Senator Reid rejects Boehner "fiscal cliff" backup plan

Congressional leaders and the Obama administration are attempting to negotiate a …more
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - House Speaker John Boehner's backup plan that would simply extend low income tax rates for households with incomes below $1 million a year "cannot pass both houses of Congress," Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said on Tuesday.
Reid, a Democrat, said Boehner instead should focus on reaching a broad deficit-reduction deal with President Barack Obama. "Now is the time to show leadership, not kick the can down the road," Reid said.
Last July, Reid's Democrats passed a bill in the Senate that would have continued low tax rates, which are set to expire on December 31, for families with net incomes below $250,000.
(Reporting by Richard Cowan)

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White House defends offer as 'good faith effort'

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House is defending President Barack Obama's proposal to set a higher threshold for tax increases than what he vowed to do during his presidential campaign. The White House says Obama has moved halfway to meet House Speaker John Boehner on a "fiscal cliff" deal that raises $1.2 trillion in tax revenue, down from the $1.6 trillion Obama had initially requested.
White House spokesman Jay Carney says that offering to raise taxes on taxpayers earning more than $400,000 rather than the $200,000 he ran on demonstrates, in Carney's words, Obama's good faith effort to reach a compromise.
The new tax proposal is contained in a broader plan that Obama gave Boehner Monday that would cut spending further and lower cost-of-living increases for most Social Security beneficiaries.

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Factbox: U.S. House "Plan B" tax bill likely to have short shelf life

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives is likely to vote this week on what is being called "Plan B" on avoiding the "fiscal cliff."
The Republican-sponsored legislation aims to extend current low tax rates for most families. Without such action by Congress, across-the-board income tax rates will rise on January 1.
The combination of $500 billion in tax hikes and $100 billion in spending cuts, which are scheduled to start in the new year, could push the U.S. economy into recession, according to experts.
House Speaker John Boehner, the top Republican in Congress, and Democratic President Barack Obama have been trying for weeks to avoid the fiscal cliff with an alternative tax and spending-cut deal. Boehner says he is offering this very limited alternative in case negotiations with Obama fail.
Here are key elements of Boehner's Plan B:
* A House vote is expected on Thursday.
* Boehner expressed confidence on Wednesday that the measure would pass but some House Republican aides were not yet predicting that.
* The White House has said Obama would veto the Boehner Plan B in the unlikely event it made it to his desk.
* Democrats are viewing Plan B as nothing more than a diversion from attempts to reach a broad deficit-reduction deal to avoid the fiscal cliff. They see it as a way for Boehner to give his conservatives a vote on a measure that they can tout as a tax-cut bill for all but the wealthiest and inoculate them against Democratic accusations of obstruction.
* Republicans argue that they are acting responsibly by providing a backstop against massive tax increases in case the Obama-Boehner negotiations fail.
* Once Plan B is dealt with, all attention will shift to whether Obama and Boehner can work out a broad agreement by December 31 or whether the country will go off the cliff. If that happens, there is speculation that some sort of deal might be worked out in the early weeks of January to avoid the full brunt of the tax hikes and spending cuts.
* Under Boehner's Plan B, current low tax rates would be made permanent for families with net annual incomes of up to $1 million. The measure would let tax rates rise on income above $1 million. Without action by Congress, all income tax rates are set to rise on January 1 with the expiration of tax cuts enacted a decade ago by then-President George W. Bush.
* Plan B includes a grab bag of other expiring tax provisions. It would permanently fix the alternative minimum tax so that middle-class taxpayers do not creep into a tax bracket intended for the wealthiest. Annual AMT fixes have prevented tens of millions of households from paying a higher tax rate.
Also included are moves to maintain estate taxes at their current 35 percent rate per individual after a $5 million exemption. The White House backs reverting to the 2009 estate tax levels of 45 percent tax after a $3.5 million exemption per individual, though some moderate Democrats back keeping the current law.
Plan B legislation would raise dividend and capital gains tax rates for those earning $1 million and over to 20 percent, from its current 15 percent for most who pay such taxes. Most Democrats back raising the current 15 percent tax rate on investment income to 20 percent for households earning more than $250,000.
* The Joint Committee on Taxation estimates the plan would reduce U.S. revenues by around $4 trillion over 10 years.
* The plan does not address spending issues, including automatic across-the-board spending cuts also looming at year's end.
* The bill does not address how to resolve a looming stand-off over the government's borrowing authority. The government will need to raise the "debt ceiling" in the next few months to avoid default, and Obama wants higher borrowing authority approved promptly. House Republicans continue to want to hold back and use it as leverage in ongoing fiscal cliff talks, according to aides.
* Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid already has warned there are not the votes in his chamber to pass Boehner's plan. But if the House sent the Senate such a bill, Reid could respond in one of a few ways. He could declare that the Senate in July passed its version of this legislation, but with a $250,000 threshold, and take no further action. Or, he could offer a variation of the Senate-passed bill. Obama has proposed a $400,000 cut-off for maintaining low income tax rates. Reid could embrace that level or another one.
* The legislation is being inserted into an existing bill that originally had to do with Burma trade policy. A House Rules Committee spokesman said this was being done to avoid some potential procedural delays.

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US Drug Watchdog Now Urges a Blood Test for All DePuy Pinnacle Hip Implant Recipients and They Suggest Law Firms to Help Victims of a Failure Get Compensated

The US Drug Watchdog says, "As part of our enhanced 2013 DePuy Pinnacle Metal on Metal Hip Implant Initiative we want all recipients to get a blood test for cobalt, or chromium levels in their blood stream, and we want them to call us at 866-714-6466, for the names of the best possible attorneys if the metal levels are elevated." http://USDrugWatchdog.com

