NORTHEAST OHIO (October 11, 2011) — Scientists are beginning to identify links between household toxins and many illnesses, including breast cancer. Maid Brigade’s Consumer Health Advocate Marie Stegner explores the potential health risks associated with cleaning chemicals and discusses ways to protect your family’s health.

In a recent video interview, Stegner talks with Leslie Reichert, author of Joy of Green Cleaning, who shares information from two studies done by the Silent Spring Institute that have identified a connection between the amount of cleaning a woman does using laundry detergent and cleaning supplies that contain chemicals and her susceptibility for developing breast cancer.

“Chemical cleaning products expose a woman to phthalates that interact with her hormone production,” said Reichert. “When there is a disruption in hormones there is an opportunity for cancer cells to develop.”

The solution? Reichert recommends using chemical-free products, green products to freshen and clean your home and laundry. Reducing the exposure to chemical products is a healthy choice.

“Even if the relative risks of environmental factors are modest, any risk that can be modified would save many thousands of lives,” says Dr. Julia Green Brody, The Silent Spring Institute.

Maid Brigade is Green Clean Certified and is committed to healthy living and uses only green clean products and processes. If you are interested in learning more about Maid Brigade and their residential and office cleaning services, please call 330-453-6000 or 330-908-0099, or go to www.maidbrigade.com.

For more information on green products visit http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/. For more information about The Silent Spring Institute’s recommendations for a healthier home visit http://www.silentspring.org/take-action/action-kits/take-individual-action/your-home.

About Maid Brigade of Northeast Ohio
Ray and Margie Toombs are long time residents in the Akron/Canton area and have been proud local business owners since 2003. Margie is the former head of quality advancement for the Precision Steel Components business of the Timken Company, and Ray is a retired U.S. Army Officer. Maid Brigade provides quality GREEN cleaning with trained, bonded associates. Providing cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties, Maid Brigade is available for regular on-going cleaning or a one time service. Call Today for a free estimate: 330-453-6000 or 330-908-0099.

SoundPOD Wearable AAC System promotes voice output from natural location

MANSFIELD, OH (July 28, 2011) – A sleek new innovation, called the SoundPOD^TM Wearable AAC System has been developed to help those who have difficulty with speech output and offers a low-cost augmentative alternative communication device. The wearable SoundPOD can wirelessly connect to an iPod or iPad converting off the shelf consumer grade electronics into augmentative communication systems for those who have difficulties generating speech.

“Besides the tremendous communication possibilities the SoundPOD Wearable AAC System affords to those in need, it offers some revolutionary innovations,” said Paul Forbes, president of Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. “For instance, the SoundPOD speaker is about the size of a credit card and can be worn on a neck lanyard, underneath clothing, allowing the voice output to discretely come from the users upper body rather than the handheld device. This helps the listener to focus on the person rather than the handheld or mounted medical device.”

The iPod and iPad based SoundPOD use affordable AAC apps, which are fully customizable to a person’s communication needs and utilize both word and phrase prediction. Additionally, the SoundPOD allows users to benefit from other forms of communication beyond voice output such as emailing, text messaging, and instant messaging, Students and educators will also benefit from the low cost educational apps available through the iTunes store.

The SoundPOD was specifically designed for those having speech challenges as well as movement restrictions. The system can be utilized even if hand/finger dexterity issues are present. The breakaway neck lanyard uses a single handed quick-release and when removed, the SoundPOD can magnetically attach to the iPod or iPad creating an all-in-one solution. Users can easily attach the iPod based system to their wrist, arm, or belt for hands free portability of their communication system.

ABOUT FRS CUSTOM SOLUTIONS
FRS Custom Solutions is a division of Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. that has provided innovative assistive technology solutions to individuals with all levels of disabilities since 1987. Forbes Rehab Services, Inc. offers a comprehensive selection of AAC devices for those with ALS, Cerebral Palsy, Autism, stroke and veterans with disabilities. For more information on the SoundPOD Wearable AAC System visit www.frs-solutions.com.

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AKRON, OH (June 8, 2011) – GMP Friction Products, a military manufacturer and supplier of powdered metal friction products for clutch plates and brake pads, will exhibit at the upcoming Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Enterprise Supplier Conference & Exhibition in Columbus. GMP Friction Products will showcase their capabilities in the field of sintered metallic friction materials engineering, specialty friction products and friction mixes.

 “We look forward to connecting with the leaders in our military organizations,” said Jerry Lynch, president and COO of GMP Friction Products.  “We have worked to increase our capabilities and improve our processes to offer even greater service to our military.”

