belyaevostapuki.blogspot.com
million is heading Houston's way courtesy of the U.S. Departmeny of Commerce's Economic Development Administration The funds, that will aid in the economif recovery following hurricanes Ike and Gustav, include: • $10 millioh for The to help create jobs and boosy private investment by making building improvements needed to increasre the efficiency and productivity of the university’s biomedical incubator. $4 million for the Port of Orangwe to develop a transmodal containerized logistics The grant will facilitate the transfe r of containers onto barges as productxs are preparedfor export.
The project is expectede to save or create more than 50 jobs in the according tograntee • $3 million for the Trinitt Bay Conservation District of Anahuacv to build the infrastructure needed to develop the Interstate Highway 10 industria l corridor. • $2.5 milliohn for Nassau Bay to build infrastructure needed for the developmentg of the Nassau Bay town squarscommercial center. The project is expected to create 495 jobs andgeneratwe $150 million in private investment, according to grantere estimates. Last week, the Obama Administration announcedf $20.
9 million of for the Gulf Coasf region to assist inthe
Friday, June 8, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
USAA joins Major League Baseball in helping wounded vets - San Antonio Business Journal:
ovaluleq.wordpress.com
For every strikeout thrown by Zito and every othetr pitcher onPatriot Day, Zito and more than 50 players are givingf $500 in support of war-woundes veterans. USAA has agreed to matcg that amount. The amount of money raisede will depend upon how many batters will be struckm outthat day. The moneyt raised will benefit Zito’s national nonprofit organization, Strikeouta For Troops. He created the organization in 2005 aftee visiting wounded soldiers atin Washington, D.C. “My familg and I started Strikeouts For Troopss to help our wounded services members with some comforts of home whilee they recover in military hospitals often far away from theireloved ones,” Zito says.
“Strikeouts For Troops is simply about Americans helping our fellow Americans in he says. San Antonio’s military communitgy is playing a large role in the war effort with four activ emilitary installations. The city is also home to , one of the country’s leading hospitals for treating soldiers wounded in Iraqand Afghanistan. USAA is a San Antonio-basex financial services company thatprovides insurance, financial investments and banking products to members of the U.S. military and theird families.
For every strikeout thrown by Zito and every othetr pitcher onPatriot Day, Zito and more than 50 players are givingf $500 in support of war-woundes veterans. USAA has agreed to matcg that amount. The amount of money raisede will depend upon how many batters will be struckm outthat day. The moneyt raised will benefit Zito’s national nonprofit organization, Strikeouta For Troops. He created the organization in 2005 aftee visiting wounded soldiers atin Washington, D.C. “My familg and I started Strikeouts For Troopss to help our wounded services members with some comforts of home whilee they recover in military hospitals often far away from theireloved ones,” Zito says.
“Strikeouts For Troops is simply about Americans helping our fellow Americans in he says. San Antonio’s military communitgy is playing a large role in the war effort with four activ emilitary installations. The city is also home to , one of the country’s leading hospitals for treating soldiers wounded in Iraqand Afghanistan. USAA is a San Antonio-basex financial services company thatprovides insurance, financial investments and banking products to members of the U.S. military and theird families.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Goldwater Institute sues Glendale over Coyotes documents - Business First of Buffalo:
humojo.wordpress.com
The Coyotes, currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, play at the Glendale-ownexd Jobing.com Arena and could move to The city of Glendale and are tryingb to find a new owner to buy the team from Phoeni x businessman Jerry Moyes and keep the team in the Phoenix That could includea $10 milliojn to $20 million incentive from Glendale to help keep the team from The Phoenix-based Goldwater group is criticiak of such incentives and business subsidies and made a public records request on June 23 to the Glendale city governmengt on possible assistance for the new Coyotes The city government turned down the records request and the Goldwater group filed a lawsuift over that denial Friday in Maricop County Superior Court, asking for the recordsw to be released.
Glendale and the NHL have been in talksw with Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerryu Reinsdorf about possibly buyingthe Coyotes. “The legall action filed today in Maricopa County Superior Court by the Goldwaterf Institute is without a factua orlegal bases. The city has and will continue to honor Arizonaq Public Records Law and believees that case law supports the positiojn that releasing documents at this time relatefd to a matter in bankruptcy court and subject to comple x business negotiations are NOT in the best interestf ofthe public,” Glendale officials said in a “The Goldwater Institute’s assertionh that the city has said in numeroua media reports that the city plans to offer tax payert subsidies to potential new ownerd of the Phoenix Coyotes is incorrect.
The city has stater that appropriate and legal modification of theexisting arena-use agreemeny may be necessary. Any modification must be approved by the City which will be done in open sessiojn and in accordance with the citystatement said.
The Coyotes, currently in Chapter 11 bankruptcy reorganization, play at the Glendale-ownexd Jobing.com Arena and could move to The city of Glendale and are tryingb to find a new owner to buy the team from Phoeni x businessman Jerry Moyes and keep the team in the Phoenix That could includea $10 milliojn to $20 million incentive from Glendale to help keep the team from The Phoenix-based Goldwater group is criticiak of such incentives and business subsidies and made a public records request on June 23 to the Glendale city governmengt on possible assistance for the new Coyotes The city government turned down the records request and the Goldwater group filed a lawsuift over that denial Friday in Maricop County Superior Court, asking for the recordsw to be released.
Glendale and the NHL have been in talksw with Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner Jerryu Reinsdorf about possibly buyingthe Coyotes. “The legall action filed today in Maricopa County Superior Court by the Goldwaterf Institute is without a factua orlegal bases. The city has and will continue to honor Arizonaq Public Records Law and believees that case law supports the positiojn that releasing documents at this time relatefd to a matter in bankruptcy court and subject to comple x business negotiations are NOT in the best interestf ofthe public,” Glendale officials said in a “The Goldwater Institute’s assertionh that the city has said in numeroua media reports that the city plans to offer tax payert subsidies to potential new ownerd of the Phoenix Coyotes is incorrect.
The city has stater that appropriate and legal modification of theexisting arena-use agreemeny may be necessary. Any modification must be approved by the City which will be done in open sessiojn and in accordance with the citystatement said.
Monday, June 4, 2012
Report: Antitrust probe of Apple, Google, Yahoo - San Francisco Business Times:
yfimuna.wordpress.com
The New York Times and Washington Post reported theantitrust probe, with the Post adding to the list of companies being Regulators are likely to be looking into deals between the companies where they promised not to hire away each other’xs most talented workers, the reports said. As the Google juggernaut has grownn and moved into dozenxsof markets, it has attractede more and more attention from A published June 1 says Google has 137 subsidiarhy businesses. The Federal Trade Commissioh talkedto (NASDAQ: GOOG) earlier in the year because of antitrusft concerns.
FTC questions concerned the overlal of directors between Google andGenentecy — Google boss Eric Schmidt sits on the AAPL) board with Art Levinson, who was CEO of Genentecn at the time. Other Appled board members include bossAndrea Jung, chief Millard Chairman Bill Campbell, Jerryg York of , and former U.S. Vice President Al Regulators also stopped a Google deal to share advertising revenuewwith (NASDAQ: YHOO) last year.
The New York Times and Washington Post reported theantitrust probe, with the Post adding to the list of companies being Regulators are likely to be looking into deals between the companies where they promised not to hire away each other’xs most talented workers, the reports said. As the Google juggernaut has grownn and moved into dozenxsof markets, it has attractede more and more attention from A published June 1 says Google has 137 subsidiarhy businesses. The Federal Trade Commissioh talkedto (NASDAQ: GOOG) earlier in the year because of antitrusft concerns.
FTC questions concerned the overlal of directors between Google andGenentecy — Google boss Eric Schmidt sits on the AAPL) board with Art Levinson, who was CEO of Genentecn at the time. Other Appled board members include bossAndrea Jung, chief Millard Chairman Bill Campbell, Jerryg York of , and former U.S. Vice President Al Regulators also stopped a Google deal to share advertising revenuewwith (NASDAQ: YHOO) last year.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Adams
ejoxot.wordpress.com
RealtyTrac records indicate that a notice ofa trustee’x sale has been filed on homes matchinh the description of Adams’ Northu Portland Kenton neighborhood homes. The notice indicatezs that the homes will be put upfor auction. , whicuh broke the story, noted that Adams’ lendetr has filed a “notice of meaning he’s defaulted on his loan agreement with his Adams told thepaper he’s catchinbg up on his mortgage after paying legal bills. The houses that face foreclosure are at2131 N. McClellanh and 2121 N. McClellan. Adams lives in the 2121 He also owns a triple x at2031 N. McClellan.
Adams, who makes $118,144 yearly, is facing an impendinv recall, scheduled to kick off in earlt July, after admitting he had a sexual relationship with Beau The pair met before Breedlovturned 18. Adams said the sexua l relationship beganafter Breedlove’s 18th birthday. Oregon’s attorneyh general is investigating whether Adams did anything The mayor conceded that he lied aboufwhether he’d had sex with Breedlove when a politicak opponent first made the charge durinv the 2008 primary campaign season.
RealtyTrac records indicate that a notice ofa trustee’x sale has been filed on homes matchinh the description of Adams’ Northu Portland Kenton neighborhood homes. The notice indicatezs that the homes will be put upfor auction. , whicuh broke the story, noted that Adams’ lendetr has filed a “notice of meaning he’s defaulted on his loan agreement with his Adams told thepaper he’s catchinbg up on his mortgage after paying legal bills. The houses that face foreclosure are at2131 N. McClellanh and 2121 N. McClellan. Adams lives in the 2121 He also owns a triple x at2031 N. McClellan.
Adams, who makes $118,144 yearly, is facing an impendinv recall, scheduled to kick off in earlt July, after admitting he had a sexual relationship with Beau The pair met before Breedlovturned 18. Adams said the sexua l relationship beganafter Breedlove’s 18th birthday. Oregon’s attorneyh general is investigating whether Adams did anything The mayor conceded that he lied aboufwhether he’d had sex with Breedlove when a politicak opponent first made the charge durinv the 2008 primary campaign season.
Friday, June 1, 2012
Raleigh Convention Center - Triangle Business Journal:
fugycyquwod.blogspot.com
With more than 150,009 square feet of exhibit space, 32,00 square feet of ballroom spacewand 30,000 square feet of meeting space, the new center is able to accommodater crowds of 50 people to 5,000 It has 12 covered loading dockxs and ramps for direct drive-in access to the exhibit hall for traded shows and conventions. The western side of the buildingy featuresa 9,284-square-foot “shimmer wall” made of 79,4654 four-inch aluminum pixels that create a dramatic image of an oak tree swayinhg in the breeze. It is visibler to some 20,000 vehiclezs that arrive downtown via the McDowell Street thoroughfareeach day.
The shimmer wall was builr witha $1 milliohn gift from Funds collected from Wake County’s prepared food and occupanct taxes paid for most of the center’s construction. The city is seekinb LEED certification forthe building. The architecture team for the conventionh center includedof Atlanta, O’Brien/Atkins of Durham and Clearscapews of Raleigh. The construction team was a joint ventureof and
With more than 150,009 square feet of exhibit space, 32,00 square feet of ballroom spacewand 30,000 square feet of meeting space, the new center is able to accommodater crowds of 50 people to 5,000 It has 12 covered loading dockxs and ramps for direct drive-in access to the exhibit hall for traded shows and conventions. The western side of the buildingy featuresa 9,284-square-foot “shimmer wall” made of 79,4654 four-inch aluminum pixels that create a dramatic image of an oak tree swayinhg in the breeze. It is visibler to some 20,000 vehiclezs that arrive downtown via the McDowell Street thoroughfareeach day.
The shimmer wall was builr witha $1 milliohn gift from Funds collected from Wake County’s prepared food and occupanct taxes paid for most of the center’s construction. The city is seekinb LEED certification forthe building. The architecture team for the conventionh center includedof Atlanta, O’Brien/Atkins of Durham and Clearscapews of Raleigh. The construction team was a joint ventureof and
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
HR legislation sets early tone for new Congress - Dallas Business Journal:
artemchuksykitas.blogspot.com
To business groups, these votex signal a tough year ahead for employersa onworkplace issues, especially since no hearings were held on the billa this Congress before they were brought to the House “We’re disappointed they’re ramroddiny these bills through the way they are,” said Rand Johnson, vice president of labor policyy for the . “It’w an ominous sign.” At the same “It’s no surprise,” said Lawrence J. founding shareholder of the Dallas-based law firm Spencerd Crain CubbageHealy & McNamara PLLC. “The Senate blocked them before, but they never really took them up.
They’re very likelyu to get through the Senate this time andthe president-elect has said he’ll sign them into law.” Supporter s of the two bills passed by the Houswe Jan. 9 contend they would strengthen enforcement of laws that already require women to be paid the same as men for the same Business groups contend existing laws adequately protecf women againstwage discrimination, and trial lawyers woulrd be the real beneficiaries of the new legislation. The Lillh Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which passed on a 247-171 would restart the statute of limitationss for wage discrimination claim each time a worker receives a paycheck that was affectexd by adiscriminatory decision.
The legislation was filed in responsee to a 2007 ruling that overturned a pay discriminationh award wonby Ledbetter, a supervisofr at the in Gadsden, Ala. Ledbetter filesd her claim years after Goodyeaf decided to pay her much less than her male This meansthe 180-day statute of limitationa for filing workplace discrimination claims had expired, the coury ruled. “This ruling just doesn’t make sense in the real Ledbetter said. Female workerse often don’t know they are beintg discriminated since many companies prohibit employees from discussingv their wages with each she said.
The Supreme Court ruling allowsd employers to discriminate againstwomen “without any consequences if they couldr hide it for 180 said Rep. George D-Calif., who chairs the Houss Education andLabor Committee. “That is simplhy unacceptable in the American Resetting the clock with eachpaycheck “fitzs our commonsense understanding of pay discrimination,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. “It is not a singls act but an ongoing practice that is renewexd every time the employer sign s anunfair paycheck.
” Business groups fear the legislatio would open the door for lawsuits over personnel decisiona made years earlier, often by managerzs who no longer are with a compant or may even be “Especially in this economic climate, we cannot afford to enablse endless litigation and potentially staggering record-keeping requirements on said Rep. John Kline, R-Minn. If the legislatio was enacted, employers would need “to take a look at theirr document retention policiesand practices,” said Camiller Olson, an employment attorney at the Seyfarthh Shaw law firm, which has 10 offices from coastg to coast.
In cases where supervisors are long she said, “documentation may be all that you to defend against a wage discriminationm claim. “The issue is damages,” McNamara “That’s really the scary part for an employer. When do the damagesz begin to run? Every paycheck starts a new opportunityto sue. In the statute of limitations is300 days.” A Republican filibuster blocked the bill in the Senated last Congress, but its chances are better this year givenm Democratic gains in the 2008 election. Senate Majorith Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said he hoped to get the bill passefdby Jan.
20, the day Barack Obama — who supports the bill — becomes Supporters of the PaycheckFairneses Act, which passed the Housre on a 256-163 vote, contend it would clos loopholes that have limited the effectivenessa of the Equal Pay Act. This 1963 law requiresx equal pay for equal but women still make 78 cents for evert dollarmen make, according to the U.S. Censues Bureau. “If we are serious about closint the genderpay gap, we must get seriou about punishing those who would otherwisw scoff at the weak sanctionx under the current law,” Miller said.
The legislation woulc allow women to seek punitive and compensatory damages from employers in wagediscrimination lawsuits, even if the discriminatiobn was not intentional. It also wouldd make it easier to filelargew class-action lawsuits over wage discrimination. In the bill would require employers to prove that a wage disparity is relatesd tothe job’s requirements, such as educationj or experience. “The odds of the plaintiff s winning Equal Pay Act cases have gone up significantly once thisbecomew law,” McNamara said. “The employer must show that it’x job-related and it has a businesw purpose.
Just because I went to Harvard and you went tothe , does that reallh make a difference in the job? This will placse Equal Pay Act cases into the eye of the The courts can decide what is a bona fide factor.” The legislatiobn also would prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who discuss their pay rates with each other. Klins said the bill “vastlyg expands the likelihood of discrimination lawsuit by making it easier and more lucrativse for trial lawyers to brintgsuch cases.” “Such claims will inevitably lead to highet costs to businesses at a time when so many are strugglinbg to remain open,” said Rep.
Tom Tiahrt, “In this time of economic it is wrong to increases the burden on employers and risk additional job losses for the benefitf of wealthytrial lawyers.”
To business groups, these votex signal a tough year ahead for employersa onworkplace issues, especially since no hearings were held on the billa this Congress before they were brought to the House “We’re disappointed they’re ramroddiny these bills through the way they are,” said Rand Johnson, vice president of labor policyy for the . “It’w an ominous sign.” At the same “It’s no surprise,” said Lawrence J. founding shareholder of the Dallas-based law firm Spencerd Crain CubbageHealy & McNamara PLLC. “The Senate blocked them before, but they never really took them up.
They’re very likelyu to get through the Senate this time andthe president-elect has said he’ll sign them into law.” Supporter s of the two bills passed by the Houswe Jan. 9 contend they would strengthen enforcement of laws that already require women to be paid the same as men for the same Business groups contend existing laws adequately protecf women againstwage discrimination, and trial lawyers woulrd be the real beneficiaries of the new legislation. The Lillh Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which passed on a 247-171 would restart the statute of limitationss for wage discrimination claim each time a worker receives a paycheck that was affectexd by adiscriminatory decision.
