Henderson, Nev. (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- 21st EQUITY HOMES MANUFACTURING INC. (21st Equity) a precast home manufacturer and official Mandate Holder for global cement supply launches its Home upgrade and Real Estate Swop Program. This enables millions of property owners across the world to trade in their existing (hard selling) property against a brand new 21st Equity development including the benefit of becoming a factory co-owner and license partner in a 21st Equity Homes Manufacturing Plant.

Do you own Real Estate which you are unable to sell?

If you have anywhere in the world an apartment, villa or an entire real estate project and can NOT sell it, 21st Equity will take it in as collateral for the Factory Syndication & License Program.

21st Equity can build another home/project from that exchange for the client anywhere in the world where it is simply a better investment or has a better chance of being sold in the future. Accordingly, clients have the chance to trade in their non-profit producing assets and at the same time become Factory Co-owners in a 21st Equity Homes Manufacturing Plant without any out of pocket expenses for their License and Co-ownership Package.

"The credit crunch has made it virtually impossible for existing homeowners to upgrade from their existing homes to larger and potentially new homes, despite their existing homes having suitable equity. 21st Equity has announced that it is identifying development opportunities in various countries and will be introducing its 'home upgrade and Real Estate Swop Program' simultaneously.

'Essentially it works like this' says 21st Equity CEO Stephan Schurmann.

'21st Equity identifies a development opportunity and undertakes a new residential development of villas, condos, apartments and/or hotel. Homeowners who wish to upgrade to larger, newer homes in a 21st Equity development could apply to participate in our 'home upgrade and Real Estate Swop program'.

What this means is that depending on the value of your existing property and the outstanding mortgage, if any home purchasers could upgrade to a new larger home without the need to approach a real estate broker to sell their home. Based on a realistic market value agreed to between 21st Equity and the client, 21st Equity 'discounts the new home' with the agreed amount of the home being 'part swopped'. This results in the owner then only requiring the raise a mortgage of the balance of the purchase price'. Mr. Schurmann however cautions clients and says 'this program is not for everyone as each application is assessed on merit. Understandably, a home to be 'part swopped' cannot have a mortgage which is high leaving no equity component in the transaction as this would not make financial sense. Our program gives clients options to acquire larger and new properties in a 21st Equity development along with 21st Equity then taking the 'part swopped' home into its 'stock'.

Further information regarding 21st Equity's Real Estate Swop Program can be found on the companies web site by clicking here: http://www.equitypanels.com

About 21st Equity Homes

Who We Are And What We Do

The 60 Seconds Elevator Pitch - Company Profile:

21st Equity Homes Manufacturing Inc. is a global Homes Manufacturing and Construction Company as well as an official Mandate Holder & supplier of Portland Cement for clients around the world. We establish turnkey home manufacturing plants worldwide, provide equipment, know-how, training, full backup support to supply (and build) 21st Equity precast manufactured "Villas in a Box" or other "in a Box" series as well as precast building materials globally.

Our USP's are (Unique Selling Points):

By using the 21st Equity precast technology you enjoy savings of up to 60% compared to traditional building methods. With pre-manufactured "Smart Homes" you achieve a speed of construction, which enables you to erect up to 300 housing units per day.

A 36m2 (387 sq. ft.) precast concrete house can be erected in only 8.5 hours TURNKEY for as low as $7,740.00 and the quality is excellent! A 5 Star luxury "Villa in a Box" of 3,000 sq. ft. can be erected in only 1 week!

The Manufacturing Process:

21st Equity Homes production & manufacturing is done by setting up factories in any (low cost) country and export to other (high cost) countries utilizing our precast products and services. The 21st Equity Group creates 'local' business opportunities, which create manufacturing plants, jobs, export opportunities, global real estate ownership opportunities via co-ownership and license partner syndication of factories, participation in profits stemming from manufacturing activities of factories whether in one country or globally, branding and licensing opportunities. 21st Equity has created an ever expanding, worldwide network of licensees & partners supplying everything from low cost housing, to "Malls in a Box", "Apartments in a Box" to luxury "Villas in a Box", built from a wide range of innovative and low cost building products, utilizing SIP's, light gauge Steel, precast load bearing wall panels, hollow core slabs and light weight concrete panels delivered worldwide for a fixed price.

