Farmington Hills, MI  (Profitable.com)  Agree Realty Corporation (NYSE: ADC) (the “Company”) today announced the commencement of a public offering of 1,000,000 shares of its common stock pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  The Company also expects to grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 150,000 shares of common stock to cover over-allotments, if any.  Raymond James & Associates, Inc. and Janney Montgomery Scott LLC will serve as underwriters for the offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to repay a portion of the outstanding indebtedness under its $85 million credit facility, to fund development activity and property acquisitions, and for other general corporate purposes.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the offered shares, nor shall there be any sale of such shares or a solicitation of an offer to buy such shares in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or other jurisdiction.  Any offer will be made only by means of a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus supplement, forming part of the effective shelf registration statement.

Copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and prospectus relating to these shares may be obtained, when available, by contacting Raymond James & Associates, Inc., 880 Carillon Parkway, St. Petersburg, Florida 33716 or by calling toll-free at 1-800-248-8863.

Agree Realty Corporation is primarily engaged in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of single tenant properties leased to retail tenants. The Company owns and operates a portfolio of 88 properties, located in 22 states and containing approximately 3.6 million square feet of gross leasable area.  The common stock of Agree Realty Corporation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ADC.”

The Company considers portions of the information contained in this release, including the Company’s planned securities offering and anticipated use of proceeds, to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, each as amended.  These forward-looking statements represent the Company’s expectations, plans and beliefs concerning future events. Although these forward-looking statements are based on good faith beliefs, reasonable assumptions and the Company’s best judgment reflecting current information, certain factors could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements.  Such factors are detailed from time to time in reports filed or furnished by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future.

For additional information, visit the Company’s home page on the Internet at http://www.agreerealty.com .

Washington  (Profitable.com)  For the second time in less than a year, the American Red Cross is opening shelters and mobilizing volunteers and feeding trucks after tornadoes touched down overnight across several states. Areas of Alabama reported significant widespread damage in some of the same areas that sustained damaged in last April’s deadly tornado outbreak.

In Alabama, homes are damaged or destroyed, power knocked out and roads impassable, blocked with debris. In addition to opening shelters, Red Cross damage assessment teams are fanning out in affected areas to help determine what help people will need in the coming days. Mental health workers are also being mobilized to assist people affected by the storm.

Tornadoes also affected residents of Arkansas, Tennessee, Illinois and Mississippi.

“Our first priority is making sure people have a place to go and warm food to eat,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services. “While we ramp up our support in Alabama, it’s important to note that Red Cross disaster teams are also busy helping people affected by the heavy snow and flooding in the Pacific Northwest and several large fires.”

How to prepare for a tornado:

Spring is the time of year known for dangerous tornado activity in the United States, but tornadoes can form at any time of the year. The Red Cross has safety tips people can use should a tornado hit their neighborhood.

A tornado watch means tornadoes are possible in the area and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or someone suspects a tornado is approaching. A tornado warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar. People should immediately go underground to a basement, storm cellar or interior room of the house.

Additional things to remember if a tornado warning is issued:

• Go to an underground shelter or safe room if available. A hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is also a safe alternative.
• Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes. If there is access to a sturdy shelter or vehicle, get out of the mobile home immediately and go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter.
• If caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building.
• If unable to walk to a shelter quickly, immediately get into a vehicle, buckle the seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter.
  • If debris is flying while driving, pull over and park. Stay in the car with the seat belt on, head down below the windows and covered with hands and a blanket if possible.
  • If it is possible to get safely to an area noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, get out of the car and lie in that area. A person’s choice should be driven by specific circumstances.

For more information on what to do before, during and after a tornado, visit www.redcross.org.

If someone would like to help people affected by disasters like these tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, they can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Their gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to their local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

Oberlin, OH  (Profitable.com)  Students estimate they spend $655 annually on required course materials – that is down from $667 two years ago and from $702 four years ago, according to the latest Student Watch™ study conducted by OnCampus Research, a division of the National Association of College Stores (NACS).

“This is terrific news for students, who continue to be pressured by the higher cost of attending college. The steady decline indicates that the money-saving strategies college stores are implementing to keep required course materials as affordable as possible for their students are having a positive impact,” said Julie Traylor, NACS’ Chief of Planning and Research.

The number of college stores offering textbook rental over the past two years has skyrocketed, from approximately 300 in the fall of 2009 to more than 2,500 in fall of 2011. Such print-version rental programs can save a student between 45-66% off the price of a new print textbook. In addition, college stores continue to work hard to increase their stock of used textbooks (a 25% savings) and digital, which can save 40% off the new-text price.

Charles Schmidt, NACS director of public relations, offered the following additional suggestions to students seeking to save money on textbooks:

1. Buy used books when possible. They can save you 25% off the cost of a new textbook.  College stores strive to provide as many used textbooks as possible, but they often sell out quickly. Shop the store early or buy directly from your college store’s web site to take advantage of used book sales.
2. Consider renting or purchasing electronic texts. More and more college stores are offering these options, and rentals can give cost-conscious students temporary access to course materials for about one-third to half the price of buying a new text.
3. Find out if your campus bookstore is using social media; become a fan of their Facebook page and follow them on Twitter. Often the store will give advance notice of moneysaving specials to followers or fans.
4. Be cautious of hackers, spammers and phishers when purchasing course materials online from outside/unknown sources. Items might not arrive on time, causing you to fall behind in class. Also, don’t forget to consider shipping expenses in the total cost of the textbook. To avoid delays, check your college store’s web site for ordering convenience and peace of mind. Your local college store guarantees the correct title and edition chosen by your instructor.
5. Know your store’s refund policy, especially deadlines. This way, you won’t be disappointed if you drop a class.
6. Keep receipts. Most stores require them for returns. Also, textbook receipts are helpful during tax season when filing for the American Opportunity Tax Credit. For details on what to do and how to apply for the credit, go to www.textbookaid.org.
7. Don’t write in or unwrap books until you’re certain you’ll be keeping them. Most sellers won’t offer full credit for books that have been marked or bundles that have been opened.
8. If you have a choice between buying a textbook by itself, or packaged with a study guide or software, make sure you need both parts.
9. When buying locally, consider paying cash or by check/debit card to avoid credit card fees and interest. But use a credit card when buying from online sellers in case disputes arise.
10. If you have questions, ask! Your college store professional is the course material expert, dedicated to helping you obtain all of the educational tools you need for academic success in the format you desire – including electronic texts.

About NACS

Headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, the National Association of College Stores (NACS) is the professional trade association representing the $10 billion collegiate retailing industry. NACS represents more than 3,100 collegiate retailers and approximately 1,000 associate members who supply books and other products to college stores. NACS member stores serve America’s college students while supporting the academic missions of higher education institutions everywhere. Additional information on NACS can be found online at www.nacs.org.

About OnCampus Research

OnCampus Research is a consultative research group with one mission: to help companies better understand the college market. With more than 75 years of experience in the college industry, we offer full-service quantitative and qualitative research literally ‘OnCampus,’ through our online panel of over 18,000 students at 1,100 campuses nationwide. Specializing in online surveys, focus groups, omnibus surveys, syndicated studies, and in-depth interviews, OnCampus works with clients to create a strategy that best fits their needs and positions them as the brand of choice among college students.

McLean, VA  (Profitable.com)  Employers receive hundreds of applications in response to job openings, so it is imperative that you and your resume stand out from the crowd. Here are five surefire practices that will help you get your foot in the door.

Skip the objective statement

Instead of putting an objective statement at the beginning of your resume, create a job-specific, targeted introduction outlining your capabilities. Here, it is essential to avoid descriptions that could apply to a multitude of other job seekers. For example, drop lines like “I am people oriented,” and replace them with actual facts about your accomplishments. “Increased supplemental sales by 45% with widely recognized customer service abilities” says the same thing, but is both personal and illustrative of actual achievements. “Specifically, statistics and awards naturally distinguish you from other candidates because no one else can claim them as their own. When you include measurable accomplishments in your resume, you are demonstrating that you are a proven performer, and this gets the attention of hiring managers,” explains Alex Soto, a professional resume writer and career consultant.

