Chris Green Staff writer @chrisfgreen

STILLMAN VALLEY Tornado, straight-line winds, microburst.

Toby Behmer, 35,doesn't know how meteorologists will classify the fast-moving wind and rain-pounding storm that leveled buildings, uprooted trees and brought down a string of electrical linesSaturday afternoon in northern Ogle County. He just knows thestormwas frightening and the damage leftin its wake wasdevastating.

"We had three buildings significantly damaged and one ripped off the foundation," he said of the farm structures.

Sunday, more than 100 friends, neighbors and family members stopped by throughout the day to operate several pieces of earthmoving equipment on the North StillmanRoad corn and soybean farm. Theyused the tractorsto pick up and pilelarge pieces of twisted metalsiding,roofing and installation.

Behmer, afifth-generation farmer,was at a lost forhow to go about finishing what Mother Nature started demolishinga heavily damaged140- by 80-foot machine shedwithout damaging the machineryinside of it.

"I don't know where to start," he said. "We have claims going with insurance. The federal crop insurance should kick in. ... Other than that, I guess we'll find out more tomorrow."

Pointing to what used to be a greenhouse, Behmer saidabout 250 tomatoand200 pepper plantshad beengrowing there sinceMarch."They were really close to having produce on them," he said. "That's all leveled now."

Like in most farming communities, thestorm's worstbrought out the bestin Behmer'sfamily, friends and neighbors.

"I put on Facebook this morning that I was extremely proud to live in Stillman Valley," he said. "This is really heartwarming. I get pretty emotional about things like this. When you get outpouring of support like this you never want to leave. You want to be around people like this for the rest of your life. It's awesome."

National Weather Service meteorologist Mark Ratzer said weather officials have been in contact with area storm chasers and do not believe Saturday's storm was a tornado.

"We're pretty sure it was straight-linewinds or a microburst," he said. "The core of the stormcollapsed, andwe're not aware of any wind rotation."

Chris Green:815-987-1241; cgreen@rrstar.com; @chrisfgreen

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A storm's worst brings out the best in Stillman Valley residents - Rockford Register Star

Civic Center Presents Interesting Opportunities

by Reed Anfinson Publisher, Swift County Monitor-News

With CNH moving out of the north end of the Civic Center in October, Benson Public Schools have an opportunity to provide its sports programs with new facilities that serve not only students, but also the community at large.

Over the past several years, the school board has looked at multiple options to expand the gymnasium space it has with little success. Voters have rejected plans that would have seen new facilities constructed and show little appetite at this time for approving the construction of new buildings.

Further, its space for student gym classes and sports programs has been shrinking lately. Even though the City of Benson has put on hold indefinitely plans to renovate the city-owned Amory for new city office space, that plan is still on the table and could be brought back in the relatively near future.

The school board is right to be anxious about where it will find space for the gymnastics program if it doesnt have the Amory. An earlier search found no viable solutions. It also has concerns about the safety of the cramped space it already uses in the Armory gymnasium. Once a public body expresses publically its concern about the safety of a facility it is using, it had better make sure it addresses those safety concerns or it has a poor case should it find itself in court. The school district also finds itself short of space today because the Junior High School auditorium is now shut down. A small section of the ceiling fell onto a seating area in April. The school board is conducting a thorough study of the ceiling, roof and buildings overall structural integrity. Monday night it approved bringing in a company to do infrared scans that can give architects a better idea of just how solid, or degraded, the building is. It wants that report to help it decide how to move forward.

Whatever the decision, it is highly likely the auditorium will be out of commission for at least the 2017-2018 school year.

Bensons Civic Center already houses the high school hockey program and is open for general public use as well. It has locker rooms, public bathrooms and a concession stand. School Board Member Bill McGeary, who also works with the hockey program, said it is willing to share all its facilities with school if the north end of the Civic Center is renovated for high school sports.

There will be costs to renovating the north end of the Civic Center taking if from industrial use to a public space for sports and spectators. The concrete floor is uneven and has raised concrete slabs that once were used to anchor industrial equipment. The lighting system is geared to warehouse use not a gymnasium. Overhead doors will have to be removed with siding installed. The heating system needs a thermostat system to better regulate the heat in the building. The sprinkler system may need upgrading.

Already the City of Benson is investing $130,000 in a new roof for the north end of the Civic Center. It also has about $90,000 left to pay on work to improvements to the south side that saw the installation of an air handler system and insulation. In the past, it has used the $39,500 annual payment it receives from CNH to pay for improvements to the building. CNH has also paid property taxes on the space it uses. With the company now leaving, the city, hockey program and school will have to figure out how the payments are going to be made. Still, the opening of the north end of the Civic Center represents some real opportunities for the community that should be pursued.

