DRE Unveils Large Animal Anesthesia Machine

DRE Unveils Large Animal Anesthesia Machine

The DRE Titan -- specifically manufactured for anesthetizing equine, bovine and other large animals -- rounds out the company's anesthesia product line.

Louisville, KY (PRWEB) March 17, 2008

DRE Veterinary, a premier veterinary surgical equipment (http://www. dreveterinary. com) supplier, has expanded its product line of vet anesthesia machines (http://www. dreveterinary. com/index. php/cPath/457_136_395) to include the DRE Titan, a large animal anesthesia system. Engineered for maximum versatility and unmatched accuracy, the Titan is perfect for anesthetizing equine, bovine and zoological animals.

Veterinary surgeons can utilize the DRE Titan Large Animal Anesthesia Machine (http://www. dreveterinary. com/product_info. php/cPath/457_136_395/products_id/534) for simple anesthesia functions like controlling spontaneous breathing, as well as more rigorous functions like controlling animal ventilation. It is equipped with a reconfigured Dräger AVE ventilator that provides maximum performance.

The Titan features the largest possible air passageways, which provide maximum airflow and minimal patient resistance. It also has a two-vaporizer mounting system with exclusion safety that lets the clinician administer multiple drug choices without dismantling and reassembling vaporizers.

The rugged, sturdy Titan has flared castors and a low center of gravity, both of which maximize the machine's stability. The Titan's topple-proof design is attractive to equine, bovine and zoological veterinarians who must quickly move surgical equipment away from animals that can become agitated prior to anesthetization.

The Titan is available with an optional foal absorber that considerably reduces trapped volume for smaller animals that weigh between 25 and 600 pounds.

"The foal absorber is a popular addition because it enables the Titan to anesthetize equine, bovine and zoological animals throughout their entire lifespan," says Jim Evans, Director of DRE Veterinary.

The Titan's optional foal absorber and its standard large animal absorber mount on articulating arm brackets. Both absorbers can be raised, lowered, retracted or extended for optimal performance.

The Titan rounds out DRE Veterinary's extensive anesthesia line. In addition to the Titan, DRE Veterinary sells the DRE Premier Anesthesia Machine (http://www. dreveterinary. com/product_info. php/cPath/136_395/products_id/374) for anesthetizing small and medium-sized animals, the DRE Compact 150 Rodent Anesthesia Machine (http://www. dreveterinary. com/product_info. php/cPath/136_395/products_id/373) for anesthetizing rodents, the top-of-the line DRE Integra SP II Anesthesia Machine for research facilities and universities, and the DRE Field Services Anesthesia Machine for portable use.

"With the addition of the Titan, DRE Veterinary can meet the anesthesia needs of nearly all veterinary and animal-focused research facilities," says Jim Evans.

DRE Veterinary currently supplies the Titan to veterinary surgeons and educational facilities throughout the United States. And because the Titan is configured with a universal AC power supply, it can be used worldwide.

About DRE Veterinary:
DRE Veterinary is a premier supplier of veterinary and laboratory research equipment. DRE Veterinary provides new and refurbished and used veterinary medical equipment (http://www. dreveterinary. com) to universities, surgery centers, research facilities and veterinary practices around the globe. DRE Veterinary's parent company, DRE Inc., was established in 1984 and offers value to doctors by providing the features and reliability they need while fitting within their budget.

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Murders, Mysteries, and a Depression-Era Love Affair the Focus in Recent Dorrance Publishing Book Releases

Murders, Mysteries, and a Depression-Era Love Affair the Focus in Recent Dorrance Publishing Book Releases

Dorrance Publishing recently released the following titles: The Anchorman Murders; Presumed Faithful; and The Light of the Rising Sun. They are available for purchase at http://www. dorrancebookstore. com, brick and mortar bookstores, on-line bookstores or by calling (800) 788-7654. Media review copies are available by calling (800) 788-7654.

Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) March 18, 2009

Murders, Mysteries, and a Depression-Era Love Affair the Focus in Recent Dorrance Publishing Book Releases

Dorrance Publishing recently released the following titles: The Anchorman Murders; Presumed Faithful; and The Light of the Rising Sun. They are available for purchase at http://www. dorrancebookstore. com (http://www. dorrancebookstore. com), brick and mortar bookstores, on-line bookstores or by calling (800) 788-7654. Media review copies are available by calling (800) 788-7654.

The Anchorman Murders
($9.00) ISBN: 978-0-8059-7177-4, paperback

Two stories of family drama, faith, and social commentary blend together to create this fast-paced and engaging novel.

Prejudice. Discrimination. Stereotyping. Unfortunately, these were all acknowledged facts in America fifty years ago. In The Anchorman Murders, they all play a distinct role in the dramatic turn of events for John Brower and the tragedy that occurs as he tries to lift himself above his humble beginnings.

Growing up in the South, Ella, John Brower's niece, knew how special it was that John had attended college and was planning to move north to work as an anchorman. When he arrived, however, he was denied the job because he was an African American. Eventually John, apparently driven by depression and anger, killed those responsible for discriminating against him, then committed suicide.

Ella's experiences a few years later stand in contrast to those of John as she works to support herself and later build a happy and successful life with her husband and children despite the visual impairment that had hampered her early education. The two sections are tied together in their common conclusions focusing on "the end of a new beginning." The Anchorman Murders blends elements of family drama, faith, and social commentary to create a fast-paced and engaging novel.

About the Author

Ethel grew up in North Carolina during the era of segregation but now resides in New York.

She has a high school education and she and her husband John have five children: Annette, Deborah, John, William, and Mark. She loves to write as a hobby, and this is her first published novel.

Presumed Faithful
($9.00) ISBN: 978-1-4349-0042-5, paperback

A murder investigation becomes personal for a detective in this thrilling novel.

Detective Boske finds herself in the midst of a failing marriage while investigating a series of murders. When her best friend's daughter, Jennifer, becomes the next murder victim, Boske vows to avenge the murderer. As Detective Boske persistently tries to find Jennifer's murderer, she finds that her husband had been having an affair with Jennifer.

Detective Boske needs to find the truth of what happened to Jennifer, but the investigation becomes increasingly personal since it involves her best friend and her husband. Will Detective Boske solve the mystery of Jennifer's death?

About the Author

Kelly Watterson has enjoyed writing short stories since she was fourteen. Now, in addition to writing, she enjoys reading crime novels, taking walks, and swimming. She has two children, Kallynn and Kamryn. She has earned bachelor's degrees in management information systems and counseling and also holds associate degrees in business administration and crime scene technology. She now resides in Kittanning, Pennsylvania.

The Light of the Rising Sun
($20.00) ISBN: 978-0-8059-7743-1, paperback

The exciting journey of a stern-wheel steamboat during the great depression is portrayed through the heart-wrenching story of an unrequited love

Cole Hamilton is a young girl marked for tragedy. After losing her parents at a very young age, she boards a stern-wheel steamboat to work as a cabin maid at the age of seventeen. Little does she know her world is about to become a whirlwind of hope, longing, and despair when she falls in love with the captain's dashing young son, Brant Mitchell.

The two engage in a love affair regardless of the glaring class differences between them. Brant has future plans to become the captain of his own steamboat; Cole is nothing but a simple country girl with deeply complex emotions. Regardless of their efforts to hide their affair from Brant's father, they quickly draw the attention of fellow crew members--especially the underhanded and crude deckhand, Durand deVoss, who will stop at nothing to make Cole his latest conquest. Festering in a jealous rage, deVoss takes matters into his own hands to ensure that Cole and Brant's illicit affair doesn't outlast the steamboat's perilous journey up the Ohio River.

But when disaster strikes, Brant is forced to make a decision that will change their lives forever. Will he realize his destiny before it's too late?

About the Author

Frank Methven is a native of Covington, Kentucky. He is a member of the Redmond Historical Society and enjoys reading and writing in his spare time. He rode in a stern-wheel steamboat during the Great Depression and was inspired to write this book by a story he heard from a crew member during that voyage.

His previously published books include A Call to Arms and The Sound of Hills.

Dorrance Publishing is the nation's oldest authors services company. The Dorrance family of imprints provides authors with the level of personalized service they require to become a published author. All international standard book number (ISBN) eligible imprints have a bookstore returns allowed policy.

Dorrance Publishing http://www. dorrancepublishing. com/info. asp? program=prweb (http://www. dorrancepublishing. com/info. asp? program=prweb) -- books have carried the Dorrance imprint for over 85-years. This full-service subsidy publishing imprint offers authors traditional, complete publishing services including editing, proofreading, original page and cover design, publication in paperback, hardback and custom or unusual book production specifications, original illustration creation, ISBN and copyright. Dorrance titles are printed and warehoused in anticipation of orders that may follow as a result of a defined, limited promotional plan.

RoseDog Books http://www. rosedog. com (http://www. rosedog. com) -- a full-service print on demand publishing imprint offering authors complete page design services, original cover design, editing services, original illustration creation, full-color and black and white books, a variety of book trim sizes, paperback or hardback binding, an ISBN and copyright. Authors can provide their manuscript on paper or in a digital file. RoseDog titles are printed when ordered and can be purchased on-line or through brick and mortar stores. Book promotion services are also available.

Red Lead Press http://www. redleadpress. com (http://www. redleadpress. com) -- a very affordable publishing imprint for authors who need some help with basic page and cover design, an ISBN and copyright. Red Lead titles are printed when ordered and can be purchased on-line or through brick and mortar stores.

I-Proclaim http://www. i-proclaim. com (http://www. i-proclaim. com) -- Using a self-serve on-line template an author can become a published author in minutes. There are no set-up fees and no minimum book order.

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2008 Olympics Making Profits -- New Article in Money and Markets Examines the Olympics

2008 Olympics Making Profits -- New Article in Money and Markets Examines the Olympics

Tony Sagami takes a closer look at Chinese companies and industries that could be making big profits during the 2008 Olympics. In this issue of Money and Markets, Mr. Sagami examines how different industries and companies are going to benefit from the Olympics being held in Beijing.

