All posts by straightlinepr

Commodities could be Big earner for Alternative investors, claims AAA

Commodity investors are expected to reap the benefits of increasing prices this year, according to recent forecasts by Barclays Capital.

Boston, MA, April 11, 2012 – Commodity investors are expected to reap the benefits of increasing prices this year, according to recent forecasts by Barclays Capital. Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) would like to add timber to the list of commodities being recommended by experts.

Copper is one commodity that is forecast to see prices rise this year. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, which said that prices stood at about $1 a pound in 2004, rising steadily to $4 per pound in 2006. The price then plunged during the global economic collapse, rising to a high of $4.50 last year. Current prices stand at $3.90 and analysts expect it to rise in line with the further industrialisation of emerging economic such as India and China, which both have huge demand for Copper.

Gold is another favorite among the analysts, many of whom were found to be continuing their bullish trend about the precious metal when interviewed by Barclays Capital on the subject. Prices have risen hugely over recent years, hitting an all-time high of $1,917 in August last year.

However, it did lose some ground over the following months, finishing the year at a value of $1,600. Current prices are around $1,700 and demand is still high from the world’s central banks, suggesting that prices will continue to grow.

Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) is keen to ensure that timber is added to the list of promising commodities for 2012 investments. Its analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “The demand for sustainably produced timber is rising exponentially as a result of the economic growth in India, China and Brazil, which are all desperate to get their hands on raw materials.”

AAA claims that investing in forestry plantations run by investment firms like Greenwood Management, in countries like Brazil and Costa Rica, can offer an easy and relatively low-entry level introduction to ethically sound commodities investment.

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

Founders Insurance Company Earns Better Business Bureau Accreditation

Insurance King of Rockford IL is proud to represent Founders Insurance Company and is one of Founders top agents in IL.

Rockford,IL, April 07, 2012 – Insurance King of Rockford IL is proud to represent Founders Insurance Company and is one of Founders top agents in IL. To get your quote with Founders insurance Company through Insurance King visit http://www.insurancekingquote.com .

Founders Insurance Company has earned Accreditation from the Better Business Bureau. Becoming an “Accredited Business” with the Better Business Bureau isn’t possible for all businesses because not all businesses meet eligibility standards. Make sure your customers know that they are being backed by an Accredited Better Business Bureau partner today!

“Accreditation in the BBB is by invitation only,” says Steve J. Bernas, President & CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “And only those businesses that meet our high standards and pass the review process are approved by our Board of Directors.”

As with all businesses that are accredited by the BBB, Founders Insurance Company has committed to the BBB Code of Business Practices. Bernas adds, “To maintain their Accreditation a business must be transparent, honor their promises, be responsive to their customers, and safeguard their customers’ privacy.”

“We are proud to be a BBB Accredited Business,” said Jane Abed, President and Chief Executive Officer of Founders Insurance Company. “We take our commitment to excellence and good customer service seriously. Our achieving BBB Accreditation exemplifies our goal.”

Founders Insurance Company is a member company of the Utica National Insurance Group in New Hartford, New York.

Barbara Zito
Senior Vice President, Marketing

Contact:
Dan Block
Insurance King Agency
123 N Alpine rd
Rockford,IL 61107
815-639-0149
danblock317@gmail.com

Insurance King

Metrolist Names Slunaker as President & Chief Executive Officer

Colorado’s largest MLS selects local executive for top position

Denver, CO, April 06, 2012 – Metrolist® announced that Kirby Slunaker has been appointed as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective March 13, 2012.

“In Kirby, we have chosen a seasoned business leader to continue our transition as a high quality service-oriented organization serving Colorado Realtors®,” stated James T. Wanzeck, Metrolist Board Chairman. “Kirby has deep experience in transforming and leading top companies, such as VISA USA, eBags, FedEx, MDC Holdings, and, most recently, Pendum LLC. With an executive of this caliber, we’re extremely well positioned to take the company to a new level.”

