All posts by EPR Network

Eric Johnson to lead design firm

(Savannah)  Gus Bell, III, Chairman of Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung (HGBD), announced today that Eric Johnson has returned to the firm as President of HGBD International, Inc. Johnson is an architect, the former Senate President Pro Tem and a recent Republican candidate for Governor of Georgia.

Gus Bell stated, “Eric Johnson is second to none when it comes to integrity, and strong work ethic.”

Johnson returns to HGBD after four years working in real estate development for North Point Industrial. While there, he oversaw the design and construction of the Research & Development campus for Gulfstream Aerospace. Prior to that, Johnson worked for HGBD International for 19 years, rising to Vice President and successfully expanding the firm into north Georgia by establishing the Gainesville office. He has a Masters in Architecture from Tulane University and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

HGBD International, Inc. is one of eight specialized companies within the Bell Companies.  The firm employs over 220 employees located throughout Savannah and Gainesville, Georgia; Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and Hamilton, Bermuda.  Over the past fifteen years, the firm has gained international recognition as one of Engineering News Record’s Top 500 Design Firms.  HGBD offers extensive in-house multi-discipline design services.  From their origin as a civil engineering firm, HGBD has continued to expand their capabilities to meet the changing needs of their clients.  The firm offers a complete range of civil, water, wastewater, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, and structural engineering as well as architecture, interior design, surveying and support services.  HGBD has completed a wide array of projects in 35 states and 16 countries.

“I am excited about the opportunity to use my 30 years of professional experience and statewide network to expand this firm’s footprint and services,” said Senator Johnson. “As this region recovers from the recession, HGBD is positioned to offer the critical services needed to build infrastructure and create jobs.”

Melissa Phillips
Director of Marketing & Business Development
Phone: 912.354.4626
Mobile: 912.667.5185
FAX: 912.354.6754
E-Mail: mphillips@hgbd.com
Web: www.hgbd.com
FTP: files.hgbd.com
Hussey, Gay, Bell & DeYoung
Post Office Box 14247 • Savannah, GA • 31416

A new single, “Lights Out”, will be released September 28, 2010 by recording artists Fallon and Felisha

A new single, “Lights Out”, will be released September 28, 2010 by recording artists Fallon and Felisha. “Lights Out” is a club-banging, fist-pumping tribute to being young and alive. It sets the party mood for anyone who wants to dance and embrace the moment. As Fallon describes it, “It’s one of my favorite songs to perform. I think our fans will appreciate the energy!”

Fallon and Felisha have had an impact on the music industry for many years. They started their careers alongside their sisters, Farrah and Neosha, in the popular R&B group, Cherish. Their debut album “Unappreciated”, received much critical acclaim. It was certified gold and debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, making them one of only a few R&B girl groups to hit the charts top five in almost a year. Their hit single, “Do It To It,” landed the number twelve spot on Billboard’s Hot 100 and was listed on many other Billboard charts including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

The twins are currently building on the success and experience they had with the group Cherish and are now expanding their artistic genius toward a broader audience. In Felisha’s words,” I’ve always had a love and passion for pop music. Music, to me, is supposed to reflect who you really are, reaching across genres, and relating to individuals from all walks of life”.

Through their lyrics, they share insight into being young and dealing with relationships. They are inspired by an eclectic mix of artists, and drawing upon that inspiration they are ready to relate to a diverse group of people. In this new decade of a continuously changing music industry, Fallon and Felisha are ready to begin a new era.

The new single “Lights Out” will be available for downloads on iTunes, Amazon Mp3, Rhapsody, Napster, MySpace, eMusic and www.fallonandfelisha.com online store. The official website is also set to launch September 28, 2010.

