Monthly Archives: December 2011

Education

Allen Interactions and Global Compliance Garner Silver Award for Harassment e-Learning Course

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The 2011 International Davey Awards are Announced

Charlotte, NC, December 04, 2011 – Allen Interactions, an internationally-acclaimed custom learning design, development and strategic consulting firm, and Global Compliance, a leader in corporate compliance solutions and services, won a Silver International Davey Award for an e-learning course in the Interactive Multimedia – Training category.

The award-winning e-learning course, Preventing Workplace Harassment and Discrimination is an innovative, immersive multimedia learning experience, written and approved by in-house expert advisers with proven legal experience in the field of harassment. This course utilizes the inductive approach to training, where learners are given scenarios and examples to facilitate learning new concepts, principles, and best practices. This method enables the learner to add to their prior knowledge by experiencing new situations to analyze and new problems to solve. This practice enables the learners to self assess the application of content learned.

A variety of interactive exercises in this harassment and discrimination e-learning course allows learners to:
explore situations which tend to result in common mistakes

view eye-opening perspectives on harassment in the workplace and learn what the law and policies actually say and mean

distinguish appropriate, casual behavior from inappropriate behavior

make challenging decisions and explore the specific consequences of one’s actions

The course also ensures that supervisors understand their responsibilities to respond to employee questions and concerns as well as when it is appropriate to involve Human Resources and other authorities
.
“So often harassment (or soft skills) training does not get the creative consideration needed to produce high quality learning experiences. Our partnership with Global Compliance demonstrates just how successful this approach can be,” stated Dr. Richard Sites, Tampa Studio Executive for Allen Interactions.

“Our customers are leaders in their respective fields and demand market-leading online training solutions for their employees,” said Jim Burke, CEO, Global Compliance. “We partnered with Allen Interactions to help our customers create safe and harassment free working environments with an engaged and educated workforce.”

About The Davey Awards
The Davey Awards exclusively honors the “Davids” of creativity: the finest small firms, agencies and companies in the world. David defeated the giant Goliath with a big idea and a little rock – the sort of thing small firms do each year. The annual International Davey Awards honors the achievements of the “Creative Davids” who derive their strength from big ideas rather than big budgets. The Davey Awards is the leading awards competition specifically for smaller firms, where firms compete with their peers to win the recognition they deserve.

The Davey Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a “Who’s Who” of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms.

About Allen Interactions
Allen Interactions is an internationally-acclaimed company focused on improving performance through powerful learning experiences. Since 1993, we have designed and developed custom e-learning and blended learning solutions addressing many different content areas for varying audiences (employees, channel partners, and customers) for many leading organizations. With multiple locations in the U.S., we have deep experience and expertise in instructional design, technology, creativity, process, and project management that allows us to create learning solutions that consistently result in positive business impact.

In addition to our service offerings, in 2011, Allen Interactions launched a revolutionary authoring and publishing platform, ZebraZapps, which allows developers and non-programmers to create rich interactive media applications easily and quickly, as well as share, publish, and sell objects or entire applications.

About Global Compliance Services, Inc.
Global Compliance is the leading global provider of integrated corporate governance, risk management, and business ethics training solutions. Global Compliance also currently provides whistleblower hotline services to greater than 4,000 clients and their respective 25 million employees in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more about these compliance solutions from Global Compliance, as well as their sexual harassment training and new AB 1825 California harassment training, visit their extensive website: GlobalCompliance.com

Contact:
Erin Melton
Global Compliance
13950 Ballantyne Corporate Place | Suite 300
Charlotte, NC 28277
1-800-528-5745
erin.melton@globalcompliance.com
http://www.GlobalCompliance.com

Travel

Luxury Travel Ltd’s Founder Suggests a Slogan for Vietnam Tourism

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With 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Pham Ha (founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd) suggests a slogan inspired by what Vietnam has to offer and which sets Vietnam apart from other destinations in the region.

Hanoi, Vietnam, December 03, 2011 – With increasing profits from tourism, Vietnam is poised to seize the opportunity to maximize its potential as a premier destination in Asia.

