NEWARK, Del.  (Profitable.com)  Three million students—next fall’s college freshmen—anxiously awaiting the results of their college financial aid applications will soon have their answers as award letters arrive in mailboxes around the country. Two-thirds of undergraduates receive some financial aid each year, with awards to full-timers averaging $12,740. As families evaluate their financial aid awards, Sallie Mae, the nation’s No. 1 financial services company specializing in education, offers tips and tools to help meet the decision deadline most colleges set for early May.

“The investment in college education is among the most significant financial decisions in a family’s lifetime,” says Joe DePaulo, executive vice president, Sallie Mae. “Regardless of how much of the tab they plan to pick up, parents should consider all of their options before making a decision.”

April is Financial Literacy Month—a perfect time for families to take stock of their education and money goals. If your financial aid, such as grants, scholarships, work-study and federal loans, comes up short, it’s time to have a family conversation about how to make up the difference. Sallie Mae recommends families explore these tips for filling the gap:

• Talk to the campus financial aid office if family finances have changed. Colleges can adjust their award packages when a family encounters special circumstances, such as if a parent is laid off or takes a salary cut.
• Consider a private education loan that encourages you to pay it off faster and save money on interest. A private education loan may be right for those who still have a gap after exploring federal financial aid or who want to investigate whether they qualify for a lower variable interest rate based on good credit. With Sallie Mae’s Smart Option Student Loan, students attending degree-granting institutions can select from three in-school repayment options: an interest-only monthly plan, a simple $25-per-month plan, or a new no-minimum-monthly-payment-required deferred plan. Sallie Mae works with applicants and higher education institutions to help students avoid borrowing more than they need. To learn more, visit www.SallieMae.com/ChooseSmart.
• Use an interest-free tuition payment plan to fit college expenses into your monthly budget. Available at hundreds of college campuses, Sallie Mae administers tuition payment plans that let families spread tuition payments over a number of months instead of making a large lump-sum payment at the beginning of each semester. Visit www.SallieMae.com/tuitionpay for more information.
• Apply for additional scholarships. While many scholarship deadlines have passed already, some awards have late spring or summer deadlines. Using Sallie Mae’s free online Scholarship Search, students and parents can quickly identify scholarships still available for the upcoming school year, including 25,000 scholarships worth $77 million with deadlines between now and the end of summer. The scholarship search is available at www.SallieMae.com/scholarships.
• Earn extra money for college through Upromise by Sallie Mae. Upromise members can receive cash back when they make eligible purchases from hundreds of participating companies or use their Upromise credit card. Upromise members have earned $600 million in member rewards since 2001. Rewards accumulate in a member’s Upromise account and can be transferred periodically into an eligible 529 college savings plan or used to pay down eligible Sallie Mae-serviced student loans. Beginning April 3 through June 5, Upromise members have the opportunity to earn extra rewards—of 10 percent or more—from one major online retailer each week, including Apple Store, Staples, Barnes & Noble and Sears. Visit www.Upromise.com for more information.

Sallie Mae advises that families build a customized plan to pay for their degree, and its Education Investment Planner is a free, innovative resource available to help. By plugging in information from financial aid award letters, families can use the Planner to quickly build their own plan and compare different colleges. Students can explore federal or private student loans, estimate monthly loan payments and project the starting salary needed after graduation to keep payments manageable. Education Investment Planner is easy to use and available to anyone online at www.SallieMae.com/invest.

Sallie Mae (NYSE: SLM) is the nation’s No. 1 financial services company specializing in education. Serving 23 million customers, Sallie Mae offers innovative savings tools, tuition payment plans and education loans that promote responsible financial habits and reward success. The company manages or services $235 billion in education loans and administers $35 billion in 529 college savings plans. Members of its Upromise college savings rewards program have earned $600 million to help pay for college. Sallie Mae is also one of the leading financial service providers for universities and governments at all levels. More information is available at www.SallieMae.com. Commonly known as Sallie Mae, SLM Corporation and its subsidiaries are not sponsored by or agencies of the United States of America.

CUPERTINO, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  Wannabe cybercriminals were able to execute attacks with impunity and relative ease thanks to toolkits, pre-written software programs designed to steal information, rendering 2010 “The Year of the Toolkit” according to Trend Micro threat researchers. Toolkits proliferated through mass social media sites like Twitter throughout the year.

“While [toolkits] have always been a part of the cybercrime underground, in 2010 they flourished and became an even bigger part of the overall threat landscape,” stated Trend Micro’s 2010 threat round-up report. “Toolkits allow cybercriminal attacks to be conducted with far less effort and time, the effects of which can be seen in the explosive growth of threats in 2010.”

United States, India got spammed the most

The crackdown of Spamit operations in October 2010 led to a decline in spam between November-December, a time when holiday spam is usually on the rise.

While overall global spam volume decreased, the U.S. received the most spam with India coming in second, due to the country’s growth in Internet usage and its use of English in most forms of formal communication. The countries that received the least amount of spam were Argentina and Israel.

Europe experienced the highest spike in spam, frequently written in Spanish and most of which were online casino and gambling themed due to the region’s more lenient gambling regulations. And Russia, a country where sending spam is not yet a criminal offense, was the top spam generator during Q4 2010.

Most spam were pharmaceutical and health-care related

If you have an email account, chances are you received plenty of pharmaceutical and other health-related spam, which Trend Micro threat researchers said made up the majority of the spam tracked throughout the year. Throughout 2010, spammers also used email to disguise phishing and malware attacks that hit popular social networking sites, another hotbed for cybercriminals due its prolific communities of users.

United States, China had the most malware infections

More than 80 percent of the top malware that caused the most infections in 2010 arrived via the web. The majority of malicious URLs and, consequently, victims of malware infections in 2010 were found in the U.S. and China. Russia was also a significant source of spam that contained embedded malicious URLs.

Mobile threats target different platforms, both old and new

During the summer of 2010, Trend Micro threat researchers discovered malware targeting the new Android OS and applications. By August 2010, the DroidSMS appeared, a malicious text message sending an application disguised as Windows Media Player. A week later, another application designed to send a user’s GPS location via HTTP POST came to the scene.

Trend Micro also discovered other malware targeting older smartphone OSs like Symbian. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for any form of monoculture to serve as a large base of possible targets for scams or malware attacks. For example, the growing popularity of Android OS in smartphones, along with the OS’ open source code and vulnerable applications, has already contributed to an increase in attempts that target the OS.

Cloud-based protection from Trend Micro

The Trend Micro™ Smart Protection Network™ provides the infrastructure behind many Trend Micro products and delivers advanced protection from the cloud, blocking threats in real-time before they reach you.  By the end of 2010, the Smart Protection Network was seeing 45 billion queries every 24 hours, blocking 5 billion threats and processing 3.2 terabytes of data on a daily basis. On average, 102 million users were connected to the cloud network each day.

The Smart Protection Network uses patent-pending “in-the-cloud correlation technology” with behavior analysis to correlate combinations of web, email and file threat activities to determine if they are malicious. By correlating the different components of a threat and continuously updating its threat databases, Trend Micro has the distinct advantage of being able to respond in real time, providing immediate and automatic cloud protection from email, file and web threats.

For the full threat report, please visit: http://us.trendmicro.com/us/trendwatch/research-and-analysis/threat-reports/index.html

About Trend Micro:

Trend Micro Incorporated, a global leader in Internet content security, focuses on securing the exchange of digital information for businesses and consumers. A pioneer and industry vanguard, Trend Micro is advancing integrated threat management technology to protect operational continuity, personal information, and property from malware, spam, data leaks and the newest web threats. Visit TrendWatch  to learn more about the latest threats. Trend Micro’s flexible solutions, available in multiple form factors, are supported 24/7 by threat intelligence experts around the globe. Many of these solutions are powered by the Trend Micro Smart Protection Network, a next generation cloud-client content cloud security infrastructure designed to protect customers from web threats. A transnational company, with headquarters in Tokyo, Trend Micro’s trusted security solutions are sold through its business partners worldwide. Please visit TrendMicro.com.

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  Mortgage rates increased again this week, with the benchmark conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate rising to 5.01 percent, according to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.41 discount and origination points.

To see mortgage rates in your area, go to http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/mortgages/.

The average 15-year fixed mortgage jumped to 4.25 percent, and the larger jumbo 30-year fixed rate moved up to 5.55 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages were higher, as well, with the average 5-year ARM climbing to 3.89 percent and the 7-year ARM rising to 4.23 percent.

Mortgage rates climbed as worries eased over recent global events and investors returned to a risk-taking mindset, whether corporate mergers and acquisitions or individual investors moving money from cash to stocks. While the same global events persist – Japan’s nuclear crisis, Europe’s debt issues, and conflict in Libya – there was less worry about possible downside to the economy, and mortgage rates notched higher. Mortgage rates are closely related to yields on long-term government bonds, a frequent safe haven when investors’ nerves are frayed.

The last time mortgage rates were above 6 percent was Nov. 2008. At the time, the average 30-year fixed rate was 6.33 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 5.01 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,074.87, a difference of $167 per month for anyone refinancing now.

SURVEY RESULTS

30-year fixed: 5.01 % — up from 4.96% last week (avg. points: 0.41)

15-year fixed: 4.25% — up from 4.16% last week (avg. points: 0.41)

5/1 ARM: 3.89% — up from 3.78% last week (avg. points: 0.40)

Bankrate’s national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.

For a full analysis of this week’s move in mortgage rates, go to http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/spring-fever-sends-mortgage-thermometer-up.aspx?ic_id=tsThumb1.

The survey is complemented by Bankrate’s weekly Rate Trend Index, in which a panel of mortgage experts predicts which way the rates are headed over the next seven days. More than half of the panelists, 59 percent, predict rates to increase further. Of the remaining panelists, 35 percent think that rates will remain more or less unchanged and the remaining 6 percent forecast a decline in mortgage rates over the next seven days.

For the full mortgage Rate Trend Index, go to http://www.bankrate.com/RTI.

About Bankrate, Inc.

The Bankrate network of companies includes Bankrate.com, Interest.com, Mortgage-calc.com, Nationwide Card Services, Fee Disclosure, InsureMe CreditCardGuide.com, Bankaholic, CreditCards.com and NetQuote.  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. 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 groups, 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.

For more information contact:
Kayleen Yates
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
kyates@bankrate.com
(917) 368-8677

PORTLAND, Ore.  (Profitable.com)  adidas’ new adiZero 5-Star, the lightest cleat in football, makes its long anticipated arrival in stores on Friday, April 1.  At 6.9 ounces, the new adidas cleat is three ounces lighter than the nearest competitor and is designed to help make the fastest football players even faster.

Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller along with the top high school football players in the country at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio, debuted the adiZero 5-Star in early January to rousing results.

“The adiZero 5-Star is the lightest cleat I’ve ever worn and no doubt it makes me faster on the field,” said Spiller.  ”The adiZero 5-Star is so light that it feels like I’m not even wearing a cleat.  It gives me the support I need to make quick cuts and start and stop on a dime on any playing surface.”

The adiZero 5-Star features a revolutionary single-layer synthetic upper called SPRINTSKIN and a sprint frame base, which significantly reduces the weight of the shoe while providing the perfect balance between lightweight construction and increased support.  Internal TPU support bands offer increased stability for quick cuts and changes of direction on the field.  New triangular-shaped cleats provide players with maximum acceleration and traction.

Continuing momentum leading up to the April 1 retail launch, the adiZero 5-Star was on display in February as the NFL prospects in Indianapolis who ran the fastest 40-yard-dash times at each position, all wore the lightweight cleat.

Further building their football roster, adidas recently announced partnerships with five of the fastest NFL prospects including defensive back Prince Amukamara of Nebraska, running back DeMarco Murray of Oklahoma, wide receiver Titus Young of Boise State, tight end Kyle Rudolph of Notre Dame and wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan of Troy.

“adidas created the lightest cleat in football to help players at all levels be faster on the field,” said Mark Daniels, head of football for adidas.  ”Whether you are a high school star playing on Friday nights, a pro prospect working out for scouts or a NFL Pro Bowler hitting the gridiron on Sundays, the adiZero 5-Star will make you a faster player.”

Youth football players first experienced playing in the adiZero 5-Star cleat in early January at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio.  As the exclusive footwear, compression apparel and glove supplier of the bowl game, adidas provided the U.S. Army All-Americans and Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl participants with adiZero 5-Star cleats, TECHFIT compression apparel and the new adiZero football gloves.

