HealthEdSolutions.com Highlights State-Specific Career Resources and Health Trends; Pennsylvania and Illinois Featured

Leading Provider of ACLS Certification Releases Free Online Resources for Pennsylvania and Illinois Paramedics and EMTs

Lincoln, NE, December 06, 2011 - Health Education Solutions, a leading provider of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) online courses and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) online certification, today released a new online special section: Career Resources and Health Trends: Pennsylvania (PA) and Illinois (IL). This series of articles featuring health trends, Illinois and Pennsylvania healthcare career outlook data, and training resources is available for free at healthedsolutions.com.

“In Health Education Solutions’ online courses for PALS and ACLS certification, Illinois, Pennsylvania and other healthcare professionals and first responders can learn valuable skills and advance their careers with industry-focused resources and convenient online certification courses,” said Melissa Marks, president of Health Education Solutions.

The resource section is free and available for individuals seeking information about ACLS classes or PALS certification, Pennsylvania (PA) and Illinois (IL) healthcare professionals or anyone who simply wants to be prepared to provide care in an emergency situation.

Health Education Solutions has also released ACLS practice tests to help healthcare providers and first responders prepare for the ACLS certification or recertification exam. The free ACLS practice quiz offers three five-question sample tests. A full ACLS certification practice test and an ACLS recertification practice exam, both complete with 50 timed multiple-choice questions, are available for $35. A portion of this fee can be applied to the purchase price of the full certification course. A practice test is available at http://www.healthedsolutions.com/courses/acls-certification-practice-test.

For more information about PALS and ACLS courses, health trends in Pennsylvania and Illinois and practice exams, please visit healthedsolutions.com.

About Health Education Solutions

Health Education Solutions (HES) is a leading provider of continuing education solutions for healthcare professionals. HES, a subsidiary of Nelnet Inc. (NYSE: NNI), offers ACLS and PALS courses developed in partnership with medical faculty at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Contact:

Shannon Fern

CSG|PR

3225 East 2nd Avenue

Denver, CO 80206

303.433.7020

sfern@csg-pr.com

http://www.healthedsolutions.com

FRA highlights Positive Forestry Report from UK

A new report highlighting the strength of the forestry market in the UK over the past year has been highlighted by Forestry Research Associates (FRA) as another reason to invest in timber.

Bainbridge Island, WA, December 06, 2011 - A new report highlighting the strength of the forestry market in the UK over the past year has been highlighted by Forestry Research Associates (FRA) as another reason to invest in timber.

The report from property firm Savills and UPM Tilhill, published earlier this week, claims that timber prices are expected to be largely unaffected by the wider economic crises taking place in the Eurozone and the UK. “This report adds weight to the argument for putting some cash into alternatives that are less likely to correlate with wider economic trends,” stated Peter Collins, an analyst with FRA, a research and analysis consultancy that has a special interest in forestry investment and sustainable forestry.

The report highlights the rise in value of forested land in the UK, showing that purchasing forest land is a good way to diversify an investment portfolio to protect it against risk. This is particularly relevant at a time when stocks and shares are so volatile and investors are looking for safe havens for their money over the long and medium term.

This is according to FRA, which supports various forms of forestry investment, from buying forested land in the UK as a property investment, to buying areas of plantation land in Brazil, through managed forestry firms like Greenwood Management.

George McRobbie the forestry operations director at UPM Tilhill said, “We recorded a surge in forest values with an average of £4,650 per stocked hectare being attained, the highest level since our survey started and 34 per cent, some £1,174, up on 2010.”

He added, “This is equivalent to an annualized increase of 13.7 per cent since 2003. Optimism is clearly strong and overall the market is rising, backed by clear investor confidence and strengthening timber prices.”

Savills added that these value increases, along with the tax advantages of investing in timber, will continue to attract people to timber as an asset class.

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

GeoSurf, the Premium Proxy Solution for Smartphones, Partners with Epic Direct, the Largest Performance-Based Network

Epic’s 45,000+ publishers will now be able to monitor and validate geo-targeted advertising via the world’s fastest and most secure proxy network on iOS and Android devices.

New York, NY, December 06, 2011 - GeoSurf and Epic Direct Network announced this morning their partnership, which will enable 45,000 Epic publishers to keep control of their campaigns while on the go during the holidays and throughout the year.

GeoSurf enables users to Surf Locally . . . without being local by connecting to a worldwide network of fast, secured proxy servers in 80+ global locations, including 25 United States demographic market areas. Through the GeoSurf premium proxy solutions, users can experience the internet and interact with web content as local users do. For instance, a user in New York can view websites and localized advertising as a user does in Germany, Australia, China, or Chicago.

“Our publishers realize that geotargeting their ads is a sure-fire way to increase conversions,” says Audrey B. Breheney, Senior Director, Epic Advisor Division & Network Marketing. “GeoSurf enables publishers to ensure their ads are displayed properly in other areas of the world while being able to research and profile new advertisers and markets. As a whole, it could dramatically increase the number of campaigns run while positively impacting a publisher’s overall business results.”

