Over the years, I've seen singer/actress Florence Henderson attached to a number of product endorsements.
From writing her own cookbooks to a little wooden banana rack (guaranteed to keep bananas from over-ripening too quickly) to seeing her image across vans advertising her as the national spokeswoman for Rain Soft Home Water Treatment Systems.
This is a very busy lady.
In fact, The Wall Street Journal, based on consumer appeal, rated her fifth out of the 10 top television endorsers.
It's no surprise that she was approached to be a spokeswoman to help viewers get ready for the Analog-to-Digital TV Conversion in early 2009.
Now, most recently, publicist Megan Brown contacted me about Henderson's latest business project.
"Dear Philip: I recently sent you information in regards to the perfect holiday gift for the technology-challenged senior. It's called The FLOH Club, at FlohClub.com. Developed by Florence Henderson, aka Carol Brady of 'Brady Bunch' fame, The FLOH Club is a telephone service for older adults, much like roadside assistance, only this is for all their technology needs. It empowers seniors to stay connected with family and friends, make safe online purchases, manage digital photography, handle online banking, manage antivirus and backup and much more. The FLOH Club is an affordable gift for parents and grandparents who need tech support.
"It's like roadside assistance, but for your computer," Florence says.
"Just in time for holiday gift giving to parents, grandparents and friends, it enables members to stay connected with family and friends and tackle technology that they may find a bit overwhelming on their own. It offers affordable subscription plans and the comfort of North American-based experts available by phone to support them."
The FLOH Club is operated by Support.com, a leading provider of technology support services and just launched this month.
She says for young people, computers are "fun and entertaining, a central and important part of their everyday lives."
But for older adults, who didn't grow up with computers, she says they can be intimidating and frustrating, and therefore, older adults often hesitate to ask for help because they don't want to be a bother.
"I know how overwhelming technology can be," Florence said.
"Only recently have I learned to share photos, video conference and send e-mails I'm genuinely excited to help make technology easier for people like me through The FLOH Club."
With this system, experts can either direct members or can safely and securely take control of the members' computers remotely. Available seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 1 a.m., the service offers a broad range of services including: use video conferencing, instant messenger, and the power of social networks to connect with kids and grandkids. And there's also an option for further education, allowing members to learn how to get the most from a personal computer, in addition to offering support for connected devices, including wireless networks, printers, video conferencing and other peripherals.
The FLOH Club offers multiple member options with "satisfaction guaranteed," including annual subscription ($250/year), three-month subscription ($75/month) and one-time empowerment service ($50 flat, covering e-mail, video conferencing, digital photography, Facebook, etc.)
More information about The FLOH Club can be found on the Web site flohclub.com or (877) 800-3564.
The opinions expressed are solely those of the writer. He can be reached at philip.potempa@nwi.com or 219.852.4327.
Today's Celebrity Birthdays
Actress Shelley Morrison ("Will and Grace") is 73. Actor Bob Hoskins is 67. Author Pat Conroy ("The Prince of Tides") and actress Jaclyn Smith ("Charlie's Angels") are 64. "Wheel of Fortune" host Pat Sajak and guitarist Keith Hopwood of Herman's Hermits are 63. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and singer Tom Osmond of the Osmond Brothers are 62. Musician Bootsy Collins and singer Maggie Roche of The Roches are 58. Actor James Pickens Jr. ("Grey's Anatomy") is 57. Guitarist Keith Strickland of The B-52's is 56. Actress Rita Wilson is 53. Actor Dylan McDermott ("The Practice") is 48. Actor Cary Elwes is 47. Singer Natalie Merchant is 46. Country singer Keith Urban is 42. Actor Tom Cavanagh ("Ed") is 41. Writer-actor Seth McFarlane ("Family Guy") is 36. Identical twin brother actors Jon Heder ("Blades of Glory," "Napoleon Dynamite") and Dan Heder ("Funky Town") are 32. Singer Mark Barry of BBMak is 31.
