Monday, October 31, 2011

A Halloween Hoot For Vegetarians: How to Celebrate the Holiday and Maintain a Vegetarian Diet

Vegetarians seeking a kid-friendly alternative to Halloween’s emphasis on high fructose corn syrup and sugar laden candy, and other unhealthy snacks, are turning to the past for a solution according to Mindy Rosso, Director of Marketing and Community Manager at Greeting Card Universe.

San Ramon, CA, October 31, 2011 - “A hundred years ago,” says Rosso, “American communities as well as individuals hosted Halloween costume parties for youth and adults, and it became fashionable to attend these events as trick-or-treating was virtually unknown until after 1941. Even then, the practice didn’t become widespread until relatively modern times.”


While the ritual of trick-or-treating remains the highlight of the year for many children and teens, vegetarian parents can have concerns about candy consumption, as well as their child fitting in with their peer group. The solution? Host a Halloween party.

“One of the best ways to help your child’s peers accept a vegetarian lifestyle is through holiday parties,” writes Mary Clifford, a registered dietician, in the Vegan Handbook. “A chance for kids to sample vegetarian food in a fun, relaxed atmosphere can help take the mystery out of your child’s eating habits. A Halloween party with games and diversions is a particularly good time to start the ball rolling.”

Tailoring a Halloween party to a child’s interests with age appropriate decorations, entertainment and activities will ensure a hit, as will getting their input on the menu.

Creative parents on a budget whip up ghoulish delights that include textured vegetable protein in chili, corn dogs or Sloppy Jo’s. Ultra-stylish moms and dads with deep pockets host catered events for kids as young as two or three-years old. Even vegetarians or vegans with babies plan a Halloween get-together with other like-minded parents.

“Organizing a party is a big task,” says Rosso, “and people are already overburdened with demands on their time. Whatever the theme, Greeting Card Universe offers a treat to busy party hosts with fast, easy Internet ordering of Halloween party invitations, including customizable photo invitations.”


About Greeting Card Universe
Greeting Card Universe is the world’s largest custom greeting card store. Our artists have created over 500,000 cards, from custom Christmas cards to holiday photo cards, to fit all of your special occasions. Personalize your message and we will ship your card anywhere in the world for a great price. Explore our selection of cards today!

Contact:
Mindy Rosso
Director of Marketing and Community Manager
Greeting Card Universe
2594 Bishop Drive, Suite 211
San Ramon, CA 94583
(925) 866-4110
mindy.rosso@bigdates.com
http://www.greetingcarduniverse.com

Q3 2011 Marks 10 Consecutive Quarters of Growth for Smartware Group

Top line revenues up nearly 60 percent between Q3 2010 and Q3 2011 for Smartware Group. Maker of Bigfoot CMMS also yields 17 new customers, adds enhancements, new foreign languages to flagship maintenance automation solution.

Center Harbor, NH, October 31, 2011 - Smartware Group, Inc., www.bigfootcmms.com, the premier provider of Bigfoot CMMS (computerized maintenance management software) for the maintenance management of facilities and production equipment, today announced that top line revenues grew 58 percent compared to the same quarter last year and 17 percent since Q2 2011. Q3 2011 results add up to 10 successive quarters of growth for the company.


Smartware Group also brought on 17 new customers from manufacturing, including the largest privately held steel producer in the U.S., hospitality and healthcare sectors.

“We attribute Smartware Group’s significant growth during the last 12 months and continued growth since 2009 to our founding principles of placing as much importance on customer service and retention as we do on customer acquisitions,” said Paul Lachance, Smartware Group founder and president.

“Facilities managers and production maintenance teams use Bigfoot CMMS because they experience the product’s benefits almost immediately after installation, and they continue their relationship with us because we make help desk staffing a top priority and we regularly incorporate their feature ‘wish lists’ into Bigfoot.”

During Q3 2011, Smartware Group added the following new features requested by customers:

- Parts Express – Bigfoot’s enhanced replacement parts inventory program now lets repair technicians grab a part; scan the barcode into Bigfoot which matches up the correct work order with the same barcode, then adjusts the parts inventory database

- Bigfoot now also manages ad hoc spare parts

- Integration with Active Directory – security data from employees using Bigfoot are automatically transferred to active directory for global IT control

- Bigfoot is now available in Mandarin and Hebrew, as well as English, Spanish, French and Arabic.

Bigfoot’s technology is built on the philosophy that “real world users know best” and has gained a reputation for issuing frequent updates that incorporate customers’ suggestions, as well as running a top-notch customer help desk. Smartware group hires help desk personnel more frequently than sales to ensure customer satisfaction. Even in a tight job market Smartware Group will not cut operations.

About Smartware Group, Inc.

Smartware Group, Inc., headquartered in Center Harbor, N.H., develops and sells Bigfoot CMMS (computerized maintenance management software) for a variety of business environments, from manufacturing plant floors to convention centers and stadiums.

Since 2002, Bigfoot has helped more than 1,400 customers worldwide improve facility and equipment maintenance operations with advanced capabilities that include preventive maintenance (PMs) and predictive maintenance, work order scheduling, maintenance requests, asset life cycle management, parts replacement inventory, and built-in reporting. Bigfoot CMMS’s native functionality paired with its intuitive design allows maintenance professionals to implement the solution and get results quickly, often in a matter of weeks.

