Comments (0)

Impress Holiday Guests with a Newly-Renovated Bathroom Showcasing Decorative Concrete Fixtures

With the holidays just around the corner, decorative concrete is emerging as today's choice for upscale bathroom remodels. Concrete sinks, countertops and vanities can add beauty and drama to bathrooms by transforming them into private sanctuaries. Browse through The Concrete Network's online bathroom fixtures photo gallery and find the perfect design elements for your home.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information, offers an extensive online bathroom fixtures photo gallery. Filled with a multitude of design ideas, this photo gallery provides ideas on enhancing and beautifying the bathrooms of your home or office just in time for the holidays using extraordinary decorative concrete fixtures, such as countertops, sinks, vanities and more.

Many homeowners and designers are finding that concrete fixtures are a perfect fit for achieving a distinctive-looking bathroom. Because concrete can be poured to shape any form, concrete fits the bill for any type of sink imaginable above-the-counter vessel sinks, pedestal sinks, bowl sinks. Whether it's square, rectangular, oval, or round, integral, concrete can be shaped to blend into any bathroom décor and style.

There are three commonly used types of sinks to choose from. They include pedestal, vessels and integral sinks, each with their own features and design possibilities. More and more architectural concrete companies are offering their own sink lines.

The concrete photo gallery is updated every Friday offering new photos of custom and unique designs and applications. Photos for the photo gallery have been collected from contractors around the United States and Canada and are for design idea purposes only.

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. Over 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.

News image courtesy of Buddy Rhodes Studios. Attached photo courtesy of Silvermine Workshop.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:39 AM | Comments (0)

European Office Furniture Not Just B2C, Prime Office Furniture Also Sells B2B to Furniture Distributors and Retailers

Furniture dealers and retailers benefit from Prime Office Furniture's large inventory, wholesale prices.

(PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- As a recognized online vendor of distinctive European office furniture, Prime Office Furnituredoesn't just sell high quality furniture at factory-direct prices to small-to-midsize business consumers only. Prime Office Furniture welcomes business-to-business alliances that benefit furniture vendors by giving them unique office furniture at wholesale prices to sell to customers at an advantageous retail price for a considerable profit.

Prime Office Furniture imports commercial grade office furniture in large volume from a select network of premium furniture manufacturers, often selling the unique modern office furniture at half the manufacturer's suggested retail price. Both online and offline furniture distributors and retailers benefit from the high capacity buying power of Prime Office Furniture and receive real wood veneer office furniture at very competitive prices.

"Our relationships with our furniture retailers and distributors are extremely important to us," said Perry Lopez, Vice President of Sales/Marketing at Prime Office Furniture. "We offer the best European office furniture on the market and we take every opportunity to share our unique, high quality furnishings with the best retailers around."

Their high capacity warehouse in City of Commerce, CA stores a large volume of European office desks, cabinets, conference tables and executive chairs so regardless of high consumer demand, Prime Office Furniture always has inventory on hand and ready to ship. When furniture dealers, retailers, and distributors place volume purchase orders with Prime Office Furniture, the savings are even greater and the furniture is even more readily available for customer orders.

Prime Office Furniture stocks its commercial grade real wood veneer executive furniture in a variety of wood veneer stains including the best cherry, walnut, chestnut and maple finishes to match any office environment. Displaying this unique European style office furniture collection in any furniture showroom adds a striking alternative to regular style office furniture. The rich colors and dramatic designs will attract those customers with exclusive high quality furniture preferences and delight them with incredibly affordable pricing.

The same customer satisfaction agreement Prime Office Furniture has with its direct consumer base are upheld with its B2B distributors as well. Prime Office Furniture guarantees 100 percent satisfaction on all products, offering an unconditional one-year limited warranty for material, workmanship and functionality. Prime Office Furniture will service and/or replace parts free of charge for one full year. They also offer free shipping by way of Allied Van Lines Special Products Division or FedEx Freight. Both are trusted and respected names in the shipping and moving business and have the utmost capability in shipping furniture in large quantities to distribution centers.

For more information about becoming a furniture distributor, retailer or dealer with Prime Office Furniture, call 800-924-5171 or visit www.primeofficefurniture.com.

