Livingston Reporting - page 193

How to Shop for Medicare Supplemental Insurance Coverage in Arizona

If you find that your Medicare coverage does not adequately cover all of your needs you can extend your coverage through Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance plans. These plans are also often referred to as Medigap, and they are specifically designed to fill the gaps left by Original Medicare Coverage.

The cover will vary depending on your choice of Medicare Supplement plans. They are not standalone products as they must be included with your Original Medicare. If you need stand-alone coverage, your best option is to go with a Medicare Advantage plan.

You have quite a few options available to you when shopping for Arizona Medicare supplemental insurance plans. Each plan has a designated letter, of which there are ten. Each lettered plan must supply the same benefits, regardless of the insurance company providing it. Having the same letter does not mean they all have the same cost, as that will depend on the company offering it.

It’s also worth noting that supplemental plans do not include additional care such as hearing, dental, or vision. Sometimes you may receive extra coverage while traveling overseas, but Arizona Medicare Supplement plans do not include coverage for prescription drugs. (Check out Medicare plan D for that)

On the first day of the month in which you turn 65, you become eligible to enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan. The six-month Medigap open enrollment period ensures you cannot be overcharged for pre-existing medical conditions, nor have medical coverage denied.

Once the open enrollment Period expires, all beneficiaries may enroll in a Medigap plan, but take note that coverage for pre-existing medical conditions will no longer apply.

Medicare coverage plans can be very similar in what they cover when they fall within the same plan type, but the costs can vary significantly among providers. Shoppers should start with the coverage they need and then work on finding the best price within that plan type.

Learn more about Arizona Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates, plans, and more at http://www.emedicare-supplemental-insurance.com/Arizona.  Our Arizona Medicare Supplemental Insurance brokers will help you compare Medicare Supplemental Insurance rates and plans in Arizona.  To talk to an expert in Arizona Medicare coverage toll free 888.404.5049 today!

 

Customize Dedicated Truckload Services for Your Companies Logistic Needs

In our fast-paced global economy it’s even more vital that a business has access to reliable freight shipping services to get their products where they need to go, on time, and in good condition.

When a company needs a product shipped in a set time period, a delivery system that involves multiple handoffs, with trucks making multiple stops just can’t cope. Expedited freight shipping is the best way to ensure delivery of cargo that is timely in nature. With our modern time-sensitive economy expedited shipping is a booming industry.

While expedited shipping guarantees delivery (when businesses need it most) many organizations can still find it a challenge to secure a guaranteed delivery date during peak periods. As demand for capacity grows, there is an opportunity for freight companies to capitalize by offering dedicated trucking services.

The business of offering a dedicated trucking service is a booming market for several reasons.  Shippers are always worried about securing enough trucks to ensure delivery during peak times. Dedicated truckload services provide peace of mind as carriers guarantee capacity will always be available.

There are plenty of advantages for a business to use a dedicated trucking service. For one, it locks in the price, giving a company a clearer idea on operating costs. It also ensures a company always has guaranteed availability during peak periods; removing the guesswork and stress of securing freight from businesses that are cyclical in nature.

Truckload freight isn’t just a cyclical business; it’s a seasonal one as well. The assurance of demand that a committed trucking service provides means that trucking companies can give their dedicated customers a break in the typical pricing structure.

There’s plenty of value to be had from both sides of the equation when it comes to a dedicated truckload service, and as more businesses discover its worth, the industry is set to grow even further.

Learn more about Matrix Transportation and the transportation services they offer including: dedicated truckloads, JIT truckloads, less than truckload (LTL), same day expedited FTL and LTL, full truckload, warehousing, cross-docking, and trailer rentals at www.matrixtransportation.com  To contact one of our trucking experts call toll free 888.896.2405 today.

Tips & Tricks in Electrical Component Refurbishment

There can be a lot of money stored up in old equipment or machinery which is why many businesses are now partnering up with waste management companies to help them retain as much of their investment as possible.  Old buildings or buildings destroyed by natural disasters can still contain valuable materials which can be recovered and sold to either offset some of the cost of demolition or go towards the cost of refurbishment.

There are heaps of hidden electrical and industrial resources in every building to be reused or sold.  It’s important to take inventory and catalog all salvageable equipment and materials from a demolition or refurbishment project. For instance, lighting fixtures can be reused, and wiring and electrical switches can be sold.

An industrial electric recovery process should consist of three main stages. The first phase involves identifying all usable or saleable assets. The second involves identifying those materials which will be reused for other projects, and the final step is to sell the materials for which your business has no further use.

Buildings that went up a few decades ago had to comply with safety standards that were a lot less stringent than the ones in place today. Experts in electrical surplus recovery will ensure that everything that is salvageable is recovered in the safest manner possible, and make sure it is disposed of according to state regulations.

