Category Archives: Business

Business

DuraFast Label Company Now Shipping the New Primera Technology LX2000 GHS Label Printer

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High resolution full color label printing for the industrial labeling and chemical drum labeling markets.

Toronto (ON), Canada (June 10, 2015) — Primera Technology just announced the new Primera LX2000 GHS label printer, and DuraFast Label Company is ready to ship it to customers across USA and Canada. According to Basat Khalifa from DuraFast, Primera Technology blends both prime and GHS capabilities into the LX2000. “Our customers have been waiting anxiously,” he said. “And we’re ready with a large inventory of blank labels and supplies for the LX2000 to help customers start printing their own GHS BS5609 chemical drum labels or product labels immediately.”

Khalifa explained that the current industrial and chemical label printing markets are served by several respectable GHS BS5609 color label printers, albeit with lower print resolutions. “Primera Technology is bringing print resolutions of up to 4800dpi to this market,” he said. “Not only can the new LX2000 produce highly durable, oil-, water-, UV-, and chemical-resistant labels, it does so with unrivaled print quality.”

The Primera LX2000 is the first color label printer in the Primera Technology family to use pigment inks. Khalifa explained that pigment-based inks offer better water and UV resistance than dye-based inks. “Plus, the ink dries instantly,” he said. “You can touch the label the moment it is printed and it will not smudge or smear.”

With pigment inks and an inkjet print engine by HP, this particular color label printer from Primera is designed for the GHS and BS5609 chemical label market. This market needs to produce labels certified to the highest standards for shipping dangerous marine goods. “These standards require labels to withstand long-term exposure to seawater,” Khalifa explained. “We carry BS5609-certified chemical labels specifically formulated and certified for use with this new Primera LX2000.”

According to Primera Technology’s announcement of the Primera LX2000, the label printer and its output (label material and printed images) have passed BS5609 Section 3 testing involving: abrasion resistance, the removal of print by adhesive tape, and the permanence of print evaluations under extreme conditions (long term exposure to seawater, salt spray, and UV light.

The Primera LX2000 includes four large individual CKMY color capacity ink cartridges, resulting in lower consumable costs. “This color label printer is economical to buy and operate,” Khalifa said.

Khalifa also explained that since the Primera LX2000 prints at 4800dpi, it performs double duty. “It can also be used to print ‘prime’ product labels,” he said. “Our LX2000 customers have been ordering BS5609 chemical labels for printing drum labels and high gloss paper-based labels for labeling their products.”

The Primera LX2000 is the first pigment ink-based GHS printer that can print both GHS BS5609 labels and “prime” product labels in a single printer. The LX2000 prints pre-die cut labels on rolls up to 8 inches wide at speeds of up to 6 inches per minute. A variety of substrates are available for the Primera LX2000 including chemical (GHS BS5609), polyester, polypropylene (BOPP), and paper labels in matte and high gloss finishes.

DuraFast Label Company lists the Primera LX2000 at a price of only $3695 USD to customers in USA and Canada.

About DuraFast Label Company
Serving the “do-it-yourself” product and chemical drum labeling markets, DuraFast Label Company is a Primera Technology partner. DuraFast offers the complete line of Primera Technology color label printing products including the Primera LX2000, Primera LX900, Primera LX400, Primera CX1000, Primera CX1200 digital color label press, the Primera FX1200 digital finishing system, and more.

DuraFast also sells supplies, accessories, and consumables for these printers including replacement ink cartridges and blank labels. Most Primera products can be shipped the same day. DuraFast offers a custom label service, allowing customers to order blank labels for any label printer in the exact size, shape, material, and configuration required.

Check out the new Primera LX2000 in the video below: https://youtu.be/AuWnlrqdy9I.

Media Contact:
Basat Khalifa
DuraFast Label Company
+1-866-299-0066
sales@sector9.ca
http://www.durafastlabel.com

Business

Canbank Venture Capital Fund (CVCFL) picks up Stake in Shiva Industrial Security Agency Pvt Ltd (SISA), Surat

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* SISA is a leading  ISO Certified Pan India Security Services Company having more than 4000 Guards and 150 plus cash Vans, with a turnover exceeding Rs 55 Cr. * SISA to deploy funds for expansion of operations across India.

Mumbai, India, June 08, 2015 — Canbank Venture Capital Fund through its Fifth Fund viz., Emerging India Growth Fund has invested Rs.11 Cr by way equity shares and convertibles for a minority stake in Surat based M/s Shiva Industrial Security Agency (Guj) Pvt Ltd (SISA).