“The feedback we received from the U.S. Army All-Americans and Eastbay Youth All-Americans was incredible,” said Daniels.  ”The athletes couldn’t believe how lightweight and supportive the adiZero 5-Star felt.  After wearing the adiZero 5-Star in practice and during competition, the players’ speed, agility and quickness were taken to entirely new levels.”

The adiZero 5-Star will be available for $100 in 15 colorways at Eastbay, Dick’s Sporting Goods, www.shopadidas.com and adidas team dealers.  Football players and fans can visit www.facebook.com/adidasfootballUS for more information.

adidas Football develops high-performance and lightweight football cleats, apparel and accessories for some of the greatest players and teams in the game including more than 70 collegiate football programs.  adidas is a global designer and developer of athletic footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world.

For more information visit http://news.adidas.com or www.facebook.com/adidasfootballUS

STAMFORD, Conn.  (Profitable.com)  PrivacyGuard, a leading identity theft and credit management product of the Affinion Security Center, announced today the results of its annual tax and identity theft survey.  Among the provocative findings, the survey revealed that while respondents take steps to protect themselves against identity theft and remain concerned about the possibility of a data breach when sharing their personal information, they remain uneducated about the prevalence and methods of tax-related identity theft.   This is a particularly alarming result because tax or wage-related fraud was the most common type of identity theft complaint in the recently released Federal Trade Commission 2010 Consumer Complaint Report.

Some of the key findings of the PrivacyGuard survey include:

Consumers Have Varying Degrees of Trust With Institutions Over Data Security

Almost two thirds of respondents (64%) reported that they worry that the organization they are sharing their personal information with could suffer a data breach. Retailers were chosen overwhelmingly (45%) as the least trustworthy.  Surprisingly, when a data breach occurs, respondents are more likely (44%) to blame the institution that was breached than the thieves that stole the data (35%). Also, roughly a third of consumers admit to using the same login and password for each site they transact with, making a breach that much more damaging.

Consumers Trust Tax Preparers

While many respondents lacked faith in retailers or other institutions to guard their personal information, the survey found a big increase in the level of trust that tax payers have in their tax preparer.  Despite cases of tax preparer identity theft in several states last year, only 30% reported this year that they are concerned when they choose a preparer about the possibility of becoming a victim of identity theft, while 11% reported being very concerned and another 30% are not at all concerned.  Last year half of the survey respondents said they were somewhat or very concerned.

Consumers Vulnerable to Phising and Vishing Scams

Respondents have grown increasingly ignorant about the methods the IRS uses to initiate contact with tax payers, with 50% selecting the wrong option:  37% believe the IRS can contact them via email, mail or phone and 13% believe that the IRS will contact them through email. The IRS does not initiate contact with taxpayers through email.  Last year the survey results showed a similar trend, with 19 percent admitting that they did not know how the IRS initiates contact and 33% selecting the email, mail or phone option.

“We believe that Americans are generally very educated as to the consequences of identity theft and are taking steps to protect themselves,” said Christine El Eris, Director of PrivacyGuard.  ”However, taxpayers need to be aware of the unique risks they face during tax season and remain on guard during this time.”

PrivacyGuard would like to help educate consumers with the following tips on how to prevent identity theft during tax season:

When Preparing Your Return

1. Be Aware of Suspicious Emails and Phone Calls Regarding Your Tax Refund or Tax Filing – Check the IRS website for tips on how to spot scammers and thieves posing as the IRS and a list of known phishes.
2. Be Diligent When Choosing Your Tax Preparers – Ensure that you are working with a credible firm and be extra cautious about new or seasonal offices. Check the IRS website for more tips on how to choose a tax preparer.
3. Secure your computer –If you file taxes electronically, be sure to install updated firewalls and anti-spyware protection to help keep your personal data out of the hands of thieves.
4. Create a unique login and password if you are using an online service to prepare or file your return.

During and After Filing

1. Mail securely – If you file via mail, be sure to mail your return directly from the post office – do not leave your tax return in your unlocked mailbox or at the curb for pickup by your local mail carrier.  Your personal information will be vulnerable until it is retrieved by the postal carrier.  It is wise to send tax information by first class mail with a tracking number.
2. Safeguard Sensitive Information in Home and Outside – Frequently the greatest threat to personal information comes from service providers or in-home workers or acquaintances. Keep paperwork in a safe location. When carrying this information out of the house, be sure to keep it on you, or if you must leave it in the car, make sure it is not visible.
3. Micro-Shred Your Documents – Cross-cut shredders just don’t “cut” it these days. Use a micro-cut shredder for maximum security. The shred size on micro-cut machines is much smaller – documents are literally turned into dust, offering the highest level of security. And since even a seven year- old receipt can be used by a thief, shredding is still one of the simplest ways to prevent identity theft.

Consider Identity Theft Protection Services

For extra identity protection, taxpayers should consider enrolling in an identity theft protection program such as PrivacyGuard, which offers benefits such as credit monitoring services, credit alerts and identity theft insurance.

About PrivacyGuard

PrivacyGuard is a comprehensive credit reporting, credit monitoring and identity theft protection service that helps you maintain control over your most critical information. Combining state-of-the-art credit protection and reporting with superior customer service, PrivacyGuard offers the comprehensive tools and support needed to help secure your life. A product of the Affinion Security Center, PrivacyGuard is endorsed by top identity theft expert, noted author and government consultant Frank Abagnale. For more information on PrivacyGuard and its industry-leading services, please visit privacyguard.com.

Group Buying Platform OfferMe is saving consumers 25% on the Sydney Royal Easter Show tickets purchased from March 31 to April 2, 2011.

The Sydney Royal Easter Show will take place from Thursday April 14 to Wednesday April 27 this year. Mr. Erick Teresa, Sales Manager of OfferMe said the Show was Australia’s largest annual event which was educational and entertaining for the whole family.

“The Easter Show is going to offer memorable family experiences. There is something for everyone: the grand parade, live performances, food exhibitions, fascinating demonstrations including cow milking and sheep shearing and a range of thrilling rides,” he said.

“We are very pleased to re-introduce this exclusive group buying deal that was very popular last year, with more options and more flexibility this year.”

ShowLink Ticket Prices (including transport as well as admission to the Show)
Adult: $25.5 (Full Price: $34)
Child: $16.8 (Full Price: $22.5)
Concession: $19.8 (Full Price: $26.5)
On Sale on www.offerme.com.au: 31/3-2/4/2011

The discount is only activated when a minimum number of consumers, which is 50, take up the deal. Group Buying idea is to gather other like-minded consumers and save them up to 90% on affordable quality entertainment, gifts and services. Every deal is offered for a limited time only.

“The limited time offer is valid for OfferMe members only. Simply register online for free,” 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.

For further information, visit http://www.offerme.com.au

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  American Media, Inc. (AMI) has released a special Elizabeth Taylor Collector’s Issue as a tribute to the Queen of Hollywood. This 100-page glossy magazine highlights the many ways that the iconic starlet influenced the world with her many talents, visions and beauty.

The Elizabeth Taylor Collector’s Issue from AMI, on sale now for $5.99, takes a look back on the actress’s famous friends, iconic style, and her eight marriages. Beginning her career as a child star and becoming the most famous actress in the world, Elizabeth Taylor was not only a movie goddess, but also an icon to emulate for beauty and style.

With over 250 stunning photos, the Collector’s Issue is a culmination of the star’s accomplishments and impact on the world. After taking a look back on the starlet’s influential acting career, it is clear how Taylor became the trendsetter that she was. Women loved her classic styles throughout each generation, and she proved to remain an icon of style and beauty until the end.

In the pages of this special edition, Taylor’s family and friends speak out about her passion and talents, and share their thoughts and feelings on the legendary icon and her lasting impact on society.

About American Media, Inc.

American Media, Inc. is the leading publisher of celebrity journalism and health and fitness magazines in the U.S.  These include Star, Shape, Men’s Fitness, and Natural Health.  In addition to print properties, AMI manages 14 different web sites. The company also owns Distribution Services, Inc., the country’s #1 in-store magazine merchandising company.

SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark.  (Profitable.com)  Allens, Inc., one of the largest privately held vegetable companies in the nation, announces its second annual recipe contest, Feast Your Veggies on This.  The national contest is calling for recipe submissions beginning April 1 through May 15, and the top winners will be announced on June 17 in celebration of Eat All Your Veggies Day. Allens is bringing Feast Your Veggies On This back in a continued effort to promote healthy eating habits, and to crown 2011′s new wave of the country’s best veggie cooks.

Feast Your Veggies On This is looking for “greens”, “beans” or “Veg-All” recipes so contest entrants, new and returning, can show Allens just how fun and creative they get in the kitchen. The most innovative, flavorful and visually appealing submission will win a one-year supply of Allens vegetables, and one winner from each category will receive varying prizes of Allens vegetables as well; a six-month, three-month and one-month supply. All four winners will also receive an Allens trademark t-shirt — an item that has become iconic with consumers in social media and at tasting events around the country.

“Feast Your Veggies On This has easily turned into a bright spot of the Allens family business,” said David Brown, Director of Retail Sales, Allens, Inc. “Last year, consumers wowed us with their creativity and passion for creating family entrees, southern favorites, and appetizers & side dishes.  Now we’re looking forward to seeing what they can do with Allens’ greens, beans and Veg-All! Most importantly, this contest is an exciting and innovative opportunity to connect with our loyal brand lovers.”

To enter the contest, individuals can fill out an entry form on Allens.com or AllensSouthernKitchen.com, or simply send a post card or 3″ x 5″ index card with their name, address and contact information, along with original recipe and category, to Allens’ second annual Feast Your Veggies on This contest c/o 6116 Cleveland Avenue, Columbus, Ohio 43231. Purchase is necessary to participate. For more contest information, visit Allens.com.

About Allens, Inc.

Allens, Inc., a national leader in canned and frozen vegetables since 1926, is family-owned and operated in Siloam Springs, AR. Every vegetable is proudly grown and packed in North America. Allens vegetables are sold nationally and internationally with 11 manufacturing plants throughout the U.S. in Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, North Carolina, New York and Wisconsin.

CARLSBAD, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  The Upper Deck Company has done it again. From the company that introduced the first-ever anti-counterfeit holograms on trading cards with its 1989 debut, and brought game-used jersey swatches, bat slivers and even cut signatures of deceased greats of the game to its cards, comes another industry first. Without further adieu, Upper Deck is ready to unveil its ground-breaking “Evolution” video trading cards, which will be appearing inside its much-anticipated 2011 Upper Deck Football release on April 12.

“I founded Upper Deck on innovation and even today we continue to reinvent the trading card,” said Richard McWilliam, Upper Deck’s owner and CEO. “I have always dreamed of bringing this type of technology to market and we are pleased to be the first to do so as the leader in the category. I believe Upper Deck’s ‘Evolution’ trading cards will capture the imagination of sports fans around the world for what trading cards can be and how far they have come.”

Four standout gridiron stars comprise the initial unveiling of the “Evolution” inserts: running back Adrian Peterson, quarterback Tony Romo, wide receiver DeSean Jackson, and hard-hitting linebacker Patrick Willis. Each of the booklet-type cards, which measure in at the same height (3.5″) and width (2.5″) as a regular trading card, are just over half-an-inch thick, so their discovery in boxes of 2011 Upper Deck Football will certainly make a big impression on collectors.

“From the onset, it was important to us that this new insert was a trading card first, otherwise it would just be a video player,” Jason Masherah, Upper Deck’s vice president of Marketing. “The cards are built like our premium booklet trading cards with a video monitor built into the card. The beauty behind these cards is that they are self-contained. You don’t need any other gadgets or a computer to play them. You simply open the cover and press play. A video screen with 60 seconds’ worth of highlight reel footage of the player immediately starts playing. The card also has a port so it can be recharged as well.”

Upper Deck is currently running a series of online “Evolution” banner ads to create anticipation for the fast-approaching launch and has a special landing page devoted to the product’s debut next month: www.UpperDeck.com/Evolution.

Upper Deck chose to utilize its exclusive agreement with the Collegiate Licensing Company, signed in 2009, to unveil this new technology. Therefore, each of the aforementioned players – and their video footage – is shown during his collegiate playing days. Peterson starred at the University of Oklahoma, Romo threw passes for Eastern Illinois, Jackson caught touchdowns for the Cal Bears and Willis made sensational tackles for Mississippi.

“Our partnership with Upper Deck has allowed us to bring our fans new and innovative products never before seen in the trading card market,” said David Kirkpatrick, CLC’s vice president of Non-Apparel Marketing. “We are excited to share such in such an important launch, and are confident that collectors and college fans alike will embrace this revolutionary new product.”

