Saturday, September 29, 2012

Incite Creative Shines the Spotlight on Flickering Treasures

Upcoming Photo Book Receives a $10,000 Matching Grant

Baltimore, MD, September 29, 2012 - We remember stars like Clark Gable, Will Rogers, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, whose names appeared on the marquees of our local movie houses, but what about the theaters that made these stars larger than life? The neon signs proclaiming the Stanley, Century, Royal, Forest, Arcade and Broadway are long gone, and the experience of seeing a movie in a gilded setting with velvet curtains is but a fleeting memory for most Baltimoreans. Photographer Amy Davis is bringing our beloved cinemas back to life in her upcoming photo book, “Flickering Treasures: Rediscovering Baltimore’s Forgotten Movie Theaters,” to be published in the fall of 2014.

Flickering Treasures” combines rare black and white pictures with Amy’s fine art photography to tell the story of these motion picture meccas where movie-goers flocked to escape their daily lives. The quality of Amy’s photos reflects her award-winning work as a photojournalist at The Baltimore Sun. Reminiscences from Barry Levinson, John Waters and others prove that our magnificent movie palaces and humble nickelodeons have vanished from our lives, but not our imagination. These photos and stories celebrating 50-plus theaters tell a fresh story of Baltimore City in the 20th century.

Amy has partnered with Creative Alliance, Inc, a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization, to be the financial sponsor for “Flickering Treasures.” Thus far, they have raised over half of the $45,000 required to get the book to print. To help further raise awareness, donations, and inspire advocacy, Amy contacted Incite Creative, a marketing and graphic design firm.

Incite took a multi-channel approach by creating a direct mail design for postcards that can be delivered as printed copies, as a PDF file for electronic distribution, or converted into a poster-size print. Additionally, Incite designed a Facebook fan page that includes additional information and photos.

“I love going to the movies,” says Dina Wasmer, President of Incite Creative. “After a long workweek, there’s nothing better than grabbing a friend, a big bag of popcorn and settling into a comfy seat in front of a big screen. And no, I’m not talking about a TV. I mean the real big screen! And it’s sad that so many of our city’s theatres have only their marquee left to signify their existence. We all need to escape from reality sometimes and when we learned about Flickering Treasures’ initiative to keep movie screen memories alive, we were excited to play a role.”

Since the campaign began, a local foundation has awarded “Flickering Treasures” a matching grant of $10,000. Now is the ideal time to become a sponsor and share our theater memories with future generations in this high-quality photo book. Contributions for “Flickering Treasures” are tax deductible. Flickering Treasures will also spark a dialogue about how to re-invent our old movie houses so that they can once again become a vibrant part of the community. Be a part of this change by supporting “Flickering Treasures.”

For more about “Flickering Treasures,” please visit the Facebook fan page at: https://www.facebook.com/flickeringtreasures. Parties interested in donating to this worthy cause can download a PDF form by clicking on the “Support” tab on the fan page.

About Incite Creative (www.incitecreativeinc.com):
Now in its twelfth year in business, Incite Creative is a marketing and graphic design firm that specializes in strategic positioning, brand development and creative implementation services for Mid-Atlantic, small-to-mid-sized companies and organizations that have regional, national and international reach. For more information, log onto http://www.incitecreativeinc.com or contact Dina Wasmer at 410-366-9479 ext. 101 or dina@incitecreativeinc.com.

Contact:
Dina Wasmer
Incite Creative, Inc
1501 St. Paul Street, Suite 113
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-366-9479
dina@incitecreativeinc.com
http://www.incitecreativeinc.com

Friday, September 28, 2012

Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Meeting Aligns with Chicago’s Economic Growth Plan

People 50+ Are Invited to Learn About the Benefits and Opportunities of New-Business Creation

Boulder, CO, September 27, 2012 - The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), which serves as the bridge between older people and opportunities for them to continue in productive activities, is holding its third meeting in the “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” series on Thursday, October 11. The meeting will be held in Wieboldt Hall on the Chicago campus of Northwestern University/Kellogg School. To register, view the agenda and its outstanding speakers, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/october-11-2012. Participants must be 50 and older and register by October 5.

The meetings are designed to contribute to a national momentum for new-business creation, which will help Baby Boomers 50+ to remain productively engaged and to continue adding value. In fact, the event aligns with Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s ten strategic objectives to achieve economic growth for Chicago.

