Colorado Real Estate Brokers to Benefit from New Metrolist Partnership

Denver’s Largest MLS Teaming With Hillside Software To Provide Full Suite Of Real Estate Tools

Denver, CO, January 24, 2012 – Metrolist®, the largest Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serving Colorado, announced it has entered into a partnership with Hillside Software®, a provider of Real Estate Technology Software Systems, to deliver a variety of technology tools to Front Range real estate professionals.

Metrolist will provide Virtual Office, Hillside’s flagship product, along with other online tools–available to its 14,000 members as of January 4.

“Hillside Software has been a market leader in Denver for over 15 years,” said James T. Wanzeck, Metrolist Board Chairman and President of RE/MAX Masters, “and this arrangement allows us to make the firm’s top products available to all of our members. The partnership will enable real estate brokers to better serve the needs of today’s home buyers and sellers.”

Greenwood Village-based Hillside Software has developed a full suite of real estate software ranging from MLS productivity tools to online marketing services for real estate brokers.

“We’re excited to be able to bring Virtual Office to real estate brokers with Metrolist,” said Alex Levy, Hillside Software President. “With the economic recession and slower housing market, our customers are looking for ways to maximize their budgets while still delivering top-notch services for buyers and sellers. Our partnership with Metrolist will allow this to happen in 2012.”

As part of the agreement, Metrolist will augment its services with a set of MLS tools from Hillside Software that includes Virtual Office, a comparative market analysis (CMA) package, a client e-mail alert system, and statistical analysis software. These products, combined with the most accurate housing data available from the MLS, will make Front Range real estate brokers better able to manage the complexities of today’s market.

“Many of our 14,000 members are already familiar with Virtual Office,” said Mr. Wanzeck. “Now they’ll get the professional level package as well as Hillside’s market statistics tool with their Metrolist membership. We’ll be able to deliver more value in 2012 to real estate professionals and give them powerful tools.”

Other Hillside Software products like online marketing and website packages will be made available from the Metrolist Marketplace for purchase.

“When combining the MLS productivity tools with the other ancillary products we offer, Colorado brokers will have very powerful options to grow their businesses,” said Mr. Levy. “This is a very exciting time for us and we’re proud to have been able to put together this important partnership with Metrolist.”

Contact Information:
Melissa Olson
Sr. Manager, Marketing and Sales
molson@metrolist.com
303.850.9576

About Metrolist
Metrolist is the largest MLS in the state of Colorado, supporting the largest network of Realtors with the most comprehensive database of real property listings throughout the Front Range. Realtor-owned since 1984, Metrolist provides leading technology solutions to real estate agents and brokers to better serve buyers and sellers. More information about Metrolist is available at www.metrolist.com.

Contact:
Dan Mahoney
CSG-PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
970-405-8060
dmahoney@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Second Carrentals.co.uk ‘Book & Donate’ Day Set to Raise Money for StreetSmart

Online car hire comparison specialist Carrentals.co.uk will this coming January 25th hold its second ‘Book & Donate’ day in aid of homeless charity StreetSmart. The day will see Carrentals.co.uk donate £1 per booking to the leading homeless charity group.

The first Carrentals.co.uk ‘Book & Donate’ day was hosted on January 11 2012 and succeeded in raising over £330 for StreetSmart. The money contributes to the great work done by StreetSmart – the group helps to fund education, training, housing and health initiatives for homeless people around the UK. The group works with 90 UK homeless charities and has the support of celebrities such as Stephen Fry, Neil Morrissey and Richard Bacon.

Gareth Robinson, Managing Director of Carrentals.co.uk, says: “The response to our first ever ‘Book & Donate’ day was great, and we raised more than £330 for StreetSmart. As such we have decided we will host more similar days, where every car hire booking made through Carrentals.co.uk will create a £1 donation to StreetSmart.”

“We are hoping that our site users planning to rent a car this winter will consider booking it on a ‘Book & Donate’ day to help StreetSmart out,” Gareth continues. “As ever we also recommend advance booking to get the best deals and plenty of choice – rental cars are in high demand right now and people can end up paying over the odds if they wait too long.”

Carrentals.co.uk has more ‘Book & Donate’ days scheduled for later in 2012 with days already booked for February 8th and 22nd, and March 7th and 21st.

StreetSmart operates large fundraising campaigns and events every November and December, working with leading UK restaurants to raise money. Leading names like Nobu, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay all feature, with the restaurants adding a £1 donation to diners’ bills to help generate funds for StreetSmart.

