Two Things You May Not Know About Funeral Webcasts

Funeral webcasting enables family and friends to take part in their loved one's funeral or memorial service despite illness, finances, or distance.  It gives mourners who can't travel the opportunity to watch the service live, just like they were there or watch it later at their convenience. 

Recently improved technologies and less expensive broadband, paired with deployments of the military oversees have all lead to an increase in the use of funeral webcasting.  Now survivors who cannot attend a service in person are not just limited to sending sympathy cards and funeral flowers, they too can have closure.

Funeral webcasting offers friends and family members the ability to virtually attend a funeral regardless of their circumstances or their location.  Through funeral webcasting, the bereaved can view a memorial at anytime, anywhere in the world, in the privacy of their home.  Additionally, a webcast can be viewed live or delayed for each individual’s preference and needs.
Here are two things you may not have known about funeral webcasting:

1.  Your Client Families Will Want to Webcast
As the world’s demand for technology grows, people are becoming more connected, are online more frequently and up-to-date with the latest inventions and capabilities available.  The demand is there for more interactive, social, online experiences – in every facet of life, even death.  More and more families are requesting funeral webcasting from their funeral directors – being prepared to provide that service means never having to tell a family they can’t have something they want.

2. Funeral Webcasting is Easy and it Makes Sense
Funeral software puts the power of customization into the hands of the funeral director.  Having video tribute software and webcasting software all-in-one to create a complete, customized theme using the latest technology makes good business sense and good financial sense.  No outsourcing, or third parties to deal with no long-term contracts, no upfront costs, no equipment to buy and no support fees.  With a simple pay as you go system, its affordable and profitable.  No matter what your user level is, you can begin webcasting with a simple video package including HD camera, tripod, wireless microphone and a USB video capture device.

Taking your funeral services online using funeral webcasting software, a funeral home can not only help families, but also increase their business.  This value added service basically goes straight to increasing your bottom line – a good decision and an excellent service offering.  It’s a win-win for your client families and your business.

After the service, the funeral director may keep the video on his website for a specified period of time. Some funeral webcasts are available for viewing for as long as a year after the service. In other cases, the family or funeral director may decide to make videos available for shorter periods, such as three to six months.  Each returning visit to your website puts the name of your funeral home in front of your client families – again and again.


Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments.  For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Hernon Manufacturing Unveils Shotgun Ammunition Sealing Machine

Hernon Manufacturing representatives will be attending the 2013 SHOT Show to educate conference attendees about its Shotgun Ammunition Sealing Machine and other eco-friendly ammunition sealants and dispensing equipment.

Sanford, FL., October 29, 2012 – Hernon Manufacturing, the innovator in adhesives, sealants and dispensing equipment, will be attending the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) SHOT Show at the Sands Expo Convention Center in Las Vegas on January 15-18^th, 2013.  Representatives from the company will be providing show attendees with information on its Shotgun Ammunition Sealing Machine, Sureshot 3500 as well as its other eco-friendly ammunition sealants and dispensing equipment.

Hernon Manufacturing’s Sureshot 3500 Microjet is capable of dispensing 6000 shots per minute of one microliter each.  Hernon's Microjet Technology facilitates precision, no contact, high speed dispensing.  As a result of the companies persistent commitment to quality and thorough testing Hernon Manufacturing can ensure continuous microjetting for hundreds of millions of dispense cycles in a hardened industrial environment without variation and or failure.

Watch the Sureshot 3500 Microjet video now:
http://ammo.hernon.com/images/videos/3500-micro-jet.wmv

“Hernon Manufacturing has engineered precision high speed dispensing and curing equipment for many ammunition manufacturers around the world,” said Edgardo Rodriguez, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hernon Manufacturing. “The SHOT Show is an excellent opportunity for us to educate the industry about our latest Microjet Technology and present our solutions for sealing the bullet and primer of fully assembled pistol, rifle, shotgun and blank ammunition cartridges.”

HERNON Manufacturing has been committed to delivering world class adhesive, sealant, and impregnation solutions along with precision dispensing systems for nearly four decades.  A long-time member of Central Florida’s industrial manufacturing community, HERNON offers strong brands and technologies, all made in the United States, for a diverse range of industries including:  Energy/Power Generation, Medical, Electronics, Electrical, LED, Automotive, Appliances, Sporting Goods, Ammunition, Communications, Aerospace, Aviation, High Tech Audio, Defense, Fire Suppression, Transportation, and Marine. HERNON Manufacturing is proud to be an ISO-9001 registered company whose products meet or exceed Mil-Specs.  HERNON Manufacturing has been recognized as a top company in Orlando and is listed in the Orlando Business Journal’s Book of Lists.  The company also was awarded the 2012 ThinkGlobal Exporter of the Year, named one of Florida's Top Companies to Watch in 2012, and has received the 2012 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award for its advanced process for ammunition coatings.  Visit http://hernon.com for more information.

All-in-One Funeral Software is All You Need!

The ability to create funeral products for a funeral service is right at your fingertips.  With all-in-one personalization funeral software, you can quickly and easily make professional funeral products from prayer cards to funeral webcasts.

