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September 29, 2007

Ashton Woods Homes Continues to Attract Buyers - Exclusive CEO Interview

Ashton Woods Homes today announced that their CEO had recently done an exclusive interview covering focused topics relative to the home builder and home buyer market.

Roswell, GA (PRWEB) September 29, 2007 -- Ashton Woods Homes today announced that their CEO had recently done an exclusive interview covering focused topics relative to the home builder and home buyer market.

In a rare and exclusive interview with Tom Krobot, CEO of Ashton Wood Homes, Housing Giants Magazine Senior Editor Bill Lurz explored the current state of the home builder market and how Ashton Woods' strategy helps keep them on course.

Established in Dallas, TX in 1989, the Ashton Woods Homes philosophy is to build exceptional homes in growth communities and to deliver superior service to its customers. The Ashton Woods Homes commitment to excellence can be seen in dozens of uniquely designed communities in Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Orlando, Phoenix and Tampa. Ashton Woods specializes in first and second move-up homes in big housing markets close to jobs, shopping and transportation corridors and is moving into higher-density housing such as townhouses and even
four-story condo buildings with elevators to keep home prices within reach of targeted buyers.

Ashton Woods Homes also employs nationally known architects to design developments that fit the land and the market niche precisely. "We don't build specs. If you buy a spec home, it's new - but you still didn't get exactly what you wanted. You don't get your dream home by buying a spec," explained Krobot.

While many of the largest production builders are cutting back on customization to tighten their costs, Ashton Woods is expanding that capability. "We have design centers in our five largest markets, and that's part of our strategy everywhere. We design floor plans with a lot of flexibility and offer a tremendous number of pre-priced options to allow customers to put their own signature on their home."

Ashton Woods sells the performance attributes of its homes as well as design esthetics, balancing healthy-house features with energy efficiency that helps pay for the extra cost of tight construction, extra insulation, mechanical ventilation, pressure balancing and interior moisture management. "We're the only builder that nationally subscribes to Masco Contractor Services' Environments For Living program," Krobot says. All of the company's homes are Energy Star-rated silver and many are gold. One of five homes is blower-door tested by Environments For Living.

"In Florida, [for example many builders use a single-glazed window. All our Florida windows are vinyl, double-glazed with Low-E glass. It's an expensive window, but we can save a customer a lot of money on utility bills. That's how we sell houses against competitors and against existing homes," explained Krobot. "Our homes carry a unique value, combining great location, stellar design and high-quality engineering," he added. "That's our selling proposition."

As a testament to Krobot's sound leadership the company maintains a solid stance in the marketplace and in 1997 ranked No. 114 on Professional Builder's Giant 400 list with 604 homes closed for $103.6 million in 1996 revenue. A decade later, Krobot has the firm at No. 43 (up 16 spots in the last year), on 2006 revenues of $704.6 million from 2,471 closings. Ashton Woods opened operations during that decade in Orlando and Tampa, Fla.; Phoenix; and Denver and Colorado Springs, Colo. - all start-ups, without benefit of an acquisition. And Ashton Woods has an unsecured credit line of $400 million with a consortium of U.S. banks, to fund future growth.

Ashton Woods Homes is a subsidiary of the Great Gulf Group - a fully-integrated collection of companies that spans the entire real estate spectrum in North America - from land acquisition and development to the design and construction of master-planned communities. For more information, visit www.ashtonwoodshomes.com. (770) 998-9663.

Contact: Tad Serbin
Ashton Woods Homes
Phone: 770-998-9663

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:22 AM | Comments (0)

New Construction Strategies Radio Network and McGraw Hill Team up to Distribute Programming Focused on Emerging Trends in the Construction Industry

New Construction Strategies Radio Network and McGraw Hill Team up to distribute programming focused on emerging trends in the construction industry including radio interviews of leading thinkers in the construction industry.

Ormond Beach, FL (PRWEB) September 29, 2007 -- Today, the New Construction Strategies Radio Network (NCSR), a joint venture of Garrison Associates and Jackstreet Media, reached agreement to distribute NCSR programming on McGraw Hill's Southeast Construction site. The program features interviews with business leaders across every segment of the construction industry, including general contractors, subcontractors, union leaders, trade associations, architects, engineers, building and facility owners and vendors. The program aims to give a 360 degree perspective of the issues facing the industry and focuses on uncovering emerging trends and "next" practices. Southeast Construction reaches more than 28,000 readers and serves the $65.8 billion construction market in the Southeast.

"Southeast Construction is a valuable resource to the region's construction industry with a history of providing high quality, in-depth features. We are delighted to collaborate with them to deliver this programming," said Ted Garrison, host of New Construction Strategies Radio.

About New Construction Radio Network
The New Construction Strategies Radio Network produces programming focused on uncovering the best insights, best practices and emerging construction strategies in the construction industry. The program is available, online, on demand, 24/7 at www.newconstructionstrategies.com. A new segment is added every week and visitors to the site may subscribe to the program to get full access to the complete archive of programming. New Construction Strategies is produced by Emmy winning broadcaster Errol Smith. The business model for the program was developed by Jackstreet Media and the program is distributed on the Affiliate Nanocasting Network using Really Targeted Syndication (RTS) ™

For more information, go to http://www.southeast.construction.com or http://www.newconstructionstrategies.com For information on syndication go to www.theann.com, or contact Ted Garrison at 800-861-0874.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:21 AM | Comments (0)

New Educational Newsletter for Architects and Building Industry Professionals

Devonian Stone of New York Inc., a sandstone mining and fabrication company in upstate NY, is announcing the launch of its new monthly e-newsletter titled "Glacier Blue™ Architectural Topics & News", geared toward providing information that is of particular interest to architects.

(PRWEB) September 29, 2007 -- Devonian Stone of New York Inc., a sandstone mining and fabrication company in upstate NY, is announcing the launch of its new monthly e-newsletter titled "Glacier Blue™ Architectural Topics & News", geared toward providing information that is of particular interest to architects.

When one thinks of a newsletter, what usually comes to mind is a publication, whether distributed electronically or via regular mail, created with the sole objective of selling a product. But this newsletter is different, primarily due to the fact that the company's president, Robert Bellospirito, is a Registered Provider with the AIA and is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge of various aspects of the stone and construction industries. Among other things, in each issue of the e-newsletter there is an "architectural topic of the month," covering topics such as pedestal pavers, the differences between Devonian stone and limestone, and cleaning and sealing. A different architectural firm is featured in each monthly issue, and architects are encouraged to suggest topics to be covered in upcoming issues.

Those interested in signing up to receive the newsletter may do so by visiting the company's web site at www.devonianstone.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:20 AM | Comments (0)

College Scholarships for Fire Protection Engineering Students Available, but Not Always Claimed

The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) announced that numerous college scholarships are available for the 2008 academic year. In recent years, many of these scholarships have gone unclaimed. These scholarships give students an opportunity to study fire protection engineering, a field in which the demand for qualified graduates is much greater than the supply.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- The Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE) announced that numerous college scholarships are available for the 2008 academic year. Many local chapters of SFPE across the country offer scholarships for fire protection engineering graduate and undergraduate college students.

"These scholarships are a great way to offset the rising costs of college," says Chris Jelenewicz, SFPE Engineering Program Manager. "Scholarships range from $500 to $7,000."

In past years, the chapters have found that many of these scholarships go unclaimed.

"The last few years we have had very little response to the scholarship. This is true even after contacting the universities that teach fire protection and ask to announce the scholarship to the students," says SFPE Tennessee Valley Chapter President, Monty Overton.

The SFPE Chapters are eager for students to apply for these scholarships.

"We have circulated the applications to several area colleges for years, but the response has been sporadic and less than desired," notes Bill Kennedy SFPE St. Louis Chapter Board of Directors.

Additionally, many scholarships are available from colleges and universities that offer programs in fire protection engineering and from private fire protection organizations.

"Because the demand for fire protection engineers outpaces the supply, it is very difficult for employers to find qualified fire protection engineers," says Jelenewicz. "To meet this demand, these scholarships give interested students an opportunity to enter this rewarding profession."

More information about the scholarships that are available for college students majoring in fire protection engineering can be found at http://www.careersinfireprotectionengineering.com

What is a fire protection engineer?
According to the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, a fire protection engineer applies science and engineering principles to protect people, homes, workplaces, the economy and the environment from the devastating effects of fires. Fire protection engineers analyze how buildings are used, how fires start and grow, and how fires affect people and property. They use the latest technologies to design systems to control fires, alert people to danger, and provide means for escape. Fire protection engineers also work closely with other professionals, including engineers of other disciplines, architects, state and local building officials, and local fire departments to build fire safe communities. Fire protection engineers are in high demand. The number of available jobs far exceeds the supply.

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

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:20 AM | Comments (0)

Music, Air and Light: Panama's Plaza Costa del Este Launches in Miami

Homes Real Estate is proud to announce the upcoming launch of the Plaza Costa del Este located in the heart of Panama City, Panama, an exciting mixed-use tower combining the talents of Latin America's most renowned designers, architects and developers. A gala event in Miami earlier this month marked the launch of this groundbreaking project.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Homes Real Estate is proud to reveal the launch of the much-anticipated Plaza Costa del Este, a gleaming tower of air and light on Panama City's waterfront.

The gala event to mark the project's launch took place early September in Miami Florida, at the historical Vizcaya Mansion Estates, where the well-attended festivities promised a successful start to this exciting mixed-use project.

Featuring the clean, sleek lines of architect Musa Asvat, the Plaza Costa del Este integrates function with the pleasure of the senses. Hotel accommodation and management are provided by "The Fortune House", a Miami landmark with a strong philosophy, redefining the boutique hotel with unique, carefully chosen details and ultimate comfort for the business traveler.

The much-anticipated project has already attracted the attention of such high-profile clients as Latin pop superstar Enrique Iglesias, who recently purchased a pre-construction unit in the luxury waterfront tower.

Gilberto Santa Rosa, one of salsa's most prolific recording artists with nearly 20 albums released under the Sony label, has agreed to be the face of the project that is drawing notice both north and south of the isthmus.

