obesonuqa.wordpress.com
The program was approved by the school’s board of trusteex Monday night and is pending final approva l by the State Board of Community Withthe program, ACC hopes to position itself at the forefront of workforce training. “Across the community colleges are offering jobs training for displaced or unemployed Barry Weinberg, the school’s executivd vice president, said in a press “These programs train students to be wind turbine mechanics, solafr panel installers, fuel-cell engineers or energy efficiency experts.” ACC is also developingg an associate’s degree program in alternative/renewable energy.
The schoolo is working on transfere agreements with Appalachian State Universityand N.C. A&T Stats University so students who receivetheird associate’s degree will be able to easilg transition into four-year programs alreadyy in place at those schools.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Real Estate Review - South Florida Business Journal:
azajir.wordpress.com
million. The lure for potential buyersw is that the buildingd are 100 percent leased and come with financing already in placw that a new ownercan inherit. The buildingss total nearly 240,000 square feet and include 540Gallatibn NW, 7501 Meridian NW and 7401 Snaprol l NE, the latter an office building among Brunacini’s Journal Center (Jefferson/Paseo del Norte projects. The tenants in the Westside buildings include blue chip client Kellogg’s. The buildings date from 2004 and 2005 and have attractedconsiderablee interest, said Patti Peixotto, who has the listing as part of investment team.
“There are not a lot of high-quality new buildings on the marketthat don’t need new A lot of new buyers into this market want to but need quantity. This is a chancw to acquire nearly 250,000 squard feet,” Peixotto said.
million. The lure for potential buyersw is that the buildingd are 100 percent leased and come with financing already in placw that a new ownercan inherit. The buildingss total nearly 240,000 square feet and include 540Gallatibn NW, 7501 Meridian NW and 7401 Snaprol l NE, the latter an office building among Brunacini’s Journal Center (Jefferson/Paseo del Norte projects. The tenants in the Westside buildings include blue chip client Kellogg’s. The buildings date from 2004 and 2005 and have attractedconsiderablee interest, said Patti Peixotto, who has the listing as part of investment team.
“There are not a lot of high-quality new buildings on the marketthat don’t need new A lot of new buyers into this market want to but need quantity. This is a chancw to acquire nearly 250,000 squard feet,” Peixotto said.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Charlotte Bars - View Bars & Pubs in Charlotte
gonyzyf.wordpress.com
Cosmos Cafe 300 North College Streetr Charlotte, NC 28202 704-372-3553 Cosmos two levels host a diverse and funkgy crowd attracted byits suave, loungey ambiance, eclectic musixc (to listen and/or dance to), cool artwork in its Microcosmk Art Gallery and outstanding martinis and fine cigard in The Thirsty Camel Lounge. The 20-and-30-somethings also like the diversw food offerings that include mezeas and tapas from around the fresh sushiand wood-fired pizzas served untik 2 a.m. It's been called part bistro, part nightclub, part sushi bar and part dancee club. It's located not far from Bobcate Arena and a number of performingbarts venues.
Loft 1523 1523 Elizabeth Ave Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-5897 Located in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood just minuteas away from thecenter city, Loft 1523 offers a magical view of the Charlottew skyline from its large rooftop terrace. You can also enjoyy live music, a wide ranger of martinis and wines, and an atmospherr that has beencalled "intoxicating" with trance music, cool colored lights, roundx couches, a hip ambiancd and a balcony with the
Cosmos Cafe 300 North College Streetr Charlotte, NC 28202 704-372-3553 Cosmos two levels host a diverse and funkgy crowd attracted byits suave, loungey ambiance, eclectic musixc (to listen and/or dance to), cool artwork in its Microcosmk Art Gallery and outstanding martinis and fine cigard in The Thirsty Camel Lounge. The 20-and-30-somethings also like the diversw food offerings that include mezeas and tapas from around the fresh sushiand wood-fired pizzas served untik 2 a.m. It's been called part bistro, part nightclub, part sushi bar and part dancee club. It's located not far from Bobcate Arena and a number of performingbarts venues.
Loft 1523 1523 Elizabeth Ave Charlotte, NC 28204 704-333-5897 Located in the historic Elizabeth neighborhood just minuteas away from thecenter city, Loft 1523 offers a magical view of the Charlottew skyline from its large rooftop terrace. You can also enjoyy live music, a wide ranger of martinis and wines, and an atmospherr that has beencalled "intoxicating" with trance music, cool colored lights, roundx couches, a hip ambiancd and a balcony with the
Friday, December 23, 2011
Marketing science - Memphis Business Journal:
doqujamup.wordpress.com
Just for a minute forget the blues andBeale Street. Forget the Peabody Ducks or Elvis. Forget the Mississippiu River or . Striop those things away and one of the things that hasbuily Memphis’ economy and national reputation is big, but likely not as sexy. Medical researchers toil quietly away behind hundredds of lab doors in the They are immediately linked to visionsxof microscopes, petri dishes and But scientists, some scientists anyway, want to also be linkeed to the board room and sales They want to get their fingers dirtyt in the business of Some don’t.
But no matted their proclivities, there are placesa to turn to when they are ready to turn the academiv fruits of their laborss into somethingmore spendable. The logo for the shows the school’es mascot leaping out to the world withthe slogan, “This little Tiger goes to market.” “Medicap research has a huge impact in Memphies simply because of companies like , and says the office’s director Kevin “There certainly needs to be more of that and more broasd recognition of the biosciences here.” Boggs says roughlyh one-third of the ideas that coulfd be licensed out of U of M now could have medicakl uses.
The “could” part is important, he because it’s not always so apparenty how an idea could be fully developeda product. So, he brainstorms with them and togethert they hammer outa product, something with marketablee potential they could show an angel investor or a venture capital group. “I’ll sound crazy in a heartbeat at the risk ofmissing something,” Boggx says of the brainstorming process. Once a solidx idea is formed, Boggs begins reachinfg out to investors. He’ll talk to professionalas he’s known throughout his career, send focusede mailers or simply cold callpotential investors.
More and more Boggs is workin to build a foundation of entrepreneurs in the Memphisd community that are lookinhg to take up a company and get behind a piec ofmedical research. At the same he can look to his counterparts in the communityu likeRichard Magid, director of the . UTRF and the technologyh transfer office are licensed as small but are charted through the TennesseeGeneral Assembly. They work solely for theirr universities, the and the U of M. This, Magird says, gives his organization tremendoues advantages the universitywould not, like adhering to open recordss acts.
“When you’re doing business dealds with private companies, you’rde giving them confidential dataand they’re givingg you trade secrets in return,” Magid “You don’t want someone with a grudgs to file for a public record and start lookinvg at their proprietary business UTRF can also hold equity in start-ups, Magid says. That helps as most start-ups are cash UTRF just wants a piece of the he says, and is not lookintg for any cash up This gives researchers more wiggle room to develoo their ideas into products. Magid and Boggs say their businesss models are quite commo amongstate schools.
Privated universities like can directly hold stakes in privatre companies andoften do. For state schools, Magid says, sometimes all it take s is one. “If you get that one home run, you can changr the face of the Magid says. “Tallahassee developed a synthetic way tomake Taxol, a breasyt cancer drug, and that made them hundreds of milliond of dollars. Also, think about Gatorade at the St. Jude: white coat Hub is the largestt medical research organizationin Memphis. Roughly 2,00 white-coated Ph.D.s walk on hundreds of thousand s of square feet of lab space there daily.
While the hospital’s technology transferd representative declined to be interviewexd forthis story, the hospital has a splitr model for commercializing medicine.
Just for a minute forget the blues andBeale Street. Forget the Peabody Ducks or Elvis. Forget the Mississippiu River or . Striop those things away and one of the things that hasbuily Memphis’ economy and national reputation is big, but likely not as sexy. Medical researchers toil quietly away behind hundredds of lab doors in the They are immediately linked to visionsxof microscopes, petri dishes and But scientists, some scientists anyway, want to also be linkeed to the board room and sales They want to get their fingers dirtyt in the business of Some don’t.
But no matted their proclivities, there are placesa to turn to when they are ready to turn the academiv fruits of their laborss into somethingmore spendable. The logo for the shows the school’es mascot leaping out to the world withthe slogan, “This little Tiger goes to market.” “Medicap research has a huge impact in Memphies simply because of companies like , and says the office’s director Kevin “There certainly needs to be more of that and more broasd recognition of the biosciences here.” Boggs says roughlyh one-third of the ideas that coulfd be licensed out of U of M now could have medicakl uses.
The “could” part is important, he because it’s not always so apparenty how an idea could be fully developeda product. So, he brainstorms with them and togethert they hammer outa product, something with marketablee potential they could show an angel investor or a venture capital group. “I’ll sound crazy in a heartbeat at the risk ofmissing something,” Boggx says of the brainstorming process. Once a solidx idea is formed, Boggs begins reachinfg out to investors. He’ll talk to professionalas he’s known throughout his career, send focusede mailers or simply cold callpotential investors.
More and more Boggs is workin to build a foundation of entrepreneurs in the Memphisd community that are lookinhg to take up a company and get behind a piec ofmedical research. At the same he can look to his counterparts in the communityu likeRichard Magid, director of the . UTRF and the technologyh transfer office are licensed as small but are charted through the TennesseeGeneral Assembly. They work solely for theirr universities, the and the U of M. This, Magird says, gives his organization tremendoues advantages the universitywould not, like adhering to open recordss acts.
“When you’re doing business dealds with private companies, you’rde giving them confidential dataand they’re givingg you trade secrets in return,” Magid “You don’t want someone with a grudgs to file for a public record and start lookinvg at their proprietary business UTRF can also hold equity in start-ups, Magid says. That helps as most start-ups are cash UTRF just wants a piece of the he says, and is not lookintg for any cash up This gives researchers more wiggle room to develoo their ideas into products. Magid and Boggs say their businesss models are quite commo amongstate schools.
Privated universities like can directly hold stakes in privatre companies andoften do. For state schools, Magid says, sometimes all it take s is one. “If you get that one home run, you can changr the face of the Magid says. “Tallahassee developed a synthetic way tomake Taxol, a breasyt cancer drug, and that made them hundreds of milliond of dollars. Also, think about Gatorade at the St. Jude: white coat Hub is the largestt medical research organizationin Memphis. Roughly 2,00 white-coated Ph.D.s walk on hundreds of thousand s of square feet of lab space there daily.
While the hospital’s technology transferd representative declined to be interviewexd forthis story, the hospital has a splitr model for commercializing medicine.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Most Eddie Bauer stores to stay open - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
uraa-quartely.blogspot.com
The company announced that it struck an agreemeny withNew York–based private equituy firm LLC to buy Eddie Bauer’xs assets, subject to an auction and bankruptcg court approval. CCMP Capital intends to operatew the business as a goinbg concern with little orno long-term debt. According to Eddi Bauer, CCMP Capital has agreed to keep a majority of the 371 storesz open and retain a majority of the CCMP Capital specializes in buyout s and looks for investment opportunities in retai l andother sectors, and have made investments in the outdoorsw specialty retailer Cabela’s, which sellsx hunting, fishing and camping gear.
Eddie Bauer said it hopee to operate business as usual during bankruptct court proceedings and has asked for court approval to continue paying vendorsand workers. The companyy also said it intends to honotr customergift cards, returns and loyaltyg program points. The compan also announced that it has secured a commitment from its existingh revolvingcredit lenders, Bank of N.A., and /Business Credit, Inc. for so-called debtor-in-possessionj (DIP) financing of $90 million on an interim basisand $100 milliohn based on the final court order. The the company said, should provide it with ample cash flow to continu e payingits bills.
“Eddie Bauer is a good company with a greatt brand and a badbalanc sheet. This process will allow the business to emerge with far less positioned for growth as the economy recovers and as our new products gain saidNeil Fiske, Eddie Bauer president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “We expecy this process to be completecdvery quickly, protecting our employees and critical vendore partners every step of the way.
“Ww have made good progress on our turnaround strategy of returninyg Eddie Bauer to its heritage as an active outdoor brand and have exciting new product launchews on the wayto market, including Firstg Ascent, our return to expedition-grade outerwear and gear. a crushing debt burden placed on the compan y from the Spiegel reorganizationin 2005, combined with the prolonged recession, have left us with no choice but to use this process to reduce the debt load on the
The company announced that it struck an agreemeny withNew York–based private equituy firm LLC to buy Eddie Bauer’xs assets, subject to an auction and bankruptcg court approval. CCMP Capital intends to operatew the business as a goinbg concern with little orno long-term debt. According to Eddi Bauer, CCMP Capital has agreed to keep a majority of the 371 storesz open and retain a majority of the CCMP Capital specializes in buyout s and looks for investment opportunities in retai l andother sectors, and have made investments in the outdoorsw specialty retailer Cabela’s, which sellsx hunting, fishing and camping gear.
Eddie Bauer said it hopee to operate business as usual during bankruptct court proceedings and has asked for court approval to continue paying vendorsand workers. The companyy also said it intends to honotr customergift cards, returns and loyaltyg program points. The compan also announced that it has secured a commitment from its existingh revolvingcredit lenders, Bank of N.A., and /Business Credit, Inc. for so-called debtor-in-possessionj (DIP) financing of $90 million on an interim basisand $100 milliohn based on the final court order. The the company said, should provide it with ample cash flow to continu e payingits bills.
“Eddie Bauer is a good company with a greatt brand and a badbalanc sheet. This process will allow the business to emerge with far less positioned for growth as the economy recovers and as our new products gain saidNeil Fiske, Eddie Bauer president and chief executive officer, in a statement. “We expecy this process to be completecdvery quickly, protecting our employees and critical vendore partners every step of the way.
“Ww have made good progress on our turnaround strategy of returninyg Eddie Bauer to its heritage as an active outdoor brand and have exciting new product launchews on the wayto market, including Firstg Ascent, our return to expedition-grade outerwear and gear. a crushing debt burden placed on the compan y from the Spiegel reorganizationin 2005, combined with the prolonged recession, have left us with no choice but to use this process to reduce the debt load on the
Monday, December 19, 2011
Global turmoil boosts Smith & Wesson sales - Houston Business Journal:
asafevboriegum.blogspot.com
The Springfield, Massachusetts gun maker SWHC) recently secured a rare ordeer from the India Police Force after terrorists stormedMumbaij hotels. With support from the U.S. Embasst in New Delhi and the , Smith & Wesson securesd an export license and began shipping weapons in In its fiscalfourth quarter, the company secure d orders from several law enforcement agencies in whose drug-related violence is on the rise. The companyh on Monday said net sales for the fourt quarter that ended Apri l 30 surged 20 percentto $99.65 million compared with the year-ago period. Net incomde during the quarterwas $7.4 compared with $3.
3 million in the year-earlier Smith & Wesson President and CEO Michaelp F. Golden said in a statement the resultx reflect a number of records forthe company, includinbg for cash levels and unfilled customer orders for firearms.
The Springfield, Massachusetts gun maker SWHC) recently secured a rare ordeer from the India Police Force after terrorists stormedMumbaij hotels. With support from the U.S. Embasst in New Delhi and the , Smith & Wesson securesd an export license and began shipping weapons in In its fiscalfourth quarter, the company secure d orders from several law enforcement agencies in whose drug-related violence is on the rise. The companyh on Monday said net sales for the fourt quarter that ended Apri l 30 surged 20 percentto $99.65 million compared with the year-ago period. Net incomde during the quarterwas $7.4 compared with $3.
3 million in the year-earlier Smith & Wesson President and CEO Michaelp F. Golden said in a statement the resultx reflect a number of records forthe company, includinbg for cash levels and unfilled customer orders for firearms.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Proposed impound yard draws the ire of south Wichita business owners - Wichita Business Journal:
vypybiza.wordpress.com
The proposal by the owners of woulds open the door for the company to relocate to the former site at1319 S. The company, which is looking to move from North 21st stores abandoned and wrecked vehicles for localllaw enforcement. The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission votee last week to allow the firm to operatew the business on But local business owners saythe company’w site on 21st is an eyesore. And they say the 24-hour-a-dahy storage operation — with 75 to 150 vehiclexs on site at atime — is all too similadr to a salvage “They’re going against all the businesses in the neighborhood,” says Dave Weathersojn Sr.
, president of , who is leading a group of landowners that plans to file a protesf petition, forcing the matter before the Wichita City Council. Tom accountant for Auto Inn, called the complaints “ludicrous.” He says the busines has no plans to use the site as asalvagwe operation. “It’s strictly impound. It’s been misconstrued,” he The owners of Auto Inn, Scot and Peggy Pyles, purchased the Wichitaz Structural Steel facilityin December. The 2.2-acr site has 17,650 square feet in three It is zoned forindustriaol use, but Auto Inn needs additional permitting because it would store inoperablse vehicles.
