Send2Press Newswire

New SelectRadio(R) Data Highlights Most Popular Channels for Mobile Music Discovery

Fri, 09 May 2008 07:07:55 GMT

Data Shows Users Embrace "Click to Learn/Buy" Features During Mobile Listening Across 5,000 Internet and Satellite Radio Channels

PHOENIX, Ariz., May 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- SelectRadio data shows that listeners using its Windows Mobile smartphone software are taking full advantage of recently added features to discover new music while enjoying their favorite Internet or satellite radio channels. When SelectRadio users hear a new song or artist of interest, they can click one button to retrieve detailed information about the artist and CDs containing the song being played.

Users can see available song purchase options, listen to samples from the artist, and purchase directly from their smartphone. Users can even discover new music without taking their eyes off the road - just by setting SelectRadio to email the song information results.

Noted Sandy Shore, founder of SmoothJazz.com and SmoothLounge.com, "We're very excited about the immediacy of information and purchasing opportunities that SelectRadio is offering our listeners with their software. It doesn't get any more exciting than to be out in the world, listening to Internet radio on a mobile device and discovering new artists and music that you're actually able to buy on the spot if you desire. That's really putting the music directly into the hands of the people!"

According to the 2008 Arbitron consumer survey, "The Infinite Dial: Radio's Digital Platforms," the number of consumers who learn about new music from the Internet vs. terrestrial radio or TV has grown by 277 percent in the past six years. At the same time, new artists are finding outlets for their work on Internet and satellite radio channels with large, dynamic playlists and an audience hungry for music discovery and purchase. SelectRadio's data highlights popular channels that are inspiring users to request more information about the music they discover while mobile.

Initial six-month data shows which channels are driving the highest number of SelectRadio user requests for additional song information (i.e., more than the song title and artist info displayed by default) in the most popular music genres.

SelectRadio User Top Music Discovery Channels by Format/Genre



Genre/Format			Top Channel for Music Discovery



Adult Contemporary Hits		XM Radio Flight 26

Alternative Hits - Cross Genre		Sirius Hits 1

Alternative Rock			Sirius Octane

Classic Rock			Virgin Radio Classic Rock

Country				Radioio Country

Decade - 70s			Radioio 70s Rock

Decade - 80s 			AccuRadio A Flock of 80s

Hip Hop				AccuRadio HitKast

Jazz				SmoothJazz.com

Results are based on 11/07 to 05/08 SelectRadio user song info requests from preset channel groups - currently AccuRadio, BBC, Inside Jazz, Radioio, SelectPicks, Sirius Internet Radio, and XM Radio Online.

SelectRadio software is compatible with all popular Windows Mobile 5 and Windows Mobile 6 devices including smartphone models such as the Samsung Blackjack, HTC Excalibur, Motorola Q and touchscreen models such as the UTStarcom 6800 and HTC Touch series. SelectRadio software requires a network connection via either the handheld wireless carrier or WiFi connection. SelectRadio software is priced at $25 for a device-specific license.

A free 10-day fully functional trial is available for evaluation prior to purchase at www.selectradio.com.

Brands and names are the property of their owners.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, SelectRadio software music discovery, Windows Mobile 6 devices

Renowned Exchange 2007 Expert Joins ENow

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:24:02 GMT

ORANGE, Calif., May 9 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- ENow Inc, innovative leaders in deploying Microsoft Exchange 2007 solutions, today announced that renowned Exchange 2007 expert Andy Grogan has joined the company. Andy Grogan has been deploying messaging solutions with Microsoft Exchange since the products beta.

During this period, Andy has deployed Microsoft Exchange to over 165,000 seats and 9,000 customers. In addition to being a renowned Exchange expert, Andy believes in giving back to the Exchange community. He regularly spends time writing technical articles that assist exchange administrators all around the world.

Originally, Andy started out as an IT manager for a large Senior school in London, where in addition to his technical duties he also taught the programming elements of the Advanced Level Computer Science qualification using Object Pascal. Andy next joined one of London's largest Local Government Boroughs as the deputy manager of the Schools IT support service. During this period his team looked after 900 customers spread across 80 geographically separate locations.

Andy has recently focused his energies on Exchange 2007 as more and more companies are recognizing the benefits that the new message platform brings. Currently Andy has deployed over 25,000 seats of Exchange 2007 and is currently working on a migrating a customer that has in excess of 150,000 seats to a CCR high availability implementation of Exchange 2007.

ENow is excited about adding yet another messaging expert to its growing team. Andy will be serving as a Technical Evangelist, helping ENow further offer expert assistance to organizations looking to deploy Microsoft Exchange technologies.

About ENow Inc
ENow is a Microsoft(R) Gold Certified Partner specializing in high-end Exchange consulting and the development of software to simplify Exchange system management. The company's flagship product is an innovative utility called Mailscape that provides administrators with a "one-look dashboard view" of the entire Exchange environment.

For More Information:
Web: www.enowinc.com.

Tel: +1 877 TRY ENOW
Email: info@enowinc.com.

ENow Inc, 5727 East Stillwater Avenue, Suite 11, Orange CA 92869, USA.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, ENow Mailscape software, Exchange system management

New On-Line Publisher Offers DRM-free Digital Audio Short Stories

Thu, 08 May 2008 11:43:16 GMT

SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Local author Jim Musgrave is featured on Sniplits' beta test site. Anyone with a digital music player, smart phone or laptop understands the hunger for new content. Now, with the launch of Sniplits.com, there's a new source for entertainment on the Internet. Sniplits(SM) is publishing audio short stories, packaged as DRM-free MP3 files and playable on virtually any device capable of playing digital music.

Sniplits launched its website with 85 audio shorts, ranging from about one minutes in length to nearly an hour. The stories represent the work of approximately 50 authors, including "What Were You When You Were Alive?" by Jim Musgrave (a.k.a. Efraim Z. Graves).

"I wrote the story because I wanted people to recognize the plight of homeless veterans and how difficult it is to cope after experiencing combat. If just one person looks at a homeless person differently after listening to my story, then I will have succeeded," said Musgrave.

The author, who also teaches English classes at Grossmont Community College to students online and in the classroom, wants his students to understand the problems of modern veterans returning from war, and this story was his attempt to get them active politically.

"The writer must be active in political causes," added Musgrave, "because our society is already alienated as it is, and only through dramatic communications will we be able to get the true message out to those who care."

To market his story, Musgrave adds a signature to his emails and cell phone text messages: What Were You When You Were Alive?

Audio Story By Efraim Zimbalist Graves (Jim Musgrave): A Gulf War veteran wins a different kind of "Survivor Game" in San Diego, fighting prejudice against the homeless.... Time: 30:12 / $0.88. Order online: www.sniplits.com/storiesforauthor.jsp?a=319

My Sniplits Author Fan Club Page: www.sniplits.com/musgrave.jsp (requires free account to log-in and view).

"Our goal is to provide listeners with audio stories that are perfectly sized for any pause in their day," says Anne Stuessy, of Stussi, Inc., creator of Sniplits. She suggests that a ten-minute story might be perfect while waiting for an oil change, while a 30-minute story might be just the thing for a dentist appointment or lunch break.

