Category Archives: Business

Vintage Tech Recyclers Selected to Join EPA in SMM Challenge

September 26, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

Vintage Tech Recyclers, LLC is an asset recovery and responsible recycling company headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois.

Romeoville, Illinois, September 24, 2012 – Vintage Tech Recyclers, LLC, a leading electronics recycling company founded in 2005, has partnered with the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to launch the Sustainable Materials Management (SMM) Electronics Challenge, a new EPA program encouraging electronics manufacturers to voluntarily commit within the next two years to send 100 percent of used electronics collected for reuse and recycling to third-party certified recyclers, dramatically increasing the amount of electronics collected for reuse and recycling.

The EPA SMM Electronics Challenge will take place on September 20, 2012 at Vintage Tech Recyclers’ headquarters in Romeoville, Illinois, where representatives from major OEM companies will sign up for the challenge.

Sponsorship of the SMM Electronics Challenge demonstrates Vintage Tech Recyclers’ commitment to programs that represent the recycling industry’s highest standards in environmental sustainability. “We applaud the EPA’s strong leadership in the area of electronic recycling and are proud to host the SMM Challenge,” says Vintage Tech Recyclers President, Karrie Gibson. “Unchecked e-waste poses an environmental risk and releases toxic substances like lead, mercury, and chromium into the solid waste stream. We are delighted to have been selected to work with the EPA and assist industry leaders to commit to this ambitious e-waste reduction program. The positive impact that 100 percent recycling by electronics manufacturers will contribute to the economy and the environment makes the SMM Challenge such an exciting new initiative.”

Coverage of the SMM Electronics Challenge will be streamed live during the E-Scrap Conference in Dallas, Texas on September 19 and 20.

Vintage Tech Recyclers, LLC is an asset recovery and responsible recycling company headquartered in Romeoville, Illinois. An R2 Rios, ISO 14001, and e-Stewards certified electronics recycler, Vintage Tech employs a no landfill policy on all recycled items and guarantees the highest levels of compliance in material processing and data security. For more information about Vintage Tech Recyclers, visit www.vintagetechrecyclers.com.

For information about the SMM Challenge visit www.epa.gov/smm.

Contact:
DeAnne Merey
DM Public Relations
340 East 64th Street
Suite 29 D
New York, NY 10065
646-785-9594
Dmerey@dm-pr.com
http://www.dm-pr.com

Business

AAA says Investment Managers are Ready to Try Alternatives

September 26, 2012 straightlinepr Leave a comment

A new survey has been praised by alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, for finding that 85 per cent of the investors were satisfied with the performance of their alternative investments.

Boston, MA, September 26, 2012 – A new survey by Natixis Global Asset Management has been praised by alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), for finding that 85 per cent of the investors were satisfied with the performance of their alternative investments.

Popular alternative investments such as silver, wine, art and gold are regularly outperforming bonds and equity investments as people diversify to protect their assets from a volatile stock market.

AAA recommends ethical investments, such as investing in sustainable forestry programs run by firms like Greenwood Management in Brazil, to protect against inflation while supporting green initiatives. Investments in these areas help to reduce deforestation and stimulate a green economy, while also supporting the local community by providing jobs.

Natixis Global Asset Management polled more than 150 managers and found that 76 per cent said that alternatives are essential in protecting against risk in the current climate. As stocks and currency investments struggle, 88 per cent of the managers said they were ‘satisfied’ with their alternative investments and a whopping 93 per cent even said that they would increase or maintain their current alternative bets if they had the chance to plan their year again.

With continued political instability in the Eurozone, investment managers need to think outside the box. John Hailer, president and chief executive of Natixis Global Asset Management in the Americas and Asia, said investors are ‘on edge’ and the poll found almost 75 per cent said that they have changed their approach to risk management over the past five years.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, says that investment in a commodity such as timber is much safer than speculating on stocks or property. “Timber investments have beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent.,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s out with the old and in with the new – green investments are the future.”