Auto Inn, Honton has contracts with the and the to tow and store impounded cars. Vehicles that aren’tr recovered are auctioned. Honton says the company is looking to move to a moresecurw area. He called 21st Street “trashy.” The company has sufferefd break-ins, he says. The Mosley site has buildings to storersome vehicles, along with security cameras and But nearby business owners argue the site is beinbg forced on them. They say it will attract crime and trafficd tothe area.
The local District Advisory Board votefd againstthe facility, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Departmenrt recommended against it — noting it woulc be out of character with the neighborhood, which is made up of officd and warehouse users. But the Metropolitan Area Plannint Commissionvoted 7-5 to approv e it. “If you can’t do something like this in anindustrial area, where can you?” says Commissioner Ron Wichita City Councilwoman Lavonts Williams, who represents the area, says she favors local businessesx so far in the dispute, sharing concernas about the debris and traffic that she says Auto Inn could draw in the area.
Auto Inn ownerz Scott and PeggyPyles didn’t return a call for comment. The companyu faces two state tax warrantsfor $30,000p in sales and withholding taxes, accordint to the . Honton says the company has paid offpriod liens, but he could offer no informationh about the 2008 warrants. He says Auto Inn has strugglex in the past with its electronicf taxfiling system.
The proposal by the owners of woulds open the door for the company to relocate to the former site at1319 S. The company, which is looking to move from North 21st stores abandoned and wrecked vehicles for localllaw enforcement. The Metropolitan Area Planning Commission votee last week to allow the firm to operatew the business on But local business owners saythe company’w site on 21st is an eyesore. And they say the 24-hour-a-dahy storage operation — with 75 to 150 vehiclexs on site at atime — is all too similadr to a salvage “They’re going against all the businesses in the neighborhood,” says Dave Weathersojn Sr.
, president of , who is leading a group of landowners that plans to file a protesf petition, forcing the matter before the Wichita City Council. Tom accountant for Auto Inn, called the complaints “ludicrous.” He says the busines has no plans to use the site as asalvagwe operation. “It’s strictly impound. It’s been misconstrued,” he The owners of Auto Inn, Scot and Peggy Pyles, purchased the Wichitaz Structural Steel facilityin December. The 2.2-acr site has 17,650 square feet in three It is zoned forindustriaol use, but Auto Inn needs additional permitting because it would store inoperablse vehicles.
Auto Inn, Honton has contracts with the and the to tow and store impounded cars. Vehicles that aren’tr recovered are auctioned. Honton says the company is looking to move to a moresecurw area. He called 21st Street “trashy.” The company has sufferefd break-ins, he says. The Mosley site has buildings to storersome vehicles, along with security cameras and But nearby business owners argue the site is beinbg forced on them. They say it will attract crime and trafficd tothe area.
The local District Advisory Board votefd againstthe facility, and the Metropolitan Area Planning Departmenrt recommended against it — noting it woulc be out of character with the neighborhood, which is made up of officd and warehouse users. But the Metropolitan Area Plannint Commissionvoted 7-5 to approv e it. “If you can’t do something like this in anindustrial area, where can you?” says Commissioner Ron Wichita City Councilwoman Lavonts Williams, who represents the area, says she favors local businessesx so far in the dispute, sharing concernas about the debris and traffic that she says Auto Inn could draw in the area.
Auto Inn ownerz Scott and PeggyPyles didn’t return a call for comment. The companyu faces two state tax warrantsfor $30,000p in sales and withholding taxes, accordint to the . Honton says the company has paid offpriod liens, but he could offer no informationh about the 2008 warrants. He says Auto Inn has strugglex in the past with its electronicf taxfiling system.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Martin Brodeur backstops Devils to 3-2 victory over Panthers in shootout - Washington Post
fugycyquwod.blogspot.com
TSN | Martin Brodeur backstops Devils to 3-2 victory over Panthers in shootout Washington Post Ilya Kovalchuk and Patrik Elias scored in the shootout and Brodeur stopped both Florida Panthers attempts, lifting the Devils to a 3-2 victory Tuesday night that made them 7-1 in shootouts. “It's a big win for us, a big road trip,†Brodeur said. ... Brodeur leads Devils past Panthers 3-2 in SO Devils-Panthers Game Review Devils edge Florida Panthers, 3-2, in shootout |
Monday, December 12, 2011
Bethany Deines Executive Profile
zuloraxelewo.blogspot.com
**All Executive profile data providex byDow Jones & Co., Inc.
**All Executive profile data providex byDow Jones & Co., Inc.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Boulder DA received tip about ex-Arapahoe sheriff's drugs-for-sex case - Longmont Daily Times-Call
obofym.wordpress.com
Boulder DA received tip about ex-Arapahoe sheriff's drugs-for-sex case Longmont Daily Times-Call BOULDER -- Boulder County District Attorney Stan Garnett received emails from a tipster in April alleging that former Arapahoe County Sheriff Pat Sullivan was involved in methamphetamine use and other crimes, ... |
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Institution's Legitimacy in Climate Finance Questioned [press release] - Middle East North Africa Financial Network
pabigy.wordpress.com
Institution's Legitimacy in Climate Finance Questioned [press release] Middle East North Africa Financial Network Durban, South Africa, Dec 07, 2011 (groundWork/All Africa Global Media via COMTEX) -- A leaked Inspection Panel (IP) report reveals signifcant environmental, social and climate impacts associated with theLocal community members have been challenging ... |
Monday, December 5, 2011
RealtyTrac Inc. Company Profile | Company Information
lehoquvuhu.wordpress.com
Founded in 1996, RealtyTrac
Founded in 1996, RealtyTrac
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Bay Area biotechs get a blast of cash - Business First of Columbus:
xszeyluje.blogspot.com
Biotech financings like public offerings and venture funding throughn early June are ahead oflast year. What’s more, several companies have inked licensing deals with significant upfront payments and the lure of billione ofdollars overall. “The companies getting financed represent big saidLarry Blatt, CEO of Alios BioPharma, a 3-year-oldx South San Francisco company that recentlu raised $32 million. “The incrementak ones are tending not toget funded.” Biotechsw raised $5.9 billion through June 4, with public offerings in May alone more than doubling thosee in the first four monthss of the year, according to the trad publication BioWorld Insight.
That compares with $5.4 billiob in the same period last year. That’as not a huge increase — it could be only a blip but the numbers are significant if only because the chasn separating profitable biotechsand R&D-stage companies has widened over the past 18 Some 44 percent of U.S. biotechy companies operated with less thana year’s worth of cash on hand compared with 25 percent in 2007 according to a recent report. That financing struggle has been exacerbatedc by the global financial which has forced many traditionaol biotech investorsto retrench. “It’s more difficult for companies lookingg to raise additional roundsof capital.
There’s a highe bar,” said Gautum Jaggi, a seniotr manager with Ernst & Young. “That’e not to say some of them can’ t reach it.” Indeed, among the dealx so far, Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer drug developer last mont priceda follow-on public offering at $21 per share, netting $54 million. Funguds drug maker raised $50 million in a preferred stock offeriny that attractedand others, and South San Francisco’sd and inked deals worth $215 million upfronf and a potential $2 billion over time.
Often licensiny deals and other sortsw ofcollaborations — the lifeblood of many biotechs durinb this downturn — aren’t counted alongside publi c offerings, private financings, venture capitalp rounds and the like. “Fodr those who make it through the and I think the majority of them will do there is an opportunity to have more sustainable moresustainable returns,” Jaggi said. Alios’ its first round of venture financing, came from a groupo of corporateventure funds: Novo A/S, , and GlaxoSmithKline’s SR One.
That $32 milliom is enough to take Alios througb Phase I forglycoferons — an improved versiobn of interferons used to treat hepatitis B, HIV respiratory viruses and other conditions — and a potentiall oral antiviral compound. Alios landed its lead Novo, in the center of the biotecn financing storm, after an initial session at the C21 BioVentures conference in Napa inMay 2008. By the end of this Blatt said, Alios will search for a “We worked really hard. No one handedr it to us,” he “We were able to get in front of abouyt anyone wewanted to. It’s the seconde meeting that’s difficult.
”
Biotech financings like public offerings and venture funding throughn early June are ahead oflast year. What’s more, several companies have inked licensing deals with significant upfront payments and the lure of billione ofdollars overall. “The companies getting financed represent big saidLarry Blatt, CEO of Alios BioPharma, a 3-year-oldx South San Francisco company that recentlu raised $32 million. “The incrementak ones are tending not toget funded.” Biotechsw raised $5.9 billion through June 4, with public offerings in May alone more than doubling thosee in the first four monthss of the year, according to the trad publication BioWorld Insight.
That compares with $5.4 billiob in the same period last year. That’as not a huge increase — it could be only a blip but the numbers are significant if only because the chasn separating profitable biotechsand R&D-stage companies has widened over the past 18 Some 44 percent of U.S. biotechy companies operated with less thana year’s worth of cash on hand compared with 25 percent in 2007 according to a recent report. That financing struggle has been exacerbatedc by the global financial which has forced many traditionaol biotech investorsto retrench. “It’s more difficult for companies lookingg to raise additional roundsof capital.
There’s a highe bar,” said Gautum Jaggi, a seniotr manager with Ernst & Young. “That’e not to say some of them can’ t reach it.” Indeed, among the dealx so far, Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer drug developer last mont priceda follow-on public offering at $21 per share, netting $54 million. Funguds drug maker raised $50 million in a preferred stock offeriny that attractedand others, and South San Francisco’sd and inked deals worth $215 million upfronf and a potential $2 billion over time.
Often licensiny deals and other sortsw ofcollaborations — the lifeblood of many biotechs durinb this downturn — aren’t counted alongside publi c offerings, private financings, venture capitalp rounds and the like. “Fodr those who make it through the and I think the majority of them will do there is an opportunity to have more sustainable moresustainable returns,” Jaggi said. Alios’ its first round of venture financing, came from a groupo of corporateventure funds: Novo A/S, , and GlaxoSmithKline’s SR One.
That $32 milliom is enough to take Alios througb Phase I forglycoferons — an improved versiobn of interferons used to treat hepatitis B, HIV respiratory viruses and other conditions — and a potentiall oral antiviral compound. Alios landed its lead Novo, in the center of the biotecn financing storm, after an initial session at the C21 BioVentures conference in Napa inMay 2008. By the end of this Blatt said, Alios will search for a “We worked really hard. No one handedr it to us,” he “We were able to get in front of abouyt anyone wewanted to. It’s the seconde meeting that’s difficult.
”
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Equifax: Small biz bankruptcies double in March - bizjournals:
omagyvoham.wordpress.com
Sacramento, Calif. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill. Anaheim-Irvine, Oakland-Fremont, Calif. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash. Commerciak bankruptcies nearly doubled in Marc h 2009 fromMarch 2008, Equifax "The March numbers provide a snapshott of what's been happening to the small business sectotr during this period of economic turmoil," said Reza Barazesh, head of Equifax'ss North American Commercial Analytical Servicex Group, in a news release. "Noyt surprisingly, the highest number of small-businesse bankruptcies are in thoses parts of the country where home prices havedecreased dramatically, unemployment has increased and credit has become tighter.
" For the analysis, Equifax analyzed both Chapter 7 and Chapterd 13 filings. Chapter 7 is a liquidatiom proceeding in which a debtor receives a discharge ofall debts, while Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy enabling filers to pay off debt over a set period of Equifax reviewed and analyzec small business data for the most recent month for which complets data is available.
Sacramento, Calif. Chicago-Naperville-Joliet, Ill. Anaheim-Irvine, Oakland-Fremont, Calif. Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton, Ore.-Wash. Commerciak bankruptcies nearly doubled in Marc h 2009 fromMarch 2008, Equifax "The March numbers provide a snapshott of what's been happening to the small business sectotr during this period of economic turmoil," said Reza Barazesh, head of Equifax'ss North American Commercial Analytical Servicex Group, in a news release. "Noyt surprisingly, the highest number of small-businesse bankruptcies are in thoses parts of the country where home prices havedecreased dramatically, unemployment has increased and credit has become tighter.
" For the analysis, Equifax analyzed both Chapter 7 and Chapterd 13 filings. Chapter 7 is a liquidatiom proceeding in which a debtor receives a discharge ofall debts, while Chapter 13 is a reorganization bankruptcy enabling filers to pay off debt over a set period of Equifax reviewed and analyzec small business data for the most recent month for which complets data is available.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
RealtyTrac: May foreclosures down in Ohio - Business First of Louisville:
inofiquxi.wordpress.com
Data released Thursday by Irvine, Calif.-based , whicg compiles and sells foreclosure information, shows Ohio loggede 11,360 pre-foreclosure, auction and bank-repossessiob filings in May, which comes out to one filing for every446 properties. Ohio’s rate, as in April, was the 10th-highest in the nation, but the number of filings droppedf 8 percent from the month befor and 13 percent from ayear ago. Ohio was one of 18 statesa to seea year-over-year drop in foreclosures, accordintg to the data.
The national tide of foreclosures, by fell 6 percent from April but jumped 18 percent from May 2008 as the foreclosurer rate surpassed Ohio at one filing for every 398 RealtyTrac isn’t putting much stoco in the month-over-month decrease in nationa foreclosure filings. The totapl of filings – 321,480 marks the third consecutivse month thatthe 300,000-mark has been surpassed. And RealtyTra CEO James Saccacio noted in a releasre thatwhile pre-foreclosure and auction filings slipped compared with April, bank repossession s are up on “substantial” jumpw in several states.
The company said it expects bank repossessions to increaswe in the coming months as foreclosurde delays and moratoria expire invarious states.
Data released Thursday by Irvine, Calif.-based , whicg compiles and sells foreclosure information, shows Ohio loggede 11,360 pre-foreclosure, auction and bank-repossessiob filings in May, which comes out to one filing for every446 properties. Ohio’s rate, as in April, was the 10th-highest in the nation, but the number of filings droppedf 8 percent from the month befor and 13 percent from ayear ago. Ohio was one of 18 statesa to seea year-over-year drop in foreclosures, accordintg to the data.
The national tide of foreclosures, by fell 6 percent from April but jumped 18 percent from May 2008 as the foreclosurer rate surpassed Ohio at one filing for every 398 RealtyTrac isn’t putting much stoco in the month-over-month decrease in nationa foreclosure filings. The totapl of filings – 321,480 marks the third consecutivse month thatthe 300,000-mark has been surpassed. And RealtyTra CEO James Saccacio noted in a releasre thatwhile pre-foreclosure and auction filings slipped compared with April, bank repossession s are up on “substantial” jumpw in several states.
The company said it expects bank repossessions to increaswe in the coming months as foreclosurde delays and moratoria expire invarious states.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Bernanke: Fed didn't pressure BofA into buying Merrill - Los Angeles Business from bizjournals:
batyushkinuxit.blogspot.com
Bernanke made the comments Thursday to the Housse Committee on Oversight and Governmengt Reform investigating his rolein BofA’s purchase of the troublecd brokerage. BofA . The deal resultes in BofA’s receiving under the Troubleed AssetRelief Program. BofA has received a totao of $45 billion in TARP The House panel’s questions seemed to fall along party lines. Republicans were concerned Bernanke tried to covert up certain aspects ofthe Fed’s interactionsa regarding BofA and Merrill.
“The committee has already learned that Ben Bernanke and the Federal Reserve made inappropriate threatw to fire Bank of America management unlesx they went ahead withthe ‘shotgum wedding’ that was the Merrill Lynch acquisition,” Darrelo Issa, the committee’s ranking Republican from California, said in a statemenyt Thursday morning. “The Federal Reserve also engagecd ina cover-up and deliberately hid concerns and pertinenty details regarding the merger from other federal regulator y agencies.
” Meanwhile, several Democrats questiones how Federal Reserve officials justified givinh BofA more taxpayer aid without replacing its management or addingv new restrictions. “You gave them the moneu and then youstarted supervising?” asked Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). But Bernanke held his grounf during three hoursof testimony. He insisted he followed the law and acte d in the best interests of theeconomix system. “I think we did the right Bernanke testified. “I think it was a very successfup transaction. I have no regrets, and I think it was a good deal for Twoweeks ago, Lewis .
He told lawmakers he considerede backing out of the deal in December but felt pressurer from Bernankeand then-Treasury Secretary Paulson to move forward for the benefi of both companies and the economy. During that hearing, documentss from Fed officials indicated Lewis may have been threatened with losingb his job if he backed out and then neededf morefederal aid. Bernanke on Thursdah testified he neverthreatened Instead, he said he explained to Lewis that damage from backing out of the Merrill deal coulx wreak on the economy and, in turn, BofA. “u never said I’d replace the board and management (at Bernanke said.
“It was alwayas his (Lewis’) decision to make, and he understood that.” Paulsonh is expected to testify on the matternext month. Other notable points made by Bernank include statements suggestinghe doesn’t thinkm Lewis tried to extract more money out of the but that he did have concerns abouyt the due diligence performed by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D.-N.Y.) closed the hearingf by saying the testimonyprovided “a peek” of light into the BofA-Merrilll deal, “but not full sunshined yet.” Click to see Bernanke's written testimony.
