Vertical Networks to Partner with Via Rehabilitation Services on Beautification Project

Vertical Networks to Partner with Via Rehabilitation Services on Beautification Project

Vertical Networks is launching a beautification project August 14th, 16th and 19th for Via Rehabilitation ServicesÂ’ First Step Program.

SUNNYVALE, CA (PRWEB) August 14, 2003

Vertical Networks is launching a beautification project August 14th, 16th and 19th for Via Rehabilitation ServicesÂ’ First Step Program. The project will focus on a major site clean up at Via Rehabilitation ServicesÂ’ First Step program site in Santa Clara. The project was chosen after results from Vertical NetworksÂ’ employee survey listed human services as the number one area of interest.

Vertical Networks expects about a third of their staff to get involved in the project. The beautification project will include an exterior clean up of the two First Step buildings, painting of the street and playground fences, and spring-cleaning inside the buildings. "We are absolutely thrilled at this opportunity to partner with Via and help improve the facilities for this very valuable community asset," said Courtney Mares, Director of Human Resources at Vertical Networks.

Vertical Networks, an Entrepreneurs Foundation (EF) participating company, received the 2003 Rookie of the Year award. This award is given to a company that has joined Entrepreneurs Foundation with an equity grant within the past year and demonstrates the greatest commitment to community outreach and benefit programs.

Entrepreneurs Foundation works with emerging companies to facilitate and enable the development and implementation of community benefit programs. Diane Solinger, Executive Director of Entrepreneurs Foundation states, “Vertical Networks is demonstrative of how small companies can support our community if they have executive leadership and outside resources to assist with implementation. EF is proud to partner with Vertical Networks to enable the company and its employees to give back.”

About Via Rehabilitation Services, Inc.:

Via Rehabilitation Services, Inc. is a private, independent non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities achieve greater self-sufficiency and lead richer lives. First Step, one of VIAÂ’s programs, works with preschoolers and infants, toddlers and their parents.

The objective is to maximize the learning and growing during this formative time using a transdisciplinary approach, which includes education, speech/language, motor and social/emotional assessment. The children in the program may have disabilities, developmental delays, or be at-risk for developmental delays.

The Infant and Toddler Program at First Step serves young children from birth to 36 months who are either diagnosed at birth as having a disability or who, because of certain conditions present during pregnancy, delivery or birth, are considered to be at risk for developmental delays. For more information about Via Rehabilitation Services, visit www. viaservices. org.

About Vertical Networks:

Vertical Networks is the leading provider of Integrated Communications Platforms (ICPs), the first systems that combine voice, data, and applications support into one remotely manageable platform.

With a unique focus on the needs of enterprise branch offices and small to medium-sized businesses worldwide, Vertical Networks delivers business solutions to a wide range of industries, including financial services, medical, publishing, and retail.

For more information about Vertical Networks, visit www. vertical. com.

About Entrepreneurs Foundation:

Founded in 1998 by Gib Myers of Mayfield, Entrepreneurs Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the Bay Area by bringing together entrepreneurial companies with the resources and programs they need to better serve their communities.

Since inception, Entrepreneurs FoundationÂ’s 100 participating companies have provided time and resources that are making an impact in the community by: annually engaging 10,000 employees, partnering with 140 community organizations in the Bay Area. To date, EF and its participating companies have contributed more than $2.5 million to support the Bay Area community.

Entrepreneurs Foundation is making a difference. For more information about Entrepreneurs Foundation, visit www. efbayarea. org.

Are Breast Cancer Patients Being Properly Informed?

Are Breast Cancer Patients Being Properly Informed?

North Texas Plastic Surgeon Committed to Informing Women of Options

Southlake, TX (PRWEB) August 27, 2009

Despite the increase of breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008, nearly 70 percent of women who are eligible for the procedure are not informed of the reconstructive options available to them, according to a recently published report! Newly released statistics by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) shows there were more than 79,000 breast reconstruction procedures performed in 2008 - a 39 percent increase over 2007. But in spite of this, current research suggests that many breast cancer patients are missing out on a key conversation that should take place at the time of diagnosis.

