CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  In the wake of the Great Recession, significant losses to retirement nest eggs have many investors questioning their long-term financial security. According to John Brackett, partner of San Francisco-based BAR Financial, LLC, when re-evaluating finances uncovers worries, many people rightly seek the help of a trusted financial advisor to help prioritize conflicting needs, set realistic goals, and develop a plan to achieve them. “As you search for financial help, rather than focus on how the advisor gets paid or his or her professional designations, it’s most important to look for someone who is committed and qualified to serve as your Personal Chief Financial Officer,” says Brackett. “A personal CFO will put your needs first and serve you with the high energy, can-do attitude of someone who is genuinely interested in your success and able to help you make sound financial decisions throughout your life.”

Today’s transitioning market requires a unique combination of skill, training and resources to ensure proper preparation for the future. Brackett and Dave Hubbard, president of Chicago-based Exemplar Financial Network have developed six areas in which a good Personal Chief Financial Officer should provide the kind of assistance needed to navigate a range of timely issues.  

1. Managing Risk

In the current market, many investors have shifted from chasing returns to preserving assets. “Because a properly diversified portfolio is the best defense against market volatility, as a Personal CFO, we ensure assets are spread among stocks (large- and small-cap, growth and value, domestic and international) as well as bonds and cash according to your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon,” says Hubbard. “Combining asset classes that historically have responded differently to market conditions is the best way to temper total portfolio risk.”

2. Tax Law Changes

Recently, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 extended the Bush tax brackets, with a top rate of 35 percent for 2011 and 2012. The Act also retained the 15 percent maximum tax on qualified dividends and long-term capital gains. “A good Personal CFO will not only keep abreast of the most recent tax law changes but can help an investor understand how those changes could affect him or her,” says Brackett. “For instance, with the two-year extension of these historically low tax rates, taking portfolio gains is not urgent.” But Brackett says that it’s always important to harvest portfolio losses to offset current—and future—gains.

3. Estate Planning

After an unprecedented one-year estate tax hiatus, the federal estate tax has been reinstated at a maximum rate of 35 percent for 2010 and 2011, with estates up to $5 million ($10 million for couples) exempt from taxes. The new law also retroactively reinstates an estate tax for 2010 at the rate of 35 percent. However, Hubbard wants to remind investors that the government allows executors of estates of decedents who died in 2010 a choice. “You can distribute assets to heirs estate-tax-free but with a carryover basis (generally the original purchase price), or step up the basis to the market value (generally at time of death) and pay the current 35 percent rate on assets above the $5 million exemption,” he says.

4. Capitalizing on Opportunities

“Sometimes the finest print in new tax law creates the greatest opportunity,” says Brackett. The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 grants employees and self-employed workers a reduction of two percentage points in Social Security payroll tax in 2011. The rate falls from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent for employees and from 12.4 percent to 10.4 percent for the self-employed, amounting to an extra $800 for someone earning $40,000 a year. Brackett advises that investors should resist the urge to blow this “found” money. Instead he advises funding an IRA or increasing the 401(k) contribution’s tax deferred growth in order to compound the benefit.

5. Managing Distributions

“Four percent is often offered as the standard answer to the question of how much you can safely withdraw from your portfolio each year in retirement,” says Brackett. “However, just as one-size-fits-all doesn’t work when you are shopping for a suit, a personal CFO should tailor your retirement withdrawal according to your portfolio’s size, your risk tolerance and your lifestyle and life expectancy.” He goes on to advise that determining from which account to draw first is part art and part science and cautions that although hardship distribution provisions from a 401(k) are rarely discussed, in the last few years there has been an increase in requests for hardship distributions. “Perhaps this is because many homeowners can no longer tap into the equity in their homes, but whatever the reason, plans differ on the rules for hardship distributions and under exactly what qualifies as a ‘hardship.’” As an example, he says that some plans may permit distributions to pay for medical expenses, but not to purchase a home.

6. Building a Team

A personal CFO is someone who will work with an investor’s CPA, estate planning attorney, insurance professionals and bankers to manage wealth accumulation, preservation and transfer. While using multiple advisors affords a broad expertise, a lack of routine communication between all parties can result in a variety of problems. “An undiscovered overlap in large-cap stock funds between your 401(k) and other investment accounts could leave you over-exposed to equities, or an unfunded trust could foil your estate planning goals,” says Hubbard. “In a quarterback role, the personal CFO keeps important financial matters that you might tend to place on the backburner front and center and with everyone on the same page. I think if a consumer really wants to get ahead and achieve their goals, they need a financial quarterback.”

About Exemplar Financial Network

Exemplar Financial Network is an independent financial services firm committed to helping their clients improve their long-term financial success by delivering a high level of personalized service. Exemplar’s signature 4-step comprehensive analysis and solutions process drives a conservative approach to protecting assets by managing risk. The company’s founder and president, Dave Hubbard has been serving clients as a financial advisor for over 30 years. He has received numerous awards and recognition including OnWallStreet magazine’s Top Ten Branch Managers of the Year (2008) and Top 100 Branch Managers of the Year (2009 & 2010). Learn more at www.Exemplarfn.com or by calling (815) 459-4550.  350 Congress Parkway, Suite C, Crystal Lake, IL  60014.

BAR Financial, LLC

John Brackett is one of three partners of BAR Financial, LLC, an independently owned financial services firm focused on delivering cutting edge knowledge, resources and solutions to independent financial advisors and financial institutions throughout the nation. BAR Financial is one of the largest regions of the Financial Network Corporation with approximately 400 representatives and several large, employee operated OSJ offices across the country. Learn more at www.BARfinancial.net or by calling (925) 944-9644. 3478 Buskirk Avenue, Suite 300 – Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Financial Network Investment Corporation, Member SIPC. BAR Financial, LLC and Exemplar Financial Network are not affiliated with Financial Network Investment Corporation.

Financial Network nor their representatives provide tax advice. You may wish to consult your tax professional regarding your individual circumstances.

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  A successful career is not an accident; it is a result of intelligent choices, and it is achieved one victory at a time, says Five O’Clock Club™ career coach Theodore Henderson. Frustration and dissatisfaction in your job search or career transition should be the exception not the rule. There is a proven process that has worked for Henderson’s clients when implemented and adhered to. He outlines the key components of that process here:

Assess Individual Skills and Interests. Understanding yourself is the first step before making any major life-affecting decisions. Having a system that gives one the ability to do this is key, as values, interests, and what satisfies an individual’s sense of accomplishment will become an empowering part of the job search strategy – not a hindrance.

Select Your Job Targets. By using proven and tested strategies you will be able to understand clearly the industries that fit your “Self-Assessment,” required job function, and the desired geography. Given the highly competitive environment, Henderson believes job-seekers should proactively research and contact potential employers to maximize their access to opportunities – rather than relying on ads, agencies, and networking. He works with each client to define screening criteria to identify opportunities and to determine the optimal method of approaching executives.

Develop the Right Resume. The key to securing interviews for employment opportunities and career advancement is producing a resume that truly positions you in a way the interviewer or hiring manager will see your skills in the best light. The majority of interviewers will see your resume even if they never see you. Henderson believes the right resume development tells your story in a few seconds of scanning and preps the interviewer for why seeing you is to their advantage.

Individualize Your Marketing Plan. You are the CEO of yourself. Your product is you and must be marketed correctly. Professional career coaching demonstrates how to develop the tools (resume, cover letter, follow-up, etc.) to get the attention of the hiring managers, and outshine your competition in the targeted industries.

Manage Your Job-Search Campaign. Given the highly competitive environment, Henderson believes job-seekers should proactively research, contact employers, and manage the entire life cycle of the job search process. Henderson says a professional career coach works with each client to define screening criteria to identify potential employers, determine the optimal method of approach, and develop a strategy to maintain contact through to the job offers.

Prepare for Interviews. An interview in today’s competitive job market is a precious opportunity that demands thorough preparation. There is a very good reason to be this thorough in your job search preparation and follow-through. The average search for a professional or an executive normally takes approximately 8 months. The normal length of time for a job-hunter using this methodology is only 10 to 12 weeks to a job they actually wanted rather than settled for.

About the Author

During a career spanning over twenty years, Theodore Henderson has excelled as an articulate, organized, and successful business manager, entrepreneur, consultant, seminar leader, and speaker. He is a Five O’Clock Club™ trained career coach and is also the author of the exciting new book “The Wisdom Compass – Your 31 Day Journey to Wisdom-Filled Living.” Additionally, he has demonstrated a proven ability to build and maintain profitable, long-term relationships with a sophisticated client base. Henderson is also involved in youth leadership training and has taken a special interest in mentoring and tutoring urban youth and the disadvantaged. He is available for speaking engagements, book signings, and career coaching. Please email info@theodorehenderson.com for information.

Visit http://www.thewisdomcompass.com for book info and ordering and http://www.theodorehenderson.com for timely articles and other information on a range of relevant topics.

BELLEVUE, Wash.  (Profitable.com)  HTC Corp., a global designer of smartphones, today announced that the new HTC Merge smartphone will be made available through multiple North American carriers beginning in spring 2011. The HTC Merge smartphone combines a full QWERTY slide-out keyboard with the power of Android 2.2, the HTC Sense experience, a large 3.8-inch touch-screen display and a 5 megapixel camera to create a complete mobile experience for those looking for a truly complete smartphone. The HTC Merge is also HTC’s first Android-based CDMA world phone.

“HTC prides itself on creating unique solutions that meet the needs of different customers, and with features like a full keyboard and global 3G roaming, the HTC Merge smartphone is the perfect example of this commitment,” said Jason Mackenzie, president, HTC Americas. “Combining the functionality of Android with the HTC Sense experience, the HTC Merge is the perfect device for those customers who are looking for a reliable mobile experience with the features and functionality of a smartphone, whether it’s at home or travelling around the world.”

Customers will appreciate seamless integration with Exchange ActiveSync, enjoy quick and easy access to Flickr® for sharing and viewing pictures, and find new ways to customize their experience with the Android Market™ with more than 100,000 applications. With a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, customers will be able to keep in touch with friends and family no matter where they are, as well as stay in the loop with Flickr, Facebook® and Twitter™ updates through HTC FriendStream™.

In addition, the HTC Merge smartphone has a 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and flash that captures outstanding images, while 3G connectivity makes sharing those special moments with friends and family quick and easy. The HTC Merge smartphone also comes with integrated GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity and even the ability to capture high-definition 720p video.

Availability

HTC Merge is slated to be available from multiple North American operators beginning in spring 2011.

About HTC

HTC Corp. (HTC) is one of the fastest growing companies in the mobile phone industry. By putting people at the center of everything it does, HTC creates innovative smartphones that better serve the lives and needs of individuals. The company is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange under ticker 2498. For more information about HTC, please visit www.htc.com.

HTC, the HTC logo, FriendStream, HTC Merge, and HTC Sense are the trademarks of HTC Corporation.  All other names of companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

DALLAS  (Profitable.com)  From its humble beginnings in 1927 selling milk and bread from an ice dock in Oak Cliff, Texas, 7-Eleven, Inc. has grown into an international powerhouse with more retail outlets than any other company in the world — now numbering 40,000.

The company will celebrate this milestone with a reception Friday, Feb. 25, at its headquarters at One Arts Plaza in Dallas.

“Last year, 7-Eleven opened more than 2,500 7-Eleven® stores globally, or about one new store every 3-1/2 hours,” President and CEO Joe DePinto said. “The growth potential is tremendous, both domestically and internationally, as we operate in only 16 countries today.  We are continuing to aggressively pursue expansion across the chain.”

DePinto added, “Around the world, 7-Eleven is a franchise business with approximately 75 percent of stores franchised by independent business operators running local neighborhood stores. These local stores can take advantage of scale and support under the 7-Eleven brand.  As our store count rises, so, too, do the franchising opportunities for qualified businessmen and women around the world to be their own boss.”

Approximately 10 to 11 full- and part-time store associates are employed by each store in the U.S. and overseas, infusing dollars into the local economy.  In total, more than 30,000 new jobs and business opportunities are created each year as a result.  We have 500,000 store associates around the world and global sales of $62.7 billion.  This contribution to local economies has been recognized through numerous awards and honors given to 7-Eleven for the positive impact on the communities served.

“This significant store growth is a job-stimulus package in itself,” DePinto said. “When 7-Eleven opens a store, we create new jobs and business prospects in the community. This ranges from franchising, management and store staff positions to more work for local suppliers, contractors and construction crews.  We also add to the local tax revenues for neighborhood schools and city services.”

Not only do new 7-Eleven stores bring about new business and revenues to the cities in which they operate, the company’s charitable contributions and sponsorships programs also benefit local communities, both in the U.S. and abroad.

To demonstrate 7-Eleven’s commitment to supporting the community and being a good neighbor, DePinto will present a $40,000 donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters, a nationally known charity during the Feb. 25 event. The recipient, which provides youth mentoring, complements 7-Eleven’s charitable contribution strategy.