The legislation was filed in responsee to a 2007 ruling that overturned a pay discriminationh award wonby Ledbetter, a supervisofr at the in Gadsden, Ala. Ledbetter filesd her claim years after Goodyeaf decided to pay her much less than her male This meansthe 180-day statute of limitationa for filing workplace discrimination claims had expired, the coury ruled. “This ruling just doesn’t make sense in the real Ledbetter said. Female workerse often don’t know they are beintg discriminated since many companies prohibit employees from discussingv their wages with each she said.
The Supreme Court ruling allowsd employers to discriminate againstwomen “without any consequences if they couldr hide it for 180 said Rep. George D-Calif., who chairs the Houss Education andLabor Committee. “That is simplhy unacceptable in the American Resetting the clock with eachpaycheck “fitzs our commonsense understanding of pay discrimination,” said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md. “It is not a singls act but an ongoing practice that is renewexd every time the employer sign s anunfair paycheck.
” Business groups fear the legislatio would open the door for lawsuits over personnel decisiona made years earlier, often by managerzs who no longer are with a compant or may even be “Especially in this economic climate, we cannot afford to enablse endless litigation and potentially staggering record-keeping requirements on said Rep. John Kline, R-Minn. If the legislatio was enacted, employers would need “to take a look at theirr document retention policiesand practices,” said Camiller Olson, an employment attorney at the Seyfarthh Shaw law firm, which has 10 offices from coastg to coast.
In cases where supervisors are long she said, “documentation may be all that you to defend against a wage discriminationm claim. “The issue is damages,” McNamara “That’s really the scary part for an employer. When do the damagesz begin to run? Every paycheck starts a new opportunityto sue. In the statute of limitations is300 days.” A Republican filibuster blocked the bill in the Senated last Congress, but its chances are better this year givenm Democratic gains in the 2008 election. Senate Majorith Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, said he hoped to get the bill passefdby Jan.
20, the day Barack Obama — who supports the bill — becomes Supporters of the PaycheckFairneses Act, which passed the Housre on a 256-163 vote, contend it would clos loopholes that have limited the effectivenessa of the Equal Pay Act. This 1963 law requiresx equal pay for equal but women still make 78 cents for evert dollarmen make, according to the U.S. Censues Bureau. “If we are serious about closint the genderpay gap, we must get seriou about punishing those who would otherwisw scoff at the weak sanctionx under the current law,” Miller said.
The legislation woulc allow women to seek punitive and compensatory damages from employers in wagediscrimination lawsuits, even if the discriminatiobn was not intentional. It also wouldd make it easier to filelargew class-action lawsuits over wage discrimination. In the bill would require employers to prove that a wage disparity is relatesd tothe job’s requirements, such as educationj or experience. “The odds of the plaintiff s winning Equal Pay Act cases have gone up significantly once thisbecomew law,” McNamara said. “The employer must show that it’x job-related and it has a businesw purpose.
Just because I went to Harvard and you went tothe , does that reallh make a difference in the job? This will placse Equal Pay Act cases into the eye of the The courts can decide what is a bona fide factor.” The legislatiobn also would prohibit employers from retaliating against employees who discuss their pay rates with each other. Klins said the bill “vastlyg expands the likelihood of discrimination lawsuit by making it easier and more lucrativse for trial lawyers to brintgsuch cases.” “Such claims will inevitably lead to highet costs to businesses at a time when so many are strugglinbg to remain open,” said Rep.
Tom Tiahrt, “In this time of economic it is wrong to increases the burden on employers and risk additional job losses for the benefitf of wealthytrial lawyers.”
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
TECO profit falls as operations pared - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
vilyfijohy.wordpress.com
million, or 77 cents a share, comparefd to $413.2 million, or $1.97 a sharee in 2007. Revenue for 2008 was $3.4 billion, down abouft 4.5 percent from $3.6 billion in revenue in 2007. For the fourtg quarter of 2008, net income was $22 or 10 cents, a share, comparefd to $173.9 million, or 83 cents a in the fourth quarterof 2007. Fourthh quarter 2008 revenue was $770.4 million, a 10.3 percent decreased from a year earlier, when revenue for the fourt quarterwas $858.3 million.
The weak economy, combined with the impact of the saleof , a transportatioj and storage subsidiary, were responsible for the declinre in year-over-year profits, according to a release from TECO TE), a Tampa-based energy holding company. In 2007, TECO’se net income included $86.6 million from the operations of TECO Transportt and the production ofsynthetic fuel, the releasse said. Additionally, the fourth quarter of 2007 included $149. million in an after-tax gain from the sale of TECO In 2008, the weak economy slowed Florida’w previously consistent growth, and the slowdow was reflected in TECO’s Sherrill Hudson, chairman and chief said in the release.
He also said milder than normal weather for much of the year in Floridq reduced resultsat , the company’s largest At Tampa Electric, net income for the fourthb quarter was $28.9 million, compared with $29 million for the same period in 2007. Net incomew for the full year of 2008was $135.6 compared to $150.3 million in 2007. Tamp a Electric was hit particularly hard in the fourthh quarter by the downtur n in the Florida housing market and the growing numbere of foreclosures and increasedresidential vacancies, the release Retail energy sales dropped 4 percent for the fourthh quarter and 2.8 percent for the full year of 2008 at Tampwa Electric.
million, or 77 cents a share, comparefd to $413.2 million, or $1.97 a sharee in 2007. Revenue for 2008 was $3.4 billion, down abouft 4.5 percent from $3.6 billion in revenue in 2007. For the fourtg quarter of 2008, net income was $22 or 10 cents, a share, comparefd to $173.9 million, or 83 cents a in the fourth quarterof 2007. Fourthh quarter 2008 revenue was $770.4 million, a 10.3 percent decreased from a year earlier, when revenue for the fourt quarterwas $858.3 million.
The weak economy, combined with the impact of the saleof , a transportatioj and storage subsidiary, were responsible for the declinre in year-over-year profits, according to a release from TECO TE), a Tampa-based energy holding company. In 2007, TECO’se net income included $86.6 million from the operations of TECO Transportt and the production ofsynthetic fuel, the releasse said. Additionally, the fourth quarter of 2007 included $149. million in an after-tax gain from the sale of TECO In 2008, the weak economy slowed Florida’w previously consistent growth, and the slowdow was reflected in TECO’s Sherrill Hudson, chairman and chief said in the release.
He also said milder than normal weather for much of the year in Floridq reduced resultsat , the company’s largest At Tampa Electric, net income for the fourthb quarter was $28.9 million, compared with $29 million for the same period in 2007. Net incomew for the full year of 2008was $135.6 compared to $150.3 million in 2007. Tamp a Electric was hit particularly hard in the fourthh quarter by the downtur n in the Florida housing market and the growing numbere of foreclosures and increasedresidential vacancies, the release Retail energy sales dropped 4 percent for the fourthh quarter and 2.8 percent for the full year of 2008 at Tampwa Electric.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Global shares, euro consolidate from lows, remain vulnerable - Reuters
ejyceh.wordpress.com
Global shares, euro consolidate from lows, remain vulnerable Reuters The MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan .MIAPJ0000PUS inched up 0.2 percent, after hitting its lowest level since late December on Friday. The pan-Asia stock index posted a third consecutive week of losses last week, shedding 0.8 ... |
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Cannes Film Festival: The Actor as Literal Shape-Shifter - New York Times (blog)
moffaiqohegesa1490.blogspot.com
New York Times (blog) | Cannes Film Festival: The Actor as Literal Shape-Shifter New York Times (blog) By DENNIS LIM CANNES, France â€" In its purest form, cinema is an art of motion, and no contemporary performer better expresses that truth than the French actor Denis Lavant. A former acrobat with a wiry frame and puckish features, Mr. Lavant is a .. . Kylie's golden moment in Cannes Cannes 2012: 'Holy Motors' has 'em saying 'Holy Moly' Trailer for Cannes sensation, Holy Motors |
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Screaming O Club Show Takes the Stage at 2012 Chicago Sexcon - AVN News (press release)
opexibu.wordpress.com
Screaming O Club Show Takes the Stage at 2012 Chicago Sexcon AVN News (press release) “Thanks to Lovers Playground for their support and enthusiasmâ€"yet another ground-breaking Screaming O Club Show under our belts!†The Screaming O Stage Show has become infamous for the salacious Screaming Orgasm contest, inviting models and even ... |
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Reducing Crime Through Policing and Employment - Huffington Post
lyubomiradete.blogspot.com
Reducing Crime Through Policing and Employment Huffington Post Until creative ideas, perhaps as bold as those that worked in the last Depression, are revisited to target people in America most subject to chronic unemployment, policing efforts alone are unlikely to do much besides temporarily stop the bleeding, ... |
Monday, May 21, 2012
Frontier posts 6th straight monthly operating profit - Dayton Business Journal:
xszeyluje.blogspot.com
million net profit in up froma $26.9 million loss in April 2008, the mont h it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Denver-based Frontier, the No. 2 carrier at behind Unitefd Airlines, said Thursday its consolidated operating profity for Aprilwas $5 million, versus an operating loss of $21.9 million for the same mont a year ago. It was the sixthu consecutive month the airline reported an operating The airline files a monthly operations report under terms of its Chapter 11 Frontier said thatexcluding $1.1 million in expenses associatec with bankruptcy, it would have reported net incomed of $3.4 million in or a net margin of 4 percent.
"Once again, for the sixthj month in a row, we have seen the payofr of our year-long restructuring and cost-reductionn efforts," Frontier President/CEO Sean Menke said in a statement. "Wew have driven our operating costs to amonv the lowest inthe industry, givint us the cost structure needed to produce operating profitably for the last six monthds in one of the most competitive markets in the country and during one the most difficulft economies in nearly 80 years." Frontier reportedd April passenger revenue per seat mile (its averaged revenue from flying one passenger one mile) of 8.51 down 2.1 percent from a year earlier. That was despite a 12.
3 percenyt decline in total passengers in April from the same monthj ayear ago, as Frontier reporteed earlier this month, and a drop in revenure passenger miles for the montj of 17.5 percent. But Frontier also has cut capacity over the last year by sellinf off planes and has sharplytrimme costs. Its costs per seat mile for the monthhwere 8.49 cents, down 19.5 and its unit costs excluding fuel were 6.24 cents, down 1.4 A bankruptcy-court judge last week gave Frontier untilk Oct. 9 to submit a reorganization plan for the airlinse to emerge fromChapte 11.
The company has been talking toexit
million net profit in up froma $26.9 million loss in April 2008, the mont h it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Denver-based Frontier, the No. 2 carrier at behind Unitefd Airlines, said Thursday its consolidated operating profity for Aprilwas $5 million, versus an operating loss of $21.9 million for the same mont a year ago. It was the sixthu consecutive month the airline reported an operating The airline files a monthly operations report under terms of its Chapter 11 Frontier said thatexcluding $1.1 million in expenses associatec with bankruptcy, it would have reported net incomed of $3.4 million in or a net margin of 4 percent.
"Once again, for the sixthj month in a row, we have seen the payofr of our year-long restructuring and cost-reductionn efforts," Frontier President/CEO Sean Menke said in a statement. "Wew have driven our operating costs to amonv the lowest inthe industry, givint us the cost structure needed to produce operating profitably for the last six monthds in one of the most competitive markets in the country and during one the most difficulft economies in nearly 80 years." Frontier reportedd April passenger revenue per seat mile (its averaged revenue from flying one passenger one mile) of 8.51 down 2.1 percent from a year earlier. That was despite a 12.
3 percenyt decline in total passengers in April from the same monthj ayear ago, as Frontier reporteed earlier this month, and a drop in revenure passenger miles for the montj of 17.5 percent. But Frontier also has cut capacity over the last year by sellinf off planes and has sharplytrimme costs. Its costs per seat mile for the monthhwere 8.49 cents, down 19.5 and its unit costs excluding fuel were 6.24 cents, down 1.4 A bankruptcy-court judge last week gave Frontier untilk Oct. 9 to submit a reorganization plan for the airlinse to emerge fromChapte 11.
The company has been talking toexit
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Go green, save green: With the right tech, it
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While some companies may think “going green” is too there are several technologies that can economicallyt promote environmental sustainability throughout anentire business. Teleworking: Gone are the days where a home offices simply meant havinga phone, PC and Internert connection. Today, all of these technologiesa are integrated so employeecollaboration doesn’t miss a beat, even when away from the Replacing traditional voice systems and bringing voicee communications, e-mail and instant messaging together can reducew hardware, service and maintenance costs.
Researchj by found that such tactics can reduced travel from 10 to30 percent, ultimatelyy reducing the number of cars on the • Virtualization: Many businesses believe they must deplot several servers to perform any numbetr of tasks. Not true. Virtualization maximized server potential by allowingh one device to do the work that previously took several dedicatesd serversto do. With more systems runninfg on fewerphysical machines, businesses are estimatedc to reduce energy costs by 90 • Remember the obvious: Instead of disrupting employees’ workdayas by deploying new software and technologiesd that are “more green,” companiew should utilize the resources at their fingertips.
For using the “sleep” mode on 10 compang PCs is equivalent to takingg one car offthe road. Companied should put into placew policies to take advantageof energy-saving tools, as according to a recentr study, 25 percent of employeese leave their computers running all weekend and 65 perceny run a screen saver rather than sleep. While companies are re-evaluating their carbobn footprints, they should also take inventorhy of their software licensing agreementsx as they may find rightss for unused software they alreadyg own that providethese power-management features.
Companies should rest assured knowing that they can easily reducetheif organization’s carbon footprint by simpl taking advantage of a tool used everyday technology. As businesses look into the they should keep in mind the worlc around them and how easily they can help makea
While some companies may think “going green” is too there are several technologies that can economicallyt promote environmental sustainability throughout anentire business. Teleworking: Gone are the days where a home offices simply meant havinga phone, PC and Internert connection. Today, all of these technologiesa are integrated so employeecollaboration doesn’t miss a beat, even when away from the Replacing traditional voice systems and bringing voicee communications, e-mail and instant messaging together can reducew hardware, service and maintenance costs.
Researchj by found that such tactics can reduced travel from 10 to30 percent, ultimatelyy reducing the number of cars on the • Virtualization: Many businesses believe they must deplot several servers to perform any numbetr of tasks. Not true. Virtualization maximized server potential by allowingh one device to do the work that previously took several dedicatesd serversto do. With more systems runninfg on fewerphysical machines, businesses are estimatedc to reduce energy costs by 90 • Remember the obvious: Instead of disrupting employees’ workdayas by deploying new software and technologiesd that are “more green,” companiew should utilize the resources at their fingertips.
For using the “sleep” mode on 10 compang PCs is equivalent to takingg one car offthe road. Companied should put into placew policies to take advantageof energy-saving tools, as according to a recentr study, 25 percent of employeese leave their computers running all weekend and 65 perceny run a screen saver rather than sleep. While companies are re-evaluating their carbobn footprints, they should also take inventorhy of their software licensing agreementsx as they may find rightss for unused software they alreadyg own that providethese power-management features.
Companies should rest assured knowing that they can easily reducetheif organization’s carbon footprint by simpl taking advantage of a tool used everyday technology. As businesses look into the they should keep in mind the worlc around them and how easily they can help makea
Friday, May 18, 2012
Ladish earnings growth stalls in 2008 - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
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Cudahy-based Ladish reported Monday that net income for the fourt quarter increased slightlyto $9.6 milliob from $9.3 million, but earnings per sharew fell to 60 cents from 64 cents per sharew the year before becauser of a higher number of shares outstanding. The supplieer of forged components for the jet aerospace and industrial markets posted an increaseein fourth-quarter sales of 4 percent to $112.55 million from $108.3 million. Sales benefited from acquisitions made in thethirsd quarter. For the year, net income dippedf to $32.2 million, or $2.15 per compared with $32.3 or $2.22 per share, the year when profits jumped 13 Net sales grew 11 percent to $469.5 million from $424.
5 million. Ladish president and CEO Kerry Woody said that labor stoppages at and production delays at Boeingf and forced Ladish to shift productionto lower-margihn products. Results were also hurt by rising rawmaterial costs, which grew to 49 perceng of costs in 2008, compared with 46 percenft the year before. Woody said the companhy has already reduced employment leveles by 5 percent toreduce costs. The firm expects a continue d collapse ofthe by-producr market in 2009, which likely will more than offsetg lower raw material pricing.
Cudahy-based Ladish reported Monday that net income for the fourt quarter increased slightlyto $9.6 milliob from $9.3 million, but earnings per sharew fell to 60 cents from 64 cents per sharew the year before becauser of a higher number of shares outstanding. The supplieer of forged components for the jet aerospace and industrial markets posted an increaseein fourth-quarter sales of 4 percent to $112.55 million from $108.3 million. Sales benefited from acquisitions made in thethirsd quarter. For the year, net income dippedf to $32.2 million, or $2.15 per compared with $32.3 or $2.22 per share, the year when profits jumped 13 Net sales grew 11 percent to $469.5 million from $424.
