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Chick Living: Frugal and Fabulous by Kris Koederitz Melcher

2012-02-17T07:26:00.000-08:00

Chick Living: Frugal and Fabulous by Kris Koederitz Melcher

In a money-obsessed culture, learning the ins and outs of finance and frugality are a must for any young person. Melcher offers practical and stylish advice for the just-out-of-college blues or the woes of any fund-hungry chick. Plus pages of ideas and worksheets for young women to use to get their own acts together.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) August 21, 2005

YouÂre just starting out on your own. YouÂve exhausted the handful of decorating skills you possessed, you keep circulating the same four outfits, you want to entertain friends but you want a nicer apartment before you do that, oh, and youÂre flat broke! In Chick Living (Conari Press, September 2005) Kris Koederitz Melcher teaches how to live frugally while oozing fabulousness.

MelcherÂs real-life lessons in necessity such as securing renterÂs insurance, getting enough calcium in your diet, and when to take your car and yourself in for a routine checkup will make you feel that you have a friend on the inside Â and truly you do. Melcher, in her first year out of college, was able to pay every bill on time and had funds left over to start a Grown-up Girl wardrobe. And, believe me, she was not pulling in huge bucks Â far from it.

YouÂll find everything in Chick Living, but the kitchen sink (though Melcher tells you what to stock underneath it). Whether youÂre in search of a job, a roommate, a couch, or a recipe, MelcherÂs preparedness savvy is the ideal remedy for the just-out-of college blues or the woes of any fund-hungry chick.

ÂIÂm not your mother, your doctor, your boss, your shrink, your conscience, your financial adviser, or your warden. IÂm just your girlfriend whoÂs been there, done that, made some mistakes, and learned a bit along the way. So for those of you who are just venturing out on your own into the Real World, I raise my dirty martini (with three olives) to you in a toast of congratulations. ItÂs going to be a fabulous journey. Cheers!Â ~Kris Koederitz Melcher, from the Introduction, Chick Living

Kris Koederitz Melcher is an editor who has worked in publishing and public relations for several years. She has written, pitched, and placed articles in publications like Modern Bride, New Woman, Parade Magazine, and more. She strives to live a frugal and fabulous life in Leawood, Kansas, with her husband and daughter. You can find Kris online at http://www. chickliving. com.

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Online Marketing Exceeds Lead Potential of Traditional Campaigns, Says New HRmarketer. com Report

2012-02-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Online Marketing Exceeds Lead Potential of Traditional Campaigns, Says New HRmarketer. com Report

Human Resources suppliers are spending up to 10 percent of their annual revenue on marketing efforts, but that outreach is rooted in traditional activities that fail to deliver the sales leads that executives seek. That's a key finding of "Trends in HR Marketing," the first in a series of research reports by HRmarketer. com, the no. 1 marketing and media visibility service for companies selling to HR decision makers and employee benefit brokers.

Capitola, CA (PRWEB) March 2, 2006

Human Resources suppliers are spending up to 10 percent of their annual revenue on marketing efforts, but that outreach is rooted in traditional activities that fail to deliver the sales leads that executives seek. That's a key finding of "Trends in HR Marketing," the first in a series of research reports (http://www. hrmarketer. com/home/whitepaper_main2.htm) by HRmarketer. com, the no. 1 marketing and media visibility service for companies selling to HR (http://www. hrmarketer. com/home/index. html) decision makers and employee benefit brokers.

Each installment of the series includes valuable results from surveys sent to over 5,000 HR suppliers, as well as analysis from HRmarketer. com's leading experts on marketing and media visibility. Key trends outlined in the first report include:

By overwhelming majority, HR/Benefits marketers’ most important objectives are lead and demand generation. Online marketing activities are supplementing and/or replacing more traditional marketing activities like trade show participation. Marketing PR (http://www. hrmarketer. com/home/hcm_glossary. htm) and search engine optimization (SEO) have enabled HR/Benefits marketers to take full advantage of the trend to align Internet technology, marketing strategies, public relations and sales objectives to make the most of their marketing budget.

The first Trends in HR Marketing (http://www. hrmarketer. com/home/hrtrends_landing2.php? refer=HRM_MPR_Q1Trends_March) report can be downloaded free of charge by visiting: http://www. hrmarketer. com/home/hrtrends_landing2.php? refer=HRM_MPR_Q1Trends_March (http://www. hrmarketer. com/home/hrtrends_landing2.php? refer=HRM_MPR_Q1Trends_March)

It offers recommendations, implications and analysis of the HR marketing arena in 2006, and lessons learned by the HR/Benefits marketplace. In addition, HRmarketer. com's marketing and public relations analysts will identify best-practice trends by evaluating the marketing and PR practices of highly successful HR suppliers in each industry segment.

"Nobody has greater access or insight into the marketing and PR practices of human resource suppliers than HRmarketer. com," said Mark Willaman, president of Fisher Vista, LLC, creators of the HRmarketer. com service. "These new reports will help the HR marketplace get a better understanding of best-practice marketing and PR techniques that will help HR suppliers better prepare and execute cost-effective campaigns."

The "Trends in HR Marketing" series will be released quarterly and include such topics as:

Q1: Trends in HR Marketing: Annual Findings Q2: Trends in HR Marketing: Marketing and PR Activities Q3: Trends in HR Marketing: Online Advertising Q4: Trends in HR Marketing: Budgeting

The reports will also segment findings by size/revenue of HR suppliers and type of HR products/services sold, allowing suppliers to benchmark against their competition and similarly-sized companies.

About HRmarketer. com

HRmarketer is a service of Fisher Vista LLC, a marketing and information services firm focusing exclusively on the human capital industry. Founded in 2001, HRmarketer. com is the no. 1 online marketing and PR service specifically tailored for companies that target decision makers and other purchasing influencers for human resource products and services and employee benefit brokers. HRmarketer combines a database of marketing and public relations information with press release distribution, campaign management, business intelligence and advisory services. The company services over 300 human resource suppliers and insurance carriers, helping them increase their visibility and generate sales leads.

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Certified Financial Planner Launches TermInsuranceQuote. TV

2012-02-16T09:15:00.000-08:00

Certified Financial Planner Launches TermInsuranceQuote. TV

TermInsuranceQuote. TV is a brand new resource to give Americans free and instant access to a term insurance quote from dozens of insurers… with the important and unique addition of having a number of short, educational videos giving valuable consumer information and tips about buying a term life policy plus personal advice from an experienced financial advisor.

Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) January 19, 2010

TermInsuranceQuote. TV is a brand new resource to give Americans free and instant access to a term insurance quote (http://www. terminsurancequote. TV) from dozens of insurers… with the important and unique addition of having a number of short, educational videos giving valuable consumer information and tips about buying a term life policy plus personal advice from an experienced financial advisor.

Mark J. Orr, a Certified Financial Planner based in Georgia and life insurance licensed in a growing number of states, has designed the website to be very consumer friendly and educational. Those who know exactly what they are looking for can get an instant and free term life quote (http://www. termlifequote. TV) without any obligation. The site’s quoting search engine takes the simple information someone enters on a short form such as gender, date of birth, tobacco usage and so forth and then searches the top, highly-rated term life insurance companies and computes premium rates.

The resultant life insurance rates (http://www. lifeinsurance-rates. TV) are then displayed for the consumer from lowest price to highest. Should the consumer want personalized advice about choosing amounts of death benefit, or the best number of years to buy (the term period), there is a toll-free number to call and speak with Mr. Orr or one of his very qualified associates (all have a minimum of 10 years of experience).

Mr. Orr says, “there is a lot more to buying term life insurance than just getting the lowest term life quote (http://www. termlifequote. TV) or price as there can be potentially important differences between seemingly similar policies. His videos describe there are other components of a life insurance policy that most consumers have no idea about.

For example, most term policies allow you the option to convert the policy to a permanent policy, without passing any health requirements. However the best conversion provisions allow one to do so at almost any time during the term of the policy and to convert to ANY permanent policy that company offers at the time, as opposed to having that option for only 5 years and are just limited to only converting to the most expensive policy the company offers.”

He continues saying, “that’s why the short informational videos on the website are so helpful for people and I want them to be educated consumers. Another tip is that most people don’t understand that many insurance companies offer lower rates per thousand of death benefit for policies over $250,000 or $500,000 and even at $1 million. So a consumer wanting a quote for a $225,000 death benefit would often get a much better deal by searching for $250,000.

And one video describes an inexpensive term life policy or two that offers “living benefits” that one doesn’t have to die to take advantage of such as long term care benefits. This is a great option for single people who might not have otherwise thought about the benefits of owning life insurance and this is discussed on one of the consumer videos.”

The educational consumer videos separate this website from so many others. And when you consider the availability of the personal service of a certified professional both before and after someone applies for their term policy at no extra cost, it’s an even more appealing offer. Anyone can start shopping for a policy by going to: http://www. TermInsuranceQuote. TV (http://www. TermInsuranceQuote. TV)] and completing the short form so they can compare life insurance rates (http://www. lifeinsurance-rates. TV) from dozens of companies. And even experienced term insurance shoppers will benefit by viewing some or all of the available videos.

Rates for term insurance have dropped dramatically over the years and consumers need to understand that the prices are exactly the same by law whether they buy term life insurance online on this website with the personalized help of a certified financial planner or anywhere. There is no insurance premium discount or difference from one website or agent to the next. The differences will be in the level of expertise and customer service – never the prices.

To summarize, the launch of TermInsuranceQuote. TV will benefit consumers by simply combining the ease of getting an accurate term insurance quote (http://www. terminsurancequote. TV) 24/7, helpful consumer educational videos plus the peace of mind of getting the experience and free advice of personally working with a certified financial planner through the entire process.

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Using the Internet to help your business

2012-02-16T03:43:00.000-08:00

Using the Internet to help your business

Of the many questions from those not already on the Net, these three seem to be the most popular: ÂWhy should I have a website?Â; ÂWhat use is the Internet to my business?Â; and, ÂHow do you grow using the Net?Â.

(PRWEB) December 11, 2001

What is the real value of the Internet to your business? Can it reduce your expenses; generate new business; help develop new business opportunities; and improve operations?

Yes.

Will having a website answer my business needs? Can it: provide customers awareness of my products and services; offer ready information and support; extend my trading hours capability; expand my markets; increase my income; and, ensure private and secure communication between me, my staff and my best customers?

Yes.

With paths already well worn, the benefits to having a website are apparent everywhere. Amazingly though, only 6% of the worldÂs population are participating. We like to appreciate this information as positive, proposing huge market growth to come over the next two years. Businesses, who are just awaking to the fact that they are being left behind, realise that they must have at least a minimal of presence on the Internet.

Some of the many benefits to having a website are: the ability to display a catalogue of products and services; that ability to extend your business hours to 24-7 without a physical presence; and, to update information which is seen by the world, immediately. This gives you an equal status with more affluent companies, providing easy communication with current and prospective customers. This is an excellent means of generating sales leads, while keeping present customers aware of new products and services.

There are the benefits of close interaction with your customers. A good website will incorporate smart visitor interaction: this will include basic elements of e-commerce, such as forms, surveys and other data acquiring applications. With Secure Socket Layer (SSL) capacity, one can offer safe and secure online transactions. What instantly comes to mind is the ability to offer credit card facilities, so to allow immediate online sales: more income 24-7.

The long-term benefits are clear too. With unlimited space you can convey your entire message for an unlimited time; it is more affordable and economical than the Yellow Pages; the market is greatly increased, even reaching internationally; and, once an audience is established, new ideas can be tested in real time, with instant results.

There is good practical value in having a website; for instance, a map can provide your local location; statistics on who is visiting your site can determine where you should spend your dollars; of course, no shoplifting; no staff; no insurance; no air-conditioning; and, less time on the phone.

An important concern for businesses, especially in these days of global mobility, is communication: communication with regular clients and, equally as important, with staff in the field. A website can securely provide current information for use in immediate situations, one can download vital packages within seconds from the other side of the world, with or without password security.

The future of the Net is looking golden. People are now associating reliable businesses with the Internet, with research indicating that businesses with a website have grown 46% faster than those without. Customer service is improving too, when customers have access to product details and technical support solutions, they become satisfied clients.

There is one HUGE incentive to getting your presence on the Internet, and, not easy to avoid, the fact that your competitors are probably already there!

It is not difficult to build a web site, there are many softwares that cater for the skilled and the not-so-skilled; there are automatic web site builders, usually free, aimed at selling you web hosting; and, there is the aged old method of getting someone to do it for you. Web designers are available to provide the look and, in some cases, suggestions of customer interactive solutions; but, the web developers are the back-end creators, they provide varying degrees of skill, from the development of simple forms and actions to database control systems and analysis.

Once you have thought up a unique Âdomain nameÂ, which is advised for the serious business, and created your website ÂlocallyÂ, using an editor such as Microsoft FrontPage, Dreamweaver, or Pagemill, you must find someone to ÂhostÂ it for you.

A Âweb hostÂ provides a folder on a server, for your websiteÂs files, images and pages, to be stored. A ÂserverÂ, is a computer, which is connected to the Internet 24 - 7. You can find these companies by asking discussion groups or newsgroups online; using search engines; by asking your local provider; or even friends and neighbours. Many people have websites these days and if not, still know where to enquire.

Maintaining your website is painless too. Check your emails regularly, these are the lifeblood of the Internet; check your links are valid, click on them and see if they go to the right place; update old and expired information; and always keep it fresh.

Once you have your website up you will need to let everyone know about it. Email people, in discussions groups and newsgroups, people who are in associated industries to your business: suppliers, and clients. Submit your site on search engines using ÂSite Submission SoftwareÂ, create associated web pages and submit them too, upload articles as web pages, and try keyword ads. Networking online is easy. Contact related businesses and exchange buttons and links, your button on their website, and theirÂs on yours. Talk to friends of friends, and leave postings on Message Boards.

It has been known in business, for centuries, that the best form of promotion is in articles and press releases. Write about what you know, experiences in all things business, get another member of your staff to interview you. Put your articles on article directories, there are hundreds of them online, send them to media houses offline and online; and remember, press releases are not of use unless they are news!

Of course there is still the aged old method of promotion: offline advertising; stationery; Yellow Pages; classifieds and many other forms; unfortunately these are costly and in my belief, with a good online plan, not immediately necessary.

By analysing business needs and the value of the Net to your business, you can determine wether having a website is the right idea for you. With the furious rate of increase of users to the Internet, the high presence already established, and the projections for the future, it may prove that just having an online presence, however minimal, will prevent you businesses losing touch with their industries.

Spectrum Direct takes its Affiliate Programs to AdTech in San Francisco

2012-02-15T16:41:00.000-08:00

Spectrum Direct takes its Affiliate Programs to AdTech in San Francisco

Marketing the American Life Direct and Liberty Direct programs at AdTech helps meet Spectrum Direct’s Affiliate Marketing goals

Mission Viejo (PRWEB) May 15, 2006

The 2006 version of AdTech in San Francisco promised to be bigger and better. Moving from hotel ballrooms to the Moscone Center meant that there would be more people to meet, more exhibitors in the exhibit hall, and more opportunities for the Marketing Team at Spectrum Direct to spread the word about their affiliate program. On Wednesday April 26th Shawn Schaefer, Marketing Manager, and Debra Rabin, Business Development, headed north from their Mission Viejo, CA offices to meet, greet and market at AdTech’s largest ever conference in San Francisco.

Armed with business cards, comfortable shoes and hand outs describing their 2nd Quarter promotion, “Cruise into Summer with American Life Direct”, Schaefer and Rabin spent time with new potential business partners for nearly 36 hours. AdTech is the preeminent gathering of media, internet, and new technology in a conference for interactive advertising, marketing and commerce businesses. In short, it was the perfect place for the Spectrum Direct Marketing Team to introduce their new Liberty Direct affiliate program and publicize their “Cruise into Summer” promotion for their existing American Life Direct program.

“Advertisers like us are always on the look out for new affiliate partners and new technology to help spread the word about our products and programs” Schaefer stated “at AdTech we got to meet people and companies with the great new ideas that we need to continue growing our affiliate programs and driving our sales.” Added Debra Rabin, “Attending the event and getting in front of professionals in our industry really helps raise our profile.”

It helps to have a clear vision and a good map when you’re on the floor at an event like this. AdTech 2006 featured over 200 exhibitor booths, an incredible array of speakers on topics ranging from RSS to blogs to ad serving technology. With over 9,000 in attendance it was easy to have a packed calendar. Schaefer and Rabin had done their homework, arranging many meetings with existing affiliates as well as potential partners. “We were also looking to formulate new income streams from our own databases” Schaefer mentioned. “We covered more territory, discovered many more potential partners and spent time in productive meetings then we could have accomplished in a few months from our offices.”

In the final analysis, AdTech 2006 was a big success with both Business Development and Marketing Management goals being met. “We had face to face meetings with over 30 companies in two days,” declared Schaefer. “I’ll be making follow up and thank you calls for the next two weeks!” laughed Rabin. And the bottom line is AdTech 2006 was an outstanding success for Spectrum Direct, American Life Direct and the new Liberty Direct programs.

For additional information on Spectrum Direct or the American Life Direct Affiliate program, please contact Shawn Schaefer or visit www. AmericanLifeDirect. com.

About Spectrum Direct and American Life Direct:

Spectrum Direct is a life insurance sales and marketing organization, licensed in all 50 states, whose products are entirely internet-based and designed to enable the purchase and management of policies online.

Contacts:

Shawn Schaefer, Marketing Manager

949-600-7904

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SCI Companies Enables Businesses to Offer Customized Disability Benefits to Employees

2012-02-15T05:08:00.000-08:00

SCI Companies Enables Businesses to Offer Customized Disability Benefits to Employees

SCI, a national leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO), announced today that effective immediately, it is adding employer-paid short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) insurance plans to its existing voluntary benefits offerings through Jefferson Pilot Financial.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) June 1, 2006

The new STD and LTD plans will be offered at a discounted rate based on the client’s employee census and nature of business. The discounted rate requires a 100% employer contribution towards the coverage for all active full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and does not require evidence of insurability.

Disability insurance is a meaningful benefit with serious implications when overlooked. According to the National Safety Council, a disabling injury occurs in America every 1.5 seconds. The financial cost of injuries is estimated at more than $224 billion each year. These costs include medical care, rehabilitation, lost wages, and lost productivity.

“Providing disability insurance can be a win-win situation for both employers and employees,” commented Henry Hardin, president & CEO, SCI. “Short and long-term disability insurance plans provide employees with needed income replacement if they are unable to work for extended periods due to an injury or sickness. And by offering a comprehensive employee benefits package, employers can improve employee satisfaction and attract top-notch employees.”

In other news, Jefferson Pilot has recently merged with Lincoln Financial Group. The new Lincoln Financial Group has a 100-year old heritage of helping people find solutions to financial challenges. As one of the largest and most powerful financial services companies in the nation, they are a proven leader in identifying and delivering product solutions. Lincoln Financial is a premier provider of life insurance, annuity, group benefits, retirement income and investment products and services, supported by top-tier retail and wholesale distribution platforms. The merger does not affect SCI clients and their employees who are currently covered under Jefferson Pilot’s plans.

SCI clients who are interested in obtaining a quote for the new STD and/or LTD plans can obtain an employee census from their Client Service Professional. The completed form has to be emailed.

What is a PEO?

Professional employer organizations (PEOs) enable clients to cost-effectively outsource the management of human resources, employee benefits, payroll and workers' compensation. PEO clients focus on their core competencies to maintain and grow their bottom line. For free quotes on HR outsourcing, email SCI at info@scicompanies. com.

About SCI Companies

SCI Companies is a “Best in Class” provider of HR outsourcing, specializing in payroll, human resources, benefits and workers compensation administration. Founded in 1985, SCI is one of the largest privately held Professional Employment Organizations (PEOs) serving more than 1000 clients nationwide. For more information, visit www. scicompanies. com.

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Fly Fishing British Columbia and Frontier Farwest Fishing Lodge with <a href="http://www. AmericanFlyFishingTravel. com" onclick="linkClick(this. href)">www. AmericanFlyFishingTravel. com</a>

2012-02-14T23:44:00.000-08:00

Fly Fishing British Columbia and Frontier Farwest Fishing Lodge with www. AmericanFlyFishingTravel. com

Fly fishing travel to the Bulkley River, part of the Skeena River system, in British Columbia for giant Steelhead has exploded in recent years.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) March 1, 2006

Fly fishing travel to the Bulkley River, part of the Skeena River system, in British Columbia for giant Steelhead has exploded in recent years. At AmericanFlyFishingTravel. com we think it is because people have finally recognized that this river system is on its way back to its former glory years. It is home to arguably the finest Steelhead fly fishing in the world.

AmericanFlyFishingTravel. com just completed a listing agreement with Frontier Far West Lodge out of Smithers, BC, to serve as web portal for their lodge services. The Bulkley River stands alone as the finest dry fly Steelhead river in North America. The Bulkley, the jewel of the Skeena system, is ranked among the top ten of the world's great fly fishing rivers. Clients return each year to drift down this beautiful, glacier tinted water. As well as Steelhead, anglers fish for Coho, Chinook and Pink Salmon. The Bulkley offers rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden to excite fly fishers.

Lodge owners Collin Schadrech and Cary Nunes, husband and wife team always impress clients with down home hospitality and a world class adventure at Frontier Farwest Fishing Lodge.

From the beginner to the expert fisherman and fisherwoman, Frontiers Farwest Lodge offers an exciting experience for all. Their professional guides offer instructions in fly-casting, fly tying, and wading. For the more experienced angler, we'll provide more challenging water and an opportunity for a white water rafting trip through the incredible Moricetown canyon.

Frontier Farwest takes great pride in our professional guide team. Without exception, our licensed guides are master fly-casters and instructors. As well as being expert boatmen, our guides are trained in first-aid and river rescue. Although they have world-wide experience, Frontier Farwest's guides return to the Bulkley River each year to share their vast knowledge and experience with our clients. Frontier Farwest Fishing Lodge offers an exceptional, skilled guide team that is second to none in the industry.

AmericanFlyFishingTravel. com has established affiliations with Orbitz, Hot Wire, Budget Car Rental, Delta Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Travelex Insurance, Medjet Assist, Patagonia, REI, Ex-Officio and many helpful websites such as The Weather Channel, Map-Quest, Moon & Tide Charts and the US State Department.

Gary Eblen and Peter Blackman owners of American Fly Fishing Co. have been operating a full-service retail fly fishing shop for over fifteen years. Very early in the e-commerce era they started AmericanFlyFishing. com, which has become one of the internet's most successful e-commerce sites. They are recommended on-line dealers with Sage, Scott, Redington, Winston and Simms; the major manufacturers in the fly fishing industry. To learn more visit www. Travel. com or email garye@americanfly. com.

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The ABC's of Insurance Â Complementary Health SeriesÂ Hosted by Lester J. Robinson FICF; Topics: Show 22 - Bruno Groening Spiritual Healings

2012-02-13T20:47:00.000-08:00

The ABC's of Insurance Â Complementary Health SeriesÂ Hosted by Lester J. Robinson FICF; Topics: Show 22 - Bruno Groening Spiritual Healings

Bruno Groening and his healings. Rich explain how the healing energy works with the circle of friends to heal of one self.

(PRWEB) February 9, 2005

The TV show will review the history of Bruno Groening Spiritual Healings. Rich Leo gives the background history of Bruno Groening and his healings. Rich explain how the healing energy works with the circle of friends to heal of one self. Rich Leo explains how people can get into the circle of friends in Western New York.

There is a Higher Power which is the fundamental force of life and it can heal. Bruno Groening (1906-59) had very precise, intuitive knowledge of this energy (life force, chi, divine power) and through his simple teachings, made it available to everybody. Bruno Groening was a healer of the 20 century.

The basic idea of an interactive TV show with using the Internet is to bring the next level of TV to Western New York now. Presently interactive shows are being test marketed around the country. The shows are set up for being a total interactive show once the technology becomes more available in Western New York. Once this happens ÂThe ABCÂs of InsuranceÂ will be one of the first shows in Western New York to be interactive. Right now the viewers have to get to their personal computer to get more information on the topics from the series. An interactive TV series, the viewers can get more information on the topic after the shows airs from the website.

For more information on the interview go to www. wnyinsurance-quote. com and click on the complementary.

The dates the programs will be aired will be on Niagara County LCTV channel 20 Tuesday at 8:30 pm, Thursday at 6:30 pm and Fridays at 2:00 pm, and in Erie County Adelphia Channel 20 the time is 10:35 pm Wednesday. On Wednesday Feb 16, in Erie and in Niagara County Thursday Feb 17 at 6:30 pm, Friday Feb 18 at 2:00 pm, and Tuesday Feb 22, 2005 at 8:30 pm.

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Fiserv IntegraSys Unit and Floyd & Associates Help Credit Unions Implement Effective Overdraft Protection Programs

2012-02-13T18:11:00.000-08:00

Fiserv IntegraSys Unit and Floyd & Associates Help Credit Unions Implement Effective Overdraft Protection Programs

IntegraSys (formerly Electronic Data Systems or EDS), a Plano, Texas-based business unit of Fiserv, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISV) and Houston-based John M. Floyd & Associates (JMFA) have entered into a strategic alliance that adds JMFAÂS OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGE(SM) program to the IntegraSys portfolio of services to the nation's credit unions.

Plano and Houston, Texas (PRWEB) December 17, 2003

IntegraSys, a Plano, Texas-based business unit of Fiserv, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISV) and Houston-based John M. Floyd & Associates (JMFA) have entered into a strategic alliance that adds JMFAÂS OVERDRAFT PRIVILEGESM program to the IntegraSys portfolio.

With this agreement, JMFA will have the ability to market the service to IntegraSys customers, which will receive discounted pricing. This is the first JMFA agreement with an information technology (IT) vendor for these services.

ÂA well-managed overdraft privilege program provides a valuable service for credit union members Â especially in this holiday shopping season,Â said Sara Brooks, senior vice president, Strategy and Offerings Development, for IntegraSys. ÂOur relationship with John M. Floyd & Associates provides our clients with access to experienced professionals who are committed to implementing a compliant and member-friendly program.Â

JMFA helps credit unions set up overdraft privilege programs, and better manage negative account balances. The company helps implement the program, market and sell the service, and train credit union employees on how to use the program effectively.

Three IntegraSys Customers Sign Up

Three IntegraSys customers, including Columbus Air Force Base Federal Credit Union, at ColumbusAFB, Mississippi; Greensboro, North Carolina-based Premier Federal Credit Union; and Singing River Federal Credit Union, which serves Jackson and George Counties in Mississippi, have already signed agreements for the service as a part of the alliance.

According to Lori Thompson, executive vice president at Premier Federal Credit Union, the credit union expects the majority of its members with checking accounts to participate in the new overdraft privilege program.

ÂJust like all credit unions, we keep a close eye on the bottom line, and the possible 45-plus percent income increase is very attractive. But our main focus is offering products that will benefit our membership,Â said Thompson. ÂThis program will save our members a significant amount of money by decreasing returned check fees they currently pay, which could not only improve their financial situation, but it also give them peace of mind.

ÂWe place a great deal of faith in the staff at IntegraSys and trust them to recommend a good service provider Â one of the main reasons we chose John M. Floyd & Associates to develop our Overdraft Privilege program,Â Thomson continued.

Premier FCU uses IntegraSysÂ Premier core processing solution, as well as other services including Loan Advantage, Virtual Branch Internet banking, bill pay and lending, and the Internet archiving tool called e-fichencySM.

Unique IT Vendor-Provider Alliance Benefits Credit Unions

ÂThrough our strategic relationship with this highly respected information technology provider, credit unions can be assured that due diligence has been completed on a reliable product that will assure core processor compatibility and operating efficiency from evaluation to execution,Â said JMFA CEO John M. Floyd. ÂWe have successfully implemented overdraft privilege programs in 550-plus credit unions, banks and thrifts in the past 15 years, and have a proven track record of increasing revenue and decreasing charge-offs.Â

Overdraft privilege is an optional service for members. It is an organized, automated and structured process that allows consumer or commercial members to overdraw their transaction account according to a small preset limit.

JMFAÂs nondiscriminatory service helps credit union members avoid the added expense and embarrassment of a returned share draft (check) or late payment charges on other loans, rent or mortgage payments.

ÂOverdraft privilege programs rely on functionality within our systems for implementation,Â Brooks continued. ÂAfter a lengthy search process, we selected JMFA because of its ability to complement our core overdraft functionality, comprehensive selection of services, focus on compliance, and proven risk management tools Â which are all huge benefits to our customers.Â

JMFAÂs services can be used with most core solutions on the market today, with contract to implementation typically taking about eight weeks. Pricing can be fixed or based on volume.

Fiserv completed the acquisition of IntegraSys and its products from Electronic Data Systems Corp. in July 2003.

About IntegraSys

For nearly three decades, IntegraSysÂ has provided industry-leading technology to help credit unions competeÂand winÂin their markets. Whether clients require sophisticated service bureau or in-house technologies, IntegraSys delivers a comprehensive range of well-integrated systems and services that accelerate credit unionsÂ growth and drive business efficiencies. The IntegraSys suite of products and services includes core processing, loan origination, asset and liability management, ATM and debit card services, and Internet banking, lending, bill payment and presentment services. For more information, call 888-287-3371 or visit www. integrasys. fiserv. com.

Fiserv, Inc. (Nasdaq: FISV) provides industry leading information management systems and services to the financial industry, including transaction processing, outsourcing, business process outsourcing and software and systems solutions. The company serves more than 14,000 clients worldwide, including banks, broker-dealers, credit unions, financial planners/investment advisers, insurance companies and agents, self-insured employers, lenders and savings institutions. Headquartered in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Fiserv reported $2.3 billion in processing and services revenues for 2002. Fiserv can be found on the Internet at www. fiserv. com.

About John M. Floyd & Associates

JMFA, founded in 1973, offers operational, financial and delivery system re-engineering services to financial institutions. Its diverse consulting assignments have added more than $5 billion in increased pre-tax earnings for its clients Â 1,500 credit unions, banks and thrifts in 46 states and Central America. JMFA also is recognized nationally for its training, incentive and earnings enhancement programs, as well as its product, service, pricing and technology improvement consulting services. For more information, go to www. jmfa. com.

Contacts:

Carol Barreyre, IntegraSys, (214) 629-5157 carol@barreyre. com Chuck Doherty, Fiserv, Inc.,(262) 879-5966, chuck. doherty@fiserv. com Steve Swanston, EVP-Sales, John M. Floyd & Associates; 800-809-2307; steve. swanston@jmfa. com

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Scott Butler, President

IntegraSys, a Fiserv unit

(972) 604-7531

WSI: Another Active Hurricane Season in 2011

2012-02-13T04:00:00.000-08:00

WSI: Another Active Hurricane Season in 2011

Weather Authority Also Sees Increased Chances for US Landfall

Andover, MA (Vocus/PRWEB) December 22, 2010

In its first tropical forecast for 2011, WSI (Weather Services International) is predicting 17 named storms, 9 hurricanes and 5 intense hurricanes (category 3 or greater). The 2011 forecast numbers are well above the long-term (1950-2009) averages of 10 named storms, 6 hurricanes, and 2 intense hurricanes and also slightly above the averages from the more active recent period (1995-2010) of 15/8/4.

“We expect another very active season in 2011, with above-normal Atlantic ocean temperatures and favorable wind shear conditions. Typically, years after La Nina events are quite active, especially if the La Nina doesn’t rapidly transition to an El Nino event,” said WSI Chief Meteorologist Dr. Todd Crawford. “Most of the statistical and dynamical guidance suggests that the chance of this occurring is relatively low.”

Crawford also indicated that the Gulf Coast was under a significant threat for hurricane landfall in the upcoming season. “Our hurricane landfall prediction model suggests increased chances of US landfall in 2011, with particularly enhanced probabilities in the western Gulf states. The forecast numbers are quite similar to those prior to the 2008 season, when Hurricanes Dolly, Gustav, and Ike impacted Louisiana and Texas.”

Energy traders, insurance professionals and risk managers look to WSI for accurate, timely weather information around the clock and across the globe. The next seasonal forecast update, which will include forecasts for late winter and early spring temperatures, will be issued on January 25. The next update for the 2011 tropical season will be released on April 27.

About WSI
WSI (Weather Services International) is the world's leading provider of weather-driven business solutions for professionals in the energy, insurance, aviation and media markets, as well as multiple federal and state government agencies. WSI is a member of The Weather Channel Companies and is headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts with offices in Birmingham, England. The Weather Channel Companies are owned by a consortium made up of NBC Universal and the private equity firms The Blackstone Group and Bain Capital. More information about WSI can be found at http://www. wsi. com.

Contact:
Linda Maynard
WSI Corporation
(978) 983-6715
Lmaynard(at)wsi(dot)com

Editorial Contact:
Barbara Rudolph
Rudolph Communications, LLC
(781) 229-1811
Bjr(at)rudolphcommunications(dot)com

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James R. York Defends Public Bus Company From Claims of Negligence Made by Bus Passenger

2012-02-12T00:13:00.000-08:00

James R. York Defends Public Bus Company From Claims of Negligence Made by Bus Passenger

James R. York, a partner with Gray, York & Duffy, recently defended a municipal bus company against claims of negligence arising from a traffic accident. The Plaintiff alleged he suffered a majory injury, causing significant medical bills and loss of earnings. The jury ruled in favor of both the bus company and the hospital, finding that there was no negligence.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) May 11, 2006

James R. York from Gray, York & Duffy’s Encino office obtained a defense verdict in a case involving a bus versus automobile accident.

Mr. York represented a public bus company against a claim by plaintiff who was a passenger on the bus which was involved in an accident with an automobile. Plaintiff alleged the bus was at fault for the accident due to excessive speed and inattentiveness on the part of the bus driver. Plaintiff also sued the hospital where he received emergency treatment for medical malpractice.

Plaintiff testified that the bus was driving in excess of the speed limit and was racing with the other vehicle. The other vehicle changed into the buses lane of traffic and the collision occurred. Plaintiff contended that but for the bus speeding and the bus driver talking to passengers, the impact would not have occurred.

The bus driver testified that he was driving within the speed limit and was not distracted. The other vehicle changed lanes abruptly into his lane and there was nothing he could do to avoid the impact. The impact caused the other vehicle to proceed forward and smash into a tree.

Plaintiff contended that he suffered a major injury to his right shoulder which caused him to be hospitalized for approximately one week. Plaintiff introduced expert testimony that the injury required surgery. Plaintiff also contended that his injury prevented him from working as a videographer/photographer which resulted in a significant loss of earnings claim.

Plaintiff contended that the hospital performed tests which resulted in an aggravation of his injuries.

The jury ruled in favor of both the bus company and the hospital finding that there was no negligence.

Greg Lyons v. L. A.C. M.T. A., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. BC325644.

The firm has extensive experience in defending municipal agencies, including transportation departments, and Gray, York & Duffy congratulates Mr. York on this successful outcome. To learn more about Mr. York and his background, please visit:

Http://www. gydlaw. com/profiles/jamesyork/ (http://www. gydlaw. com/profiles/jamesyork/)

About Gray, York & Duffy, LLP

Gray, York & Duffy, LLP is one of the preeminent law firms in the field of defending insurers and their policyholders. The firm provides statewide coverage with offices in Encino, California and Redwood City, California. GYD has achieved the highest rating from Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, and is listed in Best’s Directory of Insurance Defense Firms. To learn more about Gray, York & Duffy, please visit us online at www. gydlaw. com

Note to Editors: This article is necessarily general in nature and is not a substitute for legal advice with respect to any particular case. Readers should consult with an attorney before taking any action affecting their interests.

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Artfact to Acquire Invaluable Group Limited -- Expands Leading Global Auction House Database and Software Company

2012-02-10T07:48:00.000-08:00

Artfact to Acquire Invaluable Group Limited -- Expands Leading Global Auction House Database and Software Company

Artfact, LLC, the leading supplier of marketing services, databases, and software to traditional antiques and fine art auction houses announced that it will acquire Invaluable Group Limited under a definitive stock purchase agreement signed by the controlling shareholders of both companies.

Boston, MA and London, England (PRWEB) October 27, 2006

Artfact, based in Newton, Massachusetts, U. S.A. and Invaluable, based on the Isle of Wight in England, manage the world's largest databases of auction results aggregated from over 1,000 international antiques and fine art auction houses. The combined auction results database will have more than 50 million records for art, antiques, and collectibles with an aggregate sales total exceeding $100 billion, and includes the unabridged catalogue lot entries as originally researched and written by auction house experts. In addition to auction houses that use the archival database to research and price objects for sale, Artfact and Invaluable offer their database services to more than 50,000 collectors, dealers, galleries, libraries, museums, appraisers/valuers, insurance companies and others interested in art, antiques, and collectibles.