Note: DRM = Digital Rights Management. Sniplits and the stylized logo are service marks of Stussi, Inc.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Sniplits audio short stories, author Jim Musgrave

Affinity Healthcare, LLC Adds New Physicians

Thu, 08 May 2008 07:34:31 GMT

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Affinity Healthcare, LLC is pleased to announce the recent addition of two new physicians to its Internal Medicine clinical staff. Nancy V. Koch, MD, and Robert J. Kapicka, MD, FACP. Affinity Healthcare treats approximately 100,000 patients at offices located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling, IL.

Nancy V. Koch, MD
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Koch joined Affinity Healthcare at the beginning of 2008. In private practice since 1995, she earned her Doctor of Medicine from Loyola's Stritch School of Medicine, Chicago in 1992. She performed her Internship in Internal Medicine at Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge from 1992-1994, and her Residency in Internal Medicine at Loyola Foster McGaw Hospital, Maywood, 1994-1995. In addition to her native English language, Dr. Koch is also fluent in Spanish and Hungarian. Dr. Koch will treat patients at Affinity Healthcare's office located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights, IL. and has staff privileges at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL.

Robert J. Kapicka, MD, FACP
Board certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Kapicka joined Affinity Healthcare on May 7, 2008. He earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from Rush Medical College, Chicago, 1983, and completed his resident training at Loyola University Medical center, 1983-1986. An elected Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Kapicka has been in private practice in Arlington Heights since 1986. He will treat patients at Affinity Healthcare's office located at 1538 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, and has staff privileges at Northwest Community Hospital, Arlington Heights, IL.

For more information on Affinity Healthcare, our medical providers, and services visit our website at: www.affinitydocs.com. For media interviews, contact Jacqueline Speckin, Chief Marketing Officer, Affinity Healthcare, LLC: Tel: 847-847-7457; Cell: 847-567-4575; Email: jspeckin @affinitydocs.com.

About Affinity Healthcare
Established in 2007, Affinity Healthcare, LLC was created by the merger of the Northwest Chicago Suburban medical practices formerly named Greater Northwest Medical Group, North Suburban Internists, and Adult Care Specialists. Affinity Healthcare offers internal medicine, family practice, gastroenterology, diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and nutritional counseling by appointment, and Immediate Care walk-in care at our offices located at 1051 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights.

Affinity Healthcare treats approximately 100,000 patients at offices located in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling, IL. Our mission: To continuously evolve, applying leading edge innovation, and placing our patients' needs first and foremost at every level of Affinity Healthcare. We are dedicated to delivering unique, high quality, and convenient healthcare services based on this patient-focused approach.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Chicago medical practices, Affinity Healthcare

Telovations Opens New Office and Offers Service to Jacksonville, Fla., Businesses

Thu, 08 May 2008 06:51:08 GMT

Telovations extends hosted voice services to business customers in Jacksonville, Fla.

TAMPA, Fla., May 8 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Telovations Inc., a leading provider of hosted voice services to small and medium businesses and branch locations of large enterprises, today announced it has expanded its all-IP Real-Time Network(SM) to the Jacksonville, Fla., metropolitan area. The company has opened a branch office to provide the highest-quality support and service on a local level.

"We welcome Telovations to the growing city of Jacksonville," said Walter M. Lee III, president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. "The expansion of Florida-based Telovations into the Jacksonville market will provide chamber members and local businesses with new and innovative communications services to help grow their businesses."

Telovations' expansion into the Jacksonville market provides growing businesses with cost-effective hosted communications solutions. The company delivers all its Managed Voice Services and more than 20 productivity-improving applications over the Telovations Cisco Powered Real-Time Network(SM). Services are sold in bundles of features, applications and all the necessary hardware in cost-effective monthly plans. This outsourced model eliminates the need for costly capital expenditures, provides significant cost savings, simplifies management, increases productivity and introduces new ways to collaborate.

"Jacksonville is a dynamic and growing business city with more than 35,000 businesses, and we are excited to be able to offer Telovations' Innovate service in this market," said Rick Schonbrun, Telovations president and CEO. "By outsourcing communications to Telovations, Jacksonville customers have a new option to save money and increase efficiency with the productivity-improving applications of Innovate services."

Located at 6700 Southpoint Parkway, Suite 100A, the Telovations Jacksonville office is led by Lawrence Wamsley. Telovations is currently recruiting for sales and field technical personnel. Applicants can visit www.telovations.com/company/employment.htm for more information.

About Telovations
Based in Tampa, Fla., Telovations provides growing businesses with a hosted, managed IP communications solution, including telephone equipment; telephone service; and a high-speed T-1 connection to the Telovations private, secure and fully managed Cisco Powered Real-Time Network(SM). Telovations' Innovate service also includes more than 20 innovative features and applications, professional support and systems management for one low monthly fee. For additional information about Telovations and the Innovate managed communications solution, please visit www.telovations.com or call 1-877-We-Innovate (1-877-934-6668).

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, IP communications solution, Telovations Managed Voice Services

Random Negotiating Won't Pay Dividends - ITS Provides Proven Rules for Job Hunters

Wed, 07 May 2008 09:04:48 GMT

DENVER, Colo., May 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Once a job offer is made, a lot of people think they have no basis for negotiating," said Bob Gerberg at the Denver headquarters of ITS, "but they would be surprised, with the right approach, that they can often secure compensation packages beyond what they thought was possible. A key point to remember is that negotiating more at the start of a job can turn into a substantial amount of increased earnings over the course of several years. Once people achieve an increased level of earnings, they tend to maintain that difference over where they were for several years."

"The negotiation process we recommend at ITS is easy to use. Based on our thousands of negotiations, it was carefully developed to be easy to use. It is based on common sense and the art of soft-selling, so that you get what you want without offending the employer in any way.

"There are five key areas you want to consider: (1) the initial offer, and can you get it increased by 10% to 30%; (2) the responsibilities, and can you expand them to a larger job that would pay more; (3) a signing bonus, which can be 10% to 30% of the salary in some cases; (4) the benefits, and whether you are eligible for the benefits the company is willing to extend; (5) stock options, whether they are available, and under what terms.

"ITS gives job hunters guidance in each of those areas. There is also a lot of information on salary surveys to give you current information on which to base negotiations, and a cost-of-living comparison of various areas for those who are relocating. Senior level job seekers will be especially interested in the discussion of the various types of stock options and grants, exit strategies and severance agreements, and a dozen or so other perks that can be a significant part of the total compensation package."

ITS offers Personal Marketing Services that goes far beyond Outplacement Career counseling. ITS uses its own unique technology to give job seekers access to as much as 85% of the advertised openings, including those from newspapers, recruiter openings, job boards, employer sites, and trade magazines. It also provides access to the unadvertised job market among employers, recruiters and growth companies.

For additional information: pr@changingcareers.com or contact Tom Mortenson at 800-320-1277, or itspersonalmarketing.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, career placement Colorado, ITS Personal Marketing Services

Relios Jewelry Expanding Marketing and Sales Services to Retail Partners

Wed, 07 May 2008 08:39:24 GMT

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., May 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Relios Jewelry, America's major manufacturer of designer sterling silver and natural stone jewelry is planning to expand into over 900 locations this year. The company plans to meet this goal by significantly increasing both marketing and sales services to their retail partners. This level of customer service allows retailers to differentiate themselves by promoting Relios jewelry in unique and exciting ways that will ultimately improve their profit margins.