Slunaker was chosen as interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) in November 2011, and was integral in establishing a strategic partnership between Metrolist and Hillside Software, a Denver market leader in real estate software. Under Slunaker’s leadership, Metrolist re-launched its public website, www.recolorado.com, providing the most comprehensive and accurate home search website for the greater Denver market.

As a strong proponent of “Green housing” initiatives, Slunaker also lead the effort to join Colorado state’s initiative to “green the MLS”, spearheaded by the Governor’s Energy Office (GEO). Launched in early March, energy/green features are now included in the MLS along with the state recommended Green Features Addendum (GFA).

“Kirby’s accomplishments as the interim COO made him the clear choice as President and CEO,” said Wanzeck. “We’re confident in his ability to fully execute our long-term strategies.”

Slunaker is a former Chairman of and currently serves on, the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee for the Colorado Technology Association (formerly CSIA), Colorado’s premier technology trade association.

Contact Information:
Melissa Olson
Director, Marketing & Advertising
303.850.9576
molson@metrolist.com

Dan Mahoney
CSG-PR
970.405.8060
dmahoney@csg-pr.com

About Metrolist
Metrolist is the largest MLS in the state of Colorado, supporting the largest network of Realtors with the most comprehensive database of real property listings throughout the Front Range. Realtor owned since 1984, Metrolist provides leading technology solutions to real estate agents and brokers to better serve buyers and sellers. More information about Metrolist is available at www.metrolist.com.

Contact:
Dan Mahoney
CSG|PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
970-405-8060
dmahoney@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Luxury Travel Ltd to Open Representative Office in Key-markets

Luxury Travel Ltd. to Attract More Discerning German Travelers with its Business Representative in Germany

Hanoi, Vietnam, April 06, 2012 – Luxury Travel Ltd., (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com ) an award winning luxury travel tour operator and destination management company (“DMC”) in Vietnam, has announced the addition of representative office in Germany and appointed Pham Duy Tien, a German- Vietnamese as its Business Representative in Berlin, Germany.

Mr. Tien will be responsible for German speaking markets, trade shows, sales call and marketing activities with Luxury Travel Ltd’s business partners throughout german speaking countries, seeking new business opportunities and coordinating the company’s marketing program.

“I was born and raised in Vietnam, but I´m currently living with my wife Sina in Berlin. However, I still love Vietnam and its destinations and want to that ensure travelers feel the same way. Therefore, I hope that by working with German tourists I can do something good both for home and adopted countries. I work for Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com ) as a representative in Germany, and it is a great opportunity to promote Vietnam and Southeast Asia. I hope that working in the luxury travel segment will lead to an increase in the the company’s market share and cultural exchange here in the German speaking markets.” Said Pham Duy Tien

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 100,000 German tourists yearly, and the number of tourists increases year after year. The new slogan of Vietnam tourism, “Timeless charm,” was created with an aim to attract long haul travelers from Germany and elsewhere, who wish to experience its defining characteristics: Thrills, nature, heritage, festival, pristine, enjoyment, scenery and essence.

“Germany economy is still strongest in euro zone. Germany is a great market for us and we have beautiful products for German tastes and preferences and target the right clients with personalized products and services. We have increased both FITs and GITs bookings from our partners and direct customers. Travelers choose Vietnam for their vacations for safety, affordable prices, authenticity and convenient direct flights. Our German teams have native Germans and Vietnamese, who are passionate and motivated. With our representative, we will expand and expect to stay strong in Germany. We take part in more trade shows, revamp our website in German language, will launch german brochures both online and offline. We are delighted to have Tien as our representative in Berlin, Germany.With our vision, marketing efforts and commitments, we will attract more discerning German travelers who wish to experience the timeless charm of Vietnam in style and luxury and we are targeting 100% growths from this market for 2012. “said Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is a long established specialist in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel is excellent in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler’s expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator.