Jupiter, Fla. (PRWEB) March 13, 2008

Tony Sagami takes a closer look at Chinese companies and industries that could be making big profits during the 2008 Olympics. Mr. Sagami examines how different industries and companies are going to benefit from the Olympics being held in Beijing.

The Olympics have long been a boon to stock markets of host countries. The Spanish stock market climbed 19% in the 12 months prior to the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, while the Greek stock market jumped by 27% in the year before the 2004 Athens Olympics. And those countries were not growing at a fraction of the breakneck pace that China is. So it wouldn't come as a surprise to see the Chinese stock market double or even triple those numbers. Some ideas to consider:

Cell phones are becoming an integral part of Chinese lifestyle. And the cell phone is not just the primary voice communication medium in China; it is also the common way most Chinese access the Internet and email. In China, the cell phone is the personal computer. Most new high rise condominiums and apartment complexes being built in China aren't even wired for land lines.

And don't forget that although China is booming, most Chinese still can't afford TVs, personal computers, or cars. Because of that, the only way for companies to reach those consumers is through billboards and video monitors strategically placed in heavily traveled areas like elevators, train stations, and bus stops. Focus Media is the dominant advertising firm in China. So every company that wants to reach people attending or watching the Beijing Olympics will be spending millions on Focus Media ads.

While most affluent foreigners will stay in fancy western hotel chains like the Ritz Carlton, the more budget conscious travelers will be checking into one of these spotlessly clean, bargain-priced rooms at the fastest-growing hotel chain in China. At less than $40 a night, Home Inns was running at a 90%-plus occupancy rate, but they are already sold out for the Olympics at triple the price. What's more, the company's tremendous value proposition will make it a big, big winner for many years after the Olympics.

CTrip is China's largest travel agency and odds are good that it will be handling the hotel and airline reservations for many Chinese travelers. In fact, business is already skyrocketing and the Olympics are six months away. CTrip recently reported its quarterly results and they were spectacular: A 52% increase in revenues and a 58% increase in profits. That's an amazing growth rate and yet CTrip only sells for 33 times earnings. Plus, American investors still don't get the idea that Ctrip has a unique and proprietary payment system in a country where credit cards are close to nonexistent.

Also take a look at Yum brand restaurants. A lot of hungry travelers are going to be walking around Beijing because they can't read Chinese and aren't willing to eat what is being offered to them. Foreigners will probably be relieved whenever they see the unmistakable logo of the 2,000 KFCs and Pizza Huts peppered around China. Many KFCs and Pizza Huts already have lines snaking around the block, but there's a good possibility those stores will be packed morning, noon, and night during the Olympics. Yum Brands will be making some very big profits during the Summer Games.

Beijing is going to be flooded with foreign visitors and very few of them will speak Mandarin. That's why any Chinese worker with even basic English skills is going to be in very high demand and very well paid. That opportunity isn't lost on the Chinese and they are signing up in droves for basic English classes at New Oriental Education. And while the payoff at the Olympics may be immediate, the long-term payoff for acquiring English skills is to the moon. That means plenty of future business for EDU.

"Right now, the weakness in the U. S. markets has been spilling over to the rest of the world. In fact, the Chinese market, as measured by the iShares FTSE/Xinhua China 25 Index, has fallen by more than 30% from October 2007 highs. Regardless, the Chinese economy may be the most powerful economic phenomenon in recorded history. And when you throw fuel on the fire by adding in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the country's stock market explodes with potential," Mr. Sagami states.

To read this issue online, please visit:
Http://www. moneyandmarkets. com/issues. aspx? Six-Chinese-Stocks-Benefiting-from-Beijing-Olympics-1523 (http://www. moneyandmarkets. com/issues. aspx? Six-Chinese-Stocks-Benefiting-from-Beijing-Olympics-1523)
About TONY SAGAMI & MONEY AND MARKETS  

Tony Sagami, a veteran investment advisor and a leading expert on Asian markets, is the owner and founder of Harvest Advisors, an investment research and money management company. Mr. Sagami has been managing money for more than 20 years and is one of the early pioneers in the application of technical and quantitative analysis to mutual funds and stocks. He is a featured contributor to Weiss Research's daily e-letter, Money and Markets and monthly Safe Money Report as well as the editor of Asia Stock Alert.

Prior to establishing his own firm, Mr. Sagami was managing director at W. E. Donoghue & Co, serving additionally as the director of investment. During his successful career, he also held the position of account executive at Merrill Lynch.

Mr. Sagami's views on Asian markets, specifically Chinese investments, have been featured in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Kiplinger's, Smart Money, Business Week, New York Times, Washington Post, Investors Business Daily, Bloomberg, Financial Planning Times, Mutual FundsMagazine, Chicago Tribune, and the LA Times, as well as on CNBC and CNBC Asia.

Mr. Sagami holds a degree in economics from the University of Washington.

Money and Markets (www. moneyandmarkets. com) is a free daily investment newsletter from Dr. Martin Weiss and Weiss Research analysts offering the latest investing news and financial insights for the stock market, including tips and advice on investing in gold, energy and oil. Weiss Research, Inc. is located in Jupiter, Florida. For more information about our editors, or to set up an interview, please contact Jennifer Moran at 561-627-3300 or visit www. moneyandmarkets. com.

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Active Data Services, Inc. Forms Strategic Alliance With Epic rd Consulting, LLC

Active Data Services, Inc. Forms Strategic Alliance With Epic rd Consulting, LLC

Peter Ransome, Executive Vice President and CMO of Active Data Services, Inc., has announced that the firm has partnered with Epic rd Consulting, LLC, a local healthcare compliance consulting group, to provide a unified solution for HIPAA compliant electronic health care records.

Morrisville, NC (PRWEB) June 17, 2005

Peter Ransome, Executive Vice President and CMO of Active Data Services, Inc., has announced that the firm has partnered with Epic rd Consulting, LLC, a local healthcare compliance consulting group, to provide a unified solution for HIPAA compliant electronic health care records. The partnership will enable healthcare providers and payers to convert paper records and documents to an electronic format, while achieving compliance with federal legislation HIPAA requirements. 

“At Active Data Services, Inc., we strive to provide our clients with innovative solutions for healthcare operations, paper reduction, and the facilitation of the privacy and security of payment information, “ said Ransome. “By joining forces with Epic rd, we can enhance the delivery of healthcare through a digital form to better serve patients and healthcare providers.”

About Epic rd:

Epic rd Consulting, LLC, a full service solution company, specializes in compliance and educational solutions for healthcare. The firm, located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, focuses on providing safer, simpler and cost-effective healthcare service delivery while meeting compliance standards.

About Active Data Services:

Active Data Services, Inc., a business process outsourcing firm founded in 2002, is an industry leader in providing advanced data and document management services. As a next generation Integrated Document Facility ä, Active Data Services, Inc. captures, manages and distributes over 150 million critical business documents and electronic communications per year. These uniquely integrated services are designed for healthcare, financial and enterprise customers that manage critical data and document intensive applications. Active Data Services allows these companies to lower costs, meet today’s expanding compliance requirements, improve customer service and thereby gain competitive advantage. The privately held firm has a U. S. corporation headquarters in Morrisville, North Carolina. For more information please call 919-654-2000 or visit the website at www. activedataservices. com.

Media and Press Contacts:

Patty Briguglio

MMI Associates, Inc.

919-233-6600

Patty@mmimarketing. com

MMI Associates, Inc.

7406-H Chapel Hill Road

Raleigh, NC 27607

(919) 233-6600 • (919) 233-0300 (fax)

Patty@mmimarketing. com

Contact:

Patty Briguglio

(919) 233-6600

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New EPA Rules to Increase Cost of California Home Repairs up to 400% Starting October 1

New EPA Rules to Increase Cost of California Home Repairs up to 400% Starting October 1

Typical repair costing only $490 today will cost $2,328 under new rules

California (PRWEB) September 27, 2010

The cost of hiring a contractor in California will increase by up to 400% after October 1 as a result of new EPA and State lead-based paint regulations most consumers and real estate professionals are unaware of. The new rules, passed earlier this year, require any firm performing repairs, remodeling or paint work on homes built before 1978 to earn new certification and hire expensive third-party labs and disposal companies. These additional mandatory steps will add as much as two or three weeks to a typical repair job, creating costly delays in real estate transactions.

“It’s as if an atomic bomb was about to be dropped on our industries and no one is ready,” says "Termite" Terry Singleton, president of “Termite” Terry Pest Control in Costa Mesa. "We work closely with many in the real estate, property management and construction industries, and we have yet to meet anyone that is ready to deal with these new regulations." Real estate businesses have already been devastated by market downturns over the past five years, and these new EPA regulations could do even more damage. The potential loss of thousands more in jobs couldn’t come at a worse time.

Termite Terry Offers a Solution at No Cost

To help the real estate and property management industry deal with this new challenge, “Termite” Terry Pest Control is offering free orientations on the new rules to any real estate or property management office in Orange County, California. During these orientations, “Termite” Terry will demonstrate how a simple job that would cost $490 today will soon cost $2,328 and how another job that now only costs $1,050 will soon cost $4,800. Learn what to expect before being saddled with higher bills and costly delays. He will also teach techniques for dealing with new scheduling and time-management problems. These education sessions are free, and he will not promote his company's services during the presentations. “Termite” Terry understands that if these businesses don’t succeed, his business will suffer as well and that’s why he is offering these orientations at no cost.

Orange County real estate and property management professionals interested in participating should contact his office at (949) 631-7348 or send an email to e-mail(at)termiteterry(dot)com.

About Termite Terry Pest Control
“Termite” Terry Pest Control, Inc, is located in Costa Mesa California and specializes in pest and termite control services, wood damage repairs and is an EPA Certified Lead-Safe Renovator. "Termite" Terry Singleton is available for press interviews on this subject. Photos are also available. Consumers and real estate companies interested in obtaining information about this issue or pest-control-related topics can visit his website at http://www. TermiteTerry. com (http://www. TermiteTerry. com)

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Young Marines a non-profit youth organization is having a carwash in Phoenix

Young Marines a non-profit youth organization is having a carwash in Phoenix.

The Young Marines of the Marine Corps League, Ira Hayes Detachment. And Winner of the Governments Fulcrm Shield award for ati-drug program for children, will be having a carwash Saturday.