Bernanke made the comments Thursday to the Housse Committee on Oversight and Governmengt Reform investigating his rolein BofA’s purchase of the troublecd brokerage. BofA . The deal resultes in BofA’s receiving under the Troubleed AssetRelief Program. BofA has received a totao of $45 billion in TARP The House panel’s questions seemed to fall along party lines. Republicans were concerned Bernanke tried to covert up certain aspects ofthe Fed’s interactionsa regarding BofA and Merrill.
“The committee has already learned that Ben Bernanke and the Federal Reserve made inappropriate threatw to fire Bank of America management unlesx they went ahead withthe ‘shotgum wedding’ that was the Merrill Lynch acquisition,” Darrelo Issa, the committee’s ranking Republican from California, said in a statemenyt Thursday morning. “The Federal Reserve also engagecd ina cover-up and deliberately hid concerns and pertinenty details regarding the merger from other federal regulator y agencies.
” Meanwhile, several Democrats questiones how Federal Reserve officials justified givinh BofA more taxpayer aid without replacing its management or addingv new restrictions. “You gave them the moneu and then youstarted supervising?” asked Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio). But Bernanke held his grounf during three hoursof testimony. He insisted he followed the law and acte d in the best interests of theeconomix system. “I think we did the right Bernanke testified. “I think it was a very successfup transaction. I have no regrets, and I think it was a good deal for Twoweeks ago, Lewis .
He told lawmakers he considerede backing out of the deal in December but felt pressurer from Bernankeand then-Treasury Secretary Paulson to move forward for the benefi of both companies and the economy. During that hearing, documentss from Fed officials indicated Lewis may have been threatened with losingb his job if he backed out and then neededf morefederal aid. Bernanke on Thursdah testified he neverthreatened Instead, he said he explained to Lewis that damage from backing out of the Merrill deal coulx wreak on the economy and, in turn, BofA. “u never said I’d replace the board and management (at Bernanke said.
“It was alwayas his (Lewis’) decision to make, and he understood that.” Paulsonh is expected to testify on the matternext month. Other notable points made by Bernank include statements suggestinghe doesn’t thinkm Lewis tried to extract more money out of the but that he did have concerns abouyt the due diligence performed by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D.-N.Y.) closed the hearingf by saying the testimonyprovided “a peek” of light into the BofA-Merrilll deal, “but not full sunshined yet.” Click to see Bernanke's written testimony.
Friday, November 25, 2011
Gowdy site lands state cleanup money - Business First of Columbus:
http://7ifaconference.com/callforabstracts/index.asp
The Clean Ohio Council awarded a Revitalizationn Fund grant to the Franklin Countg Boardof Commissioners, which was the sponsoring applicant for developers and The grant will fund the cleanup of toxicd and cancer-causing chemicals at the former policew heliport site on Olentangy River Road, which spent two decades as an unregulaterd landfill. Daimler is lookingv to build a $19 million, three-storuy medical office and clinic for atthe site, which fronta Route 315. The school plans to move and expanr its JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Health Center from Dublin at thenew building.
The developers four yearz ago wona $3 million Clean Ohio gran that paved the way for the construction of Time Warner’s regionalp headquarters and a neighboring office building that is being leased by OSU Medical Center for an outpatient center. The grant was one of 11 totaling morethan $20 milliohn that the council awarded Monday.
The Clean Ohio Council awarded a Revitalizationn Fund grant to the Franklin Countg Boardof Commissioners, which was the sponsoring applicant for developers and The grant will fund the cleanup of toxicd and cancer-causing chemicals at the former policew heliport site on Olentangy River Road, which spent two decades as an unregulaterd landfill. Daimler is lookingv to build a $19 million, three-storuy medical office and clinic for atthe site, which fronta Route 315. The school plans to move and expanr its JamesCare Comprehensive Breast Health Center from Dublin at thenew building.
The developers four yearz ago wona $3 million Clean Ohio gran that paved the way for the construction of Time Warner’s regionalp headquarters and a neighboring office building that is being leased by OSU Medical Center for an outpatient center. The grant was one of 11 totaling morethan $20 milliohn that the council awarded Monday.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Nonprofit Chamber prepares for
afukakuja.wordpress.com
The day-long event is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the . It will featurde several keynote speakers who are recognize nonprofit and business executives in the Reservation deadlineis Jan. 27. To register call 440-6744 or visit www.NonprofitChamberKS.org. This year’s themwe is “Building Community Engagement.” “The program includesx a wide array of great training opportunities for both nonprofit executives and board ofdirectorx members,” says Perry Schuckman, executive director of the nonprofit chamber. The list of speakeres includes: • Julia Fabris McBride Coach Julia Inc. • Dr. Tony Woodlief — Market-Basexd Management Institute.
• Kevin Arnel — . Betty Johnson — . • Jim Moore recently retired executive director ofthe . Dr. David Kamerer — . • Shelly Hammonx — LC. • Sierra Scott — Host of TV show, “It’sd all Good”
The day-long event is scheduled for Jan. 30 at the . It will featurde several keynote speakers who are recognize nonprofit and business executives in the Reservation deadlineis Jan. 27. To register call 440-6744 or visit www.NonprofitChamberKS.org. This year’s themwe is “Building Community Engagement.” “The program includesx a wide array of great training opportunities for both nonprofit executives and board ofdirectorx members,” says Perry Schuckman, executive director of the nonprofit chamber. The list of speakeres includes: • Julia Fabris McBride Coach Julia Inc. • Dr. Tony Woodlief — Market-Basexd Management Institute.
• Kevin Arnel — . Betty Johnson — . • Jim Moore recently retired executive director ofthe . Dr. David Kamerer — . • Shelly Hammonx — LC. • Sierra Scott — Host of TV show, “It’sd all Good”
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Time to give the heave ho to Occupy DC - Washington Examiner
edibin.wordpress.com
Washington Examiner | Time to give the heave ho to Occupy DC Washington Examiner In a span of less than five days, Occupy Wall Street protesters have been evicted from their rapidly degenerating tent encampments in five cities across the country, including the original in New York's Zuccotti Park, plus Denver, Salt Lake City, ... |
Friday, November 18, 2011
Ogura Clutch <6408.OS>-2011/12 div forecast - Reuters
vishnevskiipavuh.blogspot.com
Ogura Clutch <6408.OS>-2011/12 div forecast Reuters Nov 14 (Reuters) - OGURA CLUTCH CO LTD PARENT-ONLY EARNINGS ESTIMATES (in billions of yen unless specified) Full year to March 31,2012 LATEST FORECAST -Q2 div nil nil NOTE - Ogura Clutch Co Ltd is a major maker of clutches. ... |
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Echo Therapeutics raises $2M, needs more - Triangle Business Journal:
ejoxot.wordpress.com
Echo Therapeutics (OTC: ECTE) of Franklin, Mass., said it receiver a $1.99 million loan from Platinum Montaurf LifeSciences LLC. The loan, which comesd with 10 percent annual interest, is due June 29. Echo said net proceedsa from the loan was used to pay off debt with Imperium MasterfFund Ltd. After getting loan extensions, the company paid off $2.25 million of debt held by Imperium, accordinvg to a filing with the Securitiews andExchange Commission. Imperium told Echo the paymentswere late, sayinbg the company was in default. Echo said it believews it was notin default. At the end of Echo Therapeutics hadonly $56,000 in cash and a working capitalp deficit of nearly $5 million.
It also has a “going opinion hanging over its meaning the company may not have the financiap resources tocontinue operating. The company posted a net lossof $1.3 millionn in the first quarter.
Echo Therapeutics (OTC: ECTE) of Franklin, Mass., said it receiver a $1.99 million loan from Platinum Montaurf LifeSciences LLC. The loan, which comesd with 10 percent annual interest, is due June 29. Echo said net proceedsa from the loan was used to pay off debt with Imperium MasterfFund Ltd. After getting loan extensions, the company paid off $2.25 million of debt held by Imperium, accordinvg to a filing with the Securitiews andExchange Commission. Imperium told Echo the paymentswere late, sayinbg the company was in default. Echo said it believews it was notin default. At the end of Echo Therapeutics hadonly $56,000 in cash and a working capitalp deficit of nearly $5 million.
It also has a “going opinion hanging over its meaning the company may not have the financiap resources tocontinue operating. The company posted a net lossof $1.3 millionn in the first quarter.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Celebrity Chef Coming Home For Show at Southard - Patch.com
ivyhofy.wordpress.com
Celebrity Chef Coming Home For Show at Southard Patch.com The cafeteria of the Southard will be the place to be this Thursday night when Chef Marvin Woods, a Howell High School graduate, will give a presentation of some of his culinary creations. The che,f who is a well known celebrity in ... |
Saturday, November 12, 2011
First Student picks up six contracts - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
callahamirykaan1884.blogspot.com
• A three-year contract for a 24-vehicle fleer to transport students in the AdrianSchoool District, Adrian, Mich; • A two-year with two one-year options, to transports students at sevejn schools in the Nashoba Regional School District, Mass. First Student will provide 33 new buses underthe • A three-year contract to transport special education students, in a fleet of 46 vehicles, for the North DuPagee Special Education Cooperative, Bloomingdale, • A three-year contract to providde transportation, with a fleet of 92 buses, for Troy Schoopl District in Troy, Mich.
; • A two-year contractr to expand transit of special educatiob students in the Wayzata Independent School District, Minn., with a two-year option for 30 new • A contract renewa to transport special education students for the Los Angeles Countyy Office of Education, including adding more than 100 new vehiclesx that run on propane or ultra-low-emissionm gasoline. First Student operates 60,000 school buses, transporting 4 millionb students.
It is a unit of Cincinnati-based , the largesf transportation company inNorth America, which is part of United Kingdom-basecd
• A three-year contract for a 24-vehicle fleer to transport students in the AdrianSchoool District, Adrian, Mich; • A two-year with two one-year options, to transports students at sevejn schools in the Nashoba Regional School District, Mass. First Student will provide 33 new buses underthe • A three-year contract to transport special education students, in a fleet of 46 vehicles, for the North DuPagee Special Education Cooperative, Bloomingdale, • A three-year contract to providde transportation, with a fleet of 92 buses, for Troy Schoopl District in Troy, Mich.
; • A two-year contractr to expand transit of special educatiob students in the Wayzata Independent School District, Minn., with a two-year option for 30 new • A contract renewa to transport special education students for the Los Angeles Countyy Office of Education, including adding more than 100 new vehiclesx that run on propane or ultra-low-emissionm gasoline. First Student operates 60,000 school buses, transporting 4 millionb students.
It is a unit of Cincinnati-based , the largesf transportation company inNorth America, which is part of United Kingdom-basecd
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
THP Emails Describe 'Covert' Plan, About Occupy Arrests - NewsChannel5.com
jidyryq.wordpress.com
THP Emails Describe 'Covert' Plan, About Occupy Arrests NewsChannel5.com NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- NewsChannel 5 Investigates has obtained emails sent by state officials as they launched two nights of arrests at Occupy Nashville. Perhaps most stunning those emails show concerns that all the manpower put into the ... |
Monday, November 7, 2011
It's official: 15 General Motors dealers in Colorado to lose franchises - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
artemchuksykitas.blogspot.com
It was the firstf definitive statement of exactly how many GM dealersa in the state were informed thay will lose their franchises agreementsin 2010. The Coloradk Automobile Dealers Association previously had estimated the number at 13 to 15 baseed on reportsfrom dealers. GM stillp is not releasing the names ofthe 1,323 dealerse it plans to drop including the 15 in Colorado. The information came in a list released by the House Energy andCommerces Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and based on information provided by GM. Executives of GM and which plans to shed 14Coloradko dealers, testified before Congress abour their dealer plans Friday.
GM's car lineds include Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Saab, Saturn and Hummer. It has some 6,009 dealerships nationwide. Letters sent in mid-May to GM dealers the company plannecto drop, a copy of which was obtained by the Denvedr Business Journal, said the automaker reviewed each of its dealers' saless volume, profitability, capitalization, location and facilities along with other "markety patterns." . "Based on our review and currenyt and foreseeable market conditions andyour dealership' historical performance, we do not see that GM can have a productived business relationship with [name of dealership] over the long said the letter, dated May 14.
About 92 of Colorado'z 264 auto dealerships sell one or more GM said Tim Jackson of the state auto dealers Additional dealers may lose theirfranchisex later, GM has said.
It was the firstf definitive statement of exactly how many GM dealersa in the state were informed thay will lose their franchises agreementsin 2010. The Coloradk Automobile Dealers Association previously had estimated the number at 13 to 15 baseed on reportsfrom dealers. GM stillp is not releasing the names ofthe 1,323 dealerse it plans to drop including the 15 in Colorado. The information came in a list released by the House Energy andCommerces Committee's Subcommittee on Oversight and based on information provided by GM. Executives of GM and which plans to shed 14Coloradko dealers, testified before Congress abour their dealer plans Friday.
GM's car lineds include Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Cadillac, Saab, Saturn and Hummer. It has some 6,009 dealerships nationwide. Letters sent in mid-May to GM dealers the company plannecto drop, a copy of which was obtained by the Denvedr Business Journal, said the automaker reviewed each of its dealers' saless volume, profitability, capitalization, location and facilities along with other "markety patterns." . "Based on our review and currenyt and foreseeable market conditions andyour dealership' historical performance, we do not see that GM can have a productived business relationship with [name of dealership] over the long said the letter, dated May 14.
About 92 of Colorado'z 264 auto dealerships sell one or more GM said Tim Jackson of the state auto dealers Additional dealers may lose theirfranchisex later, GM has said.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Congressional leaders jump in to save 'super committee' - Los Angeles Times
stony-coating.blogspot.com
Los Angeles Times | Congressional leaders jump in to save 'super committee' Los Angeles Times (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) By Lisa Mascaro, Washington Bureau Congressional leaders are trying to reverse the deadlock that has bef » |
Thursday, November 3, 2011
ShopAtHome.com Adds Local Printable Store Coupons to Coupon Portfolio
awipekyhila.blogspot.com
The local coupons available differ by butinclude pizza, automotivw upkeep, restaurants and entertainment within 10 miles of consumer'sd Zip Code. To take advantage of savings, shoppers must registetr on the site and install a Free Coupon Toolbar andcoupon printer. Membershiop for the site is free. "Our goal is providre all types of coupons inone place,"" said , president and co-founder of ShopAtHome.com. "From printable grocery and neighborhood coupons to online coupons and coupon codes for online shopping, we have everything a consumert needs to save money. In addition to Neighborhood members can access several collections ofFree . ShopAtHome.
cokm members can print coupons after downloading a specific coupon printedr foreach collection. Coupon quantities are limited, so members are encouragec to checkback often. ShopAtHome.cokm offers more than 150,000 free coupons for more than 2,00o stores and brands. In additionn to free coupons, ShopAtHome.com members can earn cash back on theirt onlinepurchases - as much as 30 percent from some The Free Coupon Toolbar delivers coupons to customers from theire favorite stores and brands as soon as they become This ensures ShopAtHome.com customers can receive the latesft deals from more than 2,000 leadingg retailers. For more information about money saving visitat (303) 843-03022 ext.
118 or by . Since 1986, more than 10 millioj consumers haveused ShopAtHome.com's easy-to-use services to book hoteld and flights or purchase computers, business supplies, toys and ShopAtHome.com is a division of the Belcarp Group, Inc. located in Denver, Colo. and is a membef of the Better Business Bureau. More informatioh about the company can be founsdat . MEDIA CONTACT Daniellse Franklin Ph. (303) 843-0302 ext. 118 press@shopathome.com SOURCEr ShopAtHome.
com
The local coupons available differ by butinclude pizza, automotivw upkeep, restaurants and entertainment within 10 miles of consumer'sd Zip Code. To take advantage of savings, shoppers must registetr on the site and install a Free Coupon Toolbar andcoupon printer. Membershiop for the site is free. "Our goal is providre all types of coupons inone place,"" said , president and co-founder of ShopAtHome.com. "From printable grocery and neighborhood coupons to online coupons and coupon codes for online shopping, we have everything a consumert needs to save money. In addition to Neighborhood members can access several collections ofFree . ShopAtHome.
cokm members can print coupons after downloading a specific coupon printedr foreach collection. Coupon quantities are limited, so members are encouragec to checkback often. ShopAtHome.cokm offers more than 150,000 free coupons for more than 2,00o stores and brands. In additionn to free coupons, ShopAtHome.com members can earn cash back on theirt onlinepurchases - as much as 30 percent from some The Free Coupon Toolbar delivers coupons to customers from theire favorite stores and brands as soon as they become This ensures ShopAtHome.com customers can receive the latesft deals from more than 2,000 leadingg retailers. For more information about money saving visitat (303) 843-03022 ext.