Indianapolis, Indiana (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- The increased demand for energy efficiency and savings among Midwestern homeowners has allowed USA Insulation to add several franchise locations in the past year. Adding home insulation has increased in popularity due to the desire for eco-friendly practices and, more importantly, the desire to lower monthly utility bills.

USA Insulation provides home insulation in many large cities, including Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Indianapolis, the third largest city in the Midwest, is the company's biggest endeavor thus far, with a population of over 795 thousand people. The Greater Indianapolis metropolitan statistical area has an estimated population of over 1.7 million. USA Insulation will begin with coverage of a 100 mile radius around the Indianapolis office location.

With an average high temperature of 84 degrees in August and an average low temperature of 19 degrees in January, many Indianapolis homeowners are looking for ways to save money on heating and air conditioning expenses. USA Insulation asserts that its premium foam insulation can cut monthly energy costs by up to 50 percent.

In addition to cutting monthly energy bills and increasing comfort in the home, Indiana insulation demand has increased due to the energy efficient tax credit available to those who make energy efficient home improvements in 2009. Individuals who add insulation this year will be eligible for a 30 percent tax credit, of up to $1,500.

"We're excited to open a new franchise in such a big market." says Pitrone. "Americans are becoming more interested in creating energy efficient homes and retrofit insulation is a great way to achieve that."

Discovery Bay, CA (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- ForeclosureRadar (foreclosureradar.com), the only website that tracks every California foreclosure, and provides daily auction updates, issued its monthly California Foreclosure Report for April 2009. In a reversal from the prior month, foreclosure notices dropped while foreclosure sales rose. Sales at auction rose by 35 percent overall and a record number of those properties were purchased by third parties at an average 28 percent discount from estimated market value. Notices of Default, the first step in the foreclosure process, dropped by 18.2 percent from the record level set the prior month. Notices of Trustee sale, which set the auction date and time, also dropped by 8.5 percent from the prior month.

"As the inventory of bank owned, or REO, inventories drop across California, we've seen a dramatic increase in demand for information on the foreclosure auctions as an alternative source for buying property in the current market", says Sean O'Toole, founder and CEO of ForeclosureRadar. "Despite the discounts offered at the trustee sale auctions, we'd like to remind everyone that these discounts come with significant risks, especially for consumers and inexperienced investors".

There are a number of inherent risks when bidding at a foreclosure auction, technically referred to as a "trustee sale". All sales are as-is, with little or no opportunity to inspect the property before purchase. Sales are also subject to existing liens and encumbrances so buyers must carefully research any outstanding debt that may be owed after the purchase. Since there is no title insurance, any mistake made when researching those liens and encumbrances is the buyers' alone to bear. In addition, the successful bidder may also have to evict the prior owner or tenant, before taking possession of their new purchase.

In return for taking on these risks, third party buyers enjoyed an average 28 percent discount from our estimated market value. With an average estimated market value of $294,000, that discount represents a significant savings of nearly $82,000. Despite the size of this discount, actual margins are lower given the costs associated with evicting occupants, cleaning, repairing, maintaining and reselling these properties. Private investors can often accomplish these tasks far more cost-effectively than large banks, making it a win-win for both parties.

Richmond, Calif. (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- EcoTimber, the only supplier in the flooring industry with wood lines that are 100 percent Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, has received three 2009 Top Ten Green Building Product Earth Day Awards from Green Building Pages, a Web resource guide for sustainable building materials.

"EcoTimber is proud to have our products once again recognized by Green Building Pages as being among the greenest building products available," said Dan Harrington, EcoTimber director of product development. "Green Building Pages is one of the few organizations that research every detail of a product's environmental impacts, from raw materials to transportation to longevity in service, so their green stamp of approval is truly meaningful. To have our wood floors win three out of the top 10 awards across all product categories is a great honor, and a testament to the hard work of the EcoTimber team."

