Kitchen & Bath SPOTLIGHT: Toilets

Following is a sampling of new products in the toilet market.

* Mansfield Circle 39Kohler. Circle 31* Sterling Plumbing Circle 43* Eljer Plumbingware Circle 37* Neo-Metro Circle 40* Gerberit Circle 387. Danze announces the introduction of high-efficiency toilets that use 25 percent less water than standard 1.6-gpf toilets. The new 1.28-gpf units are available in all three of Danze's decorative fixture collections: Orrington one- and two-piece toilets, Cirtangular two-piece toilet and Ziga Ziga onepiece toilet.* Crane Plumbing Circle 354. The Saile one-piece toilet offers a seamless, contemporary design highlighted by the sleek, fully skirted trapway. The Saile Quiet-Close toilet seat with Quick-Release functionality further complements the design of the toilet and features Dual Flush technology.Use the reader service card for more information on the following suppliers:Toto USA. Circle 326. Gerber Plumbing Fixtures has announced the availability of its latest high-efficiency toilet, the new Avalanche 1.28. The company's most sophisticated and powerful single flush gravity fed toilet, the Avalanche 1.28 uses only 1.28 gpf of water vs. the industry standard 1.6 gal.1. St. Thomas Creations' Quattro Flushing Technology is one of the most advanced flushing systems on the market. Nearly every aspect of the process has been reengineered, virtually eliminating clogging. Quattro is available in 35 water closet models. Shown here is the Arlington one-piece model.5. Aquia's wall-hung toilet's shape reflects the soft and delicate curves of nature that have inspired the aesthetics for this collection. This Toto USA toilet unobtrusively attaches to the wall with its tank hidden inside the wall and comes with a Dual Max Flushing System.* Saniflo Circle 42Gerber Plumbing. Circle 33St. Thomas Creations. Circle 28American Standard. Circle 30Caroma USA. Circle 29* Vitra USA Circle 443. H2Option, a new flushing innovation from American Standard, is the first truly siphonic dual flush toilet, with strong push and pull action created by forceful but quiet jetted action under the rim. Using as little as 1.0 gal. of water on the low setting, H2Option scours the sides of the bowl to remove every last trace of paper and waste.* Neptune Circle 41Danze. Circle 34* Duravit Circle 36

* Vitra USA Circle 44

Closet Works, Inc. Acquires Space-Metrics, USA, L.L.C.

Combined Entity Creates Comprehensive Offering for Dealers and Retail Customers

About Pfingsten PartnersPfingsten Partners is an operationally focused private equity firm founded in 1989. From its headquarters in Chicago and offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China, the firm builds better businesses through operational improvements, professional management practices, global capabilities and profitable business growth rather than financial engineering. Since completing its first investment in 1991, Pfingsten Partners has acquired 67 manufacturing, distribution and business service companies. For more information, visit www.pfingstenpartners.com.The transaction closed on August 27, 2009. To learn more about Closet Works, visit www.closetworks.com.“This is an opportune time to grow marketshare, expand offerings, and improve operational efficiencies,” said Thomas S. Bagley, Founder and Senior Managing Director of Pfingsten Partners. “Closet Works’ conservative capital structure enabled us to complete the transaction and continue our strategic growth plan for the business even in this challenging environment for the building products industry.”“Immediate operational synergies will result in shorter lead times and certain freight advantages for dealers,” said John Starcevich, Managing Director of Pfingsten Partners. “The influx of capital and ability for these companies to share best practices will lead to significant business growth and development.”CHICAGO -- Private equity firm Pfingsten Partners, L.L.C. today announced its portfolio company, Closet Holding Company, d.b.a., Closet Works, Inc., has acquired Space-Metrics USA., L.L.C., a Montello, WI-based manufacturer and wholesaler of closet and home organization systems serving closet dealers.

Pfingsten Partners is an operationally focused private equity firm founded in 1989. From its headquarters in Chicago and offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, China, the firm builds better businesses through operational improvements, professional management practices, global capabilities and profitable business growth rather than financial engineering. Since completing its first investment in 1991, Pfingsten Partners has acquired 67 manufacturing, distribution and business service companies. For more information, visit www.pfingstenpartners.com.

Sysadmin Rock Star Status Has Its Perks, Including a Discount to the LISA '09 Conference

News Facts

-- The Sysadmin of the Year judging panel includes AEleen Frisch (author,
"Essential System Administration"), Doug Hughes (sysadmin community
luminary), Ben Kus (founder, BigFix User Group), Thomas A. Limoncelli
(sysadmin author, http://www.everythingsysadmin.com ), Johnny Long (founder,
Hackers for Charity, http://www.hackersforcharity.org/ ), Ryan Russell
(author, "Stealing the Network"), Robert Scoble (blogger, http://scobleizer.com ), and Amrit
Williams (blogger, http://techbuddha.wordpress.com ).-- Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/saoty09-facebook© 2009 BigFix, Inc. All rights reserved. All company and product names
mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.Founded in 1997, the BigFix®, Inc. solutions support a global portfolio
of A-list organizations in government, finance, retail, educational,
industrial and public utility sectors. BigFix revolutionizes IT
infrastructure management by replacing fragmented collections of
single-purpose tools with the industry's only unified visibility and
control architecture that consolidates up to 18 security, IT compliance,
decision support, and green computing functions. For more information,
visit www.bigfix.com , follow BigFix on Twitter @BigFix, or stay in touch on
the BigFix Facebook page, http://tinyurl.com/mvn9nu .About BigFix-- LOPSA: http://www.lopsa.org/-- Qualified System Administrator of the Year 2009 nominees and nominators
are eligible to receive a maximum of one $50 LISA '09 discount each
regardless of the number of nominations received by a nominee or made by a
nominator.Anne Dickison director of marketing for USENIX and the LISA '09 conference
said: "LISA focuses on creating a community for sysadmins that allows them
to share all of the practical information they need for success. We're
pleased to make the conference even more accessible to these rock star
sysadmins and their fans, who create and transmit the tribal knowledge that
make sysadmins indispensible to modern society."Contact: Nicole Colwell Citigate Cunningham for BigFix, Inc. 415-442-4022 Email Contact-- LinkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/saoty09-linkedinInformation Resources-- Take it to 11 blog: http://sysadminoftheyear.wordpress.com/-- USENIX: http://www.usenix.com/-- Sysadmins are the unsung heroes of information technology, keeping
computers up and running, defending infrastructures from malware and
hacking attacks, and helping end-users maximize their productivity.-- Twitter: @SysAdRockStar09-- The 2009 System Administrator
of the Year contest is rallying the sysadmin nation, with a rapidly
growing Twitter following and a rising tide of nominations that highlight sysadmin rock
star performances turned in 24 x 7 in cubicles, server closets and data
centers everywhere.-- LISA '09 Conference: http://www.usenix.org/event/lisa09/-- BigFix proudly sponsors the 2009 System Administrator of the Year
contest, which acknowledges the under-recognized rock stars of information
technology who are vital to the smooth functioning of business, government
and public services.-- BigFix, Inc ., in conjunction with the Large Installation System Administration 2009 (LISA '09)
Conference , is offering $50 off LISA conference registration for all 2009 System Administrator of the
Year nominees and nominators.Supporting Quotes-- The contest is also an opportunity for the sysadmin community to share
information on best practices and new ways to deliver value to their
constituencies.-- System of the Administrator of the Year home page: www.bigfix.com/rockstar-- Nominations are
open between August 25 and October 23, with contest winner and runners up
announced on November 4, 2009 at the USENIX Large Installation System
Administrator 2009 (LISA '09) Conference at the Baltimore Marriott
Waterfront Hotel.