"I'm very pleased to be one of the Plaza's very first customers," says Mr Santa Rosa, who will also be one of the project's many notable residents. "Panama City is an exciting place to be right now, and the Plaza is going to be its crowning jewel.

"It shows the kind of quality and beauty that is at the heart of Latin America, for the entire world to see."

Set on the waterfront overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Plaza Costa del Este is located in Panama's hottest residential district. Just minutes from downtown Panama and the Tocumen International Airport, residents will enjoy the tranquility and luxury of ultimate living, with access to all of Panama City's finest amenities and the tropical beauty beyond.

Developed by A2SN, a development group responsible for many of Panama's most successful projects, the tower will combine luxury two-storey lofts, condominium apartments, as well as 150 five-star boutique hotel quarters for the high-end traveler.

Hotel operations will be administered by the Octagon Group, a leader in hotel and resort management with an accomplished list of projects and ventures worldwide, including the development and/or operation of New Zealand's Mapua Island Resort, Compass Resorts in the Bahamas, and Aguila Point in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.

The Plaza's residential units range from 77 square meters (829 square feet) to 102 square meters (1098 square feet), infused with light and open spaces. Hotel quarters will range from 36 to 47 square meters (387 - 495 square feet).

All residents and guests will have access to the complex's Spa, Sky Beach and Business Center, as well as an exclusive Beach Club on Contadora Island, the jewel of the Pearl Islands Archipelago. The Plaza's entertainment complex also includes a Theater, on-site restaurant and swimming pool.

More information regarding this project can be found at Homes Website.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:19 AM | Comments (0)

Clem Mitchell Named President and CEO of Fru-Con Construction Corp.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) September 28, 2007 -- Clement V. (Clem) Mitchell has been named president and chief executive officer of Fru-Con Construction Corp., a national construction and engineering firm with operations throughout the country.

Mitchell joined Fru-Con in 2001 to establish its Eastern Regional Office in metro Washington, D.C. Under his leadership, the office has successfully completed complex wastewater and water treatment projects for such leading agencies as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority. He has served on the Fru-Con board of directors as executive vice president since 2006.

Prior to joining Fru-Con, he was employed for 22 years by Fischbach Corp., a subsidiary of American International Group (AIG). His tenure included 14 years as president and chief executive officer of Ficon Corp., a Fischbach division that operated as a holding company of multiple general, mechanical and electrical construction and service companies.

Fru-Con provides engineering and construction expertise for industrial services, facility services and environmental technology through Fru-Con Construction, Fru-Con Engineering (www.frucon.com) and Centennial Contractors Enterprises (www.cce-inc.com). Founded in 1872, Fru-Con employs about 2,300 professional and craft employees and ranks as the nation’s 76th largest contractor with 2006 revenues exceeding $650 million. Fru-Con is part of the Bilfinger Berger AG (www.bilfingerberger.com) group of multi-service companies. Bilfinger Berger is the world’s 10th largest construction services group.

Editor’s note: The St. Louis office of Fru-Con Construction is located at 15933 Clayton Road, Ballwin, Mo. 63011. The Washington, D.C. office is at 4310 Prince William Parkway, Suite 200, Woodbridge, Va. 22192.

For more information, contact Marie A. Casey at 314-721-2828.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:19 AM | Comments (0)

Innovation Happening at Arizona's NewHomesSection.com

NewHomesSection.Com, an Arizona based company has grown significantly over the past several months, expanding its services to all of Arizona. NewHomesSection.Com has also added several new resources to its website.

Queen Creek, Ariz. (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Arizona based company NewHomesSection.Com has grown significantly over the past several months, expanding its services from Metro Phoenix to Yuma, Tucson and Northern Arizona. NewHomesSection.Com has also added several new resources to its Arizona real estate website.

Owners, Jayson Gibson, Paul Escobedo and Rick Jacobsen started NewHomesSection.Com in June and have since watched their company grow from simply featuring weekly builder ads to the addition of several revolutionary ideas.

In the past two weeks, NewHomesSection.com has introduced a new design, Arizona resale home listings and a quick link to view Arizona move-in ready homes. On top of these additions, NewHomesSection.Com now provides its visitors with the ability to watch new home builder's T.V commercials.

"We want NewHomesSection.Com to be a one-stop-shop for Arizona homebuyers," Gibson said Monday.

Escobedo adds, "We are constantly changing NewHomesSection.Com to accommodate all the needs of home shoppers. We want to make it so they (home shoppers) never have to go anywhere else for home buying information."

Donnie O'Neil, a Phoenix resident who has been researching information about single family homes, found the online service NewHomesSection.Com offers to be very valuable in his search for his family's new home.

"I have used NewHomesSection.Com before and love the new features it has to offer. All of the information I needed was in one location," O'Neil said. "I like the fact that users don't have to give out any personal information to search for a home."

To find out more information about NewHomesSection.Com visit NewHomesSection.com or contact Paul Escobedo at paul(at)newhomessection.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:18 AM | Comments (0)

Central Ohio New Homebuilder Celebrates 55 Year Anniversary

Dominion Homes, a homebuilder serving Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky, is celebrating its emerald anniversary by discounting new homes up to $55,000.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 --Columbus-based homebuilder Dominion Homes has been building new homes for 55 years. They currently build in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. In celebration of this emerald anniversary, Dominion Homes is offering discounts of up to $55,000 on select new home builds.

Dominion Homes was founded by Don Borror who built his first home in 1952 by borrowing $800 from his newly-wedded wife. Don's legacy continues as his son, Douglas, continues to build upon his dad's dream, one high quality Dominion home at a time.

Douglas, Chairman of Dominion Homes, said, "This anniversary is a milestone for Dominion Homes. I am proud to carry out my father's tradition of building quality, affordable homes for the people of Central Ohio, Louisville, and Lexington. In the fifty-five years since my father began building, Dominion has built over 20,000 new homes. This calls for celebration!"

As part of the celebration, new homebuilders may save up to $55,000 off the price of a new Dominion home. This discount varies per home plan and community and homes must be in new contract by October 31, 2007 in order to qualify. This new home promotion applies to specific home styles and collections.

"I'm confident that you'll like what you see at Dominion Homes. Remember, talk to us before you buy a new home. You can ask us anything," Borror said. "My family's been building quality new homes for 55 years, fulfilling the dreams of over 20,000 families. Imagine what we can build for you."

About Dominion Homes
Founded in 1952, Dominion Homes offers exceptional homes for every lifestyle, taste and budget. The Company uses high-quality materials and construction methods that exceed industry building practices. With headquarters in Dublin, Ohio, Dominion Homes has communities in Columbus Ohio; Greater Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky. Dominion has six different home collections - Tradition, Celebration, Independence, Founders, Metropolitan and Grand Reserve - offering many different floor plans, elevations, features and options. The Company believes that building homes goes beyond structure; it is about customer experience, or as Dominion Homes says it: Dominion. It's Your Home. For more information visit www.dominionhomes.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:17 AM | Comments (0)

Morgan Properties Completes Acquisition of Westminster Portfolio from Kushner Companies

KING OF PRUSSIA, Pa. (Business Wire EON) September 28, 2007 -- Morgan Properties announced today that it has completed the acquisition of 86 individual apartment communities from Kushner Companies. The purchase is a joint venture between AIG Global Real Estate Investment Corp. and Morgan Properties. “This is one of the largest private-to-private multifamily transactions ever,” said Mitchell Morgan, founder, President and Chief Executive Officer.

The portfolio, formerly marketed as “Westminster Management,” consists of 16,784 units in four states. The largest concentration of apartments are in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia (25 communities with 5,282 units) and northern New Jersey (23 communities with 2,473 units). The balance of the portfolio includes 14 communities in central New Jersey, 9 communities on the Jersey shore, 7 communities in both Pennsylvania and Delaware and 1 community in New York.

As previously announced on June 27, 2007, the companies signed a definitive purchase agreement under which Morgan and equity partner AIG Global Real Estate acquired the communities. As of June 30, 2007, AIG Global Real Estate has approximately $14.3 billion of equity under management, with a property portfolio that includes over 53 million square feet of retail, residential, industrial, office and hospitality properties owned, managed, or under development in more than 50 countries.

“Purchasing the Kushner properties was attractive because it was a natural fit with our current portfolio. The locations are complimentary to ours, the property types are similar and both organizations share a culture of excellence. Combining the best of both companies will result in industry leading results,” said Morgan.

Morgan Properties has retained 98% or 346 employees from Westminster Management and will continue to focus on maintaining high levels of occupancy. Westminster has a strong heritage of operational efficiencies and won the New Jersey Apartment Association’s 2006 Property Management Company of the Year. The combined companies will be executing a “Best Practices” review to effectively combine all processes and procedures.

“As one of the leading apartment management companies in the United States, Morgan Properties has been creating the standards that others have followed for many years. Our highly qualified staff with strong teamwork continually achieves our goal of being the leader in multifamily housing. Our ongoing commitment to customer service, employee satisfaction and maintaining beautiful properties has made the Morgan Properties portfolio one of the fastest growing in the apartment industry. We are delighted to welcome the Westminster team and look forward to proudly serving our residents with exceptional living experiences,” said Ron Monson, Chief Operating Officer.

ABOUT Morgan Properties - Established in 1985 by Mitchell L. Morgan, Morgan Properties is a real estate investment, development and management company. Morgan Properties owns and manages 132 apartment communities with 31,044 units in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Maryland, South Carolina, Virginia and Nebraska.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:17 AM | Comments (0)

Becovic Companies Announced Acquisition of Central Park at Metropolis Apartments in Plainfield, IN

Central Park at Metropolis is a new 264 unit class “AA” project that is adjacent to the upscale Metropolis Mall development in Plainfield, IN.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Becovic Companies, a leading multi-family investment and management company, announced the acquisition of Central Park at Metropolis Apartments in Plainfield, IN.

Central Park at Metropolis is a new 264 unit class “AA” project that is adjacent to the upscale Metropolis Mall development in Plainfield, IN. This community joins The Springs Luxury Waterside Apartments and The Grande Reserve at Geist as key components of Becovic’s plan to provide high quality apartment homes throughout the Indianapolis and surrounding areas. Muhamed Becovic, President of Becovic Management Group, is currently working on the plans to begin construction on an additional fifty one units. Mr. Becovic states that construction is slated to commence in November 2007. These units will feature two and three bedroom apartment homes with high end finishes that are unique to the multi-family market. Features are set to include alder cherry cabinets, stainless steel appliance packages, granite and marble surfaces, plush carpeting, and direct access garages.

