Atlanta, GA  (Profitable.com)  AppointmentCity, an online platform to find and book dental appointments nationwide has now added other healthcare providers including General Practitioners, Pediatricians, and Surgeons as well as Chiropractors, Massage Therapists, Personal Trainers and even Veterinarians. The planned expansion into other areas of healthcare is a direct result of their success in the dental world where AppointmentCity signed up over 3,000 dentists across the country with available appointments and then matched the dentists with thousands of patients.

The AppointmentCity platform provides patients with an easy way to find providers near where they live and to understand more about them beyond their name, address and phone number. More specifically, it allows patients to book an appointment 24/7 so they do not need to deal with phone trees and closed offices. For providers, it gives them a way to market their open hours, especially in a competitive healthcare environment where every patient is important. It is an extremely effective new patient engine.

“We are excited to begin serving the other healthcare professions after having initially focused on the world of dentistry,” says Sherwin Krug, Founder and CEO of AppointmentCity. “We believe we are filling an important need for patients who typically have no visibility into their doctor’s schedule and are also bringing a much needed service to healthcare providers that are facing continued pressure to keep their practices on a growth track. At a time where we pretty much do everything online including book flights, hotel rooms and restaurant reservations, booking healthcare appointments is an even bigger time saver.”

AppointmentCity enables prospective patients to:

Find a local doctor, dentist or healthcare provider
Review their profiles including ratings, photos and insurance they may accept
See open appointments and book online 24/7

AppointmentCity enables provides providers to:

Market their open appointments 24/7
Fill openings in their schedule
Increase their revenue

Joining AppointmentCity is easy. There is no software to buy or install. For both patients and providers, it only takes a few minutes to sign up. AppointmentCity is completely free to patients and offered at a very low cost to service providers. Check out www.appointmentcity.com for more details.

About AppointmentCity

AppointmentCity.com is an online service for patients and prospective patients who are looking to find an appointment with the right healthcare service provider and to make an informed decision before even stepping into the provider’s office. AppointmentCity.com does this through a real-time scheduling application, online profiles which showcase a provider’s specialty, education and qualifications and a provider rating system. The system also helps service providers grow their practice, reduce cancellations and provide that extra level of convenience to their patients and clients. Find, click and book an appointment, online, instantly. www.appointmentcity.com

Chicago real estate firm Dream Town Realty announces that Ben Bodelson has joined the company. Mr. Bodelson started with Dream Town at the end of June. He offers buying and selling services for residential real estate. 

CHICAGO, IL  (Profitable.com)  Dream Town Realty, a frontrunner in the Internet real estate market in Chicago, announces the addition of agent Ben Bodelson to the company’s team of residential real estate consultants. Mr. Bodelson joined the brokerage in late June.

Dream Town is a 12-year-old realty firm recognized for its innovative use of online technology and propriety systems. Area realtors are attracted to the brokerage’s automated agent services and extensive website (www.DreamTown.com). DreamTown.com was voted the city “favorite” by a poll of local professionals conducted by Chicago Agent magazine in late 2009. The brokerage has since launched another generation of its award-winning site with even more advanced features and home search applications.

“In this day and age, you need to have a stellar online presence to both sell homes and serve buyer needs. That’s one of the reasons I was drawn to Dream Town,” Mr. Bodelson says. “They have amazing administrative systems that literally take care of all my marketing requests with a simple click of a button so my time is freed up to spend with clients and attend to my listings.”

Customer satisfaction is a key element of Dream Town’s business model. The company has stood by its “Risk Free Service Excellence Guarantee” for years, which promises a thousand dollars to any client who is not completely satisfied with their agent’s service, provided it is submitted in writing within seven days of closing. See full detail of the Service Excellence Guarantee at http://www.dreamtown.com/guarantee.jsp

“At the end of the day, it’s all about how happy your client is,” Mr. Bodelson expounds. “Does your first-time buyer feel confident that they found their dream home? Is your seller comfortable with the price and terms of the sale? What can I do to make this the absolute best experience for every individual client? If that means seeing 30 properties to find The One or showing a listing 30 times to snag a new owner, it’s all worth it to me!”

Mr. Bodelson has resided in Chicago most of his adult life. He is familiar with the city’s many culturally, architecturally and historically diverse neighborhoods. He has personally bought, sold and lived in a number of different communities. Through his own background and professional expertise, Mr. Bodelson has built up an extensive knowledge of Chicago that helps him locate the perfect home to suit his buyers’ priorities and effectively target market properties for his sellers. Mr. Bodelson also has a practiced eye for staging a home and is a valuable negotiator on his clients’ behalf.

Mr. Bodelson’s previous work in design, marketing and sales gives him a well-rounded and extremely useful platform on which to extrapolate his realtor duties. He has a remarkable awareness of Chicago buildings and a knack for assessing the potential of any property for both buying and selling prospects. He couples that skill with an innate sense for sales to offer first-rate listing services and negotiation strategies.

Mr. Bodelson is one of six new members added to Dream Town’s agent roster in June. Other June hires include Brett Freet, Rachel Cusick, Ramona DeMille and Diana Bzdyk. View more information about Ben Bodelson at http://www.dreamtown.com/agents/ben-bodelson.html

Dream Town is largely recognized as the leader in online Chicago real estate. Its top-ranked website receives tens of thousands of unique visitors weekly. The company has developed proprietary technology and applications to improve online house hunting and offer the most advanced Internet home search available to Chicago buyers today. Dream Town Realty provides residential buyer and seller services, as well as commercial and international divisions and REO sales. The company also has a new home construction and renovation branch called Dream Town Builders and Remodeling.

NEWARK, N.J.  (Profitable.com)  Prudential Financial today announced that it is in talks with the Department of Veterans Affairs to address the concerns that have been raised in connection with the Servicemembers Group Life Insurance Program.

“It is important that the beneficiaries of our fallen service men and women are treated with dignity and respect during a very difficult time,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “Given the questions raised over the life insurance program we administer for the Department of Veterans Affairs, we welcome an opportunity to address the concerns and to set the record straight.”

The company noted:

• Beneficiaries are vulnerable targets for abusive sales tactics. We believe that the Alliance Account takes the pressure off beneficiaries to do something with the money—a situation that may lead to imprudent and expensive investment decisions.
  • Our program provides a secure, conservative option and access to an independent advisor.
  • Beneficiaries who feel confident about making decisions right away have full access to their funds, which may be deposited in the financial institution of their choice, with funds earning interest until presented for payment.
  • We do not think it makes sense to force people to make decisions in a difficult and complex financial environment during a very emotional time in their lives.
• Beneficiaries who find a better interest rate can move the money by simply writing a draft.
• Beneficiaries receive the entire amount they are owed plus interest in their account. Prudential does not in any way take money from beneficiaries.
• More than 40,000 Prudential Alliance Account drafts cleared last year. We receive few complaints from beneficiaries about difficulties.
• It is “apples and oranges” to compare the rate paid on the Alliance Account to either the historical rate on our total portfolio or to a rate that requires investing in long-term assets.
  • Prudential pays a competitive rate compared to other options that involve funds that are readily available and do not put principal at risk.
  • The Alliance Account assets constitute less than 1 percent of our General Account assets, and the rate that we earn on the Alliance Account assets is not comparable to the rate earned on the General Account as a whole.
• On the subject of safety, while our Alliance Accounts are not FDIC insured (a fact that is fully disclosed in our material), these accounts are protected by State Guaranty Funds that provide protection of at least $250,000 in most states.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU), a financial services leader with approximately $693 billion of assets under management as of March 31, 2010, has operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Prudential’s diverse and talented employees are committed to helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth through a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. In the U.S., Prudential’s iconic Rock symbol has stood for strength, stability, expertise and innovation for more than a century. For more information, please visit www.news.prudential.com.

BURBANK, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) announced today the sale of Miramax Films to Filmyard Holdings LLC for over $660 million subject to certain adjustments. Partners in Filmyard include Los Angeles businessmen Ron Tutor, Tom Barrack, Colony Capital LLC and other individuals. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and is expected to close between September 10, 2010 and the end of the calendar year.

The sale of Miramax Films includes rights in over 700 film titles, including Academy Award winners like Chicago, Shakespeare in Love and No Country for Old Men. Also included are non-film assets, such as certain books, development projects and the “Miramax” name.

“Although we are very proud of Miramax’s many accomplishments, our current strategy for Walt Disney Studios is to focus on the development of great motion pictures under the Disney, Pixar and Marvel brands,” said Robert A. Iger, Disney’s President and CEO. “We are delighted that we have found a home for the Miramax brand and Miramax’s very highly regarded motion picture library.”

“I am delighted and honored to acquire the Miramax library,” said Ron Tutor. “On behalf of my partners Tom Barrack and Colony Capital, we look forward to sharing this high quality content with the world in every form of media for many years to come.”

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise with five business segments: media networks, parks and resorts, studio entertainment, consumer products and interactive media. Disney is a Dow 30 company and had annual revenues of about $36 billion in its most recent fiscal year.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Certain statements relating to the timing and consummation of the transaction in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Disney regarding future events and are subject to risks and uncertainty regarding the receipt or timing of regulatory approvals and fulfillment of conditions contained in the transaction documents. Disney undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  One year after President Obama signed the CARD Act into law, it appears that many potentially negative outcomes of the new regulations did not materialize. In fact, according to Mintel Comperemedia, a service that provides direct marketing competitive intelligence, competition is actually increasing in the credit card industry … and helping keep card offers enticing for American consumers. In Q2 2010, US consumers received nearly 1.1 billion offers for new credit cards, up from just 419 million a year ago.

“It wasn’t long ago that we were speculating about the return of annual fees, the disappearance of teaser rates and the watering down of rewards programs, as card issuers attempted to maintain profits in the face of restrictive new regulations,” notes Andrew Davidson, senior vice president of Mintel Comperemedia. “As the dust settles on the CARD Act, we continue to see evidence that this isn’t happening.”

One of the biggest fears of the CARD Act was that we would see a return to annual fees. However, fewer offers for new cards now promote a fee than last year. According to Mintel Comperemedia, in Q2 2010, 28% of offers for new cards carried an annual fee, down from 33% a year ago.

Another key concern was that teaser rates for balance transfers or purchases would disappear as issuers are now required to apply cardholder payments, above the minimum due, to the highest APR balances first. Again, this didn’t happen and the majority of offers continue to promote teaser rate pricing. In fact, in Q2 2010, 56% of mail offers promoted an introductory APR for both balance transfers and purchases, up from 37% a year ago.

“Most balance transfer offers promote a 0% teaser rate and we are now seeing issuers extend the length of the introductory period to 14, 15 and 16 months or more,” adds Andrew Davidson. “However, the longer the length of the introductory period, the more likely it is that the balance transfer fee will be higher with issuers charging 4% or 5% of the check instead of the industry standard of 3%.”

Rewards programs continue to be the norm for the industry, accounting for eight out of ten offers in Q2 2010. Despite speculation that rewards programs have been watered down, some issuers are promoting 5% cash back offers in certain spend categories while others are awarding cardholders two reward miles per dollar spent.

“If you have a good credit score then some of these offers are loaded with features and benefits ranging from additional discounts online and sweepstakes entry in addition to cash back offers, reward miles and other benefits,” notes Andrew Davidson.

While card issuers did navigate the CARD Act by increasing APRs for purchases, we are now beginning to see rates slip. In Q2 2010, the mean APR for variable rate offers declined to 13.79% from 14.21% in the previous quarter, the first quarterly decline since Q1 2009. According to Andrew Davidson, APRs are still higher than they were, but there are signs that increased competition is starting to have a positive effect.