Contact: Nicole Colwell Citigate Cunningham for BigFix, Inc. 415-442-4022 Email Contact

2010 Closets Expo to feature products, education and networking

LONG BEACH, CA -- The 6th annual Closets & Home Organization Conference & Expo will offer attendees a plethora of ideas and opportunities to position their companies for the impending economic recovery.

Find out more about the Closets Conference & Expo at closets-expo.com.The event is stated for Feb. 10-12, 2010, at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA. It is sponsored by the Association of Closet and Storage Professionals and CLOSETS magazine.The event includes a three-day executive management conference and two full days of displays, including woodworking machinery, software, hardware, complete organization systems and more.

Find out more about the Closets Conference & Expo at closets-expo.com.

The Hospital That Could Cure Health Care

Cleveland Clinic is both highly effective and fiercely efficient. So why are its methods so rare?

''Russell branded 'closet Tory' after previous backing of selection

THE new education secretary has been branded a "closet Tory" after a draft version of a book he wrote showed he backed the re- introduction of selection in schools.

LINDSAY Roy, Labour MP and former Headteacher of Kirkcaldy and Inverkeithing high schools said: "Alex Salmond has put a closet Tory in charge of Scottish schools. He is walking where even Thatcher feared to tread.However, the text sent to Salmond was more radical: "We need a system which may use streaming, or a properly tailored and thought- through Scottish equivalent of city academies."Salmond's private notes to Russell dismissed the voucher idea as "VD", shorthand for "very dangerous".In an early version of his political tract, Grasping the Thistle, Michael Russell declared himself a supporter of "streaming" - a policy bitterly opposed by the SNP, which separates children according to ability.However, in early drafts of Grasping the Thistle, written three years ago and subjected to editorial cuts after correspondence with Alex Salmond, he challenged many key areas of SNP policy. Salmond vetoed the more radical sections of the book.When Russell sent his party leader a copy of the first draft, Salmond made it clear that a number of controversial passages had to be revised."Setting means recognising that pupils have different abilities in different subjects and helping them realise their potential. Streaming means kids are written off at an early age on the basis of some supposed assessment of intelligence."Moreover, his advocacy of a voucher system for schools was also much stronger in the proof copy of the book. Russell was appointed as Cabinet Secretary for Education last week following the sacking of Fiona Hyslop.The published book also suggested that "setting" - where children are grouped according to ability in the same classroom - should be considered.A Scottish Government spokesperson said:"A voucher system is not on the Education Secretary's agenda. It forms no part of the government's thinking or policy."However, views expressed in his period out of Parliament are - by definition - not Government policy.Streaming is controversial as it involves educating brighter children in separate classrooms."Throughout his career, the Education Secretary has explored ideas and promoted debate.On vouchers, the final version of the book stated: "Many commentators have noted the success in Sweden of education vouchers and a debate about their utility in Scotland would be useful and instructive."Liz Smith, the Scottish Tory schools spokeswoman, said: "This is an interesting revelation, and Mike Russell is very close to our thinking. He is sensible in wanting an intellectual debate on education policy. The problem is that he has now been gagged by Alex Salmond."

"A voucher system is not on the Education Secretary's agenda. It forms no part of the government's thinking or policy."

Stocked and stowed: armed with new storage tech, one hospital simplified its space

With the dawn of a new year comes new motivation to clean out closets, reorganize supply rooms and, quite frankly, get your operations in order to perform operations more efficiently.