SISA is a leading ISO Certified Pan India Security Services Company having more than 4000 Guards and 150 plus cash Vans, with a turnover exceeding Rs 55 cr. Among the security solutions offered by SISA are Manned Guarding, Cash Handling, Electronic Security Equipment, Event Security and Emergency Response Services.  With a nationwide presence, SISA is providing security services to leading corporates, Industrial Units, Airports, Metro Stations, Public & Private Sector Banks, Malls/shopping complexes, Apartments, Hospitals etc.

Said  Mr S Thiruvadi, Managing Director, Canbank Venture Capital Fund Ltd. (CVCFL) , “The Private Security services sector in India is expected to grow at 20% annually up to 2019 with 90% of security comprising of manned guarding and secure cash movement.  SISA has a progressive professional management which envisages taking the company on fast track growth. CVCFL anticipates that the company through profitable business mix and quality management shall be able to offer significant returns through dividends and capital appreciation on exit.  CVCFL aims to assist unlisted mid stage/late stage companies in the manufacturing and services sector with good growth potential and require funding”

Indian private security services industry has an estimated business of Rs.30,000 Cr and has been repeatedly growing at 15-20% annually and FICCI expects it to cross Rs.60,000 Cr by 2020.  But only 60% of this is in the organized sector and ‘physical guarding’ accounts for bulk of the revenue.  The private security services industry is one of the largest employers in India.  There are around 6.5 million private security personnel employed across India and it is expected to continue to grow in the future.

States Sameer Sharma, MD, SISA, “We have been looking for funds to expand and upgrade our operations especially in the field of Physical guarding and Cash Management Services. The funds from CVFCL shall be deployed towards adding Branches to boost the existing guarding strength and also to increase our Cash Van fleet strength by adding another 100 Cash Vans this Financial Year 2015-16. The company also proposes to give added thrust to high margin business segment like Emergency Response Services & Event Management Security services. The aim is to become one amongst India’s top ten Security Services Providers and reach a turnover of Rs 150 Crore by FY 2017-18.

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
Mob: +91 98205 03876
Tel: (022) 28625131/32
Fax: (022) 28625133
mitesh@publicrelationindia.com
http://www.publicrelationindia.com

Business, Entertainment

Holiday Retirement launches bedtime “story drive” to re-ignite cross-generational storytelling

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Selected stories to be published in illustrated children’s book available this winter

Lake Oswego, OR, June 06, 2015 — Remember those tales your grandparent would tell you before bed that captured your imagination, taught you valuable life lessons, and built warm, everlasting memories? Holiday Retirement remembers and has launched a national “story drive” to collect those original tales, anecdotes, and fables that have been handed down from generation to generation.

The leading senior living provider invites every generation, from seniors to children, to share their stories at sharebedtimestories.com. A selection of the stories submitted will be published in an illustrated children’s book available this winter.

“We have the good fortune of hearing marvelous and imaginative stories from our residents each and every day as they share them with children, grandchildren, and members of our Holiday family,” said Kai Hsiao, president and CEO at Holiday Retirement. “We want to ensure these stories don’t get lost. That’s why we’re thrilled to host the sharebedtimestories.com initiative.”

Because digital media have become the predominant communications platform for Americans, less time is spent telling and reading stories. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American reads only 19 minutes a day, and teenagers spend a meager 4.2 minutes a day reading. At the same time, a report from Nielsen shows that the average American adult spends 11 hours per day with digital media.

Recording stories and sharing them with younger generations is vital to preserving family legacy. Without capturing family stories, oral history can be lost in three generations, according to an expert from the National Archives.

Holiday Retirement is accepting story submissions until Friday, July 17, 2015. Individuals interested in submitting a story can find tips for gathering an original story from an older adult and turning it into a publishable tale at sharebedtimestories.com. Once on sale, all book proceeds will benefit the National Center for Families Learning, a charity dedicated to helping improve family literacy.

The children’s book produced from the submissions will include a selection of the stories and also serve as a tool to help children gather their own tales from different generations. A resource found at the close of the book will offer a how-to guide to help children encourage older friends and relatives to share their stories.

“We want to create opportunities for people of different generations to sit down and connect in a meaningful way,” said Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications, and resident enrichment at Holiday Retirement. “This initiative not only captures stories, it creates an outcome – a book – that adults and seniors can share with the children in their lives for years to come.”

How to submit
Visit sharebedtimestories.com to submit a story. All story submissions must be no longer than 600 words. All stories must be original; no copyrighted material will be accepted. Adults may submit stories on behalf of children under age 13. Read the rules and regulations for the terms of the campaign. Individuals whose stories are selected will be notified at the close of the campaign in July 2015. For questions about the submission process, contact sharebedtimestories@gmail.com.

