Restaurant owners seeking to deliver online ordering capabilities used to have to turn to custom application developers who would put together a specific package to support online ordering from their respective websites. While the custom approach worked for the most part, many were rigid and unable to quickly adapt to a dynamic restaurant that sought to align itself with the changes in customer preferences. Moreover, the touch points were limited to the website, unable to provide mobile-friendly interfaces for customers on the go. Finally, these custom systems were expensive and difficult to maintain. With the advent of more powerful mobility devices and the adoption reaching critical mass, the time was right for a new kind of restaurant app, one that is easily customizable, affordable and dynamic enough to align with changes in restaurant and customer tastes.

Enter ChowNow, the restaurant app of choice for restaurants seeking an online food ordering system that is social media and mobility friendly. Well received by restaurants and customers alike, ChowNow is a much needed evolution that is founded on the principle that states: in order to get the customers, you have to be visible to them wherever they go. In today’s world, that translates to social media and the ubiquitous mobile devices in addition to traditional web sites. ChowNow delivers capabilities that allow restaurants to be front and center, a click or tap away from potential customers. By making it easy for the customers to engage, ChowNow has the potential to increase restaurant business by tapping into repeat as well as new customers. Restaurants know that the most efficient way to sustain their business is through repeat customers, and what better way to have them coming back for more than to make it easy for them to engage and order online.

We have made it easy for restaurants to engage with their online audience by allowing their customers to order directly through their Facebook page. We also help the restaurants grow their brand by creating custom apps designed specifically for their restaurant that can be downloaded on any Apple or Android device,” explains Jason Iseman, Director of Marketing for ChowNow. “Restaurants simply send us their menu, and we take it from there. We will produce Facebook app, mobile apps and an ordering page for their website. We will help restaurants get familiar with their new system, and even help them promote their new capability.”

Unlike most services, Property Web Pro takes a holistic approach to helping their clients realise success online. It begins with a thorough assessment of their client’s current online presence and conducting refinements to enable their clients to interact with their potential customers. Following that they analyse the competition landscape and design an approach that maximises their client’s potential for success online. Only after they have laid out a fact-based strategy will Property Web Pro undertake tactical measures to begin a marketing campaign for their clients. It is this incisive, thoughtful approach to internet marketing for estate agents that separates Property Web Pro from the rest.

The breadth of services that Property Web Pro brings to the table allows them to address a wide range of client needs ranging from web design to relationship management to search engine optimization. By offering a full complement of services under one roof, Property Web Pro gives their clients the peace of mind that any proposed campaign will have taken into account the multitude of factors that contribute to online success.

Businesses understand that if they fail to attract enough customers to exceed their break-even point, shutdown will be inevitable. Ultimately all businesses must have a steady flow of repeat and new customers; consequently, Property Web Pro designs their campaigns specifically with that end in mind. Property Web Pro understands that success is not simply a matter of increased traffic, but rather a function of the number of actual paying customers. In online marketing parlance, it is called targeted or converting traffic, and PropertyWebPro specialises in delivering such traffic.

Most businesses have neither the time nor the expertise to manage their online marketing campaigns effectively. Fortunately, this gap can be addressed by online marketing specialists such as Property Web Pro, who are uniquely qualified to handle the search engine affairs of estate agents, and they have legions of clients who can attest to their efficacy.

“We understand where qualified traffic can be found and how to funnel it to our clients,” explains Nadia of PropertyWebPro. “We specifically target interested customers to help maximise conversion for our clients, and we leverage the power of social media in addition to traditional search engine optimisation to help the campaign realise success.”

Clients have been very complimentary and attribute their success in large part to Property Web Pro’s estate agent SEO services. “Nadia went above and beyond to make this campaign the best it could be for my situation. The extra effort really paid off in an immediate boost in traffic (that I didn’t expect),” explains one recent client.