Contact:
Artist Manager
Aris Golemi
Ph: 404-808-6546
P. O Box 191731
Atlanta, GA 31119

For press inquiries and further information, please contact:
Margaret Moseley
Acting Director, Communications
Ph: 404-514-4258
Fax: 404-634-6909
Margaret@xceltalent.com

Possible £2.7bn Bill for PPI Reclaim Compensation

The Financial Services Authority has announced that compensation for mis-sold PPI reclaims could reach as much as £2.7bn and involve 2.75 million people in the UK. Complaints regarding PPI reclaims are expected to rise to over 550,000 per year for the next five years, with compensation for PPI reclaims varying from £900 – £1,800 per person.

The FSA found ‘wide and deep evidence of weakness in PPI sales’ over the last five years and warned lenders they have until December 1st 2010 to adopt a new set of rules that deal with PPI reclaim complaints, key features of which include:

If the customer would not have bought the policy in the first place, the PPI premiums plus interest should be reimbursed.
If the customer was persuaded to buy a premium with a single up-front payment instead of a regular premium policy, the customer should be reinstated to the position they would have been if they had done.
Dan Waters of the FSA said: “The rules are the culmination of months of hard work and now, with these measures, we look forward to consumers being treated fairly whether they are buying or complaining about PPI. Since we took over the regulation of PPI we’ve carried out 24 investigations and three thematic reviews, issued warnings, halted the selling of single premium PPI with unsecured personal loans, visited over 200 firms, and handed out some very significant fines.”

Lenders up in arms about new PPI reclaim rules

Many have argued the new PPI reclaim rules are unnecessary and disproportionate, with lenders waging a behind-the-scenes campaign to stop the new regulations from being instated.

However, the FSA is adamant the new rules are necessary given the behaviour of some lenders when faced with dealing with PPI reclaims. Some lenders have been automatically turning down almost half of the PPI reclaim complaints they receive with others have been rejecting every single one. Of those customers who had their PPI reclaims rejected, 1 in 3 turned to the Financial Ombudsman Service for help and 80% had their complaints upheld. Such is the extent of the problem, last year the FSA instructed lenders to open up 185,000 rejected PPI reclaims and review them.

For claims comparison site, writeoffloan.com, the behaviour of the lenders is nothing new. “The new FSA rules are incredibly welcome, For years lenders have been mis-selling PPI insurance alongside loans to everyone they could. Often they knew the premiums to be unnecessary or that the customer would be unable to claim on the policy because they were exempt from doing so when they took them out. Sometimes they didn’t even bother telling the borrower they were adding a PPI premium. Customers had no idea they even had an insurance policy.”

The spokesperson added; “The numbers of people coming to us for help with PPI reclaims has risen dramatically over the last 12 months and some of the stories we are hearing are quite shocking. It’s quite obvious the lenders are banking on people being disillusioned and put off when they repeatedly reject their PPI reclaims. That’s why many people need a helping hand from companies like ours to deal with the tactics of these unscrupulous lenders who have simply instated a blanket ban on dealing with PPI reclaims regardless of the merit of the customer’s case. Luckily we understand PPI reclaim law and aren’t so easily put off by the tactics of lenders”.

The Competition Commission is also expected to announce a ban on selling PPI policies at the point when someone is granted a loan. Some lenders however have realised the game is up and have already stopped offering polices, including HSBC and Lloyds.

But it’s all too little too late for the millions of people who were caught and still face a battle to get their money back.

Contact Details: Writeoffloan.com
Finance House,
Stockport Road,
Altrincham
WA15 8ET

Tel: 0800 043 2027
Website: http://www.writeoffloan.com

Rapidsoft Technologies is showing new opportunities in Enterprise Mobility

Gurgaon, India, 03 Sep, 2010: Gurgaon based Rapidsoft Technologies is coming up with Mobile Report Management Solutions for small and medium level enterprises. Being committed to the customized and cutting-edge software services, they are going to introduce fully scalable and dynamic implementation approaches in forward-looking Enterprise Mobility solution.

In today’s competitive corporate world, both reporting managers and mobility workers want to access real time information for the enhancement of smooth workflow process. As the industries are under tremendous competitive force to offer better services, Rapidsoft Technologies is delivering a true Mobility solution in a bold move that will bring them at par with the established industry leaders and will change the game for enterprise mobility.

