SIOUX FALLS, S.D., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire/ --
Wells Fargo Education Financial Services (EFS) will award 250 $1,000 scholarships -- a total of $250,000 -- to high school seniors through CollegeSTEPS, its college-planning program.
CollegeSTEPS offers high school students timely information on preparing for college, taking tests, and applying for scholarships. All students receive a series of educational electronic postcards. Seniors are also eligible for A Step in the Right Direction, the scholarship drawing. Students can sign up for CollegeSTEPS at http://www.wellsfargo.com/student/planning/steps or call 800-658-3567 for more information.
"CollegeSTEPS offers both valuable information on the college-planning process, and many valuable scholarship opportunities to help students pursue higher education," explains Jon Veenis, president of Wells Fargo EFS. "The earlier a family starts preparing for college, the better, and CollegeSTEPS helps them take a step in the right direction."
After signing up, students will begin receiving electronic postcards. (Students without Internet access also have the option of receiving traditional postcards.) Scholarships will be drawn monthly between September 2000 and April 2001 for use in the 2001-2002 academic year.
States Brett Gavin of Covington, Ky., a scholarship recipient in last year's CollegeSTEPS program who will attend the University of South Carolina at Columbia, "This gives me overwhelming joy to know that I am being helped -- people like you at Wells Fargo help my dreams become one step closer to reality."
Wells Fargo Education Financial Services is a subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company with $234 billion in assets, providing banking, insurance, investments, mortgage and consumer finance from about 5,300 stores and the Internet ( http://www.wellsfargo.com ) across North America and elsewhere internationally.
This issue is devoted exclusively to papers that were presented at the NABE Economic Policy Conference on March 6-8, 2011 in Arlington, VA. Although Business Economics' practice is to publish a combination of papers that are presented at our conferences and submitted papers, this special issue is a departure because it is focused on the Economic Policy Conference alone, together with two book reviews. The reason for the departure is that a generous grant to the NABE Foundation was made by the Peter G. Peterson Foundation for the purpose of expanding the audience of the Economic Policy Conference, and the NABE Board of Directors decided that devoting a special issue of Business Economics to the Policy Conference was a good way to honor that intention.
The selection of the articles was made by me in consultation with members of the Editorial Board who were at the Conference. However, three qualifications are necessary. First, not all papers that we would have liked to publish became available. Second, we were not able to cover all of the sessions, so that it is likely that some papers that we would otherwise have liked to publish slipped between the cracks. Third, some excellent presentations were such that they did not lend themselves to development as journal papers because they were devoted to topics that were of such short-run or fast-moving concern that they would be out of date before they could be printed.
That said, this issue's first paper is Austan Goolsbee's view of the U.S. economy and the challenges before it from his perspective as Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers. He emphasizes the difficulty of climbing out of a hole as deep as the one into which the U.S. economy was dropped and points out that much, but by no means all, of the current budget deficit problems will be alleviated significantly by a strong recovery.
Staying on the topic of fiscal policy, Douglas W. Elmendorf, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office offers and discusses four observations on the state of the federal budget. It is a clear and stark picture of what most readers of Business Economics already know: there is no easy resolution to the U.S. federal budget situation. Although there is no shortage of feasible solutions, Elmendorf makes it clear that each would involve some combination of painful increases of revenue and cuts of expenditures, and they would also involve trade-offs concerning how quickly policy can be adjusted.
Robert Hormats, Under Secretary of State for Economic, Energy and Agricultural Affairs, explores six major political-economic phenomena that have emerged since World War II and how they are continuing to shape the global economy. These are the changing role of women in economics and politics, the global economic and financial system, the importance of state-supported enterprises, the impact of the Internet, the global diffusion of opportunity and innovation, and globalization as both an opportunity and a threat. How these forces continue to play out will have important consequences for the global economy.
Continuing with an international focus, C. Fred Bcrgsten of the Peterson Institute for International Economics explores what public policy goals are appropriate for U.S. improvement of its current account and what specific policies are necessary for the United States to once again become an "exporting juggernaut." He makes the case for easing U.S. export controls, aggressive pursuit of opening new markets, and forceful pursuit of realistic exchange rates. He also offers ideas on how these policies should be implemented.
One of the sessions at the Conference was on the economics of health care, namely, "Will the health care cost curve be bent?" Charles S. Roehrig of the Altarum Institute's Center for Studying Health Spending provides an overview of the unsustainable trends in health care spending and illuminates the distinction between bending the curve and shifting it. Many current proposals will do the latter, but solution to the long run problem requires the former.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 was bitterly contested and provides fodder for the 2012 election. One of its major goals was to "bend the trend" of health care costs. Gail R. Wilensky of Project HOPE, in a second paper from this session, finds that the bend-the-trend provisions of the Act are weak or are otherwise flawed. The collision of the irresistible force of health care costs that cannot be tolerated and the immovable object of entrenched interests opposed to change is still on the way.