Flaherty & Collins, developers of the project, were represented by Steve LaMotte and Amy Burmeister of CBRE’s Multi-housing Group in Indianapolis.

About Becovic
Becovic Companies and Becovic Management Group are Midwest based providers of distinctive apartment homes. Recognized for their legendary service, Becovic originated in Chicago and has now grown to include over 17 communities throughout the greater Chicagoland area. Becovic’s business is founded on excellent quality and unsurpassed service, earning the company recognition and numerous accolades.

Muhamed Becovic states that the rapid growth experienced by the company is due to their ability to build quality relationships, knowledge, service, and business innovation. “I believe that customer relationships are what create our worth, quality service is our product, reputation is our reward, and integrity is what defines us. Our vision is to be the preeminent real estate management company that is the magnet for the most inspired people and discerning customer. “

The property can be view on the web at www.centralparkmetropolis.com and www.shopmetropolis.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:16 AM | Comments (0)

WineRacks.com Launches Premium Cellar Combos at Remodelers’ Show in Las Vegas

WineRacks.com launches contractor/installer program at October 9-12 2007 show.

Tilson, NY (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Orders for Premium Cellar Series racking system by WineRacks.com are pouring in at such a fast rate the New York-based company will launch a new line of unfinished mahogany wine storage solutions at The Remodelers’ Show 2007 in Las Vegas. The new Premium Cellar Series component rack series will be on display at Booth 6065 in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center from October 9-12. See the product: www.wineracks.com/shop/category.aspx?ID=108

WineRacks.com, the manufacturer of residential wine racking systems, is now offering eight pre-designed, high-quality mahogany racking combinations with storage ranging from 162-672 bottles.

“More Americans are drinking and collecting wine for health and as a hobby. Our new Premium Cellar combos are being used in dining rooms, residential wine cellars and restaurants. As wine collections grow, so can upscale storage solutions,” said WineRacks.com President Michael Babcock.

The optional toe-kick and crown molding create a sophisticated built-in look, which can be customized by a certified installer with a finish coat to match the surrounding décor. Remodeling contractors can take advantage of a WineRacks.com special offer for free shipping on Premium Cellar Series Combo orders placed before the end of the year.

At the Remodelers’ Show, WineRacks.com is also kicking off a special program for contractors and installers to become part of the company’s network of professional installers. This free program allows qualifying remodeling contractors to become territorial dealers and be listed as a preferred installer on the WineRacks.com website.

WineRacks.com, www.wineracks.com, is a designer and manufacturer of private residential wine cellars, retail wine store racking and wine racking systems for the restaurant and hospitality industry. For over 15 years, we have assisted thousands of homebuilders, remodeling contractors and general contractors in growing their products and services and meeting their customer’s wine storage needs.

Media Contact:
Roger Rosenbaum
845-943-5366
Hi-Res Photos Available

Company Contact
Mark Karpinski
Director of Sales
518-773-4094

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:16 AM | Comments (0)

U.S.-based Stonecreek LLC and Morocco-based Chorus Consulting Form Strategic Alliance for Provision of Consulting Services to Clients in West Africa, Morocco and the Middle East

Stonecreek LLC, a U.S.-based owner representation and consulting services firm, has formed a strategic alliance with Moroccan hospitality consutling firm, Chorus Consulting, for the provision of client services in West Africa, Morocco and the Middle East.

Casablanca, Morocco (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Stonecreek LLC and Chorus Consulting announced here today the formal execution of their strategic alliance for the provision of collaborative real estate and hospitality services to clients in Morocco, West Africa and the Middle East. Stonecreek LLC, an Owner's Rep firm based in Westlake Village (California, U.S.), and Chorus Consulting (Casablanca, Morocco), intend to continue working cooperatively with clients involved with retail, entertainment, resort, real estate and urban mixed-use development projects.

"We are pleased with our collaborative relationship with Chorus Consulting," said Donald J. Bredberg, Managing Director for Stonecreek LLC, "our two firms have deep and complementary experience in the real estate, hospitality, and recreation industries. It is helpful that our respective experience is also based on hands-on development, operations, and marketing backgrounds, as well as specific consulting experience."

"We appreciate the opportunity to combine our marketing, development, and operations expertise with that of Stonecreek LLC and its team at affiliate Adventure Studios Creative," said Samir Kheldouni Sahraoui, Chief Executive Officer of Chorus Consulting, "the integrated American and Moroccan work product combines the best practices of each of our traditions and experience, and we think, typically delivers a very compelling product for our clients."

The two firms intend to continue with the provision of cooperative client services, as well as to pursue related opportunities that may arise on a joint venture basis. The two firms created the strategic alliance to create a broader-based consulting capability for West Africa and the Middle East, and to specifically add an increased cultural input sensibility to all of Stonecreek LLC work in the region. Chorus Consulting's staff includes fluent Arabic, French and English language capabilities, among others languages.

Chorus Consulting (www.chorus-consulting.com), based in Casablanca, Morocco, has been active in the real estate, retail and hospitality sectors. Chorus Consulting is led by Samir Kheldouni Sahraoui, a veteran hospitality industry and hospitality market research and operations consultant with years of both consulting and operational experience. Prior to forming Chorus Consulting Hospitality & Leisure, Mr. Kheldouni was CEO and Member of the Board of SOGATOUR, the tourism and hotel management company for a state-owned subsidiary of Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion (Pension and Institutional savings Management Fund of Morocco), as well as CEO of Maroc Tourist, a resort and hotel development on the Mediterranean (Tetuan, Morocco). Mr. Kheldouni is also currently acting as Chairman of the Regional Council of Tourism. Rabat (Since 2003). Earlier in his career, Mr. Kheldouni served as CEO of the Moroccan National Tourist Office, worldwide, appointed by the late King Hassan II.

Stonecreek LLC (www.Stonecreekllc.com) is an owner's representation, feasibility, and development services firm based in Westlake Village California. Founded in 1994, the firm combines hands-on design and development experience, with a background in due diligence, feasibility and asset management. An affiliate of the firm, Adventure Studios Creative (www.adventurestudios.com), provides strategic marketing and creative ideation support to the firm's client projects. The company's design affiliate - ASI Design Partners (www.ASIdesignpartners.com) supports the conceptual design of client projects. Stonecreek LLC and its affiliates have worked to support successful developments throughout the U.S., Europe, the Pacific Rim, North Africa, and the Middle East. The firm specializes in work with shopping malls and retail centers, themed entertainment venues, destination hotel and resort projects, as well as urban mixed-use developments. Descriptions of Stonecreek LLC's current client projects and completed work are featured on the company's website.

For more information about this media release, please contact David Mitchel at Adventure Studios iMedia (www.adventure-studios.com) in the U.S.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:15 AM | Comments (0)

The VFW Companies Group, Inc. Launches Corporate Website Providing Consolidated Presence for its Diverse Florida Real Estate Operations

The VFW Companies Group has created a new website at VFWcompanies.com to consolidate its various real estate holdings and operations, now concentrated in the Florida Panhandle.

Panama City Beach, FL (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- VFW Companies Group, Inc. announced today the launch of its new corporate website at www.VFWcompanies.com. The website was a first step by VFW Companies in consolidating its diverse holdings and operations under the VFW Companies umbrella.

"Our new website helps establish a next phase of growth for VFW," said Frank Wood, Jr., Chairman and CEO of the VFW Companies, "although our various projects are related strategically, we haven't taken advantage of the combined presence of our activities, for banking, for purchasing, and in establishing additional strategic partnerships."

The VFW Companies is an active homebuilder, commercial developer, and general contractor, with an in-house services team providing comprehensive property management and operational support. The Company leverages its expertise in these areas with a matrix-style project management and implementation organization that includes third-party design, construction, and consulting professionals.

"Our current projects include Rebecca's Landing (www.rebeccas-landing.com), a 70-acre mixed-use town center and Annabella's Townhomes (www.annabellastownhomes.com), a master-planned residential community," according to Mr. Wood, "we have also launched a First Unit in Bella's Place Self-Storage (www.bellasplacestorage.com) for a possible self-storage business roll-out , and we've got a rather large new venture, almost 1,000 acres, that we're excited about that we'll announce as soon as we have the concept and project team fully realized."

The VFW Companies Group, Inc. was formed by Frank Wood, Jr. in February, 2006 to act as the umbrella organization for a diverse portfolio of projects. The VFW Companies Group has invested significantly in real estate in Florida's Panhandle, focusing initially on Panama City Beach and greater Bay County. The Company is now expanding its project focus to encompass additional opportunities throughout Northwest Florida. Real estate in Panama City Beach has been a major focus of the Company since its inception. Panama City Beach is the heart of the Bay County region, and a major driver in Florida Panhandle economic development, a fact that is expected to be even more evident as the new Panama City Beach - Bay County Airport moves into construction.

VFW Companies Group is actively exploring next opportunities for its portfolio, and welcomes submissions that describe potential acquisitions or investment, recognizing the company's focus in Bay County, Florida, and throughout the Florida Panhandle. If a prospective acquisition or investment opportunity is elsewhere in the Southeast U.S., such projects may be considered if clearly within the core competency and interest of the Company. Property types of most interest to the Company are those that are within its existing core competencies.

For more information about this media release, please contact David Mitchel at Adventure Studios iMedia (www.adventure-studios.com).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:14 AM | Comments (0)

Penetron Admix Helps Maintain Idyllic Lifestyle in Sanluri, Italy

"IL Borgo" a unique residential development in Sanluri, Italy utilizes Penetron Admix to maximum effect in its concrete below grade parking garage and basements.

East Setauket, NY (PRWEB) September 28, 2007 -- Located in in the peaceful town of Sanluri is the residential development Centro Residenziale - "IL Borgo". The villas and apartments are built around a beautifully appointed, private central courtyard encompassing lush greenery, an amphitheatre, a childrens play area and a water feature.

