All posts by straightlinepr

Travel

Luxury Travel Ltd. has High Hopes Following the Recent ATF Laos 2013

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Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator has high hopes for expanding its clientele following its successful show at the recent ATF Laos 2013.

Hanoi, Vietnam, February 05, 2013 – Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) has high hopes for expanding its clientele following its successful show at the recent ATF Laos 2013.

The representatives of Luxury Travel Ltd. from the USA, UK, Laos and Hanoi offices participated in ATF 2013 as an exhibitors.

The goal is to promote Vietnamese high-end tourism products in the leisure luxury segment and to find buyers who want to sell unique experiences for discerning travelers.

This year, the company highlights unique experiences as part of Vietnam tourism at the show, as well as to show that luxury travel is being redefined as experiential rather than simply branding.

Pham Ha, CEO and founder of Luxury Travel, held high level meetings with representatives of a large number of companies and the leaders of the tourism industry, many from the UK, USA, Eastern European countries and ASEAN members.

?Headquartered in Vietnam, with our management offices in Laos, ASEAN Tourism Forum 2013 is a great chance for us to establish our business relationships.There are many tour operators and travel agents who are interested in our award winning luxury tour operations and who are looking for new luxury travel products in Vietnam.Tour operators and travel agents at the ATF show wish to have a single visa for Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia in order to push up tourist arrivals and th requirement for a Vietnamese visa should be waived and visa fees should be reduced from as high as 45 USD. This is necessary since other Asean countries are easing visa rules to increase tourist arrials. said Ha.

He added, With its natural attractions, high-end services, luxury hotels and resorts, and an impressive convention center, Vietnam is set to receive the luxury, leisure or business traveler from the world over. Tourists traveling to Vietnam are looking for a more authentic experience and seek to have a deeper understanding of the country?s culture, food, history and everyday life.?

Tourists, according to Ha, picked Vietnam for their vacations for safety, affordable prices, authenticity, tropical warm weather, and convenient regional flight connections.

For regional arrival, Luxury Travel Ltd. is enjoying 30% growth from the Philippines market and saw strong interest at the show from Filipino agents who want to promote Vietnam tourism to Filipino travelers.

Intra-ASEAN travel to Vietnam is increasing significant, especially the halal market from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia thanks to convenient direct flights and no visa requirements. Short trips and special interest tours are popular to ASEAN tourists and Halong Bay, one of the New Seven Natural Wonders, is a must see and dream trip for any ASEAN traveler.

Each year, the hosting of ATF is rotated among the member ASEAN countries. This year VNAT, Vietnam Airlines and 30 other hotels and tour companies attended the show in Laos. ATF 2014 will take place in Sarawak in Malaysia and the Luxury Travel team will attend ATF next year with even more exposure.

Vietnam-based Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is a long established Asian specialist in the art of travel and serves today?s most sophisticated travelers with luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Luxury Travel excels in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler?s expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd. has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance, including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator.

Contact:
Linh Doan
Luxury Travel Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
marketing12@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com

Travel

Sweet Honey In The Rock Will Bid Farewell to Long Time Band Member Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell in 2013

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SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy Award-nominated a cappella ensemble that is currently celebrating its’ 39th performance season will bid farewell to one of its’ most tenured and revered member’s Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell

New York, NY, February 05, 2013 – SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy Award-nominated a cappella ensemble that is currently celebrating its’ 39th performance season will bid farewell to one of its’ most tenured and revered member’s Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell, when she officially exits the group the at end of May this year to pursue several of her own career endeavors.

Barnwell’s inimitable and distinctive bass tones were added to the DC based a cappella quartet in 1979 after being scouted and invited by the ensemble’s founder/ creator Dr. Bernice Reagon. Reagon (who retired in 2004) formed the group in 1973 along with Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard and Mie, while teaching a vocal workshop at the legendary D.C. Black Repertory Theatre Company. Both Maillard and Robinson took a sabbatical from the group in 1976, returning in1992 and 2004, respectively. The current line-up comprises Maillard, Barnwell, Robinson, Aisha Kahlil (who joined in 1981), Nitanju Bolade Casel (who joined in 1985) and Shirley Childress Saxton, an American Sign Language interpreter who has been performing ASL with the group since 1981.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK’S sterling legacy as songwriters, activists, inspirational performers, and musical innovators has endured and weathered twenty-three personnel changes since its’ inception. In the light of the various configurations, their patented and unique five-part harmonized fusion of African chants, blues, jazz, soul, gospel, and rhythm & blues has built a worldwide following and generated 23 original and revered recordings.

