Twin-Star International Donates 31,400 Space Heaters to Aid Hurricane Sandy Victims

Delray Beach, Fla., Nov. 26, 2012 – Twin-Star International, a leading manufacturer of electric fireplaces and other functional furniture for the home, has donated a truckload of space heaters to two relief groups providing help to New York and New Jersey residents whose homes were severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

Twin-Star donated 5,000 Duraflame space heaters on Nov. 11 to Island Harvest, Long Island’s largest hunger relief organization. Island Harvest is distributing the space heaters to shelters and individuals most left in need within the storm-damaged metropolitan and oceanfront areas. “Twin-Star International is to be commended for their spirit of compassion and generosity in providing much needed assistance to those Long Islanders affected by superstorm Sandy,” said Rand Shubin Dresner, president and CEO, Island Harvest. “Many people continue to face adverse conditions, especially with falling temperatures, so Twin-Star’s gift of space heaters will help immeasurably.  Their generous gift is of great help and we offer our heartfelt appreciation.”

In addition, Twin-Star donated 26,400 Duraflame space heaters to The Salvation Army, a national charitable and relief organization with a major presence in New York and New Jersey.  “The Salvation Army is delivering the donated space heaters to hurricane survivors throughout the affected areas,” said Michael Orfitelli, Disaster Services Coordinator for The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory. “The folks that were hit hardest by the hurricane are so grateful for this gift of warmth from Twin-Star,” said Orfitelli.  Thousands of heaters were distributed in Rockaway, Queens, where many families with children had been without heat since the hurricane.  “We’re making sure they are all taken care of,” he added.

In each case, Twin-Star donated a variety of small, portable space heaters with capacities up to 1,500 watts.
“Thousands of New York and New Jersey residents are struggling to stay warm as a result of damage inflicted by this devastating storm,” said Robert Cohen, CEO of Twin-Star. “Flooding has impacted residents’ ability to heat their homes and, in many cases, they have been forced to remain in shelters until power is restored.”  As a Florida-based corporation, Twin-Star understands the toll left in the wake of natural disasters and the challenges individuals face in the aftermath of those disasters.  “We want to do everything we can to help the people and their communities get through this very difficult situation,” noted Cohen.

---

About Twin-Star International
Twin-Star International is a leading manufacturer of electric fireplaces, bathroom furniture, media consoles, wine cabinets, heaters, infrared heaters and stoves within the brands of ClassicFlame, Chimney Free, Tresanti, Black & Decker, Duraflame and Luxe Bath Works. Twin-Star’s world headquarters is located in Delray Beach, Florida.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more than 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

About Island Harvest
Now in its 20th year, Island Harvest serves as the bridge between those with surplus food and those who need it, supplying nearly 570 community-based nonprofit organizations on Long Island with critical food and related support services to people in need and the general public to help stem the advancing tide of hunger in our communities.  For more information about Island Harvest, visit www.islandharvest.org.

If you would like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Twin-Star International’s Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Brian Brigham, at 561.665.8093 or e-mail bbrigham@twinstarhome.com

---

continue reading

Twin-Star Expands: Headquarters, Personnel, Product Lines

Mark Asofsky, President and founder of Twin-Star International, announced today that they are expanding into a new corporate office in Delray Beach, FL., more than doubling their current work space.

“We are fortunate that in this tough economic climate our sales continue to improve. Without question the time is right for us to invest further in our growth.” says, Asofsky.The expansion plans also include bringing on more personnel to boost progress and efficiency. Some areas the new hires will specialize in are design, consumer support and web based services.

Asofsky attributes Twin-Star’s forward momentum in large part to the success of ClassicFlame, their electric fireplace brand. “Consumers are spending less, and while replacing your furniture may not be fiscally responsible, adding an electric fireplace not only spruces up the look of an old room, it also serves as alternative heat, which is less expensive and could save money on heating costs in the long run.”

Retailers are so hot on the category due to its high gross margin dollars to sqft., thatTwin-Star has sold their products into more than 4000 new doors so far this year. Andy Bandremer Twin-Star’s Senior Vice President says, “There’s no secret to our success, we just have a great team of smart and forward thinking associates who enjoy working together and they always put our dealers first. We are a customer driven company and we will always find ways for them to be successful and for their customers to be proud of their purchase.” Consumers are so proud in fact that 99.4% of people who purchased a Twin-Star product say they would buy another one.

At this past Fall High Point Market, Twin-Star also doubled their Plaza Suites square footage to make room for Tresanti media consoles, the company’s newest venture. The Tresanti name will bring some very exciting, highly original, and functional furniture to the upcoming Las Vegas Market and the Consumer Electronics Show.

For product questions or information please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or contact:
Brian Brigham
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Twin-Star International
561-901-5609
bbrigham@twinstarhome.com

continue reading

Retailers Partied like Rock-Stars with Twin-Star at the Hard Rock, Las Vegas

Twin-Star International, known industry wide as the manufacturer of ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces and Tresanti Media Consoles, can now add Pre-Market Party Savants to their list of successful ventures.

