Monthly Archives: August 2018

Business

South Bend Chocolate Café Michigan City becomes a Shop Local Network Mission Partner

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South Bend Chocolate Cafe, located at 307 Lighthouse Place in Michigan City, IN, is the perfect place to go for a wide variety of treats.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 24, 2018 – South Bend Chocolate Cafe, located at 307 Lighthouse Place in Michigan City, IN, is the perfect place to go for a wide variety of treats. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network said, “They have a little something for everyone. From Chocolates to fudge, ice cream to coffee and a great menu for lunch or dinner. A must stop!”

They offer quite a selection including sandwiches, soups, chocolates, fudge, gourmet popcorn, coffee, ice cream and more. Their coffee and hot chocolate range from $1.75-$4.50. They have a number of different lattes, mochas, hot chocolates, and specialty lattes.

“I’m having a great time here nestled away from the cold sitting in a cushy chair drinking hot chocolate living this blessed gift watching the few cold hardy people trudge by,” says Reed, a customer.

For fudge, customers can choose from chocolate, vanilla, chocolate walnut, peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter, mint, oreo, maple walnut, and turtle. Their chocolates range from $11.99-$19.99 per pound and include pecan patties, meltaways, creams, truffles, malt balls, chocolate covered blueberries, cherries, coffee beans, raisins, nuts and so much more! They have a large assortment of candies, ice creams, fudge, cheesecakes, frozen bananas, and cakes. They also offer a menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches.

“Wide variety of chocolates and candy that’s cheaper than going to South Bend, great drinks and it’s a good place to stop in for a bite to eat while shopping at the outlet mall,” Young, a customer, said.

South Bend Chocolate Cafe in Michigan City is part of a larger company. Mark Tanner founded South Bend Chocolate Cafe in 1991. In August of 1994, the South Bend Chocolate Company incorporated with Mr. and Mrs. Tanner as majority shareholders. There are now 11 company owned stores in Northern Indiana. 25 years after their founding, they now produce over 500 different chocolates and sweets. The factory is located in South Bend, and if you would like you can go over there and go on a tour of the factory.

So, are you ready to taste some of the yummy treats waiting for you at South Bend Chocolate Café Michigan City? Head to the Lighthouse Mall in Michigan City to see them, and you can get some shopping done, too. Don’t forget your Shop Localkeytag to get a special discount. Also make sure you join up for their loyalty rewards program to earn free rewards! You can give them a call, or learn more about them at www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

(219) 872-1998

The Shop Local Network

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte, Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Entertainment

Maria Shamkalian Imparts Lesson of Kindness to Combat Bullying

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Bullying is a problem in schools nationwide, with 49% of children between grades 4 to 12 reporting being bullied by others at least once in the past month.

San Antonio, TX, August 23, 2018 — With a master’s degree in education, Maria Shamkalian knows that affecting change begins with early childhood education.

“If you teach young children important lessons about kindness and accepting others, they are equipped with these skills for the rest of their lives,” Shamkalian explains. “They are like sponges at this age and they can learn quickly about the beauty of diversity: to accept others and to accept themselves as they are.”

Teaching these values runs back generations in Maria’s family. In Russia, her grandmother worked with children with exceptionalities, who were often ostracized because of their differences. Shamkalian herself also experienced bullying when she moved to the United States.

“I had short curly hair and big glasses, I didn’t speak English, and I looked like a boy. These things made me stand out, and I was a victim of bullying because of it.”

Although Shamkalian went on to model and act, conforming to conventional beauty standards, she eventually realized that true beauty was not in changing herself but in being herself.

This is central to the message she imparts in her new book for children, “Sunny the Yellow Bunny”.  The main character’s fur is different from all the other bunnies, but when Sunny asks his mom to dye his fur white, she refuses, teaching him to take pride in his differences.

“You don’t have to fit in by looking like everyone else,” adds the author. “You benefit the community because of your individuality. We are all pieces of the big, universal puzzle.”

Of the book, she adds, “I hope that my readers understand that we are all citizens of the world. We have different colors, cultures, and religions; there are so many ways in which we are different, but we all have dreams and hopes. We all want to be loved and have friends and a strong community. There is so much more that we have in common than what makes us different.”