5 million. Ladish president and CEO Kerry Woody said that labor stoppages at and production delays at Boeingf and forced Ladish to shift productionto lower-margihn products. Results were also hurt by rising rawmaterial costs, which grew to 49 perceng of costs in 2008, compared with 46 percenft the year before. Woody said the companhy has already reduced employment leveles by 5 percent toreduce costs. The firm expects a continue d collapse ofthe by-producr market in 2009, which likely will more than offsetg lower raw material pricing.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Ga. flooring company prepares to open Leetsdale warehouse - Pittsburgh Business Times:
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Dalton, Ga.-based has signed a lease for 50,000 square feet at an empty 130,000-square-fooft building at 700 Brickworks Drive in Leetsdale Industrial Park, Shaw Executive Vice Presideng Julius Shaw said. Shaw declined to discuss specificleaswe terms. The facility, which was completed in May, will serve as one of the company's 32 regional redistributiomn centers, where its products are stored temporarily befor shipment toflooring retailers. Once a family-owned firm -- Shaw'x grandfather founded Shaw Industries in the early1950s -- the companty went public in 1971 and was purchased by Warren Buffett' s Omaha, Neb.-based in 2001.
Now a subsidiaryu of Berkshire Hathaway, Shaw employs 31,000. The companyh has also expanded its products from just carpet toinclude laminate, hardwood and ceramic "We plan on getting into the (warehouse) buildinv in late 2007, early Shaw said. In addition to storag e space, he said, the facility will have some offics space and employ betweehn 10 and15 people. "Out business in Pittsburgh is quite Shaw said. "We've got a lot of customeres in thePittsburgh area. There's enouguh volume in that area to put a redistributioncenter there.
" Steve Thomas, presidentt of Chapman Properties, the developer of Leetsdale Industrial Park and ownert of the building where Shaw will take declined to comment on the details of the Leetsdale's leasing agent said the park is competitivee because of its amenities. "The Leetsdaled Industrial Park continues to attractg warehouse users due to itsquality construction, excellent access to competitive lease rate and real estate tax said Lou Oliva, a broker with Downtown-basexd . who represented Chapman in the deal. Spacwe at the 129-acre Leetsdale park leases forbetween $2.
25 and $4 per square foot, accordingv to the Pittsburgh Business Times' Fall Commercialk Real Estate Guide. The fourth-largest business park in the Leetsdale Industrial has more than 2 millionh square feet of space withabourt 400,000 square feet available. Tenantse include FedEx SmartPost, and Shell Lubricants.
Dalton, Ga.-based has signed a lease for 50,000 square feet at an empty 130,000-square-fooft building at 700 Brickworks Drive in Leetsdale Industrial Park, Shaw Executive Vice Presideng Julius Shaw said. Shaw declined to discuss specificleaswe terms. The facility, which was completed in May, will serve as one of the company's 32 regional redistributiomn centers, where its products are stored temporarily befor shipment toflooring retailers. Once a family-owned firm -- Shaw'x grandfather founded Shaw Industries in the early1950s -- the companty went public in 1971 and was purchased by Warren Buffett' s Omaha, Neb.-based in 2001.
Now a subsidiaryu of Berkshire Hathaway, Shaw employs 31,000. The companyh has also expanded its products from just carpet toinclude laminate, hardwood and ceramic "We plan on getting into the (warehouse) buildinv in late 2007, early Shaw said. In addition to storag e space, he said, the facility will have some offics space and employ betweehn 10 and15 people. "Out business in Pittsburgh is quite Shaw said. "We've got a lot of customeres in thePittsburgh area. There's enouguh volume in that area to put a redistributioncenter there.
" Steve Thomas, presidentt of Chapman Properties, the developer of Leetsdale Industrial Park and ownert of the building where Shaw will take declined to comment on the details of the Leetsdale's leasing agent said the park is competitivee because of its amenities. "The Leetsdaled Industrial Park continues to attractg warehouse users due to itsquality construction, excellent access to competitive lease rate and real estate tax said Lou Oliva, a broker with Downtown-basexd . who represented Chapman in the deal. Spacwe at the 129-acre Leetsdale park leases forbetween $2.
25 and $4 per square foot, accordingv to the Pittsburgh Business Times' Fall Commercialk Real Estate Guide. The fourth-largest business park in the Leetsdale Industrial has more than 2 millionh square feet of space withabourt 400,000 square feet available. Tenantse include FedEx SmartPost, and Shell Lubricants.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Two women-owned law firms merge - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
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area have merged. The a 20-year-old firm in Delmar, has merged with Latimer/Strouc LLP, a 17-year-old firm in Latham. The new LLP, is located at 951 Albant Shaker Roadin Latham. Latimer/Stroud’s office was expandefd from 2,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet. The new firm has 11 LaFave’s focus was personal injuryy andmedical malpractice. Latimer/Stroud’s general practice included matrimonial law, estatee and trusts. Both firms had abourt $850,000 in revenue last year. Cynthia LaFave, founder of the LaFaved Firm, said she and Sue Latimer, founder of worked together inthe mid-1990s. “We enjoyef working together,” LaFave said.
Latimer left to becom e a physician’s assistant. But surgery replacing both her knees cut short her medical career and she returnedto law. Latimet and LaFave discussed a possiblee merger eight months ago whilee eating at Athosin “We were talking about the two practicezs and how they’d fit together,” LaFave said. “At the end of we said, ‘We need to explore this.’” Latimerr added: “We did.
And that’s why we’re
area have merged. The a 20-year-old firm in Delmar, has merged with Latimer/Strouc LLP, a 17-year-old firm in Latham. The new LLP, is located at 951 Albant Shaker Roadin Latham. Latimer/Stroud’s office was expandefd from 2,500 square feet to 5,000 square feet. The new firm has 11 LaFave’s focus was personal injuryy andmedical malpractice. Latimer/Stroud’s general practice included matrimonial law, estatee and trusts. Both firms had abourt $850,000 in revenue last year. Cynthia LaFave, founder of the LaFaved Firm, said she and Sue Latimer, founder of worked together inthe mid-1990s. “We enjoyef working together,” LaFave said.
Latimer left to becom e a physician’s assistant. But surgery replacing both her knees cut short her medical career and she returnedto law. Latimet and LaFave discussed a possiblee merger eight months ago whilee eating at Athosin “We were talking about the two practicezs and how they’d fit together,” LaFave said. “At the end of we said, ‘We need to explore this.’” Latimerr added: “We did.
And that’s why we’re
Monday, May 14, 2012
Greek president makes last push to avert elections - Reuters
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AFP | Greek president makes last push to avert elections Reuters By Karolina Tagaris and Ingrid Melander | ATHENS (Reuters) - Greece's president will meet party leaders on Sunday in a final bid to cobble together a coalition and avert a repeat election, but the veteran politician's effort looked set to fail because ... Greece i n last ditch effort to form government Greece falters on cabinet as EU pressure mounts |
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Six Flags files Chapter 11 bankruptcy - Kansas City Business Journal:
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has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy Six Flagsannounced Saturday. Six Flags’ (OTCBB: board of directors on June 12 voted to begin reorganizatiobn proceedingsin U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Districtgof Delaware. The company listed assetss of $3.03 billion and debts of $2.36 billion in its New York-based Six Flags is planning to reorganizethe company’s financial structure, whichj management said is feeling the pressure of an inheritedr $2.4 billion debt.
In a letter to Six Flags CEO and president Mark Shapiro saidthe company’a debt is left over from previous management and despite the company making $275 million last it has been difficult for Six Flagse to improve its balance sheet when paying out $175 million in interest on debt, Shapiro asserted. He addedx that more than $400 million in debt is due within the next 12 and the company is having tospend $100 million in park improvemente in an atmosphere where refinancinhg is difficult.
Shapiro assured employees no staff reductions will arisse out ofthe filing, and employees will continuse to be paid and receive Shapiro said the bankruptcy plan has the supporgt of the company’s lenders and the agent administering the company’z $1.1 billion senior secured credit facility. Six Flags including Six FlagsGreat America, will continued to operate as usual under reorganization. Six Flagws sold several properties last year toraise capital. It stilo operates 20 amusement parks inNorth America.
has initiated Chapter 11 bankruptcy Six Flagsannounced Saturday. Six Flags’ (OTCBB: board of directors on June 12 voted to begin reorganizatiobn proceedingsin U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Districtgof Delaware. The company listed assetss of $3.03 billion and debts of $2.36 billion in its New York-based Six Flags is planning to reorganizethe company’s financial structure, whichj management said is feeling the pressure of an inheritedr $2.4 billion debt.
In a letter to Six Flags CEO and president Mark Shapiro saidthe company’a debt is left over from previous management and despite the company making $275 million last it has been difficult for Six Flagse to improve its balance sheet when paying out $175 million in interest on debt, Shapiro asserted. He addedx that more than $400 million in debt is due within the next 12 and the company is having tospend $100 million in park improvemente in an atmosphere where refinancinhg is difficult.
Shapiro assured employees no staff reductions will arisse out ofthe filing, and employees will continuse to be paid and receive Shapiro said the bankruptcy plan has the supporgt of the company’s lenders and the agent administering the company’z $1.1 billion senior secured credit facility. Six Flags including Six FlagsGreat America, will continued to operate as usual under reorganization. Six Flagws sold several properties last year toraise capital. It stilo operates 20 amusement parks inNorth America.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Clarcor's Q2 earnings drop more than 30% - Pittsburgh Business Times:
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percent in the second compared to the same period ayear ago. Franklin-baserd Clarcor (NYSE: CLC) reported income of $25,582, or $0.50p cents per diluted share, in the quarte ended May 30, compared to $40,783, or $0.80 cente per diluted share, in the year-ago Revenue came in at $229,395 for the down 14.1 percent from the previouw year’s quarter, when revenue came in at Analysts, on average, estimatef earnings of 38 cents per shars on revenueof $243.1 million, according to Reuterx Estimates.
“As we had expected, this year’ds second quarter was difficult, thoughn operating results were much stronger than in our firsgtfiscal quarter,” says Norm Johnson, Clarcor’s chairmamn and CEO, in a “Our order rates, overall, have stabilized, and we are beginningy to see indications of increased producy demand in selected markets.” Clarcor makes mobile, industriaol and environmental filtration products and consumer and industrial packagingf products sold to domestic and international Johnson notes that more than 80 percent of its filtef sales are generated from the replacementt filter aftermarket, so even if new building and equipmeny continues to falter, maintenance of existing equipment and facilities will Shares of Clarcor closed up $1.
08, or 3.66 percent to $30.576 at the bell today. The 52-weekl range is $23.05 to
percent in the second compared to the same period ayear ago. Franklin-baserd Clarcor (NYSE: CLC) reported income of $25,582, or $0.50p cents per diluted share, in the quarte ended May 30, compared to $40,783, or $0.80 cente per diluted share, in the year-ago Revenue came in at $229,395 for the down 14.1 percent from the previouw year’s quarter, when revenue came in at Analysts, on average, estimatef earnings of 38 cents per shars on revenueof $243.1 million, according to Reuterx Estimates.
“As we had expected, this year’ds second quarter was difficult, thoughn operating results were much stronger than in our firsgtfiscal quarter,” says Norm Johnson, Clarcor’s chairmamn and CEO, in a “Our order rates, overall, have stabilized, and we are beginningy to see indications of increased producy demand in selected markets.” Clarcor makes mobile, industriaol and environmental filtration products and consumer and industrial packagingf products sold to domestic and international Johnson notes that more than 80 percent of its filtef sales are generated from the replacementt filter aftermarket, so even if new building and equipmeny continues to falter, maintenance of existing equipment and facilities will Shares of Clarcor closed up $1.
08, or 3.66 percent to $30.576 at the bell today. The 52-weekl range is $23.05 to
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Trilogy expands operations in Indiana, Michigan - Business First of Louisville:
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The Muncie health campuse is Trilogy's 47th location, according to a news The acquired properties are OddFelloaw & Rebekah Home in Jackson, and Greenleaf Living Center in Ind. Louisville-based Trilogy plans to replace OddFelloww & Rebekah Home with a new building, which is schedule to be completed by the release said. The facility providesa assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Trilogy also plans changes to the GreenleafLiving Center.
The company expects to add a new health center and independent living The health center willprovide physical, and speech therapies, as well as medical servicesd for people requiring short-terkm rehabilitation or long-term care. Greenleafr currently provides assisted living and dementiacare services. Over the next threew months, Trilogy also plans to open three new healtu campuses in Bellevueand Cincinnati, Ohio, and Terre Ind., according to the The company also is renovating and expanding its Ohio, location and plans to open a new campue in Battle Creek, Mich.
, to replacde Mercy Pavilion, its current Battle Creek
The Muncie health campuse is Trilogy's 47th location, according to a news The acquired properties are OddFelloaw & Rebekah Home in Jackson, and Greenleaf Living Center in Ind. Louisville-based Trilogy plans to replace OddFelloww & Rebekah Home with a new building, which is schedule to be completed by the release said. The facility providesa assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services. Trilogy also plans changes to the GreenleafLiving Center.
The company expects to add a new health center and independent living The health center willprovide physical, and speech therapies, as well as medical servicesd for people requiring short-terkm rehabilitation or long-term care. Greenleafr currently provides assisted living and dementiacare services. Over the next threew months, Trilogy also plans to open three new healtu campuses in Bellevueand Cincinnati, Ohio, and Terre Ind., according to the The company also is renovating and expanding its Ohio, location and plans to open a new campue in Battle Creek, Mich.
, to replacde Mercy Pavilion, its current Battle Creek
Monday, May 7, 2012
Beige Book: Region
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Consumer spending in the region was weak and is expecterd toremain soft, the closely watchede survey said, but “aj uptick in manufacturing orders helped stabilize expectations for future The Beige Book also said that “commerciaol real estate market conditions deteriorated, and energyy activity declined further.” Bankers, it said, “reported a rise in deposits and stable loan demand with no erosion in loan It said consumer price and wage pressures remainef low.
Meanwhile, producer prices “declined at a slowedr pace, with some firms noting that highefr commodity prices boosted material andfuel Overall, the latest regional Beige Book covering a six-week period was somewhat more optimistiv than the last survey, released Aprio 15. The report covers the Fed’s Kansads City-based 10th District. It is based on interviewds with a sample of businesses representing key industriee ineach district. The reports are anecdotal and do not contain statistics, but they are widely followed and help the Fed to set nationaol economic policy.
The Fed’s 10th District includes Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming as well as westernb Missouri and northern New Formally known asthe “Summary of Commentary on Current Economicc Conditions by Federal Reserve the Beige Book is published eight times a year. The latesyt report covers late Aprilthrough May. The Federal Reserve’xs 10th District is also known as the Kansaas City district becausethe reserve’s regional bank is based there. .
Consumer spending in the region was weak and is expecterd toremain soft, the closely watchede survey said, but “aj uptick in manufacturing orders helped stabilize expectations for future The Beige Book also said that “commerciaol real estate market conditions deteriorated, and energyy activity declined further.” Bankers, it said, “reported a rise in deposits and stable loan demand with no erosion in loan It said consumer price and wage pressures remainef low.
Meanwhile, producer prices “declined at a slowedr pace, with some firms noting that highefr commodity prices boosted material andfuel Overall, the latest regional Beige Book covering a six-week period was somewhat more optimistiv than the last survey, released Aprio 15. The report covers the Fed’s Kansads City-based 10th District. It is based on interviewds with a sample of businesses representing key industriee ineach district. The reports are anecdotal and do not contain statistics, but they are widely followed and help the Fed to set nationaol economic policy.
The Fed’s 10th District includes Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Wyoming as well as westernb Missouri and northern New Formally known asthe “Summary of Commentary on Current Economicc Conditions by Federal Reserve the Beige Book is published eight times a year. The latesyt report covers late Aprilthrough May. The Federal Reserve’xs 10th District is also known as the Kansaas City district becausethe reserve’s regional bank is based there. .
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Channels 58, 41 to keep analog broadcasts - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
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Chicago-based announced Friday the programming of CBSaffiliatwe WDJT-TV (Channel 58) will air in analog on Channekl 63. WMLW (Channel 41) will remain available to over the air on analog TV The CBS affiliate will be availabled on digitalchannel 58.1. WMLW’s programmin will be available in a digital formag on digitalchannel 58.2. Weigel executivess said maintaining analog broadcasts of the stations will providea “lifeline” to viewerd who haven’t prepared for the digital After the transition, vieweres will receive digital TV signals only via a digitakl converter box or subscriptiona to cable or satellitse television services.
“Unfortunately, not all homes in our viewinhg areaare prepared, in full or in for the digital transition,” said Jim Hall, general managefr of Weigel’s Milwaukee stations. “Those homes still need to be able to receiv evital -news information.”
Chicago-based announced Friday the programming of CBSaffiliatwe WDJT-TV (Channel 58) will air in analog on Channekl 63. WMLW (Channel 41) will remain available to over the air on analog TV The CBS affiliate will be availabled on digitalchannel 58.1. WMLW’s programmin will be available in a digital formag on digitalchannel 58.2. Weigel executivess said maintaining analog broadcasts of the stations will providea “lifeline” to viewerd who haven’t prepared for the digital After the transition, vieweres will receive digital TV signals only via a digitakl converter box or subscriptiona to cable or satellitse television services.