Another session was on the prospects and implications of electric automobiles. Ellen Hughes-Cromwick of Ford Motor Company discusses how her company is approaching the challenges of participating in the increasingly competitive global market for electric automotive vehicles. A key component of its strategy is to gain production efficiency by using common platforms for electric and nonelectric vehicles so that a Ford Fusion, say, is available with either a conventional engine or a hybrid engine. Another is to develop the electrification infrastructure to make battery recharge convenient and inexpensive.
The session made clear that the main objectives of automotive vehicle electrification are improved environmental quality and energy security. Nayan-tara D. Hensel of the U.S. Navy, however, provides the economist's classic, "On the other hand,. ...,1 This particular other hand concerns the dependence of electric vehicles and many other technologies on "rare earths"--little-known chemical elements that are critical inputs. They are called rare for a reason, and at present China controls 95 percent of the supply. HensePs paper delineates how the developed world might be trading one kind of energy insecurity for another and how it is coping with this issue.
Because of the large number of papers from the Economic Policy Conference, this issue does not have Focus on Statistics, Focus on Industries and Markets, or Economics at Work features. It does, however, have two book reviews. The first book reviewed is Edward Glaeser's Triumph of the City: How Our Greatest Invention Makes Us Richer, Smarter, Greener, Healthier and Happier. In his review, John C. Goodman says that Glaeser has written "an ode to the city.'" The book debunks a number of popular myths and delineates the reasons that cities are such important contributors to welfare. The book also attacks a number of public policies that control or redirect the growth of cities, finding them to be counterproductive. Goodman finds that the book is well-written and entertaining, as well as presenting important facts and sound economic analysis.
The second book is Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure by Tim Harford. Gerald L. Musgrave reviews it. The principal theme of the book is that failure is to be expected: the trick is how to cope with it. Well written for a lay as well as sophisticated audience, Harford's analysis applies to organizations and individuals. It has a general concern rather than a specifically economics focus and is not written from a particular ideological standpoint. Written from a British perspective, it provides interesting insights on economic phenomena as diverse as microhnance and the 2008 financial meltdown. Musgrave finds that, "It would be no mistake for business economists to read this book--and adapt accordingly."
Robert Thomas Crow Editor E-mail: rtcrow@comcast.net
Business Economics (2011) 46, 131-132.
doi:10.1057/be.2011.20
Does the thought of standing up in front of a group of people leave you weak at the knees? Public speaking guru Maggie Eyre advises on how to work a crowd with natural ease Let's face it - no one really likes making speeches. Be it a wedding toast, the last words at a leaving do or an important presentation - taking to the floor and having all eyes on 'us' can be a terrifying experience. In fact, according to public speaking whizz Maggie Eyre, we apparently fear public speaking more than death itself. "Human beings are more afraid of public speaking than dying. Most people would rather be in the coffin than give the euology at the funeral," says New Zealander Maggie. Although he now strides with confidence out onto a stage, Dubai-based amateur actor Raz Ali knows only too well how nerves can get the best of people. He says he was once a nervous wreck; even just meeting new people would have him in a fluster. "I used to get pretty nervous in social situations. Simply greeting a new client at work would have me in a sweat," says Raz. "I don't know where this fear came from, but it was really frustrating and would get worse the more I focused on how anxious I was." Raz started drama classes and says that it literally changed his life. "After just three months of drama I was like a different person - more self-assured and better able to handle life and social encounters. "I think getting a grip on our fears and building confidence is really important if we want to be happy ultimately," says Raz. For those that are looking for help in the confidence and public speaking department, Maggie Eyre's new book, 'Speak In Public With Confidence', is a must read. Whether it's getting a new job, finding a partner, or getting to know colleagues better, Maggie advises on everything from body language to self belief, grooming and health and wellbeing. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF Maggie says the key to confidence is to believe in yourself by adopting a positive mindset. Apparently we have about 60,000 thoughts a day, so filtering out negative thoughts and figuring out what it is we're afraid of is very important. "Try to stop thoughts such as 'I can't do this' or 'I'm rubbish'. "When you have a negative thought, just stop and replace it with the complete opposite. 