Green Building Pages provides a product database with transparent information concerning manufacturers and their processes; links and resources to over 400 sustainable design related web-links and paper-published resources, including conferences & expos, government agencies, LEED-mandating agencies, professional trade organizations news briefs with current green news from across the web; and links to over 130 case studies including AIA Top Ten Green Projects.

EcoTimber, the leader in sustainable flooring since 1992, offers an innovative and diverse product line reflecting its commitment to sustainable forestry and forest conservation worldwide: 100 percent FSC-certified hardwoods and bamboo in both engineered and solid construction with no added formaldehyde. Headquartered in Richmond, California, the company is owned by NewWest Capital Partners and Greenmont Capital Partners. Information about EcoTimber's mission, products, and authorized dealers can be found on the EcoTimber website.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- VAST Enterprises, LLC, a material science research and manufacturing company, has a solution for landscape contractors who are striving to differentiate themselves and achieve greater efficiency improvements. In today's tough economy, forward-looking contractors could take advantage of a premium (and green) product for hardscapes that enables them to get excellent results with less labor. VAST Enterprises has engineered just such a solution: VAST Composite Pavers.

VAST Composite Pavers are one-third the weight of concrete pavers and can be cut with standard wood saws. For skilled installers they are easier and faster to work with. When installers fit the pavers into VAST's ingenious grid system, the pavers are automatically spaced and aligned. That saves time. Moreover, once the grids are laid on a prepared base, contractors can get their crews working from multiple starting points simultaneously. That speeds up the VAST installation process.

What do contractors themselves say about the VAST advantage?

"I have more than 25 years of experience in landscaping and contracting," said Joe Lemmerman, Earthpavers, LLC, St. Bonifacius, Minn. "I've completed a lot of VAST installations. With VAST I reduce the average amount of time it takes to do projects by 40 percent, and my customers love their finished patios, driveways and decks."

"VAST Composite Pavers are a premium product. But we can offer homeowners an installed price that's comparable to other materials because with the VAST grid system we save so much time and labor," said Bill Barton, All Seasons Building Company, Burnsville, Minn. "Our customers can put more of their project budget into a first-rate material. And the style and colors of VAST give us more creative design possibilities."

"VAST Composite Pavers are easy to handle, easy to work with, easy to cut, easy on your hands -- and we get great results," said Paul Ramacher, Greenway Pavers, Minneapolis, Minn. "Once we started working with VAST, we have not gone back to concrete products."

With its patented technology, VAST Enterprises turns post-consumer recycled rubber and plastics into the world's first composite material that consists almost entirely of recycled materials and provides the strength, durability and aesthetics required for hardscape applications. All VAST composite masonry products are made from up to 95 percent recycled car tires and plastic containers. VAST products include VAST Composite Pavers for landscaping, VAST Permeable Composite Pavers for stormwater management and VAST Composite Deck Pavers -- an innovative solution that brings the look of brick pavers up onto decks. VAST backs its products with a 10-year limited warranty with a lifetime warranty against cracking for residential applications.

VAST Installation Video:
Interested in the advantages of VAST Composite Pavers? See for yourself. Check out the VAST installation overview.

VAST Enterprises, LLC:
VAST applies its patented technology to transform recycled materials into a new resource for green building: composite masonry. VAST composite products -- including landscape pavers, deck pavers and brick wall fascia -- offer an engineered alternative to both segmented concrete and clay. VAST meets the most demanding requirements for aesthetics, durability, sustainability and installation efficiency. Available in standard and permeable versions for stormwater management, VAST pavers contribute to more LEED® credits than any other paver. Today, every 5,000-square foot landscape application keeps 2,500 scrap automobile tires and 75,000 gallon-size plastic containers out of U.S. landfills. Tomorrow? The Future is VAST. Learn more at vastpavers.com. Then call (612) 234-8958.

LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- Delivering on its commitment to improve worldwide productivity in the construction industry, e-Builder, the leading provider of integrated capital program and project management software, launched Enterprise 7 at the Construction Owners Association of America's (COAA) Spring Owners Leadership Conference. This upgrade signals a paradigm shift in the way construction project management software is developed, deployed and used. Organizations managing capital projects can now achieve reduced costs and business process improvements faster than ever before with e-Builder 7's modular deployment approach, easy-to-use platform, and fast integration capabilities.

e-Builder's interface is familiar to anyone that uses the Internet, a key component to improving ease of use and adoption. In addition, the offline tools included with the system let users continue to do their work in familiar applications like MS Word, Excel, Outlook, or even the fax machine.

e-Builder Enterprise 7 is designed so that it can be deployed in phases or one module at a time. This gives organizations the flexibility to build use and adoption in small steps instead of one massive, lengthy and expensive leap. This approach reduces the time it takes to see results with e-Builder by 70% or more vs. similar solutions. In addition, the technology platform includes import/export tools, a web services API, and an XML translation layer enabling integrations that require little to no custom programming. Furthermore, e-Builder's platform is system agnostic and can integrate with any other application.

Jonathan N. Antevy, e-Builder co-founder and CEO, stated, "it's ironic that for the last 3 years we've been focused on developing a low-risk, high-ROI platform, while the current economic landscape has forced organizations to be even more risk averse and demand demonstrable ROI. I'm confident in saying that the bottom line is that e-Builder provides the lowest risk, highest value capital project management software available today."

About e-Builder
e-Builder is the leading provider of fully integrated capital program and project management software for top facility owners and companies that act on their behalf. The company's flagship product, e-Builder Enterprise, improves capital project execution resulting in increased productivity and quality, reduced cost, and faster project delivery. Since 1995, e-Builder's technology leadership and construction industry focus has provided thousands of global companies, government agencies, healthcare and educational institutions managing billions of dollars in capital programs with solutions to improve the plan, build and operate lifecycle. The company is privately held and headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For more information, visit www.e-Builder.net.

Johnston, R.I. (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- Due to more businesses seeking to design and build energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable facilities, FM Global, one of the world's largest commercial property insurers, has released new research showing ways business property owners can reduce carbon emissions (greenhouse gases) attributable to fire and natural disaster risks. The findings also reveal that, as the trend to build greener facilities increases, so do such potential unintended consequences.

"While most research to date on sustainable environmental building design has appropriately focused on the energy efficiency of 'green' facilities as the main source of carbon emissions, this is the first research that looks at the influence of fire and natural disasters," said Dr. Louis Gritzo, FM Global vice president and research manager. "Risk management is an integral part of sustainable development and FM Global recommends that future criteria for sustainable design and operation consider the risks fire and natural disaster can pose and the benefits of mitigating such threats."

According to Brion Callori, FM Global senior vice president, engineering and research, the company's decision to begin making select technical research reports publicly available without charge reflects the changing business practices and risk profiles of its clients around the world, which include one of every three FORTUNE 1000-size companies worldwide.

"In recent years, FM Global has observed an increase in frequency and severity of fire and natural disasters worldwide and a growing interdependence of businesses from globalization and technology," said Callori. "It's an appropriate time to be sharing such information, given businesses' heightened consciousness around the environment, sustainability, risk management and their stakeholders' expectations."

For nearly two centuries, many of the world's largest organizations have worked with FM Global to develop cost-effective property insurance and engineering solutions to protect their business operations from fire, natural disasters and other types of property risk. With clients in more than 130 countries and US$4.6 billion in policyholder surplus, FM Global ranks #766 among FORTUNE magazine's largest companies in America and is rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best and AA (Very Strong) by Fitch Ratings. The company has been named "Best Property Insurer in the World" by Euromoney magazine and "Best Global Property Insurer" by Global Finance magazine.

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2009 -- Franchisesforcontractors.com has put forth an exciting and informative franchise and small business resource for use by trade related individuals interested in exploring potential business opportunities. The company's goal is to match interested individuals with small business and franchise opportunities. The unique feature of franchisesforcontractors.com is that the site is tailored to match trade related opportunities with skilled entrepreneurs looking for a turnkey business.