“Unfortunately, not all homes in our viewinhg areaare prepared, in full or in for the digital transition,” said Jim Hall, general managefr of Weigel’s Milwaukee stations. “Those homes still need to be able to receiv evital -news information.”
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Bank of America
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The former president of -Maryland tried to take a few montha tojust “do nothing.” She had the rare chancse after leaving the bank in She was one of several high-level executivew to lose her job in the N.C.-based bank’s reorganization. But Gamble, 46, is back in the financs game again. She and Cindy Flanders, BofA’as former global commercial bank executive forthe mid-Atlantic, have launche d LLC, a private equity firm that will focus on fundinhg companies with $10 million to $100 million in revenue. the two want to raise enoughy money to start a privateequity fund, grabbinfg some of the capital they see “sittinyg on the sidelines.
” At least one estimate pegs that capita l at $400 billion. “I don’g do ‘nothing’ well,” Gamble joked recentlyy at in Harbor East. “I was tryiny really hard to do nothing. It’s a hard habiyt to break.” What Flanders and Gamble are learning to breako from is the corporate not an easy thing to dowhen you’vre spent your whole career amid organizational flow charts and board rooms.
Though both lost theie jobs because ofthe bank’s attempt to righr itself after its forced acquisition of troubled , theirt story is hardly the typical tale of the displaced They left with retirements intact, a strony relationship with the bank, severance packages, lots of contacts and choices. Their first choice was not to return tocorporated life. The travel, the structure and the 70-hourt weeks were something they were ready togive up. “Art this stage in our careers, we want to dictate the Gamble said.
Being able to do just that magnifieas the dichotomy between the middle manager who finds herself lookinbg for something to pay the bills andthe well-connected exec who is readu to pursue her next big adventure. Those who can afford to are usiny layoffs to do what they finallu want todo — or something they neverd dreamed of doing. The Internet is filled with advicde for how to change careers andfind happiness. People not conteng on changing careers and working for someone else are likelyy to drive a wave of new companiesx in the nextfive years.
“Those that are entrepreneurialo are using their contacts and sources to eithedr develop their own business or work with someonwe on creatingnew companies,” said Lawrence J. managing director of the , a Howard Countgy search firm that recruits executivezsin finance, health care, technologhy and insurance. He said Gamblde and Flanders will join the many fromWall Street, bankws and other financial companies who are venturing out on thei r own. Top executives like them have an advantagse over others inthe market. They have managementr expertise and knowmany people. Driving the new business trens is that fewer top executives want to move toanotherf city.
A man Holmes tried to recruitg recently turned downa $100,000 pay increase becausde it involved moving. “Before people moved all the time,” Holmes said. “ don’t know if their values changed. We see it all the They think life istoo short.” The two womehn had both mulled the next step in thei careers for at least the past two years. Changews at Bank of America forced them to finalldo it. Both could have found other rolesx in the bank inanother Instead, they decided to plot theit next move in the Baltimore-Washingtonh area. Flanders, 55, thought abou t becoming an executive coach and decidedcthere wasn’t enough demand for the service.
She then becamee fixated on private equity after asking colleagues to talk abou her strengths and Flanders liked deals and came across many in 35 year sof banking. She ran Bank of America’s commercia and business banking client team from central New Jerseyy downthrough Virginia, providing financial services to companies with $2 milliohn to $2 billion in revenue. She knows lots of companies and a good start in trying to drum up businessx onyour own. “I kept coming back to this when I talkedx to somany clients, and I was encouragesd to do it,” Flanders said.
“It was the best way to leveragew the network I built up over so many As Flanders plotted Gamble tried to Relaxing for Gamble meant working out with a trainer at alocalk gym, rowing crew on the Middle spending more time with her familyu and continuing work on half a dozeh nonprofit boards.
The former president of -Maryland tried to take a few montha tojust “do nothing.” She had the rare chancse after leaving the bank in She was one of several high-level executivew to lose her job in the N.C.-based bank’s reorganization. But Gamble, 46, is back in the financs game again. She and Cindy Flanders, BofA’as former global commercial bank executive forthe mid-Atlantic, have launche d LLC, a private equity firm that will focus on fundinhg companies with $10 million to $100 million in revenue. the two want to raise enoughy money to start a privateequity fund, grabbinfg some of the capital they see “sittinyg on the sidelines.
” At least one estimate pegs that capita l at $400 billion. “I don’g do ‘nothing’ well,” Gamble joked recentlyy at in Harbor East. “I was tryiny really hard to do nothing. It’s a hard habiyt to break.” What Flanders and Gamble are learning to breako from is the corporate not an easy thing to dowhen you’vre spent your whole career amid organizational flow charts and board rooms.
Though both lost theie jobs because ofthe bank’s attempt to righr itself after its forced acquisition of troubled , theirt story is hardly the typical tale of the displaced They left with retirements intact, a strony relationship with the bank, severance packages, lots of contacts and choices. Their first choice was not to return tocorporated life. The travel, the structure and the 70-hourt weeks were something they were ready togive up. “Art this stage in our careers, we want to dictate the Gamble said.
Being able to do just that magnifieas the dichotomy between the middle manager who finds herself lookinbg for something to pay the bills andthe well-connected exec who is readu to pursue her next big adventure. Those who can afford to are usiny layoffs to do what they finallu want todo — or something they neverd dreamed of doing. The Internet is filled with advicde for how to change careers andfind happiness. People not conteng on changing careers and working for someone else are likelyy to drive a wave of new companiesx in the nextfive years.
“Those that are entrepreneurialo are using their contacts and sources to eithedr develop their own business or work with someonwe on creatingnew companies,” said Lawrence J. managing director of the , a Howard Countgy search firm that recruits executivezsin finance, health care, technologhy and insurance. He said Gamblde and Flanders will join the many fromWall Street, bankws and other financial companies who are venturing out on thei r own. Top executives like them have an advantagse over others inthe market. They have managementr expertise and knowmany people. Driving the new business trens is that fewer top executives want to move toanotherf city.
A man Holmes tried to recruitg recently turned downa $100,000 pay increase becausde it involved moving. “Before people moved all the time,” Holmes said. “ don’t know if their values changed. We see it all the They think life istoo short.” The two womehn had both mulled the next step in thei careers for at least the past two years. Changews at Bank of America forced them to finalldo it. Both could have found other rolesx in the bank inanother Instead, they decided to plot theit next move in the Baltimore-Washingtonh area. Flanders, 55, thought abou t becoming an executive coach and decidedcthere wasn’t enough demand for the service.
She then becamee fixated on private equity after asking colleagues to talk abou her strengths and Flanders liked deals and came across many in 35 year sof banking. She ran Bank of America’s commercia and business banking client team from central New Jerseyy downthrough Virginia, providing financial services to companies with $2 milliohn to $2 billion in revenue. She knows lots of companies and a good start in trying to drum up businessx onyour own. “I kept coming back to this when I talkedx to somany clients, and I was encouragesd to do it,” Flanders said.
“It was the best way to leveragew the network I built up over so many As Flanders plotted Gamble tried to Relaxing for Gamble meant working out with a trainer at alocalk gym, rowing crew on the Middle spending more time with her familyu and continuing work on half a dozeh nonprofit boards.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Feds Seek Death Penalty in Somali Yacht Hijacking - ABC News
vadimsudigrenev.blogspot.com
USA TODAY | Feds Seek Death Penalty in Somali Yacht Hijacking ABC News Federal prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty against three Somalis charged with murder in the fatal shooting of four Americans aboard a hijacked yacht last year, according to a court document unsealed Tuesday. Ahmed Muse Salad, Abukar Osman ... Feds to s eek death penalty against Somali pirates in slaying of Americans Feds seek death penalty for 3 Somali pirates |
Monday, April 30, 2012
Continental makes most-delayed list - Houston Business Journal:
qalymeled.wordpress.com
Houston-based Continental (NYSE: CAL) flights were on time 72 percent of the time during the month, followed by with a 69.4 percenty on-time arrival rate and with 68.6 percent. Best for on-timed arrivals was whose flights were ontime 91.1 percent of the followed by at 86.2 percent and at 85.8 percent, according to the Air Travel Consumer compiled by the DoT’s Bureau of Transportatioh Statistics. Figures also shower that Continental had a problem getting its daily afternoon flight from Clevelandto Newark, N.J. to arrivre on time in April.
The Houston-based airline’d flight 1567 from Cleveland to Newark’x Liberty International Airport was late 90 percent of the time duringthe month, accordin g to the report. Overall, the flight was the fifth-most-delayed durinf April. Leading the list was ’ flight 803 from Atlantq to Honolulu, which was late 96.6 percentg of the time, according to the report. The 19 carriersw reported an overall on-time arrival rate of 79.1 percentg in April, up from 78.4 percent the previous and 77.7 percent in April 2008. Carriers reportexd that aviation system problemsdelayed 7.4 percent of flightsa in April, up from nearly 7.3 percenr the previous month.
Other common problems included late-arrivinf aircraft and maintenance or crew Weather was to blamefor 44.4 percenf of late flights, up from 37.9 percenf for the same month in 2008.
Houston-based Continental (NYSE: CAL) flights were on time 72 percent of the time during the month, followed by with a 69.4 percenty on-time arrival rate and with 68.6 percent. Best for on-timed arrivals was whose flights were ontime 91.1 percent of the followed by at 86.2 percent and at 85.8 percent, according to the Air Travel Consumer compiled by the DoT’s Bureau of Transportatioh Statistics. Figures also shower that Continental had a problem getting its daily afternoon flight from Clevelandto Newark, N.J. to arrivre on time in April.
The Houston-based airline’d flight 1567 from Cleveland to Newark’x Liberty International Airport was late 90 percent of the time duringthe month, accordin g to the report. Overall, the flight was the fifth-most-delayed durinf April. Leading the list was ’ flight 803 from Atlantq to Honolulu, which was late 96.6 percentg of the time, according to the report. The 19 carriersw reported an overall on-time arrival rate of 79.1 percentg in April, up from 78.4 percent the previous and 77.7 percent in April 2008. Carriers reportexd that aviation system problemsdelayed 7.4 percent of flightsa in April, up from nearly 7.3 percenr the previous month.
Other common problems included late-arrivinf aircraft and maintenance or crew Weather was to blamefor 44.4 percenf of late flights, up from 37.9 percenf for the same month in 2008.
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Layoffs rise in Kansas - Wichita Business Journal:
uhetemejih.wordpress.com
Layoffs in the aviation industry haveimpacted Wichita's economy in the last six months, but data release by the indicate that the work-forcee reductions statewide extend well beyond the aerospace Kansas reported 3,009 initial claims for unemploymenyt insurance in the first quarter, down from 4,23 in the fourth quarter and up from 1,619i claims in the first quarter of 2008, accordinvg to the U.S. Department of Labor’as . The nation had 3,489 mass layoffx in the first quarter, down from 3,585 in the fourth quarte r and upfrom 1,340 in the firsrt quarter of 2008.
The nation had 542,023 initiap claims in the first quarter, down from 762,73 7 in the fourth quarter and upfrom 259,292 in the firsyt quarter of 2008. Nationally, manufacturing firms reported 1,380 mass layoffss involving 215,281 separations, the highest first-quarter levels for the industry on with data available startingin 1996. The manufacturingf segment accounted for 40 percent of private nonfarm layoffs and 39 percent of related separationss in thefirst quarter. A year manufacturing constituted 31 percent of layoffs and 37 percentof separations.
Layoffs in the aviation industry haveimpacted Wichita's economy in the last six months, but data release by the indicate that the work-forcee reductions statewide extend well beyond the aerospace Kansas reported 3,009 initial claims for unemploymenyt insurance in the first quarter, down from 4,23 in the fourth quarter and up from 1,619i claims in the first quarter of 2008, accordinvg to the U.S. Department of Labor’as . The nation had 3,489 mass layoffx in the first quarter, down from 3,585 in the fourth quarte r and upfrom 1,340 in the firsrt quarter of 2008.
The nation had 542,023 initiap claims in the first quarter, down from 762,73 7 in the fourth quarter and upfrom 259,292 in the firsyt quarter of 2008. Nationally, manufacturing firms reported 1,380 mass layoffss involving 215,281 separations, the highest first-quarter levels for the industry on with data available startingin 1996. The manufacturingf segment accounted for 40 percent of private nonfarm layoffs and 39 percent of related separationss in thefirst quarter. A year manufacturing constituted 31 percent of layoffs and 37 percentof separations.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Denver Business Journal:
yzirapogyg.wordpress.com
But just because businesses owners know they shoulddo it, that doesn'tt mean they are doing it. Jeff Porter runs the data managemenf forum for the Storage Networking Industry an international standards organization for electronic storage He saidthere hasn't been a noticeablre increase in the number of businesses backing up theidr files since Katrina. "I don't think it take a lot to convince people now of the need to back theirffiles up," Porter said. "But it's stil l very difficult to convince them totake action.
" He said that's because it is such a tedious Even though there are plent of firms that specialize in storinfother companies' information, the nature of the procesas demands hundreds of "executive" hours, according to "It's not so much the cost that keeps companies from doinhg it," Porter said. "It's the fact that the company'sa decision-makers have to spend theit own time figuring out what needasto happen. It's somethinfg that can't be delegated."" But Porter, along with other nationakl organizations, say there are severa l steps companies can take to make the procesw less ofa hassle.
Before a compangy even starts looking for a thirrd partystorage vendor, it needs to figure out what informationn is vital enough to be stored. "There has to be a formalize d collaborationbetween management, operations and any business partners involved," he said. "Don't expect it to be a quico process. It's going to take a lot of meetings between a lotof divisions." Once a company figures out what informationm needs to be kept Porter said it must decide how the informatiojn should be stored. He explained that therd are differing degrees of access to the informatiomn fora business. For an insurance company would want recent claimds to be more accessible than those made 10years ago.
Porter said that once this is a company can start lookingt for a storage He said the best place to staryt searching is throughhis organization's which he said is unbiased and neutral. Other tradde organizations, such as Enterprise Content Managementy Association, also represent hundreds of storag vendors and make those listsavailablw online. Porter also recommends getting customer reviewas and making sure a vendore hasgood press. He said if possible, a company shouls test a vendor out by doing small trial Porter explained that companies often use more thanone "Some vendors are bettet for storing long-term information," he said. "Others are bette at giving youimmediate access.
You have to find the right fit for each portion ofdata you'red storing." To get the lowest cost, Porter said many companie s try to get several vendors into a bidding war. "But cost isn'ty the most important thingg here," he said. "If something happened and you had to depend onthe vendor'd services to stay in the last thing you'd want is to have compromised quality just so you saved some costs." When it comees to how far away a company shoulds electronically store its backup data, 15 miless used to be the rule of thumb. But afteer the widespread destructionof Katrina, experts say informatiobn should be stored in geographicc regions that won't be affectedx by the same disaster.
"Katrina not only increased awareness," Porter said. "It also rewrot a lot of the rules we used to It showed our industry what needed tobe improved." One of those improvements, according to Porter, is how ofte a company should test its backup He explained that many Katrina-affecte companies had backup plans, but discovered they were out-of-datr when the disaster actually hit. "A business is constantl evolving," he said. "And, consequently, so are your backup needs."" Porter said a company should, with the assistancse of its vendor, refresh its backup plan at least He said many companies actuallytest quarterly, dividingv the process up into separat e divisions.
But Porter said the biggest mistakdcompanies make, and one that Katrina highlighted, is that they focus too much on storagre and not enough on recovery. "Whenb you initially sit down you need to figuree out how fast you need to recover whensomething happens,"" he said. "You may back everything up but then it takes you 30 days to access it and be up andrunning again. Many companiez can't survive that kind of delay.
" Technology and Telecommunications
But just because businesses owners know they shoulddo it, that doesn'tt mean they are doing it. Jeff Porter runs the data managemenf forum for the Storage Networking Industry an international standards organization for electronic storage He saidthere hasn't been a noticeablre increase in the number of businesses backing up theidr files since Katrina. "I don't think it take a lot to convince people now of the need to back theirffiles up," Porter said. "But it's stil l very difficult to convince them totake action.
" He said that's because it is such a tedious Even though there are plent of firms that specialize in storinfother companies' information, the nature of the procesas demands hundreds of "executive" hours, according to "It's not so much the cost that keeps companies from doinhg it," Porter said. "It's the fact that the company'sa decision-makers have to spend theit own time figuring out what needasto happen. It's somethinfg that can't be delegated."" But Porter, along with other nationakl organizations, say there are severa l steps companies can take to make the procesw less ofa hassle.
Before a compangy even starts looking for a thirrd partystorage vendor, it needs to figure out what informationn is vital enough to be stored. "There has to be a formalize d collaborationbetween management, operations and any business partners involved," he said. "Don't expect it to be a quico process. It's going to take a lot of meetings between a lotof divisions." Once a company figures out what informationm needs to be kept Porter said it must decide how the informatiojn should be stored. He explained that therd are differing degrees of access to the informatiomn fora business. For an insurance company would want recent claimds to be more accessible than those made 10years ago.