With a relatively small footprint and the need to maximize site utilization for the 33 bilevel villas and the large central coutyard, parking was designed below the residences with private entry to each residence. With the entire parking and basement area now located below grade and subject to hydrostatic pressure, the construction company, Vacomic srl, chose to rely on Penetron Admix's proven crystalline waterproofing technology to treat the entire 1800 cubic meters of concrete poured.

With Penetron Admix in the concrete, the basement/parking concrete structures will be able to withstand hydrostatic pressures of up to 514 feet of pressure and its latent waterproofing capabilities will allow any hairline cracks that might later form due to building settlement or geologic movement, to effectively "heal" themselves in the presence of moisture.

"The residents of IL Borgo can rest assured that they will have less to worry about where underground water leaks are concerned" stated Robert G. Revera, CEO/Managing Partner of ICS Penetron International, Ltd., "and that their investment is well protected by the leading edge waterproofing technology of Penetron."

ICS Penetron International, Ltd., is a leading manufacturer of integral crystalline waterproofing and repair products for concrete with a manufacturing and service network that spans more than 60 countries. For more information on Penetron products, please visit our website at www.penetron.com or contact Ann Martucci at 631-941-9700 or email at info @ penetron.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:14 AM | Comments (0)

Toyota Assembly Plant Ready for Construction after Massive Civil Engineering Work Completed by Facility Designer SSOE

More than 16 million cubic yards of earth to be cleared as part of design and engineering project for Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Mississippi, Inc.

Blue Springs, MS (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 27, 2007 -- SSOE, Inc., one of the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms, recently completed site design for the new Toyota assembly plant in Blue Springs, Miss. This is the largest site work and earth moving project that Toyota has ever undertaken in the US. It is a civil engineering feat that requires moving 16 million cubic yards of earth in order to make the site level enough to construct Toyota’s newest assembly plant on the site.

Contractors began moving the earth on September 1, coinciding with the start of foundation and structural steel construction. SSOE is providing full architecture and engineering services for the facility, which will produce the Toyota Highlander sport utility vehicle beginning by 2010. These services include civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and chemical process design.

The Blue Springs, Mississippi, earthwork package represents four times more earth moved in less time than any other Toyota project in North America. SSOE engineers faced the challenge to develop a plan to move roughly enough dirt to fill an average NFL football stadium approximately 25 times.

SSOE employed an integration of NavisWorks 3D/4D Design Review software and Bentley InRoads road and site design software to help shape the site before and after the civil engineering portion of the project. SSOE was able to effectively integrate results from the InRoads site evaluation with the virtual building design model to arrive at a single 3D model reflective of both. The integrated design was presented to Toyota using NavisWorks 3D/4D Design Review software to clearly show where the earth moving would take place and how it would affect the overall design. SSOE was also able to utilize this software to develop a plan that would use the earth removed from one area to fill in areas requiring additional earth ensuring that none would have to be brought onto or taken away from the location. An emphasis was placed on minimizing the distance the earth had to be moved within the site in order to save time and money.

The 2.4-million-square-foot facility that will be constructed on the 1,700 acre site is expected to be operational by 2010 and house 2,000 employees. At a total cost of approximately $1.3 billion, the facility is expected to produce 150,000 vehicles per year and will include stamping, welding, painting and assembly.

SSOE has an array of expertise for engineering and designing the Toyota Blue Springs facility. A large portion of SSOE’s Automotive and Industrial Facilities strategic business unit will be involved, and the chemical processes and wastewater treatment systems necessary for the facility will require specialized services from SSOE’s Industrial Process group.

“Working with Toyota to design this plant is a great opportunity for us and will enhance our long standing relationship with them,” said Craig Bowie, Senior Vice President of Automotive and Industrial Facilities. “SSOE has demonstrated the ability in past projects to work with Toyota to achieve the project goals in a timely fashion and in the end deliver a high quality facility on time and on budget.”

About SSOE
Founded in 1948, SSOE, Inc. is an international design firm and ranks 8th among the nation’s largest engineering and architecture firms (Building Design and Construction, 2007) and 6th automotive design firms (Engineering News-Record, 2007). Demonstrating fast and consistent growth, in 2006, SSOE posted a 30 percent revenue growth making it the third consecutive year the company has grown its revenue more than 15 percent. SSOE has also been named one of nine Best AEC Firms to Work For (Building Design and Construction, 2007).

With over 900 employees and multi-disciplined LEED™ certified professionals employed in 19 offices around the world the company has earned a solid reputation in facility design for the automotive, science and technology, healthcare, retail, and education markets. SSOE is also noted for experience in civil engineering, and process engineering for the biofuels, chemical, food, glass, mining and personal care industries. SSOE has completed projects in 48 states and 32 countries, and is approaching 60 years of excellence in engineering and architectural design. Visit www.ssoe.com for additional information and career opportunities.

Contact:
Catherine Malicki, Director of Marketing/PR
SSOE Inc.
Office: 419.255.3830
Cell: 419.351.9600

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:13 AM | Comments (0)

10 Tips for Fall Interior Makeovers of Concrete Fireplace Surrounds

Concrete contractors from The Concrete Network offer 10 handy tips and design ideas for customizing and purchasing the perfect custom concrete fireplace. Tips include sorting through layout ideas and incorporating decorative elements, budgeting tips, and more.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- The decorative concrete options available for concrete fireplaces abound. As one of the most visible design elements in a room, fireplaces serve as both a focal point and a reflection of the owner's personal style. The elements framing the fireplace -- the mantel, hearth and surround--do the most to transform a room's appearance and establish a mood. With the right surround, a fireplace becomes the heart and soul of a room and embodies its character.

Before taking the plunge into designing a custom concrete fireplace surround for your home, consider this list of tips offered by concrete contractors.

1. When designing with concrete, consider adding leaves or other elements from your property or incorporate architectural details from your home's design.

2. Match or complement other design elements in your room such as a rug, piece of art or furniture or window treatments.

3. Enjoy a fireplace in areas beyond the traditional living room. Install them in kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, or outdoors. Two sided fireplaces can be enjoyed from two rooms.

4. Consider your options carefully. Will you want to hang stockings on a traditional mantel or sit on a hearth? Will your fireplace be gas burning or natural wood burning?

5. To manage your budget, remember that intricate details and curves add to the cost. Using more straight lines and minimizing small details are more economical design choices.

6. Use cardboard cut to the desired dimensions of your fireplace and temporarily place them in your room. This will give you a feel for scale, shape and placement.

7. Be sure to research fireplace photos on the internet and magazines. Show the contractor photos of what you do and don't like.

8. Be sure to pick out a firebox and have it inserted into the surround. Do not have your contractor build one.

9. Once you've decided on a design, have your contractor make a mock-up, and provide color samples so that all parties are on the same page on what to expect.

10. Because there are so many options available, be sure to ask questions, and ask to see a contractor's portfolio of work. They can guide you in the right direction.

Established in 1999, The Concrete Network's purpose is to educate consumers, builders, and contractors on popular decorative techniques and applications. These include stamped concrete, stained concrete floors, concrete countertops, polished concrete, and much more. In July 2007 The Concrete Network Website had over 1.3 million visitors researching decorative concrete.

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 202 regional areas throughout North America.

Article photo courtesy of Buddy Rhodes Concrete Products. Attached photos courtesy of Concrete Interiors.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:13 AM | Comments (0)

Stone Age Designs Has Been Selected To Showcase Its New Fireplace Design - The Pewter Vendome Fireplace Mantel

Stone Age Designs is selected to Showcase its new Fireplace Design - The Pewter Vendôme Fireplace Mantel to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Veranda Magazine. Stone Age Designs, the Company created by Award Winning Designer Thierry Francois is known worldwide for its Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantelsas well as its Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Fireplace Mantels, Kitchen Hoods, and Architectural Accents.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Stone Age Designs has been selected to Showcase its new Fireplace Design - The Pewter Vendôme Fireplace Mantel to Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Veranda Magazine. Stone Age Designs, the Company created by Award Winning Designer Thierry Francois is known worldwide for its Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantelsas well as its Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Fireplace Mantels, Kitchen Hoods, and Architectural Accents.

The Pewter Vendôme Fireplace Mantel is part of the new Heritage Collection unveiled earlier this year by Thierry François. Thierry Francois created the first Scagliola Stone™ fireplace mantels and kitchen hoods in 1997. Today, the Stone Age Designs' Showcase, features Fireplace Designs and Fireplace Mantels in the Heritage, Inspiration, Metal, and Moderne Collections.

Each of these are extensive Collections featuring Fireplace Mantels and Custom Fireplace Designs both in Hand-carved Limestone and Scagliola Stone™. The Company also markets Stone Kitchen Hoods and Architectural Accents including moldings, columns and wall cladding.

The Vendôme Fireplace Mantel is just one of the many designs of the Heritage Collection which is comprised of exceptional antique fireplace mantels purchased in France. Each of these masterpieces has a history of its own. The fine artisans of François & Co. then bring each piece to vibrant life by meticulously carving a mirror image, perfect down to the tiniest detail. Each resulting replica is available in Hand-Carved Limestone or in Scagliola Stone™. The Heritage Collection Fireplace Designs emulate the appearance and preserve the legacy of original masterpieces, thus providing a true sense of history and timeless beauty to any modern home.

The original Vendôme Fireplace Mantel is a Louis XVI mantel, circa 1800, which was rescued from a dilapidated Paris townhouse. Impeccably executed with its lovely "Tablette en Ressaut," (bas relief panel) this petite stone mantel features delicate "Pieds en demi lune" (half moon legs). The Scagliola Stone™ reproduction that will be on display in New York City has an added touch of luxury thanks to its fine pewter finish. This one-of-a-kind metal patina is achieved by actually adding fragments of metal into the Scagliola blend.

As rich in texture as it is in history, Scagliola is a technique developed by impoverished Italian monks in the 17th Century to restore a monastery lost in the mountains of central Italy. It is the art of mixing together chips of stone (Scaglia in Italian), and layering the mixture by hand to achieve a natural stone texture of amazing clarity and depth. Today, the Scagliola Stone™ Fireplace Mantels, Kitchen Hoods and Architectural Accents from Stone Age Designs, and Francois & Co. are well known and respected among homeowners, as well as the design, architectural and builder communities as authentic alternatives to lesser cast stone and concrete products.