Adam Kirsch, Chairman and CEO of Artfact, stated, "The acquisition of Invaluable is a logical step following our merger with RFC Systems last February. Invaluable's strong brand and experienced team in the United Kingdom will supplement Artfact's presence. Artfact already provides enterprise software systems and support for some of the leading auction houses in Europe like Spink, Artcurial, Galerie Koller, Gorringes, Lyon & Turnbull, and Tajan to name a few. By combining Artfact's and Invaluable's auction results databases, subscribers to both companies' services will benefit greatly."

Rod Funston, President of Artfact, added, "This acquisition greatly enhances Artfact's marketing and sales efforts in the United Kingdom and the rest of Europe due to Invaluable's 18-plus years providing more than 200 of the most respected auction houses in the U. K. with marketing and database services. Invaluable's relationships with these auction houses provide Artfact with significant growth opportunities for its auction house enterprise software, marketing services including eBay Live Auctions e-commerce, and database services."

Howard Lewis and Michael Lee, shareholder representatives of Invaluable issued the following statement: "The Invaluable shareholders are very pleased that the company's clients and employees will join forces with the fine team at Artfact. Together Invaluable and Artfact will offer auction houses a full set of proven solutions, and the best support available to meet their most challenging information systems needs in a rapidly changing technology environment. In particular, we believe that Invaluable's U. K. auction house clients will appreciate access to Artfact's enterprise software and enhanced e-commerce marketing services."

Both Artfact and Invaluable are privately held. Other terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

About Artfact:

Founded in 1989, Artfact is the leader in software and services for traditional auction houses. Since its re-launch in December 2003, Artfact has invested significantly to meet the technology and marketing needs of traditional fine art and antiques auction houses. The Artfact database of more than 20 million unabridged auction results includes full descriptions and provenance. The database contains the full range of fine art, decorative art, and other objects sold by more than 1,000 traditional auction houses. Auction houses use the Artfact database to research, catalogue, and appraise objects prior to auction, and its website, http://www. artfact. com (http://www. artfact. com), provides auction houses with a marketing channel to publicize upcoming auctions and completed auction results to more than 50,000 subscribers and millions of occasional users.

In 2004, Artfact became an Authorized eBay Live Developer to offer live internet auctions to traditional auction houses using the eBay Live Auctions platform. Today, Artfact provides its proprietary eBay Live auctions software and support service exclusively to more than 50 discerning fine arts and antiques auction houses worldwide with annual sales of approximately $500 million.

In 2006, Artfact merged with RFC Systems, a Company founded in 1987 by Rod Funston, and the leading provider of enterprise software developed specifically for the fine art and antique auction house industry. RFC's systems are in use in four languages around the globe at leading auction houses including Spink, Gorringes, Lyon & Turnbull, Cooper/Owen, Martel Maides, and Holt's in the U. K.; Artcurial and Tajan in France; Galerie Koller in Switzerland; Doyle-New York, Eldred's, Freeman Fine Arts, Leslie Hindman, Swann, Sloan's and Kenyon, Weschler's, William Bunch Auctioneers, and Willis Henry in the U. S.; Louis C. Morton in Mexico; and Lawson-Menzies and Cromwell's in Australia. RFC System's software automates every aspect of running an auction house including inventory management, customer and consignor relationship management, auction accounting and reporting, catalogue publishing, custom website design and hosting, and fulfillment.

In addition to auction houses, Artfact's database subscribers are comprised of antiques and art dealers and galleries, collectors, appraisers, museums, and other scholars that rely on its powerful search technology and leading database to conduct sophisticated market analyses of all facets of the art and antiques markets. Subscribers include members of the International Society of Appraisers, American Society of Appraisers, Appraisers Association of America, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Library of Congress, Internal Revenue Service, Henry duPont's Winterthur Museum, Chubb Corporation, Leigh Keno American Antiques, The Antiques Roadshow, Colonial Williamsburg, Smithsonian Institute, New York Public Library, The Frick Art Reference Library, and State Farm Group.

About Invaluable Group Limited:

Founded in 1989, Invaluable is the leading provider of auction results databases and associated subscription services in the United Kingdom, primarily through its website at http://www. invaluable. com (http://www. invaluable. com). Invaluable has more than 150 auction house partners for whom it provides a portfolio of data and marketing services.

Editor's Notes:

Additional background information available. Complimentary subscriptions to Artfact are available to qualified media. Interviews with Adam Kirsch in the U. S. or Rod Funston in the U. K. can be arranged.

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Tune in Behind the Scenes of The Biggest Loser with OSA Cpap Machines

2012-02-10T00:54:00.000-08:00

Tune in Behind the Scenes of The Biggest Loser with OSA Cpap Machines

In a supporting role with the ever popular NBC’s The Biggest Loser, Nationwide Medical, Inc is announcing a new level of engagement between sleep apnea patients and television show contestants who use CPAP machines. Tune in as a new social media awareness campaign is launched alongside The Biggest Loser for the first time in an effort to reach out to sleep apnea patients and those who are at risk but left untreated. The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. The show airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm (ET), beginning on Jan 4. Viewers can follow their favorite contestants behind the scenes who suffer from sleep apnea and gain insight to treatment and use of CPAP machines through a weekly blog that is only available through the Nationwide Medical, Inc. Web site.

Agoura Hills, CA (PRWEB) January 6, 2011

Tune in as a new social media awareness campaign is launched alongside The Biggest Loser for the first time in an effort to reach out to sleep apnea patients and those who are at risk but left untreated.

The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. The show airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm (ET), beginning on Jan 4.

Viewers can follow their favorite contestants behind the scenes who suffer from sleep apnea and gain insight to treatment and use of CPAP machines through a weekly blog that is only available through the Nationwide Medical, Inc. Web site.

Sleep apnea is much more common than most realize. A majority of The Biggest Loser show contestants suffer from sleep apnea and regularly use CPAP machines in order to treat the condition. These patients receive ongoing follow up care from Nationwide Medical, Inc., which contributes to better overall sleep and a better chance of success in losing weight.

“Having the CPAP machine, being able to wear it every night and getting those good quality sleep hours in, really helped me to lose the weight and make sure I stayed on my “A” game for the entire time on the Ranch”. (Patrick House Season 10 winner)

Viewers and patients alike can learn more about sleep apnea by engaging through the blog, YouTube channel, Twitter and Facebook. Sleep apnea is about as common as obesity, and the relationship between the two can add to the risk and complications of each other. With proper treatment and a
Good follow up care program, quality of life is improved overall.

“The CPAP machine that I use has saved my life and I think that there are a lot of people out there whether you are thin or big like I was, obviously I’m in pretty good shape right now, and I still need to use the machine to sleep at night. It’s actually saved my life along with the show.” (Alfredo “Fredo” Dinten Season 10 runner-up)

Nationwide Medical, Inc. has served more than 21,000 patients with follow up care. Our goal is to provide patients with optimal equipment and the best fitting apparatus for those who need sleep apnea treatment. The Follow-Up Care Program is covered by most insurance and provides replacement of CPAP supplies. Many contestants on The Biggest Loser continue receiving follow up care after they return to “normal life” as they learn the value of proper treatment and use of CPAP machines.

Nationwide Medical, Inc. works with Phillips Respironics to provide contestants with proper care and treatment at The Ranch. Pam Minkley, a clinical trainer, is Phillips’ on-site company representative who oversees the CPAP equipment. Nationwide Medical’s Director of High Technology, Dody Jordahl, is frequently on-site at The Ranch to assess the treatment needs of contestants and provide effective CPAP therapy. Nationwide Medical, Inc. and Phillips Respironics provide equipment and services free of charge to the contestants. During the course of the new season of The Biggest Loser, Nationwide Medical, Inc., will monitor the data output from the equipment to ensure the settings are adjusted to the contestants’ changing needs in accordance with physician orders.

Together, Nationwide Medical, Inc, Philips Respironics and The Biggest Loser strive to make a personal connection with every individual to enhance their quality of life. Nationwide Medical, Inc. and Philips Respironics are working hard to provide sleep apnea and CPAP education to everyone we reach.

About The Biggest Loser
The Biggest Loser airs on NBC Tuesdays at 8 pm (ET). The first reality series where everybody "loses," The Biggest Loser challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds in a safe and recommended manner through comprehensive diet and exercise as they compete for a grand prize of $250,000. Hosted by Alison Sweeney, the series provides the contestants with challenges, temptations, weigh-ins and eliminations until the final contestant remains to claim the title of "the biggest loser." Each team works out under the supervision of professional trainers Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper. The Biggest Loser is a production of Reveille LLC, 25/7 Productions and 3 Ball Productions.

Beyond the U. S. where more than 100 episodes of the show have aired, The Biggest Loser has become a worldwide hit appearing in over 90 countries and produced in 25 countries. Since its debut in 2004, The Biggest Loser has grown to become a standalone health and lifestyle brand by developing tools and products inspired by the show and approved by its doctors and experts. Anchored by the online, subscription-based extension of the show, Biggestloserclub. com, from Rodale, The Biggest Loser consumer products program has generated over $100 million in spending, with presence at more than 25,000 major retailers to date. The program currently features a wide variety of health and fitness products including The Biggest Loser video game for Wii and Nintendo DS & DSi, The Biggest Loser Resort at Fitness Ridge, which is a full-service, destination health & fitness spa, The Biggest Loser Meal Plan, a New York Times best-selling books series, a best-selling fitness DVD series, a line of appliances, fitness equipment, protein supplements and several other health and lifestyle based products. The Biggest Loser was recognized as a top brand of the year in Advertising Age's 2008 Marketing 50. Check out http://www. biggestloser. com for more information.

If you or someone you know suffers from sleep apnea and you would like to know more please call our general toll free hotline at 1-877-307-2727 (CPAP), e-mail: patientservices (at) nationwidemedical (dot) com. Or visit us online: http://www. nationwidemedical. com.

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Smart Businesses Outsourcing Employment Â Regardless of Business Size

2012-02-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

Smart Businesses Outsourcing Employment Â Regardless of Business Size

Businesses of all sizes have found that outsourcing employment solutions saves considerably, according to recent survey of successful business owners.

(PRWEB) February 16, 2004

Businesses of all sizes have found that outsourcing employment solutions saves considerably, according to recent survey of successful business owners. Large enterprises recognize the value of outsourcing employment solutions such as recruiting, temporary staffing, payroll, and call centers. This has made its way to medium to small business owners that have seen significant costs and time savings. Outsourcing payroll has proven a big winner, revealed some smaller business owners, while temporary staffing saves bottom line dollars.

Firms like HiTech Ventures (http://www. hitechventures. com (http://www. hitechventures. com)) have been offering employment solutions nationwide for years, and when businesses call upon them to outsource, they find themselves no longer having to worry about time consuming tasks such as Tax Withholding, Social Security, WorkerÂs Compensation, and Unemployment.

Legitimate club owners are also finding outsourcing employment saves incredible money and time. ÂWeÂre able to offer a regular paycheck, and burdens of record keeping no longer exist. Our employees now have health and insurance benefits.Â - Club owner. With HiTech Ventures managing the entire payroll, benefits, and insurance process, club owners and employees benefit greatly, recent survey revealed.

Call Center Outsourcing has made its way to the small and medium business owner. Some top web hosting companies are also making use of employment outsourcing, like two Atlanta based web hosting giants, who have made use of services from companies like HiTech Ventures to cut the costs of call centers, and ÂTry-Before-You-HireÂ employees, but Call Center Outsourcing is no longer limited to giant companies. It is now a solution that any business owner can afford. Some recent business owners are using Call Center Outsourcing to simply take orders for their product and service via a nationwide 800 number. ÂThe neatest benefit is that the Call Center uses my existing web page, I donÂt have to change anything, and the service only cost a few dollars a monthÂ Â Flower Shop owner. Small to medium size medical & dental offices are outsourcing call centers to take appointments 24 hours a day, thereÂs even a dispatch option for emergency response.

ThereÂs no longer a need for small to medium size businesses to continue to have the headache and expense of paperwork, recruitment, and having limited to no employee benefit plans. With employment outsourcing, these businesses can attract the talent they need to be successful while saving money at the same time.

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Can College Students Afford To Throw Money Away? With WhiteFence. com They Won't

2012-02-06T04:19:00.000-08:00

Can College Students Afford To Throw Money Away? With WhiteFence. com They Won't

WhiteFence. com helps college students find the best deals on housing related expenses.

Houston, TX (PRWEB) August 19, 2009

This fall WhiteFence. com (http://whitefence. com) helps college students find the best deals on housing related expenses like high speed Internet (http://whitefence. com/category/high-speed-internet/), television service (http://www. whitefence. com/category/television-service/), home-phone, electricity, renter's insurance, even newspaper delivery and more.

As 19 million college students head back to school and try to stretch their dollars on everything from books to beers, many are at a loss on how to save on their single largest expense - housing. According to a study conducted by "The College Board", a non-profit membership association for students and parents, 2009-2010 moderate housing expenses are estimated to be $17,000 - $23,000 for the year based on location and term.

Beyond rent, students can continue to make smart money decisions with the help of WhiteFence. com (http://www. whitefence. com). By selecting the best possible products and plans, students have saved up to $100/month just by spending 15 minutes online doing their homework to make wise purchases. That annual savings of $1,200 could translate into a new laptop or spring break trip.

WhiteFence makes the research easy be providing information on available home service options and pricing for a specific address in one place. Students can easily compare their options and sign up for services online at WhiteFence in less time than it takes to have a late night pizza delivered.

About WhiteFence
WhiteFence is a free nationwide service that helps people who are moving or looking to find the best deals on phone, Internet, television, electricity, natural gas and other home services. By simply entering a street address into the secure site, people looking to save money or start new service can find the most comprehensive list of plans available for their specific address from over 400 nationally recognized partners. As the most trusted home service shopping source for 24 million people annually, WhiteFence makes it easy to establish service directly on the site in a few simple steps.

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ÂDonÂt Forget...Â; Special ÂRelocation Inventory ListÂ Offered by Humboldt Storage and Moving Helps You Prepare for your big move

2012-02-05T00:55:00.000-08:00

ÂDonÂt Forget...Â; Special ÂRelocation Inventory ListÂ Offered by Humboldt Storage and Moving Helps You Prepare for your big move.

Humboldt Storage and Moving, the largest United Van Lines agent in the Greater Boston Area, has assembled a free ÂDonÂt ForgetÂ checklist of special items you may need to get your hands on quickly during relocation.

Steve Dubin, PR Works, (PRWEB) August 13, 2003 -

CONTACT:9533, sdubin@prworkzone. com

ÂDonÂt Forget...Â; Special ÂRelocation Inventory ListÂ Offered by Humboldt Storage and Moving Helps You Prepare for your big move.

CANTON, MA, (PRWEB) AUGUST 11, 2003 -- Moving? Humboldt Storage and Moving, the largest United Van Lines agent in the Greater Boston Area, has assembled a free ÂDonÂt ForgetÂ checklist of special items you may need to get your hands on quickly during relocation.

With so much to remember during your move, Humboldt Storage and Moving has put together this ÂinventoryÂ list of special items youÂll want to keep with you:

Â· Automobile ownership records

Â· DriverÂs license and registration certificate

Â· All insurance records

Â· ChildrenÂs school records

Â· Medical/Dental records

Â· Suitcases (with clothing)

Â· Credit cards

Â· Duplicate keys Â to the house and car

Â· Baby equipment and childrenÂs travel toys

Â· Lunch and snacks

Â· Bottled water

Â· Paper towels and pre-moistened towels

Â· Pillows/blankets

Â· Pet food/dishes

Â· Valuables such as coin or stamp collection, currency, furs, jewelry, silver, irreplaceable photos slides or videotapes

Â· First Aid kit

Â· All prescription medications as well as motion sickness medication

Â· Emergency tools such as aerosol tire inflator, flashlight, fire extinguisher

Â· Road maps and compass

Â· Camera and film

Â· Cellular phone

ÂWell-before your move, make a list of everything that needs to travel with you. Post the list in a highly visible area in your home before you begin packing and keep a container labeled ÂDonÂt ForgetÂ near the list. This way, you can find important list items while you are packing and place them directly into the container,Â noted DÂArcy Goldman, President of Humboldt Storage and Moving.

At Humboldt Storage and Moving, we believe that no two moves are the same. You will appreciate our customized, personal service and accurate estimates. You will also like our experienced crews who deliver everything in the same condition it was packed. And they won't leave until everything is exactly where you want it.

Humboldt has everything needed for a successful move, from packing materials to information about the new location. For a moving estimate or questions regarding storage space, contact the Customer Care Team Toll Free at 1-800-225-9845 or visit the website at www. humboldt. com.

Century-old Moving History

Humboldt Storage and Moving, Greater BostonÂs largest United Van Lines agent remains within the top 5% of all United Van Lines agents for sales volume. An original stockholding member of United Van Lines, Humboldt Storage and Moving is managed by the third generation of the Goldman Family. The company is a leader in assisting seniors with sensitive down-sizing relocations; coordinating highly technical lab and hospital moves; time-sensitive office relocations; and household relocations that are around the block or around the world.

Humboldt has over 90 employees and offers a wide range of employee benefits to attract and retain motivated employees ranging from health and dental insurance, profit sharing and retirement programs to stress management and weight loss workshop programs.

United Van Lines, Inc., headquartered in Missouri, is the world leader in the moving industry of over 500 agents. Nationally recognized, Humboldt Storage and Moving ranks in the top 10 percent of domestic United Van Lines agents.

Humboldt Storage and MovingÂs new headquarters is located at 100 New Boston Drive, Canton, MA 02021. For more information about the new facility or for free brochures outlining the companyÂs many services, please call (781) 821-8777.

For additional information visit www. humboldt. com.

Demotech, Inc. Announces the Immediate Availability of the 2005 Edition of "Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies"

2012-02-04T07:29:00.000-08:00

Demotech, Inc. Announces the Immediate Availability of the 2005 Edition of "Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies"

Demotech, Inc., the originator of Financial Stability RatingsÂ® for Property and Casualty insurers and Title underwriters, announces the release of the newly redesigned and expanded "Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies." With the release of the 2005 edition, Demotech provides the definitive resource for Title underwriter information and analysis of the Title insurance industry.

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) June 13, 2005

This yearÂs publication includes 88 Title underwriters representing more than 99% of the industryÂs premium activity. As with the previous sixteen editions, this yearÂs edition features detailed statutory financial information, market share summaries, comparative ratios and analysis for all included underwriters. The publication also includes Financial Stability RatingsÂ® for each rated underwriter.

In addition to updated industry information, the 2005 publication features a cover-to-cover redesign, presenting all of the traditional content in an easier to read format and layout. Subscribers will also benefit from the introduction of NAIC Group-level summaries for all of the major financial statement and market share reports.

Subscribers to the 2005 edition will also receive Quarterly Updates of the core financial and market share information. With the publication and distribution of "Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies," Demotech, Inc. continues its industry leadership, providing the most up-to-date coverage and analysis of the Title insurance market.

For more information regarding "Demotech Performance of Title Insurance Companies" or to place an order, visit http://www. demotech. com (http://www. demotech. com) or contact Demotech at (800) 354-7207.

About Demotech, Inc.:

Since 1985, Demotech, Inc., a Columbus, Ohio based financial analysis and actuarial services firm, has been serving the insurance industry, providing a wide range of services including pricing analysis, state filings assistance, Financial Stability RatingsÂ® and support for other required regulatory reporting. Having worked with insurers of all sizes, Demotech possesses broad experience addressing actuarial and financial analysis issues, whether the issue is unique to a particular insurer or faced throughout the industry. Demotech was the first company to have its rating process formally reviewed and accepted by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD.

In 1992, Demotech became the first company to review the financial stability of the Title insurance industry and publish independent opinions of underwritersÂ financial strength. Since 1992, Demotech has presented Financial Stability RatingsÂ® for virtually all Title underwriters. No other organization reviews more underwriters or has been providing Financial Stability RatingsÂ® longer.

Visit http://www. demotech. com (http://www. demotech. com) for more information.

Contact:

Joseph Petrelli

6147618602

Joseph. petrelli@demotech. com

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Strong Economy, Growing Stock Market and Increasing Wealth of Individuals Will Contribute To the Further Growth of Insurance Market in Poland

2012-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

Strong Economy, Growing Stock Market and Increasing Wealth of Individuals Will Contribute To the Further Growth of Insurance Market in Poland

Research and Markets has announced the addition of “Insurance Market in Poland 2006 - CEE Insurance Series” to their offering.

Dublin (PRWEB) June 23, 2006

Research and Markets (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c38557 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c38557)) has announced the addition of “Insurance Market in Poland 2006 - CEE Insurance Series” to their offering.

The Insurance market in Poland is developing quickly. During the period 2000-2005 the gross premium was growing at over 8% p. a. The life business and unit-linked products in particular contributed most to the growth. At the same time the overall premium/GDP penetration is still relatively low. In 2005 it has reached 3.2% - which is approximately only 37% of EU-15 level.

About the report:

“Insurance Market in Poland 2006” is the first issue from the new report line on insurance markets. It describes the present market structure and recent trends on the insurance market in Poland. This report puts together many various facts and figures about the market, and about top players. The data has been presented in a structured and logical way in a form of horizontal presentation on 70 slides.

Growing market:

During the period 2000-2005 the insurance market in Poland experienced strong growth in both life and non-life segments with the average premium growth rate exceeding 8%. The life business and unit-linked products in particular contributed most to the growth. In 2005, for the first time in history, the surging life premium has approached the level of non-life premium. At the same time the overall premium/GDP penetration reached 3.2% of GDP

Falling concentration:

The market is highly concentrated, which is reflected by high value of HH* Index (1930 and 2650 for life and non-life business respectively). The majority state-owned giant - PZU is still dominating on the market with the share of 40-60% depending on segment. This situation is however gradually changing as smaller players aggressively challenge the leader with: lower prices, friendlier customer service, better sales skills and alternative sales channels

High profitability:

The profitability of insurance industry is high and increasing. In 2005 the average return on equity exceeded 32% and 22% in the life and non-life sector respectively. Traditionally most profits were generated by leaders: PZU and PZU Zycie, enjoying scale benefits, but the financial situation of smaller players in 2005 has also improved against 2004 significantly

Good perspectives:

Strong economy, growing stock market, improving situation of enterprises and increasing wealth of individuals will contribute to the further growth of insurance market. In short-term perspective the growth will come primarily from life insurance, were particularly unit-linked insurance is expected to keep growing at high rates. The non-life business is likely to rebound first in 2007-2008 following expected recovery on the new cars market and increased investments of the corporate sector. As far sales channels are concerned, banc assurance and direct channels will quickly gain on importance

Key Topics Covered Include:

Macroeconomic overview Insurance market Non-life insurance Life insurance Bancassurance Top insurers profiles Life insurance players Non-life insurance players

For more information visit http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c38557 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c38557)

Laura Wood

Senior Manager

Research and Markets

Fax: +353 1 4100 980

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Swinton Specialist Reveals Japanese Cars are UK Favourites

2012-02-03T05:02:00.000-08:00

Swinton Specialist Reveals Japanese Cars are UK Favourites

New research has revealed that Japanese cars are now the most popular brands when drivers are requesting specialist car insurance quotes, according to leading insurance broker Swinton Specialist. The research supports a recent study by What Car? magazine, which revealed that Japanese cars are considered the most reliable models.

(PRWEB) August 25, 2010

Quotes for Japanese cars accounted for 26% of the total number of car insurance quotes provided by the performance and modified car insurance broker in the last quarter. The statistics prove that Japanese models are quickly becoming the UK’s preferred specialist cars of choice, with the levels of imports continuing to grow.

The Subaru Impreza is currently the top performance car choice, according to Swinton customers.

Rob Asher, head of Swinton Specialist, said: “Over the years, we have seen a consistent increase in requests from customers who are looking for the best specialist insurance quotes on Japanese car models. The perception of these cars is that they are solid and reliable, in addition to looking good and being a sufficient size for a family or work car. These factors have helped to make Japanese models the top choice for many of our customers in the UK, and it’s a trend we don’t foresee slowing down anytime soon.”

The top ten most popular Japanese performance cars, according to Swinton Specialist, are:

SUBARU IMPREZA
MITSUBISHI PAJERO
TOYOTA ESTIMA
MITSUBISHI LANCER
MITSUBISHI FTO
MAZDA EUNOS
TOYOTA HILUX
NISSAN SKYLINE
TOYOTA MR2
TOYOTA SUPRA
Swinton Specialist offers competitive insurance premiums to convicted drivers. Call 0800 954 4692 for a great quote.

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Travel Insured’s Simple Tip for Protecting 2010 Hurricane Season Vacations: Buy Travel Insurance Before a Tropical Storm is Named

2012-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Travel Insured’s Simple Tip for Protecting 2010 Hurricane Season Vacations: Buy Travel Insurance Before a Tropical Storm is Named

Colorado State’s weather team predicts 15 named tropical storms including 8 hurricanes during 2010 hurricane season. The National Weather Service makes its hurricane forecast on May 22. Travel Insured reminds travelers to buy travel insurance before the day a storm is named. An insurance plan bought after a storm is identified does not protect against that storm.

East Hartford, CT (Vocus) May 12, 2010

The names Alex, Bonnie, Colin, Danielle, Earl and Fiona sound innocent enough. However, Travel Insured (http://www. travelinsured. com) advises travelers planning trips this summer to plan ahead of emerging storms that will be given these and 15 other names as they reach tropical storm strength. They are listed in alphabetical order by the U. S. National Weather Service’s Hurricane Center in advance of the 2010 Atlantic hurricane season that runs from June 1 through Nov. 30. The Hurricane Center attaches a name to a tropical storm when it reaches maximum sustained winds of 39 miles per hour, and the storm graduates to hurricane status if and when its sustained winds reach 74 miles per hour.

Starting on the date a tropical storm is identified and named it becomes a publically-known event and no longer meets the “unforeseen” definition required for coverage. Travel Insured, like all insurers, does not provide coverage for adverse weather claims due to a named tropical storm or its resulting weather patterns for insurance plans bought on or after the date when the storm is named.

The hurricane forecasting team at Colorado State University has been making seasonal forecasts in April for 27 years. The CSU this year has predicted 15 named storms during the season, including eight hurricanes of which four will be major events of Category 3 (111 miles per hour winds) or greater. The U. S. Weather Service’s National Hurricane Center will give its annual hurricane season forecast on May 22.

Although 2009 was a quiet hurricane season compared to yearly averages, there is no expectation that 2010 will be the same. Last year the U. S. National Weather Service predicted seven to 11 named storms with three to six hurricanes. The actual result was nine storms with only three hurricanes. An average season brings 11 named storms with six hurricanes. The most active recent seasons have included 2008, with 16 named storms including eight hurricanes with five majors, and the record year of 2005 with 28 named storms of which 15 were hurricanes, including the infamous Katrina and Wilma.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

New this hurricane season is Trip Cancellation coverage in Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plan when the insured is forced to lose 50% or more of his or her scheduled trip duration due to a covered Trip Delay reason. Defined reasons covered for Trip Delay include delay of a common carrier for six or more hours, including for inclement weather, or a delay due to a traffic accident enroute to a departure, or a delay due to lost passports or documents, a hijacking, quarantine, or unannounced strike, or a natural disaster.

As disruptive storms strike, all plans in Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector line of products can provide Trip Cancellation when weather causes complete cessation of the insured’s common carrier for 24 or more hours. Trip Cancellation can also apply when a natural disaster renders the destination accommodations uninhabitable, or when the insured’s primary residence is made uninhabitable by flood or other natural disaster within 10 days of a scheduled departure.

Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverage in the Worldwide Trip Protector and [Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plans can apply when local authorities order a mandatory evacuation at the destination due to a hurricane and 50% or less of the insured’s trip remains when the evacuation is over.

Cancel for Any Reason is the right option for travelers who want to cancel the trip when a storm is threatening but has not yet reached their destination. The option allows the insured to cancel up to 48 hours prior to his or her scheduled departure for any reason to receive up to 75% reimbursement of the non-refundable prepaid vacation costs.

Trip Delay and Missed Connection:
Trip Delay benefits can apply when weather causes a minimum delay of either six or 12 hours depending upon the terms of the Worldwide Trip Protector plan purchased. Most plans provide Missed Connection coverage that can protect if, as a result of a weather-related disruption of the common carrier for three or more hours, the insured misses his or her cruise or tour departure. And most plans also provide Missed Port of Call coverage that applies when the cruise or tour supplier makes a change in the scheduled trip itinerary due to weather causing the insured to miss a prepaid, non-refundable activity that cannot be rescheduled during the course of the trip.

The answer to the question of “What’s in a Name?” is nothing good for the traveler who has failed to purchase travel insurance before a tropical storm has been identified. Summer travelers who plan ahead can avoid the disappointment of losing coverage because a 2010 storm named Julia, Karl or Lisa got a head start on disrupting their vacation.

About Travel Insured International:
Travel Insured International, based in E. Hartford, CT, was founded in 1993 by the foresight of insurance industry executive Peter Gehris when he acquired the travel protection division of the Travelers Insurance Company. Coverage is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company (a Missouri corporation, NAIC #11150) with executive offices located in New York, NY. Arch Insurance is rated A (“Excellent”) for financial strength by the insurance rating service A. M. Best. Not all insurance products or coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Coverage is subject to actual policy language.

Travel Insured International
52-S Oakland Ave.
E. Hartford, CT 06128-0568

Contact:
John Stone
Media Relations Manager
1-800-243-3174 x 117
Jstone(at)travelinsured(dot)com
Http://www. travelinsured. com

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Phillip Wasserman of Phillip Roy Financial Services Announces New Speaking Engagements in Las Vegas and California

2012-02-01T14:04:00.000-08:00

Phillip Wasserman of Phillip Roy Financial Services Announces New Speaking Engagements in Las Vegas and California

Phillip Wasserman, president of Phillip Roy Financial Services, announces new speaking events in Las Vegas and California for April and May. Mr. Wasserman is a noted authority on annuity and life insurance and speaks to thousands of retirees, baby boomers and financial planners and life insurance agents every year. Phillip Roy Financial Services regularly holds seminars on annuity and life insurance issues in Florida, Chicago, Las Vegas and Phoenix.

BOCA RATON, Fla. (PRWEB) March 22, 2007

For events planned in Las Vegas, Phillip Wasserman will be addressing retirees on the changes in the world of life insurance and annuities, with a special focus on life insurance settlements. In California, Mr. Wasserman will be addressing clients of one of the nation's largest long term care insurance company during their client appreciation events.

In November Mr. Wasserman celebrated his 50th birthday party at the fabulous Mar a Lago Club in Palm Beach, owned by Donald Trump. Over 500 of his clients attended for dinner and a special musical performance by the Nelsons - sons of the late great singer Rickey Nelson. Phillip Roy Financial Services has also hosted special events with golf legend Tom Kite, and a special client appreciation golf tournament at Trump International Golf Course in Palm Beach, which is considered by many to be the finest course in North America.

"With the stock market being a bit uncertain, and the baby boomer generation having great concern about their investment potential, the interest in life insurance and annuity products has never been greater," according to Mr. Wasserman. "While attendance and interest has always been great, the recent interest from the Las Vegas market has been unbelievable."

For information on how to attend call toll free 888-225-8161.

Phillip Roy Financial Services is a leading seller of annuities and life insurance with 500 representatives nationwide and thousands of clients. Visit www. philliproyfinancial. com for more information or call 888-225-8161

Dramatic Cut in Base Rate is a Bad Omen

2012-01-30T16:24:00.000-08:00

Dramatic Cut in Base Rate is a Bad Omen

The UK economy is burling its way towards a deep and dark recession and this week's hatchet job on interest rates by the Bank of England is its first public declaration of the scale of the problem.

Braintree, Essex (PRWEB) November 10, 2008

The UK economy is burling its way towards a deep and dark recession and this week's hatchet job on interest rates by the Bank of England is its first public declaration of the scale of the problem.

Sara-Ann Burgess, a voice for change in the payment protection insurance (http://www. britishinsurance. com) (PPI) market and a director at specialist firm Burgesses, says that slashing the Base Rate to 3% should set alarm bells ringing for consumers.

"Not only is it highly unusual for the Bank of England to cut its Base Rate by 1.5% in a single stroke, but the current rate of 3% is the lowest we have seen since 1954. Before taking this step, the members of the MPC will have read the Bank's Inflation Report due out next week and it seems certain it will make for very unpleasant reading."

While Burgess said the move would bring some breathing space for those on tracker and variable rate mortgages, she said any celebrations were likely to be short lived.

"Unfortunately the Bank of England would not take this type of drastic action if we were not iceberg bound. People should see this as a warning shot of a bleak commercial outlook in 2009 and take steps to protect themselves accordingly."

Burgess urged consumers to assess their financial situation and work out how they would cope in the event of losing their job. For those that would struggle if made redundant, she said getting financial protection in place had to be a priority.

"There is no doubt that things in the labour market are going to get worse. State help is extremely limited and redundancy payments will not last long in most cases," claimed Burgess.

She added: "Seeking out an ethical provider of PPI like British Insurance (http://www. britishinsurance. com), will help consumers get the cover they need at a fraction of the price that is charged by the major high street banks and building societies. Some consumers may think the cut in Base Rates is a sign that they can relax. The truth is that it is likely to herald much worse times ahead."

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Cheap Life Insurance Of A Whole Different Breed

2012-01-30T14:05:00.000-08:00

Cheap Life Insurance Of A Whole Different Breed

Life Insurance Brokers Life Insurance Online are giving back to the consumer by reinvesting all the commission they receive from the major Life providers back into their customers policies, after first trawling the entire Life Insurance market to match the lowest cost policy to their clients circumstances. This allows Life Insurance Online to significantly undercut other premiere league providers like Tesco, Virgin and Direct Line.

(PRWEB) May 2, 2006

Nelson, Lancashire, UK (PRWEB) May 2, 2006 have today officially launched their new website offering consumers Life Insurance from as little as 16 pence per day - (www. life-insurance-online. co. uk).

“Our aim is simple: to turn the pricing mechanism of this industry upside down. Our competitors will not like it. But we know we can offer excellent cover at a fraction of the price of other providers.” said boss John Williams.

“Supermarkets such as Tesco may not know it yet, but they are about to lose significant market share as consumers wake up to the fact that the life industry has been coining it in at the expense of the ordinary householder. We are about to change all that,” added Williams.

For additional information on Life Insurance Online, contact Brent Hartley or visit www. life-insurance-online. co. uk.

Home Call+ Ltd:

Are a company focused on the online Insurance market. Managing director John Williams is a life industry veteran with 25 years experience at senior management levels. John was responsible for many innovative products with companies like Pearl, Royal London and Britannic.

Contact:

Brent Hartley, Director

HomeCall+ Ltd

01282 877160

Www. life-insurance-online. co. uk

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Deep Customer Connections Announces Fourth Annual Ease of Doing Business Survey

2012-01-28T11:22:00.000-08:00

Deep Customer Connections Announces Fourth Annual Ease of Doing Business Survey

This national survey of independent property and causalty insurance agents gathers information about the importance of Ease of Doing Business and rates the performance of P-C carriers. Last year's survey netted 20,000 ratings of P-C carriers by about 5,000 agents. Data are useful to agents because and carriers in improving ease of doing business performance.

Acton, MA (PRWEB) April 5, 2006

Deep Customer Connections, Inc. (DCC) announced today that they are launching their fourth annual Ease of Doing Business (EDB) survey of property and casualty independent agents all across the country. The survey gauges the importance of EDB to independent agents’ buying decisions. “Carriers can ‘buy’ business with lower prices or higher commissions,” said Nort Salz, co-founder of DCC, “but being easier to do business with also attracts agents because it has such a profound effect on their productivity, profitability, and the quality of their work lives.”

“We measure the EDB performance of the industry and benchmark groups as well as that of specific carriers,” commented Paul Croke, another DCC founder. “Knowing where they stand is critical to carriers’ decisions about where to invest finite improvement resources.”

DCC has used their industry experience and initial research, validated with independent agents, to develop their comprehensive model of 10 EDB Factors. In the survey, agents assess the importance of those 10 factors and then rate the EDB performance of the carriers they represent.

