IKOR OPENS PENNSYLVANIA/NEW JERSEY BRANCH TO HELP ENSURE PROPER CARE OF SENIORS AND THE DISABLED IN BUCKS AND MERCER

Latest Location of Growing Healthcare Advocacy and Guardianship Network Brings Expert Case Analysis and Management, Robust Monitoring and Recordkeeping Solutions and a Dedicated, Authoritative Voice to Those Needing Care and Others Concerned for their Well-Being

NEWTOWN, PA and PRINCETON, N.J. – IKOR USA, a growing network of healthcare and financial advocacy and guardianship offices that help ensure the proper care of seniors and the disabled, today opened its first dual-state branch, serving individuals needing care, their families and any appointed legal and financial officials in parts of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southwestern New Jersey.

IKOR of Bucks & Mercer Counties is under the direction of Larry Enright, a 30-year veteran of the management accounting field who has served on the Board of Directors for several non-profit child advocacy organizations. The new office will work with bankers, other fiduciaries and those shouldering the care of senior or disabled family members, to help determine and secure the best living situations for such individuals based on mental, emotional, physical, financial, familial, geographic and other factors.

From determining whether remaining at home is viable and what provisions may be necessary, to coordinating, attending and tracking the outcome of medical appointments, to securing a space in the most appropriate facilities when home care is no longer an option, to confirming prescribed medicines and therapies are administered properly wherever they are provided, IKOR ensures that those needing assistance are treated in a manner best-suited to their needs, most conducive to preserving their dignity and as closely matching their stated quality-of-life desires as possible. IKOR advocates also provide support in cases of elder financial abuse and other situations where an individual’s physical, mental, emotional or financial security is at risk or has been compromised. Each office also provides trained financial advocates who can handle Power of Attorney authorizations, routine financial management and other non-medical services.

“Caring for an aging parent, a disabled individual or someone with special needs presents many tough decisions and demands time and energy that can bring considerable strife or require great personal sacrifice,” says Patricia A. Maisano, CEO/Founder of IKOR and operator of its original office in Kennett Square, Pa. “Fiduciaries may feel unable or unqualified to manage matters appropriately, while family members may be physically, logistically or emotionally unable to ensure that their loved one is being treated in the manner and location that best matches their wants and needs and lets them retain their dignity. IKOR’s trained professionals are experienced in dealing with such challenges, and can bring welcome relief to those needing care and those concerned for their well-being.”

IKOR’s services are divided into three core areas:

• Professional, experienced dedicated personnel – Every IKOR office includes Registered Nurse Patient Advocates, available all day, every day to address healthcare management, environmental or psychosocial crises. In addition, specially trained staff are on call in each office to provide financial advocacy such as handling routine bill-pay and ensuring that clients receive all public-program assistance to which they are entitled.
• “The IKOR Approach” – A sophisticated system incorporating a needs assessment, on-site quality assurance, care services coordination and development of short-term and long-term strategic plans. The IKOR Approach addresses every medical, environmental, psychosocial and educational issue that affects an individual, offering the best choices to address his or her specific needs. 
• Sophisticated technology – Datikor®, a proprietary database-driven system at the heart of The IKOR Approach, ensures that no matter how near or far or what time of day, everyone officially involved in an IKOR client’s case management has secure access to the updated information they need for peace of mind and seamless, accurate care.

An Honor and an Ideal Role for an Individual Committed to Quality of Life

Larry Enright brings an entrepreneurial spirit and extensive personal and professional experience working to make life better for others to his role as Managing Director of the new IKOR office. A Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International, he has been president and founder of both EOC Office Solutions, Inc., a management accounting business, and Green Shield Mortgage, a retail mortgage company, and was vice president and founder of the Heatherhaugh Farms Nursery. He also has personally confronted the stresses of moving an aging parent to an assisted care facility.

“My 80-year-old mother is in a continuing care retirement center. Helping her maintain the quality of life she desires and deserves has taught me how important it is to choose the best eldercare service firms,” Enright says. “What intrigues me the most about IKOR is being an individual’s personal advocate, a defender of their rights, a champion seeing to it that they enjoy all the privileges of decent humanity. It is an honor and an ideal role for my personal enrichment.” 

IKOR of Bucks & Mercer Counties maintains offices at 12 Penns Trail in Newtown, Pa., and 103 Carnegie Center, Suite 300, in Princeton, N.J. To inquire about specific IKOR services, contact Larry Enright at lenright@ikorusa.com or call (855) 367-4567 extension 701. General information on IKOR, including the company’s approach to healthcare and financial advocacy and guardianship, a complete list of services, client testimonials and more, may be found online at www.ikorusa.com.