Visit the Showrooms of Stone Age Designs and Francois & Co today. In addition to their 9,000-square-foot Showroom and Headquarters in Atlanta, Stone Age Designs have Showrooms in Orlando, Florida - Charlotte, North Carolina, and Los Angeles, California.

So take a look at the selection of Stone Age Designs in one of the Showrooms, or contact them at 1-866-385-9486 or visit online.

Stone Age Designs and Francois & Co.
Collections:
Showcase:
Scagliola Stone™

About Stone Age Designs and François & Co.:

Founded in 1998, Stone Age Designs http://www.stoneagedesigns.net and parent company, Francois & Co. are the premiere sources for Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantels, and fine Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Kitchen Hoods, Bathtubs, Fireplace Designs, and Architectural Accents. In addition to its 9,000-square-foot showroom and headquarters in Atlanta, François and Co. has showrooms in Winter Park (Florida), Charlotte (North Carolina) and West Hollywood (California). You may contact Stone Age Designs today at 1-866-385-9486 or visit them online at http://www.francoisandco.com/

Kathee Austin
(480) 998-0246
Internet Marketing

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

François & Co. Announces the Opening of its New Los Angeles Showroom

François & Co. Announces the Opening of its New Los Angeles Showroom, and is Hosting a Grand Opening Party to Celebrate the Arrival of the Premier Source for Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantels and Fine Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Fireplace Mantels, and Architectural Accents..

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- François & Co. announces the opening of its new Los Angeles Showroom, and is hosting a Grand Opening Party to celebrate the arrival of the premier source for Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantels, and Fine Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Fireplace Mantels, Kitchen Hoods, and Architectural Accents.

Francois & Co., is home to Award-Winning Designer, and President, Thierry Francois, and now has Showrooms in Atlanta, Charlotte, Orlando, and the new Los Angeles Showroom at 647 North Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for October 11, 2007 while the Showroom is open.

Francois & Co. is the premier source for Hand-Carved Fireplace Mantels like the Renaissance, which is one the many fireplace designs of the new Heritage Collection of Hand-Carved Limestone Mantels. Each fireplace mantel is hand-carved in France using newly cut limestone or reclaimed stone from historical estates. As meticulously, and using virtually the same methods as the original artists, the French stonemasons, commissioned by Francois & Co., painstakingly carve exact replicas of antique masterpieces.

The results are exquisite works of art that are the mirror images of their antique models. This deliberate and specialized method imbues each of the pieces with a sense of history and the beauty of a timeless antique. The attention to carved detail is what defines a great mantel and the detail and beauty recreated by the artisans from Francois & Co. is peerless, withstanding the closest inspection.

Since 1998, Francois & Co. has also become the premiere source for Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ fireplace mantels, kitchen hoods, bathtubs and architectural accents.
.
The new Los Angeles Showroom features - in a French inspired décor - Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantels from the new Heritage Collection, as well as Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ fireplace designs, Kitchen Hoods, and Architectural Accents.

The "Heritage" Collection is comprised of exceptional antique fireplace mantels purchased in France. Each of these masterpieces has a history of its own. The fine artisans of François & Co. then bring each piece to vibrant life by meticulously carving a mirror image, perfect down to the tiniest detail. Each resulting replica is available in Hand-Carved Limestone or in Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™. The Heritage Collection fireplace mantels emulate the appearance and preserve the legacy of original masterpieces, thus providing a true sense of history and timeless beauty to any modern home.

Scagliola Stone™ is as rich in texture as it is in history. Scagliola is a technique developed by impoverished Italian monks in the 17th Century to restore their monastery. It is the art of mixing together chips of stone (Scaglia in Italian), stabilizing agents and pigments, and layering the mixture by hand to achieve a material indistinguishable from natural stone. The precision and intricate detail possible with this method is truly astonishing. The Scagliola Stone™ is a noble, authentic alternative to lesser cast stone and concrete products. The François & Co. Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Mantels feature intricate details, impossible to achieve with cast stone or lightweight concrete. Note the intricate detail of the Elysee and visit our new Los Angeles Showroom at 647 North Robertson Boulevard in West Hollywood, California. The Grand Opening Celebration is scheduled for October 11, 2007 while the Showroom is open today.

About François & Co.:

Francois & Co. is the parent company of Stone Age Designs which opened in Atlanta in 1998. Since then, the Atlanta-based Company has developed a stellar reputation for its fine Hand-Carved Limestone Fireplace Mantels and fine Hand-Crafted Scagliola Stone™ Fireplace Mantels, Kitchen Hoods, Bathtubs, and Architectural Accents.

The fireplace designs of François & Co. have become well known and respected amongst homeowners, as well as with Interior Designers and in the Architectural and Builder Communities.

In addition to its 9,000-square-foot Showroom and Headquarters in Atlanta, François and Co. has Showrooms in Orlando - Winter Park, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina, and in Los Angeles - West Hollywood, California. You may contact François & Co. at 1-866-385-9486 or visit them online at http://www.francoisandco.com/

Kathee Austin
(480) 998-0246
Internet Marketing

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

Homeowners Believe Green Building Costs More Than Traditional Home Remodeling Practices

ReliableRemodeler.com releases the last survey in a series of research results on green building and home improvement trends.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Looking more closely at the financial attitudes people have about green building, ReliableRemodeler.com, a nationwide contractor referral service working to connect homeowners with reliable, local contractors, finishes its three part series of surveys on green building trends in the United States.

While interest in green building is consistently increasing, most homeowners believe that acting on that interest will mean having to deal with a larger budget. Eighty-six percent of homeowners believe that green building practices cost more than traditional home remodeling. Eleven percent of homeowners thought that there would be no difference in price between the two techniques. Only three percent believed that it would cost less.

While both men and women seemed convinced that green building would come with a higher cost, more women than men thought there would be a difference in price between the two. Ninety-four percent of women believed going green would cost more, while only 78 percent of men thought there would be an increased cost. The full green building survey results can be found on ReliableRemodeler.com.

Younger homeowners were slightly more likely than older ones to take on the extra cost they believed came along with using green techniques. Forty-four percent of homeowners age 21 to 30 stated they would pay more for green features, while only 38 percent of homeowners age 51 to 60 said they were willing to pay more for green building. Generally, the majority of homeowners who believed green building would cost more than traditional building were unlikely to want to pay for the extra cost.

"Homeowners tend to think that green building is a new and therefore complex and expensive endeavor," said Eric Doebele, CEO of ReliableRemodeler.com. "However, contractors have been offering greener techniques for years, homeowners just don't realize it. Making your home more energy efficient by replacing old windows or landscaping with drought tolerant plants in drier areas are simple ways of remodeling green that won't impact your budget in a large way."
Homeowners seemed more interested in considering green features for certain home remodeling projects. When asked what projects they would consider using green building materials for, roofing was the most popular choice. Bathroom remodeling and custom homes were the second and third most popular home improvement projects.

About ReliableRemodeler.com:
ReliableRemodeler.com is a leading nation wide home improvement contractor referral service working to bring together homeowners and contractors. To date, the company has matched over 200,000 homeowners with home improvement projects to quality, local contractors. Besides homeowners, the company targets over 1.2 million home improvement and remodeling contractors in the United States, providing them access to quality home improvement leads using proprietary matching technologies.

Both homeowners looking to start a home improvement project, or contractors who want to start receiving qualified leads, can visit our website, ReliableRemodeler.com.

For information about this press release or about ReliableRemodeler.com please contact:
Paige Thomas or media@reliableremodeler.com.

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

College Students Looking for Jobs Can Help Build Desperately Needed Homes With a Click

A great new program from HonorRollOnline.com helps job-seeking college students build more than a career. A partnership with Red Feather gives them the opportunity to help create desperately needed sustainable housing for Native Americans.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Honor Roll Online was created to provide underserved college students from exceptional small schools with practical, effective tools for building their careers.
It's the same spirit that motivates Red Feather Development Group to find practical, effective ways to improve the lives of American Indian families. That's why Honor Roll Online is proud to announce a new partnership with Red Feather that will allow you to build more than a new career. When you enroll with HRO this month, you'll also help build homes for Native Americans in need.

Join HRO Today and You Could Earn a Personal Building Project with Red Feather
+ Honor Roll will donate $1 to Red Feather in your name.
+ You'll receive a special Donor Decal and Letter of Appreciation.
+ You'll be eligible for participation in a Red Feather summer internship building project.

Enrollment is Free and Takes as Little as 10 Minutes
+ Click the Login tab on any page of honorrollonline.com.
+ Enter your school-issued email address and HRO school passcode (available thru a link on the Login page).
+ Follow the on-screen directions for completing your profile.

Already Enrolled? Apply for a Red Feather Project
+ Click the Jobs tab at the top of your candidate home page.
+ Select the Positions link at the top of any Red Feather profile page.
+ Follow the on-screen directions for completing the project application process.

Don't forget to tell your friends about this unique program. This special partnership could add up to thousands of dollars for Red Feather Development Group and help change hundreds of lives.

About Red Feather Development Group
Red Feather educates and empowers American Indian nations to create sustainable solutions to the severe housing crisis within reservation communities. While focusing public attention on the intergenerational poverty and acuter community development problems that plague American Indian reservations, Red Feather teaches affordable, replicable and sustainable approaches to home construction. Red Feather organizes volunteers, and, alongside tribal members, builds desperately needed homes.

Learn more about Red Feather Development Group at RedFeather.org.

About Honor Roll Online (HRO)
Honor Roll has consolidated the student population of the top small colleges, universities and scholarship foundations in the United States to offer its corporate affiliates the ability to create and execute successful, cost-effective recruiting campaigns. By developing relationships with students that rival most career service centers on large campuses, HRO can provide corporate recruiters not only a direct communication pipeline to the most qualified and motivated candidates, but the tools to attract, identify, qualify, interview and hire them. Visit our website for more information.