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

Business

AAA Praises Green Investment Report from EIRIS

September 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

AAA has welcomed a new report from EIRIS, the responsible investment research firm, which points out that the case for ethical investment has never been stronger.

Boston, MA, USA, September 26, 2012 — Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has welcomed a new report from EIRIS, the responsible investment research firm, which points out that the case for ethical investment has never been stronger.

Alternative investments are growing in popularity as the banking crisis continues. Figures from the report show £11.3 billion has been invested in green and ethical projects and AAA recommends the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada, where demand for timber is growing as the population’s wealth increases.

James Howard, director at Emerald Knight, points out that many are skeptical about the stability of traditional investments, as saving rates become less and less competitive. By contrast, timber investments have beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent.

EIRIS figures also should that the number ethical investors has tripled, from 250,000 to three-quarters of a million. There is even a specialist ethical bank, Triodos, for those who want to support green investing.

Emerald Knight research found 16 per cent of Brits would only ever invest for personal profits, while 30 per cent think that you can have both profits and principles when it comes to investing.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, agrees with that sentiment and points out that, as ethical investments become more mainstream, there will be an increased demand for global green schemes.

“Forestry investment is popular because it works on two levels,” Mr Johnson said. “It provides jobs for poor people in deprived areas – then, as their wages increase, helps them source timber for housing and furniture, something they take great pride in.”

“Projects such as Greenwood Management‘s plantations schemes in Brazil are popular with individual investors and groups – a minimum investment of only $10,000 can get you started and it’s a sound investment for the future.”

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

Business

Impact Investors can help to Protect Valuable Environments

September 26, 2012 staronepr Leave a comment

Impact investing can help environmentalists to protect vulnerable and valuable land from being destroyed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, USA, September 26, 2012 — Impact investing can help environmentalists to protect vulnerable and valuable land from being destroyed, according to Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Environmental groups have always relied quite heavily on philanthropists and private sector sponsors to protect land. In a number of incidents, groups have paid millions of dollars for areas of land, simply to protect them as habitats for species. The Nature Conservancy is one such group that believes this is a good approach to protecting wildlife and precious eco-systems.

Recently, the Nature Conservancy’s Mark Tercek claimed that the money is drying up and that impact investing could provide the solution. AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group based in Boston, agrees. The organisation’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said: “There is a shortage of funds for these kinds of projects these days and it is now necessary to try to attract investors into this kind of investment.”

AAA claims that a large number of investors are now looking to align their investments with social and environmental projects that will do good over the long run. Some projects are far from lucrative, but will at least protect money from being lost in the volatile stock markets.

Investing in projects like the sustainable forestry project being managed by Greenwood Management in Brazil is a good option for those who are environmentally conscious but cannot afford for their investment to not deliver returns. Those who invest in timber or in forestry projects tend to see better returns than those investing in stock and bonds, according to figures taken over several years.

Investing in timberland also has other benefits. From a social perspective, it helps to encourage sustainability which can help local communities to safeguard the forestry industry for generations to come. From an environmental perspective, managed forests provide timber that can be used instead of timber from vulnerable forests.

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

Business, Consumer Services, Industrial, Media, Software, Sports

Five year print partnership for Balreed and global golf tournament

September 25, 2012 EPR Network Leave a comment

Balreed to provide all print technology and support to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championships for the fifth year running.

It may be known to many professional golfers as the ‘Home of Golf’ but to Balreed, St. Andrews Golf Course is a ‘home away from home’.

Once again Balreed has been chosen by the organisers of the world-renowned golf championship, played at St Andrews, as the official supplier of print and document technology.

This is the fifth year the event will rely on Balreed throughout the four-day tournament to provide and support print, copy and scan devices to media tents, European tour offices and tournament offices across all three courses that the event plays on.