“We are very sad to see Ysaye go,” says Carol Maillard, “but we know she’s embarking on a wonderful world of projects and accomplishments that she’ll undoubtedly achieve. She will always be a part of us and who knows when we might see her on the Sweet Honey stage again!”

“I have loved and deeply appreciated being a part of and contributing to the ensemble and legacy of Sweet Honey over the past 34 years,” stated Barnwell.

“The women of Sweet Honey will be my sisters forever, but I’ve felt a sense of calling to devote more of my personal and professional time to other projects that I’m very passionate about and have been nurturing for some time.”

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK has revealed plans to eventually add a new member, and will be holding auditions over the next several months in preparation for their,

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: FORTY AND FIERCE, which will be launched and presented from late October 2013 – October 2014. The group is currently developing an entirely new theatrical production and show to commemorate their four decades of history- making music.

Barnwell will continue to be an integral part of all the ensemble’s live performances thru mid-May, 2013, including a series of international performances in Gent, Belgium, London, England, Muscat, Oman, and several cities in Australia in late March and early April.

Barnwell’s last recording with SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK will be released by Appleseed Recordings on February 26, 2012. The album entitled, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: A TRIBUTE, LIVE! JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER pays homage to the songs of several legendary jazz icons including Abbey Lincoln, Miriam Makeba, Odetta and Nina Simone. The double-CD is a live recording of their sold out performances at JALC’s Rose Theatre in April 2011 which also featured a contemporary jazz trio. They will perform several of songs from their new CD in all their forthcoming dates, and will reprise the full live Tribute show at the Kimmel Theater in Philadelphia, February 28; the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, March 1; NJPAC in Newark, March 2; BB Kings in New York. March 5; and the Howard Theater in Washington, DC, March 7.

Upon her departure from Sweet Honey, Dr. Barnwell plans to devote more of her time to her other career interests which include presenting vocal community workshops, conducting, composing, and further developing several major projects. Among them, THE FORTUNE’S BONES project that was commissioned and presented by the University of Maryland at the Clarice Smith Center in February 2012.

Artist Official Website: www.sweethoneyintherock.org

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK contact Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions: chip@mileshighproductions.com or 323-806-0400.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Entertainment

Sweet Honey In The Rock Will Bid Farewell to Long Time Band Member Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell in 2013

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SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy Award-nominated a cappella ensemble that is currently celebrating its’ 39th performance season will bid farewell to one of its’ most tenured and revered member’s Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell

New York, NY, February 05, 2013 – SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK, the venerable and Grammy Award-nominated a cappella ensemble that is currently celebrating its’ 39th performance season will bid farewell to one of its’ most tenured and revered member’s Dr. Ysaye M. Barnwell, when she officially exits the group the at end of May this year to pursue several of her own career endeavors.

Barnwell’s inimitable and distinctive bass tones were added to the DC based a cappella quartet in 1979 after being scouted and invited by the ensemble’s founder/ creator Dr. Bernice Reagon. Reagon (who retired in 2004) formed the group in 1973 along with Louise Robinson, Carol Maillard and Mie, while teaching a vocal workshop at the legendary D.C. Black Repertory Theatre Company. Both Maillard and Robinson took a sabbatical from the group in 1976, returning in1992 and 2004, respectively. The current line-up comprises Maillard, Barnwell, Robinson, Aisha Kahlil (who joined in 1981), Nitanju Bolade Casel (who joined in 1985) and Shirley Childress Saxton, an American Sign Language interpreter who has been performing ASL with the group since 1981.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK’S sterling legacy as songwriters, activists, inspirational performers, and musical innovators has endured and weathered twenty-three personnel changes since its’ inception. In the light of the various configurations, their patented and unique five-part harmonized fusion of African chants, blues, jazz, soul, gospel, and rhythm & blues has built a worldwide following and generated 23 original and revered recordings.

“We are very sad to see Ysaye go,” says Carol Maillard, “but we know she’s embarking on a wonderful world of projects and accomplishments that she’ll undoubtedly achieve. She will always be a part of us and who knows when we might see her on the Sweet Honey stage again!”

“I have loved and deeply appreciated being a part of and contributing to the ensemble and legacy of Sweet Honey over the past 34 years,” stated Barnwell.