"Women with breast cancer are faced with many tough decisions", says Dr. Sacha Obaid medical director of North Texas Plastic Surgery, www. northtexasplasticsurgery. com. "It is absolutely critical that at the time of diagnosis, women with breast cancer be referred to a team of specialists including a breast surgeon, an oncologist, a radiation oncologist, and a board certified plastic surgeon. While the information presented may be overwhelming, it is critical that women know that they can be made whole again. They also must know that the road to rebuilding their body can begin the same day as the surgery to remove their tumor. Unfortunately, many women are not presented these options."

Taking the position that every woman deserves the right to choose which, if any reconstruction option is best for her, North Texas Plastic Surgery is launching an ongoing effort to bring public awareness to breast reconstruction issues, including education, access, and a team approach. In the coming months, Dr. Obaid's team will reach out through a variety of materials, ranging from direct mail pieces to physicians specializing in women's care, online breast reconstruction information, online breast reconstruction question and answers, brochures to be displayed in primary care offices, and a lecture series.

"My goal is to make sure that every woman given the diagnosis of breast cancer in the United States is presented every option available. That way she can make the best decision for her."

About North Texas Plastic Surgery

Founded in October 2007, North Texas Plastic Surgery opened its doors in March 2008. The practice's primary physician, Dr. Sacha Obaid, studied medicine at Harvard Medical School and studied plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern and the New York University Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery. Obaid splits his practice between cosmetic plastic surgery and pediatric reconstruction surgery. His specialties include cosmetic facial and body procedures, liposuction, pediatric craniofacial surgery and breast reconstruction.

North Texas Plastic Surgery is located in the Harris Methodist Center for Diagnostics and Surgery at 1545 E. Southlake Blvd. Suite 250, Southlake, TX 76092 For more information, visit www. northtexasplasticsurgery. com or call (817) 416-8080.

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'TodayÂ’s Family' to feature Grupo Xcaret, Mexican Natural Tourist Parks

'TodayÂ’s Family' to feature Grupo Xcaret, Mexican Natural Tourist Parks

Grupo Xcaret, located on the Mexican Caribbean, near Cancun, Mexico, is comprised of three parks, Xcaret, Xel-Ha and Garrafon,, all of which showcase the beauty and natural environment of Mexico.

Deerfield Beach, FL (PRWEB) October 29, 2004

Platinum Television Group is pleased to announce the selection of Grupo Xcaret, S. A. de C. V. for its innovative, educational television series, Today’s Family, for a segment on “World’s Best Theme Parks.”

Not only do they explain the educational purposes of the ecosystem but also there are many attractions to enjoy. Behind every attraction, there is a team of Mexican scientists specialized in each area. They have a groundbreaking program in environmental education, in which 100 students are invited daily, free of charge, during the school year.

Xcaret, which opened in 1990, is a magnificent eco-archaeological park south of Cancun on 220 acres. Here one may see animals and fish in their natural habitats, as well as: museums, a huge butterfly pavilion, wild bird breeding aviary, archaeological sites, coral reef aquarium, caverns and Maya villages, bat caves, lagoons, wading pools, and beaches. There are underground rivers to explore, daytime shows and musical events, in addition to, snorkeling and swimming with dolphins..

Xel-Ha, “the place where the waters were born,” is a naturally occurring aquarium, unique in the world. It opened in 1995 on the Yucatan Peninsula, south of Cancun. This park, surrounded by a jungle, offers Aquaventura, where guides and participants explore the best sites of the park, and nature sites like The Creek, where one can relax by the reef or dive to see the colorful variety of marine fauna. Explore the Cenote in the jungle or visit the turtle camp. There are also “sting less” honeybees that are said to have curable powers. Other park attractions offer exploration, adventure, and relaxation.

Garrafon is a natural park located on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres that began operation in 1997. The island is located in the Caribbean, off the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Here one finds great snorkeling at GarrafonÂ’s Reef, as well as swimming in the Caribbean Sea, touring the roads to Punta Sur and the cliff, viewing the Mayan temple dedicated to the goddess Ixchel, Mayan goddess of fertility. Rest in the hammocks or by the pool, play at the fun Marine Platforms or at the Monkey Swing, tour the reefs in a kayak, or dare to climb the escalator or the long rope.

Canon del Sumidero is the newest park to be added to the Grupo Xcaret family, opened in 2003. The adventure begins with a 40-minute boat ride just to get to the entrance. Upon entering you can enjoy crocodile swamps, butterfly paths, animal hospitals, and jungle paths. There are also kayaks, bike paths, and a zip line where you glide through the heights above the treetops.

