Celebrity big brother 2014: March 2005

Salt Lake City Web Development Talent Impacts Global Marketplace

HotWax Media, along with 3point5, delivers highly effective, online retail sales training web site along with supporting print collateral for the large global brands of Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'teryx, California Tan, and Suunto.

Salt Lake City, UT (PRWEB) November 21, 2006

HotWax Media, LLC (www. hotwaxmedia. com), working directly with online retail sales training community 3point5, recently created highly effective, online retail sales training web sites along with supporting print collateral for the large global brands of Patagonia, Mountain Hardwear, Arc'teryx, California Tan, and Suunto. The introduction of the HotWax Media-produced Patagonia online training site, combined with the marketing efforts of 3point5, led to a 600% jump in usage over two months. That translates to more retail sales people who are familiar with, and thereby better able to sell, the latest product offerings from Patagonia.

HotWax Media is currently working with 3point5 to create further online retail sales training web sites and print collateral for well known brands Keen, Old Town Canoe and Kayak, Ocean Kayak, Necky Kayaks, Carlisle, and Extrasport.

Many of the projects HotWax Media produces on behalf of 3point5 are released at or around the semi-annual Outdoor Retailer Markets. Outdoor Retailer is the leading outdoor industry business-to-business trade event, currently in its 25th year. OR brings together approximately 40,000 attendees, including top manufacturers, retailers, industry advocates and media.

As well, during Q1'07 HotWax Media will be launching two large ecommerce websites - TWP Inc (wire mesh) and Pacific Tweed (luxury clothing retailer). These sites use deeply integrated e-commerce and content management systems to great effect. Both e-commerce sites include highly specific product display, pricing, and fulfillment options that are tailored to individual client needs.

"By using the Web strategically, companies can gain competitive advantages today that would have been physically impossible for the largest global brand to achieve even 10 years ago. By considering the end user and focusing on our clients' goals HotWax Media leverages cutting edge technology for cutting edge returns," said HotWax Media Managing Director Michael K. Bates.

Established in 1997 by Michael K. Bates HotWax Media is a leading expert in the strong, healthy integration of web technology and branding. Timothy J. Ruppert was made partner in 2006. HotWax Media offers business website design and development including interactive Flash development, e-commerce integration, and content management systems, as well as related services including corporate ID, print design, brochures, product sheet, and both physical and electronic direct mail pieces. HotWax Media is located in Salt Lake City's historic Crane Building. HotWax Media | 307 West 200 South, #3005 | Salt Lake City, Utah | 84101 | 888.405.2667 | www. hotwaxmedia. com

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National Not-for-Profit Consumer Group Offers Innovative AirMed Traveler Membership

The Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) officially announced today that it has added a discounted AirMed Traveler membership to its growing list of travel benefits.

WASHINGTON, DC (PRWEB) July 3, 2004

The Federation of American Consumers and Travelers (FACT) officially announced today that it has added a discounted AirMed Traveler membership to its growing list of travel benefits.

FACT has negotiated favorable terms for its members with AirMed, and when members join the AirMed Traveler program they will have immediate access to AirMed's global medical evacuation service. FACT and AirMed jointly agree that this benefit partnering will provide the American traveler with greater access to vital emergency medical care and an increased sense of security while traveling in the United States and abroad.

FACT is a national association of consumers. It was formed under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the District of Columbia in 1984, and presently states that it represents more than 1 million consumers nationwide. In addition to FACT's distinct programming and scholarships, FACT offers a travel-savings program called Â“FACTraveler.Â” This program includes hotel/motel and car-rental discounts, travel tips, free road maps, and general travel information.

AirMed International, LLC is a unique provider in the long distance air ambulance transport field. The company operates a fleet of fully equipped medical jets, crewed by teams of U. S.-based pilots, doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists. AirMed International, LLC is the preferred provider for the Mayo Clinic and other notable medical centers worldwide.

Â“FACT has added the AirMed Traveler program because it allows members freedom and choice regarding their healthcare needs,Â” said FACT's Program Director, Sarah Chase. Â“If you're hospitalized with a serious illness of injury while traveling, it's such a relief to know that you that there's a way for you to get home.Â”

For more information regarding the discounted membership available through FACT, please contact Sarah Chase at 1-877-444-FACT or visit FACT online: www. fact-org. org. To learn more about AirMed International, LLC, please call Dee Capps at 214-507-4898 or visit AirMed online: www. airmed. com.

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More information on the Federation of American Consumers and Travelers may be found in the Encyclopedia of Associations, and by visiting the association's web site (www. fact-org. org). The organization was formed under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the District of Columbia in 1984. Its administrative office is located at 318 Hillsboro Avenue, Edwardsville, IL 62025. A Washington, DC office is located at 4850 Connecticut Ave., NW, No.512 - Washington, DC 20008. FACT is entirely apolitical. It is not a lobbyist organization. Instead, it serves as a nonpartisan source for our nation's lawmakers on what the consumer is thinking, and as a nonpartisan source for its members on what the nation's lawmakers are doing.

UMarketing Introduces LaunchPad™ Testing Platform to Marketers at DMA 2010

Game-Changing Platform To Be Unveiled In Live Case Study Presentation

New York, NY (PRWEB) October 13, 2010

Credit card issuers are experiencing significant challenges as a result of both the economic downturn and recent legislation including the CARD Act. The publicity surrounding this legislation has generated a healthy public discussion of credit cards, and the regulations set forth by these new laws require the presentation of an overload of options and information that serve to heighten the uncertainty of what the future holds for both consumers and the card issuers. As a result, traditional new product development and testing has become economically inefficient.

UMarketing, a leading provider of direct, digital and interactive solutions, today announced the answer to this problem. Welcome LaunchPad™, a unique proprietary platform that allows companies and marketers to move a product or creative from concept to launch in less than thirty days by utilizing a blend of forecasting, testing and analytics. UMarketing will be presenting a full case study of LaunchPad’s successes live during today’s session of the 2010 DMA Conference in San Francisco. LaunchPad can be accessed at http://www. slideshare. net/umarketing after 9:00AM PST.

“In the past, marketers relied heavily on blanket direct mailings to gauge the interest of consumers, spending unnecessarily on development of materials and infrastructure that may not have led to an increase in customers,” said George Wiedemann, CEO of UMarketing. “With the introduction of LaunchPad, UMarketing is proud to provide companies and marketers with a new intelligent testing platform that allows them to test product attributes, creative approaches and offers prior to investing time and expense into a new product launch.”

LaunchPad is a multi-tier program, with applications ranging from simple product/message/creative evaluations to build-a-product to complex analytics that can predict response rates based on various combinations of product attributes. From initiation to winning concepts, the LaunchPad program can be completed in less than 30 days for a fraction of the cost of traditional product/copy/creative testing.

“LaunchPad will help marketers quickly and effectively produce the strongest customer offering,” added Ken Lomasney, COO of UMarketing. “Helping to predict which pieces will be the most effective in the marketplace reduces risk and waste for our clients.”

About UMarketing

UMarketing is an integrated marketing services agency with offices in New York, Chicago, Omaha, NE and Columbus, OH. UMarketing provides strategic counseling, on-demand analytics and measurement capabilities, as well as breakthrough creative concepts to help clients exceed their goals. To learn more, please visit http://www. UMarketing. com.

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2004 National Story Writing Contest for At-Risk Youth POSITIVELY NEGATIVE:Close Encounters and other tales of HIV/AIDS WITH SPIKE LEE, MORGAN FREEMAN, & ROBERT RODRIGUEZ

Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, writer/director Robert Rodriguez, Jesse L. Martin, Jasmine Guy, among other notable celebrities, filmmakers and playwrights will judge Select MediaÂ’s national HIV/AIDS prevention story-writing contest for youth at-risk.

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 17, 2004

Select Media, Inc. a leader in adolescent health education is hosting a National Story-Writing Contest for At-Risk Youth, Positively Negative: Close Encounters and Other Tales of HIV/AIDS. Teenagers 14-22 will submit original stories about personal vulnerability to HIV/AIDS.

A panel of celebrities, filmmakers, actors, and playwrights will act as final round judges. To date, jurors include Spike Lee, Morgan Freeman, writer/director Robert Rodriguez (Spy Kids), producer Elizabeth Avellan (Spy Kids), Jasmine Guy (A Different World), Jesse L. Martin (Law & Order), playwright Charles OyamO Gordon (the Public Theater), and Dr. Loretta Sweet Jemmott (HIV Prevention Research Specialist).

The winner, in addition to a monetary prize, will have their story turned into a 22-minute educational film to be distributed nationally to organizations serving at-risk youth in schools and non-school settings. The resulting film is expected to reach millions of youth over the next decade which will have a significant impact in the HIV status of our nationÂ’s children and youth.

The deadline for entries is November 5, 2004. Entries must be between 3 Â– 5 pages (typed and double spaced or neatly written) and will be accepted via postal mail. Entrants must be between the ages of 14-22. The contest winner will be announced on World AIDS Day, December 1, 2004. Contest Rules & Guidelines will be published on www. selectmedia. org.

For 15 years, Select Media has been providing health departments, schools, universities, government agencies and community - based organizations with award-winning curricula and films on critical health issues including HIV/AIDS, puberty, alcohol and other drugs, child sexual abuse, family violence, STDs, conflict resolution and teen pregnancy.

Select Media is known for its award-winning, research-based programs for at-risk youth. Three of our curricula have been selected by the U. S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for the prestigious and competitive "Programs That Work" Curriculum Award.