In February, Mayor Emanuel included entrepreneurship in his regional economic growth plan, which was created to articulate clear, actionable strategies to stimulate economic growth and job creation in Chicago. The plan contains ten strategies to advance the city’s economy and to make it a better destination for families and businesses.

World Business Chicago, which is leading the steering committee for Mayor Emanuel’s vision, published “A Plan for Economic Growth and Jobs” in March 2012. The report outlines strategies that have a direct effect on economic prosperity and lead to initiatives that will improve the overall quality of life in Chicago. One critical strategy focuses on the importance of entrepreneurship.

It states, “We should build on recent entrepreneurial momentum by expanding the networks that connect entrepreneurs with customers, venture capital, and mentorship opportunities. We should implement new, targeted initiatives focused on promising clusters. And we should facilitate stronger connections between academic research and private industry to promote higher rates of innovation in our firms and to increase industry-driven research, development and commercialization at universities.”

CPL’s meeting helps to meet those objectives and will include presentations from three successful entrepreneurs. It will also include two rounds of interactive breakout sessions on topics relating to new-business creation and on how to become an entrepreneur.

The featured speakers include:

* Dr. Paul Magelli is senior director of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has held a number of positions at the University of Illinois, including assistant dean of the MBA program and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Magelli has also just completed his second climb of Mt. Kilimanjaro at age 80.

* James Shein is professor of entrepreneurship at Kellogg School’s Larry and Carol Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice and an academic director of the Successful Corporate Renewal executive program. He previously spent four years as president and CEO of R.C. Manufacturing, and ten years as president and chief executive officer of Northbrook Corporation.

* Larry Levy is founder and chairman of Levy Restaurants and chairman and CEO of The Levy Organization. He co-founded Levy Restaurants in 1978 and served as CEO until December 2003. Levy Restaurants’ diverse portfolio includes a network of acclaimed restaurants throughout the country and abroad. They also pioneered the concept of catering in sports and entertainment facilities, including stadiums and convention centers, in every major U.S. market. Levy has served as a chairperson and board member for a wide variety of organizations and has received numerous awards.

* Carol Levy is co-founder of Material Possessions, a home décor store that has proven to be successful for nearly 30 years. With her combination of entrepreneurial spirit and imaginative thinking, she helped expand Material Possessions to a downtown Chicago location. In 2004, she and her husband, Larry, founded the Larry and Carol Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice at the Kellogg School. They took the venture a step further in 2007 by establishing the Carol and Larry Social Entrepreneurial Lab.

* Nancy Rodriguez is founder and president of Food Marketing Support Services (FMSS), which she started in 1985. FMSS is a contractual research and development company that services both the retail (supermarkets) and food service (restaurants) industries.

The “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” meeting is limited to 125 participants. The charge of $35 per person covers a spouse, if desired, and a post-meeting workshop on the “how-tos” of creating a new business. The Kellogg School, AARP, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and CPL are among the meeting sponsors.

The first meeting in the series was held at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO on March 27, and the second was held at Babson College in Wellesley, MA on September 14; the fourth and final meeting in the series will be held at the University of Denver on November 15.

For more information on CPL and these meetings, visit www.ctrpl.org or Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL.

Company Contacts:
William Zinke or James Hooks
Center for Productive Longevity
303.499.3939
wzinke@ctrpl.org or jhooks@ctrpl.org

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

About the Center for Productive Longevity
The mission of CPL is to stimulate the substantially increased engagement of people 55 and older in productive activities, paid and volunteer, where they are qualified and ready to continue adding value. Visit ctrpl.org for more information. Follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CTRPL.

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

FRA Welcomes Olympic Spotlight on Brazil

FRA has welcomed reports of a booming Brazil economy, as the Olympic flame is officially passed from London to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city of the Games.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 28, 2012 - Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed reports of a booming Brazil economy, as the Olympic flame is officially passed from London to Rio de Janeiro, the next host city of the Games.

Stats from wire reports show that not only will the Games increase interest in the South American region, they will also highlight investment opportunities in Brazil.

FRA recommends sustainably managed timber plantations, such as those operated in Brazil by firms like Greenwood Management, to take advantage of not just the Brazilian economy but also the growing popularity of alternative investments.

Timber prices have beaten inflation consistently and small investments of around $10,000 can secure you a part of this booming industry. Greenwood manage the plantation and support the local community. As the population of Brazil become empowered by regular work, they are investing back in timber for homes and furniture. And Greenwood will start paying returns to investors as soon as money starts coming in from any mature trees on the entire plantation.