7-Eleven, Inc.’s history is rich with milestones. For example:

• 1949 – 7-Eleven was the first convenience retailer to air television commercials.
• 1964 – Coffee-to-go was introduced to U.S. consumers by a 7-Eleven store on Long Island, N.Y.
• 1966 – 7-Eleven introduces its iconic drink, the Slurpee® frozen carbonated beverage.
• 1984 – First convenience store to offer ATM service
• 1991 — 7-Eleven was the first convenience store to open third-party distribution, bakery and commissary facilities to deliver fresh foods every day of the year to its stores.
• 1998 – The first self-serve, multi-purpose financial kiosk was developed by 7-Eleven.
• 2004 — 7-Eleven was the first retailer to offer its own prepaid wireless phone program.
• 2007 –7-Eleven introduced nationally the first herbal-extract enhanced coffee sold in a cup, which was called Fusion Energy.
• 2010 – 7-Eleven partnered with Zynga, a social gaming company, in its first retail promotion with millions of consumers redeeming exclusive virtual items within wildly popular online games like Farmville, Yoville and Mafia Wars.

7-Eleven moved beyond the U.S. borders in 1969 when it began opening stores in Canada, and two years later created a joint venture in Mexico.  The first overseas 7-Eleven store was built in Japan in 1974. Today 7-Eleven has thousands of global locations through master franchisee agreements with organizations in Thailand, Taiwan, South Korea, China, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Australia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Indonesia. Each of these independent companies contribute to 7-Eleven’s rapid store growth.

The following shows 7-Eleven, Inc.’s climb to 40,000 stores:

• 1927 – First store
• 1952 – 100 stores
• 1963 – 1,000 stores
• 1984 – 10,000 stores
• 2003 – 25,000 stores
• 2010 – 40,000 stores

About 7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven, Inc. is the premier name and largest chain in the convenience retailing industry. Based in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 8,300 7-Eleven® stores in North America. Globally, 7-Eleven operates, franchises or licenses more than 40,000 stores in 16 countries. During 2009, 7-Eleven stores worldwide generated total sales of more than $58.9 billion. 7-Eleven has been honored by a number of companies and organizations recently. Accolades include: #2 on Forbes magazine’s 2011 list of Top Franchises for the Money; #4 spot on Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 list for 2009, #3 in Forbes magazine’s Top 20 Franchises to Start, #3 among Top 100 Global Franchises by Franchise Direct, #3 in Store Growth by Convenience Store News, #2 in Franchise Times Top 200 Franchise Companies, #6 in AllBusiness AllStar Franchise ranking, #29 among Top 100 Chains in Food Service.  In addition, Hispanic Magazine named 7-Eleven in its Hispanic Corporate Top 100 Companies that provide the most opportunities to Hispanics. 7-Eleven recently was selected by three diversity publications as a company offering the best career and franchisee opportunities. 7-Eleven is franchising its stores in the U.S., and is expanding through organic growth, acquisitions and its Business Conversion Program. In addition, the company received the 2009 Shopper-Centric Marketing Innovation from Symphony IRI and the 2010 Retailer of the Year award from PL Buyer because of the company’s private-label brand program. Find out more online at www.7-Eleven.com.

SYDNEY  (Profitable.com)  Freelancer.com, the world’s largest outsourcing marketplace, today broke into the coveted top 250 websites worldwide, according to Alexa.com, while noting a massive 30% upswing in traffic for the month of January.

“Everything is up: projects, sign ups and traffic. Every metric we have indicates that Freelancer is headed for a massive year. We are incredibly excited to be in the position we are in today,” said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive of Freelancer.com. “This company has been profitable every month of its existence and that is due, not only to the continued strength and security of our marketplace, but also to the unending demand for highly skilled, affordable and liquid labor,” he continued.

“When you think of huge websites you automatically think of Google and Facebook, the sites that people use everyday,” stated Barrie. “This is the way outsourcing is going. Whether it’s a virtual assistant to help you manage your busy schedule or unique logo design for your child’s birthday party, outsourcing has become so affordable that everyone is doing it,” he continued.

The fact that the outsourcing platform has reached such heights is not surprising. Over the past year the world of digital work has reached unforeseeable heights, now even broadening to the consumer level. Outsourcing, a business practice that was once considered to be only for large companies, was quickly adopted by small and medium sized businesses looking to cut cost and quickly jump into the marketplace, and has now reached even to the individual level with everyday people outsourcing individual tasks on a project basis.

About Freelancer

Freelancer.com is the largest outsourcing marketplace in the world. Through Freelancer.com, businesses connect with independent service providers and freelancers. Freelancer.com connects over 2 million professionals from all over the world. Through our website, employers can hire freelancers to do work in areas such as software, writing, data entry and design right through to engineering and the sciences, sales & marketing, and accounting & legal services. The average job is under US $200, making Freelancer.com extremely cost effective for small businesses, which often need a wide variety of jobs to be done, but cannot justify the expense of hiring full time.

MIAMI  (Profitable.com)  iWatchz announces today the launch of its Q Collection Apple iPod Nano Watchbands at www.bestbuy.com, the leading online electronics retailer in the US.

The company’s first product line, the Q Collection, was launched in early December and was quickly propelled to the top spot in the new market of iPod Nano Watchbands in only the few weeks leading up to the holidays.

The company’s president attributes the success of their product to its easy-to-use, stylish design and affordable pricing. The fact that iWatchz were also able to deliver products to consumers within 48 hours of orders being placed did not hurt either!

www.BestBuy.com will be carrying the entire line-up of the Q Collection iWatchz, featuring stylish silicone bands in your choice of eight colours (black, red, white, grey, pink, blue, green and orange) along with the company’s patented ‘nanoclipz’ system to secure your iPod Nano in place, the iWatchz Q Collection brings together ease of use and stylish design at the very affordable price of $24.95 USD.

“When we developed the nanoclipz system we had several goals in mind. The product had to be stylish, simple to use, affordable, and had to ensure the iPod Nano would remain secure while still giving the user access to all the functionality of the device (earphone jack, buttons, and charge/sync port),” offers the company president. “We are very excited that www.bestbuy.com, a market leader in electronics retailing, has decided to carry our entire Q Collection in the US.”

iWatchz patented watch integration system enables users to transform their iPod Nano (6th generation) into a stylish wristwatch.

Turning your Apple iPod Nano into a stylish wristwatch is as easy as: 1 – Press, 2 – Slide, 3 – Click.

For media inquiries, access to additional images or to request a sample for review, please contact Suzanne Dunbar – Jeckl.us – sd@jeckl.us – 416.964.1162 x24

2011 www.iwatchz.com

iPod Nano is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  It may seem like free checking is nearing extinction. However, Bankrate’s 2nd annual Credit Union Checking Study reveals that free checking accounts are alive and well at many of the nation’s top credit unions. The study, released this morning, takes a look at fees, account balance minimums and the cost of ATM usage at the 50 largest credit unions in the country. The results of the study can be found here: http://bankrate.com/finance/checking/credit-unions-free-checking-champions-1.aspx.

Among the findings:

• Of the 50 largest credit unions in the country, free checking accounts were available at 38 of them;
• An additional 20 percent of credit unions will waive fees, typically with direct deposit and/or e-statements;
• Similar to the trends seen among national banks over the past year, credit unions have had a slight decline in free checking accounts (from 78 percent to 76 percent) and an increase in average fees for bounced checks (from $24.88 to $26.05) and ATM surcharges (from $2 to $2.10);
• Nearly half of the credit unions surveyed, 23 out of 50, do not require a minimum opening balance on their free checking accounts.

“Bankrate.com found that 96 percent of the nation’s largest credit unions offer a checking account that is free, or can become free with minimal effort,” said Greg McBride, CFA, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com. “Even with continued declines in the prevalence of free checking, it remains within the grasp of most Americans and credit unions are a viable option.”

About Bankrate, Inc.

The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe, CreditCardGuide.com and Bankaholic. Each of these businesses helps consumers to make informed decisions about their personal finance matters. The company’s flagship brand, Bankrate.com is a destination site of personal finance channels, including banking, investing, taxes, debt management and college finance. Bankrate.com is the leading aggregator of rates and other information on more than 300 financial products, including mortgages, credit cards, new and used auto loans, money market accounts and CDs, checking and ATM fees, home equity loans and online banking fees. Bankrate.com reviews more than 4,800 financial institutions in 575 markets in 50 states. In 2008, Bankrate.com had nearly 72 million unique visitors. Bankrate.com provides financial applications and information to a network of more than 75 partners, including Yahoo! (Nasdaq: YHOO), America Online (NYSE: AOL), The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times (NYSE: NYT). Bankrate.com’s information is also distributed through more than 500 newspapers. Bankrate, Inc. was acquired by Apax Partners, one of the world’s leading private equity investment group, in September 2009. Apax operates across the United States, Europe and Asia and has more than 30 years of investing experience. For more information on Apax, visit: www.Apax.com.

CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  Online banking continues to grow in popularity, and according to Mintel, 79% of consumers visit their banks’ online website on a daily or weekly basis. But it seems that loyalty to online banking would vanish if the service wasn’t complimentary, as just less than 80% of consumers would stop using their banks online bill pay services if their financial institutions charged a monthly fee.

When asked how much they would be willing to pay, just 7% of consumers said that they would continue using online bill pay if they were charged $5.  The number willing to pay $10 for online bill pay services is a mere 5%, while only 2% said they would pay $25 or more per month. The final 7% said they didn’t know at what price they would stop using online bill pay services.

“Most consumers would be loathe to pay for an online bill pay service, simply because there are other services that are offered free of charge,” says Susan Wolfe, VP of financial services at Mintel Comperemedia.  ”So if banks start charging for online bill pay, they run the risk that customers will use another payment mechanism or go to one of the free third party services.”

Despite the popularity of online banking, writing checks is still a popular way to pay – 62% of consumers who are responsible for paying their household’s recurring bills report that they’ve paid a bill with a check. Forty-five percent have paid their bills through the biller’s website and 42% have paid a bill with a credit card in the past six months. Online bill payment through a bank comes in fourth, at 40%.

“The wide range of payment mechanisms means customers have choices,” adds Susan Wolfe. “Getting customers to sign up for online banking is the easy part—getting them to use the full online offering is much more challenging.”

For more information about online banking, please join Susan Wolfe for her upcoming webinar, “Online Banking: Where do we go from here?” Thursday, February 24, 2 p.m. CST. Register here: http://tinyurl.com/MC-Online-Banking-Webinar. Or contact the press office (press@mintel.com) for a copy of the presentation after the webinar has taken place.

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

HOMEWOOD, Ill.  (Profitable.com)  The iFranchise Group (www.ifranchisegroup.com), a leading franchise consulting firm based in the Chicago area, sees a number of current trends in franchising that they expect will endure, and has identified others as ones to watch as 2011 continues to unfold.  Key franchising trends they have indentified fall into several main categories:

1. Innovative and healthier foods
2. “Green” products and services
3. Health and wellness businesses
4. Low cost and other market-appropriate concepts

Franchising has seen a recent influx of trendy foodservice concepts. Some of the most notable of those include gourmet hamburger restaurants, as well as the return of frozen yogurt shops, many offering a new self-service spin on a concept that was first made popular back in the 1980s.

According to Mark Siebert, noted franchise consultant and CEO of iFranchise Group, “Upscale burgers and frozen yogurt have been going strong for a little while now, and probably have another three years of continued aggressive growth before we start seeing market saturation.”

Healthier foodservice concepts are also making impressive headway in franchising, such as healthy pizza recipes featuring fresh and organic ingredients, as well as newer ethnic food franchise entries including Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine.  

Of course, innovation and appeal isn’t limited to restaurants and foodservice.  An influx of environmentally-aware franchisors and franchise buyers is carving out a new niche in franchising.  iFranchise Group franchise consultants and analysts believe some new leaders will soon start emerging, especially those that focus on solar technology and other energy savings-oriented businesses.

Adds Mr. Siebert, “With more and more people aware of and concerned about minimizing the negative impacts businesses have on the environment, it’s not surprising we’re seeing new franchise systems come along that focus on earth-friendly products and services, and that help consumers and businesses alike find ways to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Experienced franchise executive and iFranchise Group President, Dave Hood, also sees a common thread among franchise concepts he works with, in his role as project director for the franchise consulting firm. “Health and wellness businesses overall continue to focus on expansion through franchising,” says Mr. Hood.  ”We’re seeing more wellness concepts in general coming into the franchise market. And of course, as the population continues to age, with more Baby Boomers fast approaching retirement age, we feel that senior-oriented franchise programs still have a lot of room to grow.”

