Monthly Archives: March 2012

Business

FPL Volunteers Team Up with at-risk Youths to give Six Riviera Beach Homes a Facelift

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“YouthBuild is an ideal partner organization to work with – its goal is to impact the lives of young people while improving their communities. We’re glad to have the opportunity to partner with them,” said Ethel Williams, FPL regional manager of corporate external affairs.

Juno Beach, FL (March 28, 2012) — Six homes in Riviera Beach got a makeover on March 26, 2012, thanks to over 90 volunteers from Florida Power & Light Company and the YouthBuild organization. As part of FPL‘s Power to Care Week, volunteers worked under the direction of the young women and men of YouthBuild to repaint homes and landscape gardens.

The team – armed with paint, brushes, flowering plants, and gardening tools – revitalized the homes to bring the benefit of improved housing to the entire neighborhood, cultivating pride in the community.

This event is just one of 22 volunteer projects taking place during FPL’s Power to Care Week. Throughout the week, more than 900 volunteers, made up of employees and their families, across the state roll up their sleeves to help clean beaches and restore dunes, landscape nonprofit facilities, spruce up parks, beautify gardens, and more.

“YouthBuild is an ideal partner organization to work with – its goal is to impact the lives of young people while improving their communities. We’re glad to have the opportunity to partner with them,” said Ethel Williams, FPL regional manager of corporate external affairs. “Working hand-in-hand with at-risk young adults while helping homeowners improve their homes is a testament to how powerful FPL volunteerism can be in giving back in such a positive, sustainable way to the communities we serve.”

YouthBuild is a nonprofit that recruits unemployed and undereducated young people ages 18 to 24 to work toward passing the GED examination or receiving a high school diploma while learning work and social skills by building and enhancing affordable housing.

“We appreciate FPL’s hands-on partnership to help Riviera Beach YouthBuild give back and assist us in making a difference in our community,” said Miguel Rada, program director of Riviera Beach YouthBuild. “One of our program’s components is to take an active role in revitalizing your community, and it is great to have FPL share in the same value of community service. FPL is playing a key role in actively building up our Riviera Beach community.”

This is the second year FPL has partnered with YouthBuild for Power to Care Week. In 2011, approximately 70 employees volunteered to help with the house-painting blitz.

For more information on Riviera Beach YouthBuild, visit http://www.rbyouthbuild.org. (To view Photos, please click here: http://on.fb.me/GTJshe)

Media Contact:
FPL Media Line
Florida Power & Light Company
700 Universe Blvd.
Juno Beach, FL 33408
305-552-3888
amelia.gomez@rbbpr.com
http://www.fpl.com

Society

Occupy Sanford Movement is Preparing to Occupy Sanford Florida in Honor of Trayvon Martin

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Occupy Sanford.com is making preparations to Occupy Sanford Florida this summer. “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon,” says President Barack Obama (at a recent press conference), referring to 17 year old Trayvon Martin that was killed by block watch captain George Zimmerman.

Sanford, FL, March 28, 2012 — The OccupySanford.com movement is making plans to Occupy of Sanford, Florida this summer. Sanford is the city where 17 year old Trayvon Martin was tracked as suspicious, chased by community block watch captain George Zimmerman and shot to death.

Trayvon Martin was merely walking back to the residence where his father was, waiting for his return from the store. Trayvon Martin was not armed with any weapon, but merely had the items he purchased from the store, a pack of skittles candy and a can of iced tea, according to media reports.

“OccupySanford.com feels that the teenager was savagely attacked and murdered by blockwatch captain George Zimmerman merely for looking suspicious,” states Occupy Sanford Spokesperson Attorney Martin Felderman. A 911 call placed to Sanford Police partially reveals that George Zimmerman was told it was not necessary to chase the suspicious person.

“OccupySanford.com and the world would like to know, why would George Zimmerman defied the 911 dispatchers comment about not chasing the suspicious person? And why did George Zimmerman leave his vehicle? And there are various questions about the Coroners Office and Police Department that are still a mystery,” states Occupy Sanford spokesperson Attorney Martin Felderman.