Although the CARD Act has not left the industry unscathed, it does appear that it is not restricting the industry as much as was originally thought and consumers are beginning to reap the benefits.

About Mintel Comperemedia

Mintel Comperemedia provides competitive intelligence for businesses looking to advance and improve their direct marketing strategy. Tracking direct marketing (including mail, email and print advertising) targeted at consumers, small businesses and insurance agents, Mintel Comperemedia offers a unique perspective on everything from banking trends to insurance trends to credit card statistics. For more than 38 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, leading the industry for consumer, product and media intelligence. Follow Mintel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mintelnews

CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  Today Groupon unveiled Personalized Deals, a new service that tailors each Groupon subscriber’s stream of daily deals to their personal preferences and buying history. Personalized Deals are live in Chicago, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle, and are slated to launch across Groupon’s more than 80 North American markets within months.

Each subscriber’s deals will get more relevant over time as they share information and form buying patterns, and as Groupon’s deal offerings expand. Subscribers will see no change to their Groupon interface. They’ll still receive a deal per day via email, available for a minimum of 24 hours.

“The number one request from our customers is for more relevant deals,” says Andrew Mason, Groupon’s founder and CEO. “After six months of product development, we’re excited to deliver. This is the biggest thing we’ve ever done, and we think one day people will think of the original, non-personalized version of Groupon the way we think of the steam engine.”

Customizing deals allows Groupon to run more deals for businesses that are located outside of city centers, that cater to niche audiences, or that aren’t seeking the heavy volume traditional Groupons deliver. Sending different deals to different users also helps address the overwhelming demand from merchants to be featured on Groupon.

“Interest in Groupon is so high we can only feature one out of eight businesses that contact us,” Mason said. “Personalized Deals opens Groupon up to more merchants, who until now have been forced to look elsewhere to find new customers.”

About Groupon

Groupon, launched in November 2008 in Chicago, features a daily deal on the best stuff to do, eat, see, and buy in more than 165 markets across the world. The site serves 11 million subscribers in 22 countries, 165 markets and hundreds of cities worldwide. Groupon uses collective buying power to offer unbeatable prices and provide a win-win for businesses and consumers. For more information, visit http://www.groupon.com.

Franchise expansions into two new states yield highest grand-opening month sales in company history

COPPELL, Texas  (Profitable.com)  Texas-based CiCi’s Pizza continues to find record-breaking success as it expands into new franchise markets. The chain, which has more than 600 stores in 35 states, has opened restaurants in two new states, Wisconsin and New York, in the past month and has plans to continue to build operations in new and under saturated markets.

“Using industry-best research practices, we’ve identified key markets across the country with the ideal demographic mix for CiCi’s,” said Jim Sheahan, Vice President of Franchise Sales. “We’re actively recruiting high-quality franchisees in those markets with a combination of in-person Expos and an innovative online portal.”

CiCi’s Pizza has targeted several key areas for growth, including the East Coast, California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida. In July alone, CiCi’s signed deals for eight new restaurant openings in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Nevada. The chain will open seven new stores by the end of September and continues to conduct franchise Expos. Recent grand openings of New York’s first CiCi’s in DeWitt this month was the best in the company’s history, and sales have remained well above per-unit average.

“Our recent openings have been phenomenal,” Sheahan said. “Given that we’ve had two of our highest-volume openings ever this summer, we anticipate that our new restaurants will continue to see success. Our goal is to find top-notch franchisees across the United States to build even more momentum.”

For more information about becoming a CiCi’s franchisee and to see a list of upcoming Expos, log on to www.cicispizza.com and click on “Franchise info.”

About CiCi’s Pizza

CiCi’s Pizza, started in Plano, Texas in 1985, is as a family-oriented restaurant with a fresh, hot pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet featuring up to 20 varieties of pizza made with fresh ingredients for $5 and change. CiCi’s has been recognized has a top franchise business, ranking No. 1 in the pizza category for the past three years by Nation’s Restaurant News. CiCi’s has also been recognized by USA Today, Restaurants & Institutions, Entrepreneur, the Wall Street Journal, Franchise Today and Parents. CiCi’s has more than 600 restaurants in 35 states, and the recent One Brand Tour, led by CEO Mike Shumsky, ensures each and every franchise always upholds the highest standards. CiCi’s corporate support center is lead by a strong team of experts with more than 150 years of combined experience in franchising, business, operations, human resources, growth strategy, advertising, marketing and public relations.

For more information about CiCi’s, visit www.cicispizza.com or www.facebook.com/cicis.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.  (Profitable.com)  Twin Rivers Realty, located in the Oklahoma City suburb of Yukon, announced that it has recently partnered with RE/MAX, a leading real estate network in the United States and the number one in Canada.  

Fourteen-year real estate veteran Brian Woodward, co-Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Twin Rivers Realty, had been a member of a competing network for the past twelve years. RE/MAX’s leadership, vision, and resources, however, fueled his decision to make the switch.

“The decision to join RE/MAX was a no-brainer,” says Woodward. “My wife, Susan, and I knew that RE/MAX was a company run by REALTORS®.  It’s an organization that understands what we face every day in the marketplace.”

The Woodward’s bring more than thirty Sales Associates into the RE/MAX family, who collectively ranked number one in total sales volume in 2009 in the Yukon market. 

“There’s a buzz of excitement in the office,” says Woodward, whose office closed $65.5 million in total volume and 437 total transactions in 2009. “During a recent in-office RE/MAX LeadStreet training, our associates were getting leads before we even finished the course.  That’s powerful!” exclaimed Brian.

The move to RE/MAX brings benefits to both companies. Woodward had been searching for better brand reputation and a partner who specialized in growing businesses. The addition of Twin Rivers Realty fulfills RE/MAX’s drive to grow its Oklahoma City market share.

“Twin Rivers Realty is the cornerstone of our mission to take back Oklahoma City,” says Wayne Fredrick, REMAX Mid-States & Dixie Regional Director of Business Development. “Literally overnight, we now have a huge presence in the Yukon and Mustang areas, which will only get larger as this great group of associates become engaged in the RE/MAX system.”

Not all real estate franchises are created equal. The most successful have stellar reputations, are well respected by clients, offer business tools to help brokers and agents succeed, offer opportunities for continued learning, and provide training.

“The best in the business continue to seek out opportunities that will take their business to even higher levels,” says RE/MAX Mid-States & Dixie Region Owner Dennis Curtin.  “While most real estate companies are retrenching in these challenging times, Coldwell Banker Twin Rivers Realty made the wise decision to come aboard the RE/MAX organization.  We see this as a perfect fit,” adds Curtin.

About RE/MAX

RE/MAX is a leading industry force in the United States and the number one residential real estate network in Canada. Rated number 22 on Entrepreneur’s list of Top 500 Low-Cost Franchises of 2010, RE/MAX International offers its members an international referral network, advanced training courses, state-of-the-art technological tools and national advertising campaigns. It was the first and only real estate network to invent and maintain a satellite television network (RE/MAX Satellite Network) dedicated to real estate professionals.  RE/MAX is owned by its founders.

In the 2010 REAL Trends 500 survey, RE/MAX agents and offices far outperformed all competitors, including Coldwell Banker, Keller Williams, Century 21 and Prudential Real Estate.  Averaging an impressive 14.4 transaction sides per year, RE/MAX agents worked on 46% more home sales than their next closest competitor.

RSI University™ provides a “corporate level training environment” to assist with training implementation and improving team member effectiveness in the restaurant industry

Denver, CO  (Profitable.com)  Denver-based Restaurant Solutions Inc. launches RSI University, an online program that provides independent and multi-unit restaurant managers with corporate level tools for team member training and effective team management. Believing strongly that a properly trained team member contributes greatly to the bottom line, RSI University provides managers and team members with easy-to-use elements that assist with and simplify the training and evaluation processes.

Created with the consumer in mind, the RSI University  program assists new team members and managers with a customized training and educational platform that is designed for success. Specifically, the program provides ongoing educational opportunities as well as a communications channel between management and team members, effectively tying together individual performance evaluation and contributed margin for menu items.   Restaurant Solutions also provides the proven-effective financial management tools and services that have been assisting with measuring success  for the last 10 years. These tools and services offer assistance in payroll; accounts payable; inventory management; financial reporting; product ordering; and menu engineering.

As stated by Blair Pennington, CEO, “Restaurant Solutions Inc. currently provides a variety of effective management systems and services that assist with profit retention and goal achievement to over 800 restaurants in 38 states. With our extensive experience in the business, it was a natural progression for our programmers to create RSI University. Over the years, we have listened to the needs of our clients and believe that this new system will not only meet these needs, but assist our clients in reaching unanticipated levels of success.”

Specific elements of RSI University include:

• Team member Dashboard: allows for management to view the progress of team members in the training process and evaluate ongoing performance.
• Virtual Preshift: element has two main functions:
  •  Easily communicate important announcements (i.e. new menu items, meeting times, etc.) to the entire team via email or text message
  • Determine communications effectiveness by monitoring statistical output and results
• Butts in Seats: assists with the process of integrating social media into overall marketing strategies. The interface allows the operator to manage all social media endeavors under one umbrella and measure effectiveness by directly tying social media marketing efforts to hard sales.
• Client Education & Servicing: Corporate-level tools and systems that assist with organizational effectiveness, as well as access to industry professionals with expertise in personnel matters, accounting, and tax related needs to answer questions and provide guidance.
• Right on Time Scheduling System is an efficient way to manage scheduling by tying together weekly sales forecasts, target labor costs, online schedule posting, and online shift swapping.

 Other features of RSI University include:

• Option to create customized tests for performance evaluation assigned to appropriate team members through a detailed, built-in job code system.
• Ability to upload and edit multiple types of files from any internet access location.
• Ability to embed video files directly into the system, with no redirecting to third-party sites.
• Option to create customized items to meet specific needs.

For more information about Restaurant Solutions Inc., RSI University or to schedule a demo of the RSI Scheduler, please contact Callie Sheffield, Director of National Brand Development at csheffield@restacct.com or 303-458-1204.

About Restaurant Solutions Inc.

Founded in March, 2000, Denver-based Restaurant Solutions Inc. currently supports over 800 restaurants in 38 U.S. states. With a demonstrated success record, Restaurant Solutions Inc. provides a variety of management and services to its clients that assist with retaining higher profits and achieving organizational goals. For more information about Restaurant Solutions Inc. visit http://www.restacct.net or http://www.rsiuniversity.com.

DALLAS  (Profitable.com)  Did you know that more automobile batteries fail in July than in January?  Summer heat is actually harder on a battery than winter cold.  With record heat sweeping across the country, Interstate Batteries encourages motorists to protect and care for that part of the vehicle a driver depends on the most every day.

“The corrosion factor within a battery is accelerated by extreme temperatures, especially heat,” said Interstate Batteries Technical Service Manager Gale Kimbrough.  ”Battery Temperatures under the hood of a car can reach 175 to 200 degrees in extreme heat conditions.  This is why it is very important for motorists to take the necessary precautions of having their vehicle battery checked on a regular basis.”