Bigfoot is quick to implement, quick to learn, and quick to deliver results.

Contact:
Shelly Gordon
Smartware Group
PO Box 188
Center Harbor, NH 03226
(603) 574-4520
sgordon@g2comm.com
http://www.bigfootcmms.com

A Marriage of Two Brands to Promote the Luxury Travel Category to Australia, and Other International Cities

Luxury Travel and The Cape Club have established a joint venture to provide fully escorted luxury travel services into Vietnam/ South East Asia.

Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi, October 31, 2011 - With new luxury hotels and world class golf courses newly opening, luxury trains, exclusive cruises and upscale private tours spanning the length of the country, Vietnam is fast emerging as the world’s latest luxury destination.

Vietnam has a French colonial influence with unique architecture, tree-lined boulevards and baguettes and croissants to rival any Parisian cafe. They also boast many attractions, including beautiful resorts, spas, majestic scenery, a rich traditional culture, easy going and welcoming locals, great cuisine and an improving tourist infrastructure. This makes Vietnam a more attractive destination for travelers seeking the best value for their money.

Luxury Travel Vietnam, the leading tour operator in Vietnam and South East Asia, and The Cape Club, a division of More Collections Pty Ltd, Australia, today announced that they have reached an agreement to establish a joint venture to develop fully accompanied concierge services for the travel industry across Vietnam and South East Asia.

The new joint venture will be trading as Cape Lux Travels, providing “A dedicated concierge with every group.”

The parties agreed to their basic division of functions; Luxury Travel Vietnam (LTV) will essentially be the tour operator and The Cape Club (TCC) will essentially be the tour manager. The area that Cape Lux Travels will initially do business is across South East Asia countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar.

Cape Lux Travels aims to provide High End Tours in a specified “keeper of the candle” Comte des Cierge category. Some existing Tour Products on the drawing board are: Revive, Restore – Re-awaken Escapes, Golfing, “Meet the Photographer” Tours, Cookery and Wine Tasting Across S.E Asia, Art and Antique Appreciation Tours, High end Rail Journeys, The Makeover & Pamper Girls only Trip, A Concierge for the Connoisseur, Retracing French Colonial Charms and custom categories to your requirements.

To start this joint venture, Jean Wethmar – Representative of TCC will visit Vietnam to meet, greet and have further business talks with LTV about their scheduled Vietnam Trip this 1st – 15th March 2012. For a full itinerary and further details of this Reawaken Senses Tour, please contact Mrs. Jean Wethmar jeanw@thecapeclub.com and Mr. Nguyen Cuu Hung hung@luxurytravelvietnam.com.

On this 15 day trip, travellers will journey through Vietnam, exploring world heritage sites in style, discover delicious Vietnamese cuisine, stay in gorgeous luxury accommodation and villas, uncover many hidden charms amongst the highlights of an amazing country: Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Nha Trang, Hoian, Hue, Hanoi, Halong Bay, combined with Golf Courses for golfers, Cooking Classes for culinary delights, and Spa treatments – a total Reawakening of all senses. Crisp white linen suits, dark mahogany wooden furniture, panama hats, “Pearl of the Orient” - “Paris of the East? Vietnam!

Their tours start in Saigon (HCMC), with her million scooters, where simply crossing a road is a huge challenge. A stroll down Dong Khoi Street, with its alluring silk stores is sure to set the pace. They end the tour in Hanoi.

“Our tours are aimed at taking a glimpse into the French Colonial Splendor of an era, where clearly opulence was the order of the day. We’ll meet chefs, photographers, authors, bamboo boat makers, potters, get to stay in amazing 5* luxury French Architectural hotels – Park Hyatt, La Residence, Metropole Sofitel Hanoi, Ana Mandara Six Senses to name a few. Plenty of time for Spa treatments/ shop. Good morning Vietnam!” said Mrs. Jean Wethmar – Co-founder of The Cape Club and a Colonial Romantic.

Exclusive, discreet attention to fine detail, ensures a journey of a lifetime. 1-15 March 2012 – $US4418 per person. The price include all land services: tour manager, luxury accommodation, private English speaking tour guide, all private transfer and transportation, meals, domestic flight tickets.

“This is an important step of Luxury Travel’s plan to expand the travel industry in the South East Asia. Sophisticated travelers are looking to have the best travel experience with Cape Lux Travels,” said Mr. Pham Ha – Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Vietnam. “With a major partner, we’ll largely expand our presence in Australia to create products that reflects the needs and desires specifically of Australian travelers. We look forward to collaborating with The Cape Club to develop the travel industry in South East Asia and a happy marriage.”

The first luxury tour operator (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) and full travel service agency based in Hanoi with offices throughout Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, Luxury Travel is exceptional in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences. Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and sales offices in California, Paris, and Melbourne. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.

About Cape Club
It’s easier to deliver to a stated purpose, if careful and structured thought precedes the planned statement of actions.

Why do we travel? We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves. We travel to open our hearts and eyes and learn more about the world than our newspapers will accommodate... we travel, in essence, to become young fools again – to slow time down and get taken in, and fall in love once more - Pico Iyer

Be creative, Take chances, Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, for its from this that we learn, recover, renew, regain. Many travelers prefer the camaraderie, convenience and fun of small group travel and The Cape Club’s style is simply unique. And it is from this need that The Cape Club began. Starting in 2008 in Sydney, Australia, director Jean Wethmar became aware of a great niche market to provide high end travelers with a unique traveling opportunity. Limited to small groups of like-minded travelers who relish learning and discovering, these classic escorted journeys offer unparalleled flexibility, personal attention and smooth, discreet travel arrangements. Connoisseur fully escorted packaged tours with personal assistance from the time you arrive until your departure. A concierge with every group.

