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May 29, 2008

New Concrete Driveways Catalog Offers Decorative Design Ideas

New design idea catalog on Concrete Driveways is available to download and print at ConcreteNetwork.com. Catalog includes 13 pages filled with color photos, design options and possibilities for creating the perfect driveway this summer.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- One of the most effective ways to enhance the look of a home is by gracing it with a decorative concrete driveway. The Concrete Network has put together a new downloadable catalog on Concrete Driveways for homeowners, designers and builders looking for ideas on enhancing driveways with decorative concrete.

Pages are filled with all of the necessary information to make an educated decision regarding a concrete driveway make-over. Included are full color photos, and design options in using decorative stamps, stains, sawcut patterns, color options and much more.

When homeowners build a new driveway or revamp an existing one, many turn to concrete, but not just the typical, gray concrete. Decorative concrete allows for driveways to be customized. Because concrete can be forged into a range of textures, colors, and patterns, it is a versatile part of an overall landscape design and can increase the value of a home.

"As people continue to expand their investment in real estate, the demand for beautifying these properties should continue," explains Mike Verlennich of Verlennich Masonry and Concrete. "Beautiful, durable concrete is the best choice for long-term function and aesthetic appeal."

Many concrete driveways last for 30 years or more and, in the long run, may cost less than using and maintaining natural materials like flagstone, brick or slate. The catalog also features many decorative products that can resurface existing driveways without the need to tear out and replace the entire slab.

Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd., Installer of Interlock Roofing Systems, Begins Campaign to Raise Funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation -- Building for Kids

Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd. is showing their support for BC's Kids by providing a donation per metal roofing job to the BC Children's hospital foundation.

Delta, BC (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd. is showing their support for BC's Kids by providing a donation per metal roofing job to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.

Funds from each Sale of Interlock Roofing Products in British Columbia will be provided.

BC Children's Hospital Foundation - Building for Kids

"We are proud to support BC Children's Hospital," says Mark Wenzel, President of Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd. " It provides first class health services to the Children of BC and the Yukon. And as a long time member of the BC Business community, we want to give something back. I can't think of a better way to do this."

Donations go directly to support the purchase of life-saving equipment, research into the treatment, prevention, and cures of childhood diseases.

About Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd.:
Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd. Is one of the leading installers of Metal Roofing Products in British Columbia. Our lifetime metal roofing products include aluminum roofing fabricated in shingle roofing, slate roofing, shake roofing and tile roofing profiles. For more information about us, please visit our website.

Mark Wenzel, President, Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:08 AM | Comments (0)

Cross Border Sales Surge Between US/Canada; Lone Star Businesses Continue to find New Customers in Canada

Purolator USA offers cross border logistics expertise for businesses that ship between the United States and Canada. Sales between the two countries peaked during 2006 at almost $577 billion, with $23 billion in goods exchanged between Texas and Canada alone. This upward climb is expected to continue, as the Canadian dollar is expected to remain strong against its U.S. counterpart. Purolator USA has responded to the increased need for cross border logistics expertise by opening a new processing facility in Grapevine, TX.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- US businesses are increasingly looking to Canada to expand their customer base, and generally finding a receptive audience. Sales between the US and Canada peaked during 2006 at almost $577 billion, with $23 billion between Texas and Canada alone, and this upward climb is expected to continue. While the economic outlook for the U.S. economy remains tenuous, the comparative strength of the Canadian dollar has provided unexpected opportunities for smart U.S. businesses that can reach Canadian customers.

John T. Costanzo, president of Purolator USA, a leading expert in cross border transportation logistics, says that his company has seen an increase in business as a result of the increased amount of goods moving between Canada and Texas. "It seems that every business in Texas has its eye to the north, and as a result, the demand for good cross border logistics has really surged."

Texas' success in reaching the Canadian market was the subject of a news interview that Costanzo gave recently to KRLD NewsRadio in Dallas. During that interview, Costanzo discussed the tremendous increase in Texas/Canada cross border trade.

Canadian consumers have taken advantage of the comparatively strong Canadian loonie by ordering a record amount of goods over the Internet. While consumer spending is certainly a part of the growth in cross border activity, Costanzo says that the bulk of the increase is fueled by "great Texas manufacturers," who have found Canadian markets for their diverse products. "Unshaped plastics, chemicals, computers and motor vehicle parts alone account for almost $4.6 billion worth of goods sent from Texas to Canada."

Purolator USA recently responded to the increased need for cross border expertise by opening a new full-service processing facility in Grapevine. That facility, with its close proximity to DFW airport ensures the timely processing of shipments traveling either by air or via ground. Purolator USA offers transportation and logistics solutions for businesses that ship regularly between Canada and the United States. In addition, Purolator USA offers delivery options for small package and express shipments traveling within the United States.

For more information about Purolator USA, please visit www.purolatorusa.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:08 AM | Comments (0)

American Blinds, Wallpaper and More Shows off the Latest Wallpaper Trends

Wallpaper doesn’t just hang on the wall anymore. Fresh, decorating designs and trends from around the world make rooms come alive. New and creative ways to use wallpaper also add excitement to the style mix. American Blinds, Wallpaper and More® offers the hottest looks, from making a dramatic statement with flocked wallpaper patterns, to decorative wall murals which completely change a room's appearance.

Here are some of the latest wallpaper trends available from American Blinds, Wallpaper and More:

* Choosing eco-friendly grass cloth and natural weave wall coverings will bring nature indoors. Their organic textures and neutral colors create a relaxing space.
* Graham & Brown Wallcoverings bring the latest styles from London with award-winning designer Julien Macdonald’s bold, innovative prints, and designer Linda Barker’s (from T.V.’s "Changing Rooms") Wallpaper Collection with patterns she makes accessible for everyone’s decor.
* The Raymond Waites Leather Luxe Wallpaper Collection will give walls the look of luxury in faux leather textures and designs.
* Another new simple solution is Easy-Walls, a revolutionary breakthrough in wallpaper. It’s easy to hang, easy to remove, washable and 100% vinyl free, making it environmentally friendly.
* For problem walls, Wall Doctor has the cure. Graham & Brown’s Wall Doctor Wall Liner is available in a variety of paintable textures to coordinate with any design style.

Rachel Rutledge, Product Merchandising Manager at American Blinds, Wallpaper and More says, “Finding the perfect wall covering has never been easier for online customers. Using the Advanced Color Search, which is available only on our website at www.americanblinds.com, let’s customers choose from neutrals to purples and every shade in between. Simply select a color and instantly find results.”

Rachel also says, “Then, there’s the new Colour By Design Wallpaper Collection. It let’s shoppers select from the most popular prints in wallpaper books organized by color.”

More ideas for wall coverings from American Blinds, Wallpaper and More:

Accent Wall. Create a strong focal point in a room by covering a single wall with an eye-catching wallpaper pattern.

Get Framed. Give old photos new life by creating mats in picture frames with a colorful wallpaper pattern.

On the Shelf. Line the inside of a shelving unit with a bold wallpaper print. It will personalize an ordinary piece of furniture.

Work of Art. Use a favorite wallpaper design as framed art in a room to make a unique masterpiece.

Light It Up. Wrap a sheet of wallpaper around a plain lampshade to add new light and dimension to a table lamp.

To Dine For. Cut favorite wallpaper designs into shapes and laminate to create original placemats for the table.

Send a Message. Use pieces of wallpaper to cover and line a folded sheet of cardboard to make one of-a-kind cards. Just add a personal message.

The Perfect Gift. Let wallpaper be the finishing touch. Use it when wrapping a present for someone special.

American Blinds, Wallpaper and More offers the latest trends and new creative uses for wallpaper. From border treatments to wall-size murals, find patterns and prints from around the world at www.americanblinds.com.

About American Blinds, Wallpaper and More:
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More is the largest online retailer of brand name custom window treatments and wall coverings at savings from 25% - 85% off most retail store and home center prices. They carry all brand name blinds and wallpaper, including Hunter Douglas®, Bali®, Levolor®, Kirsch®, Waverly®, Seabrook®, Chesapeake®, Blonder® and American Blinds®, their most popular brand. The company also sells home decorating products including curtains, draperies, custom framed wall art, bedding, and area rugs. Their website, www.americanblinds.com, can search for over 500,000 wallpaper, border and fabric patterns by color, style and other keywords. Most merchandise is shipped via free ground delivery and is covered by a Satisfaction Guarantee and a Lowest Price Guarantee. For more than fifty years American Blinds, Wallpaper and More has provided high quality products to over 6 million customers nationwide.

Contact information:
American Blinds, Wallpaper and More
Jeff Alderman
Director of Online Marketing & Business Development
734-207-5992

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

Innovative Rating System for Sustainable Development to be Unveiled at 2008 Greenbuild Expo in Boston

For those in the green building industry, the annual pilgrimage to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Greenbuild Expo starts this year on November 19th in Boston with keynote speaker Desmond Tutu.

Bozeman, MT (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- For those in the green building industry, the annual pilgrimage to the U.S. Green Building Council’s (USGBC) Greenbuild Expo starts this year on November 19th in Boston with keynote speaker Desmond Tutu. Last year over 20,000 participants from 66 countries went to network and learn about the latest innovations and best practices for sustainable building. This year a unique voluntary rating system that incorporates LEED principles but goes beyond the application of LEED to address the nationally significant natural and cultural values of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem will be unveiled.

The Yellowstone Business Partnership (YBP) has been invited to present an educational program on their Greater Yellowstone Framework for Sustainable Development (GY-Framework). YBP’s GY-Framework was designed to help the largest, intact ecosystem in America survive demands of rapid development. Taking lessons from LEED, over 80 volunteers from the YBP membership worked for nine months to develop a tool that defines sustainable development for the region. There are currently seven prerequisites and 57 credits that cover categories such as Land Use and Conservation, Biodiversity, Recreation Resources, and Public Service and Infrastructure.

The honor of being selected to present at Greenbuild is even more significant according to Mary Ann Lazarus, chair of the Greenbuild 2008 Program Committee: “This year's selection process was the most competitive in Greenbuild history with over 1,400 proposals submitted and fewer than 100 accepted into the final program. This level of selectivity enabled the Program Committee to assemble the strongest and most robust educational program to date.”

YBP’s presence at Greenbuild 2008 will give them international exposure to their innovative rating system, showing the building industry around the world that by looking beyond the built environment, developers can help preserve the cultural and natural heritage of a region.

The YBP Greenbuild educational program will begin with Jan Brown presenting the GY-Framework, its history and a description of the eleven registered pilot projects that will test the new rating system. These pilot projects include two high schools, local and state parks, a ski resort, and several mixed use and neighborhood developments.

Kath Williams, consultant for the GY-Framework, will then conduct an interactive Q & A with three of the eleven GY-Framework developers: Teton Meadows Ranch in Jackson, WY, Story Mill Neighborhood in Bozeman, MT, and Mountainside Village, in Victor, ID. These developers were chosen to participate because they represented all three states that YBP covers and they were comparable mixed use or neighborhood projects.

For more information on the Greenbuild Expo visit www.greenbuildexpo.org. For information on the USGBC and LEED visit www.usgbc.org. For information on the Yellowstone Business Partnership visit www.yellowstonebusiness.org or call (406) 522-7809.

The Yellowstone Business Partnership is committed to applying collaborative approaches to resolving multi-state challenges. YBP works with willing businesses to help them operate more sustainably, develop responsibly, enhance regional mobility and improve cross-boundary communications. The 5th Annual Conference at Jackson Lake Lodge entitled “Connecting the DOTs: Moving People and Promise across Greater Yellowstone” began the conversation on how to develop a concept of operations for a regional transportation network.

The US Green Building Council is a non profit organization that certifies sustainable businesses, homes, hospitals, schools, and neighborhoods. USGBC is dedicated to expanding green building practices and education, and its LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™.

YBP Registered Pilot Projects for the GY-Framework

- Beartooth Nature Center (Red Lodge, Montana)
- Dornix Park (Big Timber, Montana)
- Grand Targhee Resort (Alta, Wyoming)
- Harriman State Park (Island Park, Idaho)
- Livingston High School (Livingston, Montana)
- Mountain Legends Ranch (Driggs, Idaho)
- Mountainside Village (Victor, Idaho)
- Pine Glades Homes (Jackson, Wyoming)
- Red Lodge High School (Red Lodge, Montana)
- Story Mill Neighborhood (Bozeman, Montana)
- Teton Meadows Ranch (Jackson Hole, Wyoming)

Contact:
Heather Burdette
Sustainability Programs Manager
Yellowstone Business Partnership
(406) 838-2321
(406) 600-6617
jbrown @ yellowstonebusiness.org

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:05 AM | Comments (0)

InventHelp® Client Invents "Grounding Rod Pounder" - An Invention That Could Make Electrical Work Easier

InventHelp® is attempting to submit the invention to companies for review.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- InventHelp®, America's largest inventor service company, announces that one of its clients, an inventor and electrical contractor for 23 years from Colonia, N.J., has designed a tool to install grounding rods. This invention is patented.

The "Grounding Rod Pounder" could help individuals install grounding rods used in electrical work in a more efficient way. The unit would provide a user with a durable driving and broad striking surface. This design could assist in making the work more convenient and user-friendly.

The Grounding Rod Pounder would consist of hardened steel tubing. The center of the tool would feature a tapered reducer with a solid partition. A user could take the appropriate end of the unit and slip it over the upper end of the ground rod, and this upper end could then be used as a striking surface for any hammer drill type with any chisel bit. This unit would be ideal when installing eight-foot grounding rods.

InventHelp® is attempting to submit the invention to companies for review. If substantial interest is expressed, the company will attempt to negotiate for a sale or royalties for the inventor. For more information, telephone Dept. 03-NWK-1990 at (800) 851-6030. Learn more about InventHelp® and their Invention Submission services at http://press.inventhelp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:05 AM | Comments (0)

Quality First Home Improvement Inc. is Selected as a Master Elite Contractor by Roofing Manufacturer Giant GAF/ELK

Quality First Home Improvements Inc joins Master Elite 3% club

Roseville, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- GAF/ELK, the oldest and largest manufacturer of roofing material in North America, has selected Quality First Home Improvement Inc., to join the ranks of its Master Elite contractors. Only 3% of roof installing contractors nationwide have been able to achieve this status. Companies selected by GAF/ELK to be Master Elite contractors have passed a series of stringent guidelines set down by the GAF/ELK Corporation. The guidelines include installing a large number of lifetime roofs to GAF/ELK's factory specifications, as well as high sales volume, excellent credibility, and having all roofing installers factory trained and certified by GAK/ELF Corporation.

"We are very proud that GAF/ELK has chosen our company to be a Master Elite contractor. GAF/ELK manufactures superior roofing products, and their "Systems Plus" and "Golden Pledge" warranties are the best in the business. Our customers now have the option to select from a wide range of coverage, including lifetime coverage on labor and materials, giving them complete peace of mind. We will look forward to working together with GAF/ELK representatives to achieve greater goals, and continued future success," said Gary Kluck, co-owner of Quality First Home Improvement Inc.

Quality First Home Improvement Inc., is a Diamond Certified licensed contractor specializing in a full line of exterior home improvements. The company's headquarters is located in Roseville, California, with branch offices located in Redding, Vallejo, and San Jose, CA. Over the next year, the company plans to open several more offices in California, and a new office in Reno, Nevada. Quality First Home Improvements Inc., utilizes manufacturer certified installers, a full sales and marketing team, and has been rated as a Blue Chip contractor by Referred Excellence, a third party contractor rating company.

More info: call 1-800-859-7494 or visit: http://www.Qualityfirsthome.com

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

San Jose Swimming Pool Design Company Employs New Imaging Software

Swan Pools of San Jose, the leading swimming pool design company in the South Bay Area, is utilizing new imaging software that allows customers to build their dream pool.

San Jose, CA (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- Swan Pools of San Jose now offers customers a way to look into their back yard and see what it would look like with a quality custom pool and all the beautiful additions that come with it. The swimming pool design company is utilizing imaging software that allows homeowners to build a dream yard virtually and view it from almost any vantage point.

Structure Studios created a highly versatile swimming pool design program that found a home with Swan Pools. Now customers of the San Jose swimming pool design company can better see the development of their design ideas. Not only does this allow homeowners to quickly model or modify a project, but it also gives them greater control in expressing their taste and their vision for a quality custom pool.

The swimming design program, called Pool Studios, is continually evolving to give it more utility and meet construction and presentation challenges encountered by the designers. To learn more about these products for planning a quality custom pool, be sure to visit Swan Pools' showroom at 1495 South Winchester Blvd. in San Jose or contact them online at www.swanpools.com.

About Swan Pools:
For more than 50 years, Swan Pools has been creating outdoor family environments that are built to last a lifetime.

Swan Pools was incorporated in 1954 and has built one of the longest and most dependable track records in the pool and spa industry. Not many swimming pool companies claim to have built 50,000 pools in California. The value to the consumer is the immeasurable confidence that their customers have in not only the construction process but also the ongoing future relationship that exists as long as they own their pool.

Through the generations, lifestyles have changed and so has today's swimming pool. To stay on the cutting edge of this changing technology, Swan Pools is constantly developing new design techniques and installation procedures that must pass specific quality control standards. This ensures that each new product or material that a consumer may want will stand the test of time. They build pools, not just for today, but for tomorrow.

Contact:
Paul Workman
1-800-FOR-SWAN
Swan Pools San Jose
1495 S. Winchester Blvd.
San Jose, CA 95128
www.swanpools.com

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

The Granite Companies Announce the Promotion of Travis George to Senior Vice President of Operations

The Granite Companies announce the promotion of Travis George to senior vice president of operations.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 29, 2008 -- Granite Loan Management (GLM) a national construction risk mitigation firm headquartered in Centennial, Colorado is pleased to announce the promotion of Travis George to the position to Senior Vice President of Operations.

Travis now oversees operations in the Fund Control, Project and Contractor Review and Customer Service Departments. His expansive knowledge of the Granite systems and his ability to establish positive working relationships has allowed the company to successfully handle the operations of new client construction lenders with non-standard needs.

Travis can be contacted at travis.george @ graniteloan.com.

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

ETL and WHI Listed Marks Receive Formal Acceptance in Middle East

Manufacturers Gain Access to Rapidly Expanding United Arab Emirates (UAE) Market

Boxborough, MA (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- Intertek (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, announces formal acceptance of its safety and certification marks in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by Dubai Civil Defense and Abu Dhabi Civil Defense Departments.

Intertek's ETL and WHI mark acceptance provides manufacturers direct global market access to one of the fastest growing construction markets in the world. Intertek currently manages certification programs in other Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries including Saudi Arabia, India, Kuwait, Kenya, South Africa, and Nigeria.

The formal acceptance of the ETL and WHI Listed marks will simplify and accelerate the certification process for manufacturers who want to supply products to this rapidly-growing region. The scope of these approvals is wide-ranging, including Life Safety and Security products, Building Products and Materials, IT, Medical, HVAC and Lighting. Intertek offers independent, third-party testing programs to help manufacturers enter markets around the world such as Certification and Compliance Listing and Classification Services, Performance testing and Benchmarking, R&D testing, Accelerated Stress Testing, Supply Chain Inspections and ROHS compliance and validation.

"These approvals further Intertek's commitment to assisting our clients' global certification needs", said Gregg Tiemann, president of Intertek Commercial and Electrical division. "For industry leaders who emphasize a need for quick and efficient certification, Intertek provides the global reach they need, including the developing Middle Eastern countries."

Intertek maintains more than 30 global accreditations and issues it's ETL Listed Mark as proof of compliance to applicable UL, CSA, and ANSI safety standards. Intertek also offers the WH Listed Mark as proof of compliance to the International Conference of Building Officials, (ICBO) Building Officials and Code Administrators (BOCA), The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) and the Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI).

Contacts
For further information, please contact
Nicole Kimmick, Field Marketing Manager
Telephone: +1-978-263-2662

About Intertek's testing and certification services
The Commercial & Electrical division of Intertek provides testing and certification services, including product safety testing and certification, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing, performance testing, and management systems certification. These services provide global market access to customers in industries such as building products and materials. Visit www.intertek-etlsemko.com for further information or to contact your local Intertek office.

About Intertek
Intertek is a leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries. Partnership with Intertek brings increased value to customers' products and processes, ultimately supporting their success in the global market place. Intertek has the experience, expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through their network of more than 930 laboratories and offices, 20,000 people in 110 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.intertek.com.

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

American Advantage Mortgage Company Selected as Preferred Lender for Collegiate Relocation Network (CRN)

American Advantage Mortgage Company selected as the "Preferred Lender for Collegiate Relocation Network (CRN)." CRN the nationally recognized service provider for colleges and universities. Endorsed by the D1A Athletic Directors' Association (D1A), and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), as "The Official Relocation Firm of D1A and NACDA."

(PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- American Advantage Mortgage Company selected as the "Preferred Lender for Collegiate Relocation Network (CRN)." CRN the nationally recognized service provider for colleges and universities. Endorsed by the D1A Athletic Directors' Association (D1A), and the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA), as "The Official Relocation Firm of D1A and NACDA."

American Advantage Mortgage Company (AAMC) prides itself on being a full-service mortgage company where you get the advantage of the best pricing, programs and professionals available. Kelly Zuccarelli, Vice President of AAMC, "believes the unions' multifaceted foundation led to the selection. Initially the existing business affiliation then based on our superior service and ability to design loans based on the changing needs of today's buyers. We look forward to providing the CRN collegiate clients with mortgage services, educate and guide them through the mortgage progression."

Jimmy Dascani, President and CEO of Collegiate Relocation Network, explains, "after reviewing their business model and organizational arrangement, selecting American Advantage Mortgage was a clear choice. Their hybrid mortgage platform, aptitude to underwrite and broker the mortgage, as well as the extensive business with loan officer, Tyler Thompson. The range of mortgage programs with multiple lenders offers a greater variety targeted to our client base, we believe these features would be appealing."

Founded in 2003, American Advantage Mortgage Company is a full-service mortgage company offering a diverse array of products fulfilling home lending needs. The experienced loan professionals dedicated in creating the perfect loan package for each client. From home buying to refinance to construction lending, for a new home, a second home, or refinance, American Advantage Mortgage Company has the formula for a quick, accurate and efficient process. Headquartered in Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, American Advantage Mortgage Company is where you get the advantage of the best people, pricing and programs available. For more information visit American Advantage Mortgage Company online at http://www.americanadvantageonline.com.

Collegiate Relocation Network (CRN) a privately held corporation located in Naples, FL, recognized as the Official Relocation Firm of the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) and the Division 1A Athletic Directors' Association (D1A). CRN is a provider of relocation services, specializing in serving the unique needs of employees and faculty of Member Colleges and Universities. For more information contact Jimmy Dascani at (877) 398-4799 or visit online at www.CollegiateRelocation.com.

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

Successful Infomercial Launch for the X-Deck by SafeTec

SafeTec the makers of The X-Deck work platform successfully launched their nationwide infomercial on Memorial Day. The X-Deck has had phenomenal growth since its debut in 2002. Chris Seaman Jr, VP Sales SafeTec, said "We are very excited about the huge response we have had from The XDeck infomercial. I feel the public is really appreciating the value of our product."

Bardstown, Kentucky (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- SafeTec the makers of The X-Deck work platform successfully launched their national infomercial on Memorial Day. The XDeck is an award winning safety work platform that has won multiple awards for its unique design. The XDeck has become a favorite among Safety Directors in many industries. It not only improves performance but helps reduce injuries. With the new consumer models SafeTec hopes to reduce home injuries and give a safer work environment for all.

The XDeck is safer than a ladder and easier to use than scaffolding. The XDeck is portable, lightweight, has an anti-tip design, and sets up in seconds. The XDeck complies with OSHA, ANSA, and CSA International Standards. This small lightweight work platform is certified for 1,200 lbs (SWL of 300 lbs)

SafeTec has been actively marketing its Pro-Line series of the XDeck for several years and announced its intentions of launching a nationwide infomercial 6 months ago for its new lighter models. We developed this new line to allow the consumer or homeowner to get the benefits we have been offering to industry for years. These new models are aimed at the consumer and are small and lightweight enough for almost anyone to use. The X-Deck easily stores in a closet and is easy to transport.

SafeTec launched the infomercial on Memorial Day and has already seen results from its launch. When asked, Chris Seaman Jr, VP Sales SafeTec, said "We are very excited about the huge response we have had from the XDeck infomercial. We are already seeing the response in phone calls, internet queries, and orders."

These units come with several options. Handrails are unheard of with step-ladders but are offered on all the X-Decks. Consumers can also buy two types of work trays, hanging hooks and carrying straps. Two X-Decks can be connected by a SafeTec plank to give the user up to 16 continuous feet of work surface. This replaces small scaffolding and ladders with walk boards.

The infomercial is actively being run on cable channels nationwide including but not limited to the Discovery Channel, the Man Channel, the VS Channel, the Travel Channel, and several others. The infomercial has some afternoon slots as well as the standard late night spots that many infomercials currently are shown. The XDeck infomercial has been a huge hit from all its viewers even from its initial market research development stage.

Featured on the infomercial are the two XDeck models available for sale on the infomercial and online at TheXDeck.com, These models are the 3 Step and the 4 Step X-Deck's. Hosting the infomercial is Buzz Leer who has been seen on numerous home improvement shows including Home and Garden TV (HGTV). In the Infomercial, Chris Seaman Sr., the founder and President of SafeTec, explains the development and growth of this product line. He addresses the quality in workmanship and material that produces the strength in the platforms. Chris Sr. also lists the numerous Fortune 500 companies that are using this new innovative product.

SafeTec's Pro Line website is safeplatforms.com this is where information on the Pro Line Series of the X-Deck can be found. Pro Line models vary in height and dimension. Safe Tec has also built custom work platforms for many companies including: Harley-Davidson, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Lockheed-Martin and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release (or for a sample, copy or demo), contact Dianna Jackson or visit TheXDeck.com. TheXDeck.com SafeTech

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

Select Safety Sales Expands in Response to OSHA's Final Rule on Employer Paid PPE

Select Safety Sales expands both their administrative and safety departments to be ready for the final ruling by OSHA that has made employers responsible for the payment of all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for their workers. This final rule on Employer Paid PPE is expected to drastically reduce occupational injuries in the industrial workplace and save millions of dollars related to medical expenses and lost time at work annually.

Clark, NJ (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- Select Safety Sales expands its customer service and safety departments to help its customers adhere to the final rule regarding employer paid PPE mandated by OSHA that went into effect May 15, 2008. The final rule will require employers in manufacturing, maritime and construction industries to pay for all PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required to be worn by their employees in the plant or on the jobsite. "Our expansion will allow us to offer our customers quality customer service and expertise in regards to their PPE purchasing" states Matthew Kane, Managing Member.

This final ruling on employer paid PPE was introduced back in November of 2007 and comes into effect now. OSHA requires that the payment for new and replacement PPE lies solely on the employer except in circumstances where an employee loses or intentionally damages the equipment. The employer is deemed responsible for their workers' safety and this step should further institute that employees have and wear adequate protection on the job. PPE consists of eye, hearing, fall, foot, hand and fall protection in an industrial setting. It is the hard hat that prevents a blow to the head, ear plugs that prevent hearing loss and safety vests for high visibility on dangerous highways along with other safety products that keep a workforce safe on the job. "It could become a job in itself for industrial companies to take care of the administrative portion of their PPE purchasing" says Kane. "With our expansion, we can help our customers choose their PPE for safety, comfort and cost efficiency"

Employers should be able to choose the most convenient method of payment when dealing with their suppliers. Some companies might find it easier to be set up on account making monthly payments whereas others might give their employees an allowance before or reimbursement after a purchase has been made. "For companies that use large amounts of PPE, this new rule can have an impact on the cash flow of a business along with the managerial time involved" advises Kane.

In an industrial setting,PPE(Personal Protective Equipment) will now be just another cost of doing business. A cost that, in the long run, enhances greater productivity in workers by saving lives and creating many useful years of labor. Allowing employees to be responsible for their own PPE could put a burden on some workers. This burden could cause these workers not to purchase PPE or to purchase lower quality PPE that does not offer the same level of protection. This new ruling will increase the amount of control that an employer has over both selection and maintenance of personal protective equipment which in turn will increase the overall effectiveness of their safety program and overall workplace safety. "I am happy to be able to provide products to my customers that not only ensure the productivity of their workforce but their safety as well" states Matthew Kane.

For additional information contact:

Matthew Kane
Select Safety Sales LLC
(866) 864-3495
www.selectsafetysales.com

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

Rental Website WhyBuy.com Uses Blog to Provide Important Updates

Blog is an informative rental resource for renters and leasers.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- Rental website WhyBuy.com, an online rental listing service, announces the addition of a blog to its site's services. Aiming to keep its users up-to-date and informed on the latest happenings, the blog serves as a useful online rental resource for both the rental website and information on renting in general. The frequent updates are written and moderated by Woody Alpern, one of the founders of WhyBuy.com, as well as a team of knowledgeable renting experts.

"People are coming to WhyBuy.com hoping to find items that they have been searching for everywhere," said Alpern. "Not only does WhyBuy.com meet that initial need, but the addition of the blog serves as an essential rental resource by keeping users informed of the latest news in rental trends as well as changes in rental protocol."

Recent posts include detailed information on the rental website and the staff running the operation, rental tips for owners, basic rules for buying rental properties, establishing competitive rental rates, the addition of a guestbook and calendar to the site, and how the addition of more pictures can help your post achieve more views. By offering such a comprehensive rental resource for renters and leasers alike, WhyBuy.com hopes to revolutionize the online rental market. In addition to the free listing service that it provides, WhyBuy.com also offers a premium version where users can fully customize the renting experience, adding more graphics and eye-catching details to listings.

About WhyBuy.com
WhyBuy.com is an innovative website that offers free rental listing services for any type of item available for rent, from apartments to vehicles to tools. Rather than charging its users, the rental website's revenue comes from other sources, including affiliate partnerships, a premium version of the site, and sales of advertising within emails to site users. The site was founded in 2008 by a group of Atlanta-area entrepreneurs. For more information, visit www.whybuy.com.

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

Over 100 New Designs In Legs and Columns For Kitchen & Bath

Classic Designs by Matthew Burak the recognized leader in manufacturing of wooden furniture components expands their newest catalog. Now 25% bigger with over 100 new designs by Vermont Master Craftsman, Matthew Burak.

St. Johnsbury, VT (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- Classic Designs by Matthew Burak releases their biggest catalog ever. "Specially designed for kitchen and bath trade, the new catalog has grown by 25% and features over 100 new columns, kitchen legs and bun feet."

Featured are two new complete lines of two-side and four-side tapered legs. Each available in five heights from 36" and 42" kitchen island, to 29", 25" and 18" furniture height, all in four weights. Rounding out the collection is a new companion line of Square Tapered Bun Feet.

Taking steps to better service the industry, the company has expanded in the area of custom services, and now offers custom turning, manufacturing alterations from stock turnings and supplied designs and patterns.

The catalog showcases time-saving custom options like mortising, splitting, notching and custom scaling. Also available are hundreds of unfinished turned legs, columns, bun feet, corbel, ogee bracket feet, table and vanity base kits.

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

Be the First to Preview The Acadian Condominiums - Right on Shediac Bay - From $299,900

The Acadian is the first luxury waterfront condominium project in Shediac New Brunswick. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for a luxury waterfront home as nothing like this has ever been offered around here. Register now at www.acadiancondo.com

Shediac, NB (PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- The Acadian is the first luxury waterfront condominium project in Shediac New Brunswick. "This is an amazing opportunity for anyone looking for a luxury waterfront home as nothing like this has ever been offered around here". - Sylvio Leblanc VP of Leby Fixtures and Interiors

The Acadian on Shediac Bay, has been designed as a community of convenience, comfort, and future appreciation. Future owners will walk to retail stores, restaurants and health services.

The first phase of The Acadian condominium community will soon be released to their growing list of exclusive priority preview registrants. People on this Priority list will have access to special preview pricing. Registration for this special list is available at http://www.acadiancondo.com/pr.

The Acadian is minutes from the Moncton International Airport, right on the bay in Shediac, these condominiums have been designed to complement and enhance the serene, peaceful waterfront lifestyle that thousands have enjoyed for almost a century. They add luxury and convenience that is brand new in Atlantic Canada.

Please go to http://www.acadiancondo.com/pr to register and qualify for low pre-construction Priority Pricing and a special Priority Preview® Opportunity.

Shediac is known as the "Lobster Capital of the World", with the warmest salt-water north of Virginia. Residents of The Acadian will enjoy the warm salt-water, swimming and fishing, and the awesome Eastern Canadian sunsets from the comfort of their four-seasons enclosed private balcony.

The Best of Canada and the Best of Shediac at The Acadian on Shediac Bay. "This Condominium project is a guaranteed winner with the incredibly strong Canadian Market and unmatched luxury in this and even surrounding communities" - Harley Nakelsky VP of The Kates Marketing Group.

Shediac, and nearby Moncton, are fully bilingual with a diverse blend of cultures. A visit to Shediac is like no other in the world. You will love being a part of this brand new, convenient, bilingual community. New condominiums are priced on a priority basis from $299,900. Early registrants will benefit from priority availability and extremely low introductory pricing.

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

TexasGulfCoastOnline.com Issues Report Providing Strategies for Real Estate Buyers, Sellers and Developers on How to Survive in Today's Market.

The TexasGulfCoastOnline.com report offers advice that highlights effective strategies for buyers, sellers and developers on surviving in today's Texas Coastal property market, including South Padre Island, Port Aransas, Galveston and Crystal Beach.

Texas Gulf Coast (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- TexasGulfCoastOnline.com Issues Report Providing Strategies for Real Estate Buyers, Sellers and Developers on How to Survive in Today's Market.

The new report offers advice that highlights effective strategies for buyers, sellers and developers on surviving in today's Texas Coastal property market, including South Padre Island, Port Aransas, Galveston and Crystal Beach.

The Bottom line of the report states that Texas has the strong market fundamentals of sustainable economic and population growth - combined with migration to the coastal areas from within and outside the state. And predicts the Texas Coast is headed for a boom with a huge pent up demand. Buyer hesitancy from the woes of California, Florida and a few other states are holding many current buyers in a wait-and-see mode.

"Even today, the Texas Coast is doing well with sales coming from motivated sellers who have reduced their prices and from spectacular new coastal developments," says Michael Stuart, CEO TexasGulfCoastOnline.com, "but most new residential home developments, with their inherent level of uncertainty, are having difficulties."

"Financing tightness created by the collapse of the subprime markets is casting a negative cloud over the otherwise robust Texas coastal market causing uncertainty of closings, sales and concern to otherwise interested buyers," Stuart reports.

"The market has slowed not stopped," Stuart adds. "The new report is designed to give all parties involved in the market a hands on advice for dealing with their particular situation and needs."

The new report categorizes new home developers into three categories and provides tactical advice to each:
1. The Well Financed.
2. The Finished and Near Finished Development
3. The Developers in Trouble

The report offers advice to buyers on the fundamentals of taking advantage of a slow market, negotiating with sellers and developers to obtain the maximum benefit for dollars invested and how to use financing options to their advantage.

It further advises buyers on the how to and how not to deal with sellers and their agents, thus avoiding pitfalls in the negotiation-buying process.

For sellers, the report offers proven tactics for attracting and capturing the interest of cautious buyers, the basics for outshining the competition and advice for overcoming the financing hurdles of today's market.

For additional information on the report that is the subject of this release, you may contact Mike Stuart or visit TexasGulfCoastOnline.com. A copy of the report may be obtained at http://www.texasgulfcoastonline.com/News.

TexasGulfCoastOnline.com provides real estate information and analysis for the entire Texas coast including Bolivar Peninsula, Crystal Beach, Galveston, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas, Rockport, South Padre Island, Port O'Connor, Palacios and McAllen Texas resort areas.

The company tracts and analyzes market data together with actual MLS sales and listing data for the entire Texas Gulf Coast.

Contact:
Michael Stuart, CEO
TexasGulfCoastOnline.com
800-716-6861 ext 711

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:55 AM | Comments (0)

The Granite Companies are Proud to Announce the Promotion of Penny Roach to Executive Vice President and Director of Sales and Administration

The Granite Companies are proud to announce the promotion of Penny Roach to executive vice president and director of sales and administration.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 28, 2008 -- Penny Roach has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Director of Sales and Administration for Granite Loan Management (GLM), Granite Construction Inspections (GCI) and Granite Commercial Management (GCM), a team of national funds administration, construction management and inspection companies.

Penny has worked for Granite for more than 10 years, providing extensive knowledge and guidance on risk management in the construction lending industry. In her new role, Penny will oversee all of the marketing and sales efforts, including business development for GLM, GCI and GCM.

Penny received her B.S. in Business Administration with a double major in Finance and Marketing from Minnesota State University.

Penny may be reached by phone at 866.710.4099 ext. 1069 or email penny.roach @ granitecm.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:54 AM | Comments (0)

SSOE to Design 1.2 M SF BMW Assembly Plant Expansion

Spartanburg, South Carolina Expansion to meet EPACT 2005 standards for Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings

Raleigh/Durham, NC (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 27, 2008 -- SSOE, Inc. one of the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms, announced that they will be providing design services for BMW’s new 1.2 million SF assembly plant. SSOE will provide the detail architectural and all civil, structural, mechanical, electrical and fire protection engineering services. In an announcement on Monday March 10, BMW confirmed the expansion of the Spartanburg North Assembly Building, keeping in line with their plans to increase production capacity at its US operation from 160,000 to 240,000 automobiles annually by 2012. This expansion will allow BMW to increase their output and add 500 new jobs. Once completed, BMW will have invested $4.2 billion into its South Carolina operations since the production site opened in 1994.

SSOE is ranked 6th in Automotive Design Firms (Engineering News Record, 2007) and has performed design for 50% of all automotive assembly plants built in the US over the last ten years. This includes the Toyota Assembly Plant in Blue Springs, MS currently under construction.

Kohlbecker Architects and Engineers, from Gaggenau, Germany has been contracted by BMW and partnered with SSOE. The scope of work has been divided to leverage the expertise of both firms.

The 1.2 million SF final assembly plant will be built on BMW’s existing site. Construction began in April 2008 and will be completed in July 2009, with production of the next-generation X3 Sports Activity Vehicle beginning in 2010. The building is being designed to meet the EPACT 2005 standards for “Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings”. This includes increases in insulation in the walls and roof, efficient lighting systems (metal halide lights with dual level controls), high efficiency heating and cooling systems, and high efficiency hot water systems.

The Kohlbecker/SSOE team has phased the design to fast track the project by using the approach of separate rough grading, structural steel and general contracts. They are also designing the project completely in Microstation 3D which allows BMW to see and review weekly progress through the free software program NavisWorks. BMW can also use the 3D model for coordinating other tasks within the plant and interference checking for production equipment placement, routing of conveyors and other activities that are concurrent with design of the building.

Besides the X3 Sports Activity Vehicle, the Spartanburg factory also produces the X5 Sports Activity Vehicle and the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe which goes on sale later this year. In addition, BMW is also producing the Z4 Roadster and its respective variants in Spartanburg.

About SSOE
Celebrating its 60th Anniversary this year, SSOE, Inc. is an international design firm and ranks 8th among the nation’s largest engineering and architecture firms (Building Design and Construction, 2007). Demonstrating fast and consistent growth, 2007 marks the third consecutive year the company has grown its revenue more than 25 percent. SSOE has also been named one of nine Best AEC Firms to Work For (Building Design and Construction, 2007) and as one of the fastest-growing US architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms by ZweigWhite, Hot List 2007.

With 1000 employees and multi-disciplined LEED™ accredited professionals employed in 18 offices around the world the company has earned a solid reputation in facility design for the healthcare, retail, automotive and science and technology markets, as well as process engineering for the alternative energy, biofuels, chemical, food and beverage, glass and personal care industries. SSOE has completed projects in 48 states and 32 countries, and has achieved 60 years of excellence in engineering and architectural design. Visit www.ssoe.com for additional information and career opportunities.

About BMW
BMW Manufacturing Co. is a subsidiary of BMW AG in Munich, Germany. In addition to the South Carolina manufacturing facility, BMW North American subsidiaries include sales, marketing and financial services operations in the United States, Canada and throughout Latin America; an information technology consulting and systems integration firm in South Carolina; and a design firm and technology office in California. Visit www.bmwusfactory.com for additional information.

About Kohlbecker
Founded in 1930, the work of Kohlbecker has been mainly focused on industrial facilities, administration and community buildings educational and cultural centers as well as residential estates in Germany and abroad. Kohlbecker provides overall project planning, from site selection, master planning up to site supervision services. International projects, e.g. in the U.S., Russia, China and South-Korea were realized. Their esteemed client list includes BMW, DiamlerChrysler DaimlerChrysler AG, Magna Steyr, IBM and Porsche to name a few. Still a family owned and operated business, Kohlbecker’s vision has passed beyond the new millennium’s threshold and it now sees that its great opportunity in offering varied services that is accompanied by experienced specialists. Visit www.kohlbecker.de for additional information.

Contact:
Danielle Benninger
SSOE, Inc.
Office: 419.255.3830
dbenninger @ ssoe.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:53 AM | Comments (0)

DirectBuy of Fresno Featured on Valley Life

DirectBuy, a members-only, one-stop shopping destination brings a low-cost alternative for home improvement needs to area consumers.

Fresno, CA (PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- On April 11, 2008, Troy Seavers, Owner of DirectBuy of Fresno, was a featured guest on KMPH Fox 26's Valley Life. Seavers was invited to appear on the show to explain how DirectBuy can help consumers save money on future purchases when redecorating, refurnishing or remodeling their homes.

Valley Life, hosted by Rich Kreps, is a new talk show airing on weekday mornings at 10 a.m. The show focuses on delivering relevant news to area residents regarding the best local destinations and products for real people in Fresno. "What I love about DirectBuy is you give people the opportunity to buy directly just like the retailers do from manufacturers and authorized (suppliers) of all the products ...," Kreps explained.

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. DirectBuy of Fresno has a 29,000 sq. foot showroom conveniently located at 4150 W. Shaw Avenue in Fresno, that offers consumers a comfortable, welcoming setting and design center where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

"We buy just like the retailers buy and then we pass the savings right on to our members," said Seavers. "So our members are avoiding the traditional retail markup."

Also featured on the show was DirectBuy member, Andrianna Merrill. "When we bought our beautiful brand new home here in Fresno, guess what? It came big and it came empty…" she explained. "I became a member of DirectBuy because we had several purchases lined up. Everything from a pool table to granite countertops to large mirrors for the walls."

"Our savings really has been in the thousands over the past few months, and it's amazing because it's not compromising on what I really wanted," she continued.

DirectBuy of Fresno carries a large selection of brand-name furniture at wholesale prices direct from manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. To assist members with their home renovation projects, DirectBuy employs interior designers and product specialists who are trained in one of five areas of merchandise: Home Furnishings, Home Improvement, Flooring, Accessories, and Entertainment/Outdoor.

DirectBuy members also have access to renowned designer Christopher Lowell. Lowell has designed twelve room settings -- created exclusively with products available through DirectBuy -- using his Seven Layers of Design. An innovative approach to home décor, The Seven Layers of Design concept keeps homeowners on budget and from feeling overwhelmed by their project.

For more information on DirectBuy of Fresno, you can call 559.476.2302 or visit http://www.directbuy-fresno.com

About DirectBuy
For more than 37 years, DirectBuy has been showing thousands of consumers unparalleled ways to save as they shop for virtually everything for in and around their homes -- from furniture, carpet and flooring, and custom window treatments, to kitchen and bath cabinets and fixtures, appliances and much, much more. DirectBuy of Fresno prides itself in providing excellent member service, access to confidential prices, local suppliers and unparalleled selection, all of which help to make members' dream projects a reality. It's a comfortable setting, where you finally have the financial control of buying direct.