Finally, according to iFranchise Group staff, the economic conditions that will remain, as the effects of the Great Recession slowly begin to abate, will also create new opportunities in franchising. Notes Mr. Siebert, “Any franchise systems that take advantage of the new market realities, whether they are services designed to assist with the lingering challenges in the housing market, or simply lower-cost or home-based franchises, will be well-positioned this year, and likely in years to come.”

About iFranchise Group: iFranchise Group (www.ifranchisegroup.com), is a leading franchise consulting firm that offers the skills of the nation’s top professionals in franchise strategic planning, operations training and documentation, franchise marketing and sales, advertising fund management, franchise recruitment, and development of Internet-based applications for emerging and established franchise companies worldwide. Since its inception in 1998, iFranchise Group has dedicated its efforts to establishing long-term, strategic relationships with franchisors, both new and established, and other companies seeking consultative guidance with business expansion strategies. With a staff of franchise consultants with a combined 450+ years of experience in franchise development and implementation, iFranchise Group has worked with over 30 Fortune 2000 companies and with 98 of the world’s top 200 franchisors as rated by Franchise Times magazine.  

www.ifranchisegroup.com

FORT WASHINGTON, Pa.  (Profitable.com)  Nutrisystem, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRI), the number one home delivery weight loss company, has recently added new pantry-ready menu items that are sure to tantalize taste buds while providing great nutrition, convenience, and value. The newly released comfort foods include: Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar, Italian-Style Wedding Soup, Butterscotch Pudding, Chocolate Wafer Sticks, and Butter Flavored Popcorn. Nutrisystem members will also have new breakfast items to choose from including: Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables, Southern-Style Biscuits and Gravy, and a Maple Flavored Breakfast Patty. With these new menu introductions, Nutrisystem® now offers more than 150 items, leading the industry in offering the most food choices available for home delivery by a weight loss company.

For more than 39 years, Nutrisystem® weight loss programs have offered customers a wide variety of delicious meals, snacks, and desserts that are part of a unique system which combines advanced nutrition, proper portion control, and frequent meal occasions with the ultimate in convenience and ease of use. By providing a low Glycemic Index diet, the Nutrisystem program delivers sustained energy and satiety that will keep you feeling full throughout the day. Nutrisystem’s combination of sound nutritional science, great taste, and variety provide consumers with an effective option that will deliver healthy weight loss.

“Nutrisystem has grown to the number one home delivery weight loss company by leading the industry in providing a weight loss program that is nutritionally sound and efficacious but also delicious. Our new menu items have all been developed with an emphasis on optimized nutrition as well as flavor,” said Scott Falconer, Executive Vice President of Operations at Nutrisystem. “Our customer research tells us that taste and variety are an important part of sustainable weight loss and dieters are not willing to give up eating their favorite foods. With the addition of these new menu items, our members won’t have to sacrifice the foods they love, and they’ll be choosing from more than 150 delicious items that address a host of individual tastes and preferences.”

Nutrisystem programs cost hundreds of dollars less per month than similar home delivery weight loss programs. Today, the 28-Day Nutrisystem® Select® program costs just $259.99 or under $9.00 per day. The program is an optimal mix of 10 days of fresh frozen foods and 18 days of pantry-ready nutritionally balanced meals, with free shipping on auto-delivery and a gourmet money back guarantee. Today, the 28–Day Nutrisystem® Core program of all pantry-ready foods is also available for $239.00 per month, with free shipping on auto-delivery and a gourmet money back guarantee. All Nutrisystem® programs include free access to nutritional and weight loss counseling around the clock, free iPhone and mobile Apps, free online community membership and weight loss tools.

The Nutrisystem Select Program is available only in the Continental U.S., and can be purchased by calling the Nutrisystem hotline 1-800-891-3215 or by logging onto www.nutrisystem.com.

Featured below are a few of the new Nutrisystem menu items:

Italian-Style Wedding Soup – A hearty heat-and-eat soup that combines pasta, meatballs, spinach, and the perfect blend of spices, all in a rich chicken broth.
 
Peanut Butter and Jelly Bar – This lunch bar will take you right back to childhood! Two of your flavor favorites—creamy peanut butter and grape jelly—are combined in a soft, chewy bar with a delicious peanut butter coating.

Butter Flavored Popcorn – If you like your popcorn light, buttery, and full of flavor, you’re going to love this! It’s the snack to reach for on game day or while you’re watching your favorite movie.
 
Scrambled Eggs with Vegetables – An indulgent breakfast featuring fluffy scrambled eggs with a combination of vegetables, like potatoes and peppers, plus savory sausage flavor and cheese.
 
Southern-Style Biscuits and Gravy – Breakfast country-style! This hearty entree features a tender buttermilk biscuit smothered in a thick, smoky gravy.
 
Maple Flavored Breakfast Patty – A meaty pork sausage with the perfect combination of spices and enhanced by a slight maple sweetness.

About Nutrisystem, Inc.

Nutrisystem, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTRI) is the number one home delivery weight loss company. Nutrisystem is sold direct to the consumer through nutrisystem.com, by phone, and at select retailers, with convenient home delivery. The Company offers proven nutritionally balanced weight loss programs designed for women, men, and seniors, as well as the Nutrisystem® D™ program, specifically designed to help people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes. The Nutrisystem programs are based on more than 39 years of nutrition research and the science of the low glycemic index, and offer a variety of great tasting, satisfying high-fiber, good carbohydrate meals that are heart healthy. Nutrisystem was named the “Least Expensive Home Delivery Program” by CBS Money Watch in January 2011. The program has no membership fees and provides 24/7 weight management support and counseling by trained weight loss coaches and online weight management tools free of charge. Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop Diabetes™ and WomenHeart, The National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease, in its mission to bring about a greater awareness of the link between heart disease and obesity. For more information or to become a customer visit http://www.nutrisystem.com or call 1-800-891-3215. Follow Nutrisystem on Twitter @nutrisystem and on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/nutrisystem.

REDMOND, Wash.  (Profitable.com)  On day one, new Nintendo 3DS^™ owners will have plenty of video games to keep them busy. Nintendo and its third-party publishing partners have made sure that people who buy a system on March 27 will be able to choose from a variety of experiences that leverage the system’s new features. A steady and diverse stream of games of all kinds will keep the fun going, with more than 30 Nintendo 3DS games total launching before the E³ Expo in early June.

“Seeing 3D visuals without the need for special glasses is just one aspect of Nintendo 3DS,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “The real test of any system is whether the games and applications draw you in and keep you engaged. Through the launch window and beyond, Nintendo 3DS delivers.”

On March 27, new Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to choose from the following Nintendo-published games, each available at a suggested retail price of $39.99:

• Pilotwings Resort^™, an aerial adventure featuring airplanes, hang gliders and rocket belts. Players soar above tropical Wuhu Island in 3D as they complete missions or snap pictures.
• Steel Diver^™, a submarine game that involves strategy and combat. The 3D visuals give players the sensation that they are looking into a miniature aquarium as they control the sub’s speed, depth and pitch, and fire torpedoes.
• nintendogs^™ + cats, a game that lets players interact with realistic puppies – and kittens – in a variety of fun ways. There are three versions of the software, each with different starting breeds: French bulldog, toy poodle and golden retriever. But in each version players can unlock and enjoy more than 20 different breeds.

Other Nintendo 3DS games in the works for 2011 from Nintendo include The Legend of Zelda^™: Ocarina of Time^™ 3D, Star Fox 64^™ 3D, Kid Icarus^™: Uprising and new installments in the Mario Kart^™ series.

Third-party publishers also have a strong slate of games ready to go on March 27. These include:

• Super Street Fighter^® IV 3D Edition from CAPCOM
• The Sims^™ 3 from EA
• Madden NFL Football from EA SPORTS
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2011 3D from Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
• LEGO^® Star Wars^® III: The Clone Wars^™ from LucasArts^™
• RIDGE RACER^® 3D from NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc.
• Super Monkey Ball^™ 3D from SEGA
• BUST-A-MOVE UNIVERSE^™ from Square-Enix, Inc.
• SAMURAI WARRIORS^®: Chronicles from TECMO KOEI AMERICA Corp.
• Asphalt^™ 3D from UBISOFT
• Combat of Giants^™: Dinosaurs 3D from UBISOFT
• Rayman^® 3D from UBISOFT
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon^® Shadow Wars from UBISOFT

Nintendo 3DS also comes pre-loaded with a variety of fun games, applications and features, such as the Nintendo 3DS camera, which can be used to take photos in 2D and 3D as well as be used in other games and applications. For instance, the built-in Face Raiders^™ game asks users to shoot at funny depictions of their own photographed faces, while the Mii Maker^™ application lets gamers use the camera to take a picture of a person and have an automatic Mii^™ character created. The system also comes with six AR Cards, which, when viewed through the outer cameras, bring to life fun and interesting animations and images. For example, when used with nintendogs + cats, users might see their puppies or kittens sitting on their coffee tables or in the palms of their hands. With Nintendo 3DS Sound, users can enjoy sound-manipulation tools or rock out with their Nintendo 3DS system while listening to their MP3 or AAC music files.

Nintendo 3DS is also able to play nearly every game in the massive Nintendo DS library, except those that require use of a secondary Game Boy^™ Advance slot.

For more information about Nintendo 3DS, visit http://www.nintendo3ds.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii^™ home console and Nintendo DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.5 billion video games and more than 577 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi^™ and Nintendo DSi XL^™, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™ and Nintendo GameCube^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario^™, Donkey Kong^™, Metroid^™, Zelda^™ and Pokémon^™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

SAN DIEGO  (Profitable.com)  iGUGU®, a global manufacturer of innovative entertainment technology products for consumers and businesses, today announced it has begun shipping the long-anticipated InterneTV system, an easy-to-use, affordable solution that enables consumers to “cut the cord” from paid television programming and stream the majority of all PC- and Internet-based content to the television.

iGUGU InterneTV, which includes both wired and wireless versions, is the industry’s most feature-rich video content streaming solution enabling consumers to use an existing PC as the set-top box turning the television into an Internet TV that can stream virtually any computer- or Internet-based video content.

“The content available through YouTube, Hulu and Netflix represents less than four percent of the video content available on the Internet,” explained Isaac Calderon, president of iGUGU.  ”InterneTV enables users to easily find and watch the other 96 percent of the content that is available through the Internet.”

Available through the iGUGU website (www.igugu.com) at MSRPs of $129 (basic) and $249 (wireless), InterneTV provides intuitive, easy access to Internet videos with a compact, feature-rich handheld RF remote control that incorporates the functions of a full QWERTY keyboard and mouse and even integrates an LCD display for ease of data entry.  

At the core of InterneTV is a powerful software application that aggregates both subscription-based and free content from hundreds of websites, making it easy and intuitive to search, access and view video content.

“A content streaming solution is only as good as the type and amount of content that it can actually stream,” explained Calderon.  ”Since InterneTV is PC-based, our solution can stream ANY content that can be viewed on the computer.  With the vast array of content available on the Internet, including full episodes of current programs from all of the major broadcast and cable networks, our solution gives consumers the ability to enjoy current TV programs without having to pay hefty cable subscription fees.”

The iGUGU InterneTV systems are available now at $129 USD for the basic version and $249 for the wireless version via iGUGU’s website and are backed by a 12-month warranty and 24/7 technical support.  For more information, visit www.igugu.com or follow iGUGU USA on Facebook and Twitter.

About iGUGU InterneTV

iGUGU InterneTV turns the PC into a powerful entertainment center by enabling users to access and play stored video content from the PC or streaming content from the Internet on a television or home entertainment center. The iGUGU InterneTV system consists of an innovative, compact handheld wireless remote control, wireless or cable-based options to connect the PC to the television, and an easy-to-use, powerful, software application that aggregates free and subscription-based content on the Internet, giving users the ability to search, catalog and play more content than any other solution on the market.

The PC-to-TV interface manages all content between the computer and the television. Connecting the PC to the television is made easy through two connectivity options which include both wired and wireless solutions to deliver video at up to 30 frames per second.

iGUGU InterneTV Basic provides connectivity via a six-foot VGA or HDMI cable and utilizes a wireless USB which is connected to the PC to communicate with the wireless remote.

iGUGU InterneTV Wireless provides wireless connectivity between the television and a Wi-Fi enabled PC at a distance of up to 400 feet utilizing an 802.11g-compliant adapter that provides both VGA and HDMI video outputs and stereo audio output connections.

InterneTV, which is compatible with the Windows operating system, supports 480p and 720p, and delivers resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600, and 1024 x 768.

About iGUGU

iGUGU is a subsidiary of San Diego, Calif., based VNA Group, a conglomerate of companies that include transportation vehicles, fitness equipment, entertainment technology, and consumer products.  