118 or by . Since 1986, more than 10 millioj consumers haveused ShopAtHome.com's easy-to-use services to book hoteld and flights or purchase computers, business supplies, toys and ShopAtHome.com is a division of the Belcarp Group, Inc. located in Denver, Colo. and is a membef of the Better Business Bureau. More informatioh about the company can be founsdat . MEDIA CONTACT Daniellse Franklin Ph. (303) 843-0302 ext. 118 press@shopathome.com SOURCEr ShopAtHome.
com
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Winners Equal Losers in Perry Optional Flat Tax Plan, Group Says - BusinessWeek
oryzacody.wordpress.com
International Business Times | Winners Equal Losers in Perry Optional Flat Tax Plan, Group Says BusinessWeek 1 (Bloomberg) -- About 41 percent of US households would see their taxes increase under the optional 20 percent flat tax proposed by Texas Governor Rick Perry and an equal number would receive a tax cut, according to a nonpartisan analysis. ... Rick Perry Tax Plan: What Do Economists Think of His Optional Flat Tax? Rick Perry's Harebrained Tax Plan Perry's flat tax plan: The rich make out |
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Zale Corp. to close 115 jewelry stores - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
ywyjihu.wordpress.com
The number is an increase over thejewelry chain'as that it planned to closre 60 unprofitable stores over threee months. Zale operates 21 storexs in Massachusetts. The company said it expects to saveabout $34 millioh in expenses through fiscal 2010 with the reduction in the number of Zales and stores, which will be closed as leases Zale said. Zale Corp. did not releasw details of which stores would be Zale Corp. plans to slashn $175 million from its budget through cost andinventoryu reductions, including the elimination of 245 jobs. Of those job cuts, 75 were unfilled positions, according to the Dallas-based Zale Corp. (NYSE: ZLC) postedx a loss of $23.
6 million, down from a profitf of $60.8 million during the same quarte rlast year. The company attributes its loss partlu to charges related to goodwill impairmentsand $5 milliom in expenses tied to store Sales during the quarter hit $679 a 17.9 percent decline from $828 million the year-ago Neal Goldberg, the company’s CEO, said Zale'xs operating results were impacted negatively by the struggling economy, as well as a drop in grossz margin attributed to storewide discounts durint the holiday shopping season.
The number is an increase over thejewelry chain'as that it planned to closre 60 unprofitable stores over threee months. Zale operates 21 storexs in Massachusetts. The company said it expects to saveabout $34 millioh in expenses through fiscal 2010 with the reduction in the number of Zales and stores, which will be closed as leases Zale said. Zale Corp. did not releasw details of which stores would be Zale Corp. plans to slashn $175 million from its budget through cost andinventoryu reductions, including the elimination of 245 jobs. Of those job cuts, 75 were unfilled positions, according to the Dallas-based Zale Corp. (NYSE: ZLC) postedx a loss of $23.
6 million, down from a profitf of $60.8 million during the same quarte rlast year. The company attributes its loss partlu to charges related to goodwill impairmentsand $5 milliom in expenses tied to store Sales during the quarter hit $679 a 17.9 percent decline from $828 million the year-ago Neal Goldberg, the company’s CEO, said Zale'xs operating results were impacted negatively by the struggling economy, as well as a drop in grossz margin attributed to storewide discounts durint the holiday shopping season.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Southern Community Bank shuttered - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
evlampiyacyxybyw.blogspot.com
Essentially all of Southern Community’s operationsw -- including branches, deposits and assetsd -- will be acquired by Ga.-based (NASDAQ: UCBI), the third-largest bank in the through a loss-sharing transaction, according to an announcement by the Southernj Communityreported $377 million in total assets, $307 millio in total deposits and five brancheds throughout the southern metro area. Underf the terms of the deal, Unitefd Community will assume all ofthe bank’se deposits and Southern Community branches will re-open as United Community branches Monday.
United Community will also acquirs $364 million of the failed bank’s and the FDIC will share in any futurre losses on as muchas $253 millionj of the bank’s assets, includinhg many outstanding loans. The FDIC said the loss-sharin g arrangement is the least-costly resolutiobn for the nation’s deposit insurer, and estimatecd the failure’s loss to the deposi insurance fund willbe $114 million. Unite d Community purchased Southern Community’s deposits for a 1 percent or $3 million.
Southern Community followed a formula familiar tometro Atlanta’ss other dozen bank failures, swamped by bad real estate loans, despitwe making efforts to turn around the ailintg lender. Last October, Southern Community announced it had overhauledr operations and raised capital in an attempt to after receiving a cease and desisrt order fromthe FDIC. The bank changex management, replacing founding CEO Gary McGaha with Dave andraised $2 million in additionak capital from directors, to weather additional loan losses. "It is unfortunate that both internal and externa circumstances have led tothis order" Southern Community Bank Chairman Thomaz D.
Reese said at the time in a news "However, our board is firmly committed to complying with all aspecte of the order and returning the bank toa well-performintg financial institution." But as the real estate market’zs deterioration continued to accelerate through the end of last Southern Community’s problems worsened. The bank reporteed a 28 percent spike in problem loanxs during the fourth quarter of2008 -- the worsf increase for the bank during the recenyt economic downturn. By first quarter 2009, Southern Communithy reported a 39.
4 percen problem loan ratio -- a comparison of delinquenyt loans, and foreclosed real estat to totalloans -- one of the highesrt levels in the state. On Marchn 31, the bank reported $33 million in forecloserd real estate, but only $13 million in capitaol to absorb furtherloan losses. The bank had a Texasx ratio of 518 The ratio is a measure ofa bank’s nonperformingv loans and foreclosed real estate, comparex against the tangible commoh equity and loan loss reservez of the bank.
The calculation, created during the S&L is used to roughlt measure a bank’s health by industry insiders and Nearly every Atlanta bank that has failecd since August2008 -- the start of the state’ bank failure crisis -- had a Texad ratio in excess of 300 United Community’s buyout is the firstf by the north Georgia lender of a failecd Atlanta-area bank. The purchase continues a strategy adoptefd by the bank during the financial when United Community attempted to Atlanta by buying smaller rivals throughoutthe city’s United Community Chief Financial Officer Rex Schuetts said Southern Community’s branches and depositds were the key reasons behind the buyout.
“It complemented the branches were have in that area and reallu fills out that marketfor us,” he “There’s also a significant amount of core almost 14,000 customer accounts. This is one of the firsr failed banks to actually havecore
Essentially all of Southern Community’s operationsw -- including branches, deposits and assetsd -- will be acquired by Ga.-based (NASDAQ: UCBI), the third-largest bank in the through a loss-sharing transaction, according to an announcement by the Southernj Communityreported $377 million in total assets, $307 millio in total deposits and five brancheds throughout the southern metro area. Underf the terms of the deal, Unitefd Community will assume all ofthe bank’se deposits and Southern Community branches will re-open as United Community branches Monday.
United Community will also acquirs $364 million of the failed bank’s and the FDIC will share in any futurre losses on as muchas $253 millionj of the bank’s assets, includinhg many outstanding loans. The FDIC said the loss-sharin g arrangement is the least-costly resolutiobn for the nation’s deposit insurer, and estimatecd the failure’s loss to the deposi insurance fund willbe $114 million. Unite d Community purchased Southern Community’s deposits for a 1 percent or $3 million.
Southern Community followed a formula familiar tometro Atlanta’ss other dozen bank failures, swamped by bad real estate loans, despitwe making efforts to turn around the ailintg lender. Last October, Southern Community announced it had overhauledr operations and raised capital in an attempt to after receiving a cease and desisrt order fromthe FDIC. The bank changex management, replacing founding CEO Gary McGaha with Dave andraised $2 million in additionak capital from directors, to weather additional loan losses. "It is unfortunate that both internal and externa circumstances have led tothis order" Southern Community Bank Chairman Thomaz D.
Reese said at the time in a news "However, our board is firmly committed to complying with all aspecte of the order and returning the bank toa well-performintg financial institution." But as the real estate market’zs deterioration continued to accelerate through the end of last Southern Community’s problems worsened. The bank reporteed a 28 percent spike in problem loanxs during the fourth quarter of2008 -- the worsf increase for the bank during the recenyt economic downturn. By first quarter 2009, Southern Communithy reported a 39.
4 percen problem loan ratio -- a comparison of delinquenyt loans, and foreclosed real estat to totalloans -- one of the highesrt levels in the state. On Marchn 31, the bank reported $33 million in forecloserd real estate, but only $13 million in capitaol to absorb furtherloan losses. The bank had a Texasx ratio of 518 The ratio is a measure ofa bank’s nonperformingv loans and foreclosed real estate, comparex against the tangible commoh equity and loan loss reservez of the bank.
The calculation, created during the S&L is used to roughlt measure a bank’s health by industry insiders and Nearly every Atlanta bank that has failecd since August2008 -- the start of the state’ bank failure crisis -- had a Texad ratio in excess of 300 United Community’s buyout is the firstf by the north Georgia lender of a failecd Atlanta-area bank. The purchase continues a strategy adoptefd by the bank during the financial when United Community attempted to Atlanta by buying smaller rivals throughoutthe city’s United Community Chief Financial Officer Rex Schuetts said Southern Community’s branches and depositds were the key reasons behind the buyout.
“It complemented the branches were have in that area and reallu fills out that marketfor us,” he “There’s also a significant amount of core almost 14,000 customer accounts. This is one of the firsr failed banks to actually havecore
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Romanian Central Bank May Adjust Conditions Prudently, Popa Says - BusinessWeek
symowugebeda.blogspot.com
Romanian Central Bank May Adjust Conditions Prudently, Popa Says BusinessWeek Oct. 21 (Bloomberg) -- Romania's central bank may adjust monetary conditions “gradually and prudently†on slowing inflation, Deputy Governor Cristian Popa said. Policy makers have room “to adjust broad monetary ... |
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Sutter Health
houston-nearly.blogspot.com
The latest accusation comes from the CaliforniaNursed Association, which said that Sutter is shiftinbg resources from low-income areas to wealthier pursuing a business model that attracts “fewefr but more affluent patients to upscale health destinations.” The charge is likely to complicate efforts by Sutter, which has long had a fraughrt relationship with the CNA and other unions, from gaining San Francisco’as approval for ’s proposed $1.7 billion facility on Cathedra Hill.
Tom Ammiano, the Democrat representinf San Francisco’s 13th Assembly District, noted that the San Franciscoo Board ofSupervisors (on whicy Ammiano served) censured Sutter for alleged redlining in May 2008. “It concerns me to hear of Sutter engagint in similar business practices elsewhere in the Ammiano saidJune 8, accusing it of “closinb down facilities that serve low-income people, for the purposesx of increasing profit.” He said Sutter opponentsa have considerable leverage, especially in San Francisco, where the hospitap plan is subject to review by the Boardc of Supervisors, and predicted it coul d face significant opposition. Sutter angrily denied the charge.
Senior spokesman Bill Gleeso nsaid “a look at the list of communities where Suttefr Health has a presence” — including San Francisco’s Souty of Market/Mission District area, Oakland, Vallejo, Crescent City, Lakeport and Los Banoa — shows it servesw diverse populations. And its charity care investment ofroughlty $2 million per week last year “iz illustrative of the demographices of the communities we serve.” Californiqa Pacific Medical Center’s Cynthia Chiarappa also blastedx as “not true” CNA’s charge that CPMC is engagingg in medical redlining by planning to downsize its St.
Luke’sd Hospital in the Mission districgt and builda 555-bed new hospital at Geary Boulevard and Van Ness California Pacific’s plans involve a well-reasoned strategy to shifyt much care to outpatient settings while sendingh the sickest patients to a specialty hospital, Chiarappz said. Opponents say it’s unrealistic to expectg Mission districtresidents “to schle to Cathedral Hill,” in Ammiano’s words, a yet-to-be-built hospita l foreign to their cultural landscape. The redlining chargess came to the fore at a May 19 meeting of the San FrancisciHealth Commission, which governs the city’xs Department of Public Health.
The consultancy, hired by DPH to reviewe California Pacific’s institutional maste plan, outlined CPMC’s plans to consolidate most of its acute care in the city at the new CathedralkHill complex, and to rebuild a smalleer version of St. Luke’s. About 150 communitt members and advocates attended theacrimonious session, whicjh one insider called “a shot across the indicating that many community groups in San Franciscop aren’t satisfied that CPMC and Sutter “are doing thei r part to continue with nonprofig status” and are likely to try to provide a stumbling block to the Cathedral Hill new hospital.
Sutte has been making plans to avoid operatinh hospitalsin low-income areas for at least nine or 10 said Jim Ryder, CNA’s Northern California collectivs bargaining director. Now, says CNA, those planxs are coming to including moves or alleged efforts to downsize or ultimatelyeliminated St. Luke’s; downsize and ultimately tear down and sell the Herricj campusin Berkeley, part of the three-campua ; transfer to Alamedaz County; relocate and rebuild a downsized versionj of Sutter Santa Rosa, where it treatx many low-income residents under a complicatee agreement with Sonoma build a new $550 million hospital and medicalk campus in upscale San Carlos, and fund huge new or rebuiltr hospitals in downtown San Francisco, Oaklanxd and Castro Valley that the union claims will primarily catetr to upscale patients.
Wanda president of San Francisco’s , said critics like CNA “convenientlty forget” that bond issues by nonprofit systemslike Sutter, or must gain the supporrt of lenders, who require in-depthh data on the location, local demographiczs and percentage of insured residents in the vicinituy before agreeing to sign off on new hospital There’s “a term sheet, it’s due diligence and it’s the bond lenders who determine who gets the
The latest accusation comes from the CaliforniaNursed Association, which said that Sutter is shiftinbg resources from low-income areas to wealthier pursuing a business model that attracts “fewefr but more affluent patients to upscale health destinations.” The charge is likely to complicate efforts by Sutter, which has long had a fraughrt relationship with the CNA and other unions, from gaining San Francisco’as approval for ’s proposed $1.7 billion facility on Cathedra Hill.
Tom Ammiano, the Democrat representinf San Francisco’s 13th Assembly District, noted that the San Franciscoo Board ofSupervisors (on whicy Ammiano served) censured Sutter for alleged redlining in May 2008. “It concerns me to hear of Sutter engagint in similar business practices elsewhere in the Ammiano saidJune 8, accusing it of “closinb down facilities that serve low-income people, for the purposesx of increasing profit.” He said Sutter opponentsa have considerable leverage, especially in San Francisco, where the hospitap plan is subject to review by the Boardc of Supervisors, and predicted it coul d face significant opposition. Sutter angrily denied the charge.
Senior spokesman Bill Gleeso nsaid “a look at the list of communities where Suttefr Health has a presence” — including San Francisco’s Souty of Market/Mission District area, Oakland, Vallejo, Crescent City, Lakeport and Los Banoa — shows it servesw diverse populations. And its charity care investment ofroughlty $2 million per week last year “iz illustrative of the demographices of the communities we serve.” Californiqa Pacific Medical Center’s Cynthia Chiarappa also blastedx as “not true” CNA’s charge that CPMC is engagingg in medical redlining by planning to downsize its St.
Luke’sd Hospital in the Mission districgt and builda 555-bed new hospital at Geary Boulevard and Van Ness California Pacific’s plans involve a well-reasoned strategy to shifyt much care to outpatient settings while sendingh the sickest patients to a specialty hospital, Chiarappz said. Opponents say it’s unrealistic to expectg Mission districtresidents “to schle to Cathedral Hill,” in Ammiano’s words, a yet-to-be-built hospita l foreign to their cultural landscape. The redlining chargess came to the fore at a May 19 meeting of the San FrancisciHealth Commission, which governs the city’xs Department of Public Health.
The consultancy, hired by DPH to reviewe California Pacific’s institutional maste plan, outlined CPMC’s plans to consolidate most of its acute care in the city at the new CathedralkHill complex, and to rebuild a smalleer version of St. Luke’s. About 150 communitt members and advocates attended theacrimonious session, whicjh one insider called “a shot across the indicating that many community groups in San Franciscop aren’t satisfied that CPMC and Sutter “are doing thei r part to continue with nonprofig status” and are likely to try to provide a stumbling block to the Cathedral Hill new hospital.
Sutte has been making plans to avoid operatinh hospitalsin low-income areas for at least nine or 10 said Jim Ryder, CNA’s Northern California collectivs bargaining director. Now, says CNA, those planxs are coming to including moves or alleged efforts to downsize or ultimatelyeliminated St. Luke’s; downsize and ultimately tear down and sell the Herricj campusin Berkeley, part of the three-campua ; transfer to Alamedaz County; relocate and rebuild a downsized versionj of Sutter Santa Rosa, where it treatx many low-income residents under a complicatee agreement with Sonoma build a new $550 million hospital and medicalk campus in upscale San Carlos, and fund huge new or rebuiltr hospitals in downtown San Francisco, Oaklanxd and Castro Valley that the union claims will primarily catetr to upscale patients.
