Sun-Gard sponsorship of popular Courage Polar Bear Dip helps raise funds for Africa

In its 27th year, the Courage Polar Bear Dip in Canada attracted over 700 daring dippers, thousands of spectators and raised over $130,000 for World Vision Canada to bring fresh water to communities in Tanzania. Sun-Gard is a proud annual sponsor of Canada’s largest charitable event helping over 6,000 families in the Manonga Water Project.

According to the Polar Bear Dip website, the New Year’s Day event attracts outlandish participants who brave the icy waters to help raise funds for a great cause. “Some show up for the incredible festival atmosphere, some want to try something a little over the edge to ring in the New Year, others just want to get their faces and crazy costumes in the local and national media.”

Angie Leonetti, marketing communications manager for Sun-Gard, is always thrilled to support this event and the Courage Brothers. “As an annual corporate sponsor, we are huge proponents of this entertaining, yet, significant effort to raise money that will help thousands of families in need."

Courage is the exclusive distributor of Sun-Gard Solar Control products in Canada. They have represented Sun-Gard for many years and Sun-Gard is proud of its long-term business partnership with them.

Net proceeds from the Courage Polar Bear Dip have been given to World Vision Canada since
1995. In that time over $940,000 has been raised and has funded water projects around the world. “After visiting Rwanda a few years ago and observing the tremendous need for clean water, and then seeing the difference in communities where donations to World Vision are at work, I am beyond ecstatic,” says Trent Courage. “This isn’t just $130,000, it means the building of borehole wells, improved sanitation facilities, teaching of proper hygiene and sanitation practices and the planting of vegetable and fruit trees that will protect the environment and provide income to maintain the new wells.”

For more information about the annual frigid Courage Polar Bear Dip and their commitment to World Vision, please visit their website at www.polarbeardip.ca. To view more on the chilly merriment, check out their YouTube, Facebook and Twitter pages for videos and pictures from the event. This year, the event was also featured on the Ellen DeGeneres website.

 

Madico expands distribution to Northeast U.S.

Madico Window Films is pleased to announce that we have purchased the distribution rights to sell our products in the Northeast United States from SGT Distributors and have opened a new company owned service center in Windsor, Connecticut.  Madico has enjoyed a strong personal relationship with Sonny and George Fisher of Sonny's Glass Tinting and SGT Distributors as far back as the late 1960's. For over 40 years, they have been an extremely important part of the Madico family whom we have had the pleasure to work closely with and watch grow into an impressive distribution partner for the Northeastern part of the United States. We look forward to continuing to work with SGT on the window film installation side of the business.

 Our new Madico Northeast service center now meets the needs of dealers in Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, DC. The location in Windsor, CT also allows us to offer one-day shipping to nearly the entire territory. The service center carries the complete line of Madico Window Films and Sun-Gard Window films, along with tools and other dealer support accessories.

The Madico Northeast location is run by a great team that includes Dawn Carruba, Northeast Branch Manager and Julie Tkacz, Customer Service Representative. Dawn and Julie can be reached at 888-887-2022.  David Metcalf is our newest sales representative who will be making his way around the Northeast to meet with dealers. He can be reached on his cell phone at 860-786-8445 or via email at dmetcalf@madico.com. Madico and everyone at the service center looks forward to providing our valued dealers in the Northeast with continued superior customer service and a full range of product offerings.

 

 

Madico and Sun-Gard exhibit at SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Recently Madico and Sun-Gard revved up for SEMA, the nation’s largest automotive aftermarket tradeshow in Las Vegas, November 2-5. There were 22 window film companies on hand showing their latest products. This was the first year in over six years that Madico has exhibited at the show. The newly revised two-story booth showcased both Madico and Sun-Gard automotive films.

Attendees from around the world learned about the latest Madico products through exciting interactive experiences such as a DefenZall Paint Protection Film Installation Demonstration. Window film installers could also take the “Black Pearl Challenge.” We offered a free hat and sample roll of Black Pearl to any qualified installer that took a few minutes to shrink the product and provide us with feedback on the performance of the film. Finally, attendees experienced the superior performance of our Wincos films and saw the sophisticated style of our Charcool film at our new interactive kiosks.