OccupySanford.com is planning a three day occupancy of Sanford, Florida this summer, making it a family event and all citizens regardless of race, color, creed, national origin and religious affiliation are invited to attend.

Three days represents the amount of time that Trayvon Martin lay in the morgue while his family searched for him as a missing person.

OccupySanford.com is seeking individual and corporate sponsors for the event to make it an organized and peaceful success. OccupySanford.com feels that the death of Trayvon Martin is “the beginning to the end of a misused law, and incompetent police procedures in Sanford, FL,” says spokesperson Attorney Martin Felderman.

For further information please visit http://www.occupysanford.com

Media Contact:
Martin Felderman
Spokesperson
OccupySanford.com
1-888-853-5266
occupysanford@gmail.com
admin@occupysanford.com

Business

Antistatic Materials and Products in Electronics To Reach $3.4 billion ($US) in 2019

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NanoMarkets announces the release of its latest report on ESD protection materials for the photovoltaics industry titled, “Markets for ESD and Antistatic Protection Materials and Products in Electronics 2012.”

Glen Allen, Virginia – March 28, 2012 — Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets announces the release of its latest report on ESD protection materials for the photovoltaics industry titled, “Markets for ESD and Antistatic Protection Materials and Products in Electronics 2012.” In the report NanoMarkets estimates that the total market for ESD protection products in electronics applications will grow at a CAGR of about 13% from a value of about $1.4 billion in 2012 to about $3.4 million in 2019.

Additional details about the report are available at: http://www.nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/markets_for_esd_and_antistatic_protection_materials_in_electronics

About the Report:

This report is designed to help manufacturers of ESD protection materials identify both the “where” and “how much” for available opportunities in the electronics and semiconductor manufacturing sectors. Thus, this latest NanoMarkets report includes detailed eight-year forecasts of both ESD basic materials – conventional carbon, metals, metal compounds, carbon nanomaterials, conductive polymers, and other organics – and ESD products by application and material source. It also contains a discussion of some of the key suppliers and their product/market strategies, including Agfa, Heraeus, Hyperion Catalysis, 3M, RTP, Nanocyl, Bayer MaterialScience, SciCron, and many others.

From the Report:

NanoMarkets continues to see important new opportunities emerging in 2012-2013 for suppliers of ESD and antistatic protection materials including the growth of pervasive computing and electronics in everyday life, which steadily increases the addressable market for ESD products, and shrinking circuitry, which drives the need for higher performance ESD materials. In addition, a shift is occurring in the display market that pits LCD technology against newer technologies like OLEDs, which may have very different needs for ESD protection.

These emerging patterns of demand for ESD products are occurring at a time when there are also new developments in materials, many of are related to the rise of nanomaterials.

NanoMarkets projects that nanometals, graphene and carbon nanotubes will begin to account for a sizeable part of the ESD materials market in the not-too-distant future. ESD products based on carbon nanomaterials alone are expected to exceed $100 million in value by 2015.

Meanwhile, inherently conductive polymers will continue to make inroads into the larger ESD market, displacing currently used inexpensive – and often impermanent – materials; the value of ESD products based on ICPs is expected to exceed $100 million in 2017, driven largely by growth in low-cost/high-performance transparent ESD coatings.

About NanoMarkets:

NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in energy, electronics and other markets created by developments in advanced materials. The firm is a recognized leader in industry analysis and forecasts of this kind and has been covering the photovoltaics sector for more than six years.

Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets’ reports and other services.

Media Contact:
Robert Nolan
NanoMarkets, LC
PO BOX 3840
Glen Allen, VA 23058
804-270-1718
rob@nanomarkets.net

Home

Art, Entertainment

Art Call – Theme Nature Juried Art Competition

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Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces an art call for submissions with the theme “Nature” for a juried art competition for the month of April 2012.