About Prime Office Furniture
Prime Office Furniture is a leading online/offline executive office furniture distribution and marketing company headquartered in the City of Industry, CA with dedicated warehouse facilities in the City of Commerce, CA. They sell high-quality European design commercial grade wood veneer executive office furniture at true factory direct prices. Their lines include executive desks, office cabinets, executive chairs, reception desks and conference tables in a variety of unique and exciting styles and finishes.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:38 AM | Comments (0)

Leopardo Construction Awarded General Contract for Skyline-Changing, 80-Story, 900,000-SF Condo Tower on South Michigan Avenue

Leopardo Construction, a leading construction services firm, announced that it has been awarded the general contract for the construction of an 80-story, 900,000-square-foot tower at 830 South Michigan Avenue. Marketed as Park Michigan, the building will reach 855 feet tall to rank as one of Chicago's 10 tallest and the city's tallest tower south of Van Buren. At completion, it will create a new focal point in Chicago's southern skyline and feature unrestricted, panoramic views.

CHICAGO, Illinois (PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- Leopardo Construction, a leading construction services firm, announced that it has been awarded the general contract for the construction of an 80-story, 900,000-square-foot tower at 830 South Michigan Avenue.

The tower includes 376 residential units and 35,000 square feet of retail space including a 9,000-square-foot restaurant, a grocery store and a spa. The contract was awarded by 830 S. Michigan L.L.C. as represented by Warren Barr with Renaissant Development Group of Oak Brook, Ill.

Marketed as Park Michigan, the building will reach 855 feet tall to rank as one of Chicago's 10 tallest and the city's tallest tower south of Van Buren. At completion, it will create a new focal point in Chicago's southern skyline and feature unrestricted, panoramic views.

Preconstruction of the $200 million project has already begun. Construction will begin in late 2007 for delivery in 2010.

The 80-story tower is set back on Wabash, behind the 19th century YWCA building on Michigan Avenue. The Michigan Avenue façade will be preserved and restored with its original architectural features, and serve as the main entrance and lobby.

The 376 units will consist of one- to four-bedroom condos ranging from 700 to 3,000 square feet. Lower levels will be comprised of six units each narrowing to two units per floor at the top.

Additional amenities include landscaped decks, green roofs, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness center, 470-plus condo parking spaces and an illuminated crown to serve as a beacon for the South Loop skyline.

Leopardo Construction is serving as general contractor with Pappageorge/Haymes as architect.

Leopardo recently completed Lakeside Tower, a 20-story, 143-unit condominium totaling 243,000 square feet in Chicago's South Loop, and is 45 percent complete with Vision on State, a 20-story, 401,000-square-foot, 253-unit condo project. Leopardo is also in the preconstruction phase of a 525,000-square-foot hotel waterpark resort in Hoffman Estates.

About Leopardo Construction
Leopardo Construction is a leading construction firm providing pre-construction, general contracting, construction management, design-build and development services. In 2006, Leopardo Construction was recognized by Engineering News-Record magazine as one of the nation's largest 250 contractors. 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. 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 Leopardo Construction.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:37 AM | Comments (0)

National Park Service Unveils Major Planning Initiative; Effort Will Develop Long-Term Framework for National Mall

National Park Service unveils the new planning initiative that will give Americans the opportunity to decide on the use, appearance and landscape of the National Mall, a public space that welcomes more than 25 million visitors each year

Washington, D.C. (PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- The National Park Service (NPS) begins a public planning process that ranges from providing direction on how the National Mall is managed for the foreseeable future to improving ways that visitors experience the National Mall. The general public will have multiple opportunities to become involved in the planning effort, including the unveiling of a new interactive website on November 1st (www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan) and a national symposium that will focus Americans' attention on celebrating the National Mall's past, improving its present state and ensuring a sustainable future for what is considered one of the most important public spaces in this country.

Announcing the initiative include Deputy Interior Secretary Lynn Scarlett, National Park Service Director Mary Bomar, National Capital Region Director Joe Lawler, National Park Foundation President & CEO Vin Cipolla, Chairman of the National Trust for the National Mall, John Akridge III and National Mall & Memorial Parks Superintendent Vikki Keys.