Interstate Batteries has some helpful guidelines to follow when caring for your automobile battery:

1. When working with your battery, always wear protective eyewear, remove all jewelry and wear long sleeves to protect your arms from an explosion of battery acid.
2. Do a visual inspection to see if the battery case is showing signs of extreme bulging, cracked or leaking. If it is, it’s time to replace it.
3. Clean up the connections by removing any corrosion, lead oxidation, paint or rust from the top of the battery with a scouring pad or brass brush. Be sure to brush the corrosion away from you.
4. If your battery has removable filler caps, open the caps and check the water level in each cell.
5. Make sure the plates are at least half covered. This prevents sulfation and reduces the possibility of an internal battery explosion.
6. If the water level is low, add distilled water (avoid tap water) until the plates are covered.
7. Avoid overfilling, especially in hot weather, because the heat can cause the solution inside to expand and overflow.
8. Have your battery and electrical system professionally tested every three to six months and especially prior to heading out on a trip.  

In just 30 seconds, Interstate All Battery Center locations can provide motorists with a free printout analysis of their vehicle battery condition.

For additional media inquiries, contact Brian Briscoe, Tucker & Associates, (214) 252-0900, brian@tuckerpr.com.  For information about Interstate All Battery Center, go to www.allbatteryfranchise.com.

SACRAMENTO, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  Mark Jansen, has been selected by the Blue Diamond Growers Board of Directors to replace retiring President and CEO, Doug Youngdahl. Jansen will officially join Blue Diamond on 4 October, 2010 and will address the cooperative’s grower-owners at their centennial annual meeting at the Sacramento Convention Center on 18 November, 2010. Youngdahl will retire at the end of 2010.

Prior to accepting his new position as President and CEO of Blue Diamond, Jansen was President of Schwan’s Food Service, Inc., a division of the Schwan Food Company, which is a multibillion-dollar family-owned company. It employs 22,000 people in 50 countries worldwide. With headquarters in Marshall, Minnesota, the company sells frozen foods on its traditional delivery trucks, in grocery-store freezers, online and in the food service industry.

“Mark brings to Blue Diamond a unique understanding of retail and consumer brands,” said Chairman of the Board and grower of McFarland, California, Clinton Shick, who has served on the board for 27 years (the last four years as chairman). “He led a profitable turnaround of the Schwan Foodservice Division and is a proven brand-builder who influenced substantial growth for Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Pillsbury, Red Baron, Freschetta, Wolfgang Puck, Tony’s and Minh.”

Jansen received an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the Kellogg School of Business at Northwestern University. Prior to joining Schwan, he worked for the Pillsbury Company, Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. and General Mills.

“In addition to pure unadulterated brand strength, our ability to open new markets, develop new products and foster enduring customer partnerships are strengths that will ensure Blue Diamond’s global reach remains unmatched in the industry,” according to President and CEO, Doug Youngdahl. “I am proud that the Blue Diamond team is the most experienced in the industry. Our plan is to continue to play a leadership role in expanding global consumption — we can and should do no less.”

Blue Diamond is owned by over half of California’s almond growers who are celebrating their centennial year. To honor its first 100 years, the co-op has made the world’s largest collection of almond history available at almondhistory.com.  It features The Almond People book, vintage photos, stories and video that captures the heritage of an industry that became the state’s #1 food export, ranks among the nation’s top 10 exports and provides the world with over 80 percent of its almond supply. The California almond industry is valued at over $3 billion with over 70 percent of the crop exported to 95 countries.

West Palm Beach, FL  (Profitable.com)  The Medical Tourism Association recently conducted a survey on employers’ views of US Healthcare Reform at the annual Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Conference, which took place June 27-30th, 2010 in San Diego, California. Approximately five hundred employers completed the survey.

Some of the highlights from the survey were that 84% of employers felt that healthcare reform would increase health insurance costs and 58% found that healthcare reform would have a negative effect on the employer’s business.  The survey also found that 85% of the employers surveyed felt that Americans would not be able to afford health insurance in 2020. 65% of employers felt healthcare reform would have a positive impact on the growth of medical tourism.

Have you heard of Medical Tourism (when Americans travel overseas for healthcare)?
Yes-29%      No-71%

Did you know that Aetna, Wellpoint Blue Cross Blue Shield and other insurance companies have implemented medical tourism for employer groups?
Yes- 12%      No- 88%

Would you be interested in offering medical tourism to your employees on a voluntary basis? Example: employees choose whether to get care locally or internationally and save 50% to 90% while receiving equal or better quality of care than in their home country.
Yes- 48%                  Maybe- 36%      No- 16%

Do you believe Healthcare Reform will:
Significantly Increase Insurance Cost- 41%
Increase Health Insurance Cost- 37%
Keep Health Insurance Cost the Same- 10%
Lower Health Insurance Cost- 9%

How does Healthcare Reform Affect Your Business?
Positive- 22%
Negative- 58%
Unknown- 20%

The Tax/Fine for not buying health insurance starts at $95 for an individual in 2014 and rises to $695 in 2016. Do you think this is a large enough incentive to force people to buy health insurance?
Yes- 47%
No- 53%

Starting in 2014, any person can wait until they are sick to purchase health insurance rather than purchasing when they are healthy. Do you think this will destroy the underwriting process?
Yes- 66%
No- 34%

In 2020, family insurance premiums could be between $30,000 to $40,000 per year. With the average income of $56,000, do you think the average American will be able to afford this health insurance premium for their family?
No- 85%
Yes- 15%

Do you think that Healthcare Reform will have a positive effect on the growth of the medical tourism industry, specifically American patient leaving the US?
Yes- 65%
No- 28%
Unknown- 7%
      
How many employees does your company have?
Up to 1,000- 44%
1,001 to 10,000- 36%
10,001 to 50,000- 9%
50,001 to 100,000- 6%
100,000 +- 5%

“This is one of the Medical Tourism Association’s initiatives that educate employers about medical tourism,” said Jonathan Edelheit, CEO of the MTA who is managing the MTA’s booth at the conference.

“Many are even more optimistic about medical tourism because of recent healthcare reform and a common belief amongst U.S. employers that it will significantly increase healthcare costs. Employers are much more open to the idea of medical tourism than ever before.”

The Medical Tourism Association (Medical Travel Association), also known as the Global Healthcare Association, at http://www.MedicalTourismAssociation.com is the first international non-profit association comprised of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, and other affiliated companies and members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare to patients in a global environment. Our Association promotes the interests of its healthcare provider and medical tourism facilitators members. The Medical Tourism Association has three mission-driven tenets: Education, Communication and Transparency.  http://www.medicaltourismassociation.com/en/index.html

The MTA is the first international non-profit assn. made up of the top international hospitals, healthcare providers, medical travel facilitators, insurance companies, members with the common goal of promoting the highest level of quality of healthcare.

Patents Protect HSN’s Proprietary HSN Shop by Remote® Interactive TV Service as well as Improved E-Commerce Shopping Options For Customers

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.  (Profitable.com)  HSN, a leading interactive multichannel retailer, announced today that it had secured U.S. Patent No. 7,752,083, which includes its innovative and proprietary HSN Shop by Remote® interactive television service.  HSN Shop by Remote, currently available in more than 30 million homes, is the only service of its kind in the U.S. that gives consumers the ability to purchase products with just a few clicks of their remote control.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070214/CLW048LOGO-b )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20070214/CLW048LOGO-b )

“This patent reinforces our position as a revolutionary force in television and retail as we continue to bring exciting innovations to our customers that enable them to shop whenever and however they choose,” said John McDevitt, VP of Advanced Services for HSN.

The HSN patent entitled “System for Improved Interactive Television Processing” covers many of the proprietary aspects of the HSN Shop By Remote platform and provides for a transactional environment between a server and one or more display devices.  Utilizing the unique identity of a given customer operating a display device, the HSN Shop by Remote system generates and transmits customized transaction data, creating an individualized transactional experience.

In addition, HSN secured U.S. Patent No. 7,756,758 entitled “Method and System for Improved E-Commerce Shopping.”  The patent includes many of the proprietary features of the HSN.com platform that allows consumers to view multiple video product presentations.  The system, which provides both a live video feed as well as pre-recorded video segments that may be related to one or more product presentations, offers consumers a superior format to watch videos as well as the ability to shop for various goods and services.

“Consumer appetite for online video viewing and shopping options is rapidly expanding, creating tremendous opportunities for e-commerce providers to monetize these channels,” continued Mr. McDevitt.  “Our second patent helps protect our video and e-commerce technology and reaffirms our leadership position in transactional innovation.”

As part of its strategy to provide customers with access to great shopping experiences across multiple platforms, HSN has deployed the HSN Shop by Remote interactive television service and is also today the only retailer streaming live HD video on three screens: TV, online and mobile.  With a focus on capturing additional growth opportunities in mobile, HSN has over the last year launched an i-phone app, an android app and, most recently, a WAP site.  And, beginning on August 1, HSN will launch HSN2 and effectively become the only multichannel retailer with a second TV shopping channel.  HSN2 will provide customers with more viewing and shopping options as it offers 24 hours of encore airings of HSN’s favorite brands, products and personalities.

About HSN

Headquartered in St. Petersburg, FL, HSN is a leading interactive multichannel retailer, offering a curated assortment of exclusive products and top brand names to its customers. It incorporates experts, entertainment, inspiration, solutions, tips and ideas to provide an entirely unique shopping experience. At HSN, customers find exceptional selections in Health & Beauty (e.g. M. Asam, Carol’s Daughter, Coty, FranBrand, FusionBeauty, Andrew Lessman’s Procaps, Lancome, Perlier, Serious Skin Care, Wei East, ybf Beauty); Jewelry (e.g. Heidi Daus, Grayce by Molly Sims, R.J. Graziano, IMAN Global Chic, michaeLisa, Noir, Amedeo Scognamiglio, Tori Spelling, Serena Williams Signature Statement); Home/Lifestyle (e.g. Nate Berkus, Bissell, Colin Cowie, Dyson, Todd English, GreenPan with Thermolon, Emeril Lagasse, Joy Mangano, MoMA Design Store, Wolfgang Puck); Fashion/Accessories (e.g. American Glamour Badgley Mischka, Curations with Stefani Greenfield, Sam Edelman, Loulou de la Falaise, Chi by Carlos Falchi, Diane Gilman, “Timeless” by Naeem Khan, Adrienne Landau, Sharif); and Electronics (e.g. Canon, Gateway, GE, HP, JVC, Kodak, LG, Sony).

A leader in transactional innovation, HSN is currently the only retailer offering live streaming HD video on three screens: TV network, which broadcasts live to 95 million households in the US in HD 24/7; http://www.hsn.com, which is a top ten trafficked e-commerce site featuring more than 15,000 product videos; and mobile via its mobile-optimized site and iPhone and Android shopping applications. HSN, founded 33 years ago as the first shopping network, is an operating segment of HSN, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSNI).

Baltimore, MD  (Profitable.com)  Barcoding Inc., a national systems integrator specializing in the development, deployment, and management of supply chain and mobility systems, today announced that it has achieved Platinum Partner status with Psion Teklogix.

As a Platinum Partner, Barcoding Inc. is now a member of Psion Teklogix’s partner council. Council members provide direct and focused feedback to Psion Teklogix about its devices. In addition, Platinum Partner status provides Barcoding Inc. with access to a variety of service and support initiatives including additional marketing support.

Acting as a single point of contact for clients, Barcoding Inc. advises clients on best of breed products and services surrounding automated identification and data capture (AIDC) technology. The company’s capabilities range from barcode scanners and RFID data collection devices to wireless local and wide area networks, technical support and training, software applications, and professional services.