Creating a complete set of fully customized and coordinated funeral stationery items is amazingly easy when you have software designed for the funeral industry that basically does the work for you.  This new all-in-one personalized software allows you to create and produce top quality items from printed stationery to live webcasts.  The only skill you really need is to know how to click a mouse!  Affordable, easy and extremely convenient, once you use this new software you will never want to go back to the old methods.

This all-in-one software covers four primary funeral products that will impress your client families well beyond their expectations while establishing your funeral home as the most caring, detailed and sophisticated within the community.  The most basic of the categories is funeral stationery.  With many types of items, from prayer cards to thank you letters to memorial folders, you can offer clients a breadth of choices.  With over 500 themes to choose from to express the interests closest to the deceased, the multiple layout options and blank perforated stock, it’s simple to create and produce beautiful stationery.

With the same software, you can create a stunning video tribute that sets photographs and videos to music.  Again, simplicity was critical while designing the software so with three simple steps you have a high quality presentation that will impress your client families.  Import the pictures and video you wish to use, edit them using simple tools and then burn the tribute video to a DVD, or upload it to the internet. 

Funeral webcasting is another exciting product, giving you the opportunity to host online services for those who can’t attend.  With both life and delayed streaming capabilities, global distribution through over 30 servers and full editing features, the inclusion of webcasting within your portfolio will significantly improve the value of your services. The webcasting software and a simple video package including a HD camera, tripod, wireless microphone and a USB video capture device is all you need to go online.

The final main product this robust funeral software allows you to create in-house are funeral keepsakes.  Whether it's a funeral candle, photo frame temporary grave marker, or a remembrance ornament -- with this high-tech software, you can create a completely personalized line of funeral products in minutes.

What makes this all-in-one software ideal is that you can use your own computer and printing equipment.  Additionally, another advantage is being able to produce the items in-house, so you have control of what you have and have it ready when you need it.  This amazing software truly has only upside potential to you and your funeral home.  If you aren’t one of the 4,500 funeral home professionals using it on a daily basis, you soon will be.

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments.  For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Holiday Remembrance Programs Help the Community and Your Business

A holiday remembrance program brings the community together at your funeral home to not only celebrate the holidays, but to remember those who are no longer with us. 

Opening your funeral home to the community for a holiday remembrance program can help the grieving families you have served over the last year celebrate their loved ones life during the holidays and also punctuate the unique and sincere way you can service them.

Creating a warm, festive and caring atmosphere where client families can gather to share stories about their loved one, help each other cope with grief, and make new connections with other mourners a holiday remembrance program can be beneficial to the brand awareness of your funeral home as well. You will see your reputation build as a faithful and upholding member of the community, resulting in more business for years to come.

For most people, the holiday season is characterized by parties and gatherings with family and friends. The usual barriers to getting together faced throughout the year are broken down, with no excuses given to prevent coming together to share the love and joy that the holidays encourage. It is no surprise then that the first holiday season without a precious loved one is extremely difficult, with the bereaved feeling lost and depressed by the myriad of holiday memories of the departed. Indeed, the absence of the deceased seems more profound during this usually joyful time.

As a funeral home professional who has served hundreds of client families throughout the year, you have a special opportunity to both provide comfort to your clients as well as to promote your business. A holiday remembrance program which can be as simple or as extravagant as you wish is the perfect way to achieve both. Consider hosting a holiday party at your funeral home, decorating as you would for any festive holiday soiree. Invite your client families, letting them know you would like to gift them with a unique remembrance ornament created in honor of their loved ones.

The holiday remembrance ornament will inspire attendance by client families and the ability to comfort neighbors will promote support from the community. It’s a winning formula for a successful program that will give you the opportunity to establish your funeral home as the premier establishment of its type in the area. When the need arises for another funeral, your families will distinctly remember how you have been there for them in their time of need and even later down the road – because of this, they will surely make the call to your funeral home.

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments. For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Online Theme Viewer Means No More Guesswork!

With a simple tool such as the Tribute Center Online Theme Viewer, you can show every piece of stationery with every theme applied.  Helping your client families select themes – and helping you to increase their order – has never been easier.

Selecting funeral stationery options can be a daunting task for the recently bereaved, and as their trusted resource, you are expected to be able to provide all pieces, with the correct pictures and information, within a very short time frame.  Sounds like without the right tools, it could be an even more intimidating task for you!  With the Tribute Center Online Theme Viewer, however, you not only get to present the hundreds of themes available to choose from, but also how every theme appears on each individual piece of stationery.   

Each theme contains artwork and simple design templates for each of the many pieces of stationery that is appropriate for funeral related events.  Themes are available to suit almost any hobby, club, occupation or athletic interest.  They range from traditional to contemporary and from elegant to whimsy.  The themes artwork runs from simple to more elaborate and all themes can be printed using four color ink.  Easily organized into categories to help your client families quickly target appropriate themes, the online theme viewer allows stationery decisions to be made quickly.

