Collins Associates Appoints Vibhu Sharma as New CFO

Collins Associates Appoints Vibhu Sharma as New CFO

John B. Collins Associates announces the appointment of Vibhu Sharma to the CFO role, replacing retiring company founder Dan Burke.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) March 25, 2004

John B. Collins Associates, Inc., one of the worldÂ’s leading reinsurance intermediaries, today announced that Dan Burke, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and one of the founders of the company, is retiring effective March 29, 2004. The company also announced the appointment of Vibhu Sharma to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Sharma spent 17 years with the international accounting firm of KPMG LLP, most recently as a partner in the Minneapolis Audit and Advisory Services Practice and a member of the National Insurance Practice Leadership team. During his tenure with KPMG, Mr. Sharma assisted clients representing virtually all segments of the insurance market in various capacities, including financial audits, annual and quarterly SEC reporting, public offerings and private placements of securities. He is a CPA and a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

“We are very grateful to Dan for his 17 years of service in building and managing the Collins organization, and wish him the very best in the future,” said Pat Denzer, President and co-CEO of Collins Associates. “We’re also excited about having Vibhu on board in this role. His extensive experience and unique perspective will greatly benefit our company and our clients.”

“It is truly a rewarding experience to start a company and have it earn the respect of the international reinsurance community. The growth we have achieved demonstrates that success is based on a commitment to service and integrity” said Mr. Burke. “I will sincerely miss the creative people, both at Collins and throughout the industry, that I have had the pleasure working with, but I’m pleased that we have such a capable management team to lead the company forward.”

“I’m enthusiastic about working with such a dynamic organization, one that I have known since 1989, to contribute to the company’s continuing growth and success,” said Mr. Sharma. “I believe my background on the audit and advisory side and my experience in working with major reinsurance companies in the U. S., U. K. and Bermuda, state insurance regulators and rating agencies enables me to be a helpful resource for Collins’ brokers and clients.”

About Collins Associates

John B. Collins Associates is one of the largest reinsurance intermediaries in the world, and consistently ranks among the fastest growing. The privately-held company provides reinsurance and risk transfer assistance along with associated analytical services including catastrophe modeling, dynamic financial analysis and actuarial services. Collins Associates is a leader in the property & casualty, life/accident & health and agriculture/crop reinsurance segments. The company operates eleven offices across the U. S., in addition to London and Bermuda. Collins Associates maintains relationships with all major reinsurers. The companyÂ’s Web site is at www. jbcollins. com. For more information, contact Tom Pick, Director of Corporate Communications, at 952-820-1003 or info@jbcollins. com.

Illuminations - New, Free, Online Newsletter Offering Techniques for Applying The Law of Attraction

Illuminations - New, Free, Online Newsletter Offering Techniques for Applying The Law of Attraction

Illuminations online newsletter is written for those who are advocates of the Law of Attraction. It is written for advocates of the Secret who want to go deeper and followers of Abraham who are looking for the next level. It is also written for those who are willing to be challenged, for those who are seekers of truth who want to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of life.

Sarasota, FL (PRWEB) December 28, 2006

In-lightened Enterprises today announced the launch of a new, free, online newsletter: Illuminations (http://www. freeinspirationalmessages. com (http://www. freeinspirationalmessages. com)). This wise and inspiring ezine is written for advocates of the Law of Attraction, but more importantly for those who want to go deeper. It is written for those who are looking for the next level from The Secret, the next level of applying the Abraham material. It is also written for those who are willing to be challenged, for those who are seekers of truth who want to have a deeper understanding of the meaning of life.

"What readers will find in Illuminations is a very unusual application of the law of attraction," said Dr. Toni LaMotta, Director of In-lightened Enterprises. "It uniquely teaches the reader subtle but powerful techniques that have been discovered from more than 12 years of intense research on this subject."

Articles from Illuminations direct readers to understand the difference between focusing on the goodness of life vs. the fear of some negative consequences in life.

"For instance, Dr. LaMotta noted, "most people may state some ideal that they would like to attract, for instance, to be healthy. Often their thinking process is connected to the fact that they don't want to be sick."

"The sad thing," Dr. LaMotta stated, "is what they actually attract is sickenss. Why? Because their dominant feelings are all about sickness. The profound new spiritual system for success is written in easy to understand language. It contains easy to apply actions," Dr. LaMotta commented.

"By looking at the qualities you already possess, by noticing the wholeness that is already in you, the abundant universe provides more wholeness," Dr. LaMotta assured.

There is a growing community of readers who are achieving more than they've ever imagined based on the research and wisdom of Illuminations.

Contact: Dr. Toni LaMotta, (941) 330-9922

###

Allergy Sufferers Search for Help Online

Allergy Sufferers Search for Help Online

Allergy sufferers, previously resigned to taking pills or hiding indoors, are finding new forms of relief by searching the internet.

Tampa, FL (PRWEB) February 17, 2006

Allergy sufferers, previously resigned to taking pills or hiding indoors, are finding new forms of relief by searching the internet.

Margaret Johnson has always had a problem controlling her allergies. Every year, watery eyes, a drippy nose and a scratchy throat were a sign that Spring had arrived.

"Allergies have always been tough on me. Every year it's the same thing. I've tried everything -- from pills to humidifiers to just staying indoors most of the time. All of it helps a little, but the symptoms never go away."

Allergies affect about one-third of all Americans, almost twice as many as previously believed, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

From hiding indoors to taking remedies like Claritin every 12 to 24 hours, there are many ways to try and alleviate the symptoms. But those only work some of the time.

Margaret Johnson said, "Claritin pills start to wear off very quickly after you take them too often. I found myself taking 2 or 3 at a time just to get some relief. I started to worry if that was really healthy."

So, like many allergy sufferers, she went searching for alternative ways to reduce the symptoms. The Internet offers shoppers a myriad of products promising relief. From simple methods such as masks to more exotic solutions, everything was available at the click of a mouse.

Margaret decided on an approach that she discovered had been used for centuries in the Middle East. She purchased several salt lamps (http://www. onlinediscountmart. com/salt-lamps. html), one for each room of her house. According to her research, salt naturally ionizes the air and cleanses it of impurities.

"Best of all" she said, "they look natural, not like some clunky machine hiding in the corner of the room. They provide a beautiful soft glow. I love them -- no two of them look alike."

Other items you can find online to address the problem, include the Ionic Pro (http://www. tvproducts4less. com/ionic-pro. html), which is also sold in national chains such as Walmart. These perform the same function, ionizing the air and making it cleaner -- removing the impurities and attaching them to metallic plates inside the unit. The downside of these units is that they require cleaning.

However you deal with allergies this Spring, keep on top of the problem. You can track allergen levels in your area at http://www. weather. com/activities/health/allergies/ (http://www. weather. com/activities/health/allergies/).

# # #

INetU Managed Hosting Completes Construction of it's 5th Data Center

INetU Managed Hosting Completes Construction of it's 5th Data Center.

INetU Managed Hosting (www. inetu. net) completed construction of its 5th state-of-the-art data center.

Allentown, PA (PRWEB) August 13, 2008

INetU Managed Hosting (www. inetu. net) completed construction of its 5th state-of-the-art data center (DC5).

INetU expanded their facilities because more companies are turning to managed hosting solutions. The primary reason for constructing a new data center is increased demand from both new clients and the existing client base. "We help companies grow successfully online," explains Dev Chanchani, President of INetU. "In-house consultation such as load testing with a performance analysis and systems architecture consulting equip our clients with the tools necessary to expand strategically. And as they grow, INetU grows."

Since many of INetU's clients must adhere to strict security measures brought on by PCI DSS, HIPAA and other compliance requirements, data center security is a critical concern; therefore, INetU has put enterprise-grade security measures in place in all of our data centers, including: dual-factor data center access control using bio-metric and electronic measures; 24/7 CCTV cameras that are located in each data center's entry points, the building entrance, and roof and generator access; and more.
INetU operates its data centers in Allentown, PA, USA with disaster recovery options located in the Midwest United States for clients seeking geographically diverse business continuity solutions. Learn more about INetU's data centers by visiting http://www. inetu. net/tour (http://www. inetu. net/tour)

About INetU Managed Hosting
INetU (pronounced I Net You) is a Managed Hosting Provider located in Allentown, PA, USA (www. inetu. net). Dedicated to building long-term relationships with its clients, INetU supports many popular Web applications and provides high availability hosting for Enterprise Web sites in the Online Retail, Healthcare, Financial Services, SaaS, Web Development, Education, Government, Consulting, Non-Profit. INetU has scored above 95% customer satisfaction over the last four consecutive years of testing.

###

Reflexology Class Touts Benefits, Teacher Best Case Study

Reflexology Class Touts Benefits, Teacher Best Case Study

Former Indianapolis journalist used alternative therapies to heal herself, learned reflexology and decided to make it her life's work. Now she is teaching others how to heal their bodies naturally through a September class at IUPUI.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) August 14, 2004

Five years ago Indianapolis journalist Thomacine Haywood could hardly drag herself out of bed in the morning and drive the 12 miles to her part-time job without going to sleep behind the wheel.

She had made the round of doctors who prescribed everything from Prozac to hormone replacement therapy as the answer for her unremitting fatigue and the pain in her lower back and legs.

Today she works full-time writing, teaching and running a thriving reflexology and massage therapy practice on IndianapolisÂ’ far eastside, Restore Bodywork & Holistic Services. In September she will be teaching an introductory reflexology course about the history, theory and basic reflex locations through Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI.)

She is admittedly one of her best case studies. “I am the poster child for the benefits of reflexology and alternative therapies,” she said. “Alternative therapies helped me recover my health and now I can teach others how to help themselves or a loved one.”