Media Contact:
Brian K. Fawkes
Holiday Retirement
(971) 245-8837
brian.fawkes@holidaytouch.com
http://www.holidaytouch.com

About Holiday Retirement
Since 1971, Holiday Retirement has endeavored to provide its signature “Holiday Touch” to residents and their families. Today, Holiday is a trusted name in senior living and provides security, comfort, and value to independent seniors seeking a fulfilling lifestyle. Holiday operates more than 300 retirement communities, making it the second largest senior housing operator in the United States. For more information about Holiday Retirement, please call 800-322-0999 or visit www.holidaytouch.com.

Contact:
Molly Koch
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, Colo., 80206
720-726-5435
http://www.csg-pr.com

Business

Very Important Relationships, Inc. Announces Enhanced Product Search and Price Comparison Capabilities for its CashBack Shopping Malls

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VIR’s new Product Search and Price Comparison feature now searches over 300 million products contained in the inventories of VIR’s 3,000+ mall merchants.

Reno, NV, June 02, 2015 – Very Important Relationships, Inc. (VIR), http://myvir.com, one of the nation’s premier developers of corporately branded Internet CashBack Rewards Shopping Malls today announced a greatly enhanced product search and price comparison tool now available in all of its CashBack Mall platforms. VIR’s new Product Search and Price Comparison feature now searches over 300 million products contained in the inventories of VIR’s 3,000+ mall merchants. It then aggregates the display showing which stores are offering the same products with a price and CashBack comparison for each store. An example of one of VIR’s CashBack shopping malls with this new enhanced Product Search and Price comparison capability is http://CashBackHeaven.com.

“Our enhanced Product Search and Price Comparison feature now makes VIR’s CashBack shopping malls one of the most convenient places on the Internet to shop.” says Jody Tallal, CEO of VIR. “For example, if you input “4k TV” in Google to do a search it will return 83,7000,000 results. These results include articles about 4k TVs, stores that sell them, product reviews about 4k TVs, 4 k technology explanations, chat rooms discussions about 4k TVs, etc. While this is all good information, VIR’s Product Search and Comparison feature is only focused on the inventories of our 3,000+ merchant’s stores that contain “4k TV” in its product description. This makes shopping results much more relevant for finding 4k TVs and comparing their prices for all of the main stores that sell them.”

This enhances Product Search and Price Comparison feature creates one of the easiest and quickies methods on the Internet to instantly find what you want to buy. It contains several filtering options to refine your search such as price, stores, categories, and brands.

VIR’s core service is its unique CashBack Shopping Mall which feature 3,000+ of the nation’s best known brand store; each offering CashBack on everything purchased. VIR, founded in 2006, is one of the nation’s premier developers of CashBack shopping malls and began its operations when the CashBack small industry was new.

“Today, VIR’s proprietary technology is unmatched in the CashBack Shopping Mall industry. Since its focus is on enhancing the customer experience through high-quality interactions, the end result is a winning combination.” states Tallal.

VIR’s new third generation malls (v3) are an ultimate shopper’s paradise where retailers from clothing to electronics to jewelry to travel, plus many more products and services, are all available together under one roof for the shopper’s convenience. VIR has relationships with most of the top retailers on the Internet like as Travelocity, Target, Best Buy, Staples, Drugstore.com, and more than 3,000 others merchants; and combines CashBack shopping, special discounts and significant bargains to its shopping members.

“VIR’s new CashBack Button also allows members to install it once and then never miss another opportunity to earn CashBack.” says Tallal. “It like having a constant monitor set on your computer to visually alert you anytime you are about to make any type of purchase when CashBack is available. For people interested in always getting the highest and best use of their money, it doesn’t get any better than this”

Additionally, clipping coupons from the Sunday newspaper is now a thing of the past. VIR’s malls also have their own Coupons section which offers the four largest online coupon sites on the Internet, all together in one place. These sites include Coupons.com, SmartSource, Redplum and CouponNetwork; so all a member needs to do is select the coupons they want, print them out on their printer, and use them at their local grocery or drugstore. The malls even include a direct API feed from Groupon offering its daily Groupon Goods, which are Groupon’s deeply discounted products offering.

“Since VIR is a technology company first, it can integrate any of its discount health and lifestyle benefit programs with the mall so they are presented to the end user as a seamless website.” states Tallal. “We can integrate multiple independent web based services from different sources and produce a seamless end user experience, all on the same URL. Very Important Relationships, Inc. simple has the best platform available for any company wishing to offer a merchant funded loyalty CashBack shopping mall to its customer, members or supporters.”

About Very Important Relationships, Inc.
Very Important Relationships, Inc. is one of the nation’s premier developers of Internet CashBack Rewards shopping programs. VIR operates different CashBack mall business models that serve seven industries, including customer loyalty, employee benefits, nonprofit fundraising, and association benefits. For more information on Very Important Relationship, Inc. and the services they offer, visit www.myvir.com or call (972) 726-9595.