With national presence in the industry, Barcoding Inc.’s partnership with Psion is a natural fit. Psion’s rugged handhelds are industry-leaders in performing all functionalities in harsh, extreme work environments. Barcoding Inc. recommends a wide array of these Psion devices, including the new Workabout Pro 3 and the Neo, to clients who require that level of ruggedness. Barcoding Inc. clients also rely on mobile devices from Psion because of their modularity and ability to easily scale.

“Psion Teklogix products stand up to the test whether it’s working in a hot warehouse or a sub-zero cold storage freezer. They’re built tough,” said Ken Currie, business development manager at Barcoding Inc. “This new partnership will give Barcoding Inc. customers better access to the latest Psion devices such as the new Workabout Pro 3, as well as more input into Psion’s future product development.”

“As a Platinum Psion Partner, Barcoding Inc. is a key member of our reseller network that will help Psion to further infiltrate the manufacturing and logistics markets,” said Mike Jachimiec, vice president of channel sales at Psion Teklogix. “This new partnership status for Barcoding Inc. will help us to provide our joint customers with access to more technical support so that they can bring Psion’s rugged devices into service faster than ever for a more rapid return on their investment.”

About Barcoding Inc.

Barcoding Inc. is a national systems integrator, specializing in the development, deployment, and management of supply chain and mobility systems based on automated identification and data capture (AIDC) technology. More than 2,500 organizations depend on Barcoding Inc. as their trusted advisor for barcoding, radio frequency identification (RFID), and wireless applications automating operations in: field service, food and beverage, healthcare, manufacturing and distribution, retail, transportation and logistics, and wholesale inventory. For more information, visit http://www.barcoding.com.

About Psion Teklogix, Inc.

Psion is the pioneer in quality mobile handheld computers and their application in industrial b2b markets around the world. We’ve innovated in mobile computing since 1980, helping our global customers solve their business problems, including Volkswagen, SNCF, RWE nPower, E.ON, BMW, Goodyear, Copenhagen Airports and major international transport hubs.  

Our mobile devices are rugged, resilient and built to last. They are tailor-made solutions through our open innovation philosophy in which we co-create mobile hardware, software and services, together with our customers and partners on our community site, www.ingenuityworking.com. Psion is a public company on the London Stock Exchange. It is headquartered in London with corporate offices located in Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

For more information, visit http://www.psion.com.

Barcoding Inc. is a national systems integrator, specializing in the development, deployment, and management of supply chain and mobility systems based on automated identification and data capture technology.

Charter offers multiplatform access to EPIX content on TV, online and on demand

ST. LOUIS  (Profitable.com)  When television and the Internet intersect, the consumer wins. After recently introducing EPIX premium entertainment service on traditional television and On Demand, Charter is now making the service available online to EPIX subscribers at no additional cost at www.charter.net/epix.  

EPIX new entertainment service offers a wide variety of on demand, online, and HD entertainment choices. Charter customers who subscribe to the EPIX channel can now also enjoy EPIX content online, which increases their control of Charter TV service.

“EPIX is a total viewing experience – traditional television, on demand, and online – that enables our customers’ TV viewing to evolve through this exciting multiplatform technology,” said Rich DiGeronimo, Charter’s Vice President of Product Management. “Television is an important part of our lives, and Charter continues to invest in new technologies and services that further enrich our customers’ viewing experience.”  

To enjoy these movies and specials online, customers who subscribe to EPIX should simply visit www.charter.net/epix and log in with their Charter e-mail address or MyAccount username and password. Subscribers to EPIX can also view its programming On Demand by going to Channel 1, selecting “Premium Channels,” and then choosing EPIX.

EPIX subscribers will have access to a broad online lineup through Charter, including new releases like Star Trek, Shutter Island, Precious and Tyler Perry’s I Can Do Bad All By Myself; classic franchises like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Godfather; and A-list music and comedy artists such as Madonna, The Black Eyed Peas, Lewis Black and David Cross.

Many Charter customers are already enjoying EPIX programming, and extending access to charter.net will provide additional value to this new service. According to Mr. DiGeronimo, audiences are experiencing video differently than they have in the past. “Charter’s early launch of the EPIX multiplatform service recognizes the importance of choice and control for customers whose viewing habits are multidimensional,” he said. “Our goal is to help guide our customers through this dramatic evolution in TV viewing by providing high-quality programming on whatever platform or technology they choose.”  

To subscribe to EPIX or learn more about Charter services, call 1-888-GET CHARTER (1-888-438-2427). All Charter Internet Ultra60 customers also have free access to EPIX online content through December 31.  

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CCMM) is a leading communications and entertainment services provider and the fourth-largest cable operator in the United States. Charter provides a full range of advanced services, including Charter TV™, Charter Internet™, and Charter Phone™. Charter Business® similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband communications solutions to business organizations, such as business-to-business Internet access, wireless backhaul, data networking, video and music entertainment services, and business telephone. Charter Media® will help your business achieve its ambitions with a powerful mix of media, messaging, the newest technologies and in-depth research. More information about Charter can be found at charter.com.

About EPIX

EPIX™, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), its Paramount Pictures unit, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), is a next-generation premium entertainment channel, video-on-demand and online service. With access to more than 15,000 motion pictures spanning the vast libraries of its partners and other studios, EPIX provides a powerful entertainment experience with more feature films on demand and online and more HD movies than any other service. It is the only premium service providing its entire monthly line-up of new Hollywood titles, classic feature films, original series, music and comedy specials through the linear channel, video-on-demand and online at EpixHD.com, the leading online destination for movies. EPIX has made the commitment to deliver the industry’s most expansive online collection of movies, making more than 3,000 titles available online to subscribers this year. For more information about EPIX, go to www.EpixHD.com.

Travel GPA has now partnered with e-Travel Technologies to offer travel alerts to destintations around the world and employee tracking for travel managers

Medfield, Massachusetts  (Profitable.com)  Travel GPA® has announced a partnership with e-Travel Technologies to offer the comprehensive security risk management suite of products from e-Travel Technologies including e-Travel Alerts, e-Travel Advisories, and e-Travel tracker to TMCs and the business travelers that they service. With the ability to incorporate real-time security risk notification and advisories along with global employee tracking, Travel GPA has further enriched its current product offering built around performance benchmarking and “Best in Class” travel policy and program analysis. The new service provides travelers official updates and alerts about destinations around the world and allows companies to locate travelers with a single click through the Travel GPA dashboard.

“We are excited to be involved with Rock Blanco and Travel GPA,” said Don Churchill e-Travel Technologies’ founder and president. “The opportunity to work with a seasoned and respected industry veteran like Rock, and Travel GPA’s impressive client base, is a significant opportunity for us.  With rapidly developing events and ever-changing conditions around the world, keeping customers informed of these events has become a necessary component for leading travel service providers.”  

Travel GPA provides real-time, in-depth policy and benchmarking analysis on corporate travel spend.  The data is live and can be scored against internal goals or benchmarked against the Travel GPA database of more than 32,000 companies and totaling more than $4 billion in spend.  The data is presented to users in the form of a “dashboard” into which the new e-Travel Alerts will be integrated.

e-Travel Technologies has designed their services for travel management companies, corporate travel departments and social media travel providers.  Their e-Travel Alerts tickers and marquees can be linked directly to company intranets.  In addition, the company has also provided travel risk management information services to multinational chains, corporate client desktops and company intranets.  

“Travel GPA is all about getting the right data to the right people at the right time,” said Rock Blanco, president of Prime Numbers the company behind Travel GPA.  “Our platform is also very adaptable to the needs of our clients from TMS to corporate business travel facilitators.  Discussions with those who have been using our tool showed a very high demand for more information like e-Travel Technologies has to offer.  It’s just one more tool in the toolbox that Travel GPA brings to TMCs and corporate travel facilitators”

About Prime Numbers Technology and Travel GPA

Prime Numbers Technology provides industry leading technology solutions for the travel community and was founded by industry veteran Rock Blanco. Travel GPA provides real-time corporate travel spend analysis and benchmarking. Prime Numbers also offers a suite of document delivery and productivity products and services including eInvoice and Profile Manager. To learn more about Travel GPA visit www.TravelGPA.com To learn more about Prime Numbers Technology visit www.PrimeNumbersTechnology.com, email marketing@primenumberstechnology.com, or call (800) 595-4923 X-3

MRIS Releases Mid-Year 2010 Trends in Housing Report

ROCKVILLE, Md.  (Profitable.com)  The Mid-Atlantic housing market continues to show signs of recovery in the second quarter of 2010 according to a new study from MRIS, a leading provider of real estate information technology and the largest multiple listing service in the nation. MRIS today released its Mid-Year 2010 Trends in Housing report, a joint publication of MRIS and Delta Associates.

The report presented several market indicators that have improved over previous quarters and years in the Greater Washington, D.C. region. These indicators include:

• Unit sales volume in the second quarter of 2010 increased 60.6 percent compared to the first quarter of 2010, and was up 15.9 percent compared to the second quarter of 2009.
• The average sales price in the second quarter of 2010 was 4.2 percent higher than in the second quarter of 2009.  This marks the third straight quarter that metro-wide prices have risen on a trailing 12-month basis.  
• Time on market in the second quarter of 2010 averaged 56 days, down from 71 days in the first quarter of 2010 and 93 days in the second quarter of 2009.  This is the lowest time on market since 2006.
• The Washington, D.C. metro area has an average of 4.5 months’ worth of inventory at the current sales pace, down from 5.1 months’ worth one year ago.

Keys to furthering the market’s recovery include local job growth, continued reduced levels of home building, and the condition of the home finance industry, including relatively low interest rates, according to the report.

“While the Mid-Atlantic housing market is not yet performing at the robust levels of 2005, it is clearly showing some important signs of recovery that are crucial to reestablishing a stable housing market,” said David Charron, CEO of MRIS.

The Trends in Housing Report is published quarterly and provides data and analysis on the housing market, the regional economy, the commercial real estate market, the apartment market and the condominium market in the Mid-Atlantic region. In addition, this quarter’s report includes a spotlight on the City of Baltimore and Loudoun County, VA.

Metropolitan Regional Information Systems, Inc. (MRIS) is a leading provider of real estate information technology, and the largest multiple listing service in the nation. MRIS offers a portfolio of technology solutions, broker and agent software products and an industry-leading consumer portal, HomesDatabase.com. In addition, MRIS provides back-end technology to other MLS systems through CURE, a proprietary solution. MRIS serves more than 48,000 real estate professionals spanning the Mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia. Visit www.mris.com.

Delta Associates is the research affiliate of Transwestern, is a firm of experienced professionals offering consulting and data services to the real estate industry for 30 years.  The firm’s practice is organized in four related areas:  (1) consulting, research and advisory services; (2) valuation services; (3) distressed asset recovery services; and (4) subscription data for select metro regions. Visit www.DeltaAssociates.com.

By partnering with equipment and infrastructure designers, manufacturers, installers and inspectors to promote consistent safety standards, UL is enabling faster market adoption of Electronic Vehicles

NORTHBROOK, Ill.  (Profitable.com)  Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a world leader in safety testing and certification, announces a new initiative to develop and launch electric vehicle installation training programs aimed at furthering the development and installation of electric vehicle charging equipment.

With President Obama’s call for at least 1 million electric vehicles in the United States by 2015, several major automakers are poised to offer various models of fully electric (as opposed to gas-electric hybrid) vehicles to American consumers.  To support the anticipated demand for electric vehicles, the race is on to develop, manufacture and install a large enough network of charging stations so that mass-market adoption of electric vehicles can become a reality.