Show what you can do

Successful job seekers show what they can do for an employer by relating their experiences in a way that is specifically tailored to an employer’s objectives, expectations and requirements. It may be your resume and experience, but your job search is definitely not about you. Understanding as much as you can about a potential employer is invaluable — thoroughly research the company and study the job description to ensure that your resume and cover letter are customized and reflect time and effort spent.

Make sure your resume reflects your experience level

If you are a recent graduate, your resume won’t, and shouldn’t be expected to, resemble someone’s with ten years of experience. A job seeker who has been a part of the workforce for a decade or more should focus heavily on achievements and progress. Someone just out of school, however, should concentrate on projects and accomplishments, and possibly some community, educational or sports activities. Do not attempt to pad your resume to make you look like someone you are not.

Express in writing why an employer should hire you

Why are you better than everyone else? Emphasize your strengths and don’t be afraid to mention your abilities. Just be careful how you phrase it. “A successful resume and cover letter should exhibit your track record as an achiever, not a doer. If you simply describe each job as a list of completed tasks, recruiters will write you off. A mere catalogue of duties does not communicate strength or value,” says Peggy Padalino of Jobfox.

Static expressions like ‘responsible for,’ ‘able to do,’ or ‘participated in’ are passive and reflect demonstrate a tendency to follow, not lead. Instead, communicate your achievements in a more dynamic manner, making use of proactive phrases like ‘chosen to lead…,’ ‘used knowledge of…’ or ‘played a key role in…’.

Be confident

The final, and most important thing you can do to get yourself hired is to exude confidence. Be secure and self-assured — without the right attitude, your chances of being hired diminish greatly. Although it’s natural (and generally recommended) to shy away from tooting your own horn, humility is not always productive when trying to get a job. If you want to get the job, you have to get noticed. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say, so squeak on!

About Jobfox

Founded in 2005 in McLean, Virginia, Jobfox is a leading job search and career-networking site designed to find candidates the right jobs at the best companies. Through a comprehensive skills-based matching system, Jobfox connects thousands of employers to the most qualified individuals, as well as linking job seekers to relevant job opportunities in their fields. With over 1 Million resumes improved, Jobfox is also the largest provider of professionally written resumes online.  For more information, visit www.jobfox.com

2011 Bank Credit Card Write-offs Down 39% From 2010 Levels

Atlanta, GA  (Profitable.com)  U.S. consumers continue to make timely payments and pay down their retail credit card and bank card balances, resulting in a significant reduction in the number of card write-offs over 2010 levels, according to Equifax’s latest National Credit Trends Report.

The improvement in bank and retail credit card write-offs reflects a steady level of improvement over the past 18 months.

• Bank credit card write-offs peaked at nearly 13% in July 2010 and retail credit card write-offs peaked at more than 14% in July 2010.
• Bank credit card write-offs currently stand at 5.53% (39% lower than 2010 levels) and retail credit card write-offs are at 8.4% (representing a 26% decline over 2010 levels).
• Cumulative revolving card balances peaked in October 2008 at more than $752 billion, and despite a recent uptick attributable to seasonal purchase activity, have since declined by almost 20% (December 2011 cumulative revolving card balances stand at $604 billion).
• Total consumer debt outstanding (which includes First Mortgage, Home Equity, Consumer Finance, Auto, Student Loan, Retail Credit Card and Bank Credit Card) also peaked in October 2008 at $12.4 trillion, and in December 2011, U.S. consumers carried $11.1 trillion in total consumer debt, representing a decrease of more than 10%.

“Declining write-offs, growing card originations and the stabilizing of card balances are a precursor to balance increases, which can help to return the banks to profitability in this lending sector,” said Michael Koukounas, Senior Vice President of Special Client Services for Equifax. “The industry is experiencing sustained improvement in consumers’ payment behavior and overall reduction of debt, a trend that seems to indicate more responsible lending and borrowing habits among card issuers and consumers alike.”

About Equifax

Equifax is a global leader in consumer and commercial information solutions, providing businesses of all sizes and consumers with information they can trust. We organize and assimilate data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide, and use advanced analytics and proprietary technology to create and deliver customized insights that enrich both the performance of businesses and the lives of consumers.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Equifax operates or has investments in 17 countries and is a member of Standard & Poor’s (S&P) 500® Index.  Its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. For more information, please visit www.equifax.com.

Bridgewater, NJ  (Profitable.com)  Recent national news reports warning of deaths and potential brain infections from the use of neti pots for sinus rinsing may have resulted in some sinus products being incorrectly associated with those risks.

“While health officials are warning users of neti pots about the potential dangers of improper usage of these devices, a simple and convenient alternative is readily available with a product like OCEAN Complete®,” said Dr. Ken Haller of St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Because it is a sterile, closed system, risks like those being reported with the Neti Pots should not be an issue and patients will get the benefits of sinus rinsing without worry.”

OCEAN Complete® is a medically sterile, balanced saline sinus rinse pre-mixed in a sealed container that allows consumers to easily and conveniently rinse their sinuses, without the need for mixing, special water requirements or disinfection that is required for safe use of neti pots and other mix-it-yourself sinus rinses.

About OCEAN Complete®

OCEAN Complete® aids in the maintenance of nasal health by providing two delivery options, one for sinus irrigation and another for moisturizing to counteract dry environments. The OCEAN® brand is doctor recommended and available at drugstores and mass retailers nationwide.  Visit www.oceannasalcare.com for more information.

The trusted authority on colleges and universities ranks the nation’s top online degree programs for the first time

Tampa, FL  (Profitable.com)  U.S. News & World Report has released its first-ever rankings of online education programs. They detail the nation’s top online programs that award bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and are specifically designed to provide students who are considering online learning with what they need to know to make informed decisions. These rankings will complement the world-renowned Best Colleges and Best Graduate Schools rankings that have been empowering students with critical education information for decades.

“The Sloan Consortium’s annual Online Education in the United States report has noted sharp increases in the number of online students every year since 2008,” says Matthew Speer, Director of Sales and Marketing for U.S. News University Connection. “In 2010, enrollment in online classes jumped by an amazing 21%; that’s more than 10 times the amount of growth we saw in the overall college student population that year. Clearly, the time has come to start ranking these programs.”

The rankings include 196 online bachelor’s degree programs, as well as 523 online master’s degree programs in business, computer information technology, education, engineering and nursing. All included programs are regionally accredited and offer at least 80% of their content online.

The bachelor’s programs are ranked in three categories: faculty credentials and training, student engagement and assessment, and student services and technology. For master’s programs a fourth category – admissions selectivity – was added, and the student engagement and assessment category was replaced with student engagement and accreditation.

Online education programs that rank in the top third of at least three categories are listed on the U.S. News honor roll. There are separate honor roll lists for online bachelor’s degree programs and online master’s degree programs in business, education, engineering and nursing. No honor roll for online master’s degree programs in computer information technology was complied, because too few programs in that discipline met the required criteria.

Online bachelor’s degree programs that appear on the honor roll include those at the Florida Institute of Technology, Pace University and Westfield State University. Quinnipiac University made the list for its online master’s degree program is business, while the University of South Florida’s online master’s degree program in education was so honored. Several schools had multiple master’s programs on the honor roll, including Auburn University (education and engineering) and George Washington University (business, education and nursing).

The new online education program rankings from U.S. News provide program-level data that is both sophisticated and unbiased. Students can use them in conjunction with the other education resources available on U.S. News University Directory, including an extensive listing of on-campus and online programs; contact information for more than 1,900 of the nation’s best colleges and universities; the latest education news articles and videos; and a free, downloadable financial aid guide.

About U.S. News University Directory

U.S. News University Directory provides comprehensive and unbiased information on more than 2,000 academic institutions directly from U.S. News & World Report, the most trusted source for college and university rankings since 1983. Prospective students can search America’s best colleges and America’s best graduate schools offering associate’s degrees, bachelor’s degrees, master’s and MBA degrees, doctoral and PhD degrees, and certificate programs. And because U.S. News is the leading ranking resource for anyone seeking an on-campus or online degree, students who use the directory can be confident that they are getting the best education advice and information available.