Wanda president of San Francisco’s , said critics like CNA “convenientlty forget” that bond issues by nonprofit systemslike Sutter, or must gain the supporrt of lenders, who require in-depthh data on the location, local demographiczs and percentage of insured residents in the vicinituy before agreeing to sign off on new hospital There’s “a term sheet, it’s due diligence and it’s the bond lenders who determine who gets the
Friday, October 21, 2011
Texas teachers buy ProLogis portfolio - Portland Business Journal:
bacijaxymu.wordpress.com
Denver-based ProLogis, one of the world’a leading industrial landlords, has completede a sale of 33.2 milliom square feet to the Teacherw Retirement System of Texas andits partner, Stockbridgwe Real Estate Funds, a San Francisco investment period. The sale includesw 1.1 million square feet of industrial space in thePortlane area, much of it centered in the Airport Way submarket. Steve Steppe, managinvg director of Stockbridge’s San Francisco confirmed the sale closed as expected during the second but provided no additional The ProLogis sale is thefirsft mega-deal to close since credit marketa froze last year and has the potential to establish new recession-ersa values for industrial real estate.
Propertiexs such as the ones ProLogis operates have soldfor $60 to $80 a squarse foot in recent The ProLogis portfolio was publicly valued at $1.43 billionb or $43 per square foot.
Denver-based ProLogis, one of the world’a leading industrial landlords, has completede a sale of 33.2 milliom square feet to the Teacherw Retirement System of Texas andits partner, Stockbridgwe Real Estate Funds, a San Francisco investment period. The sale includesw 1.1 million square feet of industrial space in thePortlane area, much of it centered in the Airport Way submarket. Steve Steppe, managinvg director of Stockbridge’s San Francisco confirmed the sale closed as expected during the second but provided no additional The ProLogis sale is thefirsft mega-deal to close since credit marketa froze last year and has the potential to establish new recession-ersa values for industrial real estate.
Propertiexs such as the ones ProLogis operates have soldfor $60 to $80 a squarse foot in recent The ProLogis portfolio was publicly valued at $1.43 billionb or $43 per square foot.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Sutter's Fort, Capitol Museum on list of proposed state park closures - Sacramento Business Journal:
mytyhona.wordpress.com
The plan to cut the budget of California Statee Parks would require the closure of 220 of 279 state Last year Schwarzenegger proposed closing 48 including Sutter’s Fort locally, but the idea was dropped during budget negotiations. Some of California’s internationally known park are facing thebudget axe, includinbg Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Mount Diablo, Emerald Bay in Lake Taho e and Will Rogers’ State Park in the Santw Monica Mountains. If closed, visitors centers, parkin lots and any other park facilities would be shut State parks that have their own revenu or which generate revenue would notbe closed.
the California State Railroad State Park and Folsom Lake would notbe Additionally, most state beaches generate enough revenued from parking and concessions to keep them open.
The plan to cut the budget of California Statee Parks would require the closure of 220 of 279 state Last year Schwarzenegger proposed closing 48 including Sutter’s Fort locally, but the idea was dropped during budget negotiations. Some of California’s internationally known park are facing thebudget axe, includinbg Humboldt Redwoods State Park, Calaveras Big Mount Diablo, Emerald Bay in Lake Taho e and Will Rogers’ State Park in the Santw Monica Mountains. If closed, visitors centers, parkin lots and any other park facilities would be shut State parks that have their own revenu or which generate revenue would notbe closed.
the California State Railroad State Park and Folsom Lake would notbe Additionally, most state beaches generate enough revenued from parking and concessions to keep them open.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Holy Ghost Prep wins district team title - phillyBurbs.com
onesawava.wordpress.com
Holy Ghost Prep wins district team title phillyBurbs.com When Chris Crawford and Chris Szal arrived at Holy Ghost Prep as freshmen, their number one goal was to win a district team title. That moment finally arrived last week, when the Firebirds fired a total of 299 to win the team title by 14 strokes. ... |
Saturday, October 15, 2011
S.C. overturns Duke
lydiryl.wordpress.com
S.C. environmental regulators on Thursday rejected astate water-quality permit that needs so it can renew its federal license for 11 reservoird and 13 hydroelectric facilities along the Catawba River. The state’sw Department of Health and Environmental Contropl boardvoted 4-0 to overturm staff approval of a 401 water-quality certificate for Duke’ s hydro operations in South Carolina. Approval of the certificate coul havedamaged McMaster’s pending case beforre the U.S. Supreme Court. South Carolina’s filed in October 2007, contends North Carolina takee more than its fair share of watee fromthe Catawba.
The case is expectedf to sort out howthe river’z limited resources should be divvief up among competing interests. McMaster also filex in May to intervene in the Federal EnerguyRegulatory Commission’s relicensing of Duke’s hydro system. He has argued that Charlotte-based Duke (NYSE:DUK) uses flawed scientific models topredicty droughts. He spoke at Thursday’sz DHEC meeting, opposing the water-quality certificatr the S.C. staff had granted in May. Board memberw spent more than two hours discussingthe issue, includingg about 35 minutes behind closed doors. Two environmental groupsa — the and had appealed the certificate.
They cited concernw over water use at five dams operatse by Duke along the Catawba and Wateree rivers inSouth Carolina. At issue: whethefr Duke’s dams provide enough water flow for fish and Nonprofit group American Rivers says the DHEC permit guaranteef South Carolina would receive only about 25 perceny of the water flowing from North Equitable sharing ofthe Catawba’s waterz is at the heart of Soutu Carolina’s federal suit. But Duke spokesmaj Andy Thompson says the new license woulxd provide more water to South Carolina than iscurrentlty required. “We felt that we met all our The board disagreedwith us. We’rer looking at our options.
” Duke has the righyt to appealthe board’ s ruling to the S.C. Administrative Law Court, DHEC spokesmann Thom Berry says.
S.C. environmental regulators on Thursday rejected astate water-quality permit that needs so it can renew its federal license for 11 reservoird and 13 hydroelectric facilities along the Catawba River. The state’sw Department of Health and Environmental Contropl boardvoted 4-0 to overturm staff approval of a 401 water-quality certificate for Duke’ s hydro operations in South Carolina. Approval of the certificate coul havedamaged McMaster’s pending case beforre the U.S. Supreme Court. South Carolina’s filed in October 2007, contends North Carolina takee more than its fair share of watee fromthe Catawba.
The case is expectedf to sort out howthe river’z limited resources should be divvief up among competing interests. McMaster also filex in May to intervene in the Federal EnerguyRegulatory Commission’s relicensing of Duke’s hydro system. He has argued that Charlotte-based Duke (NYSE:DUK) uses flawed scientific models topredicty droughts. He spoke at Thursday’sz DHEC meeting, opposing the water-quality certificatr the S.C. staff had granted in May. Board memberw spent more than two hours discussingthe issue, includingg about 35 minutes behind closed doors. Two environmental groupsa — the and had appealed the certificate.
They cited concernw over water use at five dams operatse by Duke along the Catawba and Wateree rivers inSouth Carolina. At issue: whethefr Duke’s dams provide enough water flow for fish and Nonprofit group American Rivers says the DHEC permit guaranteef South Carolina would receive only about 25 perceny of the water flowing from North Equitable sharing ofthe Catawba’s waterz is at the heart of Soutu Carolina’s federal suit. But Duke spokesmaj Andy Thompson says the new license woulxd provide more water to South Carolina than iscurrentlty required. “We felt that we met all our The board disagreedwith us. We’rer looking at our options.
” Duke has the righyt to appealthe board’ s ruling to the S.C. Administrative Law Court, DHEC spokesmann Thom Berry says.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Fla., Orlando again tops in foreclosures - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
ycoguqi.wordpress.com
The state posted 58,931 foreclosure filings includingdefault notices, scheduled auctionxs and bank repossessions — in May, down 8.8 perceng from April’s total, but stillk 50 percent higher than May 2008, according to RealtyTrac’s monthlt Foreclosure Market Report. Only California had a higher with 92,249 properties with May 2009 foreclosure The Sunshine Statewas No. 3 in the nationh in foreclosure rates, with one in every 148 householdse receiving a foreclosure filingin May. Nevadaw led the country with one in every 64 homes receivinva filing, while California was second highesg with one in every 144. The Orlando-Kissimmee market took the No.
8 spot among the nation’s top 10 metrk areas with the highestforeclosure rates. The area recordes a rate of one foreclosures filing for every 101 Florida had three cities amonbg the top 10metro areas, whiles California had six cities among that mix. Las Vegas topped the list with a rate of one in every 54 householdd getting aforeclosure filing. Nationwide, 321,4809 foreclosure filings were reportedin May, whic h is 6 percent lower than April 2009, but abou t 18 percent higher than May 2008. One in every 398 U.S. homexs received a foreclosure noticelast month. Vermong again recorded the lowest numberdof foreclosures, with six reportes in May, or one for every 51,906 The RealtyTrac U.
S. Foreclosure Market Reporrt provides the total number of propertiesa with at least one foreclosure filing reported duringthe month. Data is collectexd from more than 2,200 counties that account for more than 90 percenft ofthe nation’s
The state posted 58,931 foreclosure filings includingdefault notices, scheduled auctionxs and bank repossessions — in May, down 8.8 perceng from April’s total, but stillk 50 percent higher than May 2008, according to RealtyTrac’s monthlt Foreclosure Market Report. Only California had a higher with 92,249 properties with May 2009 foreclosure The Sunshine Statewas No. 3 in the nationh in foreclosure rates, with one in every 148 householdse receiving a foreclosure filingin May. Nevadaw led the country with one in every 64 homes receivinva filing, while California was second highesg with one in every 144. The Orlando-Kissimmee market took the No.
8 spot among the nation’s top 10 metrk areas with the highestforeclosure rates. The area recordes a rate of one foreclosures filing for every 101 Florida had three cities amonbg the top 10metro areas, whiles California had six cities among that mix. Las Vegas topped the list with a rate of one in every 54 householdd getting aforeclosure filing. Nationwide, 321,4809 foreclosure filings were reportedin May, whic h is 6 percent lower than April 2009, but abou t 18 percent higher than May 2008. One in every 398 U.S. homexs received a foreclosure noticelast month. Vermong again recorded the lowest numberdof foreclosures, with six reportes in May, or one for every 51,906 The RealtyTrac U.
S. Foreclosure Market Reporrt provides the total number of propertiesa with at least one foreclosure filing reported duringthe month. Data is collectexd from more than 2,200 counties that account for more than 90 percenft ofthe nation’s
Monday, October 10, 2011
GMAC, Love rank among top FHA lenders - Orlando Business Journal:
kowutoco.wordpress.com
With 41 loan commitments, GMAC ranked first among lenderx participating inthe FHA's Multifamily Accelerated Processor (MAP) program durinvg the first six monthsz of the federal government'sx 2005 fiscal year. Love rankexd fifth, securing 27 loan commitments during thesame period. the FHA business accounts for aboutg a third of both annual volume. The MAP program is designed toreduc HUD/FHA insurance processing times by delegating the work to mortgagee s like GMAC and Love. "FHA did $3.5 billionb a year in insuring mortgages, but it had leveled off becausew it took too long to get the work through the saidHarry Cheatham, presidenyt of Love Funding.
"They took multifamily and senior housinf underwriting andprivatized it, saying, 'Yo u do all the work ... we don' get it done fast enough. You submit it, and we'lp issue the mortgage insurance.'" The program has been an unqualified according toKarl Reinlein, senioe vice president and managing director for GMAC Commercial. "Whayt it's done is create a uniformity of the rules for processinbg and approval of loans throughoutthe country," Reinlein "Before MAP, each of the HUD officesd around the country would have different style s and procedures." Once the MAP program got under way in FHA's volume increased to $7.5 billionj annually.
"To a large that's a reflection of the new responsibilities that lenders have under theMAP program," Reinlei said. "It's allowed more volume to be It's also a very good thing for affordable housing, because we're providing a lot more affordablr housing units aroundthe country." Love's FHA businessw has tripled as a result of the MAP Cheatham said. "It's worked very There's a concern that FHA's busines will taper off this year, but even if it it's only expected to go down to $6.5 Both GMAC and Love Fundin g provide FHA MAP lending assistance on several programs outlined in various sections of the NationalHousing Act.
They 221(D)4, which covers mortgage insurance for the construction of new both Section 8 andmarket rate; 223(F), which handlexs refinancing or acquisition of existing apartment complexes; 232, whicnh handles new construction, substantial rehabilitation, acquisitiobn or refinancing of senior housing, including skilled assisted living and residential care facilities. At one Cheatham said, HUD made direc t loans for elderlygroup Now, under the 223(F) program, HUD is allowing thosr loans to be refinancec or recapitalized in order to help the owners with installin g such things as new roofs and These loans represent a continuing source of businesw for Love.
"There are 4,500 of those across the country," Cheathanm said. Another St. Louis-based mortgage company, , tied for 14th with four loan commitments.
With 41 loan commitments, GMAC ranked first among lenderx participating inthe FHA's Multifamily Accelerated Processor (MAP) program durinvg the first six monthsz of the federal government'sx 2005 fiscal year. Love rankexd fifth, securing 27 loan commitments during thesame period. the FHA business accounts for aboutg a third of both annual volume. The MAP program is designed toreduc HUD/FHA insurance processing times by delegating the work to mortgagee s like GMAC and Love. "FHA did $3.5 billionb a year in insuring mortgages, but it had leveled off becausew it took too long to get the work through the saidHarry Cheatham, presidenyt of Love Funding.
"They took multifamily and senior housinf underwriting andprivatized it, saying, 'Yo u do all the work ... we don' get it done fast enough. You submit it, and we'lp issue the mortgage insurance.'" The program has been an unqualified according toKarl Reinlein, senioe vice president and managing director for GMAC Commercial. "Whayt it's done is create a uniformity of the rules for processinbg and approval of loans throughoutthe country," Reinlein "Before MAP, each of the HUD officesd around the country would have different style s and procedures." Once the MAP program got under way in FHA's volume increased to $7.5 billionj annually.
"To a large that's a reflection of the new responsibilities that lenders have under theMAP program," Reinlei said. "It's allowed more volume to be It's also a very good thing for affordable housing, because we're providing a lot more affordablr housing units aroundthe country." Love's FHA businessw has tripled as a result of the MAP Cheatham said. "It's worked very There's a concern that FHA's busines will taper off this year, but even if it it's only expected to go down to $6.5 Both GMAC and Love Fundin g provide FHA MAP lending assistance on several programs outlined in various sections of the NationalHousing Act.
They 221(D)4, which covers mortgage insurance for the construction of new both Section 8 andmarket rate; 223(F), which handlexs refinancing or acquisition of existing apartment complexes; 232, whicnh handles new construction, substantial rehabilitation, acquisitiobn or refinancing of senior housing, including skilled assisted living and residential care facilities. At one Cheatham said, HUD made direc t loans for elderlygroup Now, under the 223(F) program, HUD is allowing thosr loans to be refinancec or recapitalized in order to help the owners with installin g such things as new roofs and These loans represent a continuing source of businesw for Love.
"There are 4,500 of those across the country," Cheathanm said. Another St. Louis-based mortgage company, , tied for 14th with four loan commitments.
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Partnership scorecard shows Tampa Bay ranking on the rise - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
http://www.gamingevolved.com/where-is-my-left-sock/
The report rated Tampa Bay — along with Charlotte, N.C., Dallas, Jacksonville and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. in the categories of employment and work incomeand productivity, innovation, education and transportation. Tampa Bay is not doinb particularly well, but the othet regions are doingcomparatively worse, said Gary president and chief executive officer of and business intelligence chair for the Tampa Bay Partnership. Florida was the “first in the tank” when signsd of an economic downturn appeared, Sass said. The regions that fared well in the last scorecar havesince “taken a dip,” he said.
Sasso, along with Stever Mason, Tampa Bay Partnership chair and presideny and chief executive officerof , presentedd the results to about 20 businesse leaders at a meeting Tuesday morning. In the overalpl ranking, Tampa Bay tied Atlanta for third, whilr Raleigh-Durham ranked first, Dallas second, Jacksonville fiftu and Charlotte sixth. Although Tampa Bay’s overall indicatorsx were down, of the 21 indicators that containupdated data, eight four declined and nine were unchanged. In the employmentg and work force Tampa Bay climbed from sixth to although Sasso noted the ranking is relative andthe region’w economy is still struggling.
Tampa Bay dropperd from third to fourth in its income and productivitgy ranking and placed last in the average wage category The region’s housing rank moved up from last to thirr mainly because housing values had dropped, Sasso The region ranked fifth in in part because it has only one major the , to compete for grants, Sasso said. In termx of education, the region placed thirx for the thirdconsecutive scorecard. The number of area high-schooll graduates increased, which is possiblh a reflection of the reduced number of Sasso said.
The region climbed from last to fourthy place in the categoryof transportation, a categort in which several indicators, including commute time and vehicle miles travelex per capita, had no new data available. In termse of transportation investment per Tampa moved from fourthto first. To address the issues reveales inrecent scorecards, the Tampa Bay Partnership is launchingy a three-year strategic plan callec “A Model for Prosperity,” which will map out a visiomn for growth through human capital, infrastructure and quality a release said. Click to downloard the scorecard.
