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The turmoil makes many investorsmore cautious, causing the bond markety to behave wildly. Historically, a five-year corporat e rate bond would trade about one percentage poinr above the yield fora five-yearf note. However, today's market has corporatse bonds tradingabout 2.25 percentage points "The problem hasn't been supply on the corporate side but risk said Gary Cloud, a fixed-income specialist with "Thee consumer is the weak link in the chaijn in this instance. Corporatr America is in good shape, but it hasn't stopper their bond yields from widening out compared toTreasury yields.
It's a sign of risk aversion when investors demand higher rates from what is generall y considereda high-quality instrument backed by corporate is one Kansas City-area company that has been caughgt in the middle of the bond markey turmoil. The Overland Park-based company, which manages TYG) and (NYSE: TYY), experienced failed auctions for some of its preferree shares and senior notes in Terry Matlack, managing director of Tortoise Capital said the auction-rate instruments had rate caps tied to the Londom Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). As the benchmarl rate dropped, it made the rate caps so low that investorsestopped bidding.
Matlack said the caps are therd fora reason, creatiny an opportunity for Tortoise to studyg the market and resety its financial strategy. He said Tortoise began exploring alternativeds tothe auction-rate markets a few monthzs ago and has refinanced some of the notess for its funds. For example, Tortoisw Energy Capital Corp. used funds from an institutionapl debt placement to redee m securities previously sold in the auctiojrate market.
"We intend to continude that effort and expect it tobe successful," Matlack "I don't see a world where therw is no liquidity but a world where there is an opportunityt to find investment dollars at reasonable prices that allow for Matlack said the typical alternative sourcews are institutions such as bankes and insurance companies. "We still believe that leverage is available todag from sources where costxs are reasonable enough that it provideds accretive returns to our Matlack said. Tortoise funds have a long-term leverage target of 33 Matlack said. So they are not out in the marketg borrowing 10 times their equity as is the case with somehedges funds.
Massive leveraging by hedges funds is a big reason the marketds arein turmoil, said John president of /Kornitzer Capital Management. He said he thinkds Congress needs to put a stop tothe "The leverage they have out there todayg is totally unjustified," Kornitzer said. when a hedge fund can have $1 millioj and borrow $30 million against it, that is 3 percent The collapse of the stock exchange that led to the Greay Depression in the 1920s was caused by 5 percentg margin ofthe stocks." It's the same stor y with the average American buying a home with no mone y down, Kornitzer said.
Americans need to learn how to save and to stop livingf their whole life by the mantrw of buy now andpay later.
понедельник, 31 декабря 2012 г.
воскресенье, 30 декабря 2012 г.
Obama offers 7-year patent protection for biotech drugs - Baltimore Business Journal:
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The biopharmaceutical industry has argued that the five yearx of protection offered in a billby Rep. Henru Waxman, D-Calif., would stifle innovation. But the said in a reporrt earlier this month that the 12 years to 14 years that the industryh has said publicly it wants also wouldr hurt innovation anddelay patients’ access to cheapef drugs. A bill sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., callsx for 12 years of data exclusivity that protects patents coveringg innovativebiotech therapies.
In a letter to Waxman, Nancy-Ann DeParle, Obama’w health care reform director, and budget director Peterr Orszagsaid “the seven-year policy in the FY 2010 budgett is a generous compromise between what the FTC research has concluded and what the pharmaceuticao industry has advocated.” The , however, said it is “extremelt concerned” that the seven-year plan is “ a risky shortcut to biosimilars.
” “We believ e this abbreviated period will undermin e the incentives necessary for continued biotech research into breakthrougj medicines and cures for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and as well as unmet medical needs,” BIO CEO Jim Greenwoo said in a statement. Besides patent exclusivity, the industry has argued that drugs developed by biotechycompanies can’t be copied like pharmaceutical drugs because they are comple x to make and the finishef products can differ.
The biopharmaceutical industry has argued that the five yearx of protection offered in a billby Rep. Henru Waxman, D-Calif., would stifle innovation. But the said in a reporrt earlier this month that the 12 years to 14 years that the industryh has said publicly it wants also wouldr hurt innovation anddelay patients’ access to cheapef drugs. A bill sponsored by Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Calif., callsx for 12 years of data exclusivity that protects patents coveringg innovativebiotech therapies.
In a letter to Waxman, Nancy-Ann DeParle, Obama’w health care reform director, and budget director Peterr Orszagsaid “the seven-year policy in the FY 2010 budgett is a generous compromise between what the FTC research has concluded and what the pharmaceuticao industry has advocated.” The , however, said it is “extremelt concerned” that the seven-year plan is “ a risky shortcut to biosimilars.
” “We believ e this abbreviated period will undermin e the incentives necessary for continued biotech research into breakthrougj medicines and cures for diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and as well as unmet medical needs,” BIO CEO Jim Greenwoo said in a statement. Besides patent exclusivity, the industry has argued that drugs developed by biotechycompanies can’t be copied like pharmaceutical drugs because they are comple x to make and the finishef products can differ.
суббота, 29 декабря 2012 г.
Kate Winslet Wedding: Leonardo DiCaprio Walked 'Titanic' Co-Star Down Aisle ... - Huffington Post
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OregonLive.com | Kate Winslet Wedding: Leonardo DiCaprio Walked 'Titanic' Co-Star Down Aisle ... Huffington Post However, reps have not yet confirmed reports that DiCaprio walked Winslet down the aisle. When reached for comment, a rep for DiCaprio would not confirm or deny that the actor was at Winslet and Rocknroll's wedding. This is the third marriage for ... Hicks: Leonardo DiCaprio reportedly walked Kate Winslet down the aisle Kate Winslet walked down the aisle by Leonardo DiCaprio: Favorite People Leonardo DiCaprio walked Kate Winslet down the aisle - report |
четверг, 27 декабря 2012 г.
Sheriff Arpaio: Wilcox investigation goes beyond airport leases - San Francisco Business Times:
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Arpaio said his office received informationm regarding the lease and other business dealingas and that his investigatioh is not related to disputes with Wilcoxover immigration. Wilcox and her husband, Earl, own El Portal Restaurant in Phoenix and has a concessions contracyt with the airport fora Chili’s Too franchisw in Terminal 4. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office sent the Phoenix Aviation Department a publid records request June 11 askinygthe city-run airport to make available sublease and contracting documentz related to business entities owned by the Wilcox did not respond to requestsa for comment from the Phoenicx Business Journal, but has told other medi that Arpaio is going after her becauss of her opposition to his immigrationj policies.
The sheriff’s office investigation of Wilcox is the latest in a numbed of fightsbetween Arpaio, Maricopa Count y Attorney Andrew Thomas and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Wilcox and Supervisorf Don Stapley voted Wednesday toblock $1.4 million in state money earmarkede for Thomas’s office to enforce immigration and humann smuggling laws. The board deadlocked at 2 to 2 on that vote stallingy thestate money. Supervisor Max Wilsob missed the vote becausr of illness and the matter couldbe revisited. Stapleu and Wilcox earlier this year tried toblockl $1.6 million in state funding for Arpaio’s immigration enforcement.
Wilcocx said the sheriff’s immigration sweeps and policies unfairlytarget Hispanics. Thomas and Arpaio secured indictments against Stapley last year charging that he failedx to properly disclose business and real estate development Stapley denies wrongdoing inthat
Arpaio said his office received informationm regarding the lease and other business dealingas and that his investigatioh is not related to disputes with Wilcoxover immigration. Wilcox and her husband, Earl, own El Portal Restaurant in Phoenix and has a concessions contracyt with the airport fora Chili’s Too franchisw in Terminal 4. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office sent the Phoenix Aviation Department a publid records request June 11 askinygthe city-run airport to make available sublease and contracting documentz related to business entities owned by the Wilcox did not respond to requestsa for comment from the Phoenicx Business Journal, but has told other medi that Arpaio is going after her becauss of her opposition to his immigrationj policies.
The sheriff’s office investigation of Wilcox is the latest in a numbed of fightsbetween Arpaio, Maricopa Count y Attorney Andrew Thomas and the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. Wilcox and Supervisorf Don Stapley voted Wednesday toblock $1.4 million in state money earmarkede for Thomas’s office to enforce immigration and humann smuggling laws. The board deadlocked at 2 to 2 on that vote stallingy thestate money. Supervisor Max Wilsob missed the vote becausr of illness and the matter couldbe revisited. Stapleu and Wilcox earlier this year tried toblockl $1.6 million in state funding for Arpaio’s immigration enforcement.
Wilcocx said the sheriff’s immigration sweeps and policies unfairlytarget Hispanics. Thomas and Arpaio secured indictments against Stapley last year charging that he failedx to properly disclose business and real estate development Stapley denies wrongdoing inthat
среда, 26 декабря 2012 г.
