Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

SOQUEL - Three years after a devastating fire, brothers Brian and Kevin Dueck are almost ready to open a new commercial development, Retail 41. Their investment: More than $1 million.

While other landlords have vacancies, the Duecks have signed leases for two new businesses, Discretion Brewing and Crossfit Now, and are reviewing proposals from other would-be tenants for units in the 10,500-square-foot space at 2703 41st Ave. across from Home Depot.

"We have three letters of intent, and two more coming in," said Kevin Dueck.

"You never know when you build these things what's going to happen," said Brian Dueck, who helped supervise the construction. "It's good to see people interested in leasing new space in these times."

Offers have come from a furniture store, tanning salon, hair salon and commercial kitchen, according to real estate broker Steve Allen. Only two of the eight spaces are left.

The Dueck family, which own the furniture stores HomeSpace and WorkSpace at this location, debated how to proceed after losing a 20,000-square-foot showroom and warehouse.

The brothers considered rebuilding, then looked at building with a multiple-tenant space, with Swift Street Courtyard and the Sash Mill as inspiration. Finally, they downsized the tenant spaces to increase their affordability.

"If spaces go for $1 a (square) foot, we're going to get more offers than if we're in the $2 range," said Kevin Dueck.

"We went back to the drawing board because of the economy," said Brian Dueck. "We're happy we went that route."

Their asking rate in the $1 range is lower than average rate in the fourth quarter of 2011, which was $1.97 per square foot, according to Cassidy Turley Commercial Real Estate Services.

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Soquel retail complex on 41st Avenue emerges from devastating blaze

Houston real estate development firm Williams-Meridian Companies has been hired to advise on a planned 174 acre mixed-use development project in Victoria, Texas. The project is being planned over several development phases to include single family residential, multifamily apartments, office or medical office condos, retail shops, and restaurants, with the potential for a hotel or small convention center.

Victoria, Texas (PRWEB) February 29, 2012

Houston-based real estate development firm, Williams-Meridian Companies continues its expansion on a number of fronts by targeting communities in the Eagle Ford shale and surrounding areas that stand to benefit from this boom.

Williams-Meridian was recently hired as the project's lead development adviser by SunMark Development & Investment, to assist the project team throughout the entire development process. Over the course of the project, Williams-Meridian will provide land planning, architectural and engineering review, a comprehensive market assessment, and lead the selection of all development partners, prior to commencing its development activities.

As part of its real estate development and management services, Williams-Meridian will oversee the entire pre-development planning process, including working closely the local firm Urban Engineering, and the architectural firm Kitchen & Associates.

When asked about the project's impact on Victoria, Philip Williams, the founder and president of Williams-Meridian, was quoted as saying "This project has the potential to transform Victoria into an even greater regional hub, providing the city with the ability to meet its growing real estate demands. Victoria is a charming city that has a very low unemployment rate of just over four percent, a strong and growing manufacturing base, and most importantly is in a great position to benefit from the shale activity."

Later in the interview, Mr. Williams continued by saying, "The city has a strong school system, proactive economic development corporation, and strong demand for real estate. I firmly believe that the economic boom created by the Eagle Ford shale will have a similar impact as the Bakken, but cities such as Victoria will be much better equipped at handling this demand from an urban planning perspective. It's clearly an exciting time for Victoria in general".

For more information on this mixed-use development by Williams-Meridian, please visit the company's website at http://www.williams-meridian.com.

Company Overview

Williams-Meridian Companies is a privately held, commercial real estate development firm providing creative, full-service solutions to its valued partners. Based in Houston, Texas, Williams-Meridian offers a wide range of commercial real estate services to clients across the nation, including real estate consulting, corporate real estate strategies, leading or co-developing projects, or providing joint venture equity on select real estate investments or development projects across all real estate asset classes.

Originally posted here:
SunMark Development & Investment Hires Williams-Meridian As Commercial Real Estate Development Adviser for Mixed-Use ...