“Our annual survey has become an industry standard,” added Salz. “Last year’s survey yielded nearly 20,000 ratings of 140 property and casualty carriers by almost 5,000 independent agents. We believe it is the most comprehensive cross-carrier survey currently available.”

Past survey results have helped numerous carriers understand their EDB strengths and vulnerabilities as seen by independent agents. Carriers can also see their performance over time. “We expect this year’s survey to yield the highest number of ratings ever,” continued Salz.

The survey will be released via e-mail starting in April and will remain available for completion through the end of June.

Visit their website at http://www. DeepCustomerConnections. com (http://www. DeepCustomerConnections. com) to download an executive summary of the 2005 survey results.

About Deep Customer Connections, Inc.

Known as “the ease of doing business folks”, Deep Customer Connections, Inc. helps carriers improve growth and profitability by making it easier for agents to do business with them. Through their consulting and survey work, DCC has shown carriers what makes a difference to the agents they serve and how to improve their relationships and business results.

Contact Information

Nort Salz

Principal and Co-Founder

Deep Customer Connections, Inc.

Phone: 978-263-6100

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The Abc's of Insurance, Complementary Health Series Topic Will be Massage and Pregnancy and Children Health, and Hosted by Lester J. Robinson FICF

2012-01-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

The Abc's of Insurance, Complementary Health Series Topic Will be Massage and Pregnancy and Children Health, and Hosted by Lester J. Robinson FICF

The guest will be Erin Gugliuzza from Toute 78, and will talk about Massage and Pregnancy. A. J. Dipota will talk about children health and the March of Dimes.

(PRWEB) December 29, 2004

Topics: Show 15: Massage and Pregnancy and Children Health - This week the show will be interviewing Erin Gugliuzza of Route 78 Hair Design & SPA. Erin will show examples how Massage Therapy is Healthy for you and your growing fetus during Pregnancy. Erin reviews massage and gives technique to reduce stretch marks, and how this helps the baby and expecting mother to be healthier and happier.

A. J. Dipota of the March of Dimes shares his experience he's had with his child and how the March of Dimes helped him and his family. A. J gives examples of how the March of Dimes helps him and his family members reduce stress and relax when dealing with the medical problems of a newborn. A. J. also explain what services the March of Dimes prove to families to help them through their time of need.

For more information on the interview go to www. wnyinsurance-quote. com and click on the complementary.

The dates the programs will be aired will be on Niagara County LCTV channel 20 Tuesday at 8:30 pm, Thursday at 6:30 pm and Fridays at 2:00 pm, and in Erie County Adelphia Channel 20 the time is 10:35 pm Wednesday. On Wednesday Dec 29, in Erie and in Niagara County Thursday Dec 30at 6:30 pm, Friday Dec 31 at 2:00 pm, and Tuesday Jan 4, 2005 at 8:30 pm

# # #

The Best Of College Football: Nick Saban, Mickey Matthews, Chuck Broyles, And Larry Kehres Honored For Responsibility, Integrity And Coaching Excellence With The 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach Of The Year Award

2012-01-27T22:55:00.000-08:00

The Best Of College Football: Nick Saban, Mickey Matthews, Chuck Broyles, And Larry Kehres Honored For Responsibility, Integrity And Coaching Excellence With The 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach Of The Year Award

Winning College Football Coaches Receive a Combined $240,000 to Donate for Charity and Scholarship

Boston, MA (PRWEB) January 1, 2009

Every college football coach shares a love of the game and tenacity to win, yet four coaches share the distinct honor of this year's best display of success, integrity, and sportsmanship both on and off the field. University of Alabama Coach Nick Saban (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Finalists2008CoachBio. aspx? coach_id=58), James Madison University Coach Mickey Matthews (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Finalists2008CoachBio. aspx? coach_id=167), Pittsburg (Kan.) State University Coach Chuck Broyles (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Finalists2008CoachBio. aspx? coach_id=332), and Mount Union College Coach Larry Kehres (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Finalists2008CoachBio. aspx? coach_id=532) are the 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award (http://coachoftheyear. com/) winners.

Each winning college football coach receives $50,000 from Liberty Mutual Insurance to support his favorite charity and $20,000 in scholarship funding for his school's alumni association. Now in its third year, the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year charitable and scholarship donations total $680,000. The winners also will be recognized in the permanent Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year display at the College Football Hall of Fame (http://www. collegefootball. org/) in South Bend, Ind.

''These four coaches represent all that is great about college football,'' said Archie Manning, chair of the National Football Foundation (http://www. footballfoundation. com/) and College Football Hall of Fame. "They share a collective belief that how you win is every bit as important as winning itself. They value and demonstrate respect, sportsmanship and civic involvement, and have left a positive footprint on their universities, their student-athletes, and their communities."

Coaches Saban, Matthews, Broyles and Kehres were chosen through fan votes at www. CoachoftheYear. com and ballots cast by an elite selection committee (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/The2008AwardSelectionCommittee. aspx) of College Football Hall of Fame players and coaches and the national media based on their on-field coaching results, sportsmanship and integrity, academic excellence of their student-athletes, and their community commitment. Fan votes accounted for 20 percent of each coach's final score while the College Football Hall of Famers and national college football media accounted for 55 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award Winners

Football Bowl Subdivision (Division I-A) - Nick Saban, University of Alabama

When Nick Saban's Crimson Tide took the Georgia Dome field in August, hopes were high to improve on last year's 7-6 season. That first-game victory over Clemson was the beginning of Alabama's resurrection in the SEC and countrywide, and led to an undefeated regular season and, ultimately, a Sugar Bowl date with Utah on January 2 in New Orleans. The 12-win campaign set the school record for the largest increase in wins from year one to year two for a Crimson Tide head coach.

Leading a team that commits, on average, 30 percent fewer penalties than its conference foes is a big reason Coach Saban enjoyed such a tremendous season on the field. And off the field, Saban is equally poised for success as a philanthropist and mentor. The Nick's Kids Fund he started when coaching at Michigan State continues to be a shining example of Saban's concern for disadvantaged children, and since arriving in Tuscaloosa the Fund has distributed more than $540,000 to 115 charities. And this past June, Saban and his wife, Terry, announced a $1 million gift to benefit Alabama's first-generation scholarship program. Community involvement extends to the players as well, with many participating in a local Life Skills program as well as helping to raise funds for Alabama libraries.

Crimson Tide student-athletes also benefit from Saban's guidance in the classroom. His published mission statement for his team reads, "[Graduating from college] is going to have the greatest impact on the quality of your life forever." And Alabama's rising Academic Progress Rate is evidence of his commitment to their education.

Football Championship Subdivision (Division I-AA) - Mickey Matthews, James Madison University

Coach Mickey Matthews's tenth campaign at the helm of the James Madison football team was marked by an undefeated Colonial Athletic Conference record (8-0) and 12-game winning streak that brought the team to the FCS semifinals before dropping to eventual national runner-up Montana. One element of coaching excellence is team discipline, an area in which the Dukes excelled this year having committed nearly 20 percent fewer penalties than the CAA average. Coach Matthews's student-athletes are equally disciplined in the classroom, continually producing strong Academic Progress Rates.

Division II - Chuck Broyles, Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg State (Kan.) Coach Chuck Broyles recently completed his 19th season as head football coach at his alma mater, guiding the Gorillas to an 11-2 overall record, a 15th appearance in the NCAA Division II national playoffs, and a eighth-place ranking in the AFCA Division II year-end poll. In the classroom, the Pitt State football squad produced two Academic All-Americans in 2008 and six in the past three years. Forty-four percent of the Gorilla football players currently maintain 3.0 GPAs or higher. Broyles' civic and charitable contributions have been far and wide-ranging; including organizing an annual YMCA Youth Football Day; coordinating team involvement in Project Franklin, a restoration project in the local community; and facilitating his team's visits to local elementary schools to read with the students.

Division III - Larry Kehres, Mount Union College

For the tenth time in 16 years, the Purple Raiders of Mount Union College sit atop Division III as national champions, capping a 15-0 season with a 31-26 victory over defending champion Wisconsin-Whitewater in the Stagg Bowl. In his 23 years as Mount Union head football coach, Larry Kehres' teams also have garnered 19 Ohio Athletic Conference titles and have posted 17 undefeated regular seasons. Coach Kehres has had his share of talented players to help produce this on-field success (six All-Americans in 2008), yet he also has help nurture classroom champions as well (five Academic All-Americans since 2006). Coach Kehres organized Mount Union's support of this year's national Coach to Cure MD project to help raise awareness and funds to fight Duchenne muscular dystrophy. He also encourages his student-athletes to participate in civic and community activities, with many players serving on the NCAA Leadership Conference.

''Nick Saban, Mickey Matthews, Chuck Broyles, and Larry Kehres embody the spirit of college football,'' said Greg Gordon, Liberty Mutual senior vice president, Consumer Marketing. ''Their commitment to responsibility, honor, integrity and excellence - on and off the field - has transformed their teams and will live on in their communities thanks to their legacy of strong civic and academic support.''

The 2008 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year award recipients were selected from a group of 25 finalists: 10 coaches from the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-A) and five coaches each from the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA), Division II and Division III. To qualify as a finalist, each coach had to be among the top 25 fan vote getters in his division at www. CoachoftheYear. com and then be scored by an objective model that considers, among other criteria: wins, team penalties, on-field comportment, academic achievement by the student-athletes, and civic and philanthropic commitments.

About Liberty Mutual Group (http://www. libertymutualgroup. com/)
'''Helping people live safer, more secure lives'' since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (LibertyMutualGroup. com) is a diversified global insurer and sixth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U. S. based on 2007 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 94th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U. S. corporations, based on 2007 revenue. The company has over 45,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world.
The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U. S., Liberty Mutual (LibertyMutual. com) sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in affinity partnerships, offering car and home insurance to employees and members of more than 10,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups.

About the National Football Foundation & the College Football Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Play It Smart, the NFF-FWAA Football Forum, the NFF Gridiron Club of New York City, and scholarships of over $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Trophy, the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings. Learn more at www. footballfoundation. org or www. collegefootball. org.

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Ex-Racer's Novel Explores the High-Octane World of Motocross

2012-01-27T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ex-Racer's Novel Explores the High-Octane World of Motocross

In Lee B. O'Dea's novel The Motocross Conformist, the American Dream is seen through the eyes of a man struggling to preserve the heritage of his sport

RYDAL, PA (PRWEB) January 20, 2007

Lee B. O'Dea's novel The Motocross Conformist, follows the life of motocross rider Tom Dertesis, whose love for the sport makes him an "outsider among outsiders."

Motocross has been around for over half a century, but it isn't as well known as author Lee O'Dea believes it should be. A veteran racer himself, O'Dea rode motocross on the AMA mid-Atlantic circuit from 1972-1974, and his continued interest and support of the sport gives this novel its turbo-charged authenticity.

The Motocross Conformist is the story of a retired racer-turned-promoter who struggles to get motocross the respect it deserves. To do this, he must overcome media disinterest, angry environmentalists, and developers who are paving the bikers' riding areas. Disheartened, he departs motocross to seek his fortune as a stockbroker, when a young would-be rider rekindles his interest. But when tragedy strikes, he's forced to make the most difficult decision of his life, reevaluating the sport, his career and himself in the process.

In power-packed prose, O'Dea explores the relationships between fathers and sons along with the conflict surrounding an international sport that has been filling stadiums in the United States for over 37 years. An adrenaline-charged story that will keep readers gripped, The Motocross Conformist is as fascinating as it is unforgettable.

For more information or to request a free review copy, please contact the author at sahsey @ aol. com. The Motocross Conformist is available for sale online at Amazon. com, Borders. com, and through additional wholesale and retail channels worldwide.

About the Author

For 26 years, Lee B. O'Dea has been a credit insurance agent for Coface North America. He has a B. A. from Georgetown University and an M. B.A. from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Married, with three children, he lives in Rydal, Pa. and still avidly follows motocross.

About BookSurge

BookSurge LLC, an Amazon. com company, is a pioneer in self-publishing and print-on-demand services. Offering unique publishing opportunities and access for authors, BookSurge boasts an unprecedented number of authors whose work has resulted in book deals with traditional publishers as well as successful authorpreneurs who enhance or build a business from their professional expertise.

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15miles Helps Guide Farmers Insurance’ Social-Marketing Strategy With Zynga

2012-01-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

15miles Helps Guide Farmers Insurance’ Social-Marketing Strategy With Zynga

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, partnered with social-marketing agency 15miles, to create an industry-first campaign for the brand to engage players of the popular FarmVille social-gaming platform.

New York (PRWEB) October 19, 2010 —

Farmers Insurance Group of Companies®, the country’s third-largest insurer, partnered with social-marketing agency 15miles, the interactive-services division of New York-based TMP Directional Marketing, to create an industry-first campaign for the brand to engage players of the popular FarmVille social-gaming platform.

Zynga, an internationally recognized interactive-gaming company, produces the FarmVille game exclusively for Facebook, an online-social-networking company. Through a unique partnership between Zynga and Farmers, the 64 million FarmVille players will have an opportunity to click on and acquire a virtual version of the Farmers Insurance Airship named Eureka. By placing the Airship on their interactive-gaming farms, users receive 10-day protection to keep their virtual crops from withering. The campaign, which is scheduled to run for 10 days, began on October 18, 2010.

15miles and Farmers have partnered on various interactive-marketing projects in the past, including strategic development of social-media initiatives, corporate implementation and personalized Facebook pages for local agents. As part of the overall social-media strategy, 15miles and Farmers viewed Zynga’s widely used network and its well-known FarmVille brand as key leverage points.

“Not only does this innovative use of branding mark the first time an insurance provider will enter Zynga’s online-gaming space, but we are excited to be part of an effort to connect the Farmers brand with a new segment of highly engaged consumers, young and old,” said 15miles President Gregg Stewart. “Together with the Airship, which features the largest use of Farmers’ logo in company history, and Farmers’ recent social-media push, we feel this campaign complements our overall efforts to increase awareness of Farmers in the interactive marketplace.”

“This is an exciting way for us to offer virtual protection which mirrors the real world protection we provide to millions of people everyday with our home, automobile, business and life insurance products,” said Kevin Kelso, Chief Marketing Officer of Farmers Group Inc. “In addition to this partnership with FarmVille, Facebook users can “like” Farmers Insurance and enter to win a ride on the real Farmers Airship.”
Until November 15, 2010 fans have a chance to win a ride for themselves and a companion on the world’s largest airship, by logging onto facebook. com/farmersinsurance.

15miles
15miles is the interactive-services division of TMP Directional Marketing, which is the largest local-search-marketing agency. Its online - and mobile-search solutions, which range from Internet Yellow Pages and local-listings management to social-media marketing and search-engine optimization, position national brands at the forefront of targeted consumers’ search results for increased lead generation and sales. For more information about 15miles’ interactive-marketing services, please visit 15miles. com.

About Farmers Insurance Group Inc.
Farmers is a trade name and may refer to Farmers Group, Inc. or the Farmers Exchanges, as the case may be. Farmers Group, Inc., a management and holding company, along with its subsidiaries, is wholly owned by the Zurich Financial Services Group. The Farmers Exchanges are three reciprocal insurers (Farmers Insurance Exchange, Fire Insurance Exchange and Truck Insurance Exchange), including their subsidiaries and affiliates, owned by their policyholders, and managed by Farmers Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at farmers. com or Facebook. com/FarmersInsurance.

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Travers and Associates Announces Pay-by-the-Hour Insurance Coverage

2012-01-26T16:11:00.000-08:00

Travers and Associates Announces Pay-by-the-Hour Insurance Coverage

Travers and Associates now offers pay-by-the-hour insurance coverage as a cost saving alternative to traditional commercial aviation insurance packages.

St. Louis, Mo (PRWEB) August 27, 2009

In these difficult economic times, customers demand a good value, and commercial aviation insurance (http://www. traversaviation. com/) customers are no different. With flying hours down in many parts of the country, commercial operators have less cash flow to pay the traditional premiums associated with operating flight schools, charter operations, flying clubs, rental operations and more. The fixed monthly premiums can make months of below-average flying hours very difficult. In response to this, Travers & Associates is proud to offer innovative coverage that allows its customers to only pay for insurance when they actually need it, by the flying hour. The program is offered through Travers and Associates' longstanding relationship with Phoenix Aviation Managers.

"The pay-by-the-hour plan is a no lose program for commercial aircraft operators," said Chris Travers, sales manager for Travers and Associates and a third generation aviation insurance agent for the company. "The less you fly, the less you pay and the more you fly, the more you pay; however you never pay more than your annual premium. So, if a customer's flying hours are down in a particular month or he has to ground a fleet for some unforeseen reason, he isn't forced to pay that full commercial aircraft insurance (http://www. traversaviation. com/) payment each month. This program allows customers to better budget their insurance dollars and most likely will help them to increase revenue and reduce workloads."

As the only pay-by-the-hour insurance (http://www. traversaviation. com/) product in the industry, customers pay an hourly rate for each hour the airplane flies (based on the Hobbs Meter). With only a nominal fixed monthly base rate, this program allows the operators to maintain cash flow and have their insurance costs directly correspond to revenue. Additionally, there is a cap in place that makes sure customers only pay as much as they would have paid had they purchased the annual premium, no matter how many hours the airplane flies.

This program works through use of an online scheduling and aviation information management system. All flight hours are logged through an easy-to-use system that then emails automatically generated reports on a monthly basis to Travers and Associates for billing purposes. The industry has attempted to launch pay-by-the - hour programs in the past, but this was before computers and online networking were so commonly used in the aviation industry. All hours were logged manually, making this type of program next to impossible to administer. Now, management technologies are making the pay-by-the-hour program possible.

"The primary goal of this program is to help commercial operators manage their cash flow by earning premium by the hour. This challenging economy is affecting everyone and there is a definite need in this market for a product that allows operators to maintain their businesses and still have the best coverage available. While these types of programs have been unsuccessful in the past, the widespread use of computers and the internet combined with innovative aviation management technology, could have pay-by-the-hour insurance coverage changing the face of the entire industry," said Travers.

About Travers and Associates
St. Louis-based Travers and Associates was founded by WWII Naval aviator, Captain Bob Travers. Now including three generations of the Travers family, Travers and Associates provides superior coverage in the aviation insurance industry. Specializing in private aircraft insurance, corporate aircraft insurance, commercial aviation insurance and life insurance for pilots, the Travers team can customize a plan to meet any pilot or company's needs. For more information about Travers and Associates, or to get a customized quote, please visit http://www. traversaviation. com/ (http://www. traversaviation. com/)] or call 1-800-888-9859.

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On Father's Day, Give the Gift of Financial Education

2012-01-25T13:53:00.000-08:00

On Father's Day, Give the Gift of Financial Education

Fathers can set a good financial example with six tips, suggests Bills. com CEO.

San Mateo, Calif. (PRWEB) June 13, 2007

With Father's Day coming up on June 17, most people are spending money to treat Dad -- and Bills. com co-CEO Brad Stroh suggests Dad return the favor by giving kids the gift of financial well-being.

"Whether you focus on your own finances or teaching kids the basics, a solid financial future is one of the best legacies a parent can leave a child," said Stroh, co-founder of Bills. com, a free online consumer portal.

Care for Yourself First
Stroh compared financial planning to airline safety rules. "On a plane, we learn to put on our own oxygen mask before attempting to help our children. When it comes to money, securing your own future will take a weight off of your children, too."

Stroh suggests these three steps to kick off a money-smart summer:

1. Pay off debt. "Debt cripples any hopes of financial freedom," Stroh said. "Demonstrate character and responsibility -- those most fatherly of traits -- by paying off debt." First, make monthly payments on all secured debts (mortgage, car). Use remaining available funds to make minimum payments on all credit card debts except the one with the highest interest rate. On that one, pay as much as possible for the month. Keep doing this each month until the debt with the highest interest rate is paid off. Then pay as much as possible on the account with the next-highest interest rate. Continue with this strategy until all credit card debt is paid off.

2. Model responsible choices. "If you argue with your spouse about money or spend like it's going out of style, think about what your choices teach your children," Stroh said. He suggested that, even if only for one day a week or one week a month, fathers can try drinking water instead of buying a large latte, cooking in instead of dining out, or playing catch instead of splurging on a day out. "In the process, you might find a chance to talk with your kids, too -- building relationships while building financial well-being."

3. Take care of yourself. No matter how old their children are, parents should have safeguards in place. Those with young children should have health and life insurance coverage and a plan for children's guardianship in the unlikely event both parents would die. Mature parents of grown children should look into long-term care insurance. Everyone should have a will, a living will and a medical power of attorney.

Leaving a Financial Legacy
Teaching kids to handle their money is a great gift for their futures. Stroh offered three ideas:

1. Fund education early. Those with the resources to save for their children's education should start saving as early as possible to harness the power of compound interest. Because they allow tax-free contributions and tax-free withdrawals for education, 529 accounts can be great ways to save. But do some homework first. Be sure the fees charged on the account won't cancel out earnings. Learn whether out-of-state friends and family can contribute to the account. Understand all the options for Junior's use of the funds. And if your family is low-income (and thus likely to receive large amounts of financial aid), research whether savings would cancel out financial aid awards.

2. Teach financial responsibility. Parents should teach money management, not serve as a free ATM for the youngsters, Stroh said. Give them a way to earn money (whether via a job, household chores, or other system that works for your family). Provide an allowance -- a "budget" -- for spending on vacation. Help them allocate their money to spending, long - and short-term savings, and charitable contributions. Children age 6 and up are old enough to learn how to handle money.

3. Set a good example. Talk with teens about financial decisions. Don't worry them about whether you can pay the bills, but they need to know money doesn't just flow freely. "Even adults have to choose whether to take a week's vacation or buy a plasma television -- or forego both to pay the orthodontist," Stroh said. "Talking through those choices will give kids a clearer picture for their future."

"Once fathers have taken these steps, they can rest easier, knowing they are paving the way for their children to create their own financial security," Stroh said. "And that's really a gift that keeps on giving."

Based in San Mateo, Calif., Bills. com is a free one-stop online portal where consumers can educate themselves about complex personal finance issues and comparison shop for products and services including credit cards, debt relief assistance, insurance, mortgages and other loans. The company blogs about consumer finance issues at http://www. bills. com/blog (http://www. bills. com/blog). Since 2002, Bills. com and its partner company, Freedom Financial Network, have served more than 15,000 customers nationwide while managing more than $350 million in consumer debt. The company's co-founders and CEOs, Andrew Housser and Brad Stroh, were named Northern California finalists in Ernst & Young's 2006 Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

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Establishing the Right Market Price for Your Home

2012-01-24T09:55:00.000-08:00

Establishing the Right Market Price for Your Home

Jeff and Jane Daley, real estate agents in Arizona's Valley of the Sun, invite prospective sellers to download this article that gives five techniques to help you establish the right market price for your home.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) May 4, 2007

Jeff and Jane Daley of Keller Williams Southwest Realty have just released an article on how to price your home right for today's market place. This article is available at http://RightPrice. JeffDaley. com (http://RightPrice. JeffDaley. com) along with videos describing the process.

Use this as a guide to price your home right for today's market place.

Price It Right
The home market has turned soft, more so in some markets than others. According to Standard & Poor's housing index the nation fell nearly one percent in January 2007, compared to a year ago. This can make the process of selling a home stressful. From a national perspective growth hasn't been this slow since 1994. Some areas such as Arizona Scottsdale real estate (http://www. realestateinscottsdaleaz. com/) are not feeling as much pain as the rest of the country, while some cities in Michigan are above average on the financial pain threshold.

It has become critical to the process of marketing a home to set the right market price. "If you want to stimulate a sale, you should set your market price at the low end of fair market value," says Jeff Daley, a Scottsdale, Arizona based real estate agent with Keller Williams® Realty. This will generate more interest by buyers and position your home strategically in a soft market that may decline even further. Don't position your market price where you're chasing the market down or you could find that you're not getting any offers on your home. For more information on setting your price right Click Here (http://rightprice. jeffdaley. com/).

Make Your Home Inviting
Remember what is said about first impressions? Give your home some curb appeal. Go to the curb and look at your home for areas that could use improvement. Does it need paint, landscape maintenance, do the children's toys need to be put away, or perhaps some flowers along the sidewalk would provide some wow factor. What is the first thing you experience when you enter the home? If it's has stinky smells, tons of kids toys, or knickknacks everywhere it can turn off a potential buyer quicker than you can turn your lights off. Fortunately, there are some inexpensive things homeowners can do on their own to attract a buyer. Whether you live in a cozy Townhouse or a 5,000-square-foot Desert Mountain home, make your space feel as open and clean as possible. Get rid of clutter, organize the closets and remove all personal items that may make it more difficult for someone to imagine living in your house. Your real estate agent can help you determine the best way to stage your home to maximize its appeal.

Mitigate any possible Surprises
A home inspection that reveals a large list of items that need repair can hinder a sale by weakening your negotiation position. Always have your property inspected before you place it on the market. The benefits are many. First, it's always less expensive orchestrating your own repairs. Second, its items that will probably make you feel more comfortable prior to the sale and you'll also avoid any nasty last-minute surprises that could derail the transaction should the buyer's inspector discover a hidden flaw, such as mold or roof leaks.

Advertise to the World
Excellence in marketing is a must in getting your home sold today. Make sure you have listings that catch the eye and that you're taking advantage of the internet online real estate listing web sites. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) says that 80 percent of people start their real estate searches online. While it used to be enough to place a couple of marginal photos, buyers now prefer a host of pictures, and virtual tours so they don't waste their time touring a home that doesn't meet their requirements.

If you're selling your own home hire a professional photographer or hire a REALTOR® who uses one for their advertising. For an average home the very minimum number of pictures should include six photos that include your homes best features. They should include a view of the outside on a sunny day, the family room, dinning room, a representative bedroom and bathroom. Remember more "good" photos is better and today, a virtual tour, or video tour is a must have for advertising. For more information and video's on setting your price right Click Here (http://rightprice. jeffdaley. com/).

Incentives can make the difference
The days on market for homes have grown and in some areas they continue to grow to larger numbers. New home developers are once again offering incentives for purchasing one of their homes. Does it make since to include an incentive on your home? You bet. If you have a home that would qualify for a first time buyer, make it easier for them to purchase the home by offering to pay for part of all of their closing cost. If you installed a 46-inch plasma TV with a surround-sound stereo system in the living room, offer to include it with the house. It may be easier to leave it behind than dismantle it and take it with you anyway. Offer to pay for the Home Warranty Insurance up front. If you're selling a second home by a national park, throw in the ATC and trailer as part of the transaction. If you're within one percent of your asking price you'll probably still come out ahead. For more information and video's on setting your price right Click Here (http://rightprice. jeffdaley. com/).

Contact:
Jeff Daley
Licensed REALTOR® - State of Arizona
480-595-6412
Www. realestateinscottsdaleaz. com

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How to Choose Between a Cloud and On-premises e-Signature Solution – Silanis Publishes New Article

2012-01-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

How to Choose Between a Cloud and On-premises e-Signature Solution – Silanis Publishes New Article

Silanis Technology today published a new article that discusses the various deployment options available for electronic signatures. The complimentary article provides a concise overview of the differences between a dedicated on-premises solution, a dedicated hosted solution, and a shared Software-as-as-Service (SaaS). It concludes with a practical guide to choosing the right solution or service based on an organization’s process, compliance and IT requirements, time-to-market needs, and budget and personnel resources.

Montreal, QC (PRWEB) July 19, 2010

Silanis Technology today published a new article that discusses the various deployment options available for electronic signatures. The complimentary article (http://www. silanis. com/resource-center/articles-v2/technology/how-to-choose-between-an-on-premises-cloud-and-saas-solution. html) provides a concise overview of the differences between a dedicated on-premises solution, a dedicated hosted solution, and a shared Software-as-as-Service (SaaS). It concludes with a practical guide to choosing the right solution or service based on an organization’s process, compliance and IT requirements, time-to-market needs, and budget and personnel resources.

“As organizations make electronic signatures a strategic priority in 2010 and beyond, a growing number of solutions and deployment options are emerging, each with their own unique characteristics, business focus, and return-on-investment,” said Tommy Petrogiannis, CEO and co-founder of Silanis.

Adding to the confusion is the buzz around ‘Cloud-Computing’ and ‘Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)’. These terms have practically become synonymous in the media with the “future of computing” and the “demise” of traditional on-premises solutions.

The article (http://www. silanis. com/resource-center/articles-v2/technology/how-to-choose-between-an-on-premises-cloud-and-saas-solution. html) discusses the strengths and limitations of each deployment option. A quick reference guide then compares each of the solutions and services in terms of their:
Level of customization Signing characteristics Ability to enforce business rules and handle exceptions Ideal application areas Integration with other IT systems IT cost, deployment and support Pricing structure Time-to-market requirements And more

Download a complimentary copy of the article. (http://www. silanis. com/resource-center/articles-v2/technology/how-to-choose-between-an-on-premises-cloud-and-saas-solution. html)

About Silanis
Silanis Technology Inc. is the leading provider of Electronic Signature Process Management solutions. The world’s largest insurance and financial services companies, major government agencies, integrators and service providers depend on Silanis to accelerate business transactions and reduce costs while improving compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The company’s electronic signature platform, ApproveIt®, is an enterprise-class e-signature process management solution that transforms paper-based business transactions to all-electronic, Web-based processes for e-commerce and e-government.

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Freedom Benefits Targets Unemployed

2012-01-23T00:14:00.000-08:00

Freedom Benefits Targets Unemployed

Freedom Benefits is a small business adviser that recently published a series of free articles that are intended to assist all uninsured Americans find affordable health insurance.

(PRWEB) January 20, 2005

Freedom Benefits Association provides online benefits consulting to small businesses. A primary need for these clients has always been affordable health insurance. But now a seris of recent projects address a much wider audience: all Americans without health insurance. A new report ÂFreedom Benefits Guide to Finding Health InsuranceÂ is available free of charge from the companyÂs Web site at http://www. freedombenefits. org/articles%20published/Guide-To-Finding-Health-Insurance-Coverage. htm (http://www. freedombenefits. org/articles%20published/Guide-To-Finding-Health-Insurance-Coverage. htm).

The report explains that at least one health insurance plan is available to every American, although it may not be under the terms or price that we prefer. The report also takes the politically sensitive of highlighting that different types of health insurance plans are more appropriate or more popular with different economic classes. The report clarifies that the uninsured problem is a middle class issue and that a majority of uninsured Americans are in a temporarily unstable situation.

The report summarizes the eight types of health insurance most commonly used in the U. S. today, the advantages and disadvantages, how to find each type, and whether professional help is available online through OnlineAdviser service.

Tony Novak, principal of Freedom Benefits, has personally addressed more than 20,000 questions from Americans in all 50 states looking for health insurance. He concludes that much of the uninsured problem is due to ignorance and misinformation. Novak says that some straight talk on the issue, regardless of political correctness, is exactly what many people need.

Separately, Freedom Benefits Association also issued reports this week on Basic Health Insurance, a trimmed down type of insurance that covers some the most common types of medical charges. This health insurance is available to all residents of approved states without regard to medical history or other health insurance coverage. The cost is so much lower than traditional health insurance that some see this type of insurance as a key part of the eventual solution to AmericaÂs uninsured problem.

More information is available at www. FreedomBenefits. org and the authorÂs Web site www. TonyNovak. com/OnlineAdviser. htm (http://www. TonyNovak. com/OnlineAdviser. htm ). ÂOnlineAdviserÂ is a trademark of Freedom Benefits Association.

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Global 360 Announces File360 6.0

2012-01-21T00:44:00.000-08:00

Global 360 Announces File360 6.0

Document Management System Enhances User Experience through Microsoft Technologies for Improved Collaboration, Retrieval, and Administration of Business-Critical Documents

DALLAS (PRWEB) November 13, 2008

Global 360, a leading provider of Process and Document Management solutions, today announced the general availability of Global 360's departmental document management system, File360 6.0, formerly known as KoVIS. This latest release provides user experience and feature enhancements, which improve document collaboration, retrieval, and administration through Microsoft technologies.

File360 is a powerful, intuitive, and scalable document management system that enables an organization to rapidly capture, index, store, share, and protect critical business documents, regardless of the application used to create them.

File360 6.0 provides a rich and interactive user experience resulting in faster and more efficient access and sharing capabilities. The user experience is delivered through a new Windows application and a new Rich Internet Application (RIA) client. These File360 client applications are based upon the latest Microsoft technologies including the Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF), Silverlight™ 2.0, and the Windows Communication Foundation (WCF).

Integration with Microsoft SharePoint® is achieved through the File360 6.0 Web Part which provides immediate access to the File360 document repository across the organization. The synergistic relationship between File360 and SharePoint® delivers critical documents to your business knowledge workers.

File360 6.0 extends Microsoft platform support to include SharePoint®, Windows Vista®, Windows Server® 2008, Active Directory®, and SQL Server® 2008.

"This release reflects Global 360's commitment to empowering our customers by providing powerful document management capabilities integrated with existing Microsoft investments," said David Mitchell, President and CEO, Global 360, Inc. "Additionally, this latest release enables our customers to continue to lay a Global 360 foundation in support of future Microsoft productivity deployments."

About Global 360
Global 360 helps organizations to better manage processes today and make improvements for tomorrow. Our leading process and document management solutions let you get more work done -- faster. And with real-time performance data, managers can find and fix problems before they impact customers. Best of all, the efficiencies you gain can be extended to your customers and partners. Because, in the end, your business process shouldn't stand in the way of your business progress. Building on our strength in financial services, government and insurance, Global 360 empowers sites for more than 2,000 customers in 134 countries. Global 360, Inc. is headquartered in Texas with operations in North America, Europe, and the Pacific Rim. For more information about Global 360's BPM solutions, please call 1-214-520-1660 or visit the company web site at www. global360.com.

Media Contact:

Stephen Phillips
Global 360, Inc.
(214) 445-4164
Stephen. phillips @ global360.com

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Travel Insured Simplifies Group Coverage with 2 Easy Plans

2012-01-20T20:08:00.000-08:00

Travel Insured Simplifies Group Coverage with 2 Easy Plans

Travel Insured International introduces an easier way to buy Group Travel Insurance. Choose your group's best coverage from a Lite or Deluxe Plan. Motorcoach, Post-Departure and Basic Plans are now consolidated into Lite. One set of rates applies for both voluntary and inclusive coverage. Families are eligible, Cancel for Any Reason is available, and the Pre-X Medical Waiver deadline is longer.

East Hartford, CT (PRWEB) April 6, 2009

Travel Insured International (www. travelinsured. com) introduces a newer, simpler and user-friendlier approach to buying insurance plans for groups of 10 or more travelers on the same itinerary. The new Group Insurance Program from Travel Insured, available starting April 6, offers group travel planners the easy choice of selecting their group's best coverage from either a Deluxe or Lite Plan. Motorcoach, Post-Departure and Basic plans are now brought together under the Lite plan.

Group travel planners can sell Travel Insured Group plans as either voluntary for each group member, or inclusive for all members, and a Cancel for Any Reason upgrade is available individually to members for additional premium. Either the Deluxe or Lite plan can be purchased to cover Family groups of 10 or more people traveling together.

Pre-X Medical Waiver & Cancel for Any Reason Option

Members of the group are eligible for a waiver covering Pre-Existing Medical Conditions for themselves and their family members provided they purchase their plan prior to making their final trip payment. Additionally, group members may individually opt to purchase, or the whole group may purchase, the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade, provided they buy the plan with the option within 14 days of their initial trip deposit. The option allows individuals to Cancel for Any Reason two or more days prior to scheduled departure for up to a 75% cash reimbursement of their non-refundable trip costs.

Additional information including benefits, limits and pricing, is available at www. travelinsured. com. Group leaders and their travel planners can learn more about the new Travel Insured Group Plans from Travel Insured's Group Administrator by Emailing groups@travelinsured. com, or by phoning 1-800-243-3174 ext. 148.

About Travel Insured International
Travel Insured delivers comprehensive travel protection benefits ranging from trip cancellation and trip interruption to emergency assistance and Medevac insurance, travel accident and sickness medical expense, accidental death and dismemberment, missed connection and baggage delay or loss.

The company's travel insurance plans include its comprehensive Worldwide Trip Protector, the most popular travel protection plan (http://www. travelinsured. com/Travel-Insurance/TravelPlan. aspx? plan=333) and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold (http://www. travelinsured. com/Travel-Insurance/TravelPlan. aspx? plan=334), an enhanced travel insurance plan designed to protect luxury vacations and business trips. Travel Insured also offers two travel insurance plans designed to provide basic yet flexible protection for families and budget conscious travelers, its Worldwide Trip Protector Lite insurance plan and Worldwide Trip Protector Lite Expanded insurance plan. Finally they offer a Medical Protector insurance plan, an Airline Ticket Protector plan as well as a complete offering of Group Travel Insurance plans including Student Group insurance plans.