Shamkalian plans to use her book as a tool to help make schools a kinder place, where children can be excited to learn from peers who are different from themselves.

Publisher Lisa M. Umina adds, “This is a beautiful book—from the illustrations to the powerful message for children, who will relate to Sunny and have fun learning about love, kindness, and acceptance: crucial values for us to instill in children today.”

For more information about Maria Shamkalian visit www.halopublishing.com. “Sunny the Yellow Bunny” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in Hardcover for $20.95, in Paperback for $12.95, and as an e-Book for $6.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, Texas 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Software, Technology

Output Factory Server for InDesign Now Can Split Files into Page Groups

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Zevrix Solutions announces Output Factory Server 2.1.2, a feature update to company’s output automation solution for Adobe InDesign. Output Factory Server automates printing and exporting from InDesign by processing files from hot folders. The software offers layer versioning, preflighting, PDF security presets, FTP file delivery, unlimited users and much more. The new version lets users split InDesign files into consecutive groups of several pages (for example, every 2 pages, 3 pages etc.)

Toronto (ON), Canada — Zevrix Solutions today announces the release of Output Factory Server 2.1.2, a feature update to company’s output automation tool for Adobe InDesign. Output Factory Server automates InDesign production workflow by processing files from watched hot folders. The app offloads printing and exporting from InDesign to a central system leaving operator workstations free from the output process.

The new version adds the ability to split InDesign files into consecutive groups of several pages using the new “Save as n pages” option. For example, users can split a 20-page document into five InDesign files of 4 pages each, or ten double-page files and so on. In addition, the new update improves export of non-consecutive groups of pages to single PDF files and fixes a file naming issue during output to IDML format.

Output Factory Server is intended to run on a dedicated machine and serve unlimited users on a network via watched hot folders. Users can create hot folders for different output targets such as hi-res PDF, large format printing, Flash files and so on. The app offers the following key features:

–Output InDesign files automatically from hot folders
-Supports print, PDF, PostScript, TIFF, EPUB and other formats
-Output to multiple formats from a single hot folder
-Automatic email notifications on errors and other events
–Layer versioning: output layer combinations as separate files
-Variable output file names
-Automatic preflighting
-PDF security presets for different workflows

Pricing and Availability:
Output Factory Server can be purchased from Zevrix web site for US$699.95, as well as from authorized resellers. Trial is also available for download. The upgrade to version 2 is $350 for the licensed users of Output Factory Server 1.x and BatchOutput Server. Output Factory Server requires macOS 10.7-10.13 and Adobe InDesign CS5-CC 2018.

About Zevrix Solutions
Located in Toronto, Canada, Zevrix Solutions provides productivity solutions for Adobe Creative Suite software, PDF workflows, graphic file diagnostics, file delivery and Microsoft Office on Mac OS. Zevrix is dedicated to help professionals increase their profits through automating everyday tasks, producing error-free documents, saving disk space and cutting production costs. For more information, visit http://www.zevrix.com.

Contact:
Leo Revzin
Owner
Zevrix Solutions
105 McCAUL St, Suite 301
Toronto Ontario M5T 2X4 Canada
858-206-0607
media@zevrix.com

Solutions for Adobe InDesign & the Graphics Industry

Business

The Shop Local Network welcomes EDCO Environmental as a new Shop Local Mission Partner!

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EDCO Environmental, located at 825 N Indiana Ave in Crown Point, Indiana is your one stop shop for all heating, cooling and refrigeration needs.

LaPorte, Indiana, August 23, 2018 – EDCO Environmental, located at 825 N Indiana Ave in Crown Point, Indiana is your one stop shop for all heating, cooling and refrigeration needs. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “The team of experts that they have assembled is pretty amazing. Their service technicians have over 100 years of experience combined. That is some serious knowledge!”

At EDCO Environmental Services Inc., they strive to simplify your life by providing superior heating and cooling solutions in NW Indiana and Southeastern Chicagoland. Whether in the home or business, you should expect nothing less than the greatest level of comfort, convenience, and overall performance from your heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.

Their team of factory trained HVAC technicians has extensive knowledge to perform safe and efficient installations, repairs and maintenance that are always completed on time, and within budget. Through excellence of service, they protect your investment and ensure your satisfaction.

