Send2Press Newswire

DaveCo Awarded the Lockheed Martin Gold Supplier Trophy

Wed, 14 May 2008 13:29:26 GMT

GARLAND, Texas, May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- DaveCo Industries recently received their second supplier award from Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. After initially being inducted into Preferred Supplier Program in 2003 at Silver status, Lockheed now recognizes DaveCo as a Gold status Preferred Supplier. Representatives from Lockheed visited DaveCo's facilities in Garland, TX and presented the award to the entire company.

This prestigious award comes on the heels of DaveCo's AS9100 registration, and the ensuing celebration was intended to commemorate both accomplishments. The Gold Supplier status requires a quality rating of 100% and on-time delivery of 100% for 24 straight months, and this accomplishment is not easily achieved in this challenging market.

DaveCo now has its sights set on the Platinum level, which requires an additional 12 months of 100% quality and delivery ratings.

Accepting the Gold status award for DaveCo was the president of the company Mark Helterbrand. "Our partnership with Lockheed has and will be a big part of our success. They continue to raise the bar on our performance and that is making us a better supplier to them and to our other customers as well," stated Helterbrand.

DaveCo is well-positioned for significant growth in the aerospace and defense markets in the coming months and years. This business segment has already increased in recent years and is targeted to become a much larger percentage of DaveCo's revenue base in 2009 and beyond.

More information: www.daveco-ind.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, DaveCo Industries, aerospace and defense markets

Oprah Winfrey Depicted with Late Dogs in Puppies' Memorial - New York Gallery Appeals to Pet Lovers with Exhibit

Wed, 14 May 2008 11:49:21 GMT

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- An exhibit dedicated to the memory of Oprah Winfrey's late dogs opens in Manhattan's West Village, helping to promote pet safety awareness. A life-size monument depicts "puppy versions" of Oprah's Cocker Spaniel Sophie and Golden Labrador Gracie atop the head of the talk show icon by controversial sculptor Daniel Edwards. The Puppies' Memorial will be exhibited at Leo Kesting Gallery on May 22nd.

"Memories of Sophie and Gracie: A Puppies' Memorial" is inspired by the Oprah press releases that announced the passing of Gracie, who choked on a ball last year, and the passing of Sophie, who died in March.

"To represent Sophie and Gracie together, joined in Oprah's memory as they were in life and in Oprah's heart, the artist depicted them as conjoined at the hip and sharing a common tail," says co-director John Leo. The dogs are shown standing on the flowing-maned golden likeness of Oprah's head, in reference to how the dogs' deaths may be weighing heavily on Winfrey's mind. "Losing two beloved pets within a year is likely to take its toll on anybody."

Last month, Oprah dedicated a show investigating abuses at puppy mills to Sophie, who died from kidney failure. "Sophie gave me 13 years of unconditional love," Winfrey said on her show.

The Puppies' Memorial also highlights the overlooked threat of accidental pet fatality by common household products.

"Given the natures of the demise of Oprah's dogs, we feel the horrors of a puppy mill could be inconsequential compared to the poison hazards pets face in the home. Leaving a puppy mill for a nice home could be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire for some pets," says gallery co-director David Kesting. "According to the APCC (Animal Poison Control Center), the anti-freeze commonly leaked on garage floors, for example, is sweet smelling and tasting to pets, but it causes kidney failure and death."

"The memories of Oprah's pets could serve as a reminder to all pet lovers that this may be a good time to thoroughly 'puppy-proof' their pet's habitats," says Daniel Edwards.

"Sophie's kidney failure may have resulted from natural causes, but we hope the Puppies' Memorial will remind everyone that Gracie's choking could have been prevented," says Kesting.

Edwards's other works include a pro-euthanasia monument to Kentucky Derby winning racehorse Barbaro, The Paris Hilton Autopsy featuring her forlorn pet Chihuahua Tinkerbell, and a nude Britney Spears giving birth on a bearskin rug.

Reception for the PRESS, May 21st at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Public reception is May 22nd, 6:00 p.m. at Leo Kesting Gallery, 812 Washington St. Contact David Kesting at 917-650-3760 or John Leo at 917-292-8865 or www.LeoKesting.com.