Visit Travel Insured's web site at www. travelinsured. com or speak to a friendly, knowledgeable Travel Insured customer care professional at 1-800-243-3174.

Travel Insured International, based in East Hartford, Connecticut, was founded in 1993 by the foresight of insurance industry executive Peter Gehris when he acquired the travel protection division of the Travelers Insurance Company. Coverage is underwritten by Arch Insurance Company (a Missouri corporation, NAIC #11150) with executive offices located in New York, NY. Not all insurance products or coverage is available in all jurisdictions. Coverage is subject to actual policy language.

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Auto Insurance Rates Found to be Affected by Vehicle Type

2012-01-20T03:55:00.000-08:00

Auto Insurance Rates Found to be Affected by Vehicle Type

Online Auto Insurance comparisons make it easier to see how premiums can differ among models with varying safety and loss rankings.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA (PRWEB) October 13, 2010

Since insurers look at loss records for a vehicle before assessing a premium, a new car with a bad average loss record may have a hidden price.

Luckily, a number of organizations make safety and loss data available to consumers in the market for a new car. In order to see how much more it may cost to go with a small sports car over a larger minivan, shoppers can get car insurance rates without giving personal information online and then compare prices.

One place to check out safety rankings is http://www. safercar. gov/ — the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s new location for crash data by vehicle type.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also publishes an annual “Top Safety Picks” report that lists the vehicle makes and models that are best-suited to protect occupants in the event of a crash.

In addition, the IIHS analyzes loss data from hundreds of models of cars to find those with the best and worst track records for insurance losses — which can be a good indicator of how much it may cost to insure different types of vehicles. Models that top the list for above-average losses come in with significantly higher insurance premiums than those with lower-than-average loss histories, since providing coverage for them poses significantly higher financial risks to insurers.

Take, for example, the autos that had the best and worst average loss results for 2005-2007 models — a mid-sized SUV that had an average loss that was 35 percent lower than the norm and a small four-door model with average losses that were 89 percent higher than the norm. When run through an online quote comparison, the small four-door model produced premium estimates that were nearly twice that of the mid-sized SUV. With such contrasts, checking up on loss records before making a purchase could make financial sense in the long run.

According to the IIHS results, the type of car that had the worst loss records tended to be smaller cars, although the losses did vary largely for every vehicle size and type.

To compare how rates fluctuate between makes and models, shoppers can visit http://www. onlineautoinsurance. com/quotes/no-personal-information. htm and use the free quote-comparison generator.

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Colorado Business Health Insurance Made Easy Online

2012-01-19T20:23:00.000-08:00

Colorado Business Health Insurance Made Easy Online

KaiserQuotes. com Adds Live Support for Kaiser Permanente Colorado Group Medical Insurance Plan Coverage and Enrollment

Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) November 23, 2010

KaiserQuotes. com, a top producer for Kaiser Permanente, known for its high sales of medical insurance in California, now services businesses based in the Denver/Boulder and Colorado Springs regions in the state of Colorado.

“The Kaiser Permanente Individual and Family Plans have been increasing in popularity in Colorado. We are anticipating the Kaiser Permanente Group Plans to receive a positive reception as well,” commented KaiserQuotes. com’s CEO, John Hansen.

KaiserQuotes. com has been assisting individuals and families with their medical insurance needs in Colorado for the last two years. With the extension of its services to employers, KaiserQuotes. com can now offer a wider range of Kaiser Permanente program options. Now, family operations can receive quotes on Colorado business health insurance and get helpful support in order to determine the best fit for their group’s needs.

Kaiser Permanente offers a diverse portfolio of Colorado health insurance plans to small groups with 2-50 employees. Eligible employees must work at least 24 hours weekly and earn at least minimum wage. Additionally, the company must have actively engaged in business for at least 50% of the work days the last quarter. The most popular Colorado group medical plans are the $500 HMO, $1200 HMO, and $2000 HMO Deductible Plans. Eligibility is not subject to medical underwriting.

Business medical insurance is available to groups of one as well. These would be underwritten by Kaiser Permanente’s Business Group of One program. The company must have had significant business activity for at least one year. Applicants are subject to medical underwriting. Business groups of one can apply for any of the group plans. However, only two health plans are available to business groups of one who do not pass medical review: Basic HMO or Standard HMO.

Despite the fact that individual and family health plans tend to be more affordable, in some cases it is more advantageous to consider a group plan. For example, individuals with severe, recurring, or chronic medical conditions may wish to enroll under a business plan since there is no pre-existing medical condition clause. This means that there is no medical underwriting for group medical insurance plans in Colorado. Employees, spouses and dependent children will not be denied for pre-existing health conditions. Also, Colorado group health insurance plans include maternity coverage, while Individual/Family Plans do not. Thus, those looking for pregnancy benefits would want to elect for a group plan in order to get maternity coverage. Group plans allow dependent children up to age 26 to stay on their parents’ family plan.

“A lot of hard work and research has been invested in learning how to meet the needs of employers in Colorado. We are all very excited about introducing Kaiser Permanente to Colorado businesses and making some new friends along the way,” said Jessica Howland, Vice President of Colorado Group Sales at KaiserQuotes. com.

To obtain a quote or to determine eligibility for group insurance go to kaiserquotes. com or call 1-877-752-4737, extension 417.

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Leading Analyst Firm Lists Amentra in Report on Consulting and Systems Integration

2012-01-18T22:35:00.000-08:00

Leading Analyst Firm Lists Amentra in Report on Consulting and Systems Integration

Amentra has been listed as a sample vendor for Legacy Modernization Services

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) July 26, 2007

Amentra, an industry leading business and technology consulting firm, today announced that they have been listed as a sample vendor for Legacy Modernization Services in Gartner's recently released "Hype Cycle for Consulting and Systems Integration" report for 2007.

According to the Gartner report, "Legacy modernization services are the C&SI services that organizations use to help them gain higher levels of efficiency and effectiveness. Legacy modernization is influenced by external drivers, business dynamics, and new technology and standards. When the market hypes legacy modernization, there is usually a catalyst for bringing the message to the fore, and legacy modernization becomes linked with the catalyst."

"We are incredibly pleased to be listed by Gartner as a sample vendor for Legacy Modernization. Our unique, project-based approach and second to none expertise around SOA, BPM, distributed component architecture, and commitment to multiple platforms, including open source solutions, allows us to continue driving significant partnerships with our client base. Amentra continually strives to find more strategic ways to develop revolutionary approaches to allow our client-partners to transform their process, technology, and people in order to achieve the most significant bottom-line impact for their businesses. I believe this listing by Gartner provides further affirmation that we are exceeding these goals," said Michael Hurt, COO at Amentra.

About Amentra, Inc.
Amentra, Inc. offers a distinctively different approach to business and IT consulting. By helping clients deploy mission critical business systems utilizing a formal, experience proven mentoring and software development program, Amentra has earned industry accolades for combining two areas that have historically been separate service offerings into a single solution: deliverable-based project solutions integrated with IT mentoring. Amentra has been recognized as a leader in SOA, BPM, distributed component architecture, and Open Source Solutions by industry leaders throughout its history. Amentra provides expertise in the retail, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceutical, telecommunications, finance, and government sectors, among others. Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Amentra also has regional offices in Washington, DC, Charlotte, NC, Tampa, FL and Philadelphia, PA. Amentra's web address is http://www. amentra. com (http://www. amentra. com).

Gartner Research "Hype Cycle for Consulting and Systems Integration, 2007" by L. Scardino, et al. July 17, 2007.

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DeSilva + Phillips, Media Investment Bankers, Announces Completion of Wicks Business Information Sale to Summit Business Media

2012-01-18T13:13:00.000-08:00

DeSilva + Phillips, Media Investment Bankers, Announces Completion of Wicks Business Information Sale to Summit Business Media

DeSilva + Phillips, Media Investment Bankers, announced the sale of its client Wicks Business Information, a publishing and professional education company serving financial services, accounting and legal professionals in North America, to Summit Business Media, LLC, a leading business-to-business media and information company serving the insurance, financial and professional services markets.

New York (PRWEB) July 14, 2007

As a result of the acquisition, Summit Business Media now publishes Investment Advisor, Credit Union Times, InsideCounsel and Treasury & Risk magazines, as well as websites, custom publishing projects and an array of live events. Its Executive Enterprises seminar unit also produces more than 100 courses each year, serving the specialized continuing education and training needs of accountants, lawyers and tax professionals.

"As advisors to Wicks Business Information and the Wicks Group of Companies, we have been privileged to watch and often advise on the building of a great b2b media company," said Roland A. DeSilva, Managing Partner of DeSilva + Phillips. "Now Wicks Business Information has an owner that will take its media properties to even greater growth."

"We welcome our new employees to the Summit Business Media family," said William F. Reilly, Chairman and CEO. "They will be an important part of our company as we move to implement our growth strategy in business-to-business media."

The acquired operations will join Summit's Highline Media unit, led by Andrew L. Goodenough, President of Highline. John Whelan, the Vice President and Group Publisher of WBI, will report to Thomas A. Fowler, Executive Vice President of Highline's Magazine Division, while the EEI and events businesses will report to James M. Keefe, Senior Vice President of Highline's Conference Division. Douglas J. Manoni, WBI's CEO, will be leaving the company after a transition period.

About Summit Business Media
Summit Business Media was formed through a partnership between William F. Reilly, former CEO of PRIMEDIA, and Wind Point Partners in an acquisition of Highline Media and Pfingsten Publishing in November 2006. Summit Business Media serves the insurance community with venerable assets such as Highline's National Underwriter Property/Casualty and Life/Health weeklies and SB Media's Life Insurance Selling and American Agent & Broker. Summit Business Media serves the financial services and insurance industries via magazines like Wealth Manager, Research and Futures magazines, reference tools like TaxFacts and Fire, Casualty and Surety Bulletins, and 150 other books, electronic products and conference events. It is also the leading data provider of financial and market information on insurance companies as well as the premier information source to the retail mortgage market via Mortgage Originator magazine. Additional information about Summit Business Media is available at www. summitbusinessmedia. com. Additional information about Highline Media and SB Media, LLC is available at www. highlinemedia. com and www. sbmediallc. com.

About DeSilva + Phillips, Media Investment Bankers
DeSilva + Phillips is a New York-based investment bank specializing in the media and digital media industries. We provide M&A services and private placements of debt and equity to the medical and healthcare media, magazine, Internet, newspaper, book publishing, trade shows & events, information, educational, and marketing-services industries. DeSilva + Phillips has completed more than 165 transactions since 1996, including Prism Business Media Holdings's $530 million acquisition of Penton Media, Inc. and IMAS Publishing Group's acquisition by NewBay Media, a portfolio company of The Wicks Group of Companies. DeSilva + Phillips Corporate Finance LLC is a member of NASD and SIPC. For more information visit Mediabankers. com.

Contact:
Sam Schulman
DeSilva + Phillips, Media Investment Bankers
(212)651-2604

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Pittsburgh Electricians, Heating and Cooling Contractor Hiring Guide from South Hills Electric

2012-01-17T22:32:00.000-08:00

Pittsburgh Electricians, Heating and Cooling Contractor Hiring Guide from South Hills Electric

Hiring a reputable contractor can be difficult. Please follow these suggestions to hire a licensed, registered, certified, and insured Pittsburgh Electrical or Heating and Cooling contractor.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) December 28, 2009

Everybody is looking for a bargain these days. When it comes to your heating, cooling, and electrical systems, what may seem like a bargain might end up costing you money. South Hills Electric lists some things to consider when hiring an electrical contractor:

1. Make sure your contractor is registered with the state Attorney General.
2. Make sure you hire reputable, licensed electricians to perform any work in your home or business.
3. Make sure your electrician or heating and cooling company is listed with the Better Business Bureau and carries a high rating.
4. Make sure your contractor carries Worker’s Compensation for all employees and is willing to provide you with proof of insurance upon request.
5. Ask for references.

That guy in the pickup that advertises electrical work might not be registered, insured, or licensed to perform work in your area. This could lead to costly permit and electrical code violation issues which could get your power shut off, or worse put your family or your community at risk. Just remember, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after low pricing is forgotten!” (Leon M. Cautillo)

All contractors are now required to register with the state of PA. Ask for their HICPA number. It will look like the PA number at the bottom right of the South Hills Electric logo. (PA012126)

How do check to see if my contractor is licensed and registered with the Pennsylvania State Attorney General?

The Pennsylvania Attorney General has a section on their website dedicated to showing which contractors have registered. Visit their website and enter our HICPA number – PA012126.

How do I check to see if my heating, cooling, or electrical contractor is listed with the Better Business Bureau?

The Better Business Bureau has a website and a section dedicated to showing which contractors have signed up with them. The BBB has its own set of standards required to get listed and a ranking of the contractor in question. Here is the link to the South Hills Electric BBB listing.

How do I check to see if my contractor is licensed to perform electrical work in the City of Pittsburgh?

The list of requirements to obtain the City of Pittsburgh Electrical license is extensive. Call (412)255-2160 to see if your electrical contractor is licensed in the City of Pittsburgh. We are licensed in the City of Pittsburgh to perform electrical work. City license #EL04676

Have you checked Angie’s List?

South Hills Electric is listed on Angie’s List which is a website which provides high quality comments written by homeowners and business owners who have had work performed by their respective contractors. We believe reviewing these listings are also an integral part to the contractor selection process. Visit Angie’s List for Pittsburgh Electricians and Pittsburgh Heating and Cooling reviews.

All of the above standards require a rigorous set of requirements, and that costs money. However, can you risk having Joe electrician do the job on the cheap? How much do you save by having Joe do your electrical work? Nothing. Hire a heating, cooling, or electrical contractor who is licensed, certified, registered, and insured – South Hills Electric, LLC.

Did you know?

1 – The state of Pennsylvania passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act of 2009 on July 1, 2009. See our post on the HICPA ACT of 2009 and learn more about your rights as a consumer. While we had hoped this would be more highly publicized, it was not. That may come in time and we would welcome it. We believe educating our customers is good business.

2 – South Hills Electric, LLC, is a licensed Pittsburgh electrical company. This means we have taken the time to educate our employees as to the proper design and installation of all electrical service requirements of the City of Pittsburgh, PA. To check on an electrician in the City of Pittsburgh, call (412)255-2160.

3 - All electrical work is required to be inspected by a local authority. Because of the differing requirements of all these entities, we cannot list them all here. Check with your local city or municipality for licensing and permit requirements or have South Hills Electric take care of everything for you.

4 – In all of our years of experience we have only been asked to provide proof of insurance a few times. Please make sure your heating, cooling, or electrical contractor has insurance and Workman’s Compensation for their employees before you sign anything.

5 – We would be happy to provide you with a list of references for any of our work. Just ask us.

Contact us at the South Hills Electric Pittsburgh Electricians (http://www. southhillselectric. com) or Pittsburgh Heating and Cooling (http://www. southhillselectric. com) website or just call any of our numbers below with any questions you may have. We would be happy to serve you.

Here's how to get in touch with us:
Http://www. southhillselectric. com (http://www. southhillselectric. com)
(412) 537-0687 Pittsburgh, PA 15236
(412) 884-2744 Brentwood, PA 15227
(412) 655-3301 Canonsburg, PA 15317
(412) 831-2290 Bridgeville, PA 15017
(412) 431-1313 Castle Shannon, PA 15234
(412) 341-2665 Greentree, PA 15220
(412) 343-0911 Mt Lebanon, PA 15228
(412) 431-5070 Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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Insurance Claim Consultants Disaster Recovery Unit Arrives in Houston to Assist Hurricane Ike Victims With Insurance Claims

2012-01-17T12:23:00.000-08:00

Insurance Claim Consultants Disaster Recovery Unit Arrives in Houston to Assist Hurricane Ike Victims With Insurance Claims

The Mobile Claims Unit, owned by Insurance Claim Consultants Inc (ICC), arrived in Houston Friday to assist home and business owners with filing and documenting their insurance claims. ICC works exclusively for the policyholder in cases where a hurricane or other insured peril occurs.

Houston (PRWEB) September 19, 2008

The Mobile Claims Unit, owned by Insurance Claim Consultants Inc (ICC), arrived in Houston Friday to assist home and business owners with filing and documenting their insurance claims (http://www. thepublicadjusters. biz/clients. shtml). ICC works exclusively for the policyholder in cases where a hurricane or other insured peril occurs.

The 40'' Class A motor home, equipped with the latest satellite technology, will travel daily to areas of east Houston that were hit the hardest by Hurricane Ike. Chief Operating Officer, Kenneth Browne, will head the Mobile Claims Unit team and hopes to inform claimants that professionals who are on their side are available to help with their insurance claims.

"The insurance company adjuster works for the insurance company while a public adjuster works on behalf of the policyholder," Browne said. "People must know that the insurance companies will not pay out a penny more than they absolutely have to."

Public Adjusters prepare, document and negotiate settlements on behalf of the policyholder. "Most people are unaware of public adjusters and the service we provide to people in need," Browne said.

According to Browne, ICC has represented more than 10,000 policyholders in the past 20 years, and the firm has never represented a client for which it was not able to garner a settlement higher than the insurance company's first offer.

"I want people to know they have options and professionals on their side -- that they don't have to accept the potential low-ball offers from insurance companies. Hiring an experienced and reputable public adjuster will undoubtedly make a big difference in peoples' insurance claims. I think the Mobile Claims Unit will help get out the word," Browne said.

Public Adjusters in Texas are licensed and regulated by The Texas Department of Insurance.

About Insurance Claim Consultants Inc., dba The Public Adjusters:
Insurance Claim Consultants Inc. has represented the interests of more than 10,000 individuals and business in the last 20 years. The company has a proven track record with claim settlements in excess of $20 million.

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Drought Conditions Making Foundation Repair and Plumbing Companies Work Overtime

2012-01-16T16:24:00.000-08:00

Drought Conditions Making Foundation Repair and Plumbing Companies Work Overtime

As drought conditions parch the earth throughout Texas, foundation repair companies have called in reinforcements to help keep up with the damage. What many homeowners don't realize is that foundation troubles caused by soil drying out around and beneath their homes can lead to plumbing problems that can flood their homes and erode the soil beneath them.

Southlake, Texas (PRWEB) August 6, 2009

Foundation repair companies in Texas are scrambling to meet heavy demand, as dry, shrinking soil causes home foundations to crack under their own weight. It happens every year, but this summer has been worse because of severe drought conditions combined with temperatures hovering at 100 degrees.

A Texas plumbing expert says that for many homeowners, a cracked foundation will not be the end of their problems. Foundation repair, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, may only be part of the solution. He recommends an inexpensive plumbing tune up (http://berkeys. com/tune_up. aspx) to check for foundation leaks that could help prevent a catastrophic failure.

Master Plumber Bill Stevens, president of Berkey's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, said most Texas homes are built on concrete slabs that have plumbing lines encased in the concrete slab and beneath it.

"It doesn't take a big shift in the soil to cause a slab to crack, and the plumbing lines along with it, Stevens said. "A small crack can make a slow leak that will erode the soil under a house. That can cause the foundation to fail and break the water lines. Then you need a lot more than foundation repair (http://www. ramjacksystems. com/residential/)."

Stevens says when that kind of shift happens, homes can flood to a depth of several inches of water in a matter of minutes, ruining carpet, drapes, hardwood floors, appliances and anything else near the ground. Usually, this results in total loss of everything in the water's way.

Some homeowners' insurance policies will cover water damage, but not damage to the plumbing itself, which can be expensive to repair or replace. "It's a plumbing nightmare, and mostly avoidable" Stevens said. "But every year, like clockwork, we get called (http://berkeys. com/contact-us. aspx) out to fix the plumbing on foundation repair jobs."

The cause and effect are simple, but devastating. As soil beneath a slab dries out it shrinks, which causes the house to settle unevenly, resulting in slab cracks that require foundation repair. Drought conditions also cause nearby trees and foundation plantings to extend their roots under foundations to pull water from the soil.

Early indicators of possible foundation repair problems include cracks in interior and exterior walls, and doors that stick or won't open, especially in older homes. Some settling is normal in new homes, but it usually does not result in more than small cracks over doors and at drywall seams.

Stevens says one of the best ways to head off foundation repairs is to keep the soil around the foundation moist using a soaker hose. Set the hose about a foot from the concrete and run it for 15-30 minutes daily during drought conditions. It will cost something to do that, but the cost of a little extra water is small compared to the cost of a foundation repair - not to mention a plumbing disaster (http://berkeys. com/plumbing. aspx).

About Berkey's
Berkey's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning has specialized in the needs of homeowners in Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville and Flower Mound for more than 34 years. Berkey's reputation for prompt, honest service from licensed and factory trained technicians assures customers the best in professional service and equipment. Texas State License #TACLB26791E. To learn more, call Berkey's at 1-877-BERKEYS, or visit our Website at http://www. berkeys. com (http://www. berkeys. com).

Contact:

Lee Pogue
Berkey's Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning
817-481-5869

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The Golden Age of Travel?

2012-01-16T00:23:00.000-08:00

The Golden Age of Travel?

Age doesn't have to be a barrier Confused. com tells golden globetrotters

Cardiff, UK (PRWEB) September 7, 2010

Confused. com today urged older travellers not to risk jetting off on holiday without travel insurance (http://www. confused. com/travel-insurance), despite concerns over increased premiums and lack of availability. Whilst traditional routes of purchasing insurance, such as via a bank or travel agent may not prove fruitful for those over 80, policies aimed at older people and those with medical conditions are available by shopping around and using comparison sites.

Steve Williams, head of travel insurance at Confused. com, said: "Whilst most standard travel insurance policies offer cover up to the age of 75, there are a number of specialist travel insurance policies available for older people, so this group of travellers shouldn't be tempted to take the risk of travelling without cover.

"Premiums do increase with age to reflect the fact that a greater number of claims are made, although the level of cover remains comparable, offering peace of mind in the event that a trip is cancelled or medical help is needed. As with all travel insurance policies, it's important for customers to shop around to find the best price and level of cover to their individual needs."

Travel insurance for older people - the facts:

An 18-54 year old can secure a one week single trip policy for Europe for just £5.81

An equivalent policy for someone aged 65-74 is £17.98 - 3 times more, however....

•Travellers over 65 are 3 times more likely to make a claim
•Travellers over 85 are 8 times more likely to make a claim
•Most standard policies stop offering insurance at age 75, so start shopping round early if you are approaching this age.
•Some providers cover medical conditions as standard, others will charge an increased premium, this is dependent on both the condition and the provider.
•Prices for cover vary so shop around. Based on 1 week of European cover for an 80 year old via Confused. com:
•Staysure basics - Price: £24.49, excess: £65
•Flexicover - Price: £49.40, excess; £65
•Saga offer ( travelling to Spain)-Price: £64.52, excess: £50
•Other specialist providers of cover for older people include Age Concern
•Some current accounts offer free travel insurance which can extend to an older age, but levels of cover with these 'free' policies vary, so check carefully that the cover meets your requirements before relying on it.

For further information please contact:
Press Office, Confused. com 02920 434 398

About Confused. com

Confused. com is one of the UK's biggest and most popular price comparison services. Launched in 2002, it generates over one million quotes per month. It has expanded its range of comparison products over the last couple of years to include home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, van and car insurance (http://www. confused. com), motorbike insurance, breakdown cover and energy, as well as financial services products including credit cards, loans, mortgages and life insurance (http://www. confused. com/life-insurance).

Confused. com is not a supplier, insurance company or broker. It provides a free, objective and unbiased comparison service. By using cutting-edge technology, it has developed a series of intelligent web-based solutions that evaluate a number of risk factors to help customers with their decision-making, subsequently finding them great deals on a wide-range of insurance products, financial services, utilities and more. Confused. com's service is based on the most up-to-date information provided by UK suppliers and industry regulators.

Confused. com is owned by the Admiral Group plc. Admiral listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2004. Confused. com is regulated by the FSA.

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Assurant Solutions Company to Back AAGI'S Wheelz® Vehicle Service Contract Program

2012-01-15T04:18:00.000-08:00

Assurant Solutions Company to Back AAGI'S Wheelz® Vehicle Service Contract Program

Assurant Solutions company American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida will back AAGI's Wheelz® high mileage used car vehicle service contract program in addition to AAGI's AutoGuard® vehicle service contract program, which American Bankers has underwritten since 2001.

Arlington Heights, IL (PRWEB) February 1, 2007

American Auto Guardian, Inc. ("AAGI") today announced an expansion of its relationship with Assurant Solutions company American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida. American Bankers will back AAGI's Wheelz® high mileage used car vehicle service contract program in addition to AAGI's AutoGuard® vehicle service contract program, which American Bankers has underwritten since 2001.

Beginning February 1, 2007, AAGI will introduce the all new look of the AutoGuard® and Wheelz® vehicle service contract programs, along with numerous enhancements to both programs. AAGI's AutoGuard® program provides exclusionary coverage on new vehicles up to 10 years and 120,000 miles, while the Wheelz® program provides coverage on used cars regardless of the vehicle's age or miles.

"When you combine the AutoGuard® and Wheelz® vehicle service contract programs together in a dealership they become the most encompassing VSC program in the industry. Add to that the security provided by Assurant, and the dealership's personnel will have the confidence and ability to provide a vehicle service contract to every consumer regardless of vehicle type, age, or mileage," said Tim Brugh, Vice President, AAGI.

Mike Anderson, Senior Vice President and leader of Assurant Solutions' Automotive and Recreational Vehicle Services business, noted that: "The continuation and expansion of our relationship with AAGI gives both of us the opportunity to provide quality products to our expanding base of automobile dealers."

About American Auto Guardian, Inc.

Headquartered in Arlington Heights, Illinois, AAGI was established in 1997, and markets products in 50 states and Canada, including vehicle service contract, GAP, etch, and excess wear and tear programs. With over 150 years in combined management experience, AAGI develops superior products and administers them with personalized service.

About Assurant Solutions

Assurant Solutions businesses develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty insurance, extended service contracts and other risk management solutions through collaborative relationships with leading financial institutions, retailers, automobile dealers, funeral homes, utilities and other entities. Assurant Solutions is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and selected international markets. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida has an A. M. Best rating of "A" Excellent. (A. M. Best Co. is an organization that rates insurance companies, based on financial strength and operating performance.)

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Health Tourism International Chamber of Commerce Launches Hippocrates Magazine

2012-01-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Health Tourism International Chamber of Commerce Launches Hippocrates Magazine

Hippocrates the first world magazine dedicated only to Health Tourism.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) June 14, 2006

Man’s relationship and the natural factors have a long history, in which the legends are confused by reality. HIPPOCRATES De Cos, father of medicine referred to them in treaty to the air, waters and places.

HIPPOCRATES magazine emerges as an initiative of the World Health Tourism Organization, Hippocrates Group Inc. and Health Tourism International Chamber of Commerce as the international bridge for its knowledge, promotion, investigation and investment in all activities related with the Health Tourism.

With headquarters in the City of Coral Gables in the heart of Greater Miami; Neuralgic Financial Center and South Florida Culture.

It is the first magazine dedicated to all facets of activities related to Health Tourism.

It is printed in English and Spanish and soon in Portuguese and French and distributed in 25 countries in Latin America through a network which includes spas, hospitals, medical offices, tour operators, travel agencies, insurance brokers, among others.

It also serves as a platform to promote business projects in the different sectors, promote Spas & Resorts along with other types of centers that offer new technologies, equipment and products within this sector.

For further information on advertising with the magazine, please contact us:

HIPPOCRATES MAGAZINE

Attention: Dr. Garis Silega

P. O. Box 348085

Miami, Fl 33134

305-461-1400

In the beginning everything was like this

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HIPAA Risk Management Mini-seminar to Help Providers Survive HealthcareÂs Own Y2K

2012-01-12T05:05:00.000-08:00

HIPAA Risk Management Mini-seminar to Help Providers Survive HealthcareÂs Own Y2K.

With less than 50 days before the October 16th HIPAA deadline, Risk Management should now be the guiding force, to achieve compliance and to prepare for the inevitable problems.

Lawrenceville, GA (PRWEB) August 29, 2003

The looming compliance deadline of October 16th for the Transactions & Code Sets portion of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), comes with the probability of healthcare providers struggling to receive payment for their services, and the possibility of bankruptcy. Carapace Inc. has announced availability of a presentation showing how Risk Management can reduce the likelihood of adverse effects, as well as providing the basis for action before and after October 16th.

"HIPAA Risk Management Planning for Providers" is for those who arenÂt expecting the worst, and for those who havenÂt even considered what it is. Like Y2K, which also had a strict deadline, failure to be prepared and inability to handle problems will negatively affect business. For those who expect to be compliant in time, good management practice dictates that they still consider the effects of failure and prepare for the worst. For those who are doubtful they will reach compliance, risk management, at this late stage, should be the guiding light in determining what should be done between now and the deadline.

This mini-seminar is available for presentation at providersÂ facilities and can be arranged by contacting Jack Lovell, toll free on 800-938-9414, Ext. 101.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Jack Lovell

Carapace, Inc.

Tel: 800-938-9414, Ext. 101

Jack Lovell is a Senior Partner of Carapace, Inc., a company providing high-level strategic and tactical technology consulting and project management services, and is director of its SoluCare Healthcare Division.

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My Brain Doesn’t Cheat on My Wife -- Humorous New Self-Help Book Focuses on Mental Fidelity

2012-01-11T11:13:00.000-08:00

My Brain Doesn’t Cheat on My Wife -- Humorous New Self-Help Book Focuses on Mental Fidelity

“The reality is that most married men are only one hot chick away from losing everything,” says author Wade Young. “Guys get married, have kids, buy insurance, and pay into 401k plans only to turn around and blow it all on some hot-looking woman who happens to cross their path. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

Naples, FL (PRWEB) November 20, 2006

Author Wade Young has written the book My Brain Doesn’t Cheat on My Wife to give married guys concrete techniques for kicking the lust habit and women a chance to peak inside the man-brain. Wade observes, “I’ve spent my whole life being around guys who educate themselves, work hard, love their wives and families, and then screw the whole thing up because they have a brain that’s still living the single life.”

Wade openly admits that “A little over ten years ago, I got married. I quickly realized that just because I was wearing my wedding ring didn’t mean my brain was wearing his.” Wade goes on to explain how managing his thought life became a pivotal point in his life. “I knew I couldn’t screw up physically without first letting my mind run amuck. If I could control what I allowed my brain to sauté in, I didn’t have to worry about becoming one of those overly tanned single guys hitting on younger women later in life.”

Why the humorous biographical tone of the book rather than the typical format of most self-help and marriage books? Wade says, “I challenge you to remember any list of ‘Five steps to this or that’ you’ve come across in a book? If you can’t even remember the Ten Commandments, how are you ever going to remember any list I give you? I remember good stories—so I’ve filled this book with tons of stories about the dumb things I did as a former mental horn dog. Fortunately, my success stories are here too.”

Wade made a gutsy move by coming clean to his wife about his mental liaisons: “I’m no idiot. I waited until I had my thoughts under control to let my wife know that I had spent a great deal of time and effort keeping a mental shock collar on my brain.” The whole mental infidelity thing caught her by surprise. Wade says, “She just couldn’t relate to seeing fabulous body parts walking down the street and having your whole mental world turned upside down. “Once she got it she was adamant that I should share my story with others.”

Don’t be fooled into thinking this is a touchy-feely book written to help you skip through daisies whilst extolling the glories of marriage. Wade says, “The stories are hilarious, yet the information is practical for both men and women. Most women have no idea what really goes on inside the average man-brain, but they should. This book busts guys on the way they think. Given that my life is under the magnifying glass throughout the book, it’s my life as a mentally meandering guy that takes center stage. I certainly hope my family members don’t come across a copy of this book because it’s pretty embarrassing.”

My Brain Doesn’t Cheat on My Wife is about becoming a better man and achieving mental monogamy. According to Wade, “Real men look out for their wives. You aren’t a real man just because you’ve kept your zipper up. Get rid of the illicit thoughts and start living guilt-free. You’ll never regret evicting the Lust Babes from your brain.”

My Brain Doesn’t Cheat on My Wife can be bought online at www. amazon. com. To view Wade’s web-site or to reach him by e-mail, go to www. wadeyoung. com or feel free to contact him via telephone at 239-298-4518.

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The United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI) Begins Accepting Membership Applications

2012-01-10T16:45:00.000-08:00

The United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI) Begins Accepting Membership Applications

USAPI, the first truly national association for all professional investigators opened their doors for membership this past week. Focusing on education and professional certification, a Certification Board has been established to provide recognition for excellence.

WASHINGTON, D. C. (PRWEB) July 8, 2005

ÂIf you want to be a certified investigator the BCPIÂ® (Board Certified Professional Investigator) designation will be the most sought after credential in the industry.Â Warren J. Sonne, President

The United States Association of Professional Investigators (USAPI), an organization that provides education, training and benefits to it's members across the full spectrum of investigative specialties has begun accepting membership applications, announced Warren J. Sonne, President. Sonne, a retired NYPD Detective who has spent more than thirty (30) years in law enforcement and private sector investigations, has brought together some of the most widely recognized experts in the field of forensics, criminology, insurance, intelligence, civil, and other specialties to establish a first of its kind Certification Board.

According to Dr. Henry C. Lee, the world-renowned forensic scientist, author and consultant, ÂUSAPI is a long overdue credentialing and educating organization. The concept of the Âprofessional investigator,Â will benefit both law enforcement and non-law enforcement investigators by providing cutting edge technology, and training. I look forward to working with USAPI to develop training programs and educational seminars long into the future.Â

Lee, who has accepted a position on USAPIÂs Certification Board, joins other notable investigative experts including Lt. Vernon Geberth of ÂPractical Homicide InvestigationsÂ, Michael Ronczkowski, author of "Terrorism and Organized Hate Crimes", Barry Zalma, Esq., insurance claims and fraud expert, Dr. Maurice Godwin, investigative psychologist, criminologist and author, Cynthia Hetherington, MLS, MSM owner of Hetherington Information Services, and Rory McMahon educator and private investigator, among others.

ÂUSAPI will not lump all investigators into one category,Â says Sonne, Âbut instead, our programs will provide world-class training and certification to the various specialties within our profession in much the same way that the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) Âboard certifiesÂ doctors. Our Certification Board members will offer our membership the finest instruction available. If you want to be a certified investigator, the BCPIÂ® (Board Certified Professional Investigator)designation will be the most sought after credential in the industry.

USAPI is currently partnering with Nova Southeastern Universities ÂCriminal Justice Institute,Â and with the ÂHenry C. Lee Institute of Forensic ScienceÂ at the University of New Haven, to develop seminar and on-site and distance learning courses for professional investigators.

Memberships will be available at Full, Associate, Student, and Corporate levels, all of which will include an extensive benefits package.

For more information about joining visit the Website www. USAPI. org, or contact info@USAPI. org or by calling 866.95.USAPI.

For more information, contact:

Sue Furman at info@USAPI. org

(866) 958-7274 or 866.95.USAPI

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Election Importance Grows As America Aims To Reduce Its National and Personal Debt

2012-01-10T03:27:00.000-08:00

Election Importance Grows As America Aims To Reduce Its National and Personal Debt

Americans Head to the Polls This Week in an Attempt to Chose the Party That Will Help to Lower the National Debt Level. Many Consumers with the Help of Americas Attorneys Have Already Started the Fight Against Debt.

Los Angeles, CA (Vocus) November 8, 2010 -

This week sees one of the most important elections of our lifetime. Many economists suggest that America is at a crossroads. America needs to reduce its national debt and the personal debt held by thousands across the nation.

Prior to election mania Americans were reducing their debt using an attorney based debt resolution program.

George Bowers is a Michigan resident who was a victim of the economy. Without a regular job George found himself using credit cards to survive. George engaged with the Rosen & Winig Law Firm who assist consumer in debt. Rosen & Winig use the software support services of Morgan Drexen, Inc. The debt was rising and George needed help. George says, “I needed everyday essentials such as food, gas and car insurance. My three credit cards caused me great stress. I talked to the attorneys on several occasions and they were very helpful.”

It seems Americans are reducing debt ahead of the politicians they voted for this week.