Boca Raton Community Hospital turns profitable - St. Louis Business Journal:
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BRCH Corp. earned $8,434 on revenue of $96 million in its fisca l third quarter endedMarch 31, improved from a $20.9 milliomn loss on revenue of $92.54 million for the same period of 2008, accordinb to the nonprofit’s report to its bondholders. The turnaround happenesd quickly for a health care provider in the midsgt ofa recession. The hospital’s boarfd hired Jerry Fedele as CEO in Octobere ashis employer, Brentwood, Tenn.-based , worked on a consulting deal with the hospita to improve its operations. Fedele immediatelyg embarked on an expense reduction plan that included laying off 38 employees andrenegotiating contracts.
Fedele said BRCH’s resultse were consistent withhis expectations. “This progresz is extraordinarily significant,” he said. “There is no questioj about our long-term success at this hospital.” BRCH’s operating expenses of $84.8 million in its fiscal third quarterwere $13.54 million less than the year-agl quarter. Those savings more than covered the restructuring fees the hospita l paid totheir cost-saving consultants FTI and of $1.4 millionb and $3.2 million, respectively, during the quarter. Even as it reduce expenses, the hospital attracted more patients and was more efficient in collecting bills the area Stockampfocused on.
its number of surgeries dipped. BRCH’sd income also included a $4.7 million gain on its For its next step to reduce the hospital’s executives are negotiating for more favorabl contracts with managed care planw and its oncology and infusion therapyh physician group. Yet, it returned to hiring in some The hospital is looking into developing an employerd primary care physician network by the early part of fiscaklyear 2010, which starts in July. Fedel e said its Boca Care networki would employ 25 to 30 primarycare physicians, plus supportf staff, within three years in offices in the Boca Raton The first office should open this summer with four to six he said.
Fedele said the hospita is opening this officebecause there’s a shortaged of primary care physicians and therew aren’t any private primary care physicianx referring patients to the hospital in that part of A location has not been finalized. In anothed investment, the hospital will spend $1 millionh to buy an electronic medica l records system for itsemergency room. Fedele said BRCH would stil l report a loss for the 12 months endedeJune 30, but it should be significantly less than the loss reportedx for the previous year. For the nine-month period ended March 31, BRCH lost $9.5 million on revenue of $259.3 million, improverd from a loss of $44.3 million on revenue of $254.
4 million in the same period ayear ago. “It’ws not done yet,” Fedele said. “The wholre story isn’t based on one
BRCH Corp. earned $8,434 on revenue of $96 million in its fisca l third quarter endedMarch 31, improved from a $20.9 milliomn loss on revenue of $92.54 million for the same period of 2008, accordinb to the nonprofit’s report to its bondholders. The turnaround happenesd quickly for a health care provider in the midsgt ofa recession. The hospital’s boarfd hired Jerry Fedele as CEO in Octobere ashis employer, Brentwood, Tenn.-based , worked on a consulting deal with the hospita to improve its operations. Fedele immediatelyg embarked on an expense reduction plan that included laying off 38 employees andrenegotiating contracts.
Fedele said BRCH’s resultse were consistent withhis expectations. “This progresz is extraordinarily significant,” he said. “There is no questioj about our long-term success at this hospital.” BRCH’s operating expenses of $84.8 million in its fiscal third quarterwere $13.54 million less than the year-agl quarter. Those savings more than covered the restructuring fees the hospita l paid totheir cost-saving consultants FTI and of $1.4 millionb and $3.2 million, respectively, during the quarter. Even as it reduce expenses, the hospital attracted more patients and was more efficient in collecting bills the area Stockampfocused on.
its number of surgeries dipped. BRCH’sd income also included a $4.7 million gain on its For its next step to reduce the hospital’s executives are negotiating for more favorabl contracts with managed care planw and its oncology and infusion therapyh physician group. Yet, it returned to hiring in some The hospital is looking into developing an employerd primary care physician network by the early part of fiscaklyear 2010, which starts in July. Fedel e said its Boca Care networki would employ 25 to 30 primarycare physicians, plus supportf staff, within three years in offices in the Boca Raton The first office should open this summer with four to six he said.
Fedele said the hospita is opening this officebecause there’s a shortaged of primary care physicians and therew aren’t any private primary care physicianx referring patients to the hospital in that part of A location has not been finalized. In anothed investment, the hospital will spend $1 millionh to buy an electronic medica l records system for itsemergency room. Fedele said BRCH would stil l report a loss for the 12 months endedeJune 30, but it should be significantly less than the loss reportedx for the previous year. For the nine-month period ended March 31, BRCH lost $9.5 million on revenue of $259.3 million, improverd from a loss of $44.3 million on revenue of $254.
4 million in the same period ayear ago. “It’ws not done yet,” Fedele said. “The wholre story isn’t based on one
вторник, 25 декабря 2012 г.
Car dealers admit: We
savimy.blogspot.com
“I’m upfront with ’em,” Doll said. Doll, like otherf southeast Wisconsin GM andChrysler dealers, also is upfront about his bitternessa at the situation wroughtg by the American financial woes. Doll is one of only two southeasf Wisconsin GM dealers who confirmed in recen t interviews that they are The other is Ernievon Schledorn’ s Mayville Chevrolet Pontiac Cadillac dealership.
The dealere losing their franchises will either close or alte their business to focus on used and imported Other dealers who avoided thedreadedx “closing” notice are bracing for the effects of bankruptcy, but hope that Chryslerf and GM will emerge from their financiap problems with improved product lines and business plans. Doll’sz dealership is at the same downtownn Hartford site where his grandfatherWilliamk started. GM has told him only that he will losehis new-vehicle franchise effective in 2010.
“Obviously I’m not happty with it, that’s for sure,” Doll “I never thought it would come to I neverthought I’d see the government play a role or GM go bankrupt.” Doll said his new-vehicle businesxs is down like that of all New-vehicle sales in southeast Wisconsin declined 28.4 to 16,010, through April compared with the same periode of 2008, according to , The used vehicle business has been doinv fairly well and the Doll dealership’s service departmenyt has been extremely busy, he said. Doll said he’z considering staying in businessd after losing the GM franchise and focusing on servicreand used-vehicle sales.
“We may stay on with service and used but we might lose some servicee business and the credibility of being anew dealer,” he said. GM notified dealers of closing through confidentialFedEx Chrysler, on the other hand, disclosed the list of dealerws it plans to close in a May 14 Bankruptcgy Court filing. The Chrysler list included five southeast Wisconsin and , both of , Okauchee; , and , Racine. In addition, two Milwaukee-area dealers face closingsd outsidethe area: in Madison and in Lomira.
Several dealerds have joined a group of Chrysle dealers statewide and nationally who are fighting the closings in Bankruptcy Russ Darrow said Chrysler is attempting to forcwe dealers to consolidate despite the strengtgh ofindividual dealerships. He called Chrysler’s choicse of dealers to terminate “The majority of those dealere are rockstars — I’m a five-star Darrow said. Darrow already plans a solutionto Chrysler’s plan to close his Madisomn dealership. He said he has arranged with Chryslef to move his Chrysler and Jeep new car dealershipto Madison’s far east side and add Dodgee there.
Mike Schlossmann, whose family’sa Dodge City South will close in said he’s not expecting to win the Bankruptcy Coury fight, but declined furthefr comment on the case. Ernie von Schledorn said he decided not to join the otheer area Chrysler dealers in fightintgthe automaker. He said the Chryslerr situation is nota “front burner” issure for him. Likewise, von Schledornm said he’s not overl upset about losing the GM franchis ein Mayville, where he hasn’t been selling many He opened the dealership aboutr 20 years ago in the community 59 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
“I’m upfront with ’em,” Doll said. Doll, like otherf southeast Wisconsin GM andChrysler dealers, also is upfront about his bitternessa at the situation wroughtg by the American financial woes. Doll is one of only two southeasf Wisconsin GM dealers who confirmed in recen t interviews that they are The other is Ernievon Schledorn’ s Mayville Chevrolet Pontiac Cadillac dealership.
The dealere losing their franchises will either close or alte their business to focus on used and imported Other dealers who avoided thedreadedx “closing” notice are bracing for the effects of bankruptcy, but hope that Chryslerf and GM will emerge from their financiap problems with improved product lines and business plans. Doll’sz dealership is at the same downtownn Hartford site where his grandfatherWilliamk started. GM has told him only that he will losehis new-vehicle franchise effective in 2010.
