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January 30, 2007

Buyers' Market Calls For Increased Creativity

With the current housing slump, homeowners, who are desperate to sell, are looking for creative ways to compete for buyers' attention. Many of the more aggressive techniques for selling a home are now being used out of necessity.

(PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- With the current slow housing market, homeowners who are desperate to sell are being forced to look for unusual and creative ways to compete for buyers' attention.

Todays' Home Sellers are now, more frequently, using techniques like:

-Offering vacations, cars or other gifts to promote the sale of the home

-Hiring a "staging" company to strategically place fine furniture in the home, improving buyers' perception of the home

-Remodeling - including: removal of walls updating kitchens and bathrooms

-Adding patios, garages, deck, etc.

-Spending more on professional photos of the home

-Putting belongings in storage to reduce clutter

-Using additional alternative ways to market the home (newspaper ads, online advertising, traditional media, etc.)

-Adding a 1-year warranty to the sale of the home

To sell a home faster and for more money, today, it's going to take extra work and creativity to compete with the amount of homes on the market.

See a List of 50 Ways To Sell Your Home Faster and For More Money

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:21 AM | Comments (0)

Close Like a Pro : Selling Strategies For Success by Nido Qubein is Released as an Audiobook by Gildan Media Corp

In this Audiobook Nido Qubein is showing how to boost anyone selling skills and build anyones career.

New York City, NY (PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- A sales career can be the route to the good life, or a sentence to a life of frustration. It all depends on the way the salesperson thinks and performs.

Nido Qubein, a mega success story, who came to the United States as a teenager, with little knowledge of English, no contacts and only $50, shares with everyone his simple, but highly effective 12 step program for selling success.

Boost your selling power. Polish your selling savvy. Propel your career to better productivity performance and profitability. This complete course is for the Pro and novice alike.

It's time to get with the program, and Close Like a Pro!

• The Crucial Success Ingredient
• Make Your Prospects Sit Up and Take Notice
• Boost Your Selling Effectiveness
• Add Power to Your Persuasion
• Communicate Effectively: The Foundation of Selling Success
• Work Smarter, Not Just Harder
• Become Your Customer's Consultant
• Use Questions to Boost Your Sales
• You Can Focus for Maximum Impact
• Make Powerful Presentations
• Turn Objections into Sales
• Close Like the Pros

"Like Zig Ziglar, Quebein inspires listeners and readers to greater success with enthusiasm and energy." - Library Journal

Nido Qubein is president of High Point University with more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in High Point, NC and chairman of Great Harvest Bread Company, which has 218 stores in 41 states. As one of America's foremost speakers on business management, leadership, communication, branding, and reculturing, he has traveled the globe addressing over 5,000 audiences to date. His numerous books and multimedia programs have been translated in over a dozen languages and sold worldwide. For Nido Qubein's complete learning resource center including dozens of free articles and self-evaluation quizzes, please visit www.nidoqubein.com.

About the Audiobook:
Title: Close Like A Pro

Author: Nido Qubein
Format: 4 CD/4 hours
Price: $19.98 (US) / $25.98 (CAN)
ISBN: 1-59659-075-6
Available: January 2007

Published by Gildan Media Corp. This audio title is available at all fine book retailers, on-line and as a download at iTunes and www.audible.com

* Also published this month by Gildan Media: The Small Business Bible, The Baron Son and The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity.

Your coach in a box is a line of personal development audiobooks from Gildan Audio that bring bestselling authors and lecturers directly to you, at the best prices around.

Please visit www.gd.simpleology.com for a special offer.

Gildan Audio is a division of Gildan Media Corporation, a multimedia publisher of books, audiobooks and software. Gildan Audio titles are distributed to the trade by Hachette Book Group USA. More about Gildan Media can be found at www.GildanMedia.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:21 AM | Comments (0)

Online Real Estate Auction of Arizona Homes near Colorado River

Another real estate auction powered by the Freedom Realty Exchange. Move-in ready homes in the luxury resort-style community of Laughlin Ranch in Bullhead City, Arizona are to be sold by online auction. Fully furnished model homes with bids starting at $1.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- Online real estate auction company, Freedom Realty Exchange, has recently launched an extensive campaign to sell by auction 15 homes in the resort community of Laughlin Ranch in Bullhead City, Arizona. This real estate auction marks the newest selling trend by home builders and developers finding themselves with surplus inventory in the continuing quiet market conditions.

"We know the buyers are out there. Auction marketing brings them to the surface," states Bill Lange, president, the LFC Group of Companies. "In slow market conditions, you need to separate your property from all others on the market, and that's exactly what our Freedom Realty Exchange auction marketing program does. While focusing attention on the property, it piques the interest of buyers and pushes them into action by creating a sense of urgency with a set bid deadline."

Combining over 30 years of auction experience and success with the advent of the Internet, the company launched LFC Online (www.LFC.com), a commercial real estate auction website, and then developed Freedom Realty Exchange (www.FRE.com) to serve the residential side of the real estate market.

"The main goal of an online real estate auction is to bring the maximum number of people in the shortest period of time to the website, and then allow the bidders to decide the true market value of the homes," continues Lange.

The auction event consists of 15, two and three bedroom homes, including three fully furnished model homes offered in absolute auctions with bids starting at $1. Located along the Colorado River, the community of Laughlin Ranch provides residents with luxury resort amenities such as an award-winning golf course, day spa and salon, fitness center, and an excellent restaurant. Bullhead City is on the Arizona side of the Colorado River, directly across from the bright lights of the Laughlin casinos and short drives to both Las Vegas and Lake Havasu.

For more information about the properties and auction details, visit www.fre.com/132R1

Freedom Realty Exchange - part of the LFC Group of Companies
For over 30 years, the LFC Group of Companies has auction marketed thousands of residential and commercial properties with an aggregate value well in excess of $2 billion. Now, the company through the Freedom Realty Exchange offers a unique combination of Internet technology, experienced real estate and marketing professionals, and decades of auction knowledge to deliver successful online auction marketing for the sale of residential, ranch, acreage and estate properties to domestic and international markets.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:20 AM | Comments (0)

H and H Lawncare Equipment Continues Rapid Growth

H and H Lawncare Equipment, LLC (http://www.hhlce.com) a retailer located in Haysville, KS has added several new lines of outdoor power equipment from Briggs and Stratton to their e-commerce website. The new equipment lines include Briggs and Stratton gas powered generators, pressure washers, water pumps and air compressors. Along with the addition of the Briggs and Stratton power equipment, H and H Lawncare Equipment has thousands of OEM and aftermarket parts for outdoor power equipment. If you are looking for parts to service your equipment; chances are H and H Lawncare Equipment can supply them.

(PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- Just in time for the new year H and H Lawncare Equipment, LLC (http://www.hhlce.com) a retailer located in Haysville, KS has added several new lines of outdoor power equipment from Briggs and Stratton to their website. The new equipment lines include Briggs and Stratton gas powered generators, pressure washers, water pumps and air compressors.

Whether you are looking for a small Briggs and Stratton pancake air compressor for your home garage, a large commercial Briggs and Stratton water pump for out in the field or a Briggs and Stratton gas powered generator to maintain your home's power during an outage, H and H Lawncare Equipment has the equipment to meet your needs. Recent power outages across the U.S. remind us that it is always important to be prepared. Don't wait for your power to go out before thinking about purchasing a gas powered generator - often the towns hit hardest run out of generators long before the need for them subsides.

H and H Lawncare Equipment offers free shipping on all Briggs and Stratton outdoor power equipment. Their distributor receives large shipping discounts due to the unusually large volume of equipment they ship daily. Their distributor passes this discount on to them and they pay the discounted shipping for you.

H and H Lawncare Equipment goes one step farther by offering a tax free website. No sales tax means just that - You never pay sales tax on parts and equipment purchased through the H and H Lawncare Equipment website (http://www.hhlce.com). By law, H and H Lawncare Equipment has to charge sales tax for sales made in the same state where we have facilities. Because they only have one facility in one state they do not have to collect sales tax on the majority of their online sales. If you live in Kansas they will pay the sales tax on online purchases for you. They happily accept the loss hoping the simplicity will reward them with more happy customers.

Along with the addition of the Briggs and Stratton power equipment, H and H Lawncare Equipment has thousands of OEM and aftermarket parts for outdoor power equipment. If you are looking for parts to service your equipment; chances are H and H Lawncare Equipment can supply them. If you can not find the part you are looking for on their website you can complete their lawn mower parts lookup request form and they'll be happy to assist you.

About H and H Lawncare Equipment, LLC

H and H Lawncare Equipment opened in 1982, as a family run service facility. In 2003, H and H Lawncare Equipment moved to a much larger facility and added several new equipment lines. H and H Lawncare Equipment is an authorized servicing dealer for Dixon, Snapper, Echo, Shindaiwa, Briggs and Stratton, MTD, Murray and others. In 2004, H and H Lawncare Equipment added their website. In 2006, in order to accommodate the changing marketplace H and H Lawncare Equipment added e-commerce capabilities to their website. Although H and H Lawncare Equipment still operates as a family run business, outside hiring was necessary to accommodate the increase in business. H and H Lawncare is rapidly moving toward their goal of becoming the largest source of outdoor power equipment and lawn mower parts on the web. They have always prided themselves on reliable, honest service and exemplary customer service and are carrying on that tradition through their website. Whether you are looking for a new piece of equipment or parts to service your existing equipment, H and H Lawncare Equipment will go the extra mile to assist you in your needs.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:19 AM | Comments (0)

ConstructionDeal.com Now Offering Home Improvement Financing

Construction Deal, Inc, a top-rated web service that matches contractors to property owners with remodeling and construction projects, has announced a strategic partnership with a leading online home equity lender.

Encino, California (PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- Construction Deal, Inc., a top-rated web service that matches contractors to property owners with remodeling and construction projects, has announced a strategic partnership with a leading online consumer direct lender. It has always been the goal of ConstructionDeal.com to help homeowners complete their projects and now, by offering a financing option, they are one step closer to their objective.

Construction Deal's new Loan Center offers home equity loans and lines of credit. In addition to using the ConstructionDeal.com website to find a quality contractor, the homeowner can arrange for financing to cover the expense of their kitchen remodel, home addition, or swimming pool installation. "Choosing to partner with a major lender was an easy decision. They will provide great savings to our homeowners, with competitive rates and limited transaction fees, as well as the best privacy protection policies in the industry," said Timothy Clark, Director of Business Development for Construction Deal, Inc. "We've created a convenient and efficient way for homeowners to turn their house into their dream home."

Construction Deal's Loan Center uses custom features to help homeowners choose and apply for the home improvement loan that best suits their needs. Users can fill out applications online and apply, at their convenience, twenty-four hours a day. The online system keeps homeowners informed of their loan status from application through funding. They will be able to choose from a home equity loan, which will allow them to have all their money up front, or a home equity line of credit, which will allow them to draw only needed funds (up to a specified limit.) While ConstructionDeal.com searches for contractors to bid on the job, the homeowners will know how much they can spend before they begin their improvement project.

About Construction Deal, Inc.

Construction Deal, Inc. has been helping homeowners and business owners complete their building, remodeling, and repair plans since 2004 through the website ConstructionDeal.com. They have a nationwide network of quality contractors and service professionals waiting to bid on jobs that are posted online. Property owners post residential or commercial projects for free and are matched to local experts, usually within 48 hours. Construction Deal, Inc., a trusted member of the Better Business Bureau, is the fastest growing construction referral service in the industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:19 AM | Comments (0)

Old Home Mold Removal Tips and Advice Offered by OldHouseWeb.com

70 percent relative humidity in a home can foster mold growth and create a potentially unhealthy living environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Advice from OldHouseWeb.com com reveals that the key to limiting and preventing mold is to control moisture and suggests that a moldy area greater than 10 square feet should be addressed by a professional. OldHouseWeb.com's column, "Cleaning Up Mold" (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/12108.shtml), offers guidance to homeowners of old homes about when to seek professional services and when mold issues can be taken care of by themselves.

(PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- A home with high relative humidity above 70 percent can become a habitat for mold according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and OldHouseWeb.com advises seeking a professional to address moldy areas greater than 10 square feet.

The column, "Cleaning Up Mold" (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/12108.shtml), recommends that homeowners enlist professional services for older homes with mold problems, although smaller mold problems can be addressed by an individual. A how-to site offering ideas, articles and how-to resources to old-house enthusiasts, OldHouseWeb.com provides strategies to detect and control mold along with other tips for prevalent problems in older homes.

The EPA states, "Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet and foods."

OldHouseWeb.com's Controlling Mold section features several columns covering specific mold-related topics such as:

• Mold basics
• Fixing leaks and other methods of waterproofing
• Cleaning air ducts
• Hiring contractors
• Finding hidden mold

This section of OldHouseWeb.com makes a variety of recommendations to control mold. Ideas include installing exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, using dehumidifiers, installing storm windows and fixing leaky pipes.

OldHouseWeb.com is a complete old-house remodeling interactive Web site offering old-house enthusiasts how-to resources spanning several industries from cabinetry to architecture. OldHouseWeb.com includes before and after renovation pictures, feature articles, a product showcase and an active forum featuring thousands of questions, solutions and successes.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:18 AM | Comments (0)

Canyon County Idaho Selects MobileDataforce® for Mobile Automated Building Inspection System

County seeks to control costs related to building inspections and to improve efficiency of field inspectors.

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) January 30, 2007 -- MobileDataforce® a leading provider of business critical mobile software applications today announced they were selected by Canyon County, Idaho to provide a Mobile Automated Building Inspection system. The purpose of this mobile solution is to help control costs related to inspections by improving the efficiency of the County's building staff and the administrative staff they work with on a daily basis. This will be accomplished by replacing the paper based system for conducting and reporting inspections with an automated and mobilized system. The mobilized system will synchronize and integrate with the existing permitting and inspection request system used today.

The Mobile Automated Building Inspection system, using MobileDataforce's PointSync Mobility Platform, will dispatch to the inspectors' mobile devices a list of inspections to be conducted each day. While still on the construction site, inspectors will be able to file their reports and synchronize with the central office database.

Expected cost savings will come from reduced fuel consumption, reduced mobile phone usage, minimized overtime pay and reduced administrative work. Additional benefits will come from improved contractor communications, more accurate and timely reports and near-real time information.

About the PointSync Mobility Platform

PointSync Mobility Platform is an enterprise class solution used to rapidly design, develop and deploy field inspection applications. It is architected to provide database centric mobile inspection applications with bi-directional synchronization, GPS, barcode scanning, connectivity, security and enterprise database integration all within one solution.

About MobileDataforce

MobileDataforce is a global leader in the development of enterprise class and business critical field inspection applications for use on mobile handheld computers including Smart Phones, Tablet PCs and laptops. MobileDataforce has offices in Europe, North America and in Australia to support their expanding customer base and sales channels. Privately held, MobileDataforce has been mobilizing inspection processes since 2000. For more information, please visit our website at www.mobiledataforce.com.

USA Media Contact: Kevin Benedict
208-384-1200 x 250

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

Home Equity Loan Broker Awarded Preferred Mortgage Broker Status for Second Consecutive Year from IHE

For the second consecutive year, BD Nationwide Mortgage Company was awarded "Preferred Broker" Status from Irwin Home Equity for home equity loans and 125% second mortgages. IHE announced last week that BD Nationwide was extended this award for their exceptional level of expertise for home equity loan origination. The preferred status gives BD Nationwide a significant edge because they are one of the few mortgage brokers in the country who can offer large home equity loans to a 125% loan to value. Most lenders and brokers are restricted to $50,000 or $75,000 loan amounts but BD Nationwide is able to offer these high LTV second mortgages for loan amounts ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 to qualifying borrowers across the country.

(PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- For the second consecutive year, BD Nationwide Mortgage Company was awarded "Preferred Broker" Status from Irwin Home Equity for home equity loans and 125% second mortgages. IHE announced last week that BD Nationwide was extended this award for their exceptional level of expertise for home equity loan origination. Last year, they were one of only three second mortgage brokers in the country granted this status.

The preferred status gives BD Nationwide a significant edge because they are one of the few mortgage brokers in the country who can offer large home equity loans to a 125% loan to value. Most lenders and brokers are restricted to $50,000 or $75,000 loan amounts but BD Nationwide is able to offer these high LTV second mortgages for loan amounts ranging from $100,000 to $200,000 to qualifying borrowers across the country.

IHE grants this competitive edge to brokers and lenders who continue to demonstrate a great understanding of their second mortgage product line. Irwin account executive, Dan Ambrose noted that "With this changing marketplace, having the ability to offer consumers 125% home loans for debt consolidation is imperative for hardworking families to save money by reducing their interest with low rate second mortgages." Ambrose continued "this is a significant opportunity for BD Nationwide to take their loan origination to the next level."

Noteworthy Guideline Expansion with Premier Loan Broker Status.
• Interest Rate reduction up to for all 125% home equity loan products
• Expanded loan amounts of up to $150,000 for all 125% 2nd mortgage products
• Expanded cash-out limits of up to $65,000 for all 125% loan products

At this time, BD Nationwide continues to offer fixed rate home equity loans, interest only second mortgages, prime rate home equity lines, and sub-prime second mortgages for borrowers with bad credit scores from high revolving credit debt or past bankruptcies.

About BD Nationwide Mortgage Company:
BD Nationwide Mortgage is a California mortgage company whose corporate headquarters are located in San Diego County. BD Nationwide specializes in affordable home mortgages and debt consolidation for homeowners seeking cash out refinancing or residential financing. The company niche remains focused on home equity loan and second mortgages . Always striving to reach their goals, BD Nationwide Mortgage is determined to help expand home financing solutions so more people in the U.S. can take advantage and become a homeowner.

To learn more and get additional loan information, please visit: Home Equity Loans

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

National Coatings Launches Feature Rich E-Commerce Website

National Coatings announces the launch of their enhanced, customer focused website. This feature rich site offers the user the ability to purchase online, search throughout the site and enjoy many online features such as credit, approved applicator and warranty applications. The site has been proactively tailored to better meet the needs of roof contractors, roof consultants, architects and the online buyer.

Camarillo, CA (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- National Coatings announced today the release of their new feature rich website at www.nationalcoatings.com. The new site has been tailored to provide information by user type.

Architects and Roof Consultants will be able to quickly access specifications, product data sheets, cool roof resources, credentials and ratings in one area. Roofing Contractors will be able to quickly locate information on products, specifications, warranties and much more. Anyone who visits the site can sign up for the National Coatings monthly newsletter, submit a question in our Ask the Expert section or purchase materials online and have them delivered as early as the next morning.

The President of National Coatings, Matt Kolb, states that "We believe it's vitally important to our current and future customers that they are able to easily find the information on our site that helps them do their jobs quickly and efficiently. We've streamlined our warranty and credit application processes as part of this redesign and trust the customer finds it so easy to work with National Coatings that they just can't justify doing business anywhere else".

About National Coatings Corporation
Performance through Innovation™, National Coatings Corporation (Camarillo, CA) is a leading manufacturer and supplier of premium-quality elastomeric roof and wall coating products. For over 25 years, NCC has provided its customers with leading edge products, support, and thought leadership. National Coatings is a charter member of the Reflective Roof Coating Institute the Cool Roof Rating Council and the ENERGY STAR® Roof Products group, and was twice recognized as ENERGY STAR Roof Products Partner of the Year. NCC's leading brands include AcryShield®, AcryPly®, AcryPly-D™, AcryFlex® and White Armor™.

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

Toxic Mold -- Wall Street Journal Uncovers Medical Association's Alleged Conflicts of Interest -- Advocacy Groups Call for Senate Investigation

Advocacy groups say they applied mathematical calculations to make the leap that human illness could not plausibly occur if one is exposed indoors. The leaders of ACOEM put their imprimatur on the statement. The insurance industry and its surrogates have since brandished it like the biblical jawbone of an ass. Advocacy Groups see this as an abuse of political clout and power that has harmed US Citizens.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- After years of working together to enlighten the public of the serious illnesses caused by mold, advocacy groups are thankful to the Wall Street Journal for bringing the matter to greater light. Upon completing a six month investigation, veteran Wall Street Journal reporter, David Armstrong, wrote of the leaders of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, ACOEM, permitting a litigation defense corporation, Veritox Inc (aka GlobalTox Inc) to author the association's policy paper regarding mold induced illnesses. The two Veritox authors were not prior members of the physician trade association. They are not physicians.

The Wall Street Journal article, Page One, January 9, 2007. "Amid Mold Suits, Experts Wear Two Hats" may be read at: online.wsj.com/article_print/SB116831654647871083.html -or-
www.ciphi.ca/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6500&sid=000cd0970ddb9be8716b84ba3baf8f9c

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine mold policy paper is at the heart of the contention over the Toxic Mold Issue. The paper claims to prove humans could not plausibly be exposed to enough mold toxins within a damp indoor environment to cause symptoms of ill health. "Highly unlikely at best, even among the most vulnerable of subpopulations" is what the non-physician authors wrote.

As referenced by the WSJ, to make this key finding, the authors borrowed data from one rodent study in which mold was forced into the trachea of rats. They then applied calculations to make the leap that human illness could not plausibly occur if one is exposed indoors. The leaders of ACOEM put their imprimatur on the statement. The insurance industry and its surrogates have since brandished it like the biblical jawbone of an ass. The finding carries much weight within the courts as it is portrayed to be the opinion of thousands of environmental physicians.

But the EPA and the Institute of Medicine, Damp Indoor Spaces Committee, have both identified the technique used by ACOEM to make the key conclusion, as non-acceptable methodology for determining existence or absence of human illness from indoor mold toxin exposure. The finding represents an affront to anyone with rudimentary logic skills. It is a complete non sequitur, where the premise does not support the conclusion.

Since the ACOEM mold paper's publication in November of 2002, it has saved worker's compensation insurers, property insurers, general liability insurers and building stakeholders, hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars. Insurance industry surrogates - the paid witnesses - including some ACOEM members themselves - and the lawyers, have earned millions in fees. Of more importance, the sick receive no medical treatment and no compensation for devastated lives and financial ruin.

ACOEM is a medical trade association made up of approximately 7000 physicians. The organization writes evidence based protocol for the treatment of injured workers under the platform of Workers Comp Reform. Several of their evidence based conclusions are currently being used to determine what illnesses and injuries will and will not be treated and/or covered under workers compensation insurance guidelines.

In California, under State Senate Bill 889, ACOEM evidence based guidelines are also known as Medical Treatment Utilization Schedules, MTUS, and are the law that physicians must follow when determining treatment for their patients. ACOEM affiliated clinics, American Occupational and Environmental Clinics, are government funded through the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry and a branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health. (NIOSH).

The article points out several members of ACOEM serve as experts for the defense in mold litigation. They promote the legitimacy of the mold policy paper while billing as much as $700 per hour. The US Chamber of Commerce has promoted the document throughout industry by trumpeting it as scientific proof that serious mold induced illnesses are merely a result of "trial lawyers", "media reports" and "Junk Science".

When interviewed for the WSJ article, Dr. Jonathan Borak, overseer of the mold policy peer review process, indicated he was unaware the authors had conflicted interests. Yet, within the subpoenaed documents referenced within the WSJ article, was an email authored by him in Sept, 2002, Dr. Borak acknowledged he was aware the paper would have "currency in other ways and other places" for the authors. The email also referenced concern that the ACOEM mold paper was a "defense argument" that would be turned into "garbage" if rejected by the Board of Directors.

Although reported to exist, the mold policy paper authors' conflict disclosure statements were never made available to the members of ACOEM, even when requested. Within the subpoenaed emails referenced within the WSJ article, was one written in 2003. An ACOEM member wrote, "Related to this topic, some weeks ago many of us on the list were anticipating the conflict of interest statements from the JOEM [Journal of ACOEM in regard to the authors of the 'Mold Statement' adopted by the ACOEM. It seems they got lost in the mail. This question arises if this is just an oversight, or if such a disclosure of conflicts is purposeful, as many of us who are members of ACOEM who actually see patients with mold exposure were excluded from the discussion."

Needless to say, consumer, worker, health and environmental advocacy groups are calling for a senate investigation and will be on the Hill this week requesting the investigation.

Sharon Kramer
Mycotic Disease Awareness
760-822-8026

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

Source One Management Services, LLC Announces Wireless Management Program

Clients ask for help in managing cell phones, Blackberries and other wireless devices.

Willow Grove, PA (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- Rapid growth in wireless devices over the last five years has left companies searching for resources and methodologies to manage the spend category. Wireless spend is increasing in significance for many companies as these devices become pervasive. Tracking device inventory, active users and coordinating wireless plan minutes is evolving into a time consuming and costly task that most companies don't have the time or resources to get to.

In response to this dilemma, Source One is rolling out a comprehensive program to assist companies in gaining control of their wireless spending. The five actions for managing a wireless network:

• Validate inventory and verify periodically that every service and line billed is assigned to a valid user.

• Centralize the administration process so that specific individuals make changes or initiate new orders.

• Review usage and usage patterns to confirm proper rate plans and promotions for:
- Peak minute usage
- International LD and Roaming
- Unlimited Nights and Weekends
- Data Services
- Add-on services
Each carrier requires a slightly different investigation. This Review should be done monthly.

• Evaluate new carrier plans and promotions. This should be done monthly.

• Create and monitor contract expiration list. This should be done at least twice yearly.

"We believe that this broad program will help companies to reduce wireless costs while providing better control and management of wireless devices", said Steven Belli, CEO of Source One.

Source One has been at the forefront of supply chain transformation and enablement for the past 15 years assisting companies in strategic sourcing as a Procurement Service Provider. "During our history we have developed subject matter expertise and sourced over one hundred categories. Recently we have made online Sourcing and RFP tools available to everyone with the release of the Free RFx and Reverse Auction web www.WhyAbe.com ", said William Dorn, Director Operations of Source One.

About Source One Management Services, LLC
Source One is a Procurement Service Provider that has been assisting companies with their strategic sourcing requirements for 15 years. Engagements with Source One may include spend consolidation, assistance with statements of work, identification of alternate suppliers, market and supply research, RFP management, price and terms negotiations, and contract recommendations. A small sampling of the categories that Source One has successfully sourced include: Advertising, Benefits, Chemicals, Direct Materials, Freight, Hardware, Insurance, Material Handling, MRO, Packaging, Small Parcel, Software, Telecommunications, Travel, Treasury Services, Uniforms, & Utilities. Clients average 18% savings across all product and service categories. In order to best service their clients, Source One provides flexible fee options for their consulting services. Clients can choose between contingency (gain sharing) based, fee for service or a hybrid. For more information, visit www.SourceOneInc.com or call 215-902-0200.

About WhyAbe.com
WhyAbe.com is an on-demand web sourcing tool that can be used by any organization or individual in any industry. WhyAbe allows buyers to post their specifications in a RFP / RFQ format and invite suppliers to provide quotes. Buyers have the ability to communicate with multiple suppliers at once and view all responses in the WhyAbe dashboard. Registering and using most e-sourcing platforms require a large ramp-up period and/or a large deployment budget. With these platforms, the cost of rollout can often mitigate any cost savings opportunities. WhyAbe's quote tracking system assists companies reach compliance with Sarbanes Oxley. Obtaining value from WhyAbe is instant. There is no software to install or PC's to configure. A computer equipped with the latest version of Internet Explorer or Firefox provides immediate access to the comprehensive and user friendly tool. WhyAbe provides a free download of the Firefox software on its homepage. WhyAbe is available immediately for free on the web @ www.WhyAbe.com.

For additional information, contact:
Abe Podolak
Chief Supply Strategist
Source One Management Services, LLC
724 Fitzwatertown Road
Willow Grove, PA 19090
Phone: 267-913-6242

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:14 AM | Comments (0)

ANYK Design Blends Luxury and Sweat for Prestigious Sitaras Fitness Facility

ANYK, renowned New York-based Interior Architecture & Design firm, announces the completion and grand opening of Sitaras Fitness in Midtown Manhattan. ANYK blends modern utility and refined contemporary luxury to achieve owner and fitness expert John Sitaras' vision for this stylish training facility.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- ANYK, renowned New York-based Interior Architecture & Design firm, announces the completion and grand opening of Sitaras Fitness in Midtown Manhattan. ANYK blends modern utility and refined contemporary luxury to achieve owner and fitness expert John Sitaras' vision for this stylish training facility.

The ANYK team, lead by principals Anurag Nema and Orit Kaufman, was commissioned by Sitaras to create a "no frills" environment that focused on serious exercise yet evoked a sense of understated elegance to appeal to his upscale, professional clientele. To achieve this, ANYK combined a clean, modern design with a rich palette of materials: chocolate-brown oak, deep cream colors, textured porcelain tiles, light blue glass accents and blue leather seating. "The main exercise floor has clean lines, natural light and open ceilings, to encourage clients to focus on the equipment and task at hand, the workout," Nema explains. "The locker rooms and reception areas provide a sense of luxury and sophistication."

While sophisticated materials and top of the line equipment were used throughout the entire facility, ANYK also placed additional amenities in the ladies' locker room to give Sitaras' female clientèle a little extra pampering. Recessed banquette seats wrapped in soft blue leather and separated by solid wood lockers provide a comfortable, private refuge after a tough workout session.

"The space had to match the constant reach for perfection and dedication to personal improvement that is shared by Sitaras and his clients," Nema states. "We combined a design that focused on form and function with materials of the highest quality and elegance to give the Sitaras Fitness facility a feeling of luxurious functionality."

About ANYK
ANYK is a boutique Interior Architecture & Design firm based in New York City. Lead by founder Anurag Nema, ANYK creates innovative, contemporary designs that combine modern concepts, luxurious details and cultural awareness. Specializing in hospitality, residential, and commercial spaces, ANYK combines cutting edge style with the highest quality materials and details to deliver award winning, unique, and enduring design projects. For more information, visit www.anykdesign.com.

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

Sorrento Asset Management Acquires BridgeStreet Worldwide from Interstate Hotels & Resorts

Sorrento Asset Management, a Dublin-based, privately held, investment group, today announced that it has acquired BridgeStreet Worldwide, a leading international provider of corporate housing (referred to as serviced apartments throughout Europe), from Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: IHR) for approximately $40.5 million.

Dublin, Ireland and Arlington, VA (Vocus/PRWeb ) January 29, 2007 -- Sorrento Asset Management, a Dublin-based, privately held, investment group, today announced that it has acquired BridgeStreet Worldwide, a leading international provider of corporate housing (referred to as serviced apartments throughout Europe), from Interstate Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: IHR) for approximately $40.5 million.

"Over the last several years, BridgeStreet has operated a number of our properties in Europe and the United States. As we became familiar with their strengths, we saw the strategic opportunity to combine our global real estate activity with BridgeStreet's proven management team," said Bryan Turley, Sorrento's chief executive officer. "The combination into a single organization will translate into significant synergies, and creates additional opportunities for BridgeStreet. We see BridgeStreet, which will be our management division, as a catalyst for strategic growth. In addition to operating our current properties, we will continue to pursue strategic acquisitions in key U.S. and European markets."

"Our partnership with Sorrento will open doors to multiple capital sources, which will allow us to fund our ongoing and future growth plans," said Lee Curtis, president and newly named CEO of BridgeStreet. "We remain committed to our clients and associates and are very enthusiastic about the opportunities this merger brings to both. We will remain a U.S.-based company, with our full management team remaining in northern Virginia."

Turley noted that BridgeStreet had successfully implemented a major turn-around program over the past few years. "Curtis and his team have re-energized the company by concentrating on high potential, tier-one markets, by increasing revenues and profitability and through significantly expanding their global accounts. We foresee significant upside growth potential."

In 2006, BridgeStreet introduced a number of client-friendly programs, including enhanced guest service packages in major markets, a state-of-the-art, integrated supplier management tool, a new luxury bedding program and the industry's first mapping and point of interest Web-based tools. As a result, guest satisfaction scores rose more than 17 percent.

The acquisition was financed by Credit Suisse, and Cantor Fitzgerald and DLA Piper acted as financial and legal advisor to Sorrento, respectively.

BridgeStreet Worldwide is one of the world's largest corporate housing providers. BridgeStreet and its network of Global Partners offer approximately 10,000 corporate apartments located in over 100 MSAs throughout the United States and 50 cities internationally. An award winner both in the U.S. and Europe, BridgeStreet properties meet uncompromising standards of quality, comfort and service. For more information about the company or to learn more about how BridgeStreet is Making Corporate Housing Easy, visit www.bridgestreet.com or call 1-800-BSTREET.

Based in Dublin, Ireland, Sorrento Asset Management is a leading provider of wealth management products and services, focused primarily on return on equity transactions. Formed in 2004, Sorrento's strength comes from its ability to structure high quality, off-market residential and commercial property transactions with guaranteed yields and full management, giving investors turn-key investment solutions. The company's investment products and services include a significant property portfolio in the U.K., Ireland, Europe and the U.S., structured products and private finance transactions, equity investments and pre-and post-retirement funds.

Contact:
Jerry Daly or Carol McCune
Daly Gray Public Relations (Media)
(703) 435-6293

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:10 AM | Comments (0)

HOK Chairman Bill Valentine Receives 'Legend' Award At Annual Interior Design Awards

Honor recognizes architect's positive influence on commercial design and sustainability during his 45-year HOK career.

New York (Vocus/PRWeb ) January 29, 2007 -- In recognition of his 45-year commitment to design excellence and sustainable design leadership, HOK Chairman Bill Valentine, FAIA, LEED® AP, accepted the "Legend" Award at the 28th Annual Interiors Awards, hosted by Contract magazine January 26 in New York City. Presented annually since 2002, the Legend honor recognizes individuals whose lifetime achievements have contributed in some significant way to improving the practice of commercial interior design and architecture.

Valentine joined HOK in 1962 and is currently based in the firm's San Francisco office. A vocal advocate for sustainability within the firm and profession, Valentine actively promotes his definition of "good design" as a simple idea, elegantly executed and inspiring, with social significance and in harmony with the environment. His diverse, award-winning design portfolio includes projects representing the Corporate, Education, Justice, Aviation, and Science + Technology sectors.

"The Legend Award is a fitting tribute to a man who has had a profound positive impact on numerous clients, colleagues and the next generation of architects," says HOK CEO Patrick MacLeamy.

Valentine's notable projects include the Biogen Idec Research and Development Campus in San Diego; Natural Science Building at the University of California, Irvine; Nortel Campus in Ottawa, Canada; Adobe Systems Inc. World Headquarters in San Jose; Levi's Plaza in San Francisco; Microsoft Augusta Site Campus in Redmond, Washington; Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco; Phoenix Municipal Courthouse; and King Khaled International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

"Through Bill's ongoing commitment to excellence in commercial design, including his recent focus on sustainable building practices, he has raised the standards for the industry, and continues to set an important example for other design professionals to follow," says Jennifer Busch, editor in chief of Contract magazine.

Valentine earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University and a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard University. A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, he is a frequent speaker and author on sustainable design topics.

HOK is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 25 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.

Contact:
Mike Plotnick
314.754.4315
www.hok.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:09 AM | Comments (0)

Ohio New Home Builder, Dominion Homes Inc, Renews Credit Agreement

Central Ohio new home builder secures $35 million revolving line of credit to prepare for growth when real estate housing market rebounds.

Dublin, OH (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- Ohio based new home builder, Dominion Homes, Inc. (NASDAQ:DHOM) today announced that effective December 29, 2006 it completed a four-year renewal of its credit facility that was scheduled to mature in May 2007. The newly amended and restated agreement, which matures December 29, 2010, provides additional borrowing capacity and is structured to move the home building Company's business plan forward.

The amended agreement includes a $35 million revolving line of credit, a $110 million senior note, and a secondary or mezzanine note of $90 million. The Company believes that this new agreement will provide adequate liquidity to weather an anticipated loss in 2007 as a result of the weak housing market, and to respond aggressively when the market rebounds.

For the renewal period, the interest rates on the senior note are comparable to the rates on the previous facility (9.60% compared to 9.25%). The new secondary note bears interest at a fixed interest rate of 15% and includes stock purchase warrants which, if exercised, would represent approximately 15% of the Company's fully-diluted common shares.

The Company's new line of credit results in immediate availability of approximately $18.2 million in additional borrowings that can be used to fund day-to-day working capital needs. Private investment funds Silver Oak Capital, LLC and certain private investment funds affiliated with Silver Point Finance, LLC are the lenders for the credit facilities.

In October 2006, a number of the Company's lenders exercised their right to assign their interest to third party lenders including some of the investment companies named above. The last two months have provided for a smooth transition to this new group of lenders. Huntington National Bank will continue to serve as an Administrative Agent.

"We are very pleased with the successful renewal of our credit facility," said Douglas G. Borror, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio based new home builder. "Our communities are the foundation on which we have built our reputation. We now have the long-term financing in place to prepare for growth when the market rebounds and to continue implementing our strategic plans. Today, the housing market remains a challenge, but our credit facility enables us to assure our customers, vendors and shareholders that we have a sound capital structure that we believe will enable us to withstand the market and plan for the future," said Borror. "We expect to continue to command a significant share of our markets."

The real estate market has been especially hard hit in the Midwest. Dominion Homes has responded by reducing its land acquisition, development activities and expenses. The Company believes that the renewal and restructuring of its credit facility represents a significant piece in its strategic financial plan.

Dominion Homes, building homes since 1952, offers a variety of new homes, which are differentiated by size, price, standard features and available options. Dominion builds starter homes, single-family move-up homes and condos in Central Ohio, Louisville and Lexington. The Company's homebuilding philosophy focuses on providing its customers with unsurpassed products, quality, and customer service. Additional information about the Company and its new homes is located on its website www.dominionhomes.com.

Certain statements in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, changes in national or local economic conditions, changes in the local or national homebuilding industry, changes in federal lending programs, fluctuations in interest rates, increases in raw materials and labor costs, levels of competition and other factors described in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, and in its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2006. All forward-looking statements made in this press release are based on information presently available to the management of the Company. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:07 AM | Comments (0)

Rising Need for Local Home Improvement Search Tools Met by LocalPlusNetwork.com

As part of the recent record-breaking remodeling trend, consumers will increasingly hunt for home renovation companies. LocalPlusNetwork.com has developed a new search tool to help consumers locate companies nearby, making home improvement easier.

(PRWEB) January 29, 2007 --With the remodeling market recently seeing the strongest five years in its history, as reported by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), more and more consumers are looking for local contractors for their renovation projects. The remodeling market is projected to keep booming for the long-term, with an anticipated growth rate of 5 percent a year over the next decade. LocalPlusNetwork.com (http://www.localplusnetwork.com), which connects local businesses and homeowners seeking specific home services, has a new search tool to assist people in their local home improvement search.

"The Internet is an invaluable tool for finding contractors," said Allison Beatty, founder of home improvement site RenovatorsPlace.com. "Web sites such as LocalPlusNetwork.com have streamlined search options that make finding a local contractor a breeze."

In 2005, U.S. consumers dished out $215 billion on home improvement. That number is projected to rise by over ten billion a year, topping $359 billion by 2015, according to Gopal Ahluwalia, NAHB vice president of research. Maintenance and energy savings-related remodeling will command the largest share of the renovation market. With respect to major improvement projects, consumers in 2005 continued to embark most often on kitchen and bathroom remodeling, trailed by room additions, whole house overhauls and window and door replacement.

LocalPlusNetwork.com has met the growing demand for local home improvement searches with its new city/state directory (http://www.LocalPlusNetwork.com). The search tool lists home improvement companies serving local areas nationwide. The site offers consumers a network linking companies from a variety of home service industries including:
• Bathrooms
• Doors
• Kitchen
• Windows
Within each of these categories, consumers can search by style, locate experts, request brochures and even request an estimate--as well as browse featured articles.

Although the recent slowdown in home construction may indicate a decline in spending on additions and alterations, home remodeling is less cyclical than new construction, says Kermit Baker of Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies, as quoted in the Nation's Building News. Generally, homeowners tailor their homes to suit their tastes several years after purchase. That means the more than 30 million homes purchased in the past five years should fuel the home renovation market for some time.

LocalPlusNetwork.com is an established and respected online network that puts businesses in front of thousands of local homeowners who are actively looking for specific home services.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:06 AM | Comments (0)

New Sliding Patio Doors By AMSCO Windows Expand Views to Invite The Outdoors Into The Home

AMSCO Windows announces the addition of 3- and 4-panel sliding patio doors in both the Heritage Series vinyl and Renaissance Series composite patio door lines. Plus, with the addition of a new vinyl French style sliding patio door AMSCO offers a design and configuration to meet any home's decor.

Salt Lake City (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- Architects and builders now have more choices with sliding patio doors by AMSCO Windows® to help bring the outdoors into their homes. New for 2007 are additional designs, sizes and options that will add a distinctive element to their homes. Each AMSCO sliding patio door entranceway is manufactured to create an inviting entrance to any home's patio, deck or courtyard.

Renaissance Series sliding patio doors
AMSCO has added new three-panel and four-panel configurations to its Renaissance® Series composite sliding patio door line. With sizes up to 16' wide and 8' tall, homeowners can select these sliding patio doors in multiple configurations to best suit their home's design. Renaissance Series sliding patio doors feature narrow sash and frame profiles that offer homeowners a maximum viewing area.
http://www.amscowindows.com/renaissanceseries_doors.asp

Heritage Series sliding patio doors
With the addition of a new four-panel sliding patio door in the Contemporary style, AMSCO has added a new French rail style sliding patio door. The new Heritage Series French style sliding patio door is available in two-, three- and four-panel configurations and boasts a 6-1/2" bottom rail height for a more natural French rail style look. The Heritage Series sliding patio doors are available in sizes up to 16' wide and 8' tall in both the Contemporary and French styles.
http://www.amscowindows.com/heritageseries_doors.asp

"Many times, entertaining is done in connection with the home's patio or deck," said Steve Sullivan, director of marketing at AMSCO Windows. "The patio has become a place to entertain and cook, whether it's to host birthday parties, holiday events or just hang out. A uniquely designed patio entranceway can make a home feel bigger by bringing the outdoors in and all the fun that comes with it."

Designers can create their own masterpiece for their patio entranceway with AMSCO through the multiple features and options available:

Sizes - Customers may specify custom sizes in two-, three- and four-panel configurations in both the Heritage Series and Renaissance Series sliding patio doors.

Door panels - Panels on the Heritage Series French style sliding patio door are available with standard 4-1/2" stiles and a 6-1/2" bottom rail for a more natural French style look. The Renaissance Series and Heritage Series Contemporary sliding patio doors offer a narrow frame and sash that allows a maximum viewing area for a more traditional look.

Colors - White, Almond and Taupe are available on all of AMSCO's sliding patio doors. In addition, Heritage Series Contemporary style sliding patio doors offer a Bronze exterior with a White interior. And, with the Renaissance Series, a Pine Wood veneer interior is also available.

Optional Hardware - Standard handle hardware is color matched to the frame for a uniform look. And, coming soon, designers and homeowners will have the option of selecting a variety of plated finishes to match any home's décor.

Grids/Grilles - Grids between the glass are offered in both the Heritage Series and Renaissance Series sliding patio doors. In addition, simulated divided light grilles are available with the Renaissance Series for a more traditional look. Interior grids are available in flat or sculptured profiles while exterior grilles are available in a sculptured profile only.