All the parks offer unforgettable adventures and encounters with Nature. For more information, visit www. xcaret. net; www. garrafon. com and www. xel-ha. com. mx

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Augie Ray of Independent Research Firm Discusses Turning Facebook Fans into Brand Advocates - September 22 Webinar Hosted by Zuberance & WOMMA

Augie Ray of Independent Research Firm Discusses Turning Facebook Fans into Brand Advocates - September 22 Webinar Hosted by Zuberance & WOMMA

Special Guest, Augie Ray, a Senior Analyst of Social Computing at Forrester Research, Inc., will discuss how to turn Facebook fans into Brand Advocates on a webinar on Wednesday, September 22 at 11 AM PDT/2 PM. The webinar is co-sponsored by the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA), and Zuberance, the leading brand advocacy company.

San Carlos, CA (PRWEB) September 14, 2010

Special Guest, Augie Ray, a Senior Analyst of Social Computing at Forrester Research, Inc., will discuss how to turn Facebook fans into Brand Advocates on a webinar on Wednesday, September 22 at 11 AM PDT/2 PM. The webinar is co-sponsored by the Word of Mouth Marketing Association (WOMMA), and Zuberance, the leading brand advocacy company.

Augie Ray is a Sr. Analyst of Social Computing at Forrester Research, Inc. For more than a decade prior to joining Forrester, Augie provided interactive marketing strategy and leadership to a wide range of brands in categories such as consumer packaged goods, office products, and travel. He has specialized in emerging and social media, including branded communities, blogs, Twitter, Facebook and mobile marketing. Since joining Forrester, Augie has researched and published reports on social media marketing topics including mass influence, advocacy and the ROI of social media marketing.

Augie is a leading expert on social networks, social media strategy, marketing organization and consumer digital behavior and has been quoted in publications such as the Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, New York Times and BusinessWeek. Augie was recently named one of the ten most influential analysts on Twitter by a leading PR blog.

Topics for the webinar include:
 What’s the value of a Facebook fan  What’s the value of a Brand Advocate  How to identify and energize Brand Advocates

The webinar will feature real-world case studies and best practices for energizing Brand Advocates on Facebook and across the social web.

Registration Information

Register now at zuberance. com/webinar (http://www. zuberance. com/webinar) . Attendance is limited.

About Zuberance

Zuberance is the leading social marketing platform company delivering sales now.
The award-winning Zuberance Advocate Platform enables companies to systematically identify and energize Brand Advocates across social, web, and mobile platforms, driving sales and positive Word of Mouth. Zuberance customers include leading B2C and B2B companies across multiple verticals. Zuberance is backed by Emergence Capital Partners, the leading venture capital firm focused on early and growth-stage Technology-Enabled Services companies. Zuberance is a member of WOMMA. For more information, visit zuberance. com (http://www. zuberance. com/webinar) or call 866.967.9746.

About WOMMA

WOMMA is the premier non-profit organization dedicated to advancing and advocating the discipline of credible word of mouth marketing. Through best practices, industry education and member value, WOMMA advocates word of mouth as a solution to business challenges and a key component in the creation of Talkable Brands. Learn more at womma. org (http://www. zuberance. com/webinar).

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Cambridge Cautions Consumers Against Debt Settlement until FTC Rules Take Effect

Cambridge Cautions Consumers Against Debt Settlement until FTC Rules Take Effect

Lack of publicity leaves public vulnerable to deceptive debt practices in interim.

Agawam, MA (Vocus) August 6, 2010

Significant changes in the Telemarketing Sales Rule recently introduced by the Federal Trade Commission will soon alter the way debt settlement companies are allowed to operate. The need for the new rules, which were specifically designed to protect vulnerable consumers, became evident last week when the FTC released a stunning 229-page report detailing the egregious behavior of many debt relief agencies. Unfortunately, because accounts of the government’s efforts were hardly front-page news, many consumers may be unaware that the new protections won’t take effect right away. In the interim, it is expected that the settlement industry will spend millions more on its misleading television, radio and Internet advertising, luring unsuspecting consumers to enroll before the first wave of new regulations takes effect on September 27th.

