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Wix Creates Photography Blog to Power Up User Websites and Showcase Portfolios

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:11:03 +0000

There are currently over 4 million Wix users worldwide who are creating and editing their own websites with a simple drag and drop editorial process. A large portion of these users are photographers who use Wix to create photography websites for their portfolios and businesses. Design elements such as photo galleries, menus, buttons, shopping cart widgets and contact forms, Wix is ideal for building and customizing a free photography website. Always tuned-in to its user needs, Wix decided to devote some extra attention to one of its largest user communities. Enter the Wix Photography Blog.

This latest addition to Wix’s vibrant community offers several ways to improve photography websites. With video tutorials and how-to articles, users can learn how to take full advantage of Wix’s free website editor to enhance the quality and composition of their websites. There are also photography how-to tips, and links to popular photography websites and resources.

One of the greatest perks of Wix Photography is the platform it provides for users to share their work with others. Each week a different Wix photographer is featured in the “Photographer Zoom” section, with an Inside the Actors Studio-style questionnaire and links to the photographer’s website. There is also a “Photo of the Day” post with samples of work from a different user’s photography Flash website each day. Both of these features provide excellent opportunities for photographers to display their work to many, and increase the traffic to their sites. Wix users can also submit their work to be reviewed by in-house design experts, and receive feedback on the presentation and design of their sites.

The blog is a great way place for users to gain inspiration, share tips and knowledge, and even meet potential business partners. Editor-in-chief of the Wix Photography blog, Talya Fuksman, sums it all up: “We created Wix Photography as a place for aspiring and professional photographers alike to gain inspiration and learn how to improve their sites, not just from Wix but also fellow photographers and designers. Additionally, the blog provides a platform for users to gain exposure to the online community and showcase their work on a much larger level. It’s a very exciting opportunity for newbies and seasoned pros alike, to generate more traffic to their sites and new leads. ”

Interested photographers can apply at the blog to get their work featured in a “Photo of the Day” or “Photographer Zoom” post. Those who would like to contribute to Wix Photography by guest blogging are welcome to submit writing samples through the blog.

www.Wix.com was created in 2006 and released the beta version of its web editing software on June 26, 2008. Company headquarters are in New York, and satellite offices are in Tel Aviv. Wix is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Mangrove Capital Partners and Benchmark Capital.

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NASP Offers Educational Programs Online

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 00:54:06 +0000

The National Association for Shoplifting Prevention (NASP), the nation’s leader in shoplifting prevention initiatives, now is offering their most effective self-help programs online: For Adults – Shoplifters Alternative Course (SA Course), and For Youth – Youth Educational Shoplifting Program (Y.E.S.). The Y.E.S. Program has been available online since the beginning of this year. How effective are these educational programs? According to a study conducted by the Superior Court of Washington for King County, of the 1,040 juvenile shoplifting offenders who enrolled in the Y.E.S. Program between January 2004 and December 2007, 94.7% were not re-arrested for shoplifting!

What Is The Secret To NASP’s Success?
Studies have found that while prosecuting shoplifting crimes may satisfy a debt to society, an educational component must be a part of the equation in order to effectively reduce the recidivism rate (the rate at which shoplifters will re-offend).

Unlike many other loss prevention programs, NASP’s programs are based on comprehensive research of shoplifting offenders. NASP data bears out that shoplifting often is a maladaptive way for people to cope with the stresses in their lives, a similar psychology to drinking, drug use or overeating. The NASP approach delivers these much-needed self-help programs directly to shoplifters, helping them to understand their actions while empowering them to change their behavior.

Why We Should All Care About Shoplifting Prevention
According to loss prevention industry statistics, over 27 million people, including adults and juveniles, steal from retailers annually. This translates to approximately 550,000 shoplifting incidents per day and results in over $13 billion in goods stolen every year. These losses affect everyone: retailers who often are forced to cut back their staff and raise their prices, consumers who ultimately must pay more as a result, and local governments that lose state sales tax revenue and in turn raise taxes to compensate for it. Additionally, shoplifting imposes an unwelcome burden on local police and the courts.