PASADENA, Calif., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Bluebeam Software, leading developer of PDF-based workflow solutions for the design and construction industry, announced today that its platform PDF solution, Bluebeam PDF Revu, has been named a commercial winner in the Constructech Top Products. Held annually, the Constructech Top Products awards honor technology solutions that have demonstrated the greatest innovations geared toward the commercial construction market.

As a commercial Top Product, Revu will be featured in the March/April 2012 issue of Constructech. In the issue, the magazine's editorial team praises several of Bluebeam PDF Revu's key features including its ability to redline PDFs in real-time through its online collaboration feature, Bluebeam Studio. Another innovative functionality that caught the judges' attention is Revu's compatibility with tablet PCs, which allows the technology to be used at jobsites and on the road.

"We are excited to earn this recognition from Constructech, the authority for technology-related matters in the construction industry," said Stephani Haynes, VP, Global Marketing for Bluebeam. "Revu continues to stand out for its ability to enable digital project collaboration and paperless workflows for building and infrastructure projects. Annual releases of Revu allow us to stay at the technology forefront, and we look forward to delivering even more innovative tools for many years to come."

Bluebeam PDF Revu gives architects, engineers and construction professionals a powerful, sustainable way to communicate with project teams digitally and in a paperless environment. The software significantly reduces unnecessary paper usage and costs, while also increasing collaboration. For more information about Bluebeam PDF Revu, visit http://www.bluebeam.com.

For a complete list of the commercial Constructech Top Products for 2012, visit http://www.constructech.com/awards/top_products/winners.aspx.

About Constructech Magazine

Constructech magazine is the technology advocate for the construction industry, helping builders, contractors, and corporate owners make educated decisions on software and systems, both in the office and in the field. With unbiased opinions and informative news on software, hardware, automation, and services, Constructech has been a highly respected and trusted resource in the industry for more than 10 years.

About Bluebeam Software

Not your typical software company, Bluebeam Software makes smart, simple solutions for paperless workflows based on the PDF format. Founded in 2002 in Pasadena, California to support CAD-to-PDF creation for the aerospace industry, Bluebeam's award-winning PDF creation, markup and editing solutions are used today by the world's top architectural, engineering and construction firms, as well as government agencies, accountants and even attorneys, as an intuitive, easy-to-use, PDF-based solution for dramatically improved workflow and more sustainable, paperless operations. For more information, visit http://www.bluebeam.com.

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Bluebeam® Software Wins a Constructech Magazine Top Product Award

Biddle & Brown Fence Company has been formed in Phoenix, AZ by two long-time commercial fencing executives.

Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) March 01, 2012

Owners Scott Biddle, president, and Roger Brown, vice president, said B&B will design and install custom architectural fence, chain link fence, ornamental iron fence and all types of industrial security fencing. The two veteran commercial fencing experts added that the firm, headquartered at 895 W. Elwood St. in Arizonas capitol city, also will offer electric gate operators and handle fence and gate repair.

Sports field fencing, another B&B specialty, will also play a prominent role in the new companys product and services lineup.

Biddle & Brown Fence Company is a fence installation contractor specializing in ornamental iron, chain link fence, wire mesh architectural panels and electric gate operators. Incorporated in May, 2011, it has an experienced sales, management and installation team that has completed thousands of projects at schools, fire stations, water treatment plants, military installations, commercial and industrial facilities and municipal facilities over the last 35 years.

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Roger Brown Biddle & Brown Fence Company 602-456-8999 Email Information

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Arizona Fence Firm Formed by Industry Veterans

Patna, Feb. 29: The state cabinet today gave the nod to the Bihar Shatabdi Unorganised Sector Workers and Artisans Social Security Scheme, 2011.

The scheme will replace the Aam Admi Bima Yojana ' a central programme that covers death and permanent disability for the benefit of landless families in rural areas.

The new scheme will benefit and be payable to workers and artisans or their dependents and children under various schemes.

The programme, which will be extended to entire Bihar, will take into account the beneficiaries from April 1, 2011.

Under the scheme, a self-employed person of the state, who earns a livelihood from professions like blacksmith, basket making, bullock/cycle or hard cart pulling, carpentry, autorickshaw driving and others, are covered.