'I am calm, I am relaxed, I am worthy of this job'. So much of confidence is to do with the mind," says Maggie. Connecting with people is crucial to delivering a successful speech, whether it's at work or a wedding. "Let people in, share your stories, share what's happening in your life," Maggie says. "Being your authentic self is what people want, so let people see you. Sometimes we feel we've got to hide our vulnerability, but it's OK to be vulnerable." FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT Not to make anyone even more nervous, but according to Maggie, we only have three seconds to make a good impression. So that means picking at your nails, shifting your eyes to the floor or turning out in shabby clothes is not the best approach to securing a good first impression. Appearance, says Maggie, is crucial. "Dress for the job as though you already have it. Have a good night's sleep the night before a big interview or presentation and make sure you smile," says Maggie. "We have 30 muscles in our cheeks, if we smile, the person on the receiving end feels warm and welcomed. When you're going for a job interview or you're meeting someone for the first time, how do you want to be perceived? "If you're shy, fake it and smile anyway. Act like you're confident and you will be." The most important way to prepare for any speech or interview is to rehearse in your mind what you want to say, advises Maggie. "Think of the three things you want to say to get your message across and rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. "For an interview, work out all the killer questions you would dread to be asked by your potential employer. Why should they hire you, why are you different? And keep your sentences pithy and succinct, instead of a whole story." COPING WITH NERVES It's all very well knowing your material by heart, but when it comes to actually performing, many of us still suffer from nerves. Maggie, however, says that we need those butterflies in our stomach to perform at our best. "You need that energy, that rush of adrenaline to the brain, because it makes you perform larger than life." Maggie suggests learning some yoga-like breathing techniques to calm nerves and emphasises the importance of good health to boost your confidence naturally. "I'm fanatical about nutrition because I really believe you are what you eat, and you are what you speak. Make sure you have lots of vegetables and fruit and not too much sugar. "I know when I drink more water, exercise, do yoga and meditate, I perform at my best. But if I drink too much wine, I don't have enough sleep, I'm simply not focused," warns Maggie. "You need to think of yourself as an athlete and do whatever it takes." 'Speak In Public With Confidence' by Maggie Eyre is available from www.amazon.co.uk. Speak out in Dubai >> To really boost your confidence at public speaking why not jump in at the deep end by joining the Toastmasters Club in Dubai. Visit www.lagoontoastmasters.com for more information about this organisation that helps people to speak with ease. >> For a more confidential approach, Dubai-based psychologist Doctor Raymond Hamden offers help with public speaking and confidence. Contact him at the Human Relations Institute on 04 365 8498. >> Private coaching in public speaking can be found at Haldane Consulting in Dubai. For advice on how to appear relaxed, confident and in control when standing in front of any sized audience, contact 04 344 1640 or visit www.haldaneconsulting.com.
2007 Al Sidra Media LLC
Provided by Syndigate.info an Albawaba.com company
RIVERWOODS, Ill. -- Discover Financial Services(NYSE:DFS)today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a share repurchase program, authorizing the company to purchase up to $1 billion of its common stock. The program expires on June 14, 2013, and may be terminated at any time.
"The share repurchase program reflects our commitment to be efficient managers of our shareholders' capital over the long term," said David Nelms, chairman and chief executive officer of Discover. "Our intention is to manage our capital to maintain a strong capital level and return on equity while investing in growth opportunities and returning excess capital to our shareholders."
The company expects to make share repurchases from time to time based on market conditions and other factors, subject to legal or regulatory restrictions.
About Discover
Discover Financial Services (NYSE: DFS) is a direct banking and payment services company with one of the most recognized brands in U.S. financial services. Since its inception in 1986, the company has become one of the largest card issuers in the United States. The company operates the Discover card, America's cash rewards pioneer, and offers personal and student loans, online savings accounts, certificates of deposit and money market accounts through its Discover Bank subsidiary. Its payment businesses consist of Discover Network, with millions of merchant and cash access locations; PULSE, one of the nation's leading ATM/debit networks; and Diners Club International, a global payments network with acceptance in more than 185 countries and territories. For more information, visit www.discoverfinancial.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements, which speak to the company's expectations with respect to the repurchase of shares of common stock, among other matters, contain words such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "aim," "will," "may," "should," "could," "would," "likely," and similar expressions. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the company's control. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and there is no undertaking to update or revise them as more information becomes available. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the company's results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under "Risk Factors," "Business - Competition," "Business - Supervision and Regulation" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended November 30, 2010 and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended February 28, 2011, which are on file with the SEC and available at the SEC's internet site (http://www.sec.gov).
M2 PRESSWIRE-May 27, 2011-: Research and Markets: Malawi - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts - 2011(C)1994-2011 M2 COMMUNICATIONS
RDATE:27052011
Dublin - Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fe6f38/malawi_telecoms) has announced the addition of the "Malawi - Telecoms, Mobile, Broadband and Forecasts" report to their offering.