 GMP Friction Products will showcase a variety of friction products for clutch plates and brake pads in booth #514. In addition to supplying brake components for the High Mobility Multi-purpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV), GMP Friction Products produces sintered friction products for transmissions, PTO applications, and wet or dry braking applications.  Many examples of these friction parts will be available for examination and the GMP Friction Products engineers will be available to answer questions about their custom friction mixes and friction material design solutions.

 The theme for this year’s Defense Logistics Agency annual conference and trade show is “Sustaining Warfighter Support while Reducing Cost.” The conference will be held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio from June 27 through June 30, 2011.

 Since 1929, GMP Friction Products has designed and manufactured brake pads and clutch plates for use in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. They provide friction material products to non-automotive industrial manufacturers such as off-road vehicles, construction, industrial equipment, aerospace, heavy truck, and other specialty markets. GMP Friction Products is a privately-held woman-owned small business.  As a world leader in sintered metallic friction materials, they specialize in working with clients to engineer and create customized parts in a range of materials for controlling, stopping, or transmitting power. For more information, call 330-633-1226 or visit their website at www.gmpfriction.com.

Kathy Lindberg, MT-BC Author of Prelude to Coda: How to Create a Profitable Creative Arts Therapy Practice Now at Amazon.com

WOOSTER, OHIO (May 16, 2011) — Creative Arts Therapy Professors at nine universities and colleges across the United States are currently reviewing Prelude to a Code to include in their fall curriculum.

“It is very exciting to think that my therapy practice book may be used to help therapy students build their own private practice upon graduation.” said Kathy Lindberg, MT-BC, owner of Melisma Music Therapy Services. “In addition to the professors considering Prelude to Coda in the classroom, Immaculata University in Pennsylvania has already placed the book in their library so that students can have access to the material.”

Along with Immaculata University, Utah State, Petrie School of Music at Converse College, Radford College, Loyola University, SUNY Fredonia, Southern Methodist University’s Meadow School of Arts, University of Iowa, Western Illinois University and Maryville University are all considering Prelude to a Coda for their fall classes.

Prelude to Coda: How to Create a Profitable Creative Arts Therapy Practice, is a book designed to help entrepreneurial professionals in the creative arts therapy industry build a private practice within their community.

“So often students are taught the mechanics of using the creative arts as therapy to assist individuals of all ages, but rarely are they provided the information necessary to help themselves use those skills to develop a private practice,” said Lindberg. “I took lessons from my own experience developing and growing Melisma Music Therapy Services to create a resource that assists the reader with the tools they’ll need from marketing to sales to operational in order to help them build and grow a thriving business.”

Prelude to a Coda provides proven tips and techniques for understanding whether or not starting a business is the right decision, learning how to attract new clients, finding a profitable niche for your services, examples of the marketing materials needed, how much to charge and critical financial information.

Prelude to Coda: How to Create a Profitable Creative Arts Therapy Practice is now available as a paperback from Amazon.com or visit www.melismamusictherapy.com to learn more about this valuable resource.

About Melisma Music TherapyFounded in February 2008, Melisma Music Therapy Services provides music therapy for older adults and is a resource for other music therapists. The company’s mission is two-fold: To provide the highest quality music therapy services to older adults and clinical facilities, and to connect board-certified music therapists with opportunities for bringing music therapy programs to senior care facilities and to provide them with the latest tools and resources to operate a successful practice.

Six Tips on How to Properly Ground an Electric Fence

STREETSBORO, OHIO (May 12, 2011) – Spring is typically one of the wettest seasons of the year and the perfect time to check the electric fence grounding system. The number one reason electric fence energizers fail is due to ineffective or improper grounding of the unit. Now that spring is here, farmers should double check the voltage of the current flowing through the electric fence to verify that it is properly grounded. The performance of an electric fence is directly related to the proper or improper grounding of the energizer. The most powerful fence energizer is worthless without proper grounding.

“Ensuring that an electric fence is properly grounded is an important task farmers should do periodically,” said James Falbo, VP of Engineering at AgraTronix. “Wet ground conditions, heavy snowfall and spring weeds can all have an impact on the ground connection. A properly working electric fence grounding system is critical for the electric current to effectively keep cattle contained and predators out.”

Power Wizard brand fence energizers are known for their ultra low impedance technology, which means they work even with the poorest of ground conditions. However, even the most effective fence energizer requires a properly functioning ground system. If the electric fence grounding isn’t done correctly the electrical current will not produce the necessary pulse of electricity to warn cows, horses and other livestock to keep them contained.