LocumTenens. com Receives Prestigious Coles da Vinci Award

Physician staffing firm recognized for excellence in innovation

Alpharetta, GA (Vocus) October 25, 2010

Physician recruiting firm LocumTenens. com is the 2010 recipient of the Coles da Vinci award given by the Coles Business College and the Center for Business Innovation & Creativity at Kennesaw State University (KSU). The award exists to recognize companies for outstanding commitment to innovation.

To be considered for the award companies must participate in a survey issued by the KSU Center for Business Innovation & Creativity designed to measure a company’s level of innovation. LocumTenens. com associates responded to a thirty question survey asking a series of targeted questions regarding programs and practices in place at LocumTenens. com that foster innovation.

The prestigious Coles da Vinci award is given to the company with a combination of the highest scores and highest participation in the innovation survey.

Eighty-six percent of surveyed associates agreed that LocumTenens. com “encourages innovation at all levels of the organizations,” and 83% agreed that “employees are empowered with the tools needed to help the organization reach its goals.” Sixty-eight percent stated that there are “metrics in place that support failures and encourage learning and changes for future success,” and 80% agreed that “senior management invests in new ideas.”

“We are honored to receive this award from Kennesaw State University, and excited to be recognized for something as important as innovation.” said R. Shane Jackson, president of LocumTenens. com. “We work daily to discover and invest in new and innovative practices that will benefit not only our employees, but ultimately our clients as we develop new ways to provide the highest levels of service possible.”

About LocumTenens. com

Founded in 1995, LocumTenens. com is a full-service physician recruitment firm specializing in primary care jobs, anesthesiology jobs, psychiatry jobs, radiology jobs, surgery jobs, and CRNA jobs with U. S. hospitals, medical groups and community health centers. LocumTenens. com operates an internet job board with direct access to thousands of jobs — in all specialties — posted directly by facilities and agencies nationwide. LocumTenens. com is part of the Jackson Healthcare family of companies. To learn more, visit http://www. locumtenens. com/welcome.

Media Contact:

Meigan Manis, Senior Public Relations & New Media Specialist

Phone: (678) 992-1276

Email: media(at)locumtenens(dot)com

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21st Century Pioneering Woman Leaves Smoggy Los Angeles For New Mexico to Find Clean Air

Donna Barnett gets off the 405 Freeway, and away from air pollution that contributes to asthma, bronchitis, sinusitis, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease. Deaths from breathing sooty smog may be 30% higher for people living in Los Angeles County than the National Average, according to USC medical researchers. Nearly 5 million Californians have asthma at a cost of $1.3 billion for medical attention.

Los Angeles (PRWEB) October 12, 2006 -

Join the adventure blog www. chasingcleanair. com to follow Donna Barnett, as she leaves smoggy Los Angeles to find clean air and a better place to live. See the pictures. Experience new places. Share your thoughts.

Ms. Barnett began chapter one in the Pacific Northwest, and continues into the enchantment of New Mexico where artist Georgia O'Keefe found her inspiration.

Santa Fe is a beautiful artists' colony, rich in history and natural light, but it's also rich in clean air. Rated one of the top places to breathe, according to the American Lung Association.

The American Lung Association of California says, "When you can't breathe, nothing else matters."

As a result of living in Los Angeles for seventeen years, Ms. Barnett developed periodic bronchitis, sinusitis, and was told that she may have mild asthma.

According to Ms. Barnett, "I saw black soot growing on my windowsill, black smog covering the city when I hiked, and I thought about my persistent cough during smoggy summers, and realized it was time to explore alternative places to live."

In addition to sharing Ms. Barnett's personal thoughts, photos, and research, www. chasingcleanair. com provides clean air/dirty air resources, interviews with clean air experts, links to sites that educate on air and lung health, action suggestions on what you can do, and information about top industrial polluters in areas like Los Angeles.

Current categories on www. chasingcleanair. com include:

. Starting Over in Mid-Life

. Breathing Easier - My Stories/Your Stories

. Getaways

. Clean Air/Dirty Air Resource Information

. Clean-air experts

. Los Angeles

. Santa Barbara

. Pacific Northwest

. Texas

Categories will expand as new areas are explored.

According to Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes Magazine and author of Life 2.0: How People Across America Are Transforming Their Lives By Finding The Where Of Their Happiness, Ms. Barnett is part of a growing trend.

People and businesses are moving away from sprawling cities like Los Angeles to find a better quality of life. This trend can only be positive, especially for those remaining in Los Angeles, where palm trees sway, ocean waters swirl, and cars jam the 405 Freeway.

According to Ms. Barnett, "I'm frequently gridlocked at home due to clogged roads, and when I do drive in traffic, it's difficult to arrive with a smile. I believe my quality of life will improve when I live in a less populated and cleaner area. So far, I'm in love with parts of Washington State, and I'm looking forward to exploring more of the West."

Cozy up to your computer, let your fingers type:

Www. chasingcleanair. com, and breathe into the alternatives.

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Dana Capital Group Announces Donation to Tsunami Relief Efforts

Mortgage Banking Company Contributes to Red Cross International Response Fund

IRVINE, CA (PRWEB) February 6, 2005

Dana Capital Group today announced a contribution to the tsunami relief efforts in Asia. The donation, which includes both corporate and matching employee contributions, was provided to the Red Cross International Response Fund. The Red Cross is using financial donations to equip tsunami survivors with the nutritious food, healthcare, basic supplies and counseling support they need in order to survive and cope in the tsunamiÂ’s aftermath.

Â“We are deeply saddened by the plight of the tsunami victims, which hits close to home for many of us,Â” said Dana Smith, president of Dana Capital Group. Â“We hope that companies and individuals will continue the unprecedented outpouring of generosity that weÂ’ve seen this past week. Every penny counts in a humanitarian relief effort of this scale, as we are racing against the clock to save lives in the short term, and helping the affected nations rebuild in the long term. We also thank our employees for opening their hearts and donating in a time of such great need.Â”

About Dana Capital

Dana Capital Group provides a broad range of loan products to customers nationwide. The companyÂ’s mission is to provide fast and efficient mortgage services to customers, while making the loan process as simple and convenient as possible. Dana CapitalÂ’s extensive mortgage lending experience and knowledgeable staff have driven the companyÂ’s tremendous growth, with volume exceeding $3 billion annually. The company is privately held and headquartered in Orange County, California. For more information, please visit www. danacapital. com.

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Mother's Day and National Action Against Obesity Urges Mothers to End Child Obesity Epidemic

NAAO President MeMe Roth Puts Women and Mothers at Epicenter of U. S. Obesity Crisis and Offers Top 10 List to Cut Child Obesity

New York, NY (PRWEB) May 11, 2007

With 30% of America's children at risk for obesity and diet-related diabetes; with two-thirds of their parents already overweight and 50% of women of child-bearing age overweight; National Action Against Obesity calls upon mothers to take charge of America's Child Obesity Crisis (www. actionagainstobesity. com).

"Studies show that if there's a woman in the household, she's making more than 90% of the food-buying decisions--whether that's suggesting what to eat, writing a grocery list, or actually buying the food," said National Action Against Obesity President MeMe Roth. "It's Mother's Day and, Moms, you're in charge. This obesity epidemic is over when you say it's over."

Top 10 Ways to Cut Obesity By 50% and Avert the Next French Fry Generation:

(from the forthcoming "NAAO Obesity Action Plan to Cut Obesity By 50%")

1-Do Not Become a Parent Until or Unless Your Own Body is Healthy;

2-Breastfeed Your Child Exclusively for 6 Months;

3-Introduce Your Child to Fresh Veggies Early and Over and Over;

4-Make "Treat" Mean Fresh Fruit or Something "To Do" Not "To Eat;"

5-Never Give Your Child Soda. Not Once. Not Ever. Never;

6-Teach Your Child to Drink Only Water or Skim Milk;

7-Don't Use Food as a Bribe, Reward or the Focus of Any Event;

8-Hook Your Child on Whole Food Not Junk Food: No Chemicals, No Trans Fat, No High Fructose Corn Syrup, No Artificial Flavors or Colors, No MSG, No Antibiotics, No Synthetic Hormones, No Nitrates/Nitrites, No Acrylamides (http://www. newstarget. com/acrylamide. html). Yes Whole Grains. Yes Lean Protein. Yes Fresh Fruit. Yes Fresh Veggies;

9-Don't Order Off the Kiddie Menu--It's All Fried w/ a Fried Side of Fried; and

10-Don't Eat Like Your Friends. Instead, Make Nutrition Your Family's New Normal.

Bonus: Ensure Your Child Plays/Exercises/Moves Vigorously 1-Hour Everyday.

"Your child's body has to eat real food. Your child's body has to exercise at least an hour every day," continued Roth. "Your child cannot grow, realize his full potential or reach his highest IQ if he is not provided adequate exercise and appropriate nutrition."

(If this isn't happening at your child's school in the cafeteria and on the playground, demand that it be so. Check here for what to say and what to do: ProjectLean (http://www. californiaprojectlean. org/), ChefAnn (http://www. chefann. com), Two Angry Moms (http://www. angrymoms. org).)

About NAAO

Look for upcoming "NAAO Obesity Action Plan" to Cut Obesity by 50%--An Absolutely Achievable, Uncomplicated, Step-By-Step, How-To Guide for all of Us Through education, legislation, and most importantly--parental action--National Action Against Obesity works independently and as a consultancy to reverse the obesity epidemic by eliminating 'fake foods' from the food supply, barring junk food from schools and eradicating Secondhand Obesity™, while encouraging exercise across all ages. MeMe Roth, president and founder of NAAO, is host and organizer of the Wedding Gown Challenge, where women enter into marriage at a healthy weight and maintain it for a lifetime. Ms. Roth has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, FOXNews' The O'Reilly Factor, Your World with Neil Cavuto, CBS's The Early Show, The New York Times, The LA Times, BusinessWeek, The New York Post, Playboy Magazine, 106.7 LiteFM, School Administrator, American School Board Journal, BigFatBlog, Nippon TV, The Associated Press and Health Magazine among others. Ms. Roth's agenda: "Let's finally recognize obesity as abuse--abuse of our children, abuse of ourselves--and together take action against it."