(PRWEB) October 4, 2003

The Firebird Young Marines, who are part of the Marine Corps Anti-Drug Program for children will be having a carwash on Saturday October 4th, 2003. The funds from the carwash go directly to fund activities and encampments. The carwash will be held at McDonaldÂ’s Restaurant at 43rd avenue and Thunderbird from 8:00 am until 1:00 pm.

The Young Marines is a non-profit 501(c) 3 youth education program for boys and girls ages 8 through high school. The program focuses on character building through a combination of self-discipline, teamwork and leadership, and promotes a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The motto of the Young Marines Program is “Strengthening the Lives of Americas’ Youth”. To learn more about the Firebird Young Marines or to join please visit our website or call us

Moms in South Jersey, Breast Augmentation with Dr. William Franckle Gives You Choices to Rediscover Pre-Baby Bodies

Moms in South Jersey, Breast Augmentation with Dr. William Franckle Gives You Choices to Rediscover Pre-Baby Bodies

Dr. William Franckle, South Jersey Plastic Surgeon, reports an increasing number of women seeking mommy makeovers at Premier Plastic Surgery of Arts in Voorhees, New Jersey. Mommies are taking their bodies back after pregnancy with breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, and other individually tailored procedures.

Voorhees, NJ (PRWEB) October 13, 2008

Dr. William Franckle, South Jersey Plastic Surgeon, reports an increasing number of women seeking mommy makeovers at Premier Plastic Surgery of Arts in Voorhees, New Jersey. Pregnancy takes a toll on a woman's body. It gets stretched and swollen, and when the baby is born, the body shrinks down. Eventually, it stops bouncing back. As a woman has more children and ages, skin loses its elasticity and the weight is harder and harder to take off.

The one place she might want to keep the weight usually shrinks - the breasts. Of course, when they shrink, they sag.

For women in southern New Jersey, plastic surgeon (http://premierplasticsurgeryarts. com/), Dr. Franckle, offers a wide variety of procedures to choose from when considering a mommy makeover. A tummy tuck removes the excess skin that sags around the waist especially after the stretching from pregnancy. It smooths the abdominal area and tightens the muscles for a flatter tummy.

Dr. Franckle says, "Pregnancy and breastfeeding can have an unexpected effect on a woman's body, and many moms who come in for consultation have been discouraged with their diet and exercise because they may lose weight but it doesn't restore the body to it's former shape."

Breast augmentation with implants is used to fill out the drooping breasts left behind from pregnancy and breastfeeding. "My patients want to be sexy moms," adds Dr. Franckle. "For the moms in South Jersey, breast augmentation is a way for them to restore their youthful look that they may have lost after having children."

Often, liposuction is used in conjunction with breast augmentation to remove stubborn fatty pockets that won't go away with diet and exercise. Dr. Franckle discusses these issues during consultation to design an individualized makeover for each patient.

Dr. Franckle has also found smaller procedures and treatments are of great benefit to his patients, used alone or in conjunction with a full makeover. Eyelid lift can correct the effects of all the sleepless nights, and Botox Cosmetic and laser skin rejuvenation can help a mom look fresh and more relaxed by diminishing fine lines and skin imperfections.

For a South Jersey tummy tuck (http://www. premierplasticsurgeryarts. com/before_after_pictures_tummy_tuck_04.html) or breast enlargements, New Jersey (http://www. premierplasticsurgeryarts. com/) clinic, Premier Plastic Surgery Arts, is current on all the newest technology. Safety and satisfaction are a number one priority for the clinic and founding plastic surgeon, Dr. Franckle. He and his staff are dedicated to learning and practicing the most recent and proven techniques in the field.

"With more and more advancements in plastic surgery, we have an incredible responsibility to keep up with the very latest in techniques and equipment," said Dr. Franckle.

For more information on mommy makeovers or to schedule an appointment for a free consultation, visit Premier Plastic surgery Arts online at www. premierplasticsurgeryarts. com.

About Dr. William Franckle:
Dr. Franckle is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the highly regarded American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. He completed his medical training at UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in all disciplines - medical, general surgery and plastic and reconstructive surgery.

Valuing patient safety above all other considerations, Dr. Franckle maintains his board certification by participating in the ABMS Maintenance of Certification™ program. He regularly attends regional and national professional meetings to maintain the highest standards. Dr. Franckle is among a select group of board certified plastic surgeons who have attained the highest level of achievement in cosmetic surgical training, continuing medical education, and clinical experience.

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Summertime Provides Children With Ample Opportunities to Reinforce Math Skills

Summertime Provides Children With Ample Opportunities to Reinforce Math Skills

Studies have shown that school children lose up to three months worth of math education each year during summer vacation. This effect, known as “Brain Drain,” can be minimized by integrating math into daily activities. Summertime provides ample opportunities for children to exercise their math muscles, both through play and real world experiences. How can parents help their children identify and take advantage of these opportunities?

Columbus, OH (PRWEB) August 1, 2006 –

Brain Drain occurs over the summer months when children’s math skills atrophy from disuse. While many parents are aware of the Brain Drain effect, few are aware of the simple steps that can be taken to minimize or avoid it. “In order to achieve math fluency, children need to use their math skills daily,” notes Maria Spencer, co-founder of Ion Development (www. ion-development. com) – an online store whose mission is to promote math and science education among school-aged children. “Summertime provides an abundance of math opportunities, but parents rarely inspire their children to explore them,” Ms. Spencer explains.

One way to integrate math into your child’s daily activities is to involve your child in purchasing decisions. For example, when your child asks to see the most recent summer blockbuster, explain that you have only $25 to spend, that you will need to buy two tickets for $6.50 each and that you would like to have popcorn and a drink. Explain that a small bag of popcorn costs $2.75, a large bag of popcorn is $4.50 and a small drink is $2.00. Offer to let your child use the left over change, if any, to play video games while you wait for the movie to start or to buy something after the movie. By applying her math skills, your child can increase the amount of left over change by sharing the large popcorn with you or simply forgoing her own popcorn and/or drink. This sort of real world, math-based, cost/benefit analysis not only helps to reinforce math skills but also builds long-term math confidence.

Another means of reinforcing math skills over the summer months is to engage your child in math games. The games do not have to be complex or expensive to exercise your child’s math muscles. “A game of license plate math while traveling can be simple or challenging, depending on what rules your family uses,” Ms. Spencer explains. In its simplest form, license plate math requires you to identify a car and try to be the first person to correctly add together the numbers on its license plate. Math themed board and tabletop games are also valuable tools for reinforcing math skills over the summer months, and Ion Development is holding its Stop the Brain Drain Sale throughout the month of August, with 10% off all math toys and games. “Award winning games such as Learning Resources’ Dino Math Tracks and Factor Frenzy target specific math skills such as addition, subtraction and multiplication, while traditional games such as Chess develop broader mathematical techniques such as problem-solving and spatial reasoning,” Spencer explains.

While the summer months are a particularly critical time for parents to take an active role in their child’s math education, parents should make an effort to provide math opportunities throughout the year. Math games and toys together with real world experiences can be used in fun and creative ways to help your child retain math skills over the summer and to develop a positive, life-long attitude towards math. Just remember to keep it fun!

About Ion Development

Ion Development is an online retailer providing educational products that encourage children to explore math and science. The company is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information, contact Maria Spencer at www. ion-development. com

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Virginia Homeschoolers To Meet In Richmond

Virginia Homeschoolers To Meet In Richmond

Special Event offers resources, fun for families

RICHMOND, VA (PRWEB) August 5, 2005

On August 13, 2005, the Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers (formerly the Virginia Home Education Association) will hold Virginia Homeschoolers Day at the Science Museum of Virginia, 2500 West Broad St., Richmond.

The family-friendly event, designed for both current and prospective homeschoolers, features nationally-acclaimed speakers, seminars, and entertaining activities for parents and children. SEE: http://www. vahomeschoolers. org/Event05.html (http://www. vahomeschoolers. org/Event05.html).

Homeschooling writer and veteran homeschooler Jeanne Faulconer will present sessions entitled “Swimming Out of the Mainstream,” “Balance, Boundaries, and Bravery,” and “Let Your House Do the Homeschooling.” Award-winning storyteller Jim Weiss will also captivate audiences in “Animal Tales” and “Abraham Lincoln and the Heart of America.”

Workshop topics include: “Beginning Homeschooling,” “Matching Your Child to the Right College,” “Out of the Ordinary Field Trips in Virginia,” “Exploring the Options in Homeschooling Curriculum,” and “Science for Middle and High Schooler.” A seven-member teen panel will address issues that are particular to the teen years: goal setting, resource discovery, motivation and peer pressure.

With registration options beginning at only $20.00, the conference is truly a bargain.

The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers is a member-directed and all-volunteer organization that brings together individuals, families, homeschool organizations, and businesses to promote the interests of Virginia homeschoolers.

CONTACT:

Stephanie Elms, Public Relations Committee, 703-642-8661, Stephanie. elms@deltasolutions. com

The Organization of Virginia Homeschoolers, toll free 866-513-6173, http://www. vahomeschoolers. org/Event05.html (http://www. vahomeschoolers. org/Event05.html)

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Azavea (Formerly Avencia) Awarded NSF SBIR Grant to Explore Use of GPUs for Faster Geographic Data Processing

Azavea (Formerly Avencia) Awarded NSF SBIR Grant to Explore Use of GPUs for Faster Geographic Data Processing

Azavea, an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development company was awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of $150,000 by the National Science Foundation to test the feasibility of using graphics processing units (GPUs) to substantially increase the performance of raster-based geographic information systems (GIS) software operations.

Philadelphia, PA (Vocus) June 10, 2010

(http://www. azavea. com) Azavea (formerly Avencia), an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development company was awarded a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant of $150,000 by the National Science Foundation to test the feasibility of using graphics processing units (GPUs) to substantially increase the performance of raster-based geographic information systems (GIS) software operations.