The VNA Group delivers to consumers and businesses around the world a diverse array of innovative products and services that enhance and improve the way that people work and play.

iGUGU designs and manufactures innovative entertainment technology solutions that enable consumers to enhance their lifestyles and businesses to take advantage of new revenue streams made possible through the convergence of the Internet and entertainment industries.  iGUGU’s business philosophy is simple: to dedicate their talent and technologies to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society.

iGUGU is headquartered in San Diego, Calif. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.igugu.com.

© 2011iGUGU. iGUGU, and the iGUGU logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of iGUGU in the United States and/or other countries. Other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to change without notice. All rights reserved.

SAN DIEGO  (Profitable.com)  With a continued commitment to portability, performance and multimedia entertainment wrapped in a premium design, Sony Electronics today announced the VAIO® C Series – an exclusive line of laptops. A second generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor, Blu-ray Disc™ drive (select models), and AMD Radeon™ 1GB Hybrid Graphics card (select models) give you visibly smart performance and amazing picture quality all in a unique design.

“The new VAIO C Series delivers an extraordinary design with new, vivid materials,” said Mike Lucas, senior vice president of the Networked Technologies and Services Division at Sony Electronics. “Combined with premium performance and features, as well as enhanced with Sony Imagination Studio, C Series users can be entertained and show off their creative side.”

Let There Be Light

The exclusive one-of-a-kind design of the all new VAIO C Series in lively Neon Orange and Neon Green collects and radiates light around the edges of the laptop, through the VAIO logo, and even around the touchpad emitting a beautiful glow. Also available in Lightning White and Bolt Black, the C Series has a distinctive, appealing pattern that hints at the sophistication and powerful technology on the inside.

Available exclusively through select retailers in two screen sizes, the CA10 features a 14-inch LED backlit LCD widescreen display and the CB10 features a 15.5-inch LED backlit LCD widescreen display for improved power efficiency and greater contrast, with the option of a Full HD 1080p screen.

Ultimate Performance

Performance is top priority with the second generation Intel Core i5 processor that delivers even more performance automatically when you need it with a better visual PC experience built-in. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, the second generation Intel Core i5 processor increases speed automatically for whatever you’re doing on your PC and provides a rich set of new features for a stunning and seamless visual PC experience.

AMD Radeon HD 6630 1GB Hybrid Graphics card (select models) gives a performance boost to your day-to-day processor functions for a faster, more optimized overall computing experience while lowering power consumption.

The C Series laptop comes with one-touch VAIO, ASSIST and WEB buttons, for launching Media Gallery™ software, VAIO Care™ software and access to the web without full boot-up into Windows, all with a touch of a button.

All models incorporate backlit keyboards, illuminating the lettering for typing in dark situations. The built-in HD web camera powered by an “Exmor” sensor also allows for great low-light performance. And with the built-in microphone you can video message with family, friends and coworkers. Face tracking technology allows the camera to automatically adjust focus and follow you as you move around while video chatting.

Pack a Multimedia Punch

Sony knows entertainment is always at the forefront and the VAIO C Series delivers. Whether you’re watching a stunning Blu-ray Disc movie (select models) or enjoying video captured from your compatible camcorder. The versatile Blu-ray Disc drive on the VAIO C Series laptop (select models) combines the power of HD video playback with the convenience and utility of DVD and CD read/write functionalities. Providing the best picture and the best sound with stunning clarity, Blu-ray Disc technology is the ultimate way to enjoy your entertainment.

With Intel® Wireless Display 2.0 in select models, you can sit back and experience your favorite videos, photos and music on your TV. Stop crowding around a laptop screen and view and share content from your hard drive, home network or the internet wirelessly on your HDTV utilizing the adapter (sold separately).

Your creativity is made boundless with the included Sony Imagination Studio™ Suite 2 VAIO Edition, which combines five powerful Sony applications so you can enhance and share your music, photos, and movies like never before. Turn your video shoots into Hollywood-style movies with Vegas™ Movie Studio HD Platinum. Make your own original music or create remixes and mash-ups of your favorite songs using Acid™ Music Studio. Author your project to DVD or burn it to Blu-ray Disc™ media (select models) and share your digital life with family and friends. This software plus Adobe Acrobat Standard is included at a $558 value.

Remote Keyboard takes your VAIO PC one step further by helping you navigate menus and options within your PS3™ system, connected BRAVIA® television or Blu-ray Disc player.  Remote Keyboard bridges the technology gap and allows you to wirelessly pair your VAIO PC’s keyboard and touchpad with a bevy of Sony connected devices and use them to quickly and easily navigate menus, browse the internet and enter text.

Pricing and Availability

The VAIO C Series laptops will be available for pre-sale on March 13 at www.sonystyle.com/cseries for a starting price of about $880. Also available this spring exclusively through select retailers include ABT Electronics, B&H Photo, Fry’s Electronics, J&R Electronics, MicroCenter, Nebraska Furniture Mart and Sony Style®.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  Fujitsu, the market leader in document imaging scanners, today introduced the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner designed to simplify document collaboration for all types of organizations, including small and midsize businesses (SMBs), groups within an enterprise and across the front office to the back office. The latest network scanner added to the award-winning line of Fujitsu ScanSnap scanning solutions offers new tools to make digitizing documents simple and specialized training unnecessary, enhanced security features to combat the threat of data compromise, and added flexibility to easily create customizable interface screens for a consistent user experience. Fujitsu will be giving hands-on demonstrations of the ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner at the Annual HIMSS Conference & Exhibition (Booth #5750) in Orlando, Feb. 22-24, 2011.

The Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner seamlessly integrates within a company’s existing network infrastructure allowing users to easily scan and share information on the network to streamline business operations, reduce operating costs, and enhance work processes. Furthermore, over the past few years, the adoption of network scanners has gained tremendous momentum by helping organizations decrease the complex nature of scanning without compromising access to important document scanning functionality. Key features of the ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner include:

• Fast Scanning Speeds: 20 pages per minute (ppm) and true double-sided scanning speeds at 200 or 300 dots per inch (dpi) in black & white, grayscale or color mode enables for quick digitizing of documents and helps to improve Optical Character Recognition (OCR) accuracy without compromise.
• Ease of Use: The ScanSnap N1800 is equipped with a new Interactive Help feature for quick and easy installation as well as operation. Additionally, the new Installation Wizard provides a simple way to install the network scanner by providing step-by-step configuration screens to get the scanner operating quickly.
• Customized User Experience: Utilizing its “Job Button” feature, unique menus and buttons based on user login can be easily created for frequently used functions by users, including setting multiple fixed destinations with pre-determined scanner settings.
• Large Touch-Screen Display: With its 8.4″ XGA touch-screen display and a high resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, users can easily preview scanned images in outstanding image detail before sending them to the desired destination. In addition, users can zoom, pan and rotate scanned images, delete pages or scan more pages to a batch by adding more pages to the 50 page automatic document feeder.
• Scan-to Functions for General Office Use: The ScanSnap N1800 offers users easy access to valuable business functions traditionally found on multiple devices through one common interface, including scan to e-mail, scan to folder, scan to network fax or network printer, scan to FTP, and scan to Microsoft SharePoint.
• Network Scanner User Editor for Local Scanner Accounts: The Network Scanner User Editor is a new software utility which allows for the creation of e-mail lists as well as user accounts either offline or directly on the ScanSnap N1800. Scanner operators can manage e-mail groups, lists and addresses with ease.
• Improved Security & Compliance: Adding to an already feature-rich network scanner security platform such as support for Secure Protocols (SSL) and Encryption, the ScanSnap N1800 incorporates several new security-specific features such as Secure Initialize and Install Certificates to offer organizations additional measures to assist with compliance and regulatory issues, as well as ensure data security.

“We’re seeing many companies in paper intensive vertical markets such as healthcare, government, banking and education embrace network scanning to help them improve their business process management and efficiency and reduce their overall workplace costs,” said Therasa Bell, chief architect of the distributed clinical scanning module, Inofile, and President at Osmosyz, Inc. “Organizations are realizing that deploying a network scanning strategy is quite simple and the learning curve to quickly scan and share documents across the entire organization is minimal. We consistently receive feedback from our customers that have transitioned to a network scanner, that the fast scanning speeds, compact size and ease of use has allowed them to streamline their document capture workflow. Fujitsu’s innovative network scanners provide a perfect delivery vehicle for our Inofile solutions in healthcare and document management and the ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner will delight our customers.”

“It’s been exciting to see the rapid adoption of network scanning over the past few years,” said Scott Francis, vice president of marketing, Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. “From general users to network administrators and business managers to essentially an entire organization, businesses in a wide variety of markets are benefiting from network scanning enhancing their work processes. We’ve worked closely with our customers to incorporate new features and functionalities into the ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner and look forward to building on the momentum we have sustained since we launched our first network scanner.”

More Innovative Features of the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner

With the ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner Central Admin Server, network administrators can control their entire fleet of ScanSnap network scanners, including the ScanSnap fi-6010N and the N1800, via one administration console. It’s easy to push software updates to remote scanners to keep devices current, and administrators can track device status and consumable counts from anywhere to maintain optimal performance. Additional features include:

• Intelligent Document Processing: Loaded with a full suite of automatic scanning features, the ScanSnap N1800 automatically detects the page size and page orientation, will automatically recognize a document as color or black & white and automatically deletes blank pages. All of these intelligent scanning features including automatic deskew and cropping of the scanned image, which are enabled by default, affords users the ability to create perfect images the first time scanned without rescanning, right out of the box.
• Compact Design: The network scanner’s small footprint (11.8″ W x 8.9″ D x 6.8″ H) allows for convenient placement in any front office or back office environment.
• Quiet Operation: Low operational noise, standby and sleep mode make the ScanSnap N1800 ideal for both small business and enterprise environments.
• Scanning Versatility: Long document scanning support (up to 120 inches) and mixed document handling of pages of different sizes and colors are all included as standard features on the ScanSnap N1800.

ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner Software Development

The Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner also offers developers an optional ScanSnap N1800 Software Developer Kit (SDK) Bundle, which allows software developers to create connectivity and customize the Network Scanner interface screens to the exact business need. For added business productivity, many optional third-party applications have already been developed which extend additional functionality of the ScanSnap N1800 to connect to Enterprise Content Management (ECM) repositories, Line of Business (LOB) applications or other third party systems. More information is available at the ScanSnap Network Scanner Marketplace:  http://scansnapcommunity.com/iscanner-partners

Pricing & Availability

The Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner is available through authorized resellers, VARs, and distributors including Cranel Imaging, Ingram Micro, NewWave Technologies, Inc., and Tech Data Corporation. The suggested retail price of the ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner is $1,895 (U.S. list). The ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner with SDK development bundle is $3,395 (U.S. list).

Service Options for the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner

The Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner comes standard with a 1-year depot limited warranty. Fujitsu also offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of service programs in the document imaging industry which are now available for the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner. These programs include a Basic on-site service option which includes spare parts, labor and travel, or the Advance Exchange™ service offering, the Fujitsu overnight replacement program providing customers a replacement scanner prior to shipment of any malfunctioned scanner back to Fujitsu. Whatever the need, the Fujitsu services suite has a program to meet nearly any budget. For more information about Fujitsu services, contact a Fujitsu distribution partner or service sales at 800-301-9475 or visit http://www.ImagingService.com.

Additional Supporting Resources

For more information about the Fujitsu ScanSnap N1800 Network Scanner, visit:

• ScanSnap N1800 Product Page: http://www.fujitsu.com/us/services/computing/peripherals/scanners/scansnap/n1800.html
• ScanSnap Community: http://scansnapcommunity.com
• Follow @ScanSnap on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ScanSnap
• Become a fan of ScanSnap on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ScanSnap

About Fujitsu

Fujitsu is a leading provider of ICT-based business solutions for the global marketplace. With approximately 170,000 employees supporting customers in 70 countries, Fujitsu combines a worldwide corps of systems and services experts with highly reliable computing and communications products and advanced microelectronics to deliver added value to customers. Headquartered in Tokyo, Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 4.6 trillion yen (US$50 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. For more information, please see: www.fujitsu.com.

About Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc.

Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. is an established leader in the Document Imaging industry, delivering innovative scanning solutions and services that enable our customers to solve critical business productivity issues and streamline operations. We provide cutting-edge document capture solutions for business and personal environments, backed by a comprehensive portfolio of service and support programs.  For more information about Fujitsu Document Imaging solutions and services, visit http://us.fujitsu.com/fcpa or call us at 800-626-4686.

Copyright 2011 Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. All rights reserved. Fujitsu and the Fujitsu logo are registered trademarks. Statements herein are based on normal operating conditions and are not intended to create any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Fujitsu Computer Products of America, Inc. reserves the right to modify at any time without notice these statements, our services, pricing, products, and their warranty and performance specifications.

CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  For the first time in years, the apartment rental market is beginning to experience signs of recovery as the U.S. economy slowly begins to strengthen. Reuters reported the rental vacancy rate fell to 9.4 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010 from 10.3 percent in the July-September period—the lowest since the second quarter of 2007. Witten Advisors predicts rents will increase 4.5 percent in 2011 as operators become aggressive in raising rents with little fear of losing customers to other housing options. In response to this news, Apartments.com conducted a national survey to more than 1,800 of its January website visitors to find out about their 2011 moving plans, including reasons they are moving, when they plan to move and which tools they value most during their apartment search.

Socioeconomic factors are often the leading indicator of growth in the housing industry. Apartments.com survey results revealed nearly three times the number of respondents—or 28.8 percent—are looking to move to relocate for employment opportunities in January 2011 compared to 10.4 percent from the previous year, further corroborating news of an improving rental market in 2011. Other key findings from the survey demonstrated many renters are starting their apartment search earlier in the year, a large volume of current homeowners and first-time renters are entering the market and having access to accurate apartment information is paramount when looking for a new place to live.

The primary factor fueling moves for survey respondents are new job opportunities. However, the desire to have more space, affordability and living in a safe neighborhood also topped the list. Apartments.com provides the five most popular responses on why their website visitors are moving in 2011:

1. Relocating for employment opportunities: (28.8%)
2. Looking for a bigger apartment: (13.3%)
3. Shopping for a less expensive apartment: (9.7%)
4. Rent increase: (6.7%)
5. Wanting to live in a safer neighborhood: (5.7%)

A significant number of respondents indicated they are apartment shopping now for a move that will not take place until much later in the year. According to the survey, nearly 20 percent of respondents are starting their apartment search three to four months in advance and nearly a quarter are looking as early as five months to more than a year out.

“It’s a good idea to lock into a lease right now,” states Chris Brown, vice president of product management, Apartments.com. “Many management companies have announced rent increases and we’re starting to see this reflected in the rents advertised on our site. As vacancy rates continue to drop and the rental market improves, we expect to see the upward trend grow. Deals can still be had, but they’re getting harder to find. Use the tools available online to search for apartments by rent ranges that work with your budget.”

Supporting a growing trend in the industry, more than 20 percent of respondents looking for an apartment this year said they are current homeowners. From these survey respondents who said they are current homeowners, 32 percent are also first-time renters, indicating a significant number of current homeowners and new renters are turning toward the rental market in 2011.

Survey respondents who are former homeowners also said they are renting this year because it affords them a lifestyle they prefer, including flexibility to relocate for employment opportunities and to live where they choose.

Apartments.com visitors want access to accurate apartment information and the option to tailor their searches by price and location when looking for a new place. According to the survey, 64 percent of respondents said being able to check real time availability of a specific apartment matters most and 72.2 percent said the two most popular ways they prefer to search for an apartment is by the “cost of rent” or “location.”

It is also clear that renters are tapping multiple resources to find their next apartment. While 81 percent of Apartments.com visitors surveyed said they are using an Internet Listing Service (ILS) during their apartment search, they are also utilizing popular search engines, listening to recommendations from others and reading their local newspapers. Only five percent said they are using social media websites during their search. Renters ranked their top apartment shopping tools as follows:

1. Internet Listing Service (e.g. Apartments.com, Rent.com and MyNewPlace.com): (80.9%)
2. Online apartment classified listing websites (e.g. Craigslist and Oodle):(46.2%)
3. Search engines: (38.4%)
4. Word of mouth: (31.1%)
5. Local newspaper: (27.1%)

Renters also want instant access to information on the go. According to the survey, 80 percent of respondents indicated they use a mobile device during their apartment search. Nearly half of these respondents said they use a smart phone or device including iPhone®, iPad®, Android or Blackberry® during their apartment hunt. Apartments.com answers the needs of on-the-go renters by offering a mobile version of the website and an app for iPhone and iTouch users. Apartments.com also offers a “Send2Phone” feature where renters can send information about an apartment listing from the Apartments.com website to their mobile phones as a text message.

To ensure no important details are missed before moving into their new apartment, ready-to-rent apartment shoppers are encouraged to check out the moving checklist (http://living.apartments.com/moving-checklist/)on the “Apartment Living” section of Apartments.com.  

As part of its monthly “What Renters Want” research series, Apartments.com surveys renters on various topics. For more information on these surveys or to receive a copy of the results, please contact Tammy Kotula at tkotula@apartments.com.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners.

About Apartments.com

Apartments.com (http://www.apartments.com) is a leading national apartment Internet listing subscription service with more than 50,000 unique addresses representing millions of rental units from managed properties, newspaper classifieds and for-rent-by-owner properties. By incorporating the most relevant products to reach renters including personalized searches and highly visual ads featuring live chat, real-time rent, online video walk-through demonstrations, professional photography, a mobile website and iPhone app, Apartments.com creates easy access to its listings. Providing unmatched exposure to its advertisers through an intuitive name, strategic search engine placements, featured partnerships including Zillow, Yahoo! Real Estate, Univision and more than 120 newspaper websites and innovative emerging media, Apartments.com reaches millions of renters nationwide, driving both qualified traffic and highly-engaged renters to leasing offices nationwide. Apartments.com is a division of Chicago-based Classified Ventures, LLC. The Apartments.com network of apartment rental websites includes Apartment Home Living (http://www.apartmenthomeliving.com), a leading social media apartment website distinguished by a “live for fun” community experience, proprietary lifestyle matching and local living guides to help renters find their perfect place to live.

PARSIPPANY, N.J.  (Profitable.com)  Choosing a filing status is one of the first steps in preparing a tax return. Yet this step is also one of the most confusing for many taxpayers. As millions of Americans get ready to file, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service offers this tax tip: take time to determine which status options are available and learn the benefits of choosing one over another.

For example, married taxpayers who file a joint return (versus filing separately) will have more of their income taxed at lower tax rates than those filing separately. Those filing jointly also often receive larger tax benefits, such as earned income tax credits, credits for child and dependent care expenses, and various education credits.

“Your filing status is used to determine which tax rates and which standard deduction amounts apply to your tax return,” said Mark Steber, chief tax officer, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. “It’s possible that two people earning the same income could have different tax calculations due exclusively to a difference in filing status. If you’re not sure which status best suits your situation, be sure to speak with a knowledgeable tax preparer to determine the most appropriate option.”

Here are common questions/considerations to help taxpayers determine the right filing status:

• I am married, but how do I know if we should file jointly?
  • The Married Filing Jointly status often provides the largest standard deduction and the lowest effective tax rate. You can use this status even if you are married and live apart or if only one spouse is working. Many tax benefits have a “phase-out” range (when the amount of credit available gradually reduces as the taxpayer approaches the income limit to qualify) that is greater under Married Filing Jointly; these include deductible IRA contributions, tuition and fees deduction, and the student loan interest deduction. This status also offers higher phase-out ranges for many credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Additional Child Tax Credit and various education credits.
• When should I consider filing separately, even though I am married?
  • Many married couples assume that they must file a joint return, but in some cases, completing separate returns may be a better option. These include when couples are in the middle income range or when one spouse has high medical expenses for the year. The Married Filing Separately filing status allows the highest effective tax rate and the lowest phase-out range for deductible IRA contributions, itemized deductions and personal exemptions. But keep in mind that deductions for education expenses and the EITC are not allowed. The Child Tax Credit is one of the few credits allowed when using this status.
• What is the benefit of claiming Head of Household status?
  • Filing as Head of Household offers a higher standard deduction than Single or Married Filing Separately with a lower effective tax rate. If you are married, you may be considered unmarried for filing purposes and claim the filing status if you meet certain requirements. To qualify as Head of Household when married, you must pay more than half the cost of a household for you and a dependent child that lived with you more than half the year, and you must not have lived with your spouse during the last six months of the year. Spouses separated due to military or other working conditions do not qualify.
• When should I file as Single?
  • You can file as single if you are unmarried and do not qualify for any other filing status. You are eligible for all tax credits and adjustments and have a lower standard deduction than married filing separately. Unlike Married Filing Separately, you are allowed to claim the EITC. However, unmarried taxpayers who have a dependent should check to see if they qualify for the Head of Household filing status, as that will provide more tax benefits.
• Should I file as Single even if I have a dependent, or is Head of Household more appropriate?
  • If you qualify, the Head of Household filing status is more advantageous than the Single filing status. The standard deduction amount and the effective tax rate is lower

“Choosing an incorrect filing status can impact whether a taxpayer is eligible for certain tax credits and deductions, ultimately affecting the amount of a tax refund or tax liability due,” added Steber. “If more than one filing status applies to you, choose the one that gives you the lowest tax obligation. A tax preparer can help review the options.”

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Based in Parsippany, N.J., Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. (NYSE: JTX) is an industry leading provider of full service individual federal and state income tax preparation, with franchised and company-owned office locations throughout the United States. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® also offers an online tax preparation product at www.jacksonhewittonline.com. For more information, or to locate the Jackson Hewitt® office nearest to you, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1-800-234-1040. Jackson Hewitt can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

PORTLAND, Ore.  (Profitable.com)  Consumer Cellular, the exclusive wireless provider for AARP members, has added a new, free flip phone to its product lineup – the Motorola WX345.

Ideal for the occasional cell phone user, the Motorola WX345 features:

• Flip phone design with a 1.2 inch color display;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• M3/T3 hearing aid compatibility;
• MP3 player and FM radio;
• Hands-free speakerphone; and
• Integrated, digital camera.

The Motorola WX345 is free of charge with a one-time $35 activation fee. The device can be purchased online at http://www.consumercellular.com/Info/Phones.

“Most important to Consumer Cellular is offering functional, reliable phones at affordable prices,” said John Marick, CEO of Consumer Cellular. “The Motorola WX345 is an ideal device for occasional cell phone users who are looking for exceptional service, customizable phone features and a cost-effective way to stay in touch with friends and family. With a camera, MP3 player and Bluetooth functionality, the Motorola WX345 offers an exceptional value to our customers.”

For more information about the Motorola WX345 and additional Consumer Cellular product offerings, visit http://www.consumercellular.com.

About Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular, the exclusive wireless provider for AARP members, was founded in 1995 on the belief that everyone should have affordable access to the safety and convenience of cellular service. The company provides its customers with simple, affordable cell phones and calling plans, guaranteed satisfaction and top-ranked customer support staff all located within the United States. Plus, Consumer Cellular customers never have to sign a long-term contract in order to start service.

The Portland, Ore.-based company is privately held and utilizes the nation’s largest voice and data network, covering more than 296 million people – or 97 percent of the U.S. population. Consumer Cellular is one of the nation’s leading wireless wholesalers and differentiates itself from its competitors providing its customers with an unparalleled understanding of the mature marketplace, great low rates and the best cellular network available. For more information: visit ConsumerCellular.com or call (800) 686-4460.

ORLANDO, Fla.  (Profitable.com)  Constant Contact®, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTCT), the trusted marketing advisor to more than 400,000 small organizations worldwide, and WeReward, the leading mobile loyalty and incentive platform, today announced a partnership to help merchants and product manufacturers increase customer loyalty and lifetime value through stronger relationships. This integration allows retailers and product manufacturers to attract new customers through WeReward’s mobile application and grow these relationships beyond a check-in, through Constant Contact’s email marketing tool.

“Consumers are moving away from traditional coupons and using mobile applications that allow them to save money by discovering new places and products the exact moment they need them,” said Steve Johnson, vice president, partners, for Constant Contact. “By teaming up with Constant Contact, WeReward will deliver industry-leading online marketing tools in conjunction with their 21st-century, loyalty solution to help close the loop for businesses seeking to build long-lasting relationships with their customers.”

According to eMarketer, the proliferation of smartphone owners is forcing marketers to pay closer attention to mobile marketing. Digital advertising has seemingly gone mainstream as mobile marketing spending estimates are projected to exceed $1.1 billion in 2011 and more than $2.5 billion by 2014.  For marketers and business owners of all sizes, this represents a tremendous opportunity to reach and influence consumers, in real time, when they are making a purchase decision.

“Everyday we empower consumers to check-in and make money at over 15 million businesses throughout the country. This has resulted in hundreds of thousands of purchases with users sharing these experiences through their social networks,” said Ted Murphy, founder and CEO of IZEA, Inc., the parent company of WeReward. “What makes this partnership so exciting is how we can now take this one-step further by connecting the customer and business through Constant Contact’s powerful email marketing tool. This combination gives our users the ability to receive real time communications from their favorite businesses and products in a manner that is most convenient for them – through their mobile device, email, or both.  For merchants, this represents the ultimate marketing solution – the opportunity to start an email and social media relationship with every person who walks in their store.”

The Constant Contact integration is immediately available through the Dashboard on WeReward. Constant Contact customers without a WeReward account can claim their business by creating an account at https://app.wereward.com/signup and start attracting new customers today. For businesses new to email marketing, Constant Contact is also offering a free 60-day trial of their tool.

About Constant Contact, Inc.

