Frazer Consultants Releases ‘Treasure of Memories’ Tribute Video Clip

Elegant new tribute video clip has been expertly created for use with Frazer Consultants Tribute Center video creation software. 

Waunakee, WI., August 1, 2013 – Frazer Consultants a personalization, technology, and consulting company for the funeral industry, recently released a new tribute video clip entitled ‘Treasure of Memories’ for use with the company’s Tribute Center video creation software.

“Each of the tribute video clips the staff at Frazer Consultants creates is meant to enhance and further personalize the tributes that funeral professionals create for the families they serve,” said Matt Frazer, Consultant with Frazer Consultants.

The new video clip, ‘Treasure of Memories’ features a hope chest or memory box filled with family photos and mementos. In the short video, the treasure box opens to unveil the contents as the words ‘Memories are Forever’ scrolls across the screen. This tribute video clip has been expertly created and designed to enhance the overall personalization experience for a family who wishes to honor their loved one with a tribute video.

A completely personalized DVD tribute video can be created for client families utilizing Tribute Centers’ video creation software and the custom clips like the new ‘Treasure of Memories’. The Tribute Center’s robust video creation application features simple click technology. This easy three step process produces a world class video - simply import photos and videos, edit and burn to a DVD.

Using this funeral technology, a funeral professional can interweave one of hundreds of professionally created video clips with family photos and music to personalize a tribute video. “Our library has a wide variety of clips that were created so that you can be assured the tribute video will be a highly personalized memorial keepsake that is both comforting and professional,” said Frazer.

“As we continue to expand our tribute video library, we continue to add more and more truly captivating videos from which client families may choose featuring personalization options matching almost any interest, hobby, occupation or religious background.”

Frazer Consultants’ Tribute Center funeral software is currently being used by thousands of funeral homes for funeral personalization. With this software, death care professionals can not only produce world class tribute videos, but also create custom funeral stationery, keepsakes, and funeral candles and even provide funeral webcasting.

Funeral professionals who are already using the Tribute Center software can download this new video clip from the online Tribute Center library. Those interested in adding tribute videos to the services available to offer client families may contact Frazer Consultants for more information.

About Frazer Consultants 
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.

What Does Your Parking Lot Say About Your Business?

When was the last time you looked at your parking lot? Really looked at it – from a customer, visitor, or residents’ perspective?

Ask yourself these few questions: Is your parking lot making a good first impression? Is it causing long term tenants to not renew their lease or customers to drive on by? Does it cause a safety hazard to cars and foot traffic?

For many businesses, the parking lot often is not on many facility managers or property owners’ radar – until it becomes a problem. If your customers or tenants start complaining, or worse, not coming back to your facility because of the poor repair of your parking lot, you have a big problem.

So, how do you keep up with the maintenance and asphalt repairs for your parking lot to keep the visitors to your business happy? First, find a paving contractor that offers a preventative maintenance plan. Second, be sure your asphalt repairs, sealcoating and other parking lot maintenance is performed by a licensed contractor. And last, but certainly not least, be sure your paving company and its employees are ones that you can trust to offer fair pricing and effective solutions.

Determining Your Needs
Here’s a quick list of some of the things you and your paving contractor should be on the lookout for in your parking lot:

Pot Holes – Does driving through your parking lot feel like you’re on a bumpy dirt road? Pot holes cause tremendous wear and tear on vehicles and are a safety hazard to pedestrians. They are also a sign that water is seeping beneath the asphalt pavement through cracks that have been caused by wear and tear of traffic. Pothole repairs can be easily fixed by simply cleaning out the loose debris and filling them with an asphalt patch. However, crack filing and proper sealcoating can help prevent the need for pothole repairs, or worse yet -- the need for a complete asphalt pavement replacement.

Drainage Issues – Does water sit on your parking lot after a rain storm? Do you often have to strategically jump across huge puddles just to reach the sidewalk or get in and out of your car? Your paving contractor can evaluate any drainage issues and correct these drainage problems. There are many reasons for drainage issues. Sometimes vehicle traffic that is heavier than the pavement was designed can cause pavement depressions and in turn, standing water. Your paving contractor can make this type of repair by correcting the grade through localized leveling. For other drainage problems he’ll offer other solutions to correct the drainage issues.