(PRWEB) January 08, 2013
The US Drug Watchdog says, "We are going to dramatically increase our public awareness campaign for recipients of a DePuy Pinnacle metal on metal hip implant in 2013. We are now urging all DePuy Pinnacle metal on metal hip implant recipients to have a simple blood test to see if they have elevated levels of cobalt, or chromium in their blood. If the cobalt, or chromium levels are elevated please call us immediately, and we will do our best to get you to the best possible attorneys." According to court records about 140,000 US citizens are recipients of a DePuy Pinnacle all metal hip implant. For more information about the DePuy Pinnacle hip implant, and or issues related to metal on metal hip implants please call the US Drug Watchdog at 866-714-6466, or contact the group via their web site at http://USDrugWatchdog.com
According to the US Drug Watchdog, "Symptoms of a DePuy Pinnacle metal on metal hip implant failure include pain, problems walking, swelling of the hip, lack of flexibility. Again, we believe elevated levels of cobalt, or chromium in the recipients blood, are the best indicator for a failed metal on metal hip implant." http://USDRugWatchdog.Com
The US Drug Watchdog is the premier medical device, and pharmaceutical watchdog, and advocate in the United States. The group says, "We want to make certain all metal-on-metal DePuy Pinnacle hip implant victims get to the actual trial law firms, or attorneys, that have the best record in achieving superior results for their clients, in these types of medical device lawsuits. Because compensation is vital, we think having the best, or most capable national caliber personal injury law firm is always the best choice." For more information please contact the US Drug Watchdog anytime at 866-714-6466. http://USDrugWatchdog.com

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More young directors and fewer female directors in Mansfield reports Duport

Research by company formation agents Duport.co.uk shows that the percentage of young director appointments in Mansfield is rising, while female director appointments are falling.

UK (PRWEB UK) 8 January 2013
Mansfield: Between July and September, the percentage of director appointments under the age of 25 in Mansfield rose, according to the latest Duport Business Confidence Report.
During this period, 6% of directors were under 25, compared to just 2% during the third quarter of 2011.
However, the third quarter also saw a drop in the number of female director appointments, with 15% of director appointments being female, compared to 21% in Q3 2011.
The area is currently undergoing a regeneration project that aims to kick-start economic growth and attract investment, whilst improving the town centre for residents and visitors.
Managing Director of Duport.co.uk, Peter Valaitis commented:
“The rising number of young directors in Mansfield is a really positive sign for the local economy, and should help bring fresh ideas to the business community.”
“A falling number of female directors is less positive, but I would hope the regeneration of the town centre will attract new companies and provide more opportunities for businesswomen.”
The Duport Business Confidence Report detailed economic data on the local economy of Mansfield. More information can be found at http://www.duport.co.uk/mansfield.
Duport Business Confidence Reports are generated and released by Duport Associates Ltd. The data contained in these reports is assimilated and analysed by Duport using public record data from sources including Companies House, Office for National Statistics and Ordnance Survey. Duport Associates Ltd is a leading UK company formation agent, established in 1997 and registering around 10,000 new companies each year through its Companies House approved software.

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JK Development Corp. Announces Eagle Crest, Orange County’s Newest Neighborhood of Custom Homes

Builder with history in local area designs unique modern homes in Warwick Valley, NY.

Sugarloaf, NY (PRWEB) January 08, 2013
Jon Shafran of JK Development Corp. announced his latest real estate development, Eagle Crest, located just outside the Hamlet of Sugarloaf in Orange County, New York. Eagle Crest will consist of custom single family homes on 25 residential lots in a subdivision that spans over 100 acres of prime real estate in Warwick Valley, NY with 50 acres dedicated to open space for the home owners use and enjoyment. The development features various custom home styles ranging in size from 2300 to 3731 square feet and priced from $419,900 to $599,900. Eagle Crest is located in the Warwick Valley Central School District.
JK Development has a long history in the area, having built more than 100 single family homes throughout Orange County, NY. "We take pride in building special homes you won’t see anywhere else. Each home is unique in design and we work with our buyers to customize the homes to their needs," explains Shafran. "We build beautiful, modern homes that are unique and innovative, while still maintaining a sense of tradition and respecting the architectural history of the Warwick Valley."
As part of maintaining that history, Shafran repurposed items that were already present on the historic farmland of Eagle Crest. Entrance pillars were sculpted from an original stone foundation, an original wood barn was dismantled so the beams and siding could be reused, and concrete from a silo and milking barn were crushed into concrete for future driveways." Shafran describes going through great pains to save as many trees as possible, including one that had grown around an old 12-cylinder truck engine.
Shafran has selected licensed real estate agent, Donna Gennaro of Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty to list and sell the new homes of Eagle Crest. "It’s very exciting to be part of this project" said Gennaro. "The feedback from the local real estate experts has been extraordinary. We have already had interest from agents interested in buying here for themselves. That’s when you know you have a special property.”
Located 50 minutes north of Manhattan, the area surrounding Eagle Crest is home to equestrian centers, ski-ready mountains, farmer’s markets, acres of apple orchards, innovative new restaurants, antique stores, arts and crafts villages, and a new state-of-the-art hospital, the Orange Regional Medical Center.
JK Development Corp and Better Homes and Gardens Rand Realty have set up virtual tours online at http://www.eaglecrestsubdivision.com. This website can also be used to schedule an appointment to tour the new properties. Additionally, Donna Gennaro may be contacted to answer questions regarding Eagle Crest at 845-494-6917.
ABOUT JK DEVELOPMENT CORP

Founded in 1990 by Jon and Karen Shafran, JK Development is one of Orange County, NY's premier home builders and land developers. Jon Shafran is a former President of the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley and is currently one of the members of its Board of Directors.

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1099-R Electronic Filing and Laser Printing Software Released by W2Mate.com

