ramsdenjerrieas54.blogspot.com
Mortensen accepted the COO position in Januaruy after nine years as director of humab resources for the Milwaukeelaw firm, which createdf the COO job as part of a larger administrative restructurinf that's been going on sinced Mark Miller became chief executivr officer in 2001. Since then, the firm has left the traditionao structure of a management committe e and practicegroup leaders, and created a CEO, vice presidents, a boarsd of directors and, most recently, a COO. "Ou r CEO was spending a lot of time dealinf with the legal aspects of the firm and also running the and he felt it was necessary to separate thosretwo responsibilities," said Mortensen, 40.
"Expandingy our business requires a continuec investmentin management, and one of the ways to do that was to creatr the position." Although the position of COO at a law firm is traditionallt held by an attorney, Milled looked to Whyte Hirschboeck Dudek's human resource department, whers he called on Mortensen. "I thought she was supremelh qualified, and for almost the past decade she's been with us, I've seen her grow each and every year," Miller said of Mortensen. Mortensen began her careee at Whyte Hirschboeck in 1999 as directorf ofhuman resources, after holding a similaer position at an engineering firm.
She said she made the careedr change because she was intrigued by how law firms As COO, Mortensen managezs the firm's day-to-day operationd and exercises discretion over business planning and development, as well as ensurint efficient services are designed to meet the firm'e needs. The firm employs 292 peoplde at its threeWisconsin locations. While her old job was specifiv to human resource issues such as employeer insurance plans andhealth benefits, being COO broadens her exposure to otheer areas affecting the firm, she said. For she is now responsible for managingthe firm'as administrative teams that include information technologyt and marketing, among others.
"While this is a new positiojn for me, many of the duties and responsibilities are perhaps justmore formalized," Mortensen The position of COO at law firmsx traditionally has been held by lawyers, not former directorsw of human resources. Nadelle Grossman, an assistantr professor of lawat , said she hasn't hears of many firms havinf COOs who aren't practicing lawyers. What Whytw Hirschboeck has doneis unique, she "By separating (the positions), it will let the lawyer do what they do best and let the administrative grouop do what they do best," Mortensen explained.
"And that require different leaders and different management and Ithink we've been able to do Her experience in human resourcee -- with its emphasis on people skills, leadershi and compassion -- will help her succeed in her new job, Mortensem believes. "I think proactively, strategically, and creatively I have the business acumen and persistence to motivate and develop Mortensen said. Age Hometown Education : Bachelor of science human resources, Marquette University Family : Michael Mortensen, a graphic design firm owne
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Advanced Cancer Therapeutics drugs nearing phase-one clinical trials - Business First of Louisville:
hustbelogehy1857.blogspot.com
The Louisville-based company work with the ’s during early-development stages of the It then seeks to sell or licensde those discoveries to larger entities that would carrh the treatmentsthrough later-stage development and into the U of L owns a 30 percent stake in the and the balance is ownex by company founders and a group of private including local entrepreneurs Dale Boden and Ty Wilburn. Durin the past year, that investor group has grown from five tonearly 20, all of whom are in said Randall Riggs, president and CEO of ACT. To the company has generated morethan $5 milliom in investment, toward its $10 milliob goal.
Funds from various government agencies account for justover $1 millionj of the money raised so far. ACT officials expect to reacn the fund-raising goal by the end of It has become easier to raise fundx as the company has attractedother investors, Riggws said. Typically, biotech companies work to developo one drug ora technology, Riggs but ACT strives to keep a portfolip of cancer treatments in the works. ACT is working with researcherzs who are developing four drugs at the BrowhnCancer Center. They include one that targets the human which causescervical cancer. Another aims to preven t tumors from growing and is the furthest alonghin development, Riggs said.
They expecy one of the drugs to be far enough along in development this year to applyhfor phase-one clinical trials with the . At that ACT could evaluate options to sell or licensd the drug or to proceec with theclinical trials. Demand for new drugsz is outstripping the Riggs said, so the prospects of licensing or sellinh the discoveries to larger companies have improved in recen t years. He said pharmaceutical companies clamor for new revenue streamsw to replace drugs that no longer are protecteedby patents, which allows production of lower-cos generic versions of the drugs. Riggs said drugs typically lose between 70 percent and 80 percenrt of their value after apatentf expires.
As a result, he said, pharmaceuticalo companies are paying more to purchase or licensre discoveries earlier in their development For example, a drug in phase-one clinical trials today might fetch the same pric that a drug in phase-two or phase-threr clinical trials would have brought a few years ago. Riggs noted, the aging of the population ensuresthe long-ter viability of the industry. “Biotech’s the he said. “It’s not going anywhere.
”
The Louisville-based company work with the ’s during early-development stages of the It then seeks to sell or licensde those discoveries to larger entities that would carrh the treatmentsthrough later-stage development and into the U of L owns a 30 percent stake in the and the balance is ownex by company founders and a group of private including local entrepreneurs Dale Boden and Ty Wilburn. Durin the past year, that investor group has grown from five tonearly 20, all of whom are in said Randall Riggs, president and CEO of ACT. To the company has generated morethan $5 milliom in investment, toward its $10 milliob goal.
Funds from various government agencies account for justover $1 millionj of the money raised so far. ACT officials expect to reacn the fund-raising goal by the end of It has become easier to raise fundx as the company has attractedother investors, Riggws said. Typically, biotech companies work to developo one drug ora technology, Riggs but ACT strives to keep a portfolip of cancer treatments in the works. ACT is working with researcherzs who are developing four drugs at the BrowhnCancer Center. They include one that targets the human which causescervical cancer. Another aims to preven t tumors from growing and is the furthest alonghin development, Riggs said.
They expecy one of the drugs to be far enough along in development this year to applyhfor phase-one clinical trials with the . At that ACT could evaluate options to sell or licensd the drug or to proceec with theclinical trials. Demand for new drugsz is outstripping the Riggs said, so the prospects of licensing or sellinh the discoveries to larger companies have improved in recen t years. He said pharmaceutical companies clamor for new revenue streamsw to replace drugs that no longer are protecteedby patents, which allows production of lower-cos generic versions of the drugs. Riggs said drugs typically lose between 70 percent and 80 percenrt of their value after apatentf expires.
As a result, he said, pharmaceuticalo companies are paying more to purchase or licensre discoveries earlier in their development For example, a drug in phase-one clinical trials today might fetch the same pric that a drug in phase-two or phase-threr clinical trials would have brought a few years ago. Riggs noted, the aging of the population ensuresthe long-ter viability of the industry. “Biotech’s the he said. “It’s not going anywhere.
”
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Property owners advised to review valuations from assessor - Phoenix Business Journal:
showarticle-cultura.blogspot.com
million property valuation statements to ownersof commercial, residential and vacant properties across the The valuations show how much a propertuy is worth based on calculations by the Assessor’s and owners have only 60 days to appeal The notices going out through March 2 are not tax simply notices of the valur set for each The figures are used by all towns, and school, water, sewerr and fire districts acrosw the county to calculate tax bills. In Maricopq County, taxes are determined by the municipalitieas and other governing bodiesevery August.
The valuations beint sent out now will be appliefd in August 2010 to determine the tax billw sent out by the MaricopaCounty Treasurer’s Officse in September of that year, said Paul Petersen, spokesmanj for the Assessor’s Office. While the municipalitieas and voters set tax rates by approving levieand bonds, it is the Maricopa Counth Treasurer’s Office that administers the tax bills and collects the then distributes it to the cities and While the valuation statements won’t impact propertyy owners immediately, it’s importanyt to take a close look at the notices, said Kellet Gorry, an attorney specializing in real estatse and property tax law at PC.
If the owner believes the figures are too she said, it’s important to say so righg away. “Many times, propertyg owners will see and think, ‘I don’tf have to do anything about thisrighft now.’ But they only have 60 days to she said. Gorry described a valuation appeals process asa “relatively simple that requires a property owner to produce evidence of a differentg value for the property. In addition, a hearing can be requesteds where the property owner or attorney may presengtthat evidence. The process takes about three months, she said.
Small-business owner Michaeo Johnson isn’t going to hit the ceiling when he gets his property valuation inthe mail. Having gone through an appealsaprocess before, the developer behind knows he has recourse. Johnsonm said he experienced the shock of his life about two years ago when he received a high valuation for 160 acres of vacant land he ownerin Buckeye. Sent at about this time in his property valuation for 2008was $4.6 milliomn — a $2 million increase from the notice he received a year “A lot of people don’t really even look at those notices.
But taxea have to be so it was shocking and itwas scary,” Johnson He immediately hired Gorry to appeal the valuation. Even though he said he couled have doneit himself, his financial exposure and his desir e to focus on his business prompted him to use legap counsel. “This was worth it. You want to have someonse that does this on adailhy basis,” Johnson said. He put the matte r into Gorry’s hands, and she got the property reduced to its 2007 He estimates it saveds himabout $22,000 in taxes. The attorney’ fee was a small percentage of the about $5,000. “You coulcd be saving tens of thousandzof dollars, and it was worth it to Johnson said.
Petersen said the noticees being sent out now should reflect currentmarkegt data, but property valuation is a complicated and lengthy process that has to refer to a fixexd period despite an ever-changing market. “Thse data we have used to calculate these valuationws arefrom third-quarter 2007 through second-quarte r 2008,” he said. Petersen said the Assessor’s Offic is accustomed to valuation appeald and typicallyhandles 10,000 to 12,000 of them for each This month, Gorry said property owners should take a look at the documents and ask: “Can they sell theie property for the notice of value?
If they can’t hit that number, they should Maricopa County Assessor’s Office: Maricopaa County Treasurer’s Office: Rose Law Groul PC:
million property valuation statements to ownersof commercial, residential and vacant properties across the The valuations show how much a propertuy is worth based on calculations by the Assessor’s and owners have only 60 days to appeal The notices going out through March 2 are not tax simply notices of the valur set for each The figures are used by all towns, and school, water, sewerr and fire districts acrosw the county to calculate tax bills. In Maricopq County, taxes are determined by the municipalitieas and other governing bodiesevery August.
The valuations beint sent out now will be appliefd in August 2010 to determine the tax billw sent out by the MaricopaCounty Treasurer’s Officse in September of that year, said Paul Petersen, spokesmanj for the Assessor’s Office. While the municipalitieas and voters set tax rates by approving levieand bonds, it is the Maricopa Counth Treasurer’s Office that administers the tax bills and collects the then distributes it to the cities and While the valuation statements won’t impact propertyy owners immediately, it’s importanyt to take a close look at the notices, said Kellet Gorry, an attorney specializing in real estatse and property tax law at PC.
If the owner believes the figures are too she said, it’s important to say so righg away. “Many times, propertyg owners will see and think, ‘I don’tf have to do anything about thisrighft now.’ But they only have 60 days to she said. Gorry described a valuation appeals process asa “relatively simple that requires a property owner to produce evidence of a differentg value for the property. In addition, a hearing can be requesteds where the property owner or attorney may presengtthat evidence. The process takes about three months, she said.
Small-business owner Michaeo Johnson isn’t going to hit the ceiling when he gets his property valuation inthe mail. Having gone through an appealsaprocess before, the developer behind knows he has recourse. Johnsonm said he experienced the shock of his life about two years ago when he received a high valuation for 160 acres of vacant land he ownerin Buckeye. Sent at about this time in his property valuation for 2008was $4.6 milliomn — a $2 million increase from the notice he received a year “A lot of people don’t really even look at those notices.
But taxea have to be so it was shocking and itwas scary,” Johnson He immediately hired Gorry to appeal the valuation. Even though he said he couled have doneit himself, his financial exposure and his desir e to focus on his business prompted him to use legap counsel. “This was worth it. You want to have someonse that does this on adailhy basis,” Johnson said. He put the matte r into Gorry’s hands, and she got the property reduced to its 2007 He estimates it saveds himabout $22,000 in taxes. The attorney’ fee was a small percentage of the about $5,000. “You coulcd be saving tens of thousandzof dollars, and it was worth it to Johnson said.
Petersen said the noticees being sent out now should reflect currentmarkegt data, but property valuation is a complicated and lengthy process that has to refer to a fixexd period despite an ever-changing market. “Thse data we have used to calculate these valuationws arefrom third-quarter 2007 through second-quarte r 2008,” he said. Petersen said the Assessor’s Offic is accustomed to valuation appeald and typicallyhandles 10,000 to 12,000 of them for each This month, Gorry said property owners should take a look at the documents and ask: “Can they sell theie property for the notice of value?
If they can’t hit that number, they should Maricopa County Assessor’s Office: Maricopaa County Treasurer’s Office: Rose Law Groul PC:
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Signs of life seen in Greater Baltimore home prices - South Florida Business Journal:
yzirapogyg.wordpress.com
Nationally, home prices are down 13 percent from this time last ofColorado reported. But the rate at whichj those prices are falling has startefd to leveloff and, in three of four regions across the posted either stable or positive gainse in prices. Only in the South did prices continue to fall in downabout .3 percent from April brought down by still-struggling markets including several Florida communities. “It’s too soon to call this a turn in thehousingv market, particularly given all the political and regulatoryt uncertainties,” Integrated Asset Services CEO Dave McCarthuy said in a statement.
“I think that we’re still in for some difficultyspells ahead, but we are seeing a certaibn kind of pricing equilibrium in several important markets. That’ws encouraging for the long term.” In Baltimore City, home pricesx increased 3.5 percent from March to April, accordinyg to the report. Prices are still down about 12 percent when comparede toApril 2008. • Home prices climbed by .8 percent from March to April in Anne Arundel but are stilldown 5.6 percent from Aprilo 2008; • Prices fell 1 percent in Baltimore Countuy in the past month and are down 2.
3 percent from Apriol 2008; • Harford County’s home prices held steady in the past but are still down 3.5 percent from last • Prices fell .3 percent in Howarrd County, and are down about .1 percent from April 2008. The median sold price for a home sold in Greater Baltimoree fellto $234,950 in down 2.1 percent from according to Metropolitan Regional Information Systema Inc. of Rockville. That compared to a 10 percent drop fromApril 2008, when home pricess stood at about $262,000.
Nationally, home prices are down 13 percent from this time last ofColorado reported. But the rate at whichj those prices are falling has startefd to leveloff and, in three of four regions across the posted either stable or positive gainse in prices. Only in the South did prices continue to fall in downabout .3 percent from April brought down by still-struggling markets including several Florida communities. “It’s too soon to call this a turn in thehousingv market, particularly given all the political and regulatoryt uncertainties,” Integrated Asset Services CEO Dave McCarthuy said in a statement.
“I think that we’re still in for some difficultyspells ahead, but we are seeing a certaibn kind of pricing equilibrium in several important markets. That’ws encouraging for the long term.” In Baltimore City, home pricesx increased 3.5 percent from March to April, accordinyg to the report. Prices are still down about 12 percent when comparede toApril 2008. • Home prices climbed by .8 percent from March to April in Anne Arundel but are stilldown 5.6 percent from Aprilo 2008; • Prices fell 1 percent in Baltimore Countuy in the past month and are down 2.
3 percent from Apriol 2008; • Harford County’s home prices held steady in the past but are still down 3.5 percent from last • Prices fell .3 percent in Howarrd County, and are down about .1 percent from April 2008. The median sold price for a home sold in Greater Baltimoree fellto $234,950 in down 2.1 percent from according to Metropolitan Regional Information Systema Inc. of Rockville. That compared to a 10 percent drop fromApril 2008, when home pricess stood at about $262,000.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Banks take care, but loans are there for prudent deals - Kansas City Business Journal:
qalymeled.wordpress.com
“I get phone calls often from people who say they heardf no one is lending and I’m constantly trying to dispel that rumor,” said Pam Berneking, centrall region president of . “The last thing we want is for businessesd or individuals who want to buy a house ora car, or to expandr their business to accommodate growth, to think that they can’t get that done. Becauses they can.” The bank’s , originated $1.3 billion in new loans since itacceptedr $1.7 billion from the ’s Troublede Asset Relief Program (TARP) on Nov. 14, Berneking said.
The perceptionh that loans aren’t being made anymorr comes from credit guidelines adapting toeconomic conditions, she said. “What has changed is there has been a returnb to traditionally appropriatecredit guidelines,” Berneking said. “I’m beiny careful not to say lending standards are Are they tight compare to the lastfew years? Yes. But they aren’t tighgt compared to what has historically worked. Really, we’re gettingv back to a more normal place.” Marc president of , said the bank’sw focus shifted from trying to capture market share to improvingfasset quality.
It has led to financial covenanta and guarantees related to collateral value becominygmore restrictive, he said. There’s also been an effecr on loan costs. “The rate a borrower pays may be but the actual rate they pay over the cost of fundsis higher,” Maun said. “That is reflective of the pendulum swinging related to For thesame risk, banks now feel they need greaterf compensation than when the economuy was better. That is related not just to borrowersa but the overall risk profileat banks.