New licensing regime promises boost to competition
Average revenue per user.Malawi is one of the world's least developed countries, but its economy continues to grow at around 6 to 7% per year. Mobile penetration is less than half the African average, which means there is excellent growth potential once the market moves beyond the duopoly held by Bharti Airtel (formerly Zain) and Telecom Networks Malawi. A third mobile operator, G-Mobile was licensed in 2008 but the rollout of the new network has experienced delays and the operator is fighting against the revocation of its licence in the courts. A fourth licence has also been awarded, then withdrawn and retendered under non-transparent circumstances. To finally introduce more competition to the market, the government has now decided to follow in the footsteps of several of its neighbours and introduce a converged licensing regime which will allow the two fixed-line operators, Malawi Telecommunications and Access Communications to enter the mobile market as well. Both are already operating CDMA-based fixed-wireless networks which also support broadband access using EV-DO technology.
The internet sector is reasonably competitive with 15 licensed ISPs, but the limited availability and high cost of international bandwidth has held back growth and kept broadband prices high. DSL services are available, and several ISPs are rolling out WiMAX wireless broadband networks. The two incumbent mobile networks have launched third generation mobile services based on W-CDMA/HSPA technology in 2009 and 2010, respectively. A national fibre backbone is being implemented, and the country is set to gain access to international submarine fibre optic cables for the first time when a transit link via neighbouring countries is completed. Provided a suitable regulatory regime is put in place, this will bring down the cost of international bandwidth and deliver a boost to the broadband market.
Key Topics Covered:
1. Executive summary
2. Key statistics
3. Telecommunications market
4. Regulatory environment
5. Fixed network operators in Malawi
6. National fibre backbone infrastructure
7. International infrastructure
8. Internet market
9. Broadband market
10. Mobile communications
11. Forecasts
For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/fe6f38/malawi_telecoms
CONTACT:
Research and Markets
Laura Wood, Senior Manager,
press@researchandmarkets.com
U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907
Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
((M2 Communications disclaims all liability for information provided within M2 PressWIRE. Data supplied by named party/parties. Further information on M2 PressWIRE can be obtained at http://www.presswire.net on the world wide web. Inquiries to info@m2.com)).
By Victoria Hecht
The Virginian-Pilot
Once upon a time, in a supermarket stocked with colorful vegetables, dairy delights and shiny soda bottles, shopped a young woman who thought nothing of filling her cart with extravagant extras, premium produce and pricey perishables.
Alas, the newlywed paid full price for every grape, gumdrop and guava.
One day the young woman compared her grocery bill and meager budget and realized she was living a financial fairy tale that, without some clever couponing, wouldn't end happily ever after.
Sixteen years and two children later, that woman - me - has honed her skills with sharp scissors and countless coupons. Along the way, websites and classes have helped, too.
Here's how I found a storybook ending - and a fatter wallet at the checkout:
getting started
Go easy on yourself Couponing can be daunting to newbies. Heck, even seasoned clippers can be overwhelmed if they watch TLC's new reality show, "Extreme Couponing." Tune in only when you've reached the experienced or expert level.
Prepare You'll need scissors, a computer and printer and weekly fliers. Plus, you'll want a system to keep it all organized, such as small accordion files, binders with dividers and baseball card protector pages or index card-sized file boxes. But you also can manage with something as simple as envelopes - just use one for each category, such as frozen foods, meat, daily needs.
Invest a little time Clipping, organizing and planning for a shopping trip takes a few minutes, so be willing to give it a try. Remember, the reward can be large savings.
finding the savings
It all starts, of course, with the coupons. But where to get them? Here's where to look:
Sunday newspaper inserts Those are the best source. The Sunday Parade section of The Virginian-Pilot also includes coupons, as do magazines and other mailers.
Monthly magazine All You Available at Walmart and by subscription, this publication is filled with savings, as well as recipes and household tips. It's worth the investment of about $20 a year.
The Internet Two good one-stop shops are www.coupons.com (naturally!) and www.ppgazette.com (Penny Pincher Gazette). The latter features coupons from SmartSource, Red Plum, Valpak and Coupons.com. Also visit manufacturers' sites for specific brands.
Coupon maven Lori Clayton's website The site of this Norfolk resident, www.thecouponconsultant.com, features weekly best buys, coupon "match-ups" with sales and links to coupons. (Clayton also offers local classes on couponing; see info at right.)
Facebook If you "like" your favorite products on the social-networking site, you'll often be rewarded with coupons.
The supermarket Coupons sometimes are attached to products (called "peelies," they peel off cleanly), on tear pads at displays, on automatic dispensers near products, on register tapes and on tags hanging from the necks of products.
Stores Be sure to sign up for supermarket loyalty cards. You'll be rewarded with mailed coupons for products you buy often, as well as savings off entire bills.
preparing to save
Clip and accumulate coupons for products you use or would like to try. Try multitasking: Cut out coupons while watching TV or waiting during kids' rehearsals or practices.
Organize your stash. It's time-consuming but gets easier with experience.
Before shopping, grab the newspaper ad or visit your store's website to compile a list. Couponing sites such as Clayton's do the hard work for you.