Contact:
David Nguyen
Luxury Travel Group Ltd
5 Nguyen Truong To Street
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi
Vietnam 71000
844-392-74120

Friday, October 28, 2011

Best Practices Are Stupid Author Stephen Shapiro Examines Goldilocks Principle

Innovative ideas can all too easily be classified as either too abstract or too specific. But innovator extraordinaire Stephen Shapiro shows how to begin the quest for "just right" in his latest book, "Best Practices Are Stupid".

Boston, MA, October 27, 2011 (Straight Line PR) -- When it comes to describing innovation challenges, we can learn a thing or two from Goldilocks. Creative problem solving is at its best when challenges aren't too big (broad or abstract) or too small (overly specific). Instead, problems need to be framed in a way that maximizes the likelihood of finding a solution - in other words, "just right", says innovation mastermind Stephen Shapiro.

"I think this is a nice way of putting it," says Shapiro, author of Best Practices Are Stupid ( http://amzn.to/BestPracticesAreStupid ). "We'll never forget this innovation principle because, well, who doesn't remember Goldilocks?"

Instead of asking for new ways to increase revenue (abstract), ask employees whether there are specific markets that the company hasn't penetrated ("just right").

Or, to cite another example: Instead of simply expressing a desire to improve the educational system in England, research the root of the problem. And from there, Shapiro ( http://SteveShapiro.com ) says, ask the question: "How do we increase parental involvement?" This is also "just right."

And "just right," at its core, is:

* More focused
* More practical
* More valuable

The Goldilocks Principle is truly a search for "just right" every time. And that's a goal worth chasing.

Entering a home belonging to three bears in the woods is not very sound thinking. But Goldilocks slept soundly. There's a lot of meaning there.

"If we adopt this same rigor when defining challenges, we too just might sleep a bit better at night, knowing a workable solution is just around the corner," says Shapiro (sign up for his monthly Free Innovation Tips at http://www.steveshapiro.com/keynotes/ ). "So remember: Goldilocks is a great way to innovate."

The latest book by Stephen Shapiro, Best Practices Are Stupid discusses the Goldilocks Principle and other paradigm-breaking ideas, and can be found on Amazon.com at http://amzn.to/BestPracticesAreStupid

About Stephen Shapiro:
Stephen Shapiro is one of the foremost authorities on innovation and collaboration, and has personally touched hundreds of thousands of lives in over 40 countries. While Stephen's insights apply to virtually any organization, big or small, he has contributed to shifting the innovation culture for such Fortune 500 organization as Staples, GE, BP, Johnson & Johnson, Fidelity Investments, Pearson Education, Nestle, and Bristol-Myers Squibb. As the founder and creator of a 20,000 person internal innovation practice within Accenture, and advisor to hundreds of organizations worldwide, Stephen possesses a rare and extensive arsenal of tools, allowing him to arm any organization with the knowledge they need to shift their most threatening challenges.

Stephen can be reached at 617-379-1177 or online at http://SteveShapiro.com

Press Contact:
Stephen Shapiro
24/7 Innovation
2001 Marina Drive
Suite 8078970
Quincy, MA
02171
617-379-1177


Please contact http://www.PressReleaseNation.com for corrections or updates.

Contact:
Stephen Shapiro
24/7 Innovation
2001 Marina Drive
Suite 8078970
Quincy, MA 02171

AuraPortal unifies the Purchases of the 180 TI Automotive companies

TI Automotive, world leader in fluid storage, carrying and delivering, has implemented the AuraPortal BPM Suite

Woburn (Boston), MA, October 27, 2011 - AuraPortal (www.auraportal.com), a global provider of Business Process Management (BPM) solutions has announced the successful implementation of TI Automotive’s Purchase Order process based on the AuraPortal BPM Suite. AuraPortal’s BPM solution will help TI Automotive more efficiently manage the volumes of purchase requests generated from all of their production centers around the world.

In this project, which has led to the first phase of implementing AuraPortal within TI Automotive, an initial process has been addressed aimed at consolidating the purchase requests operation. This process will greatly improve this function in all its centers, ensuring that the internal regulations and requirements are fulfilled using minimal human resources, and lowering operational costs.

TI Automotive is composed of approximately 180 companies distributed in three large groups: AM – Americas (USA, Mexico and Brazil), EU – Europe (Italy, UK, Poland, Germany, Spain, Czech Republic and France) and AP – Asia Pacific (Australia, Korea, China, Japan and India).

Given the delocalization of the production centers, each continent has different ERP installations. Therefore diverse mechanisms have been included in the process implementation to allow for an optimum and unified management of data integration, both input (creating, modifying and deleting) and output (introduction of order data in the various ERP systems), as everything is controlled and managed from one unique process.

The aim of this process, implemented with AuraPortal, has been to manage all the multinational purchase requests and the corresponding approval circuit, with the maximum degree of automation possible; thus achieving a drastic reduction in times/costs and the elimination of errors.