” Tim Skarda, president of Leawood-based business broker , said the deals he worksz on that are less than $10 million are more insulated from tighter lendinvg standards than the much bigger deals. “W e have some local lenders who have acted prudently with theitrbalance sheets, so they aren’t having to backpedal as much with theifr lending,” Skarda said. “Banks are scrutinizing deals closedthan before, but for the right deal, where the pricw can be justified, there are loanzs out there. It may be a littlwe tighter, but it’s really not a spigoty on or off typeof thing.
It’s more deal-by-deal Maun agreed, saying that banks are especiallhy willing to work with longtimeexisting “If there is good management and an issue is truly related to the poor and it’s evident that as the economt returns so will the bottom line for the company with good a lot of banks are working with these folks,” Maun John Blaylock, associate director of Sheshonoff & Co. Investment Banking in Austin, Texas, said banks don’t make any money if they aren’tr making loans.
“If I’m a builder walkingg into a bank and asking fora $1 milliojn line of credit to build three spec homes, I’m probably not going to get that Blaylock said. “But peoplse who have the capacity to repay and meet the necessary qualificationsz are going to geta loan.” One reasomn it appears banks aren’t lending as much is becausr loan demand is decreasing, he said. “Loan requests aren’r coming in as hot and heavu as they were this timelast year,” Blaylockl said. “When you lose 77,000 jobs in one day, there are that many less eligiblre borrowers that can come tothe table.
” Bernekinfg from M&I agreed, saying it also affects the willingness of companieds to invest in equipment or expandd their facilities. “Obviously, if businesses are not feelingv the needto expand, their demand for loan s is going to be less,” Berneking said. “That’s a norma l process that lending and the economhy gothrough together.” Merger-and-acquisition activity is slow righft now, Skarda said, but there are some people out shoppinfg for deals.
Some high-net-worthj executives who got laid off are looking toacquires businesses, and banks are willing to work with them if the deal is Skarda also said that the tight credi market puts some companies under stress and that theirf stronger competitors might be willing to borrosw in order to acquire Mortgage refinancing activity also is strong, Berneking “I see that as a good sign, and hopefully that will lead to some purchasingt activity,” Berneking said.
“I get phone calls often from people who say they heardf no one is lending and I’m constantly trying to dispel that rumor,” said Pam Berneking, centrall region president of . “The last thing we want is for businessesd or individuals who want to buy a house ora car, or to expandr their business to accommodate growth, to think that they can’t get that done. Becauses they can.” The bank’s , originated $1.3 billion in new loans since itacceptedr $1.7 billion from the ’s Troublede Asset Relief Program (TARP) on Nov. 14, Berneking said.
The perceptionh that loans aren’t being made anymorr comes from credit guidelines adapting toeconomic conditions, she said. “What has changed is there has been a returnb to traditionally appropriatecredit guidelines,” Berneking said. “I’m beiny careful not to say lending standards are Are they tight compare to the lastfew years? Yes. But they aren’t tighgt compared to what has historically worked. Really, we’re gettingv back to a more normal place.” Marc president of , said the bank’sw focus shifted from trying to capture market share to improvingfasset quality.
It has led to financial covenanta and guarantees related to collateral value becominygmore restrictive, he said. There’s also been an effecr on loan costs. “The rate a borrower pays may be but the actual rate they pay over the cost of fundsis higher,” Maun said. “That is reflective of the pendulum swinging related to For thesame risk, banks now feel they need greaterf compensation than when the economuy was better. That is related not just to borrowersa but the overall risk profileat banks.
” Tim Skarda, president of Leawood-based business broker , said the deals he worksz on that are less than $10 million are more insulated from tighter lendinvg standards than the much bigger deals. “W e have some local lenders who have acted prudently with theitrbalance sheets, so they aren’t having to backpedal as much with theifr lending,” Skarda said. “Banks are scrutinizing deals closedthan before, but for the right deal, where the pricw can be justified, there are loanzs out there. It may be a littlwe tighter, but it’s really not a spigoty on or off typeof thing.
It’s more deal-by-deal Maun agreed, saying that banks are especiallhy willing to work with longtimeexisting “If there is good management and an issue is truly related to the poor and it’s evident that as the economt returns so will the bottom line for the company with good a lot of banks are working with these folks,” Maun John Blaylock, associate director of Sheshonoff & Co. Investment Banking in Austin, Texas, said banks don’t make any money if they aren’tr making loans.
“If I’m a builder walkingg into a bank and asking fora $1 milliojn line of credit to build three spec homes, I’m probably not going to get that Blaylock said. “But peoplse who have the capacity to repay and meet the necessary qualificationsz are going to geta loan.” One reasomn it appears banks aren’t lending as much is becausr loan demand is decreasing, he said. “Loan requests aren’r coming in as hot and heavu as they were this timelast year,” Blaylockl said. “When you lose 77,000 jobs in one day, there are that many less eligiblre borrowers that can come tothe table.
” Bernekinfg from M&I agreed, saying it also affects the willingness of companieds to invest in equipment or expandd their facilities. “Obviously, if businesses are not feelingv the needto expand, their demand for loan s is going to be less,” Berneking said. “That’s a norma l process that lending and the economhy gothrough together.” Merger-and-acquisition activity is slow righft now, Skarda said, but there are some people out shoppinfg for deals.
Some high-net-worthj executives who got laid off are looking toacquires businesses, and banks are willing to work with them if the deal is Skarda also said that the tight credi market puts some companies under stress and that theirf stronger competitors might be willing to borrosw in order to acquire Mortgage refinancing activity also is strong, Berneking “I see that as a good sign, and hopefully that will lead to some purchasingt activity,” Berneking said.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Making apps pay - bizjournals:
ycoguqi.wordpress.com
SGN has tens of millions of Facebook and 30 percent of all iPhones and iPod Toucnh users have downloaded oneof SGN’s such as “iBowl” and “iBasketball.” “When I look at gaming, I see a form of the same as e-maill and mobile and instant messaging. It shoulcd connect people,” said Shervimn Pishevar, chief executive and founder of SGN. The venture-backe d SGN has raised nearly $15 million in Serie s A funding, including investments from and , the fund heade by founder Jeff Bezos. People who don’ft think applications will advance to include seriousw businesspurposes “suffer from a failure of he said.
Computers, afterd all, advanced through gaming. “Games are gettinhg the attentionbecause it’s the first fun Pishevar said. “But the idea of ‘mobile anywhere,’ all of the talkin that has been goingf on for the last is happening.”
SGN has tens of millions of Facebook and 30 percent of all iPhones and iPod Toucnh users have downloaded oneof SGN’s such as “iBowl” and “iBasketball.” “When I look at gaming, I see a form of the same as e-maill and mobile and instant messaging. It shoulcd connect people,” said Shervimn Pishevar, chief executive and founder of SGN. The venture-backe d SGN has raised nearly $15 million in Serie s A funding, including investments from and , the fund heade by founder Jeff Bezos. People who don’ft think applications will advance to include seriousw businesspurposes “suffer from a failure of he said.
Computers, afterd all, advanced through gaming. “Games are gettinhg the attentionbecause it’s the first fun Pishevar said. “But the idea of ‘mobile anywhere,’ all of the talkin that has been goingf on for the last is happening.”
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Sierra College gets $500K grant to attract technical career students - Sacramento Business Journal:
grachevakautawil.blogspot.com
The Rocklin college won a $500,000 grant from the Californiqa CommunityCollege Chancellor’s Office that will support the region’s long-term economic viability through career technical “The grant aligns education with busines to develop relevant hands-on learning models, merge academics with technicalo education and fill the pipeline of future workersd with those who are qualified to fill highly-paid, in-demand technicak positions,” according to a news release Monday.
The grant will promote science, technology, engineerint and math education, known as “Through partnerships with industrty as well as middle and high Sierra College’s STEM Community Collaborativde is implementing innovative CTE models, strengthening existingy programs, and attracting middle and high school students to STEM Sandra Scott, Sierra’s directord of Grant Development and Career Technica Education, said in the release. “Thise new grant will expand STEM projects in productr designand manufacturing. In the digital age, the boundariew between art, design and manufacturing she said.
“Our goal is to equio students to use 3D solid apply aesthetic skills and use an understanding of ergonomicsto design, develop and manufacture functional products. These classroom experiences will encourag students to pursue careers in engineerinv andproduct design.”
The Rocklin college won a $500,000 grant from the Californiqa CommunityCollege Chancellor’s Office that will support the region’s long-term economic viability through career technical “The grant aligns education with busines to develop relevant hands-on learning models, merge academics with technicalo education and fill the pipeline of future workersd with those who are qualified to fill highly-paid, in-demand technicak positions,” according to a news release Monday.
The grant will promote science, technology, engineerint and math education, known as “Through partnerships with industrty as well as middle and high Sierra College’s STEM Community Collaborativde is implementing innovative CTE models, strengthening existingy programs, and attracting middle and high school students to STEM Sandra Scott, Sierra’s directord of Grant Development and Career Technica Education, said in the release. “Thise new grant will expand STEM projects in productr designand manufacturing. In the digital age, the boundariew between art, design and manufacturing she said.
“Our goal is to equio students to use 3D solid apply aesthetic skills and use an understanding of ergonomicsto design, develop and manufacture functional products. These classroom experiences will encourag students to pursue careers in engineerinv andproduct design.”
Friday, December 16, 2011
Freddie Mac allows financing of 125% of home value - Jacksonville Business Journal:
afukakuja.wordpress.com
The announcement comes as the Obamz administration raised the maximumallowable loan-to-value ratio from 105 percent. As a result of this qualified borrowers will be able to obtainFreddied Mac’s (NYSE:FRE) Relief Refinance Mortgagew with loan amounts up to 125 percent of the current values of their property. The higher LTV ratio is expectedd to givehomeowners – especially those in marketw that have experienced sharp declines in home valuex -- more options to refinance into mortgages with termx that better position them for long-term homeownership, the compangy said.
“This is a change that will put affordablew refinancing opportunities within reach of performing borrowerss who have suffered the effects of localk homeprice erosion,” said Don executive vice president in a statement. “Today’s announcement also underscoreaFreddie Mac’s commitment to make the Obama administration’s Making Home Affordable program a gatewah to successful long-term homeownership for as many borrowers as possible.” To encourage borrowersa with 30-year fixed rate mortgages to considert a shorter 25-year term, Freddie Mac is providing a speciap price incentive to lenders.
The incentivee only applies to Relief Refinancew Mortgages with LTV ratios betweenh 105 percent and125 percent. The 25-yearf term will result in borrowers paying less interest over the life of theirf loan and over time improving theirt overallequity position. Freddie Mac’s Relief Refinance Mortgage is available to borroweres who are current on mortgagesx that are owned or guaranteed byFreddie Mac. Freddie Mac’s Relief Refinance Mortgage allows borrowersa to financeclosing costs, financing costs and escrows up to $5,000 or 4 percenty of the current unpaid principaol balance of the mortgage being refinanced, whichever is less.
Mortgage insurance is not requireds if the existing mortgage does notrequirwe it. Otherwise, mortgage insurance coverage on the new loan must be the same as on theoriginalo mortgage.
The announcement comes as the Obamz administration raised the maximumallowable loan-to-value ratio from 105 percent. As a result of this qualified borrowers will be able to obtainFreddied Mac’s (NYSE:FRE) Relief Refinance Mortgagew with loan amounts up to 125 percent of the current values of their property. The higher LTV ratio is expectedd to givehomeowners – especially those in marketw that have experienced sharp declines in home valuex -- more options to refinance into mortgages with termx that better position them for long-term homeownership, the compangy said.
“This is a change that will put affordablew refinancing opportunities within reach of performing borrowerss who have suffered the effects of localk homeprice erosion,” said Don executive vice president in a statement. “Today’s announcement also underscoreaFreddie Mac’s commitment to make the Obama administration’s Making Home Affordable program a gatewah to successful long-term homeownership for as many borrowers as possible.” To encourage borrowersa with 30-year fixed rate mortgages to considert a shorter 25-year term, Freddie Mac is providing a speciap price incentive to lenders.
The incentivee only applies to Relief Refinancew Mortgages with LTV ratios betweenh 105 percent and125 percent. The 25-yearf term will result in borrowers paying less interest over the life of theirf loan and over time improving theirt overallequity position. Freddie Mac’s Relief Refinance Mortgage is available to borroweres who are current on mortgagesx that are owned or guaranteed byFreddie Mac. Freddie Mac’s Relief Refinance Mortgage allows borrowersa to financeclosing costs, financing costs and escrows up to $5,000 or 4 percenty of the current unpaid principaol balance of the mortgage being refinanced, whichever is less.
Mortgage insurance is not requireds if the existing mortgage does notrequirwe it. Otherwise, mortgage insurance coverage on the new loan must be the same as on theoriginalo mortgage.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Wake-up call: Hotels forecast bump in revenue when fabrication workers arrive - Baltimore Business Journal:
opexibu.wordpress.com
During the peak of as many as 100 managemen t and supervisory staff may needtemporary Plus, 150 to 200 laborers will likelg travel from more than 120 miles away and be looking for a plac to stay overnight, said Rick president of U.S. Operations, the project manager. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see well over 200 room nights in but it will come down tothe hotel’s abilitty to offer extended-stay rates,” Whitney “From a worker’s standpoint, most get a fixed benefiyt to travel and then whatever they have to pay for lodgingt comes out of that.” Hotel operators expectf to see a bump in revenue once the $4.2 billion project gets into full swing.
“Wre expect a pretty significant increase in our occupancy duringv the construction phase from subcontractorsand [others] that will come that will not be said Dick Murphy, general manager of the 114-roon & Suites in Malta. Another hotepl in town, the 120-room Hyatt Place, has already Executives from and M+W Zander have been staying there the past two months as momentuj built toward the startof ground-clearing this GlobalFoundries will own the 1.3 million-square-foort chip fab. “Right now we’re seeing 40 to 50 room nightzsa month,” said Courtney assistant general manager at .
Of it’s not just chaibn hotels a short drive from the that coulds see increased business during Hotels throughoutthe county, and perhapsa in neighboring counties, could be used if the prices is right and the drive isn’t too far. Apartment complexezs are another option for those who will be here for anextendedx period. of Saratoga, a 336-unit upscale apartment complesx off Exit 15in Wilton, startes seeing an influx of tenants affiliated with the chip fab aboug three months ago. Rents range from $1,250 to The tenants aren’t construction workers; rather, they are white-collat employees moving here from Texasand California, said William M.
managing director of , which owns The There are also peoplefrom Finland, Japan and Germanyh who moved here to work in technology-related companies. They are livinb in fully furnished apartments for three to six months at The Paddockws in an arrangement known ascorporat housing. The old roadside motels and cottagess scattered along Routes 9 and 50 coulsd be an attractive place for construction workers willinhg tosacrifice flat-screen TVs, a fitness centerr and indoor pool to save a few A real estate agent trying to drum up interest in one of thosed roadside motels—the on Route 50 in Ballston Lake—hasz a creative idea for an out-of-town buy the nine-unit property, use it for housingh employees, and then sell it after the work is Bob Howe of Coldwell Banker Primw Properties said the motel is only five milezs from Luther Forest.
It’s on the market for “If you do the math on what it costs to put somebodty up for a week for one or two and you start talkinbabout 10, 20 or 30 or even five the numbers work if they were to look at buying,” Howe Contractors will have a lot of choices in Saratoga which has 2,759 hotel rooms, including 1,719 in Saratoga Springs. A buildiny boom has increased the supply by 14 percent in just the last year saidDavid Zunker, president of the Saratoga Convention and Visitorxs Bureau. That has driven down priced because of the soft demand in corporat e travel due to theeconomic slowdown.
At the Fairfield Inn in prices are about 10 percent lower thanlast summer, Murphg said. Rates range from $109 to While amenities can make a difference in deciding where to he believes the fina decisions will come downto Wylie, the assistant GM at the Hyatt Place, said the hotelk is well-positioned to compete for chip-fab workers becausde it’s brand new and offers amenities such as round-the-clock food servic in-house.
Rates are $89 to
During the peak of as many as 100 managemen t and supervisory staff may needtemporary Plus, 150 to 200 laborers will likelg travel from more than 120 miles away and be looking for a plac to stay overnight, said Rick president of U.S. Operations, the project manager. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see well over 200 room nights in but it will come down tothe hotel’s abilitty to offer extended-stay rates,” Whitney “From a worker’s standpoint, most get a fixed benefiyt to travel and then whatever they have to pay for lodgingt comes out of that.” Hotel operators expectf to see a bump in revenue once the $4.2 billion project gets into full swing.
“Wre expect a pretty significant increase in our occupancy duringv the construction phase from subcontractorsand [others] that will come that will not be said Dick Murphy, general manager of the 114-roon & Suites in Malta. Another hotepl in town, the 120-room Hyatt Place, has already Executives from and M+W Zander have been staying there the past two months as momentuj built toward the startof ground-clearing this GlobalFoundries will own the 1.3 million-square-foort chip fab. “Right now we’re seeing 40 to 50 room nightzsa month,” said Courtney assistant general manager at .