Constant Contact’s (Nasdaq: CTCT) email marketing, event marketing, social media marketing, and online survey tools help small organizations grow their businesses by building stronger customer relationships. More than 400,000 small businesses, nonprofits, and member associations worldwide rely on Constant Contact’s easy-to use, affordable online tools to create and deliver personalized, professional communications that engage casual customers, members, prospects, and passionate customers wherever they congregate online – from their email inboxes to their social networks. All Constant Contact products come with unmatched education, training, and personal coaching services, and award-winning technical support. Founded in 1995, Constant Contact is a publicly traded company with offices in Waltham, Mass.; Loveland, Colo.; and Delray, Fla.; and San Francisco, Calif. Learn more at http://www.constantcontact.com/.

About IZEA

IZEA is a world leader in social media sponsorship, operating multiple marketplaces such as WeReward, SponsoredTweets, and SocialSpark. Our mission is to empower everyone to value and exchange content, creativity and influence. IZEA is venture funded by Inflexion Partners, Village Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, and DFJ Gotham Ventures. Learn more at www.izea.com

Three weeks after announcing it was close to securing a substantial venture funding led by overseas investors, OfferMe, Australia’s first Group Buying Platform, is already in the process of consolidating daily deal sites.

Mr. Erick Teresa, Sales Manager of OfferMe, said there were over sixty Group Buying sites in Australia and smaller players had to find a way to stand out from the competition.

“Listing their deals on OfferMe’s Group Buying platform is the best way to increase their exposure and revenue,” he said.

“OfferMe’s business model is different from U.S. Group Buying site Groupon, OfferMe operates as an e-commerce platform for Group Buying with great functionality.”

Mr. Teresa said OfferMe had been preparing to open up its dedicated platform to other daily deal sites. Daily deal sites can list their deals on the OfferMe platform which provides value-added features including Secure Payment Gateways, marketing, customer support services and more.

“Daily deal sites pay nothing at all if the deal isn’t successful. They only pay a small transaction fee per item sold on our platform,” said Mr. Teresa.

“With our extensive experience and knowledge, we have received a very positive response from daily deal sites that want to participate in it.”

In order to provide the best deals for online shoppers and maximize revenue for the daily deal sites, OfferMe would only be able to work with a limited number of daily deal sites, said Mr. Teresa.

OfferMe was launched in August 2008 to gather the power of online communities to enjoy hassle-free bulk discount deals on products and services. To date, OfferMe shoppers have saved on average over 57% off each deal.

To find out more information about OfferMe, visit http://www.offerme.com.au

For further media information, contact Daisy Ng at OfferMe on 02 9268 0268 or daisy.n@iwanttobuy.com.au

ADA, Mich.  (Profitable.com)  Amway’s parent company, Alticor Inc., reported sales exceeding $9.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2010, a 9.5 percent increase over sales of $8.4 billion in 2009. The 2010 performance results mark Alticor’s 10th sales increase in the last 11 years.

The world’s second-largest direct selling enterprise, Amway works with more than 3 million distributors who sell the company’s branded products, including NUTRILITE® vitamin, mineral and dietary supplements, ARTISTRY® skincare and colour cosmetics, and eSpring® water treatment systems.

The company said that despite an economy recovering from a global recession, 2010 was very solid. “We had a strong year across the map,” said chairman Steve Van Andel. “Amway was able to gain market share in the direct selling industry, and our key product lines improved their competitive position as well.”

Said president Doug DeVos: “Awareness of Amway’s business opportunity and product brands continues to grow as we invest in brand-building. We believe in the potential of this business, and so do our distributors. We are aiming even higher for 2011.”

Alticor also owns Access Business Group, which provides third-party manufacturing and distribution services, and Alticor Corporate Enterprises, a holding company for Amway Hotel Corp., Gurwitch Products, Fulton Innovation and Metagenics.  Those subsidiaries also contributed to the year’s stronger returns, the company said.

Direct selling business

Amway said growth was fueled by strong 2010 results in China, the company’s largest market, as well as healthy gains in India, Korea, North America and Latin America.

The company, which is privately held, does not generally release individual market sales or disclose profitability.

“Our message of free enterprise and individual opportunity continues to resonate across markets and across cultures,” DeVos said. “We’re proud to help entrepreneurs take the first step towards business ownership, and to support them with brands that are becoming better known every day.”

The company announced that category sales of NUTRILITE approached $4 billion, attributed to overall growth in the category as well as increased visibility for NUTRILITE in 2010. Major campaigns included “Color Yourself Healthy,” a global awareness program that promoted the benefits of plant ingredients for optimal health. Global sponsorships focused on major sports teams and well-known athletes continue to build brand awareness for NUTRILITE.

ARTISTRY skin care and cosmetics led beauty category sales for Amway. The company cited a successful launch of ARTISTRY Intensives Renewing Peel, the first product in a new Intensives line of skin care products designed to provide professional results at home. Masstige brand beautycycle™ successfully launched in Europe and Australia, targeted to consumers who are looking for high-quality skin care and cosmetics products containing natural ingredients.

Brand building continues to be a significant focus for Amway around the world. “Our distributors are realizing the benefits of our global investment in building our brands,” said DeVos. “It is easier for them to sell products that consumers already know to ask for by name.” To increase consumer access to its brands, Amway expanded its physical presences across the globe to complement its direct selling business model.

The company also unveiled a new Amway brand identity in 2010, highlighted by the opening of the Amway Center, home to the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Orlando Magic, which became the first high-profile venue in North America to showcase Amway’s new brand identity.

Operationally, the company took steps to evolve into a true global enterprise – leveraging technology to improve supply chain efficiencies, help distributors run their businesses more efficiently and gain consumer insight vital to developing strong customer relationships. Said Van Andel: “We are a global business, with 90 percent of sales outside the U.S., and we are taking necessary steps to support customers worldwide.”

Amway One by One Campaign for Children

The Amway One by One Campaign for Children rallies the resources of Amway distributors and employees around the world to make a difference in the lives of children in every market where the company conducts business. Since Amway One by One launched in 2003, it has provided hope and opportunity to 8 million children and donated more than $141 million to children’s causes worldwide. The number of employee and distributor volunteer hours logged since 2003 now totals 2.3 million, nearly doubling from a cumulative total of 1.3 million hours reported in 2009.  www.amwayonebyone.com

About Alticor Inc.

Alticor (www.alticor.com) is the parent company of Amway Corporation (www.amway.com), Access Business Group LLC (www.accessbusinessgroup.com) and Alticor Corporate Enterprises. Based in Ada, Michigan (United States), the company offers consumer products and business opportunities, as well as product development, manufacturing and logistics services in more than 80 countries and territories worldwide. With more than 14,000 global employees, Alticor reported 2010 sales exceeding $9.2 billion. Alticor is privately held by the Van Andel and DeVos families, headed by chairman Steve Van Andel and president Doug DeVos, and governed by a board of directors led by members of the two families. For company news, visit globalnews.amway.com.

WASHINGTON  (Profitable.com)  February 22 marks the one-year anniversary of the CARD Act, which ushered in a set of sweeping new reforms to protect consumers from some of the most egregious credit card practices.

Under the new law, consumers have enjoyed a number of significant protections, including stronger limits on retroactive interest rate hikes, better disclosures about the true cost of borrowing, new safeguards to make it easier to pay bills on time, and restrictions on how long penalty interest rates can last for late payments.

“The CARD Act has made a big difference by putting an end to some of the bait and switch tactics that unfairly trap credit card consumers in high interest debt,” said Pamela Banks, senior policy counsel for Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports.  ”Thanks to the new law, consumers stand a much better chance of avoiding the credit card gotchas.”

Among the most significant provisions of the CARD Act are:

• Limits on Retroactive Interest Rate Hikes:  It’s now much harder for banks to raise interest rates on money consumers have already borrowed.  Banks can only raise the rate on an existing balance if the consumer is more than 60 days late making a payment or if they have a variable rate card or a promotional rate that has expired.
• Better Disclosures on Minimum Payments:  Credit card statements now come with better disclosures to show consumers how much more money they’ll spend and how long it will take to pay off a bill by making just the minimum payment.  A July 2010 Consumer Reports survey found that this provision is working:  23% of respondents said they are now paying more than the minimum payment because of the improved disclosure.
• Protections to help consumers pay on time:  Credit card companies have to give consumers at least 21 days to pay their bill.  They are prohibited from setting early deadlines and can’t switch due dates from month to month.  
• Restrictions on how long penalty interest rates can last:  If a consumer’s interest rate goes up because they were more than 60 days late, credit card companies are required to restore the old rate if the consumer makes on time payments for the first six months after the rate increase.  

For a comprehensive description of CARD Act protections, see:  

http://www.defendyourdollars.org/CC%20summary_1.25.2010.pdf

While these new safeguards have transformed the credit card market, some additional reforms are needed.  Consumers Union outlined a number of actions that the newly created Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) should take to better protect consumers:  

• Reduce the amount that credit card banks can charge for a penalty fee, such as a late fee, from the $25 permitted by existing regulations to $10.  Reduce the penalty fee level for a repeat incident from $35 to $15.
• Exercise Credit CARD Act authority to limit the size of penalty interest rates to amounts that are “reasonable and proportional” to the incident, such as no more than 7 percentage points over the prior rate.  The current regulation addresses only the amounts of penalty fees, not penalty interest rate charges.
• Require credit card banks to give “earn your way back to a good rate” to all consumers who make six consecutive on time payments.  Currently, consumers get this opportunity only if the first six payments after a penalty interest rate begins are all on time.
• Find and stop all evasions and violations of the Credit CARD Act.
• Require that credit card terms and conditions be simple enough to fit on a two-page plain language contract.

“The new law has been a big step forward, but consumers still need to be on the lookout for unfair credit card practices,” said Banks.   “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau should finish the job of protecting consumers from abuses by big banks and their credit card programs.”

The CFPB will get its full powers in July.  In the meantime, it is asking consumers to send in their ideas for which issues it should tackle.  Consumers who have experienced an unfair credit card practice or any other shady financial deal, can send in their ideas at www.consumerfinance.gov

AMSTERDAM & SAN FRANCISCO  (Profitable.com)  AVG, the global internet security firm, has launched its latest weapon in the fight against corporate cybercrime, the AVG Online Security Audit. The free audit will provide businesses with tailored reports on their security needs, helping them to understand and protect against the dangers of cybercrime.

Small to medium-sized businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals. According to recent research from AVG’s Market Landscape Report 2010, 25 percent of SMBs have been subject to a security breach, and more than 14 percent of SMBs do not have security software installed, leaving their business open to potential attacks.

AVG’s Online Security Audit is the latest development in a series of resources, which have been designed to help businesses. Earlier this year the company announced the launch of their Business Resource Centre, a free online resource for businesses, including guides, tips and software downloads, aimed at helping them combat the dangers of internet crime.

Businesses can access AVG’s Online Security Audit to get their tailored security plan at http://www.avg.com/gb-en/business-resources-centre.

Robert Gorby, AVG’s Global Head of Small Business Propositions, says, “Our Online Security Audit is a major step forward in our battle against corporate cybercrime. In line with our bid to help small businesses, we’ve also highlighted five doorways through which cybercriminals can access company data. These doors need to be slammed shut, to prevent businesses from becoming the latest victims of cybercrime.”

Door #1 – Social Networks & Community Bad Spirits

Problem: TRUST – people trust people that they know. Users are far more likely to click an infected link if it comes from a trusted colleague or friend. Forty percent of companies allow access to social networking technology, but only 23 percent say that they have appropriate security policies in place.

Solution: AVG’s ‘scan before you click’ LinkScanner is the best route to avoid this scenario.

Door #2 – Instant Messaging & Spam Chat

Problem: Viruses and other malware can be hidden in files sent via Instant Messaging and because some IM services link your screen name to your e-mail address when you register, this can result in an increased number of spam and phishing attacks.

Solution: Don’t use an email address that can be identified by your IM username.

Door #3 – Insider Threats: Right Under Your Nose

Problem: Although businesses might be more concerned about shadowy cyber-criminals, employees are responsible for introducing the majority of malware onto company networks.

Solution: Background checks on potential future employees – especially technical staff – are essential, and high-risk businesses should consider using advanced tools to conduct criminal history and social security searches to ensure their employees are totally trustworthy.

Door #4 – Don’t Lose Remote Control

Problem: Allowing staff to use their own machines for work increases the risk that malware may get onto the company network.

Solution: Companies could use virtualization technology to create a virtual safe-zone within your hardware – like an embassy in a foreign country – but it might be simpler and more effective to establish a strong set of security, anti-virus controls and audit procedures.

Door #5 – USB Sticks & The Shameless Plug

Problem: Plug in memory USB sticks are particularly good at spreading malware. They appear innocuous compared to a laptop or smartphone but can hold several gigabytes of code – some of which may be malicious.