Jupiter, Florida – March 27, 2012 — Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery announces an art call for submissions with the theme “Nature” for a juried art competition for the month of April 2012. The gallery urges all 2D artists to submit their best “Nature” art for inclusion into the gallery’s May 2012 online group exhibition.

The gallery invites all 2D artists (including photography) regardless of where they reside and regardless of their experience or education in the art field to send us your best interpretation of the theme “Nature” by depicting the physical world. “Nature” is considered to be anything that was not created by or has been substantially altered by man. Subjects that would encompass “Nature” would include geographical matter, natural objects, wildlife and natural environments.

A group exhibition of the top ten finalists will be held online at the Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery during the month of May 2012. Awards will be for 1st through 5th places and in addition, 5 artists will also be recognized with Honorable Mention awards. Depending on the amount and the quality of the entries received, these winning categories may be expanded with Special Recognition awards as well. The submission process and the deadline will end on April 28, 2012.

Winners of the “Nature” Art Exhibition will receive extensive worldwide publicity in the form of email marketing, 70+ press release announcements, 65+ event announcements posts, extensive social media marketing, in order to make the art world aware of the art exhibition and in particular, the artist’s accomplishments. There will also be links back to the artist’s website included as part of this award package.

Interested artists should provide to us with your best Nature art now or before the deadline. Apply Online Here: http://www.lightspacetime.com

About Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery

Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery conducts monthly art competitions and monthly art exhibitions for new and emerging artists on a worldwide basis. It is Light Space & Time’s intention to showcase this incredible talent in a series of monthly themed art competitions and art exhibitions by marketing and displaying the exceptional abilities of these worldwide artists.

The art gallery website can be viewed here: http://www.lightspacetime.com

Contact:
John R. Math
Light Space & Time Online Gallery
118 Poinciana Drive
Jupiter, FL 33458
888-490-3530
info@lightspacetime.com
http://www.lightspacetime.com

Government

National Call for Federal Candidates Fighting Illegal Immigration

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Candidates for Congress and US Senate are being asked to complete ALIPAC’s 2012 federal candidate survey and pledge.

(For National Release) Raleigh, NC, USA (March 27, 2012) — Candidates for Congress and US Senate are being asked to complete ALIPAC’s 2012 federal candidate survey and pledge, which will be used to inform voters and provide endorsements from America’s largest political action committee addressing the issues of illegal immigration and Amnesty for illegal immigrants.

This year’s survey can be easily returned by campaigns and includes questions about candidate positions on illegal immigration, which is one of the top issues of the 2012 campaign cycle.

ALIPAC’s 2012 Federal Candidate Survey and Pledge
http://www.alipac.us/f30/alipacs-2012-federal-candidate-survey-pledge-253198/

Completed surveys and pledges should be emailed to William Gheen, President of ALIPAC at WilliamG@alipac.us

The survey includes questions that voters want answered, including how candidates feel about Obama’s Department of Justice lawsuits against states like Arizona, South Carolina, and Alabama? The survey also asks candidates how they feel about the deportation of illegal immigrants, enforcement of existing border and immigration laws, Dream Act and Comprehensive Amnesty legislation, Obama’s “prosecutor discretion” memo Amnesty for illegal aliens, Article IV, Section 4 of the US Constitution, in-state tuition and other benefits for illegals, and employers who hire illegal labor.

“We are looking for federal candidates who stand with the 80% of Americans showing up in scientific polls who want our existing immigration laws enforced instead of any form of Amnesty that would undermine America’s borders forever,” said William Gheen President of ALIPAC. “We hope that an unprecedented number of candidates will take the time to share their positions on illegal immigration with voters through ALIPAC’s efforts this year.”