Relios Jewelry is prospecting extraordinary retailers with a serious commitment to building a long-term business and supplier partnership by offering moderate to upper priced women's designer sterling silver and natural stone jewelry. Relios Jewelry's 300+ current customers, consisting primarily of gift, jewelry and apparel boutiques with most of its volume distributed through mail order and television enjoyed a 29% increase in 2007 and is on an equal track for 2008.

Support offerings include sales technique and product training, marketing tools such as posters, e-cards, 24/7 online ordering, co-op advertising programs, UPC/retail price ticketing and daily sales associate reporting. Retailers who take advantage of these services differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

"We succeed only when our retailers do, so it's in our best interest to give retailers the product and promotions to make sales happen," says Relios Jewelry President Bill Pollack. "We stand behind our product with a lifetime guarantee - and are focused on new programs to build business and profit for our retail partners."

Since moving into a new facility late last year, Relios Jewelry has more than doubled new product development, manufacturing productivity and most recently its sales team. The designer and Southwestern jewelry manufacturer's current initiative is to create unparalleled services.

"We want our retail partners to know that we will provide them with outstanding service enabling the move to the next level," says Relios Sales Specialist Paula Giles. "With fresh talent on board and world class manufacturing to fully service our partners, we will provide dependable, effective programs that out perform the competition."

Relios Jewelry originated in 1975 (in Albuquerque, NM, USA), and is currently designing and manufacturing more than 100 new, unique jewelry designs each season. Company information and products can be found online at www.ReliosWholesale.com.

Interested retailers can call for an appointment to meet directly with a Relios Sales Specialist at JCK Las Vegas 2008 StyleMakers Pavilion #44033.

For more information, please contact Kelly Walter at (505) 345-5304 ext. 201.

Relios Jewelry
6815 Academy Parkway West NE
Albuquerque, NM 87109
www.ReliosWholesale.com.

Van Millwork Announces New Employees

Wed, 07 May 2008 08:02:45 GMT

NEEDHAM, Mass., May 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Van Millwork, New England's leading millwork supplier and interior specialist, located in Needham, Massachusetts, announced the addition of six professionals to their team: Jennifer Driscoll, Marketing Director, John Coulombe, Territory Manager for Essex County, Southern NH and Southern ME, William McIntosh, Territory Manager for CT, Debra Skelley, Business Development Manager, Judy Walzer, Showroom Manager, and Karen McDonald, Executive Assistant.

Jennifer Driscoll comes to Van Millwork with an extensive background in marketing, having most recently served as president and senior consultant of the Bright Idea Group based in Rhode Island. Additional experience includes marketing coordinator for Steffian Bradley, and marketing specialist for CB Richard Ellis. She holds a Bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is the Sales and Marketing Council Chair for the Builders Association of Greater Boston, and a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, and the International Furnishings and Design Association.

John "Jack" Coulombe comes to Van Millwork after previous experience in outside and inside sales with Rivco, Alcoa, and Harvey Industries.

William "Bill" McIntosh joins Van Millwork with seven years experience in construction and real estate development. He was most recently a construction supervisor for a new library in Putnam, Connecticut. William holds a Bachelors degree from Norwich University.

Debra Skelley joins Van Millwork with over 20 years of sales and marketing experience ranging from territory sales manager at ABC Supply Company to E-Solutions sales executive with Sprint. She holds a Bachelors degree from the University of Maryland and MBA from the Western New England College.

Judy Walzer worked previously as project manager for Corporate Interiors and project manager for Aesthetics, Inc. She studied liberal arts at Northeastern University and Interior Design at Chamberlayne Junior College.

Karen McDonald formerly worked at Gatehouse Media and Tufts University.

About Van Millwork
Founded in 1967 as a full service lumber company, Van Millwork, headquartered in Bellingham, has grown into the largest interior millwork supplier in New England. The Van Millwork Design Center located in Needham features nine architecturally themed rooms that reflect the architectural period represented by the trim work in each space. In addition to Bellingham and Needham, the company also offers a showroom in Mashpee, MA, and a full-service custom woodworking shop in Fitchburg, MA.

For information on Van Millwork, call (781) 444-8744, or visit their website at www.vanmillwork.com. Press inquiries, contact Joanne DiFrancesco, JDCommunications, Inc., (781) 828-0323.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, millwork supplier and interiors, Van Millwork

Thomas D. Mangelsen's Best Selling Book The Natural World is a Quiet Call to Action as the Earth Battles Global Warming

Wed, 07 May 2008 07:31:44 GMT

OMAHA, Neb., May 7 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Wondrous and enchanting yet fragile and at risk, "The Natural World" (ISBN: 978-189031042-4), as seen through the eyes of celebrated nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen, chronicles ten distinct ecosystems that serve as islands of refuge not only for Earth's diversity of life but for the human spirit as well. The man American Photo magazine calls "One of the 100 Most Important People in Photography," Mangelsen takes the viewer on a visual odyssey, from the wildebeest migration on the plains of the Serengeti to the penguins of Antarctica, from the grizzlies of Alaska to the frozen landscape of the polar bears on Hudson Bay.

In striking panoramic photographs, Mangelsen documents his subjects within the context of their varied environments. Excerpts from his journals detail his experiences in the field, and his words provide a window into the man behind the camera. Tom shares his love for and fascination with the magical places that have changed his life and his perspective on our shrinking wild places.

In her foreword, Dr. Jane Goodall weighs in on the state of the natural world, focusing on the impact of Mangelsen's work in helping others better understand and protect our wild places. "It seems to me that he has the same kind of reverence for the spiritual essence of the wilderness as the Native American who believes that life on Earth is sacred, a gift from the Creator," Goodall writes. "It is this, I think, which enables Tom to capture, again and again, something of the soul of the landscapes he portrays, something beyond the mere physical shape of the land, the mountains and the sky. In addition, Tom has the sharp, observant eye of a keen naturalist. He understands as well as loves animals, knows about their behavior, knows what to look for, what to expect. And there is another element: Tom sees the world around him with the perceptions of an artist, composing his pictures as a painter might."

In the introduction Thomas Mangelsen describes what the book means to him. "The Natural World represents only a tiny fraction of the Earth's extraordinary landscapes and amazing diversity. This book is a personal selection of images from those places and species that have touched me deeply and changed my life," Tom writes. "I have been to places like the Serengeti and Denali many times; however, places like Iceland and Sossusvlei I have experienced only once. Few of the places are the same as when I first visited them. Hudson Bay's polar bears were thought to be thriving when I first went there twenty years ago; today some scientists predict that because of global warming, polar bears will be gone from Hudson Bay and possibly elsewhere as soon as twenty years from now."

The Natural World is a quiet call to action. An inventory of our planet as it battles climate change. A celebration of the wild and it's value to the human psyche. A record of the Earth's last great places, one that will inspire present and future generations with the message that what we have, can and must be saved.

For more information, visit: www.mangelsen.com.

About Thomas D. Mangelsen
Thomas D. Mangelsen is among the most distinguished natural history photographers in the world. In 1994 Tom was honored by the BBC as Wildlife Photographer of the Year. He was named the North American Nature Photographer Association's Outstanding Nature Photographer of the Year in 2000. He received an honorary fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society in 2002. In 2005 was honored with Nikon's Legend Behind the Lens recognition as well as being recognized as "One of the 100 Most Important People in Photography" by American Photo Magazine. In 2007 he was named winner of American Photo Magazine's Image of the Year 2007 - Nature category.

