Best Motorcycle Road Trips in the USA

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Time to take a motorcycle trip! There is nothing like the great American road trip on a motorcycle; the perfect way to have a great time and experience the beauty and diversity of the country. Before you set out however, make sure you have some spare essential motorcycle parts with you in the case of an emergency.

When you are all set, these road trips offer ever-changing scenery along the way and a chance to see just how beautiful the US truly is. They are by no means untraveled roads, but these routes are worth the journey.

The Blue Ridge Parkway – North Carolina to Virginia

This drive is a breathtaking experience for anyone setting tire on the ground. Starting at the southern end of Shenandoah National Park and winding along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the 469 miles of twisty and curvy road offers great driving at several elevations and views you can talk about all year. Lush green landscapes, old farmsteads, breathtaking vistas, and dozens of places to stop and visit, make this one of the most inviting and popular to ride.

Route 66 – Illinois to California

Since 1926, Route 66 has long been called The Main Street of America because it runs through so many inner city avenues and small-town main streets along its meandering length. In fact, the original route was a patchwork of existing roads, which ranged from brick streets and urban four lanes, to cattle paths cut across farms. There is no stretch of road more closely associated with Americana than Route 66 which covers more than 2,000 miles from Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, to Arizona and California. The miles contain a diversity of attractions including national parks, architectural landmarks roadside oddities (the world’s largest ketchup bottle, covered wagon, and rocking chair), countless billboards, motels, and dozens of greasy diners. And of course great roads to ride.

Road to Hana – Paia to Hana, Hawaii

Unspooling along 52 snakelike miles of Maui’s eastern coast, this route runs from Kahului to the town of Hana. The drive is a cliff hanger that strains many a driver’s equilibrium and often demands several stops to get your balance. Hairpin turns that wind over plunging cliffs and postcard-perfect waterfalls make this one of the most picturesque drives in the US. Without stops, and traffic pending, the trip takes around three hours, but plenty of lookouts, beaches, and other attractions along the way will likely have you making detours. The modern world seems distant, and as you ride your cares fade into a mustard colored sunset, and tensions get gently blown away in the trade winds. The road takes you to Hana’s famous black sand beaches and lava tubes.

Yes, that sound you hear is the open road calling you, and every motorcyclist needs to take a memorable trip, on an unforgettable road. And remember, taking these scenic and exhilarating drives is not about getting to the destination, it’s about the ride. So enjoy!

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New Records Expected in the U.S. Economy and Stocks with President-elect Donald Trump

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Photo by CC user Opus Moreschi on Flickr.

With market volatility rising, spread betting could see major winners in the coming weeks and months as analysts believe that Trump could cause U.S. stocks and the economy to set new highs according to the Deutsche Bank.

The news and reactions seem to points to Trump being a positive influence over the U.S. stock market and economy. It is believed by analysts such as Chief U.S. Equity Strategist David Bianco that by the time Trump is sworn in as President of the United States of America, the S&P 500 index will rise over 2,250.

Investors are getting behind the idea that there is a much higher chance of a continued and long-lasting expansion in the economy that could match or beat the 10 year U.S. record. Investors believe that by the year 2018, the S&P 500 could reach as high as 2,500.

If the American economy can make it to 2019 without suffering another recession, it could break the last 10-year record set from 1991 to 2001.

The largest component of the GDP is dampened by the consumption of the growing retirees on Social Security, lowering variability while the structural decline in the growth potential equates to smaller shocks to the market needed to cause a downturn in U.S. market activity.

Bianco does not ignore the risk of a rising dollar on the Corporate America’s bottom line, the possible trade policies that can be seen as protectionist under the new Trump presidency and rises in the Treasury yields, they still think that the most important aspects for investors will be the increases in profitability in banks and the lower taxes.

An estimate from the Deutsche Bank sees the U.S. corporate taxes to drop by as much as 25% bringing it closer to the current OECD average. This suggests that earnings per share on the S&P 500 could see a $5.00 increase with every 5% tax cut. Bianco has therefore increased their earnings per share to at least $130 in 2017 for the S&P 500. This constitutes an annual growth rate of 9%, assuming they hit their 2016 mark of $116. Bianco is unsure of the exact amount the corporate tax rate will be cut but are sure that it will be significant.