The Alfred Dunhill Links Championship is a magnet for golfers from every corner of the world. It has a unique format and incorporates two separate competitions – an individual professional tournament for the world’s leading golfers with a US$5 million prize fund, and a team competition which features some of the most celebrated amateur golfers playing alongside the professionals.

Lee Westwood leads the British challenge for the title this year, and many of the world’s leading international players will be there to compete with him. In the amateur ranks the playing roster is sure to include some of the biggest names from the world of entertainment, sport and business. Michael Douglas, Samuel L Jackson, Morgan Freeman, Hugh Grant and Dennis Quaid have all shared the fairways in previous years with sporting greats like Sir Steve Redgrave, Sir Bobby Charlton, Boris Becker, Ian Botham, Ruud Gullit, Johan Cruyff and Nigel Mansell so expectations of the 2012 field are very high.

The tournament starts on Thursday 4th October and will play over three championship Scottish courses: The Old Course at St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.

Balreed’s support extends to all three courses and staff will be on site throughout the build-up and the tournament itself to help organisers prepare and manage the event.

Balreed’s Managing Director Robin Stanton-Gleaves commented: “When we were first selected to provide print support to the event five years ago we were thrilled, and even more so to be invited back the following year, it was a testament to our hard work. So to still be the chosen print partner five years later is a sincere compliment to all the Balreed team and we will continue to do what we have been doing which is careful planning and precise execution, providing service to the highest standard to ensure the tournament runs smoothly.”

About Balreed Digitec
Balreed Digitec is one of the UK’s leading independent providers of document and print technology and services. Established in 1977, Balreed is now one of the fastest growing solution providers in the industry, providing tailored systems which combine the best hardware and software technology from market leading manufacturers with Balreed’s unique pro-active remote managed service.

Contact Details: Gary Downey
Group Marketing Director
Balreed Digitec
Email: gary.downey@balreed.com
Mobile: 07889 411562
Website: http://www.balreed.com/

Business, Industrial, Management, Software, Technology

New Laser Cutting Machine Offers Faster Throughput and Higher Accuracy

September 25, 2012 EPR Network Leave a comment

Coherent, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA) has extended its integrated laser tools product portfolio with its new META platform, offering improved performance and greater ease-of-use. The META platform features a unibody chassis design. This rigid single weldment provides improved mechanical stability for the system, resulting in faster cutting speeds and better positioning repeatability. In addition, the cutting bed on META platform products has been enlarged to accommodate standard European sheet sizes (1.25 m x 1.25 m).

The control system has also been significantly upgraded with the help of our science laserresearchers. Specifically, the operator interface for META platform products has been changed to an industrial type controller. This is an ergonomic monitor/keyboard assembly that is directly mounted on the side of the chassis. All interface cables for this system are now contained within the machine assembly, further enhancing its ruggedness and suitability for the increasingly industrial environments in which the platform is now being utilized.

Improvements have also been implemented in the META platform’s software. In particular, ease-of-use has been enhanced through a new, multilingual software interface, together with the implementation of greater system automation. Additionally, the system features automatic focus, advanced capacitive height sensing and a fully integrated machine vision system.

When configured with a Coherent 1 kW CO2 laser (Diamond E-1000), the META system offers unmatched flexibility, with the ability to process a wide range of both metals and non-metals, such as plastics, wood, fabrics, leather, paper and thin films. With this laser cutter tool, the system can readily cut stainless steel in thicknesses of up to 3mm, aluminum of up to 2 mm, and mild steel of up to 6 mm.

About Coherent
Founded in 1966, Coherent, Inc. is a world leader in providing laser-based solutions, such as laser measurement tools and diode modules to the commercial and scientific research markets. Please direct any questions regarding this press release to Ravi Pendse, product line manager at (408) 764-4556. For more information about Coherent, including product and financial updates, visit our website at http://www.Coherent.com.