The Federal Trade Commission’s report (http://www. ftc. gov/os/2010/07/R411001finalrule. pdf (http://www. ftc. gov/os/2010/07/R411001finalrule. pdf)) clearly illustrates the deplorable actions of settlement companies that put profit-taking before their claimed purpose of providing debt relief to financially desperate individuals. Instead, the FTC found that settlement agencies frequently misrepresent their services, eventually resulting in significant financial harm to their trusting clients. The ads are tempting, and nearly unavoidable. Last year alone, nearly 9 million Americans responded to sensational advertisements featuring video clips of President Obama, seemingly suggesting that debt settlement is a form of government-sanctioned bailout for individual consumers – it’s not. But as with any other advertising claim that appears too good to be true, repeated exposure to the industry’s messages leads millions of consumers to believe that the service is legitimate.

“When you see our president cleverly associated with a message promising immediate debt relief, you’d like to believe it’s true - especially during today’s difficult financial times, but it’s just a case of misleading advertising,” noted Christopher Viale, CEO of Cambridge Credit Counseling. “We all hope that the changes instituted by the FTC will change the face of debt relief and protect the public from agencies looking to profit from the financial hardships of vulnerable individuals.”

Before it released its new rules, the FTC performed a review of some common settlement industry claims, and it also asked the Government Accountability Office to conduct an undercover investigation of the industry. The results were disturbing. Clients of debt settlement firms saved approximately $58.1 million, a statistic frequently boasted by industry defenders; however, those consumers paid at least $55.6 million in agency fees, virtually canceling out the savings in many cases, particularly when late fees and other charges are factored in. Another industry claim was based on a study of just 12 clients, a sampling too small to be a reliable representation of the millions of consumers who’ve enrolled with settlement firms over the last few years. “The non-profit credit counseling industry has committed a significant amount of educational resources over the years to help the public understand the predatory nature of many debt settlement firms, and that the typical client doesn’t save money,” remarked Cambridge’s Viale, “I was hoping to wake up after the FTC announcement to see extensive media coverage detailing the changes, and why they are necessary. Unfortunately, very little time or space was dedicated to this serious issue.”

Many of the FTC’s new protections go into place on September 27, 2010, with the exception of the advance fee ban, which will take effect on October 27th. That small window of opportunity isn’t likely to go unnoticed. The settlement industry already spends millions of dollars on advertising, and it’s expected that companies will increase their efforts before they’re forced to change their business model. “Until these measures are in place, the debt settlement industry will use its vast resources to enroll as many unwitting consumers as they can,” continued Viale. “While we applaud the new rules, which are vital for the protection of American consumers, much more needs to be done to educate and inform people about the hazards of settlement, payday lending, foreclosure rescue scams, and other schemes that seem too good to be true.”

“The personal debt problem in this country is significant, and people naturally want to believe the settlement company claims that they hear again and again in the media. It’s the responsibility of agencies like Cambridge Credit Counseling to educate the public and provide the information people really need to make informed decisions,” concluded Viale, who encouraged other agencies, consumer groups, and the media to increase their educational efforts over the next few months until appropriate state and federal protections are in place.

ABOUT CAMBRIDGE CREDIT COUNSELING CORP.
Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. is a professional housing and debt counseling agency dedicated to educating young adults on the importance of sound financial management, and to providing financially distressed Americans with education and debt management services appropriate to their needs. Visit Cambridge Credit Counseling Corp. online at www. cambridgecredit. org. To learn more about Cambridge Credit Counseling’s community initiatives, please visit www. youtube. com/CambridgeCredit (http://www. youtube. com/CambridgeCredit).

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The Insurance Center of Central Florida Presents a Convenient Way for Modern Shoppers to Buy Insurance

The Insurance Center of Central Florida Presents a Convenient Way for Modern Shoppers to Buy Insurance

Because nearly everyone researches, shops, and buys certain products online these days, the Insurance Center of Central Florida (ICCF) decided to design a "Virtual Insurance Office" where customers could have an easy, organized, educational experience.

Melbourne, Florida (PRWEB) September 6, 2009

Because nearly everyone researches, shops, and buys certain products online these days, the Insurance Center of Central Florida (ICCF) decided to design a "Virtual Insurance Office" where customers could have an easy, organized, educational experience.

This week, ICCF proudly launches http://www. theinsurancecenter. us, their Virtual Insurance Office. Created by digital marketing company Astonish Results, the polished website combines clarity, helpful advice, and a professional layout to help insurance shoppers insurance shoppers quickly find the information they need, obtain quotes, and learn quick money-saving tips.