Www. actionagainstobesity. com

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The Chef One Dumpling Eating Record Challenge Round

NEW YORK (PRWEB) August 4, 2005

The Chef One Dumpling Eating Record Challenge Round will take place during the 15th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York on Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 11:45am.

There will be prizes and giveaways at Meadow Lake, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, NY at the Twin Marquis Food Group Booth. The Challenge Round is limited to the first 12 men and 12 women. Registration Deadline: 11 AM, 8/14/2005.

As part of the Twin Marquis Food Group -- proudly manufacturing since 1989 in East Williamsburg, Brooklyn in the North Brooklyn Empire Zone Â– and keeping and growing more than 100 jobs locally through the doubling of its manufacturing space in 2006 -- the Chef One Corporation is one of the largest dim sum and dumpling manufacturers on the East Coast. With a short history dating back to 1999, Chef One is rapidly receiving recognition around the New York metro area and beyond as a community-driven corporation, sponsoring non-profit organizations in an effort to promote our shared beliefs in food and lifestyles that are Tasty. Healthy. Fun.

To help celebrate the 15th Annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York, Chef One will host a Dumpling Eating Record Challenge Round to attract an audience focused on healthy eating. Some may qualify for the 2nd Annual Dumpling Eating Contest (which will be held in January, 2006, during New York's Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration).

To learn more about Chef One Corporation and the 2nd Annual Dumpling Eating Contest, please email to dumpling@chefonecorp. com. A new Chef One Website will be available soon!

For information and a complete schedule on the 15th annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York - August 13 & 14, 2005, please visit www. hkdbf-ny. org

Thank you for your interest.

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Teacher Ordered to Shut Up and Pay Up

Educators say court ruling is the kind of thing that makes them afraid to speak out

Richmond, VA (PRWEB) February 26, 2005

A major legal battle is quietly taking place in Virginia. It involves a special ed teacher who was sued for slander by a corporation after she contacted the state's department of education and governor's office to request a special investigation and intervention at an alternative school owned by the corporation. It also seems to be a case of unabashed teacher abuse and student neglect.

For the first six months of the 2002-2003 school year, Kandise Thomas-Humphrey was the instructional specialist and health instructor at Bermuda Run Education Center in Prince George, VA. She then abruptly resigned and, in May 2003, sent an email to the Virginia Department of Education (VADOE) urging it to investigate her claim that certain administrators at the school were violating federal laws as well as the school's own guidelines while enforcing unfair student retention policies.

She did not hear from VADOE until after she forwarded her allegations to the office of Lieutenant Governor Timothy Caine in July 2003. However, Carolyn Hodgkins in VADOE's compliance department summarily dismissed Humphrey's allegations a month earlier, in June 2003, after only discussing them with Warren G. Bull, executive director of Specialized Youth Services of Virginia Inc., which owns and operates the school. Hodgkins is also the VADOE employee who for several years certified the school.

VADOE conducted an on-site "investigation" of Humphrey's allegations several months later, in December 2003 and January 2004. It then reported its findings in February 2004, almost a year after Humphrey's initial complaint: "While our investigation did not reveal noncompliance, our office will continue to review these issues during future compliance reviews at the facility and offer recommendations to facilitate improved coordination of services with the placing agencies."

Since October 2003, the corporation has retaliated by filing two libel suits against Humphrey. In both, it petitioned Judge Timothy J. Hauler of the Chesterfield County Circuit Court to order her to pay 1.1 million dollars in damages.

The corporation "nonsuited" or voluntary dismissed the first libel suit in November 2004. In a brief article about Virginia's nonsuit statute (see related links below), Attorney Christopher J. Wesser of Richmond, VA, explains, "To an extent, (this statute) means that plaintiffs can test their strategies and theories by bringing a lawsuit and dragging the defense through pleadings, discovery, trial preparation and a full trial - all while retaining the right to dismiss the case before suffering a potentially adverse verdict or judgment." (Please note that Wesser is not involved with this case in any way.)

After Judge Hauler granted its request for a nonsuit, the corporation filed another libel suit against Humphrey less than one week later (case number CL04-1311). However, this time the corporation abandoned nearly all the evidence and testimony from its initial suit and rested its case on the results of the investigation VADOE conducted seven months after Humphrey contacted VADOE and Hodgkins made Bull aware of the allegations.

Thursday, February 17, 2005, the corporation persuaded Judge Hauler to curtail Humphrey's freedom of speech by barring her from continuing to speak with anyone about her allegations. He also ordered her to pay the corporation's legal fees, around $20,000, even though the corporation failed to make its case for over a million dollars in damages and presented no documentation supporting its claim to have suffered financial harm.

"The injunction also includes (VADOE)," says Humphrey. "I no longer have the ability to appeal the initial findings of (VADOE) or forward additional supporting evidence of my allegations. More important, in the event that I suspect or witness abuse or neglect in relation to (the corporation or its school), I am severely limited in my capacity to serve as a mandated reporter for the state of Virginia."

Despite the injunction, Sandra Ruffin, VADOE's director of federal program monitoring who testified for the plaintiff at the February 17 proceeding, sent Humphrey a postal letter dated February 21, 2005. Oddly enough, it begins, "Thank you for your January 25, 2005, correspondence to Reba O'Connor and me about concerns you and your former colleagues, by way of their affidavits, have regarding the Bermuda Run Education Center. We take very seriously the welfare of the students placed in private day schools for students with disabilities. Anyone who has a concern or complaint is encouraged to contact us."

Bruce Evans, a former part owner of the corporation, and several educators and paraprofessionals who also used to work at the school support HumphreyÂ’s allegations in sworn affidavits and depositions. However, Judge Hauler denied her requests to introduce these as evidence or call witnesses because she somehow failed to respond to the second lawsuit within 21 days.

She plans to appeal the ruling and believes, "The improper manner in which (VADOE) handled the issue resulted in the private alternative school filing a lawsuit against me."

Many other educators and administrators following the case agree with her and are appalled by VADOE's handling of her allegations. They also insist that such lawsuits and verdicts send the wrong message to the public as well as those in the education field.

As one teacher speaking on the condition of anonymity revealed, "Most concerned teachers keep their most serious educational concerns to themselves precisely because cases like this one have them more concerned about job security and their financial well-being."

The general public, especially parents and guardians, is also beginning to take a keen interest in this whole matter because, if teachers are afraid to speak out about neglect and abuse that might be occurring in educational settings, the safety of their school-aged children is severely compromised.

PhysicianEmployment. org Launches Free Community Employment Site for Physician Jobs

Introducing PhysicianEmployment. org, a new physician job board online at http://www. physicianemployment. org. This free community website offers unlimited job posting at no charge and is open to all physicians, mid-level practitioners, healthcare facilities and recruiting agencies. The board was developed as a service to the healthcare staffing industry, and was created by a leading healthcare job board developer in conjunction with one of the most respected physician recruiting and staffing experts in the country, Chuck Harris, CEO of Harris Medical Associates in Atlanta, Georgia.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) July 29, 2009

The physician staffing shortage may be an ongoing problem for healthcare facilities, but one company aims to make that shortage a thing of the past.

Introducing PhysicianEmployment. org, the newest physician and mid-level provider job board online. This free physician employment (http://www. physicianemployment. org) community website, developed as a service to the healthcare staffing industry, was created by a leading healthcare job board developer in conjunction with one of the most respected physician recruiting and staffing experts in the country -- Chuck Harris, CEO of Harris Medical Associates in Atlanta, Georgia.

"The marriage of the latest in innovative technological development with physician and mid-level staffing expertise makes for a powerful combination in the design, features and functionality of PhysicianEmployment. org," according to Harris. "Furthermore, the goal of simplicity and ease of use for physicians, employers and recruitment agencies was of paramount importance in developing PhysicianEmployment. org."

The developer of PhysicianEmployment. org, Cory Kleinschmidt, previously created job boards for locum tenens (temporary) physicians, permanent contract physicians (in collaboration with Harris) and certified registered nurse anesthetists. All three became the leaders in their respective vertical segments within months.

Kleinschmidt is a nationally known expert on internet marketing and website development. He co-founded an influential internet marketing blog called Traffick. com in 1999 along with Andrew Goodman, widely recognized as the world's leading authority on Google marketing. Goodman and Kleinschmidt consult today for large companies around the world, including Canon, E-Trade and PayPal.

"We saw a market need for a truly open job board," says Harris. "There are others that come close to what we are doing, but there really aren't any other job boards quite like ours - totally free with no restrictions. Our basic feature set on PhysicianEmployment. org typically costs thousands of dollars on other job boards."

Kleinschmidt adds, "Another key differentiator is that PhysicianEmployment. org is the first 'Web 2.0' physician job board. It combines ease of use, splashy widescreen graphics with a pleasing design, a fun look and feel, as well as social media features that facilitate easier sharing of job opportunities among physicians."

The site takes a new approach to healthcare staffing boards, with the colorful, iconic character known as Dr. Jobs, MD, who serves as the site's resident doctor mascot.

"Dr. Jobs is a slightly silly, fun little guy who helps make the experience more enjoyable to our users," says Kleinschmidt. We plan to brand Dr. Jobs in some new, unpredictable ways."