Consumers interested in learning more about DirectBuy can request a free "Insider's Guide to Buying Direct" and a Visitor's Pass by calling 559.476.2302 or visiting www.directbuy.com or www.directbuycares.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:53 AM | Comments (0)

Americas Watchdog and Its Homeowners Consumer Center Launch a National Investigation into Zurn Plumbing Fittings

Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center are conducting a national investigation of Zurn plumbing fittings. This plumbing part was used in construction throughout the U.S. and may be subject to failure. Americas Watchdog wants to talk with any homeowner or plumber who may have information about this product. Their number is 866-714-6466.

(PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center have initiated a nationwide investigation of Zurn brass plumbing fittings. The Homeowners Consumer Center's investigation is to determine if homeowners have had Zurn plumbing fitting failures.

So what is the possible issue with Zurn plumbing fittings?

According to Americas Watchdog, the possible issue with Zurn plumbing fittings involves premature cracking or leaking of Zurn plumbing fittings. Zurn's brass fittings are used in its plastic pipe system, known as a pex system ("PEX"). The fittings have failed prematurely across the country, causing Zurn to stop selling the brass fittings in some areas. The fittings are failing because of stress corrosion cracking and/or dezincification. Zurn blames "aggressive water" even though the fittings have failed on city water and many other types of drinking water supply sources.

Zurn's fittings do not say Zurn on them; instead they say "Q" or "Q pex.

You can get more information at www.zurnclassaction.com about the specifics.

The Homeowners Consumer Center's investigation is very interested in hearing from homeowners or plumbers in the following states, Florida, South Carolina, Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Nevada, California and Ohio.

* Homeowners who have experience with Zurn Plumbing Fittings should call the Homeowners Consumer Center at 866-714-6466.
* Plumbers who have experience repairing Zurn Plumbing Fittings should call the Homeowners Consumer Center.

According to Americas Watchdog, "If a homeowner or a plumber has specific information about a Zurn brass plumbing part, or Zurn brass fitting failure, they should contact the Homeowners Consumer immediately at 866-714-6466." The Homeowners Consumer Center's web site is located at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

The group believes Zurn brass plumbing fittings were used across the U.S.

Plumbers who have made repairs to properties with Zurn brass fittings should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center. Individual homeowners who may have the Zurn bass fittings in their home should contact the Homeowners Consumer Center immediately. Homeowners or plumbers can contact the Homeowners Consumer Center anytime at 866-714-6466. The Homeowners Consumer Center's web site is located at http://HomeownersConsumerCenter.com.

Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center are all about consumer protection and corporate responsibility.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

Trucking Factoring Service Company Makes Entrepreneurs Hot 100

Freight Factoring Company, Phoenix Capital Group, makes the coveted Entrepreneur Magazine's Hot 100: The Fastest Growing Businesses In America 2008.

Phoenix (PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- Accounts Receivable Financing company, Phoenix Capital Group LLC, has made Entrepreneur Magazine's 2008 Hot 100: The Fastest Growing Businesses In America: http://www.entrepreneur.com/hot100/details/200818.html. Hard work and perseverance has made Craig Berry's and Mike Demore's Factoring Company the go to choice for trucking companies of all size.

For those not familiar with the term factoring, it simply is a way for businesses to finance its operations from income already earned. In the case of a trucking company, the owner usually has to pay large amounts of upfront expenses before any revenue is collected. These expenses include but are not limited to the cost of equipment, wages, maintenances and the ever growing price of fuel. Often these expenses are not recouped for 30-90 days while the invoice is being paid. This cash flow crunch can stunt the growth and operations of any sized company. The solution is Freight Bill Factoring with an experienced company like the Phoenix Capital Group.

Phoenix Capital Group (PCG) is a one-stop transportation services provider. PCG's services include factoring, equipment financing, truck factoring, and fuel cards. Basically, Freight Factoring is the process of a trucking company selling its invoices to a third party at a slight discount. The trucking company then receives its money right away and can use the positive cash flow to not only maintain but also expand their business. The important distinction of factoring is that it is not a loan; it is a form of asset based lending or Accounts Receivables Financing.

Phoenix Capital Group's primary reason for rapid growth is its experience and professionalism. Even with their rapid expansion, a fundamental it never skimps on is customer service. PCG's stellar customer service can be summed up by its philosophy: "Never underestimate your competition and always continue learning." This top down leadership approach will ensure that Phoenix Capital Group remains a leader in the Freight Factoring industry.

For more information on Factoring, Freight Factoring services, or Phoenix Capital Group, please call (623) 298-3456, fax (623) 298-5715, or visit their official website. Individuals and companies in need of Freight Factoring Services are invited to apply online with no application fee and have an account set up in 24 hours.

For More Information:
Craig Berry
http://www.phoenixcapitalgroup.com/
Phoenix Capital Group, LLC
1606 West Whispering Wind Drive
Phoenix, Arizona 85085
Tel (623) 298-3456
Fax (623) 298-5715

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

InventHelp Clients Invent Doorknob Installation Aid

Tool invented to help user to install a doorknob quickly and efficiently; would ensure that doorknob is positioned accurately and would be easily portable; prototype available

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that two of its clients, inventors from Toronto, Ontario, Canada, have designed a tool that would eliminate the hassle and tediousness involved in installing a doorknob. The inventors have created a prototype.

The LOCK MATE was developed to assist the user in installing a doorknob quickly and efficiently, and the invention would ensure that a doorknob is positioned accurately. The inventors believe that the device could save the user from having to hire a carpenter in order to install a doorknob. Additionally, the LOCK MATE would feature a compact, lightweight design for ease in storage and portability, and it is producible in versions for use with all standard door sizes.

The inventors came up with the idea based on their job experience. "As a professional carpenter, I was looking for a way to install doorknobs more quickly," said one inventor.

The original design was submitted to the Toronto office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-TOR-8064, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

ETAP 6.0 Delivers Unmatched Speed, Precision, and Reliability

This major release incorporates new and enhanced analysis modules, new elements and libraries, and significantly enhanced one-line diagram capabilities.

(PRWEB) May 27, 2008 -- Operation Technology, Inc. (OTI), developers of the ETAP enterprise solution for electrical power systems, has released ETAP 6.0. This major release incorporates a broad and robust set of new features and enhancements, including new analysis modules, time-saving capabilities, as well as faster processing time. Altogether these changes deliver power system design and analysis with unmatched levels of speed and precision, with results you can trust.

ETAP 6.0 not only includes many new key features, it also delivers several new analysis modules, new elements and libraries, significant enhancements to existing analysis modules, Data Exchange, and a new Output Report Data Comparator tool.

ETAP customers with active maintenance coverage will receive the new release free of charge. Furthermore, all the new capabilities for one-line diagram, cable ampacity and cable sizing are available to all existing ETAP users.

"ETAP has long been recognized for its broad range of capabilities relating to power system design, analysis and operation," says Dr. J.J. Dai, Vice President of Advanced Technologies and General Manager of OTI Far-East, a wholly-owned subsidiary of OTI. "ETAP 6.0 expands on this theme and includes significant enhancements to improve the user experience and expand decision-making capabilities by providing faster and easier-to-access power system analysis information."

For a complete listing of upgrades to the new release, please visit etap.com and download the ETAP 6.0 New Features brochure (PDF format). Download a free demo of ETAP by visiting http://www.etap.com/demo.htm.

About Operation Technology, Inc.
Operation Technology, Inc. (OTI) is the designer and developer of ETAP, the most comprehensive analysis platform for electrical power systems worldwide. With more than 50,000 licenses in over 100 countries, ETAP is used in all stages of the power process, from power generation, to transmission and distribution, to utilization. ETAP is used at more than 85% of nuclear generation plants in the U.S. and is the only high-impact electrical engineering software to comply with widely accepted and firmly established quality standards and regulations. For more information, visit etap.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:50 AM | Comments (0)

May 26, 2008

Thomas Equipment Names Auer Regional Business Manager for Southeastern USA, South & Central America

Francisco Auer joined Thomas Equipment as a Regional Business Manager responsible for developing Thomas Skid Steer Loader business in the Southeastern USA as well as in South America and Central America, announced Gilbert Bedard, VP, Global Sales.

Centreville, New Brunswick (PRWEB) May 26, 2008 -- Gilbert Bedard, Vice President of Global Sales at Thomas Equipment Inc., a manufacturer and marketer of Thomas Skid Steer Loaders, announced that Francisco Auer has joined Thomas as a Regional Business Manager responsible for developing Thomas Skid Steer Loader business in the Southeastern USA as well as in South America and Central America.

Auer, who is fluent in Spanish and English, has nearly two decades of professional experience ranging from import and customs management to tractor sales, will report directly to Bedard. In the USA, Auer will oversee Thomas expansion of its dealer network and customer base in Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Petter M. Etholm, President and Chief Executive Officer of both Thomas and its parent company, Osiris Corporation (OSRS), said, "Frank will play a key role as we implement our strategy to grow the Thomas Skid Steer Loader business globally, while consistently focusing attention on serving local market needs. We welcome Frank to the Thomas team."

Bedard added, "Frank Auer brings to Thomas proven experience to help develop Thomas' business in the agricultural and construction industries as we penetrate existing markets and open new opportunities for Thomas Skid Steer Loaders in developing markets."

Ilan Danieli, Chief Operating Officer, added, "Frank is a welcome addition to our Regional Business Manager executive ranks and we are confident he will contribute to Thomas' success."

Frank Auer said, "I am happy to join a dynamic company with a clear commitment to superior product quality and excellent customer service. I look forward to working closely with my new colleagues within Thomas and with the company's growing base of Thomas Dealers and customers."

Previously, Auer was a Sales Specialist in the Agriculture and Utility Equipment Division of Kelly Tractor Company, representing such brands as Caterpillar, Agco and Toro among others. Before that he was President of Auer Logistics, a Miami-based import logistics company after serving for more than a decade in import company positions, first and an Import Coordinator at Import Services Company and then as Import Operations Manager at Clover Customs Brokers Corp., both based in Miami.

Auer is fluent in Spanish and English, holds an Associates Degree from Miami Dade Community College, and lives in Miami.

Thomas Equipment Inc. is a unit of Osiris Corporation (OSRS), www.osiriscorp.net, which provides a variety of branded and other products to industrial markets through subsidiaries including: Thomas Equipment 2004, Inc.; Thomas Equipment Asia Co. Ltd.; Thomas Ventures, Inc., Pneutech-Rousseau, Inc. and TcomT Inc. Osiris' units manufacture and market industrial and construction equipment, distribute pneumatic and hydraulic systems and design wireless devices for the telecommunications industry, among other activities. For more information about Thomas Equipment, visit the company's website at: www.thomasloaders.com.

Safe Harbor Statement
Under the Private Securities Litigation Act of 1995 - This press release discusses forward-looking statements with risks and uncertainties. OSRS results could differ materially due to various factors, including inability to finance operations or expansion and hire or retain personnel, economy and interest rate changes, and events such as terrorism. OSRS believes statements to be reasonable, but neither OSRS nor any other person can represent they will be achieved. OSRS is not obligated to update statements due to new information, events or otherwise. Please see the risk factors associated with our Company and review our SEC filings.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)

Nashville Homebuilder Ranked Among Nation's Fastest Growing

The Jones Company of Tennessee, LLC was listed on Builder Magazine, and ProBuilder Magazine's recently released rankings for largest and fastest growing home builders in America. The home builder had moved up 72 spots on one list, and 33 spots on the other.

Nashville, TN (PRWEB) May 26, 2008 -- At a time when large, publicly traded home builders have been struggling, The Jones Company, a local, privately held builder, moved up significantly in both the "Professional Builder Giant 400" rankings and the Builder Magazine's "Builder 100 & The Next 100" list.

Professional Builder ranked America's 400 largest home builders, and compared the numbers from 2007 to 2008. The Jones Company actually moved up a total of 72 spots, from #215 in 2007 to #143 in 2008.

Builder Magazine's annual list represents America's biggest builders in 2007 and ranked The Jones Company #129, which is up 33 spots from #162 last year. Out of the top 130 builders, only twenty of them including The Jones Company had an increase in revenue in 2007. In fact, The Jones Company's revenue was up 20%, with 373 closings last year.

"While we take nothing for granted, we are certainly proud of our accomplishments, given the current housing environment," said Richard Chapman, President of The Jones Company. "I do believe it is interesting to note that the largest builders have seen significant decreases in revenue and closings over the last two years, while our locally owned company that has built our reputation around value is still holding its own."

The Jones Company has built nearly 3000 homes in Middle Tennessee since 1995. They are a local, privately held company based in Franklin, TN. For more information on The Jones Company, visit the company's website at www.LiveJones.com or call (877)845-6637.

Contact:
Sameera Lowe
615-309-1775

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:46 PM | Comments (0)

Steelwood is Working for their Clients' Financial Future

Steelwood is a full-service real estate brokerage and consulting firm that assists non-profit organizations and families plan, develop and manage their real estate assets.

Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) May 25, 2008 -- Charlotte architect and real estate broker, Matthew Spiva, has launched Steelwood, a one of kind real estate brokerage and consulting firm that will assist its clients in the planning, marketing, development, sales and management of their real estate assets.

Says Spiva of his new venture, "Our goal at Steelwood is to help families and non-profits maximize the value of their properties to secure their financial futures."

Spiva brings to Steelwood a 14-year background as a Principal of a regional architecture firm. There, Matt learned real estate development as the lead Architect while working with real estate developers, non-profit organizations and private land owners throughout the Southeast. He has also worked with a midwestern real estate development company where he coordinated infrastructure construction within their residential communities. The combination of his experience as a real estate broker, architect and land planner allows him to see the big picture for his clients.

"My experience has taught me how the real estate business works. From site analysis, land acquisitions and rezonings to building design and construction, project management and financial analysis, I have been exposed to all aspects of my clients' real estate needs. Implementing this knowledge enables us to offer turn key solutions for our clients," says Spiva.

Steelwood's team of Sonia Vizcaino and Sarah Lak compliments Matt's experience. Sonia is the Vice President of Finance and a Certified Public Accountant. Prior to joining Steelwood, she worked as the Director of Finance and Administration for the City of Monroe. There, she was responsible for the oversight and management of the City's Customer Service and Administrative Services division where she managed a $100 million annual budget and an $83 million investment portfolio.
Sarah Lak is an associate that brings her experience as a Property Assistant with Spectrum Properties to Steelwood. Sarah handles the development research and analysis including demographic studies, marketing, and property management.

With the Steelwood team in place, they are ready to fulfill their mission of helping their clients enhance their real estate to reach their financial goals.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

Eco-Friendly NYC Contractor Saves Clients 20% on Cooling Costs With New Energy-Efficient Coolant

New green coolant from NYC green contractor MyHome reduces energy costs by up to 20% in most air conditioners or refrigeration systems.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 25, 2008 -- Mayan Metzler and Yoel Piotraut, owners of MyHome LLC (http://www.myhomeus.com), have introduced their newest product today as part of their ongoing efforts to make New York City green. The product, called IceCOLD, a non-toxic coolant for common air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, represents a simple way to increase energy efficiency in a home or business environment. The product rollout is part of this NYC contracting and construction company's plan to meet the demands of the new green development market by offering consumers simple green solutions they can use immediately at a reasonable cost.

"While so many New Yorkers want to go green, they're often held back by the costs or the interruption to their lives caused by a long installation process," says MyHome President Mayan Metzler. "IceCold is an amazing solution that provides a dramatic energy reduction fairly quickly."

Already in use and garnering praise from major corporate franchises like 7-11 and Popeye's, IceCOLD works by removing the "fouled" and jelled compressor oil residue in the refrigeration tubing found in air conditioners or refrigeration systems. Oil fouling blocks the heat transfer needed to cool one's home efficiently, but once the residue is removed by IceCOLD, the system's heat transfer returns to optimal levels, allowing the compressor to cycle off up to 20% more often which means 20+% less electricity consumption.

"When most people think about going green they immediately think of things like photovoltaic technology and the costs associated with it," says MyHome CEO Yoel Piotraut. "IceCOLD is something different--and cost effective--that most people have never heard about. The one thing people do know, however, is that cooling costs can become a huge expense, especially for business owners," says Yoel Piotraut. IceCOLD offers a tremendous energy savings that can increase cash-flow and bolster bottom lines."

The MyHome Corporation is an exclusive dealer of IceCOLD, and the product represents another component to their comprehensive strategy for providing full-service green solutions. This means designing, supplying, and installing every part of a green building project in a market that has traditionally been divided by niche service providers. IceCold is just one of the many products MyHome's R&D department is bringing to market to make going green as easy as possible for its diverse clientele.

"Going green is all about playing smart and simple," says Mayan Metzler. "And IceCOLD is as easy to use as putting Freon in your air conditioner. The truth is that simplicity is the key to getting homeowners to make greener and smarter choices that impact the environment--and their wallets--at the same time."

For more information on IceCOLD and MyHome's many other green products and services call 800-730-0148 or log on at http://www.myhomeus.com.

About MyHome
MyHome is a full-service renovation and construction firm focused on client relations. A corporate leader in delivering world-class service for the past ten years, MyHome specializes in designing, managing, building, and coordinating every part of your construction or renovation project. With recent media coverage from Forbes.com to NBC's "The Today Show" MyHome's development projects are getting noticed nationwide. For more information please visit to www.myhomeus.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

Advanced Solar Control System for HSBC Boardroom and Presentation Suite

The iconic Canary Wharf World HQ of HSBC has been fitted with an advanced shading system for the top floor boardroom and presentation suites by Bright A Blind, the blind management company. The company has installed an elegant solar shading system to make the room attractive, comfortable and efficient.

London, UK (PRWEB) May 25, 2008 -- The iconic Canary Wharf World HQ of HSBC has been fitted with an advanced shading system for the top floor boardroom and presentation suites by Bright A Blind, the blind management company. The company has installed an elegant solar shading system to make the room attractive, comfortable and efficient.

The HSBC building, 8 Canada Square, houses around 8,000 employees and was designed by the architectural team of Sir Norman Foster and Partners. Completed in 2002, it is distinguished from the surrounding towers by the stylish horizontal bands in the curtain walls and the elegant rounded corners.

At the top, the building has a distinctive white crown bearing the HSBC name and logo. The boardroom is located on the 42nd floor, just below the crown. At 18 metres wide with eight-metre high glazing, corresponding to a double floor height, sunlight floods the room and provides spectacular panoramic views over London. On the opposite side of the building a similar room is used for presentations.

Roller blinds had been installed at the outset to provide solar shading in both the boardroom and presentation suite. The 12 full height blinds of 1.5m widths have proven mechanically unreliable and irritating because of light leakage at the edges.

The challenge for Bright A Blind was three fold. First, to provide shading for the room that would minimise solar heat gain and glare. Second, shading needed to permit some visibility through the fabric. Third, there had to be a blackout capability for presentations or when teleconferencing with other HSBC locations around the world. No single blind system can meet all these needs and so a hybrid shading system was the answer.

A decision was taken at an early stage to triple the window blind width, using just four full height blinds of 4.5m width. This minimises problems of light leakage and also provides a more aesthetically pleasing presentation with fewer vertical lines and blinds that are more proportionate to the glazing. These larger blinds are much heavier than the original ones and so bespoke engineering was essential to support and drive them. This included fitting tubular motors in oversized barrels with specially fabricated brackets to support the system.

To achieve primary solar shading with visibility and an additional blackout blind facility required the use of double blinds. Being made from Helioscreen three percent fabric ensures the first set blinds are effective in primary solar shading. This Belgian fabric has a semi open weave to permit some visibility. It comprises a tough and durable glass fibre fabric with a PVC coating in an attractive charcoal grey colour.

Secondary shading, to give total blackout, is provided by a parallel set of blinds on the inside of the first set, but supported by the same brackets. This set of blinds is made from a close weave blackout fabric that obscures light completely for presentation viewing and video conferencing.

Smooth and efficient operation of the blinds is achieved by the use of Somfy motors. These compact drives, from a French manufacturer of world renown, comprise tubular motors installed within the barrel in which the blind fabric is wound. Each set of four blinds operates together in perfect synchronisation so that the desired degree of shading or blackout is achieved quickly and without fuss.

The hardware elements of the system, such as barrels, end sets and brackets were made by blinds hardware specialist Guthrie Douglas. Bright A Blind brought the various components together to fabricate the complete blinds and undertake installation and commissioning.

As blind management specialists, Bright A Blind has access to a vast range of fabrics, hardware systems, motors and controls. The company are therefore able to fabricate bespoke shading, selecting components that are best-in-class. Because of their experience and operational capability, Bright A Blind can keep these systems in peak condition over their whole lifetime. Many headquarters buildings benefit form their products, maintenance contracts and cleaning and refurbishment services.

More Information
Mike Felt, Managing Director
Tel. +44 (0) 20 7700 6000 Fax. +44 (0) 20 7700 6303
E-mail: pr(at)brightablind.com Web: www.brightablind.com
Bright A Blind Ltd, Unit 5, 1-3 North Road, London, N7 9HA

High/low resolution images are on the web at www.ainsmag.co.uk/br239/4559br1a.htm

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 10:42 PM | Comments (0)

May 23, 2008

GeographyJobs.com Provides Hope for Many That Wish to Work in Their Field

Newly launched GeographyJobs.com provides a platform for employers to engage job seekers with a background in geography, focusing on careers in urban planning, GIS, the environment, economic development, housing, transportation planning, and geography education.

Toronto, On. (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- Geography Jobs International Inc. has announced the launch of GeographyJobs.com, a niche job site that focuses on jobs related to the field of geography. The President of Geography Jobs International, Robert Libera, explains his motivation to develop GeographyJobs.com, "As someone who studied geography at university, I found little guidance and few useful resources toward pursuing a career related to geography after graduating. I knew my situation wasn't unique and wanted to help the situation by creating an employment resource dedicated to jobs in geography so that others like me, looking to stay in their field would have a greater chance at succeeding." Interested job seekers may register at no cost to create customized email career alerts, upload resumes and apply directly for posted vacancies.

To succeed in helping geography job seekers, Mr. Libera understood that he needed to develop a high quality service for employers, "I felt I had to give interested employers a resource that was easy to use and included robust features offered by some of the larger, catch-all job sites. With GeographyJobs.com, employers and recruiters reach their targeted group of job seekers without sacrificing functionality." GeographyJobs.com allows registered employers to post or edit jobs and update marketing media in real-time. Employers can accept applications in the manner that best suits them, by email, through the site or by redirecting applicants to an external site. Should applications come directly through GeographyJobs.com, employers can pre-screen and manage candidates within their member area. Employers may also proactively search for candidates in the resume database.

GeographyJobs.com is dedicated to jobs within the United States. Geography Jobs International has several sister sites dedicated to geography-related jobs in the following countries and regions: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and India. Mr. Libera explains the logic behind the structure of the network of sites; "The majority of employers and job seekers are looking to concentrate on their local job market. It just does not make sense for a job located in Edinburgh to be listed adjacent to a job located in Los Angeles where the respective employers are looking for local candidates. GeographyJobs.com would not be as effective a resource if we bunched all jobs around the world into one big site."

GeographyJobs.com organizes job postings into the following categories: Urban Planning Jobs, GIS Jobs, Environmental Jobs, Economic Development Jobs, Housing Jobs, Remote Sensing Jobs, Transportation Planning Jobs, Research & Analysis Jobs, Emergency Planning Jobs and Academia & Education Jobs.

For more information please visit www.GeographyJobs.com or contact Robert Libera at 416-519-0158.

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

Guardian Protection Services Acquires Ranger American Operations in Six Markets

Guardian Protection Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ranger American’s Texas-headquartered operations.

Warrendale, PA (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- Guardian Protection Services, Inc. is pleased to announce the acquisition of Ranger American’s Texas-headquartered operations. This represents Guardian’s second Ranger American acquisition in six months. The purchase expands Guardian’s geographic footprint to include Austin, Dallas and San Antonio, and further increases Guardian’s penetration in its existing Charlotte, Indianapolis and Phoenix markets.

Ranger American is the largest provider of home technology solutions in Texas with a substantial number of well-developed builder relationships. Throughout its 10-year history, Ranger American consistently alternated between strong first and second place positions among ADT’s largest dealers. The purchase will add 15,000 rooftop opportunities per year to Guardian’s production within its product lines of installed home security, structured wiring, distributed audio and other home technologies. The acquisition will also add 175 active builder partners and approximately 600 new Guardian employees, bringing Guardian’s total employees to more than 1,600.

Texas hasn’t been affected by the downturn in the housing market in the same way that other major U.S. markets have been affected and Russell Cersosimo, Guardian’s chief executive officer, sees the potential for growth. “When the timing is appropriate, I strongly believe the Texas acquisition will put us in a position to capitalize on the new construction industry,” Cersosimo said.

“Ron Bowden, founder and former CEO of Ranger American, has established a solid foundation for the company and will remain on board in a leadership role to focus on expanding the Texas operation,” Cersosimo explained. “We’re looking forward to merging all of Ranger’s remarkable talent pool with our Guardian team.”

Guardian expects its centralized infrastructure, sophisticated systems, and marketing capabilities to combine well with Ranger American’s experience and existing builder relationships. The acquisition adds significant account volume and expands Guardian’s footprint in a manner consistent with its goals of creating high-quality, internally-generated monitored accounts. Guardian expects the acquisition alone to increase new sales revenue by $12 million.

“We’re very confident after the Ranger Florida acquisition. It was seamless with no disruption in sales or operations and all builder relationships remained intact,” Cersosimo said. “This is a very exciting opportunity. Acquiring Ranger American is a strategic move for the Guardian business plan to expand our footprint as a super-regional company.”

Guardian designs, installs and monitors residential and commercial security systems and currently protects approximately 200,000 customers. With the addition of the Ranger Texas acquisition, Guardian Home Technologies division markets to approximately 500 builders throughout the U.S. and provides structured wiring installations that create an infrastructure for advanced home technologies in new home construction, including shared use of the Internet and home/office networking, distributed audio, home theatre, flat screen TV, intercom, and central vac.

Guardian Protection Services is one of the Armstrong Group of Companies. Guardian reported gross revenues of approximately $120 million in 2007. Headquartered 20 miles north of Pittsburgh in Warrendale, Pa., Guardian provides 24-hour monitoring throughout the United States. Guardian sells and installs in 15 states with 18 corporately-owned offices located in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Guardian has an authorized dealer program that parallels this coverage and expands it into Connecticut, Michigan and New York. The Ranger American acquisition brings the total number of Guardian corporately-owned offices to 24.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:38 AM | Comments (0)

Builder Magazine's Builder 100 Takes a Somber Look at the Housing Industry

This May, Builder Magazine's annual Builder 100 report examines how the industry's largest home builders fared during last year's housing market recession.

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- This May, Builder Magazine's annual Builder 100 report examines how the industry's largest home builders fared during last year's housing market recession. The report includes lists of the 100 largest home building companies, the next 100 largest builders, the top 50 multifamily builders and more.

According to the Builder 100 story, the 2007 housing market saw new-home sales fall 23.96 percent, while closings by America's top 100 home builders declined 28.16 percent. Seven of the 10 largest building companies reported revenue declines of 32 percent or more.

"This year's Builder 100 list marks a painful time for the home building industry," said Builder Editor in Chief Denise Dersin. "While some in the media predict a fast-approaching end to the housing market crunch, home building companies still face extremely trying times."

The article accompanying the BUILDER 100 list explains how building companies plan to gird themselves for future housing market declines. Builder's 30th anniversary feature, "BUILDER 100 Over the Years," takes a look back at the largest home building companies over the past three decades.

Amid the housing market's mounting foreclosures and timid buyers, some home builders have developed a hungry band of followers with a simplified menu. Builder's " Get Niche Quick " illustrates how other home building companies can succeed in these niche markets.

In "Master Closers," Builder highlights four salespeople from different backgrounds who all boast outstanding conversion rates. The article identifies five qualities that drive performance with tips on how builders' sales teams can stay motivated and improve sales despite the building industry's troubled economic conditions.

Builder Online complements Builder 100 coverage with the relaunch of its Web site with many new features. Users can search the 100 largest home building companies and the next 100 largest builders by project type and region. Thirtieth anniversary coverage continues with online articles featuring the housing market's best building products and projects over the past 30 years.

For more Builder features, past Builder issues and other information, visit Builder Online.

About Hanley Wood:
Hanley Wood, LLC, is the premier media and information company serving housing and construction. Through four operating divisions, the company produces award-winning magazines and Web sites, marquee trade shows and events, rich data and custom marketing solutions. The company also is North America's leading publisher of home plans. Hanley Wood Business Media (Washington, D.C.), publishes 36 award-winning residential and commercial construction titles, including Builder, remodeling, custom home, concrete construction and residential architect. Hanley Wood Business Media also offers the construction industry's foremost collection of Web sites, including Builder online, remodeling online, and ebuild, the comprehensive online guide to building products, as well as the largest collection of house plans online through eplans.com and Dream Home Source.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:38 AM | Comments (0)

Investors Realty Company to Open Costa Rica Real Estate Community Hacienda Matapalo

When the partners of Investors Realty Company in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida felt the real estate crash a few years ago, they put their heads together to find yet another challenge in the market. It didn't take long for them to agree on the perfect new opportunity for their new product....Costa Rica real estate. After endless research and countless trips, Hacienda Matapalo is now officially open for new housing development.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- When the partners of Investors Realty Company in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida felt the real estate crash a few years ago, they put their heads together to find yet another challenge in the market; one that perhaps had not been deluged. It didn't take long for them to agree on the perfect new opportunity for their new product.... Costa Rica real estate. After endless research and countless trips, it was unanimous they were ready to become developers as well as all the other real estate and financial hats they've worn as a team. By reading the brief summary of the experience of these men you can readily see why they are (as always) destined for success.

Since it is becoming obvious that most retirees will be unable to afford the lifestyle they want in the United States, many are retiring to destinations such as Costa Rica. As a result of this international trend, Costa Rica is experiencing the early stages of a land boom. Costa Rica's real estate market will absolutely have a long-term sustainable boom because it is based upon new flows of wealth, not just speculation or currency and interest rate manipulations like the United States real estate market.

CNBC calls Costa Rica "The Hottest Real Estate Market on the Planet!" Fortune magazine ranked San Jose, Costa Rica's capital, among its 25 best cities in the world to do business.

Foreign investors in Cost Rica have equal rights and laws to protect them. The regulations for conducting business in Costa Rica real estate are the same for both local and foreign corporations, which can fully own and control local corporations, as well as real estate without any access limitations or restrictions.

Introducing.........................

Hacienda Matapalo is strategically located in the beautiful Southern Pacific Zone just 800 meters (2,624.67 ft) off the beach and reaches back three kilometers into the primary forested mountains to an altitude of nearly 2,000 feet above sea level. Completely surrounded by lush forest, cascading waterfalls and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean is Costa Rica's extraordinary gated community of Hacienda Matapalo. With 665 private acres, Hacienda Matapalo offers a world of natural beauty and adventure.

With its 125 acre dedicated nature preserve, nature is and always will be an integral part of this unique community. Set amongst countless species of birds, butterflies and wildlife, Hacienda Matapalo offers 1.25+ acre home sites, single-family homes, town homes, villas and condominiums all equipped with state-of-the-art connectivity including satellite, Internet, telephone, and 24-hour security.

No other Costa Rica real estate even coming close to the Southern Pacific Zone can compare with the investment, ecology, amenities, and price.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:38 AM | Comments (0)

Ritzy Blog Delivers Quick Daily Updates and Photos from the Las Vegas Strip

Stylish new blog provides readers with up-to-date news and information in regards to development, entertainment, restaurants, and real estate.

Las Vegas, Nevada (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- What happens when you mix show business with real estate? You get Aaron Auxier, a Las Vegas Real Estate Agent with the boutique firm, Luxury Realty Group. Aaron is frequently seen on television such as CNBC, CBS News, ABC News, and FOX News because of his reputation as 'Hollywood's Connection to Vegas', a nickname he says was earned because of a background in entertainment and a focus on client protection, education, and connection.

In what he calls a multi-step process for raising the bar in regards to helping readers access relevant Las Vegas Strip development news and information, Aaron has launched LasVegasStripDaily, a news and photo based blog site. He says this is the second phase of a multi-tier program he has created.

"LasVegasStripDaily simply focuses on the lifestyle and growth of the Las Vegas Strip, letting visitors witness it as it happens," says Auxier. "Whether providing the inside scoop on the opening of a chic new restaurant or the latest photo of an under-construction casino, the new site keeps readers in the know."

Some of the stories that LasVegasStripDaily has reported since its recent launch: the announcement of ARIA Resort & Casino, the first glass being installed on Veer Towers and The Harmon Hotel, a list of properties expected to top off in 2008, a feature on how to work 30 hours in a 24-hour day, and a close-up photo of window cleaners preparing Encore at Wynn Las Vegas for its opening later in the year. The post was named 'Wynndow Cleaning'.

Aaron understands that a good photo is worth a million words. That's why LasVegasStripDaily primarily educates its visitors through recently-snapped photos and what Aaron calls 'Quick Tidbits'. The 34-year-old Los Angeles native says the website is meant to entertain and educate its readers fast and easy. "I wanted the new site to be fun, quick, and more informative than websites that focus on selling. People are busy these days -- I've adopted an outside-the-box approach to the real estate business."

The look of LasVegasStripDaily is best described as "Hollywood glamour meets Las Vegas Strip luxury". Much like an old-time movie theater, the site's banner features marquee lighting while a dark-maroon color scheme suggests the essence of a fine wine. "The luxury redevelopment of the Las Vegas Strip is an incredible story," Auxier proclaims. "LasVegasStripDaily tells that story as it evolves."

The Las Vegas Strip has approx. $30 billion of new mega-resort casino, hotel, and high-rise condo development planned or taking place. Projects such as MGM MIRAGE CityCenter, Cosmopolitan Resort, Palazzo, Echelon, and Fontainebleau are well under way and expected to finish around 2010. Other projects such as The Plaza Hotel, a future Wynn expansion, and future MGM MIRAGE properties could break ground before the current wave of development is completed.

At the end of the day, LasVegasStripDaily was created to benefit current and/or future owners of Las Vegas Strip condominiums. "Living on the Strip is a lifestyle, I want people to be able to stay updated on the exciting happenings taking place around their luxury condo properties," Aaron says. "It also helps inform those who are watching the market before making a potential investment. The media doesn't always paint the correct picture, this site allows people to watch and decide for themselves what's really happening."

And what's happening can be found at www.LasVegasStripDaily.com.

About Luxury Realty Group
Luxury Realty Group is a boutique, award winning, highly specialized luxury real estate brokerage located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The brokerage specializes in both luxury homes and luxury high-rise condominiums from new construction to existing properties. Luxury Realty Group is recognized on a national level by many major publications and television media for its expertise in the Las Vegas luxury real estate market. Additional information about Luxury Realty Group can be found at www.LuxuryRealtyGroup.com or phone 702-456-7080 PST.

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

Thomas Equipment Showcases Thomas Skid Steer Loaders at UK's SED 2008 Construction Show

Petter Etholm, President of Thomas Equipment, called U.K.'s SED 2008 Show an excellent European showcase for Thomas Skid Steer Loaders.

Corby, Northants, UK (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- Thomas Equipment Inc. showcased its Thomas Skid Steer Loaders at the United Kingdom's SED 2008 Show, the national event for construction equipment that drew industry representatives from across Europe and was the best attended in the Show's 42-year history.

Petter Etholm, President of Thomas Equipment and its parent company, Osiris Corporation (OSRS), said, "We are pleased with the enthusiastic response to the Thomas Skid Steer Loader product line at SED 2008 and we look forward to demonstrating Thomas' commitment to quality and service again next year, at SED 2009."

The 2008 SED (Site Equipment Demonstration) Show, attended by a record of approximately 20,000 industry representatives, was held at the Rockingham Motor Speedway in Corby.

Gilbert Bedard, Thomas Equipment's Vice President of Global Sales, said, "Thomas Skid Steer Loaders were extremely well received at the Show."

Koen Van Kemseke, Business Development Manager for Western Europe, noting the company's 65-year history, said, "Thomas Skid Steer Loaders are designed to be dependably rugged workhorses on construction sites and also meet the needs of agricultural and other industries in Europe."

The SED Show included extensive construction equipment on display and live demonstrations of skid steers, diggers, crushers, mulchers, loaders, cranes and other equipment, that SED said makes up the backbone of the UK's and Europe's construction industry.

The Thomas Booth at SED was well attended and a popular stop at the annual show. Recently, Thomas Equipment won the Best Booth Award in the heavy equipment category at the International Landscape Ontario Congress in Canada.

Thomas Equipment is online at www.thomasloaders.com, where customers can learn more about Thomas Skid Steer Loaders, with their bright yellow cab and Polar Bear Thomas logo that are a sign of excellence on any farm.

About Thomas:
Thomas Equipment Inc. is a unit of Osiris Corporation (OSRS), www.osiriscorp.net, which provides a variety of branded and other products to industrial markets through subsidiaries including: Thomas Equipment 2004, Inc.; Thomas Equipment Asia Co. Ltd.; Thomas Ventures, Inc., Pneutech-Rousseau, Inc. and TcomT Inc. Osiris' units manufacture and market industrial and construction equipment, distribute pneumatic and hydraulic systems and design wireless devices for the telecommunications industry, among other activities.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:34 AM | Comments (0)

MEP Jobs Publishes White Paper on Hiring and Retaining MEP talent

MEP Jobs, the leading job board for the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing industries, has released a new white paper, "Hiring and Retaining MEP Talent." The study paper provides a step by step guide to building an effective recruitment and retain program for MEP employers.

Urbandale, IA (PRWEB) May 23, 2008 -- MEP Jobs, the leading job board for the HVAC, electrical, and plumbing industries, has released a new white paper, "Hiring and Retaining MEP Talent." The study paper provides a step by step guide to building an effective recruitment and retain program for MEP employers.

"The single largest challenge for the MEP industry is locating and retaining skilled, qualified employees", said John von Harz, president of MEP Jobs. "Our paper, which is based on years of experience in the employment sector, gives employers a blueprint for creating a reliable recruitment program."

Topics include:
- industry labor demographics
- compensation and benefits
- recruitment tools
- retention strategies

If you would like to download a copy of the white paper, please visit:
http://www2.mepjobs.com/l/204/2008-05-21/EIV5

About MEP Jobs
MEP Jobs is the leading online job board and resume bank for professionals in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing industries. MEP Jobs focuses exclusively on the specialty trade contractor segment, including contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers, facility managers, service organizations and executive search firms. MEP Jobs was founded in 1996, and is a service of Industry People Group.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:34 AM | Comments (0)

Intertek Collaborates With BASF Corporation for Product Safety Testing and Certification

BASF chooses Intertek's WHI Listed Mark to quicken time to market

Boxborough, MA (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Intertek (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, announces that BASF, the world's leading chemical company, has chosen Intertek as its safety and certification affiliate for Styropor® expandable polystyrene (EPS) beads, which will now bear Intertek's proprietary Warnock Hersey (WHI) Mark for product safety certification. BASF's choice of Intertek's WHI Mark was a strategic decision for product differentiation and quickening the product's time to market.

"BASF has built a strong relationship with Intertek over the years. The global reputation the WHI Mark holds in the industry gives us a competitive advantage in the marketplace and lends strong credibility to our product's safety and performance," said Satish Kantebet, North America Business Manager, BASF. "We have faith and trust in Intertek and the WHI Mark, which makes it a natural fit to continue our relationship to the next level."

Intertek is recognized by the International Accreditation Service (IAS) as a testing and product certification agency, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) in the United States and by the Standards Council of Canada (SCC) as a Testing Organization and Certification Body in Canada.

Intertek offers the WH Listed Mark as proof of compliance to the International Code Council (ICC) Building Codes and The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC).Through these recognitions, Intertek's WHI Mark reflects commitment to product safety to inspectors, builders and end users. The presence of Intertek's WHI Mark also demonstrates that BASF has implemented an approved quality control program and is subject to quarterly manufacturing plant audits to maintain product consistency.

"Being chosen as the preferred testing affiliate of the world's leading chemical company reinforces the reputation Intertek and our WHI Mark has built around the globe," said Rocco Moro, Director of Operations, Intertek. "Industry leaders choose Intertek as their partner because of the confidence they have in our expertise, industry leading turnaround times, and in our ability to increase their competitive advantage and speed their products time to market."

Contacts
For further information, please contact
Nicole Kimmick, Field Marketing Manager
Telephone: 978-635-8550
Nicole.kimmick @ intertek.com

Kathy Dennis
BASF Corporation
Telephone: 973-245-6288
Kathy.dennis @ basf.com

About Intertek
Intertek is a leading international provider of quality and safety services to a wide range of global and local industries. Partnership with Intertek brings increased value to customers' products and processes, ultimately supporting their success in the global market place. Intertek has the experience, expertise, resources and global reach to support its customers through their network of more than 1000 laboratories and offices, 21,000 people in 110 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.intertek.com.

About BASF
BASF - The Chemical Company. We don't make a lot of the products you buy. We make a lot of the products you buy better. ®

BASF Corporation, headquartered in Florham Park, New Jersey, is the North American affiliate of BASF SE, Ludwigshafen, Germany. BASF has more than 15,000 employees in North America, and had sales of approximately $16.4 billion in 2007. For more information about BASF's North American operations, or to sign up to receive news releases by e-mail, visit www.basf.com/usa.

BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from oil and gas to chemicals, plastics, performance products, agricultural products and fine chemicals. As a reliable partner, BASF helps its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges, such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF has more than 95,000 employees and posted sales of almost €58 billion in 2007. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchanges in Frankfurt (BAS), London (BFA) and Zurich (AN). Further information on BASF is available on the Internet at www.basf.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:34 AM | Comments (0)

Luxury Demanded, Sustainability Delivered: Master Planned Community to Implement Central Gas System from HBH Gas Systems

HBH Gas Systems has announced plans to develop a Central Gas System for implementation at the Hill Country Harbor development on Possum Kingdom Lake, just west of Fort Worth, Texas. The developers of this upscale community knew their owners would expect the comfort and convenience of gas fuel in their homes, but the development's rustic lakeside setting is too far from the natural gas grid for main line extensions to be economically viable. The Central Gas System will provide underground metered gas utilities to the Harbor's luxury condominium residences, numerous homes, and a variety of amenities.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- HBH Gas Systems has announced plans to develop a Central Gas System for implementation at the Hill Country Harbor development on Possum Kingdom Lake, just west of Fort Worth, Texas. The developers of this upscale community knew their owners would expect the comfort and convenience of gas fuel in their homes, but the development's rustic lakeside setting is too far from the natural gas grid for main line extensions to be economically viable. The Central Gas System will provide underground metered gas utilities to the Harbor's luxury condominium residences, numerous homes, and a variety of amenities.

Central Gas Systems, also called Community Gas Systems or Central Propane Distribution Systems, provide individually metered gas to entire communities and developments where natural gas is not available. Faced with enormous main line extension costs, more and more developers building communities in these locations are turning to HBH Gas Systems to bring their homeowners the many benefits of dual fuels. The gas is delivered, serviced, consumed, and billed in a manner identical to natural gas systems. It is seamlessly delivered to each home through underground piping from a centralized propane tank.

"We're thrilled to have HBH Gas Systems implement a Central Gas System at the Harbor" said developer John Stelzer. "Our community emphasizes a luxury lifestyle, and our discerning owners really expect the amenities associated with that lifestyle. Without the Central Gas System from HBH, we would have had to build our community all-electric, without the enhanced luxury of underground metered gas. Now we can guarantee that our high quality standards will carry through all aspects of the community."

Not only do the developer and builder enjoy the tremendous marketing advantages afforded by their ability to offer gas appliances, the homeowners enjoy considerable cost savings: residents of the Harbor could save up to 50% on their utility bills by using gas from this system in lieu of electricity. Central Gas Systems bring substantial environmental benefits as well: a single home using gas instead of electricity for space and water heating effectively offsets the carbon emissions of an average vehicle. In addition to the economic and environmental advantages, the Central Gas System at the Harbor will allow for the implementation of gas appliances that bring an added level of comfort and convenience.

