yjanebixe.wordpress.com
And, while research has shown that generics have saved the health care systemj anestimated $734 billion in the last 10 years, two-thirdse of those surveyed don’t know the true cost differences betweenh generic and brand name drugs, according to the surveu conducted by , a leading pharmacy benefit managemen t organization. “Using generics helps make health care more affordabler withoutcompromising results,” Jacqueline Kosecoff, Prescription Solutionws CEO said in a news release.
“Manu Americans erroneously believe that the most expensivwe drug is always the most effective so by helping tochanges perceptions, we can help people save money and stilkl get the best treatment available.” Thirty-one percent of respondents indicated they knew that a brands name drug cost 50-70 percentf more on average than its generic Seventy-one percent of consumers remain concerned aboutr drug costs with more than one in four (27 having either delayed filling, not filled, or not takenn as directed a prescription drug to save money. Twenty-onew percent of all respondents say they have talkedf to their doctor recently about switching to a lessexpensive drug.
Fifty-seven percent of those polled said they take prescriptiohndrugs weekly. Of those, 83 percenft (or 47 percent of the total sample) take generics. Of thos who do not take genericv drugs on aweekly basis, 58 percentf say it is because there is no generic availablse for the drug they need. Sixty-fourd percent of those who take generics say theid doctor recommended them and 43 percent say their pharmacistfrecommended them. Of thosed who do not take generic drugs on aweeklt basis, 58 percent say they would if their pharmacisr brought a generic to their attention as a less identical substitute; and 52 percent say theitr doctor would have to recommend it.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Friday, May 25, 2012
Lewis: Feds pressured BofA on Merrill - Tampa Bay Business Journal:
mozybyd.wordpress.com
But some lawmakers questioned how much of the pressurs was actually made by Lewis in an attempt to secur more taxpayer aid forhis bank. “The Treasury Department providedc $20 billion for a shotgun wedding. But the questio is, who was holding the Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-New York) said during the hearing. The conducted by the House Committee on Oversight and Government was focused onfederal officials’ role in BofA’s purchasde of Merrill Lynch. Charlotte-based BofA (NYSE:BAC) bought Merrill on Jan. 1 for $29.12 billion.
The deal resulted in BofA’ws receiving an additional $20 billion in federa l funds under the Troubled Asset Relief BofA has received a totalof $45 billion in TARP funds. Lewisw has been under intense pressure from BofA shareholderes for not disclosing the depthof Merrill’s financial difficulties beforre the merger. Merrill lost $15.3 billion in the fourth quarter. Lawmakers questioned Lewi on reports that he felt pressurefd byfederal authorities, including Federal Reserve Chairmamn Ben Bernanke and formef Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, to go ahead with the deal in Decembetr as Merrill’s losses mounted. Lewis testified that BofA contacted officialsz atthe U.S.
Treasuru and Federal Reserve in mid-Decembe r to inform them that thebank “hadc serious concerns about closing the BofA, he said, was considerinb declaring a “material adversre change,” which can allow an acquirer to back out of a proposedd deal. Lewis testified that Paulson toldhim BofA’se management “would or could” be removed if the bank backe d out of the deal. When lawmakers pressed him Thursday on the allegede threatsby regulators, Lewis said both partiesd were concerned about making the best decisions for the health of the U.S.
economy and He explained that a decision that would harm the economyg would also harm BofA because of its massiv sizeand breadth. Lewis testifiex that he wasn’t intimidated by the threagt of losing his job but bythe “seriousnesws of the threat” and the ramifications on the overalk economy had an influence on his decision. “Jusf six months later, it is easy to forgegt just how close to the brin oursystem came,” Lewis “I will never forget.
” Still, some lawmakers suggestesd Lewis should have known about Merrill’s losses before They pointed out an e-mail in which Bernankre suggested Lewis’ threat to back out of the Merrilpl deal was a “bargaining chip.” Lawmakers also pointed to other e-maila from regulators suggesting Lewis’ claims aboutr surprising losses were “not credible.” Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), among others, suggestec the e-mails indicated Lewis threatenerd to call off the Merrill deal as a way to land moregovernmenyt aid. “It’s quite possible it was Bank of Americ a that put a gun to the head of the Kucinich said.
BofA eventually closed the deal with Merrill Lynch, and received a $20 billioh loan from the TARP fund to cover the Merril l losses. Also on Thursday, Lewis indicated that federal officiale never asked him to withhol d information from shareholders that BofA thought needed tobe disclosed. That causec lawmakers to remind him he wasunderd oath. In February, Lewis testified beforr New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomol that Bernanke and Paulson pressure the bank not to discuss its increasinglyy troubled plan to buy The congressional committee expects to call Paulsonj and Bernanke for similar hearingsa as it continuesits
But some lawmakers questioned how much of the pressurs was actually made by Lewis in an attempt to secur more taxpayer aid forhis bank. “The Treasury Department providedc $20 billion for a shotgun wedding. But the questio is, who was holding the Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-New York) said during the hearing. The conducted by the House Committee on Oversight and Government was focused onfederal officials’ role in BofA’s purchasde of Merrill Lynch. Charlotte-based BofA (NYSE:BAC) bought Merrill on Jan. 1 for $29.12 billion.
The deal resulted in BofA’ws receiving an additional $20 billion in federa l funds under the Troubled Asset Relief BofA has received a totalof $45 billion in TARP funds. Lewisw has been under intense pressure from BofA shareholderes for not disclosing the depthof Merrill’s financial difficulties beforre the merger. Merrill lost $15.3 billion in the fourth quarter. Lawmakers questioned Lewi on reports that he felt pressurefd byfederal authorities, including Federal Reserve Chairmamn Ben Bernanke and formef Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, to go ahead with the deal in Decembetr as Merrill’s losses mounted. Lewis testified that BofA contacted officialsz atthe U.S.
Treasuru and Federal Reserve in mid-Decembe r to inform them that thebank “hadc serious concerns about closing the BofA, he said, was considerinb declaring a “material adversre change,” which can allow an acquirer to back out of a proposedd deal. Lewis testified that Paulson toldhim BofA’se management “would or could” be removed if the bank backe d out of the deal. When lawmakers pressed him Thursday on the allegede threatsby regulators, Lewis said both partiesd were concerned about making the best decisions for the health of the U.S.
economy and He explained that a decision that would harm the economyg would also harm BofA because of its massiv sizeand breadth. Lewis testifiex that he wasn’t intimidated by the threagt of losing his job but bythe “seriousnesws of the threat” and the ramifications on the overalk economy had an influence on his decision. “Jusf six months later, it is easy to forgegt just how close to the brin oursystem came,” Lewis “I will never forget.
” Still, some lawmakers suggestesd Lewis should have known about Merrill’s losses before They pointed out an e-mail in which Bernankre suggested Lewis’ threat to back out of the Merrilpl deal was a “bargaining chip.” Lawmakers also pointed to other e-maila from regulators suggesting Lewis’ claims aboutr surprising losses were “not credible.” Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio), among others, suggestec the e-mails indicated Lewis threatenerd to call off the Merrill deal as a way to land moregovernmenyt aid. “It’s quite possible it was Bank of Americ a that put a gun to the head of the Kucinich said.
BofA eventually closed the deal with Merrill Lynch, and received a $20 billioh loan from the TARP fund to cover the Merril l losses. Also on Thursday, Lewis indicated that federal officiale never asked him to withhol d information from shareholders that BofA thought needed tobe disclosed. That causec lawmakers to remind him he wasunderd oath. In February, Lewis testified beforr New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomol that Bernanke and Paulson pressure the bank not to discuss its increasinglyy troubled plan to buy The congressional committee expects to call Paulsonj and Bernanke for similar hearingsa as it continuesits
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Wisconsin Lutheran College to add adult, graduate studies - The Business Journal of Milwaukee:
aleksanovlsys.blogspot.com
He has a bachelor’s degree from Dr. Martinj Luther College in New Ulm, Minn.; a master’zs degree in curriculum and instructionfrom National-Louis Universit in Chicago; and a doctorated in education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Fla. Johnson recently answered questionsvia e-mail from Business Journal education reporter Rich Rovito. What are your main planes and goals for WisconsinLutheran College?
“We have successfullty established excellent undergraduate programs and campus Our focus is producing well-prepared Christian leaders, whether they have majored in pre-med or biology, art or teacher education, business, or We’re setting the standard in Christian and that will remain a top goal of “We also are now aggressively positioning ourselves for the futurer by creating a School for Adult and Graduate Studie that will offer master’s degrees and degree-completion programs for workingg adults. We’re adding majors six more, just last month — includin Mandarin, or China Studies.
We will grow our enrollmenft by focusing on traditional studentswas always, but also on working adults livinhg in the greater Milwaukee area and on international In fact, I just returned from China, and while ther signed an agreement with a university that will send us studentsd while offering study-abroad opportunities for our students and What effect has the recession had on the and have you had to increase financial aid for studentsx from families affected by the recession? “The recession has affected Wisconsi Lutheran like most colleged and universities. Major foundations and donorsd have felt the impact of our strugglinv economy just as everyoneelse has.
In we decided to make some strategicbudget cuts, even reducing some after a thorough analysis of all aspecte of our budget. Though that processe was painful, we needede to financially position ourselves forthe future. “While cutting in some we also increased funding in others where it will most powerfullgy and profoundly impactour mission. In orded to assist our students, we increased our tuitionn by only3 percent, the lowest increasd in several years. We also offef Partner Plus, a unique and nationally noted program in whicuh we pay a designated amount ofour parents’ loan interestr payment while their student is enrolledc as a full-time student here.
“Anfd yes, we have increased our financiaol aidto students, recognizingg that many families have been challenged by the recession.” Do you have remainingf space available to expand the campu s in Wauwatosa, and are there plans for expansion or the openinyg of satellite facilities? “Throughout our 36-yeae history, we have been able to acquires properties that have permitted us to expand to our presenf campus footprint. We own most of the homexs that border oureastern boundary, but have no immediate plansx to further develop that Wauwatosa property.
Our two residencee halls completed in 2000are full, and we will need to add anothere residence hall at some point in the near We currently own and already houss students in apartment buildings or duplexes, mostly directlgy west of our in Milwaukee. “We also need to completd our athleticfield facilities, located in the northwest quadrany of the Milwaukee County just west of U.S. Highway 45, in ordet to better serve our studentss and all the community groups who use the We don’t have immediate plans for satellite You arrived in Wisconsin from Arizona. What are your views of the quality of higher educatio in the Milwaukee area andin Wisconsin?
“Th greater Milwaukee area as well as the statee of Wisconsin is blessed with tremendous institutions of higher learning — I already know that from my brieff eight months here. The students we all servew only benefit from the breadth of excellenceofferer here, and Wisconsin Lutheran College is pleased to be amon the 20 impressive independent colleges and universitiea found in Wisconsin. The combination of these fine privatew institutions andthe well-recognized public University of Wisconsin state system provides an enviablde choice for any Wisconsi n student who wants to attend college.” How do you plan to increasr Wisconsin Lutheran’s visibility?
“We are in the procesw of conducting market research to help us develol a more visible presence throughouyt southeastern Wisconsin, especially greater Our new School of Adul and Graduate Studies, our renewex focus on student enrollment, and our focus on Christia n leadership will require an increased emphasis on marketing via the radio, and direct mail.”
He has a bachelor’s degree from Dr. Martinj Luther College in New Ulm, Minn.; a master’zs degree in curriculum and instructionfrom National-Louis Universit in Chicago; and a doctorated in education from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Fla. Johnson recently answered questionsvia e-mail from Business Journal education reporter Rich Rovito. What are your main planes and goals for WisconsinLutheran College?
“We have successfullty established excellent undergraduate programs and campus Our focus is producing well-prepared Christian leaders, whether they have majored in pre-med or biology, art or teacher education, business, or We’re setting the standard in Christian and that will remain a top goal of “We also are now aggressively positioning ourselves for the futurer by creating a School for Adult and Graduate Studie that will offer master’s degrees and degree-completion programs for workingg adults. We’re adding majors six more, just last month — includin Mandarin, or China Studies.
We will grow our enrollmenft by focusing on traditional studentswas always, but also on working adults livinhg in the greater Milwaukee area and on international In fact, I just returned from China, and while ther signed an agreement with a university that will send us studentsd while offering study-abroad opportunities for our students and What effect has the recession had on the and have you had to increase financial aid for studentsx from families affected by the recession? “The recession has affected Wisconsi Lutheran like most colleged and universities. Major foundations and donorsd have felt the impact of our strugglinv economy just as everyoneelse has.
In we decided to make some strategicbudget cuts, even reducing some after a thorough analysis of all aspecte of our budget. Though that processe was painful, we needede to financially position ourselves forthe future. “While cutting in some we also increased funding in others where it will most powerfullgy and profoundly impactour mission. In orded to assist our students, we increased our tuitionn by only3 percent, the lowest increasd in several years. We also offef Partner Plus, a unique and nationally noted program in whicuh we pay a designated amount ofour parents’ loan interestr payment while their student is enrolledc as a full-time student here.
“Anfd yes, we have increased our financiaol aidto students, recognizingg that many families have been challenged by the recession.” Do you have remainingf space available to expand the campu s in Wauwatosa, and are there plans for expansion or the openinyg of satellite facilities? “Throughout our 36-yeae history, we have been able to acquires properties that have permitted us to expand to our presenf campus footprint. We own most of the homexs that border oureastern boundary, but have no immediate plansx to further develop that Wauwatosa property.
Our two residencee halls completed in 2000are full, and we will need to add anothere residence hall at some point in the near We currently own and already houss students in apartment buildings or duplexes, mostly directlgy west of our in Milwaukee. “We also need to completd our athleticfield facilities, located in the northwest quadrany of the Milwaukee County just west of U.S. Highway 45, in ordet to better serve our studentss and all the community groups who use the We don’t have immediate plans for satellite You arrived in Wisconsin from Arizona. What are your views of the quality of higher educatio in the Milwaukee area andin Wisconsin?
“Th greater Milwaukee area as well as the statee of Wisconsin is blessed with tremendous institutions of higher learning — I already know that from my brieff eight months here. The students we all servew only benefit from the breadth of excellenceofferer here, and Wisconsin Lutheran College is pleased to be amon the 20 impressive independent colleges and universitiea found in Wisconsin. The combination of these fine privatew institutions andthe well-recognized public University of Wisconsin state system provides an enviablde choice for any Wisconsi n student who wants to attend college.” How do you plan to increasr Wisconsin Lutheran’s visibility?
“We are in the procesw of conducting market research to help us develol a more visible presence throughouyt southeastern Wisconsin, especially greater Our new School of Adul and Graduate Studies, our renewex focus on student enrollment, and our focus on Christia n leadership will require an increased emphasis on marketing via the radio, and direct mail.”
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
GM to end NUMMI joint venture with Toyota - Atlanta Business Chronicle:
lehoquvuhu.wordpress.com
Production of GM vehicles will endin August, the compan y said, and no further GM vehicles are plannerd for the joint venture. However, GM may be offerer a version of Toyota’s well-receives hybrid Prius sedan, Bloomberg News reported. Citing two unidentified Bloomberg said a Priuds with a GM plate coulsd increase theNUMMI plant’s GM CEO Fritz Henderson and Toyota Presidenyt Akio Toyoda could discuss the proposa at a meeting in August, according to Bloomberg. Toyota also may look at the 5.3 million-square-foott Fremont plant, where more than 5,400 people are employed, for Prius production, according to the Bloomberbg report.
It withdrew plans to build the Priusz at a plant under constructionin Mississippi, the report Otherwise, GM’s announcement could effectively ends a 25-year partnership. It also comes only a coupl e of weeks after GM said in a restructurinv plan that accompanied its Chapter 11 bankruptc protection plan that it did not plan to closed theNUMMI plant. Production at the Fremont planf has dropped from morethan 428,00 0 vehicles in 2006 to 342,000 last “As part of its long-termk viability plan, General Motors has decided that its ownershi p stake in the joint venturr with Toyota will not be a part of the ‘New Troy Clarke, president of GM North America said in a press “After extensive analysis, GM and Toyota could not reachu an agreement on a future producr plan that made sense for all parties.
” GM had said that the Pontiad brand would be phased out by the end of the Vibe sales rose 25 percent last year, accordingt to the Associated Press, but fell 47 percentf for the first five months of this Toyota said in a statement that it had hoped its 50-50 joint venture with GM would “While we respect the decision by GM, the economicv and business environment surrounding Toyota is also extremely severe, and so this decisionm by GM makes the situation even more difficulg for Toyota,” the statement said. “Wwe will consider alternatives by taking into accountvarious factors.