2. Work closely with the clinical staff when determining what items are stocked on the unit specific storage areas so you meet their routine needs and minimize the amount of calls for items that are not readily available.The process for charging a patient for supplies is incorporated into the system with the use of a simple touch screen. This process is so simple--and intuitive--most individuals require no training. The organization of the supplies is much easier to maintain, everything is easily visible, the clinical staff are much more satisfied with the layout and ease of use which has improved the compliance rate for charging for the supplies.HPN: Will you highlight some of the noteworthy improvements and innovations in storage systems you've seen within the last year or so and explain why you think they're needed?Healthcare Purchasing News Senior Editor Rick Dana Barlow learned that one hospital gained considerable control over its space by installing some new storage system technology.What are five take-to-the-bank decluttering/organizational strategies you would suggest to other hospitals in the midst of a recessionary economy?As demands change on clinical units, incorporating those requests into the PAR levels is quick and easy. The PAR Excellence technology is very user-friendly and provides numerous reports that the department managers can access at any time. These reports provide concrete data that helps materials management staff work collaboratively with the clinical staff so the correct supplies are available when needed and the inventory levels are maintained to maximize the appropriate use of our financial resources.Everyone knows how storage space for supplies is at a premium and the PAR Excellence system essentially eliminates wasted space. The way the bins are placed on the louvered panels allows you to design the layout in a very tight and organized manner. The traditional closed systems are too deep, forcing you to place items behind other items, which makes it difficult to find things and keep it well organized. There is a lot of open space that cannot be used for storage simply due to the design of the closed cabinets and the shelving structure.4. Minimize the bulky shelving and cabinets that quickly consume premium space and rapidly add up in cost.As products become more complicated and varied the storage and subsequent retrieval needs to minimize the potential for grabbing the wrong item.TRIMBY: Healthcare is so strapped for resources that any technology that improves efficiencies, reduces errors and adds to the satisfaction of staff that is overwhelmed with the demands placed on them, requires serious consideration. Reimbursement is lessening, the general public is becoming less able to pay for the care they require and labor continues to increase in cost.We will see facilities moving away from the ongoing capital lease arrangements for closed storage systems that can no longer be justified by improved capture of revenue because that revenue is no longer available with the changes in reimbursement practices.One difficult situation that healthcare faces is that the general public is constantly exposed to a multitude of advertisements for drugs, supplies and implants, each expounding on their respective attributes. Because of this intense marketing and the easy access to information on the Internet patients are demanding what they want used without regard for the cost. Additionally, there seems to be an expectation from patients and their family members that hospitals mimic hotel-like environments and amenities. Obviously, all of this comes at a cost and the resources are being consumed at a much faster rate than reimbursement is received.3. Incorporate simple approaches that capitalize on technology and minimize manual intervention. The simpler the process the more compliant and supportive your staff will be. Make certain the technology you choose provides robust reporting capabilities so you can leverage the data available to manage your inventory investment and your service to the end-users.5. Remember that you do not have to change everything overnight. A phased approach can allow you to gradually implement change without overwhelming your staff and your financial resources.What do you foresee as generating popular demand starting in 2010 as the next big development in storage systems? How and why will it improve operations and patient care?Efficiencies for the replenishment process have improved dramatically. We doubled the number of unit-based PAR levels without increasing staff. In fact, we reduced our staff by 1.5 FTEs. The overall operations of the central supply department are much smoother, and stock is getting put away more timely because the staff is able to complete the PAR level replenishment process much faster.With financial resources being very limited the PAR Excellence system offers a reasonable alternative to some of the other more costly supply storage and replenishment systems. The greatest feature that sold me on their system was that it combined the controls and efficiencies of the closed systems with the advantages of an open system that is far more flexible and maximizes the use of the available space.Closed structures still require a fair amount of manual intervention for the charging process as well as the restocking process. [But] the PAR Excellence system has removed the bulk of the manual intervention by incorporating the use of scales, which immediately transmit the activity to the system. The transmission adjusts the actual counts, whether it be an increase due to stock replenishment, an item being replaced because it wasn't needed or an item was removed for patient use.Storage systems will need to provide clean, simple layouts for quick and efficient access. Labor costs associated with supply chain activities will have to be considered when the systems are designed--ultimately finding every avenue to reduce manual intervention.Charging specific patients for every supply used has become less important over the years simply due to the impact of how hospitals are reimbursed. The days of receiving payment for every supply used are long gone. We need to scrutinize what the true value is of an item and how will it contribute to the care and recovery of the patient.1. As much as possible keep the supply storage areas on various units as similar as possible so like items are stored in the same location thereby making it easy to locate supplies regardless of what unit/ department staff is assigned.

5. Remember that you do not have to change everything overnight. A phased approach can allow you to gradually implement change without overwhelming your staff and your financial resources.

ScentAir Chosen as New Resource Partner for Winmark Corporation

ScentAir will be the exclusive provider of in-store scent solutions for all Winmark Corporation retail brands

“We are very pleased to welcome ScentAir as a new resource partner,” said Merry Beth Hovey, Vice President of Marketing for Winmark Corporation. “ScentAir’s combination of advanced technology and customer service capabilities made them the clear choice to support the Winmark Corporation franchise community.”Winmark Corporation® (www.winmarkcorporation.com), based in Minneapolis, creates, supports and finances business. Specializing in leasing and developing franchises for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise, it is the parent company of Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, Plato’s Closet®, Music Go Round®, Wirth Business Credit®, Winmark Capital® and www.WBSOnline.com. Winmark has more than 900 franchise territories and is publicly traded at (NASDAQ:WINA).“ScentAir is proud to have been chosen as a resource partner by Winmark Corporation,” said Jeff Sneed, Vice President of Sales for ScentAir. “Winmark Corporation is committed to providing a unique shopping experience in all of its retail locations. The addition of scent will further enhance the in-store environment and reflect the distinct qualities of each brand.”As a resource partner, ScentAir will make its patented ScentWave scent delivery system and broad range of high-quality fragrances available to approximately 900 Winmark Corporation retail locations in North America. Winmark Corporation retail brands include Plato’s Closet, Play It Again Sports, Once Upon A Child and Music Go Round.About Winmark CorporationScentAir Technologies, Inc. (www.scentair.com) is the leading global provider of scent marketing solutions. ScentAir’s patented delivery systems and high-quality fragrances help enhance environments, communicate brands and create memorable experiences for clients around the world. ScentAir offers a full spectrum of scent delivery solutions from large-scale dispersion systems to self-contained fixtures for distributing scent in commercial environments. ScentAir’s technical deployments are also found in engineered systems for military training and aviation simulation. ScentAir is a privately held company located in Charlotte, N.C.ScentAir has designed a variety of fragrances for each Winmark Corporation brand, or individual locations can choose from ScentAir’s extensive fragrance catalog to coordinate with different promotions, themes or seasons.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- ScentAir Technologies, Inc., the leading global provider of scent delivery solutions for businesses, has been chosen as a new resource partner for Winmark Corporation.

Winmark Corporation® (www.winmarkcorporation.com), based in Minneapolis, creates, supports and finances business. Specializing in leasing and developing franchises for retail stores that buy, sell, and trade new and used merchandise, it is the parent company of Play It Again Sports®, Once Upon A Child®, Plato’s Closet®, Music Go Round®, Wirth Business Credit®, Winmark Capital® and www.WBSOnline.com. Winmark has more than 900 franchise territories and is publicly traded at (NASDAQ:WINA).

Union Hospital Launches Versus' Real-Time Locating System (RTLS)

Recently named a Hospital of Choice by
the American Alliance of Healthcare Providers for its commitment to
compassionate, high-quality care, Union
Hospital in Terre Haute, IN expanded on this commitment by deploying
enterprise asset tracking from Versus Technology, Inc. The Versus highly
accurate Asset Management
Solution helps Union Hospital to better manage equipment resources,
including maintenance, storage and deployment.