Some readers of the Monitor-News will notice that we bylined all the major stories were wrote this week. The bylines were in response to several people asking us exactly what we did at the Monitor-News, not knowing that we cover the Swift County Board of Commissioners, Benson City Council, District 777 Board of Education and the Swift County-Benson Health Services meetings. We write features stories, court stories, weather stories and take many news photos. We also pick the weeds out of the front sidewalk, try fix the roof when it is leaking, pay the bills and do the payroll.

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Civic Center Presents Interesting Opportunities - Swift County Monitor

HAZLETON The citys zoning board granted a special exception to a developer who wants to build 24 apartment units in a wooded area near East Street and Berner Avenue on the Hazleton Heights.

John Caputo cleared the first hurdle of the approval process for his plan to construct four buildings that will house six garden apartments each on a parcel bound by Berner Avenue, Carleton Avenue, East Street and property that houses a former naval reserve building.

Zoning board Chairman Michael Pozzessere teamed with board members John Paletski and Bob Hoegg when voting unanimously on Thursday for approving the special exception sought by Caputo.

Caputo must next secure approval from the city planning commission, which Pozzessere said will address concerns raised by four people who attended the hearing and raised concerns about storm water drainage and displacement of wildlife.

In his original application filed with code enforcement, Caputo sought approval for a height variance for the three-story apartment buildings but Zoning Officer Charles Pedri said Thursday that setbacks are adequate enough to render the height variance unnecessary.

The zoning board was subsequently tasked with acting only on the special exception.

Caputo testified that the apartment buildings will be built in phases, with the first constructed at East Street and Berner Avenue.

That three-story building will house six apartment units, with two on each floor, he said.

Each unit will have two bedrooms, as well as a kitchen and living and dining rooms, he said.

Caputo said he plans to cater to the same type of tenants who live in apartments that he owns near Heights-Terrace Elementary/Middle School who are generally retirees and widows.

The apartments proposed for East Street and Berner Avenue are not affiliated with government-subsidized housing, though Caputo said he had no problems with a 70-year-old tenant who qualified for assistance at a different apartment building that he owns.

The buildings will be built in phases, depending on the availability of tenants, Caputo said.

They will likely be built with a brick on the front and siding installed on the sides, with the buildings fronting Berner and Carleton avenues, he said.

Caputo said he will comply with the zoning ordinance and offer two parking spaces for each apartment unit. He plans to offer 12, 9-foot wide spaces for the first building that will give tenants the ability to park head inat the front of each building, he said.

Four people addressed the proposal Thursday. They include Vincent Fayock, Maria Jacketti, Susan Notaro and William Letcher.

Jacketti said that she didnt necessarily attend in protest of Caputos plans, but sought clarification from Caputo about the potential for the apartments providing a haven for crime and drug activity, and displacement of wildlife. Letcher also raised questions for the potential for increased crime.

Caputo said the terms of his lease simply wont lead to an increase in criminal activity. He referenced his track record at other apartment complexes he owns when making his point.

Displacement of animals, meanwhile, is an issue for the planning commission to consider, Pedri noted.

Fayock, meanwhile, asked why the apartment buildings couldnt be designed with a two-story plan and how construction will impact an endangered species of wildflowers that grow on the land.

Caputo said that the rent that he would charge wouldnt justify costs of accommodating 24 units in two-story buildings.

Concerns for wildflowers, Pedri said, would be for the planning commission to consider.

Fayock also questioned the impact utility installation will have on street conditions and believes storm water runoff will be a disaster for the neighborhood.

Caputo said he plans to install utilities at the back of the property and run them through the center of the land.

Notaro, meanwhile, questioned impact the project will have on traffic and asked why the apartments couldnt be built in place of the former naval reserve building.

Caputo said that some of the tenants at his other properties dont own cars and that the complexes, in his opinion, havent drastically impacted traffic conditions.

The apartments cant be built in place of the former reserve building because demolition costs would be too expensive, Caputo added.

Caputo said after the hearing that he has no intention of harming anyone with his plans for developing the property.