Many contractors have found their cost per lead has gone up three fold over the past 2 years. Offering another business or service often helps reduce that expense. Surprisingly many industries have synergy that helps mitigate the cost of generating new business. For example: Radon Mitigation and Mold Remediation, Siding and Windows, Foundation Repair and Basement Waterproofing all are products and services that complement each other.

Brock Landers came up with the idea for franchisesforcontractors.com when his sunroom business dipped 40% over the past two years. While searching for an additional profit center to add, he saw a void in the offerings for a site devoted specifically to contractors seeking a turnkey business solution. “With the tight economic times today, many contractors are searching for additional profit centers to maintain their bottom line. Franchisesforcontractors.com aims to be the one resource contractors can turn to.”

Franchisesforcontractors.com has begun to generate interest though its coop advertising campaign with other trade related sites. In addition, it will generate interest through a massive database of contractors and is scheduling a trade show presence to continually increase site traffic. This will undoubtedly benefit the hundreds of franchise and business opportunities franchisesforcontractors.com seeks to serve, in addition to the tens of thousands of contractors seeking additional profit centers.

Landers also states that “This site will allow skilled tradesman the opportunity to visit a one-stop shop to find the right business solution that meets their needs. It will also give franchisors a specific audience to showcase their offerings. We are creating a win-win situation for all parties offering or seeking a business opportunity.”

Jersey City, NJ (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- The sophistication of living in an iconic riverfront condominium building has teamed with attractive Grand Opening prices and historically low interest rates to create a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" for today's savvy homebuyers at Crystal Point, the inspiring collection of 269 homes rising on the last piece of developable land in Jersey City directly facing Manhattan.

Poised to become an instant landmark on the dazzling Hudson River waterfront, Crystal Point heralds in a new era of urban luxury and everlasting value with world-class residences incredibly priced from the mid-$400,000s, premier service, incomparable amenities and exceptional views - all attributes desired by discerning homebuyers looking to take advantage of market conditions and get the most upscale home for their money.

The Grand Opening celebration follows an extremely successful preview sales period in which prospects responded favorably to Crystal Point's lavishly-appointed one-, two- and three-bedroom homes and resort-style amenities and services, according to its developer Fisher Development Associates.

"We discovered in our preview period there are a large number of homebuyers who realize now is the time to buy and take advantage of record-low interest rates, federal tax credits and more," says Brian Fisher, a principal of the firm that bears his name. "We've added even more value to the equation by offering these stylish homes at Grand Opening prices and establishing a close relationship with various lending institutions which allow purchasers to receive amazingly low interest rates and offer the ability to lock in at any time between signing their contract and closing.

"The result is a sensational opportunity to enjoy upscale waterfront living in a one-of-a-kind location enhanced by five-star amenities and services right outside your door."

The full-service Crystal Point building features a distinctive, crystalline-style glass exterior and has been designed to maximize the building's waterfront setting and reflect its exclusivity and diversity. Inside, homes will range from 800 to 1,817 square-feet of well-designed living space complemented by a wide array of premium finishes. Residents will also benefit from free on-site parking.

"Designer features will grace these homes, including kitchens with Italian Pedini wood and glass cabinetry, sparkling quartzite counters, under-cabinet task lighting, full height pantries, islands with breakfast bars and a full Jenn-Air appliance suite," points out Adrienne Albert, CEO of The Marketing Directors, Inc., Crystal Point's marketing and exclusive sales agent.

"Floor-to-ceiling windows will drench the homes in natural light and many of the residences will offer river front balconies, expanding the already sensational views. Each residence will also have SMART home technology capabilities and a washer and dryer."

Designed by noted architectural firm Gruzen Samton LLP, Crystal Point boasts sweeping views of the ever changing skyline stretching from lower Manhattan to the George Washington Bridge. Each home will have water views -- a rare advantage experienced only at Crystal Point.

Crystal Point's superb amenities create a resort-like living experience for residents. Ideal for maintaining a healthy body and mind, the Crystal Spa will feature a thermal bath, sauna, steam and treatment rooms. Residents will also enjoy a yoga/aerobics room, , state-of-the-art fitness center, lounge with catering kitchen and flat screen televisions, game room with billiard and poker tables , children's play room and a screening room within the Crystal Club.