Contact:
Jody Tallal
Very Important Relationships, Inc.
2533 N Carson Street, Suite 1V
Carson City, NV 89706
(972) 726-9595, Ext 229
Jody@myvir.com
http://myvir.com

Business, Human Resources

Engage PEO Expands California Team

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Melissa Johnson joins as vice president of sales in California.

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA (June 3, 2015) — Engage PEO, a leading professional employer organization providing HR outsourcing solutions to small and mid-sized businesses across the U.S., today announced the addition of Melissa Johnson as vice president of sales for California. She will be based in the San Francisco Bay Area, but will partner with brokers and clients throughout the state and across country.

Johnson will focus on creating new business opportunities and building insurance broker relationships to further position Engage’s HR solutions to potential clients. Johnson has more than 10 years of experience in HR outsourcing and has held multiple senior roles at large, national PEOs. She attended San Francisco State University and has been frequently recognized as a top performing sales executive in the region.

“Melissa brings to Engage an expertise in PEO, a strong working knowledge of California business, local issues and key broker relationships – a combination rarely seen in the industry,” said Jay Starkman, chief executive officer of Engage. “There is a reason why she has been so successful in her career and Engage is lucky to have her join our team. This is especially true in one of Engage’s key growth markets, California, where PEO market share is growing rapidly.”

“Engage is the hyper-growth PEO in the industry and I’m incredibly excited to be joining such a strong national sales team,” said Johnson. “Clients throughout California are becoming more aware of the value that PEO delivers, which, when coupled with the Engage ‘Expect More’ service philosophy and its distribution model of partnering with insurance brokers, should create something very special.”

Additionally, to support Engage’s current clients and future growth in the state, Engage has hired Robert Dominguez as an assistant general counsel, based in California.

As part of the Engage HR team, Dominguez will create and deliver comprehensive HR solutions for the Company’s California clients. Dominguez has represented employers in California on litigation matters and counseled them on HR related issues and changes in the law, such as California’s new Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act. Dominguez earned a B.A. from Georgetown University and a J.D. from Cornell Law School.

About Engage PEO
Engage PEO delivers comprehensive HR solutions to small and mid-sized businesses, sharpening their competitive advantage. Comprised of the industry’s most respected veteran professional employer organization executives, certified HR professionals and attorneys, Engage PEO provides hands-on, expert HR services and counsel to help clients minimize cost and maximize efficiency for stronger business performance. The company’s superior service offering includes a full range of health and worker’s compensation insurance products, payroll technology and tax administration, risk management services and best-of-breed technology as part of an extensive suite of HR services. For more information visit http://www.engagepeo.com.

Media Contact:
Sandra Fine, rbb PR
(305) 567-0535
sandra.fine@rbbpr.com

Business

Northwire Provides Professional Assistance Regarding Changes to UL 758

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NWI explains the impact of important agency compliance changes.

Osceola, WI, USA (June 3, 2015) — Cable engineering company, Northwire, Inc., (NWI), keeps customers and partners informed on the constant evolution of agency compliance, environmental directives and technical specifications. Recently, Underwriter’s Laboratories made physical property additions to UL 758, the Standard for Appliance Wiring Materials. These detailed UL 758 revisions generated hundreds of pages of valuable technical information, and the potential impact encompasses millions of design engineers, products developers and purchasing professionals. For convenience, Northwire details the most salient elements in a clear and concise question and answer structure for ease of understanding:

1. Brief History: How did UL 758 gain prevalence?
In summary, “UL 758 was developed to consolidate requirements. Over the 40 years the category has been in existence, many people have had different interpretations of how to evaluate the wire. These procedures evolved over time…UL 758 was formed so that all customers and users of AWM were aware of the test protocol and requirements, and to maintain consistency,” according to Underwriter’s Laboratories. Contemporarily, in 2013, UL 758 was recognized as the global standard.

“Featuring over 6,000 AWM Styles throughout the 40 year history of UL 758, Northwire has been integral to connectivity in the earliest factory installations to the most contemporary state of the art facilities today,” explains Dionne CaPuzzi, Agency Compliance Technician.

2. Then vs. Now: How will UL 758 remain the same? What is the major change to UL 758?
Despite a proposal for the elimination of style pages, after soliciting internal and external key stakeholders, UL “determined that style pages provide unique identifiers for individual AWM constructions” and will remain in play. The main game changer is the additional physical property requirements, especially high-temperature.

3. What is the impact of the physical property additions to Appliance Wiring Material?
The new additions will help to ensure that Appliance Wiring Material is held to the same level of stringency and requirements as many other UL listed types such as Flexible Cords. This allows Northwire to design and manufacture wire and cables that will perform exceptionally well in demanding environments while maintaining compliance that meets requirements for multiple approvals.