Being able to demonstrate how each item of stationery appears with every theme applied takes all guesswork out for both you and your client families.  Non visual people are at a disadvantage when required to make a creative decision in a time crunch - particularly when it is one that affects many separate pieces and in varying sizes.  The Online Theme Viewer shows how a memorial folder will appear with each theme as well as how a bookmark and prayer card will appear as well as the rest of the stationery options available.  It even shows how the Life Journey Candle looks when printed using the selected theme.  There is absolutely no guessing how each piece is going to turn out, which is one less stress needed by everybody involved.

In addition to theme selection and understanding how it is applied to all the pieces, the Online Theme Viewer serves another purpose.  Client families will see how all the pieces work in concert to create a consistent tone from the beginning to of the service to acknowledgements sent weeks after, and to memorial folders that are often kept for years.  this increases the likelihood that larger packages will be ordered which results in better profits for you.

The actual production of the pieces can be performed by you in your own funeral home.  With the Tribute Center software, each piece of funeral stationery is easy to create.  Using your own in-house printer, each can be printed in full color.  Blank perforated stock makes for a quick printing process too. 

Provide the best you can to your client families and make things simple for your funeral home.

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments.  For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Sealcoating FAQs

Making an educated decision about maintaining your facilities asphalt surfaces can help prevent you from paying too much, getting a poor quality job and making a bad decision. Here are some commonly asked questions about sealcoating commercial asphalt:

What if the price is too good to pass up?

Although a low price bid may be tempting, making an impulsive decision based solely on price can cost you later. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or sealcoating contractor. Make sure the company is well established – do they have a local address, a well-developed website and references? Also, it doesn’t hurt to get several bids and check each company out thoroughly. Be sure to keep in mind, you usually get what you pay for!

Should we sealcoat every year?

No! Although many paving companies may lead you to believe that you should sealcoat every year, sealcoating your asphalt too much can lead to problems. The first two coats of sealer applied to your asphalt are what protect it. Additional coats are usually just for cosmetic purposes.

Should we sealcoat our asphalt in the summer?

It is not appropriate to sealcoat asphalt in hot weather. The sealer will dry too quickly causing it to peel, flake or get streaks in the finish. If the job needs to be done in hot temperatures, above 90 degrees, a good paving contractor will spray the surface with a light mist of water to cool the asphalt before applying the sealcoat. Doing so will cool the surface considerably. Ideal temperatures to apply sealcoat are between sixty and ninety degrees.

Can we just sealcoat our asphalt pavement ourselves?

Adding up the total costs of undertaking this project will give you the answer to this question. Basically, it’s going to end up costing you more and you more than likely will not be thrilled with the results. Not only will sealer, sold by the pail, cost four to five times more at local improvement stores, it is not the high quality as professionally mixed commercial sealer. Tools are often expensive and may not be of professional grade to perform the task properly. Prior to sealcoating, the surface must be cleaned – a leaf blower and a hose won’t give the professional results of a commercial blower and washer. Add in your labor time, and the fact that you’ll probably ruin your shoes, shirt, pants and gloves – it really adds up. Using a professional, Florida, paving and sealcoating company will only cost you a few dollars more that it would to do it yourself, and you’ll be much more satisfied with the job when complete.

A well-paved asphalt surface can last 20-40 years if maintained at proper intervals. Save money by hiring a reputable, paving or sealing contractor. They can develop a strategy to maintain your pavement. Spending a little more now, can save you a lot down the road.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating

With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor. ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation. We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.

How Property Advisors Help Facility Managers

Whether you are a facility manager for an office building, school, convention center, shopping complex, hospital or hotel, your days are filled with the coordination of space, infrastructure, and service people.

Through your dedicated service and continuous innovation processes, you alone help your business stay in business – exceeding customers’ expectations and adding value to the core business of your organization. It’s a tough road to haul alone -- that’s why having a good Property Advisor comes in handy.

What is a Property Advisor?

A Property Advisor works for a commercial building service company to manage and provide facility maintenance and repairs, parking lot repairs and sweeping services, pressure washing and hydro-cleaning, bulk debris removal and commercial painting whilst keeping the you, the client, up to date through the entire process and ensuring satisfaction.

Providing Unparalleled Attention to Details

When selecting a commercial building services company, be sure to select one who can provide you with a single point of contact -- right from the start. This strong relationship that will be developed with that one contact person will enable better communication, better service and for your stress levels to be lowered!

Property Advisors understand that facility managers have a lot on their shoulders; therefore, a good Property Advisor will work towards having open and direct communication, prompt and efficient service, and facilitate a wide range of services. A Property Advisor will keep a close watch over your facilities maintenance issues so you don’t have to. Thisis important to your success and the success of your facility.

How Do Property Advisors Help?

A good Property Advisor will begin by listening to your concerns, issues, and even any frustrations you may have. After they listen to what you want, your Property Advisor will then tailor a service plan to meet your facility’s needs. From this point on, your personal Property Advisor will be available 24-hours a day and will make frequent visits to your facility. Mobile technology allows Property Advisors to quickly and efficiently be able to notifying you every time they are on site through an emailed site inspection notification.

