Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Security Benefit Launches “Failure is Not an Option” Retirement Income Campaign

Leading Provider Of Retirement Income Solutions Addresses Urgent Planning Problem For Pre- And Post-Retirees

Topeka, KS, October 23, 2012 - Security Benefit Corporation, a Guggenheim Partners Company, today announced the rollout of its “Failure Is Not An Option” campaign, a program designed to help financial advisers and their clients generate more predictable income in retirement with less risk.

Executives at the firm, a leading provider of retirement savings and income vehicles for America’s retirees, say the campaign addresses an urgent need for new planning strategies that produce sustainable retirement income.

“It’s one thing to know that today’s retirement portfolios demand a smarter balance of growth and safety to effectively achieve a stream of lifetime income,” says Michael P. Kiley, Security Benefit Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer. “The challenge is finding solutions to that end.”

Security Benefit began preparing for the campaign in July when it commissioned Milliman, Inc., one of the world's largest independent actuarial and consulting firms, to conduct a study on income-product allocation. The firm plans to announce the full results of the research later in the month.

“It’s no secret that financial advisers are questioning traditional approaches to retirement planning,” says Kiley. ”We want to help these professionals find innovative and better ways to meet the challenge. The Milliman study tells us there are real solutions emerging in the form of improved strategies that promise to generate more income at less cost with less market risk.”

An integral part of the campaign will be the “Retirement Income Challenge” website. Specifically built for financial advisers, the site includes an “Income Calculator” and a sophisticated modeling tool designed to help optimize retirement income portfolios similar to the Modern Portfolio Theory approach.

Subsequent “Failure Is Not An Option” materials will include white papers, research reports and byline articles on securing income in retirement.

Security Benefit, backed by the superior general account management capabilities of Guggenheim Investments, a subsidiary of Guggenheim Partners, is uniquely positioned to bring fresh ideas to a vital market. With a comprehensive suite of retirement savings products, including both accumulation and income annuities, retirement plans, and mutual funds, the firm serves individual and institutional investors through a broad network of independent financial representatives.

Long committed to helping financial advisers meet their clients’ retirement needs, Security Benefit was the industry’s fourth-largest provider of fixed indexed annuities in the second quarter of 2012 according to Beacon Research.

About Security Benefit Corporation
Founded in 1892, Security Benefit Corporation, a Guggenheim Partners Company, is a leading provider of savings and income solutions for America's pre- and post-retirees. Security Benefit Corporation targets multiple wealth segments and channels of distribution through an independent, merit-based distribution structure. By leveraging Guggenheim's superior general account management capabilities into highly competitive products, Security Benefit Corporation focuses on the retirement savings market providing a full range of services to independent distributors including broker/dealers, IMOs, and other financial service providers. Security Benefit is indirectly controlled by Guggenheim Partners, LLC. To learn more about Security Benefit, visit www.securitybenefit.com.

For more information, please contact:

Dan Mahoney, Communications Strategy Group
(970) 405-8060
dmahoney@csg-pr.com

Michel’ Cole, Security Benefit Corporation
(785) 438-3396
Michel.cole@securitybenefit.com

In all states except New York, annuities are issued by Security Benefit Life Insurance Company (SBL). SBL is not authorized in and does not transact insurance business in New York.

Contact:
Dan Mahoney
Communications Strategy Group
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
(970) 405-8060
dmahoney@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Investors still not aware of alternative option, claims AAA

A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims AAA.

Boston, MA, October 23, 2012 - A recent study claims that investors are still uncertain about market volatility but remain in the dark about alternative investments, which is disappointing, claims Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The study was carried out by Natixis Global Asset Management and questioned more than 5,000 investors in 14 countries. It found that investors were generally more worried about the risk held within their portfolios and, therefore, took more and more notice of their advisers when making investment decisions. However, the study found that many investors are not realising the potential benefits of alternative investment as a tool for diversifying portfolios against risk.

Anthony Johnson of the alternative investment advocacy group, AAA, commented on the finding: “We think it’s a shame that investors are still missing out on the diversification opportunities offered by alternative asset classes like forestry, real estate, private equity and even precious metals and art.

“These kinds of alternatives are often less correlated with inflation and can grow in value when other, more traditional assets are seeing their values plummet.”

Forestry, for example, is being lauded as a great investment product as it offers flexibility for the investor, claims AAA. Anyone buying timberland has purchased growing trees that will continue to grow if timber prices are depressed. “Investors simply hang on to their investment and watch it physically grow if the market conditions aren’t right when they reach maturity,” added Johnson.

The study carried out by Natixis also found that fewer investors are confident that their investment portfolio will provide for them in retirement. In fact, the trend is more towards preserving capital than increasing returns. “This is even more of an argument for trying out alternative investment through companies like Greenwood Management that offer a risk-averse middle-term option that can protect portfolios form market crashes and the impact of changes in inflation,” concluded Mr Johnson.

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

Lucky Kat TV and Retro Bill to Release Live Action/Animation DVD to Help Prevent Bullying: The 7 RIGHT ONs of Good Character

Lucky Kat TV and North America’s leading Kindergarten – 12th grade motivational speaker, Retro Bill, have recently partnered to release a combination live action/animation DVD The 7 RIGHT ONs of Good Character.

Los Angeles, CA, October 23, 2012 - Lucky Kat TV and North America’s leading Kindergarten – 12th grade motivational speaker, Retro Bill, have recently partnered to release a combination live action/animation DVD The 7 RIGHT ONs of Good Character. This highly anticipated video is available for purchase at award winning children’s “edutainment” site luckykattv.com.