If people do not convert their financial holdings from foreign currencies to their country’s currency, the tax reduction that is expected for corporates would provide various benefits to the domestically-orientated organizations. Since November, the Russell 2000 Index has performed vastly better than the S&P 500.

Financial asset prices could be kept afloat by a special repatriation tax holiday, especially if the funds were used for dividend boosts, M&A or buybacks. Bonds will still not be enough of an alternative to shrinking stock valuations or make businesses turn to higher interest expenses. Bianco went on to say that as the Fed continues to the current tightening cycle, it will help to keep the labour market from becoming too volatile as well as help to put a cap on the longer term U.S. Treasury yield curve. Because the utilities stocks have been battered since the election, Bianco has recommended that investors should turn to it as a source of income.

Historically, utilities have seen benefit from lower U.S. corporation tax rates since it gives all the profits back to the U.S. and there is then little foreign exchange risk. It also benefits from a continued the 15% tax rates on dividends as opposed to income tax rates and 3.8% the Affordable Care Act tax that will likely be dropped. Furthermore, utilities will benefit from Federal loans and infrastructure grants as well as benefiting from safe-havens for retirees and other institutions that are looking to lower their fixed income exposure.

Spread betting on sites such as CMC Markets could therefore see some major winners in the coming weeks and months as Trump becomes sworn in and does what most analysts expect him to do. Americans are the most hopeful they have been in a long time based on reports by a Bloomberg sentiment index from the University of Michigan. It showed a broad increase in confidence across incomes, ages and religions. While this might be a post-election honeymoon period for some, confidence is much higher than expected pre-election results.

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Choosing the Right Doors for Your Home

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If you want your house to look perfect, attention to detail is important. Often, it is the little things that most people neglect that make the biggest difference.

Internal door styling really matters

Surprisingly, many people never replace their internal doors, which is a real shame because doing so can make huge difference to the overall look of your home. For example, old style panel or pine doors are all it takes to ruin the look of a room that is decorated in a minimalist style, which brings us to our first door-buying tip.

Style matters. The new doors you buy really must fit in with the way you decorate your home.

Quality is important

It is also important to buy good quality doors, after all the chances are you are going to be keeping them for at least a decade.

Buying cheap doors usually works out to be a false economy. They tend to fall apart, after just a couple of years use. Often this is because the layers of materials used to make them are held together by inferior glue, that starts to deteriorate when exposed to the changes in temperature that occur in every home.

Practical considerations

It is important to choose doors that are right for the job. For example, if you live in a noisy home it makes sense to invest a bit of extra money in buying heavy-duty doors that will keep most of the noise in the room.

For a bathroom, you will need a door that is made to cope with high levels of humidity and dampness. Using a lightweight door that is not made for the purpose, could lead to your having to change it after a couple of years because the moisture has got in, and warped it.

For a dark, and dingy, room you may want to look for a door that has a glass panel built in. Doing this will ensure that as much natural light as possible is let in. However, this type of door may not be a good idea in a house where there are young children, or elderly people who are not very steady on their feet. In those homes, the glass would represent a safety hazard.

Hanging them properly

However, buying the best doors for the job is only half of the story. Once your doors arrive, it is important to take the time to hang them properly.

Most people already own the necessary tools to do the job, but not everyone has the necessary skill to hang their own doors. This video shows you how easy it is to hand a door on an existing door jam. Our suggestion is that you watch it, and use it to work out whether you can handle hanging your own doors, or would be better off asking a professional to do it for you.

Our last tip is to make sure that you maintain your doors well. Wiping the handles every week and quickly going over the rest of the door, and frame, each month will keep them looking good for many years to come.

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Mixed Feelings on Living in Mixed-use Developments

In the traditional sense, a house is a shelter that provides a roof above your head. However, as time passes, what once existed and accepted is now being changed for the better. The increase in population and lack of land area for living have pushed engineers to think beyond the box – vertically, in fact. Instead of the traditional patterns of houses arranged neatly in rows, modern buildings are being developed to new heights – literally. Apart from the residential feature, homeowners can now enjoy retail and commercial aspects with just a few floors in between.