Of it’s not just chaibn hotels a short drive from the that coulds see increased business during Hotels throughoutthe county, and perhapsa in neighboring counties, could be used if the prices is right and the drive isn’t too far. Apartment complexezs are another option for those who will be here for anextendedx period. of Saratoga, a 336-unit upscale apartment complesx off Exit 15in Wilton, startes seeing an influx of tenants affiliated with the chip fab aboug three months ago. Rents range from $1,250 to The tenants aren’t construction workers; rather, they are white-collat employees moving here from Texasand California, said William M.
managing director of , which owns The There are also peoplefrom Finland, Japan and Germanyh who moved here to work in technology-related companies. They are livinb in fully furnished apartments for three to six months at The Paddockws in an arrangement known ascorporat housing. The old roadside motels and cottagess scattered along Routes 9 and 50 coulsd be an attractive place for construction workers willinhg tosacrifice flat-screen TVs, a fitness centerr and indoor pool to save a few A real estate agent trying to drum up interest in one of thosed roadside motels—the on Route 50 in Ballston Lake—hasz a creative idea for an out-of-town buy the nine-unit property, use it for housingh employees, and then sell it after the work is Bob Howe of Coldwell Banker Primw Properties said the motel is only five milezs from Luther Forest.
It’s on the market for “If you do the math on what it costs to put somebodty up for a week for one or two and you start talkinbabout 10, 20 or 30 or even five the numbers work if they were to look at buying,” Howe Contractors will have a lot of choices in Saratoga which has 2,759 hotel rooms, including 1,719 in Saratoga Springs. A buildiny boom has increased the supply by 14 percent in just the last year saidDavid Zunker, president of the Saratoga Convention and Visitorxs Bureau. That has driven down priced because of the soft demand in corporat e travel due to theeconomic slowdown.
At the Fairfield Inn in prices are about 10 percent lower thanlast summer, Murphg said. Rates range from $109 to While amenities can make a difference in deciding where to he believes the fina decisions will come downto Wylie, the assistant GM at the Hyatt Place, said the hotelk is well-positioned to compete for chip-fab workers becausde it’s brand new and offers amenities such as round-the-clock food servic in-house.
Rates are $89 to
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Wichita companies work on new apartment complex - Wichita Business Journal:
takes-trendsthe.blogspot.com
million, 15-unit apartment complex for Starkeg isa community-based group that helpes adults in Sedgwick County who have developmental Starkey received $1.27 million in housinfg tax credits from the to help fund most of the cost of the It is borrowing the rest of the funds. The land on whicg the apartments will be built is being donated by Wichitans Sam andJacqure Kouri. The apartments will be built a half blocm south of Anna Street and Douglas Avenue near Towne WestSquared Mall. It does not yet have a precisestreet address.
Starkeh spokeswoman Jamie Opat said Wednesday that the units will be an importan t resource for special need adultsin "We have had minimal community living options," she said. Peoplwe from age 18 to their 50s will be housed in the Ground on the apartments is set to be broken Completion is scheduled forApril 2005.
million, 15-unit apartment complex for Starkeg isa community-based group that helpes adults in Sedgwick County who have developmental Starkey received $1.27 million in housinfg tax credits from the to help fund most of the cost of the It is borrowing the rest of the funds. The land on whicg the apartments will be built is being donated by Wichitans Sam andJacqure Kouri. The apartments will be built a half blocm south of Anna Street and Douglas Avenue near Towne WestSquared Mall. It does not yet have a precisestreet address.
Starkeh spokeswoman Jamie Opat said Wednesday that the units will be an importan t resource for special need adultsin "We have had minimal community living options," she said. Peoplwe from age 18 to their 50s will be housed in the Ground on the apartments is set to be broken Completion is scheduled forApril 2005.
Friday, December 9, 2011
New school renews pride at Oak Ridge High - Orlando Sentinel
ejyceh.wordpress.com
New school renews pride at Oak Ridge High Orlando Sentinel Students, teachers and administrators say there's a new sense of pride in the school. "This is a chance to make our school really shine," said senior-class President Dragana Draca, who said Oak Ridge gets too much attention for low test scores. ... |
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Port road improvement may get stimulus funding boost - Kansas City Business Journal:
pabigy.wordpress.com
Officials from the city, the and other planning organizations will meet June 1 to creatre a proposal to tap intothe $1.5 billion available for transportatiobn projects, including road, rail and port projects, said Jeff director of planning for the . ’s new containeer terminal and ’s yet-to-be-built terminal were projected to triplthe port’s container traffic. That means adjacent roads could see upto 10,000p trucks daily by 2020. It isn’rt clear whether port authorities can use the federal fundingy for harbor deepeningor dredging, said Aaro n Ellis, a spokesman for the .
The languagee within the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recoveryh discretionary grants is but it’s clear that the fundingb could be used to build an intermodal facility, whic h would speed up the transfer of carg from ships to trucks and railroads. An intermodal facilityt at Dames Point would make the TraPac and Hanjin terminals more competitive with othefSouthern ports, such as the Port of Savannah, whic has two intermodal facilities. The federal grants distributed through the rangefrom $20 millioh to $300 million. Grang applications must be submittedby Sept. 15.
The last piecwe of funding neededfor short-term construction in and around the Port of Jacksonville came in Decembed after Mayor John Peyton committe $100 million. About half came from city coffere and the rest from the andthe . Througgh the stimulus package, the receiveed about $14.8 million to deepen a six-mile stretcbh of the St. Johns River from Dames Poin to Talleyrand Marine Terminall to about40 feet. The corpws also received about $1.2 million to continue researching furthe r deepening of the riverso post-Panamax shipa can call on the port once the Panama Canal is widenedf in 2014. The authority hopes to have the channeo deepened to50 feet.
Officials from the city, the and other planning organizations will meet June 1 to creatre a proposal to tap intothe $1.5 billion available for transportatiobn projects, including road, rail and port projects, said Jeff director of planning for the . ’s new containeer terminal and ’s yet-to-be-built terminal were projected to triplthe port’s container traffic. That means adjacent roads could see upto 10,000p trucks daily by 2020. It isn’rt clear whether port authorities can use the federal fundingy for harbor deepeningor dredging, said Aaro n Ellis, a spokesman for the .
The languagee within the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recoveryh discretionary grants is but it’s clear that the fundingb could be used to build an intermodal facility, whic h would speed up the transfer of carg from ships to trucks and railroads. An intermodal facilityt at Dames Point would make the TraPac and Hanjin terminals more competitive with othefSouthern ports, such as the Port of Savannah, whic has two intermodal facilities. The federal grants distributed through the rangefrom $20 millioh to $300 million. Grang applications must be submittedby Sept. 15.
The last piecwe of funding neededfor short-term construction in and around the Port of Jacksonville came in Decembed after Mayor John Peyton committe $100 million. About half came from city coffere and the rest from the andthe . Througgh the stimulus package, the receiveed about $14.8 million to deepen a six-mile stretcbh of the St. Johns River from Dames Poin to Talleyrand Marine Terminall to about40 feet. The corpws also received about $1.2 million to continue researching furthe r deepening of the riverso post-Panamax shipa can call on the port once the Panama Canal is widenedf in 2014. The authority hopes to have the channeo deepened to50 feet.
Monday, December 5, 2011
State
uqyvemiwu.wordpress.com
The on Friday reported that the state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate roseto 10.8 percent in May from 6.3 percent a year ago. It was the highest monthly rate in Ohio sincdOctober 1983. The jobless rate stood at 10.2 percenty in April. Department Director Douglas Lumpkinh said the state saw an increasein service-sector jobs last but most of those gains were offset by a continuec loss in manufacturing jobs. Adding to the spik in the unemployment rate, he was an influx in workers rejoining the labor marke by resuming their job The state’s employed work force last month stood at 5.13 down about 200 workers over the month.
The department logged 646,0000 unemployed Ohio workers, up 37,000 from a montjh earlier. The national jobless rate took a similadr leaplast month, climbing to a seasonalluy adjusted 9.4 percent from 8.9 percent in Ohio plans to release its county and metropolitah unemployment statistics for May on June 23.
The on Friday reported that the state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate roseto 10.8 percent in May from 6.3 percent a year ago. It was the highest monthly rate in Ohio sincdOctober 1983. The jobless rate stood at 10.2 percenty in April. Department Director Douglas Lumpkinh said the state saw an increasein service-sector jobs last but most of those gains were offset by a continuec loss in manufacturing jobs. Adding to the spik in the unemployment rate, he was an influx in workers rejoining the labor marke by resuming their job The state’s employed work force last month stood at 5.13 down about 200 workers over the month.
The department logged 646,0000 unemployed Ohio workers, up 37,000 from a montjh earlier. The national jobless rate took a similadr leaplast month, climbing to a seasonalluy adjusted 9.4 percent from 8.9 percent in Ohio plans to release its county and metropolitah unemployment statistics for May on June 23.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Southern Community Bank shuttered - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
iqukikofor.wordpress.com
Essentially all of Southern Community’s operationse -- including branches, deposits and assetws -- will be acquired by Ga.-based (NASDAQ: UCBI), the third-largest bank in the state, through a loss-sharing transaction, according to an announcement by the Southern Communitreported $377 million in total assets, $307 million in total deposits and five branches throughout the southerjn metro area. Under the terms of the United Community will assumew all ofthe bank’s deposits and Southern Community branchesz will re-open as Unitede Community branches Monday.
United Community will also acquird $364 million of the failed bank’s assets, and the FDIC will sharre in any future losses on as muchas $253 millio of the bank’s assets, including many outstanding The FDIC said the loss-sharing arrangementt is the least-costly resolution for the nation’ss deposit insurer, and estimated the failure’s loss to the depositr insurance fund will be $114 million.
Unitede Community purchased Southern Community’s deposita for a 1 percent premium, or $3 Southern Community followed a formula familiar tometrok Atlanta’s other dozen bank failures, swamped by bad real estatse loans, despite making efforts to turn around the ailingg lender. Last October, Southern Communithy announced it had overhauled operations and raised capitaol in an attemptto survive, after receiving a ceasw and desist order from the FDIC. The bank changer management, replacing founding CEO Gary McGaha with Dave andraised $2 million in additional capitak from directors, to weather additionakl loan losses.
"It is unfortunatew that both internal and external circumstances have led to this Southern Community Bank ChairmanThomas D. Reese said at the time in a news "However, our board is firmlyy committed to complying with all aspects of the orded and returning the bank toa well-performinbg financial institution." But as the real estate market’es deterioration continued to accelerate through the end of last Southern Community’s problems worsened. The bank reported a 28 percenft spike in problem loans durinf the fourth quarter of2008 -- the worsr increase for the bank during the recentt economic downturn. By first quarter Southern Community reporteda 39.
4 percentg problem loan ratio -- a comparison of delinquent and foreclosed real estate to total loans -- one of the highes t levels in the state. On March 31, the bank reported $33 million in foreclosed real estate, but only $13 million in capital to absorb furtheerloan losses. The bank had a Texas ratio of 518 The ratio is a measure ofa bank’s nonperforminfg loans and foreclosed real estate, compared against the tangible common equity and loan loss reserves of the The calculation, created during the S&L is used to roughly measure a bank’s health by industry insiders and observers.
Nearly everyt Atlanta bank that has failed sinc e August2008 -- the start of the state’a bank failure crisis -- had a Texas ratio in excess of 300 percent. United Community’sx buyout is the first by the northg Georgia lender of afailedd Atlanta-area bank. The purchase continues a strategy adopted by the bank during thefinancial boom, when United Community attempted to “ring” Atlants by buying smaller rivals throughout the city’s suburbs. United Communith Chief Financial Officer Rex Schuett e saidSouthern Community’s branches and deposits were the key reasons behinrd the buyout.
“It complemented the branches were have in that area and reallt fills out that marketfor us,” he “There’s also a significanty amount of core deposits, almost 14,000 customer This is one of the first failed banks to actuall have core customers.”
Essentially all of Southern Community’s operationse -- including branches, deposits and assetws -- will be acquired by Ga.-based (NASDAQ: UCBI), the third-largest bank in the state, through a loss-sharing transaction, according to an announcement by the Southern Communitreported $377 million in total assets, $307 million in total deposits and five branches throughout the southerjn metro area. Under the terms of the United Community will assumew all ofthe bank’s deposits and Southern Community branchesz will re-open as Unitede Community branches Monday.
United Community will also acquird $364 million of the failed bank’s assets, and the FDIC will sharre in any future losses on as muchas $253 millio of the bank’s assets, including many outstanding The FDIC said the loss-sharing arrangementt is the least-costly resolution for the nation’ss deposit insurer, and estimated the failure’s loss to the depositr insurance fund will be $114 million.
Unitede Community purchased Southern Community’s deposita for a 1 percent premium, or $3 Southern Community followed a formula familiar tometrok Atlanta’s other dozen bank failures, swamped by bad real estatse loans, despite making efforts to turn around the ailingg lender. Last October, Southern Communithy announced it had overhauled operations and raised capitaol in an attemptto survive, after receiving a ceasw and desist order from the FDIC. The bank changer management, replacing founding CEO Gary McGaha with Dave andraised $2 million in additional capitak from directors, to weather additionakl loan losses.
"It is unfortunatew that both internal and external circumstances have led to this Southern Community Bank ChairmanThomas D. Reese said at the time in a news "However, our board is firmlyy committed to complying with all aspects of the orded and returning the bank toa well-performinbg financial institution." But as the real estate market’es deterioration continued to accelerate through the end of last Southern Community’s problems worsened. The bank reported a 28 percenft spike in problem loans durinf the fourth quarter of2008 -- the worsr increase for the bank during the recentt economic downturn. By first quarter Southern Community reporteda 39.
4 percentg problem loan ratio -- a comparison of delinquent and foreclosed real estate to total loans -- one of the highes t levels in the state. On March 31, the bank reported $33 million in foreclosed real estate, but only $13 million in capital to absorb furtheerloan losses. The bank had a Texas ratio of 518 The ratio is a measure ofa bank’s nonperforminfg loans and foreclosed real estate, compared against the tangible common equity and loan loss reserves of the The calculation, created during the S&L is used to roughly measure a bank’s health by industry insiders and observers.
Nearly everyt Atlanta bank that has failed sinc e August2008 -- the start of the state’a bank failure crisis -- had a Texas ratio in excess of 300 percent. United Community’sx buyout is the first by the northg Georgia lender of afailedd Atlanta-area bank. The purchase continues a strategy adopted by the bank during thefinancial boom, when United Community attempted to “ring” Atlants by buying smaller rivals throughout the city’s suburbs. United Communith Chief Financial Officer Rex Schuett e saidSouthern Community’s branches and deposits were the key reasons behinrd the buyout.
“It complemented the branches were have in that area and reallt fills out that marketfor us,” he “There’s also a significanty amount of core deposits, almost 14,000 customer This is one of the first failed banks to actuall have core customers.”
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Pandemic of the present - CU Columbia Spectator
tenganmodooo1324.blogspot.com
Telegraph.co.uk | Pandemic of the present CU Columbia Spectator Tomorrow on World AIDS Day, 30 years into the AIDS pandemic, President Obama must decide whether to accept leadership and raise funding to the level neededâ€"6 million on treatment by 2013â€"or to let down his alma mater and deny treatment to millions of ... World A IDS Day: Christian leaders urge renewed efforts in fighting global pandemic We could be seeing the beginning of the end of the AIDS pandemic Beginning of the end of AIDS |
Monday, November 28, 2011
Holly Refining to buy Tulsa refinery - Dallas Business Journal:
ramsdenjerrieas54.blogspot.com
Dallas-based Holly (NYSE: HOC) said its subsidiary has agreec to purchase the refinery and othedr inventory included in the transactionfor $65 million. As part of the Holly will benefit from the receipt of Sunocoi speciality lubricant product trademarks in Northb America and a license for the same products in Centrap andSouth America. The transaction is expected to clos by June 1 pending the approvals ofregulatorh agencies. Holly’s chairman and CEO Matt Cliftonsaid Sunoco’e Tulsa employees and the lubricant products managemenrt team will be joining Holly.
He “By leveraging the respected Sunoco specialty lubricanrt product trademarksand formulations, the facility has consistentlu realized very strong gross margins on theswe specialty lubricant products. This strength in specialtu lubricant products, together with an approximate 40 percent yield of diesek and jet fuel and the bottom upgrading capabilities ofthe plant’s coker, has allowed the overall operation to deliver attractive gross marginws and solid financial results." Clifton addedd that "the facility’s proximity to and direct pipeline connection from the Cushing, Okla.
, crudde oil hub combined with its abilit to deliver directly into Burlington Northern’s Tulsa railroad yard and Magellan’d pipeline system, allows the facility to competitiveluy supply transportation fuels to a number of attractived mid-continent markets.”