Kleinschmidt and Harris have big aspirations for their new joint venture. "In the long term we see PhysicianEmployment. org evolving into a new kind of site, sort of a Facebook meets Craigslist," said Kleinschmidt. "We believe this board is the opening salvo in a battle that we think will transform the entire healthcare staffing business, not just physician staffing."

On the drawing board are similar free job boards specially designed for mid-level practitioners like physician assistants and nurse practitioners; in addition, the company plans to develop a job board specifically for nurses.

"We believe our unique approach to online staffing services will bring this old-fashioned business up to date, and help healthcare facilities reduce costs," said Harris. "In this day and age where technology automates previously labor-intensive activities, there's no reason why facilities should have to pay to post their job openings. As hospitals and other medical groups increasingly utilize locum tenens doctors, it's just too expensive to have to pay $400 or more to advertise a single opportunity."

PhysicianEmployment. org is free and open to all physicians, mid-levels, hospitals, physician groups, healthcare systems, HMOs and any other business that staffs physicians or mid-level practitioners.

While the core features of the site will be free until "kingdom come," says Kleinschmidt, the company is exploring ways to offer premium services to healthcare recruiters who want an extra advantage in finding physicians for their temporary and permanent staffing needs.

Founding sponsorship packages will be offered to "charter member" healthcare providers and staffing agencies. For more information on how to become a charter member, contact Chuck Harris at (800) 980-2385 or by e-mail at charris@physicianemployment. org.

For inquiries related to marketing or partnership opportunities, contact Cory Kleinschmidt at ckleinschmidt(at)physicianemployment. org or (314) 266-7314.

To register and "scrub in" to PhysicianEmployment. org, visit http://www. physicianemployment. org (http://www. physicianemployment. org)

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Save Green & Stay Green with a South Boston Hotel Package from Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel

The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is offering South Boston hotel packages that let guests save green while staying green with earth-friendly perks and amenities. Package begins April, 22 2009.

Boston, MA (PRWEB) April 5, 2009

Starting on April 22, the Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is offering its first eco-inspired hotel package that will save guests green while they stay green with earth-friendly perks and amenities. Take a car-less vacation and trek on foot around Boston while enjoying accommodations that reflect your earthly passion and style. This South Boston hotel package includes:

Deluxe overnight Boston Harbor accommodations with king bed Free overnight parking for one vehicle Boston Harbor walk map/guide Faneuil Hall Marketplace "Passport of Savings" booklet Two organic glasses of wine at 606 Congress restaurant Donation, equal to $10 for each night of your stay, to help preserve the Juma Sustainable Development Reserve as part of Marriott's partnership with the Amazonas Sustainable Foundation

Rates for this Boston Harbor vacation package start at $229/night and the package is available from 4/22/2009 to 9/7/2009.

Reservations can be made at www. RenaissanceBoston. com (please enter promotional code PX3), or by calling 1-800-HOTELS1. Reservations must be made 72 hours in advance. Taxes and gratuities are not included and some restrictions and blackout dates may apply. This Boston vacation deal is not applicable to groups.

The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is a green hotel in Boston actively pursuing over 30 environmentally friendly initiatives, ranging from main-switches in all guest rooms to a complete hotel recycling program and fifth floor green roof. The hotel's recycling program alone has resulted in the reuse and composting of over 37 tons of material over the course of eight months, which is equivalent to saving 278 adult trees and preventing the use of 166,746 kilowatts of electricity.

This green hotel in downtown Boston features 471 guestrooms and 21 suites, a sleek, marine-inspired interior design, as well as full health club facilities and a sparkling lap pool. The Renaissance Boston Waterfront Hotel is within walking distance to many major attractions, including the Boston's Children Museum, New England Aquarium, Institute of Contemporary Art and more. This hotel is also conveniently located near downtown Boston and Logan International Airport. Adjacent to the hotel, the 606 Congress restaurant offers spirited American fare with regional touches, under the creative direction of Michael Schlow and Restaurant Chef Toby T. Hill.

For hotel information and reservations, please call 1-800-hotels1, or 617.338.4111 or visit www. RenaissanceBoston. com. Refer to promotional code PX3 if booking the "Save Green by Staying Green" package, please.

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Play Five of Seven SunCor Golf Inc. Golf Courses in Arizona or Utah and Win Free Golf for a Year

Offering some of the most exceptional golf courses in Arizona, SunCor Golf Inc. gives its patrons the opportunity to win free golf for a year.

Tempe, Arizona (PRWEB) June 16, 2007

SunCor Golf Inc. (www. suncorgolf. com) recently announced that golfers who play at least five of the seven SunCor Golf Inc. courses in Arizona or Utah anytime through August 31st will be entered to win 56 rounds of golf at SunCor Golf's properties throughout 2007 and 2008. Golfers can pick up a "SunCor Golf 5 of 7 Card" at any SunCor Golf Inc. course to begin the process towards free golf for a year. One winner will be drawn from qualifying entries (those who have played 5 of 7) per month in June, July and August. Qualifying rounds include any paid round, such as regular greens fees, SunCor Golf Player's Club Card rate, Southwest PGA Pass rate, online specials and resident rates. SunCor Golf's facilities include:

Club West Golf Club, Phoenix, Ariz. - Tucked away from the busy city, along the southern edge of Phoenix's South Mountain Park, sits the beautiful Club West Golf Club. Open since late 1993, the Brian Whitcomb design snakes its way through 90 acres of rolling desert and mountainous terrain. At 7,057-yards and playing to a par-72, Club West features an ideal blend of challenging and fun-to-play golf holes.

Coral Canyon Golf Course, St. George, Utah - Set amidst the beauty and splendor of southwestern Utah, Coral Canyon provides a rare opportunity for players to enjoy luxurious golf on the doorstep to some of the world's most famed natural wonders. The course's 7,029-yard, par 72 layout features 100 acres of turf, 55 sand bunkers, two lakes and a labyrinth of dry washes throughout the course.

Palm Valley Golf Club, Goodyear, Ariz. - With two golf courses, Palm Valley has something for everyone. The par 62 Lakes Course is perfect for beginning golfers or golfers looking to play in less than 4 hours. With eight par 4s ranging from 322 yards to 432 yards, the Lakes Course can definitely challenge anyone's game. Palm Valley's par 72 Palms Course is a classic Arthur Hills design that is consistently one of the best conditioned and most affordable golf courses in Arizona anytime of the year.

Sanctuary Golf Course, Scottsdale, Ariz. - The state's first golf course to attain Audubon International Institute Signature status, Sanctuary provides golfers with an exceptional layout and matching playing conditions while preserving and maintaining a healthy, thriving environment. With five sets of tees on each hole, the Sanctuary provides an enjoyable golf experience for players of every skill level and is one of the most affordable golf courses in Scottsdale.

Sedona Golf Resort, Sedona, Ariz. - Easily one of the most beautiful golf courses ever created, Sedona Golf Resort is located in the heart of Arizona's famed Red Rocks country. It offers players a thrilling challenge that is only rivaled by the stunning array of panoramic views present at every turn. Named among the nation's best new golf courses by both Golf Magazine and Golf Digest when it opened in 1988, Sedona Golf Resort is the centerpiece of a master-planned community and resort development that provides the finest luxury living experience in the Southwestern United States.

SunRidge Canyon Golf Club, Fountain Hills, Ariz. - Set amid the dramatic mountains and weathered canyons of Fountain Hills, SunRidge Canyon is a spectacular layout designed by Keith Foster. The course's undulating fairways have been sculpted between canyon walls and gigantic rock outcroppings. Sparkling lakes, multi-tiered waterfalls and acres of saguaro cacti add to the beauty of this lush, desert golf course located just beyond Scottsdale in Fountain Hills.

StoneRidge Golf Course, Prescott Valley, Ariz. - One feature that distinguishes StoneRidge from other Arizona golf courses is its stunning location. Nestled in the heart of Northern Arizona, StoneRidge Golf Course offers players scenic views and more than 350 feet of dramatic elevation changes from lowest green to highest tee. At 5,200-feet elevation, the 7,052-yard, par-72 daily-fee golf club is carved in the stone ridges and boulder outcroppings of Prescott Valley.

Take advantage of the chance to play at some of the finest golf courses in Arizona and win free golf for a year. For more information about any of the 7 SunCor Golf Inc. courses, visit www. suncorgolf. com.

About SunCor

SunCor Golf Inc. is a division of SunCor Development Company, a Tempe-based subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. SunCor Golf Inc. is dedicated to a single principle - the development and maintenance of the world's finest golf facilities. By focusing on the quality and unique nature of each golf course, rather than on the sheer number of projects, SunCor has been able to establish a lasting tradition of excellence that has become the hallmark of the company. The golf properties managed and/or owned by SunCor Golf Inc. include StoneRidge Golf Course, Club West Golf Club, Coral Canyon Golf Course, Sanctuary Golf Course at Westworld, Palm Valley Golf Club, Sedona Golf Resort and SunRidge Canyon Golf Club. For more information, please visit (www. suncorgolf. com).

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Autism Speaks Announces Yearlong Partnership With Thomas & Friends (TM) Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town

New Thomas & Friends Stage Show Kicks-off This Month Helping To Increase Autism Awareness Across the Country and Raise Funds for Research. Autism Speaks, the nation's leading autism advocacy organization, announced today a yearlong partnership with Thomas & FriendsTM Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town, a new musical stage show produced by AEG ThemeSTAR and HIT Entertainment. As part of the partnership, special discounted performances to Thomas & Friends Live! will be available to children with autism and their families, during the January through August 2009 nationwide tour. Additionally, one dollar from each ticket sold for these special performances will be donated to Autism Speaks.

