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
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 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
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 , 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, 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
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
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
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
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
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 24, 2012 - Bryant & Stratton College has been recognized once again by Victory Media and G.I. Jobs Magazine in the media group’s annual list of Military Friendly Schools. 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.
The list 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.
“We are proud to be recognized as a trusted education institution for many of our nation’s heroes. From military service members to veterans and their families, we strive to support those who have given so much in service to our country and we are dedicated to maintaining the best level of academics and services for our military,” said Lee Hicklin, the College’s Military Coordinator. “Our campuses offer a wide variety of resources to address the needs of these students, including the Salute to Spouses Scholarship, student veterans groups, military support staff, special programs and even a website for military spouses written by military spouses – www.salutetospouses.com.”
Bryant & Stratton College has a strong reputation with military service members, veterans and their families. 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.
To learn more about the Military Friendly School designation visit http://militaryfriendlyschools.com/.
About Bryant & Stratton College:
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. Bryant & Stratton College has campus 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 degrees, associate’s degrees and professional certificates in the fields of healthcare, technology, legal, business, & graphic design. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program and other important information, please visit http://www.bryantstratton.edu/disclosures. General information can also be found on the College’s website at www.bryantstratton.edu.
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Vietnam now has world class hotels and resorts, beaches and cuisine, in addition to its natural beauty, rich history and traditional culture. The country receives 300,000 Australian tourists yearly, and the number of tourists increases an average of 10% annually.
Hanoi, Vietnam, September 24, 2012 - Australia is a very multicultural society and many Australians are familiar with Vietnamese food and culture. Australians travelling to Vietnam are looking for a more authentic experience and seek to have a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, food, history and everyday life.
While Thailand is geared more toward mass market tourism, Vietnam is a destination that is attractive to a more selective class of travelers. Vietnam is becoming more and more recognized as a safe and favored destination for high end Australian tourists, thanks to direct and convenient flights and improvements in the tourism infrastructure.
The new slogan of Vietnam tourism, “Timeless charm”, was created with an aim to attract travelers from Australia and elsewhere, who wish to experience the country’s defining characteristics: Thrills, nature, heritage, festival, pristine, enjoyment, scenery and essence.
Australia is in a strong financial position, with unemployment easing and low interest rates, plus a strong dollar. As long as the dollar remains near its current relative value, all overseas destinations remain attractive to Australian travelers.
“Australia is a great market for us and we have beautiful products for Australian tastes and preferences, and we target the right clients with personalized products and services. We have increased the number private small groups we serve, primarily with tailor made holidays. These groups are generally either from 25 to 35 years old or 40+, the latter group having more disposable income. Australian tourists choose Vietnam for their vacations for safety, affordable prices, authenticity and convenient direct flights. With our marketing efforts and commitments, we will attract more Australian travelers who wish to experience Vietnam in style and luxury, and encourage them stay longer. Typical stays are 10 or 14 days, and in 4 and 5 star hotels. With our new representative office in Australia for the Australian and New Zealand markets, we are targeting double digit growth in this market for 2013." said Pham Ha, founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd.
Australian market is among the top ten markets of Luxury Travel Ltd. The company serves 2% of total Australian tourist arrivals in Vietnam in 2011 and enjoys an increase of 20% in visitors annually. Luxury Travel Ltd.’s booking record indicates that Australian travelers prefer Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Hoi An Ancient Town. They also want to visit Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island, the Mekong Delta and Sapa, while many also combine Vietnam and Cambodia in one trip.
“Except for AIME in Melbourne, there are no major travel trade shows in Australia, so we have joined VNAT and Vietnam Airlines in their road shows to promote our upscale products. Our representatives work hard to promote destinations, educate local travel agents, and generate public interest in Vietnam as a holiday destination. To help our travel agents and tour operators to sell our Vietnam luxury tours, I invite travel professionals to do a 10 day familiarization trip to Vietnam. Participants receive a certificate confirming their status as a ‘Luxury Travel Specialist’ after the trip." said Pham Ha. “This is the perfect way to learn more about Vietnam and some of the most dynamic new products available for 2012 – 2013. This tour blends innovative touring with hotel inspections to give agents insight into the destinations and become true luxury travel advisors."