Other hobby firsts pioneered by Upper Deck have included “PowerDeck” in 1999, which was the world’s first digital trading card that could be viewed on a computer’s DVD player and contained video footage of the featured player, along with music, photos, player profiles and statistics; “Haircut-Signature” cards in 2008, which sported actual strands of hair and cut signatures from deceased historical figures including George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson; and oversized “Entomology” cards in 2009, which contained actual insects/bugs that were showcased in their entirety inside beautifully designed shadowbox cards.

About Upper Deck

Upper Deck is the leading sports and entertainment trading card and collectibles company. For more information on Upper Deck and its products please visit www.upperdeck.com.

About The Collegiate Licensing Company

CLC is a division of global sports and entertainment company IMG. Founded in 1981, CLC is the oldest and largest collegiate licensing agency in the U.S. and currently represents nearly 200 colleges, universities, bowl games, athletic conferences, The Heisman Trophy and the NCAA. The mission of CLC is to be the guiding force in collegiate trademark licensing and one of the top sports licensing firms in the country. CLC is dedicated to being a center of excellence in providing licensing services of the highest quality to its member institutions, licensees, retailers and consumers. Headquartered in Atlanta (Ga.), CLC is a full-service licensing representative, which employs a staff of 80 licensing professionals who provide full-service capabilities in brand protection, brand management, and brand development. For more information on CLC, visit: www.clc.com or www.imgworld.com.

 

WEST CHESTER, Pa.  (Profitable.com)  QVC, Inc., one of the world’s largest multimedia retailers, today announced QVC Japan returned to its 24-hour live broadcast March 23 at 10 a.m., local time.  The company has pledged $1.3 million to support disaster relief, and has mobilized its operations globally to facilitate customer and employee donations.

“I would like to express our deepest sympathy to those people involved in the disaster,” said QVC Japan CEO Chris Horobin. ”Having witnessed so many people’s energy, passion and bravery in response to the tragedy, I am confident that Japan will recover soon.”

Globally, QVC has now pledged a total of $1.3 million, including a $100,000 donation already made to the American Red Cross in the hours following the disaster on March 11.

QVC Japan is exploring nonprofit organizations to receive these contributions to support the disaster relief efforts.    In addition, the first hour of QVC Japan programming was devoted to disaster relief, with certain proceeds generated from its sales made between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m., local time, pledged to the Japanese Red Cross.  This contribution is in addition to the $1.3 million company pledge.

QVC is also encouraging employees and customers to support the Red Cross. QVC in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Italy have promoted Red Cross donation efforts on air, via company websites, and through social media outreach.

“Our hearts go out to the millions of people who were impacted by the major earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan,” said Mike George, QVC’s president and CEO.  “As a global company, we are committed to supporting the disaster relief efforts.”  

QVC Japan has headquarter offices, studios and a customer-contact center in Makuhari, Chiba and a distribution center in Sakura, Chiba.  

About QVC

QVC, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation attributed to the Liberty Interactive Group (Nasdaq: LINTA), is one of the largest multimedia retailers in the world. QVC is committed to providing its customers with thousands of the most innovative and contemporary beauty, fashion, jewelry and home products. Its programming is distributed to approximately 195 million homes worldwide. The company’s website, QVC.com, is ranked among the top general merchant Internet sites. With operations in the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan and Italy, West Chester, Pa.-based QVC has shipped more than a billion packages in its 24-year history. QVC, Q, and the Q Ribbon Logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc.

CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  Women are becoming increasingly influential in the financial world.  According to data from market research firm Mintel, the number of women who say they have a self-directed investment account is not significantly different from the number of men who say the same (30% of women and 36% of men).  This is particularly true for women who report a household income higher than $75K—almost half of this group (46%) are self-directed investors.

“Women, and particularly younger women, are increasingly making their own decisions about how to invest money—both for themselves and for their households,” states Susan Menke, vice president and behavioral economist at Mintel. “However, women are much more likely than men to look to a trusted advisor to give them investment ideas.”

According to Mintel’s data, 39% of female investors say their primary source of investment ideas are their investment advisors, compared to only about a quarter (27%) of males. Women are also slightly more likely to solicit ideas from friends and family members (29% of females vs. 22% of males).

Men on the other hand are most likely to look to financial websites and blogs (38%), or the investment companies’ website (31%). They are also much more likely than women to look to newspapers or magazines for inspiration.  For instance, 27% of males like to read financial newspapers such as the Wall Street Journal (either print or online), while only 17% of females claim the same.

“Basically, women are much more likely to rely on personal interaction to get ideas, while men are more likely to look to published or televised sources of information, such as websites, newspapers or television programs,” adds Susan Menke. “What this means is that because quite often both men and women are involved in the household investment decision making, financial services companies need to use a variety of channels, including advisors, to appeal to all of the members of the household.”

About Mintel

Mintel is a leading global supplier of consumer, product and media intelligence. For more than 38 years, Mintel has provided insight into key worldwide trends, offering exclusive data and analysis that directly impacts client success. With offices in Chicago, New York, London, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo, Mintel has forged a unique reputation as a world-renowned business brand. For more information on Mintel, please visit www.mintel.com. Follow Mintel on Twitter: http://twitter.com/mintelnews

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  A new Deloitte study finds that as a consequence of hidden health care-related costs, consumers have significantly less discretionary spending power than previously thought, creating a potentially significant growth opportunity for financial institutions — if they sharpen their consumer and corporate-client strategies in this area.

Chief among the implications is how this increase will change consumers’ spending patterns, income and creditworthiness in the coming years. Consumers concerned about the cost of health care are already acting to avoid higher exposure to health care expense burdens, the study finds.

“The ability of the U.S. economy to recover will be affected in part by how much consumers have in their pockets to spend; the more spent on health, the less is available to boost other sectors, including financial services,” said Andrew Freeman, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Financial Services.

“For financial institutions searching for growth in any place they can find it, health care offers real potential to increase revenue,” said Freeman. “With greater insight into how and where consumers are spending their money, banks and insurers can consider product innovations, as well as savings and credit products, linked to different aspects of consumer trends in health care.”

The study finds – almost one year after health care reform was signed into law – that there is more than $363 billion in hidden health care costs than traditionally reported in official government accounts. These hidden costs are attributed to expenditures that fall outside of traditional areas such as doctors, drug prescriptions, hospitals and insurance coverage. This represents an additional 14.7 percent of health care spending that was not previously captured in the National Health Expenditure Accounts data. More than half of the additional spending is the result of the estimated value of supervisory care, or care given by unpaid relatives and friends.

The additional costs captured in the new Deloitte study support an increase in consumer discretionary spending on health care from 16.2 percent – for items traditionally reported by the government – to 19.9 percent, which surpasses housing and utility costs at 18.8 percent.

“The health care and financial services industries are more connected than many realize — if their fortunes are not joined at the hip, then they are certainly very close,” said Paul Keckley, Ph.D., executive director of the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. “Banks and other payment processors are also vital parts of the system and face daunting competitive challenges as technology brings new methods for handling consumers’ medical records and new opportunities for non-banks to deliver mobile electronic payments at the point of service or sale.”

Additional implications for financial institutions include:

• Maximizing Strategic Lending Opportunities into the Health Care Industry: The future costs associated with supervisory care in particular have the potential to be substantial, according to the study. In order to build successful lending pipelines, financial institutions may need a  better understanding of  the effects of these unforeseen costs on the 18 distinct health care sectors, as well as any associated revenue challenges that could come from annuity-like third-party payments such as Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance in the future.
• An Opportunity to Counsel Health Care Suppliers and New Entrants: Delving deeper into the $2.5 trillion spent annually for the health care system, an estimated one-third of total expenditures goes to suppliers to the health care industry, including manufacturers and retailers. A number of leading companies from other industries are also looking at making inroads into the industry. Each will likely need investment banking, cash management and line of credit services from banks in order to support new strategies and increasing costs.
• New Strategies for Insurers: With this shift, insurers may have to work harder to educate consumers about the value of life insurance, disability and retirement products to overcome the perception that they are “discretionary” at a time when higher out-of-pocket medical costs are shrinking disposable income. In addition, insurers will likely have to be more innovative and flexible to sell non-mandatory products; for example, offering long-term care options to more traditional life insurance policies.
• Growth via Cost Reduction: Disparate systems and a lack of technology standards are limiting the progress towards “electronification” of medical claims and payment processes. Banks should consider developing innovations and technologies to help organizations eliminate manual processes, improve disconnected systems/workflows for both payers and providers and how to speed up treasury services and the payment cycle. Related areas to consider include enhanced and alternative distribution channels and revised pricing models.

Among the study’s most significant findings:

• In 2009, the country’s total health expenditure was $2.83 trillion.
• Approximately 80 percent of supervisory care’s total costs ($161 billion) fell on people with family incomes of less than $50,000, the median household income in the U.S.
• Seniors account for 36 percent ($1.01 trillion) of total health care expenditures, but are only 13 percent of the population.

The Deloitte report, “The Hidden Costs of U.S. Health Care for Consumers: A Comprehensive Analysis,” was conducted by Deloitte’s Center for Health Solutions and Center for Financial Services to gauge the total costs consumers actually spend on health care products and services, beyond what is typically paid by insurers and other government sources, such as Medicare and Medicaid. A copy of the overall study – including some of the financial services implications – is available on Deloitte’s website at www.deloitte.com/us/consumerhealthspending.

Methodology

In this study, the most recently available NHEA data (2008) was projected for 2009. Information drawn from a variety of sources was used to produce estimates of health expenditure in identified additional areas. Information from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used to develop estimates of expenditure by family size and income. When combined, a dataset was produced which represented a broader picture of the health sector in 2009. This final dataset estimated total health expenditure by payment source, age group, family income and family size for each health service area.

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

BALTIMORE  (Profitable.com)  A staggering 72 percent of smartphone users indicated that they would be likely to recall an ad with a QR code, according to a survey released today of smartphone users. The survey was commissioned by MGH, an integrated marketing communications agency, to determine the usage of QR codes – an emerging technology that uses barcode-like images containing a hidden message that can be unlocked by using an application on a smartphone.

In addition, 32 percent of smartphone users surveyed said they’ve used a QR code, a much higher percentage than various other previous surveys of QR usage. Top usage of those who said they’ve used a QR code was to secure a coupon, deal or discount (53 percent). Other uses of a QR code included:

• Access additional information (52 percent);
• Enter a sweepstakes (33 percent);
• Sign up to receive more information (26 percent);
• Access video (24 percent).

Perhaps, more strikingly, the vast majority – 70 percent – of respondents said they plan to use a QR code again or for the first time. The top usage (87 percent) would be to secure a coupon, discount or deal. Other desired usages included:

• Entering a sweepstakes (64 percent);
• Accessing additional information (63 percent);
• Making a purchase (60 percent);
• Signing up to receive more information (53 percent).

“While QR code usage is growing in popularity, it’s still a relatively new marketing tactic with little to no statistics out there about how consumers are using them. MGH wanted to conduct this survey to uncover how consumers with smartphones are using QR codes and gather insights on what would drive them to interact with an ad – be it a discount or YouTube video,” said MGH President, Andy Malis. “These results demonstrate that consumers are embracing the mobile marketing tactic, and even those who haven’t used QR codes are interested in engaging with them – for a variety of motivators that marketers should pay attention to.”

QR codes are an increasingly popular form of mobile marketing, which allows brands to engage with consumers in direct, personalized and interactive ways. MGH will be hosting a webinar on Thursday, April 7 at 4 p.m. EDT to discuss QR codes and delve into what these survey results mean for marketers. The webinar will be broadcasted live on MGH’s Ustream channel.

To RSVP for the event, click here.

MGH is one of the only integrated agencies in the region that combines strategy with mobile design, development and marketing. The agency provides all the capabilities under one roof — from developing the strategy, to building the application or website, to uncovering the best social media tactics, to getting a mobile campaign noticed.

About the Survey

In February 2011, an online survey of 415 smartphone users was conducted on the Vision Critical Springboard America panel. The margin of error – which measures sampling variability – is +/- 4.8%. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. To view the full survey results, visit http://mghus.com/qr-code-survey-results.

About MGH

MGH is an integrated marketing and communications agency offering advertising, public relations, media planning/buying, creative design and production, interactive (design, development and marketing), market research, direct response, relationship marketing, social media and mobile marketing.

MGH maintains a diverse client base spanning multiple industries. Current clients include Marco’s Pizza, Texas Instruments, Visit Baltimore, the National Aquarium, Baltimore International College, University of Maryland University College, Towson University, Nobel Learning Communities, Ocean City, Md., Department of Tourism, and Smyth Jewelers.