About The Programs
The SA Course and Y.E.S. Program are available online and in both English and Spanish on audio CD. The programs help shoplifters understand why they steal through interactive questions and answers. Aside from helping shoplifters of all ages to change their behavior, enrollment in these programs also demonstrates a shoplifter’s commitment to taking responsibility for his or her actions – something the courts view favorably. The cost of enrollment is $75.

About NASP
Since its inception in 1977, NASP’s ongoing collaboration with law enforcement, criminal and juvenile justice, the retail industry and local communities has been the basis for its programs and services. For over 30 years, NASP has been setting the shoplifting prevention standard with its research-based, results-driven educational intervention programs, and has helped to significantly reduce the shoplifting recidivism rate.

For more information, or to sign up for NASP’s SA Course for Adults (in English or Spanish) or Y.E.S. Program for Youth, visit http://www.shopliftingprevention.org. Or call toll-free: 1-800-848-9595.

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Steinway Artist Harry Connick, Jr. and Big Easy Musicians Perform at 2010 Governor’s Ball at The White House

admin — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 18:40:21 +0000

Harry Connick Jr.

Steinway Artist Harry Connick, Jr. and his band performed at the 2010 Governor’s Ball hosted by President and Mrs. Obama on Sunday evening, February 21. Due to a packed East Room of the White House, the usual piano that occupies the room (a 1938 Steinway Art Case piano) was replaced with a smaller Steinway Model O Grand piano that was provided by Steinway Piano Gallery, Washington, D.C. for the event.

During the day, Connick, Jr. and his band performed for (and with) a group of Washington-area music students at a preview of the night’s event led by Mrs. Obama. Prior to the performance, Mrs. Obama paid tribute to Connick, Jr. for his humanitarian efforts in co-founding the Musicians’ Village, part of the New Orleans Habitat for Humanity rebuilding effort following Katrina.

On December 3, 2009, President Obama and a group of world-renowned performers were on hand for the National Tree Lighting Ceremony. In a tradition dating back to 1923, the President was on hand at the Ellipse near the White House to light the tree while bringing a message of peace and hope to the world.

For this year’s event, a group of talented performers were selected to perform, including Steinway Artist Brad Mehldau, Grammy award winner Sheryl Crow, hip-hop artist Common, country artist Ray LaMontagne, American Idol Jordin Sparks, jazz artist Joshua Redman, and the all-female music ensemble Celtic Woman.

All of the event’s performers who played piano or had piano accompaniment used a Steinway Model D concert grand piano (identification number CD-381) that is part of Steinway’s famed bank of Concert & Artist pianos stationed around the world at Steinway dealers. The piano was delivered from Steinway Piano Gallery in Washington, DC for the event and technicians spent over 9 hours preparing the piano so it would be in perfect playing condition for the performances.

2010 Governor’s Ball at The White House

Steinway and the White House have a long and storied history. In 1903, the 100,000th Steinway grand piano was presented to the White House as a gift. It was featured in the East Room of the White House until 1938, when it was replaced by the 300,000th Steinway grand — an Art Case piano with gilt American Eagle supports that is undoubtedly the most famous piano in the White House. The 1938 grand piano is still featured in the East Room (and sometimes in the Entrance Hall) of the White House. The original 1903 grand piano now resides in the Smithsonian Museum.

The next stop for the Steinway concert grand piano used at the National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. It is one of three Steinway grand pianos that are being provided for the Kennedy Center Honors Program, which will be televised on CBS, Tuesday, December 29 at 9 p.m. EST.

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The Scent of Online Success: A New Option for Purchasing Perfumes and Colognes Online

admin — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 17:07:14 +0000

A new option for purchasing perfumes and colognes online at fantastic discount prices is set to go live just in time for the busy holiday shopping season. Scott Forde, Internet Marketing Director for perfumesandcolognesonline.com had said about the new marketplace, “We are not only proud to feature what we consider one of the largest selections of authentic brand name fragrances, but we are also confident that our competitive discount pricing is quite possibly the best value to be found on the Internet.”

