Welcomemat Services Celebrates First Annual National Conference

Welcomemat Services rolled out the welcome mat for more than 23 franchisees and guests at its first annual national conference April 20 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Ga.

Atlanta, GA (USA), Friday – May 25th, 2012 — Welcomemat Services ( http://www.welcomematservices.com ) rolled out the welcome mat for more than 23 franchisees and guests at its first annual national conference April 20 at Chateau Elan in Braselton, Ga. The three-day event incorporated award ceremonies, panels and roundtable sessions on growing and developing local franchise business ideas. Special presentations from industry experts and guest speakers were also heard.

Founder and CEO Brian Mattingly took the opportunity to bestow top franchisees with prestigious awards. Among them, Westfield, Ind.-based owners Dave and Sheryl Eickman were named Franchise of the Year, based on a series and ranking of Welcomemat key performance indicators. Wilmington, N.C. owners Frank and Shelli Bernardini were runners up for the award.

“We’re thrilled to have Dave and Sheryl on the Welcomemat team,” said Mattingly. “Over the past year, they have shown extreme dedication to their business. It was a hard decision with so many deserving owners, but Dave and Sheryl proved themselves and exceeded our expectations as new franchisees.”

Since franchising began in early 2011, Welcomemat ( http://www.welcomematservices.com ) has expanded to 10 franchised units and maintains seven corporate-operated locations. Projections call for the opening of eight additional franchise locations in 2012 toward a goal of opening 200 locations during the next five years in high-profile, transient markets across the country.

WELCOMEMAT SERVICES
3348 Peachtree Road, Suite 1095
Atlanta, GA 30326
Contact: Brian Mattingly
Phone: 404-841-2226
Website: http://www.welcomematservices.com

Press & Media Contact:
Courtney Thomas / Nicole Benzer
Sanderson & Associates, Ltd
3348 Peachtree Road, Suite 1095
Atlanta, GA 30326 – USA
312-829-4350
courtney@sandersonpr.com / nicole@sandersonpr.com
http://www.welcomematservices.com

Sports Memorabilia represent Good Investment Opportunity claims AAA

AAA claims that sporting goods retailers and sporting memorabilia could be where the major money is for alternative investors.

Boston, MA, USA, May 26, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) claims that sporting goods retailers and sporting memorabilia could be where the major money is for alternative investors.

The alternative investment advocacy group made the claim following news that a Jersey worn by baseball legend Babe Ruth recently sold for $4.4 million. The shirt was the earliest Yankees shirt belonging to the 1920s batter and has reached record sums at auction – outselling the superstar’s home, which went on market for just $1.6 million.

The jersey had been on display at the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum in Baltimore for several years but was sold back in April by its private owner to an undisclosed bidder for the huge sum. The price beats the former highest price paid for sporting goods, which was a record held for the original rules of baseball written by Dr James Naismith – selling for $4.3 million in 2010.

“People are sports crazy at the moment,” claims AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He went on to add, “sports memorabilia is selling well, but sporting goods retailers are also outperforming the market.” Johnson is referring to firms like Dick’s Sporting Goods, which is investing heavily in expansion this year and stocks are rising in value.

Alternative asset classes of all kinds are proving increasingly popular with savvy investors who want to ensure that their portfolios are diversified against risks, explained AAA. Those interested in making money from their hobbies can invest in memorabilia or even wine, art, antiques or timber – all of which can regularly outperform stocks and shares.

“People are opting for alternative investments, through firms like Greenwood Management, which specialises in forestry investments, in order to reduce their exposure to equity markets, which are still proving volatile,” explained Johnson. The uncertainties surrounding Europe’s economic recovery is having repercussions all over the world and investors are aware that markets could take another tumble at any time.

About Alternative Asset Analysis:
The remit of Alternative Asset Analysis is to analyse and provide news on the global performance of a wide range of alternative asset classes including, but not restricted to, commodities, real estate, forestry, foreign exchange, hedge funds, private equity and venture capital.

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

US Real estate could be worth investing in again, says AAA

The real estate market in the US could be worth investing in again, according to AAA.