Manhattan is a fast paced nexus of all things contemporary and is unique in its ways. Predictably, real estate transactions in this part of the world are equally unique, moving at break neck speed and commanding a premium in prices, typically a minimum of seven figures. Locals have surrendered the art of the deal to specialists such as the Bouklis Group, wisely leaving the action in the hands of those who do it best. The time and resources necessary to undertake a real estate transaction in New York can easily become overwhelming. More importantly, the options and alternatives are difficult to line up to say the least, and it takes a dedicated expert to navigate the market adroitly, and this is exactly the specialty of the Bouklis Group. They bring Manhattan to the buyer.

Luxury apartments in Manhattan are a coveted commodity and it takes a connected agent to find the best deals on the island. Manhattan dwellers will be quick to point out that there are profound differences among luxury apartments, and it takes a true expert to quickly discern those differences that may not be readily apparent at first glance. The collective experience of the staff of the Bouklis Group enables them to assemble the right collection of property from which their buyers or renters can choose, saving their clients time and money while ensuring they gain access to the absolute best that Manhattan and adjacent locations can provide.

Ultimately, whether their clients are looking to buy or rent luxury apartments in Manhattan, or are specifically interested in a financial district rental, the Bouklis Group has the expertise to guide them through the Manhattan real estate market and ensure that they secure the best possible deal. “We are able to consistently deliver exceptional service a result of our collective experience and comprehensive access to assets that allow us to provide the breadth and depth of real estate options to our discerning clientele. Our recently launched web site provides a narrative of the full spectrum of services we offer,” explains Tom Bouklis of The Bouklis Group.

Harris Lake Marketing recently launched a new website with the intent to deliver timely and accurate information in support of shoppers and potential buyers in their quest to become more informed about fuels efficient SUVs available in the market today. To produce the information site, Harris Lake conducted first hand research and compiled authoritative information on the SUV market specifically and the transportation industry in general. They synthesized their findings into an easy to use information site that is packed with useful information and is a breeze to navigate. Pilot users have praised the site’s comprehensiveness and accuracy in depicting the transportation landscape.

The compact, aerodynamic Honda CRV is a crossover SUV that has been available in the American market since 1996. Since its introduction, it has ushered numerous features that make it a virtual champion of convenience. Today’s model feature lightweight lift-up tailgates, which makes it much easier for drivers to load and unload their CRV. High end features such as rear privacy glass contribute to a more upscale driving experience which is often lacking in other compact SUVs in its class. A true favorite, the Honda CRV is a market leading fuel efficient SUV that has proven year after year that a roomy, comfortable people mover need not be a hulking Detroit box that consumes fuel unmercifully.

It wasn’t that long ago that the terms “fuel efficient” and SUV were mutually exclusive. Thanks to well thought-out compact SUVs such as the Honda CRV, consumers can have both. Fuel efficient SUVs are a reality in today’s automobile industry, with the Honda CRV leading the charge. “In our research, we found that many consumers have legitimate reasons for wanting to drive an SUV rather than, say, a small subcompact; however, consumers of today are not only economically savvy, but they are also environmentally astute. Because of that, they are increasingly turning to fuel efficient SUVs to meet their needs in a responsible manner,” explains E. Neher of Harris lake Marketing.

“AAA is projecting a decrease in the number of Labor Day travelers as some Americans react to recent economic uncertainty and increasing air fares,” said Glen MacDonell, director, AAA Travel Services. “While automobile travel is expected to increase slightly, if recent declines in gasoline prices continue through Labor Day, we could see an increase in last-minute holiday weekend travel.”

The decrease in expected travelers is a result of a mixed economic outlook, consumer uncertainty regarding the overall economy, and recent downturns in economic factors that affect discretionary income, which is particularly relevant to the travel and tourism industry. Real disposable income is up just 1.3 percent, which is being offset by the travel price index rising 6.7 percent since last year, due primarily to rising transportation costs. The housing market remains depressed, with new and existing home prices down 2.4 percent and 3.4 percent, respectively.