During site inspections, Property Advisors will be measuring the level of service you are getting from the commercial building services company.In addition, Property Advisors will make notes of any issues found on the property, for example, potholes, oversized debris, graffiti and so forth. Again, these issues are documented in writing, photographed and sent to you via email before the Property Advisor departs from the job site. With a quick conversation or email to your Property Advisor, you can discuss a planned course of action for the noted items and can be assured that your facilities needs are being met.

Whether you have one location or hundreds, a personal Property Advisor can relieve the stress of facilities management by enabling you to work with one senior-level contact that will provide customized solutions, fast answers and quick turnaround.

About American Facility Services

Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS offers a wide range of including: pressure washing, facility maintenance, commercial painting, sealcoating, asphalt repair, janitorial services, porter services, bulk debris removal and more. AFS provides a complete range of services, so our clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs. Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Hernon Manufacturing Educates Attendees of PEI Convention About DEF Compatible Thread Sealant

Hernon Manufacturing representatives attended the 2012 PEI Convention to educate the industry about its validated DEF compatible anaerobic pipe sealant called Dripstop® 940. Testing confirmed that Dripstop® 940 was containment free to ISO-22241 standards and therefore compatible for DEF technology.

Sanford, FL., October 22, 2012 – Representatives from Hernon Manufacturing, the innovator in adhesives, sealants and dispensing equipment, recently attended the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI) 2012 Convention in Las Vegas. Attendees included original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), sellers and installers of equipment used in service stations, terminals, bulk plants, fuel oil and gasoline delivery and similar petroleum marketing operations.

Connecting with key industry personnel, Hernon’s Northeast Sales Representative, Bob Sollien, had this to say about the show, “The PEI Convention was an ideal place for us to meet end users – those who actually install diesel and DEF dispensing systems. We also made some good contacts with OEM’s who could influence the companies that purchase their equipment to use our DEF (diesel exhaust fluid) compatible thread sealant.”

HernonManufacturing has engineered a validated DEF compatible anaerobic pipe sealant called Dripstop® 940. This thread sealant recently received the necessary approvals and exhibited 100% passing results fromIntertek, which conducts thousands of automotive fuel and lubricant analytical tests each month. This testing confirmed that Dripstop® 940 was containment free to ISO-22241 standards and therefore compatible for DEF technology.

Dripstop® 940can be used in the manufacturing of petroleum dispensing parts and equipment and during the installation of diesel and DEF dispensing systems. Dripstop® 940 has superior sealing, and has been specially formulated to be used with stainless steel pipe fittings and mild locking performance compared to tapes and non-hardening dopes. Dripstop® 940 reduces costs by eliminating leakage and increasing the assembly line speed.

For use on inactive metals such as stainless steel and monel, Dripstop® 940 is a high-speed thread sealant used in chemical process piping. Normally, inactive materials like stainless would require a primer to assure predictable cure.

Dripstop® 940 is formulated to cure without the necessity of a primer, but, priming does reduce cure time. The enhanced chemistry of Dripstop® 940 delivers super-fast cure speeds on conventional materials, like carbon steel, brass, etc. This pipe sealant withstands high pressures, sealing up to 250psig steam at 400°F (204°C) continuous service while maintaining its chemical inertness. It also lubricates threads during assembly, prevents galling, and assures smooth disassembly.

"Dripstop® 940 provides an instant seal against liquid and gas leaks at moderate pressures. For maximum pressures, the product should be allowed a full cure of 24 hours. It also eliminates waste in that there is no dripping or running," said Sollien. "Additionally, because it is solvent free, it won't crack or shrink due to solvent evaporation."

Typical applications for Dripstop® 940 are: DEF bulk transfer stainless steel pipe fittings, fuel line fittings, plated flare fittings, pulp and paper mills, refinery piping, instrumentation fittings, waste treatment plants, textile equipment, piping for chlorine and caustic sodas, hydraulic line fittings, pneumatic line fittings, fluid connections, steam lines up to 250 psig and pipe plugs.

“We are now following up with the end users we met at PEI and those OEM’s who could influence the use or our product as an approved source,” added Sollien. “There is still uncertainty in the industry as to what sealant should be used for the application of DEF systems, so we are in the process of educating the industry about our DEF compatible product.”

HERNON Manufacturing has been committed to delivering world class adhesive, sealant, and impregnation solutions along with precision dispensing systems for nearly four decades. A long-time member of Central Florida’s industrial manufacturing community, HERNON offers strong brands and technologies, all made in the United States, for a diverse range of industries including: Energy/Power Generation, Medical, Electronics, Electrical, LED, Automotive, Appliances, Sporting Goods, Ammunition, Communications, Aerospace, Aviation, High Tech Audio, Defense, Fire Suppression, Transportation, and Marine. HERNON Manufacturing is proud to be an ISO-9001 registered company whose products meet or exceed Mil-Specs. HERNON Manufacturing has been recognized as a top company in Orlando and is listed in the Orlando Business Journal’s Book of Lists. The company also was awarded the 2012 ThinkGlobal Exporter of the Year, named one of Florida's Top Companies to Watch in 2012, and has received the 2012 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award for its advanced process for ammunition coatings. Visit http://hernon.com for more information.