Historically, several landmark plans have provided the foundation for the National Mall. While the use, landscape and appearance of the National Mall has changed over time, these past plans helped determine the current look and feel of the National Mall. In 2003, Congress passed the Reserve Act, which declared the National Mall a completed work of civic art and which provides a foundation to plan for the future of this public space. Since that time the NPS has conducted research and studies to inform the planning process, including domestic and international best practice studies. The current effort is vital to the well-being of the National Mall and is a necessary step to ensure its enjoyment for future generations.

"The National Mall symbolizes our nation and our freedoms," said Bomar. "Through this process the National Park Service wants to give the American public the chance to help determine how future generations will continue to honor, commemorate, celebrate and enjoy this national treasure."

The planning initiative will give Americans the opportunity to decide on the use, appearance and landscape of the National Mall, a public space that welcomes more than 25 million visitors each year. That's more than the number of visitors to Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. These numbers result in stress to and pressure on the National Mall's natural and cultural resources. This level of public use has resulted in challenges that include maintaining healthy grass, trees and other landscape items, irrigation systems that need frequent repair and the availability of ample restroom facilities. The NPS, through this planning process, is committed to ensuring these challenges are met so that the National Mall's appearance reflects the values that Americans attach to this space so as to ensure future generations' ability to enjoy the National Mall's open spaces, monuments and memorials.

"We need to plan for growth with a commitment to maintain the National Mall as a place of national significance. As we look forward to the National Park Service centennial, I intend to remain wholly involved in the planning for the next century of National Mall needs," said Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY) Chairman of the National Parks Subcommittee. "I fully endorse this planning effort."

On November 15, 2006, the National Park Service will host a symposium entitled the "Future of the National Mall," which will launch the planning effort and begin a national dialogue around planning for the National Mall's future. The Symposium will touch upon a variety of topics in order to begin clarifying how this public space can successfully meet the needs of the public while also surviving the next century. Topic areas range from improving landscape conditions, to supporting the needs of visitors, to discussing the wear and tear caused by more than 3,000 annual events, festivals, demonstrations and special athletic events.

At the symposium, local, national, and international experts in the fields of landscape architecture, city planning, turf management, and related industries will discuss possible solutions for preserving and caring for the National Mall while meeting the needs of millions of visitors each year. The public is invited to learn, participate, and provide their ideas and feedback. The symposium will be held at the Naval Heritage Center at the U.S. Navy Memorial, 701 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., in Washington, D.C.

Beginning November 1st, the public is encouraged to become involved by visiting www.nps.gov/nationalmallplan to learn more about the NPS' efforts. This website will provide direction on how to provide feedback and concerns, and to obtain updates on the plan's progress.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:36 AM | Comments (0)

Concrete Washout Systems Receives Patents for Pollution Control and Recycling Bins

Three patents have been awarded to Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. for ramped and rampless versions of Concrete Washout Systems bins.

Elk Grove, CA (PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- Concrete Washout Systems, Inc. (CWS), announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued three patents to Concrete Washout Systems, recognizing and protecting its industry-innovating solution for the safe containment and recycling of concrete washout wastewater and solids. The issued patents cover both ramped and rampless bins, which are portable, self-contained, and watertight units that permit concrete trucks and pumps to safely wash out after pouring concrete. The watertight containers can be moved throughout the worksite as needed.

Mark Jenkins, President of Concrete Washout Systems, Inc, stated, "These patents represent the tremendous effort and investment that CWS has made in developing technology to prevent pollution and enable recycling of a very challenging waste product. We want to congratulate our licensees across the country for being pioneers in a new industry and we look forward to their continued rapid growth."

The Concrete Washout System is licensed to independently owned and operated CWS partners. CWS is accepting applications for licensed partners in select markets. Currently Concrete Washout Systems has licensed partners operating in Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico and Texas.

About Concrete Washout Systems, Inc.
Concrete Washout Systems is an industry pioneer in concrete washout and wastewater removal, treatment and recycling. The company develops technologies that reduce the potential sources of water pollution from construction sites. CWS is a cost effective, environmentally friendly and compliant alternative for homebuilders, contractors, ready mix and pump operators and environmental engineering firms.

The Concrete Washout System bins are covered by one or more of the following patents: 7,118,633; 7,121,288 and 7,124,767. The patents can be viewed at the USPTO's website at www.uspto.gov.