Faded Traffic Markings – Are your parking lot lines visible? Can pedestrians and motorists clearly see crosswalks and other traffic markings like stop lines? Line striping designs and pavement markings ensure safe and efficient traffic flow. Proper layout is also required to keep parking lots in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. To best maximize the number of parking spaces, your paving contractor can design and install an acceptable traffic flow and line striping layout to meet your business needs and be in compliance.

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.

Tips for a Successful Tenant Build-Out

The main reasons tenant build-outs are necessary are to change the aesthetics and function of a commercial facilities space. A new tenant won’t necessarily have the same needs for the space as the previous occupant. For example, a buffet style restaurant layout cannot be converted overnight into a high end dining establishment with just a new coat of paint. Modifications to the interior traffic flow, design, size, and layout of the kitchen, bathrooms and dining area are often necessary to help make the space better fit the new tenants needs for his or her venture.

A general contractor can make the desired changes to the space, but as the owner or facility manager, here are a few things that should be considered before embarking on a tenant build-out:

Budget
Establishing a budget for a tenant build-out is the first step in any renovation project. If the goal is to rip everything out and renovate a commercial real estate space down to the studs, the budget had better support new drywall, baseboards, ceiling construction, paint, fixtures, and labor – to name a just a few expenses. A qualified general contractor will have experience with many different construction project services such as wood framing, ceiling systems, finish carpentry, tile, electric, plumbing, HVAC, and more. They should also have the knowledge to be able to estimate the costs of each of the phases of a project to keep the renovation within budget and on schedule.

Build-Out Allowance
Often in commercial real estate, a build-out allowance is provided by the landlord to help the new tenant create a space that better suits his needs. This renovation allowance can vary from property to property and is at the discretion of the building owner. Usually with a build-out allowance there are set parameters detailing what the allowance can and cannot be used for. Typically permits or architectural plans do not qualify as construction costs and build-out allowances cannot be used for these expenses. Tenants also usually will need to have their plans approval by the building owner prior to the start of construction.

Project Estimating
Accurate project estimates are crucial to keeping within budget for a tenant renovation. The best way to estimate a project is to use real-world information gathered from a variety of sources. A general contractor that has kept a close eye on trends and maintained detailed reports from past projects is more likely to be successful at keeping a project within budget. Additionally, the general contractor should ensure that all costs are considered and all estimates and prices are verified before the customer is presented with the build-out estimate.

Time Management
Whether a facility is fully operational or not, a general contractor understands that the tenant must occupy the space in order to create revenue. Therefore, tenant build-outs are typically fast-paced projects that are kept to a strict construction schedule so that the renovation can be completed on time.

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. AFS General Contracting, a division of AFS, is a State Certified General Contractor. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS offers a wide range of including: general contracting, tenant improvements, build-outs, renovations, new construction, facility maintenance services 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 needs. Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Replacing or Repairing Concrete Sidewalks

We’ve all done it. Hurrying in to an important meeting, or walking into a restaurant for dinner, it happens. You trip. Hopefully you only stumble a bit, feel foolish and then continue on with your day. Sometimes, it doesn’t work out that way and you have injured more than your pride.

As a property manager or owner, the thought of a customer, tenant or visitor to your business getting hurt on your property probably makes you cringe a bit. And, it’s most likely not just out of sympathy thinking of your fellow man suffering an injury, but also out of fear of a possible lawsuit.

Keeping your concrete sidewalks and concrete curbs in good repair is a must for facility managers. Not only does it prevent these types of mishaps, but also it does wonders for the curb appeal of your building.

Access Your Property 
Take a stroll around your facility right now to access the state of your sidewalks and curbs. Are they uneven, raised, cracked, or broken? If so, here’s what a paving contractor can do to fix those issues:

Cracked or Uneven Concrete Sidewalks
Most people probably think an uneven sidewalk is a huge concrete sidewalk repair project, but it’s not really that bad. Depending on the type of concrete sidewalk repair needed, complete replacement may be needed or a simple repair can be done.

Replacing Concrete
For a complete replacement, your paving contractor will use a masonry drill to break up the section of concrete sidewalk slab that is broken, sunken, raised, or uneven. He’ll remove the crumbled concrete bits and then work to level the area.

 A nearby tree may be the cause for the uneven concrete. Whatever the cause, after these issues are resolved, the paving company will most likely use a form to hold the new concrete into the desired shape of the new slab and then pump concrete into the area.

As a final touch, the still wet concrete section will be leveled with a trowel to ensure the connecting sections are flush. Once dry, the form will be removed and the sidewalk will be open again for foot traffic.