On Thursday evening, Madico showed gratitude to our customers by hosting an appreciation party at Diablo’s Cantina on the Las Vegas strip. With amazing views, our partners enjoyed great music, food and entertainment.

The show was a huge success, there is no better place to advance the automotive film business in just four days.

 

Sun-Gard Line Expands Down Under

Sun-Gard is now proudly offering protection from the sun’s harmful rays to Australia! Madico, Inc., makers of Sun-Gard, recently announced that Enersun Corporation is now the exclusive distributor of Sun-Gard products in the land down under. Enersun has marketed Madico products for over 20 years and is now proud to carry the entire Sun-Gard line.

Just as Madico forges ahead globally, Enersun continues to evolve by offering a new generation of products that suit a wide range of commercial and industrial applications. Sun-Gard fits right in. According to Gary Lane, Managing Director of Enersun, “We look at this opportunity as a way to provide our customers and the Australasian market with an expanded line of quality solar control products. Sun-Gard window films, with their competitive prices and first class marketing support, will complement and enhance our existing line of Madico products.”

Madico is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of laminating and coating solutions distributing in North America, Latin America, Australia, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Sun-Gard is distributed worldwide to over 70 countries and is proud to now provide comfort, protection and security to the Australian market!

For more information about the recent announcement and more Madico news, please click here.

 

Sun-Gard and Madico Window Films to Exhibit at International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference in September

It’s no secret that we love window film. In fact, we’re pretty passionate about it! As part of the Madico, Inc. brand family, Sun-Gard Window Films will be participating along with Madico Window Films at the International Window Film Tint Off and Conference™ coming up on September 15-17, 2011 in Memphis, Tennessee. The conference is geared towards dealers, suppliers, retailers, technicians and industry leaders to come, meet with colleagues, and talk shop with suppliers.

Conference attendees will also have the opportunity to visit the Auto Glass Week™ Extravaganza for free. The combined location will offer the opportunity to visit current suppliers as well as automotive suppliers on ways to expand and diversify a business into other areas. The conference is co-sponsored by the IWFA (International Window Film Association) and Window Film Magazine.

A really exciting component of the Conference is the Tint-Off competition. This gives the “best of the best” window film technicians a chance to demonstrate their techniques and skills to an audience eager to learn new tips. Madico is proud to sponsor two talented tinters: Troy Peters of Cypress Window Tinting in Katy, TX and David Burnett of Xtreme Glass Tinting in Warrior, AL.

The International Window Film Tint-Off and Conference™ was created to provide an educational venue for film technicians, company owners, managers and suppliers to come and learn from one another as well as industry experts and provides an unmatched learning experience for all who are involved.

Madico is a proud participating member of the IWFA. The association is forging ahead with new initiatives and activities to benefit the industry and a strong membership is critical to growing the market for everyone. We sure would love it if you stopped by Booth 112 and introduced yourselves. There’s nothing we love more than other window film enthusiasts and to show off our complete line of automotive and architectural window films.

Mobile window tinting service offers Denver residents a clear view

Denver residents are no strangers to the summer heat and Clear View Window Tinting certainly keeps busy this time of year. Offering mobile window tinting services to both residential and commercial properties, Clear View offers a full line of sun control, frosted, privacy and decorative window films as well as safety and security films or clear UV protection.

In the window tinting business for 25 years, Clear View understands the industry from a different perspective. Owner James Denton says, “having worked on the distribution side of the industry and now as a dealer lends a unique view of the business. It helps us understand the manufacturing and distribution process from the inside out.”

  What makes them stand out from other window tinting businesses? They understand the importance of sharing their expertise and experience on the web. Clear View keeps an updated blog with photos, tips, trends and client experiences to help prospective clients understand their options and feel confident that Clear View is the best choice for window tinting in the Denver Metro area.

Clear View takes pride in their workmanship and guarantees every installation. For more information about Clear View Window Tinting, please visit their website or informative blog. Call (303) 697-6499 to schedule your free analysis of your home or commercial property.

