All posts by straightlinepr

Business

Employers Could Make a Costly Mistake With Early Health Insurance Renewal

Leave a comment

Colorado HealthOP Offers Free Health Insurance Business Analysis to Help Employers Determine Best Course of Action Related to Early Renewal

Denver, CO, July 15, 2013 — Many Colorado employers are considering renewing their health insurance early. For business owners, this deliberation is being driven by confusion about changes in healthcare, and for larger businesses, specifically by their struggles to understand how the Affordable Care Act employer mandate delay announced this month will affect health insurance decisions for them and their workforce. According to Colorado HealthOP, Colorado’s first statewide nonprofit health insurance cooperative (CO-OP), the decision to renew early could be a costly mistake.

“Business owners are feeling a lot of pressure to quickly lock in their 2014 health insurance rates. They are confused about the insurance landscape, and many insurance carriers are encouraging or providing incentives for early renewal,” said Julia Hutchins, chief executive officer of Colorado HealthOP. “Unfortunately, those that do not consider their options in 2014 prior to renewing may be missing out on opportunities to make smarter choices for their employees’ health and their bottom line.”

For many employers, waiting and exploring new options available in 2014 may be a better alternative. Colorado HealthOP shares these four reasons why waiting to renew health insurance may be the best choice for many business owners:

1. Small employers will have more health insurance options. The number of carriers actively selling products in the small group market in 2014 has increased. New companies like Colorado HealthOP are offering innovative products that may be a better fit for employers committed to the health and wellness of their workforce.

2. Employees of small businesses get more choices. Small businesses that purchase insurance through Connect for Health Colorado’s small group exchange have the opportunity to offer their employees a choice of multiple health plans from multiple carriers, rather than contracting with one overarching health plan. For employers that have historically not been able to give their employees a lot of choice, this is a major benefit of waiting to renew.

3. Businesses of all sizes have the option of considering whether the individual market may actually be best for employees. For some employers, directing employees to Connect for Health Colorado to purchase a health plan may actually allow their employees to access richer benefits at a lower cost. This is especially true for businesses with a large percentage of employees who qualify for income-based subsidies.

4. Employers and individuals may be able to access health plan prices that are comparable to current renewal prices. When preliminary insurance rates were released in early June, small businesses and individuals alike were pleasantly surprised to see reasonable prices comparable to 2013. When Connect for Health Colorado launches in October, employers and individuals may find that there is financial benefit in waiting to renew their health insurance in Colorado.

“As a responsible manager of their employees’ benefit plan, business owners need to research their options and do their financial due diligence, particularly around early renewal,” said Hutchins. “This is particularly important to ensure that early renewal does not put the business at risk for future financial or legal problems.”

To help reduce the confusion, Colorado HealthOP is offering a free health insurance analysis to help employers determine if renewal of their current plan, purchasing a plan on the health insurance marketplace or directing employees to the individual market is likely to be the best choice for them. The analysis considers the size and composition of a company’s workforce and determines the optimal path for employers.

To learn more about how changes in healthcare will impact businesses, please visit www.COhealthOP.org/Employer to opt in to updates from Colorado HealthOP. To schedule a free health insurance analysis, contact Colorado HealthOP at 720.627.8900.

About Colorado HealthOP:
Colorado HealthOP offers a new alternative to traditional health insurance in Colorado. A nonprofit health insurance cooperative, Colorado HealthOP and its members are committed to providing affordable, quality coverage to individuals and employers interested in making a difference in their own health, their employees’ health and the health of their community. Colorado HealthOP aims to improve health outcomes by putting the responsibility for consumers’ care back into the hands of the cooperative’s members and providers. A private market solution tailored for individuals and employers, Colorado HealthOP will begin open enrollment on October 1, 2013 via Connect for Health Colorado, Colorado’s health insurance marketplace, and through independent brokers and agents. Coverage will begin January 1, 2014. For more information about Colorado HealthOP, please visit www.COHealthOP.org or call 720.627.8900.

