Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Advanced Grout System Prolongs Life of Floors to Avoid Costly Repairs

NEW YORK - Stuart Dean, a renowned provider of architectural restoration services throughout the United States, will present its Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System as an advanced solution for grout degradation March 4-6, 2012 at the Restaurant Facility Management Association (RFMA) 2012 Annual Conference at The Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Grout degradation is a common and costly back-of-the-house problem for RFMA attendees, which includes restaurant facility directors, managers, project coordinators, owners/operators, construction managers, and operations and purchasing managers. The company will be at Booth #311.

"Grout deterioration is accelerated in the restaurant environment for several reasons, including heavy traffic, moisture, food by-products, cleaning agents and grease, which cause the average high-performance restaurant chain to re-grout every two to four years depending on volume," said Mark Parrish, president and CEO of Stuart Dean. "Our exclusive Marcoat Epoxy Grout Floor System is a replacement for conventional grout and eliminates corrosion for the long term by standing up to the rigors of daily wear and tear in commercial kitchens."

Marcoat is a nonporous epoxy that eliminates the pockets where food particles, liquid and grease can accumulate in traditional grout and cause health hazards. The product is impervious to oleic acid and enzyme cleaners that are present in the kitchen environment, and also protects tile from breaking and chipping. Additionally, its special formulation is impervious to mold and mildew.

Marcoat comes with a limited two-year warranty on workmanship and an additional manufacturer warranty against product failure of three years, for a total of five years of coverage against product breakdown under normal restaurant conditions. The material features industry-leading return on investment, with a total cost of ownership four times less than conventional grout.

"Marcoat is NSF-certified for use in the food service industry and is designed to be a long-lasting solution in the restoration and new construction of restaurant kitchens," Parrish added. "We are excited to introduce Marcoat to the restaurant professionals who attend RFMA."

RFMA is a professional organization dedicated to advancing industry awareness of restaurant facility management, and promoting professional and ethical standards to serve customers with added value. Drawing restaurateurs from across the country, the RFMA Annual Conference spotlights the latest technological advances in the restaurant facilities' industry. With more than 230 exhibitors displaying products and services, renowned speakers and breakout sessions, the RFMA conference has established itself as the leader in assimilating new information on restaurant facility maintenance.

About Stuart Dean

Stuart Dean is the country's preeminent architectural restoration company, specializing in metal polishing, stone cleaning and sealing, wood refinishing, glass restoration, and commercial-grade grout installation. Thousands of clients entrust Stuart Dean to protect, maintain and restore their buildings, retail stores, institutions and restaurants every day. Stuart Dean offers a portfolio of services to enhance the beauty and retain the value of a wide array of architectural assets. The company has been in business for nearly 80 years, with 22 offices in the U.S. and Canada and over 450 employees. Major markets served include New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, D.C./Virginia, Phoenix, Charlotte, Miami, Atlanta, Cleveland, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles, Tustin, San Diego, and Toronto. For more information, visit http://www.stuartdean.com.

Contact: Jeff Donaldson For Stuart Dean 412-642-7700 jeff.donaldson@elias-savion.com

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Stuart Dean Presents Advanced Marcoat® Grout System to Restaurant Industry at RFMA ...

A Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County home in South Scranton will provide shelter for a family and signal the restoration of the charity's reputation when its keys are handed over on Friday.

The new home at 1709 Prospect Ave. with its large windows, wide hallways and a rear patio has a great view of Taylor and West Side, along with the amenities one would expect: ample insulation, plenty of electrical outlets and highly efficient lighting.

On Friday, the keys and the responsibility for the home will be given to Faith Coss, a single mother of four and personal care assistant who works for a local home health provider.

The quaint, yellow vinyl home was a long time in coming. Current president of the local Habitat board Todd Pousley said the charity hit a hard spot in getting donations and support.

"People were reluctant to work with us because issues in the past left a sour taste," he said. "We had to convince people that we are a different group with a different approach and tried to start fresh relationships."

The Prospect Avenue home is the first Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County has completed since 2005. Back then, Mr. Pousley was a student at Marywood University who would recruit volunteers to work on local Habitat projects. Although Mr. Pousley was a marketing major, his father was a general contractor. Growing up, Mr. Pousley would often accompany his father to work and quickly picked up building skills. In college Habitat for Humanity offered a unique way for him apply his special skills.