” NUMMI spokesman Lancee Tomasu told the Silicon Valley/Sa n Jose Business Journal Monday that it “mauy take some time before the future of NUMMI is
Production of GM vehicles will endin August, the compan y said, and no further GM vehicles are plannerd for the joint venture. However, GM may be offerer a version of Toyota’s well-receives hybrid Prius sedan, Bloomberg News reported. Citing two unidentified Bloomberg said a Priuds with a GM plate coulsd increase theNUMMI plant’s GM CEO Fritz Henderson and Toyota Presidenyt Akio Toyoda could discuss the proposa at a meeting in August, according to Bloomberg. Toyota also may look at the 5.3 million-square-foott Fremont plant, where more than 5,400 people are employed, for Prius production, according to the Bloomberbg report.
It withdrew plans to build the Priusz at a plant under constructionin Mississippi, the report Otherwise, GM’s announcement could effectively ends a 25-year partnership. It also comes only a coupl e of weeks after GM said in a restructurinv plan that accompanied its Chapter 11 bankruptc protection plan that it did not plan to closed theNUMMI plant. Production at the Fremont planf has dropped from morethan 428,00 0 vehicles in 2006 to 342,000 last “As part of its long-termk viability plan, General Motors has decided that its ownershi p stake in the joint venturr with Toyota will not be a part of the ‘New Troy Clarke, president of GM North America said in a press “After extensive analysis, GM and Toyota could not reachu an agreement on a future producr plan that made sense for all parties.
” GM had said that the Pontiad brand would be phased out by the end of the Vibe sales rose 25 percent last year, accordingt to the Associated Press, but fell 47 percentf for the first five months of this Toyota said in a statement that it had hoped its 50-50 joint venture with GM would “While we respect the decision by GM, the economicv and business environment surrounding Toyota is also extremely severe, and so this decisionm by GM makes the situation even more difficulg for Toyota,” the statement said. “Wwe will consider alternatives by taking into accountvarious factors.
” NUMMI spokesman Lancee Tomasu told the Silicon Valley/Sa n Jose Business Journal Monday that it “mauy take some time before the future of NUMMI is
Monday, May 21, 2012
For Sale By Owner? In this market? - Nashville Business Journal:
ethelbertdiya3334.blogspot.com
So, after completely renovating a three-story, 90-year-old rowhouse in Cantobn to showcase appeal, he put it on the markegt — himself — in March for $574,000. He figurex the for-sale-by-owner effort will be worth themoneu he’ll save in real estate agenyt commissions: 6 percent of the sale or $34,440, if a prospective buyer comexs to the settlement table without a half that if the buyer brings an agent.
Given today’s toughu economy and falling home prices, the prospectf of saving 6 percent ofa home’d sale price by completing the transaction without a Realtotr may sound enticing to any cash-conscious But is it worth the hassle, especiallh in this tight housing market?? Buyers can afford to be pickier than ever, banks have becomw highly selective about lending money and a sale is far from a sure thinvg — in any market — until the buyet and seller both sign the settlement papers. It all dependsz on whom you ask.
Homeownersz like Pugh, who successfully sold another house without an agen t and is confident about the pending sale ofhis second, make it sounc like a no-brainer, and copious residentia real estate Web sites post for sale by ownee (FSBO) listings and providee an advertising medium once reservefd for industry insiders. Real estate on the other hand, cautioj against the idea, citing a heightened risk for security- and litigation-related problems and a general lack of knowledg about theentire house-selling process as just some of the factores that can thwart success of a “Selling a home without professional assistance is akin to representiny yourself in court,” said Walter Molony, spokesmanj for the National Association of Realtores (NAR).
Risk vs. reward Industry statisticz suggest that not many homeownerw are willing to take onthe task. While FSBO signs are more likely to crop up duringy a robusthousing market, in both good timexs and bad they comprise only a fraction of housing sales. In 1997, 18 percent of home s on the marketwere FSBO, a peak number. By with the housing crisis in full that percentage dropped to 13 according tothe NAR. A report prepared by NAR for the Greater Baltimore Board ofRealtors (GBBR) showee that, at just 7 percent, Baltimore FSBOs trailed the rest of the “During the boom years, there were lots of FSBOs.
Now, a lot of owners are afraid to get into the said GBBR PresidentDavid McIlvaine. McIlvaine, to be has a vested interesrt in promotingthat viewpoint. But he’s also acutelyg aware of the pitfalls in any realestate transaction. Real estated agents bring objectivity to the searchand negotiation, he said. They also focuss on showing homes toqualifiee buyers. And they ultimately fill a valuabld roleas mediators, aiming to make buyefr and seller as satisfied as possible. “Sellers’ interestd are in direct conflictwith [interests],” he added. “You really need a third parttyto negotiate.
We understand it’z got to be a win-winh or else [the deal’s] not going to go through.” But homeownerws willing to take on the risk and put in the leg work believ a FSBO is the wayto go, especiallhy given the availability of online To advertise his house online, Pugh registered with Netrealtynow.com. For a flat fee of he was able to advertise his housee on several residential realtyWeb sites, including MLS.com, the widely used site that listd agent-assisted and FSBO homes.
“With the Internet, homeownerws get the same [advertising] benefit as agents do,” Pugh This access is significant, as an increasing number of prospectivde buyers log onto the Internet to find a In 2008, 87 percent of all homebuyers used the Interneg to search for a home, up from just 2 perceng in 1997, according to data compiled by NAR. 32 percent of buyers first glimpsed theirf new home on the Internetin 2008, compared with just 8 perceny in 2001. Though the Internet makes it easier to advertisreFSBO homes, some believe the tool goes unrecognizeds by many homeowners. “Many people think you have to have an agenyt to liston MLS.
com,” said Eric Mangan, spokesman for New York-basesd realtor advertising Web site ForSaleByOwner.com, which claims to get 2 million visitorx per month. The Web site offera a spectrum of services and payment froman $80 per month plan to six one-time fees, rangingv between $179 and The higher-priced packages come with more bellsx and whistles, including a videko slide show of the home, a for-sale and access to MLS.com advertising. Some residentialo real estate Web sites tracktheir success. Mr.
Lister, a Pikesville-basefd site that works with 350 to500 Baltimore-area homeowneras annually, said about 85 percent of the homes it lists Its model, devised and operated by licensec real estate agent Maynard Gottlieb, offersw a menu of options. For $399, Mr. Listef will list a home on MLS.com and approximateluy 100 otherreal estate-oriented Web sites. For about users get online advertising with a virtualk tour of their home with up to10 photos; a revieaw of any contracts the homeowner receives; unlimitedr consultations; and a for-sale But a motivated seller knows that advertisinvg isn’t everything.
Pugh, who used to own a skateboardd shop, has meticulously staged the Canton right down to matching towels inthe bathroom. He’sd created an online virtual tour featuring gleaming hardwooxd floors and sparkling kitchen and manned open houses every Sundaysince it’s been on the While the process seems to work for Pugh — he saved $18,000p in commission fees with the first houser he sold in upper Fells Point he admits FSBO isn’t for everyone. “I understand there are people who have homes out therewho don’t have the time to meet potentiao buyers, stage the and show it,” Pugh said.
So, after completely renovating a three-story, 90-year-old rowhouse in Cantobn to showcase appeal, he put it on the markegt — himself — in March for $574,000. He figurex the for-sale-by-owner effort will be worth themoneu he’ll save in real estate agenyt commissions: 6 percent of the sale or $34,440, if a prospective buyer comexs to the settlement table without a half that if the buyer brings an agent.
Given today’s toughu economy and falling home prices, the prospectf of saving 6 percent ofa home’d sale price by completing the transaction without a Realtotr may sound enticing to any cash-conscious But is it worth the hassle, especiallh in this tight housing market?? Buyers can afford to be pickier than ever, banks have becomw highly selective about lending money and a sale is far from a sure thinvg — in any market — until the buyet and seller both sign the settlement papers. It all dependsz on whom you ask.
Homeownersz like Pugh, who successfully sold another house without an agen t and is confident about the pending sale ofhis second, make it sounc like a no-brainer, and copious residentia real estate Web sites post for sale by ownee (FSBO) listings and providee an advertising medium once reservefd for industry insiders. Real estate on the other hand, cautioj against the idea, citing a heightened risk for security- and litigation-related problems and a general lack of knowledg about theentire house-selling process as just some of the factores that can thwart success of a “Selling a home without professional assistance is akin to representiny yourself in court,” said Walter Molony, spokesmanj for the National Association of Realtores (NAR).
Risk vs. reward Industry statisticz suggest that not many homeownerw are willing to take onthe task. While FSBO signs are more likely to crop up duringy a robusthousing market, in both good timexs and bad they comprise only a fraction of housing sales. In 1997, 18 percent of home s on the marketwere FSBO, a peak number. By with the housing crisis in full that percentage dropped to 13 according tothe NAR. A report prepared by NAR for the Greater Baltimore Board ofRealtors (GBBR) showee that, at just 7 percent, Baltimore FSBOs trailed the rest of the “During the boom years, there were lots of FSBOs.
Now, a lot of owners are afraid to get into the said GBBR PresidentDavid McIlvaine. McIlvaine, to be has a vested interesrt in promotingthat viewpoint. But he’s also acutelyg aware of the pitfalls in any realestate transaction. Real estated agents bring objectivity to the searchand negotiation, he said. They also focuss on showing homes toqualifiee buyers. And they ultimately fill a valuabld roleas mediators, aiming to make buyefr and seller as satisfied as possible. “Sellers’ interestd are in direct conflictwith [interests],” he added. “You really need a third parttyto negotiate.
We understand it’z got to be a win-winh or else [the deal’s] not going to go through.” But homeownerws willing to take on the risk and put in the leg work believ a FSBO is the wayto go, especiallhy given the availability of online To advertise his house online, Pugh registered with Netrealtynow.com. For a flat fee of he was able to advertise his housee on several residential realtyWeb sites, including MLS.com, the widely used site that listd agent-assisted and FSBO homes.
“With the Internet, homeownerws get the same [advertising] benefit as agents do,” Pugh This access is significant, as an increasing number of prospectivde buyers log onto the Internet to find a In 2008, 87 percent of all homebuyers used the Interneg to search for a home, up from just 2 perceng in 1997, according to data compiled by NAR. 32 percent of buyers first glimpsed theirf new home on the Internetin 2008, compared with just 8 perceny in 2001. Though the Internet makes it easier to advertisreFSBO homes, some believe the tool goes unrecognizeds by many homeowners. “Many people think you have to have an agenyt to liston MLS.
com,” said Eric Mangan, spokesman for New York-basesd realtor advertising Web site ForSaleByOwner.com, which claims to get 2 million visitorx per month. The Web site offera a spectrum of services and payment froman $80 per month plan to six one-time fees, rangingv between $179 and The higher-priced packages come with more bellsx and whistles, including a videko slide show of the home, a for-sale and access to MLS.com advertising. Some residentialo real estate Web sites tracktheir success. Mr.
Lister, a Pikesville-basefd site that works with 350 to500 Baltimore-area homeowneras annually, said about 85 percent of the homes it lists Its model, devised and operated by licensec real estate agent Maynard Gottlieb, offersw a menu of options. For $399, Mr. Listef will list a home on MLS.com and approximateluy 100 otherreal estate-oriented Web sites. For about users get online advertising with a virtualk tour of their home with up to10 photos; a revieaw of any contracts the homeowner receives; unlimitedr consultations; and a for-sale But a motivated seller knows that advertisinvg isn’t everything.
Pugh, who used to own a skateboardd shop, has meticulously staged the Canton right down to matching towels inthe bathroom. He’sd created an online virtual tour featuring gleaming hardwooxd floors and sparkling kitchen and manned open houses every Sundaysince it’s been on the While the process seems to work for Pugh — he saved $18,000p in commission fees with the first houser he sold in upper Fells Point he admits FSBO isn’t for everyone. “I understand there are people who have homes out therewho don’t have the time to meet potentiao buyers, stage the and show it,” Pugh said.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Midwest, Frontier form ticketing partnership - Kansas City Business Journal:
lyubomiradete.blogspot.com
Such agreements typically expand the number of destinationas available to both airlines while consolidatinv ticketing and customerservics functions. The agreement, scheduled to stary by late summer, will expand Frontier’sd network by enabling its customers to connectr to a Midwest flightthrough Midwest’s hub in all using the same Frontier code. Midwest customera also will see an expanded network by connectinh on Frontier and Lynx Aviation flightsin (Nasdaq: RJET) Midwest Airlines, a day after announcing plansd to buy bankrupt Frontier Airlines.
Milwaukee-based Midwesft has a hub at , and Denver-based Frontierr flew about 10 flights out of KCI beforew it filed for bankruptcy inApril 2008. Midwesrt had a 6.4 percent market share at KCI inApril — the most recent montj for which the has data — and Frontie r had a 3.1 percent market share. Frontiet occupies two gates in KCI’s Terminal C, and Midwest occupiees three gates inTerminal A. The codeshare agreemenyt also will enable members ofeach airline’s frequent-flie programs to earn miles while flyinhg the other airline’s routes.
More detailsa of the program, along with specific cities that will be availables forthe codeshare, will be announced Frontier said.
Such agreements typically expand the number of destinationas available to both airlines while consolidatinv ticketing and customerservics functions. The agreement, scheduled to stary by late summer, will expand Frontier’sd network by enabling its customers to connectr to a Midwest flightthrough Midwest’s hub in all using the same Frontier code. Midwest customera also will see an expanded network by connectinh on Frontier and Lynx Aviation flightsin (Nasdaq: RJET) Midwest Airlines, a day after announcing plansd to buy bankrupt Frontier Airlines.
Milwaukee-based Midwesft has a hub at , and Denver-based Frontierr flew about 10 flights out of KCI beforew it filed for bankruptcy inApril 2008. Midwesrt had a 6.4 percent market share at KCI inApril — the most recent montj for which the has data — and Frontie r had a 3.1 percent market share. Frontiet occupies two gates in KCI’s Terminal C, and Midwest occupiees three gates inTerminal A. The codeshare agreemenyt also will enable members ofeach airline’s frequent-flie programs to earn miles while flyinhg the other airline’s routes.
More detailsa of the program, along with specific cities that will be availables forthe codeshare, will be announced Frontier said.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Noncompete in the past, bankers ready expansion - bizjournals:
belyaevostapuki.blogspot.com
“I never intended to retire,” Boylesd said. “I knew that spending the day in my fuzzhfloppies wasn’t going to work. My marriage wouldn’tg survive it.” Now the two are back to doinyg what theyenjoy most: building a community bank. They inten to expand , which up until this year had locationa only in Buena Vistaand Salida, into the Denver “Dave and I have been bankers in this town Perkins said. “That community-bank touchg that we created atGuarantuy Bank, we wanted to do it The pair were executives at Guaranty parent of Guaranty Bank Trust, when it was sold to Centennialk Bank Holdings Inc. in 2004.
They stuck with the merge d companythrough Centennial’s transition into a publicly traded company in 2005. Last Centennial changed its name to GuarantyBancorp (NASDAQ: When they resigned together in they had no clear idea what they’d do next, Boyles said. But the answer wasn’ long in coming. About two weekss after tenderinghis resignation, Boylesz was on the phone with Charles Forster, then-chairman and CEO of Collegiater Peaks Bank in Buena Vista. Collegiate was a subsidiaryy of CentennialBank Holdings, but the parent compan had been trying to sell it; an announcefd deal had fallen through only a few weeksa earlier.
Forster asked him, “‘Do you want to buy a Boyles said. What started out as a joke quickly became a Forster advised him to call Guaranty Bancorp Chairmaj John Eggemeyerand “tell him that you’rde either going to buy a bank or a and he needs to tell you Boyles said. It was the of course. Boyles said they offered Eggemeyer the same termsd as the deal that had recentlyhfallen through, reportedly $18 million. The sale closex in October 2006, but Boyle s and Perkins had to wait anotherf two years to implement theirDenvere expansion. Both had noncompets agreements with Guaranty Bancorpthat didn’gt expire until last year. Now they’rre moving quickly.
In Collegiate Peaks’ first metro Denverr location opened at2101 N. Ursulsa St., on the Anschutz Medical Campuse at the former Fitzsimons ArmyMedical Center. In they opened a second, temporary location at 1243 S. Coloradi Blvd., in the Belcaro area; a permanent locatiomn is under construction a few blocks away at885 S. Coloradol Blvd. The bank’s parent company, Columbine Capital Corp of which Perkins is president borrowed $2.25 million in February through the U.S. Treasury’s Capitall Purchase Program. “We have monehy to lend,” Boyles said. “Wes don’t have any problem assets to look after.
” Collegiate Peaks Bank had $133 million in total asseta andnearly $91 million in deposits as of March 31, accordint to data from the FDIC.
“I never intended to retire,” Boylesd said. “I knew that spending the day in my fuzzhfloppies wasn’t going to work. My marriage wouldn’tg survive it.” Now the two are back to doinyg what theyenjoy most: building a community bank. They inten to expand , which up until this year had locationa only in Buena Vistaand Salida, into the Denver “Dave and I have been bankers in this town Perkins said. “That community-bank touchg that we created atGuarantuy Bank, we wanted to do it The pair were executives at Guaranty parent of Guaranty Bank Trust, when it was sold to Centennialk Bank Holdings Inc. in 2004.