Operation - Designers and architects can choose from different panel configurations that best suit the home's functionality. By offering the flexibility for specifying the location of the operating panels, customers are better equipped to make the home's layout and available space meet their needs.

Complementary Sidelites and Transoms - Sidelites and transoms are available and may be added to any sliding patio door to allow architects and contractors to create unique, light-filled patio door entranceway combinations.

Each sliding patio door is manufactured to exacting dimensions and quality. They feature the highest quality hardware and come with AMSCO's full lifetime warranty that coversboth materials and labor for as long as you own your home. To find out how AMSCO's new sliding patio doors can help turn your home into a masterpiece, visit http://www.amscowindows.com.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, AMSCO Windows has a strong heritage with more than 50 years in the window industry bringing innovative products and services to market for dealers, builders and homeowners. As a growing company setting the pace for the emerging composite window industry, AMSCO prides itself on adding aesthetics and functionality to a homeowner's most prized possession - their home. For more information, please visit http://www.amscowindows.com or call 1 (888) 82-AMSCO.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:05 AM | Comments (0)

New Asbestos Laws Protect Employees

The New Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 came into force Nov 13th 2006 and consolidate 3 previous sets of regulations. In response to the New Regulations Euro Environmental Ltd, launched Asbestos LocatorTM , A web based asbestos management system designed to assist organisations in complying with the regulations.

(PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- The New Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 came into force Nov 13th 2006 and consolidate 3 previous sets of regulations.

Some of the changes that were introduced include specific mandatory training for anyone who may risk being exposed to asbestos during there work, Introduction of a singular control limit and practical guidelines for the determination of 'Sporadic & Low Intensity asbestos works'.

In response to the New Regulations Euro Environmental Ltd, launched Asbestos LocatorTM , A web based asbestos management system designed to assist organisations in complying with the regulations.

Lee Hall Managing Director of Euro Environmental said "The system was designed in response to our customers demands for a simple management system that would enable effective in house management of asbestos containing materials".

Another change brought about by the introduction of these regulations is the removal of textured coatings from the list of notifiable products. In essence this means that organisations are no longer required to use an asbestos licensed contractor to remove these materials. Companies should however exercise caution, the removal of textured coatings should still be carried out in accordance with HSE approved codes of practice and few non licensed companies have the skills and knowledge to do this effectively. Consideration should also be given to the contractors insurance which must cover them for works with asbestos materials.

For further advice on any of the aspects covered in this article visit www.euroenvironmental.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
Euro Environmental is a specialist asbestos and workplace monitoring consultancy and laboratory with offices in Rotherham, Sheffield and Coventry.

It has a total of 34 specialist staff based at 3 regional offices across the UK, providing a wide range of services from asbestos management and removal to surveying, training and laboratory analysis.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:04 AM | Comments (0)

Kitchen Cabinet Photos: Custom Kitchen Cabinets Change the Face of Remodeling

Minor kitchen remodeling has topped the charts of renovation projects for which homeowners can recoup expenses. Therefore, homeowners are seeking out small renovations to maximize their remodeling investments. FaceYourKitchen.com meets this need by helping consumers customize and reface their kitchen cabinets, thereby avoiding the expense of a full kitchen renovation.

(PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- According to the 2006 Cost vs. Value Report detailed in Remodeling Magazine, minor kitchen remodeling is one of the number one home renovation investments. On average, minor kitchen remodeling resulted in 85.2 percent of the cost recouped at resale, more than a 5 percent increase over major kitchen revamping. These statistics encourage homeowners to choose less extensive kitchen overhauls, and they can find the help they need on top kitchen cabinet refacing site FaceYourKitchen.com. FaceYourKitchen.com helps consumers undertake a minor kitchen renovation with articles, tools, and before and after photos related to custom kitchen cabinets and cabinet refacing (http://www.faceyourkitchen.com).

One recent article on FaceYourKitchen.com, "How One Homeowner Customized Her Kitchen with Cabinets," provides readers with before and after photos of a kitchen with new custom kitchen cabinets. In the article, homeowner Sharon McLeod discusses her recent renovation process in detail, from selecting among kitchen cabinet styles and hiring a contractor to her satisfaction with the final result (http://www.faceyourkitchen.com/interviews/how-one-homeowner-customized-her-kitchen-with-cabinets.php).

McCleod appreciates the range of choices available, "With custom kitchen cabinets, you can do whatever you want. They give you all sorts of kitchen cabinet ideas. It's like we have a brand new kitchen. We kept the floor, kept the walls and everything, but having custom kitchen cabinets is really like having a new kitchen"(http://www.faceyourkitchen.com/interviews/how-one-homeowner-customized-her-kitchen-with-cabinets.php.)

For home resale, a minor kitchen remodeling project "raises the value dramatically," Sacramento real estate professional Steve Walker told Realtor.org. Consumers embarking on a minor update shouldn't "underestimate the importance of cabinets," Kate Schwartz editor of Kitchens.com told Realtor.com. "Your cabinets' door style and color will have the most impact on your new kitchen's palette by making the strongest visual statement."

FaceYourKitchen.com is a top kitchen cabinet refacing and custom kitchen cabinet information resource. The site features hundreds of informative articles about kitchen cabinets and cabinet refacing, including costs and value, styles and colors and a contractor directory to help homeowners change the face of their kitchen.

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

Avalon Doors to Supply Custom Doors to the Hotel Del Coronado Expansion

Avalon Doors to supply custom doors to the Hotel Del Coronado Expansion.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- Avalon Doors, LLC a custom door manufacturer based in Encinitas, California has been selected to supply 100 Custom Entry Door Systems to the world famous Hotel Del Coronado, located in the island of Coronado, near San Diego.

The Hotel Del Coronado has recently introduced 35 Luxury whole-ownership, limited-term-use cottages, known as Beach Village along its award winning beach. "For the first time in the resort's 118 year history, it will be possible to own your place at the Hotel Del," says General Manager Todd Shallan.

As a National Historic Landmark, the Hotel Del has a rich and colorful heritage. From Marilyn Monroe to Charles Lindbergh, from state dinners to the ghost of Kate Morgan, The Del is a fascinating American treasure with over 118 years of stories to tell.

"Avalon Doors is thrilled to be selected for the expansion of this historical landmark" says David Fitzgerald, President of Avalon Doors. We take tremendous pride in our selection and the painstaking attention to detail exhibited on this project.

Avalon Doors LLC specializes in new construction and provides factory direct pricing to both home owners and the trades. Our showroom is located at 1542 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA. 92024. Visit our web site at www.avalondoors.net

Press Contact:
David Fitzgerald
Tel: 760-633-1474
http://www.avalondoors.net

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

Avalon Doors Selected to Supply Custom Doors to the New Home Models of the Trump Oceanfront Estates Los Angeles

Avalon Doors selected to supply custom doors to the new home models of the Trump Oceanfront Estates Los Angeles.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 29, 2007 -- Avalon Doors, LLC a custom door manufacturer based in Encinitas, California has been selected to supply Custom Doors to the Trump National Estates. Trump National Estates will total thirty-eight to fifty estates when completed.

The Estates at Trump National Golf Club will be the finest development on the California coast," proclaimed Donald Trump. "With their spectacular ocean views and the best golf course in California, where all 18 holes front on the ocean, these homes are sure to attract the most discerning buyers who are seeking both luxury and privacy."

"Avalon Doors is thrilled to be selected for this world-class project" says David Fitzgerald, President of Avalon Doors. "We take tremendous pride in our selection and we are excited that our company has been chosen to provide a Luxury product that is synonymous with the name Trump."

Avalon Doors LLC specializes in new construction and provides factory direct pricing to both home owners and the trades. Our showroom is located at 1542 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA. 92024. Visit our web site at www.avalondoors.net

Press Contact:
David Fitzgerald
Tel: 760-633-1474
http://www.avalondoors.net

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

Atlanta Based Moore Colson, CPA Admits Two New Partners

At a recent firm function, Managing Partner Greg Colson announced the admission of Michael J. Anderson - Partner, Tax Services, and Bret Roy - Partner, Practice Development. Both Mike and Bret are top performers and dedicated to the firm.

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) January 28, 2007 -- Atlanta based accounting firm Moore Colson recently announced the admission of two new partners. At a recent firm function, Managing Partner Greg Colson announced the admission of Michael J. Anderson - Partner, Tax Services, and Bret Roy - Partner, Practice Development. "Both Mike and Bret are top performers and dedicated to the firm. Each new partner brings a unique set of skills and expertise to the table for Moore Colson. They very much deserve partnership and the accolades that are associated with this kind of recognition," said Greg Colson, Managing Partner, Moore Colson. "We look forward to the leadership these individuals will provide the firm in the years to come, our future looks bright."

Moore Colson, founded in 1981, is a full-service CPA firm located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing tax and assurance services, management consulting services, estate and financial services, lender services and information technology audit services.

Michael J. Anderson, formerly a Manager in Moore Colson's Tax Services Practice, joined the firm in 2003. Mike's responsibilities at Moore Colson include the coordination of tax services for clients, planning and organizing engagements, managing the progress of work, maintaining and expanding good client relations, suggesting and implementing tax planning ideas, performing research, and supervising staff. Mike's extensive professional background in public accounting, along with his strong interpersonal and team-oriented skills, complement Moore Colson's already diversified tax team. With experience in domestic and international tax planning, Mike's successful business background includes serving clients in the manufacturing, distribution services, and real estate industries. Prior to joining Moore Colson, Mike was a Senior Tax Manager at Ernst & Young LLP. During his time with Ernst & Young, Mike served clients throughout the Southeast and held positions in four locations: Atlanta, Birmingham, Washington DC, and Mobile. Mike attended The University of Alabama (B.S., Accounting, 1989). Mike is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (Tax Section Member), the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Bret Roy, formerly a Director at Moore Colson, joined the firm in 2005. A CPA with more than 20 years accounting and management consulting experience, Bret has an extensive background in corporate finance, value growth management, long-range strategic planning, and near-term tactical implementation. Bret works closely with business owners, CEOs, and CFOs to develop new business relationships for the firm's overall practice. Prior to joining Moore Colson, Bret worked with Bennett Thrasher PC as business development manager and operated The Roy Group consulting practice from 1998 to 2000. Prior to his consulting practice, he held corporate finance management positions with BellSouth Corporation, United Parcel Service, Inc. and CSR America, Inc. Bret attended Tulane University (M.B.A., 1988), and Louisiana State University (B.S., Accounting, 1984). Bret is a member of the Association for Corporate Growth, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Louisiana Society of Certified Public Accountants, and Licensed with the State Board of CPA's of Louisiana.

Moore Colson is the Atlanta representative for IGAF Worldwide, an international organization of independent local and regional firms of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants, or their professional equivalents. IGAF Worldwide was founded in 1977 for the purpose of providing members and their clients with the capability of furnishing a broad spectrum of accounting, auditing, and management services on an efficient and cost effective basis around the globe. With over 150 firms worldwide, nearly 350 offices and over 8,000 staff worldwide, including over 900 partners, IGAF Worldwide has $600M in annual revenue as a network. IGAF Worldwide North America has 41 firms with revenues of over $340M. For more information about IGAF Worldwide, call Kevin Mead at 678-417-7730 or visit www.igaf.org

Moore Colson, founded in 1981, is a full-service CPA firm located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing tax and assurance services, estate and financial services, lender services, and management consulting services. Moore Colson serves clients throughout Atlanta and the southeastern United States. For more information about Moore Colson, call 770-989-0028 or visit www.moorecolson.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:01 AM | Comments (0)

DORMA Products Selected for World's Tallest Building: Burj Dubai

DORMA Group has received a $6.5 million order for door closers, panic devices and levers for installation on the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai, which will tower more than 2,300 feet and 160 floors when completed in 2008. The door hardware products will be manufactured in the United States by DORMA Architectural Hardware.

Reamstown, PA (PRWEB) January 28, 2007 -- DORMA Group has received a $6.5 million order for door closers, panic devices and levers for installation on the tallest building in the world, the Burj Dubai, which will tower more than 2,300 feet and 160 floors when completed in 2008. The door hardware products will be manufactured in the United States by DORMA Architectural Hardware.

Dr. Michael Schaedlich, DORMA's CEO, said the project represents one of the largest in DORMA's history. He said he is optimistic the order will be the first of several for this project as the building has reached only about 1,100 feet -- not even half of the planned height. DORMA's network of companies and subsidiaries worldwide provide a single source for all the items needed in the pedestrian opening while providing the necessary local support.

DORMA's Reamstown, Pa., facility will manufacture the door closers and its Steelville, Ill., plant will make the locks and exit devices.

"The selection of DORMA hardware on this record-breaking structure is a testament to the quality and style we put into every product," said Scott Duncan, President of DORMA Architectural Hardware, which is part of DORMA Group North America. "It's an honor to know DORMA products will be relied upon by tens of thousands of people in this building for their safety, access and security needs."

The Burj Dubai will house a hotel, a large number of luxury apartments, and several office complexes. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, the Burj Dubai combines historical and cultural influences with cutting edge technology to achieve a high-performance building that will set a new standard for development in the Middle East and become the model for the future of the city.

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 03:00 AM | Comments (0)

January 26, 2007

ComponexX™ Named U.S. Distributor for Televés Off-Air and Satellite Signal Reception and Distribution Products

International designer and manufacturer’s product line complements ComponexX’s top-to-bottom one stop HDTV prewiring solutions.

Sunrise, FL (PRWEB) January 26, 2007 -- ComponexX (www.componexx.com) announced today that it has been selected the U.S. distributor for Televés’ Off-Air and Satellite signal reception and distribution products. ComponexX continues to expand its Top-To-Bottom prewire HDTV packages. Edwin Diaz, President of ComponexX said, "The addition of Televés’ full line of Field Strength Meters (FSM), T05 Series Headend series and remotely controlled QAM (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation), along with other headend equipment greatly adds to our ability to provide builders and installers the complete prewire and retrofit solution to Get Connected™ with one phone call to us."

ComponexX already offers a top-to-bottom package starting on the roof with a full line of Winegard HDTV antennas, which mount to roofs with Commdeck’s mounting system, then cable to their structural wiring boxes. In the box, they supply splitters from 5 to 2,500 MHz, ground blocks and amplifiers. Next they offer a new line of ComponexX cables and wall plates for every hook-up. These Audio/Video cables connect to and from their surge protectors to Winegard’s new RC-1010 Off-Air HDTV digital set top box and/or directly to the TV. With the addition of the Televés products, ComponexX now offers an even more complete package.

Victor Gestal, Managing Director of Televés US said, "As an international company, we are just beginning to market our products in the U.S. We knew of Mr. Diaz’s reputation and contacts within the industry and were very comfortable in naming his company our US distributor for these complementary products." For Televés, ComponexX will market the FSM-400 Field Strength Meters, which is easy and friendly to use. The FSM-400 is a portable meter with a 5" colored screen which features all of the basic functions that are necessary to guarantee a high level of quality in an analog or digital TV installation, that guarantee a high level of quality in analog or digital TV installations.

They will also market the T05 Series Headend equipment, including digital processors for digital solutions. The modulator accepts audio and video inputs and modulates them according to the regulation, into an IF of 38.9 MHz. The modulated IF signal turns into any channel or frequency between 46 and 862 MHz and then, once filtered, is amplified to achieve the specified output level. And to make the modulators even more versatile, remotely controlled headend will also be offered, from everywhere and via IP modem, which really differentiates the product with their competitors.

As an integral part of the top-to-bottom package, the Commdeck mounting system is included, which major builders have found solves the problems of not voiding the roofing warranties, water intrusion, grounding and aesthetics issues, along with ComponexX 3 new quality cable line, the X Series™, Pro Series™ and Xtreme Series™

ComponexX, Winegard, Commdeck and Televés products will be on display at the upcoming International Homebuilders Show in Orlando, February 7-10 in booth S11573.

If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Edwin Diaz at 888-572-8229 or Victor Gestal at 303-256-6767 or to schedule an interview with Eddie Diaz or Victor Gestal , please call Michael Sherman at 662-893-8360.

About ComponexX:

ComponexX (www.componexx.com) specialized in reliable, efficient and less expensive manufacturing of electronic components and accessories for the Structural wire, Data, Video, Satellite and Cable TV industries. With persistent efforts for over 10 years, ComponexX has established a worldwide reputation for top quality, competitive price and excellent service. ComponexX not only produces its own line, but also accepts OEM and ODM projects, including printing and packaging for the retail markets, including programs to aid in product design and development. They are a master distributor for the full line of HDTV antennas and the RC-1010 HDTV digital set top box from Winegard, US distributor for Televés and Commdeck distributor for the East coast.

Manufacturing capabilities includes sheet metal, plastic injection moldings, metal injection moldings, or a combination of these materials, including complete electronic and mechanical assemblies, electrical testing and packing. Special care is given to material analysis, pricing, specifications tooling and sampling. Systematic QC measures are applied during the production and shipping of finished goods to best meet our customer’s requirements, while assuring fast delivery.

ComponexX offers a complete line of:

- ComponexX Cable: 3 Quality Lines To Choose From -- X Series™, Pro Series™, Xtreme Series™
- Digital wiring infrastructure components from 5 MHz to 3 GHz
- Data and video combiners from 5-2400 MHz:
- Commercial Grade Satellite High Frequency Digital Components 5 – 3000 MHZ: Splitters, Taps, Diplexers, Amplifiers, Multi-switches, Power inserters, Attenuators, Voltage blocks and Grounding blocks
- Commercial Grade Cable TV Digital Components 5—1000 MHZ: Digital splitters, Directional couplers, Outdoor trunk line passives, Digital amplifiers, Fixed value equalizers, Attenuators, Voltage blocks and Terminators
- Accessories: Commdeck Satellite and Off-Air mounting systems, Winegard RC-1010 HDTV digital set top box, Surge protectors, Splitters, Switches, Connectors, RG-6, RG-59, Hard-line connectors, Wall plates, Coaxial cable, Installation tools, Telephone and data jacks and all components for coaxial and data infrastructure installations

About Televés:

Televés (www.televes.com/ingles/inicio.asp) was created in 1958, just as TV in Spain began its transmissions. From a small factory unit employing a staff of 10 for the first year, recently the Televés group has grown to include over 600 employees. Televés was the first company, in its market sector, to have a processor for Digital Signals and are the pioneers of QAM technology making Televés the market leader in sales and technology. Time and time again history has proven that Televés is at the forefront when it comes to new technology, R&D, Design, Manufacturing, Quality Control, Sales and Marketing of all products for the reception and distribution of TV signals, producing innovation reliable and competitive products to respond to today's demands.

Contact: Michael Sherman
Tel. 662-893-8360
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:40 PM | Comments (0)

Moore Colson Managing Partner, Greg Colson, Named One Of America's Top 100 Most Influential Practitioners of 2006 by CPA Magazine

Greg Colson, Managing Partner of Atlanta based accounting firm Moore Colson, was recently named one of America's Top 100 Most Influential Practitioners of 2006 by CPA Magazine.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 26, 2007 -- Greg Colson, Managing Partner of Atlanta based accounting firm Moore Colson, was recently named one of America's Top 100 Most Influential Practitioners of 2006 by CPA Magazine. A huge undertaking by CPA Magazine, the selection process for the most influential practitioners in the accounting profession requires solicitation of nominations from state societies and major national accounting organizations. Write-in nominations are also collected. Founded in 1981, Moore Colson, CPA is a full-service firm located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing tax and assurance services, estate and financial services, lender services, management consulting services, and IT audit services.

Selfless leaders like Greg Colson have chosen to devote their time and energy to serve others in a tough but rewarding industry. Today's leaders require a 360 degree vision for all areas of the firm in order to be successful. Greg Colson, who started the firm in 1981 with Bill Murphy and Jack Moore, possesses that vision, but takes it a step further. "He not only dedicates his time and contributes whatever it takes for clients, partners and the firm staff, but also leads a concerted effort to give back to the community and his church. He makes time for organizations such as; Right From the Heart Ministries, and Feed My Lambs, which runs tuition-free Christian Schools located in economically challenged areas in the Metro Atlanta area and around the world," said Bob Kiser, Senior Partner, Moore Colson.

Mr. Colson is also IGAF Worldwide - Chairman of the Board, North America, and a graduate of Georgia Southern University (B.B.A., Accounting, 1970), where he serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Georgia Southern University Foundation.

"Greg will be quick to tell you that the firm's success is predicated on two things; its unique culture, which differs from most, and a complete group effort from everyone in the firm, from partner to associate," said Bob Kiser.

Greg's areas of professional expertise include; consulting with the management of closely held companies on strategic planning and profitability enhancement, primarily in the transportation, distribution, construction, and service industries. Greg's leadership and business philosophy permeates throughout the firm. Under his leadership Moore Colson has continuously been ranked among Atlanta's top 20 accounting firms and was recently named one of America's top 25 best managed firms, by IPA, Inside Public Accounting Magazine, and best places to work by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

"I am honored to have been nominated for this award. It is a complete team effort, so the accolade goes to the entire firm. I believe our unique culture and consultative approach sets us apart from the rest, and has made a significant contribution to level of success we have experienced over the years. Our leaders and staff have such varied industry experience that we can contribute in many different areas. As the industry grows, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find the right people to become future leaders for the firm. Part of Moore Colson's mission statement reads; 'Our people are our most valuable resource', and I truly believe this. Without them we wouldn't be where we are today," said Greg Colson, Managing Partner, Moore Colson.

Voted one of America's Top 25 Accounting Firms by Inside Public Accounting, Moore Colson, CPA, is a full-service firm located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing tax and assurance services, estate and financial services, lender services, management consulting services, and IT audit services. Moore Colson, founded in 1981, serves clients throughout Atlanta and the Southeastern United States. For more information about Moore Colson, call 770-989-0028 or visit; www.moorecolson.com.

Moore Colson is the Atlanta representative for IGAF Worldwide, an international organization of independent local and regional firms of Certified Public Accountants, Chartered Accountants, or their professional equivalents. IGAF Worldwide was founded in 1977 by ten firms in the United States and Canada. Since that time the association has grown to over 140 firms, with over 350 offices in more than 60 countries around the world. In 2005, member firms had over 950 partners and over 8,500 personnel generating approximately US $800,000,000 in annual revenues as an association. IGAF Worldwide's North American region has 38 firms with revenues of over $370M. For more information about IGAF Worldwide, call Kevin Mead at 678-417-7730 or visit; www.igaf.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:40 PM | Comments (0)

Landscape Planet Launches Landscape Project Posting System

An Innovative Tool for Homeowners In Need of Landscaping Services

Carson City, NV (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- Landscape Planet, Inc. announced today the launch of their innovative new online "Landscape Project Posting System." This handy new tool is a novel feature for the ever-growing landscape portal www.LandscapePlanet.com. The Landscape Project Posting System gives homeowners the convenience of posting their desired landscaping project on the web site to receive a free project estimate from qualified contractors in their area.

The Landscape Project Posting tool is easy to use, fast and a great way for homeowners to arrange free project bids on their landscape project from highly qualified landscaping contractors or landscape material suppliers from across the United States, who are fully screened and authorized, ensuring that homeowners will be dealing with the best landscaping professionals available.

"LandscapePlanet.com is one of the largest landscaping portals on the web that provides free information on all types of landscaping ideas and solutions," says Roger Saxon, Director of Media Relations. "What makes this web site so successful is that it works as a large network, bringing homeowners together with contractors and suppliers of landscape materials. The sheer convenience of our Landscape Project Posting System creates another win-win for all," he said.

Visitors to LandscapePlanet.com will also be pleased to find a wealth of free information on all types of landscaping topics, including; Landscape Ideas, Erosion Control, Irrigation, Landscape Maintenance, Water Features, Fertilizers, Hardscaping and all they need to know about Plants and Trees. Its is the ideal web site to get tips and facts on the latest landscaping trends not only for homeowners looking for some fresh ideas, but also for landscaping professionals who are looking for some inspiration.

To visit this web site and take advantage of the free "Landscape Project Posting System" simply go to www.LandscapePlanet.com

About Landscape Planet, Inc.
Landscape Planet, Inc., is a privately held corporation that was founded by highly knowledgeable landscape professionals with years of combined landscaping industry experience, along with expertise in building proprietary Internet technology systems and tools for the landscaping industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:39 PM | Comments (0)

MyFax Improves Fax Management, Reporting and Security Options

MyFax offers greater versatility, integration and efficiencies for businesses with multiple users.

Ottawa, ON (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- MyFax™ today announced several new enhancements to one of the most popular Internet fax services for businesses that allows users to send and receive faxes using email accounts and the web. Users now benefit from new account services including improved accessibility to information, additional reporting features, and integration with the customer relationship management software, ACT!

With the popularity of the MyFaxCentral web interface at www.myfax.com introduced last year, additional tools have been added to the site to further enhance the online faxing experience. MyFax users can now manage all of their commonly used fax numbers and create groups of contacts, called Contact Books. Contact Books can be imported or exported from sources such as Microsoft Outlook or Winfax by Symantec. In addition, MyFax users can now share fax contacts and documents between colleagues.

Also available to more than 2.5 million registered ACT! users including 35,000+ corporate customers, is a new add-on that allows ACT! users to send and receive faxes directly within the application. MyFax's full integration with ACT! customer relationship management software enables users to send the same document to one or more ACT! contacts, use mail merge with ACT! templates and track faxes sent through the CRM database.

Companies both large and small will also appreciate extensive new reporting capabilities available to MyFax users. With the additional tools available through MyFaxCentral, administrators can complete a myriad of tasks including the analysis of fax traffic by billing code, storage usage per user as well as cost allocations by departments and clients. These new reporting capabilities provide administrators insight into fax activities from high-level summaries to user specific details.

The newest MyFax security enhancements allow 1000's of users across an enterprise to comply with corporate security standards. IT departments can strictly control the storage access and distribution of faxes.

"From the largest enterprises to the individual home user, we are always looking for new and innovative ways to improve work flow, document management and communications in general," says Joseph Nour CEO, Protus IP Solutions. "These newest MyFax enhancements make it even easier for corporations to benefit from Internet fax technology."

MyFax is available for only $10 USD per month or $110 USD per year. This price includes 100 outbound pages and 200 inbound pages per month. Volume pricing is also available.

Additional benefits of MyFax include:
• Scalability - MyFax scales from home office workers to small, medium and large businesses
• Convenience: MyFax includes an image of the first page of the fax in the email body.
• Image Quality: Both send and receive faxes are exact replicas of the fax.
• Browser Support: MyFax supports multiple browsers including FireFox.
• System Compatibility: users can use MyFax with the features and services offered as part of the Microsoft Office 2003/2007 and IBM® Lotus Notes®. MyFax offers a free download for Outlook users that provides a toolbar button for sending faxes.
• File Formats: MyFax supports 176 different file formats, including Microsoft® Office, PDF and other common formats.

About MyFax
MyFax is the fastest growing Internet fax service used by individuals, small, medium and large businesses to send and receive faxes using existing email accounts or the web. MyFax offers services in North America, Europe and the UK to industries recognized among the fastest growing adopters of internet fax including finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, transportation and government. More than 10,000 new customers subscribe to MyFax each month. Additional information is available at www.myfax.com.

Trademarks referenced in this news release are the property of their respective owners.

For more information, please contact:

Sue Rutherford, Protus IP Solutions Inc.
613 -733-0000 x 519
Tracy Shryer, Tech Image
847-279-0022 x230

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:38 PM | Comments (0)

Costa Vista Land Acquires Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates

Investors are the real winners at Costa Vista Land's Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates. Right now, Costa Vista Land clients can purchase developed property at pre-development prices, and get a lifetime membership to the 18-hole championship golf course with their slice of paradise.

Sabanilla, San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- Costa Vista Land (CVL) announces the purchase of Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates, a partially developed 1,006 acre project located on Costa Rica's west coast. The company estimates between 300 - 325 lots will be available for investors looking to purchase Costa Rica property.

Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates has been in development for the past year. John Dorsey, CVL's Developer, stated, "We decided to buy the entire parcel, because we like it so much. The previous Costa Rica developer did a good job, but we've taken over this project with the intention of bringing a real pre-development, affordable price to the table."

By investing in Costa Rica real estate at the Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates, investors are ensured of receiving the property title and deed quickly, because the roads, water and legal work are already complete. Power will be connected within a few months. "We are looking at an eight month window for the project to be sold out," commented Dorsey.

Located in Guanacaste, Bagaces on Costa Rica's west coast, Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates is primarily flat, but has sweeping views of three volcanoes - Miravalles, Tenorio and Rincon de la Vieja. The Guanacaste region is an ecological area with rich vegetation and exotic animals and birds. The area is known for its abundance of beaches, national parks, biological reserves, resorts and fishing. And, with a new International Airport in nearby Liberia, Vista Volcanoes Golf Estates is an ideal location for investors. An added perk is the lifetime membership at the championship golf course (valued at $35,000), which is included with the Costa Rica land purchase.

About Costa Vista Land:
Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is 'developing paradise' in Costa Rica. The company buys raw land in large quantities after they have thoroughly surveyed and researched all details. Because of this, Costa Vista Land acquires their properties at discount prices and develops them in less than 18 months. Hence the unique program in which you can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company President, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee. Everyone is encouraged to visit Costa Rica, stand on their property and see the beautiful country they have invested in. While visiting, the company pays for your accommodations, meals and transportation.

For more information contact 1-877-55-COSTA. And, grab your Free 50 minute CD now, by clicking here: http://www.developingparadisecd.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:37 PM | Comments (0)

San Diego Head Start Centers Have Safety and Security Inspections

Other centers across the country to get similar attention.

(PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- The Foundation for the Advancement of Life Safety and Security, in cooperation with the Neighborhood House Association in San Diego, CA, recently sponsored life safety and security inspections for a number of the Head Start Centers located in the San Diego area.

The inspections consisted of walking through 15 centers over a two day period to determine what changes, if any, could be made to doors at the points-of-entry and to fire-rated doors.

"With recent school related incidents across the country and with the known dangers of fire, we knew that we could play an active role in helping organizations understand the balance between security and life safety," said James Tartre, an Architectural Hardware Consultant (AHC) and Foundation president. "Doors are instrumental to a child’s safety and we felt that we could have a positive impact at the Head Start Centers."

The inspections were performed by Joseph Winandy, an AHC who is certified by the Door and Hardware Institute and is employed by Ingersoll-Rand Security Technologies. "Individuals like Mr. Winandy write the specifications for almost all commercial and school doors in the country," said Tartre. "There is a lot more to doors, in regards to safety and security, than meets the eye and we are happy to be able to educate and provide the Head Start centers with information, modifications and guidelines for their door openings."

"NHA is excited to partner with the Foundation as we continue to focus on our Head Start child safety efforts," said Rudolph Johnson, NHA President and CEO. "The door and hardware replacements are invaluable to the safety of both our Head Start children and staff."

In addition to performing these life safety and security inspections, the Foundation is working with some of the most impacted centers to make the necessary upgrades.

"The Foundation will be working with its supporters to replace some doors that have aged considerably through the years, provide for upgraded hardware and locks for the doors and replace some gasketing around the door frame that would help contain smoke in the event of a fire," said Mr. Winandy. "We’re just looking to do our part to provide for a safe environment for these children."

The Foundation is actively engaged in the critical areas of fire safety, life safety and security and will continue to play an active role in helping organizations, such as Head Start, to make the necessary changes that will make these centers of learning a safe and secure place to be.

Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. The Head Start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country. In San Diego County, the program, which serves over 10,000 low income children and families, is administered by the Neighborhood House Association.

The Foundation for the Advancement of Life Safety and Security exists to create a safer built environment by informing interested parties, through research, education and community projects, the important role that doors play in life safety and security in all buildings, every day.

For further information please visit: www.dhi.org/educationfoundation

Contacts:

William Johnson, Managing Director of the Foundation - 703-222-2010

Norma Johnson, Vice President, Children, Youth and Families
Neighborhood House Association - 858-715-2642

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:37 PM | Comments (0)

360 Interchange to Introduce New Eco-Friendly Flooring Products at Surfaces 2007

360 Interchange, an emerging service company focused on sourcing, sales, marketing and development primarily between the US and China, will release six new flooring products using the companies' ecoFoam™ and ecoPlastic™ materials at the Surfaces show in Las Vegas, January 7-9, booth #3178.

Ashland, OR (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- 360 Interchange, an emerging service company focused on sourcing, sales, marketing and development primarily between the US and China, will release six new flooring products using the companies' ecoFoam™ and ecoPlastic™ materials at the Surfaces show in Las Vegas, January 7-9, booth #3178.

The company is set to unveil eco-friendly replacements for a variety of products on the market today, including vinyl flooring, anti-fatigue mats, carpet tile and underlayment. All of these products utilize the ecoFoam™ and ecoPlastic™ material that the company has exclusive rights to market and sell around the world. Products made from these materials do not contribute to global warming, are recyclable and degradable.

"This is an exciting opportunity to show the world how ecoFoam™ and ecoPlastic™ can be used to create products, today, that can replace products made out of traditional, toxic plastics and foam. This material can be 'plugged-in' as a replacement for material contributing to global warming with very little to no impact on the costs to produce the finished goods. The potential applications for these materials cover almost the entire foam and plastic industries," stated President and Chief Executive Officer, Bill Patridge.

About 360 Interchange
360 Interchange, Inc. was founded in 2004 by Bill Patridge anticipating the significant growth in high-quality, low cost production of goods in China. The company offers ecoSolutions™, a unique strategy to focus on sourcing, developing, marketing and selling eco-friendly products and materials to high-volume customers for some of the largest industries in the world. 360 Interchange is working to partner with manufacturers and buyers worldwide to find, develop and market new products that replace some of the most wide-spread, damaging materials in use today.

For more information, please contact Josh Bradley at 541-552-9360

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:36 PM | Comments (0)

Polaris World Among Frontrunners in Spain's Solar Energy Drive

Spain's Technical Construction Code commits the country's developers to solar cell installation in certain properties to be built in 2007, and Polaris World is helping to set the standard. Each year the sun produces four thousand times more energy on Earth than we consume. It's a clean, inexhaustible and free resource. Moreover, it's guaranteed for the next 6,000 million years as scientists estimate that it has yet to reach its midlife.

York, UK (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- Each year the sun produces four thousand times more energy on Earth than we consume. It's a clean, inexhaustible and free resource. Moreover, it's guaranteed for the next 6,000 million years as scientists estimate that it has yet to reach its midlife.

Jesus Lopez, the Director of Urbanism for Polaris World, developer of 7 luxury, residential golf developments in the Murcia region of Spain says: "The Sun is like a thermonuclear reactor that emits energy in the form of light and heat. It would be irrational not to try and take advantage of this source through all possible means."

Uses of solar power are numerous: hot water for domestic and industrial use, heating, pool acclimatisation, solar-powered kitchens and so on. On the increase in Spain is the development of solar orchards; groups of solar cells in a single plot for the use of a group of individuals or businesses. This way, the cost of installation, infrastructure, security and maintenance are considerably reduced.

Solar power could also be one of the best solutions for energy problems in rural areas. No matter how isolated form the main electricity network, solar panels allow energy to be generated anywhere.

The one great inconvenience of solar power is the cost of installation. The key to cutting costs is to broaden the use of the energy generated beyond any individual's consumption, and this is one of the Technical Construction Code's main aims. From 2007, the code requires the installation of thermal collectors for domestic hot water and solar cells for heating purposes in properties exceeding 3,000 square metres of built space.

These measures also provide a new challenge for architects to integrate the solar facilities into the building design. "It's something we architects have to study and, surely, will bring about new solutions to create new aesthetics", asserts Jesus Lopez.

Despite Spain's position at the top of the European sunlight table, the development of solar energy in the country is at the moment very limited. At 8.7 square metres, the ratio of solar panel area to 1,000 inhabitants is well below the European average of 19.7 square metres.

Polaris World though has become one of the main promoters of solar power development in the Murcia region, where its 7 residential golf resorts are under construction and it is also developing commercial and housing projects in the city itself. Presently, Polaris World offers its clients the possibility of installing solar panels for hot water or solar cells for energy production.

Facing the future, Lopez announces that his company are working on ambitious project to implement solar power fields with solar cells to obtain electrical energy. "The facilities will be large and position us ahead in the field of renewable energies" he proclaims.

James Espin
Director
Overseas Property UK
22nd January 2007

James Espin is founder and Director of Overseas Property UK, the parent Company of Polaris Golf Property UK which specialises in the promotion of property for sale on the unique family of seven Polaris World Golf Resorts in Murcia, Spain featuring nine Nicklaus designed golf courses. Since being introduced to Polaris World at its outset more than four years ago, James has built up a widespread knowledge of the resorts, the Murcia region and the buying process in Spain as well as the extensive range of property, home and lifestyle services that the Polaris World companies offer to their clients.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:35 PM | Comments (0)

QSI Custom ADA-compliant Keypad Used by Otis Elevator Company at Seven World Trade Center

QSI Corporation, manufacturer of rugged operator interface terminals, was selected by Otis Elevator Company, the leading worldwide supplier and maintainer of people-moving equipment, to provide the graphic human-machine interface terminals (HMI) on Otis' new Compass™ destination entry system in deployment at the Seven World Trade Center building in New York City.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- QSI Corporation, manufacturer of rugged operator interface terminals, was selected by Otis Elevator Company, the leading worldwide supplier and maintainer of people-moving equipment, to provide the graphic human-machine interface terminals (HMI) on Otis' new Compass­™ destination entry system in deployment at the Seven World Trade Center building in New York City.

The Compass system utilizes QSI Corporation's custom-built, ADA-compliant, graphic keypad. A distributed network of QSI terminals are connected utilizing the unique abilities of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE). PoE allows for both power and communications to be contained in a single CAT5 Ethernet cable, thereby simplifying installation, reducing costs and increasing flexibility.

The QSI custom graphic keypad developed for Otis utilizes a 320×240, TFT color display measuring 3.8", with a 12-key keypad. To learn more about QSI's custom terminal offerings, visit http://www.qsicorp.com/product/custom/.

"We are delighted to be selected by the world's premier elevator company to supply terminals that will be used by tens of thousands of passengers daily," states Jim Elwell, COO of QSI Corporation.

The QSI terminals use an object-based graphic terminal programming language called Qlarity®. Qlarity Foundry® is QSI's PC-based design tool which provides a Windows® environment for screen creation, application simulation, debugging and downloading to the QSI terminals. To learn more about Qlarity and Qlarity Foundry, visit http://www.qlarity.com.

"QSI's keypad serves as an ideal complement to the Compass system," said Wade Montague, Segment Manager, Dispatching and Human Interfaces, Otis Elevator Company. "Like the flexibility integrated into the Compass system's design, QSI's product offers our customers an array of options, which are fully customizable to their needs."

About QSI
Established in 1983, QSI Corporation is a manufacturer of rugged handheld, panel-mount and pedestal-mount terminals for industrial OEMs and commercial vehicle systems integrators. QSI's human machine interface (HMI) and mobile data terminal (MDT) products include character and graphic terminals that are programmable, customizable, CE certified and NEMA 4/12/13 rated. Numerous interfaces are available, including serial, J1708, Ethernet and Power-over-Ethernet. QSI excels at designing and building custom and semi-custom terminals able to withstand high levels of shock, vibration, humidity and other environmental parameters. All QSI Corporation products are manufactured in the USA at the company's headquarters in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, contact QSI Corporation at 801-466-8770.

About Qlarity
Qlarity (pronounced Clarity) is an object-based terminal programming language used on QSI Corporation's line of graphic terminals. Designing a simple control panel interface or a complete stand-alone application has never been easier. The ability to use pre-defined objects, edit existing objects or author your own objects, provides flexibility to the novice and expert alike. Qlarity Foundry, a PC-based design tool, provides a Windows environment for screen creation, application simulation, debugging and downloading to the Qlarity-based terminal. To learn more about Qlarity, visit http://www.qlarity.com. To learn more about QSI's Qlarity-based graphic terminals, visit http://www.qsicorp.com/product/qlarity/hardware.php. Graphic images of the QSI's Qlarity-based terminals can be downloaded from http://images.qsicorp.com.

About Otis Elevator Company
Otis Elevator Company is the world's largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products, including elevators, escalators, and moving walkways. With headquarters in Farmington, Connecticut, Otis employs 60,000 people, offers products and services in more than 200 countries and territories and maintains 1.5 million elevators and escalators worldwide. Otis is a unit of United Technologies Corp., which is based in Hartford, Connecticut, and is a diversified company providing high technology products and services to the building and aerospace industries. For more information, visit http://www.otis.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:35 PM | Comments (0)

Woodworm Treatment for Varnished Timbers -- a Breakthrough by Peter Cox

Timber preservation specialist Peter Cox Ltd (www.petercox.com) has recently demonstrated its ground-breaking new Insectacoat woodworm treatment at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford upon Avon. This treatment is an innovative formulation specifically designed to eradicate wood boring insects infesting timber coated with varnish or paint.

Sutton, Surrey, UK (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- Timber preservation specialist Peter Cox Ltd (www.petercox.com) has recently demonstrated its ground breaking new Insectacoat woodworm treatment at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford upon Avon.

Insectacoat is an innovative formulation specifically designed to eradicate wood boring insects infesting timber coated with varnish or paint.

Traditional insecticidal treatments for buildings are designed to work by penetrating deep into the timber, but these are generally rendered ineffective on varnished or painted surfaces. Limited success is feasible via laborious and time consuming injection of insecticide into the flight holes but there is little spread of the active ingredient to the surrounding timber.

In this new development by Peter Cox the Insectacoat insecticidal formulation is mixed with a water based varnish, paint or stain and applied by brush to give total surface coverage. So when the adult beetle bore its way to the surface and emerges, it is poisoned by the insecticide before it has chance to fly, mate and continue the infestation life cycle.

This highly innovative technique is expected to attract particular interest for use in the many churches and other historic buildings which feature oak or other hardwood panelling, flooring and furniture.

The subject of the treatment in Stratford was a two storey Elizabethan style watchtower in the grounds of the Institute built around 1750 and now known as the Gazebo. The first floor accommodation features hardwood strip flooring and is fully panelled in oak / hardwood.

Peter Cox technicians carried out the treatment in two phases. Firstly holes were drilled discreetly into the timbers to give access to back spray the surfaces with the company's standard micro-emulsion insecticide. These holes were then refilled with oak plugs to remove any evidence of treatment.

Then Insectacoat was brush applied to all the facing surfaces of the book cases, shelves, writing tables and panelling and this will provide protection for the future throughout the concluding life cycle (up to 6 years) of the existing common furniture beetle infestation.

The Institute, part of the University of Birmingham, is a centre for post graduate Shakespeare studies centred at Mason's Croft which is located just a few hundred yards from Shakespeare's home and was formerly the home of the Edwardian novelist Marie Corelli who reputedly used the Gazebo as her writing room.

Peter Cox is now discussing the new treatment technique with owners of similar property.

