Daily Archives: October 31, 2007

Press Release from Brenda Smith/PR/Communications Manager

BBB Warns Consumers About Free Conference

The BBB is advising consumers in Alaska about a FREE Conference sponsored by a company with over 420 complaints with their local BBB in the past 36 months and government actions pending against them in five states. StoresOnline, Inc., will be holding conferences in Anchorage on Wednesday, October 31, Thursday, November 1, and Friday November 2 at the Marriott and Saturday, November 3, at the Coast International Inn. Consumers receive a VIP invitation for the conference in the mail offering a free meal and a gift claiming to be valued at $120. Following the 90-minute conference, attendees are urged to sign up for a one-day workshop which requires a fee. This company also does business under the following names: Galaxy Mall Inc., Internet Marketing Conference, and Imergent Inc

Consumers who plan to attend any free seminars or workshops should be aware that in most cases the presenters will promote products and services that are for sale. Products sold at these seminars could include self improvement, investment education materials, home based businesses and marketing plans. Individuals interested in home based or internet businesses need to consider all aspects and costs of starting and operating a business. Promoters use high-pressure sales pitches that require consumers to buy now or risk missing the opportunity. Consumers must then pay up to thousands of dollars for information that is available elsewhere for little or no money.

Here are some red flags that may signal a questionable seminar promoter:

• The offer is advertised as being time sensitive.
• The promoters hype the program but provide little detail.
• The representatives are reluctant to answer questions and they give evasive answers.
• Local business people or experts are not endorsing the program.
• Little time is given to read a lengthy contract.
• Promoters will not provide the number of people participating in the program who have achieved the program’s claims.
• Promoters are unwilling to provide earning claims in writing.
• Promoters claim that laws regulating the sales of business opportunities do not apply to them.

Taking the time to research a company prior to making a purchase cannot only help avoid frustration, but can also help to avoid being the victim of a scam. Most legitimate seminar businesses are willing to provide descriptions of their programs before a purchase is made. Ask to see data on the percent of program participants who actually achieve the promoter’s claims. Read all contracts carefully before signing anything and get all promises or claims in writing.

News from the Delta-Greely Skating Association

The 4th Annual Dinner/Auction Gala is set for Saturday, November 17th, 2007 at the Moose Lodge on Jack Warren Road. We have a lot of wonderful gift items already for the auction and the food includes pig. Even though the theme is Hawaiian, you won’t see the whole pig. Tickets at $25.00 per plate will be available at Granite View Sports on October 31st, 2007. Only 100 tickets will be available so if you are interested in a very entertaining and fun evening, be sure to get your seats. We promise you a large variety of unique gift items that would make for wonderful Christmas presents, games of chance, and just a lot of wholesome fun.

For all the new people in our community, the Delta-Greely Youth Skating Association is a non-profit organization designed to develop hockey and figure skating skills in our youth from ages 4 to 14. The Association provides more than just certified coaches. With funds from the past three Galas and revenue from DREDC and the City of Delta Junction, the Association has purchased 45 hockey and figure skating kits that are leased to a skater for the season. The kits are for introducing the game to the skater and make this winter activity more affordable to the family. As of October 30, 2007, 26 kits have been issued so there are more available if your skater is still interested in playing this season. To register, call the registrar, Dawn Grossmann at 895-1910.

What else do we do? The Association uses a City building and with the volunteer efforts of many, the Association maintains a facility with lights, heat and ice. For those who don’t know, the ice is available for classroom skating, private parties, community skating on Sunday (this year we hope to include some Saturday nights), youth, adult and High School practices and games and tournaments. Last year, the City of Delta helped with the increase in fuel and electric costs. The City also covers the liability expenses of the building.

How does the Association pay for operation costs for a skating season? Revenue from the youth programs comes from registration and with the volunteer efforts of the families, revenue is generated from recycling cans, concession stand sales, hosting Community skate, skate a thon, tournaments and the dinner/auction Gala. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the revenue that funds operation costs comes from our Community’s Businesses and Individuals through Sponsorships, donations, gift items for the auction and their presence at the Gala.

Where are we going with this program? The Association would like to increase youth program participation and Community use of the rink. Perhaps someday, there will be appropriate matting to accommodate indoor soccer, nets for basketball and a stage for performances. With the new improvements to the arena, there are lots of future possibilities. But for now, we are gearing up to skate.

Effective Immediately

• ALPHA OMEGA LIFE CARE, INC.–Provides Community Transportation Service for local medical appointments, urgent shopping, US Post Office pickup, and church attendance to those who have no other means.
• THIS SERVICE IS NOT WITHOUT COST–and is not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, or other insurance.
• As you know, operating a motor vehicle in 2007 is very expensive. We must depend upon your personal payment to keep this service in operation.
• This is NOT a general taxi service. We will schedule trips by appointment, and only for the reasons listed. We will NOT take calls from bars, or after hours, or without appointment.
• Please call us if you need transportation for one of the reasons listed about.
  Alpha Omega Life Care, Inc. management 895-4104