The hosts would also like to thank several supporters of the event:  Leggett and Platt, David Wachendorfer of Tempur-Pedic, Phil Miner and Mike McQuiston at Symbol and Bob Quinn at Restonic for their corporate donations of prizes for the raffle drawing.   The hosts would also like to thank Mack Mattress Outlet in Columbus, OH, and the Serta Mattress Company for sponsoring our food for the evening. In addition we want to thank Kyle Doran at R & A Marketing, Marv Beneteau at RMG, David Lively of The Lively Merchant and Binion’s for their help and support of the event.   In addition, co-host Doug Krinsky said, “We would like to thank everyone that attended or donated to 3rd Annual Ante4Autism event.”  “We will also continue to accept donations on line or by check as well.”  Donations can be made by visiting:   http://www.ramarketing.com/ante4autism or checks can be made out to “Autism Speaks” and mailed to Doug Krinsky, 5405 Blackhawk Forest Drive, Westerville, OH  43082. If you would like to help us with the next event please contact Doug Krinsky at (614)554-0802 or yogi1125@aol.com.

“We were very excited with the turnout this year and look forward to an even bigger event next January” said Krinsky.  “The furniture industry has a big heart when it comes to giving back and once again we were not disappointed!”  “There is hope with new treatments, therapies and the research being done right now that some day in the near future we can find the cause of autism, and prevent it.”   “The prevalence of Autism is now 1 in 110 births and we need do more research to stop this epidemic from continuing to rise.”  “We thank everyone for their support and hope to see everyone again next year” said Krinsky.

What Are Bed Bugs?

Bed bugs are small little wingless insects that feed exclusively on the blood of warm-blooded mammals.  Humans are the ideal host.  They can be light tan or burnt orange in color.  Just after molting most of them are plane white.  Bed bugs have evolved over millions of years as nest parasites – inhabiting the nest of birds and bats for instance.  Some of them have learned to adapt to the human environment and live in “our nest”.

They are called bed bugs because they prefer to live in our beds, mattresses, sofas and other soft furniture.

Bed bugs feed for about 5 minutes, then go into hiding for about 5 to 10 days then feed again.  If there is no food readily available (human blood), bed bugs have been known to lie dormant for months waiting to feed again.

Are Bed Bugs Dangerous to Humans?

Not really.  Other than a mosquito bite type look or a small rash, there is not much danger to bed bug bites and they are not known to carry any diseases.  In extreme cases people can have an allergic reaction.  Bed bugs bite by injecting a small amount of their saliva into the human host which results in a painless reaction.  Quite often the bite does not manifest itself for an hour or two, maybe much longer.  Therefore, sometimes it is hard to detect that you have bed bugs right away because you don’t have symptoms.

How do Bed Bugs Get in to Your Home?

Although studies have shown that bed bugs can travel in one’s luggage, the most common way to bring them into your home is via used furniture and mattresses.

How to Eliminate and Prevent Bed Bugs?

Once you detect that you have a bed bug problem you may want to call a pest removal professional first as they can help in the detection and recommend a removal process for your particular situation.

If you decide to do it yourself the first step would be to remove the coverings on any item of furniture or mattress that is infected.  If you are able to wash the fabric in hot water do so, if not, wash normally but set the dryer on hot – at least 120º.  If in the winter, you may take these coverings outside and leave in the freezing weather for 24 hours.

Then vacuum the mattress or sofa all over especially in the folds and cracks.  Then use insecticides to kill the bugs.

Preventing Bed Bugs by Encasing Your Mattress and Box Spring.

You could encase both the mattress and box spring as a proactive measure.  As soon as you put the encasement on your bed any bed bugs trapped inside will eventually die, provided you do not unzip shortly after putting them on.  Some people encase their new beds as it prevents bugs from getting in and makes it easier to clean.

Bed bug covers can be purchased online and from most reputable retailers.  Make sure you are buying “bed bug specific” and that you cover both the mattress and box.

PMD Furniture Direct, Inc. (PMD) has announced the launch of a new Web site to help customers better understand the evolution of the company’s low overhead, low cost, and appointment-only approach to retailing due to founder and CEO Jeff Hosking’s unpleasant shopping experience years earlier. The site will also assist customers looking for franchise locations and information on PMD’s latest and greatest product offerings, including new items by private label brand Royal Heritage Home Furnishings®. The announcement was made at the company’s annual national sales conference held Nov. 2 – 4 in Minneapolis where they welcomed new franchisees into the new franchise company. The site, www.pmdfurniture.com, will provide company news, product information, and include a store locator.

“The future of the furniture industry is now,” said Jeff Hosking, founder, CEO and president, PMD. “This means PMD has to be positioned to serve its customers and franchisees online as well as in-store, which we already do well.  We are committed to providing affordable options to help customers beautifully furnish homes, and to providing support and tools needed by franchisees to operate successful businesses.”

In addition to the store locator, the site will house a blog. Visitors will be able to sign up to receive an e-newsletter for design tips and trends. “We are excited to elevate PMD’s presence on the Internet by creating this Web site,” said Joe Armetta, chief marketing officer, PMD. “With this site, PMD is now able to better connect its customers to franchisees in their cities, or nearby, and extend its offering of great furniture to people everywhere.”

This site joins the company’s recently launched private brand Royal Heritage Home Furnishings site, www.royalheritagefurniture.com, and new franchise development Web site – www.pmdfranchise.com.

PMD officials said the site will offer insights from current owners to help prospective franchise owner-operators.

“As a result of the economy, and evident in the current employment statistics, seasoned executives are losing their jobs and those with management experience are accepting lower pay for the same or lower-level jobs,” said Joe Armetta, chief marketing officer at PMD. “Now is the time for qualified professionals to take advantage of business opportunities like our franchise model.”

Company officials said the site will provide a step-by-step explanation of how the franchise system works, its benefits, and how to get involved.

PMD announced earlier this year that it was switching to a franchise model, although existing owners would have the option of remaining licensed stores or converting to franchises.

“The new franchise model offers low start-up costs, quick start-up times, in-depth training and support, flexible schedules, attractive incentives and rewards as well as fee discounts to qualifying veterans,” said Armetta.