Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwire -08/15/12)- After two decades in the Navy, Evette Soto of Orlando is trying to achieve her dream of business ownership. She has the business picked out: Kitchen Solvers, a kitchen cabinet refacing and kitchen remodeling franchise. She has an interior design degree. She just needs startup capital.

So she's trying to raise $50,000 through an Orlando-based company, Sprigster, that uses crowdfunding to help veterans finance franchises. Sprigster's "Boost a Hero" program works like a Kickstarter campaign: Veterans post videos explaining their backgrounds and their business goals. For 90 days, people can donate as much as they want or as little as $1. You can find a link to Soto's video at http://bit.ly/NA9mh3.

Sprigster CEO Mark Mohler says "Boost a Hero" addresses a huge problem: veteran unemployment. Of the veterans who have served since 2001, 12.1 percent were unemployed in May -- compared to the overall U.S. rate of 8.3 percent.

"Veterans' skill sets often don't translate well onto rsums," Mohler said. "When we looked at ways to help vets, we found that franchisors understand the value of veterans and their systems-based training. We also focused on franchise financing because, since they're FTC-regulated, we don't have to worry about veterans being targeted by bad business schemes."

Soto found out about Kitchen Solvers and "Boost a Hero" while researching financing for veterans. She also discovered that Kitchen Solvers discounts franchise fees for veterans as part of the International Franchise Association's VetFran program.

Soto served from 1983 to 2003. As a former real estate agent, she knows that kitchen remodels are popular and that homeowners benefit from having an expert to guide them.

"I'm excited to start my Kitchen Solvers franchise," Soto said. "I'm asking people to pledge a dollar, and share my video with friends."

Kitchen Solvers President Gerry Henley said he and his company are happy to be part of the "Boost a Hero" program.

"I've seen people buy lunch for troops to say, 'Thank you,'" Henley said. "This is another way that Americans can thank their troops -- and help them for a lifetime."

To learn more, visit http://www.KitchenSolversFranchise.com.

Original post:
Orlando Veteran Hopes Donors Will 'Boost a Hero,' Help Her Buy a Kitchen Solvers Franchise

(Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune) Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker speaks outside of the site of the future Utah Performing Arts Center on Main Street Wednesday Aug. 15, 2012. Becker announced that HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, will design the Broadway-style theater touted as a regional attraction and key to new vibrancy downtown.The $110 million mega-theater will be designed to draw traveling Broadway musicals.

Contractor Layton Construction will build $110 million project.

It will be the jewel of Main Street but nobody knows what it will look like yet.

Mayor Ralph Becker announced Wednesday that HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, will design the Utah Performing Arts Center, touted as the new cultural centerpiece of Salt Lake City.

Layton Construction won the contractor bid on the $110 million project.

The planned 2,500-seat playhouse is intended to attract traveling Broadway musicals and other big shows and complement the citys new retail and finance center just up the street at City Creek Center. Proponents also believe it will attract audiences from beyond the Salt Lake Valley, boosting businesses and sales tax receipts.

"Were here to celebrate an incredible milestone for Salt Lake City and the broader region," Becker said at a press conference at 135 S. Main St. where the mega-theater will be built. "With this new performing arts center, we will expand beyond the horizon to bring live shows who will have a place to perform like we have not had in Salt Lake City."

The mega-theater will take a prominent place on Main Street, the mayor said.

Michael Vela, managing principal with HKS, said form will follow function on the complex facility. And he noted that input from user groups and the public is essential to the design.

"The Utah Performing Arts Center has to work on a day in- and day out-basis," Vela said. "Those are the things that will drive the design."

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HKS Architects tapped to design Salt Lake City downtown theater

Kasian Postioned for Continued Growth and Prosperity in Alberta

EDMONTON , Aug. 15, 2012 /CNW/ - Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd (Kasian), one of Canada's largest global architecture, interior design and planning firms, has entered into an agreement to merge the Edmonton-based practice of HIP Architects into its existing operations.