The process is unique for each of the companies, meaning that all employees use the same request, however, the process presents the information, (companies, warehouses, suppliers, articles, etc.), corresponding to the appropriate company for each user starting a process. As a result, the documentation necessary for the control and administration of the order is created automatically (automatic documents of the purchase orders, control and monitoring), with the right source data and is automatically associated to the Document Management system.

About TI Automotive:
TI Automotive develops, manufactures and supplies automotive fluid storage, carrying and delivery systems.

The company has 18,500 employees at 180 locations in 27 countries, and supplies all of the world's major automobile manufacturers. Their head offices are in Warren, Michigan, USA, and in Oxford, UK. More than half of TI Automotive's business is attributable to North America.

Approximately half of the 57 million motor vehicles manufactured in the world each year rely on the breaks, fuel and/or powertrain technology of TI Automotive.

Auraportal Contacts:

Scott Rich
Skype: scott.marketingintl
Phone: +1 781-569-5940 or +1 978-808-6340


The Netherlands: info-nl@auraportal.nl
Eastern Europe: info-cee@auraportal.com

About Aura (AuraPortal) (http://www.auraportal.com)
AURA is a global BPMS (Business Process Management Suite) provider delivering a solution that creates, without the need of IT programming, Business Process Workflow Execution Models. AuraPortal is 100% Web-based, and is complementary to existing ERP and CRM systems.

AuraPortal has a presence in 50 countries with more than 350 customers including, among others: Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Frito-Lay, Toyota, Yamaha, Petroleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), ArcelorMittal, Eletrobras, Royal KPN, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Sodexo, etc., as well as many Government Agencies and Departments in several countries.

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

Contact:
Nina Moon
AuraPortal
The Greater Boston
400 Trade Center - Suite 5900
Woburn, Massachusetts 01801-7472
781 569 5940

Minneapolis Sales Training Firm Launches New Mobile Sales Manager

Sales Results Fast of Minneapolis announced today the launch of their newest product called Mobile Sales Manager.

Minneapolis, MN, October 28, 2011 - Sales Results Fast of Minneapolis announced today the launch of their newest product called Mobile Sales Manager. Sales Results Fast is a sales training and consulting firm focused on maximizing the performance of your sales staff and indicates this latest product will be a powerful tool for the small business owner.

According to Rich Garvey, President of the firm, a small business owner can use this new product in place of having to take on a full time sales manager employee. They can provide everything a sales manager can to a small sales staff including training and motivation but without the added expense and risk to the business owner. “We think we have uncovered a niche in the market,” Garvey said.

Sales Results Fast knows that many small business owners have sales people but cannot afford to take on the expense and risk of a full time sales manager so they take on the management of the sales team themselves. According to Garvey, “Most small business owners are great at what they do and it is usually not managing salespeople.” He continues, “We don’t necessarily believe they should step away from sales completely because it’s too important but having an experienced professional there to train and manage could really maximize their ROI on that group of people.”

Sales Results Fast hopes to help every small business owner with sales people get the most from their team. For more on Sales Results Fast check out their website at www.salesresultsfast.com.

Contact:
Rich Garvey
Sales Results Fast
711 Hennepin Ave Suite 312
Minneapolis, MN 55403
Tel: 763.498.1882
Fax: 866-515-1892

New Fixed Annuity from Security Benefit Life Insurance Company Brings Flexibility to 403(B) Marketplace

“Total Interest Annuity” Features Ability To Accept Continuing Contributions

Topeka, KS, October 26, 2011 - Security Benefit Corporation, a Guggenheim Partners Company, today announced the launch of the Total Interest Annuity issued by its subsidiary Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL), SBL’s first fixed annuity product designed to accept ongoing contributions for clients’ retirement savings.

Built specifically for the 403(b) market, the Total Interest Annuity can be funded with contributions up to $16,500 annually or with IRA contributions or rollovers. The initial guaranteed crediting rate, which Security Benefit expects to be highly competitive, will be reset after 12 months and every year thereafter.

SBL hopes to incentivize clients for early saving through an attractive initial guaranteed crediting rate, boosted by a 2% bonus on all contributions or transfers in the first contract year.

“The Total Interest Annuity offers plan advisors a solution to help them with their clients’ concerns about market risk and volatility,” says Jim Mullery, President of Security Distributors, Inc., Security Benefit’s distribution company. “More importantly, launching this new-flow fixed product shows our commitment to the 403(b) space.”


Security Benefit has $38 billion in total assets under management* and partners with 27,000 licensed and appointed financial planners and representatives through a network of 700 broker/dealers. The Kansas-based firm is a leading provider of retirement plan services for more than 200,000 accounts throughout the nation, primarily in the K-12 education marketplace.

Last year, Security Benefit was purchased by a group of investors led by Guggenheim Partners, a privately held global financial services firm with more than $125 billion in assets under supervision. According to Mr. Mullery, the new Total Interest Annuity will benefit from Guggenheim’s well-regarded general account management capabilities.

"Beyond the ability to take ongoing cash flows, I think the real story of the Total Interest Annuity will be its competitive rates and safety,” says Mr. Mullery. “In an environment marked by historically low returns and high volatility, Guggenheim’s superior fixed income capabilities will offer a way for us to be out in front of the crowd. It’s an attractive solution for conservative investors looking to avoid market risk.”