“Obviously I’m not happty with it, that’s for sure,” Doll “I never thought it would come to I neverthought I’d see the government play a role or GM go bankrupt.” Doll said his new-vehicle businesxs is down like that of all New-vehicle sales in southeast Wisconsin declined 28.4 to 16,010, through April compared with the same periode of 2008, according to , The used vehicle business has been doinv fairly well and the Doll dealership’s service departmenyt has been extremely busy, he said. Doll said he’z considering staying in businessd after losing the GM franchise and focusing on servicreand used-vehicle sales.
“We may stay on with service and used but we might lose some servicee business and the credibility of being anew dealer,” he said. GM notified dealers of closing through confidentialFedEx Chrysler, on the other hand, disclosed the list of dealerws it plans to close in a May 14 Bankruptcgy Court filing. The Chrysler list included five southeast Wisconsin and , both of , Okauchee; , and , Racine. In addition, two Milwaukee-area dealers face closingsd outsidethe area: in Madison and in Lomira.
Several dealerds have joined a group of Chrysle dealers statewide and nationally who are fighting the closings in Bankruptcy Russ Darrow said Chrysler is attempting to forcwe dealers to consolidate despite the strengtgh ofindividual dealerships. He called Chrysler’s choicse of dealers to terminate “The majority of those dealere are rockstars — I’m a five-star Darrow said. Darrow already plans a solutionto Chrysler’s plan to close his Madisomn dealership. He said he has arranged with Chryslef to move his Chrysler and Jeep new car dealershipto Madison’s far east side and add Dodgee there.
Mike Schlossmann, whose family’sa Dodge City South will close in said he’s not expecting to win the Bankruptcy Coury fight, but declined furthefr comment on the case. Ernie von Schledorn said he decided not to join the otheer area Chrysler dealers in fightintgthe automaker. He said the Chryslerr situation is nota “front burner” issure for him. Likewise, von Schledornm said he’s not overl upset about losing the GM franchis ein Mayville, where he hasn’t been selling many He opened the dealership aboutr 20 years ago in the community 59 miles northwest of Milwaukee.
воскресенье, 23 декабря 2012 г.
MillerCoors pact to serve Hispanics - Denver Business Journal:
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Through the joint agreement, MillerCoors and the Hispanicc Association on Corporate Responsibility promiser to increase and enhance economic opportunities for Hispanics through increased participation in key corporate initiatives such as leadership and workforcre development, procurement and supplier diversity, marketing and and community contributions. “Growing and leveraging diversity will provide MillerCoores with a competitive advantagwe that will not only strengthenour business, but also strengtheh the Hispanic community,” said Leo Kiely, MillerCoors CEO.
“Through this agreemen t we will be able to use our collective power to achiev e an important goal for bothour organizations, to have Hispanicsw participating at greater levels in our business.” The new five-yea agreement is the first sinc MillerCoors was created in July 2008. Coords was a founding corporate member of HACR and has maintainefd an agreementsince 1986. “It is gratifying to see that MillerCoors recognizeds the growing influence of Latinos inthe marketplace, workplace and social said HACR president and CEO Carlos Orta. MillerCoors is a joint ventureof Denver-baser and that combines the two international beer companies' U.S. brewing operations.
Through the joint agreement, MillerCoors and the Hispanicc Association on Corporate Responsibility promiser to increase and enhance economic opportunities for Hispanics through increased participation in key corporate initiatives such as leadership and workforcre development, procurement and supplier diversity, marketing and and community contributions. “Growing and leveraging diversity will provide MillerCoores with a competitive advantagwe that will not only strengthenour business, but also strengtheh the Hispanic community,” said Leo Kiely, MillerCoors CEO.
“Through this agreemen t we will be able to use our collective power to achiev e an important goal for bothour organizations, to have Hispanicsw participating at greater levels in our business.” The new five-yea agreement is the first sinc MillerCoors was created in July 2008. Coords was a founding corporate member of HACR and has maintainefd an agreementsince 1986. “It is gratifying to see that MillerCoors recognizeds the growing influence of Latinos inthe marketplace, workplace and social said HACR president and CEO Carlos Orta. MillerCoors is a joint ventureof Denver-baser and that combines the two international beer companies' U.S. brewing operations.
суббота, 22 декабря 2012 г.
Wanted: Transit Wizard - New York Times
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Wanted: Transit Wizard New York Times The nation's largest public transportation system is looking for a new leader, again. After 14 months as chairman and chief executive of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Joseph Lhota announced plans this week to resign at the end of the year. |
пятница, 21 декабря 2012 г.
Overhead door firm branches out - bizjournals:
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That was fine for awhile, but Lavine, presidenft of in Centerville, saw an opportunity for Lavine wanted to branch out froma small, family-ownedf business, to a company providing a rangre of services from Dayton down to Since 2000, Lavine has been expanding beyond door installation and repair. This year, the company has been increasing marketinh efforts and branching into the southern Ohio Lavine expects these changes to double the size of his companty in the nextfour years. Last year, Waynse Overhead had 10 employees. So far this Lavine has doubled his workforce to 20 and is looking to hire at leastthree more.
The compang outgrew its 4,000-square-foot location on Congress Park Drive in Centervilled last year and moved intoits 7,500-square-foot location on Statwe Route 48. With the increase in employeex has come an increasdin revenue. Last year, the company posted revenue of $1.1 Lavine said Wayne Overhead is on pace to brinvgin $1.5 million this year, a 36 percen increase. As a result of the moves he hasalreadyg made, Lavine is projecting revenue of $2 millionm by 2010. The main sourcw of growth has been the addition of new servicew anda cross-trained staff able to perform any of thosse services.
Some of the new services include siding, windows, landscaping, snow removal and home improvementf work. Lavine saw his garagde door customers often needed more work done than just theirgarage doors. Using the garage service as a way to establisyh a relationshipwith customers, he adderd the services as a way to help his customeras and grow his business. Lavind started a training program that includes classes atthe , traininyg from the manufacturers of the products his company and having workers spend time learning the differentt services Wayne Overhead He invests about $15,000 a year in “When one division is slow and anothedr is busy, we’ll do cross-training,” Lavine said.
“Whebn things are slower in say, gutters, we’ll train the guys in snow salting andchemical application.” He also recentlhy hired a general manager, which gives Lavinre more time to run the business while the manager works with employees on the job so they get hands-onn training. Wayne Overhead employees have taken courses such as motor control and hydraulics at to broadem theirskill sets. The additional training maked each employeemore versatile, so workers can handlse additional work if something comes up whilew they are on a job. So an employeer can now repair agarage door, fix gutter s and install new siding.
Of Wayne Overhead' 10 new hires, four are installers and six are focusesd on the homeimprovement services. But not every garage door installation company is diversifying at the same leveol asWayne Overhead. Ted Weaver, vice president of sales and marketinfor Dayton-based , said the companu has maintained its focus on residential and commercial garage doors. He said the companyt expects to be even with last orslightly down, becausew of the slowdown in new construction. To compensate, Dayton Door Salezs has shifted its focuw to the replacement andservice market.
The 60-employee companyg goes on about 30 to 50 service callwsa day, with a commercial markert that stretches from northern Cincinnati to Lima and west to But for Wayne Overhead, spreading the word aboug its new services and its new geographic reach boils down to marketing. Linda Schoenfeld is the new marketinh manager forWayne Overhead, after spending more than 10 yeare marketing a restoration Her task is to get Wayne Overhead’s name in front of area builders, renovators and contractors. That task is highlgy competitive, as there are more than a dozen overheasd door companies in theDayton area, includinfg and Dayton Door Sales. “We need to Schoenfeld said.
“We not only want to keep our existing but we want to let them know about ournew We’re not just garage doors.” One way Schoenfelx is getting in touch with builderw is cold calling to quotes a job. She also is sending out marketingt letters at a cost ofabouft $2,500 a year. In addition to builders and Schoenfeld is reaching out to insurancer agentsand adjusters, so they can recommend Wayne Overheae when their clients need somethintg fixed after an accident.
That was fine for awhile, but Lavine, presidenft of in Centerville, saw an opportunity for Lavine wanted to branch out froma small, family-ownedf business, to a company providing a rangre of services from Dayton down to Since 2000, Lavine has been expanding beyond door installation and repair. This year, the company has been increasing marketinh efforts and branching into the southern Ohio Lavine expects these changes to double the size of his companty in the nextfour years. Last year, Waynse Overhead had 10 employees. So far this Lavine has doubled his workforce to 20 and is looking to hire at leastthree more.
The compang outgrew its 4,000-square-foot location on Congress Park Drive in Centervilled last year and moved intoits 7,500-square-foot location on Statwe Route 48. With the increase in employeex has come an increasdin revenue. Last year, the company posted revenue of $1.1 Lavine said Wayne Overhead is on pace to brinvgin $1.5 million this year, a 36 percen increase. As a result of the moves he hasalreadyg made, Lavine is projecting revenue of $2 millionm by 2010. The main sourcw of growth has been the addition of new servicew anda cross-trained staff able to perform any of thosse services.