During her own recovery she employed the use of a variety of alternative healing modalities including reflexology, massage therapy, Reiki energy work, herbal, homeopathic and vitamin supplement therapies. Eventually she returned to full-time work and began a reflexology certification class through the Academy of Reflexology and Healthcare International, Indianapolis.

“I had some misgivings when I started the class. I had returned to working full time and was feeling a hundred percent better but had some concerns about whether my energy levels would hold up with the demands of a full-time job, family and classes,” she related.

What she learned about reflexology and other alternative healing modalities inspired her to expand her education to include massage therapy, esoteric healing and sound/vibration therapy. She opened her own practice and now teaches on a variety of topics throughout Indianapolis. Her upcoming class, Heel Yourself With Reflexology Foot Massage is planned 6-9 p. m., Weds., Sept. 22 and 29 at IUPUIÂ’s Glendale campus. Cost is $69. To register, call IUPUI call center at 317-278-7600 or Loreane Kegeris at 317-278-1637.

For additional information about the benefits of reflexology, you can access a recent article authored by Haywood in the alternative and complementary medicine division of about. com website at http://healing. about. com/od/reflexology/a/stress_reflex. htm (http://healing. about. com/od/reflexology/a/stress_reflex. htm) or contact her at 317-403-5051 or www. restore-inc. com

Haywood is a certified reflexology who trained at the Academy of Reflexology and Healthcare, Indianapolis. She is a Reiki Master, massage therapist and certified as a SomaEnergetics Energy Vitality practitioner. She has offered classes throughout Indianapolis including the Academy of Reflexology and Healthcare International, Pyramid of Enlightenment, Michaels, Irvington Massage Center and others.

She stresses that people be aware that reflexology does not take the place of traditional medical care and that reflexologists do not diagnose or prescribe. She urges people seek professional medical diagnosis and advice for persistent medical problems and use alternative therapies in a collaborative manner with traditional medical care.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Thomacine Haywood, C. R., M. T.

Restore Bodywork & Holistic Services

317-403-5051

Http://www. restore-inc. com (http://www. restore-inc. com)

# # #

Meg Hood Online Presents Ecologically and Environmentally Friendly Soy Wax Candles Company Launches Line of Luxury Soy Candles

Meg Hood Online Presents Ecologically and Environmentally Friendly Soy Wax Candles Company Launches Line of Luxury Soy Candles

Meg Hood (http://www. meghood. com) today announced the premier of a line of hand-poured soy candles. The classic line of luxurious scented candles pave the way forward in environmentally aware home accessories.

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 9, 2005 -–

Meg Hood (http://www. meghood. com (http://www. meghood. com)) today announced the premier of a line of hand-poured soy candles. The classic line of luxurious scented candles pave the way forward in environmentally aware home accessories.

Meg Hood soy candles are made from 100% pure soy. Paraffin wax, which is petroleum based, is the most commonly used wax in candle making. Paraffin wax, when burned, can send carcinogens into the air that you breathe in your home. Meg Hood soy wax candles are longer burning than the same size paraffin candle.

“Since realizing all the benefits of soy wax; specifically that it is petroleum free, we have been able to create the highest quality candle burning experience, while maintaining both the health of the consumer, and the scent throw that one would expect from a luxury candle,” said Meg Hood founder and President of the company. “It is very difficult, especially if you live in an urban area, to control the air quality of your external environment, our soy couture candles are a small way to ecologically enhance your space at home.”

Meg Hood Soy Candles are made from a biodegradable and renewable resource vs. paraffin candles whose ingredients use up one of the earths precious, costly, and limited resources: petroleum.

The Meg Hood line of Soy Couture Candles is now available online at, www. meghood. com.

Tea Light and Travel size candles will soon be introduced to the collection, as well as several fragrances for fall.

Boilerplate:

Founded in 2005, Meg Hood is found exclusively online at www. meghood. com. The company sells Soy Wax Candles to consumers throughout North America.

# # #

A/E Industry Customer Service Report Card Results Are In -- Engineers Hold Edge Over Architects

A/E Industry Customer Service Report Card Results Are In -- Engineers Hold Edge Over Architects

Morrissey Goodale LLC has recently released their A/E Industry Customer Service Report Card which details findings such as the following: In 12 out of 14 distinct categories related to customer service, project owners give engineering firms a higher percentage of 'A' grades than architecture firms.

Newton, MA (PRWEB) March 11, 2009

In 12 out of 14 distinct categories related to customer service, project owners give engineering firms a higher percentage of 'A' grades than architecture firms. This is just one of the findings in Morrissey Goodale's recently released 2009 A/E Industry Customer Service Report Card. Overall, grades for both architects and engineers are decent, but there are a number of areas where the industry could make significant strides -- and in several instances, the direct feedback collected from anonymous project owners reveals a significant level of frustration with the service they receive from A/E firms.

For example, when it comes to keeping on budget, neither architects nor engineers are spared -- more than 40% of the grades given are 'C's and 'D's. "It seems like it's nothing but extras with engineering firms," says a project manager for a Midwest healthcare system. "It's very disappointing. And that's everyone we've used. I'm just not satisfied." A project manager in capital projects at a large state university adds, "Architects get halfway through the design, and they come back and ask for more. I think a lot of times they low-ball it. They tend to underestimate the actual work required and then always ask for additional money."

Quality of the work is another area that appears to need attention-- nearly a third (31%) of the grades given were 'C's and 'D's. "Architects do a lot of cut and paste of drawings," says an executive of a major East Coast pharmaceutical company. "Sometimes they forget to change details, and you can see it was from a previous project. A lot of times, we end up doing our own review. In those cases, you're just buying the stamp from them."

A healthcare organization representative adds, "We're always looking for better engineers and architects. We joke about it. We feel like they're giving us 'as builts.' We have to figure out what they did wrong and send it back to them to fix."

Not all the news is bad. Integrity is given high marks-- 48% of the grades given were 'A's. "The strengths of our engineering consultants are conscientiousness and professionalism," says one representative for a Southwest state Department of Transportation. "They want to do a good job. I don't see too many people trying to get away with anything," he adds.

Morrissey Goodale's 2009 A/E Industry Report Card is now available for purchase at http://www. morrisseygoodale. com/publications/reportCard. asp (http://www. morrisseygoodale. com/publications/reportCard. asp).

About Morrissey Goodale LLC:
Morrissey Goodale LLC is a management consulting and research firm serving the Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry. Headquarters are located at Riverside Center 275 Grove Street, Suite 2-400, Newton MA, 02466. The company can be reached at 508-650-0040 or on the web at www. morrisseygoodale. com.

###

Rapidly Changing Face of Adoption Creates New Challenges for Parents and Professionals

Rapidly Changing Face of Adoption Creates New Challenges for Parents and Professionals

New adoption book offers placement and counseling professionals specific guidance for screening and preparing adoptive parents and children and offering them appropriate therapy.

Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) October 5, 2007

Perspectives Press, Inc., The Infertility and Adoption Publisher, has released attachment therapist and trainer Deborah Gray's second guide for parents and professionals working with older and post-institutionalized adopted children Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma.

A follow-up to her highly praised Attaching in Adoption: Practical Strategies for Parents and Professionals, Nurturing Adoptions is Gray's toolbox for professionals-social work, mental health, medical, etc.-whose practices include fostered and adopted children who have experienced neglect, abuse, and other traumas which impact their ability to experience normalcy in family life.

Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma explores changes which have resulted in higher proportions of children being adopted from multiple foster care placements and from institutional care, at older ages and after repeated exposures to neglect and trauma.

Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect digests and presents important new brain research which changes the way we understand how post-traumatic stress restructures the brain and then offers practical strategies for helping children and their families.

Nurturing Adoptions: Creating Resilience after Neglect and Trauma offers social workers and mental health professionals tools for:
Identifying and treating problems in traumatized children which will challenge family life Assessing and preparing families for adoption Matching children with families Making careful moves in transitioning children Helping children and parents to understand difficult pasts and prepare for a healthier future Understanding and implementing the separate but equally important, t roles of social workers, mental health workers and physicals in today's adoptive placements Building professional practices networked for support and enhanced professional continuing education

Available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, a variety of on-line adoption sites, other independent booksellers, and directly from Perspectives Press, Inc.

PUBLICATION DATA

Publication Date: July 15, 2007
Hardcover, 512 pages, ISBN 978-0-944934-33-3
Price: $26.95 (US)

###

ITech Medical Appoints Vice President of Sales and Marketing

ITech Medical Appoints Vice President of Sales and Marketing

ITech Medical (OTCBB: IMSU), iTech Medical Announces Appoints New Vice President - Keywords: healthcare, biomedical, wellness, back pain, neck pain, neurology, medical device, clinical studies, commercialization

Huntington Beach, CA (Vocus) September 22, 2010

iTech Medical, Inc. (OTCBB: IMSU (http://www. otcbb. com/profiles/imsu. htm), FWB: 0IM (http://www. quote. com/global/stocks/quote. action? s=0IM-FRA&fromSearch=true)), a medical information technology company, today announced the appointment of Karl R. Wolcott as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In this new capacity, Mr. Wolcott is charged with developing and implementing strategic initiatives to begin sales of the MPR System throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He will report directly to Wayne Cockburn, President and CEO at iTech Medical.