According to the company, the Total Interest Annuity may be well suited for participants in the education arena who are conservative, have assets in retirement vehicles with significant market volatility, or are near retirement. Financial advisors can contact Security Benefit or a Security Benefit Regional Vice President for all related product materials, including a copy of the rates.

*As of 12/31/2010

About Security Benefit
Security Benefit, a Guggenheim Partners Company, is a leading provider of retirement plan services throughout the nation, primarily in the education marketplace, and offers a variety of compelling and customized fixed and variable annuity products. The firm’s se2 division is an award-winning and nationally recognized provider of administrative services for the insurance and financial services industry. To learn more, go to www.securitybenefit.com.

About Guggenheim Partners
Guggenheim Partners, LLC is a privately held global financial services firm. The firm provides investment management, investment banking and capital markets services as well as insurance and investment advisory solutions for institutions, corporations, governments and agencies, investment advisors, family offices and individuals. Guggenheim Partners is headquartered in New York and Chicago and serves clients from more than 25 offices in nine countries.

The Total Interest Annuity, form 5100 (2-11), is a flexible purchase payment deferred annuity issued by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company. Product features, limitations and availability may vary by state. Guarantees provided by annuities are subject to the financial strength of the issuing insurance company. Not a deposit. Not FDIC or NCUA/NCUSIF insured. Not insured by any federal government agency.

Contact:
Laura Parsons
CSG-PR
One Security Benefit Place
Topeka, KS 66636-0001
303-887-2911

Thursday, October 27, 2011

On Center Software Launches 24-Hour Customer Service Desk

Internationally Recognized Firm Set To Help Construction Professionals Around The World Around the Clock

The Woodlands, Texas, October 27, 2011 - On Center Software, the first name in construction software, today announced the firm has enhanced its Customer Service platform to run 24 hours every business day.

Texas-based On Center Software, whose Quick Bid, On-Screen Takeoff, and Digital Production Control™ applications are in use by estimators in the U.S., Canada, Britain, Australia, and around the world, expanded its Support Department to keep pace with its growing list of global customers.


The firm’s 24-hour Support Central number is 866.689.5687.

“We know that construction companies around the world are relying on OCS software to reduce estimation time, submit more bids, and make more money,” said Leonard Buzz, President and CEO of On Center Software. “Our customers shouldn’t have to wait for technical support just because they’re in a different time zone.”

According to Aaron Stephens, Manager of Technical Support for On Center Software, trained members of the firm’s Support Department will be available every hour of each business day to troubleshoot and walk clients through any issues they are having with OCS software. Mr. Stephens spearheaded the firm’s move to a 24-hour customer support desk.

“I’m not aware of another company in the construction software space that’s made customer support such a priority,” says Mr. Stephens. “That we have speaks loudly to our commitment to delivering better technology and better value to our industry.”

On Center Software has been transforming the takeoff and estimating experience since 1988. Founded by construction professionals who understand that efficiently creating accurate takeoffs and bids will save time and money, the firm’s internationally recognized software is enabling construction companies to stay on budget and helping contractors reduce estimation time, submit more bids, and make more money.

About On Center Software, Inc.
On Center Software, Inc., is a privately held company providing software and training to construction-industry professionals. Located in The Woodlands, Texas, the company’s mission is to transform the estimating, takeoff, and production-tracking experience with comprehensive software solutions that turn winning bids into profitable projects. On Center Software products include Quick Bid, On-Screen Takeoff®, and Digital Production Control™. For more information about On Center Software, call 866.627.6246 or visit www.oncenter.com.

Contact:
Laura Parsons
CSG-PR
8708 Technology Forest Pl. Suite 175
The Woodlands, Texas 77381
303-887-2911

AAA Support For Alternative Investments Echoed By Turkish Art Expert

A high profile art gallery owner from Ankara, Turkey, has echoed Alternative Asset Analysis’s (AAA) view by speaking out in support of investing in art as an alternative to stocks and shares.

Boston, MA, October 28, 2011 - A high profile art gallery owner from Ankara, Turkey, has echoed Alternative Asset Analysis’s (AAA) view by speaking out in support of investing in art as an alternative to stocks and shares.

Mehmet Subasi, the art gallery owner, spoke to Anatolia News Agency about his views on investments. He stated, “The art market is one of the best ones where money flows because artwork has become the best-yielding investment of all time.”

Subasi added that there is some risk involved, but that gut instinct for what will become more valuable over time plays a large part in making good returns from art investment. He explained, “The works of young artists may bring more profit while the works of popular artists bring 10 to 20 percent profit. Seeing and feeling the unknown and investing in it brings the highest profit.”

AAA, an alternative investment advocacy group, has been promoting investment in alternative asset classes, such as fine art, antiques, commodities, real estate and forestry, for months. In the current economic climate, with volatile stock markets and high inflation rates, the alternatives can offer an effective hedge against inflation as well as an asset that has a low correlation with the equity markets. This means they often deliver higher returns when stocks and shares are losing value.

AAA’s analyst partner, Anthony Johnson, said that alternative investments are not, however, just about generating strong returns. They can also be about making an ethical choice: “Forestry investments, for example, can provide investors with strong returns, but can also help developing countries to protect their natural forests by encouraging them to see the value that can be achieved through sustainable forestry.”

Greenwood Management, for example, offer people the chance to invest in fast-growing non-native tree crops in Brazil, that help to provide the local steel industry with alternative charcoal to that made from native trees.