Based in Baltimore, MGH is one of Maryland’s largest agencies, with more than $65 million in annual billings. Visit http://mghus.com for more information on MGH and its services, or connect with MGH via: Facebook at http://facebook.com/mghus ; Twitter at http://twitter.com/mghus ; or YouTube at http://youtube.com/mghtv .

SAN DIEGO  (Profitable.com)  Iomega, an EMC company (NYSE: EMC) and a leading innovator in digital storage and content management solutions, today announced the worldwide launch of the exciting new Iomega® ScreenPlay® DX HD Media Player line, a family of easy-to-use multimedia devices that changes the way you experience digital entertainment in your home.  With the Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player, you can access and enjoy videos, movies, photos and music on the Internet as well as content you own – all on your own TV in full 1080p high definition.

The new lineup of Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player products is compatible with the most popular formats, including H.264, WMV and RMVB, as well as being DLNA certified for easy streaming with compatible devices on your home network.  Other notable features include DivX® Plus™ HD certification for stunning playback of MKV movies, WiFi capability right out of the box thanks to the included 802.11n adaptor, and a user-friendly remote control featuring a full QWERTY keyboard for fast and easy text entry of online links, websites and more.

The ScreenPlay DX product family includes 1TB* and 2TB** models for consolidating your digital entertainment collection in one place, and the Iomega® ScreenPlay® TV Link DX HD Media Player, which has no onboard storage but the same large screen TV experience with Internet content as well as your own digital entertainment collection stored on your network, or USB-based storage devices connected to the ScreenPlay TV Link DX model.

“With previous generations of our ScreenPlay products, Iomega has become a world leader in sales of high definition media players,” said Jonathan Huberman, president of Iomega.  ”The new DX products represent our best ScreenPlay line yet, making it even easier to enjoy your favorite web-based content as well as everything on your home network right from your HD TV.  Forget about hunching over the laptop or desktop to enjoy the Web or your own videos, photos and music.  The ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player allows you to effortlessly immerse yourself in the Web from the comfort of your couch and your TV.  Once you try one of Iomega’s new ScreenPlay DX products, you’ll never go back to the computer for your digital entertainment.”

Features of the New Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player

The new ScreenPlay DX product family provides non-stop entertainment, including your favorite videos in your personal collection as well as all sorts of content on the Internet, including Netflix, Pandora and more.***  Users can relax in front of their TV, interacting with the Web as well as everything on their home network thanks to an easy-to-use QWERTY remote control.  Practically everything you own on your home network and popular content from the Internet is now accessible on your TV with the new Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD product family.

The new Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player line incorporates a web browser giving users the freedom to view content from pre-selected sites and to visit other sites of their choice.****

Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player models easily connect to a television by HDMI or composite video and optical audio outputs.  Users can also connect all of the computers on their home network, making it easy to store, access and share videos, photos and music across the home network or store all the files in one convenient location.

Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player Products – With or Without Storage

Iomega is launching the new Iomega ScreenPlay DX family in three different versions: the ScreenPlay TV Link DX, which has no onboard hard drive, and the Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player with either a 1TB or 2TB onboard hard drive for conveniently storing your digital entertainment collection in one place.  

All three versions of the Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player are compatible with DLNA devices on your home network, as well as Wi-Fi ready (802.11n) for flexibility in placing the unit next to your TV.  Each model features two USB ports for additional storage, making the Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player a networked media center as well as a centralized storage solution for the home.

With full 1080p high definition playback, the Iomega ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player supports virtually all of today’s popular CODECs and file types, including H.264, WMV, MKV, DivX® and plenty of others.

Supporting Retail Quote

B&H Photo, Video and Pro Audio, a leader in photo, video, pro audio and digital imaging products for consumers and professionals, will be selling Iomega’s new ScreenPlay DX HD Media Player products online (www.bhphotovideo.com) as well as at its New York Superstore in Manhattan.

“Multimedia HD player products like the new Iomega ScreenPlay DX line are at the beginning of their popularity as computer users and others discover the advantages and pleasures of moving from the computer to the television to enjoy content from the web as well as all their own movies, photos and music on their home network,” said Mendy Levitin, B&H Computer Specialist, B&H Photo, Video and Pro Audio.  ”We believe the multimedia HD player category is ready to take off, which is why we’re excited to bring our customers Iomega’s new ScreenPlay DX product line.”

Availability and Warranty

The new Iomega® ScreenPlay® DX HD Media Player is now available worldwide.  The product is available in two capacities: the 1TB model is $229.99, and the 2TB model is $299.99 (currently available in international markets only).   The Iomega® ScreenPlay® TV Link DX HD Media Player is also available worldwide for $149.99.  (All pricing is U.S. suggested retail.).

Iomega ScreenPlay DX products include a 3-year limited warranty (with registration).

To learn more about the new Iomega ScreenPlay DX product family, please go to www.iomega.com.

About EMC

EMC Corporation (NYSE: EMC) is the world’s leading developer and provider of information infrastructure technology and solutions that enable organizations of all sizes to transform the way they compete and create value from their information. Information about EMC’s products and services can be found at www.EMC.com.

About Iomega

Iomega Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of EMC Corporation headquartered in San Diego, is a worldwide leader in innovative storage solutions for small businesses, home offices, consumers and others. The Company has sold more than 425 million digital storage drives and disks since its inception in 1980. Today, Iomega’s product portfolio includes industry leading network attached storage products for the home and small business; one of the industry’s broadest selections of direct-attached portable and desktop external hard drives; and the ScreenPlay® family of multimedia drives that makes it easy to move video, pictures and other files from the computer room to the livingroom. To learn about all of Iomega’s digital storage products and network storage solutions, please go to the Web at www.iomega.com. Resellers can visit Iomega at www.iomega.com/ipartner.  

NOTE: This release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined under the Federal Securities Laws.  Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including but not limited to: (i) adverse changes in general economic or market conditions; (ii) delays or reductions in information technology spending; (iii) our ability to protect our proprietary technology; (iv) risks associated with managing the growth of our business, including risks associated with acquisitions and investments and the challenges and costs of integration, restructuring and achieving anticipated synergies; (v) fluctuations in VMware, Inc.’s operating results and risks associated with trading of VMware stock; (vi) competitive factors, including but not limited to pricing pressures and new product introductions; (vii) the relative and varying rates of product price and component cost declines and the volume and mixture of product and services revenues; (viii) component and product quality and availability; (ix) the transition to new products, the uncertainty of customer acceptance of new product offerings and rapid technological and market change; (x) insufficient, excess or obsolete inventory; (xi) war or acts of terrorism; (xii) the ability to attract and retain highly qualified employees; (xiii) fluctuating currency exchange rates; and (xiv) other one-time events and other important factors disclosed previously and from time to time in EMC’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.  EMC disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date of this release.

*1 TB = 1,000,000,000,000 bytes

** 2TB Iomega® ScreenPlay® DX HD Media Player model will be available in international markets only.

*** Iomega will distribute licensed software only. Licensor’s standard end user software license agreement or on terms and conditions that are at least as protective of Licensor’s rights and intellectual property and contains disclaimers at least as broad as Licensor’s then-current standard end user agreement.  Some of the other suppliers, like Pandora, may also have additional agreements.

**** Video content only available from pre-selected sites.

Copyright© 2011 Iomega Corporation. All rights reserved. Iomega and ScreenPlay are trademarks or registered trademarks of Iomega Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.  EMC and MozyHome are trademarks or registered trademarks of EMC Corporation.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

WASHINGTON  (Profitable.com)  As health care reform marks its one-year anniversary, a new Deloitte report reveals that consumers are spending $363 billion, or 14.7 percent more, on health care than traditionally reported in official government accounts. This spending falls outside of conventionally-counted health care costs such as doctors, prescriptions, hospitals and health insurance coverage. Demonstrating the significance of the amount consumers now spend on health care, the additional costs captured in the new Deloitte study support an increase in consumer discretionary spending on health care from 16.2 percent, for items traditionally reported by the government, to 19.9 percent, which surpasses housing and utility costs at 18.8 percent.

More than half of the spending (55 percent) in these ancillary areas was for the estimated value of supervisory care, or care given by unpaid relatives and friends. Supplemental expenditures included complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners (8 percent) and products (1 percent), functional foods and other nutritional products, vitamin and mineral supplements (15 percent), health publications (1 percent), ambulance services (3 percent), other ambulatory care, such as blood banks, some health promotion programs (6 percent), mental health services (8 percent), homes for the elderly (4 percent) and weight loss facilities (1 percent).

“It has been one year since the passage of health care reform, and our report sheds new light on the hidden costs of health care, and how these costs can add up significantly to billions of dollars and can even eclipse housing as a household expense, ” said Paul Keckley, Ph.D., executive director, Deloitte Center for Health Solutions. “Our study explores the financial context for the decisions consumers – not simply patients – make about how they spend their money on health care, which will only increase in importance as health care reform continues to take hold.”

The Deloitte report, “The Hidden Costs of U.S. Health Care for Consumers: A Comprehensive Analysis,” (www.deloitte.com/us/consumerhealthspending) was conducted by Deloitte’s Center for Health Solutions and Center for Financial Services to gauge the total costs consumers really spend out of their own pockets on health care products and services, beyond what is typically paid by insurers and other government sources, such as Medicare and Medicaid.

“The ability of the U.S. economy to recover will be affected in part by how much consumers have in

their pockets to spend,” said Andrew Freeman, executive director of the Deloitte Center for Financial

Services. “This reveals a tremendous burden on the average consumer.”

Additional findings in the report:

• According to the Deloitte study, the total 2009 U.S. per capita expenditures were $9,217; professional services (29 percent) and hospital care (27 percent) were the biggest categories.
• The estimated value of supervisory care ($199 billion) is significantly higher than total spending on nursing homes ($144 billion) and total spending on home health care ($72 billion), and was only somewhat less than prescription drug expenditures ($246 billion).
• Around 70 percent of spending on nutrition industry items was directed towards functional foods, a category which includes such items as enriched cereals, breads, sports drinks, bars, fortified snack foods, baby foods and prepared meals.
• Seniors account for 36 percent ($1.01 trillion) of total health care expenditures, but are only 13 percent of the population.
• Nearly 83 percent of the $2.83 trillion 2009 U.S. health expenditures were attributed to those with family incomes of $100,000 or less, who make up 89 percent of the total population.
• One in five (21 percent) adults surveyed said they paid a medical bill late in the last 12 months.
• A total of 27 percent of adults estimate that 5 percent or less of their household budget is spent on health care; 17 percent said 26 percent or more is spent on health care.
• A majority (80 percent) of adults surveyed said they would use generic medicines, seek free advice from a pharmacist or other medical professional (70 percent), and use technology (61 percent) if it would save money for health care.
• Approximately 43 percent would visit a retail clinic, and one in five (20 percent) would visit another country for more affordable medical care.
• And, 26 percent would skip a medical test or screening, skip a visit to the dentist or doctor altogether (26 percent), or skip refilling a prescription (22 percent) to save money on health care.

“Our study suggests that as the U.S. economy struggles to rebound and consumers continue to be stretched to pay their bills, they are confronted with difficult choices, such as paying for health care instead of other household expenses,” added Keckley. “Many consumers are turning to alternative and over-the-counter products, switching to generic medicines, or even skipping the doctor or visiting a retail clinic instead to save money. Health care organizations looking to address these unmet consumer needs should consider their strategy to expand their focus to include alternative products and services outside of the confines of the traditional health care sector.”

Methodology

In this study, the most recently available NHEA data (2008) was projected for 2009. Information drawn from a variety of sources was used to produce estimates of health expenditure in identified additional areas. Information from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) was used to develop estimates of expenditure by family size and income. When combined, a dataset was produced which represented a broader picture of the health sector in 2009. This final dataset estimated total health expenditure by payment source, age group, family income and family size for each health service area.

Consumer Telephone Survey

The Deloitte Center for Health Solutions commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a telephone survey of 1,008 U.S. adults 18 years-old and older between September 29 – October 4, 2010. Data were weighted to be representative of the total U.S. adult population on the basis of age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, region, number of adults in the household, and the number of phone lines in the household where necessary to align them with their actual proportions in the population. The survey results have a sampling error of +/- 3 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.  

For more information, please visit:

“The Hidden Costs of U.S. Health Care for Consumers: A Comprehensive Analysis:” www.deloitte.com/us/consumerhealthspending

Meet Paul Keckley: www.deloitte.com/us/paulkeckley  

Meet Andrew Freeman: www.deloitte.com/us/andrewfreeman

Deloitte Center for Health Solutions: www.deloitte.com/centerforhealthsolutions

Deloitte Center for Financial Services: www.deloitte.com/us/financialservices

Health Reform Monday Memo: www.deloitte.com/us/healthmemos

As used in this document, “Deloitte” means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.  Please see www.deloitte.com/about for detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries.