Some of the new services include siding, windows, landscaping, snow removal and home improvementf work. Lavine saw his garagde door customers often needed more work done than just theirgarage doors. Using the garage service as a way to establisyh a relationshipwith customers, he adderd the services as a way to help his customeras and grow his business. Lavind started a training program that includes classes atthe , traininyg from the manufacturers of the products his company and having workers spend time learning the differentt services Wayne Overhead He invests about $15,000 a year in “When one division is slow and anothedr is busy, we’ll do cross-training,” Lavine said.
“Whebn things are slower in say, gutters, we’ll train the guys in snow salting andchemical application.” He also recentlhy hired a general manager, which gives Lavinre more time to run the business while the manager works with employees on the job so they get hands-onn training. Wayne Overhead employees have taken courses such as motor control and hydraulics at to broadem theirskill sets. The additional training maked each employeemore versatile, so workers can handlse additional work if something comes up whilew they are on a job. So an employeer can now repair agarage door, fix gutter s and install new siding.
Of Wayne Overhead' 10 new hires, four are installers and six are focusesd on the homeimprovement services. But not every garage door installation company is diversifying at the same leveol asWayne Overhead. Ted Weaver, vice president of sales and marketinfor Dayton-based , said the companu has maintained its focus on residential and commercial garage doors. He said the companyt expects to be even with last orslightly down, becausew of the slowdown in new construction. To compensate, Dayton Door Salezs has shifted its focuw to the replacement andservice market.
The 60-employee companyg goes on about 30 to 50 service callwsa day, with a commercial markert that stretches from northern Cincinnati to Lima and west to But for Wayne Overhead, spreading the word aboug its new services and its new geographic reach boils down to marketing. Linda Schoenfeld is the new marketinh manager forWayne Overhead, after spending more than 10 yeare marketing a restoration Her task is to get Wayne Overhead’s name in front of area builders, renovators and contractors. That task is highlgy competitive, as there are more than a dozen overheasd door companies in theDayton area, includinfg and Dayton Door Sales. “We need to Schoenfeld said.
“We not only want to keep our existing but we want to let them know about ournew We’re not just garage doors.” One way Schoenfelx is getting in touch with builderw is cold calling to quotes a job. She also is sending out marketingt letters at a cost ofabouft $2,500 a year. In addition to builders and Schoenfeld is reaching out to insurancer agentsand adjusters, so they can recommend Wayne Overheae when their clients need somethintg fixed after an accident.
среда, 19 декабря 2012 г.
вторник, 18 декабря 2012 г.
RealSTATS: Home sales in Pittsburgh region drop 20 percent - Pittsburgh Business Times:
hydiuco.blogspot.com
In April, 1,696 homes changed hands in the five-countt Pittsburgh region, compared with 2,120 during the same period a year ago, accordiny to a report from RealSTATs, a real estate informationh company basedon Pittsburgh's South Side. In 1,453 homes sold in the five-countuy Pittsburgh region, compared with 1,974 during the same time periodd ayear ago, according to The dollar amount spent on homes also fell in to $228.6 million, from $300.2 million in Apriol 2008. Allegheny County saw the sharpest decline, where the money spentg on houses wasdown 29.2 percent. The region'x median price for the monthu of April wasup 3.
4 percent, fom $110,000 last year, to Butler County's median price was up the 8.8 percent, to $174,000. Alleghenyg County's median price for Apri l was $112,000, up from $108,150 last year. “Feard and tighter lending standards are trumping low interes t rates andthe $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit,” Daniel vice president of RealSTATs said in a “Potential sellers may be hesitant to put theier homes on the market for fear that they won’f get the dollar figure that they want or they may not be able to sell at all. Potentia buyers either can’t qualify undet the tighter lending standardsor don’t want to take on new debt in the currenrt economy.
”
In April, 1,696 homes changed hands in the five-countt Pittsburgh region, compared with 2,120 during the same period a year ago, accordiny to a report from RealSTATs, a real estate informationh company basedon Pittsburgh's South Side. In 1,453 homes sold in the five-countuy Pittsburgh region, compared with 1,974 during the same time periodd ayear ago, according to The dollar amount spent on homes also fell in to $228.6 million, from $300.2 million in Apriol 2008. Allegheny County saw the sharpest decline, where the money spentg on houses wasdown 29.2 percent. The region'x median price for the monthu of April wasup 3.
4 percent, fom $110,000 last year, to Butler County's median price was up the 8.8 percent, to $174,000. Alleghenyg County's median price for Apri l was $112,000, up from $108,150 last year. “Feard and tighter lending standards are trumping low interes t rates andthe $8,000 first-time homebuyer credit,” Daniel vice president of RealSTATs said in a “Potential sellers may be hesitant to put theier homes on the market for fear that they won’f get the dollar figure that they want or they may not be able to sell at all. Potentia buyers either can’t qualify undet the tighter lending standardsor don’t want to take on new debt in the currenrt economy.
”
понедельник, 17 декабря 2012 г.
Hanger Orthopedic gets credit rating upgrade - Baltimore Business Journal:
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Bethesda-based Hanger Orthopedic announced Monday thatStandard & Poor's Rating Services had raisec its rating on Hanger Orthopedic Inc. to "B+" from "B;" raised the issue level ratingon Hanger'ss senior secured debt to "BB-" from "B+;" and raiserd the senior unsecured debt rating to "B-" from "CCC+." Standardf & Poor’s outlook for Hanger is "We are extremely pleased with the S&P upgrade especiallyt given the current economic said Hanger Orthopedic chier financial officer George McHenry.
"The upgrade reflects, amontg other things, our consistent performance over the lastthree years, solid liquidity as well as no significant near-term debt maturities." In its latest quarter Hanger Orthopedic (NYSE: HGR) reportesd that net income increased 27 percent to $4.5 million as revenue increased 7 percent to $169.q1 million.
Bethesda-based Hanger Orthopedic announced Monday thatStandard & Poor's Rating Services had raisec its rating on Hanger Orthopedic Inc. to "B+" from "B;" raised the issue level ratingon Hanger'ss senior secured debt to "BB-" from "B+;" and raiserd the senior unsecured debt rating to "B-" from "CCC+." Standardf & Poor’s outlook for Hanger is "We are extremely pleased with the S&P upgrade especiallyt given the current economic said Hanger Orthopedic chier financial officer George McHenry.
"The upgrade reflects, amontg other things, our consistent performance over the lastthree years, solid liquidity as well as no significant near-term debt maturities." In its latest quarter Hanger Orthopedic (NYSE: HGR) reportesd that net income increased 27 percent to $4.5 million as revenue increased 7 percent to $169.q1 million.
суббота, 15 декабря 2012 г.
Schwarzenegger orders third furlough day, calls for special session - Pacific Business News (Honolulu):
xeconatyxex.blogspot.com
Failure to pass a budget by midnight Tuesdat ups the shortfall to morethan $26 billion due to the loss of education-relatedx budget fixes, Schwarzenegger said at a presxs conference Wednesday. He also announcedr an executive order adding a third furlough day each monthj for state workers thoughJune 30, a move expected to free up an additionalp $425 million in the new fiscal year. Stater workers will be furloughed the first three Friday of each monthexcept July, when they will commencs July 10 and run for thre weeks, state labor secretaru Vickie Bradshaw said at the press conference.
Some workers, such as statr firefighters and the peopls who processunemployment claims, will be exempt from Furlougb Fridays, Bradshaw said. Although the governord called for thespecial session, it is up to the Legislaturs to schedule it. When it will be held is yet to be Schwarzenegger will meet with the state controller and state treasurere later Wednesday to discuss a plan to beginn paying state billswith IOUs, and the governo said he plans to approach banks about honoring them.
The governor also declared he will not sign any legislation unrelated to the budget that is notabsolutely “In the midst of a budget crisis, they are debatinv cow tails,” he added, referringg to a bill discussed in a legislatives committee last week that woul ban a practice of docking cow tails.
Failure to pass a budget by midnight Tuesdat ups the shortfall to morethan $26 billion due to the loss of education-relatedx budget fixes, Schwarzenegger said at a presxs conference Wednesday. He also announcedr an executive order adding a third furlough day each monthj for state workers thoughJune 30, a move expected to free up an additionalp $425 million in the new fiscal year. Stater workers will be furloughed the first three Friday of each monthexcept July, when they will commencs July 10 and run for thre weeks, state labor secretaru Vickie Bradshaw said at the press conference.
Some workers, such as statr firefighters and the peopls who processunemployment claims, will be exempt from Furlougb Fridays, Bradshaw said. Although the governord called for thespecial session, it is up to the Legislaturs to schedule it. When it will be held is yet to be Schwarzenegger will meet with the state controller and state treasurere later Wednesday to discuss a plan to beginn paying state billswith IOUs, and the governo said he plans to approach banks about honoring them.
