Livingston Reporting - page 88

What Does an ADA Compliant Website Mean?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

You might have heard the term ADA Compliant, referencing the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law under the first George Bush in 1990. The bill was enacted to prohibit discrimination against those with physical disabilities to ensure fair and equal access (or accommodation thereof) to public places. Initially, the focus was on eliminating barriers and providing access for all, to all businesses, schools, and public areas. Recently, “Places of Public Accommodation” under Title III of ADA, has come under scrutiny as to whether or not websites and mobile apps are included within these laws.

The Threat of ADA Non-Compliance

Websites with significant inaccessible components can be seen as discriminatory against persons with disabilities. In the recent past, there has been an influx of lawsuits threatening the disbarment of schools, health care providers, and agencies that accept government funds for operation. These litigations have scared a lot of businesses and municipalities to update their website and make them ADA compliant, sometimes falling victim to online extortionists who charged an obscene amount of money by taking advantage of people’s fears of a lawsuit. 

Web Content Accessibility Guidelines

While standards were provided for businesses to accommodate those with physical handicaps, we are still waiting for confirmed guidance for the internet, web-based, and mobile applications. In the meantime, guidelines have been established and are frequently referred to in court. 

The World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) who develops international web standards, originally came up with recommendations in 1999 called Web Content Accessibility Guidelines or WCAG 1. As the web and digital technology expanded, WCAG 2 was released in 2008, which also widen the range of people with disabilities it serves to include those who are blind, deaf, learning and cognitively disabled, and those with limited mobility. WCAG 2.1 was released in 2018 to fill in the gaps further and includes mobile responsiveness and other guidelines for those who suffer from poor vision. Both WCAG 2 and 2.1 have valuable principles that every business owner should abide by; however, the 2.0 version is considered a baseline for accessibility, and the 2.1 version should be used as your testing standard to improve usability for all. FYI…Another round of updates is already in the works, known as “Silver” or WCAG 3.

Grey Area in ADA Website Compliance 

Courts have come to varying conclusions whether coverage is limited to physical spaces and whether a company’s website is included in these requirements. Currently, neither Congress nor the Department of Justice (the primary federal government agency responsible for enforcing ADA) has adequately clarified the scope of ADA in terms of website accessibility compliance for private companies. While WCAG 2, Level AA (the success criteria level that most courts generally rely on) is frequently referenced in litigation, some courts have interpreted Title III of the ADA to include websites as public domains that should be accessible to all, while others have not. There seems to be no ADA web-based standard for private entities and for companies who employ less than 15 people; especially, for states like Michigan, who have yet to adopt legislation governing website compliance. 

Perks of Being ADA Compliant

The most significant incentive for meeting compliance is knowing that you have done all that you could to be fair and opportunistic for all people, no matter their skill level. It’s just good business practice to have an online presence that can be received by all. Also, the WCAG guidelines have a lot of great suggestions to help make your website read and look better to the end-user, which, if it is engaging to visitors, the longer they remain on your site will essentially increase your sales. Another consideration in becoming ADA compliant is that we, Creative Programs and Systems (CPS), study the trends of Search Engine Optimization and predict that compliance will soon be a ranking factor for organic SERP placement. SERP is the natural placement of your business listing when queried in search engines, not paid advertisements. It’s a win-win!

There are no automatic or instant solutions available from a widget or a plugin to make your website ADA compliant. Updating your website to become ADA compliant is a process and you can start by breaking down sections of your website to make it more manageable. But, really getting a head start is something and CPS can help get you there. It boils down to having proper, clean coding and best practices in software development from a professional team of programmers who can interpret federal and state policies and deliver a product that not only meets compliance but is also modern and informative. If you seek to obtain a reputable website developer, such as CPS, to ensure full compliance with WCAG 2.1, contact us today. CPS also provides Managed IT services, SEO and digital marketing, and customized programming and software that meets your needs. To learn more, visit www.cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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The Truth About Cataracts

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

According to the World Health Organization, cataracts are one of the leading eye health issues that can cause blindness, affecting roughly 65.2 million people worldwide. Cataracts are relatively simple to treat surgically in developed countries, but in others, eye care is minimal. The increase in our life expectancy has also uninhibited the growth of cataracts in the human population.  What is a cataract exactly? This condition is described as the clouding of the lens in the eye. Vision becomes blurred as the cataract develops and eventually, blindness is the result. Unfortunately, there is no definite route to prevent cataracts, but there are several ways to lower the risk of obtaining it. If you feel your vision is starting to worsen, or if you have trouble being able to see without bright light, you should consult with your doctor and be tested for cataracts.