Contact:
Shannon Fern
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, Colo 80206
303-433-7020
shannon.fern@COHealthOP.org
http://www.csg-pr.com

Healthcare

Disordered Eating Behaviors, Intentional and Unintentional, Can Heighten Women’s Risk for Fertility Challenges

Leave a comment

Eating Recovery Center shares advice to help women recognize and address eating and exercise behaviors that may be contributing to fertility issues

Denver, CO, July 11, 2013 – Women seeking answers to fertility challenges frequently look to reproductive issues as the primary source of problems. However, few women are aware that their own eating or exercise behaviors – past or current – may actually be a contributing factor in their inability to conceive. Eating Recovery Center, an international center providing comprehensive treatment for eating disorders, often observes women seeking eating disorders treatment after unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant. For this reason, Eating Recovery Center urges women to evaluate their patterns of eating and exercise for possible disordered behaviors before making the decision to start – or expand – a family.

Studies confirm the unfortunate connection between eating disorders and fertility issues. A 2000 survey of women attending a fertility clinic revealed that among women with irregular or absent menstrual periods, 58 percent had an eating disorder. Furthermore, none of these women volunteered this information without prompting. Another study featured in the journal Fertility and Sterility looked at a group of women with unexplained infertility who restricted calories for vanity reasons, but did not meet the criteria for an eating disorders diagnosis. When these women increased their body weight and caloric intake, 73 percent of them quickly conceived.

“An active eating disorder can significantly impair a woman’s ability to conceive, as can unhealthy behaviors including starving, bingeing, purging or over exercising that may have occurred over prolonged periods of time in the past,” said Ken Weiner, MD, FAED, CEDS, founding partner and chief executive officer of Eating Recovery Center. “Despite the clear connection between eating disordered behaviors and infertility illustrated by the research in the field, many women struggling to get pregnant hide their disordered eating behaviors – past or present – from their OB-GYNs and fertility specialists.”

As such, Eating Recovery Center offers the following guidance to help women who may be struggling with infertility and eating disorders to understand the impact of disordered eating behaviors on their ability to conceive and seek appropriate treatment.

1. Consult with a doctor before changing diet or exercise behaviors. Many women make changes to their diet and exercise patterns in an effort to be healthier while trying to conceive. However, if women have a family history of eating disorders or a personal history of disordered eating, these seemingly healthful changes could trigger disordered eating behaviors for those with a genetic predisposition toward developing an eating disorder.

2. Understand that regular or absent menstrual periods may indicate that eating or exercise behaviors are adversely impacting the natural body cycles that support conception. Although irregular or absent menstruation can be caused by a variety of factors not related to diet, weight or exercise, restricting calories or excessive exercising behaviors may play a role in irregular menstruation and contribute to fertility challenges. Additionally, it is important to understand that eating or exercise behaviors can impact the menstrual cycles of women even if they are of normal or healthy weight. Many people mistakenly believe that women must have experienced significant weight loss and/or be of very low weight for irregular or absent periods to occur.

3. Ask an expert. Concerns about eating or exercise behaviors and the possible impact of these behaviors on fertility should be directed to an OB-GYN, fertility specialist, family doctor, therapist, dietitian or eating disorders specialist. These healthcare professionals can help women determine whether behaviors may be fertility-impeding, as well as identify an appropriate course of treatment if necessary. Remember that healthcare professionals need all relevant information to make accurate diagnoses and help their patients.

4. Be honest about eating disordered behaviors. While an active eating disorder cannot only lead to infertility, it can also contribute to miscarriage, low birth weight and other dangerous complications for mother and child upon becoming pregnant. Therapeutic intervention and medical monitoring can be integral components in supporting healthy pregnancies for individuals that are able to conceive.

“It is incredibly important that women be transparent regarding their eating disorders struggles in order for reproductive healthcare professionals to effectively diagnose fertility issues and prescribe a treatment plan that meets each individual’s unique needs,” added Dr. Weiner. “Because eating disorders are often shrouded in shame and secrecy, it is equally important that healthcare providers be aware of the connection between eating disorders and fertility, and that they learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of eating disorders in their patients.”