The labour department would implement the scheme and the money would be given to the deserving persons through the district administration.

Sources said in case of accidental death of a worker or an artisan, a grant of Rs 1 lakh shall be paid to his/her legal dependent under the scheme.

In case of natural death of a worker or an artisan, a grant of Rs 30,000 shall be paid to his legal dependent.

Moreover, in case of permanent total disability, a grant of Rs 75,000 shall be paid while in case of partial disability a grant of Rs 37,500 shall be paid. Apart from these, the scheme also covers the provision for scholarships to children of workers and artisans.

Under the scheme, Rs 1,200 (Rs 100 every month for a year) shall be paid as scholarship to a maximum of two children of a worker or artisan studying in classes IX to XII, government polytechnic and long-term trades in government industrial training institutes in Bihar.

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Worker security on govt agenda

Islamabad (Dawn/ANN) - The Pakistan federal cabinet on Wednesday flung open the doors for trade with India by raising the number of items that can be imported from the country from 1,946 to almost 5,600.

The decision overruled reservations of the ministries of textile and industries which had been pushing for restricted trade with India to protect domestic manufacturers.

The cabinets decision will allow the import of about 90 per cent of all the items that India normally exports.

Before this decision, the "positive list" allowed only 17 per cent Indian export items.

From January 1 next year, India will be able to export all its products to Pakistan without restrictions.

The cabinet also decided to do away with the 'negative list of 1,209 items by the end of this year.

The ministries of textile and industries wanted the restrictions to continue for five years.

Information Minister Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet had unanimously approved switching over from a positive to negative list trade regime with India.

"The products from negative list will be completely phased out by December 31."

She said the move would pave way for complete liberalisation of trade by the end of the year to culminate in an MFN (most favoured nation) status to India.

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Pakistan lifts trade restrictions with India

CUYAHOGA FALLS, Ohio, March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Associated Materials, LLC today announced the appointment of Paul Morrisroe as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary. Mr. Morrisroe, previously Vice President of Finance, Precision Components at Barnes Group Inc., brings over 20 years of management experience in manufacturing and logistical services companies, including three years serving in a senior management capacity. He takes over for Chief Financial Officer Stephen E. Graham.

Jerry W. Burris, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are thrilled that Paul will be leading the AMI finance organization. He brings a proven track record and will play an integral role in creating business and financial metrics to drive sustainable profitable growth. Paul's knowledge of financial and operational management will provide valuable leadership to the organization as we continue to strengthen and grow our business."

Mr. Morrisroe, originally from Connecticut, earned a B.S. in accounting from the University of Connecticut and an M.B.A. from Purdue University. Prior to joining Associated Materials, Mr. Morrisroe served in various management positions within Barnes Group Inc. over the course of 15 years, including as Vice President of Finance, Precision Components from April 2011 to February 2012, Vice President, Internal Audit from February 2009 to March 2011, Barnes Industrial Group Controller from 2005 to 2008, Barnes Aerospace Group Controller from 2000 to 2004 and Director of Accounting and Planning from 1997 to 2000.

About Associated Materials

The Company is a leading, vertically integrated manufacturer and distributor of exterior residential building products in the United States and Canada. The Company produces a comprehensive offering of exterior building products, including vinyl windows, vinyl siding, aluminum trim coil and aluminum and steel siding and accessories, which are produced at the Company's 11 manufacturing facilities. The Company also sells complementary products that are manufactured by third parties, such as roofing materials, insulation, exterior doors, vinyl siding in a shake and scallop design and installation equipment and tools that are primarily distributed through its company-operated supply centers. The Company's products are sold primarily through its extensive dual-distribution network, consisting of 121 company-operated supply centers, through which it sells directly to its contractor customers, and the Company's direct sales channel, through which it sells to approximately 250 independent distributors and dealers, who then sell to their customers. The Company maintains a website athttp://www.associatedmaterials.com.