For several years, Vietnam has been gradually increasing its popularity a tourist destination. With its booming economy, growing middle class and constantly improving standards of service, its profile as a bright new Asian destination has brought great rewards.

The current logo “Vietnam – the hidden charm” may be a key to further growth, and local authorities are looking for a striking rebrand which will open up the window of opportunity even further.

With 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Pham Ha (founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd) suggests a slogan inspired by what Vietnam has to offer and which sets Vietnam apart from other destinations in the region. Experience Vietnam! An Asian Charm

1. Thrills, 2. Nature, 3. heritage, 4. festival, 5. pristine, 6. enjoyment, 7. scenery, 8. essence

1. Thrills:
The thrills on offer are endless and span a wide range, including: hiking, trekking, biking, kayaking, climbing, rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, hot air ballooning, camping, yachting and more. Some of the locations where these activities can be enjoyed include: Sapa, Halong Bay, Cu Lao Cham, the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, Phan Thiet, Con Dao, the Phu Quoc Islands and many more.

2. Nature:
The nature amazes, from the green beauty of the national parks, reserves and ramsars to the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and grottoes. Halong Bay is a new seven natural wonder of the world. Discover the natural allure of Vietnam by indulging in a wide array of accommodations, tour packages and attractions at places such as Mai Chau, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang, the òCentral Highlands, Nam Cat Tien and many more.

3. Heritage:
With its long history and unique way of life, Vietnam has a rich heritage. There are many interesting and diverse sites to be found around the country. In fact, Vietnam boasts 7 world natural and cultural heritage sites, not to mention many intangible heritages.

World Heritage Site List:

My Son Sanctuary
Hoi An Ancient Town
Complex of Hue Monuments
Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi
Ho Dynasty Citadel
Phong Nha – Ke Bang National Park
Ha Long Bay

Other traditional elements of Vietnamese heritage:

Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs
The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam
Nha Nhac Vietnamese Royal Court Music
Ca Tru singing
Hat Xoan Singing

4. Festivals:
Many colorful festivals can be enjoyed year round. The time after Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is especially exciting. Festivals include the Perfume Pagoda, Hung King, Kate, Lim and Giay Festivals, just to name a few.

5. Pristine:
Many pristine islands and beaches are to be found in this tropical country. Vietnam has 3620 km of coastline, with beautiful white sand beaches and world class resorts. Of these, you should not miss the stunning sand and clear waters of My Khe, Cua Dai, Nha Trang, Ninh Van Bay, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and the Con Dao Islands.

6. Enjoyment:
Holidaymakers have the choice of new and trendy boutique hotels, spas, golfing, cruises, shopping centres, restaurants and nightlife. With new luxury hotels and world class golf courses having recently opened or set to open soon, and the introduction of luxury train journeys, exclusive cruises and upscale private tours spanning the length of the country, Vietnam is fast emerging as an exciting destination in Asia.

7. Scenery:
Spectacular scenery and a diverse landscape exist from North to South. Mountains, forests, nature reserves, rivers, beaches, and islands are all here to be enjoyed. Verdant patchworks of rice paddies and pointed lampshade-style hats are just a small part of what there is to be seen in this formerly war ravaged country. Visitors will see more than the economic repression often portrayed on worldwide television and in newspapers. There is also natural beauty, a harmonious array of ethnic cultures, imperial monuments, timeless traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities.

8. Essence:
Vietnam boasts scores of traditions, lifestyles and religions. The friendly and hospitable population has been influenced by the cultures of China, France and America, and this is reflected in the country’s lifestyle, architecture, cuisine and art. Vietnam is a True Asian Charm. Experience Vietnam Now!

