Livingston Reporting - page 232

Surety Bond Use In Everyday Life

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Surety bonds are a part of everyday life.  Many individuals don’t understand the concept of bonds and how they are used to protect parties entering into a contract with one another.  In basic terms a surety bonds are a binding legal agreement that offer financial guarantees to the parties involved in a multitude of contracts.  Surety bonds state that one party, known as the surety is obligated to a second party, the obligee , in case of a default by the third party, the principal.

Various categories of surety bonds:

Contract surety bonds offer both financial security and construction assurance on projects both building and construction.  Contract surety bonds assure the project owner that the contractor will meet the requirements set forth in the contract.  If the contractor fails the project owner the surety company will cover the contract requirements so that the project owner is not at risk of loss.  The surety offers a guarantee that the contractor will perform the job stated while meeting their financial obligations to subcontractors, material providers and employees.

Bid bonds ensure that a contractor submits a bid that is intended to meet the needs of the contract.  The price of the bid that is submitted covers the financial obligations of performing the work as stated in the contract while covering the expenses on their end.

Performance bonds ensure the project owner is covered from loss if the contractor fails to perform the contract as stated and agreed upon.

Payment bonds are in place to make sure that the contractor is liable for the expenses to subcontractors, laborers and materials related to the contract that was entered into.

Maintenance bonds protect project owners against defects in materials or workmanship for a specific, agreed upon period of time.

Subdivision bonds ensure cities, counties and states that the principal, contractor of a subdivision, will financially cover and construct improvements within the sub like streets, sidewalks, curbs, street gutters, and more to make sure the sub meets stated requirements.

License and permit bonds are obtained to allow certain businesses to do business. An example of these bonds include: construction bonds, motor vehicle bonds, employment agency bonds and more.

Fiduciary bonds secure that administrators, executors, guardians and such will perform duties in line with court stated orders.

Different bonds are used in special situations to guarantee that contracts or duties are performed as contracted.  Many people confuse insurance and bond however they are completely different.  Insurance is used to protect individuals or businesses from themselves or others where as bonds are used to make sure expectations are met by others.  Both protect against loss of finances.

Construction Bonding Specialists, LLC are dedicated Surety Bond Professionals that are aligned with several Treasury Listed and AMBest Rated Surety markets which allows them to assist with virtually all Bid, Performance and Payment, Financial Guarantee and Supply bond needs.  Find out more information at http://www.bondingspecialist.com.

Construction Bonding Specialists

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Mistakes To Avoid When Filing For Bankruptcy

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

If you are contemplating the need to file for bankruptcy then it is important to avoid these common pitfalls that can affect the success of your bankruptcy.  Some of the financial actions and various behavioral actions can affect your ability in achieving a Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge.

By providing erroneous, partial or deceitful information on either your bankruptcy paperwork or at your 341 Meeting of Creditors you will be charged with perjury.  Misrepresenting the information that will be used in the judgement of your discharge can lead to criminal prosecution.  You also need to make sure that all of your bankruptcy paperwork is filled out correctly.  The bankruptcy attorney that is representing your needs to make sure that the paperwork is complete in full.  If any of the boxes are left empty you will need to make sure that amendments and additional paperwork is done to correct the issue.

Make sure to list all of the creditors and debt that you wish to discharge.  If at some point it is realized that an asset is not included a Chapter 7 trustee make choose to repossess the property.  The case may be dismissed if you forget any of the much needed schedules or forms that are needed.  If you forget a debt then this debt will not be considered in the discharge agreement.  Similarly if you forget to list an asset it may be taken away from you.  The process of completely filling out paperwork for your bankruptcy is needed to guarantee a smooth bankruptcy proceeding.

Next you must make sure that you have filed tax returns for the two years prior to filing for bankruptcy.  Better yet make sure you are up to date in filing all of your federal and state tax returns to ensure proper processing.  You will not be able to move forward with the bankruptcy proceedings unless you file the past tax returns.