Most contemporary work in GIS involves one or more of three major types of activity: a) database development; b) spatial analysis and map production; and c) web-based map display. Applications of GIS analysis technology are enormously diverse: land planning, climate change modeling, assessing the impact of sea level rise, natural hazard risk assessment, military scenario planning, cell phone tower placement, and business siting, and many more. Currently, these applications, which involve large amounts of geographic data-processing are usually tied to desktop workstations because of the significant amount of time, memory, and processing power required to execute the operations. Azavea’s GPU project seeks to achieve substantial improvement in the performance of operations on raster-based image data. The research team is optimistic about prospects for achieving processing speeds that are 10 to 20 times faster than current commercial technology and thereby enabling a whole new class of software for web and mobile devices.

In the past, GPUs have been used almost exclusively for video games and movies. In recent years, however, scientists and researchers have begun to apply the geometric calculation capabilities of GPUs in fields ranging from fluid dynamics to medical imaging and oil exploration. In this project, Azavea is using the OpenCL language, originally developed by Apple and now managed by Khronos Group, the nonprofit technology consortium. With OpenCL™, Azavea hopes to create a geographic data-processing framework that can use GPUs from multiple manufacturers.

In this Phase I SBIR project, Azavea is focusing on new algorithms for several types of “Map Algebra” calculations. Map Algebra is a widely-used conceptual framework for raster-based geospatial analysis in all of the contemporary desktop GIS tools. It was originally developed by Dr. C. Dana Tomlin, who is also serving as a consultant on the GPU project. In 2006, Azavea began development of DecisionTree®, a distributed geographic data processing system to accelerate one particular Map Algebraic operation. That work proved to be quite successful and has since been applied to problems in economic development, elections, public health, and sustainability. The GPU project is a natural outgrowth of that effort and one that builds on Azavea’s expertise in creating distributed software systems.

“This is one of the most promising efforts in which I’ve ever been involved in terms of both the fundamental algorithms being developed and their implications for real-world applications that will have a direct and profound impact on our use of geospatial data.” – Dr. C. Dana Tomlin, Professor and Co-director of the Cartographic Modeling Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania

Azavea’s GPU-Based Raster Processing Algorithms project is supported by the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program of the National Science Foundation, Directorate for Engineering, Division of Industrial Innovations and Partnerships, Award Number (IIP-0945742).

This is the sixth time that Azavea has been awarded an SBIR grant. Previous awards were from the U. S. Department of Education (Phase I), the U. S. Department of Agriculture (Phase I for two projects), and the National Science Foundation (Phase I and Phase II to develop HunchLab, Azavea’s geographic crime visualization, early warning and risk forecasting software).

About Azavea (formerly Avencia)
Azavea is an award-winning geospatial analysis (GIS) software development firm specializing in the creation of location-based web and mobile solutions, as well as geospatial analysis services to enhance decision-making. Azavea is committed to working on projects with a strong social value component in order to promote the emergence of more dynamic, vibrant, and sustainable communities. Each of Azavea’s projects, products and pro bono engagements showcases this commitment. Azavea is a certified B Corporation. For more information, visit http://www. azavea. com/

If you would like more information about Azavea or to schedule an interview with Robert Cheetham, Azavea CEO and President, please contact Abby Fretz at (215) 701 – 7503 or e-mail afretz(at)azavea(dot)com.

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Wandering Educators Weekly Book Giveaways

Wandering Educators Weekly Book Giveaways

Wandering Educators announces its Book Review and Giveaway of the Week.

Stanton, MI (PRWEB) November 11, 2008

WanderingEducators. com, named one of the top Fifty Travel Websites on the Internet, announced its weekly book and language course giveaways.

Wandering Educators is an innovative and eclectic travel site for educators who travel the world. Wandering Educators has a diverse audience - travelers who are K-12 teachers, homeschoolers, students, higher education professors and administrators, and life learners.

Each week, there is a Book Review of a travel-related book. The reviews are about travel guides (http://www. wanderingeducators. com/travel-guides), memoirs, destination-specific stories, travel photography, social documentary photography, international cooking, and global issues.

The language learning course (http://www. wanderingeducators. com/language/reviews) reviews discuss full language learning courses in Spanish, Japanese, Italian, French, and more. They come from publishers such as Oxford University Press, Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Fodor's, and Tell Me More.

Every week, the Book Review of the Week is also featured in a Book Giveaway. Members of Wandering Educators can just leave a comment to be eligible to win the book. All books and courses are graciously donated by several publishing companies, including Fodor's, Frommer's, Lonely Planet, Not for Tourists, Thunder Bay Press, Oxford University Press, and more.

To learn more, please visit WanderingEducators. com, and click on the 'Learn More' button on the top left-hand side of the website.

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Website and Forum Focused on the Marketing Needs of Women Business Owners Debuts--WomenMarketing. com Designed to Help Women Entrepreneurs Succeed

Website and Forum Focused on the Marketing Needs of Women Business Owners Debuts--WomenMarketing. com Designed to Help Women Entrepreneurs Succeed

Lois Carter Fay and Marketing Idea Shop, LLC have developed a new website with a private discussion forum, information and links to many resources for the woman entrepreneur. A directory of women business owners will be introduced soon.

(PRWEB) December 2, 2004

A new website, WomenMarketing. com (http://www. WomenMarketing. com (http://www. WomenMarketing. com)), launched November 15 to help women business owners create more successful businesses. WomenMarketing. com is the brainchild of Lois Carter Fay, founder of Marketing Idea Shop, LLC, and a past president of two chapters of the National Association for Women Business Owners. She was also state president for Wisconsin Women Entrepreneurs and a delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business.

WomenMarketing. com was created to help women business owners succeed. Here's how:

==> Women business owners (WBOs) still have a much harder time securing business loans than men do. WomenMarketing. com will give women business owners the tools to change that. The site will offer tips for securing a bank loan, help with creating a business plan, and a private forum for WBOs to connect with other women entrepreneurs and forum moderators to find answers to their business challenges so they can grow their businesses.

==> Women business owners can learn how to become more successful by networking with other WBOs. WomenMarketing. com will have an online forum with moderators to connect women entrepreneurs with one another, offer mentoring services, and will create "CEO Networks" or "Mastermind Groups" to help its members succeed.

==> WomenMarketing. com's private online forum will also allow WBOs to openly promote their own businesses in one section of the forum, which may lead to substantial new business opportunities.

==> The website's biweekly e-newsletter, "Success Secrets of Women Business Owners," profiles successful women business owners from around the U. S., and possibly globally, and gives their top five tips for success. Reading these profiles will not only help the struggling WBO learn new ways to be successful, but it will inspire them.

==> All visitors and members of WomenMarketing. com will have access to free educational materials. A library of business-related, how-to articles, and the opportunity to receive three free newsletters comprised of marketing and business success tips and resources is available to everyone. The site also has an extensive list of resources to help women business owners succeed. Downloadable special reports, ebooks, and autoresponder email education seminars are readily accessible for more detailed business help.

==> Members of the WomenMarketing. com forum will receive several free products when they subscribe. As soon as someone becomes a member, access to several downloadable business ebooks will be given, including (effective 12/1/04) MARKETING PLAN ESSENTIALS: ONLINE & OFF, an ebook written by site owner, Lois Carter Fay. They will also have access to free teleseminars, discounts on national seminars, and more free ebooks and resources as time goes on. Membership for the forum will be offered at a discounted price of $29.95 for the first month and $12.95 each month thereafter from December 1 until Valentine's Day. Regular pricing is $19.95 per month with discounts available for quarterly, 6-month and 12-month subscriptions. Members who join before February 14, 2005 will lock in their rates FOR LIFE.

==> WomenMarketing. com is also compiling a searchable, categorized, global directory of women business owners that will be open to everyone. Women business owners can add their contact information, website link, and a brief description of what they do, free of charge. It is expected that this directory will be an excellent tool for companies who want to do business with women business owners or who want to hire WBOs as subcontractors to meet diversity goals.

==> One-on-one mentoring and marketing assistance is available from WomenMarketing. com, as well. For women business owners who prefer individual help instead of group interactions, Lois Carter Fay will work one-on-one with them to help them succeed.

Lois Carter Fay is an accredited public relations professional (APR) with 30 years of marketing and PR experience, and the author or co-author of several ebooks, including:

==> PR101 for Service Professionals, Solopreneurs, Coaches and Speakers (Down-to-Earth Ideas to Help You and Your Company Get Famous and Attract More Business),

==> Marketing Plan Essentials: Online & Off;

Sales Success! Secrets for Women;

==> 52 Ready-to-Go Sales Meetings: 52 Ways to Help Your Salespeople (and Yourself) Win at the Game of Business, and

==> Business Success Secrets. Hard-Hitting Tactics and Resources.

She has been working in the marketing field for 30 years and with small businesses since she began her business in 1990. Carter Fay designed the website to help women business owners of all levels learn from each other and through various educational materials. The new website can be found at http://ww. WomenMarketing. com (http://ww. WomenMarketing. com). For more information, visit the website or contact Lois Carter Fay at 800.203.8660 or mailto:lcf@marketingideashop. com.

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College Admissions Assistance and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington Partner to Help Low-Income Students Become First Generation College Graduates

College Admissions Assistance and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington Partner to Help Low-Income Students Become First Generation College Graduates

College Admissions Assistance, LLC (CAA) and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington joined forces this fall jump starting their program to assist students with college planning and preparation. CAA has committed $125,000 in services over the next five years to members of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington who currently attend middle and high school.

Arlington, TX (PRWEB) December 5, 2010

College Admissions Assistance, LLC (CAA) and The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington joined forces this fall jump starting their program to assist students with college planning and preparation.

CAA has committed $125,000 in services over the next five years to members of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington who currently attend middle and high school. The provided services include: career coaching, college selection, study skills, PSAT, SAT and ACT test prep, college application and essay review, financial aid advice, and scholarship research. CAA will continue to work with selected students until the beginning of their freshman year in college.

The program commenced in September with six selected students, but will quickly expand to sixty students. CAA, based in Arlington TX, has an ongoing commitment to the local community and a desire to help The Boys & Girls Clubs make a positive impact on students' lives in the cities of Arlington and Mansfield.

“The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington is excited about the partnership with CAA,” said Steve Wurm, President of The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington. “For these students, this will be the assistance they need in becoming the first in their families to consider going to college.”