“The women of Sweet Honey will be my sisters forever, but I’ve felt a sense of calling to devote more of my personal and professional time to other projects that I’m very passionate about and have been nurturing for some time.”

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK has revealed plans to eventually add a new member, and will be holding auditions over the next several months in preparation for their,

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK 40th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: FORTY AND FIERCE, which will be launched and presented from late October 2013 – October 2014. The group is currently developing an entirely new theatrical production and show to commemorate their four decades of history- making music.

Barnwell will continue to be an integral part of all the ensemble’s live performances thru mid-May, 2013, including a series of international performances in Gent, Belgium, London, England, Muscat, Oman, and several cities in Australia in late March and early April.

Barnwell’s last recording with SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK will be released by Appleseed Recordings on February 26, 2012. The album entitled, SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK: A TRIBUTE, LIVE! JAZZ AT LINCOLN CENTER pays homage to the songs of several legendary jazz icons including Abbey Lincoln, Miriam Makeba, Odetta and Nina Simone. The double-CD is a live recording of their sold out performances at JALC’s Rose Theatre in April 2011 which also featured a contemporary jazz trio. They will perform several of songs from their new CD in all their forthcoming dates, and will reprise the full live Tribute show at the Kimmel Theater in Philadelphia, February 28; the McCarter Theatre in Princeton, March 1; NJPAC in Newark, March 2; BB Kings in New York. March 5; and the Howard Theater in Washington, DC, March 7.

Upon her departure from Sweet Honey, Dr. Barnwell plans to devote more of her time to her other career interests which include presenting vocal community workshops, conducting, composing, and further developing several major projects. Among them, THE FORTUNE’S BONES project that was commissioned and presented by the University of Maryland at the Clarice Smith Center in February 2012.

Artist Official Website: www.sweethoneyintherock.org

For further information about SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK contact Chip Schutzman at Miles High Productions: chip@mileshighproductions.com or 323-806-0400.

Contact:
Chip Schutzman
Miles High Productions
P.O. Box 93157
Hollywood, CA 90093
323-806-0400
chip@mileshighproductions.com
http://www.mileshighproductions.com

Business

Chad Nilsson Partners With Instant Payday Network To Help Others Create Cash Flow

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40% of Americans have less than $500 in the bank. Everyone is looking to the internet for ways to make more money Nilsson says.

Eagan, MN, February 05, 2013 – Chad Nilsson Partners With Instant Payday Network To Help Others Create Cash Flow. 40% of Americans have less than $500 in the bank. Everyone is looking to the internet for ways to make more money Nilsson says. Instant Payday Network provides a huge solution for this problem. Instant payday Network is a free Marketing System. With no fees or experience needed to use it, people now have a way to create cash flow.

Instant Payday Network will provide what every network marketer and home business entrepreneur needs and must have. Cash Flow, training, coaching, systems and most importantly, the environment for success for today’s world of Internet home based business entrepreneurs.

Chad Nilsson has stayed on the cutting edge of internet marketing and home business opportunities. Nilsson says, After intentionally staying on the fringe of the Home Business/Network Marketing Industry for a dozen years, the careful evaluation and due diligence of a dozen different top internet homes businesses, it was obvious that Instant Payday Network had the perfect combination of product, leadership, training and appropriate market timing. It’s very rare to have all of these elements come together in one powerful structure all at the same time. Together we can make a huge and important difference in people’s lives.

If you are interested in learning more on how Chad Nilsson can help you, Mr. Nilsson can be reached at 651-330-8032 Or visit him online at: Chad.nilsson@gmail.com or http://www.GoHereToday.net

Contact:
Chad Nilsson
WCN, Inc.
Eagan, MN 55120
651-330-8032
chad.nilsson@gmail.com
http://www.WhoIsChadNilsson.com

Entertainment

Arizona’s Largest Celebration of the Outdoors, the ISE, Returns to University of Phoenix Stadium

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The 13th annual Arizona International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) takes over the University of Phoenix Stadium, Feb. 21-24th.

Glendale, AZ, February 05, 2013 – The 13th annual Arizona International Sportsmen’s Exposition (ISE) takes over the University of Phoenix Stadium, Feb. 21-24th.

