Category Archives: Business

Investors still not aware of alternative option, claims AAA

A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 23, 2012 – A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The study was carried out by Natixis Global Asset Management and questioned more than 5,000 investors in 14 countries. It found that investors were generally more worried about the risk held within their portfolios and, therefore, took more and more notice of their advisers when making investment decisions. However, the study found that many investors are not realising the potential benefits of alternative investment as a tool for diversifying portfolios against risk.

Anthony Johnson of the alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, commented on the finding: “We think it’s a shame that investors are still missing out on the diversification opportunities offered by alternative asset classes like forestry, real estate, private equity and even precious metals and art.

“These kinds of alternatives are often less correlated with inflation and can grow in value when other, more traditional assets are seeing their values plummet.”

Forestry, for example, is being lauded as a great investment product as it offers flexibility for the investor, claims AAA. Anyone buying timberland has purchased growing trees that will continue to grow if timber prices are depressed. “Investors simply hang on to their investment and watch it physically grow if the market conditions aren’t right when they reach maturity,” added Johnson.

The study carried out by Natixis also found that fewer investors are confident that their investment portfolio will provide for them in retirement. In fact, the trend is more towards preserving capital than increasing returns. “This is even more of an argument for trying out alternative investment through companies like Greenwood Management that offer a risk-averse middle-term option that can protect portfolios form market crashes and the impact of changes in inflation,” concluded Mr Johnson.

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

“World Tea & Coffee Expo”™ 2013, Only Trade Show Dedicated to the Tea & Coffee Sectors in India to be held at Mumbai, India from Fri Feb 15 – Sun Feb 17, 2013

* Supported by many eminent trade bodies including Tea Board of India (Govt of India). * Over 10,000 Trade visitors expected.

Mumbai, India, October 23, 2012 — The “World Tea & Coffee Expo”™ ( http://www.worldteacoffeeexpo.com ), India’s only trade show focused on the Tea & Coffee Sectors is all set to make its debut at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, Mumbai, India from Fri Feb 15 – Sun Feb 17, 2013. At this exclusive trade show all leading global companies associated with Tea & Coffee trade will showcase their products and technologies.

Leading Trade Bodies like Tea Board of India. (Govt of India), Federation of Indian Tea Traders Association (FAITTA), Bombay Tea Traders Association (BTTA), India-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Small and Medium Business Development Chamber of India, Confederation of Indian Small Tea Growers Assoc (CISTA) and Darjeeling Tea Association are supporting this unique trade event.

Showcasing their products, brands & technologies at World Tea & Coffee Expo™ 2013 (WTCE 2013) are over 100 Exhibitors from across the world comprising of Tea & Coffee Manufacturers, Tea Gardens & Coffee Estates, Tea & Coffee Wholesalers & Dealers, Exporters & Importers, Raw Materials Suppliers & Manufacturers, Machinery MFRs & Packaging companies, Chain Stores / Franchisors, Fine Chocolate & Gourmet Mint MFRs, Processors & Processing machinery MFRs, Tea / Coffee Vending Machines Manufacturers, Flavoured Beverages Manufacturers and Manufacturers of Equipment & Appliances.

Tea and coffee are among the most popular beverages, consumed both in India and around the world. The top two tea producing nations – China and India, collectively produce about 60% of total global tea output. India is the second-largest tea producer and consumer after China and fourth largest tea exporter after Kenya, China, and Sri Lanka.

India, which exports more than two-thirds of its coffee output, grows coffee primarily in its Southern part. Recently, Coffee too has become very popular in India amongst the youth thanks to entry of new Indian & Overseas chains like Barista, Café Coffee Day (CCD), Costa Coffee, Gloria Jeans, and others. With domestic coffee outlets set to increase manifold over the next 3 years, in addition to foray of global players such as Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts, the coffee industry is likely to witness healthy growth in future.

WTCE 2013 will serve as the ideal platform not only for showcasing Indian Tea & Coffee brands and technologies but also for International companies to seek market expansion & branding prospects in India. The event will thus serve the twin purpose of acting as a sourcing platform for Indian companies and as marketing avenue for seeking international buyers. The event shall facilitate striking of deals, joint ventures and signing of major contracts. In view of the uniqueness of the show, it is expected to be attended by over 10,000 trade buyers and general visitors.

WTCE 2013 shall also include Buyer Seller Meets & Seminars to enable entrepreneurs to access latest developments in trade and technologies in the international markets.