4. Agency Compliance: Why is UL 758 related to UL 1581, UL 2556 and CSA?
The common thread is the UL Recognized AWM jacket styles are obligated to meet physical property requirements that can be found in UL 758 by using detailed instructions from UL 1581 and UL 2556, which are the governing test method standards recognized by both UL and CSA. This includes the advanced ratings for Multi-conductor TPU jacketed cables with ratings of 90°C and 105°C, and for voltages of 30, 150, 300, 600, and 1000V. They also comply with UL 758 Appliance Wiring Material requirements by being in accordance with the UL 1581 Section 1061 Cable Flame Test, and can also meet the CSA FT1 flame test requirements listed in CSA 210-11, which is Canada’s own Appliance Wiring Material standard.

5. Test Protocols: Which properties are tested?
• Northwire validated dozens of protocols at UL and CSA
• Dynamic temperature range of -60°C to 105°C
• Flame resistance to UL 1581 Section 1061, VW-1, FT1 and FT2
• Resistance to oil, sunlight/UV and ozone

6. Unique Differentiators: What are the advantages of Northwire’s AWM recognized UL and CSA cable products and offerings?
To start, AWM establishes requirements and test protocols ensuring consistency and safety. Featuring signal, control, power and instrumentation, Northwire’s versatile construction options and wide selection of conductor sizes ranging from 30V to 1,000V meet a host of standard and custom configuration needs. Northwire’s AWM approvals are ideally suited for a dynamic range of use in factory installations and diverse series of electrical components and offer a variety of insulation and jacket materials. Northwire’s AWM required, UL recognized, and CSA certified cable solutions are also approved for CE Mark in end products.

Northwire is committed to proactively developing cable products that meet the evolving demands of agency standards and environmental compliance. Learn more about Research and Development projects at Northwire by contacting 800.468.1516, cableinfo@northwire.com, or through Live Chat.

About LEMO

LEMO is an acknowledged leader in the design and manufacture of precision custom connection and cable solutions. LEMO’s high quality Push-Pull connectors are found in a variety of challenging application environments including medical, industrial control, test and measurement, broadcast, and telecommunications.

LEMO has been designing custom connectors for over six decades. Offering more than 100,000 combinations of products that continue to grow through tailored, specific designs, LEMO and its affiliated sister companies REDEL, NORTHWIRE and COELVER currently serve more than 100,000 customers in over 80 countries around the world. In 2014, LEMO Group acquired Northwire, Inc. as part of its vision to provide a full range of interconnection solutions and services to niche markets.

About Northwire

Cable manufacturer, Northwire, Inc., celebrating over 43 years of innovation, has corporate headquarters and manufacturing in Osceola, Wisconsin and engineering and manufacturing in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. The cable engineering company is the premier partner for the design, manufacture and contract services of custom technical products including custom technical wire and cable, retractable cable, cable assemblies, connectors, harnesses, injection molding and over-molding. Extensive test and development, contract engineering and rapid OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) services offered. Serving a wide range of markets with diverse applications in broadcast, life sciences, energy, MIL-Spec defence, industrial, machine vision, architectural lighting, underwater and beyond.

In addition to ISO 13485:2003, ISO 9001:2008, SAE AS9100C:2009 certifications and qualification to ISO 17025:2005, Northwire is a member of NDIA (National Defense Industrial Association), NCMA (National Contract Management Association), RIA (Robotics Industries Association), AIA (Automated Imaging Association), FieldComm (fka Foundation Fieldbus), ODVA (Open DeviceNet Vendors Associations) and WAI (Wire Association International), among others.

For more information, visit http://www.northwire.com.

Media Contact:
Katina Kravik
Northwire
110 Prospect Way
Osceola, Wisconsin 54020
715-294-2121
cableinfo@northwire.com
http://www.northwire.com

Business

Edgar Perez Leads High-Frequency and Electronic Trading Workshop in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on June 5

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Edgar Perez, Columbia Business School MBA and former McKinsey and IBM consultant, is a global electronic trading and cybersecurity expert, author of The Speed Traders, Knightmare on Wall Street, and the course director of The Speed Traders Workshop 2015 Kuala Lumpur, “How Banks, Hedge and Mutual Funds and Brokers Battle Markets ‘RIGGED’ by Wall Street’s ‘Flash Boys’, High-frequency Trading, Exchanges and Dark Pools”.