“We’re very pleased to welcome Karl to iTech Medical (http://www. itechmedical. com) at this time,” said Mr. Cockburn. “Karl has more than 25 years experience in the medical device and medical software industry. His addition to our executive management team is a continuation of our organizational development strategy and is a reflection of our transition into the area of commercialization and sales. Karl’s proven success in building and expanding global sales channels made him our top choice. With Karl’s healthcare experience, expertise and leadership ability, we are confident he will be a key contributor to our future growth and development."

"It's very exciting to be joining the iTech Medical team," said Karl Wolcott. "This is an exceptional opportunity for me to leverage my experience in cultivating strategic distribution partnerships for the purpose of developing MPR sales, building significant market share within key targeted business sectors, and elevating our industry relationship marketing strategies to the next level. I am committed to identifying growth opportunities for our technology, building awareness of iTech Medical’s capabilities, and helping the company achieve its revenue objectives."

About Karl Wolcott
Karl Wolcott is an accomplished sales and marketing executive with proven success in driving dynamic growth for global companies including Picker International, a former Marconi Medical Systems company, a $1.6B manufacturer / marketer of medical imaging equipment and distributor of imaging supplies and accessories. As Corporate Vice President, Business Development and Integrations, Wolcott led a multi-disciplinary team to evaluate growth opportunities for new Information Technology product and service offerings to complement core business product portfolio. As Vice President and General Manager, Health Care Products Division, a $535M, nine hundred employee business units, Wolcott was directly responsible for all business operations including two manufacturing plants as well as selling and distributing imaging supplies, accessories, ancillary capital equipment, and image management products. Other prominent medical experience includes Vice President, Global Sales and Marketing - Microbiology Division for AccuMed International Inc. and Chief Operating Officer for Ridgeway Biosystems Inc.

About iTech Medical
ITech Medical, Inc. (OTCBB: IMSU, FWB: 0IM) is engaged in the research and commercial development of healthcare information systems and technologies. To date, the Company has focused on developing a proprietary platform called Muscle Pattern Recognition (http://www. itechmedical. com/itechnology. htm) (MPR), a unique clinical tool for the analysis of muscle function. MPR is a patented clinical tool that analyzes patterns of muscle recruitment. It provides detailed physiological information on muscle function that can assist in the diagnosis and treatment of back and neck injuries and illness.

For the latest information on iTech Medical, please visit our website at http://www. iTechMedical. com (http://www. iTechMedical. com)

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that reflect management’s current views and estimates regarding future market conditions, company performance and financial results, business prospects, new strategies, the competitive environment and other events. You can identify these statements by the fact that they use words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “project,” “plan,” “outlook,” and other words and terms of similar meaning.

These statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to materially differ from the potential results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Among the factors that could cause actual results and outcomes to differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements are the following: general economic conditions, acquisitions and development of new businesses, divestitures, product availability, sales volumes, pricing actions and promotional activities of our competitors, profit margins, weather, changes in law or regulations, foreign currency fluctuation, availability of suitable real estate locations, our ability to react to a disaster recovery situation, and the impact of labor markets and new product introductions on our overall profitability.

A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in the company’s annual report and other reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, iTech Medical’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on April 15, 2010. iTech Medical cautions that the foregoing list of important factors is not complete and assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements that it may make.

Media Contact:
Dianemarie (DM) Collins
Public Relations
DM Productions LLC
775.825.1727 (Reno, NV Office) 623.825.9122 (Phoenix, AZ Office)
Email: DM(at)DMProductionsLLC(dot)com

Company Contact:
Wayne Cockburn, CEO
ITech Medical, Inc.
714.841.2670 (Huntington Beach, CA Office) 905.505.0770 (Montreal, CDA Office)
Email: Wayne(dot)Cockburn(at)iTechMedical(dot)com

# # #

Rx-To-OTC Switching Strategies: Lifecycle Management and Building Brand Equity in the US, EU and ROW

Rx-To-OTC Switching Strategies: Lifecycle Management and Building Brand Equity in the US, EU and ROW

Research and Markets has announced the addition of Rx-To-OTC Switching Strategies: Lifecycle Management and Building Brand Equity in the US, EU and ROW to their offering.

(PRWEB) November 4, 2005

Research and Markets (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c27034 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c27034)) has announced the addition of Rx-To-OTC Switching Strategies: Lifecycle Management and Building Brand Equity in the US, EU and ROW to their offering.

Rx-to-OTC switching is defined as transferring prescription medicines to non - prescription OTC (over the counter) status, providing consumers with easy access to safe and effective products, in some cases without the assistance of a healthcare professional.

The OTC therapeutic categories with highest US sales in 2004 were cough, cold, influenza and sore throat, analgesics for internal use, and indigestion remedies. 38% of pharmaceutical executive survey respondents predict OTC product sales to grow between 6 and 10% in the next year, 36% predicted 3 to 5% growth, while 13% predicted at least 11% growth.

Rx-to-OTC switching in major markets increases in the cost of healthcare, medicines reimbursement and population have driven a trend towards self-medication. The increasing cost of Rx (prescription) medicines to payer groups (health insurers and governments) has resulted in payer groups encouraging self-medication with OTC products. Future growth in the OTC market will also be driven by the increasing number of retailers looking to sell their own 'private-label' OTC products in order to obtain high retail margins. Consumer demands for easy access, low cost, effective products and their increasing knowledge of medicines are important drivers of future OTC switching activity.

For more information visit http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c27034 (http://www. researchandmarkets. com/reports/c27034)

Laura Wood

Senior Manager

Research and Markets

Press@researchandmarkets. com

Fax: +353 1 4100 980

###

Lorman Education Services Presents "Employment Law From A To Z" on October 28, 2005

Lorman Education Services Presents "Employment Law From A To Z" on October 28, 2005

This "Employment Law From A To Z" seminar is designed to update human resource professionals and corporate managers on employment laws.

(PRWEB) September 16, 2005

Lorman Education Services will present "Employment Law From A To Z" on October 28. This seminar is designed to update human resource professionals and corporate managers on the employment laws they deal with every day, and give them the tools to manage effectively, and prevent lawsuits and other claims.

David Campbell, Esq. is a partner in the Cleveland office of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, where he practices in the areas of employment litigation, labor and employee benefits. He has represented clients in federal court, a wide variety of state courts, and before administrative agencies, including the National Labor Relations Board and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. His litigation experience includes defense of ERISA claims in a variety of federal forums, enforcement of non-compete agreements in numerous states, defense of class action lawsuits and defense of all types of employment-related claims under state and federal law. In addition to primarily focusing on litigation, Mr. Campbell has extensive experience with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and counsels clients on a daily basis as to various employee issues.

Ted N. Kazaglis, Esq., is of counsel in the law firm of Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC (KWW), a labor and employment law firm exclusively representing management based in Akron, Ohio. KWW provides management counsel in labor and employment, workersÂ’ compensation and employee benefits. From its inception in early 2000, KWW has grown into one of the largest labor and employment boutique firms in Ohio.

The firmÂ’s client roster includes several Fortune 500 companies, local institutional employers and many respected small and mid-size businesses in Northeast Ohio. Mr. Kazaglis graduated, cum laude, from Kent State University with a B. B.A. degree in accounting. Immediately after graduating from KSU, he attended the University of Akron, School of Law. Mr. Kazaglis has represented numerous employers before the NLRB, EEOC, DOL, and state and federal courts. He has also negotiated numerous collective bargaining agreements and represented employers in arbitration hearings. Mr. KazaglisÂ’ has represented employers throughout the Continental United States and the Pacific Rim. He is a member of the National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO) and the Ohio Association of Professional Employer Organizations (OAPEO). He published a monthly column in the ProEmp Journal and periodically writes for the PEO Insider, the two premier publications directed specifically to the staffing industry.

Mr. Kazaglis has also been a featured speaker at the NAPEO national conference, OAPEO and Midwest Association of Professional Employer Organization conferences and is a member of NAPEOÂ’s Legal Advisory Committee.

Keith L. Pryatel, of Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC, concentrates his practice on equal employment opportunity litigation, occupational safety and health defense, labor arbitration, public sector matters before the State Employment Relations Board, and appellate practice before the state and federal courts of appeals. Mr. Pryatel graduated with honors from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He attended law school at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, where he graduated with honors. Mr. Pryatel is admitted to practice before the U. S. Supreme Court, the Supreme Court of Ohio, the U. S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, and the U. S. Courts of Appeals for the 1st, 5th, 6th and 10th Circuits. He is a member of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the Ohio State Bar Association.

Neil Sarkar is an attorney with the law firm of Conway, Marken & Mays, Co., LPA., located in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. Sarkar concentrates his practice in all aspects of labor and employment law, including workers’ compensation issues. He is a frequent speaker in topics concerning all aspects of labor and employment law, and has presented seminars on topics ranging from, “Return to Work Issues Under the Family and Medical Leave Act,” to “Conducting Workplace Harassment Investigations.” Mr. Sarkar holds degrees from The University of Chicago and Case Western Reserve University.

James P. Wilkins is a shareholder in Kastner Westman & Wilkins, LLC, a boutique employment and labor law firm that represents management exclusively. Mr. Wilkins received his B. A. degree, with honors, from The College of Wooster and his law degree, with honors, from the National Law Center at The George Washington University in Washington, D. C.

He has been practicing labor and employment law for 22 years. Mr. WilkinsÂ’ practice is devoted to advising employers on a broad variety of employment and labor matters. He represents both public and private sector clients in labor negotiations and arbitrations. Mr. Wilkins represents employers in state and federal courts in discrimination, wrongful discharge and unfair competition litigation. He also devotes substantial time to assisting clients with affirmative action compliance, including the preparation of affirmative action plans. Mr.

Wilkins is also actively involved in employment-related immigration matters.