Autism Awareness for Me and Mine - 2012

Today (April 2nd) is Autism Awareness Day and it's something that's been on my mind and in my work rotation for several months now. Truthfully, autism has been in my life a lot longer than that. You see, my (almost 13-year-old) son has a form of autism called PDD-NOS. What the initials stand for doesn't really matter, what it means for him is that he has trouble understanding social cues, both verbal and visual and thinks in very literal, black & white terms. His brain is literally wired differently than most people's and this makes the way he sees things, understands things and learns things different from most of us. He has to study how to interpret facial expressions, body language and secondary meanings of words. He has to learn social language like taking a class in a foreign language would be for most of us. Sights, sounds and smells can often overwhelm him and he might have a meltdown.

This does not change how he feels about things. He is extremely sensitive in fact and most of the time wants nothing more than to help other people. He gets such self-satisfaction from doing good. (I wish I could be more like him in that way) But, just like everyone else, kids making fun of him and excluding him hurts him, adults ignoring him hurts him, he's not unintelligent (in fact, he's smarter on scale than about 65% of us in the general population) but he's slow on the sarcasm side and doesn't quite "get it" like most young teens. He does "get" when others are being mean, however.

I love him with all of my heart and realizing that this is a permanent, life-long condition that same heart aches for him knowing the pain he'll endure as he faces the challenges life has ahead for him. The more people know about Autism Spectrum Disorders, the more they will accept his differences and appreciate his unique view of the world, what he has to offer all of us. If you don't already know someone with, or affected by autism - the CDC released new figures last week that 1 of every 88 children in the U.S. has some form of the disorder. You will know someone soon. It's statistically impossible not to.

I created a local resource page on Facebook for this event and hope to keep it updated with information and opportunities that people with autism and their families and friends can use. We've encouraged people to wear blue today, light a blue bulb in their home or business, but most importantly to talk to their friends, co-workers and kids about autism and what it means for the people who have these conditions. They're really very cool people with perspectives on society and life that could benefit all of us in the rat-race.

In case you're interested: www.facebook.com/AutismAwarenessAberdeen

Conspire! Expands into Texas with First Location to open in Fort Worth

FORT WORTH, Texas – Conspire!, a national provider of affordable, convenient and reliable drug and alcohol testing services, announced today it has inked its first franchise agreement to open a new location in Fort Worth with local entrepreneur Dave Thomas. The new Conspire! location will open within the next 90 days and is the first of 80 locations to open in Texas.

“Having worked in various commercial jobs for nearly 15 years, I am very familiar with the testing process and have witnessed firsthand the positive impact it can have on an employees’ safety as well as a company’s bottom line,” said Thomas. “It has always been a passion of mine to become an owner of a small business that helps others. Conspire! affords me the opportunity to take control of my financial future while educating and supporting the local community with effective drug and alcohol testing services.”

During the past 12 months, the Metroplex region topped the nation’s job growth with more than 134,000 added,* demonstrating a powerful need for drug and alcohol testing services and compliance polices. A survey conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated that drug-using employees are 2.2 times more likely to request early dismissal or time off, 2.5 times more likely to have absences of eight days or more, three times more likely to be late for work, 3.6 times more likely to be involved in a workplace accident and five times more likely to file a workers’ compensation claim.
“We go beyond the average drug test,” added Thomas. “We are truly committed to making a difference by using testing to deter substance abuse, identify opportunities for intervention and encourage overall health and safety for all.”

Conspire! combines cutting-edge screening technology with the latest in compliance, education and enforcement in the drug screening industry that offers a total testing solution for its clients across the nation. Services include pre-employment testing, background checks, random drug screening, drug and alcohol awareness training, compliance manuals and support, as well as onsite drug testing available 24/7, certified collectors, DHHS/SAMHSA Laboratory Service, certified MRO services and much more.

The Fort Worth development announcement stems from a larger national growth plan that calls for more than 200 locations to open throughout the United States during the next 24-36 months. Areas of growth include Fort Worth, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, Houston, and other prime markets across the nation.

For more information on Conspire!, visit www.conspire2hire.com.

About Conspire!
Lynette Crow founded Conspire! in 2003 to meet the testing needs of local businesses, which eventually inspired her to expand the business in a way that would impact an entire society. Crow has established herself as an expert in the industry and is routinely called upon as a resource for her community. Recognized as an expert in matters related to business ethics and corporate compliance, Crow maintains certification in OSHA, HIPPA and is a member of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals, the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association and is a board member for the Third Party Administration Consortium. Currently, Conspire! operates two locations in Colorado with two planned for Fort Worth, Texas and New Orleans, LA. Company plans call for more than 200 locations to open during the next two to three years across the nation. For more information, please visit www.conspire2hire.com.

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* U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Guiding You through the Maze of Online Advertising

As the Online Franchise Advertising Industry has continued to evolve, it's become clear there's a need for an advertising company that truly knows the "in's" and "out's" of each advertising portal and how to craft an effective and efficient advertising campaign using the sales goals of each concept, not one-size-fits-all.

Franchise In-Sites is here to help you get through the maze of providers and packages with plans customized for each client that are based upon their specific needs.