Solution: Removable devices can be automatically checked using AVG software or users can choose to run a manual scan before accessing any of the files on the stick.

Keep in touch with AVG

• For breaking news, follow AVG on Twitter at www.twitter.com/officialAVGnews
• For security trends analysis, follow AVG blogs at http://blogs.avg.com
• Join our Facebook community at www.facebook.com/AVGfree
• Join our LinkedIn community LinkedIn

About AVG Technologies

www.avg.com

AVG is a global security software maker protecting more than 110 million consumers and small businesses in 170 countries from the ever-growing incidence of Web threats, viruses, spam, cyber-scams and hackers on the Internet. AVG has nearly two decades of experience in combating cyber crime and one of the most advanced laboratories for detecting, pre-empting and combating Web-borne threats from around the world. Its free, downloadable software allows novice users to have basic anti-virus protection and then easily upgrade to greater levels of safety and defense when they are ready. AVG has nearly 6,000 resellers, partners and distributors globally including Amazon.com, CNET, Cisco, Ingram Micro, Play.com, Wal-Mart, and Yahoo!

SAN DIEGO  (Profitable.com)  Resource Nation, the quality leader in connecting businesses to pre-screened vendors, announced today that it has acquired the brand and associated assets of Business.com, Inc., the leading online destination for business buyers looking for business-to-business (B2B) solutions.  JMI Equity, a growth equity firm that specializes in investments in internet companies, provided funding in support of the transaction and the Company’s ongoing growth.  Resource Nation Chief Executive Officer Ryan Peddycord will continue to lead the Company with a combination of Business.com and Resource Nation management teams.  Terms of the transactions were not disclosed.

“We are excited about this transaction and believe the combination of Resource Nation and Business.com will allow us to offer opportunities for our customers to reach a larger number of B2B purchasers at multiple stages in the purchasing process,” said Mr. Peddycord.  ”We are committed to providing the most comprehensive service and product offering available in our space.  With the acquisition of Business.com, Resource Nation’s audience will have the ability to utilize the site as a one-stop destination for all the information and resources they need when making a purchase.”

As one of the fastest growing B2B lead generation companies, Resource Nation’s customers range from small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) to Fortune 500 companies.  The combination with Business.com will enable Resource Nation to provide a broader offering to its more than 10,000 B2B advertising customers.  Business purchasers will have the ability to obtain price quotes using Resource Nation’s core services, and do-it-yourself purchasers will be able to access Business.com’s directory to find vendors that make sense for their business.  Business.com will be fully integrated into Resource Nation, but will continue to operate under its distinct brand name.            

As part of the transaction, JMI Equity General Partner Peter Arrowsmith and Vice President David Greenberg have joined Resource Nation’s Board of Directors.  ”JMI Equity is a sophisticated investor with strong expertise in our industry and helping companies similar to ours grow,” continued Mr. Peddycord.  ”We are deeply impressed with their understanding of our business and its growth drivers.  With JMI Equity as our partner, I am confident we have the strategic and financial support to execute our strategy for the benefit of our employees, customers and service partners.”  

As part of the transaction, Resource Nation will retain a number of current and former Business.com sales and account managers as well as other key employees.  The company will remain headquartered in San Diego, with offices in Santa Monica and Boston.  

About Resource Nation, Inc.  

From local proprietors to Fortune 500 companies, Resource Nation connects businesses actively looking to make a purchase to pre-screened vendors.  Business.com allows purchasers to find and connect with vendors across thousands of products and services.  Combined, the companies have more than 10,000 customers and support more than 100 million purchasers to find vendors to help grow their businesses.  For more information about Resource Nation, visit www.resourcenation.com.  For more information about Business.com, visit www.business.com.

About JMI Equity

JMI Equity is a growth equity firm focused on investing in leading software, internet, business services and healthcare IT companies.  Founded in 1992, JMI Equity has invested in more than 100 businesses in its target markets and has over $2.1 billion of committed capital under management.  JMI Equity provides capital for growth, recapitalizations, acquisitions and buyouts. Representative investments include DoubleClick, iContact, Eloqua, Internet Brands, Undertone and Service-now.com.  For more information on JMI Equity, visit www.jmiequity.com.

HOUSTON  (Profitable.com)  zGames, the mobile games division of Softeq Development Corporation, today announced the launch of Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds: Minigame Adventure. The Minigame Adventure will ultimately contain 12 unique minigames for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, and is available immediately for $4.99 from Apple’s App Store.

Inspired by HG Wells’ visionary Victorian tale, Jeff Wayne’s original double album was released in June 1978 featuring a compelling blend of prog rock and classical, as well as a spell-binding narration by Richard Burton and outstanding performances by some of the biggest artists of the 70s, including David Essex, Justin Hayward, Phil Lynott and Julie Covington. “I’ve owned and continue to listen to Jeff Wayne’s album since it was first released, so we approached this project first and foremost as fans,” explained Chris Howard, CEO of Softeq.

“The original HG Wells story was first published as a series of adventures for Pearsons Magazine in 1897, so in homage we’ve created a serialized, 12-part Minigame Adventure of The War of the Worlds,” stated Terry Marshall, Marketing Manager for zGames. “Each minigame is based on one of the scenes in Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version, and features the music, sounds, and dialogue from the award-winning musical version.”

The story advances as you complete each minigame, starting with the Prequel puzzle adventure quest, where you learn how the Martians surveyed Earth. Work your way through different game styles with each episode, from puzzle to action to arcade games. New minigames will be added every 2-4 weeks.

A second app is also available, Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds: Augmented Reality, available for $0.99, which allows the player to invade his own home with Martians and Martian Fighting Machines and take photos. App available at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/the-war-the-worlds-augmented/id404152288?mt=8

“The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million-to-one, he said…”

Augment Reality or start your Minigame Adventure today!

About Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds double album has enjoyed huge success and critical acclaim across the globe with 15 million records sold to date, spending over 330 weeks in the UK Album Chart (up to this writing) plus achieving two International hit singles – ‘Forever Autumn’ and ‘The Eve of The War’. The album has been Top 10 in 22 countries and No 1 in 11 of them.

Jeff Wayne’s Musical Version of The War of The Worlds – Alive on Stage! has been touring major international arenas since 2006 with phenomenal success. The production features:

• Live Performance by 46 musicians on stage conducted by Jeff Wayne
• 5 Guest Artistes
• 11-foot high 3D Hologram of Richard Burton
• 3-tonne, 35-foot tall Martian Fighting Machine firing real flame Heat Rays at the audience & scanning them with its bug-like eyes.
• 100-foot wide screen projecting 2-hour cutting edge CGI-animated film in perfect sync with the show and its live performances
• Special Effects including World First Levitation Sequence and a vanishing act
• Pyrotechnics, leaf drops, and Flame Effects
• Mixed in live in Surround Sound to heighten the audience’s interactive experience!

For more information, visit www.thewaroftheworlds.com.

About zGames

zGames is a multi-platform provider of innovative, imaginative and fun mobile apps and games. zGames is a division of Softeq Development Corporation. zGames creates leading edge mobile applications for the latest mobile platforms, while also showcasing Softeq’s technical software capabilities.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.  (Profitable.com)  Accounting Principals, a leading accounting and finance staffing provider, today announced its 2011 Salary Guide, the latest and most comprehensive resource to date on the current compensation trends of finance and accounting professionals across small, medium and large businesses in the U.S. This annual salary tool is a compilation of nationally-collected data, and reflects trends seen locally across Accounting Principals’ network of more than 80 branches around the country.

New in the 2011 Salary Guide, Ron Insana, CNBC senior analyst and commentator, offers his insights for rebuilding confidence by looking beyond the hype and taking note of the strong economic growth indicators that already exist today.

Decoding the Salary Guide

The 2011 Salary Guide offers a complete look at the salaries of more than 140 finance and accounting job titles, including base salary and total cash compensation figures. Salary data are also broken down by company size, ranging from those with less than $50 million to more than $200 million in annual sales. In addition, national multipliers, calculated based on salary averages in each metro area, help determine a localized, more accurate compensation figure in each market.

Shifting Gears to Hiring and Retention

While a tightened, efficient workforce was the motto of the recession, in a recovery period issues of hiring and retention will become a focal point for employers. A survey of more than 600 accounting and finance business leaders conducted jointly with the Institute of Management Accountants sheds light on companies’ hiring and retention practices today:

• Employers rely heavily on job board postings and recruitment agencies to source their top talent today, with more than half of respondents claiming they utilize one of those channels. Only 13 percent reported hiring through employee referrals.
• Many companies recognize existing retention issues, citing job burnout (19 percent), lack of professional development (17 percent) and compensation (17 percent) as the top reasons for employees leaving the company.
• However, not all employers have a clear direction in terms of addressing the issue. While more than a third (35 percent) of companies plan to increase their attention on retention, a significant fraction of organizations plan to keep their policy unchanged (25 percent) or don’t know what their course will be (33 percent).
• Moreover, an overwhelming proportion of respondents admitted they rarely (46 percent) or never (28 percent) collaborate with the human resources department on retention policies, a critical piece of the puzzle in understanding and motivating the workforce.

“As economic recovery progresses, accounting and finance positions are poised to show robust job growth across the nation,” said John Marshall, president of Accounting Principals. “By offering competitive compensation packages, companies can attract and retain the best and brightest talent to help build and maintain a workforce that can help navigate the regulatory changes that will affect all organizations and lead the way to a healthier, more successful business.”

For more information or a full copy of the 2011 Salary Guide, contact your local Accounting Principals branch or visit www.accountingprincipals.com.

2011 Salary Guide Methodology

The 2011 Salary Guide incorporates data collected from the nationwide branch network of Accounting Principals. Salary figures reflect national averages based on job description and size of company (less than $50 million in revenues, $50 – $200 million in revenues, or more than $200 million in revenues). The data also indicate base salary and total cash compensation for each job title.

About Accounting Principals

Accounting Principals is a leader in the recruitment and placement of accounting and finance professionals, offering a complete range of workforce solutions in accounting, finance, mortgage and banking. Our nationwide branch network consists of experienced professionals that average five years of real-world accounting experience plus more than five years of finance and accounting recruitment experience. In addition to providing clients with a combination of temporary staffing, temp-to-hire and direct placement services, Accounting Principles also helps clients overcome their challenges through an in-depth understanding of their business needs. For more information, please visit www.accountingprincipals.com.

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  Half of Baby Boomer clients who have postponed retirement due to the economic downturn expect to work at least four years longer than they originally planned, according to CPA financial planners surveyed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

That’s even with resurging confidence in the stock market, which, with recent gains, is helping replenish retirement accounts. Fifty-two percent of CPA financial planners said their clients – who typically have between $500,000 and $5 million in assets – are at least somewhat confident in the stock market now. That’s a turnaround from a year ago when 54 percent said their clients were not very confident.

“Boomers have been scarred by the economic turmoil of the past few years and face complex challenges going forward,” said Clark M. Blackman II, chair of the AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning Executive Committee. “While more optimistic about the markets, many Boomers remain uncertain about the U.S. economy and their own situations as they contend with job loss – their own and their children’s – lower home values and rising education costs.”

This year is a significant milestone for the Baby Boomer generation, the time when the first of them turn 65 and begin to retire. Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, number 77 million and represent about 37 percent of the nation’s total population age 16 or older, according to government statistics.

In the AICPA survey, conducted January 12 – February 1, 79 percent of CPA financial planners said they had at least one Boomer client who has delayed retirement because of the economy. Asked how many extra years those Boomer clients expect to work, 32.3 percent of CPA financial planners said 1 to 3 years; 39.3 percent said 4 to 6 years; 9.8 percent said 7 to 10 years; and 3.7 percent said more than 10 years.

Financial concerns are also prompting changes in education decisions. Half of CPA financial planners surveyed said that compared with five years ago, more of their clients’ children are opting for state universities or community colleges over private schools because of cost.

Among other survey findings:

• 48 percent of CPA financial planners said their typical client is somewhat or very pessimistic about the U.S. economy amid gaping budget deficits and high unemployment.
• 51 percent of CPA financial planners said at least one client was turned down for a mortgage or refinance in the past year. The most common reasons: Lower home values and higher underwriting standards.
• 44 percent of CPA financial planners said their average client emerged from the recession with increased net worth and 17 percent saw their net worth stay the same.

“These survey results show optimism tinged with some caution,” said Lyle K. Benson, president of L.K. Benson & Co. in Baltimore, Md., and member of the AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning executive committee. “Having weathered the economic storm, clients are turning to CPA financial planners to help make sense of the new reality and get back on track toward their financial and personal goals.”

Methodology

The online survey was conducted between January 12 and February 1, and made available only to members of the AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning practice section. There were 372 responses. The confidence rate is 95 percent, with a margin of error of plus or minus 5 percentage points.