Learn more about Honor Roll at HonorRollOnline.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:10 AM | Comments (0)

Children of America Enters Into An Agreement With Titanium Development Group, Ltd. For The Development Of 300 Childcare Centers In The Midwest

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. (Business Wire EON) September 27, 2007 -- World Wide Child Care Corp. (Pink Sheets:WWCC) announces that its subsidiary Children of America, Inc. (www.childrenofamerica.com), a leading U.S. provider of childcare and after-school programs, has entered into an agreement with Titanium Development Group, Ltd. for the development of 300 child care centers throughout the Midwest.

The announcement was made jointly by Thad Pryor, president and CEO of Children of America, Inc., and David Thornburg, president of Titanium Development Group, Ltd.

"Children of America’s expansion will make high quality childcare available to the families throughout the Midwest," said Pryor. "Based on our research, there is significant demand in this area for our centers and our approach to early childhood education."

Children of America currently operates 15 centers in Virginia and Pennsylvania and will open 32 additional facilities by 2008 in New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Virginia. Under this new arrangement Children of America will be able to accelerate its planned opening, with anticipated center openings in Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, Milwaukee, Minneapolis and St. Louis.

Titanium Development Group, Ltd., formed in 2006 by David Thornburg and Scott Underwood, specializes in development of retail/office projects, hotels, senior housing and residential subdivisions. In addition to developing Children of America child care centers, Titanium has a new hotel development in Washington, Illinois slated to open in late 2007. A new hotel and retail project is slated for Charleston, Illinois in mid 2008. A new retail/office project is being developed in Washington, Illinois and another one is planned for Princeton, Illinois in 2008. The company also has a residential home building division. Scott Underwood has 15 years experience in commercial and residential construction/development. David Thornburg has 20 years experience in banking and business development.

David Thornburg, president and Scott Underwood, vice president, view this agreement as an extremely positive step forward for the future of Titanium. Titanium brings its network and knowledge of the area in identifying potential sites in the designated markets. Children of America analyzes each site based upon numerous factors and criteria to determine the potential a site has as a child care center. To date, through their combined efforts they have identified over 20 sites which Titanium is in the process purchasing. Pryor and Thornburg stated that they hope to be opening 10 centers in 2008 and over 20 in 2009. Pryor was amazed at the potential of the marketplace and opportunity it presents for Children of America. Pryor stated, “I am excited to be able to offer these communities our product.”

Curriculum Designed By National Expert

Children of America's learning curriculum is designed by Dr. Vicki Folds, one of the nation's leading child development experts. It includes:

"Tray Tasking" – Hands-on learning program promotes early reading and writing
Interactive "Old Towne Colony" teaches through fun activities
Baby signs for infants and Spanish for preschoolers
Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS)
Rigorous Safety Standards

Each center is designed with stringent safety features to protect every child. These include:

Centers require a unique PIN to gain access
Remote video monitoring with internet access for parents
Outdoor play areas built to the highest safety standards
About Children Of America

Founded in 1999, Children of America is a subsidiary of World Wide Child Care Corp. (WWCC), formerly known as International Child Care Corp. (ICCR).

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:09 AM | Comments (0)

Tricks and Treats to Help Homeowners’ Scariest Utility Bills

JELD-WEN Awarding New Energy Efficient Windows and Doors to Homeowners Spooked by Winter Temperatures and Rising Energy Costs

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (Business Wire EON) September 27, 2007 -- Shocking. Frightening. Downright spooky. That’s how many homeowners may feel this fall when they see their energy costs rise while temperatures drop outside. It’s enough to send chills down anyone’s spine.

However, one lucky homeowner will have nothing to fear this year. In honor of Energy Efficiency Month in October and with Halloween around the corner, JELD-WEN is kicking off a nationwide search to find the Scariest Utility Bill.

To heat things up this fall, homeowners can win new JELD-WEN® energy efficient windows and doors by submitting their entry online at www.jeld-wen.com. The JELD-WEN Scariest Utility Bill contest runs from October 1 through December 1, 2007. Any 2007 utility bill is eligible; one entry per household. Complete contest rules are available at www.jeld-wen.com.

“Large energy bills can signal the need for home fixes that will help save energy this season and beyond,” said Brian Hedlund, JELD-WEN product marketing manager. “New energy efficient windows and doors can make a dramatic difference. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, a typical homeowner installing ENERGY STAR qualified windows can expect savings ranging from $125 to $450 a year, depending on the region.”

Recent research from the Energy Information Administration suggests that in the continental United States, homeowners in New England and the mid-Atlantic regions may be more likely to have the scariest utility bills this year. On average, homeowners in New England pay an average of 16.7 cents per kilowatt-hour (kwh) for electricity, while homeowners in the mid-Atlantic pay an average of 13.48 cents per kwh. The average price for electricity throughout the country is 10.65 cents per kwh.

JELD-WEN offers a wide variety of energy efficient products that can provide long-term savings on utility bills, including wood and vinyl windows and fiberglass exterior doors.

To learn more about how to save energy or enter the JELD-WEN Scariest Utility Bill contest, visit www.jeld-wen.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:09 AM | Comments (0)

Time to Time Construction of Fife, Washington Launches Updated and Redesigned Website

Time to Time Construction of Fife, Washington is proud to announce the launch of their newly redesigned and updated website located at http://www.time2time.net

Tacoma, WA (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Time to Time Construction of Fife, Washington is proud to announce the launch of their newly redesigned and updated website. Located at http://www.time2time.net, the website offers a great deal of information on their construction, remodeling, and condo conversion services. In addition, it includes photo portfolios of many of their previous projects, as well as online forms to submit a request for a quote. The site was designed by Helix Group (http://www.helixgroup.net), an Internet Strategy and Design firm in Washington.

Company Information
Founded in 1998 by Young Jang, Time to Time Construction specializes in the design, installation, remodeling and repair of building exteriors, including building envelopes and condo conversions. In addition, they also do new building construction, as well as correct construction defects and flaws in existing buildings.

They have worked with many leading development companies, including Mosaic Homes, McBride Construction, Target Development Company and T.R. Eggert. They were the first company in the Pacific Northwest to use rain screen systems in building envelope designs, which have now become standard practice. With over 80 employees, they are members of the Better Business Bureau and the Master Builders' Association of Thurston County. Time to Time provides their services in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Federal Way, Olympia and the greater Puget Sound area.

Time to Time Construction is dedicated to their worksite safety, and has an on-site superintendent for every construction job to ensure that all safety standards are met, and procedures followed. This commitment has resulted in an accident-free workplace since 1998.

For More Information:
Billy Ford
253-926-0184
billy(@)time2time

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:08 AM | Comments (0)

Birkey's Farm Store Earns Top Honor as 2007 Dealership of the Year

Birkey's Farm Stores, Rantoul, Ill., with 10 farm equipment dealerships in Illinois and Indiana, has been chosen as 2007 Dealership of the Year from Farm Equipment magazine. The program recognizes farm equipment dealerships who are leading the industry in best practices, operations management and customer care.

Brookfield, WI (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Birkey's Farm Stores, Rantoul, Ill., with 10 farm equipment dealerships in Illinois and Indiana, has been chosen as 2007 Dealership of the Year from Farm Equipment magazine. The program recognizes farm equipment dealerships who are leading the industry in best practices, operations management and customer care.

Birkey's Farm Store was chosen for the award in the "Large, Multi-Store" category for its excellent equipment sales and service growth since 2004 (+30%) and management of a rapidly growing business in serving its ag customer base. More than 40 farm equipment dealerships in the U.S. and Canada were nominated for the award.

Founded in 1954, Birkey's Farm Store represents Case IH and New Holland ag lines, Case Construction and Jacobsen Golf & Turf Products, as well as ag shortline equipment manufacturers such as Kubota, Kinze, Salford, Unverferth, Brent, Bush Hog, Woods, Exmark and Cub Cadet. Led by president/CEO Ron Birkey, the ownership group includes Birkey, Mark Foster, Mike Hedge, Jeff Hedge, Mike Carley, Phil Fayhee, Jim Campbell, and Wayne Coffin. Jess Showalter, who recently retired as an owner is remaining in a sales support role. Each of the owners is an operating manager with direct-line roles in the business.

The judging panel for the Dealership of the Year program included Dr. W. David Downey, director, Center for Agricultural Business, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.; David L. Kahler, Retired CEO of Ohio-Michigan Equipment Dealers Assn., Dublin, Ohio; and David R. Parker, vice president, Agribusiness Group, Indianapolis, IN.

In selecting Birkey's Farm Store for this honor, the judges noted the dealership's excellence in every phase of its business. Among the judges' comments in making the selection were:

"Strong sales per employee for large-scale operation, strong growth in adding locations in last few years."
"Strength in different parts of the business -- agricultural, construction and ruralpolitan markets. Moving aggressively into guidance systems."
"Solid metrics for a large dealer, where it is much tougher to stay in control of things such as turnover, ROA and market share. A good absorption rate (71.6%) for an ag dealer, good ROA and 30% three-year growth rate, with many stores holding a market share of more than 20%."
"Very strong benefit and development programs; focus on employees is unusual. Company is open in sharing financial information. Clearly, this dealer is doing all it can to keep employees happy and motivated."

Farm Equipment profiled the 2007 Dealerships of the Year as the cover story of its August/September 2007 edition. The complete article can be seen at www.farm-equipment.com.

Published by Lessiter Publications, Brookfield, Wis., Farm Equipment is a business-to-business magazine serving more than 11,000 farm equipment dealers, wholesalers and distributors throughout North America.

For more information, including photos and logos, contact Dave Kanicki, managing editor, Farm Equipment, at dkanicki@lesspub.com, 800/645-8455, ext. 414.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:08 AM | Comments (0)

PMC Solutions Partners With International Firm in Mentor/Protégé Program

PMC Solutions, a business process and project management company headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has announced that it has signed a three-year Mentor-Protégé agreement with Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Baker), an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corporation (Amex:BKR). Baker is an internationally recognized engineering and energy services management firm headquartered in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

Albuquerque, NM (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- PMC Solutions, a business process and project management company headquartered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has announced that it has signed a three-year Mentor-Protégé agreement with Michael Baker Jr., Inc. (Baker), an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corporation (Amex:BKR). Baker is an internationally recognized engineering and energy services management firm headquartered in Moon Township, Pennsylvania.