Dallas-based Holly (NYSE: HOC) said its subsidiary has agreec to purchase the refinery and othedr inventory included in the transactionfor $65 million. As part of the Holly will benefit from the receipt of Sunocoi speciality lubricant product trademarks in Northb America and a license for the same products in Centrap andSouth America. The transaction is expected to clos by June 1 pending the approvals ofregulatorh agencies. Holly’s chairman and CEO Matt Cliftonsaid Sunoco’e Tulsa employees and the lubricant products managemenrt team will be joining Holly.
He “By leveraging the respected Sunoco specialty lubricanrt product trademarksand formulations, the facility has consistentlu realized very strong gross margins on theswe specialty lubricant products. This strength in specialtu lubricant products, together with an approximate 40 percent yield of diesek and jet fuel and the bottom upgrading capabilities ofthe plant’s coker, has allowed the overall operation to deliver attractive gross marginws and solid financial results." Clifton addedd that "the facility’s proximity to and direct pipeline connection from the Cushing, Okla.
, crudde oil hub combined with its abilit to deliver directly into Burlington Northern’s Tulsa railroad yard and Magellan’d pipeline system, allows the facility to competitiveluy supply transportation fuels to a number of attractived mid-continent markets.”
Saturday, November 26, 2011
MathStar receives tender offer - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
obesonuqa.wordpress.com
The offer represents a 6.48 percent premium over Friday’s closinv price. Shares were up 6 percent in early afternoon tradinbto $1.14, suggesting that some investors think a deal will If successful, Tiberius could pursue several strategies, includingy liquidation, according to a news The company would also consider restarting the merging it with a competitor, repurchasing sharess and selling some of the company’ds technology. Hillsboro, Ore.-based MathStar (Pink Sheets: has been the subject of intense speculatiob inrecent weeks. The company shut down operations ayear ago.
Sincs then, the company has faced increasing pressurew from shareholdersto Dallas-based investor Joe Gensor said the fablesx semiconductor company has accepted his request to hold a vote on but has yet to call a As of March 31, the company had little outstandinb debt, $14 million in cash, a net operatinf loss of $48 million, and one full-time employee CEO and Chairman Doug The company's cash balance represents $1.16 per share, according to Salvatorwe Muoio, an investment fund manager in New York who owns 7.35 percenty of the company’s outstanding shares. Burnsville, Minn.-based ., a maker of buildinyg performance software, has made three attemptx to purchasethe company.
Its latest offer, in May, was for $1.04r per share. MathStar, in a May 18 filing with the Securitiesd andExchange Commission, rejected the third offer from PureChoice, saying it was less than MathStar’z liquidation value. MathStar was foundede in Minnesota and was once a develope of a promising programmable semiconductor technolog y that drew interestfrom high-profile customerw such as LG Electronics USA and Arro w Electronics Inc. Chicago-based Tiberiuse Capital described itself in a pres s release asa “value-opportunity fund.” If successful, it woulsd spend the remainder of 2009 deciding which course of actiojn to take with MathStar.
The offerd expires one minute after midnight, New York City time, on June 30.
The offer represents a 6.48 percent premium over Friday’s closinv price. Shares were up 6 percent in early afternoon tradinbto $1.14, suggesting that some investors think a deal will If successful, Tiberius could pursue several strategies, includingy liquidation, according to a news The company would also consider restarting the merging it with a competitor, repurchasing sharess and selling some of the company’ds technology. Hillsboro, Ore.-based MathStar (Pink Sheets: has been the subject of intense speculatiob inrecent weeks. The company shut down operations ayear ago.
Sincs then, the company has faced increasing pressurew from shareholdersto Dallas-based investor Joe Gensor said the fablesx semiconductor company has accepted his request to hold a vote on but has yet to call a As of March 31, the company had little outstandinb debt, $14 million in cash, a net operatinf loss of $48 million, and one full-time employee CEO and Chairman Doug The company's cash balance represents $1.16 per share, according to Salvatorwe Muoio, an investment fund manager in New York who owns 7.35 percenty of the company’s outstanding shares. Burnsville, Minn.-based ., a maker of buildinyg performance software, has made three attemptx to purchasethe company.
Its latest offer, in May, was for $1.04r per share. MathStar, in a May 18 filing with the Securitiesd andExchange Commission, rejected the third offer from PureChoice, saying it was less than MathStar’z liquidation value. MathStar was foundede in Minnesota and was once a develope of a promising programmable semiconductor technolog y that drew interestfrom high-profile customerw such as LG Electronics USA and Arro w Electronics Inc. Chicago-based Tiberiuse Capital described itself in a pres s release asa “value-opportunity fund.” If successful, it woulsd spend the remainder of 2009 deciding which course of actiojn to take with MathStar.
The offerd expires one minute after midnight, New York City time, on June 30.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Bankers say SBA bridge loans are likely to go quickly - bizjournals:
http://rmh-or.org/combination.htm
The SBA will begin accepting applicationws from lenders for itsnew America’sa Recovery Capital loans June 15. The loans, whicjh were created by the economic stimulus will help small businessed make payments onexisting loans. Through this small businesses can borro upto $35,000 to make up to six months of paymentx on qualifying loans, including credit cards if that debt was used for businesss purposes. The loans will be made through private-sector lenders, not the SBA Borrowers won’t have to start repayint the ARC loans untip a year after they receive their last ARC loan They then will pay back the principalk on the ARC loan overfive years.
Small businesseas won’t have to pay interest on the Instead, the SBA will pay the lenderr a monthly interest rate of prime plus 2 percentage The SBA also will guarantee 100 percen ofthe loan’s amount. To be eligible for the small businesses must show they were profitabled or had positive cash flow in at least one of the pasttwo years. Futures cash flow projections must demonstrate that the businesses will be able to repagtheir debts, including the ARC loan. Borrowers can’tr be more than 60 days past due on any loan beingy paid through anARC loan, and they must have a business credif score that is acceptable to the SBA.
ARC loans can’rt be used to make paymentzs on an SBA loan made priorto Feb. 17, the date the economic stimulus billbecame law. To be small businesses also must show that they are experiencinh an immediatefinancial hardship, such as declining sales or difficulty making payroll. The SBA hopes smalll businesses will use the ARC loansas “breathing room to rework their business strategy in order to position themselves for futur e success,” said Eric Zarnikow, who heades the agency’s Office of Capital Access.
Most of the loans probablhy will be made through lenders that already have a businesas relationship withthe borrowers, Zarnikow Small businesses that are interested in an ARC loan should first contact their current according to the SBA. Lenders that currentlgy don’t make SBA-guaranteed loans can join the progra m in a process that takes abouta week, he said. The agencyt has enough funding for the ARC program to makeabou 10,000 loans. Zarnikow expects high demane forthese loans, but he said it may take some time for some lenderz to ramp up for this new program. The loana will be available until the money for the prograj runs out oruntil 30, 2010, whichever comes first.
Zarnikoew expects the loans “will go prettyt quickly.” Tony Wilkinson, president and CEO of the , agreed the “fundint will be exhausted rather Some lenders already are ready to submit application forthe program, and were just waitinfg for the SBA’s June 8 guidance to lenders on programm details, he said. “I thin k a lot of lenders will find the parameters he said. For lenders who have customers who were profitablewin 2007, took a hit in 2008 and couls survive this year with a little help, “this is the Wilkinson said.
The SBA will begin accepting applicationws from lenders for itsnew America’sa Recovery Capital loans June 15. The loans, whicjh were created by the economic stimulus will help small businessed make payments onexisting loans. Through this small businesses can borro upto $35,000 to make up to six months of paymentx on qualifying loans, including credit cards if that debt was used for businesss purposes. The loans will be made through private-sector lenders, not the SBA Borrowers won’t have to start repayint the ARC loans untip a year after they receive their last ARC loan They then will pay back the principalk on the ARC loan overfive years.
Small businesseas won’t have to pay interest on the Instead, the SBA will pay the lenderr a monthly interest rate of prime plus 2 percentage The SBA also will guarantee 100 percen ofthe loan’s amount. To be eligible for the small businesses must show they were profitabled or had positive cash flow in at least one of the pasttwo years. Futures cash flow projections must demonstrate that the businesses will be able to repagtheir debts, including the ARC loan. Borrowers can’tr be more than 60 days past due on any loan beingy paid through anARC loan, and they must have a business credif score that is acceptable to the SBA.
ARC loans can’rt be used to make paymentzs on an SBA loan made priorto Feb. 17, the date the economic stimulus billbecame law. To be small businesses also must show that they are experiencinh an immediatefinancial hardship, such as declining sales or difficulty making payroll. The SBA hopes smalll businesses will use the ARC loansas “breathing room to rework their business strategy in order to position themselves for futur e success,” said Eric Zarnikow, who heades the agency’s Office of Capital Access.
Most of the loans probablhy will be made through lenders that already have a businesas relationship withthe borrowers, Zarnikow Small businesses that are interested in an ARC loan should first contact their current according to the SBA. Lenders that currentlgy don’t make SBA-guaranteed loans can join the progra m in a process that takes abouta week, he said. The agencyt has enough funding for the ARC program to makeabou 10,000 loans. Zarnikow expects high demane forthese loans, but he said it may take some time for some lenderz to ramp up for this new program. The loana will be available until the money for the prograj runs out oruntil 30, 2010, whichever comes first.
Zarnikoew expects the loans “will go prettyt quickly.” Tony Wilkinson, president and CEO of the , agreed the “fundint will be exhausted rather Some lenders already are ready to submit application forthe program, and were just waitinfg for the SBA’s June 8 guidance to lenders on programm details, he said. “I thin k a lot of lenders will find the parameters he said. For lenders who have customers who were profitablewin 2007, took a hit in 2008 and couls survive this year with a little help, “this is the Wilkinson said.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Red Cross: Cooking Main Cause Of House Fires - Patch.com
awipekyhila.blogspot.com
al.com (blog) | Red Cross: Cooking Main Cause Of House Fires Patch.com Did you know cooking is the number one cause of home fires in this country and during the holidays? The Red Cross responded to more than 62960 home fires during the 2011 fiscal year. The American Red Cross wants everyone to be aware ... Cooks warned of fryer fires Thanksgiving worst day of the year for cooking fires WITH VIDEO Officials warn to cook with care on Thanksgiving |
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Obama cites jobs payoff from Asia trip - Houston Chronicle
dawojetos.blogspot.com
Atlanta Journal Constitution | Obama cites jobs payoff from Asia trip Houston Chronicle From left to right, US President Barack Obama, Myanmar's President Thein Sein, rear, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Vietnamese President Nguyen Tan Dung, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak ... Obama cites Aquino 'leadership' Obama cites Aquino's leadership, performance Obama cites jobs payoff from Asia trip |
Friday, November 18, 2011
Physician Walker expands role of 'first lady' at Mount Zion Baptist Church - The Tennessean
fabyqyku.blogspot.com
Physician Walker expands role of 'first lady' at Mount Zion Baptist Church The Tennessean Dr. Stephaine Walker, wife of Bishop Joseph Walker III of Mount Zion Baptist Church, calls her job as a physician her “ministry to the world.†/ Jeanne Reasonover / The Tennesssean Dr. Stephaine Walker never saw herself as the pastor's wife. ... |
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Makana Sings Protest Song on Summit Dinner to Support Occupy Movement (Video) - International Business Times
qalymeled.wordpress.com
International Business Times | Makana Sings Protest Song on Summit Dinner to Support Occupy Movement (Video) International Business Times Makana, a Hawaiian singer, performed to support the Occupy Movement at a dinner in Honolulu, which was hosted by President Barack Obama for Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Summit participants from 21 ... Makana sings Occupy protests songs to President Obama and APEC leaders Singer sneaks 'Occupy' protest into Obama summit Hawaiian musician Makana in 'Occupy with Aloha' T-shirt played protest song ... |
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Los Angeles companies fare well in UC-Davis study on women in business - Los Angeles Business from bizjournals:
http://www.persport.net/aspnetcontrols/net-controls-hierargrid-hierarchical-datagrid-that.html
The report said that almost half do not have a womabn on the boardof directors. Nearly a thirdc were found without a woman in either a top executivd post or on the governing Women overallhold 10.9 percent of board seat s and executive positions, virtually unchanged from results in UC Davisx studies from 2007, when the figure was 10.4 or from 2006 and 2005, when it was 10.2 Los Angeles' (NASDAQ: NARA) ranked at the top of the with 50 percent of executives and directors beinv women. The company topped the survey in 2007 as Cityof Industry-based HOTT) was fifth in the with 36 percent. The compan ranked fourth a year ago.
Goleta-basesd (NASDAQ: DECK) made a big jump, coming from 60th a year ago to tied for eighthh in thecurrent survey, with 30.8 percent. Los Angeles-basec (NYSE: GES) and EIX) also had 30.8 percent. Santa Monica-basedf (NYSE: FED) was tied for 15th with 28.6 The complete UC Davis report isavailable at
The report said that almost half do not have a womabn on the boardof directors. Nearly a thirdc were found without a woman in either a top executivd post or on the governing Women overallhold 10.9 percent of board seat s and executive positions, virtually unchanged from results in UC Davisx studies from 2007, when the figure was 10.4 or from 2006 and 2005, when it was 10.2 Los Angeles' (NASDAQ: NARA) ranked at the top of the with 50 percent of executives and directors beinv women. The company topped the survey in 2007 as Cityof Industry-based HOTT) was fifth in the with 36 percent. The compan ranked fourth a year ago.
Goleta-basesd (NASDAQ: DECK) made a big jump, coming from 60th a year ago to tied for eighthh in thecurrent survey, with 30.8 percent. Los Angeles-basec (NYSE: GES) and EIX) also had 30.8 percent. Santa Monica-basedf (NYSE: FED) was tied for 15th with 28.6 The complete UC Davis report isavailable at
Friday, November 11, 2011
Life's Too Short's Rosamund Hanson: Ricky Gervais had me in stitches - Metro
kleopatraxnibe.blogspot.com
Metro | Life's Too Short's Rosamund Hanson: Ricky Gervais had me in stitches Metro Exclusive: Rosamund Hanson, star of Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's new comedy Life's Too Short reveals why the duo are the perfect comedy dream team. Hanson, who plays lead actor Warwick Davies' secretary in Life's Too Short, has no time for . .. Life's Too Short - Too Short On Plot |
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Ireland sees no risk of eurozone break up-minister - Reuters
ufysyho.wordpress.com
Irish Echo | Ireland sees no risk of eurozone break up-minister Reuters DUBLIN Nov 9 (Reuters) - Ireland does not see any risk that the euro zone will break apart, the deputy prime minister said on Wednesday after a surge in Italy's cost of borrowing raised fears about the future of the currency union. ... Ireland gearing up for a painful b udget Waterford Councillors jailed in Israel |
Monday, November 7, 2011
Rare set of images found at University of Michigan tell story of China's ... - Washington Post
uhalugupuzyma.blogspot.com
Washington Examiner | Rare set of images found at University of Michigan tell story of China's ... Washington Post The rediscovery of the 15 poster-sized papercut images illustrating the political upheaval of the era is a pleasant surprise to scholars studying a society that was largely closed off from the West. The images are cut out of red paper in t he same way ... Rare Chinese Art Discovered at University of Michigan Storage |
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Labor Department official analyzes June unemployment numbers - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
ucojaje.wordpress.com
percent in June from 9.4 perceng in May, the 's said last week. Here is testimonhy on the latest unemployment data by BLS Commissioner Keith Hall as prepared for delivery last week to the Joint Economic Committeeof Congress. Nonfarm payroll employment continued to fall inJune (-467,000), and the unemploymen rate was little changed at 9.5 Since the recession began in Decembe r 2007, payroll employment has dropped by 6.5 million, and the unemployment rate has increasef by 4.6 percentage points. Payroll employment declines continued to be widespread among the major industries. In June, there were largs decreases in manufacturing, and professional and business services.
Together, theses three sectors have accounted fornearly three-quarters of the jobs lost sincde the recession began. Manufacturing employmenft fellby 136,000 in bringing job loss in this industry to 1.9 million sincew the start of the recession. Motor vehicle and partes employment declinedby 27,000 over the month; sincs the start of the the industry has lost 335,000 about one-third of its total. Constructionb employment decreasedby 79,000 in Job losses in the industry have totaled 1.3 million during this recession. Employment in professional and business services droppedby 118,0009 in June.
Job losses occurred throughoutthe industry, includinh temporary help services (-38,000), services to buildings and dwellingxs (-17,000), and architectural and engineerintg services (-14,000). Since the starft of the recession, professional and businesd services haslost 1.5 million jobs; temporary help services accounte for over half of this decline. Federaol government employment fellby 49,000 in June, largelg reflecting the layoff of workers temporarily hireds to prepare for Census 2010. Elsewhere in the service-providinfg sector, job losses continued in financiallactivities (-27,000), information (-21,000), and wholesale tradr (-16,000).