For more information about infertility, pregnancy and eating disorders, approaching a loved one displaying troublesome eating disorders warning signs, broaching the topic of eating disorders with a doctor or effective eating disorders treatment, visit www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.

About Eating Recovery Center:
Eating Recovery Center is an international center providing comprehensive treatment for anorexia, bulimia, EDNOS and binge eating disorder. Under the leadership of Drs. Kenneth Weiner, Craig Johnson, Emmett Bishop and Ovidio Bermudez, programs provide a full spectrum of services for children, adolescents and adults that includes Inpatient, Residential, Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. Our compassionate team of professionals collaborates with treating professionals and loved ones to cultivate lasting behavioral change. Denver-based facilities include the Behavioral Hospital for Adults, the Behavioral Hospital for Children and Adolescents, the Partial Hospitalization Program and Outpatient Services for Adults, and the Partial Hospitalization Program for Children and Adolescents. In an effort to increase patient access to care throughout the United States, Eating Recovery Center partners with Summit Eating Disorders and Outreach Program in Sacramento, Cali., and The Moore Center for Eating Disorders in Bellevue, Wash. Summit offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services, as well as Outpatient Services in Fresno. The Moore Center offers Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Services. For more information, please contact us at 877-218-1344 or info@EatingRecoveryCenter.com or confidentially chat live on our website at www.EatingRecoveryCenter.com.

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

Shopping

OK1984 Launches, Bringing A Cool-Girl Twist to Affordable Accessories

Leave a comment

What happens when you merge years of industry experience with a team of hip Californian designers?

Los Angeles, CA, July 10, 2013 – What happens when you merge years of industry experience with a team of hip Californian designers? The result is simple; girls around the world get what they’ve been asking for…access to jewelry that feels fresh & edgy, offering up a casual way to make a statement without breaking the bank.

Who is the OK1984 girl? We like to think of her as the coolest girl in the room‚ pulling off whatever wildly unique style that suits the mood. Her motto? Inspire and be inspired. Pile on layers of spiked, chunky chains one day and swap to a simple lucky charm the next. Move seamlessly from a wrist full of bohemian wrap bracelets for a super laid-back look to a stack of punk rock bangles that will make you feel invincible. Always accessorize and always be you.

OK1984’s team of designers scour the globe, high and low, for creative influences to envision and develop pieces that you won’t find anywhere else— from the Rose Bowl Flea Market to the Runways in Paris, OK1984 pieces incorporate details both edgy and sophisticated, casual and bold, rock and refined. Their constantly evolving shop is stocked weekly with hand-designed pieces created in Los Angeles, high-trend, high-quality jewelry that is super easy on your pocket.

Established this summer, the newly launched brand is already looking towards a seriously stout premier season with collaborations by recording artist & fashion influencer Kreayshawn, unrivaled assortments including everything from natural stone pendants to finely etched cuffs starting at just $30, and a capsule collection of gift items that will both shock and wow, not to be outdone.

The OK1984 brand will offer a continuously expanding collection of wrap bracelets, cuffs, bangles, cocktail rings, stacking rings, bib necklaces, pendants, studs and statement earrings ranging from $9 – $130, all available directly at www.ok1984.com.

Contact:
Malorie Kaye
Cameo PR
10 W. 33rd St.
Suite 1118
NY, NY 10001
646-360-3488
malorie@cameopr.com
http://www.cameopr.com

Education

Bryant & Stratton College Online Announces an Associate of Applied Science Financial Support Services Degree

Leave a comment

The degree will provide graduates with employability skills for careers in financial institutions and insurance companies

Buffalo, NY, July 09, 2013 – Bryant & Stratton College Online, a leader in online associate’s degree programs, announced today an addition to its degree program offerings – an Associate of Applied Science Financial Support Services (AAS FISS) degree. The degree program instills in graduates the employability skills needed to perform a variety of customer services in banks, insurance agencies and saving and loan companies processing financial transactions and generating reports. The College is currently enrolling students in its new degree program. Classes will begin in September 2013.