No celebrity endorsement claimed or implied.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Leo Kesting Gallery, sculptor Daniel Edwards

Lincoln Financial Advisors' Pacific Regional Planning Group Names Planner of the Year

Wed, 14 May 2008 10:43:25 GMT

SAN RAMON, Calif., May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp.'s Pacific Regional Planning Group has named Robert G. Dillow, CFP(R), CFS, MBA, as the 2007 Planner of the Year. Bob was chosen out of a group of over 80 planners. He ranked in the top 1% of all planners in the region, and has been awarded the top honor within Lincoln of Chairman's Council.

In 2006 he was awarded the prestigious Mitchell T. Curtis Award for growth and contribution to the Northern California office. Bob actively participates in Lincoln's elite wealth management groups: The Resource Group and the Private Wealth Services Group as well as serving on the teaching faculty of the LFA-Sagemark University System which serves planners nationwide. He has spoken at various technical national conferences since 1996.

Bob is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER(TM) practitioner and has been a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA) since 1996. He has served as Chairman for the 1997 FPA Estate Planning Conference and participated in the Exam Review Committee for the CFP Exam Board (2004). Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from San Jose State University and a Masters in Business from St. Mary's College.

You can learn more about Mr. Dillow's practice at www.sagemarkca.com (Sagemark Consulting).

About Lincoln Financial Advisors:
Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. (LFA) is the financial planning division of Lincoln Financial Group, and is a member of both FINRA and SIPC. Lincoln Financial Advisors professionals offer planning and advisory services, retirement services, life products, annuities, investments, and trust services to affluent individuals, business owners, and families.

About Lincoln Financial Group:
Lincoln Financial Group, headquartered in Philadelphia, is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; mutual funds; managed accounts; institutional investments; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. Affiliates also include: Delaware Investments, the marketing name for Delaware Management Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries; and Lincoln UK. For more information, including a copy of the most recent SEC reports containing balance sheets, please visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.

CRN200804-2015955

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Lincoln Financial Advisors, Robert G Dillow CFP

North Carolina Restaurant Reacts to Current Economic Times

Wed, 14 May 2008 09:16:50 GMT

ASHEVILLE, N.C., May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- It's no secret that current economic times are challenging. Gas prices continue to soar and healthcare insurance is at an all-time high. Consumer confidence continues to fluctuate and business owners must find ways to retain and grow their current customer base. Vincenzo's Ristorante and Bistro in Asheville, N.C. has altered its business model to help its customers ride out the storm.

Vincenzo's, Asheville's premier Northern Italian restaurant, cares about meeting its customers' needs. As a result, they have made menu alterations and also instituted changes to their smoking policy.

Customers can now choose smaller plate items for less money.

"So, go ahead and order that filet mignon; it's not as much money as you may think," Dwight Butner, owner of Vincenzo's, said. "People watching their waistlines also appreciate this new change as half portions of pasta are easily accommodated."

Additionally, restaurant management also announced that its "warm and friendly" bistro room has changed its smoking policy. Smokers are permitted to light up after 9:30 p.m., but not before.

"The change in the smoking policy came about at the request of our customers," Butner said. "People who wish to enjoy our live music in the bistro part of the restaurant can now do so, smoke-free, up to 9:30 p.m. We also wanted to accommodate our smokers who enjoy a cigar apres dinner; this was a happy compromise."

Many restaurants have moved to being completely smoke free, but Butner realizes that people still enjoy a smoke after a good meal.

"We cannot disregard that part of the population," he added.

Butner hopes that these changes will not only boost consumer confidence, but will also save people money, better their health, and encourage them to continue to enjoy the small pleasures in life.

"In times such as these," Butner explained, "it's important to treat ourselves and to take care of ourselves."

Vincenzo's prides itself on providing a genuine northern Italian dining experience for its guests. Their menu celebrates the cuisines of Veneto (Venice); Lombardy (Milan); Tuscany (Florence); and the Piedmont (Turin).

Its atmosphere is casual; music is nightly and includes live blues, jazz and standards music, without cover charge.

For more information, visit: www.Vincenzos.com - or call: 254-4698.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Vincenzos Ristorate and Bistro, Italian restaurant North Carolina

Are Green Toilets Going Mainstream?

Wed, 14 May 2008 08:39:45 GMT

FRESNO, Ohio, May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Just a few years ago, if you mentioned composting toilets, people would go, "A what toilet...?!?" You either quickly changed the subject, or went into an ever-lasting explanation about what it is, how it works and especially why on earth anybody would want to have a toilet that doesn't flush. "Things are changing," says Peter Andersson, President of BioLet USA.