Repairing Concrete
If the concrete damage isn’t excessive, a concrete repair can be made using a process called “mudjacking”. To level a slab of concrete using this process, the paving contractor will bore holes into the slab and then pump a grout mixture into the holes to force the slab rise and level. This process can not only be completed in one day, but regular use of the concrete sidewalk can resume immediately after leveling with no drying time needed. Another benefit of this type of concrete sidewalk repair is that it can be done for a fraction of the cost of tearing out and replacing.

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.

What Does a Facilities Maintenance Company Do?

Commercial facilities maintenance companies are tasked with being a one stop shop for all of the maintenance, cleaning and repair needs for an office, restaurant, retail, healthcare or other commercial building space. From basic custodial cleaning to light building maintenance to bulk debris removal and sweeping services – a facilities maintenance company does it all. Let’s take a look at some of the individual services these companies provide for the interior and the exterior of a commercial facility:

Janitorial Services – some of the custodial services a facilities maintenance company can provide are:

• Dusting and Vacuuming
• Mopping and Cleaning of Restrooms
• Trash Removal
• Hard Floor Maintenance and Restoration
• Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning
• Office and Window Cleaning
• Supply Management.

Sweeping Services – Keeping your parking area clean impresses your clients, tenants and the community. With an attention to detail, parking lot sweeping services benefit not only people, but the environment as well. Trash, oil, gas, dust, dirt and foliage will be less likely to accumulate if a facility employs a regular sweeping service. Not only will sweeping a parking lot keep the materials from being tracked into your building, it also helps keep these hazards out of our water systems. Porter Services – Day porters address cleaning issues as they arise. These services can be tailored to a facilities needs. Some of the typical services a porter will provide are:

• Litter Removal from Daily Traffic
• Cleaning & Disinfection
• Restroom Maintenance
• Clean-up of Spills
• Trash Receptacle Wipe Down
• Graffiti and Cobweb Abatement
• Window Washing
 • Touch-up Painting.

Bulk Debris Removal – A commercial parking lot can often end up as a dumping ground for bulk trash items. Whether it’s a couch from a nearby neighborhood or building materials from a recent tenant build-out, bulk debris removal is an important service that commercial facilities maintenance companies offer.

For larger items, Bobcats, heavy duty dump trucks and industrial grade sweepers and high performance pressure washers make the clean-up quick and easy.

Commercial Painting – Preserving the life of a commercial facility requires high quality paints and durable, long-lasting surface coatings. It also requires having an experienced and skilled painted on hand to do the work.

Painting and facilities maintenance go hand-in-hand. After all, paint can provide a cost-effective transformation, breathing life into an otherwise dreary building. Whether the building needs to up its curb appeal or freshening up the interior of a commercial space, it’s all in a day’s work for facilities maintenance personnel.

 The list of services provided is seemingly endless. More than just handymen, building maintenance professionals provide contracted services to a variety of different types of facilities offering a wide range of services from simple to complex, big to small and everything in between. Here are a few types of businesses that can benefit from hiring a facilities maintenance company:

• General Office Facilities
• Healthcare Facilities
• Fitness Centers
 • Schools and Child Care Establishments
• Manufacturing Plants
• Retail and Restaurants.

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. AFS General Contracting, a division of AFS, is a State Certified General Contractor. With offices in Orlando, Jacksonville and Tampa, AFS offers a wide range of including: general contracting, tenant improvements, build-outs, renovations, new construction, facility maintenance services 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 needs. Contact AFS today at 866-793-3735 or visit our website at http://www.afsflorida.com for an online proposal.

Hernon Manufacturing Develops Next Generation UV Cure Dispensing System for Automotive Oil Seals

Central Florida adhesive company manufactures cutting-edge ultraviolet cure process machine for oil seals designed for a cleaner, more consistent form-on-gasket.

Sanford, FL., July 9, 2013 – Hernon Manufacturing, the innovator in adhesives, sealants and dispensing equipment, recently announced the development and first sale of their new, next generation Ultraviolet (UV) Cure Dispensing System.

Designed to serve the automotive industry, the system applies a bead of Hernon’s UV FOG (Form-on-Gasket) adhesive around the circumference of a seal and then cures it with a UV light.

Creating a seal on a seal, the combination of Hernon’s UV Cure Precision Dispensing System and Hernon’s UV FOG sealant adds value and functionality to seals used in automobiles, engines for heavy duty equipment, and the like.