Real Business Solutions (W2Mate.com) simplifies 1099 retirement information reporting for customers nationwide with new software for 1099-R electronic filing and laser printing. Immediate free trial download at http://www.W2Mate.com/.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 04, 2013
In response to customer needs, Real Business Solutions (W2Mate.com) is introducing new software solutions aimed at helping business filers simplify 1099 reporting and electronic filing. In line with the company’s customer-inspired-solutions vision, Real Business Solutions is unveiling W2 Mate 2012, a comprehensive W2 and 1099 processing software that will allow companies to create, print and e-file 1099 forms in-house at a fraction of the cost of outsourcing. W2 Mate 2012 provides compliance tools for paper and electronic filing of federal and state 1099, W-2 and series forms including 1099-R, W2, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, W-3, 1096, 1099-S, 1098-T, 1098, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-K, 1099-PATR and 1099-OID.
Free 1099-R electronic filing and laser printing software trial available for immediate download from http://www.W2Mate.com/ or by calling 800-507-1992.
In the past, only larger companies could afford an advanced 1099 R processing software system to manage 1099-R printing and electronic filing process. With 2012 / 2013 W2 Mate, any business can gain full-scale 1099 reporting management tools featuring state of the art integration with leading accounting and tax applications including Intuit QuickBooks, Microsoft Dynamics, Sage Peachtree and Sage DacEasy.
In a statement Nancy Walters, W2 Mate product manager at Real Business Solutions said, "The 1099-R filing module inside W2 Mate software arrives as the professional 1099 R tool essential to business and tax professional in the 2012 / 2013 tax season."
According to 2012 IRS regulations, penalties may be assessed for failure to file correct information returns (1099, 1098 and other similar tax forms) by the due date, without reasonable cause. This includes Form 1099-R. The penalty may also apply if the filer shows incomplete or incorrect information, or files on paper when required to file electronically. Businesses and accounting professionals required to process IRS Form 1099-R this year can rely on W2 Mate for all their 2012 / 2013 filing needs.
W2 Mate is the perfect software program for business filers looking for answers to questions like how to make 1099-R forms, how to file 2012 form 1099 R electronically, how to report 1099 information to the state of Nebraska, how to process 1099-R using QuickBooks and Peachtree, how to print out 2012 1099 tax forms on a computer and many other similar questions.
If the 1099-R information to-be-filed resides inside Intuit QuickBooks (QuickBooks Pro, QuickBooks Enterprise, QuickBooks Premier), Microsoft Dynamics (GP or SL), Sage Peachtree, Sage DacEasy or Excel, then W2 Mate is definitely the right solution for the job. W2 Mate has a unique mechanism for importing data from different accounting and payroll software to allow users print a wide range of w2 and 1099 forms.
1099 Efiling is mandatory for those payors /filers with 250 or more forms. 1099 forms may be e‑filed by using the IRS FIRE System on or before March 31st of the year following the reporting period. The 1099 electronic processing module that ships with W2 Mate provides the capabilities for E-Filing the following forms with the government: W2, 1099-MISC, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-K, 1099-R, W-3, 1096, 1099-S, 1098-T, 1098, 1099-A, 1099-B, 1099-C, 1099-PATR and 1099-OID.
W2 Mate Software Highlights:

Prepares unlimited number of 2012 1099 and W-2 tax forms for multiple employers and payers.
Fills in pre-printed 1099 Copy-A forms and prints other 1099 copies such as recipient and payer copies on plain paper using black ink.
E-files 2012 W2s and 1099s with the SSA and IRS (no limitations on the number of tax forms or submissions).
Generates ready-to-email 2012 W-2 forms and 1099 forms. Which eliminates the need to print and email W2s and 1099s.
SSA-approved to print W2 and W3 forms on regular paper including government copies.
Data import from Sage Peachtree, MS Dynamics, Great Plains, Intuit QuickBooks, Sage DacEasy, Excel and CSV.
Efficient and intuitive manual W2 / 1099 data entry.
Supports 1099MISC, 1099K, 1099INT, 1099DIV, 1099R, W2, W3, 1096, 1099S, 1098T, 1098, 1099A, 1099B, 1099C, 1099PATR, 1099OID.
Automatically calculates Social Security and Medicare taxes. For paper filers 1096 and W3 are automatically generated.
Supports Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 or Windows 98.
Roll-over of payer and recipient information from year to year.
Password protection and data validation.
Generates printing labels, form totals and recipient lists.
Prompt, courteous and reliable U.S.-based support through phone, chat or e-mail.
Network ready with affordable pricing for multiple seats.
Exports W2s and 1099s to excel.
Meets IRS and SSA regulations.
TIN matching and verification including reports for missing TINs and TIN matching errors.
Secure and reliable.
Completes 1099 forms electronically.
Complete W2 preparation software.
Includes 2012 form 1099 instructions.
A free 2012 1099 R electronic filing software solution evaluation can be downloaded from http://www.W2Mate.com. Customers can purchase the software and receive it instantly.
About Real Business Solutions: Established in 2003, Real Business Solutions is an industry leader in providing payroll software for small business, IRS 10 99 printing programs and W2 form software for 2013, 2012, 2011 and before. Real Business Solutions products are used by thousands of businesses, tax professionals, non-profit organization, and government agencies all across America. The Company's mission has been to provide powerful and great value software solutions coupled with high quality customer service.

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Altria Continues Their Commitment to Nonprofit, Hope For The Warriors

Donations to Community Outreach Program with Hope For The Warriors will Focus on the Integration of Military Families into Communities

RICHMOND, VA (PRWEB) January 04, 2013
Altria Group, located in Richmond, VA, has once again made a commitment to the needs of military families through a $75,000 donation to Hope For The Warriors®. Their donation will benefit the nonprofit’s Community Outreach Program. Hope For The Warriors® is a national nonprofit organization that assists combat wounded service members, their families, and families of the fallen.
The Community Outreach Program engages the military family by providing person-centered planning, utilizing a network of programs within Hope For The Warriors® as well as programs supported by the military, government, community and other nonprofits. Additional, Community Outreach educates communities nationwide of the challenges and needs of wounded service members and their families.
The Community Outreach Program is just one of 11 programs supported by Hope For The Warriors® in their aim to restore self, family and hope for wounded service members and their families.
“Hope For The Warriors® is extremely thankful to Altria for their continued support to our organization and to all wounded service members,” Robin Kelleher, Hope For The Warriors® President said. “Altria has made it possible for our staff to focus on our programs and improve the lives of our military families.”
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About Altria:

Altria Group is the parent company of Philip Morris USA, U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company, and John Middleton. Altria also owns Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Philip Morris Capital Corporation and has a continuing economic and voting interest in SABMiller.    For more information visit http://www.altria.com.
About Hope For The Warriors®:

The mission of Hope For The Warriors® (http://www.hopeforthewarriors.org) is to enhance the quality of life for post-9/11 service members, their families, and families of the fallen who have sustained physical and psychological wounds in the line of duty. Hope For The Warriors® is dedicated to restoring a sense of self, restoring the family unit, and restoring hope for our service members and our military families.
Hope For The Warriors® has earned a Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator (http://www.charitynavigator.org), an independent organization that evaluates fiscal responsibility and accountability of nonprofits.
Hope For The Warriors® (Federal Tax ID 20-5182295) is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity as defined in sections 509(A)(1) and 170(B)(1)(A)(VI) of the Internal Revenue Code. Combined Federal Campaign, CFC #27800.