You should also never continue to rack up new debt when you are about to file for bankruptcy.  Any debt that is racked up between seventy and ninety days prior to filing for bankruptcy this debt may be denied in the discharge of your bankruptcy.  Any luxury item that is bought on credit within ninety days of filing for bankruptcy in an amount greater than six hundred dollars may also be denied discharge as well.  Creditors may claim that there was an intention to deceive and that there was no intent to repay the debt.

There are several other unique situations your bankruptcy attorney will advise you to stay away from in the months before you begin the process of filing for divorce such as: moving assets around, selectively repaying only certain loans, ignoring impending collection actions or file for bankruptcy just before you are about to get a substantial payout or asset.

Bohikian Law Group specializes in chapter 7 and chapter 13 bankruptcies in Michigan. Contact us today to find a bankruptcy attorney that will help you in debt relief at http://www.bohikianlaw.com/ today.

Dickron Bohikian Law Group

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What Makes Sense For You New Construction or Home Renovations

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Should you renovate the current space you are living in or go out and purchase a new construction home that has everything you could want?  This question doesn’t have a one size fits all answer for all homeowners.  One of the most important issues that plagues many homeowners the issue of location.  Do you love the neighborhood you are in?  What are the other homes like?  Can you create the home of your dream within the neighborhood or do you risk pricing your home out of the area? Also consider if it makes economic sense to renovate over buying new.

Four Questions To Ask Yourself Before Committing to Renovations or New Construction

Can the desired updates occur within the current home?

Home renovations using the homes original footprint can cost up to fifty percent less than renovations that require a change in the structure of the home.  If you are looking to convert or add on a garage check out the neighborhood.  Are you sure that this will be viewed as an improvement within the space or a detriment? Sometimes an addition to an older home makes better sense economically as renovating an older space within the home means that you will need correct problems that currently exist.

Will you and your family be able to live through a major home renovation?

Home remodeling can wreak havoc on the normalcy that your family is familiar with.  Can you live through the construction of your space?  There will be lots of noise, a variety of contractors and disruptions.  If you are redoing your kitchen; how long can you live without a sink?  These are important considerations before renovating an existing home.

Are the renovations that you hope to perform legal?

Check with the local H.O.A. and municipality to determine if the renovations you are looking to perform are legal.  Are their requirements on how many stories a home can have?  Do you need to be a certain number of feet from the property line?  Do new renovations trigger requirements on existing elements in the home?  Usually this occurs within the homes electrical systems.

Does the renovation make sense for the home’s value?

This is a major issue for many homeowners.  Will you over value your home for the area you are in with the renovation you are looking to perform.  Adding a custo9m kitchen in a neighborhood filled with starter homes really doesn’t make a lot of sense.  The customization of a home’s kitchen can cost upwards of a hundred thousand dollars.  This is not necessarily beneficial in a place where the most expensive home sells for a hundred and fifty thousand.

Aspen Construction is an innovative building leader specializing in home additions, new construction, bathroom and kitchen remodeling.  For all of your home improvement needs including electrical services contact us today at http://www.aspencoinc.com/.

Aspen Construction

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Challenges Involving Aging Equipment Part Two

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

In our previous article we discussed the impact that aging equipment has on running a business.  We talked in-depth about how proper maintenance and regular electrical component part replacement, electrical equipment can continue to function properly.

Power circuit breakers require regular maintenance to guarantee accurate function while sustaining equipment warranties.  The scale of maintenance recommended on power circuit breakers includes the following:

  • Regular physical assessments
  • Ongoing cleaning and lubrication
  • Consistent equipment adjustments
  • Examination of overcurrent protective devices
  • Routine circuit testing
  • Dielectric testing
  • Speed and time assessment

New surplus or reconditioned electrical components are often needed to be installed to restore circuit breakers to like new operating condition.

Some facilities choose to recondition electrical components on their equipment in house.  In order to refurbish a circuit breaker they are tested in comparison to ANSI standards and then disassembled from top to bottom, scoured and examined.  All damaged parts are then repaired, refurbished or replaced.  After this step is performed the points of pivot are all scrubbed and lubed.  The circuit breaker is then reassembled and retested.