According to Wurm, parents and students have already started to benefit from the program and better understand the admissions and financial aid processes.

“Thanks to CAA’s support staff, one young lady is on track to becoming the first in her family to attend college next fall,” said Wurm. “She has been given clear expectations and knowledge of potential career options to pursue along with some colleges to seriously consider.”

Beverly Hogan, mother of a student participating in the program, said she believes CAA will successfully guide other Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington students through the intricate process as they have with her daughter.

“(The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington) is the most positive place a child can be,” Hogan said. “They would not choose someone to partner with unless they were confident in them and knew it would have a positive impact on their members.”  

Wurm said he is confident the help from CAA will decrease the struggle families face. "Without the help from College Admission Assistance, too many of the students we see will struggle in understanding the overall process of getting into college, leaving them at a higher risk of not pursuing a college education or eventually dropping out."

The employees of CAA are embracing the opportunity to work with The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington and are excited to extend a helping hand to this very special group of students.

“I grew up in Arlington and this program is such a great opportunity to make kids' lives better! I am very excited to personally invest in the lives of students in my hometown,” Nathan Murray, a CAA College Planning Coach, said. “They've really worked hard to be a part of this program. I’m confident CAA will help these students realize their college and career dreams.”

Since 1959, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington have offered their assistance to generations of less fortunate children and young adults. Their core mission is “to inspire and enable all young people…to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.” They have approximately 6,000 members with five branches throughout Arlington with twelve licensed after school sites within the Arlington and Mansfield ISDs.

CAA is a comprehensive college-planning service that has helped thousands of students prepare themselves for college—from discovering a great career, achieving admission to the right college, and enjoying the best financial start in life http://www. caaconnect. com/what_we_do/. The company’s ultimate mission is to help each student live out their unique purpose in life by getting them started with the right college education.

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New Versions of Netop School and Netop ProtectOn Pro Now Available for Schools, Libraries and Businesses

New Versions of Netop School and Netop ProtectOn Pro Now Available for Schools, Libraries and Businesses

Popular Classroom Management and Endpoint Protection Software Tools Now Feature Full Support for Windows 7 and Vista

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) August 10, 2010

Today Netop released updates to the company's popular Netop School classroom management software (http://www. netop. com/products/education/school. htm) and Netop ProtectOn Pro endpoint protection software (http://www. netop. com/products/administration/netop-protecton-pro. htm). The new version of Netop School improves performance with Internet Explorer 8 and includes support of the Class Manager module on 64-bit operating systems. With this release, all Netop School modules now feature full support of both 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 and Vista, as well as continued support for older Windows operating systems. The update to Netop ProtectOn Pro adds increased scalability and stability, and incorporates required frameworks (such as the. NET Framework) into the installation package.

Netop ProtectOn Pro (http://www. netop. com/products/administration/netop-protecton-pro. htm) is the affordable endpoint protection software used by schools, libraries and businesses around the world to keep networked computers running reliably and free from damage. Originally introduced in April, 2009, it is the first endpoint protection software to combine hard disk protection with remote management and powerful Internet, application and device controls. Available in English, German and French, Netop ProtectOn Pro provides a comprehensive solution for endpoint protection at prices that are at or below what most companies charge for standalone hard disk protection or device control software.

The new version of Netop ProtectOn Pro increases support for large installations, so that network managers can be confident that their networks will run dependably, free from modifications and virus damage, no matter how many users log on every day. For complete information on the new release, or to download a free trial, please visit the ProtectOn Pro download page.

Netop School6 (http://www. netop. com/products/education/school. htm) is the company's most advanced classroom management solution. Designed for educators who teach in networked classrooms or computer labs, Netop School6 incorporates tools for preparation, instruction and evaluation in one complete solution. Teachers use Netop School6 to share their computer screen with the class, supervise student computer work, lend a hand when needed, control application and Internet use, distribute and collect documents, create tests and evaluate student progress. Available in 15 languages, Netop School is ideal for educators want a rich set of features in an interface that is designed to streamline teaching, and that can be customized to meet individual teaching needs.

The new update adds 64-bit support to Netop School's unique Class Manager module, which provides an optimum solution for one-to-one computing environments where students carry their own computers from class to class. For complete information on the new release of Netop School, or to download a free trial, please visit the Netop School download page (http://www. netop. com/support/downloads. htm? tx_netopdownloads_pi1%5BproductId%5D=4) .

Upgrades to the new versions of Netop School and Netop ProtectOn Pro are available free of charge to customers with Netop's Advantage annual support and upgrade program, which helps customers maintain the value of their software investment by providing free updates to Netop software, as well as license management and access to Netop's expert technical support services. For additional information on the Netop Advantage program, or to purchase an upgrade, contact Netop (http://www. netop. com) .

About Netop Classroom Management Software
Netop School is Netop's most advanced classroom management software. The company also offers the popular Vision6 classroom management software (http://www. netop. com/products/education/vision. htm) , used by educators in more than 75 countries. The ten largest school districts in the United States use Vision6 classroom management software, as do schools large and small throughout the world. In addition to Netop School and Vision6, Netop also offers MyVision (http://www. netop. com/products/education/myvision. htm) , for educators looking for an entry-level classroom management solution. With more than twenty years of experience, seven offices worldwide, 142 Netop team members, and products offered in fifteen languages, Netop is the world leader in classroom management software.

About Netop Solutions A/S
Netop develops and sells software solutions that enable swift, secure and seamless transfer of video, screens, sounds and data between two or more computers over the Internet. The company has three business areas: Administration, Education and Communication.

Netop's unique and cost-saving Administration solutions make life easier for IT professionals with secure remote control solutions. With the market-leading solutions for Education classroom management and corporate e-learning, Netop helps students and teachers to achieve optimum results through virtual education. Netop Communication solutions let customers, partners and colleagues meet easily and safely in the virtual space via chat, video and audio over the Internet.

Netop employs 142 people and has subsidiaries in the United States, Great Britain, Romania and Switzerland. The company sells its solutions to public and private clients in more than 80 countries. Netop Solutions A/S shares are listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange OMX. In 2008, Netop Solutions had a total revenue of DKK 92.1m. Read more at: www. netop. com.

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Exotic World Gifts Joins Ann Curry of NBC, Celebrities and First Ladies at UN Headquarters: "Global Compassion Ball" Honors Successes in Humanitarian Work

Exotic World Gifts Joins Ann Curry of NBC, Celebrities and First Ladies at UN Headquarters: "Global Compassion Ball" Honors Successes in Humanitarian Work

Exotic World Gifts will join celebrities and First Ladies at the Airline Ambassadors-sponsored Global Compassion Ball at the UN Headquarters in New York on October 16, 2008. Exotic World Gifts will make generous donations during the event, including an original painting created by an elephant and will also unveil a joint humanitarian travel project with Airline Ambassadors. Founders Liz Allen and Mark Fangue travel to eight developing regions of the world, identify talented artisans and bring their distinctive home decor, jewelry and gift items back to the US for sale on their Web site. Exotic World Gifts is committed to humanitarian and elephant conservation projects.

Del Mar, CA (Vocus) October 6, 2008

Exotic World Gifts, Inc., a humanitarian e-commerce import company, is among more than 400 luminaries attending the Airline Ambassador-sponsored black-tie event at the UN Headquarters in New York on October 16, 2008. As a Platinum Sponsor, Exotic World Gifts is making generous donations, including a "Collectors Edition" original painting by an elephant from Thailand and will unveil a joint humanitarian travel project with Airline Ambassadors during the event. They also will donate 15 percent of sales and table décor.

The ball will honor those who have "put compassion into action" and provide a platform for outstanding global citizens who assist children, orphans and families in the areas of poverty and hunger, education, health, child welfare and community development in projects on five continents. Ann Curry, co-anchor of Dateline NBC and news anchor of Today and Peter Greenberg, travel editor of Today and for America Online are the keynote speakers and co-chairs of the event. Ana Ligia Mixco de Saca, First Lady of El Salvador, Miss America 2008, Kirsten Haglund, and other dignitaries will be in attendance.

Exotic World Gifts (www. ExoticWorldGifts. com) is an active member of the 2008 Global Compassion Ball Committee and is donating 400 hand-carved Kenyan painted soapstone hearts and centerpiece baskets from Uganda, Africa. The donated acrylic painting created by elephant "Hong" for the auction was the result of several visits Liz Allen, CEO and co-founder Mark Fangue made to their artisan groups in Thailand. While there, they discovered the only elephant in the world who can paint a realistic elephant with a flower. Sales from the painting on their Web site support villagers and assists in conservation efforts to save the Asian elephant from extinction. Mark Fangue took the video of Hong painting and, to date, it has received more than 9 million views on YouTube. Exotic World Gifts sells elephant art and more than 500 other authentic items from artisans worldwide to empower them with sustainable income. Individuals that purchase the items and support the artisans are participating in what Allen and Fangue call "compassion shopping.™"

"It is a natural for us to partner with Airline Ambassadors as they touch different parts of the world with their aid on the ground, global outreach efforts for education, vocational training, HIV awareness and volunteer vacations. We provide a sustainable income for artisans in these countries and offer artisans a way to open global distribution for their beautiful items," said Allen.

Allen explained that the travel arrangement is "just one of the many ways we compliment the mission of Airline Ambassadors in delivering aid and services to children and families in need. In this case, they provide aid, travel and the opportunity for individuals to participate in these initiatives; we will identify a full itinerary of humanitarian and artisan projects for this effort in Thailand and Cambodia." To support their on-the-ground missions beyond the gala fundraiser, Exotic World Gifts is donating 15 percent to Airline Ambassadors when their members or patrons purchase from www. ExoticWorldGifs. com throughout the year.

Exotic World Gifts will share information on its projects and artisan partners with global leaders as specific examples of how they have "put their compassion into action" in their for profit humanitarian business model. For example, while in Phnom Phen, Cambodia, they worked with eight new Fair Trade Landmine and Polio survivor artisan groups and personally met more than 30 talented artisans who created such items as elaborate woodcarving and handmade silk purses. "We have many heart-felt stories to share during the Compassion Ball and are honored to participate in this important event," said Fangue.