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Save Money this Year with a More Energy Efficient Home and Creative Concept Builders in Saco, ME

Maine building contractors provide helpful tips on making homes more energy efficient without breaking the bank

Saco, ME (PRWEB) January 03, 2013
As the winter months drag on, many Maine residents have already faced the sticker shock included in their monthly heating bills. The question as to what can be done is sometimes almost as frightening as the problem. Creative Concept Builders in Saco, ME works with homeowners year round handling various remodeling, new construction, and home repairs. Home energy efficiency has become a hot topic, not only as a way to lower bills, but also to improve the environment by lessening a carbon footprint. Making your home more energy efficient does not have to cost an arm and a leg.
One of the first things that homeowners can look at to improve the energy efficiency of their home is to install new windows. Newer windows are made with better materials and overall better engineering. They last longer and do better and reducing heat transfer between the inside and outside.
Ceiling fans are another helpful addition to a home, even during the winter. Ceiling fans can help to press the warm air down from the ceiling and circulate it through the room. This also helps by reducing the amount of work necessary by a home’s heating system.
Building contractors in Saco, Maine also recommend checking the home for drafts. If one can feel the draft, there is definitely an issue. Some almost imperceptible drafts exist, and these can typically be found by holding up a candle near openings such as doors, windows, the attic, and basement. If the candle flickers or goes out, it would be indicative of a draft. This may mean the need for new insulation or seals to be installed.
Two other important additions to a home to increase energy efficiency during the winter and throughout the year include a water-saving showerhead and water-efficient faucet. These can greatly reduce the amount of water being wasted while still serving its purpose.
Working with a Maine building contractor, homeowners may be able to work with government offices toward reimbursement for expenses incurred to make a home more energy efficient.
About Creative Concept Builders: A premier building contractor in Saco, ME, Creative Concept Builders provides remodeling, new construction, home improvement, and home repairs in Westboro, Scarborough, Wells, Portland, ME and surrounding areas.

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Four Hot Topics are Focus of The John Marshall Law Review

The John Marshall Law Review Editorial Board announces the publication of its latest issue, featuring pieces focusing on a variety of emerging legal issues.

(PRWEB) January 04, 2013
The John Marshall Law Review Editorial Board announces the publication of its latest issue, featuring pieces focusing on a variety of emerging legal issues. Topics focus on immigration impacts on children; granting state officials qualified immunity; issues that surround disappeared and missing persons; and the unconstitutionality of the federal government’s ordered assassinations of American citizens.
“‘Mommy, Where Is Home?’: Imputing Parental Immigration Status and Residency for Undocumented Immigrant Children” by Johanna K.P. Dennis, associate professor at Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, discusses whether the time immigrant parents spend residing in this country, as well as their immigration status, should be imputed to their children.
“Qualified Immunity: Protecting ‘All but the Plainly Incompetent’ (and Maybe Some of Them, Too)” by Susan Bendlin, assistant professor at Barry University School of Law, focuses on the Supreme Court’s most recent qualified immunity decisions, in which state officials are shielded from suit without determination as to whether their actions violated citizens’ constitutional rights.
“On Locating the Rights of Lost” by Ricardo A. Sunga III, professorial lecturer of the University of the Philippines College of Law, describes and analyzes the nature of the violation that the denial of the truth about disappeared and missing persons constitutes, and its psychological and sociological aspects.
“Guy Fawkes’s Dangerous Remedy: The Unconstitutionality of Government-Ordered Assassination Against U.S. Citizens and Its Implications” by Emily C. Kendall, a graduate of the George Mason University School of Law who is working in private practice in Virginia, addresses the implications and dangers inherent in the Obama administration’s policy of targeting Americans who pose a terroristic threat to the United States and its citizens.
The John Marshall Law Review is available through subscription. Visit lawreview.jmls.edu for additional information.
About The John Marshall Law School
The John Marshall Law School, founded in 1899, is an independent law school located in the heart of Chicago’s legal, financial and commercial districts. U.S. News and World Report America’s Best Graduate Schools 2013 ranks the law school’s Legal Writing Program sixth in the nation. The publication also ranked the Intellectual Property Law Program 17th. John Marshall offers the nation’s only graduate program in employee benefits. Its program in Information Technology and Privacy Law remains the only graduate law program in the country that emphasizes privacy as part of its core curriculum. And, The John Marshall Law School is one of three law schools in the country offering graduate programs in real estate law.

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Marketing for Wedding Photographers Now Offered Online at WeddingPhotographyQuotes.com

Marketing for wedding photographers is now offered online at the WeddingPhotographyQuotes.com website. These new marketing services include directory listings, video marketing and publicity services to help professionals expand client lists.

Seattle, Washington (PRWEB) January 04, 2013
Photographers that search for marketing services can find difficulty locating a company that understands the wedding industry. The WeddingPhotographyQuotes.com company is now offering marketing for wedding photographers services online. More information can be found at http://weddingphotographyquotes.com.
These new services include free and premium directory listings and other services that can help companies or freelancers to build more clients.
Marketing a product or service online has changed since the early days of the Internet. New search engine regulations and requirements have taken place since 2011 and has complicated marketing for businesses. Specialty industries like photography often require targeted marketing to couples that are searching for pricing when planning a wedding.
The new marketing services that are offered online are designed to help companies reach new couples searching for professionals.
Many photography companies seek constant training and make equipment upgrades to keep up with the pace of technology. The use of DSLR technology and software enhancements are now requested by some couples when planning photography needs. Companies that have received this training now have a resource available online to market these skills to brides-to-be searching for specific requirements. The new database listing online provides detailed data that searchers can select when performing research
The no cost and pro plans that are now offered for the directory online each include a range of marketing services. Companies that have a basic website can access the search engine marketing and publicity features now offered in the pro plans. These are handled internally by the WeddingPhotographyQuotes.com company and expert marketers are available to complete these services
Photography companies or freelance photographers that want to expand clientele could benefit from exploring the marketing services that are now offered. The directory is now visited daily by couples from all 50 U.S. states that are searching for reliable professionals to provide memorable and affordable photography services.
About Wedding Photography Quotes
The Wedding Photography Quotes website was launched in 2010 and is now one of the largest resources for brides-to-be to find accurate price quotes. New upgrades to this company in 2013 have created marketing options for professionals. These new marketing services are specially designed for photography companies that are expanding clientele online. The directory services that are now offered by the Wedding Photography Quotes company are helping more couples connect with professionals without requiring third party searches with the help of Internet search engines.

