Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf wants to raise the sales tax and have it apply to more goods and services. ( (AP Photo/The Citizens' Voice, Christopher Dolan))

Under Gov. Tom Wolf's proposed budget, dozens of new things would be subject to the state sales tax, from child care services to nursing home services.

The Democrat from York County proposes to raise the sales and use tax from 6 to 6.6 percent effective Jan. 1, 2016, and to broaden the categories covered.

It's part of a budget plan that would also raise the personal income tax and lower school property taxes.

During a budget hearing on Monday, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Bill Adolph, R-Delaware County, called the sales tax proposal "a huge expansion" of items that would be taxed.

"As long as I've been in public office I always heard that a sales tax increase hurts the lower middle income folks and the poor folks the most," Adolph said.

Americans for Prosperity announced last week that it had released a radio ad criticizing Wolf over the plan, saying it will increase the cost of many everyday items, such as soap, diapers and Tylenol. "Even the cost of a Hershey's bar will increase," one of the speakers in the ad says.

During an interview on WITF's "Smart Talk" Wednesday, Wolf was asked about a person living in a nursing home who will have to pay more in sales tax without any property tax reduction. Wolf said people should look at the big picture.

"I'm looking at somebody who will look at his or her entire life and say, 'Is this plan making my life better or worse?'" Wolf said.

Wolf said the economy is a lot different now than when Pennsylvania's first permanent sales tax took effect in the 1950s. "We're just bringing ourselves into the 21st century," he said.

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Gov. Tom Wolf's sales tax expansion would cover child care, nursing homes and more

-- UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design leverages 3DS ColorJetprinting technology for architectural-scale production -- Stunning, intricate geometry underscores creative and commercialpotential of 3D printing for artists, architects and engineers

ROCK HILL, S.C. 3D Systems (NYSE:DDD) today announced the unveiling of "Bloom," a spectacular 3D printed architectural-scale structure created at UC Berkeley using 3DS' ColorJet printing technology. The work of Associate Professor of Architecture Ronald Rael and his graduate student team, the project was unveiled at the fifth annual Berkeley Circus.

Measuring approximately 12' W x 12' D x 9' H, this groundbreaking architectural work is the largest and most precise 3D-printed polymer structure to date. Brought to life by 3DS' ProJet x60 printers, "Bloom" demonstrates how artists, architects and engineers increasingly rely on 3D printing technology to design and produce complex structures with uncompromised speed, cost, accuracy and creative freedom.

"3D printing is emerging as a revolutionary tool in fine art, design and construction," said Cathy Lewis, Chief Marketing Officer, 3DS. "These tools empower everyone to conceive and create any geometry, no matter how complex. 'Bloom' is an inspiring example of the boundless creative and commercial possibilities that these technologies bring."

"Bloom" is a freestanding, organically shaped room built from 840 mass-customized blocks, all of which were 3D printed on the 3DS ProJet x60 using a cement polymer developed by Rael. Because the ProJet x60 series creates incredibly accurate, full-color parts like no other 3D printer can, it allowed the team members to quickly transform their ideas into physical parts. Rael and his collaborators fabricated each unique numbered block using 11 ProJet x60s, and then assembled them by hand. Each block allows varying amounts of light to pass through the wall, creating a dynamic visual effect that interacts with floral patterns on the structure.

"While there are a handful of people currently experimenting with printing 3D architecture, only a few are looking at 3D printing with cement-based materials and all are extruding wet cement through a nozzle to produce rough panels," said Rael. "We are mixing polymers with cement and fibers to produce very strong, lightweight, high-resolution parts on readily available equipment. This project is the genesis of a realistic, marketable process with the potential to transform the way we think about building a structure."

3DS offers a variety of 3D technology that generates new possibilities for architectural planning, visualization and presentation. Using powerful tools like ColorJet printing, desktop drafting on the CubePro and Sense 3D scanning, architects and engineers can communicate their visions and go beyond the blueprint. Go to http://www.3dsystems.com/solutions/architecture-geo to find out more.

After the Berkeley Circus, "Bloom" will tour various locations around the world. For more information about "Bloom" go to http://www.emergingobjects.com.

For more information about how 3D Systems is manufacturing the future now, go to http://www.3dsystems.com.

About 3D Systems

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3D Systems and UC Berkeley Bring Stunning 3D-Printed Cement Architectural Structure to Life

Conflict of interest?

To the editor:

Andy Ramsgard is running for the office of village trustee. Andy also owns and operates Ramsgard Architectural Design which has provided design and management services to many commercial and residential clients in both the village and town of Skaneateles.