"This agreement allows PMC Solutions to leverage Baker's success in Federal procurement with the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, among others," says Brit Harvey, PMC Solutions' Vice President. PMC Solutions' clients in the private and governmental sectors around the country use inProcess™, the company's proprietary process mapping software, to improve performance, enhance efficiencies, meet Malcolm Baldrige and ISO criteria, and realize improvements through Lean Six Sigma methodologies.

PMC Solutions and Baker have teamed on several previous contracts. In 2006, the two companies collaborated with BAE Systems on the development of the U.S. Coast Guard's Civil Engineering High Performing Organization. The team received high marks from the Coast Guard and PMC Solutions was singled out as providing exceptional service.

"Our relationship with Baker will be mutually beneficial, as PMC Solutions offers expertise and qualifications outside of Baker's core competencies, and they, of course, bring a large commercial and government client base currently making significant project and process investments," continues Harvey. "We welcome this partnership as a strategic direction for growth that will widen the breadth of potential customers for our software, project controls, and process management services."

PMC Solutions' process management services work closely with companies to form a detailed process map. This provides these businesses the tools and assistance to implement changes, making them more efficient and more profitable. "In fact, inProcess® can save every employee at any company about 15 minutes a week," concludes Harvey. "One of our clients, New York Hospital Queens, saved $55,000 in one year using our software to map and streamline just one phlebotomy process."

About PMC Solutions

A minority-owned certified Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) process and project management solutions company with 50 employees nationwide, headquartered in Albuquerque, NM.
Since 1992, PMC Solutions has provided hands-on project and process management support to clients as diverse as Waste Management, Rackspace, KPMG, Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, the Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
ISO 9001:2000 Certification; Department of Homeland Security IT Certification & Accreditation.
Multiple Malcolm Baldrige regional awards.

About Michael Baker Corporation
Michael Baker Corporation (http://www.mbakercorp.com) provides engineering and operations and maintenance services for its clients' most complex challenges worldwide. The firm's primary practice areas are aviation, environmental, facilities, geospatial information technologies, pipelines & telecommunications, transportation, water/wastewater, and oil & gas. With more than 5,000 employees in over 40 offices across the United States and internationally, Baker is focused on providing services that span the complete life cycle of infrastructure and managed asset projects.

For more information or interviews, contact Brit Harvey at (505) 462-3190. Visit www.pmcsolutions.com or www.inprocess.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:07 AM | Comments (0)

Wrecking Corp Begins Demolition of 100-Year Old Eighth Street Office Building in Richmond, Virginia

Wrecking Corporation of America has begun demolition of a 100-year-old office building in Richmond, VA, which includes salvage of terracotta cornices and ornate stone elements to be used in the new building.

Alexandria, VA (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Wrecking Corporation of America, which has provided demolition services to major industrial, commercial, and government clients in the Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland metropolitan areas for more than 30 years, has begun demolition of a 12-story steel-frame, 140,000 square-foot building in Richmond, Virginia. The general contractor for the project is the Richmond-based W.M. Jordan Company.

"There are some tricky aspects to the Eighth Street project," said Terry Anderson, Wrecking Corp executive VP. "We have to dismantle and salvage historic building components from the structure, including millwork, marble and wrought iron from the interior. On the exterior, the twelfth- and third-floor terracotta cornices and ornate stone elements will be salvaged, cataloged, crated and stored to be used later in the new building being constructed on this site. All the demolition of the upper seven floors is being done by hand, one level at a time. In addition, the project has extremely low vibration limits to ensure the safety of a historic church dating back to 1836, which is separated from the building by only a six-foot-wide alley."

The Eighth Street building, which was acquired by the Commonwealth in 1966 to house state offices, was built in the early 1900s. The demolition will make way for the construction of a new office building on the site. Demolition is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

About Wrecking Corporation of America
Wrecking Corporation of America took down its first downtown DC building 30 years ago. Headquartered in Alexandria, VA, Wrecking Corp. has worked on hundreds of high-profile projects downtown and in the surrounding metropolitan areas, including 1900 Pennsylvania Avenue and the former Washington Convention Center. Wrecking Corp. specializes in the challenges of demolition and excavation on high-profile commercial projects and cramped urban sites as well as sprawling multi-building complexes. For more information, visit the Wrecking Corp. web site at www.wreckingcorp.com or call 703.823.3850.

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

Fall is the Perfect Time to Install a Backyard Gazebo

Leisure Woods, a premier supplier of outdoor gazebos, recommends that homeowners consider adding a backyard gazebo this fall.

Genoa, IL (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Leisure Woods, a premier supplier of outdoor gazebos, recommends that homeowners consider adding a backyard gazebo this fall.

As the temperatures drop, many homeowners start thinking about getting their yard ready for winter. Leisure Woods, one of the United States premier suppliers of backyard gazebos recommends that homeowners also consider installing a new gazebo before the frigid temperatures arrive.

"I ordered a gazebo from Leisure Woods last September and I was thrilled with the quick turnaround time," comments Bryan Smith from Madison, Wisconsin. "My buddy and I installed the gazebo over the weekend and we were still able to enjoy the last few weeks of fall. The best part was, come spring we were instantly able to start enjoying our backyard and gazebo," Smith concludes.

Many homeowners are finding that adding a backyard gazebo is an excellent way to improve and upgrade their outdoor living space at a relatively low cost. Adding a gazebo and other elements to a backyard adds character and functionality.

"Anyone contemplating the purchase of a gazebo this fall should really consider a window-screen package," advises Charles Scordato, owner and founder of Leisure Woods. "Installing windows, screens and doors on your gazebo means that you keep pests away in the summer months and you can close out those chilly breezes in the cooler fall months. Now, the gazebo becomes a three season room to enjoy no matter what the weather," exclaims Scordato.

Along with high quality cedar backyard gazebos, Leisure Woods recently added low maintenance vinyl gazebos to their product selection.

Leisure Woods prides itself on being customer service orientated and they would be happy to make suggestions on how their customers can extend the enjoyment of their gazebo during the cooler months. Anyone interested in purchasing a quality backyard gazebo is encouraged to contact Leisure Woods for more information.

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. They currently manufacture two gazebo series, the Lake Wood Gazebo and the Cedar Cove Gazebo and also offer select styles from each of these series in vinyl and treated.

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

New Book Breaks Building Buzzword Barrier

Building Intelligence Group has smashed the 'buzzword barrier' inhibiting the adoption of Intelligent Building technology by writing the Intelligent Building Dictionary: terminology for smart, integrated, green building design, construction, and management.

St. Paul, MN (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 - A new dictionary of Intelligent Building terms from the Building Intelligence Group will help designers, builders, and property owners understand the specialized terminology associated with advanced high performance buildings and make it easier to incorporate this technology into their projects.

Intelligent Buildings combine green building features with integrated building automation systems to improve occupant comfort and productivity while reducing energy consumption and operating costs. Intelligent Buildings benefit all stakeholders by increasing productivity, flexibility, and competitive advantage, energy efficiency, sustainability, and reduced carbon emissions. When asked "How likely are you to add new intelligent building technology in the next one to two years" all facility managers in a recent focus group responded with ratings of 8, 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale.

The 'buzzword barrier' arises from the wide variety of technologies used in Intelligent Buildings and the wide range of professions, each with their own jargon and acronyms, involved in these projects. This includes traditional building trades (architects, engineers, contractors, building operators, etc.), green building specialists (energy conservation experts, daylighting designers, sustainability analysts, etc.), information technology, physical security, network and information security, and fire safety.

The Intelligent Building Dictionary provides clear concise definitions for the specialized terms and acronyms encountered in these projects. It is designed for use by everyone with a stake in advanced real estate including architects, engineers, owners, developers, facility managers, property managers, and tenants.

In addition to the book, Building Intelligence Group has also launched a companion website at www.Intelligent-Building-Dictionary.com that provides fast online lookup of specialized terms from this dictionary.

Intelligent Building Dictionary is available in these formats:

Hardcover ISBN 978-0-9796408-3-4, 300 pages, 6"x9", $39.95
Paperback ISBN 978-0-9796408-4-1, 300 pages, 6"x9", $29.95
Books may be ordered online at www.BuildingIntelligenceGroup.com or from the publisher, Hands-on-Guide (www.HandsOnGuide.com).

About Building Intelligence Group:
Building Intelligence Group, LLC, is a specialized consultancy working with building owners and managers, systems integrators, and suppliers on multiple aspects of intelligent building projects and education. Services include building systems design for leading edge projects and building systems master planning for universities and other multi-facility owners. For more information see www.BuildingIntelligenceGroup.com.

Media Contact:
Paul Ehrlich, President
Info@buildingIntelligenceGroup.com
(651) 204-0105

About Hands-on-Guide:
Hands-on-Guide specializes in practical books that help people develop new skills, help themselves, and get things done. The Intelligent Building Dictionary is the first in a series of books for the real estate and construction industry. For more information see www.HandsOnGuide.com or contact info@handsonguide.com.
For review copies and cover images, please e-mail sales@handsonguide.com.

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

Nansulate® Coatings Mentioned in New Nanotechnology for Green Building Report

Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Pink Sheets: INTK), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that its Nansulate® coatings for insulation, corrosion prevention, mold resistance and lead encapsulation have been included in a new 117 page report on "Nanotechnology for Green Building" by the Green Nanotechnology Forum.

Naples, FL (PRWEB) September 27, 2007 -- Industrial Nanotech, Inc. (Pink Sheets: INTK), an emerging global leader in nanotechnology, announced today that its Nansulate® coatings for insulation, corrosion prevention, mold resistance and lead encapsulation have been included in a new 117 page report on "Nanotechnology for Green Building" by the Green Nanotechnology Forum.

"We are pleased to see that our Nansulate coatings are becoming a brand name in the sector of Green Nanotechnology," stated Francesca Crolley, VP Operations & Marketing. "The fact that Nansulate is featured in this report, in addition to a recent report by the UK's Defra agency, strengthens our prominence in the green building market. Nansulate reduces energy use, provides a cost savings on energy expense to consumers and industry, and makes it more cost effective to 'go green', therefore promoting reduction of carbon emissions in a way that is real. We feel that Nansulate can continue to increase its contribution to reducing energy use and we look forward to strong growth in the use of our products in the green building industry in the US and internationally."