Contact

Matthew Speer, Director, Sales and Marketing
U.S. News University Connection
866-442-6587

Top 100 Restaurant News Stories of 2011 Released by RestaurantNews.com

(Profitable.com)  RestaurantNews.com has released the Top 100 restaurant news stories read on its site in 2011.  Although RestaurantNews.com has been serving up restaurant news for over 12 years, this is the first time the site has revealed its Top 100 list.

100)  The Cheesecake Factory Serves National Cheesecake Day Deal
As National Cheesecake History Month came to a close in July, The Cheesecake Factory welcomed its newest cheesecake flavor, Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake, with layers of chocolate cheesecake, moist chocolate cake and ganache, topped with a creamy chocolate frosting and chocolate chips. The Hershey’s Chocolate Bar Cheesecake debuted in all of its restaurant locations nationwide on National Cheesecake Day, July 30.

99)  Whataburger Launches New All-Time Favorites Menu
The Whataburger Patty Melt. The Chop House Cheddar Burger. The Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich. The A.1. Thick & Hearty Burger. Whataburger’s most beloved menu items had never before shared the spotlight, each reigning supreme for a limited time only before taking a bow and letting the next shine on center stage. But on Oct. 10th, the four sandwiches became a permanent fixture on the restaurant chain’s new All-Time Favorites menu.

98)  Steak ‘n Shake: The History of Hamburger Restaurant Chains
Steak ‘n Shake has been serving up Steakburgers since 1934. The company was started by Gus Belt in Normal, Illinois when he realized his original idea of a gas station with a restaurant serving hot chicken and beer was nothing new. Normal, Illinois already had enough of that going around so Gus decided to do something different and, with help from some of his friends, opened the first Steak n’ Shake.

97)  Chipotle Unveils Details about New Asian Restaurant Concept
In April, Chipotle Mexican Grill unveiled additional details for its new restaurant concept, ShopHouse Southeast Asian Kitchen, inspired by the traditional shophouses found throughout Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. Shophouses are classical two or three-story buildings where families live upstairs and run restaurants or fresh markets on the ground level.

96)  California Tortilla Dishes Up Advice on Successfully Using Social Media
Restaurants across the country, along with many other types of businesses, are learning that social media is a quick route to building a customer base. California Tortilla, a quick-casual Mexican restaurant chain, is one of those companies taking advantage of what such new media has to offer. As a result, they enjoy the benefit of learning more about their customers, while also getting the word out about their food.

95)  Original BUBBA burger Grill Restaurants Under Development in Jacksonville, FL
In February, BUBBA burger, the number one selling branded burger in America, announced the development of its Original BUBBA burger Grill restaurants. Original BUBBA burger Grill is a fast casual restaurant chain featuring a menu centered around all varieties of the premium BUBBA burger.

94)  Red Robin’s Prime Chophouse Burger Returns
Also in February, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers announced the return of its Prime Chophouse Burger for a limited time. The Prime Chophouse Burger featured a fresh, never frozen, fire-grilled burger patty served on an onion bun with made-from-scratch Country Dijon spread and layered with fresh horseradish-sautéed mushrooms, gourmet steak sauce, melted Provolone cheese and piled high with hand-battered crispy onion straws.

93)  50 Best Brunches in the U.S. Chosen by OpenTable Diners
In April, OpenTable announced the 50 winners of its Diners’ Choice Awards for the Top Restaurants for Brunch in the United States. The list of winners was derived from more than seven million reviews submitted by OpenTable diners for more than 12,000 restaurants in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

92)  Wingstop Opens First Location in Monterrey, Mexico
Wingstop continued to expand throughout Mexico, adding its first location in Monterrey and its seventh store in the country.  The Monterrey location is part of a five-store development agreement for the State of Nuevo Leon with Restaurantès RCJ SA de CV. The agreement includes the cities of Monterrey, Salinas Victoria, Escobedo, Apodaca, Guadalupe, Juarez, Santiago, Santa Catarina and Garcia.

91)  Furr’s Fresh Buffet to Open in Spring, Texas
Furr’s Fresh Buffet, the new restaurant concept developed by owners of the Furr’s restaurant chain based in Dallas, announced their Spring, Texas location which opened on May 11th.

90)  Successful Startup Restaurant Business Plans
The process of opening a restaurant from start to finish can be, and should be, an arduous one. It requires a tremendous amount of research and determination, and it can easily get overwhelming.  So, where do you start?

The complete list can be found here:
http://www.restaurantnews.com/top-100-restaurant-stories-of-2011/

About RestaurantNews.com

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

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

Small changes will be “in” when it comes to weight loss in the New Year

Atlanta, GA  (Profitable.com)  For many people, losing weight will become a high priority this January. Refrigerators will be stripped of holiday leftovers, gym memberships will increase and new weight loss goals will be made.  Fortunately, more than 186 million American adults – or eight out of ten men and women – say they already have been “weight conscious” during the past year, according to a national survey conducted by the Calorie Control Council (CCC).  More than five out of ten (54%) have been trying to reduce their weight, and noted that exercise, cutting back on sugar, using low calorie or reduced sugar products, and restricting the size of meal portions are the most common approaches.

With so many Americans focusing on controlling and losing weight, what trends will emerge in 2012? The CCC is making these predictions when it comes to weight loss and obesity for the coming year:

1. More focus on farm to table: Trying to buy local products and cook seasonally.
2. Branching out and trying more international types of foods:  food choices will be influenced more often by other countries and ethnic cuisines.
3. Trendy exercises: In terms of exercise, the “barre” exercises will become more popular – with an emphasis on strengthening and lengthening muscles, taking a cue from ballet and dancer type exercises.
4. Calories count: According to the CCC, eighty-two percent of American adults consume low-calorie and sugar-free foods and beverages, to reduce calories and cut back on added sugars in their diets. That number will increase as more low-calorie products and recipes are introduced to the public.
5. Family meals more in vogue: Due to the economy people are eating out less and there will be more of a focus on nutritious, easy recipes that can get to the table quickly, but still bring the family together on a budget.

“With life busier and more stressful than ever, rather than making a complete overhaul, people will be looking for small steps they can take to be healthier,” said Beth Hubrich, a registered dietitian and executive director of the CCC. “Simple lifestyle changes such as increasing fruit and veggies by one serving per day, cutting out 50-150 calories per day by eating fewer bites of a sandwich, choosing a diet soda or low-cal beverage in place of the regular versions, and exercising 10 minutes here or there, can make a big difference in 2012 – and hopefully for life.”

Overall, according to the CCC, 2012 will be a year of positive change when it comes to calorie control – both calories consumed, and calories burned. “Keep a daily exercise and food diary to really see how many calories you’re putting in and burning back off,” advises Hubrich. “And find a friend or family member to exercise with and compare healthy eating notes. A little friendly competition can help you stay focused on your goals. Also, just cutting 100 calories a day over the course of a year can make a major difference.  That small amount – which most people will never miss – can result in a 5-10 lb. weight loss.”

For more information, along with free online calorie and exercise calculators, visit: www.caloriecontrol.org.

About the Calorie Control Council

The Calorie Control Council, established in 1966, is an international non-profit association representing the low-calorie and sugar-free food and beverage industry.  Today it represents 60 manufacturers and suppliers of low-calorie, low-fat and light foods and beverages, including the manufacturers and suppliers of more than a dozen different dietary ingredients including aspartame, saccharin, stevia and sucralose.  For more information, visit www.caloriecontrol.org.

Nearly 6,500 Convenient Locations Nationwide Ready to Assist Taxpayers

For Quality, Accurate Tax Return Service, an Exceptional Client Experience and to Feel Tax Refund Joy, ‘Jackson Hewitt’s How You Do It!(SM)’

Parsippany, NJ  (Profitable.com)  Jackson Hewitt Tax Service®, the nation’s largest privately held tax preparation firm, heralds the start of the 2012 tax season today by opening the doors to thousands of neighborhood office and Walmart kiosk locations throughout the country. With approximately 75 percent of taxpayers eligible to receive a refund, and with an average refund of roughly $3,000, tax time is an event many clients look forward to. With Jackson Hewitt’s recently launched new ad campaign celebrating tax refund joy, the tax pros at Jackson Hewitt look forward to delivering the best possible outcome and the feeling of tax refund joy to clients nationwide. Jackson Hewitt’s tax pros invite clients to start the tax filing process early by stopping by their neighborhood Jackson Hewitt office or Walmart kiosk for a free tax refund estimate.