Originally founded in 1938, Edmonton's HIP Architects has evolved through seven decades of practice to create some of the most recognizable buildings in Alberta's capital city. These include the Art Gallery of Alberta, the Commonwealth Community Recreation Centre and the Sturgeon Community Hospital Expansion. Kasian also has deep roots in Edmonton , with its establishment in the city nearly 30 years ago.

HIP Architects provides consulting services to clients in Edmonton and Northern Alberta, with particular emphasis on the core areas of commercial and retail, conservation, culture and recreation, industrial and medical. Under the terms of this agreement, HIP Partners Stewart Inglis and Randy Krebes will become Principals with Kasian. In addition, fifteen members of HIP staff will transfer to Kasian's Commerce Place headquarters in Edmonton , significantly increasing office capacity and capability. Craig Henderson of HIP will continue in his position as Senior Consultant assisting with business development for emerging key clients and providing design leadership on complex new projects. This merger is the latest strategic growth investment for Kasian, building on the company's established track record of disciplined and pragmatic expansion.

Combined, Kasian and HIP Architects offer over a hundred years of design experience and share a strong common culture. "Both companies have an established customer-focused delivery approach, with a desire to serve clients with passion, energy and commitment. This merger will enable us to continue providing sustainable, community-based solutions for clients, and an excellent platform of growth for our employees," commented Randy Krebes, Principal with HIP Architects.

Both Kasian and HIP Architects are recognized as industry leaders, embracing emerging technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), which facilitates new ways of technical collaboration, drawing production and coordination. The two companies also share a joint commitment to an established and dynamic mentoring program, which ensures that staff are guided by senior members of the firm to ensure consistency of design and delivery.

"We are committed to maintaining a large presence in Edmonton , the birthplace of our company. This merger allows two excellent organizations to better leverage their collective talents and address significant market opportunities" noted Don Kasian, President of Kasian. "Together we will continue to provide an attractive and exciting company for our employees and seek new opportunities to grow the Kasian brand throughout Alberta" concluded Jim Ebbels,Kasian's Managing Senior Principal in Edmonton .

About Kasian

Kasian is one of the leading 100 architecture, interior design and planning firms in the world, with offices in Vancouver , Edmonton , Calgary , Toronto , Abu Dhabi and Shanghai . Our goal is to harness the collective expertise and imagination of our global team of innovative professionals to find feasible solutions to the complex questions posed by our clients. We employ an integrated, collaborative approach to design to create exceptional places and sustainable environments for people everywhere. Our award-winning projects range from the most advanced children's hospital in the world, to master plans for the most densely populated cities on the planet. Kasian's landmark projects in Edmonton include the new Epcor Tower on Station Lands and the redevelopment of the Federal Building and new public plaza which will create an enduring expression of Alberta's history and future interests. To learn more, please visit us at http://www.kasian.com. To learn more about HIP Architects, please visit http://www.hiparchitects.com

SOURCE: Kasian Architecture Interior Design and Planning Ltd.

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Edmonton's HIP Architects to Merge with Kasian

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) -

A portion of interstate was shut down for several hours after an 18-wheeler hit the retaining wall late Sunday night.

The accident happened on the I-10 East ramp to I-110 North just before 11 p.m.

The Baton Rouge Police Department said the tractor trailer slammed into the barrier on the onramp and the cab partially went over the side.

The big rig spilled its load in the process.

The driver was not injured.

It is unknown what it was hauling, but the material was not hazardous.

Investigators reported the truck driver refused to cooperate but added it appears the driver lost control and hit the wall several times before the semi stopped on it.

The driver was taken in for questioning. The driver's name has not been released.

BRPD has not said if charges will be filed. Officers will likely release the name if charges are filed.

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Cab of 18-wheeler dangles over side of I-10 after hitting wall

Downtown Three city firms in running to design Utah Performing Arts Center.

It probably wont be a duet. But Nicole Parker, the green witch from the Broadway musical "Wicked," will perform alongside Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker on Wednesday when he announces the architects who will design the mega-theater planned for Main Street.

It isnt likely that Becker will warble Glindas part in "Defying Gravity," like the good witch does with Parkers Elphaba in "Wicked." In fact, a city news release says shell belt out instead a solo of "The Wizard and I."