Safe Harbor ProvisionAbout Versus Technology, Inc.Paul Timmerman, Versus' VP notes, "Union understands the value and benefits
that result from real-time locating systems and has chosen to begin
accumulating time and cost savings in relation to asset tracking. With the
Versus solution in place, the hospital can easily extend accurate locating
to patients and staff when and where needed."For nearly 20 years, Versus Technology, Inc. has maintained the leadership
position in the development and sale of context-aware real-time location
systems ( RTLS ) used for
enterprise patient tracking, bed management and asset tracking to improve patient flow and
caregiver/patient communications in hospitals, clinics and long-term care
facilities. Versus also develops dual infrared and Active RFID tags and
other location tracking hardware to make locating systems more precise,
security systems more intelligent, nurse call systems automatic, and
hospital asset tracking systems more efficient. Indoor positioning through
Versus' RTLS enhances existing hospital software and patient care systems
with real-time, reliable bed-level location information. The patented
Versus IR and Active RFID patient and asset tracking system is exclusively endorsed by the American
Hospital Association and is a key component of their Patient Flow Platform
-- which includes a select group of vendors that provide proven solutions
to enhance patient flow and improve patient safety. ( www.versustech.com )
(PINKSHEETS: VSTI)For nearly 20 years, the Versus real-time locating
system (RTLS) has helped similar hospitals solve the all-too-common
dilemmas stemming from not being able to find equipment. When equipment
isn't tracked, nurses worry that it may not be available when they need it,
so they hide it in a storage closet. Other times, certain pieces of
equipment are in near-constant use (making it hard to service the
equipment), while another piece sits forgotten in a storage closet.Media Contact: Versus Technology, Inc. Stephanie Bertschy Director of Marketing 877.983.7787 Email Contact Investor/Analyst Contact: Versus Technology, Inc. Joseph Winowiecki Chief Financial Officer 231.946.5868 Email ContactIn this economic environment, where hospitals are being told that they'll
have to cut $2.6 million per year for the next 10 years,
it's important to know that Versus offers a solution to recoup time and
money, while increasing communication and productivity and reducing health
safety risks.

In fact, the Versus solution has already assisted Union Hospital in
providing safe patient care by reporting the location of their spot vital
machines, many of which were recently recalled. With a simple Versus
report, Union Hospital located all recalled units, leaving the service
representative for the spot vital machines wishing all hospitals had the
Versus asset tracking solution.Real-time asset tracking eliminates the need to hoard equipment by making
it easy to locate equipment when it is needed. Additionally, knowing
equipment utilization rates allows hospitals to study rental, purchasing
and equipment allotment needs. By monitoring equipment locations, service
schedules (e.g. preventative maintenance and warranty expirations) as well
as resource requirements throughout the facility rather than on a
unit-by-unit basis, hospitals are able to reduce excess and create
equipment sharing models.About Union HospitalUnion Hospital was founded in 1892 as a 20-bed facility. Today, the 343-bed
hospital is a regional referral center, serving patients in west-central
Indiana and east-central Illinois with its Terre Haute location, Union
Hospital Clinton, and a large network of physicians and health clinics.
Union Hospital is the provider of choice for Wabash Valley residents and
consistently receives excellent marks for high quality care and technology.
Services of Union Hospital are available to everyone in the Wabash Valley,
regardless of ability to pay. The area's largest not-for-profit medical
center, the hospital is committed to providing high quality compassionate
care to all.This document may contain forward-looking statements relating to future
events, such as the development of new products, the commencement of
production, or the future financial performance of the Company. These
statements fall within the meaning of forward-looking information as
defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These
statements are subject to a number of important risks and uncertainties
that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not
limited to, economic, competitive, governmental, and technological factors
affecting the Company's markets and market growth rates, products and their
rate of commercialization, services, prices and adequacy of financing, and
other factors. The Company undertakes no obligation to update, amend, or
clarify forward-looking statements, whether because of new information,
future events, or otherwise.

Media Contact: Versus Technology, Inc. Stephanie Bertschy Director of Marketing 877.983.7787 Email Contact Investor/Analyst Contact: Versus Technology, Inc. Joseph Winowiecki Chief Financial Officer 231.946.5868 Email Contact

Raising money for schools while alleviating a burden

The staff at Elias Bernstein Intermediate School in Staten Island, N.Y., needed a simpler and less costly way to order and distribute physical education uniforms to students. The process had become a major headache.

* PROPELLSHOPS, no-cost operation for school fundraising, www.propellshops.com* MEDEXPERT, medical issues management services, www.medexpert.comPromotional Advice* PFM-FINANCIAL SERVICES, procurement card program for schools, www.pfm.com* TUTOR.COM, online tutoring, www.tutor.com* ITMAQ, simplified, accelerated public procurement services, www.itmaq.comFourteen firms make up the AASA School Solutions Center. NJPA is a premier partner.By partnering with my company, Propell, Elias Bernstein this fall introduced a new online ordering system. Students ordered the phys-ed uniforms using a secure e-commerce shop that Propell created and tailored to the school's needs. Items were shipped directly to students' homes. We handled all inventory, manufacturing, shipping, customer service and payments--the stressful and time-consuming aspects of selling products directly to students.* PAY4SCHOOLSTUFFONLINE, online payment processing, www.pay4schoolstuffonline.com* CHAPMAN KELLY, dependent health-care eligibility audits, www.chapmankelly.com* PIXETELL, visual communication and collaboration software, www.pixetell.comOne eChalk customer, Fort Sam Houston Independent School District in Texas, used PropellShops to create an array of products, supporting different groups and activities. These include elementary school shops and alumni shops and even one dedicated to their chili cook-off. This has permitted staff to create and promote products to raise funds with little additional effort.In addition, Elias Bernstein received a share of every sale, thus making this new process profitable to the school. (At the time of this writing, the school had sold more than $7,500 worth of merchandise, raising over $2,000 as its share, and saved many hours in staff time.) There was no upfront charge to the school so long as the school commits to communicating the service. No long lead times were needed. Propell's business model is to take a percentage of every sale.* K12 INSIGHT, survey tool, www.k12insight.comOur service reduces the risk, hassle and expense of creating merchandise. And it permits more types of products to be offered, serving more school groups. The school markets the service, and we help with promotion. We provide materials and advice but tell schools the most effective way to promote merchandise is to remember the ABC's of on-demand e-commerce:Ordering uniforms in bulk meant the school paid upfront. The correct mix of sizes had to be determined in advance. Then staff had to manage the sale and distribution to each student and put excess inventory in a closet where it collected dust until the following year.* HOPE FOUNDATION, professional development for leadership teams, www.hopefoundation.orgAt Propell, we use new technologies, including e-commerce tools and "on demand" manufacturing, to solve problems for schools. We've helped several hundred schools sell anywhere from $200 to $10,000 in merchandise over the last six months, with 20 to 30 percent of revenues returned to support school programs. PropellShop's T-shirts, sweatshirts, gym uniforms or day-to-day wear are among the products we customize. Since items are made when an order is placed, the technology also allows, students, alumni and the community to personalize each purchased item.* NATIONAL JOINT POWERS ALLIANCE,[R] municipal contracting with vendors, www.njpacoop.orgThe PropellShops solution was integrated into the K-12 Suite at eChalk, which offers web-based learning platforms in K-12 school communities. Now thousands of eChalk clients can instantly add a set of web shops at no charge, offsetting the cost of eChalk service and generating additional revenue for school groups.Ed Bernstein is CEO and co-founder of Propell Corporation in San Anselmo, Calif. E-mail: ed@propellshops.comAASA SCHOOL SOLUTIONS PARTNERSAs an AASA School Solutions Center partner, the association has vetted Pro-pellShops and several competitors but chose Propell because it's a "the win-win proposition for both the school and the company," according to Chuck Woodruff, AASA associate executive director for finance and operations. "Schools are looking for revenue streams but have few financial or staff resources to devote to fundraising. Plus, this could streamline workflows."On-Demand Technology* Audience--Take advantage of the built-in audience of students and parents, but also those in your broader network that aren't at school daily.* Breadth of Product--With no inventory risk, offer more choices.* OPTIMUM EXPENSE RECOVERY AND CONSULTING, cost recovery, www.optimumerc.com* NATIONAL STUDENT CLEARINGHOUSE, affordable student outcome reporting, www.studentclearinghouse.org* Communication--E-commerce means no need to spend hours at a table selling logowear or managing uniform sales. Spread the word of the online store via e-mail, school newsletters and word-of-mouth. Direct people to the link on the school's website, where they can do their purchasing at whatever hour is convenient to them.

