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OCALA, FL--(Marketwired - Apr 24, 2013) - The last three years brought 19 named storms off the east coast with only 10 being named hurricanes. Hurricane Sandy was the only storm in 2012 to reach a category three-hurricane status, demolishing anything in her way and leaving several towns in rubble. Window Pros of Florida knows how lucky Florida residents have been over the last 8 years with no hurricane's hitting Florida land and have stock piled a ton of quality replacement windows and energy efficient windows to prepare for this year's possibility of Florida being hit hard.

The storms in 2012 struggled to develop in the deep tropics due to very persistent, dry and stable air. These hurricanes did not get going until they hit the sub tropics, an area that is much less favorable for tropical development. With big storms we can expect big impact and with big impact comes the need to rebuild and replace lost personal items, such as your roof, vinyl siding, pool enclosures, cars and of course your old windows.

Window Pros team of professional installation experts are the finest craftsmen in Florida. Window Pros ensures professional installation to maximize both esthetic quality and energy savings potential.

Rick Deeley, the owner of Window Pros, had this to say:

"We have stocked up on our materials and installers to prepare for the worst of conditions for this year's hurricane season. I was told by my father to always be prepared, not scared."

Being prepared every year has given Rick a sense of relief and gratitude for his father teaching him to do things right the first time. Be prepared and protected during this year's hurricane season. Give yourself peace of mind with hurricane proof windows today from Window Pros located in Ocala Florida and serving the great state of Florida.

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Window Pros Prepares for the Possibility of Hurricanes in Florida

JINJIANG, Fujian Province, China, April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- China Ceramics Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ Global Market: CCCL) ("China Ceramics" or the "Company"), a leading Chinese manufacturer of ceramic tiles used for exterior siding and for interior flooring and design in residential and commercial buildings, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and for the full year ended December 31, 2012.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Summary

Full Year 2012 Summary

"We recorded disappointing financial results for the fourth quarter of the year due to continued challenging market conditions in China's real estate and construction markets. These conditions resulted in significant decrease in the sales volume of our ceramic tile products for the quarter. We also experienced a decline in our average selling price in the quarter due to intensified price competition in our sector that caused us to reduce the price of our products to retain market share," said Mr. Jiadong Huang, CEO of China Ceramics.

"Despite the quarter's results, we believe that the operating fundamentals of our business are sound. In order to adjust to current market conditions and reduce operating costs, we shut down some plant capacity during the fourth quarter. We are currently utilizing production facilities capable of producing 46 million square meters per year out of a total annual productive capacity of 72 million square meters. We will continue to monitor the macroeconomic environment and act prudently in terms of utilizing our full production capacity. We are cautiously optimistic about an increase in demand and a rebound in pricing beginning in the second quarter of 2013 that would enable us to increase the utilization of our new and modern production capabilities."

"We will continue to enhance our ceramic tile product offerings and competitive profile in order to reach more customers in China and abroad. We continue to be strategically positioned as a producer of high-end ceramic tiles that are becoming standard in many new construction and development projects. We are confident that our modern technologies and cost efficiencies will enable us to adapt to the operating pressures of today's challenging market environment and successfully execute upon our long-term strategy, which is to be a market leader in producing specialized building materials products," Mr. Huang continued.

"The urbanization and demographic trends in China are a long-term phenomenon that will lead to future demand for our products as current real estate fluctuations moderate over time. Even as we adopt measures in the short-term to enable us to reach our customers more effectively, we are confident that the branding and market positioning that enabled us to become a premier ceramic tile producer will generate sound financial metrics once the building materials sector returns to more normalized conditions," CEO Jiadong Huang concluded.

Fourth Quarter 2012 Results

Revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012 was RMB 245.3 million (US$ 40.0 million), down 39.3% from RMB 404.5 million (US$ 63.8 million) for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011. The year-over-year decrease in revenue was primarily driven by a 29.8% decrease in the sales volume of ceramic tiles to 8.7 million square meters in the fourth quarter of 2012 from 12.4 million square meters in the fourth quarter of 2011. The decrease in revenue was also driven by a 13.8% decrease in the Company's average selling price, which decreased in the fourth quarter of 2012 to RMB 28.2 per square meter compared to RMB 32.7 per square meter in the comparable quarter of 2011. The Company attributes its reduced sales volume to the continued challenging business conditions in China's real estate sector. Beginning in December 2012, the Company reduced the selling price of its ceramic tile products to be competitive in the market and maintain its market share. The Company believes that the decrease in the pricing of its ceramic tile products is temporary and that product pricing will revert to normal levels once business conditions improve.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012 was RMB 29.3 million (US$ 4.9 million), down 79.0% from RMB 139.4 million (US$ 21.9 million) for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2011. The year-over-year decrease in gross profit was attributable to lower sales volume and the decrease in the average selling price of the Company's ceramic tiles in the quarter. Gross profit margin was 12.0% for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012 compared to 34.5% for the same period in 2011. The year-over-year decrease in gross profit margin for the fourth quarter was caused by a decrease in the average selling price of ceramic tiles in the quarter.

