How to Plan, Design, & Build a Successful Golf Driving Range

Preveiously titled Developing Your Golf Range - and just recently updated and reintroduced - this manual is the complete guide to planning, designing, and building your golf range. There is no other publication for golf range development that matches the level of detail and scope of subject matter contained within this publication. At 307 pages, it is the most comprehensive manual on the subject of golf range development.

This comprehensive manual takes you through completion of Market Analysis, assembling all development costs, constructing the range, equipment, financing, role of a business plan, and a catgeorized supplier listing. You will find it to be your constant reference source from planning to operations.

Clients typically pay us $12,000+ to perform a feasibility study for their project. This manual will take you through our entire step-by-step process to generate a first-rate, professional feasibility study -- it's all in the book -- and more! For the ridiculously low cost of this manual we tell you how to perform a $12,000+ feasibility study. We give you our secrets and shortcuts to do it quick and do it right.

Testimonial:  "Getting your Developing Your Golf Range manual was the best thing I could do for my dream of owning a range. Thanks to Forecast and your services, I have been able to identify a strong market, find property, negotiate a purchase, design and build my range — all with the information I received from Forecast." -- B. Evert - Chico, CA

Included in the manual are pictures of different ranges and equipment. This book can save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of planning time because you will learn how to build a range the right way — all based on Forecast’s experience in the golf range business.

A complete supplier listing of all golf range and related amenity suppliers is included in the manual. These suppliers are eager to provide you with information about their equipment and services. No other manual provides you with more information at your fingertips than this #1 development manual. Whether you are considering the golf range business, or are in the middle of development, or already own a range, you will benefit from this manual.

Hundreds of golf range developers have used this manual to save thousands of dollars, save countless hours of work, increase the profitability of their project, and get the greatest return on their investment.

Unique features of this comprehensive manual:

• 307 pages of detailed information — more than any other golf range book available
• Charts and information which can be used in your business plan
• Drawings and illustrations accompanying text to explain issues
• Sample reports from information sources, zoning books, soils maps, and more
• Sources of information to complete your market analysis and business plan
• Golfer demographic profile
• A multitude of worksheets to help develop your market analysis and feasibility
• Sample zoning flowchart
• Construction costs
• Equipment costs
• Pictures of actual golf ranges
• Pictures of equipment
• Supplier listing sorted by category and company for easy reference

See the Table Of Contents for more details on all the subjects included in the manual.

Price: $149 (plus shipping & handling).

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More testimonials from our clients...

"We have purchased all of your manuals, gone to your [Golf Range Development] seminar, and hired your firm to provide consulting services for our project. Without Forecast, we would still be in the planning stages. Now, after only eight months, our Executive Golf Course and Golf Range are under construction!"
R. Puetz - Austin, TX

"I just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the work you have done for me on my golf range project. The information you provided me with was just what I needed to make the final decision to build my range. The information also helped me convince my bank that a golf range could be successful in my area."
P. Hoffman - Tynsburough, MA

"Your manual contains so much more information than I imagined. I couldn’t possibly think of anything that needs to be added. I’m extremely happy about my investment."
D. Bernardi - Connecticut

"The manual is very meticulously informative. You should be proud of your job! Well Spent $Money$ for your manual!"
D. Nelson - Georgia

"Manual is comprehensive and complete. It certainly more than met my needs at this point in my business exploration."
A. Stook - Vermont

"I would not recommend it to competitors in my area - I wouldn’t want them to have the edge that I do with the manual."
M. Moore - Indiana

"Very sufficient!! Excellent work!"
T. Ummel - Michigan

"I don’t believe you missed anything - the manual is fantastic!"
J. Strong - Florida

"This manual was pretty comprehensive. Had our intended pro look at it — even he was impressed!"
M. Chaffin - Connecticut

"I am more than pleased with the knowledgeable information contained in "Developing Your Golf Range" manual. The material in this manual has supplied me with vital knowledge needed to proceed with my plans to build my dream retirement income source!"
H. Hicks - North Carolina

   Sample Business Plan For A Golf Range

Most golf range developers rely upon lenders and/or investors for financing the development of their project. A sound business plan is absolutely essential to securing funding from these financial resources. While you may be certain that your golf range venture will succeed, an investor or bank must be convinced with facts. Unlike you, the typical investor or lender is looking for reasons not to invest in your project! A proper business plan is your best chance to convince them that your project is a good business opportunity.