New York, NY (PRWEB) January 21, 2009

Autism Speaks, the nation's leading autism advocacy organization, announced today a yearlong partnership with Thomas & FriendsTM Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes to Town, a new musical stage show produced by AEG ThemeSTAR and HIT Entertainment.

As part of the partnership, special discounted performances to Thomas & Friends Live! will be available to children with autism and their families, during the January through August 2009 nationwide tour. Additionally, $1 from each ticket sold for these special performances will be donated to Autism Speaks.

The national tour of Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town begins this month in California and visits 51 cities, with selected venues donating a portion of ticket proceeds to Autism Speaks. The first performance to benefit Autism Speaks will take place on Saturday, January 31, 2009 in Los Angeles. Additional stops featuring performances for Autism Speaks will include the New York metropolitan area during April and June.

In support of children with autism, many of the selected venues will feature "quiet rooms" where families can take a break and then return to the show. The rooms will feature Thomas & Friends coloring activities and will be hosted by the local Autism Speaks chapter, which will also provide information about the organization to interested parents.

Tickets for most shows will be available at http://www. ticketmaster. com (http://www. ticketmaster. com) or by calling local Ticketmaster offices. For complete tour information, visit http://www. thomasandfriends. com/live (http://www. thomasandfriends. com/live) or http://www. autismspeaks. org/sponsoredevents (http://www. autismspeaks. org/sponsoredevents).

"We are extremely grateful to Thomas & FriendsTM Live! On Stage for their support in our efforts to elevate autism awareness around the country," said Suzanne Wright, co-founder of Autism Speaks. "These special performances are a wonderful opportunity for families living with autism to have fun and create lasting memories in a safe and welcoming setting."

"We are very happy to be partnering with Autism Speaks to bring attention to the work they are doing and help raise funds for such important research. Families are our reason for being, and we look forward to celebrating the special and warm relationship children with autism have with Thomas & Friends™ when they visit us at Thomas & Friends ™Live! On Stage. We look forward to a very rewarding partnership as we visit in-person with families around the country and around the world," said Mark Avery, CEO of AEG ThemeSTAR.

"The Thomas & Friends television series has long been regarded as a top choice among children with autism, thanks to the bold-colored characters, clear emotions and simple storytelling," said Gary Krakower, SVP of US Consumer Products and Live Events, HIT Entertainment. "This new partnership with Autism Speaks in the US supports a very worthy organization and provides kids with autism a fun, exciting and safe stage show experience."

According to a 2007 study by the UK-based National Autistic Society, Thomas is a favorite character amongst children with autism. Most children with autism seek to understand and categorize the world in a way that makes sense to them. The calm, gentle world of Thomas & Friends, with its simple storylines, bold colors, clear facial expressions and recognizable characters that behave very predictably appears to be one they can understand and relate to. In addition, the characters in Thomas & Friends are very suitable for identification, listing and collecting - all common behaviors of many children with autism.

The all-new 90-minute musical adventure Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town is packed with audience sing-a-longs, high-energy dancing and thrilling adventures. When Thomas makes a big mistake, all the engines on the Island of Sodor must work together to prepare for the exciting event under the Big Top as Thomas proves he's a really useful engine once again. Along the way, Percy, James, Gordon, and of course Thomas, join with Sir Topham Hatt and the townspeople from the Island of Sodor to welcome a colorful cast of circus performers in an engaging story that demonstrates the importance of friendship and cooperation.

About Autism:

Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person's ability to communicate and develop social relationships, and is often accompanied by behavioral challenges. Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed in one in 150 children in the United States, affecting four times as many boys as girls. The prevalence of autism has increased tenfold in the last decade. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.

About Autism Speaks:

Autism Speaks is dedicated to increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders, to funding research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism, and to advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. It was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Bob Wright is Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and served as vice chairman, General Electric, and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal for more than twenty years. Autism Speaks merged with both the National Alliance for Autism Research (NAAR) and Cure Autism Now (CAN), bringing together the nation's three leading autism advocacy organizations. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit http://www. autismspeaks. org (http://www. autismspeaks. org).

About AEG/ThemeSTAR:

AEG/ThemeSTAR produces live family entertainment for the global marketplace. Since its inception in 2004, AEG/ThemeSTAR has repeatedly acquired high-potential, globally branded intellectual properties from major studios and entertainment brand owners, and then creates, distributes and operates live entertainment productions via their proprietary, global distribution network. ThemeSTAR licensed productions that are currently touring include Thomas & Friends™ Live! On Stage: A Circus Comes To Town with HIT Entertainment, Scooby-Doo Live in StageFright with Warner Bros., Dora's Pirate Adventure in conjunction with Live Nation and Nickelodeon, Mummy Returns Live with Universal Studios, Looney Tunes Hollywood House of Fun with Warner Bros., and Quidam with Cirque du Soleil in China. In addition to its growing core business, AEG/ThemeSTAR's unique position as a strategic global operator is also generating new and diverse IP and licensing opportunities that leverage management's ability to structure and commercialize new ventures on a global basis and in key developing markets. For more information about AEG/ThemeSTAR, please visit http://www. themestar. com (http://www. themestar. com).

For press materials and artwork, please visit http://www. thomaslive. com (http://www. thomaslive. com).

About Thomas & Friends™:

Thomas & Friends™ invites children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. Thomas the Tank Engine™ was created by a father for his son more than 60 years ago. Today, families in more than 145 countries enjoy fun and adventure with their engine friends while experiencing timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation. Thomas & Friends™ is making tracks to great destinations on PBS KIDS®, PBS KIDS SproutSM and with downloadable episodes available through iTunes. For more information about the world of Thomas the Tank Engine™ and his friends, please visit http://www. thomasandfriends. com (http://www. thomasandfriends. com).

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On World Ocean Day Oceana Announces the "Top 13 Ways to Love Your Oceans"

Timing coincides with debut of Hollywood film, "Ocean's 13".

Washington, DC (PRWEB) June 8, 2007

Today, Oceana is celebrating World Ocean Day by announcing the "Top 13 Ways to Love Your Oceans". The timing of this announcement also coincides with the debut screening of the anticipated blockbuster hit, Ocean's 13, starring A-list actors including George Clooney, Al Pacino and Brad Pitt.

"Before people race to the movie theatres tonight, we wanted to make sure they remember that today is World Ocean Day -- a day meant for celebrating the world's oceans and our personal connections to the sea," said Andrew Sharpless, CEO of Oceana.

World Ocean Day (http://www. Oceana. org) is a concept that was created in 1992 at the UN Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro as a way for organizations and individuals to come together and acknowledge the ocean's importance and engage in activities that help conserve this part of our natural world. Every year since then zoos, museums, conservation (http://www. oceana. org/north-america/home/) organizations and agencies have taken it upon themselves to celebrate the honorary day on June 8th in an unofficial capacity.

"Unfortunately, many people still don't realize how important our oceans are and how much they need their help (http://www. oceana. org/north-america/home/) and attention," said Mike Hirshfield, Oceana's Chief Scientist. "Scientists have projected that if the depletion of ocean species continues at current rates, our oceans could essentially be empty by the middle of the century -- widespread recognition of World Ocean Day is long overdue at a time when the health of our ocean is in danger."

While serious threats face our oceans, the Top 13 list provides easy steps that ocean lovers can take to help save our oceans. The list links people to educational resources such as the movie Happy Feet, and Oceana's own publications including its sustainable seafood pocket guide and the "Green List," a consumer guide for grocery stores around the country that are posting FDA warning signs about mercury next to its seafood (http://www. oceana. org/north-america/what-we-do/stop-seafood-contamination/) counters. Individuals are also encouraged to become Oceana advocates and to join Oceana's online community of "WaveMakers." (http://takeaction. oceana. org/signUp. jsp)

"We created the Top 13 Ways to Love Your Oceans to provide a fun and easy way for people to help the oceans and honor World Ocean Day," said Maureen McGregor, Oceana's manager of e-Advocacy and Marketing. "Seeing Ocean's 13 might not have made our list of ways to love your oceans, but it's certainly not a bad way to spend a Friday night."

Oceana campaigns to protect and restore the world's oceans. Our teams of marine scientists, economists, lawyers and advocates win specific and concrete policy changes to reduce pollution and to prevent the irreversible collapse of fish populations, marine mammals and other sea life. Global in scope and dedicated to conservation, Oceana has campaigners based in North America (Washington, DC; New York; Juneau, AK; Los Angeles and Monterey, CA; and Portland, ORE), Europe (Madrid, Spain; Brussels, Belgium) and South America (Santiago, Chile). More than 300,000 members and e-activists in over 150 countries have already joined Oceana. For more information, please visit www. Oceana. org.

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Ed Kiniry, Outdoor Industry Leader, is New Vermont Organic Fiber Co. CEO

Native Vermonter and avid wool fan finds his niche in sustainability sector.

Middlebury, VT (Vocus) January 12, 2009

Vermont Organic Fiber Company (VTOF), the nation's leading manufacturer of fabrics, blankets, and hand knitting yarn made with certified organic wool, has hired veteran outdoor industry entrepreneur Edward ("Ed") Kiniry as CEO December 1, 2008. Kiniry will be responsible for driving the growth of the company's popular O-Wool® brand of products made with wool grown and certified to the U. S. Department of Agriculture's organic standard. Formerly, he was president of Winterquest, LLC, the parent company of Tubbs and Atlas snowshoes, selling the company to K2 Inc. in 2003. Kiniry is credited with the re-invention of snowshoeing as a $100 million worldwide market.