Contact the writer:

sgalski@standardspeaker.com; 570-501-3586

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City's zoning board grants special exception - Standard Speaker

Jared DuBach, Voice EditorMACOMB A grant announced at the Tuesday Macomb City Council committee of the whole meeting by Mayor Michael Inman sh

MACOMB A grant announced at the Tuesday Macomb City Council committee of the whole meeting by Mayor Michael Inman should have indicated the grant was for rehabilitations projects of low-to-moderate income homes and not in relation to the northwest water main project. The story written by Patrick Stout that was published in Wednesdays Voice was based upon information revealed by Inman at the meeting. City Administrator Dean Torreson said he had given incorrect information to the mayor prior to Tuesdays meeting and apologized for the oversight. Information on the water main grant may be presented at a later date. According to information from Community Development Coordinator Ray Heitner, the city received $421,200 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) as part of the departments Community Development Block Grant initiative. Heitner said the renovations will bring homes into compliance with city building and maintenance codes. Work may include plumbing, electrical, roofing, siding, windows and energy efficient measures such as insulation and installation of high efficient heating systems. Heitner said the city worked with Western Illinois Regional Council to narrow down the homes that would receive the grants based on block grants income guidelines. Chosen homes will be in the citys fourth and fifth wards, covering the 300 block of South Albert Street, the 100-300 blocks of Barsi Boulevard (north side of street only), the 300-400 block of South Clay Street, the 400 block of South Johnson Street (west side only), the 300 block of West Piper Street (south side only) and the 400-900 block of West Piper Street. The city and WIRC will work with the DCEO to coordinate environmental review procedures and finalize the projects grant agreement before contacting property owners about the projects application process.

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City announces grant for home rehabilitation project - McDonough Voice

Participating members from the SIUE Constructors Club included construction management majors (L-R) Will Zerr, a senior from St. Peters, Mo., Aaron Borrowman, a junior from Rockport, Cody Kruse, a senior from Highland, and Jordan Grant, a senior from Peoria.

Jordan Grant, vice president of the SIUE Constructors Club, puts his skills to use during the East Side Heart and Home Family Centers Blitz Build.

EDWARDSVILLE Members of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Constructors Club are eager to put their construction training to meaningful use, spending multiple weekends volunteering for projects around the area.

In addition to continued support with Habitat for Humanity projects, four members of the club participated in the East Side Heart and Home Family Centers Blitz Build on Saturday, May 13 in East St. Louis. They volunteered to assist with the construction of a four bedroom, approximately 1,200 sq. ft. house.

Participating members included construction management majors Aaron Borrowman, a junior from Rockport, Jordan Grant, a senior from Peoria, Cody Kruse, a senior from Highland, and Will Zerr, a senior from St. Peters, Mo.

We were looking for an opportunity to help out families in need and make a difference in the community, said Constructors Club President Cody Kruse. We helped with standing and fastening interior and exterior prefabricated wall panels, which were then plumbed to ensure they were level. Jordan Grant, vice president of the SIUE Constructors Club, puts his skills to use during the East Side Heart and Home Family Centers Blitz Build. A second top plate was run over the walls. Tyvek Vapor barrier was wrapped around the houses exterior. Exterior doors and windows were installed and flashed. Roof trusses were hoisted by a crane and placed on the structure according to the framing plan. Once framed, the roof was prepared for shingle installation. Additionally, a portion of the house had siding installed by the end of the day.

Club members learned of the opportunity to assist through the local chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America, as well as Korte and Luitjohan Contractors.

Participating members from the SIUE Constructors Club included construction management majors (L-R) Will Zerr, a senior from St. Peters, Mo., Aaron Borrowman, a junior from Rockport, Cody Kruse, a senior from Highland, and Jordan Grant, a senior from Peoria.

http://thetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Constructors-Club.jpgParticipating members from the SIUE Constructors Club included construction management majors (L-R) Will Zerr, a senior from St. Peters, Mo., Aaron Borrowman, a junior from Rockport, Cody Kruse, a senior from Highland, and Jordan Grant, a senior from Peoria.

Jordan Grant, vice president of the SIUE Constructors Club, puts his skills to use during the East Side Heart and Home Family Centers Blitz Build.

http://thetelegraph.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/web1_Constructors-Club-Work.jpgJordan Grant, vice president of the SIUE Constructors Club, puts his skills to use during the East Side Heart and Home Family Centers Blitz Build.

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SIUE Constructor's Club lends helping hands across the area - Alton Telegraph

Everyone reaches a point in their career where they get really good at a particular skill and they face a crossroads. Do I further hone this skill or do I continue to add new skills? Unfortunately, there isnt a correct answer. It depends on a variety of other factors.

If you want to understand the progression of the business world and professional service industries, in particular you have to get familiar with specialization.

By definition, work specialization is the act of splitting up processes of work into individual responsibilities that are each handled by the most qualified individuals available. Specialization often occurs within businesses and organizations, but individuals also benefit from concentrating on specific skills.

Over the past few years, weve seen an increased emphasis on specialization within the entrepreneurial/freelance community and the reverberations of this shift are clearly seen on multiple levels.

Ongoing specialization has been adecisivefactor for the current state of our society, explains Consultants 500, a platform designed to connect businesses with specialized services. The effects of specialization is such a broad concept that it touches upon almost everything in our daily life. And our natural urge for specialization is also one of the main reasons why professional services exist. Society and businesses cannot know everything and therefore need specialists with practical experience to help and guide us.