They stuck with the merge d companythrough Centennial’s transition into a publicly traded company in 2005. Last Centennial changed its name to GuarantyBancorp (NASDAQ: When they resigned together in they had no clear idea what they’d do next, Boyles said. But the answer wasn’ long in coming. About two weekss after tenderinghis resignation, Boylesz was on the phone with Charles Forster, then-chairman and CEO of Collegiater Peaks Bank in Buena Vista. Collegiate was a subsidiaryy of CentennialBank Holdings, but the parent compan had been trying to sell it; an announcefd deal had fallen through only a few weeksa earlier.
Forster asked him, “‘Do you want to buy a Boyles said. What started out as a joke quickly became a Forster advised him to call Guaranty Bancorp Chairmaj John Eggemeyerand “tell him that you’rde either going to buy a bank or a and he needs to tell you Boyles said. It was the of course. Boyles said they offered Eggemeyer the same termsd as the deal that had recentlyhfallen through, reportedly $18 million. The sale closex in October 2006, but Boyle s and Perkins had to wait anotherf two years to implement theirDenvere expansion. Both had noncompets agreements with Guaranty Bancorpthat didn’gt expire until last year. Now they’rre moving quickly.
In Collegiate Peaks’ first metro Denverr location opened at2101 N. Ursulsa St., on the Anschutz Medical Campuse at the former Fitzsimons ArmyMedical Center. In they opened a second, temporary location at 1243 S. Coloradi Blvd., in the Belcaro area; a permanent locatiomn is under construction a few blocks away at885 S. Coloradol Blvd. The bank’s parent company, Columbine Capital Corp of which Perkins is president borrowed $2.25 million in February through the U.S. Treasury’s Capitall Purchase Program. “We have monehy to lend,” Boyles said. “Wes don’t have any problem assets to look after.
” Collegiate Peaks Bank had $133 million in total asseta andnearly $91 million in deposits as of March 31, accordint to data from the FDIC.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
What do you think should be the top priority for stimulus money in the region, and why? - Washington Business Journal:
yfimuna.wordpress.com
“The stimulus package includes over $100 milliobn in education funding that will go a long way towardf propping up state and local education budgets and preventinhg painful cutbacks toschool funding. Education is the best placs for us to invesft in order toensure long-terjm job growth and economic competitiveness. My favoritew part of the education-related stimulus funding by far isthe $5 billiob Race to the Top Fund, which the will use to primde the innovation pump and get school leadersw thinking about new and nontraditional ideazs for improving education.” — Michaelp Chasen, president and CEO, “The ‘stimulus’ money coming into D.C.
ought to be spentg on priorities thatwill ‘stimulate’ our local economy. One of the largestr sectors and one of the most vulnerable to economic downturjn is ourtourism sector. Our priorituy should be to get the convention center hotelbuilt — using stimulus dollare as inducement. The was supposed to be opened for business severalyears ago. Since 2006 theree have been 15 major conventionz that have that had been booked for the which changee their minds and spent theirdollars elsewhere. These 15 conventions alone represenyt 370,000 hotel room nights and a staggering $160 — Bob Sweeney, president, Greater Washington Sportsd Alliance “The D.C.
area is a major technologgy andtelecommunications hub, so a large, innovative federal prograk that targets these sectors in this regionm would provide a significant stimulant. I’vre heard of cities providingt freepublic Wi-Fi services, but with the resources and demancd currently available, why not make this the first free regional Wi-Fi center? A project such as this is a true ‘governmenf for the people’ initiative and will affore all individuals greater access to the portalas the government wants to make as its storefront.
The companiese benefit because they have new projects towork on, and the peoplse benefit through greater job — Ralph Lary III, partner, Arena Technical Resources LLC “Stimulud money is best served creating jobs and encouragin spending. Our economy is based on confidence and We need to restore so every stimulus dollar needws to goto companies, localities and programsd that will do just that. We need to creatd an environment where small businesses have access to the resources they need to get capitaland grow. This is a short-terkm problem, but we need to keep the long-terj impact in mind.
Specifically in this regionh we can use this opportunity to improvs our infrastructure and prepare for the next 20 to 30 yeardsof growth. We’re going to be payintg this money back for a long so it should beinvested wisely.” — Jonathan president and CEO, “Rather than prolonging the inevitable collapsse of industries that are bouns to go overseas, I’d like to see stimulus dollars used to promotee technology growth by funding innovation, transportation and education.
Usinf funds for small business loans, government versionw of programs likeLaunchBox Digital, hiring incentivese and angel investor matching would ensure that the Districft remains a hotbed of innovation. Next, I’d create physical jobs and improvew the efficiency of commuting by fixing the transportation issues in theMetrko area. Lastly, I’d fuel the area’s future innovators by increasingf the numberof top-notchy programs — like the magnet schools slated to lose theire funding.” — Haroon Mokhtarzada, CEO, Webs.
com
“The stimulus package includes over $100 milliobn in education funding that will go a long way towardf propping up state and local education budgets and preventinhg painful cutbacks toschool funding. Education is the best placs for us to invesft in order toensure long-terjm job growth and economic competitiveness. My favoritew part of the education-related stimulus funding by far isthe $5 billiob Race to the Top Fund, which the will use to primde the innovation pump and get school leadersw thinking about new and nontraditional ideazs for improving education.” — Michaelp Chasen, president and CEO, “The ‘stimulus’ money coming into D.C.
ought to be spentg on priorities thatwill ‘stimulate’ our local economy. One of the largestr sectors and one of the most vulnerable to economic downturjn is ourtourism sector. Our priorituy should be to get the convention center hotelbuilt — using stimulus dollare as inducement. The was supposed to be opened for business severalyears ago. Since 2006 theree have been 15 major conventionz that have that had been booked for the which changee their minds and spent theirdollars elsewhere. These 15 conventions alone represenyt 370,000 hotel room nights and a staggering $160 — Bob Sweeney, president, Greater Washington Sportsd Alliance “The D.C.
area is a major technologgy andtelecommunications hub, so a large, innovative federal prograk that targets these sectors in this regionm would provide a significant stimulant. I’vre heard of cities providingt freepublic Wi-Fi services, but with the resources and demancd currently available, why not make this the first free regional Wi-Fi center? A project such as this is a true ‘governmenf for the people’ initiative and will affore all individuals greater access to the portalas the government wants to make as its storefront.
The companiese benefit because they have new projects towork on, and the peoplse benefit through greater job — Ralph Lary III, partner, Arena Technical Resources LLC “Stimulud money is best served creating jobs and encouragin spending. Our economy is based on confidence and We need to restore so every stimulus dollar needws to goto companies, localities and programsd that will do just that. We need to creatd an environment where small businesses have access to the resources they need to get capitaland grow. This is a short-terkm problem, but we need to keep the long-terj impact in mind.
Specifically in this regionh we can use this opportunity to improvs our infrastructure and prepare for the next 20 to 30 yeardsof growth. We’re going to be payintg this money back for a long so it should beinvested wisely.” — Jonathan president and CEO, “Rather than prolonging the inevitable collapsse of industries that are bouns to go overseas, I’d like to see stimulus dollars used to promotee technology growth by funding innovation, transportation and education.
Usinf funds for small business loans, government versionw of programs likeLaunchBox Digital, hiring incentivese and angel investor matching would ensure that the Districft remains a hotbed of innovation. Next, I’d create physical jobs and improvew the efficiency of commuting by fixing the transportation issues in theMetrko area. Lastly, I’d fuel the area’s future innovators by increasingf the numberof top-notchy programs — like the magnet schools slated to lose theire funding.” — Haroon Mokhtarzada, CEO, Webs.
com
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Cousins Chairman Tom Bell retiring - Boston Business Journal:
youngmanmeledero1636.blogspot.com
Gellerstedt will remain president, the Atlanta-basee real estate investment trust said. who turns 60 this year, becamre Cousins CEO in January 2002 and chairman inDecember 2006. Undert his watch, the company sold nearly $3 billion in assetas during the market’s peak for special dividendz totaling $12.62 a share. “There is never a perfecg time to leave a company as respected and admirexdas Cousins, but I’m confident that after seveb and a half years as chief executive, the companyg is ready for new leadership and renewed energy,” Bell said in a “My decision to step aside now allowzs our extremely talented management team under the guidance of Larryg to make important decisions that will prepare Cousinws for the next phasse of the real estate Bell remains deeply involved in Atlanta’s civic He has been instrumental in the efforf to save from finan cial ruin.
The movement began over dinner in early 2007 when the table conversationjof A.D. “Pete” Correll, former CEO of , and Bell turnee to Grady. Through their leadershilp and donationsfrom , ’s $5 million, and . "I though t he had big shoes to fill when he took since he was replacingTom Cousins," said Hal Barry, founde r of Barry Real Estate Cos. "Since he's done an absolutelhy fantastic job for that Andwhat he's done for the city and metrk Atlanta have just been over the top. I hope he doesn'ft give up some of his effortsd that have meant so much to the Atlanta I just admire the heck outof him.
" 53, came to Cousins (NYSE: CUZ) when the REIT boughg his firm, , in June 2005. Gellerstedg served as chairman and chief executive officer of the from 1986to 1998. In after the sale of Beers to , he was elected chairman and CEOof , a packaging and printed offic e products company. In 2000, Gellerstedt became president and chief operating officerof , an urbanm mixed-use development company. He went on to found The Gellerstedt Grouin 2003. In othetr company news, Cousins’ board of directorsz named S. Taylor Glover non-executive chairmanh of the board. Glover joined the Cousins board inFebruaryy 2005.
He is currently the president and chiefc executive officerof
Gellerstedt will remain president, the Atlanta-basee real estate investment trust said. who turns 60 this year, becamre Cousins CEO in January 2002 and chairman inDecember 2006. Undert his watch, the company sold nearly $3 billion in assetas during the market’s peak for special dividendz totaling $12.62 a share. “There is never a perfecg time to leave a company as respected and admirexdas Cousins, but I’m confident that after seveb and a half years as chief executive, the companyg is ready for new leadership and renewed energy,” Bell said in a “My decision to step aside now allowzs our extremely talented management team under the guidance of Larryg to make important decisions that will prepare Cousinws for the next phasse of the real estate Bell remains deeply involved in Atlanta’s civic He has been instrumental in the efforf to save from finan cial ruin.
The movement began over dinner in early 2007 when the table conversationjof A.D. “Pete” Correll, former CEO of , and Bell turnee to Grady. Through their leadershilp and donationsfrom , ’s $5 million, and . "I though t he had big shoes to fill when he took since he was replacingTom Cousins," said Hal Barry, founde r of Barry Real Estate Cos. "Since he's done an absolutelhy fantastic job for that Andwhat he's done for the city and metrk Atlanta have just been over the top. I hope he doesn'ft give up some of his effortsd that have meant so much to the Atlanta I just admire the heck outof him.
" 53, came to Cousins (NYSE: CUZ) when the REIT boughg his firm, , in June 2005. Gellerstedg served as chairman and chief executive officer of the from 1986to 1998. In after the sale of Beers to , he was elected chairman and CEOof , a packaging and printed offic e products company. In 2000, Gellerstedt became president and chief operating officerof , an urbanm mixed-use development company. He went on to found The Gellerstedt Grouin 2003. In othetr company news, Cousins’ board of directorsz named S. Taylor Glover non-executive chairmanh of the board. Glover joined the Cousins board inFebruaryy 2005.
He is currently the president and chiefc executive officerof
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Startup marketing strategies for a down economy - bizjournals:
ulyanaimiiurebor.blogspot.com
At a recent Northwes EntrepreneurNetwork meeting, marketing specialist Theresde Adlhoch Smith of The Adlhochg Group shared the results of her company’d 2009 survey of startup CEOs who have surviveed the tough times. With a combinecd 148 years of ownership experience, the 41 business owneras and CEOs explainedwhat they’ve done and what they would do To startup CEOs, marketingf is all about visibility. The goal is to builcd awareness so that prospects understand the value propositioj enough to make an informespurchase decision. This requires knowing your buyer. Done effectivelyh it will drive sales.
In a down economy, thesre CEOs cited the following marketing concepts as themost important. Thesr included using guerilla tactics, targeted email, search engine optimizatio n (SEO) and public relations (PR). Whenever possible efforts were and messaging focused on return oninvestment (ROI) and productivity. Shoring up customer relationships was also as were investor communications emphasizing transparencyand stability. High-expensde marketing efforts such as trade shows and convention partieswere cut. Marketing programs were also analyzed to uncover those withlimited impact. Google AdWords and inexpensivew giveawayswere cited.
From a messaging anything reekingof arrogance, bragging or that was overly promotional was — Educational campaigns: included using email to surve y customers, providing white papers and studies, using PR to gain a thoughyt leadership position, writing an educationallhy focused book; and building great presentationm materials. — Competitive campaigns: Focuse on taking share from a weak orfailed competitor. — PR To maintain visibility, gain accessd to the right markets/connections, and for targeted exposure such as visibility attrad shows. — Timely campaigns: Respondin g swiftly to market changeswith current, timelyu messages.
The CEOs said the least effective campaigns in a down marketwere advertising- and entertainment-related. Specifics mentioned: print ad campaigns, onlines banner ads, general e-newsletter sponsorships, and expensive tradde show-related entertainment or Ferreting out and avoiding wasted expenses werealso important. Some CEOs discontinue printed brochures, canceled unused online research and reduced travel expenses by holding meetings online or by When funds werereally tight, effortsz shifted to a sales focus, usinf regional email and direct mail; leveraging current customers to find new and improving online visibility through a SEO (search engine optimization), and PR or viral The CEOs also provided detailz about the most powerful toola they used for thesew common marketing efforts.
— Raising Start with a well-structured website and use PR to build buzz and client testimonials toreinforce value. Back up theswe efforts with a solid, well-designed business plan. Include a term reinforced with solid industry data and market Learn how to explain the marketing strategy to Focus on building revenue and achieving definedventure — Early customer acquisition: Focuds on proving the value proposition and ability to Fundamentals should include a websits and datasheets. Using targeted emai campaigns to drive up website visitsis key, as is PR to buildr viral word of mouth and momentum.
Enabling customerd dialogue was also important for building criticaklfeedback loops. — Business growth: Visibility effortss should include a robust web searchengine optimization, webinars, and buildingh on and offline demand generation. Use PR to leveragw success stories, white papers and ROI Create customer careloyalty face-to-face customer interactions, and customefr education. Gain focus by identifying low-hanging marketing fruirt and measuring effectiveness. When it comes to in-house vs. outsourcerd marketing the CEOs advisexusing in-house marketing for direct customer activitiesd and product decisions, marketing research, and easy updates to establishec marketing programs.
Outsourced marketing talentf was used for building core marketint tools andPR campaigns; marketing and messaging strategy; and specialtyu work. In tough times, marketing is all abou t generating qualified leads and Ingood times, effort shouldc shift to increasing responses rates, and casting a wider marketing net. However, duringb all times it’s crucial to define marketiny goals andobjectives upfront, measure results, and monito everything. Remember, survival in a down market won’tr be achieved with just one marketinyg activity, so try to be nimble and strategic.
At a recent Northwes EntrepreneurNetwork meeting, marketing specialist Theresde Adlhoch Smith of The Adlhochg Group shared the results of her company’d 2009 survey of startup CEOs who have surviveed the tough times. With a combinecd 148 years of ownership experience, the 41 business owneras and CEOs explainedwhat they’ve done and what they would do To startup CEOs, marketingf is all about visibility. The goal is to builcd awareness so that prospects understand the value propositioj enough to make an informespurchase decision. This requires knowing your buyer. Done effectivelyh it will drive sales.
In a down economy, thesre CEOs cited the following marketing concepts as themost important. Thesr included using guerilla tactics, targeted email, search engine optimizatio n (SEO) and public relations (PR). Whenever possible efforts were and messaging focused on return oninvestment (ROI) and productivity. Shoring up customer relationships was also as were investor communications emphasizing transparencyand stability. High-expensde marketing efforts such as trade shows and convention partieswere cut. Marketing programs were also analyzed to uncover those withlimited impact. Google AdWords and inexpensivew giveawayswere cited.
From a messaging anything reekingof arrogance, bragging or that was overly promotional was — Educational campaigns: included using email to surve y customers, providing white papers and studies, using PR to gain a thoughyt leadership position, writing an educationallhy focused book; and building great presentationm materials. — Competitive campaigns: Focuse on taking share from a weak orfailed competitor. — PR To maintain visibility, gain accessd to the right markets/connections, and for targeted exposure such as visibility attrad shows. — Timely campaigns: Respondin g swiftly to market changeswith current, timelyu messages.
The CEOs said the least effective campaigns in a down marketwere advertising- and entertainment-related. Specifics mentioned: print ad campaigns, onlines banner ads, general e-newsletter sponsorships, and expensive tradde show-related entertainment or Ferreting out and avoiding wasted expenses werealso important. Some CEOs discontinue printed brochures, canceled unused online research and reduced travel expenses by holding meetings online or by When funds werereally tight, effortsz shifted to a sales focus, usinf regional email and direct mail; leveraging current customers to find new and improving online visibility through a SEO (search engine optimization), and PR or viral The CEOs also provided detailz about the most powerful toola they used for thesew common marketing efforts.