On Sunday July 27th, Twin-Star hosted their first annual “Party like a Rock-Star with Twin-Star” event at Body English Nightclub in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

The night was organized to thank customers, sales representatives and employees for their business and hard work. The fun and care-free event had people dancing up a storm to a live DJ, in the popular Las Vegas Venue. Guests were treated to an open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a dinner menu including such savory bites as Caribbean style pulled pork, crab cakes, filet mignon and fois gras sliders, Mediterranean salad, and red bliss potatoes with caviar.

Some industry notables in attendance: Alice Higgins from Fortunoff, Jeff Weinstein from PFD, Bob Grenzer from Addco Electric Fireplaces, Lee Goodman from Jerome’s, Brian Thornfeldt from CSN Stores, Ken Hguyn from Furniture USA, and Giff Gates from Gates Furniture.

After the event, ClassicFlame and Tresanti’s Showroom, C-1578, was buzzing with positive feedback and eager customers, all market long.

For product questions or information please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or contact:
Brian Brigham
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Twin-Star International
561-901-5609
bbrigham@twinstarhome.com

continue reading

Year End Sales Contest Winners, Announced

Twin-Star International awarded their top three sales reps with cash prizes on Monday at the High Point Market.

First prize of $5,000 went to Jeff Colletto for his outstanding sales achievements in the Western U.S., Alaska and Hawaii. Second place of $3,000 was awarded to Len Goldberg who reps the New York/New Jersey area. And the third place prize of $1000 went to Tom Harrington for superior sales in the Midwest.

Congratulations gentlemen!

Founded in 1996 by Mark Asofsky and Michael Horvitz, Twin-Star International, Inc., located in Delray Beach, FL, is an award winning home furnishings manufacturer which strives to enrich and enhance lives by providing classic furniture designs crafted with old fashion care, quality and attention to detail.

For product questions or information please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or contact:
Brian Brigham
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Twin-Star International
561-901-5609
bbrigham@twinstarhome.com

continue reading

Electric Fireplaces; At the Cutting Edge of Environmentally Conscious Warmth and Ambiance

ClassicFlame by Twin-Star Intl. is widely recognized for having the “Finest Furniture in the Electric Fireplace Industry”, and now retailers, designers, builders, and journalists alike are realizing electric fireplaces are both beautiful and environmentally friendly.

Electric Fireplaces were recently mentioned in the New York Times as an alternative to wood and gas fireplaces for creating a safe, affordable and clean way to enjoy all of the features of a traditional fire without the hazards.

One of the most prominent ways this is achieved is with zero emissions. The indoor and outdoor pollution of a traditional fireplace are alleviated because an electric insert requires no venting, filtering or maintenance to ensure no toxins such as Carbon Monoxide, Carbon Dioxide or Formaldehyde are being released into the home or the environment.

Also unlike wood or gas burning fireplaces there is no waste or expense of natural resources in order to supply ambiance and warmth to the home. 100% of the electric input energy is used to create a flame effect and a heat source, which will warm approximately 400 sq. ft. Additionally, if you zone heat your home, you won’t be wasting energy heating rooms that are rarely used which according to the Energy Information Administration will save consumers on their overall annual heating costs.

ClassicFlame broke the energy efficiency barrier of electric inserts in 2008 when it
introduced an industry first, all LED electric insert. Conventional electric inserts require up to 120 watts of incandescent candelabra light bulbs, while the LED’s in a ClassicFlame insert use a mere 11.2 watts. The LED’s also give maximum function to ClassicFlame’s inserts as recently exhibited by their patent pending on-screen indicator which displays flame brightness settings, down lights, logset and ember bed undulation, a digital thermostat, and even a timer that can be set between 30 minutes and 9 hours to allow for maximum efficiency.

Twin-Star International, the parent company of the ClassicFlame brand was recently
admitted to the Sustainable Furnishings Council for their commitment to ensure a healthy balance between social equity and environmental issues. “Our SFC certification designates us as an organization committed to an improved global environment, and holds us accountable for our own impact as we continue to implement and modify our manufacturing processes in the most earth friendly direction possible.” says Alexia Rouquette, Director of Marketing and Public Relations.

To be accepted as a member of the SFC Twin-Star committed to a program that continually improves their impact on people, the environment and the economy. Ways Twin-Star has ensured to meet this goal include regularly requiring a verifiable chain of custody on wood products they purchase. They’ve also decreased their use and acceptance of toxic chemicals common in binders, finishes and treatments that are known indoor air quality hazards, and they recycle all post construction wood materials to be reused in future production.

In addition to the SFC, ClassicFlame’s PRO division is a certified member of the USGBC(United States Green Building Council). ClassicFlame PRO inserts are specially designed to be built directly into the wall of any building. Ideal applications for this insert include apartment buildings, health care facilities, assisted living homes, RV’s, boats, and the list can go on, but the premise here is that builders, specifiers and even home owners can easily add a “built-in” fireplace to any project without the need for permits and venting, and without the eco and safety hazards of a traditional fireplace.

