Thursday, March 24, 2011

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.

If you would like more information about this topic,please visit Twinstarhome or Classicflame or to schedule an interview, please call
Alexia Rouquette at 561.665.8093 or e-mail alexia@twinstarhome.com

Fresh Commitments to Management and Growth


Twin-Star International makes a clear commitment to management and continued growth with two new Executive hires. Kevin McColgan joins Twin-Star as Chief Operating Officer,and Jim Eggers joins the team as Vice President of Tresanti Furniture and Antiqua Bath.

Mr. McColgan brings many years of senior management experience to Twin-Star included a very successful tenure as CEO of Aero Products. At Twin-Star he will be overseeing all operational aspects of business, and will be spending a great amount of time in Twin-Star’s China operation to help insure that all systems run at maximum efficiency and that the company’s operations are flexible enough to deal with the market issues of today and the future.

Mr. Eggers brings 20 years of furniture business experience in product development, sourcing and merchandising that include 12 years with IKEA, time at Pottery Barn, Catalina Lighting and most recently, Zolalo Imports as Director of Merchandising. Jim will be looking after the Tresanti Furniture and Antiqua Bath product lines in an effort to accomplish the aggressive growth plans Twin-Star has set for these products lines to follow in the footsteps of the success they have had with ClassicFlame, the company’s premier Electric Fireplace line.

“I am confident that with the addition of both Kevin and Jim, Twin-Star is well positioned to execute on our strategic plans and to continue the exponential growth we’ve seen to date.” says Mark Asofsky, Twin-Star’s President & CEO.

The company’s personnel investment doesn’t stop there. In addition to the newly created executive positions, Twin-Star’s Marketing dept. has also added a new hire. Kitti Lakner was brought on as a full-time Web Designer, and the company plans some exciting new web site and internet based initiatives in the very near future.

If you would like more information about this topic, please visit twinstarhome or to schedule an interview, please call Twin-Star’s Marketing & PR Director, Alexia Rouquette Mays at 561.665.8093 or e-mail AMays@twinstarhome.compar

Newest ClassicFlame Insert Makes Green Functional and Efficient


Twin-Star International will feature a new “Green, Clean & Safe” 025 Electric Insert at theVegas Market in January.

ClassicFlame is widely recognized for having the “Finest Furniture in the Electric Fireplace Industry”, but retailers, designers and builders alike are now realizing electric fireplaces are both beautiful and environmentally friendly. Unlike gas and wood burning fireplaces, they emit no Carbon Monoxide, leave no indoor or outdoor pollution and do not require the consumption of wood or most common fossil fuels. Additionally, 100% of the electric input energy is converted to heat, which will warm approximately 400 sq. ft. without wasting energy by heating other rooms that are rarely used.

As the eco-friendly alternative to wood, gas and gel fuel fireplaces, and as a furniture manufacturer with its finger on the pulse of trends, ClassicFlame is moving their technology and designs to the forefront of the industry, with their 025 Electric Insert. This new and improved insert features all LED Technology, which saves energy by replacing the use of incandescent light bulbs. Incandescent bulbs require 120 watts of electric power. The LED’s in a ClassicFlame insert draw only 11.2 watts.

The LED’s also make using an electric fireplace more functional with an added onscreen indicator, which displays timer, brightness and heat level settings.

ClassicFlame has received numerous awards for their finely crafted furniture including a 2010 Platinum ADEX, Award for Design Excellence and Gold and Silver ADEX awards in 2009 - 2007. They were also awarded “Best of Market” by Furniture Today in 2004 - 2010. The 2004 Award by Furniture Today represented the first time an Electric Fireplace manufacturer has ever received a Best of Market Award.

ClassicFlame is an electric fireplace brand within the Twin-Star International portfolio. Twin-Star, founded in 1996, is located in Delray Beach, FL.

If you would like more information about this topic, please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or to schedule an interview, please call Alexia Rouquette at 561.665.8093 or e-mail alexia@twinstarhome.comt

The Finest Furniture in the Electric Fireplace Industry


ClassicFlame is a manufacturer of Finely Crafted Electric Fireplaces designed in the most sought after furniture styles and finishes. ClassicFlame’s tasteful use of real hardwoods, hand selected veneers and proprietary finishes has vaulted ClassicFlame to be recognized as the “Fashion Leader” in the Electric Fireplace marketplace, and its Fireplaces have won numerous design awards, including “Best of Market” by Furniture Today (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009). The 2004 Award by Furniture Today represented the first time an Electric
Fireplace manufacturer has ever received a Best of Market Award.

Did you know…

ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces are Green, Clean & Safe!
• No fumes, no CO2, no smoke, no emissions, no standing pilot lights, no pollutants at the site of operation
• 100% energy efficient
• Cost efficient - $0.03 per hour without heat, $0.10 per hour
with heat
• Childproof safety glass always stays cool to the touch

ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces just plug right in!
• No Venting
• No Gas Lines
• No Wood
• No Mess
• No Permits
• No Professional Installation Required

ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces operate with or without heat!
• Instant romance all year long, any season, any climate

ClassicFlame is the Flagship Electric Fireplace brand of Twin-Star International, Inc.