Green Parking Garage Cleaning

Are you considering having your parking facility cleaned? One of the most efficient ways to clean the surface of a parking garage is hydrocleaning. By focusing, heating, and pressuring the water stream, the hydro cleaning equipment propels water on to the surface of the parking garageto remove paint, stains, oil, rubber, sealants, gum and other materials.

The most advanced high-pressure water cleaning equipment for hydro cleaning commercial facilities produces up to 4000 psi of pressure, a maximum temperature of 200 degrees, and is capable of cleaning in excess of ten thousand square feet per hour. This translates into an ultra-quick and ultra-clean parking garage. Using this type of state-of-the-art hydro-cleaning equipment not only provides a fast and clean parking garage – it also is an environmentally friendly way to clean!

Where does the water go?

Did you know the storm water system enters directly into our rivers, lakes and the oceans without being treated? Only rainwater should go into the storm water drains. One quart of oil can contaminate as much as 100,000 gallons of drinking water.

Hiring a company that uses state-of-the-art hydro cleaning equipment can be your solution to eliminating contaminants and ensuring that your parking garage cleaning method is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What makes this hydro cleaning process EPA approved is the ability to reclaim, eliminate and recycle hazardous waste water runoff into the storm water system at any facility.

What’s involved in the hydro cleaning process?

Hydro clean equipment has 360 degree turning radius that allows the operator to move around any obstacle. The system has a high powered engine and an onboard vacuuming system for waste water reclamation. An operator can effectively clean a four foot path.

Underneath the cleaning deck unit are two belt driven rotary arms that rotate at 2800 RPMs and eight hydro jet nozzles rated at 4000 psi. Water is introduced to the cleaning surface at a maximum temperature of 220 degrees. While reclaiming the hazardous wastewater, and reducing water consumption by 80 percent, the process prevents wastewater runoff into the storm drains which is environmentally safe.

What is the waste water treatment process?

To eliminate and recycle the waste water, first the contaminated water must be transferred over to the water treatment tanks. This process takes less than 30 seconds. Once the contaminated water is transferred, the hydro clean operator is sent on his way to continue cleaning the parking garage surface areas. A polymer flocculent additive is measured according to theamount of contaminated water that is being treated.

Secondly, the additive is introduced to the contaminated water. The cover is secured onto the water tankwith an attached agitator and turned on. As the 200 gallons of water are agitated the hazardous waste is separated.

Next, a valve located on the bottom side of the waste water treatment is opened. The processed water flows into a 100 micron water filter bag which is placed over a 200 gallon clean water recovery tank. And finally, 200 gallons of hazardous waste water has been processed, cleaned and ready to be recycled through the hydrocleaning equipment. There is no waste water run off which eliminates any EPA concerns.

About American Facility Services

Providing both interior and exterior commercial building services throughout the state of Florida since 1993, American Facility Services (AFS) has built a solid reputation based on safety, quality and customer service. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS offers a wide range of including: hydro cleaning, pressure washing, facility maintenance, commercial painting, sealcoating, asphalt repair, janitorial services, porter services, bulk debris removal and more. AFS provides a complete range of services, so our clients have the convenience of working with a single provider for all their commercial property maintenance needs. Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Deciding Between Asphalt Paving and Concrete?

If you’re thinking about paving a parking lot, driveway or road, and can’t decide between asphalt paving and concrete paving, this article is for you!

Where concrete was once the preferred method for paving roads and parking lots, today, asphalt paving is the preferred choice.

Let’s take a look at how concrete and asphalt are made to compare and contrast the features and benefits of each type of paving.

Concrete is made using crushed rock and sand aggregate, cement and water. As the mixture dries, the cement binds the concrete and holds the aggregate together. Once set, concrete is a stiff and unforgiving solid substance. However, if the surface beneath the concrete has not been made perfectly smooth, concrete is prone to cracking and breaking.

Asphalt is also made using aggregate. However, instead of using cement as a binder, bitumen, a dark, sticky substance derived from crude oil is used. To build a parking lot or driveway, hot asphalt is poured onto a layer of heavier aggregate and then pressed into it with a steamroller. Once cooled, asphalt is strong enough to withstand automobile traffic. While asphalt is extremely hard and durable, it offers enough flexibility to accommodate imperfections in underlying surfaces, a feature that concrete does not have.

The other advantages of asphalt paving over concrete or cement paving are numerous. One advantage over concrete is that removal and replacement of damaged asphalt is a relatively easy process in comparison to that of concrete.Asphalt is also completely recyclable. Due to the large demand of asphalt for recycling purposes, it is rare that this material will be sent to the landfill.

Another benefit to asphalt construction projects is that they can be finished and the roadways opened for traffic much faster and with a lot less expense than concrete construction projects. Additionally, maintenance and repair of asphalt pavement is quicker, easier and less expensive than that of cement pavement. In fact, repairing minor cracks in asphalt driveways and walkways can be so easy that, with the know-how, one person, by themself,can complete a minor asphalt repair project in just one afternoon. A benefit in making the simple, inexpensive asphalt repair can increase the longevity of an asphalt surface significantly.