Electric surplus recovery may involve some destruction, but it also means you will recover some assets, be able to recycle valuable components and sell everything you can no longer use.  It’s important to use the best contractors you can find for the job as they will pay for themselves many times over by discovering everything that is recoverable, complete the job safely, and get you the best returns.

Learn more about J & P Electrical Company and their vast line of new, surplus, and refurbished industrial electrical components including: circuit breakers, bus ducts, bus plugs, disconnects, fuses, panel switches, tap boxes, and transformers at www.jpelectricalcompany.com.  To contact one of our product reconditioning specialists call 877.844.5514 today.

 

Importance of Using High Quality Human Biological Materials in Research

There’s no denying the value that quality human biological materials can provide to research, but with the increasing number of samples collected and stored every day the need to ensure the samples retain their level of quality is of paramount importance.

Further to that, there is an ethical responsibility to ensure that samples get used in a way that is most advantageous to society. Quality control systems need to be put in place at all stages, including collection, processing, and storage.

A detailed series of records and procedures applied to the samples will provide the information researchers need to understand how samples will be affected by the collection and storage methods. This process will also aid in determining the quality of the samples. The quality system allows researchers to determine if the human biological samples, such as plasma, remain fit for purpose.

Knowing what the samples are going to be used for plays a big part in how they are stored and collected. For instance, samples destined for use in human treatment will require a higher standard than samples collected primarily for research purposes.

A collection and storage system should not just outline how a sample is collected but also how it is transported, and any and all processes applied to it to facilitate the transport.

A biobank of tissue resources, where researchers have a large sample base to conduct research from, can have massive benefits for society.  However, varying standards in regards to quality and the data collected between facilities can mean that samples get lost or forgotten.

To minimize the impact this can have on sample quality and availability an independent body needs to have some input into how tissue samples are processed and managed. Two standards developed by the National Cancer Research Institute’s (NCRI) and Confederation of Cancer Biobanks (CCB) go a long way to ensuring the high quality of samples. They also use a high level of transparency in regards to their collection, storage, and use to increase public confidence.

Learn more about Innovative Research and our high quality research materials including human, plant, and animal biological, ELISA & Assay Kits, proteins, antibodies, cell cultures, blood, serum, plasma, and more.  More information can be found at https://www.innov-research.com/ or by calling 248.896.0145.

Mistakes to Avoid when Installing an Aluminum Fence & Gate to your Backyard

There’s a style of fencing to suit everyone. Some prefer the classic look of wood, while others enjoy the rustic air of wrought iron. Both are good choices, but for durable, reliable, and relatively maintenance free fencing you can’t go wrong with an aluminum fence.

There’s more to installing an aluminum fence and aluminum gates than just digging a few holes and cementing them in.  Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when installing new aluminum fences in their backyard.

The number one mistake most DIY fence installers make is in finding out where their property ends and the neighbors begin. Before you dig your first fence post hole, you should have your plat (a map showing the divisions of a piece of land) firmly in hand.

The plat will indicate the borders and prevent any future disputes that may result in you being forced to tear out your shiny new aluminum fence to start again. Of course, it may also go the other way, and you could be giving your neighbor more land than they rightfully own.

Many DIY homeowners who decide to install an aluminum fence neglect to check their local zoning laws. More often than not there are height limitations as to how high or low you can build.

There may also be boundary line issues as some locations restrict building fences directly along the boundary and others that require an offset. Pool fences with aluminum gates may also have various safety regulations applied to them so follow them to be sure your installation stays compliant (and keeps your family safe).

Aluminum is reasonably lightweight but the posts still need to stand against all that mother nature has to throw at them such as high-speed winds, rain, snow, and all while keeping the fence panels firm and secure. To ensure stability and a long working life ensure you set your posts in holes that are deep enough to prevent your installation from collapsing.

Aluminum gates can be particularly problematic for the inexperienced builder. Make sure you measure multiple times, account for hardware deductions, and always use sturdy hinges to hang the gate.

Keep these tips in mind when installing a fence yourself, and you will be well on the way to creating a long-lasting and attractive border to your property.

Learn more about iFence USA and their vast line of custom aluminum fencing options with various grades of aluminum fence to choose from including: Commercial Grade Aluminum Fencing, Residential Grade Aluminum Fencing, Pool Grade Aluminum Fencing, and Industrial Aluminum Fencing at www.ifenceusa.com.  To contact one of our aluminum fence experts call toll free 800.762.2907 or via email at info@ifenceusa.com.

Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Roofing Contractor

When it comes to your home and finances there is no such thing as being overprotective and this includes those times when you need to find reliable roofing contractors. Take these simple to steps to protect your home and avoid costly mistakes.

