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Business

Vintage Tech Recyclers Selected to Join EPA in SMM Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Business

AAA says Investment Managers are Ready to Try Alternatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Technology

Ecotech Institute Honors its Second Graduating Class Today

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New Class of Graduates are Prepared to Enter the Green Jobs Workforce

Denver, CO, September 24, 2012 – Ecotech Institute, the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in clean technology and sustainability, will hold its second-ever graduation today, Monday, September 24, 2012 at The Summit Conference and Event Center in Aurora, CO. Forty-four graduates, including six military veterans, will cross the stage. They will receive associate’s degrees in Wind Energy Technology, Solar Energy Technology, Renewable Energy Technology and Electrical Engineering Technology.

This group of graduates, in addition to the first graduating class, makes up the students who began coursework in a temporary facility before Ecotech’s campus was completed.

“We take pride in our visionary students, the people who believed in Ecotech before we had elaborate lab equipment and a LEED-certified campus,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “These students shared our vision and will soon receive their diploma, arming them for success in the vast world of green jobs.”

Ecotech hosted its first graduation on June 20, 2012 and approximately 90 percent of graduates are now working in cleantech positions around the country, including Hawaii.

All Ecotech students develop soft skills (communication, workplace etiquette), and math and science basics and technology skills, but the educational emphasis is on hands-on, practical training. Ecotech’s prestigious national board of advisors, who serve as academic and business leaders in cleantech industries, helped design the school’s practical curriculum.

“It feels good knowing that I now have an advantage above others who are also pursuing this career, but who don’t have the technical training I received at Ecotech,” said Joe Kellogg, who is graduating with a degree in Solar Energy Technology. “I absorbed an abundant knowledge in each class from the best instructors and have the tools to be successful.”

The September 2012 graduating class is made up of students from 10 states and Mexico. Listed below are their hometowns, names and degree programs:

Alabama
Jackson’s Gap
• Jason Chesnutt, Wind Energy Technology

Colorado
Aurora
• Tumu Johnson, Electrical Engineering Technology
• David Shannon, Electrical Engineering Technology
• Clint Turner, Wind Energy Technology
• Mark Westrate, Solar Energy Technology

Boulder
• Nicholas Dotter, Electrical Engineering Technology

Broomfield
• Joshua Schaefer, Solar Energy Technology

Colorado Springs
• Deiyung Downey, Wind Energy Technology
• Matthew Morin, Solar Energy Technology

Denver
• Steve Appling, Wind Energy Technology
• Jacob Bratsky, Electrical Engineering Technology
• Chris Horn, Wind Energy Technology
• Thanos Hunt, Renewable Energy Technology
• Joe Kellogg, Solar Energy Technology
• Alejandro Mesa, Electrical Engineering Technology
• Brett Oakes, Renewable Energy Technology
• Esteban Orl, Wind Energy Technology
• Ty Simpson, Renewable Energy Technology
• Joshua Stoppel, Solar Energy Technology
• Josh Yaeger, Electrical Engineering Technology

Divide
• Matt Vetis, Solar Energy Technology

Henderson
• Gil Negron, Solar Energy Technology

Littleton
• Edward Buess, Wind Energy Technology
• Kent Mortensen, Wind Energy Technology

