NSW Wealth Creation Firm Opens Queensland Office

NSW based wealth creation firm Chase Edwards has opened a Gold Coast office to service its growing Queensland market.

Nerang, Qld, September 11, 2012 - NSW based wealth creation firm Chase Edwards has opened a Gold Coast office to service its growing Queensland market.

The company has taken the majority of level 10 in the Bundall Corporate Centre to accommodate its professional service team and telemarketing company.

Chase Edwards’ Queensland state sales manager Glenn Mayes says the move to open an office in Queensland was necessary given the company’s ever-increasing client base in the state.

“Chase Edwards has been providing wealth creation strategies for clients in NSW for over seven years now, and over the past few years we have experienced a substantial growth in Queensland,” Mr Mayes says.

“Some of this growth is no doubt as a result of the state’s strong economic base, particularly through the mining industry, however our strategies are applicable to anyone wanting a better financial future.

“Opening an office here will provide us with an on the ground presence and enable us to better service clients from Cairns down to the NSW border.”

The new office will accommodates 20 professional consultants including wealth planners, finance managers, in-home consultants and administration staff.

The Call Centre accommodates a team of 30 telemarketers, call centre manager quality control officers, confirmation managers and supervisors.

Chase Edwards provide services to pay off home loans quicker, reduce tax and create wealth for retirement.

Chase Edwards Finance holds an Australian Credit License that enables their experienced finance managers to source the products that best suit a client’s needs.

The company works closely with a number of alliance partners in areas such as finance, property management, accounting, law and financial planning.

Its strategies include home loan analysis and repayment acceleration, cash flow and debt reduction, asset building, self-managed superannuation funds and financial planning.

Chase Edwards established its first office in Newcastle, which employs 25 people.

The company maintains an authorised representative status for an Australian Financial Services License.

For all media enquiries contact Bruce Nelson on 0423 403 449.

Contact:
Bruce Nelson
Zakazukha Marketing Communications
3 Eden Court
Nerang, Qld 4211
07 5596 6634
bruce@zakazukha.com
http://www.zakazukha.com

Black Dog Promotions CEO Scott Kelly’s PR & Marketing Syndicated Column to CitiesPlanet.com’s 1 Million Readers Delivers Tips and Tirades

The Intersection of Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing & SALES, Kelly’s signature style is on full display - edgy, authentic, and always provocative.

Scottsdale, AZ, September 11, 2012 - He’s been called bombastic. Black Dog Promotions CEO, veteran media relations & digital marketing expert Scott Kelly has signed an international syndication deal with CitiesPlanet.com and its scores of local market driven websites. His weekly column, PR to PRofits: The Intersection of Public Relations, Social Media, Marketing & SALES, Kelly’s signature style is on full display - edgy, authentic, and always provocative.

Kelly, a proven multi-media marketing and public relations expert – will serve as a PR & Marketing contributor for 65 websites, giving CitiesPlanet's growing network of 1+ million readers a forum for discussion and debate, offering tips and tricks to get marketing messages into overdrive, cutting through the noise and traffic of the digital age.

But his real “secret sauce” distills the integration of tried and true sales techniques into the mix.

“I read all the PR blogs out there and quite frankly, I think we need an “old dog” to teach some new tricks. Yes – social media’s making waves, but is anyone really translating their efforts into dollar signs? I do it every day – and my partnership with CitiesPlanet.com is the perfect vehicle to bash the misinformation out there and offer up some tips people can really use. Plus, I’ll get to serve up some tirades along the way – just for fun,” said Kelly.

Kelly’s Black Dog Promotions (www.BlackDogPromotions.com ), the Arizona-based public relations, social media and digital marketing agency boasts high profile clients including the International Sportsman’s Expo, LuckyKatTV.com, NFL legend Nick Lowery and Nadine on the Scene, to name a few. Their winning strategy leverages the exacting combination of sales, advertising, multi-media exposure and good old-fashioned blood, sweat and tears, designed to deliver results.

Fred Mercaldo, Managing Partner of Cities Planet, stated, “Our team is thrilled to add Scott Kelly’s bold, brash voice and common-sense advice to our line-up. This provides great content for our readers, but also exciting marketing opportunities for our advertisers. We know Kelly’s tenured experience will speak to a range of people working to navigate marketing efforts in the ‘Wild West’ days of the digital age.”

Cities Planet (www.CitiesPlanet.com) is an online advertising media and marketing venture representing over 100 city-related websites worldwide. CitiesPlanet manages the sales, marketing, and advertising functions for every site, and spearheads all international and local partnerships.

The Cities Planet Network represents 20 states and scores of thriving international cities, including Scottsdale.com and LongBeach.com, ranging in size from quaint upscale communities to large metropolitan areas.