The Sample Business Plan is an actual plan for a fictitious golf range. It includes important industry background information and comes in printed form along with a computer diskette. With Forecast's Sample Business Plan you can quickly create a professional business plan. It will save hours of time and could save thousands of dollars. All you do is simply edit the text on the diskette provided (with your own word processing software), include site specific information from your own feasibility analysis, and it's done!

The Sample Business Plan was prepared under the assumption that it will be submitted to a lending institution, such as a bank. It was also designed to meet the evaluation criteria of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). In fact, the Plan has been reviewed by an individual at the SBA and it was found to be an excellent format to be followed for developing a business plan for any golf range.

The Sample Business Plan includes:

• An 8-page outline
• A 30-page sample business plan for a fictitious golf range
• Computer CD - includes complete text of the Sample Plan

Whether you are planning a new range, or currently own or operate one, this product can help you get financing.

Price: $74 (plus shipping & handling).

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     Profit & Expense Standards For Successful Golf Ranges

The #! question I get from range developers is “How much profit does a golf range make?” To answer that question, I’ve spent years analyzing financial statements of all sorts of golf ranges, with the objective of establishing standards for expenses and profit. The answer -and much more- is revealed in my new book, Profit & Expense Standards For Successful Golf Ranges.

Getting real numbers, i.e., the real sales and expense numbers, from a golf range owner/operator is near to impossible. Ask a typical range operator for that kind of secret information and they'll either laugh at you or quickly escort you out the door. You may be more successful if you were at Coke USA headquarters and asking for the secret recipe to the Coca-Cola formula.

That's why our Profit & Expense Standards For Successful Golf Ranges is so valuable. In addition to my financial analysis, you'll get inside the actual books of 25 different ranges from around the USA -- real sales, real expense, and real profits. This resource is an absolute must for demonstrating the reasonableness of your projections and adding credibility to your business plan.

Here’s what you’ll get:
(1) My review operating expense standards and metrics; the Balance Sheet and the Chart of Accounts for golf ranges; the Breakeven Point and Economies of Scale; the impact of adding other amenities.
(2) Revenue & Expense statements for 25 golf ranges from various markets around the country (some have multiple years of data);
(3) Description of each facility, including the amenities offered (some have mini-golf, batting cages, pro shop, restaurants, etc.);
(4) Location of each range (city/state); and
(5) Basic demographic data for each 10-mile market area. This enables you to pick the ones that are most similar to your own market and amenity offering. It’s the perfect comparison for you to test the soundness of your own projections.

Being able to show bankers and investors that you are fully educated about the financial operations of a golf range business will help dispel any doubts they may have about your lack of firsthand experience. Comparing real numbers from other facilities to your projections will prove that your projections are reasonable and logical. Being able to make these sort of “comps” (comparisons) can make the difference between yes and no with your banker and investors.

Price: $99 (plus shipping & handling).

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     Introduction To The Golf Range Business

Golf Range Development Basics, at 32 pages, addresses the "top 48" fundamental issues and questions of golf range development. This booklet will help you determine if you are making the right decision before you invest more time, energy, and money in the idea of building or buying a range. Golf Range Development Basics, is written in a straightforward question and answer format. It reflects the most common questions and issues raised by new golf range developers. The answers to the questions and the discussion of issues will provide valuable insight into what may lie ahead for you. Some of the topics discussed in this book are:

• Location
• Land Requirements
• Development
• Financing
• Zoning
• Design & Construction
• Operations
• Range Acquisition
• Equipment
• Profitability

Price: $19 (plus shipping & handling).

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  Zip Code Sales Potential Report

Forecast’s Sales Potential Reports are a powerful tool for developers of golf facilities, as well as existing owners and operators. Based upon a proprietary algorithm, these reports provide the estimated dollar amount of range ball sales available in your market.