About AICPA

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) is the world’s largest association representing the accounting profession, with nearly 370,000 members in 128 countries. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting; membership is also available to accounting students and CPA candidates. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.

The AICPA maintains offices in New York, Washington, DC, Durham, N.C., Ewing, N.J. and Lewisville, Texas. Media representatives are invited to visit the AICPA Press Center at www.aicpa.org/press.

WASHINGTON  (Profitable.com)  Carlson, a privately held, global hospitality and travel company, today announced a tie for winner of its Global Hotel of the Year Award. The hotels were honored at the company’s global business conference in Washington, D.C. The winning properties were recognized for their outstanding performance in terms of employee engagement, guest satisfaction, revenue generation and economic performance. The two winners are the Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest, Romania and the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Chanhassen, Minn.

“These hotels exemplify our Ambition 2015 growth strategy to make our brands leaders in their segments,” said Hubert Joly, president and chief executive officer, Carlson. “The Radisson Blu Bucharest and Country Inns & Suites Chanhassen are outstanding performers across our global portfolio.”

• The 718-room Radisson Blu Hotel Bucharest is in the heart of the city offering great views of Bucharest. The hotel ranks as the number one business hotel and overall best hotel in Bucharest on TripAdvisor’s Popularity Index. It also received a score of 93.6 percent on the Expedia 2010 Insider’s Select Ranking.
• The Country Inn & Suites Chanhassen has 122 rooms and was one of the brand’s earliest conversion hotels. The hotel, which opened in 1990, recently completed a USD 4.2 million renovation and is ranked second on TripAdvisor for all hotels in Chanhassen, Minn.

“The devotion these hotels have to service as well as product improvements are a great source of inspiration for all us,” added Joly.

About Carlson

Carlson is a privately held, global hospitality and travel company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Carlson encompasses more than 1,070 hotels, including Radisson®, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson(SM), Park Inn® and Park Plaza®; more than 900 T.G.I. Friday’s® restaurants; 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

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  Ensuring a family has the proper amount and type of life insurance is crucial. Getting life insurance quotes and making the right decision can be daunting for many first-time buyers. Here are tips on how to make this important process smoother and the results more beneficial.

1. Consider why life insurance quotes are needed. There are different types of life insurance that are intended to give families financial security in the event of the death of a spouse or parent. It can pay for a mortgage, college education or retirement funds. If others depend on this support, than life insurance is needed. If not, but the policyholder is young and plans to have these responsibilities in the future, then life insurance is a good idea. This is because it is cheap for young people and the earlier a plan is started, the greater the benefits.

2. Determine the type of life insurance coverage needed. There are many varieties, including whole, universal and term life insurance policies. Each have their benefits and drawbacks; however, depending on an individual’s situation, there is usually a choice that will provide the greatest benefits. Term plans are generally the least expensive and are a good choice for people in their 20s and 30s. This can be converted to a permanent plan in the future. Whole and universal options provide more benefits and investment components but are much more expensive.

3. Decide the amount of life insurance coverage needed.  When getting quotes, talk to an agent about specific financial responsibilities and dependents’ needs. Think about one-time expenses, ongoing costs and future plans. Online calculators and various formulas can also be used. Be sure to consult a professional before making any final decisions.

4. Increase vocabulary and knowledge. In order to choose the best life insurance quote, one must be able to communicate effectively with agents. Brush up on terms such as cash value, dividends, mutual life insurance company and premium.

5. Research the quality of the company. A policy is only as good as the company that provides it. This is a long-term investment so one should be certain of the security and strength of the company. A policyholder needs to be sure that the death benefit and other investments will be paid out when needed. Review scores from major rating services such as Moody’s, AM Best, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch.  

About LifeInsuranceQuotes.net:

LifeInsuranceQuotes.net connects people looking for life insurance with agents offering the best plans at the most affordable rates. You can learn about types of coverage, what choices are optimal for you and get free quotes. Protect your family’s future. Get the best life insurance quote by visiting the website today.

ANN ARBOR, Mich.  (Profitable.com)  “It has become increasingly clear that in light of the environment of curtailed customer spending, our ongoing discussions with publishers and other vendor related parties, and the company’s lack of liquidity, Borders Group does not have the capital resources it needs to be a viable competitor and which are essential for it to move forward with its business strategy to reposition itself successfully for the long term. To position Borders to remedy this condition, Borders Group, with the authorization of its board of directors, has filed a petition for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. This decisive action will give Borders the opportunity to achieve a proper infusion of capital in order to have the opportunity to have the time to reorganize in order to reposition itself to be a successful business for the long term,” said Mike Edwards, Borders Group President.

“In this regard, operating under Chapter 11, Borders has received commitments for $505 million in Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing led by GE Capital, Restructuring Finance. This financing should enable Borders to meet its obligations going forward so that our stores continue to be competitive for customers in terms of goods, services and the shopping experience. It also affords Borders the opportunity to move forward in implementing the appropriate business strategy designed to reposition Borders to be a potentially vibrant, national retailer of books and other products,” Mr. Edwards emphasized.

The company said that it is serving customers in the normal course, including honoring its Borders Rewards program, gift cards and other customer programs. Additionally, the company expects to make employee payroll and continue its benefits programs for its employees.

Borders said that it has many strengths upon which to build a solid plan of reorganization and implement a new business model for Borders to address the changing needs of the American reader. “For decades, Borders has been a beacon of engagement – a highly frequented destination for consumers and a significant venue for authors and vendors to showcase new books and merchandise. We have the ability, based on our brick and mortar presence nationally; the on-line capabilities we have in place; the loyalty of, and access to, our customers; and the products and services we offer to be an important and easy access destination of exploration and purchase for readers across the country,” commented Mr. Edwards.  

The company noted that, among other initiatives and subject to court approval, Borders plans to undertake a strategic Store Reduction Program to facilitate reorganization and its repositioning. Borders has identified certain underperforming stores — equivalent to approximately 30 percent of the company’s national store network — that are expected to close in the next several weeks. At the same time, the company noted that a major strength of Borders is its national presence, and its extensive network of remaining stores as well as Borders.com, will continue to run in normal course. The company emphasized that the closings were a reflection of economic conditions, cost structures and viability of locations, among other factors, and not on the dedication and productivity of the workforce in these stores.

“We are confident that, with the protection afforded under Chapter 11 and with the support of employees, publishers, suppliers and creditors, and the reading public, a successful reorganization can be achieved enabling Borders to emerge from the process as a stronger and more vibrant book seller,” concluded Mr. Edwards.

“We are very pleased to be able to make this commitment to Borders as support for their plan to re-organize the company,” said Tim Tobin, Managing Director, Retail Restructuring, GE Capital, Restructuring Finance.

The Chapter 11 petition for relief was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York.  Completion of the company’s DIP financing arrangements is subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court and the satisfaction of certain conditions provided in the financing commitments received by the company from the lenders providing such financing.  

Additional information about the reorganization is available at www.bordersreorganization.com or by telephone at (877) 906-7675.

About Borders Group, Inc.

Headquartered in Ann Arbor, Mich., Borders Group, Inc. (NYSE: BGP) is a leading specialty retailer of books as well as other educational and entertainment items. Online shopping is offered through borders.com. Find author interviews and vibrant discussions of the products we and our customers are passionate about online at facebook.com/borders, twitter.com/borders and youtube.com/bordersmedia. For more information about the company, visit borders.com/media.

Safe Harbor Statement

This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. One can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as “expect,” “believe,” “planning,” “possibility,” “opportunity,” “goal,” “will,” “may,” “intend,” “anticipates,” “working toward” and other words of similar meaning. One can also identify them by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and plans to differ materially from those included in the company’s forward-looking statements.

These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to (i) the ability of the company to continue as a going concern, (ii) the company’s ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 cases, (iii) the ability of the company and its subsidiaries to prosecute, develop and consummate one or more plans of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 cases, (iv) the effects of the company’s bankruptcy filing on the company and the interests of various creditors, equity holders and other constituents, (v) Bankruptcy Court rulings in the Chapter 11 cases and the outcome of the cases in general, (vi) the length of time the company will operate under the Chapter 11 cases, (vii) risks associated with third party motions in the Chapter 11 cases, which may interfere with the company’s ability to develop and consummate one or more plans of reorganization once such plans are developed, (viii) the potential adverse effects of the Chapter 11 proceedings on the company’s liquidity or results of operations, (ix) the ability to execute the company’s business and restructuring plan, (x) increased legal costs related to the company’s bankruptcy filing and other litigation, (xi) the company’s ability to maintain contracts that are critical to its operation, to obtain and maintain normal terms with its vendors, landlords and service providers and to retain key executives, managers and employees. In the event that the risks disclosed in the company’s public filings and those discussed above cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the company’s forward-looking statements, the company’s business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity, and the interests of creditors, equity holders and other constituents, could be materially adversely affected.

Almost daily the news paints an even bleaker picture of America’s job crisis.  While many are struggling to find work, employers have discovered that they can be more selective than ever in the hiring process. 

To help with your job search, Resume-Results.net offers the following tips:

Build a skills inventory. 

Know what you know.  Know which skills you possess and how they best fit the companies you’re applying with. 

Build a strong resume. 

Focus on your accomplishments, not just a list of past employers.  Highlight your profitable contributions and how you’ve made an impact on any areas of sales, costs and bottom line.  Customize your resume so that it speaks to the position you’re applying for.

Research before you interview. 

Never show up for an interview unprepared.  Make sure you’ve done your homework about the company you’re interviewing for.  Know enough about its history, past performance and goals in order to carry on a meaningful conversation.

Maintain professionalism during the interview. 

Show up early, dressed to impress.  Turn your cellphone off.  Smile.  Be courteous, positive and enthusiastic.  Pay attention.  Don’t bad mouth your past employers. 

Know why you should be hired. 

Believe it or not, there are actually people in the job market who think the only reason they should be hired is because they need a job.  Potential employers could care less about that.  What they do want to know, however, is how you will be an asset for their company.  If you’ve done your homework, you should be able to speak confidently about how your past accomplishments will help the company achieve its goals.

Resume-Results.net offers effective resume tips, interview advice and job search help.  For more resume and job search tips and advice, please visit http://www.Resume-Results.net.

In today’s economy it is more important than ever for restaurant owners and operators to promote their services. Eating out is, after all, a luxury – and a battle rages for the almighty dining dollar.  This leaves restaurants in a sticky situation.

“Restaurants need to promote the benefits they offer, and they need to do it at little or no cost,” says Troy Brackett, owner of RestaurantNews.com.  “Fortunately, there’s a way of doing just that – and it involves using press releases.”

It doesn’t matter how big or small a restaurant is, every single one can make good use of a press release to promote their restaurant news and grow their customer base.

But it isn’t enough to write a press release and tell everyone how great your restaurant is.  The most important thing for restaurant owners and operators to remember is to make sure their press release is newsworthy. If it’s not, it won’t get seen.

For example, if you are just about to open a new restaurant, this would be a newsworthy event. If you just want to promote your restaurant even though nothing new is happening there, you need to stop and find an angle.

The good news is that there are plenty of things you can happily promote to gain publicity for your restaurant. For example: 

• New menu and product launches
• Facebook or Twitter promotions
• A restaurant remodel
• Community service events
• Charitable donations made
• Celebrating a restaurant’s anniversary
• Holiday and special events marketing
• Personnel promotions

There are lots of ways you can come up with valid angles for a new press release, so get thinking and you’ll be surprised at how much publicity you can generate.  RestaurantNews.com offers press release services for your restaurant news.

The key to real success through press releases and getting a lift in sales is to generate new press releases on a regular basis. Think maybe one a month for example – get some ideas going and come up with some new specials and promotions to keep on bringing in new customers.

About RestaurantNews.com

RestaurantNews.com has been providing the latest online restaurant news for over twelve years.  RestaurantNews.com offers press release services and exposure for restaurant owners and operators looking to market their restaurants.  For diners, RestaurantNews.com offers current and upcoming restaurant deals, specials and promotions.

For more information about RestaurantNews.com, please visit http://www.RestaurantNews.com.

Contact:
Troy Brackett
troy@restaurantnews.com

ANKENY, Iowa  (Profitable.com)  Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASY) today announced that it has signed a definitive purchase agreement to acquire 11 convenience stores from NuWay Cooperative of Trimont, Minnesota. All of the stores are located in Minnesota operating under the NuMart banner and will be immediately rebranded to Casey’s.

“We are excited about this opportunity. These are well maintained locations that fit perfectly with the Company’s business model of operating in smaller rural communities and further strengthens our existing market presence in southern Minnesota,” said Robert J. Myers, President and CEO.

The Company expects this acquisition to be immediately accretive to earnings and provide further earnings enhancements as operating efficiencies are realized and the prepared food program is added.

The acquisition is subject to certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. The transaction is expected to close during the Company’s fourth fiscal quarter. The acquisition will be funded by existing cash and operating cash flow.