Mr Johnson added, “AAA is always pleased to hear experts, like Mr Subasi, speaking out in support of alternative investments.”

Contact:
Anthony Johnson
Alternative Asset Analysis
71 Commercial St
Boston, MA 02109-1320
617-939-9596

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

US doctors Frustrated with Spiraling costs of surgery take patients to Mexico for Medical care

Surgical patients in search of premium quality, affordable, safe medical care will travel with MedToGo International to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, beginning November 1, 2011 to undergo varied procedures.

Tempe, AZ, October 26, 2011 - Inviting new patients, MedToGo announces a $500 discount on aesthetic and orthopedic surgery packages, and a 25% discount for surgeries related to obesity, such as gastric bypass. A few examples of reduced prices for popular aesthetic procedures include:

Mommy Makeover (Tummy tuck, 3 areas of Liposuction & Breast Augmentation): $7,300

Breast Lift and Augmentation: $4,300

Facial Rejuvenation (Facelift, Brow lift, Eyelids): $5,200

Pre-Wedding (Breast Augmentation, Liposuction & Gluteus Augmentation) $6,500

MedToGo patient, Candace Smith, had this to say about her successful experience with aesthetic surgery performed in Mexico, “…when you meet Dr. Ceballos, you will immediately feel a sense of calmness and peace in his presence.” MedToGo has empowered hundreds of patients to gain access to quality medical care for up to 80% savings compared to procedures performed in the United States.

A medical travel company owned and operated by a family of physicians educated and trained in America, MedToGo International, based in Tempe, Arizona, coordinates every detail of a patient’s trip south of the border. Personally sourcing top-tiered physicians and hospitals in Mexico and Costa Rica, doctors at MedToGo offer cost-effective, safe, time sensitive alternatives.

Dr. Robert H. Page of MedToGo will accompany patients on the trip in November to Puerto Vallarta, along with a patient coordinator. Currently the owner of a bilingual medical practice in Tempe, Arizona, Dr. Page works alongside his two American educated and trained sons at MedToGo, Dr. Curtis Page and Robert R. Page.

MedToGo’s mission to provide quality, safe alternatives to medical care for the underserved in America and Canada began more than a decade ago. The organization’s Founder, Arizona native Dr. Robert H. Page, was awarded his medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara in 1971. He’s since served as Chief of Staff at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital from 1991 to 1993, and enjoys accolades and respect, expertly navigating the medical landscapes in both Mexico and the U.S.

For further information regarding MedToGo’s network of physicians and hospitals, plus patient testimonials, visit http://www.medtogo.com/.

Press contact:
Scott Kelly, CEO
Black Dog Promotions
480-206-3435

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ, 85284
480-206-3435

NanoMarkets Releases New Report on Markets for Molybdenum in Solar and Electronics

In the report NanoMarkets quantifies the markets for molybdenum in solar panels, displays and advanced lighting and also looks at molybdenum compounds molybdenum disilicide, molybdenum disulfide, molybdenum oxide, and molybdenum-doped zinc oxide.

Glen Allen Virginia, October 27, 2011 - Industry analyst firm NanoMarkets announced the release of its latest market report on electrode materials titled, “Molybdenum Markets in the Electronics and Solar Industries -2011.” In this report, NanoMarkets identifies and quantifies the markets for molybdenum in important emerging markets including solar panels, displays and advanced lighting. In addition to covering novel uses of molybdenum itself, this report also looks at emerging applications for molybdenum compounds such as molybdenum disilicide, molybdenum disulfide, molybdenum oxide, and molybdenum-doped zinc oxide.

Additional details about the report are available at the NanoMarkets website at http://nanomarkets.net/market_reports/report/molybdenum_markets_in_the_electronics_and_solar_industries_2011

While this report focuses on the use of molybdenum for electrode applications, it also discusses the current and future use of use of molybdenum and its compounds in related markets such as heating elements and sealants. Among the firms that are discussed in this report are American Elements, Angstrom Sciences, Avancis, First Solar, GE, Honda Soltec, Kurt J. Lasker, Q-Cells, Samsung, Soltecture, Sylhan and Würth Solar. As with other NanoMarkets reports, this report on molybdenum pinpoints opportunities and also provides eight-year forecasts, broken out by application.

From the Report:
Molybdenum’s high conductivity and especially its ability to adhere to CIGS absorber layers has made it the dominant material for bottom contacts in the CIGS solar panel sector, a sector that is expected to grow rapidly over in the near future. In addition, NanoMarkets believes that the strong performance of molybdenum in the CIGS sector will encourage its use in other solar panel sectors; especially in the CdTe solar panels, which, to date have been the most successful of all the thin-film photovoltaics offerings.

There is also considerable R&D work currently being carried on into using molybdenum in and molybdenum compounds for OLED displays and lighting. The new NanoMarkets report notes that, although OLED technology has considerable market potential over the next decade and has received backing from the largest firms in displays, smartphones and lighting, it is still struggling to find optimal electrode materials. In particular, the OLED industry is desperately seeking electrode materials that are less vulnerable to corrosion and which can lead to higher performance for the OLEDs themselves.