While specialization clearly plays a valuable role in the business world, the dilemma of whether or not to pursue it as the focus of your own career can be intense. It sounds great on the surface, but what are the costs and benefits when you analyze career specialization at the roots?

While its not for everyone, theres a lot of value that can be extracted from focusing on a specific skill or role. Lets begin this analysis by taking a look at some of the benefits specialization affords so that you can get a better idea of the why behind such a career move.

Theres something about having specific responsibilities that allow you to get really focused on a defined skillset. This is perhaps the biggest benefit of specialization. When youre able to stop wasting your time on low-returning tasks and instead drill down to what really matters, suddenly you become a more valuable commodity.

Consider a fictional scenario for a moment. Lets say your house is getting old and needs some substantial work done. Namely, you need some of the siding repaired and a new roof installed. The first thing you do is call a local handyman who you know is pretty good with installing siding. And when he arrives at your house and you mention that youre also replacing your roof, he suddenly perks up and tells you that he can do the siding repair and the roof replacement for one convenient price.

The handyman leaves and the specialized roof installation company that you had previously called out for an estimate arrives. They want to charge you substantially more for the job. Despite this, most people would be more comfortable paying the premium for the specialized service. Why? Because specialized companies/professionals are deemed to be more skilled at what they do. In other words, a defined skillset is a bonus.

Specialization comes with a greater sense of trust in the eyes of employers. If youre looking for a job and are able to say that you specialize in X, Y, or Z, thats better than saying you have some basic experience doing X, Y, and Z. An employer is going to have more trust that you know what youre doing if youve exhibited a history of focusing your efforts on a singular skill or objective.

From your perspective, youll find that specialization generally leads to higher job satisfaction. The reason for this is rooted in any number of factors. For a lot of people, its a result of doing something that you love. Thats because professionals generally focus on a skill that they enjoy. Other people are happier because they get immense satisfaction and pleasure from doing something that theyre good at. It makes them feel like they have something of value to offer their employer/customers/etc.

Job specialization isnt for everyone, though. Some people arent cut out for it and perform much better when theyre able to utilize a variety of skills and take on a diverse set of responsibilities. Keeping that in mind, lets review some of the major cons of specialization in todays job market.

The majority of American workers arent finding fulfillment in their jobs. In fact, a Gallup poll shows that 50.8 percent of people are not engaged at work, while another 17.2 percent are actively disengaged. Less than one-third of people report being fully engaged. There are plenty of reasons for this, but boredom plays a big role.

Unfortunately, specialization is often a major cause for boredom. If you end up becoming too focused on one thing, you dont get enough diversity in your life and burn out fairly quickly. This doesnt always happen, but its always a risk especially for those who like change.

The world changes and certain skills and occupations come and go in terms of utility and value. When youre a generalist, this doesnt really matter. You slowly evolve along with the marketplace. But when youre a specialist, you can get left behind. Obsolescence is a very real threat.

Consider, for example, someone who specializes in Google AdWords strategy and optimization. What would happen if suddenly Google went under or decided to eliminate AdWords and focus on an entirely different form of advertising? Suddenly that person would be out of a job. Thats the risk of tying yourself to one specific skill.

You also have to consider the fact that not every customer/client/employer is looking for specialization. When cost is a factor, its usually makes more sense for them to hire someone who can offer a variety of services. So while you may view it as a focused skillset, others could see it as a limited skillset. Keep this in mind as you decide where you want your career to go.

There will always be an opportunity for skilled professionals to specialize their services. The key to specialization is to make sure youre balancing your approach. You can specialize yourself right out of a job if you arent careful.

But done the right way, specialization can lead to a bright career in todays job market.

Man at Computer Photo via Shutterstock

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3 Pros and 3 Cons You Need to Weigh About Specialization in Today's Job Market - Small Business Trends

WGRZ 5:31 PM. EDT May 30, 2017

Downtown Jamestown (Photo: WGRZ)

JAMESTOWN, NY-- Ten million dollars from Albany will help revitalize downtown Jamestown.

State leaders were in town on Tuesday to announce ten projects that will get a share of the money, that Jamestown won in a state-wide competition.

That includes a redevelopment of the Key-Bank building, turning the city's Renaissance Center into the Jamestown Brewing Company and making the city more pedestrian-friendly.

"Once you focus on making it a walkable community, and you have bump-outs at the intersections to shorten the distance where a pedestrian or bicyclist is exposed to traffic, it gives you a greater senese of security," said NYS Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul.

