Wood-Mode receives environmental certification

The buzz on business

Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008

Wood-Mode cabinetry is distributed nationally through a network of more than 800 dealers, and locally at Custom Kitchens Design in La Plata.

Introduced in 2006, KCMA’s environmental stewardship program was created to recognize industry manufacturers who engage in the use of environmentally friendly materials and manufacturing processes. To qualify for and maintain certification, manufacturers are evaluated annually.

Founded in 1942, Wood-Mode is a third generation, family-owned company. Wood-Mode’s environmental stewardship policies are evidenced in the modern, energy-efficient equipment and technology used in its manufacturing process, according to a press release from the company.

Coulby becomes consultant with Tastefully Simple

Janet Coulby of Nanjemoy has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare gourmet products.

As a consultant, Coulby offers the company’s gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testing parties. Guests receive samples, meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

Empire joins SMBN

Empire Graphics and Signs was recently voted into the Southern Maryland Business Network as the official sign and auto wrap business of the group, said Eddie Kloiber, co-owner of the business, in a press release.

Empire Graphics and Signs will now make an effort to network with other businesses in SMBN and help the organization grow.

SMBN only allows one company per service to become a member of the network, which is voted on by its members.

Empire creates signs of all types, including architectural signage, LED message signs, trade show displays, auto wraps, vehicle lettering and wide-format digital printing.

Empire Graphics also has a division called www.dcautowraps.com, which creates and installs auto wraps nationwide for national chains and race teams as far away as Phoenix, Ariz., according to the release.

Wedding contestdeadline is Friday

Today’s Bride and a host of wedding service providers will offer a free wedding and reception for a couple at a bridal showcase at Holiday Inn Select Solomons on Feb 3.

Couples interested in nominating themselves, or anyone interested in nominating another couple, must submit that nomination by 5 p.m. Jan. 11. Nominations can be submitted at www.somdweddings.com or by visiting Today’s Bride, Holiday Inn Select Solomons, Anita’s Wedding Cake Co., Dickson’s Fields of Flowers or Maerten’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts.

EXiT Realty to open office in White Plains

A new franchise, EXiT Landmark Realty, will open in White Plains.

The new franchisees are Jane Ratti, broker of record, and Bernadette Cole, Realtor.

EXiT Landmark Realty is scheduled to open in late January.

‘‘We are very excited to be a part of the EXiT Realty organization and are pleased to join the local business community,” Ratti said in a press release. ‘‘We look forward to working with both new and existing clients and are committed to providing a highest level of service and real estate expertise.”

According to Ratti, EXiT Realty is a proven real estate business model with new additional income and retirement security for Realtors and their families. She said the company has more than 1,258 offices, 43,200 agents and over $120,000,000 residuals paid out in North America.

EXiT Mid-Atlantic has grown to more than 51 offices and 1,700 agents with more than $5,900,000 residuals generated in the region, she said.

‘‘We offer each associate a residual bonus on sales made by agents they introduce to management,” said regional owner Rick McDaniel. ‘‘That translates to a win-win for customers as agents are motivated to sell houses quickly.”

EXiT Mid-Atlantic is the EXiT Realty franchisor for Delaware, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. Owners Rick McDaniel, Carol McDaniel and Don Kane have more than 75 years of combined real estate and franchising experience.