New York City, NY, USA (June 3, 2015) — According to the Financial Times, Bursa Malaysia and the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) have both been upgrading their trading systems in recent months to accommodate electronic traders and make it easier for foreigners to trade their markets, including high-frequency traders. Bursa Malaysia has reported in the past growth in the daily average number of contracts traded, in part due to what it said was an “outreach” to high-frequency traders. “We will continue our efforts in offering more tradable alternatives and improving market structure and framework. All these will support our initiatives in expanding our regional presence and in taking us a step closer to being Asean’s multinational marketplace,” said a spokesperson for Bursa Malaysia.

Cybersecurity and electronic trading expert Edgar Perez, author of The Speed Traders (http://www.thespeedtraders.com) and Knightmare on Wall Street (http://www.knightmareonwallstreet.com) will open the door to the secretive world of computerized low-latency trading, the most controversial form of investing today; in the name of protecting the algorithms they have spent so much time perfecting, speed traders almost never talk to the press and try to disclose as little as possible about how they operate. The Speed Traders Workshop 2015 Kuala Lumpur, “How Banks, Hedge and Mutual Funds and Brokers Battle Markets ‘RIGGED’ by Wall Street’s ‘Flash Boys’, High-frequency Trading, Exchanges and Dark Pools”, is the first and most comprehensive initiation to the world of high-frequency trading with The Speed Traders Workshop 2015 Kuala Lumpur (http://www.thespeedtradersworkshop.com) this June 5 will cover the latest research currently available and reveals how high-frequency trading players are operating in global markets and driving the development of electronic trading at breakneck speeds from the U.S. and Europe to Japan, India, and Brazil. The “flash crash”, the suspended BATS IPO, the botched Facebook IPO, Knight Capital’s trading malfunction and NASDAQ’s Flash Freeze are just a few of the milestones in the history of high-frequency trading that will be dissected with participants.

ABOUT KNIGHTMARE ON WALL STREET
Knightmare on Wall Street, The Rise and Fall of Knight Capital and the Biggest Risk for Financial Markets is a thrilling minute-by-minute account of the terrifying hours following Knight Capital’s August 1, 2012 trading debacle, with news-breaking research regarding the firm’s 17 years of tumultuous existence as an independent company. Knightmare on Wall Street is the definitive behind-the-scenes story of Knight Capital.

The firm, founded by Kenneth Pasternak and Walter Raquet in 1995, had seen its fortunes change as U.S. regulators made a series of changes in the structure of financial markets and computers were progressively expanding their share of trading. The Flash Crash, the infamous 1,000 point drop of the DJIA on May 6, 2010 (the largest one-day point decline in history), illustrated how market structure problems could almost instantaneously cascade from one market participant to the rest.

Thomas Joyce, CEO of Knight Capital since 2002 and an unapologetic advocate of electronic trading, had been scornful of those companies that struggled to keep up with ever-changing stock markets. So it was certainly shocking that at 9:30 A.M. on August 1, 2012, right after the markets opened for the day, Knight Capital began issuing an unprecedented number of erroneous orders into the market, due to an error in installing new software. No rogue trader or regulatory change; operational risk was passing the bill to Knight Capital and becoming the biggest risk in the financial markets.

Knight Capital announced later a staggering loss of $440 million. What followed after this shocking announcement were several rounds of desperate conversations with a number of vulture players who had smelled opportunity and were readying themselves to pick up bargain-priced pieces. On August 6, 2012, Joyce confirmed that Knight Capital had struck a deal with Jefferies, TD Ameritrade, Blackstone, GETCO, Stephens, and Stifel Financial, staving off collapse days after the trading mishap.

While Knight Capital was back in the game, its limping recovery quickly prompted hungry competitors to bid for the entire company. On December 19, 2012, the board decided to accept an acquisition proposal from GETCO rather than Virtu Financial. For GETCO, acquiring Knight Capital represented a gigantic fast forward step. For Knight Capital, it was the end of its wild ride as an independent entity.

Knightmare on Wall Street provides a fascinating account of what it took to elevate the firm to the cusp of the retail investing revolution of the late 1990s, to struggle through booms and busts, and to bring the firm down, to end up ultimately being ignominiously bought up by a competitor.

ABOUT THE SPEED TRADERS
High-frequency traders have been called many things-from masters of the universe and market pioneers to exploiters, computer geeks, and even predators. Everyone in the business of investing has an opinion of speed traders, but how many really understand how they operate? The shadow people of the investing world, today’s high-frequency traders have decidedly kept a low profile-until now. In this new title, The Speed Traders, Edgar Perez opens the door to the secretive world of high-frequency trading (HFT). Inside, prominent figures of HFT drop their guard and speak with unprecedented candidness about their trade.