“Epic’s publishers have been benefitting and profiting from our toolbar for a long time. We are happy to now welcome them with this special promotion the entire GeoSurf product suite, especially GeoSurf for Smartphones. We are sure that their use of these tools will further improve their performance and compliance.” says GeoSurf’s Oren Zafrir, VP, Sales & Business Development.

Epic Direct Network has partnered with GeoSurf to offer holiday promotions on the GeoSurf product suite to publishers who sign up through December 31, 2011. Details about signing up as an Epic publisher can be found on Epic’s company’s website, epicdirectnetwork.com. Details about the GeoSurf products can be found on GeoSurf’s site at geosurf.com.

About Epic Direct Network:

Epic Direct is a division of the Epic Media Group and is the company’s flagship performance-based ad network focused primarily on customer acquisition and pay-for-performance online advertising campaigns. With over 45,000 publishers, Epic Direct is the largest network of its kind worldwide resulting in an ability to drive the best performance for advertisers and publishers/affiliates. Epic Direct supports campaigns across all channels through search engine marketing, web/display, social media, email and more.

About GeoSurf:

GeoSurf™ is product suite that enables users to get the local perspective from more than 80 global locations. It is often used by online media professionals (agencies, buyers, campaign managers, sales, affiliates, QA, and compliance teams) to view geo-targeted ads and web content. This way, they can easily validate and monitor campaigns, see who is bidding on localized ad placements, generate new sources of business, and enhance current marketing activities. It is straight-forward and easy-to-use. The company’s commitment is to extraordinary customer service for its customers. The products: browser toolbars, VPN connection, Direct Connect by API, and a Smartphone Solution grant access to a broad worldwide network of servers that provide premium proxy service. All of the servers on the network are owned by the company, thereby making them fast, secure, and reliable.

Contact:

Lital Barkan

BIScience ltd.

11 HaAhim MiSlavuta

Tel Aviv 67010

Israel

+ 972-3-604-0622

Lital.barkan@geosurf.com

http://www.geosurf.com

Recent Hires Complete Ecotech Institute’s Student Services Department, Creating a Welcoming Environment for all Students

Career Services, Student Liaisons and Mentorship Programs Foster a Positive Student Experience

Denver, Colorado, December 05, 2011 - Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, today announced a growing suite of services focused on student life and success. With students coming from all walks of life across the country, Ecotech’s administration is committed to extending assistance beyond the classroom. Ecotech’s Student Services department, Career Services department and mentorship program all serve as examples of the school’s focus on fostering an engaging, well rounded experience.

As part of that initiative, Ecotech recently named Kim Stromire as Manager of Student Services. Kim and her team help students in all aspects of settling in, from the enrollment and orientation process to relocation plans for out-of-state students. Under her direction, Ecotech provides students with local and community resources, including housing information, part-time job opportunities and more. In addition, Student Services implements student activities and clubs; supervises the Military Strategy Committee and the Political Action Committee; provides campus communication tools; and offers tutoring assistance and advisement.

Under the Student Services umbrella, Ecotech also offers a unique mentorship program for students. The program, MORE (Mentoring Others Results in Excellence), is open to all first-term Ecotech students to help them acclimate into a new school – and, for many, a new city. Since more experienced students have expertise and knowledge about Ecotech, course material and the Denver Metro area, students are matched up to get the “inside scoop.”

During students’ tenure at Ecotech, they will also become acquainted with Susan Pawlak, who Ecotech recently named as its Director of Career Services. Susan is committed to matching students with renewable energy careers that fit their skills and personal assets. She is well connected with sustainable companies nationally and locally and ensures that Ecotech students are in front of hiring managers in their respective fields.

“A school is just a building without its students. We are focused on producing graduates who are fulfilled from an educational experience that meet all of their needs,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We have built a team that truly cares about every person in our diverse student body.”

To help with relocation, Ecotech has also created a relocation guide that details information about Aurora and the Denver Metro area. That guide can be found at http://www.ecotechinstitute.com/ecotech-location.cfm.

Ecotech Institute will have its first graduating class in June 2012. Ecotech, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, launched in Aurora, Colorado in April 2010 with seven highly practical degree programs and one certificate program that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online or call us at 1-877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in January 2012 and applications are being accepted now. Financial assistance is available to those who qualify.

About Ecotech Institute

Ecotech Institute is the first and only college entirely focused on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability. Launched in April 2010 in Denver, Colorado, the college offers seven associate’s degrees and a certificate program designed by experts in the industry for people seeking careers in the emerging cleantech economy. Ecotech Institute is a division of Education Corporation of America. For more information about Ecotech Institute, visit www.ecotechinstitute.com.