If it heats or cools, EDCO Environmental Services Inc. services, sells, and installs it. When it comes to your comfort, they go out of their way to make sure your commercial and residential heating and air conditioning systems meet your demands and expectations for performance and cost savings. You may find cheaper estimates for installation and service elsewhere, but you’ll pay for cut corners later on. Their meticulous design and energy saving technology sets them apart from those other guys, guaranteeing superior results.

An investment with EDCO Environmental Services Inc. will pay you back in lower utility costs, fewer repair needs, extended service life, and exceptional comfort year after year. Contact the professionals at EDCO Environmental Services Inc. for superior HVAC and refrigeration for your home or business in Valparaiso, Munster, Schererville, Orland Park, Tinley Park & Crown Point.

Make EDCO your first call for all of your heating, cooling and refrigeration needs. Learn more by visiting their website or giving them a call today.

(219)-662-4005

www.edcoenvironmentalservices.com

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte, Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Business, Human Resources

Engage PEO Recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the Fastest-Growing Private Companies in the U.S. for Third Consecutive Year

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Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA — Engage PEO, a professional employer organization providing HR outsourcing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S., announced that for the third consecutive year, the company was named one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. on Inc. Magazine’s 37th Annual Inc. 5000 list. Of the tens of thousands of companies that have applied to the Inc. 5000, a fraction has made the list more than once and just one in four share Engage’s distinction of being a three-time honoree.

“Engage’s sustained business growth is a direct result of the unique solution it brings to its clients in the ever-changing workplace and compliance environment. By partnering with Engage, our clients can laser-focus on their own businesses and leave the HR issues to our specialized team of experts,” said Jay Starkman, CEO of Engage PEO. “Amongst the business community, the Inc. 5000 honor is regarded as a hallmark of entrepreneurial success, and we’re proud to have been listed for the third year in a row. It is a true testament of the excellence of the Engage team and the quality of our solution.”

Not only have the companies on the 2018 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. According to Inc., the companies represented achieved a three-year average growth of more than 538 percent, created over 660 thousand jobs over the past three years, and generated revenue of more than $200 billion in 2017.

About Engage PEO
Engage PEO delivers comprehensive HR solutions to small and mid-sized businesses nationwide, sharpening their competitive advantage. Comprised of the industry’s most respected veteran professional employer organization executives, certified HR professionals and attorneys, Engage PEO provides hands-on, expert HR services and counsel to help clients minimize cost and maximize efficiency for stronger business performance. The company’s superior service offering includes a full range of health and workers’ compensation insurance products, payroll technology and tax administration, risk management services and advanced technology as part of an extensive suite of HR services. Engage PEO was recently awarded the designation of Certified Professional Employer Organization (CPEO) by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ensuring greater benefits for small and mid-sized businesses such as tax advantages and financial protections. Engage PEO is also accredited by the Employer Services Assurance Corporation. Engage PEO was named to Inc. magazine’s list of the 5000 fastest growing companies every year since 2016. For more information on Engage PEO visit http://www.engagepeo.com.

The IRS does not endorse any particular certified professional employer organization. For more information on certified professional employer organizations go to http://www.irs.gov.

Media Contact:
Sloane Fistel, rbb Communications
(305) 249-1171
sloane.fistel@rbbcommunications.com

Entertainment

Elizabeth Williams Encourages Families to Have Fun Outside

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Texas People are spending more time than ever before inside, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person in the United States spends only 7% of their lifetime outside.

San Antonio, TX, USA, August 17, 2018 — People are spending more time than ever before inside, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average person in the United States spends only 7% of their lifetime outside.

Health equity advocate and entrepreneur Elizabeth Williams is working to help parents and children alike reconnect with a love of the outdoors.

“We are currently experiencing challenges that are specific to the age of technology,” Williams explains. “Rather than playing video games, surfing the web or texting, I want to encourage families to get outside with their kids to play, explore, and go on adventures.”

A sense of fun is integral to Williams’ work, and with the inspiration of the adventures that she undertakes with her own young son, she decided to share their story with the world to encourage others to get outside to play and become healthier.