“We are more excited than ever to welcome clients to Jackson Hewitt as we kick-off the 2012 tax season,” said Philip H. Sanford, president and chief executive officer of Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. “Our nationwide system of nearly 6,500 locations, including 2,800 Walmart locations, opened its doors today and looks forward to helping clients achieve the best possible tax return outcome, while providing an exceptional client experience. Our tax pros are committed to providing quality, accurate tax preparation service that meets the needs and exceeds the expectations of our valued clients.”

Expanded Walmart Presence
Tax time at Walmart also officially kicked off today as Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® celebrated the tax season Grand Opening of its 2,800 kiosks conveniently located in Walmart U.S. stores nationwide. If Walmart customers and associates are looking for convenience, ease and value when it comes to having their 2011 tax return accurately prepared, then ‘Jackson Hewitt’s How You Do It!(SM).’ Jackson Hewitt’s tax pros invite Walmart customers and associates to stop by the Jackson Hewitt kiosk for a free tax refund estimate. Your Jackson Hewitt tax pro can also provide you with information about the various products and services available this year, including a new free federal Form 1040EZ* offer available at Jackson Hewitt’s Walmart kiosk locations for qualifying taxpayers.

W-2 Download Service Helps Taxpayers File Early
To assist taxpayers with getting a quick start on their 2011 tax return, Jackson Hewitt offers free W-2 download service. This valuable service not only allows taxpayers to obtain their W-2 information rapidly, but also to start and potentially file their tax return prior to receiving their W-2 via U.S. mail. Free W-2 download service is available to all clients whose employers make W-2′s available online. To learn if your employer’s W-2′s are available online, visit your conveniently located neighborhood Jackson Hewitt office or the Jackson Hewitt kiosk located in 2,800 Walmart U.S. stores nationwide.

New Free Jackson Hewitt Mobile App Launched
Jackson Hewitt has launched a new, feature rich mobile app, which is free for both iPhone and Android smartphones, and available for downloading at both the Apple App Store and the Android Marketplace. The Jackson Hewitt Mobile App puts a range of valuable tax-related information in the palm of your hand by making it easy for you to estimate your refund, locate a Jackson Hewitt office or Walmart location in your neighborhood, schedule an appointment, access special discounts and offers, track the status of your tax return 24/7 and easily find information on Jackson Hewitt’s array of tax-related products and services.

Digital Dance-Off Facebook Game and Sweepstakes**
To continue the momentum of the new ‘Jackson Hewitt’s How You Do It!(SM)’ campaign, today Jackson Hewitt launches the Digital Dance-Off game and sweepstakes. Hosted on the Jackson Hewitt Facebook page, the game encourages players to use their computer keyboard to match the dance moves of their animated digital dancer to the rhythm of the music. Players can customize their avatar by uploading photos, publish their participation to their Facebook Newsfeed, and see how their dance moves perform against their Facebook friends and Facebook players as a whole. Instant winners of the Digital Dance-Off will be randomly selected to receive Walmart gift cards ranging in value from $10 to $1,000, and players can enter to win the $5,000 Walmart gift card grand prize at the conclusion of the promotion on February 27, 2012.

*The free federal Form 1040EZ offer, available at Jackson Hewitt’s Walmart kiosk locations nationwide, includes up to two W-2′s and is generally used by single or married taxpayers who claim no dependents and who do not itemize deductions. Additional fees apply for state, local and more complex federal tax returns, financial products and other services.

**NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends February 27, 2012. To enter and for Official Rules, visit www.facebook.com/jacksonhewitt

About Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc.

Based in Parsippany, NJ, Jackson Hewitt Tax Service Inc. is an industry-leading provider of full service individual federal and state income tax preparation, with nearly 6,500 franchised and company-owned locations throughout the United States, including 2,800 located in Walmart stores nationwide. Jackson Hewitt Tax Service® also offers an online tax preparation product at www.jacksonhewittonline.com. For more information, or to locate the Jackson Hewitt® office nearest to you, visit www.jacksonhewitt.com or call 1-800-234-1040. Jackson Hewitt can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Two products honored with CES Innovations Award in “Health & Wellness” and “Personal Electronics” categories

Las Vegas, NV  (Profitable.com)  Oregon Scientific, a leading designer and worldwide marketer of personal electronics, today announced six new products for fitness buffs, outdoor and weather enthusiasts, and the home.  Two of the products were recipients of the CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Award, including a new induction charging station for mobile devices in the “Personal Electronics” category, and the industry’s only touch-screen heart rate monitor in the “Health & Fitness” category.  Other new products include a Portable Emergency Alert Radio that synchs up to the National Weather Service and also a Remote Weather Access Platform designed to help homeowners monitor their home’s weather and environment data remotely via smartphone or tablet.

Oregon Scientific will unveil the new products at the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week, Meeting Room S117-S118, South Hall 2, Ground Level.  The new products will include:

• Time and Wireless Charging Station+
  The charging station uses Qi-enabled charging standard set forth by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).  The Time and Wireless Charging Station+ is a recipient of the CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Award and features a projection clock, weather forecaster and wireless charging station for Qi-enabled mobile devices or devices with Qi-enabled charging accessories.  The station provides reliable indoor and outdoor temperature readings and weather forecasts based on barometric pressure.  Even the iPhone 4 can be charged on the pad with a Qi-enable sleeve!  (MSRP $129)

• Portable Emergency Alert Radio
  The alert radio lets users know when the National Weather Service issues imminent weather or civil emergency warnings in the area, providing 24/7 updates from national agencies. The radio includes a digital AM/FM radio, weather band channels, NOAA Weather Radio alerts, and SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) technology that allow users to customize location-based alerts.  The radio also features a hand crank and solar panel for supplemental charging in dire situations that will keep the LED flashlight, siren and radio operating.  A USB-compatible cell phone charging port, powered by the hand crank, is also included for on-the-go charging in emergency situations.  (MSRP $79)

• Remote Weather Access Platform
  The weather platform synchs up with Oregon Scientific’s professional weather stations, like the new WMR300, and uses traditional wireless frequencies and a “hub” to convert weather data into uploadable information to a personal website or via a smartphone (iOS, Android) app.  The platform allows homeowners to stay on top of real-time weather conditions at preset locations around the house, monitoring microclimate from afar – including basements, attics, gardens and garages.  Users can also track the historical weather data to share with neighbors or family online.  (MSRP $149)

• Touch Advanced Weather Station
  Perfect for a desktop or nightstand, this compact and user-friendly weather station provides full weather forecasts, accurate time and date, temperature, humidity and air pressure readings, and a crescendo alarm clock at the tip of your finger.  The Touch Advanced Weather Station features a streamlined, contemporary design with no buttons to press and nothing to attach.  The station displays indoor / outdoor temperature and humidity with up to 3 channels and utilizes touch screen technology to toggle between settings and customize screen content.  Available nationwide at Target in exclusive colors.  (MSRP $49)

• Gaiam Touch Heart Rate Monitor
  The Gaiam Touch, a recipient of the CES Innovations 2012 Design and Engineering Award in the Health & Wellness category, features the industry’s only button free, touch-screen.  Featuring a comfortable, slim design – 2 millimeters thinner than any other heart rate monitor on the market – the monitor builds on consumer research to create a more intuitive user experience.  The directional touch-screen allows for easy navigation between heart rate, calories burned and workout time with just the touch of a finger.  Available nationwide at the Oregon Scientific Online Store, Target, Sports Authority, Academy Sports, MC Sports and Athleta. (MSRP $99-109)

• ATCMini Action Video Camera
  The ATCMini is a small HD video camera that is light enough to capture every action-packed moment, whether users are at the skate-park, biking down a muddy mountain trail, surfing, or diving underwater up to 65 feet.  The lightest on the market weighing only 2.3 oz, the ATCMini features 720p HD video (30FPS), a 110 degree wide angle field of view, photo settings of up to 1.3 megapixels, and a built-in microphone.  The ATCMini is hands-free and includes a hardshell helmet mount for motorcyclists and skaters with several mounting options sold separately:  a handlebar mount for bikes and ATVs, a surf mount for surfboards, snowboards or skateboards, and a vented helmet mount for cyclists.
  (MSRP $179)

For more information about Oregon Scientific’s product offerings, visit us.oregonscientific.com.