Some 300 exhibiting companies will rendezvous to fill the 160,000-square-foot stadium floor. Vendor booths include local, regional and international destinations, guides and outfitters, travel bureaus, manufacturers and retailers, boat and camping RV dealers, houseboats, ATVs and four-wheelers, magazine and book publishers, websites, enthusiast clubs and groups, and nonprofit organizations representing a wide range of outdoor interests.

In addition to the largest display all year of outdoor destinations and products, ISE Phoenix offers seminar theaters, interactive features, and contests for newcomer to expert and young to senior enthusiasts. Scott Leysath, host of The Sportsman Channel’s hit show, “Dead Meat”, will make a special appearance Friday and Saturday, cooking….

This year’s show activities include the popular DockDogs water-jumping contest, giant archery range, huge casting pond, 40-ft.-long, fish-filled aquarium tank, two trophy displays, and an expansive Youth Fair, co-hosted by Arizona Game and Fish Department. This special event features archery, shooting safety, catch-and-release fishing, live-animal display, and new radio-controlled offroading track and youth contest. AZGFD also presents the modestly named but extremely popular “asset sale,” which features seized hides, horns and other items, raising money for law-enforcement operations throughout Arizona.

ISE is proud to again sponsor a weekend Scouts Challenge, partnering with Grand Canyon Council Boy Scouts of America, which, for the first time, will co-locate its annual Scout-O-Rama on UoP’s giant west lawn, Saturday, during the ISE.

ADMISSION & HOURS: $12 adult admission. Parking is free, as is admission to youth under 15 and Active Military with military ID.

SPECIAL OFFERS: Friend ISE at www.Facebook.com/SportsExpos; or purchase a Scout’s Coupon Book (available locally) for special two-for-one ISE admission

HOURS: Thurs & Fri 10:00am – 6:00pm; Sat 10:00am – 6:00pm; Sun 10:00am – 5:00pm.

SEMINAR SCHEDULES & INFO: SportsExpos.com, info@SportsExpos.com

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions, LLC
9920 S. Rural Rd.,
Ste 108 Tempe AZ, 85284
+1-480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Sports

Announcing SAFE International Self Defense YouTube Views Reach 100,000– Toronto, ON Self Defense

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SAFE International is thrilled to announce that the SAFE International Self Defense YouTube views have reached 100,000.

Toronto, ON, February 04, 2013 – (Straight Line PR) – Toronto Self Defense, SAFE International Self Defense YouTube Views Reach 100,000.

SAFE International ™ is the leading provider of mobile self defense/personal protection training in Toronto, ON. SAFE International has taught more than 175,000 women self defense since 1994. SAFE International is thrilled to announce that the SAFE International Self Defense YouTube views have reached 100,000.

SAFE International offers Toronto Self Defense in high schools, women’s self defense parties/courses, corporate self defense, as well as private instruction.

One of the reasons that SAFE International has taught so many women self defense in Toronto is due to their SAFE International YouTube channel and all its instructional videos showing all aspects of avoiding violence. SAFE International teaches self defense concepts, rather than techniques. SAFE International YouTube Channel shows many Awareness and Avoidance strategies which are based on one’s daily routines such as using elevators, car safety, being followed, plus common distraction techniques.

Toronto Women’s Self Defense Parties are also featured on the SAFE International YouTube channel showing not only how much can be learned in just a few hours, but also how much fun their courses are. Self defense doesn’t take years to learn and the multiple videos on the YouTube channel show this.

You can also see on the SAFE International YouTube channel intelligent verbal strategies meeting their 4 rules of don’t challenge, don’t threaten, don’t tell someone they are wrong, as well as don’t tell someone what to do.

The third step is addressing the physical aspect of Toronto self defense lessons.  Instructors begin with the advantages of adopting a passive stance rather than an aggressive stance.  SAFE teaches gross motor strikes due to the adrenal rush one gets when they are in a highly stressful state such as an attack scenario.  These gross motor strikes can be seen in many of the SAFE International YouTube Channel videos. Complex skills are proven to be ineffective in the high stress of real violence. The main philosophy taught is to “Attack the Attacker” which reverses one from being the Prey, to that of being the Predator.

Please feel free to check out the many videos of women’s self defense in Toronto on the SAFE YouTube channel.

You can also reach Chris Roberts toll free at 1-800-465-5972 or by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz. Their main website can be seen at www.safeinternational.biz

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International™
15535 Cooper Rd.
Lunenburg, ON
Canada K0C 1R0
1 800 465-5972
chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz
http://www.safeinternational.biz

Sports

Announcing SAFE International Self Defense YouTube Views Reach 100,000– Ottawa, ON Self Defense

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SAFE International is thrilled to announce that the SAFE International Self Defense YouTube views have reached 100,000.