Here is the list of projects according to the Governor's office:

Redevelop the Key Bank Building-Transform a mostly abandoned bank building in the center of downtown Jamestown into a mixed-use downtown anchor which will increase residential opportunities, bring new commercial activity, and create jobs in the downtown. The renovations will provide 10,000 feet of office space, 8 market-rate apartments, a restaurant space, 4-6 pop-up retail spaces, a wine tasting room, and an escape the room-type attraction.

Bring a Full Service Hotel to Downtown Jamestown Convert the former Ramada hotel site into a Hilton DoubleTree, returning a full-service hotel to Downtown Jamestown. There is currently only one hotel in Jamestown, and it is a limited-services facility. This project will address a financing gap and allow the development to move forward with the full renovation of the vacant hotel to provide a new, higher-end lodging option for visitors to the Comedy Center and other downtown attractions. The new hotel will include 144 rooms, a 4,000 square foot banquet space, two restaurants and a bar, which will enhance the street-level experience in the area.

Improve the Riverwalk Experience Enhance public space along the Chadakoin Riverfront and improve public access to transform it the riverfront into a destination that appeals to a variety of user groups and increases visitation both to the riverfront and to downtown. The project will install state-of-the-art LED lights to improve visual aesthetics and activate interest in the waterfront as an evening destination, support construction of kayak and canoe launches, and install a catchment system to collect contain debris flushed downstream from the Warner Dam before it reaches the downtown riverfront.

Redevelop the Jamestown Renaissance Center into the Home of Jamestown Brewing Company Complete interior and exterior renovation of a large, vacant space in downtown Jamestown to transform it into a new restaurant and craft brewery that will increase the dining options downtown, provide banquet space for special events, and create a new draw for visitors from the region. Upgrades to the building will include faade improvements and exterior decks that will have a positive influence on pedestrian activity and vibrancy in the immediate area.

Rehabilitate the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Transform the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts into a modern arts facility that can continue to develop into one of the premier cultural institutions in the region. The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts encompasses seven connected buildings in downtown Jamestown. This project will implement key parts of a master plan to consolidate and improve the facilities, creating a more attractive and functional cultural downtown anchor. Improvements will include renovation of street-level retail space, upgrades to the theater lobby including addition of a cafe, installation of a multi-media studio, renovated offices and apartments, and space, and other safety and functional upgrades.

Install Necessary Rail Infrastructure to Support the Advancement of a Regional Excursion Train Connecting to Buffalo and Niagara Falls Undertake key improvements necessary to bring the regional excursion train that will connect Buffalo to Niagara Falls into downtown Jamestown and allow passengers to disembark at the National Comedy Center. The project includes installing passing rail siding, providing a walkway from the disembarkment area to the Jamestown multimodal center, and providing necessary utility connections at the Jamestown station that is part of a regional excursion train initiative.

Improve Streetscape and Pedestrian Environment Make targeted investment in three locations downtown to enhance the pedestrian experience in downtown and encourage pedestrian activity. Investments will include street trees, planting beds, and accent paving in the furniture zone to enhance the aesthetics of the streetscape. Pedestrian amenities such as benches, bike racks, and trash cans will be distributed throughout the streetscape, with the majority located adjacent to the primary attractions to support connections between destinations.

Coordinate and Supplement Local Efforts to Provide All-Season Programming to Attract People Downtown--Fund and execute all-season programming to attract a range of audiences to the Downtown and Riverwalk through a fund that will coordinate and supplement efforts. All-season programming will attract a range of audiences to the downtown and Riverwalk throughout the year, and will encourage an influx of patrons to downtown businesses especially in shoulder seasons. Increased financial resources will improve coordination and supplement efforts currently undertaken by individual cultural attractions and local foundations.

Improve the Visitor Experience to the Robert H. Jackson Center Undertake needed upgrades to improve the visitor experience to the Jackson Center and enable the center to grow as a local cultural and historic anchor institution. Upgrades to the historic 858 Italianate mansion that houses the center will include stabilizing and improving the structure, modernizing infrastructure, and creating more useable space that enhances the Centers collection and is conducive to program expansion opportunities. The upgrades will improve the facilitys visitor experience and enable more productive partnerships with local, regional, national, and international groups.

Implement Critical Upgrades to the Lucille Ball Little Theater Make needed upgrades to the historic Lucille Ball Little Theater to allow it to provide space for year-round events, attract high-quality performances, and draw visitors to the downtown. Installation of new air conditioning and fly systems and upgrades to the buildings faade, and the addition of outside display cases will contribute to the theater's ability to draw an audience, expand programming, and provided needed overflow event space for the National Comedy Center during peak visitor seasons.

