plus 4, Thursday, Nov. 12 - Port Arthur News |
- Thursday, Nov. 12 - Port Arthur News
- Proven Tactics to Generate More Revenue, Part 2 - Contracting Business
- Barter saves cash for small businesses in down economy - Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel
- Auto Service Co. sold to Oregon-based dealership - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner
- AAA Anticipates Rescuing Nearly 1.3 Million Stranded Motorists During ... - TMCnet
| Thursday, Nov. 12 - Port Arthur News Posted: 16 Dec 2009 12:26 PM PST Port Arthur Police responded to the following calls from Nov. 12- Nov. 16: Thursday, Nov. 12 Friday, Nov. 13 Saturday, Nov. 14 Sunday, Nov. 15 Monday, Nov. 16 SOURCE: Port Arthur Police Department offense reports fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
| Proven Tactics to Generate More Revenue, Part 2 - Contracting Business Posted: 16 Dec 2009 12:47 PM PST advertisement 
As we head into the new year, many HVAC contractors have already put plans in motion to generate increased leads and sales from a variety of sources, and I'm sure you've got certain expectations for what your website will deliver. Progressive HVAC contractors have high expectations for the leads they'll generate online, and you should too. In case you missed our presentation at the 2009 HVAC Comfortech, read on for some insights to strengthen your online presence. In this article, we're going to focus on what your site needs to do and how it needs to perform once you've attracted your prospects to it. Then we'll focus on the key analytics you should have mastery of, to measure how well or poorly your site is performing. 5 common mistakes—and what to avoid While there are many factors that affect who visits your site and how they get there, it is critical to have a website that functions well in terms of design, content and architecture. Take an objective look at your website to determine if you are guilty of these five common mistakes: Too busy: Confusing color schemes and overuse of buttons and links can overwhelm your prospect. Hard to navigate: Inconsistent drop-down menus, excessive fly-out buttons and links that don't change color all make it easy for the user to "get lost" in the site. Confusing text: Use the four-second rule: visitors should understand what your site is about in four seconds or less. Look at your own home page. If it weren't your company, would you understand instantly what it is that you do and what services you offer? Annoying the user: Auto-play music and video, and moving backgrounds or pictures that serve no purpose are intrusive and interrupt the user experience.
Your analytics reports are at the core of understanding your Internet efforts, because they answers these questions: How do I know my site is working? If it's not, what should I do about it? Analytics will shed light on how well your search engine optimization (SEO) and search engine marketing (SEM) efforts are performing, as well as what parts of your site are most appealing to your prospects. Here are some key metrics that your analytics will measure for you: • unique visits - the number of visits to your website, counting each person only once no matter how many times they've visited. This will provide you with a good, general metric for determining traffic. • traffic source - how the user got to your site, e.g., Google, link from a referring site, typing the name directly into the address bar of their web browser, etc. You'll be able to pinpoint what sources are delivering for you, so that you can focus your efforts towards those areas. • keywords - a list of keywords used to find the site and the number of visits for each. • content - which pages your users visited and how long they stayed on each page. This will provide a glimpse into what is of most interest to your users. • ranking - how high your keyword is ranked on a search engine's results page. (If it's not in or close to the top 10, it's not working for you.) Understanding your analytics is the key to generating traffic to your website, and ultimately to generate conversion (the web term for a lead or sale). To illustrate why this is so important, let's look at the keyword phrase air conditioning repair. From our keyword research, we know that it generates hundreds of thousands of searches. If your analytics tell you that you are not generating traffic from that phrase, then you need to optimize a page that will. The headline Your #1 Source for Air Conditioning Repair in (your town) might just do it! Until the next issue, I hope you each take time to enjoy the things that are most important to you this holiday season. Happy Holidays! Blaine Fox, Vice President of Warm Thoughts Communications, is a recognized expert on the residential mechanical services industry. He is currently working with some of the nation's leading HVAC contractors to improve their marketing, fine-tune their operations and grow bottom-line profits. Previously, Blaine was general manager of ServiceMark, a $32 million HVAC contractor with more than 25,000 service agreement customers. Blaine oversaw 160 field employees, 30 install crews, 12 sales people and a call center that handled 140,000 calls per year. Blaine is a sought-after speaker, and presented at Comfortech 2009. He is also a frequent contributor to HVAC industry trade publications. He can be reached at bfox@warmthoughts.com. fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