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China Ceramics Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2012 Financial Results

Floodwater from the Des Plaines River has started to recede in Des Plaines and was at 10.67 feet as of 8:45 a.m. Saturday, according to the National Weather Service.

The river crested at 10.92 feet Friday, the highest on record.

As the cleanup begins, garbage collection in the city will be unaffected and resume as normal starting Monday. However, the collection of yard waste has been suspended until further notice.

Public works crews will help ARC Disposal with debris collection, along with the collection of sandbags in flood affected areas. Sandbags should be placed at the curb separate from other debris. Collection will continue until all bags have been recovered. Once the sandbags are removed, the streets will be swept to remove any remaining debris.

Residents are asked to put flood-damaged items out at the curb, but no household waste or electronic waste will be collected.

Residents should be aware that a permit is required for nearly all construction work, even if related to post-flooding repairs. That includes: electrical wiring, panels, conduit, or junction boxes; insulation; wall framing; windows; exterior doors; roofing; siding; fireplaces; boilers; water heaters; generators; fences; decks and stairs; concrete, asphalt, or paver brick driveways, sidewalks, patios, stoops, and stairs; demolitions; extensive interior remodeling work; fire sprinklers; grading changes, retention walls, or other landscaping involving topographical changes; low voltage alarms and phone wiring; mechanical systems (heating and air conditioning); new structures and any structural changes; plumbing (water heaters, etc.); sewer repairs or clean-outs; sheds; shoring and foundation repairs; signs, banners, and tents; swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.

The only work that does not require a permit is removal/replacement of carpet or tile, replacement of drywall (unless insulation also is being replaced), or replacement of cabinetry (unless plumbing or electrical work is involved).

For more information, call the Community Development Department between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (847) 391-5380.

City officials are urging residents to report flood damages to their insurance companies, and to be careful when choosing contractors to clean up or repair their homes and businesses.

To avoid contractor fraud, residents should use reliable, licensed contractors, ask to see a license, or call the Community Development Department to find out whether the contractor is licensed to work in Des Plaines.

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Tips for Des Plaines residents navigating flooding cleanup

NORWALK, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Community leaders and project partners joined today to celebrate the start of construction on Ginis House, an affordable supportive housing development in Norwalk that will bring 18 quality one-and two-bedroom apartments to the Norwalk community.

The $7.2 million project is a substantial rehabilitation of a vacant four-story building previously used as a skilled nursing facility. The building will be completely redesigned to incorporate a new interior layout including an elevator, all new mechanical and electrical systems, roof replacement, new windows and exterior siding.

Once construction is complete in spring of 2014, Ginis House will consist of 17 two-bedroom and 1 one-bedroom residential units. Amenities include central air conditioning, refrigerators, ranges, furnished units, security cameras, security staffing, an exercise room and a community room with computers and Internet access.

The property will also house on-site case management offices and support services for the residents that include education, job training and employment assistance. Additional support services will be provided to residents with special needs who are formerly homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Safe and affordable housing for our workforce, the elderly, and our most vulnerable individuals and families is crucial to a healthy state economy and specifically to a diverse, stable workforce, said Connecticut Commissioner of Housing Evonne M. Klein. And when combined with the on-site services that are integral to Ginis House, this project promises to provide an example of what truly supportive housing looks like.

New Neighborhoods, Inc. (NNI), a Stamford-based nonprofit developer, is general co-partner and property manager for the project.Liberation Programs, a Norwalk-based behavioral health organization, is also a general partner and will be the service provider for the project. Enterprise Builders is the general contractor.

Ginis House will help provide affordable housing and critical support services for people with some of the greatest needs in our community, said Ross Burkhardt, president and CEO of New Neighborhoods Inc. We are so grateful for the support from our partners and the community in making this project a reality.

This project is an important part of a larger revitalization effort in Norwalk designed to create more affordable housing opportunities, said State Senator Bob Duff, who also attended the ceremony along with Norwalk Mayor Richard Moccia and State Representatives Chris Perone and Gail Lavielle. We are appreciative to all the partners for their commitment to our community and willingness to help people have a place they can call home.