Offered through UL University, UL’s new training programs will provide a platform for various stakeholders who are involved in the design, construction, installation and inspection of electric vehicle charging equipment. A training module, as well as a hands-on testing component, will allow participants to demonstrate their understanding of relevant National Electric Code (NEC) articles, various installation requirements, UL electric vehicle safety standards and emerging electric vehicle infrastructure technology.  UL is also developing programs for code officials and inspectors, installers and designers.

“The industry is well aware that the availability of safely installed charging stations poses a limiting factor in how quickly Americans adopt electric vehicles,” said Gary Savin, UL’s Vice President and General Manager for Electric Vehicle and Global Power and Control Business Unit.  ”We believe that the creation of these training programs can speed up the development, installation and inspection of the electric vehicle charging equipment process within the United States. And we plan on developing similar programs for other countries around the world.”

UL anticipates that the training programs will be launched in the early fall of 2010, in time for the introduction of the plug-in and battery electric vehicle. In addition to the general training program for installers, UL will also be creating company-specific training programs which will allow for infrastructure equipment manufacturers to have installers trained on their equipment.

In addition, UL is developing a webinar on UL’s electric vehicle safety standards. This webinar will focus on the relevant electric vehicle standards for off-board equipment as well as offer a brief overview of the relevant international standards. UL anticipates that the electric vehicle UL standards webinar will be held in the early fall of 2010. For additional information, and to be notified when the webinar is scheduled, please visit www.ul.com/electricvehicle.

About Underwriters Laboratories

UL is an independent product safety certification organization that has been testing products and writing Standards for Safety for more than a century. UL evaluates more than 19,000 types of products, components, materials and systems from more than 66,000 manufacturers each year. In total, there are more than 20 billion UL Marks appearing on products worldwide. UL’s global family of companies and network of service providers includes 68 laboratory, testing and certification facilities serving customers in 102 countries. For more information on UL’s electric vehicle activities, please visit www.ul.com/electricvehicle.

CUPERTINO, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  Apple® today unveiled a new Mac® Pro line with up to 12 processing cores and up to 50 percent greater performance than the previous generation.* Featuring the latest quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors, all-new ATI graphics and the option for up to four 512GB solid state drives (SSD), the new Mac Pro continues to deliver amazing performance and expandability for the most demanding consumers and professionals.

“The new Mac Pro is the most powerful and configurable Mac we’ve ever made,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With up to 12 cores, the new Mac Pro outperforms our previous top-of-the-line system by up to 50 percent, and with over a billion possible configurations, our customers can create exactly the system they want.”

At the heart of the new Mac Pro’s performance are next generation quad-core and 6-core Intel Xeon processors running at speeds up to 3.33 GHz. These multi-core processors use a single die design so each core can share up to 12MB L3 cache to improve efficiency while increasing processing speed. These systems feature an integrated memory controller for faster memory bandwidth and reduced memory latency; Turbo Boost to dynamically boost processor speeds up to 3.6 GHz; and Hyper-Threading to create up to 24 virtual cores. The Mac Pro now comes with the ATI Radeon HD 5770 graphics processor with 1GB of memory and customers can configure-to-order the even faster ATI Radeon HD 5870 with 1GB of memory.

For the first time, Mac Pro customers have the option to order a 512GB SSD for the ultimate in reliability and lightning fast performance. With the ability to install up to four SSD drives in the system’s internal drive bays, the new Mac Pro can provide ultra high-speed disk bandwidth and random disk performance, two times faster than the average performance of a standard disk drive.** Mac Pro also now features two Mini DisplayPorts and one dual-link DVI port. The additional Mini DisplayPort output allows customers to connect two LED Cinema Displays without an additional graphics card or adapter and the dual-link DVI port supports legacy DVI-based displays up to a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels.

Every Mac Pro comes with Apple’s innovative Magic Mouse and customers can also order Apple’s new Magic Trackpad as an option. The Magic Trackpad brings the intuitive Multi-Touch™ gestures of Mac notebook trackpads to the desktop. With its glass surface, the wireless Magic Trackpad allows users to scroll smoothly up and down a page with inertial scrolling, pinch to zoom in and out, rotate an image with their fingertips and swipe three fingers to flip through a collection of web pages or photos. The Magic Trackpad can be configured to support single button or two button commands and supports tap-to-click as well as a physical click. Magic Trackpad is available separately for $69.

Continuing Apple’s commitment to the environment, Apple’s desktop lineup is a leader in green design. The Mac Pro meets stringent Energy Star 5.0 requirements and achieves EPEAT Gold status.*** The Mac Pro enclosure is made of highly recyclable aluminum and the interior is designed to be more material-efficient. The Mac Pro uses PVC-free internal cables and components and contains no brominated flame retardants. The new Apple Battery Charger provides a convenient and environmentally friendly way to always have a fresh set of batteries for your Magic Trackpad, Magic Mouse and Wireless Keyboard. The Apple Battery Charger is available as an option for $29 and comes with six long shelf life rechargeable batteries.

Every Mac also comes with Mac OS® X Snow Leopard®, the world’s most advanced operating system, and iLife®, Apple’s innovative suite of applications for managing photos, making movies and creating and learning to play music. Snow Leopard builds on a decade of OS X innovation and success with hundreds of refinements, core technologies and out of the box support for Microsoft Exchange. iLife features iPhoto®, with breakthrough ways to organize and manage your photos by who appears in them and where they were taken; iMovie® with powerful easy-to-use features such as Precision Editor, video stabilization and advanced drag and drop; and GarageBand® which offers a whole new way to help you learn to play piano and guitar.

Optional Apple professional applications include Aperture®, Final Cut® Express, Final Cut Studio®, Logic® Express and Logic Studio®.

Pricing & Availability

The new Mac Pro will be available in August through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers.

The new quad-core Mac Pro, with a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

• one 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon W3530 processor with 8MB of fully-shared L3 cache;
• 3GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory, expandable up to 16GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1GB of GDDR5 memory;
• two Mini DisplayPorts and one DVI (dual-link) port (adapters sold separately);
• 1TB Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• 18x SuperDrive® with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW);
• four PCI Express 2.0 slots;
• five USB 2.0 ports and four FireWire® 800 ports;
• AirPort Extreme® 802.11n;
• Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; and
• Apple Keyboard with numerical keypad and Magic Mouse.

The new 8-core Mac Pro, with a suggested retail price of $3,499 (US), includes:

• two 2.4 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon E5620 processors with 12MB of fully-shared L3 cache per processor;
• 6GB of 1066 MHz DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory, expandable up to 32GB;
• ATI Radeon HD 5770 with 1GB of GDDR5 memory;
• two Mini DisplayPorts and one DVI (dual-link) port (adapters sold separately);
• 1TB Serial ATA 3Gb/s hard drive running at 7200 rpm;
• 18x SuperDrive with double-layer support (DVD+/-R DL/DVD+/-RW/CD-RW);
• four PCI Express 2.0 slots;
• five USB 2.0 ports and four FireWire 800 ports;
• AirPort Extreme 802.11n;
• Bluetooth 2.1+EDR; and
• Apple Keyboard with numerical keypad and Magic Mouse.

Configure-to-order options include:

• one 3.2 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon W3565 processor for the quad-core Mac Pro;
• one 3.33 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon W3680 processor for the quad-core Mac Pro;
• two 2.66 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon X5650 processors (12-cores) for the 8-core Mac Pro;
• two 2.93 GHz 6-core Intel Xeon X5670 processors (12-cores) for the 8-core Mac Pro;
• two ATI Radeon HD 5770 cards with 1GB of GDDR5 memory;
• one ATI Radeon HD 5870 card with 1GB of GDDR5 memory;
• up to 16GB of DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory for the quad-core Mac Pro;
• up to 32GB of DDR3 ECC SDRAM memory for the 8-core Mac Pro;
• up to four 512GB solid state drives (SSD); or
• up to four 1TB or 2TB Serial ATA hard drives running at 7200 rpm;
• Mac Pro RAID card;
• dual-channel or quad-channel 4Gb Fibre Channel card; and
• up to two 18x SuperDrives with double-layer support.

Accessories include: Magic Trackpad, Apple Battery Charger, wired Apple Mouse, wireless Apple Keyboard, Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter, Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (for 30-inch DVI display), Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter, the AppleCare® Protection Plan; and pre-installed copies of Mac OS X Snow Leopard Server; iWork®, Logic Express 9, Final Cut Express 4 and Aperture 3. Complete options and accessories are available at www.apple.com/macpro.

*Testing conducted by Apple in July 2010 using preproduction Mac Pro 12-core 2.93 GHz units and shipping Mac Pro 8-core 2.93 GHz units, all configured with 6GB of RAM. Based on render performance of Maxwell Render 2.0.3 using Benchwell’s sculpture.mxs. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of Mac Pro.

**Testing conducted by Apple in July 2010 using preproduction Mac Pro 12-core 2.93 GHz units configured with 6GB of RAM, 1TB 7200-rpm hard disk drive and 512GB solid-state drive. Testing conducted using Iometer 2006.07.27 with a 30-second ramp-up, 5-minute run duration, 128KB request size, 8 outstanding IOs, and 150GB test file. Average rotational media performance calculated by creating the test file on the outer, middle and inner sectors of the drive and averaging the results from all three measurements. Performance tests are conducted using specific computer systems and reflect the approximate performance of Mac Pro.

***EPEAT is an independent organization that helps customers compare the environmental performance of notebooks and desktops. Products meeting all of the 23 required criteria and at least 75 percent of the optional criteria are recognized as EPEAT Gold products. The EPEAT program was conceived by the US EPA and is based on IEEE 1680 standard for Environmental Assessment of Personal Computer Products. For more information visit www.epeat.net.

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.

© 2010 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, Snow Leopard, iLife, iPhoto, iMovie, GarageBand, Aperture, Final Cut, Final Cut Studio, Logic, Logic Studio, Apple Store, SuperDrive, FireWire, Airport Extreme, AppleCare and iWork are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

San Francisco, CA  (Profitable.com)  Web-based nutrition analysis solutions pioneer FoodCALC® has announced the launch upgrade of their revolutionary application, LabelCalc, the FDA-compliant online labeling system which provides food manufacturers with a cost-effective alternative to lab analysis and third party outsourced consults.  Amongst growing industry demands, LabelCalc has emerged as the leading resource for nutrition analysis services among food manufactures and culinary professionals, with an eight-year track record of industry excellence and endorsements from nationally recognized associations.

LabelCalc has successfully made nutrition analysis simple and economical by utilizing sophisticated web-based technology and a growing database of 20,000-plus ingredients. New lower costs have effectively eliminated the need for expensive traditional methods of analysis.

The changes to the LabelCalc interface were designed specifically for food manufacturers who require FDA-compliant nutrition analysis and FDA-compliant fact panel labels.  Continuing in the LabelCalc fashion, the product touts unsurpassed functionality within its newly improved interface: duplicate recipe options; downloadable FDA labels in three different high-resolution graphic formats; and the ability to download nutrition results in Microsoft Excel or CSV file formats.

With these upgrades, the application is now more user-friendly than ever, with time-saving features and a more intuitive, easy-to-navigate system.  “The changes that we made to the LabelCalc system are all in response to the feedback that we were getting from our users.  Our goal is to make LabelCalc as user friendly as possible, so we really focused on usability for this latest update along with some modernization to the look and feel,” says FoodCALC’s Director of Nutrition, Alyson Mar, RD.   “From a compliance standpoint, there is no other web-based software that focuses solely on instantly producing Nutrition Fact Panels in accordance with the FDA’s guidelines.”