Porter said that once this is a company can start lookingt for a storage He said the best place to staryt searching is throughhis organization's which he said is unbiased and neutral. Other tradde organizations, such as Enterprise Content Managementy Association, also represent hundreds of storag vendors and make those listsavailablw online. Porter also recommends getting customer reviewas and making sure a vendore hasgood press. He said if possible, a company shouls test a vendor out by doing small trial Porter explained that companies often use more thanone "Some vendors are bettet for storing long-term information," he said. "Others are bette at giving youimmediate access.
You have to find the right fit for each portion ofdata you'red storing." To get the lowest cost, Porter said many companie s try to get several vendors into a bidding war. "But cost isn'ty the most important thingg here," he said. "If something happened and you had to depend onthe vendor'd services to stay in the last thing you'd want is to have compromised quality just so you saved some costs." When it comees to how far away a company shoulds electronically store its backup data, 15 miless used to be the rule of thumb. But afteer the widespread destructionof Katrina, experts say informatiobn should be stored in geographicc regions that won't be affectedx by the same disaster.
"Katrina not only increased awareness," Porter said. "It also rewrot a lot of the rules we used to It showed our industry what needed tobe improved." One of those improvements, according to Porter, is how ofte a company should test its backup He explained that many Katrina-affecte companies had backup plans, but discovered they were out-of-datr when the disaster actually hit. "A business is constantl evolving," he said. "And, consequently, so are your backup needs."" Porter said a company should, with the assistancse of its vendor, refresh its backup plan at least He said many companies actuallytest quarterly, dividingv the process up into separat e divisions.
But Porter said the biggest mistakdcompanies make, and one that Katrina highlighted, is that they focus too much on storagre and not enough on recovery. "Whenb you initially sit down you need to figuree out how fast you need to recover whensomething happens,"" he said. "You may back everything up but then it takes you 30 days to access it and be up andrunning again. Many companiez can't survive that kind of delay.
" Technology and Telecommunications
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Voters show off their IDs, or don't - Philadelphia Inquirer
kittredgeihuhyla1951.blogspot.com
WNEP-TV | Voters show off their IDs, or don't Philadelphia Inquirer ( Yong Kim / Staff Photographer ) Defiantly, begrudgingly or compliantly, Pennsylvania voters took the test run of the state's new voter ID requirement in stride Tuesday, gener » |
Monday, April 23, 2012
Amazon.com warns N.C. over sales-tax proposal - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
lebexab.wordpress.com
The online retail giant says it will end its relationship with affiliated in the Tar Heel State ifthe N.C. legislature follows through on what Amazon callsdan “unconstitutional tax collection Amazon collects sales tax in only a handful of But many state legislatures, facing severe budget are seeking to make Amazon collecrt sales tax on Web purchases. The legislatures are lookinv to define Amazon as having a physicak presence in theirstatese (and thus a responsibility to collect sales tax) throughb locally based affiliates, who link shopperd to Amazon products in exchange for a cut of sales. N.C. lawmakersd are grappling with a budget gap of morethan $4 Gov.
Bev Perdue has called on legislativd leaders tofind $1.5 billion in new Other states, following the lead of New York, have looked at makingy Amazon collect sales tax. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) is based in TechFlash is a Web operation created by the Puget Soun BusinessJournal , a sister publication of the Charlotte Business Journal .
The online retail giant says it will end its relationship with affiliated in the Tar Heel State ifthe N.C. legislature follows through on what Amazon callsdan “unconstitutional tax collection Amazon collects sales tax in only a handful of But many state legislatures, facing severe budget are seeking to make Amazon collecrt sales tax on Web purchases. The legislatures are lookinv to define Amazon as having a physicak presence in theirstatese (and thus a responsibility to collect sales tax) throughb locally based affiliates, who link shopperd to Amazon products in exchange for a cut of sales. N.C. lawmakersd are grappling with a budget gap of morethan $4 Gov.
Bev Perdue has called on legislativd leaders tofind $1.5 billion in new Other states, following the lead of New York, have looked at makingy Amazon collect sales tax. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) is based in TechFlash is a Web operation created by the Puget Soun BusinessJournal , a sister publication of the Charlotte Business Journal .
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Health reform details emerge - San Francisco Business Times:
gonyzyf.wordpress.com
percent of the cost of health insurance premiumsafor full-time employees under the health care reform bill being considered by the They also would be required to pick up at least some of the tab for insuringf part-time employees. Businesses that don’t provide this minimumj level of coverage would be required to pay the federal governmentf a fee based on 8 percent oftheir payroll. Small businesses under a yet-to-be-determinesd threshold would be exempted fromthis “play or pay” The chairmen of three House committees with jurisdiction over healthg care introduced draft legislation June 19, offering the most detailx yet on how health care reform could affect small Under the bill, smal businesses and individuals could shop for insurance through a national which would include a government-run plan and private Tax credits would be available to help smalpl businesses afford the coverage.
Health insurance premiums for U.S. businessee increased by 9.2 percentf this year, and are expected to increase another 9 percen tnext year, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Small businessesa often face much higherrate hikes. While most small businesses agree the curreny health insurance marketis dysfunctional, there’s a lot of disagreemeng over whether the House bill would cure the problem or just make it Mike Draper, who owns a retailk clothing store and design busineszs called Smash in Des Moines, Iowa, likesa what he sees in the bill. Drapetr thinks adding a public plan would hold down premiums by creatiny more competition inthe marketplace.
Drapefr doesn’t offer health insurancw to itsseven full-timwe workers, but reimburses them for the cost of policiesw they buy on their own. That’e fine with his employees, who are singlr and in their 20s. The reimbursements now account for 6 percenftof Smash’s payroll, but that could jump to 22 percentg in four years, when Draper expects everyone on his management team to have children, creating the need for family plans. His business couldn’f handle that expense, he said. If the House bill were he would consider buying insurance through the exchangw if it were easyto use.
But he mightt decide to pay the 8 percenyt payrollfee instead, then reimburse his employeese for some of the cost of the policieds they purchase through the exchange. Draper thinkas employers should be required to help pay fortheirf employees’ health insurance. Like Sociap Security contributions, this sort of responsibilitt is “kind of what you signef up for” when you become a businesd owner, he said. Other small businessw owners, however, think the House bill imposes too tough of a standardr onsmall businesses. The requirement to pay 72.
5 percentg of an employee’s premium for individual coverage “is much too high for many small businesses,” says Karenb Kerrigan, president and CEO of the SmalklBusiness & Entrepreneurship Council. The only way many smalk businesses can afford coverage is by makinfg employees pick up more ofthe cost, she Arlington, Va.-based Company Flowers & Gifts Too!, for example, pays 50 percenft of the cost of healtgh insurance for seven full-time employees. Even that may not be affordable next because “our rates are going to skyrocket,” co-owne r John Nicholson told the House Smal l Business Committee earlier this month.
percent of the cost of health insurance premiumsafor full-time employees under the health care reform bill being considered by the They also would be required to pick up at least some of the tab for insuringf part-time employees. Businesses that don’t provide this minimumj level of coverage would be required to pay the federal governmentf a fee based on 8 percent oftheir payroll. Small businesses under a yet-to-be-determinesd threshold would be exempted fromthis “play or pay” The chairmen of three House committees with jurisdiction over healthg care introduced draft legislation June 19, offering the most detailx yet on how health care reform could affect small Under the bill, smal businesses and individuals could shop for insurance through a national which would include a government-run plan and private Tax credits would be available to help smalpl businesses afford the coverage.
Health insurance premiums for U.S. businessee increased by 9.2 percentf this year, and are expected to increase another 9 percen tnext year, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers. Small businessesa often face much higherrate hikes. While most small businesses agree the curreny health insurance marketis dysfunctional, there’s a lot of disagreemeng over whether the House bill would cure the problem or just make it Mike Draper, who owns a retailk clothing store and design busineszs called Smash in Des Moines, Iowa, likesa what he sees in the bill. Drapetr thinks adding a public plan would hold down premiums by creatiny more competition inthe marketplace.
Drapefr doesn’t offer health insurancw to itsseven full-timwe workers, but reimburses them for the cost of policiesw they buy on their own. That’e fine with his employees, who are singlr and in their 20s. The reimbursements now account for 6 percenftof Smash’s payroll, but that could jump to 22 percentg in four years, when Draper expects everyone on his management team to have children, creating the need for family plans. His business couldn’f handle that expense, he said. If the House bill were he would consider buying insurance through the exchangw if it were easyto use.
But he mightt decide to pay the 8 percenyt payrollfee instead, then reimburse his employeese for some of the cost of the policieds they purchase through the exchange. Draper thinkas employers should be required to help pay fortheirf employees’ health insurance. Like Sociap Security contributions, this sort of responsibilitt is “kind of what you signef up for” when you become a businesd owner, he said. Other small businessw owners, however, think the House bill imposes too tough of a standardr onsmall businesses. The requirement to pay 72.
5 percentg of an employee’s premium for individual coverage “is much too high for many small businesses,” says Karenb Kerrigan, president and CEO of the SmalklBusiness & Entrepreneurship Council. The only way many smalk businesses can afford coverage is by makinfg employees pick up more ofthe cost, she Arlington, Va.-based Company Flowers & Gifts Too!, for example, pays 50 percenft of the cost of healtgh insurance for seven full-time employees. Even that may not be affordable next because “our rates are going to skyrocket,” co-owne r John Nicholson told the House Smal l Business Committee earlier this month.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Sealing the deal with a sales prospect: If you can speak it, you can write it - Austin Business Journal:
yvejodo.wordpress.com
There was nothing worse in high school than havintg your boyfriend or girlfriencd say they wanted to seeother Ouch! In the ’70s, we had a phrasre about people who would take advantagd of you: users. I have to admit I was one of them. My friend in sixthg grade, a neighbor named Eddie, had a built-ihn pool and his mom had a pantrt of myfavorite snacks: apples pies, Yodels, you name it. I was a user. Eddie turned out to be a multimillionaire software giant. Although I would love to call him, I simplt cannot, due my ignorance.
Many salespeopl e get used and abused in the saleds process because prospects can be users who will even justify usinbg your stuff to bettere themselves ortheir company. It has happened to me a couplweof times, and I have to admit I felt like Eddid Money and wanted to sing “baby, hold onto to I even became the Bee Gees, just tryinh to stay alive. As time went on in the sale s process, I realized I was being I adopted one sentence thatchanged everything: If you can speal it, you can write it. That sentence has not guaranteer that I will close everyprospecg — and I am not suggesting that it will for you, eitheer — but I guarantee you will neve r get used again.
Many timeds early in my my prospects would ask for somethinvin writing, and I would give them customized plans. I migh redo them several times, only to find out theifr cousin Vinny took all mystuffv — and my commission, as well. To preven t this, ask one simple question: What will it take to make youa client?? After they mention you must get two more things or you can startg singing “na na na na, hey hey hey, After your prospect tells you what you have to do to earn his or her write down the specifi c deliverables and initial each one. Have your prospecgt do the same and set yoursecond appointment.
(Martinj Touch Tip: give yourself enough time between appointments to gather the I usually recommend at leasta Next, set the TONE (touching on new expectations). Touchy your prospect at least twicwe beforeyou meet, and remind them of your written Give them a good report that you are workinb on the deliverables. Do not smother them or shove anythinh else downtheir throat. Be a motivator — not a menacre like Dennis, who livesd at 627 Elm St. Do you remember the look on Mr. Wilson’s face when Dennis would yell, “Hey, Mr. Wilson” However, you may see that look when you show up forappointment No. 2. Here is the four R’s formula to closing your deal.
(Whenb you’re done, you can look forwarde to another word with the letterR relaxing.) So now it’s showtime time to say, “Hey, Mr. Wilson, I got the You may see that face once your prospecr sees the sheet with his or her initialson it. you had the gatekeeper copy it. (Martin Touchn Tip: You will know you’rew in the fight 60 seconds intoyour conversation, your prospectf starts backpedaling.) In the 1980s, Sugar Ray Leonarfd fought Marvelous Marvin Hagler. No one gave Ray a Ray showed up the fight in grea shape and was winningy until he started to trade blows with the morepowerfulo Hagler. His trainer, Angelo screamed at him that he wasblowinhg it.
(Martin Touch Tip: Do not trade blows with your Dundee screamed at him to jab andget out. I am tellingh you: That’s what the 4 R’s are all about. Remind your prospectf about the three deliverables they said it wouldr take to earntheir business. (Show it to them and have a red pen andcirclee it.) Jab and get out. Round one is Reiterate what you said you would do and when you would do itby (circlse that in red) and round 2 goes to you.
Resurrect that part if you haveto (the deliverablee they said it would take to get the and you will win 50 percent of the (Martin Touch Tip: Most salespeoplwe lose right here and are about to get Do not throw in the Tell your prospect: “Not only did you say it, but you wroter it and initialed it.”) Do not It is time for a couple of swify upper cuts. Do not move off the Slug it outand say: “If you can spealk it, you can write it. Check, please!” The last R if you need it: Assuming you spent at least 30 minutes in rouncdthree — and sometimes it can go longer go through the 3 R’sd again. Sometimes it will be 15 sometimes it will taketwo hours.
Be strong and The process is simple, but hard to sticki to. But, if you do, they will not sticj it to you.
There was nothing worse in high school than havintg your boyfriend or girlfriencd say they wanted to seeother Ouch! In the ’70s, we had a phrasre about people who would take advantagd of you: users. I have to admit I was one of them. My friend in sixthg grade, a neighbor named Eddie, had a built-ihn pool and his mom had a pantrt of myfavorite snacks: apples pies, Yodels, you name it. I was a user. Eddie turned out to be a multimillionaire software giant. Although I would love to call him, I simplt cannot, due my ignorance.
Many salespeopl e get used and abused in the saleds process because prospects can be users who will even justify usinbg your stuff to bettere themselves ortheir company. It has happened to me a couplweof times, and I have to admit I felt like Eddid Money and wanted to sing “baby, hold onto to I even became the Bee Gees, just tryinh to stay alive. As time went on in the sale s process, I realized I was being I adopted one sentence thatchanged everything: If you can speal it, you can write it. That sentence has not guaranteer that I will close everyprospecg — and I am not suggesting that it will for you, eitheer — but I guarantee you will neve r get used again.
Many timeds early in my my prospects would ask for somethinvin writing, and I would give them customized plans. I migh redo them several times, only to find out theifr cousin Vinny took all mystuffv — and my commission, as well. To preven t this, ask one simple question: What will it take to make youa client?? After they mention you must get two more things or you can startg singing “na na na na, hey hey hey, After your prospect tells you what you have to do to earn his or her write down the specifi c deliverables and initial each one. Have your prospecgt do the same and set yoursecond appointment.
(Martinj Touch Tip: give yourself enough time between appointments to gather the I usually recommend at leasta Next, set the TONE (touching on new expectations). Touchy your prospect at least twicwe beforeyou meet, and remind them of your written Give them a good report that you are workinb on the deliverables. Do not smother them or shove anythinh else downtheir throat. Be a motivator — not a menacre like Dennis, who livesd at 627 Elm St. Do you remember the look on Mr. Wilson’s face when Dennis would yell, “Hey, Mr. Wilson” However, you may see that look when you show up forappointment No. 2. Here is the four R’s formula to closing your deal.
(Whenb you’re done, you can look forwarde to another word with the letterR relaxing.) So now it’s showtime time to say, “Hey, Mr. Wilson, I got the You may see that face once your prospecr sees the sheet with his or her initialson it. you had the gatekeeper copy it. (Martin Touchn Tip: You will know you’rew in the fight 60 seconds intoyour conversation, your prospectf starts backpedaling.) In the 1980s, Sugar Ray Leonarfd fought Marvelous Marvin Hagler. No one gave Ray a Ray showed up the fight in grea shape and was winningy until he started to trade blows with the morepowerfulo Hagler. His trainer, Angelo screamed at him that he wasblowinhg it.
(Martin Touch Tip: Do not trade blows with your Dundee screamed at him to jab andget out. I am tellingh you: That’s what the 4 R’s are all about. Remind your prospectf about the three deliverables they said it wouldr take to earntheir business. (Show it to them and have a red pen andcirclee it.) Jab and get out. Round one is Reiterate what you said you would do and when you would do itby (circlse that in red) and round 2 goes to you.
Resurrect that part if you haveto (the deliverablee they said it would take to get the and you will win 50 percent of the (Martin Touch Tip: Most salespeoplwe lose right here and are about to get Do not throw in the Tell your prospect: “Not only did you say it, but you wroter it and initialed it.”) Do not It is time for a couple of swify upper cuts. Do not move off the Slug it outand say: “If you can spealk it, you can write it. Check, please!” The last R if you need it: Assuming you spent at least 30 minutes in rouncdthree — and sometimes it can go longer go through the 3 R’sd again. Sometimes it will be 15 sometimes it will taketwo hours.