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

Incite Creative Builds Brands for Two Innovators of the Year Recipients

The 2012 “Innovator of the Year” award winners were recently announced and include two of Incite Creative’s clients: 1sqbox™ and Healthplan Headquarters™.

Baltimore, MD, September 11, 2012 - Each year The Daily Record recognizes Maryland’s individuals and companies that have created a product, service or process that has had a positive effect on their business, industry or community. Incite Creative is honored that two of this year’s 20 award recipients benefited from the firm’s marketing and brand building services.

1sqbox is an intuitive management system that allows teachers, students, principals and parents to communicate in real time via its state-of-the-art tablet centric application. Everything that is needed for classroom management, student learning, administrative tools and parental monitoring is housed in one central application — its all-inclusive square box. Incite Creative capitalized on the name and product concept and created a logo and an innovative business development packaging system that reinforces the company’s desired brand message.

HealthPlan Headquarters is the first of its kind in Maryland, offering insurance in a retail location where consumers can walk in and shop for their insurance coverage. Created to help individuals and employers navigate the complex world of insurance, Healthplan Headquarters offers self-service kiosks and one-on-one consultations with experienced and knowledgeable insurance specialists, as well as health and wellness resources for the community. Incite Creative helped strategically position and brand the new entity by creating its name, tagline, logo, website and targeted sales kit materials.

"Starting a new company is always overwhelming, even for those of us who've been down that road before", states Suzanne Thompson, president and founder of Healthplan Headquarters. "Determining how you want your business to be perceived and coming up with a brand identity that fits that desired perception is critical to its success. As a retail insurance company, the name "Healthplan Headquarters" and the innovative logo, marketing materials and website that Incite Creative developed for us has been huge in terms of creating brand awareness. After only two years in business, we now have three stores and have plans to open up additional stores throughout Maryland."

The Innovator of the Year awards ceremony will take place on October 24, 2012 at the American Visionary Art Museum.

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

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

Upcoming Meeting at Northwestern University/Kellogg School helps Baby Boomers Learn about Later-Life Entrepreneurship

Third in Series of Meetings to Learn About the Benefits and Opportunities of Creating a New Business

Boulder, CO, September 10, 2012 - The Center for Productive Longevity (CPL), which serves as the bridge between older people and opportunities for them to continue in productive activities, is hosting its third meeting in the “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” series on Thursday, October 11. The meeting will be held in Wieboldt Hall on the Chicago campus of Northwestern University/Kellogg School. To register and view the agenda, visit http://www.ctrpl.org/october-11-2012. Participants must be 50 and older.

The meetings are designed to facilitate a national momentum for new-business creation, which will help Baby Boomers remain productively engaged while contributing to national economic growth. AARP, the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) and CPL are sponsors of the meeting, along with other organizations.

The day will include presentations from successful entrepreneurs over the age of 50 and two rounds of interactive breakout sessions on topics relating to new-business creation and how to become an entrepreneur.

The featured speakers include:

Dr. Paul Magelli is senior director of the Academy for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He has held a number of positions at the University of Illinois, including assistant dean of the MBA program and assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

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

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

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

Carol Levy is co-owner of Material Possessions, a home décor store that has proven to be successful for nearly 30 years. In 1983, she became co-owner of Material Possessions. With her combination of entrepreneurial spirit and imaginative thinking, Carol helped expand the store to a downtown Chicago location. In 2004, she and her husband, Larry, founded the Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice at the Kellogg Graduate School of Management. They took the venture a step further in 2007 by establishing the Carol and Larry Social Entrepreneurial Lab.

The “Spotlight on Entrepreneurship Opportunities for Baby Boomers” meeting is limited to 125 participants on a first-come basis. The charge of $35 per person covers a spouse, if desired, and a post-meeting workshop on the “how-tos” of creating a new business. Registrations must be made by October 1 at http://www.ctrpl.org/october-11-2012.

A block of hotel rooms for this meeting is reserved at the MileNorth Hotel, one block away, at a discounted rate of $175.

This is one in a series of four meetings, organized by CPL. The first was held at the Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO on March 27, and the second is being held at Babson College in Wellesley, MA on September 14; the fourth meeting will be held at the University of Denver on November 15.

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

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

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

Zhanna Stavina Joins Ecotech Institute as Director of Admissions

Stavina Brings Experience and Enthusiasm to Executive Team

Denver, Colorado, September 10, 2012 - Ecotech Institute, the first and only college focused entirely on preparing America’s workforce for careers in renewable energy and sustainability, has named Zhanna Stavina as the school’s new Director of Admissions.