Karen Hoeg is an attorney at Law based in California. Hoeg says, “Our debt resolution program aims to provide clients with convenient access to attorneys so their concerns can be addressed quickly. Many people are extremely stressed about their adverse financial situations and express relief at being able to speak to an attorney."

Kolton Steed engaged with the Hoeg Consumer law group with just under $6000 in debt. Kolton admits, “we had medical bills and we tried so hard to pay them off ourselves but it was impossible. I had to relocate several times as a helicopter pilot I often have to move around. That didn’t help my financial position. I had such a hard time keeping up with the payments. The legal appointment was very helpful we are handling our finances much better now and we are debt free.”

Robert Gibson an Indiana resident feared his credit would be ruined forever. Robert engaged with the Williamson law firm. “I had to do something creditors were calling on a regular basis. Shortly after signing up they quit calling. That was nice. It’s a rough time for everyone out there right now. Lets vote to bring the money back to America. That’s what the country needs now.”
Media Contact-
Raychel Harvey-Jones
Office - 714 923 1500

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Web Based Colorado Driver Education Courses at <a href="http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com" onclick="linkClick(this. href)">www. colorado-trafficschool. com</a>

2012-01-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Web Based Colorado Driver Education Courses at www. colorado-trafficschool. com

Colorado Driver Improvement Course contains text, videos, and animations, which makes the course interesting and interactive in online.

Solana Beach, CA (PRWEB) August 26, 2006

Online traffic schools are becoming very popular by operating 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Now the http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com (http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com) provides the Colorado Driver Improvement Course for the drivers of Colorado. It is a versatile companion for the busy drivers who intend to get education with the autonomy of time and place of pursuit.

The Colorado Traffic School Course literally helps the drivers to cancel their demerit traffic points, refresh their driving abilities and take care of their sky shot auto insurance premium. But more specifically the simulation of best driving practices helps the drivers to take care of all dangerous driving conditions arising on road.

The Colorado Online Traffic School Course is a blend of theory and entertaining tools for hassle free education. Some of the remarkable features of www. colorado-trafficschool. com can be listed out as:

*It satisfies the DMV as well as the court requirements in the state of Colorado.

*Course content covers all the basic and advanced driving tips to transform you a responsible driver.

*The entire Colorado DMV Course is modular in structure.

*Anytime during the day you can seek the help of qualified customer support representative with www. colorado-trafficschool. com

Colorado Traffic School Online course have helped thousands of customers to reduce points from their driving records, lower insurance rates and become better drivers by learning safety and defensive driving strategies.

About http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com (http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com)
Colorado-trafficschool. com courses are convenient with time schedule and easy to complete in 12 self explanatory units followed by small quizzes.

For more details

Contact

Mark Robbinson

URL: http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com (http://www. colorado-trafficschool. com)
Phone: 858.724.0040

Fax: 858.724.0041

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Zephyr Announces PASSPORT 2011

2012-01-09T02:30:00.000-08:00

Zephyr Announces PASSPORT 2011

Zephyr is pleased to announce that development for the next major release of its terminal emulation software, PASSPORT 2011, is nearing completion and a release date of the product has been set for March 1, 2011. Like previous versions of PASSPORT, the 2011 version is certified for use with Microsoft Windows 7.

Houston, TX (Vocus) November 20, 2010

PASSPORT 2011 will have important new enhancements, additional deployment options for enterprise organizations, greater synergy with virtualized environments and an updated look and feel.

To assist large enterprises with their migration to the PASSPORT terminal emulator, Zephyr has also introduced an improved migration wizard and conversion services that make it even easier to use PASSPORT as an alternative to other emulators. The migration wizard will assist organizations with the transition from Attachmate EXTRA! and IBM Personal Communications to PASSPORT by reading existing configuration files (session attributes, keyboard, colors and other schemes) and automatically converting the settings into a Zephyr format so PASSPORT starts with a familiar look and feel.

Highlights of PASSPORT 2011 will consolidate enhancements already released as patches and will include:
Support for IPv6

Microsoft Office integration for support of Spell Check, Auto Complete, Word Select and more

Ability to create and store standard session configuration information, thereby centralizing administration of the local terminal emulation

Easy deployment options for latest virtualization solutions from Citrix, Microsoft and VMware

Updated look and feel using the latest resources of Microsoft Visual Studio

Ability to customize host screen sizes to desired number of rows and columns

Response time display on users sessions

About PASSPORT

PASSPORT offers advanced terminal emulation and file transfer for Microsoft Windows operating systems, including Windows 7. Both desktop and browser-based versions of PASSPORT are available and feature robust APIs for screen-based legacy integration, as well as VBScript to develop productivity-enhancing macros. Secure TN3270E, TN5250E, VT, SCO ANSI, Wyse and FTP clients are included in the PASSPORT PC TO HOST and PASSPORT WEB TO HOST terminal emulation suites using SSL and SSH security.

About Zephyr

Zephyr specializes in 3270 communication, whether from a Windows 7 desktop, XP, Windows 2008 Server, a standard web server or virtual server. If you seek IETF standard TN3270E solutions for Microsoft Windows, Zephyr is the number one supplier to consider.

Founded in 1985, Zephyr is an employee owned company that is debt-free and consistently profitable. The large majority of our revenue recurs annually and the company maintains an almost 100% renewal rate of its products and services. Zephyr maintains offices and distributors in the U. S., UK, Germany, South Africa and throughout Latin America.

Our client portfolio includes large U. S. banks such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Comerica, U. S. Bank and Wachovia, while we also support large U. S. insurance companies such as Liberty Mutual, Nationwide Insurance and Progressive.

# # #

Want to Have a Great 2009 In Spite of the Recession? Master Your "Little Voice"

2012-01-08T12:01:00.000-08:00

Want to Have a Great 2009 In Spite of the Recession? Master Your "Little Voice"

Move past the recession and move ahead in any economy. Just when we need it most, author, and personal and professional development expert, Blair Singer, has released "Little Voice" Mastery - How to Win the War Between Your Ears in 30 Seconds or Less - and Have an Extraordinary Life! The book is changing peoples' lives and businesses worldwide.

Scottsdale, AZ (PRWEB) March 24, 2009

Recession, recession, recession. Has the word got you down? It hasn't gotten Blair Singer down, or the thousands of people who learned his Little Voice Mastery techniques during a multi-city tour in Mexico last week. And now, just when we need it most, Singer releases his newest book, "Little Voice" Mastery: How to Win the War Between Your Ears in 30 Seconds or Less - and Have an Extraordinary Life.

According to Singer, this book is for anyone who believes that there is a bigger and better person inside of them. It's for people who feel they could become more capable, powerful and rich than they are right now. He says the book is not for people that have given up hope on themselves or who are waiting for the government to fix their lives. Those are the people who have bought into the recession and are banking on a government bail out. "'Little Voice' Mastery is simply learning how to quiet that 'Little Voice' that holds us all back, and that tells us the recession is the end of the world or that we are just not good enough. It's that voice that keeps us all from being the person we were meant to be and living an abundant life."

Singer should know. His life wasn't always "Little Voice" free. Years before he started his 25-year journey learning all he could about controlling his own thoughts, he was in dire straits. He had just gone through a painful divorce, his business was near bankruptcy, and he had no real purpose in life to go on. "It was the lowest point of my life," Singer said. "There I was at the end of the Santa Monica Pier, looking over the edge and deciding to call it quits on everything. But then something clicked. I heard who was talking, maybe for the first time. That's when I decided I would dedicate myself to mastering that "Little Voice" that nearly pushed me over the edge."

Since then, Singer has built numerous successful businesses and helped thousands of people turn their lives and their businesses around. He is the founder and CEO of SalesPartners Worldwide®, a progressive sales and personal growth training company with 54 franchise locations in 18 countries, author of three best-selling books, and a high-impact teacher and public speaker.

Singer's story of loss is not unique. Through his work and public appearances he has found that countless people have a "Little Voice" that either holds them back, pushes them over the edge or suppresses the bigger, brilliant more powerful person inside. He calls it "the war between your ears," and considers it an important battle everyone must win if they expect to achieve much of anything in life.

Liz Dzuris, founder of Total Package Solutions said, "Blair's methods have really kicked me into high gear and shifted my environment and my behaviors. Now that I understand the power of controlling my 'Little Voice,' I hang around positive people and do positive things in my life. My Troy, Michigan-based business which was primarily reliant on the automotive industry, is once again flourishing, even in this economy! My income has doubled, and the year is still young."

Singer's book is a quick, easy-read that teaches people how to break through self-sabotaging habits, maintain their power in pressure situations, and stop the debilitating chatter in their brains so that they can attract and immediately act on what they want. Singer provides 21-proven "Little Voice" Mastery techniques to re-program your "Little Voice" in 30 seconds. "The path to success isn't as long as most people think," Singer says.

Singer just spend the last week on a four-city tour of Mexico touting his "Little Voice" Mastery techniques to a country of people hungry for a better life and a better future. Singer says that's what we all want and his next stops are the United States, Singapore, Malaysia, New Zealand and Australia.

"People have the power to make their lives, their businesses and the world better. If there is an important life lesson many people are learning in these tough times, it is to depend on themselves to change things for the better," Singer says. "Imagine the potential when people and business leaders across the world can master their "Little Voice" and each one says, 'Yes' I can!" President Obama's campaign slogan, "Yes, we can!" may actually become reality.

"Little Voice" Mastery: How to Win the War Between Your Ears in 30 Seconds or Less - and Have an Extraordinary Life! by Blair Singer is published by XCEL Press. The book is available on Amazon. com. ISBN-13: 978-0-9795777-2-7; INBN-10: 0-9795777-2-1. Learn more about Blair Singer at www. BlairSinger. com. Visit www. LittleVoiceMastery. com to become a member of the "Little Voice" Mastery Club.

About Blair Singer:
Blair Singer is founder and CEO of SalesPartners Worldwide®, founder of the "Little Voice" Mastery Institute, sought-after public speaker and high-energy facilitator of personal and organizational change. He is a Rich Dad Advisor and author of three best-selling books including Sales Dogs: You Do Not have to be an Attack Dog to be Successful in Sales, The ABCs of How to Build a Business Team that Wins, and Building a Championship Team in Your Business.

Since 1987, he has led thousands of business owners, and Fortune 500 company leaders to maximize their potential and grow their bottom lines. Companies like Singapore Airlines, Deutsche Bank, Redken 5th Avenue NYC, IBM, ING Clarion, JP Morgan, CitiGroup, LA Weight Loss, Prudential Insurance, UPS Stores, Mrs. Fields Cookies, HSBC, Dunkin' Brands, Century 21, CIBC - Canada, Diners World Travel, United Healthcare, and Westin Hotels.

© 2009 Little Voice Management, SalesDogs, SalesPartners Worldwide are registered trademarks All rights reserved. Some of the product names mentioned herein are for identification purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

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Coldwell Banker Howard Perry And Walston Launch New Home Search Feature

2012-01-07T21:28:00.000-08:00

Coldwell Banker Howard Perry And Walston Launch New Home Search Feature

RALEIGH, N. C. (PRWEB) September 27, 2006

Don Walston, president and CEO of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, has announced that the company has launched a new home search feature on the their Web site at http://www. hpw. com (http://www. hpw. com), which allows users to search properties directly from Google Maps. Users can search geographically on the map for specific areas in which they would like to view properties, without worrying about zip code, city or arbitrary boundaries. No other North Carolina real estate Web site provides this function, which enables the company to offer listings not only in the Triangle, but also in Alamance County and the Triad.

“We are excited to introduce the new home search addition to our clients,” said David Jones, COO of Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston. “We have always been dedicated to revolutionizing the industry, and we offer the most up-to-date expertise for our clients.”

About Coldwell Banker Howard Perry And Walston:

Howard Perry, an established builder, and Don Walston, a real estate entrepreneur, formed Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston in 1972. Today the company has over 700 real estate professionals, 12 sales offices, the area’s premier new homes division, a mortgage company, insurance services division, title company, an award winning relocation division, a growing Concierge home services division, the area’s number one real estate school, and the state’s number one real estate Web site. The company has become the largest full-service residential real estate company in the Triangle and one of the leading realty firms in the nation, with more than 11,000 transactions a year and almost $3 billion in sales. For more information about Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston visit their Web site at http://www. hpw. com (http://www. hpw. com).

Patty Briguglio

MMI Associates, Inc.

919-233-6600

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15 year old, Nevada based Asset Protection and Financial Privacy Group expands to South Florida with addition of two new certified consultants who together claim 70+ years of business expertise

2012-01-07T19:03:00.000-08:00

15 year old, Nevada based Asset Protection and Financial Privacy Group expands to South Florida with addition of two new certified consultants who together claim 70+ years of business expertise.

The US represents 5% of the worldÂs population, 80% of the lawyers in the world, and 90% of the lawsuits. Your chance of being named in a lawsuit or having the government seize your property is one in three (33%) during your lifetime.

(PRWEB) September 30, 2004

Without asset protection, any of these events could leave you penniless and in debt:

A negligence or injury claim (justified or not) that exceeds your insurance due to behavior of children or pets, weather conditions, or a bad mood.

A professional malpractice suit

A lawsuit caused by the action / behavior of a disgruntled partner or employee

A divorce

Claims from creditors should your business fail

Catastrophic medical bills for a family member

Huge tax bill and escalating penalties following an IRS audit

A state or local government seizes your property without due process. You would have to go to court and sue to get your assets back

After you pass away, the family that neglected you contests your last wishes.

Maybe you just appear to be able to pay off a nice lawsuit

AND MANY MORE...

How can you Âprotect your assetsÂ?

With the expansion of Asset Protection Group to South Florida Floridians will now be able to enjoy the same Total Asset Protection and Financial Privacy previously available only to a limited number of celebrities and people Âin the knowÂ.

The wealthy have always had the option of sheltering their assets through a variety of perfectly legal maneuvers such as tax shelters, offshore trusts, and the use of corporate privacy. Unfortunately, these are normally prohibitively expensive for the average executive, professional, or business owner, not so any longer.

Due to our committment of complete confidentiality please call or email us today as follows:

George Theobald 954-326-3073

Sally Theobald at 954-907-7040 or email:coaltcorp@aol. com for addtional information such as:

What is ASSET PROTECTION AND FINANCIAL PRIVACY?

How is this possible?

How can you do this?

What about going offshore?

We guarantee Total Anonymity and Financial Privacy

# # #

ASAP Appoints Xerox’s Russ Buchanan as Board Chairman

2012-01-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

ASAP Appoints Xerox’s Russ Buchanan as Board Chairman

Highly Successful VP of Worldwide Alliances to Lead the World’s Premier Organization Serving the Alliance Management Profession

Needham Heights, MA (PRWEB) March 23, 2010

The Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) today announced the appointment of Russ Buchanan, vice president of worldwide alliances at Xerox, as chairman of the board of directors. Buchanan succeeds outbound Chairman Mike Leonetti, the head of healthcare partnerships at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Buchanan was promoted from vice chairman, a position he has held since 2009. An ASAP member since 2005, Buchanan has also held the title of treasurer and served on the organization’s committee tasked with putting together its Global Summit, the foremost annual gathering of the profession’s leaders and a premier forum for information sharing.

Buchanan has spearheaded ASAP global sponsor Xerox to great success with its alliance program, which now contributes significantly to the company’s bottom line. ASAP recently bestowed its 2010 Alliance Excellence Award in the Emerging Alliance category in recognition of Xerox’s success utilizing alliances to penetrate developing Eastern European, Asian and Latin American markets.

“In my five years with the organization, ASAP’s knowledge, education, training and community have significantly advanced Xerox as an organization and benefitted me personally and professionally,” said Buchanan. “I look forward to furthering ASAP’s goal of advancing the discipline of collaborative business, an increasingly critical skill for thriving in the business climate of today and tomorrow.”

Leonetti concludes a successful tenure that saw a continuing increase in membership, sponsorship, the number of regional chapters and attendance and influence of the ASAP Global Summit. Leonetti also solidified the organization’s financial base and expanded its industry standard certification program. In this time, ASAP saw the addition of several new subcommittees and specialized events including the Biopharm Council and Biopharm Conference; Collaborative Innovation Council and Inaugural Forum; Academic Council and webinar series.

“Russ Buchanan is one of the world’s preeminent alliance professionals, and ASAP looks forward to strengthening its position as the number one source for insights, networking and best practices in alliance management under his direction,” said Art Canter, president and executive director of ASAP.

About The Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals
The Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) is the leading professional association dedicated to alliance formation and management. Founded in 1998, the organization provides a forum to exchange best practices and frameworks for cultivating the skills and toolsets needed to manage successful business partnerships and network with the world’s best alliance management professionals in several industries. Global sponsors include Cisco, Eli Lilly, IBM, Microsoft, Novartis, Procter & Gamble, USAA Insurance and Xerox. A complete list of sponsors is available at www. strategic-alliances. org.

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New Job Site Delivers Diversity Jobs from 30 Job Boards

2012-01-07T07:56:00.000-08:00

New Job Site Delivers Diversity Jobs from 30 Job Boards

DiversityJobs. com lets minority job candidates simultaneously search job listings from over 30 job boards with a single click to find career opportunities from diversity-conscious companies.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) June 25, 2007

LatPro is proud to announce the official launch of www. DiversityJobs. com, the first and only vertical job search engine dedicated to the entire spectrum of diverse jobseekers. The new meta job search site launched with job listings from over 30 elite job boards, hitting the ground running in its mission to connect ethnic and diversity groups with employers committed to fostering a diverse workplace.

DiversityJobs. com is the newest addition to the LatPro, Inc. family of diversity Web sites, which includes www. LatPro. com, the #1 job board for Hispanic and bilingual professionals. As one of the first entrants into the field of online diversity recruiting, the experts at LatPro drew on 10 years of experience in the online employment industry to recognize and fill the need for a vertical job board specifically for diverse candidates.

"We have seen how difficult it is for job boards not targeted to a diverse audience to attract minority candidates, and we created DiversityJobs. com to solve that problem,” says Eric Shannon, founder and CEO of LatPro. “Our job board partners can now offer employers value-added exposure to diverse candidates without having to invest in the extensive marketing and content development needed to effectively reach this segment of jobseekers."

How DiversityJobs. com Works
DiversityJobs. com is free for jobseekers and features minority employment news and commentary, diversity bloggers, an events calendar and job listings from the best job boards online. Polls and forum discussions allow users to vote on current diversity issues and discuss workplace diversity challenges.

The site operates on the same principle as other vertical job search engines like Indeed. com and SimplyHired. com: participating job boards designate pay-per-click bid amounts for chosen keywords to increase visibility for their jobs. But there is one important difference: DiversityJobs. com attracts a truly diverse audience of minority jobseekers and ranks at the top all three major search engines (Google, Yahoo and MSN) when users search for “diversity jobs.”

DiversityJobs. com provides in-depth reporting and budgeting tools for member job boards so they can easily track the effectiveness of their PPC campaigns and adjust bid amounts at any time.

Participating Job Boards
Over 30 job boards already appear on DiversityJobs. com. The roster, which is growing every day, includes:
The Ladders BioSpace. com ComputerJobs. com Jobsinthemoney. com LatPro. com Engineering Central ExecuNet eFinancialCareers. com RetirementJobs. com Nursetown. com HEALTHeCAREERS Network HealthCareSource. com hCareers. com GreatInsuranceJobs. com TalentZoo. com MarketingJobs. com MortgageBoard PharmaDiversityJobBoard Net-Temps AllRetailJobs LocalCareers MEPatWork OnTargetJobs DiversityMinnesota GreatOrlandoJobs RegionalHelpWanted RecruitingNevada

The DiversityJobs. com meta search allows diverse candidates to find high-quality career opportunities from thousands of companies in one place. With a single click, diversity jobseekers can view positions from a variety of top employers, including many who consistently gain recognition as “Top Companies for Diversity” such as Prudential Financial, Toyota, Merck & Co., and Kaiser Permanente.

About DiversityJobs. com
DiversityJobs. com (www. DiversityJobs. com) is the first and only meta job search engine dedicated exclusively to diversity jobs and minority employment issues. Its mission is to empower African Americans, Women, Hispanics, Persons with Disabilities, Asian Americans, Native Americans, members of the LGBT community, and other minority groups by improving access to current career opportunities from employers seeking diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Contact:
Scott Baylor
(954) 727-8828
Www. DiversityJobs. com

About LatPro. com
Established in 1997, LatPro (www. LatPro. com) is the worldwide leader in providing online employment resources for Hispanic and bilingual professionals. With over 289,000 registered candidates and 90 of the Fortune 100 companies using its award-winning service, the LatPro. com site (available in English, Spanish and Portuguese) is the premier career destination for Latino and bilingual professionals throughout the US and the Americas.

Contact:
Rob Steward
(954) 727-3863

# # #

Expat Medical Offering Terror Insurance in Response to Huge Demand

2012-01-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

Expat Medical Offering Terror Insurance in Response to Huge Demand

With large amounts of requests for this service, Expat Medical Insurance is offering insurance which covers terrorism. Be they car bombs, suicidal postal workers, or even kamikaze 747s, you’ll be covered.

Hong Kong (PRWEB) September 5, 2006

In the world we live in today, people need to feel safe, and that’s why more people then ever before are requesting terrorism insurance.

The dangers of the world today extend to touch all of us in some way. With the amount of media surrounding acts of terrorism, it’s no surprise that insurance companies are starting to offer coverage. Expat Medical is just trying to capitalize on a global trend toward violence that doesn’t seem to be slowing down. As more of the world dissolves into war and conflict, more people will need insurance plans which will allow a feeling of safety even when facing acts of terror.

“I’m going to Israel and I need to be covered in case of terrorism. Is that even a possibility?” was one woman’s question to Expat Medical’s sales rep Liz Russell. That question eventually prompted Expat Medical Insurance to start providing plans with this coverage.

“The difficulty with providing terrorism insurance is that terror covers so many things. Sometimes terrorist groups even take over entire governments, and then their previous actions are classified as acts of war. To give the best possible coverage our plans cover not only terrorism but also acts of war.” Neil Raymond Expat Medical CEO

Many of Expat Medical’s clients travel abroad to countries where acts of terrorism or war are entirely expected. When traveling to a country like this, it’s natural for a person to feel frightened, especially when he or she realizes that almost no insurance plans cover people for accidents caused by terror. Imagine your anger while in the hospital trying to receive treatment for a serious injury you received from a car bomb, then the hospital tells you that you aren’t covered by your insurance. You’re left holding a large medical bill, and you’ll still be paying for that insurance policy that let you down.

“It all boils down to what makes you feel safe. With Expat Medical’s plans you’re covered for all acts of terrorism or war no matter country you live in. This creates a feeling of safety. When you’re covered like this you don’t need to worry about your health insurance flaking out on you in an emergency.” Neil Raymond

About Expat Medical Insurance:

Expat Medical Insurance is owned by Pacific Prime, and is an insurance broker. Pacific Prime works with many of the largest insurance companies and have 20,000+ clients located worldwide. Pacific Prime is the largest insurance broker in Asia.

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Southeastern Equipment and Supply Repeats on Inc. Magazine List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000

2012-01-05T18:00:00.000-08:00

Southeastern Equipment and Supply Repeats on Inc. Magazine List of America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies—the Inc. 5000

Southeastern Equipment, a leading supplier of new, refurbished and used cleaning supplies ranks No. 2,773 on the 2009 Inc. 5000 with three-year sales growth of 103.6%.

New York and West Columbia, SC (PRWEB) December 1, 2009

Inc. magazine has ranked Southeastern Equipment and Supply, a supplier of new and used cleaning supplies such as the Tennant floor scrubber (http://www. southeasternequipment. net/SearchResults. asp? Cat=83), at No. 2,773 on its third-annual Inc. 5000, an exclusive ranking of the nation's fastest-growing private companies. The list represents the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy -- America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. This year’s list was topped by Northern Capital Insurance, a Miami-based firm that is helping to revolutionize Florida’s ailing insurance industry.

“Savvy trend spotters and those who invest in private companies know that the Inc. 5000 is the best place to find out about young companies that are achieving success through a wide variety of unprecedented business models, as well as older private companies that are still expanding at an impressive rate,” said Inc. 5000 project manager Jim Melloan. “That’s why our list is so eagerly anticipated every year.”

Southeastern Equipment and Supply ranked on the Inc. 5000 for the second consecutive year with three-year sales growth of 103.6 percent. The company is a leading supplier of new, refurbished and used cleaning equipment (http://www. southeasternequipment. net/SearchResults. asp? Cat=63). Based in West Columbia, South Carolina but with a robust online presence at http://www. southeasternequipment. net/ (http://www. southeasternequipment. net/), the company sells a variety of industrial cleaning products including floor sweepers, floor buffers (http://www. southeasternequipment. net/SearchResults. asp? Cat=43) and floor polishers. It also ranked No. 42 in the category of Environmental Services.

Southeastern Equipment and Supply General Manager Grady Martin said that the company has been able to maintain its growth during difficult economic times by providing consumers with a range of choices when it comes to buying industrial cleaning products such as a floor sweeper or floor scrubber (http://www. southeasternequipment. net/SearchResults. asp? Cat=70).

“In these tough economic times, companies are looking for savings everywhere they can,” Martin said. “By being able to offer a range of new, used and refurbished products at a variety of prices, we can allow every company that does industrial cleaning to purchase affordable and reliable equipment in a convenient manner.”

Methodology

The Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2005 through 2008. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by the first week of 2005, and therefore able to show four full calendar years of sales. Additionally, they have to be U. S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent -- not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies -- as of December 31, 2008. Revenue in 2005 must have been at least $200,000, and revenue in 2008 must have been at least $2 million. The top 10 percent of companies on the list comprise the Inc. 500, now in its 28th year.

About Southeastern Equipment and Supply

Based in West Columbia, South Carolina, Southeastern Equipment and Supply sells, leases, and resells new and reconditioned floor scrubbers, street sweepers, auto scrubbers, and upright vacuum cleaners to businesses, warehouses and distribution centers in 25 countries. For more information, visit http://www. southeasternequipment. net (http://www. southeasternequipment. net).

About Inc. Magazine

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures LLC, Inc. (www. inc. com) is the only major business magazine dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies that delivers real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. With a total paid circulation of 712,961, Inc. provides hands-on tools and market-tested strategies for managing people, finances, sales, marketing, and technology. Visit us online at Inc. com.

About the Inc. 500|5000 Conference

Each year, Inc. and Inc. com celebrate the remarkable achievements of today’s entrepreneurial superstars—the privately held small businesses that drive our economy. The Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony brings together members of the Inc. 5000 community, both a new class of Inc. 5000 honorees and the list’s alumni, for three days of powerful networking, inspired learning, and momentous celebration. Please join us September 23–25, 2009, at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. For more information about the 2009 Inc. 500|5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony, and to register, visit www. Inc5000event. com. Stay connected with Inc. Events by following @IncEvents on Twitter.

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American Community Partners With Employees to Benefit Three Charities

2012-01-05T12:21:00.000-08:00

American Community Partners With Employees to Benefit Three Charities

American Community Mutual Insurance Company, a leading provider of Individual and Group health insurance, announced today that it has made a $15,000 donation that will benefit three charities.

Livonia, MI (PRWEB) January 10, 2008

American Community Mutual Insurance Company, a leading provider of Individual and Group health insurance, announced today that it has made a $15,000 donation that will benefit three charities. The donations are part of an ongoing effort by the American Community Charity Committee, which spearheads all fundraising, charitable contributions and community involvement events. American Community makes a 100 percent philanthropic company match for all funds that employees raise throughout the year.

“American Community is committed to giving back to the community,” said Leslie Gola, Vice President, Human Resources. “Even though Michigan has recently seen an economic downturn, our employees still find a place in their hearts to show compassion and participate in events throughout the year to benefit our Charity Fund.”

In December 2007, American Community employees had an opportunity to nominate their favorite charity to receive the monies raised for the 2007 Charity Fund. Once the nominations were compiled, employees voted for their top three charities. This year, the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater Michigan Chapter; Angela Hospice; and Operation Homefront will each receive $5,000.

“The Charity Committee is responsible for developing and orchestrating our fundraising events throughout the year for our 400 employees,” noted Gola. “Because of the efforts of the Committee, along with the generosity of our employees, American Community is able to make significant chartable donations each year and participate in community events.”

About American Community:
With beginnings dating back to 1938, American Community Mutual Insurance Company is one of the oldest health insurance companies in the nation. Based in Livonia, Michigan, American Community is currently licensed in 41 states. The company markets individual and group health insurance products in nine states through an agency force of 10,000. For more information, visit www. american-community. com.

This press release was distributed through eMediawire by Human Resources Marketer (HR Marketer: www. HRmarketer. com) on behalf of the company listed above.

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Localize IT Ranks #4 in Local Search Companies by topseos. com for October 2010

2012-01-05T09:09:00.000-08:00

Localize IT Ranks #4 in Local Search Companies by topseos. com for October 2010

Topseos. com, the independent authority on search vendors, has named the best Local Search companies for October 2010. Localize IT has made it to #4 rankings based upon an in-depth review of the internet marketing service provider.

Plymouth, IN (PRWEB) October 5, 2010

The independent authority on search vendors, topseos. com, has announced the best Local Search companies for October 2010. An independent research team that was assigned to the search engine optimization category reviewed each applicant in order to determine the best Local Search companies. Localize IT made its presence as one of the top players in the rankings for this month in a field of thousands worldwide.

An extensive review was completed and the research team found that Localize IT deals in Local Search Results, Local Map Optimization, Local Search Engine Optimization as well as Search Engine Optimization services. As a result, the firm consistently produces high quality results for their clients. Localize IT offers a range of flexible Local Search and SEO packages to suit any business’s budget or needs.

Indeed, the Local Search industry is a cut-throat competition among its players. Since 2008, Localize IT has made its mark as a Local Search company that is dedicated to helping small to medium-sized businesses take better advantage of the internet. Localize It’s senior staff have over 10 years of proven internet marketing experience which have now been scaled to the local markets. The firm has recently extended its services with new offerings such as Pay for Performance Search Engine Optimization, Google Local Map Optimization and a WOW factor e-Brochure design. Localize It’s eBrochures consist of a 1 page website that features services or products that a client may offer in their given geographical area. Their eBrochures gain the internet surf interest to convert whenever traffic is being delivered through SEO or Local Map Results. These latest offerings have distinguished Localize IT a major player in the market place; which is why TopSEOs has named Localize It among the best in the industry.

Aaron Greene of Localize IT, shares, “Our business is continuing to grow. In fact this year alone we have undergone marketing services for some large franchisees and hotel chains; which was all brought on by word of mouth referrals from our other existing clients. Recently, we have been considered by 2 marketing agencies for 3rd-party Local SEO Consultation and Local Listing help. It is indeed one of our most favorable nominations to be included in topseos. com’s Top 5 Local Search companies worldwide. Now, we are aiming to be part of the Top 3 hopefully in the next months to come.”

The Local Search firm has started their marketing efforts for the soon to be holiday season. Kevin Leblanc, a Vice President at Localize It, told us; “The orders are beginning to come in earlier this year than last for Holiday Corporate eCards and Holiday Product Search Engine Optimization. We tell our customers that with the time involved it’s best to give yourself 3-4 months of planning for the upcoming Holiday season if you plan using the internet to drive customers.” Moreover, Localize IT has been providing Pay for Performance SEO where the customer is being offered a very affordable base cost that already includes submissions and press release distribution. Once their client has gained top placement, Localize It is being rewarded with a nominal fee for the successful ranking they have achieved for their customers. This achievement-based technique has helped some of their new clients who get over their past concerns with hiring SEO companies that fail to deliver and meet the clients’ expectations.

“Localize IT is no cookie cutter marketing company. This basically means that we look at each business, service or product being sold as a unique scenario. We cater to follow through and follow up. 85% of our business comes from word of mouth referrals from past clients. Our senior staff is hands on in every project. Our designs and SEO strategies are original and proven, not template driven or sales driven by an uneducated call center,” Greene adds.

Localize IT now runs a spotlight and referral business coming from its own existing customers. Among its notable clients would include Budget Blinds, Clarion Hotel, Best Western Hotel, Peninsula Window Gallery, Customized Uptime Solutions, Ducky's Car Wash, Modern Horsepower, Real Estate Book Summaries, Rodeway Inn, Southwest Insurance Associates, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Sarasota, Florida, Candlewood Suites and Days Inn among others. By controlling these popular and genuine websites, Localize IT is able to add perfectly optimized, contextual, relevant and authoritative links to home pages and sub-pages. These types of links are incredibly powerful contributors to search engine rankings.

The company's proven track record of success and their continued drive for excellence has earned Localize IT the ranking as the #4 Best Local Search Companies. topseos. com has been ranking the best internet marketing service providers since 2002. As the independent authority on search vendors they have connected thousands of businesses with internet marketing firms that have provided top notch services. Over 50,000 visitors connect with topseos. com every month in search of the best. In addition to the rankings of the best internet marketing service providers, visitors to the site can find information on the latest changes within the SEO industry.

To view the complete list of the best Local Search companies visit:

Http://www. topseos. com/rankings-of-best-local-search-companies

To find out more about the Top #4 Local Search Company, Localize IT, visit their profile at:

Http://www. topseos. com/localize-it

Media Contact:

Localize IT
Mr. Aaron Greene - Owner
Main Office - Columbus, OH
Satellite Offices - San Francisco Bay, California
Keego Harbor, Michigan
Fairfield, Iowa
Houston, Texas
888-666-0231
Contact(at)local-ranking(dot)com
Http://www. localizeitnow. com/

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2009 Liberty Mutual Coach Of The Year Finalists Celebrated In Videos About College Football Coaches Starring On The Sidelines And In Communities

2012-01-04T20:38:00.000-08:00

2009 Liberty Mutual Coach Of The Year Finalists Celebrated In Videos About College Football Coaches Starring On The Sidelines And In Communities

Fans Help Control Final Result by Voting at www. CoachoftheYear. com December 15-29; Liberty Mutual to Award Each Winner $50,000 for Charity and $20,000 for Scholarship

Boston (PRWEB) December 15, 2009

The 25 finalists for the 2009 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award are examples of the positive influence a college football coach (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/?src=smr_dec09_collegefootballcoach) can have on his players, his university, and his community. And Liberty Mutual Insurance is treating college football fans to 25 videos at CoachoftheYear. com (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/?src=smr_dec09_homepage2) that individually highlight each finalist and showcase their on - and off-field accomplishments and contributions.

"These videos highlight the true values celebrated by the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, clearly that college football is about so much more than just winning games," said Archie Manning (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Videos. aspx? src=smc_dec09_ArchieManning), Chairman of the National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame, which helped create the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award in 2006. "These 25 finalists embody the spirit of the sport by inspiring greatness in their athletes and in their communities."

The finalists were determined by the result of online fan votes at CoachoftheYear. com (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/?src=smr_dec09_homepage3) and an objective scoring model endorsed by the College Football Hall of Fame. Each coach had to place in the top 15 in fan votes in his division to qualify for participation in the model competition, which considers, among other criteria, wins, team penalties, on-field sportsmanship, academic achievement by the student-athletes, and civic and philanthropic endeavors.

2009 Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Finalists (listed in alphabetical order):

Football Bowl Subdivision:
Mack Brown, University of Texas
Pete Carroll, University of Southern California
Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa
Al Golden, Temple University
Paul Johnson, Georgia Institute of Technology
Brian Kelly, University of Cincinnati
Joe Paterno, Penn State University
Gary Patterson, Texas Christian University
Nick Saban, University of Alabama
Dabo Swinney, Clemson University

Football Championship Subdivision:
Tom Gilmore, College of the Holy Cross
Jerry Moore, Appalachian State University
Danny Rocco, Liberty University
Bob Spoo, Eastern Illinois University
John Stiegelmeier, South Dakota State University

Division II:
Bo Atterberry, Texas A&M University - Kingsville
Danny Hale, Bloomsburg University
Bill Maskill, Midwestern State University
Bob Nielson, University of Minnesota - Duluth
Mel Tjeerdsma, Northwest Missouri State University

Division III:
Steve Briggs, Susquehanna University
Greg Debeljak, Case Western Reserve University
John Gagliardi, Saint John's University
Steve Staker, Coe College
John Troxell, Franklin & Marshall College

Now in its fourth year, the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year program recognizes college football coaches across the nation who demonstrate sportsmanship, integrity, responsibility and excellence on and off the field. Unique to the honor is the $50,000 that Liberty Mutual awards each winning coach to support his charitable endeavors, and an additional $20,000 each to foster scholarship through his school's alumni association. After this season, the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award winners collectively will have donated nearly $1 million toward charity and scholarship.