Be strong and The process is simple, but hard to sticki to. But, if you do, they will not sticj it to you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
V/R Zoomlion Presents 18 Sanitation Vehicles to Assemblies - AllAfrica.com
hundleyobajoji1908.blogspot.com
V/R Zoomlion Presents 18 Sanitation Vehicles to Assemblies AllAfrica.com The Volta Regional Manager of Zoomlion Ghana Limited, a waste management company, Mr. Anthony Adzomani, says his outfit was committed to supporting all the district and municipal assemblies in the region in keeping their communities clean at all times, ... |
Monday, April 16, 2012
Lougheed bids to rally Alberta conservatives back to PC fold - Globe and Mail
stony-coating.blogspot.com
Globe and Mail | Lougheed bids to rally Alberta conservatives back to PC fold Globe and Mail “Certainly many have gone over to the Wildrose, there's no doubt about it.†With one week left, Mr. Lougheed is calling on them to return to the fold. Alberta PC party leader Alison Redford makes a campaign stop at a Sikh temple in Calgary. |
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Bank files foreclosure on Waikiki W Hotel - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
ejyceh.wordpress.com
In the lawsuit filed Oct. 27, the bank claimex that Anekona Wborrowed $5 milliob on Aug. 17, 2004, the same day the compangy closed on its purchase ofthe 51-room W which sits on fee-simple and leased land, from . The lawsui said that as of Oct. 6, the date the note was due, that Anekonqa W owed more than $4.9 million in interest and fees. Anderson’s attorney, Gary Dubin, said he had not seen the lawsuigt and declined to commenton it.
The W foreclosure was the fourth foreclosure lawsuit filed against Anderson and his Anekona companies in the past four Lenders also have filed foreclosures against the the andthe , also on Last week, the judgee in iStar FM Loans’ foreclosure lawsuit on the Ilikau property appointed Joseph Toy of LLC as a receivedr in the case. Dubin said both the lendef and his clients agreed on the selection of Toy to be a neutralo party inthe case. “He is just in therwe to make sure there is that everything isdone properly, mainly the accounting, and to give reportds on the financial conditioh of the hotel,” Dubin said.
“Anyu suggestion that because a receiverd has been appointed my client s have done anything wron g would betotally incorrect.”
In the lawsuit filed Oct. 27, the bank claimex that Anekona Wborrowed $5 milliob on Aug. 17, 2004, the same day the compangy closed on its purchase ofthe 51-room W which sits on fee-simple and leased land, from . The lawsui said that as of Oct. 6, the date the note was due, that Anekonqa W owed more than $4.9 million in interest and fees. Anderson’s attorney, Gary Dubin, said he had not seen the lawsuigt and declined to commenton it.
The W foreclosure was the fourth foreclosure lawsuit filed against Anderson and his Anekona companies in the past four Lenders also have filed foreclosures against the the andthe , also on Last week, the judgee in iStar FM Loans’ foreclosure lawsuit on the Ilikau property appointed Joseph Toy of LLC as a receivedr in the case. Dubin said both the lendef and his clients agreed on the selection of Toy to be a neutralo party inthe case. “He is just in therwe to make sure there is that everything isdone properly, mainly the accounting, and to give reportds on the financial conditioh of the hotel,” Dubin said.
“Anyu suggestion that because a receiverd has been appointed my client s have done anything wron g would betotally incorrect.”
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Resale of the week: Classic Colonial in Oak Hill - Washington Times
ignatiywulyxura.blogspot.com
Washington Times | Resale of the week: Classic Colonial in Oak Hill Washington Times The classic Colonial-style residence of brick and siding is filled with natural light and has been updated recently with new ceramic tile flooring, renovated baths, refinished hardwood flooring, granite counters and updated lighting. |
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Water tests raise questions about Venus injection well - KHOU
tarpleypymibujuh1491.blogspot.com
Water tests raise questions about Venus injection well KHOU "We've had those waters tested and there were high chlorides in that water coming into some puddles that were just sitting in the field," McCloskey said. McCloskey showed News 8 home video of cloudy, white water flowing out of the well site during a ... |
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Shirley Ree Smith Sentence Commuted In Shaken Baby Case - Huffington Post
lehoquvuhu.wordpress.com
Los Angeles Times | Shirley Ree Smith Sentence Commuted In Shaken Baby Case Huffington Post Shirley Ree Smith was tearful with relief at the decision, which followed a lengthy court battle that made its way last year to the US Supreme Court. "I just can't believe this is fin » |
Friday, April 6, 2012
House Judiciary Chair: Obama intimidation tactics may backfire, president ... - Fox News
deeshu-tatum.blogspot.com
House Judiciary Chair: Obama intimidation tactics may backfire, president ... Fox News GRETA VAN SUSTEREN, FOX NEWS HOST: Congressman Lamar Smith accusing President Obama of threatening and trying to intimidate the Supreme Court. Congressman Smith is chair of the House Judiciary Committee. He joins us. REP. LAMAR SMITH, R-TEXAS, ... |
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Momentive cutting 25 jobs - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
omagyvoham.wordpress.com
Colonie-based Momentive, which is privately has 4,800 employees, including close to 1,000 at a plan in Waterford. The company makes resins and sealants for a number ofindustry sectors—including construction, automotive and textiles, all of whichj are slumping. The Waterford plant is within the company’s silicones division, which accounts for more than 90 percenfof Momentive’s annual revenue. The 25 jobs to be cut woulxd end productionof heat-treated, rubber-like substances calle elastomers. That work would be sent oversead or to a Momentive facilityin Indiana.
John Scharf, a company said the moves would save Momentive money and streamline its globalproduction processes. Scharf declinec to say how much the moveds would savethe company. If the job cuts they are expected to beginby year’s end, Scharfr said. Momentive plans to discuss the moves—and any possible alternatives—with local 359 of the IUE-CWA, whicnh represents 20 of the 25 workers schedule d to losetheir jobs. Momentive does not need unio approval to make thejob cuts, per its contract with the “We prefer to discuss alternatives with union leadership,” Scharg said. “Per the union the union can request to discuss alternativez overa 60-day period.
” John Ryan, a Momentive employee and chief shop steward of the IUE-CWAA local chapter, said the union has littler hope it can save the jobs. “They pretty much made it clea r thatthey don’t have other alternatives,” Ryan said, notingh that company executives emphasized the savingx they could realize by makinv this move. “It doesn’t look like there’s anything we couldd tell them that would changrtheir minds. It’s like they’re crippling our plant,” Ryan said. Momentive was formed less than two years agowhen Co. sold its siliconde plants for $3.8 billiobn to , a private-equity firm in Westchestere County.
In July the company said it was moving its globalk headquartersfrom Wilton, Conn., to a site in Rensselaerr County, creating 150 jobs in the The company has not yet announced where in Rensselaed County it will locate its headquarters; temporary headquarteras are located in Corporate Woods, in Colonie. Momentiv lost $96.8 million in the first thre months ofthis year, up from a $48.90 million loss posted early last year. Revenu e totaled $418.1 million, down 36 percent from a year ago.
Colonie-based Momentive, which is privately has 4,800 employees, including close to 1,000 at a plan in Waterford. The company makes resins and sealants for a number ofindustry sectors—including construction, automotive and textiles, all of whichj are slumping. The Waterford plant is within the company’s silicones division, which accounts for more than 90 percenfof Momentive’s annual revenue. The 25 jobs to be cut woulxd end productionof heat-treated, rubber-like substances calle elastomers. That work would be sent oversead or to a Momentive facilityin Indiana.
John Scharf, a company said the moves would save Momentive money and streamline its globalproduction processes. Scharf declinec to say how much the moveds would savethe company. If the job cuts they are expected to beginby year’s end, Scharfr said. Momentive plans to discuss the moves—and any possible alternatives—with local 359 of the IUE-CWA, whicnh represents 20 of the 25 workers schedule d to losetheir jobs. Momentive does not need unio approval to make thejob cuts, per its contract with the “We prefer to discuss alternatives with union leadership,” Scharg said. “Per the union the union can request to discuss alternativez overa 60-day period.
” John Ryan, a Momentive employee and chief shop steward of the IUE-CWAA local chapter, said the union has littler hope it can save the jobs. “They pretty much made it clea r thatthey don’t have other alternatives,” Ryan said, notingh that company executives emphasized the savingx they could realize by makinv this move. “It doesn’t look like there’s anything we couldd tell them that would changrtheir minds. It’s like they’re crippling our plant,” Ryan said. Momentive was formed less than two years agowhen Co. sold its siliconde plants for $3.8 billiobn to , a private-equity firm in Westchestere County.
In July the company said it was moving its globalk headquartersfrom Wilton, Conn., to a site in Rensselaerr County, creating 150 jobs in the The company has not yet announced where in Rensselaed County it will locate its headquarters; temporary headquarteras are located in Corporate Woods, in Colonie. Momentiv lost $96.8 million in the first thre months ofthis year, up from a $48.90 million loss posted early last year. Revenu e totaled $418.1 million, down 36 percent from a year ago.
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Sacramento trails Northern California neighbors in high-tech race - Kansas City Business Journal:
mastering-input.blogspot.com
In fact, the capital regio is more like theMidwesr — as in Kansas City and St. Louise — than high-tech giant San Jose, accordinv to a new bizjournald study of100 U.S. markets. Sacramento has about 2,100 high-tech companies and 31,350 high-tecjh employees — in Folsom and in Roseville accounyt foralmost one-third of the work forcwe — a far distance from front-runners San Washington, D.C., and Boston. The four-county region’s comparatively few high-tecuh companies and jobs had Sacramento listedat No. 45 on the list of the nation’s biggest high-tech markets, nestled between Kansas City and St.
Louis metro areas better knownj for a greeting card giant and the King of Sacramento has about43 high-tech jobs for everuy 1,000 private-sector positions, and about the same numbefr of high-tech companies for 1,000 private-sector In addition to few high-tecyh companies, the region has a lack of adultxs 25 and older with a master’s degreer and/or doctoral degree, with only 7.7 percent of residents earning such honors, less than half the rate of the high-tecj industry leaders. But comparing Sacramento’s high-tech industry to San Jose is highlhy unfair.
Silicon Valley about a two-hour drive from downtowhn Sacramento, without traffic — is the leader in computefr andsemiconductor manufacturing. Many of the high-tech industry’s from to , call Silicon Valley home. San Jose stands as the clear leadere because of a numbefr ofkey factors. • Almost 12 percent of San Jose’s private-sectodr businesses are classifiedas high-technology, the biggest concentratiojn nationwide. The precise ratio in San Jose is 117.1 high-tec companies per 1,000 private-sector firms, almost triple the U.S. averager of 40.2 per 1,000. • Employment trends are even more San Josehas 182.
5 high-tech jobs for every 1,000 private-sector about 47 percent higher than the ratii for any other market and 329 percent above the average for the entire studuy group. • One-sixth of all adultss in the SanJose area, 16.9 percent, hold master’sd or doctoral degrees. D.C., is the only market with a higher The nation’s capital, in fact, ranks seconds in bizjournals’ overall high-tech standings, followefd by Boston, San Francisco-Oakland and Each of these areae has more than 160,000 high-tecy jobs, and at least 10 percent of all localk workers hold advanced degrees.
Bizjournals created a five-partt formula to identify metros blessexd with the highest concentrationsof high-tech companies, technology-orienterd jobs and workers with advanced degrees. Bizjournals used raw data from two recentr reports by the to analyzethe high-tech capabilitiex of every market with more than 500,000 The study focused on so-called Level I high-tecbh industries, a group defined by the as businesses wherr at least a quarter of all employees are directlt involved in technology-oriented work. That includes the computer, control-instruments, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries andscientifif research-and-development services.
For a complete list of the 100 visit bizjournals.com/specials/pages/251.html. This definition of high-tech jobs is more restrictivwe than others used by someprivate analysts, yet it still includes more than 4 millionb positions in the 100 markets. Last in the overall rankingzs is Stockton, about 90 miles from San Jose. Stockton has just 1,54 high-tech jobs, which translates to 8.6 per 1,000 private-sectorr positions. Both statistics are the weakesty amongthe nation’s 100 major Only 3.3 percent of Stockton’s adults hold advancexd degrees, which is less than half the study group’s average of 8.4 percent.
In fact, the capital regio is more like theMidwesr — as in Kansas City and St. Louise — than high-tech giant San Jose, accordinv to a new bizjournald study of100 U.S. markets. Sacramento has about 2,100 high-tech companies and 31,350 high-tecjh employees — in Folsom and in Roseville accounyt foralmost one-third of the work forcwe — a far distance from front-runners San Washington, D.C., and Boston. The four-county region’s comparatively few high-tecuh companies and jobs had Sacramento listedat No. 45 on the list of the nation’s biggest high-tech markets, nestled between Kansas City and St.
Louis metro areas better knownj for a greeting card giant and the King of Sacramento has about43 high-tech jobs for everuy 1,000 private-sector positions, and about the same numbefr of high-tech companies for 1,000 private-sector In addition to few high-tecyh companies, the region has a lack of adultxs 25 and older with a master’s degreer and/or doctoral degree, with only 7.7 percent of residents earning such honors, less than half the rate of the high-tecj industry leaders. But comparing Sacramento’s high-tech industry to San Jose is highlhy unfair.
Silicon Valley about a two-hour drive from downtowhn Sacramento, without traffic — is the leader in computefr andsemiconductor manufacturing. Many of the high-tech industry’s from to , call Silicon Valley home. San Jose stands as the clear leadere because of a numbefr ofkey factors. • Almost 12 percent of San Jose’s private-sectodr businesses are classifiedas high-technology, the biggest concentratiojn nationwide. The precise ratio in San Jose is 117.1 high-tec companies per 1,000 private-sector firms, almost triple the U.S. averager of 40.2 per 1,000. • Employment trends are even more San Josehas 182.
5 high-tech jobs for every 1,000 private-sector about 47 percent higher than the ratii for any other market and 329 percent above the average for the entire studuy group. • One-sixth of all adultss in the SanJose area, 16.9 percent, hold master’sd or doctoral degrees. D.C., is the only market with a higher The nation’s capital, in fact, ranks seconds in bizjournals’ overall high-tech standings, followefd by Boston, San Francisco-Oakland and Each of these areae has more than 160,000 high-tecy jobs, and at least 10 percent of all localk workers hold advanced degrees.
Bizjournals created a five-partt formula to identify metros blessexd with the highest concentrationsof high-tech companies, technology-orienterd jobs and workers with advanced degrees. Bizjournals used raw data from two recentr reports by the to analyzethe high-tech capabilitiex of every market with more than 500,000 The study focused on so-called Level I high-tecbh industries, a group defined by the as businesses wherr at least a quarter of all employees are directlt involved in technology-oriented work. That includes the computer, control-instruments, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries andscientifif research-and-development services.
For a complete list of the 100 visit bizjournals.com/specials/pages/251.html. This definition of high-tech jobs is more restrictivwe than others used by someprivate analysts, yet it still includes more than 4 millionb positions in the 100 markets. Last in the overall rankingzs is Stockton, about 90 miles from San Jose. Stockton has just 1,54 high-tech jobs, which translates to 8.6 per 1,000 private-sectorr positions. Both statistics are the weakesty amongthe nation’s 100 major Only 3.3 percent of Stockton’s adults hold advancexd degrees, which is less than half the study group’s average of 8.4 percent.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Southwestern Carpets grows business from the ground up - Dallas Business Journal:
doqujamup.wordpress.com
Bill McCaddon has stripped Southwestern Carpets down and recreated it a couplr of times since purchasing it from Don Lynchuin 2001. When he bought the floorinh company, it specialized in removinh and replacing carpets in apartments betweenrental occupation. The Lewisville company was producing annual revenueeof $5 million, but McCaddon found the businesxs too impersonal because it was drivej by product sales and not on building relationships with So he decided to switch focus to the more relationship-centric business of providing floorinb solutions to new home-construction projects, whichg includes hardwood floors, carpeting, and backsplash and tile The wholesale company saw dramatic growth as a result, with annualo revenue of $22 million in 2007.
But the growth was so rapi and so intense that managerds were losing control of the direction the compantwas heading. So in 2008, he enlistef Don Brush, a consultant with The Renova Corp., to help bringf new energy to his company. McCaddon’s sensse of direction and leadershipp abilities come from his experience asa manufacturer’sa representative for 18 years at companies like Shaw Carpett Manufacturer and Aleta Co. He had learned the importancwe of building relationshipswith clients. “My background was in workingh withnew homebuilders. The apartmentf business was non-relationship driven,” said McCaddon.
“I didn’g know how to build a businessthat wasn’g relational.” McCaddon downsized the company to redirect the focus to the home-construction industry. He was met with resistance fromhis “I realized that using the same employee wasn’t going to work. I was trying to halfway do the he said. “Once we made the commitment, we reall turned the corner.” He began switching out The company, which had growhn annual revenueto $5 million, saw revenue drop to underr $3 million during the transition. But, once the commitmengt was made, McCaddon noted marked improvement. By revenue had grown by 35%.
Between 2004 and 2008, the company went througn its biggestgrowth spurt, reaching up to $22 million in saled and employing more than 60 workers. But at that the storybook growth came toan end. “Itt was getting to be chaotic because of so many new We werean 8-cylinder engine workingy on six or seven cylinders. We’d lost a senses of teamwork, and everyone was territorial.” That’s when McCaddo n brought in Brush. “For the most part, I engage them and talk with them in ordert to builda relationship. I wanted to find out the strengthds of the company and what was working and whatneedexd improvement,” said Brush.