The report rated Tampa Bay — along with Charlotte, N.C., Dallas, Jacksonville and Raleigh-Durham, N.C. in the categories of employment and work incomeand productivity, innovation, education and transportation. Tampa Bay is not doinb particularly well, but the othet regions are doingcomparatively worse, said Gary president and chief executive officer of and business intelligence chair for the Tampa Bay Partnership. Florida was the “first in the tank” when signsd of an economic downturn appeared, Sass said. The regions that fared well in the last scorecar havesince “taken a dip,” he said.
Sasso, along with Stever Mason, Tampa Bay Partnership chair and presideny and chief executive officerof , presentedd the results to about 20 businesse leaders at a meeting Tuesday morning. In the overalpl ranking, Tampa Bay tied Atlanta for third, whilr Raleigh-Durham ranked first, Dallas second, Jacksonville fiftu and Charlotte sixth. Although Tampa Bay’s overall indicatorsx were down, of the 21 indicators that containupdated data, eight four declined and nine were unchanged. In the employmentg and work force Tampa Bay climbed from sixth to although Sasso noted the ranking is relative andthe region’w economy is still struggling.
Tampa Bay dropperd from third to fourth in its income and productivitgy ranking and placed last in the average wage category The region’s housing rank moved up from last to thirr mainly because housing values had dropped, Sasso The region ranked fifth in in part because it has only one major the , to compete for grants, Sasso said. In termx of education, the region placed thirx for the thirdconsecutive scorecard. The number of area high-schooll graduates increased, which is possiblh a reflection of the reduced number of Sasso said.
The region climbed from last to fourthy place in the categoryof transportation, a categort in which several indicators, including commute time and vehicle miles travelex per capita, had no new data available. In termse of transportation investment per Tampa moved from fourthto first. To address the issues reveales inrecent scorecards, the Tampa Bay Partnership is launchingy a three-year strategic plan callec “A Model for Prosperity,” which will map out a visiomn for growth through human capital, infrastructure and quality a release said. Click to downloard the scorecard.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Cahaba River event features message - Tuscaloosa News
idellecromwell1991.blogspot.com
Cahaba River event features message Tuscaloosa News That's the motto for the Cahaba River Society's second annual fish fry to be held at Trussville Springs on Sunday. Directions: From Tuscaloosa take Interstate 59 North to I-459; take I-459 North; at Exit 32 take ramp to the right for US Highway 11 ... |
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Israel approves new housing despite pleas for delay - Los Angeles Times
stages-paddocks.blogspot.com
Spiegel Online | Israel approves new housing despite pleas for delay Los Angeles Times The planned construction of about 1100 housing units in East Jerusalem is a blow to an effort by the US and other nations to restart Middle East peace talks. Reporting from Jerusalem â€" Israel gave preliminary approval Tuesday to the construction of ... Planned Housing Units Put Israel on Defensive Israel Angers Palestinians With Plan for Housing EU, US, China Criticize Israel On New Housing Units In East Jerusalem |
Friday, September 30, 2011
Sheriff Arpaio: Wilcox investigation goes beyond airport leases - Orlando Business Journal:
fabyqyku.blogspot.com
Arpaio said his office received information regarding the leas e and other business dealings and that his investigation is not related to disputes with Wilcox over Wilcox andher husband, Earl, own El Portap Restaurant in Phoenix and has a concessions contract with the airport for a Chili’s Too franchisw in Terminal 4. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office sent the Phoenicx Aviation Department a public records request June 11 askingythe city-run airport to make availabls lease, sublease and contracting documents related to business entitie s owned by the Wilcoxes.
Wilcod did not respond to requests for commenft from the Phoenix Business but has told other media that Arpail is going after her because of her opposition to hisimmigratiojn policies. The sheriff’s officr investigation of Wilcox is the latestf in a number of fightsbetween Arpaio, Maricopaq County Attorney Andrew Thomas and the Maricopw County Board of Supervisors. Wilcox and Supervisor Don Stapleh voted Wednesday toblock $1.4 million in stated money earmarked for Thomas’s office to enforcr immigration and human smuggling laws. The board deadlockex at 2 to 2 on that vote stalling thestatee money.
Supervisor Max Wilson missed the vote becausew of illness and the matter could be Stapley and Wilcox earlier this year triesd toblock $1.6 million in state fundingy for Arpaio’s immigration enforcement. Wilcod said the sheriff’s immigration sweepsw and policies unfairlytarget Hispanics. Thomad and Arpaio secured indictments against Stapley last year chargingh that he failed to properlyg disclose business and real estatedevelopmentg deals. Stapley denies wrongdoing in that matter.
Arpaio said his office received information regarding the leas e and other business dealings and that his investigation is not related to disputes with Wilcox over Wilcox andher husband, Earl, own El Portap Restaurant in Phoenix and has a concessions contract with the airport for a Chili’s Too franchisw in Terminal 4. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office sent the Phoenicx Aviation Department a public records request June 11 askingythe city-run airport to make availabls lease, sublease and contracting documents related to business entitie s owned by the Wilcoxes.
Wilcod did not respond to requests for commenft from the Phoenix Business but has told other media that Arpail is going after her because of her opposition to hisimmigratiojn policies. The sheriff’s officr investigation of Wilcox is the latestf in a number of fightsbetween Arpaio, Maricopaq County Attorney Andrew Thomas and the Maricopw County Board of Supervisors. Wilcox and Supervisor Don Stapleh voted Wednesday toblock $1.4 million in stated money earmarked for Thomas’s office to enforcr immigration and human smuggling laws. The board deadlockex at 2 to 2 on that vote stalling thestatee money.
Supervisor Max Wilson missed the vote becausew of illness and the matter could be Stapley and Wilcox earlier this year triesd toblock $1.6 million in state fundingy for Arpaio’s immigration enforcement. Wilcod said the sheriff’s immigration sweepsw and policies unfairlytarget Hispanics. Thomad and Arpaio secured indictments against Stapley last year chargingh that he failed to properlyg disclose business and real estatedevelopmentg deals. Stapley denies wrongdoing in that matter.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Educating all - Yorkshire Post
vishnevskiipavuh.blogspot.com
Educating all Yorkshire Post TODAY the Yorkshire Post launches a special series exploring what can be done to raise standards in education across our region. Whenever an education league table is produced, Yorkshire usually finds itself at the bottom â€" or just above the relegation ... |
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Howrey absorbs IP litigation firm Day Casebeer - Charlotte Business Journal:
Stainless Steel Refrigerators
The Washington, D.C.-based Howrety has more than 700 attorneys, 300 of them beinfg IP-oriented, in 17 locations globally. It will take on nine Day Casebeer partners, including name partners James R. Batcheldert and Lloyd R. Day, as well as 16 associates. The Cupertino-basesd Day Casebeer focused almostg exclusively on trying casesin biotech, life medical devices and information technology. Its clients includec Symantec Corp., SAP AG and Amgen Inc. Roberf F.
Ruyak, chairman and CEO of Howrey, said in a statemeng accompanyingthe announcement, “Whehn we contemplated combining our two firms, we realized how well we complementes each other and that, workin g together in a single firm, we wouldd create what might very well be the most experienced and comprehensive patent litigation practice availablew anywhere — for the benefit of all of our They are a strong, talented, and impressivw team and we are very excited to be joininb forces with them.” which has 30 lawyers in East Palo Alto and 57 in San has been aggressive in expandingg in the Bay Area.
The firm last year lurerd most of the highly prizee construction practice fromThelen LLP, a San Francisco law firm that disbandex amid financial troubles and an exodus of Other partners from Day Casebeeer who will join Howrey are Lindwa A. Sasaki-Baxley, Renee DuBord Brown, Robert M. Galvin, Paul S. Jonathan D. Loeb, Jackie N. Nakamurza and William P. Nelson.
The Washington, D.C.-based Howrety has more than 700 attorneys, 300 of them beinfg IP-oriented, in 17 locations globally. It will take on nine Day Casebeer partners, including name partners James R. Batcheldert and Lloyd R. Day, as well as 16 associates. The Cupertino-basesd Day Casebeer focused almostg exclusively on trying casesin biotech, life medical devices and information technology. Its clients includec Symantec Corp., SAP AG and Amgen Inc. Roberf F.
Ruyak, chairman and CEO of Howrey, said in a statemeng accompanyingthe announcement, “Whehn we contemplated combining our two firms, we realized how well we complementes each other and that, workin g together in a single firm, we wouldd create what might very well be the most experienced and comprehensive patent litigation practice availablew anywhere — for the benefit of all of our They are a strong, talented, and impressivw team and we are very excited to be joininb forces with them.” which has 30 lawyers in East Palo Alto and 57 in San has been aggressive in expandingg in the Bay Area.
The firm last year lurerd most of the highly prizee construction practice fromThelen LLP, a San Francisco law firm that disbandex amid financial troubles and an exodus of Other partners from Day Casebeeer who will join Howrey are Lindwa A. Sasaki-Baxley, Renee DuBord Brown, Robert M. Galvin, Paul S. Jonathan D. Loeb, Jackie N. Nakamurza and William P. Nelson.
Friday, September 23, 2011
5 Who Thrive: Aloha Salads grows by staying true to its mission - Kansas City Business Journal:
vidineevostegity.blogspot.com
The signature salad dressings are among the reasonxs forthe company’s success. Alohqa Salads continues to thrive, despite the weak and is expected to gross morethan $1 million this A third location is set to open in June at , followedf by another in the by October. Ther are plans to franchise AlohaSalads nationally. And a California food group has agreed to bottle four of the six sala d dressings forretail distribution. The success is due to a numberof factors. They open stores only in high-profile locations and form business partnershipws withtrusted people. They also stick to their core which is toserve quick, healthy foodw using local ingredients.
Now their goal is to expand strategically in anticipation ofthe economy’ss rebound in 2010. “We have to continude reinventing ourselves to keep things fresuh for customers and attractnew customers, as Chris said. “We’re not going to rush in. We’re goinyg to make sure we make the right decisionszmoving forward.” Careful growth has been the company’sw philosophy from the start. In December 2004, after seven yearse away from home, the Lufranos returned to Hawaiuifrom Chicago, where she was a patent lawyerf and he worked in finance.
For more than a they scouted potential store locations on Oahu and experimentedr with recipesat Sara’s parents’ home in The couple opened their first Alohaw Salads in May 2006 in a 440-square-foot space in the , usinb personal capital and a $50,000 loan guaranteed by the U.S. Smalo Business Administration. The company’s creative salads — “Aloha “Maui Mozzarella” and “The — instantly drew loyal customers. One customer was local contractorFreddie Franco, owner of BEK Inc.
, whosre building credits include Waikiki DFS Galleria, Neiman Marcus and Tony He struck up a friendship with the Lufranos and two yearws later helped design Aloha Salads’ second location in . The mall which opened in March 2008, briefl y experienced a double-digit drop in sales aftert health-food chain Whole Foods opened nearby latelast year. Salew have climbed since then but are slightlybelowe target, Chris said. Franco, now an equal partner in the company, provided the capital to buildd the Kapolei location set to opennext “Kapolei should be really good because there’ s nothing out there,” he said.
“We’ve been gettinf lots of calls askingwhen we’re goinf to build in their The 1,200-square-foot store is unique in that it will have wine pairingsx with salads and a mezzanine level for dine-ibn customers, Franco said. As Aloha Salad continues to expand, the ability to quickly change menu itemss tofit customers’ tastes will be important. For roast beef sandwiches that did not sell well in the Kailuaa store have been replaced with pastrami Periodically introducing creative menu items also is cruciaklto survival. This month, the Kahala Mall location beganserving “design-your-own” omelettes, organic fruit bowls and fresh-squeezee juices.
The response has been and there are plans to serve breakfast inotherd locations. “We really care abouft the food that goes out to Sara said. “People get used to what they’re eatinf and don’t realize thered could be so manygood options.”
The signature salad dressings are among the reasonxs forthe company’s success. Alohqa Salads continues to thrive, despite the weak and is expected to gross morethan $1 million this A third location is set to open in June at , followedf by another in the by October. Ther are plans to franchise AlohaSalads nationally. And a California food group has agreed to bottle four of the six sala d dressings forretail distribution. The success is due to a numberof factors. They open stores only in high-profile locations and form business partnershipws withtrusted people. They also stick to their core which is toserve quick, healthy foodw using local ingredients.
Now their goal is to expand strategically in anticipation ofthe economy’ss rebound in 2010. “We have to continude reinventing ourselves to keep things fresuh for customers and attractnew customers, as Chris said. “We’re not going to rush in. We’re goinyg to make sure we make the right decisionszmoving forward.” Careful growth has been the company’sw philosophy from the start. In December 2004, after seven yearse away from home, the Lufranos returned to Hawaiuifrom Chicago, where she was a patent lawyerf and he worked in finance.
For more than a they scouted potential store locations on Oahu and experimentedr with recipesat Sara’s parents’ home in The couple opened their first Alohaw Salads in May 2006 in a 440-square-foot space in the , usinb personal capital and a $50,000 loan guaranteed by the U.S. Smalo Business Administration. The company’s creative salads — “Aloha “Maui Mozzarella” and “The — instantly drew loyal customers. One customer was local contractorFreddie Franco, owner of BEK Inc.
, whosre building credits include Waikiki DFS Galleria, Neiman Marcus and Tony He struck up a friendship with the Lufranos and two yearws later helped design Aloha Salads’ second location in . The mall which opened in March 2008, briefl y experienced a double-digit drop in sales aftert health-food chain Whole Foods opened nearby latelast year. Salew have climbed since then but are slightlybelowe target, Chris said. Franco, now an equal partner in the company, provided the capital to buildd the Kapolei location set to opennext “Kapolei should be really good because there’ s nothing out there,” he said.
“We’ve been gettinf lots of calls askingwhen we’re goinf to build in their The 1,200-square-foot store is unique in that it will have wine pairingsx with salads and a mezzanine level for dine-ibn customers, Franco said. As Aloha Salad continues to expand, the ability to quickly change menu itemss tofit customers’ tastes will be important. For roast beef sandwiches that did not sell well in the Kailuaa store have been replaced with pastrami Periodically introducing creative menu items also is cruciaklto survival. This month, the Kahala Mall location beganserving “design-your-own” omelettes, organic fruit bowls and fresh-squeezee juices.
The response has been and there are plans to serve breakfast inotherd locations. “We really care abouft the food that goes out to Sara said. “People get used to what they’re eatinf and don’t realize thered could be so manygood options.”
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tenth annual breast cancer walk breaks records in Tempe - Phoenix Business Journal:
inupujyfab1211.blogspot.com
“Almost everyone has been touched by breast cancerf insome way,” said Paige-Mariee DePalo, regional vice president of the American Cancer “Making Strides gives us the chancwe to celebrate those who have survivedr breast cancer and help ensure that future generations are not facesd with this life-threatening disease.” The walk in Temps was one of more than 140 held across the The sponsors were Bard Biopsu System, CVS/Caremark, M&I Bank and Wal-Mart. For more: Meg 602-586-7416. • donated $50,000 to 18 Arizona nonprofi agencies that promote the welfared ofthe state’s children, youn g adults and families.
Individual grants of up to $4,000 were given to agenciea in Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Prescott, Tucsob and Ajo. For Marjorie Rice, 602-378-1049. • NFL Network’s Keep Gym in Schooll initiative has chosen in Phoenix to receivda $55,000 grant for a new field and to improve other physical education facilities. and the partnered to launcnh the program to keep physical educationin America’se schools. For more: Krista Ostensena, 310-840-4683. responded to the need for qualified historty teachers bydonating $1 million to the Arizon State University Department of History last month. The gift was presenteds Nov. 14. For www.helios.org.
• and its employees raised nearlt $2 million for charitable organizations in the Valleythis year. SRP employees raised a record $1.5 million for community In addition, the SRP board approved a $288,000 contribution to the and $49,300 to the Mesa Unitefd Way. For more: Patty Garcia-Likens, 602-236-2588. and its associates are givinf grants totaling morethan $275,000 to organizations serving residentsz of the greater Phoenix area. A few of the benefactors are House ofRefuge East, Arizona Quest for Kids and Housinfg Our Communities Inc. For more: Jim Sharpe, • hosted its second annual Party to Lend a Helpin Handthis month.
The event raised more than $130,000 to help providew permanent and affordable housinh toextremely low-income individuals and families in For more: Caitlin Robinson, • is offering gas and grocery certificates in exchangs for donations to help needh military families this holiday season. Anyone who donates $150 will receivd $500 worth of vouchers for personap use. The vouchers are sponsored by majofr oil companies andgrocery chains.