These days, waterless toilets - and toilets that use less water - have become very common; in some areas they are even considered a necessity. Waterless urinals can be found at many airports or sport arenas, and people are gradually becoming more educated about wise water usage. Another sign that "green toilets" are about to go mainstream is that BioLet, the world's leading manufacturer of waterless toilet systems, now has its products sold nationally by The Home Depot and ACE Hardware, two of the world's largest home improvement retailers. All of the stores carry information about BioLet products and customers can order their very own zero-flush toilet directly at the store.

In many industrialized countries, waterless toilets have been sold for over 30 years and they have become an approved method of toilet waste disposal. In some areas, these systems have even become the preferred way of treating sewage. In Sweden, commonly referred to as the origin of the modern composting toilet industry, over 100,000 systems have been installed countrywide and BioLet's advanced technology has made these waterless toilets the easy and green way to go.

The principle is very simple. Just as Mother Nature intended for waste to be recycled into nutrients for the next generation, a BioLet toilet transforms human waste into a dry, odorless material that can easily be disposed of, or even recycled back to Nature. The toilet consists of various control mechanisms that guarantee an odor free operation and let's the proud owner of a BioLet appreciate the benefits of having a fully functional toilet while doing his or her part to protect their nation's precious water resources.

In addition to providing an excellent choice for saving water, the Swedish made BioLet can also save a lot of hard earned cash. When installing a regular flush toilet, water and sewer lines need to be connected to a toilet and linked to a septic or sewer system. A contractor has to dig up the yard and it usually takes days or weeks until a new toilet is installed. Whereas a BioLet can be self-installed in less than two hours, for considerably less money.

"Why wait?," says Andersson, "Go Green today!"

For more information, log onto www.biolet.com, call 1-800-5Biolet or visit your local Home Depot or ACE store.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, BioLet USA waterless toilets, zero flush toilet

Cruise Web Site Publisher Launches Veteran Fund Raising Program

Wed, 14 May 2008 07:34:47 GMT

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 14 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- CruiseJungle Holdings, operator of several consumer travel web sites today announced the launch of a unique fund raising program that directly benefits veterans and their families. The program, Voyages for Veterans, is designed to raise funds for the well-respected Fisher House veteran's organization. Fisher House is a 4 star, A+ rated charitable foundation that provides free housing for families of veterans that are undergoing treatment at VA hospitals throughout the country.

The organization builds, furnishes and equips multi-bedroom houses located adjacent to VA medical facilities where the families can reside, at no charge, while their loved ones receive extended treatments there.

Each Fisher House is designed to allow its guest to remain together in a family-like environment. To date, the foundation, working through a private-public partnership, has constructed 38 houses across the country and since 1990 has saved veteran's families an estimated $100 million in housing expenses.

The "Voyages for Veterans" concept was developed by CruiseJungle CEO, Joe Ewart, who served with the Army in Vietnam in the early 70's. He stated, "I was surprised to learn that veteran's families are pretty much on their own when they have to travel to a VA facility for any extended medical treatment. Fisher House residences help mitigate the expense that would be incurred if the family was forced to stay at a local hotel and purchase all their meals at restaurants. I was particularly impressed by the fact that 97% of all funds raised goes to directly benefit families of veterans. We formulated a plan to use cruising as a way to leverage funds for Fisher House."

The first phase of the program offers a direct contribution from CruiseJungle to Fisher House for anyone that signs up for its free weekly newsletter, CruiseFlash at www.VoyagesForVeterans.com.

In addition, future plans call for developing a series of cruise departures that trigger a direct contribution from the cruise lines for identified bookings as a well as specific targeted cruise departures that raise funds on board.

Those wishing to make direct donations to Fisher House may do so by visiting their web site at www.FisherHouse.org.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, CruiseJungle Voyages for Veterans, Fisher House veteran organization

Hitt Music Group and Media Riot Productions Join Forces

Tue, 13 May 2008 16:51:51 GMT

Partnership Program to include cross promotion and client discounts

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Bands and solo artists no longer need to feel intimated by the competitive music industry now that Hitt Music Group and Media Riot Productions have joined forces. The two met at this year's music and media conference South by Southwest and since then have collaborated to meet the growing needs of music professionals in a creative and innovative fashion.

Hitt Music Group (HMG), a placement and development agency located in Hollywood, CA, provides up and coming artists the resources necessary to connect with top industry executives, including electronic press kits and music submission. HMG's partnership with Media Riot Productions (MRP), a Houston-based company specializing in high-end photography and video production, will offer HMG clients the opportunity to solidify their image through professional music videos and photo shoots.