Mangelsen's work has been widely published, including in Audubon, National Geographic, Life, Wildlife Art, American Photo and National Wildlife. He has been featured on television programs such as "The Today Show" and CNN's "World News." Most recently he was chosen as one of "Jane Goodall's Heroes" on Animal Planet.

His images have been exhibited in museums around the United States, Canada and Europe, and are available in sixteen Images of Nature(R) galleries across the United States. Driven to express the beauty and intricacy of the wilderness, Mangelsen spends up to seven months a year in the field documenting the lands and creatures he so cares about.

In 2000 he co-founded The Cougar Fund, a nonprofit created to raise awareness for and to protect America's greatest cat. All of Tom's images are made in the wild, not in captive game farms, and are presented in their true form without computer manipulation.

About Dr. Jane Goodall
Dr. Jane Goodall is the most recognizable figure in conservation today. She began her landmark study of chimpanzees in Tanzania in June 1960 under the mentorship of anthropologist and paleontologist Dr. Louis Leakey. Her work at what was then called the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee Reserve would become the foundation of future primatological research, redefining the relationship between humans and animals.

In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute, which continues the Gombe research and is a global leader in empowering people to make a difference for all living things. The institute also is widely recognized for establishing innovative, community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, and the Roots & Shoots education program, which has 8,000 groups in 96 countries.

In 2006, Dr. Goodall received the UNESCO Gold Medal Award and the French Legion of Honor. In 2004 Prince Charles invested her as a Dame of the British Empire, the female equivalent of knighthood. Her scores of honors include the Medal of Tanzania, the National Geographic Society's Hubbard Medal and Japan's prestigious Kyoto Prize. In April 2002, Secretary General Kofi Annan named her a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Dr. Goodall's latest book is "Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating." She also has authored In the Shadow of Man, Through a Window, the best-selling autobiography Reason for Hope and many children's books. The Chimpanzees of Gombe: Patterns of Behavior is the definitive scientific work on chimpanzees. She has been the subject of numerous television documentaries and is featured in the large-screen-format film Jane Goodall's Wild Chimpanzees.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, photography books, nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen

Boulder's Storytime Yoga Show for Children to Premiere on Rocky Mountain PBS Sunday, June 1

Tue, 06 May 2008 13:21:45 GMT

Yoga Teacher and Storyteller Sydney Solis teaches children 3-8 yoga, geography, Spanish, philosophy and peace education in unique, award-winning show

BOULDER, Colo., May 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Storytime Yoga's first children's show, The Peddler's Dream, will air on Rocky Mountain PBS on Sunday, June 1 at 8:30 a.m. The half-hour show, produced by Flashback Media in Boulder, teaches children ages 3-8 yoga through storytelling. The Peddler's Dream is a folktale from England, and teaches children about following their dream. The story is retold with beautiful stick puppets, created by Boulder Artist Angela Beloian. The children then retell the story with yoga poses.

Children learn Spanish with Lalita the Latina Ladybug puppet, geography and philosophy with Jean-Jacques the pirate puppet, as well as meditation, relaxation and peace education. The show also features the Namaste and Breathing songs.

The show, which is available on DVD, is a Parents' Choice 2008 Recommended Award Winner. The DVD is available for purchase on Amazon.com and at www.StorytimeYoga.com.

Flashback Media and Storytime Yoga will collaborate on more episodes in the fall.

"Sydney Solis has created a truly joyful program for young children in 'Storytime Yoga,'" said Bunnie Strassner, producer. "The stories, yoga poses and music blend together to engage and entertain. Flashback had a wonderful time producing this project for her and looks forward to working on many more episodes."

About Sydney Solis and Storytime Yoga
A life-long yogini, Sydney Solis of Boulder, Colo. followed her bliss and started Storytime Yoga after the tragic death of her husband five years ago. She is the author of Storytime Yoga: Teaching Yoga to Children Through Story, which has sold more than 5,000 copies and was nominated for the 2007 Anne Izard Storytellers' Choice Award. She is also the author of "The Treasure in Your Heart: Yoga and Stories for Peaceful Children," and numerous audios.

A mother of two children, she has more than 300 hours of Anusara yoga training, and is a member of the National Storytelling Network and its Interfaith and Healing Story Alliances. An associate of the Joseph Campbell foundation, she has produced three World Peace Interfaith Storytelling gatherings. For more information, visit her website at www.StorytimeYoga.com.

To schedule an interview with Ms. Solis, please contact Lisa Bell at 303-527-0203.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Storytime Yoga on PBS, yogini Sydney Solis

Random Interviewing Teaches Little says ITS

Tue, 06 May 2008 09:20:38 GMT

ITS Gives 5 Proven Rules for Job Hunters

DENVER, Colo., May 6 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "When you're invited for a job interview, it pays to be prepared, and part of being prepared is knowing ahead of time how you're going to do certain things that will give you a competitive advantage," contends Bob Gerberg of ITS, at the firm's Denver headquarters. "ITS helps you do this in 6 ways because it teaches you how to: (1) read the interviewer's personality; (2) maximize personal chemistry in minutes; (3) communicate through memorable stories; (4) have good questions ready; (5) know all about the employer; (6) answer difficult questions easily."

Gerberg went on to explain that, "ITS provides some guidance in both print and audio. Things you can learn include how to overcome objections while building rapport, how to select and prepare references, how to answer common questions, and much more. The surprising thing is, it does not take a person that long to be thoroughly prepared in all these areas, and once they've done the preparation, they're set for the entire job search.

"Many job seekers will find one section particularly interesting. It is titled '5 Proven Rules For Interviewing Success.' It gives you detailed instructions on how to build personal chemistry in a number of ways, how to pay compliments, for example, without coming across as giving empty flattery, how to ask questions that direct the discussion to areas you know will help you, and how to follow up and project enthusiasm. Of course, researching employers ahead of time is always important, for several reasons, and ITS has a number of resources that enable job seekers to quickly learn a lot, not only about a company, but also about the industry and, backgrounds of key individuals in the company."

ITS offers Personal Marketing Services that goes far beyond Outplacement Career counseling. ITS uses its own unique technology to give job seekers access to as much as 85% of the advertised openings, including those from newspapers, recruiter openings, job boards, employer sites, and trade magazines.

It also provides access to the unadvertised job market among employers, recruiters and growth companies.

For additional information: pr@changingcareers.com or contact Tom Mortenson at 800-320-1277, or www.itspersonalmarketing.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, rules for job hunters, ITS Personal Marketing Services

Random Job Hunting Doesn't Work and ITS Gives 15 Surefire Rules for Professional and Executive Job Hunters

Mon, 05 May 2008 16:38:34 GMT

DENVER, Colo., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "The first rule is to compete in all 8 segments of today's job market," advises Bob Gerberg of ITS, at the firm's Denver headquarters. "ITS is best known for providing all the openings, leads and contacts a job seeker will need," he added, "but in our advanced strategies section we instruct job seekers in all 15 Rules for Success."

Here is a summary of some of the key points:
* Use all segments. "For best results," Gerberg contends, "use all five segments of the published market... and all three segments of the unpublished market."
* Pinpoint goals. With 30 million resumes in circulation, you need to pinpoint your job goals and use a multiple-resume concept.
* Broaden your appeal. You can dramatically expand your appeal to employers with a communication strategy that see transferable skills.
* Uncover emerging jobs. You can uncover emerging jobs and make contact with employers before there is any competition. ITS makes this easy and fast with "Emerging Jobs Super Search."
* Create a job. Many people have had jobs created for them. There are proven techniques for doing this.
* Convert interviews to offers. There are 5 proven rules for interviewing that can give you a competitive edge.