AAA’s projections are based on economic forecasting and research by IHS Global Insight. The Boston-based economic research and consulting firm teamed with AAA in 2009 to jointly analyze travel trends during the major holidays. AAA has been reporting on holiday travel trends for more than two decades. The complete AAA / IHS Global Insight 2011 Labor Day Holiday Travel Forecast can be found at AAA.com/news.

Approximately 27.3 million people (87 percent of holiday travelers) plan to take to the nation’s roadways this Labor Day holiday weekend. This is a slight increase of 0.5 percent from the 27.2 million Labor Day 2010 auto travelers, and a three percent increase in the share of total holiday travelers from last year’s 84 percent. Automobile travel remains the dominant mode of holiday transportation.

Almost 2.5 million leisure travelers (eight percent of holiday travelers) will fly during the Labor Day holiday weekend, a 1.9 percent decrease from 2010. Rising fuel costs, combined with steady air travel demand, have resulted in rising airfares over the past few months. According to AAA’s Leisure Travel Index, Labor Day airfares are expected to be 13 percent higher than last year with an average lowest round-trip rate of $202 for the top 40 U.S. air routes. Increasing airfares and fees are factors contributing to the decline in air travel, the first expected decline for a major travel holiday in 2011 as forecast by AAA.

Other modes of travel (trains, watercraft, multi-modal travel) will make up the remaining five percent of total person-trips (1.7 million travelers), down from the 2010 share of eight percent, but well above the four percent seen in 2009. Travel via these modes is extremely volatile from year to year, with 2011′s 34 percent decline in expected travelers falling well within historical averages. These modes are more highly utilized by those within lower income brackets, and as such, are highly sensitive to changes in disposable income as well as the travelers’ confidence in the economy and their finances. Consumer confidence in the economy has been trending down in recent months, and according to a survey of traveler intentions, the share of travelers from the lower income bracket is expected to decline from 41 percent in 2010 to 37 percent in 2011. This combination of factors has resulted in the steep decline in travel via these modes forecast for this holiday period.

“We always felt that Detroit was a football town,” said WXYZ-TV Vice President and General Manager, Ed Fernandez. “This confirms the passion and excitement that the viewers of Detroit have for Lions Football. We’re thrilled to be partners with the Detroit Lions and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of this exciting Detroit Lions season.”

WXYZ will broadcast the final Detroit Lions preseason game on Thursday, September 1, at 6:30 p.m. The game will be followed by a special post game show.

Paul Budnitz, best known as the founder and creator of art-toy specialty brand Kidrobot, has officially launched Paul Budnitz Bicycles, a premium bicycle brand specializing in unique high-end urban bicycles.

“I’m making the most elegant, lightest, and fastest city bikes in the world,” says Budnitz, “a bicycle as stylish as a vintage Aston Martin, created with only the best parts and designed to look beautiful and last a lifetime”.

An artist and entrepreneur with over a dozen designs in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, Budnitz began creating bicycles when he couldn’t find what he wanted on the market. This lead to deep immersion in bicycle science and extensive prototyping.

Produced in small runs and for sale for the first time today, Model No.1 is a lightening fast titanium commuting bicycle with lines that recall a vintage motorcycle. No.2 is a titanium play bike for adults with super-fat tires, and a smaller rear wheel that optimizes acceleration.

Both models feature Budnitz’ unique trademark split-tube Cantilever Frame™, optimized to absorb road shock and provide a quick, responsive ride in a city environment. They also feature Gates Carbon Belts instead of chains, and handmade components adapted from top-end racing bikes.

“Bicycles cut down on health insurance costs, are a lot quieter than cars, and enhance community. I’m creating striking bicycles that last forever and have an an objective elegance to them that makes the rider feel as beautiful as the bicycle,” says Budnitz.

The base price for both models is $5500.

Paul Budnitz Bicycles are sold exclusively online at http://budnitzbicycles.com.