In her role, Stavina will lead a team of admissions associates who serve as liaisons for potential and incoming students. She will also make and maintain connections with students, organizations, guidance counselors, military liaisons and others who may benefit from an Ecotech education or partnership.

Ms. Stavina has recently served as both a director of enrollment and an instructor at the University of Phoenix in Lone Tree, Colorado. She simultaneously taught in the School of Business and Social Sciences while successfully leading a team of admissions professionals. Before joining Ecotech, she also worked as an enrollment manager and enrollment counselor, receiving accolades as a top performer. She has also worked in career services and admissions at Denver School of Massage Therapy and ITT Technical Institute.

“Zhanna’s experience and expertise is perfect for Ecotech and she’s someone who exudes enthusiasm about what we deliver to students, employers, partners and the community,” said Mike Seifert, president of Ecotech Institute. “We are delighted to have her on board and look forward to Zhanna representing our school and executive team.”

Stavina received her Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of Colorado.

“It is an honor be in a position where I can share Ecotech Institute with people who could benefit from its unique offerings,” said Stavina. “In a short time, Ecotech has proven to offer quality education, a strong community and graduates who are making a difference. I am proud to be part of the Ecotech family.”

Ecotech Institute, which is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, offers six highly practical renewable energy degree programs created with employer input that provide graduates with skills valued by today’s alternative renewable energy employers.

To learn more about Ecotech Institute, visit us online at www.ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576. The next round of classes begins in October and applications are always accepted. 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 five associate’s degrees 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 ecotechinstitute.com or call 877-326-5576.

About Education Corporation of America:
Education Corporation of America is a leader in the post-secondary career school market with current enrollment of almost 20,000 students. 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, Cosmetology, Nursing and more in 25 different cities in the following states: Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Virginia College also offers classes online and operates Culinard, the Culinary Institute of Virginia College.  ECA also operates Golf Academy of America, with locations in Phoenix, Arizona; San Diego, California; Dallas, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

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

Veritas Prep Reveals the Five Biggest SAT Prep Mistakes

Students Preparing to Take the SAT Should Avoid These Common Errors

Malibu, California, September 10, 2012 - With summer coming to a close, high school students across the nation will shift their focus to the start of the school year. For many, that also means the college application process. One critical component of college admissions is a single test: the SAT. To help students prepare for the exam, Veritas Prep, the largest global provider of test prep and admissions consulting services, has outlined the five biggest SAT prep mistakes students should avoid.

Mistake #1: Assuming that high school English and math classes sufficiently prepare you for the SAT

Reality – The average high school curriculum is not structured to prep you for standardized college entrance exams. For example, how often in school are you tested on idioms and sentence completion or given a multiple choice algebra test? The answer: almost never. But SAT questions are written that way. To excel on the exam, students must prepare specifically for the SAT.

Mistake #2: Thinking that completing an SAT prep course is all you need to do to achieve optimal results on the SAT

Reality – There is no quick and easy path to a high SAT score – to achieve the best possible results, students must be willing to put in significant time and effort to study for the test. While a prep course can offer a considerable edge by helping students learn SAT-specific strategies and techniques and build the skills the exam seeks to measure, seat time in a prep class is not enough. Students must apply the knowledge gained in an SAT prep course to solving sample questions, doing vocabulary-building exercises and taking practice tests.

Mistake #3: Preparing with third-party practice SAT questions

Reality – Students should prepare for the SAT using questions produced by the College Board, the organization that creates the exam. Official College Board practice tests are the most accurate and reliable practice materials available. Only the College Board can offer genuine SAT practice questions that are guaranteed to stay consistent with future SAT exams. Don't settle for second-rate, third party practice questions. Students can download a free College Board SAT practice test on the Veritas Prep website.

Mistake #4: Looking at answer choices before coming up with your own solution

Reality – The SAT is designed to fool unsure students. Students can avoid this issue by physically covering answer choices from sight using their hand. This helps students avoid being enticed by incorrect answer choices that SAT test writers have created as traps. Instead, students should WYPAD™ (Write Your Personal Answer Down) prior to looking at the answer choices. This gives students a concrete answer to look for without being distracted.

Mistake #5: Maintaining a clean, pristine test booklet on practice tests and test day

Reality – Unfortunately, most students have been trained in their high school classes not to write on tests because teachers often reuse them multiple times. However, the SAT is one of the few standardized exams left that is not computerized, so students should take advantage of the paper-and-pencil nature of the test and use the booklet to cross out eliminated answers, work out problems and outline their thoughts on paper instead of trying to keep track of everything on memory alone.

“Students preparing to take the SAT have the benefit of learning from the mistakes of others who have tackled the test before them,” said Shaan Patel, Director of SAT Programs at Veritas Prep and one of the few test takers in the world to achieve a perfect 2400 on the SAT. “These five mistakes are the most common errors students make – by knowing what they are, students can avoid repeating them and can prepare more effectively for the SAT.”