Matthew Mole will continue as VTOF founder and president, responsible for materials sourcing and developing new products.

Kiniry, an avid outdoorsman and long-time fan of wool, was attracted to VTOF's commitment to providing high quality organic wool products as well as the company's sustainability mission.

"By making organic wool products, VTOF has taken nature's best fiber and applied sustainable practices and processes to make it that much better," said Kiniry. "Whether for wearing, wrapping up in after a long day in the outdoors, or knitting, organic wool is the fiber of choice."

He was also intrigued by the opportunity to drive the inclusion of organic wool as part of the dramatic growth of the multi-billion organic fiber industry, currently dominated by organic cotton.

"When we reintroduced snowshoeing to the American market it was at the height of the hiking boom. Interest in fitness, the outdoors, and a healthier life style were all evident," notes Kiniry. "Today, providing products made from organic wool produced in a healthy, humane, and sustainable fashion once again gives the market what is being demanded by today's more conscious consumer."

Immediately prior to joining VTOF, Kiniry was a board member of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund (appointed by the Governor in 2007). The Fund provides seed funding and technical assistance for economic sectors exemplifying the best practices of sustainable development including renewable energy, forestry and forest products, solid waste and pollution abatement, sustainable agriculture and environmental technology.

Kiniry also worked with several Fortune 500 companies. He was president of a regional business brokerage company, vice-president of international operations at Allied Van Lines, and held several operating positions with Wilson Sporting Goods. He has an MBA from Loyola University in Chicago, IL, and a B. A. in economics from the University of Vermont.

Sandra Marquardt

301-592-0077

Smarquardt (at) onthemarkpr (dot) com

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Green Building’s Top Ten Trends for 2011

Green building consultant Jerry Yudelson offers his insights on the green building industry with a list of top trends for 2011; worldwide green building growth is the fastest-growing trend.

Tucson, Ariz. (Vocus/PRWEB) December 29, 2010

Green building and sustainability consultant Jerry Yudelson says that the green building industry will rebound in 2011 in spite of the continuing economic difficulties in most developed countries, citing 10 major trends.

Speaking about his annual “Top Ten” list of green building trends, the green building expert and author said, “What we’re seeing is that more people are going green each year, and there is nothing on the horizon that will stop this trend.” Yudelson, who is the principal of Tucson-based green building consulting company, Yudelson Associates continued, “However, in 2010, the slowdown in commercial real estate put a crimp in the start up rate for new green building projects.” He added, “In putting together my Top Ten trends for 2011, I’m taking advantage of conversations I’ve had with green building industry leaders in the U. S., Canada, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Australia as I have given green building keynotes and presentations all over the world during the past year.”

Jerry Yudelson’s Top Ten Green Building Trends for 2011 include:

1. The worldwide green building movement will continue to accelerate, as more countries begin to create their own green building incentives and developing their own Green Building Councils. More than 70 countries, on all continents, will show considerable green building growth in 2010.

2. Green building will rebound in 2011, as measured by the new LEED project registrations as a proxy for this growth. “The reduction in commercial real estate building in many countries,” he said, “was not offset by other sectors such as government, and so the growth rate of new green building projects fell dramatically in 2010.”

3. The focus of the green building industry will continue to switch from new buildings to greening existing buildings. “The fastest growing LEED rating system in 2010 was the LEED for Existing Buildings program, and I expect this trend to continue in 2011,” said Yudelson. “My 2009 book, Greening Existing Buildings, documents the strategic components of this trend.”

4. Blue will become the New Green. Awareness of the coming global crisis in fresh water supply will continue to grow, leading building designers and managers to take further steps to reduce water consumption to increase sustainability. This will be done in buildings through the use of more conservation-oriented fixtures, rainwater recovery systems and innovative new water technologies. “My latest book, Dry Run: Preventing the Next Urban Water Crisis, shows how to do this in green buildings all over the world.”

5. Green building in the U. S. will continue to benefit from the Obama presidency with a continued focus on greening the executive branch. New announcements of a commitment to a minimum of LEED Gold for all new federal projects and major renovations confirm and highlight this macro-trend.

6. Zero-net-energy designs for new buildings become increasingly commonplace, in both residential and commercial sectors, as LEED and ENERGY STAR ratings become too common to confer competitive advantage.

7. Performance Disclosure will be the fastest emerging trend, highlighted by new requirements in California and other states. Commercial building owners will have to disclose actual building performance to all new tenants and buyers.

8. Certified Green Schools will grow rapidly as part the LEED System. This trend will accelerate as understanding of the health and educational benefits of green schools grows. Already by mid-year 2010, green schools represented nearly 40% of all new LEED projects in the U. S.

9. Local and state governments will step up their mandates for green buildings for both themselves and the private sector. We’ll see at least 20 major new cities with commercial sector green building mandates. The desire to reduce carbon emissions by going green will lead more government agencies to require green buildings.

10. Solar power use in buildings will continue to grow. This trend will be enhanced by the increasing focus of municipal utilities as they need to comply with state-level renewable power standards (RPS) for 2015 and 2020. As before, third-party financing partnerships will continue to grow and provide capital for large rooftop systems such as on warehouses. However, we may very well see a slowing of large solar and wind systems, as federal grant support, in lieu of tax credits, is phased out.

Yudelson added two “bonus picks” to his list: “First, there will be a continually growing use of software and the Internet “cloud” in green building design, construction and operations; S Second, the revolution in sustainable building materials is gaining momentum each year, one that gives higher performance at ever lower costs.”

About Yudelson Associates

Yudelson Associates is a leading international firm in sustainability planning and green building consulting. The founder, Jerry Yudelson, is widely acknowledged as one of the nation’s leading green building and sustainability consultants and keynote speakers. He is the author of 12 green building books and served for two years as Research Scholar for Real Estate Sustainability for the International Council of Shopping Centers, a 70,000-member international trade organization. He is a frequent green building speaker at industry and professional conferences and chaired the country’s largest annual show, Greenbuild, for six years from 2004 through 2009.

For more information please contact Jerry Yudelson, 520-207-9759, info@greenbuildconsult. com or visit http://www. greenbuildconsult. com.

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SGI-USA Sponsors "Culture of Peace" Celebration Featuring Nobel Laureate Betty Williams - Interfaith Observance of U. N. International Day of Peace

Soka Gakki International-USA today announced that it will sponsor "From a Culture of Violence to a Culture of Peace: Transforming the Human Spirit." Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Betty Williams will be the featured speaker, joined by a host of faith leaders representing a variety of religious and civic groups. A new exhibit will be unveiled to commemorate the United Nation's International Day of Peace that will travel to universities, schools and communities around the world to promote peace. The event will take place on Sunday, Sept. 23 at 9 a. m. at the Los Angeles Friendship Center at 5899 Venice Blvd. in Los Angeles, Calif.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) September 19, 2007

Known for her courageous peacemaking efforts during the conflict ion Northern Ireland, Ms. Williams is the founder of World Centers of Compassion for Children International, as well as a founding member of Nobel Women's Initiative. She will be joined by interfaith representatives including Dr. Nazir Khaja, Islam Information Service; Rabbi Leonard Beerman, Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace; and Sister Judy Vaughan, founding director, Alexandria House. Council representatives from the region will be in attendance.

"Betty Williams is a living example of the unlimited power of an individual committed to changing the trajectory of humanity," said event organizer Ian McIlraith. "We look forward to observing this important day with reminders from our different faith communities that each of us possesses this important ability to make our world a safer, more just and healthier place to live."

The culture of peace is much more than just the absence of violence and war. It includes the full range of positive values and patterns of behavior needed to replace the culture of war and violence that has dominated 5,000 years of human history. In 1999, the United Nations Declaration and Program of Action on a Culture of Peace defined eight key action areas necessary to cultivate a culture of peace. Each of these points highlights a critical action that we -- nations and individuals -- must take to ensure a peaceful future.

1.Fostering a culture of peace through education

2.Promoting sustainable economic and social development

3.Promoting respect for all human rights

4.Ensuring equality between women and men

5.Fostering democratic participation

6.Advancing tolerance, understanding and solidarity

7.Supporting participatory communication, and the free flow of information and knowledge

8.Promoting International peace and security

The exhibit mainstreams the core issues of human security and nuclear disarmament for the general public, and shows the hopeful role citizens around the world can play. Thirty-six colorful panels display images and information in an accessible format.

The event is open to the public and admission is free.

About Soka Gakkai International

The Soka Gakkai-USA is a culturally diverse Buddhist association with more than 80 centers located throughout the country. Its community-based activities encourage a commitment to the values of peace, culture and education. For more information, please visit www. sgi-usa. org or call 310.260.8900.

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Real Men Cook&#174; For Charity, the Nation's Premier Urban Father's Day Charity Event

Real Men Cook® For Charity, the Nation's Premier Urban Father's Day Charity Event

Real Men Cook® is a national movement. Our goal is to have Father's Day celebrated more meaningfully via family celebrations. Our aim is to recognize REAL MEN. Our definition of a Real Man is one who contributes positively to children, family unity and communities. Real Men Charities, Inc. is the year-round extension of Real Men Cook.

Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) June 3, 2006

Real Men Cook® For Charity, the nation's premier urban Father's Day charity event, will be celebrating its 17th anniversary in 2006. The local Real Men Cook Organizing Committee is seeking men from Philadelphia and the entire Delaware Valley, in addition to other event cities, to participate in this year's event.

As part of its ongoing recruitment and promotional campaign for 2006, the local Real Men Cook® Organizing Committee is having its next Recruitment Info Reception on Thursday, June 8th. The time and place are 6:30-8:30 PM at the Savannah Restaurant, located at 1836 Callowhill Avenue. All event chefs must be males. However, men, women and children (10 and older) are invited to participate as event volunteers.