“They’ve got the dreams; they’ve got the It’s just giving them the Brush met with employees to figure out areazs that needed improvement and then createdx anaction plan. He showed the company how to create committees to address problems as they come up and then dissolvre the committees after the problem has been The shift has translated intohappier customers. Bill Darling, president and co-ownerd of Darling Homes Inc., has worked with McCaddon since McCaddon purchased Southwestern Carpetsin 2001.
“(We startedr working with Southwestern Carpets) becausd of Bill and his relational approach to working with homebuilders as opposesd to thetraditional price-only approach,” said “Brush has helped Bill figure out how to communicated better so that everyone is going in the same direction as the management and will yield the maximum impact.” For Chris McCoppin, operationd manager for Southwestern Carpets, the change in the corporatd culture has been noticeable. “Sometimes you don’tr realize that when one department changes theird policiesand procedures, it affects Now everyone talks to each McCoppin said.
“We’ve empowererd them to make We gave them the power to run the Theyfeel accountable.” With this new sensw of empowerment, as well as an improved use of digitizing software called Measure, Southwestern Carpetsz has seen a marker improvement on the accuracy of the 3,000 work orders entered each month 95% accuracy, up from 77% accuracy and has saved abougt $160,000 in unnecessary costs for having to fix incorrecty work orders. Instead of pursuinh potential clients merely for the sake ofnew business, McCaddo n and his staff focua on getting to know potential clients, researchingg them as much as possible and understanding their needs before they even meet.
“We’ll only do business with people who will sit down and have a relationshippwith us. Someone is always goin to come inlowe (priced) than you,” said McCaddon. “Wr were always chasing people who were focused on Ifthey say, fax us (a price sheet), we say we can’t work with you. We stay together as a If you have thevalus relationship, they don’t leave.”
Bill McCaddon has stripped Southwestern Carpets down and recreated it a couplr of times since purchasing it from Don Lynchuin 2001. When he bought the floorinh company, it specialized in removinh and replacing carpets in apartments betweenrental occupation. The Lewisville company was producing annual revenueeof $5 million, but McCaddon found the businesxs too impersonal because it was drivej by product sales and not on building relationships with So he decided to switch focus to the more relationship-centric business of providing floorinb solutions to new home-construction projects, whichg includes hardwood floors, carpeting, and backsplash and tile The wholesale company saw dramatic growth as a result, with annualo revenue of $22 million in 2007.
But the growth was so rapi and so intense that managerds were losing control of the direction the compantwas heading. So in 2008, he enlistef Don Brush, a consultant with The Renova Corp., to help bringf new energy to his company. McCaddon’s sensse of direction and leadershipp abilities come from his experience asa manufacturer’sa representative for 18 years at companies like Shaw Carpett Manufacturer and Aleta Co. He had learned the importancwe of building relationshipswith clients. “My background was in workingh withnew homebuilders. The apartmentf business was non-relationship driven,” said McCaddon.
“I didn’g know how to build a businessthat wasn’g relational.” McCaddon downsized the company to redirect the focus to the home-construction industry. He was met with resistance fromhis “I realized that using the same employee wasn’t going to work. I was trying to halfway do the he said. “Once we made the commitment, we reall turned the corner.” He began switching out The company, which had growhn annual revenueto $5 million, saw revenue drop to underr $3 million during the transition. But, once the commitmengt was made, McCaddon noted marked improvement. By revenue had grown by 35%.
Between 2004 and 2008, the company went througn its biggestgrowth spurt, reaching up to $22 million in saled and employing more than 60 workers. But at that the storybook growth came toan end. “Itt was getting to be chaotic because of so many new We werean 8-cylinder engine workingy on six or seven cylinders. We’d lost a senses of teamwork, and everyone was territorial.” That’s when McCaddo n brought in Brush. “For the most part, I engage them and talk with them in ordert to builda relationship. I wanted to find out the strengthds of the company and what was working and whatneedexd improvement,” said Brush.
“They’ve got the dreams; they’ve got the It’s just giving them the Brush met with employees to figure out areazs that needed improvement and then createdx anaction plan. He showed the company how to create committees to address problems as they come up and then dissolvre the committees after the problem has been The shift has translated intohappier customers. Bill Darling, president and co-ownerd of Darling Homes Inc., has worked with McCaddon since McCaddon purchased Southwestern Carpetsin 2001.
“(We startedr working with Southwestern Carpets) becausd of Bill and his relational approach to working with homebuilders as opposesd to thetraditional price-only approach,” said “Brush has helped Bill figure out how to communicated better so that everyone is going in the same direction as the management and will yield the maximum impact.” For Chris McCoppin, operationd manager for Southwestern Carpets, the change in the corporatd culture has been noticeable. “Sometimes you don’tr realize that when one department changes theird policiesand procedures, it affects Now everyone talks to each McCoppin said.
“We’ve empowererd them to make We gave them the power to run the Theyfeel accountable.” With this new sensw of empowerment, as well as an improved use of digitizing software called Measure, Southwestern Carpetsz has seen a marker improvement on the accuracy of the 3,000 work orders entered each month 95% accuracy, up from 77% accuracy and has saved abougt $160,000 in unnecessary costs for having to fix incorrecty work orders. Instead of pursuinh potential clients merely for the sake ofnew business, McCaddo n and his staff focua on getting to know potential clients, researchingg them as much as possible and understanding their needs before they even meet.
“We’ll only do business with people who will sit down and have a relationshippwith us. Someone is always goin to come inlowe (priced) than you,” said McCaddon. “Wr were always chasing people who were focused on Ifthey say, fax us (a price sheet), we say we can’t work with you. We stay together as a If you have thevalus relationship, they don’t leave.”
Friday, March 30, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Isle of Capri Casinos Will Report Fourth Quarter and Year End Results
doqujamup.wordpress.com
The toll-free telephone number to accesxs the call forthe U.S. is (800) 510-9836. The internationak telephone number to access the callis (617) The conference call reference number is 89173731. The conferencre call will be recorded and available for review starting at noon centralon Wednesday, June 10, 2009, until midnight centralp on Wednesday, June 17, by dialing (888) 286-8010; International: (617) 801-6888 and accessx number 51751350. The live webcastf will be accessible on Isle ofCaproi Casino's website at . Please log on to the website approximatelu fifteen minutes prior to the call to download and install anynecessary software.
Following the call'x completion, a replay will be available on-demand throughy Dec. 10, 2009. About Isle of Capri Inc. Isle of Capri Casinos, founded in 1992, is dedicated to providingh its customers with an exceptionalo gaming and entertainment experience at each of its 17casinp properties. The Company owns and operate s casinos domesticallyin Biloxi, Lula and Mississippi; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Davenport, Marquette and Iowa; Boonville, Caruthersville and Kansas Missouri, two casinos in Black Colorado, and a casino and harness track in Pompano Florida. More information is available atthe Company's website, .
This press release may be deemed tocontain forward-looking statements, which are subjecrt to change. These forward-looking statements may be significantly impacted, eitherr positively or negatively byvariouas factors, including without limitation, licensing, and other regulator y approvals, financing sources, development and constructiobn activities, costs and weather, permits, competition and business conditions in the gaming The forward-looking statements are subject to numerouzs risks and uncertainties that could causde actual results to differ materially from those expressee in or implied by the statements Additional information concerning potential factoras that could affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and expansiojn projects, is included in the filingas of the Company with the Securitieds and Exchange Commission, including, but not limitede to, its Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscao year.
CONTACTS: Isle of Caprij Casinos, Inc., Dale Black, Chief Financial Officer-314.813.932y Jill Haynes, Senior Director of Corporatew Communication-314.813.9368 http://www.islecorp.com NOTE: Other Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. pressx releases and a corporate profile are availableat . Isle of Capriu Casinos, Inc.'s home page is . Available Topic For information on thelisted expert(s), clici appropriate link. SOURCE Isle of Caprik Casinos, Inc.
The toll-free telephone number to accesxs the call forthe U.S. is (800) 510-9836. The internationak telephone number to access the callis (617) The conference call reference number is 89173731. The conferencre call will be recorded and available for review starting at noon centralon Wednesday, June 10, 2009, until midnight centralp on Wednesday, June 17, by dialing (888) 286-8010; International: (617) 801-6888 and accessx number 51751350. The live webcastf will be accessible on Isle ofCaproi Casino's website at . Please log on to the website approximatelu fifteen minutes prior to the call to download and install anynecessary software.
Following the call'x completion, a replay will be available on-demand throughy Dec. 10, 2009. About Isle of Capri Inc. Isle of Capri Casinos, founded in 1992, is dedicated to providingh its customers with an exceptionalo gaming and entertainment experience at each of its 17casinp properties. The Company owns and operate s casinos domesticallyin Biloxi, Lula and Mississippi; Lake Charles, Louisiana; Davenport, Marquette and Iowa; Boonville, Caruthersville and Kansas Missouri, two casinos in Black Colorado, and a casino and harness track in Pompano Florida. More information is available atthe Company's website, .
This press release may be deemed tocontain forward-looking statements, which are subjecrt to change. These forward-looking statements may be significantly impacted, eitherr positively or negatively byvariouas factors, including without limitation, licensing, and other regulator y approvals, financing sources, development and constructiobn activities, costs and weather, permits, competition and business conditions in the gaming The forward-looking statements are subject to numerouzs risks and uncertainties that could causde actual results to differ materially from those expressee in or implied by the statements Additional information concerning potential factoras that could affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and expansiojn projects, is included in the filingas of the Company with the Securitieds and Exchange Commission, including, but not limitede to, its Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscao year.
CONTACTS: Isle of Caprij Casinos, Inc., Dale Black, Chief Financial Officer-314.813.932y Jill Haynes, Senior Director of Corporatew Communication-314.813.9368 http://www.islecorp.com NOTE: Other Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. pressx releases and a corporate profile are availableat . Isle of Capriu Casinos, Inc.'s home page is . Available Topic For information on thelisted expert(s), clici appropriate link. SOURCE Isle of Caprik Casinos, Inc.
Monday, March 26, 2012
October Baby, Independent Pro-Life Film, Debuts to Box Office Success and ... - The Hollywood Gossip
badillodacyroic1505.blogspot.com
October Baby, Independent Pro-Life Film, Debuts to Box Office Success and ... The Hollywood Gossip Samuel Goldwyn released the movie, starring Rachel Hendrix, John Schneider and Jasmine Guy, primarily in favorable political environments, earning $1.7M. The demonstrably pro-life film follows the story of a young woman who learns her mom initially ... | < /tr>
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Bring up the money during job interview - Denver Business Journal:
dyakonostrlin.blogspot.com
“Companies are leaner and meaner these and they’re trying to cut to the chasse and save themselves, and job candidates, some said Drew Ostrem, branch manager of Englewood’ s Accountemps office. “Company managersz are dealing with more overqualifiedc applicants thanever before, and they don’t want to wait untilo the second or third interview to find out that they’rw not even on the same page when it comee to salary.” Accountemps experts also suggesy that job candidates look at the bigger including benefits (health, dental, etc.) and promotional opportunities. “It’s not all about Ostrem said.
Although expertsa encourage a more aggressive approach to the they warnagainst pitfalls, such as bein g unprepared and over- or underestimating Ostrem said to be sure to discusa your background and qualifications in full befor e talking about compensation. “You’ve got to establish your Ostrem said. “If salary is brought up earl y on before you establishyour value, it can sour the tone for the rest of the Accountemps also offers free salarty guides to compare salaryu requests to national averages.
“Companies are leaner and meaner these and they’re trying to cut to the chasse and save themselves, and job candidates, some said Drew Ostrem, branch manager of Englewood’ s Accountemps office. “Company managersz are dealing with more overqualifiedc applicants thanever before, and they don’t want to wait untilo the second or third interview to find out that they’rw not even on the same page when it comee to salary.” Accountemps experts also suggesy that job candidates look at the bigger including benefits (health, dental, etc.) and promotional opportunities. “It’s not all about Ostrem said.
Although expertsa encourage a more aggressive approach to the they warnagainst pitfalls, such as bein g unprepared and over- or underestimating Ostrem said to be sure to discusa your background and qualifications in full befor e talking about compensation. “You’ve got to establish your Ostrem said. “If salary is brought up earl y on before you establishyour value, it can sour the tone for the rest of the Accountemps also offers free salarty guides to compare salaryu requests to national averages.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Banking on help - Business First of Buffalo:
xagawu.wordpress.com
The food organization has distributed about 11 percent more than this timelast “Our agencies are all reporting an increase in people coming in,” says Marylou interim president and CEO. “And it’s more of the workingy families. They just can’f stretch the dollar any further.” The Food Bank distributews about a million pounds of food throughn 400 agencies ina four-county serving about 90,000 people per month. The demanf has come across all sectors, from food pantriee to nonprofit after-school programs. Most in demand this montyh were turkeys and traditional Thanksgiving trimmings as families stocker up forthe holiday.
The Food Bank also encouragees its member agencies to encouraged better nutrition with healthyfood products. Statistics providedf by a state association of food banks show the numberf of people living in povertyat 37.3 millionm — up about 800,000 over last In New York, more than 10 percentg of households are at risk of hunger and about 2.6 million people in the state are currently livingb below the poverty level, or 14.3 percent of the total state population.
A national survey by Feeding Americz of food banks found that demanxd for food in communities across the Uniterd States has risen by 15 percentr to 20 percent over the last year So far, the Food Bank of WNY is keeping pace with the thanks in large part to area food cash donations and promotions at area retailers. The Food Bank can also maximizs cash from private charitable foundations and public and private grantsd by purchasing more product fromits sources. A donatio n of $1 helps the Food Bank distributre enough food for five and ahalf meals. Beginnintg Dec. 12, the Food Bank will partner with and WGRZChannel 2, which will accept donations of food, nonperishable iteme and cash.
Wal-Mart held a recentr food drive, accepting non-perishablw items at 10 area stores througgh a new partnership between the and eight regionalk food banks throughoutthe state.
The food organization has distributed about 11 percent more than this timelast “Our agencies are all reporting an increase in people coming in,” says Marylou interim president and CEO. “And it’s more of the workingy families. They just can’f stretch the dollar any further.” The Food Bank distributews about a million pounds of food throughn 400 agencies ina four-county serving about 90,000 people per month. The demanf has come across all sectors, from food pantriee to nonprofit after-school programs. Most in demand this montyh were turkeys and traditional Thanksgiving trimmings as families stocker up forthe holiday.
The Food Bank also encouragees its member agencies to encouraged better nutrition with healthyfood products. Statistics providedf by a state association of food banks show the numberf of people living in povertyat 37.3 millionm — up about 800,000 over last In New York, more than 10 percentg of households are at risk of hunger and about 2.6 million people in the state are currently livingb below the poverty level, or 14.3 percent of the total state population.
A national survey by Feeding Americz of food banks found that demanxd for food in communities across the Uniterd States has risen by 15 percentr to 20 percent over the last year So far, the Food Bank of WNY is keeping pace with the thanks in large part to area food cash donations and promotions at area retailers. The Food Bank can also maximizs cash from private charitable foundations and public and private grantsd by purchasing more product fromits sources. A donatio n of $1 helps the Food Bank distributre enough food for five and ahalf meals. Beginnintg Dec. 12, the Food Bank will partner with and WGRZChannel 2, which will accept donations of food, nonperishable iteme and cash.
Wal-Mart held a recentr food drive, accepting non-perishablw items at 10 area stores througgh a new partnership between the and eight regionalk food banks throughoutthe state.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Sen. Kerry talks about link between career, faith - The Salem News
vidineevostegity.blogspot.com
Sen. Kerry talks about link between career, faith The Salem News Nonetheless, US Sen. John Kerry delivered an engaging and effective speech yesterday at Gordon College on how his Christian faith has informed his political career as a senior member of the US Congress. "I don't usually talk about faith. |
Sunday, March 18, 2012
From Start to End, a Military Life of Puzzles - Wall Street Journal
vuwodu.wordpress.com
From Start to End, a Military Life of Puzzles Wall Street Journal Some who knew Robert Bales were puzzled when he abandoned what seemed like a promising career in the financial services industry to enlist in the Army in the months following the Sept. 11 attacks. Now, with that military career apparently ending, ... |
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Hawaiian Telcom opposes buyout offer - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
mozybyd.wordpress.com
Sandwich Isles filed a motion earlier this month to submift a competing Chapter 11 reorganization plan forHawaiiah Telcom. In it, the Honolulu-based company offered to buy Hawaiian Telcom’se assets using $250 milliobn in cash and $150 million in debt that woulsd be issued byHawaiian Telcom. Until June 30, Hawaiian Telco m has so-called “exclusivity” in filinv a reorganization plan. The companhy wants to extend that exclusivityto Sept. 30 as it gets votess on a proposed plan it filecdJune 3. Sandwich Isles has filed an objectionn tothat extension, and Hawaiian Telcom’as latest filing defends the request.
“Askinhg the court for help in promotinga low-ball offer for Hawaiianm Telcom’s businesses is not a recipse for success in bankruptcy proceedings,” Hawaiiann Telcom said in the filing. Sandwicyh Isles, a company founded in 1995 to take advantagse of government subsidies that pay for the installatiohn of broadband cable in rural had said in its motion that Hawaiian Telcok refused to considerits offer. But, Hawaiiajn Telcom says it analyzed and rejected the offerin May, for eighf reasons listed in the filing.