This will benefit human resource managers, payroll professionals, operations managers, presidents, vice presidents, supervisors, managers, controllers, accountants and attorneys.

To register for this event please click http://www. lorman. com/info/357510 (http://www. lorman. com/info/357510) or please call 866-352-9539 to speak with a Lorman Education customer service representative. Reference number for this event is 18189.

# # #

BestContractors. com Introduces Innovative New Project Photo Feature

BestContractors. com Introduces Innovative New Project Photo Feature

Homeowners can share photos of their projects with the contractors who are bidding on them, making it easier for homeowners and contractors to communicate and work together.

Denver, CO (PRWEB) May 23, 2007

Taking on a home improvement or remodeling project just got easier thanks to a new feature that allows homeowners to share photos of their projects with the contractors who are bidding on them, announced BestContractors. com today.

"This is an easier way for homeowners and our member contractors to communicate on projects," said CEO Mark Henninger. "Now a contractor can view photos from a homeowner to see what the project work site looks like before setting foot inside the homeowner's house."

He used the example of a kitchen remodel to explain the value of this site enhancement: "Bidding contractors can view a photo of a homeowner's kitchen to get a better idea of the project's scope and use it to provide preliminary feedback. That homeowner might also upload a photo of a friend's recently remodeled kitchen to give contractors an idea of the type of cabinetry, hardware, granite and lighting desired."

Henninger went on to describe the versatility of the feature. "You might be at your home improvement store and, using your cell phone camera, snap a picture of a sink you want for your new kitchen. You can then upload that photo on our site so that your contractor can include the sink in his materials list."

The site, located at http://www. BestContractors. com (http://www. BestContractors. com), has made user-friendly features a focus, especially when it improves communication between homeowners and service professionals. That emphasis has earned it praise from the public who have also embraced the company's "Predicated on Choice" philosophy of putting decision-making in the hands of homeowners.

"We work hard to make sure our web site is one that people will want to come to for help with their home projects, and once they're here they'll have a useful and pleasant experience," said Henninger. He noted the positive word-of-mouth the company has received along with a healthy amount of return visits from homeowners.

This latest announcement highlights a busy time for the company. So far this year they have expanded their service into San Diego, Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa, Sarasota, West Palm Beach and Atlanta with plans to add more markets before year's end. Other markets they serve include Colorado, Minneapolis and Dallas-Fort Worth.

About BestContractors. com
BestContractors. com LLC provides homeowners an unbiased directory of home improvement and repair professionals. The company combines the latest in paid local search technology, web-based process management solutions and verified consumer ratings to aid homeowners in the selection of reputable home service professionals. Their technology delivers objective criteria as well as convenient digital communication tools to both parties which results in a more effective and efficient way of conducting commerce. Each service professional is rigorously screened as to their Better Business Bureau standing, current licensing, insurance coverage, years in business and other critical factors in advance of their listing on the site.

Contact:
Martha Stoecker
Marketing Director
BestContractors. com
Phone: 303-629-8354

###

Secure Check Endorsed as Preferred Partner by Louisiana Hospital Association for Check Recovery

Secure Check Endorsed as Preferred Partner by Louisiana Hospital Association for Check Recovery

Secure Check RCK to assist Louisiana Hospital Association members with recovery of non-sufficient fund checks written by patients.

Fort Worth, TX (PRWEB) August 8, 2006

Secure Check, a provider of electronic payment recovery solutions, announced today Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA), through its management organization ShareCor, a healthcare shared service organization in Louisiana, endorsed its flagship system, Secure Check RCK, as the preferred vendor for electronic non-sufficient funds (NSF) check recovery. Secure Check RCK will assist all the members within the LHA with the recovery of NSF checks written by patients at no charge to member facilities. Secure Check RCK is a proprietary, outsourced, HIPPA-compliant NSF recovery system that requires no equipment at the point of use and at no cost.

“LHA’s endorsement of Secure Check RCK confirms the need for efficient management of NSF checks by the healthcare sector,” said Pat Forbes, CEO of Secure Check. “Through this partnership, patients will enjoy decreased costs and faster re-instatement of their check writing privileges, managers will see increased employee productivity and moral while organizations will benefit from a reduction of hard and soft costs associated with collecting NSF items. By working with LHA members we can create a more efficient model for our healthcare partners, which in turn will provide a greater level of customer service for the patient," added Forbes.

With Secure Check RCK, recovery of company's receivables can be managed without the use of expensive outside collection agencies. Secure Check offers automatic recovery of NSF funds submitted to your business with integrated collection and accounts receivable management. In addition, complete reporting options are available with daily reports either faxed or e-mailed to individual locations to ensure patient information is current and accurate, and the online reporting system ensures payment information can be retrieved at a moments notice. The “hands off” nature of the Secure Check system alleviates worries about the learning curve for new employees. Secure Check dramatically increases recovery, reduces expensive bank fees, eliminates collection hassles, and gets people paid faster. Recovering payments with Secure Check RCK lowers administrative costs and increases patient satisfaction.

Additional benefits of Secure Check RCK include:

No equipment to use or purchase Automatic system integrates with your bank to facilitate recovery Free real-time, on-line reporting of returned items Flexible, customizable system Reduced costs to patients when checks are returned

The Secure Check RCK program is currently used by many large retailers and healthcare facilities nationwide. To learn more about Secure Check RCK, visit http://www. securerck. com (http://www. securerck. com). In Louisiana, healthcare providers interested in the Secure Check RCK program should contact ShareCor at 504.837.6266 or visit http://www. sharecor. com (http://www. sharecor. com) for further information.

About Louisiana Hospital Association

Established in 1926, the Louisiana Hospital Association (LHA) is a not-for-profit association representing all types of hospitals and healthcare systems throughout the state. LHA carries out its mission by providing services and resources to members through advocacy, education, research, representation and communication. Operational and financial products and services are offered to the LHA membership through ShareCor, a joint venture with the Metropolitan Hospital Council of New Orleans. The mission of the LHA is to support its members through advocacy, education and services. LHA is headquartered in Baton Rouge, LA, and information is available at http://www. lhaonline. org (http://www. lhaonline. org).

About Secure Check

Secure Check is a provider of electronic payment recovery solutions for the healthcare and retail industries. It enables its clients to run their businesses more efficiently by optimizing the collection of payments and delivers value to its clients by providing a custom product allowing them to optimize payment collection, strengthen their relationship with their customers, and manage accounts receivable customer service seamlessly, while they continue to grow their business. By working with Secure Check, businesses can dramatically increase recovery ratios, increase employee efficiency, all while providing increased levels of customer service. Secure Check is headquartered in Fort Worth, TX. Company and product information are available at http://www. securerck. com (http://www. securerck. com).

###

Client Software for Needs Assessment

Client Software for Needs Assessment

Athena Software (http://www. athenasoftware. net/features-outcomes. html) launches new version of Penelope to improve the effectiveness of client software needs assessment using a web based case management and counseling solution.

Guelph, ON (PRWEB) March 8, 2006

Athena Software (http://www. athenasoftware. net/features-outcomes. html (http://www. athenasoftware. net/features-outcomes. html)) launches new version of Penelope to improve the effectiveness of client software needs assessment using a web based case management and counseling solution. Dana Fox, Director of Business Development Athena Software mailto:dana@athenasoftware. net said, “We know that you care about how well your organization is doing, but it is often hard to know how to measure it.” Fox went on to say that, “Outcomes-based evaluation using client self-rating surveys through the stages of service (pre-mid-post) is one proxy approach to answering the hardest question, are we making a difference.”

Both Penelope and Athena Case Management and Counseling Software applications feature a custom outcomes measurements and social service component (http://www. athenasoftware. net/features-outcomes. html (http://www. athenasoftware. net/features-outcomes. html)) that allows any number of surveys to be easily incorporated into both Penelope and Athena by the system administrator at the agency. Surveys (eg. client satisfaction, self-reported ratings, depression index etc.) can be easily accessed and applied to individuals at the pre - mid - and/or post-service stages depending on the nature of the survey. Individual and/or aggregate outcomes can easily be accessed to give a picture of client-expressed ratings during the stages of service and their degree of change over time. Reports and pivot tables allow evaluation results to be broken out by any period and by any category in the system (eg. gender, age, program, funder/ payer, user-defined fields, worker etc).

Athena’s world class case management software will improve the effectiveness of client software needs assessment using a web based case management and counseling solution with fully integrated:

-worker /client scheduling

-client outcome evaluation

-clinical case and session note recording

-program service delivery details

-comprehensive reporting functions

-client self-intake kiosk mode

-internal communications and workflow management tools

-server, backup and operating system

About athena software. net

Athena software is one of the world's most powerful and fully integrated case management and client information solutions designed for counselling, sociology, mental health centers and EAP providers. Athena helps its customers reduce operating costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service by integrating human resources, notes, outcome evaluation and billing into one system. Athena solutions combine decades of combined experience with the power of server-based and open-source database technology. Athena Software, an IBM Business Partner and Server Certified, is listed by the United Way of America’s Outcome Measurement Resource Network (http://www. unitedway. org/outcomes (http://www. unitedway. org/outcomes)) and supports the United Way of America (UWA) new Standards of Excellence initiative.

Athena gives the power to innovate and customize the system back to the customer without the cost. We make systems integration easy and affordable for people helping others.

# # #

Make Your Home Eco-Friendly with "Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies®"

Make Your Home Eco-Friendly with "Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies®"

New book from the ever popular For Dummies series guides homeowners through simple projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution.