Boston, MA, May 26, 2012 – The real estate market in the US could be worth investing in again, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The alternative investment advocacy group said that recent figures show that house prices are increasing once more and that now could be a great time to invest in real estate in the US.

“The green shoots that are starting to show in the market indicate that the trend is for prices to rise steadily – suggesting that now is the time to grab a bargain,” stated Anthony Johnson, AAA’s analysis partner.

His comments followed the publication of new figures from the Commerce Department, which showed sales grew by 3.3 per cent in April, compared with sales in March. House building is also up, according to the figures, which showed that new housing starts increased to an annualized rate of 717,000 new homes per year, which is the largest number since 2008.

The house building trend is partly being driven by the fact that buyers will generally want to build new homes rather than move into ones that are being sold as a distressed sale, which are likely to be in disrepair.

AAA is keen to promote alternative investments to those who want to diversify their investment portfolios against the risks involved in stocks, shares and bonds. “These traditional asset classes do not offer the stable options they once did and investors are increasingly aware that these markets are extremely volatile and they want to offset this with alternative investments, such as real estate,” explained Mr Johnson.

AAA is an advocate of alternative and ethical investments of all kinds, but it is particularly interested in highlighting impact investing options and forestry investment through projects such as those run by Greenwood Management in Brazil.

Greenwood offers investors the chance to buy up sections of sustainable plantation land and receive returns in the medium-term while enjoying the benefits of an asset class that is not linked to other economic trends.

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

Online Microfinance Evaluation tool will help validate the industry, says AAA

Socially responsible investors are welcoming the launch of a new web-based analytics platform specifically designed to evaluate microfinance funds, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, May 26, 2012 – Socially responsible investors are welcoming the launch of a new web-based analytics platform specifically designed to evaluate microfinance funds, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Luxembourg-based LuxFLAG and US-based micro financing ratings agency MicroRate, have launched Luminis, which is the first product of its kind. Alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, said its launch follows a period of growth in the microfinance market and for socially responsible investments in general.

The online tool was revealed at the Luxembourg Fund Industry’s Responsible Investing Conference on 10 May. The platform features reports and profiles of the various funds, together with a range of research tools and information to help investors get to grips with impact investing. The team behind Luminis looks at factors including risk, performance and social impact. This data is then presented to users through in-depth fund reports and profiles.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, welcomed the new tool stating: “The market for socially and environmentally responsible investment products is growing all the time and platforms like this help to enhance the validity of the sector.

“Investors are beginning to realise that making ethically sound investments and seeing healthy returns are not mutually exclusive.”

The CEO of MicroRate, Sebastian von Stauffenberg, meanwhile, stated, “We are excited to see how Luminis will facilitate investment into microfinance, ultimately improving financial access for billions of micro-entrepreneurs around the world.”

AAA supports a range of impact investing options and is particularly keen to promote environmentally responsible alternative investments like sustainable forestry investment through firms like Greenwood Management. Greenwood operates a number of sustainable plantations in Brazil, helping to provide an alternative source of timber products for export and charcoal for the country’s burgeoning steel industry.

Those who invest in Greenwood’s plantations receive a tangible asset in exchange for their cash in the form of a section of plantation land. Mr Johnson added “Timberland investments are popular at the moment as demand for forestry products in developing countries is rising alongside their economic strength.”

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

Harrisburg University President Leaving, Dr. Eric Darr Appointed Interim President of HU

After a decade as President and CEO of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Dr. Mel Schiavelli announced today that he is leaving the university he helped to establish to become executive vice president for academic and student services at Northern Virginia Community College effective July 1, 2012.

Harrisburg, PA, May 24, 2012 – After a decade as President and CEO of Harrisburg University of Science and Technology, Dr. Mel Schiavelli announced today that he is leaving the university he helped to establish to become executive vice president for academic and student services at Northern Virginia Community College effective July 1, 2012.

Additionally, the Board of Trustees announced that it has appointed Eric Darr, Ph.D., interim president of the University effective July 1, 2012.

“It has been my honor to work with corporate, government, and community leaders, to help transform the concept of a four-year educational institution in Harrisburg they advanced in 1999 into a reality. This community has accomplished that which many thought could never be done. Working together, we have created an institution of higher learning that emphasizes the partnership between business and education to create workforce-ready graduates,” says Schiavelli.