Contact:
David Nguyen
Luxury Travel Company
05 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist
Hanoi, Vietnam 71000
+84.4.3927 4120
phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Food & Beverage

Coda Coffee’s Farm2Cup Program helps People Feel Good about the Coffee they Drink

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Global Program Improves Quality of Coffee for Customers and Quality of Life for Farmers and their Communities

Denver, CO, December 02, 2011 – Coda Coffee, a Denver-based specialty coffee roaster and sustainable wholesaler, today announced its Farm2Cup program. The program aims to continuously improve Coda’s coffee quality and positively impact farming communities around the world. Through the Farm2Cup program, Coda Coffee invests money and works directly with coffee farmers, who then reinvest in their coffee and community. Coda expects Farm2Cup participants to use the funds they receive for research, development, experimentation, best practice sharing and sometimes inner-village or cross-community competitions to improve coffee quality. The program also requires farmers to give back to their local community.

Coda Coffee informally implemented the program as a business practice about two years ago, but is now formalizing the program, launching www.farm2cup.org and labeling the coffee bags for customers and partners.

“By simply drinking Farm2Cup coffee, you know you’re enjoying a product that supports people around the world,” said Tim Thwaites, Coda Coffee co-founder. “In addition, the coffee exceeds taste and quality expectations because of best practice sharing and the traceability of the coffee from farm to cup.”

Farm2Cup can drastically impact the livelihood of the farmer’s family, employees and even an entire village. Coda Coffee works with farmers around the world, in countries such as Guatemala, Ethiopia, Brazil and Honduras. Some examples of how Farm2Cup funds have helped farmers and communities include:

El Salvador: Coda Coffee held fundraisers for a school in Ayutepeque, which funded a new kitchen, utensils, desks and chairs for the children. Additionally, the community is working on plans for a school library.

Guatemala: In Guatemala, Coda purchases high quality micro lots of coffee to encourage overall product improvement. The community has also held cupping competitions, where the local coffee farmers come together to have their coffee graded. The premium that Coda Coffee pays for the best coffee has helped build a road to A’Achimbal, a school, church, community center and 80 homes with electricity and running water.

Las Capucas, Honduras: Cupping competitions in Honduras also helped improve coffee quality, which increased the coffee’s price and allowed one community to build cupping labs, a wet mill and a dry mill.

Coda Coffee performs site visits and its importer, Atlas Coffee Importer, assists with annual quality control checks. The trips are to make sure that farmers are spending time and money on improving their products and communities, which allows them to stay in the Farm2Cup program.

“There is a great story behind every cup of Farm2Cup coffee,” added Tommy Thwaites, Coda Coffee co-founder. “This program helps personalize those stories and makes a global purchase feel local. A better quality of life for our farmers actually does make a better cup of coffee for our customers.”

To learn more about the program, visit www.farm2cup.org. To find Farm2Cup coffee, look for the Farm2Cup logo at coffee shops. Farm2Cup products are available where Coda Coffee is sold. To find a retail location near you that serves Coda Coffee, visit www.codacoffee.com.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger or Jenny Foust
CSG|PR
303.433.7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com or jfoust@csg-pr.com

About Coda Coffee
Coda Coffee Company is family owned and operated by brothers Tim and Tommy Thwaites. Originally from the Seattle area, they took different paths and reconnected in Denver, Colorado and launched Coda Coffee in 2005. Coda Coffee strives to be a corporate role model, with business practices focused on social responsibility and environmental protection. Through proactive education, advocacy, partnerships and the belief that success is reciprocal, Coda does what it takes to exceed expectations. Learn more at www.codacoffee.com.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303.433.7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com
http://www.codacoffee.com

Automotive, Consumer Services, Transportation & Logistics, Travel

‘Road Sense’ Motoring Safety Campaign Introduced by Carrentals.co.uk and Brake

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Carrentals.co.uk, the leading car hire comparison website which helps people book cheap hire from up to 50 top providers, announces its sixth ever ‘Road Sense’ campaign. The campaign, in partnership with road safety charity Brake, seeks to raise awareness of motoring safety issues among drivers of all ages.

The annual Road Sense campaign focuses on a key element of motoring, with this year seeing the initiative being consistent checks on tyres, brakes and engine as the winter weather sets in. Carrentals.co.uk and Brake are calling on motorists to get these vital checks carried out no matter what the impact on their household budget.

Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, comments: “We are calling on drivers around the UK to be aware of the need for getting brakes and tyres checked regularly, particularly as the UK’s roads turn icier. This is the way to reduce the number of avoidable accidents on Britain’s motorways and roads throughout the winter.”

Brake is the UK’s leading road safety charity and has said recently that more UK youngsters die in car crashes today than die by any other means. Many accidents are caused by driving too fast and reckless overtaking, with one out of every four fatal accidents on UK roads involving someone aged below the age of 25.

“We are proud to work with organisations like Brake on our Road Sense campaigns,” Gareth continued. “Motorists would be wise to pay attention to the words of Brake since they really know their subject. We all need to pull together to improve the situation and lower the amount of serious accidents.”

Katie Shephard, director at Brake, says: “We enjoy working with companies like Carrentals.co.uk who seek to push the road safety agenda through initiatives Road Sense. Throughout this year’s Road Safety Week we at Brake want young people to become increasingly aware of the importance of driving sensibly and to ‘have a heart at the wheel’.”

The Carrentals.co.uk Road Sense site offers road safety advice as well as new offers, including discounts on winter clothing and reflective gear for children and adults from Outdoor Look and BrightKidz.

Carrentals.co.uk is the leading car hire comparison site comparing prices in over 15,000 locations worldwide including France, Spain and car hire in Ireland, with pick up locations including car hire in Dublin, Cork and Shannon.

For more road safety information, offers and advice visit carrentals.co.uk/roadsense2011

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Business

Family Focus Blog Wins #1 Rank for Savviest in Social Media in Top Home-Based Business National Annual Ranking

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Family Focus Blog Wins #1 Rank for Savviest in Social Media in StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

Nashville, TN, December 01, 2011 – Family Focus Blog has been recognized as one of the top home businesses in the nation by StartupNation in its annual Home-Based 100 competition.

Many of the StartupNation Home-Based 100 entries showed that people are leveraging the efficiencies and lower overhead of home-based businesses to pursue their passion and bring in income during these tight economic times.

“The 2011 ranking reveals that home business is serious business – more relevant than ever. It’s a natural response to loss of job opportunities, the need for supplemental income and the sheer passion for blazing your own trail and running your own show,” said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation.com, one of the leading small business networking and knowledge hubs online. “Home based businesses are the biggest block of all businesses in existence and we expect numbers to grow ever greater as extra bedrooms, kitchen tables, basements and garages increasingly host the innovative thinking and pursuit of success by millions of Americans.”

“I am thrilled to have received this recognition for my blog and social media has been such a fantastic tool for interacting with my blog followers and reaching new blog readers,” say Scarlet Paolicchi, founder of Family Focus Blog.

Being savvy in social media is a must for businesses seeking to build rapport and relationships in the community. Do you follow? Over 28,000 people follow Scarlet Paolicchi on Twitter @familyfocusblog.

Family Focus Blog is focused on going green and fun family activities. It’s written by a stay-at-home mom blogger from Nashville who reports on family fun, eco tips, giveaways, products, and causes that a following of people find interesting. While she’s based in Nashville, Paolicchi has cultivated a communication channel far beyond Tennessee.

The full results of the Home-Based 100 ranking are available on StartupNation’s website at www.startupnation.com/home-based-100/2011-winners .

For more information, press only: Karen Torres, StartupNation (248) 685-9005, kares (at) startupnation.com, Scarlet Paolicchi momswearyourtees@gmail.com at http://familyfocusblog.com

Contact:
Scarlet Paolicchi
Family Focus Blog
6141 Tuliptree Ln
Nashville, TN 37221
404-661-4163
momswearyourtees@gmail.com
http://familyfocusblog.com

Entertainment

Casino Lunch Launches New Affiliate Program

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Casino Lunch Adds Multi-Tier Real Time Affiliate Reporting For Members

Valetta, Malta, December 02, 2011 – Casino Lunch, one of the newest online casino sites on the World Match gaming platform, is proud to announce the launch of their new affiliate program, Lunchbox Affiliates.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work by our entire team to get this done,” stated Gian Perroni, Affiliate Program Director, “but it was worth the wait as the player activity reporting is just great. Affiliates can watch their earnings grow in real time!”