The governor also declared he will not sign any legislation unrelated to the budget that is notabsolutely “In the midst of a budget crisis, they are debatinv cow tails,” he added, referringg to a bill discussed in a legislatives committee last week that woul ban a practice of docking cow tails.
пятница, 14 декабря 2012 г.
Business notes - Business First of Buffalo:
guronelogoh.blogspot.com
Address: 73 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1196 Seven Seas Sailing Schoolo and Center offersa one-dayh seminar and sailing program for corporate groupx through October. The program takes teamd of 12-20 through exercises in management andskills competition. The program costs $49 per person and includes a cateredpicnic lunch. Contact Wayn e Zimmermann at wnysail@yahoo.com or 885-6936 for Address: 284 Fuhrmann Buffalo, NY 14203 Internet: Wholesalre tile and supply outlet Tiles Internationap launched a new Web site for customere and professionals seeking information about tileflooringv design, installation and maintenance.
Targeted at tile the site features roomdesign ideas, installation technical advice and industry news. Dale Schwenki is president of the 50-year-old company. Address: 6140 West Quaker St., Orchar Park, NY 14127 Internet: Speef Transportation formed the subsidiary Speec Distribution to service Canadian companies that ship freighr acrossthe U.S. border. Services range from shippinb only to moreextensivs assistance, such as escorting goods across the border, storing the productd in a warehouse and fulfilling customers' orders.
The 57-year-olfd company operates a 450,000-square-foot warehouse equippeds for computerizedinventory reporting, pool distribution, heavy lifting, order-fulfillment and pick, pack and ship Carl Savarino is CEO. Address: P.O. Box 738, 1460 Militaru Road, Tonawanda, NY 14217 Internet: American Property Professionals has become a membeer of the Turn Key Home Inspection System. The network employs the copyrighted Professional On Site Narrative Home and BuildingfInspection Report, which includes more than 150 items.
Includedf in every report are: a table of detailed graphics and explanations and repair instructiones for allconditions noted, plus a glossary, a chart on expectedx serviceable life for major house components and maintenancre tips. Tom Miranda is American Property contact. 7096 Marigold Drive, North NY 14120 Carr Marketing Communications was selectes to provide public relations planning and servicesfor A-Turf, a Cheektowagaz company that manufactures and installs synthetic grass systems. A-Turf, a divisionh of Surface America, recently completed installation of the new field at Hersheypark Stadiumin Hershey, Pa.
Carr will work with consume and trade media to builr the value ofthe A-Turf Address: 500 Corporate Suite 118, Amherst, NY 14226 Internet: Milles and Associates developed a new corporate identity and launched a Web site highlightinhg its three areas of focus: advertising, design and The site features examples of the agency'ss work in large-format printing, graphic design, television commercials, Web sites and corporatew communications. Pamela Mills is creatives director. Address: 35 Cottage St., NY 14201 Internet: FB Portabl Displays Inc.
completed a custom table-tolp display for Connecticut Sea Grant, an organization committeed to solving coastal problems and developing newmarinew resources. The 8-foot unit featurexs detachable graphics on large mural panels to accommodate a generic backgrounfd mural and interchangeablesmaller graphics. FB Portabls is exclusive regional distributor forNomadic Display, Laarhoven Design and Expostare Displays. Address: 338 Harris Hill Road, Suite 107, NY 14221 Internet: Paragon Northeasf Corp.'s Telfair division was designated number-one sales volumw leader for Star Pre-Engineered Metal Building in the Augusgt issue of the Pittsburgh DistrictBuilders Address: 434 Delaware Ave.
, Buffalo, NY 14202 John Cipoll of Innovative Realty Servicese was designated exclusive upstate and Western New York tenanf representative for Cold Stone Creamery. The ice cream and frozen yogurt franchise is looking for spaceszof 1,400 to 1,600 squarwe feet, preferring upscale centers with high-volume night traffic and movier theaters, video stores, restaurants and coffee shopsw as co-tenants. The Creamery signs five-yeaer leases with three five-year options.
Address: 6495 Transigt Road, Bowmansville, NY 14026 TC Consulting Grou of Orchard Park signed an exclusiv e marketing contract with ScriptSaveof Tuscon, TC will assist the prescriptiob drug savings program with nationalp sales and marketing campaigns targetefd at unions, the Taft-Hartley Trus t and managed care organizations. Led by principala David Chojnacki andSam Todaro, the company specializes in health-carw industry marketing. Address: 2841 Southwestern Blvd., Orcharc Park, NY 14127 E-mail: tccnslt@aol.com Choice One Communicationz signeda five-year extension of its telecommunications servic and marketing agreement with the .
The Rochester-based company remainss the official telecommunications provider for the Bills and RalpWilson Stadium. Choice One's association with the which includes in-stadium Choice One Club naming rights, business-to-business game tickets, special events and community has alsobeen expanded. Address: Main Placwe Tower, 350 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202 Wall Street Journal columnist Peter known as theCranky Consumer, wrots that Valvoline Instant Oil Change delivered the best oil chang experience in an undercover assessment of oil change providers.
Meyera rated Valvoline and other chains on speed and comprehensivenesx of service based on the reportsw of six drivers in different parts ofthe country. The franchiser has 16 area locations and more than730 nationwide. P.O. Box 14046, Lexington, KY 40512 Internet: Dunhilll Staffing Systems Inc. celebrates National Staffinf EmployeeWeek Sept. 22-28. The American Staffing Associatiom estimates that 90 percentof U.S. companies use temporarg help services and that 2 million Americans are employed bystaffing companies. Alison Zubin is Buffalo branch managerfor Dunhill. 584 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202-1299 Internet: Buffalo Marketinvg Group Inc.
recently moved to new office and warehous e space and debuted an updated and expandedWeb site. The site featuresd information regardingthe company's services in integrated marketing and communications, fulfillment, Web services and advertising specialties, as well as projecy examples and case studies. Address: 33 Peuquet Parkway, NY 14150 Internet: ATSI Engineering Services' quality management system was registered as compliantr with theISO 9001:2000 international standard. The consultinhg engineering firm has offices inthe Buffalo, Chicagko and Pittsburgh areas.
Robert Helenbrook is Address: 415 Commerce Drive, NY 14228 Internet:
Address: 73 High Street, Buffalo, NY 14203-1196 Seven Seas Sailing Schoolo and Center offersa one-dayh seminar and sailing program for corporate groupx through October. The program takes teamd of 12-20 through exercises in management andskills competition. The program costs $49 per person and includes a cateredpicnic lunch. Contact Wayn e Zimmermann at wnysail@yahoo.com or 885-6936 for Address: 284 Fuhrmann Buffalo, NY 14203 Internet: Wholesalre tile and supply outlet Tiles Internationap launched a new Web site for customere and professionals seeking information about tileflooringv design, installation and maintenance.
Targeted at tile the site features roomdesign ideas, installation technical advice and industry news. Dale Schwenki is president of the 50-year-old company. Address: 6140 West Quaker St., Orchar Park, NY 14127 Internet: Speef Transportation formed the subsidiary Speec Distribution to service Canadian companies that ship freighr acrossthe U.S. border. Services range from shippinb only to moreextensivs assistance, such as escorting goods across the border, storing the productd in a warehouse and fulfilling customers' orders.
The 57-year-olfd company operates a 450,000-square-foot warehouse equippeds for computerizedinventory reporting, pool distribution, heavy lifting, order-fulfillment and pick, pack and ship Carl Savarino is CEO. Address: P.O. Box 738, 1460 Militaru Road, Tonawanda, NY 14217 Internet: American Property Professionals has become a membeer of the Turn Key Home Inspection System. The network employs the copyrighted Professional On Site Narrative Home and BuildingfInspection Report, which includes more than 150 items.
Includedf in every report are: a table of detailed graphics and explanations and repair instructiones for allconditions noted, plus a glossary, a chart on expectedx serviceable life for major house components and maintenancre tips. Tom Miranda is American Property contact. 7096 Marigold Drive, North NY 14120 Carr Marketing Communications was selectes to provide public relations planning and servicesfor A-Turf, a Cheektowagaz company that manufactures and installs synthetic grass systems. A-Turf, a divisionh of Surface America, recently completed installation of the new field at Hersheypark Stadiumin Hershey, Pa.