Perfumesandcolognesonline.com offers only 100% authentic brand name perfumes and colognes, and promises a huge selection of popular and harder to find fragrances. Their extensive inventory is offered at 10-30% off retail prices, with regular specials on popular brand name perfumes and colognes.

“We also take pride in our commitment to excellent customer service,” said Forde, “and strive to ensure all customers are fully satisfied with our speedy and efficient order fulfillment.”

There is currently ample competition amongst retailers selling men’s and women’s perfumes and colognes online, but an impressive product selection of brand name fragrances, coupled with competitive prices and reliable service will help perfumesandcolognesonline.com gain a strong foothold in the online retail perfume industry.

Forde encourages consumers to visit the site and see for themselves that perfumesandcolognesonline.com is the best option for purchasing men’s and women’s fragrances online this holiday season and any time of year. After experiencing the best prices on brand name perfumes and colognes, exceptional customer service, and an inventory that rivals many competitors, consumers are bound to be “100% satisfied with their online shopping experience,” Forde said.

Company Information:

Scott Forde

Perfumes and Colognes Online

Marketing Director

30 Oser Ave, Hauppauge, NY 11788

1-800-978-3417

sforde@wmarketers.com

Perfumes and Colognes Online.com

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Japan’s economy slumps as global gloom spreads

admin — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:23:53 +0000

TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan sank deeper into recession with its worst quarterly contraction since the oil crisis in the 1970s, its reliance on exports and soft domestic demand dragging down the world’s second-largest economy.

Hillary Clinton, in Tokyo on her first trip abroad as U.S. secretary of state, said Asia and the United States must fight the global crisis together.

The U.S.-Japanese relationship was founded on a “commitment to our shared security and prosperity, but we also know that we have to work together to address the global financial crisis,” she said.

The grim Japanese figures, coupled with disappointment over the lack of coordinated action from the G7 and worries about bank rescue plans, pushed down European shares by 1.4 percent in thin trade, with U.S. markets closed and lighter UK volumes due to holidays. [nLG79960]

U.S. oil prices dipped below $37 a barrel as the raft of gloomy economic data underscored falling oil demand worldwide. Oil prices have dropped by more than 70 percent from their peak at almost $150 per barrel last year.

The pessimism extended to Latin America. At midday, Mexico’s peso weakened 0.65 percent as appetite for riskier emerging market assets waned. Brazilian stocks and currency declined in thin trade as investors awaited details on a U.S. government economic plan.

In Canada, factory shipments sank a record 8 percent in December from a month earlier, far steeper than analysts had projected, boosting predictions that the central bank would once again trim interest rates.

In Rome, G7 financial leaders, fearing a 1930s-style resurgence in protectionism, pledged at the weekend to do all they could to fight recession.

“The outlook for the global and euro area economy in 2009 appears dismal,” said European Central Bank Governing Council member George Provopoulos. “The current crisis is the biggest since the 1930s and exiting from it will not be easy or quick.”

At the Italian parliament, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defended the United States against accusations of protectionism, following concerns about a “Buy American” provision in the U.S. economic stimulus plan.

“Somewhere in the mix of things, someone has decided that America has become, is becoming, more protectionist. I don’t think that is the case,” she said.

In the United States, President Barack Obama will sign on Tuesday the $787 billion stimulus package which is hoped will save or create 3.5 million jobs.

FURTHER ACTION

The Bank of England said it would probably have to take further action to boost Britain’s waning economy but recovery could start later in the year.

“A sharp contraction in activity, both here and abroad, is already baked into the cake for the first half of this year,” Deputy Governor Charles Bean said.

Falling demand forced German car maker BMW to announce it was shedding 850 jobs and cutting back production of the Mini at its factory near Oxford.

European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet warned policymakers they must avoid sowing the seeds of future crises in their efforts to revive economies.

Decisions made today should “not lay the ground for similar disorder in the future,” he told European parliamentarians.