Students who enroll in the AAS FISS online college degree program will learn skills that prepare them for careers such as finance service representative, customer service representative, billing and posting clerk, brokerage clerk, loan processor, or banking specialist. Many of these career fields are predicted to grow by 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.

“This new associate degree will help our students be more prepared to enter the workforce in fields that are seeing positive growth. In diversifying our degree offerings to meet the changing needs of the marketplace we are offering more choices for students to find a career that fits their goals,” said Scott Traylor, Campus Director for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College. “The AAS FISS degree will give students the chance to learn how to calculate complex mathematical questions, complete fundamental accounting transactions, and adhere to current legal regulations that are necessary to succeed in the financial services industry.”

The AAS FISS degree program will teach students how to process client financial transactions, generate reports that support client needs, judge appropriate ethical behaviors that follow the laws and regulations applicable to the financial services industry and formulate useful solutions to clients’ financial and business related needs. Additionally, in the program students will learn employability skills like information literacy, critical thinking and written and oral communication, among others, that will help them be successful in the workforce.

The AAS FISS degree is not available to residents of New York or Ohio. The degree joins the five online bachelor’s degree programs, thirteen online associate’s degree programs and eleven online certificate of completion programs Bryant & Stratton College Online offers. To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College, its online college degree programs go to http://online.bryantstratton.edu. Bryant & Stratton College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

About Bryant & Stratton College Online:
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes-based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment.  The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For almost 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and professional certificates. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, twelve online associate’s degree programs and eleven online certificate programs in a variety of fields including business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Some online programs are not yet available in all states. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of graduates and other important information, please visit www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.  General information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degrees can also be found at http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Anne Jenkins
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
703-624-6125
ajenkins@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Engrade Raises $5M to Accelerate Expansion of Platform, Districts Served

Leave a comment

Platform used by more than 40,000 schools gets strategic funding from Javelin Venture Partners, Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, Kapor Capital, and Rethink Education.

Santa Monica, CA, July 03, 2013 – Engrade, the district-level education platform that unifies the data, curriculum, and tools teachers, schools leaders, and administrators use every day by integrating all of a district’s software and systems, today announced it has secured $5 million in a Series B funding round to accelerate its nationwide expansion and product development. The company has grown rapidly in recent years as it has worked with schools and districts to solve one of the most pressing challenges facing schools—connect once disparate systems from a wide array of sources to maximize the learning potential of students.

With the massive changes to the American education system expected over the next decade with the increase in 1:1 and blended learning, school systems need an integrated, cost-effective, and user-friendly technology infrastructure for managing all parts of the instructional process. Engrade integrates all of a district’s resources, including third-party applications and open education resources, into an easy-to-use, single sign-on solution. Used in more than 40,000 schools around the world, Engrade enables districts to manage curriculum planning and evaluation, instruction, assessment, and school-home communications through one fully secure, cloud-based platform, saving time and money.

Javelin Venture Partners, an entrepreneur-driven venture capital fund in San Francisco, led the round. Rethink Education, which led the company’s $3 million Series A round in January of 2012, added to its position. Other participants included Samsung Venture Investment Corporation, Kapor Capital, the investment fund led by prescient technologist and investor Mitchell Kapor, Expansion Capital and Ed-Mentor. This new round will help Engrade meet the rapidly rising demand of U.S. schools and districts for seamless education technology integration. With Samsung Venture Investment Corporation’s investment, Engrade anticipates business collaboration and partnership opportunities with Samsung.

“It is time for schools and districts to have a true platform, not a jumbled collection of tools that keep vital data locked up in separate silos,” said Jed Katz of Javelin Venture Partners. “Teachers, administrators, students, and parents are now able to see in one place the full story of an individual’s academic performance and learning needs.”

The additional capital will allow Engrade to help districts and school systems more rapidly integrate data, curriculum, and tools from third parties into their classrooms and evaluate the effectiveness of their instructional resources. By using Engrade, districts can more easily transition to the new Common Core State Standards, allowing teachers and administrators to align granular chunks of content and professional development resources with the relevant Common Core skills.