Exotic World Gifts is a privately-held Web-based import company and the founders reside in Del Mar, California. The Company currently imports more than 500 distinctive gifts, jewelry, fashion accessories, art and home décor items with a cause from eight developing regions of the world (Thailand, Bali, Africa, Vietnam, Cambodia, Central and South America and India). Each item is aesthetically rich and of high quality, often resembling works of art, but also has utility in everyday life. Exotic World Gifts. com follows the tenants of the Fair Trade Federation in the payment of a fair wages, good labor conditions, direct trade, community development and environmental sustainability. For more information, visit the Web site: www. exoticworldgifts. com

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California Greenworks, Inc. Presents the 3rd Annual South Los Angeles Earth Day Festival

California Greenworks, Inc. Presents the 3rd Annual South Los Angeles Earth Day Festival

California Greenworks, Inc. gives south Los Angeles residents a green way to get rid of old TV sets, phones and computers, and other ways to improve the environmental health of the community at the 3rd Annual South Los Angeles Earth Day on April 19, 2008.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 9, 2008

The South Los Angeles Earth Day continues into its third year. California Greenworks, Inc. presents a variety of opportunities for South Los Angeles residents to learn about environmentally safe and sustainable products and services available in the community. At the festival, products and services will be highlighted in a variety of earth-friendly pavilions.

The E-Waste Recycling pavilion will highlight a recycling service for electronic waste. Anyone can donate old televisions, computers, laptops, cell phones and any electronic device with a CRT screen. California Greenworks, Inc. will recycle the items with proceeds benefiting initiatives such as the Compton Creek Environmental Justice Project as well as environmental education programs, open space preservation and beautification projects in South Los Angeles.

Nationwide, environmentally themed events mark the celebration of Earth Day in late April. The 2008 South Los Angeles Earth Day will focus on important issues that impact urban, densely populated communities. Issues include reducing CO2 emissions entering into the atmosphere and creating poor air quality and global climate change, increasing an awareness of the environmental causes of poor health among urban children and practical ways to improve the environmental health of an urban community. Poor air and water quality are serious environmental health issues in urban communities across the nation. 123,000,000 youth in the U. S. are at risk to contracting asthma or obtaining some other respiratory disease from poor air quality.

"The health of our environment is directly related to the health of our children. This year in South Los Angeles the Earth Day festivities will integrate environmental education with products, services and programs that are available within the community. We are hoping to get everyone involved in improving the environmental health of our community," says California Greenworks, Inc. founder Mike Meador.

The official theme of the 3rd Annual South Los Angeles Earth Day is "A Greener and Healthier South Los Angeles for Our Community, Our Environment and Our Future". Actor Comedian Rodney Perry will take the stage and host the 3rd Annual South Los Angeles Earth Day Festival on the Echoing Green Global Stage, sponsored by Union Bank of California and Toyota. During an all day raffle, Wicked, now playing at the Pantages in Hollywood, will give tickets away to lucky festival goers to see the Los Angeles showing of the popular musical. The 2008 South Los Angeles Earth Day will be held on Saturday April 19, 2008 from 10:00 a. m. - 6:00 p. m. at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza located at 3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, in the historic Crenshaw district of Los Angeles, CA.

About Rodney Perry:
Rodney Perry was born in Chicago, raised in Monroe, Louisiana, and then ushered into the comedy world in the Bay Area of California. His Stage show is energy-driven with sidesplitting insights on everything from the work world to the everyday joys and occasional trials of family life. Rodney has appeared in the Fox Searchlight Film "Johnson Family Vacation" (Starring Kings of Comedy Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey), "Legacy", "Redrum" and "ShowStoppers". Recently he served as Co-Host of TV One's hit comedy competition "Who's Got Jokes". Rodney's television appearances include BET's Comic View, Showtime's LAFFAPALOOZA, and HBO's Def Comedy Jam. He has toured with legendary Hip-Hop artist RUN-DMC as well as late music icon Ray Charles. Rodney is a Champion of the McDonald's Bay Area Black Comedy Competition and Festival. For more information please visit: http://www. rodneyperry. com/ (http://www. rodneyperry. com/) or www. myspace. com/rodneyperry (http://www. myspace. com/rodneyperry)

About The South Los Angeles Earth Day Festival:
In 2006 California Greenworks, Inc. organized the first ever Earth Day Festival in South Los Angeles, California. This year, pavilions at the South Los Angeles Earth Day include the E-Waste Recycling pavilion as well as a Healthy Lifestyles pavilion, which includes health screenings, healthy cooking demonstrations and tips for dining out, sponsored by Kaiser Permemante and Sizzler. The Children Eco-Tech pavilion will provide youth with educational activities about conservation and recycling. The Urban Gardening demonstration provided by the UCLA Extension and Master Gardening program will include lectures on how to plant a garden in an urban space. A Farmers Market and Food Court will provide healthy foods for guests to take home. There will be a free tree giveaway all day sponsored by Million Trees LA. The Environmental Film Festival at the Global Green Advocacy Theater will offer film screening and forums on global warming, environmental justice and advocacy. Some film screenings include Leonardo di Caprio's "The 11th Hour", which documents global climate change and its effects on human life and the economy of the planet, Spike Lee's documentary "When the Levees Broke" about the devastation of Katrina and "Echoing Green" a movie about environmentalism. For more information please visit: http://www. southlaearthfest. org/ (http://www. southlaearthfest. org/)

About California Greenworks, Inc.:
California Greenworks Incorporated (CG) is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization formed to promote environmental protection, sustainability, community revitalization and economic development throughout urban communities in southern California. CG seeks to improve the quality of urban life through various programs and projects that advocate open space preservation in urban communities, restoration of waterways, and community beautification activities. Through collaborative efforts with community businesses, groups and other non-profit organizations, California Greenworks establishes partnerships that are fundamental to development and implementation of locally driven community programs and projects. For more information please visit: http://www. californiagreenworks. org/ (http://www. californiagreenworks. org/)

California Greenworks, Inc.
3347 W. 43rd Street
Los Angeles, California 90008
Phone: 323-298-5077

Media Contact:
Talia Roselli
Phone: 310-944-5615
Green. losangeles@gmail. com

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Gluten Free Adventure Travel Opportunities from EMSTrek

Gluten Free Adventure Travel Opportunities from EMSTrek

The Eastern Mountain Sports travel department has teamed up with registered diatician and Celiac Disease specialist, Melinda Dennis, to develop fun and informative Gluten Free getaways in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and international trips to Costa Rica. Packages range from weekend hiking getaways to week long multi sport adventures and are meant to take the stress out of travel for those with the disease as well as to provide information on how to incorperate gluten free living easily into daily life.

Bartlett, NH (PRWEB) May 8, 2008

The Trekking department at Eastern Mountain Sports, an adventure travel department which focuses on authentic and specialized active vacations, has acknowledged the difficulties of trip planning for people with wheat intolerance and has teamed up with Melinda Dennis, a registered dietitian specializing in Celiac Disease (Delete the Wheat Nutritional Counseling) to create a fun and informational weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire on June 27th-29th based on getting outside and living gluten free.

Participants will stay at the Cranmore Mountain Lodge, enjoying three days packed with informational lectures, fun and challenging hikes, and delicious gluten free meals and samples.

"Celiac disease, an autoimmune disease related to intolerance to gluten, affects over 2 million people in the US alone. Though awareness about this disease has grown and gluten-free products have increased in production, many people are unsure how to make lifestyle changes in a world based on wheat. Many suffers have difficulty planning trips and vacations because they must always take extra precaution to plan out how they will eat since many places don't offer a wide variety of gluten-free fare. "It can feel like a real struggle to eat outside the home and face cross contamination with gluten. Traveling adds an extra challenge," explains Dennis.

"It seems we all have friends or family members who can't eat wheat and have to take extra time to worry about meals," adds Katie Smith, manager of EMSTrek. "We wanted to take the worry out of vacation by providing completely gluten-free meals and add a little education with short lectures by Melinda Dennis after a day's activity."

Each day participants will enjoy prepared breakfasts featuring wheat-free pancakes, eggs, and other foods. Saturday and Sunday participants will hike up scenic ridge lines or skirt around thunderous waterfalls, enjoying the outdoors. Participants will maintain their energy with various snacks from companies such as Larabar and enjoy a gluten-free lunch at the summit as they gaze down on the Mt. Washington Valley from the top of a mountain. At night the hikers will be treated to a full gluten free dinner at Rafferty's Pub or pizza from the Flatbread Co. and lectures from Melinda Dennis on how to take charge of their diets, no matter where they are.

"I think these weekends are just a start of our wheat free offerings. We already have plans for a multi-sport trip to Costa Rica in the fall and we may expand into other areas in the US and include a variety of activities such as rock climbing or biking," asserts Smith.

For more information about the gluten free weekend with EMSTrek, please call 888-755-TREK or check out the website at www. emstrek. com.

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EADS and PlantCML® Highlight Mission Critical Public Safety Solutions at 2010 Association of Public Safety-Communications Officials (APCO) Conference

EADS and PlantCML® Highlight Mission Critical Public Safety Solutions at 2010 Association of Public Safety-Communications Officials (APCO) Conference

EADS (European Aeronautic Defence & Space) and its North American subsidiary, PlantCML®, global leaders in emergency communications, will present their Full-Circle Security and Communications portfolio, educational sessions and more at the 2010 Association of Public Safety-Communications Officials (APCO) Conference and Trade Show in Houston from August 1- 5 in Booth #1011.

Temecula, Calif. (Vocus) July 26, 2010

EADS (http://www. eads. com/eads/int/en. html#/story-1) (European Aeronautic Defence & Space) and its North American subsidiary, PlantCML® (http://www. plantcml-eads. com), global leaders in emergency communications, will present their Full-Circle Security and Communications portfolio at the 2010 Association of Public Safety-Communications Officials (http://www. apco911.org/) (APCO) Conference and Trade Show in Houston from August 1- 5 in Booth #1011. EADS and PlantCML will showcase the Future in Action, providing live demonstrations of its solutions for next-generation 9-1-1 call centers, emergency notification and P25 digital land mobile radio, all of which are deployed today, as well as previews of its incident management, mobile video and identity verification applications. Visitors to our booth will also get a first look at how the joint solution of LTE from Alcatel-Lucent (http://www. alcatel-lucent. com/us/) and P25 LMR from EADS will provide public safety with interoperable voice, video and data communications, delivering the access to information necessary to integrate awareness among agencies, facilitate interagency response, and implement a unified incident management strategy.