Pull the coupons you'll need from your organizing system. But take your organizer along when you go shopping; you might find an unadvertised special and wish you'd had the coupon.
At checkout, present your loyalty card and make sure all coupons are scanned. Also check that coupons are doubled if your store does that. A warning: Some coupons are not subject to doubling.
letting your experience add up
The greatest savings come with "stacking" - when you couple a coupon with savings gained from a store loyalty card or so-called "matched purchases" - those items already on sale or linked to a coupon. When you've mastered stacking, you've got the basics down. Then it's time to add a layer. Consider these options:
E-coupons I didn't discover e-coupons that were tied to my store loyalty cards until a few months ago, although I've aggressively couponed for years. If your favorite supermarket offers a loyalty card, go to the store's website. There, load up with additional savings on products the store selects. Print out a list of your e-coupons and stash it in your organizer. Check often for new coupons. By stacking savings in this way, you can get products free or for little money. (A bonus for surfing your stores' sites? Many offer a function that helps you make an online shopping list based on the store's sale items.)
Use more than one coupon for an item Some supermarkets and chain pharmacies allow a store coupon to be used in tandem with a manufacturer's coupon. The savings add up.
On-the-spot store coupons A recent discovery I've made: Some markets and pharmacies offer computer kiosks that issue coupons when you wave your loyalty card in front of a scanner. It only takes a second.
counting your savings
You can easily realize 20 to 35 percent savings with basic couponing.
Experienced couponers - those who "stack" coupons and savings - can lower their bills by 50, 60, even 70 percent. Some extreme shoppers realize 80 to 100 percent savings by purchasing only items for which they can stack or super-stack.
My greatest saving has been 88 percent on a routine supermarket trip. Not a bad payoff for the 30 minutes to an hour that I spend clipping, organizing and pulling coupons each week.
Last week, during a special "super doubles" promo at a local market, I saved $111.44 on a $195.40 bill - a 57 percent savings. Was that time worth $111 an hour? You bet.
Victoria Hecht, (757) 446-2614,
victoria.hecht@pilotonline.com
Paper.li announced that it is partnering with HBO to deliver a daily, branded newspaper to fans of the network's new series, Game of Thrones, based on George R.R. Martin's fantasy books.
The partnership represents a step towards Paper.li's brand partnership strategy, which aims to help brands engage, discover and communicate with their audiences through highly targeted and relevant content, the Company said.
According to a release, Paper.li, a website which enables individuals to become publishers and editors-in-chief of their own online news site, will facilitate the analysis of thousands of Twitter links posted by Game of Thrones fans, offering the most popular and shared content on a daily basis.
"As the volume of social media content on the internet grows, curation tools such as Paper.li offer an immense value to consumers" said Sabrina Caluori, director of Social Media & Marketing, HBO. "We are excited to use this innovative platform to deliver a branded, highly relevant, daily Twitter newspaper to Game of Thrones fans."
((Comments on this story may be sent to newsdesk@closeupmedia.com))
TriggerMarketing Enhances Lead Generation for Crye-Leike Agents
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) July 21, 2010 -- Austin, Texas-based QuantumDigital, Inc., the complete online service provider for direct mail, on-demand digital printing and eMarketing solutions, announced today that Crye-Leike(R), REALTORS(R) has launched TriggerMarketing, QuantumDigital's automated neighborhood marketing program, in support of its agents.
According to Keith Sullivan, Crye-Leike, REALTORS Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, "TriggerMarketing enhances our agents' ability to quickly and effectively market properties in the surrounding area. By turning over these mailings to QuantumDigital, our agents can focus on what they do best - real estate, mortgage, title and insurance."
After 32 years of producing collateral internally for its 3,500 plus real estate force, Crye-Leike partnered with QuantumDigital last year to enhance their direct marketing capabilities. TriggerMarketing is the latest initiative to help streamline Crye-Leike agents' marketing efforts and make them more effective.
When a Crye-Leike agent receives a new listing, TriggerMarketing will automatically send an email message to the real estate professional's internet-enabled mobile device which prompts him or her to initiate distribution of personalized direct mail pieces to the surrounding area or neighborhood, via QuantumDigital.
The mailings will alert other potential customers in the neighborhood of the new listing and provide information about the property. "In today's real estate environment, our sales associates are having to work much harder and smarter on every single real estate transaction. By using QuantumDigital's turnkey solution, prospects are notified of the new listing automatically and immediately, without requiring the agent to go back to their desk to initiate the mailing," continued Sullivan. "This will enhance the overall marketing and lead generation experience and ultimately increase productivity and profit for our agents."
QuantumDigital is focused on truly understanding the needs of the industry, educating brokers and agents on best practices, and developing marketing tools that offer results. Specializing in streamlining direct marketing campaigns, QuantumDigital's real estate lead-generation marketing programs combine targeted, data-driven direct mail, email marketing and on-demand print collateral with new technology so agents can be more effective with their local prospecting and marketing efforts and ultimately get more leads.