Risk Factors of Cataracts  

Biological aging is the most common cause for cataracts with environmental exposures such as smoke or ultraviolet light. There are other secondary conditions related to other health problems like skin disease, diabetes, and overall health and lifestyle habits. Research also shows that women are at a higher risk for cataracts than men. Experts believe the reason for this is due to menopause, causing a decrease in estrogen that triggers cataracts later in life. Another genetic factor appears to be race. Most people falling suspectable to cataracts after turning 70 are classified as ‘white’ while Hispanics seem to have the lowest rate for cataracts.

Lifestyle Habits and Protection from Cataracts

Although you cannot completely remove the risks of environmental exposure, there are specific measures that you can take to help protect you. The two most common causes include excessive sun exposure and smoking. Ultraviolet light and smoking are known for causing cataracts even in people at a young age. Unfortunately, the overexposure from UV rays can take years or even decades to contribute to cataract development, so many people may not even know there is a problem until the damage has already occurred. To reduce the exposure of UV rays, it is advised to wear the correct protection, for instance, sunglasses with at least 99% protection from UVA and UVB rays or wearing a sunhat with at least 3” wide brim whenever out in the bright sun. Evidence also suggests that having a proper diet may also prevent cataracts from developing. Foods that are high in antioxidants such as green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, and eggs may decrease your risk.

Treatment

Cataracts can be very devastating if left untreated. The good news is that they take years to develop, which gives you plenty of time to discuss with your doctor which option will be best for your treatment. Cataract surgery is done in two stages; first, they remove the existing lens, and then they replace it with a new lens implant that will allow you to see clearly again and sometimes correct other vision problems. Your doctor can monitor early progression treatment and you may have months or years before surgery is needed. A simple upgrade in your glass’s prescription or the use of brighter lights can help, but ultimately the removal of the cloudy lens through cataract surgery will need to be performed.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs. As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses. More information can be found online at https://michiganlasik.com.



Michigan Lasik

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The Importance of High-Quality Drinking Water

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Hydration is key to all living things, and without it, we would only live for about five days. Our bodies are more than 50% water and it helps maintain our normal body temperature, lubricates joints, and enables the body to rid waste through urination, sweat, and bowel movements. Doctors advise us to drink at least eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day and studies have shown that women, on average, will consume approximately 91 oz. of water and men will drink about 125 oz. of water every day. Part of this consumption of water is from foods such as fruits and vegetables. It seems quite simple why water is so important to our health, but understanding the different risks from contaminations and how to protect your drinking water can be more in-depth.

Is Tap Water Safe?

In general, tap water is considered to be safe to consume if it comes from a public water system that is run and maintained by a municipality. When drinking water exits a treatment facility and travels to your home, the quality standards must reach strict safety requirements. Unfortunately, even with these safety policies, it does not mean that the water is free of any contaminants, but that the levels of the pollutants are low enough not to cause any health risks. Accidents do happen and if the water supply does become contaminated with something that can create illness, the supplier must inform consumers within 24 hours and offer alternative suggestions for safe drinking water.

Types of Contaminations

There are a few ways that water can become contaminated. Water can contain microorganisms like parasites and bacteria that are added to the water from human or animal feces. It can also become contaminated from industrial waste such as spraying crops that contain chemicals or nitrates used in fertilizers that run off the land. Sometimes the natural deposits from underground can have various minerals like lead or mercury that can enter the water supply. Lead can also transfer to a water source through old lead pipes as well. Even pipes that claim to be “lead-free” can contain as much as 8% lead. To avoid lead consumption when using tap water, use water from the cold tap and to let the water run for a minute before using it.