Morrison
• Sean Johnston, Renewable Energy Technology

Nederland
• Nathan Baumhover, Renewable Energy Technology

Northglenn
• Zac Sturgill, Wind Energy Technology

Parker
• Robert Parker, Wind Energy Technology

Connecticut
Salem
• Michael Scace, Solar Energy Technology

Kansas
Minneola
• Darlene Redden, Solar Energy Technology

Norton
• Timothy Millan, Wind Energy Technology

Oakley
• Terry Farmer, Solar Energy Technology

Mexico
Berwick
• Louis Sanfacon, Electrical Engineering Technology

Zacatecas
• Jose Calderon-Ibanez, Electrical Engineering Technology

Michigan
Battle Creek
• Les Crosby, Wind Energy Technology

Muskegon
• Jordan Veltman, Electrical Engineering

Missouri
St. Louis
• Josh Crambert, Wind Energy Technology

New York
Jamestown
• Richard Chase II, Solar Energy Technology

New York City
• Fatih Erogla, Solar Energy Technology

Oregon
Aumsville
• Michael Streight, Wind Energy Technology

Pennsylvania
Canonsburg
• Kevin King, Electrical Engineering

Texas
Corpus Christi
• Shawn Sanders, Wind Energy Technology

Dallas
• Brandon Huckaby, Wind Energy Technology

Contact:
Alicia Hassinger or Jenny Foust
Communications Strategy Group
303.433.7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com or jfoust@csg-pr.com

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is 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:
Alicia Hassinger
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303-433-7020
ahassinger@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Education

Bryant & Stratton College Named to List of Military Friendly Schools

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Only 15 Percent of American Higher Education Institutions Awarded This Distinction in the 2013 List Released by Victory Media and G.I. Jobs Magazine

Buffalo, NY, September 24, 2012 – Bryant & Stratton College has been recognized once again by Victory Media and G.I. Jobs Magazine in the media group’s annual list of Military Friendly Schools. Only 15 percent of U.S. higher education institutions were named to the 2013 list, which honors the colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to advance the education of America’s military service members, veterans and families and their academic success. The list highlights schools with world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility and other services for students that are active duty, veterans or family members of military.

The list was compiled from research and a data-driven survey of more than 12,000 VA-approved schools nationwide. The rankings also incorporate a survey from more than 3,000 student veterans. This is the fourth year for the list, and each year schools taking the survey are held to a higher standard over the previous year. The survey results were independently tested by Ernst & Young LLP based upon the weights and methodology established by G.I. Jobs.

“We are proud to be recognized as a trusted education institution for many of our nation’s heroes. From military service members to veterans and their families, we strive to support those who have given so much in service to our country and we are dedicated to maintaining the best level of academics and services for our military,” said Lee Hicklin, the College’s Military Coordinator. “Our campuses offer a wide variety of resources to address the needs of these students, including the Salute to Spouses Scholarship, student veterans groups, military support staff, special programs and even a website for military spouses written by military spouses – www.salutetospouses.com.”

Bryant & Stratton College has a strong reputation with military service members, veterans and their families. Bryant & Stratton College has 18 campuses across New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin and offers programs nationwide through its Online Education division. For information about the specific resources and programs available to active duty service members, veterans and family members of the military at each of its campus locations, visit www.bryantstratton.edu for contact information.

To learn more about the Military Friendly School designation visit http://militaryfriendlyschools.com/.

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. Bryant & Stratton College has campus locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 155 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 www.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Lindsey Read
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
937-408-9321
lread@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Travel

Vietnam Fast-growing High-end holiday Destination for Aussies

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Vietnam now has world class hotels and resorts, beaches and cuisine, in addition to its natural beauty, rich history and traditional culture. The country receives 300,000 Australian tourists yearly, and the number of tourists increases an average of 10% annually.

Hanoi, Vietnam, September 24, 2012 – Australia is a very multicultural society and many Australians are familiar with Vietnamese food and culture. Australians travelling 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.

While Thailand is geared more toward mass market tourism, Vietnam is a destination that is attractive to a more selective class of travelers. Vietnam is becoming more and more recognized as a safe and favored destination for high end Australian tourists, thanks to direct and convenient flights and improvements in the tourism infrastructure.

The new slogan of Vietnam tourism, “Timeless charm”, was created with an aim to attract travelers from Australia and elsewhere, who wish to experience the country’s defining characteristics: Thrills, nature, heritage, festival, pristine, enjoyment, scenery and essence.

Australia is in a strong financial position, with unemployment easing and low interest rates, plus a strong dollar. As long as the dollar remains near its current relative value, all overseas destinations remain attractive to Australian travelers.