About QuantumDigital
QuantumDigital, Inc. is the technology leader in digital print, providing direct mail, email marketing and multi-channel marketing, including mobile, to real estate brokers and agents, advertising and marketing agencies and large enterprise organizations through a client-branded web interface. Founded in 1986, QuantumDigital is based in Austin, Texas. Visit QuantumDigital at www.quantumdigital.com
About Crye-Leike, REALTORS
Harold Crye and Dick Leike established Crye-Leike, REALTORS in 1977. Today, Crye-Leike, the nation's 6th largest real estate company, has a network of more than 3,000 licensed sales associates based out of more than 120 corporate and franchise offices located through-out the eight-state southern region of Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi and North Carolina.
Crye-Leike is a full-service real estate company offering buyers and sellers services in: residential sales, mortgage, title, insurance, business brokerage and investments, property management, development and construction, builder resources, REO bank-owned properties, relocation, auctions, and home services. In 2008, Crye-Leike attained a sales volume in excess of $4.2 billion with 25,871 homes sold.
# # #
Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/CryeLeikeTriggerMarketing/QuantumDigital/prweb4270714.htm.
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
CAMBRIDGE -- For its summer information session last week, GesherCity Boston, a community-bridging group (gesher is Hebrew for "bridge") chose an informal setting in hopes of attracting young Jewish organizations and individuals from the Greater Boston area.
The venue for the July 14 event at Redline, a Harvard Square restaurant, offered free food and a chance to socialize, at a cost of $3 per person. The event drew more than 150 people from 14 organizations--the most ever, according to Alison Rosen, GesherCity Boston's outreach and network coordinator. "We used to have people sitting in a restaurant and listening to people speak the whole time," she said.
Each organization leader had a handful of flyers and was wearing a unique hat, generally chosen by the members of GesherCity Boston. Attendees were able to look for a particular organization leader by his or her hat and add their names and email addresses to that group's list; they also could sign up on the Internet for one of the four GesherCity clusters by going to the Web site www.geshercity.org and clicking on "Boston."
GesherCity Boston is funded by a grant from the Combined Jewish Philanthropies.
SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 1996--Cisco Systems, Inc. today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire privately held Nashoba Networks, Inc. and its Token Ring switching technologies in a stock swap.
Under the terms of the agreement, shares of Cisco common stock worth approximately $100 million will be exchanged for all outstanding shares and options of Nashoba. The number of Cisco shares issued will be calculated at closing based on the average price for Cisco's shares during a specified period. However, the number of Cisco shares issued at the time of the merger will not be less than 1,549,139 or more than 2,323,708. The transaction will be accounted for as a pooling of interests. The transaction is expected to be completed by mid-September 1996 and is subject to various closing conditions, including shareholder votes.
Token Ring switching is one of the fastest-growing segments of the local area networking (LAN) market. Cisco customers will now have access to products and technology comprising a complete set of solutions for Token Ring environments. Cisco's intent in acquiring Nashoba Networks is to give users a wide choice of Token Ring LAN switching products targeted at the workgroup and backbone environments. By joining forces, Cisco and Nashoba can help customers employ high-performance switched workgroup and backbone Token Ring LAN connectivity. Nashoba's approximately 40 employees will become part of the InterWorks Business Unit and be located primarily at Cisco's Chelmsford, Mass. facilities.
This acquisition will enhance Cisco's product offerings in the fast-growing Token Ring switching arena by adding a highly functional workgroup/backbone switch that integrates with existing switch and router products. Within the CiscoFusion(tm) architecture, Token Ring switching allows customers to combine router and switch products to provide scalable campus and wide-area Token Ring solutions. Today's bridged networks can be upgraded with a backbone switch such as the Nashoba Concord product, which will become the Catalyst 1800, and provide access to high speed servers. In addition, the backbone switch can be a concentrator of desktop/workgroup switches such as the Catalyst 2600. Finally, the switches can front-end Cisco routers to exploit the rich feature set of the Cisco IOS(tm) software.
A joint development agreement between Cisco and Olicom A/S, announced in March 1996, provides world-class Token Ring interface technology that will be included in future Cisco Token Ring switching products. By including the Nashoba products and engineering team, Cisco adds a rich set of software switching features that will be leveraged within both the current and future product line. Combined with Cisco IOS software and wide-area network switching, Cisco now provides users with a scalable enterprise switched network for legacy SNA networks.