Hoboken, NJ (PRWEB) September 29, 2008

Soaring oil and natural gas prices, recession fears, and growing concern over global warming are driving Americans to find ways to save money, decrease household energy use, and help the environment. "Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies®" (http://www. dummies. com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/Energy-Efficient-Homes-For-Dummies. productCd-0470376023.html) (Wiley, October 2008, ISBN: 978-0-470-37602-7), by design engineer Rik DeGunther, provides homeowners with clear-cut advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution.

DeGunther writes, "If you want to improve the energy efficiency of your home in an efficient manner, you need to first understand the economics of your overall consumption." To help the reader analyze their own resource use, they can perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit that helps create an action plan based on personal goals. Readers are presented with a wide range of potential solutions, from making better use of blinds and awnings to exploring geothermal options in order to reduce household costs and their impact on the planet.

Full of detailed illustrations and useful tips, "Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies" provides readers with the necessary tools for turning a home into a model of efficiency. Small scale tips include everything from searching for leaks to help seal and insulate a home to installing clever switches for reducing electric bills. Larger scale projects include tasks like making a solar water purifier, creating a complete swimming pool solar system designed to heat a pool using only sunlight, and even plans for how to build an energy-efficient home from the ground up. The majority of the projects and home improvements described in the book are ones which homeowners can do themselves; however, when it is necessary to hire a contractor, DeGunther recommends the most effective way to do so.

Many shy away from becoming more energy-efficient for fear of having to give up a certain kind of lifestyle, but DeGunther shows readers how far even the smallest of adjustments can go. Whether you're new to the energy-efficiency movement or consider yourself an avid enthusiast, "Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies" is a must have resource!

Like all For Dummies® (http://www. dummies. com/WileyCDA/) books, "Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies" concludes with 'The Part of Tens,' which includes the ten best energy-efficient investments, ten "ridiculously easy" energy-saving tips, and the ten best solar investments. A helpful 'Cheat Sheet' in the front of the book shows the typical power draws for appliances most commonly used every day and also includes a list of handy contacts which can provide more information on energy-efficient technology, guidelines, and resources for energy efficient products and services.

About the Author
Rik DeGunther holds a BS in Engineering Physics and a dual Masters degree in Applied Physics and Engineering Economic Systems. Rik is a design engineer and worked for the better part of two decades designing various weather-related and environmental control systems, including all things solar. Since 1999, he has worked as an energy efficiency consultant and started his own energy consulting firm, Efficient Homes, which focuses on energy auditing and consulting for homeowners and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems. Rik is also the author of "Solar Power Your Home For Dummies®." (http://www. dummies. com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/Solar-Power-Your-Home-For-Dummies. productCd-0470175699.html)

Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies®
By Rik DeGunther
ISBN: 978-0-470-37602-7 / $21.99 U. S. / October 2008

For more straightforward information on home construction and renovation, check out:
Green Building & Remodeling For Dummies®, Freed, ISBN: 978-0-470-17559-0
Solar Power Your Home For Dummies®, DeGunther, ISBN: 978-0-470-17569-9
Green Living For Dummies®, Jeffery, ISBN: 978-0-470-22742-8

To see all For Dummies titles, visit www. dummies. com!

About For Dummies®
With near universal name recognition, more than 200 million copies printed, and over 1000 topics, For Dummies is the world's bestselling reference series. With loyal customers around the globe, For Dummies enriches people's lives by making knowledge accessible in a fun and easy way. Described by the New York Times as "more than a publishing phenomenon, but a sign of the times," For Dummies span every section of the bookstore, covering everything from health to history, music to math, sports to self-help, technology to travel, and more. The For Dummies brand has expanded into new products and categories with an extensive licensed product line, including fitness and hobby DVDs, grilling kits, business software, cleaning products, automotive kits, craft kits, and apparel. For more information, visit Dummies. com. For Dummies is a branded imprint of Wiley (http://www. wiley. com/WileyCDA/).

# # #

Flickin' Chickens for a new Guinness World Record

Flickin' Chickens for a new Guinness World Record

Festival Attendees attempt to set the Guinness World Records® record for “Most People Throwing Rubber Chickens at the Same Time”

Indian Orchard, MA (PRWEB) April 20, 2010

Spring is in the air and so are the rubber chickens, as participants of the Charles River Watershed Association’s (CRWA) (http://www. charlesriver. org)28th Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race plan to make history by setting the Guinness World Records® record for the “Largest Rubber Chicken Toss.”

The record-setting event will take place on Sunday, April 25 at 3pm during the Finish Line Festival following this year’s Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race, which is held to benefit the Charles River Watershed Association and its efforts to protect the health, beauty and accessibility of the Charles River.

The Finish Line Festival, where some races begin and all races finish, will host day-long activities for the public at DCR’s Artesani Park on Soldiers’ Field Road in Brighton, MA. Festival admission is free and with a $1 donation to the CRWA, participants will receive an official rubber chicken, courtesy of The Haywire Group (http://www. haywiregroup. com), the award-winning toy company behind the Flickin’ Chicken™ game.

“We are thrilled to sponsor the largest rubber chicken toss and be part of the CRWA’s celebration of the Charles River,” said David Blanchard, Director of Sales & Marketing of The Haywire Group. “We look forward to introducing festival guests to the wacky and hilarious Flickin’ Chicken game and hope that they discover a new love for chicken-flicking. It’s a really fun way to spend time outdoors with family and friends.”

“We tossed a Flickin’ Chicken about the CRWA office. They fly well in a controlled environment,” said Bob Zimmerman, Executive Director of Charles River Watershed Association. “We’re ready to see how they fly in a real test. It should be fun.”

For more information on the record-setting chicken toss, please visit www. haywiregroup. com/rubber_chicken_record (http://www. haywiregroup. com/rubber_chicken_record), or for more information on the Run of the Charles Canoe and Kayak Race, please visit www. charlesriver. org.

About The Haywire Group, Inc:
Founded in 2005, The Haywire Group™ has released many well-loved, award-winning games for children and families. The family owned company has gained recognition for their unique packaging and family friendly game play. Their first board game, Dicecapades!™, made an immediate splash in the industry. This flagship game has since inspired a product line of six additional games including Dicecapades! Kids Version™, Word Pirates™, Number Ninjas™, Action Princesses™, and the upcoming 2010 games,
Outnumbered™ and Rock Stars™. In 2009, Haywire also acquired the license for SPAM® and introduced a dice game, card game and four puzzles to the product line, all housed in the iconic SPAM tin. The company’s other new products include Flickin’ Chicken™, which challenges players to hit a target with rubber chickens in nine rounds of chicken-throwing insanity, and the Guinness World Records® game and puzzles based on the iconic Guinness World Records® Books. For more information about The Haywire Group or where to purchase their games, please visit www. haywiregroup. com.

About the Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA)
The work of CRWA encompasses all 80 miles of the Charles River, which meanders through 35 eastern Massachusetts towns and cities within the 308 square miles of the Charles River watershed. The nearly 1.5 million citizens who live in the watershed, totaling 23% of the state's population, benefit from a clean and healthy Charles River. CRWA’s successes have led many organizations across the country to emulate its science-based watershed management model. For more information on registration, becoming a volunteer, or any other aspect of the race, please call (508) 698-6810, e-mail rotc (at) crwa (dot) org or visit www. charlesriver. org.

###

A New Educational Paradigm for America's Inner Cities

A New Educational Paradigm for America's Inner Cities

34 years ago I began an experiment in Harlem, NY in an effort to resolve School dropouts, drug abuse, crime and prison inmate rehabilitation. We were successful beyond my wildest dreams!

(PRWEB) August 14, 2003

A lengthy consideration of the plight of inner-city African-Americans led me to found "The Tree of Life Bookstore & Education Center of Harlem in 1969. I was convinced that if other Black people could realize and fathom the importance of the immutable Laws of the Universe, that a profound transformation would take place in the goal orientation, lifestyle and Spiritual unfoldment among African-Americans in general.

My special target was the dropout, the junkie, the "street brother" and the generational ghetto dweller - all presumed destined for lives of misery based on that self constructed "inner" prison of self limiting thought reinforced by living a destructive life style.

During its first decade of operation, The Tree of Life Bookstore witnessed many a miraculous transformation from dropout to scholar, from junkie to health guru, and from "sinner" to "saint" among it 15,000 monthly patrons.

Using this insight, we have demonstrated a multi-BILLION dollar bonanza for ALL of society. We truly need to franchise The Tree of Life nationally and in the process, create tens of thousands of entrepreneurs, each having discovered their Divine purpose in Life.

Brand Identity Guru has been Selected to Undertake a Digital Branding and Web Design Initiative for Franklin Sports

Brand Identity Guru has been Selected to Undertake a Digital Branding and Web Design Initiative for Franklin Sports

Brand Idenity Guru, a leading branding and web design firm serving major players in the B2B and B2C space, has been selected to undertake a digital branding and web design initiative for Franklin Sports, one of the nation's leading sporting goods distributors.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) February 6, 2006

Boston, MA, February 2006 - Brand Identity Guru http://www. brandidentityguru. com (http://www. brandidentityguru. com), a leading branding and web design firm serving major players in the B2B and B2C space, has been selected to undertake a digital branding and web design initiative for Franklin Sports, one of the nation's leading sporting goods distributors.

"The launch of our digital branding campaign coincides with a period of significant growth for Franklin Sports. As we continue to expand our presence within each of the markets we serve and more aggressively target new products, it is critical that our brand image better reflect our business today," said Cliff Savage, Director of Special Market Sales at Franklin Sports. "We looked at quite a few agencies and found that Brand Identity Guru offered the best combination of branding expertise and web development."