While NanoMarkets believes that molybdenum will find new markets in the electronics and solar panel industry in the near future, the report also notes that much will depend on its pricing. If inflationary trends ultimately lead to much higher prices for molybdenum, solar panel makers and other users will look for ways to avoid molybdenum, with aluminum and copper serving as acceptable substitutes in the solar panel industry, for example.

About NanoMarkets:
NanoMarkets tracks and analyzes emerging market opportunities in energy, electronics and other markets created by developments in advanced materials. The firm is a recognized leader in industry analysis and forecasts for the display, solar panels and lighting industry and has been covering the market for electrodes and electrode materials for these markets for more than four years.
Visit http://www.nanomarkets.net for a full listing of NanoMarkets' reports and other services.

Contact:
Robert Nolan
NanoMarkets
PO Box 3840
Glen Allen, VA 23059
(804) 270-4370

Satisfaction with Online Conversion drops to All-time Low

New RedEye and Econsultancy report finds just 25% of marketers are satisfied with online conversion, with satisfaction dropping by 5% in one year

Shenley Wood, Milton Keynes, October 25, 2011 - Findings from the new Conversion Rate Optimization Report 2011 from RedEye & Econsultancy show most companies are not happy with their online conversion rate. Just 25% say they are satisfied and, worryingly, this figure is dropping. Similarly, there has been a 5% drop in conversion rate improvement in just 12 months.

As the world of digital becomes more competitive, and more tools and methods are introduced, it seems it is becoming harder to improve conversion rates. What this new research is showing, is while companies are implementing more methods, it not so much what you do, but how you do it that counts.

Dissatisfaction with conversion is a growing problem, yet companies are slow on the uptake. Mark Patron, CEO at RedEye explains: “This research shows there are major opportunities for key executives to focus on the bottom line – generating business – it’s just not being done effectively. With a clear CRO (conversion rate optimisation) strategy and best practice procedures in place, and implemented intelligently, companies can see a serious uplift in sales. Just a few per cent improvement in conversion makes a significant difference to revenues generated.

“What we have learnt is people and processes are key. This report highlights just how important employing a structured process is. Companies that had a structured approach to conversion were twice as likely to have seen a large increase in sales. Yet only 31% had a structured process – a major reason satisfaction is so low.”

Coupled to this low satisfaction is the fact that 54% of marketers don’t target basket abandoners at all. Having spent significant budget driving traffic to their site, the majority of ecommerce brands are ignoring these so-nearly-customers. The stats are clear: 70% of companies who target abandoners have increased sales.

In addition, brands are not adapting to the different communication channels. 84% of companies are not designing their marketing emails for mobile devices, and 70% are not designing their websites for mobile either. In this fast growing segment, particularly in retail, tablets and handhelds should not be ignored.

Econsultancy Research Director, Linus Gregoriadis, said: "Satisfaction rates may be decreasing partly because there is a greater awareness within businesses about the opportunities they may be missing without the right tools and processes in place. Companies will need to increasingly focus on improving conversion rates during 2012, by ensuring they have a structured approach to online optimisation to improve the bottom line. 

"The tools for gathering insight and for carrying out tests are becoming more user-friendly and accessible, but organisations must have the right knowledge and expertise around CRO to complement this, both in-house or within their agencies."

Mark Patron adds: “Companies need to act to confront conversion rates head-on, develop an optimisation strategy or they will see rates dropping further. It’s a real competitive advantage for today’s marketers – get it right and you will make a lot more money from your website,”.

Having run this report for three years, and using its extensive industry experience, RedEye regularly sees companies with increasingly sophisticated ecommerce operations. This produces a flood of customer data that is ever more difficult to interpret. That is why a clear strategy is essential to enable them to prioritise the key areas to focus on to meet their conversion objectives.

For a copy of the full report please visit: http://econsultancy.com/reports/conversion-rate-optimization-report . The report will be available from Monday pm after the webinar on the latest research by Econsultancy and RedEye – ‘How to Improve Conversion’ on Monday 24th October 2011 at 3pm. Join Econsultancy’s Linus Gregoriadis and RedEye’s Mark Patron, as they go through the findings of the research and reveal what online companies should be doing in order to improve conversion. Register for the webinar here http://www.redeye.com/events/webinars/

Based on the findings of this report RedEye has released a new white paper explaining how to implement a structured process to improve online conversion. This white paper can be downloaded from www.redeye.com.

The research is based on a survey of more than 700 client-side and agency digital marketers carried out in July and August 2011.

Press Contacts:
Katie Traynier, Marketing Manager: katie.traynier@redeye.com, 01908 340 903

About RedEye:
RedEye is the leader in behavioural email. RedEye has been helping online companies improve conversion since 1997, providing an integrated service of email marketing, web analytics and website usability.

In 2001 RedEye launched the first behavioural email campaign for William Hill. Behavioural email integrates web analytics with email marketing to produce highly targeted emails based on online user behaviour. Today RedEye helps hundreds of online companies improve conversion using behavioural email, achieving results such as of 750% ROI and 10% online conversion. In 2010 RedEye launched Behavioural Email onDemand, a self service solution enabling online companies to run basic behavioural email campaigns such as basket abandonment.

By integrating analytics with usability RedEye offers a unique service of Conversion Rate Optimisation. This service provides a structured process to help online companies fully analyse customer behaviour, enabling marketers to make the correct changes or implement the right strategies to improve online conversion.