The principal organizer of the show is Sentinel Exhibitions Asia P Ltd [SEA], a part of the Sentinel media group. Headquartered in Mumbai (India), SEA is engaged in organizing International Business Conferences and Trade Expos. The co-organizer is Mumbai-based M/s Alex Events, an event execution company since the last 8 years. For further information please log onto http://www.worldteacoffeeexpo.com or call in +91 22 28625133 or email to info@worldteacoffeeexpo.com.

Press & Media Contact:
Mitesh M Kapadia
Sentinel Public Relations Pvt Ltd / Sentinel Advertising Services
B-603, Samajdeep
Near Bhanu Park/Seasons Restaurant
Adukia Road, Off S V Road
Kandivli (W), Mumbai 400 067. INDIA
Tel: (91 22) 28625131/32
Cel: +91 98205 03876
Fax: (91 22) 28625133
mitesh@publicrelationindia.com
http://www.publicrelationindia.com
http://www.worldteacoffeeexpo.com

Denver Mart Announces 10-Year Extension Agreements for Two Major Events: Tanner Gun Show and the Western & English Sales Association (WESA)

The Denver Mart is proud to announce two major Denver shows have signed 10-year contract renewals.

Denver, Colorado, Oct. 22, 2012 – The Denver Mart is proud to announce two major Denver shows have signed 10-year contract renewals. Both the Tanner Gun Show and the Western and English Sales Association (WESA) will continue to host their highly successful events at the Denver Mart through 2022.

The Tanner Gun Show, recognized as Colorado’s oldest and largest gun show, now holds 11 shows annually, and has been a fixture at the Denver Mart since 1984. The shows, which are open to the public, feature more than 700 vendors from throughout the Western United States selling all types of guns, knives, ammunition, survival gear and food, and related hunting and fishing accessories including holsters, western wear, gun safes, books, war relics and other collectibles.

The International Western/English Apparel & Equipment Market, operated by WESA is held semi-annually in January and September and is one of the largest western industry tradeshows in the world. The Market draws more than 3,300 exhibitors, company principles and sales reps to Denver to do business with more than 6,300 buyers from all 50 states and 27 foreign countries. The agreement extends the Western Market through 2022 with an option to extend through 2027.

“WESA has enjoyed a 45-year relationship with the Denver Mart. Both the WESA membership, and their loyal buyer attendees, are excited to continue successful Markets for another decade in a trusted and improved venue,” said Toni High, WESA executive director.

In addition to keeping the Western Market at the Denver Mart, the commitment by both parties reaffirms the Denver Mart as the preeminent showroom location for wholesalers and manufactures of western boots, apparel and furnishings. Western manufacturers and wholesalers lease approximately 40 percent of the Mart’s 340,000-square-feet of permanent showroom space. More than 100 western wear tenants have permanent showrooms at the Denver Mart, including brands like Tony Lama, Rocky Mountain Clothing, Roper, Dan Post, Hatco, Wrangler, Ariat, Panhandle Slim, Justin Brands and Lucchese.

Founded in 1965 as a wholesale trade center, the Denver Mart serves as an international and regional marketplace, housing permanent showrooms and holding shows for various industries, including gifts, resort, souvenirs, western apparel and equipment, jewelry, apparel and home furnishings. Today, the Mart is home to more than 350 showrooms and hosts more than 200 public and wholesale trade events each year.

Contact:
Amy Larson
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
alarson@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Volatility Arbitrage Expert, Dr. Magrino Bini, at Golden Networking’s High-Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2012 London

Golden Networking brings the World’s Most Influential High-Frequency Trading Conference Series, High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2012, now in London, December 12 (www.High-Frequency-Trading-Conference.com).

New York City, NY, USA (October 21, 2012) — Dr. Magrino Bini, expert on trading of volatility and statistical arbitrage strategies in equity and listed derivatives, will be joining the most influential high-frequency trading conference in the world, Golden Networking’s High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2012 London, December 12. With insightful keynote speeches and highly regarded panels, everybody involved in high-frequency trading will gain inside knowledge at High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2012, How Knight Capital’s ‘Knightmare on Wall Street’ Could Transform the Regulatory Landscape and Impact Investors, Speed Traders and Brokers”.

Dr. Bini is a scientist/quant-trader/portfolio manager whose main areas of expertise lie in alpha generation via statistical arbitrage and volatility arbitrage strategies, and in the design of fully automated trading systems and execution algos. He has developed a range of novel predictive quantitative models for mid to high frequency trading of equities globally and listed equity options in the US, he has also collaborated to the design of in-house trading systems built from the ground up.