Americans for Legal Immigration PAC has been making endorsements and sending in campaign volunteers to endorsed campaigns since September 11, 2004. With over 40,000 supporters nationwide, ALIPAC is quoted often in the national and local media, and is credited with defeating state and federal legislation that sought to encourage and finalize illegal immigration. Candidate survey responses will be viewed tens of thousands of times by election day through direct voter contacts and online at http://www.ALIPAC.us

Media Contact:
William Gheen
President
Americans for Legal Immigration PAC (ALIPAC)
Post Office Box 30966, Raleigh, NC 27622-0966
FEC ID: C00405878
(866) 703-0864
williamg@alipac.us
http://www.alipac.us

Education

Pay Your Family First and Choices Education Empowerment Holds ThriveTime Challenge’s State Championship at Grand Canyon University

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Pay Your Family First (PYFF), in partnership with Choices Educational Empowerment, will hold the ThriveTime Scholarship Challenge’s state championship at Grand Canyon University on April 17th from 4 pm – 8 pm.

Paradise Valley/Phoenix, AZ, March 27, 2012 – Pay Your Family First(PYFF), in partnership with Choices Educational Empowerment, will hold the ThriveTime Scholarship Challenge’s state championship at Grand Canyon University on April 17th from 4 pm – 8 pm.

The event will be held at the private college’s basketball arena, emceed by KTAR’s & AZTV’s popular personality, Pat McMahon. State Treasurer Doug Ducey will be participating in this event that will include free community activities, live entertainment and raffles for the public.

Arizona teens that qualified during their local high school’s Thrive Time Scholarship Challenge will compete for cash scholarships and the chance to play at the regional and national competitions. Members of the Arizona Society of CPAs provided volunteer support at school events and will participate at the state competition. Additional volunteer support has been provided by Phoenix Philanthropists, with sponsorship support provided by local businesses and community leaders.

PYFF’s CEO and acclaimed author, Sharon Lechter, is on a mission to promote financial education. “The entire ThriveTime Challenge has far exceeded my hopes and dreams.  We set out to create community collaboration between the corporate, personal and private sectors to address a pressing need for financial literacy education for children. We’ve been thrilled at the reception from students, teachers and administration.  And when we gave each student their own ThriveTime game at the end of the competitions – you’d think they’d just won the lottery!”

Choices Educational Empowerment’s Tank Jones, acclaimed actor and activist, has seen the benefits of the game. “Collaborating with Pay Your Family First to bring the ThriveTime Challenge to local schools has been fun and rewarding. We’ve met some exceptional kids and great staff. I look forward to seeing who’s going to take the scholarship!”

ThriveTime Challenge

During the championship, participants will compete in a three round, single elimination tournament of the board game created by Lechter, ThriveTime for Teens. The board game was developed as a teaching tool to instill money management skills to youth and families. Students will play in tables of 5-6 students. The first player to “Thrive,” or win, at each table will advance to the second round; then, those winners will proceed to the final championship round.

The 1st place winner will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship from Pay Your Family First, plus a second $5,000 scholarship matched by Grand Canyon University. The 2nd and 3rd place winners both receive a $2,500 scholarship provided by private donors. According to Lechter, everyone who attends is a winner. Each participating high school from qualifying events received cash prizes; the school with the most spectators in tow receives the School Spirit Award, and each entering participant receives a goody-bag with various prizes.

“Grand Canyon University is proud to host the Thrive Time Challenge State Championship,” said Grand Canyon University’s dean of the College of Education, Kimberly LaPrade. “Learning to manage personal finances is vital for young people as they go out into the world on their own. The Challenge is teaching students these practical skills in a fun and exciting way.”

Arizona high schools interested in hosting a ThriveTime Scholarship Challenge, or organizations interested in empowering the next generation of superstars by sponsoring the events, should contact Angela Totman at Pay Your Family First: angela@pyff.net.

For information regarding the ThriveTime Scholarship Challenge, please visit: www.thrivetimechallenge.com.

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

Business

Online gaming and Entertainment company 2UP buys online pokies site

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Listed online gaming and entertainment company 2UP Gaming PLC (2GM:F) has purchased online affiliate pokies website WebNetPokies.

Nerang, Qld, March 27, 2012 – The purchase is part of the company’s acquisition plans and will enable 2UP to utilise its technology’s and marketing expertise to maximise traffic to the site as part of a value-add strategy.