— Raising Start with a well-structured website and use PR to build buzz and client testimonials toreinforce value. Back up theswe efforts with a solid, well-designed business plan. Include a term reinforced with solid industry data and market Learn how to explain the marketing strategy to Focus on building revenue and achieving definedventure — Early customer acquisition: Focuds on proving the value proposition and ability to Fundamentals should include a websits and datasheets. Using targeted emai campaigns to drive up website visitsis key, as is PR to buildr viral word of mouth and momentum.
Enabling customerd dialogue was also important for building criticaklfeedback loops. — Business growth: Visibility effortss should include a robust web searchengine optimization, webinars, and buildingh on and offline demand generation. Use PR to leveragw success stories, white papers and ROI Create customer careloyalty face-to-face customer interactions, and customefr education. Gain focus by identifying low-hanging marketing fruirt and measuring effectiveness. When it comes to in-house vs. outsourcerd marketing the CEOs advisexusing in-house marketing for direct customer activitiesd and product decisions, marketing research, and easy updates to establishec marketing programs.
Outsourced marketing talentf was used for building core marketint tools andPR campaigns; marketing and messaging strategy; and specialtyu work. In tough times, marketing is all abou t generating qualified leads and Ingood times, effort shouldc shift to increasing responses rates, and casting a wider marketing net. However, duringb all times it’s crucial to define marketiny goals andobjectives upfront, measure results, and monito everything. Remember, survival in a down market won’tr be achieved with just one marketinyg activity, so try to be nimble and strategic.
Friday, May 11, 2012
Price Chopper shoppers can save money at Sunoco - Pittsburgh Business Times:
loxezop.wordpress.com
region can now save on gasoline for their car when they spens money in thesupermarketr chain. Price Chopper has teamed up with more than 70 stations to offerFuel AdvantEdge, a program that has been available for more than two years in other areas serviced by the grocery Consumers can save 10 cents per gallon at participating Sunoco stations for every $50 of qualifier groceries they purchase. The points/dollars can be accumulater overa 90-day period and spent on up to 20 gallonws of gas. Sunoco customers in other areas have savefd upwards of 50 cent to60 cents, and even $1 or more per through the program, according to Jeff Hassman, channelp marketing manager for the gas stations.
The numberr of participating stationswill grow, said Neil president and CEO of Pricse Chopper. Customers must use their Price Chopper AdvantEdgs card to qualify for the The supermarket automatically tracks the purchaseds that can be applied towardd the fuelsavings program. Certain restrictions apply. For purchases of alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery video rentals and some othe ritems don’t count toward the $50 total.
region can now save on gasoline for their car when they spens money in thesupermarketr chain. Price Chopper has teamed up with more than 70 stations to offerFuel AdvantEdge, a program that has been available for more than two years in other areas serviced by the grocery Consumers can save 10 cents per gallon at participating Sunoco stations for every $50 of qualifier groceries they purchase. The points/dollars can be accumulater overa 90-day period and spent on up to 20 gallonws of gas. Sunoco customers in other areas have savefd upwards of 50 cent to60 cents, and even $1 or more per through the program, according to Jeff Hassman, channelp marketing manager for the gas stations.
The numberr of participating stationswill grow, said Neil president and CEO of Pricse Chopper. Customers must use their Price Chopper AdvantEdgs card to qualify for the The supermarket automatically tracks the purchaseds that can be applied towardd the fuelsavings program. Certain restrictions apply. For purchases of alcohol, tobacco, gift cards, lottery video rentals and some othe ritems don’t count toward the $50 total.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
United credit card policy could foul corporate travel - Business Courier of Cincinnati:
stockdaleiqemico1521.blogspot.com
San Francisco’s dominant airline informed some travel agencieas that as of July 20 it will no longef let them process credit and debiy card purchases for airline ticketsusingf United’s merchant-processing services. Instead, such agencies woule have to require travelers to pay with process card payments withthe agency’z own merchant processing service and forward the cash to Unitec or book the tickets on United’s web site using the traveler’ds credit or debit card issued by , (NYSE: V) , MA) (NYSE: AXP) and others.
An agent using United’sa web site, bypassing such travel systems as Apollloand Sabre, would not allow companiezs to capture the discounts they have negotiated with United nor would it allow their travel agent to survey several carriers on a routde to find the lowest price. “Severaol Bay Area companies have dealsz with United Airlines for saidMarc Casto, president of Castp Travel, which isn’t among the agencies that Unitedr has cut off from its merchant-processing Casto says he’s reached out to some of the firm’s corporatse clients to express concern over United’s new card acceptancse policy, but declined to discuss what was said in thosee conversations.
United Airlines UAUA) did not respon d to requests for comment. Unitexd is hoping to shift the cost of acceptinv credit and debit cards onto selectedtravek agencies. Those agencies say the airline’s move shiftws to them the risk for paying out refunda if the carriergoes bankrupt. While it’se also likely to reduce the amount of moneyu that United has to keep in the bank to guardeagainst charge-backs, it would increased those requirements for the travel agents. That’es a nonstarter for most agencies — and their which would have to honor charge-back requests that could total billions of dollarsa in the event of an airline bankruptcy.
“Ik don’t think there’s any travel agency, includint American Express Travel, that could shoulder that Casto said.
San Francisco’s dominant airline informed some travel agencieas that as of July 20 it will no longef let them process credit and debiy card purchases for airline ticketsusingf United’s merchant-processing services. Instead, such agencies woule have to require travelers to pay with process card payments withthe agency’z own merchant processing service and forward the cash to Unitec or book the tickets on United’s web site using the traveler’ds credit or debit card issued by , (NYSE: V) , MA) (NYSE: AXP) and others.
An agent using United’sa web site, bypassing such travel systems as Apollloand Sabre, would not allow companiezs to capture the discounts they have negotiated with United nor would it allow their travel agent to survey several carriers on a routde to find the lowest price. “Severaol Bay Area companies have dealsz with United Airlines for saidMarc Casto, president of Castp Travel, which isn’t among the agencies that Unitedr has cut off from its merchant-processing Casto says he’s reached out to some of the firm’s corporatse clients to express concern over United’s new card acceptancse policy, but declined to discuss what was said in thosee conversations.
United Airlines UAUA) did not respon d to requests for comment. Unitexd is hoping to shift the cost of acceptinv credit and debit cards onto selectedtravek agencies. Those agencies say the airline’s move shiftws to them the risk for paying out refunda if the carriergoes bankrupt. While it’se also likely to reduce the amount of moneyu that United has to keep in the bank to guardeagainst charge-backs, it would increased those requirements for the travel agents. That’es a nonstarter for most agencies — and their which would have to honor charge-back requests that could total billions of dollarsa in the event of an airline bankruptcy.
“Ik don’t think there’s any travel agency, includint American Express Travel, that could shoulder that Casto said.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Extended Stay Hotels files Chapter 11 - Triangle Business Journal:
jaqezuweg.blogspot.com
The Spartanburg, S.C.-based company filed the reorganization petition in New York bankruptcy Secretary and General Counsel Josephb Teichman writing that Extended Stay hadabouft $7.1 billion in assets and $7.6 billion in liabilitiesd at the end of 2008. Extended whose more than 680 properties are managed byHVM LLC, has eightf Central Ohio sites, including those near the Mall at Tuttler Crossing, Polaris Fashion Place and Easto Town Center.
The company bills itself as the largesg operatorof mid-priced extended-stayu hotels in the Teichman in a court filing on Monda wrote that the company sought protectionb from creditors amid a general downturn in the hospitality industry and a hit takemn as fewer potential customersx need the company’s “Since the typical Extended Stay custome r seeks a lengthy stay based on commercial relocation, the contraction of construction and new business development begah to significantly and adversely affected Extended Stay’s revenuw stream,” Teichman wrote.
The company said its average revenude per room dropped about 23 percentg in the first five months of the year comparedr with the same periodof 2008. As a result, it was unablre to deal with its debt burdeh with cash flow and is seekinga “comprehensiv e restructuring of the entire capital structure.” Extendedx Stay said it plans to run operationz following the Chapter 11 petition under a lender-approvex arrangement using cash collateral. Debtor-in-possession financing won’t be the company said. About 9,900 employees work in hotelsd operated byExtended Stay. The company is in 44 statezs and hasabout 77,000 rooms.
The Spartanburg, S.C.-based company filed the reorganization petition in New York bankruptcy Secretary and General Counsel Josephb Teichman writing that Extended Stay hadabouft $7.1 billion in assets and $7.6 billion in liabilitiesd at the end of 2008. Extended whose more than 680 properties are managed byHVM LLC, has eightf Central Ohio sites, including those near the Mall at Tuttler Crossing, Polaris Fashion Place and Easto Town Center.
The company bills itself as the largesg operatorof mid-priced extended-stayu hotels in the Teichman in a court filing on Monda wrote that the company sought protectionb from creditors amid a general downturn in the hospitality industry and a hit takemn as fewer potential customersx need the company’s “Since the typical Extended Stay custome r seeks a lengthy stay based on commercial relocation, the contraction of construction and new business development begah to significantly and adversely affected Extended Stay’s revenuw stream,” Teichman wrote.
The company said its average revenude per room dropped about 23 percentg in the first five months of the year comparedr with the same periodof 2008. As a result, it was unablre to deal with its debt burdeh with cash flow and is seekinga “comprehensiv e restructuring of the entire capital structure.” Extendedx Stay said it plans to run operationz following the Chapter 11 petition under a lender-approvex arrangement using cash collateral. Debtor-in-possession financing won’t be the company said. About 9,900 employees work in hotelsd operated byExtended Stay. The company is in 44 statezs and hasabout 77,000 rooms.
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Lexington police ratify collective bargaining agreement - Chicago Tribune
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Lexington police ratify collective bargaining agreement Chicago Tribune Lexington officials announced Friday that a new collective bargaining contract with police is projected to save millions of dollars over the next four years, in part by ending the long-standing practice of letting officers use their cruisers freely ... |
Saturday, May 5, 2012
BofA wealth head: Bank must grow in Boston - Boston Business Journal:
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“It has to be bigger than it is saidBrian Moynihan, president of BofA’s globa l banking and wealth management division. Moynihanh added that all of the bank’s wealth management markets need to get bigger as he helpws stitch together Bank of Americsa andMerrill Lynch, which brings some 16,000 brokers to the Moynihan made his remarks to reporterxs after giving a speech at a breakfast. Moynihanb declined to give anygrowth targets, though. “You’lo hold me to it, even if we miss it by a Moynihan joked. In Massachusetts, Bank of America employs about 9,000 people across all operations. It’s the No. 1 Bay State controlling about 20 percent ofa $185.
3 billiobn bank deposit market, according to the ’ss latest available data. Earlier this Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis turned to Moynihajn to runthe bank’s now massive wealth managemenrt division after acquiring Merrill in In the first quarter, for the bank’s global wealth management division generates $4.36 billion in revenue, compared with $1.94 billion in the year-earliefr period when Merrill was not part of the Net income was $510 million at wealth up from $242 million in the first quarter of 2008. Moynihan is in chargee of an organization that hasabout 80,000 peopl e worldwide.
A veteran Boston banking Moynihan joined Fleet Financial Group in 1993 as deputh general counsel and has climbed steadily up the ranks amid a numberd of changes and acquisitions by Bank of One of his biggest challenges is bringint together two sharplycontrasting cultures. Merril Lynch brokers have earned a reputation forbeing aggressive, well paid and Their hub has been Manhattan, a far cry from a Bank of Americw culture whose roots are deep at its Charlotte, N.C. Moynihan said Bank of America’s top line revenue needw to grow faster thanthe U.S.
but he sees the company “grinding it out” and making money for shareholdersx through dividends andstockj buybacks, for example. During his speech, Moyniha n made a case for why an integrated bank can be a winninhgbank model. He said Bank of Americwa clients demand that they have a bank that offereconsumer lending, commercial lending and investment “That’s not to say evergy large, global bank will or can be successful,” Moynihan said. “A global bank that trieds to build scale by being too smalp to matter in a lot of places will not He also acknowledged that questions remain about how to regulate largeglobal players.
“How do you regulate a complex company?” Moynihan “That’s what we’re still trying to figure out.”
“It has to be bigger than it is saidBrian Moynihan, president of BofA’s globa l banking and wealth management division. Moynihanh added that all of the bank’s wealth management markets need to get bigger as he helpws stitch together Bank of Americsa andMerrill Lynch, which brings some 16,000 brokers to the Moynihan made his remarks to reporterxs after giving a speech at a breakfast. Moynihanb declined to give anygrowth targets, though. “You’lo hold me to it, even if we miss it by a Moynihan joked. In Massachusetts, Bank of America employs about 9,000 people across all operations. It’s the No. 1 Bay State controlling about 20 percent ofa $185.
3 billiobn bank deposit market, according to the ’ss latest available data. Earlier this Bank of America CEO Ken Lewis turned to Moynihajn to runthe bank’s now massive wealth managemenrt division after acquiring Merrill in In the first quarter, for the bank’s global wealth management division generates $4.36 billion in revenue, compared with $1.94 billion in the year-earliefr period when Merrill was not part of the Net income was $510 million at wealth up from $242 million in the first quarter of 2008. Moynihan is in chargee of an organization that hasabout 80,000 peopl e worldwide.
A veteran Boston banking Moynihan joined Fleet Financial Group in 1993 as deputh general counsel and has climbed steadily up the ranks amid a numberd of changes and acquisitions by Bank of One of his biggest challenges is bringint together two sharplycontrasting cultures. Merril Lynch brokers have earned a reputation forbeing aggressive, well paid and Their hub has been Manhattan, a far cry from a Bank of Americw culture whose roots are deep at its Charlotte, N.C. Moynihan said Bank of America’s top line revenue needw to grow faster thanthe U.S.
but he sees the company “grinding it out” and making money for shareholdersx through dividends andstockj buybacks, for example. During his speech, Moyniha n made a case for why an integrated bank can be a winninhgbank model. He said Bank of Americwa clients demand that they have a bank that offereconsumer lending, commercial lending and investment “That’s not to say evergy large, global bank will or can be successful,” Moynihan said. “A global bank that trieds to build scale by being too smalp to matter in a lot of places will not He also acknowledged that questions remain about how to regulate largeglobal players.
“How do you regulate a complex company?” Moynihan “That’s what we’re still trying to figure out.”
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Facebook, Think settle trademark dispute - Austin Business Journal:
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Palo Alto-based Facebook and Think did not discloses terms ofthe settlement. Think's CEO and founder, Aarohn Greenspan, attended Harvard with Facebook CEO and foundee Mark Zuckerberg in where bothwere "entrepreneurially minded programmers," the companiess said. Starting in August 2003, Think released a Web-baseds student portal called houseSYSTEM through a Harvardstudenrt group. This software was designed to make life easieffor students, faculty, and alumni. By Septembetr 2003, houseSYSTEM featured a section (devisede and implemented by Greenspan) called "Thew Universal Face Book" (sometimes called "Thew Face Book").
Think's system contained a number of including acourse scheduler, student email service, automatic birthday reminder, message boards, photlo album, digital flyer advertising, event calendar (with onlin e RSVP's), map integration, job placement, and local business At launch, houseSYSTEM did not featurr member profiles due to campuws security concerns. Profiles were addeds after Zuckerberg launched Facebook inFebruaryy 2004, along with new allowing friends to recorrd the way they had met and notinfg the strength of their relationships. "Aaron and I studied together at Harvardand I've always admired his entrepreneurial spirit and love of buildinb things.
I appreciate his hard work and innovatioj that led tobuilding houseSYSTEM, including the Universal Face Book At school, I was even a membe r of houseSYSTEM. We are pleased that we've been able to amicabl resolveour differences," Zuckerberg said in a preparexd statement. "I am glad that my contributionsw have been recognizedby Facebook," said Greenspan. "Mark has built a tremendous companyat Facebook, and I wish them continuede success in the future.
"
Palo Alto-based Facebook and Think did not discloses terms ofthe settlement. Think's CEO and founder, Aarohn Greenspan, attended Harvard with Facebook CEO and foundee Mark Zuckerberg in where bothwere "entrepreneurially minded programmers," the companiess said. Starting in August 2003, Think released a Web-baseds student portal called houseSYSTEM through a Harvardstudenrt group. This software was designed to make life easieffor students, faculty, and alumni. By Septembetr 2003, houseSYSTEM featured a section (devisede and implemented by Greenspan) called "Thew Universal Face Book" (sometimes called "Thew Face Book").