UnitedHealthcare, through a partnership with Enterprise Community Investment, Inc. (Enterprise) has committed to provide $5.2 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) equity for the project. The investment brings together one of the nations top health and well-being companies and a leader in the affordable housing and community-development industry to provide innovative financing solutions for community development projects. UnitedHealthcare, through its Affordable Housing Investment Program, has provided more than $100 million in financing for community development projects throughout the United States, $54 million of which is in partnership with Enterprise.

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Construction Begins on Gini’s House – a $7.2 Million Development That Will Bring 18 Supportive Housing Units to Norwalk

by ANDY PIERROTTI / KVUE News and photojournalist ERIN COKER

kvue.com

Posted on April 19, 2013 at 12:11 AM

Updated yesterday at 12:21 AM

AUSTIN -- As Jon Baney's home ages, he knows he'll pay for needed repairs.Some neededmaintenance includes fixing old doors, windows and replacing hissiding.

"We've been doing it over the years as we've had the money for it," Baney said.

While Baney says he'd never take out a second mortgage to pay for the minormaintenance, some say that's basically what Austin ISD wants to do to fund similar expenses.

Next month, Austin voters will decide whether to fund $890 million in bonds to pay for long-term capital projects at Austin ISD, like new schools.

Over the next few years, property taxes would increase to pay for it. The owner of a $200,000 home could pay about $70 more a year if passed.

According to Austin ISD financial records,the bond money would also pay short-term fixes.The KVUE Defenders found bonds payingfor items like removing "tree limbs and debris" from roofs; "replacing grass in play areas," and fixing a toilet -- funded with bonds that will take decades to pay off.

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AISD bonds would pay for short-term fixes

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are both one-of-a-kind athletes born in the same generation, and from the moment they've risen to prominence, we've done nothing but compare them.

The debate between who's greater, who's the best player in the world is fierce; forming factions between spectators and, at times, aggressive conversation.

For several seasons now, those siding with Ronaldo have been in the minority. The Real Madrid forward, signed from Manchester United for a whopping 80 million in 2009, has never attracted the sort of neutral appeal Messi boasts.

The Portuguese is an entertainer, a marvel to watch, but some of his habits turn people away and he's a bullish, cocky figure in the media and on camera.

In stark contrast, Messi is a humble, quiet man. He's shy in front of the cameras, one of the last to take to the microphone and simply enjoys playing a game of FIFA at home.

But the difference may not all be down to personal traits. Ronaldo was brought in as a replacement for David Beckham at Manchester United for a stunning 18 million as an 18-year-old prospect.

He had the No. 7 shirt thrust onto him and was expected to performperhaps pressure, the will to succeed and the desperation to impress formed some of his persona as we see it today.

It's human instinct to form opinions and judgements on the snippets you may see, and the modestyalong with his monstrous ability on the football fieldhas seen Messi become the clear favourite.

But that tide, which has been in the Argentine's favour for many, many years, might just be turning a little, even after Messi's majestic, tie-winning cameo against Paris Saint-Germain.

The two forwards can boast impeccable records since Ronaldo joined Madrid.

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Messi vs. Ronaldo: Why the Competition Is Closer Than You Think

Now that Town Hall has been named to the U.S. Register of Historic Places, town officials generally agree that future repairs and upgrades can be legally financed via the Community Preservation Acts historic resources account.

The 1914 building next to Bournes Pond needs more roof repair atop the main part of the redbrick structure. Two years ago, the roof above the selectmens office was re-done.

The latest project will cost an estimated $15,840. This is a repair and preserve effort, Town Administrator Thomas Guerino advised the finance committee.

More work is not yet scheduled, he said, but it is needed and will be scheduled once a full report about Town Hall inadequacies is issued by Facilities Director Jonathan Nelson.

At this point, Gueirno said the building needs new gutters and downspouts, vinyl-siding repair in places, an electrical upgrade and parts replacement, repairs to the front steps and those leading to the selectmens office on the north side of the structure and an evaluation of the handicapped access ramp.

Guerino said additional more window work is also needed on the north side.

Five years ago, Town Meeting voters routinely approved a boiler-replacement request that many thought should have been recommended through the annual capital outlay requests, not the CPA. But now Town Hall has been duly listed as an historic place, and CPA requests would seem to be green-lighted in advance.

For now we have to try to keep the water out and inspect what is not thought to be extensive damage from leaks, Guerino said.

Town officials and the Canal Chamber of Commerce are intent on sprucing up Buzzards Bay properties in time for the canal centennial observances in 2014. Any Town Hall work in this regard would likely be concluded in time for those events. A full assessment of building needs, however, is due next year.