While WebNetPokies will be a fully owned subsidiary of 2UP, it will be run as an independent business unit benefiting from cross promotion marketing opportunities from 2UP’s website, which already hosts a number of gaming and wagering options.

2UP business development director, Peter Flynn, says the purchase is an excellent strategic fit for the company providing immediate cash flow.

“We have previously stated that online affiliate businesses will form a part of our long-term plans to become a major international online gaming and entertainment company,” Mr Flynn says.

“The purchase of WebNetPokies is consistent with this strategy, and we believe its revenues can be significantly increased through a high rank on Google as an on-line pokies site which will form part of our marketing efforts.

“Another attraction to the affiliate business is its generic domain name which will allow us to incorporate the 2UP animated game as an added feature to pokies and slot machine players.”

Affiliate sites act as portals to enable visitors to locate and access online slot machines or pokies by redirecting them to casinos who pay for either traffic or a sale of their product. Many online casinos have affiliate programs driving traffic to their chosen domain.
A report released last year noted online poker and casino operations account for almost half of the USD$13.49 billion international internet gambling market.

2UP recently announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding to acquire European based video streaming business Streamark.

Streamark develops applications based on streaming video, tracking and communications technologies for mobile telecom operators, TV network and cable operators and hardware manufacturers.

The acquisition has strategic importance for the company as it allows the live streaming of content at a faster pace and reduced rate, giving 2UP a significant competitive advantage with a number of its live gambling products able to be delivered directly to mobile phones and tablets.

2UP has announced it is finalising a number of other potential acquisitions and a major capital raising from a substantial private equity firm.

The acquisitions include DBG Poker and Asian pool betting company ToteDaddy.

2UP is also in negotiations for a joint venture with an online lottery company.

2UP Gaming PLC is a fully functional online casino incorporating many gaming and wagering products including the 2UP coin toss game which is played in most countries around the world where players make a call on whether two coins being tossed in the air will fall as two tails or two heads. A correct call wins.

This will be underpinned by other unique and established gaming and wagering options to be released as part of its growth plans.

For more company information visit www.2UPgroup.com and to access the online casino visit www.2UP.com.

Media enquiries: Bruce Nelson +61 (0) 423 403 449 or email bruce@zakazukha.com

Contact:
Bruce Nelson
Zakazukha Marketing Communication
3 Eden Court
Nerang, Qld 4211
07 5596 6634
bruce@zakazukha.com
http://www.zakazukha.com

Business

OrientPlay Ltd. Launches Cake Poker Room

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OrientPlay Ltd. launches a Cake Poker room to enrich their poker suite on Apple Pie Poker

Valetta, Malta, March 27, 2012 – OrientPlay Ltd., an online gaming platform provider and operator of their premium in-house brands Casino Lunch and Apple Pie Poker, has launched their Cake Poker Room today.

Apple Pie Poker is a newly established poker room that is already garnering acclaim and recognition for its excellent player experience and unparalleled flair. Apple Pie Poker’s branding concepts are exceptionally unique amongst a profusion of similar online poker rooms, and stands out with its chic artwork, a neo-vintage pasquinade in the style of art found in American advertising in the 1970s.

Matt Takeno, Head of Gaming at OrientPlay Ltd. and poker aficionado had the following to say about the launch of the new poker room; “It’s been an arduous journey preparing everything for the launch of our brand new Cake Poker room, but the gentlemen at Cake have been extremely helpful and kind to make this process as smooth as possible. Today marks the day that our players will be able to play on the esteemed Cake Poker network, and the response from our players has been tremendously positive. Our players have spoken, and we’re happy to oblige. We’ve even added a Poker School written by yours truly.” Matt adds, “We’re not done yet. In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching yet another poker room to enrich the poker suite offered on Apple Pie Poker. You can expect to see the Enet Poker room on our platform in the near future, and you can bet that we’ll also be evolving our poker product to include other rooms as well.”

