CrossCheck Blog

Advances in sustainability are revolutionizing the construction and building materials industries like never before. However, it's not just the firms and workers of these sectors that are or will be affected — all beings can experience an improved standard of living with healthier materials in place and a diminished use of natural resources. When building materials managers and construction leaders act as ambassadors for the sustainable building movement, they not only decrease the world’s carbon footprint but also tap into a highly profitable market. Influencing clients won’t be so difficult once they see – as many others have – that various sources have proven consumers are willing to pay more in the short term for the long-term payoff of an energy-efficient building. Disclosing energy-efficient renovations when listing houses, condos, and townhomes on the market is resulting in more units sold at higher prices as well as less time listed, according to new real estate studies.

In an insightful article about how automotive dealers can tap into the needs and wants of millennials*, four experts in their respective fields were asked what millennials really want. The article by Kurt Stephan appeared in the March 2016 issue of Dealer Marketing Magazine, and serves as a "teaching moment" for US auto dealerships. Topics include exploring and combating millennial stereotypes, the methods of communication desired by the generation, current auto trends, and addressing the specific financing challenges millennials bring to auto dealers. "[The current] supersonic rate of communication makes millennials — and a lot of today's car buyers — different from previous generations in that they expect faster, more efficient service in every aspect of car buying, from researching to buying to service," stated Dan Moore, Senior Director of Digital Strategy, VinSolutions.

A recent unique study was conducted for CareCredit about how people purchase healthcare services and related products including dentistry, veterinary services, hearing health, vision care and cosmetic procedures. In an online survey, patients who had made an elective healthcare purchase in the past 12 months (or were likely to do so soon), were asked a series of questions resulting in some interesting findings that could help medical service providers retain more business and potentially grow their current practices.

CrossCheck Reviews Celebrity Car Collections - Part One With more than 30 years in the payment industry, CrossCheck has had its fair share of auto dealership experience. But it doesn't take an expert to share in the delight of the luxurious car collections of celebrity drivers. This is part two of CrossCheck Reviews Celebrity Car Collections.

Celebrities — we admire them so, looking up to their fame, fortune and physical presence. Long recognized for leading extravagant lifestyles, many of these public figures also own some of the hottest automobile collections in the world. Take a ride with us as CrossCheck reviews celebrity car collections in this two-part series.

Top 2015 Dental Industry Trends and 2016 Predictions, written by the Apex360 editorial board of Dentistry iQ in November of 2015, reveals the various changes occurring that year with insightful predictions for 2016. Those surveyed include dental professionals ranging from dentist practice owners and CEOs, to sales and marketing reps, to accountants and dental software experts. Deemed the most comprehensive online resource for dental pros, Dental iQ’s diverse report demonstrates many areas that practice owners can target for a successful 2016.

Heart disease is a silent killer that takes the lives of nearly one million Americans annually, states The Heart Foundation. February is American Heart month, and campaigns by The Heart Foundation, American Heart Association, and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute are in full swing to raise awareness about cardiovascular and other heart related diseases. After discovering that the lives of nearly 500,000 American women were claimed by cardiovascular disease in 2004, the American Heart Association founded the Go Red For Women movement to empower women to take charge of their heart health and dispel myths that heart disease and strokes were predominantly men's diseases. Historically, physicals for women focused on breast cancer and gynecological screenings while testing for heart disease was done on men. Nevertheless, the association maintains that heart death rates among women still outpace those in men, and there are disparities in the symptoms and cause of heart disease between the genders. As vital influencers on the living habits of individuals, physicians lead the communication on health with their patients and can dramatically influence the prevention, care and treatment of women's heart health issues. In an effort to provide health professionals with digestible and up-to-date information for their patients, and to inspire individuals to educate themselves on the disease, CrossCheck has accumulated the most recent facts and health tips on the signs, symptoms and prevention of heart disease. Share these recent facts and health tips to inspire patients, friends and colleagues to recognize the signs and actively work toward preventing heart disease.

With trends constantly changing in the design and home furnishings industry, Amazon helps experts stay up to date with their most popular and top recommended reading lists. These Amazon "best-of-the-month" and/or New York Times "best sellers" are sure to inspire and educate. In the words of literary icon Dr. Seuss: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

Furniture is more about the experience than it is about being utilitarian. People are looking for statement pieces with meaning, and nothing is more in than sustainable, do-it-yourself (DIY) furniture projects. There’s even a DIY network. Home furnishing stores in tune with that trend have a competitive advantage.

A tiny house movement is on the rise in America as more and more people downsize their living spaces to save money, use fewer resources or simplify their lives. With small or tiny houses ranging from 100 to 400 square feet in area, home furnishings stores can increase sales by catering to the various price points, functionality, and size restrictions of their customers.