"An expansive outdoor deck overlooking the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline will feature a lap pool, hot tub, private cabanas and lounge chair seating, as well as a BBQ and dining area, fire pits with accompanying seating, and a children's play area," Ms. Albert says. "The full-service building will also offer a professional concierge, and valet parking, while a lobby level restaurant will serve residents and the community at large."

Crystal Point homeowners appreciate the community's convenient location ideally situated between the Paulua Hook and Newport sections of Jersey City and just steps from PATH trains at both Exchange Place and Newport with direct access into New York City and a Light Rail station.

Downtown Jersey City is also bustling with shopping and entertainment venues, while the tree-lined Paulus Hook neighborhood is known for its numerous restaurants, pubs, cafes, bakeries, and other conveniences.

Homebuyers can now visit the 4,000 square-foot sales and model center at Crystal Point. Located at 80 1st Street, just steps from the actual building, the spectacular off-site sales center and model is welcoming potential purchasers eager to obtain a comprehensive look at the upscale, technologically-advanced homes and amenities. The facility is highlighted by a fully-furnished, two-bedroom model residence merchandised by renowned New York City-based interior designer Kim Depole Design.

For additional information on Crystal Point, please call 201-433-7778 or visit www.crystalpointcondos.com.

Folsom, Calif. (Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2009 -- National waste and recycling company, Waste Connections Inc. (NYSE:WCN) is enjoying the benefits of a newly renovated 51,000-square-foot corporate headquarters. Designed by workplace environment experts at LPA Inc in Roseville, Calif., Waste Connections' corporate headquarters occupies two stories of a new office complex in Folsom, Calif.

"The quality of our industry is supported by integrity, customer service and a great working environment. LPA understood our values and was able to visually express them in an office design that demonstrates these ideas. It's a high-performance workplace, which means it's cost-efficient, it also conveys our company's growth culture, and provides us with the flexibility to support our customer's evolving needs," says Waste Connections Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ron Mittelstaedt.

LPA professionals designed the office space to take full advantage of natural light and provide clear indoor air quality by covering the walls with low-emission paints and using recycled materials to limit off-gassing, found in more conventional projects. They also maintained the flair of Waste Connections' prestigious past by reusing a series of bronze castings commissioned by a local artist. The castings, which wrap around the main lobby to the employee lounge, capture the spirit of the company through an industry timeline as well as depicting momentous occasions.

"Waste Connections' operating value of being a great place to work was successfully woven into the high-performance office design through an efficient, open floor plan that promotes collaboration and productivity, while at the same time conveying a fun and elegant place," adds LPA Principal Steve Kendrick.

Designed to accommodate the company's projected growth, Waste Connections' custom office features include: a training center, board room, executive suites, and employee lounge with a kitchen, an internal convenience stair, personal and collaborative office environments, conferencing enclaves, data center and general office space. The project was finished in March of 2009, and employees officially completed their transition in April of this year.

About LPA, Inc.:
LPA provides services in architecture, engineering, interior design, landscape architecture, planning, signage and graphics. With more LEED-certified buildings than any other firm in the state, LPA houses the top sustainable design experts in both Northern and Southern California. With extensive experience in public and private architecture, LPA designs a diversity of facilities that span from corporate establishments to K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and civic facilities. Founded in 1965, LPA has received more than 50 awards in the past five years for their excellence in design.

About Waste Connections, Inc.:
Waste Connections Inc. is an integrated solid waste services company that provides solid waste collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in mostly secondary markets in the Western and Southern United States. The company serves approximately 1.8 million residential, commercial and industrial customers from a network of operations in 25 states. The company also provides intermodal services for the movement of containers in the Pacific Northwest. Waste Connections Inc. was founded in September 1997 and is headquartered in Folsom, Calif.