ITS offers Personal Marketing Services that goes far beyond Outplacement Career counseling. ITS uses its own unique technology to give job seekers access to as much as 85% of the advertised openings, including those from newspapers, recruiter openings, job boards, employer sites, and trade magazines.

It also provides access to the unadvertised job market among employers, recruiters and growth companies.

For additional information: pr@changingcareers.com or contact Tom Mortenson at 800-320-1277.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Denver job market, ITS Personal Marketing Services

LifeSpan Fitness Promotes Exercise to Help Fight Heart Disease Among Women

Mon, 05 May 2008 15:40:15 GMT

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- PCE Health and Fitness, maker of LifeSpan fitness equipment, is teaming up with The Heart Truth to encourage women to exercise and live in good health to lower their risk of heart disease. To support The Heart Truth, PCE is launching "Get Fit & Give Back." During May, purchase a LifeSpan treadmill, elliptical, exercise bike or vibration trainer and PCE will donate up to $100 to the American Heart Association. See www.lifespanfitness.com for details.

The NHLBI approved LifeSpan to join reputable brands including Diet Coke, Johnson & Johnson, General Mills and Swarvoski in The Heart Truth campaign to raise awareness of heart disease among women. LifeSpan is the only fitness equipment manufacturer to partner with The Heart Truth.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. 1 in 4 women dies of heart disease. 1 in 30 women dies of breast cancer. The Heart Truth, a national awareness campaign for women and heart disease, is sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The Red Dress reminds women to protect their heart health and inspires them to take action. Leading a healthy lifestyle, which includes getting physical activity, can help lower the risk of heart disease by up to 82 percent.

The Heart Truth is part of PCE's ongoing community responsibility commitment to support national health-related initiatives.

"We believe exercise is imperative in preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease," says Peter Schenk, President of PCE Health and Fitness. "As a company in the health and fitness industry, it is our responsibility to do our share to help improve the health of Americans by educating consumers and offering solutions."

Although significant progress has been made in raising awareness among women about heart disease, from 34 percent to 62 percent since 2000, most women still fail to make the connection between risk factors and their personal risk of developing heart disease. To learn more about your risk factors, go to www.hearttruth.gov. PCE is proud to support this valuable campaign and help make a difference in women's lives.

The Heart Truth and Red Dress are trademarks of DHHS.

Participation in The Heart Truth by PCE Fitness does not imply endorsement by DHHS/NIH/NHLBI.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, LifeSpan treadmill and vibration trainer, PCE Health and Fitness

Study Assesses Presidential Front-Runners' Global Competitive Impact, Financial Psychology

Mon, 05 May 2008 14:57:25 GMT

GAINESVILLE, Fla., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- A White Paper recently released by the Perth Leadership Institute (www.perthleadership.org) and written by leadership educator and author Dr. E. Ted Prince concludes that all three Presidential front runners focus on economic resource redistribution rather than economic value creation. The paper documents how the candidates "business acumen" will all create adverse long-term impacts on U.S.' global competitive position, but to varying degrees, with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton likely having least adverse impact.

This economic white paper analyzes the three front runner U.S. presidential candidates from a novel and intriguing perspective; their impact on the economy and U.S. global leadership and competitiveness. This research answers questions as to whether the candidates will keep the U.S. in the forefront of the world's leading countries and societies based on their behavioral financial traits. It concludes that none of the three will have such an impact and the choice is between who will have the least adverse impact on the U.S.' world leadership and competitive position.

The paper examines in detail the business acumen characteristics (www.perthleadership.org/businessacumen.htm) of the three front-runners and shows who is likely to have the most and the least adverse impacts on the U.S. global position. The White Paper does not attempt to judge the front-runners on other aspects of their policies and impacts, focusing only on this particular issue.

See Perth Leadership's Presidential Candidate blog at http://perthwhitepaper.blogspot.com/ to comment on the White Paper.

This economic assessment is based on a new set of behavioral finance tools designed to measure business acumen developed by the Perth Leadership Institute whose approach is set out in the book, "The Three Financial Styles of Very Successful Leaders," published by McGraw-Hill in 2005, written by Dr. E. Ted Prince, Founder and CEO of the Institute.

These economic personality tools measure the propensity of a leader to create societal and business value. Where a leader creates more value than resources utilized, capital is created stimulating U.S. competitiveness and bolstering its global leadership position.

According to Dr. E. Ted Prince: "Value creation by leaders, whether they be political or business, is more than a matter of wise stewardship of resources. It is, or should be, also about value creation. Analysis of all these three leaders reveals that they are far more about resource redistribution than about value creation. This has huge, and adverse, ramifications for the U.S. global competitive and leadership position now and in the future. This aspect has been lost in the general political debate. It is for this reason that we have conducted this analysis."

The Perth Leadership Institute of Gainesville, Florida was founded by veteran CEO and leadership educator, Dr. E. Ted Prince. The Institute has developed proprietary leadership assessment tools and a unique leadership performance improvement approach, the Perth Leadership Outcome Model(TM) (PLOM). PLOM(TM) identifies the Financial Signature(R) and the financial mission of senior leaders to improve their valuation impact and the competitive outcome of the enterprises or the organizations they lead.

This approach goes beyond conventional competency-based and psychological approaches. Instead it introduces a new outcome-based approach that is based on extensive research carried out with CEOs and senior executives.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Presidential candidate research, Perth Leadership Institute

Brighten Up Your Yard with Resin Furniture

Mon, 05 May 2008 14:18:54 GMT

PORTERSVILLE, Pa., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Stacking resin chairs and tables from Adams Mfg have many advantages over other, more expensive options for the patio. They're strong, comfortable, and easy to store when they're not being used. And, they are all 100% recyclable. Now, with bright new colors and styles to choose from, they are the best option for the porch, patio, or deck.

Several paint companies manufacture spray paints for resin products, including furniture. However, adding this finish destroys the environmental benefits of resin furniture.

Furniture can no longer be recycled easily because of the additional paint finish. Before painted plastic can be recycled, all of the paint has to be removed from each piece of plastic. And, some think the paint isn't as comfortable to sit in on a hot summer day.

Instead of spending unnecessary money on painting the chair, and worrying about unattractive drips and runs, it is much easier to simply recycle existing resin furniture. It's better for the environment to replace old resin furniture with the season's hottest colors.

Adams' high-quality resin furniture is protected from UV rays without being painted, and your color will stay true as long as you have the chair. It's the best deal for you and the environment!

Established in 1981, Adams Mfg. takes pride in providing high-quality, safe consumer products Made in the USA. In addition to casual furniture, Adams also manufactures Christmas decorating accessories, suction cups, and magnets. The company holds exclusive patents on many of its items.

For more information, please visit www.adamsmfg.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Adams Mfg Corp resin furniture, hot color patio chairs

'Easy' is the Best Word to Describe This New Family Fun Sport Product - The Wind Chaser(R) Land Sailor

Mon, 05 May 2008 12:25:11 GMT

It is easy to learn to sail, easy to use, easy to carry in the back of the car (even a Honda Civic), easy to assemble - even for twelve year olds - and makes it easy to get the whole family together and do things together.