Nashoba Networks Inc. was founded in 1993 and is based in Littleton, Mass. Company and product information can be accessed via the World Wide Web at http://www.nashoba.com
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the leading global supplier of internetworking solutions for corporate intranets and the global Internet. Cisco's products -- including routers, LAN and WAN switches, dial-up access servers and network management software -- are integrated by the Cisco IOS software to link geographically dispersed LANs, WANs and IBM networks. Company news and product/service information are available at World Wide Web site http://www.cisco.com. Cisco is headquartered in San Jose, Calif. -0-
Note to Editors: This release may consist of forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results. Readers are referred to the documents filed by Cisco with the S.E.C., specifically the most recent reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q, which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements.
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Byline: Jim Adams; Staff Writer
A Spring Lake Park High School teacher has been put on paid leave amid allegations involving soliciting sexual activity on the Internet.
The allegations, detailed in a search warrant affidavit, involve the teacher's claim that he had sex with a 16-year-old girl who was a former high school student, now an adult. No charges have been filed.
In a letter to students' families, the high school principal said the school is unaware of any improper behavior allegations involving current staff or students in the school district.
The case came to light when a man in the Cayman Islands posed as a 13-year-old Tennessee girl online and chatted with the teacher, who turned the conversation to graphic sex. The man contacted police, who searched the teacher's school computer.
The case is being investigated by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Vista Medical Technologies, Inc., , today announced that Michael H. Owens, M.D., M.P.H., C.P.E., F.A.C.P.E., has been appointed to the newly created position of President of the Obesity Surgery Management Services business unit, which is soon to be incorporated as a subsidiary of the Company. Dr. Owens will also be Chief Medical Officer of Vista Medical Technologies and a member of its Board of Directors.
President and Chief Executive Officer of Vista Medical, John R. Lyon, said, "The appointment of Dr. Owens to lead our Obesity Surgery business is a key step in developing and implementing our long term strategy for growth in this important market. His experience as a high level physician executive in both hospitals and managed care organizations represents a very important addition to our senior management team."
Dr. Michael H. Owens said, "I believe that the growth of programs for the effective treatment of morbid obesity is one of the most important methods of counteracting the severe forms of what is described as an 'epidemic' disease in the United States. Vista Medical already provides a significant platform of services to physicians and hospitals involved in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. I look forward to contributing to the development of additional products and services, and particularly to extending the Company's activity into the direct management of obesity surgery programs in partnership with physicians, hospitals, employers and insurers."
Dr. Michael H. Owens
Dr. Owens is a physician executive with over twenty years of executive healthcare, managed care, marketing and strategic planning experience, plus fifteen years of previous experience in clinical practice. Prior to joining Vista Medical, Dr. Owens was President of Imhotep Health systems, a healthcare and managed care consulting firm specializing in strategic business and clinical resource planning and implementation. His previous experience includes senior management roles with CIGNA Healthcare, the Watts Health Foundation and the U.S. Public Health Service. His professional certifications and memberships include: Fellow, American College of Physician Executives; Diplomat, American College of Physician Executives; Diplomat, American Board Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physician and Diplomat, American Board of Internal Medicine. He is a Certified Physician Executive who has published and has widely spoken on the subjects of managed care, utilization review, clinical resource management and quality.
Dr. Owens received his MD degree from the Yale University School of Medicine, his MPH (Hospital Administration) degree from the Yale University School of Public Health and his AB degree Cum Laude with a major in Chemistry from Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME. He completed his hospital administration residency at Montefiore Hospital, Bronx, NY and his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.
Vista Medical Technologies, Inc.
Vista Medical Technologies, Inc. operates two business units. The Obesity Surgery Management Services business, based in Carlsbad, CA, provides services to physicians and hospitals involved in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity. Our services include management of the Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery Preceptorship, a comprehensive introduction to starting a minimally invasive gastric bypass surgical program. Additionally, we offer systems and consulting services which enable the efficient operation of obesity surgery programs. The Visualization Technology business, based in Westborough, MA, develops, manufactures and markets products that provide information to physicians performing minimally invasive general surgical, cardiac surgical and other selected endoscopic and interventional procedures. Our technology products combine a head mounted display with video cameras to provide surgeons with critical visual information during complex minimally invasive procedures, and also incorporate the benefit of viewing complementary information in a voice-controlled, picture-in-picture format, to facilitate real-time decision making during surgery. The Visualization Technology business also manufactures compact, high-resolution endoscopic cameras for original equipment manufacturer customers and strategic partners. Vista Medical Technologies is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the stock symbol VMTI. The Company's Internet Website is http://www.vistamt.com/ . Information on the Company's nutritional supplements for post-surgical gastric bypass patients may be found on http://www.vistavitamins.com/ .
Forward Looking Statements
This news release may contain forward-looking statements concerning the business and products of Vista Medical. Actual results may differ materially depending on a number of risk factors, including, but not limited to the following: our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and execute our business plan, development, manufacturing, shipment, global economic and distribution risks and customer acceptance. Other risks inherent in our business are described in Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 and our most recent quarterly report on form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.