“The annual APCO conference offers an outstanding platform for educating public safety professionals at all levels with the latest developments in the industry and progress. APCO’s various forums, keynote addresses, new product showcase, professional development track, and vendor presentations are invaluable to attendees,” said Tami Timperio, Vice President, Marketing, PlantCML. “We are honored to play such a large part in the conference and trade show as we continue to lead the way with our mission critical communications solutions for public safety.”

Recognizing its history of technology and standards leadership, EADS/PlantCML representatives have been invited to speak at several workshops during the conference. Monday, August 2, 2010, Chuck Sackley, Vice President and General Manager of Land Mobile Radio, will speak on Monday afternoon in a session entitled “When Will P25 Radios Really Be Interchangeable Between Manufacturers?” from 4:30 to 5:30 p. m. On Tuesday at 2 p. m., Bob Shapiro, Senior Manager of Systems Engineering will present on TIA TSB88 – What Is It? How To Use It? What Are Its Benefits? On Wednesday Aug. 4th, at 8:15 a. m. in a joint session with NICE, Greater Harris County and Westminster, Michael Rosen, Product Marketing Manager for PlantCML will present a session entitled “Get Behind The Wheel – Building Your PSAP’s Roadmap to NextGen 9-1-1.” Richard Kelly, Sales Engineer, will contribute the following educational session on Wednesday, Aug. 4th: PSAP NextGen Readiness, What About The Map? from 9:30 to 10:30 a. m.

PlantCML customers Cypress Creek EMS Communications Center and Houston Emergency Communications will be featured on the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) tour.

PlantCML is also proud to be the inaugural sponsor of the APCO essay contest, with the theme of “Why the Public Needs Professionals in Public Safety Communications”. The winning submission is from Riverdale High School senior Amanda Krutilla, of Lehigh Acres, Florida. In addition to $1000 scholarship, Amanda and her chaperone will receive complementary travel to the conference, a certificate of achievement, a one year membership in APCO and will be interviewed on APCOTV.

About PlantCML (http://www. plantcml-eads. com)
A pioneer and trusted leader in mission critical communications, PlantCML®, an EADS North America company, provides key technologies for public safety, federal and corporate markets. Our full-circle security and communications portfolio includes 9-1-1 call center CTI applications for call processing, CAD, mapping and information management, as well as managed services, notification solutions and services and P25 Land Mobile Radio networks. Headquartered in Temecula, California.

About EADS North America (http://www. eadsnorthamerica. com/north-america/usa/en. html)
EADS North America is the North American operation of EADS, a global leader in aerospace, defense and related services. As a leader in all sectors of defense and homeland security, EADS North America and its parent company, EADS, contribute over $11 billion to the U. S. economy annually and support more than 200,000 American jobs through its network of suppliers and services. Operating in 17 states, EADS North America offers a broad array of advanced solutions to its customers in the commercial, homeland security, aerospace and defense markets.

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Tips on How to Avoid Hiring a Crook

Tips on How to Avoid Hiring a Crook

What do you really know about the person you are about to hire? There are a number of easy steps to take to find out if an applicant is hiding something.

(PRWEB) January 5, 2002

A Great First Day

A local gas station reported to police that on his first day of employment, an employee walked away with a large amount of cash that belonged to the station. Later, a police check of his application yielded several fictitious names, addresses and personal identifiers. The guy had walked in, looked good, filled out the application and was put to work immediately. After working most of the day, he walked away with what amounted to several weeks pay.

It is obvious that even a basic background check would have uncovered the crook before he got the cash. The employer in this example went directly from the application process to hiring without verifying any information. Here are just a few examples from the new book 25 Essential Lessons for Employee Management of professional tricks for spotting trouble employees or associates before you put them on the payroll.

· 5% of applicants supply false Social Security Numbers. To learn more about Social Security Codes or to learn how employers can verify Social Security Numbers for free visit www. ssa. gov. Familiarity with Social Security Codes will help you determine if a card is valid or not. If you find that a job applicantÂ’s Social Security Number hasnÂ’t been issued or doesnÂ’t match the assigned group list, ask to see the card. If itÂ’s not an error then you probably have a crook – someone who doesnÂ’t want his or her true identity known!

· 24% of applicants misrepresent their prior employment history. While, verifying past employment can be frustrating because it is often difficult to get a response from a former employer, it is crucial that the attempt be made and documented. Incomplete job applications with dates of employment or bossesÂ’ names missing should raise suspicion. Gaps in employment periods, delays in producing documents for I-9 identification (Social Security card, drivers license, alien registration) or failure to sign the release for a background search are red flags.

· 28% of applicants misrepresent their education history. Take the time to verify education records. Over 70% of colleges and universities confirm degree or attendance free by phone. Companies such as www. studentclearinghouse. com specialize in performing educational verifications for a moderate fee.

Imagine having someone on your payroll who had just been accused of a heinous crime because “I didn’t have time to do a background check.” If you have employees who come in contact with your customers and their valuables – or if you’re concerned about what your employees may do with your valuables or company secrets – then it is important to know their background. Don’t hire a crook!

Author Dennis L. Demey is among the foremost American authorities on how employers large and small can protect their business due to the actions of employees. As President of ADAM Safeguard of TomÂ’s River, New Jersey, DeMey brings the same expert advice he provides to clients in the insurance, financial, legal, medical and law enforcement professions to the pages of 25 Essential Lessons for Employee Management.

For a free list of employment screening companies visit www. publicrecordsources. com. 25 Essential Lessons for Employee Management is available at most bookstores and from the publisher at 800-929-3811 or www. brbpub. com.

Jim Crockett Former Publisher of Guitar Player and Keyboard Magazine Targets the Music Industry

Jim Crockett Former Publisher of Guitar Player and Keyboard Magazine Targets the Music Industry

For 19 years, starting in 1970, while at the helm of GPI Publications Crockett took the company from a $40,000/year business with one semi-monthly magazine titled Guitar Player to a $15 million business producing five monthlies, four quarterlies, books, newsletters and recordings. Now he is ready to help instrument manufactures increase media coverage for their products at Dameron Communications.

Newport Beach, CA (PRWEB) August 6, 2007

Music legend Jim Crockett, with decades of music industry writing experience behind him, launches new effort at Dameron Communications (http://www. DameronCommunications. com (http://www. DameronCommunications. com)) to attract potential new public relations and advertising accounts with guitar, keyboard, drum, instrument accessory and other manufacturers.

"Jim virtually wrote the book on writing for musical instruments at Guitar Player Magazine. He knows the music industry and he knows the consumers! And he knows what we can do to help build successful businesses with our public relations, marketing and advertising experience," says Carl Dameron, president of Dameron Communications.

Crockett joined Dameron Communications two years ago and has worked with Dameron on a variety of PR efforts. The two decided to use Crockett's renowned prowess in the music industry after an inquiry from a music mastering company requesting Crockett to write articles about their process. Crockett and Dameron quickly realized there was a demand for Crockett's experience.

For 19 years, starting in 1970, while at the helm of GPI Publications Crockett took the company from a $40,000/year business with one semi-monthly magazine titled Guitar Player to a $15 million business producing five monthlies, four quarterlies, books, newsletters and recordings.

The former CEO of GPI has counted as his friends B. B. King, Andres Segovia, Mike Bloomfield, Howard Roberts, Les Paul, Chick Corea, Frank Zappa, Tal Farlow, Herbie Hancock, Chet Atkins, David Gilmour, Leo Fender, Barney Kessel, Jerry Garcia, Joe Pass, George Benson, Billy Gibbons, Tony Iommi and many others.

Crockett has worked with many public relations firms over the years including internationally respected BSMG. He has nearly 20 years experience in producing musical publications, heading such international magazines as Guitar Player, Keyboard, Frets, Drums & Drumming and Bass Player magazines.

He has had a half-dozen newsletters and more than a thousand articles, features and interviews published.

In the TV world Crockett has produced and hosted specials for MTV and has appeared on all major television networks and cable systems including NBC's "Today Show," CNN and the former Nashville Network.

The prior Media Relations Executive with the nationwide Financial Relations Board has hosted countless press conferences, media tours, interviews and seminars.

Crockett is also the author of five books: Putting A Band Together, Guitar Player Book, Fix Your Axe (instrument repair), Great White Shark and Why-to Of Scuba Diving.

A former communications professor at the University of Idaho and The International College of the Cayman Islands, Crockett's knowledge of education, music, broadcasting, publishing and business management is substantial.

Jim has kept a low profile the last few years enjoying his five-acre ranch in Los Angeles County and spending time with his family. But he has kept busy. He has a movie script in development, "Great While It Lasted," based on the world's first female jazz band, and is in the middle of another book, a biography of actor Spenser Tracy's son, co-founder of the John Tracy Clinic for deaf children in Los Angeles, while he continues to write stories for Dameron Communications' key clients.

"I love to write and I love to play music," says Crockett. "So I write about music, musicians and equipment. And I love what I do. I've been in music, in one form or another, all my adult life."

Dameron Communications has handled the advertising and public relations needs of California businesses since 1989. As founder and director Carl Dameron puts it, "While I am a good writer, Jim is a great writer. He is the best writer I have ever worked with."

Jim and Carl can be reached at Dameron Communications (949) 999-0881. The Web site is www. DameronCommunications. com.

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Unum Launches Next-Generation Benefits Solution to Address Needs of Small to Midsize Employers: Simply Unum is an integration of group and voluntary benefit

Unum Launches Next-Generation Benefits Solution to Address Needs of Small to Midsize Employers: Simply Unum is an integration of group and voluntary benefit

Unum (NYSE: UNM) today unveils an integrated product and service platform called Simply Unum that brings an unparalleled level of choice, pricing flexibility and administrative ease to the employee benefits market.