We’ve become accustomed to single-use developments, but with an increasingly urbanized population living in a fast-paced society, a new kind of development has taken reins in big cities.

The introduction of mixed-use developments is inevitable. As new generations surge forth, standards of living have also leveled up.

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Is that such a bad thing?

Living in mixed-use developments has many benefits. It’s all about the context. In an urban setting, a mixed-use structure can offer both convenience and leisure under the same roof. The upsides of living in a mixed-use development are many and varied.

Firstly, the convenience makes it easier for homeowners to get things done, like shopping for groceries or joining a yoga class. A mixed-use development means that amenities are just around the corner, rather than half an hour away. Handy when you’re missing that vital ingredient when making dinner. This convenience can extend to reduced costs for fuel and more free time instead of being stuck in traffic.

If you are into the idea of close community ties, then mixed-use developments will surely tickle your fancy, especially the ones in Philippine real estate. It will be a far cry from the suburbs atmosphere, though, because even if you see the same faces regularly, you won’t be pushed to do small talk just to past time. There will be a lot to do with anyone, like grilling barbecues in the outdoor balcony or taking a dip in the pool, making the living experience better.


It can’t all be upside

There are some aspects of it that you may want to consider before opting for a home in a mixed-use structure. These are, of necessity, areas of high population density. If you’re not a people person, it can all be a bit too much.

The knock-on effect of this is that they’re lively places to live, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. With so much happening, noise can be an issue. If you’re looking for a quiet life, a mixed use development may not be the best option for you.

Finally, a unit in a structure of high demand can be expensive. As these properties are desirable to a higher-earning workforce, the effect of that is to drive up prices. However, online marketplaces can help you sort through properties for the best real estate deal. Zipmatch has great property selection of condos for sale or for rent that won’t break the bank.

Ultimately it comes down to what you value most in life. It could well be that what you’re looking for could be found in a mixed-use development.

 

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Mixed Feelings on Living in Mixed-use Developments

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In the traditional sense, a house is a shelter that provides a roof above your head. However, as time passes, what once existed and accepted is now being changed for the better. The increase in population and lack of land area for living have pushed engineers to think beyond the box – vertically, in fact. Instead of the traditional patterns of houses arranged neatly in rows, modern buildings are being developed to new heights – literally. Apart from the residential feature, homeowners can now enjoy retail and commercial aspects with just a few floors in between. We’ve become accustomed to single-use developments, but with an increasingly urbanized population living in a fast-paced society, a new kind of development has taken reins in big cities.

The introduction of mixed-use developments is inevitable. As new generations surge forth, standards of living have also leveled up.

Is that such a bad thing?

Living in mixed-use developments has many benefits. It’s all about the context. In an urban setting, a mixed-use structure can offer both convenience and leisure under the same roof. The upsides of living in a mixed-use development are many and varied.Firstly, the convenience makes it easier for homeowners to get things done, like shopping for groceries or joining a yoga class. A mixed-use development means that amenities are just around the corner, rather than half an hour away. Handy when you’re missing that vital ingredient when making dinner. This convenience can extend to reduced costs for fuel and more free time instead of being stuck in traffic. If you are into the idea of close community ties, then mixed-use developments will surely tickle your fancy, especially the ones in Philippine real estate. It will be a far cry from the suburbs atmosphere, though, because even if you see the same faces regularly, you won’t be pushed to do small talk just to past time. There will be a lot to do with anyone, like grilling barbecues in the outdoor balcony or taking a dip in the pool, making the living experience better.

It can’t all be upside

There are some aspects of it that you may want to consider before opting for a home in a mixed-use structure. These are, of necessity, areas of high population density. If you’re not a people person, it can all be a bit too much.The knock-on effect of this is that they’re lively places to live, which isn’t to everyone’s taste. With so much happening, noise can be an issue. If you’re looking for a quiet life, a mixed use development may not be the best option for you.Finally, a unit in a structure of high demand can be expensive. As these properties are desirable to a higher-earning workforce, the effect of that is to drive up prices. However, online marketplaces can help you sort through properties for the best real estate deal. Zipmatch has great property selection of condos for sale or for rent that won’t break the bank.