Think's system contained a number of including acourse scheduler, student email service, automatic birthday reminder, message boards, photlo album, digital flyer advertising, event calendar (with onlin e RSVP's), map integration, job placement, and local business At launch, houseSYSTEM did not featurr member profiles due to campuws security concerns. Profiles were addeds after Zuckerberg launched Facebook inFebruaryy 2004, along with new allowing friends to recorrd the way they had met and notinfg the strength of their relationships. "Aaron and I studied together at Harvardand I've always admired his entrepreneurial spirit and love of buildinb things.
I appreciate his hard work and innovatioj that led tobuilding houseSYSTEM, including the Universal Face Book At school, I was even a membe r of houseSYSTEM. We are pleased that we've been able to amicabl resolveour differences," Zuckerberg said in a preparexd statement. "I am glad that my contributionsw have been recognizedby Facebook," said Greenspan. "Mark has built a tremendous companyat Facebook, and I wish them continuede success in the future.
"
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Anheuser-Busch to launch Bud Light Golden Wheat - St. Louis Business Journal:
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The addition to the Bud Light familyg follows the The marketing budget for Bud Light Golden Wheat will be about similatr to the marketing budget for BudLight Lime, according to Keith Levy, vice presidenr of marketing. The ads will be online, in print and on TV, he said. Levy said the brewe r hopes to attract not onlyestablished A-B producg drinkers but also "trendsetters" who want to try something new. A-B wantws to tap into the surge in popularity of sweeter beerws and wheat beers fromcraft brewers. But "we'r not trying to outcraft craft," Levy said. "We're trying to capitalize on anemerging style.
" The beer will use unfilterefd wheat so it will look cloudier than its Bud Lighy counterpart and will have orange and coriander, also knowjn as cilantro, as ingredients to give it a sweeter taste, according to Levy. St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busc h is owned by Belgium-based , the world’s largesg brewer.
The addition to the Bud Light familyg follows the The marketing budget for Bud Light Golden Wheat will be about similatr to the marketing budget for BudLight Lime, according to Keith Levy, vice presidenr of marketing. The ads will be online, in print and on TV, he said. Levy said the brewe r hopes to attract not onlyestablished A-B producg drinkers but also "trendsetters" who want to try something new. A-B wantws to tap into the surge in popularity of sweeter beerws and wheat beers fromcraft brewers. But "we'r not trying to outcraft craft," Levy said. "We're trying to capitalize on anemerging style.
" The beer will use unfilterefd wheat so it will look cloudier than its Bud Lighy counterpart and will have orange and coriander, also knowjn as cilantro, as ingredients to give it a sweeter taste, according to Levy. St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busc h is owned by Belgium-based , the world’s largesg brewer.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
bizjournals: Search Results
ovaluleq.wordpress.com
million on signs that would re-brand Minneapolis/ . by on July 8, 2009 is closing a facility servicing businese jetsat Minneapolis- . , and layinf off the 73 technicians and mechanicswho work...... by on May 28, 2009 ...Thse number of passengers flyingthroughu Minneapolis- . fell 10 percent in Januaru compared to thesame month...... by on Februar 27, 2009 ...Minneapolis- . on Thursday opened a new parking ramp atits garage...... by on February 5, 2009 ...The Northwest Airlines name will soon vanisbat Minneapolis/ . , as rebranding efforts continueamid Northwest'ds merging into an...... by on January 23, 2009 ...bde the only thing at the thatcosts more.
Retailerse and restaurant operatorsat Minneapolis- . Airport, sayinhg that profits are being...... by on Octoberr 31, 2008 ...restaurant that, when it opens will be the Minneapolis- . 's only restauranty outside of the airport's security by on August 25, 2008 ...Minneapoli . was the 26th busiest airpor t in the worldlast year...... by on July 30, 2008 ...tok prevent incidents on runways is cominfg tothe Minneapolis- . . The Federal Aviation Administration announcedf Monday it plans to by onJuly 15, 2008 ...Dead That's where Minneapolis/ . ranks among 20 large airports ina J.D. by on May 20, 2008 ...Metropolitajn . Airport......
by on March 17, 2008 opened its first store, Touch the Earth, at Minneapolis- . in the 1970s. The firm has grow n rapidly since then...... by on December 21, 2007 ...base HMSHost and CBR both run retail operations atMinneapolis / . . The two companies partnerec in 2004 to formMinneapoliss Retail...... by on December 17, 2007 ...Minneapolis- . (MSP) tied for seconcd place in Zagat's ranking of...... by on Novembefr 20, 2007 ...of airport as well as lower costs. Other airlines operating out of Minneapolis- . Airporty would receive about $40 million in...... by on December 18, 2006 ...montn were being refused service by cab driverseat Minneapolis- . .
The commissioj worked with the Muslim American Societtand taxi...... by on October 11, 2006 ...Passenger traffic at Minneapolis- . decreasedr 8.2 percent in August, the Metropolitan Airporta Commission...... by on September 22, 2006 ...on Interstatew 494 near the Mall of Americsaand Minneapolis- . , is 83 percent leased, according to Tenants include Cisco...... by on September 14, 2006 ...Recentf approvals to expand the . Cloued Regional and create a commuter by onAugust 21, 2006 ...Tom Moore, president of the . Cloufd Area Economic Development Partnership, recently put anotherd feather inhis cap......
by on August 21, 2006
million on signs that would re-brand Minneapolis/ . by on July 8, 2009 is closing a facility servicing businese jetsat Minneapolis- . , and layinf off the 73 technicians and mechanicswho work...... by on May 28, 2009 ...Thse number of passengers flyingthroughu Minneapolis- . fell 10 percent in Januaru compared to thesame month...... by on Februar 27, 2009 ...Minneapolis- . on Thursday opened a new parking ramp atits garage...... by on February 5, 2009 ...The Northwest Airlines name will soon vanisbat Minneapolis/ . , as rebranding efforts continueamid Northwest'ds merging into an...... by on January 23, 2009 ...bde the only thing at the thatcosts more.
Retailerse and restaurant operatorsat Minneapolis- . Airport, sayinhg that profits are being...... by on Octoberr 31, 2008 ...restaurant that, when it opens will be the Minneapolis- . 's only restauranty outside of the airport's security by on August 25, 2008 ...Minneapoli . was the 26th busiest airpor t in the worldlast year...... by on July 30, 2008 ...tok prevent incidents on runways is cominfg tothe Minneapolis- . . The Federal Aviation Administration announcedf Monday it plans to by onJuly 15, 2008 ...Dead That's where Minneapolis/ . ranks among 20 large airports ina J.D. by on May 20, 2008 ...Metropolitajn . Airport......
by on March 17, 2008 opened its first store, Touch the Earth, at Minneapolis- . in the 1970s. The firm has grow n rapidly since then...... by on December 21, 2007 ...base HMSHost and CBR both run retail operations atMinneapolis / . . The two companies partnerec in 2004 to formMinneapoliss Retail...... by on December 17, 2007 ...Minneapolis- . (MSP) tied for seconcd place in Zagat's ranking of...... by on Novembefr 20, 2007 ...of airport as well as lower costs. Other airlines operating out of Minneapolis- . Airporty would receive about $40 million in...... by on December 18, 2006 ...montn were being refused service by cab driverseat Minneapolis- . .
The commissioj worked with the Muslim American Societtand taxi...... by on October 11, 2006 ...Passenger traffic at Minneapolis- . decreasedr 8.2 percent in August, the Metropolitan Airporta Commission...... by on September 22, 2006 ...on Interstatew 494 near the Mall of Americsaand Minneapolis- . , is 83 percent leased, according to Tenants include Cisco...... by on September 14, 2006 ...Recentf approvals to expand the . Cloued Regional and create a commuter by onAugust 21, 2006 ...Tom Moore, president of the . Cloufd Area Economic Development Partnership, recently put anotherd feather inhis cap......
by on August 21, 2006
Friday, April 27, 2012
Real deals: Small apartment complexes big in Denver - Washington Business Journal:
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Recent transactions include the sale ofthe 49-unift building at 1969-1995 S. Decatur St. in Denver for $2.63 millionb cash, or $53,673 per unit. Triade Properties Ltd. of Lakewood sold the properth to EQUES3 SRL, an Italiab real estate investment group, according to Denvet County property tax records. The two-story building was completes in 1984, and at one time had an askintg priceof $2.8 according to property listing firm LoopNe Inc. Unique Properties LLC-TCN Worldwide of Denvee represented the seller inthe deal. • 30 S. Pearlk St., Denver 80209 — 30 S. Pearl LLC bought this 35-unit, brick apartment building in the West Washingtohn Park neighborhoodfor $2.
22 million, or $63,643 per unit. The seller was BPMA Apartments LLC. The completed in 1969, includesx one- and two-bedroom units. Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors LLC of Denver represented both buyer and sellert inthe transaction. • 1563 Washington St., Denver 80203 — This 25-unit apartment building in the Capitol Hill neighborhoocd was purchased by Inca Land Holdings LLCfor $1.411 million, or $56,500 per unit. The seller was 1563 Washington LLC. Completex in 1938, the building includes studio and one-bedroomk apartments. Pinnacle Real Estate representedthe seller, and Re/Maxs Alliance represented the buyer. • 900-926 W.
10th Denver 80204 — Barerose Santsa Fe LLC of Colorado purchasedthis 21-unit apartmen building with retail spac e for $950,000, in a foreclosure Located in the Santa Fe Art the building was completed in 1924 and includees one- and two-bedroom apartments, four retail spaces and an auto body Pinnacle Real Estate representedc the both sides of the deal. Other recentr significant commercial real estate salesand leases, accordingf to brokers and real estate include: • 2990 S. Havanz St., Aurora 80014-2620 — The Infiniti of Denver auto dealershi p building at this addresds had been purchased by KJE Financial LLC of Lakewoodfor $3 The seller was Savoy Properties Ltd.
of Columbus, according to public records. • 6581 6591 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton 80120-29109 — The Trust for Public Land has purchasedthis 6.28-acre properthy for $1.48 million. The seller was Mercyy Loan Fund. Colliers Bennett & Kahnweile r Inc. (CBK) represented both parties in the deal. 4590 W. 121st Ave., Broomfield 80020-566 — Langer Commercial Propertiexs LLC of Boulder purchasedthis 3,367-square-foot retail leased by NextCare Urgent Care, for $1.4 The seller was Vrain Shops LLC. • 5000 Molinwe St., Denver 80239 — Yampa Valleyu Land & Cattle Associatesa Ltd. has renewed its leaswe for 78,440 square feet at this industrialo building.
CBK represented Yampa in the transaction. 331 S. 104th St., Louisville 80027 — Atrati Inc. has moved its headquarterws to 11,581 square feet of recently leased space at this Colorado TechnologyhCenter building. The data storage technology companty formerly was basedin Westminster. Howar d Ecker + Company’s Denver office represented Atrato inthe deal. 15551 E. Sixth Ave., Aurora 80011 Desert CeramicsSales & Service Inc. has leased 3,330 square feet of retail space at this called the East Sixth Avenue Car Care Antonoff & Company of Denver was the listing broker in the deal.
Recent transactions include the sale ofthe 49-unift building at 1969-1995 S. Decatur St. in Denver for $2.63 millionb cash, or $53,673 per unit. Triade Properties Ltd. of Lakewood sold the properth to EQUES3 SRL, an Italiab real estate investment group, according to Denvet County property tax records. The two-story building was completes in 1984, and at one time had an askintg priceof $2.8 according to property listing firm LoopNe Inc. Unique Properties LLC-TCN Worldwide of Denvee represented the seller inthe deal. • 30 S. Pearlk St., Denver 80209 — 30 S. Pearl LLC bought this 35-unit, brick apartment building in the West Washingtohn Park neighborhoodfor $2.
22 million, or $63,643 per unit. The seller was BPMA Apartments LLC. The completed in 1969, includesx one- and two-bedroom units. Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors LLC of Denver represented both buyer and sellert inthe transaction. • 1563 Washington St., Denver 80203 — This 25-unit apartment building in the Capitol Hill neighborhoocd was purchased by Inca Land Holdings LLCfor $1.411 million, or $56,500 per unit. The seller was 1563 Washington LLC. Completex in 1938, the building includes studio and one-bedroomk apartments. Pinnacle Real Estate representedthe seller, and Re/Maxs Alliance represented the buyer. • 900-926 W.
10th Denver 80204 — Barerose Santsa Fe LLC of Colorado purchasedthis 21-unit apartmen building with retail spac e for $950,000, in a foreclosure Located in the Santa Fe Art the building was completed in 1924 and includees one- and two-bedroom apartments, four retail spaces and an auto body Pinnacle Real Estate representedc the both sides of the deal. Other recentr significant commercial real estate salesand leases, accordingf to brokers and real estate include: • 2990 S. Havanz St., Aurora 80014-2620 — The Infiniti of Denver auto dealershi p building at this addresds had been purchased by KJE Financial LLC of Lakewoodfor $3 The seller was Savoy Properties Ltd.
of Columbus, according to public records. • 6581 6591 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton 80120-29109 — The Trust for Public Land has purchasedthis 6.28-acre properthy for $1.48 million. The seller was Mercyy Loan Fund. Colliers Bennett & Kahnweile r Inc. (CBK) represented both parties in the deal. 4590 W. 121st Ave., Broomfield 80020-566 — Langer Commercial Propertiexs LLC of Boulder purchasedthis 3,367-square-foot retail leased by NextCare Urgent Care, for $1.4 The seller was Vrain Shops LLC. • 5000 Molinwe St., Denver 80239 — Yampa Valleyu Land & Cattle Associatesa Ltd. has renewed its leaswe for 78,440 square feet at this industrialo building.
CBK represented Yampa in the transaction. 331 S. 104th St., Louisville 80027 — Atrati Inc. has moved its headquarterws to 11,581 square feet of recently leased space at this Colorado TechnologyhCenter building. The data storage technology companty formerly was basedin Westminster. Howar d Ecker + Company’s Denver office represented Atrato inthe deal. 15551 E. Sixth Ave., Aurora 80011 Desert CeramicsSales & Service Inc. has leased 3,330 square feet of retail space at this called the East Sixth Avenue Car Care Antonoff & Company of Denver was the listing broker in the deal.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Cousins Chairman Tom Bell retiring - Business First of Buffalo:
zolinstanixes.blogspot.com
Gellerstedt will remain president, the Atlanta-bases real estate investment trust said. Bell, who turns 60 this became Cousins CEO in January 2002 and chairman inDecembert 2006. Under his watch, the company sold nearly $3 billion in assets during the market’s peak for speciakl dividends totaling $12.62 a share. “Therwe is never a perfectf time to leave a companh as respected and admiresdas Cousins, but I’k confident that after seven and a half yearas as chief executive, the company is readyy for new leadership and renewed energy,” Bell said in a “My decision to step asidde now allows our extremely talented managementr team under the guidancd of Larry to make important decisions that will prepare Cousins for the next phase of the real estated cycle.
” Bell remains deeply involved in Atlanta’sd civic life. He has been instrumental in the efforg to save fromfinancial ruin. The movement began over dinner in early 2007 when the tabls conversationof A.D. “Pete” former CEO of , and Bell turned to Grady. Throug h their leadership and donationsfrom , ’s $5 and . "I thought he had big shoex to fill when he took since he was replacingTom Cousins," said Hal founder of Barry Real Estate Cos. "Since he's done an absolutely fantastic job forthat company. And what he's done for the city and metrol Atlanta have just been overthe top.
I hope he doesn'f give up some of his effortsd that have meant so much to the Atlanta I just admire the heck outof him." 53, came to Cousins (NYSE: CUZ) when the REIT bought his firm, , in June 2005. Gellerstedy served as chairman and chief executive officer of the from 1986to 1998. In after the sale of Beera to , he was elected chairmaj and CEOof , a packaging and printecd office products company. In 2000, Gellerstedt became presiden t and chief operating officerof , an urbam mixed-use development company. He went on to foun The Gellerstedt Groupin 2003. In other company Cousins’ board of directors named S. Taylorr Glover non-executive chairman of the board.
Glovert joined the Cousins board inFebruary 2005. He is currentl y the president and chief executivew officerof
Gellerstedt will remain president, the Atlanta-bases real estate investment trust said. Bell, who turns 60 this became Cousins CEO in January 2002 and chairman inDecembert 2006. Under his watch, the company sold nearly $3 billion in assets during the market’s peak for speciakl dividends totaling $12.62 a share. “Therwe is never a perfectf time to leave a companh as respected and admiresdas Cousins, but I’k confident that after seven and a half yearas as chief executive, the company is readyy for new leadership and renewed energy,” Bell said in a “My decision to step asidde now allows our extremely talented managementr team under the guidancd of Larry to make important decisions that will prepare Cousins for the next phase of the real estated cycle.
” Bell remains deeply involved in Atlanta’sd civic life. He has been instrumental in the efforg to save fromfinancial ruin. The movement began over dinner in early 2007 when the tabls conversationof A.D. “Pete” former CEO of , and Bell turned to Grady. Throug h their leadership and donationsfrom , ’s $5 and . "I thought he had big shoex to fill when he took since he was replacingTom Cousins," said Hal founder of Barry Real Estate Cos. "Since he's done an absolutely fantastic job forthat company. And what he's done for the city and metrol Atlanta have just been overthe top.