Business, Industrial, Management, Real Estate

Mamtek US, Inc. Sucralose Manufacturing Facility, Brand New Equipment and Real Estate Assets to Be Sold by Heritage Global Partners via Live Global Webcast Auction October 24

September 25, 2012 EPR Network Leave a comment

Heritage Global Partners (“HGP”), a global leader in asset advisory and machinery auctions and a wholly owned subsidiary of Counsel RB Capital, today announced its upcoming auction of the sucralose (artificial sweeter) manufacturing facility, never- used heavy equipment, commercial real estate, and related assets of Mamtek US, Inc. (“Mamtek”), a subsidiary of Mamtek International. The sale is being conducted in partnership with Aaron Equipment Company, BidSpotter.com and Zimmer Real Estate Services.

The auction is slated for October 24, 2012 from 10 am PT to 1 pm PT. A two-day onsite preview of the manufacturing facility is available October 22-23 from 9:00 am CT to 4:00 pm CT at 1200 U.S. 24, Moberly, MO 65270.

A virtual data room (“VDR”) is available for bulk lot purchasers, including those seeking to retain the Sucralose Manufacturing Facility lease. Photos of the equipment, including brand new Stainless Fabrication Reactors, chillers, cooling towers, piping and centrifuges, are available at http://www.hgpauction.com/?auctionid=263. To gain access to the VDR please visit the above link for specific requirements, or contact George Wandachowicz (see contact info below) with any questions.

The Auction is expected to consist of six buying opportunities (Lots), ranging from the purchase of all of Mamtek’s assets in bulk to individual items tagged for sale if no bulk offer is accepted.

“We expect our upcoming auction of Mamtek’s brand new manufacturing assets and state-of-the-industry sucralose manufacturing facility to draw in a significant number of worldwide buyers,” stated Vice President George Wandachowicz of Heritage Global Partners.

About Heritage Global Partners (HGP)
Led by auction industry pioneers Ross and Kirk Dove, Heritage Global Partners is one of the country’s leading auction services firms, assisting large and small companies with buying and selling assets such as electronic test equipment and laboratory test equipment. A Counsel RB Capital company, HGP specializes in asset brokerage, inspection, and valuations, industrial equipment auction and real estate auctions, as well as enterprise auctions combining tangible and intangible assets.

Business, Consumer Services, Financial, Healthcare, Society

Research Show 4.4 Million over 21s Still Rely on the Bank of Mum and Dad, reports Bower Retirement Services

September 24, 2012 EPR Network Leave a comment

Research from LV = reveals 4.4 million over 21 year olds still borrow money from their parents. The average monthly donation from parents to adult children is £175. This is used to cover rent, bills and help pay off debts. Additionally £9,476 is awarded to fund weddings, holidays, further education and to help young adults get onto the property ladder. Although it helpingyoung adults is hardly surprising, the research revealed parents expect to continue to support their ‘children’ until the age of 38, now the average age of a first-time property buyer.

This obviously puts great financial strain on Britain ‘s parents. It eats into retirement funds and one in ten parents surveyed by LV = admitted they had spent everything they had on their children. The issue isn’t going to go away soon, particularly if predictions that the average age of a first-time buyer will be 41 by 2025 are correct.

Parents need to prepare for the future early to ensure they are well equipped financially to provide for themselves and help out their grown-up children when necessary. There are several options available, but with interest rates currently being so low, saving plans aren’t the most viable option.

Equity release plans are a more effective option for homeowners. Bower Retirement Services, an award-winning equity release advice service, can help homeowners find anequity release plan that’s right for them.

There are four types of plans available: lump sum lifetime mortgages; lifetime mortgage with flexible cash release, also known as a drawdown mortgage; interest only lifetime mortgage and home reversion plans.

The most suitable, and now the most popular comprising 68% of the market, are drawdown plans. Homeowners are lent money based on their property’s value and additionally can withdraw regular cash amounts at a frequency and value chosen by the individual. Interest is charged, but it’s only repaid when the homeowners die or move into permanent care. These mortgages allow parents to look after themselves during retirement but also offer the ability to provide assistance to their offspring.