HBH Gas Systems has developed, designed, and installed central gas systems in residential communities and commercial developments throughout the US and abroad. HBH is committed to facilitating sustainable development worldwide by bringing gas to regions where it was previously unavailable. HBH Gas Systems is the largest independent provider of Central Gas Systems in the world. For more information about HBH Gas Systems, visit www.hbhsystems.com or contact Harris Baker at (512) 306-0073 or info @ hbhsystems.com.

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

Stop the Bitchin': Positive Outlook for Commercial Real Estate Investors

In its most recent podcast "Stop the Bitchin'," the firm encourages real estate borrowers to stop longing for the halcyon days of 2007 and the era of free money. Instead, the time has come to explore opportunities that will enable them to execute new projects with accessible and affordable financing.

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- In an effort to provide developers and investors with the information they need to transact business efficiently and profitably, Richmond-based John B. Levy & Company is producing a series of podcasts on trends and issues that affect the commercial real estate market. These podcasts, available at www.jblevyco.com, address issues such as strategies for improving liquidity in a tight market and the impact of slowing loan originations on the commercial real estate industry.

"When will the 2007 market return? No time soon," says John Levy, founder of John B. Levy & Company. "We look back on 2007 as an aberration, not the norm. But rather than hold a funeral for the passing of the glory days," Levy continues, "it's time to stop the bitchin' and take a look at what works. It's a case of glass half-empty or half-full, and we see it as half-full."

Clearly, 2008 is off to a rugged start. And when comparing this year with 2006 and even 2005, volume is anemic by nearly every standard: new originations, sales, and CMBS production. Yet it is interesting to note that in the first four months of 2008, the market is at the same level it was in 2004, and that turned out to be a solid year.

To execute deals in this challenging environment, Levy first recommends that borrowers focus on interest rates rather than spreads. "While spreads are high, interest rates are what you pay," Levy says, "and money today costs in the 6 percent to 6.5 percent range. By historical standards, that's just cheap."

Levy also recommends that borrowers choose a 3- to 5-year loan if they are worried about lacking leverage and locking in a rate for the long term. "With a shorter-term loan, you'll have the money you need to survive the current turmoil in the credit market," Levy says. "And if you decide to prepay, the prepayment will be modest."

Finally, Levy states, there is an abundance of mezzanine debt, preferred equity, and joint ventures. These resources can provide borrowers with just the leverage they need.

"Looking ahead, I wouldn't encourage anyone to wait for lower rates," Levy says, "because today's rates are cheaper than they will be in the near or intermediate term. The glass is definitely half-full, and now is a good time to act."

Firm Background
John B. Levy & Company, Inc. is a real estate investment-banking firm headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. Since John Levy founded the company in 1995, the firm has structured over $3.5 billion in financing for developers and owners of commercial and multi-family projects nationwide, often investing its own proprietary funds into transactions with its clients. Mr. Levy is an expert on commercial real estate financing and the effects of interest rates on commercial real estate markets. He is the originator and author of the Barron's/John B. Levy & Company National Mortgage Survey, a monthly survey of more than 30 of the country's largest institutional investors, as well as buyers and sellers of commercial mortgage-backed securities, which Barron's published for over 23 years. Mr. Levy is also co-creator of The Giliberto-Levy Commercial Mortgage Performance Index (sm), the first and pre-eminent index to measure and analyze the performance of investments in the commercial mortgage industry. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors of Anthracite Capital Inc. (NYSE: AHR), a New York Stock Exchange REIT managed by BlackRock, Inc and a former director of Value Property Trust.

For more information about John B. Levy & Company, please visit the firm's website at www.jblevyco.com or call Andrew Little at 804-644-2000, extension 260.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:30 AM | Comments (0)

Ashley-Edison Volt Drop Compensators Eliminate Voltage Drop in Long Cable Runs and SAVE on Cabling Costs.

With ever rising copper prices, it is all to ease to spend far too much on long "over-sized" electrical cable runs - essential to compensate for the inherent voltage drop.

Bedford, England (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Ashley Edison (www.AshleyEdison.com) has just announced the availability of its new range of indoor (IP20) and outdoor (IP54) AC Volt Drop Constant Voltage Compensators, specifically designed for electrical installations where large volt drops, across long cable runs, are all too often an inherent and expensive problem to solve. By installing an Ashley Edison Compensator these costly voltage drops are now able to 'compensated' for, by boosting up voltage and keeping it constant, and as a result ensuring substantial savings on site electrical power cabling costs.

"Installations with long cable runs have an inherent problem of developing high voltage drops across their cables", said Alan Dover, Sales Director of Ashley Edison UK. "To overcome this in the past it has been necessary to select and use larger sized electrical cables in order to reduce such voltage drops to an acceptable level. In recent years copper prices have risen significantly and under IEE compliant situations the choice of power cable size can now have a really significant impact on project installation costs. Utilizing an Ashley-Edison Voltage Drop Compensator is a really compelling alternative as its unique design eliminates the need to "over-size" power cables and in today's increasing price conscious electrical installation market delivers sizeable project cost savings".

With Single and Three Phase versions available in rating up to 1,000 kVA, models are offered for both indoor (IP20) and outdoor (IP54) use. Where required additional load protection features, such as Surge Suppression and Lightening Arresting, are available to help protect loads from potential problems.

For additional information on Ashley-Edison's full range of Voltage Drop Compensators visit http://www.ashleyedison.com/AC-Constant-Voltage-Drop-Compensator.htm

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:30 AM | Comments (0)

Preparing to Sell Your Home? Surveys Show Your Garage Doors Perk Up Your Curb Appeal

Remodeling projects that help enhance a home's value are a priority for homeowners, particularly in today's highly competitive housing market. When considering an improvement, especially with an eye towards resale, recent surveys indicate the garage doors are a good place to start to increase a home's curb appeal and value. That's because many buyers judge a house by its exterior.

Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Remodeling projects that help enhance a home's value are a priority for homeowners, particularly in today's highly competitive housing market.

When considering an improvement, especially with an eye towards resale, recent surveys indicate the garage doors are a good place to start to increase a home's curb appeal and value. That's because many buyers judge a house by its exterior.

"A remodeled kitchen and bath can help sell a home, but curb appeal is what gets buyers through the door. If they don't like what they see from the street, chances are, they won't waste time going inside," says Betty Jane Garrett, a licensed realtor in Oklahoma City.

"The garage door is a major exterior design feature, especially if it faces the street," adds Garrett. "A worn and outdated door on even the cutest house makes a bad first impression, and can change 'Honey, stop the car' into 'Keep driving' in an instant."

Realtors in a nationwide survey say replacing the garage door prior to listing a home can increase the asking price by up to four percent. That's an increase of anywhere between $3,500 and $14,000 on a $350,000 home just because of the garage door.

Stratamark Research and Clopay Building Products (www.clopaydoor.com) fielded the study to determine if garage door appearance made a difference in the listing price they would assign to a house. Nearly all of the 300 agents interviewed agreed that a new garage door enhances curb appeal and 75% believes it adds value to a home.

In fact, most realtors have recommended that a homeowner replace their garage door when listing their house for sale because of the condition of the door. Half cited appearance as the reason because the age or style of the door detracted from the home's curb appeal.

When it comes to adding value to a home's list price, the right garage door does make a difference. Realtors were also shown before and after images of several homes featuring a variety of garage door styles ranging in price from inexpensive to high-end. Respondents were asked to assign a selling price to each house and were alerted that the only difference in the photos was the garage door.

Depending on the style of the door, and how it fit with the architectural style of the home, realtors increased the list price anywhere from one to four percent.

"Homeowners thinking of upgrading their garage appeal may want to consider something fashionable, as well as functional," says Pat Lohse, vice president of residential marketing for Clopay. "Results of the 2007 Remodeling Cost vs. Value study indicate a mid-range to upscale garage addition can be expected to return anywhere from 65 to 70 percent nationally and up to 88% in western states."

Buyers, too, seem to want upscale doors to adorn their upscale garages, according to a Professional Builder magazine survey, which names designer garage doors as one of the "50 Must-Have Features."

Even if a homeowner is not selling a house, replacing a garage door can yield big returns terms of energy efficiency and setting a new standard in the neighborhood. And with the average age of the U.S. housing stock at 34 years old, according to a Harvard University study, a great deal of today's homes are candidates for a new garage door.

The average price for a new garage door ranges from $300 to $10,000 depending on the size of the door and the material it's made from. Today, homeowners can choose among wood, steel or composite garage doors, and add numerous design features such as windows, decorative hardware, faux paint treatments or stains to personalize the look even further.

For more tips on what to look for when selecting a garage door, visit clopaydoor.com or call 800-225-6729 to receive a free Ideas and Inspirations Book.

With four manufacturing facilities and 49 distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada, Clopay Building Products is North America's leading manufacturer of residential garage doors and a leader in the industrial door market. Bringing more than 40 years of leadership to the garage door industry, Clopay Building Products maintains a strong family of brands including Clopay®, Holmes Garage Door Company™ and Ideal Door®. Since 1996, Clopay is the only garage door manufacturer to hold the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:30 AM | Comments (0)

Coventry Homes to Build in Towne Lake: NW Houston's Newest Community Grows as Coventry Homes Begins Building New Units in Towne Lake

Caldwell Companies announced today that Coventry Homes is beginning to build homes in its Towne Lake development. By the end of 2009, Coventry will build over 60 single family homes in Towne Lake, which start in the $320's. Coventry homes focus on classic elegance with many energy saving features available throughout the models. Coventry offers more than 10 different home designs in Towne Lake ranging from 3,000 - 4,400 sq. ft.

Houston, Texas (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Caldwell Companies announced today that Coventry Homes is beginning to build homes in its Towne Lake development. By the end of 2009, Coventry will build over 60 single family homes in Towne Lake, which start in the $320's. Coventry homes focus on classic elegance with many energy saving features available throughout the models. Coventry offers more than 10 different home designs in Towne Lake ranging from 3,000 - 4,400 sq. ft.

"We are very pleased that Coventry Homes is a part of the community that we're building for Towne Lake residents," explained Randy Young, director of operations, residential development, Caldwell Companies. "Caldwell has had a great relationship with the McGuyer family of homebuilders over the years and we look forward to the quality homes that will serve families for decades to come."

For a complete list of amenities of every Coventry home, please visit: http://www.coventryhomes.com/community_features.aspx?communityid=1624.

"Coventry is proud to be part of the tremendous growth in Northwest Houston," said James Miller, Houston Regional President, McGuyer Homebuilders Inc. "Caldwell Companies has an incredible vision for building an all-inclusive community that includes something for everyone, regardless of age or economic status. We can't wait to get our first homes built and watch Towne Lake continue to grow."

About Towne Lake:
The entire development of Towne Lake features a 300-acre lake connecting the entire community with a beautiful water feature serving not only as a tremendous visual amenity but the central link for connecting people by water. With over 14 miles of shoreline, lakefront homes and homes with lake views are under development as part of the Towne Lake community. Towne Lake comprises 2,400 acres and borders Hwy 290 in the Cypress-Fairbanks area of Northwest Houston. The benefits of owning a home in Towne Lake include:

* Picturesque community, reminiscent of the Texas Hill Country, conveniently located off Barker Cypress near US 290
* Beautiful 300-acre lake serves as the centerpiece of the neighborhood
* Community clubhouse, featuring amenities such as a fitness center and swimming pool
* Hike and bike trails, plus parks and community areas
* Nearby shopping and restaurants along US 290, including a new HEB at Barker Cypress and US 290
* Close proximity to both Blackhorse Golf Club and the Houston National Golf Club
* Easy access to US 290, I-10, and Beltway 8; just 30 minutes from downtown Houston
* Cypress Fairbanks ISD

About Caldwell Companies
Founded in 1991, Caldwell Companies is a fully integrated real estate services and development firm that creates 'communities' of single-family, multi-family, office, industrial, and retail assets. The company also provides land and commercial marketing services; using every opportunity to enhance people's lives where they work and live, The firm is committed to honoring God by stewarding resources, cultivating relationships and building extraordinary communities that enrich lives. For more information, contact: www.Townelaketexas.com or Caldwell Companies at www.caldwellcos.com/ or call 281.256.2772.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:29 AM | Comments (0)

Flower Window Boxes is Expanding

Flower Window Boxes is expanding into a larger facility. Flower Window Boxes, Inc. is an online manufacturer of PVC window boxes and custom window boxes. As a startup company, they have quickly expanded into a new facility and even been featured on The Today Show for their unique PVC window boxes that are maintenance and rot free. They are setting a new trend for affordable custom PVC window boxes by offering direct from the manufacturer pricing on what has traditionally been an expensive product.

(PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Up and coming decorative window box company, Flower Window Boxes has moved to a new, larger 1500 sf location. As of May 16, 2008 Flower Window Boxes is operating business out of 4360 North Industrial Dr, Suite 500 located in Cumming, GA 30041. Flower Window Boxes specializes in custom window boxes and no rot PVC window boxes. They offer a unique alternative to wood for people looking to add a decorative touch to their windows, without having to worry about a lot of maintenance or rot. By using no rot materials they are able to duplicate the look and feel of wood window boxes, but without the hassles and worries. Flower Window Boxes offers custom window boxes that can be tailored to any measurements and offer safe and easy installation. "We've made window boxes up to 12 feet in length for customers and we always ship our custom window boxes out in less than a week. There's no other company out there doing what we're doing at our speed and price. In many instances, we have beat out the prices of vinyl window boxes and our window boxes are generally considered an upgrade," says owner Matt Buquoi.

PVC window boxes are considered to be an upgrade over vinyl due to their ability to be painted and look like wood as well as the fact that they are made from solid material and can be installed in a safer manner. Since the PVC is 100% moisture resistant, it's ideal for applications such as window boxes and they are considerably more affordable than the rival fiberglass window boxes. Plus, since they have a matted finish they look like wood and they have quickly become the gold standard in the window box industry.

Owner Matt Buquoi started the PVC window box company in his basement at the beginning of April 2008 and in just six weeks has already outgrown his basement. "My neighbors were starting to ask why FEDEX was picking up 50 packages a day from my house. I figured it was time to move out." As a new startup company, Flower Window Boxes has seen tremendous growth and was even featured on The Today Show as a part of a Home Upgrade segment on May 19. The window box company is 100% internet-based and what started with one employee has grown to 3 additional people to help with all aspects of the business. The flower box company hopes to continue to see growth as they look to expand their window box products into other aspects of custom home décor, such as outdoor planters.

Flower Window Boxes has been partnering with Atlanta SEO and Web Marketing to increase their online traffic. Atlanta SEO and Web Marketing helped them design their website and get to get their first online sale only 6 hours from their initial launch. They specialize in search engine optimization and advertising for small businesses and startup companies both locally and nationally.

http://www.flowerwindowboxes.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:29 AM | Comments (0)

Doe Run Mine Rescue Team Members Stand Out in Regional Mine Rescue Competition

Members of a mine rescue team from The Doe Run Company earned top honors during the recent Southern Regional Mine Rescue Contest. Held April 29 through May 2 in New Iberia, La., the competition pitted Doe Run’s Gray Team against 13 other mine rescue teams from across the country.

Viburnum, MO (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Members of a mine rescue team from The Doe Run Company earned top honors during the recent Southern Regional Mine Rescue Contest. Held April 29 through May 2 in New Iberia, La., the competition pitted Doe Run’s Gray Team against 13 other mine rescue teams from across the country.

Doe Run’s Ken Wood took first place in the Gas Benchman Contest, which involved repairing a defective gas monitor. It was Wood’s third consecutive win in a Gas Benchman competition. Wood, who works in surface maintenance at Doe Run’s Fletcher Mine, took first in October 2007 at a Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) competition and May 2007 at the Kansas Regional Shoot-Out Mine Rescue Contest.

Garry Moore Jr., who works at Sweetwater Mine, took third place in the BG4 Benchman Contest, which involved repairing a self-contained BG4 breathing apparatus. Moore has won the past three BG4 contests at Missouri S&T and took first place at the 2006 National Competition in Reno, Nev.

Three other team members – Kenny Sherrill, Larry D. Barton and team captain Wayne Marlin – completed the written portion of the contest without “discounts,” a term used to reflect the number of incorrect answers on written tests and the number of errors made during competitions. Other members of the Gray Team include Charlie Walker, Randall Hill and William Johnston.

“Our employees focus on safety every moment of every day, and competitions such as this give our highly skilled and trained mine rescue experts a chance to apply their knowledge in a simulated setting, gaining valuable experience,” said Denis Murphy, safety and environmental manager at Doe Run’s Southeast Missouri Mining and Milling Division (SEMO). “These are professionals who spend countless hours training and preparing to ensure they are sharp and ready if they are needed in an actual emergency.”

Another Doe Run mine rescue team, the Maroon Team, is preparing to compete June 3-5 in the Southwest Wyoming Mutual Aid Mine Rescue Contest in Rock Springs, Wyo. Both of Doe Run’s mine safety teams will compete in the National Mine Rescue Contest, slated for July 15-17 in Reno, Nev.

Doe Run operates half a dozen mines in Southeast Missouri that are known as some of the safest underground mines in the world. In fact, Doe Run and its predecessors have won the prestigious Sentinels of Safety award for Underground Metal Mining a total of 23 times.

About The Doe Run Company
Based in St. Louis, The Doe Run Company is a privately held natural resources company and the largest integrated lead producer in the Western Hemisphere. Dedicated to environmentally responsible mineral and metal production, Doe Run operates one of the world’s largest, single-site lead recycling facilities, located in Boss, Mo. The Doe Run Company and its subsidiaries deliver products and services necessary to provide power, protection and convenience. Doe Run has operations in Missouri, Washington and Arizona. For more information, visit http://www.doerun.com.

Contact:
Kent Martin
314-453-7661
kmartin @ doerun.com
http://www.doerun.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:27 AM | Comments (0)

Navigant Partners Strikes Alliance with Situs Companies for Real Estate Due Diligence Services on Mergers and Acquisitions

DALLAS (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) May 22, 2008 -- Officials at Navigant Partners, LLC, announced today they have formed a strategic alliance with The Situs Companies, a Houston-based global real estate services firm, to provide property due diligence, valuation and other property related services for mergers and acquisitions in the commercial real estate and financial services industry.

Navigant Partners builds and expands business platforms in the commercial real estate and financial services industries through mergers, acquisitions and business integration as well as new business formation and expansion. Situs is a leading provider of commercial real estate services and consulting solutions for all property types to financial institutions, institutional investors, private owners and developers.

According to Jim Vincent, Navigant’s managing partner, “Real estate assets are often a material component of value creation for REITs and others acquiring the entity for its real estate holdings. In larger mergers within the financial industry, where real estate is owned but not the core business, real estate holdings may present opportunities for consolidation and cost rationalization. Failure to address the value levers from real estate can cause significant time delays and extra costs in a merger or acquisition if not identified and addressed on the front end.”

“Situs is consulted worldwide in this regard by top institutional investors, investment banks and private equity firms, and we are fortunate to have this alliance in place for the benefit of our clients,” said Vincent.

About Navigant Partners

Navigant Partners (www.navigantpartners.com) is a real estate consulting and investment firm that works with banks, institutional investors, lenders, owners, intermediaries, and service providers in the commercial real estate and financial services industry to help them accelerate growth of their business. Navigant Partners offers a number of services ranging from strategy formation, corporate and business development, mergers and acquisitions, capital sourcing, and interim executive and operations management.

About The Situs Companies

The Situs Companies (www.situscompanies.com) is a leading provider of commercial real estate services and consulting solutions for all property types to financial institutions, institutional investors, private owners and developers. Headquartered in Houston since its founding in 1985, the firm employs over 350 real estate professionals in offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. During 2006, Situs conducted due diligence assignments involving over 10,000 properties worldwide.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:27 AM | Comments (0)

Homeowners Start Large Addition Projects During the Spring Season

Decks, custom homes and major home additions are the most popular projects started by homeowners in spring.

Portland, OR (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Seasonal homeowner trends show that larger projects reign in popularity amongst homeowners looking to start home improvements during the spring. ReliableRemodeler.com, http://www.reliableremodeler.com/, a nationwide home improvement and remodeling contractor matching service, found that adding a new deck, building a custom home, and creating new room additions were the three most popular projects in a survey of estimate requests submitted during the spring season.

Of larger projects homeowners requested estimates for, 15 percent requested decks, while 13 percent requested to start a custom home. Another 13 percent requested estimates on various home additions. From March to June these projects were consistently among the top five started by homeowners.

Many major home improvement project requests peak in the spring. Homeowner requests to start deck projects historically peak in May. Custom home building projects spike in spring, with a peak in March. Additions are a popular project year round, however, addition requests reach their highest numbers in March as well.

"Spring is an ideal time for homeowners to start home improvements," said Eric Doebele, Founder of ReliableRemodeler.com. "The nicer weather allows projects like decks and custom homes to be completed faster and more efficiently, and it allows homeowners to have a major project completed in time to be enjoyed all summer long."

Other popular projects homeowners requested to begin included composite roof installations, bathroom remodels, and window replacements. Roofing installations came close to breaking into the top three most requested with 12 percent of homeowners. Ten percent of homeowners made bathroom remodeling requests, and nine percent requested to start a window replacement.

About ReliableRemodeler.com:

ReliableRemodeler.com is a leading nationwide home improvement contractor matching service working to bring together homeowners and contractors. To date, the company has matched over 640,000 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, http://www.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 01:25 AM | Comments (0)

Former Ramada Inn, Michael's Steakhouse Hits Auction Block June 5

The former Ramada Inn in Huntsville is set to go on the auction block June 5, at 12p.m., according to Bryan Knox of Amerisouth Auctions.

Huntsville, AL (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- The former Ramada Inn in Huntsville is set to go on the auction block June 5, at 12p.m., according to Bryan Knox of Amerisouth Auctions.

"This is a prime redevelopment property and indeed a rare opportunity," said Knox.

Located at 3502 South Memorial Parkway, the property features 4.96 acres with 392 feet of frontage, plus improvements. "This property has convenient access to I-565 with daily traffic counts of 94,000," Knox said. "Additionally, there is an incredible amount of new commercial construction in close proximity and tracts this large are not often available on the Parkway."

"Most recently, this property was occupied by Operation Restoration, housing families displaced by hurricane Katrina," Knox explained. "However, the need for temporary housing has subsided, so that the property is now available again for development."

The former hotel and restaurant has 38,072 square feet of two-story externally entered hotel rooms, 12,790 square feet of improvements in the former restaurant with office and meeting area on second level, plus 17,129 square feet of two story internally entered hotel rooms, and a pool area is situated in the courtyard.

The auction will be conducted at The Radisson Suite Hotel located at 6000 Memorial Parkway SW, Huntsville, Alabama 35802. Registration will begin at 11a.m.and the auction will start at 12 p.m.

Broker participation is encouraged. For more information, call (256) 353-7525 or visit www.amerisouthauctions.com.

Amerisouth Auctions, Inc. provides full real estate auction services and is based in Decatur, Alabama.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:24 AM | Comments (0)

New Paving Quotation Website Launched - Compare Paving Quotes Online

2008 Marks a new era in obtaining paving quotations with the launch of the 'Paving Driveway' website, a free to use Paving Quotation System which compares quotes online from some of the UK's best and most affordable driveway paving companies. The Paving Quotes provided are totally independent, which means you only receive the lowest quote from a specialist paving company which provides paving services in your area.

Wolverhampton, UK (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- 2008 Marks a new era in obtaining paving quotations with the launch of the 'Paving Driveway' website, a free to use Paving Quotation System which compares quotes online from some of the UK's best and most affordable driveway paving companies. The Paving Quotes provided are totally independent, which means you only receive the lowest quote from a specialist paving company which provides paving services in your area.

"Rest Assured that we only offer paving prices from Fully Qualified, Fully Insured & Registered Businesses"

Paving Driveways database of driveway paving companies have been inspected and therefore only provide paving prices from the companies which boast an excellent service record and offer honest and affordable pricing structures.

To use the Paving Driveways quote system, you simply complete a very simple form and then the range of paving providers can then compete with each other to provide the best price, removing the need to haggle or try to obtain a better price. Whoever provides the best quotation from our database gets forwarded on to you.

The Paving Driveways website provides quotes for the following types of paving:

Block Paving Driveways - Offering an extensive range of top quality blocks in many colours, patterns, sizes, textures and styles to suit all tastes. From modern to traditional, whatever your desire, there is a design and pattern to enhance the appearance of your driveway. With a massive range of accessories, from circle features, cobbles, kerb sets and dished channels for those finishing touches, you can use block paving to create a unique finish to your property. It makes sense to compare block paving prices in your area before committing to one provider.

Tarmac Driveway - All the Tarmacadam installation experts in our database are fully equipped with an extensive range of equipment to undertake all types of work from hand to machine laid, including commercial, industrial and domestic. Whatever your needs, we can provide the complete Tarmac package. Only using ministry of transport materials to ensure a quality foundation of the installation, therefore we are confident that by using top quality products along with our experienced, competent installation team who have been trained to CITB standard. Comparing tarmac driveway prices from a database of professionals and provide you with the cheapest quote for your area.

Concrete Driveway - Concrete is possibly the most versatile, durable and low maintenance paving method that you will find when considering paving your home. The exterior of your property is possibly it's most important aspect, therefore the concrete driveway has become an essential element of any landscaping plan that imparts an inviting image. Concrete's various textures, colours and patterns have elevated the concrete driveway to the status of a landscape design element, meeting today's homeowner's exact demands. Paving Driveway can compare concrete paving prices from your area and provide you with the lowest quote.

Imprinted Concrete Driveway - Imprinted Concrete Driveway, or Stamped Concrete Driveway as it sometimes referred to, is a relatively new technique. It involves stamping the surface of wet concrete to produce a pattern such as brick, cobbles, slate, stone or tile. A special, high strength, fibre rich concrete mix is poured onto the area, then colour hardener is dusted onto the surface and then a special set of pattern imprinted mats are pressed into the surface, to give an individual & beautiful and natural appearance. With Paving Driveway you can find low cost imprinted concrete prices in your area.

Asphalt Driveway - Asphalt is a similar substance to Tarmacadam the main difference being it is a much higher grade and used heavily by the government to pave roads and motorways. It can also be used to pave your driveway or for car parks or any other area that is to be trafficked by vehicles. The Paving Driveway professionals are fully equipped with an extensive range of equipment to undertake all types of work from hand to machine laid, including commercial, industrial and domestic. Whatever your needs, Paving Driveway has it covered. Visit the website to compare asphalt paving prices in your area.

Garden Paving - Professional Garden Paving can add a new dimension to your garden or patio, why settle for boring garden slabs or gravel when you can totally transform your property into a haven for your family to enjoy all year round. With a wide range of outstanding paving stones, flag stones and aggregates, the Paving Driveway database of garden paving experts can add that wow factor to any property and at much less cost than you would imagine. On our website you can effectively compare garden paving prices from many suppliers local to you.

Whatever you paving needs, Paving Driveway can compare paving prices and paving quotes in your area. Visit the website today at www.pavingdriveway.co.uk.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:23 AM | Comments (0)

Super Green, Solar, Non-Wood Constructed, Fireproof Homes

Blue Ocean Homes Development & Konstantine Enterprise, Inc has completed the first of two very green, ultra-high efficient, solar powered, solar heated, non-wood constructed, concrete and steel fireproof homes. These homes are hundreds of times stronger then typically constructed mass produced homes, designed to withstand most natural disasters.

(PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- Blue Ocean Homes Development & Konstantine Enterprise, Inc has completed the first of two very green, ultra-high efficient, solar powered, solar heated, non-wood constructed, concrete, steel and structurally fireproof homes. These homes are hundreds of times stronger then typically constructed mass produced homes. They are designed to last for hundreds of years while being able to withstand most if not all natural disasters.

These are truly the homes of the future but available today. All of our homes use recycled materials that would other wise be slated for landfills. Our homes are designed to be built on a mass scale and are very affordable and with in reach of almost all home buyers.

All of our homes come standard with a complete solar PV, solar water heating and personal wind generators for additional electrical production. It is estimated these homes will save the home owner an average of $300 to $500 or more in monthly utility bills.

See a live demo on what makes a Blue Ocean Home so unique, an experience you won't want to miss by visiting our website at http://blueoceanhomes.info

Blue Ocean Homes Development is building the solution to the problem one house at a time.

For more information please contact Dean Konstantine @ 760 961-2332
or email Dean at dean@blueoceanhomes.info

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:23 AM | Comments (0)

Over 40 Expert Speakers and Instructors to Teach at The Hardwood Flooring Summit

At The Hardwood Flooring Summit, more than forty leading experts on hardwood flooring will openly share their expertise and unbiased advice to members of the flooring industry. This educational conference will take place August 14th through 17th in Atlanta.

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) May 22, 2008 -- The Hardwood Flooring Summit is the first educational conference dedicated to hardwood flooring. The Summit will take place in Atlanta, Georgia onAugust 14th through 17th, 2008. The conference will host over forty skilled speakers and instructors on wood flooring. Experts in every facet of the hardwood flooring industry will teach and train the attendees (who will include retailers, claims personnel, distributors, manufacturers, inspectors, and installers). This conference is open to everyone in the flooring industry seeking professional advancement via educational means.

The Hardwood Flooring Summit will include speaker sessions, forty-five breakout classes, as well as expert panels and debates. In addition to the main portion of the conference, The Hardwood Flooring Summit is offering a two day claims photography and inspection report writing course on August 12th and 13th. This extra two day course is included with registration of The Hardwood Flooring Summit. There will also be an optional hardwood flooring mill tour on either of the two days prior to the main portion of the conference.

The World Floor Covering Association has approved the utilization of their $500 trade scholarship. Regular members of the WFCA who are attending The Hardwood Flooring Summit may be eligible for this scholarship opportunity.

The list of speakers is scheduled to include:

Brian Bond, PhD.: Virginia Tech University, Professor of Wood Science
Ed Korczak: National Wood Flooring Association - CAE, Executive Director/CEO
Don Conner: National Wood Flooring Association Certified Professionals -President & Mullican - Technical Director
D. Christopher Davis: President & CEO, World Floor Covering Association
Dan Natkin: Mannington Hardwood Business Manager
Joe Amato: Mannington - Award winning wood floor designer
Don Finkell: Anderson Hardwood Floors - CEO and President
Erin McCall: Anderson Hardwood Floors
Len Daubler: Anderson Hardwood Floors - Technical Director
Rick Jones: Scandian - Technical Director
Todd Shutte: BonaKemi - Director of Sales
Steve Lima: Bostik - Technical Director
Carl Williams: Academy of Textiles and Flooring
Lew Migliore: Floor Covering News - columnist
Kevin Mullany: NWFA Board Member, NWFA Inspector
Tony Miraldi: Technical Director and Claims Manager, Somerset
Riley Gazzaway: Top industry retailer. Former President of The World Floor Covering Association.
Mike Sundell: Prior President of Basic Coatings.
Chesty West: Technical Director and Claims Manager, Zickgraf
Steve Marley: Technical Director and Claims Manager, Johnson Premium Hardwood Flooring

For additional information on The Hardwood Flooring Summit, contact Dan Blake at 1-(877)888-1013 or visit http://www.woodconference.com.

About The Hardwood Flooring Summit:

The Hardwood Flooring Summit is organized and hosted by The Claims Advisor, which is a proud member of The National Wood Flooring Association and The World Floor Covering Association. The Claims Advisor has been consulting the flooring industry for more than twenty years. The Claims Advisor has conducted over one hundred-fifty training sessions throughout North America, and provides claims manuals and other educational material for the flooring industry.

Contact:

Dan Blake, President
The Hardwood Flooring Summit
Telephone: 1-(877)888-1013
PO Box 507
Hoschton, GA
30548

Website: http://www.woodconference.com
Email: (info @ woodconference.com)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:23 AM | Comments (0)

Active Adult Housing Pioneer Leonard Kohl Receives Icon of the Industry Award

Last evening, during The 2008 Best of 50+ Housing Awards gala, held at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel in New Orleans, LA, Leonard Kohl was presented with the prestigious 2008 Icon of the Industry award from The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) 50+ Housing Council. The award honors Mr. Kohl as an outstanding industry leader, who has made a lasting impact on the seniors housing industry.

New Orleans, LA (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- Leonard Kohl is a widely recognized leader and pioneer in the development of housing, lifestyle and services for active adults and older Americans. His leadership has had a significant influence on the growth and direction of the industry for over 50 years. Mr. Kohl's commitment to listening to the consumer's wants and needs, and responding with innovative designs and solutions that exceed expectations, continue to have a lasting impact on the industry.

Mr. Kohl is currently chairman of Kohl Partners, LLC and a builder and developer of commercial and residential real estate for more than 45 years.

His career in the homebuilding industry began in the 1940's, when he worked in construction on Long Island. In the late 1950's, Mr. Kohl built his first single family house in Rockland County, NY. The home sold for $11,990.

Mr. Kohl soon noticed the in-migration of seniors to Rockland County and he responded by building his first 55 development, a 16 unit garden apartment community in Suffern NY. Leonard Kohl continued to build single family homes and garden apartments, many of which would be called 'age targeted' in today's market. Even then, he was an industry leader, serving as Vice-President of the Northern New Jersey HBA, and President of Rockland County HBA (Home Builders Association).

In the early 1960's, as a prominent NAHB director, and senior housing pioneer, Mr. Kohl was called upon to advise Henry Paparazzo as he was building the nationally recognized active adult community, Heritage Village in Southbury, Connecticut.

The first active adult lifestyle community ever in New Jersey:
In the late 1970's and early 1980's, Leonard Kohl completed Rossmoor, the first active adult lifestyle community in the Garden State. Located in Monroe Township, New Jersey, Rossmoor encompasses more than 2,000 homes. Mr. Kohl went on to develop the celebrated communities of Clearbrook and The Ponds, both in Monroe Township, as well as Squadron Gardens in New City, N.Y, which earned an NAHB development award.

By the 1990's, Leonard Kohl was a nationally recognized expert on active adult lifestyle housing, and his advice was sought out by leaders in the banking and housing industries. It was at this time that he formed a strong bond with his current partners, Alan and Jonathan Litt and Drew Barile, and began developing and managing congregate and assisted living communities.

A first in Connecticut:
As the 21st century began, Leonard Kohl formed a new entity, Kohl Partners, and chose Newtown for his first Connecticut venture. Connecticut is the eighth oldest state in the country, and there are approximately 40,000 households aged 55 to 74 within a 15 mile radius of Newtown.

On May 6th, Kohl Partners held a groundbreaking for The Woods at Newtown, a trend setting active adult lifestyle community, which will include 132 single level clubhouse condominiums, 46 townhomes and a unique cyber doorman. The Woods 8,500 square foot shingle style clubhouse, designed by Architectura, was recognized with its own 2008 Best of 50 Housing Design Award. Once again, Leonard Kohl's leadership has set a new pace in outperforming the market with the first phase of The Woods already 75 percent sold.

After 50 years in the housing industry, Mr. Kohl, now 82, maintains a full work schedule. He meets with his partners and staff each day, and continues to interact directly with consumers and homebuyers to listen to their desires and then translate them into cutting edge communities that meet and exceed their expectations.

Leonard Kohl received a degree in engineering from Cornell University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the City College of New York. He holds the honor of lifetime director to the board of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Mr. Kohl, and his wife of 55 years, Laurel, live in Fairlawn, NJ. For more information visit http://www.KohlPartners.com.

CONTACT: Alan Litt, Kohl Partners (201) 287-4404 or Barbara Kleger (215) 893-3635.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:21 AM | Comments (0)

Renaissance Lighting to Debut World's Highest-Quality 4-Inch Solid-State LED Downlight at LIGHTFAIR International in Las Vegas (May 28-30)

Renaissance Lighting, a pioneering innovator of LED architectural lighting, will introduce the world's highest-quality commercially available 4-inch solid-state LED downlight at LIGHTFAIR International from May 28-30.

Las Vegas, NV (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 21, 2008 -- Renaissance Lighting, a pioneering innovator of LED architectural lighting, will introduce the world's highest-quality commercially available 4-inch solid-state LED downlight at LIGHTFAIR International from May 28-30.

Visitors to the three-day-long LIGHTFAIR product exhibition will see a demonstration of Renaissance Lighting's newest product offering at four locations within the Las Vegas Convention Center: Renaissance Lighting/Booth 1121; Crestron Electronics/Booth 1447; and Heatron/Booth 2273.

As the newest arrival on the general illumination scene, solid-state LED lighting has yet to make a major market impact commensurate with its potential for outperforming and even replacing other types of lighting -- until now.

"Our goal is to be the solid-state downlight of choice, and we have the commercial, industrial and high-end residential products to do that now," said Renaissance Lighting CEO, Barry Weinbaum. "Our solid-state lighting systems support sustainable design while allowing precise control over color and intensity, taking full advantage of what LEDs can do for lighting in today's dynamic environments, in a turnkey package.

"After unveiling a lower-lumen 6-inch prototype last year at LIGHTFAIR, we now have the world's most versatile, highest-lumen, glare-free solid-state LED downlight in two apertures: our brand new 4-inch model ED04 and a much brighter 6-inch production model," Weinbaum continued.

The ED04 downlight's compact package greatly expands its potential for use in all kinds of applications, and especially those where ceiling congestion tends to restrict the use of larger fixtures. For offices, conference rooms and corridors, in particular, or where general illumination in commercial and industrial spaces is required, the ED04 downlight adapts seamlessly to virtually any lighting scenario. Where smaller is better, the ED04 is easier to install from a weight standpoint, too, and it performs extremely well in wet locations or in outdoor under-canopy applications, according to Weinbaum.

"Utilizing green technology to make it environmentally friendly, our new ED04 outperforms the most popular 4-inch 50 par 20 products, yet uses only half the energy. It's fully dimmable, and like all of our solid state products, is virtually maintenance free over the course of its 50,000-to-70,000-hour life span. Our customers will discover that Renaissance Lighting's new pricing makes the decision to use our solid-state products an easier one, especially when considering the total cost of ownership," Weinbaum said.

Renaissance Lighting's unique downlight design begins with a circular array of LEDs at the perimeter of a patented integrating dome inside each fixture. The company's unique optic design combines light uniformly before exiting the luminaire in glare-free fashion. The result is consistent color production and concealed sources that create smooth, uniform illumination patterns.

A light-sensing feedback system continually monitors and adjusts each luminaire to factory-calibrated color standards resulting in fixture-to-fixture consistency and light quality throughout the long life of each product, while producing the industry's purest single light source.

During LIGHTFAIR, visitors will be able to see Renaissance Lighting's RGB and white LED downlights in both 4-inch and 6-inch aperture formats. Weinbaum, Renaissance Lighting President Jack Rains and Vice President of Sales Rob McCulley will be on hand to demonstrate and discuss product features and benefits.

To schedule a meeting with a member of the management team during LIGHTFAIR, please contact Joe Arimond at 312-493-6535.

About Renaissance Lighting - Booth 1121
Renaissance Lighting, headquartered in Herndon, VA, produces highly creative lighting products delivering exceptional appearance, superior efficiency, and glare-free illumination for all architectural applications. The company's innovative approach to product engineering and design is supported by 27 patents including its optical and feedback control technologies.

About Crestron Electronics - Booth 1447
For nearly 40 years Crestron Electronics has been the world's leading manufacturer of advanced control and automation systems, innovating technology and reinventing the way people live and work. Offering integrated solutions to control lights, audio, video, computer, IP and environmental systems, Crestron streamlines technology, improving the quality of life for people in corporate boardrooms, conference rooms, classrooms, auditoriums, and in their homes.

About Heatron, Inc. - Booth 2273
Heatron offers a wide range of design, development, and manufacturing services, technology competencies including optics, thermal management, power sources and drivers, cost effective production and assembly capabilities, and in-depth industry and technology expertise. Heatron's new LED Design Center offers industry-leading design facilities accommodating the most complex projects.

Contact:
Joe Arimond
ECI Communications
847-381-1205 (direct)
312-493-6535 (cell)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)

Mobile-Shop Company Charts Course for Major Expansion, Growth With New Investment Partner, Hillcrest Management, LLC

The Mobile-Shop® Company has taken on a major new investment partner, Hillcrest Management, LLC, a private investment firm based in Milford, NH.

Columbus, Ohio (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- The Mobile-Shop® Company (www.mobile-shop.com) has taken on a major new investment partner, Hillcrest Management, LLC (www.hillcm.com), a private investment firm based in Milford, NH. The multi-million dollar investment will allow Mobile-Shop to continue its rapid growth and expand into additional markets both in North America and abroad.

“Our partnership with Hillcrest is a natural fit based on their prior investment in the multifamily residential market,” said Edward “Jerry” Guirlinger, president of Mobile-Shop. “Hillcrest has seen first hand the value the Mobile-Shop System brings to maintenance operations.” Noting that the capital will allow Mobile-Shop to expand operations and ramp up production as it increases its presence in additional markets, e.g. the hospitality, facilities, government and military markets, Guirlinger stated: “It also gives us the ability to respond to frequent requests to develop customized versions of the Mobile-Shop System for specialty trades.”

The patented Mobile-Shop System is a portable tool and parts organizer that allows maintenance workers to easily wheel everything they need – or might need – to the job site. Consisting of a specially engineered cart that moves on wheels and comes fully loaded with 230 professional quality tools and more than 180 critical small parts, the System allows every tool and part to be inventoried in less than 60 seconds. It eliminates work stoppages due to lack of on-site tools or parts and alleviates concerns about missing tools, ensuring maximum efficiency and productivity in the maintenance area.

Hillcrest, whose other business ventures include Mobile-Shop customer Mission Residential, is passionate about the companies it invests in and works closely with them on business plan execution. In addition to capital, states Guirlinger, “they are bringing talent to the table, in terms of operations and sales support.”

“Hillcrest is committed to identifying and investing in emerging companies we believe can change the world,” says Hillcrest managing partner Rob Finlay. “In Mobile-Shop, we have found an innovator with the power to redefine the way maintenance professionals in a wide-array of industries approach their jobs. This is both a top-notch product and a one-stop solution that exponentially boosts efficiency and can save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars a year in operating costs.”

Mobile-Shop will continue to be based in Columbus and expects to grow its local workforce while expanding its sales force and distribution partnerships on a regional basis in the U.S. and Canada.

Contact:

Edward “Jerry” Guirlinger
President, CEO
Mobile-Shop Co.
5089 Westerville Rd.
Columbus, OH 43231
614-348-2517
edward@mobile-shop.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)

Discovery Parks Trust Recognized for Green Building Leadership - Discovery Green Wins Innovation in Sustainable Building Design Award in Power Smart Awards

Discovery Parks Trust is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the Premier and BC Hydro for Innovation in Sustainable Building Design for its DiscoveryGreen Building currently under construction in Burnaby, BC. Upon its completion in April 2009, DiscoveryGreen will be one of the greenest commercial buildings in Western Canada and will add a much-needed 150,000 square feet of office and technology space to the Lower Mainland's tight commercial real estate market.

Vancouver, BC (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- Discovery Parks Trust is pleased to announced that it has been recognized by the Premier of BC and BC Hydro for Innovation in Sustainable Building Design for its DiscoveryGreen Building currently under construction in Burnaby, BC. Upon its completion in April 2009, DiscoveryGreen will be one of the greenest commercial buildings in Western Canada and will add a much-needed 150,000 square feet of office and technology space to the Lower Mainland's tight commercial real estate market.

"With DiscoveryGreen we're showing that with proper design, green buildings are not significantly more expensive to construct than traditional buildings, but they have the potential for significant operational savings," stated Tom Douglas, Director of Development & Leasing at Discovery Parks, and the lead for the DiscoveryGreen project. "We encourage other developers to take advantage of the conservation design expertise at BC Hydro through their High Performance Building program. The design process was invaluable in helping us to create a better working environment for tenants and their employees."

Recognizing the market demand for socially-responsible and healthy work environments, Morguard Investments partnered with Discovery Parks on the development of DiscoveryGreen, acquiring the building and taking responsibility for tenanting and managing the property upon its completion. "Green buildings provide a socially-responsible and healthy workplace for tenants and have been proven to create substantial improvements in employee productivity," stated Greg Jones, Director, Asset Management, Morguard Investments Limited. "As such, Morguard has made a substantial investment in sustainability. By the end of summer 2008, 66% of our national office portfolio will be BOMA GoGreen certified."