Because LabelCalc is web-based, the user-audience is any company wanting easy, affordable, accurate FDA compliant Nutrition Facts Panel Labels. One of LabelCalc’s larger clients has already voiced praise for the new design.  GoPicnic, purveyor of shelf-stable picnic meals popular among several major airlines, has been a LabelCalc client for the past two years.  “For a fast-paced, growing company like GoPicnic, LabelCalc offers reliable information in an easy to follow format,” said Carolyn Wiesemann, the company’s Product Development Manager.  “The recently updated interface allows us to easily add or remove products in a meal.  This capability has given us the opportunity to test different nutritional values giving us better nutritional information and the chance to offer our customers an even healthier and higher quality product.  Our product development runs smoother and faster, saving us time and money.”

Even those who are newer to the food manufacturing industry find the upgraded product easy to navigate.  Kari Mansfeld, owner of Kari’s Malva Pudding, said “LabelCalc is wonderful and very easy to use to make my nutritional facts labels.  The quality of the downloaded files was perfect for print and my labels not only look good, but have reliable and accurate nutritional information.”

LabelCalc’s pricing offers three different plans, including the popular per-label plan, or the option of an annual, unlimited subscription for total cost savings.  “Having the unlimited version of the program allows me to add additional products and to test potential products which help in deciding on recipes,” said David Terwilleger, President of Twig Enterprises Inc.  “We had properly compliant labels on the shelves within five days.”

FoodCALC’s in-house registered dietitians also offer a consulting package in which a registered dietitian will do the analysis for the customer entirely.  All packages include recipe storage and backup, as well as in-house support from certified labeling and nutrition experts.  According to Mansfeld, “I found the customer support to be very helpful and friendly, and would use it for all my products in the future.”

Additionally, FoodCALC offers two packages for expert consulting services, including a results review and a product packaging review.  Expert assistance can be provided on the following six points of regulation:  correct FDA serving size and servings per container listing; correct net weight listing; correct FDA ingredient statement format and layout; permitted ingredients and wording; correct allergen declaration; and consistency with FDA rules and regulations.

While the new LabelCalc interface was designed to offer an intuitive and easy transition, FoodCALC will also be providing the industry recognized extended support to users should any questions arise.  The company’s online demo center has been updated with new and improved video demos, and will be offering support via email, telephone and webinars as the process is completed.  

About FoodCALC

San Francisco, CA-based FoodCALC® LLC www.foodcalc.com, is the food industry’s gold standard for web-based nutrition analysis solutions.  Since 2003, the company has pioneered the use of internet-savvy technology to deliver instant, affordable nutrition data, and has recently been endorsed by The National Restaurant Association as a preferred nutrition analysis platform.

FoodCALC also owns MenuCalc®, which generates up-to-date FDA-compliant recipe analysis for restaurant operators and food professionals. Multi-unit restaurants that have signed up for MenuCalc’s nutrition analysis include Eugene, OR Abby’s Legendary Pizza; Bend OR, Croutons Inc.; Louisville, KY based Texas Roadhouse; Indianapolis, IN based Steak ‘n Shake; St Louis Park, MN- based Granite City Food & Brewery; and San Francisco, CA based Specialty’s Cafe and Bakery.

Food manufacturers that have signed up for LabelCalc’s nutrition analysis include the largest wholesale grocery distributor in the western United States, Unified Grocers; the world’s largest producers and distributors of fresh, ready-to-eat packaged salads, Fresh Express; premium snack manufacturer Energy Club; soy yogurt producer WholeSoy & Co.; and international airline caterer Gate Gourmet.

For more information, visit www.foodcalc.com; email info@MenuCalc.com or info@LabelCalc.com or call (415) 398-4628.

Financial branding consultants to translate credit union’s distinct member experience online

Portland, Oregon  (Profitable.com)  Creative Brand Communications (CBC) has been hired by Salem, Oregon-based MaPS Credit Union to develop the financial institution’s new website.

“MaPS Credit Union members love the in-branch experience they receive,” says Jeff Stephens, Creative Brand Communications founder and CEO. “We are excited to use our ‘experience integration’ process to help this unique in-branch experience shine through online as well—resulting in even greater member engagement.”

Scheduled to launch in early 2011, the new site will feature an increased emphasis on visitor interactivity, and connecting members with the multitude of lifelong learning opportunities the credit union provides. The credit union’s new website will be built upon a platform of advanced content management tools that allow the credit union greater and easier control over updating site content.

MaPS Credit Union, with over $380 million in assets, has 9 branches throughout Marion and Polk counties.

About Creative Brand Communications

Creative Brand Communications is the leading brand development agency for the financial services industry, helping entrepreneurial banks and credit unions develop experiential brands that result in profitable customer relationships. CBC does this through brand and marketing strategy consulting, marketing agency services, and word of mouth marketing services. The agency consults and provides services to banks and credit unions across North America. Visit www.creative-brand.com for more information.

Hotel Opening Strengthens Carlson’s Position as India’s Largest and Fastest-Growing International Hotel Operator

INDORE, India and SINGAPORE  (Profitable.com)  Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced the further expansion of its India portfolio with the opening of its 30th hotel, the 201-room Radisson Hotel Indore. Situated in the business hub of Indore, the hotel is a 20-minute drive from the Devi Ahilyabai airport and 25 kilometres from the industrial centres of Dewas and Pithampur, one of Asia’s largest industrial areas.

“The Radisson brand is famous for its vibrant, contemporary and engaging hospitality characterised by the Yes I Can! service philosophy. This hotel opening marks Carlson’s accelerated growth in India as part of our Ambition 2015 global growth strategy to expand our portfolio by at least 50 percent by 2015 to more than 1,500 hotels in operation,” said K.B. Kachru, executive vice president, Carlson, Hotels, South Asia.

“This is also the 12th Radisson hotel operating in India. With over 40 Radisson hotels under development throughout Asia Pacific, Radisson is the number one, fastest growing upscale brand in the region,” added Kachru.

Owned by strategic partner Bestech Hospitalities Private Limited in India, the Radisson Hotel Indore is one of four projects Carlson is partnering on with the group in the country. Carlson currently manages the Radisson Suites Gurgaon and Park Plaza Noida, and will also manage the Radisson Hotel Nagpur scheduled to open in the first half of 2011.

“We are very proud of our strategic alliance with Carlson. With its exceptional hospitality experience, the Radisson Hotel Indore will bring value to the overall development of Indore and add a new dimension to the already established hospitality culture of the city,” said Dharmendra Bhandari, managing director, Bestech Hospitalities Private Limited.

“The hotel has been designed by Singapore headquartered design firm DBTA International Pte Ltd and will be the pride and benchmark of true hospitality in Indore,” said Sunil Satija, managing director, The Bestech Group.

Featuring 18 suites and 183 stylish and spacious rooms, the Radisson Hotel Indore offers a contemporary setting for the modern day business or leisure traveller. The hotel features several distinctive dining options, including The Creative Kitchen, an all-day restaurant serving global cuisine; The Great Kabab Factory, an Indian specialty restaurant offering a unique dining experience; The Lobby Bar, an ideal venue to unwind, offering an array of international spirits and wines; and The Cakewalk, presenting the finest cakes and pastries.

The Radisson Hotel Indore features a 38,000 square feet area for conferences, meetings and social gatherings, and can accommodate up to 1,000 people. Another key highlight is the extensive wellness facilities located on the hotel’s landscaped roof top, offering a breathtaking view of the city and comprising a swimming pool, gym with yoga room and a world class spa offering a range of therapies.

The hotel is also convenient to several attractions rich in history, such as the Holkar Palace or Rajwada, a seven-story facade built over two centuries ago; the Lal Baag Palace on the banks of the River Khan, and the Central Museum.

About Carlson

Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,075 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 1,000 restaurants, including T.G.I. Friday’s® and Pick Up Stix®; and a majority stake in Carlson Wagonlit Travel®, the global leader in business travel management. Carlson operates in more than 150 countries and its brands employ about 150,000 people. http://www.carlson.com

iPhone users can now access prescription drug information and CVS Caremark plan members can manage their prescriptions

WOONSOCKET, R.I.  (Profitable.com)  CVS Caremark (NYSE: CVS) announced today the release of the Caremark.com iPhone application.  Available at no cost at the iPhone App Store, this new application provides iPhone users with the ability to access the Drug Information Database to learn more about various prescription drugs and allows CVS Caremark plan members to log-in and securely manage their prescriptions on-line.  The application can be used with all versions of the Apple iPhone, the iPod Touch and the iPad.

“As an organization that is focused on finding innovative ways to engage and communicate, we know our members are looking for opportunities to utilize new technologies to manage their prescriptions and keep them connected,” said Tim Kurth, Vice President, eBusiness at CVS Caremark.  ”This new app is an example of how we provide our plan members with convenient access to their Caremark.com account through their preferred channel, this time through their iPhone.”

Any iPhone user can download the application and use the Drug Information function. This function will connect users to the Drug Information Database where they can research particular prescription medications, get information about how to take them, learn about available generic drug alternatives, see an image of the drug, learn about side effects and precautions, and much more.

CVS Caremark PBM members can use the application to register on Caremark.com or log-in securely to their existing Caremark.com account from their iPhone. Once they are logged in, members can perform a variety of functions, including:

• Refill a Prescription
• Check Prescription Order Status
• View Prescription History
• FastStart (ability to request a new prescription from their iPhone)
• Check Drug Cost
• Find a Nearby Network Pharmacy  (by zip code/address or by using their iPhone GPS locator)

About CVS Caremark

CVS Caremark is the largest pharmacy health care provider in the United States. Through our integrated offerings across the entire spectrum of pharmacy care, we are uniquely positioned to provide greater access, to engage plan members in behaviors that improve their health, and to lower overall health care costs for health plans, plan sponsors and their members. CVS Caremark is a market leader in mail order pharmacy, retail pharmacy, specialty pharmacy, and retail clinics, and is a leading provider of Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans. As one of the country’s largest pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs), we provide access to a network of more than 64,000 pharmacies, including approximately 7,000 CVS/pharmacy® stores that provide unparalleled service and capabilities. Our clinical expertise includes one of the industry’s most comprehensive disease management programs. General information about CVS Caremark is available through the Company’s Web site at http://info.cvscaremark.com.

The Dirty Jobs creator and star is teaming with the company to showcase Caterpillar Customers, Dealers and Employees

PEORIA, Ill.  (Profitable.com)  Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE: CAT) has announced that it is partnering with Mike Rowe, the creator and star of the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs and founder of mikeroweWORKS.com.  With Mike’s dedication to the trades and Caterpillar’s commitment to its customers, the two have joined forces to highlight the important and essential work Caterpillar customers perform everyday.  

Rowe will be spending time with Caterpillar customers and dealers to get a real world perspective on their jobs and how the two partner to be successful.  These encounters will be featured on cat.com and at Cat Dealerships across the country and will be used to demonstrate the solutions that Cat Dealers provide their customers throughout the lifecycle of their equipment, highlighting their superior parts and service support.

“When hard work is being performed and progress is being made, Mike wants to be in the thick of it, so teaming with him is an absolute perfect fit,” said Denny Vosberg, Caterpillar Parts and Service Support Manager.  ”Our dealer personnel are the best in the world and have been supporting our customers with their critical work for generations.  Now is the time to shine a light on it and Mike is going to help us with that.”  