The roofing industry is the number one source of claims for fraud and abuse so never assume that the roofing contractor you are interviewing has a current roofing license. Always ask to see the paperwork so you can be confident they are suitably qualified. Businesses without licenses can and do disappear and if there is a problem with your roof you will be out of pocket for the repair expenses.  Any roofing contractor worth working with will be licensed and insured.

While you are checking the licenses, you should also verify that the contractor is certified to install the material you are using for your roof. For example, in the state of Utah, a roofing company requires a shingle license to install a pitched roof.  This is not the case for all states however it is important that if it is required in your state that your contractor is properly licensed.

Roof repair can be a dangerous business so liability insurance is a must if you want to ensure that accidents caused by the roofing contractor and their staff cannot come back and hurt you financially. Check that the contractor has a current insurance policy as well as what it covers and for how much. It is also a good idea to check the contractors’ workers’ compensation coverage.

Ensure a lien waiver is in place before work starts. Once the work is complete and you have paid the contractor the lien waiver protects you against suppliers requesting payment out of your pocket because the roofing contractor failed to pay them.

Even though it may make you a little uncomfortable to get all the above documents signed, sealed and verified the peace of mind is worth it as it can potentially save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

Learn more about Home Pro Roofing and their vast line of custom roofing options installed by professional roofing contractors including: asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing, roof repair, and new roof installation at www.homeproroofingmi.com.  To contact one of our roofing contractors call 810.225.9080 today.

Mistakes to Avoid in Search Engine Placement

Search engine algorithms are constantly updated, making SEO an ever expanding field.  If you want to give your website every chance of scoring a prominent place in the search engines you now have a lot more to do, and even more to remember.

It’s no wonder that many companies are bungling their SEO placement efforts and losing tons of money in the process. It’s time to learn how to do SEO right and stop making the mistakes that are tanking your earnings.

The extra work is worth it, as getting the top spot in the search engines will give your conversions a boost of around 8.5 times greater than any other lead generation method.

The single biggest mistake most businesses make with their website is not getting found for keywords related to their business. Another common mistake is getting found for the wrong keywords because they have failed to optimize their content.

One of the first steps to getting a first-page ranking is knowing what keywords to use in your copy or blog posts. Use the Google Keyword Tool to discover the keywords your target market is typing into the search engines to find out about the services or products related to your business.

When a website is new, you will often see better results by targeting long-tail keywords – which are keywords containing three or more words. Long tail keywords usually have fewer searches but also less competition, so it’s easier to rank a page.

You also need to know what keywords not to target. If you’re going to try and rank for every keyword, then you most likely aren’t going to rank for any of them.

Plus, if customers are finding your site for the wrong keywords they are going to ‘bounce’ off your site and go back to the search results to find a more relevant page.

As bounce rate is a metric Google puts a lot of emphasis on when deciding which page to rank for a given term you want the keywords your business gets found for to be super relevant to your content.

Search engine placement is a vast and ever-expanding topic, but keywords are integral to being found and securing highly targeted leads. Start improving your results by making sure your site is providing the best solution in relation to the keywords you are targeting.

Learn more about Creative Programs and Systems, CPS, and the IT solutions they provide including IT consulting, computer consulting, network consulting, networking, server installation, IT disaster recovery, computer repair, virus removal, malware removal, computer tune ups, data backup systems, computer troubleshooting, structured cabling, low voltage wiring, website design, graphic design, logo design, website hosting, search engine placement, iphone app programming, android app programming, and custom programming at www.cpsmi.com.  To contact one of our IT experts call 810.224.5252 today or via email at info@cpsmi.com.

7 Things Buyers Need to Know in a Seller’s Market

A hot property market indicates a period in the real estate pricing cycle where the advantage goes to the seller, rather than the buyer. This scenario occurs when there is greater demand for houses than the supply of homes for sale. If you are buying into this type of market, then you need to ensure you are getting the best value.

The first thing to do is learn how to identify a great deal when you see one. Do your research and examine sales for at least the past three months in the area you wish to purchase.   If a home that you are interested in has a listing price of $120,000 but other homes in the area are only going for $90,000, there is a good chance the home that you are looking at is overpriced.  A home that is overpriced will have a difficult time being appraised for what is needed.

Getting the right agent is a must as they will give you every little detail you need to know to write up a compelling offer. Plus, they will also be able to guide you into making the best decisions.  Find a local real estate agent that is familiar with the area, different neighborhoods in the area, the schools, and more.  Their knowledge is incomparable.

Use logic when making your purchasing decision. If you fall in love with a house, you are more likely to make a ridiculous offer and pay too much. Reducing your decision to cold hard logic will help you get the best value.

Set your budget and stick to it. It’s a seller’s market and this means you won’t get your dream home at a price that is a fraction of its value. You have to accept that sellers are only going to take full price, or close to it, so only look at homes with prices that fit within your budget.