| Barter saves cash for small businesses in down economy - Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:57 AM PST Barter is not new, but its use is picking up in lean times. With companies trimming costs in the recession, barter is a potential tool for either the business owner or financial manager to leverage a company's cash. Without barter, Danielle Williams could not have renovated Oceans 234, a Deerfield Beach restaurant. Nearly half the cost of a $170,000 renovation in September was covered by exchanging services through NuBarter, a barter exchange. It's an alternative to seeking business loans, which have been difficult to secure in the economic downturn. "We're helping them survive the recession," says Karen Roumay, owner of the Delray Beach-to-Deerfield Beach territory for NuBarter. "Danielle could never have done her renovation. Who has $90,000 in their pocket right now and who is lending $90,000 right now?" Roumay says. NuBarter's members include four printing companies, two pest control companies, graphic designers, commercial and residential cleaners, auto repair centers, tire stores, hair and nail salons, 24 restaurants, and two hotels, Ocean Point Resort in Pompano Beach and the Bridge Hotel in Boca Raton. Members pay a one-time fee of $395 to be in the exchange and 10 percent when they purchase items with their barter dollars on NuBarter, Roumay says. Two competing companies, Itex and Trade First, also provide bartering services in the area. "In last three years, I've saved $150,000-$200,000 on trade," says Richard Moseley, who owns a painting business by his name in Boca Raton. "I don't buy anything unless I can buy it on barter." For his business, Moseley buys materials through barter. For his family, he uses trade for goods and services including his accountant, lawyer, dentist, chiropractic services, car repair and tires. Moseley, who has been in business for 25 years, says his business would have failed in this recession if it had not been for barter. "I don't know how I would have gotten the money to pay for materials," he says. "If you're a company that has any kind of idle time, space or resources not being used all the time, then you should definitely be on trade," says Moseley, who has been using barter for the past three years. Business has fallen off more than 60 percent since the housing market turmoil and recession, so two years ago, Deerfield Beach business owner Jordan Katz turned to barter. Katz, owner of Discount Mike Window and Floor Design Center, says barter has brought him new customers. "We've been able to generate sales from customers that otherwise we would not have received," says Katz, who has been a member of NuBarter for two years and does a couple thousand dollars a year in barter. "It's another avenue of potential customers." Discount Mike barters its window treatments and 50 percent of its flooring, with the other half a regular sale, for services and items including advertising, office supplies and promotional items. Businesses may not find everything they need through barter, but they trading services or products and free up the cash for other needed items, Roumay says. "If you want 12 flat-screen TVs for Christmas, I can't help you. But if you use a lawn service on trade, then you'd have enough cash to pay for the flat screen." A trade is considered an expense and exchange members receive a 1099 tax form with their trade information at year-end. If it's a personal expense, it can't be taken against the business. "None of this is done off the books," Moseley says. Marcia Heroux Pounds can be reached at mpounds@sunsentinel.com or 561-243-6650. fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
| Auto Service Co. sold to Oregon-based dealership - Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Posted: 16 Dec 2009 12:11 PM PST FAIRBANKS - An Oregon-based auto dealership group has purchased Auto Service Company, making the Fairbanks company its fourth holding in the state. Kendall Automotive Group completed the acquisition on Tuesday after about a year of serious negotiations, said Kendall President Dave Blewett. The family-owned company represents 14 auto manufacturers and is one of the largest privately held dealership groups in the Northwest. Kendall purchased Auto Service Company from John Hill, whose family owned the company for 52 years. Hill will become a director of Kendall Group, while David Shuttleworth steps in as the new general manager of Kendall Fairbanks operations. The status of the roughly 60 employees who work for the Fairbanks dealership will be unaffected, Blewett said. In a company statement, Hill said his family is excited about the move. "Kendall has shown excellent community involvement in the markets where they operate dealerships and we know they will continue that philosophy in Fairbanks," he said. "I know our customers will be pleased with the Kendall experience." Kendall