“Australia is a great market for us and we have beautiful products for Australian tastes and preferences, and we target the right clients with personalized products and services. We have increased the number private small groups we serve, primarily with tailor made holidays. These groups are generally either from 25 to 35 years old or 40+, the latter group having more disposable income. Australian tourists choose Vietnam for their vacations for safety, affordable prices, authenticity and convenient direct flights. With our marketing efforts and commitments, we will attract more Australian travelers who wish to experience Vietnam in style and luxury, and encourage them stay longer. Typical stays are 10 or 14 days, and in 4 and 5 star hotels. With our new representative office in Australia for the Australian and New Zealand markets, we are targeting double digit growth in this market for 2013.” said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Australian market is among the top ten markets of Luxury Travel Ltd. The company serves 2% of total Australian tourist arrivals in Vietnam in 2011 and enjoys an increase of 20% in visitors annually. Luxury Travel Ltd.’s booking record indicates that Australian travelers prefer Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hoi An Ancient Town. They also want to visit Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, the Mekong Delta and Sapa, while many also combine Vietnam and Cambodia in one trip.

“Except for AIME in Melbourne, there are no major travel trade shows in Australia, so we have joined VNAT and Vietnam Airlines in their road shows to promote our upscale products. Our representatives work hard to promote destinations, educate local travel agents, and generate public interest in Vietnam as a holiday destination. To help our travel agents and tour operators to sell our Vietnam luxury tours, I invite travel professionals to do a 10 day familiarization trip to Vietnam. Participants receive a certificate confirming their status as a ‘Luxury Travel Specialist’ after the trip.” said Pham Ha. “This is the perfect way to learn more about Vietnam and some of the most dynamic new products available for 2012 – 2013. This tour blends innovative touring with hotel inspections to give agents insight into the destinations and become true luxury travel advisors.”

Hanoi–based Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) has announced joint efforts with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in order to promote luxury travel products in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia from 8 to 13 October, 2012. Luxury Travel Ltd. is a long established Asian specialist in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam and the Indochinese Peninsula.

Contact:
David Nguyen
Sales and Marketing Manager
Luxury Travel Group Ltd
05 Nguyen Truong To Str.,
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
Vietnam
84439274120
marketing@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.LuxuryTravelVietnam.com

Education

StudyAbroad.com Releases Results of New Survey; Findings Reveal Student Concerns, Market Growth Opportunities

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Financial concerns continue to be the largest barrier to study abroad; while use of financial aid has increased, nearly one in five students still do not know that it is an option

Chester, PA, September 24, 2012 – Results of a recent survey from StudyAbroad.com uncovered the top decision factors, concerns and interests of prospective study abroad students. Additionally, the data revealed market growth opportunities among high school students and post-graduates, as well as areas study abroad providers can improve, such as communicating financial aid options and inquiry response time. The survey of 850 prospective study abroad students was conducted in August.

According to the survey, more than one in four respondents (27 percent) cited location as the most important factor when considering a study abroad program, followed by subject (24 percent), when the program took place (20 percent), duration (16 percent) and program format (13 percent). In terms of location, the study reports that nearly two thirds of the top 20 countries are in Europe, and five are English-speaking. The top five countries by student interest are England, Spain, France, Italy and Australia.

The research also found that though study abroad is still most popular with undergraduate students, nearly half of those interested in study abroad either haven’t been to college yet or have already graduated, suggesting a market growth opportunity. 20 percent of the students surveyed were in high school and 23 percent had already graduated college. Programs that tailor their approach to target these markets will be better positioned to respond to this opportunity.

“As the last few years have seen, international experience is increasingly attractive to employers, so more and more students – and at varying stages of their educational career – are interested in spending time abroad to gain a global perspective,” said Chuck DelCamp, product manager at StudyAbroad.com. “This survey highlights key trends and offers valuable intelligence to help study abroad providers better serve students, as well as identifies areas of opportunity.”