Contact:
David Nguyen
Luxury Travel Group Ltd
5 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi 84444
84439274120
phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com
http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

New Belgium Brewing Announces Asheville as Site for Second Brewery

Brewer will expand production capacity with east coast facility

Fort Collins, CO, April 05, 2012 – New Belgium Brewing announced today that Asheville, NC has been selected as the new location for a second brewery. The 400,000-barrel brewery and packaging facility will provide New Belgium with additional capacity allowing the Colorado-based brewer to expand into new areas of distribution. Upon completion in 2015, the facility will initially create 50 new jobs in the Asheville area with more than 100 positions expected at full buildout.

“After several years of searching we are incredibly excited to have landed in Asheville,” said Kim Jordan, CEO and co-founder of New Belgium. “From the deep sense of community to the rich natural environment and the opportunity to revitalize a brownfield site near a vibrant downtown, Asheville has everything we’ve been looking for in a location for our second brewery.”

The 17.5-acre site located in the heart of the River Arts District will accommodate the 150,000 sq. ft. facility. The brewery will feature a 200-barrel brewing system, a tasting facility, and a process wastewater treatment center on-site. Tours will be available to the public. Total cost projections are over $100 million.

“Today’s announcement by New Belgium will enhance the craft brewery cluster that is growing in North Carolina,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “The jobs and investment the company is committing will be a major boon for the region and for the state.”

Construction is expected to begin in early 2013 with beer rolling off the line in early 2015. A full Asheville-specific press kit, a video statement from Kim Jordan and downloadable b-roll are available at http://www.newbelgium.com/files/presskit .

Contact:
Bryan Simpson
New Belgium Brewing
970.231.5983
bsimpson@newbelgium.com

Jenny Foust
CSG|PR, on behalf of New Belgium
720.244.4268
jfoust@csg-pr.com

About New Belgium Brewing Company
New Belgium Brewing Company, makers of Fat Tire Amber Ale and a host of Belgian-inspired beers, began operations in a tiny Fort Collins basement in 1991. Today, the third largest craft brewer in the U.S., New Belgium produces nine year-round beers; Fat Tire Amber Ale, Ranger IPA, Belgo IPA, Sunshine Wheat, Blue Paddle Pilsner, 1554 Black Ale, Abbey, Mothership Wit and Trippel, as well as a host of seasonal releases. In addition to producing world-class beers, New Belgium takes pride in being a responsible corporate role model with progressive programs such as employee ownership, open book management and a commitment to environmental stewardship. For more information, visit www.newbelgium.com.

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

Bryant & Stratton College Online Invites Prospective Students to Virtual Open House

Prospective students can chat live with admissions and financial aid representatives and get questions about online education answered on April 16

Buffalo, NY, April 05, 2012 – Bryant & Stratton College Online, a premier provider of online Associate’s degree programs, will host a free Virtual Open House on Monday, April 16, from 6:00-8:00pm EDT. Admissions representatives will be available to chat live and answer questions from prospective students about the online degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College Online. Currently Bryant & Stratton College offers five online Bachelor’s degree programs and eleven online Associate’s degree programs including online health management degrees, business management degrees and others in the fields of business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Representatives will also give an overview of the overall online college experience from application deadlines, the enrollment process and courses, to career services, opportunities and support available to students.

Additionally, prospective students will have the opportunity to connect directly with financial aid representatives about financial aid options and scholarships available at Bryant & Stratton College Online. Military personnel and military spouses who are considering an online degree program will be able to speak with Ed Dennis, Military Relations Manager at Bryant & Stratton College Online, about their specific needs and concerns.

Prospective students interested in attending the Virtual Open House are invited to complete a free registration at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/openhouse/.

“The Virtual Open House is like a traditional open house, but online. Attendees will have the chance to preview our flexible course schedules and career focused curriculum to make sure online education is a good fit for them. The event also gives prospective students the chance to get more information about the degree programs and financial aid available at Bryant & Stratton College Online,” said Scott Traylor, Associate Campus Director for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College. “Selecting a school is a decision that should not be made lightly, but finding the time to research schools can be difficult, especially for busy adults who are balancing work and family responsibilities. The Virtual Open House provides a convenient way for prospective students to explore their options at Bryant & Stratton College Online and make an informed decision about their future.”

For more information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degree programs, visit bryantstratton.edu/Online-Learning.aspx.