About Education Corporation of America

Education Corporation of America is a leader in the post-secondary career school market with current enrollment of nearly 19,000 students. The ECA website is www.ecacolleges.com. In addition to Ecotech Institute, ECA schools include Virginia College, founded in 1983, a private institution of higher education that offers non-degree and associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the areas of Health and Medical, Business, Information Technology, Interior Design, Computer Design, Culinary Arts, Cosmetology, Nursing and more in twenty different cities. Virginia College campuses are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile and Montgomery, Alabama; Jacksonville and Pensacola, Florida; Augusta, Macon, Columbus and Savannah, Georgia; Biloxi and Jackson, Mississippi; Charleston, Spartanburg, Columbia, and Greenville, South Carolina; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Richmond, Virginia; and Austin, Texas. The Virginia College website is www.vc.edu. Virginia College also offers classes worldwide via the Internet, with student services and admissions facilities in Birmingham, Alabama, and Tampa, Florida. Information about online classes at Virginia College is available at www.vconline.edu. Additionally, ECA operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College, with locations in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama; Richmond, Virginia; and Jacksonville, Florida. The website is www.culinard.com. ECA also operates Golf Academy of America, with locations in Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Orlando, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Golf Academy website is www.golfacademy.edu.

Contact:

Jenny Foust

CSG|PR

3225 East 2nd Avenue

Denver, CO 80206

303.433.7020

jfoust@csg-pr.com

http://www.ecotechinstitute.com

Allen Interactions and Global Compliance Garner Silver Award for Harassment e-Learning Course

The 2011 International Davey Awards are Announced

Charlotte, NC, December 04, 2011 - Allen Interactions, an internationally-acclaimed custom learning design, development and strategic consulting firm, and Global Compliance, a leader in corporate compliance solutions and services, won a Silver International Davey Award for an e-learning course in the Interactive Multimedia – Training category.

The award-winning e-learning course, Preventing Workplace Harassment and Discrimination is an innovative, immersive multimedia learning experience, written and approved by in-house expert advisers with proven legal experience in the field of harassment. This course utilizes the inductive approach to training, where learners are given scenarios and examples to facilitate learning new concepts, principles, and best practices. This method enables the learner to add to their prior knowledge by experiencing new situations to analyze and new problems to solve. This practice enables the learners to self assess the application of content learned.

A variety of interactive exercises in this harassment and discrimination e-learning course allows learners to:

explore situations which tend to result in common mistakes

view eye-opening perspectives on harassment in the workplace and learn what the law and policies actually say and mean

distinguish appropriate, casual behavior from inappropriate behavior

make challenging decisions and explore the specific consequences of one’s actions

The course also ensures that supervisors understand their responsibilities to respond to employee questions and concerns as well as when it is appropriate to involve Human Resources and other authorities

.

“So often harassment (or soft skills) training does not get the creative consideration needed to produce high quality learning experiences. Our partnership with Global Compliance demonstrates just how successful this approach can be,” stated Dr. Richard Sites, Tampa Studio Executive for Allen Interactions.

“Our customers are leaders in their respective fields and demand market-leading online training solutions for their employees,” said Jim Burke, CEO, Global Compliance. “We partnered with Allen Interactions to help our customers create safe and harassment free working environments with an engaged and educated workforce.”

About The Davey Awards

The Davey Awards exclusively honors the “Davids” of creativity: the finest small firms, agencies and companies in the world. David defeated the giant Goliath with a big idea and a little rock - the sort of thing small firms do each year. The annual International Davey Awards honors the achievements of the "Creative Davids" who derive their strength from big ideas rather than big budgets. The Davey Awards is the leading awards competition specifically for smaller firms, where firms compete with their peers to win the recognition they deserve.

The Davey Awards is sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, an invitation-only body consisting of top-tier professionals from a "Who's Who" of acclaimed media, advertising, and marketing firms.

About Allen Interactions

Allen Interactions is an internationally-acclaimed company focused on improving performance through powerful learning experiences. Since 1993, we have designed and developed custom e-learning and blended learning solutions addressing many different content areas for varying audiences (employees, channel partners, and customers) for many leading organizations. With multiple locations in the U.S., we have deep experience and expertise in instructional design, technology, creativity, process, and project management that allows us to create learning solutions that consistently result in positive business impact.

In addition to our service offerings, in 2011, Allen Interactions launched a revolutionary authoring and publishing platform, ZebraZapps, which allows developers and non-programmers to create rich interactive media applications easily and quickly, as well as share, publish, and sell objects or entire applications.

About Global Compliance Services, Inc.

Global Compliance is the leading global provider of integrated corporate governance, risk management, and business ethics training solutions. Global Compliance also currently provides whistleblower hotline services to greater than 4,000 clients and their respective 25 million employees in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more about these compliance solutions from Global Compliance, as well as their sexual harassment training and new AB 1825 California harassment training, visit their extensive website: GlobalCompliance.com

Contact:

Erin Melton

Global Compliance

13950 Ballantyne Corporate Place | Suite 300

Charlotte, NC 28277

1-800-528-5745

erin.melton@globalcompliance.com

http://www.GlobalCompliance.com

Luxury Travel Ltd's Founder Suggests a Slogan for Vietnam Tourism

With 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Pham Ha (founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd) suggests a slogan inspired by what Vietnam has to offer and which sets Vietnam apart from other destinations in the region.