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BedEd.org Launches Blog for Mattress Reviews, Education, Consumer Tips & More

New blog, BedEd.org announces launch; to promote consumer awareness via buying guides, shopping tips, product reviews, and information related to mattresses and sleep.

Tempe, AZ (PRWEB) December 19, 2012
BedEd.org launches mattress education blog designed to offer consumer resources including reviews, buying guides, shopping tips, and more.
Shopping for a new bed can seem like a daunting task with so many brands, models, and types in the marketplace. How can consumers figure out the best bed for their needs? BedEd.org seeks to help shoppers make the research process a little smoother with informational support regarding mattresses, brands and innovations.
Using an easy to navigate blog format, the website will provide first hand research as well as write ups and summaries of third party reviews and research. As an information aggregate, the blog will contain information on the spectrum of companies and offerings available, making research simpler and more efficient for shoppers.
Planned topics are to include mattress buying guides, pros and cons of specific mattress types and brands, product reviews, and sleep hygiene tips. They will also run series detailing the best mattress types based on specific needs in response to common concerns and reader questions. The blog also hopes to serve as a social tool via commentary on personal experience and recommendations.
The blog’s initial post takes an informational stance on mattress material composition and effects on health. Titled “What’s in Your Bed? Choosing the Best Mattress for Your Health” the post outlines how flame retardants, volatile organic compounds, and allergens impact sleepers. Using these criteria, it is explained why natural latex and memory foam offer superior alternatives for individuals concerned about mattress health.
Upcoming posts will include tips for combating allergies in the bedroom, detailed information on mattress types, and how to pick the best beds for back pain and fibromyalgia. BedEd.org offers newsletter options and a Twitter feed for interested readers to receive updates on recent posts and industry news.
BedEd.org is a mattress education blog dedicated to providing informational resources to shoppers. The blog features impartial assessments of mattress types, brands, and other sleep related products, developed via first party research, third party reviews, and expert research and opinion. In addition, readers receive useful sleep quality tips and news on the latest mattress developments

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Five Star Service Award for SIPP Providers Dentons Pensions

Dentons Pensions are the only Bespoke SIPP Providers to be Awarded 5 Stars at Financial Adviser Service Awards – the benchmark for service levels in the retail financial marketplace.

Godalming Surrey (PRWEB UK) 20 December 2012
Hosted by comedian Stephen K Amos, The Financial Adviser Service Awards were held on 22 November 2012 at The Natural History Museum. Dentons Pensions were the only bespoke SIPP Provider to win the 5 Star ‘excellent service’ Award, which is voted for by advisers.
The Financial Adviser Service Awards identify the importance of the highest possible quality services from all financial product providers to their IFA clients. They are well known to be the absolute benchmark for premium service levels across the retail finance marketplace.
“Dentons has always been focused on delivering exceptional service and flexibility – reacting to changes in the marketplace and making it easier for advisers to do business. It’s why we are delighted to have been awarded 5 stars at the Financial Adviser Service Awards 2012,” said David Fox, Director of Sales & Marketing.
These are not the first awards that Dentons has won. Having already received the Investor In Customers (IIC) ‘outstanding’ award, Dentons’ SIPP earlier this year was given a 5 star rating by Defaqto, a leading UK independent financial research company. The rating shows the level of benefits provided, allowing adviser’s clients to base decisions on features, not just on price. With this level of service and understanding, clients can be confident they will enjoy a comprehensive range of features, options and benefits.
These awards underline Dentons’ commitment to advisers and their clients whose ethos has always been one of delivering service and flexibility to clients without putting unnecessary barriers in the way. With the SIPP marketplace becoming increasingly crowded in recent years the continued delivery of a market leading service proposition has become crucial. As one of the few areas where a firm can really stand out from the competition, one can see that service remains a key focus for Dentons.
So the root of this success? The average pension consultant at Dentons has been there for over 20 years and each one is skilled at dealing with a range of investments from simple to complex transactions, including property purchase. Working with all appointed professionals to ensure everything runs smoothly and allowing clients to use their own contacts and to manage their own properties (if required) is part of the key to Dentons’ success. It currently manages in excess of 700 properties.
Dentons has made a huge investment in their SIPP and SSAS propositions, supported by an interactive website and secure adviser portal, giving advisers instant access to their client information 24 hours a day. The sales, technical and marketing functions have been strengthened and a new technical advisory service for advisers has been launched.
Overall, Dentons ethos has always been one of delivering service and flexibility to its clients without putting unnecessary barriers in the way. In such a competitive marketplace, introducers and clients want more than just competitively priced products. Dentons listens to client needs and this award endorses their ongoing commitment to deliver.

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HeroClix, a Fun App using Comic Book Characters, was Recently Featured on the AppWatch Segment of NewsWatch

NewsWatch, a nationwide television show, recently aired a news segment about “HeroClix”, a new app using comic book characters from popular franchises. The segment aired as part of “AppWatch”, a weekly review of the top apps in the marketplace.