Here are six electric fence grounding tips to consider this spring to ensure your electric fence chargers are grounded and working properly

1. Check your ground system and the voltage of your electric fence during the wettest and driest seasons of the year to ensure adequate electric fence grounding of your system regardless of the conditions of your land.
2. After properly shorting out the electric fence, use a Power Wizard Digital Volt Meter to check the voltage levels of your fence energizer.
3. Make sure you use 10- to 14-gauge insulated lead-out wire rated at 20,000V. Using household or industrial cables made for only 400V are not enough to support the system.
4. Make sure the correct type of rod is used for the grounding, for example pipe or rebar. It needs to be galvanized steel at least 4 feet long. Do not use cooper ground rods as these will lower the effectiveness of the connection.
5. If the power is not sufficient, you may need to add another grounding rod to your grounding system. Most fences will require two or three grounding rods positioned about ten feet apart, near the starting point of the fence.
6. Make sure that your ground rods are far enough away from your utilities, in particular your telephone lines. If the rods are too close to the utility grounds they will cause interference in your phone or electrical lines.

Power Wizard’s Customer Service Representatives are available to answer questions about ground systems and the most effective process for electric fence grounding. Detailed instructions on how to properly ground the unit are included with all Power Wizard electric fence chargers. You can also check the Power Wizard electric fence charger manuals for more information on grounding.

Power Wizard brand is manufactured by AgraTronix, a company with a 36 year history and reputation of reliability and high product quality. They are also known for years of electric fence research, development and field experience which has led to their new ultra low impedance energizer technology. Power Wizard energizers come in a variety of sizes based on number of acres covered, joule rating, type of animal to be contained and the miles of wire for the fence.

ABOUT POWER WIZARD

Power Wizard is the top brand of fence energizers available today based on long lasting low impedance technology. Power Wizard has over 20 types of fencing energizers with retail prices that range from $25 to $690. Power Wizard energizers are designed to meet the varied needs from the cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, horse owners, to the small hobby farmer with sheep, goats or pigs and even specialty animal owner with alpacas or llamas. For more information about Power Wizard branded energizers, visit www.PowerWizardInc.com or call customer service at 1-800-866-2161.

(AKRON AND HUDSON, OHIO) — Creating a vibrant, interactive web presence is a crucial component to business owners of all sizes. AllWrite Ink, an Internet writing business, announced recently the partnership with Crystal Pirri/Belle Firm, a company focusing on membership and e-commerce web development

“If a business isn’t active on the Internet with a frequently updated website, LinkedIn participation, a YouTube channel and other social media interactions, they just don’t exist,” said Deborah Chaddock Brown, owner, AllWrite Ink. “Crystal Pirri, owner of Belle Firm and I saw a way to provide an affordable, ‘do-it-yourself’ solution for small and medium sized businesses that allow them to have an online presence they can manage and update easily.”

SEO Website Package is the new enterprise that combines a web presence with a blog and interfaces with the company’s Facebook, Twitter and YouTube connections.

“We work with customers to understand their target audience and ultimate goals and then build a site created with search engine optimization built in; from the website content to the code,” said Crystal Pirri, owner of Belle Firm. “Right out of the gate they are poised to receive good search results on a platform they can easily change and update themselves.”

Customers of SEO Website Package receive a turnkey site that is already loaded with website content for multiple pages, social media follow buttons, video and photos sections and a variety of other plug-ins and widgets that create an interactive, informative website for their potential customers. Additionally, customers receive one-on-one training in how to use their website as well as a training video to help remind them how to quickly, easily keep their site up-to-date.

“There are two things to remember with effective website content,” says Brown. “The content needs to contain the keyword phrases potential customers are searching in order to receive the best organic search results. Also when a reader visits the website they need to be engaged immediately with effective words, up-to-date messaging and easy to navigate functionality or they’ll quickly leave and go to the competition.”

SEO Website Package can be found online, and services the greater Cleveland and Akron areas. For more information, visit, www.seowebsitepackage.com.

About AllWrite Ink

AllWrite Ink writes Words People Read® helping companies communicate their message in a clear, concise manner that inspires the reader to take notice and take ACTION. Good writing doesn’t just happen – it takes active listening, research and extra effort to find just the right words. Located in Hudson, Ohio, AllWrite Ink provides content for websites, newsletter, brochures, flyers, speeches, and direct mail programs. For more information, call 330-414-8792, email: Deborah@allwriteink.com or visit the website at www.allwriteink.com.