Hanoi, Vietnam, December 03, 2011 - With increasing profits from tourism, Vietnam is poised to seize the opportunity to maximize its potential as a premier destination in Asia.

For several years, Vietnam has been gradually increasing its popularity a tourist destination. With its booming economy, growing middle class and constantly improving standards of service, its profile as a bright new Asian destination has brought great rewards.

The current logo “Vietnam – the hidden charm” may be a key to further growth, and local authorities are looking for a striking rebrand which will open up the window of opportunity even further.

With 15 years of experience in the travel industry, Pham Ha (founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd) suggests a slogan inspired by what Vietnam has to offer and which sets Vietnam apart from other destinations in the region. Experience Vietnam! An Asian Charm

1. Thrills, 2. Nature, 3. heritage, 4. festival, 5. pristine, 6. enjoyment, 7. scenery, 8. essence

1. Thrills:

The thrills on offer are endless and span a wide range, including: hiking, trekking, biking, kayaking, climbing, rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, hot air ballooning, camping, yachting and more. Some of the locations where these activities can be enjoyed include: Sapa, Halong Bay, Cu Lao Cham, the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, Phan Thiet, Con Dao, the Phu Quoc Islands and many more.

2. Nature:

The nature amazes, from the green beauty of the national parks, reserves and ramsars to the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and grottoes. Halong Bay is a new seven natural wonder of the world. Discover the natural allure of Vietnam by indulging in a wide array of accommodations, tour packages and attractions at places such as Mai Chau, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang, the òCentral Highlands, Nam Cat Tien and many more.

3. Heritage:

With its long history and unique way of life, Vietnam has a rich heritage. There are many interesting and diverse sites to be found around the country. In fact, Vietnam boasts 7 world natural and cultural heritage sites, not to mention many intangible heritages.

World Heritage Site List:

My Son Sanctuary

Hoi An Ancient Town

Complex of Hue Monuments

Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long - Ha Noi

Ho Dynasty Citadel

Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park

Ha Long Bay

Other traditional elements of Vietnamese heritage:

Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs

The Space of Gong Culture in the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Nha Nhac Vietnamese Royal Court Music

Ca Tru singing

Hat Xoan Singing

4. Festivals:

Many colorful festivals can be enjoyed year round. The time after Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is especially exciting. Festivals include the Perfume Pagoda, Hung King, Kate, Lim and Giay Festivals, just to name a few.

5. Pristine:

Many pristine islands and beaches are to be found in this tropical country. Vietnam has 3620 km of coastline, with beautiful white sand beaches and world class resorts. Of these, you should not miss the stunning sand and clear waters of My Khe, Cua Dai, Nha Trang, Ninh Van Bay, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and the Con Dao Islands.

6. Enjoyment:

Holidaymakers have the choice of new and trendy boutique hotels, spas, golfing, cruises, shopping centres, restaurants and nightlife. With new luxury hotels and world class golf courses having recently opened or set to open soon, and the introduction of luxury train journeys, exclusive cruises and upscale private tours spanning the length of the country, Vietnam is fast emerging as an exciting destination in Asia.

7. Scenery:

Spectacular scenery and a diverse landscape exist from North to South. Mountains, forests, nature reserves, rivers, beaches, and islands are all here to be enjoyed. Verdant patchworks of rice paddies and pointed lampshade-style hats are just a small part of what there is to be seen in this formerly war ravaged country. Visitors will see more than the economic repression often portrayed on worldwide television and in newspapers. There is also natural beauty, a harmonious array of ethnic cultures, imperial monuments, timeless traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities.

8. Essence:

Vietnam boasts scores of traditions, lifestyles and religions. The friendly and hospitable population has been influenced by the cultures of China, France and America, and this is reflected in the country’s lifestyle, architecture, cuisine and art. Vietnam is a True Asian Charm. Experience Vietnam Now!

Contact:

David Nguyen

Luxury Travel Company

05 Nguyen Truong To Street

Ba Dinh Dist

Hanoi, Vietnam 71000

+84.4.3927 4120

phamha@luxurytravelvietnam.com

http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

Commercial Construction Projects up for Bid Announced in Florida

Over 15 new commercial construction projects are up for bid with EliteProNet, the fastest growing network for professional contractors in Florida.

West Palm Beach, FL, December 02, 2011 - Over 15 new commercial construction projects are up for bid with EliteProNet, the fastest growing network for professional contractors in Florida.

Subcontractors licensed to perform commercial work should register their information with EliteProNet online at www.elitepronet.com or call 877-656-4706. Past references must be provided for all contractors during prequalification. Some of the commercial jobs up for bid are as follows:

1. Renovation of an existing restaurant in Daytona Shores, FL

2. Interior and exterior remodel of an existing restaurant in Daytona Beach, FL

3. New construction of a precinct building at a site being leased from the school district in Pensacola, FL

4. Tenant fit out of the existing, vacant restaurant space in Pembroke Pines, FL

5. Renovation and remodeling of the existing county building in Dade City, FL

6. New construction of a large retail chain store in Gainesville, FL

7. Interior and exterior remodel to an existing restaurant in Orlando, FL

8. New construction of a recreation center in Defuniak Springs, FL

9. Tenant fit out for a building space in an existing shopping mall in Margate, FL

Awarded Subcontractor of the Week

Subcontractor: Prime Electric

Project: Renovation, demolition and addition of a Yogurtland in Peachtree City, GA

Award in the amount of: $24,000.00

EliteProNet Project Coordinator: Kyle Conlan (https://www.elitepronet.com/MeetElite/RegionalPC/Georgia)

EliteProNet provides construction projects up for bid in Florida, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., Maryland, and Delaware, North Carolina, and Georgia.

