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Home Sellers Seek Competitive Advantage - Staging Homes Becomes Big Business

Professional Home Staging with Deep Glow

Restaurants Go Gourmet with Wickles Pickles

Dadeville, Alabama, September 22, 2009 – Your local grocery store is not the only place to enjoy the wickedly delicious taste of Wickles Pickles, as many restaurants now offer unique menu items and recipes made with the ever-popular Wickles Pickles.

While the secret family recipe behind Wickles Pickles is more than 80-years-old, the company itself just began selling products in 1999. Since then, Wickles Pickles has fast become a grocery store favorite, now available at more than 9,000 retail locations nationwide, including many of the nation’s leading grocery store chains.

Restaurants Go Gourmet

Yet, according to Will Sims of Dadeville, Alabama-based Sims Foods, Inc., much of the company’s growth is coming from restaurants that feature Wickles Pickles in menu items. “Restaurant owners and chefs like that our pickles offer a different taste for recipes – providing a balance of sweetness with a touch of heat,” says Sims.

Bob Baumhauer’s Wings Sports Grille, with seven restaurants throughout Alabama, features Fried Wickles Pickles as an appetizer. “Our customers rave about our Fried Wickles Pickles, and year after year it is one of our most popular items,” says Aloha Hospitality owner Bob Baumhauer. “As a sports-themed restaurant, Wickles are a perfect compliment to many of our menu items, and we serve them on the side with our burgers, wraps and sandwiches,” added Baumhauer, an All-American football player from the University of Alabama and six-time All Pro for the Miami Dolphins.

What makes the product unique from other jarred pickle products is that Wickles Pickles are packed in a sugary cider vinegar with spicy peppers and garlic. The Wickles Pickles line-up includes Wickles Pickles slices, Wickles Relish, Wicked Banana Pepper Rings, Wickles Pepper Strips, Wickles Sub and Hoagie Relish, and recently launched Wicked Okra.

Another Alabama-based restaurant, Chappy’s Deli, boasting its New York flavor with a hint of Southern hospitality, specifically developed a menu item featuring Wickles Pickles. “We received some samples, and developed our BBQ Chicken Slider which adds a different twist to a classic sandwich,” says Chappy’s Deli owner, David Barranco. “Our family-friendly concept requires us to offer unique tasting menu items that are also easy to prepare,” adds Barranco.

Short for “wickedly delicious pickles,” Wickles Pickles products are kosher, gluten-free, and are not processed with high-fructose corn syrup. For more information visit www.wicklespickles.com.

Skeeter Launches End of Summer “Get Bit – Save Big” Retail Promotion

KILGORE, Texas, September 12, 2009 – Skeeter Products, Inc., manufacturer of Skeeter brand boats, launches its “Get Bit – Save Big” fall retail promotion for 2009, kicking off the cool weather by offering cash back rebates on all models, including its i-Class Series, ZX and SX Series bass boats, SL Family Sport Series, WX Deep V Series, and its Bay Boat Saltwater Series.

“Now is the perfect time to purchase a Skeeter boat, as our company is aggressively pricing models for new owners, and supporting our efforts with an outstanding nationwide dealer network that is dedicated to providing top notch customer service, before, during and after the sale,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager.

Skeeter’s “Get Bit – Save Big” promotion runs from September 12 – October 31, 2009, and offers cash back rebates as high as $3,000 on select new, in stock and ordered boats (not previously warranty registered).  These huge savings also apply to Skeeter’s new models for 2010, including its ZX170, WX1900 and SL1800.  Skeeter’s line-up features an array of boats for serious or recreational bass, walleye and inshore saltwater anglers, or something that the entire family can enjoy.

“Becoming a Skeeter owner is easy, as we have dealers in every part of the county to support our owners.  People can also visit our web site at www.skeeterboats.com to explore models, standard features and options, before they walk into a Skeeter dealership,” says Jarrett.

Skeeter Products, Inc., the Official Boat Sponsor of BASS, makes fishing and boating fun and rewarding with an owner’s tournament, its ‘Real Money’ tournament incentive program, and a top- notch dealer network.  Skeeter designs and manufactures innovative and high-performing bass, walleye, fish & ski, and saltwater boats.  Skeeter is the recipient of eight consecutive CSI customer satisfaction awards, and its boats are NMMA certified to meet strict U.S. Coast Guard and American Boat & Yacht Council standards.  For more information visit www.skeeterboats.com.