Rowe, who calls himself a perpetual apprentice, has performed more than 300 jobs in locations around the country via his show, Dirty Jobs, which is currently one of the Discovery Channel’s most popular programs.  Mike is also the creator of mikeroweWORKS.com, a website dedicated to and for people in the trades to meet, discuss relevant topics and learn what is the latest in the industry.  He says his partnership with Caterpillar was “inevitable” because the two share the same work philosophy.

“I see Cat equipment and the hard working people operating it around the world, building and creating infrastructure,” said Rowe.  ”I’m excited to go beyond the machine and talk with the people who are actually making it happen.”  

More information can be seen on http://www.cat.com.    

About Caterpillar

For more than 85 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent.  With 2009 sales and revenues of $32.396 billion, Caterpillar is the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.  The company also is a leading services provider through Caterpillar Financial Services, Caterpillar Remanufacturing Services, Caterpillar Logistics Services and Progress Rail Services.  More information is available at: http://www.cat.com.

About mikeroweWORKS

mikeroweWORKS is a PR campaign for hard work and skilled labor.  Its purpose is to call attention to the growing skills gap in the trades while providing a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to investigate a career in those vocations, as well as focus the country on the very real issues facing our trade workers and farmers.  In addition to the trade resource center, Mike has established the mikeroweWORKS Foundation to help fund scholarship programs and other initiatives that reinvigorate Trade School enrollments and industrial arts programs around the country. www.mikeroweWORKS.com.

Birmingham, AL.  (Profitable.com)  An online stationery, invitations and personalized gifts business is ranked within the top five in a nationwide online poll that allows parents to vote for their favorite family places, products and parenting tips.  The contest is sponsored by Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect Website.  HollyDays is based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Their personalized plate made the first cut and was placed in the top five in the Best Personalized Gift category on July 7.  The top five is now being voted on and winner will be announced on September 15, 2010.

HollyDays has been in business since 2006 and is owned by Holly McKenzie, 28.  HollyDays is primarily operated online at www.shophollydays.com and also participates in regional arts and crafts shows, such as Cottontails and Christmas Village Arts, Crafts and Gifts Festivals.  The designs are drawn digitally by McKenzie.  Those designs are then placed on invitations, stationery, cups, plates and clothing.

More information about the poll:

WHAT: Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect, the online resource for parenting advice and community, is hosting its third annual Parents’ Picks Awards; inviting parents to pick the best parenting products, parenting tips and local family places. HollyDays is a nominee for best personalized gift.  ParentsConnect will announce the winners online on September 15, 2010. The 2010 Parents’ Picks Award winners will be featured on ParentsConnect throughout the year.

HOW TO VOTE: Users can vote for the nominees online at www.parentsconnect.com/parents-picks from July 7th until August 31st to help determine the best of the best parenting products, tips and local resources in their cities. Nominees for this year’s Parents’ Picks Awards were determined by ParentsConnect members who submitted nominations from April 29 through July 6. The top 5 nominees with the most votes in each category are now the official nominees in this final voting round. User votes ultimately determine the winners in the 30 different categories.

THE WINNERS: The nominee in each category with the most votes will be crowned the 2010 Parents Picks Awards WINNER and be established as the best product, tip or place in that category. To announce their win, they will receive a “Parents’ Picks 2010 Winner” seal to display and will be featured as the winning product, tip or place on Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect site until the 2011 awards, so parents everywhere will know that they are the best of the best.

PARENTSCONNECT BACKGROUND: Featuring the tagline “We’re not perfect, we’re parents,” Nickelodeon’s ParentsConnect is the online resource providing parenting advice and community, celebrating the reality of parenthood and making parents’ lives easier. Geared towards parents with kids of all ages, from pregnancy to teens, the site offers unique features like personalized profiles that help parents connect with each other; advice from top-tier parenting experts; weekly online parties; hot topic boot camps on burning parenting topics; sweepstakes and giveaways; customizable baby names lists; comprehensive baby name lists; seasonal crafts, recipes and activities; a weekly meal-planner; a weekly newsletter focusing on pregnancy and early childhood milestones; and guest celebrity editorials. Each age-related section on the site provides users with content to help them through both large and small parenting challenges.

CONTACTS: Nicole Bradley / Nicole.Bradley@nick.com / 212.846.5939 OR Holly McKenzie / holly@shophollydays.com / 205-422-5614

One of nation’s fastest growing franchises sets haircut record for charity at White Marsh, MD opening

NOTTINGHAM, Md.  (Profitable.com)  Sport Clips, the nation’s largest men’s and boys’ hair-care provider, celebrated the opening of its 700th store by setting a world record for charity at its new White Marsh, Maryland location late yesterday.  Sport Clips is known for its sports-themed, guy-friendly environment and has stores in 38 states.

During the event, several current and former Baltimore Orioles baseball players including Scott McGregor, Jason Berken, Rick Dempsey, and Dave Johnson were on hand, along with the team’s Bird mascot, while ten stylists worked from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday to set a Guinness World Record for the most haircuts given in a 12-hour period. By the day’s end, the team completed a total of 329 cuts.  Confirmation from Guinness is pending.  

For each haircut, clients were encouraged to make a $7 donation to the Baltimore Orioles REACH foundation.  A check for $10,000 from the proceeds will be presented at the team’s home game tonight, July 23, by Sport Clips Founder and CEO Gordon Logan, Maryland Area Developer for Sport Clips Wayne McGlone, and local store owners Gary and Susan Pfaff.  

“Sport Clips is committed to being active in the communities we are fortunate to be a part of, and partnering with teams and charities such as Orioles REACH is a winning way to welcome the 700th store to our franchise system,” says Logan.  ”The Sport Clips concept continues to grow across the country, including the Northeastern U.S. which we have entered this year and have targeted for rapid growth the next few years.  We have 11 stores open in Maryland, and five more under construction in the state.”

At Noon today, a “towel cutting” ceremony was held with the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce to welcome this newest Sport Clips business to the area and to highlight Sport Clips’ signature MVP Treatment that features steamed towels, neck and shoulder massage, along with a precision haircut.

Sport Clips is one of the nation’s fastest-growing franchises; is the official haircutter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars; sponsors Joe Gibbs Racing’s Joey Logano in the NASCAR Nationwide Series; and holds partnerships with several major league sport teams across the country.  For more information about Sport Clips, including locations throughout the United States, visit SportClips.com.

About Sport Clips

Sport Clips is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas and was established in 1995 by founder and CEO Gordon Logan. Currently there are 700 Sport Clips open in 38 states. The franchise ranked in the top 100 overall and top 50 in growth for the sixth straight year in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Franchise 500″ and in the top 50 in Dun & Bradstreet’s AllBusiness.com “2010 AllBusiness AllStars.” Sport Clips is the “Official Haircutter” of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and offers veterans preferential pricing on haircuts and franchises. They are also the largest contributor to the VFW’s Operation Uplink program, having donated almost $500,000 to help overseas soldiers call home. Sport Clips is a proud sponsor of Joe Gibbs Racing’s NASCAR driver, Joey Logano, and holds partnerships with several teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), and National Hockey League (NHL). For media information visit sportclipsmedia.com.  For more on Sport Clips franchise opportunities click here and for locations throughout the United States visit SportClips.com

HB 6477 Will Shield Consumers against Power of Attorney Abuses

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  (Profitable.com)  Governor Quinn signed into law House Bill 6477 – a piece of legislation that will create urgently needed protections for thousands of individuals, particularly older adults, who fall victim each year to financial abuse or exploitation at the hands of individuals entrusted with making financial decisions as powers of attorney.

HB 6477 was sponsored by State Representative Emily McAsey (D-Crest Hill) and State Senator A.J. Wilhelmi. The bill garnered strong bipartisan support before passing the House unanimously on March 25, and passing the Senate unanimously on April 29th. AARP, on behalf of its 1.7 million Illinois members, commends Governor Quinn for signing the bill into law.

“Powers of attorney give older Americans the ability to choose a trusted person to act on their behalf. But in the wrong hands, they become a license to steal,” said AARP Illinois State Director, Bob Gallo. “We commend Representative McAsey and Senator Wilhelmi for their leadership on this matter and Governor Quinn for signing a law that will protect consumers across Illinois.”

“This is an important step in stopping ruthless and immoral people who have drained bank accounts and destroyed lives,” Rep. McAsey said.

“The new law will provide much needed updates to Illinois’ power of attorney statue,” Senator Wilhelmi said. “It will prevent individuals who hold this power from taking advantage of the individuals they represent. The additional recordkeeping provision will ensure accountability and deter financial exploitation.”

Power of attorney abuse is one of the most underreported types of financial abuse perpetrated against older individuals. Estimates from 2000 indicate that at least 5 million older Americans are victims of some sort of financial exploitation and abuse every year, including power of attorney abuse. Authorities estimate that, for every case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation or fraud that is reported to the police, about five more cases go unreported.

Among other elements, HB 6477 will strengthen current law in Illinois by providing measures to protect the senior granting the power of attorney, the agent receiving it, and the persons who are asked to rely on the agent’s authority; clarifies to the consumer the guidelines, duties and allowances of the power of attorney; creates liability for the agent in cases of abuse; and provides clearer guidelines for the agent to act in good faith and in the best interest of the principal.

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INDIANAPOLIS  (Profitable.com)  Aaron’s, Inc. has a long history of supporting military families and is showing no sign of slowing down. As its partnership with the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) grows, so does its ongoing commitment to our service members.

In April, at the Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway, Aaron’s debuted the Aaron’s/AFF Dream Machine, a commemorative version of the No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine that sported the Armed Forces Foundation logo.

In conjunction with the commemorative race car, Aaron’s pledged a contribution to the AFF based on the results of the Memorial Day race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Aaron’s COO Ken Butler pledged to donate $10,000 to the AFF regardless of place, but if the Dream Machine’s driver, David Reutimann, earned a top five finish, that amount would double to $20,000. When the checkered flag flew, Reutimann had earned a fourth place finish as well as $20,000 for military families nationwide.

This Friday, July 23rd, Ken Butler will make good on that promise by presenting Patricia Driscoll, President & Executive Director of the AFF, with a $20,000 check at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. David Reutimann and team owner Michael Waltrip will also be present for the presentation.

For Aaron’s, these events provide an opportunity to show its overwhelming appreciation for those who serve. “At Aaron’s, we feel that supporting the military and their families is the right thing to do, and providing this check to the AFF is the least we can do,” said Butler. “We are happy to be partnered with such a great organization as the Armed Forces Foundation.”

The donation should have come as no surprise, but Driscoll still showed a great deal of emotion for the organization being the recipient of so much support. “It was so exciting to see the Aaron’s/AFF Dream Machine finish so well – especially because the AFF brought a dozen wounded service members to watch the race,” said Driscoll. “I can’t begin to explain how important Aaron’s’ support of the Armed Forces Foundation is. Year after year, Aaron’s and Ken Butler continue to amaze me with their generosity and support of our military.”

The check presentation is merely the latest in a long history of providing support to military families through the AFF. At the beginning of this year, Aaron’s announced the “Text AFF to 50555″ campaign – the cornerstone of a fundraising campaign that aims to raise one million dollars for AFF programs.

In April, Aaron’s employees provided countless hours volunteering to renovate a wounded veteran’s home in Fayetteville, NC. They then turned around and provided brand new furnishings for the entire house by delivering furniture, electronics and a riding lawnmower. Aaron’s has also refurbished waiting rooms at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, H.H. McGuire VA Medical Center and the Dallas VA Medical Center, providing new furniture and electronics. Furthermore, Aaron’s works through the AFF to routinely donate furniture to needy military families.