2017 WGRZ-TV

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Jamestown gets $10M to revitalize downtown - WGRZ-TV

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding of Meriden, CT, has received GAFs 2017 Presidents Club Award. A GAF Master Elite(R) contractor since 2003, it has become synonymous with roofing, siding, and home-remodeling services in central Connecticut.

Meriden, CT May 26, 2017

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding, Inc., of Meriden, Connecticut, has received the most prestigious contractor award GAF offers: The GAF Presidents Club Award. This highly coveted award recognizes V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding as one of the elite of the elite residential roofing contractors in the United States.

GAF is North Americas largest roofing manufacturer, and only GAF Master Elite(R) Contractors can compete for its residential Presidents Club Award. To qualify for this award, a residential roofing contractor must meet specific criteria in at least one out of three different pathways: the Performance pathway, where contractors focus on giving their property owners the best possible service, quality, and protection; the Reliability pathway, where the contractor has a long history of offering their customers the best quality and protection; and the Service pathway, where contractors consistently offer their customers the best protection available in the marketplace.

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding has been a GAF Master Elite(R) Contractor since 2003; the company received the Presidents Club Award due to its excellent performance in 2016. To become a Master Elite(R) Contractora status that less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide are able to achievea candidate must demonstrate proper licensing, maintain insurance (in states that require it), have a proven reputation, and show commitment to ongoing professional training.

Owned and operated by the same gentleman for more than 50 years, V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding is a company that customers hire for its longevity in the industry and its excellent reputation. If customers live in Connecticut, theyve probably heard of our company, says president Vincent Nanfito. Weve been here since 1965, and weve always prided ourselves on using the finest quality materials for every project we build.

Providing residential and commercial remodeling and roofing services throughout Connecticut, the companys wide range of services meets the needs of every customer. In addition to roof repair and replacement, V. Nanfito Roofing offers services in window replacement, vinyl siding, gutter installation and repair, and a full spectrum of remodeling services that includes kitchens and bathrooms, basement refinishing, addition, enlargements, and expansions. Other available services include interior and exterior trim, custom decks, dormers, chimney repair, shutters, railings, and awnings.

Maintaining affiliations with local, state, and national trade organizations, including the National Remodelers Association, the Remodeling Contractors Association, and the National Association of Home Builders, the company stays involved in the industry. V. Nanfito Roofing also has ties to local communities, holding memberships in the chambers of commerce of Wallingford, Southington, and the Greater Meriden and Quinnipiac regions. An EPA-certified lead-safe firm, the company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.

The companys community ties are displayed in its commitment to the No Roof Left Behind program. In 2015, we gave away a free roof to a deserving family, explains Nanfito. In 2016, we doubled our contribution and gave away two roofs, because this program has filled our hearts with such joy. Helping the community is a personal responsibility that we constantly take on, giving above and beyond to help local families and charities flourish. Our company doesnt focus just on sales; we care about our community and about working with our customers.

Growth is the keyword going forward. Wed love to surpass our current amount of customers, concludes Nanfito, and continue to have a successful No Left Roof Behind giveaway. Although were growing exponentially and adding expert staff, we still maintain the personalized service, face-to-face consultations, and quality workmanship that put us on the map decades ago. So well continue to growbut also continue to provide great quality and service at a reasonable cost. V. Nanfito Roofing provides customers with the services and care that they need!

About V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding, Inc.

Founded in 1965,V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding has become synonymous with roofing, siding, and home remodeling in central Connecticut. The company provides a full spectrum of home and commercial general-contracting services, from basements to roofs and everything in between. V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding uses the finest materials from quality manufacturers and employs expert staff who are licensed and trained in multiple disciplines.

V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding 558 Hanover Street Meriden, CT 06451 (203) 639-1634 http://www.vnanfito.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/V-Nanfito-Roofing-Siding-Inc-134375610014218/

About GAF:

Founded in 1886, GAF is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America. The Company is an operating subsidiary of Standard Industries.

GAF products include a comprehensive portfolio of roofing systems for residential and commercial properties, which are supported by an extensive national network of factory-certified contractors. Its success is driven by its commitment to Advanced Quality, Industry Expertise, and Solutions Made Simple. GAF was the first roofing manufacturer to offer a Lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles, which then evolved with the introduction of the GAF Lifetime Roofing System by extending the Lifetime coverage beyond just the roofing shingles.

With a focus on social responsibility, GAF developed Advanced Protection(R) Shingle Technology, providing excellent durability and wind resistance while reducing the use of natural resources. The Company has also developed single-ply and asphaltic roofing membranes with excellent durability and high reflectivity to meet the most rigorous industry standards while helping commercial property owners and designers reduce energy consumption.