“My son is excited about everything. Whenever we go outside, all that we do is an adventure for him. In his view of the world, most experiences are new. The world to him is shiny and big and he wants to explore and learn all about it,” Williams explains.

It is this sense of adventure that she instills in her debut children’s book, “The Adventures of Joyful John: John Rides His Bike.”

Of the book, Williams comments, “This book is a tool to help children and adults alike get excited to go outside and play and explore. It is a reminder for parents about the fun, health-promoting activities that we can do with our children: walking, biking, playing basketball, etc.”

This message is especially important for underserved communities, who often face increased barriers to playing outside. “Some children of color live in areas that are park deserts or the spaces they do have are not safe,” Williams comments. “One of my goals with ‘The Adventures of Joyful John’ book series is to address these types of challenges and find solutions through working with organizations committed to creating healthier spaces and communities.”

Publisher, Lisa M. Umina, adds, “Williams is tackling an important problem by approaching it with positivity. This book not only imparts an important lesson to children, but it will bring a smile to readers of every age.”

For more information about Elizabeth Williams visit www.ElizabethEWilliams.com. “The Adventures of Joyful John: John Rides His Bike” is now available at Halo Publishing International, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Books a Million in paperback for $13.95 and as an e-book for $9.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Lisa Michelle Umina, Publisher
Halo Publishing International, Inc
1100 NW Loop 410, Suite 700-176,
San Antonio, Texas 78213 – USA
+1 877-705-9647
contact@halopublishing.com

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Business

RL roofing joins The Shop Local Network as a new Shop Local Mission Partner

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RL roofing, located at 6012 E. Michigan Blvd, in Michigan City Indiana is more than just your ordinary roofing company.

Michigan City, Indiana, August 17, 2018 – RL roofing, located at 6012 E. Michigan Blvd, in Michigan City Indiana is more than just your ordinary roofing company. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “RL really goes above and beyond to make sure the job is done right. By hand nailing your roof, it shows their focus is on craftsmanship and not just getting the job done.”

Richard and Tamberlain Leslie have owned RL Roofing for 33 years. Richard comes from a family of roofers as his father and grandfather were both roofers. Two of his brothers, Fred and Jason are also currently employed at RL Roofing. Richard’s parents, Frederick Leslie and Judy Leslie, owned Leslie Roofing in Michigan City for 50 years. Richard and Tamberlain’s children, Richard Leslie Jr. and Katelain Henderson, are also employed with RL Roofing. They are the true definition of a family-owned business!

RL is more than just roofing. They also offer siding, soffit, fascia, gutters, windows, doors, exterior stone work, interior remodeling, new construction homes, new construction barns and garages. What really sets them apart is RL Roofing hand nails every shingle that they install for the highest quality possible. Most other companies tend to use nail guns when installing a roof.

RL Roofing covers a large area. They work in all of Northwest Indiana (Lake County, Porter County, LaPorte County, Starke County, St. Joe County) and Southwest Michigan. Living up to their motto, “Let us create a worry-free exterior for your home”, they offer a ten year workmanship warranty on all of their roofing.

Offering military discounts, law enforcement discounts, and senior citizen discounts, they truly are professional, dependable and full of integrity. Give them a call or visit their website to learn more about them today.

(219) 872-8281

www.rlroofingservice.com

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Business

Hourglass Image joins The Shop Local Network as a Shop Local Mission Partner

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Hourglass Image located at 10917 Miami Street in Winfield, Indiana is changing the way people see their bodies.

Winfield, Indiana, August 16, 2018 – Hourglass Image located at 10917 Miami Street in Winfield, Indiana is changing the way people see their bodies. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “Hourglass Image offers a service that you would normally have to go to Chicago for. With documented results, they have set the standard in body sculpting in Northwest Indiana.”

Hourglass Image uses a technology new to the area to freeze fat cells which allows your body to dispose of them. Their service isn’t designed to help you lose a significant amount of weight. They target more of the smaller trouble areas that just won’t seem to go away. Many people have seen significant results in reducing fat in the thighs, belly, butt, neck and arms. However, they can target any area that you are having trouble losing that last bit.