As part of their partnership, MRP will offer a 10% discount to HMG referrals. As one of the top music video and photography companies in the nation, MRP will provide HMG members a professional music video and photo shoot, a crucial step in publicizing their music.

In addition, MRP's affiliation with one of the country's biggest radio stations "The Buzz" in Houston, TX will provide HMG members the opportunity to garner airplay and industry recognition.

President of HMG David Hitt says, "With this partnership, we hope to give our members the same video, photography and graphic capabilities as major label recording artists, but at a fraction of the cost."

HMG and MRP's affiliation is a productive way to advance the image of music. The partnership is meant to assist in the branding of HMG member's music through MRP's exciting and cutting-edge media solutions.

Using the latest technology for services ranging from photo shoots and television commercials to music videos and event coverage, MRP will form a personal relationship with HMG members, working around busy schedules and adjusting to budget restrictions.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Hitt Music Group, Media Riot Productions

This Year's Better Business Bureau Education Foundation Awards Welcomes a Newcomer into its Elite Ranks

Tue, 13 May 2008 13:31:06 GMT

HOUSTON, Texas, May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Momentum Transport - the nation's premier auto and freight transport provider - walked away from this year's event with the 2008 Winner of Distinction, the award presented in recognition of Momentum Transport's superior commitment to ethics, overall excellence, and quality in the workplace.

The BBB Awards for Excellence was created to recognize businesses and non-profits that excel in quality achievement, management and customer service while exhibiting integrity in the marketplace and exemplary dedication to fostering trust between businesses and consumers.

About Momentum Transport
Since 1996, Momentum Transport has been the nation's premier provider of auto and freight shipping services. Momentum's goal to provide value-priced, hassle-free transport services has helped to vault the company to one of the largest and most well respected transport providers in the country.

From multi-national corporations and dealerships to the everyday consumer, Momentum Transport assists in the movement of thousands of vehicles on a yearly basis - while never comprising its commitment to unmatched quality and seamless customer service.

For more information, call 1-866-309-7700 or log on to www.momentumtransport.com.

All trademarks acknowledged. Better Business Bureau, BBB, and BBB logos are service marks owned by the Council of Better Business Bureaus, Inc.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, BBB Awards for Excellence, Momentum Transport

Interim HealthCare Announces Conversion of Branches to Franchises in California

Tue, 13 May 2008 12:35:57 GMT

SUNRISE, Fla., and SAN DIEGO, Calif., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Interim HealthCare, the nation's largest combined provider of home care and healthcare staffing services, announced the completion of conversions of the San Diego/Escondido, Fresno, Sacramento and Modesto/Stockton branches into franchise operations. Previously, operating under corporate ownership, the change reflects the continuous growth of the 42-year-old company and a strategic move to becoming an all franchise organization.

Under this branch to franchise conversion, the San Diego/Escondido offices' new franchise partner is Wendy Olayvar; the Fresno offices' franchise partners are Sarah Ahmed, Wayne Campbell and Samerah Campbell; the Sacramento offices' franchise partner is David Klaeser; and the Modesto/Stockton offices' franchise partners are Ron and Anita Murphy.

Paul Murphy, CEO of Interim HealthCare, Inc. commented, "It speaks volumes that all our new franchise partners were previously involved in their branches in some capacity. We are so proud to welcome these new franchisees to the Interim family and look forward to their continued growth."

Wendy Olayvar, Franchisee of Interim HealthCare of San Diego states, "We are excited to become Interim HealthCare franchisees. We also are very pleased to give California seniors the opportunity to remain independent at home by offering skilled and non-medical, supportive home care services."

About Interim HealthCare
Interim HealthCare, Inc. is the nation's leading provider of comprehensive home health and health care staffing services. Through a franchise network of more than 300 offices, the Company serves patients and clients across the United States.

Interim is a single source for skilled nursing; physical, occupational and speech therapy services; hospice services; non-medical home care assistance; occupational health; physician locum tenens and other related services. Interim employs more than 75,000 health care workers and provides services to approximately 50,000 people each day.

For more information, visit www.interimhealthcare.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, healthcare staffing services, Interim HealthCare franchises

Authentic Italian Restaurant, Bellini Italian Bistro, has now Opened at 510 Ocean Drive, South Beach

Tue, 13 May 2008 11:31:48 GMT

MIAMI, Fla., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Gourmet Cuisine enthusiasts may now enjoy some of the finest Italian food and delicacies in Miami. At Bellini you will find delicious and simple Italian food that hopefully tastes as good as you remember from your last trip to Italy. The restaurant owner, Diego Ucciferri's philosophy is as easy as it is straightforward - "use the best local ingredients as simply as possible and serve them with flourish and pleasure."