About Oregon Scientific

Founded in 1989, Oregon Scientific is headquartered in Tualatin; a quaint suburb of beautiful Portland, Oregon.  Oregon Scientific offers six families of products, ranging from youth & learning to sports & fitness.  Built from its hallmark of timing and weather devices, Oregon Scientific is expanding to meet the diverse needs of its customers to enhance the way we live, work and play.  Consider Oregon Scientific’s products to be Innovating the Everyday.

Oregon Scientific is a division of one of the world’s premier electronics manufacturers, Integrated Display Technology, Ltd. (IDT), based in Hong Kong.  IDT was founded in 1977 and is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as IDT Technology and on the Singapore Exchange as I-Com.

Las Vegas, NV  (Profitable.com)  Demonstrating its commitment to deliver innovative entertainment solutions, Royal Philips Electronics (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) has created the first-ever line of Android™-powered music devices and Made for Android headsets and accessories. Philips will debut its Android ecosystem at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week, including a first-of-its-kind headset range, a new portable Wi-Fi multimedia player and a collection of protective cases.

Building on its history of “firsts” in sound innovation, Philips is the first to create a complete collection of accessories specifically designed for Android. In combination with its extensive range of Fidelio docking speakers for Android and the award-winning GoGear Connect 3 Android-based MP4 player, the new offerings will provide Android users with the industry’s broadest range of customized products.

“We know Android users value the flexibility, robust functionality and style options supported by the Android operating system, and those details have inspired the design of our Android products,” said Jacopo D’Alessandris, vice president, Philips Consumer Lifestyle North America. “Philips now offers robust music ecosystems for both Apple and Android that blend award-winning sound innovation with easy-to-use, effortless style.”

Made for Android Headsets
Android owners can now completely customize their hands-free experience, with the launch of Philips’ first-of-its-kind, Made for Android headsets. Built for long-lasting comfort, the debut range includes four models for optimal fit: in-ear, ear-hook, premium in-ear and headband. With full functionality with virtually any Android device, the new headsets offer easy call and music management, enhanced by sound optimization and personalization through Philips dedicated Android headset app.

GoGear Connect Wi-Fi MP4 Players
The GoGear Connect range of touch screen MP4 players – including the new GoGear Connect 3.5 – offers consumers the full functionality of Android 2.3 Gingerbread, enhanced by superior sound quality to deliver the ultimate handheld entertainment experience. Watch movies in high-definition, listen to music in high-fidelity sound, easily browse the Web and delve into more than 300,000 apps and games available in the Android Market™.

Fidelio Docking Speakers for Android
The first-ever docking speakers designed to work with virtually all Android devices, the Fidelio docking speakers range for Android pairs the acoustic precision of Fidelio with FlexiDock technology for easy landscape or portrait docking that centrally positions each Android device for the best listening experience. The entire line also features Bluetooth technology for wireless listening and works with Philips’ Fidelio and Songbird applications for wireless streaming and seamless synchronization of music between PCs and Android devices.

Protective Cases Range
Philips offers fail-safe device protection with superior functionality for five popular HTC Android devices with the debut of its first Android cases line. Designed in six different styles and available in a variety of color selections, Philips HTC cases range dissipates shock and prevents scratches and scuffs, while facilitating easy docking and ensuring total access to device controls.

Philips Soundbar Home Cinema Speaker with Android streaming
Packed with convenient features, the new Philips Soundbar Home Cinema Speaker brings the luxury of a cinema into the home at the touch of a button. With simple, streaming functionality, the Soundbar offers easy access to content stored on Android devices or on a PC. Unleash content from any DLNA-enabled device with SimplyShare and the built-in Wi-Fi functionality and enjoyed it on the big screen.

To learn more about Philips’ Android ecosystem of products, visit www.philips.com/sound and follow us on Twitter @obsessedwsound. Members of the media are invited to visit the Philips Consumer Lifestyle Lounge at the Venetian Hotel, Toscana 3701 from Monday, January 9 through Thursday, January 12.

About Royal Philips Electronics
Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a diversified health and well-being company, focused on improving people’s lives through timely innovations. As a world leader in healthcare, lifestyle and lighting, Philips integrates technologies and design into people-centric solutions, based on fundamental customer insights and the brand promise of “sense and simplicity.” Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs over 120,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries worldwide. With sales of EUR 22.3 billion in 2010, the company is a market leader in cardiac care, acute care and home healthcare, energy efficient lighting solutions and new lighting applications, as well as lifestyle products for personal well-being and pleasure with strong leadership positions in male shaving and grooming, portable entertainment and oral healthcare. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.

Android and Android Market are registered trademarks of Google.

Southeast’s Largest Franchise Show Attracts Thousands from South Florida, Latin America and Caribbean

Miami Beach, FL  (Profitable.com)  In 2011, gourmet burgers, cupcakes and frozen yogurt topped the list of popular franchise trends. To start the New Year, The Sixth Annual Franchise Expo South returns to South Florida on January 20-22, 2012 affording visitors a unique opportunity to see what the future of franchising holds. From the basics of buying a franchise to launching a brand internationally, the show will address today’s hot topics, as well as attract thousands of entrepreneurs, current franchise owners, and returning veterans interested in owning their own franchise business. Sponsored by the International Franchise Association, the Expo will be held at the Miami Beach Convention Center and will feature educational seminars and conferences, several of which have been approved for Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) accreditation, in addition to the franchisor exhibits on the tradeshow floor.

“Franchising is very important to South Florida’s economy, as it creates business opportunities for entrepreneurs and more local jobs, especially for the thousands of American troops who will be re-entering the workforce next year,” said Tom Portesy, president of MFV Expositions, producers of Franchise Expo South.  “In fact, more than 825,000 franchises support 18 million U.S. jobs and contribute $2.1 trillion to our nation’s economy, proving that franchising has a significant impact.”

After three years of restrained growth, due to the recession and its lingering effects, franchise businesses show signs of recovery in 2012, with establishment growth forecast at 1.9 percent, according to a new report by IHS Global Insight for the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation. The Franchise Business Economic Outlook: 2012 forecasts modest growth in the number of establishments in each of the 10 business lines in the report, including automotive, business services, commercial & residential services, lodging, personal services, quick service restaurants, real estate, retail food, retail products & services and table/full service restaurants.

Franchise Expo South is designed specifically to allow prospective franchisees to discover which types of businesses match their needs. The tradeshow is a forum for potential candidates to do their research in person and meet with franchisors to ensure their potential investment is an ideal match. The expo floor will feature hundreds of exhibitors from food to professional service franchises including Hardee’s, The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co., Baskin-Robbins, EmbroidMe, Lucille Roberts, Red Mango, Sign-a-Rama, and Wireless Zone, along with thousands of attendees.

“Franchise Expo South offers the chance for franchise businesses to differentiate themselves from the rest of the competition as they connect with potential new small business owners across South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean,” said Portesy. “We welcome members of the community to explore the many different franchise opportunities available to them and learn about the benefits of owning a franchise business at the Franchise Expo South.”

For more information about attending Franchise Expo South, please visit www.franchiseexposouth.com.

About MFV Expositions:

MFV produces the leading franchise events worldwide. These global events consistently bring together franchise concepts, at all investment levels, with the most qualified visitors seeking to own their own business. For access to online franchise opportunities, MFV also offers web-based resources, lead management tools and solutions for generating sales. For more information about MFV Expositions, visit www.mfvexpo.com or call 201-226-1130.

Rosevile, MN  (Profitable.com)  When making 2012 New Year’s resolutions, resolve to be kind to the environment by saving energy. Reducing your home’s energy use not only helps conserve natural resources but it also saves you money.

The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association has an easy way to achieve that resolution by adding fabric awnings and canopies over doors and windows.