VENTURA, Calif., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Wind Chaser(R)" (www.wind-chaser.com), from Action Products(R), LLC, has created this affordable, family oriented, "eco-friendly" land-sailor that is easy to use and easy to get the family together to enjoy a recreation that everyone can share regardless of age. Those who already know how to sail will appreciate the simplicity of this sailing cart.

Those who don't will find they will master it in a matter of minutes. The "Wind Chaser(R)" stores in four separate and light-weight bags that stow easily in almost any vehicle with room to spare. With just a few parts to assemble, easily and quickly, you are up and away in minutes. It disassembles just as quickly. The bags allow for easy transportation as well as protecting the parts when stored at home.

The ergonomic molded "body" is comfortable and supportive for all ages. The four-part mast breaks down and stows in a bag with its sail that is less than four feet long.

The optional equipment, from "balloon" tires for softer surfaces, ice blades for ice sailing, larger and smaller sails for different wind conditions, all make this product fun and easy to use in a wide range of conditions and terrains - as long as they are all flat and Mother Nature is obligingly providing the wind as your fuel.

Wind Chaser(R) fully backs up its product with an extensive web site and blog. Here you can find everything you need to know 24/7 to not only use your land sailor, but learn all about it and land sailing too. There are links to land sailing organizations and clubs who post their events 24/7. They have brochures and other information to down load and print out at home.

Their Wind Chaser BLOG at www.wind-chaser.blog.com is designed to allow everyone who is interested ask questions of the manufacturer, post their own experiences and share information in an informal internet setting.

If you still have questions, you can call or email their helpful customer service staff.

The "Wind Chaser(R)" can be purchased directly from the Wind Chaser(R) web site or with a phone call. E-mail: sales@wind-chaser.com. Call: 1-805.525.8003.

Site: www.wind-chaser.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Action Products Wind Chaser, wind surfing land sailor

May is Prime Time to Plant Home Vineyard

Mon, 05 May 2008 09:31:41 GMT

JEFFERSON VALLEY, N.Y., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- For those dreaming of installing a small vineyard at their home, Vinescapes Inc. announces May is rush time. Plants must be in the ground before June 2, which makes this the busiest time of the year for the home vineyard industry. Those who miss this crucial window can prepare the vineyard this season by installing the trellising, testing and amending the soil. But must wait until next year to start their new vines.

Those interested in creating their own home based vineyard need to act quickly in order to get their vines in the ground before the buds begin to swell. Growers should expect usable grapes in about three to five years after first planting vines. Common red and white grapes grown in New York State include cabernet franc, riesling, sayval blanc, traminette, and vidal blanc just to name a few. Home based winemakers can expect about a gallon of wine per vine once they start producing grapes.

With advances in vineyard techniques over the past ten years, more and more people are creating personal home based wineries. Some companies, like Vinescapes, Inc., take customers from planning a vineyard all the way through teaching making wine from their own grapes-from the vine to the wine. This is a great option for those looking to make their own organic or kosher wines or just bottle their own label. It is a good idea for those just starting out to take advantage of such expertise.

It doesn't take much to create a small vineyard - as few as ten vines. This brings the idea of a boutique winery to a whole new level. In order to yield the highest-quality grapes it is important to start with a good piece of land and the right vines for the location.

According to Christopher DeNisco of Vinescapes, Inc. (www.vinescapesinc.com) "You would be surprised at how easy it can be to start a home-based vineyard. Right now is our busiest time of the year as new and expanding vineyards rush to get their plants in the ground."

Vinescapes, Inc. custom-designs home and commercial vineyards to ensure that growers have the best chance of success.

Contact Christopher DeNisco by calling 914-588-7729 or visit www.vinescapesinc.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, home based vineyard, Vinescapes Inc

Air Charter Association of North America Adopts Safety and Quality Assurance Program

Mon, 05 May 2008 08:32:25 GMT

BOSTON, Mass., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Air Charter Association of North America (ACANA), a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and promoting the highest standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism in the air charter industry has announced that ACANA members now have the ability to utilize Wyvern/PASS. This automated vendor management tool will allow the charter professionals of ACANA to continue to focus on full compliance and disclosure, assurance of operational control, safety and operator quality.

PASS, a trip specific report, enables ACANA members to verify that each flight that they arrange on behalf of a client conforms to the relevant legal requirements, including the all-important issue of operational control.

Additionally, ACANA members can determine that a proposed operator will utilize crew members with an appropriate level of crew experience, and that the operator is sufficiently insured.

The Safety Intelligence Report (SIR) capability allows users to access detailed, accurate and up-to-date information about charter operators, their fleets, pilots, insurance and accident/incident information to help the air charter professionals of ACANA make informed decisions about potential vendors.

Because information is gleaned directly from the FAA, members do not have to utilize third party vendor certification unless they choose to do so. Currently virtually all Part 135 operators can be researched utilizing SIR, and at the request of ACANA, Wyvern has added the majority of Part 121 operators.

"We are very pleased that our members now have access to PASS via Wyvern/CharterX. ACANA will continue to be at the forefront of our industry relative to establishing consistent standards and best practices in our industry. This initiative demonstrates our continued commitment to differentiating our membership in the marketplace from those entities that do not add value to our industry. We are confident that our efforts will also benefit the many quality vendors that our membership does business with," said Scott Bickford, Chairman of ACANA and CEO of Air Planning, LLC.

More information: www.flyacana.org.

Prevail Unveils New Reinsurance Solution at the 2008 IASA Conference

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:38:16 GMT

NEW CANAAN, Conn., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Prevail Consulting, Inc., a leading consulting and technology services provider for the property and casualty insurance industry, will be featuring their new Prevail Reinsurance System at the 2008 Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA) annual conference in Seattle from June 1-June 4. Prevail combines its strong reinsurance business expertise and support services with advanced technology to roll-out an exciting new solution for reinsurance management.

According to Nat Curiale, Executive Vice President of Prevail, "It is by far, the most fully functioned, user-defined, rules-based reinsurance software solution in today's market."

This reinsurance software utilizes advanced technology and is web-based, supporting XML, SOAP, and integration with external systems.

"Over the years, Prevail has been called upon to assist its customers to achieve their reinsurance-processing objectives," Curiale explained.

Recognizing the industry's need for more comprehensive functionality and flexibility in a single, reinsurance-management solution, Prevail decided to leverage its reinsurance business and systems' expertise to develop the Prevail Reinsurance System.

Curiale adds that, "It's the best in its class for robust functionality and quick implementation of complex treaties."

Advantages of the Prevail Reinsurance System are: asset protection; operating cost reduction; and audit of all financial transactions.

Features and Functions include:
* Ceded, assumed and retroceded business
* Automatic attachment and calculation of ceded premiums and losses
* Multi-currency-based system driven by currency conversion
* Comprehensive business partner administration supporting multiple locations and contacts (cedents, reinsurers, brokers, MGA's, insurers, retrocessionaires, underwriting agencies, statutory companies, and more)
* Support of multiple statutory companies
* Management of reinsurance pools, including automatic cession to pool participants
* Importing of external premium, loss and referential data through staging, formatting, validation and edits
* Statutory and management reports such as statement of accounts, loss notice, bordereaux, underwriting and financial analysis
* System functionality tailored by custom values and rules in reference tables
* Dynamic definition of business segments for profit center analysis and reporting
* User-level security
* Detailed viewing of all transactional data

About Prevail
Since 2000, Prevail has been providing reliable and innovative technology services exclusively to the property and casualty insurance industry; it is clearly recognized by its clients for business expertise, commitment, and ability to deliver quality work products in a cost-effective manner, no matter how complex the requirement.