Contact:
Gretchen Zeagler
Media Relations
LPA Inc.
(916) 774-3544
Gzeagler (at) lpainc (dot) com

(Vocus/PRWEB ) May 13, 2009 -- Fall protection safety is growing leaps and bounds in the wind energy industry. Wind turbines are popping up across the United States and it has been said that the U.S. is, “…set to be the global leader in the output of wind produced energy.” With 20 percent of the federal economic stimulus package being put towards renewable energy, this is not an unrealistic statement or goal. And according to the American Wind Energy Association, employment from the wind energy increased from 50,000 in 2007 to 85,000 the following year. Manufacturers for wind turbines and its components have been expanding facilities to meet demand.

The ten week course provides entry training for those entering the wind energy field in tower erection or maintenance. More extensive training is done with companies, often teaming new workers as apprentices with teams to further advance training.

As the wind energy industry grows, it must be protected by the growing safety industry. Fall protection equipment must meet and exceed the unique requirements needed in the wind energy industry. A key component of safety is equipment. Instructors and professionals like Larry Board often choose to use higher-end safety harnesses that focus on excellent design, padding and other extras (like hydration systems or tool carrying options) that aren’t found in less expensive versions.

Fall protection equipment is crucial to the job, but comfortable, well-designed fall protection equipment makes it easier to focus on the job.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) May 13, 2009 -- InventHelp®, America's leading inventor service company, announces that one of its clients, an inventor from Carona, Calif., has designed a ruler that would display several different types of measuring increments. This invention is patented.

The Ratchford Ruler would look like a conventional, plastic or wooden ruler that would display inches, centimeters and fractions together. Fractional increments would be written along the bottom edge, with increments that would range from 1 inch to 1/16 inch. It could also feature a centimeter scale.

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-GDA-2631 at (800) 851-6030. Learn more about InventHelp® and their Invention Submission services at http://www.inventhelp.com.

San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) May 12, 2009 -- Brian Meuth and Keith Strimple began discussing the possibility of going into business together while in their lower to mid 30s and eventually managed to quit their jobs and start M&S Engineering. The company, formed in May of 1999, started with Meuth and Strimple and now employs over 50 people including 4 licensed engineers, 6 engineers in training housed in a 20,000-square-foot office complex, including an historic renovated schoolhouse.

M&S Engineering's first permanent location was the historic Sherwood Rural High School in Comal County, Texas near the Guadalupe River. The building, renovated by Meuth and Strimple, was originally built in 1950 as a 2-room, 5,000 sq. ft. school house to replace two, existing, 1-room school houses - Guadalupe Valley and Crane's Mill. After over a year of remodeling and renovating, M&S Engineering made its headquarters in the old school and in the years following, the company added two additional buildings bringing the total to 20,000 sq. ft. of office space.

Since its inception, M&S Engineering has been involved with multimillion dollar projects such as: Bluegreen's Vintage Oaks at the Vineyards, wind farm projects in West Texas, treated water distribution systems for the Springs Hill Water Supply Corporation and the City of Fair Oaks Ranch, multiple reservoir designs, cross-country electrical transmission lines, electric distribution lines and substations for NBU, PEC, BEC, and TXU, and roadway designs for the City of Seguin and others. These projects have spanned every corner of the State of Texas, a resounding testimony to Meuth and Strimple's vision of providing consistent, highly personal, quality work over the past 10 years.

M&S Engineering's successful growth to over 50 employees is directly attributable to the following key factors: people -clients and employees, involvement in "Green" design projects, and high quality/cost effective work. Even during these difficult economic times, M&S Engineering made internal sacrifices to ensure that the people and families of the company remain employed - a testament to the belief of keeping people and relationships with people a number one priority.

May 2009 marks the 10-year anniversary of M&S Engineering's success. To celebrate the occasion properly, Meuth and Strimple have decided to lease Gruene Hall, book the band Two Tons of Steel and invite all of the people who have been the reason for M&S Engineering's success - both Clients and Employees. The company's future plans are to grow its business through the same strategy that led it to its current success, and based on its track record it's reasonable to assume that its future will be as bright as its past.

M&S Engineering, LLC is a multi-disciplined engineering firm. Services provided include electrical transmission, substation, and distribution design, civil engineering, surveying, hydrology, land planning, and M.E.P.