Edgar begins with an overview of computerized trading, which formally began on February 8, 1971, when NASDAQ launched the world’s first electronic market with 2,500 over-the-counter stocks and which has evolved into the present-day practice of making multiple trades in a matter of microseconds. He then picks the brains of today’s top players. Manoj Narang (Tradeworx), John Netto (M3 Capital), and Aaron Lebovitz (Infinium Capital Management) are just a few of the luminaries who decided to break their silence and speak openly to Edgar. Virtually all of the expertise available from the world of speed trading is packed into these pages.

The Speed Traders, published by McGraw-Hill Inc., is the most comprehensive, revealing work available on the most important development in trading in generations. High-frequency trading will no doubt play an ever larger role as computer technology advances and the global exchanges embrace fast electronic access. The Speed Traders explains everything there is to know about how today’s high-frequency traders make millions-one cent at a time.

ABOUT ELECTRONIC TRADING AND CYBERSECURITY EXPERT EDGAR PEREZ
Mr. Perez is the author of Knightmare on Wall Street, The Rise and Fall of Knight Capital and the Biggest Risk for Financial Markets (2013), and The Speed Traders, An Insider’s Look at the New High-Frequency Trading Phenomenon That is Transforming the Investing World, published in English by McGraw-Hill Inc. (2011), Published in Mandarin by China Financial Publishing House (2012), and Investasi Super Kilat, published in Bahasa Indonesia by Kompas Gramedia (2012).

Mr. Perez was a vice president at Citigroup, a senior consultant at IBM, and a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Co. in New York City. Previously, he managed Operations and Technology for Peruval Finance. Mr. Perez has an undergraduate degree in Systems Engineering from Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Lima, Peru (1994), a Master of Administration from Universidad ESAN, Lima, Peru (1997) and a Master of Business Administration from Columbia Business School, New York, with a dual major in Finance and Management (2002). He belongs to the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. Mr. Perez resides in the New York City area with his wife Olga, son Edgar Felipe and daughter Svetlana Sofia.

Media Contact:
Taylor Blankfein
Media Relations Coordinator
Golden Networking
+1-414-FORUMS0
information@goldennetworking.net
http://www.goldennetworking.net

Business, Consumer Services, Energy, Government, Industrial

Bmark Energy Announces California Direct Access (DA) Program is Poised to Expand in PG&E, SCE and SDG&E

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  • California’s Direct Access (DA) Program is Poised to Expand in PG&E, SCE and SDG&E
  • Many Commercial & Industrial DA Companies Currently Save 10-25%

Pismo Beach, CA, June 02, 2015 — /REAL TIME PRESS RELEASE/ — On April 21, 2015, California Senate Bill SB286 passed a Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee (11-0) and indicates the legislature’s desire to support both individual choice (increase the DA CAP) and renewable energy.

This is Great News – and is Electricity Deregulation in Action

Many companies currently participating in the DA program appreciate substantial savings between 10-25% on their generation costs over fully-bundled utility rates, which is why the DA program is so popular and in high demand.

Going forward, we expect the bill to be amended to either phase in the CAP increases or impose some alternative type of participation CAP, and include a renewable energy purchase obligation for new participants.

The Committee Chairman supports the bill and would like to see the bill amended to increase the CAP by 8,000 GWh and would also like to see any new participants be taken from the utility wait list.

** This “Wait List” and Timing are Extremely Important **

To be considered for participation into the DA program, a Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access needs to be submitted by a company to their utility. With these notices, each utility creates their “Wait List” for any future DA openings that may occur under the CAP for the following year.

“It is extremely important that companies realize that the utility Wait Lists for 2016 are being formed NOW,” says Robert Kramb, president of Bmark Energy, “and the deadline is June 12 for any 2016 DA openings.”

Six-Month Notice to Transfer to Direct Access forms are sent to the utility June 8, 2015 – June 12, 2015. If you miss the June 12, 2015 deadline, any DA opportunity for 2016 is eliminated.

Next Steps to Take:

1- Contact us at Bmark Energy at: 805-773-3762 Ext. 3
2- Email your electric utility invoice to: robertk@bmarkenergy.com
3- We will complete the form and return it to you for your signature.
4- We will then submit the form during the utility enrollment period.

Here are links to additional information on Direct Access, regarding FAQs, as well as savings charts and graphs.

Expand DA – Get on the Wait List
DA Info – Savings chart and graph

Industries that Benefit from Direct Access

Aerospace Biotech Financial Government Pharmaceuticals
Agriculture Chemicals Healthcare Education Chain Operations
Automotive Defense Industrial Steel/Metal Food Preparation

Bmark Energy follows the political-regulatory energy changes in California and understands the DA process. We have been alerting California companies to utility-regulatory changes and assisting them in obtaining lower energy costs for over 22 years for both natural gas and electricity. There are two ways to reach us for more information.