GAF also supports the roofing industry through CARE, the Center for the Advancement of Roofing Excellence(TM), which has provided education to over 230,000 professionals. CAREs mission is to help professional contractors and distributors build their businesses through sales and management education, and to provide product and installation training to contractors, distributors, architects, property owners, and related industry personnel.

For more information about GAF, visit: gaf.com

About Standard Industries:

Standard Industries is a privately-held, global, diversified holding company with interests in building materials, aggregates, and related investment businesses in public equities and real estate. With over 7,500 employees and operations in more than 80 countries, Standard maintains a team-oriented culture of meritocracy and operational excellence, and a passionate focus on investing in its people.

Media Contact Company Name: V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding Contact Person: Vincent Nanfito Email: vnanfito11@aol.com Phone: (203) 639-1634 Country: United States Website: http://www.vnanfito.com

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V. Nanfito Roofing & Siding Receives GAF's Prestigious 2017 President's Club Award - MilTech

ROSELLE, ILLINOIS (PRWEB) June 01, 2017

When BathWraps first opened its doors for business 20 years ago, it set out on a mission to transform peoples homes. It started with the realization that consumers were constantly searching for simple solutions to replace outdated or damaged bathroom wetspace. Recognizing that demand for its one-day transformation services was only continuing to climb, even during the housing market crash when many companies suffered, BathWrapsoriginally Liners Directhas since leveraged its position as a recession-proof expert acrylic manufacturer to cater to customers needs. Now, with its two decades of professional experience and innovation, paired with an exciting new partnership with Jacuzzi, BathWraps is perfectly poised for its strongest year yet.

After going by BathWraps by Liners Direct for the last five years, the brand decided to drop its original Liners Direct name completely to make room for a massive rebrand focused on manufacturing and installing custom showers and bathtubs. To better direct its rebranding, BathWraps did extensive research with its dealer and customer networkincluding those who opted not to buy their products. Using that feedback as fuel, the brand redesigned its image and boosted its digital footprint between July of 2016 and January of 2017.

Updating our branding and finding new ways to acquire new partnerships with dealers nationwide has been a natural next step for our brand. Because our internal business had already evolved to stay ahead of the latest industry trends, we wanted to accurately represent ourselves externally to both our customers and our dealers, said Dave Azer, director of marketing for BathWraps. To say that this reimaging has been a success would be an understatement. Theres been a significant spike in activity in the first quarter of 2017 alone, and were eager to leverage our new brand positioning to further our development efforts in the months and years ahead.

Moving into the second quarter of 2017 and beyond, BathWraps is focused on expanding its network of local dealers. Right now, the brand works with more than 120 independent business owners who typically operate within other segments of the one-day installation home improvement industry, including window, siding and sunroom companies and contractors. And theres no upfront cost or agreement required for dealersBathWraps instead provides them with the opportunity to add this service to their existing businesses as another revenue stream that fits seamlessly within their current business model.

Teaming up with BathWraps gives dealers the ability to become an exclusive supplier of its products in a specific territory, allowing them to offer their customers 100 percent virgin durable acrylic thats available in a wide range of colors, with the option to add accessories to complete a bathrooms transformation. That commitment to quality then extends to the brands lifetime guarantee that covers the product for the life of a clients house.

By partnering with BathWraps, these dealers also gain access to a support team that guides them through the brands products and services. The brand boasts the best dealer support system in the industry, and gives its partners access to an in-home sales app designed to determine the best product for every individual client. Every installer is also factory-certified and kept up to date on the latest trends through ongoing training and marketing support, with BathWraps oftentimes accompanying its dealers on their first installation to ensure that it goes well.

BathWraps is currently engaged in successful relationships with major dealers and contractors across the country, yet there is still a high demand for BathWraps products in communities across the U.S. Now, the brand is looking to build on its strong foundation by expanding even further into key states in 2017 including New York, Mississippi, Alabama, Nebraska, North Dakota and Washington.

We pride ourselves on partnering exclusively with outstanding quality dealers, and were looking forward to expanding our reach in the months ahead with contractors who pride themselves on the same quality of work as BathWraps provides, said Eileen King, senior marketing manager of BathWraps. The BathWraps brand now features additional products too, and were excited to show more dealers how we can help them expand their businesses and boost their bottom lines.

One of those new products comes from BathWraps new partnership with Jacuzzi, enabling the brand to distribute walk-in bathtubs made by the original inventor of the popular hydromassage bathtub. The strategic partnership stands out to prospective dealers and home improvement-centric business owners who are looking for new ways to diversify their portfolios and tap into an additional revenue stream.