It's easy to see that http://www. theinsurancecenter. us was planned with shoppers in mind. The highly interactive site includes a "virtual insurance agent" to guides you through various pages; neatly categorized insurance products; a handy FAQ page; an area to report claims in; and even a "Go Green" option which allows you to receive your documents via email instead of using paper. Forms are quick easy to fill out, and there is a detailed "contact" page which includes a map to the ICCF office.

Founded in 1991, the Insurance Center of Central Florida is a full-service independent insurance agency servicing Florida. They are one of the largest personal lines agencies in the area, and they work with insurance carriers to "tailor" policies for their clients' specific coverage needs. They are a multi-line agency offering a wide variety of policies.

Be sure to stop by ICCF's innovative new Virtual Insurance Office. For the Insurance Center of Central Florida, it's become a better way to sell insurance.

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Majority of Public Thinks Legislation to Allow Policyholders to Sue Their Own Insurance Companies is Not a Good Idea

Majority of Public Thinks Legislation to Allow Policyholders to Sue Their Own Insurance Companies is Not a Good Idea

New public opinion survey findings from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) indicate that a majority of Americans believe that adopting new laws allowing people to sue their own auto insurance company for punitive damages, in addition to receiving benefits for their insured claim losses, is not a good idea. Twenty-six percent of those surveyed said that allowing such lawsuits was a poor idea, and 31 percent said it was only a fair idea.

Malvern, PA (Vocus) July 29, 2010

New public opinion survey findings from the Insurance Research Council (IRC) (http://www. ircweb. org/?utm_source=PRWeb&utm_medium=text_link&utm_content=072910&utm_campaign=prweb) indicate that a majority of Americans believe that adopting new laws allowing people to sue their own auto insurance company for punitive damages, in addition to receiving benefits for their insured claim losses, is not a good idea. Twenty-six percent of those surveyed said that allowing such lawsuits was a poor idea, and 31 percent said it was only a fair idea.

A first-party bad-faith lawsuit is one where a person sues their own insurance company because they believe the company acted in “bad faith” in the settlement of their claim. Only a few states allow individuals to sue their own insurance company in this manner, although several states have recently debated, and rejected, legislation authorizing first-party bad-faith lawsuits.

The survey also asked whether respondents would be willing to pay more for insurance in order to allow first-party bad-faith lawsuits. (Allowing first-party bad-faith lawsuits increases claim costs and, ultimately, the cost of insurance coverage.) Forty-seven percent said they were “not at all willing” to pay more and 24 percent said they were “not very willing” to pay more. Even among those who thought that allowing first-party bad-faith lawsuits was a good or an excellent idea, one-half (51 percent) said they were unwilling to pay more for insurance in order to allow the lawsuits.

“These findings indicate a substantial lack of public support for legislation that would generate more lawsuits and higher costs for insurance consumers,” said Elizabeth Sprinkel, Senior Vice President of the IRC.

The report, "Public Attitude Monitor 2010: First-Party Bad-Faith Legislation," is based on telephone interviews with 1,614 adults countrywide conducted December 15, 2009, through January 6, 2010, by Harris Interactive on behalf of the IRC. For more detailed information on the study’s methodology and findings, contact David Corum by phone at (484) 831-9046 or by email at corum(at)cpcuiia(dot)org. Copies of the study are available at $65, for an electronic version, or $80 each, for a printed copy. Visit IRC’s Web site (http://www. ircweb. org/?utm_source=PRWeb&utm_medium=text_link&utm_content=072910&utm_campaign=prweb) for more information.

NOTE TO EDITORS: The Insurance Research Council is a division of the American Institute For Chartered Property Casualty Underwriters (The Institutes). The Institutes are the leader in delivering proven knowledge solutions that drive powerful business results for the risk management and property-casualty insurance industry. The Institutes’ knowledge solutions include the CPCU designation program; associate designation programs in areas such as claims, risk management, underwriting, and reinsurance; introductory and foundation programs; online courses; research; custom solutions; assessment tools; and continuing education (CE) courses for licensed insurance professionals and adjusters through its CEU. com business unit.

The IRC provides timely and reliable research to all parties involved in public policy issues affecting insurance companies and their customers. The IRC does not lobby or advocate legislative positions. It is supported by leading property-casualty insurance organizations.

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