Glenn Pougnet, director of StreetSmart, comments: “We are of course hugely pleased that Carrentals.co.uk has chosen to continue running Book & Donate days, they made such a great job of the first one. We sincerely hope that Carrentals.co.uk website users will book their cars on these days to help raise funds for our UK homeless projects.”

Carrentals.co.uk is the UK’s leading car rental comparison site, comparing deals from up to 50 rental companies including Alamo, Auto Europe, Budget, Holiday Autos and Sixt, in over 15,000 locations worldwide.

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LAN Systems CEO Named to the Leadership North Fulton Class of 2012

Today, LAN Systems, a leading Atlanta IT Support and Service firm, announced that CEO Mary Hester was named to the Leadership North Fulton Class of 2012.

Norcross, GA (USA), Monday – January 24, 2012 — Today, LAN Systems, a leading Atlanta IT Support and Service firm, announced that CEO Mary Hester was named to the Leadership North Fulton Class of 2012.

Leadership North Fulton identifies and develops leaders by promoting community awareness, instilling civic responsibility and building relationships. This leadership program selects individuals from various backgrounds and provides an environment that develops their leadership skills.

“It is an honor to be selected for the Class of 2012,” said CEO Mary Hester. “The program has much to offer a business leader who wants to be more involved in North Fulton. There are course days, projects and team building activities. It will be like going back to business school.”

Mary has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from the University of Georgia at Athens. She volunteers for several not-for-profit organizations that promote engineering education and careers to young people. She is active in promoting engineering as a career to young women and serves on the Board of Utility Technology Associates, a not-for-profit dedicated to the advancement of education and training for electric power utilities.

About the North Fulton Chamber of Commerce:
The mission of the North Fulton Chamber is to be the catalyst for economic development, business growth, and quality of life in North Fulton. The GNFCC promotes the interests of our members by assuming a leadership role in making North Fulton an excellent place to work, live, play and stay. We provide one voice for all local businesses to influence decision makers, recommend legislation, and protect the valuable resources that make North Fulton a popular place to live. To learn more, visit: http://www.gnfcc.com

About LAN Systems:
LAN Systems is a leading Atlanta Computer Support company that provides people-focused IT solutions. As technology experts, LAN Systems helps companies make the most of their existing IT investment and choose the right solutions to fuel growth. LAN Systems is a leading provider of IT Solutions for growing businesses in the Metro Atlanta. For more information, visit: http://www.lansystems.com

Press & Media Contact:
Lauren Maxwell
VP of Sales and Marketing
LAN Systems
6015-D Atlantic Blvd
Norcross, GA 30071
770 662-0312
lauren@lansystems.com
http://www.lansystems.com

Lucky Kat TV Website Earns the Coveted Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) Seal of Approval

Lucky Kats, Inc. proudly announces its website, luckykattv.com, has been awarded the PTPA Winner’s Seal of Approval.

Tempe, AZ, January 24, 2012 – Lucky Kats, Inc. proudly announces its website, luckykattv.com, has been awarded the PTPA Winner’s Seal of Approval. PTPA Media enjoys North America’s largest volunteer parent testing community, with more than 40,000 parents.

Consumers looking for high-quality products and services can rest assured when they see the PTPA Winner’s Seal; it is evidence of product excellence as evaluated by unbiased parent consumers.

Lucky Kat TV was among many entries from across North America competing to earn the PTPA Seal. Because independent parent volunteers evaluate these products in their own homes, PTPA winners are chosen based on merit and consumer experience – not on commercial considerations. As a result, the PTPA Media™ Seal has quickly gained recognition as an international leader in certifying consumer products for quality, effectiveness and value. Their CEO, Sharon Vinderine has appeared on more than 40 morning shows as a reliable source for the latest and greatest in family products. The media and parents alike trust the collective opinion that PTPA Media represents.

Being honored with the influential Seal of Approval from PTPA Media Inc. is an exciting achievement for a product or service geared to families, children or parents. “Lucky Kat TV is thrilled to accept this important affirmation of the work we do to provide a safe and fun online environment for kids,” said Tammy Schroeder, President of Lucky Kat TV.

“At PTPA Media, we are proud to play a role in certifying innovative products that families can trust,” says Sharon Vinderine, CEO and founder of PTPA Media Inc. “When consumers search for our Seal of Approval on product packaging and web sites, they are essentially searching for validation from their peers. Their peers will have objectively tested and approved these products based on their performance in a real life environment. That type of resource for families is priceless.”