When more than just asphalt crack repair is needed, the solution still requires less time and money repairing asphalt paving over cement paving. Unlike concrete, which needs to be removed and replaced when significant cracks appear, asphalt can be resurfaced in much less time, and at a fraction of the cost.

Whether you’re talking about new construction, maintenance, or repair -- asphalt paving is a better solution than concrete paving in almost every situation, saving you time and money.

About ABC Paving and Sealcoating

With more than 20 years of experience, ABC Paving and Sealcoating is Florida's leading paving contractor. ABC Paving and Sealcoating provides commercial organizations with the highest level of customer service, professional workmanship and services including: asphalt paving, asphalt repairs and prevention, pothole repairs, sealcoating, line striping and marking, thermoplastic, crack filing, signs and safety devices, concrete sidewalks, concrete curbs and site preparation. We use our experience and the latest equipment available to get the job done right the first time in a timely, cost effective manner. For more information about ABC Paving and Sealcoating, visit our website at http://pavingandsealcoating.com or call 866-934-7623 for a free estimate.

Reasons to Host a Holiday Remembrance Program

Help your client families, secure your reputation as a caring and full service funeral home and build your business. That’s what a simple holiday remembrance program can do for you!

A great and unique way to promote your funeral home’s business is to organize programs that bring your client families together at the end of the year for a remembrance program. As the first holiday season without their loved one is the hardest for many people, being able to gather with others going through the same experience is valuable in aiding the grieving process. As a funeral home professional, you can throw a festive event in your funeral home and have special keepsake gifts honoring the deceased to give to those left behind. You will successfully reinforce your presence in the community for past and future business opportunities.

One of the most advantageous aspects of a remembrance program is the ability for people n the community to share their advice as each is moving through the mourning period. These events are likely to produce new friendships, renewed community bonds and increase awareness of your funeral homes services.

Remembrance ornaments are the perfect way to remind client families of your appreciation for their patronage of your services. With funeral software, you can create personalized labels in-house that include the name, birth and death dates of the deceased. The ornaments can be placed in their gift boxes near a tree or other holiday decoration for the families to collect on their way into or out of your funeral home.

Remembrance ornaments not only keep your business on top of the minds of previous client families, but can also serve as a new source of revenue generation. Many families will wish to purchase copies of the remembrance ornaments. While you would provide the first ornament free to the client families, each subsequent ornament could be sold for twenty dollars. With the average family ordering two to three additional ornaments, the program will pay for itself. Additionally, the family will remember it was their funeral director that was able to provide this thoughtful keepsake.

 Of course, the most important action you need to take is in the promotion of your remembrance program. You should contact the families you served directly through the mail, email or a phone call – whatever is most convenient for you. Also, letting the local newspaper know of the event so that they can do a write up and put it on the community calendar helps spread the word, as does notifying the local churches, synagogues for them to broadcast it to their communities. And, don’t forget your website. You’ll want to be sure to put the date, time and information about the remembrance program in a prominent place for families to see.

Although there’s still time to get plan a holiday remembrance program for this year, if you think you can’t put everything together for this holiday season, be sure to mark your calendar for next year. It’s probably best to get started in August or September to have enough time to plan everything and be sure your client families have enough time to respond to the invite.


Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments. For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.comhttp://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Should You Clean Your Own Carpets?

Some carpet cleaning companies promote scare tactics to get your business.  The truth is some small, light stains can be easily removed by the homeowner without the expense of a professional carpet cleaner.  Knowing how and when to treat your carpets is the key to fresh and clean carpeting.

Additionally, there are some simple things homeowners can do to keep their carpets clean.  For example, regular vacuuming is beneficial for keeping high traffic areas cleaner as is removing shoes and boots before walking on the carpets.  However, the bottom line is -- stains happen.  Knowing how to clean small stains and knowing some quick facts about your carpet can help protect you from the scare tactics and protect your carpet from disrepair! 

Can I use one carpet cleaning product for all types of carpet stains?
Depending on the type of stain, the type of yard used to construct your carpet and the types of stain-resistance properties in the carpet yarn will determine how a particular stain is treated.  For example, spills that come from animal products will require different stain treatment than spills from plant products.  A professional carpet cleaning company will know exactly what products and treatment steps to use on almost every known stain.

Can I use a spot remover?
Please be aware that often homeowners attempt to remove a stain themselves and the results are detrimental to their carpet.  Some cleaning agents can actually set the stain thereby hindering future efforts.  If you are unsure about the proper cleaning methods, protect your investment and have a professional carpet cleaning remove the stains for you.

I’ve had a stain on my carpet for months, can I still clean it?
Rule number one on carpet stains is to clean them immediately.  If you can clean up the spill when it is fresh, you’ve got a better chance of removing it completely.  Stains that have been around for a while may possibly be removed, but this is probably a good time to call in the professionals. 

There comes a time in the life of every carpet when vacuuming can no longer restore its clean appearance. 

There are five major indicators of the need for a deep-cleaning job:

1)     The carpet is matted and/or sticky.
2)     The carpet is no longer the same color in all areas of the room.
3)     The carpet has discolored circles around the furniture.
4)     There are significant stains on the carpet.
5)     There is an odor in the carpet.