In India, the government said spending may have to rise sharply this year to shield the economy from the global credit crunch. The announcement in an interim budget worried investors, and credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s said it planned to review the country’s domestic debt rating.

Singapore Airlines said it planned to cut capacity by 11 percent in the year from April amid waning travel and cargo demand.

The German government is considering emergency measures to rescue the stricken bank Hypo Real Estate, whose shares have fallen by 97 percent over the last 18 months.

In Europe, the Czech Republic approved an economic stimulus package, Hungary announced plans to reform its tax code to help boost the economy, and Bulgaria said its economic growth nearly halved in last year’s fourth quarter.

The widening economic crisis in Russia has sparked a wave of violent crime in Moscow that started last month, said the city’s chief prosecutor.

GLOBAL CRISIS

Even though Japan has been relatively insulated from the collapse of the U.S. credit and housing markets that precipitated the global downturn, Economics Minister Kaoru Yosano said his country faced its worst economic crisis since World War Two.

With demand for its cars and electronics waning, an unprecedented slump in exports saw Japan’s economy shrink by 3.3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2008, or an annual rate of 12.7 percent, marking three straight quarters of contraction and its worst result since the first oil crisis in 1974.

Japanese investors had largely factored in a big fall in GDP, limiting losses after the data was released.

The Nikkei share average fell 0.4 percent. But the yen rose against other major currencies after the G7 financial chiefs made no specific mention of the strength of the Japanese currency.

Adding to the Japanese government’s woes, Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa faced calls for his resignation after denying he was drunk at a G7 news conference. He said he had taken too much cough medicine.

In the United States, administration officials said President Obama would form a task force to oversee the restructuring of the ailing U.S. auto industry.

General Motors Corp and Chrysler LLC are due to submit new turnaround plans by Tuesday showing they can be made viable again after receiving $13.4 billion in emergency aid last year.

Negotiators for GM and the United Auto Workers union were making progress in talks aimed at trimming the automaker’s costs and debt, a person familiar with the matter told Reuters. GM wants concessions from the union and debt holders as required under the terms of the government aid package.

(Additional reporting by Sumeet Desai in Rome, Elaine Lees in Tokyo, Martha Graybow in New York, Kevin Krolicki in Detroit, and Reuters bureau around the world; Writing by Giles Elgood; Editing by Jon Boyle and Matthew Lewis)

By Yuzo Saeki

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KIA MOTORS AMERICA INTRODUCES ALL-NEW KIA FORTE

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:21:03 +0000

CHICAGO, Feb. 11, 2009 /PRNewswire/— On the heels of announcing the all-new Kia Soul, Kia Motors America (KMA) today introduced the all-new 2010 Kia Forte (pronounced for-tay) compact sedan at the 2009 Chicago Auto Show. Forte blends Kia’s exciting new design direction under the tutelage of Peter Schreyer, Kia Motors’ chief design officer, with a multitude of standard features. The 2010 Kia Forte will go on sale in North America in late spring or early summer of 2009.

Style in Motion

Sporting stylish and aggressive design cues, the new Forte firmly establishes itself as a strong contender in its segment. Available in three trim levels (LX, EX and SX), Forte offers a sleek, sophisticated design. The sportier SX trim offers a more athletic profile with 17-inch alloy wheels paired with P215/45R17-sized premium tires and a rear spoiler.

Smooth and Comfortable Ride

With a wheelbase of 104.3 inches, an overall length of 178.3 inches, an overall width of 69.9 inches and overall height of 57.5 inches, Forte offers one of the roomiest interiors in its class with seating for up to five passengers. The Kia-engineered body achieves high torsional stiffness giving Forte better handling, smoother ride quality and greater refinement than its competitors, with a specially tuned suspension adjusted perfectly for responsive handling on curvy roads.