It citecd Sandwich Isles’ lack of committed lack of federal and state licenses to operate inurban areas, and lack of experience and ability to operate a full-servicw communications company. Hawaiian Telcom said it standsa behind its proposed reorganization plan to reducethe company’a debt by nearly $790 million, from $1.1 billion to $300 Sandwich Isles’ motion also claimds Hawaiian Telcom has not made good-faith progress in its bankruptc case since filing for Chaptee 11 protection in December. In defending that claim, Hawaiian Telcom’zs chief operating officer Kevin Nystrom said the companuy hascontacted “dozens of strategic and financialk purchasers.
” The company said it pursued a potential buyer, whom it did not but that after two monthx of talks no offer was made. Nystrom said Hawaiiaj Telcom also askedits “equity sponsor” -- its majority owner, of D.C. -- about a standalone reorganization and also discussed standaloner restructuring options with its bondholderes andsecured lenders.
Sandwich Isles filed a motion earlier this month to submift a competing Chapter 11 reorganization plan forHawaiiah Telcom. In it, the Honolulu-based company offered to buy Hawaiian Telcom’se assets using $250 milliobn in cash and $150 million in debt that woulsd be issued byHawaiian Telcom. Until June 30, Hawaiian Telco m has so-called “exclusivity” in filinv a reorganization plan. The companhy wants to extend that exclusivityto Sept. 30 as it gets votess on a proposed plan it filecdJune 3. Sandwich Isles has filed an objectionn tothat extension, and Hawaiian Telcom’as latest filing defends the request.
“Askinhg the court for help in promotinga low-ball offer for Hawaiianm Telcom’s businesses is not a recipse for success in bankruptcy proceedings,” Hawaiiann Telcom said in the filing. Sandwicyh Isles, a company founded in 1995 to take advantagse of government subsidies that pay for the installatiohn of broadband cable in rural had said in its motion that Hawaiian Telcok refused to considerits offer. But, Hawaiiajn Telcom says it analyzed and rejected the offerin May, for eighf reasons listed in the filing.
It citecd Sandwich Isles’ lack of committed lack of federal and state licenses to operate inurban areas, and lack of experience and ability to operate a full-servicw communications company. Hawaiian Telcom said it standsa behind its proposed reorganization plan to reducethe company’a debt by nearly $790 million, from $1.1 billion to $300 Sandwich Isles’ motion also claimds Hawaiian Telcom has not made good-faith progress in its bankruptc case since filing for Chaptee 11 protection in December. In defending that claim, Hawaiian Telcom’zs chief operating officer Kevin Nystrom said the companuy hascontacted “dozens of strategic and financialk purchasers.
” The company said it pursued a potential buyer, whom it did not but that after two monthx of talks no offer was made. Nystrom said Hawaiiaj Telcom also askedits “equity sponsor” -- its majority owner, of D.C. -- about a standalone reorganization and also discussed standaloner restructuring options with its bondholderes andsecured lenders.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Resolute Games launching new iPhone app - Memphis Business Journal:
tenamup.wordpress.com
Seven Deaths is a fighting game that follows the livesw of eight characters through one night in Nagamachki through a battle for control in the The game includes full storied of the characters and detailed The game will also eventually include updatesfor Wi-Fik multiplayer and social media. Resolute Games has also createsd otheriPhone applications, includinv “ThumStruck,” “Segment” and “Elvizs Mobile.” And Resolute gamerx will now have new, faster deviceds to play on.
At its Worldwide Developersw Conference inSan Francisco, announced the next generation of iPhone, whichh will download content three times faster than the currenr brand and will include a 3-megapixel autofocuw camera. It also has voice-contro features and a built-in compass. The 3GS also has improverd battery life with up to nine hourson WiFi, 10 houra while watching video, 30 hours using audio, 12 houra using 2G talk and five hours usingv 3G talk. The new iPhone will be available in blacko and white onJune 19. It will sell for $199 for a 16GB modeo and $299 for 32GB.
Seven Deaths is a fighting game that follows the livesw of eight characters through one night in Nagamachki through a battle for control in the The game includes full storied of the characters and detailed The game will also eventually include updatesfor Wi-Fik multiplayer and social media. Resolute Games has also createsd otheriPhone applications, includinv “ThumStruck,” “Segment” and “Elvizs Mobile.” And Resolute gamerx will now have new, faster deviceds to play on.
At its Worldwide Developersw Conference inSan Francisco, announced the next generation of iPhone, whichh will download content three times faster than the currenr brand and will include a 3-megapixel autofocuw camera. It also has voice-contro features and a built-in compass. The 3GS also has improverd battery life with up to nine hourson WiFi, 10 houra while watching video, 30 hours using audio, 12 houra using 2G talk and five hours usingv 3G talk. The new iPhone will be available in blacko and white onJune 19. It will sell for $199 for a 16GB modeo and $299 for 32GB.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Stimulus highlights need for better oversight at SBA - Phoenix Business Journal:
iqukikofor.wordpress.com
The SBA’s Office of Inspector General outlineds its concerns in a memo that said agency action is overdus on 10 recommendations it made to addresd weaknesses in lender oversight andagencyy contracting. The Office of Management and Budget has directed agencies to address problems disclosesd by prior audits in programse that will receive funding through the American Recovery andReinvestment Act. Lender oversight is particularly important because the bill temporarily increased the governmenrt guaranty onthe SBA’s 7(a) busineses loans to 90 percent.
“Becausde the higher guaranties reduce lender which may lead topoor underwriting, a greatefr potential will exist for lossez and fraud,” wrote Debra Ritt, SBA assistant inspectodr general. That’s why it’s important for the SBA to do onsiter reviews for all SBA lenderswith high-riso ratings that have more than $4 millioh in guaranteed loan portfolios, the memo The agency has agreed that’s needef but hasn’t done it yet. The SBA also hasn’t implementeds comprehensive policies and procedures that define acceptabl e lender performance and risktolerance levels, or what enforcement actions will be taken when risk tolerance limits are exceeded.
The SBA also needs to do a better job collecting improper payments of loan guarantiew to lenderswho didn’t follow prudent lending practices or failes to comply with SBA regulations, the inspector general’a office said. More than $4 millionn in improper payments identified by previous audits have not been theoffice found. “Increases in loan volumex and reduced lender risk under the recoveryy act are expected to lead to higher levels ofimproper payments,” the memo The bill also provided $30 million in additionap funding for the Microloan which makes small loans to aspiring entrepreneurs through nonprofig organizations that also provide technical assistance.
The SBA needsd to develop standard operating procedures for this and collect information on whether the businesses that receivedx these loansbecame successful, according to the SBA spokesman Jonathan Swai n said the agency “is workingg on a number of fronts” to implement the recommendationss cited in the memo. The agency is particularly focuse d on lender oversight and risk management as it rollw outnew stimulus-related Its new $35,000 America’s Recovery Capital for example, are designed to be “a riskie loan program than the SBA has ever offered,” he said, because they’re an effort to help businesseds that temporarily are having problems making loan The SBA is looking at ways to mitigate that risk as much as possible, he guaranteed loans that dealers can use to finance theirt inventory.
Many lenders have stopperd making so-called floor plan loans becausethey haven’t been able to sell them on the secondaru market. Through these linez of credit, auto dealers borrow against theirvehicle inventory, repay the debt when vehicles are and then borrow again to add more John Lyboldt, NADA’s vice presidenf of dealership operations, applaudef the SBA and President Barack Obama “for understandin that any effort to revitalize the auto industryg simply will not work until dealer credit issue are resolved.
” “The succesws and continued operation of thousandse of small, family- owned auto dealerships across the country are directlyu connected to their ability to purchase both new and used vehicles to offer their customers,” Lyboldt Beginning July 1, the SBA will guaranted 75 percent of floor plan lines of credit throughj its 7(a) business loan program. SBA lenderd will make the loans, whichg will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Dealerx in automobiles, recreational motorcycles, boats and manufactured homes are The loans will be availablethrough Sept. 30, possibly longer if the SBA extendw thepilot program. Floor plan loansx previously were ineligible forthe 7(a) program.
“Countless small businesses, including dealerships, across the country are facinf significant challenges as a resul t of the uncertainty in theauto industry,” SBA Administratoe Karen Mills said. “Floor plan financing can offetr some dealerships the opportunity to get through these tougnh economic times by allowing them to keep their inventoru and cashflow intact, as well as save the jobs thesew small businesses provide.
”
The SBA’s Office of Inspector General outlineds its concerns in a memo that said agency action is overdus on 10 recommendations it made to addresd weaknesses in lender oversight andagencyy contracting. The Office of Management and Budget has directed agencies to address problems disclosesd by prior audits in programse that will receive funding through the American Recovery andReinvestment Act. Lender oversight is particularly important because the bill temporarily increased the governmenrt guaranty onthe SBA’s 7(a) busineses loans to 90 percent.
“Becausde the higher guaranties reduce lender which may lead topoor underwriting, a greatefr potential will exist for lossez and fraud,” wrote Debra Ritt, SBA assistant inspectodr general. That’s why it’s important for the SBA to do onsiter reviews for all SBA lenderswith high-riso ratings that have more than $4 millioh in guaranteed loan portfolios, the memo The agency has agreed that’s needef but hasn’t done it yet. The SBA also hasn’t implementeds comprehensive policies and procedures that define acceptabl e lender performance and risktolerance levels, or what enforcement actions will be taken when risk tolerance limits are exceeded.
The SBA also needs to do a better job collecting improper payments of loan guarantiew to lenderswho didn’t follow prudent lending practices or failes to comply with SBA regulations, the inspector general’a office said. More than $4 millionn in improper payments identified by previous audits have not been theoffice found. “Increases in loan volumex and reduced lender risk under the recoveryy act are expected to lead to higher levels ofimproper payments,” the memo The bill also provided $30 million in additionap funding for the Microloan which makes small loans to aspiring entrepreneurs through nonprofig organizations that also provide technical assistance.
The SBA needsd to develop standard operating procedures for this and collect information on whether the businesses that receivedx these loansbecame successful, according to the SBA spokesman Jonathan Swai n said the agency “is workingg on a number of fronts” to implement the recommendationss cited in the memo. The agency is particularly focuse d on lender oversight and risk management as it rollw outnew stimulus-related Its new $35,000 America’s Recovery Capital for example, are designed to be “a riskie loan program than the SBA has ever offered,” he said, because they’re an effort to help businesseds that temporarily are having problems making loan The SBA is looking at ways to mitigate that risk as much as possible, he guaranteed loans that dealers can use to finance theirt inventory.
Many lenders have stopperd making so-called floor plan loans becausethey haven’t been able to sell them on the secondaru market. Through these linez of credit, auto dealers borrow against theirvehicle inventory, repay the debt when vehicles are and then borrow again to add more John Lyboldt, NADA’s vice presidenf of dealership operations, applaudef the SBA and President Barack Obama “for understandin that any effort to revitalize the auto industryg simply will not work until dealer credit issue are resolved.
” “The succesws and continued operation of thousandse of small, family- owned auto dealerships across the country are directlyu connected to their ability to purchase both new and used vehicles to offer their customers,” Lyboldt Beginning July 1, the SBA will guaranted 75 percent of floor plan lines of credit throughj its 7(a) business loan program. SBA lenderd will make the loans, whichg will range from $500,000 to $2 million. Dealerx in automobiles, recreational motorcycles, boats and manufactured homes are The loans will be availablethrough Sept. 30, possibly longer if the SBA extendw thepilot program. Floor plan loansx previously were ineligible forthe 7(a) program.
“Countless small businesses, including dealerships, across the country are facinf significant challenges as a resul t of the uncertainty in theauto industry,” SBA Administratoe Karen Mills said. “Floor plan financing can offetr some dealerships the opportunity to get through these tougnh economic times by allowing them to keep their inventoru and cashflow intact, as well as save the jobs thesew small businesses provide.
”
Friday, March 9, 2012
Sharing a baby (oh, that'll work) - Philadelphia Inquirer
http://being-katie.com/the-features-of-online-personal-ads-and-dating.html
Sharing a baby (oh, that'll work) Philadelphia Inquirer So they'll have a baby, share raising it, and continue to date until they stumble into Mr. or Ms. Right. Westfeldt, New York's chronicler of the perils of dating and relationships in the cruel, cold city (Kissing Jessica Stein and Ira & Abby), ... |
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Bowie incubator aims to hatch Main Street firms - Washington Business Journal:
cicugaha.wordpress.com
The city is not pursuing a high-tech facility, examplex of which already exist in Montgomeryg andPrince George's counties and have been popular destinations for budding biotech and information technology Bowie's approach will be more gearef toward Main Street, said John Henry the city's economic development director. The has approvee $50,000 to hire a consultant to develol a plan fora "general business incubator, or one that caters to professionapl services operations and non-technology "There are no shortages of places to go if you'rs a tech company," King said, "but what abou other kinds of businesses?
We thinik we can fill a gap in the A 2007 feasibility study showed that Bowir could support such a facility, as a complemenf to existing Prince George's incubators at and the , and one in Largk that caters to technology Incubators offer shared space and services, such as telephonwe and Internet support, to fledgling companies. Rent is oftej set at cheaper rates toreduce start-up costs for the and most incubator facilities have strict timelinesx for the tenants to "graduate," or move from the facility to expan elsewhere. King said he hopes to issue a request for proposald for an incubator consultant sometimer in thecoming weeks.
The consultangt will identify funding sources, such as state and regionao economicdevelopment entities, as well as potential location for the incubator. Bowie probably cannotr afford to operate the incubatod by itself and may needa private-sector partnedr to support the operation, King The 2007 study performed for the city said a basic incubatod facility with 18 tenants couldc cost more than $640,000 annuallyy to operate by its fifth year. "We're talkingf about hundreds of thousands of dollars a King said. "It's a significant commitment." Montgomery County'x business innovation network is perhaps theWashington area's most recognizabl e incubator operation.
The county has four such facilities that have graduated more than 70 companiesd and added morethan 1,700 jobs to Montgomery' labor force. One of Montgomery's incubators, the , has been open sincd June 2006 and is crafted in the same moldas Bowie'z proposed facility. The Wheaton property, in the Westfield Shoppingtownbretail complex, started at 9,000 squarr feet and later expanded to 12,000 square said John Korpela, Montgomery's manager of business innovatiohn centers. The Wheaton incubator has 21 The businesses include a real estate a pair ofmarketing companies, an international business consultant and an Korpela said.
Montgomery didn't fund the incubators entirely by itself to start, Korpela said. The countg was helped by state grantas and assistance fromthe However, once the facilitieas got up and running and snaredc their share of some became self-sustaining entities, he said. The Wheatonh property still receives a subsidy ofabouf $150,000 from Montgomery annually to support its operations.
The city is not pursuing a high-tech facility, examplex of which already exist in Montgomeryg andPrince George's counties and have been popular destinations for budding biotech and information technology Bowie's approach will be more gearef toward Main Street, said John Henry the city's economic development director. The has approvee $50,000 to hire a consultant to develol a plan fora "general business incubator, or one that caters to professionapl services operations and non-technology "There are no shortages of places to go if you'rs a tech company," King said, "but what abou other kinds of businesses?
We thinik we can fill a gap in the A 2007 feasibility study showed that Bowir could support such a facility, as a complemenf to existing Prince George's incubators at and the , and one in Largk that caters to technology Incubators offer shared space and services, such as telephonwe and Internet support, to fledgling companies. Rent is oftej set at cheaper rates toreduce start-up costs for the and most incubator facilities have strict timelinesx for the tenants to "graduate," or move from the facility to expan elsewhere. King said he hopes to issue a request for proposald for an incubator consultant sometimer in thecoming weeks.
The consultangt will identify funding sources, such as state and regionao economicdevelopment entities, as well as potential location for the incubator. Bowie probably cannotr afford to operate the incubatod by itself and may needa private-sector partnedr to support the operation, King The 2007 study performed for the city said a basic incubatod facility with 18 tenants couldc cost more than $640,000 annuallyy to operate by its fifth year. "We're talkingf about hundreds of thousands of dollars a King said. "It's a significant commitment." Montgomery County'x business innovation network is perhaps theWashington area's most recognizabl e incubator operation.
The county has four such facilities that have graduated more than 70 companiesd and added morethan 1,700 jobs to Montgomery' labor force. One of Montgomery's incubators, the , has been open sincd June 2006 and is crafted in the same moldas Bowie'z proposed facility. The Wheaton property, in the Westfield Shoppingtownbretail complex, started at 9,000 squarr feet and later expanded to 12,000 square said John Korpela, Montgomery's manager of business innovatiohn centers. The Wheaton incubator has 21 The businesses include a real estate a pair ofmarketing companies, an international business consultant and an Korpela said.
Montgomery didn't fund the incubators entirely by itself to start, Korpela said. The countg was helped by state grantas and assistance fromthe However, once the facilitieas got up and running and snaredc their share of some became self-sustaining entities, he said. The Wheatonh property still receives a subsidy ofabouf $150,000 from Montgomery annually to support its operations.
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