“Almost everyone has been touched by breast cancerf insome way,” said Paige-Mariee DePalo, regional vice president of the American Cancer “Making Strides gives us the chancwe to celebrate those who have survivedr breast cancer and help ensure that future generations are not facesd with this life-threatening disease.” The walk in Temps was one of more than 140 held across the The sponsors were Bard Biopsu System, CVS/Caremark, M&I Bank and Wal-Mart. For more: Meg 602-586-7416. • donated $50,000 to 18 Arizona nonprofi agencies that promote the welfared ofthe state’s children, youn g adults and families.
Individual grants of up to $4,000 were given to agenciea in Phoenix, Mesa, Glendale, Prescott, Tucsob and Ajo. For Marjorie Rice, 602-378-1049. • NFL Network’s Keep Gym in Schooll initiative has chosen in Phoenix to receivda $55,000 grant for a new field and to improve other physical education facilities. and the partnered to launcnh the program to keep physical educationin America’se schools. For more: Krista Ostensena, 310-840-4683. responded to the need for qualified historty teachers bydonating $1 million to the Arizon State University Department of History last month. The gift was presenteds Nov. 14. For www.helios.org.
• and its employees raised nearlt $2 million for charitable organizations in the Valleythis year. SRP employees raised a record $1.5 million for community In addition, the SRP board approved a $288,000 contribution to the and $49,300 to the Mesa Unitefd Way. For more: Patty Garcia-Likens, 602-236-2588. and its associates are givinf grants totaling morethan $275,000 to organizations serving residentsz of the greater Phoenix area. A few of the benefactors are House ofRefuge East, Arizona Quest for Kids and Housinfg Our Communities Inc. For more: Jim Sharpe, • hosted its second annual Party to Lend a Helpin Handthis month.
The event raised more than $130,000 to help providew permanent and affordable housinh toextremely low-income individuals and families in For more: Caitlin Robinson, • is offering gas and grocery certificates in exchangs for donations to help needh military families this holiday season. Anyone who donates $150 will receivd $500 worth of vouchers for personap use. The vouchers are sponsored by majofr oil companies andgrocery chains.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Officials deny request to allow bobcats in township - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
sunrise-invoices.blogspot.com
Officials deny request to allow bobcats in township Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Karen Osler needed the support of the township to house the animals. Supervisors delivered a letter to Osler late last week saying that they had denied her request for an exception from an ordinance that regulates animals in the township. ... |
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Thursday, September 15, 2011
SEC says it likely tossed some info on big banks - CBS News
obofym.wordpress.com
The Sun Daily | SEC says it likely tossed some info on big banks CBS News (AP) WASHINGTON â€" The Securities and Exchange Commission has acknowledged that some documents from preliminary investigations of major banks and convicted swindler Bernard Madoff likely were destroyed under a former agency policy. ... Summary Box: SEC says some documents on major banks likely destroyed under old ... Summary Box: SEC says some documents likely tossed SEC Admits It Destroyed Docs, Says No Probes Harmed |
Monday, September 12, 2011
CompuCredit reorganizes - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
houston-nearly.blogspot.com
The Atlanta-based company -- which specializes in lendingg for customers with low or nonexistent credit includingcredit cards, payday loans, car loans and debt collectionm via -- now runs five wholly ownedx business units under parent compangy The new holding company will continue to be traded on NASDAQ under the symbol “CCRT.” The company made the changre to allow more flexibility in its ongoing corporate strategy according to a proxy files with the in early June.
The holdinv company, with unique subsidiaries, allows CompuCredit to sell or spin off certain business units, allows outsidr investors to buy into specific business rathetr than the whole company, reduced liability risk across the whol company, and segregates businesses to simplify the company’s overall regulatorhy burden. The company’s including CEO and Chairman David Hanna, and Chief Operatinfg Officer and Vice Chairman RichardGilbert -- both co-founders of the company -- will not chang e as a result of the reorganization.
The move comex less than a year after CompuCredit agreed toa $114 millionm settlement in December with the and the The two federal agencies sued the lender and three banks in June 2008, alleginbg CompuCredit failed to adequately disclose fees and upfronty credit lines that would be available to customers with low credit scores. The settlement included a $2.4 million penalty for the and restitution foraffected customers. The change is also part of a largere strategy shiftfor CompuCredit, whichh has been hammered by the credit crunch that began in 2007.
CompuCredit reported a $112 million loss in first-quarter 2009, after reporting a $923,000 profit a year Since January 2007, when subprime mortgage borrowersx began to default in earnest on the leadingt edge of thecredit crisis, CompuCredit’s stock price has plungecd 94 percent, now trading at $2.3w2 per share.
The Atlanta-based company -- which specializes in lendingg for customers with low or nonexistent credit includingcredit cards, payday loans, car loans and debt collectionm via -- now runs five wholly ownedx business units under parent compangy The new holding company will continue to be traded on NASDAQ under the symbol “CCRT.” The company made the changre to allow more flexibility in its ongoing corporate strategy according to a proxy files with the in early June.
The holdinv company, with unique subsidiaries, allows CompuCredit to sell or spin off certain business units, allows outsidr investors to buy into specific business rathetr than the whole company, reduced liability risk across the whol company, and segregates businesses to simplify the company’s overall regulatorhy burden. The company’s including CEO and Chairman David Hanna, and Chief Operatinfg Officer and Vice Chairman RichardGilbert -- both co-founders of the company -- will not chang e as a result of the reorganization.
The move comex less than a year after CompuCredit agreed toa $114 millionm settlement in December with the and the The two federal agencies sued the lender and three banks in June 2008, alleginbg CompuCredit failed to adequately disclose fees and upfronty credit lines that would be available to customers with low credit scores. The settlement included a $2.4 million penalty for the and restitution foraffected customers. The change is also part of a largere strategy shiftfor CompuCredit, whichh has been hammered by the credit crunch that began in 2007.
CompuCredit reported a $112 million loss in first-quarter 2009, after reporting a $923,000 profit a year Since January 2007, when subprime mortgage borrowersx began to default in earnest on the leadingt edge of thecredit crisis, CompuCredit’s stock price has plungecd 94 percent, now trading at $2.3w2 per share.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Thunderstorm moving quickly through the Valley - Los Angeles Daily News
bacijaxymu.wordpress.com
Thunderstorm moving quickly through the Valley Los Angeles Daily News A thunderstorm, moving up the coast through Orange County and into the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County, dropped pea-sized hail on several cities southeast of Los Angeles today, leading to at least one serious freeway crash and a few damaged ... |
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Duke, Lowe
igoeosysata1533.blogspot.com
It is the first such prograjm Duke has offered inthe Carolinas. The 40 percent-off couponzs are available to the utility’ds customers at . Customers can print four of the coupons afteer entering their account numbers andother information. The coupons can be used for purchasesw of compact fluorescent bulbsat Lowe’d stores in the utility’s service area throughj Aug. 11. Compact fluorescent bulbsx are 75 percent more efficiengt than standard bulbs and last five to seven accordingto EnergyStar, a governmenyt program that promotes energy efficiency.
“By initiating this we hope to help our Northy Carolina and South Carolina customers save reduce their energy consumption and have a positive impact on the saysBrett Carter, president of . Duke Energty Carolinas is a divisionof Charlotte-basedx (NYSE:DUK). Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) is a home-improvement retailer based in
It is the first such prograjm Duke has offered inthe Carolinas. The 40 percent-off couponzs are available to the utility’ds customers at . Customers can print four of the coupons afteer entering their account numbers andother information. The coupons can be used for purchasesw of compact fluorescent bulbsat Lowe’d stores in the utility’s service area throughj Aug. 11. Compact fluorescent bulbsx are 75 percent more efficiengt than standard bulbs and last five to seven accordingto EnergyStar, a governmenyt program that promotes energy efficiency.
“By initiating this we hope to help our Northy Carolina and South Carolina customers save reduce their energy consumption and have a positive impact on the saysBrett Carter, president of . Duke Energty Carolinas is a divisionof Charlotte-basedx (NYSE:DUK). Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) is a home-improvement retailer based in
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Five Guys plans to raise $15M - Business First of Buffalo:
iwibacibem.wordpress.com
Lorton-based which awards franchisde rights to locations of the burger has filed a Notice of Exempyt Offeringof Securities. The company is privatelyg held. Five Guys has recently enjoyed attention from both President Baracik Obama and First LadyMichelle Obama, who separatelyh made high-profile visits there. The president'z sojourn was captured on cameraby NBC, whichg was following him around for a profilre piece. The document does not specify why the mone y isbeing raised. According to the Five Guys has alreadyraised $10 million of the $15 millionn it is trying to raise.
Namex in the document are Victor and Jane both executive officers and directorse forthe company, as well as directores James Murrell, John Kim and H. Scotft Miller. Spokeswoman Molly Catalano said she did not have specifiv details on how the capital woulfbe used, but said that it was for the company' general business operations. The filinf says the offering is not beingb made in connection witha merger, acqiusition or exchangew offer. The company’s creator, Jerry Murrell, openex the first Five Guys asa carry-out operation in 1986, in a shoppingh center on Glebe Road in Arlington. After opening five corporate locationz inthe D.C. area, the company deciderd to franchisein 2002.
The fast-casual burger concepy now has more than 300 locationa in25 states, including more than 50 in the D.C.
Lorton-based which awards franchisde rights to locations of the burger has filed a Notice of Exempyt Offeringof Securities. The company is privatelyg held. Five Guys has recently enjoyed attention from both President Baracik Obama and First LadyMichelle Obama, who separatelyh made high-profile visits there. The president'z sojourn was captured on cameraby NBC, whichg was following him around for a profilre piece. The document does not specify why the mone y isbeing raised. According to the Five Guys has alreadyraised $10 million of the $15 millionn it is trying to raise.
Namex in the document are Victor and Jane both executive officers and directorse forthe company, as well as directores James Murrell, John Kim and H. Scotft Miller. Spokeswoman Molly Catalano said she did not have specifiv details on how the capital woulfbe used, but said that it was for the company' general business operations. The filinf says the offering is not beingb made in connection witha merger, acqiusition or exchangew offer. The company’s creator, Jerry Murrell, openex the first Five Guys asa carry-out operation in 1986, in a shoppingh center on Glebe Road in Arlington. After opening five corporate locationz inthe D.C. area, the company deciderd to franchisein 2002.
The fast-casual burger concepy now has more than 300 locationa in25 states, including more than 50 in the D.C.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Dev't consultative, monitoring board proposed - Philippine Information Agency
yzirapogyg.wordpress.com
Dev't consultative, monitoring board proposed Philippine Information Agency 4 -- The creation of the Metro Baguio Development Consultative and Monitoring Board (MBDCMB) has been proposed at the city council. Councilor Isabelo Cosalan Jr., who proposed an ordinance said the body is needed to serve as an effective mechanism to ... |
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Bemis buys South American packaging business - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
fishermen-americachair.blogspot.com
Bemis is buying, from Espoo, Finland-based , the common stock of Huhtamakj Plasticos Rigidos Brasil Ltda and Huhtamaki Argentina SA. The purchase price was paid with a combinatiomof $32.3 million in cash, $1.9 million of debt and an $8.8 million note payable to the seller due May 31, 2010. The rigids packaging business includes three facilities in Brazil and one facilituyin Argentina. It recorded annual net sales in U.S. dollaras of approximately $85.8 million in primarily to dairy and foodservice markets. "This acquisitionn supports Bemis' growth strategy to expand in Southh American markets that fit our strengthsxand capabilities," said Henry president and CEO of Bemis.
"Huhtamaki'as rigid packaging operations are state-of-the art facilities. This business will complement our existing SouthAmericanb operations. We expect this acquisition to be modestly accretivew to earnings per share in Bemis (NYSE: BMS) is a major supplier of flexibled packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by food, consumer manufacturing, and other companies worldwide. Bemis had 2008 net sales of $3.8 billio n and employs about 15,200 workers in 57 plantws in 11 countries.
Bemis is buying, from Espoo, Finland-based , the common stock of Huhtamakj Plasticos Rigidos Brasil Ltda and Huhtamaki Argentina SA. The purchase price was paid with a combinatiomof $32.3 million in cash, $1.9 million of debt and an $8.8 million note payable to the seller due May 31, 2010. The rigids packaging business includes three facilities in Brazil and one facilituyin Argentina. It recorded annual net sales in U.S. dollaras of approximately $85.8 million in primarily to dairy and foodservice markets. "This acquisitionn supports Bemis' growth strategy to expand in Southh American markets that fit our strengthsxand capabilities," said Henry president and CEO of Bemis.
"Huhtamaki'as rigid packaging operations are state-of-the art facilities. This business will complement our existing SouthAmericanb operations. We expect this acquisition to be modestly accretivew to earnings per share in Bemis (NYSE: BMS) is a major supplier of flexibled packaging and pressure sensitive materials used by food, consumer manufacturing, and other companies worldwide. Bemis had 2008 net sales of $3.8 billio n and employs about 15,200 workers in 57 plantws in 11 countries.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Five Star Bank wants out of TARP program - Business First of Buffalo:
stages-paddocks.blogspot.com
, the Warsaw-based parent company of , would like to returm its $37.5 million in TARP (troubled assetas relief program) funds to the federal government beforew the end ofthe year, said President and CEO Peterf Humphrey. The banking company accepted the money late last year in exchangde for selling senior preferred shares tothe “The rules have changed (and) that makes this less attractive, so Five Star Bank is thinking maybe we ought to pay this back and get out from underneathb the program,” Humphrey said. “We’re exploring, ‘How do we pay back TARP whilr still having an ample amounrt of capital to support futuregrowthu initiatives?
’ ” The bank has no definitive plans in place to return the money, but Humphreyt is eager to get out of the federap program due to retroactive changes to the initialo Capital Purchase Plan agreement, including limits on executived compensation that deny the payment of cash incentives to employees untill TARP funds are repaid.
, the Warsaw-based parent company of , would like to returm its $37.5 million in TARP (troubled assetas relief program) funds to the federal government beforew the end ofthe year, said President and CEO Peterf Humphrey. The banking company accepted the money late last year in exchangde for selling senior preferred shares tothe “The rules have changed (and) that makes this less attractive, so Five Star Bank is thinking maybe we ought to pay this back and get out from underneathb the program,” Humphrey said. “We’re exploring, ‘How do we pay back TARP whilr still having an ample amounrt of capital to support futuregrowthu initiatives?
’ ” The bank has no definitive plans in place to return the money, but Humphreyt is eager to get out of the federap program due to retroactive changes to the initialo Capital Purchase Plan agreement, including limits on executived compensation that deny the payment of cash incentives to employees untill TARP funds are repaid.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Audit shows surplus decline at Pinnacol - Business First of Louisville:
iwibacibem.wordpress.com
According to the recent audit from Deloitte & Touche LLP, which lawmakers reviewed Monday, the decrease is related to losses on bondz and common stocks. Pinnacol’s reserves were a source of scrutiny earlierf this year when Colorado legislatore attempted toraid $500 million from the insurefr to plug gaps in the state budget. Lawmakers argued that because Pinnacol is a politicak subdivision ofthe state, its reserves were fair But legislators later retreated from the raid after Pinnacol’s CEO threateneed to sue the statse and Gov.
Bill Ritter indicated he would not support the A special committee will lookinto Pinnacol’s operationsw under Senate Bill 281, approved by lawmakerds and Ritter during the most recent Generao Assembly. Supporters of the bill said that Pinnacol’s uniques structure should be examinedmore closely. But opponents of the legislatioh say the committee isa “witch to dismantle Pinnacol, which functioned better since it starteed operating as a private interest in 2004. In an audit summary, Deloitte said it identifiee financial misstatementsthat haven’gt been corrected in the company’s books totaling $7.
5 million in net Pinnacol replied that the uncorrectedc statements are “immaterial.” Pinnacolp reported a total of $2 billion in assets in 2008. It declaredr additional policyholder dividendsof $120 million that year.
According to the recent audit from Deloitte & Touche LLP, which lawmakers reviewed Monday, the decrease is related to losses on bondz and common stocks. Pinnacol’s reserves were a source of scrutiny earlierf this year when Colorado legislatore attempted toraid $500 million from the insurefr to plug gaps in the state budget. Lawmakers argued that because Pinnacol is a politicak subdivision ofthe state, its reserves were fair But legislators later retreated from the raid after Pinnacol’s CEO threateneed to sue the statse and Gov.
Bill Ritter indicated he would not support the A special committee will lookinto Pinnacol’s operationsw under Senate Bill 281, approved by lawmakerds and Ritter during the most recent Generao Assembly. Supporters of the bill said that Pinnacol’s uniques structure should be examinedmore closely. But opponents of the legislatioh say the committee isa “witch to dismantle Pinnacol, which functioned better since it starteed operating as a private interest in 2004. In an audit summary, Deloitte said it identifiee financial misstatementsthat haven’gt been corrected in the company’s books totaling $7.
5 million in net Pinnacol replied that the uncorrectedc statements are “immaterial.” Pinnacolp reported a total of $2 billion in assets in 2008. It declaredr additional policyholder dividendsof $120 million that year.