About Lucky Kat TV:
Lucky Kat TV is an edutainment gaming and video website designed to entertain children in a safe and creative environment. Kids are encouraged to use their imaginations and develop their ideas no matter how big or how small.  In additional to reinforcing fundamental academics through Standards based games and activities, Lucky Kat TV also teaches children critical thinking skills through “Lucky Kat’s 4 Steps to Success”. Visit Lucky Kat TV online at http://www.luckykattv.com

About PTPA Media Inc.
PTPA Media provides an objective framework for appraising and promoting new products designed to enrich family living. The company’s mission is to marry innovative companies with discerning consumers, to improve consumer access to quality products and services for their families and homes.

Lucky Kat TV Media Contact Information: Scott Kelly, Black Dog Promotions, scott@blackdogpromotions.com or 480.206.3435

PTPA Media Contact Information: Janine Streiter, Tel: (905)738-1447 x240. For more information visit www.ptpamedia.com.

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Ultra Exclusive Offering from Security Benefit Promises Consumer Benefits

Security Benefit® Corporation, a Guggenheim Partners Company, today announced that four independent marketing organizations (IMOs) have been selected to participate in a unique product manufacturing and distribution model for its subsidiary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL)

Topeka, KS, January 23, 2012 – Security Benefit® Corporation, a Guggenheim Partners Company, today announced that four independent marketing organizations (IMOs) have been selected to participate in a unique product manufacturing and distribution model for its subsidiary, Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL).

SBL, marking its 120th year of helping people build retirement savings, also announced plans to launch a fixed index annuity (FIA) product early in the second quarter, specifically designed for exclusive distribution through four select IMOs. The organization became one of the fastest growing fixed index annuity providers in the industry last year with the introduction of its Secure Income Annuity (SIA)*.

“The limited distribution model, implemented with SIA, revealed incredible efficiencies while diversifying the revenue stream. Bringing that success together with elite IMOs who have highly efficient marketing and sales models, allows us to build more benefits into the product that may make it more advantageous for the client,” says Michael Kiley, Security Benefit’s Chief Executive Officer.

Criteria, such as the ability to meet the high demands of top U.S. agent producers and the IMOs’ overall agent service models, were part of the firm selection process. Furthermore, each IMO is limited to an initial 500 agent participants in keeping with the exclusive offering.

As evidenced in the sales results, consumers have been extremely receptive to the Secure Income Annuity. This provided an opportunity for SBL to leverage that success and apply those components to this unique effort. SBL recognized that establishing exclusive partnerships with prestigious marketing groups was a critical part of the equation. Further educating consumers on the advantages of fixed index annuities is important to the organization; an effort they hope further emphasizes their commitment to the FIA marketplace.

A Guggenheim Partners Company
In 2010, Security Benefit was purchased by a group of investors led by Guggenheim Partners, a privately-held, diversified financial services firm with more than $125 billion in assets under supervision. As a Guggenheim Partners company, Security Benefit has moved to capitalize on Guggenheim’s superior general account management capabilities to provide more consumers with better retirement income solutions.

With focus on retirement income for our clients, Security Benefit built on its long history of product development to become one of the fastest growing retirement product providers in the industry. With the launch of the firm’s first fixed index annuity last year, Security Benefit has garnered much attention with their growth and has quickly become one of the leading issuers of FIAs in the U.S.

About Security Benefit
Security Benefit, a Guggenheim Partners Company, is a leading provider of retirement plan services throughout the nation, and offers a variety of compelling and customized annuity products. The firm’s se2 division is an award-winning and nationally recognized provider of administrative services for the insurance and financial services industry. To learn more, go to www.securitybenefit.com.

About Guggenheim Partners
Guggenheim Partners, LLC is a privately held global financial services firm. The firm provides investment management, investment banking and capital markets services as well as insurance and investment advisory solutions for institutions, corporations, governments and agencies, investment advisors, family offices and individuals. Guggenheim Partners is headquartered in New York and Chicago and serves clients from more than 25 offices in nine countries.

The Security Benefit Secure Income Annuity (Form 5800 (11-10) and ICC10 5800 (11-10)), a flexible premium deferred fixed index annuity contract, is issued by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. Product features, limitations and availability may vary by state. Not available in all states. Not a deposit. Not insured by any federal agency. Guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. May go down in value.

*According to a ranking from AnnuitySpecs.com’s Indexed Sales & Market Report, 3Q2011, of all the Indexed Annuity products sold, Security Benefit went from unranked on 1/1/2011 to number 13 in Indexed Annuity Sales as of 9/30/2011.
99-00462-45 2012/01/19

Contact:
Laura Parsons
CSG PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-887-2911
lparsons@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com