Commercial clients to whom services were provided include the Mirbeau Inn & Spa, where Andy was the architect and also assisted in helping to annex the Mirbeau property from the town into the village. A more recent commercial project he and his firm were associated with is the proposed medical and sports complex by Victory Sports Medicine.

With Andy as a village trustee, will he be independent in fact and independent in appearance with respect to projects he or his firm may be working on in the village or that may otherwise involve the village?

In other words, will he be unbiased with respect to any matters directly or indirectly associated with his projects, or will his objectivity on such matters be impaired because of a lack of independence? Will he and his firm refrain from any engagements for village projects or town projects that may impact the village?

The issue of independence in fact or in appearance should be carefully considered by the voting public when they make their choice for a village trustee in whom they can place their complete faith and trust to make important decisions that may have a long-term impact on our community.

JIM MOORE

SKANEATELES

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Conflict of interest

Washington D.C. (PRWEB) March 09, 2015

PCB International, LLC (Gaithersburg, MD) has been a Verified Vendor with US Federal Contractor Registration since March 2014. In April of 2014, PCB International, LLC decided to enroll into the Simplified Acquisition Program. PCB International, LLC managed to land a government contract five months into the program for $83,118 with the Department of State. PCB International, LLC had the principal North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code of 238990 - All Other Speciality Trade Contractors, in which the Department of t State required to award the solicitation. Businesses like PCB International, LLC in Maryland accounted for over $27 billion in government contracts and 119,126 contract transactions in 2014, according to USASpending.gov.

US Federal Contractor Registration assigns an Acquisition Specialist to every business looking to become registered and begin a government marketing program. Each Acquisition Specialist acts as a federal liaison to that business and conducts a qualification process. The qualification process was conducted to discover available contracting opportunities and assessed the overall spending devoted to their trade in government contracting. This process helped PCB International, LLC determine which areas to development solutions and plan accordingly.

Below is a copy of PCB International, LLCs government contract as posted to the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS):

Vendor Name:PCB INTERNATIONAL, LLC Contracting Agency: STATE, DEPARTMENT OF September 26, 2014 Action Obligation: $83,118 Contracting Office: AMERICAN EMBASSY- HARARE NAICS (Code): ALL OTHER SPECIALTY TRADE CONTRACTORS ( 238990 ) PSC (Code): ARCHITECT AND ENGINEERING- CONSTRUCTION: MAINTENANCE BUILDINGS ( C1EB ) Vendor City: GAITHERSBURG Vendor DUNS: 157117743 Vendor State: MD Vendor ZIP: 208791471

About PCB International, LLC

PCB International LLC (PCBi) offers structural engineering design and construction services for commercial, industrial, institutional and Federal Government clients. Their firm offers specialist design services for Diplomatic Mission buildings including physical security systems. PCBi also specializes in seismic bracing of non-structural systems in high seismic zones.

PCBi is driven by its core values of integrity, knowledge, innovation and service, and they consider these to be the foundation for a lasting mutual relationship between the company and its Clients. They are best known for taking their Clients out of very difficult situations and this is demonstrated by the number of returning Clients and new referrals that come to their business on the recommendation of the existing Clients.

PCB International, LLC Vendor Profile

DUNS: 157117743 CAGE: 3Y7E5 Active in SAM; Registration valid until 03/14/2016 Small Business Minority Owned Business NAICS Codes Selected: 236115 - New Single-Family Housing Construction (Expect For-Sale Builders) 236116 - New Multifamily Housing Construction (Expect For-Sale Builders) 236210 - Industrial Building Construction 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction 238120 - Structural Steel and Precast Concrete Contractors 541310 - Architectural Services 541330 - Engineering Services 541350 - Building Inspection Services 541690 - Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services

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US Federal Contractor Registration: PCB International, LLC (Gaithersburg, MD) Wins a Government Contract for over $80 ...

February 16, 2015 3:55 PM

Bedrock Real Estate Services announce six new tenants in downtown Detroit. (By Edward Cardenas)

Connect with Edward on Twitter,Instragramand LinkedIn. Ed...

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) Six new tenants ranging from accounting to construction contracting services have moved into Bedrock Real Estate Services buildings in Detroits Central Business District.

The new tenants, who are presently operating in their new locations, are moving into buildings on Woodward Avenue and Broadway in downtown Detroit.

Companies of all sizes representing many different sectors clearly see the advantages and great benefits of locating in Detroits dynamic urban core, said Dan Mullen, Vice President of Leasing and Development with Bedrock Real Estate Services, in a release. Downtown Detroit has become a collaborative environment, with an energy and entrepreneurial spirit that cannot be found anywhere else.