Ottawa, ON, February 03, 2013 – (Straight Line PR) – Ottawa Self Defense, SAFE International Self Defense YouTube Views Reach 100,000.

SAFE International ™ is the leading provider of mobile self defense/personal protection training in Ottawa, ON. SAFE International has taught more than 175,000 women self defense since 1994. SAFE International is thrilled to announce that the SAFE International Self Defense YouTube views have reached 100,000.

SAFE International offers Ottawa Self Defense in high schools, women’s self defense parties/courses, corporate self defense, as well as private instruction.

One of the reasons that SAFE International has taught so many women self defense in Ottawa is due to their SAFE International YouTube channel and all its instructional videos showing all aspects of avoiding violence. SAFE International teaches self defense concepts, rather than techniques. SAFE International YouTube Channel shows many Awareness and Avoidance strategies which are based on one’s daily routines such as using elevators, car safety, being followed, plus common distraction techniques.

Ottawa Women’s Self Defense Parties are also featured on the SAFE International YouTube channel showing not only how much can be learned in just a few hours, but also how much fun their courses are. Self defense doesn’t take years to learn and the multiple videos on the YouTube channel show this.

You can also see on the SAFE International YouTube channel intelligent verbal strategies meeting their 4 rules of don’t challenge, don’t threaten, don’t tell someone they are wrong, as well as don’t tell someone what to do.

The third step is addressing the physical aspect of Ottawa self defense lessons.  Instructors begin with the advantages of adopting a passive stance rather than an aggressive stance.  SAFE teaches gross motor strikes due to the adrenal rush one gets when they are in a highly stressful state such as an attack scenario. These gross motor strikes can be seen in many of the SAFE International YouTube Channel videos. Complex skills are proven to be ineffective in the high stress of real violence. The main philosophy taught is to “Attack the Attacker” which reverses one from being the Prey, to that of being the Predator.

Please feel free to check out the many videos of women’s self defense in Ottawa on the SAFE YouTube channel.

You can also reach Chris Roberts toll free at 1-800-465-5972 or by email at chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz. Their main website can be seen at www.safeinternational.biz

Contact:
Chris Roberts
SAFE International™
15535 Cooper Rd.
Lunenburg, ON
Canada K0C 1R0
1 800 465-5972
chrisroberts@safeinternational.biz
http://www.safeinternational.biz

Business

‘AuraPortal’ Solution Implemented by More than 20 Financial Institutions

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Business Process Management software automates operational and administrative processes.

Boca Raton, Florida, February 02, 2013 – AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of Business Process Management (BPM) software, has announced that the AuraPortal.(*) solution has been implemented by more than 20 financial institutions to automate their operational and administrative processes.

(*).AuraPortal has recently been distinguished by the independent market analysis firm Ovum in its Decision Matrix 2011 report as the most advanced BPM in the market.

Since the beginning of the global economic and financial crisis, financial institutions have embarked on the search for technology tools to help optimize their resources and processes, becoming more profitable, efficient and offering an improved service in order to retain customer loyalty.

But not just any technology is adequate enough to successfully undertake business improvement projects in the financial sector. This technology must meet certain requirements, such as: flexibility, adaptability, fast implementation, reliability and modernity, in line with current and future times.

Amongst these financial institutions are: Davivienda Bank, BMG Bank (Minas Gerais Bank), CABEI (Central American Bank for Economic Integration), Falabella Bank, BCCR (Central Bank of Costa Rica), Banca March –the most solvent bank in Europe-, BNF (National Development Bank), Baneco (Economic Bank), Carrefour Financial Services, Excellent Incasso, and the list goes on.

The following processes can be highlighted as examples of processes automated with AuraPortal:

• Core Business Processes (Credit Concession Management, Goods Received in Lieu of Payment, Document Approval, Credit Committee, etc.).

• Operational Risk Management Processes (Element Protection, Change Control, Preventive Control, etc.).

• Financial Analysis Processes (Legal Analysis, Financial Analysis, Impact Analysis, etc.).

• Customer Management Processes (Campaigns and Promotions, Creation of new Products, Checking Account Creation, Inquiries and Complaints, etc.).

• Procurement, Supply and Outsourcing Management Processes.