Schiavelli guided the University from concept to its current $73 million Academic Center at 326 Market Street in Harrisburg. Founded in 2001, the University became the first science and technology focused comprehensive university chartered in Pennsylvania in a century.

During his tenure at the university, total student enrollment increased from 113 in August 2005 to 1,022 (approximately 400 full-time equivalent students) in September 2011. The University also completed a $40-million comprehensive fundraising campaign: CONNECT: The Campaign for Harrisburg University, where it raised nearly $45 million, was accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and has been profiled nationally as a new model for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) higher education.

“Mel has taken the vision of the community and formed it into an innovative and effective new model for STEM education. The community is, and will forever be, grateful for creating this gem in our city. We wish him well in his return to Virginia and thank him for his decade of service to create Harrisburg University,” says Robert Dolan, Chair of the Harrisburg University Board of Trustees.

Schiavelli says any successes were a collective effort.

“None of these were personal accomplishments but they were accomplishments of a strong and dedicated team. I believe that there comes a time when it’s appropriate to ask others to continue the work,” said Schiavelli. “This move is a ‘homecoming’ for me because I served at the nation’s second oldest college—The College of William and Mary in Virginia for 26 years. More than half of my professional life was spent in the Old Dominion where I still have many friends and colleagues.”

Begun in 1964, Northern Virginia Community College is the largest educational institution in Virginia and the second-largest community college in the United States, comprising of more than 75,000 students and 2,600 faculty and staff members. NOVA is also one of the most internationally diverse colleges in the United States, with a student body consisting of individuals from more than 180 countries.

A search committee will be appointed by Harrisburg University’s Board of Trustees to launch a national search to identify and interview potential candidates. The Board of Trustees will make the final selection with the goal to appoint the president by July 1, 2013.

“Eric arrived here before we had students and he has helped to build and grow the University from idea to reality. We are confident that he will provide excellent leadership to Harrisburg University,” said Dolan. “He has served as executive vice president and provost since 2007, and he is familiar with all aspects of the institution and with its many external partners. He has had primary responsibility for our academic programs and the recent growth in our enrollments. His experience will be essential as he guides the university during this period of transition.”

Darr earned both a bachelor of science degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master of science degree in Industrial Psychology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He also earned an MBA and a doctor of philosophy degree in Organizational Behavior and Theory from Carnegie Mellon University where he studied under Nobel Prize Winner and noted organizational theorist Herbert Simon.

While at the Anderson Graduate School of Management at the University of California at Los Angeles, he conducted research and consulted in over twenty multinational corporations including Arthur Andersen, Gemini Consulting, TRW Space and Electronics, Hughes Aerospace, Bank of America, Xerox, British Airways and Qantas Airlines.

During his career, he has developed and taught Doctoral and MBA courses in organizational learning, organizational change, organization design, process reengineering, business strategy and technology management. Further, he developed and taught executive education courses in measuring intellectual capital, corporate renewal, managing information technology resources, improving product development and creating organizational memory.

He has published numerous articles and book chapters on organizational learning, learning technologies and competitive advantage. He has been an invited speaker at universities in the United States, Austria, Great Britain, France, Australia and the Netherlands. His research has been supported by the National Science Foundation and the Center for International Business Education and Research at UCLA.

Prior to joining Harrisburg University he was Chief Operating Officer from 2000 until 2004 at KnowledgePlanet, Inc., a software company located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. From 1997 to 2000, Dr. Darr led Ernst & Young’s Knowledge Management Consulting Services.

Founded in 2001 to address Central Pennsylvania’s need for increased opportunities for study leading to careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, Harrisburg University is an innovative and ambitious private institution that produces graduates who provide increased competence and capacity in science and technology disciplines to Pennsylvania and the nation. Harrisburg University ensures institutional access for underrepresented students and links learning and research to practical outcomes. As a private University serving the public good, Harrisburg University remains the only STEM-focused comprehensive university located between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.