Media contact:

Jim Paul,
Marketing Manager
Peter Cox Ltd
Chancery House
St Nicholas Way, Sutton
Surrey SM1 1JB

Insectacoat Images can be obtained from http://www.petercox.com/media_info.html

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:34 PM | Comments (0)

Major Mixed-Use Development Announced for Omaha Latest Plan for Expansion Includes ACI Worldwide's New Headquarters

2006 was another successful year for the Greater Omaha metro area with the December announcement of a major mixed-use development project. The 400-acre master-planned project site will include a new public school, one million square feet of retail space, 350 multi-family units, a church and ACI Worldwide headquarters.

Omaha, NE (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- The Greater Omaha metro area capped off another successful year with the December announcement of a major mixed-use development project. The latest development will combine a new public school, one million square feet of retail space, 350 multi-family units, and a church together with ACI Worldwide headquarters on a new 400-acre master-planned project site.

The development, to be called Coventry, is the latest in a series of mixed-used projects announced in 2006. Others include North Downtown, midtown and the Mutual of Omaha neighborhood, Aksarben Village and west Omaha, concentrated along the West Dodge corridor.

The Coventry project is being handled by CFM Realty with an infrastructure price tag of $22 million. In all, at least $410 million in private capital investment is expected on the Coventry project.

Completion of the first phase of the project is expected by spring of 2008, approximately the same time ACI Worldwide headquarters will be ready for occupancy. Retail development should begin coming in by spring of 2009.

David Brown, Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce CEO said that prior to the Coventry announcement 307 economic development projects were developed in 2006 in the Greater Omaha area. These projects represent nearly 11,000 new jobs and $1.9 billion in capital investment.

For more information on this project or other economic development projects taking place in Omaha visit www.accessomaha.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:34 PM | Comments (0)

Brady Corporation Releases Faster Version of HandiMark® Portable Label Maker with Additional Enhanced Features

The latest release of the HandiMark® Portable Label Maker from Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) offers 30% faster printing speed, with additional upgrades that increase functionality and efficiency. This versatile, industry-leading portable label printer provides users with limitless applications and labeling flexibility for all their industrial labeling applications.

Milwaukee, WI (Vocus/PRWeb ) January 25, 2007 -- The latest release of the HandiMark® Portable Label Maker from Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) offers 30% faster printing speed, with additional upgrades that increase functionality and efficiency. This versatile, industry-leading portable label printer provides users with limitless applications and labeling flexibility for all their industrial labeling applications.

Improvements to the Brady HandiMark Portable Label Maker include:
• Faster Printing Speed - Print labels 30% faster and print more labels per battery charge.
• Auto Recall - Printer will recall the last label printed.
• Sleep Mode - Users can set the printer to "sleep" after 1, 3, or 5 minutes of non- use, conserving battery life.
• Clearer Graphical Display - Increased screen contrast and resolution makes text easier to read.

The Brady HandiMark printer is ideal for creating highly visible labels in facilities like mechanical maintenance facilities, production and operations, warehouses and storerooms, and laboratories. This full-featured printer offers bold, easy to read text from 0.08" to 1.7", bar coding capabilities, 12 resident operating languages, alpha-numeric sequencing, and PC compatibility. HandiMark also incorporates a variety of stock industrial-grade label materials and specialty tapes.

For more information about the Brady HandiMark Portable Label Maker, including available accessories, software, and label materials, visit www.bradyid.com/handimark, or call
1-888-272-3946.

Brady Corporation (NYSE: BRC) is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect premises, products, and people. Its products help customers increase safety, security, productivity, and performance and include high-performance labels and signs, safety devices, printing systems and software, and precision die-cut materials. Founded in 1914, the company has more than 500,000 customers in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, education, medical, and a variety of other industries. Brady is headquartered in Milwaukee and employs more than 9,000 people at operations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia/Pacific. Brady's fiscal 2006 sales were approximately $1.018 billion. More information is available on the Internet at www.bradycorp.com.

For a complete version of this release with images, please visit http://news.marketingimages.com/default.asp?nid=263

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:33 PM | Comments (0)

e-Builder to Host Project Delivery and Design Webinar for AEC Professionals

Webinar will focus on providing an overview of how the top and largest North American design firms are leveraging document management technologies to improve business processes, communication, and collaboration in offices with multiple locations.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) January 25, 2007 -- e-Builder, a leader in web-based construction management and collaboration software will host a free webinar for design professionals on March 14, 2007, on Improving Design and Delivery processes to increase efficiency, improve risk management, and standardize business processes.

The webinar will cover the methods used by top design to achieve these goals, including usage of simple-to-use tools that let participants share complex files and drawings, and collaborate over the Internet in real time. The course is registered with the American Institute of Architects and is good for 1.5 AIA learning units. To register https://www.gotomeeting.com/register/740719851 or call 800-580-9322.

Participants will get an overview of the main document management technology platforms used by AE firms, and how these platforms can have a positive impact on business processes using real world examples based on e-Builder's years of experience working with leading North American design firms.

About e-Builder
Founded in 1994, e-Builder is a leading provider of web-based construction project management and collaboration software used in all phases of real estate development, design, construction, and operations. e-Builder combines cutting edge technology and deep industry knowledge to provide thousands of owners, architects, engineers, contractors and suppliers with ways to simplify and efficiently manage the development and construction process. e-Builder is the nationally recognized pioneer of web based software to improve communication and collaboration in construction, honored in 1995 by Engineering News-Record as one of the Top 25 Newsmakers of the year. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and is backed by McGraw-Hill Construction. For more information, visit www.e-Builder.net

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)

Paver Search Becomes an Associate Member of the ICPI

Paver Search, Inc., announced today that they have officially become an Associate Member of the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute), creating a great union and symbiosis for the entire Industry of Paver professionals and homeowners alike.

Carson City, NV (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- Paver Search, Inc., announced today that they have officially become an Associate Member of the ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute), creating a great union and symbiosis for the entire Industry of Paver professionals and homeowners alike.

The ICPI is the leading Industry Association, has been providing interlocking concrete pavement manufacturers and professionals with an abundance of information, resources and paver certification for all types of segmental concrete paving, including interlocking concrete pavers, permeable interlocking concrete pavers, grid pavers, and concrete paver slabs since 1993.

Paver Search provides a plethora of free paving and hardscaping product information to homeowners and professionals, including up-to-the-minute ideas on all types of pavers, such as natural stone pavers, concrete pavers and brick pavers, along with a nationwide zip locator for finding fully screened Paving Contractors and Suppliers.

"Paver Search is extremely proud to be a member of such a highly esteemed Association," says Candace Leary, Media Director. "This partnership creates a tremendous synergy for the ICPI and Paver Search, which is a significant benefit for the entire Paver Industry," she said. "The ICPI provides a great platform for sharing valuable knowledge, education and awareness. Paver Search compliments the ICPI with the same vision and mission."

PaverSearch.com and ICPI.org bring together each facet of the pavers and hardscape industry by the creation of an online network. These web sites allow Paver Contractors, Dealers, Manufacturers and Designers the opportunity to become part of this network that covers the entire United States. This union will further encourage and strengthen the Paving Industry overall.

About Paver Search, Inc.
Paver Search, Inc., http://www.paversearch.com, is a privately held corporation consisting of knowledgeable professionals with many years of paver industry experience, combined with expertise in developing proprietary Internet software and technology systems.

About ICPI (Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute)
The Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI), http://www.icpi.org, is the North American trade association considered by peer associations around the world as the leader in development and dissemination of technical information for paver design professionals and contractors.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)

Yakima Composite Decking Comes to Memphis Thanks to BuildDirect

New suppliers of composite decks in Tennessee able to provide better pricing and faster delivery times for popular decking product.

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- BuildDirect has increased it's presence in Tennessee to meet increased buyer demand for its popular line of Yakima decking. The leading online wholesaler now ships its Yakima line directly from Memphis, resulting in faster delivery times and greater savings for customers throughout Tennessee and surrounding States.

"Up until now our Memphis customers would have had to wait for decking to be shipped from a supplier warehouse in Pennsylvania and in some cases, Oregon", said Rob Banks, executive vice-president, sales for BuildDirect. "With the ability to ship directly from Memphis, customers will see at least a 20% savings in freight costs and delivery times cut in half."

Yakima composite decking is a high quality, low maintenance, seamless and environmentally responsible decking material. Yakima composite decking is available in both cottage gray and cedar brown. Both colors feature a unique hidden clip system that results in a smooth, tailored decking surface.

"This is a great decking product and we are certain that our customers in and around the Memphis area will take full advantage of the affordability, quality and accessibility", said Rob Banks.

Yakima decking is available by the pallet at www.builddirect.com starting at a price of approximately $1.40 per lineal foot and comes with a 10 year warranty. Samples are also available on the BuildDirect website. For more information regarding this product, or to place an order, visit www.builddirect.com or call 1-877-631-2845.

About BuildDirect
BuildDirect is the world's leading online wholesaler of building materials. Since its start in 1999, the company has established a reputation for offering the best quality building supplies at the lowest pricing possible. BuildDirect currently operates in 60 countries on six continents. They have developed the single most cost effective distribution channel in the building products industry for products such as flooring, roofing, decking, siding and countertops.

For more information contact:

David Brodie
BuildDirect Media Relations
(604) 647-2911
media -at- builddirect.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)

Keltech Tankless Water Heater Solutions Updated Website Features New Online Tools

Keltech Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of tankless water heater solutions has launched its new website at www.keltech-inc.com. The new website features three (3) user-friendly tools to help specifying and consulting engineers quickly identify the right tankless hot water heater for their application. The website also introduces Keltech’s new corporate identity program to existing clients and new customers.

Dieter Lutz, Keltech’s marketing director, explains their new website’s purpose. “We want to help consulting and specifying engineers maximize the quality of their online experience by providing them with an information-rich website. It also had to be dynamic and easy to navigate while reinforcing Keltech’s new look and feel.”

Keltech’s Three New Online Tools Are:

1) Product Selection Guide (http://www.keltech-inc.com/product_guide.html)

2) Downloadable Product Spec Sheets in PDF format

3) Request a Quote Form (http://www.keltech-inc.com/requestaquote.html)

Product Selection Guide

Keltech’s product selection guide (http://www.keltech-inc.com/product_guide.html) helps engineers determine the optimal tankless water heater for their application. Lutz explains why the product selection guide was a critical component of the new website. “Engineers like efficiency. Out of respect for their time, we wanted a simple but effective guide to quickly move our customers to the right page. The product selection guide (http://www.keltech-inc.com/product_guide.html) cross tabs our product lines with key spec issues like power, flow and temperature requirements. Engineers can match their project’s requirements with our product line, and with a click of their mouse, move quickly to the right page.”

Downloadable Product Spec Sheets

Once the engineer has identified a Keltech product line, detailed spec sheets can be downloaded from the website in a PDF format. Keltech made it a priority to ensure that once the engineers got to the right page they could quickly access the information they needed. “We work with consulting and specifying engineers all day. We listen to them. They’ve told us it’s critical to be able to get the information they need when they need it. The Keltech website (http://www.keltech-inc.com/) helps them quickly access product information, download it, and print it out, or save it for future reference.”

Request a Quote Form

Another key element to the Keltech website is the Request a Quote form (http://www.keltech-inc.com/requestaquote.html). “Many engineers are unfamiliar with the advantages of tankless water heaters and would rather give us their broad specs and let us reply to their needs with a product recommendation. By responding to four simple prompts, we can help engineers quickly spec a custom built tankless water heater that fits their application.” You can visit Keltech’s Request a Quote page at www.keltech-inc.com/requestaquote.html (http://www.keltech-inc.com/requestaquote.html).

About Keltech

Founded in 1987, Keltech Incorporated is a family owned manufacturer of innovative, reliable, energy saving, tankless water heaters. Keltech’s tankless process and intermittent water heaters are custom built to meet temperature and flow rate specific specifications for the residential, commercial, industrial, aircraft, and safety markets. For more information, visit www.keltech-inc.com or call 800-999-4320.

Optimized by Newsforce

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)

Reel Logix Enhances Import & Export and Web Publishing with The Calendar Planner 4.2

"Our focus has always been to add new features to our calendar software and to get those into the hands of our customers through free updates, as soon as possible. Our goal for this update was to enhance import/export capabilities as well as add new web publishing abilities," says CEO, Randy McGowan.

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- Reel Logix Inc. releases Version 4.2 of The Calendar Planner, just 4 months after the 4.0 release; demonstrating the company's rapid response to customer requests.

"Our focus has always been to add new features to our calendar software and to get those into the hands of our customers through free updates, as soon as possible. Our goal for this update was to enhance import/export capabilities as well as add new web publishing abilities", says CEO, Randy McGowan

Importing and exporting calendar information from programs like Microsoft Outlook, or the ability to create a spreadsheet from a calendar or a calendar from a spreadsheet, are important capabilities that customers continue to seek in productivity software. The Calendar Planner 4.2 adds new import and export of formats such as Comma & Tab Separated Files to facilitate this. This adds to the software's existing ability to read and write XML, a powerful format already used by customers to integrate The Calendar Planner with their existing enterprise data solutions.

This new release provides enhancements to web calendar publishing as well. This will give customers the ability to have more control over the web calendar's style, as well as the ability to add images such as company logos, allowing customers to blend the calendar to their web site.

This free update also includes many additional enhancements and behavioral and performance related enhancements.

Reel Logix, Inc plans another free release in February 2007 that promises customers a revolutionary solution for displaying large numbers of events. This new approach will overcome what has been a significant weakness in traditional calendar software.

This latest offering represents another step in the company's roadmap of planned releases through Q2 of 2007. "Over the last 4 years we have built a loyal following of customers who have come to us looking for a better way to manage schedules in a calendar and we have accelerated our development and release of new versions to keep up with the ideas and feature requests". Yossi Cohen, Co-Founder, Reel Logix

Version 4.2 is available as a free upgrade to existing clients.

About Reel Logix Inc
The founders of Reel Logix Inc., have over 40+ combined years of software development expertise in the corporate Aerospace, Technology and Entertainment industry. The company is well known for its flagship products, The Reel Production Calendar, designed to manage prep, production and post for Film, Television and Commercial productions and The Calendar Planner, designed for scheduling in any industry.

For more information visit www.thecalendarplanner.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:29 PM | Comments (0)

The Hampshire Generational Fund Sells Retail Building in Bridgeport, CT

The Hampshire Companies, together with its joint venture partner, Select Corner Park, LLC, recently announced the disposition of a 14,160-square-foot retail building located at 1000 Park Avenue in Bridgeport, CT.

Bridgeport, CT (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- The Hampshire Companies, a full service, private real estate investment fund manager with equity in assets valued at over $1.5 billion, together with its joint venture partner, Select Corner Park, LLC, recently announced the disposition of a 14,160-square-foot retail building located at 1000 Park Avenue in Bridgeport, CT. The sale was made to John Frisari of Brooklyn, NY on behalf of The Hampshire Generational Fund, one of the firm's private equity real estate investment funds tailored to high net worth investors. (www.hampshireco.com)

Situated on 2.05 acres, the building is within close proximity of I-95. The building is leased by the largest drugstore chain in the United States, Walgreens. Not included in the sale is a .6 acre parcel of undeveloped land that the joint venture has retained for future investment.

"By securing a 25 year lease deal with Walgreens, we were able to maximize an excellent return to our investors. In addition, through maintaining ownership of the undeveloped land, we are preserving an additional investment opportunity for the future," said Norman A. Feinstein, Executive Managing Director of The Hampshire Companies.

Chris Bosworth of CB Richard Ellis represented The Hampshire Companies in the transaction.

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, and office product 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 08:28 PM | Comments (0)

Harrington Custom Homes Launches Horseshoe Bay community

Austin Custom Homebuilder breaks ground in Pecan Creek at Horseshoe Bay.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- Harrington Custom Homes today announced the launch of their new lakeside community in Horseshoe Bay. The new community, called Pecan Creek at Horseshoe Bay, will feature 23 lots available for a custom build or for a selection of exclusive models for sale from Harrington Custom Homes. These residences will feature the same quality, craftsmanship and distinctive styling as Harrington's Austin homes, ranging in size from 2,500 to 3,000 square feet.

In addition to the style and luxury of their Harrington homes, residents of Pecan Creek will also enjoy a spacious, 5,000 square foot Community Center. This facility boasts a heated indoor pool, exercise room, game room, tennis court, putting green, and private spa. They'll also have convenient access to all the spectacular amenities of Horseshoe Bay and Lake LBJ. The area features plenty of restaurants, dancing, public beaches and marinas with boat docking and rentals. And just minutes down the road from Harrington's Pecan Creek community is the Horseshoe Bay Resort, featuring three golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Horseshoe Bay is located in Burnet County, one of the top 5 fastest growing rural counties in the US. Its convenient location near Austin and San Antonio and its scenic Hill Country setting have made Horseshoe Bay one of the hottest destinations in Texas for summer recreation.

Harrington's homes in Pecan Creek will range in price from the $450s to the $500s, offering buyers a high-quality, affordable investment in this hot lakeside market.

"We are extremely excited to launch a new custom home community in a location like Horseshoe Bay," said David Litzau, VP of Operations at Harrington Custom Homes. "Our expansion into this popular new market marks another step in the tremendous growth of our company. Coupled with the release later this year of Versante, our upscale condo community, these projects will help Harrington Custom Homes serve a wider range of clients in the Austin area."

About Harrington Custom Homes
Harrington Custom Homes combines distinctive architecture and community plans with a commitment to well-built, high-quality homes. Our employees are skilled craftsmen, dedicated to the highest level of workmanship and customer service. We strive to provide our customers with the well-built homes they deserve and the communities they've always dreamed of.

For additional information on our homes and communities please visit www.harringtoncustomhomes.com.

For more information contact:
David Litzau
Vice President of Operations
512.329.5558

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)

Construction Industry Asbestos Awareness Seminars -- CAR Regulations 2006 (Control of Asbestos at Work)

ARCA, the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association, is hosting a series of asbestos seminars across the UK in the next few weeks. Called How do the Control of Asbestos Regulations Affect Me?, the seminars are aimed at all construction industry trades and anyone who may come into contact with asbestos in their working day.

(PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- ARCA, the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association, is hosting a series of asbestos seminars across the UK in the next few weeks. Called How do the Control of Asbestos Regulations Affect Me?, the seminars are aimed at all construction industry trades and anyone who may come into contact with asbestos in their working day.

These informative seminars will address why there was a need for the Regulations, how they were introduced, the impact the Regulations have had, and also provide best practice advice on how to comply with them. The half-day seminars will be invaluable to anyone connected with the construction industry that will be affected by the changes in asbestos legislation.

Cost: £75 per delegate

Seminar dates:

London 20th February at the Society of Chemical Industry

Bristol 22nd February at the Novotel Bristol Centre

Manchester 27th February at the Museum of Science and Industry

Glasgow 1st March at the Crowne Plaza

Birmingham 15th March at Aston Villa Football Club

For more information including seminar speakers and seminar programme, please visit www.arcaweb.org.uk and download a booking form.

Contact ARCA on 01283 531126.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

La vida es hermosa in California: Orange County Real Estate Meets European Luxury

With the classical styling of the most discerning Europeans, this single level estate captures true splendor of Orange County homes and redefines the boundaries of luxury living.

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- When it comes to luxury homes, elegant design and an almost unrivaled location, few places can match this single level custom estate in North Tustin. This classy European style home at 1792 Lerner Lane, North Tustin is one of the finest pieces of Orange County real estate to hit the market for quite some time. The Canaday Group is proud to announce the showcasing of this superb home on Saturday, January 27th from 1-4 p.m.

Few open houses can create the level of interest and overall buzz that surrounds this magnificent home. This estate exudes charm, redefines luxury and offers all the comforts that you would find in European homes. This is a place that offers a glimpse into the very best of Orange County real estate. From the home theater to the gourmet kitchen, the six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, this truly special home offers space, comfort and undeniable luxury on every level. It is not very often that European style is so exquisitely recreated, which makes this a truly newsworthy home. Of course, being in California affords a superb location and a warm, Mediterranean climate which merely compliments the architectural strength of the design.

One of the true gems of this home is the exquisite attention to detail and design. The gated entrance and wrought iron gates give way to the spacious garage, the motorcade and beautifully paved courtyard, something which brings a touch of Europe to Southern California. Naturally, the Cabana and salt water pool and spa with fiber optic lighting are just the icing on the cake for this stunning Orange County home offered between $4,900,000 - $5,400,000 fully furnished.

If you are impressed with the exterior, prepare to be astounded and inspired by the elegant furnishing and stylish finishing inside. Each room has individual charm, each space offers the ultimate in home design. European style is what makes this a momentous place in the world of Orange County real estate and separates if from the rest; an Italian made fireplace, a salubrious library, a formal dining room and a stone/mahogany wine cellar help conjure thoughts of European aristocracy. Throughout the home, the security is top class, the décor simply stunning and the overall feel is one which makes this one of the most spectacular highlights on the Orange County real estate market.

With all this luxury, style, elegance, class and sophistication, this is one Orange County home that has it all. Rest assured, from the driveway to the courtyard, the family room to the travertine floored foyer, this is a home that is redefining luxury living in Orange County. It seem like just another home to the uninitiated, but this is one place that sets new standards and raises the bar when it comes to pure opulence and grand design.

Open House Details:
Date: Saturday, January 27th
Time: 1 - 4 p.m.
Address: 1792 Lerner Lane, North Tustin

Contact information:
Canaday Group, Re/Max Real Estate Services
32392 S. Coast Hwy Suite 100, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949.249.2424
Fax: (949)249-1064
www.canadaygroup.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)

Real Estate Advantage™ Receives Certification for Microsoft Dynamics CRM 3.0

Real Estate Advantage™ is a specialized commercial (office, retail and industrial) real estate solution for property owners, asset managers, brokers, and leasing and servicing agents.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- Ascendix Technologies has achieved certification of Real Estate Advantage™ for "Microsoft Dynamics CRM V3.0 Test for ISV Solutions." The certification milestone was achieved last quarter and was administered by VeriTest. The program identifies applications that successfully integrate with Microsoft Dynamics CRM V3.0. The testing and verification program ensures that applications integrate with CRM V3.0 in a supported manner, maintain the stability of the program, do not restrict any of the core functionality, and continue to function when service packs or upgrades to the base product are applied. VeriTest also confirmed that Real Estate Advantage™ adheres to all published specifications as outlined in the CRM V3.0 Software Development Kit (SDK).

"We worked very closely with the Microsoft ISV team to make certain our product has the native look and consistent feel of Microsoft CRM, yet meets the complex demands of the commercial real estate professional," stated Todd Terry, Managing Partner and CTO of Ascendix. "[These professionals have to manage much more than just customer relationships. We invested a great deal of time in ensuring Microsoft CRM was the appropriate platform to deliver a solution allowing users to manage all aspects of their business: tenants, properties, leases, vendors and financial data, as well as the traditional marketing, opportunity forecasting, issue management and workflow inherent to the CRM platform. Because of Microsoft's robust platform and native integration with Office and Outlook, we feel strongly that we have made the right platform decision and delivered a world-class solution."

Ascendix will be unveiling the Real Estate Advantage™ solution through a series of regional product launch events, with locations tentatively set for Dallas, Irvine, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York and Boston. The first launch event is slated for February 6th in Dallas, Texas at the Microsoft offices in Las Colinas. Visit http://www.ascendix.com/launch for more information on the schedule of events.

About Real Estate Advantage™ - Developed on the .Net 2.0 framework by AdvantageWorks, the R&D division of Ascendix Technologies, Real Estate Advantage™ integrates seamlessly with Microsoft CRM. The product helps commercial (office, retail and industrial) real estate companies manage assets, leases, tenants, vendors and prospects in marketing, service, sales and support functions. The solution leverages the tools your organization already uses, including Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, MapPoint and SharePoint, improving the intuitiveness and adoption rates often plaguing CRM implementations. By building on the Microsoft® Dynamics™ CRM 3.0 platform, Real Estate Advantage™ maximizes the investment you have already made in infrastructure using tools such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft® SQL Server, Active Directories and .Net frameworks. For more information about AdvantageWorks' industry solutions and MSCRM add-on products, please visit http://www.advantageworks.com.

About Ascendix Technologies - Ascendix Technologies, Inc., a Microsoft® Gold Certified Partner, is a privately held corporation located in Dallas, TX. Founded in 1996, the company is celebrating its 10th year in business focused solely on the implementation of CRM systems for companies in both the mid and enterprise market space. In 2003, Ascendix turned to a vertical strategy, quickly carving out a niche in the investment products, financial services and commercial real estate industries. For more information, please visit Ascendix on the web at www.ascendix.com or contact them at 1-888-Find-CRM.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)

MorehouseCowles Appoints Several New Representatives in US

MorehouseCowles, a single source provider of technology and equipment for material production, purification and dispersement processes-recently appointed three representatives as part of an ongoing effort to provide superior customer service.

Chino, CA (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- MorehouseCowles, a single source provider of technology and equipment for material production, purification and dispersement processes-recently appointed three representatives as part of an ongoing effort to provide superior customer service.

CNX Distribution, Inc., George E. Missbach & Co., and Gerlach Industrial Sales, Inc., will represent MorehouseCowles' line of dispersers, dissolvers and media mills. "We searched for representatives with both experience and technical proficiency and these organizations met our needs," stated Rocky Courtain, Sales Manager for MorehouseCowles, "We are excited about these recent appointments and expect it to have an immediate and positive impact on our customers." MorehouseCowles will be represented by CNX Distribution in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, by Missbach & Co. in Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, and by Gerlach Industrial Sales in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Florida.

For more information regarding the new MorehouseCowles representatives, please visit www.morehousecowles.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)

MobileDataforce® Launches PointSync Mobility Platform 4.0 for the Inspection Services Industry

Version 4.0 includes 150 new features for rapidly creating customized mobile field inspection applications.

Boise, ID (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- MobileDataforce® today announced the release of the latest version of the PointSync® Mobility Platform for Inspection Services. This is the next generation of the company's award-winning mobile software solution that helps inspection services companies mobilize their field inspection processes. This major release includes over 150 new features, innovations and enhancements to help rapidly configure and customize a wide range of inspections.

"This is one of the most significant releases in MobileDataforce's 7-year history," said Kevin Benedict, CEO of MobileDataforce. "The PointSync Mobility Platform will change the way field inspection processes work by bringing the cost of customized mobile inspection applications well within reach of the average company."

Key new features and enhancements include:

• New Visual Debugger to streamline the testing of new mobile inspection applications
• New Data Mapping Wizard enables rapid integration between mobile inspection applications and central databases in the office
• New SQL Builder enables rapid configuration of business rules used in field inspection applications
• Enhanced library of over 220 pre-built functions for inspection applications
• Enhanced graphical user interface tools to improve screen design on handheld computers

To learn more, visit http://www.mobiledataforce.com/Solutions/inspections.stm

About the PointSync Mobility Platform for the Utilities Industry

PointSync Mobility Platform is an enterprise class solution used to rapidly design, develop and deploy field inspection applications. It is architected to provide database centric mobile inspection applications with bi-directional synchronization, GPS, barcode scanning, connectivity, security and enterprise database integration all within one solution.

About MobileDataforce

MobileDataforce is a global leader in the development of enterprise class and business critical field inspection applications for use on mobile handheld computers including Smart Phones, Tablet PCs and laptops. MobileDataforce has offices in Europe, North America and in Australia to support their expanding customer base and sales channels. Privately held, MobileDataforce has been mobilizing inspection processes since 2000. For more information, please visit our website at www.mobiledataforce.com.

USA Media Contact: Kevin Benedict
208-384-1200 x 250

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)

Painting Kitchen Cabinets Advice in High Demand on HomeOpinion.com Forum

Recent traffic on HomeOpinion.com, a community-driven kitchen improvement resource, indicates that painting kitchen cabinets, kitchen cabinet care and kitchen cabinet renovation continue to be popular themes for homeowners. Hot topics in the HomeOpinion.com forum include planning a kitchen remodeling project and addressing cabinet styles, colors and finishes.

(PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- According to HomeOpinion.com, a community-driven kitchen improvement resource, kitchen cabinet remodeling and painting projects are among the most popular subjects for discussion. HomeOpinion.com hosts an interactive community forum and homeowners are using it to exchange tips on kitchen cabinet styles, paint colors and finishes.

"If you are planning a kitchen cabinet painting project, visit the forums on HomeOpinion.com first," said Allison Beatty, founder of RenovatorsPlace.com, a premiere online home improvement resource. "The forums include a variety of information on how to plan and coordinate this important update to your kitchen."

Kitchen cabinet forum participants have requested and received help on:

• resurfacing kitchen cabinets using a simple varnish http://homeopinion.com/kitchen/forum.php?tid=57&iname=Resurfacing-kitchen-cabinets-with-varnish
• about staining wooden cabinets to darken the color using a glazing technique
http://homeopinion.com/kitchen/forum.php?tid=43&iname=Staining-Kitchen-Cabinets-Darker
• finding the best kitchen cabinet paint to avoid fingerprints
http://homeopinion.com/kitchen/forum.php?tid=148&iname=Painted-cabinets

The HomeOpinion.com forum (http://homeopinion.com/kitchen/forum.php) is part of a comprehensive online resource for kitchen remodeling projects. Homeowners can share their experiences and solicit advice on remodeling their kitchen plumbing, walls, tiling, cabinets and countertops, lighting, windows and appliances.

Often advice comes in the form of shared links to essential remodeling articles throughout the Web. A recent forum post included details of a helpful kitchen cabinet article from This Old House, which surveys the kinds of money-saving kitchen cabinet painting projects that homeowners can complete on their own and includes tips on paint selection, prepping and hardware.

The HomeOpinion.com forum has also hosted recent homeowner exchanges on convection ovens, soapstone countertops, kitchen sinks, kitchen flooring styles, backsplashes and kitchen tiles.

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

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:24 PM | Comments (0)

Plumbers Fastest at SMS Response -- BANGitUP.com Service Cracks the 3-minute Find a Tradesman Milestone

Imagine taking just a few minutes to find a tradesman interested in your job. Across Australia over 17,000 BANGitUP.com customers have now achieved what was considered impossible - effortlessly finding tradesmen interested in your job and in the process saving hours of frustration.

Sydney, NSW, Australia (PRWEB) January 24, 2007 -- Imagine taking just a few minutes to find a tradesman interested in your job. Across Australia over 17,000 BANGitUP.com customers have now achieved what was considered impossible - effortlessly finding tradesmen interested in your job and in the process saving hours of frustration.

BANGitUP.com announced today it had passed its 17,000th online trade request with the average time to find a trades person anywhere in the country dropping to an amazing 3 minutes.

Statistics showed that the average time to find any tradesmen across the country was 2.7 minutes but interestingly plumbers were generally faster at 2.5 minutes than electricians 2.8 minutes and builders at 3.1 minutes.

Scott Maxworthy, CEO of BANGitUP.com said "You have to love your plumber, he has the great job of cleaning up the stuff most of us are just to scared to even think about - how they can reply to an SMS that quickly with their hand half way up a pipe is beyond me, I suppose it's the fact that through BANGitUP's Trade Select Service only relevant leads are sent to their phones and if they're interested they can SMS reply instantly with just a "Y" or ring our call centre on 1300 796 279".

How to find a tradesman fast
Go to the http://www.BANGitUP.com website. Click on "find a tradie", select the trade you need, enter your postcode, a rough budget, when you want the job done and submit. Entering a job takes about a minute and most importantly it's free for the public.

"The service works a bit like a dating service for finding builders and tradesmen, after your job has been processed within minutes you get an email and SMS with details of the guys that are interested. You can then check their licenses, insurances, if they have a web site etc. The service simply makes a historically cumbersome process far more efficient". Maxworthy said.

BANGitUP will be demonstrating TRADE SELECT at the National Tradesman's Expo, Brisbane, March 30 -April 1; Adelaide 18-20 May; Melbourne 1-3 June; Perth 15-17 June.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

Residential Builders Bring the Digital Age Home

In the home warranty and customer-service game, internet services can make the difference in homebuyer satisfaction

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) January 23, 2007 -- The advantages offered by digital warranty and maintenance programs is the subject of "The Digital Age Comes Home," a white paper released today by BuildSERV, a Seattle-based company that produces home warranty and maintenance programs for homebuilders. The white paper offers insight to residential builders about the use of internet-based tools to improve customer satisfaction.

According to Brad Brickman, author and BuildSERV president, adopting digital tools improves communication between builder and buyer, sparks more referrals, reduces warranty claims, and increases satisfaction ratings. "Builders have focused on lead generation, pre-sales and sales process through the internet," he said, "but have not capitalized on consumer demand for digital and internet-based tools post-construction."

A recent study by J.D. Powers highlighted that of the 10 factors driving overall satisfaction with homebuilders, the builder’s warranty/customer service ranked highest. Providing buyers with useful home maintenance checklists and timelines benefits the builder by enabling clear communication about warranty and maintenance.

Consumers are rapidly gaining confidence and sophistication using online tools to search for and evaluate housing options. Home buyers are much more likely to use the Internet to make important determinations about the qualities of homebuilders during pre-sale, construction and after-sale. This white paper reports many of the driving factors pushing the acceptance of internet-based information services and outlines what to look for and how to measure success when considering these services.

"Homebuilders are looking for an easier way to give more support to their customers without adding additional costs and/or work for their customer service departments," says Brickman. "There are many ways for builders to stand out and differentiate themselves from their competition by using additional tools that will not only help them, but their customers."

About BuildSERV Inc.
BuildSERV creates tools that proactively educate homebuyers about warranty programs and home maintenance to help builders reduce insurance expense, alleviate potential litigation, and improve customer service. Our customers choose our toolset as the only easy-to-use application delivered in print, on CD-ROM, and via the Internet—all of which include regular homeowner email bulletins. For more information, call 877.280.0128 or visit http://www.buildserv.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

220M Land Deal On The Las Vegas Strip: Rare 10-Acre Parcel Available

Real estate tycoons, land developers and investment groups will be interested in this rare and valuable property on Las Vegas Strip zoned for Hotel Casino, High Rise Condominiums, Timeshares or Mixed-use Development.

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) January 23, 2007 -- Destination Villas, in partnership with Anjomi and Associates Realty, announces a rare and exclusive opportunity to purchase a prime 10-acre lot on the Las Vegas Strip. This property is located on the rapidly developing southern end of the Las Vegas Strip at the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard South and Cactus Avenue. The surrounding property includes approximately 5.8 billion dollars worth of developments, which have either commercial construction or are in the planning stages. This site offers approximately 600 feet of Las Vegas Boulevard frontage. It is ideal for a hotel casino, high-rise condominiums, timeshares or mixed-use development.

Land prices are expected to continue to escalate at an accelerated pace as the demand for prime real estate exceeds the supply within the commercial tourist zone. The ever present demand for such land is expected to continue to bolster land prices in the foreseeable future. Land along the strip is increasingly harder to come by, making this property of particular valuable. To preview the property visit http://www.destinationvillas.com/2506.html.

The property is located on Cactus Avenue. Cactus Avenue is the double section line gateway to Las Vegas Boulevard South and a planned interchange from Interstate 15 will make it an easy commute for both residents and non-residents. The resort/tourism industry still dominates the local economy. Tourism numbers show steady growth, as they have for the better part of three decades. Keeping visitors coming back for more remains a high priority, and providing them with high-rise condo alternatives on the strip is a must.

About Anjomi & Associates Realty:
Specializing in commercial and raw land investment properties, Anjomi and Associates Realty helps their clients acquire premier investment properties in Las Vegas that are below market value providing the highest return on their investment dollar.

About DestinatinonVillas.com
Find a vacation rental home, villa, cabin, or cottage and save up to 70% when you rent by owner. Destination Villas offers a comprehensive listing of vacation villas and homes coast-to-coast, plus helpful tools such as a Last-Minute Deals and destination guides.

To preview the property visit http://www.destinationvillas.com/2506.html
Destination Villas is a listing service of vacation homes and vacation rentals worldwide.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:22 PM | Comments (0)

Select Safety Launches Global Safety Products Internet Site for Businesses and Consumers

Select Safety Sales LLC announces the grand opening of its online safety store. Its unique product blend caters to the safety needs of everyone, from the individual consumer to the business owner who needs to comply with OSHA and ANSI regulations and standards.

Clark, NJ (PRWEB) January 23, 2007 -- Select Safety Sales opened its new e-commerce store, selectsafetysales.com. Select Safety's site offers a wide range of safety products for the consumer, business, education and government sectors. The new site offers customers easy navigation, complete product and educational information, safety articles and a fast, efficient method of shopping and global delivery.

Select Safety's site provides an intuitive search capability that allows a visitor to locate any product easily and efficiently. Customers have the ability to track all current and past orders and the ability to contact a toll free telephone number twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week for questions. It conveniently allows customers to navigate each page while keeping track of the shopping cart entries at all times. Customers may also opt-in to receive periodic information or targeted safety news at their discretion.

"The volatile world we live in today presents global safety challenges," says Select Safety's CEO, Matthew Kane, "Our forever-changing environment calls for new methods and products to help deal with the safety issues that affect our everyday lives." He emphasizes, "Select Safety's mission is to provide easy access to all facets of safety and security products to industry, consumers, and travelers -- world-wide."

Select Safety Sales has a unique blend of safety product offerings to benefit a broad spectrum of consumers and businesses. Business owners and managers can come to the site to purchase Personal Protective Equipment to keep workers safe in the workplace and at the same time browse for products geared to the protection of their family. All aspects of safety are addressed on the site.

Product offerings include Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Eyewash Stations for the workplace, Fire Safety Products including Smoke Alarms, Carbon Monoxide Detectors and the Wireless Interconnected Smoke Alarm System for maximum fire protection throughout the home. Also available are Automated External Defibrillators, First Aid and Emergency Response Kits and many other essential safety products.

As a member of the National Safety Council (NSC), Select Safety Sales keeps customers informed on the many important topics that shape the security of our world and focuses on selecting products needed to survive in the present environment.

For additional information contact:
Matthew Kane
Select Safety Sales
(866) 864-3495
www.selectsafetysales.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)

i/o Data Centers Launches New Tier 4 Data Center

i/o Data Centers today announced that its new state-of-the-art Tier 4 managed data center, located in the Perimeter Business Center business park in North Scottsdale, Arizona, will be fully operational by July 1, 2007. The site features 12 Mw of redundant power, standby diesel generators, and highly robust mechanical systems supporting in excess of two acres of raised floor data center space.

(PRWEB) January 23, 2007 -- i/o Data Centers today announced that its new state-of-the-art Tier 4 managed data center, located in the Perimeter Business Center business park in North Scottsdale, Arizona, will be fully operational by July 1, 2007. The site features 12 Mw of redundant power, standby diesel generators, and highly robust mechanical systems supporting in excess of two acres of raised floor data center space.

i/o Data Centers is the data center operations affiliate of private equity firm IO Capital, LLC. IO Capital is a $100 million firm that was established to develop up to 1 million square feet of data center space in eight to ten locations over a five year period. This same data center management team and investors developed, operated, and sold the Downtown Phoenix Technology Exchange in a 2006 transaction valued at $175 million.

Anthony Wanger, Senior Managing Director, shared "The greater Phoenix area is an ideal location for primary or secondary data center colocation needs. The Phoenix climate and geography provide a stable environment without the risks present in many other cities used for colocation, and the area is widely acknowledged to be free of earthquake, tornado, coastal flooding, hurricane or 'mega city' political risks. We have also found the power and utility infrastructure and political climate to be quite responsive."

i/o Data Centers is a completely integrated data center services firm that delivers raised-floor data center space, conditioned uninterruptible power, network neutral telecommunications access, and internet bandwidth to global standards with a single point of accountability.

i/o Data Centers and its affiliate IO Capital are able to provide superior value to clients through a proprietary process that encompasses high performance engineering, design, and construction, along with the ability to run and operate data centers by technology professionals.

About i/o Data Centers:
i/o Data Centers, based in Phoenix, Arizona, delivers Tier 4 data center, colocation, and disaster recovery services to businesses and enterprises of all sizes. Please visit i/o Data Centers on the web at i/o Data Centers.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:20 PM | Comments (0)

January 21, 2007

Everybody's Talking About It - Glass Tile

It's easy to get caught up in the rush to stay ahead of the latest trends. However it will payoff to slown learn to use the appropriate tool for the job.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) January 21, 2007 -- Glass Tiles is the subject of the moment. Everybody's talking about it. As a manufacturer of glass tiles and the machines to cut them, Diamond Tech wants to make sure everyone who works with glass tile has the right equipment.

"It's easy to get caught up in the rush to stay ahead of the latest trends," states Rita LeVine, Director of Marketing for Diamond Tech. "However it will payoff in the long run if installers slow down and take the time to learn the appropriate tool for the job."

Ms Levine adds, "Diamond Tech wrote the book on glass tile saws. We've been manufacturing glass cutting band saws for the Stained Glass Industry for over 15 years. Our DL5000 band saw is our flagship saw. With its additional glass blade, installers and fabricators will be cutting through the thickest of glass tile with ease, speed and comfort."

A real workhorse, the DL5000 is the biggest and fastest band saw available for glass. This top of the line band saw cuts intricate shapes in glass up to 12" wide, ¾" thick without chipping. Cut 24" circles and "S" curves in glass with ease.

Super powerful 1/2 hp variable speed motor makes easy work of even the thickest glass. The recirculating water pump keeps a steady flow of water at the cutting point, and the oversized 15" x 13" cutting table provides stability for large tiles. Best of all, its portable so it can be carried right to the jobsite.

The DL5000 comes standard with a diamond ceramic and stone tile blade. However, Diamond Tech is now offering an additional glass blade for cutting glass tiles. This specialized blade is made of 4.5mm stainless steel, selected for its resistance to corrosion and rust. 61.5" in circumference DL5000 Glass Tile Blade is coated with the finest of diamond abrasive allowing the blade to glide through glass cleanly and easily minimizing chipping and cracking.

The DL5000 Band saw and Glass Blade are available through Diamond Tech. Not familiar with Diamond Tech's family of band saws and accessories? Visit www.diamondsaws.com to learn more. Glass blade is not available online, call l 800-937-9593 to order or request information.

For more information please contact: Rita LeVine, Marketing Director; Diamond Tech International; 5600-C Airport Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33647; PH: 813-806-2923; Toll Free: 800-937-9593; Email: info @ dticrafts.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:58 PM | Comments (0)

Repair-Home.com Answers Winter Home Repair Questions

Repair-Home.com, an online, interactive home repair source, provides a public forum for homeowners to get essential information about winter repairs for their homes. Visitors can ask questions, share advice and secure professional assistance on winter home maintenance problems ranging from leaking windows and chimneys to roof repair and frozen pipes.

(PRWEB) January 20, 2007 -- Repair-Home.com's Q&A forum offers insightful winter home repair advice. Homeowners have an opportunity to ask home maintenance and improvement questions or share their own do-it-yourself (DIY) wisdom on the homeowner-driven public forum at Repair-Home.com (http://www.repair-home.com/QA/categories.php), an online interactive home repair source. In addition to providing forum Q&A information and useful tips about various home improvement and maintenance issues, the site also connects homeowners who have specific home projects with top home repair specialists and home improvement contractors.

"It is important to address home repair problems early, particularly in the winter when heat loss, frozen pipes and other issues surface," said Allison Beatty, founder of RenovatorsPlace.com, a premiere online home improvement resource. "Repair-Home.com has a great Q&A forum designed to help with common repair questions."