The name of the restaurant comes from the Bellini cocktail which was created in 1948 by legendary bar man Harry Cipriani for his friend, Ernest Hemingway, at Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy. Originally made with fresh white peaches, cognac and champagne, the Bellini has gained popularity throughout the world.

Bellini Italian Bistro continues the tradition, using only the freshest peaches available. Indeed, a complementary Bellini cocktail is offered to all frequent diners.

About Bellini Italian Bistro
This authentic Italian restaurant is located in the luxurious Bentley Hotel on Ocean Drive and features a Mediterranean inspired outdoor dining area. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 365 days a year, and the hours are 8.00 a.m. to 11.30 p.m.

The restaurant also caters to large parties and events, which can be held at the Bentley Hotel's Rooftop Terrace. Please contact Diego Ucciferri at 305-531-2100 for further information.

About Brenalt PR: Brenalt PR is a division of The Brenalt Group, an award-winning, full-service advertising, branding, graphic design, interactive, marketing, and public relations agency with offices in Miami, Dayton and Los Angeles. "We help businesses and organizations build their brands, increase sales and grow revenues and profits with strategically relevant creative solutions that establish real value for audiences and drive measurable results for marketers."

For more information please contact Robert Hock at Brenalt PR, 305-372-5605, extension 2104 or rwhock@brenalt.com.

Copyright © 2008 Send2Press® Newswire, a unit of Neotrope®
TAGS: Send2Press Newswire, Bellini Italian Bistro, Bentley Hotel South Beach

Prevent Identity Theft - Biometric Signature ID and QBOS Partner to Strengthen Online Identity Authentication

Tue, 13 May 2008 08:35:23 GMT

DALLAS, Texas, May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Biometric Signature ID ("BSI") and Quick Business Operating Systems (QBOS) today announced a strategic alliance that will enable BSI's dynamic biometric authentication and verification solutions to seamlessly operate within QBOS's Business Process Automation Suite of products.

BSI's solutions give businesses' using the QBOS TradeSpace Management System(TM) a strong identity authentication solution to prevent unauthorized user access online. "BSI is working with QBOS to deliver a heightened level of online security while protecting the convenience and access of information that their customers have come to expect on the Internet," said Jeff Maynard CEO at BSI. "QBOS greatly enhances performance and quality of client internal processes by managing the intellectual capital of its clients. BSI will add the extra dimension required to protect these assets from non-authorized abusers without hindering the user experience."

"There has been increasing reports of both insider and hacker attacks against corporate assets making identity management a serious threat. Within a month of announcing a data breech, the average price of stocks in public companies fell by 5% and did not recover to pre-incident levels for nearly a year. Failure to verify the 'real' user is a major source of identity fraud that contributes to over $50B in annual losses," states Maynard. "Through our own innovation and through partnerships with leading providers like QBOS, BSI is working to reduce the risk of online fraud and identity theft when using an online portal site for CRM and workflow operations."

"BSI's design is superior to the approach currently supported by competitors," said Jim Lord, CTO and Founder of QBOS. "BSI's Identity verifications systems, and two-factor authentication are both achieved without forcing users to install any software, or carry any devices and the login process is accomplished in seconds. That is a huge advantage for ensuring minimum user impact while delivering maximum multi-factor identity authentication protection."

About Quick Business Operating Systems
QBOS, Inc. is a leading provider of innovative Saas and web enabled software management solutions serving large and small businesses. The QBOS Inc., TradeSpace Management System(TM) securely extends workflow and information exchange across corporate boundaries within a variety of market segments and industries. The TradeSpace Management System(TM) allows clients to create highly customized and dynamic ecosystems enabling new methods to optimize working relationships, create joint services, and share information or human resources with trusted business partners.

QBOS Inc. also offers a wide range of modular ERP applications such as CRM, Inventory Management, Sales Force Automation, Project Management, and much more. All QBOS applications feature integrated Business Process Management Software which allows clients to create custom processes, workflows, and fully auditable application solutions without programming. For more information, please visit: www.qbos.com.