Additional repairs may be needed depending on a number of things such as how old the equipment is, the location it is being used in, how readily replacement components can be found, cost associated with the ongoing upkeep and new technology becoming available.

The dependability of electrical equipment comes down to this; it isn’t a question of if there will be a failure or malfunction it is a question of when it will occur.  Plant managers need to consider the cost of maintaining aging or obsolete equipment verse replacing equipment that takes advantage of updates in technology.

One such update in electrical circuit breakers comes with the addition of switchgear.  Switchgear is a combination of electrical components such as disconnect switches, fuses and circuit breakers.  The switchgear is used similarly to the main disconnect in a circuit breaker box; the switchgear will energize and de-energize electrical equipment.

The current of electricity needs to be controlled in electrical equipment for a multitude of reasons.  Whether upgrading to switchgears or staying the course, maintain the current electrical circuit breaker it is crucial that the component continues to function properly to maintain the safety of equipment.  When performing maintenance on electrical equipment or replacing refurbished electrical components within commercial equipment the electrical power flowing to the machine must be completely shut off.  To avoid electrocution the current of electricity needs to be completely shut off.  The equipment and maintenance personal should also take safety precautions to ensure that they are properly grounded in case even the slightest current is still stored within the circuit.

J&P Electrical is a full service electrical equipment company.  At J&P, we supply contractors, end users and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned and obsolete electrical equipment. Contact us today at https://jpelectricalcompany.com for all of your bus plug, circuit breaker, switchboard, fuses, disconnects and more.

J & P Electrical Company

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Finding A Reputable Mortgage Broker This Spring Buying Season

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When it comes to finding a mortgage broker there is a huge difference between finding one that is looking out for their clients best interest verse one that is looking to pad their own pocket.  One way to start the process of finding a mortgage broker that is reputable, reliable and working to ensure you get a mortgage that best fits your needs is to ask your real estate agent,  friends, family, co workers and other homeowners for recommendations.

It is crucial that you look for a specialist that is offers experience on top of patience.   This is especially true if it is your first time looking to finance a home.  Working with a broker that takes their time and can explain complicated financing in terms you can understand is vital.  A broker that doesn’t take time to help you understand the home loan process as well as the different loan options available isn’t worth a dime of your money.

From the recommendations you are given start out interviewing two or three prospective mortgage brokers.  Find out about their past experience and certifications.  Ask about the number of residential mortgage loans they have brokered specifically for homeowners in situations similar to your own.   Will they be able to broker a deal on an FHA loan or a government backed home loan?  When interviewing perspective brokers ask for the names and numbers of references.  Make the call to ask the references how satisfied they were throughout the process and if they are happy with the loan options they were given and finally settled upon.  Talk about their communication with the broker.  How accessible was the broker at various times during the mortgage process.

Many new homeowners don’t understand the difference between mortgage brokers and mortgage lenders.  Some homeowners choose to work directly with a bank, credit union or commercial lender.  If you decide to get a mortgage directly through a financial institution you will be dealing with one person, mortgage banker or loan officer.  The duties are similar to that of a mortgage broker however they don’t search for loan throughout the entire loan market.  Instead a loan officer only offers mortgage options from the financial institution they represent.

The loan officer, like a mortgage broker will help facilitate paperwork, applications and appraisals.  Once you choose a bank to work with however you are stuck with the loan officer they give you unlike if you were working with a mortgage broker.  There is not as much client control or personal contact when working with a loan officer.  Many work mainly from email.  Whereas when working with a mortgage broker you get plenty of individual contact as the broker works directly with you to understand your specific situation.  They build a list of options from several lenders for you to choose from, offer the benefits and drawbacks of each mortgage option.

Cross Country Mortgage in Brighton, Michigan provide mortgage services for clients including new home loans, refinancing, reversed mortgages, new purchase home mortgages and home equity loans to the entire Livingston County area including Brighton, Howell and Livingston County. Cross Country Mortgage Brighton, MI at http://brightoncrosscountry.com/.