• Human Resource Management Processes (Staff Administration, Absence and Overtime Management, Evaluation and Control, Recruitment, etc.).

• Standards Management Processes (Basel II/III, Patriot Act, AML, SOX, Quality, Information Security, Occupational Security, Personal Data Security, etc.).

• And many more.

In the words of Pablo Trilles, Vice President of AURA: “The fact that 20 among the most relevant financial institutions are using AuraPortal with total satisfaction demonstrates that we are speaking of an optimal solution for the financial world. AuraPortal is becoming a strong benchmark in the Business Process Management (BPM) 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 50 countries with more than 500 customers including, among others: Toyota, General Motors, Pemex (Petroleos Mexicanos), Carrefour, ArcelorMittal, PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Scotiabank, Danone, Sodexo, Kimberly-Clark, Yamaha, Eletrobras, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, etc., as well as many Government Agencies and Departments in several countries.

AURA Headquarters are located in North America (Florida) and Europe (Holland) whereas the software development facilities are located in Spain and India.

Contact:
Scott Rich
Auraportal
400 Trade Center
Woburn, MA 01801-7472
978-808-6340
diana.farrington@auraportal.com
http://www.auraportal.com

Business

AAA welcomes Predictions of Gold Rally

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A new Morgan Stanley Report predicting that gold’s rally will continue into the third quarter of 2014 has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

Boston, MA, February 02, 2013 – A new Morgan Stanley Report predicting that gold’s rally will continue into the third quarter of 2014 has been welcomed by Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The report predicts that the US Federal Reserve will carry on buying up gold to strengthen the economy’s position well into next year, which could mean that it’s still very much worth investing in this alternative asset class. AAA endorses investment in alternative asset classes and ethical investment projects, such as the forestry investment and green energy investment.

“We are pleased to hear Morgan Stanley’s endorsement of gold as an asset class,” stated AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson. He continued: “We have seen a major increase in interest in alternatives since the economic collapse. It seems both institutional investors and individuals simply looking to diversify their investment portfolios against risk are keen on alternatives.”

“Investing in something like gold, as opposed to stocks and shares, offers a certain peace of mind as it is something tangible in exchange for their cash.”

As the US recovery increasingly took hold at the end of 2012, the price of gold fell. However, the Morgan Stanley analysts believe that the asset class is to remain popular well into next year.

Reports suggest that the US economy is to grow by 2 per cent in the coming year and 3 per cent in 2014. The number of houses being built is growing rapidly is response to the more positive economic outlook.

The house building increase is set to benefit some other alternative asset classes, like forestry, claims AAA. “Investing in timberland through firms that run plantations of sustainably grown timbers, like Greenwood Management, is a great bet at the moment,” added Mr Johnson. “Investing in timber is risk-averse and is a great way to offsetting the impact of inflation.”

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

Business

FRA ‘shocked’ at World Bank Forestry Report

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The $4.1 billion in funding invested by the World Bank into forestry projects has largely failed to fulfil its goals, according to the Bank’s own investigation

Bainbridge Island, WA, February 01, 2013 – The $4.1 billion in funding invested by the World Bank into forestry projects has largely failed to fulfil its goals, according to the Bank’s own investigations. Forestry Research Associates (FRA) claims that encouraging more private investment into sustainable plantations could help to improve the lives of those living in vulnerable forested regions.

The World Banks has given cash to 345 forestry projects spread over 75 nations in the ten years to July 2011. However, the report said that many of these projects were not being run sustainably or in an environmentally friendly way. The World Bank came under criticism for continuing to support industrial logging and failing to ensure the benefits of their cash were going to the rural poor rather than the local wealthy people, who were, in fact, benefiting more in some cases. The World Bank also failed to involve local communities in decision making.

Many countries in Europe and elsewhere have invested millions of dollars into the fund to support the forestry projects being backed by the World Bank. It is thought that this latest report could lead to a major review of these contributions. The UK, for example, has contributed $600 million to the Bank’s forestry schemes in the last five years.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said, “The news that the World Bank’s cash could have been doing the opposite of helping poorer communities and preventing climate change is a shock and we believe it’s now time to look at other ways to help these regions.”

FRA supports a range of sustainable forestry investment schemes, such as the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil. Through these projects, local communities learn that keeping natural forests alive and standing can generate rewards through carbon trading deals, for example. At the same time, managing plantations responsibly means the forestry industry is safeguarded for generations to come.

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