Skeeter Launches New SL1800 - Family Friendly Model Great for Recreational Anglers

KILGORE, Texas, August 24, 2009 – Skeeter Products, Inc. has replaced its popular SL180 with an entirely new hull design in its SL1800, a model that is four inches longer, five inches wider, has a six square-foot larger front deck, and features two additional inches in interior depth.

“With the strong reception of our SL1900 last season, we wanted to follow-up with another family sport model that would complement our entire SL Series of boats, which now includes the SL210, SL1900, SL190 and new SL1800,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager. “Our SL Series of boats has received a lot of attention this past year because of their versatility in appealing to families vacationing closer to home – using their boats for fishing and recreational water sports.”

Skeeter’s design of the SL1800 gives families a sporty-looking boat with ample space for people and gear, yet in a small package. The new model is rated for Yamaha’s F150 four-stroke engine, providing excellent reliability, fuel efficiency, performance and a quick hole shot for pulling skiers, wake boarders or tubers.

The SL1800 comes packaged with a Skeeter single axle trailer with disc brakes, tie downs, swing-away tongue, ultra-silver wheels, spare tire and carrier, in addition to a Humminbird 728 in-dash fish finder with transducer and temperature probe. The MSRP for the SL1800, powered by a Yamaha F150 is $38,060.

The entire SL Series is designed for family fun, comfort, convenience and luxury. The modular consoles features a low-profile walk-through windshield, cockpit command center with horn, tachometer, speedometer, fuel, trim gauges and 12 V acc plug. Hydraulic tilt steering fits any size driver, and an AM/FM radio with compact disc player, four speakers and MP3 adapter are standard.

Side panel net storage and a passenger glove box are great for personal items, while an in-floor storage compartment converts to hold either fishing equipment or skiing gear. A 55-quart ice chest under the rear deck keeps you on the water all day, and a retractable boarding ladder, ski rope storage, ski tow pylon and bow deck pads are standard comforts for recreational water sports.

For anglers, the SL1800 features a single rear live well with control system, including fill, recirculating modes and timer. Two fishing seats with 13 inch extensions, bow panel with trolling motor receptacle and trim switch and a six gauge trolling motor wiring system with three battery trays makes the SL1800 fishing-ready at a moments notice.

Capable of holding five people or 737 lbs., passengers will ride in comfort with bucket seats and a rear bench seat.

The SL1800 includes plenty of options, allowing you to personalize your boat to fit your needs. Options include a range of colors to select from, canopy top, rear deck sun pad, electronics packages from Lowrance and Humminbird, Minn Kota trolling motor and trailer upgrades, among other options.

SL1800 Specifications

Length – 18’, Beam – 93”, Interior Depth – 23”, Draft – 14”, Dry Weight – 1,850 lbs., Max. Horsepower – 150 h.p.

SL1800 Performance Data (Yamaha F150)

Cruise Speed – 24.7 mph @ 3,000 rpm (5.88 mpg), Top Speed – 52.5 mph @ 5,850 rpm (3.18 mpg),

MSRP

$38,060 (Yamaha F150)

Team Skeeter Preps for Bassmaster Elite Series Postseason – Five Skeeter Anglers Chase Angler of the Year Title

Skeeter's Todd Faircloth Readies for the Postseason

Crappie Fishing Catching On

Tampa, Florida, August 11, 2009 – Crappie anglers have long been known for their nighttime prowess, and crappie fishing is becoming more popular with an increase in the use of underwater dock lights.

“We continue to see tremendous sales of our underwater dock lights from customers who fish for crappie, as these fish can be found in just about every freshwater lake in the lower 48 states,” says Brad Ball, President of Deep Glow Technologies, Inc., manufacturer of Deep Glow underwater dock lighting systems.

In fact, Deep Glow products were originally developed for saltwater and coastal homeowners, yet the company’s now sells approximately half of its lights to freshwater customers.