One area of opportunity lies in financial aid education. The survey showed that students are still most concerned about the costs of study abroad. Among those who self-identified that they were “still deciding” on a program, 62 percent listed price as their primary hesitation. However, the data also show that there is an information gap when it comes to available financial aid. Though more than two thirds of students said they planned to or already used financial aid to study abroad, 19 percent of students said they “didn’t know I could” use financial aid, when asked. There is still room to improve financial education and bridging the disconnect between student perception and the reality of paying for their study abroad experience.

Other decision-making factors that come into play when students decide where to study abroad include the program’s focus, housing, the provider’s reputation or internship opportunities. The survey also found that by directly connecting with students, program providers can help students overcome these concerns by providing additional information. 51 percent of students who chose study abroad said they had received a personal phone call, email or mailing and that timely correspondence was “very important.” The survey discovered that students who are contacted directly by a program after submitting an inquiry are 21 percent more likely to enroll in a study abroad program. This is an area where providers could improve their service by personally contacting students and offering relevant and timely information.

For more information about the study or for a copy of the report detailing the complete findings, contact Chuck DelCamp at cdelcamp@educationdynamics.com.

About StudyAbroad.com:
StudyAbroad.com is a web resource of EducationDynamics and the Internet’s leading source of information on educational opportunities for students to study in other countries. It is a comprehensive directory of study abroad and intensive language programs organized by subject and destination. Currently information on more than 13,000 study abroad programs is available and more than two million students visit StudyAbroad.com annually. StudyAbroad.com also offers first hand student reviews; destination information, a handbook serving as a guide to traveling abroad; Blog Abroad, a blog that chronicles the experiences of students as they study abroad; and financial aid and scholarship information. To learn more, visit www.StudyAbroad.com.

About EducationDynamics:
EducationDynamics is higher education’s leading marketing information and technology services company dedicated to helping institutions find, enroll and retain students. Its content-rich and highly visible education websites, including ChristianEducation.com, EarnMyDegree.com, EducationConnection.com, eLearners.com, GradSchools.com, StudyAbroad.com, TestDriveCollege.com, TestDriveGradSchool.com and its special interest microsites, make EducationDynamics the premier provider of qualified prospective students for colleges and universities. In addition, the company offers a full suite of Web-delivered services proven to drive enrollment growth and reduce student attrition, as well as other innovative solutions including LeadWatchLive, its Web-based inquiry management system. Through Aslanian Market Research, the company brings decades of proprietary research, unparalleled market and student intelligence and best practice insights to clients. For more information, visit www.educationdynamics.com.

Contact:
Lindsey Read
CSG PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
937-408-9321
lread@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Business

Bancafe Panama of the Davivienda Banking Group, Implements AuraPortal Process Management (BPM) Software to Automate and Control its Banking Operations

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The implementation of AuraPortal will allow Bancafe to automate and optimize the performance of the operational areas and the customer service.

Boca Raton, Florida, September 20, 2012 – AURA (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of Business Process Management (BPM) Software has announced the immediate implementation of the AuraPortal (*) Business Process Management Suite (BPMS) at the prestigious Panamanian bank, Bancafe. Bancafe is a subsidiary of Colombian Davivienda and has operated in Panama since 1966.

(*)The AuraPortal Process Management Platform has recently been distinguished by the independent market analyst firm Ovum in the Decision Matrix 2011 report as the most advanced BPM in the market.

Bancafe decided to implement a flexible solution that would allow them to manage and optimize the performance of the strategic areas of Operations and Customer Service, adapting them to the increasingly demanding needs of the market. After an exhaustive selection process, Bancafe decided for AuraPortal.

This represents a great technological breakthrough for the bank, as the implementation project foresees the expansion of the platform to other branches.