Repair-Home.com's public forum provides questions and answers about a variety of winter topics -- frozen pipes, malfunctioning furnaces and moisture problems -- as well as timely information on subjects including plumbing, electrical, tools, materials, building and other home improvement topics.

If your furnace blows cool air instead of warm, "There's a good chance that your fan limit switch is malfunctioning," says one forum respondent (http://www.repair-home.com/QA/answers-furnance-pg11650294359). In response to a query about the wisdom of turning down your water heater while you're on vacation, Candice from Missoula responds, "Turning your water heater down while you're away is a good, safe, and energy-efficient idea and should not cause pipes to freeze" (http://www.repair-home.com/QA/answers-Hot_water_tank_and_freezing_tempatures).

"Winter brings out all kinds of ill-advised fire-safety behavior," according to a Washington Post article on "How Not to Fix Frozen Pipes," which details how a number of people burn down their homes every winter trying to unfreeze pipes with a blow torch. Before DIY homeowners fire up their blow torches, they can go to the Repair-Home.com forum (http://www.repair-home.com/QA/categoires.php) to find sensible winterizing tips from their DIY peers or to be directed to a plumbing professional.

Repair-Home.com is an online home repair resource that includes an interactive homeowner driven forum, contractor listings and home repair resources ranging from walls and floors to cabinets and plumbing. Repair-Home.com connects homeowners with top home repair specialists and contractors for specific home repair projects.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:57 PM | Comments (0)

January 19, 2007

Concrete Network TV: Newly Launched Weekly News Show Delivers Hot Topics in Concrete

The Concrete Network, known for being largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information on the web, has launched Concrete Network TV, a new weekly news show covering the most interesting news and topics happening in the concrete industry.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- The Concrete Network is proud to introduce Concrete Network TV. A weekly show highlighting innovations in products, people (industry leaders), upcoming seminars and training events, new products, product demos, special purchase opportunities, and interesting projects submitted by contractors, plus much more.

The Concrete Network's first online webcast delivers coverage of the most interesting news in decorative concrete. Each week, anchor Maureen Barley, provides short, crisp, upbeat commentary on what is happening in the world of decorative concrete. The news show is great for contractors, builders, designers and homeowners interested in staying on top of new trends in the concrete industry.

Due to the vast audience of the Concrete Network (8.6 million visitors in 2006; 12 million estimated for 2007), an incredible amount of information on interesting projects and new products from the contractor and manufacturer community is collected. This will be facilitated even more now with video, because the contractors and manufacturers who have submitted material to The Concrete Network for quite some time in print, will now be able to send information in video form, which can then be incorporated into Concrete Network TV.

The story of decorative concrete is evolving quickly, and video will be an important part of telling that story! Contractors and manufacturers are encouraged to participate by sending in videos and stories of their projects and products to 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 800,000 visitors research The Concrete Network Web site per month.

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.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)

Top Ten Web Mistakes Report Offers Insight to Leverage the Web

Top Ten Web Mistakes from Liquid Development covers the most common Web traps and details how to avoid them. This report is based on research studies conducted with web managers, IT and marketing executives in 2006 in the US across a wide range of industries.

HOUSTON, TX (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 --- What is the best way to generate web leads? How do we generate more web traffic? These questions and more are answered in, "Top Ten Web Mistakes" a new report from Liquid Development, a Houston based web and technology firm.

This report includes web trends, analysis, and best practices such as:

Mistake #9: Not Giving Visitors a Reason to Return. Five Simple Sticky Tips include: #1. Add a poll or short survey. This can be done for next to nothing and makes your site interactive. Plus, you can use the poll results for your eNewsletter or an Internet release.

Mistake #10: Confusing Navigation. Here are a few simple navigation tips: Add search functionality to your homepage (good search functionality has been shown to increase website conversions up to 27 percent). Read More Web Best Practices here.

The full report, "Top Ten Web Mistakes of 2007" may be downloaded at: http://www.liquiddev.com/Landing/Web_mistakes_report.aqf">http://www.liquiddev.com/Landing/Web_mistakes_report.aqf.

This web best practices report also includes:

•Top five (5) ways to increase your websites stickiness
•Website promotion tips, tools, and techniques
•Ten (10) search engine marketing (SEM) and search engine optimization (SEO) steps for driving traffic to your website

"The keys to leveraging the Web include being found, engaging, and professionally represented," explains Charles Bedard, director of Liquid Development. "Your firm's online persona is more than the images and text on your website. In today's Internet world your online persona needs to be as professional and effective as your organization is offline."

Organizations today must use the web to encounter prospective customer at the critical moment when they begin to pursue purchasing options. This article serves as a checklist highlighting the most common web mistakes made by organizations that can reduce a website's effectiveness and a company's long-term growth prospects.

"All businesses engaged in leveraging the Web, whether to generate web traffic, sales leads, or promote an organization's brand will find the report eye-opening and actionable," Bedard added.

About Liquid Development: We Simplify Technology.

For almost a decade, Liquid Development has simplified technology for medium and Fortune 500 organizations by providing best-in-class application development and web content management technology and service. For a no-obligation technical assessment, contact us at www.liquiddev.com">www.liquiddev.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)

Mortgage Lender Enhances High LTV Home Loan Program for Borrowers

Primary Capital Mortgage adds features, flexibility for those seeking a high LTV home loan.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- Primary Capital Mortgage, the premier residential mortgage lender, has expanded its high LTV loan program to include some exciting new options for borrowers. The lender's high LTV home loan program is targeted toward borrowers with A+ credit, allowing them the flexibility of a loan that does not require a down payment and also does not require mortgage insurance.

Primary Capital's high LTV home loan program covers primary residences as well as second homes and investment properties, and all loans are available with an interest-only option. In addition, the mortgage lender's program allows 100% cash-out transactions for those who need to take advantage of equity from their homes for investments or other financial opportunities.

The enhancements to the high LTV home loan program from this mortgage lender include:

• Increased loan amounts. Full-document loans for primary residences that will be owner occupied are available up to $1 million. In addition, stated-income loans are available for up to $750,000, while second-home loans are available for up to $650,000.
• Extended lock periods of up to 180 days, which can be particularly beneficial when factoring in the time for construction of a new home.
• Non-warrantable condos are now accepted.

"Our high LTV home loan program has proven to be very successful, as it appeals to borrowers with excellent credit histories," said George Phelps, CEO of Primary Capital Mortgage. "We believe that these important enhancements to the program will give a further advantage to brokers and borrowers who work with us while we continue to provide the same high level of customer service that the industry has come to expect from Primary Capital Mortgage."

Mortgage brokers can learn more about the high LTV program through Primary Capital's wholesale mortgage portal, PCMexpress. Borrowers interested in this program can find out more through Primary Capital's consumer portal, Mortgage in Motion.

About the Company
Primary Capital Mortgage is a leading residential mortgage lender headquartered in Atlanta. The company offers innovative products and services through three channels: wholesale lending, online mortgage program, and retail lending. Currently operating in 23 states, Primary Capital Mortgage closes over $1 billion in business annually. For more information, brokers are invited to visit PCMexpress.com and consumers can check out Mortgage-in-Motion.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)

Costa Vista Land Announces Opening of New Office

Costa Vista Land, a fast-growing real estate development company, announces the opening of their new office, allowing them to continue expansion plans and provide a high level of service to clients.

Sabanilla, San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- Costa Vista Land (CVL), a fast-growing Costa Rica real estate development company, announces the opening of their new office. Now, Costa Vista Land is poised to continue expansion plans and provide a high level of service to their investment clients.

Costa Vista Land's office is a spacious 4300 square feet and occupies the entire second floor of the Lady Vanessa building. It was the perfect choice for their growing business in Costa Rica due to the ample outdoor and underground parking, central location and easy access off the main roads. It is located near San Pedro, a major commercial location that boasts many restaurants, shops, and businesses; therefore entertaining clients leaves many options.

The second floor of the building was completely renovated and is now equipped with broadband internet, the latest equipment and technology, a Vanguard VOIP phone system, and a US Robotics phone system in the large conference room. Visitors enjoy panoramic views of the mountain ridges, along with the surrounding Costa Rica land. "We created an office environment that is both inviting and efficient, allowing us to provide a high level of service to fit our clients needs," stated Mr. Brad Hogan, President and Founder of Costa Vista Land.

Costa Vista Land is dedicated to educating their clients about investing in Costa Rica property. The owners of the company are diligent in assuring that each and every client purchase is made with minimal reservations, so that the clients can feel comfortable with their investment. That's why they employ a full staff, including a sales and an 'in house' marketing team, as well as support staff to ensure that every aspect of the business runs smoothly.

About Costa Vista Land:
Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is 'developing paradise' in Costa Rica. The company buys raw land in large quantities after they have thoroughly surveyed and researched all details. Because of this, Costa Vista Land acquires their properties at discount prices and develops them in less than 18 months. Hence the unique program in which you can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company President, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee. Everyone is encouraged to visit Costa Rica, stand on their property and see the beautiful country they have invested in. While visiting, the company pays for your accommodations, meals and transportation.

For more information contact 1-877-55-COSTA. And Grab Your Free 50 Minute CD Now, by clicking here: http://www.developingparadisecd.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:29 PM | Comments (0)

ComponexX™ Offers Builders Top to Bottom One-stop HDTV Prewiring Solutions

A complete line of home installation hardware to do the total job right the first time.

Sunrise, FL (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- ComponexX will introduce its "Top-To-Bottom" prewire HDTV package to builders attending the International Builders Show in Orlando in February. Edwin Diaz, President of ComponexX said, "It truly is a top-to-bottom product line we’re offering builders at the show. The package starts on the roof with a full line of Winegard HDTV antennas, mounted to roofs with Commdeck’s mounting system, which major builders have found solves the problems of not voiding the roofing warranties, water intrusion, grounding and aesthetics issues. Then the cable to our structural wiring boxes. In the box, we supply splitters from 5 to 2,500 MHz, ground blocks and amplifiers. Next we offer cable a new line of ComponexX cables, 3 quality lines to choose from: X Series™, Pro Series™ and Xtreme Series™ and wall plates for every hook-up. These Audio/Video cables connect to and from our surge protectors to Winegard’s new RC-1010 Off-Air HDTV digital set top box and/or directly to the TV. These products complete a total home infrastructure prewired installation solution allowing builders to GET ConnectedTM."

ComponexX saw a niche for quality prewiring products to successfully compete in the custom builder market, adding more value to new homes than the hard cost addition to builders. Then designed, manufactured and priced these products to compete with the giants in the industry, giving builders a real choice in different quality, features and benefits, at affordable price-points.

These ComponexX products are now being sold to builders, integrators and installers all over the U.S. and worldwide for MDU installations, as prewired installation systems and for retro-fits, as well as single family homes. ComponexX has established a reputation for top quality, competitive price and excellent service. ComponexX not only produces its own line, but also accepts OEM and ODM projects, including printing and packaging for the retail markets, including programs to aid in product design and development. They are a master distributor for the full line of HDTV antennas from Winegard, US distributor for Televes and the Commdeck distributor for the East coast.

All of the ComponexX products will be on display at the upcoming International Homebuilders Show in Orlando, February 7-10 in booth S11573.

If you’d like more information about this topic, please call Edwin Diaz at 888-572-8229 or to schedule an interview with Eddie Diaz or Ron Dickerson, please call Michael Sherman at 662-893-8360.

About ComponexX:

ComponexX (www.componexx.com) specialized in reliable, efficient and less expensive manufacturing of electronic components and accessories for the Structural wire, Data, Video, Satellite and Cable TV industries. With persistent efforts for over 8 years, ComponexX has established a worldwide reputation for top quality, competitive price and excellent service. ComponexX not only produces its own line, but also accepts OEM and ODM projects, including printing and packaging for the retail markets, including programs to aid in product design and development. They are a master distributor for the full line of HDTV antennas and the RC-1010 HDTV digital set top box from Winegard, US distributor for Televes and Commdeck distributor for the East coast.

Manufacturing capabilities includes sheet metal, plastic injection moldings, metal injection moldings, or a combination of these materials, including complete electronic and mechanical assemblies, electrical testing and packing. Special care is given to material analysis, pricing, specifications tooling and sampling. Systematic QC measures are applied during the production and shipping of finished goods to best meet our customer’s requirements, while assuring fast delivery.

ComponexX offers a complete line of:

* ComponexX Cable: 3 Quality Lines To Choose From - X Series™, Pro Series™, Xtreme Series™

* Digital wiring infrastructure components from 5 MHz to 3 GHz

* Data and video combiners from 5-2400 MHz:

* Commercial Grade Satellite High Frequency Digital Components 5 – 3000 MHZ: Splitters, Taps, Diplexers, Amplifiers, Multi-switches, Power inserters, Attenuators,
Voltage blocks and Grounding blocks

* Commercial Grade Cable TV Digital Components 5—1000 MHZ: Digital splitters, Directional couplers, Outdoor trunk line passives, Digital amplifiers, Fixed value equalizers, Attenuators, Voltage blocks and Terminators

* Accessories: Commdeck Satellite and Off-Air mounting systems, Winegard RC-1010 HDTV digital set top box, Surge protectors, Splitters, Switches, Connectors, RG-6, RG-59, Hard-line connectors, Wall plates, Coaxial cable, Installation tools, Telephone and data jacks and all components for coaxial and data infrastructure installations

About RSTC/CommDeck

RSTC Enterprises (www.rstcenterprises.com) was established in response to the consumers need for a network solution that would accommodate future satellite technologies, when building a new home or commercial development. Homebuilders, low voltage and installation contractors alike have struggled to meet the explosive consumer demand for satellite service.

In 2003, the founders of RSTC Enterprises began collaborating on several new product ideas for satellite mounting equipment. Drawing from their various contracting experiences in the Cable, Satellite and Construction fields, the partners set out to find a way to incorporate satellite option into existing building practices. Commdeck is one to the results of those efforts.

RSTC Enterprises builds satellite dish mounting option for every home by developing, marketing, and producing superior American made satellite dish mounting products that have revolutionized the way homebuilders and homeowners prepare for future satellite dish service. RSTC distributes to homebuilders and owners, affordable products that allow a built-in alternative to cable with out compromising the structure or appearance of homes. The vision of RSTC is to continue the development of innovative products that will improve satellite dish mounting technology, making the satellite dish option a standard in the building and home networking industry.

Contact:
Michael Sherman
Tel. 662-893-8360
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:29 PM | Comments (0)

CTL Engineerging, Microwave Leasing Services (MLS) Announce Merger

Columbus-based CTL Engineering, Inc. has announced the completed merger with Microwave Leasing Services (MLS) of Canal Winchester. The central Ohio companies' different services have been "bundled together" into a single source for the telecommunication industry. CTL Engineering is a full-service consulting engineering, testing, inspection and analytical services company, while MLS specializes in telecommunication infrastructure and tower services.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- CTL Engineering, Inc. President/CEO C.K. Satyapriya announced the completed merger of his Columbus-based company with Microwave Leasing Services (MLS) of Canal Winchester.

The central Ohio companies' different services have been "bundled together" into a single source for the telecommunication industry. CTL Engineering is a full-service consulting engineering, testing, inspection and analytical services company, while MLS specializes in telecommunication infrastructure and tower services.

"The two companies provide complementary services to the telecommunication industry," Satyapriya said. "We believe that the telecommunication industry will continue to evolve and expand. By becoming a single-source provider of solution, we can reduce the time for completion of projects. Single-source solution will provide our mutual clients simplified project management as well as a reduction in the associated management costs.

"By being a service provider to this growth-oriented industry the CTL/MLS group has an exciting future."

Jeff Sorge, the president of MLS, agreed. "With the merger of Microwave Leasing Services and CTL Engineering, our customers will now be able to receive a greater variety of services in the turnkey wireless marketplace," he said. "Additionally, the merger allows MLS to encompass wireless communications along with in-depth engineering services that include Geotechnical, Environmental and other industry-related services. MLS will now be one of the very few employee-owned tower and wireless dedicated companies."

MLS was established in 2002 and specializes in telecommunication infrastructure, specifically cellular tower work, wireless engineering/installation and microwave backhaul.

Formerly known as Columbus Testing Laboratory, CTL was established in 1927 as a private, independent engineering and testing laboratory. Initially, CTL focused mainly on soils, foundation engineering and construction testing and inspection services. In recent years, the company expanded its services to the metallurgical, non-destructive testing, mechanical, mining, roofing and environmental service industries.

Recognized by The Engineering News-Record as one of the nation's "top 500 architectural and engineering firms," CTL regularly performs services throughout Ohio, the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. In addition to the corporate headquarters in Columbus, the company has regional offices throughout Ohio as well as in Indiana, North Carolina, West Virginia and in India.

MLS employees will be joining CTL at its Columbus facilities located at 2860 Fisher Road.

MEDIA NOTE: Additional information on CTL Engineering and MLS can be found at their respective websites: www.ctleng.com and www.mlseng.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)

The Hampshire Generational Fund Sells 175,000-Square-Foot Suburban Office Building in West Paterson, NJ

The Hampshire Companies recently announced the disposition of One Garret Mountain, the 175,000-square-foot 10-story suburban office building located at One Garret Mountain Plaza in West Paterson, NJ, to Mountain Development Corporation and Meritage Properties.

West Paterson, NJ (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- The Hampshire Companies (www.hampshireco.com), a full service, private real estate investment fund manager with equity in assets valued at over $1.5 billion, recently announced the disposition of One Garret Mountain, the 175,000-square-foot 10-story suburban office building located at One Garret Mountain Plaza in West Paterson, NJ, to Mountain Development Corporation and Meritage Properties. The sale was made on behalf of Garret Mountain Trust, an entity controlled by The Hampshire Companies' Generational Fund, one of the firm's private equity real estate investment funds tailored to high net worth investors.

The highly visible One Garret Mountain Plaza is located at the foot of the Garret Mountain Reservation overlooking I-80 at Exit 56. Conveniently located in Passaic County, the building offers easy access to the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike. PNC Bank along with North Jersey Media Group, publishers of both The Record and the New Jersey Herald News are the lead tenants at this building.

"Since purchasing the building in 1999, we were able to secure major long-term tenants, such as PNC Bank and North Jersey Media Group. Due to the strategic moves that we made during ownership of the building we were able to position the property for sale and once again generate an excellent return for our investors," said Norman A. Feinstein, Executive Managing Director of The Hampshire Companies.

Adds L. Robert Lieb, Chairman of Mountain Development Corp., "The acquisition of One Garret Mountain is a strategic investment for our company, which also owns Three and Five Garret Mountain. This acquisition, which we ventured jointly with Meritage Properties of Scarsdale, NY, will allow us to better serve our tenants, achieve greater economies by managing control over the entire office park, and will allow us to undertake some very exciting improvements to the entire campus which will benefit all three buildings."

Jeffrey Dunne of CB Richard Ellis represented The Hampshire Companies in the transaction.

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, and office product 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 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

The Hampshire Generational Fund Sells Industrial Building In Watertown, NY to Tahcor Realty, Inc.

The Hampshire Companies recently announced the disposition of an industrial building located at 22530 Fisher Road in Watertown, NY to Tahcor Realty, Inc.

Watertown, NY (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- The Hampshire Companies, a full service, private real estate investment fund manager with equity in assets valued at over $1.5 billion, recently announced the disposition of an industrial building located at 22530 Fisher Road in Watertown, NY to Tahcor Realty, Inc. The sale was made on behalf of The Hampshire Generational Fund, one of the firm's private equity real estate investment funds tailored to high net worth investors.

Situated on 1.2 acres, the 15,000-square-foot building offers easy access to Interstate 81. The building is fully leased to Federal Express.

"Through maintaining a fully leased building and extending Federal Express' lease, we were able to maximize the return to our investors. This disposition is evidence of our commitment to making opportunistically profitable real estate transactions on our investors' behalf," said Norman A. Feinstein, Executive Managing Director of The Hampshire Companies.

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, and office product 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 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

Rene Brin Announces the Launch of Brin Realty Group, Amherst New Hampshire, a Full service Residential Real Estate Firm

Rene Brin of Amherst NH launched the Brin Realty Group in December 2006. This is a full service residential real estate company serving Southern NH including the Amherst, Bedford, Merrimack, Milford, Hollis, New Boston, Mont Vernon and Brookline areas. Rene is one of the top agents in the state of New Hampshire and has dynamic internet marketing program.

Amherst, NH (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- Rene Brin is pleased to announce the opening of Brin Realty Group, her new real estate office located at 108 Ponemah Road in Amherst.

"I purchased the building about 18 months ago when I realized I needed more space to accommodate my rapidly growing business." The building was once the station master's house, serving Amherst Station which is located across the street. "The property is delightful, the original woodwork, floors, double pocket doors, the barn and even the old fashioned ringer doorbell has been preserved."

Rene launched her real estate career in 1999 and quickly established herself as a leader in the local real estate market, earning numerous top awards and becoming one the of top agents in the State of New Hampshire.

"The time to launch the Brin Realty Group is now; the changes in the real estate industry are dramatic and we have adapted and embraced internet marketing and technology. We offer full service real estate brokerage and have a successful internet marketing plan, a must in today's complex, fast moving marketplace."

"We're excited about 2007, we're seeing increases in buyer activity and expect the Spring market to be brisk; it is a perfect environment for buyers, interest rates are at 30 years lows, we have a large inventory of properties to choose from and prices have softened."

Rene's husband Mike and their son Matt will also be supporting the business as licensed agents on a full time basis.

"I am putting together a core team of highly skilled and experienced agents and will be making further announcements shortly. My intention is not to have the largest, but the best group of hardworking and accomplished agents in the area who will join me in my commitment to provide the highest level of service and support to our clients in this rapidly evolving high tech marketplace."

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)

All Around the Home Revamps their Matching Service for Contractors and Homeowners with Upgraded Website

All Around the Home - http://www.allaroundthehome.com - has upgraded website to accommodate national audience. Allows users to search for what they need. Site specializes in advertising contractor services and gives homeowners choice of contractors to contact based on what services they need.

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- All Around the Home (AATH) has launched their new home improvement contractor directory website (http://www.allaroundthehome.com). Their new website is built to handle increased traffic and moves from targeting a regional to a national audience. The site includes a new and improved search feature with on-the-fly suggestion capabilities.

The new site offers homeowners the choice of doing a keyword search or using a drop-down list to select a category or region that meets their home improvement needs. The results include a list of contractors by home improvement category and region.

For example, look for a siding contractor in Montgomery County, MD using the site's drop-down list.

Select:

• Category as 'Siding'

• State as 'Maryland'

• County as 'Montgomery'

Results will include Colonial Contractors, a top windows and siding company serving all of Montgomery County, MD that has received over 76 awards listed at http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/siding/md/montgomery/

Instead maybe what you have in mind is a new deck to be built before summer arrives. Homeowners can use the keyword search and type 'new deck.' Search results will give you a 'decks, patios, and sunrooms' category as well as a listing of the contractors who build decks.

Select:

• 'Exterior-Decks, Patios & Sunrooms'

• 'Washington DC'

If you are looking to add a deck, patio, or sunroom contractor in Washington DC, you would find Medallion Doors, Windows, and Patio Rooms, an award-winning contractor, specializing in exterior home improvements listed at http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/decks/dc/washington/

All Around the Home is a trusted online home improvement contractor directory. As opposed to other online lead generation services, AATH puts the homeowners in charge, allowing them to decide what firms get their contact information and who contacts them.

Homeowners fill out a brief contact form including name, email address, and a short message the home improvement company they want to hear from immediately receives. No contact information is sent to any contractor other than the contractor the homeowner elects to contact. If that is not fast enough, homeowners can type in their contact information, and view the company's phone number to call the company instantly.

The website also features a special client section for the contractors listed on the website. Clients can view and track their lead history, separate email and phone requests for their services, and change or update their contact information instantly. Contractor rates to join the site can range from $100 to $500 per month and membership includes a profile on the site as well as PR and web marketing services to supplement their listing on the site.

"With such a high return on investment, I think the company is great! We have invested the same amount of money with them since we started and every month we get more and more leads and our return on investment steadily increases." says Ross Ehudin, whose company is a client of All Around the Home.

----

All Around the Home (http://www.allaroundthehome.com) is a national home improvement contractor directory. Homeowners can find established, quality contractors with experience in home improvement contracts and repairs. Contractors, request to sign up to begin receiving leads of homeowners who have requested to speak with your company by name at http://www.allaroundthehome.com/signup/

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:26 PM | Comments (0)

BBB Elects New Board Member

Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland (BBB) elects member of 'All Around the Home' (http://www.allaroundthehome.com) to its Board of Directors. Daniel Peterson, president of Integrity Windows, Siding, Roofing & Doors - http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/siding/md/pg/ - serves as a new board member.

Baltimore, MD (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- The Board of Directors of the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland (BBB) elected Daniel Peterson, president of Integrity Windows, Siding, Roofing & Doors for the 2006-2008 Board of Directors term at its October meeting in Baltimore

"For a young and successful company like Integrity Windows, Siding, Roofing & Doors to join our Board is both exciting and promising", says Angie Barnett, president & CEO of the BBB of Greater Maryland, "The Board looks forward to the expertise and enthusiasm Danny has shown with his company to now be contributed to the BBB through his commitment to the Board."

Serving as the supervisory body of the BBB, the Board of Directors is comprised of executives from Member companies of the BBB. New Board Members are nominated by the Board's Executive Committee and voted on by the full board.

In addition to the Better Business Bureau of Greater Maryland (BBB), Danny's Integrity Windows, Siding, Roofing & Doors is also a member of 'All Around the Home', a trusted home improvement contractor directory.

Danny Peterson has been in the home improvement industry since 1991 and has been a senior merchant at top home improvement retailers. Desiring to offer the best home improvement customer service, best business practices, and with business principles following the Golden Rule "So in everything, do unto others as you would have them do unto you" Matthew 7:12, Integrity was formed.

Integrity Windows, Siding, Roofing and Doors (http://www.IntegrityWindowsAndSiding.com) offers the greater Washington area in Maryland and Northern Virginia products and services specializing in exterior home improvements for the residential market. Request a free estimate from Integrity for your home improvement project at http://www.allaroundthehome.com/contractor/46/>

The Better Business Bureau is a private, non-profit organization. Its mission is to promote and foster the highest ethical relationship between businesses and the public through voluntary self-regulation, consumer and business education and service excellence.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:25 PM | Comments (0)

Lamons Gasket Company Selects BuyDesign Configurator from TDCI

TDCI announced today that Lamons Gasket Company has selected TDCI's BuyDesign Configurator to provide sales people with guided product configuration capabilities for Lamons' diverse product lines. BuyDesign Configurator will be integrated with Lamons' existing Enterprise Resource Planning system (SyteLine ERP from Infor) to help streamline quoting and order entry processes.

Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- TDCI, Inc. (TDCI), a leading enterprise software solution provider, announced today that Lamons Gasket Company (Lamons), a TriMas Corporation Company and one of the largest gasket and bolt suppliers in the world, has selected TDCI's BuyDesign® Configurator to provide sales people with guided product configuration capabilities for Lamons' diverse product lines. BuyDesign Configurator will be integrated with Lamons' existing Enterprise Resource Planning system (SyteLine ERP from Infor) to help streamline quoting and order entry processes. It will be deployed at all 14 Lamons company locations in North America. BuyDesign Configurator is a powerful product configuration engine that can be deployed via the web, or as part of either server or desktop-based software applications. Developed on the Microsoft technology platform, it is a component of TDCI's BuyDesign Guided Selling and Configuration solution suite.

"BuyDesign Configurator will greatly simplify the product configuration process for our sales people by presenting various product options along with both visual and textual information to help with the selection process," said David Wiebe, Lamons Chief Information Officer. "At the same time, it will help eliminate order entry errors by ensuring that only valid configurations are selected. "

"We picked BuyDesign Configurator over other available products primarily because of its ease of use, and because it has the flexibility to handle all of our product lines with a single, vendor-supported solution," Wiebe added.

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Lamons Gasket Company serves the refining, chemical, power generation, and pulp and paper industries. Product lines include spiral wound gaskets, heat exchangers, RTJ gaskets, sheet material, fasteners, and hose products. In many cases, engineered products are produced to custom specifications. Major manufacturing facilities are located in Houston, Canada and China. Sales and service facilities are located throughout the U.S. and Canada, with licensees and distributors situated throughout the world.

About TDCI and BuyDesign
TDCI is an enterprise solution provider that specializes in helping manufacturers and their distributors streamline the buying process for customized products. TDCI's BuyDesign software is a comprehensive guided selling and configuration solution developed to help companies increase sales by becoming 'easy to do business with' while improving profitability by reducing order processing time, cost, and errors. BuyDesign provides modular components for guided product selection and configuration, product visualization, quoting and ordering, drawing generation, and status inquiry. It also includes applications for front-end specification capture 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 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

Fire Safety Tips From OldHouseWeb.com Critical This Winter

Incorrectly used or poorly maintained fireplaces and chimneys can cause house fires, and OldHouseWeb.com offers safety and maintenance tips to homeowners to encourage fire safety for the winter. Every two hours someone died in a fire in the United States in 2005. Informative columns on fireplace and stove safety from OldHouseWeb.com, a how-to site offering ideas, articles and how-to resources to old-house enthusiasts, offers crucial advice to help ensure fire safety during the cold months.

(PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- With fire safety a key issue in winter due to incorrectly used or poorly maintained fireplaces and chimneys, OldHouseWeb.com offers safety and maintenance tips for homeowners of old and new homes. In 2005, someone died in a fire about every two hours in the U.S., and fires contributed to someone being injured every 29 minutes. OldHouseWeb.com, a how-to site offering ideas, articles and how-to resources to old-house enthusiasts, provides information on how to take care of fireplaces and chimneys during the winter season to help prevent loss of life and injury due to residential fires.

Scott Gibson, a former editor at "Today's Homeowner" and "Fine Homebuilding" magazines, and other experts contribute columns to OldHouseWeb.com on topics like chimney and fireplace safety. For instance, in "Bringing an Old Chimney Up to Par" Gibson suggests that "Liners help keep flue gases where they belong. They isolate combustible building materials from high heat, and they prevent creosote and other by-products of combustion from seeping through porous brick and mortar" (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/14852.shtml).

Resources on OldHouseWeb.com include a Q&A home repair section, informative columns and a directory of chimney repair services. Some columns include information about repairing chimneys in "Chimney Liners" (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/14073.shtml) and about kerosene heater safety in "Kerosene Heaters" (http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10250.shtml). Experts also discuss the importance of smoke detectors, hand-portable fire extinguishers and other important fire safety rules.

The U.S. Fire Administration states, "The residential fire problem represented about 83 percent of all fire deaths and 77 percent of the injuries to civilians in 2005." Additionally, between 1996 and 2005, residential structure fires caused the deaths of more than 3,000 people on average and nearly 16,000 injuries annually.

OldHouseWeb.com is a complete old-house remodeling interactive Web site offering old-house enthusiasts how-to resources spanning several industries from cabinetry to architecture. OldHouseWeb.com includes before and after renovation pictures, feature articles, an online bookstore and a product showcase.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:22 PM | Comments (0)

JobOrder Eliminates the Need to Use Separate, Fragmented Software Packages to Run Diverse Business Processes

Customers Gain Improved ROI Through Ability to Manage Core Business Operations using a Single, Unified Software Offering

Cortland, NY (PRWEB) January 19, 2007 -- Management Software Inc. today announced the availability of its Winter 2007 JobOrder software release for Windows and Macintosh. Enhancements to JobOrder inspired by customer insights empower project managers with a unified solution that offers easy-to-use interfaces for total control of job scheduling, job costing and other critical business processes including accounting, payroll, vendor management, asset management and prioritizing.

"Historically, team and project managers of small to midsize organizations are placed in the position of using incredibly fragmented software systems to manage everyday business processes," says Victor Siegle, President of Management Software. "JobOrder provides these companies with a proven and comprehensive software offering to manage all core business operations relevant to running their business processes optimally."

JobOrder eliminates the costs and time associated with managing multiple systems to perform diverse business functions. Additionally, by tightening up JobOrder's resource utilization, job scheduling, accounting management and reporting capabilities in the latest version of JobOrder, small and project oriented organizations improve ROI, productivity and workflow.

In today's competitive environment project managers are faced with unenviable challenges. Everyday, they are tasked to ensure that all facets of a project are working harmoniously for the common good - delivering a quality end product for their client in a timely manner and within budget.

This involves managing schedules, budgets, people, and deadlines, effectively and synergistically. Small to midsize project-oriented organizations, including ad agencies, architects, consulting companies, design firms, engineering firms, and job shops, depend upon JobOrder to manage their estimates, schedules, people and jobs.

A single user license for JobOrder software is priced at $2,495. Pricing for the JobOrder Accounting Module starts at $1,295. The JobOrder Digital Asset Management module is free with a single user license purchase of JobOrder software. Volume and concurrent user pricing options are also available.

About JobOrder Software

JobOrder facilitates 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 software, please contact Management Software at 877-714-2587 or visit www.JobOrder.com.

About Management Software, Inc.

Management Software is a leading developer of business process management software on Windows and Macintosh. Management Software is based in Cortland, New York, where we have provided vertical software applications, custom programming services, consulting, and training since 1989. 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.

© 2007 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.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:22 PM | Comments (0)

Add Soundproofing and Noise Control with a New Acoustical Floor Underlayment Product

Iso-Step Floor underlayment is an environmentally friendly rubber based product made from recycled tires using 82% post-consumer recycled content. Iso-Step is a double duty product. It's mass of either one pound or two pounds per square foot offers incredible airborne sound reduction, and since the product is made from recycled tires, it offers a high level of structure borne sound reduction to significantly quiet footfall.

(PRWEB) January 18, 2007 -- Iso-Step floor underlayment offers superior acoustical performance over other underlayments in the flooring market today. This new product provides floor soundproofing solutions for every condition in multi-family residential design, it can be installed over wood or concrete sub floor and can be installed under hardwood, vinyl, tile or carpet flooring. Beyond multi-family design, it has proved very useful in hotels, office buildings, schools, or any area where noise control is a concern.

Nothing is more frustrating to new homeowners than to discover that the multi-family home (condo, townhouse or apartment) that they just purchased has loud neighbors upstairs or neighbors below them who complain about the amount of noise coming from above. Nothing is worse than trying to go to sleep or relax and hearing people moving around above you or having to listen to your upstairs neighbor's television or radio. With the trend of installing more engineered hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile floors instead of carpeting on the rise, this noise problem is becoming even more common.

Iso-Step floor underlayment is economically priced and readily available in 4' x 25' rolls. Iso-Step floor underlayments can be installed as a free-floating or glue-down system reducing installation time and labor costs.

Iso-Step floor underlayment products provide proven field and laboratory-tested solutions for floor build-ups in wood frame, metal pan and concrete construction to meet HUD's isolation building requirements.

For more information on this acoustical floor underlayment system, call Acoustical Solutions at 1-800-782-5742 or visit

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)

Celebrity and Advisory Real Estate Blog Goes Live in a "Big" Way

A new and novel real estate blog provides fresh industry insights as well as details regarding celebrity realty transactions.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 18, 2007 -- Big Time Listings is a new blog centered around the national Real Estate Industry, with some interesting twists.

Scott Berg of Berg Properties is ranked within the top 1% of real estate agents in the Chicago Association of Realtors. Berg writes about current trends in real estate such as market conditions, the latest technologies for marketing property, and new real estate business models such as flat fee MLS listings and the Chicago MLS.

Bob Goldsborough, one of the best celebrity real estate journalists reporting today, writes daily about big time real estate transactions among the rich and famous. Bob also writes for big time publications like the Chicago Tribune, RedEye, and The Chicago Reader. For the last eight years, Bob has consistently broken stories about celebrity real estate, being the first to report transactions involving many well-known national figures in the entertainment, sports and business industries - including Oprah Winfrey, David Letterman, John Cusack, Vince Vaughn, Courteney Cox, Billy Corgan, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Jamie Dimon. When possible, Goldsborough tells all, including where the properties are located, what prices they sold for, who sold and who bought what, who resided in the various properties in the past, and other interesting pieces of information that only a professional can uncover. His blog posts are billed as "not just another aggregator of celebrity home transactions" and will prove interesting to many fans of celebrities.

Although there are currently 2 main contributors to the blog, more real estate industry experts will appear in the future. Big Time Listings will make efforts to dig up and research original realty-based content that cannot be found anywhere else on the web. The blog can be accessed at www.bergproperties.com/blog/.

Name: Scott Berg
Phone: 708-434-1165

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:21 PM | Comments (0)

Contractors Profit Through Education and Website Promotion Courtesy of Contractor Website Solutions

WSI Web Wize of West Hartford, Connecticut, an Internet solutions company for small business owners, is proud to launch Contractor Website Solutions (CWS). CWS is a new Internet services business that specializes in building contractor websites and providing Internet services across the nation for all trades in the contractor and construction industry.

West Hartford, CT (PRWEB) January 18, 2007 -- WSI Web Wize of West Hartford, Connecticut, an Internet solutions company for small business owners, is proud to launch Contractor Website Solutions (CWS). CWS is a new U.S. Internet service business that specializes in building contractor websites with coordinated print promotional materials across the nation for all trades in the contractor and construction industry.

"The Internet has become standard in most industries, yet, contracting trade business owners such as electricians, plumbers, floor refinishers, residential painters, carpenters, etc. have not joined the rush to leverage the Internet as quickly as other industries have," said CWS owner, Joyce Therieault. Joyce believes there are a few reasons for this trend, including a lack of knowledge on how the Internet can help contractors as well as a lack of time to transition their marketing efforts away from traditional, expensive print marketing. Joyce suspects that some contractors may be uncomfortable with internet technology in general, and her team takes pride in alleviating those roadblocks which prevent contractors from taking advantage of the Internet. "We provide the technical skills for our contractors so that they don't have to. This is what makes it so easy for clients to work with us," said Therieault.

"What contractors do not realize is that their client referral base is changing. People spend less time socializing these days, making the casual referrals contractors have come to rely upon less likely. In addition, Yellow Pages are virtually obsolete," says Ms. Therieault. The time has come for contractors to leverage cost effective, measurable techniques to market their trade and promote their business on the web. At the same time, contractors can't afford to spend a lot of time away from their trade, which is why they should work with the industry professionals at Contractor Website Solutions.

Joyce runs programs throughout New England teaching contractors about the Internet. "Contractors leave my class amazed when I show them exactly how many people are online looking for their business," says Therieault. "The world is changing and our goal is to help contractors leverage the Internet to increase profits, without breaking the bank."

The Contractor Website Solutions division was designed to offer one-stop-shopping for all contractor industry Internet solutions. CWS has built website templates to suit every contracting trade as well as offering custom designs.

CWS not only offers economical contractor website packages, hosting, online advertising, contractor marketing services and lead generation tools, they also offer coordinating contractor lawn signs and business cards. Please visit the new website at www.contractorwebsitesolutions.com to learn more about the CWS services, and see a live client testimonial walking across the website.

The Contractor Website Solutions team has designed website packages that deliver the construction industry the tools they need to get referrals. Among the tools available, Contractor Website Solutions, in partnership with WSI, has a proprietary online advertising tool that places ads with the major search engines and the online yellow pages. To see a video about how this local advertising service works, go to http://www.wsilocaladworks.com/video.html. With this service you get daily reports on calls and emails sent to you as well as recorded copies of the calls made to your office. For contractors worried about reading emails, CWS can send them directly to your phone, so you never miss a call.

CWS Contractor Website professionals are certified in website delivery, meaning they keep their skills current in the ever changing Internet world. The CWS team is committed to making each contractor's business more profitable through the intelligent use of Internet technologies. Come and explore how CWS is working with construction professionals to increase their presence online at www.contractorwebsitesolutions.com.

When visiting CWS online look for the Raffle Tickets being distributed nationwide. The winner of this introductory special will receive a free Website. Enter to win at www.contractorwebsitesolutions.com/raffle.

CWS and WSI Web Wize are owned by Joyce Therieault. WSI Web Wize is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. Since opening, WSI Web Wize has built solutions for manufacturing facilities, retail stores, doctors, restaurants and most importantly contractors up and down the East Coast. WSI Web Wize is a franchise of WSI, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Please visit www.wsiwebwize.com for more information.

CWS and WSI Web Wize are owned by Joyce Therieault. WSI Web Wize is located in West Hartford, Connecticut. Since opening, WSI Web Wize has built solutions for manufacturing facilities, retail stores, doctors, restaurants and most importantly contractors up and down the east coast. WSI Web Wize is a franchise of WSI, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Please visit www.wsiwebwize.com for more information.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:20 PM | Comments (0)

Orange County Realtor to Showcase Trend-Setting Laguna Beach Home

The Laguna Beach real estate market is full of surprises. Just when it appears every amenity has been covered, a home comes on the market that raises the bar yet again. Prominent Orange County realtor, Lee Ann Canaday, will showcase such a home on January 20 and 21.

Orange County, CA (PRWEB) January 18, 2007 -- The bar has been raised once again in Laguna Beach's exclusive real estate market. Boasting sweeping coastline views and an unrivalled quality of living, a double lot estate in the hills of Laguna Beach sets new standards in its lofty price range.

This exquisite $5 million home at 1130 Summit Drive, Laguna Beach will be showcased in an open house on Saturday, January 20th and Sunday, January 21st from 1-4pm.

From the exquisite interior design, the wonderfully styled exterior and the detailed finishing throughout, this is one piece of Orange County real estate that offers true luxury. The beachfront views from many rooms, the executive office, the ambient décor, three en-suite bedrooms, gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances and a master suite with unobstructed ocean vistas are just a few of this home's features.

As well as the beautiful location, this Laguna Beach home is enhanced with a spacious home theater, full wet bar and wine cellar, high ceilings and sweeping ocean views throughout. Each room provides the opportunity to take in the view, recline in pure luxury and enjoy all the trappings of living in a sophisticated Laguna Beach home.

Complete with three travertine balconies, a three car garage with motor court, outdoor pool and spa, atrium water feature, and a romantic and ambient outdoor fireplace, this special home positively exudes charm at every turn.

Add the close proximity of fine restaurants, shops and pristine beaches, it soon becomes apparent that this one of the 'must see' homes for sale in Orange County.

Open House Details:
Dates: Saturday, January 20 and Sunday, January 21
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Address: 1130 Summit Drive, Laguna Beach

Contact information:
Canaday Group, Re/Max Real Estate Services
32392 S. Coast Hwy Suite 100, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949.249.2424
Fax: (949)249-1064
www.canadaygroup.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:19 PM | Comments (0)

Brace Oakley International Advise Investors to Buy Now at Polaris World

Brace Oakley International, the UK's leading re-sale agent for Polaris World Golf Resorts, are advising investors that the current bargain properties available on Polaris World resorts will not be available for long.

(PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Brace Oakley International, the UK's leading re-sale agent for Polaris World Golf Resorts, are advising investors that the current bargain properties available on Polaris World resorts will not be available for long. Anybody thinking of buying should act now.

What is Polaris World?