Founded in 1996, Twin Star International, Inc. is an award winning home furnishings manufacturer that strives to enrich and enhance lives by providing classic furniture designs crafted with old fashion care and attention to detail.

• Twin-Star’s in-house designers and engineers study great furniture traditions as well as keep a pulse on the latest world-wide trends of today to offer the most comprehensive and diversified product line available.
• Twin-Star’s products use the finest hardwoods, wood veneers and finishes available, each chosen specifically to match the character and need of each individual piece.
• Twin-Star’s world headquarters are located in Delray Beach, FL. Their 11,000 sq ft manufacturing facilities and overseas offices are located in Shenzhen, China.
• Twin-Star’s U.S. distribution center in Memphis, TN proudly ships 48 models in 48 hours!
• Twin-Star products are diligently inspected from Incoming Materials (IQC), through the manufacturing processes (In-Process), to finished and packed goods, using stringent standards of quality control.


For product questions or information please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or contact:
Alexia Rouquette
Marketing & PR Director
Twin-Star International
561.665.8093
ARouquette@twinstarhome.com

Classicflame Electric Fireplace featured on CBS Early Show

The Avignon by Classicflame Electric Fireplaces was recently featured on the CBS Early Show as part of their “green and clean” series. The segment introduced eco-friendlyalternatives to traditional wood burning fireplaces.

The segment was hosted by CBS’s Harry Smith who brought on David Gregg, the Senior Editor of BehindTheBuy.com which generates the amazon.com sales trend report and researches new product trends and consumer reviews. After researching the top electric fireplace brands in the industry, Gregg selected ClassicFlame as the standout category leader. ClassicFlame was the only electric fireplace brand represented in the segment.

“It’s no secret that our electric fireplace inserts are energy efficient and can save consumers on their heating bills, but being recognized for this on a national stage has confirmed our message, and has driven business for us at both the retail level, and through consumer demand.” according to Bill Caples, Vice President of Sales & Marketing

ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces are an energy efficient alternative to traditional wood burning units as the flame effect is generated using all LED technology. During the cold winter months, it is also an efficient zone heating source and will warm only the room you’re in without wasting energy, or money, by heating other rooms that are rarely used.

If you would like more information about this topic, please visit twinstarhome and classicflame or to schedule an interview, please call Twin-Star’s Marketing & PR Director, Alexia Rouquette Mays at 561.665.8093 or e-mail AMays@twinstarhome.com

Tis the Season; Twin-Star International gives back

On Tuesday December 22nd, Twin-Star employees loaded up their cars with a ClassicFlame electric fireplace and gifts for the Del Valle family, who they sponsored this year through the Adopt-A-Family program in Palm Beach County.

This is the second year that Twin-Star has volunteered their time to help a family in need.“Even in tough times it’s clear that we have enough when others have so little. Reaching out to those families during the holidays feels natural and right.” says Denise Kantrowitz,Twin-Star’s VP of Finance.

One thing’s certain, the Del Valle’s Holiday will be a warm and bright one this year.

Back row – Hedy Gordon, Credit Manager; Zach Ellison, Graphic Designer, Alexia
Rouquette Mays, Director, Marketing & PR Middle row – Rosalie Del Valle, and her daughter Belle; Denise Kantrowitz, VP Finance Front row – Yna and her father, Ruben Del Valle

If you would like more information about this topic, please visit Twinstarhome and Classicflame or to schedule an interview, please call Twin-Star’s Marketing & PR Director, Alexia Rouquette Mays at 561.665.8093 or e-mail
AMays@twinstarhome.com

A Cool Debut from Twin-Star International

Twin-Star International, manufacturer of ClassicFlame Electric Fireplaces and Tresanti Media Cabinets is introducing a new line of unique and cool home furnishing: Tresanti Refrigerated Wine Cabinets.

Filling a void in the marketplace, Tresanti Wine Cabinets have been well received by retailers. Each cabinet is constructed using the finest quality wood veneers and hardwood solids, and stunning multi-step hand rubbed finishes. The wine coolers in each cabinet are thermo electric and feature dual zone cooling that allows you to chill between 12 and 36 bottles at their appropriate temperature.

The Rosemont, as an example, also features a drop lid work surface that conceals a storage area with a mirrored back panel, stemware rack and interior LED lighting, hidden swing out locked door cabinets for added storage, and solid inlaid black granite top.

Another very impressive feature of Tresanti refrigerated wine cabinets is their price point. With MSRP’s ranging from $599 to $1500 there really is something for all of your customers. Andy Bandremer, SVP of Twin-Star Intl. says, “Everyone’s tightening the purse strings, and looking for ways to make their home experience more enjoyable. Time with family and friends is paramount, and these wine cabinets add just the touch that consumers are looking for. They’re not only priced right, but they’re impressive to display, and they add that extra something new to the home.”

According to a study done by The Neilson Company, close to one and a half billion bottles of wine were sold in the US last year and that number rose 13% over 2007. Wine is certainly big business and with no signs of consumers putting their glasses down soon this is the perfect time to invest in Tresanti’s Refrigerated Wine Cabinets.

For more information please visit us twinstarhome.com and classicflame.com

If you would like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview, please call Twin-Star’s Marketing & PR Director, Alexia Rouquette Mays at 561.665.8093 or e-mail AMays@twinstarhome.com