ADVANCE

Advance introduces its exclusive new Ballast Checker, an easy-to-use hand-held device that quickly identifies a ballast's technology type for use in confirming ballast status and pinpointing lighting upgrade opportunities. When pointed at a fixture, the Ballast Checker will turn green if the light source is powered by a high frequency electronic ballast and orange if it's powered by a magnetic ballast, indicating a prime opportunity for a lighting upgrade involving electronic technology. Advance's Ballast Checker can be used to verify that a fixture has indeed been installed with an electronic ballast post-installation. Compact and lightweight, the Ballast Checker can operate at up to 15 feet or more from a light source and comes complete with long-life batteries that are pre-loaded for immediate use, as well as an attached lanyard for carrying convenience. Electronic ballasts can reduce energy consumption and costs by as much as 45% relative to standard magnetic technology. The use of electronic ballast technology also drives a broad range of additional benefits, including improved lighting quality and environmental sustainability.

B2 BEVERAGE CO.

B2 Beverage Co. has launched its "first in category" non-carbonated tropical fruit and cream flavored premium malt beverage line called Hard Creamer, along with its sub-brand Kalima Hawaiian Hard Creamer. The product stands out because of its combination of creamy taste, smooth texture and vibrant colors resembling fresh oranges, strawberries and peaches. The first two Hard Creamer flavors being released are Strawberry Daiquiri and Orange Cream, which are packaged in a bold black and white color scheme. The Kalima Hawaiian Hard Creamer flavors include Fuzzy Navel (orange/peach), Tropical Cream (orange/pineapple/banana) and Pi-a Colada, and feature retro-colored labels. The new products come in clear 12-oz. longneck bottles to showcase their eye-popping fresh fruit colors and creamy textures, and are available in six-packs. An additional bonus for retailers is that the products come in a stable, ready-to-drink format with an extended shelf life. Initial rollouts are set for Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota, with national distribution expected within a year.

CLIP STRIP CORP.

Clip Strip Corp. (CSC) continues innovating with the release of Double-sided Metal Merchandising Strips. Attach them to steel shelving systems with a Price Channel Adapter (DSH-88) and expose merchandise to both directions of the selling aisle. At the same time, CSC's Double-Sided Merchandise Strips double the capacity of conventional metal merchandising strips within the same amount of space. Now you can double the amount of product on display and double the exposure to the consumer. The MSDB-32 is 15-inch long and has 12 mtg. positions. The MSDB-58 is 31-inches long and has 24 mtg. positions. Constructed of durable, 3/16-inch diameter steel wire and welded genuine coil spring clips, they are strong enough to display a range of heavier and bulkier items-well beyond the capacity of conventional plastic strips. Finished in an off-white powder-coat, the Double-Sided Metal Merchandising Strips will complement the majority of gondola systems in use by retailers throughout the country. Pay a little more than you would for standard metal strips, and get double the capacity and double the exposure. Free samples are available upon request.

MARKETFARE FOODS

MarketFare Foods helps retailers meet consumers' fish cravings with popular AllStars brand and gourmet Bistro-To-Go brand Fish & Cheese sandwiches. The AllStar Fish & cheese is a 5-oz. sandwich featuring a golden, breaded pattie of mild white fish, topped with a slice of American cheese. A soft, sesame seed bun helps to satisfy the biggest appetites. Ready to eat in just a few short minutes, each sandwich comes in packaging that showcases attractive Americana-style graphics to help drive impulse sales. The AllStars Fish & Cheese Sandwich comes in a 10-pack case. The Bistro-To-Go brand Fish & Cheese Sandwich adds just the right touch of gourmet with a delicious, breaded fish filet on a soft, gourmet sesame seed bun. Made with 100% Cod, coasted with a crisp, golden breading, each filet is topped with a generous slice of creamy American cheese. Available in 6-pack retail cases, the 5.7-oz. gourmet sandwiches are individually packaged with a creamy tartar sauce packet to add a delectable finishing touch.

PDQ MANUFACTURING

PDQ Manufacturing, Inc., is offering customers a great opportunity to buy the industry's best vehicle wash systems at significant savings through October 31, 2006. The new promotion offers discounts on all of PDQ's major equipment, from the popular new LaserWash M5 wash system, to the leading-edge technology of the LaserWash G5 S-Series wash system, and MaxAir dryers, Basic 3 and Basic 4 dryers, as well as Access S-Series Customer Management Systems. PDQ is offering this limited-time offer as part of its ongoing commitment to help vehicle-wash operators maximize profitability, even in the current less-than-ideal economic conditions.