Brighton Cross Country Mortgage

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Your Roof Is Your Homes Hat

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated

It is essential that your home have a structurally sound roof.  Your homes roof offers the first line of defense against the elements.  In order prevent minor issues from turning into something major it is vital to recognize potential problems and handle them as they arise.  Below you will find information to consider in determining if it is time to replace your roof.

The Age of Your Roof

Most roofing contractors agree that shingle roofs only last about twenty to thirty years.  Shingle roofing over thirty years old may look good from the ground but be suffering from a myriad of complex issues. Even if your homes roof looks great from the ground be sure to have a roofing contractor inspect the overall well-being of the structure to assess the overall condition of the roof.

Curling Shingles

There are two ways in which shingles can curl on a roof.  Cupping is when the edges of the shingles start to turn upwards.  Clawing is when the shingle edges are flat but the middle of the shingle starts to come up.  No matter which way your shingles are curling the indication is the same.  The shingles are weathered and are at risk for leaking.  Roofing contractors suggest that roofs showing signs of curling should be replaced within the next year to retain the integrity of the roofs structure.

Missing Shingling

As far as the function of your roof is concerned replacing a few shingles that come loose or that are missing.  It may difficult to find replacement shingles that match your current roof.  If you start to notice the shingles being bare of granules or your roof turning into a checker board then it may be time to replace the roof instead of trying to keep replacing the missing shingles.

Cracked Shingles

When a shingle becomes cracked or damaged it is most often because of wind damage.  If just a few of the shingles are cracked you are probably okay to just replace them.  If you or your roofing contractor notice that the cracked shingles are located sporadically throughout the roof it may be time to start thinking about replacing your entire roof.  When you see cracked shingles the roof has about two to three years left before it becomes an absolute necessity to be replaced.

 Gutter Granules

Loose granules located in gutters are a familiar site after a roof has been replaced however if you begin to see these granules emerge after the roof has been in place for a few years it is a sure sign the roof is going to need to be replaced.  The granules on asphalt shingles is in place to keep the sun off of the asphalt.  When the granules start to fall off of the shingles the roof will begin to “bake” leading to quicker deterioration.

Other issues that roofing contractors say to look for is shingles covered in moss or algae, if you see sunlight from anywhere in your attic or if you notice that the roof is beginning to sag.  As stated earlier, the homes roof is its first defense against the elements.  It is crucial in providing protection for the structural integrity of your home.

Home Pro Roofing contractors offer a variety of roofing services throughout Brighton, East Lansing, Ann Arbor, Fenton and Commerce Township, including installation of shingle roofs, metal roofing and roof repairs.  You will find them at http://www.homeproroofingmi.com today.

Home Pro Roofing MI

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Buying and Selling During The Spring Season

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Spring time in the north is one of the greatest times.  The landscapes are turning from brown to green, color is coming back to the skies, softball starts and home buyers eagerly start to look for a home to purchase.   There is no doubt about it; spring is the most popular real estate season.  No matter if you are looking to purchase or sell a home now is the perfect time to forge full speed ahead.  Below are some tips to assist buyers as they look to gain insight into the spring real estate market.

First things first:  Talk with a Mortgage Broker

Before you even begin to look at homes are meet with a real estate agent talk with a mortgage broker.  You must be able to secure a home loan to buy a home.  Sellers are looking for buyers who are preapproved.   Sellers do not want to waste time accepting offers from buyers who will not be able to secure a mortgage.  A pre-approval is valuable because it shows that the buyer will be able to obtain a home loan as well as a point of reference on how much the buyer can afford.  A pre-approval means that you are a serious buyer.  If a seller needs to choose who to enter into a contract with they will always go with the buyer that has already secured financial backing in the form of a pre-approval.

Secondly: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Finding a real estate agent is the next step in looking to purchase a home in the spring.   Get referrals from family, friends and individuals who have recently purchased a home.  After you get several names and numbers start by calling their office to schedule an appointment to meet to discuss what you are looking for, how much you have to spend and the needs verse the wants in the home you are looking to purchase.

It is critical when interviewing real estate agents you find someone that is not only experienced in local real estate but also one that is available to communicate with you in a productive manner.  Buying a home is the biggest financial decision in your life; you will want a partner to help you find a home that is in it for you and not just for the commission.