Ultimately it comes down to what you value most in life. It could well be that what you’re looking for could be found in a mixed-use development.

 

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Crates, boxes, barrels, kegs and finally the pallet. The history of pallets.

On the surface, they may appear to be quite mundane but without them, the World simply couldn’t operate in the same way, we are of course talking about pallets, the wooden structures that have transported goods across the globe for many years. The pallet, though simple in form has made logistical transport, storage and warehouse practices far easier and helped businesses to run far more smoothly and effectively.

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The history of the pallet is an interesting one and today we’re going to look in a little more detail just how these little structures came into being, how they replaced previous forms of transportation and the way in which over the years, they have dramatically altered the shipping industry.

The Pallet is Born

Pallet-style equipment has been used as far back as the times of Ancient Egypt but the modern day wooden pallet was born in the early 1920s just after the birth of the fork-lift truck. The structure of the pallet was designed to enable a fork-lift truck to easily slide the forks in underneath the pallet, and lift the goods quickly and securely on the pallet. Once this method of lifting goods started, it wasn’t long before warehouses discovered the benefit of stacking pallets on top of each other, this meant that warehouses could optimize airspace and maximize how many goods they could store per square foot.

During the War

The mass production of pallets boomed during the second World War and a universal agreement was reached between the allied countries that the pallets would be 48 x 48 inches, this made the transportation of munitions and  supplies far simpler and quicker too.

Narrow Style

In 1954, British company Lansing Bagnall became the creators of the first narrow-aisle lifting truck, this truck would go on to revolutionize warehouses once again as they could travel down narrow aisles which meant that warehouses had more space to store goods. As a result of the new truck, a meeting was called between major Canadian suppliers in 1968 to resolve the issue of multiple sized pallets being used, this was costly and slowed the process of shipping down, eventually they settled on a 48 x 40 standard size, this has gone on to become the recognized standard size for pallets around the World.

Modern Day

There are currently around 1.9 billion pallets in use around the World every day and around 450 million pallets are produced in North America each year. Pallets have revolutionized the World of shipping through their space saving ways, ease of use and heavy loads which the wooden pallets can take.

You can buy pallets all over the World for personal or professional use and there are pallets for sale Perth to Peking and everywhere in between. Many people look to use pallets around the home and the garden and pallet style furniture has become very trendy, you can pick pallets up for as little as $10 from places like Pallet West , at those kind of prices, it’s easy to see why people are getting on board.

Pallets will be around for a long time to come, they save space, they are cheap and they are reliable, why would anyone look for anything else!

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4 Must-Visit Destinations in Port Vila

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Thinking where to spend your holiday can be both exciting and stressful. Since there are a lot of options available out there, you get overwhelmed by these. However, you need to consider numerous things before planning your trip as well. It is important that your destination is worthy of your time and money. So, better choose one that meets your budget and you will truly enjoy.

One of the best travel destinations that you can visit on your vacation is Vanuatu. This 1,300-kilometer island nation in the South Pacific Ocean is composed of approximately 80 islands. It offers tons of things to do and see to visitors of all ages. Definitely, it is a must-visit place with your loved ones, so look for cheap flights to Vanuatu today and experience the ultimate island adventure.

Port Vila, its capital city, is home to great tourist attractions, which you should never miss while in the island. Hence, here are some of the amazing places you need to include in your itinerary when in Port Vila:

Mele Cascades

If you are in search of a stunning nature spot, then head to Mele Cascades. This photogenic swimming attraction is absolutely worth a visit, for it offers astounding views of clear aquamarine pools in a waterfall flowing into a natural pool. You will be able to see its tropical and lush rainforest as well as witness the local cultivation of vegetable gardens. Additionally, you can go for a dip for a refreshing swim or relax under the cool shade and simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.

National Museum of Vanuatu

Situated in the Vanuatu Cultural Centre, the National Museum of Vanuatu offers a combination of cultural and historical artefacts. This museum aims to develop, save, and protect the different aspects of Vanuatu’s cultural heritage. You will absolutely be amazed with its well-displayed collection of traditional works of art, such as pottery, photos, tamtam, ceremonial headdresses, jewelry, and a lot more.