Patel improved his SAT score from 1760 to a perfect 2400, earned more than $237,000 in scholarships and co-authored the Veritas Prep SAT 2400 program. Recently, McGraw-Hill published his book, “SAT 2400 in Just 7 Steps.”

Veritas Prep is the largest global provider of test prep and admissions consulting services. Founded in 2002 by graduates of the Yale School of Management, Veritas Prep offers its live classroom GMAT prep course in more than 90 cities worldwide and as an interactive online course available to students everywhere. Its Veritas Prep SAT 2400 course is available as a classroom course, live online, on demand in high definition or in private SAT tutoring sessions and features the only zero risk, money back guarantee in the industry. Veritas Prep is currently enrolling students in its September and October Live Online SAT prep classes; the Veritas Prep SAT 2400 On Demand HD online course can be ordered at any time.

For more information, visit www.veritasprep.com/sat.

About Veritas Prep
Veritas Prep is the world’s largest provider of test prep and admissions consulting services. It offers industry-leading programs to help applicants improve standardized test scores and gain admission to the world’s most selective universities. Founded in 2002 by graduates of the Yale School of Management, Veritas Prep offers its live classroom GMAT prep course in more than 90 cities worldwide and as an interactive online course available to students everywhere. Its Veritas Prep SAT 2400 course is available as a classroom course, live online, on demand or in private tutoring sessions and features the only zero risk, money back guarantee in the industry. In addition, Veritas Prep offers admissions consulting services for applicants seeking entry into competitive business schools, law schools, medical schools and other graduate programs. For more information, visit veritasprep.com.

Contact:
Lindsey (Mikal) Read
CSG PR
3225 East 2nd Avenue
Denver, CO 80206
937 408 9321
lread@csg-pr.com
http://www.csg-pr.com

Luxury Travel Announces its Best Selling Multi Country Indochina Tour in August

This best selling Vietnam and Cambodia tour lasts 16 days which helps visitors to see the top highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, discover highlight destinations, stay in the n trendiest hotels and resorts, as well as experience the finest cuisine.

Hanoi, Vietnam, September 10, 2012 - This best selling Vietnam and Cambodia tour lasts 16 days which helps visitors to see the top highlights of Vietnam and Cambodia, discover highlight destinations, stay in the n trendiest hotels and resorts, as well as experience the finest cuisine.

Luxury Travel Ltd. (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) has served the luxury travel industry for many years, and their staff has acquired first-hand knowledge about the luxury travel market in Vietnam. They have visited their recommended destinations, and have personally checked out the finest hotels, resorts and restaurants designed for discriminating travelers.

“With this tour you will discover two magnificent countries in Southeast Asia. At the beginning you will discover Hanoi with its beautiful boulevards. You are heading to the World Heritage Site of the Halong Bay and the ancient capital of Hue. The next stop on your tour will be the ancient town of HoiAn, where you will have plenty of time to relax on the beach and to discover the beauty of central Vietnam. After this you will join the service at the Cao Dai Temple in South Vietnam and experience the lifestyle in the Mekong Delta, before you continue your tour to Phnom Penh. Visiting Siem Reap with its unique temple Angkor Wat.” Says Pham Ha, Founder and 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.”

For booking, visit http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/EN/Vietnam_Cambodia/Vietnam_Cambodia_World_Heritage_Tour_16days.htm

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

Luxury Travel Ltd Reveals the Best Selling Packages Tours to High End Traveler

Vietnam -based Luxury Travel Ltd is a long established Asian specialist in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.

Hanoi, Vietnam, September 09, 2012 - Vietnam -based Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) is a long established Asian specialist in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel Ltd, Asia ultra-luxe private tour operator, reveals the best selling packages tours to high-end travelers to Myanmar

Discover Yangon in Depth 5 days (Yangon - Bago - Golden Rock - Thanlyin - Yangon 5 Days)

This tour allows travelers to discover the depth of Yangon and its surroundings Golden Rock. Yangon is a paradise for hunting out a variety of exotic arts and crafts. Of particular interest in the many shops of Scott Market, and of world renown, are Myanmar 's precious stones - rubies, sapphires and jade. At night time Chinatown comes alive with its pungent aromas and delicious street food. This private tour of Yangon includes the former capital's most popular highlights and neighboring destinations. All touring is with your own private guide and driver, and accommodation is at the country's best luxury hotels.