RedEye previously won the NMA Award for ‘Best Use of Email’ and was shortlisted in the Econsultancy Innovation Awards for ‘Innovation in Email Marketing’.

RedEye currently has 4 European offices (London, Milton Keynes and Crewe in the UK and Dusseldorf, Germany) and has just launched its first US office in New Jersey. RedEye clients include Skype, Ford, French Connection, Haven Holidays, Hotel Chocolat, ASOS, Monarch, Butlins, HSBC and Ted Baker. http://www.redeye.com

About Econsultancy:
Econsultancy is a global independent community-based publisher, focused on best practice digital marketing and e-commerce, and used by over 240,000 internet professionals every month.
Our hub has 105,000+ members worldwide from clients, agencies and suppliers alike with over 90% member retention rate. We help our members build their internal capabilities via a combination of research reports and how-to guides, training and development, consultancy, face-to-face conferences, forums and professional networking.

Join Econsultancy today to learn what’s happening in digital marketing – and what works.

Call us to find out more on +44 (0)20 7269 1450 (London) or  +1 212 699 3626 (New York).You can also contact us online.

Contact:
Katie Traynier
Marketing Manager
RedEye
26 Shenley Pavilions
Chalkdell Drive
Shenley Wood
Milton Keynes MK5 6LB
01908 340 903

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Children’s Gaming and Video Website Lucky Kat TV Retains Black Dog Promotions

Black Dog Promotions announced that it is now representing Lucky Kat TV as publicist and marketing consultant.

Los Angeles, CA/Phoenix , AZ, October 25, 2011 - Black Dog Promotions announced that it is now representing Lucky Kat TV as publicist and marketing consultant. Lucky Kat TV is an edutainment gaming and video website designed to inspire and entertain your child in a safe and creative environment.

Tammy Schroeder, President of LKTV Productions commented on Lucky Kat TV, “Good self esteem can empower children to achieve any goal they set. Goals and dreams start with ideas. At Lucky Kat, it is our desire to encourage kids to use their imaginations and develop their ideas no matter how big or how small. It's not the size of the dream that matters; it's learning how to create a plan to achieve them. Kids will learn how this relates to something as simple as mastering a new game, creating their own island paradise in our virtual world, to making video content for LKTV using Lucky Kat’s 4 Steps to Success. Lucky Kat strives to make learning fun and inspire kids to reach for the stars!”

Black Dog Founder, Scott Kelly commented, “We are excited to be working with Lucky Kat TV. They provide an outstanding opportunity for children to learn and engage in a safe family friendly environment.”

Children (with parent’s supervision) are encouraged to explore, learn, play and dream online at http://www.luckykattv.com

About Black Dog Promotions:
Black Dog Promotions builds "Buzz". They use their blend of publicity, viral marketing and social media to generate massive exposure for companies, websites, causes or events. They have a broad network of media contacts and social media connections that generate broad based exposure. Details on the company’s services can be found at http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe AZ, 85284 - USA
480-206-3435

Deluxe Womens Robes Announced 25% Price Break for October 21-23 Weekend!

Deluxe Womens Robes has today announced the 25 per cent price break on all women’s robes this weekend

Beaverton, OR, October 25, 2011 - Deluxe Womens Robes has today announced the 25 per cent price break on all women’s robes this weekend (October 21-23).

“The sale price includes free shipping, but unfortunately this only applies for USA residents,” said Paul, claiming that even though almost every woman owns at least one robe, most would enjoy receiving one as a present.

‘With our limited price break promotion, we are effectively offering you, especially our men folks, a great opportunity to provide their girlfriends or wives a fantastic thick and warm, light and cool, casual or smart bathrobe gift set for the Christmas,” she added.

Bathrobes can be used for different reasons at different times, and with so many varied colors, fabrics and designs to choose from, there is a robe for almost any occasion.

“And although most of us own more than one, you can never own too many. Whether you are buying womens robes for yourself or buying one as a present for someone you know, we have available some great styles n women’s robes,” noted Paul.

The hooded bathrobe, according to Paul, has no equal on cold nights. “As a winter-time gift, it is a perfect choice that the wearer can use in the bedroom or bathroom. And after those swims in the chilly months this is the perfect robe to slip into,” she noted.

On the other hand, ballerina womens robes can double as gown or put on over a swim suit around the pool. These robes, which come in different styles, are lighter and shorter than the hooded robe, but perfect for a summer-time gift.

What about full-length women’s robes? According to Paul, everyone is practically familiar with these robes, which are made thick or light material they are long and come with a matching belt made from the same fabric as the robe itself. This is tied around the waist to close the robe. It is very versatile and most women own at least one robe like this.

Looking for that special Christmas gift item? Counter question: Why not give a bathrobe set as a gift? ‘The robe is a great gift idea for many reasons and is nearly always the right present to give. “Whether it is a going away present, a birthday present or simply a gift to a special lady, chances are that it will be appreciated,” she said.

However, should you decide to give someone a gift in the form of a bathrobe, take some time to find out what the lady’s favorite color is, or whether she owns one like the one you have chosen.

You also need to determine that the one you give is one she will like and have occasion to wear.
For further information, please contact: info@deluxewomensrobes.com or visit http://www.deluxewomensrobes.com.

Contact:
Paul Wright
Deluxe Women’s Robes
14525 SW Millikan #25370
Beaverton, OR 97005-2343
(801) 720-1627