Built on a front-wheel-drive unibody frame, Forte utilizes an independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a stabilizer bar and a torsion beam rear suspension with struts and coil springs. This combination helps provide the optimal balance of handling and comfort. An engine-speed-sensitive, power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering system adds the finishing touch for precise handling by providing the most advantageous amount of assist for varying road conditions. In keeping with the sporty essence of the SX model line, a sport-tuned suspension gives the chassis a firmer feel and responsiveness resulting in a sportier and more spirited ride.

Attractive and Practical Interior

Forte boasts a class-leading¹ 96.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, while driver and passengers have an impressive 40.0 inches of headroom and 43.3 inches of legroom in the front seats and 37.8 inches of headroom and 35.0 inches of legroom in the rear seats. Forte’s trunk also offers an impressive 14.7 cubic feet of cargo space, one of the largest in its class.

EX and SX models offer a number of additional standard luxurious touches including: power windows and door locks; remote keyless entry; air conditioning; map lamps; steering wheel-mounted audio and cruise controls; and dual front and rear cup holders. Forte EX and SX models also include standard cruise control with an optional sunroof and leather-trimmed seats. Also standard on SX models is a telescoping steering column and sport cloth seats adorned with red stitching.

Peppy Performance

Forte LX and EX are powered by a 2.0-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, producing 156 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque, that features Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) and multi-port electronic fuel injection, both of which provide for greater performance and fuel economy. The SX features an upgraded 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder engine, also with CVVT, which delivers 173 horsepower – more than the most powerful versions of the Toyota Corolla² or even the 2010 Mazda3.

Two transmission options are offered for the 2010 Forte: a standard five-speed manual transmission or an optional electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission (LX and EX models). The SX model features a standard six-speed manual transmission and an optional five-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic®.

Music that Moves

Forte comes with a standard four speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system outfitted with SIRIUS Satellite Radio capabilities with three months complimentary service³. Standard on all models is an auxiliary audio input jack and USB port for connecting personal MP3 players. Standard Bluetooth® connectivity enables hands-free operation for compatible cell phones

Standard Kia Motors Safety

Forte offers a class-leading level of standard safety equipment, with features such as active front headrests, advanced two-stage airbags, front seat-mounted and side curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with an antilock brake system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), a traction control system (TCS), and a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

1Based on information available for 2009MY models
2Based on information available for 2009MY models
3Customers must renew SIRIUS subscription after trial period if they wish to retain service

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Toyota Takes Further Measures To Reduce North American Production

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 06:17:32 +0000

ERLANGER, Ky., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ — Toyota is implementing additional measures at its North American manufacturing plants designed to further reduce production in the midst of the worst automotive slump in decades. The new actions are consistent with the company’s philosophy of making every effort to protect jobs during the sales downturn.

“We’ve taken responsible, step-by-step actions to address this issue in recent months, and we hope the new measures will help us adjust while protecting jobs,” said Jim Wiseman, vice president of external affairs for Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA). “This philosophy of shared sacrifice is the best approach for us, and hopefully will make us a stronger company in the long term.”

    In previous moves, TEMA:
     -- scheduled periodic non-production days as needed, but protected jobs
        by providing training and plant improvement activities;
     -- established a hiring freeze;
     -- eliminated overtime;
     -- suspended capital spending.

    But the ongoing downturn necessitates additional steps:
     -- some additional non-production days in April, varying from plant to
        plant;
     -- strong possibility of reduced work/pay weeks, known as "work sharing,"
        at some plants.  Production team members at affected plants would work
        and be paid 72 hours instead of 80 during the two-week pay period;
     -- executive and salaried bonuses eliminated;
     -- executive pay cuts;
     -- production team member bonuses reduced;
     -- voluntary exit program for team members who wish to pursue other
        opportunities;
     -- no wage increases for the foreseeable future.

SOURCE Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.

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NeboWeb Reports Record Year in 2008 Despite Economic Turbulence

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:59:50 +0000

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB via PRWebDirect) February 9, 2009 — NeboWeb, an Atlanta-based interactive marketing agency experienced record growth in 2008, ending the year with a nearly 30% increase in revenue as compared to 2007. The uptick in revenue was driven primarily from growth in three core areas, including its web design, search engine marketing, and web application development services.