The Beauty of Bagan (Yangon, Bagan - Yangon 6 Days)

This tour, focusing on the awe-inspiring temple complex of Bagan, suits travelers with limited time in Myanmar. Founded as a kingdom in 1044, Bagan is home to thousands of temples, pagodas, stupas and ruins, making it one of the richest archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. The extraordinary temples at Bagan (all 2,230 of them) are a sight to rival Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu, but are far less visited. Travelers to Myanmar can view the unique and enchanting view of the 11th century ruin as it has never been seen before by ballon.

Essential Myanmar 6 days (Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Inle Lake 6 days)

On this Essentials Myanmar tour, travelers will discover the best places in Yangon-Bagan-Mandalay-Inle Lake in a very short time. This luxury tour through Myanmar emphasizes the cultural heritage of the nation - its unspoiled landscapes and ancient temples.

Treasures of Myanmar(Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay - Yangon 7 Days)

The itinerary includes the three most important cultural and mystical destinations in Myanmar: Yangon, Bagan, and Mandalay. The country is rich in history and culture, yet relatively untouched by tourism. Now is definitely the time to visit for whom prefer to travel independently and prefer the luxury of privacy over joining traditional tour groups.

Highlights of Myanmar (Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay, Pindaya, Inle Lake - 9 Days)

This classic best selling tour of Myanmar begins in the capital, Yangon (Rangoon). For a glimpse of Myanmar, there isn't a more eye-opening destination than this mysterious country, which only began allowing Western travelers across its borders in recent years.

Luxuries Cruise and Essentials Highlighst of Myanmar (Yangon, Bagan, Road to Mandalay Cruise, Inle Lake - 10 Days)

This tour combines the highlights of Myanmar with several days on the Ayeyarwady River aboard the legendary Road to Mandalay, an Orient Express cruise. Embarcation at Mandaly for a couple of nights you then fly to Heho for a 3 night stay. This is a land where holy men clad in traditional longyi are revered, thousands of ancient, religious stupas rise out of flat plains and floating-village life ebbs and flows upon Inle Lake.

Discover the Charm of Myanmar 12days (Yangon-Bagan-Mount Popa- Salay- Mandalay-Kalaw-Inle Lake 12 days)

On this tour travelers will explore the must see destinations and cruise in style from Bagan to Mandalay, experience the charm of Myanmar in just 12 days.

"We have checked carefully the finest hotels, cruises and restaurants in each destination, we are delighted that all our Myanmar tours have been so well designed, received and have sold so well for the most discerning travelers. Myanmar is really rich in history and culture yet relatively untouched by tourism. Now is definitely the time to visit, while you can still see the exquisite temples and other sites with very few others around. Our itineraries showcase the country's highlights but our luxury travel advisors can tailor-make any travel experiences in Myanmar your clients want, incentive, adventures, photography tours, private jet., you name it, we make it happen" Henry, Tour Manager, Luxury Travel Ltd Myanmar.

Luxury Travel Ltd is a long established specialist in luxury privately guided and fully bespoke holidays in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand. Luxury Travel is excellent in designing tailor-made tours and providing unique travel experiences to fulfill the most sophisticated traveler's expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd won numerous travel awards for excellent performance including the most recent award: Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.

For more information, contact Myanmar@luxurytravelvietnam.com or visit
www.luxurytravelvietnam.com

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

Universal Companies Continues to Make Progress with Renaissance Schools

In Two Years Universal Bluford & Universal Daroff Achieve Adequately Yearly Progress (AYP)

Philadelphia, PA, September 09, 2012 - Universal Companies, one of the nation’s largest, community and housing development organizations which also manages a number of public schools, recently achieved Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) with two of its Renaissance Schools: Universal Bluford and Universal Daroff. Both of these schools were a part of the School District of Philadelphia’s (District) Renaissance Initiative, a program to transform chronically poor performing schools. The District converted these schools to charters under private management with the goal of eliminating the opportunity and achievement gaps that these schools have created for their communities and thousands of young people.

Working with the District, the community, and the parents, Universal began the transformation of Universal Bluford and Daroff only two years ago and have consistently increased academic performance; student attendance; and has significantly reduced disruptive behavioral incidents. Universal Bluford saw a significant increase in grades 3 – 5 and 6 – 8 in proficiency levels in math and reading and a record student attendance of 91.4%. Universal Daroff saw the same increases in grade level with a record student attendance of 93.4%.

In addition to Universal Bluford and Daroff, many of Universal's goals were also achieved for its other renaissance schools, both under Universal management for the past school year: Universal Audenried High School and Universal Vare Middle School. Universal has begun the transformation process at these schools by improving academic performance and standardized test scores; increasing student attendance; significantly reducing disruptive behavior; and attaining an 84% graduation rate for nearly 140 seniors. Moreover, Universal Audenried was removed from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s "Persistently Dangerous Schools" list in accordance with the Federal "Unsafe School Choice Option". In addition to Universal’s Renaissance schools, Universal Institute Charter School continues to make annual academic progress with its seventh straight AYP designation with another graduating class of students going to the elite high schools in the City.