Among the many benefits that Bancafe will gain through the use of AuraPortal, is the flexibility to quickly re-configure the processes, significantly reducing the time it takes to approve and respond to banking service requests from all customers in the Panamanian market. Likewise, there will be a considerable improvement in the control of document flows, execution time reductions through the automation of processes and a reduction in the learning curve because of AuraPortal’s user friendliness and usability.

The project implementation will be performed by Innova Consult, AuraPortal’s Technology Partner in Panama.

About Bancafe:
Bancafé was first established in Panama in 1966 in the northern city of Colon in order to facilitate customer transactions in foreign trade, especially supporting the coffee industry. In 1972 it relocated its headquarters to Panama City. Today, Bancafé operates both the offices to provide the best geographical coverage.

About Aura (http://www.auraportal.com):
AURA is a global BPMS (Business Process Management Suite) 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 400 customers including, among others: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Toyota, Yamaha, Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), ArcelorMittal, Eletrobras, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sodexo, 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

Entertainment

Sweet Honey In The Rock and Bill Banfield Present “Symphony 10: Affirmations for A New World”

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New Orchestral Collaboration Set For Harris Theater In Chicago, October 4, 2012

New York, NY, September 19, 2012 – Iconic and Grammy Award-nominated a cappella ensemble SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK will present their first ever orchestral collaboration, “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” with music composed by William C. Banfield and lyrics written by the ensemble members: Ysaye M. Barnwell, Carol Maillard, Nitanju Bolade Casel, Aisha Kahlil, and Louise Robinson. The performance will be conducted by Banfield, in collaboration with the Sphinx Virtuosi (America’s most celebrated and influential African-American and Latino youth orchestra ensemble), and The Chicago Children’s Choir (directed by Josephine Lee), at the prestigious Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL, on Thursday, October 4, 2012 at 7:30 PM.

In addition, to “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World, the Harris Theater engagement will also feature individual performance sets by SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK and the Sphinx Virtuosi.

“Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” was co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra (Christoph Eschenbach, Music Director), and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC; the Minnesota Orchestra, (Osmo Vänskä, Music Director), Minneapolis, MN; and the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Chicago, IL. The work premiered with the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins and the Morgan State Choir, (directed by Eric Conway), at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The Minnesota Orchestra presented the work at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, which was conducted by Mark Russell Smith with the Vocal Essence Choir (directed by Philip Brunelle). Both were presented in late April 2012.

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK and Banfield began collaborating on “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” five years ago. The final thirty minute work comprises five movements including: “A Higher Note” by Aisha Kahlil, ”Dreams,” by Carol Maillard, “The Day the World Awoke,” by Nitanju Bolade Casel, “Discourse of Change,” by Ysaye M. Barnwell and “Yes,” by Louise Robinson.

“Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World”, is a labor of love and one of the most challenging and adventurous projects we’ve undertaken as a group,” stated Ysaye Barnwell. “It has been a dream to one day blend our unique sound, artistry, and lyrics with a symphony orchestra, and we’re very fortunate to have fulfilled it by partnering with such a gifted and talented composer as Bill Banfield,” she added. “We thank the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the National Symphony Orchestra and the Minnesota Orchestra, for co-commissioning, “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World”, and we are delighted to be performing it in Chicago.”

Banfield cited some of the musical inspiration and concept for the score by offering, “Symphony 10: Affirmations for a New World,” affirms every human power we have: love, imagination, fear and courage, will to change, dreaming, to ask the question and to touch someone else’s soul. It is stepping out as the text asks for ‘a higher note,’ to redefine the traditions in our art that need new fueling.”