UV FOG is an EB/UV curable adhesive product that provides excellent adhesion to glass and to plastics such as polyester, PVC, cellulose acetate, or nylon. This product is solvent-free and can be completely cured in seconds.

“Our new UV Cure Adhesive Dispensing System is capable of dispensing four units per minute and is adaptable to one or two size seals,” said Edgardo Rodriguez, Director of Sales and Marketing for Hernon Manufacturing. “Potentially, you could utilize this dispensing system for up to four different size seals.”

Hernon Manufacturing provides the exact dispensing equipment and UV curing machines needed for the type of application and the product being applied. Refining each machine detail to produce precise equipment that distributes the exact amount of product in the most effective way is standard procedure in Hernon’s equipment manufacturing process. To ensure no waste and inefficiencies, the parts per minute (PPM) and the number of shifts per day are even taken into account to construct a machine durable enough to withstand even the heaviest use.

“We are pleased to announce our first sale of the second generation UV Cure Dispensing System. Our customer came to us needing to replace another company’s inconsistent processing solution. Hernon Manufacturing’s next generation dispensing system has been well received,” added Rodriguez. “Once again, by offering the dispensing and chemical solution, Hernon demonstrates its commitment to provide “The Total Solution” to customer problems.”

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.

• Awarded 2012 ThinkGlobal Exporter of the Year
• Nominated One of Florida's Top Companies to Watch in 2012
• Received the 2012 William C. Schwartz Industry Innovation Award
 • Named 2013 State of Florida Small Business Exporter of the Year

Visit http://hernon.com or contact 407-322-4000 for more information.

Creating a Credit Union Switch Kit

In recent months, frustration toward our nation’s big-name banks has become more prevalent – and more pronounced – than ever before. In fact, many big bank customers have become so disillusioned by their financial institution’s high rates and fees that they’re ready to take the plunge and find a new financial partner entirely. Don’t miss out on these new membership opportunities! Set yourself up for successful growth with a credit union switch kit.

A credit union switch kit is a brochure or folder containing forms that help potential new members make the transition to your financial institution. As you begin planning a switch kit for your credit union, refer to the checklist below for important things to include:

 • “Authorization to close account” form. This form is for potential members to send to their current financial institution instructing them to close their checking or savings account and mail the balance to your credit union. (Be sure to include your credit union’s address so the current financial institution knows where to send the money.)

 • “Authorization to switch direct deposit” form. If any potential new members want to utilize direct deposit, they can simply complete the “authorization to switch direct deposit” form and give it to their employer. To maximize convenience for your potential new members, include your credit union’s routing/transit number directly on the form so the new members won’t have to look it up.

• “Automatic payments transfer” form. The purpose of this form is to help members notify companies with which they’ll need to update their automatic payment or transfer information. It’s a good idea to include a checklist somewhere in your credit union switch kit that details the companies or types of payments your new members may need to update (such as mortgage/rent, insurance, utilities, etc.).

• “Request more information” form. When creating your credit union switch kit, don’t lose sight of the fact that switch kits not only make it easy for members to switch financial institutions – but also give you a prime opportunity to market your products and services. Consider including a mail-back reply form on which new members can indicate which specific products or services your credit union offers that they may be interested in learning more about.

• “What to expect after account opening” information. Most people don’t switch financial institutions very often, so it’s likely your new members may have questions about what they should expect after completing your credit union switch kit. Be proactive by providing information about when new members can expect to receive their checks, debit cards, etc.

Now that you know what to include in your credit union switch kit, here are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Provide ample room for members to write in their information.

• Avoid a glossy finish on your credit union switch kit as it may lead to ink smudges. Stick with a matte finish instead.

 • If you choose to go with a brochure format, consider using perforations so new members can easily tear off the individual forms.

 • Along with a paper copy of your switch kit, you may also want to provide an online version that members can easily access via your website.

So there you have it – everything you need to know to create an effective, informative, no-hassle credit union switch kit. Get started on yours today!

About image.works Since 1995, image.works’ innovative marketing materials have been helping financial institutions and healthcare organizations across the country build their brand and enhance their success. With products ranging from newsletters and annual reports to direct mail pieces, brochures and more, image.works consistently produces big-time results while providing all the personal attention of a small company. Experience the image.works difference today by calling 800.777.1663 or exploring www.imageworksdirect.com.