Lucky Kat TV’s plucky characters, Lucky Kat and Lexie Kat, shine alongside Retro Bill in the high-energy, attention-grabbing video that blends Retro Bill’s signature fast paced live action with animation. Together, the team illustrates the seven elements of good character; how to use these traits to navigate everyday situations and the importance of a positive attitude, owning their actions and never giving up! Practicing these traits help kids to refrain from bullying, respond to bullying, and make positive life choices:

Respect

Integrity

Golden Rule

Honesty

Tolerance

Own It!

Never Give Up!

In his trademark upbeat and high-energy style, Retro Bill moves between the worlds of live action and animation with Lucky & Lexie. Together, they bring to life The 7 RIGHT ONs of Good Character.

According to Retro Bill, “When I met the team at Lucky Kat TV it was creative kismet. We each deliver the same message of self-empowerment to children, and it’s always been my dream to blend live action with animation. I think parents, teachers, coaches and mentors alike will find the tools we offer to be helpful in their continued effort to promote self-esteem, safety and cooperation in kids!”

Retro Bill - the alter ego of writer, producer and director Bill Russ - delivers a powerful message to children across the nation - dreams do come true. Taking his high-energy anthem on the road some 300 days each year across the U.S. and Canada, Retro Bill speaks to millions of children and parents about physical and online safety, bullying, and self-esteem.

“The epidemic of bullying across our communities and schools has rightfully garnered national attention. We believe building strong character in our children is the first step in prevention, and Retro Bill’s unique style connects with kids in a meaningful way. He never patronizes them, and instead illustrates how to enlist help and embrace their own better instincts to stay safe and healthy,” said Lucky Kat TV’s Tammy Schroeder.

Lucky Kat TV.com is an edutainment gaming and video website designed to entertain children in a safe and creative environment. Reinforcing fundamental academics based on educational Standards, the activities and games featured on Lucky Kat TV.com empower critical thinking skills in children ages 5 - 11. Kids are encouraged to unleash the power of their imaginations and create video content to share with other Lucky Kat TV.com fans. In 2012, Lucky Kat TV.com was awarded the coveted Parent Tested Parent Approved (PTPA) seal of approval and Mom’s Choice Award. Visit Lucky Kat TV online at http://www.luckykattv.com.

Contact:
Scott Kelly
Black Dog Promotions
9920 S. Rural Rd., Ste 108
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-206-3435
scott@blackdogpromotions.com
http://www.blackdogpromotions.com

Urban Barns Foods Financing Update

Urban Barns Foods Inc. (URBF.QB) ("Company" or "Urban Barns "), a leading authority on Cubic Farming, for fresh green leafy vegetables

Vancouver, British Columbia, Oct. 23, 2012 -- Urban Barns Foods Inc. (URBF.QB) ("Company" or "Urban Barns "), a leading authority on Cubic Farming, for fresh green leafy vegetables, announced today that we have accepted subscriptions for a total of $260,000 at .01 cent and an additional $50,000 at .025 cents.

The Company is currently in discussions with several institutional and high net worth investors to finance the Company's first facility for commercial production of locally grown vegetables to be located on the West Island of Montreal. The Company has budgeted $2 Million US for the purchase and construction of some 44 Cubic Farming™ machines. Forty of these machines are for commercial production and four machines are for research and development (R&D) initiatives. The additional R&D machines will compliment the existing five machines in the Langley, British Columbia facility.

It is contemplated that each new R&D machine will be housed in a separate enclosure with appropriate room controls. The Company's initial objectives for these new research machines will be to reduce the growing cycle from the current 35 days and to increase the types of products the company can grow and offer to its future clients.

It is expected to take between 3 to 4 months to contract and build the machines including various leasehold improvements from the date of the closing of the financing.

Mr. Meikleham, Chairman and CFO, stated, "On behalf of the board I am pleased with the progression of our financing initiatives."

About Urban Barns Foods Inc.
Urban Barns uses patent pending proprietary equipment to produce affordable vegetables in a secure and controlled indoor environment. By setting up subsidiary facilities and growing locally, Urban Barns can focus on supplying any community, irrespective of the regional climate, effectively reducing shipping times and related spoilage costs. Urban Barns has the unique ability to scale and cater to the demands of all major communities. Our commitment to our consumers is reflected through our motto, "Purely Fresh, Naturally Tasty, and Completely Healthy." www.urbanbarns.com and www.urbanbarnsfoods.com are registered trademarks and Cubic Farming and Cubic Agriculture are copyright of Urban Barns Foods Inc. All other company and product names mentioned are used only for identification purposes and may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Forward-Looking Statements:
Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth above may be forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements. Words such as "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and similar expressions, as they relate to Urban Barns or its management, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors such as the level of business and consumer spending, the amount of sales of Urban Barns ' products, the competitive environment within the industry, the ability of Urban Barns to continue to expand its operations, the level of costs incurred in connection with Urban Barns ' expansion efforts, economic conditions in the industry and the financial strength of Urban Barns ' customers and suppliers. Urban Barns does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking statements. Investors are also directed to consider all other risks and uncertainties.

Suzanne Holbrook

Contact
Urban Barns Foods
7170 Glover Road
Milner, BC, Canada
V0X 1T0
Phone: 403-454-4022
Fax: 604-681-4760
ir@urbanbarnsfoods.com
http://www.urbanbarns.com