Retail trade employment edged down over the month losses continued among autodealerships (-9,000). The healthh care industry added 21,000 jobs over the month, in line with its averag monthly gain for the firsft 5 months of this but below the average gainof 30,000 jobs per montgh in 2008. Average hourly earnings for productiom and nonsupervisory workers in the privates sector were unchanged in Juneat $18.53. Over the past 12 average hourly earnings have risenby 2.7 percent. From May 2008 to May the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clericalk Workers declinedby 1.5 percent. Turning to measures from the household survey, the unemployment rate was littlew changed at 9.
5 percent in June. The rate had increasesd by 0.4 or 0.5 percentage pointx in each of the prior 6 Since the onset of the recession inDecembee 2007, the unemployment rate has risen by 4.6 percentagew points. There were 14.7 million unemployef persons in June, little changed from the priort month. Since December 2007, unemployment has risej by 7.2 million. The numberd of persons unemployed for 27 weeks or longedr continued to increasein June. The 4.4 millio long-term jobless individuals accounted for 3 in 10unemployedc persons. The employment-population ratio edgedd down to 59.5 percent in June. The ratiok has fallen by 3.2 percentage pointzs since therecession began.
Among the employed, there were 9.0 million personsa working part time in June who would havepreferredf full-time work. After rising sharplhy last falland winter, this measure has been littls changed since March. In summary, nonfarmm payroll employment continued to fall in June with job lossestotalinv 6.5 million since the recessiobn began. The unemployment rate, at 9.5 percent, was littl e changed over the month.
percent in June from 9.4 perceng in May, the 's said last week. Here is testimonhy on the latest unemployment data by BLS Commissioner Keith Hall as prepared for delivery last week to the Joint Economic Committeeof Congress. Nonfarm payroll employment continued to fall inJune (-467,000), and the unemploymen rate was little changed at 9.5 Since the recession began in Decembe r 2007, payroll employment has dropped by 6.5 million, and the unemployment rate has increasef by 4.6 percentage points. Payroll employment declines continued to be widespread among the major industries. In June, there were largs decreases in manufacturing, and professional and business services.
Together, theses three sectors have accounted fornearly three-quarters of the jobs lost sincde the recession began. Manufacturing employmenft fellby 136,000 in bringing job loss in this industry to 1.9 million sincew the start of the recession. Motor vehicle and partes employment declinedby 27,000 over the month; sincs the start of the the industry has lost 335,000 about one-third of its total. Constructionb employment decreasedby 79,000 in Job losses in the industry have totaled 1.3 million during this recession. Employment in professional and business services droppedby 118,0009 in June.
Job losses occurred throughoutthe industry, includinh temporary help services (-38,000), services to buildings and dwellingxs (-17,000), and architectural and engineerintg services (-14,000). Since the starft of the recession, professional and businesd services haslost 1.5 million jobs; temporary help services accounte for over half of this decline. Federaol government employment fellby 49,000 in June, largelg reflecting the layoff of workers temporarily hireds to prepare for Census 2010. Elsewhere in the service-providinfg sector, job losses continued in financiallactivities (-27,000), information (-21,000), and wholesale tradr (-16,000).
Retail trade employment edged down over the month losses continued among autodealerships (-9,000). The healthh care industry added 21,000 jobs over the month, in line with its averag monthly gain for the firsft 5 months of this but below the average gainof 30,000 jobs per montgh in 2008. Average hourly earnings for productiom and nonsupervisory workers in the privates sector were unchanged in Juneat $18.53. Over the past 12 average hourly earnings have risenby 2.7 percent. From May 2008 to May the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clericalk Workers declinedby 1.5 percent. Turning to measures from the household survey, the unemployment rate was littlew changed at 9.
5 percent in June. The rate had increasesd by 0.4 or 0.5 percentage pointx in each of the prior 6 Since the onset of the recession inDecembee 2007, the unemployment rate has risen by 4.6 percentagew points. There were 14.7 million unemployef persons in June, little changed from the priort month. Since December 2007, unemployment has risej by 7.2 million. The numberd of persons unemployed for 27 weeks or longedr continued to increasein June. The 4.4 millio long-term jobless individuals accounted for 3 in 10unemployedc persons. The employment-population ratio edgedd down to 59.5 percent in June. The ratiok has fallen by 3.2 percentage pointzs since therecession began.
Among the employed, there were 9.0 million personsa working part time in June who would havepreferredf full-time work. After rising sharplhy last falland winter, this measure has been littls changed since March. In summary, nonfarmm payroll employment continued to fall in June with job lossestotalinv 6.5 million since the recessiobn began. The unemployment rate, at 9.5 percent, was littl e changed over the month.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Axeda Connects With M2M Developers at the Sprint Open Solutions Conference - Sacramento Bee
moakhamet84.blogspot.com
Axeda Connects With M2M Developers at the Sprint Open Solutions Conference Sacramento Bee 2, 2011 -- /PRNewswire/ -- Axeda Corporation is showcasing its Machine-to-Machine (M2M) cloud service expertise this week at the Sprint Open Solutions Conference. This annual event brings together the leading minds in M2M who are developing connected ... |
Monday, October 31, 2011
Honda to curtail NA output due to Thai floods - Reuters
ernstiryastrov.blogspot.com
BBC News | Honda to curtail NA output due to Thai floods Reuters Oct 31 (Reuters) - Honda Motor Co Ltd will temporarily cut production at its six plants in the United States and Canada due to parts shortages stemming from the flooding in Thailand, the company said on Monday. Auto production will be about 50 percent ... Honda to curtail N.A. output due to Thai floods |
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Antitrust official: Auto makers should be allowed to sell direct - Washington Business Journal: Washington Bureau
uqyvemiwu.wordpress.com
An economist in the department's antitrust divisioj recommends eliminating state laws that prohibit auto manufacturersd from selling their vehiclesa directlyto consumers. This wouldc enable auto makers to reduce inventories and distributionn costs by better matching their productio withconsumer preferences, according to a "competitionh advocacy paper" written by Gerald Bodisch. "Such sales might range from consumers' simply orderinvg assembled vehicles of their choice directly from auto makerx to a scenario alon g the lines ofthe 'Dell build-to-order model that revolutionized the personal computer productionn and sales process," Bodisch writes.
General he notes, has used a build-to-ordee sales model in Brazil for its Chevrolet Celtaseconomy car, and the vehicle is one of the leadinbg models sold in that country. Most states have franchis e laws that allow new cars to be sold onlyby dealers. Bodiscuh cites surveys that found "that many new car buyersa in America would be interested in buying directlyfrom manufacturers, particularly to avoid costs associatesd with the dealer/customer bargaining In one survey, almost half of the respondents said that they woulsd opt to buy cars direct from the manufacturert even if it didn't save any money.
" The paperr notes that dealers would still have a role in the auto industru even with direct manufacturer sales because most consumersa would want to see and test drivse vehicles before they purchase them. Plus, they could still do warranty andservice work, whicjh is more profitable than selling cars. "Whil direct manufacturer sales may reduce the ranks ofdealersw somewhat, those dealers that remain couls turn out to be relatively more profitablr than currently," Bodisch concludes.
For more see
An economist in the department's antitrust divisioj recommends eliminating state laws that prohibit auto manufacturersd from selling their vehiclesa directlyto consumers. This wouldc enable auto makers to reduce inventories and distributionn costs by better matching their productio withconsumer preferences, according to a "competitionh advocacy paper" written by Gerald Bodisch. "Such sales might range from consumers' simply orderinvg assembled vehicles of their choice directly from auto makerx to a scenario alon g the lines ofthe 'Dell build-to-order model that revolutionized the personal computer productionn and sales process," Bodisch writes.
General he notes, has used a build-to-ordee sales model in Brazil for its Chevrolet Celtaseconomy car, and the vehicle is one of the leadinbg models sold in that country. Most states have franchis e laws that allow new cars to be sold onlyby dealers. Bodiscuh cites surveys that found "that many new car buyersa in America would be interested in buying directlyfrom manufacturers, particularly to avoid costs associatesd with the dealer/customer bargaining In one survey, almost half of the respondents said that they woulsd opt to buy cars direct from the manufacturert even if it didn't save any money.
" The paperr notes that dealers would still have a role in the auto industru even with direct manufacturer sales because most consumersa would want to see and test drivse vehicles before they purchase them. Plus, they could still do warranty andservice work, whicjh is more profitable than selling cars. "Whil direct manufacturer sales may reduce the ranks ofdealersw somewhat, those dealers that remain couls turn out to be relatively more profitablr than currently," Bodisch concludes.
For more see
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Ryan takes center stage on health care - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
tenamup.wordpress.com
In 2002, the Republican congressmanb from Janesville and Milwaukee MayorTom Barrett, then a Democratic congressmanh from Milwaukee, asked the U.S. General Accountability Officr to prepare a reporrt on why health care costs in Milwaukee were 27 percengt higher than in other Last year, Ryan and his fellowq Wisconsin legislators in Washington, D.C., encouraged the federal government to supportt Gov. Jim Doyle’s plan to expane BadgerCare, the state’s health insurancew program for low-income mothers and children, to cover childlesws adults.
Now, a decade after he was first electesdto Congress, it appears the country is finally headesd for broad health care reform under a Democratic and Ryan, 39, appearxs to be at the forefront of the debatew on behalf of Republicans. “Whenh I first got elected, (the cost of healtgh care) was not something I talkef about orworked on,” Ryan said in a recent “But as I traveled, I kept hearing this was a reallyt big problem that needed to be fixed, and I’vde been working on it ever It’s one of those things that you wouldd have to be sleepwalking not to recognize as an immensely important issue for the American Over the past four years, Ryan has authorer or co-sponsored 23 bills on heath care, according to Ryan’ s press secretary, Conor Sweeney.
Even Ryan’s politica opponents predict he will be the face of the Republicam opposition tothe Democrat’s health care reformn plan, not because he’zs merely a willing participant, but because he is a thoughtfuol politician. “I think Paul recognizes that the long-terk impact of the health care systek is a serious issud forthis country,” Barrett said this week. “I don’t alwayz agree with him, but he certainly does his Ryan’s latest health care effortr isthe Patients’ Choice Act, which he introducedd May 20 with U.S. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and U.S. Rep. Devinj Nunes (R-Calif.).
The plan is being described asthe “Republican alternative” to Presiden t Barack Obama’s plan for universal health The proposal was introduced even thougnh Obama and congressional Democrats have not yet unveilefd a health care reform proposal. David president of the , a federation of more than 1,00o local unions, said Ryan’s decision to put “healthn care” on the top of his priorit list was politically savvy and likelty willmean Ryan’s exposure will grow over the next severall months.
“I don’t see many Republicans who are takinhg this issue as seriouslyas (Ryan) as far as puttinfg time into developing an alternate proposal,” said Newby, a critidc of many GOP health proposals. “Most of the people in his party will talk about quality and stressmore competition, but he goes into a lot more A ranking member of the Housde Budget Committee, Ryan said the Choice Act would redistribute federal money already beinb spent on “inadequate” health care coverage by using tax creditsd to encourage more people to buy private healtj insurance, which is what proponents believee is the best way to get universa l coverage.
The Patients’ Choice Act would replace the currenyt exemption from taxesof employer-providedx insurance with a refundable tax credit of $2,300 for an individua l and $5,700 for a family that people would get regardless of whether they get their health coverage from theitr employer. • Requiring the Centers for Diseasd Control and Prevention to undertake a national campaignhighlighting science-bases health promotion strategies. Investing $50 million annually for increasedc vaccine availability and awarding bonus grants to statese that achieve 90 percent orgreaterd coverage. • Creating state health insurance exchanges so consumerz can compare different healthinsurance policies.
In 2002, the Republican congressmanb from Janesville and Milwaukee MayorTom Barrett, then a Democratic congressmanh from Milwaukee, asked the U.S. General Accountability Officr to prepare a reporrt on why health care costs in Milwaukee were 27 percengt higher than in other Last year, Ryan and his fellowq Wisconsin legislators in Washington, D.C., encouraged the federal government to supportt Gov. Jim Doyle’s plan to expane BadgerCare, the state’s health insurancew program for low-income mothers and children, to cover childlesws adults.
Now, a decade after he was first electesdto Congress, it appears the country is finally headesd for broad health care reform under a Democratic and Ryan, 39, appearxs to be at the forefront of the debatew on behalf of Republicans. “Whenh I first got elected, (the cost of healtgh care) was not something I talkef about orworked on,” Ryan said in a recent “But as I traveled, I kept hearing this was a reallyt big problem that needed to be fixed, and I’vde been working on it ever It’s one of those things that you wouldd have to be sleepwalking not to recognize as an immensely important issue for the American Over the past four years, Ryan has authorer or co-sponsored 23 bills on heath care, according to Ryan’ s press secretary, Conor Sweeney.
Even Ryan’s politica opponents predict he will be the face of the Republicam opposition tothe Democrat’s health care reformn plan, not because he’zs merely a willing participant, but because he is a thoughtfuol politician. “I think Paul recognizes that the long-terk impact of the health care systek is a serious issud forthis country,” Barrett said this week. “I don’t alwayz agree with him, but he certainly does his Ryan’s latest health care effortr isthe Patients’ Choice Act, which he introducedd May 20 with U.S. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and Richard Burr (R-N.C.) and U.S. Rep. Devinj Nunes (R-Calif.).
The plan is being described asthe “Republican alternative” to Presiden t Barack Obama’s plan for universal health The proposal was introduced even thougnh Obama and congressional Democrats have not yet unveilefd a health care reform proposal. David president of the , a federation of more than 1,00o local unions, said Ryan’s decision to put “healthn care” on the top of his priorit list was politically savvy and likelty willmean Ryan’s exposure will grow over the next severall months.
“I don’t see many Republicans who are takinhg this issue as seriouslyas (Ryan) as far as puttinfg time into developing an alternate proposal,” said Newby, a critidc of many GOP health proposals. “Most of the people in his party will talk about quality and stressmore competition, but he goes into a lot more A ranking member of the Housde Budget Committee, Ryan said the Choice Act would redistribute federal money already beinb spent on “inadequate” health care coverage by using tax creditsd to encourage more people to buy private healtj insurance, which is what proponents believee is the best way to get universa l coverage.
The Patients’ Choice Act would replace the currenyt exemption from taxesof employer-providedx insurance with a refundable tax credit of $2,300 for an individua l and $5,700 for a family that people would get regardless of whether they get their health coverage from theitr employer. • Requiring the Centers for Diseasd Control and Prevention to undertake a national campaignhighlighting science-bases health promotion strategies. Investing $50 million annually for increasedc vaccine availability and awarding bonus grants to statese that achieve 90 percent orgreaterd coverage. • Creating state health insurance exchanges so consumerz can compare different healthinsurance policies.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Union organizers bring targets into sights - Kansas City Business Journal:
qalymeled.wordpress.com
Austin, who wouldn’t provide specifics, heades up of the , which represents workers in the printintg and graphicarts industry, including commercial printers, specialthy printers, corrugated box manufacturers and He listed organizing efforts in Liberty, Clinton and Blue Springs in the past five yeards that had strong initial support from workerd but fizzled under current Operating under rules proposed in the EFCA would have created a much differenyt labor picture in the Midwest. “I’m a strongg believer in the labor said Austin, who got involved in 1966 and has been a full-timer union officer for 22 “This EFCA is long, long overdue.
” The legislation, now beforr Congress, would allow union certification if a majorityy of employees in a workplaces sign up, speed the negotiation of first contracta with the threat of binding arbitrationb and stiffen penalties for employers that exceed limite in resisting organization. Printiny is just one local industry that coule see a jump in efforts to organizw should Congress pass the Other likely candidates include the service andentertainmentr sectors, health care, manufacturing and even emergingh green industries. Bridgette Williams, president of the Greatere KansasCity , said hotel workers probably would try to organized if the act were passed.
The area’s one unioh hotel — in Riverside — was the site for a statwe AFL-CIO convention in September, but it doesn’tf have the capacity for larger regional, national and internationak events, Williams said. “There are no union hotels in Kansas City, whichg is a significant revenue loss tothis area,” she Several organization campaigns in the health care sectort have been thwarted but would make significant gainxs under the EFCA, she said. Robyn Hoffman, a seniord nurse at in Independence, said the EFCA coulcd have provided just the antidoteto drawn-out effortas to negotiate a contract.
In November 2007, nursea voted 167-103, with 66 abstaining, to join , an affiliatd of the . Ongoing efforts to get a contract have lastee nearly a year and a onApril 23-24, nurses were scheduled to vote on whether to decertify the union. Hoffman, a member of the negotiatinbg team, estimated that she’ss put 1,000 volunteer hours into the effort in the past year anda “If the EFCA had been in place, we’d already have a she said. “Instead, we’re facing all this The legislation would helpfuture organizers, she said. And if the effort at Centerpoint survives the decertification it could help them get theirfirsf contract.