About Biometric Signature ID
BSI provides solutions to reduce identity fraud through its' patent pending BioSig-ID Online(TM) and BioSig-ID WinLogon(TM) biometric handwriting and gesture technologies. Activation is from any mouse, stylus or touchpad on any PC anywhere, anytime. BioSig-ID captures HOW you write/draw including your speed, direction, angle and length which are unique to each individual. Users enroll one time to create a profile (stored in a secure database) and thereafter validate their identity in seconds.

The way you draw or write with a mouse cannot be lost, stolen or borrowed - a major concern with PINS, passwords and tokens. When a user ID's password or token is stolen or shared with a colleague, the system cannot know who the actual physical user is and theft can occur. BioSig-ID stops identity fraud by restricting access to only registered users who verify themselves against their stored biometric profile.

BSI also offers Click-ID(TM) technology that is stronger than a "hard" password or personal questions by clicking on specific objects from a selected image to verify the user's identity. BSI's electronic signature Sig-ID Online(TM) enables users to sign contracts online instantly, thereby increasing revenues and providing proof that the user authorizes the action. BSI offers a complete line of solutions to meet the authentication and authorization needs for a wide range of industries. More information, www.biosig-id.com.

EnQii Signs Partnership with LocaModa

Tue, 13 May 2008 07:32:57 GMT

Partnership Advances "New Media Triad" with Mobile Phone Interactivity

NEW YORK, N.Y., May 13 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- EnQii, a global leader in the digital out-of-home market, is taking aim at the future of digital signage networks by partnering with LocaModa, a mobile social platform provider. By joining forces with LocaModa, EnQii is optimizing the "new media triad" of digital signage, mobile devices and the web while becoming part of the largest growing network of connected places.

EnQii N.A. president Stuart Armstrong says that the "new media triad" represents a digital on-ramp for consumers to opt-in to branded communities, and is a powerful new way for media owners, brands and locations to engage consumers and measure these interactions.

"When people go to retail locations, bars, restaurants, and other social places, there's an opportunity for them to intersect and create a dialogue with the in-location network, and also pass these conversations onto their social graph," says Armstrong. "That becomes the conduit for a larger, more viral dialogue between targeted audiences and brands."

As an example, if a consumer is in a music store scoping out a new artist, a digital signage display could invite him to control a virtual jukebox using his cell phone, not unlike the way a mouse is used with a computer or a remote control is used with television. Because his interactions are displayed publicly, the media experience is instantly shared with others in the venue, and can also be reflected on the store's website, becoming a compelling source of streaming social recommendations.

"Today's media consumers want to stay connected and control the media around them," says Bill Nast, VP of Business Development at LocaModa.

"The LocaModa platform when combined with EnQii digital media network technologies create an interactive medium. This enables a measurable, multi-modal environment that increases the value of branded measures and supports database marketing to tap into the consumer lifetime value."

Armstrong says the potential of the "new media triad" transcends traditional retail to include restaurants, bars, casinos, leisure and sports venues, and multiple forms of outdoor advertising.

He notes, "When you invite consumers to opt-in and become part of a branded community, the value of that brand has been shown to increase as much as three- or four-fold."

About EnQii
EnQii is a global leader in the digital out-of-home media market with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Dubai, Hong Kong and Shanghai. As one of the world's truly global digital out-of-home companies, EnQii currently services thousands of locations across more than 14 countries. EnQii couples a deep understanding of customer behavior with its powerful media technologies to provide clients with fully managed solutions that enables them to advance their overall customer communication strategy for many years to come. EnQii won the 2008 DIGI Award for outstanding technology in the healthcare category for the WHEN Network. For more information, please visit www.enqii.com.

About LocaModa
LocaModa connects people and places. The company's social platform enables people to access and control media in their favorite places, bringing location experiences to the web and web experiences to locations. LocaModa connects people in bars, cafes, colleges, public spaces and conferences. The company is privately held, headquartered in Massachusetts and founded by Stephen Randall, a former EVP/Founder of Symbian. True to its global vision, LocaModa is internationally backed by Dace Ventures in USA, Mahindra Group in India and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, via its U.S.-based strategic investing arm, PresidioSTX. For more information, please visit www.locamoda.com.

SolarReserve Hires Top Energy and Technology Expert - Tom Georgis Appointed as Vice President of Development

Mon, 12 May 2008 13:28:50 GMT

LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- SolarReserve, the Los Angeles-based solar thermal power company, has announced the hiring of Tom Georgis as Vice President of Development. Georgis will be responsible for developing solar power projects in the United States and internationally. SolarReserve holds the exclusive license for the breakthrough molten salt power tower technology with energy storage developed by United Technologies Corporation subsidiary, HS Rocketdyne.