"I always had an affinity for Habitat and was drawn to their mission," he said.

Problems build

From its inception in 1990 through 2004, the Lackawanna chapter built or remodeled 26 houses.

But the organization's problems were mounting.

Read the rest here:
Habitat for Humanity back in county after 7-year hiatus

5 March 2012 Last updated at 06:54 ET

A newly restored painting by the Dutch master Vermeer will shortly return to the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam following a tour of Japanese galleries.

It will be the first time visitors will have the chance to see Woman in Blue Reading a Letter at the world-famous institution since its 2010 restoration.

The removal of varnish and retouches have allowed the work to regain its "cool tones", The Art Newspaper said.

The painting is due to be unveiled at the Rijksmuseum on 30 March.

Painted between 1663 and 1664, the work shows a young woman illuminated by light from what is presumably a window.

The Rijksmuseum website invites us to admire the "subtle gradations of colour" and the way Vermeer "adjusted the balance... by playing with the areas of light and shadow".

In return for a contribution towards its restoration costs, the painting has been recently exhibited in Kyoto, Sendai and Tokyo.

Along with Rembrandt and Frans Hals, Johannes Vermeer (1632-1675) is considered to be one of the greatest Dutch artists.

Only 36 of his paintings survive, among them his 1665 masterpiece Girl with a Pearl Earring - the inspiration for a 1999 novel by Tracy Chevalier and a 2003 film starring Colin Firth.

See the rest here:
Restored Vermeer returning home

A Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County home in South Scranton will provide shelter for a family and signal the restoration of the charity's reputation when its keys are handed over on Friday.

The new home at 1709 Prospect Ave. with its large windows, wide hallways, and a rear patio has a great view of Taylor and West Side, along with the amenities one would expect: ample insulation, plenty of electrical outlets and highly efficient lighting.

On Friday, the keys and the responsibility for the home will be given to Faith Coss, a single mother of four and personal care assistant who works for a local home health provider.

The quaint, yellow vinyl home was a long time in coming. Current president of the local Habitat board Todd Pousley said the charity hit a hard spot in getting donations and support.

"People were reluctant to work with us because issues in the past left a sour taste," he said. "We had to convince people that we are a different group with a different approach and tried to start fresh relationships."

The Prospect Avenue home is the first Habitat for Humanity of Lackawanna County has completed since 2005. Back then Pousley was a student at Marywood University who would recruit volunteers to work on local Habitat projects. Although Pousley was a marketing major, his father was a general contractor. Growing up, Pousley would often accompany his father to work and quickly picked up building skills. In college Habitat for Humanity offered a unique way for him apply his special skills.

"I always had an affinity for Habitat and was drawn to their mission," he said.

Problems build

From its inception in 1990 through 2004, the Lackawanna chapter built or remodeled 26 houses.

But the organization's problems were mounting.

Read this article:
Habitat home in Scranton signals rebirth for charity

Published: 12:54PM Monday March 05, 2012 Source: Fairfax

Lombard Finance's former directors. - Source: ONE News

Former cabinet minister Bill Jeffries has stood down as chairman of NZX-listed Insured Group citing ''personal reasons''.

Jeffries, along with former National Party cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham and two other former Lombard Finance directors were last month found guilty yesterday on four charges of making false statements in documents seeking money from the public in December 2007.

In a statement to the NZX posted this morning Insured Group said Jeffries had stood down effective March 1.

''Hon William (Bill) Patrick Jeffries has been a fine Chairman of unquestionable integrity, honesty and efficiency in his role, which possesses an impeccable skill with corporate governance,'' managing director Wayne Miller said in a statement.

''The Board of Insured unequivocally supports him and wishes him well in his future endeavors.''

He has been replaced by Barry Driscoll. The company said it would seek a waiver from NZX to give it time to find a replacement New Zealand resident director. In 2010 the company was censured and fined $7500 by the NZ Market Disciplinary Tribunal for failing to have the required two New Zealand directors for around a month in 2010.

Insured Group is a general insurance intermediary which specialises in insurance distribution which was spun out of Lombard Group, the parent company of Lombard Finance, after a reverse takeover of Australian Consolidated Insurance. Most of its operations are in Australia.