“We are thrilled to work with a group of investors composed of innovative thinkers and experienced leaders who will make excellent partners in reshaping the future of education,” said Engrade CEO Zach Posner. “We are defining a new product category in the education market that provides school districts with a system to use the right content with the right student at the right time to accelerate academic achievement.”

Engrade, which doubled its staff last year to meet the increased demand from school systems around the country, expects that the fresh round of investment will help it expand its staff and product offerings—from advanced tools for content management to programs that will help teachers manage all of their students’ data, accessible from any device.

About Engrade:
Engrade unifies the data, curriculum, and tools teachers, schools leaders, and administrators use every day by integrating all of a district’s software and systems, including third-party applications and open education resources, into one fully secure and easy-to-use, cloud-based platform. Districts rely on Engrade’s powerful single sign-on solution to enhance district-wide communication, plan and evaluate curriculum, manage assessment, and monitor student progress in real time. Educators love Engrade because it simplifies their workflow, increases efficiency in the classroom, and empowers them to use the resources and strategies that work best to improve instruction and outcomes for each student. Since the launch of its flagship product – the most widely used gradebook on the Web – Engrade has grown to serve more than 40,000 schools and support a community of more than 6 million users worldwide. To learn more, visit engrade.com.

Contact:
Zach Posner
Engrade, LLC
1327 Ocean Ave.
Suite I
Santa Monica, CA 90401
+1-800-305-1367
media@engrade.com
http://www.engrade.com

Education

Bryant & Stratton College to Host Employability Week

Leave a comment

Series of events July 15 through July 19 to help local students and job seekers get job ready

Buffalo, NY, July 01, 2013 – Bryant & Stratton College today announced it will host Employability Week from July 15 to July 19, a series of events to help students and job seekers get job ready. Events planned on the College’s three Western New York campuses will bring together students, new graduates, job seekers and local business leaders for many career-focused activities. The highlight of the week will be the “Job Ready or Not?” Employability Summit, a live event with top U.S. employers aimed at helping close the perception gap between what job seekers think employers want and what employers really value in candidates.

The “Job Ready or Not?” event will include a panel of speakers from CareerBuilder, Enterprise, Humana, Marriott Hotels and Microsoft, who will give attendees a look into the mind of an employer and offer advice on how to be successful in today’s tough job market. The event will be streamed live online from the College’s campus in Orchard Park on Friday, July 19 at 1 p.m. Those interested in joining in-person should call (716) 860-4799 to register. Those wishing to watch the event live online can register at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/employability-summit.

On Thursday, July 18, a career fair will host area job seekers and 40-50 local companies and organizations with open positions and volunteer opportunities. Attendees will be able to connect with employers and get career advice from College experts, as well as enter to win an iPad® *. The career fair will be held from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 at the Buffalo Campus at 465 Main Street, 4th floor.

To prepare for the career fair, attendees are encouraged to attend the free Employability Clinics on Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the College’s campuses in Amherst, Buffalo and Orchard Park. Attendees can get free career advice from College experts, have their resumes reviewed, receive a personalized “Dress for Success” consultation and enter a raffle to win a $200 gift certificate for professional attire. Free career readiness coaching sessions will cover resume and cover letter writing, job interviews, using LinkedIn, managing your online reputation and negotiating your salary.

Employability Week events and the “Job Ready or Not?” Employability Summit are aimed at helping close the perception gap between how job seekers view their own employability and what employers value. According to a new survey from Bryant & Stratton College’s Online Education Division and Wakefield Research, 80 percent of 18-34 year olds feel they are job ready and possess all the skills, experience, and education needed to advance in their desired career path or obtain their next job. Comparatively, data released by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company found almost 40 percent of employers attribute the main reason for job openings to lack of skills among entry-level applicants. The research indicates that college students and young employees have inflated assumptions about their own career readiness in today’s job market.