“We think the name of the program is appropriate as well,” Perroni continued. “Affiliates get up and go to work every day like the rest of us, so it makes sense for them to have a lunchbox with them, and more importantly we see our lunchbox as being like a toolbox, complete with all of the tools that our affiliates need to build a successful, growing and enduring business.

Casino Lunch is now offering players over 70 different games, including 12 variations of Roulette and more than 25 different Slots games. The site is open 24/7 for both fun and real money play, and is in English, Polish, Russian, and Spanish, with additional languages coming shortly. New players are offered €1,200 in deposit bonuses, and the site has a very player-friendly VIP program in place.

Affiliates are offered a selection of tools to help them promote the site, including custom creative, dedicated bonus codes, no deposit bonus offers, and special promotions. A minimum revenue share percentage of 30% is offered to all partners, and they are provided with 365 day/year multilingual support.

In addition to the great selection of casino games, the site will be adding a new poker room shortly on the Euro Cake Network, providing poker player with world class action on an established and recognized network.

Both the casino and the pending new poker room are fully licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) in Malta, a recognized and respected online gaming licensing regulatory body. Casino Lunch provides online casino gaming to players from all countries except the U.S.

Media Enquiries
Nick Adams
care@casinolunch.com
+1.778.999.1150

About Casino Lunch
Casino Lunch (www.CasinoLunch.com) offers online players a delicious menu of licensed and regulated casino games, including roulette, slots, video poker and table games. Providing a no-download experience and attractive promotions, Casino Lunch focuses on creating the best VIP player experience online. Casino Lunch accepts players worldwide, except for those from the United States, and operates 24/7/365. Players are welcome for both free and real money action.

Contact:
Nick Adams
Casino Lunch
Level 2, Centre Point Building
Dun Karm Street
Birkirkara
Malta BKR 9037
+1.778.999.1150
care@casinolunch.com
http://www.casinolunch.com/

Business

Network in Moderation at Holiday Social Events

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Networking at holiday social events varies from general business networking. Learn the ins and outs from master networker Lillian D. Bjorseth, who gives you practical advice on how to look and act polished and professional.

Lisle, IL, December 02, 2011 – “It’s okay to network at holiday social events so long as you do it in moderation and eat and drink in the same manner,” said Lillian D. Bjorseth, business networking advisor, coach, author and president of Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.

“Whether it is office parties, neighborhood open houses, country club dances or professional organizational luncheons and dinners, keep the conversation about the event, the holidays and the other person,” Bjorseth said. “It’s even more unforgiveable to focus on yourself at social affairs than at business events.”

She advises that you also look and act professional because others are still deciding 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you. Furthermore, they will carry that impression with them into the boardroom or onto the telephone when they again speak with you or about you.

“Don’t overfill your “little” plate. Snacking ahead of time can curb your appetite. Keep cold drinks out of your right hand (the one you use to shake hands!). Ice and condensation will likely make it feel cold and moist. Holding the drink in your left hand is a far better solution than wrapping a napkin around the glass. If seating is available, sit down for a few minutes to eat. When you rise again, sans foods, your hands will be free. And don’t forget to wash them before you start shaking again,” Bjorseth says.

Her other professional advice includes:

* Don’t tell off-color jokes or use crude language just because the atmosphere is more relaxed. Such behavior offends many people, including coworkers, their spouses, partners and families who can carry a lot of weight.

* Dress properly for the occasion. Find out ahead of time the appropriate dress for men and women. And, women, don’t show excessive cleavage if you want to be taken seriously in the office or want to use the event to lay the groundwork for future employment.

* Remember the behavioral basics. Exhibit good posture. Give a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact at least 85 percent of the time. Keep your gestures understated, especially in a crowded room where expansive gestures can lead to touching someone else or even spilling your food or beverage … or theirs!