According to Bedrock, the new tenants include:

I have never seen the city so vibrant and positive about its future, saidPete Brewis, President of Ultimate Parking Management, in a release.

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Bedrock Real Estate Announces New Detroit Tenants

Orlando, Florida (PRWEB) February 28, 2015

Dale Ulmer has been promoted to Director of Architecture at Cuhaci & Peterson Architects, Engineers and Planners. In this position he will oversee the architectural team that is already in place, as well as, any incoming architectural staff. Ulmer is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), in addition to being accredited by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) and LEED; he is also an ICC Certified Commercial Building Inspector and Certified Plans Examiner. Ulmer joined Cuhaci & Peterson in 2012.

Cuhaci & Peterson is a national A/E/P firm specializing in commercial design. Headquartered in Orlando, Florida, since 1978, the firm also has offices in Philadelphia and Boston and is registered in 49 states. Cuhaci & Peterson offers Architectural, SMEP Engineering, Landscape and Planning services on a variety of project types, as well as, In-House Permitting and Interior Design.

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Cuhaci & Peterson Names Director of Architecture

Fort Lauderdale, Florida (PRWEB) February 27, 2015

GSD Contracting LLC, an experienced South Florida-based commercial contractor, is pleased to announce the completion of the DaskLux Executive Office Suites in downtown Miami for coworking pioneer, MiamiShared.

Located in a modern high-rise at 900 Biscayne Bay Blvd across from the American Airlines Arena and overlooking Biscayne Bay, the DaskLux Executive Office Suites covering the entire 7th floor join the 8,000 sq. ft. MiamiShared has already opened on the 5th floor as coworking space for entrepreneurs in tech, media and design. These 20 offices were designed specifically to appeal to executive-level entrepreneurs who roam the globe and need occasional office space that will impress their clients and business associates when in Miami.

Architect on the project was Perez & Associates of Fort Lauderdale, with interior design by Rick Esposito Design of Dania Beach.

The DaskLux Executive Office Suites reveal their luxury appointments from the minute you step off the elevator and into a welcoming lobby area featuring contemporary furniture and dramatic artwork. The interior features white glass tile floors and glass walls, some with the ability to transition from clear to opaque with the touch of a switch. A sophisticated mix of natural old country woods and 21st century metals and native Mexican hardwood doors and volume ceilings have been employed.

Off the lobby is a large entertainment area where executives can host up to 50 guests with catering services. And a large conference room with 70 LCD TV for video conferencing seats about 14 comfortably.

The executive office suites themselves look out onto the main floor and allow the option to draw the shades for privacy, have rich wooden floors and modern Knoll office furniture. Several suites are expandable to make super-suites able to accommodate 10 or more employees.

Further amenities include:

For the convenience of busy executives, all services are freely available with one monthly membership. DaskLux takes care of all the details involved in maintaining a professional office for your business.

GSD Contracting acted as lead contractor on this luxury office build out, delivering a high standard of construction and finishes. Its one more successfully completed project to add their growing list of satisfied clients and portfolio of office construction and renovation around South Florida.

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GSD Contracting Completes DaskLux Executive Office Suites In Downtown Miami for MiamiShared

Agawam, MA (PRWEB) February 27, 2015

Sound Seal, a leading manufacturer of acoustical and noise control products serving the industrial, architectural, commercial and construction industries, announced today that it has hired Teri Douglas to serve as the Distributor Sales and Marketing Manager for its Impacta division of acoustical floor underlayments. In her new role at Sound Seal, Douglas will work directly with the Impacta distribution network to provide support for new business and marketing opportunities.

Ms. Douglas comes to Sound Seal with over 30 years of sales and marketing experience and channel management. She has held sales and marketing positions at several industry organizations, including the safety division of Cyalume Technologies and Guitar Academy.

Teri has been contributing significantly to the growth of the Impacta division on a part-time basis, so we are excited to welcome her as a full-time member of the Sound Seal team, said Dave Gilbert, General Manager of Sound Seal. We are confident that she will provide the key sales and marketing support that we need to properly service our network of acoustical and noise control distributors.

Ms. Douglas joins the company following Sound Seals recent expansion into the Midwest with the acquisition of Illinois-based Industrial Noise Control. In addition, Sound Seal has expanded its leadership team with appointments across the company. As part of the companys continued focus on expanding products and services, hiring top-quality professionals is essential to continuing its forward momentum.

We are pleased that Teri has joined the Sound Seal team, as she will be essential to growing the distribution network of the Impacta line of floor underlayments, said Joe Lupone, CEO of Sound Seal. Sound Seal is committed to delivering the noise control products our distribution partners and clients have come to rely upon for controlling noise in every environment, and Teri will be instrumental in delivering those solutions.