“Being a viable candidate in today’s job market takes an understanding of what employers want, a firm grasp on how to present your skills and access to quality career resources. Employability Week touches on all of these tenets so our students and other job seekers can feel job ready,” said Paul Bahr, Director of the Western New York Campuses of Bryant & Stratton College. “Our core mission at Bryant & Stratton College has always been to provide students the training and education they will need to be successful in their careers. Employability Week is an opportunity to do that for our students as well as the greater Western New York community.”

Employability Week Events:

Date: Tuesday, July 16
Event: Portfolio Development Day for Bryant & Stratton College students (private event)
Time: all day
Location: At local Western New York Campuses

Date: Wednesday, July 17
Event: Employability Clinics
Time: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Career Readiness Coaching Sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location #1: Amherst Campus, 3650 Millersport Highway, Getzville, NY 14068
Location #2: Buffalo Campus, 465 Main Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203
Location #3: Southtowns Campus, 200 Redtail Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127

Date: Thursday, July 18
Event: Career Fair
Time: 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Buffalo Campus, 465 Main Street, 4th Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

Date: Friday, July 19
Event: “Job Ready or Not?” Employability Summit
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m
Location: 200 Redtail Road, Orchard Park, NY 14127
Register to join-in person by calling (716) 860-4799 or register to watch online at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/employability-summit.

To learn more about the Employability Week events at Bryant & Stratton College campuses in Amherst, Buffalo and Orchard Park, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/466778813416629/.

These events are part of the Bryant & Stratton College Employability Series, an ongoing effort dedicated to helping students become career-ready upon graduation. By focusing on the development of employable skills, the College purposefully helps students develop technical, industry-specific knowledge as well as soft skills. To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College, its degree programs and the Employability Series, go to http://www.bryantstratton.edu. Bryant & Stratton College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

*An iPad or comparable device will be available.

About Bryant & Stratton College;
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment. The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For almost 160 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, technology, legal, business, & graphic design. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit http://www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. General information can also be found on the College’s website at http://www.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Anne Jenkins
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
703-624-6125
ajenkins@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Ecotech Institute Webinar Series Debuts on Tuesday, July 16 With “Bringing the Ecotech Lifestyle to Life”

Leave a comment

Thought Provoking, 30-Minute Webinar Will Focus on Actionable Ways to Live Sustainably

Denver, Colorado, July 01, 2013 – On Tuesday, July 16, Ecotech Institute will launch a webinar series that explores many facets of green living, including careers, lifestyle choices and a deep dive into solar careers. The first webinar, “Bringing the Ecotech Lifestyle to Life”, will discuss the overall concept of sustainable living and encourage participants to define their own personal sustainability-focused mission, vision and goals. After a fast-paced 30 minutes, attendees will leave with new considerations and approaches on how to live a sustainable lifestyle.

“This lunchtime webinar is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to explore how to live more sustainably through easy and actionable steps,” says Kyle Crider, Ecotech Institute’s Manager of Environmental Operations. “Everyone can do something to make a positive impact on the planet – and we are here to be a catalyst for positive change.”

Webinar Topic:
“Bringing the Ecotech Lifestyle to Life”

Date:
Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Time:
1:00 p.m. Eastern/12:00 p.m. Central
11:00 a.m. Mountain/10:00 a.m. Pacific

Speaker:
Kyle Crider, Manager of Environmental Operations at Ecotech Institute. He holds a Master of Public Administration degree with a double-emphasis in urban planning and policy analysis. He is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional, Neighborhood Development (LEED AP ND) and an instructor of “Introduction to Sustainability” on Canvas.net.

Register:
Spots are limited and will go fast, so sign up today at Ecotech Institute Webinars.