Additionally, Bjorseth suggests you don’t make the head honcho your only target or feel as if you need your token minutes or two with him/her. Have longer and more meaningful conversations with those who are lower on the totem pole and aren’t besieged by everyone else. Top brass seldom gets involved in the day-to-day hiring, promotions and other managerial duties. Make a positive impression on everyone you meet so you will be memorable long after the event is over.

“Carry your business cards,” Bjorseth says. “Women, keep at least a small supply in your holiday bag. If attending with a male partner, have him keep some extras in his inside suit pocket. It’s so much more professional than writing your vital information on a cocktail napkin. Hand them out only if asked.”

Bjorseth shares three final suggestions:

• Don’t press people on the spot. If you want more information, a referral or an appointment, get the person’s business card and ask if you may email or call him/her later. Networking is planting seeds. A holiday event is not the place to sell. Follow up during normal business hours.

• Don’t be the last to leave. Unless you are close personal friends with the hosts, don’t be the last to leave the neighborhood open house. Similarly, unless you have volunteered for clean-up duty, don’t be the straggler at company or organizational functions. It’s like pushing back from the table when you are still hungry: leave while you’re still making a positive impression.

• Send holiday cards. Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take the time to sign your name and write a short personal note. As appropriate, send to your clients, prospective employers and, particularly, to those people at any level who are vital links in your networking chain.

Contact:
Lillian D. Bjorseth
Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.
2221 Ridgewood Rd.
Lisle, IL 60532
630-983-5308
lillianspeaks@duoforce.com
http://www.duoforce.com

Education

Career Webinar for Military Spouses Shows How to Land a Job Before a Base Transfer

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Bryant & Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com host free webinar highlighting job search, resume and interview tips for military spouses on December 8

Buffalo, NY, December 01, 2011 – Bryant and Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com announced today a free career webinar for military spouses. The webinar, “Score a New Job Before Packing Your First PCS Box,” will be held on December 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST and highlight strategies military spouses can use to find a new job before they arrive at their next duty station.

“Maintaining a career can be challenging as a military spouse, especially while moving from base to base. This webinar is intended to show spouses how they can get a jump on the job search and securing an interview not just after the transfer, but before they even arrive at their next duty station,” said Allison Perkins, military spouse and editor of SalutetoSpouses.com. “We are excited to host this webinar as part of the available articles, discussion boards and stories available on the site every day. SalutetoSpouses.com is proud to offer a variety of education, career and life resources for military spouses.”

Kristina Saul, a military spouse and career expert, will lead the webinar. Ms. Saul has been a Navy spouse for 23 years and is a virtual event producer for Milicruit, producing online job fairs that help military retirees and their spouses connect with companies around the nation. During her husband’s career in the Navy, Ms. Saul held 13 different jobs during 12 moves, including positions in retail management, finance and non-profit organizations, as well as serving as an executive assistant to a two-star admiral’s spouse.

During the webinar, Ms. Saul will offer tips for preparing a resume, searching for a job before arriving at a duty station and landing an interview. Specific strategies will include leveraging military spouse networks to make connections, turning a house-hunting trip into a job-hunting trip, increasing a job candidate’s marketability and leveraging an overlooked asset – being a military spouse.

“This webinar will show military spouses how to not only find a job, but how to build a resume to eventually land a job they love. Moving and finding new employment can be a big undertaking, but by planning a job search before the movers pack the first boxes, a spouse can help create a career path that achieves their professional and personal goals,” said Ms. Saul.

The webinar is offered for free by Bryant & Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com. Military spouses interested in attending are invited to register at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/webinar/.

Bryant & Stratton College is proud to support the military and their families. In addition to the upcoming webinar for military spouses, the College offers a variety of other resources. Bryant & Stratton College Online created SalutetoSpouses.com, an education and career resource website for military spouses and an accompanying scholarship program that offers $6,000 toward a Bryant & Stratton College Online degree to eligible spouses of active military personnel. For enrolled students, Bryant & Stratton College Online also formed a student veterans group to make success in the classroom and workplace more attainable.