A Solution to the Problem

Often, when a contamination notice is sent to homes about a water crisis, it is advised to boil your water for 24 to 48 hours, so many consumers are under the impression that contaminates can be removed by heating the water to cleanse it. Boiling water will indeed kill germs; however, contaminants such as lead, nitrates, and pesticides will not affectedly be removed using this method.  It may have an opposite consequence since boiling will reduce the amount of water when it evaporates, making the concentration of the contaminate even higher. There are four main types of water filters that are more beneficial for contaminant removal:

  • Activated Carbon Filters – These can remove organic contaminants that change the taste and smell. Certain systems are designed to remove chemicals such as chlorination by-products, pesticides, and some metals like copper or lead.
  • Reverse Osmosis – This filtration system can remove nitrates, sodium, pesticides, and petrochemicals.
  • Ion Exchange – This type of filter can remove minerals like calcium and magnesium, and they are used in combination with other systems such as carbon absorption or reverse osmosis.
  • Distillation – This method creates distilled water by collecting condensation of steam from boiling water.

The experts at Reynolds Water Conditioning have a solution to your home’s unique water quality needs, including arsenic, bacteria, chlorine, rotten egg smell, fluoride, hard water, iron, lead, acid, tannins, radon, and more. To learn more information on our water treatment solutions, including water softeners and conditioners, water filtration and purification, reverse osmosis drinking water, and iron and odor removal, visit https://reynoldswater.com.



Reynolds Water

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Steps to Re-plaster a Pool

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Owning a pool is a big investment not only for your money but your time and energy in order to properly maintain its beauty for many years to come. Over time, even with excellent care you will notice the bottom of the pool will become rough, bumpy and even sharp in certain areas. It will become time to replace the pool plaster finish not only for the appearance but to keep it safe to use for yourself and your pool guests.

What and When to Plaster

Simply, plastering a pool means adding a new layer of plaster on the walls and bottom of the pool. The reason for doing this is to make the pool waterproof since when it is first originally installed by your professional pool contractors, the pool is created from either concrete or gunite to form the outside “shell”. These two materials’ biggest problem is they are porous and will not hold water over time and the pool would continuously need to be filled up over time. A solution to this is for an installer to add a half-inch thick layer of plaster. It will not only become a barrier for the water but also give the water appearance and beautiful blue hue with a smooth surface, so the look and feel are preferable. No plaster is designed to last forever, depending on the correct maintenance and use the pool plaster will remain intact anywhere between seven and twenty years.

Risks That Increase with Neglect

So, what happens if the pool is not cleaned/ taken care of on a regular basis? If a pool is not properly maintained during its life, there are many factors that the plaster will affect that can be very costly down the road. First, you may notice new stains appearing to the surface due to certain minerals that may be contained in the pool water such as iron or copper that can often give a green/ brown tint. Although this issue is only aesthetic, it can be quite frustrating to deal with after spending so much time and money to keep it looking clean and fresh. The next issue that will occur will be the surface will form lumps, bumps, and scratching spots on the surface which will cause concern for swimmers to not get scraped when jumping and swimming around. The bumps may not be too uncomfortable but in the long term, they will make the pool harder to clean and a place that algae will find and grow on. Lastly, the largest danger is it can affect the integrity of the pool structure. As discussed earlier, the plaster is a protective layer that keeps the pool waterproof, if the plaster wears away, water will seep into the concrete or gunite causing even larger problems.

Alternatives for Re-plaster

If re-plastering your pool is not something that you have the time or budget currently for there are serval of options to help resolves some of your plaster issues but keep in mind, most are only temporary fixes and can be even more expensive than doing the actual re-plastering. One option is to do a patching job. If areas of the plaster are beginning to feel rough this option would eliminate that but not only is this a temporary solution, but the patch materials will never completely match the plaster which will make it unsightly as well. Another solution for removing pool stains is to perform an acid wash. It’s a quick fix for the stain but it does not help in any way with preserving the plaster. In fact, the acid wash will damage the plaster further so its best to only use this method if the aesthetics are a necessity to you. If money is no object when repairing the pool, installing tile can be a great decision since the material is incredibly strong and beautiful to look at. The pricing may surprise you, however, ranging anywhere between $75-$100 per square foot.