Dr. Bini has served as quantitative strategist at UBS and IV Capital and more recently as Portfolio Manager at Capstone and Millennium Partners. He holds a PhD from Imperial College London in Turbulence Modelling and a MSc in Aeropace Engineering from University of Pisa (Italy). His academic interests concentrate around portfolio construction, Bayesian statistics and filtering techniques, signal processing and dynamical systems with focus on robust control and system identification theories.

Topics that will be discussed at High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2012 include the movement toward emerging markets, every time more attuned to the use of bots, the regulatory environment, how new technologies are changing the game, including FPGA applications, and a look at the upcoming regulatory changes that will definitely impact how speed traders capture alpha.

High Frequency Trading Leaders Forum 2012 is produced by Golden Networking (http://www.goldennetworking.net), the premier networking community for business executives, entrepreneurs and investors. Panelists, speakers and sponsors are invited to contact Golden Networking by sending an email to info@goldennetworking.net.

Media Contact:
Sangeeta Nandi
Media Relations Coordinator
Golden Networking
516-761-4712
snandi@goldennetworking.net
http://www.goldennetworking.net

AAA claims that Tangible Assets are Appealing to Investors

Vintage cars, art and wine are becoming an increasingly attractive type of asset class, according to AAA – who claims the volatile stock markets are driving people towards alternatives.

Boston, MA, USA, October 20, 2012 — Vintage cars, art and wine are becoming an increasingly attractive type of asset class, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) – who claims the volatile stock markets are driving people towards alternatives.

“These assets are starting to become increasingly popular among wealthy people who want to put their cash somewhere less risky and even enjoy their assets a little in the meantime,” explained Anthony Johnson, the analysis partner at the alternative investment advocacy group.

The temptation to buy assets such as these instead of putting cash in a savings account is also increasing, as a result of the falling interest rates being paid on savings. It is difficult for people to rely on the income from their savings these days as interest rates are often below inflation – which actually means their money is losing value over time, added AAA.

Mr Johnson said, “It seems that economists are agreed that low interest rates are set to stick around for a while and that savers will be losing out in the meantime.”

AAA is an advocacy group that promotes alternative investments and claims that more and more people want to see something tangible in return for their investments. This means that assets like art, wine, precious metals and timberland are growing in popularity. “Research shows that these asset classes can offer great returns and often outperform more traditional asset classes like stock, shares and bonds.”

AAA claims that forestry investment in particular can provide healthy returns on investment, especially in light of the current upturn in the US housing market and what that means for timber prices.

AAA endorses a range of timberland investment projects, such as the plantation projects managed by firms like Greenwood Management. These plantations, claims AAA, offer solid investment opportunities as they are located in Brazil, “which is a country very much on the up,” added Mr Johnson.

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

Timber Firms Reporting Healthy Results, claims FRA

Timber producers and forestry firms are celebrating good fortune as the US housing recovery is expected to experience growth, according to FRA.

Bainbridge Island, WA, October 19, 2012 – Timber producers and forestry firms are celebrating good fortune as the US housing recovery is expected to experience growth, according to Forestry Research Associates (FRA).

FRA supports a range of forestry investment products and claims that forestry in regions like British Columbia is reporting gains off the back of the improving conditions and demand for timber in the US.

Steady demand from China and the use of timber in property construction in the US has led to a recovery in the softwood market in BC. ERA Forest Products Research’s David Elstone, said, “The outlook for the softwood sector in general is quite positive over the next few years as we go through a growth cycle.”

Analysis shows that softwood producers in the region are expected to report strong third quarter results as a result of lumber prices steadily increasing throughout 2012. FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “Now is a really great time to be investing in timber and forestry. Sustainable forestry, such as the plantation land run by Greenwood Management and other similar firms, can be a good alternative asset class and prices and demand are rising.”

A recent article by Marketwatch shows that a number of prominent timber firms are reporting significant increases in the financial results and that the trend is expected to continue. Timber prices have been volatile for a while, increasing to record high and dropping to record lows during the recession, which we are now climbing out of, explained FRA. However, the group’s analysts are keen to point out that timber is a risk-averse asset class as it allows investors to choose when they cash in their ‘stocks’ so to speak.

Mr Collins explained: “If market conditions aren’t great at the time you intend to sell your timber, you can hold off until prices rise. In the meantime, that timber will continue to grow in size and in value, as a result.”

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

New Website Fish-Camp-Hunt-Hike Shares Outdoor Tales and Tips From Avid Adventurers

New Website Shares Outdoor Tales and Tips From Avid Adventurers.