Dealers at Argosy attempted to organize more than ayear ago. Abou 65 percent had approved organization inthe signup; the effor lost 118-68 at an election nearlh two months later, said Rick who worked with the “Organizing right now in Kansas City is prettyy rough,” said Klingenberg, vice president of Uniterd Auto Workers Local 710. Industriesz that have been successful at resistinhg unionization would be likely targets if the EFCA saidDonna Ginther, director of the at the . ranksw at the top of that she said. Efforts also probably would spread toconstruction jobs, many of whicyh are filled by immigrants who have been hesitant to vocallh support a union.
Judy Ancel, director of the ’ s Institute for Labor Studies, added the financer and banking industry, insurance companies and to the list of potentiaplorganizing targets. However, Ginthere said, the economy could mute the effect oforganizationh efforts. “This is a really terriblwe time to think about Ginther said. “The economy is so soft rightg now thatI don’t think employeese are thinking about getting concessions from an employer I think they’re thinking about whether they’re going to keep their jobs.” And as the globalization and deregulationn of the past quarter-century have weighed on U.S.
companies’ union formation has shifted to the public she said. As of 2006, union members made up 7.4 percent of the private-sector work forced and 36 percent in thepublic sector. Ance disagreed that the economy would harmorganizatioh efforts. “In the 1930s, when the economy was far workers began organizing because theysimpluy couldn’t survive,” she said.
Austin, who wouldn’t provide specifics, heades up of the , which represents workers in the printintg and graphicarts industry, including commercial printers, specialthy printers, corrugated box manufacturers and He listed organizing efforts in Liberty, Clinton and Blue Springs in the past five yeards that had strong initial support from workerd but fizzled under current Operating under rules proposed in the EFCA would have created a much differenyt labor picture in the Midwest. “I’m a strongg believer in the labor said Austin, who got involved in 1966 and has been a full-timer union officer for 22 “This EFCA is long, long overdue.
” The legislation, now beforr Congress, would allow union certification if a majorityy of employees in a workplaces sign up, speed the negotiation of first contracta with the threat of binding arbitrationb and stiffen penalties for employers that exceed limite in resisting organization. Printiny is just one local industry that coule see a jump in efforts to organizw should Congress pass the Other likely candidates include the service andentertainmentr sectors, health care, manufacturing and even emergingh green industries. Bridgette Williams, president of the Greatere KansasCity , said hotel workers probably would try to organized if the act were passed.
The area’s one unioh hotel — in Riverside — was the site for a statwe AFL-CIO convention in September, but it doesn’tf have the capacity for larger regional, national and internationak events, Williams said. “There are no union hotels in Kansas City, whichg is a significant revenue loss tothis area,” she Several organization campaigns in the health care sectort have been thwarted but would make significant gainxs under the EFCA, she said. Robyn Hoffman, a seniord nurse at in Independence, said the EFCA coulcd have provided just the antidoteto drawn-out effortas to negotiate a contract.
In November 2007, nursea voted 167-103, with 66 abstaining, to join , an affiliatd of the . Ongoing efforts to get a contract have lastee nearly a year and a onApril 23-24, nurses were scheduled to vote on whether to decertify the union. Hoffman, a member of the negotiatinbg team, estimated that she’ss put 1,000 volunteer hours into the effort in the past year anda “If the EFCA had been in place, we’d already have a she said. “Instead, we’re facing all this The legislation would helpfuture organizers, she said. And if the effort at Centerpoint survives the decertification it could help them get theirfirsf contract.
Dealers at Argosy attempted to organize more than ayear ago. Abou 65 percent had approved organization inthe signup; the effor lost 118-68 at an election nearlh two months later, said Rick who worked with the “Organizing right now in Kansas City is prettyy rough,” said Klingenberg, vice president of Uniterd Auto Workers Local 710. Industriesz that have been successful at resistinhg unionization would be likely targets if the EFCA saidDonna Ginther, director of the at the . ranksw at the top of that she said. Efforts also probably would spread toconstruction jobs, many of whicyh are filled by immigrants who have been hesitant to vocallh support a union.
Judy Ancel, director of the ’ s Institute for Labor Studies, added the financer and banking industry, insurance companies and to the list of potentiaplorganizing targets. However, Ginthere said, the economy could mute the effect oforganizationh efforts. “This is a really terriblwe time to think about Ginther said. “The economy is so soft rightg now thatI don’t think employeese are thinking about getting concessions from an employer I think they’re thinking about whether they’re going to keep their jobs.” And as the globalization and deregulationn of the past quarter-century have weighed on U.S.
companies’ union formation has shifted to the public she said. As of 2006, union members made up 7.4 percent of the private-sector work forced and 36 percent in thepublic sector. Ance disagreed that the economy would harmorganizatioh efforts. “In the 1930s, when the economy was far workers began organizing because theysimpluy couldn’t survive,” she said.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Gold Mounted as Recoil to a Two-Week Low Stoke Up Claim From Investors - USA Market News
edovogopu.wordpress.com
Gold Mounted as Recoil to a Two-Week Low Stoke Up Claim From Investors USA Market News For the first time in five days Gold may increase, wounding a weekly loss, as a slump to a two-week low encourages investors to acquire the metal as a security of wealth. Yesterday, Gold dropped to $1603.97 an ounce, the lowest since Oct. 5, ... |
Friday, October 21, 2011
Navy to Kick Out 64 Sailors From Fleet for Drug Use - Fox News
sucujovide.wordpress.com
NavyTimes.com | Navy to Kick Out 64 Sailors From Fleet for Drug Use Fox News | AP March 15, 2005: The nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) plows through the Indian Ocean as aircraft on its flight deck are prepared for flight operations. SAN DIEGO â€" Sixty-four sailors from the San Diego-based US Third Fleet ... Navy discharging 64 sailors for drug use, distribution Sailors caught illeg » |
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
New Poll High For Pot Proponents -- 50 Percent Say Legalize It - HULIQ
yjanebixe.wordpress.com
HULIQ | New Poll High For Pot Proponents -- 50 Percent Say Legalize It HULIQ With the growing number of proponents, legalization advocates will undoubtedly launch yet another attempt to see the smokable plant at least decriminalized. It will be the fourth attempt. The first occurred in 1972 and the government did not respond ... |
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Kannapolis honored for economic strategy - Orlando Business Journal:
uhetemejih.wordpress.com
The city received the award in the categorg of Excellence in Economic Diversification which recognizes responses to plant closures and othedeconomic dislocations, that promote economic The competition is open to local, state and regional and universities and colleges. Cabarrus and Rowan countiese lost 4,300 manufacturing jobs when textilrmanufacturer Kannapolis-basedPillowtex Corp. closed in July 2003. Two yearsd later, California billionaire David Murdock announced plans forthe N.C. Researchb Campus at the 350-acre former Pillowtex headquarters andmanufacturinh site. The life-sciences hub includes the participatiobn ofDuke University, the UNC System, the N.C.
Communityu College System, other educational institutions andbusines partners. The total investment is expected toreach $1.8 Residential and commercial developments are risingv around the campus with hopes of turning a former textile town, into a biotech center.
The city received the award in the categorg of Excellence in Economic Diversification which recognizes responses to plant closures and othedeconomic dislocations, that promote economic The competition is open to local, state and regional and universities and colleges. Cabarrus and Rowan countiese lost 4,300 manufacturing jobs when textilrmanufacturer Kannapolis-basedPillowtex Corp. closed in July 2003. Two yearsd later, California billionaire David Murdock announced plans forthe N.C. Researchb Campus at the 350-acre former Pillowtex headquarters andmanufacturinh site. The life-sciences hub includes the participatiobn ofDuke University, the UNC System, the N.C.
Communityu College System, other educational institutions andbusines partners. The total investment is expected toreach $1.8 Residential and commercial developments are risingv around the campus with hopes of turning a former textile town, into a biotech center.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Greif board member, son of longtime CEO, dies suddenly - Business First of Columbus:
azajir.wordpress.com
Spokeswoman Deb Strohmaier said Dempsey, a director of the Delaware-base d industrial packager since died in Columbus after suffering a braij aneurysm earlyWednesday morning. Dempsey’s father, John, joinecd the company in the 1946 and led Greitf until CEO Michael Gasser took the reindsin 1994. John Dempsey was instrumental in relocatingthe company’sz headquarters to Delaware from Cleveland in Strohmaier said. Michael Dempsey, formerr president of wheelchair manufacturing company Kuschall of held a 56 percent stakein Greif’s votingb stock at the time of his death.
His Judith Hook, also serves on the Dempsey, a San Diegok resident, was married with one son, Strohmaier said. Gassed in a statement called ita “very sad day at and our employees around the worlr are grieving this loss.” “Mike Dempsey was an inspiratio n to all of us through his passion and commitment to both his family and Greif,” Gasset said. “We will miss his wisdom and Our thoughts and prayers are with all membersd of theDempsey family.” Greifd (NYSE:GEF) employs more than 8,600 worldwide.
Spokeswoman Deb Strohmaier said Dempsey, a director of the Delaware-base d industrial packager since died in Columbus after suffering a braij aneurysm earlyWednesday morning. Dempsey’s father, John, joinecd the company in the 1946 and led Greitf until CEO Michael Gasser took the reindsin 1994. John Dempsey was instrumental in relocatingthe company’sz headquarters to Delaware from Cleveland in Strohmaier said. Michael Dempsey, formerr president of wheelchair manufacturing company Kuschall of held a 56 percent stakein Greif’s votingb stock at the time of his death.
His Judith Hook, also serves on the Dempsey, a San Diegok resident, was married with one son, Strohmaier said. Gassed in a statement called ita “very sad day at and our employees around the worlr are grieving this loss.” “Mike Dempsey was an inspiratio n to all of us through his passion and commitment to both his family and Greif,” Gasset said. “We will miss his wisdom and Our thoughts and prayers are with all membersd of theDempsey family.” Greifd (NYSE:GEF) employs more than 8,600 worldwide.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Denver gives out 1,234 free building permits - Jacksonville Business Journal:
glafirarynyxu.blogspot.com
The free permits issued under the city’s “Homew Renovation Bonanza” program saves residents an estimated $85.774 in fees, officialse said. Building-permit fees normally range from $20 to severap thousand dollars, depending on the value of the The program aimed to boost the locak economy byencouraging home-improvement projects. The free available June 1-15, are for commonh improvement projectsinvolving single-family homes and “We wanted a bonanza and it seems we got one,” Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said in a “We hoped to stimulate the local economty by offering an incentive for residents to make improvementse to their property.
This is a good sign that people are moving forward and doing what they can to get our econom backon track.” The permits are valid for 180
The free permits issued under the city’s “Homew Renovation Bonanza” program saves residents an estimated $85.774 in fees, officialse said. Building-permit fees normally range from $20 to severap thousand dollars, depending on the value of the The program aimed to boost the locak economy byencouraging home-improvement projects. The free available June 1-15, are for commonh improvement projectsinvolving single-family homes and “We wanted a bonanza and it seems we got one,” Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper said in a “We hoped to stimulate the local economty by offering an incentive for residents to make improvementse to their property.
This is a good sign that people are moving forward and doing what they can to get our econom backon track.” The permits are valid for 180
Monday, October 10, 2011
Boston Business Journal:
inupujyfab1211.blogspot.com
VPNE Parking Solutions LLC , a Boston-basec full-service parking management andtransportation provider, promoted Thomas MacKinnonn to vice president and James Smithh to director. MacKinnon directx VPNE’s business development strategyu and overseesover $12 million in revenue at severao Boston parking facilities. Smith oversees VPNE’zs parking and transportation assetxat Children’s Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Canceer Institute. The company also added industry veterahn Gary Cooper as human resourcesd manager and named JeffPerrott , a longtime marketingh consultant with VPNE, to the post of marketing director.
Consolidates Electrical Services of Norwood named LarrhyPantano president. Pantano has had a 15-year career with the organization, holdinv a range of generapl management andoperations positions. AccuFile Inc. , a Boston library managemen t and information services added W. Leslie Peat as senior librarian. Peat formerly served as library director for the Boston law firm Sullivan Worcester LLP.
VPNE Parking Solutions LLC , a Boston-basec full-service parking management andtransportation provider, promoted Thomas MacKinnonn to vice president and James Smithh to director. MacKinnon directx VPNE’s business development strategyu and overseesover $12 million in revenue at severao Boston parking facilities. Smith oversees VPNE’zs parking and transportation assetxat Children’s Hospital Boston and Dana-Farber Canceer Institute. The company also added industry veterahn Gary Cooper as human resourcesd manager and named JeffPerrott , a longtime marketingh consultant with VPNE, to the post of marketing director.
Consolidates Electrical Services of Norwood named LarrhyPantano president. Pantano has had a 15-year career with the organization, holdinv a range of generapl management andoperations positions. AccuFile Inc. , a Boston library managemen t and information services added W. Leslie Peat as senior librarian. Peat formerly served as library director for the Boston law firm Sullivan Worcester LLP.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Online news site meshes traditional journalism and blogs - New Mexico Business Weekly:
http://risk-regulationit.com/?p=53
The has five similar sites in four otherr states andin Washington, D.C. The will focusw on statewide coverageof government, politics, the environment and growth, amongb other topics, said Jefferson Morley, national editoriakl director for the Center. David Alire formerly of the , has been hiredf as the director ofthe site. Trip who came from the , will be the news Joel Gay, formerly of the Albuquerque Tribune, and bloggers Heathy Haussamen and Margery Childress will write for the as willGwyneth Doland, who will cover the politics of Jennings said combining traditional journalism with the growing online worldf attracted him.
He sees a lot of people leaving or losing their jobs as papers cut and moving to the online The latest census by the foundc that newsroom staff nationwide droppedby 4.4 percent last year, to The Center has training programs to build its stabl e of bloggers and online journalists. Morley said the Center is a nonpartisan organization that focuseson "citizen-driven" "We're not detached from the issues we care said Morley, a former world news editord of . "What we want to do is writr about these things so citizens and the public are informed and know how to make sensible choices when it come sto government." The president and CEO is Davidd S.
Bennahum, who was a founding writer of . The Cente r is supported by foundation s that sharethe organization's belief that journalismn is essential to a democratic society, Morley said. Some sites sell but the Center is interestesd in developing sponsorshipsand partnerships. "Whart I envision and hope will happen is something alon the lines of thatcombinee philanthropy, reader support and sponsorships," he Bennahum said the Center has funding in place for a year whenever it launchesw a site in a new state. The goal is to generat e earned incomethrough advertising, but not necessarily to becomw self-sufficient.
"The goal is to produce public interest journalism," he That's difficult to do in a for-profit model, Bennahum added. The Center has sites in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington, D.C. , which drew 2.7 million readers last according tothe Center'es annual report. Morley said the statea where the Center has openerd online sites over the last two yearzs are eventlydivided politically. New West, base in Montana, launched a similar kind of site here in melding original reportingwith blogging.
The sites covering the northern Rockiee aredoing well, but the New Mexico site shut down last year when it didn'f get the traffic it needed to sell advertising, said Emily who edited the New Mexico site for New West. a former editor of the Businesx Weekly, said the biggest challenge was marketing. The Internet audience is fickle, she said. The Cented will hire a public relation s firm to promotethe site's official launch in May. The site is live in beta versiojn nowat .
The has five similar sites in four otherr states andin Washington, D.C. The will focusw on statewide coverageof government, politics, the environment and growth, amongb other topics, said Jefferson Morley, national editoriakl director for the Center. David Alire formerly of the , has been hiredf as the director ofthe site. Trip who came from the , will be the news Joel Gay, formerly of the Albuquerque Tribune, and bloggers Heathy Haussamen and Margery Childress will write for the as willGwyneth Doland, who will cover the politics of Jennings said combining traditional journalism with the growing online worldf attracted him.
He sees a lot of people leaving or losing their jobs as papers cut and moving to the online The latest census by the foundc that newsroom staff nationwide droppedby 4.4 percent last year, to The Center has training programs to build its stabl e of bloggers and online journalists. Morley said the Center is a nonpartisan organization that focuseson "citizen-driven" "We're not detached from the issues we care said Morley, a former world news editord of . "What we want to do is writr about these things so citizens and the public are informed and know how to make sensible choices when it come sto government." The president and CEO is Davidd S.
Bennahum, who was a founding writer of . The Cente r is supported by foundation s that sharethe organization's belief that journalismn is essential to a democratic society, Morley said. Some sites sell but the Center is interestesd in developing sponsorshipsand partnerships. "Whart I envision and hope will happen is something alon the lines of thatcombinee philanthropy, reader support and sponsorships," he Bennahum said the Center has funding in place for a year whenever it launchesw a site in a new state. The goal is to generat e earned incomethrough advertising, but not necessarily to becomw self-sufficient.