Pound Pool Plastering offers several options when it comes to servicing your pool including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, plumbing, and coping in both commercial and residential settings.  More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.



Pound Pool Plastering

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Saving Money with Bathroom Design and Remodeling Ideas

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

After years of dreaming of a luxurious spa retreat that you could come home to each day, you have finally decided to make that dream a reality. The first order of business is figuring out your budget. Bathroom remodels can scale in cost by a large range depending on the upgrades you want. If $20,000 seems too far out of reach, that doesn’t mean you can’t still create a relaxing new space to unwind in. There are plenty of ways to renovate your bathroom while staying on budget: 

Size of Renovation vs. Budget

One of the main reasons homeowners decide to upgrade and renovate a bathroom is because the resale value of your home will significantly increase. You may be able to recoup a large portion of costs when selling your home, sometimes as high as 100%. If your budget is on the smaller side ($1,000 or less), it may be wise to make cosmetic changes such as a new sink, paint, or fixtures. If your budget allows for more, upgrade the materials in choice pieces and consider hiring a professional contractor to complete the job.

Saving on Tile

Tile is an expensive material to purchase and pricing can continue to increase when hiring a licensed contractor for the project. One easy way to save money is to limit the amount of tile used and to only install it in specific areas such as the floor rather than the entire shower walls. Another idea is to add one horizontal strip of tile inside the shower and paint the rest. If your vision is stuck on having an expensive tile, try using it as an accent alongside a more inexpensive tile to make the luxurious ones really stand out while saving money in your pocket. 

Countertop Savings

By popular demand, granite countertops are the most sought-after material in bathrooms and kitchens. Bathroom counter space is a much smaller area compared to kitchens, so your budget may be a little more flexible. The first way to save in countertops is by choosing a color. The most popular color preferences are neutral colors like tan, brown, beige. The higher the demand, the more expensive they will be to purchase. Try to consider and price out a variety of different colors to find the right price point for your budget needs. Another way to save money when purchasing granite is to buy a slab that may contain small imperfections. The larger the imperfection, the lower the price. Keep in mind, if the defect is located where the sink or faucet will be, you won’t see the flaw after the install. 

JFC Remodeling is a full-service licensed contractor out of Howell, Michigan, specializing in kitchen and bathroom renovations, flooring upgrades, and home remodeling services. More information can be found online at https://jfcremodeling.com/.



Jason Foldenauer Construction

Essential Skills a Professional Planner Should Have

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

Being an event planner may seem like a fun, carefree job that gets to throw parties all the time, right? It can be quite the opposite; although it’s gratifying to help make people’s dreams come true, event planning can be one of the most stressful careers. Not every individual is cut out for the position and it’s important to find a quality event planner to coordinate the successful outcome that you are looking for. These specific skills and characteristics are essential when hiring a qualified planner: 

Organization

Great event planners are highly organized people who ensure that your special occasion runs smoothly and flawlessly. The profession requires a keen eye for detail and sharp, intuitive pre-planning. It’s the job of the planner to keep a client within timelines and budgets and oversee all aspects from start to finish. They also have a great memory and are able to recall minute details. Keeping track of various vendors and contracts can be overwhelming and the professional planner needs to be able to quickly retain each companies’ practices and guidelines for an enhanced planning process.

Network Professional

The best planners will be the ones who know the ins and outs of networking. The events industry is built upon people-driven and relationship-based qualities. Having the best recommendations for your clients as to which caterers, photographers, entertainment, décor, bakery, and other vendors in the area will help guide your client in making choices with less stress. A strong network of providers will not only help your client, but will also increase the return referral from vendors, and overall will strengthen professional relationships.