For more information on Sound Seals Impacta products, click here.

Since 1978, Sound Seal has been a leading manufacturer of acoustical noise control products offering the widest product selection in the soundproofing industry with innovative solutions and outstanding customer service. Sound Seal consists of three product divisions: the Industrial Division that addresses in-plant noise control and environmental noise control; the Architectural Division that handles interiors and finishes, including an award winning line of WoodTrends products; and the Impacta Flooring Division that offers floor underlayments. For more information, please visit http://www.soundseal.com or call 413-789-1770.

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Sound Seal Adds Teri Douglas to the Impacta Marketing Team

Lynbrook, NY (PRWEB) February 27, 2015

The new Lynbrook Burger Bandit restaurant is making a name for itself quickly. Beyond its tantalizing menu and a buzz that co-owner and well known Kim Kardashian friend Jonathan Cheban have immediately generated for the restaurants flagship location, the restaurant itself is unlike any other burger eatery on Long Island. That is because Chebans behind-the-scenes team included talented designers and award- winning commercial contractor Bens General Contracting.

We were tasked with bringing Mr. Chebans long-time vision of opening a unique fast-casual family-friendly burger restaurant to life. As we transformed a closed down Quiznos into the first Burger Bandit, we found that the Burger Bandit is not just offering a delicious, unique menu. Patrons of the restaurant will enjoy the experience of eating in the restaurant itself. Its design and construction are like no other, says Ben Jackson.

In a recent interview, Ben Jackson and brother Tony Jackson shared some of the Burger Bandits notable features. The build out included construction of eye catching architectural and design elements that include an open ceiling design with exposed spiral ductwork, a custom wood suspended ceiling, suspended custom wood beams in the dining area, and stainless steel hardware and soffits.

To create interesting focal points, a custom colored art glass wall border with stainless trim was constructed, as well as a textured wood panel wall with an up lit Burger Bandit logo. Hi-efficiency LED track lighting was installed to illuminate the restaurants seating niches and surrounding walls and counters. Simulated wood tile wainscot with stainless steel chair rails in the dining area were also integrated into the restaurants construction to create a contrast of both industrial and natural textures.

Following the Lynbrook Burger Bandits Grand Opening held on February, 22, 2015, Ben Jackson commented, We wish everyone at the Burger Bandit success and we will be there for them as they grow their business. I want to extend a special thanks to my staff. They demonstrated an outstanding level of commitment and focus through all phases of planning and construction.

Bens General Contracting Corp. has received many accolades since it opened its doors over thirty years ago. This February Bens was named the NARI 2015 Northeast Regional Contractor Of The Year (CotY) Winner for Commercial Interiors after having gained notoriety as the Silver Winner in the Commercial Interiors category for the NARI NYC/LI Chapter in late 2014. The Long Island contractors extensive commercial resume includes building national franchises such as IHOP restaurants and completing dozens of stores for commercial businesses such as PLS Check Cashers, a nationally recognized financial service company.

For more information about restaurant contracting and commercial contracting services provided by Bens General Contracting, please call (516) 623-2945.

About Bens General Contracting

Ben's General Contracting Corp. is a licensed, insured, bonded commercial and residential contractor serving Long Island, New York City and the Northeast Region for over 30 years. With extensive experience in the commercial sector, the companys credits include commercial design-build, commercial general contracting, and commercial construction management services for well-known brands and franchises. In addition to its award-winning work in the commercial sector, Bens has garnered recognition in the residential sector by being named as the Best of Houzz 2015 for Customer Service. It has also been a featured contractor on NBCs popular TV show George To The Rescue multiple times.

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Award-Winning Long Island Commercial Contractor Bens General Contracting Builds First-Of-Its-Kind Lynbrook Burger ...

Signcraft design, build and install smart and original building signs and architectural sign systems.

Our design and build team thrive on challenges and have successfully created stunning signage using the latest technologies and materials to produce distinctive landmark signs that endure and work effectively.

As sign manufacturers we work closely with our clients to ensure our signs deliver real impact and functionality.

View examples of Internal Corporate Signage

First impressions are important and in terms of office buildings we ensure our signage is of a consistently high quality whether it is in the reception area or in stair wells.

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Our clients often present superb opportunities for us to express our creativeness; the retail environment is a great and challenging arena as budget and expectations seldom run hand in hand, which is where good design skills and good old fashion signage logic can be combined to produce good effect.

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Commercial/Industrial Property Signage and Architectural ...