"The goal is to produce public interest journalism," he That's difficult to do in a for-profit model, Bennahum added. The Center has sites in Colorado, Michigan, Minnesota and Washington, D.C. , which drew 2.7 million readers last according tothe Center'es annual report. Morley said the statea where the Center has openerd online sites over the last two yearzs are eventlydivided politically. New West, base in Montana, launched a similar kind of site here in melding original reportingwith blogging.
The sites covering the northern Rockiee aredoing well, but the New Mexico site shut down last year when it didn'f get the traffic it needed to sell advertising, said Emily who edited the New Mexico site for New West. a former editor of the Businesx Weekly, said the biggest challenge was marketing. The Internet audience is fickle, she said. The Cented will hire a public relation s firm to promotethe site's official launch in May. The site is live in beta versiojn nowat .
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Refused and Confused - New York Times (blog)
http://ekstasisdance.com/about-us/
Refused and Confused New York Times (blog) A few years ago, a county official in Pennsylvania refused to issue a marriage license because the would-be groom, while providing proof of identity in the form of a Mexican passport, could not prove that he was in the United States legally. ... |
Monday, October 3, 2011
Local former Chrysler, GM dealers look to sell used cars - San Francisco Business Times:
ymekovo.wordpress.com
Tony Wilkerson, executive director of the , said his organizationm has begun to lend assistancw to dealers lost in thebankruptcyh shuffle. “Our national organization has already sent letters to them to let them know abouft our organization and I plan to do the same thingt forour state,” Wilkerson said. “They were in the used car busines sanyway – but if you’re stuc k like many of them are, the overheas costs for a used car dealership is nothintg compared to a franchise.” However, the expansiobn of the local used car market comes as price s are increasing and the availability of late-model used cars is he said.
But according to Morgan presidentof motorpool.com, the initial increaswe in prices should be looked at as merely a short-tern hurdle. “At first glance, that would strike the communit as bad but in thelong run, it’sx good for resale values,” Murpht said. When local consumers buy cars, they will be able to deman d more when they choose tosell it, he In fact, the higher resale values might actuallg revive American car dealers in the area.
“American manufacturingg has been similar and just as good as Japanesr andKorean manufacturing, but the problem has been re-sale valur and initial prices,” Murphy In the meantime, Birmingham dealers affected can capitalize on the uniqud landscape of the locapl market on the used car he said. Many are family-ownedd and have been staples in the community for many They are also encouraged by the fact that local used car salese have seen an uptick amid the recessionm as buyers are more inclined to look for a bargainh as a means tospend less. “Birmingham has a long and distinguishedf history ofreputable dealers,” Murphy said.
“Dohn Drennen has been in businesssincew 1908. That’s 101 years of serving our so there’s a culture aroun d businesseslike that.” Their long-standing historyg could make local buyers more inclined to buy used cars from he said. Ward Drennen, president of Don Drennen Buicl Chryslerand Jeep, said after learning that his dealef agreement had been cancelefd with Chrysler, expanding his used car sales seemed like a real “We are going to expand our used car departments said Drennen, who was left with more than $2 milliobn in Chrysler parts and merchandise.
“We want to offer a greatf value to peoplewho can’t afford a new Although he hasn’t stopped looking into becoming a franchisee for other automotive manufacturers, he is open to the idea of makingg the switch to stay in “It is possible that we could become a used car said Drennen, who also learned that GM will seek to cancell the dealership agreement he has for his Buickk dealership.
“We’ve been in Birmingham long enough that our reputation can keepus
Tony Wilkerson, executive director of the , said his organizationm has begun to lend assistancw to dealers lost in thebankruptcyh shuffle. “Our national organization has already sent letters to them to let them know abouft our organization and I plan to do the same thingt forour state,” Wilkerson said. “They were in the used car busines sanyway – but if you’re stuc k like many of them are, the overheas costs for a used car dealership is nothintg compared to a franchise.” However, the expansiobn of the local used car market comes as price s are increasing and the availability of late-model used cars is he said.
But according to Morgan presidentof motorpool.com, the initial increaswe in prices should be looked at as merely a short-tern hurdle. “At first glance, that would strike the communit as bad but in thelong run, it’sx good for resale values,” Murpht said. When local consumers buy cars, they will be able to deman d more when they choose tosell it, he In fact, the higher resale values might actuallg revive American car dealers in the area.
“American manufacturingg has been similar and just as good as Japanesr andKorean manufacturing, but the problem has been re-sale valur and initial prices,” Murphy In the meantime, Birmingham dealers affected can capitalize on the uniqud landscape of the locapl market on the used car he said. Many are family-ownedd and have been staples in the community for many They are also encouraged by the fact that local used car salese have seen an uptick amid the recessionm as buyers are more inclined to look for a bargainh as a means tospend less. “Birmingham has a long and distinguishedf history ofreputable dealers,” Murphy said.
“Dohn Drennen has been in businesssincew 1908. That’s 101 years of serving our so there’s a culture aroun d businesseslike that.” Their long-standing historyg could make local buyers more inclined to buy used cars from he said. Ward Drennen, president of Don Drennen Buicl Chryslerand Jeep, said after learning that his dealef agreement had been cancelefd with Chrysler, expanding his used car sales seemed like a real “We are going to expand our used car departments said Drennen, who was left with more than $2 milliobn in Chrysler parts and merchandise.
“We want to offer a greatf value to peoplewho can’t afford a new Although he hasn’t stopped looking into becoming a franchisee for other automotive manufacturers, he is open to the idea of makingg the switch to stay in “It is possible that we could become a used car said Drennen, who also learned that GM will seek to cancell the dealership agreement he has for his Buickk dealership.
“We’ve been in Birmingham long enough that our reputation can keepus
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Denver development-diversity program picks 42 participants - Denver Business Journal:
authors-morphology.blogspot.com
The Real Estate Diversity Initiative is a program of the cityof Denver’ds Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Urbanj Land Institute’s (ULI) Colorado District Council. Starting July 21, the 42 participants will be partnerefd in groups with loca developers for nine months to learjn more aboutthe business. “We’re incredibly excited to launch thisinnovativse public-private partnership to advance the number of minorities and womenb involved in real estate OED official Tamela Lee said in a statement “Recognizing that these populations have traditionalluy been underrepresented, this initiative assists individuals with mappingv their career paths within the developmentr field.
” The program is supporter by a $20,000 grant from the ULI Denise Balkas, director of real estatr development, Wheat Ridge 2020 Janice senior intellectual property administrator, National Renewable Energ Laboratory Elizabeth Caswell Dyer, portfolio manager, St. Charles Town Co. Juanitq Chacon, broker associate, Remax Alliance City Livinb Raymond Cobb, associate Home Real Estate Luis Colon, Colon-Collawn LLC Ric David Tan, directord of development, Revival Fund Management LLC LyndasLou Delaney, real estate development consultant, Excelkl Fund LLC Lauren Douglas, director of research, Frederick Ross Co.
Davidza Echo Medina, design services program Northglenn NeighborhoodDevelopment Corp. Shaun Egan, president and CEO, Iron Woman Construction and Environmental ServicesDemetra English, broker, Real Estates Partners Scott Flores, CEO, Die Cut Technologies Kimberl Dawn French, global marketing Bonfils Blood Center Diedra Garcia, president and CEO, DRG Construction Eyamide Garrett, broker associate, Herman Group Real Estate Alicia Chai Hong Chonb Gillis, president, Skyworks, Inc. Juan Carlos owner, City Design LLC Melissa project manager, Centerpoint William Jackson, Jr.
, owner, Moduz Cathy Johnson, president, Latitude 39 Engineering and Developmengt ServicesAbraham Kalat, co-owner, Jasmine’s International Nick president, CyberCon Consulting Inc. Eugene Lucero, president, E. Lucero and Co. Inc. John broker, Lucero Real Inc. Dana Malas, associate broker, Dana Investmentd Corp. Travis Martinez, director of business development, Colon-Collawn Constructionm Virginia McAllister, principal, Iron Horser Architects Andrea Mimnaugh, historid preservation planner, City of Littletom Sofia Pedraza, account Lawyers Title Insurance Corp.
Doris Rigoni, assistantr vice president, Chicago Title of Colorado Terri attorney, Moye White LLP Andreanna Sandomire, brokedr associate, The Nesbitt Group MiYeon Seo, partner, 5280 Real Estates Solutions LLCDavid Thompson, president and CEO, NetWorth Investmengt Properties James Watson, senio r vice president sales, ARRIS Solutions Stacgy Williams, senior rehabilitation specialist, Northeasgt Denver Housing Center Darcy Wilson, CEO, Stan-Mad Inc.
Janice Wilson, principal, Wilson Prim Stephanie co-owner, Fins LLC Penelope Zeller, clientt services department, Your Castls Real Estate Frank Cannon, Continuum Partners Chris Coble, Alliance Development Solutions LLCNancu Kerr, Sky to Ground LLC Tom Markham, Lowry Redevelopment Authority Ray Pittman, Pittman Development Grou Mike Zoellner, RedPeak Properties
The Real Estate Diversity Initiative is a program of the cityof Denver’ds Office of Economic Development (OED) and the Urbanj Land Institute’s (ULI) Colorado District Council. Starting July 21, the 42 participants will be partnerefd in groups with loca developers for nine months to learjn more aboutthe business. “We’re incredibly excited to launch thisinnovativse public-private partnership to advance the number of minorities and womenb involved in real estate OED official Tamela Lee said in a statement “Recognizing that these populations have traditionalluy been underrepresented, this initiative assists individuals with mappingv their career paths within the developmentr field.
” The program is supporter by a $20,000 grant from the ULI Denise Balkas, director of real estatr development, Wheat Ridge 2020 Janice senior intellectual property administrator, National Renewable Energ Laboratory Elizabeth Caswell Dyer, portfolio manager, St. Charles Town Co. Juanitq Chacon, broker associate, Remax Alliance City Livinb Raymond Cobb, associate Home Real Estate Luis Colon, Colon-Collawn LLC Ric David Tan, directord of development, Revival Fund Management LLC LyndasLou Delaney, real estate development consultant, Excelkl Fund LLC Lauren Douglas, director of research, Frederick Ross Co.
Davidza Echo Medina, design services program Northglenn NeighborhoodDevelopment Corp. Shaun Egan, president and CEO, Iron Woman Construction and Environmental ServicesDemetra English, broker, Real Estates Partners Scott Flores, CEO, Die Cut Technologies Kimberl Dawn French, global marketing Bonfils Blood Center Diedra Garcia, president and CEO, DRG Construction Eyamide Garrett, broker associate, Herman Group Real Estate Alicia Chai Hong Chonb Gillis, president, Skyworks, Inc. Juan Carlos owner, City Design LLC Melissa project manager, Centerpoint William Jackson, Jr.
, owner, Moduz Cathy Johnson, president, Latitude 39 Engineering and Developmengt ServicesAbraham Kalat, co-owner, Jasmine’s International Nick president, CyberCon Consulting Inc. Eugene Lucero, president, E. Lucero and Co. Inc. John broker, Lucero Real Inc. Dana Malas, associate broker, Dana Investmentd Corp. Travis Martinez, director of business development, Colon-Collawn Constructionm Virginia McAllister, principal, Iron Horser Architects Andrea Mimnaugh, historid preservation planner, City of Littletom Sofia Pedraza, account Lawyers Title Insurance Corp.
Doris Rigoni, assistantr vice president, Chicago Title of Colorado Terri attorney, Moye White LLP Andreanna Sandomire, brokedr associate, The Nesbitt Group MiYeon Seo, partner, 5280 Real Estates Solutions LLCDavid Thompson, president and CEO, NetWorth Investmengt Properties James Watson, senio r vice president sales, ARRIS Solutions Stacgy Williams, senior rehabilitation specialist, Northeasgt Denver Housing Center Darcy Wilson, CEO, Stan-Mad Inc.
Janice Wilson, principal, Wilson Prim Stephanie co-owner, Fins LLC Penelope Zeller, clientt services department, Your Castls Real Estate Frank Cannon, Continuum Partners Chris Coble, Alliance Development Solutions LLCNancu Kerr, Sky to Ground LLC Tom Markham, Lowry Redevelopment Authority Ray Pittman, Pittman Development Grou Mike Zoellner, RedPeak Properties
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Guilford Schools plans layoffs - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
aqokeduiso.blogspot.com
The recommendations to the Board of Educatioh include increasing class sizes by one which would lead to a reduction of 145 to 150 theannouncement said. Also under consideration: eliminating 12 or 13 elementary foreignlanguage teachers, a 13 perceng cut in central administration budgets and a delay in renewing contractw with all interim employees. All employees affecte d by changes will be receiving more information over the next two tothreee weeks, the school district said, as principals make adjustments to their staffing plans. All school district s in the state as well as everyother state-funde agency have been impacted by the recession, whicn has slashed tax revenues.
“Wee recognize that this is distressingv news,” said Superintendent Maurice “Mo” “We want to emphasize that we are taking this step in order to deal with potentially catastrophi c budget reductions at thestate level” and not as a reflection on the affectex employees, he added.
The recommendations to the Board of Educatioh include increasing class sizes by one which would lead to a reduction of 145 to 150 theannouncement said. Also under consideration: eliminating 12 or 13 elementary foreignlanguage teachers, a 13 perceng cut in central administration budgets and a delay in renewing contractw with all interim employees. All employees affecte d by changes will be receiving more information over the next two tothreee weeks, the school district said, as principals make adjustments to their staffing plans. All school district s in the state as well as everyother state-funde agency have been impacted by the recession, whicn has slashed tax revenues.
“Wee recognize that this is distressingv news,” said Superintendent Maurice “Mo” “We want to emphasize that we are taking this step in order to deal with potentially catastrophi c budget reductions at thestate level” and not as a reflection on the affectex employees, he added.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Congress approves $2.2 billion for more Boeing C-17s - New Mexico Business Weekly:
asozyrab.wordpress.com
billion for eight more C-17 cargo planes, which fuel 900 jobs at Boeing’ Hazelwood, Mo. plant and thousands more among suppliers. The fundas were included in the fiscal year 2009 defensde supplementalspending bill, which passed the Senats Thursday and the House earlief this week and will now be sent to Presideng Barack Obama to be signed into law. “Congressa sent the president a strong message — we are not willing to gamble with our nationapl security or roll the dice with workers’ said U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo.
, in a Defense Secretary Robert Gates proposee a 2010 defense budget in early Aprilk that included deep cuts in someweaponsd systems, including the discontinuation of orders for the A unit of Chicago-based BA), Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’e largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Integrated Defense Systems isa $32.1 billionh business with 71,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing has businesa operations inNew
billion for eight more C-17 cargo planes, which fuel 900 jobs at Boeing’ Hazelwood, Mo. plant and thousands more among suppliers. The fundas were included in the fiscal year 2009 defensde supplementalspending bill, which passed the Senats Thursday and the House earlief this week and will now be sent to Presideng Barack Obama to be signed into law. “Congressa sent the president a strong message — we are not willing to gamble with our nationapl security or roll the dice with workers’ said U.S. Sen. Kit Bond, R-Mo.
, in a Defense Secretary Robert Gates proposee a 2010 defense budget in early Aprilk that included deep cuts in someweaponsd systems, including the discontinuation of orders for the A unit of Chicago-based BA), Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world’e largest space and defense businesses. Headquartered in St. Integrated Defense Systems isa $32.1 billionh business with 71,000 employees worldwide.
Boeing has businesa operations inNew
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Opening session - St. Louis Business Journal:
Sub Zero Refrigerators
When You Change the Way You SeeYourselfc — You Can Changer Anything | Kathy Cramer, Conference coachy and weaver Small shifts in thinking lead to big rewards — that’s the lesson of Asset-Based Thinking Let the power of ABT help you get the most out of each break out session and networkingt experience at this St. Louis Business Journal Women’s Conference. Kathy Ph.D., will appear at key moments throughout the day to show you how to transforkm what you are learning into concrete actions that will releasee that amazing powerof you. With ABT, key momeng strategies not only can improve your everyday but you can also direct and shap e the futureyou desire.
About Cramer: The Cramer Institute specializesz in organizationchange consulting, leadership and team development, and executivre coaching. Kathy Cramer and her colleaguexs have pioneered the developmentof Asset-Based Thinking approachess to coaching, consulting, and training processes for more than twentuy years. Under her leadership, organizations such as , , , and the have adoptef ABT approaches to developing their leaderd andmanaging change. She is the authorr of six books, including the latest ABT release, “Changs the Way You See YourselfThrough Asset-Based In addition to these Cramer is published extensively in her fields as well as by national magazines.
She has receivedf an Emmy Award and is frequentlt invited to appear on national television Cramer is a licensed psychologisf and a member ofthe . She currently servesx on the executive board for the and the executivde advisory board for theat . 8:15 a.m. What makea a leader, and what can companies do to bettedevelop them? Brinkley will discuss ’s new Leadershi Model, which includes five characteristics the company thinks are criticall for leaders. She said under this model her companu believes focusing on anddeveloping strengths, rather than their weaknesses, has a biggerr impact.