HAWTHORNE, N.Y.  (Profitable.com)  Spring is here, and gardeners across America are rolling up their sleeves and getting ready to dig in.  But the newest trend in gardening has gardeners looking up, rather than to the ground – using the Topsy Turvy® Upside Down Tomato Planter as the easiest way to grow fresh, bountiful tomato plants.  With its revolutionary upside down growing technology, the Topsy Turvy® Tomato Planter helps gardeners, from novice to experts like Master Gardener William Moss, grow beautiful, delicious tomatoes without the fuss.

“There’s no doubt vertical gardening is a hot trend that’s here to stay, as it makes gardening accessible to novices, city dwellers, and those with busy lifestyles,” said William Moss, Master Gardener and Author.

Experts are hailing upside down, vertical gardening as a top trend this season that will stand the test of time, as this methodology allows anyone to grow their own produce.  By taking the growing process out of the ground, the Topsy Turvy® Upside Down Tomato Planter saves space and time, while avoiding typical gardening frustrations such as fungus, harmful pests, and labor-intensive garden maintenance.  

With its innovative upside down growing technology, the Topsy Turvy® Planter brings America’s most popular homegrown fruit to households everywhere.  From beefsteak to cherry, the tomato is coveted for its fresh taste, nutrition benefits and versatility, and now anyone can grow bountiful tomato plants at home.  Simply plant the seedlings, hang the Topsy Turvy® Planter, and water – no more laborious gardening tasks such as digging, weeding, and staking required.

Topsy Turvy® Planters feature a patented grow-bag technology to grow deliciously ripe tomatoes.  As the sun warms the plant, the root system thrives in the planter’s potting soil.  Because the Topsy Turvy® Planter is upside down, water and nutrients pour directly from the root to the fruit, providing a plentiful supply of delicious tomatoes – without all the work!

“The Topsy Turvy® Tomato Planter provides an easy, stress-free way to grow virtually anywhere,” commented Moss.

The Topsy Turvy® Tomato Planter is available at retailers nationwide for the affordable price of $9.99, and also comes in Strawberry and Tomato & Herb Planter varieties.  For more information, please visit www.topsygardening.com or like us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TopsyTurvy for gardening tips and advice.

About Allstar Products Group

Allstar Products Group, a leading consumer products company, has revolutionized today’s consumer experience with the introduction of brands such as Snuggie® Blanket with Sleeves, Topsy Turvy® Planters, Wonderfile™, Perfect Brownie™ Pan Set, and Touch n Brush® hands-free tooth brush dispenser™ among others.  Recognized in 2009 as “Marketer of the Year” by the Direct Response Marketing Association, Allstar Products Group has created some of the most successful and original direct-response campaigns in DRTV history.  The company’s products have attracted millions of consumers and are available in the U.S. and internationally through a variety of distribution channels, including direct response television, internet and retail stores.  For more information, visit www.AllstarProductsGroup.com.

Allstar Products Group is based in Hawthorne, New York.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.  (Profitable.com)  CyberSource, a Visa company (NYSE: V), today announced availability of the world’s largest real-time fraud detection radar, empowering online merchants to pinpoint fraud faster, more accurately, and with less manual intervention. This advance enables merchants to conduct more accurate analyses of their inbound orders, including comparison of those orders to the over 60 billion transactions Visa and CyberSource process annually, including orders that were confirmed to be fraudulent. Data insight derives from transactions across multiple payment types and from merchants worldwide, spanning online, call center, mobile and POS sales channels. The transaction data is supplemented by 200 validation and correlation tests. This solution effectively expands the depth and breadth of transaction pattern visibility.

The new development comes at an opportune time.  eCommerce merchants say fraud became more sophisticated and harder to detect in 2010(1), and this challenge is likely to grow. 90% of online thieves are now associated with organized crime(2), and “botnet” infections (software enabling fraudsters to secretly control innocent consumers’ computers) are growing at a rate of approximately 200,000 per day(3). The ability to accurately detect fraud in such a sophisticated criminal environment requires correlating vast amounts of information to detect subtle anomalies. The enhanced CyberSource service addresses this issue.

“Data is the lifeblood of fraud detection,” said Michael Walsh, CyberSource President and CEO. “When Visa acquired CyberSource, one of the stated goals was to deliver a new level of fraud prevention to online merchants, enabled by our end-to-end view of electronic transactions, worldwide. We are now delivering exactly that.”

How it works: When an inbound order is received, CyberSource Decision Manager simultaneously correlates attributes of that order against the data, device insights and validation tests generated from transactions processed by Visa and CyberSource.  These results are then automatically evaluated by merchant-established rules, and the order is routed for fulfillment or suspended for manual review. This entire assessment takes place in approximately two seconds. The result is better fraud detection accuracy: “The power comes from the ability to correlate more order data and more truth data. The result for merchants is earlier detection of new fraud patterns and better informed decisions on all orders,” said Andrew Naumann, Director, Product Management, CyberSource Risk Solutions.

New user interface streamlines tasks and increases efficiency

Decision Manager now also features a new, workflow-savvy interface. Fraud analysts will benefit from advanced rule creation and customization capabilities, while review teams are able to tailor case management layouts to mesh with company processes, and rapidly execute information searches. The outcome: faster response to fraud attacks and faster review of outsorted orders.

Availability and pricing

New enhancements to CyberSource Decision Manager are now available to all merchants, worldwide. These new capabilities are provided as standard in Decision Manager, at no additional charge.  Decision Manager can be used in conjunction with CyberSource Payment Services or as a standalone solution to supplement a merchant’s existing payment service.  

About CyberSource Decision Manager

CyberSource has been helping merchants distinguish good orders from bad since 1997.  CyberSource Decision Manager is used by merchants worldwide and across multiple industry categories, including: airlines and travel, retail and direct response, services, and social and digital media/entertainment.  CyberSource also provides managed services, staffed by experts from these various industries, to complement the skills and expertise of subscribing merchants.

About CyberSource

CyberSource, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Visa Inc., is a payment management company. Over 330,000 businesses worldwide use CyberSource and Authorize.Net brand solutions to process online payments, streamline fraud management, and simplify payment security. The company is headquartered in Mountain View, California with international offices in Reading, U.K.; Singapore; and Tokyo. CyberSource operates in Europe under agreement with Visa Europe. For more information, please visit www.cybersource.com.

© 2011 CyberSource Corporation, a Visa company. All rights reserved. CyberSource is a registered trademark of CyberSource Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.  Visa is a registered trademark of Visa Inc.  All other marks are property of their respective owners

(1) “12th Annual Fraud Report,” CyberSource Corporation.

(2) “Norton CyberCrime Report,” Symantec Corporation.

(3) “A Good Decade for Cybercrime,” McAfee Corporation.

BENTONVILLE, Ark.  (Profitable.com)  College basketball fans can be ready for all the action of tournament time with the best in home entertainment, the latest in mobile technology and top quality food to cheer on their favorite teams all the way through championship games with one quick trip to Sam’s Club. Whether catching the games at home or on the go, Sam’s Club members can stock up on everything needed to be the ultimate fans, all at incredible values.

“Sam’s Club takes the work out of entertaining at home by providing simple solutions on everything from electronics to food,” said Joe Hartsig, SVP Technology, Entertainment and Office for Sam’s Club. “This year, we anticipate a lot of viewers will watch the basketball tournament games from not only their HDTV, but smart phones, tablets and computers. Therefore, we’ve made sure that we have expanded savings on many devices to better enjoy viewing the games.”

Bring the Game to the Living Room

Shoppers can get the courtside experience right in their living rooms with the latest technology and the best quality 3D TV along with everything needed to catch all the game time action. Sam’s Club leads the pack when it comes to offering the best values on TVs and fans can take advantage this week on great values on for home entertainment:

• 47″ VIZIO® Full Array TruLED™  3D HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps, $1,398
• 55″ VIZIO Edge Lit Razor LED HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps, $1,298
• 47″ VIZIO Edge Lit Razor LCD HDTV with VIZIO Internet Apps, $948
• VIZIO HD Sound Bar with Wireless Subwoofer, $228.88
• VIZIO 8′ Ultra High-Speed HDMI® Cable (two-pack), $34.88

Members can also sit back and enjoy tournament time without the hassle of worrying about set up with Sam’s Club’s home delivery and installation services.  

Catch the Games on the Go

With so many games taking place, it’s not always easy to stay on top of the action.  In fact, 54 percent of March Madness fans will go online or use a mobile device to watch coverage.* Sam’s Club offers the latest in wireless solutions to make sure fans don’t have to miss a minute of the tournament:

• HP DV6 15.6″ LED Notebook, $499 (after $100 Instant Savings)
• HP DV7 17.3″ LED Notebook, $749 (after $100 Instant Savings)
• HP 21.5″ LED Slimline S5747 Bundle, $539 (after $60 Instant Savings)
• HP 18.5″ LCD Slimline S5737 Bundle, $437 (after $60 Instant Savings)

Print Winning Picks Wirelessly

Sam’s Club makes it easy for basketball fans to also print tournament brackets conveniently, while taking advantage of ultimate savings:

• HP Photosmart Plus e-All-in-One Wireless Printer, $79.86 (after $15 Instant Savings)
• HP 564XL Black Inkjet Cartridge (two pack), $59.87

Food to Fuel the Game Time Crowd

Sam’s Club also helps shoppers step up their game with top quality food brands to fuel the crowd. Club members can stock up on a variety of snack options for game time parties including:

• Members Mark 16″ Take ‘N’ Bake Pepperoni Pizza, $6.88
• Coke Zero®, Diet Coke® and Sprite® 24 or 32 count, 12-oz cans**
• Frito-Lay® Snacks – two packages for one low price, $5.98
• Pace® Medium Chunky Salsa (two pack), $5.98
• Hormel® Chili, $8.56

For more information and great entertaining ideas to make your March basketball gatherings a success, visit your local Sam’s Club or samsclub.com.

* 2010 Unicast survey

**Prices vary by Club

About Sam’s Club

Sam’s Club, a division of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT), is the nation’s eighth largest retailer and a leading membership warehouse club offering superior products and services to more than 47 million members in clubs across the U.S., as well as in Brazil, China and Mexico. Members save an average of 30 percent over traditional retailers. To learn more about Savings Made Simple(SM), visit SamsClub.com, and look for Sam’s Club on Twitter and Facebook.

NEW YORK  (Profitable.com)  With analysts speculating that checking fees may soar, consumers face big decisions ahead.  This month’s Financial Security Index, released by Bankrate Inc., shows that nearly two-thirds of Americans say they would bolt over increased bank fees. The poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates International, can be seen in its entirety here: http://www.bankrate.com/finance/consumer-index/march-2011-financial-security-poll.aspx.

Among the findings:

• At 75 percent, adults making $75,000 or more per year, were most likely to consider moving their accounts;
• Nearly three out of four people, or 71 percent, under the age of 30 would choose a new financial institution if prices rose;
• In addition to concern over increased fees, Americans feel less secure with their overall finances for the second consecutive month;
• Savings continue to be the Achilles’ heel of financial security.

“In these economic times, Americans are particularly sensitive to higher bank fees, with 64 percent saying they would consider switching to a different financial institution if their checking account fees increased,” says Greg McBride, CFA, senior financial analyst for Bankrate.com. “Every dollar counts and consumers that are willing to pursue the best returns on their money are a step closer to achieving financial security.”

Bankrate’s Financial Security Index results are based on telephone interviews with a nationally representative sample of 1,006 adults living in continental US. The interviews were conducted from March 3 to March 6, 2011, by Princeton Survey Research Associates International. Statistical results are weighted to correct known demographic discrepancies. The margin of sampling error for the complete set of weighted data is + or – 3.7 percentage points.

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: TWX), 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 groups, 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.

Bankrate Senior Financial Analyst Greg McBride, CFA, will be available to discuss the findings of the poll today. To request an interview with Mr. McBride or for more information please contact:

Hilary Dommu
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Bankrate, Inc.
477 Madison Ave., Suite 430
Ph. (917) 368-8635
Cell (561) 289-3556
Fx. (917) 368-8611
Hdommu@bankrate.com

SAN FRANCISCO & LONDON  (Profitable.com)  SEGA® Europe Ltd. and SEGA® of America, Inc. today announced Thor™: God of Thunder and Captain America™: Super Soldier, scheduled for release this spring and summer, will feature eye-popping stereoscopic 3D graphics on the Xbox 360^®video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation^®3 computer entertainment system platforms. Additionally, both games will be coming to the Nintendo 3DS™ system later in the year as an immersive new handheld 3D experience.