In keeping with its focus on innovative design, Discovery Parks is currently investigating the feasibility of an even greener commercial building design that will replace a significant amount of concrete with engineered wood products constructed from Mountain Pine Beetle (MPB) wood. This new construction style has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by sequestering carbon within the wood while minimizing the use of Portland cement, the production of which is one of the largest single greenhouse gas emitters.

"As a partner in BC's Innovation Economy, it's only fitting that Discovery Parks will continue to push the boundaries of design to create buildings that are greener and healthier for our knowledge workers," stated Mark Betteridge, Executive Director and CEO of Discovery Parks.

About Discovery Parks Trust
Discovery Parks Trust is BC's leading operator of office and laboratory research space for the technology and life sciences sectors. By housing spin-off companies and those seeking to develop stronger relationships with post-secondary institutions, Discovery Parks' multi-tenant facilities provide an essential bridge between industry and academia in BC for knowledge and technology transfer.

A unique social enterprise, Discovery Parks is a private company with a public purpose. It has distributed more than $12.6 million of its operating profits to benefit academic research in BC. A leader in green building development, Discovery Parks built Canada's first LEED-certified lab in 2003 and is currently constructing DiscoveryGreen in Burnaby, BC.

In 2002, Discovery Parks was recognized by its peers with the Outstanding Research/Science Park Achievement Award from the Association of University Research Parks. Discovery Parks is also a key contributor to the BC Technology Industry Scholarship Fund, supporting young scientists and technologists in their academic endeavours.

About Morguard Investments Limited
Morguard Investments Limited is one of Canada's premier real estate investment advisors and management companies representing major institutional and private investors. With more than $6.9 billion in assets under management, Morguard provides a full range of asset and property management, acquisition, development and leasing services. Morguard's diversified portfolio includes more than 40 million square feet of office, industrial, retail, residential and mixed-use properties. It employs more than 800 staff in nine offices across the country.

As an organization, Morguard is committed to continually improving the environmental performance of its buildings, ensuring safe and comfortable surroundings for occupants, and contributing to a healthy and sustainable environment in its communities. Through its national GREEN LINK environmental program, Morguard is adopting a continuous "green" operation of its properties by promoting green building programs, technologies and design practices.

Media Contact:
Mark Betteridge, Executive Director & CEO
Discovery Parks Trust
604-734-7275

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:36 AM | Comments (0)

On the Heels of Its 5-year Anniversary, Lone Oak Fund, California's Bridge Lender Introduces Aggressive New Loan Pricing, Lowering Rates to 8.9 - 9.9 Percent

Lone Oak Fund Introduces Aggressive New Loan Pricing, Lowering Rates to 8.9 - 9.9%. May 2008 marks the 5-year anniversary of Lone Oak Fund, LLC, a private mortgage fund making bridge loans on commercial property throughout California.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- On the Heels of Its 5-year Anniversary, Lone Oak Fund, California Bridge Lender Introduces Aggressive New Loan Pricing, Lowering Rates to 8.9 - 9.9%. May 2008 marks the 5-year anniversary of Lone Oak Fund, LLC , a private mortgage fund making bridge loans on commercial property throughout California. Since its inception, Lone Oak has funded over $500,000,000 in loans and this week, announced that it has dropped its interest rates to as low as 8.9%.

In a market where the vast majority of the private lender groups are raising rates, Lone Oak Fund has the strength, flexibility and solid reputation to do just the opposite. Borrowers can expect 8.9%-9.9% interest rates from Lone Oak, depending on the quality of the property, location of the property and the amount or size of the loan.

Founded in 2003 by Principals Gerald A. Ducot and James A. Rothstein, Lone Oak has realized steady year-to-year growth in its short history. Over the past five years, Lone Oak Fund has grown to become the preferred hard money lender for independent mortgage brokers, bankers, attorneys, accountants, business managers, community banks and other professionals seeking fast, reliable bridge financing for their California clients. As the Fund begins its 6th year, Lone Oak anticipates a record breaking year in 2008 with loan volume exceeding $200 million.

"Lone Oak has created a niche that serves today's tough financial climate," said Jerry Ducot. "As a private portfolio lender larger than many banks, specializing in only bridge financing and only in California, we have the ability to close loans faster and offer far lower rates than our competitors."

"With current institutional credit and liquidity restraints, borrowers may not be able to obtain financing as easily as in the past. Lone Oak is well positioned to take advantage of these circumstances," added James Rothstein.

Lone Oak is funded through an exempt private offering with an investor base of high net worth individuals, pension funds and charitable foundations. The Fund makes short-term 1st trust deeds on California real estate for amounts typically ranging from $1 million to $15 million. Loan terms range from 30 days to 12 months, with extensions of up to an additional 12 months. As a private lender, Lone Oak is not regulated or restricted like institutional lenders, so appraisals and tax returns are not required. In addition, Lone Oak maintains an edge over the competition by closing most loans within five days. There are no pre-payment penalties or junk fees.

"Since we opened our doors, Lone Oak has provided unparalleled speed and flexibility to our California clients, and from the beginning the response has been positive," said Ducot. Co-founder Rothstein added, "Now more than ever, Lone Oak is in a position to help current and prospective clients stabilize their position, obtain financing, and close deals with the security that they have come to expect."

Lone Oak Fund, LLC is a private mortgage fund licensed as a California Finance Lender under Dept. of Corporations license number 603B623. It is organized for the purpose of making bridge loans secured by first trust deeds on California real estate. The Fund makes commercial, industrial, apartment, condo conversions, remodeling, special purpose property such as churches, schools, retirement facilities, and entitled-land loans to developers, investors and businesses.

Lone Oak does just one thing…and no lender does it better.

For more information on Lone Oak Fund, go to http://www.loneoakfund.com or call 310-826-2888.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)

Newly Released Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Has Latest Information for Hazardous Materials Emergencies

ERG available from Labelmaster® May 21

Chicago, Illinois (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 21, 2008 -- The first release of the Emergency Response Guidebook since 2004 is now available. The 2008 issue contains new information for first responders in the event of an incident involving hazardous materials. The Guidebook provides a consistent and standardized approach for handling hazardous materials emergencies. Labelmaster, a manufacturer of regulatory compliance products, is distributing the 2008 Emergency Response Guidebook.

Following is new information contained in the 2008 ERG:

* Over fifty amendments to proper shipping names and ID numbers (United Nations numbers)
* Updated lists of hazardous materials
* Lithium Ion batteries entry
* Ethanol entries and identification numbers
* The “Initial Isolation and Protective Action Distance Table” has been split into two tables to better facilitate initial incident response actions for emergencies involving TIH (Toxic Inhalation Hazards)

The Emergency Response Guidebook is the foundation of many emergency response plans and incident management systems. It provides a consistent and standardized approach for first responders in the event of an incident involving hazardous materials. It is intended to assist responders in managing the first fifteen to thirty minutes of an emergency response, often the most critical moments. It provides crucial information concerning scene management and response procedures that can save lives and enhance public and environmental safety.

Since its introduction in 1976, the ERG has been and will continue to be the “go-to” reference for first responders faced with the possibility of a hazardous materials incident. This guidebook is published in a user-friendly format and is divided into five sections which are color coded to maximize efficiency and ease of use. The goal of the US Department of Transportation is for all public emergency responders to carry a copy of the ERG.

The ERG is developed jointly by the US Department of Transportation, Transport Canada, the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation of Mexico (SCT), and with the collaboration of CIQUIME (Centro de Informacion Quimica para Emergencias) of Argentina. The 2008 ERG represents the first publication since the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials programs were merged, so there will be new information introduced regarding pipeline markers.

The 2008 ERG is available as a book, on CD-ROM or on USB flash drive. For questions regarding customization and personalization contact Estuardo Sanchez at estuardos @ alc-net.com or call 773-279-2286. For ordering information visit www.labelmaster.com/ERG, call 1-800-621-5808, or email sales @ labelmaster.com.

Labelmaster, established in 1967, is a developer, manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of hazardous materials compliance products, including labels, forms, packaging, software, and publications. The company’s 40 years of experience in providing regulatory information and products for all transportation modes make it especially qualified as a total compliance resource. Labelmaster’s compliance division is located at 5724 N. Pulaski Road in Chicago. Learn more about Labelmaster: www.labelmaster.com. For more information on Labelmaster’s new products and catalogs: www.labelmaster.com/pressreleases.

For a complete version of this release with images for download, please visit
http://news.marketingimages.com/default.asp?nid=331.

CONTACTS:

Rhonda Jessop
Labelmaster
Phone: 514-656-3733
rhondaj @ alc-net.com

Marilyn McGair
Marketing Images
Phone: 262-523-3940 ext. 102
Cell phone: 262-751-9403
marilyn @ marketingimages.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)

InventHelp Client Invents Ladder Support System

Patented invention designed to hold a ladder securely to the edge of a rooftop; could minimize injuries caused by a ladder slipping to the side; would prevent damage to concrete shingles caused by ladders ; prototype available

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that one of its clients, an inventor from Apache Junction, Ariz., has designed a device that would hold a ladder securely to the edge of a rooftop. The invention is patented, and the inventor has created a prototype.

The SHINGLE SAVER is designed to prevent a ladder that has been leaned against a rooftop from slipping sideways and causing injury. This device would fit securely around the outside edges of a ladder, would also eliminate the ladder's direct contact with the edge of a rooftop and preventing breakage of concrete shingles. The invention would be bolted securely to the rooftop and attached further to the ladder by a nylon strap.

The inventor's need for more safety contributed to the development of the SHINGLE SAVER. He said, "I worked atop ladders for many years and saw a need for better safety. I never wanted my ladder to slip while I was on it, so I developed this as a way to keep a ladder secure while protecting shingles."

The original design was submitted to the Phoenix office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-PHO-920, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)

InventHelp Client Invents Drill Accessory

Drill accessory invented to make it easier to customize the depth or diameter of a hole; prototype available.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 21, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that one of its clients, an inventor from Azle, Texas, has designed a drill accessory that would be ideal for use by carpenters and plumbers. The inventor has created a prototype.

The HOLE REVISOR would make it easier to customize the diameter or depth of a hole. The device may be used to produce any desired size up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter, and could produce a recessed hole of any desired depth up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Additionally, the HOLE REVISOR would be durable and easy to use.

A work-related need prompted the inventor to design the HOLE REVISOR. "As a carpenter, I've needed an accessory like this on many occasions," he said. "I felt that it would be a faster alternative to using a saw-hole bit."

The original design was submitted to the Dallas office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-DLL-1858, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:31 AM | Comments (0)

May 20, 2008

Designer Plumbing Outlet, an Online Plumbing Products Retailer, is Named in Internet Retailer's Top 500 Guide

DesignerPlumbingOutlet.com, a virtual store for kitchen and bathroom fixtures, fittings and accessories has claimed a spot on the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide. The magazine named Designer Plumbing Outlet 24th in the Hardware/Home Improvement category for 2008 and 452nd in the overall rankings.

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- DesignerPlumbingOutlet.com, a virtual store for kitchen and bathroom fixtures, fittings and accessories has claimed a spot on the Internet Retailer Top 500 Guide. The magazine named Designer Plumbing Outlet 24th in the Hardware/Home Improvement category for 2008 and 452nd in the overall rankings.

"We are honored to be recognized by Internet Retailer for the success of our business," says Eric Strand, founder and CEO of Designer Plumbing Outlet. "Our success is not only because we know the internet, our entire staff is made up of experts in plumbing products who are dedicated to fulfilling our customers' orders quickly and accurately."

Internet Retailer's definitive ranking and analysis of America's 500 largest e-retailers is based on annual 2007 Internet sales. The Top 500 Guide contains the very latest competitive data on the leaders of web-based retailing that account for nearly two-thirds of the $200-billion e-retailing industry in the U.S. The figures were researched by Internet Retailer and confirmed by the retailers themselves. The report includes company financial, operational and performance data, as well as vendors in 18 key categories.

"Designer Plumbing Outlet proves the power of niche retailing on the Internet," says Kurt Peters, editor in chief of Internet Retailer. "Its success is evidence that the Internet is leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs who want to operate a retail business."

DesignerPlumbingOutlet.com is a premier plumbing outlet company furnishing factory first, brand name sinks, faucets and accessories. DPO is the only plumbing Internet retailer that is owned & operated by a Master Plumber. Eric Strand grew up around the plumbing industry and has a great passion for residential home construction and remodeling. He has been in the plumbing industry for over 20 years and he understands the complications and concerns of home owners who are building or remodeling a home. Mr. Strand started the site to provide an outlet for consumers to get expert assistance in purchasing plumbing supplies. DPO is a BBB Online Member, a Trusted Store on Shopping.com and HackerSafe (Scan Alert) Tested Daily. The company's current ratings, out of five, include: Nextag: 5 Star; Yahoo: 4½ Star; Shopping.com: 4 ½ Star.

"Many consumers are tired of having to make an appointment at a snobby showroom, join a club or drive all over town to visit an understaffed warehouse just to purchase a faucet," says Strand. "When people shop at Designer Plumbing Outlet they can be sure that we are dedicated to providing an easy to use website with a staff that has an unsurpassed knowledge of plumbing."

Internet Retailer is published by Chicago-based Vertical Web Media LLC; Internet Retailer is a monthly national business magazine, web site conference and directory that serve the retailing community. The Internet Retailer family of products focuses on the Internet's vital role in a wide array of retailing activities, including web merchandising, supply chain management and multi-channel integration. Its 40,000+ subscribers are senior executives primarily from retail chains, independent stores, catalogs, virtual merchants and brand name manufacturers. Internet Retailer's circulation represents the largest multi-channel readership base of any retailing magazine. The magazine also publishes the most widely read e-mail newsletter in retailing, IRNewsLink, which is distributed twice-weekly to 35,000 opt-in subscribers, operates the largest retailing information web site, InternetRetailer.com, sponsors the largest conference in the e-retailing industry and publishes an annual ranking of the 500 largest web sites.

For more information on DesignerPlumbingOutlet.com call 1-800-768-5980 or visit www.DesignerPlumbingOutlet.comor www.ShopDPO.com.

Designer Plumbing Outlet's Mission Statement: Our mission is to excel at providing our customers with unsurpassed knowledge and assistance in purchasing and receiving plumbing products quickly, accurately, and easily utilizing our websites and friendly, expert staff.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:53 AM | Comments (0)

New Construction Strategies Radio Network and the Contractors Side Launch New Channel for 75,000 Contractors

New Construction Strategies Radio Network (NCSR), a joint venture of Garrison Associates and Jackstreet Media, reached agreement with The Contractors Side to make NCSR programming available to its community of 75,000 construction contractors and subcontractors. The ContractorsSide.com is a popular resource to help contractors protect and defend themselves against some of the traditional risks in the construction business. The new channel will bring contractors the knowledge and insights they need anticipate and avoid many of the problems that often lead to large financial losses.

Ormond Beach, FL (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 20, 2008 -- Today, the New Construction Strategies Radio Network (NCSR), a joint venture of Garrison Associates and Jackstreet Media, reached agreement with The Contractors Side to make NCSR programming available to its community of 75,000 construction contractors and subcontractors. The ContractorsSide.com is a popular resource to help contractors protect and defend themselves against some of the traditional risks in the construction business. The new channel will bring contractors the knowledge and insights they need anticipate and avoid many of the problems that often lead to large financial losses. The channel features interviews with successful general contractors, subcontractors, trade associations and business leaders across every segment of the construction industry. Each program will give struggling contractors access to the best practices, the best offensive and defensive strategies and the useful tools in the field. Hosted by Ted Garrison a 40-year veteran of the construction industry, you can hear this program at Contractors Side. Available on demand each segment can be streamed from any computer 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"The fact that Lee Dodson and the Contractors side has been able to attract more contractors that most long established trade associations is an indicator of how significant the problem is and how desperately solutions are needed," said Ted Garrison, host of New Construction Strategies Radio. "We are confident that contractors who tune in and take advantage of this channel will be empowered to reduce their risks and financial losses."

"This link up is only one more step in making it possible for contractors to share information and resources. This kind of thing has been a long time coming. It's exactly the right thing for young people entering the trade, and a good place for us old timers to pick up a tip or two, " said Lee Dodson.

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.thecontractorsside.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 02:52 AM | Comments (0)

Golf Community Debuts New Golf Clubhouse for Its Members

Casual elegance defines newly unveiled Currahee Clubhouse.

Toccoa, GA (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- Golf community Currahee Club recently revealed a brand new golf clubhouse for its members. As developers of some of the most prestigious golf club communities in the Southeast, Bob and Chris Whitley know more than a thing or two about clubhouses. So when they tell you that the newly unveiled, 48,000-square-foot golf clubhouse at Currahee Club is "one of the best we've ever done," it's not a statement to be taken lightly.

Bob and Chris Whitley are the father-son partners in Whitley Development Group, which lists more than a half-dozen award-winning golf club communities on its corporate résumé. Colleton River Plantation golf community, near Hilton Head Island, S.C., was named best new private course of the year in 1993 and its clubhouse was named the best new private golf clubhouse in the country by Crittenden's Golf Inc. magazine.

"Still, we consider the golf clubhouse at Currahee Club to be among the very best we have built," said Partner Chris Whitley, who is responsible for overseeing the development of the 1,200-acre private, gated golf community set in the southern Appalachian foothills overlooking Lake Hartwell.

Sited atop a ridge commanding 360-degree views of the mountains, lake and the award-winning Jim Fazio-designed golf course it complements, the Currahee golf clubhouse is a sprawling blend of native stone, cedar shakes and copper accents. Like so many of golf's great clubhouses that have evolved over decades, the design created by NCG Architects of Atlanta evokes a timeless character that belies its youth.

Inside, Kay Ingalls Design has meticulously integrated the history and culture of the area into an overall interior design that defines casual elegance and warmth. Rich woods used in the floors and wainscotings, vaulted ceilings with massive, exposed beams and even more massive stone fireplaces combine to meet the Whitley's mandate - that the Currahee golf clubhouse provide a "second home" feeling for members and guests of the golf community for decades to come.

"We wanted the Currahee Club golf community to have a clubhouse that is elegant, yet comfortable," Chris Whitley said. "We want our members to feel 'at home' here, whether they are playing golf, dining or just relaxing with friends. Everything we did in developing the golf clubhouse - from the initial design to the finishing touches -- was done with that primary objective in mind."

Entering the Great Room at the center of the golf clubhouse from the stone porte-cochère, you are immediately struck by a stunning, panoramic view of Lake Hartwell and the golf course. With towering fieldstone fireplaces at each end of the room, hickory flooring that purposefully looks like it has seen years of foot traffic already, three large hand-forged chandeliers and furniture designed to complement its surroundings, the Great Room of this prestigious golf community is the perfect place to meet friends or to enjoy the solitude and quiet of a good book.

Just off the Great Room is the Billiards Room, where, in addition to two competition pool tables, a collection of memorabilia from Toccoa's 101st Airborne, the Band of Brothers who trained nearby at Currahee Mountain, is displayed.

To the other side of the Great Room is the Main Lounge and, just beyond that, the 80-seat dining room with its coffered ceilings, rich oak wainscoting and handcrafted mantle and surround. Also complementing the main dining room are two private dining rooms where members of the golf community can celebrate special occasions or entertain special guests. Like the Great Room, both the lounge and dining room feature continuous windows overlooking the golf course, lake and mountains. But step out onto the flagstone verandah, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the unspoiled, natural enclave that is Currahee Club.

Beyond the Great Room, in the north wing of the golf clubhouse, are the men's and ladies' locker rooms, each with its own bar and lounge and both accented by distressed wood finishes, bronze fixtures and slate floors. The men's lounge features an authentic 100-year-old Irish pub bar and is complemented by another covered verandah.

And the spacious and fully-stocked golf shop at the far end of the clubhouse can be accessed via a covered gallery, giving the feeling of the old, free-standing pro shops from a century ago.

A full-service day spa, including massage, manicure and steam rooms, a juice bar and fitness center, is planned for the lower level of the golf clubhouse.

About Currahee Club
Currahee Club, a golf, lake and mountain community, is located just 90 minutes from Atlanta and 60 minutes from Greenville, S.C., off of Highway 17 in Toccoa, Ga. The 7,513-yard Currahee Club golf course, designed by Jim Fazio, is ranked among "America's Top 100 Residential Golf Courses" by Golfweek Magazine and "America's 100 Premier Properties" by Links Magazine. Currahee Club is a development of Whitley Development Group, Inc., a father-son team involved with successful, notable properties including The Bear's Club in Palm Beach, Fla., The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club & Spa in Jupiter, Fla., Colleton River Plantation near Hilton Head Island, S.C. and the Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta. For more information on Currahee Club, please visit www.curraheeclub.com or call (706) 827-1000 or (888) 560-2582.

About NCG Architects
More than 30 years ago, a group of friends brought together their passion for architecture and their diverse talents and created a firm devoted to transforming their clients' visions into timeless destinations. The roots of Nichols Carter Grant Architects began to take hold in Florida's Amelia Island Plantation. The belief that buildings should be formed as a response to the surrounding environment became one of the tenets upon which the firm was built; a strong client relationship was another. This, combined with the success of the Amelia Island project, resulted in an impressive 20-year working relationship between the firm and its first client. These tenets remained the foundation of the firm as its strongest talents evolved into the leadership of NCG Architects, whose focus remains providing service beyond design. For more information, please visit www.ncgarch.com or call (404) 892-4510.

About Kay Ingalls Design
Kay Ingalls Design was founded in 1980, with an approach centered on "interior architecture" - what is beautiful to the eye, must also be functional in the space. Katherine 'Kay' Ingalls has more than 30 years of interior design experience. She has been involved in all phases of the design process on both newly constructed buildings and renovations. She holds a Bachelor of Design degree from the University of Florida and is a registered Interior Designer by the Georgia State Board of Architects. In addition to the Currahee Clubhouse, Kay has worked on a number of clubhouses and resort communities including Laurel Springs Clubhouse in Suwanee, Ga.; Berkeley Hills Country Club in Duluth, Ga.; The Falls of Autry Mill in Alpharetta, Ga.; Sandcastles Condominium Hotel, Amelia Island Plantation, Fla. and Seven Oaks Clubhouse, Norcross, Ga. Kay also will be overseeing the community Design Center at Currahee Club where owners can take advantage of her remarkable interior design skill. For more information, please call (770) 955-7074.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:50 AM | Comments (0)

Home Buying Institute Now Offers Free Real Estate Articles to Agents

Real estate publisher and home buying expert Brandon Cornett has created a new website that allows real estate agents to republish a variety of real estate articles for free.

Round Rock, TX (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- Brandon Cornett, creator of the Home Buying Institute website, wants to share his knowledge with real estate agents across the United States. He recently launched a new website that gives real estate and mortgage professionals direct access to free real estate articles they can republish onto their own websites.

The move is part of an overall effort to improve the level of education consumers receive on real estate matters. The free real estate articles are produced by the editors of the Home Buying Institute, and then made available on a user-friendly website where agents can shop, select and republish the articles as they wish.

Article topics include:

* General home buying advice for first-time buyers
* Tips on improving credit scores before buying
* Information on the various mortgage loans
* A special section for homeowners and sellers

Cornett explained his motivations for launching the free article center: "These days, a lot of the real estate information you find online falls into one of two categories. The information is either outdated, and therefore useless, or it's published by somebody with a vested interest in one-sided information. There is a serious lack of quality, objective information for consumers. So we are trying to fill that void."

In truth, Cornett has been publishing home buying and mortgage-related information for several years, through his Home Buying Institute website. But the idea of a free article "store" for real estate agents only came recently.

"Traffic to the Home Buying Institute [website mainly consists of home buyers. But I have another site that gets mostly real estate agents as visitors. For years, I've been looking for a way to expand our informational network. I'm almost embarrassed that it took so long for the light bulb to come on, and for me to connect the dots between the two audiences," said Cornett.

Cornett now channels the home buying articles from one website onto another website, where real estate agents can freely republish the content onto their own websites and blogs. So by merging the two audiences, he hopes to offer his educational material to a larger audience of home buyers and mortgage shoppers.

"I hate to use this cliche," said Cornett, "but it's the classic win-win-win situation. Real estate agents get free content for their websites, and simply have to link back to the source. Consumers gain access to quality information on the home buying process. And we get to increase awareness for our consumer-education websites."

Learn More or Get Free Articles
Brandon Cornett is the publisher of several real estate information websites. But for the convenience of those who wish to republish articles, he has consolidated the "best of the best" onto one website. Real estate and mortgage professionals who wish to learn more about this free service should visit the following website" http://www.armingyourfarming.com/articles

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:49 AM | Comments (0)

Stone Age Manufacturing Greets the New Season with Expanded Photo Gallery of Outdoor Kitchens and Other Website Features

Stone Age Manufacturing greets the summer season with new website features highlighting their selection of old fashioned masonry products. The new features include expanded image galleries, construction tips, and video demonstrations for customers building their own outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, islands, pizza ovens, and fire pits.

(PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- Stone Age Manufacturing, one of the premier suppliers of old fashioned masonry products, has added a variety of new features to their website in light of the approaching summer season. New video, construction tips, and an expanded photo gallery of outdoor kitchens now greet visitors at StoneAgeFireplaces.com.

The new additions come in time for the summer, which Stone Age Manufacturing believes is the perfect time to purchase an outdoor fireplace kit. As the temperature rises and homeowners become more interested in outdoor entertaining, the need for an aesthetically pleasing, functional space also increases, and that is where Stone Age Manufacturing comes in. The new website features provide potential customers with a better idea of what exactly Stone Age Manufacturing offers and also provide post-purchase assistance to customers assembling their new outdoor fireplace kit.

"Our goal is to provide the consumer with the newest and best technology available in the fireplace market today," says Joe Rider, President of Stone Age Manufacturing, "The expanded photo gallery of outdoor kitchens and fireplaces exhibits some of the beautiful work that Stone Age Manufacturing has been a part of while the video demonstrations show customers exactly how to put the products together."

The products that Stone Age Manufacturing specializes in include outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, outdoor kitchen island kits, pizza ovens, brick ovens, fire pits, fireplace accessories, and arbor kits to complement the old fashioned masonry. While many consumers have sacrificed longevity and quality for convenience and price over the past 25 years, Stone Age Manufacturing continues to offer a product that will stand up to the harsh elements of any outdoor climate. Stone Age Manufacturing's products will not rust or rot and they are eager to prove that to potential customers.

"A Stone Age Fireplace offers you a lifetime of use and enjoyment with the least amount of maintenance of any fireplace on the market," say Rider. "In addition, Stone Age Fireplaces are made of durable, light-weight concrete that is easy to assemble for the professional or the beginner."

Rider takes pride in the fact that three generations of masonry fireplace knowledge have been incorporated into Stone Age Manufacturing's fireplace kits, and hopes that the new website features will encourage more customers to experience the products for themselves. For more information, please visit StoneAgeFireplaces.com.

About Stone Age Manufacturing:
Stone Age Manufacturing is a premier supplier of old fashioned masonry products based in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Their website, StoneAgeFireplaces.com features outdoor fireplaces, kitchens, brick ovens, pizza ovens, fire pits, fireplace accessories, and arbor kits. President Joe Rider has over 30 years of masonry experience.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:48 AM | Comments (0)

Litecontrol Introduces the New Radi-X Lighting Fixture for the School and University Market

Energy-Efficient Lighting provides an ideal solution for Lighting Systems to meet school building standards.

Hanson, Mass. (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- Litecontrol, a leader in quality architectural Lighting Systems, is proud to announce its new Radi-X Lighting Fixture. The Radi-X Lighting Fixture combines a traditional steel fixture body with an exclusive new sustainable baffle material called LiteCycle resin, which consists of 50 percent recycled content that can be completely recycled when removed from the building. The Lighting Fixture was designed with classrooms in mind, and addresses the lighting needs of both teachers and students through the indirect/direct lighting distribution option. Electrical Contractors also benefit from the new features of the Radi-X Lighting Fixture, which allows for easy installation and maintenance compared to other Lighting Systems.

* Exclusive LiteCycle Resin used for Energy-Efficient Lighting: The Radi-X Lighting Fixture is available with Energy-Efficient Lighting features that permit energy savings and design flexibility within schools, stores, and office buildings. The two or three lamp option of this Lighting System allows for A/V mode, while an integrated daylight harvesting system for Energy-Efficient Lighting helps to meet CHPS and LEED program standards and energy codes required by some schools. The Radi-X Lighting Fixture is Cradle to CradleCM (C2C) Silver Certified, which exemplifies Litecontrol's commitment to leading the lighting industry into a more sustainable way of doing business.
* Quality innovative Lighting Fixtures and Lighting Systems: Litecontrol offers a broad range of high design and performance lighting products. For more information on Litecontrol's Radi-X Lighting Fixture and other Energy-Efficient Lighting and architectural Lighting Systems, please visit http://www.litecontrol.com/products/visual_index.php.

About Litecontrol
Litecontrol (http://www.litecontrol.com/) has been a leader in architectural interior lighting since 1936. A designer and manufacturer of top quality, Cradle to Cradle Certified lighting fixtures, Litecontrol is a resource for designers, architects, and engineers to ensure their vision becomes a reality. The company provides innovative, sustainable lighting solutions to create functional, visually comfortable, inspiring spaces in schools, hospitals, corporations, stores and other prominent buildings across the United States and worldwide.

Based in Hanson, Mass., Litecontrol designs, fabricates, paints, and assembles products at two fully integrated facilities that total over 450,000 square feet. A 100 percent employee-owned company, Litecontrol offers a broad range of products and unparalleled customer support services before, during, and after installation. For more information on Litecontrol, visit www.litecontrol.com, call 781-294-0100 or write info @ litecontrol.com.

Attn publishers: Please send all sales leads to
Brian Golden, Vice President, Sales & Marketing
100 Hawks Ave.
Hanson, Mass. 02341
Phone: 781-294-0100 Fax: 781-294-5151
brian.golden @ litecontrol.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:48 AM | Comments (0)

New Engineered Foundation Systems May End Defects in Factory-Built Homes

Sure Safe EFS announced the national availability of its new engineered foundation systems (EFS).

Escondido, CA (PRWEB) May 20, 2008 -- Sure Safe EFS announced the national availability of its new engineered foundation systems (EFS).

Art Angelo, Sure Safe EFS president & CEO, said the system has been in test-use since 1994 and has proven to eliminate defects caused by improper setting of modular and HUD-Code home on faulty foundations.

Angelo's announcement came a few days after the release of the Fannie Mae MH Select Initiative at the Manufactured Housing's Institute's 19th Annual Congress at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. The Fannie Mae initiative states, "If a manufactured (HUD-Code home) looks site built and has financing like site-built, the mortgage supporting the asset will perform like site-built".

Key provisions in the initiative call for a high-quality MH product by Fannie Mae and specifies a permanent foundation under the factory-built homes. According to some experts the Sure Safe EFS foundation is said to hold the key to "fault-free HUD-Code home installations." One expert even termed it to be the, "Most clever solution to creating permanent foundations for factory-built homes."

Angelo explained that the foundation incorporates a Steel Buttress™ foundation that has performed flawlessly since 1994. The foundation can be installed in a matter of four to six hours with the cost running at a low four figure range compared to many other systems, most of which are not compliant, but often cost up to $25,000 or more.

Angelo said the basic premise of the Sure Safe EFS System is to engage the natural laws of physics by allowing gravity to dynamically transfer the load of the HUD-Code and modular buildings to the footings. The first step in this process is to pre-level the home on temporary supports. Then, the galvanized steel buttress piers are structurally connected to the I-beams or floors under the structure with the bottom of the piers suspended above the grade about three to five inches.

Once all of the steel buttresses are in place below the home the base of the steel piers are inserted into the geotextile form footing bags three to five inches above the grade.

Next, ready-mixed concrete is pumped into the form bags. This brings the Steel Buttress piers into perfect alignment with the center of gravity as the form footing bag literally molds itself to the exact shape of the ground below.

Not only will the Sure Safe EFS Foundation System work with new homes but it also has been successfully tested on scores of existing HUD-Code homes around the nation with equally successful results.

Frequently when HUD-Code or modular homes are set improperly on non-level foundations, a considerable number of defects occur such as cracked drywall, sticking doors and windows and uneven floors. The Sure Safe EFS is warranted to maintain the home dead-level so non-level defects almost cannot happen.

Still another reason to have a properly set HUD-Code home is the new Dispute Resolution Program announced by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This new program makes all parties in the home manufacturing and delivery system, which includes manufacturers, transporters, setters and dealer/builders, responsible for resolving complaints raised by homeowners. Some penalties are severe.

"We believe," says Angelo, "the use of the Sure Safe EFS System under homes will make a vast improvement in the quality of modular and HUD-Code homes for all of the people who buy them."

Angelo also said that distributorships now are available both domestically and in some foreign lands for the Sure Safe EFS Foundation System.

For additional information contact the Sure Safe EFS web site at www.suresafe.com or call 1-800-322-1999.

From: Sure Safe EFS
Contact: Art Angelo
Phone: 800-322-1999 ext. 108
E-Mail: art @ suresafe.com
www.suresafe.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:46 AM | Comments (0)

New Flame Seal -TB™ Video, Urethane Foam Thermal Barrier Passes UL-1715 Fire Test

Flame Seal Products, Inc. releases new video showing the first thin film paint-on thermal barrier for urethane foam to successfully pass the UL-1715 Room Fire Test. Flame Seal-TB™ contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and is easily applied with airless spray equipment, brush or roller; eliminating the need for expensive application equipment and providing the building owner with an aesthetically pleasing form of fire protection.

Lakewood, WA (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- Flame Seal Products, Inc. releases new video showing the first thin film paint-on thermal barrier for urethane foam to successfully pass the UL-1715 Room Fire Test.

The fifteen minute, closed room test was conducted by Intertek Laboratories using a single coat (18 mils) of the Flame Seal Thermal Barrier (Flame Seal-TB™) applied by roller to the urethane foam insulated walls and ceiling.

Flame Seal-TB™ inventor Mike Kiser had this to say after the test was finished: "The UL-1715 test uses flame spread as a pass or fail criteria. If the flames do not spread across the walls or ceilings 8 feet or more from the room corner, it passes. Ours did not spread at all. Flame Seal-TB™ did not just pass it, we slam dunked it".

The new video shows condensed footage of Flame Seal-TB™ passing the UL-1715 Test.

Specialty Products, Inc. (SPI) of Lakewood, Wash. is proud to be a part of this groundbreaking innovation as the exclusive distributor of Flame Seal-TB™. SPI, a 34 year manufacturer and distributor of polyurethane foam and polymer coatings, recognizes this development as a significant advancement for the urethane foam industry.

The ability to provide an effective, affordable, and easily applied thermal barrier over spray foam insulation, will offer a major value-added enhancement to an already growing demand for energy savings.

Flame Seal-TB™ contains no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and is easily applied with airless spray equipment, brush or roller; eliminating the need for expensive application equipment and providing the building owner with an aesthetically pleasing form of fire protection.

To learn more please contact us:
Specialty Products, Inc.
ISO 9001 Certified

Cliff Haskins
V.P. Marketing and Sales
Specialty Products, Inc.
2410 - 104th St. Ct. S., Suite D
Lakewood, WA 98499
(800) 627-0773
(253) 588-7101
www.specialty-products.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:45 AM | Comments (0)

Fireside Home Construction Wins National Energy Efficiency Award

Michigan's Fireside Home Construction recently won a Gold EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) from the National Association of Home Builders. For three in a row, Fireside has received an EVHA, one of the nation's most prestigious awards recognizing green builders.

Dexter, MI (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- For the third year in a row, Fireside Home Construction (www.firesidehomeco.com) of Dexter, MI, has been recognized by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center as one of the nation's leading builders in energy-efficient construction. As a winner of the 2008 Gold EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) in the custom home/cold climate category, Fireside continues to demonstrate its strong commitment to building green and energy-efficient homes.

The EVHA program awards builders, like Fireside Home Construction, who successfully demonstrate innovative approaches to energy-efficient construction. It also serves to educate the home building industry and the public about advanced technologies and successful approaches to energy-efficient construction. Fireside was selected based on its home's energy value, design, construction methods and processes, marketing and customer relations efforts and the ability to demonstrate an understanding of a whole-house systems-design approach.

With 11 years of home building experience, Fireside Home Construction's energy efficient timber framed home stood out among the other applicants. According to the EVHA judges, "Fireside did everything right and then some." Personal attention to each client, customer satisfaction and a focus on energy efficiency are mainstays at Fireside, which includes specialized training for its framing crews and blower door tests to demonstrate typical energy leakage spots. Fireside's mechanical and electrical trades are also trained to minimize air leakage as much as possible and are given air sealing equipment to seal holes after rough-in.

A few of the innovative features of the winning home, located in Dexter, MI, include a 2kW photovoltaic system, frost protected shallow foundation, advanced framing on interior walls and a geothermal heat pump. The EVHA judges applauded the company for its attention to detail and air sealing practices. Fireside's award-winning, 4,010-square-foot custom home is an excellent example of how energy efficiency adds value to residential construction.

Fireside is not new to energy efficient and green building. In the fall of 2007, the Gold EVHA home earned the first platinum-level Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) award in Michigan. At the time, it was only one of just 12 in the nation to receive the highest level in LEED certification. Fireside Home Construction also won a Silver EVHA for a home it built in Dexter, MI in 2006, and another silver in 2007 for a home constructed in nearby Ann Arbor. In addition, Fireside has won numerous state and local green building awards. It also voluntarily participates in green building programs.

Michael Luzier, president of the NAHB Research Center said this about Fireside and the EVHA program, "EVHA winners are pioneers in their fields and the level of innovation and home design this year is outstanding. Clearly, the home building industry's efforts to expand energy efficiency and green building have taken hold and will continue to make a difference for future generations."

The EVHA program is managed by the NAHB Research Center, and operated in partnership with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and the U.S. Department of Energy through the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

About Fireside Home Construction
Fireside Home Construction has been building new custom homes and providing remodeling services since 1996. Fireside also focuses on respecting the environment by incorporating green building and energy efficiency building technology into every home it builds. For the past three years, Fireside Home Construction has been awarded a national EnergyValue Housing Award (EVHA) from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Research Center. In addition, the company has received numerous state and local energy efficiency and green building awards and designations. For more information call (734) 426-4353.

About the NAHB Research Center
Located in Upper Marlboro, Md., the NAHB Research Center (www.NAHB.org) promotes innovation in housing technology to improve the durability, affordability, and environmental performance of homes and home building products. Created over 40 years ago as a subsidiary of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), the NAHB Research Center has established itself as the source for reliable, objective information and research on housing construction and development issues. Through its various testing and certification services, the Research Center seal is internationally-recognized as a mark of product quality and an assurance of product performance.

Contact:
Bob Burnside, president, Fireside Home Construction, 734-426-4353
Janet Gaydosh, media relations, Gaydosh Communications, 216-870-3836

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

Solar Innovations, Inc. Explains the Health Benefits of Sunrooms

Solar Innovations, Inc., a custom manufacturer of residential and commercial sunrooms, skylights, greenhouses, conservatories, folding, sliding, and tilting glass doors, walls, windows, and screens, explains the health benefits of sunrooms.

Myerstown, PA May 19, 2008 -- Solar Innovations, Inc., a custom manufacturer of residential and commercial sunrooms, skylights, greenhouses, conservatories, folding, sliding, and tilting glass doors, walls, windows, and screens, explains the health benefits of sunrooms.

Further research in the health and wellness industry has recently confirmed the health benefits of sun exposure and its interaction with the body. However, many Americans, with the increased use of in-home technology, are choosing to stay indoors when relaxing and enjoying free time.

By incorporating Solar Innovations, Inc.'s sunrooms into homes, consumers are able to reap these benefits while enhancing their property's values. Vitamin D, which is recognized as preventative vitamin against cancer, osteoporosis, and many other crippling diseases, is naturally created within the body when exposed to sunlight. Vitamin D, specifically D3, aids in the maintenance of normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus within the body. Both calcium and phosphorus are important in preserving bone strength and density.

Although many attempts have been made to simulate sunlight, no substitute developed to date compares to the real thing. Ultraviolet or UV rays, which most Americans choose to avoid, can be advantageous in maintaining health. Experts say that exposing skin to sunlight for five to thirty minutes daily can help to recoup some of the lost Vitamin D. It may take several months to replenish your body's Vitamin D levels once you become deficient.

"Solar Innovation, Inc.'s extensive line of glazing products can be utilized to ensure that customers are achieving the desired level of UV exposure in their new structure." Solar Innovations, Inc. works with several suppliers to achieve a wide variety of glazing options, ranging from 2% to 53% UV transmittance, which can be custom incorporated to create the perfect environment for sunrooms or any Solar Innovations™ application.

While the UV light is helpful in small amounts to increase Vitamin D, it can cause premature wear on furniture inside the sunroom. To prevent having damaged furniture, UV resistant fabric cushions and covers are available as well as UV resistant sealants and finishes for wood products. UV light can damage organic materials such as fabrics and wood, causing fading, discoloration, cracks, and flaking. If proper care is not taken, finishes on wood can turn yellow or opaque and the cell structure of the wood can begin to break down; fabric colors fade and yellow while the fabric itself becomes brittle and weak. Customers should work with the experienced sales and design team to ensure a balance within their sunroom to minimize furniture damage while achieving the aforementioned health benefits.

Beyond physical ailments, it is important to note that the absorption of Vitamin D can improve mood and prevent seasonal affective disorder by increasing the amount of endorphins, enkephalins, dynorphins, and endomorphins, all of which are naturally occurring in the body.

Take a step into the sun, or your new Solar Innovations, Inc. sunrooms to enjoy one of nature's best medicines free of charge. For more information on Solar Innovations' sunrooms or other glazed products please contact the marketing department at skylight @ solarinnovations.com or call 800-618-0669.

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

Pulltarps Expands Product Line by Offering Lumber Tarps and Waste Industry Tarps

Pulltarps, an innovator in creating tarps systems for the construction industry, has launched two new products: lumber tarps and tarps for the waste industry. These high-quality tarps are now available for next-day and reduced-freight shipping from California, Denver and Ohio.

El Cajon, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 - Pulltarps Manufacturing recently announced the addition of two new products to its line of high-quality tarping solutions-- lumber tarps and waste industry tarps. The new tarps are now available for shipment from California, Denver and Ohio locations. Reduced-freight rates and next-day shipping are available for all orders.

"Pulltarps has always been committed to bringing premium products to the marketplace," said Rick Cerda, Sales Manager. "We are pleased to expand our product line to provide durable tarping solutions to these important markets."

The lumber tarps from Pulltarps are a lightweight product that can be used to secure and protect cargo on flatbed trailers. Weighing just 98 pounds, they have 18 ounce vinyl on top and 14 ounce vinyl sides. Pulltarps' lumber tarps are also waterproof and feature sturdy construction with:

* An overlapping design that creates better sealing
* Hems reinforced with 2-inch webbing and double stitching
* Solid brass grommets every 2 feet around the edge
* Three rows of 2-inch D Rings box stitched with protection flaps

The waste tarps manufactured by Pulltarps are also constructed for durability and high performance. These heavy-duty mesh tarps have a large reinforced arm pocket at the rear, grommets every 3 feet along the edges and double lock stitching for added strength. They are ideal for rolloffs, hook lifts and lugger box applications and they can serve as replacements for any brand of automatic tarper for the waste industry.

The expansion of Pulltarps' product line is significant because it broadens the company's role as a leading provider of cost-effective tarps for the construction industry. Pulltarp has made its mark in the industry by offering a full array of advance tarping solutions for covering dump trucks and dump trailers.

In fact, the Pulltarps brand has become a common reference for all tarps because of its reputation for selling quality tarping systems that are built to last.

For more information about the company or its new tarping products, contact Rick Cerda or visit www.pulltarps.com.