Friday, August 26, 2011
GM spares Walser Bloomington store - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
qypytcuvy.blogspot.com
Walser Automotive officials got word late Monda y night from a regional manager for Generalk Motors indicating that the dealership had successfully made its caseand doesn’g need to close, according to Doug Sprinthall, director of vehicle operationws for the Bloomington-based auto The dealership employs about 80 peoples and is the only GM dealership in Bloomington. Sprinthall gave a lot of credit to dealership owners Paul and Andrew Walser andto Sen. Amy Klobuchar for her help. Klobuchar helperd the Walsers getan hour-and-a-half meeting with Generall Motors executives last week.
Following that meeting, the Detroit-baserd automobile manufacturer took the Bloomington site off its list ofabout 1,500 dealerships that receive termination letters in the past few weeks, including more than 60 dealershipsd in the state. Sprinthall said from what he has hearrd only about 15 dealerships nationwidd have been able to successfully appeal their closures through the formal appeao process GMset up.
Walser Automotive officials got word late Monda y night from a regional manager for Generalk Motors indicating that the dealership had successfully made its caseand doesn’g need to close, according to Doug Sprinthall, director of vehicle operationws for the Bloomington-based auto The dealership employs about 80 peoples and is the only GM dealership in Bloomington. Sprinthall gave a lot of credit to dealership owners Paul and Andrew Walser andto Sen. Amy Klobuchar for her help. Klobuchar helperd the Walsers getan hour-and-a-half meeting with Generall Motors executives last week.
Following that meeting, the Detroit-baserd automobile manufacturer took the Bloomington site off its list ofabout 1,500 dealerships that receive termination letters in the past few weeks, including more than 60 dealershipsd in the state. Sprinthall said from what he has hearrd only about 15 dealerships nationwidd have been able to successfully appeal their closures through the formal appeao process GMset up.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Treasuries At Record 0.21% Yield, LIBOR Exceeds 2-Year Yield — Is This Crazy? - Business Insider
http://popsite.org/?f=4&n=3
Business Insider | Treasuries At Record 0.21% Yield, LIBOR Exceeds 2-Year Yield â€" Is This Crazy? Business Insider ... likelihood of recession, you have in inversion of sorts, not with treasury yields bur rater treasury yields to LIBOR (the rate at which banks lend to each other). Overnight, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year LIBOR rates exceed yield on 2-year treasuries. |
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Couture lays out red carpet for its customers - bizjournals:
asozyrab.wordpress.com
And satisfying customers is the key tothat formula, they add. “Outr philosophy is (the customer’s) experience is our reputation,” says Dan one of the four owners ofCouturr Floors. The business is also co-owned by Jed Mazoudr and his parents Mick andSonjaa Mazour. “Customers are our No. 1 advertising vehicle,” Majetich “Our reputation is on the line daily.” Couture Floors is in busines s to fit a home with therighy products. The company offers to help creatwea soft, quiet environment with its carpet or a naturall atmosphere with hardwood floors. Couture also sells laminate andceramicc flooring.
The Boerne-based flooring business operates out ofa 15,000-square-foof facility that includes a showroom, warehoused and office space. Since opening in the spring of Couture hasgrown steadily. In the company recorded revenuesof $1.2 million, and in 2007 that figuree nearly doubled to $2.2 million. Last year Couturre posted revenueof $2.5 million and is on traci to hit the $3 million revenue mark for 2009, accordingv to its owners. “In these timee when things are really tough and economic issuesz are allaround us, we have a familyg owned business that’s actually thriving,” Sonja Mazour “Customers are wanting to invesr in the home they have now.
If they aren’t wantinb to move or sell, they’re going to fix up what they have by painting the walls or puttinv innew carpet.” Majetich credits Couture’s successz to the company’s commitment to measuring its busines on all levels. The owners set expectations for each segmenf of their business and take stock of theprogreszs daily, weekly, monthly and yearly, adjustingf expectations as business changes. “The data we use to measurw the business allows us to be proactivde andnot reactive,” Majetich says. “Customer experienc e is everything.
We cater to the customee throughout the selection and ordering process while ensurinbg a quality installationand post-sale follow-up. Succesas is measured by satisfaction.” Couturew Floors employs a number of peoplse in sales positions who had little or no priord flooring experience prior to joiningthe company. A largr number of them are women who workedf in management in the retail sectof or sold cosmetics for a living prior to beinbg hiredby Couture. Sonja Mazour says some people thoughgt they were crazy for hiring people with nofloorinhg experience. “When you look at the floorin g industry, market research shows that 90 percen t of the people buying flooring were she says.
“They may bring their husband to lookat it, but the wome were buying, they were making the So we had to get to the decisio n maker.” Couture’s owners focused on hirintg sales people who were going to relate or communicatew best to the key person determining the fashion of the home. “Peoplse spend a lot of moneh ontheir flooring, so we felt it was key to have peoplew working the floor our customers could relatde with,” Sonja Mazour Majetich says the strategy has been successful “becauswe walking in, people are comfortable because they’re talkiny to someone like “We’re not the but we’re going to give customersw the best experience,” he Jed Mazour and Majetich run the businesss day to day, assuring customer service is at the levelo expected.
Mick and Sonja Mazour complete the partnership by providing their support in managing the finances and building a strategyy road map forthe company’s operations.
And satisfying customers is the key tothat formula, they add. “Outr philosophy is (the customer’s) experience is our reputation,” says Dan one of the four owners ofCouturr Floors. The business is also co-owned by Jed Mazoudr and his parents Mick andSonjaa Mazour. “Customers are our No. 1 advertising vehicle,” Majetich “Our reputation is on the line daily.” Couture Floors is in busines s to fit a home with therighy products. The company offers to help creatwea soft, quiet environment with its carpet or a naturall atmosphere with hardwood floors. Couture also sells laminate andceramicc flooring.
The Boerne-based flooring business operates out ofa 15,000-square-foof facility that includes a showroom, warehoused and office space. Since opening in the spring of Couture hasgrown steadily. In the company recorded revenuesof $1.2 million, and in 2007 that figuree nearly doubled to $2.2 million. Last year Couturre posted revenueof $2.5 million and is on traci to hit the $3 million revenue mark for 2009, accordingv to its owners. “In these timee when things are really tough and economic issuesz are allaround us, we have a familyg owned business that’s actually thriving,” Sonja Mazour “Customers are wanting to invesr in the home they have now.
If they aren’t wantinb to move or sell, they’re going to fix up what they have by painting the walls or puttinv innew carpet.” Majetich credits Couture’s successz to the company’s commitment to measuring its busines on all levels. The owners set expectations for each segmenf of their business and take stock of theprogreszs daily, weekly, monthly and yearly, adjustingf expectations as business changes. “The data we use to measurw the business allows us to be proactivde andnot reactive,” Majetich says. “Customer experienc e is everything.
We cater to the customee throughout the selection and ordering process while ensurinbg a quality installationand post-sale follow-up. Succesas is measured by satisfaction.” Couturew Floors employs a number of peoplse in sales positions who had little or no priord flooring experience prior to joiningthe company. A largr number of them are women who workedf in management in the retail sectof or sold cosmetics for a living prior to beinbg hiredby Couture. Sonja Mazour says some people thoughgt they were crazy for hiring people with nofloorinhg experience. “When you look at the floorin g industry, market research shows that 90 percen t of the people buying flooring were she says.
“They may bring their husband to lookat it, but the wome were buying, they were making the So we had to get to the decisio n maker.” Couture’s owners focused on hirintg sales people who were going to relate or communicatew best to the key person determining the fashion of the home. “Peoplse spend a lot of moneh ontheir flooring, so we felt it was key to have peoplew working the floor our customers could relatde with,” Sonja Mazour Majetich says the strategy has been successful “becauswe walking in, people are comfortable because they’re talkiny to someone like “We’re not the but we’re going to give customersw the best experience,” he Jed Mazour and Majetich run the businesss day to day, assuring customer service is at the levelo expected.
Mick and Sonja Mazour complete the partnership by providing their support in managing the finances and building a strategyy road map forthe company’s operations.
Friday, August 19, 2011
BFC Financial, Woodbridge to merge - Boston Business Journal:
geqopimozaqyxyh.blogspot.com
In a joint press release Monday, the Fort Lauderdale-basedr companies said they entered into a merger agreement whereinWoodbridge (Pink WDGH) would become a wholly owned subsidiary of BFC (Pinkl Sheets: BFCF). BFC currently controls majority voting stakexs in both Woodbridgeand BBX). BFC lost $58.9 million on revenu e of $487.5 million in 2008. Woodbridge owns , whichh is building Tradition Florida inPort St. Lucie, and has investmentsw in various companies includingand . Woodbridge lost $140.43 million on revenue of $25.5 milliom in 2008.
In its first quarter earnings Woodbridge warned that Core Communities could default on the loans for Tradition Florida if its lenders demand that it put more equithcapital down. Under the merger deal, all shareholderx of Woodbridge Class A common stock exceprt BFC wouldreceive 3.47 shares of BFC’zs Class A common stock per With shares of BFC opening at 40 cents Monday, it equals nearly $1.39 a share for each sharde of Woodbridge, which opened at $1.10 Levan and Abdo are chairman and vice chairman, of both companies. The merger would save between $1 milliojn and $2 million in professional fees and SEC reportintg costs forthe companies, Levan said.
It would also reduce the taxes Woodbridge would pay on its earnings once it returns to he said. Currently, Woodbridge pays taxes on its and then BFC pays taxes on the portiobof Woodbridge’s earnings that it counts on its balanc sheet. The move will not caused any staff reductions, Levan noted. Woodbridge will continuew operate independently. The agreement would included all current board members of Woodbridgeron BFC’s new board and add Woodbridge President Seth Wise and BankAtlantifc Bancorp President Jarett Levan to BFC’w 12-member board, as well. Wise woulx also become executive vice presidentof BFC. The deal is expectedr to close before the endof 2009.
BFC shares closes unchanged at40 cents. The 52-week high was 95 cents on 2. The 52-week low was 6 centz on Feb. 5. Woodbridge sharea closed down 2 centsto $1.08. The 52-weei high was $6.60 on Aug. 21. The 52-weej low was 2 cents on Oct. 24.
In a joint press release Monday, the Fort Lauderdale-basedr companies said they entered into a merger agreement whereinWoodbridge (Pink WDGH) would become a wholly owned subsidiary of BFC (Pinkl Sheets: BFCF). BFC currently controls majority voting stakexs in both Woodbridgeand BBX). BFC lost $58.9 million on revenu e of $487.5 million in 2008. Woodbridge owns , whichh is building Tradition Florida inPort St. Lucie, and has investmentsw in various companies includingand . Woodbridge lost $140.43 million on revenue of $25.5 milliom in 2008.
In its first quarter earnings Woodbridge warned that Core Communities could default on the loans for Tradition Florida if its lenders demand that it put more equithcapital down. Under the merger deal, all shareholderx of Woodbridge Class A common stock exceprt BFC wouldreceive 3.47 shares of BFC’zs Class A common stock per With shares of BFC opening at 40 cents Monday, it equals nearly $1.39 a share for each sharde of Woodbridge, which opened at $1.10 Levan and Abdo are chairman and vice chairman, of both companies. The merger would save between $1 milliojn and $2 million in professional fees and SEC reportintg costs forthe companies, Levan said.
It would also reduce the taxes Woodbridge would pay on its earnings once it returns to he said. Currently, Woodbridge pays taxes on its and then BFC pays taxes on the portiobof Woodbridge’s earnings that it counts on its balanc sheet. The move will not caused any staff reductions, Levan noted. Woodbridge will continuew operate independently. The agreement would included all current board members of Woodbridgeron BFC’s new board and add Woodbridge President Seth Wise and BankAtlantifc Bancorp President Jarett Levan to BFC’w 12-member board, as well. Wise woulx also become executive vice presidentof BFC. The deal is expectedr to close before the endof 2009.
BFC shares closes unchanged at40 cents. The 52-week high was 95 cents on 2. The 52-week low was 6 centz on Feb. 5. Woodbridge sharea closed down 2 centsto $1.08. The 52-weei high was $6.60 on Aug. 21. The 52-weej low was 2 cents on Oct. 24.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Small businesses wary of health care reform - Dallas Business Journal:
raisavydyexuwowi.blogspot.com
That goal, however, may not be achiever in the legislation now movinythrough Congress, some business groups fear. They’rde afraid the bill being markedc up this month by theSenatre Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee won’t do enougjh to control health care but will go too far in imposinvg stiff new insurance requirements—including minimum coveragr levels—on employers. They also worry that includingba government-run plan as an option in new insurance exchanges wouldd lead hospitals and doctors to charge privatwe insurers more for their services in ordef to compensate for underpayments they woulrd receive from the publivc plan. The U.S.
Chamber of Commerce has e-mailecd its members, urging them to oppose the SenatweHELP Committee’s bill, calling it “a dangerous James Gelfand, the chamber’s senior manageer of health policy, said now is the time for businessesx to demand changes in the bill, including striking a requirement for employers to provide insuranced to their workers. “We need health reform,” Gelfande said, but if the bill isn’t “I don’t know how we could possiblu support it.
” The prospect of health care reform raising costs for small businessezis “a legitimate fear,” said John Arensmeyer, CEO of Small Businesds Majority, an organization that believes employers shoul d provide insurance to their A study commissioned by the organization found that businessea with fewer than 100 employees couldx save as much as $855 billion over the next 10 years if healthu care reform is enacted. The analysis, conducted by Massachusettz Institute of Technology economistJonathan Gruber, assumes that Congress will require all but the smallesft firms to provide health insurance to their employeee or pay a fee to the federal government, based on thei r size.
It also assumes that Congress will providr tax credits to small businesses to help them pay forthe coverage—aw provision that is included in the Senate HELP Committee’e bill. Todd McCracken, president of the Nationakl SmallBusiness Association, said it’s “not yet clear” whethef small businesses will be better off aftetr health care reform. Providing tax credits or other subsidiesd to small businesses for insurance coveragecoulxd “create all kinds of weird incentive s and disincentives” for companies, he said.
McCracken also is disappointef that the health care reform bills in their earlyformd aren’t more aggressive about drivingf down health care costs by changingf the way medicine is The National Federation of Independent Business has been lobbying hard for healtyh care reform for years, with the goal of bringing down costs for smalkl employers through pooling mechanisms and insurance markey reforms. Like McCracken, NFIB lobbyist Amanda Austin thinkd the Senate HELP Committee billis “sa little light on cost containment.” NFIB also opposea an employer mandate and a government-run insurancw plan, two key parts of that panel’se legislation.
That goal, however, may not be achiever in the legislation now movinythrough Congress, some business groups fear. They’rde afraid the bill being markedc up this month by theSenatre Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee won’t do enougjh to control health care but will go too far in imposinvg stiff new insurance requirements—including minimum coveragr levels—on employers. They also worry that includingba government-run plan as an option in new insurance exchanges wouldd lead hospitals and doctors to charge privatwe insurers more for their services in ordef to compensate for underpayments they woulrd receive from the publivc plan. The U.S.
Chamber of Commerce has e-mailecd its members, urging them to oppose the SenatweHELP Committee’s bill, calling it “a dangerous James Gelfand, the chamber’s senior manageer of health policy, said now is the time for businessesx to demand changes in the bill, including striking a requirement for employers to provide insuranced to their workers. “We need health reform,” Gelfande said, but if the bill isn’t “I don’t know how we could possiblu support it.
” The prospect of health care reform raising costs for small businessezis “a legitimate fear,” said John Arensmeyer, CEO of Small Businesds Majority, an organization that believes employers shoul d provide insurance to their A study commissioned by the organization found that businessea with fewer than 100 employees couldx save as much as $855 billion over the next 10 years if healthu care reform is enacted. The analysis, conducted by Massachusettz Institute of Technology economistJonathan Gruber, assumes that Congress will require all but the smallesft firms to provide health insurance to their employeee or pay a fee to the federal government, based on thei r size.
It also assumes that Congress will providr tax credits to small businesses to help them pay forthe coverage—aw provision that is included in the Senate HELP Committee’e bill. Todd McCracken, president of the Nationakl SmallBusiness Association, said it’s “not yet clear” whethef small businesses will be better off aftetr health care reform. Providing tax credits or other subsidiesd to small businesses for insurance coveragecoulxd “create all kinds of weird incentive s and disincentives” for companies, he said.
McCracken also is disappointef that the health care reform bills in their earlyformd aren’t more aggressive about drivingf down health care costs by changingf the way medicine is The National Federation of Independent Business has been lobbying hard for healtyh care reform for years, with the goal of bringing down costs for smalkl employers through pooling mechanisms and insurance markey reforms. Like McCracken, NFIB lobbyist Amanda Austin thinkd the Senate HELP Committee billis “sa little light on cost containment.” NFIB also opposea an employer mandate and a government-run insurancw plan, two key parts of that panel’se legislation.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)