Get yourself into a position where you can offer more cash up front. A higher cash deposit can be the deciding factor on whether your offer gets accepted or not. The greater amount of cash you have to offer the stronger your offer will be.

Don’t overlook a home for sale that is a fixer upper. Sure, it may need a coat of paint or a new driveway, but if you can get it at the right price, the investment may well be worth it. And don’t forget, many renovations can dramatically increase the value of a home.

Consider if buying a home now is worth the stress. A sellers’ market often means you are going to be on the hunt for quite a while as offer after offer gets rejected. It may be better for your stress levels if you wait until more homes become available. Real estate values go up and down in cycles so you may even get in on a low point if you decide to wait.

Learn more about C21 Lady of the Lakes Realtors and the numerous services they offer including: buying a new home, selling a home, or renting a home at www.ladyofthelakes.com.  To contact one of our real estate agents call 734-426-6060 today.

 

Top Trends in Home Improvement & Remodeling

You can’t say we have returned to the times when housing was booming, but with 1,226,000 homes built in the last year, we’re not far from it. With Americans projected to collectively offload over $300 billion in home improvements over the next year the housing industry is currently looking pretty good.

So what are homeowners getting into this year as far as home improvements go? Here are a few favorite trends that tipped to being routinely installed this year.

Smart home technology is the latest in home improvement industry trends. The projection is that 33% of houses will get connected with at least one smart device, if they haven’t done so, with home security topping the list. The rise of voice activated technology is also leading the charge to make smarter homes more desirable.

Big homes are on the down swing as more people are choosing less square feet for their living space, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This new trend means a home modeler contractor needs to get more creative with their floor plans while still fitting in lots of storage space and energy efficient appliances.  New construction homes of 2017 are smaller than those seen in the past.

Matte finishes are taking over from the more sparkly finishes such as chrome and sparkly granite. Black stainless steel is now the favorite finish of choice. Matte is big in the kitchen, but it’s also filtering down to smaller appliances and other areas of the house such as bathroom faucets.

Even toilets are getting the treatment these days. Why settle for the standard porcelain throne you have to clean yourself when you can get one of the newer models that clean themselves. Toto’s Neorest 750H toilet has “Actilight cleansing technology” which treats the bowl with a mist before each use with the aim of preventing sticking waste. There’s also a built-in UV light that supposedly accelerates decomposition of inorganic substances.

There’s a lot to get excited about in home improvement this year, so if your goal is to live cleaner and better, then this is the year to start your remodeling plans.

Learn more about Aspen Construction and the variety of home construction upgrades they provide including: new construction, home additions, bathroom remodeling, kitchen renovations, and finished basements at www.aspencoinc.com.  To contact one of our home construction specialists call 517.404.2176 today.

Benefits of Shrink Sleeve Labeling When Introducing a New Product

Without adequate packaging and marketing behind it, a new product entering the market will struggle to attract market share. It’s the marketing, promotion, and packaging of a product that tells the public what the product is, how to get it, and how it can improve their lives.

To ensure the success of any promotional campaign a new product must be labeled in such a way that it achieves maximum exposure. One of the best ways to achieve that goal is to use shrink sleeve labeling.

Shrink wrap sleeves can be applied to products in many different ways. From covering just the cap to creating a full-body 360-degree wrap. This gives the benefit of a large canvas on which to create an appealing and attention grabbing design.

Shrink wrap sleeves labeling removes many constraints of packaging design as the process allows the wrap to conform smoothly to complex shapes, while remaining flexible and durable. The ability of the sleeves to wrap around almost any package design gives marketers an edge in creating a product design that stands out from the crowd.

Not only are shrink wrap sleeves tough they are also manufactured from biodegradable materials to increase consumer confidence. The added strength they add to the packaging means manufacturers can reduce the use of extra protection during transport. This saves on material, transportation costs and helps the environment!

In 2011 a study was conducted by AC Nielsen using 800 consumers to determine the value of packaging and create a better understanding of consumer preference.

The study showed that there was a higher emotional connection with shrink sleeve labels over the traditional variety of labeling. The study also determined a correlation between shrink sleeve labeling and long-term sales, and that labeling has a significant influence on the effectiveness of product trials.

With new developments in the manufacturing process, lowering costs, and continued refinement of the product. Demand is sure to continue as more manufacturers see the potential that shrink sleeve labeling can have for maximum visual impact and creating greater appeal for new product lines.

Learn more about Anchor Printing and their vast line of custom product label & packaging options including: Shrink Sleeve Labels, Flexible Packaging, Roll-Fed Labeling, Pressure Sensitive and Cut & Stack Labels at www.anchorprinting.com.  To contact one of our label specialists call toll free at 800.748.0209 or via email at info@anchorprinting.com.