Crappie fishing usually equals family fun, and these fish are often considered one of the best tasting freshwater fish, targeted by anglers because of the diversity in how you can catch crappie. They are also more plentiful than other freshwater species, with anglers capable of hauling in dozens of fish in a short time period

Deep Glow Underwater Dock Lights

“Waterfront homeowners love crappie fishing from their docks using our underwater dock lights because these lights are easy to install by simply plugging the ballast into a 110 GFCI outlet, and dropping the light into the water,” says Ball. “Our Deep Glow lights can be dropped under the dock’s pilings, or can easily be situated next to underwater structure, such as brush, rocks or timber – places where crappie with school,” says Ball.

With a Deep Glow light, you’ll build an instant marine ecosystem, as Deep Glow’s lights attract baitfish, which then attracts other larger species like crappie.

Crappie spread out to find brushy or weedy structure, seeking baitfish to feed off of, and are often attracted to light. The fish will school around an underwater light, searching the glowing waters for wounded prey or the smell of food.

As Deep Glow lights may be dropped or placed in the water at a depth of 3-20 feet, they are great for fishing suspended fish. Deep Glow lights are 60% brighter than its competitors, and depending on water clarity, can illuminate a diameter of up to 30 feet.

Deep Glow lights were designed to withstand harsh underwater environments, including rough water, salt water, prop wash, wave action, and impact from cast nets. The low profile design allows the light to settle on the seabed to avoid damage from motor skegs and fishing lines.

A patent-pending design, featuring a metal halide bulb encased in a tri-level custom injection molded and waterproof housing, was years in development. Each light produces heat to combat marine growth, and go through a self-cleaning process. The lights can be easily pulled out of the water for additional cleaning, and the replaceable bulb is guaranteed for one year.

For more information about Deep Glow Technologies, our product line-up, frequently asked questions, customer testimonials or where to find Deep Glow underwater lights, visit www.deepglow.com or call 888-871-3334.

Team Skeeter Preps for Final Elite Series Event – Anglers Strategize for Postseason & Classic Berths

KILGORE, Texas, August 10, 2009 – With the final event of the 2009 Bassmaster Elite Series regular season this weekend on Oneida Lake outside of Syracuse, New York, several Team Skeeter anglers are poised for a shot at the top 12 in the Angler of the Year standings, qualifying each for Bassmaster’s inaugural postseason.

Skeeter's Kelly Jordon

Only the top 12 in the final regular-season Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year standings will move on to the inaugural Bassmaster Elite Series postseason, the Toyota Trucks Championship Week, held Sept. 10-18 on two productive Alabama fisheries – Lake Jordan in Wetumpka and the Alabama River in Montgomery.

Regardless of a postseason berth, there’s still a $100,000 purse on the line for a tournament victory. Last year, Skeeter’s Dean Rojas took the trophy, and though the angler is not in contention for the postseason, he’s fishing for a win, hoping to secure a Bassmaster Classic invitation.

“This is no different than last year, and I feel confident that I can contend for a victory next weekend, and at least a top-10 finish, which will help to get me into the Classic,” says Rojas. “I feel comfortable and know I can get on the right fish,” he added.

Skeeter’s Alton Jones is currently in third place in the AOY standings, and believes this year’s Champion’s Choice winner will need a mix of largemouth and smallmouth bass. “I’m going to concentrate on areas that can produce both species, but I expect all of the AOY contenders to be on their A game,” says the former Bassmaster Classic Champion.

“We should see good bags coming from a variety of different depths, but I believe the shallow water bite, in one-eight feet of water, will ultimately prevail.” Jones makes no secret on his intentions – flipping Booyah jigs and YUM wooly bugs, or using XCalibur’s twitchbait.

Skeeter’s Mark Menendez is another angler who has compiled a stellar 2009 season. Currently in 11th place in the AOY standings, Menendez knows the Bassmaster Classic is in-hand, but fishing a clean event will put him into the postseason. “Anything above a top 40 finish on Oneida gets me into the postseason, and I’ve been practicing hard to ensure both of these goals,” says the angler. “I have nothing to lose and everything to gain, thus making it easier to change patterns and gamble a little.”

Skeeter's Dean Rojas

Also currently in the top 25 in the AOY race are Skeeter’s Kelly Jordon; last year’s AOY runner-up, Todd Faircloth; Cliff Pace; Elite Series Tennessee Triumph winner, Bobby Lane, and Rookie of the Year leader, Matt Herren.