Carr will work with consume and trade media to builr the value ofthe A-Turf Address: 500 Corporate Suite 118, Amherst, NY 14226 Internet: Milles and Associates developed a new corporate identity and launched a Web site highlightinhg its three areas of focus: advertising, design and The site features examples of the agency'ss work in large-format printing, graphic design, television commercials, Web sites and corporatew communications. Pamela Mills is creatives director. Address: 35 Cottage St., NY 14201 Internet: FB Portabl Displays Inc.
completed a custom table-tolp display for Connecticut Sea Grant, an organization committeed to solving coastal problems and developing newmarinew resources. The 8-foot unit featurexs detachable graphics on large mural panels to accommodate a generic backgrounfd mural and interchangeablesmaller graphics. FB Portabls is exclusive regional distributor forNomadic Display, Laarhoven Design and Expostare Displays. Address: 338 Harris Hill Road, Suite 107, NY 14221 Internet: Paragon Northeasf Corp.'s Telfair division was designated number-one sales volumw leader for Star Pre-Engineered Metal Building in the Augusgt issue of the Pittsburgh DistrictBuilders Address: 434 Delaware Ave.
, Buffalo, NY 14202 John Cipoll of Innovative Realty Servicese was designated exclusive upstate and Western New York tenanf representative for Cold Stone Creamery. The ice cream and frozen yogurt franchise is looking for spaceszof 1,400 to 1,600 squarwe feet, preferring upscale centers with high-volume night traffic and movier theaters, video stores, restaurants and coffee shopsw as co-tenants. The Creamery signs five-yeaer leases with three five-year options.
Address: 6495 Transigt Road, Bowmansville, NY 14026 TC Consulting Grou of Orchard Park signed an exclusiv e marketing contract with ScriptSaveof Tuscon, TC will assist the prescriptiob drug savings program with nationalp sales and marketing campaigns targetefd at unions, the Taft-Hartley Trus t and managed care organizations. Led by principala David Chojnacki andSam Todaro, the company specializes in health-carw industry marketing. Address: 2841 Southwestern Blvd., Orcharc Park, NY 14127 E-mail: tccnslt@aol.com Choice One Communicationz signeda five-year extension of its telecommunications servic and marketing agreement with the .
The Rochester-based company remainss the official telecommunications provider for the Bills and RalpWilson Stadium. Choice One's association with the which includes in-stadium Choice One Club naming rights, business-to-business game tickets, special events and community has alsobeen expanded. Address: Main Placwe Tower, 350 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14202 Wall Street Journal columnist Peter known as theCranky Consumer, wrots that Valvoline Instant Oil Change delivered the best oil chang experience in an undercover assessment of oil change providers.
Meyera rated Valvoline and other chains on speed and comprehensivenesx of service based on the reportsw of six drivers in different parts ofthe country. The franchiser has 16 area locations and more than730 nationwide. P.O. Box 14046, Lexington, KY 40512 Internet: Dunhilll Staffing Systems Inc. celebrates National Staffinf EmployeeWeek Sept. 22-28. The American Staffing Associatiom estimates that 90 percentof U.S. companies use temporarg help services and that 2 million Americans are employed bystaffing companies. Alison Zubin is Buffalo branch managerfor Dunhill. 584 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14202-1299 Internet: Buffalo Marketinvg Group Inc.
recently moved to new office and warehous e space and debuted an updated and expandedWeb site. The site featuresd information regardingthe company's services in integrated marketing and communications, fulfillment, Web services and advertising specialties, as well as projecy examples and case studies. Address: 33 Peuquet Parkway, NY 14150 Internet: ATSI Engineering Services' quality management system was registered as compliantr with theISO 9001:2000 international standard. The consultinhg engineering firm has offices inthe Buffalo, Chicagko and Pittsburgh areas.
Robert Helenbrook is Address: 415 Commerce Drive, NY 14228 Internet:
вторник, 11 декабря 2012 г.
HFIT shifting weight to wellness programs - Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal:
ogarawo.wordpress.com
But that's changing as the company'sz fast-growing health-management segment gains on its fitness-center-management The health-management operation administers employee-wellness programs for the company'sw corporate clients, and those customers and otheras are snapping up the service to help control their healthcare costs. "Health management is the growth enginew ofHealth Fitness," said CEO Greggb Lehman. "In the next 18 months I woulrd expect the revenue mix will be In 2007, the split in revenue was 44 percen health management, generating $27.5 million, and 56 percent fitness or $42.5 in revenue.
However, health management's revenue grew by 29 percent, while fitnesw management increased by less than1 percent. Additionally, health managementg has a bigger grosswprofit margin, earning $9.8 million last year, as much as its larged fitness sibling. The health-management segment offers wellness services such as onlin andtelephone coaching, health-risk assessments and biometric-screening Corporations encourage employees to participate in the programs by loweringy their medical co-pays, adding funds to their healthn savings accounts or simply doling out cash upon completiob of the regimen.
Because the segment is more Health Fitness plans to concentrate more on its growthn while also continuing to market fitness centeras as one of multiplewellness options, Lehma said. Health Fitness will hire more wellness coachesw and aggressively pushits health-management products to existinb and potential clients in 2008. The company also hired Dr. Jamesa Reynolds as its chief medical officer. He will be responsible for improvingvthe company's health-management programs and adding new Reynolds previously worked with as principal and seniofr health care consultant at its health and productivity-managementy division.
Health Fitness is not turning its back on managingfitness facilities, Lehman said, but profitsd are harder to generate from that arm becausr of its staffing model and increasing salaries and insurancee costs. The focus on health management is a smartr strategic move for Health Fitness because of its stronbg growth opportunities and because the company can customize and sell it toexistinbg clients, said Clinton Morrison, director of equity researchh at , a securities brokerage and investment-bankingt firm in Minneapolis. Corporate fitness centerw are still popular, but they won'tr work for every company since there has to be enougy employees to make it Morrison said.
The wellness programs also allow Healty Fitness coaches and corporate clientsx to interact even if they are in different The new emphasis also keeps Health Fitness competitivr as other players offerwellneszs products, Morrison said. Nashville-based HealthWays and Brighrt Horizons, based in Watertown, Mass., are rolling out wellnessw programs, as are health club companies likeEden Prairie-based . Wellnesds programs have been aroundfor years, said Julie a principal at in but only recently have employers realized the associatiob between these offerings and worker productivity.
Corporations are shifting the cost of healthn careto employees, said Paul executive director of the , a nonpartisanb policy arm of Deloitt & Touche. Traditionally, employers implemented wellness programs as a nice gesturwetoward employees. Now they are usinyg those programs to soften the blow when theyimplement high-deductibler plans, because participation often translates into saving for employees.
But that's changing as the company'sz fast-growing health-management segment gains on its fitness-center-management The health-management operation administers employee-wellness programs for the company'sw corporate clients, and those customers and otheras are snapping up the service to help control their healthcare costs. "Health management is the growth enginew ofHealth Fitness," said CEO Greggb Lehman. "In the next 18 months I woulrd expect the revenue mix will be In 2007, the split in revenue was 44 percen health management, generating $27.5 million, and 56 percent fitness or $42.5 in revenue.
However, health management's revenue grew by 29 percent, while fitnesw management increased by less than1 percent. Additionally, health managementg has a bigger grosswprofit margin, earning $9.8 million last year, as much as its larged fitness sibling. The health-management segment offers wellness services such as onlin andtelephone coaching, health-risk assessments and biometric-screening Corporations encourage employees to participate in the programs by loweringy their medical co-pays, adding funds to their healthn savings accounts or simply doling out cash upon completiob of the regimen.
Because the segment is more Health Fitness plans to concentrate more on its growthn while also continuing to market fitness centeras as one of multiplewellness options, Lehma said. Health Fitness will hire more wellness coachesw and aggressively pushits health-management products to existinb and potential clients in 2008. The company also hired Dr. Jamesa Reynolds as its chief medical officer. He will be responsible for improvingvthe company's health-management programs and adding new Reynolds previously worked with as principal and seniofr health care consultant at its health and productivity-managementy division.
Health Fitness is not turning its back on managingfitness facilities, Lehman said, but profitsd are harder to generate from that arm becausr of its staffing model and increasing salaries and insurancee costs. The focus on health management is a smartr strategic move for Health Fitness because of its stronbg growth opportunities and because the company can customize and sell it toexistinbg clients, said Clinton Morrison, director of equity researchh at , a securities brokerage and investment-bankingt firm in Minneapolis. Corporate fitness centerw are still popular, but they won'tr work for every company since there has to be enougy employees to make it Morrison said.
The wellness programs also allow Healty Fitness coaches and corporate clientsx to interact even if they are in different The new emphasis also keeps Health Fitness competitivr as other players offerwellneszs products, Morrison said. Nashville-based HealthWays and Brighrt Horizons, based in Watertown, Mass., are rolling out wellnessw programs, as are health club companies likeEden Prairie-based . Wellnesds programs have been aroundfor years, said Julie a principal at in but only recently have employers realized the associatiob between these offerings and worker productivity.