Additionally, G.I. Jobs Magazine has named Bryant & Stratton College Online Military Friendly School for 2012 and as a member of the Service members Opportunities College (SOC) consortium*, Bryant & Stratton College is also an approved institution for the training of U.S. veterans and their family in accordance with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Bryant & Stratton College is proud to be CLEP, DANTES, ECE and other SOC Colleges approved.

For more information about Bryant & Stratton College Online and its online degree programs, visit http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

*The Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach campus is also a SOCNAV and SOCAD consortium member.

About Bryant & Stratton College Online
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment.  The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 155 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and professional certificates. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, eleven online associate’s degree programs and eleven online certificate programs in a variety of fields including business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Some online programs are not yet available in all states. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of graduates and other important information, please visit www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.  General information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degrees can also be found at http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
465 Main St # 400
Buffalo, NY 14203-1795
(303) 433-7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://salutetospouses.com/

Business

AAA calls for responsible investment in response to Occupy movement

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Alternative investment and impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for more social enterprise investment as called for by London-based expert, Luke Fletcher.

Boston, MA, December 01, 2011 – Alternative investment and impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for more social enterprise investment as called for by London-based expert, Luke Fletcher.

Fletcher, of the Social Finance Group, claims that investing in social enterprise initiatives could be the most workable solution to the current unrest about the financial markets. AAA supports this claim and is looking to raise awareness of both the global impact of socially responsible investment, and the potential returns they can offer.

Writing for SocialEnterpriseLive.com, Mr Fletcher asserted that those involved in demonstrations against fat-cat wages and the general model on which global business operates, through the Occupy protests, should be focusing their efforts on promoting social enterprise as an alternative.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, added, “We are keen to remind people that there is an alternative to stocks and shares and that it is possible to make a real statement against capitalism through sensible, ethical investments in social and environmental projects.”

Mr Fletcher explained, “Social impact investment is projected by JP Morgan to be at least a $400 million-$1 trillion industry over the next decade.” He added that the City of London needs to realise this potential and leverage its strength to move to the forefront of this emerging asset class.

AAA promotes impact investing as a means of making strong returns while steering cash injections in a direction that is positive for developing countries, vulnerable communities and the environment. Some ethical alternatives have already caught on in the mainstream, such as forestry investments through firms like Greenwood Management, which manages sustainable forestry plantations in Brazil. However, more needs to be done, claims AAA.

AAA joins Luke Fletcher and many others involved in social enterprise, in hoping that the Occupy movement triggers a change in attitude, among investors in general, towards more responsible and fair investment choices.

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596
info@alternativeassetanalysis.com
http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Technology

VisitMobileTM Launches Visit Cherry Creek North Mobile ConciergeTM

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Just in time for the holidays, new Mobile Concierge technology helps guests make the most of their visit

Boulder, Colorado, December 01, 2011 – VisitMobile is proud to announce the launch of the Visit Cherry Creek North Mobile Concierge. Mimicking a real destination concierge, the Visit Cherry Creek North app is more than just an online visitor’s guide or optimized mobile website. It delivers real-time shopping, dining and visitor advice with insider knowledge for guests when they need it most – during their visits to the District. The app includes GPS technology with localized expert content, multimedia to help guests find specific merchants, easy access to phone numbers for quick restaurant reservations, access to special offers and deals and much more.

“With the advancement and dependence on mobile technology, this app is a great addition for both our guests and our merchants,” said CCNBID President and CEO Julie Bender. “Cherry Creek North is a magical place to shop, dine and visit, and this resource will make the experience even more interactive, convenient and meaningful for consumers and businesses alike.”

In addition to customizing and fulfilling Cherry Creek North’s mobile strategy, VisitMobile’s Mobile Concierge platform will provide the BID with an ongoing revenue stream through in-app enhanced listings and numerous advertising opportunities. Mobile Concierge also allows Cherry Creek North to easily demonstrate the value they are delivering to their merchant partners and BID members through measurable metrics and detailed usage reports. VisitMobile’s innovative approach to destination mobile marketing is so revolutionary, it garnered the prestigious Platinum Adrian Award from the HSMAI (Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International) in January 2011, as well as a 2011 Platinum MarCom award from Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals (AMCP) for Napa Valley’s Mobile Concierge.