Franklin Sports web initiative includes developing brand imagery for the company's online presence for their new product Battle M. A.X.ä by Rival Force as well as conducting Search Engine Optimization techniques to drive sales to retailers.

"Building brand awareness for this company's success is a top priority," said Scott White, the agency's founder. "We are looking to integrate online messages with Franklin Sports sales initiatives. In addition, Brand Identity Guru's Search Engine Optimization will enable Franklin Sports to drive sales to the retailers they sell to — an important consideration for firms operating in this economy."

Headquartered in Stoughton, Massachusetts, Franklin Sports is a leading provider of sporting good equipment to customers throughout the US and internationally.

Since 1946 Franklin Sports has delivered products that are creative and innovative for all who enjoy sports - from professional athletes to kids who aspire to be their best. The Franklin batting glove is the official batting glove of Major League Baseball. Whatever the sport, the Franklin name means exciting products and great value.

Brand Identity Guru has more than 15 years of experience serving B2B and B2C companies in the financial service, telecommunications, high-tech / bio-tech, insurance, pharmaceutical industries, healthcare, retail, distribution and service industries. The firm has helped over 100 start-up and Fortune 1000 companies achieve measurable results through strategic brand development and cross-media communications.

About Franklin Sports:

Franklin Sports is an international sporting goods supplier with products that are creative and innovative for all who enjoy sports - from professional athletes to kids who aspire to be their best. The Franklin batting glove is the official batting glove of Major League Baseball. Whatever the sport, the Franklin name means exciting products and great value. Franklin Sports was co-founded in 1946 by brothers Irving and Sydney Franklin in Brockton Massachusetts and is currently run up by Franklin Sports President Larry Franklin. More information is available at www. franklinsports. com.

For more information about Brand Identity Guru, contact Scott White, 508-238-4347, 304 Newbury St., Suite 555 Boston, MA 02115, or go to http://www. brandidentityguru. com (http://www. brandidentityguru. com).

# # #

Univea Newest Promotion on Cellular Renewal Formulas for Immune Support

Univea Newest Promotion on Cellular Renewal Formulas for Immune Support

Stimulate immunity. Immune support is important throughout the year, particularly during times of seasonal change. Univera is pleased to announce its newest monthly promotion, Solanyx helps the immune support when the body needs it most. This 7-day boost can be taken at the first sign of discomfort or when entering an environment that may compromise our immune function.

Lacey, WA (PRWEB) October 18, 2009

Univera is pleased to announce its newest monthly promotion that enhance the immune system to defend the perfect health.

Seemingly more so in the later months of the year than at any other time, people traveling more and - coupled with unpredictably chilly weather at times - exposing themselves to an assortment of elements that threatens perfect health. Top that with the added stress of the holidays, most people are wearing down their bodies even further - giving these elements an advantage in the ongoing battle with the immune systems.

Univera's new Immune Defense Pack (available in the U. S. only) is designed to help the body optimize its innate ability to protect itself. Solanyx, Super Immune, ImmunoBurst, and AloeDophilus work as a team to support each phase of immunity:

Solanyx Day provides free radical fighting antioxidants and vitamin C along with the powerful immune-stimulating herbs echinacea, elderberry and olive Leaf extracts plus a unique mushroom blend and N-Acetyl Cysteine, both shown to boost immune strength and support the body's detoxification mechanisms.*

Solanyx Night provides established and cutting edge cellular renewal nutrients to help people get the restful and restoring sleep they need. In addition, the formula includes zinc, selenium, blueberry extract and vitamin C for immune support and free radical protection, plus a patented compound known as Immuno-10® *

Solanyx comes in a convenient 2 caplet per dose formulation to be used for 7 days. The timed-release delivery form means optimum absorption and continual release of these immune stimulating nutrients throughout the body, day and night.

Super Immune as daily support to keep the immune system on 'ready alert'
ImmunoBurst for additional support when traveling or in group settings
AloeDophilus to support gastrointestinal health (where 70 percent of the immune system resides)

And then there's RegeniFREE, which addresses the stiffness and soreness that often follows an immune challenge. (View a video of CSO Stephen Cherniske discussing this new pack.)

Http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=F_JM1OCakVs (http://www. youtube. com/watch? v=F_JM1OCakVs)

Feel free to purchase these five powerful products separately, or save up to 12% when join the membership buying this convenient pack with all the products included! This offer is valid till the mid night of the 31th of Oct.

Http://ultraelixirs. com/ (http://ultraelixirs. com/)

Contact info:
Star Light
Http://ultraelixirs. com/ (http://ultraelixirs. com/)
360-292-9554

CEO at Dance of The Thirteen Seals
Independent Wellness Consultant

###

Upscale Adult Health Club Opening in Charleston, SC

Upscale Adult Health Club Opening in Charleston, SC.

Former FIRM instructors unite to open adult health club.

(PRWEB) December 27, 2003

Question: If the world’s most successful team of video fitness instructors got together to create a fitness Mecca and could choose any location in America, where would they build it, and what would they call it? The answer to part one is simple: the profoundly scenic Fountain Walk building at Aquarium Wharf in Downtown Charleston, SC. Everyone who visits the gorgeous complex marvels at the harbor view vista, and this team wants to build a health club members and visitors alike will be eager to enter for the environment alone. In addition to the spectacular views of the bridge to the north and the cityscape to the east, these fitness innovators have designed a club bursting with interestingly substantive bells and whistles. And what are they calling their work of art? V. Simply “V” (www. justv. net). Co-founder and Sales Manager Elaine Whitfield explains, “In naming our club, we wanted to ensure the community realized that there would be nothing typical about our facilities or services, so a typical name just didn’t cut it for us.” After consulting with two of the areas top branding agencies, the team arrived at V for its symbolic connection to balance, strength, and purpose – the three terms that comprise V’s client mission. “While our corporate image is being developed for a national audience, potential members will be excited to learn that our purest emphasis will be the delivery of mission with the highest level of excellence this state has ever seen,” adds Whitfield.

Just who are these celebrity instructors? That’s the truly exciting part of the V equation. Founded in 1979, TheFIRM® began producing the world’s most successful workout video series, and they’re still the all-time best selling workout videos today. The V team consists of the top instructors in the history of TheFIRM®, including current Firm lead instructor and spokesperson Jennifer Carman. In all, 7 Alumni from TheFIRM® comprise the core of V’s training staff. At the very heart of the team is V co-founder Tracie Long, star 4 videos and widely recognized as Charleston’s leading authority on health and fitness. “We plan to offer the first functional, upscale adult fitness club in Charleston.” says Long. And if you’re wondering if there is a man’s touch in the V team, fear not. V’s President Steve deGuzman rounds out the team of founders. In the early 90’s deGuzman made his mark on the international fitness scene as a co-founder of LifeQuest® Fitness and in 2000 he served on the IHRSA faculty in San Francisco where he taught a course on Public Relations to club owners from around the world. According to deGuzman, “V will cater to the mature audience that is tired of the K-mart styled health club of the 90’s, professionals who expect the same standard of style and substance in their health club as they do in the restaurants and shops they frequent. Great atmosphere, beautiful visuals, fine attention to detail, and the absolute best service available. Consider our staff of experts. Consider our vistas. Consider our facilities. It simply doesn’t get any better.”

###

Company's Tradition of Community Support Aids Tsunami Victims

Company's Tradition of Community Support Aids Tsunami Victims

Synergy Solutions, a teleservices company headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, has a long history of community service and charity volunteerism as part of its corporate culture. Between Dec. 30 and Jan. 14, they utilized this outward focus to raise funds for tsunami victims.

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) January 26, 2005

Giving back to the community is nothing new for Synergy Solutions, an inbound and outbound teleservices firm located in Phoenix. They volunteer many hours, donate and support local and global charities year-round, including holiday donations to Notmykid. org in lieu of holiday gifts for clients. But as members of the Synovation volunteerism team watched in horror the images of the tsunami destruction in Southeast Asia, they knew something extra had to be done. Only a few days after the disaster, the team had launched an aggressive fund raising campaign within the company, and they called on everyone from the top down. “When the team came up with this plan, I was thrilled,” commented Lori Fentem, president of Synergy Solutions. “We agreed that the company would match dollar for dollar all donations made by our employees nationwide.”

In just a few short weeks, from December 30 to January 14, the employees and company had raised over $5500, which was donated to MercyCorps and Doctors Without Borders, both charities with a strong presence where the tsunami hit hardest. “I’m very proud of what we were able to do in such a short amount of time,” added Fentem, “It’s amazing what a small group can do if we all pull together, and that’s what Synovation is all about.”

The Synovation team at Synergy Solutions consists of eleven volunteer representatives from every area of the company – operations, account management, IT, accounting and sales – who come together to create Synovation which is defined as combining Synergy (The Power of Team) and Innovation. The team’s mission is to foster the Synovation Culture by developing community service projects, volunteer opportunities, as well as building team spirit and camaraderie within the company. Another of the great ideas that has come out of the Synovation team is the “Synovation Weekly,” a brief newsletter that is sent to every employee every Monday morning. The newsletter focuses on the good news happening within the company and their community service. Recent issues included kudos for jobs well done, quotes from delighted clients, funds raised to support an employee’s ill daughter, a chili for charity event, and news of the company’s 5th birthday celebration. “This is the very first thing I look at on Monday mornings, and it starts my whole week off right,” commented Corey Conklin, Chief Operating Officer. “It’s one more way of staying focused on the positive and keeping our entire staff connected to one another as a team,” he added.