“Playing as Captain America with bullets whizzing past in stereoscopic 3D and having a titanic Frost Giant charge straight at you in Thor will bring an unprecedented level of adrenaline to the gameplay experience,” commented Gary Knight, Senior Vice President of Marketing at SEGA Europe and SEGA of America. “When you combine the triple threat of epic gameplay, hall of fame franchises from Marvel, and outstanding 3D visuals, it’s clear that Thor: God of Thunder and Captain America: Super Soldier comprise a new class of Super Hero game.”

Both games, which will also be available at launch on the Wii™ system and Nintendo DS™ handheld system, feature original third-person adventures written in conjunction with Marvel scribes.

Creating interactive epics that stand on their own, the games share lead actors and a visual universe with the films based on the same Marvel franchises. Both games will support multiple 3D modes, including anaglyph Color mode utilizing red- and blue-lensed glasses for conventional displays. For active shutter glasses and 3D televisions, the games provide Side-by-Side and Top-Bottom modes, and on PlayStation 3, the higher resolution Frame Packing mode for HDMI 1.4 3D displays is supported.

In Thor: God of Thunder, scheduled to street on May 3, 2011, players will play as Thor while battling through several of the Nine Realms to save his homeland of Asgard. Players will wield the iconic Mjölnir, Thor’s legendary hammer, to fight enemies on an immense scale while controlling the elemental storm powers of lightning, thunder, and wind to vanquish enemies. The sweeping vistas, Thor’s devastating hammer throws, and the explosive elemental effects of Thor’s godlike powers will be especially powerful when viewed in 3D.

Captain America: Super Soldier, scheduled for release on July 19, 2011, transports players to the darkest days of World War II to face the Red Skull and his Hydra army in an epic action adventure. Playing as Captain America and wielding his legendary shield, gamers will engage in free-flowing combat and acrobatic platforming to infiltrate Hydra’s mysterious castle and battle the infamous Iron Cross, the forces of Hydra, and a host of nefarious enemies serving the Red Skull. As the First Avenger himself, players must defeat the evil scientist Arnim Zola and his wartime experiments, combining shield attacks and powerful melee combos to devastating effect. Aside from rich 3D visuals, players will gain gameplay benefits from 3D platform environments inside the castle, with the ability to discern depth aiding in judging leaps from one platform or pole to another.

Both titles will be available for Nintendo 3DS in conjunction with the movie DVD releases later in the year, with action-packed adventures that provide players a new way to experience Thor and Captain America in 3D.

For further information on these titles, please visit www.sega.com. For assets, please visit www.sega-press.com.

About SEGA® Europe Ltd.

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. SEGA Europe’s web site is located at www.sega-europe.com.

About SEGA® of America, Inc.

SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA® Corporation, a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft, and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s web site is located at www.sega.com.

About Marvel Entertainment

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of over 5,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit www.marvel.com.

All trademarks are property of their respective owners. ™ & ©: 2011 Marvel Entertainment, LLC and subsidiaries, all rights reserved.

Super Hero is a co-owned, registered trademark.

Microsoft, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox LIVE, and the Xbox logos are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS are trademarks of Nintendo.

ATLANTA  (Profitable.com)  The Home Depot®, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced it will implement its second annual Spring Black Friday event, a weekend of regional door buster values in preparation for spring, the Company’s biggest selling season.  

Like the traditional Black Friday that occurs the day after Thanksgiving to unofficially start the holiday shopping season, The Home Depot’s Spring Black Friday marks the start of home improvement’s busiest shopping season. In preparation, the Company announced in February that it would hire and train more than 60,000 seasonal associates ahead of the first of four Spring Black Friday events.

Spring Black Friday will be implemented on a market-by-market basis based on climate by geography. During four different weekends in spring, prices on many of the most sought after spring products will be significantly reduced including: a variety of live goods and lawn care products, outdoor power tools, eco-friendly gardening products, and outdoor patio and grills.

The first of four weekends will be in select warm weather markets beginning Thursday, March 17 through Sunday, March 20 or while supplies last. Consumers can find participating store locations on homedepot.com.

“Spring is our Christmas,” said Craig Menear, executive vice president for Merchandising. “As consumers continuously look for ways to affordably improve the appearance of their homes, we want to give them the best value possible to meet all of their indoor and outdoor needs.”

In addition to the store event, The Home Depot will celebrate every Friday this spring with Black Friday-type offers on Facebook from March 18 through the end of May. Customers who “Like” The Home Depot on Facebook will learn about these exclusive values right on the fan page, http://facebook.com/homedepot. These special buys will be available on Facebook only and will feature prices that are 50 to 75 percent off regular prices on a variety of gardening and lawn care products as well as patio, cleaning and decor items. All values will be different than the offers available in stores and on homedepot.com.

Following are a few examples of the Spring Black Friday values*:

• 7-Piece Martha Stewart Living Cardona Dining Set, was $499, now $299
• Brinkmann Pro Series Four Burner Gas Grill, was $369, now $199
• Ames 4-wheel Garden Cart, was $39.97, now $19.97
• 16oz Miracle-Gro Liquafeed Advance Starter Kit with Sprayer was $12.48, now $6.24
• 1.33 Gallon Roundup Extended Control Weed and Grass Killer Plus Weed Preventer, Ready To Use, now $9.88, compare at $19.96

* Prices may vary across the country

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, with 2,248 retail stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces, Mexico and China. In fiscal 2010, The Home Depot had sales of $68.0 billion and earnings from continuing operations of $3.3 billion. The Company employs more than 300,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index. 

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C.  (Profitable.com)  LendingTree, LLC, the nation’s number one online lending exchange, announced today at the LendingTree Partner Summit the introduction of an advanced second generation loan marketplace, called LoanExplorer. LoanExplorer is an all-in-one mortgage pricing solution designed specifically for consumers, lenders and publishers.

With LoanExplorer, consumers can access a real-time, informative mortgage shopping experience, by anonymously comparing loan product details, costs and rates based on their individual financial situation. Borrowers can then choose to connect with the lenders that match their needs electronically or by an 800# call.

For lender partners, LoanExplorer will deliver informed and motivated borrowers, thereby enhancing conversion rates. Lenders will be able to display their brand, products and services along with rates and fees that are relevant to the consumer’s requirements. LoanExplorer will also offer lenders multi-channel media exposure for broad consumer reach and advanced offer targeting.

“This tool will dramatically improve customer acquisition economics for lenders,” said Bruce Cook, Vice President of Business Development for LendingTree. “What’s more, media partners and publishers should dramatically improve the monetization of their site traffic with this content advertising. LoanExplorer will provide a superior comparative learning experience that we believe will result in higher visitor satisfaction, longer site visits and the highest revenue in the category. And the consumer will never leave the media partner’s web site.”

LoanExplorer is powered by a world-class automated loan pricing engine with comprehensive real-time product eligibility execution.

“Media is becoming personal,” said Doug Lebda, CEO of LendingTree. “As the leading online lending exchange, we are committed to advertising that is more relevant to our core consumers and offers better distribution of our lender partner’s products. Borrowers today are seeking a personalized loan shopping experience. LoanExplorer loan marketplace accomplishes this, putting control of the mortgage shopping process in consumers’ hands while providing lenders and media partners with improved results.”

For more information, please contact Bruce Cook at bruce.cook@lendingtree.com.

About LendingTree, LLC

LendingTree, LLC is the nation’s leading online lender exchange and personal finance resource, helping consumers take charge of all their financial decisions, from budgeting to money management to mortgages to credit cards and more. LendingTree provides a marketplace that connects consumers with multiple lenders that compete for their business, as well as an array of online tools to aid consumers in their financial decisions. Since inception, LendingTree has facilitated more than 28 million loan requests and $214 billion in closed loan transactions. LendingTree provides access to lenders offering mortgages and refinance loans, home equity loans/lines of credit, and more. LendingTree, LLC is a subsidiary of Tree.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: TREE). For more information go to www.lendingtree.com, dial 800-555-TREE, join our Facebook page and/or follow us on Twitter @LendingTree.

CHEVY CHASE, Md.  (Profitable.com)  The Ritz-Carlton Rewards offers members unique experiences described as “Access to the Extraordinary.”  This spring, newly enrolled and existing members have an additional privilege, for a limited time, members staying five nights at participating Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world will receive a $100 Ritz-Carlton Gift Card or if members stay 10 nights they will receive a Gift Card valued at $250.  * This promotion is valid through June 30, 2011, and Gift Cards can be redeemed for a wide range of options from dining in celebrity chef restaurants and playing on PGA golf courses to pampering spa services.

First introduced in fall 2010, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards offers members the benefits of program partners including Abercrombie and Kent, National Geographic Photo Expeditions and Neiman Marcus. “We believe our guest loyalty program is the best program in the top luxury tier. While our members appreciate points, they also want “Access to the Extraordinary” with memorable and once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

The Ritz-Carlton Rewards is free to join and points can be earned and redeemed Ritz-Carlton hotels & resorts as well as at 3,300 partner hotels around the world.  Members can also earn and redeem points with 33 international air carriers.  For more information about the offer, or to become a member, please visit www.ritzcarltonrewards.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 74 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings which include The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong which will open as the highest hotel in the world. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, an award that originated in 1987. Its purpose is to promote the awareness of quality excellence, recognize quality achievements of companies and publicize successful quality strategies. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company won the award in 1992 and 1999. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the U.S. 1-800-241-3333, or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR)

DALLAS  (Profitable.com)  The brand that has defined America’s fitness experience for more than 46 years with industry-leading innovation is once again breaking new ground.

Gold’s Gym International (GGI) today announced the launch of Gold’s Gym Express™. Drawing inspiration from the company’s storied history of delivering the ultimate fitness experience, the Gold’s Gym Express is designed to help people of all fitness levels achieve their goals at a great price.  In addition, to support the aggressive growth plans for Gold’s Gym Express, the company also announced the formation of Gold’s Gym Capital, a new financing arm of Gold’s Gym International created to help existing and future franchisees secure financing for both Gold’s Gym Express and full-amenity Gold’s Gym locations.

More than 20 corporate-owned and franchised Express locations around the country are already in the planning stages. With excitement for the new concept generating demand in the investment community and with GGI’s current franchise base, the company expects to have more than 100 new Gold’s Gym Express locations in the pipeline by the end of 2011. That number is expected to grow significantly in 2012 and beyond.

“The new Gold’s Gym Express will allow us to expand the Gold’s Gym brand in ways not possible before,” said Jim Snow, President of Gold’s Gym International. “It will provide Gold’s Gym International and our new and existing franchisees with another option to grow. From city centers to small towns, this concept is nimble enough to thrive in any setting, and the incredible value combined with Gold’s Gym expertise will help us attract more members than ever.”

Gold’s Gym Express was developed with today’s wide spectrum of consumer needs in mind. From the Gold’s Gym Express‘ signature circuit training area to its strength equipment, collection of cardio machines and Cardio Cinema™, every piece has been put in place to foster easy-in and easy-out access. Even the club’s well-appointed locker rooms and tanning beds offer unrivaled convenience.

The standard monthly dues are expected to start at $9.99, with an upgraded membership available at $19.99 which includes unlimited guest privileges, additional services and access to all Gold’s Gym Express.

Gold’s Gym Express will provide investors and franchisees with a fully-managed, turnkey solution that allows them to quickly and easily get their club up and running.  This includes support in the areas of construction, site selection, architecture, marketing, operations training and purchasing.

The Gold’s Gym Express’ footprint requires between 10,000 to 25,000 square feet of space, less than a typical full-amenity Gold’s Gym. Its lower cost structure permits expansion into previously undeveloped areas, including rural and urban areas that might not be able to support a full-amenity gym.

Continued Snow, “There is not a more powerful name tied to an express fitness concept in the marketplace. Period. We are redefining the value category with a world-class concept and unmatched service delivery.”

Gold’s Gym Capital Helps Franchisees with Heavy Lifting

Through the creation of Gold’s Gym Express, GGI forecasts growing the company’s total footprint (for both Gold’s Gym Express and its traditional clubs) to more than 1,000 locations in just three years.