For more information on the University’s demand-driven undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs in applied science and technology fields, call 717.901.5146 or email Connect@HarrisburgU.edu

Contact:
Steven Infanti
AVP Communications
326 Market Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.901.5146
sinfanti@harrisburgu.edu
http://www.harrisburgu.edu/

Beachside Resorts on Estero Island Offer Amazing Spring Savings

FORT MYERS, Fla., –May 9, 2012 – The Continental Group Realty’s (TCGR) hospitality division is pleased to announce the “Escape to Estero Island, buy THREE nights and get the FOURTH night FREE” spring package for a relaxing getaway in one of Southwest Florida’s favorite destinations overlooking the pristine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This vacation package is the perfect match for couples and families who enjoy Florida’s beaches on Fort Myers’ Estero Island. This offer is available on www.SandalsInTheSand.com; please check the website for availability. Holiday periods excluded, based on availability, no discounts may be combined.

 

The Sandals in the Sand “Escape to Estero Island” spring vacation package offers visitors their choice of three beautiful resorts located on breathtaking Estero Island: Seaside All-Suite Resort, Casa Playa Beach Resort and Cornerstone Beach Resort. These resorts are a tropical paradise providing soothing hospitality and relaxation, while offering various package options that will fit most budgets. A perfect family or romantic couple’s spring vacation is available and affordable.

 

Just north of Naples, you will experience Florida the way it used to be.  Estero Island offers miles of white, sandy beaches along the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and is complete with extraordinary sunsets, exceptional shelling and unique wildlife that attract visitors worldwide.

 

Estero Island is an ideal spring getaway location with tropical breezes, great beaches, exquisite dining and luxurious accommodations. Marinas throughout Estero Island are perfect for boating adventures including romantic sunset cruises, sightseeing cruises and deep-sea fishing. For nature lovers, just cross a bridge at the southern tip of the island to escape to Lovers Key State Park – a harbor for wildlife and home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles.

 

Experience the suite life and make this a getaway to remember with a choice of three great resorts:

 

The Seaside All – Suite Resort, located in the middle of Estero Island, is rated number three out of 20 on Trip Advisor’s popularity index.  This resort offers 50 suites each equipped with two bedrooms, a large inviting living/dining area, a fully equipped kitchen, two full baths, a heated pool, and a private

screened in lanai that lets you enjoy the warm tropical breezes and dine al fresco over spectacular sunsets. View details at http://www.seasideresort.us/ or call toll free 888-226-6555.

 

The Casa Playa Beach Resort is an all-suite resort located on the exclusive north tip of Estero Island. The 35-unit resort condominiums are each privately owned and individually decorated. All suites have private balconies and high speed wireless Internet. Casa Playa resort offers two pet-friendly designated floors, a heated pool, picnic area, gas grills, beach lounge chairs and a serene private beach area.  For more information visit http://www.casaplayaresort.com/ or call toll free 1-800-569-4876.

 

The Cornerstone Beach Hotel, located mid-island, has 12 elegant, non-smoking one and two bedroom units all with incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico. Suites include a fully appointed kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and screened lanais. All contain flat panel televisions in the living room and bedrooms. Beautiful views can also be enjoyed while swimming and sunning by the heated Gulf front pool. See details at http://www.cornerstonebeachhotel.com/ or call toll free 1-888-226-6555.

 

About The Continental Group Realty:

The Continental Group Realty, a subsidiary of The Continental Group, Inc. (TCG), brings together tenants with property owners, visitors with destination rentals and investors with developers. Since its inception, The Continental Group Realty has become Florida’s most reputable Residential Income Property Management Company, proving repeatedly its commitment to building long-term professional relationships. With over 200 team members and a dozen offices throughout Florida, TCGR has developed several specialized divisions to service the growing and diverse needs of the residential rental and leasing management industry. For more information please visit www.tcgr.com or www.SandalsInTheSand.com

 

The Continental Group is a subsidiary of FirstService Residential Management (FSR). FSR is the largest manager of residential communities in North America, overseeing more than 5,600 properties and over 1.3 million residential units.

FirstService Residential is a subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV, TSX: FSV), a global leader in the rapidly growing real estate services sector. Further information may be obtained at www.firstservice.com.