As part of its offerings, Prevail delivers Application Development and Maintenance Support; Business Systems Analysis; Project Management Consulting; Independent Quality Testing; Data Migration and Integration; P&C Insurance System Assessment; and Business Process Outsourcing.

For more information, contact Pilar Hoyos at: 203-972-7449; or email: phoyos@prevailconsulting.com. People may also visit Prevail at the IASA conference vendor booth #839; or their web site at: www.prevailconsulting.com.

JMAC's Emerging Jobs SuperSearch Gives Job Seekers Competitive Edge

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:27:05 GMT

DENVER, Colo., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "It's important for job seekers to understand, if they can get news that a company is about to launch a new product, for example, or recently enjoyed a lot of growth in a particular division, or just won a big contract, these news items are signals that the employer will likely be seeking a lot of qualified people to help them take advantage of their opportunities," stated Steve Madden at the Denver headquarters of Job Market Access Center (JMAC Jobmarketaccess.com).

"Our online, real-time Emerging Jobs SuperSearch, scours the major wire services to find emerging jobs in the 'incubation stage' where events like these signal a near-term need for key talent. When you make contact in these early stages, there is little or no competition. SuperSearch puts them all at your fingertips for immediate action, with new entries every day.

"Job seekers can specify the state and industry they are interested in. If they get too many entries, they can focus only on the most recent events or, if they wish, they can go back and select only certain types of events," added Madden.

Some other examples of the kind of news Emerging Jobs SuperSearch gives job seekers would include new financings, real estate purchases, relocations, startups, and new CEOs being appointed. There are literally thousands of events every day that might signal opportunity.

Added Madden, "Out of millions of articles and releases scoured, only those that fit the criteria of the job seeker are selected. Most people wouldn't know where or how to find news of these event, because a lot of it never gets published.

At www.Jobmarketaccess.com, we give our job seekers access to as much as 85% of the advertised openings, including those from newspapers, recruiter openings, job boards, employer sites, and trade magazines. We also provide access to the unadvertised job market among employers, recruiters and growth companies."

Additional information: pr@jobmarketaccess.com or contact Steve Madden at 1-866-664-7440.

Defying Economic Slowdown, Long Term Care Insurance Agency Explodes; Nearly 200 Agents Added in 12 Month, More Sought

Mon, 05 May 2008 07:14:02 GMT

KIRKLAND, Wash., May 5 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Recession? Retrenchment? Nah. Not for LTC Financial Partners LLC, one of the nation's most experienced long term care insurance agencies. Known as LTCFP or "The Partners," the firm now has 456 agents, up from 264 last year, 167 in 2006, and 91 in 2005. Started in 2003, LTCFP is now profitable and paid its second annual dividend last month. "We're planning continued strong growth this year," says Cameron Truesdell, CEO, "and we're looking for hundreds of new agents over the next couple of years."

Why the bullish prospects? Truesdell gives three reasons. First, he says, "Our clients keep on paying their premiums. They don't want to lose this valuable protection."

The second reason is the sheer size of the untapped market. "Only about 10% of the people who could benefit from long term care insurance now have it," Truesdell estimates. "Our agents have no lack of qualified, interested prospects."

The third reason for LTCFP's bullishness is the energy of its agents, reinforced by the firm's strong support. This support includes --

* Dividends based on ownership shares. Agents who become Partners own a piece of the business in the form of share grants. "This attracts top people," says Truesdell. "It also builds loyalty and enthusiasm, and gives agents an additional source of income, over and above their regular income from premiums and renewals." To Truesdell's knowledge, no other large, national long term care insurance specialist offers such a plan. For two years in a row, starting in 2007, LTCFP has distributed over $1 million in dividends annually to its Partners.

* Warm leads from multiple sources. "Our agents don't have to scrounge for prospects," says Truesdell. "We supply high-qualify leads from direct mail, the Internet, and alliance partners."

* Professional training and support. LTCFP recently formed an institute that trains qualified newcomers on the basics of LTC insurance, in just one week. In addition, senior agents are available to consult with newer agents at any time.

* Strategic relationships with professional organizations and corporations. Referral leads come from alliance partners including financial advisors, banks, in-home care providers, and associations such as the National Network of Estate Planning Attorneys. Opportunities for group sales come from relationships with a growing number of large corporations. "They're asking us to educate their employees on long term care planning," says Truesdell.

* Marketing support. LTCFP supplies its agents with personally tailored brochures, direct mail pieces, and other items without having to create this material themselves. The marketing department, which has won industry awards, also offers its agents individualized websites and public relations campaigns.

"In our business," says Truesdell, "we see no reason to cut back or slow down. With 77 million baby boomers starting to retire, we see a flood ahead, not a drought. We need more agents and need them now." More information is available at www.ltcfp.us/own.

Ski Areas End 'Awesome Season' with Gratitude Ceremonies

Fri, 02 May 2008 15:36:35 GMT

ASPEN, Colo., May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "On Closing Day at Spirit Mountain, Wisconsin, 14 year old 'Honor the Earth Princess,' Mariah Cooper (Ojibwe-Oneida), a Native American Olympic Hopeful, led their first Snow Gratitude Ceremony. They joined Steamboat, Telluride, Ascutney (Vt) and Arizona SnowBowl in ceremonies during April expressing appreciation for one of America's best snow years," said amazed Olympic skier Suzy "Chapstick" Chaffee, Native Voices Foundation's (NVF) facilitator.

"Just like people, Mother Earth and Creator, respond favorably to appreciation," say Tribal Elders.

The phenomena followed an international prayer on December 10, orchestrated by NVF, in partnership with the 13 tribes of Arizona plus California and Colorado, to inspire natural snow at all U.S. Ski Areas to safeguard America's water. Arizona SnowBowl was blessed with six feet, which protected its sacred San Francisco Peaks and other drought-challenged ski areas from needing to use wastewater in snowmaking, with unfilterable pharmaceuticals.

Nearby Flagstaff TV aired NVF's Christmas Snow Gratitude Prayer, and the snowblessings continued. Sedona Environmental Scientist, Matthew Turner, praises Flagstaff's biodiesel mass transit and NAU's 22,000 students switching to Green Cleaning, for contributing to Snow Bowl's comeback.

"This was our record snowfall," said Steamboat's Olympian Billy Kidd at their first Gratitude Ceremony. "The dancers and Elders from our 'Ute Future Olympians Ski Program,' touched everyone."

Chaffee hosted Telluride's Ute Mountain Gratitude Ceremony, also honoring Kit and Calvert Collins, America's Cup-winner Dick Enersen, and the late Loey Ringquist, a pioneering supporter. Eddie (and Betty) Box Jr, who joined December's snow prayer, also participated, following the visionary pathway of his father, 'Red Ute,' former Southern Ute Tribal Council member.

"Tsunamis of Appreciation to Red Ute and the Cloud Clan for transforming their Rain-dance to the first Snow-dance. And to Vail's Bob Parker and Dick Houseman for desperately asking them to help end their opening drought in 1963," said Chaffee. (CBS' Huntley-Brinkley Report - snow-riders.org/mir.html).