Creativity

Another reason many clients choose to hire a professional event planner is that they want someone who can give a wow factor to their guests. They want an event that is cutting edge and unique; that hasn’t been seen a hundred times before. It is important to brainstorm ideas throughout the entire planning process so that the unique features of the event represent the values of your client. Some clients may be able to articulate their vision of the event, but if they can’t, it is up to the planner to bring inspiration to the event. Ideas can be researched meticulously through fashion channels, Pinterest, even from Pantone that releases an annual color of the year to reflect fashionable hues for the upcoming year. Another critical skill to have regarding creativity is the ability to think fast on your feet when unplanned situations occur during an event. The ability to switch to a ‘Plan B’ without anyone even noticing a change is truly the work of a professional planner.

Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, wedding planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design, and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. We have access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget. Our team prides ourselves in offering only the highest-quality event coordination, giving you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion, including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events, and milestone celebrations. More information can be found online at https://www.eventplanningdc.com.



Event Planning DC

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Common Causes for Pool Plaster Issues

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

A pool’s plaster interior finish is created for two reasons; to create an appealing water feature that accents your home’s beauty and to protect the integrity and structure of the pool. Pool plaster prevents water from leaking through into the concrete, which could damage the building materials inside the pool’s shell structure. Keeping your pool plaster in good condition is key to the pool’s overall strength and longevity. However, even the most well-maintained pools will eventually show aging and signs of degradation in the plaster, which is a perfectly normal occurrence. With proper care and routine treatments, the life span of 7 to 10 years can be expected for traditional marcite plaster. The timeline can be extended an additional five years if the finish includes a quartz aggregate blend. Even a high-quality plaster finish that is professionally applied to a pool can still have complications occur, sometimes as soon as a few months or a few years after being built. Next, we will discuss common issues found with pool plaster such as streaks, stains, erosion and why they occur.

Pool Water Chemistry

One of the leading causes of plaster corrosion is improper pool water chemistry. Corrosion can occur when a new pool is filled up for the first time or if a large amount of water is added to a pool due to evaporation. Perhaps, water is added outside of your control, such as a big downfall of rain, which, for sure, will change the levels of pH, chlorine, and alkalinity. If and when these events occur, your pool levels will need to be monitored and adjusted to the correct amounts so as not to damage the plaster.

Objects Entering the Pool

Another item that can inadvertently get added to your pool that will change its chemistry is any organic matter such as grass, leaves, plants, or even flower pollen. Not only can it change the water chemistry but it also can cause staining to the plaster in only a few short hours. Other man-made objects can cause damage as well; fertilizer, for example, that can be blown into the pool has iron-rich minerals that can create dime-sized rust spots along the interior sides of the pool. In general, items that contain metal can also leave rust stains throughout the plaster, such as lost coins or hairpins from past swimmers.

Address the Problem Before Significant Damage Occurs

If you believe there is a problem starting to occur with your pool plaster, don’t ignore it! Once an issue begins and if left unattended, the damage will be more challenging to handle. Before trying to do any DIY fixes, it is advised to consult with a professional plaster company that specializes in the repair. You may need to take a few pictures of the damage and send them to a pool contractor where they can then guide you with advice or they may need to make an appointment to assess the damage in person. Simple fixes can be applied if the damage is caught early on, such as brushing out stains or rebalancing the water’s chemistry. If the problem can not be resolved with a quick fix, the pool may need to be drained or partially drained for hand sanding or for an acid wash to be completed. If all else fails and the damage is too extensive for repair, it will ultimately need a complete and costly replaster of the pool.

Pound Pool Plastering serves both commercial and residential settings and provides a variety of selections to service your pool, including plaster, caulk, tiling, cement decks, and plumbing. More information can be found at https://www.pound-pool-plastering.com/.



Pound Pool Plastering

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How Expensive Is LASIK?