Pools are wonderful attractions to friends and family alike, a welcome respite from the daily grind for adults, and for children, an exciting way to have an enjoyable care free moment under the sun. However, unlike most home entertainment pieces, the pool requires consistent maintenance in order to sustain safety and economic considerations. An unmaintained pool will sooner or later result in unpleasant costs for owners when they decide to use the pool, only to find out that it is not in any condition for humans to frolic in. Maintenance, when carefully planned out, is neither difficult nor necessarily costly. The key is to employ quality swimming pool supplies on a regimented basis, and not to break with recommended maintenance schedules.

Swimming pool supplies such as swimming pool covers and all sorts of pool-specific implements are the specialty of 1800Pools. Swimming pool supplies vendor 1800Pools has been a trusted partner of pool owners and pool maintenance since the company splashed onto the scene several years ago. Their hard won loyalty has been predicated on delivering the right products and backing it up with exceptional customer service that is quite frankly is second to none. 1800Pools has proven to be a one-stop shop for everything pool related, and their commitment to delivering only the best is evidenced by their efforts to constantly revamp the products they offer in order to stay in alignment with customer needs.

1800Pools encourages their customers to protect their pools year round, not only for maintenance purposes, but also for safety reasons. An unmaintained pool can host microorganisms and bacteria that can prove to be harmful to humans. But beyond that, safety products such as swimming pool covers protect the young ones and even untrained pets from venturing into a dangerous environment. Young children can accidentally fall into a pool with catastrophic results. Cats, dogs and other pets can also find themselves in the water with no idea on how to get out. A swimming pool cover alleviates such concerns, and is a small investment towards family safety.

“Increasingly, the pool is becoming a focal point of family entertainment, but it is not exactly maintenance free and when left open, can become a concern for young ones and pets. Fortunately, with the proper use of swimming pool supplies and the implementation of a swimming pool cover, the aforementioned concerns can easily be mitigated,” explains Kris Bohnberger of 1800Pools.

About:
1800Pools offers a huge selection of pool and spa parts and supplies along with all the leisure related items to keep you enjoying your indoor and outdoor activities throughout the summer and all year long. During off-season swimming pool times, check out our Ice Rinks, Winter Fun, and Christmas Store categories.

Contact:
Kris Bohnberger
(site) http://www.1800pools.com
(email) kris@1800pools.com
(voice) +1-800-890-8185

The deteriorating economic landscape is forcing traditional businesses to rethink their approach to their business model; in particular, many are exploring what changes they can make to their procurement process in order to reduce cost while at the same time improve their time to market. The profit equation is rather simple on the surface; to maximize, an organization must decrease cost or increase revenue. Ideally, organizations should pursue both; however, that may be a practical impossibility in today’s environment. Thus, to increase profits, or to maintain profit levels in the face of dwindling revenues, organizations have been embarking on efficiency initiatives. These initiatives in action are being manifested in the increasing numbers of businesses procuring services through crowdsourcing outfits like Squadhelp.

Crowdsourcing, or expertsourcing as some around Squadhelp like to call it, has been a boon to businesses because of the flexibility it offers. Businesses in need of services need only launch a contest in Squadhelp, receive competing bids and proposals, and they simply pick a winner and presto, they have a service or a product that they need. Consider the implications: businesses are able to evaluate competing ideas for products and services, and they need only pay for the absolute cream of the crop. It is no secret that competition brings out the best in everybody, particularly when there is a monetary incentive awaiting at the other end. Consequently, businesses who sponsor contest at Squadhelp are the recipients of the best efforts of the expert service providers at Squadhelp.

Businesses who need immediate assistance can bypass the temporal nature of contests and head on down to a couple of Squadhelp marketplaces that launched earlier this year. Transactions in marketplaces are immediate, and the selection has been ripe with exemplary work produced by mainstay Squadhelp service providers who have been providing the brainpower behind both marketplaces. Developing a catchy, brandable domain name requires quite a bit of thought and a flair for the dramatic, traits that are in plenty supply at Squadhelp. Businesses are finding domain names that pop and resonate with their target market, and they can thank the Squadhelp domain marketplace service providers for that.