For more information regarding tickets, visit: www.harristheaterchicago.org or call 312.334.7777

SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK www.sweethoneyintherock.org

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

Entertainment

Organica Music Group Recording Artist Margo Rey Releases New CD “Habit”

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Margo Rey Prepares For Her Upcoming National Holiday Tour With Dave Koz

Beverly Hills, CA, September 20, 2012 – Organica Music Group is pleased to announce the release of Margo Rey’s highly anticipated CD, Habit. The album features Margo’s new Top 20 charting single “Between Us,” as well as her recent hit song “Let the Rain.” The latter, co-written by Ms. Rey and the legendary John Oates, remained on the charts for an astonishing 21 weeks, making it Billboard’s “Hot Shot Debut” and additionally earning her kudos in the magazine’s “Bubbling Under” column. The duo also teamed up on the stunning cut “Saturn Returns.” Oates sings on both tracks and he provides an ideal complement to Rey’s powerful yet nuanced vocals. Listeners closest to it claim that Habit is its own brand of sonic luxury and Rey emerges as a force of nature — in heels no less.

In addition, Margo is preparing for her upcoming national holiday tour with Dave Koz, which is certain to please her diverse and loyal fan base. Based on her track record, Rey’s following is understandable. In less than a two-year span she has delivered five hits in diverse genres that include Adult Contemporary as well as Dance and Pop. She also charted two #1 Dance hits and if that’s not enough, Rey also generated an original Christmas hit.

The holiday tour kicks off on November 23rd with all dates found below. The Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour will be a high-energy tour featuring not only Margo Rey, but David Benoit, Javier Colon and Shelia E. Koz comments, “It never ceases to blow me away, how much people love holiday songs—as evidenced by our 15th anniversary of this tour! This year especially, we’ll try to fit in as many favorites as possible and add our own unique touches along the way.”

Reflecting on the direction of Habit Margo explains: “I wanted something ‘lo-fi’ as opposed to the cloned sounds of today’s pop culture environment. I needed my music to sound like me rather than the equipment it was recorded on. Plus, I feel a huge affinity — love affair even — for the singer/songwriter era of the seventies and eighties.” Ms. Rey employed a technique as simple as it is novel in today’s recording environment. She gathered extraordinary musicians in a room and they recorded (equally extraordinary) music together. If that doesn’t sound radical, it should — and Habit underscores the point. It’s a CD that never leaves the human vibe behind. It revels in it and, if anything, deepens it.

Margo has produced a collection of songs that reverberates with a gamut of emotions. Greed, love, lust, doubt, remorse, obsession and crazed vulnerability are all present — in abundance. “I hope listeners respond to the penetrating pulse in each of these songs. They’re an exploration of my contradictory feelings over the past two years.
Roll all of those emotional tangents into a set list and you have, well, something that I hope will become a “Habit.”

The album unleashes thirteen songs, all of which are original. One exception is a gorgeous cover of The Zombie’s hit, “She’s Not There.” If you think you’ve heard the song before, think again. This version has more down-under burn than most people can handle. But it gets better. Ms. Rey will be on tour. So hang on. Or, better yet, let yourself go. www.MargoRey.com

Habit was recorded and mixed at Rusk LA by Elton Ahi, mastered by Yossi Shaked, produced and arranged by Margo Rey in collaboration with Elton Ahi and Chris Wabich.

Organica Music Group is a boutique media company with four divisions that include:  music; stand-up comedy; publishing; television and film. OMG’s distributor is Universal Music Group. Michael Blakey serves as President and has worked with top artists around the world, receiving over 60 gold and platinum albums and 5 Grammy nominations.

Tour Dates for Dave Kozand Friends Christmas Tour 2012
Includes special guests David Benoit, Javier Colon , Shelia E. and Margo Rey

11/23  Sarasota, FL Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall

11/24  Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall

11/25  West Palm Beach, FL Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Arts

11/27  Melbourne, FL King Center of the Performing Arts

11/28  Naples, FL Philharmonic Center for the Arts

11/30 Atlanta, GA Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center

12/1 Durham, NC The Carolina Theatre of Durham

12/3  N. Bethesda, MD The Music Center at Strathmore

12/4  Newport News, VA Ferguson Center for the Arts Concert Hall

12/5  Morristown, NJ Mayo Center for the Performing Arts

12/6  Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square – Palace Theatre