About Pulltarps Inc.
Pulltarps Manufacturing has been creating high-quality, reliable and cost-effective tarp systems for the construction industry since 1989. The company's flagship line of tarping solutions for dump trucks and trailers feature the latest technology, such as electric and manual arm tarp systems, cable tarp systems, and manual or electric Pulltarps. Pulltarps invented the "Pulltarp" Semi-Automatic window shade style dump truck tarp systems to make tarping safer, faster and easier. The system is unique because it is the only one in the industry that features a fully welded 12-gauge-steel housing and Pulltarp's exclusive external ratchet adjustment. Based in El Cajon, Calif., Pulltarps is a privately-owned company that has established itself as an innovator of tarps and tarping systems.

Contact:
Rick Cerda
Sales Manager
619-449-8860

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

Open for Public Comment: The U.S. Green Building Council’s Proposed Improvements to the LEED Green Building Rating System

“LEED 2009” focuses on energy and carbon performance of buildings, transparent “weightings” and regional LEED credits

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 19, 2008 -- Today, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) opened the first public comment period on LEED 2009, the next evolution of the LEED green building certification system. LEED 2009 represents a reorganization of the existing LEED rating systems for commercial buildings, combined with a series of major technical advancements focused on improving energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and addressing other environmental and human health outcomes.

“Continuing to seek the right balance between technical advancement and market transformation was a driving force behind the LEED 2009 work,” explained Scot Horst, Chairman of the volunteer LEED Steering Committee, which leads the technical development of the LEED rating system. “The ‘big ideas’ we’ve proposed include transparent weightings of LEED credits so the highest-priority credits achieve the most points, a new mechanism for incorporating bioregional credits, and a more nimble framework that supports rapid response to emerging environmental and human health issues.”

The LEED Green Building Rating System was developed by USGBC to drive market transformation in the building industry by defining a consensus metric for leadership in green building that forms a basis for continuous improvement. The evolution of LEED is based on technical, scientific and market-based advancements.

“When it was introduced in 2000, the LEED Green Building Rating System helped to spark a revolution that is changing the way we build and operate our offices, schools, hospitals and homes,” said Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO & Founding Chair, USGBC. “LEED 2009 resets the bar for green building leadership because the urgency of our mission has challenged the industry to move faster and reach further.”

LEED 2009 is the product of thousands of hours of volunteer time and the deep expertise generously given by representatives from every corner of the building industry who serve on the USGBC member committees and oversee the development of LEED. LEED 2009, coupled with an expanded third-party certification program and significant enhancements to LEED Online, make up a multi-faceted initiative referred to as LEED Version 3.0.

Detailed information about specific proposed technical changes to the rating system can be found in the number of background documents that accompany the public comment forms on USGBC’s Web site. Further information about the expansion of the certification process and improvements to LEED Online as well as future technical improvements, including the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into LEED, will be forthcoming in late summer.

Media Webinar
A media webinar will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at 11 AM – 12 PM EST. Scot Horst, Chair of the LEED Steering Committee will present the proposed changes to the LEED system, outline the public comment process and answer any questions.

About the Public Comment Period
The public comment period is a critical part of the consensus process by which LEED is developed. During public comment, all stakeholders are invited to review all proposed improvements and offer technical or market-oriented perspectives through USGBC’s Web site on the slate of changes represented by LEED 2009. All public comments are reviewed by the USGBC volunteer committees that oversee the LEED rating system. USGBC will respond to all comments and post the comments and responses (without commenter names or organizations) to the USGBC Web site. If changes to the LEED system are made as a result of comments, a 15-day second public comment period will be undertaken. The resulting draft will be sent to all USGBC member organizations for ballot prior to release.

The public comment period will be open for 30 days, from May 19 through June 22, 2008, at 5 PM Pacific Time.

Webinar Info
Topic: LEED v3
Date: Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Time: 11:00 am, Eastern Daylight Time (GMT -04:00, New York )
Meeting Number: 754 983 783
Meeting Password: newLEED

To join the online meeting:
1. Go to https://usgbc.webex.com/usgbc/j.php?ED=96826402&UID=0
2. Enter your name and email address.
3. Enter the meeting password: newLEED
4. Click "Join".
5. Follow the instructions that appear on your screen.

To join the teleconference only:
Call-in toll-free number (US/Canada): 866-469-3239
Call-in toll number (US/Canada): 1-650-429-3300
Toll-free dialing restrictions: http://www.webex.com/pdf/tollfree_restrictions.pdf

For assistance:
1. Go to https://usgbc.webex.com/usgbc/mc
2. Click "Assistance".
3. Click "Support".

Prior to the meeting, check for compatibility of rich media players for Universal Communications Format (UCF) before you join the session. UCF allows you to view multimedia during the session. To check now, click the following link: https://usgbc.webex.com/usgbc/systemdiagnosis.php

About USGBC
The U.S. Green Building Council is a nonprofit membership organization whose vision is a sustainable built environment within a generation. Its membership includes corporations, builders, universities, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. Since USGBC’s founding in 1993, the Council has grown to more than 15,000 member companies and organizations, a comprehensive family of LEED® green building rating systems, an expansive educational offering, the industry’s popular Greenbuild International Conference and Expo (www.greenbuildexpo.org), and a network of 74 local chapters, affiliates, and organizing groups. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org.

About LEED®
The LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a feature-oriented rating system that awards buildings points for satisfying specified green building criteria. The six major environmental categories of review include: Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation and Design. Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum levels of LEED green building certification are awarded based on the total number of points earned within each LEED category. LEED can be applied to all building types including new construction, commercial interiors, core & shell developments, existing buildings, homes, neighborhood developments, schools and retail facilities. LEED for Healthcare is currently under development and is expected to be released in early 2008.

Incentives for LEED are available at the state and local level and LEED has also been adopted nationwide by federal agencies, state and local governments, and interested private companies. For more information, visit www.usgbc.org/LEED.

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

BACnet® International and BNP Media To Host Green Sustainable Building Controls Conference

BACnet® International and BNP Media, publisher of Engineered Systems, will host the first annual Green Sustainable Building Controls (BSBC) Conference in September 2008 in Dallas, Texas. This is the first conference of its kind focusing exclusively on the use of BACnet and other building automation standards in the design of green buildings. This three-day conference is designed for building owners and facility management professionals and will focus on green, sustainable build design, operations, integration, building automation, energy savings and lighting control. Conference organizers are accepting papers for presentation until May 23rd, 2008

Atlanta (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- BACnet® International today announced that it has partnered with BNP Media, publisher of Engineered Systems, to host the first annual Green Sustainable Building Controls (GSBC) Conference in September 2008 in Dallas, Texas. This is the first conference of its kind focusing exclusively on the use of BACnet and other building automation standards in the design of green buildings. This three-day conference is designed for building owners and facility management professionals and will focus on green, sustainable build design, operations, integration, building automation, energy savings and lighting control.

"The timing couldn't be better for a conference like this," said BACnet® International President, and President/CEO of Teletrol Systems, Andy McMillan. He continues, "two of the most important trends in building automation technology are standardization of equipment integration around the BACnet® protocol and the deployment of more green, sustainable building systems designs. We expect that all conference attendees will walk away with practical ideas and strategic perspectives that enhance their own sustainable systems efforts."

Robert Beverly, Editor of Engineered Systems, commented, "we are very excited to be partnering with BACnet International again to produce this event, since they have been doing so much to advance sustainable building automation practices. Our own readers can come and learn more about concepts we've been covering, hearing firsthand the latest insights from this year's array of presenters. Whether you're pursuing LEED certification or just trying to make the most of your current building systems, these three days will offer a wealth of knowledge about the strategies and benefits behind intelligent and high-performance buildings."

The event will take place at the Fairmont Dallas, in Dallas, Texas from Monday, September 22nd through Wednesday the 24th. Early bird registration ends on July 30th and provides a discounted rate of $450 for BACnet® International members. Click here to register! To learn more about the conference, please visit the conference website at: http://www.bacnetconference.org.

Conference organizers are accepting papers until May23rd. Abstracts and session suggestions and can be submitted to BACnet International via email at Natalie@bacnetinternational.org.

About BACnet® International
BACnet® International is an industry association that facilitates the successful use of the BACnet® protocol in building automation and control systems through interoperability testing, educational programs, and promotional activities. The BACnet® standard was developed by ASHRAE and has been made publicly available so that manufacturers can create interoperable systems of products. BACnet® International complements the work of the ASHRAE standards committee and BACnet®-related interest groups around the world. BACnet® International members include building owners, consulting engineers and facility managers, as well as companies involved in the design, manufacturing installation, commissioning, and maintenance of control equipment that uses BACnet® for communication. For more information, please visit www.bacnetinternational.org.

About BNP Media
BNP Media serves industry professionals by delivering useful, timely and accurate information through magazines, websites, conferences and events. We write, produce and publish more than 40 b-to-b publications; each one staffed with knowledgeable experts and industry veterans. The diverse industries we serve include manufacturing, security systems, architecture and construction, food and packaging, HVACR, industrial machinery and plumbing. For more information about BNP Media, please visit http://www.bnpmedia.com/CDA/.

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

InventHelp Clients Invent Lock for Commercial Trailers

Three InventHelp clients from Mesa and Phoenix, Ariz., have designed a locking mechanism that would provide added security for industrial trailers.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that three of its clients, inventors from Mesa and Phoenix, Ariz., have designed a locking mechanism that would provide added security for industrial trailers. The inventors have created a prototype.

The UNTOUCHABLE would make lock removal more difficult and time-consuming for a thief, which would provide added peace of mind for owners. Although designed for greater effectiveness, the lock may be applied and removed quickly and easily by an owner. In addition, the UNTOUCHABLE could be designed for use with construction trailers and other types of standard commercial trailers.

The work experiences and personal observations of the inventors motivated them to design the UNTOUCHABLE. "I work in an industry in which the theft of industrial trailers is common," said one inventor. "I wanted to design a lock that would afford business owners a more effective way to combat theft and protect their property."

The original design was submitted to the Phoenix of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-PHO-945, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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

Americas Watchdog and Its Homeowners Consumer Center Launch a National Investigation into Zurn Plumbing Fittings

(PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center have initiated a nationwide investigation of Zurn brass plumbing fittings. The Homeowners Consumer Center's investigation is to determine if homeowners have had Zurn plumbing fitting failures.

So what is the possible issue with Zurn plumbing fittings?

Zurn's fittings do not say Zurn on them; instead they say "Q" or "Q pex.

You can get more information at www.zurnclassaction.com about the specifics.

The group believes Zurn brass plumbing fittings were used across the U.S.

Americas Watchdog and its Homeowners Consumer Center are all about consumer protection and corporate responsibility.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:38 AM | Comments (0)

Thomas Equipment Names Sturwold Regional Business Manager, Mid-Central USA, for Thomas Skid Steers

Donald S. Sturwold joined Thomas as Regional Business Manager, Mid-Central USA, where he will work to build Thomas Skid Steer Loader market penetration, said Gilbert Bedard, VP, Global Sales.

Centreville, New Brunswick (PRWEB) May 19, 2008 -- Thomas Equipment Inc. appointed Donald S. Sturwold as Regional Business Manager, Mid-Central USA, responsible for sales and business development of Thomas Skid Steer Loaders, it was announced by Gilbert Bedard, Vice President of Global Sales.

Sturwold, who will be in charge of developing Thomas' business in Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, will report directly to Bedard.

Petter M. Etholm, President and Chief Executive Officer of both Thomas Equipment and of its parent company, Osiris Corporation (OSRS), said, "We welcome Don and consider his heavy equipment sales and market building accomplishments to be a great addition to the Thomas. As we expand globally and focus on local market needs, Thomas appreciates Don's hands-on experience in the region."

Bedard added, "Don's in-market experience in the Mid-Central states and skill in marketing skid steers, excavators and other heavy equipment, along with his accomplishments building sales in the region will be an asset to Thomas Dealers and customers as he helps grow Thomas Skid Steer Loader business."

Sturwold said, "Thomas' reputation for product quality and commitment to customer service are important elements in its potential growth. I am confident we can build Thomas' business in the vital Mid-Central states by penetrating existing markets and opening new growth opportunities."

Ilan Danieli, Chief Operating Officer, added, "Don brings important in-depth product and market expertise to Thomas and we look forward to his help building Thomas business in his region."

Before joining Thomas, Sturwold was Territory Manager for Northern Indiana and Southern Michigan at NationsRent, Elkhart, IN, where he helped lead his office to winning the Most Improved Award in a company competition. Before that, he was a Sales Representative at Rush Equipment Center in Grand Rapids, selling a full line of John Deere and Bomag Construction equipment in Southwest Michigan. Earlier in his career, he was a Direct Sales Representative for Wacker Corporation, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, focusing on a full line of construction equipment in a three-state territory.

Don received an Associates Degree in Business Management from Oakton Community College, Des Plaines, IL, and is a Certified Trainer who has certified hundreds of forklift, boom and scissor equipment operators during his career. He and his wife live in Burr Oak, Michigan, and have three grown children.

About Thomas Equipment
Thomas Equipment Inc. is a unit of Osiris Corporation (OSRS), construction equipment, distribute pneumatic and hydraulic systems and design wireless devices for the telecommunications industry, among other activities. For more information about Thomas Equipment, visit the company's website at: www.thomasloaders.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:37 AM | Comments (0)

SSOE Surveys Companies on 2007 Energy Bill

SSOE research will uncover impact of landmark legislation on US industry

Toledo, OH (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 16, 2008 -- SSOE, one of the nation’s largest architecture and engineering firms, is conducting a national survey of companies and their thoughts on the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act. For each response SSOE receives from their on-line survey, the participant will be entered into a drawing for a $250 gasoline card.

The Energy Independence and Security Act is an energy policy law that consists mainly of provisions designed to increase energy efficiency and the availability of renewable energy. Key provisions enacted into law include:

* Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE). By 2020, new cars and light trucks must achieve a 40% increase in fuel efficiency, for a fleet-wide average of 35 mpg.
* Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). This section of the bill mandates production of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022, a five-fold increase over the current standard, including a 16-billion gallon cellulosic biofuels requirement.
* Energy Efficiency Equipment Standards. The bill mandates new energy standards for light bulbs, appliances, electric motors, furnaces, boilers, cooling systems and consumer products.

"As leading designers in the field of energy, we are conducting this research to determine the impact this important legislation will have on our clients," said Catherine Malicki, Vice President and Director of Marketing/PR for SSOE. “With the rising cost of energy and concerns about sustainability in recent years, we have witnessed an evolution in the services we provide to clients in all the markets we serve. Over 50% of our staff has worked on an alternative energy or biofuels project and a growing number of projects outside these industries involve strategies for energy reduction or methods to reduce environmental impact. This legislation now makes many of these strategies mandatory for our clients and we want to make sure we understand all of the implications and are ready to respond.”

The results of the survey will be shared in a number of formats available to SSOE’s clients and all survey respondents at no charge.

For more information or to participate in the energy survey, please visit http://www.ssoe.com/EnergySurvey.htm. You can also read SSOE’s latest newsletter for a summary of the Bill http://www.ssoe.com/dimensions_newsletter.htm.

Contact:
Danielle Benninger
SSOE, Inc.
Office: 419.255.3830
dbenninger @ ssoe.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:34 AM | Comments (0)

Buying Concrete Sealer? New Guide Offers Product Information and Tips

New buyer's guide on concrete sealers makes purchasing sealer easier through its extensive information. Learn about sealer types, when and why to use each type, and find tips on how to buy, all on ConcreteNetwork.com.

Yucaipa, CA (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- No decorative concrete installation is complete without the application of a concrete sealer. The Concrete Network offers a new concrete sealer buyer's guide with tips on purchasing the right type of sealer for specific decorative concrete installations along with overviews of sealer types, their uses and much more.

Once a decorative concrete floor is installed, whether it is a stamped pool deck or patio, an interlocking paver driveway or a stained floor, proper maintenance and protection with the right concrete sealer is key in keeping the floor spectacular for many years while extending its service life.

Sealers fall into two broad categories: penetrating sealers and film forming sealers. Penetrating sealers react chemically within the capillaries of the concrete to shield against moisture penetration and deicing chemicals. They are most commonly used to improve the durability of exterior concrete surfaces subject to corrosion and freeze-thaw damage.

The second category, film-forming sealers, are most often used for decorative concrete work, and they do just what the name implies - form a protective film on the surface of the concrete. Within this category there are three main types, acrylics, polyurethanes and epoxies.

For more detailed information on the benefits of applying concrete sealers to decorative floors and their functions, visit The Concrete Network's sealer section for more extensive articles.

Metro Atlanta Fence Installation Company Breaks Ground for New Facility

First Fence of Georgia, a leading metro Atlanta fence installation company covering all of North Georgia, begins construction on new headquarters complex.

Kennesaw, GA (PRWEB) May 18, 2008 -- First Fence of Georgia (1stfence.com), a leading North Georgia and metro Atlanta fence installation company, announced today that the company has broken ground for their new facility on Big Shanty Road in Kennesaw. The complex will be built on 5+ acres and will include approximately 7,500 sq. ft. of offices and a separate warehouse for manufacturing and storage. Construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

The company is planning to relocate its entire operation to the new facility including corporate staff, customer service, scheduling and installation, commercial project management, material sales, as well as the production and staging areas. The move will easily double the company's overall current capacity.

The new building will also include a state of the art showroom. In this innovative space, customers can meet with a fencing specialist and design the fence that will best suit their needs by using the latest technology to create virtual images of each project. Plans also include an area where customers can view life-size (as opposed to swatch size) samples of the fencing materials they are preparing to order.

"Opening our new facility at the end of 2008 is right in line with our long-range plans," said J.C. Ordono, president of First Fence of Georgia. "Our superior customer service, product quality standards, expert installation, and industry-leading warranty have allowed our company to advance to this point. I couldn't be more proud of what we have done together as a team and look forward to a successful future in the new complex."

About the Metro Atlanta Fence Installation Company, First Fence of Georgia:
Located just north of metro Atlanta in Kennesaw, Georgia, First Fence of Georgia is a leading fence company specializing in wood, vinyl, chain link, and decorative metal fencing along with security gates, gate operators, trellises and arbors. The company offers a wide variety of residential and commercial fencing installation services along with fencing materials for wholesale and to "do-it-yourself" customers. The company is also the recipient of Super Service Awards from Angie's List for achieving and maintaining a Superior service rating throughout the year. For more information, contact First Fence of Georgia at 770-422-9996 or visit 1stfence.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:33 AM | Comments (0)

United Growth, National Commercial Developer Selects e-Builder to Manage Growing Retail Project Portfolio

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) May 18, 2008 -- e-Builder, a provider of web-based capital program management software to North America's largest corporate owners and AEC firms, announced today that United Growth, a leading commercial real estate development firm with projects across the United States and offices in California, Illinois and Florida, will use e-Builder Enterprise to improve how they manage the entire project lifecycle - acquisition, entitlement, construction and occupancy.

United Growth is currently undergoing significant growth, and has embarked on a corporate initiative to improve work flow and increase efficiency by eliminating redundant data entry and improving business processes. The company provides consulting, design, entitlement, pre-construction and construction management, leasing, and property management for commercial tenants. Their previous project management system consisted of standalone solutions that were time-consuming and required repetitive data entry. Information sharing across the different offices in a consistent and efficient fashion was extremely difficult.

e-Builder will provide United Growth with an integrated and collaborative project information management system across all their projects. With this new system, the company can then simplify project management and gauge performance across their different business units to improve existing processes. William Stevenson, Jr., Chief Financial Officer, said "once e-Builder is fine tuned, the executive dashboards and reports will provide us with a tool to measure and track progress in an efficient, consistent and accurate manner". "Principals and partners can use this information to gauge project status and performance, and manage issues proactively to keep the projects moving" added Stevenson. United Growth will also take advantage of e-Builder as a budgeting and cash flow analysis tool.

A key requirement for United Growth was that they be implemented quickly. "The modular design of our software along with its preconfigured modules will provide for a speedy and cost effective implementation" said Jon Antevy, CEO of e-Builder. "We have found the sweet spot in regards to providing a solution that is preconfigured based on best practices yet flexible enough to be configured to our client's specific business processes" said Jon. The alternative is a solution that is entirely flexible or too rigid, either resulting in longer implementation times, increased cost, or an increase in frustration that destroys the users initiative.

About United Growth
A privately held real estate development firm, United Growth owns and develops a nationwide portfolio of retail commercial properties. In any given year United Growth typically oversee between 20 and 30 projects in the pre-construction and construction phases. Over the years, United Growth has completed the development of properties in over 15 states, from coast to coast. The company is headquartered in San Francisco, CA, with offices in Irvine, CA, Chicago, IL and Orlando, FL.

About e-Builder
e-Builder provides web-based, capital project management and collaboration software to North America's largest facility owners, architecture, engineering, and construction firms. The company's flagship product, e-Builder Enterprise, provides clients with visibility into key project metrics through a centralized and collaborative project information management system. These metrics can be efficiently tracked across a single project or a large portfolio, and used to make informed decisions in response to issues driving on-time, on-budget project completion. e-Builder combines an intuitive software-as-a-service technology platform and more than 13 years of industry expertise to provide clients with solutions that simplify, automate, and streamline planning, design and construction processes. The company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information, visit www.e-Builder.net.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:33 AM | Comments (0)

Rickstrew and Eaton Named National Association of Women in Construction 2008 Crystal Vision Award Winners

NAWIC's Crystal Vision Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals with vision who help promote, expand and encourage the role of womenin the construction industry. Janet Rickstrew, co-founder and CEO of Tomboy Tools, and Nancy A. Eaton, CCA, CDS, CIT, CFO of Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance Inc., help pave the way for women in the construction industry.

Fort Worth, TX (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is pleased to announce the winners of its 14th annual Crystal Vision Awards. The mission of the Crystal Vision Awards is to recognize individuals who promote, expand and encourage the role of women in the construction industry. Janet Rickstrew is the recipient of the Crystal Vision Award, which is awarded to a nonmember of NAWIC, and Nancy A. Eaton, CCA, CDS, CIT, is the recipient of the Crystal Achievement Award, which is awarded to a NAWIC member.

Janet Rickstrew is the co-founder and CEO of Tomboy Tools. Rickstrew, with the help of a friend, founded the company in 2000 in an effort to provide hands-on training and high-quality tools for women around the world. The mission of Tomboy Tools is to build confidence and empower women through education, quality tools and an independent business opportunity. In order to fulfill her mission to teach women the needed skills to make simple home repairs, she designed Tomboy Tools as a "party-plan" company. This structure encourages women to join the company as consultants who then reach out to their communities and teach other women the hands-on approach. Rickstrew has initiated educational processes of teaching women and promoting the idea that women can and should consider a career in the construction industry.

Rickstrew has broken barriers in the "tool" community by starting Tomboy Tools and empowering others for success. She has acted as a role model and mentor to thousands of women, and even some men, by helping them conquer their fears in this home-based business. She encourages team members to get out of their comfort zone and to think outside the box in order to achieve their dreams.

Two years ago, Tomboy Tools partnered with the Susan G. Komen For the Cure Foundation. Rickstrew's program, which included selling a "Pink for a Purpose" hammer, netted the Foundation $139,000 the first year. Tomboy Tools continues its partnership with the Foundation and will soon release its third product to continue fundraising efforts.

Nancy A. Eaton, CDS, CCA, CIT, is a 22-year member of NAWIC and is currently a member of the Las Vegas, Nev., Chapter. Eaton is the Chief Financial Officer at Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance Inc., a $26 million, multi-divisional company with 450 employees. In addition, she provides accounting oversight for four other owner-related companies.

In her career, Eaton has encouraged and empowered women in construction by serving as a mentor and proponent of self-sufficiency. As Tomboy Tools consultant, she has built her team to more than 50 members, encouraging them to become self-supporting and to be creative in building their businesses.

Eaton served as National President of NAWIC for the 2004-2005 fiscal year and is the current NAWIC Education Foundation (NEF) Capital Fundraising Chair. She has passed NEF exams for Certified Associate (CCA), Construction Document Specialist (CDS) and Construction Industry Technician (CIT). She continually encourages others to participate in these programs.

Eaton has been actively involved with the Las Vegas Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (AGC), participating as a board director since 2003. She continues to help develop the relationship between NAWIC and AGC.

"Nancy is a tireless recruiter of AGC and NAWIC. Her efforts helped AGC to earn recognition as the fastest growing chapter among AGC's 100 chapters. Her promotion of women in construction is unparalleled," says Steve Holloway, executive vice president of AGC.

In addition, Eaton is involved in many community projects and programs, including the local Women's Development Center. WDC is a major provider of transitional housing and job training for single parents in the Las Vegas Valley.

Both Rickstrew and Eaton will be honored for their achievements during the 14th Annual Crystal Vision Awards Gala at NAWIC's 53rd Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nev., Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. More than 600 members in various facets of the construction industry are expected to attend the Convention, Sept. 3-6 at the Flamingo Hotel. Convention affords attendees the opportunity to enhance their success by attending educational seminars, attaining certifications and networking with othe women in the industry.

The Crystal Vision Awards Program was established by NAWIC Past National President Susan Levy in 1995. The program recognizes individuals who promote the role of women in construction through initiatives, policies or legislation. The Crystal Vision Award recognizes a nonmember of NAWIC, and the Crystal Achievement Award recognizes a member of the Association. Since the first visionaries were selected in 1995, this one-of-a-kind program has not only fulfilled its purpose of recognizing exemplary leaders in the industry, it has developed a reputation for honoring individuals who are committed to building a diverse work force amidst the demanding backdrops of the industry today. To schedule interviews or learn more about the Crystal Vision Program, contact Misty Hart at (800) 552-3506.

NAWIC is an international Association serving approximately 5,500 members in close to 170 chapters across the United States. It was founded in 1953 to enhance the success of women in the construction industry as "Women in Construction of Fort Worth, Texas." In 1955, the charter was expanded to allow chapters to form across the country, and the National Association of Women in Construction was born. NAWIC's Core Purpose is "To enhance the success of women in the construction industry." To learn more, visit www.nawic.org.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:32 AM | Comments (0)

Norton & Associates Inc. Adds New Carbon Technology Division, 'Climate Friendly Investments,' Providing Global Carbon Credit Offsets for Commercial Real Estate Investment Projects

Robert H. Norton, MBA, PE, President of Norton & Associates Inc. provides P & L Investment management for commercial US Real Estate Development projects. The Division profit center announcement of the Carbon Technology Management Group using Foreign Commercial Property investors. The group known as carbon1111, currently manages over $600M using Global Investment Funds.

(PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- Robert H. Norton, President of Norton & Associates Inc., a company providing P & L Investment Management for Commercial Real Estate Development, announces a new Division providing Carbon Credit Management services.

These services will be combined with P & L Management that includes Investment, Development, Design, Engineering and Construction Management of select Real estate projects that qualify as Carbon Credit generating projects.

Carbon Technology Management (CTM) provides Investment Management services in Commercial Real Estate markets, Environmental & Energy related product development, R & D and provides management programs for Carbon Conservation Management.

Global markets including Agriculture, Building Green, Coastal Adaption, Renewal Energy Supply, Fuel Switching Exchange, Forestry, Transportation, Waste Water, and Storm Water Management. The company has an existing US management team including finance, investment, engineering, green design, global real estate investment partners. The Group is currently having discussions regarding "partnering" with existing Carbon Credit groups in Germany, India, South Africa and Australia.

Carbon Technology Management services provides "Climate Friendly Investment" Management for Environmental & Energy related Carbon Credits. Management provides credit analysis and evaluation providing proof of Carbon reduction emissions based on the United Nations Kyoto agreement. The company provides design documents (PDD) with a Master Business Plan covering reduction in emissions and will register the project as a baseline development. Services include environmental, energy savings products, land acquisition by Foreign Investment using added value of US currency and established Carbon credits that are recognized in 174 countries. In addition to investment funding the group manages land acquisitions, use permitting, added energy savings and environmental project development, green design, engineering and project construction management in compliance with the established Global Carbon Credit program.

Carbon Trading is one of the fastest growing specialties for financial and investment services. Carbon will be the world's largest commodity market over all growing from 2008 to 2012 and to remain in compliance with the United Nations Convention on Climate Change (UNCCC) Kyoto agreement. The current estimated value of credits world wide is $133 billion or $3.50 per ton US.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:32 AM | Comments (0)

Shift Happens: Early Slab Leak Detection Can Save Thousands of Dollars

Soil shift beneath North Texas homes increases with spring rains and the return of warm weather. Cracked foundations often produce visible cracks, but concealed plumbing leaks may cause even greater damage. Consumers who know the symptoms to look for can save thousands of dollars in mostly avoidable costs.

Southlake, TX (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- The unstable soil in North Texas can turn even the stateliest mansion into a mobile home. Heavy advertising by foundation repair companies constantly reminds homeowners of the possibility of destabilizing foundation cracks, but a related danger gets little mention.

Left out of the discussion: plumbing leaks. Most North Texas homes are built on concrete slabs because the soil is considered too unstable to risk building a basement. But household plumbing buried beneath or within the slabs is vulnerable, too.

The consequences of a concealed leak can be severe. A broken water line beneath a home can cause the slab and flooring to erupt and flood every room on the ground floor, ruining floor coverings, furniture and appliances. Or the reverse may happen when a leak beneath the slab erodes the soil and causes the slab to cave in.

Extreme examples? Not really, according to master plumber Bill Stevens. "Every springtime we get a rash of calls from homeowners who suspect they have a leak," Stevens said. "While qualified plumbers can pinpoint the source of such problems and repair them, a great deal of damage may be done if the leak isn't fixed promptly."

Stevens says you may have a plumbing leak if:

* You hear the sound of water running when no taps are open
* Your water meter changes when you aren't using water
* Your water bill increases over a period of weeks or months for no apparent reason
* You see foundation cracks
* Vegetation grows unevenly, or soil shifts visibly
* You have warm spots on slab floors
* You have discolored floor coverings (darkened hardwood, for example)
* You can smell bad odors coming from floors or walls

If a problem goes undetected or untreated until it results in major damage the cost can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. The cost of wasted water can be significant, too:

* A leaky toilet can use up to 90,000 gallons of water in one month, costing $300 - $400
* A pinhead-size leak can waste 360,000 gallons of water a year; enough to take 12,000 baths, at a cost of more than $1,200.

Stevens says homeowners can perform a simple test if they suspect they have a leak: write down the reading on the home's water meter, then check it again an hour later, being certain not to turn on any water taps during that time. If the meter registers a higher reading the second time, a leak is almost certain.

"We find many people don't know where their water meter is located," Stevens said. "Usually it's at the front of the property, near the street, but if a homeowner doesn't feel comfortable doing this test, a licensed plumber can handle it quickly."

Stevens recommends regular plumbing checkups when homeowners have their heating and air conditioning systems tuned up each year. "A good plumber can save people a lot of headaches - and money - by spotting problems before they get out of hand," he said.

About Berkey's

Berkey's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has specialized in the needs of homeowners in Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Flower Mound for more than 32 years. Berkey's reputation for prompt, honest service from licensed and factory trained technicians assures customers the best in professional service and equipment. To learn more, call Berkey's at 1-877-BERKEYS, or visit our Website at http://www.berkeys.com.

Contact:

Lee Pogue
Berkey's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
817-481-5869
Lee.Pogue@berkeys.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:30 AM | Comments (0)

Allana Buick & Bers, Inc. Hires New Employee Isaac Zamora to Serve as Chief Financial Officer

Allana Buick & Bers, Inc. (ABB) announces the recent hire of Isaac Zamora as their new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Zamora will manage and oversee the corporate accounting staff and systems to meet the needs of the organization. Mr. Zamora will also manage the accounting staff, banking relationships, mergers and acquisitions, outside auditors and other corporate consultants from ABB's Palo Alto, California headquarters.

Palo Alto, CA May 16, 2008 -- Allana Buick & Bers, Inc. (ABB) announces the recent hire of Isaac Zamora as their new Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Zamora will manage and oversee the corporate accounting staff and systems to meet the needs of the organization. Mr. Zamora will also manage the accounting staff, banking relationships, mergers and acquisitions, outside auditors and other corporate consultants from ABB's Palo Alto, California headquarters.

"We are pleased to have Mr. Zamora joining our team of professionals as he is extraordinarily experienced in operations and management within the architectural engineering services industry," says Gerson Bers, Principal of ABB. "Mr. Zamora has successfully helped to manage finances and associated business operations during periods of dramatic growth at his previous position, which perfectly supports ABB's currents efforts to optimize the performance and growth of our firm."

"I am excited to join ABB and eager to help achieve a new level of success," says Mr. Zamora. "I believe with their existing business model and the right strategy and talent, ABB will continue to be well positioned to expand their operations as they execute their goals to broaden their customer base." Mr. Zamora has over 10 years of professional experience in the architectural engineering services industry. He has worked for several well respected architecture and engineering firms in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is also currently pursuing a MBA from Santa Clara University with an emphasis in Finance and Marketing.

ABB is a leading architectural-engineering firm providing clients throughout the world with consulting services in roofing, waterproofing, building envelope design, construction forensics, construction monitoring, energy conservation, mechanical engineering, and structural engineering services. ABB has a team of highly adept, nationally recognized, licensed, and certified professionals who have been providing innovative design solutions to support new construction projects, building repairs, renovations, and construction defect consulting for over twenty years. ABB has offices throughout California, Hawaii, and Nevada.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:28 AM | Comments (0)

Software Provider Kashmoo.com Signs Corporate Deal with Preferred Brands

Software provider Kashmoo.com has signed a new agreement with Preferred Brands, the parent company of the Floor to Ceiling and World of Floors dealer groups, to offer discounts and standard configurations of Kashmoo's flooring software to every new dealer who joins the Preferred Brands group nationwide.

Austin, TX (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- Software provider Kashmoo.com has signed a new agreement with Preferred Brands, the parent company of the Floor to Ceiling and World of Floors dealer groups, to offer discounts and standard configurations of Kashmoo's flooring software to every new dealer who joins the Preferred Brands group nationwide.

Kashmoo.com offers a web-based software solution for flooring dealers. The software is tightly integrated with QuickBooks, as well as with Google Maps and Apple's new iPhone.

Steve Sindlinger, President of Preferred Brands said: "When we looked at Kashmoo, what really got us excited was that it's web-based and incredibly flexible. About a year ago, we worked with Kashmoo to define the perfect flooring software solution and Kashmoo has delivered! Every new Preferred Brands dealer will get Kashmoo as part of the package that we provide."

Tim Magnuson, President of Kashmoo.com said: "Our alliance with Preferred Brands has been great. It has been a win for Preferred Brands, their dealers, and for Kashmoo. We will continue to work closely with the team at Preferred Brands to expand the capabilities of Kashmoo for their dealers."

Dave Munson, a long-time Floor To Ceiling dealer, has been using Kashmoo for over a year and said: "Kashmoo has saved me ten times what I paid for it over the last year. My entire business is more productive and efficient. Everyone communicates better and there is a lot less stress."

Kashmoo.com was founded in 2002 to provide web-based business management software. Today Kashmoo.com includes quotes, orders, invoices, products, inventory, scheduling, and many other functions. The software provides custom forms and a straight-forward user interface that makes Kashmoo easy and affordable to deploy for any sized business.

Preferred Brands began as Midwest Regional Marketing in 1990 and through its successes, has become recognized as a rising star in retail marketing. Consistent with its Midwest roots and values, the Preferred Brands objective is to continue to provide its customers with reasonably priced, preferred brand name products, and offered by trained, knowledgeable and courteous professionals.
Preferred Brands is the parent company to some of the interior design and decorating industries' leading marketing companies. Included are such brand leaders as Floor To Ceiling - a network of over 200 independently owned and operated retail showrooms located throughout the U.S. Also included in the Preferred Brands family is World of Floors, a leading flooring retailer.

Kashmoo Business Management Software

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:28 AM | Comments (0)

Dryout Helps Government Mop up After Recent Storms

Even the U.S. Government's Disaster Recovery Department can become a victim of Mother Nature. Recent storms have flooded parts of Washington, DC and surrounding areas, including Prince George County, Maryland. The Potomac River reached flood stage on Tuesday, May 13th.

Fort Myers, FL (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- While records have yet to be broken, May is already proving to be among the wettest Mays recorded in the region. Weary residents, businesses, and the federal government are mopping up and taking precautions for the next round of inclement weather.

Who does the United States Disaster Recovery Department call when they need help mopping up their own buildings? They call Dryout, Inc. The water damage claim came in through Dryout's Internet-based claim system, "Whole basement flooded with about one inch of water."

"We immediately received the claim and went to work," Dryout owner Mark Decherd said. "Our system is set up to instantly notify the closest Dryout affiliate for the promptest response possible."

Dryout is a nationwide network of water damage professionals restoration experts. The company holds a Trading Partner Identification Number with the U.S. Government and is a part of the Department of Defense Central Contract Registration program.

Decherd went on to explain that the company is also a regular contractor for the Army Corps of Engineers. "While we do a great deal of water damage and mold remediation work for the government, our system works exactly the same way for commercial businesses and residents. Simply fill out a short form on the Internet and get immediate relief."

The recent claim involved a flooded basement at a Disaster Recovery Department building. "An inch of basement flooding after storms of this nature is fairly common. While not terribly dramatic compared to floodwaters sweeping through city streets, the potential for serious structural damage exists. It's critical to dry out these basements ASAP."

Decherd said that only the basement and sub-basement of a Veteran's Hospital in New Orleans were flooded after Hurricane Katrina, yet that was enough to render the entire building irreparable. "The building itself survived Katrina's wrath but it didn't have a chance against the mold that grew in the hurricane's wake." This hospital was later demolished.

This basement isn't the first flooded basement Dryout will dry out, and it won't be the last. More storms are on the way and the region remains under flood watch.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:28 AM | Comments (0)

Major Expansion Approved for Vineyard Resort Development in Mendoza, Argentina : Algodon Wine Estates Will Add Luxury Hotel, Spa, Two Additional World-Class Golf Courses and over 200 Vineyard Homesites Expansion is Part of a "Green," Five-Year Development

NEW YORK (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) May 16, 2008 -- The municipality of San Rafael, Mendoza, Argentina, has approved a major expansion plan for Algodon Wine Estates, a winery and luxury resort property in Argentina’s scenic wine country.

The announcement was made by Scott Mathis, Chairman of the property’s developer and owner, InvestProperty Group, LLC (IPG Global Properties). Based in New York, IPG (www.investpropertygroup.com) helps accredited investors in the U.S. participate in institutional-quality real estate investments.

The over 2,000-acre Algodon Wine Estates currently has a boutique winery, traditional Mendocinian lodge, clubhouse, award-winning restaurant and a nine-hole golf course, all located at the foothills of the Sierra Pintada Mountains. The property is located a short distance from downtown San Rafael as well as the major regional airport.

The approved expansion plan includes:

* Four distinctly different villages;
* A premium luxury hotel;
* Two world-class 18-hole golf courses;
* A polo field, equestrian center, and numerous riding trails and pastures;
* A lavish wellness spa;
* Two swimming pools;
* 11 championship tennis courts;
* Over 200 vineyard homesites (between one and fifteen acres) and 50 villas.

“We’re very excited to be on our way to creating Argentina’s most significant wine, golf and residential estate community. We believe the demand is strong: Argentina is a world-class destination, now attracting luxury, rather than ‘backpacking’, visitors. We’re convinced that Algodon Wine Estates represents not only an exciting opportunity for world travelers who appreciate gorgeous rustic scenery, great wine and food and outdoor activities, but also investors who understand Argentina’s advantages, especially at a time when U.S. property and capital markets are uncertain. Argentina’s advantages include undervalued property in a sought-after, high-profile location; healthy hotel and lodging rates; and a currency situation in which the dollar still goes far,” said Scott Mathis, founder and chairman of IPG.

All development at Algodon Wine Estates will be executed from an ecologically and environmentally friendly perspective. This includes photovoltaics, solar hot water, wells, water reservoirs, and greywater and blackwater waste treatment systems. Additionally, the estate plans to accommodate for food self-sufficiency utilizing the vast cropland.

For more information or to speak with Mr. Mathis, please contact Adria Greenberg at Sommerfield Communications, Inc. at 212-255-8386 or adria@sommerfield.com.

About InvestProperty Group/Algodon Wine & Golf Estates

InvestProperty Group, LLC (IPG) is affiliated with Diversified Private Equity Corp. (DPEC Partners), a New York City-based integrated company whose businesses bring entrepreneurial, private equity and institutional-quality investments to accredited individual investors. Qualified investors participate in IPG and other DPEC-offered investments via DPEC’s wholly owned registered broker-dealer, DPEC Capital, a FINRA member firm. DPEC Capital focuses principally on opportunities created by DPEC companies. InvestProperty Group is developing Algodon Mansion, a luxury hotel in the Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires. It will have ten luxury suites and is scheduled to open in December 2008. Algodon is a luxury brand that IPG created for its Argentine properties and opportunities including Algodon Wine Estates and Algodon Mansion.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:18 AM | Comments (0)

Hayward Baker Inc. announces the appointment of a new project manager for the company’s Midwest Region.Hayward Baker Appoints New Project Manager

Hayward Baker Inc. announces the appointment of a new project manager for the company’s Midwest Region.

Odenton, Md. (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 16, 2008 -- Hayward Baker Inc., North America’s leading geotechnical contractor, announces the appointment of a new project manager for the company’s Midwest Region.

Daniel W. Greenwood, P.E., R.G., has been named project manager for Hayward Baker’s Midwest Regional office in St. Louis, Missouri. As project manager Mr. Greenwood will manage all phases of day to day project activities, from proposal and estimation to scheduling, cost control and QA/QC requirements.

Prior to joining Hayward Baker, Mr. Greenwood was a senior geotechnical engineer for Midwest Testing in St. Louis, Missouri. He has also held positions with Terracon Consultants and ATEC Associates, Inc. Mr. Greenwood holds a B.S. degree in geological engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla. He also holds engineering licensure in five states and is a registered geologist.

Commenting on the addition of Mr. Greenwood, Steven Scherer, senior vice president for the Midwest region, stated, “We have had the opportunity to work closely with Mr. Greenwood on many projects and as a result have developed an outstanding working relationship. He will provide excellent geotechnical expertise to our rapidly growing Midwest region. We are very pleased to welcome Daniel Greenwood to Hayward Baker.”

Hayward Baker Inc. is North America’s largest geotechnical contractor. Ranked by ENR magazine as the #1 Foundation Contractor, the company is the industry leader in applying ground modification technologies to site improvement and remedial work, with a 60-year record of experience. Many technologies are employed in providing foundation support and rehabilitation services as well as settlement control, structural support, site improvement, soil and slope stabilization, underpinning, excavation shoring, earth retention, seismic stabilization, and ground water control.

Every service provided by Hayward Baker is designed to be the most effective, cost-efficient solution, based on a proven track record of performance in the field. Services are provided through a network of more than 20 company-owned offices and equipment yards across the continent. Web site address: www.haywardbaker.com.

Hayward Baker Inc. is part of the Keller Group of companies, a multinational organization providing geotechnical construction services throughout the world. Web site address: www.keller-ge.co.uk.

Dan Greenwood can be reached at the St. Louis office, 1530 South Second Street, St. Louis, MO 63104, by telephone at 314-802-2920 or email at dwgreenwood@haywardbaker.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:18 AM | Comments (0)

InventHelp® Client Invents "All Purpose Kit" - An Invention That Could Be An Enhanced Multi-Use Industry Tool

InventHelp® is attempting to submit the invention to companies for review.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- InventHelp®, America's largest inventor service company, announces that one of its clients, an inventor from Milburn, N.J., has designed a set of special pry bars that would be designed to assist in the removal and repair of shingles and shakes. This invention is patented and a prototype is available.

The "All Purpose Kit" would be designed to make a roofer's job faster, easier and safer. The invention could enable a user to remove shingles without damaging step flashers. The device would assist in the repair of shingles on a roof or in siding. The apparatus would feature simple operation and may be used by carpenters and demolition crews for multiple applications.