"Tom has a unique background that will be an asset to SolarReserve," said Kevin Smith, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Development for SolarReserve. "His combination of high-level technology and power project development experience provides the added expertise SolarReserve needs at this critical point in our growth."

Prior to joining SolarReserve, Mr. Georgis was Managing Director of International Operations at GlobalTec Solutions, a privately held technology company. Previous positions include Managing Director at Exodus Energy LLC, where he acted as lead developer on a number of innovative technology energy facilities, and Manager of Power Project Development at Enron International. Mr. Georgis also served nine years as a Naval Special Warfare Officer (SEAL) in the United States Navy.

"In the age of the $120 barrel of oil and natural gas prices above $11 per MMBtu, SolarReserve's technology will help us meet the ever-increasing demand for power while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels," said Georgis. "I can think of no better - or more meaningful - way to apply my knowledge and expertise."

Mr. Georgis graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies and obtained a Masters of Business Administration degree from the Anderson School at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

About SolarReserve
SolarReserve is a collaboration between United Technologies Corporation (UTC, NYSE: UTX), a Dow 30 conglomerate, and U.S. Renewables Group, a private equity firm focused exclusively on renewable energy. SolarReserve holds the exclusive worldwide license to build state-of-the-art Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants that use a molten salt system manufactured by HS Rocketdyne, a subsidiary of UTC.

SolarReserve's CSP plants capture and focus the sun's thermal energy with thousands of tracking mirrors, or heliostats, onto a central receiver - heating the molten salt to over 1000 degrees Fahrenheit. The heated molten salt then flows into a thermal storage tank where it is stored, maintaining 98% thermal efficiency, and then pumped to a steam generator, creating steam to drive a standard turbine to generate electricity.

This process is revolutionary because it allows renewable and dispatchable energy generation at a utility scale. It does not require any fossil fuels to maintain the system integrity, and therefore has zero harmful emissions.

As countries seek to develop and promote clean, renewable, independent energy resources at a utility scale, SolarReserve offers a breakthrough technology that is economically competitive with modern fossil fuel plants, and which is sheltered from future increases in the price of oil, natural gas, coal, and other fuels.

For more information about SolarReserve, please visit www.solar-reserve.com.

All trademarks acknowledged.

Bantam Electronics(TM) Awarded JBM Electronics Compact Wireless Router Manufacturing

Mon, 12 May 2008 11:02:57 GMT

AUSTIN, Texas, May 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- Bantam Electronics, Inc., a leading provider of high-mix electronics manufacturing services, including custom systems manufacturing and supply chain management for emerging OEM companies and electronic products, today announced a product manufacturing agreement with JBM Electronics. JBM is a leading provider of solutions that interface legacy protocol devices to modern LAN/WAN networks.

In a move that enables JBM to expand its delivery of best-in-class wireless router solutions to the global market, Bantam, a leader in high-mix electronics manufacturing services for established and emerging technology companies has assumed operational manufacturing responsibilities for the JBM Gateway C120 Routers.

"As a leader in interface and protocol conversion, JBM is continuously developing global solutions that uniquely address the migration of legacy protocol applications to both current and future network topologies," said Michael Chaddock, President and CEO of Bantam Electronics. "JBM's solutions provide companies with a simple, cost-effective means for maintaining the use of existing network equipment, thus lowering their overall capital expenditures. By leveraging Bantam's high mix electronics manufacturing services, JBM is able to meet growing demand while focusing on core competencies such as product development and customer acquisition. Bantam's ability to readily support product customization and configuration requests of varying degrees is also a competitive advantage for JBM, as it enables them to meet customers changing needs and capture new business."

"As a manufacturer ourselves, we quickly recognized that the increase in product demand we were experiencing, coupled with faster product shipping requirements, mandated a shift to a turnkey high-mix electronics manufacturing solution," said Steve Mintz, President of JBM Electronics. "Bantam quickly established themselves as a best-in-class provider not only the functional manufacturing of our Gateway C120 Routers, but in the value they deliver as a services partner. Bantam's New Product Integration (NPI) process was instrumental in our migration to a turnkey manufacturing business model. They also operate under a collaborative program management philosophy in which we are constantly kept up to date on all aspects of our product manufacturing and logistics activities. We have a high level of confidence, which frees us up to invest more heavily in other critical areas such as R&D and new business opportunities."