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems - Updated


Choosing a procedure such as LASIK comes with many questions and concerns that should be considered carefully. It is essential to consult with a LASIK surgeon and be sure that you are a good candidate for the surgery. A lingering question in your mind, of course, will be, “How much does LASIK cost?” In 2019, the average cost for LASIK surgery was about $2,246 per eye. This is an out-of-pocket expense for most vision insurance plans don’t cover LASIK because it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not medically necessary. Below we will further discuss factors that influence the costs of LASIK and tips on how to prepare financially for this investment for your eyes.

Key Cost Factors for LASIK

Several factors should be considered when budgeting the expense of LASIK surgery. The surgeon’s experience and reputation are one. The more experience a surgeon has may affect the cost of the procedure, and you need to determine if this is worth the extra cost. Also, the type of laser technology used to perform the correction can cause a swing in costs. Traditional treatment options that have been used since the 1990s may cost less than some of the newer advancements, such as custom wavefront technology. Lastly, your overall eye condition will also be a factor that is taken into consideration during the quoting process. A person may be quoted a higher price than someone else due to having a stronger prescription level and more impaired vision. No matter the surgeon or technology you decide is best for you, always do the research required and choose the option that you feel 100% comfortable with.

Use Caution with LASIK Bargains & Deals

It can be tempting to shop for the best deal and choose an option based solely on price but beware of something that sounds too good to be true. Often in media, it is advertised for LASIK for lower than $1000 per eye or less, but typically, you may be surprised to find that there may be additional costs that are not displayed as clearly. It is highly advised at your initial consultation to ask your surgeon for a written quote that itemizes everything included in the offer. Read the fine print and ask if there are additional fees for follow up visits, glasses, and post medications. Another warning regarding bargain LASIK procedures, their “solution” may not resolve all of your corrective issues with your eyes. If you have a mild condition, this may work out for you. Remember always to read the fine print and ask questions until you fully understand the entire process.

Financing Options for LASIK

Although there may not be an easy way around cutting costs for LASIK surgery, there are plenty of options available to help make payments more manageable and affordable. Many patients choose to pay for their procedure overtime at a monthly rate with finance companies that sometimes can offer deals with no-interest or special limited-time offers. Some employers offer subsidized health plans that can cover a portion of elective corrective LASIK costs, so be sure to investigate if this is available to you.  Another great option when preplanning is the use of a flexible spending account (FSA) or a health savings account (HSA). If you are part of the military, there is a possibility that LASIK is free or at a discounted rate. No matter your situation, it is important to research all of your options before committing. The professionals at Rohr Eye and Laser Center are always happy to answer any of your questions and they will help you come up with a solution that will be sure to make your LASIK experience enjoyable.

Rohr Eye & Laser Center offers the most advanced technology available to suit your lifestyle and visual needs.  As a leader in laser vision correction and cataract surgery, our goal is to help you achieve the best vision possible without glasses or contact lenses.  For more information, visit our website at https://michiganlasik.com.



Michigan Lasik

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Event Planning Vs. Event Coordinating

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems

The event industry is constantly changing and continues to grow in popularity as people’s lives are on overdrive. They can’t take the extra time to plan an upcoming event, or they don’t need the added stress. Often, in this line of work, there are several terms used that are misunderstood or defined loosely. Certain words or even job titles can mean different things to different people. An easy example of this is the word “event” in which some people will interpret it to be a birthday party, business conference, wedding, sporting game, and the list goes on. These varying descriptions can be confusing in the event industry and so can job titles, such as “event planner” verse “event coordinator.” What is it precisely that separates these two careers?

Choosing an Event Planner

No matter the type of event you are in the process of planning, whether it is a social or corporate gathering, an event planner is not a “party planner.” Throwing a grand party may seem like the profession’s main job goal but it’s not nearly as simple as that. The first step in event planning is to visualize the big picture and understand the purpose of the occasion and how to achieve it. The planner oversees making critical decisions such as who, what, where, when, and why factors of the event. An event planner communicates directly with the customer to incorporate their vision to create an affair that aligns with the client’s needs and budget. After the initial meeting, the planner will select a venue, entertainment, and discuss menu options, among other things. This career holds a considerable amount of responsibilities to ensure that the event is everything the customer is expecting.