About Crystal Pirri

Crystal Pirri is the founder and CEO of The Belle Firm, LLC, a website development and training firm. She consults for and builds sales and membership websites tailored for SEO, scalability, growth and profit. For more information visit www.crystalpirri.com.

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Shisler’s Cheese House offers Northeast Ohio residents and online customers lower calorie alternatives for a healthier lifestyle.

ORRVILLE, OH (April 22, 2011) — Shisler’s Cheese House, a small family owned and operated store located at the edge of Ohio’s Amish Country, recently unveiled a new “Skinny Alternatives” section to their store and website.

“Having grown up in this store, I’ve always had an appreciation for decadent gourmet foods,” says J. Dennis Shisler, third generation Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Shisler’s. “But I noticed that returning to the family business has been hard on the waistline.” Concerned about the health risks of obesity and providing a good example for their daughter, he and his wife have lost over 50 pounds each in the last year using the Weight Watchers® plan.

The Skinny Alternatives section offers cheeses with lower calorie counts and less fat, sugar-free gourmet chocolates, lean specialty meats, light and calorie-free salad dressings, numerous light and calorie-free syrups and sauces, and many low-calorie snacks. The one requirement for inclusion is that all of the low-calorie alternatives have to meet the high standard of quality and taste that Shisler’s customers have come to expect in the 52 years they have been open.

“Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight is not too difficult if you plan your meals well and don’t let yourself feel deprived,” says Shisler. “Most people think that to maintain a healthy weight you either have to starve yourself or limit yourself to foods that taste bland or just plain bad. But there are more indulgent alternatives out there than soy beans and tofu, and that’s what we are trying to provide.”

At Shisler’s they take the word “gourmet” very seriously. Some examples of what you will find in their skinny alternatives section include Lacy Swiss Cheese, Sugar-free pecan pralines, calorie-free pancake syrup, and roasted garlic chianti pasta sauce. Their goal was to reduce the calories without losing the flavor. For more information, visit http://www.CheeseHouse.com/skinnyalternatives.aspx

Shisler’s Cheese House was founded in 1958 and specializes locally made cheeses, specialty meats, premium chocolates, and the highest quality gourmet foods. They are located at the corner of U.S. Route 30 and Kidron Road in Orrville, Ohio. For more information call 330-682-2105 or visit www.CheeseHouse.com

 The SilverHawk Top Beam Clamp was developed for the fire sprinkler and mechanical industries to easily and securely provide pipe support. It accommodates retaining straps and the 90^o angle fits behind I-beams and T-bars proving installers much needed flexibility. The zinc plated finish makes the SilverHawk Top Beam Clamp rust and corrosion resistant.

 In a recent test by industry installers, the newly developed SilverHawk Top Beam Clamp was found to be fast and easy to install and the open back shape provided visual verification that the clamp was securely installed.

 “Our patent pending stamped steel design is what sets the SilverHawk Top Beam Clamp apart from other clamps in the industry,” said Collins. “Its counter balance design allows for an easy spin connection onto threaded rods, so installation goes faster.”

 The SilverHawk Top Beam Clamp is made in the U.S.A. and is UL listed for top beams and FM approved for NFPA 13 to a 4” maximum rated pipe size. Each top beam clamp comes complete with a plated hardened cup point set screw and lock nut.  For more information about the SilverHawk Top Beam Clamp, call 800-338-3555.

 Globe Pipe Hanger Products, Inc is a leading design engineer, manufacturer and marketer of pipe hanger products serving the USA and international markets specializing in fire protection, commercial plumbing, and in new and rehabilitation construction projects. Globe Pipe Hanger Products Inc. manufacturers a vast array of products designed for the fire protection industry. Globe Pipe Hanger Products, Inc. is located in Cleveland, Ohio and occupies 150,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. For more information call 216.362.6300 or visit. www.GlobePipeHanger.com.

Internationally Recognized Certification Measures Consistency in Process, Procedure and Quality Performance in Manufacture of Friction Materials

 AKRON, OH (March 23, 2011) — GMP Friction Products, a world leader manufacturing powdered metal friction products for clutch plates and brake pads, recently received certification for ISO 9001:2008.

 “ISO 9001:2008 signifies we have taken the extra measure of documenting the policies and standards to ensure consistent compliance with our manufacturing processes,” said Jerry Lynch, President and COO of GMP Friction Products. “Carolyn Petriella, President and Owner of Compliance Plus Enterprise, assisted us in developing the detailed documentation necessary to achieve this certification level.”