About the Company

Synergy Solutions, Inc., headquartered in Phoenix, AZ, specializes in providing innovative customer contact solutions including inbound and outbound teleservices on behalf of Fortune 1000 companies in a variety of industries, including financial services, health care, insurance, telecommunications, and publishing. Synergy Solutions utilizes proven acquisition and retention techniques to solidify and expand customer relationships through the use of intelligent people and emerging technology. Synergy Solutions also operates call centers in Redfield, SD, Milbank, SD, Johnson City, NY, and Bemidji, MN.

Synergy Solutions' headquarters are located at 4451 East Oak Street in Phoenix, Arizona, 85008. For more information about Synergy Solutions, contact Lori Fentem at 1-800-547-0504 or llfentem@callsynergy. com. You may also email at info@callsynergy. com or visit www. synergysolutionsinc. com

###

Activ4 use SEO Consultant Services & PPC Management of Absolute

Activ4 use SEO Consultant Services & PPC Management of Absolute

Absolute are to provide SEO Consultant Services and PPC Management to activ4 - specialists in sports travel, tours and tournaments for schools, groups and teams. activ4 have appointed Absolute Internet Marketing as its web marketing agency to help grow its UK web presence.

London, England (PRWEB) September 9, 2009

activ4 chose Absolute as its Web Marketing (http://www. absoluteinternetmarketing. co. uk) agency due to their wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge of the travel and tourism industry, which has stemmed from a significant amount of time spent client side, working for several UK travel businesses including lastminute. com.

Simon Colley, MD of Absolute commented: "Through reviewing activ4's niche operation, I firmly believe the web has the potential to be a great source for generating good quality enquiries and bookings, which should also achieve a healthy return on investment for activ4".

Activ4 specialize in organising sports tours, cultural tours, performing arts tours and ski tours for groups. Their holidays are tailor-made specifically to each and every enquiry received; and they are already a leading specialist in organising group holidays for many UK secondary schools.

A key differentiator for activ4 is the way in which it can ease the load for the party leader, as well as provide a great tour experience. activ4 will support and provide help with all stages of the organisation of the tour.

Just one example of activ4 going the extra mile:-
It's a common occurrence, groups have a great time during the day and then, nothing happens, many tour companies suddenly become absent each evening leaving the party leader to organise and amuse the rest of the group. activ4 takes proactive steps and makes recommendations to party leaders, creating evening entertainment programmes, thereby extending and enriching the experience of the destination being visited - the result, a 'hassle free' and enjoyable holiday for all to remember.

Steve Scott, MD of activ4 commented: "our highly trained and skilled staff are great in organising fantastic holidays for groups both large and small, what we don't have is the necessary knowledge and experience in marketing our business online. By partnering with Absolute we can get the activ4 brand in front of the many users visiting the web, to find the best company to book their next trip with".

For more information concerning web marketing contact Absolute on +44 (0) 1858 419226, email - info (at) absoluteinternetmarketing (dot) com or visit http://www. absoluteinternetmarketing. co. uk (http://www. absoluteinternetmarketing. co. uk)

###

Girl 2000: Young Women Define WhatÂ’s Needed For a Brighter Future

Girl 2000: Young Women Define WhatÂ’s Needed For a Brighter Future

(PRWEB) March 25, 2000

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, March 20,2000

Contact: Trina Jackson, 617-426-5505

In National Magazine, Girls Identify Higher Self-esteem, Healthy Relationships, and Family Encouragement as Key to Becoming "Positive, Powerful Women"

Boston, MA ¾ While presidential candidates vie to make campaign rhetoric relevant to voters’ needs, young women already have an agenda for improving the quality of their own lives. Family problems, unhealthy relationships, and a negative self-image are among the top barriers to overcome, they write in the newest issue of Teen Voices, the nationally-acclaimed magazine for girls.

On relationships:

"The one thing I dislike the most is when youÂ’re serious and the other person is just playing games. To me, itÂ’s just a waste of time."

On self-image:

"I hardly know any girls who donÂ’t wear makeup and doll themselves up. Many girls are worried about their weight, body, hair, and face."

On family:

"Family should be your support, your backbone, something you can depend

On." 

Recognizing the impact of television, peer pressure, and stress on their outlook, girls express the importance of peer support to avoid feelings of isolation. "Even though we go through a lot, girls need to stick together," writes 15-year-old Pippi Parker of San Pablo, California. "We need to put our heads on straight and keep them high so we can succeed in the next century." 

The article, entitled "Girl 2000," appears with other reader-submitted features on kinship adoption, dispelling the myths of rape, combating school violence, and a special behind-the-scenes look at Teen Voices. This year, the magazine celebrates itÂ’s tenth anniversary.

Published quarterly by the non-profit organization Women Express, Inc., Teen Voices reaches 75,000 readers nationwide and has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, and The Boston Globe.

###

Brainy Baby Company Participates in Roundtable About New Report on Marketing of Educational Media for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers from The Kaiser Family Foundation

Brainy Baby Company Participates in Roundtable About New Report on Marketing of Educational Media for Babies, Toddlers, Preschoolers from The Kaiser Family Foundation

Marcia Grimsley, Senior Producer and Director of Educational Content for The Brainy Baby, Participates in the Roundtable Discussion Led by The Kasier Family Foundation to Discuss the Issues of Children's Media In Conjunction with the Release of Their New Report ""A Teacher in the Living Room? Educational Media for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers."

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 12, 2005

The Brainy Baby Company is one of the featured participants in a roundtable discussion hosted by The Kaiser Family Foundation on the many issues related to educational media for very young children, which has seen an explosion in the development of media products for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

The event will be held in Washington, D. C. on Wednesday, Dec. 14 and, at the same time, The Kaiser Family Foundation will release a new report, "A Teacher in the Living Room? Educational Media for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers," about the educational claims made in the marketing of many of these products to parents.

Representing The Brainy Baby Company is Marcia Grimsley, senior producer and director of educational content for the company. Grimsley has produced 14 titles in the award-winning Brainy Baby Learning Library™ of multi-media products, (who’s individual videos and DVDs have won over 40 awards and professional recognitions), and is responsible for educational content for the full line of Brainy Baby toys, books, videos, DVDs and games.

What: A roundtable discussion featuring leading children's media executives and child development experts, and the release the new Kaiser report, "A Teacher in the Living Room? Educational Media for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers." The presentation and panel discussion will explore issues such as:

What is the size and scope of the market for electronic educational media products such as videos and DVDs, computer programs, and video games for very young children? What types of educational claims are made in the advertising and marketing of these products? What kind of research has been conducted to measure and assess educational benefits? What are the potential benefits and concerns about media use among very young children? What guidelines are provided for parents to maximize the potential educational benefits of the products?

Who: Vicky Rideout, vice president and director of Kaiser's Program for the Study of Entertainment Media and Health, will present the latest data on electronic media use among young children, and show examples of the many products currently on the market; and Dimitri Christakis, M. D., a lead researcher for the report, will present the findings. Rideout will moderate a panel discussion featuring:

Gary Knell, president and CEO, Sesame Workshop Marcia Grimsley, senior producer and director of educational content, The Brainy Baby Company Julia Fitzgerald, vice president of marketing, V. Smile Anne Cunningham, Ph. D., a member of the LeapFrog Education Advisory Board and an associate professor at the University of California, Berkeley Sandra Calvert, director, Children's Digital Media Center, and professor, Georgetown University Warren Buckleitner, editor, Children's Technology Review Dimitri Christakis, M. D., pediatrician at Children's Hospital in Seattle and professor, University of Washington

When: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 from 9:30 a. m. to 11 a. m. ET

Where: Barbara Jordan Conference Center, Kaiser Family Foundation Building, 1330 G Street, NW, Washington, D. C. (one block west of Metro Center)

RSVP: Tiffany Ford, 202-347-5270.

About the Foundation: The Kaiser Family Foundation is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to providing information and analysis on health care issues to policymakers, the media, the health care community, and the general public. The Foundation is not associated with Kaiser Permanente or Kaiser Industries.

Contacts:

The Brainy Baby Company

Andrea Blain

Andrea Blain Public Relations

847-933-9884 

Kaiser Family Foundation Communications

Rob Graham or Sarah Williams Kingsley

650-854-9400

###

Roadmap to Profits in China's Credit Card Issuing Market

Roadmap to Profits in China's Credit Card Issuing Market

China's credit card market continues to grow rapidly during the first half of 2007. By the end of this year, the number of credit cards in circulation in China is anticipated to reach 100 million. However, profitability has become a major concern for card issuers, processors, vendors, investors, as well as other stake-holders. Consumer behavior, regulations, competition, interest rates, interchange fee rates, among other factors, make profitability challenging for many issuers in China, at least in the near future. As the prime market becomes saturated in certain segments, issuers may begin to find it difficult to sustain recent high-speed growth. Issuers should revise their strategies in order to maintain a balance between sustainable growth and healthy profits. Innovation, increased efficiency and product differentiation among other factors are important for long-term growth and profitability in China's credit card market.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) December 8, 2007

China's credit card market continues to grow rapidly during the first half of 2007. By the end of this year, the number of credit cards in circulation in China is anticipated to reach 100 million. However, profitability has become a major concern for card issuers, processors, vendors, investors, as well as other stake-holders. Consumer behavior, regulations, competition, interest rates, interchange fee rates, among other factors, make profitability challenging for many issuers in China, at least in the near future. As the prime market becomes saturated in certain segments, issuers may begin to find it difficult to sustain recent high-speed growth. Issuers should revise their strategies in order to maintain a balance between sustainable growth and healthy profits. Innovation, increased efficiency and product differentiation among other factors are important for long-term growth and profitability in China's credit card market.