Hiring an Event Coordinator

A coordinator, on the other hand, is responsible in making sure all the details are carried out smoothly with each vendor showing up on time and that they provide the services correctly. This specific job is typically a milestone in becoming an event planner down the line. An event coordinator requires skills such as excellent written and verbal communication and the ability to work well with others since the central portion of their job is to collaborate with vendors, their clients, and guests at the party. Once an event planner has completed the vision of the event, the coordinator can step in and provide management to the individual components to guarantee it goes smoothly. Event coordinators are hired for specific lengths of time during the planning process, whether it’s from day one of planning or if needing extra assistance on the actual day for several hours.

Which Professional to Select

Although the two roles are very different from each other, they often work hand in hand. As discussed earlier, many event planners early on are trained as event coordinators and depending on the level of expertise your event requires will help you decide which option will be best for your needs. Both professions have similar skill sets; well organized, creative, and can work well under pressure. No matter if an item turns up missing or a vendor is running late, or if an outdoor event has a sudden downpour of rain – your professional will be able to help guide your event to a successful and memorable day.  

 Event Planning DC provides full event planning, partial event planning, wedding planning, month-of (day-of) event coordination, event styling/design, and decorating services throughout DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With access to local and national vendors who may provide additional services suitable for your event and budget, we pride ourselves in delivering only the highest quality event coordination. We promise to give you and your guests the perfect day, no matter what the occasion, including exclusive corporate and non-profit events, weddings, Bar & Bat Mitzvahs, community events, and milestone celebrations. For more information, visit https://www.eventplanningdc.com.



Event Planning DC

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Using Header Tags in SEO

Posted on by Creative Programs and Systems


There is no denying that header tags still serve an essential role in SEO for your website and the users who visit it. SEO can influence your rankings through Google by making your content more natural and enjoyable for a visitor to read. Headers also provide keyword-rich context about the content on the site which the search engine uses to find you. SEO continues to evolve and the heading tags should be optimized to provide the best results in today’s world of change.

History of SEO Heading Tags

HTML header tags are created to separate the headings (H1) and sub-headings (H2-H6) of a website page from the rest of the content. Heading tags (H1, H2, H3) were legitimate ranking factors in the early 2000s and it was required to add keywords into the heading if you wanted to rank. This practice in SEO has changed quite a bit in recent years.

SEO Habits Vs. Useful Practice

Adding keywords to heading tags has become a habit more than actual usefulness in SEO. Taking a closer look at top ranking websites shows evidence that header tags no longer require keywords to succeed anymore. Another example of an old habit is the belief that H1 headings are more important than H2 headings or other listed tags after that. This belief 15 years ago would have been a real ranking factor but presently, this is no longer the case. Currently, the primary purpose of heading tags is to explain what the content on the page is about. It helps visitors understand what the text or images are portraying on the website.

Following Best SEO Practice

To improve your website’s visibility and grow your online traffic, it is vital to continue the practice of comprehensive and thoughtful SEO strategy. Google along with other search engines are shifting from authority rankings towards the quality of content that is provided. The structure, relevance to the topic, and the whole user experience are all taken into consideration to be successful online in today’s world. A few essential SEO practices that you should include on your website are:

  • Create a unique title and meta description that explain the page’s content easily and accurately.
  • Use the most descriptive and important keywords in header tags but don’t overuse them; they should be used naturally for a visitor to follow and read easily.
  • Provide content to a webpage that is meaningful and accurate. The content should provide specific information to meet the user’s intent and be found in search queries. Long-form content appears to be ideal for backlink acquisition; however, John Mueller, Google’s Webmaster Trends Analyst, has stated publicly that word count itself is not a ranking factor.

Creative Programs and Systems is an all-inclusive tech company that specializes in Custom Development, Managed IT Services, and Digital Marketing. All work is done in-house and we never outsource our services – from custom server builds and workstations, custom software programming and phone app development to search engine optimization and paid advertising. Our professionals provide results. For more information, check out our website at https://www.cpsmi.com.



Creative Programs and Systems

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