The All Purpose Kit would consist of a set that would include two different pry bars for various roofing applications. The "Roofer's Pry Bar" would enable users to get under a dormer to pull nails out from the step flashing attaching the shingle. The Roofer's Pry Bar would measure approximately 1-5/8 inches wide, 2 inches high and 14 inches long. One end would feature and inverted U-shaped configuration with a triangular notch in the central part of its leading edge. The opposite end of the bar would be beveled upward and include a set of three notches, including one triangular notch in the center of the leading edge and one on each side (set back about ½ inch or so from the leading edge.) A fourth notch, triangular in shape, would be provided toward the center of the bar 2-inches from the beveled edge. A "Cedar Shake Repair Bar" would also be included to repair wood shingles on a roof or in siding. Cedar Shake Repair Bar would measure roughly 1-5/8 inches wide, 1-1/2 inches high and 17inches long, with the central part and one end of the bar tapering downward into a beveled edge. This end would be slightly curved and would include two notches, one on each side, set back 3/8 inch from the end and would measure 3/8 inch in depth.

The opposite end of the bar would have a somewhat Z-shaped configuration with its end terminating in a rounded gripping area measuring roughly ¾ inch in diameter and 6 inches long. The gripping area of the tool would be spherical in shape, forming a small ball to prevent a worker's hand from slipping from its end. Both bars would be producible from hardened, forged steel.

InventHelp® is attempting to submit the invention to companies for review. If substantial interest is expressed, the company will attempt to negotiate for a sale or royalties for the inventor. For more information, telephone Dept. 04-NWK-4103 at (800) 851-6030. Learn more about InventHelp® and their Invention Submission services at http://press.inventhelp.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:18 AM | Comments (0)

Asheville Businesses Team up to Support Rebuilding in New Orleans: Extreme Makeover Home Edition to Air Sunday Night

This Sunday's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition season finale will have a decidedly "Ashevillian" flavor.

Asheville, NC (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- This Sunday's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition season finale - which airs Sunday night at 7 p.m. eastern time on ABC - will have a decidedly "Ashevillian" flavor. That's because Asheville-based Deltec Homes and Eco-Builders stepped up and volunteered manpower and materials to construct a new church and several new homes in a hurricane-ravaged area of New Orleans.

When Jose Ibarra, President of Applied Solutions of Asheville, heard about the project he wanted to get involved, too.

Ibarra decided to do what he does best - donating his web and IT skills to help Deltec share their story. He and his team designed an entire website devoted to the project, which includes numerous photos, video and information about the New Orleans residents who were featured on the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition segment. Ibarra's company also continues to maintain the site free of charge. The site can be accessed directly at http://extremeneworleans.com or via the Deltec Homes web page at http://www.deltechomes.com.

ABC is billing this Sunday's show as "the most powerful season finale in Extreme history." Ibarra was inspired to help when he heard one of the show's producers speak at Deltec Homes, who served as the lead contractor for the project.

"They were very genuine and loved the work done by Deltec Homes - the house, the church, labor and materials were all being donated by Deltec and builders across the country," Ibarra said.

"Deltec and Eco-Builders are representative of the type of people who live in Asheville, those who roll up their sleeves and step up to help when needed, especially on a project of this magnitude," said Applied Solutions VP Brian Lindgren, who is assisting with the company's donated web hosting effort. "We felt it was important to give them a means to share what they did with people around the country. Our hope is that it will inspire others to also get involved."

Applied Solutions' commitment to "giving back" in the Asheville community is unwavering. The company has already donated websites to YMCA of Western North Carolina (www.ymcawnc.org), Team-Ecco (www.team-ecco.com), Georges Boxing (www.georgesboxing.com), and is currently working on a website that will be donated to Eblen-Kimmel Charitable Group (www.eblencharities.org).

Applied Solutions is a privately-held Asheville-based Managed IT Services company that was formed in 2001 to meet the IT needs of growing companies. The company provides outsourced IT, Web Design, and Web Development services both locally and nationally. For additional information visit www.appliedtns.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:17 AM | Comments (0)

Osiris Corporation Appoints Rebecca Barton as Director of Marketing

Petter M. Etholm, President and CEO of Osiris Corporation (OSRS), appointed Rebecca Barton as Director of Marketing to help build brand awareness for products of operating companies.

New York (PRWEB) May 16, 2008 -- Petter M. Etholm, President and Chief Executive Officer of Osiris Corporation (OSRS), announced Rebecca Barton has joined the company as Director of Marketing.

Previously, she was Assistant Vice President and Business Analyst for the Business Management team of Banc of America Securities, Healthcare Corporate and Investment Banking Group, focusing on reporting and forecasting revenues, tracking healthcare companies and coordinating marketing projects.

Etholm said, "We welcome Rebecca and are confident she will make an important contribution to the success of Osiris and its operating units as we continue to focus on building brand values."

Barton reports to Ilan Danieli, Chief Operating Officer, who said, "We look forward to Rebecca helping us build brand awareness for products of Osiris's operating companies, ranging from Thomas Skid Steer Loaders of Thomas Equipment to the hydraulic and pneumatic devices of Pneutech-Rousseau."

Rebecca Barton said, "I am thrilled to join the Osiris team and look forward to working with managements of the operating subsidiaries to help build brand awareness."

Operating units of Osiris, online at www.osiriscorp.net, include:

* Thomas Equipment, online at www.thomasloaders.com, which operates a network of dealers and distributors of Thomas Skid Steer and Mini Skid Steer loaders.
* Pneutech-Rousseau Inc., online at www.pneutech-rousseau.com, which specializes in the design engineering, manufacture and distribution of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and components for automation and motion control applications.
* TcomT Inc., online at www.tcomt.com, which designs wireless telecommunications products.

Barton had also held positions in advertising sales and employment services. During the past five years, she worked in the financial services and insurance industries, first as Marketing Assistant with Fidelity Security Life Insurance Company and then as Research Assistant at Shenkman Capital Management.

Barton holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Kansas State University and received a Master of Business Administration degree from the Stern School of Business at New York University, specializing in Marketing and Strategy. She lives in New York, speaks Spanish and is a member of the NYU Graduate Marketing Association, NYU Stern Women in Business and is also an active BzzAgent.

Osiris Corporation (OSRS) is a global holding company based in New York, Boston and Omaha, and is dedicated to building business in the industrial, agricultural and related business sectors. Osiris' operating subsidiaries are located in North America (Canada), Europe, and Asia. Subsidiaries of Osiris consist of Thomas Equipment, Inc. and its units, which provide branded and other products to the industrial markets; Thomas Equipment Asia Co. Ltd.; Thomas Ventures, Inc., Pneutech-Rousseau, Inc. and TcomT Inc. Osiris' units manufacture and market industrial and construction equipment, distribute pneumatic and hydraulic systems and design wireless devices for the telecommunications industry, among other activities.

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

EnerTech Environmental Joins International Team to Construct the First Carbon Neutral City in Abu Dhabi

EnerTech Environmental, Inc. announced today that it has signed an Expression of Interest to build a SlurryCarb™ demonstration facility at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Masdar City will be the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, completely powered by renewable energy.

Atlanta, Georgia (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- EnerTech Environmental, Inc. announced today that it has signed an Expression of Interest to build a SlurryCarb™ demonstration facility at Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. Masdar City will be the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city, completely powered by renewable energy.

EnerTech's SlurryCarb™ demonstration facility will process biosolids (sewage sludge) produced from the permanent buildings erected during Masdar City's first phase as well as from the accommodation for the several thousand workers building Masdar City between 2008 and 2016. Biosolids from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the workers' accommodation, and the headquarters of Masdar will be converted into renewable E-fuel, a fossil fuel replacement. The demonstration facility is the first step towards installing a permanent SlurryCarb™ facility in the city.

"This is an opportunity to showcase the SlurryCarb™ process to the Middle East and work with the international community to build a city that truly embodies sustainable living and working," said Kevin Bolin, EnerTech CEO. "It showcases the SlurryCarb™ process as the best available biosolids technology when it comes to sustainability, renewable energy, and the reduction of greenhouse gases."

Masdar is Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in the development and commercialization of advanced and innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies as well as green design. By applying scale and leveraging Abu Dhabi's low-cost, tax-free manufacturing base, businesses will enjoy significant competitive advantages, allowing them to compete internationally and provide significant diversification to the Abu Dhabi economy. On February 9, 2008, Masdar broke ground for Masdar City.

The city will serve as a global model for designing and constructing environmentally sustainable real estate development. A city for the future, Masdar City will leverage the most innovative technologies around the world in beneficial reuse, sustainable practices, and energy efficiency. The city is being built in the heart of Abu Dhabi.

EnerTech Environmental is part of a select group of leading global companies that have been invested in by Masdar through the Masdar Clean Tech Fund. The Clean Tech Fund focuses on the development and commercialization of technologies in renewable energy, energy efficiency, carbon management and monetization, water usage, and desalination.

One of the key objectives of the Fund is to accelerate the adoption and development of renewable and alternative energy technologies.

"Investing in EnerTech Environmental is a key part of the overall Masdar ambition," said Alex O'Cinneide, Partner at Masdar Clean Tech Fund. "Their innovative technology is the kind of smart clean technology that has the potential to alter the way developers consider future projects."

About Masdar
Masdar is Abu Dhabi's multi-faceted, multi-billion dollar investment in the development and commercialization of advanced and innovative technologies in renewable, alternative and sustainable energies as well as green design. By applying scale and leveraging Abu Dhabi's low-cost, tax-free manufacturing base, businesses will enjoy significant competitive advantages, allowing them to compete internationally and provide significant diversification to the Abu Dhabi economy. On February 9, 2008, Masdar broke ground for Masdar City, the world's first zero-carbon, zero-waste, car-free city.

To learn more about Masdar, and Masdar City, please visit www.masdaruae.com.

About EnerTech Environmental
EnerTech Environmental, Inc. is a renewable energy company dedicated to the protection of public health and the environment. The company provides answers to the problems of traditional waste management methods and simultaneously creates renewable energy - in a way that makes economic sense. EnerTech's patented SlurryCarb™ process cleanly and economically converts biosolids (sewage sludge) and other high moisture wastes into a high-grade, renewable fuel, with significant cost savings over alternative methods. EnerTech's corporate headquarters are located in Atlanta, Georgia.

For more information, please visit www.enertech.com.

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

Looking for a New Luxury Home in Redlands? Best Deals Can Be Found in an Online Auction

With about two weeks until the bid deadline and minimum bids as low as $370,000 on million dollar homes, prospective buyers are enthusiastically conducting their due diligence and securing financing before placing their bid in the online auction of brand-new homes in Redlands, California. The LFC Group of Companies, a Newport Beach-based online real estate auction marketing firm, is conducting the online auction of these twelve exquisitely appointed homes on their residential auction website Freedom Realty Exchange (www.FRE.com/215R7).

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- With about two weeks until the bid deadline and minimum bids as low as $370,000 on million dollar homes, prospective buyers are enthusiastically conducting their due diligence and securing financing before placing their bid in the online auction of brand-new homes in Redlands. The LFC Group of Companies, a Newport Beach-based online real estate auction marketing firm, is conducting the online auction of these twelve homes on their residential auction website Freedom Realty Exchange (www.FRE.com/215R7).

Perched upon the hills of Redlands, California, Casalingo Estates is an upscale, gated community featuring elegant Tuscan-style homes on a secluded cul-de-sac. The exclusive community includes a private clubhouse that will house a state-of-the-art workout and exercise facility.

Conveniently situated off Wabash Avenue, just minutes from Interstate 10, the brand-new development is only two blocks from the prestigious Redlands Golf and Country Club.

The custom, single-story homes range in size from approximately 2,556 to 2,704 square feet. The low minimum bids for the homes are just a fraction of their previous value of about $950,000 to over $1 million. Currently, the fully-furnished model home, that is valued at approximately $1.3 million and started with a $1 minimum bid, has a high bid of $375,000, so interested buyers still have an unbelievable opportunity to purchase the home and its designer furnishings at a bargain price.

"These homes are absolutely beautiful, and anyone thinking of purchasing a new home should seriously consider the deals that this online auction has to offer," says Kelly Lovegrove, Director of Operations at the LFC Group of Companies. "With the location, the stunning upgrades and the fully maintained front and back yards -- the winning bidders will certainly get a lot for their dollar."

The 2,556-sq.-ft. Villa D'Barresa floor plan features two bedrooms with an additional den or study, two and a half baths, a three-car garage, family room, living room and a formal dining room. The 2,704-sq.-ft. Villa D'Aosta plan features three bedrooms, three and a half baths, a three-car garage, family room, breakfast room, living room and a formal dining room. Each home is fully upgraded with attractive features like solid wood interior doors, surround sound, an alarm system, smooth textured walls with bullnose finish and a boosted clay tile roof. Additionally, each home has a gourmet kitchen complete with custom wood cabinetry, granite countertops, Kohler® plumbing fixtures, a wet bar with wine fridge and stainless steel Kitchen Aid® appliances. Lastly, every home site has panoramic views of the beautiful San Bernardino Mountains and includes a fully landscaped front and back yard that are maintained by Casalingo's homeowner's association. Each lush backyard retreat includes an outdoor fireplace and a built-in barbeque area.

These exquisitely appointed abodes are perfect for any homebuyer looking for a new home with minimal upkeep and maintenance. The bid deadline is Thursday, May 29th, 2008. The homes are open for viewing Thursday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and by appointment. Information regarding financing and placing a bid is available when you register at www.FRE.com/215R7.

Freedom Realty Exchange -- part of the LFC Group of Companies
For more than 30 years, the LFC Group of Companies have served numerous Fortune 500 companies, real estate developers, investors, financial institutions and government agencies by auction-marketing thousands of commercial, industrial, land and residential properties with an aggregate value well in excess of $5 billion. www.FRE.com

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

Element from Big Ass Fans is Custom Made for Commercial Spaces

New fan to launch at American Institute of Architects Show in Boston this week

Lexington, Ky. (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 15, 2008 -- Big Ass Fans launches its all new Element fan for commercial spaces at the American Institute of Architects show in Boston on May 15-17.

Element is the industrial grade air movement solution, custom engineered for large commercial spaces such as shopping malls, office buildings, churches and recreational facilities. The fan is designed to be striking, and makes the statement that it is possible to create a beautiful living or working environment utilizing serious energy saving green products.

Just like the industrial fans in the company's line up Element uses an all-new patented 10 airfoil + winglet design to move air quietly and efficiently. Element is extremely powerful, yet is unparalleled for energy efficiency. At standard speed in a room with 16 ft. high ceilings Element is able to create comfortable breezes over an area larger than a basketball court, all while requiring less than 100 watts to operate. That is considerably less energy than even the most efficient small ceiling fan in production today.

To learn more about Element, its striking design and industry first technology visit www.ElementFan.com. To see Element in action visit the Pharmaka Art Gallery in Los Angeles. Pharmaka, and their Element will be featured for their green efforts on Discovery Channel’s new summer series, Alter Eco. The episode will air in late July.

About Big Ass Fans
Big Ass Fans and the facilities that use them have been featured in Inc., Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Discovery Channel and National Geographic Channel. Since its founding in 1999, the Big Ass Fan Company has designed and manufactured 6-foot to 24-foot diameter industrial grade ceiling fans. Their energy efficient design keeps operating costs at just pennies-per-day. Big Ass Fans have found 30,000 applications in warehouses and distribution centers to restaurants and zoos worldwide.

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

Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Company A-Pro Remodeling Now Makes Cleaning Bathrooms Easy With ShowerGuard

Houston-based A-Pro Remodeling & Construction has been providing residential kitchen and bath remodeling, renovation, design and construction services for25 years. Now, in addition to these comprehensive services, A-Pro Remodeling announces a new easier way for customers to keep their glass bathroom shower doors clean by offering ShowerGuard, a glass surface that is permanently sealed and protected from the corrosive chemical reaction that can come from hard water, soap and everyday cleaning products.

(PRWEB) May 15, 2008 - It's natural for homeowners to take pride in the investment they've made in their homes. This may include anything from employing a company to handle a kitchen and bath remodeling project to simply maintaining their home's interior and exterior to their liking. A-Pro Remodeling & Construction, a full-service general contractor offering home remodeling, renovation, design, and construction services for 25 years, now announces a new way to maintain the quality of the products inside their homes with ShowerGuard, a unique glass surface that keeps glass shower doors looking like new.

"If you're remodeling a bathroom, ShowerGuard is one of the smartest investments you can make to keep your glass shower doors looking their best," says A-Pro Remodeling & Construction owner Steve Schilling. "We use ShowerGuard glass in an effort to provide our customers with high quality products and outstanding service."

ShowerGuard glass features a permanently sealed surface that needs no application and resists the effects of corrosion brought on by water, soap and everyday cleaning products. Utilizing ShowerGuard is just the latest in a long list of quality, durable products A-Pro Remodeling has always used when installing their durable shower systems. Heavy membranes to keep water from getting to walls, all-cement sub flooring, and installation that offers a tight fit have long been hallmarks of A-Pro. When remodeling a bathroom, A-Pro builds a shower from the ground up.

Customers can find high grade products and craftsmanship backed by excellent customer service at A-Pro Remodeling. Along with providing an easy to navigate website that offers more information about their services as well as photos of completed jobs, A-Pro Remodeling is a comprehensive, reliable resource for when it's time for remodeling a bathroom or kitchen.

"We make remodeling a pleasant experience for our customers. We keep our project sites clean, and we aim to be as unobtrusive as possible. Our services are delivered on time from an experienced team that is committed to making our customers happy with the end result," says Schilling.

For more information about kitchen and bath remodeling services from A-Pro Remodeling & Construction, please visit AProRemodeling.com.

About A-Pro Remodeling & Construction:
Since 1983 A-Pro Remodeling & Construction has served the Houston Metro Area. Putting their years of experience to work, Owner Steve Schilling and his team provide high quality home remodeling services, including renovations, design and construction for residential properties. A-Pro Remodeling & Construction puts into practice a commitment to quality jobs done right resulting in a high level of customer satisfaction.

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

Power Tool Distributor Now Shipping to Canada

Tools Now (www.toolsnow.com) a leading online discount power tools retailer delivered good news for Canadian Do-It-Yourselfers (DIY'ers) and professional contractors today announcing that it will begin shipping power tools via UPS to Canada.

Spring Hill, KS (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- Tools Now .com a leading online discount power tools retailer announced today that it is now shipping power tools to Canada through UPS providing Do-It-Yourselfers (DIY'ers) and professional contractors quality tools at discount prices.

Tools Now has extended shipping services to Canada through UPS via standard and Less than Truck Load (LTL) freight shipments. "We include the brokerage fees with the shipping cost but all taxes, duties and tariffs will be collected upon delivery, says Suzan Stice, Internet Sales Director. "At this time we will need customers to call for shipping quotes or if they place their order via internet we will notify them with the shipping charges."

Canadians shopping for the best tool deals will no longer be denied shipping to Canada, as they now have access to thousands of power tools and outdoor equipment that Tools Now offers.

"We get calls everyday from Canadians excited to find the items and prices they can't find elsewhere" Stice continued.

The Tools Now website is the place to go for 24/7 deals on everyday discount power tools. Tool distributors and manufacturers have come to rely on Tools Now sales distribution network for growth which in return has developed strong relationships and significant discounts on power tools.

Since 1977, Tools Now has been a leading distributor of discount power tools, hand tools, automotive tools, woodworking tools and reconditioned tools throughout the United States. You will find discount and reconditioned toolsup to 50%-90% off from big name brands like American Camper, DeWalt, Ridgid, Ryobi, Milwaukee, Homelite, Coleman Powermate, Karcher, Campbell Hausfeld, Husky, Ingersoll-Rand and so many more.

About ToolsNow
For more than 30 years, ToolsNow.com has been a leading manufacturer and distributor of quality discount tools providing do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors affordable prices, excellence in service, quality, and customer satisfaction through its website, 11 local retail stores and traveling truckload tool sales throughout the 48 continental United States. To learn more about Tools Now, visit www.toolsnow.com or www.tapent.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:10 AM | Comments (0)

Shaikh Holdings Tees Off Construction at Sanctuary Falls

Dubai, United Arab Emirates (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- Shaikh Holdings, the leading Dubai-based real estate investment and development company, has announced the start of construction at its prestigious Sanctuary Falls villa development in Jumeirah Golf Estates. The start of construction was marked by a tee-off event at the Sanctuary Falls site, and signified the beginning of this landmark boutique community in Dubai. The award-winning Sanctuary Falls project, aims to create a new benchmark in community living by being the first resort-style residential golf community in the UAE.

Executives from Shaikh Holdings, Leisurecorp, Arabtec, DSA International, Hirsch Bedner Associates, Scavolini, Quintessentially and Archimedia attended the momentous event.

"Today we have reached a significant milestone for Sanctuary Falls and the creation of a truly unique residential golf community for Dubai. We are all very excited on this auspicious occasion as we move one step closer towards the realization of the Sanctuary Falls dream. We are glad to share this moment with all our partners who have worked hard to make this community a great success," said Imran Shaikh, CEO, Shaikh Holdings.

"When we stand here, we look at how the Shaikh family have stood behind their project, and have been emblematic of everything that we stand for. We believe that we have chosen a partner who reflects the spirit of Leisurecorp and reflects the spirit of Jumeirah Golf Estates. Perhaps, more importantly, they reflect the spirit of everything that is good about Dubai and what Dubai stands for, which is ‘The race for quality knows no finish line’, in the words of His Highness," said David Spencer, CEO, Leisurecorp.

The ceremony was complemented by a site tour of Sanctuary Falls, where the executives also got a chance to view the significant development progress taking place on the Earth golf course. The Earth course designed by Greg Norman was recently announced as the chosen venue for the richest golf tournament in the world, the Dubai World Championship.

Mr. Spencer added, "When I look out here, with our team, where we are standing now is the Earth golf course, which is going to be the home of the first ever Dubai World Championship. This is a very special part of the fabric of Dubai and what will be the future of Dubai."

The Sanctuary Falls community, situated in Jumeirah Golf Estates features a collection of 96 resort-style villas overlooking the Earth golf course, designed by Greg Norman. With the Earth course as host venue for the inaugural Dubai World Championship, Sanctuary Falls will not only offer high value luxury homes overlooking the Earth course but will provide a life-time experience for residents to witness the world’s richest Golf tournament.

"A decade ago Dubai was a fledgling city with two golf courses. However, in a very short span Dubai has radically progressed to become one of the top international golfing destinations in the world. With the announcement of the Dubai World championship being held next year at Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai’s profile will get a significant boost around the world. As developers of Sanctuary Falls, we are proud to be a part of Jumeirah Golf Estates and to be in the midst of history in the making," said Mr. Shaikh.

Shaikh Holdings holds a significant portfolio of residential, commercial and hospitality real estate and has been a leading institutional investor in the Dubai real estate market since 2002. Shaikh Holdings is focused on developing themed boutique communities across the region, many centred around golf and waterfront concepts.

For more information please contact:
Natasha Shaikh
Shaikh Holdings
Tel: +9714 364 2722

Hala al Haddad
MCS/Action
Tel: +971 50 383 7611

Embedded photograph details:
Senior executives from left to right: Stephen Ling (Chief Legal Counsel, Shaikh Holdings), Zeeshan Shaikh (Chief Marketing Officer, Shaikh Holdings), Shamrez Shaikh (Chief Operations Officer, Shaikh Holdings), Riad Kamal (CEO, Arabtec Holding), Imran Shaikh (CEO, Shaikh Holdings), David Spencer (CEO, Leisurecorp), Kaiser Shaikh (Executive Chairman, Shaikh Holdings), Tony Dougherty (Chief Development Officer, Shaikh Holdings)

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:10 AM | Comments (0)

MEP Jobs Helps Entry-level Workers Join MEP Industry

MEP Jobs announced a new careers website to help students and entry-level workers enter the mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing industries. Start Your MEP Career! (http://start.mepjobs.com) provides articles, search tools, and many other career resources.

Urbandale, IA (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- MEP Jobs announced a new careers website to help students and entry-level workers enter the mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing industries. Start Your MEP Career! provides articles, search tools, and many other career resources.

"The single largest challenge for the MEP industry is lack of skilled, qualified employees", said John von Harz, president of MEP Jobs. "Luring new talent to the industry is critical for our thousands of employers. We built Start Your MEP Career! to address this need."

Start Your MEP Career! provides a one-stop location for key resources such as articles about job hunting and resume preparation; background information on industry segments; typical pay for various job titles; company profiles, job search and resume posting tools; and a comprehensive list of industry trade schools.

About MEP Jobs

MEP Jobs is the leading online job board and resume bank for professionals in the mechanical, electrical and plumbing industries. MEP Jobs focuses exclusively on the specialty trade contractor segment, including contractors, manufacturers, wholesalers, facility managers, service organizations and executive search firms. MEP Jobs was founded in 1996, and is a service of Industry People Group.

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

U.S. CAD Authorized to Sell Autodesk NavisWorks Software Solutions in the Western U.S.

U.S. CAD will sell Autodesk's NavisWorks software solutions throughout the Western region. NavisWorks is a set of widely used software solutions that enable project design and building professionals to unite their work into a single, synchronized building information model (BIM). U.S. CAD also will present Autodesk workshops and seminars and exhibit sustainable design solutions at the Ecobuild America and AEC-ST conference, May 19-22 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim Calif.

Costa Mesa, Calif. (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- U.S. CAD™, the Western U.S.'s largest provider of computer-aided design (CAD) services and products, and its largest Autodesk® solutions reseller, has been authorized to sell Autodesk's NavisWorks® software solutions throughout the Western region.

Autodesk NavisWorks is a set of widely used software solutions that enable project design and building professionals to unite their work into a single, synchronized building information model (BIM). With its neutral viewing environment, NavisWorks enables team members to reliably share, combine, review and perfect detailed 3D design models of any size, regardless of the format they were created in. By combining the high-quality information created by BIM applications such as Autodesk Revit®-based software with geometry and data from other design tools, NavisWorks products enable a real-time, whole-project view for effective 3D coordination, 4D planning, photorealistic visualization, dynamic simulation and accurate analysis.

"NavisWorks enables all members of a project team to visualize the entire project, before it's ever completed - in fact, before it's even started," said Danny Counts, CEO of U.S. CAD. "It's an invaluable tool for improving design decision-making, construction documentation, performance prediction and planning, even management and operation of the facility upon completion."

"We're pleased to offer NavisWorks to our design- and building-industry customers, and we have the expertise to help them take full and immediate advantage of the technology to develop better building designs, and save time and money in the process," Counts added.

U.S. CAD at Ecobuild America Show, May 19-22 in Anaheim
U.S. CAD will present Autodesk workshops and seminars and exhibit sustainable design solutions as part of its Silver Sponsorship involvement in the Ecobuild America and AEC-ST conference, May 19-22 at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim Calif. U.S. CAD will exhibit next to global design solutions leader Autodesk, and will feature sustainable design solutions with an emphasis on Green Building and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. U.S. CAD will exhibit at booth No. 309. Visit www.ecobuildamerica.com or www.aecst.com for complete event information.

About U.S. CAD
Based in Costa Mesa, Calif., U.S. CAD, Inc. (formerly L.A. CAD) is a major provider of computer-aided design (CAD) consulting, training and support services, and Autodesk software solutions. Specializing in the civil, mechanical and architectural design, building-engineering and geospatial industries, the company provides technical expertise and customized training to deliver superior customer solutions. Customers value U.S. CAD's quality instruction from Autodesk Approved Instructors, and its flexible training options, including modular mobile training labs. With Autodesk Authorized Training Centers at its Costa Mesa, Los Angeles, San Diego, Honolulu and Guam locations, U.S. CAD has become the Autodesk provider of choice for many of the West's leading CAD-related companies. For more information, visit http://www.uscad.com.

U.S. CAD and L.A. CAD are trademarks of U.S. CAD, Inc.

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

Online Contractor Resource Announces Its Newest Partner

Beltway Exteriors, a roofing, siding, sunroom, and window company based in College Park, MD, has joined online home improvement contractor directory All Around the Home.

College Park, MD (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- Just in time for spring projects, online home improvement resource All Around the Home (AATH) is pleased to announce its newest partner Beltway Exteriors - http://www.allaroundthehome.com/contractor/1545/. Beltway Exteriors has been providing Maryland (MD) and Washington D.C. homeowners with high quality, unbeatable services for years. Now, homeowners have yet another way to find the company that can guide them through the entire design and build process of their new project.

All Around the Home also benefits from this partnership by having a new, high quality contractor to help serve their visitors living in Southern Maryland. AATH allows browsers to compare free quotes from multiple pre-screened contractors in all of their service regions. This means AATH visitors can find the absolute perfect professional for whatever their needs may be. So whether homeowners are looking for energy efficient window replacement, siding, roofing -- http://www.allaroundthehome.com/exterior/roofing/ -- or a beautiful new sun room, AATH has the perfect contractors.

With real estate at a low these days, more and more homeowners anxious for a new home are opting to instead change their home to fit their needs. With this new trend, it's key for homeowners to spend their money wisely and choose the right contractor for their large-scale home improvement contractors. This can be done quite a few ways, the easiest and least stressful being using the internet. Online contractor referral sites will match visitors with their area's best home improvement specialists.

With residents in DC and Maryland always on the lookout for a professional to help with home improvement projects, All Around the Home is a great bet. Homeowners in Montgomery -- http://www.allaroundthehome.com/md/montgomery/, Prince George's and Charles County - http://www.allaroundthehome.com/md/charles/ -- be sure to receive and absolutely free estimate from Beltway Exteriors along with other hand selected, licensed and fully insured experts in your area. Instead of shopping for a new home, homeowners can give theirs a great new look by using AATH's easy to use online contractor referral service today.

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

Chicago Carpenters Training Center is Hosting an Open House

The largest training center that teaches the carpentry trade

Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- Have you ever wanted to build homes or high rises, bridges or sports stadiums? An Open House to explore a career in carpentry is being held at the Chicago Carpenter's Training Center on June 7, 2008 at 1256 Estes Blvd. in Elk Grove Village, Illinois from 10:00 AM to 3PM.

Guests are invited to learn more about the opportunity to learn the carpentry trade. Various specialties will be featured as roofing, siding, flooring installation, and welding. The latest in tools and technology will be featured. The admission is free. Bi-lingual teachers will be on hand to explain how to apply for this free education and incredible career opportunity (a $18,000 VALUE).

The Chicago Carpenters is inviting those interested in a career in the building industry and what it offers to visit our 250,000 square foot school," said Doug Lid the school coordinator. To learn more about the open house contact Dani Rymek at 630-898-4894.

http://carpentersunion.org

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

May 16, 2008

IMAGINiT Technologies to Present Session at CMAA Leadership Forum

IMAGINiT Technologies is invited to present at the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Leadership Forum in Baltimore, Maryland, May 20, 2008.

Mississauga, ON (PRWEB) May 15, 2008 -- RAND Worldwide®, a global leader in providing technology solutions to organizations with engineering design and information technology requirements, announced that Daniel Hughes from its IMAGINiT Technologies division (link: www.rand.com/imaginit), is invited to present at the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) Leadership Forum (link: www.cmaanet.org/Leadership_2008.php) in Baltimore, Maryland. CMAA planned the event to take place next week, May 18-20, 2008.

Daniel Hughes' presentation titled "Lessons Learned: Harnessing the Momentum of the BIM Process," is scheduled Tuesday, May 20, from 10:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. During the session, Building Information Modeling (BIM) implementation success stories from design firms, contractors, and owners will be shared.

Daniel Hughes has over nine years of practical experience in architecture and was an Autodesk dealership owner for 15 years. He is an Autodesk Implementation Certified Expert for Revit Architecture and has in-depth knowledge of the processes and needs of architectural firms. He is a certified instructor within the WI Vocational Technical College System for five different AutoCAD courses on eight campuses.

About IMAGINiT Technologies
IMAGINiT Technologies, a RAND Worldwide Company, is a leading provider of design and engineering solutions to the building, manufacturing and infrastructure, media and entertainment industries. With over 40 offices in North America and Asia-Pacific, IMAGINiT is a leading provider of Autodesk software solutions and the largest North American Autodesk Authorized Training Center (ATC) partner. IMAGINiT delivers knowledge, expertise and design processes to clients through proven technical support, training and consulting services. Our locations are supported by a vast pool of engineering resources that are focused on developing real-life business solutions for their local clients. For more information please visit www.rand.com/imaginit.

About RAND Worldwide
RAND Worldwide is one of the world's leading providers of professional services and technology to the engineering community, targeting organizations in the building, infrastructure and manufacturing industries. RAND enables its customers to improve their competitiveness, productivity, and profitability by enhancing key aspects of their Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) capabilities, including planning, development, and management. As one of the leading technology independent systems integrators in the world, RAND Worldwide operates in 50 sales and client service centers globally. For more information please visit www.rand.com.

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

Classy Closets Announces Custom Closet and Home Office Preview Events for Interior Designers and Contractors in the Phoenix Metro Area

Classy Closets today announced a series of custom closet and home office preview events for interior designers, general contractors and home builders in Arizona. Designers and contractors will have the opportunity to tour a Classy Closets showroom and see examples of Classy Closets professionally designed closets, home offices, kitchens, garages, pantries, and more. In addition, every attendee will receive one free custom closet organizer installation from Classy Closets.

Chandler, AZ (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Classy Closets today announced a series of custom closet and home office preview events for interior designers, general contractors and home builders in Arizona. Designers and contractors will have the opportunity to tour a Classy Closets showroom and see examples of Classy Closets professionally designed closets, home offices, kitchens, garages, pantries, and more. In addition, every attendee will receive one free custom closet organizer installation from Classy Closets.

Classy Closets custom closet and home office preview events will take place at their Chandler showroom at 4320 W Chandler Blvd, Chandler AZ 85226 and at their Scottsdale showroom at 17025 N Scottsdale Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85255 from 10 AM to 6 PM Friday, May 16, Wednesday, May 21st, and Thursday, May 22. Lunch will be served from 11 AM - 2:30 PM.

Classy Closets has been designing and installing residential and commercial custom closets and storage solutions since 1983. More than 100,000 satisfied customers have purchased custom closet solutions and Classy Closets is proud to be able to show examples of these superior quality installations at their showrooms and on their website at Classy Closets.

"We are excited to be able to show our innovative custom closet and storage solutions to interior designers, home builders and general contractors in Arizona. Each year at these storage and cabinet events we find that they appreciate the superior craftsmanship of our home and commercial organization products and they love the opportunity to see our newest product lines," said Jeff Curtis, Company Founder. "This year we will not only be showing our custom closets, home offices and wall beds, we will also show how versatile and affordable our kitchen cabinets and doors can be. There is a great deal to see in our showrooms. We offer the greatest selection of materials, colors and finishes in the industry."

About Classy Closets:
Classy Closets is Life. Organized.® Classy Closets has provided residential and commercial closet storage solutions since 1983. For 25 years, Classy Closets has been improving the lives of families and businesses through well-organized closet storage solutions designed for optimal living. Our closet storage solutions are truly customized, delivering a level of quality and value unmatched by any company in the industry. In fact, every one of our closet storage solutions is guaranteed for life. Classy Closets has trained designers who will work with you to design new custom closets and organization solutions that will maximize your space and match your individual style.

Classy Closets can be found on the web at ClassyClosets.com.

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

Michigan Residential Architects, Architectural Resource, Win Multiple Gold National Design Awards

Ann Arbor architecture firm recognized for remodeling design excellence.

Ann Arbor, MI (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Architectural Resource, noted Ann Arbor residential architectural design firm, has been recognized with five gold national design awards in the Best of the Best Design Awards hosted by Professional Remodeler. The Best of the Best awards competition recognizes outstanding design and functionality in remodeling projects across the nation. The honors were presented at a special awards ceremony at the Remodeling Show in Las Vegas.

The award-winning projects designed by Architectural Resource included a whole house remodel, custom bath remodel, custom kitchen remodel, exterior portico addition, and an interior remodel/renovation.

The gold award Duprey/Uhen residence custom kitchen remodel, built by Washtenaw Woodwrights, was an Arts and Crafts interpretation of modern kitchen conveniences and amenities. As the culminating second phase of a whole house remodel, the project utilized a cleaver 18" cantilevered extension that provided just enough added floor space to improve the kitchen's function. Exquisitely detailed millwork and an adjacent breakfast booth all recalled an earlier time when quality and craftsmanship reigned supreme.

The gold award Duprey/Uhen residence custom bath remodel, also with Washtenaw Woodwrights, presented a striking contemporary Art Deco inspired master bath. Features included a translucent turquoise glass block partition and shower enclosure; a frosted glass vanity top with integral bowls; custom mirrored medicine cabinets with integral light fixtures, and a light transmitting, privacy glass block window that flooded the space with light. An adjacent sloped ceiling attic space provided the opportunity for a new master closet.

The gold award Taylor residence exterior remodel, in collaboration with Blue Sky Carpentry, was a simple exterior portico at an existing front brick stoop. The shingle style home was perfectly complemented and completed by this elegant, yet simple, front porch roof. Mirroring elements and proportions of the existing home the 5' x 7' barrel vaulted portico enhanced the formal entry and greatly improved the 'curb appeal' of the modest, but charming home.

The gold award Genthe residence interior remodel, executed with Christian Tennant Custom Homes, featured the magical transformation of an all too familiar impersonal and over-scaled "McMansion Big Box" plan book home. The design introduced architectural elements, fine materials and finishes, and a rich new palate that created an improved sense of scale, substance, visual interest and elegance to an otherwise cold and impersonal volume.

The gold award Griffith residence whole house remodel involved an interior remodel of a ranch home with a new entry area in conjunction with Custom Design Build. One of the most significant features of the project as noted by the judges was the rearrangement of the interior spaces with a 180-degree re-positioning of the existing kitchen and utility rooms. This simple plan rearrangement vastly improved the existing home's interior spaces and enhanced the connection to the lake view vistas outside.

"We are delighted our design efforts have been recognized in this highly-competitive nationwide competition," said Michael Klement, founder of Architectural Resource, LLC.

For high resolution versions of any of the above photographs or before and after photographs, please contact Michael Klement at 734-769-9784.

About Architectural Resource, LLC:
Architectural Resource, headed by Michael Klement A.I.A., N.C.A.R.B., is a Ann Arbor-based, architectural design firm with representatives in Portland, OR and Greenville, SC. Architectural Resource specializes exclusively in residential design of custom homes, cottages, additions, remodels and renovations with an emphasis on green and sustainable design. These projects will soon be posted at Architectural Resource's home website: architecturalresource.com and can be viewed at http://www.housingzone.com/proremodeler/info/CA6369762.html.

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

Heated Driveways -- a Safe and Energy Efficient Alternative to Shoveling Snow Next Winter

According to Warmzone, the most popular time to install a heated driveway is the summer and fall. When doing a summer remodel or building a new home think ahead and plan for next winter with a heated driveway. Electric snow melting systems can be automated to take care of snow melting in an energy efficient way.

Salt Lake City, Utah (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Summer and Fall are the best times of the year to install a heated driveway. Many homeowners still remember the harsh winter and want to be better prepared next year. With rising energy costs, Warmzone focuses on energy saving radiant heating options that are appealing to homeowners.

Heated driveways are a way to take away some of the dread of winter. Now that winter is over, it a good time to plan ahead for the next one. Winters have been harsh around the country - and ice and snow make getting out of the driveway dangerous or even impossible.

Electric snow melting systems are installed in driveways and parking areas and are in high demand. "Snow blowers, shoveling, and plowing are cumbersome ways to clear driveways - homeowners are installing heating systems in their driveways instead. It's safer and often more energy efficient," says Tracy Stanger, CEO of Warmzone.

Warmzone, a radiant heat company, recommends Danfoss GX Heating Systems. The Danfoss GX cable is a durable heating cable built specifically for heating driveways, sidewalks and other areas that require snow removal. Installing systems are ideal because they eliminate a lot of safety risks of people falling or cars sliding.

Danfoss cable is designed to produce 30-50 watts per square foot and is programmable to automate the process of heating a driveway. This is a radiant heating system, similar to indoor floor heating systems.

Electric systems use a line-voltage cable, while hydronic systems generate hot water then pump it through plastic PEX tubing. The heating elements are embedded in the surface and use resistant heating to heat the surrounding area. Most systems incorporate an automatic sensor that detects inclement weather to activate the system. Electric systems tend to be more efficient, require less maintenance, and heat surfaces quicker.

While a heated driveway is an investment, it can improve the value of a home. If your driveway needs to be replaced anyway, pouring new concrete is ideal in warmer weather. It will make the concrete more durable.

The cost to maintain a heated driveway is less than hiring someone to shovel snow. Your concrete lasts longer because you're not using harsh chemicals or salt to melt ice and snow.

Electric snow melting is simple yet durable and requires no maintenance.

If you are building a home, consider an automated snow melting system before you begin construction. A heated driveway is easier to install now, and it will add safety and value to your property.

About Warmzone
Warmzone helps homeowners with radiant heating solutions for their homes and businesses. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, our electricians and support staff help you with energy efficient radiant heating solutions. Get a free estimate - you can even send us a plan or drawings and we'll give you options for your heated driveway project.

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

Safety Glass Company Announces the Opening of its Newest Store Location in Dallas, Texas

Safety Glass Company, a regional automotive, residential and commercial glass installation, repair and replacement company, announces the opening of its newest store location in Dallas, Texas.

Dallas, Texas (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Safety Glass Company, a regional automotive, residential and commercial glass installation, repair and replacement company, announces the opening of its newest store location in Dallas, Texas.

"The opening of our new store in Dallas is an important step towards our goal of servicing the entire Texas market," said Jay Sampson, President/CEO of Circle 2J Management, Safety Glass Company's parent company. "With full-service capability in all major Texas markets, Safety Glass Company is now well-positioned to serve the majority of Texas consumers and businesses."

Safety Glass Company's new store in Dallas is managed by industry veteran, Randy Griffith. Mr. Griffith brings over twenty years of experience in the glass industry to Safety Glass Company's new Dallas store. "With his outstanding experience, technical ability, and management skills, Randy is certainly the right man for the job. We are very pleased to have him on board. He is a great addition to our team," said John Tero, Chief Operations Officer for Safety Glass Company.

With store locations in Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Dallas, Safety Glass Company serves the Texas market, which includes three of the Top 10 largest cities in the country. Started in San Antonio in 1997 as an automotive windshield repair-only company, Safety Glass Company has grown over the past decade to be a trusted and recognized name in the glass industry. Among many other awards and accolades, Safety Auto Glass is one of only two companies in Texas to be recognized with the coveted Business Accreditation from the National Glass Association for its commitment to industry standards and ethical business practices.

For additional information about Safety Glass Company, please contact John Tero or visit www.safetyautoglass.net. Safety Auto Glass® is a Registered Service Mark. Safety Glass Company is Registered Service Mark pending.

Contact:

John Tero, Chief Operations Officer
Safety Glass Company
(210) 333-6799
http://www.safetyautoglass.net

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:59 AM | Comments (0)

Company Sees ROI From GPS Fleet Tracking System in 18 Days

The FieldLogix GPS fleet tracking system recently helped Sunshine Landscape reduce overtime costs dramatically. Prior to FieldLogix, the company relied on a paper time sheet system for their field employees to document work hours each day. They became suspicious of the accuracy of this "honor" based system and decided to install the FieldLogix GPS fleet tracking system in November of 2007. Within 18 days of installation, the company's labor savings paid for the entire first year of the system's costs.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- The FieldLogix GPS fleet tracking system recently helped Sunshine Landscape reduce overtime costs dramatically. Prior to FieldLogix, the company relied on a paper time sheet system for their field employees to document work hours each day. They became suspicious of the accuracy of this "honor" based system and decided to install the FieldLogix GPS fleet tracking system in November of 2007. Within 18 days of installation, the company's labor savings paid for the entire first year of the system's costs.