Upcoming Webinars – Dates to be announced:
What Are Renewable Energy Jobs?
The World of Solar Energy Jobs
Time Management: Finding Life Balance While in School

Ecotech Institute, based in Aurora, Colorado, is the only college entirely focused on training people for jobs in sustainability. Ecotech currently offers the following renewable energy degree programs:

* Solar Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Wind Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Renewable Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Facility Management Technology, Energy Efficiency Program, Associate of Applied Science

* Electrical Energy Technology, Associate of Applied Science

* Power Utility Technician, Associate of Applied Science

* Business Administration – Sustainability, Associate of Applied Science

About Ecotech Institute:
Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

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

Business

Jump Rope Jack Launches New Blog Site to Help Teach People How to Jump For Life

Leave a comment

Powerful aerobic activity that is done in even short spurts and only 10 minutes a day is proving to be life changing for many. This is big news when you consider that in just 10 minutes of jumping rope we can burn off the calories in that candy bar that we just ate.” Says Ms. Carr, creator of the Jump Rope Jack blog.

Tampa, FL, June 30, 2013 – Jump Rope Jack has arrived and is helping thousands of people in the US alone to back away from the TV and get up on their feet and Jump for Life.

Statistics show and plane old observation confirms that the number of weight challenged folks around town are at an all time high. Not meant to hurt feelings but with that obesity comes hand in hand, illness. And Illness is just a little bit of death.

The Jump Rope Jack Blog has launched to bring up the awareness of the power of doing some simple jumping rope for health and jumping rope for life.

“The ‘secret’ to success in health in today’s crazy world is to get up off the couch and recliner and get these bodies moving / jumping. We can jump at home, at work at lunch time, outside, at the gym, on the sidewalk, in the parking lot, while waiting for the bus, you name is and you can probably stand there and jump with a jump rope right there.” says Ms. Carr, of JumpRopeJack.com.

It’s true that the practice of having to go to a gym for an hour a day or even every other day is not as practical as it was even 10 years ago. People are busier today than ever, some work 2 jobs, some are single parents doing their best to raise their children right. Time is a valuable commodity. That’s why jumping rope is perfect for health and life.

Jumping is the fastest way to accomplish getting yourself in shape. Jumping is the work-out that boxers, wrestlers, and other great athletes do to improve their reaction time, focus and endurance. The nice thing about jumping rope is that you can get the whole family involved. It’s not expensive and it’s not too time consuming because even 10 or 15 minutes makes a huge benefit on health.

Ms. Carr says, “I often get asked, ‘Will I see results after one day of jumping?’ No. But then again we won’t drop dead tomorrow if we don’t jump either. Something that is very easy TO do like jumping rope for just a short time or maybe 60 jumps is also going to be very easy NOT to do. So you have to stick with it and let the benefits of the compounding positive take place. But this compounding works both ways. You can jump every day for a month and you will have added a big credit to your “health” bank. You can also not exercise at all for a month and you won’t fall over but you will have a debit on your ‘health’ ledger of slightly flabbier arms, belly and slightly less energy.”

To find out more about the benefits of jumping to our health visit www.JumpRopeJack.com

Ms. Carr is an accomplished author and owner of Jump Rope Jack. She is passionate about educating people about the importance of staying active and strong. She practices what she preaches too. You can find this over-60- year-old up at 7am exercising outdoors with a jump rope, stretch bands and brisk walks.

Ms. Carr explains, “And it all pays off! I have enough energy to keep up with my 30 year old kids. My main focus is to help people get more active. With the Jump Rope Jack Blog, which is turning into a movement, I know we are making an impact. I believe that together we can make a huge and positive impact in many people’s lives, helping them create a healthier stronger body for themselves and their children too.”

If you are interested in learning more about how Mary Kay Carr can help you, Ms. Carr can be reached at 888-811-5160 or visit her online at info@jumpropejack.com or www.JumpRopeJack.com

Contact:
Mary Kay Carr
Jump Rope Jack
Tampa, FL
888-811-5160
info@jumpropejack.com
http://www.JumpRopeJack.com

Business

AuraPortal, the World-Class, Acclaimed BPM Software, Receives Certification from TEC

Leave a comment

Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC), global leaders in the research, evaluation and selection of enterprise software solutions, have awarded AuraPortal their certificate for BPM Systems.

Boca Raton, Florida, June 26, 2013 – AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of Business Process Management (BPM) software, has announced that after a thorough analysis, Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC) have accredited AuraPortal as a Certified Product in the business process management software field.