Announcement set

Meanwhile, Becker will make known the city-based firm that won out to design the $110 million venue to be located between 100 South and 200 South.

The finalists announced in May are: Architectural Nexus, in conjunction with H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture; GSBS Architects in conjunction with Pfeiffer Partners Architects; and HKS Architects, in conjunction with Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects.

Renowned architect Moshe Safdie, who put his stamp on downtown with the design of the citys showcase Main Library, failed to make the list of finalists for the theater project.

In all, 14 firms had applied for the job to shape the planned 2,500-seat Utah Performing Arts Center, which is expected to attract traveling Broadway shows such as "Wicked." The mayor and the citys Redevelopment Agency tout the planned playhouse as key to spreading downtowns renaissance.

The city has invited Salt Lake County to partner on the project. The County Council is weighing the proposed $28.2 million buy-in. The price tag comes attached to an operating agreement for the county that would split profits 50-50 up to $2 million. It also would pay the county $600,000 a year to mitigate impacts to the Capitol Theatre, Abravanel Hall and Rose Wagner Theater, which the county operates.

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Becker to announce mega-theater architects

Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Rick Smith and County Mayor Jim Coppinger selected TWH Architects for the new East Brainerd Elementary School last week, and now they're asking the County Commission and school board to approve their selection.

Seven commissioners voted in June to halt the architect selection process until the schools disclosed plans for the current East Brainerd Elementary site. The schools are pushing to have the school designed, built and open in the fall of 2014.

Since then, a list of 13 applicants was narrowed to three finalists, and Smith and Coppinger chose TWH Architects.

"It was the consensus of the people that listened to all the interviews and presentations," Coppinger said Monday. He said TWH's local reputation weighed into the decision.

"They've done some outstanding work in the past," he said.

With continued growth in East Hamilton County, Smith said it's increasingly urgent to get to work on the new school. He said today's release of school-by-school first-day enrollment figures will show that crowding continues at East Brainerd Elementary.

"That will again indicate the importance of us getting busy in the eastern part of the county," he said.

The selection was added as a late item to the County Commission agenda for Wednesday.

Tim Boyd, the commissioner who made the motion to stop the architect selection, said he still wants an answer about the current school site.

"I don't mind using the architect," said Boyd, who served on a committee that chose the three finalists. "I will be asking the question again: what, if any, plans do you have for the sale of the current East Brainerd property?. I'll be asking [assistant superintendent for facilities] Gary Waters and Rick Smith that again. I want them on public record to tell us what their answer is."

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Architects for East Brainerd school need final OK

Sailors lining the decks of a Royal Navy warship as it returned to base have left a gap where a colleague who went missing during the deployment would normally have stood.

Leading Seaman Timothy MacColl failed to return to HMS Westminster while the Type 23 frigate was alongside in Dubai in May.

The family of the missing rating released 100 yellow balloons as the warship arrived at Portsmouth Naval Base on Monday morning.

A Royal Navy spokesman said: "In keeping with tradition, the ship's company line the upper decks for the homecoming.

"A gap was left as a mark of respect for the family of missing crew member Leading Seaman Timothy MacColl.

"LS MacColl went missing while on shore leave in Dubai in May. The Royal Navy remains concerned for his safety and continues to provide support for his family. The matter is being treated as a missing person case.

"The Dubai Police have primacy for the investigation into LS MacColl's disappearance and search. The MoD and RN continue to liaise with and provide assistance to the Dubai authorities. The FCO also remains in contact with the Emirati police about their ongoing investigation."

Westminster's commanding officer, Captain Nick Hine, said: "Clearly we are all desperately disappointed that LS MacColl remains missing and our thoughts and prayers remain with his family at this particularly difficult time."

During the warship's seven-month deployment to the Middle East, Westminster disrupted three groups of suspected pirates which were targeting merchant shipping, conducted security patrols in the Gulf and Indian Ocean and also carried out a 14 million drugs bust.

Capt Hine said: "I am tremendously proud of all that we have achieved. My fantastic ship's company has risen to every challenge that has been laid before them and we have had a tangible effect in making the UK's interests more secure as a result."