Nothing is more troubling than finding out that you have been losing money for years and didn't even know it. This is exactly what happened to Carlos Contreras at Sunshine Landscape in Palm Desert, CA. Carlos' team of 15 employees have been using paper time sheets for years to document their work hours for payroll reporting. In his words, these paper time sheets were based on an "honor system." The employees would document their work hours and would turn the time sheets in at the end of the week. He always suspected that some things didn't quite add up with the hours they documented and what actually took place in the field. Carlos then decided that GPS tracking would help him address these concerns and give him more control over what took place in the field. After researching 5 different GPS fleet tracking systems, he selected FieldLogix due to its user-friendly interface, affordable hardware, and extensive e-mail alert features.

Upon installing FieldLogix, Carlos' suspicions were immediately confirmed. By using the system's activity reports, he found that his "honor system" was being abused by his employees. By having an accurate way to measure daily work hours, his overtime costs dropped immediately. In fact, his overtime costs dropped by more than 2 hours per man per day with no change in the workload. Based on his calculations, he paid for the entire first year of the system within the first 18 days. Carlos stated: "It dropped my labor costs by 35-45 percent." Carlos mentioned that he wished that he bought a GPS system years ago, but put it off because it wasn't a high priority at the time. Carlos is not alone in his discovery. A study by the Aberdeen Group reports that companies that have implemented a GPS tracking system see a 13.4 percent average reduction in overtime costs.

FieldLogix provides real-time location updates for vehicles and construction equipment. It automatically monitors activities such as excessive engine idling, speeding, and personal use of company vehicles. It has been described as "GPS on auto-pilot", because users can create operating policies in the system and receive e-mail alerts when operators do not comply with these policies. This includes alerts for after hours use, excessive speeding, and deviations from a specified operating schedule. In addition, it provides real-time location updates for vehicles and equipment and sends maintenance reminder alerts when they are due for service.

About Field Technologies: Since 2002, Field Technologies has been providing GPS tracking systems to companies throughout the US. The company provides products that operate with technologies developed by industry leaders such as Microsoft, Motorola, T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, and ESRI. Due to our industry leading methods of sales consultation and customer support, Field Technologies has continued to grow dramatically and has GPS devices installed in thousands of vehicles nationwide.

To learn more about FieldLogix and view an on-line video demonstration, visit us at http://www.fieldtechnologies.com

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

Miracle Truss Steel Buildings Help You Save Money, Time And The Environment in An Inflated Economy

Got a dream home you want to build or do you need an office space for your business? Discover the ways a steel building can enhance savings in a chaotic economy.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Miracle Truss® is doing its part to fight inflation and increasing building costs by offering steel buildings as a sound economical solution for residences or businesses. In anticipation of the steel price increases, Miracle Truss purchased additional steel before the prices went up and can now pass the savings on to their customers.

"Miracle Truss® steel buildings are not your average pre-fabricated metal buildings. The savings go beyond monetary value and trickle down to other important factors such as time and energy," said Mali Lind, Advertising & Marketing Director.

The main thing most people want to save on any purchase is money. Miracle Truss® steel buildings can cost 50% less than conventional buildings because they are pre-made and shipped ready to assemble - just unpack and start construction. And there are no worries about hiring skilled laborers to build it because a Miracle Truss® steel building is so easy anyone can do-it-themselves.

"Conventional buildings involve more time and more work costing you more money. Steel buildings offer all the benefits of conventional buildings plus additional features that make it a wiser choice for your residence or business," said Lind.

Steel buildings can also save the amount of time spent on construction. Miracle Truss® pre-fabricated steel buildings are manufactured in the USA by certified welders and come pre-cut, pre-drilled and pre-welded for easy assembly. This means less work, cutting down on the amount of time spent erecting a steel building. Each Miracle Truss® building comes with a clear, easy-to-read assembly manual containing detailed drawings as a guide.

But that's not all that can be saved with a steel building. With the popularity of "Going Green," Miracle Truss® steel buildings use environmentally-friendly construction methods such as an open-web truss design that provides a higher R- value than conventional methods when combined with standard insulation. The Miracle Truss® steel siding comes in many colors that can qualify for Energy Star efficient tax credits. Steel buildings also allow more flexibility for environmentally-safe components such as flooring and siding.

"Miracle Truss® steel buildings save you money on so many levels but the best is knowing that you can get a functional building that not only looks good but is good for the environment as well," said Lind.

From woodworking shops, yard & garden storage buildings and garages, to churches, airplane hangars and auto shops - and everything in-between - Miracle Truss® steel buildings take on a whole new meaning and design!

About Miracle Truss®
Miracle Truss® is an industry leader in steel and metal buildings that are a unique hybrid of steel and edge-mounted wood which gives you maximum versatility and durability. For more than 35 years Miracle Truss® steel buildings have survived blizzards, tornadoes, hurricanes, typhoons, and earthquakes without a single report of structural damage. For more information on Miracle Truss® and the types of steel buildings that are designed to meet your business or personal needs, visit http://www.miracletruss.com.

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

R.D. Olson Development Sells Two California Hotels

Leading hotel developer sells two Southern California hotels to premiere real estate investment trust. The California-based firm has earned its reputation for capitalizing on good long-term investment properties and currently has seven hotels in development.

Irvine, Calif. (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- R.D. Olson Development has sold two of its Southern California hotels -- one inspired by Hollywood, the other by Southland beach culture -- to Apple REIT 8 for $80 million. Irvine-based R.D. Olson last year completed development of both hotels, the Marriott Residence Inn, Burbank at 321 S. First St. and Marriott Residence Inn, Oceanside at 3603 Ocean Ranch Blvd.

With CEO/President Robert Olson at the helm, the company purchased the development sites in 2005 and 2006 respectively in a move that has paid off quickly. Both hotels opened under the Marriott International Marriott Residence Inn brand and each has earned a 95 percent customer satisfaction rating. Occupancy remains strong.

"We capitalized on what we considered to be good long-term investment properties, placed on them the perfect flags for that market and creatively elaborated on Marriott's already-solid brand to fit within the culture of each community," said Robert Olson.

Case in hand, as a tribute to the television capital of the world, Olson commissioned renowned British artist, Peter Fink to create a spectacular lightshow that scales the five-story Burbank Marriott Residence Inn's exterior. The interior of the 166-suite hotel exudes Hollywood flavor, featuring artwork originally produced in Burbank from the 1950s to the 1990s.

"I envision the hotel as a future city landmark as the entertainment center continues to reinvent itself," said Olson.

In a different vein, the 125-suite four-story Residence Inn by Marriott in Oceanside speaks to the laid back community that is home to surfers, beachcombers and even longtime surfer-girl starlet, Gidget. Original paintings by local artists that echo Southern California's easy Southland lifestyle dress the walls and a community patio fire pit enveloped by couches give way to outdoor comfort.

R.D. Olson Construction, also owned by Robert Olson and recognized as a premiere hotel and restaurant contractor, built Marriott Residence Inn, Burbank and the Marriott Residence Inn, Oceanside.

Sale of the two hotels leaves R.D. Olson Development with seven other projects in the making including Palomar Hotel, Tustin, Calif. and Denver, CO; Residence by Marriott, Goleta, Calif.; and Hilton Garden Inn, Tustin.

The company will soon open another development in which it, once again, has culled from the local community to build upon an established brand. The Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo, a joint venture between R.D. Olson Development and Leisure Sports Inc., includes a boutique hotel, world-class fitness center and full-service day spa. Olson expects Renaissance ClubSport to open in mid-June.

Robert Olson founded R.D. Olson Development in 1998. It has since gained standing as a leading hotel developer. Projects developed and sold include an eight-story 174-suite Marriott Residence Inn, Irvine; a $62 million resort in the Anaheim Resort Zone, which consists of a seven-story Staybridge Suites and nine-story Holiday Inn; and an eight-story 526-bed University Village Towers, an upscale student housing project bordering the University of California, Riverside. R.D. Olson Development is located at 2955 Main St., Irvine, CA 92614.

For hi-resolution photos of the hotels or Robert Olson, please click on http://gallery.mac.com/porterpr1#100046&bgcolor=black&view=grid.

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

California Foreclosure Sales Exceed 1,000 Per Day a Record Month for California Foreclosure Activity

ForeclosureRadar (www.foreclosureradar.com), the only website that tracks every California foreclosure with daily auction updates; today issued it's California Foreclosure Report. April foreclosure numbers were up in all categories, creating extraordinary indicators. Average daily auction sales exceeded 1,000 properties a day for the first time in California's history.

Discovery Bay, CA (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- ForeclosureRadar (www.foreclosureradar.com), the only website that tracks every California foreclosure with daily auction updates, today issued it's California Foreclosure Report. April foreclosure numbers were up in all categories, creating extraordinary indicators. Average daily auction sales exceeded 1,000 properties a day for the first time in California's history.

High-level findings include:

Notices of Default - the filings for the first step in California's foreclosure process increased only slightly to set a new record of 44,101 new filings.
Notices of Trustee Sale, which are issued approximately 3 months following a Notice of Default, increased 7.8 percent in April surpassing the previous record with a total of 29,892 new filings.
April foreclosure sales at auction jumped 44 percent over March to a record 22,838 sales, with a combined loan value of $9.45 Billion. The majority of these sales received no third party bid and reverted back to the lender despite the largest across the board discounts ever offered at trustee sale auctions.

"We expected a significant increase in auction sales based on previous default patterns" said Sean O'Toole, founder of ForeclosureRadar. "Unfortunately, the continued increases in defaults tell us that the worst is still ahead. It is time for lenders to accept this reality, and start approving short sales rather than forcing more than two-thirds of troubled homeowners through the entire foreclosure process."

Lenders added 22,324 properties to their real estate owned or "REO" inventory in April. Last month DataQuick reported that 38.4% of all home sales in California were from this REO inventory, equaling approximately 9,432 properties. Based on those levels, lenders are increasing REO inventories 1.36 times faster than they are able to resell them.

In April, it took lenders an average of 140 days from Notice of Default to the property being sold at auction. Average discounts at auction were 25%, but nearly half of all properties taken to auction offered discounts of 30% or more from the current loan balance. The majority of these loans were 80% LTV first mortgages, making discounts of 40 to 50% from the prior sales price common in many parts of the state.

The largest discounts offered in major Southern California counties were in Santa Barbara (29 percent) and Riverside (28 percent). The smallest were Los Angeles (19 percent) and Orange (21 percent). The spread was wider in Northern California, with Merced offering the states larges discounts (37 percent), and San Francisco the smallest (12 percent).

In a sign that foreclosures are affecting every part of the state, foreclosure sales nearly doubled in both Marin County (96 percent increase), and Orange County (up 82 percent).

See Graph of Statewide Trends

See Table of County Foreclosure Activity

California Foreclosure Report Methodology
Rankings are based on population per foreclosure sale. NOD indicates the number of Notices of Default that were filed at the county, and NTS indicates filed Notices of Trustee Sale. Sales indicates the number of properties sold at foreclosure auction. Percentage changes are based on monthly Sales. The data presented by ForeclosureRadar is based on county records and individual sales results from daily foreclosure auctions throughout the state - not estimates or projections.

About Foreclosureradar.Com
ForeclosureRadar is the only web site that tracks every foreclosure in California with daily updates on all foreclosure auctions. ForeclosureRadar features unprecedented tools to search, manage, track and analyze preforeclosure, foreclosure auction, short sale and bank owned real estate. The web site was launched in May 2007 by Sean O'Toole, who spent 15 years building and launching software companies before entering the foreclosure business in 2002 where he has successfully bought and sold more than 150 foreclosure properties. ForeclosureRadar is an indispensable resource for real estate agents, brokers, investors, lenders, mortgage brokers, attorneys and other real estate professionals specializing in the California real estate market.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:55 AM | Comments (0)

Keltech Provides Battle Creek Academy with Energy Saving Tankless Water Heater

DELTON, Mich. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) May 14, 2008 -- Keltech Incorporated, a leading manufacturer of electric tankless water heaters, announced today that it has supplied the Battle Creek Academy with a water heating solution that will reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and reduce natural resource use.

Battle Creek Academy (BCA) is a small, private K-12 school in southern Michigan. The facility serves over 160 students, teachers, administrators and other personnel. Like most schools, BCA needs a reliable water heating solution for its commercial kitchen, locker room showers and lavatories. When its old water heater finally stopped working, BCA turned to Keltech for a reliable, long lasting source of hot water.

“Our Keltech tankless water heater performs,” states Wayne Johnson of BCA. “We have hot water whenever we want it. I never have to worry like I did in the past.”

Installing an electric Keltech tankless water heater can provide schools like BCA with additional advantages of reduced energy and natural resource consumption. Water heating is the third largest consumer of energy in our schools. Rising energy prices, the cost of ongoing maintenance, and the impact of a school’s carbon footprint on the environment are leading school administrators across the country to re-think their water heating options.

Green school initiatives provide communities with new ideas and new resources to lessen environmental impact and lower operating costs while improving the learning environment for our children. This win-win-win approach is supported by the Green Buildings Council’s LEED for Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Smart Schools, and ASHRAE’s Energy Design Guide for K-12 Schools.

A Keltech tankless water heater is a simple and efficient way for a school to save energy and natural resources: It heats water only when activated; it doesn’t require new policies and procedures to reduce unnecessary resource use; and, it’s so simple and easy to use that no one has to remember to turn it on or turn it off.

Founded in 1987, Keltech Incorporated manufactures innovative, energy saving, tankless water heaters for schools and institutions. For more information, visit www.keltech.us or call 800-999-4320.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:53 AM | Comments (0)

Empire Realty Investments Enters Maryland Rental Market with Purchase of Two Upscale Apartment Buildings

PHILADELPHIA (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) May 14, 2008 -- Empire Realty Investments was part of a joint venture group that recently closed a $5 million deal to purchase two apartment buildings in Maryland’s Baltimore/Towson market. Belvedere Court, located on Evesham Road, boasts average apartment sizes of 1,800 square feet. University Parkway is a midrise property located along West University Parkway in Baltimore and features average unit sizes of 1,000 square feet.

Both properties are within walking distance of Johns Hopkins University, Loyola University and Union Memorial Hospital and are also close to the desirable Roland Park and Murray Hill areas.

“The properties’ below-market rents, upscale neighborhoods and upside in value growth were the primary factors in these acquisitions,” said Michael Pearlstein, president of Empire Realty Investments. "Plus they’re situated in one of the strongest economic and rental markets in the country, and we’re excited to now be a part of it,” he said.

Empire Realty Investments, Inc., has acquired and managed approximately 5,000 units, 5 million square feet and 2,000 acres of retail, office, multi-family and residential properties throughout the metropolitan Philadelphia area and in 16 states across the country.

For more information about Empire Realty Investments, Inc., visit www.empirerealtyinvestment.com or call 215-232-5400.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:53 AM | Comments (0)

Ocean Princess' Stained Glass Ceiling Dome by Jancik Arts International Wins Award

High Drama on the High Seas… Jancik Arts International (JAI), creators of stunning stained glass ceiling domes was recognized by Glass Magazine for their work aboard the Ocean Princess cruise ship. Dramatically enhancing the guest experience, Jancik's celebrated dome measures 30 feet in diameter and lends visual drama to the lobby. The magnanimous dome depicts a whimsical pattern of ocean waves featuring an art nouveau theme in subtle ambers, pale greens and blues. http://jancikarts.com/press/ocean_princess_press.html

Atlanta, GA and Ocala, FL (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- Jancik Arts International (JAI) creators of stunning stained glass ceiling domes, was recently recognized by Glass Magazine for their work aboard the Ocean Princess cruise ship. The celebrated dome, located in the ship's main atrium, measures 30 feet in diameter and lends visual drama to the lobby. The magnanimous dome depicts a whimsical pattern of ocean waves featuring an art nouveau theme in subtle ambers, pale greens and blues. http://jancikarts.com/press/ocean_princess_press.html

"More than 30 companies submitted over 100 photographs for our inaugural cover contest for decorative glass," said Matt Slovick, editor and chief of Glass Magazine." Jancik Arts International's entry of glass ceiling dome aboard the Ocean Princess cruise ship was a head turner and won honorable mention and a place in the photo gallery on our Web site www.glassmagazine.net."

"The Ocean Princess dome is one of my all time favorites. It took us almost 6 months to complete. from the initial design to installation," notes JAI's President and Chief Designer, Angelique Jackson. "The massive size of the dome and light colors with neon backlighting gives a sense of a conservatory, inviting natural light into the space."

Jancik Arts has designed and produced amazing pieces of stained glass artwork for luxury properties in both commercial and high-end residential environments, particularly for the travel/hospitality and leisure/entertainment industries. Clients include: Epcot Center, Disney World (Orlando, Fla.); Princess Cruises (Italy, France and Japan); Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (Portugal); Mormon Temple, Latter-Day Saints (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and Orlando, Fla.); U.S. Post Office (El Paso, Texas); Floridian Golf Course (Stuart, Fla.), among others.

About Glass Magazine:
Serving the architectural glass industry, architectural metal, building, remodeling and related architectural industries, Glass Magazine is published monthly and is the official magazine of the National Glass Association.

About Jancik Arts International (JAI), Inc.:
Since 1978, Jancik Arts International, Inc. (JAI) has emerged as a leader in custom design, production, and installation of interior vertical glass and stained glass dome structures for world-renowned travel, leisure and residential environments.

JAI custom designs range from contemporary to classic and include ceiling domes, vertical flat glass and magnificent chandeliers. Each design is one of a kind and registered with the Library of Congress.

To view some of JAI's world class creations: http://jancikarts.com/promo_cd/promo_slide.html

Jancik Arts earned the International Award for Women in Design and the Design Journal's Platinum Award for Design Excellence. The company has been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Southern Living, and Glass Craftsman. JAI is a member of NEWH (Network of Executive Women in the Hospitality Industry) and SGAA (Stained Glass Association of America).

For more information, please visit the website at www.jancikarts.com or call 1-800-254-1593.

Editorial Contact:
Elizabeth Fairleigh
thE Connection, Inc.
404.874.4562

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:53 AM | Comments (0)

MyHome's Mayan Metzler Reveals Everything Your NYC Contractor Won't Tell You

NYC contractor creates consumer education initiative to improve standards and prevent disstaster in the New York City remodeling market.

(PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- MyHome LLC (http://myhomeus.com), the leader in complete remodeling solutions, recently announced its new initiative to educate the general public about the pitfalls of hiring a general contractor in the New York Metro area. MyHome's unique publication "15 Critical Questions To Ask Your Contractor," and their extensive customer-education based website (http://myhomeus.com) and movie are the first steps in this effort to raise awareness about the right way to go about this often-difficult process. By better enabling consumers to recognize the dangers that can significantly damage one's home and financial stability, MyHome hopes to set a new standard in an industry known for its wide company disparities.

"The horror stories alone are enough to make anyone forgo home improvement forever," says MyHome President Mayan Metzler. "We've heard about desertions mid project or families spending months with holes in their walls, but there is another way . . . a better way," Metzler says, referring to MyHome's benchmark business practices that have been garnering notice everywhere from "The Today Show" to Forbes.com.

Alarmed by the former experiences of their clients (some of whom have been gouged by unethical or incompetent contractors who refuse to complete work or cause irreversible damage), Metzler soon realized the value of providing a trustworthy rudder for navigating the market.

"Of course, hiring the most qualified and reputable contractor is the best way to avoid poor craftsmanship, delays, and expensive mistakes," says Metzler. "The real trouble is how to decide."

The first step, according to MyHome, in evaluating a contractor is to review their project portfolio. Review "before and after" pictures of similar work and be sure to call the contractor's references to speak about his or her performance and ability to meet deadlines. It's also prudent to ask the contractor about their current workload, because a contractor that's too available might be a red flag for inexperience. On the other hand, if a contractor is too busy, the less time he/she will have for new clients. Most important is to procure at least a two-year warranty on the contractor's labor and materials. If the company won't provide a warranty, it's possible that potential clients might find themselves paying twice for the same renovation.

Troubleshooting these and the many other industry problems is the focus of MyHome's commitment to providing personalized service backed by the unparalleled project management skills of a big NYC contracting corporation.

"Unlike small contractors, we're a corporate institution and our livelihoods aren't hinged on any one project. This means we can afford to be accountable and won't disappear if there's a mistake," Metzler says. "The reason we offer a five-year warranty on labor and materials is to deliver the piece of mind most homeowners are looking for. And establishing trust is what this business should really be about."

For more information log on at www.myhomeus.com or schedule an interview with Mr. Metzler for complete details on the contracting business.

About MyHome

MyHome is a full-service renovation and construction firm focused on client relations. A corporate leader in delivering world-class service for about ten years, MyHome designs, manages, builds, and coordinates every part of your construction or renovation project. With recent media coverage from Forbes.com to NBC's "The Today Show" MyHome's development projects are getting noticed nationwide. For more information visit www.myhomeus.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:51 AM | Comments (0)

4240 Architecture Names Six Associate Principals; Promotions Coincide With Firm's Fifth Anniversary

On the eve of its fifth anniversary, 4240 Architecture, Inc. (www.4240architecture.com), an award-winning architecture, interior and urban planning firm with studios in Chicago and Denver, has promoted six Senior Associates to Associate Principals.

Denver (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- On the eve of its fifth anniversary, 4240 Architecture, Inc. (www.4240architecture.com), an award-winning architecture, interior and urban planning firm with studios in Chicago and Denver, has promoted six Senior Associates to Associate Principals.

"This is the next generation of leadership for our fast-growing firm, which does site-specific design work on a global scale," explained Peter H. Dominick, Jr., FAIA and 4240 Architecture President. "While each individual is a star in his or her own right, the promotions are not about individuals, but about creating a great team that will dovetail with our marketing and business strategies -- each member contributing the right mix of innovation, creativity, and leadership as we move into the future."

Named to the new leadership roles are:

Christian Barlock, 44, a 12-year lead designer for the firm, who has worked on a broad range of multi-family residential and hospitality projects at the state and national level.
Robert Benson, 38, Design Director for the firm's Chicago office, who holds a master's degree in architecture from MIT and is an adjunct professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign School of Architecture.
Louis Bieker, AIA, LEED AP, 39, a 15-year architect who has planned and designed museums, research laboratories, and mountain resorts throughout Colorado and California.
Thaddius Carvis, LEED AP, 38, who joined the firm while completing his master's degree in architecture, and has since collaborated on hotels and multi-family residential complexes.
Marcia Weese, 57, an interior designer with a fine art background and current emphasis on green practices, who joined the firm in 2007 as the Denver studio's Director of Design for interior architecture. She grew up in Chicago, the daughter of modernist architect Harry Weese and designer Kitty Baldwin Weese.
Terry Willis, 53, Denver Studio Manager who previously lived and worked in Europe and Asia as project designer, team leader and field office manager for major national and international projects.

All except Chicago-based Benson work out of the firm's Denver studio.

"We're approaching our fifth anniversary, and we've grown from 50 to nearly 90. We've got a billion dollars' worth of work under construction and nearly another billion dollars' worth on the boards," said Dominick. "We need a leadership team with the creative direction, mission, and vision to take the firm to the next level, while maintaining the values that have contributed to our success thus far.

"We feel confident that these individuals will accomplish that, and more."

This is the first time the firm has added Associate Principals, and it took nearly nine months to complete the selection process, according to Dominick, one of the firm's three Principals.

About 4240 Architecture, Inc.
With studios in Chicago (42° latitude) and Denver (40°latitude), 4240 Architecture is an award-winning team of architects, planners and interior designers who design buildings, community frameworks and spaces ranging from entire neighborhoods, resorts, and commercial architecture to interiors and private homes. Established in 2003, the 90-person firm is equally fluent in designing for urban settings and high-mountain properties - and for just about every context in between. Clients include Disney Development Company, East West Partners, Forest City Enterprises, Hamilton Partners, Hammes Company, Hines, JDL Corporation, Shea Homes, St. Joe Company, and Vail Resort Development Company. For more information, visit www.4240architecture.com.

Contact:
Cindy Martin
Treacy Marketing Group
(312) 482-8900 Ext. 3043
cmartin @ treacymarketing.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:51 AM | Comments (0)

Q1 2008 Nevada Foreclosure Report Released by RealtyStore.com

RealtyStore, the nation's leading provider of foreclosure listings, released its quarterly Nevada Foreclosure Report. Nevada continues to hold the highest nationwide foreclosure rate, with Q1 defaults up 139% from Q1 2007. With 1 out of every 52 households receiving a default notice last quarter; the Nevada housing market will get worse before it gets better.

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) May 14, 2008 -- RealtyStore (www.realtystore.com), the nation's leading provider of foreclosure listings, released its quarterly Nevada Foreclosure Report.

RealtyStore.com recorded 17,307 notices of default (NODs) statewide for Q1 2008. This was a 32% increase from those recorded in Q4 2007 and a 139% jump over Q1 2007. An NOD is filed by the lending institution, when a homeowner falls behind on mortgage payments. NODs provide important information about which homeowners have home loans they cannot afford. Nevada has maintained the nation's highest foreclosure rate for nearly two straight years. For Q1 2008, 1 out of every 52 households in Nevada received a default notice, which is more than 7 times the national average.

"For almost two years running, Nevada has been plagued with the highest foreclosure rate in the nation. This is a result of the dramatic increase in speculative building starting in 2004 when home prices soared 47%," said Tim Chin, CEO of RealtyStore. "Now, as the housing market corrects, investors are running for the hills as inventory mounts and prices rapidly decline."

More than 90% of the foreclosures in Nevada are occurring in Clark County. Clark County, home of the gaming capital, better known as Las Vegas, started off the first quarter with 15,876 defaults. This was more than double the 6,651 default notices for Q1 of last year. The foreclosure problem in Las Vegas resulted from home buyers gambling on prices continuing to climb. Speculators used adjustable-rate-mortgages (ARMs) and sub-prime loans to get their foot in the door hoping to use the home's projected appreciation to later refinance under more affordable fixed-rate loans. Unfortunately, the tide turned and Nevada's housing market has crumbled.

With a huge wave of hybrid ARMs due to reset this spring, many Nevada homeowners will find their payments ballooning by as much as 50%. With property values dropping almost 20% since last year, distressed borrowers will have little opportunity to refinance into more affordable loans. Left to drown in their mortgage payments, an increasing percentage of homeowners will enter the foreclosure process. This will further suppress housing prices as bargain-priced foreclosures take a bigger share of the Nevada home sale market. In Las Vegas, nearly half of all homes currently on the market are foreclosures. With inventory increasing and home sales at their lowest levels in 13 years, the Nevada housing market will get worse before it gets better.

About RealtyStore.com: Founded in 2005, RealtyStore.com is the fastest growing, most trusted provider of foreclosure listings and information in the nation with over 1 million pre-foreclosure, foreclosure auction, bank-owned, and tax sale property listings. Collected from hundreds of public and private sources, RealtyStore's proprietary database includes extensive property characteristics (including pictures and maps), default and tax information, comparable home values, and neighborhood demographics information. For more information, visit http://www.realtystore.com.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)

Family Retreat Exemplifies Green Luxury

This 5500+ square foot luxury log home, nestled on a lake was designed as a weekend retreat for an active family who wanted to bring their love of the outdoors in. The home, decadent in every way, is also considered one of the most 'green' ways of home building.

Wisconsin Rapids, WI (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- Premier log home producer Golden Eagle Log Homes has recently completed an awe-inspiring luxury log home in the north woods of Wisconsin. The home, decadent in every way, is also considered one of the most 'green' ways of home building.

Even as media reports persist about the decline of the housing market, new log home construction continues to increase. This growing popularity in log homes has spurred a large interest from consumers. Unlike stick- built homes, which are built on site of the property, log homes are manufactured in a facility, where efficiency and accuracy can be optimally maintained.

Once the manufacturing is complete, the home is simply shipped to the site, where it's quickly assembled. This process reduces the carbon footprint of a home build significantly, particularly when compared to that of typical stick built. There's less waste, due to the efficient, climate controlled manufacturing environment, there's less pollution and property impact, since heavy machinery isn't required on-site for months at a time, and, surprising to many - the majority of log home producers (Golden Eagle included) source their logs from tree farms, where cut trees are continuously replanted.

This 5500+ square foot luxury log home, nestled on a lake was designed as a weekend retreat for an active family who wanted to bring their love of the outdoors in. The open concept home prominently features the majestic beauty of logs, with a seamless integration of modern day luxury.

"The log home industry has grown over the years offering homebuyers a rustic form of primary living with all the modern amenities included," said, Jay Parmeter, owner of Golden Eagle Log Homes.

Featuring a gourmet kitchen for entertaining, including 36" deep granite countertops which hold multiple Nesco cookers for when the family gathers. The three-level home has 5+ bedrooms (two of which are master suites, for the convenience of guests) and 4 bathrooms, as well as a 2200+ square foot finished family room, ideal for evening hangouts and winter activities. The 23' foot ceilings in the great room rival the view from the multiple Semco Windows facing the lake, and the outdoor patios beckon you.

For more information on how luxury and green can go hand in hand, or to see photos of this home, please contact Scott Rouleau 860.677.0560.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:49 AM | Comments (0)

Tennessee Homebuilder Adopts AirTap to Achieve Energy Star Certification

Riverbend Development, builder of a new residential community in Kingsport, Tennessee, is using AirTap Heat Pump Water Heaters to get 5-star energy rating for all their homes.

Houston (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- All homes in Skyland Falls, a new gated community in Kingsport, Tennessee, will use AirTap™ heat pump water heater that is manufactured by AirGenerate of Houston.

According to Gary Alexander, owner of Riverbend Development that is building the new community, "Energy efficiency is important to us. We decided very early that we wanted Energy Start certification for all our homes. AirTap™ was a critical piece of our strategy. It was very affordable, convenient to install, and highly efficient. If not for AirTap™, we would've had to spend thousands more on technologies like higher SEER HVACs to get comparable savings. Thanks to AirTap™, our homes are achieving a 5-star rating."

Riverbend Development is not alone. Facing a tight market, home builders are increasingly seeking out new technologies, especially in energy-efficiency, to differentiate their offerings and boost sales. "Unsold inventories are at an all-time high and competition among home builders is heating up," said Paul Shah, who manages sales to home builders for AirGenerate. "For years, builders have emphasized amenities like larger kitchens, bigger closets, and elegant master baths. But in this era of high cost of energy and increasing interest in savings, lures include energy-efficient systems like smart timers, better insulation, and AirTap™."

AirTap™ is an adaptable heat pump that attaches onto customer's current water heater, whether it is gas, electric, or propane. It uses a patent-pending method that uses heat pump technology to heat water. This device that has a MSRP of $499 (exclusive of rebates) is also the only heat pump that is certified by GAMA under DOE guidelines.

"We offer the most energy-efficient water heater in USA that can save on average 70% of home-owner's water-heating bill. By adding our unit, home builders can guarantee their customers a more efficient home, clean up the environment by reducing overall energy consumption, and improve home energy rating all with one minimum investment", said Sunil Sinha, Chief Scientist for AirGenerate.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:48 AM | Comments (0)

Identita The 'Powered Card' Identity Provider Announces Strategic Partnership with Open Source RFID Solution Provider logicAlloy

Identita, The "Powered Card™" provider of cross-platform access, authorization and identity management solutions, signs agreements with logicAlloy Inc. to use ALE Server middleware in its production environments. logicAlloy's ALE Server platform provides an easy to use, fully compliant open source platform for RFID deployments.

Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- Identita is set to achieve an industry first in the development of open source radio frequency identification ("RFID") technology for building security and control applications. Identita will use the ALE Server middleware platform, developed by logicAlloy Inc., to add full RFID functionality into its EchoSystem platform and IDPROX application suite. This will be the first use of open source RFID technology in building security applications by Identita. The use of ALE Server technology within IDPROX will lower product development costs and enable a more robust solution using radio frequency scanners.

"When comparing RFID technologies, logicAlloy's open source platform delivered greater flexibility and easier integration at less cost than traditional RFID software solutions," stated Archie Cuke, President of Identita Technologies International SRL. "The ALE Server middleware package will allow us to enhance our IDPROX offering to deliver greater value to our customers around the globe."

As part of the agreements, logicAlloy will provide full modification capabilities for software user interfaces and message transports. logicAlloy will also partner with Identita to provide the highest level of support for customers using RFID solutions. "We are very excited to work with Identita to deliver a stable, high performance solution to the building security and automation market," said Edward Blazer, President of logicAlloy. "ALE Server is an easy to integrate solution that will allow Identita to bring RFID functionality to its product suites."

Identita's IDPROX application suite provides an unbreakable, turn-key identity authentication solution for building management. IDPROX works by providing a full security solution using OTP/magnetic and/or OTP/RF cards across several partitioned layers. Partitions allow a large system to be divided into smaller entities, where each entity can manage its own security needs. Common usages are in multi-tenant buildings where each tenant wishes to manage and monitor his own security or nationwide systems using geographic partitioning. Operators can use a point and click interface to manage specific partitions, allowing monitoring and control capability for a defined space or part of the system.

ALE Server is the industry's first open source, EPCglobal compliant middleware for application level event processing. Whenever an RFID tag passes near an active reader, the reader will detect the tag and log the event into an internal cache. ALE Server will then collect, store and filter reader data, transforming it into meaningful information. As an open source product, the software can be freely downloaded for non-commercial use, allowing companies like Identita to try it for free in their development environments.

About Identita:
With research and development facilities in Canada and its international offices in Barbados, Identita creates identity management solutions involving hardware tokens and client server application software. Identita's EchoSystem platform is a multi-token aware identity management back-end with a complete suite of application modules to meet the requirements of virtually all verticals. Identita has developed unique proprietary handshake protocols to counter phishing, man-in-the-middle and man-in-the-browser attacks, using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) and digital certificates. Identita currently manufactures an acoustic one-time password (OTP) smart card, an OTP display card (embedded, flexible display on the front of the smart card), and will soon release biometric and GPS cards. Identita's solution goes beyond traditional smart card implementation. Its credit card-sized format enables the inclusion of other technologies such as magnetic stripe, proximity chips, EMV chips, bar code, RFID and picture ID.

For more information, email info@identita.com or call Identita at +1 416-650-9505 in Canada or +1 246-435-4614 for global sales and partnerships or visit us on the web at http://www.identita.com.

About logicAlloy:
logicAlloy is a developer of RFID middleware applications, delivering software engines to provide reliable, standards-based RFID solutions. logicAlloy's products allow data collection and management from thousands of readers, giving companies far greater visibility into their operations than previously possible. As an open source provider, logicAlloy has access to a growing network of developers and testers, enabling it to offer stable, easy to use solutions without high software costs.

ALE Server, logicAlloy's open source RFID middleware product, is fully compliant with EPCglobal standards and is an OSI Certified Open Source Software program. ALE Server is designed to make integration efforts easy. It supports seven major notification transport technologies, includes a web-services API and pre-built client libraries, and can integrate with nearly any other system through its plug-in framework.

For more information or to download ALE Server, contact us at +1 888-4EZ-RFID or visit us on the web at http://www.logicAlloy.com.

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

Luxury Bath Products Manufacturer TOTO USA Announces New Brand Philosophy Campaign: totology

Company articulates intrinsic corporate water technology ethic -- enrich today; preserve tomorrow.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- TOTO USA Inc., a manufacturer of luxury bath products, announces its new brand philosophy campaign--totology--that takes a unique approach to water technology and conventional sustainability reporting. Using neologism to define a proprietary knowledge system, TOTO demonstrates that the totality of its core competencies synergize to create success by balancing economic, social, and environmental objectives. As represented in the totology wheel, each drives and is reinforced by the other in a constant virtuous cycle. Thus, continuous improvement in the area of customer experience drives innovative water technology development, which spurs sustainable manufacturing practices, which in turn, drives water efficiency - and the virtuous cycle of continuous improvement begins anew.

Long before government mandates, TOTO USA was researching, testing, and designing high-performance, luxury bath products with water technologies that help preserve the planet's resources as they enhance the design aesthetics of a homeowner's most personal space. Through its new micro site, whytotology.com, the company would like to share the core philosophies that have informed its effective resource management since TOTO's inception in Japan over 90 years ago. totology combines the three aspects of the company's central resource preservation belief system - sustainability, water technology, and the user experience.

"From day one, TOTO USA has been dedicated to providing not only the highest quality, luxury bath products, but also those that meet and exceed our customers' expectations," said Shannon Peterson, Interactive Communications Manager of TOTO USA. "TOTO USA works hard to go above and beyond government regulations and ensure that our products are earth-friendly and use original water technology techniques."

Sustainability - attempting to minimize the negative impact left on the planet - is one of TOTO's core values, as articulated in the new totology campaign. TOTO USA's advocacy, manufacturing processes, and products are all envisioned with sustainability in mind. Combined with the company's groundbreaking technological advances, sustainability and water technology innovation are at the heart of TOTO USA's full line of luxury bath products for the bathroom space. Innovations like SanaGloss, a nanotechnology that reduces the amount of cleaning chemicals needed to maintain a toilet; 1.28 gallons per flush high-efficiency toilets that utilize 20% less water than standard low flow models; and EcoPower, a unique technology that harnesses the power generated by the water that will ultimately wash the user's hands to operate touch-free sensors, are just a few of the earth-friendly ideas in a long history of green thinking from TOTO USA. For more information on TOTO USA's line of eco-friendly luxury bath products, visit www.whytotology.com.

About TOTO USA
TOTO, the world's largest plumbing products manufacturer, has been providing innovative bath products to consumers for over 90 years. Headquartered in Morrow, Georgia, TOTO USA's collection of luxury, high-performance bath products includes high-efficiency toilets, fashion forward lavatories and faucets, and other high-design bath fixtures, fittings, and accessories. Long before government regulations, TOTO USA has been researching, testing, and implementing earth-friendly ideas to integrate in its products and is always looking for innovations to its luxury, high-performance bath products. For more information about TOTO USA Inc., visit www.totousa.com.

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

Home Owners Find Door Hardware Can Help Sell Their Homes Faster in a Slow Market

Builders, realtors and home owners turn to Direct Door Hardware's online store to find quality hardware like Schlage, Emtek, Sure-Loc and Weslock products. Realizing the importance of creating a lasting impression for buyers in a slow housing market, sellers upgrade their door knobs or cabinet hardware to give their homes a fresh and up to date look.

Logan, UT (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- As the housing market continues to struggle in many regions of the country; it becomes more difficult for home owners, home builders and realtors to get their homes sold. Sellers have to be aggressive and sometimes creative in how they can set their home apart from the rest and get it sold quicker. An easy and fairly inexpensive fix that can make a big difference is updating door or cabinet hardware. Especially at the front door (the first contact a buyer will have with the home) a good impression is crucial.

Direct Door Hardware, a Logan, Utah company has been helping home owners, builders and Realtors make a better impression and improve the perceived value their homes for years. Their online hardware store offers a wide variety of door hardware brands and styles to give any home an improved look. When a buyer opens the front door of a home, a good quality door knob or handle set can make a lasting impression of quality. It's important to make that initial contact the best possible. Worn out brass door knobs can date a home and make it feel cheap and old. For a few hundred dollars a seller can replace their old door knobs with up to date styles and finishes like oil rubbed bronze or satin nickel. On a tight budget, just upgrading the front door hardware can make a big difference.

Another area of the home that sellers can make a big impact is in the kitchen. Kitchens are one of the most important rooms in the house to a buyer. Adding some stylish cabinet knobs can give the kitchen a refreshing and up to date look and make some bland cabinets look finished and dignified. Good cabinet knobs can be purchased for just a few dollars per knob or less and are generally easy to install making this a simple upgrade for a seller to make.

Direct Door Hardware provides quality brands like Schlage, Emtek, Weslock and Sure-loc to home owners, builders and realtors. Their easy to use website has a huge selection of popular hardware styles that are often not available at your local hardware store. From the comfort of home, customers can browse an extensive collection of hardware products not available at their local hardware store. Direct Door Hardware's knowledgeable staff is available to help customers choose the right type of door hardware for their application.

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

Why Rent in Moreno Valley When You Can Purchase a Brand-New Home in an Online Auction for a Bargain Price

With nearly two weeks until the bid deadline, prospective buyers are enthusiastically conducting their due diligence, securing financing and viewing the homes before placing a bid in an online auction of brand-new homes in Moreno Valley. The LFC Group of Companies, a Newport Beach-based online real estate auction marketing firm, is conducting the online auction of these thirteen homes on their residential auction website Freedom Realty Exchange (www.FRE.com/215R6).

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- With nearly two weeks until the bid deadline, prospective buyers are enthusiastically conducting their due diligence, securing financing and viewing the homes before placing a bid in an online auction of brand-new homes in Moreno Valley. The LFC Group of Companies, a Newport Beach-based online real estate auction marketing firm, is conducting the online auction of these thirteen homes on their residential auction website Freedom Realty Exchange (www.FRE.com/215R6).

Recently ranked as one of the fastest growing cities in the nation, Moreno Valley, California, offers residents an outstanding lifestyle. Recreational opportunities abound at nearby golf courses and parks, including Lake Perris State Recreational Area, one of Southern California's most popular boating, fishing and camping locales. Situated among pristine lakes and the picturesque San Bernardino Mountains, the homes are located only five miles from the University of California, Riverside, with easy freeway access to Los Angeles and Orange County.

The single family homes range from approximately 1,377 to 1,954 square feet and feature 3 to 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. Each home includes attractive features like vaulted ceilings, a concrete rear patio, dual pane insulated windows, designer selected carpeting, oak cabinetry, and pre-wiring for a home security system.

Though previously priced in the upper $300,000's, the minimum bids for the homes will start as low as $99,000! Also included in the online auction is one fully-furnished model home with a minimum bid starting at only $1.

"As auctions continue to gain popularity in this real estate market, buyers are beginning to realize that they can get a lot more for their dollar by purchasing a home through an auction - especially brand-new homes like these in Moreno Valley," says Bill Lange, president of the LFC Group of Companies. "If someone has been thinking about buying home, this auction is definitely one of the best opportunities around," continues Lange.

The bid deadline is Thursday, May 29th, 2008. The homes are open for viewing Thursday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and by appointment. Information regarding financing and placing a bid is available when you register at www.FRE.com/215R6. Don't let this chance to purchase a brand-new home for a steal pass you by.

Freedom Realty Exchange - part of the LFC Group of Companies

For more than 30 years, the LFC Group of Companies have served numerous Fortune 500 companies, real estate developers, investors, financial institutions and government agencies by auction-marketing thousands of commercial, industrial, land and residential properties with an aggregate value well in excess of $5 billion. www.FRE.com

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

Workplace Spanish Training Now Available Onsite at Companies

Workplace Languages, LLC is now offering customized onsite “Survival” Workplace Spanish Training & Seminars (other languages offered) to management in a variety of industries.

(PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- Workplace Languages, LLC is now offering customized onsite “Survival” Workplace Spanish Training & Seminars (other languages offered) to management in a variety of industries. Workplace Languages, LLC also teaches a very functional workplace English to those employees with limited English proficiency. Classes & seminars are always taught on-site at the company 24/7.

What They Offer:

Participants are taught a functional language that can be used immediately.
Industry, company & job-specific materials designed for your company.
Not a “canned” product. We take the time to learn about your business.
Always on-site at your company for your convenience.
Offered 7 days a week / 24 hours a day.

Their Approach:

Zero-stress classroom environment.
They do not teach grammar.
Workplace Languages, LLC bridges the communication gap through basic Spanish phrases and commands designed to meet your company’s specific needs.

Return on Investment:

Increase cost-effectiveness, productivity & retention with improved understanding between supervisors and workers.
Develop an awareness of cultural behaviors unique to your company.
Demonstrate that your company is attempting to reach out to the Spanish-Speaking community.
Offer resources for participants to continue learning outside of this class.

Each Participant Will “Walk Away With”:

Customized materials & company-specific handouts.
Functional key phrases unique to your company.
The ability to make requests known.
Lessen frustration by closing the communication & cultural gap.

If your company needs to improve productivity, wants to retain great employees and values diversity, Workplace Languages, LLC has language solutions to improve your bottom line. Workplace Languages provides an easy, effective and immediate way to close the communication gap at your company.

If you would like more information about: written translations, ESL or survival Spanish Training or their bilingual training products, please call Ed Rosheim at 651-330-9419 or email at erosheim@WorkplaceLanguages.com.