Each Christmas, Aaron’s also acts as the driving force behind the AFF National Toy Drive by offering up its over 1,700 store locations as collection points. The toys are then distributed to children of service members at military installations nationwide.

About the Armed Forces Foundation

In 2001 the Armed Forces Foundation (AFF) was established as a 501(c) 3 organization under the U.S. Department of Defense’s A merica Supports You program. AFF offers vital assistance to active-duty and retired personnel, National Guard, Reserve Components and military families as they cope with difficult circumstances. Through a multitude of programs the Armed Forces Foundation assists military families with utilities and rent;  hotel and travel costs;  holiday gifts for military children;  and therapeutic recreational activities. The Armed Forces Foundation has been recognized by the President of the United States, the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans A ffairs, the Department of Education and the Department of Energy for its dedication to America’s Service Members.   For more information on our Foundation or to aid us in our mission please visit us at our website www.armedforcesfoundation.org.

About Aaron’s Inc.

Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), the nation’s leader in the sales and lease ownership and specialty retailing of residential furniture, consumer electronics, home appliances and accessories, has more than 1,730 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada. Founded in 1955 by entrepreneur R. Charles Loudermilk, Sr. and headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron’s has been publicly traded since 1982. For more information, visit www.aarons.com.

TUPELO, Miss.  (Profitable.com)  Renasant Corporation (Nasdaq: RNST) (the “Company”) today announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Renasant Bank, has acquired the banking operations of Crescent Bank and Trust of Jasper, Georgia (“Crescent Bank”) in a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) assisted transaction.  Under the terms of the transaction, Renasant Bank acquired approximately $1.0 billion in assets, including approximately $600 million of loans and other real estate and approximately $50 million of investment securities, and assumed approximately $900 million in deposits.  The foregoing amounts represent Crescent Bank’s book value for these assets and liabilities and do not necessarily reflect fair value.  These amounts are estimates and, accordingly, are subject to adjustment based upon final settlement with the FDIC.  Renasant Bank and the FDIC entered into a loss sharing arrangement covering substantially all of the acquired loans and other real estate.

All Crescent Bank locations that are normally open on Saturdays will open at normal banking hours on Saturday, July 24, 2010 as Renasant Bank locations, and the remaining Crescent Bank locations will open as Renasant Bank locations on Monday, July 26, 2010.  All Crescent Bank clients will continue to be able to conduct banking business as usual, including accessing their money by writing checks and using ATM or debit cards.  All outstanding checks will be processed as usual, and customers can continue using their Crescent Bank checks.

“As a company with over 105 years of experience in conservative and sound banking practices, we are excited to provide our new clients in North Georgia with the first class service that is the foundation of our success,” said Renasant Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, E. Robinson McGraw.  ”We welcome all of Crescent Bank’s customers and employees to the Renasant family.  Banking clients of Crescent Bank can be at ease that, with Renasant Bank, your deposits are fully accessible and safe, and continue to be insured by the FDIC to the fullest extent permitted.  We look forward to serving our new North Georgia clients and providing all the products of a large regional bank combined with the personal service of a hometown community bank.”

In adding Crescent’s locations to Renasant Bank, the Company will expand its financial services footprint into North Georgia with 11 full service locations in the markets of Jasper, Marble Hill, Cartersville, Adairsville, Canton, Woodstock and Cumming.  The addition of these new branches gives Renasant Bank over 75 locations in the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Tennessee.

“This opportunity represents Renasant’s fourth expansion since 2004 outside of Mississippi, which is our legacy market.  We have a successful track record with our past expansions into Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee as well as Huntsville, Decatur and Birmingham, Alabama and believe this new partnership represents a logical expansion as a financial services leader in the Mid-south,” said McGraw.  ”In looking at and researching FDIC-assisted transactions, we saw Crescent Bank as a tremendous opportunity to enhance our franchise while at the same time giving us access to new markets that would have otherwise been more difficult to enter.”  

The Company also announced today the completion of a $54.95 million capital raise through a private placement of 3,925,000 shares of its $5.00 par value common stock to a select group of investors.  The purchase price in the private placement was $14.00 per share.  The common stock issued in the private placement has not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and thus may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements.

“We expect the impact of the acquisition of Crescent Bank, including the accompanying capital raise, to be immediately accretive to the Company’s earnings per share and tangible book value per share.  Furthermore, the additional capital provided through the common stock issuance will enhance our already strong capital ratios and provide support for future growth,” commented McGraw.  ”Going forward, we’re excited to enter the North Georgia banking market and believe Crescent’s 11 locations will give us a platform for future success and market growth.  As we introduce ourselves to these new markets, we welcome Crescent Bank clients to Renasant Bank and, as our mission statement says, we will strive to be the financial services provider of choice in the markets we serve.”

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc. served as the Renasant Bank’s financial advisor for the acquisition of Crescent Bank and as placement agent in the private placement, and Phelps Dunbar LLP served as Renasant Bank’s and the Company’s legal advisor.

About Renasant Corporation

Renasant Corporation is the parent of Renasant Bank and Renasant Insurance, Inc.  Renasant Corporation has assets of approximately $4.6 billion and operates over 75 banking, mortgage, financial services and insurance offices in Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia as of July 23, 2010.

Note To Investors

This news release may contain, or incorporate by reference, statements which may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Such forward looking statements usually include words such as “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “intends,” “estimates,” “strategy,” “plan,” “potential,” “possible” and other similar expressions.  

Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees for future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.  Important factors currently known to management that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include our ability to efficiently integrate the Crescent Bank acquisition into the Company’s operations, retain Crescent Bank customers and grow the acquired franchise, significant fluctuations in interest rates, inflation, economic recession, significant changes in the federal and state legal and regulatory environment, significant underperformance in our portfolio of outstanding loans, competition in our markets, and risks inherent in FDIC-assisted transactions and other possible acquisitions. We undertake no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  Safetek International, Inc. (Pink Sheets: SFIN) announced today that it has acquired a controlling interest in Newave Packaging Inc., a Delaware Corporation and is attempting to secure working capital finance to develop and expand Newave Packaging’s business.  

Safetek seeks to introduce to the markets a new non-toxic and non-PVC food film packaging without known harmful trace elements, and other packaging products. Safetek International hopes to capture a share of the food packaging industry and aspires to set new standards for ‘green’ products used within the industry as a whole.  

Pursuant to the acquisition, the President of Safetek International, Inc., Shmuel Shneibalg, will join the board of Newave Packaging Inc. as President, Secretary and Treasurer. End Stefan Gudmundsson will continue as CEO of Newave Packaging Inc.

Commenting on the acquisition, the President of Safetek International, Inc., Shmuel Shneibalg, said that “This acquisition marks the start of our new business strategy, and we are extremely excited by the potential that Newave Packaging will bring to Safetek International’s growth plans.”

The CEO of Newave Packaging Inc., Stefan Gudmundsson, said: “In Safetek we have found a strong and supportive partner to help grow and expand our revolutionary new film packaging products and meet the demands of the food packaging industry for alternative more environmentally friendly products.”

About Safetek International, Inc.

The business plan of Safetek International, Inc. includes identifying, developing and managing business projects that Management believes show significant growth potential, including new green technologies and other ECO-Friendly sectors. The Company is undergoing a restructuring and refinancing in 2010 to foster the innovation and application of its ‘green’ initiatives.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements are based on the Company’s current expectations as to future events. However, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this press release might not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements.

Omaha, Neb.  (Profitable.com)  National Property Inspections, Inc. added four franchisees in the U.S. and Canada. David Free of St. George, Utah; Quinn Nazarenus of Bellbrook, Ohio; Jim Niederhaus of Nisku, Alberta; and Chris Scherf of Marion, Iowa, successfully completed NPI’s home inspection training program. Mike Bamford of Nisku, Alberta also received his course completion certificate. Bamford will assist Niederhaus with his business. National Property Inspections (NPI) operates as Global Property Inspections (GPI) in Canada.    

NPI/GPI franchise owners receive training in technical, marketing and business aspects of property inspection and franchising before receiving their certificate. Their days are spent mastering an understanding of all major property systems, including: plumbing, structural, electrical, HVAC, roofing, foundations, and exterior and interior wall coverings. Safety issues, moisture intrusion and common property-related issues are also covered. Training prepares franchise owners to handle commercial inspections, residential inspections, relocation inspections, field service work and more.

Franchisees are also trained in computers and the equipment they will use on a daily basis, including specific proprietary inspection software. NPI’s Inform inspection software was first developed over 10 years ago and is updated frequently to meet the needs of clients and inspectors. Most franchisees elect to complete additional training with an assigned NPI/GPI mentor, a franchisee already established in the field.

National Property Inspections Inc. provides ongoing support and training for all of its franchisees.

“Our franchisees can reach a member of our technical staff seven days a week,” Executive Vice President, Bill Erickson, said.

About National Property Inspections, Inc.

National Property Inspections, Inc. is a national franchisor based in Omaha, Neb. National Property Inspections, Inc., founded in 1987, has nearly 300 independent franchise owners across the U.S. and Canada.

Raleigh Tech Consultants Enhance Operations for Organization Dedicated to Empowering the Blind and Visually Impaired

Raleigh, NC  (Profitable.com)  Adaptive Technology Associates, Inc. (ATA), a Raleigh contact center consulting firm, has been contracted to provide services for Bosma Enterprises, an Indianapolis-based organization dedicated to empowering the blind and visually impaired. ATA will assist Bosma in their technology platform migration for call center services, through which they employ blind and visually impaired workers to deliver inbound customer service request programs for their clients

Adaptive Technology Associates assisted Bosma’s call center business by providing technical recommendations, project management, and sales training. They have also been an integral player in developing proposal and bid responses for Bosma’s call center services. With the addition of sales personnel, ATA is providing Bosma with sales training, delivering a series of modules that includes the anatomy of a contact center, technologies deployed, metrics, reporting to scripting, and selling contact center capabilities as an outsource service.

Bosma employs staff in specialty signage, printing, and disposable glove packaging business segments. The agency launched their contact center in 2008, employing four agents. Adaptive Technology Associates is currently paving the way for a substantial increase in operations and employment, as well as client growth.

In the short time since Bosma began their partnership with Adaptive Technology Associates, the Indiana Home Builder Association (IBA) has extended their contract for call center services. The IBA holds the State of Indiana Energy weatherization contract to provide energy audits and repairs for qualified residents, as part of the federal stimulus program. Inquiry calls for assistance from residents are answered and pre-qualified by Bosma contact center agents who gather necessary data from the resident for the IBA, which is used to schedule an energy audit. Bosma handles more than 2,000 calls per month for the IBA.

About Adaptive Technology Associates

Adaptive Technology Associates Inc (ATA) is a business practice dedicated to connecting people through empowered technologies. ATA specializes in providing targeted strategic and tactical consulting programs in business process and business development for the contact center. They have unique experience supporting agencies of the visually impaired and blind, helping them develop their own contact center businesses step by step… from concept to client contracts. For more information call (919) 779-3133.

About Bosma Enterprises

Since 1915, Bosma Enterprises, based in Indianapolis, has been positively impacting the world of those who are blind or visually impaired. From humble beginnings as a small group providing rehabilitation services to those who had experienced a loss of vision, the organization has blossomed into a full-scale rehabilitation and staffing operation, employing and empowering more than 175 on-site workers. Bosma Enterprises helps their staff gain job-training skills and develop independence by providing employment and job placement opportunities.