“While we celebrate these reports, we have so much work to do to change and ultimately eradicate the "opportunity and academic" gaps that these children, families, and communities have endured for way too long. Universal remains optimistic about the progress of these schools and remain committed to the holistic approach in rebuilding our schools, students and communities,” stated Rahim Islam, President/CEO.

Universal’s education vision is to prepare each child for meaningful participation in a 21st century society as productive global citizens. There are many factors that Universal incorporates into its Education Model, which include: highly qualified administrators and teachers who implement research based curriculum and best practices in instruction; a high attention and respect for the school culture and climate; a true partnership with the School Advisory Council (SAC), parents, and community; and the full implementation of the Universal Family and Student Resource Center (FSRC) at each school, which focuses on addressing all students at- risk and families in crisis. The FSRC also provides enrichment services to families and neighboring community residents. The FSRC empowers parents and neighbors with the tools to support their family as well as their children’s pursuit of education.

To learn more about Universal Companies, feel free to visit the official website at www.universalcompanies.org or call (215) 732-6518.

About Universal:
Universal Companies is a not-for-profit community and housing development and education management corporation formed under the direction of one of Philadelphia’s greatest talents, world-renowned lyricist, composer, producer, and philanthropist, Mr. Kenneth Gamble – who continues to serve as its Chairman. Since 1993, under the leadership of its President and CEO Rahim Islam, Universal has been building the organizational capacity to challenge and reverse the effects of urban decline and has become one of the largest and most successful community revitalization movements in the history of the city of Philadelphia.

Working in several Philadelphia neighborhoods and neighborhood in other cities, Universal has built more than 1,500 units of affordable and market rate housing and currently manages six K-12 charter schools, with nearly 4,000 students enrolled. Universal operates five school based Family and Student Resource Centers and has begun its launch of a "comprehensive" wellness initiative that will not only deliver quality health services, but also addresses the inferior health infrastructure (i.e. proper health education, access to healthy foods, etc.) that exists in our community. Since its inception, Universal has been a conduit for over $1.3 billion of urban investment and employs nearly 500 professionals with expertise in education, real estate, urban planning, finance, social services and preventative health.

Contact:
Devon M Allen
Universal Companies
800 South 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-732-6518
Devon.Allen@verizon.net
http://www.universalcompanies.org

Universal Companies Expands Operations to Milwaukee & announces Appointment of Ronn Johnson to Executive vice President of Education for Midwest Region

Universal Companies (Universal), founded by music mogul Kenneth Gamble, is a national non-profit community and housing development and education management organization which is headquartered in the city of Philadelphia, expands its operations to the city of Milwaukee and Midwest region.

Philadelphia, PA, Septemeber 08, 2012 - Universal Companies (Universal), founded by music mogul Kenneth Gamble, is a national non-profit community and housing development and education management organization which is headquartered in the city of Philadelphia, expands its operations to the city of Milwaukee and Midwest region.

In July 2012, Universal’s President/CEO, Rahim Islam, appointed Ronn Johnson to the position of Executive Vice President of Education for the Midwest Region. In this role, Johnson will provide the necessary leadership to expand Universal Family of Schools’ educational footprint in the cities of Milwaukee, Chicago, St. Louis, and Detroit. Working with the Milwaukee Public School District, Universal has begun the approval process and hopes to open its first charter school in Milwaukee in September 2013.

“We chose Milwaukee because it feels like home. It is similar in many ways to the neighborhoods where we currently achieve promising results in Philadelphia – neighborhoods characterized by disinvestment, unacceptably high rates of crime and poverty. Ronn’s track record of achievement, educational prowess and exemplary leadership is exactly what we need to expand our community services throughout urban centers in the Midwest,” stated Rahim Islam.

Johnson was formerly the Vice President of Education for the YMCA and founder of the YMCA Young Leaders Academy Charter School for the College Bound, one of the highest achieving Milwaukee area schools. Johnson is currently completing his dissertation for a doctoral degree in Urban Education from Columbia University’s Teacher’s College in New York City. Ronn Johnson brings over 25 years of experience to Universal Companies.

Universal Expands to Milwaukee & Midwest
“I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to lead a cutting edge educational program within the YMCA. The experience was priceless! As I look forward to the final 20 years ahead of me in education, I am honored to have a new opportunity to expand quality education opportunities for more young people in urban areas. This is really not an ending or a beginning for me – it’s merely a continuation of shaping the lives of our future”, said Johnson.