-ENDS-

Press Contact:
Address: Essex Technology & Innovation Centre, The Gables, Fyfield Road, Ongar, CM5 0GA
Phone No: 01277 262724
Email: info@brsequity.co.uk
Website: www.brsequity.co.uk

Business, International Trade, Media, Small Business

New Book Examines the Future Of Israel’s Hi-Tech Economy

September 24, 2012 EPR Network Leave a comment

“What’s Next for the Start-Up Nation”, written by senior consultant Uri Goldberg, questions sustainability of Israeli technology sector

A new book is taking a cold, hard look at Israel’s future as a high tech powerhouse. “What’s Next for the Startup Nation?” (ISBN 1477241205) examines the future of the industry which paved the way for the country’s phenomenal economic growth. Israel became a center for groundbreaking technological innovation thanks to entrepreneurship, coupled with forward thinking government policies and unique historical circumstance. Up until recently, the country had the highest venture capital cash flow per capita in the world.

Now, global and domestic challenges are threatening to wipe out Israel’s achievements. Faced with a rapidly changing financial world as well as ongoing adversity, old policies are unlikely to remain effective. “What’s Next for the Start-Up Nation?” offers a clear and engrossing blueprint for fostering a strong environment of innovation while sustaining a vibrant economy and is now available on Amazon.com.

Uri Goldberg is a management expert, specializing in serving governments and corporations on strategy, innovations and economic development issues. Mr. Goldberg worked with McKinsey& Co. where he directed key consulting projects for Fortune 500 companies as well as governments in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. He also served as Foreign Policy Aid to Israeli President Shimon Peres in his former capacity as Vice Prime Minister. He currently resides in Tel-Aviv, Israel.

Contact Details: Jeremy Ruden – Ruden Media Services – (972)-52-407-0775 jeremy@jeremyruden.com

Business

VSCC Direct Offers You a Vehicle Service Contract at an Unbeatable Price

September 24, 2012 gmwartdlr Leave a comment

Scarborough, ME ( Realtimepressrelease ) September 18, 2012 – VSCC Direct, a family owned company located in Florida and Maine now offers you a vehicle service contract at an unbeatable price. It uses only “A” rated insurance providers to back the vehicle service contract and also has contracts backed by the manufacturers. VSCC Direct offers a variety of contracts to cover more parts, service and mileage than others.

“The average American household spends 15% of its budget on car ownership and operating expenses,” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

“For many people, a car is a valuable asset. They use their car for transportation, picking groceries, vacation trips and for many other reasons. As a result, the car can suddenly cease working and they might have to spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on car repairs. Usually, people will not want to spend thousands of dollars on car repairs when they are saving for their future. Under such circumstances, a vehicle service contract can be a smart option to take care of those unexpected car repair bills. Now we offer a variety of contracts to cover more parts, service and mileage than our industry competitors. You can choose the best contract according to your expectation and budget,” says a spokesperson for VSCC Direct

A Vehicle service contract is a boon for people who are finding it difficult to manage their car repair expenses. Having a vehicle service contract will not only secure yourself from expensive repair bills but will also enhance the value of your car. However, you need to identify a reliable contract to reap all these benefits.

VSCC Direct is a family owned company that can provide a reliable vehicle service contract directly to the public at an unbeatable price. They offer a variety of vehicle contracts from which customers can choose the best contract according to their needs.

“We use only “A” rated insurance providers to back your vehicle service contract. If you are unable to pick the best contract, you can get assistance from our top quality associates. They will help you to customize a GM Warranty vehicle service contract to meet your specific needs. All our staff are trained to meet your specific requirements and budget, so you will not have to worry about a vehicle contract anymore,” adds the spokesperson

About VSCC Direct:

VSCC Direct is a family owned company located in Florida and Maine. They supply reliable vehicle service contracts direct to the public at unbeatable prices.

For more details on GM Warranty, log on to: http://www.gmwarrantydealer.com

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