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I Want a Better House, Inc. is the first Nashville business to be named one of Forbes.com’s Best Business Plan finalists through Forbes.com’s “Boost Your Business” contest.

I Want a Better House is a one-stop shop that connects the consumer directly to certified energy-efficient products in order to truly build a “green” house. I Want a Better House leads the industry by offering Insulated Concrete Form construction, along with Energy Star windows, geo-thermal HVAC systems, and low-wattage LED lights to build a truly sustainable house. By constructing new homes utilizing this building technology, I Want a Better House assists consumers in saving an average of 65% off their utility bills compared to other houses of the same size.

Many people in the market for a custom-built home are interested in learning more about building a “green” home in an effort to minimize their monthly utility bills while also reducing their own carbon footprint, but don’t know where to turn for a business that does it all. There are thousands of products that claim to be “green”, but it can be difficult to filter through the products and decipher fact from fiction for the average consumer. I Want a Better House, Inc. has an educational showroom in Nashville for customers to gain knowledge about the best products for building a sustainable, healthy, energy-efficient environment.

For more information, visit iwantabetterhouse.com.

During this period of economic uncertainty, small-staff associations are seeking efficiency to better manage their membership. Technology solutions provide for more streamlined operations and automated payments. In response to an increased demand, MemberClicks, the foremost provider of association management software for small-staff associations, is excited to announce several exciting expansions.

Recently, MemberClicks introduced a social media strategy service geared specifically toward small-staff associations. Additionally, the Atlanta-based company is seeking to hire new team members as it gears up for the release of a new product version in early 2010.

With the new growth, a new office became essential. In November, MemberClicks is moving its headquarters to the Piedmont Center, a wooded campus of 15 buildings spanning 52 acres. Located in the heart of Buckhead, MemberClicks will be at the center of Atlanta’s financial and business community.

For more information, visit memberclicks.com.

American students are not being properly prepared to succeed in the global workforce and demonstrate slower progress than ever before in math proficiency, according to an evaluation of test scores under the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP) released today.

For the first time in the assessment’s history, fourth grade students showed no growth in math proficiency while eighth graders have shown only a slight uptick since 2003. Results also illuminate a continued achievement gap amongst ethnic groups, further showcasing a need for dramatic reform of America’s schools.

“We remain a nation gravely at risk of failure when it comes to educating every child — especially those in need,” says Jeanne Allen. “When nearly 60 percent of our kids are not proficient in math, we must not blink before embracing meaningful reforms like teacher merit pay, stronger charter laws, and higher standards. This is no longer a choice — it is a necessity.”

For more information, visit edreform.com.