Polaris World is a Spanish owned company developing luxury golf and spa resorts in the region of Murcia in South-East Spain. Polaris World started in 2000 and is now Spain's number one property developer. You can find out more about Polaris World at www.resalepolaris.com. The Murcia region is traditionally an agricultural area but investment in recent years has meant that the region has an advanced modern infrastructure. The region now boasts an excellent motorway network and two international airports. Murcia bathes in an average of 320 days of sunshine per year and boasts a wealth of unspoilt beaches on the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor - Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. The wonderful climate, the space and the ease of access (no more than 2-3 hours from most European countries) have resulted in Murcia becoming the 'hot spot' for investment in Spain.

Since 2000 Polaris World have sold over 8,000 properties and they expect to sell a further 3,000 properties in 2007. Many of the purchasers have been small investors hoping to make a return by investing 'off-plan' and selling the contract on before completion, known as 'contract flipping'.

So has buying on Polaris World been a good investment?

In theory, 'contract flipping' can work. A buyer can put 40% deposit down on a property but benefit from the capital growth on 100% of the property value. An investor needs to consider selling fees and incorporate these into profit expectations, but the principle works provided that the property values increase, which they have. However, what these investors and agents didn't consider were three things -

1.In order for a new buyer to take over a contract, he or she will need to pay the 40% already paid plus any profit - a potentially large sum of money. This limits the market to cash-rich buyers - the type of buyers who are usually after a 'deal' at less than market value.

2.The simple economic principle of 'supply and demand' - with such a large volume of property sold 'off-plan' by Polaris World over the last few years, it was inevitable that quite a number of contracts would be placed on the market for sale shortly before a resort is completed. More properties for a buyer to choose from means it is a buyers market.

3.There is competition in the area. Peraleja Golf Resort is situated next door to one of the Polaris World Resorts. Peraleja Golf Resort offers luxury contemporary villas built to the highest standards set around a Seve Ballesteros championship golf course. Corvera Golf & Country Club offers luxury apartments, townhouses and villas set around a Jose Maria Olazabel golf course. Peraleja Golf Resort and Corvera Country Club are proving to be very popular with European buyers. And a new resort called Novo Carthago Beach & Golf Resort is due to be launched in February 2007, with two 18 hole golf courses right next to the beaches of the Mar Menor. For details and free brochures on these resorts please contact Brace Oakley International via www.resalepolaris.com

These three factors have meant that while Polaris World continue to sell off-plan properties at market value, sellers of contracts often have to sell at much less in order to achieve a sale. For example, an 'off-plan' two bedroom apartment on La Torre Golf Resort costs around €195,000. One can buy a contract for an identical property for €170,000. The original buyer probably paid around €140,000 and is therefore making a profit, only maybe not as much as they'd hoped. In 18 months this property is likely to be worth over €200,000. So is it best advice to complete the property purchase, furnish the property and rent it to holidaymakers until the resort and the Polaris World concept is complete?

Polaris World have their own property management company but the most successful rental company for Polaris World properties is Brace Oakley Holidays, which has an online booking system at www.polarisholidays.com. Matt Oakley, MD of Brace Oakley Holidays, says, "Spanish golf properties are always popular with golfers but Polaris World resorts are also attracting holidaymakers who don't even play golf. This is due to the high level of services, the restaurants and the security of the resorts." (see www.braceoakleyholidays.com for more information).

The first Polaris World resort - the Mar Menor Golf Resort - was introduced to the market in 2002 and the first properties were handed over in late 2004. Within 2 years the resort was finished and property prices had stabilised. Owners who had bought off-plan now had assets that had grown considerably in value and are increasing all the time. Polaris World's other resorts - La Torre Golf Resort, El Valle Golf Resort and Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort - are likely to experience the same price stabilisation over the next two years.

The re-sale market for these properties is currently very busy as investors snap up bargain properties. To maximise returns Polaris World owners should consider holding on to their investments until the concept has been completed, around the end of 2008. For those thinking of investing in Polaris World, NOW is the time to buy - it is unlikely that there will be these 'bargains' available for too much longer.

Brace Oakley International are the UK's leading real estate agents for Spanish golf resort property, re-sale and off-plan. For further information on Polaris World, Peraleja Golf Resort, Roda Golf & Beach Resort, Corvera Country Club or Novo Carthago Golf Resort, please call 0870 850 1656 or visit www.resalepolaris.com.

Contact:
Brace Oakley International
Matt Oakley
0044 1293 565808
www.resalepolaris.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:18 PM | Comments (0)

Nation's Largest Solar Neighborhood by Lennar Has Received Amazing Interest in Sacramento

The nation's largest solar neighborhood by Lennar has received an amazing amount of interest in Sacramento proving that the Sacramento homebuilding market is ready for solar homes. Lennar has reported more than three times the visitors to their SOLAR plus sales offices each week than their competitors in the area. All three of the popular, solar communities in Roseville, CA including Ironcrest at Fiddyment Farm, Wayfarer and Laureate at WestPark are hosting their official grand openings Saturday, January 20th where families will tour the new model homes and enjoy food and festivities.

Roseville, CA (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Lennar has proven that the Sacramento homebuilding market is ready for solar homes reporting three times the visitors a week than their competitors in the area. All three of the popular, solar communities including Ironcrest at Fiddyment Farm, Wayfarer and Laureate at WestPark are hosting their official grand openings Saturday, January 20th where families will tour the new model homes and enjoy food and festivities.

"We knew that this area was ready for us to build solar and energy-efficient homes that would save them money and help preserve the environment's resources but, we didn't foresee the amazing response we've had so far," said Jeff Panasiti, Lennar Sacramento, Calif. division president. "It just proves that Sacramento families are buying smart. Homebuyers love our Lennar product and now we can provide them a home that combines energy-efficient design with on-site solar electricity allowing their home to generate up to 60% of their household energy."

Combining the power of solar electricity with the highest standards in energy-efficient products and construction, Lennar's SOLAR plus program incorporates the expertise of several industry experts. SunPower Corp. (Nasdaq: SPWR), which designs, manufactures and markets high- performance solar electric technology worldwide, provides the roof integrated solar panel product and installation for each Roseville home. By participating in Roseville Electric's Preferred Diamond Home program, each Lennar SOLAR plus home has also earned the unique distinction of exceeding current state standards for energy efficiency.

"We are very pleased to partner with Lennar for this impressive program. The systems we are providing to these communities feature the world's most efficient solar cell. Lennar and Roseville Electric are demonstrating true environmental leadership and providing their customers with tremendous savings on their energy bills," said Howard Wenger, SunPower Corp. vice president of global business units.

Each of Lennar's SOLAR plus communities integrate SunPower's roof-integrated 2.3 kW SunTile® solar electric system. According to Roseville Electric, integration of these energy efficiency measures and photovoltaic systems will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 4.9 million pounds, which is equivalent to planting more than 920,000 trees and taking more than 400 cars off the road annually.

In addition to the cost savings and environmentally friendly features of the SOLAR plus homes, the three communities offer spacious, well-designed plans ranging in size from 2,213 to 4,720 square feet with up to five bedrooms and two and three quarter bathrooms plus a powder room. Some plans include bonus rooms and every home will have the always popular and value added Everything's Included™ (ei) package.

For more on Lennar's SOLAR plus program visit www.lennarliving.com/solar or contact the New Home Consultants at each of the respective communities for details: Laureate at WestPark, (916) 780-4550; Wayfarer at WestPark, (916) 783-2084; Ironcrest at Fiddyment Farm, (916) 783-2078.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)

Online Bidding Available for Largest One-Owner Contractor Auction in History; CAT and Volvo Equipment in Mint Condition

Proxibid, a premier provider of live Internet auction broadcasting services, today announced that online bidding will be available for the largest one-owner contractor auction in history. The auction will be managed by Alex Lyon and Son Auctioneers, which is headquartered in Syracuse, NY. CAT and Volvo equipment will be offered at auction Fri., Jan. 19 at 9:30 a.m. near MCM Management's headquarters in Cincinnati, OH.

Omaha, NE (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Proxibid, a premier provider of live Internet auction broadcasting services, today announced that online bidding will be available for the largest one-owner contractor auction in history. The auction will be managed by Alex Lyon and Son Auctioneers, which is headquartered in Syracuse, NY. CAT and Volvo equipment will be offered at auction Fri., Jan. 19 at 9:30 a.m. near MCM Management's headquarters in Cincinnati, OH.

The equipment being auctioned was used to complete the Fernald Closure Project, one of the largest environmental restoration projects in United States history. Each piece of equipment used in the project was required to meet the stringent requirements of the United States Department of Energy (DOE). All equipment was inspected on schedule and received routine maintenance at a special shop that was built on the job site.

"This is some of the finest machinery we have seen available at auction," said Jack Lyon of Alex Lyon and Son. "This auction is not to be missed! We are thrilled to work with Proxibid to provide online bidding to everyone who wants to participate in this event. We anticipate a lot of online bidding for this auction, which will make the auction even more exciting."

To bid online, interested parties can simply log on to www.proxibid.com and register. A Bank Letter of Guarantee is required for all bidders, and must be received by Proxibid at least 24-48 hours in advance of the auction. Pre-bidding and absentee bidding are available for the auction.

"Because we always have a remote operator on-site at auctions, Proxibid can handle a high volume of online bidders," said Bruce Hoberman, CEO of Proxibid. "The equipment being offered by Alex Lyon and Son is of the highest caliber, and we expect record-breaking online activity for this event."

About Proxibid
Proxibid is the premier provider of live Internet auction broadcasting services. With Proxibid, bidders have access to real auctions, with real auctioneers, from the comfort of their home or office. Bidders can view auction catalogs, post pre-bids and participate in real-time Internet bidding via Proxibid's powerful auction portal. As a leading pioneer of live Internet bidding technology, Proxibid continues to lead the marketplace by offering an unparalleled level of customer service and support.

To learn more about Proxibid, please log on to www.proxibid.com.

About Alex Lyon & Son
Alex Lyon & Son is a family-owned operation headquartered in Bridgeport, New York with 18 branches strategically located throughout the United States. Successful worldwide, Lyons' now conducts heavy construction equipment auctions throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Their customer base extends from New York to California and includes global customers from China, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, Israel and more.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)

Laing Thermotech's Revolutionary New Technology for Electronics Cooling

Laing, a leader in hydraulic engineering and electronics cooling industry, has produced a breakthrough technology for electronics cooling applications. The resulting small pump fits a wide variety of applications and operates with greater energy efficiency, performance and longevity than other pumps in its class.

Chula Vista, CA (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Laing Thermotech, a world leader in hydraulic engineering and electronics cooling technology, has developed a breakthrough technology for electronics cooling applications. Known as the DDC pump, the technology utilizes Laing's magnetic drive spherical motor technology.

"Laing's DDC series pumps are the smallest and most efficient method to circulate water in the application of water cooling for the electronic industry," says Scott S. Shimer, CEO of Laing. "It can fit into very confined spaces, even desktop computers."

Laing pioneered the technology about three years ago. Subsequently, the computer cooling systems have been installed in hundreds of thousand of computers and other electronic components throughout the world. Now, the DDC product is available for non-computer applications such as high definition television, advanced video gaming systems, chillers and a myriad of industrial applications which require liquid cooling in a compact environment. This gives the DDC pump the potential to render an enormous impact across a wide variety of industries.

Not only can the DDC pump be used for a broad range of sophisticated electronic cooling systems, but it is also long-lasting. The pump uses a brushless DC motor with a lifetime in excess of 50,000 hours when operated at 12 volts. It is designed to last three to four times longer than other comparable pumps. In addition, the
DDC pump:
• Does not require maintenance under normal conditions
• Is guaranteed to start up even after being shut down for an extended time
• Has a flow rate and performance characteristics that can be easily controlled by voltage variation
• Is practically silent during operation, partially due to the suspension of the rotor/impeller in the pumped fluid. (And the rotor is self-aligning so noise does not increase over time.)
• Allows for a more efficient method of heat removal than conventional heat sinks evacuate

With its superior design, the DDC pump lasts longer, uses less power and performs better than other pumps in its class. For more information about this innovative product, consult the Electronics Cooling (DC Pumps) section of our 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, Instant Hot Water solutions and pump products. Today, Laing primarily focuses on manufacturing fractional-horsepower pumps, flow-through heaters, and hydronic heating components. Laing created the first practical do-it-yourself hot water circulation system. It is well known for its Autocirc System for retrofit applications and the UltraCirc®. for new construction. It offers a variety of low-energy-consumption, fractional-horsepower pumps for residential, solar and industrial use. Laing holds a considerable amount of registered patents in consumer, commercial and industrial markets. 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.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Bob Hutslar, National Sales Manager Plumbing & Heating
(619) 575-7466 Ext. 112

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:14 PM | Comments (0)

Commdeck™ Satellite and Antenna Pre-Wire Mounting Systems Used by Many of Top 50 Builders in U.S.

Approved by DirecTV® Dish® Network and WildBlue™.

Eau Claire, WI (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Major Builders are now incorporating Commdeck (www.rstcenterprises.com) into their construction process. Builders and Developers discovered that 50% of new home owners are subscribing to satellite service within one year of closing on their new home even in areas where cable service is available. A further push to use these systems came from management companies working for builders. Builders and Home Owners Associations (HOA) continued to discover property damage and aesthetic issues resulting from current dish and antenna installation methods. Commdeck and Commtile (designed for tile roofs) have since become the products of choice to resolve these issues and have now allowed builders and HOAs’ to successfully prewire and plan for satellite in every home. Developers can organize and control the dish and antenna locations while protecting their customer's investment and eliminating unsightly coaxial cables on the exterior of buildings. Commdeck and Commtile are delivering these benefits to the building industry in a way never before available.

DirecTV, Echostar and Wild Blue Industries have also recognized the value of these systems and have approved the mounting of their equipment on the Commdeck systems. Commdeck and Commtile are weathertight, leak proof, and formed from 18 and 16 gauge steel that serve as both an enclosure for the coaxial cables and a mount. Designed to withstand windloads in excess of 100MPH, both systems are powdercoated to surpass industry specifications. A simple installation process, Commdeck and Commtile install and look like common roof vents. These seamless mounting platforms are inexpensive and dishes can be easily installed and removed at any time. Steve Capozzi President of RSTC Enterprises/Commdeck said, "Now, Builders, Developers, Home Owners Associations and Home Owners can control the installation of dishes, appearance of the property and protect their investment from lag bolt damage with one simple affordable system.

Along with builders and developers, Commdeck targets quality custom installers, low voltage contractors and the integrator markets through their normal marketing. Both products are ideal for pre-wire installations and come with a complete hardware package and installation instructions.

Ron Dickerson, Vice President of RSTC Enterprises/Commdeck said "Our company continues to grow and we are very please to have our products approved and installed by many of the top 50 builders including, Centex Homes, K Hovnanian, Lennar, Pasquinelli and Rottlund, along with many others. We are now seeing our mounting systems become a standard throughout the country. Commdeck products will last the life of a home and roof warranties, including workmanship, remain in tact. It only makes sense for builders and installers to offer this product line as an attractive and sensible addition to a home. For installers, Commdeck offers an easy add-on opportunity to every installation. One of our marketing initiatives is to provide installers with additional products that will benefit their customers and add dollars to their sales with every installation."

Katie Stuemke, Operations Administrator for K Hovnanian Homes, a publicly held development company with over 3,000 employees across the country said "Commdeck is installed on our single family homes in the prewiring phase as the homes are being built. We did some research and had our property management personal do more research and we found that Commdeck was the solution to our satellite installation issues. These issues included not voiding the roofing warrantees, water intrusion problems and grounding issues that we were dealing with. Commdeck is the only answer we’ve found that will solve all of these problems."

In addition to Commdeck and Commtile, RSTC is marketing several other unique mounting kits. Retrodeck™, is used to remount a dish or antenna when re-roofing homes or for new installations and is easy to install and remove without damage. No cutting of shingles is necessary. Deckadaptor™ is the Antenna mounting kit designed to support a standard 1 1/4-1 1/2" Off-Air antenna mast when mounting to a Commdeck, Commtile or Retrodeck system. The antenna mast slides into the Deckadapter for easy application, providing a damage free installation and removal, eliminating the need for a tri-pod.

Their newest mounting system is Decklock™, another dish or antenna mounting solution for decks. Its unique design allows a dish or antenna to securely clamp to the rim joist on any type of wood or composite decking material with no damage due to lag bolts. All of the Commdeck products will be on display at the upcoming International Homebuilders Show in Orlando, February 7-10 in booth S11573.

If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Steve Capozzi or Ron Dickerson, please call Michael Sherman at 662-893-8360.

About RSTC/CommDeck

RSTC Enterprises (www.rstcenterprises.com) was established in response to the consumers need for a network solution that would accommodate future satellite technologies, when building a new home or commercial development. Homebuilders, low voltage and installation contractors alike have struggled to meet the explosive consumer demand for satellite service.

In 2003, the founders of RSTC Enterprises began collaborating on several new product ideas for satellite mounting equipment. Drawing from their various contracting experiences in the Cable, Satellite and Construction fields, the partners set out to find a way to incorporate satellite option into existing building practices. Commdeck is one to the results of those efforts.

RSTC Enterprises builds satellite dish mounting option for every home by developing, marketing, and producing superior American made satellite dish mounting products that have revolutionized the way homebuilders and homeowners prepare for future satellite dish service. RSTC distributes to homebuilders and owners, affordable products that allow a built-in alternative to cable with out compromising the structure or appearance of homes. The vision of RSTC is to continue the development of innovative products that will improve satellite dish mounting technology, making the satellite dish option a standard in the building and home networking industry.

Contact:
Michael Sherman
Tel. 662-893-8360
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:14 PM | Comments (0)

Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels Announces New Walk-Behind Edging Trowel with Rotating Ring

Rhin-O-Tuff announces its newest model--a walk-behind power trowel with a rotating ring that is both powerful and agile enough to finish concrete within 1/8th inch of walls and columns. Rhin-O-Tuff's Model RE35H5 has a 5.5HP Honda Motor, four blades, and a 35-inch diameter rotating ring that provides "up-to-the-edge" finishing capability. See Rhin-O-Tuff's new edging walk-behind power trowel at the World of Concrete Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center January 22-26, 2007 in booths N2517 and O3049.

Boise, Idaho (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Boise-based Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels has engineered a rotating ring for its line of walk-behind power trowels that allows operators to finish concrete within 1/8th inch of walls and columns. Designed and manufactured in the U.S., Rhin-O-Tuff's newest model-RE35H5-also has sufficient power to finish concrete effectively, with its 5.5 HP Honda motor, four blades, and 35-inch diameter rotating ring that allows the operator to run the trowel along walls and other surfaces for an "up-to-the-edge" finish.

"Rhin-O-Tuff's walk-behind power trowels quickly became my finishers' trowel of choice," says Sid Crookston of Crookston Construction in Utah, who uses both 10-ft. ride-on trowels and a fleet of walk-behinds in his business. Sid suggested to Rhin-O-Tuff that it look into designing an edging trowel. In his opinion, other edging trowels on the market are "too light" to effectively finish concrete and have repeated maintenance issues.

Rhin-O-Tuff's team of engineers, Marvin Whiteman Jr. and Tim Jaszkowiak, set immediately to work on designing one that would stand up to the needs of Crookston and others. Crookston tested the prototype six months later. "This new Rhin-O-Tuff edging trowel is everything I had hoped for in an edging trowel," says Crookston, who is currently in the process of replacing all of his other walk-behind power trowels with Rhin-O-Tuff products.

The RE35H5 edging trowel comes with a standard twist pitch handle (SPH) along with Rhin-O-Tuff's unique vibration-dampening handle, which improves operator comfort, extends operating time, and reduces the risk of repetitive stress injuries. The RE35H5 and other Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels can be seen at the upcoming World of Concrete Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nv. January 22-26, 2007 at booths N2517 and O3049.

Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels have been manufacturing products for the concrete industry since 2005, when they introduced the first of their line of walk-behind trowels. Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels come in two sizes--36 inches and 46 inches. The 36-inch model offers a choice of two Honda motor sizes, 5.5 HP and 8 HP, while the 46-inch model comes with a 9 HP or an 11HP Honda engine.

For more information on Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels, visit www.rhino-tuff.com or call toll free 888-574-4668.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:13 PM | Comments (0)

Clifton Meridian Appoints Renowned U.S. Builder to Lead Development of Luxury Condos in Rocky Point, Mexico

Scottsdale-based Clifton Meridian and The Beck Group will work together to create La Perla del Mar, a state-of-the-art luxury condominium property in Rocky Point, Mexico.

Rocky Point, Mexico (PRWEB) January 17, 2007 -- Clifton Meridian LLC, a real estate development firm focused on upscale residential projects in Mexico, announced today that it has selected Dallas-based The Beck Group as construction manager of La Perla Del Mar, a 15-story luxury, beach-front condominium project leading the redevelopment of the up and coming "Mirador" section of Puerto Peñasco, Mexico.

"We like The Beck Group's innovative approach of integrating architecture, construction and development," says Patrick Clifton, Chairman and CEO of Clifton Meridian. "Beck also has a substantial presence in Mexico, and almost a century of experience delivering high quality buildings."

Having been involved with La Perla since its early design stages, The Beck Group will be responsible for value engineering recommendations, reviewing the site schedule and general project reviews. The Beck Group, a 94-year old full-service builder with more than 600 employees and 10 locations in Mexico, Arizona and Texas, is well known for its integrated approach to project development.

"We are more than just architects and engineers," said Terry Poole, a project manager at The Beck Group. "We are architects who understand construction practices, contractors who understand the nuances of design elements, and developers who can effectively manage a project's cost as the design evolves. This approach helps us to better serve our clients."

The Beck Group's experience in Mexico includes the construction of Motorola's 253,000 sq. ft. manufacturing plant in the Mexican state of Chihuahua; the Bella Sirena Resort in "Rocky Point"; and the 1,263 acre resort and residential development in Chileno Beach in the city of Los Cabos which includes a private marina, two golf courses and 500 homes. Beck has also had substantial experience with large projects in the U.S. including the construction of the 300,000 sq. ft. Airside C Terminal at Tampa International Airport; the 244,000 sq. ft. RadioShack Headquarters in Ft. Worth, Texas that consists of a 37-acre Class A campus with three office buildings; and Villa Verona, a 633,500 sq. ft. luxury residential high-rise project in Dallas, Texas.
"The Beck Group is a premiere builder," said Patrick Clifton. "Their vision and expertise will contribute greatly to the overall luxury and quality of La Perla Del Mar."

About La Perla Del Mar
La Perla Del Mar, "Rocky Point's" only in-town luxury high-rise, broke ground September 2006 and is scheduled to open in Fourth Quarter 2008. The 254-unit, 15-story tower will feature breathtaking views of the Sea of Cortez from the floor to ceiling glass walls featured in every unit. Condos range from studios to three bedroom units. La Perla Del Mar will also include two three-bedroom casitas, and a four-bedroom beachfront penthouse. Units range in size from 764 square feet to 3,368 square feet. The casitas are 3,389 square feet and the beachfront penthouse is 10,190 square feet. Prices range from $230,000 to $690,000, while casitas will cost approximately $750,000. Fractional and whole-ownership, with individual bank trusts, along with no-qualifying developer financing and traditional style U.S. mortgages are available for all the units. La Perla Del Mar will advance a new standard of luxury in the market with on-site concierge services, an innovative landscape design featuring an ocean front negative-edge pool, open air pools on the tower's 12th floor, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Additional amenities also include 24-hour security, a member's club, on-site restaurant and underground parking. Condos and casitas are currently for sale. For more information about La Perla Del Mar, please visit www.laperladelmarinfo.com.

About Clifton Meridian:
Patrick Clifton founded Clifton Meridian LLC in 2003 as a real estate development firm focused on upscale residential projects in Mexico. Currently, the company has more than $170 million worth of condominium projects under development in Puerto Peñasco ("Rocky Point"), Mexico. In 2002, Mr. Clifton was chosen as an Entrepreneurial Fellow of the Karl Eller Center at the University of Arizona. The fellowship recognizes accomplished entrepreneurs for their contribution to the economic development of Arizona. For more information about Clifton Meridian LLC, please visit www.CliftonMeridian.com, or call (480) 391-8062.

About The Beck Group:
The Beck Group is a full-service builder based in Dallas, Texas with an impressive portfolio of projects that have shaped the city skylines of Dallas, Atlanta, Phoenix and Los Angeles. Beck has been delivering high-quality buildings in the most challenging environments since 1912. Beck maintains a staff of more than 600 employees out of 10 regional locations in the United States and Mexico, and serves a wide range of industries including corporate, healthcare, entertainment, religious, and education.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:12 PM | Comments (0)

Green Glue for High Performance Soundproofing

Acoustical Solutions has introduced a new generation of sound isolating material known as Green Glue. Green Glue is a Visco-Elastic sound damping compound. Visco-Elastic materials damp vibration, minimizing the transference of sound vibration from one side of a partition to the other.

(PRWEB) January 16, 2007 -- Acoustical Solutions has introduced a new generation of sound isolating material known as Green Glue. Green Glue is a Visco-Elastic sound damping compound. Visco-Elastic materials damp vibration, minimizing the transference of sound vibration from one side of a partition to the other.

Sound damping is a very straightforward concept. Simply put, sound damping is the rate at which something dissipates energy. The higher the damping rate, the higher the rate of energy dissipation.

These Visco-Elastic materials are most commonly used in a constrained layer damping system, sometimes referred to as CLD. Simply put, the Visco-Elastic materials are "sandwiched" in between two sheets of drywall, plywood and subflooring. When the resulting sandwich is vibrated, the sandwich is bent, causing shear forces to pull and stretch on the VE damping material. This allows the damping materials to dissipate energy. In sound isolation applications, damping has one broad effect - it works to eliminate stored energy.

So what does all of this work when soundproofing a wall or ceiling? Sound vibration can pass through a wall either through the rigid connections of the drywall to the stud, or by vibrating the air cavity between the studs (even when insulated). Green Glue significantly reduces drywall vibration, and therefore reduces the amount of energy transmitted through the insulated air cavity. This is particularly noteworthy in the problematic low frequencies that are normally so hard to block.

In the common wood stud wall, the use of Green Glue also causes far less energy to transfer to the other side via the rigid mechanical connection provided by the studs. In decoupled walls, such as staggered stud walls, the use of Green Glue means the connections at the top and bottom aren't nearly as detrimental to performance.

Green Glue is a simple solution to help remedy so many real-world conditions. For retrofit installations, nothing could be simpler that applying a layer of Green Glue and another sheet of drywall to a problem surface. Use Green Glue in floors to significantly reduce the sound and footfall noise from transmitting below.

Green Glue works extremely well in conjunction with common building materials as well as other specialized acoustical materials such as mass loaded vinyl, sound isolation clips, acoustic sealants and insulations.

For more information on Green Glue, please contact Acoustical Solutions at 1-800-782-5742 or visit them at

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:11 PM | Comments (0)

Costa Vista Land Turns the Jungle into Paradise

Costa Vista Land Turns the Jungle into Paradise

Download this press release as an Adobe PDF document.

Costa Vista Land introduces a turnkey solution for investing in Costa Rica land. The company's primary focus is developing raw land in 18 months and selling it at pre-development prices.

Sabanilla, San Jose, Costa Rica (PRWEB) January 16, 2007 -- Costa Vista Land (CVL) introduces a turnkey solution for investing in Costa Rica property. The company's primary focus is developing raw land with wide American-style roads and services, and selling it at pre-development prices.

As Founder and President of Costa Vista Land, Mr. Brad Hogan has put together a team with over 40 years experience in land purchasing and developing, and is developing paradise in Costa Rica. With Carlos Zuniga as Sales Director and John Dorsey, the Developer, CVL quickly became a strong player in the Costa Rica real estate development arena.

Costa Vista Land guides investors through the entire process, including land selection, development, all paperwork and even re-sale. While in Costa Rica to see the property, the company pays for clients' accommodations, meals, and transportation. "Costa Vista Land doesn't just sell land, we build relationships with our investors and provide numerous value added services to make investing in Costa Rica land a seamless experience," stated Mr. Hogan.

The company's name was derived by combining "Costa" from Costa Rica (rich coast), "Vista" (view) for the spectacular views from the company's developments and "Land", because buying and selling land is their main focus. "The name Costa Vista Land really symbolizes every facet of what we do and where we're at," Hogan commented.

The Costa Rica real estate market is booming, similar to Hawaii, Florida and California 30 years ago. Investors in Costa Rica property are expected to double or triple their money over the next several years. Costa Rica boasts a tropical climate, pristine beaches, and an educated populace, many who speak English as their second language. This has made Costa Rica a popular destination for travel, business relocation, second homes, and retirement.

About Costa Vista Land:
Costa Vista Land (http://www.costavistaland.com) is 'developing paradise' in Costa Rica. The company buys raw land in large quantities after they have thoroughly surveyed and researched all details. Because of this, Costa Vista Land acquires their properties at discount prices and develops them in less than 18 months. Hence the unique program in which you can obtain developed land at undeveloped prices and why company President, Brad Hogan says, "We are an investment company first and a land sale company second." Parcel choices range from valleys to mountains, to beautiful coastline property. This lucrative program comes with 100% money back guarantee. Everyone is encouraged to visit Costa Rica, stand on their property and see the beautiful country they have invested in. While visiting, the company pays for your accommodations, meals and transportation.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)

How to Pick Energy Efficient Replacement Windows that Save Money

Ten money-saving tips to employ when considering window replacement for a home.

(PRWEB) January 16, 2007 -- Any homeowner trying to lower his or her monthly utility bills must start with the biggest offender in the house--the windows. Swapping out older aluminum or wood sash windows with modern, energy-efficient ones will more than make up for the initial up-front expense by greatly reducing monthly gas and electric bills. The savings continue for the rest of your stay in the home. The following ten pointers can help you maximize these savings when selecting replacement windows.

1). Using windows with double-pane glass once was a good first step toward adding insulation value. But with the escalating energy costs over the last couple of years it is proven that triple pane glass is almost a necessity.

2). Select glass that is coated to reflect unwanted heat or cold. Reflectivity is measured in terms of "Low-E" -- the lower the better. Most window replacement companies offer a Low-E coat on a single pane within a double glass unit. One company, Bristol Windows, adds multiple Low-E layers to two panes of their triple glass configurations. The use of a soft coating, as opposed to hard, improves the reflectivity even more so.

3). To improve insulation properties even further, an inert gas can be placed in between the panes of gas. This gas does a better job of slowing down heat transfer. For example, Bristol Windows uses its own proprietary mix of gasses on its replacement windows that greatly enhances the windows thermal properties. As a point of reference, in Arizona the state standard requires a U-Value, a measure of air-to-air heat transmission (loss or gain), of under 0.40. Bristol Windows' with three panes of glass, soft coat Low-E and gas filled windows carry a 0.31 U-value. Filling the units with Krypton lowers this measure to a 0.28

4). High-tech continuous thermal spacer systems should be placed between each piece of glass. If not, unwanted heat or cold can radiate inside.

5). While aluminum window frames are still made, they are known to radiate excess heat. For this reason many companies have turned to vinyl, which stops the heat. However, vinyl can loose its shape on a hot day, causing the frames to warp and not close properly. Vinyl replacement windows that use a combination of both vinyl and aluminum, such as developed by Bristol Windows, combine the advantages of both. The aluminum is totally concealed and thermally separated so as to prevent transfer of unwanted heat or cold to the inside.

6). If you do choose vinyl replacement windows, make sure they are not hollow. Vinyl needs to have chambers designed into the extrusions to provide sufficient wall strength.

7). The frame-to-wall interface must seal tightly, otherwise air can pour through. Look for a company that uses gaskets and weather stripping at crucial areas of the window and sash members.

8). Replacing windows correctly can be complicated. It is best to leave this job to the professionals.

9). When evaluating a window replacement company, be sure to consider the warranties. Longer is better. Bristol, for instance, offers a 50-year transferable warranty on the glass and a 3-year breakage clause.

10). Remember that you get what you pay for. You can spend less, but the windows will save you less. Bristol Windows, on the high end of initial costs, claims they can cut your energy use almost in half. Over time, such replacement windows may provide the best bang for your buck.

For more info, visit the website www.winchesterwindows.net or call Pat Moser at 800-689-5432; or write to Winchester Industries at PO Box 160, 500 Leech Ave, Saltsburg, PA 15681.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)

Construction Business Owner Presents Its Columnists and Editors at World of Concrete

Construction Business Owner magazine offers World of Concrete attendees a chance to meet the magazine's columnists and editors to ask questions and offer ideas.

Birmingham, AL (PRWEB) January 16, 2007 -- Construction Business Owner, the business management magazine for contractors, (http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com), is giving readers and construction industry professionals a chance to meet and mingle with three of its regular columnists and two editors at their World of Concrete booth #S12452 in Las Vegas, NV, on Jan. 23 and Jan. 24.

Attendees can meet the CBO columnists at the following dates and times: Jayme Dill Broudy--Jan. 23 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.; George Hedley--Jan. 24 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; and Fred Ode--Jan. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The columnists offer a range of advice on management, leadership, human resources, marketing and technology each month in Construction Business Owner. They all also have a Q&A section in the magazine, and editors of CBO invite readers to submit written questions to them at the booth to be responded to in a future issue.

Editor Tambra McKerley and Assistant Editor Julie Smith will also appear at the booth during those times and throughout the week to answer questions, receive feedback and accept ideas on the magazine.

During the meet and greet session, attendees are invited to register to win a Construction Business Owner jacket and pick up extra copies of the magazine.

For additional information, contact Tambra McKerley or visit www.constructionbusinessowner.com.

About Construction Business Owner magazine:

Construction Business Owner goes to 40,000 plus construction business owners nationwide. It provides practical, easy-to-read, business management advice covering topics like insurance, accounting, finance, human resource management, technology, marketing, legal issues, compliance, etc.

Contact:
Tambra McKerley, editor
Construction Business Owner
205-314-8267
www.constructionbusinessowner.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:09 PM | Comments (0)

Lindemann Bentzon Bojack Engineering Names New Director

One of the nation's leading engineering, design and inspection firms, Lindemann Bentzon Bojack (www.lbbe.com) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nizam Emamdie as Director of the firm's new North Florida Division.

Clermont, FL (PRWEB) January 16, 2007 -- One of the nation's leading engineering, design and inspection firms, Lindemann Bentzon Bojack is pleased to announce the appointment of Nizam Emamdie as Director of the firm's new North Florida Division.

As Director, Nizam Emandie will be responsible for the overall management and direction of projects throughout the entire North Florida area. Nizam comes to Lindemann Bentzon Bojack from Beazer Homes where he was Southeast Regional Director of Planning and Design.

By opening a new office in Jacksonville, FL, Lindemann Bentzon Bojack continues to focus on growing additional markets while providing professional, expert solutions and services to its clientele.

"We are committed to producing the most accurate, timely and cost effective products and we believe our new office will better enable us to accomplish our goal of providing an even higher standard of quality service statewide," said company president, Mr. Hans Bentzon.

Nizam brings a wealth of experience and strategic assets to his new role which positions Lindemann Bentzon Bojack to dramatically improve its reach and reputation in North Florida.

"Nizam is an important addition to our team and we are fortunate to have him join our firm," stated Mr. Bentzon. "His extensive knowledge and background in engineering and architecture, combined with his management skills, make him the perfect person to oversee our north Florida projects and meet the ongoing needs of our clients."

Headquartered in Clermont, FL, Lindemann Bentzon Bojack is an employee owned Florida Corporation offering structural engineering and consulting services to both commercial and residential builders in 22 states and U.S. territories. The company has been a recognized leader in setting the standards for residential structural design since Hurricane Andrew ravaged Florida in 1992.

Lindemann Bentzon Bojack (www.lbbe.com), formerly known as Lindemann Bentzon Engineering Inc. Co, was formed in 1994. Its officers are William T. Lindemann, P.E., Hans J. Bentzon, G.C., and Michael J. Bojack, P.E. As the recommended choice for many of the nation's top builders, the company currently employs a staff of 60, handles over 15,000 jobs, and prints over 700,000 construction documents annually.

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

January 15, 2007

Court Ruling Provides Mississippi Hurricane Victims With Hope of Settling Denied or Underpaid Insurance Claims

A recent landmark court ruling that awarded a South Mississippi couple their policy limits and $2.5 million in punitive damages for a claim that was originally denied may be the catalyst for insurance companies to pay claims they previously underpaid or denied.

Gulfport, MS (PRWEB) January 15, 2007 -- A recent landmark court ruling that awarded a South Mississippi couple their policy limits and $2.5 million in punitive damages for a claim that was originally denied may be the catalyst for insurance companies to pay claims they previously underpaid or denied.

"It is without a dispute that Hurricane Katrina was a windstorm," U.S. District Judge L.T. Senter Jr. said regarding the case that he presided involving State Farm and Genevieve and Norman Broussard.

Ronald Delo, President of Insurance Claim Consultants Inc., said his company represented over 150 claimants in the Gulf coast similar to the Broussard's where insurance companies denied or grossly underpaid claims based on the wind versus flood dispute.

"This court case will be a lightning rod for insurance companies to step up and finally pay claimants what they are owed. Because of the magnitude of this court case, insurance companies should make a good faith attempt to revisit claims they previously denied or underpaid, if not, we may see that many companies could face the possibility of more bad faith lawsuits," Ronald Delo said from his company's headquarters in Tampa.

Delo notes that his public adjusting firm has already received over 200 calls from people in Mississippi that feel their claim can be reopened.

"The public adjusting process is lot less complicated and should prove to be a quicker process than a long protracted legal fight; however; many Mississippians may still have to file a lawsuit in order to collect from these insurance companies."

Insurance Claim Consultants Inc. dba The Public Adjusters has represented the interests of policyholders for the past 25 years. The company, headquartered out of Tampa, FL, has garnered settlements in excess of $20 million and increased settlements that approach the $2 million mark. The Firm has offices throughout the southeast United States.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:27 PM | Comments (0)

Low Cost Project Financing Aid for Manufacturers Doubled in 2007

Economic Development Agency financing assistance for new capital projects increased to $20 million. Manufacturers can finance up to $10 million with low interest rate, tax-exempt bonds. Helps increase economic development, create jobs, expand local economy.

White Plains, NY (PRWEB) January 15, 2007 -- The New Year has brought manufacturing companies a new, potentially cost saving financial benefit -- an increase in the limit of capital expenditures for projects that can be financed through industrial development agencies. The increase to $20 million is double the amount that was previously allowed, according to Joseph P. Carlucci, partner at Cuddy & Feder LLP, a law firm headquartered in White Plains, NY.

Under the old capital expenditure rules, a manufacturer seeking financing assistance from industrial development or economic development agencies, was limited to spending only $10 million in costs for a particular project. As a result, a manufacturer could not spend more than $10 million on capital expenditures for that particular project.

Now manufacturers that are spending up to $20 million in acquisition, construction and equipment costs can apply for a tax-exempt bond issue to cover up to $10 million of the costs of the new facility, and finance the remainder with a taxable bond issue, or other financing, Carlucci said. Federal tax code rules that govern the issuance of tax exempt bonds by state, regional and local industrial development agencies (or economic development agencies ) increased the maximum aggregate project cost limit from $10 million to $20 million as of January 1, 2007. However, the $10 million tax-exempt bond financing limit has not changed but now $10 million in tax-exempt bonding can be used with other funding sources to finance a $20 million project.

With construction loan rates now at, or near, 8.5 percent, manufacturers will now be able to finance up to $10 million of new facility costs through federally tax exempt bonds at rates that are currently about 3.8 percent, Carlucci said. A significant portion of the remaining costs could be financed with taxable bonds issued by industrial development agencies, with such taxable bonds carrying interest rates that now range between 3.75% to 4.75%, still lower than conventional bank loans, he said. Carlucci heads the industrial development agency practice group at Cuddy & Feder.

The new $20 million spending limit is available if the company's total expenditures are made within the geographic area within which the industrial development agency is authorized to issue bonds and if the total expenditures, including the funds from the bond issue, do not exceed $20 million over a six year period, said Robert C. Schneider, Special Counsel at Cuddy & Feder. The six year period includes the three years prior to the bond issue, and three years following, he said. Any manufacturing company can also apply for a $1 million initial bond to finance a new facility with a "stand alone" tax-exempt bond, he added.

Economic development authorities or industrial development agencies are created by state statue to enhance economic development, create jobs and increase property rateables by providing incentives and financing assistance to companies and non-profit organizations planning capital projects. More than 1000 such agencies are in operation across the country. Although the state statues may vary, the federal code providing tax exemption on certain bonds is uniformly applied throughout the country.

In addition to the lower interest rates available through IDA tax-exempt bonds, such financing also offer longer payment periods, with bonds typically issued with a 10 to 30 year maturity, and at times a 40 year maturity, Carlucci said. The tax-exempt and taxable bonds issued through the various agencies are not obligations of the state, county or municipality issuing them. The bonds are the obligation of the manufacturer or organization benefiting from the bonds and are payable out of the project revenues.

Media Contact: Marty Gitlin, Duran/Gitlin Group. (914) 528-7702

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:27 PM | Comments (0)

Economic Outlook for the Construction Industry in 2007

Construction Deal, Inc. announced their economic outlook for the construction industry in 2007. After an extended housing boom, the real estate and building industries have slowed to a crawl over the past few quarters. Many experts are predicting the general economic outlook depends heavily on the short term future of the housing market.

Encino, CA (PRWEB) January 15, 2007 -- Construction Deal, Inc., a top-rated online service that matches contractors to commercial and residential remodeling and construction projects, announced their economic outlook for the construction industry in 2007. After an extended housing boom, the real estate and building industries have slowed to a crawl over the past few quarters. Many experts are predicting the general economic outlook depends heavily on the short term future of the housing market.

While the economy has remained steady, interest rates have been held in check, and unemployment is low, there are still concerns about the effects of the shaky housing market. The Federal Reserve fears an interest rate reduction, which could help real estate sales and boost consumer confidence, could spark runaway inflation. Consumers are worried, as home prices drop and equity diminishes, that they have less money to build, upgrade and relocate, or remodel their existing home.

Despite a healthy economy, consumer confidence is the biggest obstacle to the construction industry. As home prices jumped in the recent housing boom, personal incomes did not keep pace. Unemployment is low but fewer high-paying and quality jobs were added across the board within that same frame. Overall, the current U.S. workforce is more productive than previous generations. But a productive workforce can be bad news for the real estate market; fewer workers mean fewer houses are needed.

The Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, could be the deciding factor on how the U.S. economy performs over the next two years. Bernanke's focus will likely remain on stifling inflation. If the housing market doesn't show signs of life on its own, his policy could create a serious recession by the third and fourth quarters of 2007. If he lowers interest rates to stimulate the housing market, he'll let the economy grow again and inflation could skyrocket. This could hurt the industry as higher prices on materials and labor could have the effect of lowering construction demand.

What has many experts concerned is the U.S. bond market. Bond market pricing has been showing a very high, very flat yield rate, with little or no difference between the 3-month T-Bill and the 10-year bond. Every time this has happened in the past (the early 70's, 1975, the early 80's, early 90's and 2001) the economy has ground to a halt and we were mired in a recession.