Among the "real men" who will be flexing their culinary muscles at Real Men Cook® in Philadelphia are father/son teams Jerome and Jaleel Austin; Mike Barney and Kwame Thomison; Joel Austin and Jacinda Davis; David King, Sr. and Jr.; Christopher, Christian and Joshua Ridenhour; and John and Jermaine Walker. Several culinary arts students and representatives from the Achieving Independence Center culinary training program, Philabundance Community Kitchen (PCK), Cheyney University, Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP) will also participate. Men from all walks of life are being sought to participate.

With a mission to build families and provide the opportunity for non-profits to raise money from event ticket sales, Real Men Cook® For Charity mobilizes and spotlights hundreds of men in urban communities across the country who are willing to donate their time and resources to cook and serve samples of their favorite dishes on Father's Day. Between the food, entertainment, children's activities, health screenings, fitness demonstrations and door prizes, this fun filled food tasting celebration has something to offer everyone.

Real Men Charities, whose mission is to create and sustain healthy families, is the national charity partner in each event city. Additionally, a portion of the proceeds from the Philly event will benefit Communities in Schools and the Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation.

Tickets for the Father's Day event are now on sale at the following locations:

--TicketAnnex (www. TicketAnnex. com or 866-4-MY-TIXS)

--Legendary Blue Horizon (North Philly: 1314 N. Broad St.)

--Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Int'l. HQ (North Philly: 2322-24 N. Broad St.)

--Point of Destination Café (Mt. Airy: Upsal Train Station, Greene & Upsal)

--October Gallery (Center City Philly: 68 N. 2nd Street)

--Perfect Touch Framing Gallery (Wynnefield: 50th & City Ave.)

--Communities in Schools (Art Museum Area: 2000 Hamilton St., Ste 201)

--The Marketing Store (Mt. Airy: 7901 Fayette Street)

--Other locations to be announced

Tickets are $20 in advance for adults ($25 at the door) and $10 for children (12 and under). Children under two are admitted free.

For more info about this year's Real Men Cook® event, call (215) 924-6263. While the Info Reception on Thursday, June 8th is open to the public, those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to (215) 913-2212 by Tuesday, June 7th.

WHAT:

Real Men Cook Info Reception

WHEN:

Thursday, June 8

6:30-8:30 PM

WHERE:

Savannah Restaurant

1836 Callowhill

Phila., PA

RSVP:

To confirm your attendance, RSVP to (215) 913-2212 by Wednesday, June 7

INFO:

Http://www. realmencook. com/ (http://www. realmencook. com/)

(215) 924-6263

Cook & volunteer registrations will be accepted at this reception. Promo material and tickets will also be available. Hope to see ya on June 8, 2006!

EVENT MANAGEMENT:

Bruce B. Rush--Event Manager

C/o The Marketing Store, Inc.

(215) 924-6263

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OSF, Healthcare Services Inc. Lands Contract via Subsidiary

OSF, Inc. (OTC: OSSI) a publicly traded company has secured a contract through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthcare International, Inc., with Vista Community Medical Center, located in Pasadena, Texas. Healthcare International, Inc., will provide Physical and Occupational Therapy Services at Vista Community Medical Center

Houston, TX (PRWEB) March 16, 2004

Houston, Texas OSF Healthcare Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of OSF, Inc. (OTC: OSSI) a publicly traded company has secured a contract through its wholly owned subsidiary, Healthcare International, Inc., with Vista Community Medical Center, located in Pasadena, Texas. Healthcare International, Inc., will provide Physical and Occupational Therapy Services at Vista Community Medical Center where there are ill and disabled persons admitted for therapy care services. Terms of the contract are perpetual with a 30-day notification by either party for termination. The Company expects this contract to generate over $125,000 per month in new revenues.

Â“With this contract in place, it really puts OSF Healthcare, Inc., ahead of its plan of being able to generate revenues substantial enough to provide a return on investment for OSF, Inc.Â’s shareholders,Â” stated Winfred Fields, President of OSF Healthcare, Inc. Since acquiring Healthcare International, Inc., in December 2003, OSF Healthcare Services, Inc., has generated more than $160,000 in medical billing. The greatest percentage of overall revenues has occurred in the most recent thirty days. OSF, HCS Inc., has recently discovered billing errors and has re-billed over $100,000 from earlier services that had already been performed. Â“This re-billing gives me the confidence that we are putting the proper systems in place so that we are able to not just collect our receivables but making sure that we properly bill for services that are being performed,Â” stated Winfred Fields, President, OSF Healthcare Services, Inc. With a more efficient run healthcare services division, OSF HCS, Inc., is looking forward to having sustained growth from this division.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include the possibility that the market for the sale of certain products and services may not develop as expected; that development of these products and services may not proceed as planned; and other risks that are described from time to time.

Contact:

Lloyd P. Broussard, CEO

Winfred Fields, CFO

OSF, Inc.

Voice:832-251-8500

HEALTHSTAR COMMUNICATIONS COMPLETES TRANSACTION FOR GROWTH WITH 1-800-DOCTORS, INC

HEALTHSTAR COMMUNICATIONS COMPLETES TRANSACTION FOR GROWTH WITH 1-800-DOCTORS, INC.

HealthSTAR Communications Inc., one of the largest healthcare marketing services companies, announced it has closed a transaction with 1-800-Doctors, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, HealthSTAR will provide funding, strategic resources, and co-marketing services, which will be used to accelerate 1-800-DoctorÂ’s business growth and expansion plans. 1-800-Doctors, Inc. is a unique marketing service that connects patients with physicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and other medical providers nationwide.

(PRWEB) April 23, 2003

Woodbridge, NJ. (PR Web) April 22, 2003 Â– HealthSTAR Communications Inc., one of the largest healthcare marketing services companies, announced it has closed a transaction with 1-800-Doctors, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, HealthSTAR will provide funding, strategic resources, and co-marketing services, which will be used to accelerate 1-800-DoctorÂ’s business growth and expansion plans. 1-800-Doctors, Inc. is a unique marketing service that connects patients with physicians, hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers and other medical providers nationwide.

Â“HealthSTAR is very excited to be serving all sectors of the healthcare industry and 1-800-Doctors is a market leader in empowering consumers to find and communicate with local physicians and other constituents in the healthcare arena,Â” says Jerry Brager, chairman and CEO of HealthSTAR. Â“HealthSTARÂ’s expertise and depth in marketing communication services will expand 1-800-DoctorsÂ’ marketing organization enabling them to reach more consumers and providers.Â”

Â“With HealthSTAR firmly behind us, 1-800-Doctors, Inc. will be able to rapidly expand its sales and marketing initiatives into many new markets,Â” said Donald W. Hackett, CEO of 1-800-Doctors, Inc. Â“1-800-Doctors has proven the effectiveness of its Â‘yellow pageÂ’ business model, i. e., helping consumers find physicians. Our clients are realizing significant return-on-investment by using our marketing services. Patients who utilize the 1-800-DoctorsÂ’ voice portal, or visit our Internet service at www.1800doctors. com, are able to find a local physician, hospital or pharmacy, and then communicate their needs via fax, secure email or private telephone connection. We believe that 1-800-Doctors will become the consumerÂ’s Â‘front doorÂ’ to the healthcare industry.Â”

About 1-800-Doctors, Inc.

1-800-Doctors, Inc. produces easy-to-use telephony, Internet and wireless solutions assisting patientsÂ’ search for and connection with healthcare providers and services. Since 1984, the company has provided service to over eleven million prospective patients. Each year in the US, patients schedule approximately 900 million appointments with healthcare professionals and nearly 100 hundred million of these are first appointments with a new provider. As the number of empowered health-centric consumers increases each year, the 1-800-DoctorsÂ’ service has become a communications utility for a growing percentage of patients. The company is privately held and is based in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Learn more about 1-800-Doctors, Inc. at www.1800doctors. com.

About HealthSTAR Communications, Inc.

HealthSTAR Communications is one of the largest healthcare marketing services networks in the industry. Its thirteen integrated and complementary divisions provide a comprehensive portfolio of traditional and unique services. The HealthSTAR companies have worked with over 95 different pharmaceutical and healthcare manufacturers representing over 200 brands. HealthSTARÂ’s mission is to significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare communications. HealthSTAR offers a full range of marketing services to reach and communicate with all of the stakeholders in healthcare: providers, consumers, purchasers and managers. The company is privately held and is based in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Learn more about HealthSTAR Communications at www. healthstarCOM. com.

Chicagoland Dental Practice, Grove Dental Associates, Expands Staff and Services to Better Treat DuPage County Families

Grove Dental welcomes new pediatric dentist Nicholas Woodward, and expands services to include new Invisalign braces and oral sedation services.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) November 25, 2009

Grove Dental Associates, a full service dental practice that serves families in DuPage County and Will County, has recently made new additions to its staff and services. With the retirement of Jay G. Kolb, a Wheaton dentist (http://www. grovedental. com/dentist_wheaton. php) who specialized in pediatric dentistry for more than 34 years, Grove Dental welcomes Nicholas C. Woodward, DDS, to the staff. Woodward has earned a doctorate and a Certificate of Pediatric Dentistry from the College of Dentistry at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

"I've always loved working with children, and I know how important it is that their first experiences at the dentist be positive, reassuring — and even fun. They learn quickly, which is why I spend time talking with them about what I am doing. I want to convey the importance of dental health and help them establish good habits that will last a lifetime. Regular dental checkups head off potential problems and let us introduce things like fluoride treatments and sealants when they can do the most good for your child," says Woodward.