 

 

Getting Timely Assistance By Air Conditioning Repair San Antonio

Air conditioning amenities have come to be utilised by all people in all countries. They are applied in households, offices, hospitals and also in spots wherever individuals like to have temperature controlled of their environment. With such huge numbers of air conditioners in use servicing and repair amenities are of very important importance. Persons of San Antonio can turn to http://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/sanantonio/ac-restore/ for finding the services required. The organization specializes in personalized solutions and cellphone calls are not left to be answered by an inanimate answering service.

Folks who engage ABC Property & Industrial Services can anticipate to get satisfactory answers and stick to up services when there is a dilemma in their air conditioner. The business engages factory educated and skilled mechanics, capable of attending to main restore get the job done and standard maintenance on all air conditioners whatever be their make. Even phone calls are attended by well trained servicemen who make it a point to come across out from the purchaser about the challenge in making use of the air conditioner.

In air conditioning repair san Antonio you will get a skilled service mechanic visit your place and thoroughly examine your air conditioner to find the problem. Immediately after a clear assessment of the nature of the function to be done you will be presented with a quote or estimate for carrying out fix function, completely overhaul it, reinstall it and put it use. Quotations are produced on a contract basis and whatever is quoted is held firm and not matter to variation for the duration of the course of restore get the job done.

Work is undertaken only soon after the quote is approved by you and the go ahead provided for proceeding with the get the job done. Given that the quote is not for charging by the hour, the function is expected to be completed inside the estimated period. The business is very well stocked with all the components and elements that may well have to be replaced for the duration of the restore process.

By going to visitabchomeandcommercial.com you can get normal yearly servicing contract signed with the corporation. The company’s technician usually explains the nature of problem when the air conditioner is beneath restore. Following fix and reinstallation you get guidelines on how to sustain the air conditioner so that troubles like the ones encountered lately do not recur once more. Folks do not spend significantly interest to maintaining air conditioners correctly.

ABC Household & Commercial besides getting of help in placing back your air conditioner back into service also provides amount of related benefits. Trying to keep them in your list for sustaining your property gear allows you to get priority scheduling and also low cost on all repairing get the job done carried out by them. Given that costs are for the work completed no overtime charge is charged. These are not only in respect of air conditioners but it covers electrical and plumbing get the job done in your residence or office.

Check out ABC Home & Commercial Services, And visit at here To get know more about http://www.abchomeandcommercial.com/sanantonio/ac-repair/.

StudyAbroad.com Reveals Best Practices, New Findings in Study Abroad Recruitment White Paper

Research highlights relationship of study abroad programs to student satisfaction, market competitiveness

Hoboken, New Jersey, May 24, 2012 – StudyAbroad.com, the Internet’s leading source of information on educational opportunities for students seeking study abroad programs outside the U.S., today announced the availability of a new white paper titled, “Recruiting Study Abroad Students: Current Approaches and Best Practices.” The white paper addresses best practices from StudyAbroad.com and other organizations serving students with study abroad programs as well as gaps in existing marketing strategies.

The white paper is comprised of data from surveys StudyAbroad.com and its parent company, EducationDynamics, conducted with a select group of more than 50 institutions and study abroad program providers, as well as best practices StudyAbroad.com has learned from its own experience. The white paper highlights the numerous opportunities for institutions to understand the demand in their market, how to correctly identify study abroad prospects and steps to take to boost current and future study abroad recruitment strategies.

“As interest in study abroad increases among U.S. students, there will be a need for even more polished and strategic approaches to recruitment for academic and cultural experiences overseas. A lack of understanding of who students are, how to find them and how they prefer to be communicated can negatively impact a study abroad program’s ability to grow and be successful,” said Chuck DelCamp, Product Manager at StudyAbroad.com. “This white paper is intended for individuals leading the study abroad marketing efforts at colleges, universities and non-institution based program providers to be able to take the steps needed to run successful programs. The findings included will provide useful insights and practical tactics that will benefit existing and new study abroad programs.”