For further information please contact John R. Lyon, President of Vista Medical Technologies, Inc., +1-760-603-9120, jlyon@vistamt.com ; or investors and media, Tony Rossi of FRB|WEBER SHANDWICK, +1-310-407-6563, trossi@webershandwick.com , for Vista Medical Technologies, Inc.
CONTACT: John R. Lyon, President of Vista Medical Technologies, Inc., +1-760-603-9120, jlyon@vistamt.com ; or investors and media, Tony Rossi of FRB|WEBER SHANDWICK, +1-310-407-6563, trossi@webershandwick.com , for Vista Medical Technologies, Inc.
Web site: http://www.vistavitamins.com/
Web site: http://www.vistamt.com/
The Record, Hackensack, N.J. Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Dec. 5--Online shopping has changed the face of retailing, allowing consumers the freedom to comparison shop and buy from merchants across the nation -- without leaving the comfort of their homes.
At the same time, the Internet is changing the face of coupons, giving consumers more opportunities to save money. And you don't even need scissors.
Coupons have historically served to induce consumers to buy a specific product or shop at a specific store. Clip and save, the merchants said.
The problem has always been matching coupons with interested consumers. Last year, consumers cashed in $3 billion in coupons, the Promotion Marketing Association says. But that was only a small percentage of the $250 billion in coupons that manufacturers issued.
Retailers distribute them by mail, in newspaper inserts, at the checkout and through in-store displays, but there are problems with each method. The first two methods waste money (because only a small percentage of coupons are ever redeemed) and the last two do little to attract shoppers (because you're already in the store when you get them).
Now a growing number of online sites provide shoppers with big coupon savings, and they come with little cost to merchants.
Internet shoppers are already familiar with the wide range of comparison shopping sites such as mysimon.com, bizrate.com, pricegrabber.com, pricescan.com, dealtime.com, shopzilla.com, cnet. com and botspot.com.
They all have strengths and weaknesses; you decide which you like best.
Each works in a similar manner: Enter a brand and product into the search box, and you quickly get a list of merchants and prices. The better sites include charges for shipping and taxes (rather than make you wait until you get to the checkout) so you can compare the true cost, not just selling prices.
Once you get the hang of it, it's easy and can produce real savings, as I've discovered in buying items as varied as CDs, window blinds and toys.
But as I learned last week, I've been going only halfway and failing to take advantage of the countless coupons floating around in cyberspace.
Merchants often offer discounts or special deals, especially this time of year, but you need to know the discount code that is the online replacement for the traditional coupon's UPC bar code. If you're a regular customer, you'll probably get the code and sale details by e-mail. But if you're not a regular, that doesn't mean you'll be shut out.
Just as there are a number of comparison shopping sites, several Internet sites track special promotions.
Here, too, you enter information about a possible purchase, and the Web site searches for a promotional code that entitles you to a discount of 10 percent or 20 percent, free shipping or some other inducement.
I had never heard of this until my savvy daughter, Jennifer, told me of her experience in buying an electronic gizmo for her husband.
She found what she wanted at Brookstone: a top-of-the-line model of $100 (marked down from $175) and a midpriced model at $50.
Before finalizing the deal, however, she did a search with "Brookstone" and "coupon" and got a nice surprise: Brookstone had issued an online coupon for $60 off the more expensive model.
She entered the code in the appropriate place on the order form (just about every online shopping site has a place for a code) and the order went through, allowing her to buy the gizmo for $40, plus $19 for shipping and tax. (I guess I raised her right!)
Not all promotions are that attractive, but it costs nothing but a few minutes of your time to check. The worst that can happen is finding no discounts available.
Shoppers can choose from among sites including couponmountain.com, edealfinder.com, anycoupons.com, currentcodes.com, jumpondeals.com and couponcabin.com. Even easier, go to Google (or a similar search engine) and enter the merchant's name and "coupon" and see what's available.
This is a natural evolution in the century-long history of coupons.
Druggist Asa Candler is considered the father of the coupon, after he distributed handwritten tickets in 1894 for a free glass of his new fountain drink, Coca-Cola. Except for face value, coupons changed little over their first century. Over the past decade, however, they've undergone significant changes as manufacturers keep seeking better distribution methods in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Some shoppers are almost addicted to coupons; others say they can't be bothered. Sure, it's nice to save the money, but who has time to clip? And who hasn't experienced the frustration of taking the time to clip and then leaving the coupons at home?
To attract non-clippers, supermarkets and other retailers introduced so-called clipless coupons and loyalty cards in the early 1990s, allowing shoppers to trade scissors for a little plastic tag that did the same thing.
Now we have virtual coupons, available any time. Yet even with the change in methodology, the bottom line remains what it was when Candler discounted his first Coke: Merchants want to build brand loyalty and consumers want to maximize savings.
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