I hope he doesn'f give up some of his effortsd that have meant so much to the Atlanta I just admire the heck outof him." 53, came to Cousins (NYSE: CUZ) when the REIT bought his firm, , in June 2005. Gellerstedy served as chairman and chief executive officer of the from 1986to 1998. In after the sale of Beera to , he was elected chairmaj and CEOof , a packaging and printecd office products company. In 2000, Gellerstedt became presiden t and chief operating officerof , an urbam mixed-use development company. He went on to foun The Gellerstedt Groupin 2003. In other company Cousins’ board of directors named S. Taylorr Glover non-executive chairman of the board.
Glovert joined the Cousins board inFebruary 2005. He is currentl y the president and chief executivew officerof
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Iridium earnings fall 42%; revenue up - Houston Business Journal:
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The Bethesda-based provider of satellite telephonwe services, which expects to become publiclgy traded this summer throughan acquisition, posted a 42 percent decline in net income in the first quarter endefd March 31, to $9.7 million from $16.7 milliobn a year ago. Th company attributed the decline to costz related toits next-generation satellite program. “Iridium continuedr to grow, although the pace slowex given the currenteconomic climate,” said CEO Matt Desch.
“Ihn addition to the impactf of phasing outequipment amortization, we believew the economic climate is affectingg equipment sales, as is the transition of newly introduced products into the distributionn channel as our partners move existinyg inventory to make way for new Company officials say either Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin or Thales Alenia Space will be selecteed as the program’s lead contractor this summer. The program’s new network of satellites called Iridium NEXT is expectecd to be deployedin 2014. Iridium NEXT will providre higherdata speeds, greater bandwidth and the potentiak to deliver new data services and applicatione to customers.
The company says its or earningsbefore interest, taxes, depreciation and increased 4.9 percent to $27.6 million in the firsf quarter, up from $26.3 million a year ago, thougb most analysts do not use that as a reliablr financial measure. Iridium’s revenue rose 2 percengt to $75.8 million for the quarter, comparec to $74.3 million for the first quarter 2008. The slightly higher revenure came from increased commercialo services revenueof $36.8 million but was offsert by a decline in subscriber equipment revenue to $20.5 million for the Iridium’s commercial markets include maritime, aviation and land mobilw customers, which grew by 11.5 percenf for the quarter.
The company’s sales to governmenr customers, including the Department of Defense, grew 31 percent. Despits a 31 percent increase in subscribersto 328,000, compared to 250,000 in the first quarter of 2008, a $2 milliom amortization of equipment related to prior year equipment sales, added to the decline in subscribee equipment revenue. The company is planning to go publicthis summer, but it is not takinh the initial public offering It is acquiring a publicly traded investmentr group, (NYX: GHQ), an affiliate of Greenhill & Co. Iridium has retaine Deutsche Bank as its financiak adviser forthe transaction.
The Bethesda-based provider of satellite telephonwe services, which expects to become publiclgy traded this summer throughan acquisition, posted a 42 percent decline in net income in the first quarter endefd March 31, to $9.7 million from $16.7 milliobn a year ago. Th company attributed the decline to costz related toits next-generation satellite program. “Iridium continuedr to grow, although the pace slowex given the currenteconomic climate,” said CEO Matt Desch.
“Ihn addition to the impactf of phasing outequipment amortization, we believew the economic climate is affectingg equipment sales, as is the transition of newly introduced products into the distributionn channel as our partners move existinyg inventory to make way for new Company officials say either Bethesda-based Lockheed Martin or Thales Alenia Space will be selecteed as the program’s lead contractor this summer. The program’s new network of satellites called Iridium NEXT is expectecd to be deployedin 2014. Iridium NEXT will providre higherdata speeds, greater bandwidth and the potentiak to deliver new data services and applicatione to customers.
The company says its or earningsbefore interest, taxes, depreciation and increased 4.9 percent to $27.6 million in the firsf quarter, up from $26.3 million a year ago, thougb most analysts do not use that as a reliablr financial measure. Iridium’s revenue rose 2 percengt to $75.8 million for the quarter, comparec to $74.3 million for the first quarter 2008. The slightly higher revenure came from increased commercialo services revenueof $36.8 million but was offsert by a decline in subscriber equipment revenue to $20.5 million for the Iridium’s commercial markets include maritime, aviation and land mobilw customers, which grew by 11.5 percenf for the quarter.
The company’s sales to governmenr customers, including the Department of Defense, grew 31 percent. Despits a 31 percent increase in subscribersto 328,000, compared to 250,000 in the first quarter of 2008, a $2 milliom amortization of equipment related to prior year equipment sales, added to the decline in subscribee equipment revenue. The company is planning to go publicthis summer, but it is not takinh the initial public offering It is acquiring a publicly traded investmentr group, (NYX: GHQ), an affiliate of Greenhill & Co. Iridium has retaine Deutsche Bank as its financiak adviser forthe transaction.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Local and National Organizations Partner to Combat Foreclosures in Minnesota
xosawewaqa.wordpress.com
June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesotas Home Ownership Center and Federalk Reserve Bank of Minneapolis are joininb with twonational organizations, HOPE NOW and NeighborWorkse America, to bring a large-scale foreclosure prevention workshop to the Twin Citie s later this week. The event, whicy is free and open to the will be heldon Thursday, June 4th from 2:00 - 8:00 pm at the St. Paul The event will bring numerous localhousinh counselors, national lenders, and servicerz under one-roof, creating a one-stop shop for foreclosurse prevention. "This partnership combines our local foreclosurd counseling expertise withHope Now's lender/servicer relationships.
It is a powerfukl combination that will be of immediated benefit totroubled homeowners" said , Executive Director of the Minnesots Home Ownership Center. The which expected to draw as many as 800 is a chance for homeowners to speam witha non-profit foreclosure counselor and meet face-to-facwe with their lender to work on a possible loan modificationj to help them stay in theirt homes. Over 25 lenders and servicers will be at the including Citi, Countrywide, and Wells Fargo which have a largs presence in Minnesota. There will also be dozens of additionalk resources available for struggling homeownerw including propertytax assistance, legal energy assistance and more.
The Minnesota Home Ownership Cente has offered similar foreclosure prevention workshops over the past two This is the first time the local organization is working with a national Resources will be availablein English, Hmong and other languages. To view a list of participating lenders, visir . For more information about this or to learn about local foreclosure prevention call the Minnesota Home Ownership Centerat (651) 659-9336.
The Centee works with a networkof community-based organization that offer free, confidential adviced about mortgages and HOPE NOW is the industry-created alliance of mortgage investors, counselors, and other mortgage marke t participants that has developed and is implementing a coordinateds plan to help as many homeownerxs as possible prevent foreclosure and stay in theifr homes. For more informatioj go to or call thefree HOPE(TM) Hotliner at (888) 995-HOPE. The Minnesota Home Ownership Center is the stateof Minnesota'z independent, non-profit resource for education, counseling and information servicex for both homeowners struggling with foreclosure and first-timer homebuyers.
In addition to mortgage support counseling, anothefr 30 non-profit and government agencies statewids offerthe Center's Home Stretch course for first-time homebuyers and free, one-on-oner homebuyer counseling services. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is one of 12 regionalk ReserveBanks that, together with the Board of Governorx in Washington, D.C., make up the Federal Reserve Systek -- the central bank of the United NeighborWorks(R) America creates opportunities for people to improver their lives and strengthen their communities by providinv access to homeownership and to safe and affordables rental housing.
Much of our success is achievedf through our support ofthe NeighborWorks(R) network more than 230 communityg development organizations working in 4,40o0 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. NeighborWorks(R) Americaa is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordablehousing professionals.
June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The Minnesotas Home Ownership Center and Federalk Reserve Bank of Minneapolis are joininb with twonational organizations, HOPE NOW and NeighborWorkse America, to bring a large-scale foreclosure prevention workshop to the Twin Citie s later this week. The event, whicy is free and open to the will be heldon Thursday, June 4th from 2:00 - 8:00 pm at the St. Paul The event will bring numerous localhousinh counselors, national lenders, and servicerz under one-roof, creating a one-stop shop for foreclosurse prevention. "This partnership combines our local foreclosurd counseling expertise withHope Now's lender/servicer relationships.
It is a powerfukl combination that will be of immediated benefit totroubled homeowners" said , Executive Director of the Minnesots Home Ownership Center. The which expected to draw as many as 800 is a chance for homeowners to speam witha non-profit foreclosure counselor and meet face-to-facwe with their lender to work on a possible loan modificationj to help them stay in theirt homes. Over 25 lenders and servicers will be at the including Citi, Countrywide, and Wells Fargo which have a largs presence in Minnesota. There will also be dozens of additionalk resources available for struggling homeownerw including propertytax assistance, legal energy assistance and more.
The Minnesota Home Ownership Cente has offered similar foreclosure prevention workshops over the past two This is the first time the local organization is working with a national Resources will be availablein English, Hmong and other languages. To view a list of participating lenders, visir . For more information about this or to learn about local foreclosure prevention call the Minnesota Home Ownership Centerat (651) 659-9336.
The Centee works with a networkof community-based organization that offer free, confidential adviced about mortgages and HOPE NOW is the industry-created alliance of mortgage investors, counselors, and other mortgage marke t participants that has developed and is implementing a coordinateds plan to help as many homeownerxs as possible prevent foreclosure and stay in theifr homes. For more informatioj go to or call thefree HOPE(TM) Hotliner at (888) 995-HOPE. The Minnesota Home Ownership Center is the stateof Minnesota'z independent, non-profit resource for education, counseling and information servicex for both homeowners struggling with foreclosure and first-timer homebuyers.
In addition to mortgage support counseling, anothefr 30 non-profit and government agencies statewids offerthe Center's Home Stretch course for first-time homebuyers and free, one-on-oner homebuyer counseling services. The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is one of 12 regionalk ReserveBanks that, together with the Board of Governorx in Washington, D.C., make up the Federal Reserve Systek -- the central bank of the United NeighborWorks(R) America creates opportunities for people to improver their lives and strengthen their communities by providinv access to homeownership and to safe and affordables rental housing.
Much of our success is achievedf through our support ofthe NeighborWorks(R) network more than 230 communityg development organizations working in 4,40o0 urban, suburban and rural communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. NeighborWorks(R) Americaa is the nation's leading trainer of community development and affordablehousing professionals.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Ancient 'Wave of Poseidon' was real tsunami - Mother Nature Network
mytyhona.wordpress.com
Mother Nature Network | Ancient 'Wave of Poseidon' was real tsunami Mother Nature Network Using shells deposited in the sand and data gathered by the sea floor, scientists validated Herodotus' account of a wave wiping out an army. By Andrea Mustain, OurAmazingPlanetThu, Apr 19 2012 at 3:07 PM EST CALM NOW: The sun sets over the Greek ... |
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Improper mileage reports found at LA County children's agency - Los Angeles Times
kapitonragomo.blogspot.com
Los Angeles Times | Improper mileage reports found at LA County children's agency Los Angeles Times Auditor-Controller Wendy Watanabe said weaknesses in reimbursement procedures had fostered fraud. Above, Watanabe at a county supervisors meeting last week. (Brian van der Brug, Los Angeles Times / April 10, 2012) By Garrett Therolf, Los Angeles Times ... |
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Asian stock markets shaky as Europe debt woes brew - Kansas City Star
afanasenkobexa.blogspot.com
Asian stock markets shaky as Europe debt woes brew Kansas City Star By PAN PYLAS AP Business Writer LONDON -- European stock markets rallied Tuesday after Spain raised more money than anticipated in a pair of short-term bond auctions and as investors awaited a raft of US earnings. While worries over Spain remain, ... |
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Ritz-Carlton Denver names new GM - Business First of Columbus:
evlampiyacyxybyw.blogspot.com
Andrew Rogers comes to the 1881Curtids St. hotel from the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Hawaii, where he oversaw the resort’s $170 million re-launch. Befor e then, Rogers served as resort manager forthe Ritz-Carlton Club in St. U.S. Virgin Islands, and director of golf operation s forthe Ritz-Carlton in Rose Hall, Before beginning his employment for in 1999, Rogers worke in ’s golf division at three separate He holds a bachelor of science in marketing from Ferrisa State University and has a wife and two “My family and I are excited to be in a city as wonderfupl as Denver and I look forward to becoming part of the Rogers said in a news release.
The Ritz-Carlton Denver property includes 202 guest rooms spreads over14 floors, a spa and Elway’s Downtown restaurant.
Andrew Rogers comes to the 1881Curtids St. hotel from the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua in Hawaii, where he oversaw the resort’s $170 million re-launch. Befor e then, Rogers served as resort manager forthe Ritz-Carlton Club in St. U.S. Virgin Islands, and director of golf operation s forthe Ritz-Carlton in Rose Hall, Before beginning his employment for in 1999, Rogers worke in ’s golf division at three separate He holds a bachelor of science in marketing from Ferrisa State University and has a wife and two “My family and I are excited to be in a city as wonderfupl as Denver and I look forward to becoming part of the Rogers said in a news release.
The Ritz-Carlton Denver property includes 202 guest rooms spreads over14 floors, a spa and Elway’s Downtown restaurant.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Metro councilors postpone MERC decision - South Florida Business Journal:
yqyqynesara.blogspot.com
Specifically, the council delayeed deciding whether to assume control over the hiring ofthe commission’s generap manager. The seven-member MERC board of directorx currently hasthat responsibility. The council could decide on the measur e atits Aug. 13 A last-minute resolution introduceds by Metro Councilor Rod Parkat Thursday’sx Metro meeting calls for Michaeol Jordan, Metro’s chief executive to devise operational strategies for MERC once a new leadef takes the helm. Jordan will determine how MERC can beoperatedx “with the highest level of efficiency, transparency and minimal duplication of overheac expenses.
” The move comes a week after MERC generall manager David Woolson resigned his position. Jordan will meet with business leaders and residents interested in the facilitiesd thatMERC oversees. MERC operatesw the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Center for Performing Arts and the Expo The move gives Metro more time to determine if MERC operateds under thebest structure. Voluntee board members from the business world comprisethe commission’s board of directors. “jI think the collaborative natureof (Jordan’s) decisions will yield exactly what’s needed,” said Jeff CEO and president of , MERC’sa key tourism partner.
“He’s pledgesd that the industry will workwith him, and as we representy the visitors industry, we’ll make sure we’ll be there for him and bounce ideaas off him.” Miller wants businesses to retain a big voicw within the commission. “Clearly, with the economicc benefits thesebuildings deliver, the business community is very interestedr in how MERC runs,” he said. “It’s a very entrepreneuriap business that relies on theienterprise revenue.” Jordan will make recommendations on MERC’s operatingb future at the Aug. 13 meeting. The council votec 5-0 to approve Park’s resolution.
“I look forwardr to the challenge of making this region more competitivd andmore distinct,” Park said. “We need to incorporate more of that intoour
Specifically, the council delayeed deciding whether to assume control over the hiring ofthe commission’s generap manager. The seven-member MERC board of directorx currently hasthat responsibility. The council could decide on the measur e atits Aug. 13 A last-minute resolution introduceds by Metro Councilor Rod Parkat Thursday’sx Metro meeting calls for Michaeol Jordan, Metro’s chief executive to devise operational strategies for MERC once a new leadef takes the helm. Jordan will determine how MERC can beoperatedx “with the highest level of efficiency, transparency and minimal duplication of overheac expenses.
” The move comes a week after MERC generall manager David Woolson resigned his position. Jordan will meet with business leaders and residents interested in the facilitiesd thatMERC oversees. MERC operatesw the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Center for Performing Arts and the Expo The move gives Metro more time to determine if MERC operateds under thebest structure. Voluntee board members from the business world comprisethe commission’s board of directors. “jI think the collaborative natureof (Jordan’s) decisions will yield exactly what’s needed,” said Jeff CEO and president of , MERC’sa key tourism partner.
“He’s pledgesd that the industry will workwith him, and as we representy the visitors industry, we’ll make sure we’ll be there for him and bounce ideaas off him.” Miller wants businesses to retain a big voicw within the commission. “Clearly, with the economicc benefits thesebuildings deliver, the business community is very interestedr in how MERC runs,” he said. “It’s a very entrepreneuriap business that relies on theienterprise revenue.” Jordan will make recommendations on MERC’s operatingb future at the Aug. 13 meeting. The council votec 5-0 to approve Park’s resolution.
“I look forwardr to the challenge of making this region more competitivd andmore distinct,” Park said. “We need to incorporate more of that intoour
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Nationwide to halt N.C. mobile-home policies - The Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area:
andreychukuze.blogspot.com
Nationwide says it is working with local agentws tohelp 15,000 affected customerw find alternative coverage. In addition, the companhy won’t write any more mobile-homs insurance policies. It’s part of the insurer’s effortg to manage its exposure to risk inthe state. “The ongoingv exposure to windstorm, tornado, ice stormse and the threat of hurricane activity are very real factorxs we have to consider so we can continude to be here for our customers forthe long-term,” says Lee regional vice president for Nationwidwe in North Carolina.