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 accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education the Council for higher education. With locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center the College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s, associate’s degrees and professional certificates for over 155 years. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, eleven 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 bryantstratton.edu/Online-Learning.aspx.

Contact:   
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(303) 433-7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Blue Asset Management LLC to offer Loans for sale in New Jersey

Blue Asset Management LLC, a real estate management and asset disposition company operating in New Jersey and Florida, is offering in $15 million+ in performing and non performing first mortgage loans collateralized by properties in New Jersey.

Wayne, NJ, April 05, 2012 – Blue Asset Management LLC, a real estate management and asset disposition company operating in New Jersey and Florida, announced it is offering in excess of $15 million in performing and non performing first mortgage loans collateralized by properties in New Jersey.

According to Charles Blumenkehl, managing partner at Blue Asset Management, “We are very bullish on the future of real estate in New Jersey, and believe these loans we are offering to the local market will bring solid returns collateralized by investment caliber real estate. We have loans ranging in size from $100,000 to over $1 million, and are excited for the opportunity to enable local investors and operators to assist in the real estate recovery in our local New Jersey markets while at the same time bringing properties back to marketability helping both the occupants and surrounding properties.”

Blumenkehl said the properties would be offered both through his office and is working with and exploring various disposition channels to achieve distribution of the assets. For more information about the loans, contact Charles Blumenkehl at Blue Asset Management LLC in New Jersey at 973 835-1400 or log onto the company’s website at www.blueassetmanagementllc.com

Contact:
Charles Blumenkehl
Blue Asset Management LLC
2282 Hamburg Tpke, Ste. B
Wayne, NJ 07470
(973) 835-1400 ext. 234
cblue@bluerealty.com
http://www.blueassetmanagementllc.com/

Demand for Total Joint replacement on the rise in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society (POS) acknowledged the findings of a Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) report released today.

Harrisburg, PA, April 04, 2012 – The Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society (POS) acknowledged the findings of a Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) report released today. Information contained in the report, Orthopedic Surgery in Pennsylvania: Total Joint Replacement and Common Spine Procedures, indicates Pennsylvania has followed the national trend of increased joint replacement procedures and spinal fusion.

Total joint replacements are among the most commonly performed and clinically successful surgical procedures in the United States. Typical reasons for these joint replacement procedures are pain and decreased quality of life from osteoarthritis. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that by 2030 the demand for total hip replacements will increase 175% and the demand for total knee replacements is projected to grow six fold”, stated POS President Greg Gallant, MD MBA. “The PHC4 data shows that Pennsylvania has a mature and active senior population who want to stay in the game. The Baby Boom generation has broken down many barriers and they are now conquering a sedentary old age. Advancing orthopedic technology will help pave the way to meet the need predicted by the CDC and demanded by Pennsylvania’s aging citizens.” New research presented at the 2012 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) found that more than 4.5 million Americans are living with a total knee replacement (TKR), as the number of TKR surgeries has more than doubled over the past decade.

Joint replacement rates in Pennsylvania, according to the PHC4 report, are slightly higher than the national average. “The slight increase in this statistic is indicated by the Commonwealth’s aging population the percentage of citizens over the age of 65”, Gallant indicated, “according to 2010 national census data, Pennsylvania ranks 4th in the United States by percentage of population age 65 and older . The prevalence of osteoarthritis in an aging population is a significant contributor to the growing demand for joint replacement procedures.”

The PHC4 data also shows that Pennsylvania is in line with national trends in regard to common spine procedures.

“An increase in demand for procedures comes with a price, however,” said Gallant. “POS members are taking active steps to reduce hospital costs while simultaneously improving patient care. One of which is the development of a national joint registry. “ The American Joint Replacement Registry is designed to collect data from hospitals around the country in order to recognize patterns in implant performance. “Improved information on device and treatment effectiveness provides the opportunity to reduce revision rates, reduce complication rates, and improved device selection to maximize longevity and function; the intent is that the registry will bring both improved patient safety and a significant cost reduction.”