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

Media Enquiries
Nick Adams
care@casinolunch.com
+1.778.999.1150

About Casino Lunch & Apple Pie Poker
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. In addition the site offers a selection of both poker games through their Apple Pie Poker brand, (www.ApplePiePoker.com), which includes both Cake Network and Everleaf poker rooms. Casino Lunch and Apple Pie Poker accept 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
(00356) 21 445 991
gian@canaffco.com
http://www.casinolunch.com/

Consumer Services, Deals, Internet & Online, Telecom

Compare Mobile Plans Supports ACMA Plan for Clarity of Comms Industry Terminology

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Australian mobile users can look forward to less confusing mobile industry terminology if industry regulator Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) gets its way. The body has warned ISPs and mobile providers to clear up the various buzzwords they use such as ‘cap’ to help consumers enjoy more clarity of pricing plans.

ACMA is also targeting other industry terms in a bid to make consumers’ lives easier – the regulator wants to see a voluntary code of conduct in place to which ISPs will commit. Other industry terms are on the ACMA hitlist as it seeks to make the sector clearer and simpler for consumers.

‘Unlimited Plans’
Any companies which claim to offer ‘unlimited’ plans now need to clarify what they are supplying to subscribers. Many consumers remain confused about contractual details as small print often contains nuances about what is actually covered in their ‘unlimited’ contract, such as heavy charges for calling 1300 numbers.

ACMA wants all providers to remove the misleading word from promotional materials to help reassure consumers. In recent times some operators have taken steps to do this, including Vodafone removing ‘Infinite’ from plans and Amaysim including 1300 and 1800 numbers in Unlimited plans.

Sarah McDonald, spokesperson for Compare Mobile Plans, says: “We are really pleased to see ACMA taking this step, and it can only benefit consumers and the industry in general. Those providers which promise ‘Unlimited’ plans must deliver on that commitment or remove the term from their plans.”

Cap and Included Value
ACMA is also targeting misuse of the term ‘Cap’ in plans, unless providers are truly promoting plans which genuinely limit subscribers on what amounts they can spend on calls and data usage.

In its recent clarion call ACMA included a demand for providers to issue a ‘unit price’ for two-minute voice calls, unit prices per text and a standard cost for 1MB of data usage.

Flagfall
Visitors to Australia from outside the country regularly find themselves confused by the term ‘Flagfall’, which is linked to call connection charges – something which no longer exists in other western telecoms markets like the USA and Europe.

“There isn’t really any justification any longer for Australian ISPs to be charging for flagfall. This is another area where providers could help both the
industry and subscribers out by getting rid of it,” Sarah McDonald went on.

In recent times fledgling provider Amaysim took a stand and launched a range of no contract SIM only plans for Australian subscribers which don’t include any flagfall charges.

Included data
ACMA is also targeting included data contracts which can mislead consumers, in response to the high levels of smartphone penetration today enjoyed in Australia – the country is at 37% penetration right now.

“While ISPs and operators may find it easy to distinguish between ‘included data’ and ‘excess data’ plans, many consumers remain a bit baffled by them and need more clarity,” Sarah McDonald goes on. “Roaming charges is another area which consumers are still pretty puzzled by and they are fed up of getting charged huge sums simply for travelling – providers must address this.”

Comparing mobile phone plans
The variety of confusing industry terms around can make it hard to source and purchase the right subscription – but websites are here to help. Comparison specialists such as Compare Mobile Plans offer simple ways to calculate your needs and how much you want to spend on voice and data before signing up to a deal. The website carries all the latest offers from providers including Telstra, iPrimus, Westnet, Internode, TPG Internet and many more. Users can also compare the latest handsets and mobile devices on the site.