Ed Bernstein is CEO and co-founder of Propell Corporation in San Anselmo, Calif. E-mail: ed@propellshops.com

Garden-Centric View Shapes Kitchen Remodel

SILVER SPRING, MD - Einstein said, "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." The owners of this kitchen would probably have settled for less knowledge if only to have the opportunity to look into nature from their kitchen. Nature - in this case a prized year-round garden - was otherwise viewable only from a cramped and functionally challenged sunroom.

Jonas C arnemark, principal and lead designer of Bethesda, MD-based CARNEMARK system design, Inc., was responsible for the remodel, which was part of a larger overall update.Integral to this was minimizing construction impact. "For the kitchen space specifically, we did not add an addition, therefore did not disturb the earth. We instead worked within the existing footprint," adds the designer.Other elements pivotal to the design include fittings from Dornbracht, Silestone perimeter countertops and large-format floor tiles from Porcelanosa."At CARNEMARK, we do green a little differently. For starters, it's been part of our company's mission and design from our beginning more than 20 years ago," says Carnemark who, himself, is trained in environmental design and has worked on alternative energy homes in California. "Our team has also tapped into the long-term expertise of Europeans, as energysaving and environmentally sensitive practices are commonplace there.""The bottom line for us is that good design usually ends up being green design, too," says Carnemark of his company's vision for the design process. "CARNEMARK's approach to designing and building relies on systems that work. Saving energy, time and money works. Reducing waste and mistakes works. Improving the flow, the comfort, the quality of life - that's what we're working for. And sustainability flows naturally into all of these goals."Organic forms define the style of the space, including a rich wood table from Spekva that juts from a tidy central island, topped with a Pyrolave counter. A heated large - format tile floor - that simulates COR-TEN (or "weathering") steel - further integrates the rear half of the first floor and keeps the clients warm underfoot.Because blowing out the back of the kitchen was not an option, the CARNEMARK team looked for other ways to give the remodeled kitchen a spacious feel. The group looked to maximize every bit of available space within the 240-sq.ft. kitchen."Energy-conservative appliances were installed, as well as new windows that are energy efficient," continues Carnemark. The appliances include a gas range from Thermador.ACHIEVlNG BALANCE"[The larger project included] integrating the sunroom into the rest of the house, updating the kitchen, expanding the rear entrance with a mudroom, and reconfiguring the master suite to make room for a larger closet and bathroom," he remarks.Product selections contributed to this overall goal, as well. "We used SieMatic cabinetry, which is a green product by design," he notes. The honey shade of beech cabinetry is a singular design element that shapes the attitude of the kitchen. Enhancing it further is a contrast of several floating cabinets, also from SieMatic in basalt grey with frosted glass doors. Open wall storage is also featured elsewhere in the kitchen.The homeowners looked to the environment for more than just color inspiration. They also sought to employ sustainable solutions while still getting the visual results they desired.Similar materials find their way upstairs into the master bath, where limestone, heated floors, glass and neutral paint tones lend a sauna-like atmosphere with all of the comforts of home. A spacious master closet and ample yet cozy bedroom complete the updated master suite.According to Carnemark, the couple - empty nesters - longed to enjoy their abundant garden through all types of weather. "Unfortunately, their home's existing sunroom was small and poorly situated," he says. "In fact, awkward flow meant the space went unused. The clients wanted to integrate the sunroom into the rest of the house, and update their existing kitchen for a better flow."Carnemark says of the kitchen: "Here, wood, volcanic and quartz countertop s combine with beech and glass cabinetry and earth tones to create a warm, natural palette."Carnemark adds that the biggest challenges centered on the garden. "Adding significant depth to the back of the house would have disturbed its mature plantings," he continues. "Instead, a tether with floor-to -ceiling glazing now connects the kitchen, sunroom and rear foyer - made possible by building over the exterior stairwell - and provides ample storage. Even better, the sensitive design solution remains largely within the existing footprint."A ROOM REPOSITIONEDSUSTAINABLE SELECTIONSDesign details create practical solutions and visual connections throughout the seamless wholehouse renovation. A re- oriented powder room offers more privacy. Large windows maximize garden views. A former window becomes a striking arched opening, allowing sight lines from the living room to the outside."For starters, we discovered a space -making solution right above our heads. Replacing the clunky, exposed soffits with flush steel I-beams required some skilled construction calisthenics," says Carnemark, "but the resulting smooth ceiling and additional height proved well worth the efforts. The kitchen immediately felt more open."

"Together, practical design solutions and innovative product details combine to open up the once-cramped, outdated kitchen, offering a favorite garden view in the clients' daily lives," Carnemark concludes.

public pension monster: A $2 billion jump in two years, The

A day of reckoning is ahead for Pennsylvania's General Assembly when they finally confront a two-headed fiscal problem that is lust over the horizon.