Our Strength is in our Experience and our Relationships; Our team is comprised of people who have been involved in the franchise industry in a variety of capacities including franchise advertising portal operation, franchise lead purchasing, and franchise sales. We have great relationships with our clients because we understand them and how to bring their goals to fruition. We have great relationships with the portals because we have done their job and understand what they need to do to get things done for you.

We Can:

- Create a Customized Advertising Campaign Based on Your Sales Goals
- Place You on the Right Sites in the Right Packages
- Garner Discounts on Your Exposure
- Gather Your Agreements
- Handle Content Creation
- Coordinate the Campaign Launch including Lead Testing
- Manage the Campaign in Real-tme
- Provide Monthly Analytics on Lead Source Performance
- Conduct Monthly Conference Calls to Discuss Results
- Make Quarterly Adjustments to the Campaign as Needed
- Provide Quality Resources for just about Anything you need in the Industry

Whether you choose to engage our placement services only or you decide to utilize our full campaign management services, your money is best spent when it is used to its fullest potential by people who know how to achieve the results.

Contact us today to make your advertising efforts as efficient and effective as possible. inquiries@franchiseinsites.com 800-467-8980

Inside the Maid Brigade Franchise Opportunity

Maid Brigade has decades of experience in franchising and continue to successfully grow their franchise concept. This video lays out the nuts and bolts behind that success. Check it out for yourself. http://youtu.be/8VGYToK6jYs

Franchise In-Sites Adds another All-Star

Franchise In-Sites recently added another all-star to their group of professionals. In late February, they brought Matt Walker onboard as the Director of Sales. "Matt is one of the few people left in this industry who was on the portal side from a site's inception through to the current environment," says David Gollahon, Founder & CEO. "He brings an understanding of the evolution of both franchise portal mechanics and customer support in this industry and we are lucky to have him onboard."

Walker was formerly employed with Landmark Communications, having been the Senior Account Representative for FranchiseAdvantage.com and BusinessBroker.net during the creation of the site, through Landmark’s acquisition and for four years following that transition. He joins Gollahon and Beth Schmitz-Biegler, Director of Client & Media Relations, whose previous experience includes roles as Director of Marketing at both FranNet and Kitchen Tune-Up.

Walker can be reached at matt@franchiseinsites.com or (800) 467-8980.

About Franchise In-Sites – The company provides online advertising placement, campaign management and sales analytics for a wide-range of smart franchise clients including The Entrepreneur's Source, Always Best Care Senior Services, Maid Brigade, IKOR USA, Grout Doctor, and others. More information can be found at www.franchiseinsites.com.

Down Economy Leaves The Grout Doctor® Positioned for Success

Disclosure: Grout Doctor is one of my clients through Franchise In-Sites

Grout Doctor Ranked in Franchise Business Review’s Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2011

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – (February 3, 2011) – The Grout Doctor®, the most experienced, respected and recognized brand in the tile and grout maintenance business, was recently named one of Franchise Business Review’s Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities for 2011. In the down economy hundreds of franchises went out of business, weeding out the unproven business models, leaving only the strongest franchises positioned for growth as the economy recovers. The Grout Doctor® continues to stand strong, positioned for success.

The Grout Doctor® renews existing grout, tile and natural stone to its original beauty. Founded in 1992, The Grout Doctor® is the longest established national franchise in the industry with an unmatched support system. Not only are they setting the standards for the industry, but The Grout Doctor® founder created it. An experienced, well established franchisor saves its franchisees time and money. Without the overhead of real estate, pricey retail locations, or large product inventories, The Grout Doctor® provides a strong, low cost franchise opportunity for 2011.

The Grout Doctor® is built upon real consumer demand: anywhere there is tile, there’s a need for dedicated grout care. Grout Doctor’s niche of exclusively providing grout, tile and stone care by highly qualified specialists is expected to stay in high demand, according to the Floor Covering Weekly, 2010 Statistical Report. Additionally, the report shows that, residential replacement and repair of ceramic tile made up 30.2% of ceramic tile’s end use of the 2.28 billion dollar market. It is expected to lead the tile industry’s growth in 2011, proving The Grout Doctor business opportunity to be a solid opportunity for 2011.

“If you are anything like me at the stage of life I was at when I found The Grout Doctor®, know that it is a perfect opportunity with a huge customer base, low overhead, flexible hours, home-based, employees are optional and it meets all your needs,” said Wayne Gregson, Franchisee.
According to Franchise Business Review’s 2011 Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunities, the turn in the economy has left a stronger, more stable franchise space. They answer the big question, is now a good time to start a business? Their answer is a resounding “Yes!” They based their answer on the 2011 Top Low Cost Franchise Opportunity list and what their report shows in the franchise space.

The Grout Doctor® is expanding nationwide and currently has excellent territories available. For more information on obtaining a Top Low Cost Franchise, visit the web site at www.groutdoctor.com or call toll free 1-877-GROUT-00.