Gold’s Gym Capital has been formed to solidify the company’s aggressive outlook, giving franchisees the much-needed support to get gyms financed. Chuck Lemar, recognized as one of the most knowledgeable finance professionals in the fitness industry, is joining Gold’s Gym as Senior Vice President of Gold’s Gym Capital, bringing to his new position more than 10 years of experience at Cybex and a career dedicated to financing. Lemar’s previous work in the fitness industry includes assisting gym owners in obtaining financing, along with developing and sustaining collaborative relationships with bankers, vendors and franchisees.

“Gaining access to capital has been one of the greatest barriers to growth in our industry,” said Lemar, whose successful career in finance began more than 40 years ago. “Now GGI has a concrete way to help new and existing franchisees overcome this obstacle and I am excited to help them with the financing process. The growth opportunities under the Gold’s Gym umbrella are now endless.”

For investors looking to join the storied brand as part of the franchise system, the Gold’s Gym Express lowers the barriers to entry into the Gold’s Gym system. In addition, it provides experienced entrepreneurs from a variety of backgrounds the rare opportunity to invest in one of the world’s most popular brands and have a positive effect on the communities they serve.

For more information on the Gold’s Gym Express concept or to explore franchising opportunities visit www.goldsgymfranchising.com or please contact Tim Hicks at thicks@goldsgym.com.

About Gold’s Gym

Established in Venice, Calif. in 1965, Gold’s Gym is the largest full-service gym chain in the world with more than 700 locations in 42 states and 30 countries. The iconic brand ranks in the top 15 percent of Entrepreneur magazine’s 2011 “Franchise 500.” Gold’s Gym offers the latest equipment and services, including group exercise, personal training, cardiovascular equipment, group cycle, Pilates and yoga. With nearly 3.5 million members worldwide, Gold’s Gym helps all kinds of people achieve their individual potential through fitness. For more information please visit www.goldsgym.com or www.facebook.com/goldsgym.

COLLEGE PARK, Md.  (Profitable.com)  U.S. small business owners say they plan to add nearly 3.8 million jobs this year, according to the latest Small Business Success Index, released by the Center for Excellence in Service at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and partner Network Solutions LLC. The semiannual index surveys small business owners to measure the overall health of their businesses and understand how they are using technology.

When asked about their hiring plans for 2011, 28 percent of small business owners surveyed said they expect to increase staffing by an average of two full-time employees. These owners report the main reason for the hires is to expand their businesses. But 69 percent of small business owners expect no change in their staffing level. Only 2 percent expect to lay off workers.

Though less than a third of small business owners plan to hire, the jobs they add could reduce the U.S. unemployment rate by 2.4 percentage points.

“Small businesses are the economic engine of the United States,” said Janet Wagner, director of the Center for Excellence in Service. “As they begin to hire again, owners need to focus on finding the right people to help grow their businesses. They need employees who understand customers’ needs and can provide the level of service that is so critical to the success of small enterprises.”

The survey asked respondents how well they compete with other companies for good employees, and only 46 percent said they are successful. According to owners, employees best suited for a small business environment are those that have experience working in other small businesses, have a flexible mindset, and a broad skill set.

The Small Business Success Index also measures business owners’ overall optimism, which according to the results, is currently rated a “C-” at a score of 73. This is unchanged since the last index was captured in June 2010. Those surveyed report difficulty in accessing capital and challenges in marketing and innovation. The survey also measures how small business owners are using technology, finding 31 percent are currently using social media, up from 24 percent a year ago and 12 percent two years ago.

The Small Business Success Index is measured with a telephone survey of 500 small business owners across the U.S., conducted in January 2011. Total jobs small businesses plan to add is an estimate based on survey responses and Census Bureau data that there are nearly 6 million businesses in the U.S. with fewer than 100 employees. This is the fifth wave of the index since data were first collected in December 2008. The full results are available at http://www.networksolutions.com/smallbusiness/.

About the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, executive MS, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia. More information is available at http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/.

Contact: Carrie Handwerker, +1-301-405-5833, chand@rhsmith.umd.edu

CHICAGO  (Profitable.com)  The 500 largest U.S. restaurant chains registered an increase in sales, posting 1.8 percent annual sales increase in 2010. According to data released today by Technomic Inc., in its annual reporting on the top U.S. restaurant chains, the leading foodservice consultancy found that U.S. systemwide sales for the Top 500 increased to an estimated $234 billion in 2010, up more than $4 billion over 2009.

“We are pleased to see improvements in the U.S. economy begin to translate into improved performance for the leading restaurant chains,” said Ron Paul, President of Technomic. “The industry has a lot of ground to recover and still faces many challenges. But our latest findings on 2010 chain performance are certainly encouraging.”

Growth came from the limited-service Pizza, Donut and Coffee & Other Beverage categories with Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts and Pizza Hut posting 2010 estimated sales growth of 8.7, 6.1 and 7.8 percent, respectively. McDonald’s, the largest U.S. restaurant chain, grew 4.4 percent with sales of $32.4 billion. Subway continued to dominate the growing Other Sandwich segment with 6 percent sales growth and total sales of $10.6 billion, which is considerably better than the 1.8 percent growth posted by the Other Sandwich chains collectively. Subway continues as the second-largest restaurant chain in the U.S., followed by Starbucks, Burger King and Wendy’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers.

As a whole, limited service grew at a rate of 2.5 percent. Asian, which grew at 9.3 percent, was another limited-service subsegment with sales growth well above their segment average. Within this group, Panda Express, a California-based chain, grew 12.8 percent with sales of $1.4 billion.

Growth continued to be driven by fast-casual chains. The Mexican category was led once again by Chipotle Mexican Grill, posting U.S. systemwide sales growth of 20.7. A standout in the hamburger segment was Five Guys Burgers and Fries with estimated sales growth of 37.8 percent.

Within Top 500 full-service restaurants, the real story was in the Steak category, which recovered from a 6.4 percent decline in 2009 to a sales gain of 2.2 percent in 2010. While the Steak chains continued to be affected by slow unit expansion, additional closures and the decline in customer traffic and check averages, they were not alone in surpassing average full-service sales performance.

The Ten Fastest-Growing Chains with Sales Over $200 Million

Ranked by Percentage Increase in Sales in 2010 vs. 2009
Rank Chain 2010		U.S. Sales ($MM)		% Sales Change		% Unit Change
1 Five Guys Burgers and Fries		$625*		38%		35%
2 Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwich Shop		735*		22		20
3 Chipotle Mexican Grill		1,832		21		14
4 BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse		514		20		10
5 Yard House		216*		18		16
6 Cheddar’s Casual Cafe		309*		14		15
7 Buffalo Wild Wings Grill & Bar		1,712*		14		12
8 Firehouse Subs		235		14		8
9 Noodles & Company		261		14		11
10 Panda Express		1,404		13		5
Total		$7,843		18%		14%

*Technomic estimate

In total, the top 10 fastest-growing chains’ sales accounted for $7.8 billion, an 18 percent increase over 2009. Unit counts grew 14 percent.

More than 50 percent of the Top 500 restaurant chains posted at least nominal sales increases; only 231 of these chains suffered sales declines in 2010 compared to 283 in 2009. Both winners and losers appeared in each segment and menu category. These widely-mixed results demonstrate the overall competitiveness of the industry and the need for suppliers and operators to carefully identify and focus on the winners.

International performance by the Top 500 restaurant chains continued to outperform their domestic counterpart growth in 2010. International sales (up 3.1 percent) outpaced U.S. sales (up 1.8 percent); international unit growth was also up 3.7 percent versus 0.5 percent for U.S. units.

The Technomic Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report provides Technomic’s exclusive 1-year sales forecast by menu category, update on franchise and international activity, 5-, 10- and 20-year trend analyses, outlook for the future, market share by menu category, and much more.

To purchase or learn more about this and other industry reports from Technomic, please visit Technomic.com or contact one of the individuals listed below.

About Technomic

Technomic provides clients with the facts, insights and consulting support they need to enhance their business strategies, decisions and results. Its services include numerous publications and digital products, as well as proprietary studies and ongoing research on all aspects of the food industry.

PORTLAND, Ore.  (Profitable.com)  adidas today unveils the “all adidas” global brand campaign, the brand’s largest marketing campaign in history.  The campaign showcases adidas’ distinctive presence across different cultures and lifestyles fusing the world of sports, music and fashion and is the first time the company features adidas Sport Performance, adidas Originals and adidas Sport Style sub-brands in a single campaign.

The new campaign, launching March 16, captures the passion athletes, musicians and artists put into their “game” and takes a gritty, authentic look into the visceral nature of raw passion. Directed by Romain Gavras and featuring the song “Civilization” by French electronic band Justice, the campaign features NBA star Derrick Rose, soccer stars David Beckham and Lionel Messi, pop icon Katy Perry, hip hop artist B.o.B., University of Notre Dame football and skateboarders Silas Baxter-Neal, Lem Villemin and Jake Donnelly.

“Today’s consumers are not one-dimensional,” said Patrik Nilsson, president of adidas America.  ”They live across the cultural spectrum and that’s where adidas has its edge.  The adidas brand extends beyond sports and ‘all adidas’ celebrates this breadth of passion from athletes, musicians, artists and beyond.  The new campaign allows us to create stronger, truer connections with the consumer by encouraging and celebrating a mix of interests and passions central to their lives.”

The campaign is built around a 30- and 60-second TV commercial and a two-minute extended online version.  Fans can continue the conversation online through social platforms including www.facebook.com/adidas and www.youtube.com/adidas, where adidas will serve up in-depth content to consumers.  

At the heart of the “all adidas” campaign is the celebration of the game face – the look of glory or defeat we reveal at the most pivotal moment in the game.  adidas is asking fans to submit their own best game face photo for a chance to be on a special TV commercial with other adidas stars during the MTV Movie Awards on June 5.  Fans can visit www.facebook.com/adidas to submit their photo.

Montreal-based agency Sid Lee created and produced the global campaign.  Sid Lee was hired as the global advertising agency for lifestyle label adidas Originals at the start of 2008 and developed the global campaigns for Originals in 2009 and 2010.  In 2010, Sid Lee was announced as the global lead-agency for the entire adidas brand.

adidas designs and develops a broad range of athletic and fashion footwear, apparel and accessories with the mission to be the leading sports brand in the world.  Brand adidas is part of the adidas Group that includes adidas, Reebok, TaylorMade and Rockport.

For more information, please visit http://news.adidas.com.

IRVING, Texas  (Profitable.com)  Omni Hotels & Resorts  announces a special seven-day offer that will surely put a spring into the step of travelers.  To celebrate the coming warm weather and springtime season, guests who book the “Spring for Travel” package at Omni will save 10 percent off a one-night stay, 20 percent off a two-night stay and 30 percent off a three-night stay in April.

Whether planning a round of golf at one of three Audubon International certified sanctuary golf courses at the Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort in Florida; immersing yourself in American history and New England culture while experiencing the timeless elegance of the nation’s oldest continuously operating hotel, the Omni Parker House; or taking in the steep rolling hills, eclectic architecture and famous landmarks of ‘The City by the Bay’ at the Omni San Francisco Hotel, this offer is a great way to kick-off the spring.

“Warm weather and longer days mean the start of the spring travel season,” said Caryn Kboudi, vice president of corporate communications for Omni Hotels & Resorts. “By providing a terrific value during the month of April, our guests have the perfect opportunity to explore the great outdoors, new destinations or even their own hometown.”

The “Spring for Travel” package is available for purchase March 14-20 for stays in April. Rates range from $109 to $249 per night, are subject to availability and will vary by property and date.  To book the package, guests can visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni. Travelers can also follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at facebook.com/omnihotels, at twitter.com/omnihotels or at twitter.com/omnihotelsPR.

About Omni Hotels & Resorts

Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences that take guests on “A Total Departure” to 50 distinct luxury hotels and resorts in leading business gateways and leisure destinations across North America.  From exceptional golf and spa retreats to dynamic business settings, each Omni showcases the local flavor of the destination while featuring four-diamond services, signature restaurants, Wi-Fi connectivity and unique wellness options.  Known for its award-winning, personalized service, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every customer interaction, with a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest loyalty program and the company’s “Power of One” associate empowerment program.  The brand is frequently recognized by top consumer research organizations such as J.D. Power and Associates, which ranked Omni as “Highest in Guest Satisfaction Among Upscale Hotel Chains” in its 2010 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study(SM). To get additional information or book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.

LOS ANGELES  (Profitable.com)  In a new study on the growth and profitability of the media and entertainment industry released today by Ernst & Young, cable operators showed the highest profitability among all media and entertainment sectors, and interactive media was the fastest growing sector within the industry. The report also reveals that, despite current perceptions, the media and entertainment industry as a whole is yielding greater profitability and growth than many other stock market indices. All measures of profitability and growth are based on EBITDA margins and dollars respectively.