In most areas, 2007 housing prices will not drop dramatically but will not appreciate for a minimum of two years. The question is how many people will be hurt by a loss of equity in their homes or a rise in their interest rates? The rash of questionable mortgages and a rise in foreclosure rates will further dampen the housing market. Many jobs are tied to the real estate and construction industries and the loss of jobs could continue to push down economic growth. A low savings rate, higher debt, rising fuel costs, and lowered home equity should keep consumer confidence bogged down. 2007 could be a rough year not only in construction and real estate, but for the country as a whole.

Commercial real estate is the brightest spot in the industry outlook. Commercial vacancy rates are at an all-time low and demand is growing. Office construction and multi-family unit construction should grow in 2007 and 2008. Retail unit demand might suffer if there is an overall economic recession. Because many apartments were converted to condominiums during the real estate boom, there should be an increased demand for apartment construction. If interest rates rise, it will become more affordable to rent than own.

About Construction Deal, Inc.

Construction Deal, Inc. has been helping homeowners and business owners complete their building, remodeling, and repair projects since 2004 through the website ConstructionDeal.com. They have a nationwide network of quality contractors and service professionals waiting to bid on jobs that are posted online. Property owners post residential or commercial projects for free and are matched to local experts, usually within 48 hours. Construction Deal, Inc., a trusted member of the Better Business Bureau, is the fastest growing construction referral service in the industry.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)

Internet Pioneer And Former Yahoo! Executive and Ellen Siminoff Appointed To BuildDirect Board of Directors

Jeff Booth, President and CEO of BuildDirect, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ellen Siminoff to the leading online wholesaler's board of directors.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) January 14, 2007 -- Jeff Booth, President and CEO of BuildDirect, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ellen Siminoff to the leading online wholesaler's board of directors.

"We feel fortunate that Ellen has joined our board of directors," says Booth. "She brings an incredible wealth of knowledge and diverse experience and we look forward to the strategic thinking and creative ideas that she will bring to the table."

Siminoff, who is currently President and CEO of Efficient Frontier, the leading provider of paid search engine marketing (SEM) solutions, has an extremely impressive educational and work history. Siminoff graduated from Stanford's Graduate School of Business with an MBA and also holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Princeton University.

Siminoff was part of the founding executive team at Yahoo! and spent six adventurous years with the company. During her tenure, she led business development (VP, Business Development and Planning), corporate development (SVP, Corporate Development) and eventually ran the small business and entertainment business units (SVP, Small Business and Entertainment).

Before Yahoo!, Siminoff worked for the Los Angeles Times as electronic classifieds manager, where she developed strategy and implemented the newspaper's own online businesses as well as a joint venture of Career Path with five newspaper companies. Siminoff also co-founded EastNet, a global syndicate barter company that distributes television programming to 14 emerging market countries in exchange for advertising time.

About BuildDirect
BuildDirect is the world's leading online wholesaler of building materials. Since its start in 1999, the company has established a reputation for offering the best quality building supplies at the lowest pricing possible. BuildDirect currently operates in 60 countries on six continents. They have developed the single most cost effective distribution channel in the building products industry for products such as flooring, roofing, decking, siding and countertops. www.BuildDirect.com

For more information, please contact:
David Brodie
Phone: (604) 647-2911
Fax: (604) 662-8142
Email: media @ builddirect.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:26 PM | Comments (0)

Emmy Award Winning Television Host Joins Customized Structures, Inc. Board of Advisors

Steve Thomas, Emmy Award winning television host, has joined the Customized Structures, Inc. Board of Advisors.

Claremont, NH (PRWEB) January 13, 2007 -- Steve Thomas, Emmy Award winning television host, has joined the Customized Structures, Inc. Board of Advisors.

Thomas is currently Host and Producer of The History Channel's core documentary series "Save Our History". For the prior fourteen years he was host of This Old House on PBS, helping to build that series and magazine into a national brand. Steve was an integral part of making This Old House the most-watched ongoing series of all time on PBS. Steve has also hosted numerous specials, including a five part series on Habitat for Humanity for the DIY Network. An accomplished author, Steve has written several books, including This Old House Kitchens, This Old House Baths and The Last Navigator. Steve continues to be an in-demand industry expert on television, in magazines and newspapers and at trade shows.

Customized Structures CEO Dick Krant says, "Steve's knowledge of the building industry is unmatched and he will be a great asset in helping CSI grow in the future." Steve is looking forward to the assignment and says, "The future of building in the US will be in green, low-environmental impact, smartly designed and constructed structures. The systems built approach has finally come of age, and Customized Structures is in a position to become an industry leader. It will be a challenge and I'm very excited to be part of the team to tackle it."

The addition of Steve Thomas to the board of Customized Structures, Inc. along with Richard Krant as President/CEO in September of 2006 helps to solidify the commitment by Watermill Ventures of Lexington, Massachusetts to systems built housing. Customized Structures, Inc. is at the forefront of creating well designed, customized, energy efficient and environmentally friendly buildings for residential and commercial use using modular technology. Both Krant and Thomas have the knowledge and experience to bring CSI forward as the custom designed, environmentally friendly modular leader. As the benefits of building systems become more widely recognized Customized Structures hopes to be at the forefront of the industry.

About Customized Structures:
Established in 1984, Customized Structures, Inc. continues to be a leader in the design and manufacture of factory built customized modular and panelized homes for residential, multi-family and commercial homes distributed throughout New England. Customized Structures is very active in the Home Builders and Remodelers Association of New Hampshire, the National Association of Home Builders, and the Building Systems Council among others. For more information and current employment opportunities from Customized Structures, Inc., call 1.800.523.2033 or visit www.CustomizedStructures.com.

About Watermill Ventures:
Watermill Group is a private strategic investment firm that focuses on acquiring middle-market companies in which it can add value through strategic and operational guidance as well as investment capital. By leveraging 29 years of strategic, transactional and operating experience, Watermill helps its portfolio management teams thrive, to generate extraordinary returns for all stakeholders. Its principals have extensive expertise in manufacturing and value-added distribution, and differentiated services industries. For more information, please visit Watermill's website, www.watermill.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 09:25 PM | Comments (0)

January 12, 2007

Serve-Up the New Year on an Elegantly Designed, New Concrete Countertop for Your Kitchen

The Concrete Network offers an extensive, online concrete countertop photo gallery featuring today's most innovative design ideas and trends for creating custom concrete countertops for your next kitchen remodel.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) January 12, 2007 -- Start the new year off on the right foot -- bring your kitchen remodel to life with a new decorative concrete countertop, custom made to fit your style and décor. The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information on the web, offers a one-of-a-kind online photo gallery exhibiting a range of custom concrete countertops from sleek, functional designs to elaborately designed pieces.

Visit the concrete countertop gallery for design ideas and features, and color options and examples. Filled with a multitude of photos, exhibiting today's top trends in creating custom concrete countertops, the gallery provides ideas on enhancing and beautifying the surfaces of your home or office kitchen area using extraordinary decorative concrete techniques.

Concrete's irresistible appeal can be attributed to its versatility, its look of distinction, its natural qualities, and superior craftsmanship. Concrete can be formed in any shape or size, and can be colored to match nearly any hue. Homeowners particularly find concrete engaging because it can blend with a range of styles and fit any existing decor, and can be completely personalized.

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 800,000 visitors research The Concrete Network Web site per month.

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.

Article and attached photos courtesy of Two Stones Design.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:32 PM | Comments (0)

Storstac, Inc. Grows to New Facility

National container provider moves to new location to facilitate the rapid growth of the company. North Queen facility adds depot service and manufacturing capabilities to corporate portfolio.

Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) January 12, 2007 -- Storstac, a provider of rental and sale storage containers across Canada, is proud to announce that they will be moving to a new location in early 2007 to facilitate the tremendous growth of the company. The new yard located at 90 North Queen Street in Etobicoke, Ontario will allow them to offer repair, modification, depot and related services to the container sales and rentals that the company as thus far provided to the industry.

"This is an important step in the growth of our company and shows the impact Storstac has had on the market place." Says company President Vincent Ruggiero. "In just two years we've outgrown our current location and are now finally able to offer the services our customers have been asking us to provide."

In addition to the expanded facilities, the new location provides Storstac with the capability to offer further modifications and manufacturing capability than in the last two years. "Modification and manufacturing has always been our goal and now we have achieved this important milestone." Adds Marketing Sales Manager Paul Bruce.

Future plans for the Company include continued expansion of the Rental Division, growth in new geographical markets and specialized manufacturing capabilities. "Storstac will continue to leverage our connections and industry knowledge to help us grow and become the National and International container solutions provider for all facets of the industry." says Mr. Ruggiero.

About Storstac
Storstac deals in the sales, rentals and modifications of new and used shipping containers and portable storage units. The company is dedicated to providing it's customers with excellent quality products and service. For more information on Storstac and to view our new location, please visit our website at Storstac Inc.

Corporate Product Information:
Paul Bruce
Marketing Sales Manager
Storstac, Inc.
(905) 670-2310

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)

New Development Firm Acquires 156,000-SF Office Building in Schaumburg, IL

Tandem Development Group, a newly formed commercial real estate development company, closed on the purchase of 300 N. Martingale Road in Schaumburg, Ill. The purchase price was $16.1 million or $103.61 per square foot. In addition to the acquisition, PromoWorks, a marketing services company headquartered in Schaumburg, finalized a 10-year lease at 300 N. Martingale Road totaling 60,000 square feet. The deal brings the total occupancy of the building to 97 percent.

Schaumburg, IL (PRWEB) January 12, 2007 -- Tandem Development Group, a newly formed commercial real estate development company, closed on the purchase of 300 N. Martingale Road in Schaumburg, Ill. The purchase price was $16.1 million or $103.61 per square foot.

In addition to the acquisition, PromoWorks, a marketing services company headquartered in Schaumburg, finalized a 10-year lease at 300 N. Martingale Road totaling 60,000 square feet. The deal brings the total occupancy of the building to 97 percent.

"PromoWorks has experienced year over year exponential growth, and with one year remaining on our lease we found ourselves bursting at the seams in our old building. Working with Tandem, they found the perfect location for our expanding marketing services company - a premium space with plenty of room for our employees and our dynamic culture to thrive," said Mike Kent, CEO of PromoWorks. "Thanks to Tandem, PromoWorks will also have exceptional brand visibility with exterior building signage along one of the northwest suburbs' busiest arteries."

Tandem Development Group is a collaboration of former CenterPoint Properties Chief Investment Officer and Chief Operating Officer Paul Ahern and construction industry leader Leopardo Companies, Inc.

The buyer, Tandem Development Group, was represented by the CB Richard Ellis team of Jack Reardon and Mark Smith. The seller, JP Morgan Investment Management Inc., was presented by Paul Lundstedt, executive director at Cushman & Wakefield. Permanent financing was arranged by John Clifford and Tim Noonan of LJ Melody. The permanent loan was provided by Goldman Sachs.

300 N. Martingale is a 156,000-square-foot "Class A" office building in Schaumburg, Ill. The eight-story building is located in the heart of Woodfield Corporate Center at the intersection of Route 72 (Higgins Road) and I-290. Campus amenities include covered parking for all employees, 24-hour on-site security, fitness center, deli, dry cleaner, flower shop, hair salon, full-service restaurant and bank.

"As an illustration of our ever changing real estate investment market, this is the first time there have been individual private owners of a building on Martingale Road in Schaumburg, considered the northwest suburban office market's premier corporate office park," said Paul Ahern, principal at Tandem Development Group.

About Tandem Development Group
Tandem Development Group LLC, based in Hoffman Estates, Ill., is a full-service commercial real estate development company specializing in office, industrial, retail, healthcare and mixed-use projects. Tandem Development Group - a collaboration of former CenterPoint Properties Chief Investment Officer and Chief Operating Officer Paul Ahern and construction leader Leopardo Companies, Inc. - has a depth and breadth of expertise to offer total turnkey development solutions for our clients.

About PromoWorks
PromoWorks, a marketing services company headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill, is the nation's respected leader of in-store sampling and retail-entertainment, events, and promotions. Representing more than 400 consumer brand manufacturers, PromoWorks regularly designs and executes consumer promotions nationally in the grocery, mass merchant, drug, convenience, home improvement, and specialty classes of trade. Known for leadership through innovation, PromoWorks brings continuous improvement processes with proprietary technology, products, and services. Clients rely on PromoWorks' experience, industry knowledge, accountability, and National Trade Group to raise the ROI of their promotion dollars.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:30 PM | Comments (0)

Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels Announces New Rapid Pitch™ Blade Pitching System

Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels announces a new feature for its existing line of walk-behind powr trowels. The Rapid Pitch™ blade pitching system provides infinite blade pitch adjustment with a simple lever mounted on the handle. Rapid Pitch™ increases the ease of use of of its trowels, which also feature a vibration-dampening handle for increased operator comfort. Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels are designed and manufactured in the U.S.

Boise, ID (PRWEB) January 12, 2007 -- Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels, manufacturer of walk-behind power trowels for the concrete industry, announces its newest feature--the Rapid Pitch™ blade pitching system. The new Rapid Pitch is weight counter-balanced to make pitching the blades easy and provides infinite blade pitch adjustment using a simple lever mounted on the handle.

"Rapid Pitch takes the hassle out of adjusting blade pitch," says Marvin E. Whiteman Jr., co-designer and co-developer of Rhin-O-Tuff's new line of walk-behind power trowels. "The Rapid Pitch (tm) lever enables the operator to quickly and easily adjust the blades to any setting from flat to maximum pitch."

In addition to the optional Rapid Pitch feature, all Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels have a unique vibration-dampening handle that improves operator comfort, extends operating time, and reduces the risk of repetitive stress injuries.

Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels have been manufacturing products for the concrete industry since 2005, when they introduced the first of their line of walk-behind trowels. Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels come in two sizes--36 inches and 46 inches. The 36-inch model offers a choice of two Honda motor sizes, 5.5 HP and 8 HP, while the 46-inch model comes with a 9 HP or an 11HP Honda engine.

Made in the U.S.A., Rhin-O-Tuff products are developed by a team of concrete industry experts that include Marvin E. Whiteman, Jr., Tim Jaszkowiak, P.E., Nate O'Neal and Darrell Jansen. See Rhin-O-Tuff Power Trowels January 22-26, 2007 in booths N2517 and O3049 at the World of Concrete Show at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nv.. For more information on Rhin-O-Tuff power trowels, visit www.rhino-tuff.com or call toll free 888-574-4668.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:28 PM | Comments (0)

Natural Stone Council Introduces New Branding Initiative

Branding campaign designed to promote quality and benefits of genuine stone.

Hollis, NH (PRWEB) January 12, 2007 -- The Natural Stone Council (NSC), a collaborative organization representing the stone industry's business and trade associations, today announced the launch of their new branding program. Differentiating natural stone products from competitors has been a long-standing priority for the NSC. The goal of the branding strategy is to promote the value and unique benefits of genuine stone and educate the design, construction, and consumer communities on what makes nature's own building material special.

The multi-faceted program, created in partnership with McKee Wallwork Cleveland, an Albuquerque-based advertising agency, is comprised of a newly designed "Genuine Stone" logo inspired by ancient coins, the development of an NSC website to centralize and disseminate the best information on natural stone that the industry has to offer, and three eye-catching print advertisements suggesting that natural stone is "As genuine as you."

"The NSC's top priority is to be proactive in positioning natural stone as a high quality product in the category of construction materials," said Mark Fernandes, president of the NSC. "Our 'Genuine Stone' program will generate an awareness among builders and consumers that the benefits of natural stone, such as durability, make it an excellent building choice."

Each component is designed to support the idea that every piece of natural stone is a one-of-a-kind work of art. The majority of the campaign components will be complete in spring 2007.

About The Natural Stone Council
Formed in 2003, The Natural Stone Council represents the collective interests of natural stone product manufacturers and suppliers. The organization strives to promote the value and unique benefits of real natural stone and to design and implement solutions to address the misconceptions about stone versus other competitive products. The NSC's primary goal is to raise the level of awareness and education of natural stone in North America. For more information about the NSC, please contact Duke Pointer, Executive Director.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:27 PM | Comments (0)

What I Want Podcasting Partners with Real Estate Video Companies to Extend Reach

Online media and podcast development firm What I Want Podcasting has opened up its services to real estate video marketers through affiliate partnerships where firms can actively market and utilize What I Want's podcast services.

Miami, Fl (PRWEB) January 11, 2007 -- Online media and podcast development firm What I Want Podcasting has opened up its services to real estate video marketers through affiliate partnerships where firms can actively market and utilize What I Want's podcast services.

"Partnering with real estate video developers and content creators offers great synergy with our operation. We are able to extend the reach of the media developers by aggregating their content for niche geographic targeting." Says Ryan Hoback, CEO of What I Want Podcasting (http://www.WhatIWantPodcasting.com). "So if a real estate video company has major builders or realtors who are looking to extend their reach to targeted home buyers and the portable media market, we are a natural extension of their operation, and allowing them to offer our service to their clients makes for a very mutually beneficial relationship."

The online real estate market has grown significantly over the last few years. The California Association of Realtors released a study recently that states that over 70 percent of homebuyers research online first. The power of internet media and podcasting gives real estate firms the ability to reach their targeted buyers through video and podcast directory aggregation. By placing media with a wide level of visibility across numerous directories and then geographically targeting those viewers, you can produce a very healthy return on investment for realtors and home builders.

Mr. Hoback states, "We are open to relationships with media developers on all levels; we will help convert, develop, distribute and aggregate all pieces of media for our real estate video partners. "

For more information on working with What I Want Podcasting, please call 305-670-0949.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:24 PM | Comments (0)

New Inpro/Seal Web Site Valuable Tool and Unique Reference

Inpro/Seal, the manufacturer of bearing isolators, has significantly revised - www.inpro-seal.com - their long standing website. Dedicated solely to bearing protection technology, the site incorporates illustrations, charts, diagrams, installations, product photography, documentation, product literature, feature articles, FAQ's, guarantees and much more into a product rich website designed to educate, inform and simplify the bearing isolator selection process.

Rock Island, IL (PRWEB) January 11, 2007 -- Inpro/Seal, the Rock Island, IL, based manufacturer of bearing isolators, has significantly revised and relaunched -- www.Inpro-seal.com -- their long standing website.

The Original Site
In 1997, when this site was first operational, the Internet was only a few years old with less than 1,000,000 websites. This was among these early websites. (Cnn.com reports that in 2005, there were over 100,000,000 domain names). Over the years, the website became more and more popular among process plant people and it remains the only website operated by a manufacturer whose only product is bearing isolators.

Result Of Research
According to David C. Orlowski, inventor of the bearing isolator and CEO of Inpro/Seal Company, "At the end of 2005, we completed an extensive two year research project into the use of bearing isolators. The results of this market-by-market, application-by-application analysis showed that people wanted to know more about bearing isolators. Whether they used bearing isolators or not, whether or not they read our literature or advertising messages, the majority of the respondents stated that they wanted to know more about the unique basics of the product."

The Upgrade
With this as a background, the company decided to invest heavily in an "educate and inform" marketing approach, that included a major overhaul of their website. The first step the company took was a decision to find an experienced Webmaster and make all web related activities an in-house operation. They found the Webmaster in Jason Putnam, an experienced web designer, who now heads these (and other) operations.

Need For Speed
Putnam states, "It used to be that when information was needed, the end user would read a trade magazine and circle a bingo card number. But, now when the information they need is time sensitive, they will turn to the Internet where they have instant access to information."

Putnam continued, "This site has been redesigned from the ground up. Frequent visitors will immediately notice the new, more readable design, fresh graphics, and will really appreciate the quick access of its improved navigation menus. Although it looks complete for now, it will always be a work in progress. Because our website is designed and maintained in-house, we plan to constantly monitor it to make changes and additions as needed."

Valuable Tool And Unique Reference
The new look incorporates illustrations, charts, diagrams, installations, product photography, documentation, product literature, feature articles, FAQ's, guarantees and much more into a product rich website designed to educate, inform and simplify the selection process.

The site includes important and useful information on the evolution of the bearing isolator, including: how and why it was invented; how it works; how and why contact seals fail in a short period of time; how to eliminate catastrophic failure and how to reduce power consumption in rotating equipment; costs; maintenance; designs and configurations and much more.

It should prove to be of value to anyone involved in the management, maintenance, repair and operations (mro) of motors, machine tool spindles, turbines, fans, gear boxes, paper machine rolls, pumps, conveyors, shafts, vfds and other types of rotating equipment used in industrial/process plants.

The Product
The bearing isolator is a non-contact, non-wearing, permanent bearing protection device. It has a rotor and a stator, and the two are unitized so that they don't separate from one another while in use. Typically, the rotor turns with the rotating shaft, while the stator is pressed into a bearing housing. The two components interact to keep contamination out of the bearing enclosure and the lubricant in. While a lip seal or contact seal operates with contact, the bearing isolator makes no contact, never wears out and can be used over and over for many years. Contact seals, on the other hand, have a 100% failure rate.

Our Schedule Is Your Schedule
Orlowski continued, "Unscheduled downtime is expensive. In the process industries, downtime can run as high as $87,000 per hour. At $200,000 per hour, downtime in the aerospace and automotive industries is significantly higher. When it comes to vital parts or downtime, there are very few plants that can wait until next week. For this reason, we have maintained a same day shipping option from day one, backed by a data bank over of 58,000 engineered designs."
Orlowski concluded, "Sure, there are other pretenders to the bearing isolator business and there are other kinds of bearing protection. The problem is that these pretenders offer life cycles measurable in months and may not even ship their products the same month, let alone the same day. Other bearing protection devices may or may not ship the same day, but with a finite life and a 100% failure rate, it simply does not make sense to lose time and money trying to make a contacting seal work."

About Inpro/Seal
Inpro/Seal Company is the originator and the world's number one manufacturer of bearing isolators, used to protect motor and pump bearings, machine tool spindles, turbines, fans, gear boxes, paper machine rolls and many other types of rotating equipment. Additional applications include the sealing, handling, processing, packing and storage of dry particulates, powders and bulk solids.

Of the 2 ½ million bearing isolators installed, most all of them continue to be in operation in process plants worldwide, where end users continue to report significantly reduced operating costs with increased productivity and reliability. Protected bearings have proven to run 150,000 hours (17 years) or more, eliminating the need for constant maintenance and repair. Documented cases show that a plant can more than double the mean-time-between failure (Mtbf) and reduce maintenance costs by at least half, with users reporting an extremely high Roi.

Signoff
For more information on bearing protection and/or Inpro/Seal Bearing Isolators visit: www.inpro-seal.com. Contact information: Jason Putnam at: Inpro/Seal Company, P.O. Box 3940, Rock Island, Illinois 61204. Phone numbers are: (800) 447-0524 or (309) 787-4971. Fax number is: (309) 787-6114.

Inpro/Seal®, the Inpro/Seal logo and other Inpro/Seal marks are registered® names owned by Inpro/Seal. Air Mizer™- PS; Air Mizer™- PS; Articulating Air Mizer™- PS; Motor Grounding Seal (MGS) ™: OM 32™; STS™; VBX™; VBXX ™; VBXX-D™; VBX-S™; VBX-H™; VBXX-D™ and other trademarks are the property of Inpro/Seal. For more information about Inpro/Seal and its products, visit the Company's web site at www.inpro-seal.com or its companion site www.bearingisolators.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

The 'Instant Wine Cellar' is The Finishing Touch Inside New Homes Where Luxury Reigns

Premium wine source Hinsdale Cellars presents its Private Steward customer service program to spare upscale homeowners the daunting challenge of populating large, showcase wine cellars on their own.

Hinsdale, IL (PRWEB) January 11, 2007 -- Just as they would in matters of design, furnishing and landscape, discerning owners of state-of-the-art, luxury residences can address the intimidating task of stocking an empty custom wine cellar by turning to experienced consultants.

Hinsdale Cellars, operator of the essential premium wine and luxury lifestyle web site, has upgraded its Private Steward customer service initiatives to specifically address strategies for stocking and maintaining world-class residential wine cellars.

"Architects and upscale homebuilders decided at some point that everybody needs a wine cellar, and it is apparent that buyers of luxury homes are not resisting the trend," said Steve Woodward, managing director of HinsdaleCellars.com. "A wine cellar is a showcase, a destination for guests, if it is occupied by exceptional wine. Without the wine, it's another closet, albeit a climate controlled one."

If a new custom wine cellar is in a buyer's future, weighing the options in advance can help guarantee that the cellar's inventory meets both quality and budget expectations, and that it will be ready for that inaugural dinner party.

Where to start? "That's an easy question for the established collector and connoisseur, who simply transfers existing inventory to a new, presumably larger, cellar and tracks additional selections as usual," Woodward said. "But there are many more aspiring collectors who appreciate and purchase fine wine yet lack the time or patience to populate a cellar."

Relying on a substantial network of sources to support its online wine sales, Hinsdale Cellars maintains an inventory of, and access to, world-class wine crafted by the industry's most influential vintners. Hinsdale Cellars' Private Steward cellar plan is rooted in multiple steps toward making the instant home cellar a reality:

1. Create a customer profile that establishes tastes and preferences. The wine universe is vast. Narrow the options by asking the client to communicate specific dislikes or turn-offs, which can include types of wine varietals, winemaking regions and price thresholds. If a client detests Sauvignon Blanc, that's good to know up front.

2. Identify the timeframe. If the objective is simply to fill an 800-bottle cellar as quickly as possible with wine that guests will generally enjoy (in other words, the buyer has few strong preferences but demands quality), decisions will more likely be driven by availability and volume. All things being equal, if one premium Pinot Noir from one of the leading Santa Barbara wineries is in short supply but a nearby winery has released ample supplies of an underrated and slightly less expensive Pinot, it's a no-brainer for the time constrained client. If the client wishes to evolve the cellar, however, and is not averse to empty racks, a different mindset will prevail.

3. Determine the percentage of inventory the client wishes to have on hand for personal consumption, or to present as wine lover gifts, versus the percentage that is strictly put aside for prescribed aging and financial appreciation.

4. Document the collection. After wine shipments begin to arrive and bottles are populating the racks, the client will receive complete documentation, stored on discs or in a binder, of the selections. This important content includes detail about the wine, such as origin of the grapes and how this gives the wine identity; the winemaker's philosophies and how they are reflected in the wine; facts about the growing season that produced the grapes; information about various wineries and their heritage; and reviews by the industry's most respected critics.

5. Anticipate long-term cellar management needs. Hinsdale Cellars will refer clients to a leading wine cellar management provider, such as Cellar Advisors. (Cellar Advisors founder Marc Lazar is one of the many contributors providing relevant content found daily at HinsdaleCellars.com). Cellar Advisors precise systems will ensure the client maintains a technological handle on inventory depletion; bin labeling; collection appraisals; temperature and moisture settings; and insurance coverage options.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:23 PM | Comments (0)

New TileWarm™ Reseller Program Makes Floor Warming Simple & Profitable -- Warm Up Sales with Speedheat® Generation4™ Electric Radiant Floor Heating

With Speedheat's TileWarm™ reseller program, flooring stores, custom builders and professional designers can easily earn generous profits on the world's most advanced Generation4™ electric radiant floor warming systems. Speedheat's risk-free program is also ideal for flooring contractors, remodeling companies and design-build firms.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 11, 2007 -- Floor warming is becoming an increasingly popular upgrade as more homeowners are requesting toasty tiles in the bathroom and asking for warm floors throughout other parts of the house. To help flooring retailers, renovators and builders meet the growing demand for this trend, Speedheat® has just introduced a new program that makes it easy and lucrative for resellers to offer TileWarm™ to consumers.

TileWarm™ is a revolutionary floor heating system by Speedheat®, a world leader in the radiant heating industry for over 20 years. TileWarm™ is easy to install under ceramic tile, stone, marble and even vinyl. TileWarm™ is part of Speedheat's newly introduced Generation4™ product line that features the most technologically advanced electric radiant floor heating systems in the world. The entire G4™ line offers distinct advantages in comfort, conservation, health and safety.

"Luxury upgrades, such as floor warming, are a valuable tool for builders, renovators and flooring stores to increase their margins," says Peter Newman, President of Speedheat U.S. "With the introduction of our new reseller program, we wanted to make selling our under floor heating systems as advantageous as possible. There are no up front costs, and we offer complimentary promotional materials, free quotes, installation assistance, and the ability for our resellers to make 40% or greater profits."

Speedheat Ensures Reseller Success:
With Speedheat's new reseller program, qualified partners enjoy extremely competitive pricing on TileWarm™ and Speedheat's other Generation4™ under floor warming systems including CarpetMate™ WoodBeWarmer™ and RugBuddy™. Resellers are not required to carry inventory, and Speedheat will provide complimentary literature and free custom quotes. Resellers may mark up the systems as they wish. Speedheat will also provide resellers with installation training for their employees and/or contractors via their web site, toll free support line at 1-888-WARM-FLOOR (1-888-927-6356) and through training in the metro Atlanta area.

Becoming a Speedheat® Reseller is Simple:
To become a reseller and be eligible for 40% discounts off recommended retail prices, prospective partners must own a business in the flooring, design, architectural, building, renovation and/or construction industries. To become registered, resellers may fax a copy of their business card and/or business license to 1-888-927-6357 or they may email a link to their web site via Speedheat's contact form. To obtain free quotations, resellers may simply fax or email their floorplans to Speedheat, and they will receive a highly competitive quote for the product (and a price for optional installation by Speedheat's trained technicians within a 50 mile radius of Atlanta).

"As a reseller, Speedheat® will help you promote the product and offer installation assistance," says Pieter Jansens, Chairman of Speedheat International. "With the industry's most advanced products, generous reseller pricing, satisfaction guarantees, and greater installation flexibility in tricky spaces, we strive to make floor heating an easy-to-sell upgrade that is highly profitable for our sales partners."

Speedheat® Generation4™ Systems Offer Many Unique Advantages:
Speedheat® is easy to install at any time, in any room and under virtually any floor covering (carpet, stone, floating wood, laminates, vinyl and more). Other G4™ advantages include:

Customized Comfort and Ease of Installation:
Speedheat® systems are fully customized to meet the specific needs of each installation. Since many variables are taken into consideration in creating the optimum solution (i.e. flooring materials, climate, consumer preferences, subfloor construction, etc), Speedheat is happy to assist builders and contractors in specifying the correct products. Speedheat's feather thin heating element maneuvers easily in tricky spaces and the build up height is only 1/16", making the heating system perfect for installation in new and remodeled homes.

Optimized Energy Conservation:
Because Speedheat's ultra thin Generation4™ heating element is optimally engineered to be 'in touch' with floor finishes, it warms floors faster than any other systems and at lower, safer temperatures. Because the element is installed closer to the surface than other products, it uses less energy to operate. Speedheat® also uses more element per square foot than other manufacturers to achieve unequalled low operating temperatures which also reduces energy consumption. Because Speedheat's G4™ systems are the most responsive, their Intellistat™ thermostats also achieve comfort balance with microclimate adjustments, versus fully cycling on and off like other systems, which makes them even more efficient to operate.

Promotes Healthier Environments:
Speedheat's Generation4™ systems provide optimum thermal comfort at lower temperatures than conventional heating systems. This in turn means that G4™ does not dry out air as much as older generation systems. Lower air temperatures contain a lesser amount of moisture and bacteria, thus humidity discomfort and the levels of airborne particles are reduced. In fact, even the Department of Energy says, "Radiant heating has a number of advantages: It is more efficient than baseboard heating and usually more efficient than forced-air heating because no energy is lost through ducts. The lack of moving air can also be advantageous to people with severe allergies."

Uncompromised Safety:
Only Speedheat's G4™ systems feature the patented PTCSelfControl™ flexible heating element that is the thinnest in the industry at less than 1/16" in diameter. The self-regulating element prevents overheating, and the multi-stranded core is protected with a tough outer sheath to stop abrasion and corrosion. All Speedheat® products have undergone rigorous testing, including complete submersion in water while energized. All systems feature a full-surround ground screen that is an effective EMR, EMI and RFI shield, and GFCI protection provides absolute electrical safety. Speedheat's products are all UL-listed and National Electric Code (NEC) compliant.

Recent Publicity in USA:
Speedheat® was recently featured in This Old House Magazine's "20 of the Year's Coolest Tools, Gizmos and Gadgets" list. Speedheat® has also been featured in such publications as: Southern Living, House DIY (formerly do!), Atlanta Home Improvement, Points North, Living in Atlanta, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and Rug Insider. Metropolitan Home magazine featured RugBuddy in their May 2006 Design 100 list. RugBuddy was also named as one of the "35 Best Home Products" in the February 2006 issue of Mountain Living.

Additional Information:
For information about reseller opportunities in America, please contact Peter Newman. For general product information, pricing estimates and/or installation scheduling, please contact Ingrid Weir. Phone 1-888-WARM-FLOOR (1-888-927-6356), fax 1-888-927-6357 or visit www.speedheat.us.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:20 PM | Comments (0)

Rising Ocean Levels Increase Importance of Retaining Walls For Commercial and Business Properties

New studies report that oceans are rising fast because glaciers and ice sheets are melting faster than previously thought. With rising ocean levels, businesses and homeowners need to take precautionary measures by installing retaining walls to protect their property and lives.

Kennesaw, GA (PRWEB) January 11, 2007 -- Scientists have recently announced that melting ice could raise levels up to 3 feet by 2100. While that may seem like a lifetime away for many, consider that leading climatologists also state that the ice is melting so fast in the Arctic that the North Pole will be in the open sea in as little as 30 years.

If the researchers' estimates are correct, a rise in ocean waters not only would drown many of the low lying inhabited atolls and islands that are already endangered by rising ocean waters, but it would also threaten coastal cities and harbors on every continent.

Over the past 25 years, Arctic ice has reduced by 25 percent. Scientists have long realized that ice reflects heat and as the quantity reduces, so does the amount of heat that can be bounced away from the Earth. Global warming is a major concern along with fear for long term viability of wildlife like polar bears and seals.

For property owners, the rising sea levels hit even closer to home. With the oceans and other bodies of water rising, property is in danger of erosion and destruction. Retaining walls are one measure property owners can take now to help mitigate the impact of the rising waters.

One company on the forefront of offering retaining wall systems to help property owners protect their land and buildings is Northstar Vinyl Products. With a vast retaining wall product line, the materials used in Northstar products are maintenance free, environmentally friendly and priced very competitively with materials that will deteriorate over time.

"Retaining walls are only as good as their components and the quality of their installation," states Jeff Moreau, from Northstar Vinyl Products. "In recent years, we have helped dramatically change retaining walls with two key innovations. Vinyl sheet piling and marine grade composite sheet piling allows us to create retaining walls offering the highest level of durability and versatility," Moreau continues.

The rising sea levels have caused homeowners, developers, communities and governments to take action to protect property and lives. Because of the importance of retaining walls, their construction and upkeep is of paramount importance. To obtain maximum effectiveness, one must have professionals install retaining walls like those available from Northstar that are of the highest quality materials using the latest installation techniques.

Anyone concerned about their own property due to the astonishing studies showing that water levels are rising dramatically should contact Northstar Vinyl Products for further information.

About Northstar Vinyl Products:
Northstar Vinyl Products LLC is located in Kennesaw, GA. Manufacturing facilities are located in Pell City, AL, Rockford, IL, Houston, TX, Cartersville, GA and Woodbridge, Canada.

Experts in Retaining Wall Systems

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)

FCA and RiverGuide Partner to Bring IT Expertise to Finishing Contractors

New Technology Center Provides FCA Members with Trusted Advice on Information Technology Strategy and Implementation

Big Sky, MT (PRWEB) January 11, 2007 -- The FCA is joining forces with RiverGuide for Construction Software (http://www.riverguideinc.com/construction/) to help finishing contractors find the software and information technology that is right for their businesses.

Through the partnership, FCA members will have free access via the Web site (http://www.finishingcontractors.org) to the extensive research and evaluation tools of RiverGuide. In addition, RiverGuide for Construction Software's experts will provide individual consulting through the FCA Member Expert Hotline. RiverGuide will write articles and whitepapers for the FCA newsletters and Web site. RiverGuide for Construction Software has also set up a category on its Web site exclusively for finishing contractors.

RiverGuide for Construction Software is a free web-based resource designed to help contractors, architects and building owners research and select new construction software. RiverGuide offers:

• Insightful articles and papers, as well as the latest industry news;
• Software search tools to find industry specific software; and,
• Detailed product profiles and side-by-side product comparisons.

"This will provide our members with the expertise they to need to make informed IT decision to save money and make them more competitive," said Vincent R. Sandusky, FCA Chief Executive Officer.

"Companies of all sizes in the construction industry are learning that they must invest in new software systems to better manage their businesses," said Don Fornes, founder of RiverGuide. "However, most people aren't comfortable buying new technology. They face an enormous challenge in sorting through unfamiliar concepts and a dizzying range of options. "

The Finishing Contractors Association is the only international association that exclusively represents union contractors who are signatory to collective bargaining agreements with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades.

The FCA works at the national level by building relationships with leaders of the international union, lawmakers and regulatory agencies. Through the FCA's network of local affiliates, the association offers members the tools that help them be more competitive and retain market share.

About RiverGuide
RiverGuide, Inc. helps small- and medium-size businesses make the right technology decisions. Visitors to RiverGuide can read insightful articles, learn best practices, compare products and build a short list of software vendors to contact for further research. The company's online community brings industry experts and software vendors together to provide an unparalleled resource for software buyers. This powerful community-driven content model ensures a wide range of opinions and expertise, while enabling RiverGuide to remain a free resource. RiverGuide can be found on the Web at http://www.riverguideinc.com/construction.

About the FCA
The Finishing Contractors Association is a Viriginia-based trade association representing over 1,400 finishing contractors in the construction industry. Since 1997, the FCA has become affiliated with more than 30 local trade associations, extending its reach across the nation. The FCA supports its members by expanding work opportunities, improving contractor competitiveness, ensuring the availability of a superiorly trained workforce, and improving the image of the organized segment of the industry. The FCA is on the Web at http://www.finishingcontractors.org

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:17 PM | Comments (0)

Business and Life Coach Clay Nelson to Address Contractors and Remodelers at the 13th Annual CMBA Builders' Expo

Nationally known business and life coach Clay S. Nelson will have some new business planning and life planning tools for contractors and remodelers to add to their belts at this year's Central Minnesota Builders Association (CMBA) Builders' Expo as he shows them how improving their bottom line can be both fun and rewarding at the same time.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- Builders and remodeling contractors will gain insight on improving their construction business' bottom line as nationally known business coach takes the stage January 24, 2007 at the 13th Annual CMBA Builders' Expo in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Nelson is set to present two programs at this year's Expo. The first, Improving Your Construction Company's Bottom Line will focus on what has been Nelson's passion in 30 years of corporate leadership: how to make a business more successful without requiring longer hours and harder work--through effective business planning, using a personal plan to keep one's batteries charged, and honing delegation and leadership skills to build an unstoppable team.

The second program, Implement What You've Learned, Teach What You Know is designed to help construction business owners keep the momentum going long after the Expo is over, by showing them how to teach what they've learned to their teams--their employees, subcontractors and suppliers.

"I spent 14 years as the head of my own construction company, and I know the challenges we face, both on the job with those who have entrusted us to remodel or build their homes, and with our own families that we work so hard to provide for." Nelson explains. "It's very easy to fall into the trap of work-work-work, and to sacrifice our own happiness and that of our loved ones because we convince ourselves that our livelihood depends on it. But it doesn't have to be that way. Success can be fun!"

Nelson has spent the past two decades providing business and life coaching to those in the construction industry. His company, Clay Nelson Life Balance, was borne out of his own life philosophy: To teach what one has learned in life is the greatest gift one has to give. The company's innovative programs teach individuals and businesses how to set goals, get past what stops them from accomplishing them, and create written plans that help them attain extraordinary results.

Every year, Nelson presents his life balance ideas and tools nationwide to eager participants at workshops and conventions of all sizes, as well as to listeners of his weekly KZSB AM 1290 Santa Barbara News-Press radio station talk show. He is a contributor to Remodeling Magazine, and has been a featured speaker at many national education events and conferences, including The Remodeling Show, and Custom Builder Symposium. In February of 2007, Nelson will present Business Planning Basics for Today's Builder at the International Builders Show in Orlando, FL.

For more information about Clay Nelson's speaking schedule, and to learn more about the products and services Clay Nelson Life Balance provides, please visit claynelsonlifebalance.com. For more information about the CMBA Builders' Expo and to register, contact the Central Minnesota Bulders' Association at 320-251-4382.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)

Upper Cabinets No Longer Out of Reach for Baby Boomers, Disabled Persons

Automated Cabinet Systems has released a unique cabinet that seamlessly replaces any like-sized cabinet in kitchens and lowers at a touch both out and down to the front of your counter for access. People to benefit from this cabinet include baby boomers and others who want to age in place instead of moving to a care facility as they grow older, as well as disabled persons and persons with a height challenge who have trouble reaching the contents of their upper cabinets.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- With the press of a button the AUTO-CAB™ slides out from its place amongst its identical brother and sister kitchen cabinets, arriving gently at the front of the countertop like something from a Hollywood movie. And then just like in a movie, it curves back up and blends into the other cabinets again. The AUTO-CAB™ is the brainchild of cabinet maker Kevin Jobe. Jobe believes that his new remote-controlled self-lowering cabinet system will help baby boomers "age in place" as well as help disabled persons who are currently unable to reach upper kitchen cabinets without assistance.

Jobe recalls the event that started him down the inventor's path. "My father, a paraplegic since he contracted Polio as a kid, was reaching for something in an upper kitchen cabinet. He really had to stretch to reach it. He had it on the tips of his fingers and then he dropped it. In his frustration he said, 'Why can't these cabinets come to me instead of me to them!?' A light went on in my head. I thought, 'If I've been making custom cabinets for 14 years, why can't I create a solution for my father? And not just for my father, but for my mom who is height challenged at less than five feet tall and my daughter who was born without a right arm below her elbow.' You could say the light that went on in my head was very bright."

Jobe had grown up watching both of his parents try to reach things with grabber tools, often with a more frustrating result than merely not being able to reach the item in the first place. And the thought of his mom teetering on a step ladder to reach for a high shelf made Jobe really nervous. "I was very motivated to press on and see this idea come to fruition," says Jobe.

The AUTO-CAB™ consists of a fiberglass inner-cabinet, a hidden wall-mounted frame with rails and cables that guide the cabinet down, a motor, a plate-like switch on the bottom of the cabinet and a remote control. "The molded fiberglass shell is designed to seamlessly accept any type of wood, or wood and glass cabinet door so you can match your existing cabinets exactly," states Jobe, "The cabinet system mounts perfectly flush with your other cabinets so no one will ever know by sight that you have an AUTO-CAB™ installed." The semi-circular motor cover is also paintable to blend in with the wall . The motor is capable of lifting 100 pounds of whatever you put in your cabinets.

A plate switch to activate the cabinet and move it up or down covers the bottom of the cabinet and is activated by pressing up anywhere on its surface. The remote control functions similarly. However, the plate switch is also a safety device which stops the cabinet's descent if it touches any solid object. Another pressure-sensitive safety switch stops the cabinet from returning completely to its "up" position if it might pinch fingers or get caught on something. Jobe's brother Kyle demonstrated the sensitivity of the switches by stopping them with an errant hot dog. The switch worked as promised and the cabinet stopped its motion without damaging even the skin of the food.