Washington, DC (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
NewsWatch, a nationwide television show, recently aired a news segment about “HeroClix”, a new app using comic book characters from popular franchises. The segment aired as part of "AppWatch”, a weekly review of the top apps in the marketplace.
To get started, download the HeroClix TabApp application for free in the Apple App Store. Then unlock new comic stories and missions with each super hero figure. Unlock over 15 maps and follow along the unique storyline of each character while battling known villains. Users can challenge themselves to take out enemies at three separate difficulty levels and achieve the ultimate 3 star rating for each.
Figurines are available across multiple franchises, including Marvel Comics and DC Comics. Marvel figurines include comic book characters Wolverine, Captain America, and Iron Man. Each character has a different storyline that pops up when you place them on the screen. The marvel edition has over 30 villains and 18 different maps that users can play through.
The game has a live action, arcade style of play that is fun for anyone, ages 14+. Unlock special maps and comic scenarios with each figure. Users can take out a swarm of villains with the tap or swipe of a finger as you move on to more challenging levels. Haven’t picked up a figure yet? You can still play HeroClix TabApp by selecting the "Don’t Have A Figure" option from the main menu to play the demo.
HeroClix TabApp is currently available for iOS devices and is compatible with the iPad 2 and newer, as well as the iPad mini. If you don’t have an iPad, HeroClix plans to announce they will be creating an Android compatible version soon. To download the app and begin playing, go to HeroClixTabApp.com or visit your itunes store and search for HeroClix TabApp. The app is currently free on the iTunes Store and figurines can be purchased through the HeroClix website.
NewsWatch is a weekly 30-minute consumer oriented television show that airs on the ION Network Thursday mornings at 5:30am across the nation. NewsWatch regularly features top travel destinations, health tips, technology products, medical breakthroughs and entertainment news on the show. A recent addition to NewsWatch, AppWatch is a weekly segment that provides viewers app reviews and game reviews of the latest and hottest apps and games out on the market for iOS and Android devices. The show airs in 180 markets nationwide as well as all of the top 20 broadcast markets in the country, and is the preferred choice for Satellite Media Tour and Video News Release Distribution.

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Hands-Free Lighting Device Designed by ASF Lightware Solutions Now Offered by Rehabmart.com

It is an LED light that is worn around the neck and offers a wider and brighter light than a typical clip-on book light. The hands-free design is perfect for wheelchair or walker users, and helps to keep hands free for tasks like quilting, knitting, changing diapers and other various forms of work and hobbies.

Elberton, GA (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
Rehabmart.com, an online e-commerce company that sells rehabilitation and medical supplies, has joined into a distribution partnership with ASF Lightware Solutions to offer their hands-free Beam N Read® Lights to a wider consumer marketplace. Headquartered in Merrick, New York, ASF Lightware Solutions was founded by inventor Arthur Friedman who has been awarded 18 patents for his inventions and designs, including the Beam N Read® light. Friedman himself needed a better portable light solution and was disappointed with the available market choices, so he created his own. Both Friedman and his company's co-founder and CKO (Chief Knitting Officer), wife Cynthia Freeman, use the Beam N Read® light in their daily lives.
The Beam N Read® Hands Free Lights are specifically designed for personal light wherever the user might need it, that won't disturb others in the same vicinity. It is an LED light that is worn around the neck and offers a wider and brighter light than a typical clip-on book light. The hands-free design is perfect for wheelchair or walker users, and helps to keep hands free for tasks like quilting, knitting, changing diapers and other various forms of work and hobbies. It is very compatible with books, newspapers, magazines, eReaders and as a Kindle reading light. The range of uses for the Beam N Read® is practically limitless and include utilization for reading, needlework, fine detail artwork and hobbies, camping, travel, emergencies and to help senior citizens with age-related disabilities and adults and children with special needs. The extra long battery life provides useful emergency light during a power outage as well.
Accessories to customize the Beam N Read® vary by model and include night vision filters that help to prevent night blindness and reduce the risk of eyestrain. Recommended for anyone who works in the dark, the Beam N Read® Hands-Free Night Vision Light is perfect for campers and hunters, and for healthcare professionals or caregivers who need to administer to a patient in the dark. “We are proud to introduce these amazing Hands-Free Beam N Read® Lights from ASF Lightware Solutions to more consumers,” said Hulet Smith, OTR/L, MBA and CEO of Rehabmart. “This personal light offers unsurpassed quality, functionality and versatility, enhancing sight for all users. Use it for reading, writing, drawing, painting, all forms of needlework and sewing, crafts and hobbies, traveling and camping, night work, emergencies, and just for seeing a whole lot better whenever and wherever you need to! Testimonials abound for this helpful device and we are so pleased to be able to offer this simple, but profound life enhancement to our customers at Rehabmart.com.”
About Rehabmart.com:
As an Occupational Therapist, the founder of Rehabmart, Hulet Smith, has the breadth of knowledge and experience necessary to match the needs of his customers with the very latest innovative products in the field of medical supplies and rehabilitation equipment. As a parent of special needs children, he has a personal interest in finding the best products to improve the lives of those who are disabled and medically challenged. Rehabmart.com is committed to provide superior customer service, competitive pricing and exceptional product offerings.

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Appconomy Announces Launch of its Jinjin Marketplace in China; Completes Series A Round for $16 Million Total

Appconomy, Inc., developer of the Appconomy Commerce Cloud platform and mobile apps, announced today the launch of its JinjinTM mobile marketplace in China.

Shanghai, China (PRWEB) December 20, 2012
The Jinjin marketplace launched in two of China’s most strategic markets, Beijing and Shanghai, the nation’s capital and the country’s largest city, respectively. Appconomy also announced that it had raised an additional $6 million in venture financing to complete its Series A round, for a final total of more than $16 million, to continue the rapid introduction of the Jinjin marketplace app and its mobile solutions across China’s retail industry.
The Jinjin marketplace features dozens of popular Chinese and global retail brands, with hundreds of locations in Beijing and Shanghai. Merchants include popular food & beverage chains Golden Phoenix Bakeries, Burger King, Pepper Lunch, among many others, as well as a variety of high-end health, beauty, and other goods & services merchants. For consumers, the Jinjin marketplace offers a ground-breaking mobile loyalty and rewards program in China. It is available immediately from the Jinjin website (http://www.jinjinapp.com) and popular Chinese Android app stores, e.g., HiAPK, Wandoujia, and Gfan, and will be available within days in iTunes for iOS users.
“We strongly believe that the launch of the Jinjin marketplace represents a unique milestone in the reinvention of the retail and dining experience for Chinese consumers and merchants,” said Brian Magierski, President and CEO of Appconomy. “Following our announcement early last month of the Jinjin Retail Solution at the China Retail Industry Convention, which we’ve begun the process of piloting for large retailers, Appconomy now offers the only comprehensive, mobile solution, serving both big and small box retailers. Through our Jinjin marketplace, commerce platform, and mobile apps, we enable retailers, in both their physical and online stores, with capabilities like smart shopping list management, in-store geo-fencing technology for precise product location, customizable notifications, discounts, rewards, and loyalty programs.”
“With the launch of the Jinjin marketplace, we are excited to accelerate our market penetration with multiple Chinese national and global brands, in multiple markets,” said Steve Papermaster, Chairman of Appconomy’s Board of Directors. “As we prepare for a next major phase of growth and related financing activity, we are pleased with both the strong interest by current investors to complete our Series A by exercising their rights and the new investors that are participating in the Appconomy opportunity to create value by joining in the round.