Based on survey participants’ responses, StudyAbroad.com has uncovered five steps to recruiting study abroad students. This information includes:

* Knowing the market demand for study abroad programs

* Understanding and aligning marketing approaches to student preferences

* Choosing, assessing and adjusting marketing efforts for maximum effectiveness

* Qualifying study abroad student prospects

* Deciding whether (and if so, how) to outsource specific recruitment activities

While the desire to study abroad continues to increase among students, the reality is that many organizations still have much to learn when it comes to making potential participants aware of their program offerings. Competition in the market will continue to climb as well, as more than 70% of survey respondents said they plan to develop brand new study abroad programs in the next year. As the StudyAbroad.com white paper outlines, this means that the criticalness of marketing to the right individuals will only become more important to the process of recruiting study abroad participants.

Organizations interested in ordering a copy of “Recruiting Study Abroad Students: Current Approaches and Best Practices” should contact Chuck DelCamp at 484.766.2955 or cdelcamp@educationdynamics.com.

About StudyAbroad.com
StudyAbroad.com is a web resource of EducationDynamics and the Internet’s leading source of information on educational opportunities for students to study in other countries. It is a comprehensive directory of study abroad and intensive language programs organized by subject and destination. Currently information on more than 12,000 study abroad programs is available and more than two million students visit StudyAbroad.com annually. StudyAbroad.com also offers Destination Portal Pages, a handbook serving as a guide to traveling abroad; Blog Abroad, a blog that chronicles the experiences of students as they study abroad; and financial aid information. To learn more, visit www.StudyAbroad.com.

About EducationDynamics
EducationDynamics is higher education’s leading marketing information and technology services company dedicated to helping institutions find, enroll and retain students. Its content-rich and highly visible education websites, including EarnMyDegree.com, EducationConnection.com, eLearners.com, GradSchools.com, StudyAbroad.com, TestDriveCollege.com, TestDriveGradSchool.com and its special interest microsites, make EducationDynamics the premier provider of qualified prospective students for colleges and universities. In addition, the company offers a full suite of Web-delivered services proven to drive enrollment growth and reduce student attrition, as well as other innovative solutions including LeadWatchLive, its Web-based inquiry management system. Through Aslanian Market Research, the company brings decades of proprietary research, unparalleled market and student intelligence and best practice insights to clients. For more information, visit educationdynamics.com.

Contact:
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 433-7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Bryant & Stratton College Online Hosts Virtual Open House June 4 for Prospective Students

Students considering college will have the chance to ask questions about online education and chat live with admissions and financial aid representatives

Buffalo, NY, May 24, 2012 – Bryant & Stratton College Online, a premier provider of online Associate’s degree programs, will host a free Virtual Open House on Monday, June 4, from 6:00-8:00pm EDT. Admissions representatives will be available to chat live and answer questions from prospective students about the online degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College Online. Representatives will also give an overview of the overall online college experience from application deadlines, the enrollment process and courses, to career services, opportunities and support available to students. Currently Bryant & Stratton College offers five online Bachelor’s degree programs and eleven online Associate’s degree programs including online health management degrees, business management degrees and others in the fields of business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology.

Additionally, prospective students will have the opportunity to connect directly with financial aid representatives about financial aid options and scholarships available at Bryant & Stratton College Online. Military personnel and military spouses who are considering an online degree program will be able to speak with Ed Dennis, Military Relations Manager at Bryant & Stratton College Online, about their specific needs and concerns.

Prospective students interested in attending the Virtual Open House are invited to complete a free registration at online.bryantstratton.edu/openhouse/.

“Some students see the benefit of online education but are still unsure about how it will work once they enroll, the Virtual Open House gives the a chance to get there questions answered. It is an easy and convenient way for interested students to explore the degree programs we offer and meet with admissions representatives before applying,” said Scott Traylor, Associate Campus Director for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College. “An online program can be an option for those who need to balance a job or family responsibilities with earning their degree or for those simply looking for a flexible course schedule. The Virtual Open House allows prospective students to gather information so they can decide if online education is a good fit.”

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

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, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, 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 online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 433-7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Crisil DA1 Excellent Rating Conferred Upon the Prestige Group

The Prestige Group has emerged as the only developer in India to receive the coveted ‘Crisil DA1 Excellent’ rating.