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Bourne Town Hall needs even more repairs to stop roof leaks

DES PLAINES, IL--(Marketwired - Apr 15, 2013) - DougCook, President and Owner of Feldco Windows, Siding and Doors, will host a luncheon to raise awareness and knowledge for the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Illinois Chapter. "A Reason to Hope" will be held on Tuesday, April 16th at Chicago's Union League Club located on West Jackson Blvd in Chicago. The goal of the event is to "provide a clear view of Alzheimer's disease..." while hoping that attendees will "...leave enlightened, with a renewed reason to hope" as stated by the Alzheimer's Association.

DougCook explains his support of this event. "Alzheimer's and other associated neurological disorders pose a daunting challenge to our country. As the population ages, more people will be forced to become caregivers to loved ones, friends and neighbors which will bring significant stress and burden to folks already weighted down by the realities of life today. Raising awareness of this disease will hopefully bring aid to those already afflicted but also lend support to finding a cure."

In continued support of the communities they serve, Feldco has also recently partnered with the Make-a-Wish Foundation as well as Fire Prevention Week for the West Allis Fire Department of Wisconsin and Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Peoria Area.

ABOUT FELDCO Feldco is the Midwest's leading window, siding and door replacement specialist. Founded in 1976, the company is focused on delighting customers by making home improvement projects simple. With premium products, factory-direct pricing and certified installers, Feldco provides an excellent overall value and experience for nearly 250,000 customers. The company offers free in-home demonstrations and lifetime product warranties. Feldco serves all of Central and Northern Illinois, Northwest Indiana, as well as Southern and Northeast Wisconsin. Feldco has showrooms in Chicago, Des Plaines, Rockford, and Peoria, Illinois, and Madison, Milwaukee, and Menasha, Wisconsin. Please visit Feldco's website (www.4feldco.com) or contact the company's appointment center (866-4FELDCO or 708-437-4000) to learn more about Feldco's products and services.

Feldco was named the 2007 and 2009 Dealer of the Year by Window and Door Magazine, and was also named one of the Best Places to Work in Chicagoland by Crain's Chicago Business, and a Top 100 Workplace in 2010 and 2011 by the Chicago Tribune.

For more information on this press release, please contact Patti Freko, Feldco's Director of Communications (708-437-4005) or email marketing@4feldco.com.

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Feldco President and Owner to Chair "A Reason to Hope" Luncheon for the Alzheimer's Association's Greater Illinois ...

Able Restorations new website describes owner Larry Comtois specialties which include installation of interior and exterior doors, bow windows, bay windows, and vinyl siding.

Providence, RI (PRWEB) April 15, 2013

According to the Energy Department exterior doors and windows can contribute significantly to air leakage and waste energy through conduction if they are improperly installed and/or improperly sealed. In addition to saving money on heating and cooling costs, properly installed doors and windows save homeowners money in other ways as well.

Doors that stick in their frames, dont open completely, or rattle in strong winds are not only annoying but also lower the value of a house. In addition, even high quality energy efficient windows and doors will not perform effectively or last as long if not properly installed. Thats why its important for homeowners to hire a trained and experienced licensed contractor specializing in door and window installation.

When homeowners hire us they can relax, knowing their home is in the hands of local experienced installers who know windows, doors, and siding best, Larry Comtois, owner of Able Restoration, says. We have plenty of happy and satisfied customers that can confirm that we are the best at what we do. We are a small company that understands when customers call they are looking for solutions not a sales pitch. We consider our clients our friends and we do not let our friends down.

Able Restoration specializes in the replacement of old-fashioned, unsightly, and outdated interior and exterior doors with the latest styles available today. Whether a homeowner is looking to give their entry door, slider, or interior door a fresh look, add value, or make their home more energy efficient, Able Restoration can provide the expertise and quality homeowners deserve.

Homeowners who want to create a cozy nook to curl up with a good book, sip a cup of tea, or watch their children play in the garden often turn to bay and bow windows. Able Restoration is a specialized, qualified window installer of bow and bay windows and can ensure they operate properly. These windows are a popular trend that makes any room seem bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. Popular since the Victorian era, bay windows are typically made of three-sided window extensions that add a few feet of extra space as well as charming character. Bow windows are similar in design, but curved and more suited to modern architecture. These windows not only provide extra space for sitting and storage but also offer expansive views of a homeowners property.

Homeowners have many choices when it comes to siding; however, vinyl siding is the most popular choice today due to its durability, versatility, beauty, low maintenance, and energy efficiency. Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of styles, colors, and price points. Homeowners can sit back while their professional installers install their siding in a professional and timely manner.

In addition to these three specialties, Able Restoration also offers decks, kitchen and bathroom renovations, room design, finish carpentry, and more. For more information about this special company, please visit their new website http://www.providenceremodeler.com/

About Able Restoration

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Providence Door and Window Contractor Announces Debut of Website