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Shorts Travel Management Releases New Version of it's BookIt App

Patent-pending technology allows business travelers to search for flights on consumer travel sites and book through their travel management company, increasing savings & travel policy compliance

Waterloo, Iowa (PRWEB) December 18, 2012
Short’s Travel Management has taken a new spin on the Open Booking buzz going around the corporate travel marketplace this year with their product, BookIt. BookIt allows business travelers to search at leisure travel websites, like Hipmunk.com, and still book their tickets through their travel management company (TMC). The concept is simple - search there, book here.
With the first version of BookIt, released in early 2012, business travelers “Share” or “Email” their preferred flights from other websites to BookIt. BookIt applies the company’s corporate discounts to that flight, and searches for lower fare in the market across all airlines. The traveler receives an email back and books their ticket with the TMC directly from their email in just 3 clicks. Short’s Travel has learned from this first version that the process must be easier to use without needing to train employees, or requiring them to remember, to follow this process.
Short’s Travel will be releasing their newest version, the BookIt App, in January 2013, which supports many more travel websites, including airlines’ websites, and is literally the “easy button” for business travelers. When the BookIt App is turned “on” in the computer’s browser, and travelers are shopping for flights, they will see the BookIt button. If the traveler is booking a trip for work, they simply enter their company email address on file with their TMC and click the BookIt button. The BookIt App then searches for their company’s corporate discounts and travel policies, checks for lower fares on other airlines or schedules, and returns results in an email. The traveler then purchases their flight online within their corporate travel program in just 2 clicks.
The new Bookit App solves the problems travel managers have today when employees find flights outside of the corporate tool, but doesn’t require them to leap into a full Open Booking program where travelers can book wherever they want. The travel manager still has full control of their travel program because all bookings are being managed through one TMC. All corporate discounts and unused tickets credits are being applied; and all travelers’ locations are being tracked from one central database. The Bookit App also makes it easier for business travelers to buy their business trips because they check-out at one website where all of their airline frequent flyer and corporate cards are stored and automatically applied.
About Short’s Travel Management:
Short's Travel Management is a full-service travel management company with a passion for innovation and professional service to enable companies of all sizes to more effectively manage their travel investment. With over 64 years of Travel Management Experience, Short’s Travel continues to be one of the top Travel Management Companies in the industry.
About BHiveTravel.com
For companies who don't need a fully managed travel program, Shorts offers it's free online travel management tool, http://www.BHiveTravel.com. BHive allows businesses and organizations to get the robust booking and reporting tools of a fully managed travel program for no cost. Bookit is fully integrated with the BHive.

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Price4Limo is Accepting New Affiliates for Limousine and Party Bus Operators

Price4Limo is seeking new, reputable affiliates to join the fastest-growing network of limousine and party bus rental affiliates. Joining the affiliate marketplace costs nothing, and is an excellent resource for confirmed reservations.

Boynton Beach, Fla. (PRWEB) December 18, 2012
Price4Limo has been offering limousine service and party bus rentals in more areas consistently since it first went into business. The company was founded in 2001 and began with only two vehicles, a limousine and a party bus. Over the years, Price4Limo has acquired more limousines and luxury buses while also putting focus into becoming an authoritative presence online. Research shows millions of limousine-related searches on Google every month. With over 10% of all limousine reservations being made online, having an online presence is mandatory for a limousine business to reach its potential.
Price4Limo has been working with affiliates in cities across the nation and is now expanding its affiliate program to more limousine companies who want more exposure online. Price4Limo is using a very similar model as Hotels.com and Expedia. Finding limousines has never been easier.
The company has a team of prolific writers, web designers and innovative marketers all working together on an integrated marketing strategy that is steadily gaining more visibility and drawing in new customers every month. Price4Limo has increased its exposure in the marketplace through word-of-mouth affiliates, industry trade publications, direct mail campaigns and web based media.
With this influx of potential customers, Price4Limo is looking to add new affiliates to the roster. By joining the affiliate program, other limousine and party bus companies can immediately increase their exposure and customer base free of charge. Becoming an affiliate is an easy process. After visiting http://www.price4limo.com/join and submitting the required information, all that is needed is images and descriptions of the vehicles that are available and Price4Limo will handle the rest. When clients search for rentals in an area covered by an affiliate the limos or buses will be visible on the Price4Limo page. Reservations are made on-site, adding to the professional representation and keeping everything simple for the customer. With trained staff monitoring the phones and IM service, reservations and questions can be handled promptly which also saves affiliates time and money.
“We have an internet staff, and we know all the ins and outs of marketing strategies,” explains manager Greg Hawes, describing what it is that makes Price4Limo.com so effective. “But we also know what’s involved in owning and operating a limousine service -- the risks, the responsibilities and the rewards. And we know what the customers are looking for. We don’t charge for leads, and we don’t make money unless the company listing with us makes money.”
This process also saves affiliates time from dealing with the frequent search engine changes in order to have their services seen online. Becoming an affiliate will bring in more customers, thanks to Price4Limo’s web presence.
Price4Limo has become a leader in New Orleans party bus rentals and expects an increase in rentals for the Super Bowl. The company has also had great success with Texas limousine rentals.
“We learned early on that our best customers are our competition,” Hawes summarizes. “They turned out to be our partners, and we grew from teamwork. We made friendships and affiliations in Miami and West Palm, and we grew our businesses together. So we decided to take it on a bigger scale and bring it nationwide.”
A core belief of Price4Limo is that everything associated with limousine service must be representative of the quality and prestige that clients are expecting when they rent a limousine. Because of this, only the best in service, design and presentation will be accepted into the affiliate program. The company is all-inclusive when it comes to the variety or vehicles offered, from an elegant white Rolls Royce to a zebra-stripe or hot pink Hummer limousine.
There’s only one absolute in this business: If people don’t know where a particular company is and don’t know how to contact the company, the rental will go to another provider. By being seen more easily online a company will only benefit from the increased exposure and by creating a first-class impression from the first view. The affiliate program has no cost and no risk to become a part of. Whether a company’s specialties are in classic limousine service, shuttle vans or outrageous pink Hummer Limo party buses, the affiliate program is able to get provide more potential clients. To learn more about this initiative, visit http://www.price4limo.com/join, or call 407-957-8978