EliteProNet corporate headquarters is located at 5589 Okeechobee Blvd., Ste. 202, West Palm Beach, FL 33417. For more information please call (877) 656-4706 or click HERE! (https://www.elitepronet.com/?cp=caro)

Contact:

Carolina Davila

EliteProNet

5589 Okeechobee Blvd., Ste. 202

West Palm Beach, FL 33417

(877) 656-4706

cdavila@elitepronet.com

http://www.elitepronet.com

Coda Coffee’s Farm2Cup Program helps People Feel Good about the Coffee they Drink

Global Program Improves Quality of Coffee for Customers and Quality of Life for Farmers and their Communities

Denver, CO, December 02, 2011 - Coda Coffee, a Denver-based specialty coffee roaster and sustainable wholesaler, today announced its Farm2Cup program. The program aims to continuously improve Coda’s coffee quality and positively impact farming communities around the world. Through the Farm2Cup program, Coda Coffee invests money and works directly with coffee farmers, who then reinvest in their coffee and community. Coda expects Farm2Cup participants to use the funds they receive for research, development, experimentation, best practice sharing and sometimes inner-village or cross-community competitions to improve coffee quality. The program also requires farmers to give back to their local community. 

Coda Coffee informally implemented the program as a business practice about two years ago, but is now formalizing the program, launching www.farm2cup.org and labeling the coffee bags for customers and partners.

“By simply drinking Farm2Cup coffee, you know you’re enjoying a product that supports people around the world,” said Tim Thwaites, Coda Coffee co-founder. “In addition, the coffee exceeds taste and quality expectations because of best practice sharing and the traceability of the coffee from farm to cup.”

Farm2Cup can drastically impact the livelihood of the farmer’s family, employees and even an entire village. Coda Coffee works with farmers around the world, in countries such as Guatemala, Ethiopia, Brazil and Honduras. Some examples of how Farm2Cup funds have helped farmers and communities include:

El Salvador: Coda Coffee held fundraisers for a school in Ayutepeque, which funded a new kitchen, utensils, desks and chairs for the children. Additionally, the community is working on plans for a school library.

Guatemala: In Guatemala, Coda purchases high quality micro lots of coffee to encourage overall product improvement. The community has also held cupping competitions, where the local coffee farmers come together to have their coffee graded. The premium that Coda Coffee pays for the best coffee has helped build a road to A’Achimbal, a school, church, community center and 80 homes with electricity and running water.

Las Capucas, Honduras: Cupping competitions in Honduras also helped improve coffee quality, which increased the coffee’s price and allowed one community to build cupping labs, a wet mill and a dry mill.

Coda Coffee performs site visits and its importer, Atlas Coffee Importer, assists with annual quality control checks. The trips are to make sure that farmers are spending time and money on improving their products and communities, which allows them to stay in the Farm2Cup program.

“There is a great story behind every cup of Farm2Cup coffee,” added Tommy Thwaites, Coda Coffee co-founder. “This program helps personalize those stories and makes a global purchase feel local. A better quality of life for our farmers actually does make a better cup of coffee for our customers.”

To learn more about the program, visit www.farm2cup.org. To find Farm2Cup coffee, look for the Farm2Cup logo at coffee shops. Farm2Cup products are available where Coda Coffee is sold. To find a retail location near you that serves Coda Coffee, visit www.codacoffee.com.

Contact:

Alicia Hassinger or Jenny Foust

CSG|PR

303.433.7020

ahassinger@csg-pr.com or jfoust@csg-pr.com

About Coda Coffee

Coda Coffee Company is family owned and operated by brothers Tim and Tommy Thwaites. Originally from the Seattle area, they took different paths and reconnected in Denver, Colorado and launched Coda Coffee in 2005. Coda Coffee strives to be a corporate role model, with business practices focused on social responsibility and environmental protection. Through proactive education, advocacy, partnerships and the belief that success is reciprocal, Coda does what it takes to exceed expectations. Learn more at www.codacoffee.com.

Contact:

Alicia Hassinger

CSG|PR

3225 East 2nd Avenue

Denver, CO 80206

303.433.7020

ahassinger@csg-pr.com

http://www.codacoffee.com

AAA backs Belize as good bet for real estate investment

Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA) has produced a report on Belize that reveals there are significant opportunities for real estate investment in the ex-British colony.

Boston, MA, December 03, 2011 - Belize currently offers some great opportunities for real estate investment, according to alternative investment advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA).