Iririki

A favorite resort in Vanuatu, Iririki is a privately leased island located in the awe-inspiring tropical landscapes of Mele Bay. In case you are looking for a less-crowded destination, then this island resort is perfect for you and your loved ones. It is surely a place for convenience, relaxation, and peaceful seclusion. You can have a great time with its rejuvenating spa treatment, enjoy mouthwatering dishes, and experience the best water activities. More so, you will be provided with luxury accommodation and outstanding service like no other.

Vila Outdoor Market

Also known as the Mama’s Market, the Vila Outdoor Market is a colorful waterfront market. It is a 24-hour market open from Monday morning until noon of Saturday. You will find great shopping, and various items including souvenirs, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and delicacies served by the local women of Vanuatu.

All in all, there are so many places to visit while in Vanuatu, especially in Port Vila. These wonderful places mentioned above will totally complete your stay in this island nation. So, be sure to add these to your itinerary and have the best trip of your life.

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Landscaping Your Business Premises

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One of the biggest expenses you face as a business owner is the cost of running your work premises. Unfortunately, most firms simply cannot avoid this expense; they cannot operate successfully without a base to work from.

The fact that keeping the lights on, and these premises ticking over, costs so much means that many firms tend to cut corners on things like landscaping. Whilst doing so is understandable, this is not usually a wise approach.

Why invest in landscaping

It normally works out to be a false economy. You need to bear in mind that the way your business premises look say a lot about the type of company you are running.

If a potential customer visits your offices, factory or warehouse, and sees you operating out of shoddy, poorly kept business premises they are not going to be impressed. In business, appearances matter, so it really is worth your while to landscape the area around your buildings.

Keep it simple

Fortunately, landscaping does not have to be complex, and you do not necessarily have to spend a fortune. It is enough to smooth out the land around your premises and cover it with lawn, gravel or paving. Once down, you just need to be careful to maintain it properly, which should be easy to do if you avoid the temptation to lay our flower beds and buy big trees.

Keeping everyone safe and organised

You also need to make sure that the area around your office, factory or warehouse is laid out in an organised fashion. You can invest in customised signs like the ones you can buy from http://www.roadtrafficsigns.com/ and deploy them to control the flow of pedestrians and traffic. Doing this will help to keep everybody organised and safe.

It is important to provide enough parking for your workers and visitors. This area needs to be planned and aid out well. You should also consider lighting it at night. In the colder months, you may need to grit the car park to keep it ice free, and reduce the chances of someone having an accident at your premises.

Make your premises more secure

When deciding how to lay out the space outside of your business premises it is important to consider security. Unfortunately, thieves regularly target commercial premises, so this is an increasingly important consideration. It is well worth putting a fence around your land and setting up cameras to monitor the perimeter. Doing so will make it far easier for your security staff to control who enters your premises, and what areas of your property they can gain access to.

Brand your business premises

You need to bear in mind that the properties that you operate out of are part of your brand. It is important to invest in a good quality sign that incorporates your company colours and fonts. Doing so boosts your brand and ensures that people recognise the fact that the premises belong to your firm. You can read more about branding your business premises, here.

 

 

 

 

 

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What Makes Anura Leslie Perera Tick

Different people have different reasons and motivation to explain and justify the things they do. The same can be said about successful businessman Anura Perera Raycom. The man is not happy to simply just sit on his laurels now that he has achieved so much professional success. Indeed, his situation makes him even more motivated to have a happy, healthy, balanced life which includes helping those people who are less unfortunate than him.

The Many Professional Successes of Anura Leslie Perera

Anura Leslie Perera was born in Colombo, the capital city of the tropical island Sri Lanka. He first tried his hand on business by moving across the world to as far away as Africa. In Zambia, he dabbled in engineering and sales for Caterpillar Inc., the heavy equipment manufacturer before switching to aerospace engineering. He is now the chairman of Raycom Aerospace Pte Ltd., a Singaporean aerospace manufacturer. Additionally, Anura Leslie Perera also does training workshops and seminars on business development for the Raycom Aerospace in the Middle East and various other locations. Recently, he facilitated the signing of an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Raycom Aerospace and the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) to improve the infrastructure of the Al Ain aerospace cluster.