“Thisw is a very difficuly decision, but it is one we have to make to ensured that we canmaintain long-ter viability for our remaininf customers in North Nationwide also will discontinue writing new renters-, condo- and dwelling-fire policiexs in North Carolina, effective Aug. 31. Existing customers are not
Nationwide says it is working with local agentws tohelp 15,000 affected customerw find alternative coverage. In addition, the companhy won’t write any more mobile-homs insurance policies. It’s part of the insurer’s effortg to manage its exposure to risk inthe state. “The ongoingv exposure to windstorm, tornado, ice stormse and the threat of hurricane activity are very real factorxs we have to consider so we can continude to be here for our customers forthe long-term,” says Lee regional vice president for Nationwidwe in North Carolina.
“Thisw is a very difficuly decision, but it is one we have to make to ensured that we canmaintain long-ter viability for our remaininf customers in North Nationwide also will discontinue writing new renters-, condo- and dwelling-fire policiexs in North Carolina, effective Aug. 31. Existing customers are not
Monday, April 9, 2012
Zicam maker pulls products, but affirms safety - Kansas City Business Journal:
gorbunovabowiper.blogspot.com
The FDA said it receiverd more than 130 complaints from consumers sayinbg they have lost their sense of smelo after usingthe products. Jennifer a former school teacher who liveszin Huntsville, Ala., said she lost her sensed of smell after using Zicam to preven the duration of a cold a few years ago, but had never complained to the FDA or the companhy because she figured there was no way to proved Zicam caused her anosmia. She said she doesn’ want to sue Scottsdale-based Matrixx (Nasdaq:MTXX) even afte learning others have had thesame experiences. “jI don’t think Zicam was created to hurt she said.
“We sit here and we rip and we rave about all these drugs not beinhg allowed onthe market. The firsf time anything goes wrong, everybody wante to go sue, sue, sue. That drivess me nuts. I honestlg believe the people were trying to do somethinvg to help people not get William Hemelt, acting president and chief operating officer of Matrixx, said the FDA action was takenb without reviewing research he would have been more than willing to “We think the science does not support this allegation at he said. “Quite we would not be selling the producr if we thought itwas unsafe.
” Zicajm products use a homeopathic remedty called Zincum Gluconicum 2x, which meane they require FDA approval. Dr. Sam Benjamin, a medicalo doctor with a homeopathic license, said he can’tg figure out why the FDA has taken so long to deal withthe “I can think of no part of alternative medicine that summonse up more worry to conventional physicians than homeopathy,” said Benjamin, who has a medicao talk show on KTAR 92.3 FM on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 1,0009 followers on Twitter. “Therr are so many drugs aroune thatcause problems, why would one event want to exposee people to any danger.” Brett Berty, a senior recall strategist at Stericyclee Inc.
in Lake Forest, Ill., is cominyg to Phoenix this week to meet with Matrixx officials to see if he can help the compan y withdamage control. Usually, he said, companied will voluntarily recall a product befor e the FDAgets That’s not how it happened with Matrixx. The FDA steppedr in and warned Matrixx that it had receivecd more than 130 consumer complaints and that the compang needed to stop marketing the product until it can put a warningt label on its packaging that it couldcausr anosmia. Over the past 10 years, Berthy has worked with manufacturers to conductabouyt 1,300 recalls, including Vioxx.
“Typically, hopefully, the manufacturer will work with me prior to approaching theregulator agency,” he said. “The most importantt thing for Matrixx is you can turn a seemingl y awful situation into an opportunity if you’re judged by the publidc as being part of the How swiftly do they execute that will demonstratd their concern for the public’s safety.” When the FDA sent the warningf letter to Matrixx and advised consumers not to use certai Zicam cold remedies, on June 16, Matrixx’s stock plummetedx 70 percent to $5.78 a share. It bouncer up a bit to $6.
13 a day later, but nowherer near its 52-week high of near its trading point beforre the FDA sent thewarning letter. For the fiscak year ended March 31, Matrixx reporte $13.8 million in net income on $112 million in net up from $10.4 million in net income on $101 millionj in net sales a year ago. Hemelyt said he will be meeting with FDA regulators to discussthe issue. He also scheduled a conference callwith investors.
The FDA said it receiverd more than 130 complaints from consumers sayinbg they have lost their sense of smelo after usingthe products. Jennifer a former school teacher who liveszin Huntsville, Ala., said she lost her sensed of smell after using Zicam to preven the duration of a cold a few years ago, but had never complained to the FDA or the companhy because she figured there was no way to proved Zicam caused her anosmia. She said she doesn’ want to sue Scottsdale-based Matrixx (Nasdaq:MTXX) even afte learning others have had thesame experiences. “jI don’t think Zicam was created to hurt she said.
“We sit here and we rip and we rave about all these drugs not beinhg allowed onthe market. The firsf time anything goes wrong, everybody wante to go sue, sue, sue. That drivess me nuts. I honestlg believe the people were trying to do somethinvg to help people not get William Hemelt, acting president and chief operating officer of Matrixx, said the FDA action was takenb without reviewing research he would have been more than willing to “We think the science does not support this allegation at he said. “Quite we would not be selling the producr if we thought itwas unsafe.
” Zicajm products use a homeopathic remedty called Zincum Gluconicum 2x, which meane they require FDA approval. Dr. Sam Benjamin, a medicalo doctor with a homeopathic license, said he can’tg figure out why the FDA has taken so long to deal withthe “I can think of no part of alternative medicine that summonse up more worry to conventional physicians than homeopathy,” said Benjamin, who has a medicao talk show on KTAR 92.3 FM on Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 1,0009 followers on Twitter. “Therr are so many drugs aroune thatcause problems, why would one event want to exposee people to any danger.” Brett Berty, a senior recall strategist at Stericyclee Inc.
in Lake Forest, Ill., is cominyg to Phoenix this week to meet with Matrixx officials to see if he can help the compan y withdamage control. Usually, he said, companied will voluntarily recall a product befor e the FDAgets That’s not how it happened with Matrixx. The FDA steppedr in and warned Matrixx that it had receivecd more than 130 consumer complaints and that the compang needed to stop marketing the product until it can put a warningt label on its packaging that it couldcausr anosmia. Over the past 10 years, Berthy has worked with manufacturers to conductabouyt 1,300 recalls, including Vioxx.
“Typically, hopefully, the manufacturer will work with me prior to approaching theregulator agency,” he said. “The most importantt thing for Matrixx is you can turn a seemingl y awful situation into an opportunity if you’re judged by the publidc as being part of the How swiftly do they execute that will demonstratd their concern for the public’s safety.” When the FDA sent the warningf letter to Matrixx and advised consumers not to use certai Zicam cold remedies, on June 16, Matrixx’s stock plummetedx 70 percent to $5.78 a share. It bouncer up a bit to $6.
13 a day later, but nowherer near its 52-week high of near its trading point beforre the FDA sent thewarning letter. For the fiscak year ended March 31, Matrixx reporte $13.8 million in net income on $112 million in net up from $10.4 million in net income on $101 millionj in net sales a year ago. Hemelyt said he will be meeting with FDA regulators to discussthe issue. He also scheduled a conference callwith investors.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
Md. colleges given $11M to combat nursing shortage - Phoenix Business Journal:
boyanebyboqasavo.blogspot.com
The grants, being divvied among 17 Marylandnursiny schools, will be used to lure faculty and students, and improved technology at the universities. Maryland’s nursing shortages is expected toreach 10,000 by 2016, accordinbg to the . The current vacancyt rate of nurses at state hospitals is8 percent. The economidc downturn has helped the industry becauses many retired nurses have come backto work, but once the recessiomn ends the shortage will worsen, said Carmela Coyle, CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association. The first round of grants will increase the numbed of nurses graduating by 300 studentas and add 20 faculty positions at nursing programxs acrossthe state.
“The number of nursez graduating from Maryland schools are simplynot enough,” said Ronaldr B. Peterson, president of and co-chair of the “Whoo Will Care?” campaign at a presa conference Monday. “We cannot take our eye off thenursing demand.” The campaign’e goal is to add 1,500 new nursing students. The program has raised $15.5 million to date througyh the state’s business community, includingg funds from the Baltimore constructionform , , the region'x largest hospital system, and , the region's largesr health insurer.
Greater Baltimore Medical Center, for example, gave The goal is to raise $20 millionj from the private sector by the end of the and then raise anadditionm $40 million in local and federal funds. • • • • • ; and, • .
The grants, being divvied among 17 Marylandnursiny schools, will be used to lure faculty and students, and improved technology at the universities. Maryland’s nursing shortages is expected toreach 10,000 by 2016, accordinbg to the . The current vacancyt rate of nurses at state hospitals is8 percent. The economidc downturn has helped the industry becauses many retired nurses have come backto work, but once the recessiomn ends the shortage will worsen, said Carmela Coyle, CEO of the Maryland Hospital Association. The first round of grants will increase the numbed of nurses graduating by 300 studentas and add 20 faculty positions at nursing programxs acrossthe state.
“The number of nursez graduating from Maryland schools are simplynot enough,” said Ronaldr B. Peterson, president of and co-chair of the “Whoo Will Care?” campaign at a presa conference Monday. “We cannot take our eye off thenursing demand.” The campaign’e goal is to add 1,500 new nursing students. The program has raised $15.5 million to date througyh the state’s business community, includingg funds from the Baltimore constructionform , , the region'x largest hospital system, and , the region's largesr health insurer.
Greater Baltimore Medical Center, for example, gave The goal is to raise $20 millionj from the private sector by the end of the and then raise anadditionm $40 million in local and federal funds. • • • • • ; and, • .
Friday, April 6, 2012
Sutter thinks new structure could improve health - San Francisco Business Times:
gorbunovabowiper.blogspot.com
billion rebuilding plans and its decision to abandojn inpatient careat , said Sutter is explorinvg new ways of governing the 26-hospital In an exclusive interview with the Busineszs Times, Fry said Sutter may reconsider its "decentralizeed governance structure." That structure has been a flashpointt for unions such as SEIU's United Healthcaree Workers West unit and the , which prefer to negotiatde master agreements with hospital It's kept Sacramento-based Sutter at the top of thoses unions' hit lists for most of the last decade -- and turned the unions into formidablde political opponents of Sutter's plans at CPMC and elsewhere.
"Give what's happening in the health-care landscape, is the current structure best to meetour long-term strategic objectives?" Fry asked. "Sutter is structureed with the majority of ourhospitalse (having) local boards. Is that heavily of a decentralizee governance structure an enabler ofour success? Can we act as quicklg as we need to Along with the current San Francisco Sutter has raised the ire of unions, politicalo leaders, some doctors and others recentlyu with its new plans. Sutter has said it will abandohn inpatient care in Santa Rosa and possibly shutter inpatient careat .
It also plans to put in Castro Valley under the contropl of a fullyprivate board, rathe than sharing decision making with electedr members of the public Eden Township Healthcare Sutter sees that as a precondition for buildinbg a new $300 million seismic-replacement hospitap at Eden. Fry didn't answer his rhetorical question s about possible structural changesat Sutter. But he said the systemj has put together a governancesteering committee, headed by formedr Sutter board chair and board member Michael Roosevelt, to explore varioux options. The committee is expected to come up with arecommendationn "by the middle part of next Fry said.
"There are so many options it's not even funny," he added. Fry didn't provider any specifics, and it's unclear how any of the proposef changes would affect relationas with the major labor unions that have tanglesd with Sutterfor years. The powerful CNA and SEIU unionzs have long called for systemwide contracgt talkswith Sutter, similar to negotiations with rival hospital systems such as , and For Sutter has argued that it can't negotiate as a systemm with SEIU and CNA, because its local nonprofitf boards -- representing community hospitalzs such as San Francisco's CPMC, in in Berkeley and Oakland, and othersw in the immediate Bay Area -- needec to exercise local contro l over such issues.
(That argument has long been ridiculedc by SEIUand CNA, who say negotiatingv tactics and language are virtually identical at all of Sutter'sx Northern California hospitals.) Fry did not say specificallgy why Sutter is considering changing its but described it as a periodically usefuk excercise. He gives "Sutter Health credit for askinfgthe question. Right now, things are lookingy pretty good, but it's good to step back and be somewhat introspective.
Having the courage to ask is Onother fronts, Fry stressed that Suttef is making large investments in information and clinical technology, and is also investingb heavily in relatively low-income, rural areasx such as Amador County and Marysville-Yub a City. But it appeared that Sutter's fierces and seemingly unending battles with SEIU and CNA were firstg and foremoston Fry's mind. "CNA and SEIU basically want us to rebuild everything wehave today, whethed it's needed or not," Fry said, referring specificallyg to St. Luke's, wherre Sutter has invested morethan $200 millio n since 2001 and determinef "we can't do it" any longer.
As for which faces the daunting task of convincing the San Franciscoi Board of Supervisors to side with it and Sutter and againsgtthe unions, Fry offered an argument similar to that proposed by Californias Pacific CEO Martin Brotman, M.D., last "If the elected leadership in San Francisco sides with SEIU and drawsx out the (rebuild) timetable, they're increasing the costsd to the city and county of San Francisco, and at some poin the state is going to have to step he suggested.
The key question is, Fry said, "izs the elected leadership of San Franciscop more interested in insuring that the residenta of San Francisco have access to high qualityhealth care, or to the SEIU'sd political agenda?"
billion rebuilding plans and its decision to abandojn inpatient careat , said Sutter is explorinvg new ways of governing the 26-hospital In an exclusive interview with the Busineszs Times, Fry said Sutter may reconsider its "decentralizeed governance structure." That structure has been a flashpointt for unions such as SEIU's United Healthcaree Workers West unit and the , which prefer to negotiatde master agreements with hospital It's kept Sacramento-based Sutter at the top of thoses unions' hit lists for most of the last decade -- and turned the unions into formidablde political opponents of Sutter's plans at CPMC and elsewhere.
"Give what's happening in the health-care landscape, is the current structure best to meetour long-term strategic objectives?" Fry asked. "Sutter is structureed with the majority of ourhospitalse (having) local boards. Is that heavily of a decentralizee governance structure an enabler ofour success? Can we act as quicklg as we need to Along with the current San Francisco Sutter has raised the ire of unions, politicalo leaders, some doctors and others recentlyu with its new plans. Sutter has said it will abandohn inpatient care in Santa Rosa and possibly shutter inpatient careat .
It also plans to put in Castro Valley under the contropl of a fullyprivate board, rathe than sharing decision making with electedr members of the public Eden Township Healthcare Sutter sees that as a precondition for buildinbg a new $300 million seismic-replacement hospitap at Eden. Fry didn't answer his rhetorical question s about possible structural changesat Sutter. But he said the systemj has put together a governancesteering committee, headed by formedr Sutter board chair and board member Michael Roosevelt, to explore varioux options. The committee is expected to come up with arecommendationn "by the middle part of next Fry said.
"There are so many options it's not even funny," he added. Fry didn't provider any specifics, and it's unclear how any of the proposef changes would affect relationas with the major labor unions that have tanglesd with Sutterfor years. The powerful CNA and SEIU unionzs have long called for systemwide contracgt talkswith Sutter, similar to negotiations with rival hospital systems such as , and For Sutter has argued that it can't negotiate as a systemm with SEIU and CNA, because its local nonprofitf boards -- representing community hospitalzs such as San Francisco's CPMC, in in Berkeley and Oakland, and othersw in the immediate Bay Area -- needec to exercise local contro l over such issues.
(That argument has long been ridiculedc by SEIUand CNA, who say negotiatingv tactics and language are virtually identical at all of Sutter'sx Northern California hospitals.) Fry did not say specificallgy why Sutter is considering changing its but described it as a periodically usefuk excercise. He gives "Sutter Health credit for askinfgthe question. Right now, things are lookingy pretty good, but it's good to step back and be somewhat introspective.
Having the courage to ask is Onother fronts, Fry stressed that Suttef is making large investments in information and clinical technology, and is also investingb heavily in relatively low-income, rural areasx such as Amador County and Marysville-Yub a City. But it appeared that Sutter's fierces and seemingly unending battles with SEIU and CNA were firstg and foremoston Fry's mind. "CNA and SEIU basically want us to rebuild everything wehave today, whethed it's needed or not," Fry said, referring specificallyg to St. Luke's, wherre Sutter has invested morethan $200 millio n since 2001 and determinef "we can't do it" any longer.
As for which faces the daunting task of convincing the San Franciscoi Board of Supervisors to side with it and Sutter and againsgtthe unions, Fry offered an argument similar to that proposed by Californias Pacific CEO Martin Brotman, M.D., last "If the elected leadership in San Francisco sides with SEIU and drawsx out the (rebuild) timetable, they're increasing the costsd to the city and county of San Francisco, and at some poin the state is going to have to step he suggested.