also owns a Ford dealership in Wasilla, along with two dealerships in Anchorage that sell Land Rover and Toyota products. The company acquired those locations in February 2008, and almost immediately began eyeing Auto Service Company. Blewett described its Alaska dealerships as high-volume, which he said is consistent with the company's philosophy of high sales and low margins. He said the purchase of Auto Service Company will also add economies of scale to its Alaska operations. "I think it makes us more efficient and effective at serving the customer," Blewett said. Blewett said the company wasn't shy about acquiring another dealership during a lean economic time. He said Kendall anticipates a slightly better 2010, followed by more robust sales in the years that follow, and that the company is positioning itself for those rosier times. "Business keeps going," he said. "You keep looking for opportunities and working the opportunities." Auto Service Company includes an uncommon collection of dealerships in one location, with brands that include Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Mazda franchises, as well as an authorized repair facility for Mercedes-Benz products. Blewett said it's not an arrangement that would be seen in other markets, but one the company is pleased with in Fairbanks. He said Kendall received permission to maintain all of the brands, and there are no plans to make changes. The purchase of Auto Service Company continues a shakeup in local auto dealerships that began two years ago. In a complex deal, Aurora Motors sold its six franchises in 2007 to three local companies and swapped properties with Auto Service Company. The Buick, Pontiac and GMC franchises were sold to NWD Inc., an affiliate of Gene's Chrysler; the Kia franchise was sold to Seekins Ford Lincoln-Mercury; and Auto Service Company acquired the Mazda and Mercedes-Benz franchises. The deal also included a land swap that allowed Auto Service Company to move into its present Danby Street location. Under its new ownership, Aurora Motors began selling GM brands from the South Cushman Street lot across from Gene's Chrysler. Contact staff writer Jeff Richardson at 459-7518. fivefilters.org featured article: Normalising the crime of the century by John Pilger. Available tools: PDF Newspaper, Full Text RSS, Term Extraction. |
| AAA Anticipates Rescuing Nearly 1.3 Million Stranded Motorists During ... - TMCnet Posted: 16 Dec 2009 11:00 AM PST
ORLANDO, Fla., Dec 16, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- With 77.7 million traveling by auto during final weeks of December, preparation is the key to avoiding trouble on the roadside AAA anticipates it will come to the aid of nearly 1.3 million stranded motorists during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. Between December 19 and January 3, the nation's largest motor club will be busy with battery replacements and jump starts, changing tires, extricating vehicles from snow, towing vehicles for repair and more. "Becoming stranded on the roadway can quickly put a damper on your holiday spirit. Many motorists can avoid roadside trouble with a little preventative maintenance and careful driving," said Marshall L. Doney, AAA Automotive vice president. "Whether it's a trip to the mall for last-minute shopping or a road trip to visit family, having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for winter weather will help ensure it gets you to your destination safely." Tow truck rides instead of sleigh rides this holiday season AAA predicts its roadside problem-solvers will be able to remedy more than three out of five motorists' problems and send them on their way, but about a half million drivers are expected to need a ride in a tow truck instead of Santa's sleigh this holiday season. After the need for a tow, the second biggest issue the motor club anticipates encountering is the need to replace or jump start dead batteries. More than 280,000 requests for help with a dead battery are expected during the Christmas and New Year's holidays and the motor club will replace more than 50,000 failing batteries on the roadside. AAA will change approximately 170,000 tires during the final two weeks of the year, and retrieve another 170,000 sets of keys locked inside vehicles. Preventative maintenance--the best holiday gift for your vehicle The best way to keep a vehicle running smoothly and safely is to keep it properly maintained. Motorists should following their vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule and make sure their vehicle is ready for winter. Some key components to inspect on a vehicle include: -- Antifreeze. Check antifreeze annually to ensure it will withstand the winter cold. A 50/50 mixture of coolant and water will protect against freezing. -- Windshield wipers and washer fluid. Replace wiper blades if they do not clear the glass in a single swipe without streaking. Where appropriate, consider the use of special winter blades that offer improved performance in snow and ice conditions. Fill the windshield washer reservoir with winter detergent fluid to prevent freeze up. -- Tires. Cold weather reduces tire inflation pressure, so