Robert Gentzel, spokesperson for the SERS, says his fund has assets of approximately $24,4 billion and delivers an average annual pension of $22,700 to its retirees. At the end of 2009 the plan covered nearly 220,000 members comprised of 110,107 active members and 109,639 annuitants and beneficiaries.Nate Benefield, director of policy research with the Commonwealth Foundation, also says Harrisburg is facing the massive tax increases to fund the pensions partially because of massive lobbying that has taken place over the years. He charges Gov. Ed Rendell with accepting the reality of unfunded pension liability and then spreading the necessary payments over 30 years with a rising phase-in."All of these fiscal problems can be resolved, but it's important to understand that the state would not be in trouble if it had not put off proper funding and relied on the stock market for big investment returns," she says. "The courts have said changes to the level of current employee benefits would not be fair, Therefore, the General. Assembly can only negotiate with future employees for a new retirement deal."The imminent crisis involves preservation of the State Employees Retirement System (SERS) and the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS). Harrisburg's grimace is being caused by the effects of several legislative acts approved during the last decade, large unfunded liabilities within the pensions, and poorly performing investment packages resulting from economic recessions.Evelyn Tatkovski, press secretary for the PSERS, explains that at the end of 2009 the organization had an investment portfolio of approximately $46.7 billion. This serves a membership of nearly 280,000 active school employees and 179,000 retirees, which includes a variety of individuals from cafeteria workers to school superintendents."Harrisburg deliberately spread misinformation and then hoped for good luck," claims Benefield. "The courts have ruled that the benefits cannot be reduced for current employees, but these pensions should be changed to defined contribution for new hires."John Sumansky, Ph.D., business department chairperson at Misericordia University, claims that Harrisburg played the pension game "fast and loose" while postponing the inevitable. Despite this charge, he remains optimistic that the General Assembly will find a way to fix the fiscal mess.The average age of the retirees, apart from those who are disabled or who accepted early-retirement, is 73. Benefit payments to all of these retirees now totals more than $2.2 billion a year.David Taylor, executive director of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association, expresses fears that the total package of fiscal problems soon to unfold before the General Assembly could, if improperly handled, plunge the state into a permanent recession or make necessary crippling tax increases.Gentzel explains that Pennsylvania has several different classes of employees. Retirement within these groups typically occurs at age 60 or after 35 years of service.Benefield further says the pension-related decisions in 2001 reached by the General Assembly looked good at that time, but have since been discredited because of the economic losses produced by the recession of 2001 to 2002, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, improper funding of the pensions, and the Great Recession."These unions are extremely powerful," says Taylor. "Their actions have been separate from the market forces the private sector must deal with, and our citizens have been picking up the tab for this difference."Taylor supports transitioning the retirement funds from a defined benefit status to a defined contribution. He also claims that a pension vote which took place in the General Assembly during 2001 was irresponsible.Sharon Ward, director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, emphasizes that cool heads need to prevail in the search for solutions to the pension funding crisis. She acknowledges that the General Assembly did not make appropriate employer contributions to the funds over the years, and that it passed several acts which further drained the pension resources while relying too heavily on sizeable investment returns."The days of all defined benefit plans are numbered, and these pensions need to be changed to defined contribution," says Dr. Sumansky. "A formula will be worked out. The state cannot default on its financial responsibilities, and therefore a federal bailout to produce the neces sary funding is a real possibility."He charges that the public employee unions in Pennsylvania are a prime engine that has driven the behaviors of Harrisburg's legislators. This union power has been compounded by the fact that, unlike private sector jobs, the threat of a strike does not endanger the jobs of state workers and teachers.The average pension received by the individuals is $22,456 a year. Retirement can be chosen after 35 years of service, or 30 years of service and an age of 60.Massive lobbying"Overall compensation levels for these state retirees are way above private ley as, leaving the taxpayers on the hook," adds Taylor.The pension monster will soon leave the closet, because within two years the cost of operating the pension plans is expected to jump from approximately $1 billion a year to more than $3 billion annually. This jump may amount to three times the current financial burden now shouldered by every Pennsylvania resident.Cool heads"It's important to understand that the pensions are a financial debt owed by Pennsylvania to the members of the pension fund," says Gentzel."The average age at retirement from 1952 to early 2009 was 59.04 years," explains Tatkovski. "Health care is not routinely covered, although a voluntary health option is available with a premium assist component."Ward emphasizes that a gradual increase in the level of pension funding will not fix the current shortfall. Nor can the solution be achieved by simply changing the retirement status of new employees.

"The days of all defined benefit plans are numbered, and these pensions need to be changed to defined contribution," says Dr. Sumansky. "A formula will be worked out. The state cannot default on its financial responsibilities, and therefore a federal bailout to produce the neces sary funding is a real possibility."

Physical Security for Computing Systems

Physical security for computing systems is getting increasing attention, partly because computers and network connections have moved out of environmentally secure locations (such as central computer rooms and tightly locked equipment closets) and into less environmentally secure offices, vehicles and homes.