Copyright 2012, Television New Zealand Limited. Breaking and Daily News, Sport & Weather | TV ONE, TV2 | Ondemand

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Disgraced Bill Jeffries quits

Published: 12:54PM Monday March 05, 2012 Source: Fairfax

Lombard Finance's former directors. - Source: ONE News

Former cabinet minister Bill Jeffries has stood down as chairman of NZX-listed Insured Group citing ''personal reasons''.

Jeffries, along with former National Party cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham and two other former Lombard Finance directors were last month found guilty yesterday on four charges of making false statements in documents seeking money from the public in December 2007.

In a statement to the NZX posted this morning Insured Group said Jeffries had stood down effective March 1.

''Hon William (Bill) Patrick Jeffries has been a fine Chairman of unquestionable integrity, honesty and efficiency in his role, which possesses an impeccable skill with corporate governance,'' managing director Wayne Miller said in a statement.

''The Board of Insured unequivocally supports him and wishes him well in his future endeavors.''

He has been replaced by Barry Driscoll. The company said it would seek a waiver from NZX to give it time to find a replacement New Zealand resident director. In 2010 the company was censured and fined $7500 by the NZ Market Disciplinary Tribunal for failing to have the required two New Zealand directors for around a month in 2010.

Insured Group is a general insurance intermediary which specialises in insurance distribution which was spun out of Lombard Group, the parent company of Lombard Finance, after a reverse takeover of Australian Consolidated Insurance. Most of its operations are in Australia.

Copyright 2012, Television New Zealand Limited. Breaking and Daily News, Sport & Weather | TV ONE, TV2 | Ondemand

Excerpt from:
Disgraced former minister quits insurance firm

HAMISH RUTHERFORD

MAARTEN HOLL/The Dominion Post

From left, Sir Douglas Graham, Michael Reeves, William Jeffries and Lawrence Bryant.

Disgraced former cabinet minister Bill Jeffries has stood down as chairman of NZX-listed Insured Group citing ''personal reasons''.

Jeffries, along with former National Party cabinet minister Sir Douglas Graham and two other former Lombard Finance directors were last month found guilty yesterday on four charges of making false statements in documents seeking money from the public in December 2007.

In a statement to the NZX posted this morning Insured Group said Jeffries had stood down effective March 1.

''Hon William (Bill) Patrick Jeffries has been a fine Chairman of unquestionable integrity, honesty and efficiency in his role, which possesses an impeccable skill with corporate governance,'' managing director Wayne Miller said in a statement.

''The Board of Insured unequivocally supports him and wishes him well in his future endeavors.''

He has been replaced by Barry Driscoll. The company said it would seek a waiver from NZX to give it time to find a replacement New Zealand resident director. In 2010 the company was censured and fined $7500 by the NZ Market Disciplinary Tribunal for failing to have the required two New Zealand directors for around a month in 2010.

Insured Group is a general insurance intermediary which specialises in insurance distribution which was spun out of Lombard Group, the parent company of Lombard Finance, after a reverse takeover of Australian Consolidated Insurance. Most of its operations are in Australia.

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Bill Jeffries quits Insured Group

Travelers heading to the 2012 Home Design and Remodeling Show in Miami are searching for private vacation rentals instead of hotel rooms this year. John Romano of Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals says the online site is experiencing higher traffic than last year from people searching for home-away-from-home accommodations.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB) March 05, 2012

At a time when many travelers are looking to save money and demand for Miami vacation rental condos and homes increases, more and more visitors are booking their accommodations online through FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com. Private property owners in the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood Beach area are making their vacation homes available to visitors in increasing numbers, particularly heading into the spring tourist season.

Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals offers a comprehensive listing of vacation rental homes in the Fort Lauderdale Miami area. FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com provides a single gateway for people planning their South Florida vacations with a variety of available condos, villas, townhomes and estate homes to choose from.

Among the perks of staying in a Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental condo or home is the privacy that comes with renting directly from the property owner. Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rentals offer a full kitchen, laundry room, and all the comforts of a home that make traveling easier and more enjoyable.

FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com has grown rapidly in popularity as more and more property owners and travelers become familiar with this opportunity to connect for a mutually beneficial cause, Romano said.