The analysts at AAA claim that tourism is booming in the ex-British colony, due to its unique Caribbean atmosphere, beautiful unspoilt islands and beaches and the fact that English is the first language for most people living in Belize.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, said, “Real estate investment is a growing niche market due to the fact that so many investors are looking into alternative assets in order to diversify their portfolios to protect themselves against risk.

“Investing in property in Belize is a good move as we expect prices to rise as the tourism industry goes from strength to strength," he added.

AAA pointed out that it is important that anyone looking at buying property or land in Belize finds out about the regulations for foreigners buying in the country. Mr Johnson said that anyone buying land over a certain size will need to obtain an Alien’s Landholding License. “This rule is in place simply to protect this beautiful country from rampant and irresponsible development, which is a regulation most real estate investors will also be keen to protect," he said.

There is also the issue of tax that needs to be paid to the Belize government on the purchase of homes in Belize – but potential gains should ensure that real estate investment in the country is still profitable.

AAA supports many kinds of alternative investments, not least impact investing and investment in other ethical schemes, such as plantation projects in Brazil, run by firms like Greenwood Management. Mr Johnson explained, “There is a general sense that the South American region is up and coming and investment is rapidly being directed towards the area. However, ensuring that money goes into projects that can benefit the environment and local communities is vital.”

Contact:

Anthony Johnson

Alternative Asset Analysis

71 Commercial St

Boston, MA 02109-1320

617-939-9596

info@alternativeassetanalysis.com

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com

Family Focus Blog Wins #1 Rank for Savviest in Social Media in Top Home-Based Business National Annual Ranking

Family Focus Blog Wins #1 Rank for Savviest in Social Media in StartupNation Home-Based Business Competition

Nashville, TN, December 01, 2011 - Family Focus Blog has been recognized as one of the top home businesses in the nation by StartupNation in its annual Home-Based 100 competition.

Many of the StartupNation Home-Based 100 entries showed that people are leveraging the efficiencies and lower overhead of home-based businesses to pursue their passion and bring in income during these tight economic times.

“The 2011 ranking reveals that home business is serious business - more relevant than ever. It’s a natural response to loss of job opportunities, the need for supplemental income and the sheer passion for blazing your own trail and running your own show,” said Rich Sloan, co-founder of StartupNation.com, one of the leading small business networking and knowledge hubs online. “Home based businesses are the biggest block of all businesses in existence and we expect numbers to grow ever greater as extra bedrooms, kitchen tables, basements and garages increasingly host the innovative thinking and pursuit of success by millions of Americans.”

“I am thrilled to have received this recognition for my blog and social media has been such a fantastic tool for interacting with my blog followers and reaching new blog readers,” say Scarlet Paolicchi, founder of Family Focus Blog.

Being savvy in social media is a must for businesses seeking to build rapport and relationships in the community. Do you follow? Over 28,000 people follow Scarlet Paolicchi on Twitter @familyfocusblog.

Family Focus Blog is focused on going green and fun family activities. It's written by a stay-at-home mom blogger from Nashville who reports on family fun, eco tips, giveaways, products, and causes that a following of people find interesting. While she's based in Nashville, Paolicchi has cultivated a communication channel far beyond Tennessee.

The full results of the Home-Based 100 ranking are available on StartupNation’s website at www.startupnation.com/home-based-100/2011-winners .

For more information, press only: Karen Torres, StartupNation (248) 685-9005, kares (at) startupnation.com, Scarlet Paolicchi momswearyourtees@gmail.com at http://familyfocusblog.com

Contact:

Scarlet Paolicchi

Family Focus Blog

6141 Tuliptree Ln

Nashville, TN 37221

404-661-4163

momswearyourtees@gmail.com

http://familyfocusblog.com

Casino Lunch Launches New Affiliate Program

Casino Lunch Adds Multi-Tier Real Time Affiliate Reporting For Members

Valetta, Malta, December 02, 2011 - Casino Lunch, one of the newest online casino sites on the World Match gaming platform, is proud to announce the launch of their new affiliate program, Lunchbox Affiliates.

“It’s taken a lot of hard work by our entire team to get this done,” stated Gian Perroni, Affiliate Program Director, “but it was worth the wait as the player activity reporting is just great. Affiliates can watch their earnings grow in real time!”

“We think the name of the program is appropriate as well,” Perroni continued. “Affiliates get up and go to work every day like the rest of us, so it makes sense for them to have a lunchbox with them, and more importantly we see our lunchbox as being like a toolbox, complete with all of the tools that our affiliates need to build a successful, growing and enduring business.

Casino Lunch is now offering players over 70 different games, including 12 variations of Roulette and more than 25 different Slots games. The site is open 24/7 for both fun and real money play, and is in English, Polish, Russian, and Spanish, with additional languages coming shortly. New players are offered €1,200 in deposit bonuses, and the site has a very player-friendly VIP program in place.

Affiliates are offered a selection of tools to help them promote the site, including custom creative, dedicated bonus codes, no deposit bonus offers, and special promotions. A minimum revenue share percentage of 30% is offered to all partners, and they are provided with 365 day/year multilingual support.