The AUTO-CAB™ comes in all standard cabinet sizes. Installation is apparently quite simple for any experienced cabinet installer and each cabinet comes with detailed instructions and a DVD demonstrating the installation process. Cabinets are available only through authorized distributors and range in price from $4000 to $4,500 not including doors or installation. For more information, visit www.AutomatedCabinetSystems.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)

Manufacture and Placement of Church Pews Best Handled by Experts

Experienced church pew manufacturer accommodates design changes that would baffle inexperienced carpenters

(PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- Most pastors or priests would agree that the most important aspect of a church is the level of understanding achieved by a congregation of the sermon of God's word from the pulpit. There are many elements that go into this delivery, but certainly a central aspect is the sanctuary, its arrangement and its furnishings. Every part of a sanctuary should serve to enhance the church's fundamental mission, and of prime importance within the sanctuary is the construction and arrangement of its church pews.

When Santa Cruz Catholic Church of Buda, Texas went to build their new sanctuary, they wanted church pews which would be beautiful and fit into the design scheme and last for the life of the church

After seeing 5 different presentations, they chose Imperial Woodworks of Waco, Texas, a specialist in the manufacture and installation of church pews for 46 years. The company showed them what they needed, at a price they could afford, and who had the most expertise. "They had everything that we wanted," says Paul Curtin, Building Committee Chairman for the church. "We also knew they knew what they were doing, because they had been around long enough that they had built the pews for our previous building."

Although a church pew is essentially an elongated wooden bench, anyone engaged in the building of a sanctuary will tell you, numerous questions can arise right at the outset. What wood or woods will last the longest? How are church pews best made comfortable? What happens if a beam or other architectural necessity ends up being placed where a pew is supposed to go?

There is a science to design and placement of church furniture and that science begins with structural integrity. It might be assumed that solid wood, being the traditional seating material, would be the ultimate in pew end design. But solid wood has many detriments. More modern advances have brought ends to be manufactured of plywood and MDF (medium-density fiberboard) with veneers of hardwood.

Curtin and his committee found the newer ends to be superior in design as well as structure. "If you do go with solid wood, you've got to pay more money to get select oak with beautiful grain. But if you use these materials and put a veneer on it, you can afford to have a very beautiful grain. So the appearance in the end is better, and at a lower price."

Hiring experts in church furniture placement also benefited the Church when they needed to make a last-minute fundamental change in seating layout--changing the spacing between rows from 36 inches to 38 ½. "The manufacturer had to re-lay it out again, and they were very cooperative on that point," says Curtain.

Another late change to the flooring required the church furniture manufacture to fly in special drill bits to drill through the material. "They did it, and they didn't complain to us at all. They did a great job, and we were very happy with it."

It takes the right furnishings to create the ideal sanctuary, and assistance from an expert in the manufacture and placement of church pews will ensure the building is completed on time and the message from the pulpit is heard.

John Hancock
Phone: (800) 234-6624
Fax: (254) 741-0736
http://www.imperialww.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:15 PM | Comments (0)

The Lorax Moves to Lawrence

The doors to Dr. Seuss’ childhood home will find a new home in Lawrence, MA, at New England’s largest eco-friendly residential development, Monarch on the Merrimack (www.monarchlofts.com).

Lawrence, MA (PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- The doors to Dr. Seuss’ childhood home will find a new home in Lawrence, MA, at New England’s largest eco-friendly residential development, Monarch on the Merrimack (www.monarchlofts.com).

Theodor "Ted" Seuss Geisel (1904-1991), better known to the world as Dr. Seuss, was born in Springfield, MA. After attending Dartmouth and Oxford, Ted returned to Springfield where he began his career as an illustrator for Saturday Evening Post, Life, and Vanity Fair. With the release of The Cat in the Hat in 1957, he became a genre-defining children’s book author and illustrator. His honors included two Academy awards, two Emmys, a Peabody, and the Pulitzer Prize.

The Geisel house was demolished several years ago despite its landmark status. "My children are huge fans of Dr. Seuss, and we had recently read The Lorax," said Robert Ansin, CEO of sustainable development company MassInnovation. "I realized that it would be wonderful to have a tangible connection to this great man and his ideas, and to be able to share this with the public."

The Lorax (1971) is an allegory about the conflict between industry and ecology. The Lorax is a "mossy, bossy" creature who "speaks for the Truffula trees" because "the trees have no voice" and the Once-ler is a short-sighted businessman who carelessly destroys the local environment in his quest for profit and by doing so puts his own company out of business.

"For me, the message of The Lorax was that what’s good for the environment can also be good for business," said Ansin.

The Lorax has special resonance for Ansin, who is converting Lawrence’s iconic Wood Mill into Monarch on the Merrimack, 600 luxury riverside lofts built on sustainable development principles. Monarch incorporates a number of features that would make the Lorax proud, from a ‘green roof’ featuring indigenous plantings, to the transformation of the current parking lot into an 8 acre waterfront park designed by Copley Wolff, who is designing the Boston’s Rose Kennedy Greenway.

Monarch will be powered by geothermal exchange; no fossil fuels will be burned to heat or cool the building. Beyond the cost savings to homeowners (it is 30-50% cheaper than conventional systems), each loft that uses geoexchange reduces greenhouse gases by the equivalent of planting an acre of trees each year. "When Monarch is complete, the environmental impact of its 600 geothermal lofts will be the equivalent of planting 600 acres of trees each year," said Ansin.

No word on how that converts to Truffula trees.

When the mill was built in 1906, it was the largest building of its kind on the planet – almost a third of a mile long with almost 30 acres under one roof. Even today, it is described as a ‘horizontal skyscraper.’ The doors from Dr. Seuss’ childhood home will be incorporated into Monarch’s art gallery space, where there are monthly cultural and environmental events. Ansin will hold a reading of The Lorax at the Mill as part of the events to be held at Monarch on Earth Day 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION

Shaw Rosen, Director of Communications MassInnovation
978 289 2639

Monarch Lofts 250 Merrimack Street, Lawrence MA
www.monarchlofts.com
PDF press kit available upon request

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:14 PM | Comments (0)

2007 Will Be Record Year for Mergers and Acquisitions in the AEC Industry

This year will see a record number of acquisitions in the AEC industry according to industry management consulting firm Morrissey Goodale LLC.

Newton, MA (PRWEB) January 10, 2007 -- This year will see a record number of acquisitions in the AEC industry according to industry management consulting firm Morrissey Goodale LLC.

"We're just one week into the New Year and we've already seen eight transactions announced---seven domestic and one international. Assuming this pace continues, 2007 will beat the record number of deals reported in 2006", says Mick Morrissey, principal and co-founder of Morrissey Goodale LLC.

The accelerating merger and acquisition activity is driven by strong performance and record profits, providing capital for expansion. Firms have the opportunity to broaden their reach geographically, enter new markets, add clients, augment their services and increase their staff. According to Morrissey, consolidation in the industry will be characterized by the following trends:

• More deals in Florida and Arizona. "The recent slowdown in the residential market has created some short-term easing in deal valuations, resulting in more opportunities for Northeast and Mid-West firms looking to grow in these Sunbelt states." says Morrissey. "However, deals will still not be cheap, and buyers will be paying close to top dollar to enter these long-term growth markets."
• Texas and California will continue to be hot. The combination of demographics, committed public sector funding, and infrastructure needs will see continued consolidation in these states, with many buyers being out-of-state or international. "Smart buyers should be prepared for the unique and significant integration challenges associated with acquisitions in both of these states" says Morrissey.
• More private equity funding. "We haven't seen this amount of interest from private equity since 2000 when there were multiple roll-up proposals for consulting engineering and design firm on the books." says Morrissey. "Of course, when you see this trend you have to ask how close we are to the top of the market."

The primary risk to this forecast is "another significant terrorist event," according to Morrissey. "After 9/11 we saw consolidation in the AEC industry decline by over 20%, mirroring a trend in the larger economy as buyers pulled deals that were in the works due to the uncertain environment."

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 08:13 PM | Comments (0)

January 09, 2007

Solar Night Industries Announces Expansion into Colorado

Solar Night Industries (OTC: SLND.PK) announced today the hiring of Paul Warren as their Director of Sales for their Southwest region.

Saint Louis, MO (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- Solar Night Industries (OTC: SLND.PK) announced today the hiring of Paul Warren as their Director of Sales for their Southwest region. Paul will oversee Solar Night’s major account sales and regional certified installer network as well as manage the expansion of the SNI Builder’s Supply Division in states from New Mexico to California.

"We are thrilled to bring on to our team someone with such excellent credentials and experience," said Jason Loyet, CEO of SNI. "Paul’s background in the high tech and building industry provides an excellent understanding of the fast pace nature of the renewable energy industry. He will be a great asset in developing a successful network of Certified Installers and promoting our complete line of modern energy solutions."

With Warren on board, Solar Night seeks to expand their reach and fulfill the increased demand by actively recruiting installers for both residential and commercial solar energy systems in the Southwest region. Solar Night’s business model is one of collaboration with their network of Certified Solar Installers where each concentrates on their strength. While Solar Night, a major supplier of modern, clean energy packages and other renewable energy products, provides sales, marketing, product and logistic support, the installer partners specialize in coordinating the completion of projects. This unique approach is so far proving successful as they see the number of completed projects increase.

"In order to promote a product or technology, you have to first believe in it for its inherent worth and potential to contribute to a more efficient and effective lifestyle. I believe that the solar industry is long overdue for its market surge and acceptance and I am delighted to put my efforts and passion into this great technology," stated Mr. Warren.

About Solar Night Industries, Inc.™

Solar Night Industries, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global manufacturer and distributor of innovative solar products. The company was founded by technology, manufacturing, and sales executives with extensive industry experience and proven track records of success. The company has operations in St. Louis, Missouri and Sarasota, Florida, with affiliate offices in Mainland China. The company is developing products for business, government, and agriculture markets. For more information, please visit http://www.SolarNightIndustries.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made in reliance upon the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from the statements expressed or implied herein due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to: the development of Solar Night Industries’ solar cell technology and solar solutions ability to secure additional financing, the successful marketing and distribution of Solar Night Industries’ products market acceptance of Solar Night Industries’ products and technology, competition and timing of projects and trends in the solar industry, as well as other factors. The forward looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and Solar Night Industries undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

For more information:
Solar Night Industries, Inc.
Jason Loyet, President
314-922-0154

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

Slide-Lok to Give Away $130,000 of Product at Home Shows Throughout North America

Garage cabinets and garage storage market leader Slide-Lok introduces promotional offering through its North American dealer network -- free garage storage systems to be given away at local home shows.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- Slide-Lok continues to set the standard for support of its North American dealer network by providing its dealers with over $130,000 of plywood garage cabinet inventory to be used as giveaways at home shows and expos throughout North America during the first quarter of 2007. Slide-Lok is making this offer exclusively through its dealer network further demonstrating Slide-Lok's commitment to their dealer's successes.

A long time believer in the power of first hand demonstration, Slide-Lok relentlessly encourages its dealer network to participate in as many home shows and expos as possible. Slide-Lok's research shows that attending expos and home shows is the fastest and most effective route to promote their business and the best way to demonstrate the true advantages of their plywood garage cabinets and storage systems.

By giving away over $130,000 worth of garage cabinet inventory to the public through their North American dealer network, Slide-Lok has created a resonating buzz that is sure to put its competition on its heels. "We want to start 2007 off with a bang," explains Brian Strayer, Slide-Lok's president. "Our dealers love the idea of giving away our plywood garage cabinets at their local home shows. It gives people a chance to win a storage system of their own and see first hand the superior benefits of using plywood cabinets in the garage." Slide-Lok participates in hundreds of home shows and expos across North America and is proud of its extensive dealer participation, maintaining Slide-Lok's leadership position in the rapidly growing garage storage market.

For more information on Slide-Lok garage cabinets, floor coating systems, and garage storage systems and their patented, innovative design advantages, contact Slide-Lok directly at 800-835-1759 or visit them on the web at www.slide-lok.com.

About Slide-Lok:

Since 1977, Slide-Lok and its parent company, Bass Cabinets, have been producing high quality, durable cabinetry and home storage products. Slide-Lok's garage cabinets utilize a patented dovetail design, plywood construction, adjustable 6-way hinges, and Thermofuse doors - making Slide-Lok the quality leader in its field. Slide-Lok's dealer network includes more than 130 dealers across the United States and Canada.

For further details:
Slide-Lok Headquarters
Jason W. Jantzen
(800) 835-1759
www.slide-lok.com

Media Contacts:
John Rogers
(404) 419-6688
Zion & Zion (Atlanta)

Aric Zion
(602) 318-6124
Zion & Zion (Phoenix)
www.zionandzion.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:10 AM | Comments (0)

Green Building Consultant Predicts the Future of the Green Building Industry

Author of "Marketing Green Buildings" and "Developing Green," Leading Green Building Consultant, Jerry Yudelson illuminates the key strategic trends in the rapidly expanding green building industry with predictions for 2007.

Tucson, AZ (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- Jerry Yudelson, leading green building consultant, the author of three books on the subject of green buildings, green building marketing and green developments, today released his 2007 predictions for major developments in the green building industry this coming year.

Yudelson, who chairs the industry's annual conference, Greenbuild, the world's largest green building gathering, said, "As a consultant to this industry, I have a great vantage point to see what's happening and likely to occur in the coming year. I wanted to release these predictions to encourage others to share their expectations for the growth of green buildings."

Here are Yudelson's predictions:

1. The U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) new "LEED for Homes" standard will debut with more than 5,000 homes registered in the program within the first six months, representing the commitment of 50 builders at an average of 100 homes.

2. Green homebuilding will soar, even before LEED for Homes is released, owning to the pent-up demand by buyers looking to save energy and builders looking for an edge in the marketplace among the so-called "Eco-Elite" buyers. There is strong evidence of builders' interest in energy-efficient home design, as a way to respond to the public's concern for saving money and doing something for the planet. Also, the availability of Federal $2000 per home tax credit for energy-efficient homebuilding through the end of 2009 should work as a strong incentive for many.

3. Cumulative LEED certifications under all systems will top 1,000 for the first time. This will be a long way from 350 certifications at year-end 2005 and about 600 certifications as of December 2006. The advent of USGBC's "portfolio" program for "volume-build" organizations such as banks, national retailers and similar organizations should swell the numbers of LEED-certified buildings quickly.

4. Cumulative LEED project registrations under all systems (excluding single-family homes) will approach 10,000. This will put us well on track to achieve USGBC CEO Rick Fedrizzi's late-2006prediction of 100,000 LEED-registered commercial building projects by the end of 2010.
5. More than 50 additional cities will adopt some form of green building ordinance or mandate, as more cities start to implement their commitment to the "U.S. Mayors' Climate Protection Agreement" and as the political agenda in Washington DC changes, to put more emphasis energy efficiency and climate change issues.

6. More than 10 additional states will adopt incentive programs or mandates for their own buildings. There are now more than 15 states now with specific green building programs. Because of the Democratic takeover of several governorships and state legislatures, these actions will likely occur in the first half of 2007. Look for additional strong actions in California, Oregon and other states where "pro-green building" governors were returned to office.

7. More than 30 additional LEED Platinum projects will be certified, effectively tripling the number of such landmark buildings. People are beginning to figure out that LEED Platinum is achievable, with a little luck and good planning, as well as some budget tolerance for renewable energy systems.

8. Attendance at Greenbuild 2007 in Los Angeles this fall will top 20,000 for the first time. (As a long-time conference participant, even I was surprised that more than 13,000 paid registrants turned out for Greenbuild 2006 in Denver.) The far greater population in Southern California and the growth of the green building industry in general will play a role in growing the total attendance for Los Angeles this fall more than 50%.

9. LEED will register more than 100 non-US and non-Canadian projects for certification for the first time. We see a general interest in LEED from office developers in China, India and other countries, wanting to appeal to multinational tenants, as well as government programs that want to green their projects in the absence of clear national standards.

10. The number of LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) will grow by 15% or more, to a total exceeding 38,000 by the end of 2007. As a LEED national faculty trainer, I am amazed at how we continue to sell out each workshop, with most attendees wanting to take the LEED AP exam. Considering that there are more than 100,000 real estate agents in the U.S., I see no end to the growth in the number of LEED APs.

About Jerry Yudelson
Jerry Yudelson is a former Board Member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a national nonprofit with more than 7,300 corporate and institutional members. He also serves on the national standards committees for both LEED for New Construction and a companion standard, LEED for Core and Shell development. He has trained nearly 3,000 people in the LEED green building assessment framework since 2001.

About Yudelson Associates
Yudelson Associates, Tucson, AZ, http://www.greenbuildconsult.com, was formed in 2006, with a mission of "growing the business of green building" and facilitating sustainability initiatives in higher education and the corporate world. Yudelson is a leading national authority on green buildings and corporate sustainability, with three books on green marketing and more than three dozen articles to his credit in the past three years. He is the senior editor of the iGreenBuild web site, http://www.igreenbuild.com. In 2004, Yudelson was honored as "Green Building Advocate of the Year" by the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:10 AM | Comments (0)

Green Building Revolution is Hitting Home and Office, Reports a Special Issue of E - The Environmental Magazine

The green building movement is starting to make serious progress, reports E - The Environmental Magazine in its January/February 2007 cover story (now posted at www.emagazine.com). Eco-friendly construction is on the rise, from single-family houses and planned communities to schools, hospitals and other large built environments.

Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- The green building movement is starting to make serious progress, reports E - The Environmental Magazine in its January/February 2007 cover story (now posted at www.emagazine.com). Eco-friendly construction is on the rise, from single-family houses and planned communities to schools, hospitals and other large built environments.

Today, five percent of new commercial construction meets standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program (LEED), a voluntary, consensus-based standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. Ten percent of new homes satisfy the federal government's Energy Star guidelines, meaning they're nearly one-third more energy-efficient than regulations require.

Still, considering that U.S. buildings put out about a third of the country's greenhouse gasses, at the rate green building is penetrating the market today it will be many years before we cut emissions by the 70 percent thought necessary to stabilize global climate.

The green building movement expands on the 1970s solar-energy craze, when drastic oil shortages spurred interest in sun-powered homes and President Jimmy Carter installed solar panels on the White House (later removed by Ronald Reagan). When oil prices came back down, interest waned. But by the early 1990s, the green building movement took off again, broadening its focus to consider other issues such as the environmental impacts of materials and whether the buildings offer health benefits, according to Alex Wilson, president of Vermont-based BuildingGreen, executive editor of Environmental Building News and author of Your Green Home.

A number of cities around the country, including San Francisco (and neighboring Pleasanton, Berkeley and San Mateo), Boston, Seattle and Scottsdale, Arizona, are leading the way with laws that require new public buildings be green. So far, 54 cities and 23 federal agencies have adopted LEED standards for buildings, says Bill Browning, senior fellow for Rocky Mountain Institute and co-author of Green Development: Integrating Ecology and Real Estate.

Obstacles abound. Part of the problem is the resistance to change and refusal by some professionals to learn new methods. And the technology will continue to cost more until economies of scale are realized.

And there are doubters. Some question whether the term "green building" is too easily co-opted for marketing purposes. Some builders, they charge, do little more than erect townhouses that increase urban density rather than build energy-efficient products that are truly lighter on the land. Critics wonder whether efficiency standards, when applied, can be objectively proven to deliver desired results -- such as lower electric bills. Historic preservationists bristle at a perceived bias toward new edifices thrown up at the expense of older buildings that could instead by sustainably retrofitted while maintaining the character of a community.

Buildings are definitely energy hogs. While the SUV is the environmental bad-boy symbol, buildings consume far more energy than cars and trucks. It's estimated that commercial and residential buildings in the U.S. consume 65 percent of all electricity, as well as 12 percent of drinkable water and 40 percent of all raw materials.

"I believe that buildings are the worst thing that people do to the environment," says Rob Watson, former senior scientist at Natural Resources Defense Council. "We don't associate the fact that when we turn on a light switch, coal is mined in a mine. It goes to a power plant that comes up the stack as acid rain producing sulfur dioxide, planet-cooking carbon dioxide."

"The new green building movement arises from the realization that we can't go on living as we have in the past: that treating the environment in general and energy in particular as afterthoughts no longer makes sense," says author Bill McKibben. He was marking last October's opening of the 46-story glass-and-steel Hearst Tower in New York City. The building required 20 percent less steel than a conventional skyscraper and is made of 90 percent recycled material. Sensors there switch off lights when no one is in a room. "They're sensible, cost-effective, obvious [measures," McKibben said. "Someday they'll be code. But for now they're noble, pioneering examples."

E - The Environmental Magazine distributes 50,000 copies six times per year to subscribers and bookstores. E is also the publisher of EarthTalk, a nationally-syndicated environmental Q&A column distributed free to over 1,100 newspapers and magazines throughout the United States and Canada (www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/aboute.html). E is on the web at www.emagazine.com.

E's feature package on Green Building is available for reprinting at no cost to magazines, newspapers, websites and other periodicals. Interested editors should contact Kathlene Carney, 707-765-1234.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:08 AM | Comments (0)

Phoenicia Group Consolidates Libya Operations; Plans Further Expansion

U.S.-Libyan Holding Company Establishes Foothold in Key Libyan Market Sectors

TRIPOLI, Libya (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- Phoenicia Group Libya LLC, (http://www.phoenicia-group.net), the leading U.S.-Libyan diversified business and consultancy group, today announced acquisitions of several Libyan companies in key growth sectors in Libya and spearheading the establishment of Libya's first private equity fund.

New acquisitions include Al-Itlala Healthcare Co, a medical services company; Akakus Catering Co, a full-service catering company for the oil and gas industry; Najla Co., a logistics and transportation company; United Libyan Construction Industries Co; which produces a variety of industrial goods; and Oea Oil Services Co., a local Libyan oil services company.

The latest acquisitions bring the number of companies under the control of the Phoenicia Group to 17.

Libu Capital Inc., a private equity firm established by Phoenicia Group this year, expects to raise $ 20, 000, 000 by year's end and up to $ 75, 000, 000 within 3 years to fund new ventures and companies in key sectors primed for privatization.

Ryad Sunusi, acting President & CEO of the privately-held Phoenicia Group and a prominent Libyan businessman and consultant, expressed confidence in the strength of the Libyan economy and business opportunities available during a conference call from Tripoli with businessmen, investors and analysts, stating:

"Libya is undergoing rapid industrial and economic expansion and, by any yardstick, is an emerging market with incredible potential in virtually every market segment."

'We are capitalizing on our established base in Libya and will continue to offer our clients the reliable and effective business solutions they have come to expect, by delivering proven leverage strategies to enhance a competitive position in Libya for our clientele'

Mr.Sunusi's upbeat predictions extend to forming partnerships and alliances with international companies, saying, 'U.S. and international firms need a well-established and knowledgeable partner; and, as Libya's leading private sector group, we are well placed to advise on market entry and risk management concerns.'

"Our expectations are spot on target; 2007 will be an exciting year for all of us, with several milestone announcements to be made later this year."

Key services provided to U.S. and international clients include Risk Management, Commercial Advisory/Business Law, Communication, Government Relations, Trade Advocacy, Concept Development, Contract Negotiations, Distribution, Marketing, Sourcing, Strategy, and Total Project Management.

Khalid Bushesi, an analyst at the Academy of Graduate Studies, a Libyan think-tank, commented, 'International investors and businesses need a clear and effective instrument for facilitating investment and formulating entry strategies in a complex, albeit lucrative, market like Libya; Phoenicia Group, as an established and experienced player, seeks to present itself as just that- a viable instrument to advise U.S and international companies on accessing the Libyan market.'

"By focusing on a diversification and alliance strategy, Phoenicia Group has skillfully positioned itself to reap the benefits of and solidly establish itself as the leading Libyan private group, which is helped by the absence of any serious competitors to the group."

The consolidation and merger strategy will integrate key services and reduce costs; making Phoenicia Group the dominant private sector player in Libya and result in a more diversified portfolio.

The Phoenicia Group, a widely touted poster child of Libyan private sector achievement, has, since its inception in 1999, experienced rapid expansion in the oil & gas, construction, tourism, telecommunications, health, services, and agribusiness sectors, making it the leading Libyan private business and consultancy group; and sponsoring the spin-off of the Libyan-American Business Council in 2004 to promote U.S-Libyan trade and business exchange.

About Phoenicia Group Libya, LLC

Phoenicia Group, a US-Libyan professional business services company, establishes and advises on interoperability issues in the Libyan Market with technology, and devises, researches and implements market entry and risk management strategies for U.S companies wishing to establish a foothold for commerce in Libya. For more information, visit www.phoenicia-group.net

Media Contact:

Jeff Hallinger of Phoenicia Group, +1 302-353-4560

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

Recent Study Shows That Pigeons Are Smarter Than We Think

The results of a recent ground breaking study demonstrated that pigeons are actually capable of feats of memory and reasoning. With this new information, animal rights groups and others will continue the fight for the adoption of humane ways of pigeon control. For 10 years, Deterapigeon has been a leader in safe pigeon spike solutions in the UK.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- Two new studies out of Tufts University published in the Nov. 8 Proceedings of the National Academies and an upcoming issue of Psychonomics Bulletin and Review, show that pigeons can remember large numbers of pictures and recognize relationships among groups of images.

In the first study, pigeons were able to remember up to 1,200 images such as landscapes, cars or people simultaneously. If trained that a picture of a red Honda meant food in a right hand container, the pigeons always chose the right hand container when later shown the image. According to the study coauthor, Robert G. Cooks, that's the largest memory bank ever proven for birds.

In the second study, the pigeons first viewed a page of 16 small pictures that were either all the same or all different. For example, if the first page showed 16 small identical mugs, the birds were then able to successfully choose a page showing 16 identical hourglasses over a page showing a variety of pictures. The pigeons also were able to identify pages of all different pictures. The results of this study demonstrated the pigeon's ability to compare two relationships, sameness or difference, rather than just two pictures.

With these landmark studies showing the intelligence of pigeons, many animal activists and animal rights groups hope that people nationwide will adopt humane pigeon control techniques.

"Pigeons have a proud history and it is wonderful to see that science has proven that they also have the ability to remember and reason. I truly hope that the media attention surrounding this report will seep into consciousness of people and that they will investigate humane pigeon control methods if they are experiencing a pigeon problem," comments Dave Jones from Deter-a-Pigeon.

Deter-a-Pigeon is on the cutting edge of offering pigeon control methods such as pigeon spikes, which are an effective, injury free and inexpensive way of preventing pigeons from perching on property.

Property owners looking for pigeon control methods that work should investigate pigeon spikes and other humane ways of controlling the pigeon population. Companies like Deter-a-Pigeon are available to help property owners take care of the problem while still ensuring fair treatment of 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 05:06 AM | Comments (0)

Sprucing Up Outdoor Living Space Adds to the Comfort and Value of a Home

Homeowners are recognizing that their outdoor living area is just as important as the interior living space. Enhancing the landscaping and functionality of the outdoor living space makes a home more attractive to future buyers.

Genoa, IL (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- The exterior of the home has become an extension of the indoor living space. Nowadays, people are sprucing up their landscaping and adding decks and outdoor gazebos to give them areas to entertain and enjoy the great outdoors.

Not only are these additions a great way to enhance the enjoyment of the home, but they can also add to the overall value and salability of the home.

Experts agree that one of the best ways to increase the value of a home is to add features that will enhance its appearance and function but still staying within the homeowners budget. It is no secret that the addition of porches, patios, decks, outdoor gazebos, terraces, gardens and lawns add value and enjoyment to the home.

"Many of our customers are looking for inexpensive ways to enhance their outdoor living space either for their own enjoyment or for resale and a do it yourself outdoor gazebo fits the bill. With just two people and a little bit of time, customers can easily put together our preassembled wall sections and roof panels. All that's required is basic carpentry skills, that really means the ability to handle a hammer and use a screw gun," states Charles Scordato, Owner of Leisure Woods.

Real estate agents will often counsel prospective sellers that sprucing up the home's exterior will make it more attractive to future buyers. It's not just making sure the lawns are manicured and the bushes are trimmed, exterior amenities like outdoor gazebos and decks offer more than just curb appeal. Buyers appreciate that these additions act as supplementary spaces for entertaining or enjoying the yard.

Any homeowner interested in adding an outdoor gazebo to enhance their exterior living space should look to companies like Leisure Woods that offer quality do-it-yourself kits for a very reasonable investment. Enhancing the exterior living space will increase the homeowner's enjoyment and could make the home easier to sell in the future.

About Leisure Woods:
Leisure Woods, Inc., a family owned business, is a premier manufacturer of cedar gazebo kits. Leisure Woods Inc., has a variety of pre-engineered gazebos designed to compliment both the residential and commercial environments. We currently manufacture two gazebo series, the Lake Wood Gazebo and the Cedar Cove Gazebo.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:03 AM | Comments (0)

Replace Used Kitchen Cabinets in January for Best Deal, Reports HomeOpinion.com

A recent article on HomeOpinion.com suggests that January 2007 may offer even more kitchen remodeling savings than usual for homeowners looking to replace their used kitchen cabinets. HomeOpinion.com, a community driven home improvement resource, reveals that this year's cooling market for new residential construction has freed up building companies and construction workers, creating more competition for the few remodeling jobs available in the first month of the year. The article "January Is the Time to Buy Kitchen Cabinets" proposes that the result could be better prices for the 75 percent of homeowners who use professional help for their home improvement projects.

(PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- A new HomeOpinion.com feature article indicates that January 2007 may be the best time for kitchen remodeling and used kitchen cabinet replacement for the home improvement season. HomeOpinion.com (http://www.HomeOpinion.com/kitchen), a community driven home improvement resource, reveals that this year's slowing housing market may create more competition amongst contractors for the few remodeling jobs available in January. The article "January Is the Time to Buy Kitchen Cabinets" suggests that the effect could be better prices for the 75 percent of homeowners who use contractors for their home renovations.

According to a RealtyTimes.com column by Broderick Perkins, this time of year is perfect for smaller home remodeling projects like replacing used kitchen cabinets. "If weather conditions permit, or if it's an inside job, don't wait for spring to improve your home. It's a good time to remodel, especially if the work is lumber intensive," Perkins recommends.

By waiting until spring or summer, the article suggests that homeowners may face:
• Higher prices
• Longer project timelines
• Fewer options for cabinetry

According to the article, the opportunity to save by ordering kitchen cabinets and remodeling during winter won't last. The softening secondary real estate market may also drive demand for renovation, and some experts predict a corresponding remodeling boom in the near future as sellers try to stand out in an increasingly competitive housing market. To read the complete text of "January Is the Time to Buy Kitchen Cabinets," visit www.homeopinion.com/kitchen/buying-kitchen-cabinets.php

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

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:02 AM | Comments (0)

Dynacore Equipment Announces a New Generation of Electronically Controlled Extruders

Dynacore announces the first in a new line of electronically controlled hollowcore extruders. The Dynacore EM 350, which produces a 14" (35 cm) pre-stressed slab, features electronic sensors that reduce the need for operator intervention and a touch-pad interface for easy and convenient adjustment of extrusion speed and concrete compaction as well as displays of extruder performance trends over time. The EM 350 is now being installed at Con-Force Structures in Richmond, Canada.

NORTH VANCOUVER, BC (PRWEB) January 9, 2007 -- Dynacore™ Equipment Limited (Dynacore) announced today the delivery of the first in a new line of electronically controlled hollowcore extruders. The Dynacore EM 350, which produces a 14" (35 cm) pre-stressed slab, features electronic sensors that reduce the need for operator intervention and a touch-pad interface for easy and convenient adjustment of extrusion speed and concrete compaction as well as displays of extruder performance trends over time. The EM 350 is now being installed at Con-Force Structures in Richmond, BC Canada and will be in production by January 9, 2007.

The EM line of hollowcore extruders are designed to deliver the lowest operational costs in the industry. Cost-effective parts replacement, minimum downtime, high productivity and high quality all contribute to lowering the overall cost of production. Accordingly, the EM 350 features Dynacore's patented replaceable auger ends, which are designed to reduce the cost of replacement parts and reduce the auger changeover process down to an average of thirty minutes.

The new electronic controls allow operators to vary machine speed to match the speed of concrete delivery without any production stop/start downtime. To further reduce the need for operator intervention, sensors in the concrete hopper will automatically alert the machine to slow down for replenishment and will automatically signal the machine to resume speed once there is more concrete in the hopper.

To give production managers the ability to optimize maintenance schedules based on usage and machine condition, the electronic controls also gather data on machine usage and graphically display key trends for operation hours and key wear indicators.

Finally, to simplify set up and reduce errors during changeovers, default settings can be stored in the electronic controls to suit all desired production parameters. Since the power module is common to all EM hollowcore extruders, it can be swapped between systems; once the changeover is completed, it is a simple matter of selecting the appropriate setting and the extruder will automatically be configured with all the correct operating parameters.

"We are in a competitive business and having the best-of-breed equipment for each application is essential in order to deliver quality product on-time to our customers. We look for suppliers who understand the challenges of being a producer," said Tony Walton, vice-president at Con-Force Structures. "The advanced design features of the EM extruders clearly show that Dynacore understands our business and has consciously targeted reducing key areas of operational cost. We are very excited to offer our clients a new 14" hollowcore product as we have been asked to provide this size for some time now. The modular power system with this machine will also allow us to consider other sizes. The recent doubling of our production capacity will enable us to expand our service to the market."

"We are extremely pleased to be working with Con-Force," said Geoff Chambers, president of Dynacore. "They are known industry-wide for innovation and quality, so we especially look forward to their input for a partnership that will give us ongoing feedback to further enhance our technology."

The electronic control system on the EM 350 will be available on all other models of hollowcore extruder from Dynacore ranging from 6" to 16" (15 cm to 40 cm).

About Con-Force
Con-Force Structures is the largest precast company in Western Canada and privately-held. The company has offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. The company specializes in pre-stressed concrete components for bridges, high-rise buildings, parking garages, marine facilities and architectural cladding. The company also produces standard specialty pre-cast concrete products.

About Dynacore
Dynacore Equipment Limited is a privately-held company based in North Vancouver, Canada. Dynacore has an established customer base in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia; it markets directly to hollowcore producers in North America and through selected agents in Latin and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and South Asia. Dynacore is ISO-9001:2000 certified. For more information, contact Dynacore at:: +1 604 984 0444, or see our website at: www.dynaquip.ca.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:02 AM | Comments (0)

Dovebid® Announces Online Auction Of Heavy Earthmoving Tyres To Be Held On Behalf Of Rio Tinto

DoveBid, Inc., one of the leading global providers of capital asset management and valuation services, announced today it will be holding an online auction of heavy earthmoving tyres on behalf of its client Rio Tinto.

Melbourne, Australia (PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- DoveBid Inc., one of the leading global providers of capital asset management and valuation services, announced today it will be holding an online auction of heavy earthmoving tyres on behalf of its client Rio Tinto.

The sale features over 120 radial and cross-ply tyres in both new and used condition, from major manufacturers - Bridgestone, Goodyear & Michelin. Assets are located in USA, UK and Australia. The sale will be held on 23rd January 2007, commencing online at 9am (AEDT), and closing on 24th January at 5pm (AEDT). Viewing days have been organised should anyone want to inspect the tyres before the auction. For more information click here

DoveBid are very pleased with the opportunity to hold this sale and feel that it is a timely and welcome event for the mining and construction industry, where it is widely accepted there is a world shortage in heavy earthmoving tyres.

About DoveBid
DoveBid, Inc. is one of the leading global providers of capital asset management and valuation services. DoveBid delivers a turnkey, outsourced set of solutions to corporations and financial institutions for the valuation, redeployment and disposition of capital assets. The Company provides strategic insight and valuation services for financial reporting, tax, secured lending and planning purposes.

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA, DoveBid has over 69 years of industrial capital asset management expertise with associates in 37 offices and 20 countries. In Asia-Pacific DoveBid have offices in Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Taipei, Shanghai, Tokyo and Philippines

(DoveBid and the DoveBid logo are registered trademarks of DoveBid, Inc.)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:01 AM | Comments (0)

2007 International Property Investment Outlook Available from Amberlamb

Independent real estate investment experts Amberlamb have released their complete international property investment outlook series for 2007 which covers 25 of the world's most exciting emerging and established real estate markets. The series represents one of the most comprehensive free and independent property investment overviews available online.

Nicosia, Cyprus (PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- Independent property investment experts Amberlamb (www.amberlamb.com) have released their complete 2007 international property investment prediction series covering 25 of the most exciting property markets worldwide.

As any investor knows all too well, past performance is no indication of future potential and that applies equally as much to the property market as it does to investments made on the stock market. As a result, as the old year has come to a close and a new one has been heralded in, it's essential for an international property investor to assess their current portfolio's standing with a view to its diversification and development throughout 2007.

Due to this fundamental requirement the team of independent international property experts at Amberlamb has produced a complete and comprehensive overview of the prospects, both positive and negative, for 25 of the world's most in-demand or potentially prosperous property markets in 2007.

The 2007 Amberlamb Property Investment Prediction Series focuses on the 25 international marketplaces where investors are either showing great interest or where Amberlamb believe investors should be headed in 2007. The countries covered are Australia, Bahrain, Belize, Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dubai, Egypt, Estonia, Ghana, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Montenegro, Morocco, New Zealand, Northern Cyprus, Poland, Romania, Thailand, Turkey and Ukraine.

The list features some old favourites such as Australia, Canada and New Zealand for their evergreen appeal, with Amberlamb introducing the potential property investor to alternative and emerging angles to target in these established property investment marketplaces. The series also targets a few slightly over-blown roses such as Bulgaria and Dubai and explains to an investor how to make these markets work for them in 2007 if they are determined the time is right for market entry. In addition to these countries there are a combination of bleeding edge and cutting edge emerging property markets discussed by Amberlamb from Costa Rica to Ghana and from Mexico to the Ukraine.

Each report in the comprehensive international investment property outlook series takes an investor through predicted market movements and explains factors that could positively or negatively influence these movements in 2007, furthermore the reports contain suggestions about timing market entry, whether a short, medium or long term outlook of a given market is most appropriate, where an investor should be looking for the best residential or commercial gains on a country by country basis and how to potentially profit from property in each country covered.

While the team at Amberlamb certainly don't have a crystal ball or even profess to having all the answers, they have spent the latter months of 2006 researching and interviewing for their international property investment outlook series, and during the month of December 2006 they complied and released each report in the 25 part series on their website.

As a result of their efforts one of the most comprehensive free and independent international property investment overviews for 2007 is now available online. Visit Amberlamb to read the complete Amberlamb 2007 Property Investment Prediction Series or to pick out the reports of interest to your own property investment plans in 2007.

About Amberlamb
Amberlamb is an independent online publication featuring expert overseas property investment research, advice and information - Amberlamb is not a site selling property nor do the property investment experts at Amberlamb have any relationship or affiliation with developers, agents or vendors of property anywhere in the world. This means that the information provided by www.amberlamb.com via the site's daily updated news source and through the comprehensive property investor guides available on the website remains independent and objective at all times.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:01 AM | Comments (0)

Electrical Innovations Receives Prestigious Construction Award from Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa

Recognized as best-of-the-best with excellence in specialty construction.

Burlington, IA (PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- Electrical Innovations (www.ei-llc.com), providing state-of-the-industry solutions for business and home custom-designed electric installations, received a construction award from the Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa during the association's 18th annual Excellence in Construction banquet held recently in West Des Moines. Electrical Innovations was recognized with an Award of Excellence in the Specialty Construction over $2 Million category. The award was presented based on the company's work on Fun City- Burlington, IA. "The ABC of Iowa Excellence in Construction awards program is a salute to the best of the best of Iowa's construction industry. This year's award winning projects represent what merit shop contractors have to offer - projects of the highest quality, built safely, on-time, and within budget," said ABC of Iowa President and CEO Greg Spenner. Also considered was the complexity of the project, its attractiveness, unusual challenges and innovation.

As a full-service electrical contractor, Electrical Innovations installs easy to use home automation systems, home theaters, audio/video distribution, security systems, computer networking, and structured cabling nationally. Troy Chambers, President of Electrical Innovations said, "Electrical Innovations offers unique services. We are committed to providing the absolute highest quality workmanship and service. Our cutting edge technology equips business and homes with the most modern, convenient, and impressive electrical solutions in the industry, to make sure they're getting the best systems available."

Electrical Innovations has delivered the same high quality installations throughout the entire United States, as far West as Albuquerque and Colorado, North to Minneapolis, East to New York and South as Kansas City. In Southern Iowa, they are the only electrical contractor that has Vantage and Control4 certification. Their team of highly skilled and creative master electricians, journeyman electricians and custom design team takes pride in their high quality work, insuring the final project will be neat and highly functional. Never trying to sell high-priced items that will never be use, they help each customer determine their needs and suggest products and systems accordingly.

Electrical Innovations has added to the Burlington community by creating jobs and educating its employees. Currently two of its employees are enrolled in the electrical apprenticeship program through ABC of Iowa, and another employee is attending college at SCC's West Burlington campus to get a master's in Business Administration. Electrical Innovations plans on enrolling more employees in the apprenticeship program this year. The company endeavors to support any employee's desire to continue education, recognizing the value of higher education to, not only the business, the individual, but also to the community.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Troy Chambers, please call Michael Sherman at 662-893-8360.

About Electrical Innovations:

Electrical Innovations (www.ei-llc.com) isn't an ordinary electrical contractor, but specializes in being cutting edge with all the latest technology, holding a number of professional memberships. We want to represent and be represented by reputable organizations. We hold memberships to these organizations because we meet their strict requirements for service, quality, and honesty. Everything we do at Electrical Innovations is custom-designed to fit your lifestyle. This is because we want you to get the greatest use possible out of whatever system is chosen for home or business. Electrical Innovations offers:

Electrical
- Residential
- Commercial
- Industrial
- PLC Programming

Systems
- Audio Distribution
- Video Distribution
- Fire Systems
- Satellite Dishes
- Structured Cabling
- Access Control
- Home Automation
- Home Theatre
- Landscape Lighting
- Dish Network

About The Associated Builders and Contractors:

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Iowa (www.abciowa.org) is a non-profit construction trade association that represents nearly 400 member firms throughout the state. The association represents general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and associates. ABC of Iowa fosters an environment in which commercial and industrial contractors deliver high-quality, economical, safe and on-time construction. The association is the premier provider of construction education to enhance technicians' skills and to increase workforce safety. Merit shop contractors perform more than 75 percent of today's construction projects.

Contact: Michael Sherman
Tel. 662-893-8360
Cell Phone: 901-351-9861

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 05:00 AM | Comments (0)

A Very Bright Idea: Destination Lighting Goes Live

Announcing the launch of our new Web site, www.DestinationLighting.Com -- the new address for the best in lighting and more. Together with our family of stores in the Pacific Northwest, Destination Lighting brings more than a century of excellence in residential and commercial lighting to a national audience via the Internet. In addition to offering the finest lighting products and services available, Destination Lighting boasts leading experts in the field of lighting design and placement -- experts who can be a great resource to you in your consumer and editorial endeavors. Our industry specialists are American Lighting Association certified and will be pleased to provide technical information concerning home décor, building and lighting.