For developers, the Sales Potential Reports will help you determine if there is sufficient demand for a golf facility. No longer must a developer make decisions from demographics alone. The Sales Potential Reports take out much of the guesswork of locating in a high demand market. These reports can be included in a business plan to back up revenue projections.

For existing owners, this information provides them with the ability to locate specific areas within their market to focus their marketing efforts. For example, the Sales Potential Reports show the number of golfers in each zip code, so you can specifically target those zip codes with direct mail advertising.

The methodology behind our proprietary algorithm includes the following key variables:

• Zip code population
• Zip code golf participation rate
• Average annual golf range expenditures
• Key zip code demographics for 2000 and 2005
• Seasonality
• Cost of living

The data for the algorithm is collected on a regular basis from many sources. The primary sources are:

• United States Bureau of the Census
• Nationally syndicated market research firms
• National Golf Foundation
• Forecast Golf Group, Inc.

Hundreds of developers and owners have utilized our zip code Sales Potential Report database for the purposes of quantifying markets for their development plans, business plans and advertising plans. If you own a golf facility, or plan to, these Reports will help you increase your chances for success.

Two pricing options(plus shipping & handling):

1. $15 per zip code, or

2. $99 for all of the zip codes within a 10-mile radius of your location/site

See a Sample Report

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  Golf Range Times magazine

Golf Range Times is the leading industry magazine with articles and news addressing issues affecting every golf range developer and operator. If you are just investigating the possible development of your own range, or if you already operate one, every issue of Golf Range Times is a must read for you!

If you are a developer, owner, operator or supplier in the range business, you need to keep up with news and trends. Currently, Golf Range Times reaches more than 6,000 different developers, facility owners, operators and suppliers. Golf Range Times is your link to other owners and developers.

Published six times annually, Golf Range Times provides readers with valuable development, marketing and operational information through in-depth, interesting articles.

Annual subscription: United States $49   International subscriptions $75

Free Copy of GRT ($10 savings)
If you would like to receive a FREE copy of Golf Range Times magazine CLIK HERE. One free issue is available for first-time contacts to us. This is a savings of $10 (however, must charge a nominal fee to cover postage & handling for requests to any address outside the United States).

Golf Range Times Annual Buyers Guide and Directory

Published once per year, this guide is a must for the range operator and developer. You'll refer to it constantly as you develop your plans and quickly identify suppliers for all of your equipmnet needs. The guide lists all of the eqyuipment and service suppliers in the industry, by category. You get their phone numbers, website addresses, emaila addresses, key personnel names, and email addresses. This single publication can save you weeks of time and frustration in planning your range.

Price: $35 (plus shipping & handling).

Back Issues
Back issues of Golf Range Times are for sale for $10 per copy. Click here to see a list of back issues.

Advertising
For information on advertising in Golf Range Times , e-mail us or call direct:

Ms. Betty Jo Bass
Advertising Manager
(804) 360-3158

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    How To Operate a Successful Golf Driving Range

This NEW product contains actual revenue & expenses statements from 25 different golf range facilities. It will help you to compare your estimates to the numbers from real facilities.

One of the things that we do when estimating sales and expenses for range projects is look at what other ranges have done. This is called looking at "comps," or comparables. It helps to see what other ranges are doing in sales and expenses.

BUT, the problem for new range developers lies in trying to get a range operator to open up his books to you. Well, this new product is like having 25 range owners open up their books to you! And, you get more than just the numbers.

In addition to getting their financial numbers, you also get:

• A description of the facility ( number of tees, other amenities, covered/heated tees, etc.)
• The city/market that the range is located in.
• Key demographic data for the 10-mile radius around the facility.

With all of this info, you can really compare your facility and market to these other facilities and use them as a guide.

Price: $74.00 (plus shipping & handling)

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High Value/BIG Savings Bundle Package

The "Total Tool Kit" - Get the most and save the most! For those on the FAST TRACK !!

This bundle is absolutely the MAX - I also call it my "Total Tool Kit" because you get all of my golf range developer's tools at LESS THAN half-price.

Here's what you get: You get Tools #1 through #7A-C --- that's everything I've got!

That's a $608 VALUE --- you get it all for ONLY $298 -- that is a HUGE SAVINGS of $310 !!