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UK & World News: Sailors honour missing colleague

It may not be the most environmentally correct thing to admit, but I like concrete. I like smooth concrete driveways, raised patios and winding paths that take me where I want to go without worry about fire ants stinging my toes.

Twenty-one years ago, when we built our house, we surrounded it with concrete sidewalks. Back then, we were young, our four children were little and everyone in the family except the baby was learning or already knew how to ride unicycles. Riding a unicycle is difficult enough without having to deal with the bumps and ruts of open ground so Ralph and I agreed to install sidewalks thinking they'd be the perfect place in our predominantly unpaved, rural locale, to practice our circus skills.

For a short while, that's exactly what we did. However, as time went by, other interests took hold and our collection of one-wheeled cycles spent more time hanging from hooks in the garage than they did supporting the bodies of eager riders.

Nonetheless, our concrete pathways continued to get use. Every day we walk down them to tend to vegetable, flower and herb gardens planted in between the sidewalks and the house. They make a stable platform for a chair when I'm cutting my husband's hair and when our grandson comes over to visit, the concrete slab in front of the garage is an ideal surface to draw upon with colored chalk.

Still, I wanted more.

"What do you think about putting in a walkway to the lake?" I would periodically ask my husband in my most fetching voice. "Don't you think that would be a good project?"

His noncommittal response was always, "It would be a project, that's for sure."

We repeated this dialogue so often over the years it was as if our comments were etched in stone or, as I preferred to imagine, in concrete.

He'd say: "I don't know why we need a concrete path. I like walking over the grass."

At which point I'd reply: "Well, I don't. I'm the one who gets bit by ants, not you, and I don't want ant bites. I want a concrete sidewalk!"

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Concrete walkways provide comfortable way to enjoy nature

Usain Bolt broke a record then spun some records.

The Jamaican sprint great hotfooted it from Olympic Stadium on Saturday night to a party nearby in East London and turned DJ to entertain the packed crowd.

"He came on stage and grabbed the mike," DJ Manny Norte told The Associated Press on Sunday. "The energy went up tenfold. It was electric. Everyone was very excited to see him."

He proved a match for the professionals at a packed club that's been Jamaica's Olympic party base.

"It was a historic event," said Norte, who performed alongside Bolt. "It's not every day you get to play to a crowd with the fastest man on planet. ... You can tell he loves his music his pop and reggae. We mixed up the tracks at bit."

AP

That's after Bolt proved himself again, matching his Beijing gold medals in the 100 and 200 meters and the 4x100 relay.

"I am happy and I did what I did and I came here to be a legend," Bolt said at the party. "I am now, so I am very happy with myself."

He is the only athlete to win gold in the sprints in consecutive games.

"It is a wonderful feat," he said, between posing for pictures and feasting on Jamaican food with his teammates. "We always come out here and give it our best.

More here:
Usain Bolt Turns DJ to Celebrate Olympic Treble

SALEM In the dog days of summer, canines are being welcomed back to outdoor dining areas in the city of Salem.

The Salem Health Department has established a variance process that will allow restaurants to have dogs on outdoor patios as long as certain rules are obeyed.

I think its a happy compromise, said Health Agent Larry Ramdin.

As of yesterday, several restaurants were applying for variances in the hope of opening their patios to dogs this weekend.

Its too bad it had to be canceled for a while, but Im thrilled its back, said Steve Feldmann, the owner of Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Its a good thing for the city.

Notices went out last month banning dogs in outdoor dining areas after the health department received complaints. Ramdin said he was only enforcing the food safety regulations within the state health code, which prohibit animals in restaurants.

Under the variances, dogs will be allowed as long as restaurants enforce a number of health and safety rules.

The variance applies only to dogs, not other pets.

Ramdin said his staff researched the issue and found that state regulations do not allow dogs in outdoor dining areas. Where it was happening, Ramdin said it was being permitted in spite of the state health code.

The health agent said he checked with the town of Swampscott, a local community that has a similar variance procedure.

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Dogs back at dining tables