Check out the Neighborhood

Take time to look into neighborhoods that your real estate agent thinks best fit what you are looking for.  Drive by the area, check out the schools and such before ever stepping foot into a home.  Find several locations that you are interested in to help narrow down the search.  The last thing you want to do is spend day after day walking through home after home especially in areas that are of little appeal to you.  If you don’t love the neighborhood falling in love with the house does very little in getting you to the finish line and purchasing a home.

Lady of the Lakes Real Estate is Livingston County’s premiere realtor; out of Pinckney, Michigan helping buyers buy and sellers sell homes that provide a recreational lifestyle including golf courses, lakes and the Huron river chain of lakes, throughout Brighton, Howell, Pinckney and the surrounding area. Find out more at http://www.ladyofthelakes.com.

C21 Lady of the Lakes

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What To Look For When Purchasing A Cane

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

When looking to purchase a cane there are several factors to consider.  The styles and materials used in cane making differ a great deal.  Consumers need to understand about basic cane varieties before looking to make a purchase.  Vintage canes can be found for sale in several locations such as online outlets, antique shops and second hand resale shops.  Canes that are found online or at resale shops are often more reasonably priced then those found at other outlets.

For the most part all canes are composed similarly.  Walking canes are created of an elongated, durable post that has a handle or knob to rest a hand on.  Not only have canes been used as supportive walking devices but have also been used as fashion accessories.  The main element to look for in a cane is comfort especially when looking to purchase a cane as a stability device.

Canes classically used for walking are mainly made from wood, glass, bone or strong plastic; most often they are referred to as walking sticks.  When you are interested in purchasing a cane and adorn it with a topper or badge they should shop around as removable toppers come in a variety of animals or birds.

Round shaped knobs adorn walking canes; these are known as knob-handled walking sticks.  Knobs on this style of cane are usually created from a variety of wood, metals, glass or plastic.  Sometimes wooden knobbed walking canes are created from the same piece of wood from the post to the cane.  Other material selections like metal, glass or plastic are either glued or screwed into the cane.

Cane users that are looking for fashionable canes to wear as an accessory piece are known as dress canes.  The more decorative the cane the better when it comes to canes that are used as accessories.  Dress canes most often come from antler materials or bone.  Dress canes are most often used in evening outings.

The oldest style of cane available on the market are known as crook canes.  The handles on these canes are shaped similarly to a shepherd’s cane.  Crook canes of the modern era offer a less exaggerated, shorter version of the shepherd hook.  If an individual is looking to use the cane as extra support this is the style of cane that is most often chose.

Another popular option in canes is the sword cane.  A sword cane comes with a hidden blade sunk inside a cane post.  The topper of the cane is attached to the sword not the cane post.  This allows the cane to easily be pulled from the base.  In a dangerous situation a cane can be pulled from the post.  A sword cane can be considered a concealed weapon and therefore are illegal in quite a few states.

There are numerous aspects to look into when purchasing a cane.  The type of cane you purchase will depend on if you are looking to display the piece as part of a collection or for use the piece for the purpose of stability.

Antique Cane World is an online retailer of antique canes, walking sticks and umbrellas.  Contact us today for more information on antique canes, unique umbrellas and more at http://www.antiquecaneworld.com/.

Antique Cane World

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Important Factors in Working with Linear Accelerator Equipment

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Obtaining expensive equipment, such as a linac system, to provide external radiation therapy is a great responsibility for medical facilities.  A linear accelerator is crucial in penetrating increased amounts of x-ray energy to conform tumors to destroy cancer cells while maintaining the adjacent healthy tissue.  An oncologist specializing in radiation therapy will employ techniques to ensure the appropriate treatment.  On account of the expense involved in purchasing linear accelerator equipment there are numerous aspects to think through.

Proprietorship of the Machinery

Most often large equipment is purchased and owned by a group of investors or physicians to provide treatment within a given facility such as a hospital or medical clinic.  For many patients this is important because they can guarantee that the treatment is needed instead of being recommended for the profitability of the procedure.