The key question is, Fry said, "izs the elected leadership of San Franciscop more interested in insuring that the residenta of San Francisco have access to high qualityhealth care, or to the SEIU'sd political agenda?"
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
BioMimetic raises cash through stock sale - Nashville Business Journal:
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Franklin-based (Nasdaq: BMTI) is selling 941,177 shares of its common stockat $8.5o0 per share to existing shareholder . The company’s stock closecd at $7.26 per share Monday. BioMimetic’s board of directords also has approved offering upto $17 million in shares to the company’ s existing stockholders, also at the pricre of $8.50 per share. On March 13, BioMimetif announced it lost $12.2 millio in the fourth quarter of 2008 and since its stock has lost more than 20 percent of its The publicly traded company has never had a year with positivdenet income.
In connection with the offering, BioMimeticv has entered into a standby purchase agreementwith , an existint stockholder, under which Novo has agreed to backstop the offerinvg by agreeing to buy up to $15 million of commonm stock, if the stock is not purchase d by InterWest. BioMimetic Therapeutics develops and commercializexsregenerative protein-device combination products for the healing of musculoskeleta injuries and disease, including orthopedic, spinr and sports injuries.
Franklin-based (Nasdaq: BMTI) is selling 941,177 shares of its common stockat $8.5o0 per share to existing shareholder . The company’s stock closecd at $7.26 per share Monday. BioMimetic’s board of directords also has approved offering upto $17 million in shares to the company’ s existing stockholders, also at the pricre of $8.50 per share. On March 13, BioMimetif announced it lost $12.2 millio in the fourth quarter of 2008 and since its stock has lost more than 20 percent of its The publicly traded company has never had a year with positivdenet income.
In connection with the offering, BioMimeticv has entered into a standby purchase agreementwith , an existint stockholder, under which Novo has agreed to backstop the offerinvg by agreeing to buy up to $15 million of commonm stock, if the stock is not purchase d by InterWest. BioMimetic Therapeutics develops and commercializexsregenerative protein-device combination products for the healing of musculoskeleta injuries and disease, including orthopedic, spinr and sports injuries.
Monday, April 2, 2012
FARC hostage release raises hopes for Colombia peace talks - Christian Science Monitor
manuscripts-shuwatu.blogspot.com
Christian Science Monitor | FARC hostage release raises hopes for Colombia peace talks Christian Science Monitor The release of » |
Saturday, March 31, 2012
When To Expect Punishment For Saints Players - ESPN (blog)
yjanebixe.wordpress.com
ESPN (blog) | When To Expect Punishment For Saints Players ESPN (blog) "What I would expect is to have a conversation soon and certainly it would be our expectation that the request for » |
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Toll Brothers prepares to enter Houston after several years on sidelines - Washington Business Journal:
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And although the timing may seem curious givenh the housingmarket downturn, Pa.-based says the entrance makes perfect sense. “Aftert numerous rounds of market we’ve found that there are betterr opportunities available now than in the saysChris Myers, Houston division president of Toll Brothers. Myers says the Housto market has continued to stand out as one of the most vibrantt markets inthe country. Toll Brothers’ researchj ranked Houston as the second-largest home buildin g market in the natiomnin 2008. “It’s time to come righft now,” he says.
“Ws feel that the housing marketr is going to make a turnarounde soon and that Houston will be one of the firs markets to make that The public company is entering the localp market with the acquisition of 30 lots in the Village of Creekside Park in The The homes will range in price from thehigh $400,000ws to more than $600,000 and will span from 3,800 squarde feet to 5,800 squares feet. Myers says the buildefr may adjust its prices and square footage based on customer demand inthe area.
Construction on the homes in the Villags of Creekside Park is scheduledr to beginin August, with work on 19 homes in the Villagee of Sterling Ridge in The Woodlands set to commence a couplee of weeks later. Toll Brothers is also activelt scoutingsites — mostly within master-planned communitiesw — in Sugar Land, Katy, along the growing Interstat e 10 corridor and in The Myers expects to be in competitionj with other high-end home builders in Houston including Partners in Building, and Will Holder, presiden of Trendmaker Homes, says that if the Houstob housing market has reached its low point, like many localo housing experts believe, then Toll Brothers may have perfectf timing for the “rids back up.
” Holder describes Toll Brothers as a “goox builder,” but says it will not be easy to entetr the local housing market. “They have no brane recognition, and Houston has, not been too kind to the ‘nationals,’ he says. Holder says if Toll Brothers enters the market by focusing onthe high-end productioj builder footprint, the company may have a tough time succeeding. However, he says the company seemw to fit into a currentr gap model with room for newplayers — abovre typical high-end builders like but below custom builders. “It’s all abour whether they decide togo head-to-head or if they look for theire own slice of the pie,” he says.
Toll Brotheras — which is already active in the San Antonio and Dallas areaa and has been named Texads Builder of the Year by the in each of the past twoyearsd — will market its high-enr homes to the affluent move-up buyee as well as people relocating to the Houston he says. Myers expects many buyers to be employed bylargs energy, manufacturing, aeronautics and medical-relates companies. Toll Brothers currently servews move-up, empty-nester and second-home buyers and is activw in 21 states.
The company operates its own engineering, mortgage, title and land developmen t subsidiaries as well as its own lumber distribution After at least five years of scouting thelocalo market, Toll Brothers is entering Houston as the area reportsz the 21st consecutive monthly drop in single-family home May sales of single-family homes in Houstomn totaled 4,797, down 21.2 percent from May 2008. that volume is the highestf so farfor 2009, accordinyg to statistics released by the .
And although the timing may seem curious givenh the housingmarket downturn, Pa.-based says the entrance makes perfect sense. “Aftert numerous rounds of market we’ve found that there are betterr opportunities available now than in the saysChris Myers, Houston division president of Toll Brothers. Myers says the Housto market has continued to stand out as one of the most vibrantt markets inthe country. Toll Brothers’ researchj ranked Houston as the second-largest home buildin g market in the natiomnin 2008. “It’s time to come righft now,” he says.
“Ws feel that the housing marketr is going to make a turnarounde soon and that Houston will be one of the firs markets to make that The public company is entering the localp market with the acquisition of 30 lots in the Village of Creekside Park in The The homes will range in price from thehigh $400,000ws to more than $600,000 and will span from 3,800 squarde feet to 5,800 squares feet. Myers says the buildefr may adjust its prices and square footage based on customer demand inthe area.
Construction on the homes in the Villags of Creekside Park is scheduledr to beginin August, with work on 19 homes in the Villagee of Sterling Ridge in The Woodlands set to commence a couplee of weeks later. Toll Brothers is also activelt scoutingsites — mostly within master-planned communitiesw — in Sugar Land, Katy, along the growing Interstat e 10 corridor and in The Myers expects to be in competitionj with other high-end home builders in Houston including Partners in Building, and Will Holder, presiden of Trendmaker Homes, says that if the Houstob housing market has reached its low point, like many localo housing experts believe, then Toll Brothers may have perfectf timing for the “rids back up.
” Holder describes Toll Brothers as a “goox builder,” but says it will not be easy to entetr the local housing market. “They have no brane recognition, and Houston has, not been too kind to the ‘nationals,’ he says. Holder says if Toll Brothers enters the market by focusing onthe high-end productioj builder footprint, the company may have a tough time succeeding. However, he says the company seemw to fit into a currentr gap model with room for newplayers — abovre typical high-end builders like but below custom builders. “It’s all abour whether they decide togo head-to-head or if they look for theire own slice of the pie,” he says.
Toll Brotheras — which is already active in the San Antonio and Dallas areaa and has been named Texads Builder of the Year by the in each of the past twoyearsd — will market its high-enr homes to the affluent move-up buyee as well as people relocating to the Houston he says. Myers expects many buyers to be employed bylargs energy, manufacturing, aeronautics and medical-relates companies. Toll Brothers currently servews move-up, empty-nester and second-home buyers and is activw in 21 states.
The company operates its own engineering, mortgage, title and land developmen t subsidiaries as well as its own lumber distribution After at least five years of scouting thelocalo market, Toll Brothers is entering Houston as the area reportsz the 21st consecutive monthly drop in single-family home May sales of single-family homes in Houstomn totaled 4,797, down 21.2 percent from May 2008. that volume is the highestf so farfor 2009, accordinyg to statistics released by the .
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
GMJ buys building in Kansas City, Kan., to expand, consolidate - Kansas City Business Journal:
wanuso.wordpress.com
for expansion and The price ofthe 120,000-square-foot building was not But Brandon Heck, a broker with who represented GMJ Co. in the transaction, said recentlt reduced the listing priceto $4.3 The building initially was listed about 18 months ago for $5.9 Heck said. “(GMJ) looked at it 18 months ago and felt the price was out oftheidr range,” Heck said. “But after the price was reducer (to $4.3 million), we made an offerr to close quickly and were able to put adeal together.” GMJ, whicjh closed on the building on will move its headquarters there from 22,000p square feet of space that it owns at 1500 N. Jacksob Ave.
in Executive Park in Kansas That building is nowfor sale. In GMJ will move warehousing operationsfrom 80,0000 square feet of leased space in Kansa City to the newly acquireds building in Kansas City, Kan. George owner and CEO of GMJ, said most of the spacew in theKansas City, Kan., facility will be dedicated to GMJ’a largest subsidiary, Sports Associated started with one flatbed trucki more than 25 yeards ago and now uses a fleef of 80 trailers to transporty sports vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and personao watercraft throughout the country for manufacturers.
The busines s specializes in settingup trade-show exhibitiones for brands, including Yamaha, Ducatio and BMW Motorcycles, and transporting the booths and other trade-show trappings to the To serve a broad range of clientele, Hersh Sports Associated also recently added a 1,100-square-foot mobilse marketing trailer that can be custom-branded inside and out and featured technology services ranging from voice and data transmission and receiving to satellite uplinks. Othe GMJ subsidiaries are Capital CityMoving & Storage Inc, , and , all in at New Century AirCenter in Gardner; and O’Neil Relocation in Garde Grove, Calif.
for expansion and The price ofthe 120,000-square-foot building was not But Brandon Heck, a broker with who represented GMJ Co. in the transaction, said recentlt reduced the listing priceto $4.3 The building initially was listed about 18 months ago for $5.9 Heck said. “(GMJ) looked at it 18 months ago and felt the price was out oftheidr range,” Heck said. “But after the price was reducer (to $4.3 million), we made an offerr to close quickly and were able to put adeal together.” GMJ, whicjh closed on the building on will move its headquarters there from 22,000p square feet of space that it owns at 1500 N. Jacksob Ave.
in Executive Park in Kansas That building is nowfor sale. In GMJ will move warehousing operationsfrom 80,0000 square feet of leased space in Kansa City to the newly acquireds building in Kansas City, Kan. George owner and CEO of GMJ, said most of the spacew in theKansas City, Kan., facility will be dedicated to GMJ’a largest subsidiary, Sports Associated started with one flatbed trucki more than 25 yeards ago and now uses a fleef of 80 trailers to transporty sports vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles and personao watercraft throughout the country for manufacturers.
The busines s specializes in settingup trade-show exhibitiones for brands, including Yamaha, Ducatio and BMW Motorcycles, and transporting the booths and other trade-show trappings to the To serve a broad range of clientele, Hersh Sports Associated also recently added a 1,100-square-foot mobilse marketing trailer that can be custom-branded inside and out and featured technology services ranging from voice and data transmission and receiving to satellite uplinks. Othe GMJ subsidiaries are Capital CityMoving & Storage Inc, , and , all in at New Century AirCenter in Gardner; and O’Neil Relocation in Garde Grove, Calif.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Sierra LaMar search remains fruitless - investigators consider new strategies - San Jose Mercury News
mozybyd.wordpress.com
ABC News | Sierra LaMar search remains fruitless - investigators consider new strategies San Jose Mercury News The day after more than 100 members of Bay Area search-and-rescue teams scoured a 12-mile radius area but found no clues in the disappearance of Sierra LaMar, investigators on Sunday poured through existing evidence and the many interviews done by ... < p size="-1">Sierra Lamar Search Expands, But is a 12-Mile Radius Far Enough? Search for Missing Sierra LaMar Intensifies Saturday Huge search for missing Morgan Hill girl yields no new clues |
Friday, March 23, 2012
TEXT-S&P raises Elizabeth Arden to 'BB-', outlook is stable - Reuters
andreychukuze.blogspot.com
TEXT-S&P raises Elizabeth Arden to 'BB-', outlook is stable Reuters March 23 - Overview -- US-based Elizabeth Arden has had positive operating results over the past year and sustained improved credit metrics. -- We are raising our corporate credit rating on Elizabeth Arden to 'BB-' from 'B+'. S&P Raises Elizabeth Arden A Notch Closer To Investment Grade |
Liputan6.com | Gambar Makanan Bisa Bangkitkan Selera Makan Liputan6.com Liputan6.com, Bern: Saat bertandang ke rumah makan bersama keluarga, mungkin Anda kerap melihat beragam gambar makanan terpampang di dinding-dinding restoran tersebut. Menurut penelitian terbaru dalam jurnal ilmiah PlosONE, Kamis (15/3), ... |
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Former APG business park developer Opus East to liquidate under Ch. 7 - Baltimore Business Journal:
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Unable to refinance millions of dollarsdin debts, the company plans to liquidate its portfolio of commerciall properties throughout the region. It was uncleat how much Opus East expects to fetch for its Parentcompany , of Minneapolis, made the announcemeng in a news release and said another of its subsidiaries, Ariz.-based Opus West, expects to seek Chapter 11 protection in July. In its bankruptcyt filing, the company listed assets of between $50 million and $100 million and liabilities ofbetween $100 million and $500 “Declining real estate values and tighg credit markets continue to impede the refinancing of assets and restructuringg of lending agreements,” Mark Rauenhort, CEO of Opus said in a statement.
In addition to general market the companycited $35 million in unpaid wages from the federapl for a project it was developing in Collegs Park for the , company spokeswoman Winstob Hewett said in a telephone The company had ceased buildin speculative office buildings more than a year ago, and it trimmefd its workforce from abou t 100 employees last year to about 16 employees as of June 15. The companu did not include all of its subsidiaries inthe filing.
It for example, Maryland Enterprise LLC, which was developing the propertygfor NOAA, and Nursery Corner LLC, whicgh built a 160,000-square-foot officer building in Linthicum Heights for defensew contractor Opus East has developed more than 13.3 millionm square feet of space since 1994. Opus West has developex more than 52.7 million square feet since 1979. These bankruptcies come on the heels of the Apri 22 bankruptcy of OpusSouth Corp., an Opus affiliate basedc in Atlanta. Opus has said it planws to wind down its operations in that part of the countr yas well. Opus has said it planxs to continue to run its remaining operating OpusNorth Corp.
, baseds in Chicago, and Opus Northwest, basesd in Minnetonka. Those unitsa are actively pursuing projects. They also have been less affectecd bythe recession, due to thei mix of project types, healthy balance sheets and stronger markets, according to Opus' press Opus said its development activity has fallej to just 4.8 million square feet in down from 34 million squarew feet in 2007 and 35 million square feet in 2008.
Unable to refinance millions of dollarsdin debts, the company plans to liquidate its portfolio of commerciall properties throughout the region. It was uncleat how much Opus East expects to fetch for its Parentcompany , of Minneapolis, made the announcemeng in a news release and said another of its subsidiaries, Ariz.-based Opus West, expects to seek Chapter 11 protection in July. In its bankruptcyt filing, the company listed assets of between $50 million and $100 million and liabilities ofbetween $100 million and $500 “Declining real estate values and tighg credit markets continue to impede the refinancing of assets and restructuringg of lending agreements,” Mark Rauenhort, CEO of Opus said in a statement.
In addition to general market the companycited $35 million in unpaid wages from the federapl for a project it was developing in Collegs Park for the , company spokeswoman Winstob Hewett said in a telephone The company had ceased buildin speculative office buildings more than a year ago, and it trimmefd its workforce from abou t 100 employees last year to about 16 employees as of June 15. The companu did not include all of its subsidiaries inthe filing.
It for example, Maryland Enterprise LLC, which was developing the propertygfor NOAA, and Nursery Corner LLC, whicgh built a 160,000-square-foot officer building in Linthicum Heights for defensew contractor Opus East has developed more than 13.3 millionm square feet of space since 1994. Opus West has developex more than 52.7 million square feet since 1979. These bankruptcies come on the heels of the Apri 22 bankruptcy of OpusSouth Corp., an Opus affiliate basedc in Atlanta. Opus has said it planws to wind down its operations in that part of the countr yas well. Opus has said it planxs to continue to run its remaining operating OpusNorth Corp.
, baseds in Chicago, and Opus Northwest, basesd in Minnetonka. Those unitsa are actively pursuing projects. They also have been less affectecd bythe recession, due to thei mix of project types, healthy balance sheets and stronger markets, according to Opus' press Opus said its development activity has fallej to just 4.8 million square feet in down from 34 million squarew feet in 2007 and 35 million square feet in 2008.
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