Tool #1:  How to Plan, Design, & Build a Successful Driving Golf Range - $149
Tool #2:  Sample Business Plan For A Golf Driving Range - $74
Tool #3:  Profit & Expense Standards For Successful Golf Driving Ranges - $99
Tool #4:  How To Operate A Successful Golf Driving Range - $74
Tool #5:  Introduction To The Golf Range Business - $19
Tool #6B:  Zip Code Sales Potential Reports (All ZC in 10-mile radius) - $99
Tools #7A-C:  Golf Range Times Bonus Package (subscription, annual Buyer’s Guide, 1 back issue)- $94

That's a $608 VALUE --- you get it all for ONLY $298 -- that is a HUGE SAVINGS of $310 !!

>>Order Now

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Consulting

Forecast Golf offers a variety of services to help you get your range up and going as quickly and economically as you want. You can use our development & operation expertise at any stage of your project. You can use as little or as much as you want, from minor consulting to answer questions and issues that you might encounter, to doing a full feasibility study for your project. Typical minor consulting would include:

• Layout optimization (review site drawings to recommend the optimal layout/design for your facility) to avoid permanent mistakes. It is very expensive to undo mistakes made at this stage.
• Business plan review: You only get one chance to make a good impression -- so, make it your best. We can tell you what needs to be fixed in your plan before you start "shopping the plan" to investors and bankers.
• Competitor analysis and evaluation, so that you know exactly what you're up against.
• Site evaluation: Picking the right location/site is absolutely crucial. Picking the wrong location is a permanent mistake that can cost you tens of thousands of dollars in lost profits each year.
• Facility audit: Are you considering buying an existing golf range or upgrading your range? With our trained eyes and expertise, we can perform a facility audit to uncover the potential issues that the novice can't see -- and the seller has conveniently left undisclosed!
• Spontaneous consulting: Have a quick question or issue? You can arrange to speak with us by phone, fax, or email to quickly answer your questions and keep your project from stalling. We'll give you the advice you need, at a price that fits your budget.

Pricing: Call to discuss your needs with one of our experts, and then we will prepare a proposal for you.

The new age of consulting has arrived -- and, it's via the internet. So many people communicate through the internet that we've developed a new way to tap into this great resource and provide you with the service and help you need. This is the perfect way for the novice developer to get up to speed fast and get a jump start on their range.

It's just that simple. As you're going through the process of planning your range and thinking it through, you're going to have our experts sitting right there with you at the computer to answer your questions and keep the project moving forward. This new service offers the most in flexibility and value.

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"Boot Camps"

Click here for details and to register for our next BOOT CAMP

Coming FRIDAY, November 2nd, 2007

in Richmond, Virginia

How much would it be worth it you to be able to ask an experienced golf range developer & operator all the critical questions that you’ve got about developing and operating ranges? Do you have questions about: profitability, raising capital, operating expenses, sales projections, how to find land, getting a loan, lease vs. purchase, equipment needs, “make or break” design features, and more?

What if I told you that all of your questions can be answered in just one day? That’s right! In just one day, all of your questions will be answered by an expert with decades of experience operating state-of-the-art ranges.

At our upcoming "Boot Camp" you’ll get to spend a full day with me and get a “crash course” that combines instruction/question/answer in a classroom setting, along with an on-site tour of my high-volume Richmond, Virginia facility. A unique combination of classroom and field trip.

(Note: we usually hold our "boot camps" in Richmond, Virginia. However, due to customer demand, we've been looking into taking our show on the road. We are in the process of scouting locations in other parts of the country where we can gain access to a facility like we have in Richmond. If you want to know when & where our next "boot camp" will be held, just sign up to receive our opt-in 3-part mini-course -- this will put you on the list to receive our announcements via email.

Back during the 1990’s we used to tour around the country giving presentations to groups of developers in places like Boston, Chicago, Washington, DC, San Diego, San Francisco, and Atlanta. The seminars were very popular and always sold out wherever we went. Good as they were, we’ve figured out a way to take it to an even higher level.