While commenting on their upcoming Mobile Report Management Solution, Palak Biswas, Senior Manager, Business Development, Rapidsoft Technologies, said, ‘Our Mobile Report Management solution can provide a comprehensive framework that is totally controlled by our Dynamic Server with Pre defined & Customizable web based form templates. Such an optimal time management solution can be applied for different verticals and sales force requirement with option to add/edit/update forms with Individual access based on the business activity.’ He further added, ‘Reporting Managers can take instant decisions while on the go with the help of such a cost effective mobility initiative that draws on our extensive experience and significant expertise.’

About Rapidsoft Technologies

Rapidsoft Technologies Rapidsoft Technologies is an offshore custom development company in India and is a one of the market leaders in custom software services and solutions for mobile and web and enterprise solutions. To know more about Rapidsoft, one can drop an e-mail to info@rapidsoft.co.in. To talk to their sales guys, email sales@rapidsoft.co.in or call +91 999 966 4452.

For more information about the upcoming news from Rapidsoft Technologies, visit www.rapidsofttechnologies.com

New single So in Love on digital sale!

Singer, songwriter and composer Moh Dediouf is a world traveller. Born in Dakar in 1974, his influence is international. Through his music he has proven to be the personal manifesto of/for the Africa renewal.

From his early years in Dakar to his life in Europe, Moh Dediouf explored multiple influences (pop/rock, house music), that he blends with his African roots, thus creating a unique sound.

His debut, self-produced album, released in 2007, has already gained recognition: Moh is the first French artist to win the First Prize in the World Music Category at the International Songwriting Competition. His song Adouna was chosen among more than 15000 tracks and 100 countries.

Moh Dediouf is now working on his second album, Smile Way of Life, a humanistic project that gathers artists from the African continent but also North Africa, Switzerland, France…

And the winner is…

His talent was rewarded again this year, his track Africaaa being the only song from a French artist to be featured on the 2010 official World Cup Compilation Hello Afrika. The lyrics, which are both in Wolof and in English, convey the energy and the diversity of the African continent. Africaa has received full attention because it represents the richness of African music and symbolizes the African unity that so many artists want to promote.

I have a dream

A hopeless dream? Not so sure… A wind of renewal is blowing on Africa, putting African artists together, including Moh dediouf, all willing to reinvent the continent in their own way by promoting its cultural strengths. With his track So in Love, which is a hymn to universal love and a true call for brotherhood, the artist makes his mark for bringing peace to Africa.

Release of the single So in Love: 15th august 2010

For more info: www.moh-dediouf.com
La Clique production
Contact Details: Arnaud Amat
La clique production
CMCI, 2 rue Henri Barbusse13001, Marseille

Payroll Outsourcing Services Save Small-Business Owners Time And Money

Small-business owners often have to wear multiple hats: boss, human resources representative and payroll administrator, just to name a few. Thanks to National PEO, small-business owners can remove that last hat by outsourcing their company’s payroll administration. National PEO leads the payroll outsourcing services industry, offering payroll administration, tax payment and filing, online payroll entry, and EVerify, among other payroll-related tasks. The Scottsdale, Arizona, company helps small-business owners across the country save both time and money, as payroll administration is neither revenue-producing or an effective use of their time.

August 2010 – National PEO allows small-business owners to do what they do best: Run their companies. It does this by taking over all payroll services, including the important task of verifying work eligibility of employees. To determine whether or not a small business will benefit from payroll outsourcing services, including EVerify, National PEO does the following:

Performs a detailed analysis of the small business’ payroll operations and delivers an action plan showing the potential savings of time and money.

Outlines the many payroll outsourcing services National PEO provides, including:

Input Options – National PEO clients can decide how they want to upload payroll information. They can opt for WebPay, an online payroll entry solution, or they can fax, call, email or drop off their payroll information to be input.

Reports – National PEO’s powerful accounting software eliminates the task of compiling payroll reports.