check tire pressures frequently and maintain the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure found on the driver's door jamb--not the pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. Motorists should never reduce tire pressure in an attempt to increase traction on snow and ice. This does not work, and when the roads dry out it can cause excessive tire wear and vehicle handling problems. In areas where it snows, motorists should make sure their tires have at least an M&S rating, which means they provide the added traction required in light to moderate snow. In areas that get heavy snow fall, tires designed for such conditions are advised and can be identified by a mountain/snowflake symbol molded into the tire sidewall. The use of snow tires and tire chains provides added traction, and may be required by local laws during the winter driving season or under certain road conditions. For best results, snow tires should be fitted to all four wheels. -- Battery. Check for a secure fit and clean away any corrosion on the battery and its cable connections. If the battery is out of warranty, it's advisable to have it tested before cold weather hits. If replacement is necessary, have a certified technician help select the proper battery for your vehicle type and local climate. In many areas, AAA members can make an appointment to have a AAA Battery Service technicians visit their home or office to check and replace batteries. -- Belts and hoses. Replace accessory drive belts that are cracked, glazed or frayed, as well as coolant hoses that are visibly worn, brittle, bulging or excessively soft. Check for leaks around hose clamps and at the radiator and water pump. -- Other important areas to have a certified technician check in preparation for winter include the vehicle's fluid levels, lights, brakes, exhaust system and heater/defroster. Throughout the winter driving season, motorists should continue to have regular services, including oil and filter changes, performed at the intervals recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. Motorists seeking a trustworthy repair shop to help prepare their vehicle for winter are encouraged to visit one of AAA's more than 8,000 Approved Auto Repair facilities. AAA's network of approved repair shops is a free public service that enables consumers to identify professional auto shops staffed by certified technicians who are equipped with the proper tools and equipment to service today's high-tech automobiles. Consumers can find Approved Auto Repair facilities online at AAA.com/repair. Stay focused on driving--not sugar plums dancing in your head Not all the requests AAA will receive for assistance this holiday season will be due to mechanical failure. Some will be the result of unplanned trips off road due to wintery weather or distractions. Some tips to keep the vehicle safely on the road include: -- Avoid distractions. Stay focused on the task of driving and avoid distractions such as texting, phone calls and adjusting the radio or other electronic devices. -- Remove snow and ice. Use a snow brush to remove any snow from the trunk, hood, lights windows and roof of the vehicle and make sure ice is clear from all windows and mirrors before beginning to drive. -- Increase following distances on ice and snow. Motorists should leave eight to 10 seconds between themselves and vehicle in front of them when driving in slippery conditions. -- Brush up on winter driving skills. AAA's "How to Go in Ice and Snow" brochure provides tips on controlling a vehicle in slippery conditions, reacting to a skid and more. Motorists can find it in the "On The Road" section at AAA.com/PublicAffairs. Keep a gift to yourself in the car--a well-stocked emergency kit Though preventative measures go a long way toward keeping motorists driving safely on the road, unexpected weather or vehicle problems may still arise and leave them stranded. AAA encourages motorists to update their emergency roadside kit for winter to include a mobile phone and car charger; blankets; a flashlight with extra batteries; a first-aid kit; drinking water; a small shovel; a sack of sand, cat litter or traction mats; windshield scraper and brush; battery booster cables; and emergency flares or reflectors. Membership with a reliable roadside assistance provider also can be extremely useful in winter. AAA's extensive network of roadside problem-solvers is comprised of trained technicians and specially-equipped vehicles throughout the U.S. and Canada. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. AAA clubs can be visited on the Internet at AAA.com. AAA news releases, high-resolution images, broadcast-quality video, fact sheets and podcasts are available on the AAA NewsRoom at AAA.com/news. Stay connected with AAA on the web via: Twitter.com/AAAnews Twitter.com/AAAauto YouTube.com/AAA MySpace.com/AAAeveryday Facebook.com/AAAfanpage (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080226/DC15031LOGO) Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Christie Hyde
https://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=64864
SOURCE AAA
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