Reports show that 53 per cent of the Brazil population now classify as middle class and expect a higher standard of living than previously. The Presidential Office of Strategic Affairs report last month found that as many as 35 million Brazil nationals have climbed out of poverty over the last ten years.

FRA’s analysis partner, Peter Collins, said: “Alternative investments are a popular choice for those looking to diversify their portfolio and protect themselves from the Eurozone crisis and a volatile stock market.”

As well as the Olympics, Brazil also hosts the World Cup in 2014, providing more jobs for the community. The region is famed for its commodities and investments such as timber are bound to grow in popularity as the country comes under international spotlight over the next four years.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Thursday, September 27, 2012

ChemBlend Int’l’s (CBI) Partner Seatex LTD. Set to Introduce Problend® at ISSA Interclean Chicago for Qualified Service Providers

ChemBlend Int’l (CBI) facilitated by Seatex LTD. will introduce their innovative brand “Problend®” program at this year’s ISSA Interclean Conference in Chicago October 17-19th. The Problend brand promises to provide new value added program for qualified service providers and distributors.

Houston, Texas, September 27, 2012 - Based in Houston Texas, ChemBlend Int’l (CBI) facilitated by Seatex LTD. is an industry leader providing turnkey chemical compounding, and private label packaging services. The company is a registered blending facility for the EPA, FDA, NSF, Kosher, UL, Green Seal, DfE, and CRI that maintains the highest standards to meet various industry product certifications. The new Problend Brand Program is designed to partner with service providers who already service the following target markets: Warewash, Hand Care, Housekeeping, Laundry and Floor Care.

ChemBlend Int’l is set to attend ISSA Interclean North America in Chicago this October 16-19th, and will roll out their new innovative Problend Brand marketing partnership with established service providers. Service providers are invited to stop by and meet CBI at their booth #1938 at the ISSA Interclean conference. Problend CBI representatives will help assess the future marketing and sales support requirements for qualified service providers, who want to compete on name recognition, innovative solutions, value added benefits and unmatched product quality as opposed to just solely on price.

According to Scott Childers, Vice President of Sales for Commercial Services, “we are excited to meet and introduce our CBI Sales and Marketing Program to service provider companies who are emerging and already have services in place and ideally are looking to expand their market in one of the 5 target areas. We are looking to uncover candidates for our Problend Program, which is poised to launch in the 4th quarter of 2012.”

Childers goes on to say about their new branding program, “We believe our support system and customer centric approach is what will set this program apart from other providers within the industry. There are a number of service providers for example that aren’t as familiar with selling solids. This is an area that the Problend Program specializes and excels. Our goal is to help our service providers win and bring in new sales opportunities and diversify their growing book of business while at the same time using the service provider or distributors company name and identity with a brand, ProBlend.”

The Problend Partnership Program also helps service providers negotiate contracts and better rates for vendors and products by offering the services of a General Purchasing Organization (GPO).

According to Childers, this innovative program provides two competitive advantages for service providers:

1. It provides a turnkey solution for service providers to market with a custom brand built starting day one.

2. Help service providers gain better penetration within their markets and expand their existing services and sales with ChemBlend Int’l innovative products and Co-branded products. This is revolutionary in the industry.

Kelly Aimes President of Seatex says, “our ideal candidate for our Problend Program are service providers who are already well structured, service oriented, have available warehousing and are ready to grow and expand their existing book of products and services. At ISSA Interclean, we are looking to interview select service providers and who would then qualify to become a candidate for the Problend brand system. We plan to pre-qualify, interview, assess and then introduce to the right candidates how we can help them grow with the appropriate products, support and tools.”

Aimes invites providers to their booth #1938 while at the ISSA Interclean Chicago event to determine whether they are a good candidate match for the Problend Program.
Tom, VP of New Business Development, had this to say about the Problend Brand Program, “Most service providers just compete on price and although price is a factor, we also believe that in order to grow one’s business you must also offer innovation.” Innovative products that help service providers sell, diversify and penetrate new markets, means that service providers do not only have to compete on price, adds Tom.

To learn more about ChemBlend Int’l partner Seatex LTD and its’ Problend Brand please click here now:
http://www.seatexcorp.com/products/Problend-commercial-series/pro-blend-overview

Also, register to dine with the Problend Team while at the ISSA Interclean in Chicago:

On Wednesday evening, Oct. 17th. for qualified candidates attending the ISSA Interclean event and who would like to learn more about the Innovative ProBlend Commercial Series Marketing Program, there will be a special dinner held to meet with the Problend team.