The new report, Spotlight on profitable growth: media & entertainment, ranks 10 media and entertainment industry sectors on both their profitability and growth rate, as well as providing a performance comparison of the overall media and entertainment business to other stock market indices.

“The data illustrates that despite a difficult operating environment, media and entertainment companies continue to show great resiliency,” said John Nendick, Global Media and Entertainment Leader at Ernst & Young. “Additionally, we believe that as advertising and consumer spending continues to rebound, and digital initiatives blossom, improved growth and profitability lie ahead.”

When looking at overall profitability during the period 2006-2010E, cable operators had the highest average profitability at 38%, followed by interactive media 35%; cable networks 31%; satellite television 27%; publishing 20%; conglomerates 19%; television broadcast 18% and film and television production, electronic games and music, all at 11%.

When looking at just estimated 2010 profitability, the media and entertainment sectors ranked nearly identical to the five-year average with cable operators placing first at 39%; interactive media, 36%; cable networks, 33%; satellite TV, 27%; publishing, 20%; conglomerates, 18%; TV broadcast, 16%; electronic games and film and television production, both at 12%; and music, 9%.

An examination of the 2006-2010E average growth rate revealed that, in terms of EBITDA dollars, interactive media is the fastest growing media and entertainment sector at 15%, followed by electronic games, 14%; cable networks, 10%; cable operators, 10%; satellite TV, 9%; film and television production, 7%; conglomerates, 3%; publishing, -1%; television broadcast, -4%; and music, -5%.

Spotlight on profitable growth also shows that the combined growth rate of all 10 media and entertainment sectors taken as a whole outperforms many other industries as measured by a comparison to key cross-industry stock market indices. The 2006-2009 growth rate for the Ernst & Young media and entertainment study group is 5%, compared to the CAC 40 Index, -5%; Nikkei Index, -5%; S&P 500 Index, -13%; DAX 30 Index, -14%; and the FTSE 100 Index, -17%.

During the period 2006-2009, the media and entertainment industry also proved to be most profitable when compared with the other cross-industry stock market indices. The ten sectors of the media and entertainment industry measured by Ernst & Young had an average profit margin of 23%, which held the number one spot, followed by S&P 500 Index and FTSE 100 Index, 22% CAC 40 Index, 17%; DAX 30 Index, 16%; and the Nikkei Index, 13%.

“An improved advertising climate, combined with strong digital distribution strategies will be the key to growth among these media and entertainment sectors,” said Mark Besca, Ernst & Young Media & Entertainment Partner. “Media and entertainment companies are unbundling and repackaging content in new and innovative ways and recognizing that the majority of future revenue will come from services rather than products.”

About Ernst & Young’s Global Media & Entertainment Center

Whether it’s the traditional press and broadcast media, or the multitude of digital media, audiences now have more choice than ever before. For media and entertainment companies, integration and adaptability are becoming critical success factors.  Ernst & Young’s Global Media & Entertainment Center brings together worldwide teams of professionals to help our clients achieve their potential — teams with deep technical experience in providing assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services.  The Center works to anticipate market trends, identify the implications and develop points of view on relevant industry issues.  Ultimately it enables us to help our clients meet their goals and compete more effectively.  It’s how Ernst & Young makes a difference.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 141,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

For more information, please visit www.ey.com.

Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. Ernst & Young LLP is a member firm of Ernst & Young Global Limited serving clients in the U.S.

DALLAS  (Profitable.com)  85 percent of U.S. companies now offer their staff some form of flexible working, according to a new global research report from Regus, global leader in flexible workplace solutions.  The majority of those same companies are finding that flexible working is bringing them significant benefits, including reduced overhead expenses, improved staff productivity and work-life balance. Additionally, 62 percent of U.S. businesses believe flexible working costs less than fixed office working.  

“It’s truly good news for everyone that flexible work has become the norm. Everyone benefits from this, not just the employers and employees, but families, wider society and even the environment,” explained Sande Golgart, regional vice president for Regus. “For the first time, a global report, based on 17,000 businesses across 80 countries, provides conclusive statistical evidence, on the availability of flexible working and the value derived from associated benefits.”  

75 percent of businesses offering flexible working assert their staff has significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation. In addition, half believe flexible working improves staff productivity, and 25 percent say leveraging a flexible workplace helps them scale quickly to cope with rapid growth.  More than 30 percent of flexible working businesses also feel their policy helps them access a wider talent pool.  

However, the survey uncovered that trust remains a major hurdle for many companies offering flexible working. 35 percent of U.S. businesses only offer this privilege to senior staff.  

Golgart adds, “With reports indicating employee loyalty increases when they are given some flexibility,(1) it is disappointing to see some companies still allow trust issues to be a hindrance in offering flexible working for all employees.  However, since a good proportion of them see its advantages, even if they are not doing it at the moment, we can expect further growth in flexible working across the decade.”

Methodology

More than 17,000 business respondents from the Regus global contacts database were interviewed during February 2011. The Regus global contacts database of more than one million business-people worldwide is highly representative of senior managers and owners in businesses across the globe. Respondents were asked about their views on the economic outlook and on flexible working practices. The research was managed and administered by the independent organisation, MarketingUK.

About Regus

Regus is the world’s largest provider of workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world’s largest network of video communication studios. Regus enables people to work their way, whether it’s from home, on the road or from an office. Customers such as Google, GlaxoSmithKline, and Nokia join hundreds of thousands of growing small and medium businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace needs to Regus, allowing them to focus on their core activities.

More than 800,000 customers a day benefit from Regus facilities spread across a global footprint of 1,100 locations in 500 cities and 86 countries, which allow individuals and companies to work wherever, however and whenever they want to. Regus was founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1989, is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information please visit: www.regus.com

To download a copy of the full report please visit www.regus.presscentre.com

BETHESDA, Md.  (Profitable.com)  Almost half of all Americans continue to have concerns that their personal and financial information would not be kept private and secure if they file their state and federal tax returns on the Internet, according to the results of a new national poll. The survey was commissioned by Taxsoftware.com, which launched the first iPad app for federal tax returns in January.

The level of security and privacy concerns depends on which high-tech device people would use to file tax returns. Almost half (49 percent) are somewhat or very concerned about using desktop computers, or are so worried that they would not use the computer at all.

Other findings from the survey include:

• 44  percent have some level of concern about using their laptop computers
• 43  percent have some level of concern about using smart phones
• 32  percent have some level of concern about using personal digital assistants
• 31  percent have some level of concern about using iPads.

“The two good pieces of news from this survey are that people apparently feel the safest using the latest iPad technology to file their tax returns and that, over time, more Americans are feeling more comfortable about using the Internet to file those returns,” said Taxsoftware.com spokesperson Mickey Macedo.  

In 2007, a survey conducted for Taxsoftware found that two- thirds of adults were concerned that their personal and financial information would not be kept private and secure if they prepared state and federal tax returns on the Internet. A similar poll in 1997 found that 83 percent of Americans had similar worries.

The online survey was conducted March 1 – 3, 2011 by Synovate, and has a margin of error of plus or minus three percent. The survey consisted of 1,000 responses by adults 18 years of age or older in the contiguous United States. The sample is balanced to be representative of the general population based upon region, gender, age and household income data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  (Profitable.com)  When choosing homeowners insurance, most consumers think more about the value of the home than about their prized possessions inside. When determining coverage needs, it is important to know all the “stuff” in your home that warrants special protection. Insurable items do not only include luxury items like jewelry and art, but also fun purchases that support personal passions.

Whether it is gourmet cooking gadgets, designer handbags or high-end electronics, what Americans invest in personal passions can have a profound impact on insurance needs. In fact, according to a recent survey(1), those passions may add up to a lot more than you think:  

• Fashionistas spend more than $1,400 annually on shoes, apparel and accessories.
• Techies spend approximately $1,300 a year on computers, video games and televisions.
• Foodies invest an average of $2,400 annually on high-end appliances and fine dining.

One of the best ways to make sure possessions are fully protected is to document them with a home inventory. Now, creating a home inventory is easier than ever thanks to myHOME Scr.APP.book, a new iPhone® application from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The free myHOME Scr.APP.book app lets users quickly photograph and capture images, descriptions, bar codes and serial numbers, and then stores them electronically for safekeeping. The app organizes information room by room, and even creates a back-up file for e-mail sharing.  

“A home inventory assures you know exactly what you own, and what it is worth, before you need to make a claim,” says NAIC President and Iowa Insurance Commissioner Susan E. Voss. “Our research, however, suggests almost half of all Americans don’t have an inventory of their possessions. Our new iPhone® app makes it easy to document your stuff. Knowing what you own will help you choose the right coverage in the first place.”

Taking Inventory of Your Home’s Contents

Documenting possessions with a home inventory is the most important step homeowners and renters can take to make sure they have enough coverage to fully protect and replace their valuables if something happens.

10 Steps to Complete a Home Inventory

1. Make a list of possessions, including ‘celebration’ purchases such as jewelry and fine art.
2. Think about family heirlooms, collections and furniture. Also consider items related to everyday leisure time, from flat-screen televisions to custom guitars.
3. Take note of commonplace items such as toys, CDs and clothing. And do not forget items you may only use occasionally such as holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools and high-ticket items kept outside your home such as landscape and swing sets.
4. Attach copies of original sales receipts and/or appraisal documents to your inventory. Be sure to note model and serial numbers.
5. Group your possessions into logical categories, i.e., by hobby, by room in your home.
6. Carefully photograph or videotape each item and document a brief description including age, purchase price and estimated current value.
7. Remember to open drawers and closets to document what’s inside.
8. Store your home inventory and related documents in a safe, easily accessible place such as a secured site/file online, a fire-proof box or in a safe deposit box. You may want to share a copy with your insurance provider so he or she can make necessary updates to your coverage.
9. Review and update your inventory annually and whenever you make a significant purchase.
10. To get started, download the free myHOME Scr.APP.book app for iPhone® users by visiting the iTunes® App Store or searching ‘NAIC’ in the app store from your phone. Or go to www.insureuonline.org to print a simple home inventory checklist.

Choosing Home Insurance That Fits

Keeping a home inventory also helps consumers stay on top of their family’s changing insurance needs. Consumers often are surprised by what is not covered under standard home insurance policies:

• On average, home contents are reimbursed only up to 50 percent of the home’s insured value, i.e., $50,000 to replace the contents of a home insured for $100,000.
• Standard policies impose limits on replacement coverage for certain types of personal property such as jewelry, furniture, furs, firearms and electronics.

“Exactly how much you’ll be reimbursed for lost, stolen or damaged personal property can vary greatly from policy to policy,” says Voss. “A home inventory helps consumers determine what they need to protect and keep their policies up to date. Knowing what is and isn’t protected, and for how much, helps families prepare for the worst. The last thing you want when misfortune strikes is to learn your insurance policy won’t replace your losses. And by choosing coverage to fit their life stages, consumers also may save money.”

Consider the following life-stage related insurance facts:

• Single Parents and Families: Many homeowners’ policies do not cover items such as laptops and televisions stolen from a dorm room; if your son or daughter lives off-campus, you will need renter’s insurance. Most policies limit coverage for jewelry to $500, which typically is not enough to replace a favorite pair of diamond earrings or a wedding ring. The standard $1,000 limit to replace computers may not be enough for a busy household with multiple PCs.  
• Young Singles: Consider purchasing renter’s insurance to cover your possessions, even if living with roommates — do not rely on the landlord’s insurance. Items such as sports equipment or navigation systems stolen from your vehicle typically are not covered by auto insurance and must be filed against homeowners or renter’s insurance.  
• Military: Most policies do not cover personal property taken with you while deployed to a war zone; if you store belongings left behind, you likely will need additional off-premises coverage.
• Seniors: If you start a home-based business after retiring, make sure your office equipment is fully insured.
• Domestic Partners: The standard homeowners or renter’s policy only covers possessions of the person named on the title or agreement. If your name is not listed, your assets may be at risk.

Visit www.insureuonline.org for more home insurance tips or to locate your state insurance commissioner, an unbiased resource for insurance information specific to where you live.  

About NAIC

Formed in 1871, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is a voluntary organization of the chief insurance regulatory officials of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. The NAIC has three offices: Executive Office, Washington, D.C.; Central Office, Kansas City, Mo.; and Securities Valuation Office, New York City. The NAIC serves the needs of consumers and the industry, with an overriding objective of supporting state insurance regulators as they protect consumers and maintain the financial stability of the insurance marketplace. For more information, visit www.naic.org.

(1) http://about.americanexpress.com/news/pr/2010/tracker.aspx