“People don’t have to make drastic changes to their homes in order to reduce their energy use and save money,” said Michelle Sahlin, managing director of the Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA). “Awnings are an easy home upgrade that enhance the aesthetic quality of a home, while reducing the energy used by running air conditioners at full-blast.”

Adding window awnings to a home can help ease electricity usage (a top producer of carbon emissions) for an air conditioner. When combined with an air conditioner, awnings can reduce the amount of electricity needed to cool a house by preventing solar radiation from penetrating through windows.

“Awnings are the simplest thing you can do to lower your energy costs,” says Illinois homeowner Barbara Neuerman, “We’re not talking about replacing central air conditioning units; we’re not talking about ripping out 37 windows in the house. We are talking about putting up 9 canvas awnings, and possibly saving as much as 30 percent on my energy bill.”

“We looked at the cost of our air conditioning bills in the summertime, which could go as high as $500 a month. That was just becoming unacceptable,” said Ms. Neuerman. “I went online and started to do some research as to what awnings could actually do… I was very surprised to find out that, in this climate, my energy savings by adding awnings to the front of the house would be as great as 30 percent per month. That’s a huge number.”  That calculation on savings comes to around $150 a month in the hot summer months.

For more information on the energy-saving benefits of awnings, visit http://www.awninginfo.com.

About PAMA

The Professional Awning Manufacturers Association (PAMA), a division of the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI), is the only international trade association committed to the awning industry. PAMA membership is open to companies who are current members of IFAI and manufacture or sell awnings, as well as those who supply goods and services to the awning industry. Learn more at awninginfo.com.

Restaurant Strategies for a Tough Economy

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

“Restaurants need to promote the benefits they offer, and they need to do it at little or no cost,” says Troy Brackett, owner of RestaurantNews.com.  “Fortunately, we’ve been helping independent restaurants and restaurant chains do exactly that for over 12 years.”

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

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

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

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

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

RestaurantNews.com offers press release services for independent restaurants and restaurant chains.  Whether you’re looking for a one-time release or need multiple releases, RestaurantNews.com provides an affordable restaurant marketing option.

For more information, please visit http://www.restaurantnews.com/press-release/

RestaurantNews.com also offers exposure for restaurant chains looking for potential franchisees.  Please contact troy@restaurantnews.com for more information.

About RestaurantNews.com

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

For more information about RestaurantNews.com, please contact troy@restaurantnews.com or visit http://www.RestaurantNews.com.

Quantitative Study of More Than 2,400 U.S. Employees Uncovers Connection

Waban, MA  (Profitable.com)  A new research report published by Temkin Group, Employee Engagement Benchmark Study, finds a strong link between the level of employee engagement and the effort and commitment of employees to their company. The research, which examines the attitudes and behaviors of 2,435 U.S. employees at for-profit organizations, also shows that companies that are customer experience leaders have 2.5 times as many highly engaged employees as do customer experience laggards.

“Employee engagement is one of the key foundations to long-term success,” states Bruce Temkin, author of the report and Managing Partner of Temkin Group.

As part of the research, Temkin Group used its Temkin Employee Engagement Index (TEEI) to gauge the level of employee engagement based on employee’s agreement with the following three statements:

• I understand the overall mission of my company
• My company asks for my feedback and acts upon my input
• My company provides me with the training and the tools that I need to be successful

Using the TEEI, Temkin Group found that 31% of employees are highly engaged while 23% are disengaged. The research found that highly engaged employees are extremely valuable to companies. Compared with disengaged employees, highly engaged employees are:

• 480% more committed to helping their company succeed.
• 250% more likely to do something good for the company that’s unexpected of them.
• 250% more likely to make a recommendation about an improvement.
• 370% more likely to recommend that a friend or relative apply for a job.
• 30% less likely to take a sick day.

According to Temkin: “Employee engagement has been one of the core competencies that we’ve stressed with companies for a long time and now we have quantitative evidence to make the case that it’s critically important.”

This report can be accessed from the Temkin Group website at http://www.temkingroup.com or from the blog, Customer Experience Matters, at http://experiencematters.wordpress.com.

For more information about Temkin Group, visit http://www.temkingroup.com.

About the author, Bruce Temkin

Bruce is widely recognized as a customer experience thought leader and is Customer Experience Transformist and Managing Partner of the Temkin Group. He is also the co-founder and Chair of the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA.org).

About Temkin Group

Temkin Group is a leading customer experience research and consulting firm with one simple goal for its clients: increase customer loyalty by becoming more customer-centric. The company combines customer experience thought leadership with a deep understanding of the dynamics of large organizations to help senior executives accelerate their results. For more information, contact Bruce Temkin at 617-916-2075 or info@temkingroup.com.

Growth to be accomplished through franchising; Texas and Southwest is first focus

Euless, TX  (Profitable.com)  As businesses nationwide increasingly turn to preventive care and wellness programs as a way to control spiraling health care costs, Star Wellness is positioning itself to meet that growing demand by opening as many as 10 new franchises in the coming year.

The growth will be accomplished primarily through franchising, beginning in Texas and the Southwest then expanding throughout the U.S. with a goal of opening 100 new franchises within four years.

Star Wellness currently offers wellness and preventive care screening services to more than 230 businesses, local governments and school systems in 20 states. In October, Star Wellness franchise veteran Michael Manor was named CEO of Star Wellness Franchising to spearhead the growth. The first franchise agreement was signed within three months and begins servicing clients this month.

“Businesses and organizations recognize that preventive care is one way to significantly control health care costs and create healthier employees in the process,” said Manor. “The demand for our services has never been higher, so now is the time to expand our reach beyond current markets.”

Franchises are awarded based on market population as well as the number of businesses and school systems. The Star Wellness franchise can be operated from home for the first two years. Although the bulk of their business comes from corporations and organizations, franchisees are encouraged to open an outside office their third year to handle referrals and to make their affordable screening services available directly to individuals, including those who are uninsured or underinsured.

Manor said Star Wellness is especially interested in nurses, EMS and other health care professionals as potential franchisees although industry experience is not necessary.

“We are attractive because it’s possible to get into business for much less expense than most franchises,” said Manor. “And our franchisees are providing a service that is helping people and in some cases actually saving lives.”

More information on Star Wellness services, including franchise information, is available at StarWellnessUSA.com or by calling 800-685-5572.

Pink Floyd 'Immersion' and 'Experience' Editions of 'The Wall' Including Original Demos and Work-in-Progress Versions

London  (Profitable.com)  On February 28, EMI will release ‘Immersion’ and ‘Experience’ editions of Roger Waters’ opus, Pink Floyd ‘The Wall,‘ as the final installment of the recent ‘Why Pink Floyd?’ reissues and extended releases. ‘The Wall’ remains Pink Floyd’s biggest-selling release after 1973′s legendary ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon.’

Released in November 1979, ‘The Wall’ topped the album charts in the US, France, Germany, Sweden and Australia. “Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2″ – Pink Floyd’s first UK single since 1968 – became a Number 1 hit, selling more than one million copies within weeks of its release.

Between 1980 and 1981, Pink Floyd staged 31 performances of The Wall in the US, UK and Germany.  It was a spectacular show that included a 40-foot wall, constructed, brick by brick, across the front of the stage during the performance.  In 2010 and 2011 Roger Waters toured a new production of The Wall to huge international acclaim.  He was joined onstage in May 2011 at London’s 02 Arena by guitarist, David Gilmour and drummer, Nick Mason.  He continues to tour in the Southern Hemisphere and North America in 2012.

‘The Wall’ ‘Immersion’ 7-disc edition includes a DVD featuring a film clip from the 1980 tour and a ‘Behind The Wall’ documentary, plus, for the first time, CDs of excerpts from Roger Waters’ original demos and work-in-progress versions of songs on the final album. Additionally, among these previously unheard versions are David Gilmour’s original demos of “Comfortably Numb” and “Run Like Hell.”  The Immersion set also includes The Wall Live, compiled from the 1980-1981 original tour.

Both ‘The Wall’ Immersion box set and Experience edition include a rare recording of “Another Brick In The Wall Part 1.”  A highlight for fans, this demo showcases the evolution of the final track. Additionally, “The Doctor” explores the origins of the landmark track “Comfortably Numb,” giving further insight into Pink Floyd’s early demo recordings.