Terry Xie, Director of Mercator Advisory Group's International Advisory Service and principal analyst on this report comments, "Although some challenges still exist in China's credit card industry today, it is quite hopeful that most large credit issuers in China could realize profits within 2 to 3 years by adjusting some of their market strategies. The market as a whole continues to grow and conditions continue to improve making profitability in the credit card business highly possible." 

The most recent report from Mercator's International Advisory Service provides both qualitative and quantitative analyses on the profitability of China's credit card issuing market. This report also provides key insights on how to realize long-term profitability in the market, based on the current state of and trends in China's payment card industry, regulatory issues, Chinese consumers' income and behavior, and competing issuers' strategies. 

Report Highlights:
China's credit card market continues to enjoy rapid growth in 2007, as the number of credit cards will likely double and purchase volume might increase by about 40 percent from last year. Multiple challenges still exist -- low revolving balances, low interchange fees and intense competition, among other factors, have hindered the industry's profitability as a whole. And as the prime market becomes increasingly saturated, issuers will find it difficult to sustain the high growth rates they have enjoyed so far. Issuers need to readjust the focus of their strategies in order to maintain a balance between growth and profits. Innovation, market segmentation and product differentiation will be key in market competition in the next 5 years and will determine if China's credit card issuers could realize profitability. This report provides both qualitative and quantitative analyses on the profitability of China's credit card issuing market. This report also provides key insights on how to realize long term profitability in China's credit card issuing market, based on the current state of and trends in China's payment card industry, regulatory issues and Chinese consumers' income and behavior, and competing issuers' strategies.

The report contains 30 pages long and 7 exhibits.

Members of Mercator Advisory Group have access to these reports as well as the upcoming research for the year ahead, presentations, analyst access and other membership benefits. Please visit us online at www. mercatoradvisorygroup. com.

For more information call Mercator Advisory Group's main line: 781-419-1700.

###

Congress of California Seniors, Technology Authority Launch Innovative Effort Promoting Role of Technology In Aging, Disability

Congress of California Seniors, Technology Authority Launch Innovative Effort Promoting Role of Technology In Aging, Disability

The Congress of California Seniors, a leading seniorsÂ’ advocacy group is launching a major first-of-its-kind effort promoting the role of technology in successful aging and disability issues under the direction of a leading authority on technologyÂ’s potential beneficial contribution in those areas.

Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) June 22, 2005

The Congress of California Seniors, a leading seniorsÂ’ advocacy group is launching a major first-of-its-kind effort promoting the role of technology in successful aging and disability issues under the direction of a leading authority on technologyÂ’s potential beneficial contribution in those areas.

The CCS move makes it the first seniorsÂ’ advocacy group to establish such a specific function addressing the role technology in quality-of-life issues for seniors and the disabaled..

The Congress of California Seniors (CCS) (www. Seniors. org ) says that Richard Blackwell, founder and Chief Executive Officer of www. SafeHome. net, will act as special advisor on technology issues in aging and disabilities for the organization.

Blackwell has been involved in a number of successful technology company startups. He started www. SafeHome. net when he examined how his technological expertise might play a role in improving seniorsÂ’ safety after a 76-year-old neighbor was robbed and assulted in broad daylight in her own front yard by a mugger who followed her home from a shopping center.

Www. SafeHome. net has expanded its product line to include personal security alert systems, emergency medical systems and a new, improved smoke detector with greater alert capabilities than regular smoke detectors.

In making the announcement of BlackwellÂ’s association with CCS, Gary Passmore, executive director of the group, noted that Blackwell has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable sources dealing with the emerging and increasingly important contribution that technology can make in empowering seniors and the disabled to maintain an independent and quality life style.

“This is an issue that can be expected to increase in importance,” Passmore notes. “And, what we will be doing in California will have potential significant benefits for the elderly and disabled across the nation, a reflection of the commitment of CCS to provide positive solutions to issues facing this important segment of our country’s population.”

“Mr. Blackwell enjoyed an enthusiastic reception at our recent annual meeting where he spoke on technology and aging issues, describing how low-cost, user-friendly technology can provide security, mobility and communications for seniors and the disabled,” Passmore says.

“His commitment to these issues is evident, even more so in light of his willingness to work with CCS as an expert—albeit unpaid—advisor.”

Passmore said that CaliforniaÂ’s leadership in technology development makes it only natural that CCS should exercise the leadership necessary to create a new awareness of the potential beneficial impact of technology for a number of issues affecting seniors and the disabled, and that the group should take the lead in developing and sharing information about those benefits to like-minded groups across the nation.

“CCS and Richard Blackwell will work to provide real-life applications of technology to such issues as caregiving, personal safety, health, and mobility for America’s seniors with all of its beneficial implications," Passmore concludes.

###

ASD Inc. Named to 2009 Inc. 5,000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies

ASD Inc. Named to 2009 Inc. 5,000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies

Spectroscopy Solutions Provider Recognized for Third Consecutive Year

Boulder, Colorado (Vocus) August 20, 2009

Inc. Magazine has again included ASD Inc. (http://www. asdi. com/) among the 5,000 fastest-growing privately held companies in the country. ASD ranks No. 3958 with a three-year sales growth of 52.5%. The list is the most comprehensive look at the most important segment of the economy – America’s independent-minded entrepreneurs. Taken as a whole, these companies represent the backbone of the U. S. economy.

For nearly 20 years, ASD Inc. (ASD) has been a global provider of high performance spectroscopy solutions (http://www. asdi. com? WT. mc_ID=17000) for the measurement of natural resource materials for researchers and industrial markets. “We are very proud of our achievements and continued growth, and it is an honor to be recognized on a national level by Inc. Magazine for the third consecutive year,” said Dave Rzasa, ASD’s President and CEO. “ASD is unsurpassed in addressing some of the most challenging real-world materials measurement problems, and our success is the result of our world-class team addressing customer needs in the process control (http://www. asdi. com/general-applications? WT. mc_ID=17000) and scientific instrument (http://www. asdi. com/remote-sensing? WT. mc_ID=17000) markets.”

The 2009 Inc. 5000, unveiled today on Inc. com, serves as a unique report card on the U. S. economy. Despite the ongoing recession, aggregate revenue among the companies on the list actually increased to $214 billion, up $29 billion from last year, with a median three-year growth rate of 126 percent. The Inc. 5000 are responsible for creating more than 1 million jobs since their founding, making the list perhaps the best example of the impact private, fast-growing companies can have on the economy. Complete results of the Inc. 5000, including company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, region, and other criteria, can be found on Inc. com.

This year’s list also offers a preview of which industries are poised for growth in coming years. With an average growth rate of 667 percent, Insurance ranked as the top industry overall. Government Services was the top industry gainer with 252 companies on this year’s list, up from 135 last year. Health is the top industry by both total revenue ($22.7 billion) and total employment (156,223 jobs).

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

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

About ASD
ASD Inc. is a global provider of high-performance analytical instrumentation solutions addressing the most challenging real-world materials measurement problems for industrial professionals and scientific researchers. Established in 1990 and based in Boulder, Colorado, USA, ASD Inc. has customers world-wide.

For more information, please contact Amanda Griffin, ASD Marketing Communications Manager, 2555 55th St., Suite 100, Boulder, CO, 80301 USA; 303/444-6522, 303/444-6825 (fax); www. asdi. com.

# # #

NAS Helps Dallas Area Recruiters Build The Business Case For Social Media Education Helps Get Key Stakeholders Onboard

NAS Helps Dallas Area Recruiters Build The Business Case For Social Media Education Helps Get Key Stakeholders Onboard

Dallas-area hospital system HCA North Texas knew that social media could be an important tool in recruiting top healthcare professionals in today's competitive market. However, like many other organizations, they found they needed to present a compelling business case and do a fair amount of education to internal stakeholders in order to get the program up and running.

Cleveland, OH (PRWEB) March 25, 2010

Dallas-area hospital system HCA North Texas knew that social media could be an important tool in recruiting top healthcare professionals in today's competitive market. However, like many other organizations, they found they needed to present a compelling business case and do a fair amount of education to internal stakeholders in order to get the program up and running.

NAS Recruitment Communications helped HCA position their case and overcome objections through a special session of their popular Social Networking Boot Camp, designed for HCA's IT department. The session helped HCA's IT team understand the need and get to know the tools available in order to partner with Talent Acquisition to launch this critical initiative.

HCA is not the only organization to face an internal challenge when it comes to utilizing social media. A recent study conducted by Robert Half Technology on social media usage in the workplace found that over half (54%) of those companies surveyed prohibits social media use by employees. But we also know that history repeats itself when it comes to the adoption of new technologies. In the late '90s, almost 40% of all companies blocked or restricted their use. Today, you can't do business without them.

"By scheduling a session specifically for IT, and training them on what HR personnel had learned about Social Media and its potential for recruitment, it is now better equipped to support HCA's social networking recruitment strategy," said Caroline Slomski, Interactive Marketing Specialist for NAS. "Because many social networking tools require access that goes outside company firewalls or desktop applications, the collaboration of IT is essential in order for HCA North Texas to successfully use Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites to acquire top-level talent."

"Getting key stakeholders on board is integral to the process, and that's the one of the goals of our Social Media Boot Camps."

To learn more about NAS' Social Networking Boot Camp and its entire line of digital recruitment solutions, please contact Caroline Slomski at cslomski(at)nasrecruitment(dot)com.

NAS Recruitment Communications, an agency of the McCann Worldgroup, delivers best-of-class HR strategy solutions for online and offline candidate engagement and specialized expertise in career websites, onboarding, employee communication and HR metrics. Creating Demand. Delivering Talent.

# # #