Tempe, AZ, October 18, 2012 – Did you know that a great catch might be related to the moon’s cycle? Or that size does matters when it comes to pitching a tent? Black Dog Promotions provides helpful hints like these and more on its new website http://www.FishCampHuntHike.com.

Launched in October of 2012, the site shares an array of fishing, camping, hunting and hiking stories for, and written by, avid outdoors people—many with a sense of humor as grand as their love of nature and outdoor sport.

Learn how to troll for trout or net the best fishing guide; prepare for your next camping trip with a must-have packing list; hunt for tips on finding the best scope tools or landing the tastiest game; and share in the excursions of backpackers and hikers who take you for a virtual tour of the world’s most exciting terrain.

CEO and the site’s co-creator Scott Kelly says: “Once a city boy from back east, I became a fan of the great outdoors as my two sons became Boy Scouts and we began to spend countless weekends fishing, camping and hiking. I began to work with several clients in the outdoors industry and the development of FishCampHuntHike.com is a natural offshoot of my passion and my work. We look forward to sharing this passion with our readers.”

The site plans to add additional features that include a gear guide, outdoor food prep and outdoors in action video.

About Black Dog Promotions:
Black Dog Promotions builds “Buzz”. They use their blend of publicity, viral marketing and social media to generate massive exposure for companies, websites, causes or events. They have a broad network of media contacts and social media connections that generate broad based exposure.
Details on the company’s services can be found at http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

About Split One Technologies:
Split One Technologies is a custom web development firm specializing in website functionality and application. The Split One platform is easy to use and powers websites for database administration, power bloggers, media personalities, custom directories, and ecommerce businesses. Learn more at www.splitone.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

New Addition to Impact Investment List welcomed by FRA

FRA has backed moves to add Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) to the open source ImpactAssets 50 2012 (IA 50) database of socially responsible impact investing funds.

Seattle, United States, October 18, 2012 — Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has backed moves to add Ecotrust Forest Management (EFM) to the open source ImpactAssets 50 2012 (IA 50) database of socially responsible impact investing funds.

The list is created each year and gives investors a guide to the top investment products that can deliver good returns, while delivering social and environmental benefits.

The funds listed under the IA 50 have a total of $10.2 billion invested in them and cover a huge range of geographical locations. A spokesperson for EFM, its CEO, Bettina von Hagen, stated, “EFM is honoured to be named among the 50 best impact investment fund managers in the world. We are committed to demonstrating an alternative approach to managing forests in the region – one that can be financially competitive, while at the same time beneficial to the health and resilience of ecosystems and rural communities.”

FRA supports a wide range of forestry investment initiatives, including plantations run by firms like Greenwood Management in countries like Brazil and Canada, which are densely forested. The fact that plantations growing alternative, non-native timbers are managed in these locations, helps to protect the native forests against illegal logging.

In Brazil, Greenwood Management’s plantations produce charcoal that is used by the Brazilian steel industry, which used to use native forests to produce their charcoal. “In this way, plantation projects, if sustainably managed, can help to reduce the impact of deforestation,” stated FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins.

Investing in impact investment funds and ethical investment products has become more popular since the economic crisis as a reaction to the volatility of the stocks and bonds market. Mr Collins added, “Investors want something more tangible in exchange for their investment and forestry funds offer just this. Investors with Ecotrust Forest Management and Greenwood Management are investing in timberland with established and growing trees.”

About Forestry Research Associates

Forestry Research Associates is a research and advisory consultancy that focuses on forestry management, sustainability issues and forestry investment around the globe.

Media Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Upcoming Meeting at DU Helps Baby Boomers Learn About Later-Life Entrepreneurship

This is the Fourth and Final Stop in a Series of Meetings Focused on the Benefits and Opportunities of Creating a New Business

Boulder, CO, October 17, 2012 – The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), which serves as the bridge between older people and opportunities for them to continue in productive activities, is hosting its fourth meeting in the “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” series on Thursday, November 15. This meeting, which is the final stop in the series, will be held at University College on the University of Denver campus. To register and view the agenda, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/november-15-2012. Participants must be 50 and older (50+).

The meetings are designed to contribute to a national momentum for new-business creation, which will help Baby Boomers remain productively engaged while reducing unemployment and increasing national economic growth. AARP, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and CPL are sponsors of the meeting, along with other organizations.

The day will include presentations from three successful entrepreneurs 50+ and two rounds of interactive breakout sessions on topics relating to new-business creation and how to become an entrepreneur.