To learn more about Universal Companies and its expansion to the city of Milwaukee and Midwest region, feel free to visit the official website www.universalcompanies.org or call (215) 732-6518 or 414-233-8173.

Contact:
Devon M Allen, 267-258-6861, Devon.Allen@verizon.net

About Universal:
Universal Companies is a not-for-profit community and housing development and education management corporation formed under the direction of one of the city of Philadelphia’s greatest talents, world-renowned lyricist, composer, producer, and philanthropist, Mr. Kenneth Gamble – who continues to serve as Chairman. Since 1993, under the leadership of its President and CEO Rahim Islam, Universal has been building the organizational capacity to challenge and reverse the effects of urban decline and has become one of the largest and most successful community revitalization movements in the history of the city of Philadelphia.

Working in several Philadelphia neighborhoods and neighborhood in several other cities, Universal has built more than 1,500 units of affordable and market rate housing and currently manages six K-12 charter schools, with nearly 4,000 students enrolled. Universal operates five school based Family and Student Resource Centers and has begun its launch of a "comprehensive" wellness initiative that will not only deliver quality health services, but also addresses the inferior health infrastructure (i.e. proper health education, access to healthy foods, etc.) that exists in our community. Since its inception, Universal has been a conduit for over $1.3 billion of urban investment and employs nearly 500 professionals with expertise in education, real estate, urban planning, finance, social services and preventative health.

Contact:
Devon M Allen
Universal Companies
800 South 15th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19146
215-732-6518
Devon.Allen@verizon.net
http://www.universalcompanies.org

Luxury Thailand Holiday on Sales for Christmas and New Year

Luxury Travel Ltd Promotes 10 day Essentials Highlights of Thailand for luxury travelers to experience the wonders of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui.

Hanoi, Vietnam, Septemeber 08, 2012 - Luxury Travel Ltd (www.luxurytravelvietnam.com) Promotes 10 day Essentials Highlights of Thailand for luxury travelers to experience the wonders of Thailand: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket or Koh Samui.

This tour features the best of Thailand's cities, rural countryside, and beautiful beaches, with an emphasis on regional culture, history, arts and cuisine.

Begin with comprehensive touring in Bangkok. With your own private guide, enjoy a fascinating, private long-tail boat tour through Bangkok's canals.

Spend several days in rural Chiang Mai in northern Thailand at one of Asia's most luxurious and atmospheric resorts, surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies.

Next, fly to one of the islands of the south (Phuket or Koh Samui) and enjoy several days at one of Thailand's leading luxury resorts.

Return to Bangkok for some last minute shopping or touring before departing Thailand.

"This tour features the best of Thailand's cities, rural countryside, and beautiful beaches, with an emphasis on regional culture, history, arts and cuisine. Accommodation is at Thailand's most highly regarded luxury resorts and hotels, and private touring is with expert local guides who provide exceptional insight and connection to the local people and culture. You'll have a once in a life time experience in Thailand." says Pham Ha, Founder and 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."

http://www.luxurytravelvietnam.com/EN/thailand/packages/culture-and-art-tours/essential-highlights-of-thailand-10-days.htm

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

Bill Ringle Interviews Shark Tank's Barbara Corcoran on My Quest for Best

Bill Ringle, America’s Business Growth Strategist, talked with Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and author of Shark Tales, about entrepreneurship for the interview show My Quest for the Best.

Philadelphia, PA, Septemeber 06, 2012 - Business growth strategist Bill Ringle interviewed Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and bestselling author, for My Quest for the Best. In this interview series, Ringle speaks with successful industry experts and outstanding business leaders about their strategies for reaching and influencing significant target audiences, innovative business leadership, breakthrough moments in their career, and the important business and life lessons they've gained along the way.

Barbara Corcoran is the Founder of The Corcoran Group and the real estate contributor for NBC’s TODAY Show, where she comments weekly on trends in the real estate market. She’s also a star on ABC’s reality hit Shark Tank, on which she buys young businesses and shepherds them to success. Corcoran is a motivational speaker, as well as the author of several books, including If You Don’t Have Big Breasts, Put Ribbons on Your Pigtails, an entertaining business book that has become a national bestseller, and Nextville, Amazing Places to Live Your Life. Her latest book, Shark Tales, hit the #1 business book ranking on Amazon.

Corcoran’s conversation with Bill Ringle on My Quest for the Best provided a unique perspective on entrepreneurship. She discusses what skills and personality traits angel investors look for in entrepreneurs, what female entrepreneurs need more of in order to stand out and be successful, and the one characteristic that has no substitute in business (or in life). She also talked about the role of luck in business and what people must do to capitalize on that luck.