For product questions or information please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or contact:
Brian Brigham
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Twin-Star International
561-901-5609
bbrigham@twinstarhome.com

continue reading

Twin-Star Intl. Launches 300 Cube Split Container Program for its ClassicFlame

Twin-Star International is announcing the launch of a 300 cube split container program for the company’s ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces, Tresanti Media Consoles, Thermoelectric Wine Coolers, Beverage Cabinets, Kitchen Islands, and Duraflame Infrared Quartz Heaters and Fireplaces. Twin Star will be fully operational in its 180,000 square foot warehouse in the Shenzhen free trade zone by June 15th. The 300 cube split container program is operated in conjunction with Zenith Global Logistics.

Retailers who participate in the program can now take advantage of china direct pricing while being able to order in small quantities. Any or all of Twin-Star’s brands and products can be mixed in one 300 cube order making it easy for the retailer. Prices to the retailers include all duties and freight from Twin-Star’s China warehouse to their retail store. Split container orders are targeted to arrive at the retailer's door within approximately six weeks. Zenith’s program also includes 24 hour a day web portal access for live updates on status and location of all orders.

“We built our business by giving our customers the unique ability to mix all our diverse product categories in one container, now the smaller retailer or a customer who does not choose to buy a whole container will also have the option of buying at less than domestic prices by split container. We believe in giving our customers options and in selling them the way they want to buy. With the split container program all of our customers have the ability to buy either domestically or by direct import or both at any time.” says Bill Caples, Twin-Star’s VP of Sales & Marketing.

According to Caples “The response from our entire sales force and our customers has
been very positive. Our customers really like that this program allows them to bring in as little as one of an item on a direct import basis as part of their 300 Cube orders.”

The combination of faster turn around and smaller orders at import pricing sounds like a home run for Twin-Star Intl. and their wide range of furniture categories and brands including ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces, Tresanti Media Consoles, Wine Cabinets and Kitchen Islands, and Duraflame Infrared Quartz Heaters and Fireplaces. Twin-Star will be at the National Hardware Show Las Vegas 5/10-5/12 – Booth 5606

For product questions or information please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or contact:
Brian Brigham
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Twin-Star International
561-901-5609
bbrigham@twinstarhome.com

continue reading

Twin-Star International takes to the ballpark with SOS Children’s Village and local Literacy AmeriCorps volunteers

Twin-Star International welcomes the kids and staff from the SOS Children’s Village, and AmeriCorps volunteers working with the Literacy Coalition of Palm Beach County, to Sun Life Stadium on Friday, October 1st as the Florida Marlins take on the Pittsburg Pirates. The Delray Beach based furniture manufacturer hopes to build awareness and support for the SOS Children’s Village and AmeriCorps, while providing an entertaining experience for the children, SOS staff, and the volunteers.

SOS Children’s Village provides foster children with a unique opportunity to flourish in a nurturing environment while empowering them to achieve their full potential. Since 1993 SOS has helped raise more than 255 foster children and with cornerstones such as keeping biological and foster siblings together in safe secure homes, in a village of neighbors and friends, each child is afforded a chance to grow into productive and mature young adults.

Literacy AmeriCorps Palm Beach County is a national service program that recruits recent college graduates to provide literacy services to adults, children and youth in our community. This "domestic literacy Peace Corps" contributes over 42,500 hours per year by tutoring and teaching, providing reading enrichment activities for children, participating in community service projects and recruiting community volunteers.

Attending the event are approximately 100 children and staff from SOS, over 30 AmeriCorps members, and about 90 Twin-Star employees, friends and family. “Giving back to our community, and taking time to appreciate the people making a difference everyday in South Florida, is an important part of Twin-Star’s corporate make-up.” says Alexia Rouquette, Director of Marketing & PR for Twin-Star. “Everyone has been looking forward to Friday’s event for months now, and we can’t wait to see the smiles and excitement on everyone’s faces as the umpire calls out that first “Play Ball!”

In the past, Twin-Star has also held a “Take Your Dog to Work Day” event to collect supplies for Boca Raton’s Tri County Humane Society, assembled and shipped nearly 200 care packages to an Army Ranger Force overseas and to the Angels for Soldiers Foundation, and they also regularly donate their unique furniture to silent auctions and events held locally and nationwide.

“By inviting our staff and their families to participate in this exciting evening, I hope we’re opening their eyes, as well as our community’s, to the important work that SOS Children’s village and Literacy AmeriCorps do.” Says Mark Asofsky, Twin-Star’s President & Founder; a sentiment that after Friday will surely be shared by all. Twin-Star International was founded in 1996 and is the manufacturer of ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces; the finest furniture in the electric fireplace industry, and of Tresanti Media Consoles and Tresanti Refrigerated Wine Cabinets; changing the way you view entertainment.

continue reading