Other 2008 milestones included a relocation to a larger, two floor office space, being awarded fourteen web design and development awards, and being recognized as a Top Ten SEO Firm by Promotion World in 2008. In addition to the accolades, NeboWeb launched signature interactive projects and added several key clients such as the Not on Tobacco site sponsored by the CDC and American Lung Association, the Scanstation 2 microsite for Leica Geosystems, RevaleSkin Spain, and many others as featured in NeboWeb’s interactive portfolio.

“2008 was a challenging year for many firms and we are privileged to have grown at the rate that we did,” says Brian Easter, CEO of NeboWeb. “We feel fortunate to have great clients, talented and dedicated employees, and a rich history of helping our clients achieve success.”

NeboWeb expects to continue its five years of consecutive growth in 2009. With a new website on the horizon, a new, improved version of its Web 2.0 content management system framework, and several key client additions, the interactive firm has high expectations for 2009. To learn more NeboWeb, visit NeboWeb.com or call 1.404.885.1201.

About NeboWeb
NeboWeb is a full service interactive marketing agency that offers a broad range of web presence solutions for large to enterprise level organizations. By delivering brilliant strategy through a dedicated and experienced team of interactive experts, NeboWeb helps clients develop and implement successful online strategies. NeboWeb’s interactive marketing services range from complete interactive marketing engagements to standalone projects such as Web Design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Pay Per Click Management (PPC), Interactive Ad Creation, Ecommerce Development, Online Public Relations and more. For more information on NeboWeb, visit NeboWeb.com or call 1-888-NeboWeb.

Contact NeboWeb:
Kimm Lincoln
Media Relations
NeboWeb
1.888.NeboWeb
1.404.885.1201

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One Way Furniture Reaches Top 50 Inc.com List

admin — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 05:41:23 +0000

(PRLEAP.COM) One Way Furniture, Inc. (www.onewayfurniture.com), an online home furnishings retailer, has announced it has reached the most prestigious Top 50 list according to Inc.com. Selected by percentage of growth over 5 years, Inc.com has selected One Way Furniture for its impressive growth from 2002 through 2006. For the first time, the online retailer is making its strides in becoming one the Internets fastest growing e-tailers.

“One Way Furniture has been established as a top online home furniture and Office Furniture company based on our customers loyalty and vote of confidence. We recognize our customer’s needs and realize that customers come back to us for great prices, tremendous technology, and fanatical customer service. We just expanded into one of our fastest growing categories Home Theater Seating. We deliver the new products, offer great service, and provide exceptional support that our customers expect.” said Mitchell Lieberman, president and CEO of One Way Furniture. “The internet is the most competitive market place, and ultimately it will be determined by survival of the fittest. We have dedicated team with a commitment to the company’s vision to set itself apart from the pack and think way outside the box.”

One Way Furniture has a unique custom designed back end system, Order Harbor. Timely ship date estimates, sale analysis, real-time order tracking, and all the trimmings of a top engineered system, Order Harbor with its innovation on ecommerce is part of the company’s large success. “We owe much of our success to Order Harbor and our development team. Order Harbor is a testament to our vision of thinking outside the box. We have developed the finest tools to communicate and understand our customers.” “We are all very excited about the future. One Way Furniture is becoming more of a common name with people. With a creative team innovating Internet retail from the back end with Order Harbor to the frontlines of what the customer sees in the browser, we are prepared to take One Way Furniture to the next level,” added Lieberman.

One Way Furniture was also ranked 37 in its market, Home Furnishings by Internet Retailer Magazine.

For additional information on the new partnership, contact One Way Furniture CEO, Mitchell Lieberman.

ABOUT ONE WAY FURNITURE—One Way Furniture an online furniture store on the web that is based out of Long Island, NY. Their store features furniture pieces for the home, office and commercial setting in many styles. Free shipping is standard at One Way Furniture as is fast and efficient delivery. Check them out at www.OneWayFurniture.com

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