In addition to the great selection of casino games, the site will be adding a new poker room shortly on the Euro Cake Network, providing poker player with world class action on an established and recognized network.

Both the casino and the pending new poker room are fully licensed by the Lotteries and Gaming Authority (LGA) in Malta, a recognized and respected online gaming licensing regulatory body. Casino Lunch provides online casino gaming to players from all countries except the U.S.

Media Enquiries

Nick Adams

care@casinolunch.com

+1.778.999.1150

About Casino Lunch

Casino Lunch (www.CasinoLunch.com) offers online players a delicious menu of licensed and regulated casino games, including roulette, slots, video poker and table games. Providing a no-download experience and attractive promotions, Casino Lunch focuses on creating the best VIP player experience online. Casino Lunch accepts players worldwide, except for those from the United States, and operates 24/7/365. Players are welcome for both free and real money action.

Contact:

Nick Adams

Casino Lunch

Level 2, Centre Point Building

Dun Karm Street

Birkirkara

Malta BKR 9037

+1.778.999.1150

care@casinolunch.com

http://www.casinolunch.com/

Network in Moderation at Holiday Social Events

Networking at holiday social events varies from general business networking. Learn the ins and outs from master networker Lillian D. Bjorseth, who gives you practical advice on how to look and act polished and professional.

Lisle, IL, December 02, 2011 - “It’s okay to network at holiday social events so long as you do it in moderation and eat and drink in the same manner,” said Lillian D. Bjorseth, business networking advisor, coach, author and president of Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.

“Whether it is office parties, neighborhood open houses, country club dances or professional organizational luncheons and dinners, keep the conversation about the event, the holidays and the other person,” Bjorseth said. “It’s even more unforgiveable to focus on yourself at social affairs than at business events.”

She advises that you also look and act professional because others are still deciding 10 things about you within 10 seconds of seeing you. Furthermore, they will carry that impression with them into the boardroom or onto the telephone when they again speak with you or about you.

“Don’t overfill your “little” plate. Snacking ahead of time can curb your appetite. Keep cold drinks out of your right hand (the one you use to shake hands!). Ice and condensation will likely make it feel cold and moist. Holding the drink in your left hand is a far better solution than wrapping a napkin around the glass. If seating is available, sit down for a few minutes to eat. When you rise again, sans foods, your hands will be free. And don’t forget to wash them before you start shaking again,” Bjorseth says.

Her other professional advice includes:

* Don’t tell off-color jokes or use crude language just because the atmosphere is more relaxed. Such behavior offends many people, including coworkers, their spouses, partners and families who can carry a lot of weight.

* Dress properly for the occasion. Find out ahead of time the appropriate dress for men and women. And, women, don’t show excessive cleavage if you want to be taken seriously in the office or want to use the event to lay the groundwork for future employment.

* Remember the behavioral basics. Exhibit good posture. Give a firm handshake. Maintain eye contact at least 85 percent of the time. Keep your gestures understated, especially in a crowded room where expansive gestures can lead to touching someone else or even spilling your food or beverage … or theirs!

Additionally, Bjorseth suggests you don’t make the head honcho your only target or feel as if you need your token minutes or two with him/her. Have longer and more meaningful conversations with those who are lower on the totem pole and aren’t besieged by everyone else. Top brass seldom gets involved in the day-to-day hiring, promotions and other managerial duties. Make a positive impression on everyone you meet so you will be memorable long after the event is over.

“Carry your business cards," Bjorseth says. “Women, keep at least a small supply in your holiday bag. If attending with a male partner, have him keep some extras in his inside suit pocket. It’s so much more professional than writing your vital information on a cocktail napkin. Hand them out only if asked.”

Bjorseth shares three final suggestions:

• Don’t press people on the spot. If you want more information, a referral or an appointment, get the person’s business card and ask if you may email or call him/her later. Networking is planting seeds. A holiday event is not the place to sell. Follow up during normal business hours.

• Don’t be the last to leave. Unless you are close personal friends with the hosts, don’t be the last to leave the neighborhood open house. Similarly, unless you have volunteered for clean-up duty, don’t be the straggler at company or organizational functions. It’s like pushing back from the table when you are still hungry: leave while you’re still making a positive impression.

• Send holiday cards. Bypass the pre-printed, sterile ones. Take the time to sign your name and write a short personal note. As appropriate, send to your clients, prospective employers and, particularly, to those people at any level who are vital links in your networking chain.

Contact:

Lillian D. Bjorseth

Duoforce Enterprises, Inc.

2221 Ridgewood Rd.

Lisle, IL 60532

630-983-5308

lillianspeaks@duoforce.com

http://www.duoforce.com

Career Webinar for Military Spouses Shows How to Land a Job Before a Base Transfer

Bryant & Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com host free webinar highlighting job search, resume and interview tips for military spouses on December 8

Buffalo, NY, December 01, 2011 - Bryant and Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com announced today a free career webinar for military spouses. The webinar, “Score a New Job Before Packing Your First PCS Box,” will be held on December 8 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. EST and highlight strategies military spouses can use to find a new job before they arrive at their next duty station.