12/7  Columbus, OH Palace Theatre

12/8  Chicago, OH Chicago Theatre

12/10  Denver, CO Paramount Theatre

12/11  Colorado Springs, CO Pikes Peak Center

*12/12 Ft. Worth, TX Bass Performance Hall

*12/13 El Paso, TX Plaza Theatre Performing Arts Center

12/14  Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts

12/15  Rancho Mirage, CA Agua Caliente Casino Resort and Spa

12/16  Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre L.A. Live

12/18  Las Vegas, NV The Smith Center for the Performing Arts

12/19  Mesa, AZ Mesa Arts Center – Ikeda Theatre

12/20  Santa Barbara, CA Granada Theatre

12/21  Cerritos, CA Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

12/22  Cerritos, CA Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts

12/23  San Francisco, CA Warfield Theatre

*Denotes that Shelia E will not be present

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

Business

FrenchRiviera.com Media Group, LLC and CitiesPlanet.com Announce Marketing Agreement with the GRAND-HÔTEL du Cap-Ferrat

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FrenchRiviera.com Media Group has entered into a marketing alliance with one of the most luxurious and prestigious resorts overlooking the Mediterranean, the GRAND-HÔTEL du Cap-Ferrat.

Scottsdale, AZ, September 12, 2012 – FrenchRiviera.com Media Group has entered into a marketing alliance with one of the most luxurious and prestigious resorts overlooking the Mediterranean, the GRAND-HÔTEL du Cap-Ferrat. In 2012, the elite hotel earned the distinguished title of “Best Palace in the World,” awarded by Hotel & Lodge Magazine, and also received the Villégiature Award for, “Best Spa in Europe.”

The strategic partnership ensures GRAND-HÔTEL du Cap-Ferrat will be showcased throughout www.FrenchRiviera.com, featured prominently in their popular “Itineraries” section, which suggests preferred venues and attractions for visitors planning a trip to this stunning region.

“We are very proud to enter into this partnership with such a magnificent property,” said FrenchRiviera.com Media Group CEO and Co-Founder Toby Hardy. “During our most recent visit to the region this past April, we spent some quality time touring the star-studded GRAND-HÔTEL du Cap-Ferrat. It is without a doubt one of the most spectacular properties we have ever seen. The staff offered expert, courteous service, and we felt pampered at every turn. We look forward to promoting this exceptional property to our FrenchRiviera.com clients searching for a one-of-a-kind experience.”

The website, FrenchRiviera.com was developed by CitiesPlanet.com, the largest network of City.com brands in the industry. Fred Mercaldo, Managing Partner of CitiesPlanet, joined Mr. Hardy during a recent visit to the French Riviera, and was equally impressed with GRAND-HÔTEL du Cap-Ferrat.

“This property is nothing short of stunning. The refined accommodations are perfectly appointed, spacious, and include magnificent views of the gardens. The hotel has three truly superb restaurants to serve guests and features “Le Cap,” with its elegant but uncomplicated cuisine created under the careful direction of Michelin-starred Chef Didier Anies, nominated Meilleur Ouvrier de France in 2000. We look forward to further enhancing this relationship!”

French Riviera.com Media Group, LLC holds a strategic portfolio of more than 200 domain names within the Southern European region, many of which are presently under development. These names, including SpanishRiviera.com, BarcelonaRiviera.com and GreekRiviera.com, will significantly expand the company’s digital online media platform and marketing leverage throughout the entire Mediterranean region.

CitiesPlanet.com represents more than 65 pure City.com brands in the USA and internationally. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona, CitiesPlanet recently opened a state of the art call center to fully support and market their brands.

Contact: Toby Hardy toby.hardy@frenchriviera.com Direct Line: 205-873-9800
Contact: Fred Mercaldo fred@citiesplanet.com Direct Line: 602-859-3786

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