Q: IT is telling me that they want to collaborate about physical security for computer and network systems. They want to know what security event logs (access control?) we have that are relevant to IT, They want to know if our access management and intrusion alarm zones account for areas containing sensitive information. And they are asking to see our security strategies and policies. Where are these questions coming from? Is there some kind of reference or standard they are referring to?Furthermore, the value of information available at any point of communication, storage or presentation keeps increasing. The motivations to attack computing systems grow higher as the rewards for doing so increase. Several practitioners have written asking questions like this:The decision is a basic business decision. If you have convergence experience you want to share, e-mail your comments to me at ConvergenceQA@go-rbcs.com or call me at 949-831-6788.The answers all relate to the value of the material being protected (both to the organization and to the attacker), and the impact of a breach or loss of data or a device. In other words, an information risk analysis is required to inform electronic and procedural security planning.Many physical protective devices - especially low-tech devices - do not have electronic reporting mechanisms. Tamperevident devices, for example, require visual inspection to observe evidence of tamper. This means that policy and procedure are critical to deploying such devices.A: Such questions are becoming more common. Most security managers responsible for facility security operations and technology think of convergence from the technology perspective, relating to placing physical security systems onto the network, and having to comply with IT policy and standards. The questions coming from IT are about strategy and tactics. There are a number of references that could inspire such questions.By Ray Bernard, PSP, CHS-IIIAn outstanding book that I have mentioned at least once before is Physical Security for IT by Michael Erbschloe (usually priced around $60 - and you can "look inside" the book on Amazon.com). Erbschloe provides specific advice on identifying physical security needs of network, computing and communication systems. The book includes guidance on how to design and implement security plans to prevent the physical destruction of equipment, or tampering with computers, network equipment and telecommunications systems.Most security measure selections are basic business-sense. Once you know the asset to be protected, its value to the business, the impact of loss or exposure, its vulnerabilities and attractiveness, the level of general attacker interest and likelihood of specific attack, then the degree and type of protections that various security measures can provide are one decision factor, along with the costs.About 50 percent of the content concerns very sophisticated technical attacks that are of interest to designers of chips and the packaging of electronic devices. But all of the material is in very plain language, and easily readable without having any background in IT. The paper definitely provides food for thought about both high tech and low tech methods.Developing a Plan for Physical Protection of IT SystemsThe paper describes known physical attacks, ranging from simple attacks that require little skill or resource, to complex attacks that require trained, technical people and considerable resources. High-tech protections are examined very specifically, while low-tech approaches are only referenced as they are more commonly known.Ray Bernard, PSP, CHS-III is the principal consultant for Ray Bernard Consulting Services (RBCS), a firm that provides security consulting services for public and private facilities. He is founder and publisher of The Security Minute 60-second newsletter (www, TheSecurityMinute, com). For more information about Ray Bernard and RBCS go to www.go-rbcs.com or call 9^9-831-6788. Mr. Bernard is also a member of the Subject Matter Expert Faculty of the Security Executive Council (www. SecurityExecutiveCouncil. com,).Understanding Computing Systems Attacks and DefensesTo put a touch of reality on the kinds of attacks that are shown in movies and on TV, and get in-depth insight into computing systems attacks and defenses, download and read this 17-page paper: "Physical Security Devices for Computer Subsystems: A Survey of Attacks and Defenses 2008" available at: http://atsec.com/downloads/pdi/phy_sec_dev.pdf.More importantly, it includes an explanation of the processes for establishing a physical IT security function, and contains illustrations of the major elements of a physical IT security plan. This is the way that an IT group would (and should) approach physical security, and so readers will benefit by learning about sound strategy and planning approaches that also apply outside of the protection of IT systems.This is a point of policy and procedural convergence. For example, what kind of audit practice should be implemented to ensure that breaches or attack attempts are not missed? If an employee discovers there has been physical tampering of a laptop, where could it have occurred - was it at an airport or other location on a traveler security watch-list? Who will take the report? Who will investigate? Should employee instructions regarding travel security be revised?

Ray Bernard, PSP, CHS-III is the principal consultant for Ray Bernard Consulting Services (RBCS), a firm that provides security consulting services for public and private facilities. He is founder and publisher of The Security Minute 60-second newsletter (www, TheSecurityMinute, com). For more information about Ray Bernard and RBCS go to www.go-rbcs.com or call 9^9-831-6788. Mr. Bernard is also a member of the Subject Matter Expert Faculty of the Security Executive Council (www. SecurityExecutiveCouncil. com,).

Wood Tech Summit ID's technology trends

CHARLOTTE, NC -- The inaugural Wood Tech Summit, held Feb. 24-95 during the Closets & Home Organization Conference & Expo, provided fresh insights into trends driving technology adoption in the wood manufacturing industry.

The interactive panel discussions included presentations by representatives of Holz-Her U.S., Stiles Machinery, Biesse America, C.R. Onsrud, Eurosoft, Microvellum, KCD Software, 20-20 Technologies, TradeSoft and Planit Solutions.

The interactive panel discussions included presentations by representatives of Holz-Her U.S., Stiles Machinery, Biesse America, C.R. Onsrud, Eurosoft, Microvellum, KCD Software, 20-20 Technologies, TradeSoft and Planit Solutions.

Get Your Dad Organized This Father's Day With a Man Cave

Wine, ties, books -- all great gifts for dad on Father's Day, but why not give him what he really wants -- a dedicated area of the house that is his, otherwise known as a Man Cave. Man Caves are gaining rapid popularity as modern men seek a room in their house to escape to and socialize with their friends. The official Man Cave website ( www.mancavesite.org ) has countless pictures of Man Caves submitted by readers.

At Closet Factory, designers are available to discuss the Man Cave transformation -- how you currently use the garage, what you envision, and how to get the maximum use of the space through custom cabinets, accessories and organization. There are solutions that work for every size and every area. From simple to spectacular, modern or traditional, hi tech or hi style, Closet Factory can create the man cave of every man's dreams. Dad will certainly thank you for it and mom will appreciate it too.Here are some tips from Closet Factory for starting the transformation:Sort through the clutter. Discard what's broken and sell anything that you're not using. Consider having a rummage sale. Concentrate on reorganizing the things dad wants to keep. Group like things together. For example, store everything for auto repair in one area, sporting gear in another. Putting cabinets and racks into a garage will help add additional storage. Attach shelves or cabinets to your garage walls, or put up freestanding units. Store the heaviest items on the lowest shelves. Add a floor over the concrete, nothing fancy but it will change the look of the garage. Most importantly, create room for all the Man Cave essentials: Dad's favorite memorabilia, TV, a small fridge, bar and anything that makes him comfortable.For more information visit: http://www.closetfactory.com/garage.phpMedia Contacts: Arieff Communications Adrienne Arieff aa@arieff.com 415 538 9363 Jason Mitchell jason@arieff.com 212 531 6235Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=1628874

Media Contacts: Arieff Communications Adrienne Arieff aa@arieff.com 415 538 9363 Jason Mitchell jason@arieff.com 212 531 6235

Tidy up to support meningitis

CLEAR out your closets and donate unwanted clothing to support thousands of meningitis victims.

Just visit www.bcrmeningitistrust.co.uk to arrange a delivery.If you have any unwanted clothes and shoes, there is no need to take a trip down to the charity shop as BCR will collect at a time that suits you.The charity's partner, BCR Global Textiles, has launched a new secure system where donators register to arrange a delivery of a recycling bag by post and once filled, it will be collected from your home or workplace.

Just visit www.bcrmeningitistrust.co.uk to arrange a delivery.

Is It Possible To Find Closet Systems With Closet Configurations That Work For You?

I have a problem that I'm guessing at least 90% of Americans have- too much stuff and not sufficient storage space or organized closet systems to deal with it. Okay, you're right; it's more like 98% of all Americans!