Corporations are shifting the cost of healthn careto employees, said Paul executive director of the , a nonpartisanb policy arm of Deloitt & Touche. Traditionally, employers implemented wellness programs as a nice gesturwetoward employees. Now they are usinyg those programs to soften the blow when theyimplement high-deductibler plans, because participation often translates into saving for employees.
понедельник, 10 декабря 2012 г.
Trent Richardson scores twice to boost fantasy value in Week 14 - SB Nation
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SB Nation | Trent Richardson scores twice to boost fantasy value in Week 14 SB Nation Trent Richardson added two more touchdowns to his 2012 campaign. We break down the fantasy implications. Share on Facebook. Share on Twitter · Trent Richardson rushed for just 42 yards on 18 carries in Week 14 against the Chiefs. He did managed two ... |
суббота, 8 декабря 2012 г.
University System of Md. to break up biotechnology institute - Business First of Columbus:
jaqezuweg.blogspot.com
The public university system’s Board of Regents approvedc Friday a sweeping restructuring ofthe (UMBI) that will parcelo out its four research centers, alongb with staff and other assets, to othert campuses. System leaders hope the restructuring will drivwe research collaboration and boost access to outside It also means an end for which was launched to greagt fanfare two decades ago with the mission ofadvancinh education, research and economic development for what was then the state’d nascent biotech industry.
A months-long study of UMBI by an ad hoc committees led by USM regents Chairman Clifford Kendall concludedfthat “the organization of UMBI as a geographicallyu dispersed, free-standing entity has created intractable Those problems included an inability to scals UMBI programs, isolation among UMBI’s research centers, the lack of a criticao mass of graduate and undergraduatw students involved in UMBI research, and administrativs inefficiencies. “After a comprehensiver and deliberative process, we have concludesd that restructuring UMBI’s asseta is the right thing to do,” Kendal l said in a statement.
“With a focu s on collaboration — acrosss disciplines and acrossinstitutions — and with recognition of the exceptionapl talent within the UMBI community and the system’se other institutions, this action will position USM to take fullere advantage of its system-wide strengths in the biosciencex and to fuel the state’ds knowledge economy even more.” The move isn’r a total surprise. Critics have long questionerd whether the state was duplicatinf its research efforts inthe biosciences. UMBI’s four centers in Rockville and College Park conduc t researchon medical, biotechnology, marine and environmentap science.
At the same time, state funding for higherr education is pinched by the recession andthe state’z budget deficit, and universities’ researcgh needs are growing. Under the restructuring approved Fridagy by the regents at a meetingin Frostburg, a joingt University System of Maryland researcbh center will be established at UMBI’s Centet for Advanced Research in Biotechnology in Rockville.
The system’d flagship College Park campus will oversee the facility and work with the University of Baltimore to elevate work in engineering and computational scienced as well asstructural biology, protein design and drug • UMBI’s Center for Biosystems Researcy will also be overseen by Collegr Park. • A joint research center at UMBI’s Cente of Marine Biotechnology in Baltimoree willbe established, with administrative responsibilit y falling to the University of Baltimore County. UMBC will collaborate with the Universityu of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the University of Baltimore to drive research in environmental andgenomic sciences.
• UMBI’es Baltimore-based Medical Biotechnology Center will fall under the Universityhof Maryland, Baltimore’s purview. UMBI’s Institute of Fluorescence will be administeredby UMBC. UMBI’s K-12 educational programs will be overseem by with an eye on enhancing itsteachingf focus. UMBI President Jennise Hunter-Cevera is stepping down June 30 after 10 years inthat role. She will become executive vice presideny of discovery and analytical sciences and corporatew developmentat , a North Carolinaa nonprofit.
The University System of Maryland will hono tenure held by UMBIfacultyy members, and administrative support staffers will be able to stay in theird jobs through fiscal 2010. Job opportunities at othee system campuses willbe identified, and memoranda of understandingv outlining future operations and collaboratione are expected to be completed by the end of this year and fullyu implemented by the end of fiscak 2010. UMBI generates abour $25 million in research activity annually, and university system leaders hope to see that number increasre dramatically by breaking upthe institute.
“Today’w decisions by the board provide a tremendouas opportunity for the Universit System of Maryland to increase the volums and impact of its basic and appliedx research inthe biosciences,” said USM Chancellor Williakm E. Kirwan in a “This restructuring has the potential to doubl e the research productivityof UMBI’s current assets within five
The public university system’s Board of Regents approvedc Friday a sweeping restructuring ofthe (UMBI) that will parcelo out its four research centers, alongb with staff and other assets, to othert campuses. System leaders hope the restructuring will drivwe research collaboration and boost access to outside It also means an end for which was launched to greagt fanfare two decades ago with the mission ofadvancinh education, research and economic development for what was then the state’d nascent biotech industry.
A months-long study of UMBI by an ad hoc committees led by USM regents Chairman Clifford Kendall concludedfthat “the organization of UMBI as a geographicallyu dispersed, free-standing entity has created intractable Those problems included an inability to scals UMBI programs, isolation among UMBI’s research centers, the lack of a criticao mass of graduate and undergraduatw students involved in UMBI research, and administrativs inefficiencies. “After a comprehensiver and deliberative process, we have concludesd that restructuring UMBI’s asseta is the right thing to do,” Kendal l said in a statement.
“With a focu s on collaboration — acrosss disciplines and acrossinstitutions — and with recognition of the exceptionapl talent within the UMBI community and the system’se other institutions, this action will position USM to take fullere advantage of its system-wide strengths in the biosciencex and to fuel the state’ds knowledge economy even more.” The move isn’r a total surprise. Critics have long questionerd whether the state was duplicatinf its research efforts inthe biosciences. UMBI’s four centers in Rockville and College Park conduc t researchon medical, biotechnology, marine and environmentap science.
At the same time, state funding for higherr education is pinched by the recession andthe state’z budget deficit, and universities’ researcgh needs are growing. Under the restructuring approved Fridagy by the regents at a meetingin Frostburg, a joingt University System of Maryland researcbh center will be established at UMBI’s Centet for Advanced Research in Biotechnology in Rockville.
The system’d flagship College Park campus will oversee the facility and work with the University of Baltimore to elevate work in engineering and computational scienced as well asstructural biology, protein design and drug • UMBI’s Center for Biosystems Researcy will also be overseen by Collegr Park. • A joint research center at UMBI’s Cente of Marine Biotechnology in Baltimoree willbe established, with administrative responsibilit y falling to the University of Baltimore County. UMBC will collaborate with the Universityu of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the University of Baltimore to drive research in environmental andgenomic sciences.
• UMBI’es Baltimore-based Medical Biotechnology Center will fall under the Universityhof Maryland, Baltimore’s purview. UMBI’s Institute of Fluorescence will be administeredby UMBC. UMBI’s K-12 educational programs will be overseem by with an eye on enhancing itsteachingf focus. UMBI President Jennise Hunter-Cevera is stepping down June 30 after 10 years inthat role. She will become executive vice presideny of discovery and analytical sciences and corporatew developmentat , a North Carolinaa nonprofit.
The University System of Maryland will hono tenure held by UMBIfacultyy members, and administrative support staffers will be able to stay in theird jobs through fiscal 2010. Job opportunities at othee system campuses willbe identified, and memoranda of understandingv outlining future operations and collaboratione are expected to be completed by the end of this year and fullyu implemented by the end of fiscak 2010. UMBI generates abour $25 million in research activity annually, and university system leaders hope to see that number increasre dramatically by breaking upthe institute.
“Today’w decisions by the board provide a tremendouas opportunity for the Universit System of Maryland to increase the volums and impact of its basic and appliedx research inthe biosciences,” said USM Chancellor Williakm E. Kirwan in a “This restructuring has the potential to doubl e the research productivityof UMBI’s current assets within five
четверг, 6 декабря 2012 г.
Colorado stimulus board boosts minority-outreach effort - Philadelphia Business Journal:
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Maranda Pleau, the small business coordinatorfor Greeley-based general contractor , will join the Coloradop Economic Recovery and Accountability Boarxd June 29, chairman Don Elliman said during a boarcd meeting Thursday. Her job is to ensure minority businesses are aware of contracts related to thestimulux package, Elliman said. Officials with the Coloradpo Department of Transportation told the board they will recommenc the agency review how it handles complaints aboutg road and bridge contracts and the use ofthesde small, minority- and woman-owned businesses. CDOT's move came aftedr Hamon Contractors Inc.
in Denver raised concerns aboutg a bridge repair project paid for with moneyh from the American Recovery andReinvestment Act. Hamonn lost a bid April 16 to rebuild two bridgees over Interstate 76 inAdams County. The lowestf bid for the contract camefrom Centennial-based , whichn bid $8 million for the project, nearlyt 15 percent under CDOT’s estimate of $9.4 State contracts are typically awarded to the lowest bidder.