 The ISO 9000 series measures an organization’s dedication to ensure their process-based system monitors critical areas of business such as the satisfaction of their customers, the consistent high performance measures of ensuring accurate, high quality products which meet the requirements of their customers. To receive ISO 9001:2008 GMP Friction Products also included a quality policy manual in their friction product manufacturing process.  The ISO certification required a formal statement of an organization’s commitment to consistently deliver the highest quality products and service that must be followed by all levels of management. Additionally, every employee is required to be measured against the standard of quality performance.

 “We are dedicated to achieving the high quality standards in manufacturing for all our powdered metal friction products.” said Lynch. “And we continue to seek opportunities that will improve our processes.”

 “I admire GMP Friction Products and their commitment to the highest quality standards in their powdered metal friction product manufacturing processes,” said Petriella. “It has been a pleasure to assist in achieving a teamwork approach and enhanced planning processes necessary to meet the requirements of the ISO 9001:2008.”

 Globally recognized and respected, ISO 9001:2008 standards were set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a Geneva-based worldwide federation of national standard bodies.

 Since 1929, GMP Friction Products has designed and manufactured brake pads and clutch plates for use in a variety of industrial and automotive applications. They provide friction material products to non-automotive industrial manufacturers such as off-road vehicles, construction, industrial equipment, aerospace, heavy truck, and other specialty markets. As a world leader in sintered metallic friction materials, they specialize in working with clients to engineer and create customized parts in a range of materials for controlling, stopping, or transmitting power. For more information, call 330-633-1226 or visit their website at www.gmpfriction.com.

ULTRA Low Impedance Technology Keeps Animals Safely Contained

STREETSBORO, OHIO (March 8, 2011) – Power Wizard electric fence energizers, known for their high quality and ultra low impedance, are specially designed for “real life” situations such as tall weeds that become a big problem in the spring months.

 “During the spring, farmers and ranchers become more concerned with the condition of their fences because the weeds and grass grow so fast during March, April and May,”   said James Falbo, VP of Engineering and Marketing at AgraTronix. “Without the right fence energizer, the weeds, tall grasses and branches can ground the electric fences and put animals at risk of getting loose.”  

When the vegetation grows up and touches the fence, it provides paths that draw the energy off of the fence into the ground, which weakens the voltage charge on the fence.

 “You might compare it to a water hose with a strong flow of water.  If the hose gets a lot of holes in it, the water flow will turn to a trickle,” explained Falbo.  “It’s similar with an electric fence. If there are weeds touching the fence, without the proper energizer, your shock becomes too weak to provide the psychological barrier the animals need to respect the fence.” 

Because the Power Wizard fence energizers are designed to use ULTRA low impedance technology, they automatically adjust the electric signal, keeping it strong enough to contain the animals, even in difficult fence conditions.  The special qualities of the ULTRA low impedance technology makes the Power Wizard perform well in the “real life” fencing situations where weeds grow under electric fences.  

Darrel Franson of Lawrence County, Missouri, is a long-time store manager of a major U.S. farm store chain and familiar with all the leading brands of electric fencing. He is a life-long cattleman and has owned and used Power Wizard fence chargers to hold his cattle since 1998. “In the grazing business, it’s important to have enough power to turn cattle.  Power Wizard is the only fence charger I know of, made by a US company, that effectively uses ULTRA Low Impedance circuitry,” said Franson. “I have found unit-for-unit the Power Wizard ULTRA Low Impedance fence charger holds cattle better and keeps the fence stronger.  With Power Wizard’s Ultra Low Impedance, you can have a whole bunch of grass and still have power on the fence. It’s the best value on the market.” 

Power Wizard brand is manufactured by AgraTronix, a company with a 36 year history and reputation of reliability and high product quality. They are also known for years of electric fence research, development and field experience which has led to their new ultra low impedance energizer technology.  Power Wizard energizers come in a variety of sizes based on number of acres covered, joule rating, type of animal to be contained and the miles of wire for the fence. 

ABOUT POWER WIZARD

Power Wizard is the top brand of fence energizers available today based on long lasting low impedance technology.  Power Wizard has over 23 models of fencing energizers with retail prices that range from $25 to $380.  Power Wizard energizers are designed to meet the varied needs from the cattle ranchers, dairy farmers, horse owners, to the small hobby farmer with sheep, goats or pigs and even specialty animal owner with alpacas or llamas. For more information about Power Wizard branded energizers, visit www.PowerWizardInc.com or call customer service at 1-800-866-2161.