About Bantam
Bantam Electronics, founded in 1969, is a leading provider of high-mix electronics manufacturing services to emerging companies and products-encompassing custom manufacturing and complete supply chain management of embedded appliances, industrial controllers, and computer-based systems for small- and mid-sized companies through the integration of its scalable manufacturing services, its extensive computer and electronic parts distribution network, and comprehensive logistics services.

Based in Austin, Texas, Bantam Electronics provides high mix custom system manufacturing and supply chain management, including warranty and RMA services, for leading and emerging companies. In 2007, Bantam was named to the inaugural Inc. 5,000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the country, and has also been named a Fastest Growing Privately-Held Company two years running and a Best Place To Work by the Austin Business Journal. For more information about Bantam's electronics manufacturing services, visit www.bantamsolutions.com. For more information about Bantam, visit www.bantamelectronics.com.

About JBM Electronics
JBM Electronics was founded in 1975 as a custom development house for network connectivity solutions. Initially a specialist in legacy networking solutions involving environments such as SNA and 3270, JBM has since expanded that expertise to include IP and now cellular-based connectivity solutions. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, JBM has provided solutions to thousands of customers, including Hewlett-Packard, GasTV, and Pilot TravelCenters.

Recently, JBM shipped its 10,000th access router for cellular network connectivity and continues to be a leader in application-based connectivity solutions. For more information please visit www.jbmelectronics.com or call 1-800-489-7781.

The Cultural Explorer, a San Francisco-based Cultural and Philanthropic Tour Company, Shows Travelers How Easy it is to Help Others as They Travel South Africa

Mon, 12 May 2008 10:11:31 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif., May 12 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) -- As TV viewers saw on Oprah's Big Give, it does not take a lot to make a difference in someone's life. The Cultural Explorer, a San Francisco-based cultural and philanthropic tour company, shows travelers how easy it is to help others as they travel. Beginning travel philanthropists need to know where to start and how to donate their time and money in a safe and effective way.

The Cultural Explorer staff has designed a trip and identified several areas in South Africa where travelers can make an impact in just two short weeks.

Called "Making a Difference - South Africa," this trip offers travelers the opportunity to work with Zulu country schools to establish computer centers and much-needed libraries. Travelers meet the principals, teachers, and students and their parents while they explore the scenic beauty of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Several small villages in Didima Valley are still without electricity, even though electrical power lines are up along the road. Travelers will team up and brainstorm to help these Zulu people brighten their homes and communities. Travelers will meet with the chief, the counselor, and the mayor of these villages.

Making a Difference - South Africa travelers will also meet with an inspiring Sangoma (traditional healer) along the Garden Route in the Knysna township, visit projects helping disadvantaged women develop much-needed work skills, experience life in the townships, and even take a group of township students out to famed Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was once imprisoned.

Cultural Explorer travelers will hike (or walk) the majestic Drakensberg mountains, experience the vast Karoo, stay on a sheep farm, relax on Indian Ocean beaches, shop Cape Town, visit the African jackass penguins, and marvel at the stunning beauty of Cape Point at the southern tip of South Africa.

What travelers say about their Making a Difference - South Africa philanthropic adventure:

"It was the most amazing travel experience - an eye-opening two-week tour. We met with South African people from all walks of life and saw how they lived on a day-to-day basis. Accompanied by knowledgeable and professional local guides, we traversed from Johannesburg to Cape Town (passing through 5 out of 9 provinces). We toured numerous townships, met with Zulus in their homes, visited with kids in orphanages, climbed the beautiful mountains of the Drakensberg, and learned about apartheid from varying perspectives and saw the impact it still has on life today - all the while being surrounded by diverse and breathtaking scenery and landscapes. I truly commend The Cultural Explorer - everything from the accommodations, transportation, local guides, food, itinerary and logistics was top-notch. A once-in-a-lifetime experience," said Maxine W., Vancouver, Canada, September 2007.

"This has been a wonderful trip to South Africa! You truly helped us to meet the people and our lives are enriched by this particular trip. Every day has been an adventure," said Anita G., Boston, USA, September 2007.

Upcoming tours:
* September 6-20, 2008
* February 14-28, 2009
* October 3-17, 2009

The Cultural Explorer is a member of the African Travel Association (ATA), and is based in San Francisco. The company offers both group and individual trips, and specializes in authentic cultural and philanthropic travel experiences.

For more information, please visit: theculturalexplorer.com.