Dallas and North Texas - best places for jobs

As reported in today's Dallas Morning News, Texas cities dominate a new list of the best places for jobs, with the top five large metropolitan areas for job growth all located in the Lone Star State, according to Forbes magazine.

Nine of the top 20 cities on Forbes' overall list are in Texas, with Odessa ranked No. 1.
Dallas-Plano-Irving ranked No. 5 in the magazine's list of the best large-size cities and 32nd overall.

click here to read the entire article

good housekeeping GREEN seal

One hundred years ago the Good Housekeeping Seal was introduced to protect consumers against fraudulent products. This year, in the April issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, a green version of the seal is being launched to “help consumers make the wisest and healthiest choice for themselves and their families," said Rosemary Ellis, editor in chief of Good Housekeeping.

Click here to find out how products earn the seal.

EPA introduces Indoor airPLUS program

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently introduced its Indoor airPLUS program in response to growing consumer concern over indoor air quality (IAQ). The Indoor airPLUS new home label is only available to ENERGY STAR® qualified homes. ENERGY STAR for New Homes requires builders to adhere to stringent EPA specifications. The goal of the EPA, builders, raters, utilities and public health and indoor environmental organizations is to help address issues such as mold, radon, carbon monoxide, toxic chemicals, and other poor air quality issues linked to a host of health problems.

Indoor airPLUS-labeled homes will include more than 30 verifiable additional home design and construction features (click here to view the list) compared to homes built to minimum code.

View a consumer brochure or visit the EPA Indoor airPLUS Program website for additional information.