Bangalore, India, Thursday – May 24, 2012 — The Prestige Group ( http://www.prestigeconstructions.com ) has emerged as the only developer in India to receive the coveted ‘Crisil DA1 Excellent’ rating. While the Crisil DA1rating, which is the highest form of certification among developers, is sought by all in the sector, it is only the Prestige Group which has managed to walk away with the ‘Excellent’ rating from them, within India, thus reinforcing their position as one of the foremost developers in the country today.

Mr. Irfan Razack – CMD, Prestige Group said, “While the Prestige Group has always attempted to create benchmarks and raise the bar through their innovation, creativity and determination to provide international standards of quality and design in their various developments, a certification of the highest level from an authority such as Crisil will surely reinforce the faith that thousands of loyal Prestige patrons have in the company.”

About Crisil Real Estate Developer Ratings:
CRISIL is India’s largest credit rating agency and is today the undisputed business leader, with the largest number of rated entities and rating products. Crisil Real Estate Developer Ratings are opinions based on a developer’s past track record in executing real estate projects and are indicative of their ability to do so in future. Factors such as legal & construction track record of the developer; organizational systems, structure & processes; financial profile; are assessed while assigning the rating. Developers with higher ratings will have properties that are legally sound and that are completed and delivered on schedule.

Rating scale and definition:
The rating symbols of the real estate developers’ rating use the letter ‘DA’, indicating the Developer’s Ability to execute projects, as suggested by his track record.

Symbol: DA1
Interpretation: EXCELLENT
Definition: The developer’s ability to execute real estate projects as per specified quality levels within the stipulated time schedule, and to transfer clean title, is excellent.

Symbol: DA2
Interpretation: VERY GOOD
Definition: The developer’s ability to execute real estate projects as per specified quality levels within the stipulated time schedule, and to transfer clean title, is very good.

Symbol: DA3
Interpretation: GOOD
Definition: The developer’s ability to execute real estate projects as per specified quality levels within the stipulated time schedule, and to transfer clean title, is good.

Symbol: DA4
Interpretation: BELOW AVERAGE
Definition: The developer’s ability to execute real estate projects as per specified quality levels within the stipulated time schedule, and to transfer clean title, is below average.

Symbol: DA5
Interpretation: POOR
Definition: The developer’s ability to execute real estate projects as per specified quality levels within the stipulated time schedule, and to transfer clean title, is poor.

About Prestige Group:
Synonymous with innovation, the Prestige Group has in recent years expanded its presence across several cities in South India including Chennai, Kochi, Mangalore, Mysore, Hyderabad and Goa, apart from Bangalore.

The company already has several successful completed and ongoing projects in Chennai to its credit, spanning the commercial and retail segments. Prestige Cyber Towers and Prestige Palladium are two recently completed commercial developments, which have received an overwhelming response. Among other projects, Prestige Polygon, another commercial development, is currently under construction while the Forum Vijaya Mall, slated to be Chennai’s largest mall, is also scheduled to be unveiled later this year.

Over the last decade, the Prestige Group ( http://www.prestigeconstructions.com ) has firmly established itself as one of the leading and most successful developers of real estate in South India by imprinting its indelible mark across all asset classes. Founded in 1986, the group’s turnover has today crossed Rs. 1,600 crores. A leap that has been inspired by CMD Irfan Razack and marshaled by his brothers Rezwan Razack and Noaman Razack. Having completed more than 161 projects covering over 45.82 million sqft, the group has over 61.33 million sqft of under development & planned projects. In October 2010, the Prestige Group also successfully entered the Capital Market with an Initial Public Offering of Rs 1,200 crore.

Aggressive growth plans in the residential, commercial, retail, and hospitality domains will be visible in the skylines of Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, Mangalore, Mysore and Goa in the coming years, giving each city an unparalleled experience with landmark malls on the lines of The Forum, Large Townships, Tech Parks, Hotels, Luxury Villas and SEZs.

The Prestige Group is the only developer from Bangalore to receive the reputed FIABCI award for their software and residential facilities. The Prestige Group has been on a winning spree for the last two years and has received several international and national awards for their various developments.

Press & Media Contact:
Urmila Biswas / Lakshman Babu
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
Bangalore, India
Ph: 98860 99736 / 98457 06155
urmila.biswas@ogilvy.com
http://www.prestigeconstructions.com