A recent success story involves a startup that came to Squadhelp to seek assistance in securing a catchy, brandable name for their consumer electronics online businesses. After running a contest on Squadhelp, the startup secured the name Sparkbuy.com. The company combined huge piles of structured data with an intuitive interface to help its users find the electronics widget with exactly the features they are looking for. Sparkbuy.com is an example a successful endeavor whose domain name needs were satisfied through a Squadhelp contest. The startup was so valuable that Google went ahead and acquired it just recently.

“We are finding that in these uncertain economic times, businesses are venturing away from their comfort zone, willing to try novel ideas in an effort to stay relevant and competitive in their respective markets. One of the things they are seriously examining is their procurement process, and to that end, they have been exploring all practical avenues from which to source products and services, and increasingly they are turning to crowdsourcing organizations like Squadhelp,” explains Rachel Shaw of Squadhelp.com.

About:
Helping small businesses accomplish their marketing and branding activities by crowd sourcing to an army of experts at a fraction of cost of hiring an agency.

Contact:
Rachel Shaw
(site) http://www.squadhelp.com
(email) rachel.shaw@squadhelp.com
(voice) +1-877-278-2010

Destination New South Wales has partnered with Hurley and Billabong to bring the Australian Open of Surfing to Manly Beach. At the U.S. Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California earlier this month, Destination New South Wales hosted a variety of eye-catching events, including a Sydney Surf Shack, a surprise flash mob full of Sydney enthusiasts wearing Manly Beach branded rash guards, and a larger than life sandcastle display of Sydney Australia’s iconic Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge along with a Manly Ferry leading visitors to the Australian Open of Surfing across Sydney Harbour to Manly Beach.

“The inaugural Australian Open of Surfing event in February 2012 will help establish Sydney and Manly Beach as world-class surfing and coastal lifestyle destinations,” said Justine Cooper, Director of Marketing and Communications at Destination New South Wales. “Manly Beach is without a doubt one of Sydney’s best beaches – and it will be truly great to showcase this beautiful beach and unique surf lifestyle to a global audience. Whether you’re a surfer or just love the lifestyle that goes along with it, the Australian Open of Surfing will showcase all that Manly Beach has to offer for the youth traveller.”

Sydney and New South Wales boast more than 100 years of surfing heritage and is in fact considered the birthplace of surf culture in Australia. The State of New South Wales contains nine National Surfing Reserves and with beaches less than 10 miles from the centre of Sydney, the state offers the most accessible coastline in Australia.

Manly Beach combines laid-back Australian surf culture with urban city lifestyle, complete with contemporary fashion boutiques, waterfront dining and an exciting and thriving nightlife.

Manly Beach offers more than great surf and dining, it is also home to many sporting and adventure activities from playing beach volleyball, exploring Manly’s harbor beaches and coves by kayak or paddle board, learning to surf, or searching for Humpback and Southern Right Whales – it’s all available at Manly Beach.

For the more urban and leisure oriented traveler, high end shopping and vintage boutiques, sight-seeing, and museums such as the Manly Art Gallery and Museum are all within walking distance from the soft sand. Find local artists, photographers, fashion, jewelry and textiles at the Manly markets on Saturdays and Sundays.

Manly Beach is known as a hotbed for surfing and athletic talent. The ‘Path of Olympians’ lining the boardwalk honors the notable athletes of the past, and commemorates the area’s rich athletic heritage. As the home of world surf champions like Layne Beachley and Barton Lynch, New South Wales is the perfect destination to host the inaugural Australian Open of Surfing in 2012. With Manly’s legacy as the home of surf and urban beach culture, the Australian Open of Surfing will re-affirm its position on the global surfing circuit.

From the breathtaking deep blue water and pine tree-lined beaches to the exquisite dining and shopping, Manly Beach is the perfect spot for competitors and spectators to attend the Australian Open of Surfing, and also the perfect destination for world travelers to soak in some of Australia’s laid-back beach lifestyle that is talked about and celebrated throughout the world.

For more information, please visit Sydney.com.