In order to attend, registration is required. Visit the link, complete the form and then stop by Booth #1938 to pickup your reservation ticket! http://problendcommercial.com/ISSA/landing/problend-commercial

Media Contact:
Scott Childers
Seatex LTD., Problend®
445 TX-36,
P.O Box D
Rosenberg, TX 77471 
P: 713.357.5300
http://www.SeatexCorp.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHeUd8wZv9g

Bryant & Stratton College Online Named as Military Friendly School

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

Buffalo, NY, September 26, 2012 - Bryant & Stratton College Online, a premier online school, is once again on the list of Military Friendly Schools published annually by Victory Media and G.I. Jobs Magazine. Only 15 percent of U.S. higher education institutions were named to the 2013 list, which honors the colleges, universities and trade schools that are doing the most to advance the education of America’s military service members, veterans and families and their academic success. The list highlights schools with world-class programs and policies for student support on campus, academic accreditation, credit policies, flexibility and other services for students that are active duty, veterans or family members of military.

“We are honored to once again be on the list of Military Friendly Schools and to be recognized for our efforts to serve military students, military spouses and their families,” said Scott Traylor, Associate Campus Director for Online Education at Bryant & Stratton College. “We are dedicated to maintaining a high level of academics and services for all our students, but recognize that often military families have unique circumstances that require additional support. Through support groups, online resources and staff dedicated to the needs of military families we strive to address their specific needs.”

Bryant & Stratton College has a strong reputation with military service members, veterans and their families, including:

Salute to Spouses:
Salute to Spouses is a scholarship program that allows military spouses to receive up to $6,000 toward online degree programs at Bryant & Stratton College. Since its launch, Salute to Spouses has expanded, launching a career and education resource website for military spouses, written and edited by military spouses. For military spouses pursuing an associate's degree, the scholarship can be combined with MyCAA benefits, or the scholarship can be applied toward an online bachelor's degree program at Bryant & Stratton College as well as at selected campuses. Additionally, eligibility is not limited by pay grade. More information, including the application form, is available at www.SalutetoSpouses.com.

Military Relations Manager:
MAJ (Ret.) Ed Dennis serves as military relations manager at Bryant & Stratton College Online. Ed's primary role is to provide assistance to service members seeking information about higher education and to work with branches of the military to help students understand the opportunities that are available to them through Bryant & Stratton College Online. Ed started at Bryant & Stratton in July 2010 after recently retiring from the Army with 21 years of service. His extensive knowledge and first-hand experience with the armed forces brings invaluable expertise to Bryant & Stratton about what active-duty and veteran military students need.

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

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

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

About Bryant & Stratton College Online:
Bryant & Stratton College is a private career college delivering outcomes based education and training through a flexible, contemporary curriculum in a personalized environment.  The College is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, which is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and has locations in New York, Ohio, Virginia and Wisconsin, as well as an Online Education division, and a Professional Skill Center. For over 155 years, Bryant & Stratton College has been providing real world education leading to bachelor’s and associate’s degrees and professional certificates. Bryant & Stratton College Online offers five online bachelor’s degree programs, eleven online associate’s degree programs and eleven online certificate programs in a variety of fields including business, criminal justice, financial services, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Some online programs are not yet available in all states. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of graduates and other important information, please visit www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures.  General information about Bryant & Stratton College and its online degrees can also be found at www.online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:
Kavitha Thimmaiah
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
303.433.7020
kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

FRA Welcomes New of Major Russia-China Forestry Investment

FRA has welcomed news that a fund jointly run in Russia and China is to invest some $200 million in a Russian forestry company.

Bainbridge Island, WA, September 27, 2012 - Forestry Research Associates (FRA) has welcomed news that a fund jointly run in Russia and China is to invest some $200 million in a Russian forestry company.

The deal has been struck off the back of an initiative launched at a summit intended to promote Asia-Pacific regional cooperation, from an economic perspective.

The deal involves an investment in Russia’s second-largest forestry products business, called Russia Forest Products, while the Chinese/Russian fund is simply called the Russia-China Investment Fund. The investment means that Russia Forest Products will now be able to produce forestry products with higher values and of better quality.