Hourglass images offers packages to give you a discounted rate. They also offer packages that you can use with friends so that you can enjoy the time together. They are currently adding in additional services to provide to their clients. The décor is beautiful, much like a spa setting, and allows their clients to relax.

Can Hourglass Image help you? Give them a call, visit their site, or stop in to learn more. If you are anything like me, you will learn something new about your body in the first 5 minutes of talking with them.

(219) 488-1818

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Business

The Shop Local Network welcomes Alpine Mountain Water as a Shop Local Mission Partner!

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Alpine Mountain Water located at 1500 E. North Street in Crown Point, Indiana sets the standard when it comes to bottled water delivery.

Crown Point, Indiana, August 16, 2018 – Alpine Mountain Water located at 1500 E. North Street in Crown Point, Indiana sets the standard when it comes to bottled water delivery. Nick Bello, president of The Shop Local Network stated, “I think that many people have no idea how inexpensive it can be to have water delivered to your home or business. The customer service of Alpine Mountain Water just ads to the value even more.”

Alpine Mountain Water services all over Northwest Indiana. They deliver their 5 gallon containers to both residential and commercial customers. They will monitor your inventory for you and make adjustments as necessary. They understand that more water consumption tends to happen in the warmer months and dips a little in the cooler months. This happens especially with the commercial customers.

Need the water cooler too? Not a problem. Alpine is one phone call away. Not only can they supply you with one, they will take care of the service if anything ever happens to it. They understand that business owners have a lot on their plate already and this is something that they should not have to worry about. They go above and beyond to make their customers happy.

Residential customers love the fact that they are saving money and helping the environment by not buying single serve water bottles from the store and filling the landfill with unnecessary waste. You really can’t get much better than that.

The human brain is composed of 73% water, and we are 100% sure that you will love your experience with Alpine Mountain Water. Give them a call today!

1-800-540-9551

Contact:

Nick Bello

The Shop Local Network

LaPorte Indiana

1-800-501-2632

support@TheShopLocalNetwork.com

http://www.TheShopLocalNetwork.com

Entertainment

Aimee Cabo Nikolov Empowers Others to Stand Up Against Violence and Abuse

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According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 35% of women in the United States have experienced domestic violence, and all too often, this violence occurs in a cycle that is difficult for victims to break. But Aimee Cabo Nikolov was determined to be an exception to this pattern.

Palmetto Bay, FL, USA, August 16, 2018 — Growing up, Nikolov was at the center of a high-profile battle in the media in Miami that was dubbed “The Case from Hell.” This case was about the long-term sexual abuse Nikolov endured as a child. This case eventually tore her childhood family apart, shaping her early childhood and adolescent years.

Nikolov states, “The suffering that I experienced has shaped the person that I have become.”

From different foster homes to becoming homeless at one point in her life, the birth of Nikolov’s first daughter changed everything for her. When her daughter was born, Nikolov became determined to give her a different upbringing than the one she had known. She fought endless custody battles as well as her own substance abuse, eventually meeting the love of her life and finding strength in her faith to help her overcome any challenge that life presented to her.

Of her journey, Nikolov comments, “I want people to know that if they let God into their life, they can begin to appreciate life more. There is hope. It’s not just suffering, and everything truly does pass.”

With her bachelors in science and nursing, Nikolov and her husband went on to found both a tight-knit family and a successful company together.

“I felt that I could help others by sharing my story,” adds Nikolov, who is now releasing a book about her life’s experiences. “I was praying and I knew it was time to write this book.”

“I look at my life, and in spite of the adversity that I have overcome, my life is a success because I am happy to go to work and I am happy to come home,” says Nikolov. “For me, prayer has been a source of strength and I now see that suffering is not necessarily a bad thing.”

Nikolov’s memoir offers an important message of hope and resilience for readers, recounting how she overcame great adversity to ultimately live a fulfilling life.

“Love is the Answer, God is the Cure” is Nikolov’s first book. It is now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in Paperback for $19.98 and as an e-Book for $9.99.

Press & Media Contact:
Aimee Cabo Nikolov
Inspirational Books Publishing
18320 Franjo Road,
Palmetto Bay, FL, 33157 – USA
305-338-0568
aimee@godisthecure.com

God Is the Cure