The featured speakers include:

* Jody Holtzman, Senior Vice President–Thought Leadership, AARP, has more than two decades of experience helping companies develop and implement competitive strategies and achieve their strategic market goals. At AARP he leads AARP’s new Thought Leadership efforts, which support the new brand positioning around a focus on living, not just aging, and for people 50+ to live their best lives.

* Courtney Price, President & CEO, VentureQuest Ltd., in the early ‘90s, founded the Entrepreneurial Education Foundation in Kansas City, MO, and co-founded FastTrac, which was selected to have the best materials for entrepreneurship training in the U.S.

* Alan Hall is Founder and Chairman of MarketStar Corporation, which is a global, outsourced sales and marketing company. MarketStar assists technology companies by increasing sales through the small to medium business sector. Omnicom Group (OMC) now owns MarketStar. He is also the Founder and President of Grow America, whose focus is on stimulating the growth and development of entrepreneurship throughout the U.S.

* Ding-Wen Hsu, President, Pacific West Technologies, has more than 30 years of MIS and managerial experience. A native of Taiwan, she has been very active in the Asian-American communities in Denver since she moved to Colorado in 1978. She is one of the founders of Colorado Dragon Boat Festival, the largest Asian American festival in the Rocky Mountain region. In addition, she is the co-founder of International Multi-Cultural Institute, a nonprofit organization that promotes understanding and interaction among various cultures.

* Adam Swiecki, President, Swiecki Enterprises, founded Swiecki Enterprises in 2003 after serving as an Army Officer and financier. Focused on the action sport market, he has built leading ecommerce businesses in skate (SkateboardsEtc.com), surf (SurfboardsEtc.com), and snow (SkiGogglesEtc.com).

This meeting focuses on the reality that, with unemployment high and economic growth low for the foreseeable future, entrepreneurship is a bright spot on a gloomy employment horizon for Baby Boomers 50+.

Space for the meeting is limited, and people are encouraged to reserve a place as soon as possible. The charge of $35 per person covers a spouse, if desired, and a post-meeting workshop on the “how-tos” of creating a new business. Registrations should be made by November 1 at http://www.ctrpl.org/november-15-2012/registration. They will be accepted thereafter on a first-come basis.

For more information on CPL and the senior entrepreneurship meetings, visit www.ctrpl.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL.

Company Contacts:
William Zinke or James Hooks
Center for Productive Longevity
303.499.3939
wzinke@ctrpl.org or jhooks@ctrpl.org

Media Contacts:
Jenny Foust or Alicia Hassinger
Communications Strategy Group
303.433.7020
jfoust@csg-pr.com or ahassinger@csg-pr.com

About the Center for Productive Longevity
The mission of CPL is to stimulate the substantially increased engagement of people 55 and older in productive activities, paid and volunteer, where they are qualified and ready to continue adding value. Visit ctrpl.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL.

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Brazil still a Good Bet for Real estate investors, agrees AAA

Although the Brazilian real estate market is slowing slightly, it is still a great place to invest in property, claims one expert, who has attracted the support of alternative investment advocacy group, AAA.

Boston, MA, October 17, 2012 – Although the Brazilian real estate market is slowing slightly, it is still a great place to invest in property, claims one expert, who has attracted the support of alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The expert, Dr David Lynn, is the founder of Lynn Capital Management and Dr Lynn spoke to National Real Estate Investor on the subject. He was keen to reassure investors that are interested in putting their money into property, that they could do worse than Brazil. He explained that the country has much lower levels of debt than much of Europe, where many investors are from.

“European investors are not putting their cash in domestic property,” claimed AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He added ”Markets are so depressed in Europe, as people are still so uncertain about the region’s economic stability in the future.”

Dr Lynn told National Real Estate Investor: “Ultimately, real estate comes down to the economic strength of a country and, despite the global economic slowdown, Brazil’s economy is broad and balanced and not overly dependent on export.”

Some investors are also likely to be worried that the Brazilian housing sector might crash like the US housing sector did several years back. However, speaking to Bloomberg, GTIS Partner’s Tom Shapiro insisted that he did not expect the same thing to happen in Brazil. Instead, he said that Brazil is investing heavily in factors that could drive further economic growth, like infrastructure, tourism and housing – all driven by its increasingly wealthy, young population.

AAA supports real estate investment in Brazil, together with other types of alternative investing in the region, such as forestry investment. It supports sustainable forestry projects such as the teak and eucalyptus plantations managed by firms like Greenwood Management. The plantation project is hoping to benefit from the housing boom in Brazil through the growth of timber used in new sustainable homes.

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