Brian Meuth
Keith Strimple
M&S Engineering, LLC
830-228-5446
www.msengr.com

(PRWEB) May 12, 2009 -- Clean Air America has developed a welding ventilation system that assists metal-product manufacturers reduce plant costs by limiting the need to process hot and cold air used in the plant.

Why waste utility dollars?
The need for welding smoke removal from manual and robotic welding and cutting as well as laser and plasma cutting, and a myriad of other "metal bashing" processes is an ongoing issue. Whether building motor vehicles, construction or farm equipment, or any other of a thousand different parts and assemblies made of metal, manufacturers are now waking up to the significant impact that proper air filtration has on the bottom-line.

Traditionally, facilities that produce smoke or oil mists often collect and exhaust the dirty air to the outside with colossal roof-mounted blowers connected through a maze of ductwork from welding ventilation areas.

"Any dumping of heated or cooled air to the outside is done so at great expense," cautions Fergie Haughton, systems sales manager at Clean Air America, Inc. (Rome, GA), a provider of turnkey, point-of-source air filtration systems for robotic integrators and integrators of laser cutting and plasma cutting tables.

"Whether it's zero or 97 degrees outside, bringing in 'make-up' air at any volume above 50% is very costly," continues Haughton. "Some plants run 80-90% make-up air, and that throws money out the window. We found one new plant with the A/C coils covered with oil and soot from the welding smoke. They were changing filters to the tune of $20-25,000 each month."

Zeroing in on the solution
Rather than taking an expensive shotgun approach by managing air filtration on a plant-wide basis, facility managers are starting to target welding ventilation efforts to only those areas that require them. Benefits to the bottom line can accrue quickly.

Localized control reduces electricity costs
Smoke, dust, oil and other production pollutants are collected and cleaned through modular air filtration systems that often comprise a completely self-contained work center for welding and cutting that includes an adjustable height worktable, shelving, and lighting. No ducting is necessary, and all of the welding ventilation sits directly above the welding area so that zero footprint is taken away from the production floor.

Given the benefits of reduced comfort air costs and more efficient filtering it comes as no surprise that point-of-source concepts continue to grow in popularity if only from a financial standpoint--with a one-year ROI often possible. Additional benefits of maintaining a clean and healthy plant environment ensure that such strategies are here to stay.

For more information, contact Clean Air America, Inc., 7 Superior Blvd., Rome, GA 30161; Phone: 706-291-1700; Fax: 706-291-1747; e-mail: patrick.newell(at)clean-air(dot)com; web site: http://www.clean-air.com

(PRWEB) May 12, 2009 -- With more and more homeowners planning to stay in their existing home for a longer period of time, home improvement solutions are on the rise. NEWPRO's reputation for innovative home improvement solutions continues with the addition of the ClearWater Gutter Protection System.

NEWPRO's ClearWater Gutter Protection System attaches securely to a gutter and acts as permanent protection. It does not screw into the roof like other systems which can cause leaks. The unique combination of the patented Clear Flow Technology, Cobra Clip attachment brackets and nose forward guaranteed design channels the rainwater into the gutter while the leaves and other debris are kept out.

NEWPRO's Gutter Installers of America certified technicians will easily transform your dirty high maintenance gutter system into an efficient rainwater management system. Featuring Kynar SPF 500 finish for weather and mold resistance and HP 26 High Performance the ClearWater System meets the high standard of quality and performance you can expect from NEWPRO. Supported by lifetime warranties that cover clogs, damage and fading, NEWPRO will come out and repair the problem at no cost to the homeowner. Available in nine custom colors the gutter protection system will not detract from the beauty of your home. The ClearWater Gutter Protection System is the perfect rainwater management system from a name you can trust - NEWPRO!

Three generations, over 60 years, serving New England homeowners, NEWPRO offers one of the most energy efficient replacement windows in the country and energy efficient siding systems available in a variety of styles and colors. Home of the 40% fuel savings guarantee, NEWPRO prides themselves on their innovative energy efficient home improvement solutions. For more information on the latest addition to the NEWPRO product family, ClearWater Gutter Protection System by NEWPRO, contact 781-933-4100, email marketing (at) newpro.com or visit http://www.newpro.com.