The forestry business is allowed to fell some 4.5 million cubic metres of timber each year and controlled some 6.4 million hectares of forests under a long-term lease deal.

The news that the investment has taken place was welcomed by FRA, which advocates investment in forestry management projects – particularly sustainable ones, such as the Greenwood Management plantations in Brazil and Canada. “Investing in sustainable forestry schemes is one of very best ways to ensure that you not only see a great return on your alternative investment, but that you can help to reduce deforestation in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world,” commented Peter Collins, the analysis partner at FRA.

The returns seen by forestry investors over the past decade or so are often better than the average returns for those investing in stocks and bonds. In addition, the plantation projects run by Greenwood Management can help to produce charcoal for the steel industry in Brazil, which helps steel firms avoid using charcoal produced by burning native timbers.

“Sustainability is the key to forestry investments and anyone considering investing in forestry should look for plantation schemes that are run on a cycle system, so that older trees are cut down when new trees are being planted,” added Mr Collins.

Contact:
Peter Collins
Forestry Research Associates
620 Vineyard Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 316 8394
info@forestry-research.com
http://www.forestry-research.com

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Travel Lightly on Your Next Literary Journey. Brandon Wilson’s Award-Winning Adventure

Lowell Thomas Gold Award-winning author/explorer Brandon Wilson’s four travel adventure books are now also available from BarnesandNoble.com as NOOK editions.

Paia, HI, September 26, 2012 - Pilgrim’s Tales, a travel publisher based in Hawaii, is proud to announce that author/explorer Brandon Wilson’s four travel adventure books are now also available from BarnesandNoble.com as NOOK editions.

A constant theme in all of Wilson’s books is that ordinary people can conquer seemingly extraordinary challenges—and his latest award-winning book is a prime example. Over the Top & Back Again: Hiking X the Alps chronicles the ups and downs of an intrepid midlife couple who dig deep to hike across eight countries on the daunting Via Alpina. Besides promising total immersion into Alpine life, it means climbing the equivalent of 12 Mt. Everests while facing their greatest fears. Whether you dream of making this journey—or are just a fan of schadenfreude—you’ll savor this empowering, humorous, wildly subversive tale. Includes illustrations by Ken Plumb and color photos/maps by the author. Recipient of the 2010 Book of the Year Bronze Award from ForeWord Reviews.

Other NOOK books in Wilson’s true-adventure travel series include Along the Templar Trail: Seven Million Steps for Peace, winner of the coveted Lowell Thomas Gold Award, and named 2009 Best Travel Book by the Society of American Travel Writers. Two modern-day pilgrims discover timeless truths when they embark upon the ultimate challenge—to hike the Templar Trail across 11 countries to Jerusalem. Throwing themselves out into the universe with bad maps, blisters, and plenty of optimism, they face age-old challenges in search of adventure, life’s meaning and lasting peace. They also discover that even today, there’s nothing like a little war to shake your strongest resolve. Includes 44 color photos and maps by the author.

Wilson is also the author of Dead Men Don’t Leave Tips: Adventures X Africa. After their overland dream safari from London to Cape Town turns into a nightmare, a honeymooning couple set off alone to discover Africa’s heart and soul. Misadventure is their constant companion as they cross the Sahara, climb Kilimanjaro, whitewater raft the Zambezi, hunt dik-dik with Pygmies, stalk mountain gorillas, and hop a gun-run through war-torn Mozambique. This darkly humorous travel adventure offers sage advice about traveling with partners—while providing an “un-sanitized for your protection” look at a journey into Africa’s wildest unknown. Includes color photos by the author.

Yak Butter Blues is Wilson’s debut book and an IPPY Award winner. Join him, his wife and their Tibetan horse, as they become the first Western couple to hike an ancient path from Lhasa, Tibet to Kathmandu on a journey once called “impossible”. Walk alongside them as they face lung-searing altitudes, slow starvation, blizzards, bureaucracy and bullets. But it’s not all pain and peril. Discover the kindness of strangers. Then witness a culture teetering on the edge of extinction. Little could prepare them for this ultimate test of resolve, faith... and very survival. Includes color photos by the author.

Brandon Wilson is a member of the prestigious Explorers Club.

Pilgrim’s Tales, Inc. publishes true stories of adventure, discovery and enlightenment. Their books are available worldwide in digital formats (NOOK, Kindle and Kindle apps for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, PC, Mac, Blackberry, Android-based devices, and Windows Phone 7) and in hardcover and paperback editions from your favorite bookstore. Visit pilgrimstales.com or “Brandon Wilson, Adventure Travel Author” on Facebook for videos, photos, reviews, excerpts, interviews and more.