To see how previous Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award winners, including Alabama's Nick Saban (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Coaches-PreviousWinners-Profile. aspx? src=smr_dec09_NickSaban&coachID=31) (2008), Northern Illinois' Jerry Kill (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Coach-Insider-Detail_jkill. aspx? src=smr_dec09_JerryKill)(2007) and Pittsburg State's Chuck Broyles (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Coaches-PreviousWinners-Profile. aspx? src=smr_dec09_ChuckBroyles&coachID=43)(2008), have used their Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award winnings to build homes in local communities, support children in need and fight terminal diseases, fans can also watch a "Pass It On" video narrated by ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Award-CoachesCharities. aspx? src=smr_dec09_KirkHerbstreit) at coachoftheyear. com.

Supporting a Finalist

College football fans have a significant voice in the outcome of the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award. Now through December 29, fans can visit CoachoftheYear. com and use the online fan voting (http://www. coachoftheyear. com/Vote-for-Your-Coach. aspx? src=smr_dec09_Vote) feature to cast their votes daily. Fan votes will constitute 20 percent of a coach's final score.

Fans also can support their favorite finalist on the new Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Facebook Fan (http://www. facebook. com/pages/Liberty-Mutual-Coach-of-the-Year#/pages/Liberty-Mutual-Coach-of-the-Year/211636040798?v=app_11007063052&ref=search) Page. Plus, they can encourage their friends to vote by personalizing a "SuperFan" viral video featuring Kirk Herbstreit that they can send via Facebook or the website.

To ensure candidates are evaluated fairly and measured against the specific values of responsibility and integrity, selection committees of College Football Hall of Fame players and coaches - including Archie Manning, Lou Holtz, Vince Dooley, Ronnie Lott, and Jerry Rice - and the national college football media will also cast votes for the winners. Hall of Fame and media votes account for 55 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

The winners will be announced January 6, 2010, in Los Angeles, in advance of the BCS Championship Game.

About Liberty Mutual Group
"Helping people live safer, more secure lives" since 1912, Boston-based Liberty Mutual Group (LibertyMutualGroup. com) is a diversified global insurer and fifth-largest property and casualty insurer in the U. S. based on 2008 direct written premium. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 86th on the Fortune 500 list of largest U. S. corporations, based on 2008 revenue. The company has over 45,000 employees located in more than 900 offices throughout the world.

The eighth-largest auto and home insurer in the U. S., Liberty Mutual (libertymutual. com) sells full lines of coverage for automobile, homeowners, valuable possessions, personal liability, and individual life insurance. The company is an industry leader in affinity partnerships, offering car and home insurance to employees and members of more than 12,000 companies, credit unions, professional associations and alumni groups.

About the National Football Foundation & the College Football Hall of Fame
Founded in 1947 with leadership from General Douglas MacArthur, legendary Army coach Earl "Red" Blaik and immortal journalist Grantland Rice, The National Football Foundation & College Football Hall of Fame, a non-profit educational organization, runs programs designed to use the power of amateur football in developing scholarship, citizenship and athletic achievement in young people. With 121 chapters and 12,000 members nationwide, NFF programs include the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Ind., the NFF Hampshire Honor Society, Play It Smart, the NFF-FWAA Football Forum, the NFF Gridiron Club of New York City, and scholarships of over $1 million for college and high school scholar-athletes. The NFF presents the MacArthur Trophy, the Draddy Trophy, presented by HealthSouth, and releases the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) Standings. Learn more at FootballFoundation. org or CollegeFootball. org.

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Presidential Candidates’ Health Reform Proposals Take Strikingly Different Paths, According to PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute Analysis

2012-01-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Presidential Candidates’ Health Reform Proposals Take Strikingly Different Paths, According to PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute Analysis

The leading Republican and Democratic presidential candidates are proposing two very different approaches to reform the U. S. healthcare system, according to an analysis released today by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute

New York (PRWEB) November 20, 2007

The leading Republican and Democratic presidential candidates are proposing two very different approaches to reform the U. S. healthcare system, according to an analysis (http://www. pwc. com/extweb/pwcpublications. nsf/docid/FE1F5F272DE00D038525739400635686) (http://www. pwc. com/healthreform (http://www. pwc. com/healthreform)]) released today by PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute (http://www. pwc. com/extweb/pwcpublications. nsf/docid/BC26B0AC46AE856F852572C1005E6909) (http://www. pwc. com/hri (http://www. pwc. com/hri)]). Democrats promise broader and more immediate changes to decrease health care costs, improve quality and mandate coverage for the uninsured (http://www. pwc. com/extweb/pwcpublications. nsf/docid/FE1F5F272DE00D038525739400635686). The Republicans have similar goals but less detailed proposals that mostly rely on tax credits or incentives for individuals to purchase insurance without federal mandates.

Both parties’ plans will expand the federal government’s role in health care, drive growth in the private insurance market and affect consumer pocketbooks and business bottom lines in significantly different ways.

PricewaterhouseCoopers' report, entitled ''Beyond the Sound Bite: November 2007 Review of Presidential Candidates’ Proposals for Health Reform (http://www. pwc. com/extweb/pwcpublications. nsf/docid/FE1F5F272DE00D038525739400635686),'' offers an independent, nonpartisan analysis of candidates’ health proposals and how they would impact individuals, employers and the sectors within the health industries. A full copy of the report can be downloaded from http://www. pwc. com/healthreform (http://www. pwc. com/healthreform)].

“Health care will change in the next administration, and the implications will be enormous,” said Sandy Lutz, managing director, PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Health Research Institute. “But this is an incredibly complex issue. No plan is perfect and there will be trade-offs. The Republicans have chosen a different set of trade offs than the Democrats have.”

Changes in policy could dramatically alter the government's clout. The government's share of health spending has been steadily increasing, and it now pays for just less than 50 percent of all health care in the U. S. Current estimates indicate that more than half of all health spending will be government funded by 2017, but it may be even earlier due to expansions of government programs. For example, spending an estimated $100 billion to expand universal access would make 2011 the year when the U. S. will have a primarily government funded health care system.

Other key findings of the report are:
Both parties' approaches may have far reaching consequences for the insurance market with a huge boost to the individual market and some of the first cracks at the historically employer-dominated insurance system. Republicans want to grow the individual market through tax incentives and deemphasize the employer sponsored insurance market, while Democrats want to mandate individual and employer insurance. Either approach is likely to expand the existing private insurance market, which has seen minimal growth recently despite the introduction of tax-advantaged health savings accounts. All of the candidates are talking about decreasing cost and improving quality. Many health industry leaders believe that programs and tools such as comparative effectiveness, information technology and wellness programs are the best hope for improving the efficiency of our current system. However, none of the candidates wants to mandate the use of information technology, and only Senators Obama and Clinton have proposed additional government funding to accelerate adoption by hospitals. Democratic candidates’ proposals to control the cost of drugs, such as direct negotiation for Medicare drugs, drug reimportation (http://www. pwc. com/extweb/pwcpublications. nsf/docid/FE1F5F272DE00D038525739400635686) and bio-generics, have the potential to significantly affect the pharmaceutical industry, which currently accounts for about 10 percent of overall health care spending. All of the candidates have proposed tax law changes to pay for care of the uninsured, equalize the tax benefits of buying health insurance coverage or encourage consumers to purchase health care more appropriate to their needs. The crux of their differences is the candidates’ positions on the Bush tax cuts set to expire in 2010: The Republicans want to extend the tax cuts while the Democrats want to preserve some of them, and spend the rest on health care.

“The Democrats are talking and writing about health care far more than the Republican candidates. But more talk does not necessarily mean more substance. There are still many unanswered questions about the downstream impact of each plan,” added Lutz. “We think all stakeholders of healthcare, and certainly all our clients, need to know how those differences will affect them.”

The report covered candidates who averaged at least 10 percent in national polls for their party’s nomination: Hillary Clinton (D); John Edwards (D); Rudy Giuliani (R); John McCain (R); Barack Obama (D); Mitt Romney (R); and Fred Thompson (R).

About the PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute
PricewaterhouseCoopers Health Research Institute (http://www. pwc. com/hri (http://www. pwc. com/hri)]) provides new intelligence, perspective and analysis on trends affecting all health-related industries, including health care providers, pharmaceuticals, health and life sciences and payers. The Institute is part of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ larger initiative for the health-related industries that brings together expertise and allows collaboration across all sectors in the health continuum.

About PricewaterhouseCoopers
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to build public trust and enhance value for its clients and their stakeholders. More than 146,000 people in 150 countries across our network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice.

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LegalTube. com Announces New Attorney Videos That Help Car Accident Victims Take the Proper Legal Steps After Having Been Involved in an Automobile or Truck Accident

2012-01-03T11:43:00.000-08:00

LegalTube. com Announces New Attorney Videos That Help Car Accident Victims Take the Proper Legal Steps After Having Been Involved in an Automobile or Truck Accident

LegalTube. com expands its attorney expert Q & A for all of today’s complex legal issues, allowing visitors to view legal videos from attorneys in their area that handle cases like theirs, from car accidents to wills and estate planning, on a regular basis.

Birmingham, AL (Vocus) May 3, 2010

A new section on the attorney video web site, LegalTube. com, is designed to provide answers to some of today's common legal issues, such as car accidents. Car accidents are an everyday part of life in every major city today and often times an expensive proposition for serious car accident victims. While the first thoughts are always to major injuries and property damage, many car accidents leave their victims with less severe but long-term injuries with significant medical expenses and loss of income from being unable to work. For these accidents, it is often the events in the first few following days that determine how great a loss the car accident victim will suffer. The information found on LegalTube. com from car accident personal injury attorneys (http://www. legaltube. com/injured-in-a-car-accident-a-personal-injury-attorney-will-fight-for-your-rights. aspx) explains the rights that injured parties have, how to deal with insurance companies and other aspects of car accident injury.

The LegalTube. com attorney videos include topics such as the biggest car accident mistakes people make and six things that can make you a safer driver. Other videos answer the most frequently asked car accident questions, such as when should you call an accident attorney (http://www. legaltube. com/when-should-you-call-an-accident-attorney. aspx), what to do if the accident is your fault and who pays for car rental and medical expenses. These resources give persons having been involved in a car accident the opportunity to hear what some of the most prominent accident attorneys in the country have to say and also meet the car accident attorneys in their city through the online attorney videos.

LegalTube. com contains resources for all aspects of personal injury cases, with a personal injury lawsuit overview and in-depth articles regarding specific types of personal injury accidents and claims, personal injury attorney videos (http://www. legaltube. com/personal-injury-attorney-videos/) and listings of personal injury attorneys by state.

About LegalTube. com
LegalTube. com, the premier attorney video web site, offers information and resources on all areas of the law, including a video directory of attorneys by city, state and areas of practice. With articles and an extensive video legal library explaining all areas of legal practice and breaking news on dangerous drug lawsuits, LegalTube. com can help visitors navigate complex legal issues and find the lawyer right for their situation. LegalTube. com attorney videos (http://www. legaltube. com/) allow users to cross-examine the attorneys before deciding which one to contact.

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Chairman of largest commercial medical malpractice insurer in the state says current tort system of dealing with medical injury is Âfundamentally flawedÂ

2012-01-02T04:15:00.000-08:00

Chairman of largest commercial medical malpractice insurer in the state says current tort system of dealing with medical injury is Âfundamentally flawedÂ

Medical malpractice insurer says current tort system of dealing with medical injury harms doctors, leads to defensive medicine, and is fundamentally flawed.

Waltham, Mass. (PRWEB) November 23, 2003

- Barry M. Manuel, M. D., chairman of the board of ProMutual Group, the stateÂs largest commercial insurer for professional liability for physicians, said that the current tort system of dealing with medical injury is Âfundamentally flawedÂ and is having a Âprofound influence on every aspect of our health care industry.Â

Manuel, who is also Associate Dean and Professor of Surgery at Boston University School of Medicine and a past president of the Massachusetts Medical Society, made his remarks Wednesday evening (Nov. 19) before some 300 physicians as he delivered the Massachusetts Medical SocietyÂs 2003 Oration, an annual event designed to keep physicians informed on significant issues facing the medical profession. This yearÂs Oration, focusing on the issue of medical professional liability, was co-sponsored by the Middlesex District Medical Society and attracted its largest audience in years.

Citing national surveys of physicians and his experience at ProMutual Group, Manuel said the current flawed system of dealing with medical injury forces physicians to practice defensive medicine, compensates fewer than one in 16 patients who are negligently injured, makes individuals who litigate wait five to seven years before receiving compensation, consumes more than 60 percent of premiums paid by doctors for legal fees, and impedes the development of a patient safety system that requires self-reporting of errors. It also leads to higher health care costs, as the estimate of defensive medicine, conservatively according to Manuel, totals some $50 billion nationwide.

Manuel further stated that the system is having enormous impact on physicians, causing them to limit their practices to less risky procedures, abandon specialty practices, move to other states, and retire prematurely. Most important, he said, was the fact that this system is causing access to care problems, as trauma centers are closing; obstetricians are giving up delivering babies; neurosurgical care is increasingly becoming limited; and waiting times for orthopedic and radiological services, such as mammograms, are increasing.

Refuting the notions that the professional liability crisis has been caused by Âbad doctorsÂ and Âbad insurance companies,Â Manuel said Âwe have mechanisms built into the system to weed out bad doctors, and our insurance companies, regulated by state authorities, have invested conservatively and have actually made money in the last several years.Â

He pointed to skyrocketing jury awards as the cause of the crisis. Manuel cited instances where Texas has seen a $268 million verdict, Philadelphia has recorded multiple verdicts in excess of $50 million, four claims in Arkansas totaled $98 million, and $23 million was awarded for one case in Massachusetts. Such jury awards, he said, have a huge impact on insurance settlements, driving them higher and higher.

While Manuel does support the legislative tort reform package of the Massachusetts Medical Society now before the legislature, he said Âour fault-based tort system will never provide satisfactory long-term solutions to our professional liability system no matter how we try to reform it.Â

Manuel suggested that one option to consider is medical injury insurance, an insurance-based system funded by those who receive the benefits and one that can compensate more patients. Such a system, he said, Âwould be fair, timely, efficient, reduce the cost of defensive medicine, remove the physician from the ever-present fear of being sued, and promote a patient safety system that would include self-reporting of errors.Â

The crisis in medical malpractice insurance has become one of the most significant issues now facing doctors nationwide. Both the American Medical Association and the Massachusetts Medical Society have designated liability reform as their number one legislative priority. The comprehensive tort reform package now before state lawmakers was filed last December.

The Massachusetts Medical Society, with more than 18,000 physicians and student members, is dedicated to educating and advocating for the physicians and patients of Massachusetts. Founded in 1781, the MMS is the oldest continuously operating medical society in the country. The Society owns and publishes The New England Journal of Medicine, the Journal Watch family of professional newsletters, AIDS Clinical Care, and produces HealthNews, a consumer health publication. For more information, visit www. massmed. org.

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Hit Baseball Tour Offers 2006 Sponsorships to Family-Focused Brands

2012-01-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

Hit Baseball Tour Offers 2006 Sponsorships to Family-Focused Brands

ESI's Principal Family Fun Fest Announces Plans for Growth in 2006

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 16, 2005

The Principal Family Fun Fest is the world largest touring baseball fan festival. Entertainment & Sports International first produced the event in 2004, visiting 53 minor league baseball clubs and attracting over a quarter of a million people.

The tourÂs title sponsor is the Principal Financial Group who in 2004 attributed over $4 million in new business sales to the event. Other sponsors include Microsoft Xbox, Topps Trading Cards, Fox All Access radio, Turner South and retail giant Best Buy.

Minor league clubs welcome the event which is provided free to the team in return for promotional support. It provides added value to the fans and enhances their game experience. In addition the team is able to generate incremental revenue from tour related activities and promotions. In 2005 the tour will visit 56 teams for a total of 61 event days and is proving to have a positive effect on attendance in many markets.

ESI is now making plans for an even bigger and better production for 2006. ÂWe strive to make the event different each year as over 50% of our stops are repeats from the previous year,Â said ESI co-president Joe Owens, Âwe have a lot of surprises in store for 2006 and are looking for family oriented brands to join the tourÂ.

Sponsors receive a wide variety or benefits from the traditional signage, tickets and hospitality, to creative activation concepts specifically designed for the brand by ESI. A unique aspect of the ESI sponsorships is that they include on-site activation.

ÂWe donÂt feel itÂs appropriate to charge a brand for the right to associate with the event and then to charge them again to leverage the association with consumersÂ, said Owens.

2005 has seen another innovation for the tour which allows The Principal to bring itÂs sponsorship into the stadium from the parking lot. ESI created the Principal 401-K Challenge, a competition among teams to be the first to reach the 401 ÂKÂ or strikeout mark at home during the season. Baseball America Magazine is maintaining statistics for the competition and fans can vote for their favorite at www. prinicpal. com/funfest (http://www. prinicpal. com/funfest) and qualify for a $5,000 grand prize. Sponsor Best Buy is also executing in-stadium promos in selected markets with hundreds of gift cards as well as a Microsoft Xbox system and game being offered as prizes.

ESI is in the process of contacting companies with several sponsorship packages designed to fit every brand budget. The 2005 tour is on target to reach over 350,000 people at events and millions more through media and promotions and ESI anticipates that 2006 will be an even bigger year for the tour. ÂOur goal is to create awareness and sales opportunities for our sponsors by providing an event that supports an important element of the community, the local minor league ball clubÂ, said Owens. ÂOur event is unique in that it truly a local marketing opportunity that is national in scopeÂ.

ESI hopes to have its lineup of sponsors and teams for 2006 ready for announcement at the Winter Baseball Meetings in December. The 2006 Principal Family Fun Fest will launch in April and continue through the end of the season in September.

The Principal Financial Group (The Principal Â®) is a leader in offering businesses, individuals and institutional clients a wide range of financial products and services, including retirement and investment services, life and health insurance and banking through its diverse family of financial services companies. A member of the Fortune 500, the Principal Financial Group has $168.7 billion in assets under management and serves some 14.9 million customers worldwide from offices in Asia, Australia, Europe, Latin America and the United States. Principal Financial Group, Inc. is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol PFG. For more information, visit www. principal. com.

Entertainment & Sports International (ESI) is a partnership of two experienced sports and entertainment executives who have worked with some of the best known entertainment brands of the past two decades. From offices in New York and West Palm Beach, Fla., the company creates and produces distinctive and proprietary sports and entertainment properties and events. www. esimarketing. com

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Annual Memorial Day Celebrations: Remember Our NationÂs Veterans; Legendary Actor Art Linkletter to Keynote at Hollywood Hills

2011-12-30T05:20:00.000-08:00

Annual Memorial Day Celebrations: Remember Our NationÂs Veterans; Legendary Actor Art Linkletter to Keynote at Hollywood Hills

Thousands expected to attend ceremonies at Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries in Hollywood Hills, Covina Hills, Cypress, and Long Beach to remember, honor, and pay their respects to AmericaÂs living and deceased heroes.

(PRWEB) May 16, 2003

GLENDALE, Calif., May 19, 2003 Â Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries will once again host Memorial Day Ceremonies at its parks in Hollywood Hills, Covina Hills, Cypress, and Long Beach on May 26, 2003 beginning at 11:00 a. m. Ceremonies at each park are designed around the theme, ÂRemember Our NationÂs VeteransÂ and will feature patriotic music, color guards, special guest speakers, and activities. All events are open to the public at no charge.

ÂFor nearly 40 years, our parks have provided the ideal gathering place for our communities to celebrate and remember the men, women and children in their lives who have made a difference Â living or deceased,Â said John Warren, senior vice president, marketing for Forest Lawn. ÂNot only do we welcome the participation of our community as attendees, but we are pleased to include representatives from a variety of organizations and schools in our programs.Â

Ceremonies at every park will include city and presidential proclamations, wreath laying ceremonies, bagpipes, buglers, a rifle salute, and color guards. Attendees will be greeted and assisted by Forest Lawn staff as well as volunteer Boy and Girl Scouts representing Troops and Councils throughout Los Angeles and Orange counties.

In addition to consistent program elements, each park will feature ceremonies and participants representing their local community:

Â Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Â Legendary actor Art Linkletter will provide the keynote address with representatives of the United States Marines and the United States Army as well as the Hollywood High School Marching Band and the Union Avenue Drum and Bugle Corps leading prayer, ceremonies, and patriotic music. A special wreath honoring those who served will be placed by Sgt. Thomas D. Wood, Distinguished Service Cross United States Army, Legion of Valor. Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills is located at 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles.

Â Forest Lawn-Covina Hills Â A special musical tribute designed to remember veterans is planned for Covina Hills featuring pieces performed by the Pueri Cantores from the San Gabriel Valley and the Claremont Symphonic Winds. Presentations and ceremonies will be conducted by representatives of the Lutheran High School Navy JROTC, the California Army National Guard, 40th DISCOM, and the Blue Eagles Total Force Honor Guards from Edwards Air Force Base. A wreath in memory of those who served will be placed by Gunnery Sgt. Leon R. Burns, United States Marine Corp. (Ret.), Legion of Valor. Forest Lawn Covina Hills is located at 21300 Via Verde Drive in Covina.

Â Forest Lawn-Cypress Â Lt. Walter D. Ehlers, recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor for service in World War II will provide the keynote address. Throughout the ceremony, representatives of every branch of the United States Armed Forces will join to commemorate the men and women who served in military operations including Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Afghanistan, Vietnam, the Korean War, World War I, World War II, the Spanish-American War and others. A special Advancing of the Colors will include representatives from VeteranÂs groups, the American Legion, and other military organizations. A musical tribute will be provided by the Western High School Band. Forest Lawn-Cypress is located at 4471 Lincoln Avenue in Cypress.

Â Forest Lawn-Long Beach Â The ceremony will begin with a Memorial March including representatives of Veterans Groups, the American Legion, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and active branches of the United States Armed Forces. Lt. Col. Thomas Reeves, a member of the California Air National Guard and current Long Beach City Prosecutor will deliver the keynote address. Throughout the event, musical tributes and medleys will be performed by the Sharp Sounds Big Band. The placement of memorial wreaths will honor those who served in World War I, World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Somalia/Bosnia, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Forest Lawn-Long Beach is located at 1500 E. San Antonio in Long Beach.

All attendees will be provided with patriotic items including flags and sun visors. Water will be provided by Forest Lawn. For more information on these events contact 1-800-204-3131 or www. forestlawn. com.

About Forest Lawn

Forest Lawn Memorial-Parks and Mortuaries have been serving the greater Los Angeles area for nearly 100 years through its five parks in Long Beach, Cypress, Hollywood Hills, Covina Hills, and Glendale where the company is headquartered. In addition to the Memorial-Parks, Forest Lawn offers a wide range of products and services including funeral planning, funeral insurance, and mortuary services. Known for its pristine and serene environments sprinkled with architectural masterpieces Â both original works and reproductions Â the Memorial-Parks offer solace, respite and peace to visitors. A dedicated member of the community, Forest Lawn regularly creates and hosts a diverse schedule of special events and community services including educational programs, art exhibits, childrenÂs workshops, holiday celebrations, and grief counseling. For more information call: 1-800-204-3131, or log-on to: www. forestlawn. com.

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Rising Oil Prices Propel The Gold Bull Market to Historical Highs, According to Lear Financial Inc

2011-12-30T04:03:00.000-08:00

Rising Oil Prices Propel The Gold Bull Market to Historical Highs, According to Lear Financial Inc.

Financial experts agree that high oil prices will continue to propel the gold bull market to record-high levels, positioning gold coins as a secure and lucrative investment despite a weak U. S. equities market.

Santa Monica, CA (PRWEB) May 23, 2006

By triggering inflation and consecutive interest rate hikes, record-high oil prices have created ideal economic conditions for the gold bull market, boosting gold to its highest price in 25 years at $700 per ounce. Because oil prices and the resulting economic consequences are not likely to diminish in the near future, gold prices are poised to skyrocket, making the purchase of gold coins a secure and profitable investment in a time of economic uncertainty, according to Lear Financial Inc., a precious metals asset management firm.

Over the past year, oil prices have increased a staggering 38 percent, which has significantly hindered meaningful economic growth by cutting spending power and prompting rising inflation. In an effort to curb inflation and offset the detrimental effects of high oil prices, the federal government has consistently raised federal interest rates for the past two years, with consumers experiencing the 16th consecutive interest rate hike in May. Recently, the federal government publicly warned the American people that oil prices will undoubtedly persist in their upward trend for several months yet. In order to counterbalance rising oil prices and hedge run-away inflation, financial experts agree that the federal government will have to continue to raise interest rates. Despite the rising interest rates, escalating inflation, and a weakening dollar, gold coins such as the American Eagle gold coin (http://www. goldcentral. com/buygoldatcost/) are emerging as a safe and promising investment.

The Gold Bull Market – A Historical Perspective

The gold market is inversely correlated to the equities market, gaining the most strength when inflation is high and the dollar is weak. The last gold bull market spanned 15 years, peaking at a historical high of $800 an ounce in 1980 immediately before interest rates began to drop after more than a decade of crippling oil prices, a costly war and rampant inflation. Forward-thinking investors who purchased gold before the economic downturn of the late 1960s and 1970s, while interest rates were still low, enjoyed a remarkable 2,400 percent profit on their investment.

A Promising Investment

With no relief from oil prices in sight, financial analysts anticipate that gold prices will not only reach their 1980 peak, they will surpass it. Peter Schiff, chief executive of Euro Pacific Capital, a brokerage firm in Newport Beach, California, predicts that gold prices could go as high as $2,000 an ounce, depending on how long bullish factors such as oil prices and interest rates continue to put pressure on the economy and the dollar. Intelligent investors who recognize this inevitable market trend and purchase gold now, well before its forecasted peak, stand to realize similar profits as with the last gold bull market of the 1970s.

GoldCentral. com, a division of Lear Financial, Inc., one of the most highly endorsed gold companies in the industry, is committed to helping smart investors capitalize on the gold bull market. Featuring real-time quotes and pricing, online account valuation, and instant trading with the click of the mouse, GoldCentral. com allows gold investors to securely order and sell gold coins without the hindrance of physical possession, saving them the inconvenience of shipping, handling, and insurance. In addition, GoldCentral. com aims to educate gold investors and keep them well informed on the latest trends affecting the gold market by providing email alerts, newsletters, market commentary, and a live staff that is available to answer any questions an investor may have.

About GoldCentral. com

GoldCentral. com, a division of the internationally renowned precious metals asset firm Lear Financial, Inc., is dedicated to providing Web investors with all the pertinent information and tools they need to securely purchase, sell and trade gold online. GoldCentral. com offers a diverse suite of intelligent investment resources – including real-time pricing, regular email alerts, newsletters, and a live staff available to answer real-world questions – that not only enable investors to stay current on the latest developments in the gold market, but also give investors the flexibility to move gold as expeditiously as conventional paper investments.

Contact

Kevin Demeritt

President

310-656-3272

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87% of Home Buyers Plan to Use an FHA Loan, Mostly for Down-Payment Reasons

2011-12-29T17:28:00.000-08:00

87% of Home Buyers Plan to Use an FHA Loan, Mostly for Down-Payment Reasons

A new survey conducted by the Home Buying Institute revealed that most home buyers plan to use an FHA home loan to finance their purchase. Eighty-seven percent of respondents were in favor of the FHA option.

Round Rock, Texas (PRWEB) June 4, 2010

In May of 2010, the Home Buying Institute conducted an online survey to measure the popularity of FHA loans among home buyers. These are mortgages that are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a government agency that is part of HUD.

The vast majority of respondents (87%) said they were planning to use an FHA loan to purchase a house. Of that majority, most cited the lower down-payment requirement as the reason for their choice.

The survey was presented to more than 12,000 home buyers. About two-thirds of the respondents were first-time buyers, and the rest were repeat buyers. This survey was conducted online, on the Home Buying Institute website, running from May 1 - May 31, 2010.

Breakdown of Survey Results

The first question in the survey was: "Do you plan to use an FHA loan when buying a home?" Eighty-seven percent of respondents said yes, they were planning to use an FHA home loan.

Those who answered yes were asked about their primary reason for using an FHA loan. Here are the results of that follow-up question:

-- 53.8% said they were using an FHA loan for the smaller down payment. (1)
-- 19.2% said they thought the overall qualification process would be easier.
-- 13.5% said they had trouble qualifying for a conventional mortgage loan.
-- 7.7% said they had bad credit.
-- 5.8% felt that their income was too low to qualify for a regular loan.

(1) Borrowers who use FHA loans can put as little as 3.5% down, whereas conventional loans usually require a larger down payment. This is by far the biggest lure for home buyers, especially those who are buying their first place.

You can view survey details, graphics and commentary on this page:
Http://www. homebuyinginstitute. com/news/fha-survey/ (http://www. homebuyinginstitute. com/news/fha-survey/)

FHA home loans have always been popular with home buyers, especially those with low income or less-than-perfect credit. But when the credit markets began tightening (after the subprime mortgage crisis of 2008), the popularity of FHA loans skyrocketed.

This survey suggests further growth in the FHA's market share, which has already grown considerably in recent years. In the first quarter of 2010, almost half of all home buyers used an FHA loan to purchase a home. Brandon Cornett, publisher of the Home Buying Institute, expects that number to rise:

"Every month, we receive about 250 questions from home buyers via email. The number of FHA-related questions has risen steadily since the beginning of this year [2010]. That's what prompted us to launch this survey. The down-payment motivation is not surprising to me. A lot of people lost their savings during the recession, so they're not in a position to plop down ten to twenty percent on a down payment. The FHA gives them a side-door to homeownership."

In response to this survey, the Home Buying Institute has created a fact sheet on FHA home loans. This document explains the pros and cons of these loans, eligibility requirements, and the application process. You can download the fact sheet for free, in Acrobat PDF format, by visiting:
Http://www. homebuyinginstitute. com/news/fha-survey/ (http://www. homebuyinginstitute. com/news/fha-survey/)

About the FHA Program

FHA mortgage insurance provides lenders with protection against losses as the result of homeowners defaulting on their mortgage loans. The lenders bear less risk because FHA will pay a claim to the lender in the event of a homeowner's default. Loans must meet certain requirements established by FHA to qualify for insurance. Source: HUD. gov

About the Home Buying Institute

The Home Buying Institute was created in 2006 as an educational resource for home buyers. Since then, it has grown into one of the largest home-buying websites in the United States. The site is privately funded to ensure editorial neutrality. It offers thousands of articles related to mortgage loans and home buying, as well as a news blog that covers the housing market.

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Best Microsites and Landing Pages of 2008 to Be Named by Web Marketing Association

2011-12-28T21:49:00.000-08:00

Best Microsites and Landing Pages of 2008 to Be Named by Web Marketing Association

The Best Microsites and landing pages in 86 industries will be judged as part of the 2008 Internet Advertising Competition awards. Companies or agencies wishing to nominate their work for consideration may do so at IACAward. org before the deadline of January 31, 2008.

Simsbury, CT (PRWEB) November 26, 2007

The Web Marketing Association judges will select the best online newsletters of 2008 in 86 industries as part of their sixth annual Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) Awards (http://www. iacaward. org? gad=CNvQkJkDEgjMICey2iA0NRi6nML_AyCb88Qv). The IAC Awards are the first and only industry-based advertising award competition dedicated exclusively to online advertising. Companies or agencies wishing to nominate their work for consideration may do so at IACAward. org (http://www. iacaward. org? gad=CNvQkJkDEgjMICey2iA0NRi6nML_AyCb88Qv) before the deadline of January 31, 2008.

"Micro sites and landing pages are a critical marketing tool for any company trying to effectively advertise on the Internet," said William Rice, president of the Web Marketing Association. "Banner ads and online newsletters are effective driving traffic, but it is the landing pages that convert the visitor into a customer. Each micro site and landing will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium as an advertisement. The IAC Awards provides an opportunity to find out who is doing an outstanding job creating microsites and landing pages. It's also a great marketing opportunity for the winners to promote to senior management, customers and prospects".

The 2008 Internet Advertising Competition Awards will accept entries from 86 industries, including airline, biotech, B2B, consumer goods, education, health care, financial services, professional services, technology and travel just to name a few. Entries judged to be outstanding will receive an IAC Award. The entry receiving the highest score in each industry will be recognized as the best online newsletter for that industry.

"We believe that winning an industry specific award is more valuable to the participant. It allows the participants to be judges against their peers, just like in the marketplace," said Rice.

The 2007 Best of Show winner for Micorsite/Landing Page was Wunderman Team Detroit for My Dream. The newsletter was also recognized as the Best Automobile Microsite/landing page. Other Top Online Newsletters for 2007 included:

Avenue A | Razorfish Holiday Card Best Advertising Microsite/landing page submitted by Avenue A | Razorfish - Philadelphia

ESP Online Microsite Best Associations Microsite/landing page submitted by Advertising Specialty Institute

Microsoft Small Business Accounting Website Best B2B Microsite/landing page submitted by CRN International, Inc. & Microsoft SBA Website

Bank of America Business 24/7 Best Bank Microsite/landing page submitted by Organic, Inc.

Icehouse. com Best Beverage Microsite/landing page submitted by ad2, Inc.

TITAN Best Computer: Hardware Microsite/landing page submitted by ARC Worldwide Singapore

Dell CES Best Computer: Retailer Microsite/landing page submitted by Critical Mass

Adobe Creative Mind Site Best Computer: Software Microsite/landing page submitted by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Discover the Freedom of Precast Best Construction Microsite/landing page submitted by Arends Inc.

The Awareness Garden Best Consumer Goods Microsite/landing page submitted by 15 letters inc.

Adobe Creative Mind Site Best Design Microsite/landing page submitted by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Proposal Microsite Best Directory or Search Engine Microsite/landing page submitted by Berry Network, Inc.

Gentex Corporation Best Diversified Business Microsite/landing page submitted by Imirage, Inc.

College of William & Mary Sexual Assault Website Best Education Microsite/landing page submitted by Alexander & Tom, Inc.

Global Technical Careers microsite Best Employment Microsite/landing page submitted by Shell International Ltd, Attraction & Recruitment

Picturehouse: Pan's Labyrinth - Journals of Imagination Best Entertainment Microsite/landing page submitted by Deep Focus Entertainment Marketing & Promotions

Lakewood MySpace Site Best Faith-based Microsite/landing page submitted by Idea Integration

Easy Ups-I'm Just Like You Best Family Microsite/landing page submitted by Critical Mass Inc.

TIAA-CREF www. FindTheTimeCapsule. com Best Financial Services Microsite/landing page submitted by TMX Communications

Chiquita Banana Plantation Best Food Industry Microsite/landing page submitted by Chiquita & These Days

The Good Side Best Game Site Microsite/landing page submitted by RDA International and Nivea For Men

Soloflex microsite Best General Interest Microsite/landing page submitted by Overland Agency

Banner Health Alzheimer's Institute Best Health Care Microsite/landing page submitted by Banner Health IDD and Alzheimer's Institute

MGM Grand Hotel and Casino Website Best Hotel and Lodging Microsite/landing page submitted by MGM Grand Hotel and Casino - Internet Marketing

Nationwide Insurance - Times Square Best Insurance Microsite/landing page submitted by TM Interactive

Www. TheAgencyOfTheYear. com (2006) Best Interactive Services Microsite/landing page submitted by TMX Communications

T-Online Palm Reader Best Internet Service Provider Microsite/landing page submitted by Robert & Horst Marketing GmbH

MedeFile Best Investor Relations Microsite/landing page submitted by Creative Direct Marketing Group

Ater Wynne company site Best Legal Microsite/landing page submitted by Overland Agency

The Air Guitar King Best Magazine Microsite/landing page submitted by Nitro FX Ltd

AlphaTEC Gloves Microsite Best Manufacturing Microsite/landing page submitted by MST Marketing Group

Sueddeutsche. de / WM-Fanblock Best Media Microsite/landing page submitted by Robert & Horst Marketing GmbH

Siemens www. ChangeTheStatistic. com Best Medical Microsite/landing page submitted by TMX Communications

Blockbuster Happy Feet Promotion Best Movie Microsite/landing page submitted by Creative Digital Group

PIMCO Housing Project Best Mutual Fund Microsite/landing page submitted by Allianz Global Investors

Feed the Pig PSA Campaign Microsite Best Non-Profit Microsite/landing page submitted by American Institute of CPAs

Method Home: People Against Dirty Best Online Community Microsite/landing page submitted by Kadium

The Home Depot Home Services Best Other Microsite/landing page submitted by The Home Depot Home Servides / Creative Digital Group

Prilosec OTC Country Best Pharmaceuticals Microsite/landing page submitted by imc2

Sony CES News and Information Site Best Public Relations Microsite/landing page submitted by BGT Partners & Sony Electronics, Inc.