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Associated Materials Announces Appointment of Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary

A roofing contractor who changed an agreed safety procedure resulting in one of his employees falling 5.4 metres onto concrete, has been fined $5,000 today.

Louis James Petersen, trading as LJ Roofing, was also ordered to pay $5,000 in reparation to the injured man, who Department of Labour Southern Manager Jean Martin described as extremely fortunate to only suffer a fractured elbow.

The Christchurch District Court heard that Peterson was replacing roofing iron on a commercial building in Sockburn in May 2011, and had agreed with the roofing contractor who hired him to remove and replace one 400mm-wide sheet at a time.

This gap was considered narrow enough to avoid falls but it was later decided that removing one sheet at a time wasn't practical and increased it to three. This left a 1.2m gap however the safety procedure was not amended. As three workers carried a replacement sheet over the gap by standing on purlins, one of them fell.

Ms Martin says that, having agreed safe practice, it was unacceptable for the employer to change how the task was carried out without further discussion.

"With no safety procedures in place, a gap of this width presented a huge danger to the workers," says Ms Martin.

"This employee was not using a harness or safety line, and there was no fall protection.

"The defendant was aware of and trained in height safety measures and associated industry guidelines, but chose to do nothing to prevent a fall. This was negligence - and an illustration of the need for the three-year harm reduction campaign we launched last December to raise awareness about working safety at height.

"A fall of much less than this one can kill, so this worker is very fortunate, others have not been.

This is a timely reminder to all employers that they are responsible under the Health and Safety in Employment Act to ensure that their employees are kept safe and healthy at work.

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Company fined after employee falls five metres

NICOLE MATHEWSON

A Christchurch roofing contractor has been fined $5000 after failing to protect one of his employees from falling 5.4 metres onto concrete.

Louis James Petersen, trading as LJ Roofing, was also ordered to pay $5,000 in reparation to the injured man by the Christchurch District Court today.

Petersen had been replacing roofing iron on a commercial building in Sockburn in May 2011, and had agreed with the roofing contractor who hired him to remove and replace only one 400mm-wide sheet at a time.

Petersen later decided that removing one sheet at a time was not practical and increased it to three, leaving a 1.2m gap.

He did not amend the agreed safety procedures.

Soon after, a worker fell through the gap while carrying a replacement sheet with two others.

Department of Labour Southern manager Jean Martin said the injured man was fortunate to only suffer a fractured elbow in the fall.

"A fall of much less than this one can kill, so this worker is very fortunate, others have not been."

It was unacceptable for the employer to change the way the job was carried out without further discussion, she said.

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Roofing contractor fined $10k after fall

GREENBELT, Md., March 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- March is typically the busiest time of year for homeowners to get repairs and replacements for their roof. This March, there is a faster and easier option from the leading website for roofing company referrals.

Roofing resource website leader Roofing-Directory.com has announced multiple sources for homeowners looking for roof repairs or replacements this year. They now feature a toll free 800 number for people who may not prefer to use the online form method of connecting with roofing companies. In addition to this new 800 number roofing contractor referral source, the website also features a roofing cost calculator.

The company decided to add an 800 number to help homeowners connect with a roofing company because some people are not comfortable using a form, or typing in their contact information on the internet. The 800 number feature brings the classic call for a quote approach back to roofing. This is something that has been virtually absent in the home improvement industry since the internet became the primary source to find contractors.

The roofing cost calculator tool was added to the site to let homeowners get an idea of what the roofing project they have coming up may cost them, prior to speaking with a roofing company. This gives people an advantage in terms of budgeting and scheduling the timing of their estimate requests. "We felt like if we added a tool to the site that let homeowners know a little more about what to expect upfront, that they would be able to then budget out the costs and plan their replacement projects better," said Ryan Corey, Roofing-Directory.com Owner.

Roofing-Directory.com has been safely and quickly connecting homeowners with local roofing companies since 2007. To request free estimates for any type of roofing project, call (888) 516-1556 You may also visit the website for more details or to browse by region.

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Roofing-Directory.com Launches New Options to Find a Local Roofing Company