Contact:
Tony Roberts
PR Director
Pilgrim's Tales, Inc.
P.O. Box 791613
Paia, HI 96779
+1.7604947537
info@pilgrimstales.com
http://www.pilgrimstales.com

Innova Biosciences signs out-licensing deal with StressMarq Biosciences

Innova Biosciences , inventor of the world’s easiest to use bioconjugation kits, is pleased to announce that the company has entered into a licensing agreement with StressMarq Biosciences (British Columbia, Canada).

Cambridge, UK, September 26, 2012 - Innova Biosciences (Cambridge, UK), inventor of the world’s easiest to use bioconjugation kits, is pleased to announce that the company has entered into a licensing agreement with StressMarq Biosciences (British Columbia, Canada).

The non-exclusive license will allow StressMarq to use Innova’s unique Lightning-Link® technology for commercial purposes. Through the commercialisation deal, StressMarq will create a novel collection of antibody conjugate research tools for the scientific community, with the ultimate objective being the advancement of pioneering science and to elucidate the molecular abnormalities behind disease states such as cancer or diabetes.

Dr Andy Lane, Licensing Manager at Innova Biosciences, said, “This agreement underlines the attractiveness of the Lightning-Link® technology to specialist antibody companies, who can take advantage of the simplicity of the method combined with 100% yields to rapidly increase their catalogue portfolios. We look forward to working with StressMarq, who have an excellent reputation in the research antibody sector.”

Commenting on the agreement StressMarq’s President, Dr Ariel Louwrier, said, “The unique aspects of the Lightning-Link® technology coupled with the core expertise of StressMarq Biosciences in the heat shock protein, cellular stress, ion channels and transporter areas will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers, covering a whole new host of applications. The demonstrated and proven Lightning-Link® technology is an excellent counterpart to our antibody portfolio.”

About Innova Biosciences Limited;
Innova Biosciences is a growing, dynamic business based in Cambridge, UK. At the core of Innova's business are the Lightning-Link® and InnovaCoat™ technologies, which simplify the production of antibody-based reagents. The expanding Lightning-Link® and InnovaCoat™ portfolio is sold to research laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology companies and diagnostic companies worldwide. For more information, please see www.innovabiosciences.com.

About StressMarq Biosciences;
StressMarq Biosciences Inc. is a company based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and encompasses what is probably the most experienced combined commercial and scientific heat shock and cellular stress community worldwide. StressMarq Biosciences provide a range of monoclonal and polyclonal antisera, for various research areas including cellular stress, cell signaling, ion channels and apoptosis. For more information, please see www.stressmarq.com.

Contact:
Mathew Taylor
Director
Algorythm Solutions Ltd
10 Torkington St
Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 2UY
+44 (0)773 403 2112
mtaylor@algorythmsolutions.com
http://www.algorythmsolutions.com

Vintage Tech Recyclers Selected to Join EPA in SMM Challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AAA says Investment Managers are Ready to Try Alternatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Luxury Travel Ltd Launches Off the Beaten Path Tour in North Vietnam 12 days

This newest adventure tour includes Hanoi – Duong Lam Ancient Village - Muong Khuong - Bac Ha- Ha Giang -Dong Van - Cao Bang - Ba Be.

Hanoi, Vietnam, September 26, 2012 - Vietnam is a tropical paradise of charming people, heavenly beaches, brilliant green rice paddies and lush emerald rainforests.

This Vietnam adventure trip will take travelers to the most isolated, but also very beautiful areas in the far north of Vietnam, where they can see many different hill tribes and magnificent scenery.

Travelers will see the weekly market on the way north, as well as terraced rice fields in Mu Cang Chai and Hoang Su Phi, that have been newly recognized as national heritage sites in Vietnam.

Travelers will also see the charming town of Pho Bang, the breathtaking pass at Ma Pi Leng, Dong Van Rock Plateau, MeoVac Town, beautiful Ban Gioc Waterfall and historic Pac Bo Cave.

Travelers will also take a peaceful boat trip on Ba Be Lake and experience a home stay with Tay people in a house on stilts.