Westin Snowmass Residences Microsite Best Real Estate Microsite/landing page submitted by texturemedia

Garden Fresh Restaurant - Cherry Promotion Best Restaurant Microsite/landing page submitted by Red Door Interactive

WalMart - School Your Way featuring Kim Possible Best Retail Microsite/landing page submitted by Disney Online Ad Sales

Montgomery Bell Academy Best School Microsite/landing page submitted by WhippleHill Communications

SALOMON FREESTYLE BOX Best Sports Microsite/landing page submitted by Salomon - Megalo(s)

Digital Lifestyle Center (DLC) Best Telecommunication Microsite/landing page submitted by Avenue A/Razorfish and AT&T

Jealous Penguin Best Travel Microsite/landing page submitted by DDB Chicago / Domani Studios

DeSales University Best University Microsite/landing page submitted by Imirage, Inc.

The 2008 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are open to all organizations and individuals (advertising and interactive agencies, corporate marketing departments, etc.) involved in the process of developing Internet advertising. Entries may be submitted online at http://www. iacaward. org (http://www. iacaward. org). The deadline for entry is January 31, 2008 and will be judged on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium.

In addition to microsites and landing pages, Awards will be presented within each of the industry categories and advertising formats such as:
Online ad (including banner, pop-up or interstitial) Online ad campaign Rich media online ad Rich Media ad campaign Email message Online newsletter campaign Microsite/Landing page Integrated ad campaign Ads the client did not choose

Industries represented in the 2008 IAC Awards (http://www. iacaward. org? gad=CNvQkJkDEgjMICey2iA0NRi6nML_AyCb88Qv) are the following:advertising, advocacy, airline, application service provider, arts, associations, auction, automobile, b2b, bank, beverage, biotechnology, broadcasting, brokerage, catalog, computer hardware, computer retailer, computer software, construction, consulting, consumer goods, credit union, design, directory or search engine, diversified business, education, email, employment, energy, entertainment, events, e-zine, faith-based, family, financial services, food industry, game site, general interest, government, health care, home building, hotel and lodging, information services, institutional services, insurance, interactive services, international business, internet service provider, intranet, investor relations, investment, legal, leisure, magazine, marketing, manufacturing, media, medical, military, movie, music, mutual fund, news, newspaper, non-profit, online community, other, pharmaceuticals, portal, professional services, public relations, publishing, radio, real estate, regional, restaurant, retail, school, shopping, small business, sports, telecommunication, toy & hobby, transportation, travel and university.

Best of show award for each format will be selected from among the industry winners. Ads eligible for entry in the competition must have run during the period from January 1, 2007 through January 31, 2008 (except for the Ads the client did not choose format which do not have to have run.)

Judging for the IAC Awards will take place in February, 2008, and winners will be notified by e-mail one week prior to the general announcement of winners in March, 2008. Judges will consist of a select group of Internet advertising professionals with an in-depth understanding of the current state-of-the-art in Web advertising. Past competition judges have included top executives from leading corporations, institutions and media organizations such as Ogilvy Interactive, Blattner Brunner, Comedy Central, Sun Microsystems, National Cable & Telecom Association, Refinery, Euro RSCG, EPB Interactive, New York Post Interactive, The Cincinnati Enquirer, J. Walter Thompson, Xerox, Art Institute of Pittsburgh, Modem Media, and Answerthink.

The 2008 Internet Advertising Competition Awards are sponsored by the following leading organizations: BGT Partners, Burst Media, PRWeb, Misukanis & Odden, SimpleFeed, ExactTarget, ad:tech conferences, NewsUSA, eComXpo, MediaPost's OMMA conference, TopRank Online Marketing, Creative Chocolate Printing Company, Search Engine Strategies, Webmaster Radio, Rovion, AllBusiness. com and eMarketer. The Web Marketing Association thanks all of its sponsors for helping to make this annual competition possible.

About the Web Marketing Association

The Web Marketing Association (http://www. webmarketingassociation. org) is an organization working to create a high standard of excellence for Web site development and marketing on the Internet. Staffed by volunteers, it is made up of Internet marketing, advertising, PR and design professionals who share an interest in improving the quality of advertising, marketing and promotion used to attract visitors to Web sites. Since 1997, the Web Marketing Association's annual WebAward Competition (http://www. webaward. org) has been helping interactive professionals promote themselves, their companies, and their best work to the outside world. Now in its 11th year, the WebAward Competition has become the premier industry-based site recognition program for online advertisers, Web developers and marketers worldwide.

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Virtual Assistance Company Focuses on Tech Industry Support Services

2011-10-05T08:04:00.000-07:00

Virtual Assistance Company Focuses on Tech Industry Support Services

ProVirtual Solutions (PVS), a virtual assistance company, opens its doors to provide skilled administrative support services to technology companies and workgroups nationwide. In addition, PVS is also one of the first virtual assistance firms to offer domain name registry services and full-featured web hosting plans to its clients.

(PRWEB) June 22, 2002

Montgomery County PA - ProVirtual Solutions (PVS), a Pennsylvania virtual assistance company, opens its doors to provide skilled administrative support services to technology companies and workgroups nationwide. In addition to the ÂtraditionalÂ services offered by these types of companies, PVS is also one of the first virtual assistance firms to offer domain name registry services and full-featured web hosting plans to its clients.

ÂDue to the unpredictability in the technology sector as well as the economy as a whole, I saw a need for flexible and convenient support solutions that met the unique, yet frequently changing needs of technology companies,Â says Mary Motz, founder of PVS. She also believes that technology companies require their administrative assistants be Âearly-adaptersÂ, able to understand and adapt to their ever-changing world. ProVirtual Solutions fits the bill.

A member of the International Virtual Assistants Association (IVAA. org), Ms. Motz often finds herself explaining what a "virtual assistant" is. Although a relatively new industry, it is growing rapidly. A Virtual Assistant accomplishes many everyday (and not so everyday) tasks virtually - via the Internet, e-mail, phone & fax. Companies delegate routine tasks such as travel planning, mail merges, e-mail marketing and database maintenance to a skilled professional who gets the job done effectively and quickly.

"Hiring 'virtually' saves clients money and time", says Mary Motz, founder of ProVirtual Solutions. "By hiring a virtual assistant, a company doesn't need to worry about all the high-cost elements of having an employee, such as equipment, office space, training...not to mention insurance and liability exposure." Ms. Motz also highlights the fact that a virtual assistant invoices only for "time on task". This in itself can be an enormous cost-saver for a small business or startup.

ProVirtual Solutions offers a wide variety of services, including administrative solutions such as scheduling and travel arrangements to more advanced services such as database management and web design.

"As more people learn about virtual assistants, they realize what a great solution it can be - especially to a tech company or startup." states Ms. Motz. For more information about ProVirtual Solutions, visit www. provirtualsolutions. com or call 215-234-0913.

Global Market for Immunoassay Systems to Reach US$8.85 billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts

2011-10-04T10:58:00.000-07:00

Global Market for Immunoassay Systems to Reach US$8.85 billion by 2015, According to New Report by Global Industry Analysts

GIA announces the release of a comprehensive global report on Immunoassay Systems market. The global market for Immunoassay Systems is projected to register US$8.85 billion in annual revenue by 2015. Fast expanding end-use applications of immunoassay tests, technology innovations and growing volumes of diagnostic tests conducted triggered by the aging world population, are all factors expected to drive growth in the marketplace in the short to medium term period. Growing demand from developing markets, especially Asia-Pacific also augurs well for the market.

San Jose, California (Vocus) August 15, 2010

In-Vitro Diagnostics (IVD), which involves detection of diseases, conditions, or infections from fluid or tissue samples from human body, has evolved into one of the fastest growing diagnostics markets in the world. Today, immunoassays are essential to the practice of health care worldwide and not surprisingly represent the second largest segment of the in-vitro diagnostics market. These tests have been contributing significantly to the clinical laboratory work since 1960s, and driving the total IVD market over the last few decades. Future growth prospects for immunoassays remain optimistic, thanks to the steady expansion in potential applications in clinical diagnostics, incremental technological improvements i. e. greater accuracy, sensitivity, result turnaround times and portability, user friendliness, and rising demand for quality healthcare services from an expanding base of aging population. Additionally, the rise in the prevalence and diagnosis of hypertension and high blood pressure fuels demand for preventative care thus benefiting immunoassay based blood pressure monitoring and measurement tests.

Expanding use of immunoassay tests in point-of-care in vitro diagnostics, cancer, tissue typing, infectious disease testing, hormones, therapeutic drug level monitoring, and in personalized/preventive healthcare, is generating considerable growth opportunities for the immunoassay systems market across the globe. Development of proteomics, as an extension of genomics is also expected to contribute to the growth in demand for immunoassay systems in clinical applications. With immunoassays now being increasingly utilized for monitoring pesticide and drug residues in foods, plant disease diagnostics, and environmental substances, the usage of immunoassay systems in environmental and food sectors is also on the rise, which augurs well for the market.

Another factor expected to drive gains for immunoassay systems market is the ongoing technology innovations. New technologies for immunoassays are addressing key unmet needs in accuracy, cost, sensitivity and diagnostic speed. Development of reagents with longer shelf live, fast reaction time with higher sensitivity, automated analyzers and use of radioisotopes in place of enzymatic and safer fluorescent labels, among other developments have enabled the use of immunoassays in many fields including the critical and emergency care applications. Key unmet market needs have also encouraged companies to develop novel assays, and differentiate themselves from others in order to stay ahead of the competition in the market. Introduction of novel assays has provided a great boost to the immunoassay diagnostics market, particularly in mature markets such as the US and Europe. Encouraged by this, industry players are expected to continue to invest aggressively in R&D and innovation of new systems and technology, which will boost market prospects further in the years to come.

As stated by the new market research report on Immunoassay Systems, the US is the largest regional market for immunoassay systems with an estimated share of about 42.67% in the global market, by value as of 2010. Developed markets such as the US and Europe have been the traditional revenue contributors to the global immunoassay systems market, thanks to the stringent disease control standards, focus on proactive testing, increasing insurance coverage, and an already well-established diagnostic infrastructure in these regions. Despite the predominance of developed countries, developing markets such as Asia-Pacific and Latin America project robust growth outlook for immunoassay systems market. Asia-Pacific especially is the fastest growing regional market, projecting a CAGR of about 5.26% over the analysis period 2007-2015. Rising spending power in countries such as China and India, and the subsequent increase in demand for advanced healthcare services, significant increase in the number clinical testing laboratories, and the number of analytes being tested are the major growth drivers for immunoassay systems in this region.

By product segment, the Enzyme Immunoassay Systems market continues to remain the largest and the fastest growing product segment in the global immunoassay systems market, by value. Estimated at about US$3.63 billion in 2009, the enzyme immunoassay systems market is projected to wax at a CAGR of about 4.79% over the analysis period 2007-2015. Fluorescence Immunoassay Systems market is another prominent segment projected to register significant gains in the total immunoassay systems market over the analysis period.

Players in the market include Abbott Laboratories, Beckman Coulter Inc., bioMérieux, Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, Fujirebio Inc., Tosoh Corporation, and Immunodiagnostic Systems Ltd.

The report titled “Immunoassay Systems: A Global Strategic Business Report” announced by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., provides a comprehensive review of current market trends, key growth drivers, and a conceptual overview of immunoassay systems. The report also enumerates recent product introductions/innovations and strategic corporate initiatives in addition to providing profiles of key market participants. The report provides market estimates and projections for Immunoassay Systems for years 2007 through 2015, in terms of annual revenue in US$ Million for the following segments - Enzyme Immunoassay Systems, Fluorescence Immunoassay Systems, Chemiluminescence Immunoassay Systems, Radio Immunoassay Systems, and Nephelometric Immunoassay Systems by geographic regions – US, Canada, Japan, Europe (France, Germany, Italy, UK and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific and Latin America.

For more details about this comprehensive market research report, please visit –
Http://www. strategyr. com/Immunoassay_Systems_Market_Report. asp

About Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Global Industry Analysts, Inc., (GIA) is a reputed publisher of off-the-shelf market research. Founded in 1987, the company is globally recognized as one of the world’s largest market research publishers. The company employs over 800 people worldwide and publishes more than 1200 full-scale research reports each year. Additionally, the company also offers thousands of smaller research products including company reports, market trend reports, and industry reports encompassing all major industries worldwide.

Global Industry Analysts, Inc.
Telephone 408-528-9966
Fax 408-528-9977
Email press(at)StrategyR(dot)com
Web Site http://www. StrategyR. com/

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Disparate Cycling Safety Rules Populate State Law Books; California Personal Injury Lawyers Call for More Protection for All Cyclists

2011-10-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

Disparate Cycling Safety Rules Populate State Law Books; California Personal Injury Lawyers Call for More Protection for All Cyclists

GJEL Accident Attorneys is calling for states to update cycling safety laws. The personal injury firm has developed a U. S. map of states' cycling and motorcycling safety laws including which states have laws pertaining to cycling under the influence.

Orinda, CA (Vocus) October 14, 2010

While nearly every state in the Union requires at least some form of helmet use for motorcyclists, that number is far lower when it comes to bicyclists, according to the Insurance Institute of America. Twenty-one states require the use of helmets while riding a motorcycle, and an additional 27 states require some riders to wear helmets. Conversely, only 21 states plus the District of Columbia have laws regarding bicycle helmet usage.

Gillin Jacobson Ellis & Larsen (GJEL Accident Attorneys), a San Francisco Bay area firm representing plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases, is calling for more protection for all cyclists on the nation’s roadways. Managing Partner Andy Gillin suggests states revisit antiquated bicycling laws and update laws that have not kept pace with higher numbers of cyclists on the nation’s roadways.

GJEL Accident Attorneys has developed a map of the U. S. detailing state cycling laws, motorcycle helmet laws and cycling under the influence. It’s available for download at the firm's web site.

Every state requires motorcyclists to be sober while operating their vehicle; fewer than half of the states enforce cycling-under-the-influence laws. Iowa is the only state in the Union with no bicycle helmet law, no motorcycle helmet law or any law pertaining to cycling under the influence.

“All state governments need to refresh cycling safety rules and implement a cycling-under-the-influence law,” said Gillin. “California, for example, requires motorcycle helmets for all riders; bicycle helmets for riders 17-years-old and younger; and, includes a cycling under the influence law. Although California has some laws on the books, it should consider helmets for all bi-pedal vehicles.”

In August 2010 Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa called for a state-wide bicycling helmet law for all ages after he shattered his elbow during a bicycling accident while wearing a helmet. In addition to this helmet law, which would replace the current 17-year-olds and younger requirement with an “all-riders-wear-helmets” law, safety proponents have suggested the mayor also implement a “three-foot passing law.”

Helmet Safety Law Statistics:
In 2007, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 698 pedal cyclists were killed and 44,000 injured in traffic crashes. Of 714 bike deaths in 2008, 653 (91%) were not wearing helmets, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. The number of head injuries for cyclists is much higher than any other sport, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute. Nearly 11,000 people are hospitalized each year for head injuries following bike accidents. Helmets have been proven to reduce the risk of head injury in children by 85 percent and brain injury by 88 percent, according to Safe Kids USA. Approximately 90 percent of the population supports helmet laws for children, only 62 percent support helmet laws for adults, according to the National Survey of Bicyclist and Pedestrian Attitudes and Behavior.

ABOUT GJEL ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS
GJEL Accident Attorneys is a San Francisco Bay area law firm representing plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Since 1972, Gillin Jacobson Ellis & Larsen has obtained recoveries in more than 99 percent of its cases.

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Kerry Katona Named as UK's Housemate from Hell

2011-10-02T16:48:00.000-07:00

Kerry Katona Named as UK's Housemate from Hell

Kerry Katona has been voted the UK's "Housemate from Hell", according to a survey of 2,000 Swinton home insurance customers.

Manchester, UK (PRWEB) May 19, 2009

The poll found that ex Atomic Kitten member Kerry was the least desirable housemate closely followed by Baby Shambles front man Pete Doherty and troubled singer Amy Winehouse. Naomi Cambell's alleged vicious outbursts pushed her to fourth position with opinionated TV personality Janet Street Porter coming in fifth place.

The poll found that the five most annoying housemate habits to be:

1. Not washing up
2. Eating food that doesn't belong to them
3. Listening to music too loud
4. Spending too long in the bathroom
5. Bad taste in television

In contrast, the celebrity that people would most like to share a house with was celebrity chef Nigella Lawson followed by X Factor judge Cheryl Cole, and then funny man Alan Carr. This Morning's Fern Briton was fourth place and in fifth place came Real Women presenter and WAG Coleen Rooney.

Steve Chelton, Insurer Development Manager from Swinton home insurance (http://www. swinton. co. uk/home), said: "Good housemates can really improve quality of life and help to create a happy home. One of the advantages of house sharing is that it increases the likelihood of someone being in the property at any one time, which can act as a deterrent to would-be thieves."

About Swinton:
With 580 branches nationwide Swinton is the UK's largest high street insurance retailer

Unlike many other companies in the financial services industry, Swinton is committed to keeping its branches open for business, and part of the community

Swinton provides a one-stop-shop for the insurance and related needs of its clients, offering home, car, caravan, business, holiday, motorbike and even classic car insurance

With a dedicated team of advisors on hand at every branch to search a panel of insurers to offer quality cover at competitive rates

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Term4Sale Improves Term Insurance Comparisons for Consumers

2011-10-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

Term4Sale Improves Term Insurance Comparisons for Consumers

Term4Sale, Inc. has recently introduced new comparison features to its http://www. term4sale. com website. Consumers have two new options for comparing term life insurance policies.

(PRWEB) July 18, 2003

http://www. term4sale. com (http://www. term4sale. com) now lets a consumer instantly compare the lowest cost level term insurance products for multiple categories at the same time. Before this a consumer would have to compare one category at a time. With the new option the consumer can select a 10 versus a 20 year comparison where they will see the lowest priced 10 year products followed by the lowest priced 20 year products all on the same page.

Term4Sale, Inc. president Bob Barney said, "Many consumers don't appreciate the difference between a 10 and 20 year level term policy. Our new comparison makes it much easier for the consumer to understand those differences."

The second new option makes it easy to see the year by year difference in cost between those lowest priced 10 and 20 year products. By clicking a single button the consumer can display a side-by-side spreadsheet comparison of the 6 least expensive products. In the case of the 10 versus 20 year term comparison, the first 3 products in the spreadsheet are the 3 lowest priced 10 year products followed by the 3 lowest priced 20 year policies.

The spreadsheet gives accumulated premium costs at 5 year intervals. This allows the consumer to see how much more they would pay for a 20 year policy for the first 10 years but how much they would save after that.

Http://www. term4sale. com (http://www. term4sale. com) offers a variety of multiple category comparisons allowing consumers to compare a variety of different level term period combinations. If a consumer wants, they can compare a total of 6 different level term categories on the same page.

As background a 10 year level term policy offers a premium which remains level for 10 years. At the end of 10 years most 10 year level premium policies permit a consumer to continue to buy the life insurance but the premiums beginning in year 11 are substantially higher. By contrast a 20 year level term policy starts off more expensive than a 10 year policy but the premiums continue level for the full 20 years.

Future premiums for level term life insurance policies, often referred to as renewal premiums, increase because the risk of death increases with age. The initial level period, whether 10, 20 or 30 years, lets the consumer choose how much time iwill pass before the increases kick in. The longer the level period, the higher the level premium.

Barney stressed, "Most consumers should match the level period to the time they will need the insurance. Most people need term insurance until they retire and stop working. A 45 year old should be looking at term insurance for 20 years. A person who is 35 should probably buy a 30 year policy. While the initial costs for these products are higher than a shorter level term period the consumer avoids renewal premiums which can skyrocket out of sight."

Some consumer advocates disagree with Barney and suggest that consumers buy cheaper 10 year products and then shop for new 10 year term at the end of 10 years. While that theoretically could save over paying the renewal premiums the problem is whether the consumer's health will permit that new purchase in 10 years.

The future health of a consumer does not affect the renewal premiums guaranteed in an existing term policy. On the other hand, to buy a new policy the consumer must prove they are still healthy.

Barney explained, "That's why most term products have very high renewal costs. Companies know that if a consumer is healthy they will likely buy a new policy when the premiums start going up. Consumers who have developed health problems will not be able to buy the new policy and so they will hang on to their old policy. Given that, companies can fully expect that a consumer electing to pay renewal premiums has a much higher likelihood of death. Because of this, renewal premiums have to be higher to protect the company against the anticipated increased level of claims."

While 20 and 30 year policies have higher initial premiums they offer much lower overall cost. A life company knows that a consumer who buys a 20 year policy is much more likely to keep that policy past the point they might consider dropping a 10 year policy. Barney said, "Most consumers will think about switching when the premiums go up. If the company can keep a 20 or 30 year term customer longer it can moderate the total cost for the longer level period."

Regardless of how long a consumer has had a level term policy, Barney said it never hurts to check and compare term insurance costs. While a life company cannot walk away from the guaranteed premiums it has put in an existing policy, consumers can walk away from the term policy at any time without penalty. If a consumer can find a better deal, or buy a longer level term period for a small difference in premium, they would be well advised to consider doing so. Price differences between companies are substantial. In many cases a new policy will save the consumer a lot of money over an existing policy.

Barney warned, "Never give up an old term policy until you have a new term policy in hand and the first premium on the new policy has been paid. During the medical exam, the company could turn up a medical problem you didn't know you had." Barney suggested that a one month overlap makes sense and should ensure a person is not inadvertently left without insurance.

RM Tracking Was Recently Named TeenDriverInsurance. com's Preferred Vendor

2011-10-01T01:31:00.000-07:00

RM Tracking Was Recently Named TeenDriverInsurance. com's Preferred Vendor

TeenDriverInsurance. com recognized RM Tracking and the GPS tracking solution the company provides as a major component in keeping teen drivers safe on the road.

Fort Collins, CO (PRWEB) April 2, 2008

TeenDriverInsurance. com has announced RM Tracking, a provider of GPS tracking systems, as a Preferred Vendor, and in return RM Tracking is offering TeenDriverInsurance. com customers a generous discount on their teen tracking devices. RM Tracking is the recipient of this honor because of the positive impact the provider's products can have on teen driver safety, and this partnering through the Teen Safety Program is expected to save many young drivers' lives. Due to the increased accountability a tracking system places on teens, young drivers are less likely to drive recklessly, speed excessively, and engage in other risky behaviors on the road, which greatly decreases the risk of being in an accident. In fact, many states offer lower insurance rates to teen drivers who have a GPS vehicle tracking system installed because of the reduced risk of accidents that can cause costly damage and serious injuries.

The leading cause of death among teens is auto accidents, claiming approximately 6,000 young lives a year. This is attributed to teen drivers' inexperience and immaturity, leading to risk-taking and dangerous behavior, including speeding. Passengers in the car provide distractions from the road as well, and young drivers' inexperience in dealing with these situations as well as peer pressure to take risks often cause accidents. However, teens tend to make better decisions when under the supervision of a parent or, when that's not possible, while being monitored by a GPS teen tracking (http://www. rmtracking. com/teentracking. html) device that displays their driving habits to their parents.

Teen Driver Insurance (http://www. teendriverinsurance. com/nc_paramount_res. html) is a web portal where parents can find a local insurance agent that is specifically trained and dedicated to helping parents make their teens safer drivers and protecting their assets. One way in which they protect these families is by encouraging them to take a number of precautions that can limit risk, one of which is installing a GPS tracking (http://www. rmtracking. com) device from RM Tracking. Clients who implement safety devices such as a tracking device to monitor their teens' driving habits can receive substantial discounts on auto insurance, which can be elevated greatly when there's a teen driver in the home. RM Tracking's high quality RMT Rover Teen Tracker operates flawlessly with RM Tracking's state-of-the-art NavIQ software that tracks the device's location in real-time and monitors speed, seat belt usage, and much more. It is because of RM Tracking's Teen Safety Program and their first-rate software that TeenDriverInsurance. com chose the company as a Preferred Vendor. TeenDriverInsurance. com clients can now visit RMTracking. com to receive substantial discounts on a Rover or other GPS tracking system.

About RM Tracking:
RM Tracking provides a variety of GPS devices for teen tracking, personal tracking, car tracking, fleet tracking, and more. Ranging in size and with a variety of different functions, RM Tracking's devices can be used in any situation. From tracking teens' driving habits to monitoring the whereabouts of a shipment, all information is in real time and shows both the location as well as the speed of the device. The GPS devices have a strong enough signal that they work both indoors and outdoors, and some models are small enough to easily slip inside your pocket. For more information about these products or teen driver safety, visit http://www. TeenSafetyProgram. com (http://www. TeenSafetyProgram. com)

About TeenDriverInsurance. com:

TeenDriverInsurance. com is a website that provides parents with all the tools and information they need to help them get through this trying time as a parent. The website is chocked full of valuable safety and protection tools including a Parent/Teen Driving Contract, FREE 12 Step Safe Teen Driving Course and much more. Parents can find a local agent that is trained and certified to be a Family Insurance Specialist. Teen Driver Insurance (http://www. teendriverinsurance. com/nc_paramount_tms. html) agents are committed to educate parents on how they can make their teens safer drivers and protect their families' assets should a lawsuit arise from an accident caused by their teen driver. TeenDriverInsurance. com endorses RM Tracking's Teen Safety Program. To find a Family and Teen Driver Protection Specialist in your area, go to http://www. teendriverinsurance. com (http://www. teendriverinsurance. com).

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Imperial Finance & Trading, LLC is Pleased to Announce over $400 Million of Financing

2011-10-01T00:30:00.000-07:00

Imperial Finance & Trading, LLC is Pleased to Announce over $400 Million of Financing

Imperial Finance & Trading, LLC is pleased to announce over $400 million of financing commitments.

BOCA RATON, Fla. (PRWEB) August 23, 2007

"We are delighted to have obtained these commitments," says Antony Mitchell, CEO. "We look forward to continued expansion of our premium finance business and the roll-out of our Life Settlement division." Mitchell further commented, "Imperial has been very well-received by Wall Street, even in these turbulent times, which is a testament to Imperial's strong management team, product knowledge and competitive advantages. In just 9 months we've grown from a handful of dedicated employees to a team of over 80 members."

About Imperial

Imperial Finance & Trading, LLC is a specialty finance company focused on the premium finance and life settlement industries. Premium financing is a service which enables individuals to secure a life insurance policy without liquidating their current assets. A life settlement is the sale of an existing life insurance policy to an unrelated investor for an amount greater than the policy's cash surrender value but lower than the face amount of the policy. Imperial is located in Boca Raton, Florida. For more information visit www. imprl. com.

Long-Term Care Legislation will provide additional tax incentives to purchase insurance

2011-09-28T15:17:00.000-07:00

Long-Term Care Legislation will provide additional tax incentives to purchase insurance

A new House bill would provide additional tax incentives to encourage the purchase of private long-term care insurance. A nationally known long-term care specialist says this is a great first step to help government out of a looming crisis.

(PRWEB) May 31, 2003

A new bipartisan piece of legislation to make long-term care (LTC) insurance more affordable and provide tax breaks for families and caregivers who pay directly for long-term care expenses was recently introduced in Congress. The bill would provide above-the-line tax deductions for individuals who purchase long-term care insurance. This type of insurance provides cash to pay for things like nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day-care and care in one's own home.

"The bill will be effective in helping the government transfer the future liability of long-term care costs to the private insurance industry," said Matt McCann a nationally known long-term care insurance expert. "This will not change the government's responsibility for those who can't afford it, but will encourage those who can to transfer the risk."

U. S. Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-CT) and U. S. Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) announced the introduction of bipartisan legislation and a companion bill is being introduced in the US Senate as well. President Bush has included the above-the line tax deduction as part of his budget.

AARP CEO William Novelli is very pleased, "AARP applauds Reps. Johnson and Pomeroy for introducing ÂThe Long-Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2003.Â This measure will begin to provide needed relief for family caregivers and will assist families when purchasing quality long-term care insurance products."

McCann hopes for a groundswell of support.

"I call on the Illinois delegation to co-sponsor and support this common sense legislation. I would hope that Rep. Judy Biggert (R-IL) would take the lead here as she has done in the past," said McCann a Darien, IL resident whose office is in Lombard. "The government must take pro-active action to help people plan before their health changes. With the cost of care being so high, far too many people spend down their assets and then qualify for public aid. Medicaid was originally intended to provide health care for the truly poor... today we have a new category, the new poor. This is a large group of people who have spent down their assets due to the need for long-term care."

McCann says that the further reliance on publicly funded programs like Medicaid for long-term and nursing home care will result in an unsustainable tax burden for the next generation. He says with 50% of people who reach the age of 50 requiring some form of long-term care in their lifetime ignoring this risk is far too dangerous for both government and individuals.

According to statistics from the U. S. House of Representatives, more than $140 billion was spent in 2000 on long-term care costs and more than $85 billion of this came from Medicare and Medicaid. Americans paid $31.3 billion for long-term care services out of their own pocket that same year.

In 2001, Medicaid paid $75.3 billion for nursing homes and home-based care - an increase of 155 percent since 1990.

McCann told a group of state lawmakers in Hawaii last week that federal and state tax incentives for long-term care insurance would help save money in ever tightening budgets.

"Medical science gets better and better all the time. Things that used to kill us no longer do. This has resulted in increased lifespan. While living longer is great the reality is that many of us will need some help at some point. The average cost of care in he Chicago suburbs is about $150.00 per day. Long-term care insurance protects the assets of American families. By providing additional tax incentives for long-term care insurance the government would be saving money down the road since they would have a much smaller number of people exhausting assets and draining Medicaid funds, McCann explained.

McCann called on Rep. Biggert to come out strongly for this legislation and support President Bush preserve the Medicaid system and help protect the budgets of Americans who, as a group, are getting older and older.

McCann notes the average age of his client is 54.

"This has become a retirement planning tool. Premiums are much less when a person is younger and a person's health is usually better. Since a person has to be in relatively good health when they apply for long-term care insurance getting the insurance before retirement is key. Additional tax incentives would help make something that is now affordable even more so and increase the total amount of people who would start planning now. This would help save the Medicaid program. I would hope Congresswoman Biggert would support this common sense plan," McCann said.

Additional information on long-term care insurance can be found on McCann's web site: www. McCannLTC. com. The National Long-Term Care Information Center has a web site as well: www. ltcinformationcenter. org.

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Your Future Includes Health Insurance, Says Florida Health Insurance Web

2011-09-28T11:22:00.000-07:00

Your Future Includes Health Insurance, Says Florida Health Insurance Web

"The Democratic Party, if elected on November 4, 2008 will deliver health insurance to every man, woman, and child," that according to Morgan Moran of Florida Health Insurance Web, a health insurance web site. Moran spoke after the Democratic Convention in Denver saying, "One thing is for certain, electing Obama means an affordable health insurance plan for everyone.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) August 31, 2008

In Denver, as the Democrats one after another selected Barack Obama as their candidate, one message was heard over and over, 'health insurance' for everyone. That's great news, said Morgan Moran, a Florida health insurance consultant, "every speaker not only mentioned health insurance; health insurance coverage is on the front burner, it's on the top of the list for Democrats."

Michelle Obama, smiled from the convention floor said her husband promises "to make health care available for every American," and "will make sure wounded soldiers coming home from Afghanistan and Iraq are welcomed home not just with medals and parades, but with good jobs, benefits, and health care, including mental health care." Florida's free health insurance web said in this month's health insurance journal, "New mental health insurance plans for veterans is not only welcomed but seriously needed after the last few years in Iraq."

The health insurance pledge continued with Edward Kennedy. He returned to his promise of 1980, with his promise to get health insurance to every American regardless of where they live. Kennedy said, "For me, this is a season of hope. New hope that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American -- north, south, east and west -- young and old -- Will have decent, quality, affordable health care as a fundamental right and not a privilege."

Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, continued, saying, "America needs a president who knows that health care is a right, not a privilege" and Joe Biden, Obama's Vice-Presidential pick, said in his speech that Barack Obama will bring down health care costs by $2,500 for the typical family, and, at long last, deliver affordable, accessible health care for all Americans."

Hillary Clinton said a vote for Obama would mean "a new health care system that is universal, high quality, and affordable so that parents no longer have to choose between care for themselves or their children or be stuck in dead end jobs simply to keep their insurance." She also said that Obama will "make sure that middle class families get the tax relief they deserve. And can't wait to watch Barack Obama sign a health insurance (http://www. floridahealthinsuranceweb. com) plan into law that covers every single American!"

Bill Clinton first endorsed Obama as the next President of the United States, and said a vote for McCain would mean "a band-aid for health care that will enrich insurance companies, impoverish families and increase the number of uninsured."

"The health insurance topic was hammered over and over, and came to a head with Barack Obama himself." Obama, speaking in front of millions, said, "Now is the time to finally keep the promise of affordable, accessible health care for every single American." "If you have health care, my plan will lower your premiums. If you don't, you'll be able to get the same kind of coverage that members of Congress give themselves." "And as someone who watched my mother argue with insurance companies while she lay in bed dying of cancer, I will make certain those companies stop discriminating against those who are sick and need care the most."

It's clear to see, Moran said, that if the Democrats win the White House and take over the Senate, quality health insurance is in everyone's future. "We will all have an affordable health insurance plan, thanks to the many years of hard work by people like Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and the Democratic Candidate for President, Barack Obama."

To find out more about details about health insurance, contact Morgan Moran at www. FloridaHealthInsuranceWeb. com.

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DJS Associates, Inc. Announces its Association with the Forensic Storage and Technology Center

2011-09-28T05:18:00.000-07:00

DJS Associates, Inc. Announces its Association with the Forensic Storage and Technology Center

DJS Associates, Inc., a full-service forensic consulting, technology and animations firm located in Abington, PA, announced its association with the Forensic Storage and Technology Center ("FSTC"). The FSTC is a full-service, innovative, affordable state-of-the-art secure evidence storage, inspection and conference center located in Southampton, Pennsylvania.

Abington, PA (PRWEB) November 12, 2009

DJS Associates, a full-service forensic consulting, technology and animations firm, announced its association with the Forensic Storage and Technology Center ("FSTC"). The FSTC is a full-service, innovative, affordable state-of-the-art secure evidence storage, inspection and conference center located in Southampton, Pennsylvania.

The FSTC has specialized investigation equipment as well as access to qualified forensic consultants and technicians across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, science and medicine. The FSTC offers its clients the resources to perform in-depth inspections, testing and analysis of all types of evidence ranging from large vehicles such as tractor-trailers and buses to smaller items such as shopping carts, heaters and toaster ovens and offers a large, clean, well-lit, high-tech inspection area, as well wireless internet throughout the facility. There is also a large conference room with a flat screen television to host conferences and depositions, as well as an aerial viewing platform overlooking the inspection areas. The FSTC offers a 24-hour response team that is available to pick up evidence anytime, day or night, and provide round-the-clock access to the facility.

Based in Abington, Pennsylvania, DJS Associates provides forensic consulting, technology and animations to the legal and engineering communities; the insurance industry; police, prosecutors and detectives; the construction trade; government agencies; and public and private sectors across the United States. The Company is retained by clients to collect data, preserve evidence, identify experts, analyze information, render ethical opinions and demonstrate results. To increase the effectiveness and accuracy of its work, DJS Associates maintains a 24-hour emergency response team as well as uses state-of-the-art technology such as high - definition survey (HDS) laser scanning; event data recorder (EDR) download; 3-D computer animation engineering; and a secure storage, inspection and conference facility.

The company's areas of specialty include: accident / collision reconstruction; highway safety; traffic engineering; aquatics; biomechanical; medical; OSHA; premise liability; product liability; recreational; slip, trip & fall; structural; trucking; workplace safety; and more.

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1st Address-Based Climate Reporting Service Enhances Reports with Fault Mapping for Western Clients

2011-09-28T04:36:00.000-07:00

1st Address-Based Climate Reporting Service Enhances Reports with Fault Mapping for Western Clients

The nation’s first online, address-based climate and environmental-risk-reporting service has added address-based fault mapping for western property owners.

Easton, CT (PRWEB) February 6, 2007

The nation’s first online, address-based climate and environmental-risk-reporting service has added address-based fault mapping for western property owners.