Mobile Concierge is fundamentally different than simply creating a destination guide application or a mobile optimized version of an existing website. Visitors who are already in the BID need information in a completely different format than those who are planning a future visit. Mobile Concierge uses a powerful GPS Relevancy Engine loaded with expert local content and multimedia to help the in-market visitor find retail shops that match their needs, make restaurant reservations, access insider deals and decide what to do next.

With the recent surge of unofficial destination apps and mobile search engines, research shows that less than 20 percent of visitors return to the destination’s website for local information after they arrive. Mobile Concierge is a dream solution for BIDs, CVBs, resorts and even college campuses looking to take back control of the conversation.

“BIDs spend tens of thousands of dollars on mass media and websites to attract guests to their destination, but they lose control of the guest’s experience once they arrive,” explained VisitMobile CEO Jeff Kohn. “Mobile Concierge will offer Cherry Creek North a unique competitive advantage; the opportunity to continue interacting with their visitors in a way that benefits the guest and maximizes revenue for their merchant partners.”

Cherry Creek North is known nationally as a premier retail, dining, and mixed-use area located just 5 minutes from downtown Denver. More than 350 businesses that make up the neighborhood are independent to international brands, featuring a broad range of unique fashion, jewelry and home furnishing stores, spas/salons, art galleries and restaurants. In addition to retail businesses, the District is also a national and regional office center, home to two hotels, and has a growing number of residents. In combination with the Cherry Creek Shopping Center, CCN is the number one visitor destination in Colorado, according to the Longwoods Study conducted for Visit Denver Inc.

To download the free app, people can go to www.CherryCreekNorth.com or visit their phone’s app store and search for “Cherry Creek North.”

Even better than a stationary hotel concierge desk, the trusted Mobile Concierge is always on hand as the guest explores the BID, and is ready to answer their question, “I’m right here, now what should I do?” Mobile Concierge bridges GPS map-based navigation and time-based, hyper-local content to help both leisure and business visitors discover nearby and timely events, attractions, dining, shopping, special offers and more. Whether a visitor has an iPhone, Blackberry or Android device, Mobile Concierge is available for every platform.

Mobile Concierge is not just affordable; it’s incredibly easy to manage. With the added benefit of trackable metrics for merchants and opportunities to create offset advertising revenue for the BID, Mobile Concierge is a “win-win-win” for BIDs, merchants and visitors.

Destinations and clients already experiencing success with VisitMobile’s Mobile Concierge include Napa Valley, Steamboat Ski Resort, Keystone Colorado, Destination Halifax (Nova Scotia, Canada) and Flatiron Meal Plan, the student meal plan for University of Colorado, Boulder. Other VisitMobile clients that are in the process of deploying their custom Mobile Concierge are Visit Aurora (Colo.), Downtown Denver Partnership, Southern Idaho Tourism, Boulder Weekly (Colo.), and Rocky Mountain Meal Plan (Ft. Collins, Colo.).

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Amy Larson, CSG | PR
alarson@csg-pr.com
303.433.7020

About VisitMobile
VisitMobileTM (www.visitmobile.com) is the Mobile ConciergeTM smartphone app for tourism and shopping destinations. VisitMobile serves as an on-the-go trusted advisor helping visitors discover nearby attractions, businesses, and events through a patented GPS Relevancy EngineTM. Mimicking a real concierge, VisitMobile uses expert local content and multimedia to help visitors make instant reservations or ticket purchases, access insider deals, or see what’s around them to answer the question “what should I do next?” As the official Mobile Concierge of the destination, VisitMobile allows the destination marketing organization to maintain control of the conversation and in turn, maximize revenue for destination partners.

Contact:
Amy Larson
CSG | PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303.433.7020
alarson@csg-pr.com
http://www.visitmobile.com