To achieve this certificate AuraPortal surpassed the questionnaire prepared by TEC covering 100 features and functions of the application and made a profound demonstration of the product to TEC analysts.

According to comments from TEC in their blog:
“As from the demonstration for the certificate, AuraPortal’s characteristics for the model were evident, as was its ease of use and task transition. AuraPortal differs from the competition thanks to its powerful process modeling tool and its wide but easy adaptability, configuration and use. Its powerful tool for managing workflow (creating, editing and monitoring) gives it great potential for both simple and complex projects in the process management field.”

To access the full article, click here (http://bit.ly/12Q8xKE)

About Technology Evaluation Centers (TEC):
TEC provides software selection services to companies throughout America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.

TEC has more than 50 partners throughout the mainstream media.

The TEC Web sites have over 3 million registered members and more than 1 million visitors per month.

TEC newsletters reach around 1 million subscribers worldwide.

More than 22,000 senior decision-makers trust in TEC Advisor for assistance with their evaluation and project selection software.

About Aura (http://www.auraportal.com)
AURA is a global BPM (Business Process Management) software provider delivering a solution that creates, without the need of IT programming, Business Process Workflow Execution Models. AuraPortal is 100% Web-based, and is complementary to existing ERP and CRM systems.

AURA has a presence in 40 countries with more than 300 customers including, among others: Toyota, General Motors, Pemex (Petroleos Mexicanos), Carrefour, ArcelorMittal, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Danone, Sodexo, Kimberly-Clark, Yamaha, Eletrobras, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc., as well as many Government Agencies and Departments in several countries. All of these customers benefit from maintenance contracts.

Its headquarters are in Europe (Spain and Holland) with an executive branch in North America (Florida). It also has offices in several countries and a vast network of partners who locally attend customers throughout the world.

Contact:
Nina Moon
AuraPortal
400 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801-7472
978-808-6340
diana.farrington@auraportal.com
http://www.auraportal.com

Technology

Axicon Auto ID Launch New On-line Barcode Validation System

Leave a comment

Axicon Auto ID Ltd, a world leader in barcode verification, announce the launch of a new online barcode validation system.

Oxford, UK, June 26, 2013 – Axicon Auto ID Ltd, (Oxford, UK) a world leader in barcode verification, announce the launch of a new online barcode validation system.

The Checkrite 5 is a stand alone, on-line barcode validation system that can be used in conjunction with a range of different barcode readers. The system, which doesn’t require a PC, operates with a simple three colour light display that indicates either a match, a mis-match or no read. Checkrite 5 offers a host of benefits to the user including very easy installation and operation, a choice of sensors and is suitable for speeds of up to 5 products/barcodes per second.

Incorrect or unreadable barcodes on retail products can result in unexpected costs through shipment rejections and even fines and contract cancellations. The new on-line barcode validation system has been designed to quickly spot errors which leading to a reduction of wastage and avoidance of costly returns.

Passing comment, James Bernard, Chairman of Axicon Auto ID Ltd said, “We are delighted to announce the launch of Checkrite 5 our new on-line barcode validation system, we understand how damaging unexpected costs, fines and potential loss of contract can be to any business” he continued, “the new system safeguards against these undesirable outcomes and provides a new level of peace of mind to any supply chain or retail workflow by spotting potential errors.”

About the company, the Axicon Group is a world leading barcode verification solution provider. Based in the UK, Axicon Auto ID Ltd specialise in barcode verification, barcode images and labels and distribute their product range through a network of international partners across the globe. Axicon Auto ID invites anyone with an interest in barcode verification technologies to view their full product range online at – www.axicon.com.

For Further information or an illustrative image: Media contact – Mathew Taylor, Director, Algorythm Solutions Ltd, mobile: +44 (0)773 403 2112.

Contact:
Mathew Taylor
Director
Algorythm Solutions Ltd
10 Torkington St, Stamford
Lincolnshire PE9 2UY
+44 (0)773 403 2112
mtaylor@algorythmsolutions.com

Homepage