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (PRWEB) August 14, 2007

 More than two years in development, Simply Unum addresses the key issues facing today's employers, including cost pressures, workforce diversity, recruitment and retention, and the challenge of benefits communication and administration.

"Simply Unum will transform the benefits landscape in the small to midsize market," said Mike Simonds, senior vice president of product development and marketing. "It is one of the most significant product and service initiatives in our company's history. In fact, we have received two provisional patents on the technology and this platform will become our model for future growth and product innovation."

Designed specifically for the small to midsize business owner, Simply Unum provides a base of group disability or life insurance coupled with voluntary benefits. With more than 28,000 product combinations possible, an employer can offer benefit options that best meet the specific needs of their workforce at a price that doesn't strain the bottom line. It operates on a single technology platform, creating one path from benefit package design to quoting to enrollment to ongoing billing and administration.

In creating Simply Unum, the company conducted extensive research with brokers and employers to identify their top market challenges and service concerns. It studied the business models of leaders in the manufacturing, food service, airline and service industries. And it dissected the benefit plans of more than 100,000 customers to determine the most popular product features.

The Simply Unum solution:

-- Increases the choice of products available to employees to fit different life stages and financial situations

-- Provides improved benefits education to help employees make informed financial planning decisions

-- Streamlines enrollment with a fast, paperless process

-- Connects HR personnel to web-based tools for convenient, real-time plan administration

-- Supports online claim filing and provides both the employer and employee with continuous access to the status of the claim.

Simply Unum was designed specifically for small and midsized companies. It helps business owners achieve an edge in a competitive hiring environment by helping to create a benefits package that will attract and retain top talent.

"It's fiercely competitive out there for employers trying to attract and retain the most talented workforce they can," said Simonds. "So being able to provide benefits that are meaningful to their employees - both existing and potential - is a huge advantage for employers."

Simply Unum helps create this advantage. The Simply Unum benefits solution is now available in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, and will be available nationwide in early 2008.

Additional information:

Pod casts

Listen to pod casts from Bob Best, chief operating officer www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1136 (http://www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1136); Mike Simonds, senior vice president of product development and marketing www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1137 (http://www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1137); or Steve Meahl, senior vice president of sales www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1138 (http://www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1138).

Flash

View a brief flash presentation about the Simply Unum benefits solution

www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1135 (http://www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1135)

Web site

Visit www. unum. com/simplyunum (http://www. unum. com/simplyunum) for product and service information

Advertising

Look at the Simply Unum print advertisement

www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1139 (http://www. unum. com/PDF/forms. ashx? formID=MK-1139)

White paper

Download HR Trends and Challenges: The changing U. S. demographic, economic, and social landscape of the workplace

http://forms. unum. com/StreamPDF. aspx? strURL=/FMS_068162-1.pdf (http://forms. unum. com/StreamPDF. aspx? strURL=/FMS_068162-1.pdf)

About Unum

Unum (www. unum. com), formerly UnumProvident, is one of the leading providers of employee benefits products and services, and the largest provider of group and individual disability income protection insurance in the United States and the United Kingdom. Through its subsidiaries, Unum provided $6.2 billion in total benefits to customers in 2006.

Making the Commitment -- the Marriage Between Diversity & Affirmative Action

Making the Commitment -- the Marriage Between Diversity & Affirmative Action

Berkshire Expert Gives Presentation at 2009 SHRM Annual Conference & Exposition

Columbia, MD (PRWEB) June 24, 2009

On June 30, 2009, Sybil Randolph, PHR of Berkshire Associates, a human resources consulting and technology firm that assists companies in building the ideal, balanced workforce, will walk attendees down the HR aisle for her presentation, 'The Marriage Between Diversity & Affirmative Action' at the 61st Annual SHRM Conference in New Orleans, LA.

During this interactive session, attendees will write their HR vows as they learn about the similarities and differences between affirmative action and diversity, the legal risks associated with the "marriage" between the two, or "divorce" as the case may be, and some practical tips on how to create a lawful diversity program (http://www. berkshireassociates. com/WorkForcePlanning/diversity/Planning. aspx) that values differences and encourages employee interaction.

This seminar speaks to affirmative action professionals who may be expected to create, monitor, assist, and execute an effective diversity program.

For more information about the presentation, please contact Berkshire at 800.882.8904, ext. 1307.

About Sybil Randolph:
As a Senior Human Resources Consultant at Berkshire, Sybil Randolph has helped hundreds of companies prepare their affirmative action programs. With more than ten years of active human resources experience, Sybil has emerged as an expert in the field providing companies with OFCCP audit support, diversity training, salary analyses, and personnel action reviews to identify any adverse impact.

About Berkshire Associates:
Berkshire Associates (http://www. berkshireassociates. com/default. aspx) is a human resources consulting and technology firm, specializing in helping companies build the ideal, balanced workforce. As an industry leader, Berkshire provides the latest tools and services for applicant management, compensation management, affirmative action, workforce planning, diversity, and professional training. For over 25 years, Berkshire has services the nation's most recognizable companies; and as a result has mastered providing clients with cost-effective solutions to everyday human resources challenges.

About SHRM and SHRM Annual:
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) is the world's largest professional association devoted to human resource management. Their mission is to serve the needs of HR professionals by providing the most current and comprehensive resources, and to advance the profession by promoting HR's essential, strategic role. SHRM's Annual Conference & Exposition is the world's largest gathering of HR professionals, and is dedicated to helping professionals increase their professional education, as well as stay up to date with the latest industry techniques and trends.

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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The Bass Federation Signs Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Compete-At for Online Fishing Tournament Management

The Bass Federation Signs Exclusive Partnership Agreement with Compete-At for Online Fishing Tournament Management

Compete-At, the leading innovator of sport event management software, today announced its exclusive partnership with The Bass Federation (TBF), the largest and oldest independent grassroots organization in bass fishing, to provide tournament management to the Federation and its member organizations at the national, regional, state, and local levels.

Bethesda, MD (PRWEB) July 15, 2008

Compete-At, the leading innovator of sport event management software, today announced its exclusive partnership with The Bass Federation (TBF), the largest and oldest independent grassroots organization in bass fishing, to provide tournament management to the Federation and its member organizations at the national, regional, state, and local levels.

TBF will use Compete-At's online Event Management platform to run 6 divisional championship events, the TBF Federation National Championship, Presented by the National Guard as well as other events. In addition, the platform has the ability to manage all 20,000 events sanctioned by TBF through local TBF clubs. TBF includes 1,900 clubs and 30,000 members all of which will receive the benefits of Compete-At's Event Management Platform. Competitive anglers will also be able to take advantage of Compete-At's Passport product, enabling them to easily sign up for events and keep track of past tournaments through a secure online profile.

Robert Cartlidge, President of TBF, says, "We are a membership owned organization, as such, we continuously striving to ad value, lessen the work load and make life easier on our all volunteer membership. With the Compete-At platform it will be easier than it has ever been for all TBF affiliates to organize and improve tournaments, increase club memberships and attendance at our events." Robert continues, "Compete-At enables us to streamline our process with Event Manager, a completely turn-key solution. Through our partnership, all TBF clubs only need to activate their account and they can start reaping the benefits by accepting online registrations, posting photos, tournament results and more. In essence, we're making word-class event management and online registration accessible to all of our clubs, regardless of size."

"We're very excited about our new partnership with The Bass Federation," says David Ross, Chief Executive Officer at Compete-At. Dave continues, "Their goal to improve event management across all levels of the organization, is a testament to their support and dedication to member clubs. Compete-At's philosophy to provide tailored event management solutions for select sports, in this case bass fishing, will certainly help them achieve this goal."

Activating Your Bass Federation Event Manager Account
Compete-At, in conjunction with TBF, will be contacting member clubs starting in July with instructions on activating their club. Clubs with immediate tournament needs can contact John Torgerson at 240- 497-0037 x213 or visit http://www. compete-at. com/TBF (http://www. compete-at. com/TBF) for more information.

Click here to visit website (http://www. compete-at. com/fishing/campaigns/activate_TBF. html)

About Compete-At's Event Management Platform
Compete-At Event Manager is a secure online platform tailored to meet the unique planning and online registration needs of select competitive sports. Unlike "league based" or one-size-fits-all solutions, Event Manager is specifically designed and tailored to alleviate the headaches of event management while handling all sport specific disciplines at local, regional and international levels.

Compete-At functionality addresses the following areas of running a successful event:
Pre-event planning and promotion Event staff roles and responsibilities with custom access rights and privileges Scheduled and on-demand notification engine Online registration configuration with custom registrations requirements Customized fee structure, discipline and class structure Available predefined bass fishing forms for boat and anglers E-commerce store with customizable categories and reporting to sell event apparel, social or event tickets, T-shirts, etc. Event cloning for rapid deployment and increased efficiency Social event planning Youth event or education registrations Accept online donations Secure credit card processing in multiple currencies Accept and record multiple payment options; online credit card, check, cash, etc. On-site quick entry to handle last minute registrations Event financial budgeting and reporting

About Compete-At Passport
The Compete-At Passport product is a secure user account used to manage angler profile information, maintain a history of past events, store required entry documentation to allow for quick and simple online registration. Once an angler has created a Passport account, registering for any event is a simple process by which the stored profile information is ported over to the event registration forms making sure to only the pass the information necessary for that event. Compete-At Passport eliminates the tedious process manually completing and submitting registration entry and requirement forms.

About The Bass Federation (TBF)
The Bass Federation Inc. (TBF) is owned by those we serve and dedicated to the sport of fishing. TBF affiliated state federations and their member clubs conduct more than 20,000 fishing, youth and conservation events at the local level each year. The "Federation" is the world's oldest and largest organized grassroots fishing organization and has provided the foundation for the entire bass fishing industry for more than 35 years. www. bassfederation. com

About Compete-At. com
Compete-At. com is the sport event management expert providing tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of individual sport disciplines. The Compete-At product suite is based on the Regatta Manager platform and helps National Governing Bodies, sport event organizers and athletes, coordinate, promote, and manage events through a robust, yet easy to use online system. For more information visit http://www. Compete-At. com (http://www. Compete-At. com)

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