Herren, who has almost maintained a wire-to-wire lead in the Rookie of the Year race, has some company in the standings, with Skeeter’s Greg Vinson and Mark Burgess in third and seventh places respectively.

Burgess, who hails from the Northeast, lists Oneida Lake as one of his favorites. “I have a good understanding of the largemouth vs. smallmouth equation, and have been working on a strategy that I feel extremely confident about,” says Burgess. Following the Champion’s Choice tournament, Burgess will head to Lake Champlain the following weekend to compete in the Northern Open, seeking a Bassmaster Classic bid.

“Most folks have a love/hate relationship with Lake Champlain, because one poor day of fishing in a tournament and you’re out of contention. Lake Champlain is one of the nation’s leading largemouth/smallmouth fisheries, yet it’s a big body of water, and a place where the weather has tremendous influence on fishing conditions.”

Fellow rookie Vinson knows that after this tournament he is no longer a “newbie,” and the bar will be raised. “To qualify for the Classic in my first year of the Elite Series would prove that I can compete at the highest level,” says Vinson. He knows the wild card at Oneida will be the largemouth bite. “It’s a high risk, high reward lake. I have kept a map of the lake with me at all times since mid-season to remind me of the importance of this event.”

Skeeter Launches New ZX170 - Big Boat Features in a Small Package

KILGORE, Texas, July 30, 2009 – Skeeter Products, Inc. had plans on the drawing board years ago to round out its popular line-up of ZX Series bass boats, and for 2010 the company introduces the long awaited ZX170 – a model with big boat features in a small package.

The ZX170 has the same look and feel as other models in the ZX Series, including the ZX250, ZX225, ZX200, ZX190 and ZX180, and is packed with many of the same features, design, and construction.

Skeeter's New ZX170

“Current economic conditions did not have any bearing on our development of the ZX170, as this was a key model necessary in filling out our ZX Series line-up, yet its launch does come at an opportune time, providing our nationwide network of dealers with a great boat at a great price point, and continuing Skeeter’s long heritage of manufacturing the best bass boats in the country,” says Ben Jarrett, Skeeter’s National Sales Manager.

In addition to a feature-packed bass boat, the ZX170 comes packaged with a Skeeter single axle trailer with spare tire/carrier and chrome wheels, Humminbird 323 fish finders at both the bow and dash and a Minn Kota Edge, 70 lb. thrust, 42” shaft trolling motor with mount. The ZX170, rated for 90 hp, features reliable outboard engines from Yamaha. With an MSRP of $27,380 powered by a Yamaha F90 four-stroke engine, the ZX170 is sure to provide grassroots anglers or first-time boat buyers everything they want and need for time well spent on the water.

The ZX170 measures in at 17 feet, with a wide 89” beam and 17” depth. Weighing-in at 1,350 lbs. (dry weight), the ZX170 draws a 14” draft, making shallow water bass easier targets, and its 24-gallon fuel tank keeps you on the water longer.

The single console features a cockpit command center with custom gauges and accessory switches, including tachometer, speedometer, fuel, water pressure, 12-V plug and single-cable, non-feedback steering.

Bolstered seating is designed for comfort and support during all water conditions, available in two color selections, pewter and medium neutral. Beneath each seat is a 25-qt. storage compartment for personal items. Drink holders, passenger grab handles and custom non-skid mats add to the boat’s on-board comfort.

Power and performance standard features include manual 800 GPH bilge pump, built-in fuel system, cockpit courtesy lighting, 6 gauge trolling motor wiring system with three battery trays, built in rod staze and stainless steel prop.

Beneath its spacious bow fishing deck, the ZX170 features a 24-qt. ice chest, gear/tackle storage compartment and rod locker capable of holding up to 10 rods. All storage compartments have flush-mounted latches with locking mechanisms. Owners may also opt for fishing chairs with 13” extension, or bike seats with power pro pole.

Under the rear deck, owners will find plenty of storage for gear/tackle and a 21-gallon live well with auto, drain, recirculating, and timer modes.

The ZX170 is built according to strict NMMA standards, and is engineered for a quick hole shot, no chine walking and superb turning and maneuverability. The ZX170 features a no backwash design and a stable platform, and its patented hull provides a smooth and dry ride.