“Maintaining a career can be challenging as a military spouse, especially while moving from base to base. This webinar is intended to show spouses how they can get a jump on the job search and securing an interview not just after the transfer, but before they even arrive at their next duty station,” said Allison Perkins, military spouse and editor of SalutetoSpouses.com. “We are excited to host this webinar as part of the available articles, discussion boards and stories available on the site every day. SalutetoSpouses.com is proud to offer a variety of education, career and life resources for military spouses.”

Kristina Saul, a military spouse and career expert, will lead the webinar. Ms. Saul has been a Navy spouse for 23 years and is a virtual event producer for Milicruit, producing online job fairs that help military retirees and their spouses connect with companies around the nation. During her husband’s career in the Navy, Ms. Saul held 13 different jobs during 12 moves, including positions in retail management, finance and non-profit organizations, as well as serving as an executive assistant to a two-star admiral’s spouse.

During the webinar, Ms. Saul will offer tips for preparing a resume, searching for a job before arriving at a duty station and landing an interview. Specific strategies will include leveraging military spouse networks to make connections, turning a house-hunting trip into a job-hunting trip, increasing a job candidate’s marketability and leveraging an overlooked asset – being a military spouse.

“This webinar will show military spouses how to not only find a job, but how to build a resume to eventually land a job they love. Moving and finding new employment can be a big undertaking, but by planning a job search before the movers pack the first boxes, a spouse can help create a career path that achieves their professional and personal goals,” said Ms. Saul.

The webinar is offered for free by Bryant & Stratton College Online and SalutetoSpouses.com. Military spouses interested in attending are invited to register at http://online.bryantstratton.edu/webinar/.

Bryant & Stratton College is proud to support the military and their families. In addition to the upcoming webinar for military spouses, the College offers a variety of other resources. Bryant & Stratton College Online created SalutetoSpouses.com, an education and career resource website for military spouses and an accompanying scholarship program that offers $6,000 toward a Bryant & Stratton College Online degree to eligible spouses of active military personnel. For enrolled students, Bryant & Stratton College Online also formed a student veterans group to make success in the classroom and workplace more attainable.

Additionally, G.I. Jobs Magazine has named Bryant & Stratton College Online Military Friendly School for 2012 and as a member of the Service members Opportunities College (SOC) consortium*, Bryant & Stratton College is also an approved institution for the training of U.S. veterans and their family in accordance with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Bryant & Stratton College is proud to be CLEP, DANTES, ECE and other SOC Colleges approved.

For more information about Bryant & Stratton College Online and its online degree programs, visit http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

*The Bryant & Stratton College-Virginia Beach campus is also a SOCNAV and SOCAD consortium member.

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 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 http://online.bryantstratton.edu.

Contact:        

Kavitha Thimmaiah

Communications Strategy Group

465 Main St # 400

Buffalo, NY 14203-1795

(303) 433-7020

kthimmaiah@csg-pr.com

http://salutetospouses.com/

AAA calls for responsible investment in response to Occupy movement

Alternative investment and impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for more social enterprise investment as called for by London-based expert, Luke Fletcher.

Boston, MA, December 01, 2011 - Alternative investment and impact investing advocacy group, Alternative Asset Analysis (AAA), has announced its support for more social enterprise investment as called for by London-based expert, Luke Fletcher.

Fletcher, of the Social Finance Group, claims that investing in social enterprise initiatives could be the most workable solution to the current unrest about the financial markets. AAA supports this claim and is looking to raise awareness of both the global impact of socially responsible investment, and the potential returns they can offer.

Writing for SocialEnterpriseLive.com, Mr Fletcher asserted that those involved in demonstrations against fat-cat wages and the general model on which global business operates, through the Occupy protests, should be focusing their efforts on promoting social enterprise as an alternative.

AAA’s analysis partner, Anthony Johnson, added, “We are keen to remind people that there is an alternative to stocks and shares and that it is possible to make a real statement against capitalism through sensible, ethical investments in social and environmental projects.”

Mr Fletcher explained, “Social impact investment is projected by JP Morgan to be at least a $400 million-$1 trillion industry over the next decade.” He added that the City of London needs to realise this potential and leverage its strength to move to the forefront of this emerging asset class.

AAA promotes impact investing as a means of making strong returns while steering cash injections in a direction that is positive for developing countries, vulnerable communities and the environment. Some ethical alternatives have already caught on in the mainstream, such as forestry investments through firms like Greenwood Management, which manages sustainable forestry plantations in Brazil. However, more needs to be done, claims AAA.

AAA joins Luke Fletcher and many others involved in social enterprise, in hoping that the Occupy movement triggers a change in attitude, among investors in general, towards more responsible and fair investment choices.

Contact:

Anthony Johnson

Alternative Asset Analysis

71 Commercial St

Boston, MA 02109-1320

617-939-9596

info@alternativeassetanalysis.com

http://www.alternativeassetanalysis.com