For more information visit http://www.concretewashout.com or call Joe Capko at (916) 607-0005

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:35 AM | Comments (0)

Allied Steel Buildings Posts Top 15 Private Growing Companies and Expands Florida Headquarters

Leading steel building supplier, Allied Steel Buildings Inc, recently ranked 15th amongst the Fastest Growing Private Companies, announced the expansion of its South Florida Headquarters. The strategic move was pursued to better service its diverse and growing mix of clients. Allied Steel Buildings supplies pre-engineered buildings worldwide for commercial, industrial and residential customers.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- Leading steel building supplier, Allied Steel Buildings Inc, recently ranked 15th amongst the Fastest Growing Private Companies, announced the expansion of its South Florida Headquarters. The strategic move was pursued to better service it's diverse and growing mix of clients. The additional office space of 2,500 square feet brings their total operation to nearly 10,000 square feet of office space.

The new space will be occupied by Building Services Group, Allied Steel Building's in house customer service department. "The expansion is an important part in maintaining our service promise to our customers," says Rick Akram, VP Customer Service. "Certainly we have enjoyed the explosive growth over the past year, however true success in this industry is the ability to maintain and deliver on that promise."

By combining unprecedented service, experience and performance, Allied Steel Buildings has been able to create and maintain solid relationships with numerous customers, builders and their sub contractors all over the globe. Through these relationships and successful performance record, the firm has been able to expand their headquarters and grow its staff from five employees in 2003 to over fifty employees today.

"The customers demand for our product and more importantly our services, drives the exceptional growth. That's a tribute to the experienced staff, exciting office atmosphere, and outstanding product that we deliver," says Michael Lassner, Co-Founder.

Allied Steel Buildings supplies pre-engineered buildings worldwide for commercial, industrial and residential customers. Look for continued growth in 2006 and industry innovation in 2007 that will continue to boost this rising star.

More information on Allied Steel Buildings can be located at http://www.AlliedBuildings.com or Ph: 877.99.STEEL (7.8335).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:34 AM | Comments (0)

Pultruded Windows On New Blackpool Business Park Beat Seaside Weathering Problems

New window technology is being pioneered at Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool to cope with salt laden air and the effects of expansion and contraction due to temperature variation. The architects, Croft Goode Ltd, who have offices nearby in Kirkham, in association with contractor RBL Construction both working for Errigal Developments, selected pultruded Samson windows from Octaveward in preference to aluminium or Upvc.

Lancashire (PRWeb) November 1, 2006 -- New window technology is being pioneered at Whitehills Business Park in Blackpool to cope with salt laden air and the effects of expansion and contraction due to temperature variation. The architects, Croft Goode Ltd, who have offices nearby in Kirkham, in association with contractor RBL Construction both working for Errigal Developments, selected pultruded Samson windows from Octaveward in preference to aluminium or Upvc.

Whitehills Business Park comprises a mixed development of light industrial units and offices designed for small businesses that are expanding. In addition to a high standard of construction and finish, the development includes ample access and parking and is conveniently located at the end of the M55. On a site of 8650 square metres, ten industrial units have been created in three blocks totalling 1500 square metres, along with 11 office units in seven blocks totalling 2400 square metres. Earlier phases of the development have been eagerly taken up.

Despite being some distance from the sea, the air can still be salt laden. Anodised architectural aluminium frames are susceptible to long term damage affecting their appearance and performance when exposed in saline environments. This problem would not affect Upvc frames but on larger windows particularly, Upvc is subject to differential thermal expansion between the frames and surrounding materials. This creates a sealing difficulty and a lack of thermal rigidity.

Samson windows from Octaveward provide a good all round answer. They are made from a pultruded thermoset plastic resin, with embedded glass fibre reinforcement, to ensure the profiles are strong, rigid and weather resistant surface. Factory finished in a colour to match the feature infill cladding panels, the units harmonise with the development.

Samson frame sections are similar to aluminium and slimmer than the Upvc alternative. They will retain their strength and will not be subject to differential expansion when under intense solar radiation. "Reassuringly, from our perspective, the frames have a 35 year guarantee and the finish a 15 year guarantee," explained the architect.

More information:
Trevor Williams, Octaveward Ltd, Tel. +44 (0)1254 773300 Fax. +44 (0)1254 773950
Octaveward Ltd, Balle Street Mill, Balle Street, Darwen, BB3 2AZ
Web: www.octaveward.com

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/oc222/4182oc1a.htm

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:32 AM | Comments (0)