TESTIMONIAL:

"I believe in complimenting folks for a job well done. Congratulations on a great seminar!!" -- Carol C., Houston, TX

This is NOT just another Seminar. It’s an exclusive, hands-on, no-holds-barred, intensive immersion in the golf range business.

I’ve taken the best of our past seminars and combined it with something that makes this like no other program offered before -- EVER! We don’t even refer to it as a seminar -- it’s my ultimate “boot camp” for range developers.

This is not a lecture, either -- it will be a highly interactive session. I’ll spill my guts with numerous, hard-earned secrets to maximizing profits. And, I’ll ask you about the tough issues you’re facing and how you want me to help you. I’ll give you effective solutions to address your issues.

In addition to the classroom setting where I’ll give you our development, design, & operating secrets -- and where I’ll open my financial books up to you so you can see what a real range can do -- and where I’ll answer ALL of your questions (questions most range operators won’t answer, like how much money they make or how much it costs to build)....

You are going to go inside a living, breathing high-profit range.

YES, in addition to all of that, I am going to take you on a behind the scenes VIP tour of one of my state-of-the-art, high-volume facilities. After this intensive day, you’ll no longer be an outsider looking in. You’ll be an insider, well on your way to developing your own range.

You will feel the pulse and hear the heart beat of the range. It feels thrilling, and it sounds like this: “Ka-Ching!” -- that’s the sound of money going into the cash register.

You can even drive our ball-picker machine around the range if you want -- I guarantee that our customers will be aiming for you -- so, be ready!

You’ll get an intimate, guided tour of a modern golf range/batting cage/mini-golf facility that throws off a couple hundred thousand dollars a year in CASH. You will see how its done and why it’s so profitable.

I'm not only going to show the things that were done right. I'm also going to show the things that we’d do differently -- that way you can avoid a costly mistake. If we knew then what we know now, we could have saved tens of thousands of dollars -- that in itself could make this “boot camp” more than worth the trip!

Normally, when people take us for a full day’s consulting, it costs $1,000. But, you’re going to get it for a much reduced rate -- and you’re going to get lots, lots more than our time. Read on if you want to find out about the extra goodies that come along with this “boot camp.”

TESTIMONIAL:

"We have purchased all of your manuals, gone to your [Golf Range Development] seminar, and hired your firm to provide consulting services for our project. Without Forecast, we would still be in the planning stages. Now, after only eight months, our Executive Golf Course and Golf Range are under construction!"
R. Puetz - Austin, TX

My ultimate “boot camp” will have everything. As I’ve already mentioned, it will include an intensive classroom setting with an “no B.S.” Q & A session. And, you’ll get our special VIP “insider’s” guided tour -- again, where you can ask more questions. But, there’s lots more that you’re going to take back home with you.

You also get a complete “Range Developer’s Tool Kit” that gives you every thing you need to get your range up and going.

This “boot camp” is the complete and total package. You get the full day of intensive training and answers to your questions. AND, for the price of “tuition" for this crash course, you'll not only get the workshop, you're going to get virtually everything that I offer in my publications list:

- my #1 selling "how to" manual titled "How to Plan, Design, & Build a Succesful Golf Driving Range" ($199)
- my "Sample Business Plan For A Golf Range" ($89)

- my "Profit & Expense Standards For Successful Golf Driving Ranges" ($149)

- my "How to Operate a Succesful Golf Driving Range" ($99)
- a one-year subscription to "Golf Range Times" magazine ($49)

-"Golf Range Times" annual Buyer's Guide & Directory ($35)
- the "Introduction to the Golf Driving Range Business" primer ($24)

With all of these publications in your Developer’s Library, it’ll be like having me and my staff right there next you -- 24 hours a day. The value of all those publications alone is $644.

But wait -- you guessed it -- there's more....

My SPECIAL BONUS OFFER:
All “boot campers” get a one-hour telephone consultation - my "coaching session."

That's worth another $100.

Let’s add up all this value:
1. Full Day session and VIP guided Tour........ $1,000
2. The complete “Tool Kit” for range development............. $644
3. Special Bonus Offer (one-hour phone coaching session)......... $100
TOTAL VALUE..................................................$1,744

(If you have already purchased any of my publications during the past 12 months, you'll receive full credit towrdas your boot camp tuition.)