The fear is that if a linear accelerator is privately owned that the radiosurgery or radiotherapy may be a procedure that is recommended because of the funds it brings in rather than necessity.  When equipment is owned by a group of individuals, people believe it is less likely that radiotherapy is being prescribed because it is the correct procedure for the patient rather than being prescribed for the profit it brings in.

Intensity of the Equipment

The stronger the equipment, the deeper into the individuals tissues it can infiltrate.  The strength of the therapy is not always a direct product of the multiple electron rating of the machine but rather a result of the technique employed to deliver the radiation.

Imaging Tools Being Used

Depending on where the tumor being target is located often determines the imaging tool that is utilized to deliver radiation therapy.  An MRI is the preferred imaging method in targeting a brain tumor.  It provides a view of the inside of the body that is unmatched.  MRI’s show a clear image of the normal tissue in comparison to the brain tumor tissue.

CT Scanning employs x-ray technology to scan tumors.  Bone close to the tumor muddles the clear image produced with CT imaging.  The borders of the tumors are unable to be seen on CT scans.  Details of soft tissues are highly visible on MRI scans over CT scans.

Certain linear accelerator technology can only use CT scanning where as others can blend both MRI and CT images to create a complete and more accurate representation of the tumor.

The Support from a Public Entity

The backing of a public entity is important for medical equipment.  The backing of a public entity means that the equipment has been tested for safety and clinical application.  This ensures that the U.S. SEC standards for financing and ethical standards have been met and that annual reports are obtainable to consumers.  Without public backing technology only need to be approved through the FDA with very little clinical testing.  All that has to be done is that the manufacturer has to state that the equipment is comparable to current technology that already exists within the market.

Acceletronics delivers the best equipment performance and service reliability from Linear Accelerators and CT Scanners across all major brands and models.  Our qualified oncology equipment specialists provide a quality customer experience across the USA with timely field maintenance.  We sell, repair, refurbish, move and finance oncology medical systems check out more at http://www.acceletronics.com.

Acceletronics

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Less Is More In Food Product Labeling

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Less is often more when it comes to food product labeling.  Companies should not allow clutter to overtake the label however should include the minimum legal requirements that have been established by local and federal law.  A label that is muddled will not help to sell your product.  Design a label that is appealing to the eye that includes the legal requirements while being a valuable marketing tool for the product, company and brand as a whole.

A products label is the first point of contact between the producer and the consumer.  The label will distinguish your product from others available on the market.  In order to make a buying decision consumers take into account the information included on the label while taking into account past experiences with the brand/company.

When designing a product label the goal of manufacturers should be to design the best label that they can afford in relation to the value of the product being sold.  Spending a dollar on a label for a product that sells for two dollars just doesn’t make sense.  Designing an affordable label that provides valuable product information, advertises the product, distinguishes the product from competitors and includes all of the legal requirements should be the top priority of product manufacturers.

The legal requirement for food product labels in the United States are as follows:

  • The products full name
  • The name and address of the product manufacturer
  • The date the product was manufactured as well as the best before date and sell by date
  • List of ingredients in order descending weight
  • Net weight of the product within the package

Other information that is often included but is optional includes the brand logo, instructions on proper preparation, storage instructions, recipes and a product bar code.  The brand logo is one of the most important, as far as marketing, contained within the list.  Establishing your product as part of a brand is a crucial aspect in the marketing mix.  Consumers will quickly identify your product and be able to identify them quickly when making a repeat purchase.

Food products should always be labeled.  The type of label is going to vary depending on the product type, the container, preference and the ability of labeling materials.  A common, inexpensive label is paper using glue to hold it in place.  Labels that are self-adhesive are a bit more expensive nevertheless more convenient.  Choose a reasonably priced, well designed label that compliments the product and enhances the marketing mix.

At Anchor Printing, we take pride in offering our clients cut & stack labeling, pressure sensitive labels, roll-fed labeling, shrink sleeves as well as flexible packaging options. Contact us today at http://anchorprinting.com for all of your product label design, printing and packaging needs.

Anchor Printing

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