“We are very excited to be able to enhance our reports with fault mapping for our western clients. Now, not only can you get information on how close you live to a fault and when it last quaked, but you can see all faults visually around your address for 50 miles,” said David H. Purcell, founder and chief executive officer, Climate Appraisal Services, LLC.

Launched in November 2006, Climate Appraisal Services, LLC (www. ClimateAppraisal. com) is the only single source that connects consumers with comprehensive address-based information on the possible impacts of climate change, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires, drought, floods, industrial pollution and disease. Leading researchers at The University of Arizona in Tucson have been advising Climate Appraisal Services on how best to provide such information.

“At Climate Appraisal, we believe that everyone should know their seismic risk level if they live in or near earthquake country, and know where they live in relation to the nearest major faults. In the event you are moving to earthquake country, you should know how close you are buying to a major fault; and if there is a major earthquake, this fault information could be critical in its aftermath in determining potential safe exit routes for those most impacted,” Purcell said.

For example, the 10 most costly U. S. earthquakes since 1900 all occurred in western states, with 9 of those since 1950 according to the Insurance Information Institute’s November 2006 report. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) calculates that there is a “62% probability for one or more magnitude 6.7 or greater earthquakes from 2003 to 2032” in the San Francisco Bay region. The USGS gives 86% odds of those earthquakes occurring on one of 8 faults: the San Gregorio fault, San Andreas fault, Rodgers Creek fault, Hayward fault, Calaveras fault, Concord-Green Valley fault, Mt. Diablo Thrust fault, and the Greenville fault. With Climate Appraisal’s new address-based fault map, a western homeowner can see exactly where they live in relation to these faults in a 50-mile radius, or if they may be moving close to one of these faults.

“Major earthquake risk is of course a known and accepted fact to most Californians, as well as those living in western states; but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t know where you live in relation to that risk, which is greater the closer you live to a major fault. Scientists project that there is a high probability of a major earthquake in the San Francisco Bay region in the next two or three decades, and those living or moving close to a major fault should know their risk and be prepared for a potential major earthquake,” said Susan Beck, PhD, Professor of Geosciences at The University of Arizona, one of the scientists who is advising Climate Appraisal Services. Dr. Beck is a specialist in seismology, and she maintains an active research program in earthquake seismology, focusing on issues related to understanding global earthquakes, mountain building, and active tectonics in the U. S. and around the world.

In addition to Dr. Beck, The University of Arizona researchers who are advising Climate Appraisal Services are Jonathan Overpeck, PhD, a Professor of Geosciences and of Atmospheric Sciences at The University of Arizona in Tucson, whose specialties include climate dynamics, climate-vegetation interactions, and environmental decision-support, and Andrew C. Comrie, PhD, a UA Professor of Geography and of Atmospheric Sciences whose specialties include climatology, climate and health, and air quality science.

Climate Appraisal Services combines both historical and state-of-the-art forecasting science to deliver a comprehensive address-based climate appraisal for $30. More than half of Climate Appraisal net profits will be reinvested in climate and environmental science research and development.

About Climate Appraisal Services, LLC

Easton, Connecticut-based Climate Appraisal Services, LLC is the only address-based comprehensive online source that provides information on natural and man-made climate change events using historical data and state-of-the-art climate-modeling forecasting. A full appraisal report projects potential changes to a location’s environment in the areas of global warming and other natural and man-made phenomena such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, wildfires, floods, industrial pollution and disease.

More than half of Climate Appraisal’s net profits will be reinvested in new science research and development to advance climate information communication. Please visit www. ClimateAppraisal. com for more information.

Media Contact:

David Purcell, Climate Appraisal Services

203-261-5928

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Lt. Col. Weinstein, New Book: Universal Health Care Will Not Work Unless

2011-09-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Lt. Col. Weinstein, New Book: Universal Health Care Will Not Work Unless

Universal health care will not work unless personal accountability is an integral part. Col. Weinstein, author, professional speaker and beach boot camp instructor, just released his new book, Change Made Easy - Your Basic Training Orders to Excellent Physical and Mental Health, published by Advantage Books in Orlando, Florida. His book is a guide to healthy living without all the hype and product promotions. It is designed for corporate wellness programs, youth programs, health and fitness professionals and people who have always or never exercised. It is designed to make health insurance of any kind of secondary concern.

Fort Lauderdale, FL (PRWEB) November 26, 2008

Seven possible fixes to significantly reduce health care costs for employers and individuals could be:

1. Make health care cost dependent upon personal lifestyle.
2. Physicians prescribe fitness and healthy eating first.
3. Physicians prescribe a fitness expert to monitor fitness progress.
4. Physicians prescribe a nutrition expert to monitor eating progress.
5. Nutrition and fitness experts report their progress charts to referring physician.
6. Physician monitors progress and patient either receives lowered or increased health care premiums.
7. The medical file becomes a lifestyle file.

These fixes would shift the focus away from health insurance and access to affordable prescription drugs. An emphasis of health insurance as being the solution to our health care crisis is the very cause of 70 to 80 % of the costs for treatments of illnesses and diseases. It creates a false mindset, "My health is taken care of. I have health insurance. I don't need to eat healthy or exercise regularly."

"According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 75% of employers' health care costs and productivity losses are related to employee lifestyle choices. The solution is simple. Change the lifestyle and you will fix the problem." Yes, it can and must be done. "The present economic crisis is an opportunity for every one of us to do some soul searching and make some very fundamental changes about how we lead our lives."

Col. Weinstein's book cuts straight to the heart of the matter and offers real, cost effective, solutions that are easy to implement:
How to solve the health crisis. How to implement a corporate wellness program. How to manage your weight. How to organize and implement your own fitness boot camp program. How to exercise with little or no equipment. How to establish goals and measure performance. How to eat. How to enhance performance and productivity. How to build strong character. How to have a meaningful spiritual life.

Asked what motivated him to write this book, Col. Weinstein: "There is too much focus on equating health with the type of health care that results in medical treatment or medication. My mission is to change our culture in such a way as to create a heightened awareness of how we lead our lives and how we can enhance our lives and our health and be healthy because of our lifestyles and not because we have the false mindset that health insurance makes us healthy. It doesn't. The medical costs incurred in this country are a reflection of how unhealthy Americans lead their lives."

"Over $510 billion on medical care was spent on chronic conditions in the year 2000. By 2020, this amount will balloon to over $1 trillion, according to The National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. That's about the equivalent of one economic bailout per year."

The book, Change Made Easy - Your Basic Training Orders to Excellent Physical and Mental Health, can be ordered as paperback through Advantage Books, Amazon. com and BarnesandNoble. com.

Title: Change Made Easy - Your Basic Training Orders to Excellent Physical and Mental Health
Author: Lt. Col. Bob Weinstein, USAR-ret.
Publisher: Advantage Books, Orlando, FL, www. advbookstore. com
ISBN: 1-59755-073-6
Genre: Fitness & Health
Format: Paperback
Number of Pages: 252
Dimensions: 6.69" x 9.21"
Price: $18.00

About the author:
Lt. Col. Bob Weinstein, nationally known as The Health Colonel, was born in Washington, D. C., grew up in Virginia and spent 20 years in Berlin, Germany. His real name is Joseph Weinstein and has always been called Bob. He is retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel with 30 years of service and spent about half of that time as a military instructor with the Command & General Staff College. He now resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

He has been featured on radio and television, among others, on the History Channel and Fox Sports Net as well as in various publications such as The Washington Times and The Miami Herald.

His background is unique and diverse: military instructor, attorney, motivational speaker, wellness coach, certified corporate trainer, and certified personal trainer. Bob is fluent in German and English.

He specializes in a military-style workout on Fort Lauderdale Beach that incorporates strength, cardio, flexibility and agility training, both personal training and group sessions.

His website: www. TheHealthColonel. com

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Third of U. S. States Real Estate Still Appreciating

2011-09-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

Third of U. S. States Real Estate Still Appreciating

Despite contrary reports, a third of the 50 US States real estate markets are still appreciating, according to an in depth study conducted by Real Estate Add. com. The site provides local market news and forecasts on all 50 states local real estate markets.

Tallahassee, FL (PRWEB) July 8, 2006

Despite contrary reports in the mass media, a third of the 50 US States real estate markets are still appreciating at healthy levels, according to an in depth study conducted by Real Estate Add, an information driven website, which provides detailed information on real estate markets in all 50 states.

Seventeen of the nation’s states are still appreciating strongly, including seven states located in the southern portion of the country. The southern states are experiencing the largest migration of new residents in history.

The southeast is bolstered by warmer climates than the northern part of the country, causing an onslaught of new residents as US weather patterns change. Many businesses have moved or are planning on moving to the southeast.

Tennessee, Kentucky, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Alabama are still growing in population with new residents and are maintaining strongly appreciating local real estate markets.

Nashville, Tennessee is the nation’s home of country music, and Nashville has seen a rise in appreciation over the past three years unprecedented in its history. Nashville housing prices are forecast to appreciate nearly another 7% by the end of 2006.

But Memphis will appreciate a whopping 7.7% by year’s end, according to the website’s economists.

South Carolina, however, may have one of the longest lasting and strongest appreciating housing markets in the nation. Many new businesses have been drawn to South Carolina through tax incentives, and many retirees are buying more affordable housing in South Carolina.

The Mississippi and Louisiana housing markets were dealt a severe blow by Hurricane Katrina nearly a year ago. But both states real estate markets have turned into strong buyers markets, where the shortages of housing have fueled a building boom, mainly confined to areas outside of the disaster zones.

The shortage of construction workers in both states, a lack of building supplies, and problems with insurance payoffs have contributed to a rebuilding slowdown.

In the nation’s northern tier of states North Dakota real estate is still appreciating, mainly because of it’s low cost of living and growing job markets in a handful of communities.

Idaho, Montana, Utah and Alaska are also still experiencing positive home appreciation. Alaska hasn’t seen a booming market like it is in Anchorage since the oil pipeline boom days of the 1970's.

Boise, Idaho, selected by numerous publications as one of the best places to live in America, is also continuing to experience a housing market that has been appreciating for more than three years, and doesn’t show any signs of slowing down any time soon.

Utah is another western state that is under going unprecedented growth and appreciation. But of all the states in the nation that have experienced booms and busts in major urban real estate markets that could have slowed down already, Washington is still experiencing appreciation.

In Seattle it’s still a sellers market, despite rising interest rates and increasing inventories of homes and condos on the market. Across the Cascade mountain range in eastern Washington, Spokane has under gone a market of rising appreciation unlike anything it has experienced for 15 years. Spokane housing will appreciate another 7.9% in 2006 on average.

Many states real estate markets have slowed down after 13 years of low interest rates. Real Estate Add surveys local markets on a regular basis for changes with information supplied by title companies, closing attorneys, lenders and real estate agents.

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Zebraquote. com and E-Financial Announce Merger

2011-09-27T10:26:00.000-07:00

Zebraquote. com and E-Financial Announce Merger

Zebraquote. com announced a new strategic partnership with E-Financial. com the leading provider of workflow, process automation, sales and content management solutions for the insurance industry.

Bellevue, WA (PRWEB) February 4, 2006

Zebraquote. com a leading online Term Life Insurance search engine announced today a new strategic partnership with E-Financial. com the leading provider of workflow, process automation, sales and content management solutions for the insurance industry, to merge its operations into the E-Financial corporate headquarters in Bellevue, WA and immediately start using ALISS V.3 system (automated life insurance sales system). Composed of both hardware and integrated document management software, ALISS V.3 will be utilized by Zebraquote. com to streamline operations, improve customer service and reduce underwriting time.

Founded in 1999, Zebraquote. com is among the nation's leading online search engines. Yet, like many companies, it has largely relied on a single medium -- paper -- to store, retrieve, transfer, to process the myriad information that flows through it on a daily basis. Explained Brian Fife CEO of Zebraquote. com, "For a company like ours that is really focused on delivering a high level of service, our paper-based system will simply not allow us to keep up with our rapid growth in the online Term Life Insurance market. E-Financial. com and ALISS V.3 will enable us to manage all of our information, including paper, in a totally electronic workflow that will change everything."

By streamlining and automating much of the labor-intensive clerical procedures associated with the underwriting and new business processes, the company will be able to significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to underwrite a new customer and produce a policy.

Zebraquote. com’s decision to select ALISS V.3 was made after an exhaustive evaluation process by an internal team and outside consultants. The fact that current ALISS V.2 systems have been successfully installed and operating for over three years throughout the industry was also an important factor in their decision. "Ultimately, we chose E-Financial. com and their ALISS V.3 because we felt they were the best prepared," said Fife "They had the best experience in the insurance field and a product that would not only install like an off-the-shelf product, but would also allow us to easily make our own enhancements and customizations. We have a great deal of confidence in their ability to help us to achieve our goals and we’re thrilled to announce this very important merger and step in our growth." Mike Rowell CEO of E-Financial had this to say about the merger, “To have a company like Zebraquote. com with its extensive life insurance sales and marketing background positioned together with E-Financials industry leading technology platform is an exciting event in the growth of both companies”

The workflow market is in the midst of a transformation brought about by the impact of the Internet on traditional business models. Workflow is evolving from its document-centric roots into a middleware service for broad process management throughout the enterprise. It is becoming the enabling technology for building applications like customer relationship management and knowledge management. Underlying architectures are moving away from traditional client/server to Web centric. Expect the demands of e-business to have a dramatic impact on the workflow market in the coming year. E-business. com will drive the need for process-to-process linkage. Business-to-consumer commerce will foster the need for customer-driven and self-service workflow applications.

About E-Financial

Founded in 1998 E-Financial (http://www. efinancial. com (http://www. efinancial. com)) is a leading provider in work flow management tools specializing in large-scale workflow, process automation, content management, and e-Business solutions for the life insurance and financial services industries. The company provides consulting, training and project management services necessary to consistently achieve successful implementation. E-Financial. com and the ALISS system integrated approach delivers increased productivity, reduced processing cycle time and lower administrative expenses, while dramatically improving service levels.

About Zebraquote. com

Zebraquote. com was founded in 1999 (www. zebraquote. com) as an online life insurance search engine. Now one of the leading providers of online term life insurance content with a focus on work flow management. The roots of Zebraquote. com trace back to a focus on increased customer service levels. Since its beginnings Zebraquote. com has processed and mailed over 51,000 life insurance applications using their technology driven approach.

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ICPS Enters Into Strategic Alliance with Medappz, LLC to Improve Patient Safety

2011-09-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

ICPS Enters Into Strategic Alliance with Medappz, LLC to Improve Patient Safety

ICPS entered into a strategic alliance with Medappz, LLC to offer their Electronic Health Record System to Hispanic physicians.

Washington, D. C. (PRWEB) April 27, 2006 –-

The Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons (ICPS), the oldest and largest national Hispanic medical society in the U. S., has worked for many years to improve physician effectiveness and increase patient safety through the use by physicians of an electronic medical record (EMR) system. Technology is redefining medicine. It links knowledge of genes with pharmaceuticals, uses stem cells to fight disease, allows less invasive laparoscopic surgery, and improved imaging capabilities. Likewise, information management advancements improve efficiency and safety. Effective patient management requires physicians to utilize technology in ways few could imagine twenty years ago.

Perhaps the most important benefit of the use of technology as it applies to patient safety is the electronic medical record. This process requires the physician to input doctor’s orders into an electronic system. There will be much fewer errors due to misreading of the order. “The elimination of hand-written orders and records will reduce error and greatly improve patient safety” said Dr. Rene F. Rodriguez, President of the Interamerican College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Medappz, LLC is a software development company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas with sales offices in Boca Raton, Florida, focusing on building advanced health information systems for ambulatory-care providers. Through its innovative electronic health record and practice management software, Medappz is changing the way ambulatory-care providers capture, manage, and exchange patient information amongst one another.

ICPS entered into a strategic alliance with Medappz, LLC to offer their EHR system to Hispanic physicians at reduced pricing. Medappz has developed a product called the “Clinical Agent”, an electronic health record and computer provider order entry system for ambulatory-care providers. By implementing the Clinical Agent in today's ambulatory-care setting, Hispanic physicians and their staff have instant access to medical records, lab reports, medications, allergies, and correspondence from other physicians. Many Americans who are members of ethnic minority groups, such as Hispanic Americans experience disparities in health outcomes. By targeting a community-based approach, Medappz has the capability of gathering massive amounts of clinical information on Hispanics allowing research to provide evidence-based medicine initiatives to improve health outcomes in Hispanic communities said CEO Brian Lichtlin.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require the security and privacy policies of the provider be recorded and audited for compliance. Medical records can be safeguarded far more easily if they are on a secure, private database, such as the Clinical Agent.

For more information contact James P. Tierney, Chief Operating Officer, 202 467-4756.

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DUPEKILLER SAVES $$ BY REMOVING ELIMINATING DUPLICATES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DATABASE

2011-09-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

DUPEKILLER SAVES $$ BY REMOVING ELIMINATING DUPLICATES FROM NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC DATABASE

(PRWEB) March 2, 2000

PRESS RELEASE

From: DupeKiller, Inc. Contact: Paul Janigian

8007 Carroll Ave President

Takoma Park, MD 20912 301 434-2129

*** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ***

DUPEKILLER ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF A

PROJECT TO IDENTIFY AND ELIMINATE DUPLICATES

FROM THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC SOCIETYÂS MARKETING DATABASE.

Washington, DC, March 1, 2000 --- DupeKiller, Inc., a locally based direct mail consulting firm recently used its patented, next generation software to help one of the worldÂs leading educational and scientific institutes to remove unusual and difficult to isolate duplicates from their database. The National Geographic Society is the worldÂs largest non-profit scientific and educational organization. It publishes National Geographic Magazine, Adventure, Traveler, World and other award winning books and books and CD-ROMS. Television projects include: Explorer, the NG Channel and periodic specials. By purchasing or subscribing to these products, the general public helps to support exploration and education. Since their founding in 1888, the Society has distributed more than 6,000 research grants.

The DupeKiller system was expressly developed to find and report on those duplicates (i. e., bad zips, misspelled names, incomplete name and addresses) typically missed by conventional systems. Error warnings and duplicates are printed out and may be reviewed by the client before being automatically combined by using a transaction file generated by the system. The transaction file includes the Customer ÂFromÂ and ÂToÂ ID numbers assigned by the client. The DupeKiller process is unique due to itÂs unprecedented ability not only to distinguish true duplicates from false duplicates, automatically under program control, but by itÂs ability to organize the duplicates by Class for ease of review.

According to Mark Brown, Manager of Database Development, Â We expect to recover our investment in this unique service within a few months and save tens of thousands of dollars on future mailings. We also expect to improve target marketing because of more accurate householding statistics due to DupeKillerÂs remarkable ability to remove unwanted duplicates from our house file without overkillÂ. Mr. Brown also noted: Âone of the biggest benefits of DupeKiller, was the reduction in the amount of time and clerical effort required to research and manually separate the real duplicates from the false duplicates when compared to using conventional merge/purge methodologyÂ.

This unique, patented process is indispensable to large direct mail organizations such as insurance companies, fund-raisers, catalogers, retailers and membership groups wishing to reduce costs, improve service to their customers, reduce complaints and increase revenue due to more effective targeting.

DupeKiller service is offered on a unit price basis depending on the number of duplicates actually found. It is most effective when:

Â· Unduplicating large Marketing Databases and Data Warehouses.

Â· Cleaning up relatively small, costly or sensitive mailings requiring extreme accuracy.

Â· Auditing outsourced vendor merge/purge services for accuracy.

Â· Identifying gaps in File Maintenance programs and match code generating systems.

Â· Re-calibrating and fine-tuning conventional merge/purge systems.

Carlos Ferro Presented at International Smalltalk Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, for Caesar Systems : Smalltalk Programming Gains Ground in Vertical Markets: Health Care, Energy Industry

2011-09-24T15:58:00.000-07:00

Carlos Ferro Presented at International Smalltalk Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, for Caesar Systems : Smalltalk Programming Gains Ground in Vertical Markets: Health Care, Energy Industry

Senior software developer Carlos Ferro of Caesar Systems presented “Automated strategies for decision support in telephone triage” at the European Smalltalk Users Group (ESUG) International Smalltalk Conference, held August 25-29 at the Center for Mathematics and Computer Science (CWI) in Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

HOUSTON (PRWEB) August 29, 2008

Ferro presented learnings from a program called ExpertCare, a decision support tool for telephone triage and ambulance dispatch in health care services. ExpertCare is designed to replace static triage rules with a dynamic, adaptive instrument. The project included building a virtual laboratory where patient calls and diagnostic sessions were simulated in trial runs. Ferro will summarize the design of the framework, implementation details of several automatic strategies, and the results of running simulations in a testing environment. Similarities in decision processes and technology between the global energy and the health care industries offer potential benefits from cross-learning. In both industries, professional knowledge and specialized domain expertise run very deep, decision support processes are critical, data is constantly changing, and decision making is fraught with uncertainty and risk. "Smalltalk offers a simple programming environment that provides flexibility both to the programmer and to the software end-user," said Victor Koosh, chief executive officer of Caesar Systems.

Suzanne Fortman of the Smalltalk Industry Council (STIC) said, "Smalltalk development is now mature and is gaining ground in the global energy industry, as well as other vertical markets, such as health care, transportation, and human resources."

Caesar Systems, an early adopter of the Smalltalk programming language in the global oil and gas sector, introduced the PetroVR Toolsuite in 1997. Well positioned to become the industry standard for integrative analyses of oil and gas opportunities worldwide, PetroVR enables rapid business simulation of opportunities for decision making in a fraction of the time previously required. Caesar Systems has implemented PetroVR software and solutions within leading oil and gas companies such as Anadarko, BHPBilliton, BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Murphy Oil, Pioneer Natural Resources, Shell, Total and others.

About Carlos Ferro

Carlos E. Ferro of Buenos Aires, Argentina, has worked as a Senior Software Developer since 2005 for Caesar Systems. Previously, he was Smalltalk developer at InfOil (a company providing software for petroleum companies) and Superintendencia de Seguros de la Nación (national insurance oversight board for Argentina). He has taught in the field of computer science at the University of Buenos Aires. He is a contributor to Cincom Smalltalk Blog, "Smalltalk Tidbits, Industry Rants," and "Industry Misinterpretations" weekly podcast.

About Caesar Systems

Headquartered in Houston, Texas, Caesar Systems provides an integrative business simulation capability for development planning to the upstream oil and gas industry based on the PetroVR suite of applications. PetroVR-based business simulation encompasses the entire hydrocarbon opportunity lifecycle, which helps exploration and production (E & P) managers prioritize projects, increase staff efficiency, visualize the interdependencies of risk and value drivers, see trade-offs and consequences of potential decisions, and be confident about the chosen options.

Caesar Systems is led by an experienced team of oil and gas professionals who develop, market, implement and support the PetroVR Toolsuite for oil and gas clients worldwide. Company offices are located in Houston, Texas, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and The Hague, Netherlands. For more information about Caesar Systems or PetroVR software and services, please contact Victor Koosh, chief executive officer, at 281/598-8805 or at vkoosh@caesarsystems. com.

Release Summary:

Carlos Ferro, senior developer for Caesar Systems, an early adopter of the Smalltalk development language, presented at the International Smalltalk Conference in Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Keyword Tags:

caesar systems, energy industry, smalltalk

Pension Policy Economic Fairytale

2011-09-23T11:33:00.000-07:00

Pension Policy Economic Fairytale

Gordon Brown's fairytale economics have condemned today's school leavers to work until they drop," claim The Sun's Trevor Kavanagh and Nic Cecil. "Youngsters will be knocking 70 by the time they qualify for a state pension.

(PRWEB) December 9, 2005

Their report implies that Adair Turner, the chairman of the Pensions Commission, was referring to the chancellor on Wednesday when he reached the end of a study into Britain's pension policy and published his warning that continuing the government's current policy into the foreseeable future would be "indulging in fairy-tale economics – in which a fairy godmother makes all difficult choices disappear."

"How the cries of 'ouch' must have echoed all round the Treasury at that coded counter-attack on the chancellor," says Alf Young in The Glasgow Herald.

"The report suggests that the retirement age should be gradually increased (from the current 65) from 2020 onwards, reaching 67 by 2030 and 68 by 2050," explains Philippe Naughton of The Times. "This means that those just starting their careers face up to 50 years' work before they could retire, unless they have arranged private pension provision."

"If Lord Turner's recommendations are adopted, the basic state pension will rise each year in line with average earnings, rather than prices, which increase more slowly," says The Independent. "The basic state pension will also become available to everyone, irrespective of national insurance contributions they have paid. But, under the commission's proposals, basic state pension would still be worth only 17 per cent of the salary of an average earner."

Gordon Brown privately opposes Lord Turner's proposals on the grounds that they "would require a decade of higher taxes, starting early in the next parliament, with the chancellor believing the basic rate of income tax would have to go up by four pence to pay the full £16bn bill by 2020," says The Guardian.

"There will now be a vigorous debate in government on the 'detailed, comprehensive proposals' for reform that Mr Blair has promised for the white paper due in the spring," says Ben Hall of The Financial Times. "That debate will test whether Mr Brown's concern is simply one of affordability or whether he remains wedded to the spread of means-tested benefits."

"At the least, Lord Turner's report demands a serious Government response," says The Daily Mail. "But are we likely to get it, when Ministers tried to sabotage this report even before it was published? Their craven deal allowing public sector workers to continue retiring at 60 and their many leaks undermining Lord Turner hardly inspire confidence. The suspicion has to be that New Labour is preparing to duck the hard decisions - as it has ducked serious reform in health, education and welfare.

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Assurant Specialty Property Adds Identity Theft Protection Program to Renters Offerings

2011-09-23T02:44:00.000-07:00

Assurant Specialty Property Adds Identity Theft Protection Program to Renters Offerings

Multifamily property managers who participate in Assurant Specialty Property’s renters insurance programs now may offer an optional identity theft protection program to their residents.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) January 21, 2010

Assurant Specialty Property, a leading provider of renters insurance, has added multifamily housing as a new distribution channel for ID Fraud Solutions, its consumer identity protection program.

Effective immediately, property managers who participate in Assurant Specialty Property’s renters insurance programs also may offer ID Fraud Solutions as an optional program to residents. Introduced in 2006, ID Fraud Solutions is currently marketed through financial institutions, mortgage servicers and as a private label program through other insurance companies.

“Identity theft is a continuing problem, and it can impact victims in many ways, including their credit scores,” said Steven Hein, national sales manager for Assurant Specialty Property’s Property renters insurance business. “Since many property managers consider credit scores when reviewing lease applications, it is just good business to offer residents programs that they can use to protect and potentially improve their financial health.”

Assurant Specialty Property has compared its ID program to others in the industry and has found ID Fraud Solutions to be one of the most flexible, cost effective and comprehensive identity protection programs currently available in the marketplace. The program can be customized to include:
access to one’s single or triple credit reports and credit score(s), single or triple daily credit monitoring, personalized identity restoration services, financial reimbursement, emergency cash and cash recovery, public records monitoring access to a legal network

Starting at $6.95 a month, plans are available at several price points to meet a range of consumer needs and budgets.

All benefits are offered through Consumer Assist Network Association Inc., an Assurant Specialty Property company. The financial reimbursement, emergency cash and cash recovery benefits are underwritten by American Bankers Insurance Company of Florida in all states except Minnesota, and in Minnesota they are underwritten by American Security Insurance Company, both Assurant Specialty Property companies.

To learn more about ID Fraud Solutions’ programs, please visit the product Web site www. assurantidfraudsolutions. com or call 800.852.2244, ext. 36009, to speak with a sales consultant.

About Assurant Specialty Property
Assurant Specialty Property businesses are leading providers of creditor-placed homeowners insurance, direct-marketed products, collateral protection programs and related outsourcing services. They develop, underwrite, market and administer specialty property and personal lines of insurance through collaborative relationships with leading home mortgage companies, financial institutions, manufactured home builders and dealers, auto finance companies, property management companies and managing general agents. Assurant Specialty Property serves clients and their customers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. www. assurantspecialtyproperty. com

Assurant Specialty Property is part of Assurant, a premier provider of specialized insurance products and related services in North America and select worldwide markets. Its four key businesses – Assurant Solutions, Assurant Specialty Property, Assurant Health and Assurant Employee Benefits – partner with clients who are leaders in their industries and who have built leadership positions in a number of specialty insurance market segments worldwide. Assurant, a Fortune 500 company and part of the S&P 500, is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol AIZ. Assurant has over $25 billion in assets and $8 billion in annual revenue. www. assurant. com

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KaiserQuotes. com Unveils Website Updates that Will Improve Visitor Experience

2011-09-22T01:30:00.000-07:00

KaiserQuotes. com Unveils Website Updates that Will Improve Visitor Experience

New changes to KaiserQuotes. com website increase online information available to California visitors and current customers.

Santa Rosa, CA (PRWEB) March 11, 2008

KaiserQuotes. com recently implemented new website changes designed to improve user experience. These changes include additional content regarding Kaiser Permanente California health insurance. All the additions are directed toward creating a more informative and user-friendly experience. With the increased content, website users will be able to easily access more information on the internet regarding Kaiser Permanente's California health insurance (http://kaiserquotes. com/california-health-insurance. php) plans, giving them the ability to handle more of their insurance needs online without having to leave the comfort of their homes or offices.

Covering topics such as California individual health insurance (http://kaiserquotes. com/california-health-insurance/individual. php) eligibility and how to find the right coverage, the new content will help visitors quickly orient themselves to the site and will give them a better understanding of the services that are available. While the new content increases the amount of information online and does a better job of answering common visitor questions, the company still encourages people who prefer to talk on the phone to use their toll-free live customer support line, 1-877-752-4737.

These website changes are part of the company's continuing efforts to improve customer experience, provide the best service possible, and make Kaiser health insurance (http://kaiserquotes. com) accessible to individuals, families, and groups. Ever since KaiserQuotes. com launched this new site back in September 2007, the company has made several improvements to the site based upon careful review and discussion on how they can better inform customers online. The staff members of KaiserQuotes. com will continue to look for other methods in which they can provide customers a more informative, user-friendly interface.

About KaiserQuotes. com
KaiserQuotes. com is an authorized agent that offers free instant quotes online and enrollment assistance for Kaiser Permanente health insurance coverage; this website is not directly affiliated with Kaiser Permanente. It is a convenient resource for information on Kaiser Permanente insurance all in one place. Georgia residents can visit KaiserQuotes. com for individual or group eligibility, health plan information, quotes and applications.

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Festive Break Leads to Highest Value Travel Insurance Baggage Claims

2011-09-20T12:30:00.000-07:00

Festive Break Leads to Highest Value Travel Insurance Baggage Claims

Post Office Travel Insurance findings highlight the need for travel insurance at any time of year

London, UK (PRWeb UK) January 20, 2010

New research from the Post Office has revealed that the UK's highest-value travel insurance (http://www. postoffice. co. uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=63300708&mediaId=19300208) claims for lost, stolen or damaged baggage are typically made after the Christmas holiday period. This research highlights the importance of travel insurance (http://www. postoffice. co. uk/portal/po/jump1?catId=63300708&mediaId=19300208) during holiday travel.

The research also showed that 33 per cent of those travelling over Christmas stayed in the UK, and took more than £2.2bn worth of gifts on their travels.

Separate research from the Post Office has revealed that almost one in 10 people heading abroad at any time of year said they may cut costs by skipping travel insurance, putting them at increased financial risk if their luggage is lost or stolen. In light of these findings, the Post Office advises those who are thinking of forgoing travel insurance to re-evaluate the risks involved.

Those who holiday in the UK are even more likely to skimp on travel insurance, with 71 per cent of people having travelled over the festive period stating they didn't feel they needed to take out travel insurance.

Both sets of research further highlight the need for travel insurance when travelling both abroad and within the UK. Post Office Travel Insurance would advise all travellers to ensure they have the necessary travel insurance cover before they set out.

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Acumen Fund Announces New Investments in Pakistan to Build Scalable Businesses that Serve the Poor

2011-09-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Acumen Fund Announces New Investments in Pakistan to Build Scalable Businesses that Serve the Poor

Investments aim to increase milk productivity of livestock through breed improvement and provide scalable, sustainable low-cost housing to the poor

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 6, 2009

Acumen Fund, a nonprofit venture firm addressing poverty in South Asia and East Africa, announced today two new investments in Pakistan:
Ansaar Management Company (AMC), a low-cost housing development and management company aiming to scale a low-cost housing project throughout Pakistan: a $1,100,000 equity investment; and Jassar Farms Private Ltd, a corporate dairy farming business focused on dairy and breed improvement of poor livestock farmers aiming to increase milk productivity: a $1,420,000 equity and debt investment.

"With the recent investments in AMC and Jassar Farms, Acumen Fund continues its commitment to supporting innovative entrepreneurs in Pakistan who aim to solve the challenges of global poverty," said Acumen Fund CEO Jacqueline Novogratz. "Acumen Fund seeks to change the development paradigm, from a focus on top-down aid to a focus on investing in entrepreneurs because we believe that ultimately they are the ones who will provide solutions to poverty."

Acumen Fund began investing in Pakistan in 2002 with a focus on the housing sector, providing slum-dwellers with affordable legal housing and infrastructure alternatives, as well as innovative financial services that allowed low-income clients to improve their homes and supplement their incomes. Acumen Fund has since expanded its focus over the years in an effort to address in a more comprehensive manner the critical issues keeping the majority of the population of 166 million people in poverty.

"AMC and Jassar Farms have the potential to make a large impact in their respective industries in Pakistan," said Acumen Fund Pakistan Director Aun Rahman. "AMC builds on lessons from another Acumen investment, Saiban, and will provide us with yet another opportunity to spur the growth of a formal affordable housing industry in Pakistan, while Jassar Farms will establish locally a world-class production facility to improve livestock breeding, which will, over time, increase milk yields and increase incomes of farming families."

With increased rural-urban migration, low income populations in urban centers are expected to double in the next 15 years; AMC's model and commitment to scalability serves to ease the strain on the existing housing shortage in Pakistan. Founded by former Acumen Fund Fellow Jawad Aslam, AMC will take the critical lessons and business model of Saiban, an existing Acumen Fund investment, and provide to people earning $62-$250 per month ($2-8 per day) with access to plots of developed land in several settlements at affordable rates, thus providing them with secure residential tenure and public utilities in areas where they would normally have no real access to property or such services. By focusing on scalability and sustainability through a for-profit, low-cost approach, AMC has the potential to be the first commercial, low-cost housing company, with the initial objective of reaching over 2,500 lower income families in Pakistan through its first housing project.

As for Pakistan's agriculture sector, over 75% of livestock owners are poor farmers owning less than four cows, and face a severe problem of low production rates. Despite this low productivity, Pakistan is the fifth largest milk producer in the world, yet still, it takes five Pakistani cows to produce as much milk as one cow in the US or Europe. The main factors hindering better milk productivity by smallholder farmers are a lack of focus on breed and gene-pool improvement of cows, poor farm management, and the use of the low-quality feed. Jassar Farms will work to improve breeding through artificial insemination using quality bull semen.

"Jassar Farms, as Acumen Fund's first investment within the dairy and livestock space, will certainly bring valuable insights regarding the challenges and possibilities of increasing the productivity and income streams of poor dairy farmers," added Rahman. "AMC will provide insights on how to better scale and sustain an affordable housing model not only in Pakistan but around the world. We look forward to sharing our insights with the entire social sector."

To learn more about Acumen Fund and follow the progress of its investments in AMC and Jassar Farms, visit http://www. acumenfund. org (http://www. acumenfund. org).

About Acumen Fund
Acumen Fund is a nonprofit venture fund that invests in market-oriented approaches to deliver critical, affordable goods and services to the world's poor. Acumen Fund focuses on the convergence of philanthropic capital and business expertise to produce sustainable, scalable enterprises that reach underserved markets and increase access to the opportunities of the global economy. For more information on Acumen Fund's activities and investments, visit www. acumenfund. org and www. acumenfundblog. org.

Acumen Fund in Pakistan
Acumen Fund's work in Pakistan supports market-based approaches that provide low-income communities with access to affordable health, housing, water and energy products and services. Acumen Fund has been investing in Pakistan since 2002, initially concentrating on the housing sector with investments in affordable housing and infrastructure services for former squatters and slum-dwellers, as well as innovative financial services to allow low-income borrowers to improve households and incomes. As of June 30, 2009, Acumen Fund Pakistan's portfolio totaled $7.7 million in committed investments in enterprises focusing on drip irrigation, micro insurance, housing, peri-urban health clinics and other critical needs.

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