Hanoi–based Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) has announced joint efforts with the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT) in order to promote luxury travel products in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia from 8 to 13 October, 2012. Luxury Travel Ltd. is a long established Asian specialist in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam and the Indochinese Peninsula.
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
Financial concerns continue to be the largest barrier to study abroad; while use of financial aid has increased, nearly one in five students still do not know that it is an option
Chester, PA, September 24, 2012 - Results of a recent survey from StudyAbroad.com uncovered the top decision factors, concerns and interests of prospective study abroad students. Additionally, the data revealed market growth opportunities among high school students and post-graduates, as well as areas study abroad providers can improve, such as communicating financial aid options and inquiry response time. The survey of 850 prospective study abroad students was conducted in August.
According to the survey, more than one in four respondents (27 percent) cited location as the most important factor when considering a study abroad program, followed by subject (24 percent), when the program took place (20 percent), duration (16 percent) and program format (13 percent). In terms of location, the study reports that nearly two thirds of the top 20 countries are in Europe, and five are English-speaking. The top five countries by student interest are England, Spain, France, Italy and Australia.
The research also found that though study abroad is still most popular with undergraduate students, nearly half of those interested in study abroad either haven’t been to college yet or have already graduated, suggesting a market growth opportunity. 20 percent of the students surveyed were in high school and 23 percent had already graduated college. Programs that tailor their approach to target these markets will be better positioned to respond to this opportunity.
“As the last few years have seen, international experience is increasingly attractive to employers, so more and more students – and at varying stages of their educational career – are interested in spending time abroad to gain a global perspective,” said Chuck DelCamp, product manager at StudyAbroad.com. “This survey highlights key trends and offers valuable intelligence to help study abroad providers better serve students, as well as identifies areas of opportunity.”
One area of opportunity lies in financial aid education. The survey showed that students are still most concerned about the costs of study abroad. Among those who self-identified that they were “still deciding” on a program, 62 percent listed price as their primary hesitation. However, the data also show that there is an information gap when it comes to available financial aid. Though more than two thirds of students said they planned to or already used financial aid to study abroad, 19 percent of students said they “didn’t know I could” use financial aid, when asked. There is still room to improve financial education and bridging the disconnect between student perception and the reality of paying for their study abroad experience.
Other decision-making factors that come into play when students decide where to study abroad include the program’s focus, housing, the provider’s reputation or internship opportunities. The survey also found that by directly connecting with students, program providers can help students overcome these concerns by providing additional information. 51 percent of students who chose study abroad said they had received a personal phone call, email or mailing and that timely correspondence was “very important.” The survey discovered that students who are contacted directly by a program after submitting an inquiry are 21 percent more likely to enroll in a study abroad program. This is an area where providers could improve their service by personally contacting students and offering relevant and timely information.
For more information about the study or for a copy of the report detailing the complete findings, contact Chuck DelCamp at cdelcamp@educationdynamics.com.
About StudyAbroad.com:
StudyAbroad.com is a web resource of EducationDynamics and the Internet’s leading source of information on educational opportunities for students to study in other countries. It is a comprehensive directory of study abroad and intensive language programs organized by subject and destination. Currently information on more than 13,000 study abroad programs is available and more than two million students visit StudyAbroad.com annually. StudyAbroad.com also offers first hand student reviews; destination information, a handbook serving as a guide to traveling abroad; Blog Abroad, a blog that chronicles the experiences of students as they study abroad; and financial aid and scholarship information. To learn more, visit www.StudyAbroad.com.
About EducationDynamics:
EducationDynamics is higher education’s leading marketing information and technology services company dedicated to helping institutions find, enroll and retain students. Its content-rich and highly visible education websites, including ChristianEducation.com, EarnMyDegree.com, EducationConnection.com, eLearners.com, GradSchools.com, StudyAbroad.com, TestDriveCollege.com, TestDriveGradSchool.com and its special interest microsites, make EducationDynamics the premier provider of qualified prospective students for colleges and universities. In addition, the company offers a full suite of Web-delivered services proven to drive enrollment growth and reduce student attrition, as well as other innovative solutions including LeadWatchLive, its Web-based inquiry management system. Through Aslanian Market Research, the company brings decades of proprietary research, unparalleled market and student intelligence and best practice insights to clients. For more information, visit www.educationdynamics.com.
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