Contact:
Ed Rosheim, President
Workplace Languages, LLC
1702 Regatta Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone: 651.330.9419
Fax: 651.330.9426
E-mail: erosheim@WorkplaceLanguages.com
URL: www.WorkplaceLanguages.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:59 AM | Comments (0)

IDEAL Adds New Software Release to Scanning and Imaging Solutions

CSoft’s WiseImage 11 for AutoCAD and for Windows Now Available

Rockville, Maryland (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- IDEAL has added WiseImage 11 for AutoCAD and WiseImage 11 for Windows to its broad selection of scanning and imaging solutions. WiseImage is developed by CSoft. IDEAL is the US distributor for WiseImage and other CSoft products and is the Distributor of the Year for Contex scanners.

WiseImage 11 for AutoCAD is the perfect complement to IDEAL’s scanning solutions. With a Contex large format scanner from IDEAL, companies can scan their old paper drawings; and using WiseImage 11 for AutoCAD, they can incorporate the scanned raster data into the CAD environment, simply and easily. This is done by adding native CAD-style raster editing and raster-to-vector conversion inside AutoCAD or AutoCAD-based verticals from Autodesk to facilitate revision creation and new drawing production. WiseImage 11 for AutoCAD includes all technology and research results from previous years and starts a new era with real integration of CAD and image processing. It supports the latest version of AutoCAD - AutoCAD 2009.

IDEAL scanning solutions include the newest models of Contex Scanners for fast, accurate large format scanning and WiseImage 11 for AutoCAD offers a professional set of enhancement tools for converting those scanned drawings to CAD. The tools can be applied to black/white as well as grayscale and color images. WiseImage allows users to edit, update, and convert (both semi-automatically and automatically) to vectors scanned maps, drawings, sketches, and other graphics. True ObjectARX technology, the ability to use AutoCAD dialogs and settings, and an advanced customizable interface, make WiseImage 11 from IDEAL a solution that is perfect for a wide range of applications - GIS, cadastral, aerial and satellite image processing, architecture, engineering, schematics and more.

WiseImage 11 for Windows is the perfect combination of a 2D CAD package including an image processing application. It is ideal for editing drawings that have been scanned on an IDEAL/ Contex scanner because it blends raster and vector, productivity and precision, CAD functionality and image processing capabilities perfectly in one cost-effective application. It combines the power of a raster-vector (raster images overlaid with vector elements) editor and raster to vector converter with a complete set of powerful image processing tools. A native CAD-style interface with command line and layouts with viewports, combined with high-end image processing, results in a strong synergetic effect.

WiseImage 11 for Windows works with DWG files exactly as a CAD application and processes raster files as the best image processing application. This makes WiseImage 11 a one-stop-solution for a wide range of applications -- GIS, cadastral, aerial and satellite image processing, architecture, engineering, schematics to mention but a few.

“Whether you need to edit scanned drawings or integrate them into a CAD application, WiseImage 11 is a cost-effective and efficient way to work with your scanned raster images,” says Phil Magenheim, Vice President of IDEAL. “IDEAL offers our dealers and their customers complete scanning, editing and conversion solutions.”

IDEAL scanning solutions and WiseImage Intelligent Raster technology are available through IDEAL’s extensive dealer network.

About IDEAL
IDEAL.com includes the Scanners & Systems Division and the Reprographics Division. IDEAL Scanners & Systems develops, markets, and supports a wide range of large format scanning, printing, indexing, archiving, converting and editing solutions designed specifically for the AEC, GIS and Reprographics markets. IDEAL Scanners & Systems is the exclusive U.S. distributor of Contex large format scanners. IDEAL's MyArchiveCenter.com offers customers a secure, web-based centralized location to archive scanned drawings. IDEALplanroom.net offers secure construction collaboration and bid management. For more information on IDEAL products/services, or to become an authorized reseller, visit the IDEAL website at www.ideal.com. IDEAL Reprographics provides large format scanning, printing and conversion services for a wide range of customers, as well as 3D printing services for architectural, GIS and manufacturing clients.

Contact Kathy Magenheim
Phone: (240) 399-5630
Email: kmagenheim @ ideal.com

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:59 AM | Comments (0)

Get a Grip, on Design -- Design and Decorating Tips from Toll Brothers

Flesh, Bones and Smurfs: Choosing Interior Lighting by Tim Gehman -- An overview of 5 types of lighting for designing and decorating your home from Tim Gehman of Toll Brothers.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2008 -- “I don’t know. I’m not a decorator; I’m a designer.” This mantra was repeated seven times in the last hour to a friend who was trying to select the perfect light fixtures for her new luxury home. The distinctions are numerous and often subtle, but suffice it to say -- design: bones, decorating: flesh.

“Well you at least have an opinion, don’t you?” was her final attempt to win approval. The answer was, “of course, name one time when I don’t,” but since, like all decorating opinions, its validity would have extended only as far as it agreed with the values of the asker, this designer’s opinion remained private.

Like an aspiring socialite who’s lamenting that she can’t go strapless at the cotillion because of a fading Papa Smurf shoulder tattoo, remorse is born from shortsighted choices. For homeowners foolish choices often come from selecting the immediacy of appearance over the cognition of use; decorating over design. This is never truer than when considering lighting.

Which lamp is the better choice a Baumhauer or a Biedermeier? The foolish answer is that it depends on which matches the couch, a matter of flesh. The wise answer is that it depends on numerous factors having to do with a complex balance of lamp performance and ergonomics, the bones of lighting. Once style is set aside, good lighting design begins where all good home design begins, utility -- for what purpose will a space be used and what’s the appropriate quantity and quality of lighting to satisfy that purpose.

There are five primary types of lighting that homes utilize: recessed, wall-mounted, pendant, ceiling-mounted, and track. Each has its primary and secondary uses, and a space may require one or all of these types in order to perform a specific task or set a desired mood.

Recessed — Also referred to as down lights, cans, or eyeballs, these consist of two parts, the recessed housing (installed prior to the drywall) and the trim (the part that is visible in a finished home). These are standard fare for new construction, primarily because they’re an easy way of supplying the minimum amount of light required by many codes without getting into issues of style since the standard trim is white and flush with the ceiling. But don’t underestimate this category; although providing ambient light is what recessed lights do best, in work areas like kitchens and baths they can provide excellent task lighting for counters and islands.

One drawback to this type is that since the light is downcast, it leaves the ceiling as a black hole. Keep in mind that the housings are installed early in the construction process and should be laid out prior to the start of construction, and homeowners without the following hobbies: Photometrics, Isolux Diagrams, and Illuminance Calculations should consult a lighting specialist in order to determine the correct quantity and spacing of fixtures that may be necessary.

Wall-Mounted — The primary type in this category is sconces (wall-hung pieces that resemble illuminated brackets). They’re designed to reflect light off of walls, ceilings, or both. Because their primary function is setting mood, they’re nearly always linked to a dimmer switch, however, when fully lit in small spaces, they provide adequate indirect lighting that’s preferable to the direct lighting of cans. Because these are decorative, there is a dizzying array of choices, but regardless of taste, attention should be paid to each style’s cutoff angle; it determines the spread of the beam and figures into shielding the viewer from direct rays.

Pendant — A light that freely dangles from its housing by any medium: chain, chord, rope, taffy — these are almost always purely decorative and are available in styles ranging from minimalist to ostentatious. Primary uses are in dining rooms, in two-story entry halls, and above breakfast bars. A current trend showing up in model homes and style magazines is to have chandeliers dangling from every ceiling in the house including the bathroom. Don’t try this one at home without a net; it’s a short slippery path from oohs and aahs to headshakes and giggles.

Ceiling Mounted — Houses built prior to 1985 have one of these in the center of nearly every room. Like that cantankerous uncle who just can’t help but speak his mind in every situation, these lack subtlety and make people uncomfortable. They supply ample light but offer nothing to mood. In today’s houses they’re best left to service spaces and only then if little time is spent there. For instance, if a laundry consists of only a washer and dryer, it’s a valid choice, but laundries that also include tubs, folding tables and/or ironing boards require adjustable task lighting that doesn’t bring to mind that night spent in the local lockup on spring break.

Track — Because these are surface-mounted, they’re still the best option when remodeling. Use them to highlight art, family photos, or a beloved macramé plant hanger. Better still, redirect the beam at the ceiling for adjustable indirect lighting and sell that macramé thing. Don’t worry somewhere another sisal loving buyer awaits. They should be easy to spot. Just look for the smurf tattoo.

Tim Gehman is the Assistant Director of Design for Toll Brothers, Inc. and holds a bachelor of architecture degree from Boston Architectural College.

Toll Brothers is a luxury home builder with a diverse array of distinctive new home communities in the most dynamic locations throughout the country. Please visit www.TollBrothers.com for more information.

Contact:
Kira McCarron
Chief Marketing Officer
215-938-8220

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

APWagner.ca Makes Finding Appliance Parts Quick & Easy with New Website

APWagner.ca is an appliance parts website for Canada. It helps people to fix their appliances with do it yourself repair tips, easy parts lookup, online chat help and Fast shipping.

Mississauga, ON (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2008 –- A broken appliance can be a stressful thing, finding the new part to fix it doesn’t have to be, thanks to the newly created APWagner.ca.

"We wanted to create a website specifically for our Canadian customers that would be an easy tool to use to find the correct part for their appliance. We created this site with the do it yourselfer in mind. We’ve used our manufacturer relationships and 80 years of experience to come up with some of the best common questions and answers for all appliances as well as some basic repair tips. We’ve started a live chat session for those who have trouble finding their parts. With our large inventory and fast shipping, we can help all of our customers to have the best experience!" said Mike Mangan, President of AP Wagner.

Now with the ease of the internet, consumers can visit APWagner.ca for appliance information and purchase appliance parts and accessories right from the web.

APWagner.ca has repair and maintenance tips for all major appliances including air conditioners, dishwashers, garbage disposals, refrigerators, ranges, washers, dryers, freezers, microwaves, humidifiers, trash compactors, dehumidifiers, hot water dispensers, ice makers and range hoods. APWagner.ca also carries refrigerator water filters for all types of refrigerators.

To make it easy to find the correct parts, APWagner.ca has compiled detailed descriptions and photographs for thousands of parts as well as detailed image schematics and breakdowns for many model numbers. Parts Professionals are available for help locating specific parts via online chat or through the customer care center at 800.287.1627. Appliance Parts and Accessories can also be Shipped Overnight if needed. These features along with their Everyday Low Prices makes APWagner.ca an easy choice for the do it yourselfer.

With an inventory of over 4 Million Appliance Parts and Accessories, finding the correct part is easy. APWagner.ca’s Part Finder Database works with the consumer to narrow down the problem and find the correct part. APWagner.ca is factory authorized to carry appliance parts for Whirlpool, Maytag, Electrolux, Frigidaire, Jenn Air, Amana, Kitchen Aid, Bosch, Thermador and many more.

APWagner.ca is a dedicated leader in the distribution of appliance parts and accessories with 80 years experience. They service appliance dealers, service technicians and do-it-yourselfers. AP Wagner has locations in Mississauga, ON, Brampton, ON and Calgary, AB. Their corporate headquarters are located at 2205 George Urban Boulevard in Depew, New York.

For More Information:
Christine Smith
716-961-7142
csmith@apwagner.com
www.apwagner.ca

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

PURE to Offer Property-Casualty Insurance for South Carolina’s High-Value Homes

New Insurer Leverages Success in Other Complex Coastal Markets to Launch Its Expansion

CHARLESTON, S.C. (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) May 13, 2008 -- Ross Buchmueller, president and chief executive officer with PURE Risk Management, today announced the South Carolina launch of Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE), a specialist insurer dedicated exclusively to serving the owners of high-value homes insured for more than $1 million.

PURE will offer comprehensive coverage, including windstorm coverage, for large, well-built South Carolina homes that meet the standards of the latest building codes. PURE also will offer automobile, jewelry and art, personal-excess liability and watercraft coverage.

“PURE’s expansion to South Carolina comes at a crucial time during our state’s insurance crisis, when the limited capacity of our current insurance carriers and the restrictions of the South Carolina Wind & Hail Underwriting Association have led to a challenging environment of high prices, unregulated coverage and limited choices for customers,” said Bobby Collins, a longtime insurance-industry expert and business leader selected by PURE to run its South Carolina operations. “The wind pool is ill-equipped to deal with high-value homes as it limits the amount of coverage and the type of coverage available.”

“PURE is a welcomed solution that provides significant benefits including high-value homeowners insurance with wind and hail coverage, competitive rates that are subject to regulation, customized insurance programs and outstanding service,” Collins added.

Other PURE benefits include:

Hurricane and named-storm deductibles that range from 2% to 25% of the policies’ dwelling limits
Additional coverage to allow members to make environmentally friendly upgrades after property losses, including upgrades for vehicles that are total losses
Customized, competitively priced jewelry insurance coverage
Competitive auto-insurance coverage for households that have more cars than drivers
Online quote indications, personalized customer service, and prompt, expert claims service
“PURE looks forward to meeting the insurance needs of the owners of high-value homes in South Carolina,” said Ross Buchmueller, who served as president of AIG Private Client Group from its inception in 1999 until he founded PURE Risk Management in 2006. “Although the South Carolina market is unique, our successful history in Florida demonstrates our ability to understand complex coastal markets and provide competitive rates and effective solutions. Our selective underwriting enables us to provide higher quality coverage and more personalized service at significantly lower costs.”

Following its formation in late 2006, PURE has focused on providing insurance solutions for its members (policyholders) in Florida. PURE currently provides coverage to more than 2,000 members in Florida and has issued almost 4,000 policies throughout that state. Its methodical expansion includes working closely with the Institute for Business and Home Safety to identify local communities that meet Florida’s building codes as well as PURE’s stringent construction eligibility criteria. The company is doing the same in South Carolina.

PURE is unique in that it is a reciprocal exchange committed to ensuring the transparency of its operations. PURE is owned by its policyholders (members) who pay a surplus contribution of 10% of their high-value homeowners’ and watercraft premiums and 4% of their premium for all other policies for each of the first five years of membership). PURE currently has more than $50 million of policyholder surplus, fueled in part by these surplus contributions. If at the end of the year, the members’ premiums prove to exceed the cost of providing insurance, PURE will return the balance as a dividend or credit to each member through a Subscriber Savings Account (SSA). PURE issues non-assessable policies, so its members’ liabilities are limited to the costs of their respective policies. PURE has been awarded a Financial Stability Rating of “A” (exceptional).

PURE Risk Management LLC acts as attorney-in-fact for PURE and provides management services including underwriting, marketing, product management, financial oversight and claims handling.

About PURE

Privilege Underwriters Reciprocal Exchange (PURE) is the first property-casualty insurance company dedicated exclusively to insuring successful families. PURE is a Florida-domiciled reciprocal insurance exchange. PURE provides its members with comprehensive high-value homeowners’ insurance policies, including windstorm and optional excess flood coverage, for Florida and South Carolina homes insured for greater than $1 million that are built to the standards of the latest building codes. It also provides private fleet auto insurance, including agreed-value settlements for total losses, and insurance for jewelry and art. PURE also offers watercraft insurance and personal excess liability coverage with limits ranging from $5 million to $10 million. For more information, visit www.purehnw.com.

Editor’s Note: Interviews with PURE’s executives and policyholders available upon request.

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

Vela Systems to Present a Three-Part Webinar Series on the Latest Trends in Construction Field Automation

Sponsored by AT&T and Motion Computing, free webinars will help architects, contractors and owners use technology to boost jobsite productivity.

Burlington, MA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- Vela Systems, a developer of mobile field software for the AECO (architecture, engineering, contractor and owner) industry, is hosting a free webinar series about construction field automation. The series, sponsored by Motion Computing® and AT&T, will discuss how field automation through software, tablet PCs and wireless connectivity is improving jobsite productivity and quality, accelerating project delivery, and reducing risk.

"Research shows that 80 percent of all project dollars are spent in the field during construction, but until now there were very few technologies that could automate the field processes of construction," said Josh Kanner, founder and vice president of Vela Systems. "We have partnered with industry leaders in mobile computing to give attendees the opportunity to hear how their peers have leveraged new technology to significantly improve project outcomes by replacing field notebooks and drawings with software running on tablet PCs with wireless connectivity."

AT&T, the largest voice and date wireless communications network in the United States, believes field automation will increasingly become a requirement, as companies in the AECO industry continue to look for ways gain more efficiency at the jobsite. Motion Computing, the leading provider of slate tablet PCs for mobile professionals, knows that work in the construction industry requires very detailed and time-consuming communication from the field back to the office, and mobile computing helps improve the process by making important data available wherever it is needed.

Each part of the three part webinar series, held throughout May, will focus on a particular area of the AECO industry and feature case study results, presented by leading organizations.

Owner Webinar, Wednesday, May 14: Gary Younger, Project Controls Manager, Harvard University (Allston Development Group)
Contractor Webinar, Wednesday, May 21: Justin Murphy, Senior Project Manager, Charleville Development and John Gillis, Jobsite Superintendent, Suffolk Construction
Architect Webinar, Wednesday, May 28: Sherri Gutierrez, Office Director, Arquitectonica
Presenters will share their experiences leveraging these solutions to help improve overall jobsite performance. Additionally, attendees will be registered to win a Motion™ tablet PC or wireless broadband LaptopConnect cards from AT&T. For more information or to register visit www.velasystems.com/redir/webinar2.

About Motion Computing
Motion Computing is a mobile computing and wireless communications leader, combining world-class innovation and industry experience so professionals in vertical industries such as healthcare, field sales and service and government can use computing technology in new ways and places. The company’s enhanced line of tablet PCs, mobile clinical assistants and accessories are designed to increase productivity for on-the-go users while providing portability, security, power and versatility. Motion combines those products with services and unique vertical market knowledge to deliver robust solutions – platforms, peripherals, services and wireless – customized for the needs of a particular industry. For more information, visit www.motioncomputing.com

About AT&T
AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates, AT&T operating companies, are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. Among their offerings are the world's most advanced IP-based business communications services and the nation's leading wireless, high speed Internet access and voice services. In domestic markets, AT&T is known for the directory publishing and advertising sales leadership of its Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations, and the AT&T brand is licensed to innovators in such fields as communications equipment. As part of its three-screen integration strategy, AT&T is expanding its TV entertainment offerings. Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at www.att.com.

About Vela Systems, Inc.:
Vela Systems is The Leader in Field Software for the AECO Industry™. Vela Systems software streamlines and accelerates all field processes in construction and capital projects. By replacing their field notebooks with Vela software and Tablet PCs, Vela's customers save 5-10 hours per week per user, accelerate project delivery by two days per month, capture the true Cost of Quality™ and reduce litigation risk through standardized documentation. Vela's suite of modules includes field reports, safety inspections, work lists, punch lists, schedule updates and many other critical field activities. Industry leading architects, engineers, contractors and owners agree that Vela Systems helps them Work Faster, Collaborate Easier, and Finish Sooner™. To see how Vela's customers are improving construction delivery from Las Vegas to Dubai, please visit www.velasystems.com or call 888.VELA.SYS.

Motion Computing and Motion are trademarks or registered trademarks of Motion Computing, Inc, in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners.

©2008 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

©Copyright 2008 Vela Systems, Inc. All rights reserved. Vela Systems and the Vela Systems logo are registered trademarks of Vela Systems, Inc. in the United States and other countries. The names of other products mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Media Contact:
Jeff Miller
541-207-3461
Jmiller @ daviesmurphy.com

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

InventHelp Client Invents Lifting Device for Modular Structures

An InventHelp client from Bloomington, Calif., has designed a portable device that would facilitate lifting mobile or modular structures.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that one of its clients, an inventor from Bloomington, Calif., has designed a portable device that would facilitate lifting mobile or modular structures. The inventor has created a prototype.

The MODU-LIFT would improve safety for workers who install or move such buildings, and would help to ensure that a job is done correctly. The device would make this type of work faster, easier and less labor intensive. Also, the MODU-LIFT would be easy to transport to sites.

A job-related need inspired the development of the MODU-LIFT. "The idea came to me because I was tired of wasting so much valuable time each work day," he said. "Time and again, I'd show up to sites to pick up mt modular units, only to find that the workers still weren't finished lifting them."

The original design was submitted to the Anaheim office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-AMC-5074, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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

InventHelp Client Invents Concrete Formwork Setup Aid

An InventHelp client from Charlotte, N.C., has designed a tool that would save the user time and energy when setting up the formwork for a concrete curb or gutter.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that one of its clients, an inventor from Charlotte, N.C., has designed a tool that would save the user time and energy when setting up the formwork for a concrete curb or gutter.

The HAIGLER CURB GAUGE would enable the user to assemble the forms at the desired height quickly and easily. The invention was developed to eliminate the hassle involved in using a conventional tape measure and level to set the formwork. Additionally, the device would feature a durable construction, and it would be adaptable for use in setting up the forms for spill curbs, sidewalks and driveway entrances.

The inventor came up with the idea based on his professional experience. "As a concrete foreman, I know how frustrating it can be to assemble formwork correctly using conventional tools like tape measures and levels," he said. "I thought that there had to be a quicker, easier way to place the forms."

The original design was submitted to the Charlotte office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-CHR-1890, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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

InventHelp Client Invents Enhanced Joint-Making Tool for Concrete Finishing

An InventHelp client from North Charleston, S.C., has designed a concrete-finishing tool that would ease the work of making stress joints in semi-hard concrete.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- InventHelp announces that one of its clients, an inventor from North Charleston, S.C., has designed a concrete-finishing tool that would ease the work of making stress joints in semi-hard concrete. The inventor has created a prototype.

The R.P. JOINTER would minimize fatigue, stress and the risk of injury for concrete finishers. Designed for easy operation, the tool would save time and labor. Also, the R.P. JOINTER would be relatively compact and lightweight for convenient handling.

The inventor's professional background inspired him to make the R.P. JOINTER. "I have 30 years of experience in concrete work, and I wanted to invent a tool to address the inefficiency I've observed in present concrete-finishing techniques," he said.

The original design was submitted to the Columbia office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 07-CBA-868, InventHelp, 217 Ninth Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com.

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

This exceptional group of entrepreneurs were selected by an independent judging panel made up by regional business, academic and community leaders. The winners will be revealed on June 27th, 2008 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. " These finalists are

Highland Products Group, parent company of The Park Catalog, announced today that the New Orleans City Park is receiving a $15,000 site makeover. As recipient of The Park Catalog's $15,000 site makeover, New Orleans City Park Improvement may choose from an extensive product offering of commercial site furnishings including picnic tables, park benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, bleachers and more.

Boca Raton, Fl (PRWEB) May 12, 2008 -- Highland Products Group, parent company of The Park Catalog, announced today that the New Orleans City Park is receiving a $15,000 site makeover. As recipient of The Park Catalog's $15,000 site makeover, New Orleans City Park Improvement may choose from an extensive product offering of commercial site furnishings including picnic table, park benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, bleachers and more.

"Highland Products Group is delighted to play even a small part in the improvement of City Park in the wake of Hurricane Katrina" said Christopher George, Chairman and CEO of Highland Products Group. "Public spaces are what bring a community together. Improving our park is important to that effort" said George A. Parker of New Orleans City Park Improvement.

On May 1, 2008, Mr. George presented Mr. Parker with the $15,000 Makeover Gift Certificate. Upon completion of the project, photos will be available for viewing at www.theparkcatalog.com.

About Highland: Highland Products Group is the most comprehensive single source for outdoor commercial site furnishings, offering over 20,000 items in categories such as public seating, crowd control equipment, special event flooring, parking lot supplies, waste management, athletic equipment, entryway mats, outdoor accessories and more. Highland has served over 40,000 customers worldwide include governments, educational institutions and commercial facility owners. Highland's products can be viewed at www.theparkcatalog.com or by requesting a copy of Highland's 332 page Master Catalog. For more information, contact Jessica Metz at 1-888-709-7819.

About City Park New Orleans: City Park is a unique state agency of the Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism operated by the non-profit City Park Improvement Association (CPIA). At 1,300 acres, City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. The first parcel of land was acquired in 1854, making it one of the country's oldest parks.

Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 12:49 AM | Comments (0)

Thomas Equipment Names Sciocco as Regional Business Manager, Italy, for Thomas Skid Steer Loaders

Tarcisio Sciocco joined Thomas Equipment as Regional Business Manager for Italy, where he plans to build the Thomas skid steer business in construction, mining, agriculture and other industries, announced Gilbert Bedard, Vice President of Global Sales.

Centreville, New Brunswick, Canada (PRWEB) May 13, 2008 -- Thomas Equipment Inc., a global manufacturer and marketer of Thomas Skid Steer Loaders, appointed Tarcisio Sciocco as Regional Business Manager, Italy, it was announced by Gilbert Bedard, Vice President of Global Sales.

Sciocco, who has led marketing for major heavy equipment companies in Italy and who speaks Italian and English, will report directly to Bedard.

Petter Etholm, President and Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Equipment and its parent company, Osiris Corporation (OSRS), said, "Thomas welcomes Tarcisio Sciocco and we are confident that his comprehensive knowledge of the market in Italy will contribute to Thomas's success as we focus on meeting local market needs within of global expansion strategy."

Bedard said, "Sciocco has a wealth of international experience and we are confident he will make a dynamic contribution to Thomas Equipment's strategic growth initiatives in North America."

Before joining Thomas Equipment, Sciocco was Sales Manager of Antec SpA, a leading marketer of heavy equipment machines for construction, heavy mining and tunneling in Italy and manufacturer of road machinery exported worldwide. Earlier, he was Marketing Manager at both Midec SpA, Italy's former Volvo Construction Equipment distributor, and JCB SpA, the international heavy equipment company.

Sciocco said, "I am proud to be part of the Thomas team and look forward to expanding market penetration of existing markets and opening news avenues of growth for Thomas in Italy."

Ilan Danieli, Chief Operating Officer, added, "Tarcisio Sciocco epitomizes Thomas' focus on local market development to meet customer and Dealer needs as we expand globally. His expertise and leadership will provide a great addition to Thomas' ability to serve our customers in Italy."

Sciocco holds a degree in Business Administration from Universita Commerciale L. Bocconi, where he majored in Marketing. He lives in Legnano, Italy, has a daughter and enjoys sports, music and reading. He is also active in professional associations and community activities.

About Thomas Equipment, Inc.
Thomas Equipment, Inc. is a unit of Osiris Corporation (OSRS.PK), www.osiriscorp.net, which provides a variety of branded and other products to industrial markets through subsidiaries including: Thomas Equipment 2004, Inc.; Thomas Equipment Asia Co. Ltd.; Thomas Ventures, Inc., Pneutech-Rousseau, Inc. and TcomT Inc. Osiris' units manufacture and market industrial and construction equipment, distribute pneumatic and hydraulic systems and design wireless devices for the telecommunications industry, among other activities. For more information about Thomas Equipment, visit the company's website at: www.thomasloaders.com.

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

Strix Systems Chosen for Largest Indoor Mesh Network in Japan's The Landmark Tower Yokohama

Strix Systems Access/One delivers the highest capacity and highest quality voice services for the first largest pure voice over WiFi Mesh Network in Japan.

Calabasas, Calif. (PRWEB) May 12, 2008 -- Strix Systems today announced the deployment of Strix Access/One Indoor Wireless Systems (IWS) for robust enterprise class services to the tenants and management of the Landmark Tower Yokohama, a fortress of structural and technical innovation in the futuristic Minato Mirai 21 district of Yokohama city.

Owned by Mitsubishi Estates Co., Ltd, the tower stands 296m (970 ft), offers 392,000 m² (4,219,000 sq ft) of commercial space and has the largest indoor multi-level shopping mall, the finest restaurants, clinics, a five star hotel and executive offices topped by the Sky Garden which provides a 360-degree view of the city and Mount Fuji. The tower is built to be stabilized by earthquake-proof engineering consisting of harmonic absorbers, tuned mass dampers, designed to prevent damage or structural failure by vibration.

The first of its kind, this is the largest pure voice over IP network in Japan and the largest commercial indoor facilities supporting advanced digital IP/PBX services over a wireless mesh network. In comparison with traditional legacy Private Automatic Branch eXchange (PBX) and Personal Handy-phone Systems (PHS), the VoIP network provides high quality digital voice at a reduced cost and provides robust voice services to tenants of every floor as well as the parking structures and the executive helicopter landing pad (helipad).

East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT EAST) provided the integration of the network which included the Fujitsu IP-PBX, SIP servers, 3G/WiFi dual handsets and Strix modular multi-radio Access/One Indoor Wireless System (IWS) which delivers and exceeds the requirements for security, coverage, capacity, seamless roaming and Class of Service (CoS).

Access/One IWS nodes are installed on each floor of the seventy story tower. Mounted on the ceilings of hallways, the nodes provide blanket coverage, connecting services between floors with wireless or wired backhaul as defined by the network design. The Strix VoIP WiFi network has achieved more than a 60% reduction in access points in comparison to other industry recognized manufacturers.

"We are very happy with the results of the network," said Mitsubishi Estate Co., Ltd Yokohama Branch. "The quality of voice calls on the network is excellent and a testament to the engineering by NTT EAST as well as the quality and reliability of the Strix Systems wireless, IP/PBX and NTT phone equipment used."

The systems available bandwidth and performance not only supports VoIP services, but allows for hot zone internet access services and distributed IP-based video surveillance cameras and servers.

"High performance delivering voice over IP over WiFi mesh in fixed and mobile applications is what our Access/One products are designed to accomplish and we're very happy that the Landmark Tower Yokohama has been deployed with our robust and cost-effective solution, " said Martin Levetin, Senior Vice President Sales and Marketing for Strix Systems, Inc.

About Mitsubishi Estates Co., Ltd
Established in 1937, MEC is one of the core Mitsubishi companies and traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange under number 8802. MEC is involved in business and residential real-estate development, management and maintenance.

About NTT EAST
East Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT EAST) provides regional telecommunications services including Telephone Services (intra-prefectural communications), Integrated Digital Communications Services (Basic mode, intra-prefectural communications), Leased Circuit Services(intra-prefectural communications), and so on to the eastern areas of Japan with business pertaining to these services, business activities to achieve the purpose of the company, business activities to utilize the company's resources.

About Strix Access/One OWS, IWS, MWS, EWS
The Strix Access/One modular multiband wireless/WiFi mesh network products deliver the largest capacity (up to six radios and 768 users per node, three to six times the norm), highest throughput (five times the norm at 35 Mbps), and best scalability (users can add more WiFi 802.11a/b/g 2.4 GHz, 4.9 GHz, 5/5.8 GHz and future RF technologies as needed). An independent wireless mesh test sponsored by Light Reading and completed in June 2006 found Strix's OWS 2400-30 delivers the best throughput and capacity, the greatest scalability for voice applications, and the best mobility/roaming. Strix networks scale to 10 or more wireless hops with near-zero throughput loss and latency. Customers can deliver real-time applications with a minimum of wired connections for a given area, which reduces CapEx and OpEx.

About Strix Systems
Strix Systems is the proven worldwide leader in wireless mesh networking. Strix's Access/One products are the industry's only modular (chassis-based) mesh systems, delivering the highest throughput, lowest latency, greatest capacity and unparalleled scalability. This new generation of products provides the broadband mobility and reach to support voice, video, and data applications. Sold globally by a network of first-class distributors and integrators, Access/One solutions have been deployed in hundreds of networks worldwide, outdoor and indoor, for the service providers, metro, public safety, government, energy, transportation, hospitality, education, enterprise, and residential markets. For more information about Strix Systems, please visit www.strixsystems.com.

NOTE: Strix Systems and Access/One Network are trademarks or registered trademarks, in the United States and certain other countries, of Strix Systems. Additional company and product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of the individual companies and are respectfully acknowledged.

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

SimmonsCooper Law Firm Unveils Mesothelioma Video Library For Education & Support

SimmonsCooper -- one of the nation's leading supporters of mesothelioma cancer research -- has created a comprehensive video website featuring interviews with mesothelioma medical experts, patients and family members affected by mesothelioma, a rare cancer diagnosed in nearly 3,000 people every year.

East Alton, Illinois (PRWEB) May 12, 2008 -- SimmonsCooper LLC, one of the nation's most experienced law firms in mesothelioma litigation, has announced the unveiling of their free online video library for patients and families struggling to cope with the rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. The website features over 70 videos covering a variety of medical topics such as mesothelioma diagnosis, the various types of mesothelioma, and mesothelioma treatment options. Moreover, the site also includes interviews with patients and family members. The videos can be viewed at www.mesovideolibrary.com.

"Over the years we've worked on behalf of thousands of victims and families affected by mesothelioma, and we've always made advocacy and awareness a top priority, so we see this website as a continuation of that effort," explains John A. Barnerd, a mesothelioma lawyer at SimmonsCooper LLC. "This disease can be devastating to families. The Mesothelioma Video Library is a resource for patients and their family members to not only learn more about the disease, but to listen to first-hand accounts of real people dealing with the same issues they are."

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that most often affects the lungs (pleural mesothelioma) and the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). To ensure the website provided the most accurate medical information about the cancer, the firm worked in conjunction with Mary Hesdorffer, Medical Liaison and nurse practitioner for one of the nation's leading resources on mesothelioma, The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

"We're avid supporters of the Foundation, so we were thrilled when they agreed to lend their voice to the project," adds Barnerd. "Building awareness about the disease and the dangers of asbestos and its repercussions is so important. The fallout from asbestos exposure is going to continue for years and years, and we hope this website can help the afflicted patients and families in some way."

In creating the website, SimmonsCooper LLC wanted the videos to be short, simple, and easy to view. The 3-5 minute videos include topics such as "What are the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma?" and "How do I find a mesothelioma specialist?" Hesdorffer, a former nurse practitioner who has been actively engaged in treating mesothelioma patients for the past 11 years, can be seen and heard in many of the videos, providing information and counsel on myriad issues surrounding malignant mesothelioma and variations of the cancer.

"We can't solve the disease, and we can't take the emotional struggle that comes with dealing with mesothelioma away," admits Barnerd. "But we can help people to understand what they're up against, and we can help people to know that they're not alone in their struggle."

The free videos and facts on mesothelioma lung cancer are available at www.mesovideolibrary.com

About SimmonsCooper LLC
Dedicated to protecting individuals and families affected by mesothelioma, SimmonsCooper has been helping victims of asbestos exposure since 1999 through legal representation and counsel across the country. With three locations in California and Illinois, the mesothelioma attorneys at SimmonsCooper have seen this disease first-hand and are dedicated to giving all clients the attention, respect, and representation they deserve. SimmonsCooper is an avid supporter of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, and has pledged $10 million to support cancer research at the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University. Learn more about the law firm at www.simmonscooper.com

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

May 13, 2008

Pressure Washers Direct Goes Professional-Grade -- Now Offering Industrial Power Washers

PressureWashersDirect.com -- once known for specializing in residential pressure washers -- is significantly broadening its product line to power washing professionals.

Bolingbrook, IL (PRWEB) May 12, 2008 -- PressureWashersDirect.com - once known for specializing in residential pressure washers - is significantly broadening its product line to power washing professionals.

PressureWashersDirect.com recently redesigned its five-year-old web site to accommodate a complete line of industrial-grade equipment.

In addition, the web store recently set up special buying arrangements with the leading professional pressure washer manufacturers, including:

AR North America
CamSpray
Dirt Killer
Mi-T-M
Pressure Pro
Simpson
Vox

"Our goal is to provide the broadest product offering on the Internet," said Jon Hoch, founder & CEO of Power Equipment Direct - the parent company of PressureWashersDirect.com.

"We can now cater our service to professional and industrial customers, looking for the highest quality pressure washers direct from the leading manufacturers."

According to Hoch, the website's unique shopping system makes it extremely easy to pick the perfect professional pressure washer. For example, contractors can now compare pressure washers side-by-side with more than 20 attributes, including grade, style, PSI and brand.

PressureWashersDirect.com recommends 12 different professional-grade pressure washers in four different categories. In addition, the web site even allows contractors to upload before and after photos of their recent projects.

Vendors interested in getting their products online can contact Robin Holder at 630-685-0028 or robin@powerequipmentdirect.com.

PressureWashersDirect.com is operated by Power Equipment Direct. The Bolingbrook, IL-based e-tailer also operates ElectricGeneratorsDirect.com, AirCompressorsDirect.com and SnowBlowersDirect.com.

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

RCMS to Announce New Service Offering at AIA Expo 2008

iBIM to expedite mass adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Boston, MA (PRWEB) May 12, 2008 -- RCMS Group, a global leader in production services to the building design and construction community, is launching a new service offering and platform for the industry during the American Institute of Architecture (AIA) Expo 2008 in Boston, May 15-17.

RCMS will announce the iBIM platform and launch the iBIM Review service offering. iBIM, (integrated Building Information Modeling), is an integrated platform that leverages BIM technology to convert paper drawings into relevant and useable building information. Additionally, users of iBIM Review will only require a freely downloadable viewer. The deliverable includes a 3D BIM model as well as an analytics package providing key constructability and quantity information to assist in mitigating project cost and schedule risk.

“The vision of iBIM is to provide the productivity and benefits of BIM to building projects of all sizes and types at a fraction of the cost. iBIM Review will allow our clients to utilize BIM technology on every project and share their deliverables, while still protecting their intellectual property,” says KP Reddy, President and CEO of RCMS Group.

While Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been in use for more than a decade, the additional expense of the computer modeling, as well as training of project team staff, has been a hindrance towards more wide-spread adoption of this major technology enhancement. RCMS, has been experiencing explosive growth with the use of BIM, and expects even further acceleration with the availability of iBIM Review. Further additions to the iBIM platform will be announced later in the year.

“Owners are requesting BIM on large projects. With iBIM Review, they will demand it on projects of all sizes and types.” says Arnold Silverman, President and Chairman of Silverman Construction Management “RCMS is truly executing on the vision of BIM, there should be no excuse to not use iBIM on every project.”

RCMS will be demonstrating iBIM at the AIA Expo at th

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May 29, 2008

New Concrete Driveways Catalog Offers Decorative Design Ideas

Interlock Industries (BC) Ltd., Installer of Interlock Roofing Systems, Begins Campaign to Raise Funds for BC Children's Hospital Foundation -- Building for Kids

Cross Border Sales Surge Between US/Canada; Lone Star Businesses Continue to find New Customers in Canada

American Blinds, Wallpaper and More Shows off the Latest Wallpaper Trends

Innovative Rating System for Sustainable Development to be Unveiled at 2008 Greenbuild Expo in Boston

InventHelp® Client Invents "Grounding Rod Pounder" - An Invention That Could Make Electrical Work Easier

Quality First Home Improvement Inc. is Selected as a Master Elite Contractor by Roofing Manufacturer Giant GAF/ELK

San Jose Swimming Pool Design Company Employs New Imaging Software

The Granite Companies Announce the Promotion of Travis George to Senior Vice President of Operations

ETL and WHI Listed Marks Receive Formal Acceptance in Middle East

American Advantage Mortgage Company Selected as Preferred Lender for Collegiate Relocation Network (CRN)

Successful Infomercial Launch for the X-Deck by SafeTec

Select Safety Sales Expands in Response to OSHA's Final Rule on Employer Paid PPE

Rental Website WhyBuy.com Uses Blog to Provide Important Updates

Over 100 New Designs In Legs and Columns For Kitchen & Bath

Be the First to Preview The Acadian Condominiums - Right on Shediac Bay - From $299,900

TexasGulfCoastOnline.com Issues Report Providing Strategies for Real Estate Buyers, Sellers and Developers on How to Survive in Today's Market.

The Granite Companies are Proud to Announce the Promotion of Penny Roach to Executive Vice President and Director of Sales and Administration

SSOE to Design 1.2 M SF BMW Assembly Plant Expansion

DirectBuy of Fresno Featured on Valley Life

Americas Watchdog and Its Homeowners Consumer Center Launch a National Investigation into Zurn Plumbing Fittings

Trucking Factoring Service Company Makes Entrepreneurs Hot 100

InventHelp Clients Invent Doorknob Installation Aid

ETAP 6.0 Delivers Unmatched Speed, Precision, and Reliability

May 26, 2008

Thomas Equipment Names Auer Regional Business Manager for Southeastern USA, South & Central America

Nashville Homebuilder Ranked Among Nation's Fastest Growing

Steelwood is Working for their Clients' Financial Future

Eco-Friendly NYC Contractor Saves Clients 20% on Cooling Costs With New Energy-Efficient Coolant

Advanced Solar Control System for HSBC Boardroom and Presentation Suite

May 23, 2008

GeographyJobs.com Provides Hope for Many That Wish to Work in Their Field

Guardian Protection Services Acquires Ranger American Operations in Six Markets

Builder Magazine's Builder 100 Takes a Somber Look at the Housing Industry

Investors Realty Company to Open Costa Rica Real Estate Community Hacienda Matapalo

Ritzy Blog Delivers Quick Daily Updates and Photos from the Las Vegas Strip

Thomas Equipment Showcases Thomas Skid Steer Loaders at UK's SED 2008 Construction Show

MEP Jobs Publishes White Paper on Hiring and Retaining MEP talent

Intertek Collaborates With BASF Corporation for Product Safety Testing and Certification

Luxury Demanded, Sustainability Delivered: Master Planned Community to Implement Central Gas System from HBH Gas Systems

Stop the Bitchin': Positive Outlook for Commercial Real Estate Investors

Ashley-Edison Volt Drop Compensators Eliminate Voltage Drop in Long Cable Runs and SAVE on Cabling Costs.

Preparing to Sell Your Home? Surveys Show Your Garage Doors Perk Up Your Curb Appeal

Coventry Homes to Build in Towne Lake: NW Houston's Newest Community Grows as Coventry Homes Begins Building New Units in Towne Lake

Flower Window Boxes is Expanding

Doe Run Mine Rescue Team Members Stand Out in Regional Mine Rescue Competition

Navigant Partners Strikes Alliance with Situs Companies for Real Estate Due Diligence Services on Mergers and Acquisitions

Homeowners Start Large Addition Projects During the Spring Season

Former Ramada Inn, Michael's Steakhouse Hits Auction Block June 5

New Paving Quotation Website Launched - Compare Paving Quotes Online

Super Green, Solar, Non-Wood Constructed, Fireproof Homes

Over 40 Expert Speakers and Instructors to Teach at The Hardwood Flooring Summit

Active Adult Housing Pioneer Leonard Kohl Receives Icon of the Industry Award

Renaissance Lighting to Debut World's Highest-Quality 4-Inch Solid-State LED Downlight at LIGHTFAIR International in Las Vegas (May 28-30)

Mobile-Shop Company Charts Course for Major Expansion, Growth With New Investment Partner, Hillcrest Management, LLC

Discovery Parks Trust Recognized for Green Building Leadership - Discovery Green Wins Innovation in Sustainable Building Design Award in Power Smart Awards

On the Heels of Its 5-year Anniversary, Lone Oak Fund, California's Bridge Lender Introduces Aggressive New Loan Pricing, Lowering Rates to 8.9 - 9.9 Percent

Newly Released Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG) Has Latest Information for Hazardous Materials Emergencies

InventHelp Client Invents Ladder Support System

InventHelp Client Invents Drill Accessory

May 20, 2008

Designer Plumbing Outlet, an Online Plumbing Products Retailer, is Named in Internet Retailer's Top 500 Guide

New Construction Strategies Radio Network and the Contractors Side Launch New Channel for 75,000 Contractors

Golf Community Debuts New Golf Clubhouse for Its Members

Home Buying Institute Now Offers Free Real Estate Articles to Agents

Stone Age Manufacturing Greets the New Season with Expanded Photo Gallery of Outdoor Kitchens and Other Website Features

Litecontrol Introduces the New Radi-X Lighting Fixture for the School and University Market

New Engineered Foundation Systems May End Defects in Factory-Built Homes

New Flame Seal -TB™ Video, Urethane Foam Thermal Barrier Passes UL-1715 Fire Test

Fireside Home Construction Wins National Energy Efficiency Award

Solar Innovations, Inc. Explains the Health Benefits of Sunrooms