If any of these describes the state of your carpeting, then it is time to call a professional carpet cleaner for a deep steam cleaning. 

About A Mug You Can Trust
With more than 35 years of floor cleaning experience in the Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Apache Junction, Queen Creek, Tempe, Scottsdale, Ahwatukee, and Phoenix, Arizona areas, A Mug You Can Trust uses state-of-the-art equipment providing exceptional results for homes, commercial and retail businesses.  A Mug You Can Trust values their customers by doing what they say they'll do, on time, for one guaranteed price, with no hidden charges.  Call A Mug You Can Trust at (480) 626-3492 or email alan@amugyoucantrust.com for a floor cleaning estimate.

Funeral Register Bookshelf Keepsake Boxes Add Flair to your Product Offerings

Somewhat recently, funeral register books took a departure from the humdrum, standardized books of yesteryear and began to appear in different colors and themes, including photos and captions.  Now, they have another value-added benefit.  Beautifully designed bookshelf keepsake boxes allow the register book to be displayed safely and elegantly.

Even though a life comes to an end, the cherished memories of the departed remain forever in the thoughts of those left behind.  Particularly in the weeks and months after the death of a loved one, it is critical in the grieving process to revisit memories of that person. 

Funeral services provide the initial opportunity to share grief and reminiscences, which are often stimulated by personalized items such as tribute videos and stationery that contain photographs and other items that are unique to the deceased. 

One of the most indispensable and expected elements of a funeral service is the register book where guests record their attendance.  With software developed by and for the funeral profession, register books can be customized with photos, quotes, and other references that reflect the personality of the departed.  And now, a beautiful bookshelf keepsake box has been introduced that elegantly contains the funeral register book for display in home or office.

Personalized funeral register books allow pages to be decorated with a theme well suited to the deceased as well as photos and captions.  The bookshelf keepsake box is available in ten design themes to match the funeral registry.  Your client families can choose from designs such as brown, navy or charcoal swirls, burgundy or blue floral, golden or gray natural, patriotic and autumn leaves.  Each keepsake box has a placement for a photograph of the departed and the registry fits snugly within the box for safe keeping. 

With the attractive keepsake box, your client families have a useful added memento of their loved one.  They can exhibit it on bookshelves in their libraries or offices and the tasteful designs complement any style of home and office décor.  Constructed with heavy cardboard stock, they are then printed with the design that matches the funeral register book.  When assisting client families in design selection, it is recommended that the funeral home professional suggests applying the theme to all funeral related items.  As client families see the application of the theme to the register book, prayer cards, thank you cards, bookmarks, memorial folders and even candles, they can envision how a tone will be set at the funeral service to properly celebrate their loved ones life.

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments.  For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

Consider Funeral Candles for a Value Added Funeral Product

The flickering flame of a funeral candle provides a point for focus and serenity.  Personalize the container of this flame so that all who loved the deceased can reflect on the meaning of the life that was lived…. and the soul that has left this world.

Lighting candles is a practice that transcends cultures and centuries, religions and places.  Their many symbolic implications include meditation, affirmation, devotion, and channeling and it is proven to produce effects of serenity, focus and comfort in those who take part in it.  The presence of fire at funerals – whether in the form of torches or candles – is as old as mankind itself. 

Ancient peoples used torches for protective measures.  Since spirits, whether evil or good, were thought to be active only under the cover of darkness, candles and torches were used to prevent them from re-animating corpses or haunting the living.  More modern attitudes include the belief that the sputtering, dancing flame of a candle is a metaphor for human life and the firm glow symbolizes the soul.  Whatever the belief, funeral candles hold significance and inspiration to those who behold their glow.  With the advent of funeral specific software, funeral home professionals can now offer a beautiful, long-lasting personalized candle to client families.

Funeral candles are one of the fastest growing keepsake products in the funeral industry. With great ease, you can create a top quality, enduring and personalized gift that will touch your client families and will likely be used by them again and again.  Using funeral software to design the candle holder artwork is amazingly simple.  First, select from over 500 themes to create a background design that best reflects the pastimes or interests of the deceased.  Next choose one or more photos of the departed and drag to the indicated area on the template.  Finally, choose a message such as a poem or quote and add where it is directed.  

After you’ve printed on blank perforated stock, just detach the four sections and insert in the beveled glass sides of the candle holder.  Contained in a beautiful cherry wood base, you have just created a beautiful keepsake that your client families can take home with them.  Many clients light the candle on anniversaries to celebrate the life of their loved one, finding serenity and comfort in the flickering flame.  Some of these candles come with 100% all natural wax that is environmentally friendly and once burned away can be replaced with any candle of the client’s choosing.

This meaningful gift will touch your clients when presented to them, as many funeral home professionals do as a surprise token.  Coordinate to the design and theme they have chosen for the funeral stationery and the emotional impact will be that much greater.  As a business building suggestion, include in stationery packages so that multiple family members may have one and can bring home the life affirming symbolization of the eternal flame.