Direct Deposit – Among National PEO’s payroll outsourcing services, is this versatile option: Small-business owners can give their employees the option of direct deposit, whether into one account or multiple, or via a pay card.

Deductions and Garnishments – National PEO handles health-care benefit deductions, child-support orders, levies and other deductions and garnishments.

PTO Tracking – Perhaps one of the most important of National PEO’s payroll outsourcing services, this system accurately tracks employee sick, vacation and personal time based on the policies of the small business.

In its action plan, National PEO also stresses the importance of employee verification. Not complying with state and federal law in this area can result in suspension and/or loss of a small business’ license. As part of its payroll outsourcing services, National PEO offers EVerify, which processes all new hires and consults with employees if they have questions. It also audits a small business’ I-9 forms and its employee filing system, and it follows up on discrepancies to comply with federal guidelines. EVerify also keeps small business owners informed of changes to federal and state laws regarding immigration.

National PEO also uses case studies to show small-business owners how they can save time and money through payroll outsourcing services, EVerify in particular. One case study focuses on a construction company that used National PEO to determine whether or not it was compliant with immigration rules and regulations. Through its audit, National PEO found potential violations that would have resulted in legal and financial consequences for the company had they been uncovered during an audit by a federal agency. Thanks to National PEO, the construction company was compliant within days and has since earned perfect scores on EVerify follow-up audits.

About National PEO: When it comes to payroll outsourcing services, National PEO leads the industry thanks to its successful leadership and innovative practices. To schedule an interview with a member of the National PEO team, call John Rico at 480-429-8098. To get more information about the payroll outsourcing services the company provides, including Everify, go to nationalpeo.com or call (480) 429-8098 or toll free (888) 221-0945.

Contact Details: National PEO
John Rico
hr@nationalpeo.com

Penguin Books Announces Publication Of New Lorien Legacies Series

Penguin Books has announced it is to publish ‘I Am Number Four’ by Pittacus Lore, the first instalment of The Lorien Legacies, a mind-blowing new thriller series.

I Am Number Four is a tale of John Smith (aka Number Four) as he desperately tries to outrun his past, escape his mortal enemies the Mogadorian, blend into normal student life and above all pray his newly found powers, legacies from home; Planet Lorien, don’t give him away before he can complete his destiny and protect his future.

In an unprecedented move for Penguin, I Am Number Four will be published simultaneously in two editions on 26 August 2010 – one for adults (Michael Joseph) and a second for Young Adult readers (Razorbill). It has already captured the imagination of publishers around the globe and translation rights have been snapped up by over 18 territories worldwide. The film rights for I Am Number Four have been snapped up by Spielberg for DreamWorks and the movie will be hitting screens in early 2011.

“It became clear after only a few chapters that I Am Number Four is far more than an exceptional thriller, it’s a book to fall in love with”, said Mari Evans, Fiction Publisher for Michael Joseph.

“I Am Number Four has everything you could wish for: a killer hook, fabulous compelling writing, thrills, tension and surprisingly tender moments. It’s fantastic entertainment”, commented Puffin Fiction Editor, Sarah Hughes.

Film rights have been acquired by Steven Spielberg for Dreamworks and the movie is due to be released in cinemas in early 2011. I Am Number Four the film will be directed by DJ Caruso and produced by Michael Bay, with an all-star cast including Alex Pettyfer and Glee’s Dianna Agron.

Visitors to the site will be able to discover their own Lorien Legacy, as well as enjoying extended content such as character profiles, breaking news on I Am Number Four and background information. By taking the Legacy Test users will be able to video themselves in action with their new found power. Supported by social media sharing functions, the video and Legacy Test will be pushed out to Facebook, Twitter and other networks, extending the awareness of the series and the site functionality.

“Number Four is a hero for this generation”, Michael Bay.

About Penguin Books
Penguin was established in 1935 and is one of the world’s leading consumer publishing businesses. Penguin publishing comprises the following imprints: Allen Lane, Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Michael Joseph, Penguin, Penguin Classics, Puffin and Viking. Penguin has offices in 15 countries and is part of the international media company Pearson as well as providing an online bookstore.