Variety of window film efficiency programs and initiatives help consumers save money

To encourage energy-efficient upgrades, many utility companies and government agencies are rewarding customers with incentives and rebate programs. The goal is to help save money by reducing energy bills and making responsible choices to home improvements.

Not only will installing window film increase comfort by reducing heat and glare, but the upgrade will offer privacy, protect furniture and belongings and lower utility bills. Some companies are offering incentives up to 50% of the cost of window film or $2 per foot with no maximums. Many of these incentives are up from last year to help customers make smart choices.

These rebates and incentives programs are being offered throughout the United States, so check with your local utility company to see if you are eligible. There are separate incentives for both residential and business customers and all can benefit.

Here are a few resources and samples of programs to help get you started:

Better Buildings Initiative from Window Film Mag

DSIRE – Database of State Incentives for Renewable and Efficiency

Progress Energy – Save The Watts Program

Modesto Irrigation District – MPowered Home Rebates

Tampa Electric

United Way of Connecticut – 211

Remember, this is just a sampling of programs but there are many opportunities available across the United States.

Glass-Gard's Anti-Graffiti security film will help protect your windows and your wallet

Throughout the world, vandalism by graffiti (using spray paint, markers, or acid) or glass tagging (deliberate scratching of glass with a sharp instrument) costs billions of dollars annually to clean and is an expensive nuisance to business owners. Despite anti-vandalism programs, graffiti continues to be a problem. And, chances are, if you’ve been vandalized once, you’ll be vandalized again.

Cost-effective solutions, like the Glass-Gard Anti-Graffiti product line, have been developed to help protect your windows from graffiti and tagging. Acting as an invisible shield, Glass-Gard AG is made with a specifically designed mounting adhesive that makes it easy to remove and replace with a fresh layer of protective film at a fraction of the cost to replace an entire window pane.

This specially designed film is clear on installation, providing a sacrificial surface which protects against the glass itself. When vandals strike, the film is simply removed along with the tags, revealing the untouched glass surface. Rather than having to replace the expensive glass, you simply replace with more Glass-Gard AG film.

Glass-Gard AG is backed by a three year factory warranty and warranted against peeling, bubbling, rippling, cracking, adhesive failure, delamination and demetallization.

Last year, the Colorado Convention Center chose to protect their property with Glass-Gard AG. Solamatrix, manufacturers of the Glass-Gard AG line, anticipate more businesses and large venues to follow suit. The company understands that it’s costly to replace window panes so offering a special line of anti-graffiti films is a smart choice for property owners.

Glass-Gard films have additional benefits as well, such as creating a line of defense from criminal activity and protecting against storm-related damage and general accidents.
When glass breakage occurs Glass-Gard film helps to hold broken glass together and in its frame. For more information about additional Glass-Gard Safety and Security films, please visit www.solatmatrix.com or click here.

Additional Resources
Glass-Gard AG Film Specifications

 

Solamatrix Sponsors Courage Polar Bear Dip to Support World Vision

  New Year’s Day typically brings new feelings of hope with renewed self-promises and resolutions. In that same light, hundreds of people in Canada will jump into the frigid and icy waters of Lake Ontario raising money to bring clean water to the people of Tanzania. The goal is to give clean water to more than 95% of families in the region who must use unsafe wells or draw their drinking water from polluted ponds.

This is all part of the annual Courage Polar Bear Dip in Oakville, Ontario, Canada – a charitable event organized by the owners of Courage Distributing. The 26th Annual Polar Bear Dip will take place on January 1, 2011 in an effort to raise $100K towards the Manonga Water and Sanitation Project which will bring clean water and improved health to the community of Manonga, Tanzania. Funds raised this year will complete the project in Mononga.

Solamatrix, manufacturers of the popular Sun-Gard solar control window films and Glass-Gard safety and security films, is proud to be annual sponsors of the event. “Courage Distributing is one of our closest business partners and we are happy to support Todd and Trent along with the many volunteers that work tirelessly to help those in need,” says Angie Howard, marketing communications manager.