About Nansulate®:
Nansulate® is the Company's patented product line of specialty coatings containing a nanotechnology based material and which are well-documented to provide the combined performance qualities of thermal insulation, corrosion prevention, and resistance to mold growth in an environmentally safe, water-based, coating formulation. The Nansulate® Product Line includes both industrial and residential coatings.

About Industrial Nanotech:
Industrial Nanotech Inc. is rapidly emerging as a global nanoscience solutions and research leader. The Company develops and commercializes new and innovative applications for nanotechnology. Additional information about the Company and its products can be found at their websites, (http://www.industrial-nanotech.com) and (http://www.nansulate.com).

Safe Harbor Statement
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This release includes forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the impact of competitive products, the ability to meet customer demand, the ability to manage growth, acquisitions of technology, equipment, or human resources, the effect of economic and business conditions, and the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel. The Company is not obligated to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this release.

Source:
Industrial Nanotech, Inc.
Contact:
For Industrial Nanotech, Inc., Naples
Investor Relations
Martin E. Janis & Company, Inc.
Beverly Jedynak, President
312-943-1100 ext. 12
or
Martin E. Janis & Company, Inc.
Media Inquiries
Laura Grock, Vice President
312-943-1100 ext. 13

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:05 AM | Comments (0)

September 26, 2007

Property Website Tells Home Buyers Where to Find Property

Gravity (www.g.co.za), South Africa's property search engine has found a way of predicting where its visitors will most likely search for property.

Cape Town, South Africa (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- Grant Leigh, CEO of Gravity Communications, believes his company has found a unique solution to a problem many large property websites face: "We'd grown to about 100 000 listings spread over more than 3000 suburbs and we wanted to find a faster, more user-friendly way to get our visitors to the properties that would be of interest to them".

The normal Google-based street-level-map search approach adopted in the US and UK is not a viable option in South Africa because agents don't include street addresses in their listings and also because Google Maps isn't as granular in South Africa as it is in those countries. There are also other problems with the map-based approach.

Home buyers are often not interested in a suburb purely because of the area it’s in - they may be looking at suburbs in completely different parts of town or, worse still, they may be looking at different towns across a wide geographic region.

Location or geo-based solutions also don't take into account the type or price bracket of suburbs. For example, in Cape Town, the residential suburb of Milnerton borders on Montague Gardens - a commercial area. A location-based model would present listings in both locations to the user, but Montague Gardens listings are nowhere to be found on a Gravity property search in Milnerton. In fact, the Gravity model predicts that buyers are more likely to look for houses for sale in Blouberg Rise or even Big Bay over 10 kilometres away!

"The problem just didn't seem solvable, so we elected to start work on a location-based system. Then, one day as I was explaining to a colleague the extent of the mammoth task ahead of her, it struck me. Via the search data they left, our hundreds of thousands of visitors had been telling us exactly where they wanted to live since the day www.g.co.za was launched."

After sifting through the data and coming up with an algorithm that best harnessed all that collective intelligence, the first release was quietly launched several months ago. Visitors could enter a single suburb of interest and the Gravity site would suggest 20 further suburbs they may wish to explore. Encouraged by the results of this release, Gravity have now brought out a more advanced version. On the Gravity homepage, the user is able to enter multiple suburbs (in the "Quick Search" box; comma-separated). The results of this initial search are displayed to the user as well as a list of the most relevant suburbs the Gravity algorithm predicts will be of interest to the user.

Have any other websites come up with this solution as well? "I'm not sure; not as far as I can tell though. The idea may be new, but the concept of User Generated Results is old in the search world. I find it ironic that although this may seem like a fairly technical solution, it’s based almost entirely off human intelligence. I think this is a direction in which internet search as a whole is moving."

About Gravity:
Gravity (www.g.co.za) is a South African Property Search Engine that is free to estate agents and homebuyers alike. It automatically scans estate agent sites, gathering their listings and placing them in a single, central database for users to search.

Contact:
Grant Leigh (CEO)
Gravity Communications
0824021031
grant(at)g.co.za
www.g.co.za

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:14 AM | Comments (0)

Borden Elliott & Pierce See Increase in Mortgage Professionals Seeking Career Alternatives

According to the well respected career industry organization, Borden Elliott & Pierce complaints from mortgage industry professionals are really expressions of fear for their future in the industry.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- According to the well respected career industry organization, Borden Elliott & Pierce complaints from mortgage industry professionals are really expressions of fear for their future in the industry.

The Florida based career management firm has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people looking for work from the mortgage industry. According to a company spokesperson, "It's not just sub prime lenders. It's also some prime lenders and a host of people from the residential construction industry." In one office alone they have seen an increase from seeing one mortgage industry professional per month a year ago to seeing as many as six per week in recent months.

Borden Elliott & Pierce say that complaints from mortgage industry professionals involve the massive downsizing of offices and the closing of offices on a wide scale: "In the past anyone in the industry could simply make a move to another company within the mortgage industry. Now those other companies don't exist or they are not hiring."

For the first time in four years there has been a net loss in jobs in the mortgage industry nationwide. The company says that the people they are seeking their help are devastated over their loss and are now looking to change industries. For many it may be the only choice.

According to some reports the nation's largest mortgage lender is laying off 12,000 employees. "With so many layoffs and closings, we feel that the best option for most of these professionals is to look to other career options in other industries."

Borden Elliott & Pierce specialize in helping people who are in career transition: "We are accustomed to helping people navigate through unfamiliar situations. People who have been in one industry for many years have a difficult time envisioning themselves in other industries. If they can't picture themselves elsewhere, they'll never convince anyone else either. They need help for this sort of transition."

The company has offices in Tampa and Orlando Florida, with affiliated offices throughout the U.S. For more information about them visit their website at www.bepcflorida.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:14 AM | Comments (0)

Better and Strong Grating Makes a Significant Step to the Middle East

As a leading grating manufacturer in Taiwan, Better and Strong has successfully developed its business in Middle East market this year. It shows Better & Strong's efforts and credibility is widely recognized in overseas markets.

(PRWEB) September 26, 2007 -- With its essential business concept of "great quality, prompt delivery, professional design and competitive price," Better and Strong has built a good reputation as a leading manufacturer in grating of Taiwan. It has worked with construction companies, transportation companies and factories such as Taiwan Rapid Transit Corporation and Kaohsiung Rapid Transit Corporation, which are important transportation systems in Taiwan. In order to serve more overseas customers, Better and Strong is focused on making a great start in the Middle East market this year.

For effective production, Better and Strong owns two ISO9001 certificated factories with a floor totaling over ten thousand square meters of space, one for material support and the other focused on products processing. Its processing factory is well-equipped with an electro-forge machine, it carries out steel welding to produce a variety of grating specifications in accordance with the standard of Metal Bar Grating division of the National Association of Architectural Metal Manufacturers (NAAMM).

Better and Strong asserts that the company does not compromise when it comes to quality, therefore, it takes advantage of its own material factory and also ensures half-finished steel is quality guaranteed by reliable suppliers such as China Steel Company, the largest steel manufacturer in Taiwan.

To service customers better, Better and Strong not only provides stainless grating, but also galvanized grating at competitive price to cater to more customers' needs. All products have been arranged to pass ASTM, BS and AS tests. Their galvanized products have ventilated, explosion-proof, anti-corrosive and anti-slippery characters with no blister, crack, pinhole and scrape appearing on surface. In addition, the determination of zinc content and thickness of grating also reaches international standards.

Better and Strong grating is ideal for catwalks, conveyor and access walkways, handrails, fences and platforms, as well as stair treads on process plants. Better and Strong gratings are lightweight, self-cleaning, easy-to-install, have a strong loading-bearing capacity, show no deformation and allow the passage of air and light. Grating types of bearing bars include flat type, serrated type, I bar and press-locked steel bar grating. Their spacing could also be custom designed and manufactured depending on customers' requirements.

In order to reduce the risk of accidents, especially in wet weather or in plants with high condensation, Better and Strong also provides non-slip strips and nosing designs for different needs.

Compared to other grating suppliers doing semi-finished products and final processing, Better and Strong is able to do steel coil cutting using a CNC machine, which brings more competitive prices to customers. It also achieves higher customer satisfaction for a variety of grating specifications, such as the flat steel with 40 x 3 mm.

Better and Strong specially provides a big chunk of black steel sheet grating without surface treatments for customers doing the cutting and processing on their own.

Another high-value product of Better and Strong is their trench and drainage pit cover. It has been widely used in public construction, mass transportation, streets and playgrounds with frame supports (BT2) and non-frame (BT1) models.

Always looking out for customers' best interests, Better and Strong proposes the most appropriate flooring solution for customers' application requirements. Moreover, fastening components such as setting screws and setting plates can be fully supplied at a good price to reduce installation cost. They also offer chain lockers for drainage cover to protect from stealing.

Better and Strong Prompt Delivery
According to its commitment of prompt delivery, Better and Strong guarantees good delivery within two weeks from material purchase, to grating galvanizing, and final goods delivery, even on special customer's orders.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:13 AM | Comments (0)

Revolutionary Composite Sheet Piling Used for Dike Repair Project in Holland

C-Loc vinyl sheet pile, manufactured by Atlanta based Crane Materials International (CMI), was recently used for a large- scale dike repair project.

Atlanta, GA (Vocus/PRWEB ) September 26, 2007 -- C-Loc vinyl sheet pile, manufactured by Atlanta based Crane Materials International (CMI), was recently used for a large-scale dike repair project. The levee runs along N468 between the towns of Maasland and Schipluiden which is near Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The project was designed by Fugro Engineers B.V. of Breda, Netherlands. Fugro chose C-Loc for its longevity and economical price. The old dike was faced with tropical wood which had become badly deteriorated in less than 20 years. With the wooden seawall failing, the dike was eroding badly which threatened the roadway running along the top. “C-Loc vinyl sheet pile will last significantly longer than conventional materials such as wood, steel or concrete”.

Verboon Maasland of Maasland, Netherlands was the construction company awarded the project. The company specializes in earthworks, small-scale dredging, vertical drainage and sewer systems to name a few. Phase one of the project consisted of installing 1,300 linear meters (4,200 feet) of C-Loc vinyl sheet piling