Aspen, the "Greenest Resort in North America," just closed with their annual (N) Ute Gratitude Ceremony/ski program, the most splendid of all. Given Aspen's now consistently abundant snowfall, the Snow Gods must love these practical-spiritual solutions.

NVF is a Colorado 501(c)3 partnership of U.S. Tribal leaders, Elders and Olympians, and sponsored by Send2Press.com (a unit of Neotrope(R)), "to create joyful unity thru sports/education to help heal Mother Earth for all our children."

All trademarks acknowledged.

Send2Press(R) is the originating wire service for this story.

NEWS SOURCE: Native Voices Foundation

JMAC Gives Job Seekers Instant Access to Tens of Thousands of Employer Sites

Fri, 02 May 2008 13:05:01 GMT

DENVER, Colo., May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- "Over 100,000 key employers now hire primarily from their own websites," according to Steve Madden at the Denver headquarters of Job Market Access Center (JMAC www.Jobmarketaccesscenter.com). "For some major firms it is the only place they will ever advertise their openings. So if you're interested in leading firms like these, you will need access to their openings listed on employer sites, and that is what JMAC provides. We cover over 50,000 of them."

"Job seekers can search by Metro Area and industry, so they can select out only those they are most interested in and best suited for. With a click or two they can be on the site, reviewing current openings and submitting their resume.

"Jobmarketaccesscenter.com also has individual lists specifically for financial firms, technology firms and other special interests, as well as private firms, the fastest growing firms, and more," Madden added. "This section can prove valuable not only for contact information and descriptions for current openings, but also for news and company statements that might signal emerging opportunities in a particular division or geographic location."

With JMAC, job seekers can access with a click or two as much as 85% of the advertised openings suitable for them, including those from newspapers, recruiter openings, job boards, employer sites, trade magazines and other sources.

"It includes Advertised Market SuperSearch, a search engine that covers openings from many sources. So all a customer has to do is specify the titles and locations they are interested in," added Madden.

"JMAC gives our job seekers access to as much as 85% of the advertised openings, including those from newspapers, recruiter openings, job boards, employer sites, and trade magazines. It also provides access to the unadvertised job market among employers, recruiters and growth companies."

Web: www.Jobmarketaccesscenter.com.

Additional information: pr@jobmarketaccesscenter.com or contact Steve Madden at 1-866-664-7440.

Ohio School Boards Association Endorses Leader Alert(R)

Fri, 02 May 2008 11:20:54 GMT

Alerting product provides early warning for parents, staff in emergency situations

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- The Ohio School Boards Association announced today its endorsement of Leader Alert, a health and safety alerting product, for the more than 700 Ohio public school districts that comprise its membership. Leader Alert, the creation of Leader Technologies of Columbus, Ohio, makes it possible for a school to quickly and simultaneously alert thousands of parents and staff by telephone, texting, and email in case of emergencies ranging from lurking predators to snow days.

According to OSBA Deputy Executive Director Rob Delane: "Unfortunate events happening across the country have made the need to send out emergency update alerts almost a necessity. Schools need an easy and effective way to notify parents and staff members about incidents that may arise during the school year."

Leader Chairman Mike McKibben sees the OSBA/Leader partnership as "a natural" and cited Parma City Schools, which has used Leader Alert since September 2006, as an example. "They used our product to notify all their parents within minutes of an armed attacker being apprehended while trying to enter the school. They also use Leader Alert for everyday applications, like notifying parents when a school bus returns late from a school field trip."

Delane noted that OSBA study and testing pinpointed three key reasons for their choice of Leader Alert. "One, it was easy to use. Two, schools can use it with their current technologies, and three, it can effectively notify large numbers of individuals almost simultaneously."

Delane stressed the benefits that the endorsement provides for member schools. "School boards count on OSBA to do the appropriate research before lending its name to a particular product or service. OSBA's research indicates that Leader Alert is superior to other alerting systems and cost effective for school districts."

As Delane pointed out: "The OSBA is very selective about its endorsements and will not endorse a product or service unless it meets certain criteria." He called Leader Alert "reliable and effective," adding "we also see a significant benefit for use in our disaster planning efforts."

Leader's alerting and audio conferencing services were used extensively by the Louisiana Governor's Office in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, after many of the state's other communications systems had failed. Leader Alert has diverse applications ranging from terrorist attack simulations to early storm warnings to boat owners, and it is currently in use as a health and safety alerting tool on school and college campuses across the United States.

More information: http://www.leader.com/docs/PressReleaseLeader-OSBA-Apr28-2008.htm

About Ohio School Boards Association
The Ohio School Boards Association is a private, not-for-profit statewide organization of public school boards. Founded in 1955, OSBA's purpose is to encourage and advance public education through local citizen responsibility. Truly member driven, OSBA's policies are determined by its members. Membership in OSBA is open to all public school boards. OSBA office, contact (614) 540-4000.

More information: www.osba-ohio.org.

About Leader
Leader Technologies Incorporated is a software development and marketing company that has brought new Web 2.0 and phone innovations to unified communications, creating new technology bridges across voice, stream media and data systems. Its technology framework, named the Digital Leaderboard(R) system - U.S. Patent No. 7,139,761 - provides an array of communications services to commerce, education and government. Leader's current brands include Leader Phone(R) and Leader Dialog(R) for audio conferencing, Leader Alert(R) for alerting services, and Leader News(R) for alerting with news services. Leader provided the primary communications and collaboration system for the Governor of Louisiana in the state's Hurricane Katrina disaster response. Leader has also provided counterterrorism support to the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. Following the Virginia Tech tragedy, Leader Alert(R) is now deployed with increasing frequency within secondary and higher education for school safety and security applications. For additional information, contact (614) 890-1986.

More information: www.leader.com.

First in the Northeast, Paul Morse of Morse Constructions, Inc. Achieves the NARI Green Certified Professional (GCP) Designation

Fri, 02 May 2008 09:27:19 GMT

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 2 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Paul Morse, GCP, CR, CAPS is the first builder/remodeler in the northeast, and the third in the nation, to receive the National Association of Remodeling Industries (NARI) Green Certified Professional designation. Morse receives this certification after one and a half years of study with NARI, facilitating their Green Remodeling study group, and practicing sustainable building for over 3 decades.

NARI has established the Green Certified Professional (GCP) designation to promote the highest standards of green remodeling through credentialing of remodeling professionals. In order to attain the GCP certification the remodeler must have been a full time remodeler for at least 5 years, have conducted remodeling projects using green principles, practices, or products for at least 3 years, have continuing education in sustainable renovation, and pass a comprehensive examination.

Paul Morse is an owner and president of Morse Constructions, Inc., a design/build renovation firm with offices in Somerville, Massachusetts. Paul has been implementing sustainable building practices since 1973. Recently green building has become more popular and homeowners and those purchasing homes are looking for contractors, architects, and engineers who are knowledgeable in the many facets of sustainable building.

"Sustainable renovations are more complicated than building a new green home," says Morse. "Our company is committed to incorporating green building practices in to all of our projects to promote healthy, energy efficient homes which have the least impact on the environment."

Morse Constructions, Inc. has over 34 years of experience in the renovation industry. Special areas of focus include: sustainable design and building, historic restoration and whole house renovations, seamless additions, kitchens and baths, aging in place, and maximizing use of available space in smaller homes.

For more information on sustainable renovations or Morse Constructions, Inc., please contact Karen Morse at 617-666-4460 or karen @morseconstructions.com.

Website: www.morseconstructions.com.