Theres no doubt that this is an incredibly exciting time to be a part of the BathWraps brand. From our new partnership with the nationally recognized Jacuzzi brand to our ongoing efforts to grow in new communities, weve once again found ourselves on the cutting edge of the custom bath and shower manufacturing industries, said Jeff Conner, owner of BathWraps. Were looking forward to working with more dealers to bring the best possible products and services to customers and business owners across the country. Our number one priority remains helping customers transform their homes, and were confident that these new initiatives will allow us to do this on a larger scale.

About BathWraps: Backed by 20 years of experience transforming peoples homes, BathWraps is a leading force in the bathtub and shower manufacturing industries. Originally founded as Liners Direct in 1997, the brand creates and installs custom fixtures that are long lasting, easy to maintain, safe to use and simple to install. Its commitment to quality and innovation in the segment stand out among consumers and dealers alike, fueling BathWraps ongoing expansion initiatives. With a network of 120-plus dealers currently operating across the country, the brand plans to continue growing in key communities across the country throughout 2017. For more information on BathWraps services and to inquire about becoming a dealer, please visit https://www.bathwraps.com/.

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BathWraps Launches Plan to Reach New Dealers Across the Country - PR Web (press release)

Eddie Fitzgerald EFitzgeraldNBSJ

New Bern aldermen approved a second request to change the city Land Use Ordinance on Tuesday evening to allow a local car dealership to use material that was not allowed in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard/U.S. 17 corridor.

The Board of Aldermen met in special session at City Hall and held a public hearing to consider allowing corrugated deep-ribbed panels and removing a prohibition on metallic finishes allowed on buildings along the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard/U.S. 17 corridor. The vote was unanimous.

Only one citizen asked a question about the type of material that will now be allowed in the corridor.

In February, the Board of Adjustment denied Cella Fords request for a variance to upgrade its dealership building from a stone-type finish to ACM, an aluminum composite material, which also was not allowed in the corridor.

Jeff Ruggieri, director of Development Services, said in April the Board of Aldermen agreed to support Cella Fords request and on April 4, the Planning and Zoning Board unanimously approved adding ACM to the list of permitted sheathing materials along the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr./U.S. 17 corridor.

When the request came back before aldermen May 9 for final approval, the city ordinance was amended to allow ACM in the MLK/U.S. 17 corridor.

Also at the boards May 9 meeting Cella Ford requested an amendment to add corrugated deep-ribbed material, which, like ACM, was not allowed in the MLK/U.S. 17 corridor, to the city ordinance.

The New Bern Planning & Zoning Board was asked to hold a special meeting May 16 to consider Cella Fords new request. That board opposed recommending to the Board of Aldermen the change to the city ordinance by vote of 6-3, Ruggieri said.

Raymond Layton, chairman of the planning board, said during his boards meeting he was concerned with the request.

What I dont want to do is open up the door for pre-engineered metal buildings along Highway 17/ MLK Boulevard corridor because I think that is what we are trying to prevent, he said.

Some of the other comments made by planning board members May 16 were that it was a knee-jerk reaction to one proposal, was in opposition of what the Land Use Ordinance tried to protect, and was a recipe for one building and could not be done for every building, Ruggieri said.

Ruggieri told the Board of Alderman if the ordinance was changed to allow the cheaper deep-ribbed corrugated material it could lower property values significantly. An acre of land along the MLK corridor is valued at $743,000. A building on the property with deep-ribbed corrugated metal could drop the the value to $322,879, he said.

Alderman Jeffrey Odham thanked Stephen Cella for his patience while trying to upgrade the 40-year-old Cella Ford building.

He said he respected Ford and did not think the company would come up with a design that was cheap. He also there may be some truth in the planning boards characterization of it as a knee-jerk response, but unfortunately it was an issue the Board of Aldermen had to deal with.

Odham said he did not think Cella Ford would devalue his property with the proposed upgrade nor his neighbors property.

According to a study Development Services did for the board, the pros of the corrugated metal include its less expensive than brick, concrete or fiber cement; its comparable in cost to vinyl siding and with lower installation costs, its resistant to fire, weather, rot and insects; has minimal maintenance costs, is recyclable; and does not absorb moisture.

However, corrugated metal as a building material also can decrease property values in a commercial corridor, which leads to decreased ad valorem taxes, the study shows.

The current property value of land along MLK from Glenburnie Road to the U.S.70 overpass is $114 million. If the property was redeveloped with traditional stone or brick commercial buildings, it would have a value of $131 million. If it was redeveloped with corrugated buildings, the property value would fall to $59 million, the study shows.

The amended ordinance now specifically allows deep-ribbed aluminum panels with exposed fasteners. The exterior finish of the panels has to be laminated or baked-on enamel paint prepared to the wall to manufacturer's standards. And the panels shall not exceed 35 percent of the primary building facade, excluding windows and doors.

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Aldermen change city ordinance to allow Cella Ford upgrade - New Bern Sun Journal