Following on from the ‘Immersion’ and ‘Experience’ editions of ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ and ‘Wish You Were Here,’ these new versions of ‘The Wall’ offer listeners a unique insight into another hugely successful chapter in the Pink Floyd story.

In 1978, after finishing Pink Floyd’s Animals stadium tour, Roger Waters devised the concept for the album ‘The Wall.’ The album is a partly autobiographical story about a fictional rock star named Pink looking back at his early life and reflecting on the nature of fame and success.

Waters presented his band mates David Gilmour, Richard Wright and Nick Mason with an extensive demo of songs. Pink Floyd recorded their eleventh album ‘The Wall’ throughout 1979 in France, New York and Los Angeles, assisted by co-producer, Bob Ezrin and engineer, James Guthrie.

An adjunct to the sessions was the famous addition of a group of pupils from London’s Islington Green School, who recorded their backing vocals (“We don’t need no education…”) on “Another Brick In The Wall, Part 2″ at Pink Floyd’s own Britannia Row Studios in London. This became the world’s introduction to the album with the release of its first single, an instant success, accompanied by a promotional film which included several of the groundbreaking images from the story, including Gerald Scarfe’s brilliantly realized marching hammers.

Pink Floyd: ‘The Wall’ Immersion box set, Experience edition and Collectors 180g 2LP Vinyl edition will be released February 28, 2012 through EMI. The 2CD remastered Discovery edition is out now.

www.pinkfloyd.com  / www.facebook.com/pinkfloyd

Toronto, ON  (Profitable.com)  Digital Journal, a global digital media company, is winning praise for its role in covering major international stories throughout 2011. Boasting a network of more than 34,000 members in 200 countries, Digital Journal’s reach allowed the social news network to take part in and lead editorial coverage of 2011’s major stories.

From the tsunami in Japan, to the Occupy movements in multiple geographies, to protests during the Arab Spring, Digital Journalists published breaking news, featured stories, photo essays and video of important stories.

“Digital Journal has cemented its position in the digital media industry, earning praise for curating and nurturing high-quality user-generated media and for improving our platform to allow virtually anyone to take part in the news,” said Chris Hogg, CEO of Digital Journal. “Going into 2012, we’re excited to continue to lead in the world of user-generated media along with our world-class base of contributors and a platform that is unmatched.”

In addition to being a hub for top-notch reporting, Digital Journal also introduced several platform enhancements that have grown uniques by more than 75 percent. Pageviews have more than doubled.

“As a pioneer and leader in the world of user-generated content, Digital Journal has built a business around scaling content across several verticals and multiple geographies,” said Hogg. “Our content assignment tool and gamification project were game-changers for our business. Today we’re as much a technology company as a media company, which is a necessity for any media company that wants to be a leader.”

Some of the major international stories covered by Digital Journalists include:

• The widespread London riots, from technology used to identify protesters to the thousands of arrests.
• Tracking and reporting on the Occupy movement in cities such as Toronto, New York, London, Edinburgh, Oakland, Baltimore, Portland, Los Angeles, Seattle, Detroit, Halifax, and more.
• Telling the many stories behind the Arab Spring protests, from Tunisia to Egypt.
• In-depth coverage on the tsunami that hit Japan.
• Reporting on protests in Greece and reactions from everyday citizens.
• Reporting on the effects of the severe drought in Somalia.
• Reporting on the tornados that ripped through Joplin, MO.
• Covering Hurricane Irene as it hit the US northeast.
• Photo essays covering the Vancouver riots after the 2011 Stanley Cup game.
• Telling the untold stories related to the Royal Wedding, including the many fans lining up to get a glimpse of the ceremony.
• Celebrity coverage from the Toronto International Film Festival, including photo stories showcasing many A-list celebs.
• Covering the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and tributes staged across the United States.
• Tracking the results of the 2011 Canadian federal election and providing breaking news on ridings and voting results.
• Publishing breaking news on the recent shooting massacre in Belgium.
• Writing on same-sex legislation passed in various U.S. states and foreign countries such as Malawi, including analysis of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal news.
• Chronicling the intense flooding in the Philippines and the recovery missions.

“It’s amazing to watch the power of user-generated content as it scales across our global social news network,” said David Silverberg, Managing Editor of Digital Journal. “From editorial excellence to ongoing interaction between contributors, not a day goes by that we don’t marvel at the power of crowdsourcing.”

About Digital Journal

Digital Journal is a global digital media network with 34,000+ professional and citizen journalists, bloggers, photographers and freelancers in 200 countries around the world. Regarded as a pioneer and leader in crowdsourcing and user-generated content, Digital Journal leverages its custom-built content platform and global reach to produce news and media content at scale in an environment that is built from the ground-up to be digital-first and social by nature. Digital Journal also consults and works with news organizations who want to leverage the power of their audience to acquire content, drive revenue and increase engagement from digital media properties. More info is available at http://www.digitaljournal.com.

New York, NY  (Profitable.com)  The Seventh Annual Small Business Summit (#smallbizsummit, smallbiztechsummit.com) is New York’s premier event for small business owners looking to network with other decision-makers, attend cutting edge seminars and check out the newest products & services available to help their small businesses succeed.

“The Summit brings hundreds of small business owners, entrepreneurs and vendors from around the tri-state area together to discuss their challenges and share their insights for growth,” says Marian Banker MBA, Co-Producer of the Summit and President of Prime Strategies. “While other events are downsizing, we are growing into a larger space to accommodate our attendees and exhibitors and are thankful for companies such as Dell for their continued involvement as exhibitors and speaker.”

The Small Business Summit runs from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and offers a variety of informative workshops and panels relating to small business. Topics to be addressed include: Real Businesses Getting Real Results with Technology; How Orabrush Used Creativity to Boost Sales, Inner Game of Prospecting; How to Overcome Sales Call Reluctance; 30 Minutes, 15 Tips – Success Tips from Local Gurus; and so much more. In addition, one small business will win the Summit’s Small Business Strategy Award. Businesses looking to apply may visit smallbiztechsummit.com for more information.

Located at the Metropolitan Pavilion at 125 West 18th Street, the Summit and Exhibit floor open at 8:00 a.m. and boast a broad variety of exhibiting companies who provide products and services to small business owners.

“Our sponsors, exhibitors and speakers are all dedicated to helping small and medium size businesses thrive,” adds Banker “This year’s Summit gives our partners the opportunity to connect with more businesses while showing them how attainable the latest technology can be for their own unique business.”

“With a growing roster of speakers which currently include, Scott Hintz of Tripit, Austin Craig of Orabrush, and Connie Kadansky of Exceptional Sales, attendees will find the information inspiring and relevant to their business,” adds Ramon Ray, Co Producer of the Summit and editor of SmallBizTechnology.com. “We hope attendees will take advantage of our 2012 New Year’s Early Registration rate,” adds Ray.

Full fee is $199 for the all day event. The 2012 New Year’s Early Registration Rate of $99 is valid until January 9, 2012. More information on the Summit and the awards can be found at http://www.smallbiztechsummit.com.

Boston, MA  (Profitable.com)  Ice skating was recently found to be one of the top winter activities in Boston and New England according to statistics on Boston Centeral, the leading website for things to do in Boston. The Boston ice skating fun never stops in the winter with a wide variety of options ranging from the Frog Pond Ice Skating rink near the common to many outdoor and indoor rinks scattered around Boston and surrounding towns.

Boston Central offers free information on ice skating rinks including locations, hours, and prices. While the outdoor rinks are dependent on weather, the indoor rinks offer a great option for a fun activity regardless of whether Mother Nature is cooperating or not. Skating is a fun activity in which familes can partake during the day or even at night on weekdays and weekends alike. And with a large number of rinks around town, most families can access a rink with just a short drive.

Some families are very serious about their skating – Boston is a big hockey town, after all – and then there are those that are into competitive figure skating as well as other sports involving ice skating. However, many families are in it just for the fun. After all, winters are long in Boston, and without some fun activities to entertain, it feels even longer. Ice skating offers a nice reprieve in the midst of winter.