Anura Leslie Perera’s Humanitarian Efforts

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After achieving so much success in his professional life, Anura Leslie Perera is now regularly doing charity work to help those in need. Through the George Phylnormel Foundation, he was able to raise enough money to fund the construction of the Nairobi Buddhist Temple and dedicated it to the memory of Mr. George and Mrs. Normal Perera. The Theravada Buddhist temple busies itself with helping victims of natural disasters like the earthquakes in Haiti and Nepal, the Philippine typhoon and the Asian tsunami. The Nairobi Buddhist Temple also supports the survivors of the Sri Lankan civil war rebuild their lives and offers dharma and meditation classes to people of all faiths. Every time there is a need anywhere in the world, the Nairobi Buddhist Temple would seek to offer help to the best of their ability.

Anura Leslie Perera’s Life and Leisure Philosophy

Aware of the benefits of living a more mindful life, Anura Leslie Perera follows the pH diet, which strives to incorporate more alkaline food in eating like leafy green vegetables, grains and fatty fish while limiting the consumption of more acidic food like red meat and other meat products. The diet also encourages adherents to chew their food slowly and thoroughly, not only for increasing mindfulness but also to ensure that proper digestion is achieved. Anura Leslie Perera was able to control his diabetes by using this food philosophy. In his free time, Anura Leslie Perera engages in his two favorite activities, which are reading and cricket. He also regularly appears in radio and television programs in order to spread his wisdom and knowledge that he has been accumulating through the years. Moreover, he continually calls for more corporations to engage in corporate philanthropy.

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Philanthropy Does Not have To Be A Slow And Painful Slog

It is truly unfortunate that many people tend to shy away or ignore altogether the issue of global poverty alleviation. Their reasons are justified by the fact that poverty is a stubborn social issue that has complex and multiple causes. Many of those who are fighting global poverty lament that the process is indeed very slow and painful. However, the website 170 Exchange has a solution that is not tedious and actually benefits all parties. In the United States, commercial real estate companies can receive a tax deduction if they choose to do what is called the 170 Exchange or Bargain Sales. The way it works is that the owner of a property donates the property to a non-profit entity for a charitable contribution based tax deduction. This allows the commercial real estate company to immediately save money on paying taxes, as opposed to saving taxes in the future.

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The Welfont Group Uses the 170 Exchange to Fund the Mercy Foundation

The Welfont Group is a commercial real estate company that specializes in acquiring under-utilized or distressed properties. It can also connect other commercial real estate companies with non-profit organizations so both can benefit from the 170 Exchange. This is truly a unique service that not many other companies can offer.

Industry Veterans Sound Off on the Welfont Group’s Expertise on 170 Exchange

Robert W. Wood, a contributor of Forbes Magazine reiterated the niche service offering of the Welfont Group. “While you can make a simple swap of one property for another, the odds are slim you will find someone with the exact property you want who wants the exact property you have.” This is why the Welfont Group is well known for its ability to create suitable matches between commercial real estate firms and non-profit entities that can legally take advantage of the 170 Exchange because as Gary Keller, author of “The Millionaire Real Estate Investor” confirmed, “It’s a very straightforward procedure, but it take some planning. This program in the IRS tax code allows you to sell and buy properties without having to declare capital gains or pay those taxes.” Those words certainly sound like music to the ears of many commercial real estate brokers!

From 170 Exchange to Micro Loans Funding Philanthropic Causes

The Welfont Group disburses micro loans through the Mercy Foundation in order to help those who are less fortunate all around the world. These micro loans are usually used by small businesses, usually family managed, to expand so that they could make small but effective changes that help them get out of debilitating poverty. One example is a family in Georgia that uses the micro loan to buy more milk cows so that the family can make and sell more cheese products. The extra income is then used to renovate their dilapidated house, repay the micro loan and reinvested into the family dairy business. Instead of relying on donations, this family pulls itself out of poverty. What a beautiful thing to see.

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