And once again, I'm not a handyman and can't dip into the savings for this project. In Denver, Colorado is it possible to find help with this? I'm glad to say there are more options than I thought!Here are my problems:Problem number 1- Between my wife and me, our shoes have overtaken the closet floor. We have an 8 foot wide, medium sized reach-in closet, and don't have any room anymore for anything else besides shoes on the floor.We would like a variety of shelves and rods that will help to transform our closet into an efficient storage space. It's not just shoes that we have too many of so we need to get as many features and accessories into the space as possible.In the Denver/metro area- and it's probably no different in other major U.S. cities- many closet companies are now filling the void between the DIY systems and the expensive high-end custom closets. And some offer the many storage solutions I need.What I'm looking for is a closet storage system that will neatly organize all our shoes and keep them off the closet floor. My wife is only slightly taller than 5 feet, so a lot of shoes must be able to fit in a relatively small space not high off the floor.So don't get discouraged! You don't have to ruin your week-end or your budget to take care of the problem of too much stuff and not enough space. it really is possible to find closet systems and closet configurations to meet your physical, financial and emotional needs physically, financially, and emotionally.Problem number 4- I've looked at some of the custom closet designs and companies out there and I'm having a difficult time justifying spending the cash most of them are asking. So what to do?Problem number 3- I would build something myself but am not much of a DIY guy. Even the nice kits that you can purchase at hardware stores seem to be beyond my skill level. In addition, I have medium-to-high blood pressure right now, so it's not in my best interest to attempt DIY projects!As the popularity of well-planned and organized closet and storage space continues to grow, the choices for consumers are also expanding. Home builders and homeowners trying to sell their homes know that great storage space- especially in bedroom closets- do play a role in helping to sell their homes.

So don't get discouraged! You don't have to ruin your week-end or your budget to take care of the problem of too much stuff and not enough space. it really is possible to find closet systems and closet configurations to meet your physical, financial and emotional needs physically, financially, and emotionally.

Closet Clutter - How Can Closet Organizers Help You Combat This Problem

Are you searching for a way that will help you combat the closet clutter in your home? Then it is imperative that you know how these organizers will be able to help you with this goal.

So many people struggle to organize their closets because they don't know how to maximize the limited space that is available. You will end up with many different options by hiring someone that can look at your closet spaces and tell you the best ways to organize it easily.This means that the organizers can give you the best options for each closet, even if they are different options. Most organizers will provide custom organization because they understand that every home and closet is not going to need the same organizing system.Once you have done your part, you just need to hire an organizer to help you and then listen to their suggestions. They will allow you to decide on the system you want, but they will do all of the hard work for you to get it put into place correctly.This means that no matter what closet you need organized, you will not have a difficult time locating the perfect solution, especially with professional organizers helping you.Now that you understand the ways that closet organizers will be able to help you combat closet clutter, you have to make up your mind about whether this is the smart decision for you. Take time to look at some professional organizer companies before making your final decision, but remember that without help, the clutter will not take care of itself.With their experience, knowledge and organization systems, this will be an easy job for them. Plus, they can look at your home's closets with a detached eye to provide you with the best solution.They can help you locate the best closet system for getting every closet in your home more organized. This will provide you with a lot more storage space in a small area.You will have your own work cut out for you before the closet can be organized using a closet system. This is not something that the professionals can do for you. It is your job to go through all of the things that are in the closet and get rid of anything that you don't need or want anymore. Before hiring professionals to help you, it is smart to cut down on the clutter as much as possible so it will be easier for them to get into the small space so they can put the best closet system in for you.In almost every home these days, there is never enough storage space and closets become the catch all area for anything that needs to be stored. More storage is one of the ways that organizers will be able to help you organize any closet in your home.

Now that you understand the ways that closet organizers will be able to help you combat closet clutter, you have to make up your mind about whether this is the smart decision for you. Take time to look at some professional organizer companies before making your final decision, but remember that without help, the clutter will not take care of itself.

Instead of closets, a wall of storage

Instead of closets, a wall of storage

Even the socks have a special place in this well-organized clothing storage center. Conventional closets would have interrupted the open floor plan of the bedroom, so architect-owner Barney Smith of Albany, California, designed the adjacent bathroom to double as the dressing area, with enough storage space for a complete wardrobe.Set against a 17-foot-long wall, the wooden shelving system is 7 feet high and 18 inches deep, divided by the supporting partitions into six 34-inch bays. The shelving is made of 3/4-inch birch plywood trimmed with 1-by-2 fir.Photo: A place for everything: storage bins for shirts, hooks for jackets and pants, tilted shelves for socks, two-level closet rods for shirts, pants, suits. Long baffled skylight aids color choices

Photo: A place for everything: storage bins for shirts, hooks for jackets and pants, tilted shelves for socks, two-level closet rods for shirts, pants, suits. Long baffled skylight aids color choices

The Closet Works, Inc. Launches Garage Line to Meet Demand from Customers

HATBORO, Pa. -- The Closet Works, Inc., a local manufacturer of custom organizational systems sold in over 30 states, announces their new product line for garages, sold under the Garage Guru brand name. Garage Guru has on-staff designers and space optimization specialists specifically trained in garage design and organizational systems. Garage systems now join The Closet Works, Inc.'s list of offerings, which include cabinetry for kitchens, laundry rooms, pantries and mudrooms, in addition to custom furniture, entertainment centers and wardrobes.

"Larger and more complex server rooms are invariably running into one or
more serious power problems as they expand," noted Pat Johnson, vice
president, Rack and Cooling Solutions, APC. "The goal of APC's products is
to grant unprecedented visibility into the inner workings of the server
room, enabling users to monitor equipment effectively, identify issues
before they become significant problems and truly manage the environment.Contrary to popular belief, it's not just men that will love the new line of garage systems.With consolidation, power over Ethernet and virtualization making
traditional server rooms increasingly complex, a cooling issue can be a
contributing factor to ongoing power problems. Designed for installation
within the row of racks, the APC InRow RD captures hot exhaust air directly
from the aisle and distributes cool air through the front of the unit,
which ensures temperatures are held at setpoint conditions.Garage Guru offers free, in-home design consultations for interested customers. These consultations are conducted by the firm's on-staff Garage Designers and Space Optimization Specialists. Customers can request a free design consultation for their garage by calling 215-675-6430."An organized garage helps to eliminate stress," remarked David R. Cutler, CEO of The Closet Works, Inc. He also emphasized the safety value inherent in the new line, commenting, "The team at Garage Guru ensures that all tools have a home and can be found when you need them, and that any chemicals and power tools are safely locked away from a curious child's reach. Garage Guru can house all garage-stored items and prevent damage that can occur when stacks of 'stuff' fall onto vehicles."

Images of garage systems provided by Garage Guru can be viewed online at www.closetworksinc.com.