About Pittacus Lore
Pittacus Lore is a Loric Elder, from the Planet Lorien, which is three hundred million miles away. He is approximately ten thousand years old. He has been to Earth hundreds of times, and he is here now.

Pittacus Lore is available for interview.

PR Contact Details
Jessica Jackson
Jessica Jackson PR
C/o Penguin Books
80 Strand
London
WC2R 0RL+44 7866 675 877

ENER-G has launched a new ENER-G Sustainable Technologies division – specialising in the design, installation and maintenance of heat pumps

Through its exclusive partnership with four leading manufacturers, the company is providing one of the widest selections of ground source, gas absorption, air source and water loop heat pump technologies in the UK.

The new division expands ENER-G’s existing ground source heat pump operation into a building services focused business that can provide total heat pump solutions for all types of heating and cooling applications utilising heat pumps ranging from 1kW to 1000kW capacity.

ENER-G Sustainable Technologies has relocated its Nottinghamshire base from Ollerton into larger premises in Mansfield, which will accommodate its anticipated year-on-year growth.

Managing Director, Paul Burley said: “Our in-house expertise and resources means we can see the whole job through from initial feasibility through to project handover. We operate our own drilling rigs and offer complete in-house services from specialist design, through to complete project management, installation and maintenance of heat pump technologies. We also have the ability to supply bespoke manufactured heat pumps in a variety of sizes to accommodate complex customer briefs, particularly where space is restricted.”

The introduction of the proposed Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) in April 2011 is expected to stimulate further demand in the sector, providing significant subsidy payments of up to 7.5 pence per kWh for 15 to 23 years that will dramatically reduce the payback period on ground source and air source heat pump technology.

Explains Paul Burley: “This legislation will support a range of heating and cooling systems at all levels, from small businesses and offices, and public sector buildings right up to large factories. A 200kW ground source heat pump operating eight hours a day – typical for a school or moderately sized business premises – would create an annual incentive of approximately £18,000. Similarly, a 200kW air source pump operating in comparable circumstances would lead to a financial gain of around £7,000 per year.

“ENER-G’s expertise in delivering these technologies for all sizes and types of application is unsurpassed. We are currently looking at introducing attractive finance packages which will fund the installation, along with operation and maintenance of the technology at minimal cost to the client”.

Heat pumps supply more energy than they consume by using a refrigeration cycle to absorb heat from the environment and raise it to a suitable level for heating buildings or providing hot water. The process can operate in a reverse cycle to provide cooling for buildings as well. Heat pumps can provide a 50% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional technologies.

When combined heat and power is used to drive heat pumps, further energy savings and CO2 reductions can be achieved. ENER-G is using these two technologies in tandem to power the new Malvern Community Hospital, which will be one of the greenest hospitals in the UK.

ENER-G Sustainable Technologies has won official certification for its expertise in renewable heat pump technology. The Approved Contractor certificate recognises the quality of ENER-G’s design, supply, and installation heat pumps, in line with exacting technical standards set out by the Microgeneration Certification Scheme. The company is also a member of the UK Ground Source Heat Pump Association.

The business is part of the UK-based ENER-G group of companies which employs more than 760 people worldwide, with operating and joint venture companies in 16 countries. It develops, manufactures, delivers and finances energy efficient and renewable solutions, including: combined heat and power, biogas utilisation, geothermal energy, heat pumps, efficient lighting, controls, metering and data solutions, and new generation energy from waste. This is accompanied by a wide range of energy and water consultancy and energy procurement services.

For further information contact ENER-G Sustainable Technologies on 01623 666340,www.energ.co.uk/heatpumps

Read more: http://www.energ.co.uk/?OBH=69&ID=235#ixzz0xeoqoh49

Contact Details: ENER-G Holdings plc
ENER-G House
Daniel Adamson Road
Manchester
M50 1DT
UK
Tel : +44 (0)161 745 7450
info@energ.co.uk

British Airways Launches The Great Big Sale

British Airways launches its great big sale with thousands of flights in all cabins and hundreds of holidays on offer.