AND, I ABSOLUTELY GUARANTEE YOUR SATISFACTION, OR YOUR MONEY BACK!

My NO QUESTIONS/NO HASSLES 100% SATISFACTION - MONEY BACK GUARANTEE:
If you aren’t satisfied 100% with what you receive, I will refund your money. No questions, no hassles - as simple as that.

One last thing.... I've got a special Early Bird Double Bonus Offer: Be one of the first 10 developers to sign up and you will receive a FREE Zip Code Sales Potential Report for your 10-mile market area. That's worth an additional $99 in value.

Over 17 Years Experience In Successfully Developing & Operating Ranges!

Maybe you’re wondering exactly what is going to be covered in this “boot camp.” This agenda leaves plenty of time for you to ask all the questions you have.

GOLF RANGE DEVELOPER’S “BOOT CAMP” -- AGENDA

8:30 Registration/Coffee/Continental Breakfast
8:45 Introductions/Boot Camp Overview
9:00 Market Analysis: Most Common Mistakes - Identifying a good market - Supply & Demand - Golfer Demographics - Competitor Analysis - Golfer Spending - Recognizing Your Hidden Competitors
9:45 Designing For Success: The top features that you must have - Location - Zoning Issues - Land Size & Shape - Lighting - Netting - Range Size - Design Flaws to Avoid - Purchase vs. Lease - Traffic Counts - Putting/Chipping Greens - Artificial Turf Vs. Natural Grass - Number of Tees - Capacity Utilization - Tee Covers & Heaters - Build New or Buy Existing - Automation - Parking Lots - Clubhouse/Pro Shop Size
10:15 Break
10:30 Design Issues (continued)
11:00 Alternative Amenities: Best Money-Making Amenities - Golfer vs. Family Oriented - Miniature Golf - Batting Cages - Food & Beverage - Golf Instruction - Golf Equipment - Retail Items To Stock
11:30 Development Costs: Being your own General Contractor - Features you can eliminate to save money - Determining Payout - Equipment Costs
11:55 Operations: Most Critical Employee - Cash Control - Make-or-Break Marketing - Absentee Management - Open/Close Procedures - Customer Service - Range Balls Quantity & Quality - Mats - Grass Tees - Training Employees - Key Positions - Who To Hire/Not Hire - Optimal Investment Levels on Marketing - Internet Marketing - Websites - “Guerilla” Marketing - Point-of-Sale Systems
12:15 Lunch: We’ll provide a “working lunch” where you can continue to ask questions and we’ll discuss range development issues.
1:15 Operations (continued)
1:30 Business Plan & Funding: Learn & talk the language of investors and bankers - Critical Elements Of A Winning Bus. Plan - How To Get Funding - How Much Money Do YOU Need? - Strategies To Build A Range With Little Or None Of your Own Money - SBA Loans - Venture Capital vs. Traditional - Pro’s & Con’s of Family Investors
3:00 Profit & Loss Projections: Key operating expense metrics/ratios - Synergies of alternative amenities - Understanding EBITDA
4:15 Open floor for "Insider's Q & A"
5:00 Conclusion/Wrap-up

"The Boot Camp surpassed my expectations and there is no doubt that the success of our golf ranges to be developed in the following years in Mexico, will owe a lot of their success to Jamie." -- Eduardo Valencia, Mexico City, Mexico.

"We used Forecast Golf's manual as a reference tool not only in the project planning stages, but also when we were in the construction process whenever we had to choose for alternative courses of action. In our jargon we refer to your manual as the 'Golf Range Bible,' as every possible clue we needed at any time, in any situation, was cleared by referring to your manual, or where we found a complete further look on most subjects." -- Ernesto Berisso, owner of Stallion Golf Range, near Buenos Aires, Argentina.

"I believe your published and presented information are very worthwhile, properly priced, professionally done, and provide the proper starting point for anyone considering developing a golf practice range of any type." -- Ashley Skidmore, Hollis, NH.

Click here for details and to register for our next BOOT CAMP

Coming FRIDAY, November 2nd, 2007

in Richmond, Virginia

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