Todd Courage explains, “Over three million people, two thirds of these children, die around the world every year from drinking contaminated water. Trent and I had the opportunity to visit the Kahi Water Project in Rwanda last year and observed the impact that clean water has on a community for not just drinking but cooking, cleaning, manufacturing, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.”

Todd continues, “Water really is the ‘essence of life’ and we applaud our sponsors like Solamatrix who help make an enormous impact on so many lives.”

This year, ten year old Adam Mills has organized a “polar cub” group of friends to help raise awareness. Adam has created a Twitter page dedicated to raising awareness for the Manonga Water project in Tanzania and has developed quite a following. According to the brave youngster, “I enjoy jumping in the cold water because it’s a good cause and raises money for water projects. It makes me feel good because it helps to make other kids happy to get fresh water.”

Net proceeds from the Courage Polar Bear Dip have been given to World Vision Canada since 1995. In that time over $660,000 has been raised and has funded water projects around the world. Last year, a record-breaking year, brought in $230,000 to the Kahi Water Project in Rwanda, while also fully funding a water project in Kenya AND create an opportunity to start another clean water project in Tanzania!

According to the Polar Dip website: “All life depends on water. On this the 26th anniversary of the Courage Polar Bear Dip, please give generously so that children and the families in Manonga can access clean water, a valuable resource we often take for granted……you can make a difference.” To help support the project, please click here. For more information, check out the Related Links below or email info@polarbeardip.ca.

Related Links:
Follow Polar Dip on Facebook
Follow Polar Dip on Twitter
Polar Cub Adam Mills on YouTube

How Window Tint and Proper Lighting Can Help Protect Sea Turtles

Protecting and preserving sea turtles is an impassioned movement throughout the world. Florida, in particular, has implemented several ordinances in order to help further protect sea turtles from a variety of factors that lead to their decline.

In coastal communities, sea turtles crawl onto the beach at night and lay their nests. These spectacular creatures are naturally drawn towards the light of the horizon from the reflection off the water. As beachfront communities have developed, the artificial lighting confuses the sea turtles, ultimately disorienting them. Because this attraction to light is instinctive, emerging hatchlings also become quickly disoriented.

As these sea turtles head towards the light source intended to lead them back to the ocean, they get confused and head towards street lights and glowing lights from store fronts and residences. This confusion deters the sea turtles from nesting and can lead to an unnecessary death for these endangered creatures by getting preyed upon by fire ants, ghost crabs and birds, hit by cars, or dehydrated.

The Florida Model Lighting and Marine Turtle Protection ordinance, was created with the intent to establish guidelines to help protect wayward sea turtles in coastal areas from the affects of artificial lighting and to help improve the overall nesting habitats for sea turtles and their hatchlings. This ordinance includes proper lighting and the use of window tint to shield light transmission from store fronts and residences.

In addition to the beachfront lighting regulations, the ordinance requires that: “Tinted glass shall be installed on all windows and glass doors of single or multi-story structures within line-of-sight of the beach.”

Specifics to the definition of tinted glass includes: “…any glass treated to achieve an industry-approved, inside-to-outside light transmittance value of 45% or less and limited to the visible spectrum.”

  If you find yourself in a coastal town, there are ways to help! By turning off any unnecessary lights, closing windows and blinds and refraining from using flashlights or camera flashes, you are contributing to the preservation of these magnificent creatures.

If you live or work beachfront, take simple steps to plant vegetation which will buffer the light source and the beach. Also, apply professional window tint to your home or business. The professional application of window film, such as Sun-Gard, will keep the light on the inside of your home or business from brightly transmitting through the windows.

According to an article written by Katherine Butler on the Coastal Protection of Sea Turtles in Florida, “the artificial beachfront lighting problem may be the most manageable of the human-caused sea turtle disturbances.”

 Globally, there are seven species of sea turtles that are listed under the Endangered Species Act. Threats to sea turtles today include the harvesting of their eggs for human consumption, entanglement and entrapment in fishing gear, ingestion of litter and coastal development.

For more information on sea turtle preservation and how you can help, visit the NOAA Office of Protected Species. Read more about the Florida Model Lighting Ordinance for Marine Turtle Protection here.