SEATTLE (PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- Offering world class fixtures and design expertise, DestinationLighting.com is now live, bringing nearly a century of retail success to the Internet. The online store features more than 3,000 products -- including many exclusive items not found anywhere else -- in one convenient location, and offers free shipping on every order in the contiguous United States.

What began as Seattle Lighting Fixture Company in 1917 -- a custom manufacturer of fixtures for legendary regional hotels, homes, and offices -- has grown into a family of 15 stores that also includes Globe Lighting in Oregon and Builder's Lighting in Idaho. Proudly, the company now adds Destination Lighting to its ever-expanding retail partnership, bringing the service and quality Northwest customers value to the entire country via the Internet.

"If you're searching for quality lighting products, you've got a new address: DestinationLighting.com," says Dave McKee, Chief Operating Officer. "With our brick and mortar experience, we know the superior product quality and service level our customers expect, and we are thrilled to be able to offer both to a national customer base online."

From alabaster glass chandeliers to electric towel warmers, Destination Lighting's product line combines the vast array of merchandise available at its many retail outlets--items that go far beyond lighting fixtures. Furniture, household accessories, and art work can be found, along with convenience items and unique gift ideas. The online store also boasts in-depth product information, crisp color photographs with zoom, the innovative Accutracker™ inventory status request system, Express Lane checkout for registered customers and expert advice in its Design Advisor™ feature articles.

Because Destination Lighting stocks more than $10 million in inventory, over 80 percent of the products featured online are in stock and ready to ship the next business day. So whether it's a funky hot pink lava lamp or a traditional meringue glass sconce you seek, you'll find it at DestinationLighting.com -- your new address for the latest in lighting, hardware, home decor and more.

Contact
Diane Mannone
206.268.3469

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:59 AM | Comments (0)

GetMeQuotes, an Online Lead Generator and Service Search Forum, Expands Relationships with the Cosmetic Surgery, General Contracting, Eldercare, and Catering Industries

Austin-area business expands

Austin, TX (PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- The same company that has successfully managed Austin's own LocalCatering.com for the past six years, announced today that sister site GetMeQuotes.com has expanded its online reach with five new vertical portals.

FindCosmeticSurgeons.net, FindQualityContractors.com, NationalCareProviders.com, FindQualityCaterers.com and LocalCorporateCatering.com are all industry-intensive vessels delivering customers through the site's proprietary engine and directly to GetMeQuotes' extensive list of various industry experts and leading businesses.

The expansion marks the continued success of this Austin business. Now with more than a dozen employees, in 2007 the company launches it first major marketing campaign, including television, radio and billboards in the Austin area.

"Local Catering continues to be the viable, well-oiled machine that drove the innovation that is Get Me Quotes and its portals," says President and CEO Enrique Rangel, a University of Texas Business School graduate. "We are now partnering with experts in several service-related industries. The initial five portals are just the beginning."

Whereas Get Me Quotes has been member-centric in the past, catering to the vendor side of the transaction, the new portals seek balance. By adding quality content and industry-specific data, these portals are as much as a resource for end-users as they are a tool for members.
To date Rangel's portfolio of businesses have been featured in news services like Austin Business Journal and News 8 Austin. In 2006, they even organized the craft services and catering for a major network television show.

The technology is simple for the user, but the back-end quantifies year of perfecting and proprietary expertise. Rangel, an expert in Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and website marketing, draws customers seeking a wide range of services to his sites by managing data to get those sites listed at the top of all major search engines.

Once at the site, customers search for vendors offering a wide range of services from air conditioning repair to chiropractic care. By filling out a simple form, they are logged into the system as a lead for GetMeQuotes and its affiliate portals' extensive but exclusive member list. These leads are then verified by a staff member before being sent the appropriate members, at which point the member purchases only the leads they want through the company's "pay-per-lead" program. Members pay no monthly or annual fees.

"Get Me Quotes and its portals are tools that can help any Austin-area service-oriented business drive customers to their doors," says Rangel. "We hope that by continually expanding and upgrading we can become a powerful partner to the Austin business community."

For additional information contact: Mercer Black, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, GetMeQuotes, at 512-301-9380.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:59 AM | Comments (0)

The US Department of Commerce Reported Total Truck Transportation Revenue Reached $266 Billion in 2004; Owner of TruckerToTrucker.com Has Decided to Expand

The US Department of Commerce reported that total truck transportation revenue reached $266 billion in 2004 and estimates of revenue increases continue to bode well with some forecasts exceeding $308 billion in 2006 and steady growth into the future. This growth has substantially increased the demand for drivers, and should be reflected in an increased demand for vehicles and the specialized equipment necessary to meet the demand for moving cargo and commodities safely and efficiently over the roads of our nation. Jim McCormack, owner of TruckerToTrucker.com, carefully monitors the indicators and trends in the trucking industry to insure that his small business is positioned to respond quickly to immediate demands and changing requirements.

Culver, IN (PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- The American Trucking Research Institute has reported that trucks carry almost 68 percent of all domestic tonnage and the total tonnage requirement is expected to rise steadily. All the economic indicators seem to indicate that the trucking industry will continue to experience sustained growth over the next decade. That growth will translate directly into increased demand for truck drivers, vehicles and specialized equipment as the demand to move more and more cargo and commodities throughout the nation grows. How that increased economic activity will translate into opportunities for those that serve the needs of the trucking community is the question for many small businesses that provide essential support to the industry.

Many small businesses attempt to analyze the big picture so that they can use their inherent flexibility to respond to industry demands. As one of many small business owners, Jim McCormack, owner of TruckerToTrucker.com, carefully monitors the indicators and trends in the trucking industry to insure that his small business is positioned to respond quickly to immediate demands and changing requirements. Past forecasts for opportunities in the trucking industry drove Jim to start his sales business and he has experienced phenomenal growth, not only because of industry demand, but because he is able to respond to the requirement of fleet owners as well as to the needs of the independent trucker. Over 26,800 ads have been placed on his site in the four years since inception and the speed with which equipment is bought and sold seems to support the analysis that has been released by industry researchers and experts.

McCormack, by focusing attention on customer needs, has now decided to expand by offering Motor Freight Trucking Products with an array of cargo control, trailer and cab accessories to meet the demands for safe and efficient movement of the increased tonnages that are being forecast.

So far the predictions of the experts for sustained growth in the trucking industry have served Jim McCormack and his staff well. It has been a win-win situation for buyers and sellers that have selected TruckerToTrucker.com as a partner in their business endeavors. Jim states that, "Our business has been built on honestly and responsively serving the needs of each individual that needs our services. We hope to continue that service by providing additional products that can be purchased by our customers."

Jim has based his business decisions on the forecasts of the experts and his knowledge and intuition about the needs of the members that make the trucking industry work. Time will tell if that confidence is well placed.

Contact:
Jim McCormack
Trucker To Trucker LLC
800-240-5811

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:58 AM | Comments (0)

Kitchen Remodeling Driven by Style: A GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com Survey Shows

GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com, a top kitchen remodeling services site, reveals that more homeowners are remodeling their kitchens to beautify their décor rather than to improve a home's resale value. The survey explains why kitchen remodeling remains one of the most popular home improvement projects in spite of the current average 80 percent return on investment, as detailed in the 2006 Cost vs. Value Report done by Remodeling Online. Still, owners seeking fresh décor can control costs by comparison shopping for kitchen styles at GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com, which provides informative articles and helpful referrals to consumers seeking reliable local contractors for the best in kitchen renovation.

(PRWEB) January 8, 2007 -- A recent survey at GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com, a top kitchen remodeling services site, reveals the top reason more homeowners refurbish their kitchens is for décor enhancement, not return on investment (ROI). Homeowners who remodel to update and beautify their kitchens benefit from comparison shopping for kitchen flooring or cabinet styles by visiting sites like GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com (http://www.GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com), a top kitchen remodeling services site.

The latest Cost vs. Value Report done by Remodeling Online calculates the average return on a kitchen remodel at around 80 cents on the dollar. Skyrocketing costs for remodeling materials contribute to lower ROI's for kitchen remodeling in 2006.

The returns on kitchen remodeling hold across the board according to Remodeling Online and the National Association of Realtors (NAR). An upscale, six-figure kitchen remodel returns the least, affording the owners only 79.9 percent return on their investment if they sell. A major mid-range kitchen remodeling project costing about half that amount returns a bit more, 80.4 percent. According to the NAR and Remodeling Magazine, completing a minor kitchen remodel--such as installing new kitchen cabinets--generates the best cost recovery, as much as 85.2 percent.

Finding a reliable contractor who uses quality materials helps keep kitchen remodeling costs down, whether the motive for the remodel is love or money. According to Sarah Max in Money Magazine, "You want to be confident--via references and track record--that the person will get the job done right in a reasonable amount of time." GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com ((http://www.GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com) provides informative articles and helpful referrals to consumers seeking reliable local contractors for the best in kitchen renovation.

Though the majority--57 percent--of remodels are done by people who simply want a nicer kitchen or the latest kitchen cabinets, GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com reports that the survey has an ironic twist. Even when owners remodel to beautify, their updated kitchens do enhance their homes' resale potential because a dated kitchen that "doesn't show well" can be a real estate deal breaker.

GuideToKitchenRemodeling.com is a home improvement site that matches consumers with top cabinet refacing, replacement, and installation companies. The site connects consumers based on their specific kitchen cabinet needs and sets them up with services in their local area.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:57 AM | Comments (0)

Top Flooring Trends for 2007 -- Exotic Hardwood Flooring, Green Flooring including Bamboo Floors, More

More environmentally friendly and exotic flooring expected to lead sales in the New Year, providing designers, builders, developers and do-it yourselfers with a completely new range of looks and styles.

Vancouver, B.C. (PRWEB) January 7, 2007 -- As we move into the New Year the demand for more environmentally friendly and more exotic flooring options is expected to increase.

"We have seen a large and growing demand among consumers for 'green' flooring, with buyers placing a lot more importance on products that come from renewable resources," said Rob Banks, executive vice-president, sales for BuildDirect. "Bamboo has already become a significant part of the flooring market, largely because of its environmental benefits. As a fast growing grass plant that is not harmed by harvesting, bamboo is clearly one of the best flooring choices available from an eco-friendly standpoint. Now that we are seeing a growing selection of widths, colours and types of bamboo become available we certainly expect this demand to grow."

Banks went on to explain that a new category in flooring is emerging with Coco Palm flooring. "We think Coco Palm has the potential to really catch on in 2007, particularly in California which is leading the demand for more environmentally friendly products," said Banks. BuildDirect is currently in discussions with several different manufacturers to introduce a new line of Coco Palm flooring early in 2007.

The other trend in flooring expected for 2007 is a shift towards more exotic species taking over market share from traditional choices like oak and maple. "Brazilian cherry was a hot seller in 2005/2006, and now we are seeing more exotic species finding their way to market such as toona, tigerwood and taun," said Banks. These species, which have not commonly been available in North America, provide designers, builders, developers and do-it yourselfers with a completely new range of looks and styles.

"We are also seeing the trend toward more unique designs and looks in stone", said Banks. "Natural stones are definitely going to lead sales in 2007 particularly those with an antiqued or patterned look."

To find out more about the latest flooring trends, visit http://www.builddirect.com

About BuildDirect
BuildDirect is the world's leading online wholesaler of building materials. Since its start in 1999, the company has established a reputation for offering the best quality building supplies at the lowest pricing possible. BuildDirect currently operates in 60 countries on six continents. They have developed the single most cost effective distribution channel in the building products industry for products such as flooring, roofing, decking, siding and countertops. www.BuildDirect.com

For more information, please contact:
David Brodie
Phone: (604) 647-2911
Fax: (604) 662-8142

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:56 AM | Comments (0)

January 05, 2007

Solar Night Industries Announces Training for Solar Installers

Solar Night Industries (OTC: SLND.PK) in partnership with the Better Choice Group, have announced the first in a series of Solar Installation Training Programs to be held January 9th and 10th, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Saint Louis, MO (PRWEB) January 5, 2007 -- Solar Night Industries (OTC: SLND.PK) in partnership with the Better Choice Group, have announced the first in a series of Solar Installation Training Programs to be held January 9th and 10th, 2007 in Baltimore, Maryland. The two day on-site training course, "Connecting to the Grid" will be led by top instructors and solar installers in the industry and will educate attendees on trade skills necessary to accelerate commercialization of modern energy. Solar Night Industries and Better Choice Group expect attendees to be educated on a broad spectrum of solar installation best methods and business practices necessary to grow their business.

SNI President Jason Loyet pointed out that the first in a series of 2 day training events has identified a major agenda primed for solar energy growth, "Connecting to the Grid". "The rapidly emerging solar industry is at a point where the next generation of best in class solar installers must be trained and empowered to meet the upcoming needs of a Nation that is adopting modern energy methods. Solar Night Industries is dedicated to continuing to standardize this fragmented industry through collaboration, training, best in class product packages, and supporting a new generation of certified solar installers. We are confident that this first training conference will address major issues that installers face each day. This 2 day conference is first in a series of collaborations in which installers will be educated on best practices to accelerate their business."

"We are very excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Solar Night Industries on the first in a series of solar training programs," stated Dr. George Evans, CRM Certified Professional and CEO of the Better Choice Group. "We teamed up with Solar Night Industries based on several key sets of criteria - SNI has an enormous product base, they have forward thinking management, and our two companies have developed a strong commitment to empowering a next generation of solar installers. At the same time, through our affiliations with institutions of higher learning, we will provide our course attendees with research and training on the cutting edge of solar technology applications."

More information and enrollment information for the event on January 9th and 10th, 2007 can be found by visiting: http://www.solarnightindustries.com/planninganddesigninggridconnectedsystems

About Solar Night Industries, Inc.

Solar Night Industries, Inc., based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global manufacturer and distributor of innovative solar products. The company was founded by technology, manufacturing, and sales executives with extensive industry experience and proven track records of success. The company has operations in St. Louis, Missouri and Sarasota, Florida, with affiliate offices in Mainland China. The company is developing products for business, government, and agriculture markets. For more information, please visit http://www.SolarNightIndustries.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are made in reliance upon the "Safe Harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from the statements expressed or implied herein due to a variety of factors including, but not limited to: the development of Solar Night Industries’ solar cell technology and solar solutions ability to secure additional financing, the successful marketing and distribution of Solar Night Industries’ products market acceptance of Solar Night Industries’ products and technology, competition and timing of projects and trends in the solar industry, as well as other factors. The forward looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and Solar Night Industries undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

For more information: Solar Night Industries, Inc., Jason Loyet, President, 314-922-0154

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:22 AM | Comments (0)

Prefabricated Steel Buildings Save Green in More Ways Than One

With construction season fast approaching, Metal Buildings R Us (www.MetalBuildingsRUs.com) is starting 2007 in high gear with new marketing initiatives aimed at educating consumers about cost effective and environmentally friendly prefabricated steel buildings. "Environmentally friendly and 'green' building practices are buzzwords being thrown around a lot now, but people still think that making the effort to not harm the environment means sacrificing either quality or raising the cost of building to prohibitive levels. That simply isn't true anymore," said Dan Rice, of MetalBuildingsRUs.com. "Green doesn't have to equal sacrifice or huge expense."

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) January 5, 2007 -- With construction season fast approaching, Metal Buildings R Us (www.MetalBuildingsRUs.com) is starting 2007 in high gear with new marketing initiatives aimed at educating consumers about cost effective and environmentally friendly prefabricated steel buildings.

"Environmentally friendly and 'green' building practices are buzzwords being thrown around a lot now, but people still think that making the effort to not harm the environment means sacrificing either quality or raising the cost of building to prohibitive levels. That simply isn't true anymore," said Dan Rice, of MetalBuildingsRUs.com. "Green doesn't have to equal sacrifice or huge expense."

Prefabricated steel buildings are building code compliant and lower maintenance than wood and cement block construction for residential and commercial applications. These steel structures also tend to have a dramatically shorter completion time than that of a traditional building project, which reduces the time and cost commitments of expensive labor.

Additionally, prefabricated steel structures require little to no upkeep compared to their wood and cement block counterparts over the life of the building. They are considered superior to wooden structures in terms of withstanding storms, high winds, rain, snow and termites.

In terms of environmental impact, steel buildings are preferred by green builders and the environmentally conscious because they do not use slowly renewing natural resources like hardwoods.

"We're making some progress getting the word out about prefab steel buildings, and it shows in the rapid growth of the market," Rice said. "It's obvious that cost and environmental impact are big concerns of the American public, just look at recent movies and the economy. We want people to know that there's a building solution for their churches, farms and businesses that meets their needs in terms of quality and also addresses their concerns about costs and protecting the environment."

Details about prefabricated metal buildings, associated costs, environmental impact, and quality are available at http://www.metalbuildingsrus.com/ . The website offers the most current information and also features access to dozens of inspirational uses, designs and styles for today's metal buildings. Customers are able to check various designs, receive quotes, compare features and benefits and have nearly any question answered.

Metal Buildings R Us has more than fifty years of steel building design and manufacturing experience, and produces all of their buildings in the U.S.A. from the highest quality, heavy-gauge commcerial U.S. steel available. The precise design and manufacture of their structures meets or exceeds industry standards.

Metal Buildings R Us can be reached on the Internet at http://www.metalbuildingsrus.com.

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Metal buildings have traditionally been used for backyard tool sheds and dockside warehouses, but today's metal buildings offer much more diversity. Pre-fabricated metal buildings are created in a wide range of different designs and colors, and MetalBuildingsRUs.com offers a large selection of designs, paneling, coatings and colors.

Steel buildings are ideal for the small family business as well as for large multinational corporations. Steel buildings can be constructed in all types of shapes and sizes to accommodate for the specific needs of each company. Steel is extremely strong compared to many other building materials. This makes it possible to create large column free office buildings that offer the company outstanding flexibility.

Recommended applications for 100% U.S. commercial grade steel buildings include:

Garage and workshop
Agriculture
Manufacturing
Aviation Hangars
Office Buildings
Retail Buildings
House of Worship
Riding Arenas
Strip Malls
Warehouses

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:20 AM | Comments (0)

Stay Up-to-Date with the Decorative Concrete Industry in 2007 with the Free Monthly E-Newsletter by The Concrete Network

"The Concrete Source," a free monthly e-newsletter from The Concrete Network, keeps more than 25,000 homeowners, builders, and designers informed on the latest design ideas, products, industry leaders, and applications for decorative concrete.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) January 5, 2007 -- The Concrete Network, the largest and most comprehensive source for concrete information offers a free monthly e-newsletter for those interested in building or designing with concrete. "The Concrete Source" is a great resource for those who are looking to stay current on the top decorative trends and applications in the concrete industry. Subscribe to "The Concrete Source" online.

"The Concrete Source" is a short, crisp, easy-to-read email newsletter. It consists of fast reading article abstracts with links to the full story on ConcreteNetwork.com where the information is generated from. The articles cover popular decorative concrete applications such as staining concrete, stamped concrete and concrete countertops. Each month, the newsletter also highlights some of the industry's latest trends and techniques, and focuses on some of the innovative companies and individuals who are paving the way in the industry. It also features guest articles from popular industry speakers and consultants on technical construction and business topics.

Sent to over 25,000 subscribers each month, the e-newsletter appeals to concrete contractors, architects, general contractors, designers, homeowners, homebuilders, landscape designers, manufacturers/suppliers, and many others who can use the monthly newsletter to get ideas, scopes of work, specifications, product literature and links to other related information on www.ConcreteNetwork.com.

The Concrete Network does not sell or distribute its mailing list to any other parties or organizations.

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 23 types of decorative concrete work and 200 metropolitan areas throughout North America.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:20 AM | Comments (0)

Fast Home Offers Continues Massive Growth

Fast Home Offers announces another year of record growth, maintaining its position as the largest marketplace for connecting home sellers with real estate investors in North America.

Southlake, Texas (PRWEB) January 5, 2007 -- Fast Home Offers, the leader in quick home buying, had another record year in 2006, helping over 65,000 home owners sell their house quickly to an experienced real estate investor, representing over $15 billion worth of real estate.

Said Fast Home Offers CEO Jeremy Brandt, "2006 was a great year for us and we served 40% more home owners this year then we did in 2005. Our model of connecting home sellers directly with an experienced, local real estate investor continues to be an excellent alternative to the traditional method of listing with a real estate agent. Home owners have been excited to sell their house in days, not the weeks or months typically needed with traditional listings. With a tightening real estate market many home owners opt for a quick cash sale."

The FastHomeOffers.com web site, a free service to home sellers throughout the United States, Canada and Australia, is the largest online marketplace that connects home sellers with cash real estate buyers that can close quickly. Home sellers fill out a simple form and often receive an offer within hours. The marketplace serves home sellers seeking to sell quickly for reasons such as divorce, foreclosure, homes needing repair, inherited property, relocation, out of state ownership, and vacant rental property. Since its inception in 2003, Fast Home Offers has handled over $25 billion in sales requests, representing over 140,000 home owners.

About Fast Home Offers
Founded in 2003 with headquarters in Southlake, Texas, Fast Home Offers is the largest marketplace for connecting home sellers with cash home buyers in North America. Since 2003 Fast Home Offers has worked with over 140,000 home owners representing over $25 billion worth of residential real estate.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:19 AM | Comments (0)

Bushnauskas, Curattalo and Miele Join The Hampshire Companies as Executive Administrators

The Hampshire Companies, a full service, private real estate investment fund manager with equity in assets valued at over $1.5 billion, announced the appointments of Michelle Bushnauskas, Jennifer Curattalo and Sandra Miele as Executive Administrators.

Morristown, NJ (PRWEB) January 5, 2007 -- The Hampshire Companies, a full service, private real estate investment fund manager with equity in assets valued at over $1.5 billion, announced the appointments of Michelle Bushnauskas, Jennifer Curattalo and Sandra Miele as Executive Administrators.

Ms. Bushnauskas' responsibilities will include assisting the company's acquisition/due diligence teams. Prior to joining The Hampshire Companies, she was an Executive Administrative Assistant for Ungerer & Company.

Ms. Curattalo's responsibilities include assisting the investment managers for The Hampshire Generational Fund, one of the firm's private equity real estate investment funds tailored to high net worth investors. Her previous experience includes Bonland Industries where she was Executive Assistant to the President, and held an administrative position with the New York City Economic Development Corporation. Ms. Curattalo is a graduate of Queens College in Flushing, NY, and has her B.A. in Sociology.

Ms. Miele will assist the Senior Investment and Asset Managers for The Hampshire Partners Fund VI, the company's $235 million institutional investment fund, as well as the planned Hampshire Partners Fund VII. Prior to joining The Hampshire Companies, she was a legal secretary for Thacher Proffitt & Wood, LLP.

"Michelle, Jennifer and Sandra join The Hampshire Companies as integral parts of our team," said James E. Hanson II, CEO and President of The Hampshire Companies. "Their enthusiasm, organization and drive are symbolic of our firm as a whole. We are excited to have them join and look forward to them making an immediate contribution to our company."

Hampshire Partners Fund VI is a real estate investment fund focused on diversified value-add opportunities in the industrial, retail and suburban office asset classes located in the growth corridors of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Fund VI has acquired a total of approximately $600 million in real estate over the past three years. The Fund continues to actively seek additional acquisitions throughout its targeted markets.

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 and office product 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 03:19 AM | Comments (0)

Homeowners are Making Renovations in Preparation for the New Year

Kitchen and bathrooms are this year's popular home improvement projects.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) January 5, 2007 -- According to the RenovationExperts.com 2006 Pre-Holiday survey, kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects are not only the most popular, but also the most cost effective home improvement projects to tackle this year. Improving a kitchen or bathroom instantly increases the value of your home.

In order to provide homeowners with the latest cost effective home design trends, materials and quality customer service in 2007, West Coast Flooring Center is offering Southern Californian homeowners a $50 West Coast Flooring Center gift certificate for completing a short home improvement survey online. Customers are opting to use the $50 gift certificate, in addition to their home renovation budget, to purchase granite countertops and over sized ceramic tiles for both the bathroom and kitchen in order to accommodate to some of the up and coming design trends reported in the Wall Street Real Estate Journal.

Though more expensive than some other materials, granite's longevity adds immeasurable value. Kelley Munoz of West Coast Flooring Center said honed or sanded countertops now represent the majority of granite sales.

"Granite is an excellent choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops," said Munoz. "The honed granite countertops are not completely practical because they are susceptible to stains and scratches, yet they provide a matte look which has become a popular home trend for the new year."

Another trend for kitchen and bathroom makeovers is oversized ceramic tiles, which are gracing the floors of homeowners throughout the nation.

"Consumers are opting to purchase large and more refined matte and polished ceramic tile styles for a clean and substantial look," said Munoz. "Ceramic tiles provide a classy slate-look that is perfect for rooms with water since they are waterproof, stain-resistant and easy to maintain."

To learn more about popular design trends, or to learn more about the $50 gift certificate West Coast Flooring is offering, visit www.westcoastflooring.com.

About West Coast Flooring Center
West Coast Flooring Center is a quality flooring and home improvement company serving the Southern California area from Riverside to Chula Vista . They offer a variety of services in home flooring with a wide selection and wholesale prices.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:18 AM | Comments (0)

Real Estate: Builder Magazine Highlights What I Want Podcasting as a Change Agent for Podcasting Real Estate

Real estate podcasting for the home building industry was highlighted in the December article of Builder magazine tilted "Direct Link." What I Want Podcasting was featured for its work with Taylor Woodrow Homes and the innovation behind the podcast initiative.

Miami, Fl (PRWEB) January 4, 2007 -- Real estate podcasting for the home building industry was highlighted in the December article of Builder magazine tilted "Direct Link." What I Want Podcasting was featured for its work with Taylor Woodrow Homes and the innovation behind the podcast initiative.

Podcasting and online video have become viable business tools that are giving traditional industries new social media tools that are enhancing their online business operations and affecting business models. "We are reducing costs and increasing sales and promotion with the use of new media technology," says Ryan Hoback, CEO of What I Want Podcasting. The article speaks about the home building industry seeking new marketing approaches and podcasting becoming the answer.

Builder magazine says

What I Want Podcasting specializes in the integration of new media into existing business models. For more information, please contact via e-mail.

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

Sani-Tred's New Waterproofing System Website, Hated by the 'Experts', Loved by Customers

The new web site that is making more enemies than ever with the Basement Waterproofing Franchise "Experts". It turns out that SANI-TRED® has come out with a new web site that completely re-writes the traditional ideas of basement waterproofing. The enemies being made are with the competitors of the SANI-TRED® system who often charge as much as 10-to-15 times more without eliminating humidity in basements. SANI-TRED® system is a liquid rubber, adhesive, waterproofing material that actually seals basements permanently from the inside. Their motto is, "we keep the water out".

Plymouth, IN (PRWEB) January 4, 2007 -- Early in March, of 2001 was the introduction of the first SANI-TRED® website. The net has proven to be the best place to advertise. You might have heard of the name SANI-TRED® while browsing the internet, magazine or newspaper ads but you didn't pay attention to what the ad was about. It turns out that SANI-TRED® has come out with a new web site that completely re-writes the traditional ideas of basement waterproofing. The enemies being made are with the competitors of the SANI-TRED® system who often charge as much as 10-to-15 times more without eliminating humidity in basements. SANI-TRED® system is a liquid rubber, adhesive, waterproofing material that actually seals basements permanently from the inside. Their motto is, "we keep the water out".

This practice of sealing a basement from the inside has normally been considered impossible by the main stream architectural community, mainly because of several factors. The first and most important factor is "negative hydrostatic pressure" and the second is "moisture vapor drive".

It seems that this type of interior basement waterproofing system has been attempted with many other coatings and paints countless times in the past in an attempt to waterproof basements on the inside and always with the same "negative" results. It seems the coatings are pushed off of the concrete by these mysterious and powerful forces of negative hydrostatic pressure (caused by ground water pressure) and moisture vapor drive causing the coatings to peel or flake off of the concrete in as little as 1-to-3 months resulting in continued leaking.

"The reason SANI-TRED® products have been able to do what no other products have been able to do is because of their unique properties of Flexible Penetration®, Elongation Memory®, and Permanent Elongation® Technologies" says Bill Emerick, SANI-TRED® research manager.

"The product line now known world wide as SANI-TRED® has been creating waves in the basement waterproofing market since 1989 and unlike other products that have tried and claimed to be able to waterproof basements from the inside SANI-TRED® has a perfect record of success, refuses to go away and knowledge of it's success is growing world wide", says Emerick.

"Our biggest problem", says Emerick, "is informing the public that it is possible to completely and permanently waterproof their basement on the inside, with SANI-TRED, and to disregard other so called waterproofing experts that say "it is impossible".

In my investigation it appears that the waterproofing establishment and SANI-TRED competitors do have envy of the success of the SANI-TRED® system. While browsing the internet I discovered an entire web search engine site at sani-tred.com, (being sure to include the hyphen), which is allegedly being used illegally in an attempt to market direct competitors of the SANI-TRED® systems. The first thought that struck me as I entered this site is that no one would try to copycat a system that was not successful and it appears that many of SANI-TRED'S competitors were doing just that by advertising on the site. The real SANI-TRED® web site address is sanitred.com, (without the hyphen).

The alleged illegal use of the registered trademark of SANI-TRED, on the fore- mentioned site, is in the process of arbitration litigation brought by the owners of SANI-TRED Ideal Products, LLC. Also during my investigation I found that there have been no law suits against the SANI-TRED systems when other basement waterproofing and concrete repair systems are normally plagued with law suits brought by unhappy customers.
In my browsing of basement waterproofing forums, the name of SANI-TRED is extremely derogated and defiled by conventional franchised waterproofing companies to the point of using vial slang and pornographic comments. Also in these forums, to my surprise, I've noticed that actual past customers come to the defense of the SANI-TRED bashing waterproofing experts which seems to anger them more.

In my experience this kind of hatred is usually born of deep envy or jealous greed. The strange thing about this type of behavior against SANI-TRED, by other basement waterproofers, appears to be unfounded because from what I understand, virtually anyone can purchase the materials and install them including and especially other professional basement waterproofers. "We don't want any animosity with any other group, company or service", says Emerick, "If the SANI-TRED bashers would only try the products they could see the results for themselves."

"SANI-TRED® has many other permanent waterproofing systems which include flooring, deck coating, swimming pool repair and radon mitigation but the crown jewel of the SANI-TRED® systems is a permanent indoor basement waterproofing system designed for the do-it-yourselfer, says Emerick.
The new SANI-TRED® web site has been upgraded and improved to include new graphics, multiple forms of site navigation, on-line ordering and even blog content pages. "Probably the best and most important part about the SANI-TRED® web site is it's large amount of useful information", says Emerick, "Customers can get all the information that they need from the web or they can call and talk to a live technician, during standard business hours, and have all of their questions answered with virtually no sales pressure, ever".

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

Ascendix Technologies Announces Schedule for Real Estate Advantage™ Product Launch Tour

The Commercial Real Estate Solution for MicrosoftCRM™.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) January 4, 2007 -- Ascendix Technologies announced the schedule for the Real Estate Advantage product launch tour, with the first event being held at the Microsoft offices in Irving, Texas, on February 6, 2007. Each product launch event presents a unique opportunity for professionals from the commercial real estate community to have an in-depth review of the product offering, as well as interact with select contacts from Microsoft and Ascendix Technologies.

"We wanted to provide a forum where like-minded professionals from the commercial real estate industry could come together to review this unique solution that has been developed to address key issues they are facing. With this industry solution built on the MicrosoftCRM platform, companies are able to invest in an enterprise-capable solution and still meet the specialized needs of the commercial real estate professional. Prior to Real Estate Advantage™, the industry was limited to boutique applications that lacked the flexibility and scalability of CRM, or expensive, over-extended backoffice and ERP systems," said Wes Snow, President and CEO of Ascendix Technologies, Inc.

February 6, 2007
Irving, TX
Microsoft Offices

March 27, 2007
Chicago, IL
Microsoft Offices

April 24, 2007
Irvine, CA
Microsoft Offices

May 21 - 23, 2007
Las Vegas, NV
ICSC Tradeshow - Las Vegas Convention Center

June 7 - 9, 2007
Boston, MA
RealComm Show

July 24, 2007
New York, NY
Microsoft Offices

October 16 - 19, 2007
Atlanta, GA
NAIOP Show

The content is intended for professionals from commercial real estate firms who are involved in the buying/selling, servicing or investing of commercial real estate. This includes but is not limited to public REITs, property owners, asset managers, brokerage firms (landlord and tenant rep firms) and developers.

Following each product launch event, to ensure all interested parties will have ample opportunities to get exposure to the content, a separate schedule of follow-up webinars covering the same content is being put together and will be communicated during Q1 2007.

About Real Estate Advantage -- Real Estate Advantage™, awarded Microsoft's certification for the Microsoft® Dynamics™ platform, is a specialized CRM solution helping commercial (office, retail and industrial) real estate companies manage assets, leases, tenants, vendors and prospects in marketing, service, sales and support functions. More effectively managing these complex business relationships helps real estate companies reach their business objectives of becoming more productive, efficient and profitable. Built on the Microsoft® Dynamics™ CRM 3.0 platform, Real Estate Advantage leverages the tools your organization already uses, such as Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, MapPoint and SharePoint, improving the intuitiveness and adoption rates that so often plague CRM implementations. In addition, the Microsoft® Dynamics™ CRM 3.0 platform maximizes the investment you have already made in infrastructure using tools such as Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft® SQL Server, Active Directories and .Net frameworks.

About Ascendix Technologies -- Ascendix Technologies, Inc., a Microsoft® Certified Gold Partner, is a privately held corporation located in Dallas, TX. Founded in 1996, the company is celebrating its 10th year in business focused solely on the implementation of CRM systems for companies in both the mid and enterprise market space. In 2003, Ascendix turned to a vertical strategy, quickly carving out a niche in the alternative investment products, financial services and commercial real estate industries. For more information, please visit Ascendix on the web at www.ascendix.com or contact them at 1-888-Find-CRM.

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

OMG Acquires Roofing Business from ITW Buildex

OMG, Inc. has just announced its acquisition of ITW Buildex's Roofing Business Segment. This business, based in Illinois, develops and manufactures fastening systems for the commercial roofing industry. The acquisition adds significant new products and capabilities for OMG.

Agawam, MA (PRWEB) January 4, 2007 -- OMG, Inc., a leading manufacturer of fasteners and building products for the commercial and residential construction industry, has just announced its acquisition of ITW Buildex's Roofing Business Segment. This business, based in Illinois, develops and manufactures fastening systems for the commercial roofing industry.

OMG, Inc. is a division of Handy & Harman. Handy & Harman is a wholly-owned subsidiary of WHX Corporation (Pink Sheets: WXCPK).

The acquisition demonstrates OMG's significant commitment to the commercial roofing industry and will add a suite of new products to their catalog, including AccuTrac™ Automated Insulation and Seam Attachment System, Polymer Batten Strip™ for membrane attachment, Eyehook Seam Plate and Reel-Fast™ Collated Seam Plates.

"Our integration of products from the ITW Buildex Roofing Business Segment significantly strengthens OMG's market position," says Hugh McGovern, President, OMG. "The addition of a Midwest manufacturing facility will also enable us to better serve customers in that region and throughout the United States."

OMG's new Chicago factory, previously maintained by ITW Buildex, will employ approximately 30 people and includes a full customer service center. No manufacturing layoffs are anticipated during the acquisition process. ITW Buildex is known for developing one of the first available roofing fasteners in the industry, and OMG plans to maintain existing product branding to ensure a seamless transition for customers.

OMG, Inc., is a world-class manufacturer and supplier of fasteners and components for the construction industry. For more information visit www.olyfast.com or call 1-800-633-3800.

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

Santa Clarita Transit Maintenance Facility Earns LEED® Gold Rating from U.S. Green Building Council

Straw-bale building envelope highlights list of sustainable design innovations in HOK-designed project.

Santa Clarita, CA (Vocus/PRWeb ) January 3, 2007 -- The new City of Santa Clarita Transit Maintenance Facility, designed by HOK (www.hoksustainabledesign.com), has been certified a LEED® Gold building by the U.S. Green Building Council. Through an unconventional use of materials, the project has become one of the first LEED-certified straw-bale buildings in the world. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings.

In an effort to improve air quality in the Santa Clarita Valley, the City of Santa Clarita's municipal transit system decided to convert its entire bus fleet from diesel to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), a conversion that required a modern maintenance headquarters. Completed in May 2006, the new facility includes a 22,000-square-foot administration building, 25,000-square-foot maintenance building, bus wash facility, CNG fueling island for City buses, and publicly accessible CNG fueling station. The $20-million project is designed to accommodate more than 150 buses and nearly 160 staff, with room for future expansion.

Consistent with its effort to operate in an environmentally conscious manner, the City sought to achieve the highest LEED rating possible within budget. The integrated design team, consisting of the owner, architect, MEP engineering consultant and landscape architect, determined that straw-bale construction, an uncommon technique generally used in residential development, would best meet the City's needs.

Although highly innovative today, straw-bale construction was pioneered more than a century ago. Its durability, resistance to burning and pest infestation, and high insulation value make straw bales one of the most efficient, cost-effective building materials for one- and two-story applications.

The Santa Clarita building envelope is constructed of straw bales with a lime plaster layer on both the interior and exterior. This creates an efficient, super insulated building perimeter to complement the large day-night temperature swings of the surrounding desert climate.

"Straw-bale construction may be a rediscovered technology, but it is appropriate and sustainable by today's standards. When combined with more recent technologies such as under-floor air distribution, high-performance glazing, and daylighting--as it is in this project--it can be part of a powerful strategy for creating an energy and resource-efficient building," said HOK's Charles Smith, Senior Project Manager. "We were able to exceed California Energy Efficiency Standards by over 40 percent."

"Straw-bale construction opens up the possibility of a whole new aesthetic as well. It's one in which only essential materials are needed to render form while achieving a cost- and energy-efficient building and promoting a healthier indoor environment--the basis of a sustainable design."

Not only does the technique save on the use of traditional, non-renewable materials, it also provides the added environmental benefit of reducing the quantity of straw burned. In California, readily available and inexpensive rice straw is a waste product of the grain farming industry. Until recently, the burning of rice straw was the single largest contributor to air pollution in the state.

Additional sustainable features of the building include: skylights and clerestory daylighting, a well-insulated "cool" roof with deep overhangs to shade clerestories and protect straw-bale walls from moisture, on-site stormwater collection and treatment, water-efficient plumbing fixtures, a gray water reclamation system, an under-floor air system, water-source heat pumps, a courtyard and native plant garden, 25% fly ash paving, and efficient use of local, recycled materials. The project's less-is-more approach has resulted in a facility with a high level of sustainability on a budget consistent with conventional buildings of the same type and size.

"Recognition from the USGBC is an honor to receive because it acknowledges our City's commitment to environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Each year our City strives to reduce operating costs and conserve our natural resources to create a cleaner, healthier Santa Clarita," commented City Mayor Marsha McLean.

The Santa Clarita Transit Maintenance Facility represents HOK's 12th project to earn LEED recognition from the U.S. Green Building Council.

HOK (www.hok.com) is a global architectural firm that specializes in planning, design and delivery solutions for buildings and communities. Through its collaborative network of 24 offices worldwide, the firm serves diverse clients within the corporate, commercial, public and institutional markets. HOK is committed to developing resources and expertise to help lead the world toward sustainable communities and building environments. Founded in 1955, the firm's expertise includes architecture, engineering, interiors, planning, lighting, graphics, facilities planning and assessment, and construction services.

Established by the U.S. Green Building Council, the LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. It provides a complete framework for assessing building performance and meeting sustainability goals. Based on well-founded scientific standards, LEED promotes strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality.

Contact:
Mark Murphy
314.754.3914
www.hok.com
www.hoksustainabledesign.com

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

NiteLites of Indianapolis Planning to Exhibit 'Green' Lighting Fixtures at 49th Indiana Flower and Patio Show

NiteLites of Indianapolis, the Landscape Lighting Professionals uses environmentally friendly low voltage lighting They will display low voltage lighting fixtures and accessories at the 49th Indiana Flower and Patio Show in Indianapolis, March 10th through 18th at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) January 3, 2007 -- NiteLites of Indianapolis, the Landscape Lighting Professionals, is pleased to announce their participation in the 49th Indiana Flower and Patio Show scheduled for March 10 through 18. Show hours are 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sundays. Admission to the show is $10.00; children 12 and under are admitted free. Monday, March 12th, Seniors 55 and older pay only $7.00. The show features more than 25 gardens themed after great vacation destinations. The show also features 450 exhibitors ready to answer any and all questions regarding improvement of an outdoor living area. While attending the show, stop at the NiteLites booth where Mykal Minor and his staff will show his spectacular photos of homes illuminated using NiteLites outdoor lighting systems. Mr. Minor will also be happy to discuss the benefits of low voltage, energy efficient lighting systems installed by the NiteLites professionals.

NiteLites is sensitive to the problems of energy consumption and light pollution and is dedicated to the installation of only low voltage lighting. NiteLites, the landscape lighting professionals, also participates in "Green" building programs. Green building is development that conserves the environment, through the use of environmentally friendly, and energy efficient products and techniques.

For years NiteLites has been an industry leader in the production and installation of low voltage outdoor landscape lighting for both residential and commercial design, installation, and service. NiteLites provides a wide variety of outdoor lighting including: architectural, landscape and garden, deck, submersible, and path lighting.

Energy-efficient line voltage lighting, especially fluorescent, receives a great deal of attention. But low voltage lighting saves energy and offers benefits not available with line voltage lighting. Low voltage lighting, by definition, operates at 30 volts or less. A transformer converts line voltage (120V) to either 12 or 24 volts. When powered properly, low voltage lighting can produce two-and-a-half times as much light as line voltage incandescent lamps. In other words, a 50-watt low voltage lamp generates as much light as a 125-watt line voltage lamp.

The per-lamp savings for each 1,000 hours of operation can be as much as $7.50, based on a kilowatt-hour rate of 10 cents. Multiplied by the number of lamps installed in an architectural and landscape lighting system, the savings become significant. This energy efficiency produces a strong case for low voltage lighting for architectural, landscape, and even general lighting applications.

Other reasons to consider low voltage lighting include: light quality, design flexibility, safety, and lack of waste. Light pollution is a growing problem in many areas throughout the U.S. By maintaining an even glow on the focal point rather than the glaring lights produced by high voltage lighting, NiteLites provides the added elegance of lighting while protecting our skies from intrusive "over lighting."

Even if it weren't energy efficient, low voltage lighting would still be specified for commercial space, since no other type of lighting can duplicate its light quality. Low voltage systems can establish a desired ambience for the occupied environment.

NiteLites landscape lighting systems offer many additional benefits:

A NiteLites lighting system will increase the value and resale of a home and make the home the showcase of the neighborhood.

A property owner can enjoy more hours outside in the comfort of his own environment and create an elegant atmosphere for entertaining.

NiteLites lighting systems can be easily expanded after installation without disruption to the landscape.

Each system is comprised of solid brass and copper fixtures with a 5 year warranty, and bulbs carry a 1 year warranty. NiteLites lighting systems are installed by trained NiteLi