The tour price starts from US$2000 per person for 2 persons (42.000.000VND). Price includes all private pick up and drop off services, all transportation, accommodation in twin, boat trip, bike, meals, porters, entrance fees, and the services of an English or French-speaking guide. This offer is valid until 30 December 2013.

“North Vietnam has many rough, remote and mountainous regions, and many of them have just opened to intrepid travelers. This Vietnam adventure trip will take you to the most isolated, but also very beautiful areas in the far north of Vietnam, where you can see many different hill tribes and magnificent scenery.This is perfect in Mid September, you can admire the most beautiful mature rice fields on terrace in Sapa, Hoang Su Phi and Mu Cang Chai. This tour will emphasize your interactions with many hill tribes in order for you to have a well-rounded and profound learning experience that you will value forever.” Said Pham Ha, CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.

Vietnam’s first luxury tour operator/DMC (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) 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 reprentative offices in California, London, Paris, and Sydney. 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 Guide Award 2012: “a long established Asian specialist in the art of travel and serves today’s most sophisticated travelers with luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays.”

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

Forestry Investment Gets Global Attention, says AAA

A global conference on forestry investment attracted praise from AAA for promoting the benefits of investing in timber.

Boston, MA, September 26, 2012 - A global conference on forestry investment attracted praise from Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) for promoting the benefits of investing in timber. The International Conference on Investment in Forestry and Forest Carbons took place in Accra, where delegates heard about the public-private sector opportunities for ethical investment in Ghana.

The theme was “boosting investment in sustainable forestry, forest carbons and renewable energy” on the African continent.

The three-day conference was run by the African Bio-fuel and Renewable Energy Company (ABREC), FMO, a Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank, African Development Bank Group and the Nyenrode Business University, alongside the Forestry Commission of Ghana.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said that the conference did well to highlight the potential of timber investments across the globe. Investments of less than $15,000 are needed to invest in the sustainable plantations run by Greenwood Management in Brazil and Canada. Timber prices have beaten inflation over the past 100 years by an average of 3.3 per cent.

“Timber is a low-risk and high-return investment,” Mr Johnson said. “It’s a valuable commodity and, with concerns over deforestation and illegal logging, combined with the effects of global warming, it’s only going to become more sought-after as time goes on, particularly in areas such as Brazil where the population is making its way out of poverty, and upgrading their housing and furniture.”

As savings are squeezed and stocks become more unpredictable, timber offers both attractive returns to investors as well as significant environmental and social benefits within local communities. Sustainable forestry is a hot topic across Africa, Canada and South America and ‘green’ investments such as timber are growing in popularity.

At the conference, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama assured potential investors that forestry offered enormous opportunities for public-private sector initiatives across the world. It's time to get involved.

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

Ecotech Institute Honors its Second Graduating Class Today

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boulder
• Nicholas Dotter, Electrical Engineering Technology

Broomfield
• Joshua Schaefer, Solar Energy Technology

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

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

Divide
• Matt Vetis, Solar Energy Technology

Henderson
• Gil Negron, Solar Energy Technology

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

Morrison
• Sean Johnston, Renewable Energy Technology

Nederland
• Nathan Baumhover, Renewable Energy Technology

Northglenn
• Zac Sturgill, Wind Energy Technology

Parker
• Robert Parker, Wind Energy Technology

Connecticut
Salem
• Michael Scace, Solar Energy Technology

Kansas
Minneola
• Darlene Redden, Solar Energy Technology

Norton
• Timothy Millan, Wind Energy Technology

Oakley
• Terry Farmer, Solar Energy Technology

Mexico
Berwick
• Louis Sanfacon, Electrical Engineering Technology

Zacatecas
• Jose Calderon-Ibanez, Electrical Engineering Technology

Michigan
Battle Creek
• Les Crosby, Wind Energy Technology

Muskegon
• Jordan Veltman, Electrical Engineering

Missouri
St. Louis
• Josh Crambert, Wind Energy Technology

New York
Jamestown
• Richard Chase II, Solar Energy Technology

New York City
• Fatih Erogla, Solar Energy Technology

Oregon
Aumsville
• Michael Streight, Wind Energy Technology

Pennsylvania
Canonsburg
• Kevin King, Electrical Engineering

Texas
Corpus Christi
• Shawn Sanders, Wind Energy Technology

Dallas
• Brandon Huckaby, Wind Energy Technology

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

About Ecotech Institute
Ecotech Institute is first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability and is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, it offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers. Classes start once per quarter and applications are always accepted. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

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