The twenty day sale offers discounted flights to over 100 destinations worldwide as well as 100’s of holidays for various travel departures from August 26, 2010 right through to June 30, 2011.

To launch the sale, model Nell McAndrew posed on a big deck chair (the size of a double-decker bus) outside Tower Hill in London wearing her favourite beach wear – a Melissa Odabash bikini.

Nell said: “I’m excited to be launching BA’s great big sale. Bag a bargain and jet off in style and comfort to one of many destinations.”

For a late summer getaway, hot spots include flights to Dubai, Antigua and Grenada. Those looking for ski breaks head to North America and experience the Rockies with deals on flights to Denver and Vancouver. For short city breaks, British Airways have a wide selection of destinations such as Zurich or Geneva.

Travellers wishing to jet-off in style and experience British Airway’s award-winning Club World beds can check out flights to Cairo, Delhi, New York,
Bermuda and Calgary. BA also offers flights to Barbados and Houston that allow customers to take advantage of the luxurious first class cabin.

Destinations closer to the UK include Jersey, Dubrovnik and Salzburg as well as Gothenburg in Sweden, which a new BA route takes-off to at the end of November.

As well as special offers on flights, British Airways is offering value for money holiday packages in a variety of destinations such as a two night stay at the 3-star Merton Hotel in Jersey that includes return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation only. Package deals at Sharm El Sheikh’s 3-star Oriental Rivoli also include return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation only.

A new BA non-stop twice weekly service to Cancun commences November 3, 2010 and customers can stay for seven nights at the 5-star Dreams Puerto Aventuras Resort and Spa in Riviera Maya including return BA flights from Gatwick and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. Those looking for complete escapism can check out holidays in the Maldives and relax for seven nights at the 4-star Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi including return BA flights from Gatwick, in-resort transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis.

British Airways offer fly-drive holidays in exciting destinations such as Orlando including return BA flights from Gatwick and inclusive Avis car rental.

Richard Tams, British Airways head of UK & Ireland Sales, said: “This sale is a great opportunity for anyone looking for last minute getaways, winter sun, ski or city breaks to take advantage of savings in all our cabins. We also have a great range of holiday packages available on ba.com where you can save even more time and effort by using our new ‘lowest price holiday finder’ with the added reassurance of ATOL protection.”

– ENDS-

Notes to editors:
The sale runs from August, 26 2010 until midnight on September, 14 2010 All packaged holiday offers are based on two sharing and are ATOL protected

About British Airways:
British Airways plc offers a wide range of worldwide destinations – including holidays, hotels, flights, car hire and experiences. Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL protected holiday packages, ATOL number is 5985. Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers’ expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

For further British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd media information please contact:
Katja Cooper
Astral Towers
Betts Way
London Road
Crawley
RH10 9XA
01293 722513
www.ba.com

Real Time Press Release Distribution

In today’s Internet the real time information is already playing a significant role in how businesses and people access and consume the information online. Technologies online have emerged up to the point where 2 minutes may sometimes be the difference between having tens of thousands of people not only seen your PR announcement, but creating a long tail of reactions across the vast real time online space adding up to your overall online presence/reputation and your message being buried down among millions of other identical pieces of information.

Considering how crucial the real time information for the average business and web user appears to be, one can only imagine how great the impact of the real time information flow over the public relations business online can be.

That’s why we think it is about time for RealTimePressRelease.com — real time press release distribution online.

In a nutshell RealTimePressRelease.com is a do-it-yourself publishing platform for real time press release distribution. It’s free and you can instantly have your press release published on RealTimePressRelease.com as well as released via the Web, the Blogosphere and the Twitter. Having spent almost 2 decades within the PR industry, and currently engaged with EPR Network, one of the largest press release distribution networks online, it’s been just a matter of time for us to realize how vital a real time press release distribution service online is.