Fort Lauderdale Vacation Rental homes, condos, chalets, cottages, and apartments are increasing in popularity every year, and we provide a conduit for property owners and travelers to connect.

Many visitors traveling to the Miami/Fort Lauderdale area for the Home Design and Remodeling Show plan to stay the weekend or the week to enjoy the areas beaches and other attractions. By booking a vacation home rental in Miami or Fort Lauderdale, they can stay and enjoy the Florida sun and surf much more affordably and with more amenities than a hotel can offer.

About Ft. Lauderdale Vacation Rentals:

FtLauderdaleVacationRentals.com is the world's first portal dedicated only to vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale. Established in 2006 and acquired by Vacation Rental Organization, LLC in 2010, Ft Lauderdale Vacation Rentals mission is to provide a selection of vacation rentals in Fort Lauderdale and to connect travelers with property owners in the most efficient way possible.

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Visitors to the Spring 2012 Home Design and Remodeling Show in Miami are Booking Accommodations Through Fort ...

SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE PHOTOS/John Love Leominster Police Chief Robert Healey gave a tour of the old Leominster National Plastics Center & Museum that officials are thinking of renovating to use as part of the police station. The chief stands on the corner of Derwin and Lancaster streets with the National Plastics Center & Museum building in the background.

LEOMINSTER -- Police Chief Robert Healey walked through the former National Plastics Center & Museum at 210 Lancaster St., pointing out its features to visitors.

A room set up for his detectives was warm and well lit, as was a training room on the third floor.

The rest of the building was dark and cold to keep utility costs down.

Mayor Dean Mazzarella says it is time to start phase two of plans to move the police headquarters from 29 Church St. to the former museum.

Healey is planning to meet with Mazzarella soon to discuss the next phase and how to move forward.

"As far as I'm concerned we're ready to go on the next phase. We just have to decide what needs to get done and do a budget," Mazzarella said.

An empty room on the first floor of the former museum that is undergoing renovation as the new police station.

Until a full-scale plan and budget is in place, Mazzarella and Healey plan to phase in some more employees to make greater use of the building.

The next group of employees to move will have to be those who do not interact with the public because there isn't a reception desk or even a main entrance yet.

Visit link:
Mayor, chief will go to next level in revamp of new Leominster Police Station

By Alex Kowalski - Sun Mar 04 05:01:09 GMT 2012

A Macy's employee helps a customer at a Macy's store in Chicago. Macys Inc., the second-biggest U.S. department-store chain, may hire about 4,000 new employees this year, matching the number of additions it made last year.

A Macy's employee helps a customer at a Macy's store in Chicago. Macys Inc., the second-biggest U.S. department-store chain, may hire about 4,000 new employees this year, matching the number of additions it made last year. Photographer: Daniel Acker/Bloomberg

Employers probably added more than 200,000 workers for a third straight month in February amid optimism about the U.S. expansion, economists said before a report this week.

Payrolls increased by 210,000 last month after rising 243,000 in January, the most in nine months, and 203,000 at the end of 2011, according to the median projection of 55 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. It would mark the strongest three- month stretch in almost a year. The jobless rate probably held at an almost three-year low of 8.3 percent.

Bigger employment and wage gains would go further in bolstering household spending, which accounts for about 70 percent of the economy and is threatened by higher fuel costs. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke said last week that while the labor market is making progress restoring the 8.7 million jobs lost as a result of the recession, its far from normal.

There is a much more encouraging labor-market backdrop for the consumer in early 2012, said Conrad DeQuadros, senior economist at RDQ Economics LLC in New York. But economic growth is moderate, which leaves the unemployment rate fairly elevated by year-end, and thats the Feds main focus.

The Labor Department report is due March 9. Payroll estimates in the Bloomberg survey ranged from increases of 130,000 to 275,000. The January gain was the biggest since last April, when employers hired 251,000 more employees. Employment in December rose 203,000.

Another report may show the services industry, which makes up almost 90 percent of the economy, expanded near the fastest pace in a year.

Private payrolls are forecast to expand by 220,000, after a 257,000 gain in January that was also the highest in nine months, according to the survey median. Factory payrolls are projected to rise by 20,000 after a 50,000 gain.

Excerpt from:
Employers in U.S. Probably Add More Than 200,000 Workers for a Third Month