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments.  For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

A Funeral Directors Tool to Creating Amazing DVD Tribute Videos

Whether you have a creative bone in your body or not, creating a world class tribute video is a piece of cake with funeral software.  Quickly becoming a focal point of funeral services, the DVD tribute video brings mourners together with memories, laughs and tears.  It will be remembered by all who see it for years to come.

As a funeral home professional, you’re somewhat a “master of ceremonies” for an admittedly difficult occasion.  Expected to provide expertise in areas ranging from the legalities of funerals to providing top quality funeral stationery, you are the source of all funeral products and services that are necessary in creating a memorable and tasteful affair.  

Here’s a chance to step up your funeral homes level of professionalism and impress your clients with an amazing portfolio of customizable funeral items that you develop in your own office.  A truly impactful and often requested product is the DVD Tribute Video.  Using funeral software that has been created especially for funeral home professionals, you can indulge your inner film director and provide your clients with a product that will take center stage and engender a profound sense of unity among the funeral visitors.

In viewing a sample tribute video, you may wonder how such a professional quality product can be created by someone who may have limited computer skills, creativity or both.  You will be pleasantly surprised to learn that with funeral software you are guided step by step through the process – quickly and easily.  If ever you reach a stumbling block, technical assistance is a mere phone call away, 24 hours, 7 days a week. 

Customizing the tribute is essential in fostering a true sense of the deceased’s interests during life.  But, have no fear -- there are more than 500 different thematic options that have already been created from which to choose.  From firefighter to physician, gardener to antique car aficionado, you will find most hobbies, professions and interests represented.  After you have procured photographs from the client family, high-speed scan technology allows you to scan one photo every two seconds, and you can incorporate as many photos as you wish.  Video clips can be added as well – depending on your client family’s tastes, they may wish to portray his quirky sense of humor with a clip of him telling jokes, or remind visitors of his scholarly prowess with a recorded speech.  The key is to bring his essence to life so guests can share memories and emotions as they pay him tribute.

A true film is nothing without music, and tribute videos are no exception.  Ask your client families to provide tracks of the deceased’s favorite tunes, or choose from an online library of music which includes exclusive licenses with top musicians as well as royalty free songs.  The software automatically sets transitions so music is synced to photo and screen changes.  Photo touch-ups are a breeze and professional motion effects pan and zoom to place emphasis on specific elements as you wish. Other exceptional qualities of the software are the ability to upload to the internet and network so you can share projects between computers.

DVD Tribute Videos are quickly becoming essential at funeral services.  Be sure your funeral home provides the best and highest quality videos available today.

Frazer Consultants primary products and services include interactive funeral home website design, funeral tribute video software, funeral webcasting, funeral candles, funeral keepsakes, funeral register books, personalized funeral stationery, temporary grave markers and funeral holiday remembrance ornaments.  For more information, please visit http://www.frazerconsultants.com or call 866-372-9372.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Pageant or Talent Show

When it comes to the talent portion of a pageant, usually any type of on stage performance will be acceptable.  However, if you want to help your child set themselves apart from the other contestants; here are a few tips so that you can be sure they are well prepared. 

1.    Select Their Strongest Talent.  When your child is deciding what talent to portray in a pageant or talent show, be sure they select an activity that they are comfortable with and in which they have some experience.

2.    Develop Their Talent.  Believe it or not -- not everyone was born a great singer or dancer overnight without any lessons or practice.  With the help of a dance teacher or music coach and practice, you can help your child turn a modest talent into a strong performance.

3.    Project Confidence.  If your child’s talent involves performing a song, be sure they select a song that they enjoy and are comfortable with.  This will make them appear more confident in front of the judges and audience. 

4.    Practice in Public.  Before the big talent show or night of the pageant performance, look for opportunities for your child to perform in recitals, church or community groups.  Performing in public will help your child obtain the practice of performing before an audience and to learn what areas of their routine are well-polished and which ones still need help.  Performing in front of family and friends can also be an ego boost for your child’s self-confidence if family and friends come to see them perform.

5.    Have an Alternate Song or Music Selection.  Some national pageants will only permit one contestant to perform to a given piece of music.  Be sure your child has a back-up routine ready should something go wrong.

With a little creativity and a good attitude, the talent portion of a beauty pageant is what can set your child apart from the rest of the contestants.  Encourage your future star to express his or herself through their talents, whether that’s signing, playing a musical instrument or dancing.   No matter what your child’s talent, be sure reminding them the purpose of the talent show or pageant is for them to have fun.

Wagner Dance & Music offers special packages to help prepare students for the talent portion of beauty pageants. If your child is interested in competing in a pageant or other talent show these dance packages will help prepare them. Work with professional choreographers and dance teachers to tune your child's talent to show their best.

About Wagner Dance and Music
Since 1989, Wagner Dance and Music, a performing arts school, has been teaching East Valley students. Our 3600 square foot Gilbert facility is conveniently located on the southeast corner of Gilbert and Guadalupe in the Big Lots plaza. We offer classes for ages 2 to adult in Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip-Hop, Lyrical, Tumbling, Cheer, Musical Theater and Voice as well as adult classes.  For more information about Student Appreciation Day or to sign up for a class, visit http://wagnerdancearts.com or call 480-892-7179.