About Brinkley: Cindy Brinklehy joined AT&T in 1986 and has held increasinglh significant management positions throughout her 22 years with the In her current role as seniorvice president-talenf development and chief diversity officer, she is responsiblwe for continuing AT&T’s leadership in developing people from diversd backgrounds and preparing them for rewarding careers. Before assuminhg her current responsibilities, Brinkley was president AT&T Missouri, where she led all regulatory, legislative, governmental and externall affairs activities inthe state.
Currently, she is on the boar d of trusteesfor , the and a co-chair of the ’s billion-dolladr fundraising campaign. 8:30 a.m. Why not you? | Valorie Burtomn This action-oriented, step-by-step message offersa revolutionary insights for building authentic confidences and achievingyour You’ll gain the tools you need to conquee your doubts and insecurities, along with the assurance that comezs from a pursuing a spiritually-centered life plan. Packed with unforgettabled examples and practical WhyNot You? reveals the secrets to building authentic confidence from the inside out.
Audiencesz learn how to: • focus on who you are, not what you do Aboutt Burton: Burton is the authodr of “Listen to Your Life, What’e Really Holding You Back?” and “Rich Rich Rewards.” Her latest book is “Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic A professional certifiedcoach (PCC), she coaches entrepreneurs and professionals seeking a more purposefulo path. An entrepreneur at heart, her first and only corporates position was as marketing directo r for thelargest Dallas-based CPA firm. Two years into her she founded , a marketing and publix relations firm. She was named one of the nation’sa 30 rising stars in public relations byin 2000.
She sold the businesd in 2001 to pursue her passionm forhelping people, women in particular, live more fulfilliny lives.
When You Change the Way You SeeYourselfc — You Can Changer Anything | Kathy Cramer, Conference coachy and weaver Small shifts in thinking lead to big rewards — that’s the lesson of Asset-Based Thinking Let the power of ABT help you get the most out of each break out session and networkingt experience at this St. Louis Business Journal Women’s Conference. Kathy Ph.D., will appear at key moments throughout the day to show you how to transforkm what you are learning into concrete actions that will releasee that amazing powerof you. With ABT, key momeng strategies not only can improve your everyday but you can also direct and shap e the futureyou desire.
About Cramer: The Cramer Institute specializesz in organizationchange consulting, leadership and team development, and executivre coaching. Kathy Cramer and her colleaguexs have pioneered the developmentof Asset-Based Thinking approachess to coaching, consulting, and training processes for more than twentuy years. Under her leadership, organizations such as , , , and the have adoptef ABT approaches to developing their leaderd andmanaging change. She is the authorr of six books, including the latest ABT release, “Changs the Way You See YourselfThrough Asset-Based In addition to these Cramer is published extensively in her fields as well as by national magazines.
She has receivedf an Emmy Award and is frequentlt invited to appear on national television Cramer is a licensed psychologisf and a member ofthe . She currently servesx on the executive board for the and the executivde advisory board for theat . 8:15 a.m. What makea a leader, and what can companies do to bettedevelop them? Brinkley will discuss ’s new Leadershi Model, which includes five characteristics the company thinks are criticall for leaders. She said under this model her companu believes focusing on anddeveloping strengths, rather than their weaknesses, has a biggerr impact.
About Brinkley: Cindy Brinklehy joined AT&T in 1986 and has held increasinglh significant management positions throughout her 22 years with the In her current role as seniorvice president-talenf development and chief diversity officer, she is responsiblwe for continuing AT&T’s leadership in developing people from diversd backgrounds and preparing them for rewarding careers. Before assuminhg her current responsibilities, Brinkley was president AT&T Missouri, where she led all regulatory, legislative, governmental and externall affairs activities inthe state.
Currently, she is on the boar d of trusteesfor , the and a co-chair of the ’s billion-dolladr fundraising campaign. 8:30 a.m. Why not you? | Valorie Burtomn This action-oriented, step-by-step message offersa revolutionary insights for building authentic confidences and achievingyour You’ll gain the tools you need to conquee your doubts and insecurities, along with the assurance that comezs from a pursuing a spiritually-centered life plan. Packed with unforgettabled examples and practical WhyNot You? reveals the secrets to building authentic confidence from the inside out.
Audiencesz learn how to: • focus on who you are, not what you do Aboutt Burton: Burton is the authodr of “Listen to Your Life, What’e Really Holding You Back?” and “Rich Rich Rewards.” Her latest book is “Why Not You? 28 Days to Authentic A professional certifiedcoach (PCC), she coaches entrepreneurs and professionals seeking a more purposefulo path. An entrepreneur at heart, her first and only corporates position was as marketing directo r for thelargest Dallas-based CPA firm. Two years into her she founded , a marketing and publix relations firm. She was named one of the nation’sa 30 rising stars in public relations byin 2000.
She sold the businesd in 2001 to pursue her passionm forhelping people, women in particular, live more fulfilliny lives.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Pigs behind growing cases of encephalitis - Times of India
kowutoco.wordpress.com
Pigs behind growing cases of encephalitis Times of India The Hashimpur locality in the city, specially its sanitary lane, has turned into a breeding ground for pigs along with a potent source of the disease. This, when rearing of pigs within the municipal limits is banned. But the AMC seems oblivious to ... |
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Landlords opt for flexibility - Charlotte Business Journal:
jidyryq.wordpress.com
In a real estate marker where supply is up and demandis down, some property ownerxs are looking for ways to market space to companies wary of being tied down to a long-term lease. Real estate investment firm , for has launched a “risk-free leasing program” that allows tenants to exit their leases within the first 18 monthsz ofa 36-month lease with no The program is for 35 Class-B spacesa the firm has available, and the spaces come as is, meaning no improvements from the landlord. In addition, Eola pays out any brokerage commissionh on such deals in segments in case the tenantleaves early.
Brya Howell, regional vice president for says the firm is working on four such dealsright now. He says the progra m grew out of conversationswith would-be entrepreneurs, including some coming from Charlotte’s downsizing banks. They’re lookingg for more than an executive suites but are concerned aboutthe long-term viability of their “We thought if we just played it wasn’t going to give the businessess enough breathing room,” Howell By 18 months, “eithef they’ve figured it out and they’re successful, or they’ve played theidr plan out.” According to Karnes Research Co.
, the Charlottse market’s office vacancy rate increased to 13.9% in the firsr quarter, up from 13.4% at the end of 2008. The averagw asking rental rate in the market dipped slightlyto $22.344 per square foot from $22.38 per squarre foot at year end. David Dorsch, a vice president at , says the hesitanc among tenants to committo long-term leases until they feel more confident is leadingv to a number of “blend and extend” deals with landlords. Business ownersz are talking to their landlords and trying to negotiatre a lower rental rate or reduce the size of theirfoffice space.
In exchange, landlords are seekinfg to tack some time on that leasde to prevent a vacancy over the next24 “Since they don’t really know what theier P&L is going to look like in 24 months, they’r not very prone to go out thers and do a seven-year lease,” Dorsch “They’re talking to their landlord now and trying to get lowert rent, give space back, something to that effect.
” Keit Bell, president of brokerage firm , says more tenantws are likely to ask for termination options in theird lease as they negotiate for office Companies are less certain about the futurwe of certain operations amid the recessionb and want to keep all optionz open, he says. “Everybody’s looking for an exit plan if needed,” he With vacancy rates expected to continuwe climbing over the next year or 18 the pressure on landlords to accommodat e tenant demands willlikelyy increase, says Chase Monroe, a partner with .
That couls mean more leasing arrangements designed to give companiesthe “breathing room” they desire as they manage through a terrible economy. “Flexibility in today’s world is key,” Monroe says.
In a real estate marker where supply is up and demandis down, some property ownerxs are looking for ways to market space to companies wary of being tied down to a long-term lease. Real estate investment firm , for has launched a “risk-free leasing program” that allows tenants to exit their leases within the first 18 monthsz ofa 36-month lease with no The program is for 35 Class-B spacesa the firm has available, and the spaces come as is, meaning no improvements from the landlord. In addition, Eola pays out any brokerage commissionh on such deals in segments in case the tenantleaves early.
Brya Howell, regional vice president for says the firm is working on four such dealsright now. He says the progra m grew out of conversationswith would-be entrepreneurs, including some coming from Charlotte’s downsizing banks. They’re lookingg for more than an executive suites but are concerned aboutthe long-term viability of their “We thought if we just played it wasn’t going to give the businessess enough breathing room,” Howell By 18 months, “eithef they’ve figured it out and they’re successful, or they’ve played theidr plan out.” According to Karnes Research Co.
, the Charlottse market’s office vacancy rate increased to 13.9% in the firsr quarter, up from 13.4% at the end of 2008. The averagw asking rental rate in the market dipped slightlyto $22.344 per square foot from $22.38 per squarre foot at year end. David Dorsch, a vice president at , says the hesitanc among tenants to committo long-term leases until they feel more confident is leadingv to a number of “blend and extend” deals with landlords. Business ownersz are talking to their landlords and trying to negotiatre a lower rental rate or reduce the size of theirfoffice space.
In exchange, landlords are seekinfg to tack some time on that leasde to prevent a vacancy over the next24 “Since they don’t really know what theier P&L is going to look like in 24 months, they’r not very prone to go out thers and do a seven-year lease,” Dorsch “They’re talking to their landlord now and trying to get lowert rent, give space back, something to that effect.
” Keit Bell, president of brokerage firm , says more tenantws are likely to ask for termination options in theird lease as they negotiate for office Companies are less certain about the futurwe of certain operations amid the recessionb and want to keep all optionz open, he says. “Everybody’s looking for an exit plan if needed,” he With vacancy rates expected to continuwe climbing over the next year or 18 the pressure on landlords to accommodat e tenant demands willlikelyy increase, says Chase Monroe, a partner with .
That couls mean more leasing arrangements designed to give companiesthe “breathing room” they desire as they manage through a terrible economy. “Flexibility in today’s world is key,” Monroe says.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Wine merchants tap ripe market among collectors - San Francisco Business Times:
retention-jackjacks.blogspot.com
Like art and jewelry, fine wine has increasingl become an itemfor collecting, investinhg in and showing off status. "There's a finite amountr of wine of agiven vintage," said Steve founder of , a San Francisco online retailer. In catering to customer s who may never get around to opening the bottlesthey buy, Vinfoli o and competitor LLC in Oakland have tapped into a growingf market. Vinfolio, started in 2003, raked in $14.3 million in revenue last year, a 155 percenty increase from 2006. WineCommune, launched in 1999, double sales to $16.5 million.
Michae l Stajer, CEO and co-founder of said that the amount of elit wines made in the Bourdeax or Burgundy regions ofFrance hasn't but prices have escalated. A 2005 vintage of Chauteaxd LaFite fromFrance -- once called the "king'e wine" -- that was sold for $700 when it was introducexd can now command upwardz of $1,700. "There are more people willing to spened more money on these very select groupsxof wine," Stajer said. "It just createas this huge demand." Industry numbers show that even the averags consumer ischoosing higher-priced wines. Salesx last year totaled $8 billion, an increase of 8.5 percent, accordinbg to statistics from theNielsen Co.
, which tracks salew in stores. Meanwhile, the volumd of wine sold rose just 3.5 Online, higher priced wine seems to dominate. Only 7 percent of winea sold in 2006cost $19 or less a bottle, accordinfg to a report from the in The average bottle sold through Vinfolio is $150. For it's $100 for retail, $50 on its auctionj site. Industry analyst Eileen Fredrickson said the ability to buy coveter collections online has increaseddemand -- and prices. "Inb the old days, there were only a few select mostly inNew York, and you had to have a surrogatde there to bid for you," said Fredrikson, of Fredrikson & Associates, a wine consultancy in Woodside.
Fredriksoh said competition for those sales is becoming Online wine retailing has flourished sincseMay 2005, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruledd that states cannot prohibit their residents from buying winefrom out-of-stat wineries. Many wineries as well as boutiqud wine shops have set upweb sites. To try to distinguishg itself, Vinfolio is moving into the international The company will open an officde and storage facility in Hong Kong in about six Bachmann said. Hong Kong is projected to becomwe a hub for wine sales since it recently abolishe import dutiesfor wine. The regio n also has a large new-money class with a blossomingv interestin wine.
Last 10 percent of Vinfolio's sales were overseas, but the compan hopes to expandits reach. Bachmann said that shipping bottles overseas is often easierr than domestically because ofcomplex state-by-state wine laws in the United States. "With the sinking dollar and strong markets we want to hedgeour bets," he said. Besides sellinyg wine, Vinfolio helps manage collections. The companyy offers on-site inventorying and storage as well as a few free optionws such as online cellar management software and tailoreedwine recommendations. Such servicexs are a small fractionof business, but "it's a licensee to market to the said Bachmann.
Although WineCommune is targeting a similar demographic, its product mix is wider. "The guy who'sz buying that Burgundy does need everydau stuffas well," said co-founder Shaun The company sells retail on its JJ Buckley web site and holdw auctions on winecommune.com. A third web winezap.com, allows people to search for winese and compare prices withother retailers. To attract customer attention, WineCommune promotes videos of vineyardsa andthe wine-making process as well as trips to Francw to meet winemakers. With such a limited number of wines, the competition amongt upscaleretailers isn't just for customers but for stock.
The companiesw scour private collections and negotiate with winemakerxs to secure therare wines. As with othere collectables, once a winemaker finishew a vintage, it can never be made again, said Bachmann, and "ther only way to get them is to buy them backfrom
Like art and jewelry, fine wine has increasingl become an itemfor collecting, investinhg in and showing off status. "There's a finite amountr of wine of agiven vintage," said Steve founder of , a San Francisco online retailer. In catering to customer s who may never get around to opening the bottlesthey buy, Vinfoli o and competitor LLC in Oakland have tapped into a growingf market. Vinfolio, started in 2003, raked in $14.3 million in revenue last year, a 155 percenty increase from 2006. WineCommune, launched in 1999, double sales to $16.5 million.
Michae l Stajer, CEO and co-founder of said that the amount of elit wines made in the Bourdeax or Burgundy regions ofFrance hasn't but prices have escalated. A 2005 vintage of Chauteaxd LaFite fromFrance -- once called the "king'e wine" -- that was sold for $700 when it was introducexd can now command upwardz of $1,700. "There are more people willing to spened more money on these very select groupsxof wine," Stajer said. "It just createas this huge demand." Industry numbers show that even the averags consumer ischoosing higher-priced wines. Salesx last year totaled $8 billion, an increase of 8.5 percent, accordinbg to statistics from theNielsen Co.
, which tracks salew in stores. Meanwhile, the volumd of wine sold rose just 3.5 Online, higher priced wine seems to dominate. Only 7 percent of winea sold in 2006cost $19 or less a bottle, accordinfg to a report from the in The average bottle sold through Vinfolio is $150. For it's $100 for retail, $50 on its auctionj site. Industry analyst Eileen Fredrickson said the ability to buy coveter collections online has increaseddemand -- and prices. "Inb the old days, there were only a few select mostly inNew York, and you had to have a surrogatde there to bid for you," said Fredrikson, of Fredrikson & Associates, a wine consultancy in Woodside.
Fredriksoh said competition for those sales is becoming Online wine retailing has flourished sincseMay 2005, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruledd that states cannot prohibit their residents from buying winefrom out-of-stat wineries. Many wineries as well as boutiqud wine shops have set upweb sites. To try to distinguishg itself, Vinfolio is moving into the international The company will open an officde and storage facility in Hong Kong in about six Bachmann said. Hong Kong is projected to becomwe a hub for wine sales since it recently abolishe import dutiesfor wine. The regio n also has a large new-money class with a blossomingv interestin wine.
Last 10 percent of Vinfolio's sales were overseas, but the compan hopes to expandits reach. Bachmann said that shipping bottles overseas is often easierr than domestically because ofcomplex state-by-state wine laws in the United States. "With the sinking dollar and strong markets we want to hedgeour bets," he said. Besides sellinyg wine, Vinfolio helps manage collections. The companyy offers on-site inventorying and storage as well as a few free optionws such as online cellar management software and tailoreedwine recommendations. Such servicexs are a small fractionof business, but "it's a licensee to market to the said Bachmann.
Although WineCommune is targeting a similar demographic, its product mix is wider. "The guy who'sz buying that Burgundy does need everydau stuffas well," said co-founder Shaun The company sells retail on its JJ Buckley web site and holdw auctions on winecommune.com. A third web winezap.com, allows people to search for winese and compare prices withother retailers. To attract customer attention, WineCommune promotes videos of vineyardsa andthe wine-making process as well as trips to Francw to meet winemakers. With such a limited number of wines, the competition amongt upscaleretailers isn't just for customers but for stock.
The companiesw scour private collections and negotiate with winemakerxs to secure therare wines. As with othere collectables, once a winemaker finishew a vintage, it can never be made again, said Bachmann, and "ther only way to get them is to buy them backfrom
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)