With a full range of specialists on staff, including orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, oral surgeons and pediatric specialists, Grove Dental provides families with any service needed, whether a root canal, a regular cleaning or braces. Grove Dental is proud to now offer Inivisalign braces for adults, which involves a new process of straightening teeth with clear removable aligners and no metal wires or brackets.

Oral sedation — provided by Downers Grove dentist (http://www. grovedental. com/dentist_downers_grove. php) Michael P. Cunningham, DDS, MS, and other Grove Dental periodontists — is also a new service offered, which allows patients to be more comfortable and relaxed during their visit. The staff at Grove Dental firmly believes that in addition to high quality products and services, families should receive the kind of special care that makes them feel at ease when in the dentist’s chair.

"The entire Grove Dental team works together to make sure your visit is pleasant and relaxed. You can rest assured that we are providing the best care modern dentistry has to offer to help restore your teeth," says Grove Dental endodontist Milton L. Davenport III, DMD.

Grove Dental Associates is a full dental practice of more than 30 dentists in every type of dental specialty. Offices are located in the Chicago suburbs of Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Lombard and Wheaton. For more information, visit their Web site at http://www. grovedental. com (http://www. grovedental. com).

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World Vision Children’s Fund Interested in New Business Model Developed by Trivani Foundation

Trivani Foundation has developed a communications business model whereby its sponsored children, worldwide, are communicating with their sponsors through Facebook. This has caught the interest of the World Vision Children’s Fund.

Springville, UT (PRWEB) March 22, 2010

Trivani created a patented child sponsorship program which allows Trivani distributors to sponsor a child in one of the third world countries in which Trivani’s Foundation operates. This sponsorship covers the child’s food, water, clothing, shelter and educational needs. And now, Trivani Foundation (www. trivanifoundation. org) has developed a business model that enables children sponsored by Trivani International’s distributors to communicate with them via Facebook. This technology is currently being used by over 200 children in Cambodia and their sponsors. Trivani Foundation has provided these children with computers and digital training. This program has caught the attention of World Vision Children’s Fund who is carrying on discussions Trivani Foundation.

Bob Steed, CEO of Trivani International has this to say: “Trivani International, along with its worldwide distributors, is the major contributor to the Trivani Foundation. Our mission is to support developing communities in their fight against poverty. Once we have met the children’s immediate physical needs, we are committed to educating them so that they will be able to provide for themselves. Part of this education is computer literacy which is almost a necessity in the world today.”

World Vision (www. worldvision. org) is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice.

Inspired by Christian values, they are dedicated to working with the world’s most vulnerable people. They serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

Trivani is the world’s first Purpose Marketing® (www. trivani. com) company, using the power and profit of network marketing to provide ongoing humanitarian aid around the world. Trivani’s unique business model consists of two distinct but closely intertwined entities: Trivani International and the Trivani Foundation. This business model helps Trivani fulfill its humanitarian goals through three main missions: Purpose, Health, and Prosperity.

Persons interested in learning more about the company can go to www. trivani. com. Persons interested in the Trivani Foundation, a non-profit humanitarian organization, and its humanitarian projects can go to www. trivanifoundation. org.

Bob Steed is available for media interviews and special speaking engagements.

For more information contact:

J. Michael Palka

619-977-5022

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Independa To Present Next-Generation Wireless Health Product Offerings At The DC to VC Conference Healthcare IT Summit

Joins exclusive group of six “Rocket Demo” companies presenting at sold-out conference.

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) October 6, 2010

Today Independa, Inc. (“Independa”) presents at the exclusive DC to VC Conference sponsored by Silicon Valley Bank, Morgenthaler Ventures and Venrock. The DC to VC conference brings together venture capitalists, corporate executives, startup founders and CEO’s to gain insight into the future of Healthcare IT and related technologies.

"All the pieces are in place for the healthcare sector to undergo the kind of transformation that financial services went through 15 years ago," said Rebecca Lynn, partner at Morgenthaler Ventures. "With cloud computing, smartphones, Web technologies that enable sharing on a massive scale, and creative government programs like 'Open Data', the healthcare sector – which represents 16 percent of our nation's GDP – will be revamped over the next few years."

Using advanced, integrated wireless health solutions, Independa dramatically reduce costs while improving the quality of life for Caregiver and Care Receiver alike.

“We are thrilled with the invitation to present to so many thought leaders and venture investors focused on the healthcare sector,” said Independa CEO Kian Saneii. “Independa is ushering in next generation technologies so that Caregivers can finally, cost effectively know how their elderly loved one is doing. Our selection to participate at the DC to VC conference today is another validation of our groundbreaking offering."

Independa is recruiting Beta participants and care management partners. The Company has successfully closed its second seed round and is now in active discussions with next stage investors. For more information, or to sign up for the Beta program, visit http://www. independa. com.

About Independa, Inc.

Independa, Inc. (“Independa”) provides an integrated platform to help caregivers help their loved ones stay at home longer, safer and more comfortably. Independa delivers technology-enabled independent living products and services for the rapidly growing population of 46 million family caregivers supporting their elderly loved ones. Independa provides an integrated, cost effective and real-time answer to the key question, “How is my loved one doing?” With Independa, caregivers can delay or even eliminate the costly and dreaded move to an assisted or independent living facility. Independa has large national channel partners committed to its technology framework and software solutions.

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Reliance Shares Intact and Company in Good Health

The highly impressive overall performance of the company has gladdened the hearts of RIL shareholders, but they are still worried about the family squabble

(PRWEB) May 14, 2005

Leaving aside Reliance Infocom, which is still unlisted, RIL has seen an increase of 47 per cent in net profit during the fiscal 2004-5 to Rs 7,572 crores, a dividend increase of 22.5 per cent from 52.5 to 75 per cent. Cash earning per share (CEPS) of RIL was Rs 86.6 in 2004-5. True, the RIL stock is still considered undervalued compared to some other stocks in the market. The highly impressive overall performance of the company has gladdened the hearts of RIL shareholders, but they are still worried about the family squabble

Analyses of the salvos fired by Anil Ambani seem to be based on incorrect information. He opposed the share buy-back proposal, which was intended to shore up the price of the RIL stock. Instead, he advocated the issue of bonus shares, which would have further depressed the price of RIL stock. It would have greatly helped Anil Ambani to ask for maximum compensation for renouncing his shares in the flagship company as part of a final settlement.

Anil Ambani complained that some RIL shares meant for the benefit of general shareholders had been quietly usurped by some people in RIL. But it was later found that these shares were intact in a trust and were still available for the benefit of general shareholders.

Similarly, the issue raised by Mr. Jhunjhunwala regarding IPCL shares were found to be revenue neutral and that these shares were parked in RIL companies in anticipation of a settlement between the two brothers.

The feud has taken on Cervantesque shape with a lot of tilting at windmills. No real issues of mala fide action on the part of the RIL management have surfaced. Nor issues that could be construed to be against the interest of the shareholders. The three-member committee on corporate governance set up by the RIL board in January has rejected the various issues raised by Anil Ambani Â— who, incidentally, was himself part of the RIL management when the so-called governance lapses took place!

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Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Surgery Center Achieves Nationally Recognized Accreditation

Oshkosh Wisconsin surgery center achieves nationally recognized accreditation.

Oshkosh, Wis. (PRWEB) October 6, 2007

After four months of meticulous preparation, the Renaissance Surgery Center, located at 2400 Witzel Avenue in Oshkosh, achieved 100 percent compliance on a series of rigorous and nationally recognized standards for the provision of quality health care, set by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC).

"National accreditation by the premier association, the AAAHC, underscores our commitment to providing the highest quality care and the best possible service to our patients, their loved ones, and our physician partners. I am very proud of the Renaissance Surgery Center team, who worked 15 hour days, seven-days a week to achieve this accreditation less than 30 days after our facility opened," said Diana Krause, administrator for the Renaissance Surgery Center.

The AAAHC evaluates core standards such as rights of patients, quality of care and health records, as well as adjunct standards that apply to organizations based on the services they provide. The Renaissance Surgery Center passed all core standards and adjunct standards for their anesthesia services, medical laboratory services, and diagnostic and imaging services. Overall, the AAAHC has nearly 250 core and 375 adjunct standards.

Ambulatory health care organizations seeking accreditation by the AAAHC undergo an extensive on-site, peer-based survey of its facilities and services by expert surveyors, who have extensive experience in the ambulatory environment. Not all organizations seek accreditation and not all undergoing the on-site survey are granted accreditation. Only 3,500 ambulatory health care organizations across the United States are accredited by the AAAHC.

For a virtual look at the Renaissance Surgery Center, visit www. fvpsurgery. com/center. cfm (http://www. fvpsurgery. com/center. cfm)

The Renaissance Surgery Center team (pictured)

Back row: Beth Pachniak, RN, Allison Stindt, RN, Janis Schwarz, RN and Clinical Director, Peggy Brownlow, Surgical Technician and Materials Management Coordinator, Kelly Rehm, Registrar

Middle row: Diana Krause, RN and Administrator, Deby Gray, Business Services Manager

Front row: Amy Knetter, Surgical Technician, Anissa Tollakson, RN, Karen Rudolph, RN, Kathy Crowley, CSP. Not pictured: Dianne Thompson, in-house patient educational DVD producer.

The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (www. aaahc. org) is a private, non-profit organization formed in 1979. It is the preeminent leader in developing standards to advance and promote patient safety, quality and value for ambulatory health care through peer-based accreditation processes, education and research. Accreditation is ultimately awarded to organizations that are found to be in compliance with the Accreditation Association standards.

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