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Business

New Belgium Brewing’s “Tour de Fat” Announces National Schedule, Including First-time Festivals in Atlanta and Washington, DC

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Rollin’ Into a City Near You; Countdown Begins for Crafting Costumes

Ft. Collins, CO, March 26, 2012 – New Belgium Brewing today announced the much-anticipated Tour de Fat 2012 schedule. Now in its 13th season, Tour de Fat brings together passionate bike lovers for a day of two-wheeled revelry while raising money for local nonprofits. Tour de Fat is a thrilling rite of passage that includes an unparalleled costumed bicycle parade, New Belgium beer, dazzling entertainment, local food, unusual bike contests and much more. Coming to 15 cities across the country, New Belgium has added Atlanta and Washington, DC to this year’s lineup.

In 2012, Tour de Fat, which is a free event, will exceed the $2 million mark for money raised for local nonprofits through beer and merchandise purchases. Funds generally go to organizations in the world of bike advocacy, with money spent in a wide variety of ways, including trail maintenance, safety education, lobbying for better bicycle communities and a wide variety of other impactful initiatives.

The pinnacle of Tour de Fat is the ceremonious car-for-bike trade. At each Tour de Fat, one person becomes the center of the show as he or she gets up on stage, hands over car keys, and pledges to live one year car-free. Tour de Fat is now seeking volunteers to accept the swapper challenge. Each car-for-bike swapper will choose a local bike shop to help them turn their $2,250.00 budget into their ultimate car-replacement commuter bike. The cars will be auctioned by Vehicles for Charity, with proceeds to benefit local cycling organizations.

Swappers are chosen after submitting an application that describes why they are willing to trade in their vehicle for a shiny new bicycle. To submit an entry, go to the New Belgium Tour de Fat Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat), click on events and your city of choice, and upload your application video. Applications may also be written and sent to: trademycarforabike@newbelgium.com.

“This is a big year for Tour De Fat as we added two terrific cities to the roster and look to surpass $2 million in funds raised for organizations that do great things for bicyclists and beyond,” said Matt Kowal, Tour De Fat Impresario. Event Festavarian “In addition, our community of car-for-bike swappers is about to grow, which is a highlight of our whole year. Bike advocacy should always be this much fun.”

A few tidbits about Tour de Fat:

* Start sewing, collecting and dreaming up something to wear as Tour de Fat encourages embracing your inner costume-loving self. Come dressed up to help put on the most colorful, respectful and creative bike parade ever witnessed in each city.

* Tour de Fat seeks to leave as small an environmental imprint as possible and composts and recycles waste. Bring only what you need and watch for proper receptacles. We’ll do the rest!

* All performers grab your attention from alternatively empowered stages decked out in recycled materials; trucks and transport use biofuel sourced from recycled waste oils; and all vendors operate off the grid.

* This is a pro-bike celebration, not an anti-car rally. Non-cyclists are more than welcome to join the festivities.

In 2011, Tour de Fat traveled to 13 cities, attracting a total of 69,550 festival attendees and 41,150 parade cyclists. In addition, the festival raised $331,428 and boasted an impressive 90 percent diversion of waste from landfills.

See https://www.facebook.com/TourDeFat for the Tour de Fat credo, schedules, videos and to submit your entry to swap your gas guzzler for a fancy new bike.

Tour de Fat 2012 will cycle through each of the following cities:

Nashville, TN – June 2 – Centennial Park
Washington, DC – June 16 – Yards Park
Durham, NC – June 23 – Diamond View Park on the American Tobacco Campus
Atlanta, GA – June 30 – Historic 4th Ward Park
Milwaukee, WI – July 14 – Coast Guard Event Area, McKinley Park
Chicago, IL – July 21 – Palmer Square
Minneapolis, MN – July 28 – Loring Park
Boise, ID – August 18 – Ann Morrison Park
Fort Collins, CO – September 1 – Civic Center Park Area
Denver, CO – September 8 – City Park
Los Angeles, CA – September 15 – Los Angeles State Historic Park
San Francisco, CA – September 22 – Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park
San Diego, CA – September 29 – Golden Hill Park
Tempe, AZ – October 6 – Tempe Town Lake
Austin, TX – October 20 – Fiesta Gardens

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Shift Pale Lager, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases.  In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship.  For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

Contact:
Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
720.244.4268
303.433.7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com