Restoring patient quality of life and maintaining patient safety are paramount in all total joint procedures. Surgeons and hospitals have taken steps to prevent infection and other complications which may result from these surgeries. “Surgeons are partnering with hospitals to implement cost effective patient centered care. Programs such as patient post-operative planning help increase mobility and improve outcomes,” said Gallant.

POS is a professional medical specialty organization representing over 1000 orthopaedic surgeons across Pennsylvania in advocating for excellence in the practice of orthopaedic medicine. For more information on the importance of bone, joint and muscle health at every age, visit the POS website at www.paorthosociety.org

Contact:
Beth Weachter
PA Orthopaedic Society
510 North Third Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-909-8901
beth@paorthosociety.org
http://www.paorthosociety.org/

Kasasa Changes The Face of Local Banking in Utah

First Utah Bank Introduces Kasasa, Offering Consumers a Better Banking Experience

Salt Lake City, UT, April 04, 2012 – First Utah Bank asks consumers, “Do you Kasasa?” as it becomes the first financial institution in Utah to launch the country’s most innovative financial products.

Kasasa® is a new brand of free checking and savings accounts that pays consumers to use their account with what interests them most—high interest and automatic savings. These accounts, combined with the personal service that only community financial institutions can deliver, are offering Utah residents a better checking account option than the megabank experience.

“We are pleased to be the first in Utah to offer these unique products,” said Amy Foulks, Senior Vice President at First Utah Bank. “Kasasa delivers what research shows people really want but believe they can’t have—great financial products with the personal service of a community based financial institution.”

First Utah Bank is offering two Kasasa financial products, including Kasasa Cash® and Kasasa Saver®. All Kasasa products are free, reward-based accounts, with no minimum balance to earn rewards, no monthly service fee, online banking and nationwide ATM fee refunds.

Kasasa Cash – A free checking account that earns high interest for every month the account holder qualifies.

Kasasa Saver – A free, high interest saver account linked to a Kasasa Cash checking account. The interest and ATM fee refunds earned in the Kasasa Cash account are automatically deposited into the Kasasa Saver account when the account holders qualify. The balance in the Kasasa Saver account also earns a high rate of interest.

To receive the Kasasa account benefits, each monthly qualification cycle account holders are asked to do a few simple things like, receive an eStatement, access online banking, use a debit card a minimum number of times, and have an electronic ACH payment post to and clear their account. If an account holder does not meet the qualifications in a given month, First Utah Bank will alert the individual, who will be eligible the following month to earn the benefits. There is no monthly service fee charged if the qualifications are not met, in fact, the account still earns a base interest rate.

“Extensive research has shown us that consumers would prefer to do business with community financial institutions, but feel they would lose access to products,” continued Foulks. “Kasasa is opening people’s eyes to a new banking model where no sacrifices are necessary. It’s a win-win because account holders get innovative products and personalized service.”

Kasasa is being introduced with an aggressive, highly engaging marketing campaign. It comes to life through a fresh mix of eye-popping advertising, the likes of which exceed the typical megabank’s high-budget programs. The broadcast media features America’s top slam poets www.kasasa.com/news-and-media/advertising riffing lyrical threads around the theme of “Do you Kasasa?”

Kasasa is distributed to First Utah Bank from BancVue, the leading provider of innovative products, dynamic marketing, and data-driven consulting solutions to community financial institutions nationwide to help them win the war against the megabanks.

For more information on Kasasa accounts, consumers can visit www.firstutahbank.org or www.kasasa.com/firstutahbank.

Do you Kasasa?
Kasasa® is the first national brand of the most innovative checking accounts available today. The accounts, offered exclusively by the finest community financial institutions, are designed to be the first and only accounts that actually take an interest in their account holders by paying them to use their account with what interests them most—high interest, cash back, automatic savings, money to donate to charity or iTunes® or Amazon.com® downloads. Kasasa, developed and distributed by BancVue, marries innovative banking products with the personal touch of community financial institutions. For more information, visit www.kasasa.com.

Contact:
Katie Weathers
CSG PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(404) 791-8245
kweathers@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com