“In our interview, Barbara shares both the difficult struggles she faced to build her business in the cutthroat Manhattan real estate market as well as behind-the-scenes stories and observations about entrepreneurs seeking to build their businesses today,” explains Bill Ringle. “Listening to Barbara tell her story is inspiring and instructive.”

Bill Ringle, America’s Business Growth Strategist, is founder of the Rapid Rise Business Growth SystemTM, the proven step-by-step system that shows you exactly how to connect and do business with your ideal customers in record time. He works with high performing entrepreneurs and CEOs who want to overcome the five big challenges to business growth so that they can run profitable and rewarding business rather than become stuck and overwhelmed in unfulfilling and draining roles. He has worked on four continents, is the author of four business books, and inspires and educates thousands of business leaders each year through his speaking, coaching, interactive programs, and products.

To listen to Bill Ringle's interview with Barbara Corcoran, visit www.BillRingle.com/MQ4B-interview-Barbara-Corcoran. To learn more about Barbara Corcoran, visit her website, www.BarbaraCorcoran.com.

Contact:

Meredith Hegg

My Quest for the Best

491 Baltimore Pike, Suite 209

Springfield, PA 19064

610-626-0175

pr@learnwell.com

http://www.billringle.com/MQ4B-interview-Barbara-Corcoran

What is CrossFit? Experience the CrossFit Style Workout with North Rim CrossFit Chico, California

North Rim CrossFit Chico is a new gym in Northern California that uses the CrossFit method. CrossFit is designed for people who desire a higher level of health and fitness in their life. North Rim CrossFit Chico offers customized workouts for people who just want to commit to a healthy lifestyle or for those who are looking for a more competitive approach.

Chico, CA, September 6, 2012 (Straight Line PR) -- North Rim CrossFit Chico is a CrossFit gym in Chico, California that offers traditional CrossFit style workouts consisting of core strength and conditioning. North Rim CrossFit Chico follows the CrossFit method of encouraging effort in the areas of diet, metabolic conditioning, gymnastics, weight lifting and throwing, and sport.

"At North Rim CrossFit Chico each person receives the same training. We just vary the weight and intensity according to skill level," said owner Ryan Hignell. "We use times and benchmark workouts to track each individual's progress."

North Rim CrossFit Chico practices the CrossFit method ( http://www.northrimcrossfit.com/what-is-crossfit ) which is designed to provide clients with workouts that reach 10 separate fitness domains:

* Cardiovascular and Respiratory Endurance

* Stamina

* Strength

* Flexibility

* Power

* Speed

* Coordination

* Agility

* Balance

* Accuracy

"Community is a huge part of the CrossFit way at North Rim CrossFit Chico," Hignell explains. "We work together even if we are at different levels, to make it more fun and interesting."

An example of a Workout of the Day or "WOD" at North Rim CrossFit Chico can be viewed on the club's blog ( http://www.northrimcrossfit.com/workout-of-the-day ). A typical workout lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour because the intensity of training that optimizes physical conditioning is not sustainable beyond an hour. Members are encouraged to attend a regular class a minimum of three days a week.

A North Rim CrossFit Chico gym membership includes unlimited CrossFit classes and access to the gym whenever it is open. ( http://www.northrimcrossfit.com/schedule ) Every person is seen as an athlete because being healthy is synonymous with being an athlete. North Rim CrossFit Chico invites anyone who is interested to come down to tour the gym and meet the owner and trainers. The first class is free.

Contact North Rim CrossFit Chico online at http://www.northrimcrossfit.com/contact/ for more information about the CrossFit method or call 530-487-4374.

According to the CrossFit Journal, gyms that are CrossFit affiliates are "part of a charter agreement that offers the affiliate owners the opportunity to earn a professional wage while running their own business and supporting the greater community... and CrossFit is fully committed to supporting each and every affiliate."

About North Rim Cross Fit Chico:

North Rim CrossFit Chico is committed to the CrossFit training method of core strength and conditioning designed to help customers optimize their physical competence and reach individual fitness goals. North Rim CrossFit Chico is dedicated to providing the best CrossFit training and technology in a disciplined, safe, and orderly environment. North Rim CrossFit Chico values helping each customer achieve desired results through carefully designed workouts customized to individual fitness levels. Contact North Rim Cross Fit Chico online at http://www.northrimcrossfit.com/contact/ for more information or call 530-487-4374.

Press Contact:

Half a Bubble Out Media

680 Rio Lindo Ave.

Chico, CA 95926

(530) 345-8295

habomedia@gmail.com

http://www.halfabubbleout.com

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

Contact:

Dave Lockman

Rich Content

9734 Lincoln Lane

Blaine, WA 98230

360.312.4312

dlock@richcontent.tv

http://www.RichContent.com