BmarkEnergy (http://www.Bmarkenergy.com)
CAdirectaccess (http://www.bmarkenergy.com/California-energy)

Direct Access (DA) is an option that allows eligible companies the ability to purchase their electricity directly from competitive electric service providers (ESPs). PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E continue to transport and deliver electricity and their utility services for all companies in this utility DA program.

Robert Kramb
Bmark Energy, Inc.
791 Price St. #177, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
Tel. 805-773-3762 Ext. 3 – Fax 805-456-2088 Email robertk@bmarkenergy.com
BmarkEnergy (http://www.Bmarkenergy.com)

Business, Marketing

Westwind Balloon Company Announces An Experience Gift That Tops All Others

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Give Dad an Experience Gift This Father’s Day- a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Michigan.

Plymouth, MI, USA (June 1, 2015) — This Father’s Day give Dad a gift he’ll never forget, a hot air balloon ride over Michigan.

“A balloon flight is the perfect gift for most dads because a balloon flight is an ‘experience’ gift, says Scott Lorenz, President and Chief Pilot of Westwind Balloon Company of Plymouth, Michigan.”

“The main reason ‘experience’ gifts are so popular is that in the end all we have are memories and the balloon ride provides a vivid and lasting memory. I have noticed that people really want to make special occasions ‘special’ so they are more interested in collecting experiences than knick-knacks to put on a shelf,” says Lorenz, “and a balloon flight is the perfect experience gift that both dad and mom can enjoy together because each flight is for two people.”

“Nobody forgets their first balloon flight. It is truly an experience that cannot compare to anything else. The sensation of flying over trees, lakes and streams, spotting deer and other wildlife is unique and inspiring. When a gift touches someone both emotionally and on a multi-sensory level people remember who gave it to them. If you really want to make a lasting impression,” says Lorenz, “a hot air balloon ride over Michigan is the ultimate ‘unforgettable’ gift.”

Flights cost $695 for a private ride which is two passengers and the pilot. All flights are pre-paid. Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover and PayPal are accepted. Gift certificates are available.

To really appreciate all the beautiful scenery Michigan has to offer, call a balloonist and schedule a flight today, the view is really better from above!

Westwind Balloon Company- Plymouth, MI, Flying over Kensington Park, Brighton, South Lyon and Milford. (Scott Lorenz, Pilot and Owner | 734-667-2098 | http://www.WestwindCos.com/Balloon)

About Scott Lorenz
Scott Lorenz, a commercial balloon pilot since 1982, has logged 1,650 + hours in-flight. He has flown over Niagara Falls, The Great Wall of China, Disney World, the Olympics, Austria, Japan, Spain, Red Rock Canyon NM. He co-piloted a Guinness World Record flight to 19,000′ and a 20 hour-Gas Balloon flight from MI to KY. Westwind has been featured by FOX-2 Detroit, WDIV, WJR, NPR, The Detroit Free Press, Oakland Press and Hour Detroit Magazine to name a few and was named “most creative date” by It’s Just Lunch. In 2012, Westwind was name one of America’s Most Romantic companies for the balloon engagement flights. Scott’s Westwind Balloon Company offers unforgettable rides over Michigan’s breathtaking countryside. Balloon rides make terrific gifts for Moms, Dads, Grads, the Boss and anybody who wants to enjoy life!! Call 734-667-2098 or visit: http://www.PureMichiganBalloon.com.

Business

Insurance King to open Auburn St. and Rockton Ave. Castle

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Insurance King on Auburn and Central will be moving into Castle 0001 located 1515 N Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103 on June 1st, 2015.

Rockford, IL, May 30, 2015 – Insurance King on Auburn and Central will be moving into Castle 0001 located 1515 N Rockton Ave. Rockford, IL 61103 on June 1st, 2015.

Insurance King has decided to upgrade their location and get ready for franchising in the near future. Insurance King’s castle 0001 will be a floor model for a satellite office system. The 1515 N Rockton Ave Rockford IL 61103 office will have the same number it has had at the Auburn and central office 815-968-(KING) 5464.

Insurance King has had its main office located in Rockford, IL since 2001 and has grown into the entire states of IL, IN, WI, IA, MO, KS, TN, and OH with more states launching soon. Insurance King focuses on low cost auto, renters, and cycle insurance for the good to high risk driver. Insurance King is inviting current customers and previous customers to see the new location which will have new extended office hours Mon-Fri 9am-5:30pm and Saturdays 9am-3pm.

Insurance King wanted to extend the office hours to better serve our customers with the new IL verification act to allow people to make payments and prevent lapses.

Contact:
Dan Block
President
Insurance King
127 N. Alpine Rd.
Rockford, IL 61107
815-639-0149
dan@insurancekingquote.com

Insurance King