Boston Central offers a handy free database of activities and events in the Greater Boston and New England area as well as a weekly newsletter summarizing the top picks for each region.

About BostonCentral

BostonCentral is the leading website for family-friendly events, activities, and parenting resources for the greater Boston and New England area. It offers a weekly newsletter along with a website containing in-depth information on activities, family-friendly events, and parenting resources. Readers say that they often rely on the newsletter to plan their family activities and find the website to be an invaluable parenting resource. For more information or to sign up for the newsletter, visit http://www.bostoncentral.com.

White Plains, NY  (Profitable.com)  Co-located with the International Hotel, Motel + Restaurant Show® (IHMRS), the sold-out exhibit hall of more than 200 carefully edited interior product manufacturers presented the latest in furniture, lighting, wall coverings, fabric, seating, accessories, artwork, carpet and flooring, materials, bath and spa. In addition, BDNY featured seminars, special exhibits by Stacy Garcia, bluarch and Krause + Sawyer, and a sold-out Kickoff Party at Yotel New York.

“If you look around this venue, it’s a limited space. This gives BDNY the opportunity to show only the best in class,” said Mitch Parker, partner from the purchasing firm, Parker Company. “It’s not a mass market of products, so I don’t have to spend two or three days wandering a show floor to find what I need. It’s compact, but with enough opportunity to see everything.”

“This show is more design oriented than other hospitality trade shows, with exhibitors bringing only their best products,” said Adam Kubryk, director of sales & marketing for furnishing supplier Global Allies. “It’s a higher caliber vendor, and therefore a happier attendee because they’re seeing new and exciting things here.”

“This show has a very discerning audience,” said Stacy Garcia, CEO & Founder of Stacy Garcia, Inc. “We’re talking about a group of people who are educated, who know what it means to have a design aesthetic, who know what good design is, where the influences come from, and who have art history and architecture as their backgrounds. These are the movers and shakers of the industry.”

Among the highlights of BDNY was the Trend Walk, a series of design installations curated by Garcia, an internationally renowned designer and forecaster. Located in the connecting corridor between BDNY and IHMRS, the Trend Walk featured four of eight design trends that Garcia predicts will permeate hospitality in the future, interpreted by leading design firms Dovetail Design, A/I Design Lab, and J/Brice Design International.

“Year two proved to be even bigger and better than our 2010 debut, which put BDNY on everyone’s 2011 calendar,” said Michael Schneider, publisher of hospitality brands for ST Media Group. “Growth in both exhibitors and attendees – coupled with engaging seminars, exciting events and unique displays such as the Trend Walk – made this show the hospitality design event of the year.”

BDNY is a joint venture between the American Hotel & Lodging Association, the Hotel Association of New York City, Inc., New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association and ST Media Group, and is managed by GLM.

The 3rd annual BDNY will run Sunday, November 11, and Monday, November 12, 2012, in Javits Center North Hall. The 97th annual IHMRS will run Saturday, November 10, through Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at the Javits Center. Following a full day of conference and networking activities on Saturday, November 10, the IHMRS will feature three full days of exhibits from Sunday, November 11, through Tuesday, November 13. Collectively, BDNY and IHMRS present some 700 hospitality industry suppliers and attract 25,000 trade attendees.

For BDNY exhibitor information, contact Publisher Michael Schneider, at 513-263-9379 or michael.schneider(at)stmediagroup(dot)com; or GLM Sales Manager Alex Cabat, at 914-421-3372 or alex(at)boutiquedesignnewyork(dot)com. Additional information is available online at BDNY.com.

Russian Patent Further Bolsters NEXT Proteins’ Worldwide Patent Portfolio

NEXT Proteins, Inc. Adds To Its U.S. and International Patent Portfolio, Hires Partnership Capital Growth to Consider Strategic Partnerships

Carlsbad, CA  (Profitable.com)  NEXT Proteins, Inc. (NEXT Proteins), pioneers in the development of the nutrition industry’s top protein products, has been awarded a second patent in Russia for its carbonated protein beverage technology.  This patent is based on the subject matters of four of Next Proteins’ U.S. patents.  The patent further expands the broad aspects of Next Proteins’ revolutionary protein beverage technology including the use of a wide range of energy ingredients, juice based protein beverages and the ability to make carbonated protein drinks without the need for secondary tunnel pasteurization.  This patent is another addition to Next Proteins’ expanding worldwide patent portfolio consisting of six patents granted in the U.S., and patents issued across 33 additional countries including the EU, China, Japan, India, Australia, and Mexico.

The recognition of NEXT Proteins’ technology by another sovereign state with a substantial CSD market further enhances the broad scope of NEXT Proteins’ worldwide patent portfolio.  For more than nine years, NEXT Proteins has singularly researched, funded and developed its revolutionary carbonated protein technologies, which are embodied, in part, in the company’s proof of concept commercial product: the world’s first carbonated high protein fitness drink, XAPP®.

Given the noted strength and breadth of its interlocking patents, the Company has fielded strategic interest in its intellectual property and has begun considering strategic partnerships and opportunities for the sale of its patent portfolio by hiring Partnership Capital Growth, a leading merchant bank who’s previous experience includes well-known successes in the space such as CytoSport (makers of MuscleMilk); acai market-leader, Sambazon; EAS, and Naked Juice.

“Our innovative Intellectual Property Umbrella allows us to produce carbonated protein drinks at any concentration in nearly every soft drink plant around the world.” stated David Jenkins, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NEXT Proteins. “NEXT Proteins’ patent portfolio provides an unimpeded path to leadership in the explosive growth category of RTD protein and enhanced functional beverages.  This patented technology redefines the market by providing significant flexibility and cost reductions for all protein beverage manufacturers, whether carbonated or still, in the U.S. or abroad.”

About NEXT Proteins, Inc.

Founded in 1988, NEXT Proteins, Inc. has been the driving force behind innovative protein brands including nutrition bars, beverages, and powders, that help consumers live healthier lives.   In 1993, NEXT Proteins pioneered the development of one of the industry’s best selling protein powders, DESIGNER WHEY®, and ten years later launched the blockbuster DETOUR® protein bars.

As early as 2002, NEXT Proteins was creating the world’s first carbonated high protein drinks.  Today with six issued patents in the U.S. and multiple patents issued or pending in all the major beverage markets around the world, NEXT Proteins is continuing its leadership in the development of revolutionary products with the new XAPP Protein Fitness Drink.   www.XAPP.com.

BUSINESS INQUIRIES CONTACT:

Tex Prows
NEXT Proteins, Inc.
General Counsel & New Business Development
(760) 448-3572 direct
TProws@XAPP.com
www.XAPP.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Don Williams
Williams Group Public Relations
(760) 201-8961 direct
(760) 707-4589 mobile
don@williamsgrouppr.com
WilliamsGroupPR.com

Top Restaurant News of 2011

Athens, GA  (Profitable.com)  RestaurantNews.com has released a report detailing its Top 20 stories of 2011.

20) Mesob Ethiopian Restaurant Owners Receive 2011 Faces of Diversity Award
In April, the National Restaurant Association honored Ethiopian sisters Berekti and Akberet Mengistu, owner-operators of Mesob restaurant in Montclair, N.J., with its 2011 Faces of Diversity American Dream Award.  The Mengistu sisters have operated Mesob for over seven years with Berekti handling the business operations and Akberet serving as chef.

19) Seafood Specialties, Culinary Confections Ring In The New Year At The Grand Central Oyster Bar
Grand Central Oyster Bar made a surprising, last minute jump into our Top 20 with the annoucement of executive chef Sandy Ingber special New Year’s Eve menu of seafood delicacies available for lunch and dinner at the historic restaurant “below sea level” in Grand Central Terminal.

18) Outback Steakhouse Free Steak Dinner Deal a Restaurant Marketing Win
Outback Steakhouse made a move that dominated restaurant marketing news in August by giving away one million free steak dinners in its Great Aussie Steak Out promotion.  The promotion was designed to introduce Outback’s new wood-fire grill steak preparation and new menu options.  RestaurantNews.com served up a tasty review of the campaign.

The complete report can be found here:
http://www.restaurantnews.com/top-20-restaurant-news-stories-2011/

About RestaurantNews.com

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

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