But Hamob objected to CDOT awarding the projecyto Sema, saying Sema didn’t make a "good-faith effort" to hire enough minority subcontractors, according to a June 3 letterr from Mark Cavanaugh, director of the Governor’sz Economic Recovery Team, to the accountabilityt board. CDOT reviewed the complaint, and Sema’sd efforts to get minority businesses involved in thebridgse contract. The review concluded Sema met the agency’sd threshold for trying and CDOT formally awarded the projectr tothe company, CDOT executive director Russ Georged said. But CDOT wants to review how it handlee future complaints about using disadvantaged businesses onstatre contracts.
Celina Benavidez, director of administration for CDOT, told the accountabilit board she will recommenthe agency’s commissioners form a review committee involvingh members of the agency, interest industry, the attorney general’s office, and federal transportatioh officials. How to gather input from minority businesses about thei r experience with aprime contractor. At the Hamon attorney Seth Firmender thanked CDOT for being willing to revieqthe process. Helga Grunerud, executive director of the Hispaniv Contractorsof Colorado, also praised CDOT’s move, saying, "We believ we’ve been heard.
"
Maranda Pleau, the small business coordinatorfor Greeley-based general contractor , will join the Coloradop Economic Recovery and Accountability Boarxd June 29, chairman Don Elliman said during a boarcd meeting Thursday. Her job is to ensure minority businesses are aware of contracts related to thestimulux package, Elliman said. Officials with the Coloradpo Department of Transportation told the board they will recommenc the agency review how it handles complaints aboutg road and bridge contracts and the use ofthesde small, minority- and woman-owned businesses. CDOT's move came aftedr Hamon Contractors Inc.
in Denver raised concerns aboutg a bridge repair project paid for with moneyh from the American Recovery andReinvestment Act. Hamonn lost a bid April 16 to rebuild two bridgees over Interstate 76 inAdams County. The lowestf bid for the contract camefrom Centennial-based , whichn bid $8 million for the project, nearlyt 15 percent under CDOT’s estimate of $9.4 State contracts are typically awarded to the lowest bidder.
But Hamob objected to CDOT awarding the projecyto Sema, saying Sema didn’t make a "good-faith effort" to hire enough minority subcontractors, according to a June 3 letterr from Mark Cavanaugh, director of the Governor’sz Economic Recovery Team, to the accountabilityt board. CDOT reviewed the complaint, and Sema’sd efforts to get minority businesses involved in thebridgse contract. The review concluded Sema met the agency’sd threshold for trying and CDOT formally awarded the projectr tothe company, CDOT executive director Russ Georged said. But CDOT wants to review how it handlee future complaints about using disadvantaged businesses onstatre contracts.
Celina Benavidez, director of administration for CDOT, told the accountabilit board she will recommenthe agency’s commissioners form a review committee involvingh members of the agency, interest industry, the attorney general’s office, and federal transportatioh officials. How to gather input from minority businesses about thei r experience with aprime contractor. At the Hamon attorney Seth Firmender thanked CDOT for being willing to revieqthe process. Helga Grunerud, executive director of the Hispaniv Contractorsof Colorado, also praised CDOT’s move, saying, "We believ we’ve been heard.
"
среда, 5 декабря 2012 г.
Elementary schools in Northtowns - Business First of Buffalo:
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Business First's 2009 rankings of 292 Westerhn New York elementary schoolw include the following Northtowns Each is preceded by its rank in theoverall • 1. Smallwood Drive School • 3. Maple East ES (Williamsville) 6. Ledgeview ES (Clarence) • 10. St. Gregoruy the Great School (Williamsville) • 11. Christian Central Academy • 12. Maple West ES • 13. Harris Hill ES (Clarence) • 15. Country Parkway ES • 17. St. Stephen School (Grancd Island) • 21. Christ the King School • 24. Sheridan Hill ES (Clarence) • 25. Dodgd ES (Williamsville) • 26. Forest ES • 28. Maplemere ES (Sweert Home) • 33.
Huth Road School (Grand Island) • 34. Mullen ES • 35. Heim ES • 36. Kaegebein School (Grand Island) 38. St. Mary's School
Business First's 2009 rankings of 292 Westerhn New York elementary schoolw include the following Northtowns Each is preceded by its rank in theoverall • 1. Smallwood Drive School • 3. Maple East ES (Williamsville) 6. Ledgeview ES (Clarence) • 10. St. Gregoruy the Great School (Williamsville) • 11. Christian Central Academy • 12. Maple West ES • 13. Harris Hill ES (Clarence) • 15. Country Parkway ES • 17. St. Stephen School (Grancd Island) • 21. Christ the King School • 24. Sheridan Hill ES (Clarence) • 25. Dodgd ES (Williamsville) • 26. Forest ES • 28. Maplemere ES (Sweert Home) • 33.
Huth Road School (Grand Island) • 34. Mullen ES • 35. Heim ES • 36. Kaegebein School (Grand Island) 38. St. Mary's School
вторник, 4 декабря 2012 г.
Gov. Patrick joins peers on energy council - Boston Business Journal:
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“Now is the time for decisiv action on greenhouse gas emissions and cleajnenergy jobs,” Patrick said in a preparef written statement. “In Massachusetts, we are alreaduy seeing jobs grow in industries like renewablr power and energy efficiency as a result of our strony policiesand incentives. We stand ready to work as partners with the federak government to create a clean energy future for the Unites States andthe world.” The bipartisan group of governorsz all agree to the principles of comprehensivse energy reform at the federak level that would reduce the country’ds dependence on foreign oil and combat global warming.
They also plan to work with Congresz to create and preserve jobs in the cleahtechnology industry. The coalition, houses at the Georgetown UniversityLaw Center, include members of 30 states and the territoriea of Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgimn Islands.
“Now is the time for decisiv action on greenhouse gas emissions and cleajnenergy jobs,” Patrick said in a preparef written statement. “In Massachusetts, we are alreaduy seeing jobs grow in industries like renewablr power and energy efficiency as a result of our strony policiesand incentives. We stand ready to work as partners with the federak government to create a clean energy future for the Unites States andthe world.” The bipartisan group of governorsz all agree to the principles of comprehensivse energy reform at the federak level that would reduce the country’ds dependence on foreign oil and combat global warming.
They also plan to work with Congresz to create and preserve jobs in the cleahtechnology industry. The coalition, houses at the Georgetown UniversityLaw Center, include members of 30 states and the territoriea of Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgimn Islands.
воскресенье, 2 декабря 2012 г.
Culture to become bedrock Ghana's development – Minister - Ghana Business News
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Ghana Business News | Culture to become bedrock Ghana's development â€" Minister Ghana Business News Mr Alex Asum-Ahensah, Minister of Chieftaincy and Culture, on Thursday said the Ministry would ensure that culture becomes the bedrock of development in Ghana. “The Ministry and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development, are seeking ... < p size="-1" class="p"> |
суббота, 1 декабря 2012 г.
Loss, sales, shares fall at Toll Brothers - Philadelphia Business Journal:
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million, and has decided to discontinude givingearnings guidance. The Horsham, Pa., company’s net loss was 52 centsx a share, which included pre-tax write-downsd totaling $119.6 million. During the same perio last year, Toll (NYSE:TOL) reported a $93.7 or 59 cents a share, loss, whicu included pre-tax write-downs totalingf $288.1 million. Revenue for the quarter came inat $398.43 million, a plunge of 51 The average analyst estimate for this year’d fiscal second quarter was a loss of 50 centd per share and revenue of $395 million, according to Thomsohn Reuters. Toll shares were trading 6 percent lower Wednesdaytat $18.35.
Though the housing markety continues to bea challenge, Toll said it has experience an uptick in activity and traffic at its communities. The companu will not provide earnings guidance becauseof “the numerous uncertaintieas related to our business,” said Joel H. chief financial officer.
million, and has decided to discontinude givingearnings guidance. The Horsham, Pa., company’s net loss was 52 centsx a share, which included pre-tax write-downsd totaling $119.6 million. During the same perio last year, Toll (NYSE:TOL) reported a $93.7 or 59 cents a share, loss, whicu included pre-tax write-downs totalingf $288.1 million. Revenue for the quarter came inat $398.43 million, a plunge of 51 The average analyst estimate for this year’d fiscal second quarter was a loss of 50 centd per share and revenue of $395 million, according to Thomsohn Reuters. Toll shares were trading 6 percent lower Wednesdaytat $18.35.
Though the housing markety continues to bea challenge, Toll said it has experience an uptick in activity and traffic at its communities. The companu will not provide earnings guidance becauseof “the numerous uncertaintieas related to our business,” said Joel H. chief financial officer.
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