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Bill Howe Family of Companies Named Finalist in Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Marketplace Ethics for Second Year in a Row

Esteemed San Diego plumber, Bill Howe, and his wife Tina Howe, proudly accept recognition of their continued efforts towards ethical marketplace practices

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) December 18, 2012
For the second consecutive year, the Bill Howe Family of Companies has been named a finalist of the Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Marketplace Ethics. The award winners were announced during an award ceremony on December 4, 2012 at the Town & Country Resort in Mission Valley in San Diego. Plumber and businessman Bill Howe and his wife, Tina Howe, accepted the award for 2nd place finalist in the “100-249 employees” category.
In its 15th year, the BBB Torch Awards honor companies that have made a commitment to ethical excellence, integrity and support of the San Diego marketplace, despite any adversities. To be considered for the award, companies must compile a nomination that outlines and proves their commitment to ethics in categories including management practices, community and stakeholder relations, communications and marketing practices, and industry reputation. A panel of judges reviews the submissions and grades each category on a scale of 1-10. While many of the businesses that are nominated for the award are in the San Diego heating and air conditioning or plumbing business, the award is open to businesses in any industry.
“We are here to honor companies that epitomize ethics and integrity, and present them with a coveted Torch Award. But today’s gathering is about much more than that,” said Sheryl Bilbrey, San Diego BBB President and CEO, during the ceremony’s opening remarks. “Today, we honor one another for our steadfast commitment to doing the right thing for consumers in a time when so many others struggle to remain accountable.”
The Bill Howe Family of Companies started with Bill Howe Plumbing, Inc. in 1980 and now offers services in San Diego heating and air conditioning, as well as restoration and flood services. Since its inception, the company upholds their philosophy that to be successful they focus on ensuring the happiness of their employees, their customers and their community. Recently, the Bill Howe Family of Companies proved their philosophy has been a success when they moved to an office more than twice the size of the previous office, to accommodate their growing workforce.
“The Torch Award nomination process has been an incredibly rewarding experience as we looked at every aspect of our company and put all of our efforts on paper,” said Tina Howe, Vice President of the Bill Howe Family of Companies. “When you are doing business, it is not always easy to know the most ethical decision to make; sometimes it means more money, or sometimes it means we need to seek outside counsel. Whatever it takes, we strive to build our company on honest and ethical practices.”
To learn more about the Bill Howe Family of Companies or to speak with San Diego plumber, Bill Howe, about his commitment to not only upholding ethics within his company, but helping the plumbing industry as a whole uphold ethical excellence through his work with the Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors Association of San Diego, call 619-286-6348 or visit http://www.billhowe.com.
About Bill Howe Family of Companies

Bill Howe Family of Companies is comprised of Bill Howe Plumbing, Inc.; Bill Howe Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.; Bill Howe Restoration & Flood Services, Inc. The family-owned and operated company began in 1980 with the plumbing division and has grown into San Diego County’s largest low-cost one-stop-shop for service, repairs and installation, offering both residential and commercial services. 9085 Aero Drive, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92123. Call 1-800-BILL-HOWE because We Know Howe!

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Hurricane Sandy Victims Find Refuge on Timeshare Marketplace RedWeek.com

Timeshares are not only for fun vacation getaways, as evidenced by the story of RedWeek.com members Bob and Jody; left homeless by Hurricane Sandy last month. With the holidays approaching, Bob and Judy turned to leading timeshare marketplace RedWeek.com to secure a timeshare rental in New York City.

Seattle, WA (PRWEB) December 19, 2012
Timeshares are not only for fun vacation getaways, as evidenced by the story of RedWeek.com members Bob and Jody; left homeless by Hurricane Sandy last month.
Bob and Judy are one of the many families displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. With their Long Island home flooded and area hotels at capacity; the Bob and Judy began looking for a short-term rental property to no avail. Frustrated and exhausted, they began looking at every alternative for a place to live.
As timeshare owners, Bob and Judy knew the advantages of timesharing and had recently used leading timeshare marketplace RedWeek.com to rent out their own Aruba timeshare. Homeless and with the holidays approaching, they turned to RedWeek.com and began searching for timeshare rentals at The Manhattan Club resort in New York City.
“We decided to rent multiple units at the Manhattan Club so that we could spend the holiday all together in Manhattan,” said Jody. “When my husband and I checked in to the Manhattan Club, it was so luxurious that I actually began tearing up.”
Unlike standard hotels, timeshares offer home-like accommodations with multiple bedrooms, full kitchens or kitchenettes, and living and dining areas. Renting a timeshare directly from an owner is often cheaper than staying at a hotel, and the resorts offer the same hotel amenities such as pools, exercise facilities, reception areas, and concierge services.
“I have only good things to say about RedWeek and the Manhattan Club,” said Jody. “I plan to use RedWeek again when I need a vacation - the value and the superior accommodations were just more than I could have hoped for.”
To learn more about RedWeek.com or timesharing visit http://www.redweek.com.
About RedWeek.com:
RedWeek® is a registered trademark of RedWeek, Inc. RedWeek.com is a member-supported marketplace for timeshare rentals and resales, and also provides a full-service timeshare resale offering. You can find reviews, ratings, prices, availability, full-service exchange, and complete resort descriptions for all timeshare resorts to make vacation selection easier. Boasting an A+ Better Business Bureau rating, RedWeek has more than 1.5 million registered users and includes 5,000 timeshare resorts worldwide.

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